The Supreme Court Will Lean Conservative Again: The Supreme Court is waiting but not for much longer; After a year of changes in outlook, the justices now are waiting for Donald Trump to become president and name his nominee for the court. Chris Geidner of BuzzFeed News has this report. Kansas Supreme Court justices sworn in; importance of independent judiciary touted; Chief Justice Nuss says Kansans voted in November to maintain fair courts, rule of law: Celia Llopis-Jepsen of The Topeka Capital-Journal has this report. Conservatives plan $10 million high court ad campaign: Burgess Everett of Politico.com has this report. How a Blog Post Led to a Supreme Court Argument: Tony Mauro of The National Law Journal has this report. High Court Argument to Center on Level of Benefits for Spec. Ed. Christina A. Samuels of Education Week has this report. Death to the Gerrymander: How Paul Smith might defeat unconstitutional redistricting once and for all. Mark Joseph Stern has this jurisprudence essay online at Slate. Asian-American Group The Slants Head to Supreme Court Over Band Name; Portland rockers bring seven-year Freedom of Speech battle to Washington, D.C. on January 18th: Daniel Kreps of Rolling Stone has this report. The article concludes, While the Slants are in Washington, D.C. for the hearings, theyll also perform some shows in the nations capital, as well as hold a protest rally and afternoon concert outside the Supreme Court following their hearing on January 18th. That night, theyll play D.C.s Electric Maid. Attorneys asks U.S. Supreme Court to rule on cellphone ban in Saginaw courtrooms: Bob Johnson of The Saginaw News has this report on a petition for writ of certiorari filed today. Jeff Sessions Has a History of Blocking Black Judges: Pema Levy of Mother Jones has this report. Three Recent Law School Graduates Secure Clerkships on the Supreme Court: Claire Stamler-Goody of the University of Chicago Law School has this report. Supreme Court Has Had Enough With Police Suits: Law professor Noah Feldman has this essay online today at Bloomberg View. Trump SCOTUS Short-Lister Gorsuch: Five Things to Know. Patrick Gregory of Bloomberg BNA has this report. Ninth Circuit rejects meaningful ascertainability requirement for class certification, cementing deep circuit split: Archis A. Parasharami and Daniel Jones have this post at the Class Defense Blog of Mayer Brown. Big Win For Free Speech Online In Backpage Lawsuit: Law professor Eric Goldman has this post today at Forbes.com. Obama Administration Takes A Last Stand To Protect Transgender Bathroom Rights; The Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to step in: Dominic Holden of BuzzFeed News has this report. #appellatetwitter: Appellate Law Enthusiasts Nerdy Forum. Melissa Stanzione of Bloomberg BNA has this report. Explore the transcript of todays U.S. Supreme Court oral argument in Lewis v. Clarke, No. 15-1500: At this link. Encino Motorcars, LLC v. Navarro to become a SCOTUS repeater? On June 20, 2016, after oral argument exactly two months before, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-to-2 decision remanding this case for further proceedings in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Today. a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit issued this decision on remand. The first paragraph of the Conclusion section of todays Ninth Circuits decision begins: After a thorough, de novo review of congressional intent, we hold that the exemption in sec. 213(b)(10)(A) does not encompass service advisors. We acknowledge that our holding conflicts with published decisions by the Fourth and Fifth Circuits and by the Supreme Court of Montana. The odds of this cases becoming a SCOTUS repeater would appear to be very high. Justices skeptical over Colo. refusal to refund court fees: The Associated Press has this report. Update: You can access at this link the transcript of todays U.S. Supreme Court oral argument in Nelson v. Colorado, No. 15-1256. AP Fact Check: Ruth Bader Ginsburg not resigning over Trump. The Associated Press has this report. Why Trump and the GOP Might not Want to Fill Scalias Seat: Eric Segall has this post today at the Dorf on Law blog. Why do we still have the filibuster? Sandy Levinson has this post today at the Balkinization blog. Judge Posner Responds To His Comments Concerning Hively v. Ivy Tech: Josh Blackman has this blog post today. How Big a Deal Are Four 9th Circuit Vacancies That Await Trump? Ross Todd of The Recorder has this report. Missouri Execution Drug Purchases Revealed: Death row inmates spent years fighting over Missouris use of compounded pentobarbital; A sealed court filing obtained by BuzzFeed News says they may have been fighting the wrong thing. Chris McDaniel of BuzzFeed News has this report. In the Mold of Scalia or Alito: Recent Criminal and Habeas Decisions of Judges Pryor and Sykes. Scott Meisler has posted this paper at SSRN. The Hazards Justices Face by Owning Individual Stocks: Adam Liptak will have this new installment of his Sidebar column in Tuesdays edition of The New York Times. I have learned the hard way not to put my personal life on the Internet. But suffice it to say that, God willing, things should be pretty much back to norm... 3 weeks ago Thousands of workers at University of California campuses and hospitals across the state intend to walk off the job for one day Tuesday potentially disrupting medical appointments, scheduling and classes to protest UCs negotiating tactics in a dispute over wages. UC has 10 campuses, five medical centers and three national laboratories where about 12,000 clerical and administrative support workers are represented by Teamsters Local 2010. An additional 800 trade workers plumbers, electricians and mechanics at UCLA and UC San Diego have been striking since Friday. Those planning to walk out Tuesday include people who schedule medical appointments, check in patients and send out bills, among other duties. Campuses without hospitals would also be affected as research assistants, library assistants and financial aid workers walk off, although not every campus is back in session. At UCSF Medical Center, we expect business to be operating as usual, said spokeswoman Kristen Bole. She said nonstriking employees would fill in for absent workers. The Teamsters have assured us that they will not obstruct any entrances and will not use bullhorns or drums, so as not to disturb patients, Bole said. At UC Berkeley, students are on break until Jan. 17. The goal of the strike is to get the universitys attention that we do matter. We want the university to treat us fairly, said Marcia Thompson, 46, who schedules new patients in neurology at UCSF. UC and the Teamsters have been negotiating over wages since April, and contracts covering the employees expired Nov. 30. Union leaders say their planned strike isnt about wages, an action that would be illegal while labor negotiations are continuing. Protesting UCs negotiating tactics, however, is completely legal, said Christian Castro, a Teamsters spokesman. He said UCs unfair labor practices include excessive foot-dragging on contract proposals and sending misleading messages intended to make workers afraid to strike. UC spokesman Ricardo Vazquez said in a statement that the university was offering clerical employees market-competitive wage increases, good benefits and stability. He did not address the universitys labor practices, however, and said that under California law, while negotiations continue, a strike is presumed to be unlawful. Castro said such language which is also included in frequent emails sent by UC to its staff members intimidates workers. Our members are only seeing the illegal part, and thats scary to them, Castro said. Now some of the members are mad at the union because they feel were pushing them to do something illegal. Meanwhile, he said, UC went several months without offering a wage proposal until the union said in early December that it would walk out in protest. A new offer was presented within days, Castro said. Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov I am Kerry Burgess. This is what I think. BUCHAREST, Romania Officials suspended shipping along Europes second-longest waterway on Tuesday as a polar spell gripped a large swathe of the continent, causing hardship especially among migrants, the homeless and the elderly. The deep freeze has caused at least 61 deaths since it began last week, a third of those in Poland. Romanian police halted shipping at midday for an undetermined period along a 565-mile stretch of the Danube River, which crosses Romania. Croatian and Serbian authorities also stopped river traffic on the Danube. In Serbia, shipping was banned on the River Sava because of icy conditions, which claimed another two lives in southern Serbia. Authorities said an 88-year-old man and his son, 64, died from freezing temperatures in the village of Duga Poljana, in the south, which has been hardest-hit by the recent cold spell. Serbian state TV reported the two victims, discovered by a man delivering bread from a neighboring village, were extremely poor. Three people have been found dead in the past three days in Macedonia as temperatures plunged to -4 Fahrenheit. One 68-year old homeless man was found frozen to death in the capital, Skopje, while a 60-year-old man died in front of his home in the southern town in Strumica. An 80-year-old woman was discovered in her home in eastern Macedonia. Authorities urged homeless people to go to shelters and local schools, which are taking them in during the cold spell. In Albania, it snowed in the southern city of Saranda for the first time in 32 years. A homeless Albanian man was found dead in the southeastern city of Korca, the fifth person to die in the frigid weather. In the central town of Bulqize, temperatures plummeted to -7.6 F, with most rural areas cut off by snow. There were temporary power and water outages. Army helicopters were distributing aid in remote mountain areas. After strong criticism from aid agencies and others, authorities on the Greek island of Lesbos said they would move 250 refugees from tents at camps into vacant hotel rooms as the heavy snow continued unabated around the country. We denounce the inhuman living conditions refugees on Lesbos are facing, the islands public hospital doctors association said They are living in mud and snow, cramped together in unsuitable tents ... and lighting fires inside them to stay warm. Elsewhere, a state of emergency was declared in several parts of Greece. Snow dusted the ancient Acropolis in Athens and closed most schools in the capital, while more than 10 heated shelters were opened for the homeless. Alison Mutler is an Associated Press writer. TEHRAN Hundreds of thousands mourned former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Tuesday, wailing in grief as his body was interred at a Tehran shrine alongside the leader of the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Rafsanjanis final resting place near the late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, reflected his legacy as one of the pillars of Irans clerical-dominated political system, as he served in later years as a go-between for hard-liners and reformists. But even his hours-long funeral highlighted the divisions still at play. Parts of the crowd along his funeral procession at one point chanted in support of opposition leaders under house arrest. Other politicians did not attend the memorial. Throngs filled main thoroughfares of the capital, with many chanting, beating their chests and wailing in the style of mourning common among Shiite Muslims. The funeral for Rafsanjani, who died Sunday at age 82 after a heart attack, drew both the elite and ordinary people. Shops and schools were closed in national mourning. Top government and clerical officials first held a funeral service at Tehran University. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed by Rafsanjanis casket, as other dignitaries knelt before the coffin on which his white clerics turban was placed. Mourners reached out their hands toward the coffin. Just behind Khamenei was President Hassan Rouhani, whose moderate administration reached the recent nuclear deal with world powers. Rouhani, who is all but certain to run for re-election in May, is viewed as embodying Rafsanjanis realist vision. Hard-liners also took part in the ceremony Tuesday, like the head of Irans judiciary, Sadeq Larijani, who stood near his moderate brother, parliament speaker Ali Larijani. Also among them was Qassem Soleimani, a general who heads the Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations like the war in Syria. Both Soleimani and Rafsanjani are from Irans southeastern province of Kerman and worked together during the war with Iraq in the 1980s. In my opinion, Mr. Hashemi remained the same person from the beginning until the end and held his line in all stages of his life, Soleimani told state television in a rare public interview. Nevertheless, Mr. Hashemi sometimes used different tactics. Apparently banned from the funeral was former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, a reformist who remains popular among the young but is deeply disliked by hard-liners. State media have banned the broadcasting of any images of Khatami. There was also no word of hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attending the ceremony, though he offered condolences Monday. Nasser Karimi and Jon Gambrell are Associated Press writers. 1 Egypt attack: Militants attacked an Egyptian police checkpoint in the northern Sinai Peninsula on Monday using a stolen garbage truck packed with explosives, killing at least eight people and setting off clashes with security forces, officials said. No one immediately claimed the attack, but it bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State groups Sinai affiliate. Militants targeted the checkpoint in the city of el-Arish. Security forces killed five of the attackers, while seven police officers and one civilian died in the assault, officials said. 2 Iran confrontation: A U.S. Navy destroyer fired multiple warning shots at Iranian patrol boats as they sped toward the ship at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, two U.S. defense officials told the Associated Press. The crew of the Mahan fired the warning shots after attempting to establish contact with the Iranians and after dropping smoke flares, the officials said. The Mahan was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday when the Iranian boats sped toward it. The Iranian boats broke away after the warning shots were fired. KABUL Two large bombs one triggered by a suicide attacker exploded near government offices Tuesday, killing at least 38 people and wounding dozens of others in the deadliest Taliban violence in Kabul in months. In southern Afghanistan, another attack at a guesthouse belonging to the governor of Kandahar province killed five people and wounded 12. An ambassador from the United Arab Emirates and other UAE diplomats were among the wounded, authorities said. The Kabul suicide bomber struck about 4 p.m. as workers were leaving a compound of government and legislative offices, said Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. The second bomb, which was planted in a car, exploded minutes later after security forces had rushed in to help the victims, he said. The Taliban, who have been waging a 15-year war against the U.S.-backed government, claimed the attack in the capital. The 38 dead included civilians and military personnel, and another 72 people were wounded, said Public Health Ministry official Mohibullah Zeer. Among the wounded was Rahima Jami, a member of parliament from Herat province in western Afghanistan, said another lawmaker from the province, Ghulam Faroq Naziri. It appeared to be the deadliest attack in Kabul since July, when two suicide bombers struck during a demonstration held by Hazaras, a Shiite Muslim ethnic group, killing 80 people. That attack was claimed by a local affiliate of the Islamic State. Fighting in Afghanistan tends to taper off during the winter, when mountain supply routes used by the insurgents are impassable. President Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the Kabul bombings in a statement from the presidential palace. Amnesty International said the bombings indicate that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives. Targeting first responders in a car bomb that killed many people that were on the street shows a chilling contempt for human life, said Champa Patel, Amnesty Internationals South Asia director. In the Kandahar attack, two explosions inside the governors compound killed five people and wounded 12, including several officials and the United Arab Emirates diplomats, authorities said. Among the wounded was Gov. Homayun Azizi, his spokesman said. The spokesman, Samim Khpolwak, who also was slightly wounded, said it was not yet clear what caused the blasts. Rahim Faiez is an Associated Press writer. Drain the Swamp? Attorney General Hector Balderas made no bones about cleaning house when he took office in 2014. Now, six of the former workers at the office have filed a lawsuit saying they lost their jobs out of retaliation. The State Personnel Board didn't rule in their favor, and while an appeal is pending in that case, some are asking a state District Court judge to rule that Balderas did not have the right to fire them. The case lands at a time when Balderas is reportedly considering a run for governor in 2018. Party Planners Members of the state Democratic Party who want to be considered for its next chairman (or chairwoman) , including Santa Fe County party head Richard Ellenberg and Las Cruces resident Rusty Pearce. Republicans picked their newest chairman, Ryan Cangiolosi, last month. Current Democratic Party Chairwoman Debra Halaand has said she won't seek a second term. Bad Call This story shouldn't be politics, but it is. New Mexico officials who want to spend tens of millions on a water project to divert the Gila River their scientific data. A former director of the Interstate Stream Commission who's been at odds with the plan has already proven some of their calculations are flawed. Now they say that math is secret because of his agenda. In the Air People who live in the San Jose neighborhood of Albuquerque say the city's air quality permitting program has problems. After a protracted effort, they're finally getting a hearing about a gasoline plant that's one of several polluting business allowed to operate in the typically low-income area. KUNM radio reports that federal officials are also investigating the city's . Sharing the Rio Grande Water wars between New Mexico and Texas over how much flows across state lines in the Rio Grande might see some kind of ceasefire under a new environmental statement issued by the US Bureau of Reclamation. A Southern New Mexico irrigation district has taken a than the state government on the water-sharing deal. Train a'Comin' A long-stagnant train station in Santa Fe now has permission from the state to serve passengers thanks to a letter officials issued Monday, . The platform at Zia Road and St. Francis Drive is the only station in the area built on private land, and developers built a "kiss and ride" loop and pedestrian access this fall. No word on when trains will actually stop there. Wait for It ... Again The death penalty, gas tax ideas and minimum wage hike are all due to return in the legislative session that starts a week from today. This afternoon, two House Democrats expect to announce their Cannabis Revenue and Freedom Act, a proposal that would allow adults in the state to legally consume cannabis and pay taxes on it. Got feedback about Morning Word? We'd love to hear from you. Contact Julie Ann Grimm via telephone at 505-988-7530. If you like it, please Santa Fe Reporter ANZ Bank New Zealand has sold UDC Finance to HNA Group for $660 million, marking the Chinese company's first foray into New Zealand. The deal is subject to various approvals and is expected to be completed late in the second half of the year, and will deliver a net gain to ANZ of A$100 million, the lender said in a statement. The sale price is $235 million above UDC's net assets, or a price-to-book ratio of 1.6 times. "The sale of UDC is consistent with our strategy to simplify the bank and is a good outcome for customers and staff," ANZ New Zealand chief executive David Hisco said in a statement. "HNA is well placed to invest in specialist asset finance products and systems which will help UDC expand further in the future." The finance company's ownership has been up in the air for almost a year, attracting suitors including NZX-listed Heartland Bank, though HNA emerged as the front-runner in December. ANZ's review of the ownership triggered Standard & Poor's to downgrade UDC's credit rating to A- from AA- and that question mark made it more difficult for the finance company to attract debenture funding. Hainan, China-based HNA, which evolved from a regional airline to a global conglomerate with more than US$90 billion of assets, plans to preserve UDC's existing operations, keeping all staff and customers. HNA vice chairman and chief executive Adam Tan said the Auckland-based non-deposit taker provides "significant growth opportunities in Australasia and supports HNA Group's disciplined approach to our core tourism, logistics and financial services businesses." UDC holds the highest credit rating among its deposit-taking peers, with Liberty the only other NBDT with an investment grade rating at BBB. UDC is currently offering 3.6 percent for a 12-month term deposit, sitting in the middle of the pack among other finance companies. However, longer duration terms are largely lower than UDC's peers. The lender's debenture funding shrank to $1.59 billion as at Sept. 30 from $1.74 billion a year earlier, reducing its share of deposits among finance companies to 57 percent from 61 percent a year earlier. At the same time, UDC's loan book expanded 9.6 percent to $2.57 billion, helping generate a record profit of $58.3 million. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: SKC - ADDITIONAL US PRIVATE PLACEMENT FUNDING SECURED Spark New Zealand Limited's Annual Meeting Results 2022 Fonterra Australia settles class action proceedings PFI - Q3 Dividend, Development and Divestment Update November 4th Morning Report FPH to announce half year results on 29 November 2022 ATM - FDA approval to supply infant milk formula to United States Steel & Tube - Adopts ESG World Platform BGP - 3rd Quarter Sales to 30 October 2022 GEO - Quarterly Operating Update A senior executive of Tourism Holdings has used its soaring share price to sell down some of her stake in the business, NZX documents show. Catherine Mary Meldrum sold 50,000 shares on Jan. 9 for $188,500, or $3.77 a share, reducing her stake in the business from 131,500 ordinary shares to 81,500 ordinary shares. The value of shares in the Auckland-based business has soared since 2013, when it was trading as low as 68 cents. It closed on Tuesday at $3.88, having recently rejoined the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index. Meldrum is the general manager of group revenue, brand and customer experience for the business, and has been an executive since 2009, the company's website shows. She originally worked for the business between 1991 and 1996, before rejoining in 2003 as sales and marketing manager for New Zealand. Tourism Holdings listed on the NZX in 1986 and has experienced a volatile history. Its shares peaked at $3.20 in 1999, before dropping below a dollar in the run-up to the Iraq war in 2003. It rose as high as $2.80 in 2007, before the financial crisis sent them as low as 42 cents in 2009. They then largely flatlined until 2013. New Zealand is currently enjoying a tourism boom, driven by a low oil price, with visitor numbers at record levels. Shares in Tourism Holdings were unchanged at $3.88 and have risen 4.9 percent since the start of 2017. They've gained 91.5 percent in the last 52 weeks. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: SKC - ADDITIONAL US PRIVATE PLACEMENT FUNDING SECURED Spark New Zealand Limited's Annual Meeting Results 2022 Fonterra Australia settles class action proceedings PFI - Q3 Dividend, Development and Divestment Update November 4th Morning Report FPH to announce half year results on 29 November 2022 ATM - FDA approval to supply infant milk formula to United States Steel & Tube - Adopts ESG World Platform BGP - 3rd Quarter Sales to 30 October 2022 GEO - Quarterly Operating Update October 21, 2022 The bridge is back! Progress continues on the Patient Support Centre Over the past few months, crews worked to erect the new pedestrian bridge over Elizabeth St. that will connect the Atrium to our future Patient Support Centre. Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Senator Minority Leader Chris Radogno (R-Lemont) told reporters Monday they had agreed to postpone a vote on a series of bills until the 100th General Assembly commenced Wednesday. SPRINGFIELD - Members of the Illinois Senate from both sides of the aisle showed their hands Monday when they allowed a peek at a "grand compromise" state lawmakers may be voting on in the new legislative session. Not all lawmakers agree with the "grand bargain," including State Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington) who remains solidly opposed to any income tax hike. "I'm totally opposed to raising taxes," McSweeney told Illinois Review Monday. "Raising the income tax rate by 32 percent would kill jobs and hurt families. We need to cut spending, not raise taxes." McSweeney pointed to a measure he sponsored that opposed raising the state's income tax. "My HR 1494, which opposes raising the income tax, passed the House 87 to 12. I'll continue to work against all tax increases," McSweeney said. A two-year property tax freeze wouldn't do the job either, the second term House member said. "We need a permanent freeze on property tax levies, not a two year freeze. The income tax increase would be a disaster. The overall plan is based on a massive tax increase," McSweeney said. "In rebuttal [to Skillicorn's assertions in a story posted Tuesday morning ], this is not about the content of the referendum," McClellan said in an email. "This was filed not as the Chief Deputy Clerk but as an individual citizen. See attached copy of the reason the objection was filed. It is quite clear." Skillicorn's desire to allow McHenry County voters to decide whether their property taxes should be raised was challenged by McClellan's chief deputy Linda FitzGerald as a private citizen, McClellan said. McHENRY - East Dundee Trustee Allen Skillicorn's property tax freeze referendum is being challenged because the petitions he submitted did not line up with election law guidelines, McHenry County Clerk Mary McClellan said Tuesday afternoon. FitzGerald's complaint says Skillicorn gathered only 92 signatures when referendum petitions for the April 4th, 2017 election are required to have a minimum of 7566 registered voters' signatures. It also says the notary requirements were not met on several pages of the petition. The complaint, which will be heard by the local election board, also scolds Skillicorn. He will be sworn into the Illinois House Wednesday. "The PETITIONER is an elected State Representative and should know the laws of Illinois and abide by those laws," FitzGerald writes. However, if no challenge had been filed, the question would have appeared on the April 4th, 2017 municipal election ballot - and that's the bigger point, Skillicorn implied. The state rep-elect suggested to Illinois Review that the McHenry County Clerk and her chief deputy clerk were working together to keep the question off the ballot. "The clerk personally told me [on January 3] that she was going to check the signature requirements when I dropped it off," Skillicorn said in an email. "I had to remind her that was the responsibility of an objector." Download FitzGerald's complaint "Property taxes are way too high in McHenry and Kane counties. Working families and seniors are being forced out of their homes because of skyrocketing property taxes," Skillicorn said Monday. But he's run into an unlikely obstacle in his ongoing campaign to protect property owners - the McHenry County chief deputy clerk. ( See McHenry County Clerk's response HERE) MCHENRY - State representative-elect Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) has placed a target on getting under control what he considers the biggest threat to his constituents: their out-of-control property taxes. Before being sworn in to succeed retiring State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake), Skillicorn has been wrestling with property tax hikes as a trustee for East Dundee. On the very first day possible, Skillicorn submitted for consideration in the April municipal elections a referendum for voters in McHenry County and Kane County. The petition wording that Skillicorn submitted for public consideration asks whether voters should have a voice in whether their property taxes are raised. The queries, one for Kane County and the other for McHenry County, would say: While the Kane County referendum is yet to be challenged, McHenry County Clerk Chief Deputy Linda Fitzgerald filed opposition to Skillicorn's referendum Monday - an interesting development, Skillicorn says. "I find it troubling the Clerk's office would work against property relief. McHenry County Clerk Mary McClellan has already denied our FOIA requests concerning this referendum challenge," Skillicorn said in a statement. "I have to ask, what is Clerk McClellan and Chief Deputy Fitzgerald hiding?" Skillicorn says he will appeal to the Attorney General's office to gain access to the information about what's going on behind the referendum challenge for McHenry County. "Let's be crystal clear, The interests that oppose this referendum want to hike our taxes," he said. Skillicorn will be sworn into the Illinois House Wednesday, the first day of Illinois' 100th General Assembly. BENGALURU: Airbus BizLab today launched the second season of its start-up accelerator programme here in the presence of the visiting French Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development, Jean-Marc Ayrault. Seven start-ups have been selected for the second season out of 137 applicants from 9 countries, the company said. "Each start-up we have selected carries the potential to shape the future of aerospace. Our job is to help them realize their potential," Bruno Gutierres, Global Head Airbus BizLab, said in a company release. Airbus BizLab is a global aerospace business accelerator with facilities in Toulouse (France) and Hamburg (Germany) besides Bengaluru, where start-ups and Airbus "intrapreneurs" (internal entrepreneurs) can work together to speed up transforming their innovative ideas into valuable businesses. The program is designed for aerospace start-ups as well as any start-up that has a product/solution that can be adapted for the aerospace sector such as Robotics, Internet of Things, Data Analytics, Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality, Supply Chain, FinTech, Gaming, Manufacturing and Image Processing, the release said. Airbus BizLab offers wide-ranging support to early-stage selected projects in the form of a 6 month acceleration program. Read Also: Indian Startup Launches Wearable Devices For Fitness Fourth Edition Of 'Maker Fest' To Kick Off STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When the gunshots in Charleston ended and a suspect in a bullet-proof vest was in custody -- a charge of attempted murder soon followed. But prosecutors declined to pursue it. Police alleged that Patrick Allen, 24, drew a handgun while turning toward patrol officers who responded to "shots fired" in a wooded area near Allen's home. Less than 24-hours later, Allen was arraigned in Criminal Court on charges that included reckless endangerment, possession of controlled substances, criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful wearing of a body vest. The second suspect, Jonathan Derbyshire, 24, of Charleston, allegedly fled into the woods at the time of the incident and was later arrested on charges that included attempted assault. That charge didn't last either. Derbyshire was arraigned Friday on charges that included reckless endangerment, possession of controlled substances and criminal possession of a weapon. When asked about the charges his office decided to pursue at this time, a spokesman for District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said the case remains under investigation. Also, an ongoing investigation by the Force Investigations Division includes the examination of shell casings, interviewing police officers and providing an analysis and justification of tactics used by police, an NYPD spokesman said Tuesday. At the arraignment, Derbyshire's attorney called Staten Island the Wild West. "The sheriffs like to shoot before they ask any question," said attorney Matthew Mari, as he was standing outside the courtroom Friday night. Both defendants are due back in court on Wednesday. A spokesman for the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association declined to comment on the specifics of the case, as it remains under investigation. He did not immediately respond Tuesday to Mari's comments about officers on Staten Island. NYPD shootings at a glance According to the NYPD's 2015 Annual Firearms Discharge Report: When record keeping began in 1971, 12 NYPD officers were shot and killed by another person, while 47 officers were shot and injured that year. In turn, officers shot and mortally wounded 93 people and injured 221 people with gunfire that year. In 2015, two officers were shot and killed by another person and three were injured. That same year, officers shot and fatally wounded eight people and injured 15 people with gunfire. -- Kristin Dalton contributed to this report. CTY Staten Island AERIALS Staten Island Ferry Terminal at St. George on Thursday, September 26, 2013. (Staten Island Advance/ Bill Lyons) CITY HALL -- Boats would run from St. George to Brooklyn under a proposal that would actually put Staten Island in Mayor Bill de Blasio's "citywide" ferry plan. "We were inexplicably left out of Phase 1 of the Five-Borough Ferry Plan, and now is time correct that oversight," Borough President James Oddo said in a statement. "Adding Staten Island to the Brooklyn to Manhattan route would help in so many different ways that it really is a no-brainer." Routes to Rockaway, South Brooklyn and Astoria in Queens are expected to launch this year and ferries to Soundview in the Bronx and Manhattan's Lower East Side will start in 2018. Service to Stapleton is part of a proposed phase of the system's roll out that hasn't been funded or scheduled. Oddo wrote a letter to deputy mayor Alicia Glen last month to urge the de Blasio administration to include St. George on the South Brooklyn line that connects DUMBO, Red Hook and Bay Ridge with Manhattan. "The $1 billion+ investment in the New York Wheel, Empire Outlets and Lighthouse Point will undoubtedly attract millions of visitors and will provide New Yorkers with thousands of jobs, many of whom will seek alternative methods of transportation," Oddo wrote on Dec. 19. DEVELOPERS WANT A DOCK Oddo said the developers of the St. George projects and the city Economic Development Corporation, which manages citywide ferry service, were working to finalize an agreement to install a dock. The developers, he said, agreed to assume responsibility for the cost of building and maintaining the facility. Anthony Hogrebe, a spokesman for the Economic Development Corporation, said a request for expressions of interest had already been issued for operating private ferry service at that location and discussions with those who responded are ongoing. De Blasio spokeswoman Melissa Grace said the city was "rapidly" moving toward launching the ferry service this June. "We are proud of this, and simultaneously evaluating the feasibility of future service expansions -- including to Staten Island," Grace said. STAPLETON FERRY PROPOSED Some Staten Islanders were perplexed and insulted by the new route to the borough. Though Stapleton is poised for development, the neighborhood is already well-serviced by the Staten Island Railway and the free ferry going from St. George. "Routes to Coney Island and Stapleton are still in the planning stages for possible future expansion," Hogrebe said. SERVICE TO BEGET MORE SERVICE? The Staten Island Ferry carries 23.1 million commuters, tourists and other passengers a year. Oddo said that the ideal fast ferry route would be one that improves commutes for the largest number of Staten Islanders. The borough president already pushed the city to study adding another Manhattan stop on the Staten Island Ferry, potentially in Midtown. A proposal for fast ferry to the South Shore is slowly moving forward given challenges of launching service there. "I believe ferry service can beget more ferry service," Oddo wrote on Facebook. "That is to say, achieving it somewhere on Staten Island makes it more likely we will get it in multiple locations once we show how successful it is." STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Steven McDonald, an NYPD detective who was paralyzed in a shooting three decades ago and spoke to hundreds of Staten Island students about forgiveness and bullying over the years, has died. He was 59. The NYPD released the following statement: "It is with great sadness that Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill, and the men and women of the New York City Police Department, announce the death of Detective First Grade Steven McDonald, who passed away shortly after 1 p.m. today at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island while in the comforting presence of his wife Patti Ann; his son Conor, an NYPD sergeant; his friends and colleagues." McDonald was appointed to the NYPD in 1984, and in 1986, was shot by 15-year-old Shavod Jones while patrolling Central Park. The shooting left McDonald a quadriplegic, but also turned him into a beacon of hope, inspiration, and forgiveness for all who've heard him speak. McDonald continued as an active member of the Police Department despite the fact that he required a wheelchair and was only able to breathe with help from a respirator. He often visited schools, church groups, and police stations to spread his message of faith, forgiveness, and peace. McDonald has spoken at various schools on Staten Island over the years including Blessed Sacrament in West Brighton and St. John Lutheran in Castleton Corners. McDonald's words have had a profound impact on Staten Island's youth over the years. "Today was inspirational to me," said seventh-grader Olivia Sweeney in May of 2015. "Detective McDonald reminded me that we should respect all life and have forgiveness. It is important to value all people's lives." This past year, McDonald spoke at the annual graduation Mass for 8th grade Catholic school students and continued to preach his message of forgiveness. "Forgiveness is an act of mercy for ourselves as well as for the person who hurt us," said McDonald. O'Neill made the following statement: "No one could have predicted that Steven would touch so many people, in New York and around the world. Like so many cops, Steven joined the NYPD to make a difference in people's lives. And he accomplished that every day. He is a model for each of us as we go about our daily lives. He will be greatly missed, and will always remain a part of our family." Various local officials and organizations have released statements to express their condolences to the McDonald family: District Attorney Michael E. McMahon: "For me, this is a personal as well as a professional loss. I had the honor of meeting Detective Steven McDonald on numerous occasions and even helped arrange his speaking before a group of young students at Blessed Sacrament in the mid-1990s. Steven's message of courage, strength, near-death, recovery and forgiveness moved not only the adults in the hall but many of the young children walked away with a powerful lesson of leading a life that matters. My family and my staff send our deepest condolences to Patti Ann, Conor and the entire McDonald family and pray that they find peace in this most difficult time." Mayor Bill de Blasio: "New York City is heartbroken by the loss of NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, who for 30 years has been this city's greatest example of heroism and grace. I will forever cherish my last conversation with Detective McDonald, late last year. His words encouraged all of us to continue to bring police and communities closer together. On Saturday, I joined the McDonald family at his bedside and shared their grief and the comfort of their boundless faith. This extraordinary family lives Detective McDonald's message of forgiveness and service every day. We are blessed that NYPD Detective Sergeant Conor McDonald continues in his father's footsteps and will ensure his legacy lives on in the greatest police department in the world. The story of Detective Steven McDonald needs to be understood across the United States, especially as we work to heal the wounds of the past. There is no greater example of honor and service to others. Let it be our mission to continue his work." New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer: "He was an icon within the NYPD, a hero throughout our city, and an inspiration to all. Detective Steven McDonald will be deeply missed, but his unrivaled strength, service, and dedication will never be forgotten. He personified perseverance. He embodied the values, each and every day, by which we should all strive to live. And he represented what it means to be a New Yorker. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the entire NYPD family during this difficult time." Patrolmen's Benevolence Association President Patrick J. Lynch: "Steven McDonald was the most courageous and forgiving man I have ever known. Despite the tremendous pain in his life, both physical and emotional, his concern for his fellow police officers and for the people of New York City never wavered. Since that fateful day in 1986, Steven dedicated his life to fighting hate and encouraging forgiveness through his actions. He was a powerful force for all that is good and is an inspiration to all of us. His, was a life well lived. We join his family, a true New York City police family, his friends and fellow officers in prayer and mourning the loss of a truly special man. He was a true American hero." blaz.jpg Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to be in the vanguard of national Democratic opposition to GOP President-elect Donald Trump. (AP photo) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Mayor Bill de Blasio has a new job, if you hadn't noticed: He's set himself up to be the top opponent of President-elect Donald Trump. How about just being the mayor of the five boroughs? That's the job he was hired to do. And he still has at least another year of doing it. He's on our time. De Blasio has formed a coalition with the mayors of some of the other big cities in America in a bid to stop any negative policies that might come out of the Trump White House. Mostly the group is focused on immigration issues. De Blasio has tried to rally other municipal unions to urge President Barack Obama to take last minute action on immigration, according to the New York Times. And last month, the paper said, the group held a conference call with Obama officials to also press the administration on immigration. De Blasio and the others are also concerned about a Trump presidency's effect on climate change policy, and also want to stave off the creation of any kind of Muslim registry. There are also public safety concerns with the incoming administration. It's not that we don't believe de Blasio is genuine in his opposition to Trump. If anything, a Trump presidency is made for a liberal firebrand like de Blasio. You couldn't find two people more diametrically opposed on some core issues. And the two camps have already butted heads over reimbursement for security costs incurred by the city when Trump is in town. So de Blasio can oppose Trump all he wants. After all, he doesn't give up his right to free speech just because he's the mayor. He must keep his eye on what's going on in Washington to ensure that New York City gets what it needs. But he has to take care of business first. Like plowing the streets after a snowstorm, one of the key responsibilities of the city administration. The city dropped the ball on that one over the weekend in some neighborhoods on Staten Island and in Brooklyn and Queens. Democratic Queens City Councilman Rory Lancman said that the city's vaunted "PlowNYC" website falsely showed some streets in Queens as being plowed when they hadn't been touched. He called for a Council hearing to get to the bottom of it. We'd rather see the mayor work up a head of steam on an issue like that rather than trying to go mano-a-mano with Trump. It reminds in a bad way of how de Blasio went around the country to spread his liberal gospel during the early stages of the 2016 presidential campaign. Here in the five boroughs is where he belongs and where he can have the most impact. He's our mayor first and foremost. Isn't that good enough? Isn't that honor enough? And while New York City voted overwhelmingly for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the November general election, Staten Island voted for Trump. Should we start keeping watch to make sure that City Hall officials don't hold our Trump votes against us? And to be fair, de Blasio isn't alone among New York Democrats in his zeal to oppose Trump. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who seems to think he has a shot to be president himself in 2020, has also pledged to keep New York safe from The Donald. Perfect. Another thing that Cuomo and de Blasio can tussle over. And Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who might be eyeing Cuomo's job, has also said he will be on the alert for anything that his office can do in terms of keeping a leash on Trump. City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and some of her members have also pledged to take to the barricades against the new president. It sure beats working, we guess. Ranting in opposition to something and scoring some headlines and retweets is far easier than actually governing and materially improving people's lives. But Boston Mayor Martin T. Walsh may have said it best. When speaking to the Times of the anti-Trump mayoral coalition, he cautioned, "There's only so much you can do on a nationwide level." In other words, our real jobs are at home. Let's make sure we do them. It's good advice. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree Best Canadian Blog 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 About Kate Why this blog? Until this moment I have been forced to listen while media and politicians alike have told me "what Canadians think". In all that time they never once asked. This is just the voice of an ordinary Canadian yelling back at the radio - "You don't speak for me." (goes to a private mailserver in Europe) I can't answer or use every tip, but all are appreciated! Katewerk Art Support SDA I am not a registered charity. I cannot issue tax receipts. Reconnaissance Man Economics for the Disinterested Montrose County "I enjoyed these poems immensely." - William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist Ages 7 and up, ideal for adults and kids to read together! Want lies? Hire a regular consultant. Want truth? Hire an asshole. Historical Evidence Concerning Climate Change Social Conservativism In an age of Revolution Weather Shop Click to inquire about rates. Dow Jones What They Say About SDA "Smalldeadanimals doesn't speak for the people of Saskatchewan" Former Sask Premier Lorne Calvert "I got so much traffic after your post my web host asked me to buy a larger traffic allowance." Dr.Ross McKitrick Holy hell, woman. When you send someone traffic, you send someone TRAFFIC. My hosting provider thought I was being DDoSed. - Sean McCormick "The New York Times link to me yesterday [...] generated one-fifth of the traffic I normally get from a link from Small Dead Animals." Kathy Shaidle "Thank you for your link. A wave of your Canadian readers came to my blog! Really impressive." Juan Giner - INNOVATION International Media Consulting Group I got links from the Weekly Standard, Hot Air and Instapundit yesterday - but SDA was running at least equal to those in visitors clicking through to my blog. Jeff Dobbs "You may be a nasty right winger, but you're not nasty all the time!" Warren Kinsella "Go back to collecting your welfare livelihood."Michael E. Zilkowsky Intelliweather Seismic Map Comments Policy Read this Best Of SDA Hide The Decline The Bottle Genie (ClimateGate links) You Might Be A Liberal Uncrossing The Line Bob Fife: Knuckledragger A Modest Proposal (NP) Settled Science Series Y2Kyoto Series SDA: Reader Occupation Survey Brett Lamb Sheltered Workshop Flakes On A Plane All Your Weather Are Belong To Us Song Of The Sled The Raise A Flag Debacle (Now on Youtube!) (.mwv Video) Abuse Ruins Life Of Girl Trudeaupiate Kleptocrat Jeans Child Labour I Concede Small Dead Feminist Protein Hoser: THK Interview The Werewolf Extinction Dear Laura (VRWC) We Wait Blogging The Oscars Jackson Converts To Islam Just Shut The HELL Up Manipulating Condi Gay Equality Rights System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948 /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f023d1c8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0898520)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f023d1c8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0898520)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f01f9250)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0898520)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0898520)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e92822b8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f081c310)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f081c310)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948 /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f08278c0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0cdd880)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f08278c0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0cdd880)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f07d1de8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0cdd880)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0cdd880)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e927e990)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f063a5e8)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f063a5e8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Buying tickets to Australian Dance Theatre's Birdbrain at The Playhouse in November of 2001 was a life-changing moment for then Canberra teenager Nerida Matthaei. "It just blew my mind," Matthaei said. "I was like 'I want to do that'." Former Canberran and acclaimed choreographer Nerida Matthaei returns to the ACT next week for a workshop with Canberra teachers. Credit:FenLan Fast forward 15 years and Matthaei is the Artistic Director of her own contemporary dance company - Phluxus2 Dance Collective - producing two major shows per year, conducting dance workshops for young people and teachers, and providing a platform for other choreographers and dancers to develop and produce work. Matthaei is now Brisbane-based, but will return home to Canberra next week to lead a session at Ausdance ACT's Move Up summer holiday workshop. Move Up is aimed at "teachers at all levels" interested in bringing dance into the classroom, including primary, high school and dance teachers. Happy hump day! Who else is ready for some cooler weather? Bad news (or good, if you're the glass half full type) - it's expected to be 35 degrees today. Thank goodness for air conditioning! A 50-year-old block of shops at Curtin Square could be knocked down and replaced with a six-storey mixed-use building if the ACT government gives the developer the nod. The $13.6 million development would include three basement levels, a ground floor retail level and five residential levels with 50 units, and replace five retailers, a bookshop and a restaurant. The Curtin Residents Association is worried the new building would be too big for the centre, but owner Nick Haridemos say it would "bring it into this century". Rachel Packham has the details. 'They wanted to save a load of money' A Centrelink debt recovery notice received last month. Tom McIlroy has spoken with a former Centrelink worker who revealed staff warned Department of Human Services officials that automated data matching would lead to incorrect debts being issued. About 170,000 people have received debt notices and a growing number say they're being chased for money they don't owe. The Victoria-based worker - understandably speaking on condition of anonymity - said public servants were "flabbergasted" by the justification for the new processes. "They just told us 'computers and data can't be wrong'," the woman told Tom. "They wanted to save a shitload of money and weren't interested in hearing what we thought about it." Read it here. Who run the ACT? Girls (but they earn less doing so) High draft pick Dom Tyson suffered a partial dislocation of his patella tendon during a gruelling pre-season training camp for Melbourne before Christmas. Tyson, 23, has been sidelined by the knee injury but the Demons say he's expected to be available for the club's pre-season matches, starting with the clash against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval on 18 February. Injury setback: Dom Tyson. Credit:Michael Clayton-Jones Melbourne's two-day training camp was designed to test the players "physically and mentally". But Tyson has been moved into the club's rehabilitation group and will miss some pre-season training. "The entire playing group went through a two-day camp in the lead up to Christmas. This camp was a highly valued experience by the group to test them both physically and mentally," a Melbourne spokesman said. ANZ Bank is building up more capital to plough into its core banking businesses through the $NZ660 million ($628 million) sale of its New Zealand asset finance arm to China's HNA Group. In the latest asset sale under chief executive Shayne Elliott, ANZ on Wednesday said it would book a $100 million gain by selling UDC Finance, which provides equipment financing to business customers in the New Zealand market. The HNA deal is expected to deliver a net gain to ANZ of $100 million. Credit:Bloomberg Bell Potter analyst TS Lim said the deal would deliver ANZ the strongest capital position among its rivals, lifting ANZ's capital ratio by 10 basis points to 10.1 per cent. While the business being sold is profitable, it is outside ANZ's core markets where Mr Elliott has vowed to focus the bank more closely: retail, commercial and institutional banking. Shares in struggling uranium miner Paladin Energy slumped on Tuesday as it disclosed a complex refinancing to restructure its borrowings as it seeks to ensure its financial survival. The sustained weakness in the uranium price and delays in selling a stake in the Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia, southern Africa, have kept the shares under sustained pressure, as accumulated losses climbed above $US2 billion ($2.7 billion) following several years of poor trading. The uptick in the uranium price has encouraged Paladin to undertake a financial restructuring. On Tuesday, the shares fell 11.5 per cent to 8.4 on the planned refinancing and are now a long way from their level of more than $1.50 in early 2012. Like most commodities, the price of uranium has risen recently, holding around $US22 a pound, which is well clear of the 12-year low of about $US18 a pound touched last November. Even so, it is a long way from recouping the 41 per cent price decline suffered in 2016 as buyers pulled back from the market. Steel deal The $15 million payment was linked to a deal to allow Leighton to buy steel at a preferred price as part its procurement processes, however, no steel was ever supplied after the $15 million was paid. The Unaoil expose showed the Dubai consultant to be corrupt and Unaoil part of a global bribery factory. Mr Gregg strenuously denies all allegations against him and is presently suing Fairfax Media for defamation over the allegations made against him in the Unaoil series of articles. Mr Gregg's lawyer, Reaymond McGuinness of Webb Henderson solicitors, said on Tuesday Mr Gregg denied he had breached any civil or criminal law. "He will be seeking to have the notice heard as a matter of urgency," Mr McGuinness said. In its statement on Tuesday, Primary again noted Mr Gregg had told the company he denied the allegations. Primary told the Australian Securities Exchange it had been informed by Mr Gregg late on Monday that he had been "served with a Local Court attendance notice by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission". Contraventions claimed "ASIC alleges two contraventions of Section 1307(1) of the Corporations Act during his time as an office of Leighton Holdings Limited," Primary said. According to the Corporations Act, Section 1307 (1) relates to the falsification of books and records by a company representative "who engages in conduct that results in the concealment, destruction, mutilation or falsification of any securities of or belonging to the company or any books affecting or relating to affairs of the company". Mr Gregg was appointed to Primary in January 2015, replacing company founder and long-time boss Edmund Bateman who had taken an extended period of sick leave. The highly regarded Mr Bateman passed away in September 2015. Morgans analyst Scott Power on Tuesday said Mr Gregg could be expected to stand aside, rather than resign, while the matter worked its way through the courts. "I think usually in these sorts of circumstances you've got to stand down until your name is cleared. Isn't that what usually happens? I would have thought so?," Mr Power said, noting Mr Gregg had denied all allegations. "I guess everybody knew these investigations were underway and this issue was overhanging, it's just how long it takes to be resolved. "We have a neutral rating on the stock, we don't have a big exposure across our network, it is on a bit of a watching brief for us ... It's struggled for quite a while, it's been quite a laggard in the sector generally." Another analyst, who declined to be named, agreed Mr Gregg should step down. "The company has known about this for some time but obviously it's at the next level now. I would expect him to stand aside while it's all sorted out, there are some people in the organisation who could step up," the analyst said. Citi analyst Victor Windeyer said in a note to clients the matter could be distracting for the company, which is due to report its first-half results in mid-February. "These types of events have the potential to distract key management from the business," Mr Windeyer said. "The presence of Jangho on the share register supports the stock given the elevated risk of corporate action; this is counter-balanced in our view by the high level of flux in all business units at Primary." China's Jangho owns around 11 per cent of Primary's shares and was said to be considering a $2 billion tilt for the company. Another analyst, Chris Kallos of Morningstar, said it was "obviously an important event for the company". "He has been busy expanding the ranks in management at the operational level," Mr Kallos said, "Whether that's enough to carry the momentum of the company forward I'm not sure but I would imagine the current board, despite the Batemans moving on, would be strong enough to steer this through this episode," Mr Kallos said. The company name Mars evokes images of M&M's, Snickers and Dove chocolate, and possibly Wrigley chewing gum. Soon, a majority of its business will be related to pets, thanks to a $US7.7 billion ($10.5 billion) acquisition. Mars agreed to buy VCA, a company that owns about 800 animal hospitals, a lab business and dog day care franchises that operate under the name Camp Bow Wow. VCA will be part of Mars Petcare but will operate as a "distinct and separate business unit", the companies said in a statement on Monday. Poul Weihrauch, the president of Mars Petcare, said in an interview that Mars' "love story" with pets goes back to 1935. That year, Forrest Mars Snr bought Chappell Brothers, giving the confectionary company access to Chappie brand canned dog food. Mars increased its pet offerings in the 1990s, introducing brands like Pedigree and Whiskas. East Timor's plea to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 to mediate in its dispute with Australia over claims to oil and gas reserves in the Timor Gap has paid its first dividend. It's a significant one, too, with the federal government agreeing to annul the 2006 Treaty on Certain Maritime Arrangements in the Timor Sea, which divided the Greater Sunrise hydrocarbon deposits between the two countries and which put off the question of a negotiating a permanent maritime boundary between the two countries for 50 years. Australia's public assurance that it is committed to establishing a permanent border (under the guidance of the PCA) means East Timor is likely to secure a bigger share of the Greater Sunrise oil and gas reserves, currently valued at about $50 billion. In return, the East Timorese government has agreed to drop its espionage case against Australia involving allegations that a Dili cabinet office was bugged by Australian intelligence officers in 2004, around the time CMATS was being negotiated. Recriminations stemming from the espionage allegations and the apparently one-sided nature of CMATS have resulted in a frosty relationship between the two countries since 2012, something this week's announcement should help correct. Of greater moment, certainly from the perspective of government leaders and officials in Dili, is the prospect that one of the world's poorest nations, can at last look forward to reducing its dependence on foreign aid and perhaps even to securing employment for ordinary East Timorese on infrastructure associated with oil and gas production and shipment. There are obstacles potentially blocking the realisation of that vision, however, including the possibility that Australia may not expedite settlement of a maritime border. As its stands, that border is closer to East Timor than it is to Australia because the Howard government insisted the boundary follow the line of the continental shelf. Becoming a large international corporation is the simplest way to avoid paying the money you owe the Federal Government, it has been revealed. With the Government continuing its crackdown on people who have been overpaid benefits sometimes to the value of hundreds of dollars becoming a shelf company in the Caymans or a fake global headquarters in Ireland may be a nifty way to avoid paying anything at all, experts say. The Department of Human Services, which oversees Centrelink, has spent $32,249 on Cellebrite products in the 2016 / 2017 financial year. Credit:Bradley Kanaris Nola Ryan of Brisbane said she had a Centrelink debt of $261.82, but since becoming a shell corporation in Panama has been given the all clear to avoid paying up to $261 million to the Government. Its made my life so much easier; now the Government doesnt hound me at all, she said. It was a story too often untroubled by the facts. But here they are. Azaria Chamberlain was taken from the family tent at Ayers Rock and killed by a dingo. That's what a 1981 coronial inquiry found. But in 1982 a jury found Lindy Chamberlain guilty of murder and Michael guilty of being an accessory after the fact. Lindy went to jail; Michael's sentence was suspended. Mrs Chamberlain was released in 1986 and they were exonerated in 1988 after a Royal Commission. But it took another two inquests to conclude their fight for justice, when Coroner Elizabeth Morris found in June 2012 some 32 years after Azaria died that "her death was as the result of being attacked and taken by a dingo". Later Mr Chamberlain said: "We had lived by the credo that if you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear. It was dead wrong." The biography on his website says he was "a victim of media manipulation and systemic bureaucratic corruption from the Northern Territory". His 2012 book Heart of Stone sets out the extent of prejudice the couple encountered from the Northern Territory police force. Witnesses whose evidence pointed to their innocence were excluded. Great weight was given to forensic evidence from which the wrong conclusions were drawn. Pre-trial publicity may have prejudiced the jury. The Chamberlains ultimately won compensation, but costs to the couple and their three surviving children were and are incalculable. Their marriage broke down under the strain in 1990, a loss Mr Chamberlain wrote he felt almost as keenly as the loss of Azaria. He remarried, had another child, got a PhD and became a teacher and academic. He spent his last years nursing his second wife Ingrid after she was disabled by a stroke. We should not imagine the Chamberlains' story could not be replicated. The Northern Territory justice system continues to generate scandal, the courts still get things wrong, and the court of public opinion has found a louder and more vicious voice through social media. Michael Chamberlain deserved better than the hand he was dealt by fate, by the Australian legal system, the media and the public. May he rest in peace, and may his story endure as a lesson for the nation. Former Guantanamo Bay detainee and terror suspect David Hicks has faced court in Adelaide charged with assaulting his partner. Mr Hicks, who spent five years in the US prison camp, appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Tuesday over an assault charge. He is accused of assaulting his partner at Craigmore in September 2016. He did not enter a plea and his case was adjourned to February 28. The magistrate did not allow journalists inside the court for the pre-trial conference. The irony of a melanoma patient inventing a beach-themed Lego range was initially lost on Damien MacRae. Back in 2015 he was spending a lot of time on the floor, building spaceships and star destroyers with his then five-year-old son, Aiden, and the pair ruminated over what Lego range they would invent. When Aiden suggested a beach range with lifesavers and surf boats, Mr MacRae immediately recognised the potential of a quintessentially Australian set. And then he saw that an even greater opportunity had presented itself. Finn Kovich with his mother, Nina, at their home in Killara. Both suffer from asthma. Credit:Wolter Peeters Killara mother Nina Kovich knows how unpredictable and terrifying an asthma attack can be. Her son Finn, now 12, has struggled with asthma since he was just under two. "The worst asthma attack was probably one of his first ones, when he was really little," Ms Kovich said. "We were running up the highway trying to get to the doctor because he wasn't breathing It was one of the scariest moments of my life, wondering what was happening to him. "When he has a bad episode he really struggles to breathe properly ... his chest is heaving and you can hear the wheeze it's almost like a gasping for air," she said. Ms Kovich takes warnings from health authorities on hot and humid days seriously. "We make sure the doors are closed and try and use the airconditioning to make sure [he doesn't] overheat," she said. Having an asthma action plan was "extremely important" to keep Finn safe - ensuring he has a preventer puffer with him at all times, takes his medication regularly and goes for regular check-ups. "So many people can still die from asthma. It's very easy to become complacent," Ms Kovich said. Sydneysiders flocked to Bondi for an early morning dip on Wednesday. Credit:Kate Geraghty NSW Health director of environmental health Ben Scalley said ozone levels reach their peak about 7pm and tend to be lowest in the morning, "so it's best to plan outdoor play in the morning when the day is cooler". "Asthma sufferers need to follow their asthma action plan and take their relieving medication where necessary. If symptoms get worse, asthma sufferers need to seek medical advice," Dr Scalley said. Ozone level warning The ozone level national standards thresholds are a one-hour average of 100 parts per hundred million (pphm) and a four-hour average of 80 pphm. The high temperatures forecast particularly across the Sydney basin could push levels to between 105 and 110 pphm on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sydney's air quality on Tuesday was "poor", according to the OEH's Air Quality Index, which rates air quality as very good, good fair, poor, very poor and hazardous on a scale of zero to 250, with 250 being the worst. Sydney's weather is expected to heat up for the rest of the week. Credit:Peter Rae Ozone is composed of the basic oxygen molecule with an additional oxygen atom, making it an unstable, highly reactive gas. It forms a protective barrier in the Earth's upper atmosphere, filtering out damaging UV radiation from the sun. But when sunlight and extreme heat on still days combine with hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide from car exhausts and other air pollutants to form ozone in the atmosphere at ground level, it can have significant negative impacts on health. It's the blankets of smog that sits over the city on very sunny, very still Sydney days. Cities such as Sydney that have long sunny periods, little wind and high temperatures are most likely to experience ground-level ozone. Motor vehicle exhaust accounts for as much as 50 per cent of the organic chemicals that form ozone. Other sources are oil refining, printing, petrochemicals, lawn mowing, aviation, bushfires and burning off. "This heat has been building up for quite a while," said Peter Zmijewski, a senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology said. "We haven't had anything to cool it." The heat across the city has been building for a while. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer The lack of significant cool breaks will likely be repeated on Wednesday when the shift in winds from the north-west to the south-east by the evening will only bring gradual - and short-lived - relief. "It's a weak change," Mr Zmijewski said. "You probably won't see a huge change [in temperatures] as it moves through." Western Sydney would bear the brunt of high ozone levels as emissions across the Sydney basin are blown to the west by a sea breeze and trapped by the mountains, director of climate and atmospheric science at the Office of Environment and Heritage Matthew Riley said. Total fire ban The regions of Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Central Ranges, Southern Slopes and North Western will have the fire ban in place from midnight. This prohibits the use of fire in the open, including barbecues that use wood, charcoal or heat beads as fuel, and while the ban is in place the penalty for throwing a lit cigarette from a car will double to $1320. A "severe" bushfire danger rating has been issued for the Greater Hunter for Wednesday, for regions including Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Upper Hunter. All other regions where the total fire ban is in place will have a "very high" bushfire danger. On Monday, the Rural Fire Service also warned about grass fires, which can burn three times as fast as a bush fire. Inland flooding and rain helped the growth of grass, which has now dried out and is "causing a real concern". More than one in 10 Australians, and one in six children, have asthma, accounting for 2.4 million people nationally. Some 5 to 10 per cent of cases are severe. Earlier this month, doctors and health experts criticised a government review of vehicle emissions and air pollution for under-reporting the health risks, saying Australian fuel quality and emissions standards were "appalling". The review acknowledged 1483 premature deaths in 2012 were due to outdoor air pollution, with about half of these linked to road transport pollution. Environmental scientists suggest the premature death rate associated with air pollution is as high as 3000 deaths a year in Australia. The hazy, muggy smog that has settled over the city is doing far more damage than ruining your Instagrammable view. Ground-level ozone triggered on sunny, still days in areas of high air pollution will have Sydney residents with asthma and other respiratory conditions on alert. On Tuesday afternoon, Sydney's ozone levels are predicted to rise above national standards, reaching levels that are likely to affect health, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has warned. Children with asthma are more susceptible to the effects of ozone pollution and parents should limit the time they play outside, NSW Health director of environmental health Ben Scalley said. Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, who was wrongly convicted in the death of her nine-week-old baby Azaria in 1980, has broken her silence on the death of Azaria's father and her ex-husband, Michael Chamberlain. In a statement released by the Harry Miller Group, she said the news of Dr Chamberlain's death came as a surprise. "I am on my way today to support and be with our children," the statement said. "Given Michael's death was unexpected, I would ask that the media please consider that Michael's wife and all of his children are deeply grieving and need some space." Dr Chamberlain died in Gosford hospital on the NSW Central Coast on Monday at the age of 72 after suffering complications from acute leukaemia. A bogus fashion designer who escaped jail time after groping young models on photo shoots has been charged for allegedly touching up a woman at his new job. Shardie Hourani, also known as Shardz Houranis, was embroiled in a social media revolt in 2015 after a number of women came forward with experiences of being sexually violated by him. Hourani had promoted himself as a fashion designer and budding photographer who would entice aspiring models to photo shoots, predominantly in Sydney's east. During these shoots he violated several women, including through kissing and groping after promising to pay them at the next photo shoot or gift them bikinis. A woman who found two intruders in the kitchen of her house in Sydney's west overnight was attacked with tins of food when she confronted the men, police say. The 58-year-old woman was treated for minor injuries after she escaped from her house on Sunnyholt Road in Blacktown about 9.45pm on Tuesday. The woman called triple zero to say that the men, whom she did not know, had forced their way into her house and assaulted her in the kitchen with tins of food. She said the men also demanded money and personal belongings from her, but she was able to run outside, prompting the men to flee empty-handed. Monday marked 150 years since four police were killed in the most significant assault against officers in Australia's history. Monaro Local Area Command paid tribute by unveiling a memorial plaque at Jinden, near Braidwood, remembering special constables John Carroll, Patrick Kennagh, Eneas McDonnell and John Phegan. Police paid tribute to four officers who were shot and killed on duty 150 years ago. Credit:NSW Police The officers were believed to be on the hunt for the notorious Clarke brothers, who were responsible for a reported 36 hold-ups and, including the policemen, five deaths. Monaro Local Area Commander Superintendent Rod Smith and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin dedicated the plaque. Police are urging members of the public to come forward as new information is revealed about a Grand Final eve stabbing in Noble Park that left its victim with "multiple, permanent scars". A 24-year-old Berwick man was attacked at a party by two men in the early hours of October 1 and left with life-threatening injuries. Police believe the two attackers drove away in a dark 1998 Holden Commodore sedan. Police have now released an image of one of the offenders and of the vehicle believed to be used by the assailants to flee the scene. The car is a dark, 1998 Holden Commodore sedan, identifiable by its large silver rims. Christine Lyons enters the Bendigo court on Monday. Credit:Darren Howe/Bendigo Advertiser He did not hear the conversation himself. "Shiralee told me, in her words, that the first two times she was asked she never took it seriously," Mr Binks said. The last independent and confirmed sighting of Samantha Kelly was on January 20 at an ATM. Credit:Victoria Police "The third time it was meant very seriously, that's when I told her to get in the car and go to the police straight away." Ms Kelly had been missing since January 20, the last time she was known to have accessed her Facebook page. Ronald Lyons arrives at court. Credit:Darren Howe/Bendigo Advertiser Mr Binks said he and Shiralee Lyons went straight to police when he was told about the request to have Ms Kelly murdered. He also told the court Ms Lyons said Ms Kelly was missing because she wanted a break from the house and he assumed she'd gone "walkabout". Christine Lyons, who lived with Samantha Kelly, has been charged with her murder. Credit:Facebook In his statement to police on February 10, Mr Binks said "all hell broke loose" when others found out he reported on February 2 that Ms Kelly was missing. He said Ms Lyons also told him another man, Mark Glare the father of one of Ms Kelly's children had arranged to have Ms Kelly murdered. Samantha Kelly. Credit:Victoria Police Mr Glare, of Ballarat, admitted to the court that his relationship with Ms Kelly had included instances of violence. On one occasion he grabbed her by the throat, the court heard. Ms Kelly gave birth to their child in early 2015 but the pair were not in a relationship at the time of her death. Ms Kelly also had a child by Mr Glare's brother. Mr Glare said Ms Kelly wanted to be in a relationship with him, but he refused. In Mr Glare's statement to police, partially read to the court, he said he "threatened" Ms Kelly after she made an accusation against his son and threw a cup at his head. "After I last saw Sammy, I was angry with Sammy because of what she said about [my son]," his statement read. "I did not see Sammy again, but I did threaten her. I threatened her before I disconnected my number." His threat was in the form of a text message which read: "Hahaha I will see you real soon". Another witness told the court Christine Lyons attempted to pay a teenage friend $1000 and medical costs to get pregnant by Ronald Lyons, and to act as their surrogate. The witness said her friend considered accepting the offer as she "needed the money" to fund her methamphetamine addiction. "[She] was to have sexual intercourse with Ron for the baby," she said. "Christine and Ron would pay medical expenses, and give [her] $1000 if she was to succeed in the pregnancy. "All that [she] said was that Christine was really pushing her to have a baby, she wasn't sure what to do about it but she was needing the money ... I said not to do it." A neighbour of the house where Ms Kelly had lived with the accused also provided evidence to the court, and said she did not suspect anything "untoward" was being planned. Pauline Pettersen said she spent New Year's Eve in 2015 with her neighbours, and spoke with them briefly on other occasions. "We were all having fun and laughing that night," she said. Ms Pettersen did not report hearing anything unusual from next door, but saw Mr Arthur doing a major clean up of the backyard at one stage. The court heard from four witnesses on Monday and will hear from co-accused Peter Arthur, 45, by video link later this week. A total of 29 witnesses will give evidence. More than 100 firefighters are still battling to contain a fire that threatened homes and properties in the Perth Hills on Monday. The blaze, which started near the far eastern end of Copley Road in Upper Swan about 7pm on Sunday, had flames up to six metres high. A fire in Upper Swan on Monday came within 300 metres of homes on Monday. Credit:Jenny Jones Late on Monday night, the fire was downgraded from an emergency warning to an watch and act. The blaze, which has torched more than 120 hectares, was contained but not controlled. Police have seized a car in relation to a shooting outside a Midvale home on Tuesday but its occupants remain unaccounted for. The victim, 19-year-old Jake Turner, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital after he was shot in the thigh outside a Ferguson Street property around 12.45pm. Police are searching for a red Holden Monaro in relation to the shooting. Credit:WA Police A red Holden Monaro which police were searching for in relation to the incident was located and seized later that day but the occupants of the vehicle have not been found, despite being known to police. The remote northern West Australian town of Kununurra is mourning the drowning of 25-year-old electrician John Young, who has been described as a "one- of-a-kind". Police found Mr Young's body on Monday morning, about 6km from where he was last seen more than 24 hours before in Ivanhoe Crossing. John Young has been missing since Sunday morning. Credit:Facebook He had gone swimming with a friend in the Ord River in WA's Kimberley region after a night out at 4.45am on Sunday. It is understood the pair got into trouble and were sucked under rushing water in a swollen part of the river. The WA treasurer has accused the opposition of "whingeing and whining" about the ongoing issues plaguing the new Perth Children's Hospital after it was revealed there were more than 10,000 defects at the site. The hospital is already more than a year overdue and has been riddled with problems, including lead contamination in drinking water and the installation of roof panels containing asbestos. A freedom of information request by Labor revealed there were more than 10,000 defects with the construction at the site. Credit:AFR A freedom of information request by Labor revealed there were more than 10,000 defects with the construction at the site. But Treasurer Mike Nahan accused the opposition of "whingeing and whining from the sideline". Donald Trump asked Robert Kennedy jnr, a proponent of a widely discredited theory that vaccines cause autism, to chair a new commission on vaccine safety and scientific integrity, according to Kennedy. The stunning move would contradict established science, medicine and the government's position on the issue. It comes after Trump - who has long been critical of vaccines - met at Trump Tower with Kennedy, who has spearheaded efforts to roll back child vaccination laws. Trump transition officials did not respond to requests for comment on the commission. Speaking to reporters in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, on Tuesday, Kennedy said that Trump called him to request the meeting, and he accepted the position on the new commission. It is unclear exactly what role the commission would play. Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will serve as a senior adviser to the Trump White House. The news isn't surprising, given Kushner's closeness to Trump and the fact his potential role in the administration has been rumoured for weeks, but it does open up a can of worms - both legally and ethically. The big question looming over the selection is the question of whether Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, can actually work in the White House. To make it happen, he will have to get around an anti-nepotism law that dates to Robert F. Kennedy. After President Kennedy appointed his 35-year-old brother, Robert, as attorney general an unprecedented move at the time, involving an office for which few thought the younger Kennedy was qualified Congress in 1967 passed an anti-nepotism law. Manila: Armed men killed eight fishermen in what appeared to be an attack by pirates in dangerous waters in the southern Philippines, a coast guard spokesman said on Tuesday. The apparent act of piracy came as Philippine soldiers were given a six-month deadline to end Islamist militant threats, including those made on cargo ships in south, where a long-festering insurgency has been exacerbated by the growing influence of the Islamic State militant group. Philippine Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana said the military had been ordered to end threats from Abu Sayyaf within six months. Credit:AP About two dozen sailors and tourists were taken captive by Islamist militants last year in attacks on tug boats and yachts in the Celebes and Sulu seas, raising concerns among defence officials from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines about Islamist militancy and piracy. Coast guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said a Filipino fishing boat with 15 crew on board was operating off Laud Siromon island near the Zamboanga peninsula on Monday night when five armed men on a speed boat attacked them. Washington: Senator Jeff Sessions, facing a barrage of challenges to his record on civil rights enforcement and questions about racial tolerance as President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, Tuesday rejected the "false caricature" that has long defined his public life. Yet even before the 70-year-old Alabama senator could take his seat at the witness table, protesters wearing Ku Klux Klan costumes erupted with shouts of "white power," before they were ushered out, the first clash of several pitting demonstrators against Capitol police. At least five others had to be dragged out of the room, some yelling "No Trump, no KKK, no racist USA." The first of the Trump administration's most controversial nominees to appear for Senate confirmation, he walked into a marble encrusted hearing room in an attempt to allay myriad grievances left in the wake of the nominee's past racially charged statements and long anti-immigration record. More than 65,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's strife-torn Rakhine state amid new reports of atrocities allegedly committed by Myanmar security forces. The United Nations' relief agency says 22,000 Rohingya have arrived in Bangladesh camps in the past week alone, the largest number since renewed violence broke out Rakhine in October. Rohingya women and children wait in a queue to collect water at the Leda camp, an unregistered camp for Rohingya in Teknaf, 296 kilometers south of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Credit:AP Puttanee Kangkun, a researcher with the human rights group Fortify Rights, says she and her colleagues have documented dozens of atrocities during two weeks interviewing Rohingya families in Bangladesh border camps. "Many witnessed Burmese (Myanmar) soldiers killing loved ones, including children. Some had their throats cut, while others were burned alive," she said. Strasbourg: A Muslim couple who refused on religious grounds to allow their two young daughters take part in boys-and-girls school swimming lessons in Switzerland did not have the right to do so, the European Court of Human Rights ruled on Tuesday. The ruling by the court was a first on the specific issue of religious beliefs versus school rules where sport, in this case involving some exposure of the body and changing of clothes, is part of obligatory activities. Schooling, including sports, overrode religious convictions, notably when the school sought to address the couple's concerns by offering to let the girls wear burkinis - full-body swimwear - and change into it without boys present, the court said. The case ended up at the rights court, based in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, when a couple of Turkish nationality fought a Swiss decision to fine them 1,400 Swiss francs ($1,874) for failure to respect schooling rules. The Swiss authorities fined the couple in 2010 for refusing to send the two girls, born in 1999 and 2002, to the swimming lessons. After a challenge in the Swiss courts, the parents turned to the European rights court. Bangkok: Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has asserted his royal authority five weeks after acceding to the throne, asking for changes to be made to his kingdom's draft constitution. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army general who seized power in a 2014 coup, told reporters he will honour the king's request made in a letter to the military government. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn speaks after accepting the throne at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok. Credit:AP "This issue has nothing to do with the rights and freedoms of the people," Mr Prayuth said. "The request said there are three to four issues that need fixing to ensure his royal powers," he said. Kabul: Blasts from a suicide bomber and explosives-laden vehicle struck a highly guarded district in the Afghan capital Tuesday, officials said, killing at least 22 people in what appeared to be coordinated attacks on an area housing important government and security agencies. A police official said a suicide attacker approached an intelligence agency building in Kabul before detonating his explosives. A car bomb then exploded as security forces gathered at the site of the first blast, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media. Afghan security forces stand guard near the site of two large bombings in Kabul on Tuesday. Credit:AP The Taliban claimed responsibility for the twin bombings, saying the attackers had targeted a minibus carrying employees of the National Security Directorate, Afghanistan's intelligence agency. Afghanistan's Interior Ministry said 22 people had been killed in the explosions, but other reports placed the death toll higher. Washington: A US Navy guided-missile naval destroyer fired warning shots at four Iranian rapid-attack craft in the Strait of Hormuz in the first such confrontation since August, according to the Navy. The incident took place on Sunday after the armed speedboats manned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards ignored visual and radio warnings, Captain Jeff Davis, a Navy spokesman, said on Monday. The US guided missile destroyer USS Mahan fired at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps boats after it had established radio contact but failed to slow down. Credit:Wikimedia The strait is a choke point for the flow of millions of barrels of Middle East oil to refineries around the world. Crude prices fell on Monday, amid signs of rising supply from Iraq, Nigeria and the US. Iran has previously conducted naval exercises off its coast, causing uncertainty for commercial shipping nearby. The Iranian vessels approached the USS Mahan "at a high rate of speed with their weapons manned as the ship was transiting international waters in the Strait of Hormuz", the Navy said in a statement. After the Iranians ignored "repeated warnings via radio, audible siren and ship's whistle", the Navy said, the Mahan's crew fired three warning shots from a .50-calibre machine gun. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser Surge in the Count of Chinese Smartphone Users Results in Market Development in the 3Q for 2016 Albany, New York, January 10, 2017: In the recent years, the market of Chinese smartphones has achieved a very strong growth worldwide. A new report has been released to analyze the market development during the third quarter of 2016. This report is entitled as, Chinese Smartphone Market Development, Third Quarter 2016 and analyzes the growth of exclusive players in China to offer a clear understanding of the market especially in the second and third quarters of 2016. Request for Sample Report: http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=866439 The emergence of Chinese companies in the worlds smartphone market is very much visible and many of them have shown an outstanding growth in the last couple of years. According to the study, smartphone sales in 2Q of 2016, topped 1.08 million units and Chinese mobile phone users have also reached 1.3 billion along with 4G penetration rate hitting the market with 45.3%. Additionally, the production volume of Chinese brands surpassed the combined production volume of top brands like Apple and Samsung. The report states that 3Q saw significant growth as compared to the decline in the previous two-quarters. In 3Q 2016, Chinese smartphone brand Oppo has recently become the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world, which was previously held by Xiaomi. On the other hand, Huawei still remained the top mobile phone vendor in China. In the next section, development of the Chinese mobile communications market which includes the top 3 mobile telecom operators such as China mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom are also profiled in the report. The popularity of top Chinese smartphone brands can also be credited to the fact that they have become forerunners when it comes to innovations. Also, these smartphones are not only affordable and fascinating in style but they are also coupled with smart features no less than iPhones. The smartphone market is in a growing stage with a demand for affordably priced yet stylish smartphones which is a major factor responsible for the growth of the market. Some of the Major Chinese smartphone vendors are- Huawei Apple Lenovo OPPO Samsung Xiaomi According to this latest report, Chinese smartphone market saw a huge rise in sales in the 3Q of 2016, selling a total of 123 million units, which was 15% growth over the corresponding period last year. In other words, the top three mobile phone vendors in the Chinese market were all domestic brands. As expected, major Chinese smartphone makers such as Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo & Vivo have dominated the local market with 59% market share. Browse Complete Report with TOC: http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/chinese-smartphone-market-development-3q-2016-report.html At the end, the report also provides a detailed portfolio of newly launched smartphones by major vendors in the 3Q 2016. Kaminario Raises $75 Million in Funding to Fuel Growth and Innovation NEEDHAM, MA (Marketwired) 01/10/17 , a leading all-flash storage company, today announced it has secured $75 million in a new round of financing, bringing the companys total funding to $218 million. The latest round was led by Waterwood, a private equity firm that invests in growth-stage technology companies. Participation in this round was a mix of new and existing investors, including Sequoia, Pitango, Lazarus, Silicon Valley Bank and Globespan Capital Partners. The new capital will be used to accelerate go-to-market initiatives, expand Kaminarios global presence and fuel research and development. Our strong business growth, cutting-edge technology and the all-flash market opportunity make Kaminario very attractive to investors and partners alike, said Dani Golan, founder and CEO, Kaminario. The role of the data center is transforming as businesses continue to accelerate digital transformation and cloud adoption, and we are perfectly positioned to deliver agile storage solutions for todays on-demand applications. This new funding will allow us to continue our global expansion and accelerate our innovation agenda to better serve our customers. the all-flash array market will grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.4 percent through 2020 representing the fastest growing segment of a . Internet of Things (IoT), cloud adoption and on-demand applications are key growth drivers for storage. For example, reports state there will be more than 200 billion connected devices and smart technologies and more than 44 trillion gigabytes of data will be generated by 2020. Cloud computing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) are revolutionizing how businesses operate and instantaneous access to information in a mobile-first world is a must. With its built-for-flash, software-defined architecture, Kaminario is strongly positioned to power on-demand applications, turn data into usable information and support SaaS businesses as they grow. Today, more and more platform for the scalability, performance and agility modern applications require. Kaminario is focused on delivering storage solutions for the always-on economy, whether the applications are delivered as SaaS, on-line services or private cloud from retail and healthcare to finance and manufacturing. With this new funding, Kaminario is well positioned to move into 2017 and beyond. Accelerate expansion across Eastern and Western Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East leveraging its award-winning Kaminario ACCELERATE Channel Partner program. Expand technology eco-system partnerships to deliver more complete solutions to our customers with emphasis on bringing storage closer to the application layer with tighter integrations with database platforms, virtualization solutions, hypervisors and development paradigms. Leverage Kaminarios software-defined architecture so customers can adopt new hardware technologies quickly, with no forklift upgrades. With emerging hardware technologies such as NVMe and NVMe Fabric (NVMeF) on the horizon, this latest round will allow Kaminario to accelerate its innovation agenda and give existing customers a faster path to leverage new technology advancements seamlessly, without impacting performance or disrupting their existing infrastructure. With more and more companies shifting a lot of their application purchases from on-premise to cloud SaaS models, SaaS providers are seeing insane scale demands that completely destroy the traditional infrastructure paradigm, said Steve Duplessie, founder and senior analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group. Slow input-output (I/O) can mean the death of your business as can the cost of over provisioning. Kaminario is in a perfect position to handle outrageous I/O demands without forcing providers to buy more than they need in advance. There is a major shift in the storage industry as enterprises move from traditional disk storage to storage driven by NAND-flash technologies, said David Floyer, CTO and co-founder, Wikibon. We expect 19 percent of enterprise storage spend to be on all-flash in 2016, and project that in 2019 the flash spend will exceed disk spend. Kaminario is well positioned to address the enterprise requirements for both performance and capacity flash storage. Kaminario, the leading all-flash storage company, is redefining the future of modern datacenters. Its unique solution enables organizations to succeed in todays on-demand world and prepares them to seamlessly handle tomorrows innovations. Only Kaminario K2 all-flash array delivers the agility, scalability, performance and economics a datacenter requires to deal with todays cloud-first, dynamic world and provide real-time data access anywhere, anytime. Hundreds of customers rely on Kaminario K2 to power their mission critical applications and safeguard their digital ecosystem. Headquartered in Needham, MA, Kaminario works with an extensive network of resellers and distributors, globally. For more information, please visit . Parna Sarkar-Basu Kaminario +1-781-343-8127 Jennifer Lynn Text100 for Kaminario +1-585-697-2604 Ellis Reid One chocolate for Kaminario +44 (0)20 7437 0227 In the last decade, the volunteer-based project has planted more than 36 acres of trees all across Northern Kentucky. On March 25, Reforest NKY will head just north of Big Bone Lick State Park in Boone County to the Piner property to continue to restore Kentucky's landscape. Reforest NKY has become a stepping stone to restoring trees, and ultimately forests, into the landscape, says Tara Sturgill, Reforest NKY secretary and public relations subcommittee chair. Reforest NKY is increasing public awareness of the importance of trees, which will ultimately improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. The area where volunteers will be planting is on a stream restoration project site, which is being completed by Northern Kentucky University's Center for Environmental Restoration At the source, this event is about the trees, but we are also hoping to create an atmosphere of awareness and education around reforestation and what it means to our communities, and to us as individuals," Sturgill says. "Cultivating a spirit of stewardship for our native forests amongst those that we influence through this event is paramount to our program. Justin Omans of Roseville said he was devastated to learn his mothers' body was discovered in the covered bed of a truck. A look back on all of our reporting of the Delphi murders since 2017 Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA associate Administrator, told astronomers at a conference that his interactions with the Trump administration's landing team have been going as expected. GRAPEVINE, Texas The head of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, seeking to assure astronomers concerned about the next administration, said that the transition process has gone as he expected. Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA associate administrator for science, said at a NASA town hall meeting Jan. 5 during the 229th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society here that he has had good interactions with the "landing team" assigned to the agency by the transition team of President-elect Donald Trump. "The meetings have been very thoughtful," he said. "I think that, at this stage of the process, it's working the way it should." [Related: The US Presidential Transition and NASA: Changes to Come] Zurbuchen described the meetings with the landing team as "customer-driven," with NASA responding to questions from the team about agency programs. "The types of questions that are asked are exactly what you would expect," he said, not going into details about the topics of those discussions. "The discussion was very thoughtful, very focused on good objectives and focused on science value," he said in an interview after the town hall meeting. "We were ready for that. Every division director was ready to talk about their programs that way." The landing team, he added, has received all the information they requested. Zurbuchen said he had not been able to glean any information from the landing team about the incoming administration's plans. That included, he said, who it might nominate to be the next administrator of NASA, or when that might take place. Many astronomers attending the conference, the largest annual gathering of the field in the U.S., felt worried about the transition because of a lack of information about how the Trump administration might affect their field. While policy statements made by Trump advisors before and after the election mentioned Earth science as a field that the new administration would seek to de-emphasize at NASA, they have been silent on other scientific work carried out by the agency. [The Top Space Issues Facing President-Elect Donald Trump] "We don't know the Trump administration's priorities, if any, for NASA astrophysics," said Paul Hertz, director of NASA's astrophysics division, at a Jan. 3 meeting here of three groups of astronomers that advise the agency. "The Trump administration has not communicated to us any of their priorities, and I don't know if they have priorities that affect NASA astrophysics." Zurbuchen acknowledged in the town hall that the lack of information during the transition might worry people. "During that time there's a lot of ambiguity, and the ambiguity is really kind of a scary thing for many of us," he said. He said later that, in discussions during the conference, astronomers also expressed to him concern about the future of Earth science at the agency. "As scientists, no matter what your primary field of study is, whether it's astronomy, planetary science, or so forth, I hear a lot of discussions about Earth science, in the context of how important it is for them," he said. Ultimately, he said he expects the next administration to make changes of some kind to NASA, even if he doesn't know yet what they might be. "If there was no change with this administration, it would be a huge surprise," he said, "because every incoming administration creates some change." This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. What have pulsars, quasars, dark matter and dark energy got in common? Answer: each of them took the discoverer by surprise. While much of science advances carefully and methodically, the majority of truly spectacular discoveries in astronomy are unexpected. Many of our telescopes are built to discover the known unknowns: the things we know we don't know, such as identifying the stuff that makes up dark matter. But the real breakthroughs are the unknown unknowns. These are the things we don't even suspect are out there until we accidentally find them. For example, of the ten greatest discoveries by the Hubble space telescope (opens in new tab), only one featured in the proposal used to justify its construction and launch. That one, measuring the rate of expansion of the universe, is a known unknown. In other words, we had a question about something that we knew about, and we thought Hubble could answer the question. Most of the other discoveries are unknown unknowns: we didn't know what they were until we stumbled across them. They include the discovery of dark energy, the only Hubble discovery (so far) to win a Nobel prize, in 2011. A chance discovery Consider pulsars. They were discovered in the 1960s when a bright young PhD student in the UK, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, was studying the twinkling of radio waves by electrons in space (a known unknown). She noticed odd bits of what she called "bits of scruff" on her chart recorder, and realised they were something much more startling than mere tractor interference, and thereby discovered pulsars an unknown unknown for which her supervisor Antony Hewish won the 1974 Nobel prize for physics. So how did she make that discovery? Apart from being a bright, persistent, open-minded student, Bell Burnell was also observing the universe in a way in which it had never been observed before. By looking at rapid changes in the radio waves, she was observing the universe using a parameter in this case short timescale observations that hadn't been used before. Other discoveries happen when people observe with a different parameter, such as faintness, or area of sky, that hasn't been observed before. Together, these parameters make up our parameter space. Most major astronomical discoveries seem to happen when somebody observes a new part of parameter space; observing the universe in a way it hasn't been observed before. This new way might consist of looking more deeply, or with better resolution, or on a larger scale, or maybe just seeing much more of the universe. Extending any of these parameters into their unexplored regions is likely to lead to an unexpected discovery. Right now several next-generation telescopes are being built, boldly going where no telescope has gone before. They will significantly expand the volume of observational parameter space, and should in principle discover unexpected new phenomena and new types of object. For example, CSIROs A$165-million ASKAP telescope, now nearing completion, is exploring several areas of uncharted parameter space, with an excellent chance of stumbling across a major unexpected discovery that could shake the scientific world. But will we recognise it when we see it? Probably not. Bell Burnell discovered pulsars by laboriously sifting through all her data, and noticed a tiny anomaly that didn't fit her understanding of the telescope. How much data? If Bell Burnell were observing with ASKAP, she would have to sift through about 80 petabytes of data a year, from a machine that is so complex that nobody truly understands every bit of it. Sorry, not even Bell Burnell's brain is up to the task of sifting through that amount of data. We cannot possibly examine all that data by eye. So the way we do our science is that we decide on the scientific question we are asking, and turn it into a data query. We then mine the database looking for those bits of data that will answer our question. This is a very efficient way of answering the known unknowns. Sadly, it is useless at finding the unknown unknowns. We only receive answers to the questions that we ask, and not to the questions that we didn't know we ought to ask. Now remember the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy science fiction/fantasy series by author Douglas Adams? When a giant computer, Deep Thought, found the answer to "life, the universe, and everything" to be 42, another, even bigger, computer had to be built to find out what the actual question was. So can we design a machine, or a piece of software, to replicate Bell Burnell's brain in detecting unknown unknowns but working comfortably with petabytes of data and unbelievably complex telescopes? WTF into the unknowns I think we can, and we've already started the project WTF, which stands for Widefield ouTlier Finder, with the progress so far published just last month. The WTF machine will sift through the petabytes of data, searching for something unexpected, without knowing exactly what it's looking for. The trick is to use machine learning techniques, where we teach the software about all the things we know about, and then ask it to find things we don't know about. For example, it might plot a graph of radio brightness against optical colour. On that graph, it would find a cluster of quasars grouped together, another cluster of galaxies like the Milky Way, and so on. Maybe it will find another cluster of objects that we didn't expect and didn't know about. Our puny brains couldn't make more than a small dent into all the possible graphs that need to be plotted, but WTF will take these in its stride. This process won't be easy. At first, WTF will probably turn up things we forgot to tell it, and it will also find radio interference and instrumental artefacts. As we gradually teach it what these are, it will start to recognise truly new objects and phenomena. More significantly, it will start to learn new things from the data that are made invisible to our brains by their sheer multidimensional complexity, but will be grist to the mill for WTF. We expect WTF to become smarter than us, able to find those rare discoveries buried in the data. Perhaps WTF may even win the first non-human Nobel prize. Ray Norris, Professor, School of Computing, Engineering, & Maths, Western Sydney University This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates and become part of the discussion on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Space.com. An Air Force X-37B robotic space plane is shown after it landed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The fourth mission of the program is now underway and just passed 600 days in Earth orbit. The U.S. Air Force's mysterious X-37B space plane has now spent 600 days in Earth orbit on the vessel's latest mission, and is nearing a program record for longest time spent in space. The robotic X-37B lifted off atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 20, 2015, kicking off the program's fourth space mission (which is known as Orbital Test Vehicle-4, or OTV-4). If the uncrewed spacecraft spends 74 more days aloft, it will break the duration record set during OTV-3, which touched down in October 2014. [The X-37B's Fourth Mystery Mission in Photos] But it's unclear how long OTV-4 will last, or just what the X-37B is doing as it circles Earth; most details about the space plane's missions and payloads are classified. This SPACE.com infographic depicts the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is an unmanned space test vehicle for the USAF. See how the unmanned space drone works here (Image credit: Karl Tate, SPACE.com) Milestone record keeping The first OTV mission began on April 22, 2010, and concluded on Dec. 3 of that year, following 224 days of orbit. OTV-2 lifted off on March 5, 2011, and landed on June 16, 2012, after 468 days in orbit. The record-setting OTV-3 mission chalked up nearly 675 days in orbit, circling Earth from Dec. 11, 2012, until Oct. 17, 2014. All three previous OTV missions have come down to Earth at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, but that may change for OTV-4's landing, whenever it occurs. Heading for Florida? Progress has been made on consolidating X-37B space plane operations, including the use of NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida as a landing site for the robotic space plane. A former KSC space-shuttle facility known as Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (OPF-1) was converted into a structure that will enable the Air Force "to efficiently land, recover, refurbish and relaunch the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV)," according to representatives of the aerospace giant Boeing. X-37B vehicle development falls under the control of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems in El Segundo, California, which is Boeing's center for all space and experimental systems and government and commercial satellites. The Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office is leading the Department of Defense's OTV initiative, by direction of the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics and the secretary of the Air Force. Fleet size To date, only two reusable X-37B vehicles have been confirmed as constituting the space plane fleet. The current OTV-4 mission is the second flight of the second X-37B vehicle built for the Air Force by Boeing. The U.S. Air Force's X-37B space plane waits in the encapsulation cell of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle on April 5, 2010, at the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Florida. The vehicle launched on the first X-37B mission on April 22, 2010. (Image credit: U.S. Air Force) The military space plane looks like a miniature version of NASA's retired space shuttle orbiter. The X-37B is just 29 feet (8.8 meters) long and 9.6 feet (2.9 m) tall, and has a wingspan of nearly 15 feet (4.6 m). For comparison, the space shuttles were each 122 feet (37 m) long, with wingspans of 78 feet (24 m). The X-37B has a payload bay about the size of a pickup truck bed that can be outfitted with a robotic arm. It has a launch weight of 11,000 lbs. (4,990 kilograms) and is powered in orbit by gallium arsenide solar cells with lithium-ion batteries. Payloads aboard Some payloads aboard the OTV-4 craft have been previously identified. For example, Aerojet Rocketdyne has said that its XR-5A Hall Thruster had completed initial in-orbit validation testing aboard the X-37B space plane. Also on board is a NASA advanced-materials investigation. Such test-bedding of equipment is one of the main purposes of OTV missions, along with the development of reusable-spacecraft technologies, Air Force officials have said. "It remains a very useful way to test out things," Winston Beauchamp, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for space, told Space.com last September during an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) meeting in Long Beach, California. When asked about adding more X-37Bs to the nation's fleet, Beauchamp said that the current number of vehicles meets the Air Force's needs. Leonard David is author of "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet," published by National Geographic. The book is a companion to the National Geographic Channel six-part series, "Mars." A longtime writer for Space.com, David has been reporting on the space industry for more than five decades. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Published on Space.com. Artist's illustration of Planet Nine, a world about 10 times more massive than Earth that may lie undiscovered in the far outer solar system. Planet Nine may be even more exotic than astronomers had thought. The putative world, which some scientists think lurks unseen far beyond Pluto's orbit, could be a former "rogue planet" that was captured by our solar system at some point in the past, a new study suggests. "It is very plausible" that Planet Nine is a captured rogue a world that cruises through space unattached to a star lead author James Vesper, an undergraduate at New Mexico State University (NMSU), said Friday (Jan. 6) during a news conference at the 229th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Grapevine, Texas. [The Evidence for Planet Nine in Images (Gallery)] Researchers say an anomaly in the orbits of distant Kuiper Belt objects points to the existence of an unknown planet orbiting the sun. Here's what we know of this potential "Planet Nine." (Image credit: by Karl Tate, Infographics artist) Vesper and his mentor, NMSU math and physical science professor Paul Mason, performed computer simulations of 156 encounters between our solar system and rogue planets of various sizes and trajectories. Such encounters may not be terribly uncommon; some studies indicate that rogue planets outnumber "normal" worlds circling host stars throughout the Milky Way galaxy. The simulations suggest that, in about 60 percent of the encounters, the incoming rogue planet would be flung out of the solar system. Most of the time, this would be a relatively simple "rogue in, rogue out" affair, Vesper said. But in about 10 percent of all cases, the rogue would take at least one of our solar system's native planets with it as it departed, he added. In about 40 percent of the encounters, however, the rogue would end up being captured by the solar system. This could happen via a "soft capture," in which no native planets are ejected, or the invader could boot one or more worlds out as it came in, Vesper said; it would depend on the rogue's characteristics. The simulations also suggest that our solar system has likely never had an encounter with a rogue world more massive than Neptune, Vesper added. Such a big intruder probably would have stirred up the inner solar system greatly, but it remains orderly and tightly packed today, he said. Planet Nine is thought to be perhaps 10 times more massive than Earth. (For comparison, Neptune's mass is about 17 times that of Earth.) The undiscovered world's existence was first seriously proposed in October 2014 by astronomers Scott Sheppard and Chadwick Trujillo, of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., and the Gemini Observatory in Hawaii, respectively. Sheppard and Trujillo noted that the gravitational influence of an undiscovered giant "perturber" in the outer solar system could explain oddities about the orbits of a handful of distant objects, such as the dwarf planet Sedna. In January 2016, astronomers Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena found further evidence for such a planet in the orbits of several additional bodies in the outer solar system. Batygin and Brown dubbed the hypothetical world Planet Nine, and calculated that it likely possesses a highly elliptical orbit that takes it as much as 1,000 astronomical units (AU) from the sun. For perspective, 1 AU is the Earth-sun distance, about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). Neptune lies about 30 AU from the sun, and Pluto never gets more than 49 AU from our star. Planet Nine's putative orbit is consistent with that of a captured rogue, Vesper said. But the new simulation results don't prove anything about the origins of the hypothetical world, he stressed. Indeed, astronomers have yet to confirm the planet's existence (though this milestone could come by early 2017, Brown has said). And other studies have deemed the rogue-planet explanation unlikely, suggesting instead that Planet Nine is a native of the solar system, or that the sun ripped the world away from another star during a long-ago close stellar encounter. So, as can be said about pretty much all Planet Nine news and speculation, stay tuned! Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. Alpha Centauri A and B orbit one another 4.3 light-years from Earth. To directly image planets orbiting either of the stars, researchers must cancel out the overwhelming light from both of the stars. GRAPEVINE, Texas Earth's lonely sun is an outlier: Most of the nearest sun-like stars have a stellar buddy or two in orbit with them. And researchers are getting closer to probing those complicated systems to directly image their planets. At last winter's meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), Space.com reported on a talk by Ruslan Belikov, a scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center in California, about how to complete a seemingly impossible task: using a deformable mirror to help cancel out the interfering light of two stars in a system like our neighbor, Alpha Centauri, revealing any planets that may lurk in their habitable zones. This year, we caught up with Belikov and fellow Ames researcher Eduardo Bendek to see how their system's development has fared over the past year and what the recent detection of a planet around the star Proxima Centauri (which some astronomers consider to be part of the Alpha Centauri system), and planet-spotting initiatives like Project Blue, mean for the quest to snap a nearby planet's photo. [What Do We Know About Alpha Centauri?] At last week's AAS meeting, Belikov presented results of laboratory-scale experiments aimed at wiping out the glare of two stars at once with a small deformable mirror a technology that would be combined on a telescope with a device called a coronagraph that physically blocks one star's light in a system like Alpha Centauri, which lies about 4.37 light-years from Earth. "Multi-star high-contrast imaging opens up a huge diversity of star systems, and Alpha Centauri in particular," Belikov said during a presentation at the AAS meeting Friday (Jan. 6). "If you wanted to detect Earth 2.0 around the nearest sun-like star to us, then this technology is required," particularly for smaller telescopes. Belikov et al. tested their new system of multi-star wavefront control on two light sources, shown here the columns show just star A, star B and both at once. By warping a deformable mirror in the right way, the researchers were able to suppress light from both stars in a small window. Adding a coronagraph, a telescope attachment which physically blocks one of the stars, would increase the image's contrast. (Image credit: lab test by E. Pluzhnik, data analysis by R. Belikov) The team's algorithm doesn't require any additional telescope hardware, beyond in certain situations taking advantage of a common type of grating on the mirror. Because of that, Belikov said, it could be used with large-scale telescope projects like NASA's Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) and the proposed Large UV/Optical/Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR), and also enables smaller systems like the researchers' proposed project ACESat, a small space telescope optimized for imaging potentially habitable planets around Alpha Centauri. Alpha Centauri is 2.4 times closer than the next-closest sun-like star and therefore offers a particularly tantalizing target: a direct imaging telescope could be much smaller, and 10 times cheaper, than what is needed to image potentially habitable planets around any other star, Belikov added. After hitting the required milestones on mirror-only experiments, the team's next step is to combine the technique with a coronagraph, which the researchers plan to do by the end of spring. The technology is approaching its longer-term goals, too, Belikov said after the presentation. "We are hoping that over the next year or two we will demonstrate ... this technology to where it's ready for flight," he told Space.com. The small deformable mirror used to suppress light from two sources at once. (Image credit: DM by Boston Micromachines Corporation; image: NASA ARC) The time is right Like ACESat, a private initiative called Project Blue was recently announced to send a small telescope into Earth orbit to image the Alpha Centauri system. That project has helped pull the challenge of imaging multi-star systems, and Alpha Centauri in particular, into the public eye. The discovery of Proxima b, a planet orbiting the faint star Proxima Centauri, has also increased interest in the Alpha Centauri system. However, because it's so close to its star, Proxima b isn't a good candidate for detection. "It's a little bit paradoxical," Belikov told Space.com. "Things like Proxima b are easier to detect than Earth-like planets around sun-like stars, but much harder to characterize, [to] take their spectra." The more sun-like stars of Alpha Centauri offer a better habitable zone to scrutinize, he added. In the meantime, NASA is continuing to work on telescope projects like WFIRST and LUVOIR that could pick out distant exoplanets, or closer ones, too. "I think the field is about to change very dramatically in the next years," Bendek added. "You saw the results from ground-based observatories that are pushing to the edge they have been very shy on saying, but their ability to control the turbulence is growing really fast, so they're approaching the space regime quickly. I think that there will be a point in which space and the ground are going to synergize closely and I think that's going to happen on a timescale of five years." "That's very long for the public, but if you think on the timescale of exoplanet science, of astronomy when you think of [the fact that] the first planet [orbiting a sun-like star] was discovered in 1995, this is going superfast," he added. Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement This gap between wish and reality could be observed at the EU summit in mid-December. In Brussels, the prime minister stood among her counterparts as though invisible, completely ignored. All around her, summit participants pecked each other on the cheeks, but nobody spoke to the prime minister and she wasn't invited to a joint dinner. On Twitter, people gave her the nickname "Theresa No Mates." May has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent months. She voted for Britain to remain in the EU, but only weeks after taking office she wasn't even willing to provide EU citizens living in Britain with a guarantee they could stay. In October, she allowed her home secretary to speculate about the possibility of making British companies provide lists of their foreign employees and her health secretary raised the specter of firing doctors from other EU countries. As often happens with converts, it looks as though May is seeking to become Britain's most passionate Brexit advocate. In her new year's address, she softened her tone somewhat and spoke of a "truly united Britain" she would like to build. Politically, however, she remains a hardliner. She insists that she will secure the right deal for Britain once she sits down at the Brussels negotiating table. Alienation in Europe In Britain, this aura of toughness has helped, particularly because she has the right-wing Daily Mail, with its 3.5 million readers, on her side. But it is damaging her in the rest of Europe. Britain will be dependent on the goodwill of other EU countries if May wants to conclude separation talks by 2019. She will also need to bridge the gap until a British-European free trade agreement can be reached. Gradually, the recognition is growing, even within the Brexit camp, that the clean break from the EU that many dreamed of will never happen. Even Liam Fox, secretary of state for international trade, recently said that Britain may ultimately remain a partial member of the EU customs union. "At the moment, everything and nothing is possible," says Stephen Booth. He has agreed to an interview in his office near Downing Street, which is packed full with stacks of paper and cardboard boxes. These are the offices of Open Europe, a small, government-aligned organization with six employees who played a central role in the referendum. Booth and his colleagues feed ideas to the powers that be and prepare political options for the government. Open Europe supports a broadening of the free trade zone, albeit without the protectionism and centralized bureaucracy of Brussels. In other words: It supports a Europe minus much of the EU. 'We Want To Continue Playing a Role in Europe' Booth says the debate over withdrawal is too one-dimensional and too focused on the single market, the customs union and money . He argues the British government should instead widen its view and speak more fundamentally about security on the continent, about strategies for dealing with Russia and Syria, about British migrants on the continent and EU citizens living in Britain. In other words, issues where the British stand to gain something. "We want to continue playing a role in Europe," says Booth. It's an appeal to May to finally move ahead and develop a Europe strategy. Booth believes that Britain would profit if the Brexit debate were expanded to include security and foreign policy. But the problem is that the government is already reaching the limits of its capabilities and has too few people at its disposal. Cuts in recent years have seen the number of government employees fall to the lowest level since World War II. In addition to the prime minister, one other person will stand at center stage in Britain next year who not many people outside of Westminster know -- a man with white hair, a high forehead and a malicious smile. David Davis enters a conference room in parliament on a cloudy afternoon. As Brexit minister, it's his job to make the best of the chaos. Twenty-one members of parliament on the Exiting the European Union Committee are staring out at him from the semi-circle. The parliamentarians are the checks and balances on Davis and his ministry. Unfortunately, there's not much for them to monitor at the moment -- for Davis, too, lacks a plan. Perhaps that explains his easygoing approach. The first question asked this day is: When will Davis present his plan for Brexit negotiations? "As soon as we can," Davis says, but it will be unlikely before February. Is he seeking a transitional arrangement until a free trade agreement is ready? "It depends what you mean by transitional arrangements," he responds. And what would happen if Britain were unable to come to an agreement with the EU after two years? "We'll do contingency planning for all the likely outcomes," he says. He doesn't offer anything more concrete. Davis is 68 and negotiating Brexit could well be his last job. Why should he allow his mood to be spoiled at the twilight of this career? He speaks of Turkey, the customs union, Gibraltar and the European Medicines Agency with the unconcerned attitude of a man about to go into retirement. His ministry employs 330 people, the best his country has to offer, he says. After two hours and 123 questions, the members of the committee leave just about as informed as they were when they arrived. Britain has six different areas it must negotiate in coming years, including the complicated split from the EU, a British-European free trade agreement, an interim agreement and the United Kingdom's own seat on the World Trade Organization. It will also have to conduct talks with the 53 countries with whom the EU has reached trade agreements as well as consultations over future cooperation with the EU in areas of policing, intelligence and security issues. They will be the most complicated negotiations in British history, with thousands of pages of documents. Astonishingly, those people who were particularly loud in the run-up to the referendum have now gone silent. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson did give a speech about foreign policy and a "Global Britain" at the beginning of December, but he too is lacking a precise idea on how negotiations with the EU should be handled. May's Success Measured on Brexit The real work on Brexit is taking place not at David Davis' ministry, but at 10 Downing Street. That's where May has convened a cabinet committee that is drafting guidelines for Brexit and making decisions. The committee is the nucleus of the government's work. It meets behind closed doors and has 12 members, comprised of an equal number of Brexit supporters and opponents. But it appears it is even dawning on this committee just how massive is the task at hand. The Times of London quoted one member of the committee as saying: "Everyone chips in, the PM sums up and everyone staggers out saying how difficult it is." Theresa May knows her success will be measured on whether Brexit is accompanied by marked improvements for Britain. She must successfully negotiate at least three things: First she has to reduce the number of EU immigrants entering the country. Second, the European Court of Justice must be stripped of any influence over British law. Third, the British contribution to the EU needs to be significantly lower than the 11.5 billion euro sum that London transferred to Brussels in 2015. Anything less than that would be unacceptable to the hardliners and to the Daily Mail. Daniel Hannan says the British have two choices. Either the EU can continue to provide Britain with access to the internal market with limitations or the result will be a cold, hard Brexit. Hannan is a Tory member of the European Parliament and a pioneer of the Brexit movement. One of his hobbies is peppering his speeches with lines from dead English poets, which lends a flowery opulence to his language. Hannan was the man who, starting in the middle of the 1990s, elevated the absurd idea that Britain could leave the EU from the inconceivable to the realm of possibility. Brexit is his life. He wrote books campaigning against EU membership and also convinced fellow party members of the merits of his battle. In contrast to Nigel Farage, who never escaped his reputation for bar-room loutishness, Hannan spoke about free trade. He says his dream country would have low taxes, few rules, a small administration and, as Hannan puts it, a "streamlined welfare state." For him, Brexit is like a prisoner being released after decades in jail and stepping into the sun for the first time. Hannan is a romantic and, like all purists who are good orators, is by no means harmless. If the British government doesn't get what it wants from the Europeans, then it will have to drastically lower corporate taxes in order to remain competitive, he says. Under that scenario, Hannan says he would expect "a radical economy similar to the one in Singapore." Hannan dismisses the complaints about the lack of certainty following the Brexit vote as the moaning of defeatists. He sees rising prices as a necessary evil on the path to a better tomorrow. "Of course there are winners and losers from currency fluctuations," he says. But he can also speak of companies that have announced investments. "McDonald's, for example, has moved its headquarters from Luxembourg to London." Britain's Next Stroke of Luck? Listening to Hannan, one gets the impression that Brexit is just as fortuitous for Britain as was winning World War II. But he too remains vague regarding what the future might bring. In his most recent book, he made the case for membership in a reformed European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the goal being a loosely regulated free trade zone as well as bilateral treaties with countries like India, Australia and Canada. So where do things go from here? It cannot be ruled out that talks between the EU and Britain will fail. It might be that Britain's withdrawal will end in disaster -- for both sides. It could also be that we wind up with a "train-crash Brexit," as one Financial Times columnist worries. All of this is possible. Nobody knows for sure. The confusion helps opponents of Brexit. A few recently started a further legal offensive against the British government before the High Court with the aim of preventing a hard break with the EU. The fighting is becoming more intense. The losers in the referendum don't intend to give up easily, whereas some of the winners are already sitting in cozy positions or founding consulting firms. Daniel Hannan was just in the United States, Guatemala and Colombia to promote free trade. He wants to start a foundation. He's helping to spread the Brexit message to the world. Lusaka, January 9, 2017 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, and his accompanying delegation arrived Monday in Lusaka in the framework of a working visit to the Republic of Zambia, coming from the Republic of South Africa after a similar visit lasted three days. The President of the Republic and his accompanying delegation were greeted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Zambian Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba and members of the local and regional government and authorities in the region of Lusaka. The Sahrawi Republic and the Republic of Zambia establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. The President of the Republic is accompanied during this visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, Minister of Cooperation, Boulahi Sid, Secretary of State for Security and Documentation, Brahim Mohamed Mahmoud, Secretary-General of Nnational Union of Saharawi Women, Fatma Elmehdi, PAP Vice-President, Soueilma Beirouk, and Counselor to the Presidency of the Republic, Abdati Breika. (SPS ) 062/090/TRA Brussels, January 10, 2017 (SPS) - The members of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs called Monday, in Brussels, for the respect of the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) through the implementation of this judicial decision in which it concluded that the agreements of association and liberalisation between EU and Morocco are not applicable to Western Sahara. It is a CJEUs decision which must be respected. We are in a State under rule of law and its first principle is to implement the decisions of justice, said the chairman of this committee Elmar Brok, in an exchange of views with Nicholas Westcott, Middle East and North Africa executive director at the European External Action Service (EEAS). In a decision made on 21 December 2016, CJEU concluded that the agreements of association and liberalisation between EU and Morocco are not applicable to Western Sahara because of the separate and distinct status guaranteed to the territory of Western Sahara in accordance with the charter of the United Nations and principle of the peoples self-determination. The chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs exhorted the members of his committee to reflect on the consequences to be drawn from this decision and on ways enabling the United Nations process for the settlement of the conflict of Western Sahara to make a progress. The European deputy Afzal Khan underlined the need to meet and discuss on what the EU can do to resolve the conflict of Western Sahara. The Euro deputy Ivo Vajgl called on to discuss the best ways to respect CJEUs decision, underlining that Morocco is illegally occupying Western Sahara and violates human rights in these territories.SPS 125/090/700 Representatives from the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, The Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster, and Cymru Wales Young Farmers Clubs will produce a policy document outlining the shared priorities for rural young people across the United Kingdom. The future policy needs of each organisations members will be collected and collated, with a final report due to be published on the first anniversary of the Brexit vote. GREENWICH A Representative Town Meeting member accused of child pornography possession has resigned from his government post. Christopher Sandys, 46, was arrested Jan. 5 and charged with one count of possession of child pornography. He was in the middle of his first term on the RTM after having been appointed last March to fill a vacancy in District 1. On Monday, RTM Moderator Thomas Byrne said he was informed by the Town Clerks office Sandys submitted his resignation. There is no mechanism for removing someone from the RTM within the Town Charter or the RTMs governing rules, and Sandys could have continued to serve despite the felony charge. Sandys attorney, Lindy Urso, confirmed the resignation. He joined the RTM to help the town, Urso said. In that vein he has resigned, effective immediately. Sandys is due in court on Jan. 20. According to the Greenwich Police Department, Sandys was arrested as part of an undercover investigation by the Connecticut State Police into peer to peer child pornography image and video trading. Chris has led an exemplary life, highlighted by his graduation from the Air Force Academy and honorable discharge from the Air Force after a four-year enlistment, Urso said. These types of cases are always very difficult but its simply too soon for me to have any comment on the charges. Police said they found a desktop computer belonging to Sandys with more than 700 images of child pornography on it while executing a search warrant at his residence on LeGrande Avenue. Sandys also was a member of the Republican Town Committee. Party Chairman Stephen Walko said Monday that Sandys had resigned his position in the party as well. STAMFORD Rather than settling in to a front-row seat, Randy Thomas found a perch in the mezzanine to catch the show going on at the Palace Theatre earlier this week. As he looked out across the expanse to a wooden platform more than 50 feet above the stage, he watched as workers in hard hats and safety vests moved carefully to restore and replace plaster where ceiling meets walls. Drills whirred, buckets were lowered and the work continued apace. There is some really intricate work up there, said Thomas, the theaters director of production and facilities since 2006. Hes not as old as the plaster - which went up when the theater was built 90 years ago - but hes been working here since 1991. They dont build them like this anymore. It would be way too expensive. The Palace opened its doors on Atlantic Street on June 2, 1927. Designed by Thomas Lamb, a leader in his fieldwhose works include the Palace Theater in Waterbury, the performance venue rose from the wreckage of the Grand Opera House following a devastating fire in 1904. The site was purchased in the mid-1920s by Stamford residents Mary C. Vuono and her husband Charles and in its early days featured vaudeville acts. It then became a movie house, and, later, a stage for repertory work by the Hartman Theater company. Most recently, it has been host to musicians, comedians, dancers and other live acts on tour. By weeks end, the Harman Stage will be cleared of equipment and materials, as well as the steel scaffolding that stretched from one end of the proscenium to another. The crew began the work in mid-December. We do have a show on Saturday, and the show must go on, Thomas said, referring to the Stamford Symphony Orchestra, which is presenting the Emerson String Quartet at 8 p.m. There is plenty of upkeep needed for a theater of a certain age, Thomas said, but this latest project has been on his radar for some time. A leaky roof since replaced damaged some of the plaster. The preservation work will make the span safer, reveal sections destined for a scrubbing and touch-up and replace areas where needed. Decorative ceiling accents also are getting a fresh coat of paint that keeps with the theaters original colors. The nonprofit Stamford Center for the Arts, which operates the Palace, received about $140,000 from the city for the project as part of its capital budget. EverGreene Architectural Arts, an ornamental plaster restoration and decorative work company, was hired for the project. Its a company that knows the Palace well, having worked on other parts of the venue in the past. We take a very careful look at what is damaged and what is truly missing, said project manager Toland Grinnell, from the firms New York City office. Sometimes it is not that obvious. The plaster may not look loose or cracked at a great distance. But when you do this all day long, you start to notice. The specialists have made rubber molds and created new sections on site, in addition to some early forms made at the firms New York plaster shop. EverGreene will save as much of the historic plaster as possible. This is part of our American heritage and we want to preserve, Grinnell said. Its one of the aspects that makes our work rewarding ... the crews are really carrying on a tradition in America that goes back more than 100 years. There are many items on Thomas wish list, but it is a matter of having the time and funds. Thomas, who grew up in Stamford, recalled seeing The Exorcist at the theater in 1974 and, later, he worked behind the scenes for the Hartman Theater company. There is many a star that has crossed this stage, he said, recalling performances by Henry Fonda, Jan Miner, Margot Tenney and Edward Herrmann that he saw when he was younger. Trying to keep this place alive and the arts alive is huge. chennessy@hearstmedia.com; Twitter: @xtinahennessy When was the last time you did something that completely terrified you? For me, it was this past fall, when I made my debut stand-up comedy performance. I had been the first to arrive at New York City's Gotham Comedy Club for rehearsal. The bartenders hadn't even finished setting up the tables and chairs yet, and my first thought upon seeing the intimate room was, "oh, great, you can see everyone's face from the stage." But after a quick run through, which proved that the bright spotlights would prevent me from seeing anyone's potentially stone-faced expression in the event that things went south, and a brief tutorial about how to maneuver the microphone stand as to avoid any unintended moments of physical comedy during the set, all I could do was wait. The last time I tried stand-up comedy, it was 1996 and I was in the first grade. A platypus puppet and the line, "I just flew in from Cincinnati and boy are my arms tired" were integral parts of my routine. It was adorable. I'm thrilled no pictures of that talent show exist today. I've never considered myself a performer. My stage bona fides are extremely limited. There was a starring role as Oliver Twist when I was a very homesick 11 year old at summer camp, a couple of drama classes in high school including an audition for a one-act play with a monologue from Brighton Beach Memoirs (I remember walking into the room and leaving it and nothing in between) and an intimidating playwriting course in college in which we cast our classmates for weekly table reads. With that behind me, combined with what I think is a quite healthy fear of embarrassing myself in public, I decided to take a three-week stand up comedy workshop that would end with a performance in front of perfect strangers. It was an unsettling prospect for someone who always tries to never be at a loss for words. The workshop would help me figure out if this belief that I wasn't a performer was incorrect, or if I was right to give it a wide berth all along. Related: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From the World's Best In Comedy Week One My first class at the American Comedy Institute didn't actually consist of me being handed a microphone and someone saying, "OK, make us laugh," which my fevered, irrational brain thought might be the case. Instead, our teacher, Stephen Rosenfield, the founder of ACI, walked me and two other students through an introduction to comedy. We talked about the different types of stand up, the mechanics of set ups and punchlines and the elements of a strong performance. Steve emphasized that it was perspective, our takes on the world, which sets our comedy acts apart. Our assignment for the next class was to write down anything we heard or said that was funny. Steve also told us to write about anything that annoyed us. With these first drafts, he said it was important not to self-edit, because something that wasn't quite resonating could be revised into something great. Two days later, I walked into the classroom to see nine other people including my two orientation buddies. It was a mix of more veteran comics and complete beginners like me. Someone would go up, run through the material they had, and then would get feedback. And while it was fun watching everyone, as it got closer to my turn, the hand-shaking, foot-tapping unease from earlier in the week began to creep back in. When my turn arrived, and I looked into the faces of those very nice strangers, I was reminded of how nervous being in front of a crowd makes me. In the beginning, I heard myself falter a little and lose my voice and felt my brain trying to grab for the next thought even though the material was right in front of me. But I kept going. I just reminded myself that I was telling a story. And then I got my first laugh. When I got home that night, I just kept listening to the recording of myself over and over again. I could hear how the big laughs came at the points where I was the most like myself, and where it felt the least rehearsed. When you're doing stand up, you have to be comfortable enough with what you're saying and your perspective to get people on your side. You have to surprise them. I kept listening to that recording like it was someone else, because in a way, it was. When my voice was confident and I knew that the turn that would come next in the story would catch them off guard -- it felt pretty great. Takeaway: Remember that there is no ones perspective like yours. Dont discount what you bring to the table. Related: 4 Ways to Engage Your Audience Like a Comedian Week Two As someone who reports the news, I always think about accuracy and relaying the story exactly the way it happened. That doesn't help you write comedy. The second class was an individual writing session with Steve. As we were revising material, I often found myself explaining how I had come up with a joke, and I would go through it almost chronologically. But Steve would offer suggestions to make the routine sharper, such as the event happening at night instead of the morning, or if I was around other people instead of by myself. I learned that in stand up, you don't have to include every detail of a story because it can slow things down. You don't want an endless set up because by the time you get to the punchline, people will have already checked out. For comedy to resonate, it has to be emotionally true. For my next class, instead of going near the end like last time, I was up second. And the confidence I thought I had disappeared when I got to the front of the room. I felt so awkward. I tried to recreate the first performance, complete with the delivery of certain lines, but it felt plastic. There were some scattered laughs and somehow I managed to talk at hyper speed and be low energy at exactly the same time. When I sat down, I said, jokingly, "clearly, that went well because you all were very quiet," but I felt like I wanted to sink into the floor. Steve said that I had to slow down to the point that it might even sound strange to my own ear -- but it wouldn't sound odd to an audience. He told me that I was adding in too many words and that I wasn't vocally committing to my punchlines. With all that in mind, I learned that I needed to believe I deserved to be on that stage -- because if I didn't, no one else would. Takeaway: When you have something important to say, dont doubt yourself. Related: 8 Lessons Improv Comedy Class Taught Me About Entrepreneurship Week Three Heres a tip for you: If you come up with what seems like a great idea at 2 in the morning, write it down. But here's the "but": look at it again before you decide to share it. The night before the final full class before the performance, I was lying awake, mad about something that had happened to me earlier in the day. I started writing about all the things that made me angry, but then I started to reframe it and try to turn it into something funny. After the less than enthused response from my classmates the week before, I made the executive decision to throw out a bunch of material that I felt wasn't working. So, operating on about five hours of sleep, I performed the new jokes. I got probably two laughs over the course of four minutes, and the space between them was pretty torturous. At one point I think I actually said, "have some sympathy for me," but to no avail. The biggest laugh I got was when I sat down -- I said, "so the first part was kind of new, thought you all should know that." But Andrew, the comedian and teacher who was leading the third session, said that while one big piece wasn't working at all -- much to my quiet despair -- the new part had potential. I needed to do more, to lock into what had made me so angry in that moment, and really go off on it. This time, instead of just sitting and wallowing in what had gone wrong, I explained what happened and was honest with everyone -- I was a little scared about the performance and was starting to spiral out. Everyone was supportive, and Andrew said to bring everything I had with me to my last writing session. It would all work out. I went home feeling kind of dejected about how it had gone, but I woke up the next morning and felt surprisingly OK. I learned I can feel embarrassed in front of complete strangers, joke about it and survive. The next day, I met with Steve. What surprised me was there was more to salvage than I thought there would be, and actually, the solution was a simple as cutting out what I didnt need. The solid material had been hidden behind a curtain of unnecessary words. By the time Friday arrived, everyone who wanted to come had made reservations and bought tickets. It was a real thing that was really happening. So, of course, all the stress had finally caught up to me and I felt a cold coming on. At 2 a.m. the day of the show, I laid awake in the dark after spending the better part of the day hydrating and praying to the comedy gods to stave off a coming illness for at least another 24 hours. I took a deep breath and went through my set over and over again. When I realized I had it completely memorized, I finally fell asleep. Takeaway: You learn something from every failure. What you create next will be better for it. Related: What a Comedian Can Teach You About Running a Business The performance I woke up on Saturday and I could breathe through my nose. It was a comedy miracle. At one point during the run through, someone likened getting up there to skydiving, and I said, "right, just with more emotional stakes." I looked over my notes one more time as the lights went down on the packed room. I was set to go right in the middle of the show, which featured a mix of more seasoned comedians along with a few people who were making their debut, like me. Finally, my turn arrived. The emcee introduced me, I took a deep breath and walked up to the stage. The lights were blinding, but I could kind of make out one of my friends in the front row and the red light in the back of the room that would flash if I ran over time. I was nervous, but it wasnt long before I got my first laugh. It was a little bit of an out-of-body experience, but people were laughing when they were supposed to and I was never searching for the words -- they were all there when I needed them. Five minutes passed almost instantly, and then it was over. I couldn't wait to do it again. A few weeks removed from the big night, I still want to do more stand up. During my last class, we got to watch our performances. I was surprised that even when I knew I felt terrified, I looked like I was confident. Takeaway: If you're reading this site, it's pretty likely that you are thinking about trying something new and scary that requires you to reach out to strangers and friends and convince them to buy into your vision. My advice is that if an opportunity presents itself, take it. Even if it doesn't shake out exactly the way you think or hope it will, you'll learn that you are more capable, and can handle more than you realized. Related: 10 Things Confident People Don't Do I Recently Made My Stand Up Comedy Debut. It Was Terrifying, But So Rewarding. 3 Ways You Block Yourself From Being as Successful as You Could Be Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved D isgruntled Bovis Homes customers are to protest outside the annual meeting of the housebuilder, whose chief executive David Ritchie was ousted this week. The Bovis Homes Victims Group has swollen to 650 Facebook members with a litany of complaints, as well as a YouTube channel with more than 9000 views. Spokesman Marc Holdens 490,000 Bovis home in Milton Keynes was beset with defects, prompting a company review. Holden said: We are not going to stop our active campaign. There are a lot of unhappy people. The meeting will be in Tunbridge Wells in May. Bovis warned on profits last month after delays to sales, prompting Ritchie to resign. A Bovis spokesman said: Bovis Homes is aware of the issues experienced by a small number of customers and recently established a dedicated team of specialists to resolve them, and apologises to the customers impacted. T HE UKs top office recruiter Robert Walters today sounded the all clear for a Brexit-induced freeze in the capital because of a gradual thaw in the market. We are at the point where normality returns, said Robert Walters, who founded the business in 1985. Once people get bored with Brexit which is starting to happen they will get back to normal ways of thinking about moving jobs. They were frozen in panic and now thats thawing out. The company, which makes most of its revenue overseas, said UK fee income was up 16% in the final quarter of 2016 to 23.1 million, driven by its outsourcing business. European fee income increased 15% and Asia Pacific its biggest market was up 3% on a constant currency basis in comparison. Group fee income jumped 11% at 76.1 million. London lagged the regions for the period, because of higher than normal levels of activity outside the M25. Financial services recruitment, the key driver of Londons economy, continued to be patchy, and hadnt changed much from previous quarters, Walter said. The business, based in 27 countries globally, has outsourcing contracts with a number of major investment banks in the capital and puts its own people inside the banks to sift through job applications. If youre a bank, youre going to be hiring across the board and you take the view that you have a well-known name and people are going to apply anyway. Youre going to be deluged with applications so you want someone to handle it, Walters said, referring to the work his outsourcing division, Resource Solutions, did. He said that Londons finance roles were more likely to go to New York than Frankfurt post-Brexit because there was a lack of people with the right skills in Europes capitals. L ondon's financial sector was likened to a Jenga tower today by the chairman of HSBC, who fears a hefty fallout from the Brexit vote if politicians dont come up with clear rules. Douglas Flint told the Treasury Select Committee it was hard to say which firms or operations would move away from the City. But he warned: The ecosystem in London is like a Jenga tower. You dont know if you pull one brick out what will happen. HSBCs huge custodian business might have to move after Brexit, unless there is a clear grandfathering of present regulations into the new world. Xavier Rolet of the London Stock Exchange said more than 10,000 jobs could leave the City, out of a total of around 350,000, unless guidelines are laid out soon. While banks want to stay in London in the wake of the Brexit vote, a lack of clear direction could devastate its status as one of the top financial centres in the world, MPs heard. Committee chairman Andrew Tyrie asked Flint, Rolet and Elizabeth Corley of Allianz Global Investors what they feared from the vote and if bankers would leave. Flint replied: Nobody wants to push the button. The status quo is the best answer. But our regulators and our customers expect us to plan for the worst. Rolet echoed that view, saying London has achieved global leadership in share trading and clearing, but the impact of a lack of certainty over regulations would lead to the loss of trade. We are talking about numbers that are almost unimaginably large, trillions. He added: The decisions will be made by our customers. Immediately upon the filing of article 50, customers would ask us, what are your plans? L ast time Douglas Flint was in front of the Treasury Select Committee, the HSBC chairman was being tarred and feathered for failing to spot the dodgy tax work going on at its Swiss private bank. For todays hearing on Brexit, the stocks werent as urgently required despite Brexiteer MPs being keen to lob a few cabbages over his Remain stance. Looking at the way HSBC is structured, it seems to be one of the better-positioned international London banks, both for Brexit and the decline in US import-export trade likely from Donald Trump. On Brexit, it already has an EU banking licence, unlike its Wall Street rivals currently scrambling to get in their applications. And, unlike most of them, it also has a chunky operation there, employing around 8500 in France. Logic dictates that, if Brexit requires any London-based work to be shifted to the EU, HSBC will simply move a few hundred of its UK-based French staff back home to do it. On Trump, although any decline in world trade has to be bad for the big, global export-enabling banks (largely HSBC and Citigroup), its worth considering whos going to be the least badly off. If the new President scales back US-Asia trade, exporters in the Far East will fill the gap with more business between each other. Whos best-positioned to bank that trade, having financed trade in the region since 1865? Heres a clue: not Citi. One thing thats less sure is how much of all this Flint will see. The HSBC boss has long said he will retire in 2017, leading investors to assume that meant by the AGM traditionally in April. But his natural successor, Henri de Castries, ruled himself out in November. The job is hard to fill. It has to be an external appointment, and one whos an experienced, globetrotting banker on the Rolodex of all the big political and corporate leaders. He or she also has to be a regular at agencies such as the World Bank. Agustin Carstens, highly rated head of the Mexican central bank, was one of the few others whod fit the bill, but he just upped sticks to run the Bank for International Settlements. Assuming nobody suddenly jumps out of the snow at Davos, the board has its work cut out to fill the post by the end of this year, let alone April. Short-changed While marvelling at the turnaround at Morrisons by David Potts and his team, spare a thought for the many hedge funds shorting its shares for the past year. In 2016, the stock rose 56%, and todays profit upgrade added another 4%. That must hurt even more than it did for finance director Trevor Strain to see his beloved Hammers getting spanked by Potts Man City at the weekend. Y ahoo chief executive Marissa Mayer is to quit the board of the troubled tech firm as part of a shake-up including a name change, if its $4.8 billion (4 billion) takeover goes ahead. The former tech darling has a deal in place to sell its core internet business, including email, to US giant Verizon. It is understood Mayer (pictured), who has led Yahoo since 2012, will remain with the company. However, she is among six directors who plan to leave the board of the investment company that will be left after the closing of the sale, according to a new Securities and Exchange Commission Filing. It was also revealed the company will be renamed Altaba. Telecoms firm Verizon is expected to retain the Yahoo brand. Altaba will become a holding company for Yahoos remaining investments in Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba and Yahoo Japan. However, the deal with Verizon was thrown into doubt by Yahoos recent revelation that more than one billion user accounts may have been affected in a hacking attack dating back to 2013. That is understood to be separate from a cyber-attack which hit the firm in 2014. T here has been a predictably hostile response from health campaigners to the prospect that NHS services in some parts of London will be rationed to contain costs. As we report today, commissioning groups in Richmond, Croydon and elsewhere are considering refusing access to non-emergency surgery to the obese and smokers, and restricting access to IVF to exceptional cases. Richmond may reduce prescriptions for baby milk, vitamin tablets, gluten-free food and medication such as paracetamol. There are no easy or acceptable NHS cuts; just ever greater demands for funding. For instance, Prime Minister Theresa Mays call yesterday for justifiably greater priority for mental health has a commensurate cost. It is reasonable to consider rationing services in the way that Richmond and Croydon are doing but it involves making difficult choices about what our priorities should be. Obesity is undeniably a problem for the NHS not just those facing surgery. A sugar tax would help deal with it. These are hard decisions; the days when Gordon Browns government could deliver enormous increases in NHS funding which left a malign legacy of PFI debt are over. Much of the political energy of David Camerons first term was expended on futile NHS reforms. Mrs Mays Government will have to take a more rational approach. Some of the solution will require a change in all our attitudes. Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, has suggested the four-hour target for treatment at A&E should be restricted to emergency cases. This might not be necessary were it not that so many patients in A&E departments have been drinking to excess; its not what the service is for. The 111 service may also be part of the problem as it sends so many people to A&E; a return to a phone service staffed by well-qualified nurses might help. A bigger problem is that the NHS is dealing with social care for elderly patients who cannot be discharged without some provision for their home care. This is a responsibility for us all. We are all, thank goodness, living longer. One way of paying for our longevity might be a social insurance levy unlike national insurance it would have to be ring-fenced which would be spent specifically on care in old age. None of this is easy but the long-term challenges to the NHS will mean hard thinking. Another rail strike Another day, another Southern strike. Commuters must deal yet again with a total shutdown of the network today, seeking alternative often tortuous routes to the office or be obliged to stay at home. Southerns management and the train drivers union, Aslef, are said to be far from reaching a peace deal, which is not encouraging for those who just want to get to work. There are walkouts tomorrow and Friday curtailing all services Thursday is likely to be almost as chaotic. Indeed, Aslefs decision to hold three days of strikes with a gap in the middle is typically disingenuous. Replacement buses are in operation from some Southern stations, taking commuters to other rail lines not affected by the dispute. This is the least that can be done to ease passengers suffering - but its far from the lasting solution we need. White Helmets on film The screening last night of the Netflix documentary on Syrias White Helmets the group that rescues civilian war victims at huge risk to themselves hosted by The Clooney Foundation for Justice was attended by Mr Clooney. The documentary is largely based on footage from cameras worn and carried by participants. This is a remarkable step forward in documentary film making. T he Arab Spring of 2011 seems like a distant memory. At the time there were great hopes, particularly among young people across Arab capitals such as Cairo, Damascus and Tripoli. Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, wrote Wordsworth of the French revolution, but to be young was very heaven! Six years later the hopes of youth have been dashed. President Assad has all but won the Syrian civil war, with 500,000 Syrians losing their lives. Out of a country of 25 million, 11 million have been displaced, and nearly five million have left the country. Yet the fate of Libya is probably even more responsible for the migration crisis in Europe than the Syrian civil war. We can debate the rights and wrongs of our intervention in Libya in 2011. But what is clear today is that a country which had a stable government under Colonel Gaddafi is now a breeding ground for militias controlled by various warlords. Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA) reminds one of Voltaires definition of the Holy Roman Empire, which he memorably said was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire. The GNA in Libya cannot be described as a national government, neither does the existence of more than 1,500 militias suggest much accord. In the midst of all this chaos one figure is often referred to as a potential saviour. Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar is a 73-year-old former associate of Gaddafi. He enjoys support from Russia, Egypt and the UAE. He has control over the oil fields and much of the eastern part of Libya. The West remains committed to support the GNA. Haftar, as one senior diplomat told me, is a divisive figure. But it would be difficult to think of a senior military figure in all human history who has not been divisive. Haftar may, however, be a source of stability in that beleaguered country. Libyas chaos is a human tragedy. Every week thousands of people land in Italy from the continent of Africa. Many of them will have come through Libya at some point. The country has more than 4,000 km of borders, which is the same as the distance from London to Moscow. These are currently wide open. Stories have surfaced of militias detaining would-be migrants and starving them to make them thinner so that more can fit onto ships. Each migrant is reported to pay up to $1,000 to undertake the perilous journey across the sea. There is every incentive for Libyas militiamen to engage in this human traffic. The situation in Libya has direct consequences for Europe and the wider world, yet very little progress has been made. It is embarrassing to say that Syria is more likely to reach some kind of political stability in the short term than Libya. Some people are hopeful that President Trump will seize the initiative and come up with a plan to back Field Marshal Haftar. Such a move would not strictly conform to the ideals of democratic state building but it might provide a stable government to give Libya some control of its borders. The alternative seems to be endless discussions, debates and procrastination. None of this has yielded much fruit in the five-and-a-half years since the unlamented death of Muammar Gaddafi. Kwasi Kwarteng is the Conservative MP for Spelthorne T he Royal Academy is offering an insight into what artworks of the future might look like, with a project exploring 3D printed works in virtual reality. The show, which features work from Royal Academy School alumni and a current student, shows the potential of using digital technology to make art, where the physical limitations of gravity cease to exist. The Virtually Real exhibition follows the use of virtual reality at the Zaha Hadid exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery, which allowed visitors to be immersed into the world of her paintings. The project, which is a partnership with HTC Vive, will present the 3D printed sculpture alongside the virtual reality work, meaning that visitors can walk around, through, under and over each work. Featured artists include alumni Adham Faramawy and Elliot Dodd and current third year student Jessy Jetpacks. They all have a history of working in virtual reality, apps and multimedia. The video above shows a virtual reality scene from Adham Faramawy's 2017 piece Floating, spray can in hand. The Royal Academy's Virtually Real project in pictures 1 /4 The Royal Academy's Virtually Real project in pictures The Royal Academy's Virtually Real exhibition in pictures The Royal Academy's Virtually Real exhibition in pictures The Royal Academy's Virtually Real exhibition in pictures The Royal Academy's Virtually Real exhibition in pictures Mark Hampson, Head of Fine Art Processes at the Royal Academy Schools, said that their artworks will signpost us to unexpected future creative outcomes and new universes of artistic possibility, helping mould the identity of future art school creativity. Virtually Real is at the Royal Academy until January 14; royalacademy.org.uk Visit standard.co.uk/arts for the latest news and reviews from Londons arts scene Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout I mages offering a first look at the cast of the highly anticipated National Theatre revival of Angels in America have been released. The revival of Tony Kushners epic two-part play about life under the Aids crisis in 1980s New York will open in April this year, and is one of the hottest tickets of the 2017 theatre calendar. The A-list cast includes Hollywood star Andrew Garfield, stage and screen favourite Russell Tovey, and Olivier award winner Denise Gough, whose performance in Duncan Macmillans People Places and Things was compared to Mark Rylances in Jerusaleum. The cast also features James McArdle, acclaimed for his performances in last years Young Chekhov trilogy, and Tony award winner Nathan Lane, who makes his National Theatre debut. The production will be directed by Marianne Elliott, most well-known for directing War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Garfield, who plays Prior Walter, said that the play feels so very urgent at this moment, for all our souls, whilst James McArdle, playing Louis Ironson, described it as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Tovey, who returns to the National Theatre stage ten years after appearing in The History Boys, spoke of his palpable excitement at playing the role of Joe Pitt, in a majestic production. Angels in America runs at the National Theatre from April 11. It will also be broadcast as an NT Live screening; more information on tickets and performances at nationaltheatre.org.uk Visit standard.co.uk/theatre for the latest news and reviews from Londons theatre scene. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout W ebcamming, polyamory, internet dating, porn... American journalist Emily Witt traverses the full spectrum of modern sexual behaviour in her debut book, Future Sex. Its an inquiry into how and why we conduct our private business so publicly these days, but also a memoir told from the perspective of Witt, who, in her early 30s, is struggling with the idea that the marriage and kids shed expected are alluding her. And so she relocates from New York to San Francisco, in order to in her words use journalism as an alibi for some sexual experimentation. Witts journalism takes her on visits to sex parties, orgasmic meditation classes and open porn sets to report from the front lines of sex culture. In doing so, she cleverly picks up and untangles widespread cultural anxieties impressed onto us; that were meant to be looking for the one, that were somehow less desirable if were too free with our bodies, or that men are more sexual beings than women. Its a beautifully written and encompassing look at where we are headed in terms of sex, relationships and family structures. To find out more about Emilys experiences writing Future Sex, we met up with her while she was in London. Read on if you want to know what orgasmic meditation is... Hey Emily. So to start with, why did you decide to move from New York to San Francisco to write Future Sex? My lease was up, I wasnt happy in New York and there was a sublet in San Francisco. I knew that if youre looking at avant-garde sexual cultures its the place in the U.S. where that happens... Because of the gay history but also because of its earnest, self-help, self-reinvention culture. Its a place where people discuss things very openly, so I knew I would get people to tell me stories! Id also heard about kink.com and orgasmic meditation based there, so I had that to go on. Was it a culture shock? Yes! Theyre very different places; New York is a more conservative city, more cynical and sarcastic. None of my friends had ventured very far into that typically Californian culture of self-inquisitive sexual behaviour. As much as we thought of ourselves as sexually free and sophisticated because wed go home with each other after parties, wed never use a certain self-reflexive language to talk about it. Photo: Noah Kalina You make a lot of discoveries in the book about your own sexual conservatism. But you were raised in quite a liberal household, right? What was your upbringing like in terms of attitudes to sex? Im from a Midwestern background my dad is a journalist and mum a book indexer, so were a very bookish family. They were born in the '40s as baby boomers, lived through the '60s, married in their 20s, and have been married for more than 40 years. I thought of my upbringing as free because the expectation I was raised with was that its fine to have sex as a teenager, I could talk to my mum about birth control and I wasnt raised with sin looming over me. The difference was that my time of experimentation went on longer than theirs. I thought I would mimic them in terms of marriage, children and living in a house. When I started the book it was frustrating that that was evading me. Do you think thats a common feeling? Yes. At the time I was reading all these articles about single women and thered been this demographic shift that was real, whereby people now get married much later and not at all. Everything that referred to this seemed to focus more on how women felt about it than men. Like other people, I think I was legitimately trying to make sense of my life, but I would read these articles almost compulsively. Many were lamentations about not being in the kind of relationship I also wanted, or echoed what I believed about monogamy representing the best sex and the most equal relationship a woman could have. In the book you talk about how those articles peddle the economics of erotics this constructed idea that, if you sleep with lots of people, your value somehow goes down. I knew I had a frustration after reading these articles but I still carried that idea of sexual currency, these ideas that sex is cheap or that if you present yourself too sexually youll get the wrong kind of attention. I tried internet dating but didnt present myself as a sexual being on it, even though I would have casual sex with my friends or people I meet at parties. Why wouldnt I seek that out? Why did I need to present myself in a certain way? I guess I thought people who have certain types of relationships are either naive or destructive. It sounds to me like the age-old Madonna-Whore thing, or that idea that, if you present yourself as sexually available, youll never be seen as more than that. Totally. I realise that it's nothing new but it shocked me personally I was conservative in this way when I thought of myself as liberal. Was the book and the move to San Francisco you thinking Well, if Im not going to get married right now, lets go the other way? Well, when I got the book deal I was in a relationship that was ending and all I thought was, I just want to fall in love and get married, I actually didnt want to have to deal with all this stuff. It came from an extremely pessimistic place but yes, it was like: If this is what I have to live with I have to find some meaning in it. So I came at it with anger but it made me so much happier to realise that we have all these possibilities available now about how to live. I wonder now why I was so scared of them before. I think we create false ideas about who we are and dont actually test them. What struck me was that these hypersexual situations you put yourself in came off as deeply unsexy orgasmic meditation for example. Firstly, do you want to explain what that is for anyone who doesnt know? And secondly, Im curious, how did you find it? Orgasmic meditation is a practice where a woman takes off her pants and her partner remains fully clothed and strokes her clitoris for 15 minutes. Its not meant to be foreplay or intercourse. It can happen between friends or near-strangers. Its supposed to be a space between masturbation and sex where you can ponder the physical feelings in your body in a way that isnt about romance or sex. The people that run this organisation are called One Taste and theyre rooted in the human potential movement of California a kind of New Age, You have to find out who you are type thing. That aspect made me extremely uncomfortable every feeling you had was examined and discussed and you went to these workshops where you had to describe the blemishes on each others faces. I thought, Why does this have to be a part of it? And the actual practice... its not like I had a crazy orgasm, which is not the point, but surprisingly Im glad I tried it out... I was really sceptical but there was something about the experience where I came away understanding that I had been shutting down feelings in my body and experiencing sexual energy with anxiety. You tried out orgasmic meditation, and webcamming, but not some of the other stuff you investigate. Some of Future Sex is very fly-on-the-wall, some is very involved... I think one of the funny things about this book, that might be disappointing to people, is that I realised that a sexual inquiry into your sexuality doesnt mean sleeping with people and actually, thats great and fun to do too, but for me it involved a lot more thinking about the mythologies I had believed. Going and watching the nightmare porn of anti-porn feminists, for example, I was like OK, all of this sexual imagery is available on the internet, so lets suspend ideas of what is good or bad and just meet the people who are making it. Why are they doing it? You dedicate the book to your parents! What did they think of it? Theyve acted weird. My dad says he cant read it because its upsetting to him and my mum I sent the book with the dedication in it, days passed, she called me about something totally unrelated and eventually I asked her if shed read the book and she said, Sorry I didnt have a chance yet. I think they wish they could tell their neighbours and their friends, who are all having grandkids by children who are married, that Id written a nice book about politics. Or that youd given birth to a baby, not a weird sex book? Exactly. It struck me in Future Sex that you really took the agency away from men by telling the stories of women female characters like Nicole from Orgasmic Meditation, or Donna from kink.com or Wendy who does camming. Was that deliberate? That was about a thing that had bothered me since I first became sexually active. I was raised in a feminist environment with an expectation of equality and I began dating people and felt like the guy got to choose what type of relationship it would be. And also I had an experience in my early 20s where a guy I was seeing went to see prostitutes and I was shocked. What bothered me was not moral judgement, just a frustration at this experience of male sexual freedom being a lad and that there was no equivalent in these sexual adventures for me. That became a recurring feeling throughout my life. So I was conscious in the book to avoid gendered assumptions that men are always more sexually out there. I think I wanted it to feel free in terms of gender. You had conceptions about sex when you started, as weve discussed. So what did you unlearn in that regard? To not be scared to try things that felt uncomfortable. That I should value sexual experimentation as much as experimentation in other realms of my life. And the more experience I have the better it might be, rather than the worse it might be. Which sounds basic but for some reason I didnt value sexual inquiry the way I do now. Im not so interested in monogamy anymore, either. Its not a thing I long for, but rather Im interested in how to have a committed relationship that isnt totally defined by monogamy, and where I can maintain the sense of inquiry and adventure that doing the book gave me. What, overall, did it teach you about the future of sex more broadly? People think about the future of sex as teledildonics, virtual reality, and other technology, but to me its like soft sci-fi; the changes that have happened in the past 30 or so years in how people are having sex means that futurism needs to be about how we arrange the family, how we have children, how we organise a society no longer based on monogamous couples, how we find emotional stability there, and take care of each other when were old. In the U.S. almost half of adults are unmarried and almost 40% of children are born to unmarried parents. In certain communities that number is higher. So why are we pretending these new configurations are an anomaly or accident rather than starting to actually address that in legal and social ways? Thats the futurism that Im interested in. Read more from Refinery29: Why I Photograph My Best Friend Naked (NSFW) 9 Unmissable London Exhibitions In 2017 The Most Inspiring Photographs Of 2016 D o you work on your wi-fi-connected commute? Feel virtuous putting in long hours at the office? Eat your lunch at your desk and keep your smartphone on 24/7? If the answers are yes, youre working inefficiently and ruining your health, says Alex Soojung-Kim Pang. The 52-year-old former Silicon Valley strategy consultant is one of a new breed of lifestyle gurus who has concluded that the average office worker can achieve as much, if not more, work in four focused hours a day as in eight, and that making time for deliberate daily rest is a skill we all need to learn. The problem is weve all bought into the long-hours culture, he says its no longer just for highly-paid execs. If youre working on open-ended projects and enjoy your work, its probably worse, while many twentysomethings feel that if they havent made it big by 25, their career is over. Thats not to mention the obvious fact that most businesses are relentlessly competitive and expect employees to be available to colleagues, bosses and clients day and night. But, he argues, snoozing is emphatically not for losers. The time-out trend is growing fast. Its disciples include Arianna Huffington, whose Thrive Global company launched last year to promote sleep and sleep products to the corporate world; then Meik Wiking, CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, whose Little Book of Hygge - one of dozens- is currently topping the Amazon bestseller chart, and an entire brigade of thinking fast and slow behaviourial scientists such as Danny Kahneman, Daniel Levitin and Charles Duhigg . Pang, who lives with his teacher wife and two teenage children, has perfected his own daily routine to achieve peak results and claims to feel more intelligent and be more productive than he did when he was working a 15-hour day. Having consulted for a string of tech companies including Microsoft, he has just set up The Restful Company to advise companies and schools on how to incorporate deliberate rest into their schedules. he has also, helpfully, written a book for the rest of us. Here are his rules. Four hours focus Thats the maximum most humans, including top athletes, musicians and scientists can manage in any 24 hours, says Pang. But you can get far more done if this time is not broken up by email, voicemail and other interruptions. Office managers need to block out times when no one has meetings or is obliged to check their emails. Smartphones should be turned off at least two evenings a week. Pangs research suggests companies that allow employees such a luxury have a happier workforce and achieve better results. Whats more, their clients dont actually notice. We overestimate the urgency of most communication, Pang thinks, because it makes us feel important. Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang The curse of the open-plan office They may well induce collaboration, but they make it harder to do any remotely intellectually challenging work. Earplugs and noise-cancelling earphones are a good first solution but, Pang warns, you have to work really hard to get into the right head space where you can hunker down and focus. Other potential solutions include being allowed to work from home, going to a coffee shop or taking over a meeting room. Or, ahem, how about a return to individual offices? Why company break-out areas are bad The hip company with a climbing wall beside the espresso bar is becoming a cliche, says Pang. While breaks can restore energy and help employees re-focus, there is a risk that they will become a way of keeping people in the office for as long as possible. Not good. Encouraging employees to have their own lives away from the workplace makes them more productive when they are present. We tend to think of rest, or me time, as being selfish. Its not. Keep meetings short They should never be more than 40 minutes long. To get the max out of everyone in the shortest time, insist on no multi-tasking, keep devices switched off and ban chit-chat. If you dont need to write things down, walking meetings can be useful as people cant check emails under the table or self-distract. LinkedIn does it. We overestimate how sacrosanct peoples relationships with their devices are, says Pang. Routine is critical to creativity People tend to think that long hours and late nights are signs of seriousness and that leaving important stuff until the last minute is a sign of genius. Wrong, says Pang, who admits that as a student he used to stay up until 1am in a hyper-caffeinated frenzy and had to learn the hard way how to get more work done. Routine is the answer. Author Stephen King, one of the most prolific creative minds alive, swears by it. Take a nap Widely accepted in Japan and increasingly by companies such as Google, which has banks of nap pods, a 20-minute nap taken roughly six hours after waking up is as restorative as two hours of sleep and better for you than a strong flat white but it needs to become company policy to be socially acceptable. Falling asleep on the job can be a sackable offence. The art of perfecting the short nap takes practice; you may need to set an alarm. 7 of the best travel alarm clocks- in pictures 1 /10 7 of the best travel alarm clocks- in pictures Scroll through for the best travel alarm clocks... Seiko Clam Travel Alarm Clock In a silver hue, this one is pretty basic, showing the analogue time. Its a clam style, meaning the casing folds back to make a stand when you need to use it. 20, John Lewis, Buy it now Lascelles Travel Alarm Clock This is a great classic style with an antique, almost pocket-watch feel. The handy leather case becomes the stand and although its small, the chrome exterior makes it pretty robust. 45, John Lewis, Buy it now Braun Radio Controlled Travel Alarm Clock Wake up to music with this digital piece by Braun. The LCD display is easy to read for even the most bleary eyed and can be set in either 12 or 24 hour mode. The best thing is that the radio control will automatically set it to whatever time zone youre in. 30, John Lewis, Buy it now Widdop and Bingham Metal Fold Up Alarm Clock This foldup alarm clock has a traditional design and a reliable quartz timepiece. The casing is hardwearing, meaning it will withstand even the bumpiest journey. Beware though: theres no snooze button, so when the alarm goes off its time to get up and go. 8, Amazon, Buy it now JCC Multifunction Mini Alarm Clock This is a great all-rounder with an alarm clock, thermometer, date and digital time display. You can snooze as much as you like with this one and the back light makes it easy to check in the dark. 10, Amazon,Buy it now Lifemax Solar Alarm Clock If youre out camping and worried about running out of battery, this is a good choice. Its solar powered, so keep it out whilst your making breakfast and it will see you through right until the next morning. 13, Watchshop, Buy it now Lexon X Clock Travel Clock From Japanese designer Fumie Shibata comes this contemporary travel clock. Its ultra-light with a twistable base and the radio control will keep up with your time zone as you travel. 12, Made In Design, Buy it now Stop working mid-sentence Neuroscientists have found that when people stop doing a piece of work they know they are going back to, their subconscious keeps processing it even when their attention goes elsewhere. Take advantage and zone out. Your brain will still be problem-solving even if you arent aware of it, which Pang says is one of the greatest things you can learn to do. Grow the grey matter We should expect to feel exhausted after intense mental work and need to recognise the physicality of cognitive labour. We should respond by keeping our bodies in good shape but we tend to think of exercise as something wed do if only we had more time or if it can be slotted in after work. They are not competitors, they are partners and deserve equal billing. How to achieve peak vacation happiness Short, frequent holidays are more restorative than a month away as youre likely to do less. The optimum break is 10 days, with peak relaxation coming on day eight, says Pang. Alternating intense activity and deliberate restful periods each day is ideal. Cheapest Holiday Destinations 2017 1 /14 Cheapest Holiday Destinations 2017 Valparaiso, Chile Shutterstock / f11photo San Antonio, Texas Shutterstock / f11photo Belfast, Northern Ireland Shutterstock / Kanuman Yerevan, Armenia Shutterstock / Stanislav Samoylik Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Shutterstock / ZM_Photo Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina Shutterstock / Photokanto Braga, Portugal Shutterstock / dvoevnore Kalamata, Greece Shutterstock / LMspencer Panama City, Panama Shutterstock / Sylwia Brataniec Sofia, Bulgaria Shutterstock / meunierd Lviv, Ukraine Shutterstock / Tainar Pangs own routine It starts the night before, when he sets out slippers and puts coffee and sugar in a mug. He rises at 5am and goes straight to his computer where the programme will still be running, with yesterdays last sentence unfinished. From 7am to 8.15am he walks the dogs and takes his children to school. He allows an hour each morning onclient work, has an early sandwich lunch, followed by a 20-minute nap, then goes for a walk or to the gym. He finishes at 5pm. Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, is published by Penguin (12.99) on February 2 T he panoramic setting of the African bush is majestic but the view from my Serengeti hotel bleached yellow grassland dotted with acacia trees and the distant movement of herds of zebra or wildebeest is etched deep. This scene is ancient, at its best as the sun goes up and comes down, which feels a natural daily rhythm that is usually out of sync with our working life. The Serengeti, in northern Tanzania, is the setting of one of the most dramatic wildlife scenes on Earth: the river crossing of more than one million wildebeest and attendant wildlife from Kenyas Masai Mara. In Serengeti in September, when we visit, the herds principally wildebeest and zebras are north and will arrive in pursuit of the greenery produced by rain in our region in November. But the rain has started in bursts and we see lines of wildebeest trooping nearer. Safaris tend to be a two-day affair; other passengers on our flight were off to Zanzibar to round off their holiday. But there are rewards for digging in. Each drive is different and if, like me, you are interested in birds, there are 500 different species here. The trees too are fascinating, particularly as you get used to them in daylight and then in the silhouette of dusk. The soil is volcanic crust so great areas of the Serengeti are barren. Then acacias, the sycamore fig, the fever tree or the sausage tree with its distinctive fruits, rear up. They are home to the eagles and vultures as well as prettier specimens such as lilac rollers, bee-eaters and superb starlings. And the trees are as concerned with survival as the wildlife. A guide explained how the acacia would exude a chemical when a giraffe had munched too deep into its branches to persuade it to move on. African adventure: elephants at a watering hole / Richard Waite The Serengeti feels remote and it is. It takes four flights to reach it from London, via Nairobi and Kilimanjaro. An eight-seater plane hops between lodges; we fly first to Arusha, a small hub airport used mostly by hikers and described jauntily as The Geneva of Tanzania on account of the number of international conferences that take place in the city. Then up and off again. Everyone alright? Sick bags in front of you calls the pilot cheerfully. These are fully in use by a passenger behind me. Suddenly, after about 20 hours of travelling, we pass the rhino-flecked Ngorongoro crater and descend to a landing strip which marks the start of our first safari. At our hotel, a Four Seasons, there is a glass of champagne and cold towels waiting for us. My husband and I raise a glass with a German female doctor and wonder at our fortune. A suite at the Four Seasons / Richard Waite En route, we see African cape buffalo and a newborn giraffe still with his umbilical cord. There is a pod of hippos biffing each other to make space in the low water levels and a crocodile. All are waiting for the rains to come. The lodge itself is discreet and in local style. There are more than 70 rooms but the architect has created a low-lying cosy effect by designing everything in curves, with a meandering wooden walkway between the rooms that all have views of the Serengeti. A watering hole lies at the front beyond the infinity pool. So yes, you can swim with the elephants. Outdoor bathtub / Richard Waite As with the rest of the national park, the Four Seasons flourishes against the odds. No plants can be introduced here from outside so the hotel cannot grow vegetables. Yet the chef manages the freshest-tasting salads and the wine list, from South Africa, is terrific. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, a mix of Masai and other locals. Our room has a terrace which is directly above the elephant route to the watering hole. The heavy footsteps become familiar. We are warned that baboons will enter if we leave the window open. I wouldnt blame them for trying there are comfortable beds and powerful showers. An acquaintance said on my return they could not persuade their wife to go on safari because of the discomfort. I blushed. We are up at dawn and in the back of a 4x4. We drive for around four hours and our most spectacular sighting is a leopard stretching on a low tree branch. Back at the hotel lunch is waiting tapas of tomato salsa, aubergine and hummus, after which we sit out on the terrace with binoculars until the shadows fall and we fill our plates with a delicious Indian buffet. A luxury hotel in the middle of a national park could be a rich ghetto and Four Seasons is keen to root the place in its surroundings. A discovery centre gives fascinating insight into the geology and history of the region, including the shocking tally of hunted lions. In 1925, 50 lions were bagged in two months. In 1937, the Serengeti became a permanent game reserve, which was visionary in the conservation time scale; today around 4,000 lions thrive here. The numbers of endangered animals here are commendable: 3,000 elephants, 40,000 buffalo. However, the black rhino is only 50. You can spot giraffe The Discovery Centre team plays its part in conservation, including de-snaring injured animals. It is a mighty effort to protect these animals, led in particular by the work of the Friedkin Conservation Fund, which has invested more than $300million in Tanzania since its work began in 1987. The highlight of the trip was a walking safari followed by a camp dinner. We followed an armed ranger and guide, tracking animals via their footprints and faeces as the orange red sun fell beneath the horizon. After an hour-and-a-half we spotted a campfire, a chef and waiters. We dined by candlelight at a table on a high rock as if at the Savoy, while a ranger on lookout spoke softly to us. What animals did we have in England? Was it true we hunted them on horseback? I shall never forget that evening. My husband had a birthday the next day. Birthdays are not marked greatly by us but for Four Seasons it was a day of celebration that started with a cupcake for breakfast and ended with dinner in the wine room and a conga sing-song from the kitchen staff. Im not sure how I retrain my husband to be satisfied with a card and an extra helping of spaghetti bolognese in future. It was a long journey back after a night at the Legendary Lodge in Arusha, a colonial building surrounded by manicured lawns. It was a 2.30am start for the drive from Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport and I was a little tired. But as the plane to Nairobi ascended above the clouds, there was Kilimanjaro set off by a sunrise you would consider too gaudy in a painting. The sun rises and the sun sets in Africa. It is like nowhere else. Details: Tanzania Four Seasons Serengeti (00 255 768 982 100; fourseasons.com/serengeti) offers the Essential Serengeti package from $1,540 per night, based on two people sharing a Savannah Room. Includes round-trip transfers between Seronera Airstrip and the Safari Lodge, three meals per day, beverages, including house wines, local beer and well spirits, plus daily game drives, internet access and laundry credit. National Park fee is not included. A London man who was found dead on a busy stretch of motorway may have hidden himself in a lorry, police said. Ashley Hayes, of Shepherds Bush, west London, suffered catastrophic injuries after he was run over by several vehicles on a 50mph stretch of the M1. His body was found on the motorway near Daventry in Northamptonshire in the early hours of Tuesday. Northamptonshire Police named the 46-year-old victim as they continued an investigation into his death. Detective Sergeant Tony Hopkins said: "This may have been an accident or something more serious. We need to determine the circumstances that led to his death." The officer said inquiries have suggested Mr Hayes may have been in Toddington Services area in Bedfordshire at 1.30am. He added: "He may have been given a lift from there, or may have hidden himself in a lorry, to enable him to get to where we discovered him. "We need anyone who was there at the time and may have seen him or witnessed anything suspicious to contact us." Witnesses, or anyone with information, can call police on 101 or 03000 111222 if outside Northamptonshire. A London rapper who raped and tortured a woman with a burning iron in a horrific three-day ordeal while she was kept prisoner in his home has been jailed for 23 years. Courtney Hutchinson, known as DVS, force-fed and burnt the woman, made her take scalding showers and savagely beat her before repeatedly raping her and telling her she would die. Despite her horrific injuries, the 20-year-old woman managed to escape from his house and Hutchinson chased her naked into the street where a member of the public found her. In a sickening turn of events, the attack on the woman, who was just 17 when she met Brixton-born Hutchinson, mirrored that of a similar one acted out by the rapper in a film he starred in. Torture scene: The rapper plays a character who burns someone with an iron / The Intent The rapper best known for songs Hometown and Passion - played Brownin in a gangster film called The Intent. The film was released in July 2016 and also stars other British grime artists and rappers, including Krept and Konan. In one scene Brownin is seen burning a man with a hot iron the same form of torture he was to inflict on his victim months later. The filmmakers have since released a statement apologising to Hutchinsons victim and condemning his crimes but the film is still available in its original form online. The attack began when the victim drove to Hutchinsons flat near London City Airport on February 5. As soon as she arrived he began punching and kicking her before forcing her to eat a meal. The following morning the brutal ordeal continued. An enraged Hutchinson used chair legs to beat his victim, whipped her with a phone cable and dragged her around by her hair. He then pressed a burning hot iron onto her exposed skin multiple times before holding it above her face and demanding she burn herself as she pleaded with him to stop. Hutchinson told the victim she needed to be punished and made her put her hands behind her back while he punched her in the face and throat. Horrific crimes: Hutchinson has been jailed for 23 years / Metropolitan Police The force of his attack left the woman with 40 injuries, including a fractured eye socket, broken nose, dislocated shoulder, stab wound to the hand and severe burns. Hutchinson told the victim that she would die the next day and told her to call her mother and say goodbye. He then went on to repeatedly rape her. The following day, two days after the harrowing attack started, Hutchinson forced the woman to take hot showers and stamped on her burns. He filmed her saying on camera that she was a "bad person". Throughout the entire ordeal he kept her naked. When the victim saw an opportunity to escape, she fled naked into the street. Hutchinson, also naked, ran after her, saying "I have got you now." When a member of the public came to her aid, Hutchinson claimed the victim was his wife and everything was OK but the person called the police. The victim was rushed to the Royal London Hospital and continues to receive treatment for the injuries Hutchinson inflicted. Hutchinson was arrested on February 10. He pleaded guilty to GBH with intent, rape and false imprisonment despite a Tweet being posted from his Twitter account seemingly proclaiming his innocence. It said: Whoever's dumb enough to think I could rape a 17 year girl then so be it. But I could never be that guy. So carry on trying slander my name. On Monday he was handed a 23-year prison sentence during his sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court and will remain on the sex offenders register for life. Detective Sergeant Jimi Tele, from Newham police, said: "Courtney Hutchinson subjected his victim to the most shocking and repeated levels of violence. "The level of violence he inflicted was so severe it demonstrated his total disregard for the victim as a human being, subjecting her to levels of callousness and danger that are rarely seen. I would like to praise the bravery and determination of the victim of this truly harrowing ordeal. Finally, I would like to add that the Metropolitan Police Service is committed to pursuing those who commit violence and particularly those most dangerous offenders. "I am conscious that there may be others who have suffered similar violence, whether at the hands of this offender or another, and I would urge them to approach the police." A statement published by the makers of The Intent in July, when Hutchinson pleaded guilty to the crimes, said: "In light of a recent criminal case surrounding one of the supporting actors from The Intent cast, we would like to release this statement expressing that in no way do we condone the actions and behaviour of the individual or any persons involved. Before the production of The Intent commenced, (two years ago - in July 2014) all cast members were vigorously screened with respect to any criminal activity and gang affiliations before being allowed to participate. We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the victim of the crime and hope that she makes a speedy recovery. Like most people, we are shocked and appalled by this heinous crime. The police have asked anyone who may have been a victim of such violence related to Hutchinson or another person - to contact police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A flasher exposed himself to a group of people at a south London bus stop during the morning rush hour, police say. The man flashed at commuters waiting at the stop on Old Kent Road, Bermondsey. Shocked people waiting for the bus tried to hold him until police could arrive but he managed to escape and run off. Now police have released a picture of a man they would like to speak with in connection with the incident. He is described as a clean-shaven white man, aged 35 to 40, 5ft 6in, with short black hair. He was wearing a black jacket, jeans and black shoes. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: The incident happened at approximately 8.15am on Friday, October 14, at a bus stop in Old Kent Road, near Mina Road. "Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact local police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. T he trial of a rapper accused of being involved in a drive-by shooting in north-west London has collapsed after a witness dramatically changed his story. David Osadebay, 30, from Harrow, known as C Biz, was cleared on Tuesday of killing 27-year-old Oliver Tetlow in Harlesden. The Old Bailey had heard that Mr Tetlow was gunned down in the street on March 9 last year in a case of mistaken identity over the rapper's stolen jewellery. Three other defendants have also been acquitted after a prosecution witness changed his story under cross-examination. Jahmico Trott, 29, from Manchester, and Romarne Young, 22, from Kilburn, were found not guilty on the direction of the judge last month. And, following lengthy legal argument, rapper Mr Osadebay and Mohamed Siamino, 20, from Acton, were also acquitted. Informing jurors of the decision to drop murder charges, Judge Gerald Gordon QC said the situation was extremely rare. All the men had denied murder. P olice officers in London are to be warned not to leave their patrol car engines idling unnecessarily and spewing out toxic fumes. A Met commander is pledging to crack down on the practice after receiving a fresh complaint from residents who live near a spot where the vehicles are parked. Susie Honeyman and husband Jock McFadyen wrote to Detective Chief Superintendent Sue Williams, borough commander in Tower Hamlets, about cars idling near their home close to Bethnal Green police station. The couple say the pollution has plagued them for years. Mr McFadyen was arrested two and a half years ago for alleged criminal damage after slapping the bonnet of an empty police car in protest after officers in another vehicle refused to turn off their engine. He was later released without charge. At the time the local force responded to complaints by restricting the use of run-lock, which keeps the engine going so onboard computers and other technology carry on working without the ignition being turned on. But Ms Honeyman recently wrote to DCS Williams claiming run-lock was again being used in Victoria Park Square. She said: We understand run-lock might sometimes be needed in emergency situations but it is again being used on a casual basis. DCS Williams wrote back: The matter of unnecessary run-lock use is one I am aware of and I share your concern. As you detail yourself, there is a time and place for it. I am sad to hear the practice of unnecessary use appears to have crept back in and will ensure a memo is circulated to staff so that it will cease. A message is due to be sent to officers this week at the regular staff briefing. The City of London is leading a capital-wide campaign to stop the practice of letting engines idle unnecessarily. Scientists estimate air pollution is responsible for a death toll of 9,400 a year in London. Loading.... Last week Brixton Road breached the annual EU limit for nitrogen dioxide just 120 hours into the New Year and Putney High Street did so yesterday. @nicholascecil A DJ at a leading London nightclub has criticised a police officer who pulled him over while driving and told him it was "fact" that black men in gangster-style clothes carry out crimes. DMO Deejay, who plays weekly at DSTRKT nightclub in Piccadilly, posted two videos taken the same day of him being stopped by police while driving. In the second video, taken a short distance from the club, the officer attempts to explain that black people are pulled over because of their "criminal profile." In the go-pro footage, the officer can be heard saying: This isnt racist, its a fact. Predominantly, the criminal profile of people who do it are black people. So, naturally, if you see a car full of black guys, maybe dressed in gangsta-style clothing or whatever, when theyre driving down there, theyre getting stopped. Stopped: He said it has happened 'quite a few times' before / DMO Deejay The DJ, who has over 20,000 fans on Facebook, said he was first pulled over in his own car, a Mercedes C63 AMG, while driving through Ealing Common en route to a meeting on Wednesday January 6. They said it was a random stop check but I could see the officer receiving instructions on his radio of who to stop, said the 27-year-old. I was 40 minutes late to a meeting with a car dealership. I did not appreciate that. At the meeting with HR Owen VIP services, he hired a Bentley GTC in order to film a promotional video in which he drives around London handing out CDs to fans at their homes. But before he had even made it to the first persons house, he found himself being followed by police and was quickly pulled over near Leicester Square. 'Targeted': The DJ was pulled over in two different cars / DMO Deejay The Birmingham-born DJ said: I noticed the car following me and I knew what it was, but I was doing absolutely nothing wrong. I got out of the car and one officer started asking whose car it was and asking for the keys. Once Id showed him it was all fully legal and insured he started saying most crimes in this area are committed by black people so I am likely to get stopped if I drive through here. In the clip, which has been viewed over 15,000 times since being posted yesterday, DMO deejay says: Are you hearing what this guy just said to me? If Im in a car full of black guys and were dressed in gangsta clothing, the criminal profile of people around that area, which is Piccadilly, which is right outside DSTRKT where I play every single Tuesday as my DJ residency, means that theyre getting stopped. DMO Deejay DSTRKT nightclub, where he has held a residency for four months, has welcomed the likes of Will Smith, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Jay Z and Nelly through its doors. DMO Deejay added: "This has happened quite a few times before and I've always been completely legal. I'm being targeted." A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "The MPS is aware of the footage circulating on a social media, and it has been reviewed by the directorate of professional standards. "A senior officer will make contact with the man who was stopped to apologise, and ask if he wishes to make a complaint. "We can understand why based on what has been circulated in the footage why it has caused frustration. "The officers will be spoken to about the explanation that they provided and to ensure we fully understand the circumstances of what happened." A Thompson Airways flight packed with British holidaymakers was forced to make an emergency landing at Gatwick after striking a bird. Tenerife-bound TOM6248 hit the seagull shortly after taking off from Bournemouth Airport at 8.21am on Tuesday. Bemused passengers took to social media to discuss the incident after the plane touched down at Gatwick. Eric Jackson wrote: Thomson flight to Tenerife emergency landing at Gatwick. Emergency landing: A Thompson Airways pilot speaks to passengers / Twitter/Eric Jackson He said fellow travellers were pretty relaxed as there was not a lot they could do about it. And added: They are trying to fix it a seagull went right through the engine and shattered the core of the engine according to pilot. "There was a thud on take-off from the left engine and heavy vibrations it was obvious something had happened. Flyers were later forced to change planes to continue their journey, Mr Jackson said. 'Heavy vibrations': Passengers described feeling the moment the plane hit the seagull / Twitter/Eric Jackson A spokeswoman for Thompson Airways told the Mirror: The aircraft has diverted to London Gatwick as a precautionary measure following a suspected bird strike. "The plane landed safely and we are working to make sure that customers will be on their way to Tenerife as soon as possible. "The safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance and we would like to reassure customers that issues of this nature are very rare." A campaign to save an historic Spitalfields pub has been reignited after developers lodged an appeal. Plans were rejected to convert The Duke of Wellington in Toynbee Street into a hotel but Mendoza Ltd is contesting the decision. The pub featured in the video for Robbie Williamss single Candy and dates back to the 1840s. Television presenter Stephen Mulhern, whose brother Vinny is the landlord, was among those who campaigned against the original plans in 2015. They were rejected by Tower Hamlets planning committee last year. New plans outline proposals for keeping the pub on the ground floor and hotel rooms on the first and second floor and extension. But campaigners say the hotel will lead to the eventual closure of the pub. Regulars sent an official letter to the council yesterday demanding a right to attend the appeal hearing and speak out for their local. One, Paul Andrews, said: Many of the Dukes loyal customers have been present at all the committee meetings and wish to have our voices heard (at the appeal) by a planning inspector. Mendoza has previously taken over pubs in Hoxton and Battersea, one of which is now a restaurant. More than 50 per cent of pubs that were operating in Tower Hamlets in 2000 have since closed. Borough mayor John Biggs urged Mendoza to save the pub. He said: Its only right any appeal is heard in public. "What nobody wants is a culture of pub predators, where locally valued pubs are seen as easy pickings for development and where council decisions to prevent them are overturned. Mendoza were unavailable for comment. A motorcyclist has died the day after a crash on a busy road in south-west London. The rider, a man in his 60s, was rushed to hospital on Monday by Londons Air Ambulance after he was hit by a car in Roehampton Lane, Wandsworth at around 9.20am. Police said he died in the early hours of Tuesday from his injuries. The mans family have been informed but he has not yet been formally identified. Police say a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The driver of the car stopped at the scene and was not arrested. Police said the motorist was helping them with their investigation. Detectives from the Mets serious collision investigation unit issued an appeal for witnesses and information leading up to the crash following the riders death. In August, a motorcyclist died after a collision with a car on the same stretch of road, not far from Queen Marys Hospital. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Merton traffic Garage on 0208 543 5157, police via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 A woman has died following a house fire in south London. Fire crews desperately attempted to rescue the woman from the ground floor of a property in South Norwood, Croydon, after the blaze broke out at 3pm on Tuesday. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Some 14 fire fighters battled to extinguish the fire which damaged the ground floor and part of a staircase in the detached house in Birchanger Road. Metropolitan Police Officers and crews from the London Ambulance Service were also called. A London Air Ambulance landed at nearby South Norwood Academy. A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said: The Brigade was called at 3pm and the fire was under control at 4.10pm. Crews from Beckenham and West Norwood fire stations attended the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation. I t has been the most hotly contested seat in the art world: who is to become the next director of the Tate, after Nick Serota stepped down after 30 years in the job. The Londoner has been tipped the wink: it is almost certainly Maria Balshaw, with an announcement imminent. Sir Nicholas had looked like he would never step down from running the group, which includes Tate Modern, Tate Britain and its two regional outposts, but when he was offered the esteemed role as chair of Arts Council England in September last year, he ceded his throne. Among those tipped to take over have been Alex Beard at the Royal Opera House and Julia Peyton-Jones, formerly at the Serpentine, but Maria Balshaw has always been the front-runner. Heading the Manchester art scene for more than 10 years as director of the Whitworth Art Gallery at the University of Manchester and Manchester City Galleries, Balshaw attracted the attention of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which put her on the board of the Arts Council. Balshaw has had an endorsement from the Queen, after being awarded a CBE at the Queens Birthday Honours for services to the arts in June 2015. The Londoner called the Tate this morning to see if they might crack and admit it but got the inevitable no comment. One detail which will be intriguing is the seating plan at the Arts Council. Balshaws term on the board is due to end in 2018 while Sir Nick gets his feet under the table next month. Plenty of time for them to exchange tips as they sort-of exchange jobs. ----- As Jeremy Corbyn launched a media strategy supposedly inspired by Donald Trumps tweets, a new parody account by a Jeremy J Corbyn has popped up. Were gonna build an allotment! And neoliberal corrupt media are going to pay for it! went an early Corbyn Trumpism. If it keeps JC busy, sure, will do. ----- Snub of the day from New Zealands PM Bill English, who has arrived in Brussels for three days to discuss a trade deal of fine lamb, sauvignon blanc, culture and civility with the EU. As an addendum to this trip, our Commonwealth friend will pop over to the UK briefly afterwards. Grayling falters as push comes to shove The Tube strike hit Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who was photographed in thick crowds at Clapham Junction yesterday morning wearing a fetching beanie hat. Grayling was trying to get from his Surrey constituency to London and was running late. We are told that, as irritated commuters shoved towards trains, presumably cursing the Government as they went, Grayling was pushed to the back of the queue and ended up 40 minutes late. Dont we want a Transport Secretary with sharper elbows? Spot the Brexiteer? Not around here An evening of culture at Kensingtons Design Museum last night, for the Creative Industries Federations second anniversary celebration. Government ministers rubbed shoulders with luminaries including BBC director-general Lord Hall and theatre supremo Cameron Mackintosh. Enjoying the party were publisher John Mitchinson with Radio 3 presenter Clemency Burton-Hill and night czar Amy Lame with Jacqueline Rose, from the GLA. Noting that 96 per cent of Federation members had voted Remain, Mayor Sadiq Khan had one question for the atrium in his headline speech. Who were the four per cent? Are any here tonight? No hands went up. WireImage British politicos rally for Meryl Meryl Streep has three Oscars, two Baftas and eight Golden Globes and has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. She turned her oratorical skills on US President-elect Donald Trump earlier this week, so he took to Twitter: Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesnt know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a..... So now that Meryl Streep has become a divisive issue, where do British politicians fall on it? Boris Johnson : The Foreign Secretary is in NYC trying to charm Trumps team pre-inauguration, which might explain why his department wouldnt comment yesterday, but the Londoner dug up some old BoJo prose in which he admitted he loved her in The Iron Lady. It is true to the essence of Thatcher, and above all Meryl Streep is amazing, he raved in the Telegraph in 2012. She enters into her; she becomes her: the ruby lips, the flashing eyes, the pineapple hair, the pale skin transpiring at every pore with the fire of pure certainty. Steady on, Boris, your new bromance target thinks shes all hype. Somehow this God-gifted, 62-year-old American actress has re-explained to the world what it was like to see, meet and be the Wests first female prime minister. Jeremy Corbyn : Silence. Then again, theyd hardly say he was weeping over her performance as a handbag-wielding union crusher. Tim Farron : The Lib-Dem leader is a huge fan. Her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher was particularly illuminating, he told us. It reminded me of a time when we had a Conservative Prime Minister who realised that the success of the British economy depended on trading with our European partners. Karen Bradley : The new Culture Secretary, keen to earn her stripes, has seen lots of her films, the most recent being Florence Foster Jenkins. I think everybody has, havent they? she added. Matt Hancock : The Minister of State responsible for digital and culture policy, said: I love Meryl Streep. But which performance? Her portrayal of the Queen. The Londoner stratched its head. Which portrayal of the Queen? The one in the Ant Bully? Or was he confusing Maggie T and Lizzie R? Not unusual in his party. Follow The Londoner on Twitter and Facebook here E mployers were today urged to offer loans to staff to cover their rental deposit as part of a campaign to help workers with soaring housing costs. Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that all parts of the City Hall group would offer employees help with renting a flat and urged businesses across the capital to follow suit. Many firms have reported that they are struggling to retain and attract the best talent as workers are increasingly priced out of the capital. The campaign, Fifty Thousand Homes, calls on employers to pay all staff the London Living Wage and to offer housing advice and flexible working within six months of signing up. They are also encouraged to offer help to buy through mortgage guarantees or loans, preferential lending terms for mortgages and to consider providing quality rental accommodation. The capital is said to need to double house-building to at least 50,000 homes a year by 2020 to protect and enhance Londons competitiveness as a global city. Naomi Smith, director of the campaign, said: Londons high cost of housing is a huge challenge for businesses, risking our ability to attract and retain the people we need to keep our city working and thriving. Employers want to help their workers who are struggling with rent or trying to get onto the housing ladder. But we have to start unlocking more land in London, otherwise well carry on slipping backwards. More than 100 employers including big firms such as Arup, Mace Group and Grant Thornton UK LLP have signed up, while the campaign is backed by business groups, including London First, and housing charity Shelter. Mr Khan said: It is unacceptable that so many hard-working Londoners continue to be priced out of their own city it is bad for Londoners and bad for the future economic success of the capital. We know that building new homes to tackle the housing crisis wont happen overnight but in the meanwhile we need to do whatever we can to help Londoners struggling to meet the soaring cost of housing. I would urge all London businesses to sign the Employers Pledge on housing. We must do all we can to retain and attract the best talent in our capital and to make sure we remain a city for all Londoners. J eremy Corbyn appeared to dodge a question on whether he would like to be Prime Minister during a grilling by Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain. The Labour chief was quizzed on his political ambitions on the ITV breakfast show after host Morgan suggested he was a serial protester who loves being leader in Opposition. Morgan said: There is a theory that youre a serial protester, objector, you love being the Labour leader in Opposition. But you dont really want to be the top guy because that would mean having to make decisions and running the country which doesnt play into the protester narrative. Quizzed: Jeremy Corbyn was probed on his ambitions to become Prime Minister by Piers Morgan / Good Morning Britain And Mr Corbyn appeared to swerve the question as he reeled off why he wanted to be in Government but without describing himself as its leader. He shot back: I want to be in Government so that we can conquer the housing crisis in Britain. I want to be in Government so that young people get a real chance in life. I want to be in Government so that we dont become a country thats one of the most unequal in Britain if not in the OECD countries, one that actually gives a real chance to everybody. Some viewers accused the Islington MP of failing to cement his leadership credentials during the interview. Lyn Walcott tweeted: Jeremy Corbyn is a wet fish and even dodges the issue about being Prime Minister. Questions over Mr Corbyns leadership ambitions have been raised previously. In September, former shadow chancellor Ed Balls told the BBCs Daily Politics show he believed Mr Corbyn was happy to grow Labours membership and did not want to be Prime Minister. D onald Trumps decision to name his son-in-law as a top White House advisor has sparked an outcry today with senior Democrats launching a bid to block the appointment amid allegations of nepotism and conflict of interest. Democratic lawmakers have urged the US Justice Department and the Office of Government Ethics to investigate possible legal issues relating to Jared Kushners new role in President-elect Trumps administration. Mr Kushner, 35, is the husband of Mr Trumps daughter, Ivanka. His lawyer Jamie Gorelick responded by insisting the young tycoon would be stepping down as chief of his familys property empire and as publisher of the New York Observer newspaper. She also said Mr Kushner intended to divest substantial assets and would forego his salary for the White House role. Paying little heed to the likely controversy, Mr Trump said yesterday that his son-in-law - an influential figure in the Republican candidates triumphant election campaign - would be a tremendous asset and he was proud to offer him a key leadership role. However, Democrat members of the House Judiciary Committee question how Mr Kushner can avoid serious conflicts of interests as a powerful presidential aide. They argue that a strong case can be made that the 1967 anti-nepotism legislation applies to staff working in the White House. Mr Kushners White House position may allow him to influence policy that benefits his business interests, they claimed. Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump will also relinquish her executive positions with the Trump Organisation and from her own fashion brands, but would not be taking an official position on her fathers team. Mr Kushner is widely perceived as being a calming influence on his father-in-law and his importance to the incoming president was illustrated when he was assigned with Mr Trumps Chief Strategist Steve Bannon to meet with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson at the weekend. According to the New York Times, Mr Kushner is described by Mr Trumps staff as the first among equals in his most trusted inner circle and he is expected to wield unparalleled power behind the scenes in the West Wing. While some opponents see the appointment as another attempt by Mr Trump to bend the rules to his will, others believe Mr Kushner will be a moderating factor. Loading.... I respect him a lot, said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said when asked about Mr. Kushner. Ive known him for years and find him to be a very reasonable person. S witzerland has won a landmark court case which obliges Muslim parents to send their children to mixed swimming classes. A panel of seven judges at the European Court of Human Rights found that religious freedom had been interfered with but that the move was justified with the aim of social integration. The ruling was made after Swiss-Turkish parents Aziz Osmanoglu and Sehabat Kocabas refused to send their daughters to mixed swimming lessons in Basel Mr Osmanoglu and Ms Kocabas were ordered to pay 1,138 for acting in breach of their parental duty in 2010. The punishment triggered a succession of legal challenges from the pair. But the Basel court of appeal dismissed their claim and the challenge was also thrown out by Switzerlands federal court before the European Court of Human Rights also rejected it. The couple alleged the treatment violated article nine of the European Convention on Human Rights but judges dismissed the argument. A statement from the court said: The court observed that school played a special role in the process of social integration, and one that was all the more decisive where pupils of foreign origin were concerned. The childrens interest in a full education, thus facilitating their successful social integration according to local customs and mores, prevailed over the parents wish to have their children exempted from mixed swimming lessons. In December, Germanys highest court ruled Muslim girls must take part in mixed swimming lessons after a challenge by parents of an 11-year-old girl. The parents claimed the girl should be excused from lessons because even wearing a burkini, a full-body swimming suit, went against Islamic dress codes. U S authorities have imposed sanctions on a British man from London who is believed to be part of an Islamic State terror cell led by Jihadi John. Alexanda Kotey, 33, from Paddington, west London, has had his assets frozen by the US State Department. He has been identified as one of four members of a group nicknamed The Beatles that beheaded around two dozen hostages, including American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff. Authorities believe he acted as an IS recruiter who carried out torture for the group, including electronic shock and waterboarding. Terror group: IS executioner Mohammed Emwazi / Reuters The team of British executioners was led by Mohammed Emwazi - Jihadi John - and was also responsible for the killing of Britons David Haines and Alan Henning, as well as American aid worker Peter Kassig. Emwazi, who beheaded several Westerners in IS propaganda videos, was killed in a drone strike in 2015, while Aine Davis, also from London, was arrested in Turkey the same year. The fourth member was named in 2016 as former child refugee El Shafee Elsheikh, a mechanic from White City in west London. Identifying Kotey as a "specially designated global terrorist", the US State Department said: "As a guard for the cell, Kotey likely engaged in the group's executions and exceptionally cruel torture methods, including electronic shock and waterboarding. "Kotey has also acted as an Isil recruiter and is responsible for recruiting several UK nationals to join the terrorist organisation." The department has frozen any property or interests he may have in the US and banned any of its citizens from having any dealings with him. US authorities believe Kotey's last known location was in Raqqah, Syria, a State Department spokeswoman said. It is not clear whether he is still in the city. Additional reporting by Press Association. C hris Evans thought he was going to die after being struck down with pneumonia over Christmas. The former Top Gear presenter has revealed that he nearly pegged it when his temperature soared to 106 degrees while on holiday in Barbados with his family. Explaining his dramatic few weeks to listeners on his Radio 2 show, the 50-year-old said that he first started feeling ill on Christmas Eve. It started over Christmas, he said. [I was] felled like a sack of spuds on Christmas Eve and still sort of have it. Twitter reaction - Chris Evans quits Top Gear "I peaked at a temperature of 106 on holiday. Nearly pegged it to be honest, nearly pegged it. He went on to say that he became convinced that it was curtains for him as the illness took hold. "At one point I thought, 'Do you know what? Ive got a lovely life and love my family to death but do you know I feel so ill at the moment.' It was nearly curtains for me, he said. He later told the Daily Mail: A very nice Bajan doctor diagnosed me with an upper airways infection; actually three one for the ears, one for the nose and one for the throat. He was quite amazed when the thermometer showed that lava-like temperature reading of 106 degrees. Evans has been holidaying in the Caribbean with third wife Natasha and children. J ames Jordan and Austin Armacost have both blasted each other as a c*** in an explosive Celebrity Big Brother row. The former Strictly Come Dancing professional didnt hold back as he criticised the American star over his behaviour in the house. After Armacost told housemate Stacy Francis that he doesnt like her, Jordan stepped in to calm the situation but found himself in the firing line. Hitting out, Jordan told Armacost: All you seem to do is shout at everyone in the f****** house then wonder and cry about why four people nominated you, Im surprised it wasnt more. Celebrity Big Brother Launch 2017 - In pictures 1 /25 Celebrity Big Brother Launch 2017 - In pictures Sarah Harding Getty Images Shaun Williamson PA Sandi Bogle Getty Images Sam Thompson Getty Images Sarah Harding PA Shaun Williamson PA Sandi Bogle PA Karthik Nagesan PA Brandi Glanville Getty Images Sam Thompson Getty Images Marissa Jade PA Jemma Lucy PA Derek Acorah PA Trisha Paytas PA Chad Johnson PA Helen Lederer PA Paul Danan PA Amelia Lily PA Jordan Davies PA Throughout the day youre a boring c***, then you have a drink and youre and even bigger c***! The feud continued later as Armacost pranked Jordan by putting shoes in his bed. After Jordan prodded Armacost over his threats to walk from the show, the American retorted: You f****** b***-e**, d*******, d***-cheese, f****** c***, gutter-rat, t***. Celebrity Big Brother 2017: Stacy Francis, Ray J, Angie, Austin and Speidi up for eviction Before heading to bed, Jordan blasted Armacosts boring, petty, s***y behaviour", calling him a "little c***, trying to come up against me you little p****, adding: Goodnight mate, love you. Armacost has been a divisive figure in the current series, often venting his feelings in the Diary Room and appearing upset after being nominated by four housemates ahead of Fridays eviction. One housemate is due to leave at the start of the week, with Stacy, Austin, Speidi, James Cosmo, Ray J, and Angie Best facing the vote. Channel 5, 9pm WASHINGTON (AP) Now an elder statesman, Barack Obama is returning to Chicago where he launched his unlikely political career for one final speech: a parting plea to Americans not to lose faith in their future, no matter what they think about their next president. Obama's final speech as president, before thousands who will gather at McCormick Place, is his last chance to try to define what his presidency meant for America. It's a fitting bookend to what he started eight years ago. It was in Chicago in 2008 that the nation's first black president declared victory, and where over the years he tried to cultivate his brand of optimism in American politics. "We've run our leg in a long relay of progress, knowing that our work will always be unfinished," Obama wrote Tuesday in a Facebook post previewing his speech. "And we've reaffirmed the belief that we can make a difference with our own hands, in our own time." Obama has said he's leaving his eight years in office with two basic lessons: that Americans are fundamentally good, and that change can happen. "The system will respond to ordinary people coming together to try to move the country in a better direction," he said ahead of the speech. The system did respond, in November, to Americans who by and large rejected Obama's policies by electing Republican Donald Trump. Obama and Democrats had warned against a Trump presidency in apocalyptic terms. So now Obama's daunting task the closing act of his political career is to explain how his vision of America remains relevant and achievable for Democrats in the Trump era. No stranger to high-stakes speeches, Obama rose to national prominence on the power of his oratory. But this speech is different, White House officials said. Determined not to simply recite a history of the last eight years, Obama directed his team to craft an address that would feel "bigger than politics" and speak to all Americans including those who voted for Trump. His chief speechwriter, Cody Keenan, started writing it last month while Obama was vacationing in Hawaii, handing him the first draft on the flight home. By late Monday Obama was immersed in a fourth draft, with Keenan expected to stay at the White House all night to help perfect Obama's final message. Ahead of his speech, Obama acknowledged that the chaos of Washington makes it easy to lose sight of the role American citizens play in democracy. He said that while he leaves office with his work unfinished, he believes his administration made the U.S. "a stronger place for the generations that will follow ours." Seeking inspiration, Obama's speechwriters spent weeks poring over Obama's other momentous speeches, including his 2004 keynote at the Democratic National Convention and his 2008 speech after losing the New Hampshire primary to Hillary Clinton. They also revisited his 2015 address in Selma, Alabama, that both honored America's exceptionalism and acknowledged its painful history on civil rights. Former aides were brought back to consult on the speech, including advisers David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs, and former speechwriter Jon Favreau, said the officials, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions. The president, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will all travel to Chicago for the speech at McCormick Place, a sprawling convention center along Lake Michigan. For Obama, it will be his final trip aboard Air Force One as president, though he'll use the plane to depart Washington for an unspecified destination next week just after Trump is inaugurated. In his hometown of Chicago, the prospect of witnessing Obama's last presidential address brought thousands out in single-digit temperatures over the weekend in hopes of securing tickets. They showed up well before sunrise and waited in lines that stretched for blocks. Though he and his party were dealt a devastating blow in November's elections, Obama leaves office as a relatively popular president viewed favorably by 57 percent of Americans, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released the day before his speech. That puts Obama on par with former President Bill Clinton's popularity as he left office. Yet Americans remain deeply divided over Obama's legacy, with fewer than half saying they're better off eight years later or that Obama brought the country together. Two in three Americans said he didn't keep his promises, though most of those Americans said he tried to, but could not. "He acted very presidential, but he just couldn't get things done," said Dale Plath, 86, a retired sales manager from Mason City, Iowa. He said he voted for Obama the first time, voted against him the second, and this year, Plath said: "I voted for change, frankly" in the form of Trump. By MARK EVANS STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD Scott Schmieder, county road and bridge foreman, reported to the county commission last Thursday that temperatures are getting too cold at night for much more asphalt work to be done. He said potholes had all been patched. His crews were working on Bodine Road and made call-ins to locate ZION, Ill. Dairy Queen has closed one of its stores in Illinois and terminated its relationship with the franchise owner after police say he used racial slurs in an angry confrontation with a customer. A Zion police report says the franchise owner, Jim Crichton, told a responding officer used a racial slur in reference to Deianeira Ford, 21, of Tinley Park, Ill., and her children. He also said he was "fed up with black people" and would go to jail over the issue. According to the report, Ford said Crichton used the racial slur to Ford and her children after she asked for a refund for a mixed-up food order in the drive through. "It was really just upsetting especially with having my children in the car," said Ford, the mother of a 2-year-old daughter and 5-month-old son. "I mean, no one deserves to be treated like that." Zion is about 50 miles north of downtown Chicago. The incident prompted protesters to gather outside the Dairy Queen on Saturday. Ford said she has an attorney and is considering legal action. Ford's attorney didn't immediately return a call seeking comment. Crichton apologized in a statement provided by American Dairy Queen Corporation and said he would undergo sensitivity training. "My actions were inexcusable and unacceptable," Crichton said. "I can only ask for forgiveness and try to make it up to all involved." Dairy Queen in a statement called Crichton's statements "reprehensible" and said his behavior doesn't represent the restaurant's values. Crichton didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment. He is not charged with any wrongdoing. Ford has the support of Zion's mayor and police department. "I'm disgusted and discouraged by the comments made by this business owner," Police Chief Stephen Dumyahn said. "I reached out to Miss Ford to tell her that this does not represent the diverse community of Zion." The parent company of Hardees is laying off 24 people in downtown St. Louis in March as it closes the office and moves the fast-food restaurant chains headquarters to Nashville, Tenn. CKE Restaurants Holdings, the company headed by Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder, announced in March 2016 that it planned to consolidate an office in Carpinteria, Calif., that houses the headquarters for its Carls Jr. burger chain and a St. Louis office at 100 North Broadway where Hardees is based. Both chains are moving their headquarters to the Tennessee capital city. Hardees extended offers to relocate to Nashville to most of its employees, the company said in a letter to state officials: The company has extended generous offers to most of the St. Louis workforce, and also is providing those who are not relocating with severance packages, health care continuation, retention bonuses and outplacement assistance. In a layoff notice to Missouri officials, required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, CKE said that 24 managers, administrative assistants and other corporate employees in its St. Louis office who did not accept relocation offers will be permanently laid off. The WARN notice was published on the Missouri Department of Economic Developments website Tuesday. Puzder, a former St. Louis lawyer, is the CEO of CKE Restaurants and President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to head the U.S. Department of Labor. His confirmation hearing, originally scheduled for Thursday, is expected to be postponed perhaps until February, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Puzder lives in Franklin, Tenn., near Nashville. Duck boots and politics don't mix. L.L. Bean found itself under threat of boycott from activists after Linda Bean, granddaughter of founder Leon Leonwood Bean and a member of the company's board of directors, donated to a pro-Donald Trump political action committee. It's the latest brand to drift into a blizzard of political vitriol over a perceived stance on the Republican president-elect's politics. Linda Bean, who owns a chunk of the closely-held maker of clothing and outdoor recreational goods, is a longtime political donor who twice ran unsuccessfully for Congress as a Republican. She contributed $60,000 to the Making America Great Again PAC, according to the Federal Election Commission. The agency said in a letter dated Jan. 4 that her contribution exceeded the individual donor limit of $5,000, according to the Associated Press. After news of the donation emerged, anti-Trump group Grab Your Wallet called for a boycott of L.L. Bean's products. Founded last October, Grab Your Wallet publishes a list of companies and individuals who support Trump and urges consumers to punish them by withholding their cash. Freeport, Maine-based L.L. Bean was quick to respond to its appearance on the list, posting a 325-word statement on its Facebook page. In it, Executive Chairman Shawn Gorman wrote that the company has more than 50 family members who are owners, and that no one person speaks for the clothier. He said he was "deeply troubled" that L.L. Bean was being portrayed as a partisan entity. "L.L.Bean does not endorse political candidates, take positions on political matters, or make political contributions," said Gorman. "Simply put, we stay out of politics. To be included in this boycott campaign is simply misguided, and we respectfully request that Grab Your Wallet reverse its position." His post has racked up more than 4,500 comments in less than a day. Reactions range from outraged shoppers to stalwart defenders of the staid New England brand.When reached on Monday, a spokesman for L.L. Bean said it is "both illogical and unfair" to link the personal politics of one family member to the company's five generations of owners. There's been lots of blowback experienced by brands that waded into the recent political maelstrom. Trump supporters protested against Starbucks after its chief executive officer supported Hillary Clinton, and they took off after Kellogg when it pulled advertising from the ultra-right website Breitbart News. The president-elect himself called for a boycott of Macy's after the department store dumped his clothing line. Anti-Trump activists meanwhile pressed for boycotts of retailers that sell daughter Ivanka Trump's fashion line, including, yes, Macy's. And New Balance was burned by furious customers (literally, in some online videos) after a spokesperson for the shoemaker criticized the Obama administration while coming out in support of Trump's opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. (Clinton also opposed the pact.) Consumers have found more creative ways to battle brands of late. One activist group called Sleeping Giants is trying to change online advertising by informing companies when their advertisements pop up on hate sites filled with false news and white supremacist or neo-Nazi content. So far, Sleeping Giants has contacted more than 1,000 companies with screenshots of their brands alongside hate speech, including Chase and Audi, according to the New York Times. "People are just searching for a way to fight back, a way to make a difference," said Dorothy Crenshaw, founder of public relations firm Crenshaw Communications. As she sees it, L.L. Bean handled its situation appropriately by using a calm tone and sticking to the facts without getting too emotional. With a wide swath of the consumer public riled up before Trump's inauguration, companies need to be more aware than ever about managing their reputation, said Crenshaw. That means thinking hard about what values they want to stand for and whether those ideals align with their core customers. Politics is a real part of the business environment, she said, and it must be dealt with delicately, not totally ignored. "You can't put your head in a hole, shrink back, and avoid the entire dialogue," said Crenshaw. Canada's Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. said its affiliate will sell its Dendreon cancer business to China's Sanpower Group Co. Ltd. for $819.9 million, as the drugmaker continues to shed its non-core assets to repay debt. Dendreon makes prostate cancer vaccine Provenge that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010. "With this sale, we are better aligning our product portfolio with Valeant's new operating strategy by exiting the urological oncology business, which is one of our non-core assets," Valeant Chief Executive Joseph Papa said in a statement on Monday. The company bought bankrupt Dendreon in 2015 for about $300 million after reaching a stalking-horse deal for Provenge and other assets. Seattle-based Dendreon filed for bankruptcy protection after sales of Provenge fell short of expectations and left the company deep in debt. Valeant is trying to regain investor confidence following a tumultuous year in which its pricing strategy and ties to a specialty pharmacy led to a wider political and regulatory scrutiny. In August, the company said it was eyeing $8 billion worth of sales for its non-core assets and could accept offers for its main businesses. The Dendreon sale is expected to close in the first half of 2017. Valeant said it will use the proceeds to repay its term-loan debt under its senior credit facility. Like many plays of its era, Arthur Millers 1947 drama All My Sons is a representational family drama, depicting conventional relationships (husband and wife, parent and child, housewife and neighbor) among Americans who have known each other for years. So how does its new production at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis sustain its tight grip on the audience, from congenial start to shattering finish? Part of the credit goes to director Seth Gordon, who sets a sprinters pace for his fine cast. And part goes to Miller. He establishes such high stakes for this drama that it truly earns every sharp intake of breath and every clenched fist. The play revolves around the affluent Keller family, living comfortably in postwar America. One of their sons, Larry, never returned from his last mission; despite a complete lack of evidence, his mother, Kate (Margaret Daly), remains sure hes MIA and will come home. His father, Joe (John Woodson), a manufacturer of airplane parts, and his brother Chris (Patrick Ball), a veteran poised to take over the family business, know better. (Its been over three years.) Chris is so sure that Larry was killed that hes seeing Ann Deever (Mairin Lee), who used to be Larrys girl. In fact, he has invited her to visit the Kellers in order to ask her to marry him. Kate is horrified, apparently because that wedding would puncture her hopes. But its more complicated than that. The Keller and Deever families share a dark history. Annes father was once Joes business partner. Their plant shipped defective airplane parts to the Army, a catastrophe that cost 21 pilots their lives. A terrible accident or a deliberate choice? When the partners were prosecuted, Joe was exonerated, but Steve Deever remains in prison. Not everyone accepts that result. Woodson gives a commanding performance as Joe blustery, defensive, genial on the outside but smoldering underneath. He wants people to admire him as a success, but he knows his neighbors harbor doubts. Woodsons account of how he returned from prison walking slowly down their lovely street, smiling, basically daring the neighbors to challenge him makes a bravura moment in a consistently bullish performance. As he describes the mechanism of pretense, you have to wonder: Is Joe fooling anybody? Most of all, is he fooling himself? The other actors match him in persuasiveness. In particular, Zac Hoogendyk shines as Anns brother, a young lawyer whose anger is muddled with regret when he comes face to face with an enemy hes always known. Looking around the yard, he tells Kate, This was the only place I ever felt at home. The poignant admission reminds us that familiarity doesnt guarantee safety. This home does look very inviting, thanks to lighting designer Peter E. Sargent and set designer Michael Ganio. Ganio gives the Kellers a beautiful backyard, green and comfortably furnished yet realistic. LOS ANGELES When Antoine Fuqua and Will Beall teamed up to turn Fuqua's 2001 movie "Training Day" (which won an Oscar for star Denzel Washington) into a TV series, they thought of "Fargo." That is, they thought of what Noah Hawley did with FX's "Fargo," taking the Coen brothers' movie and creating a series that "exists in the same universe as the film" but doesn't remake it. The movie "Training Day" is "its own thing, this iconic, classic crime story," Beall said when CBS introduced its "Training Day" to TV critics meeting in Pasadena. The series, arriving Feb. 2, is more fun, with a lighter tone, Beall said. Newcomer Justin Cornwell stars as a young officer sent to root out questionable tactics in the Los Angeles Police Department's Special Investigations Section. His new partner is the questionable Detective Frank Roarke, played by Bill Paxton. Switching the race of the main characters helps to differentiate the series from the movie, but that wasn't consciously planned, Fuqua said. "It wasnt a racial conversation," he said. But "when we found out Bill had interest, it was like, thats a good idea. Switch it and do that. Paxton is an evangelist for the series and might still be talking about it somewhere, if the panel hadn't come to an end. The rogue character "kind of plays to all of my strengths," Paxton said. "I like to be entertaining. Frank Rourke, if hes anything, he is at least entertaining." He went on to describe Rourke as "a throwback. Hes a gunfighter. Hes almost been pulled out of a time capsule and put in modern times, because he has this old kind of gunslinger code of honor. Hes tough, but hes fair. And hes kind of woken up in this digital age, and he doesnt really know quite what to make of it. I can relate to that." Gail Pennington is attending the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Los Angeles. In an effort to educate people about the long history of the Mexican community in St. Louis, the parks department of St. Louis County has published a brochure. Department historian Daniel Gonzales, who has been studying Mexican immigration to St. Louis, said the brochure was published with the cooperation of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Humanities Council. Gonzales notes that the first major wave of Mexican immigration into St. Louis came about 100 years ago, in the 1910s, and peaked in the late 1920s at about 7,000 Mexican nationals in the area. "For Mexicans looking for work and new opportunity in the Midwest, St. Louis was often a gateway not to the West as it has traditionally been described, but to the East," Gonzales said. The Great Depression forced Mexicans to seek work elsewhere and the area's Mexican population did not pick up again until the 1940s, when the Bracero program brought thousands of Mexicans to work on the large farms in west St. Louis County. The brochures are available at the parks department headquarters, 41 South Central Avenue in Clayton, and at the offices of the two supporting organizations. From City Hall to the Capitol, metro columnist Tony Messenger shines light on what public officials are doing, tells stories of the disaffected, and brings voice to the issues that matter. ST. LOUIS The 2016 homicide tally remained the same in the city as compared to the year before, but was rising in St. Louis County. The year ended with 188 homicides in the city, St. Louis Chief Sam Dotson announced Tuesday afternoon. The murder total holds as the citys deadliest in two decades. Countywide, homicides for all municipalities had reached 63 by Oct. 28 the most up-to-date information available from the medical examiners office. Thats just three shy of the 66 homicides throughout all St. Louis County municipalities that happened in all of 2015, which had been an 80 percent increase over 2014. In the territory handled by St. Louis County police, overall crime was reported to be down 2 percent. Reported overall crime in St. Louis dropped by 4.1 percent, Dotson said. Everybody talks about crime as the worst theyve ever seen it, but if you look at per capita, there are fewer crimes now than there were in 1970 and theres half the amount of crime in the city now than there was in at its peak in 1993, he said. That said, Dotson acknowledged that violent crimes homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault were up 4.4 percent over 2015. Rapes were up by 9.5 percent, robberies by 6.4 percent and aggravated assaults by 3.3 percent. Property crime dropped by about 6.6 percent, or 1,327 incidents. That reflects about 1,000 fewer burglaries, 286 fewer larcenies and 88 fewer vehicle thefts. Dotson announced the totals alongside Mayor Francis Slay during a news conference at police headquarters. Both officials noted that homicide totals in cities across the country rose in 2016. I wouldnt want to be the mayor of Chicago standing up here today, Slay said, giving a nod to that citys surge to more than 700 homicides. Slay noted that a crime reduction program he proposed a year ago is a work in progress. The numbers are not where we want them to be, but I have to wonder, without the work that we are doing, where would we be? he asked. Slay also pledged to look for ways to hire more officers, and noted that a proposed sales tax increase could help to do it. Were on the high end of cops per capita and I believe thats warranted because we have a high poverty rate as well regular attractions that attract crowds, he said. St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar has similarly called on the County Council to hire more officers and also is supporting a tax increase to do it. The county, with almost 1 million people, is splintered among more than 60 police departments. The largest, the county police, directly serves about one-third of them, in unincorporated areas or in cities under contract. Some of the municipal departments investigate their own homicides, some turn to the county, some call on the Major Case Squad, a cooperative of detectives from various communities. In Belmars jurisdiction, there were seven fewer homicides in 2016 compared to the year before. Violent crime was down 1 percent and property crime down by 2.3 percent. Rape and aggravated assaults rose by 3.7 percent and 3.8 percent respectively. Vehicle thefts increased by about 18 percent the largest jump in the property crime category, according to the county police. Homicides in the unincorporated parts of St. Louis County and municipalities under contract reached 25. Ferguson police had the most homicides of any municipality, with nine, in the incomplete 2016 information from the medical examiner; there had been five in all of 2015. Like Dotson and Belmar, the Ferguson chief, Delrish Moss, said he needs more staff. The department has 37 officers, down from 53 in 2014. It is budgeted for 44. Dotson said his department, which had about 1,600 officers when he joined in the early 1990s, is down to 1,187. But he said officers are trying to make up for it by working smarter. For example, he attributes a reduction in burglaries to focusing on key arrests and more closely enforcing laws at pawn shops and scrap yards. He said he plans to take a similar approach to reducing aggravated assaults. Dotson said he is modeling a program to analyze shell casings at shooting scenes after a similar program used by Denver police. He calls it the Gun Crime Intelligence Center and plans to launch it in spring. The Violence Reduction Network, a Justice Department initiative, will help guide the program, which expedites ballistic analysis to help detectives more quickly find links among crimes, Dotson said. Right now, police enter information into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, which takes weeks to generate information, Dotson said. The new system will allow officers to get it in 24 to 48 hours. Its an arduous process and we will be able to triage these cases more quickly and push them out to detectives to see how shootings are connected and figure out strategies to stop them, he said. Updated with comments from the board president. One of St. Louis' worst-performing charter schools is expected to close permanently in June. Preclarus Mastery Academy, which enrolls about 150 students from fourth to eighth grade, has scored as poorly as an unaccredited school district for the past three years, according to standards set by the state. The school received just 46 percent of points possible on the state's annual report card of schools last year. University of Missouri-St. Louis, which sponsors the school's charter, told the school board Monday that it will revoke its charter in June. Under Missouri law, schools that lack sponsors cannot remain open. "This school struggled to provide an effective academic program from its inception, primarily due to ineffective leadership in its early years," said Bill Mendelsohn, UMSL's director of charter schools, at a Missouri Board of Education meeting Tuesday. Mendelsohn said the founding school board had little governance experience. He said the school's founder left after just two years and left a replacement who had no leadership experience. "We knew that that was a likely situation," said Doug Thaman, director of the Missouri Charter Public Schools Association, who was notified of the revocation. "They really made valiant efforts to try and turn the school around and to improve instruction and academic performance. Unfortunately, the results have just not been what the sponsor found to be satisfactory of meeting their contract." The school's leaders say they are looking at possible options to keep the school open. Tabbatha Sipes, board president, and Tonya Harris, superintendent, said they are upset they were not given more of a chance to improve the school with their new leadership. "We are proud of our scholars and program and that we have overcome a difficult start to our program under a different administration in 2010," Sipes said. "It is unfortunate that UMSL has overlooked this progress in favor of a termination." The school opened in 2011 and is located at 620 North Grand Boulevard. UMSL had last renewed the school's charter in 2015. Charter schools are public schools that are independently run, receive state funds and have no local taxing authority. These schools have a charter, or contract, with an entity that they must comply with, or else risk losing that charter. There are currently 17 charter school agencies in the city. Seven of those performed as well as a fully accredited school district last year and six scored as well as a provisionally accredited school district. WASHINGTON Rep. William Lacy Clay and members of the Congressional Black Caucus returned a controversial painting to a Capital complex wall that was removed Friday by a Republican colleague. Three hours later, it was taken down and returned to Clay's office by Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., whose wife, Jeanie, is an artist and former teacher at the Bemis School of Art in Colorado Springs. "I could not, in good conscience, continue to walk by a painting that so flagrantly disrespected the brave police officers that protect us here in the Capitol and in our communities across the country," Lamborn said in a statement issued by his office. Clay and his communications director, Steve Engelhardt, then marched the painting back to the Capitol tunnel where it originally hung, and re-installed it, Engehlardt said. Was it still up, Engelhardt was asked at 2:05 p.m. ET? "As of five minutes ago, it was," Engehlardt told the Post-Dispatch. In fact, reports circulated that it had been taken down a third time Tuesday afternoon and that, for a third time, Clay put it back up. Clay also tried to file theft charges against Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., who originally removed the painting on Friday, although Capitol Police had not indicated to him late Tuesday morning whether they will follow through with Clay's complaint. In other words, PaintGate is still a work in progress. A spokesperson for Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., a former sheriff's deputy, said he planned to ask the Architect of the Capitol whether the painting by former St. Louis high school student David Pulphus violated rules against art that was "'the subject of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature." "We are working on a letter addressed to the Architect of the Capitol," Reichert spokeswoman Breanna Deutsch told the Post-Dispatch. "We are asking the Architect of the Capitol to review the painting in question and to make a decision about whether or not it should be hanging in the halls of the Capitol according to the rules explained in the guidelines." The Architect of the Capitol has a two-page guide depicting what can and can't be shown through the high-school art contest. In a short address in a tunnel between the Capitol and House office buildings, Clay depicted the debate as part of the culture wars dividing the country. This is really not about a student art competition anymore, Clay, D-St. Louis, said after he and a handful of colleagues put it back on a wall amidst 400 other winners of a high school art contest sponsored by members of Congress. "Its about defending the Constitution. He said this just after passing Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., in the tunnel where the painting hangs. Hunter and Clay, who are good friends and whose congressional offices are next door to one another, didn't speak to each other as they passed. Hunter, citing 18-year-old artist David Pulphus's depiction of police as animals, which many have interpreted as pigs, said it was offensive. A scrum of about 15 reporters and photographers who had gathered around Hunter shifted to Clay, who led a handful of Congressional Black Caucus members in putting the painting back up where it originally was. It may not be there for good, however if Reichert's efforts succeed. Clay said he'd defend the painting as a First Amendment expression of an 18-year-old constituent, and he recognized that Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House, and could move procedurally to take it down. "I don't have a disagreement with that," he said. "But there is a procedure to follow. You can't have culture warriors walking around here like they are in charge of something." Clay told reporters that he had no opinion on the painting, which police groups and others have criticized as depicting police as pigs. Clay said there were other images in the photo - including a black face behind bars - that also provoke reactions, which he said is the point of art. Clay told reporters that critics should put themselves in Pulphus's place, as a teenaged black male, who had witnessed the highly publicized shootings of young black men throughout his teen years. Including, "in his own community," the shooting death of black teenager Michael Brown by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson when Pulphus was 16, Clay said. Those shootings, Clay said in an interview with the Post-Dispatch, were "animalistic in nature." He said that Pulphus's parents told him their family had 20 members who were in law enforcement. Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond, D-La., said that Hunter's actions were an attempt to take the focus off ethical probes of Hunter's campaign spending. The Federal Election Commission has looked into whether whether Hunter improperly used campaign funds for personal expenses, including $600 to ship a daughter's pet rabbit. While police groups have criticized the painting, Clay received a local police ally over the weekend in St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson. Police officers are not art critics, Dotson said during a discussion Saturday night at Harris-Stowe State University kicking off Missouris official events honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He called Clay a strong supporter" of police and said Clays desire to hang the painting is in keeping with protecting the First Amendment. The painting by former Cardinal Ritter High School Senior Pulphus - now a college student - has drawn intense scrutiny after critics noticed that it depicted police officers as animals. Some police groups criticized the painting as divisive and not a true depiction of the shooting death of Michael Brown by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in 2014. Hunter removed the painting and left it in Clays office on Friday, saying it offended him and denigrated police. Hunter told the Post-Dispatch he had gotten thousands of calls and social media messages in support, many from police officers or their families. The painting was on display for six months before critics attacked it, in the middle of hundreds of other paintings by high school art contest winners from around the country. Clay Tuesday blamed "alt-right" media for stirring up the problem, and fellow Congressional Black Caucus members depicted the controversy as an extension of Republican President-elect Donald Trump's attacks on the media. Hunter said he was making a statement and would not seek to remove it again if Clay puts it back up. But other Republicans, upset at the depiction of police, hinted they may seek official congressional action to take it down permanently. Clay would fight that. I do not agree or disagree with this painting, Clay said after he helped put it back up. But he noted that statues elsewhere in the Capitol depict slaveholders and avowed racists that offend him, but he hasn't demanded they be removed. "I will fight to defend this young mans right to express himself because his artwork is true for him and he is entitled to that protection under the law, Clay said, referring to Pulphus. At the forum in St. Louis Saturday night, Dotson referred to the painting as the elephant in the room. Sam Dotson can have an opinion and may not like the painting, but Sam Dotson the police chief or any police officer cannot have an opinion about it because that young man has a right to have his voice heard and it's our job to make sure his rights are protected, he said. Christine Byers of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report from St. Louis. JEFFERSON CITY In Eric Greitens first official act as Missouris 56th governor, the Republican newcomer signed an order barring employees under his control from accepting freebies from lobbyists. It isnt a new concept, or even one that may be judicially enforceable, based on a 2002 court ruling. But it highlighted what the political newcomer said on the campaign trail when he pledged to end politics as usual. On a day normally reserved for the pomp and circumstance of the swearing-in ceremonies of five statewide officers, the newly minted 42-year-old chief executive said his action will ensure his administration is distanced from the wining and dining that has become commonplace during the legislative session. We promised that we were going to clean up the culture of corruption in Jefferson City. As governor, I will always hold myself and my team to the highest possible standard, Greitens said. His order, which also bans political appointees within the governors office from working as lobbyists during his tenure, is considered by the Missouri court system as more of a directive than an enforceable law. Despite that, the order notes that punishment could include being fired. The signing came minutes after Greitens and four other Republicans were sworn into office on the south steps of the Capitol under cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-30s. Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who did not run for re-election because of term limits, viewed the proceedings from a nearby seat in front of thousands of onlookers. Greitens, Lt. Gov. Mike Parson, Treasurer Eric Schmitt, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Attorney General Josh Hawley each have four-year terms ahead of them. Greitens, a former Navy SEAL, took the oath with his hand on a Bible that once belonged to a World War I soldier. As part of the military overtones of the day, a B-2 bomber flew overhead, followed by a 19-gun artillery salute and a review by Greitens of National Guard troops on the north side of the Capitol. The ceremony ushered in an era of Republican dominance in the executive and legislative branch and signaled the start of a push by GOP leaders to chart a pro-business course for the next four years. In a 10-minute-long inaugural speech, Greitens promised his administration wouldnt back down because of political pressure or political correctness. He acknowledged big fights ahead for big things but also shared a message of unity. Yet even as we fight for our convictions, we resolve that the greatest conviction is to love our neighbors as ourselves, he said. He also doubled down on his outsider status. This is the peoples house, Greitens said. And to those who would trouble this house for their own selfish and sinful gain, hear me now: I answer to the people. I come as an outsider, to do the peoples work. Jim Matush, 60, a founding partner in a wealth management firm in St. Louis, made the two-hour drive to the Capitol for the events with a group of more than 20. Matush said he first met Greitens almost 10 years ago and has followed his work with his charity, the Mission Continues, ever since. The impact (of Greitens in office) for business owners and the economy will be huge, Matush said. Hell cut through red tape. Hell simplify and create a much more business-savvy type of government that doesnt demonize businesses but actually lifts them up. Shehzad Khan, 52, of Hazelwood, said he is excited because Greitens is not a career politician. Im excited to see him starting on ethics reform and especially law and order. What happened in Ferguson and Berkeley was not positive for Missouri, Khan said while waiting in a receiving line at the Governors Mansion. The long-awaited day came after a week in which Greitens toured the state, thanking people who helped him win his first-ever bid for office. In the evening, legislators, statewide officers and their families were introduced to a crowd in the Capitol rotunda as part of the traditional inaugural ball. Greitens and his wife, Sheena, led the statewide officers in the Missouri Waltz before Boonville native and country music star Sara Evans launched into Missing Missouri, Suds In The Bucket and I Could Not Ask For More. Greitens beat Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster in a campaign that was heavy on imagery but lighter on specifics. His top priorities are boosting education, defending law enforcement, creating jobs and improving the culture of the capital city. An administration can render a check, Greitens said. But no amount of money given by a government can ever provide the meaning, strength and dignity that comes from a good-paying job. Republicans who control the Legislature appear ready to try to oblige the new governor on issues such as making Missouri a right to work state and enacting a lobbyist gift ban. As a signal of their eagerness, committees in the House have scheduled an early round of hearings in an attempt to get legislation to the governors desk before the end of the month. House Speaker Todd Richardson had already promised that that ban will be the first piece of legislation out of his chamber in the 2017 legislative session. The Senate is more likely to be a roadblock to the sweeping ethics reform Greitens has called for. Democrats, meanwhile, suggested Missouri could be in for a rough ride under GOP control. Editorial: Greitens: "Bureaucracy is the wrong place to look if youre seeking compassion' Even before Eric Greitens was sworn in as Missouri's new governor came news that the state's budget is $500 million out of whack. House Minority Whip Kip Kendrick said a litany of anti-union proposals, changes to education policy and reforms to the legal system will be fought by his party. Greitens also will face a potentially volatile budget situation as revenues have come in slower than projected, said Kendrick, D-Columbia . Theres not much more fat in the budget left to cut, Kendrick said. Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt told the Post-Dispatch hes excited about having Republicans in control in his home state and in Washington . We now have a governor and a president who will be working with a Legislature of their own party. Neither at the national level or Missouri have we had that for quite a while now, Blunt said. I think there are great opportunities for our state. Ashcroft, the son of former U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft, spent the first hours of his new job hosting an open house at his new office. He said his wife and mother made cookies and brownies for visitors. JEFFERSON CITY The second executive order signed by Gov. Eric Greitens on Tuesday freezes all new rules and regulations for Missouri businesses. Broadcast on Facebook, Greitens signed the order surrounded by boxes and folders, which he said contained paper copies of the rules crippling the state's business owners. "This is not a stunt. These are all of the actual rules and regulations that every citizen in the state of Missouri and all of our businesses have to comply with," Greitens said. The order is in line with a pro-business agenda Greitens has promised to tackle in his first year in office. Regulatory reform is also a priority for Republican supermajorities in the state Legislature. "Burdensome regulations kill businesses and they hurt working families," Greitens said Tuesday. The signing was aired on Facebook Live, a feature of the popular social network that allows users to broadcast a live stream using their smartphones. Its not the first time the new chief executive has turned to social media to make important announcements. Both Greitens and his staff have shared transition updates and appointments on Facebook or Twitter, often before a formal news release is sent out. Greitens used Facebook Live to air his inauguration, certain rallies, and press conferences to announce his pick for public safety director and address the armed robbery of his wife, Sheena, last year. His tendency to bypass tradition media in favor of social media is one of several parallels between Greitens and President-elect Donald Trump, who similarly relies on Twitter to reach his supporters and followers. Its a more direct form of communication that voters have responded well to, said Greitens senior advisor Austin Chambers on Monday. We are committed and the governor is committed to taking his message directly to the people. That means using every means possible, Chambers said. Thats what got us here, and thats what will make us successful here. Updates with coat's return on Monday evening. ST. LOUIS Freezing cold conditions were perfect Saturday night for Licia Harper to wear her new coat. This wasn't just any coat. It was a full-length dark brown mink coat with the initials EPB sewn into the silk lining in large letters. And it was about to go missing. Harper said the coat was passed down to her last week from her grandmother, Eula Pearl Bates, who has Alzheimer's disease and doesn't get out much anymore. Family estimated the coat to be worth $14,000. "She saved for her coat," said Harper, 35. "It was a huge deal when she got it because she had saved years and years for her coat." Harper was glad to have it. The notch collar felt so nice on the neck. Not only did she feel warm and cozy, but she was reminded of her grandmother when she wore it. "I mean, I fell in love with it," said Harper, a health care consultant from St. Louis. "It feels marvelous. Every time I put it on, it makes me feel good because of the sentimental value." She wore it twice. The last time was Saturday, when she and her mother had a 7 p.m. reservation at Giovanni's on the Hill. They arrived 45 minutes late but management held their spot. When they walked in the door, Harper said, a young woman asked if she could check the coat. "I said, 'Sure.' I took the coat off. She handed me a No. 55 ticket," Harper said. It's not rare to have a mink coat on the racks at the Italian restaurant that's been in business more than four decades. According to Giovannis website, the restaurant has fed the likes of Frank Sinatra, Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney. The founder has cooked for Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, both George and George W. Bush, and Vice President Al Gore. Harper liked the food enough. It was what happened afterward that soured her. When it was time to leave, she said, she was given the wrong coat. She said workers went through the stock of other fur coats and even pulled out wool coats, perhaps in desperation. None of them hers. "I was in absolute disbelief," Harper said. "I went back and I was looking. It was not on the floor. It was not anywhere." Then, Harper said, she was offered a mink coat that possibly belonged to the person that took hers as a replacement. It was black and didn't have the notch collar and her grandmother's initials under the arm. More importantly, she said, it belonged to someone else. Someone shorter than Harper. "My coat would have been dragging the ground on her," she said. Harper said management and owners were drawn into the situation which grew animated. Ultimately, Harper said, she left Giovanni's without any coat. She said she was upset and continued to reach out to the restaurant over the weekend. Then she reached out to police and the Post-Dispatch. Giovanni's manager Gerard Burke said Monday afternoon that the restaurant had been trying to contact numerous people who could have gone home with the wrong coat. He said there was a delay because he hadn't found the mink coat in question until Monday afternoon. He'd been off work. "I didn't want to say too much until I had it all cleared," Burke said. Carmelo Gabriele, one of the owners, said the restaurant served 196 dinners on Saturday. He said the coat accidentally went home with a couple from Belleville. "The gentleman from Belleville is bringing the coat back later today," Gabriele said. He said Harper could pick it up after that. "We will even pay for the gas," he said. "If you need." He said the incident was a mix up. "This coat she had was a black mink and they all look alike," Gabriele said. He said Giovanni's had misplaced maybe half a dozen coats since 1973 and that the coat check employee who mishandled the mink would be fired. Harper was reunited with her beloved coat Monday evening. Burke, the manager, said Tuesday that the coat check employee was an argumentative 17-year-old girl being assisted by her 15-year-old sister. They'd had more than one second chance. "It's not just this coat," Burke said. "There were other incidents where there was confusion with the coats. It's important to keep things straight. It's just lack of experience." CLAYTON A state appellate court has upheld a lower court decision that St. Louis County lacks the power to impose minimum law enforcement standards on the 57 municipal police agencies spread across the county. The ruling Tuesday by the Eastern District of the Missouri Court of Appeals sided with an earlier one by a St. Louis County Circuit Court judge. County officials originally maintained public health statutes embedded in the county charter could be used to establish standards for municipal police departments. The county subsequently set aside that contention while continuing to argue its right to impose the training requirements. The bill, enacted by county council in late 2015, drew immediate fire from municipal officials upon its introduction by County Executive Steve Stenger in October of that year. Creve Coeur, Clayton and 10 other municipalities went to court within days of the bill's passage to halt implementation of the ordinance. St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge Robert Cohen upheld the challenge last May, setting up the Tuesday appellate decision. Stenger is a statement issued late Tuesday afternoon said said his office has the ruling under review. "Meanwhile," he added, "my administration remains committed to ensuring consistent, quality law enforcement throughout St. Louis County." About 30 minutes before Eric Greitens was sworn in as Missouris 56th governor at noon Monday, House Budget Committee Chairman Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob, popped up on the Missourinet broadcast of the inaugural events with some sobering news: The state budget will have to be cut by $500 million. Half a billion dollars out of the states $9 billion general revenue budget signals conflict ahead for the rookie Republican governor and a GOP Legislature that tosses out corporate tax breaks and tax cuts like Mardi Gras beads. Greitens, who has no political or policy experience, wont make his budget recommendations until February. Some indication of his leanings could come when he addresses the Legislature next week. But Monday was for celebration and symbolism, confirming the little that Missourians already know about their 42-year-old governor: He has a military background and believes in personal responsibility and limited government. He canceled the traditional inaugural parade, substituting ceremonies honoring fallen veterans and first responders. A B-2 Spirit bomber flew over. There was a 19-gun salute from a Missouri Guard cannon team. There was a military band and an inaugural ball dedicated to a salute to service. And there was a brief speech, during which Greitens reasserted his credentials as a political outsider: As governor, I will always remember why you sent me here and what you expect from me. I will be loyal to your needs and priorities not to those who posture or pay for influence. This is the peoples house. And to those who would trouble this house for their own selfish and sinful gain, hear me now: I answer to the people. I come as an outsider, to do the peoples work. Whose selfish and sinful gain was he talking about? He didnt specify, though he immediately went to his office and signed an executive order banning lobbyists gifts to anyone in the executive branch and barring anyone who works for him from going through the revolving door and coming back as a lobbyist. Greitens wants the Legislature to enact similar gift bans and revolving-door rules, insisting that ethics reform will be a top priority. His definition of ethics reform so far is limited to the approximately $900,000 a year that lobbyists spend on free meals, tickets and gifts for lawmakers. It does not extend to campaign finance limits or disclosure. Greitens was elected with the help of nearly $6 million in dark money contributions from federal political action committees with limited transparency. The subtext of Greitens speech was, dont expect government to solve your problems. Look to each other instead. An administration can commit resources to serve those in need, Greitens said. But bureaucracy is the wrong place to look if youre seeking compassion. Especially when theres $500 million less compassion to start with. I took my children into the voting booth with me and later my grandchildren so they could learn the procedure and why it is so important. By Press Trust of India: Gandhinagar, Jan 10 (PTI) As many as 1.5 million new bank accounts have been opened and 7.5 million rupay debit cards issued in Gujarat post demonetisation, state Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said today. The state is gradually moving towards an era of digitisation with petrol pumps and LPG dealers adopting digital payments, while fair price shops and vegetable vendors are next on the list, he said. advertisement "Prime Minister has taken India towards clean and digital economy with his initiatives. We support his recent initiative... In a short time or two months, 1.5 million new bank accounts have been opened, 7.5 million rupay debit cards have been issued," he said while addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Global summit here. He said in the last one month 450 villages have been enabled for digital payments. "Digital payments have become a mass movement in Gujarat. We are confident that with the vision of Prime Minister we will make Gujarat and India more strong and vibrant," Rupani said. Over 100 countries have participated in the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. At the event, Reliance Industries CMD Mukesh Ambani said the cumulative investment in Gujarat is Rs 2.40 lakh crore, of which Rs 1.25 lakh crore has been invested in past 4 years. Adani Enterprises chairman Gautam Adani said the company has invested Rs 48,000 crore in Gujarat in 5 years. Besides Adani Ports will invest Rs 16,700 crore to expand states ports in next 5 yrs. Besides, Suzuki Motor Corporation has said its new automotive plant in Gujarat will start production from next month. Emerson Electric Company CEO David Farr said that the company would invest USD 200 million in India over the next three years. PTI MBI JD ANZ MKJ --- ENDS --- Travellers set up an illegal camp on the car park of St Nicholas Park in Warwick earlier this year.. Photo: Mark Williamson. A MEETING will take place this Friday to discuss ongoing problems with travellers. The talks between police, all six councils in Warwickshire, and MPs from across the county come in the aftermath of the problems in south Warwickshire over Christmas. They have been called together by Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe, with the talks set to centre on the issue of illegal encampments and discuss ways of tightening up the process in which such camps are dealt with. Currently, police, private landowners, and councils have different legal powers available to them with regards to moving travellers on. There are four traveller sites across Warwickshire, three are run by the county council, including the site at Pathlow near Stratford, and one is run by Rugby Borough Council. That one has recently had a 900,000 revamp, and between them they have around 90 pitches. There are also several privately-run sites across the county, and the county council is in the process of establishing two so-called transit sites one in the north of the county and one in the south, in Southam, which falls into Stratford District. Paul Hooper, group manager of the community safety department at the county council, said: Everyone has different powers, which leads to confusion. Whats happened in Warwick over Christmas was awkward and has highlighted the fact that we need to have a think about whether we are doing the right things or not. People appreciate that we are doing quite a lot, but we need to ask ourselves if we can do anymore. We are looking forward to coming up with something that we have not thought of already. The travellers in Warwick over Christmas gave police and Warwick District Council the runaround. They were kicked off the racecourse car park after arriving in town on 22nd December, apparently for the New Years Eve meeting, before moving to Tournament Fields and then the car park of the Warwick Corps of Drums, back on Hampton Road, next to the racecourse. The group of around 60 then spent the weekend of the new year on part of St Nicholas Park car park and finally left town on 3rd January. A spokesman for the police and crime commissioner told the Herald: Illegal encampments are an ongoing concern for local residents and we hope to come up with some practical proposals. Fridays meeting will take place in Nuneaton. Long on Shortcomings, DirecTV Now Is No Replacement for Cable Back in early December, Streaming Medias Dan Rayburn wrote a lengthy and incisive analysis of why OTT business success has thus far eluded even the biggest players in the market, including Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. He broke down the numbers on subscribers, revenue, and content licensing costs to show that the status quo is unsustainablesubscriber numbers arent high enough, subscription fees are too low, and licensing is through the roof. Netflix alone spent $5 billion on content licensing and creation in 2016up 50 percent over previous years, while the companys revenue has only grown 26 percent compounded annually. Rayburn wrote this just after the introduction of AT&Ts much-hyped DirecTV Now, the latest OTT cable replacement package to hit the market (others include Sling TV and PlayStation Vue). As Rayburn also reported, AT&T reserved CDN capacity to support up to 1 million subscribers at launch, though the company has yet to release early sign-up numbers. AT&T offered major incentives for early sign-upcustomers who prepay for 3 months in advance get an Apple TV, and customers who pay 1 month in advance get a free Amazon Fire TV Stick. Packages range from $35 per month for 60 channels to $70 per month for 120, though early adopters of the 100-channel tier can lock in at $35 per month rather than the list price of $60. With those numbers, its hard to see long-term success for the service, though DirecTV Now has the advantage of being just one of the many services AT&T offers. The company admitted that part of its goal in launching DirecTV Now was to entice customers to sign up with the company for internet or mobile, or even convince them that a subscription to the regular DirecTV service is worth it. I subscribed to the 100-channel Go Big tier, and I was quickly reminded of why I ditched cable TV in the first place. Sure, its nice to be able to channel surf, though its a bit awkward with the Apple TV remote, and its great to stumble on a movie that I loved but might not have thought about searching for on an SVOD service. (Within minutes of getting DirecTV up and running, I was enjoying Weird Science.) And from a technical standpoint, DirecTV Now is impressive. It has only a 1- or 2-second lag when switching channels, and the picture quality is as good as cable (AT&T hasnt released any information about what bitrates its delivering). But of the 100 channels I now have at my fingertips, Ill still only watch a handful of them regularly. Im not in one of the markets that includes the big three networks, so I dont get NBC or ABC (CBS isnt even included in the service). Ive got a digital antenna for that, but if Im going to pay for a cable replacement service, I shouldnt have to augment it with over-the-air. And then, of course, there are the commercialsor on some channels, the 90 seconds or 2 minutes of cheesy synth music while the screen displays a placeholder because DirecTV Now hasnt been able to sell any ads on that show or network. Im not sure which is worsecommercials for things I dont want (or that try to convince my kids, whove grown up in a commercial-free household, to nag me for things they do want), or those placeholders, which only serve as a reminder of the business challenges a service like DirecTV Now faces. If most early subscribers sign up for the 100-channel tier at the discounted rate, that cant be good for AT&T if many of those channels arent generating any advertising revenue. Ill probably keep the service for a couple of months, even though it doesnt offer many of the things that weve come to expect from cable, like DVR or even the consistent ability to rewind live programming. After that, though, Im not convinced that AT&T has figured out a way to keep me as a subscriber, or to make its service a success in the long run. [This article appears in the January/February 2017 issue of Streaming Media Magazine as "Dont Believe the OTT Hype."] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles XUMO Announces Agreement To Power Virtual Input for Hisense 2017 Smart TVs New 2017 Hisense and Sharp smart TVs will now offer consumers more than 60 free OTT streaming channels from XUMO via virtual input integration Irvine( ) IRVINE, Calif., January 4, 2017 XUMO, the premier LIVE and video-on-demand (VOD) over-the-top (OTT) service for the digital age, is teaming up with Hisense, a multinational consumer technology manufacturer and one of the largest television brands in the world, to offer 60 free ad-supported channels via a designated XUMO virtual input selection on new 2016 and 2017 Hisense and Sharp smart TVs in the US. As television consumers are overwhelmed with costly monthly subscriptions, they are actively looking for quick, easy ways to access content. In addition to the lineup of premium XUMO digital content, Hisense and Sharp smart TV owners will be able to enjoy the last channel experience smart TV owners have previously appreciated with traditional cable. XUMO users who ended their session on a channel powered by XUMO will now be able to turn on their smart TV and pick up where they left off with no interruptionno need to switch inputs or search for the channel or video they were enjoying during their last sitting. XUMOs native integration also permits the user to search for channels by inputting specific channel numbers on the remote control or by quickly selecting +/- to surf the channels availablea preferred method of new channel discovery. XUMOs native integration with Hisense and Sharp smart TVs as a virtual input is the first of its kind, said Colin Petrie-Norris, CEO of XUMO. This strategic partnership with one of the fastest-growing smart TV manufacturers in the world is particularly exciting to us as we continue to provide users increasingly easy access to free, quality streaming content. Delivering a truly hassle-free and digital experience where the user can lean back and enjoy any one of our digital channels is baked into our DNA and we are pleased to have partnered with a quickly expanding and innovative brand in Hisense to bring it to market at this years CES. Consumers enjoy Hisense televisions because they maintain a seamless user experience, said Mark Viken, VP of Marketing, Hisense Americas. Our agreement with XUMO means that our consumers have more access to a more diverse array of content than ever before. XUMOs content is able to directly reach new TV audiences through XUMOs innovative product and platform, as it prioritizes the users choice to select content they actually want to watch. This simple, intuitive experience allows for increased discovery and engagement. XUMO has built an impressive list of over 70 content partners with both live and on-demand options available on XUMOs various platform across smart TVs, iOS and Android devices and Roku. XUMO will be exhibiting at CES, January 5-8, 2017, at the ARIA Sky Suites. To learn more about its premium, digital content or how to become a partner, please visit https://www.xumo.com/. # # # About XUMO An advanced technology company based in sunny California, XUMO seamlessly delivers over-the-top (OTT) video-on-demand (VOD) and LIVE content direct to consumers through smart TVs, mobile and set-top box applications. XUMO brings consumers premium digital and broadcast content via applications that are fully equipped with content recommendations, curated programs and dynamic ad insertion capabilities. Leveraging technological advancements through which living room devices have become both connected and aware, XUMO offers multiple ways to reach and engage with consumers within the home. Learn more about XUMO at www.xumo.com and follow @XumoTV on Twitter. About Hisense USA Corporation and Hisense Company, Ltd. Hisense USA Corporation is a subsidiary of the Hisense Company, Ltd., established in 1969 and headquartered in Qingdao, China. Hisense USA Corporation offers an innovative range of technology products that disrupt the consumer electronics industry, challenge the competition and provide significant value to consumers. Manufactured and distributed across North America, Hisense USA Corporation's product portfolio includes televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, beverage coolers and freezers. Hisense Company Ltd. is a multinational consumer technology manufacturer and one of the largest television brands in the world and the #1 TV share position in China for 13 consecutive years. The Company is committed to advancing the consumer technology industry across North America and has dedicated R&D centers in Atlanta, Georgia; San Jose, California; and Toronto, Canada to enable localized product development and innovation. Hisense products are available globally in over 130 countries and regions, supplied from production facilities in China, Mexico, South Africa and Czech Republic. Hisense has sales offices across North America, Europe, Australia, Middle East, and Southeastern Asia. In recognition of its strong product offerings, aggressive expansion strategies, global client base and continued investment in research and development, Frost and Sullivan recognized Hisense with the 2015 Global Competitive Strategy and Innovation Leadership Award in Smart TVs. www.hisense-usa.com and global.hisense.com Media Contacts: David Feistel LFPR (for XUMO) 949.502.6200 x 224 davidf@lfpr.com Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Crosswind Industries, Inc., a Kansas-based producer of dry-expanded, dual-texture, semi-dry and semi-moist treat products for pets. The global pet food industry represents a strong opportunity for strategic growth, especially for a company with the global resources of ADM, said Brent Fenton, president of ADMs Animal Nutrition business. ADM already sells more than 50 ingredients and commodities that are used by more than 70 percent of all pet food companies in North America. Now, were taking the next step with the addition of Crosswind Industries to our global network. With five production facilities and a wide range of successful products, Crosswind represents a strong opportunity to expand our capabilities, and a great fit not just with the Animal Nutrition business, but across ADMs wider portfolio of ingredients, colors and flavors for pets. Were looking forward to combining Crosswinds operations and products with our own to provide customers an even broader array of products and services. Crosswind Industries is an industry leader in the manufacture of contract and private label pet treats and foods, as well as specialty ingredients. Its 300 employees operate five processing lines across five Kansas facilities, with nine ready for retail packaging lines. Since early 2015, we have announced or completed several organic growth and improvement projects for our Animal Nutrition business across the U.S., as well as overseas, Fenton continued. Weve also been active on the M&A front, with the acquisition of Lyrco Nutrition and the creation of our Alliance Liquid Feeds joint venture. Now, with the addition of Crosswinds, we are continuing our efforts to grow our business so as to set the industry standard and ensure that we are continuing to meet growing customer needs for quality animal nutrition products. ADM anticipates closing the deal in the coming weeks. A view shows the Areva Tower, the headquarters of the French nuclear reactor maker Areva, at La Defense business and financial district in Courbevoie near Paris, France, May 7, 2015. REUTERS/Charles Platiau BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union antitrust regulators approved on Tuesday French plans to grant a capital injection of 4.5 billion euros (3.91 billion pounds) to nuclear group Areva and said Areva's restructuring plan would not unduly distort competition. France, which owns 87 percent of Areva, notified the European Commission in April of the restructuring plan to restore the group's competitiveness and financial position. State aid may be authorized under certain conditions when it contributes to an objective or common interest without unduly distorting competition. The European Commission, which oversees competition policy in the European Union, said the state aid was subject to conditions, in particular a positive conclusion of tests on the nuclear reactor vessel Flamanville III and an approval of the divestment of Areva's reactor business. Areva will concentrate on nuclear fuel. (Reporting By Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek) Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE: VRX) announced that it is reiterating its full-year 2016 financial guidance, which was originally communicated in November 2016. Addition of five new facilities, including four extrusion plants and a highly efficient packaging facility, significantly increases companys capabilities in fast-growing pet food market CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Crosswind Industries, Inc., a Kansas-based producer of dry-expanded, dual-texture, semi-dry and semi-moist treat products for pets. The global pet food industry represents a strong opportunity for strategic growth, especially for a company with the global resources of ADM, said Brent Fenton, president of ADMs Animal Nutrition business. ADM already sells more than 50 ingredients and commodities that are used by more than 70 percent of all pet food companies in North America. Now, were taking the next step with the addition of Crosswind Industries to our global network. With five production facilities and a wide range of successful products, Crosswind represents a strong opportunity to expand our capabilities, and a great fit not just with the Animal Nutrition business, but across ADMs wider portfolio of ingredients, colors and flavors for pets. Were looking forward to combining Crosswinds operations and products with our own to provide customers an even broader array of products and services. Crosswind Industries is an industry leader in the manufacture of contract and private label pet treats and foods, as well as specialty ingredients. Its 300 employees operate five processing lines across five Kansas facilities, with nine ready for retail packaging lines. Since early 2015, we have announced or completed several organic growth and improvement projects for our Animal Nutrition business across the U.S., as well as overseas, Fenton continued. Weve also been active on the M&A front, with the acquisition of Lyrco Nutrition and the creation of our Alliance Liquid Feeds joint venture. Now, with the addition of Crosswinds, we are continuing our efforts to grow our business so as to set the industry standard and ensure that we are continuing to meet growing customer needs for quality animal nutrition products. ADM anticipates closing the deal in the coming weeks. Forward-Looking Statements Some of the above statements constitute forward-looking statements. ADMs filings with the SEC provide detailed information on such statements and risks, and should be consulted along with this release. To the extent permitted under applicable law, ADM assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. About ADM Animal Nutrition ADM Animal Nutrition is a leading manufacturing, nutrition and marketing business offering a wide range of innovative products for the animal nutrition market. Known as a global leader in amino acids, ADM Animal Nutrition also offers consistent, high-quality feed products, supplements, premixes, custom ingredient blends and specialty feed ingredients designed to provide leading-edge solutions, enabling our customers to meet and optimize animal health and nutrition goals. Learn more at www.ADMAnimalNutrition.com. About ADM For more than a century, the people of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) have transformed crops into products that serve the vital needs of a growing world. Today, were one of the worlds largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers, with more than 32,300 employees serving customers in more than 160 countries. With a global value chain that includes 428 crop procurement locations, 280 ingredient manufacturing facilities, 39 innovation centers and the worlds premier crop transportation network, we connect the harvest to the home, making products for food, animal feed, industrial and energy uses. Learn more at www.adm.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006301/en/ Archer Daniels Midland Company Media Relations Jackie Anderson [email protected] 312-634-8484 Source: Archer Daniels Midland Company Saint Paul, Minnesota (PRWEB) January 10, 2017 OneWorld Memorials, the innovative online cremation urn and memorials retailer has opened the area's first retail cremation urn shop. Customers seeking a cremation urn for a loved one can visit the showroom to peruse and purchase products on the spot and add on custom engraving if desired. As of 2016, more people in the US are now opting to be cremated rather than buried. This trend has resulted in thousands of urns and other memorial products being offered online at significant discounts. Nonetheless, online shopping has one drawback - customers still want to see the items in person before buying. Online retailers of all types have tried to compensate for this by offering free shipping and easy returns. OneWorld Memorial decided to expand their successful ecommerce business after recognizing the benefit of offering customers a place to view bereavement products prior to purchasing, especially in Minnesota where the rate of cremation is higher than in most other states. "After moving our operations to University Avenue in Saint Paul, people from all over the Twin Cities started showing up at our door to buy cremation urns, without any prompting from us. It was clear there was a need," said Ira Woods, President of OneWorld Memorials. "Opening a retail showroom was a big decision, but our management team agreed that it would be very helpful in the Minneapolis metro area where cremation is popular and many people search online for memorial options." OneWorld Memorials offers thousands of beautifully crafted urns, sympathy gifts and memorial keepsakes, with the vast majority housed on-site. "Opening the memorial urns showroom will be a big asset for the Minneapolis/Saint Paul community and we are in a good position to offer it. We're very excited to make this much needed service available." To visit the OneWorld Memorials Showroom, customers can call 844- 671-9744 to set up an appointment. Monday through Friday hours are 9:00 am 5:00 PM. Saturday hours are 10:00 AM 2:00 PM. The showroom is located at 2225 University Ave in Saint Paul. or go to https://www.oneworldmemorials.com/pages/oneworld-memorials-showroom for more information. About OneWorld Memorials OneWorld Memorials provides quality memorial urns and related products, along with custom engraving and 5 star customer service. OneWorld Memorials offers cremation jewelry, biodegradable urns, condolence gifts, and more. To learn more, visit http://www.oneworldmemorials.com. Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/01/prweb13953402.htm The full nominations list of the 62nd Filmfare Awards are here. Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan are all competing for Best Actor this time. Meanwhile, Udta Punjab and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil rule the rest with 9 nominations each. By India Today Web Desk: The nominations list of the 62nd Filmfare Awards is finally here. The event will take place on January 14 in Mumbai. The best of Bollywood cinema's talent will be honoured at this event while some of Tinsel Town's most glamorous will ciome together and perform under one roof for the delight of all those sitting back at home and watching the Filmfare Awards event on television. advertisement SEE PICS: Shah Rukh to Karan Johar, B-Town comes together at pre-Filmfare Awards party The king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan will be hosting the event. Interestingly, all the three Khans; Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman will be fighting for the Best Actor prize this year. Alia Bhatt has got two nominations in the Best Actor (Female) category while her film Udta Punjab is leading the nominations' list with 9 nominatious out of 10 top categories. Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil also has 9 nominations with Sultan coming in second with 7. Here is the full nominations' list for the 62nd Filmfare Awards Best Film Dangal Kapoor & Sons Neerja Pink Sultan Udta Punjab ALSO WATCH DANGAL REVIEW: Aamir surpasses expectations with Dangal Best Director Abhishek Chaubey - Udta Punjab Ali Abbas Zafar - Sultan Karan Johar - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Nitesh Tiwari - Dangal Ram Madhvani - Neerja Shakun Batra - Kapoor & Sons ALSO WATCH: Admitting Punjab has drug problem is first step towards solving crisis, says Udta Punjab producer Anurag Kashyap Best Actor In A Leading Role (Male) Aamir Khan - Dangal Amitabh Bachchan - Pink Ranbir Kapoor - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Salman Khan - Sultan Shah Rukh Khan - Fan Shahid Kapoor - Udta Punjab Sushant Singh Rajput - MS Dhoni: The Untold Story ALSO WATCH: Shah Rukh and Ranveer's Jabra Fan dubsmash Best Actor In A Leading Role (Female) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Sarbjit Alia Bhatt - Dear Zindagi Alia Bhatt - Udta Punjab Anushka Sharma - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Sonam Kapoor - Neerja Vidya Balan - Kahaani 2 ALSO WATCH: Aamir in Dangal vs Salman in Sultan; who did what better Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Male) Diljit Dosanjh - Udta Punjab Fawad Khan - Kapoor & Sons Jim Sarbh - Neerja Rajat Kapoor - Kapoor & Sons Rajkummar Rao - Aligarh Rishi Kapoor - Kapoor & Sons ALSO WATCH: Aligarh bans Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Aligarh Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Female) advertisement Kareena Kapoor Khan - Udta Punjab Kirti Kulhari - Pink Ratna Pathak Shah - Kapoor & Sons Richa Chadda - Sarbjit Shabana Azmi - Neerja ALSO WATCH: Neerja helped me conquer my fears, says Sonam Kapoor Best Music Album Amaal Mallik, Badshah, Arko, Tanishk Bagchi, Benny Dayal and Nucleya - Kapoor & Sons Amit Trivedi - Udta Punjab Meet Bros, Amaal Mallik, Ankit Tiwari & Manj Musik - Baaghi Pritam - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy - Mirzya Vishal-Shekhar - Sultan ALSO WATCH: Music beyond boundaries at Agenda Aaj Tak Best Lyrics Amitabh Bhattacharya - Channa mereya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) Gulzar - Aave re hitchki (Mirzya) Gulzar - Mirzya (Mirzya) Irshad Kamil - Jag ghoomeya (Sultan) Kausar Munir - Love you zindagi (Dear Zindagi) Late Shiv Kumar Batalvi - Ikk kudi (Udta Punjab) ALSO WATCH: Meet Gulzar, the aam aadmi's poet Best Playback Singer (Male) Amit Mishra - Bulleya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) Arijit Singh - Ae dil hai mushkil (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) Arijit Singh - Channa mereya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) Atif Aslam - Tere sang yara (Rustom) Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Jag ghoomeya (Sultan) ALSO WATCH: Sonu Nigam singing on Mumbai's streets dressed as a beggar advertisement Best Playback Singer (Female) Kanika Kapoor - Da da dasse (Udta Punjab) Jonita Gandhi - Break up song (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) Neeti Mohan - Sau aasman (Baar Baar Dekho) Neha Bhasin - Jag ghoomeya (Sultan) Palak Mucchal - Kaun Tujhe (MS Dhoni: The Untold Story) Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch - Kari kari (Pink) --- ENDS --- ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Open accessthe online digital delivery of scholarly research free of charge and without most copyright and licensing restrictionshas grown from a conceptual movement to transformational force in scientific, technical and medical (STM) publishing. Media and publishing intelligence firm Simba Information has examined open access in two recent reportsOpen Access Journal Publishing 2016-2020 and Open Access Book Publishing 2016-2020and sees several trends developing in 2017. Tying Subscriptions to Open Access Expect to see library consortia and multi-campus university systems play hardball with their "big deal" journal subscription renewals. There is great pressure on these institutions to lower costs and get contractual assurances from commercial publishers for the advancement of open access. Gottingen Universityas well as more than 60 other major German research institutionsallowed its journal subscription package with Elsevier to expire Jan. 1, as they continue to try and negotiate a new pact with the STM publisher. The group's decision is aimed at relieving the institutions' acquisition budgets and at improving access to scientific literature in a broad and sustainable way. The European Union applied extra pressure to these university systems when it mandated last year that all journal articles stemming from its publicly-funded research must be published open access starting in the year 2020. But the policy also puts publishers in a position where they have to bend on access if they want to do business with EU institutions. University systems in the Sweden and The Netherland have already finalized deals with Springer Nature and Taylor & Francis respectively that combine reading access with the elimination of open access publishing fees for their authors. German-based Max Planck Society was one of the first institutions to negotiate a deal like this when it came to agreement with Springer Science+Business Media back in February 2008. Large library consortia and university systems will repeat this strategy of holding back renewals for price and open access concessions. Predatory Journal Problem Grows The business model where authors or their institutions pay an article processing charge (APC) upon acceptance is the model that has helped open access to grow in recent years. However, it has also given rise to unscrupulous publishers that create an appearance of legitimacy, but do little more than collect APCs and post articles to the Web. Researchers around the globe have a mandate to publish to maintain their grants and advance their careers. Some countries even have quota systems in place to encourage academic to publish as many papers as possible. The most prestigious journals reject far more papers than they accept, which leaves many authors looking for somewhere else to publish. In May, The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) delisted more than 3,300 titles in an effort to exclude questionable and inactive publishers. Publishers Will Warm to Content Sharing Faced with the proliferation of Napster like sites that allow folks to download STM articles for free, publishers are beginning to develop their own sharing policies. Springer Nature and Elsevier launched trial programs in 2016, which enabled researchers to freely share peer-reviewed content among themselves, media entities and the public. Simba expects more publishers will follow in 2017. "Strategically, allowing sharing could undercut the pirate sites and lead to more users of STM content, which would be a positive for the industry," said Dan Strempel, senior analyst for Simba's Business Professional group. Article Processing Charges Grow, to Chagrin of Some Revenue generated by APCs is growing fast, but open access advocates are starting to publically criticize this business model saying the jury is still out on whether this is the best way to achieve the aims of the open access movement. The broad criticism is that simply shifting from subscription to article fee may have unintended consequences by impeding global participation in the system and will potentially contributing to more consolidation and driving up costs. The U.K.-based Wellcome Trust is a private charity that funds STM research and pays APCs on behalf of its researchers. The group has been critical of publishers collecting the fee and not subsequently depositing the articles in the appropriate repository. About Simba Information:Simba Information is widely recognized as the authority for market intelligence in the media and publishing industries. Its extensive information network delivers top quality, independent perspectives on the people, events and alliances shaping the industry. Simba routinely assists clients and the press with publishing and media industry analysis. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Please direct all media inquiries to: Dan Strempel[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/open-access-trends-2017-challenges-and-opportunities-300388577.html SOURCE Simba Information NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Shiseido Americas Corporation (Shiseido Americas or the Company), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based, global cosmetics company Shiseido Company, Limited (Shiseido), today announced the appointment of Alexandra Papazian as General Manager of Laura Mercier, effective March 1, 2017. Based in New York, Ms. Papazian will be responsible for the development and execution of the overall strategy for the Laura Mercier business in the United States and abroad. In addition to establishing the brands broader goals and objectives, she will focus on increased marketing efforts, product development, digital outreach and international expansion. She will report to Jean-Marc Plisson, President of the Beauty Prestige Group. Nancy Bernardini, current General Manager of Gurwitch Products, will remain in her role to assist in the transition until April 30, 2017, at which time she will be leaving the Company. Marc Rey, President and CEO of Shiseido Americas, said, I am excited to welcome Alexandra as we continue to grow our global prestige portfolio with the addition of the Laura Mercier brand. Alexandra is a proven leader in the beauty business, with an outstanding track record, and she will be a tremendous asset to Laura Mercier as the brand continues to accelerate. I am grateful for Nancys partnership in managing the transition and for her tremendous leadership in guiding the Laura Mercier and ReVive businesses over the past four years. I am confident that the Laura Mercier business will be in good hands with Alexandra. Ms. Papazian joins Shiseido Americas after 15 years at L'OREAL, in the US and in France, where she successfully led high-profile luxury brands like Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Viktor & Rolf and Shu Uemura. She successfully repositioned Yves Saint Laurent Beauty in the US as a key player and took Viktor & Rolfs Flowerbomb to top 3 ranking in womens fragrances. Most recently, Ms. Papazian led Sales for Fine Department Stores for luxury designer signatures Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Yves St Laurent, Viktor & Rolf and Maison Margiela. Ms. Papazian said, Shiseido Americas and Laura Mercier are forging an exciting new path in the cosmetics industry, and I am thrilled to join them. I look forward to doing everything I can to help this iconic and much-loved brand continue to thrive and reach customers around the world. About Shiseido Company, Limited Shiseido was founded in 1872 as the first Western-style pharmacy in Japan. The business gradually evolved into a cosmetics company, offering people the most advanced technology and the finest aesthetics available in the East or the West. Now known globally as the premier cosmetics company with roots in Japan, the name Shiseido has come to represent the worlds highest standards of quality. Shiseidos global selection of skincare, makeup and fragrance includes a high-performance category for special skincare, and a brightening line. Shiseido also offers body care, suncare and a skincare line for men. Fiercely contemporary and innovative after over 140 years in business, Shiseido group brands are now sold in over 120 countries and regions. For more information, please visit http://group.shiseido.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006256/en/ Media: Shiseido Americas Jadzia Zielinski Tirsch, 212-805-2357 SVP, Corporate Communications [email protected] Source: Shiseido Americas Corporation New York, NY (PRWEB) January 10, 2017 SOBO Blues Band was chosen to represent Israel in America this January and February of 2017. The Jerusalem blues band won the honor in competition against musicians from every corner of the Holy Land at the Israel Blues Challenge this past November. SOBO's first gig in the States is in New York City at the Parkside Lounge on Manhattan's Lower East Side on Saturday night, January 28. SOBO is not sticking around New York. They're performing in Memphis, Monday, January 30, at the Center For Southern Folklore with Ori Naftaly, an Israeli musician and now an established Memphis based bluesman. Over their next days and nights in Tennessee, SOBO is competing at the 2017 International Blues Challenge. SOBO was founded in 1995 in Jerusalem by the songwriting team, Assaf Ganzman and Daniel Kriman. Ganzman is also co-owner of the legendary Mike's Place live music bars and restaurants in Israel. When they're not on tour in Europe and Russia, SOBO is the Mike's Place House Band back home. Eden Bahar, SOBO's 24 year-old drummer, considered one of the best percussionists in Israel, deftly pounds the skins and cymbals to Ganzman's driving bass and Kriman's soaring slide guitar licks. SOBO Blues Band is also the survivor of one of the most infamous terror attacks in Israel's history. In April of 2003, two British suicide bombers attacked Mike's Place, next door to the American Embassy, on the Tel Aviv beachfront. Over fifty were injured. Musicians Yanai Weiss and Ran Baron, and a beautiful and beloved Mike's Place waitress, Dominique Hass, were killed. Mike's Place was rebuilt in one week and opened on Israel Independence Day with Assaf and Daniel performing together on stage. "That's the past," says Ganzman. "Listen, Mike's Place isn't going anywhere. And neither is Israel. This is what Israelis do when terrorism rears its ugly head: First, we mourn. Then we fight. We rebuild. And then, we move on." Blues music is universal in its appeal, Assaf says. "It doesn't matter who you are or where you live. The Blues is international. We're going to prove that's the truth in the United States of America." America is the land where the Blues was born. Three Israeli musicians are here to play their respects. Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/01/prweb13966412.htm VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian police are investigating six Afghan refugees over sexual attacks on 18 women during New Year's Eve celebrations in the western province of Tyrol, a police officer involved with the case said on Monday. One man has confessed and apologized but the other five deny the accusations, Ernst Kranebitter of the Tyrol police force said, adding that police had made no arrests yet pending the end of their investigation. The women reported that assailants had groped and tried to kiss them that evening as they stood in or near a crowded central square in the city of Innsbruck for a concert and fireworks display. Some women said they had been clasped by a man from behind while others groped their breasts and genitals, said Kranebitter. Some victims managed to take pictures of their assailants with their mobile phones, which helped police find the six men, who are aged between 18 and 22 and previously lived in the same migrant hostel, he said. In neighboring Germany last year, hundreds of women were sexually assaulted and robbed at New Year's celebrations in Cologne and suspects were mainly of North African and Arab appearance. The Innsbruck assaults occurred despite an increased police presence following the previous year's incidents in Cologne and also last month's truck attack on a Christmas market in Berlin by a failed Tunisian asylum seeker. Austria's interior ministry says the country has seen around 130,000 people apply for asylum since 2015, when more than one million migrants and refugees arrived in Europe, many fleeing conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan. (Reporting By Shadia Nasralla; Editing by Gareth Jones) (Reuters) - Canadian oilfield services company Savanna Energy Services Corp (AMEX: SVY) said on Tuesday that it would open its books this week to potential suitors interested in a deal with the company. Savanna said it also planned to explore strategic alternatives, which may include a sale of the company among other options. The company had rejected an unsolicited acquisition offer from Total Energy Services Inc (NYSE: TOT) in December. (Reporting by Komal Khettry in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza) By Sudip Kar-Gupta and Ankur Banerjee (Reuters) - Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (NYSE: VRX) is selling its Dendreon cancer treatment business and three skincare brands for $2.12 billion as the troubled Canadian drugmaker looks to reduce more than $30 billion in debt. Valeant's U.S.-listed shares (NYSE: VRX) rose as much as 14 percent on Tuesday, before paring gains to 5.7 percent at $16.22 in afternoon trading. Its bonds also moved higher. The company is trying to regain investor confidence after its stock plunged over the past year amid disclosures that it worked secretly with a specialty pharmacy to boost sales of its medicines. Laval, Quebec-based Valeant has been the subject of recent investigations by congressional panels as well as the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. French cosmetics group L'Oreal is buying CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi from Valeant for about $1.3 billion in cash. Valeant is also selling its Dendreon unit to China's Sanpower Group Co Ltd [SPGCL.UL] for $819.9 million. Valeant had acquired the bankrupt Dendreon in 2015 for about $300 million. "We think these two assets we sold today certainly go a long way toward helping us," Valeant Chief Executive Joseph Papa said in an interview on CNBC. Valeant's gastrointestinal, dermatology and eyecare businesses are core to the company's operations, but it would listen to significant offers, Papa said. The deals could be the first of a series of divestitures for Valeant, whose growth was fueled by an acquisition spree that left it saddled with debt. Mizuho Securities USA analyst Irina Koffler said she expects Valeant to divest its dental business as well as its interests in some geographic areas. Founded in 2005, CeraVe develops cleansers, moisturizers and baby products and is one of the fastest-growing active skincare brands in the United States, L'Oreal said. AcneFree provides acne treatments and skin cleansers, while Ambi makes products to treat dark spots and brighten skin. L'Oreal said the three brands would stand alongside the likes of Vichy and La Roche-Posay in its Active Cosmetics division, which is among its strongest in terms of growth and resilience to slowdowns in consumer spending in the past three to four years. L'Oreal paid nearly eight times the brand's combined annual revenue of $168 million as it expands into one of the fastest-growing areas of the beauty industry. Separately, Valeant said its lotion for plaque psoriasis, IDP-118 was more effective and reduced irritation in patients in a key study. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta in Paris and Ankur Banerjee in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg; editing by Andrew Callus, Louise Heavens, G Crosse and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) File Photo: T-shirts made in the USA are for sale at the Walmart Supercenter in Bentonville, Arkansas June 5, 2014. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/File Photo By Lauren Hirsch and Mike Stone NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some U.S. companies are reviewing potential mergers while others are rethinking job cuts or looking at their manufacturing operations in China for fear of being cast as "anti-American" by President-elect Donald Trump, according to Wall Street bankers, company executives and crisis management consultants. Having seen some of America's largest companies, including General Motors Co, Lockheed Martin Corp and United Technologies Corp, bluntly and publicly rebuked by Trump on Twitter, many others are worried they may be his next target - especially if they have significant overseas manufacturing, have had U.S. job cuts or price increases for consumers. "Any business that leaves our country for another country, fires its employees, builds a new factory or plant in the other country, and then thinks it will sell its product back into the U.S. without retribution or consequence is WRONG!" Trump, who assumes office on Jan. 20, tweeted in December. Trump campaigned on an "America First" anti-globalization platform that promised the return of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs to economically depressed areas. That nationalist rhetoric and Trump's willingness to use his Twitter account as a cudgel has so rattled some companies that they are putting on hold mergers and acquisitions that may involve significant job cuts or moving production or tax domicile abroad, out of fear that such deals could be seen as "unpatriotic", several top Wall Street bankers said. Bermuda-based White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd had been in talks to sell itself in a transaction that would have been structured as an inversion - where a U.S.-based buyer would move its tax domicile overseas. However, the deal fell apart after the November election partly because potential buyers worried that leaving the U.S. tax home would be seen as "anti-American," three people with knowledge of the matter said. Potential buyers also found the target less attractive because of the likelihood of lower U.S. corporate taxes under the Trump administration, the people said. Representatives of the $3.8 billion company declined to comment. At least two other insurance deals have also fallen apart since the election for similar reasons, said the people, who declined to elaborate and asked not to be named because the matter is not public. Trump's aggressive anti-China rhetoric has also given some companies pause. James Park, chief executive of wearable fitness device maker Fitbit Inc, said he expects all companies that have significant manufacturing operations in China, including his own firm, to prepare contingency plans. Trump has threatened to hit China and Mexico with high tariffs and named vocal China critic Peter Navarro to lead a new White House office overseeing U.S. trade policy. "Whether its taking higher costs into account or operationally preparing for moving manufacturing (out of China), companies are thinking about what to do," Park said in an interview. WATCHING TRUMP'S TWEETS Companies are also beefing up their Twitter monitoring for any Trump tweets that could affect them and engaging public relations firms for advice on potential lines of attack and how to respond if they were to come, several U.S. chief executives as well as half a dozen corporate advisers told Reuters. "Back in December the board was already asking questions: 'Whats the plan in terms of what happens if he comes after us, are we ready? The board is asking us if we have a PR firm at the ready, if we have a person monitoring his Twitter," said a top executive at a large U.S. defense contractor. "Our plan is to not get into a fight, and concede immediately. The reality is that we're trying to stay below the radar," the executive said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. Since his election in November, Trump has ramped up criticism of companies from Ford Motor Co, Toyota Motor Corp and GM, to United Tech and Rexnord Corp over manufacturing in Mexico for U.S. consumers or moving U.S. jobs abroad. Trump also slammed Lockheed Martin and Boeing Co for what he called "out of control" costs on their weapons programs. Both Lockheed and Boeing have said they will work to drive down costs of the programs, while Ford scrapped plans to build a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico, and United Tech's Carrier unit is keeping half of the 2,100 U.S. jobs it was to shift to Mexico. Government relations and public relations advisers say they have received a number of calls from companies wanting help in assessing if they have any red flags that could draw Trump's ire. Advisers say these potentially include outsourcing of manufacturing, consumer price increases and lower tax rates than peer companies. "We have literally had about a dozen clients ask us how they should be thinking about this in the last few weeks," said George Sard, chairman and CEO of strategic communications firm Sard Verbinnen & Co, adding that he is seeing concern from companies in a wide range of industries. "The week after the election it was non-stop meetings and conference calls and analysis," said Kent Jarrell, crisis and litigation communication expert at APCO Worldwide. "It's almost like a whole new Trump practice is developing." Corporate leaders, say the advisers, can no longer focus only on maximizing shareholder value; they must now also weigh national interest. "CEOs are talking to their boards saying we've got to be viewed pro-America. If something is more on the margin like layoffs, or moving manufacturing, then they are not going to do it," said one Fortune 500 CEO, who said he had spoken with other U.S. companies. TAKING A PAGE FROM TRUMP PLAYBOOK Sard, of Sard Verbinnen & Co, said that while companies are well advised not to get into a Twitter war with Trump, his firm is advising clients to "learn from his playbook" and be prepared to communicate directly with shareholders, employees, and customers through blogs and social media. There is already evidence that companies are quickly adjusting to the new Trump era. Firms have been more vocal in publicizing job creation and they have sometimes let Trump claim credit. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the No. 3 automaker in the United States, announced plans on Sunday to create 2,000 U.S. jobs. The timing was partly influenced by CEO Sergio Marchionne's desire to get the news out ahead of any possible criticism from Trump for the automaker's overseas manufacturing, a person familiar with the company's thinking said. Trump has in the past few weeks attacked FCA's two Detroit rivals, as well as Japan-based Toyota, for their manufacturing operations in Mexico and threatened to impose stiff border taxes on any imports. In December, SoftBank Group Corp, majority owner of Sprint Corp, unveiled a $50 billion U.S. investment at the Trump Tower in Manhattan. Trump and SoftBank head Masayoshi Son made the announcement together, and Trump later tweeted: "He would never do this had we (Trump) not won the election!" "You never want to be against the president - especially not one as vocal as (Trump)," the Fortune 500 CEO said. Trump on Twitter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2jf8zG8 (Additional reporting by Olivia Oran in New York, Liana Baker in San Francisco and David Shepardson in Detroit, Editing by Soyoung Kim and Ross Colvin) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) off The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 3, 2017 CANNABIS SCIENCE, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) Nevada 000-28911 91-1869677 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 19800 MacArthur Blvd., Suite #300 Irvine, California 92612 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 1-888-263-0832 Registrants telephone number Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a -12) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d -2(b)) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e -4(c)) 1 Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On January 3, 2017 Cannabis Science, Inc. (the Company), entered into a Collaborative Research Agreement (the Agreement) with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc., (the Institute) a Massachusetts not-for-profit corporation, having its principal offices at 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Pursuant to the Agreement the Institute has developed know-how and expertise in the treatment of cancer and the Company would like to collaborate with the Institute to develop and investigate the use of Cannabinoids to cure various cancers and obtain from the Institute data and certain rights to inventions that are developed during research funded by the Company. To the degree that the Project is successful, it is contemplated that Research Results shall be expeditiously disseminated to the public through joint publications. Authorship shall be based on contributions to the Project, in accordance with academic standards and customs, and proper acknowledgment for each partys contribution shall be made in any presentation or publication reporting Research Results. Each Party has disclosed and shall retain ownership of their respective intellectual property (IP). All rights, title and interest in and to any Inventions conceived and reduced to practice jointly by the Company and the Institute hereby (Joint Inventions) shall be jointly owned by the Company and the Institute. Patent applications with respect to Joint Inventions shall be filed according to the provisions of the agreement. The term of the Agreement is for one year. In consideration for this Agreement and performance of the Research, the Company has paid the Institute Two Hundred and One Thousand and Six Hundred and Fifty-Six dollars (US) ($201,656). Each Party shall have the right to seek additional third party funding for the Research and in the case of the Company, for commercialization of all Inventions derived as a result of the Agreement and both parties shall mutually agree on the terms and conditions (outside of the terms of the Agreement) for any third party research funding. Item 8.01 Other Events In a press release issued on January 6, 2017, the Company incorrectly referenced the entity Dana-Faber / Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) with whom it had signed the Agreement. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc. is the correct entity the Company has signed the agreement with and that is working collaboratively with the Company. 2 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. CANNABIS SCIENCE, INC. Date: January 9, 2017 By: /s/ Raymond C. Dabney Raymond C. Dabney, President & C.E.O. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G/A Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (Name of Issuer) Common Stock (Title of Class of Securities) 686275108 (CUSIP Number) December 31, 2016 (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement) Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed: [X] Rule 13d-1(b) [_] Rule 13d-1(c) [_] Rule 13d-1(d) *The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Act) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes). SCHEDULE 13G CUSIP No. 686275108 1 Names of Reporting Persons North Star Investment Management Corporation 2 Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (see instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] 3 Sec Use Only 4 Citizenship or Place of Organization Delaware Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With: 5 Sole Voting Power 1,720,885 6 Shared Voting Power 7 Sole Dispositive Power 1,720,885 8 Shared Dispositive Power 524,120 9 Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 2,245,005 10 Check box if the aggregate amount in row (9) excludes certain shares (See Instructions) [ ] 11 Percent of class represented by amount in row (9) 7.9% ( See Item 4 below) 12 Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IA Page 2 of 5 Item 1. (a) Name of Issuer: Orion Energy Systems (b) Address of Issuers Principal Executive Offices: 2210 Woodland Drive, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220 Item 2. (a) Name of Person Filing: North Star Investment Management Corporation (b) Address of Principal Business Office or, if None, Residence: 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1416, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (c) Citizenship: Delaware (d) Title and Class of Securities: Common Stock (e) CUSIP No.: 686275108 Item 3. If this statement is filed pursuant to 240.13d-1(b) or 240.13d-2(b) or (c), check whether the person filing is a: (a) [_] Broker or dealer registered under Section 15 of the Act; (b) [_] Bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Act; (c) [_] Insurance company as defined in Section 3(a)(19) of the Act; (d) [_] Investment company registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940; (e) [X] An investment adviser in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E); (f) [_] An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F); (g) [_] A parent holding company or control person in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G); (h) [_] A savings associations as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); Page 3 of 5 (i) [_] A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940; (j) [_] A non-U.S. institution in accordance with Rule 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J); (k) [_] Group, in accordance with Rule 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(K). If filing as a non-U.S. institution in accordance with Rule 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J), please specify the type of institution: Item 4. Ownership The information reported below in this Item 4 is as of December 31, 2016. The percentage set forth in Item 4(b) is based on 28,252,123 shares of the Issuers Common Stock outstanding as of October 28, 2106, as reported in the Issuers Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016(as filed November 2, 2016). (a) Amount Beneficially Owned: 2,245,005 (b) Percent of Class: 7.9% (c) Number of shares as to which such person has: (i) Sole power to vote or to direct the vote: 1,720,885 (ii) Shared power to vote or to direct the vote: 0 (iii) Sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of: 1,720,885 (iv) Shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of: 524,120 Item 5. Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class. Not Applicable. Item 6. Ownership of more than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person. Not Applicable. Item 7. Identification and classification of the subsidiary which acquired the security being reported on by the parent holding company or control person. Not Applicable. Item 8. Identification and classification of members of the group. Not Applicable. Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group. Not Applicable. Page 4 of 5 Item 10. Certifications. By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having the purposes or effect, other than activities solely in connection with nomination under 240.14a -11. SIGNATURE After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Dated: January 10, 2017 NORTH STAR INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION /s/ Peter Gottlieb Peter Gottlieb/President The original statement shall be signed by each person on whose behalf the statement is filed or his authorized representative. If the statement is signed on behalf of a person by his authorized representative (other than an executive officer or general partner of this filing person), evidence of the representative's authority to sign on behalf of such person shall be filed with the statement, provided, however, that a power of attorney for this purpose which is already on file with the Commission may be incorporated by reference. The name and any title of each person who signs the statement shall be typed or printed beneath his signature. Attention: Intentional misstatements or omissions of fact constitute Federal criminal violations (See 18 U.S.C. 1001). Page 5 of 5 "Punjab voters should assume that Arvind Kejriwal is going to be the Chief Minister of Punjab," Sisodia said while addressing a rally in Mohali near Chandigarh. By India Today Web Desk: In a major hint ahead of Punjab Assembly election, Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today said the voters in the state should assume they are voting for Arvind Kejriwal as their Chief Minister in the February 4 poll. "Punjab voters should assume that Arvind Kejriwal is going to be the Chief Minister of Punjab," Sisodia said while addressing a rally in Mohali near Chandigarh. The statement has triggered angry reactions from Kejriwal's opponents in the poll-bound state. advertisement "By asking people to vote for Kejriwal as Punjab Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia has exposed their plans. It proves the AAP doesn't trust Punjabis," Sisodia's counterpart in Punjab and senior Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal said. There were already speculations in place about Kejriwal moving to Punjab if the AAP manages to win its second state. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the Aam Aadmi Party made its presence felt by winning four seats in the state. Punjab votes on February 4 while the results will be known on March 11. Also read: Don't underestimate the power of common man, says Arvind Kejriwal in Goa Shoe hurled at Arvind Kejriwal in Rohtak; Delhi CM blames PM Modi --- ENDS --- The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday barred Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan from chairing National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) meetings until further notice. The court has also ordered the NADRA board to halt function until further notice. Read more: Panama Case: PTI should approach accountability court: Supreme Court The decisions were made after the LHC heard a petition filed by Advocate Ovais ur Rehman claiming that NADRA is an independent authority and the interior minister does not have jurisdiction to chair its meetings. Read also: JI files petition asking SC to summon Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif The petition further stated that eight members of the Nadra board had been appointed illegally and therefore should be removed from their positions. Know more: Panama case: PTIs counsel submits evidence of London flats beneficial owners The LHC has adjourned hearing the case for ten days, but said its decisions against Nisar and the board members will hold till then. Switzerland has won a European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) case allowing it to force Muslim parents to send their daughters to mixed school swimming lessons. A panel of seven judges found that freedom of religion had been interfered with but that the move was legitimised by the aim of social integration. They were ruling on a legal challenge brought by two Swiss-Turkish parents from Basel, Aziz Osmanoglu and Sehabat Kocabas, who refused to send their daughters to mixed swimming lessons on the grounds that their beliefs prohibited them from allowing their children to take part. Education officials in the canton of Basle Urban advised the couple they could be fined up to 1,000 Swiss francs (813) each but despite mediation attempts by the girls school, they continued not to attend the compulsory classes. Mr Osmanoglu and Ms Kocabas were ordered to pay a fine of CHF 350 per parent and child a total of CHF 1,400 (1,138) - for acting in breach of their parental duty. The Basel court of appeal dismissed their claim the following year, and another appeal was thrown out by Swizerlands federal court in 2012. The couple then lodged their case with the ECHR, alleging that the requirement to send their daughters to mixed swimming lessons violated Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The ECHR unanimously threw out their complaint, finding there had been no violation of freedom of religion, and that Switzerlands right to facilitate successful social integration according to local customs and mores took precedence over parents wish to refuse. Swiss, Swedish, Spanish, Serbian and Slovakian judges were among the panel who delivered Tuesdays ruling, which found that although freedom of religion had been interfered with, the move was legitimate as it was seeking to protect foreign pupils from any form of social exclusion. The Court observed that school played a special role in the process of social integration, and one that was all the more decisive where pupils of foreign origin were concerned, a statement said. The childrens interest in a full education, thus facilitating their successful social integration according to local customs and mores, prevailed over the parents wish to have their children exempted from mixed swimming lessons. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. By Hardeep Dugal, India Today Web Desk: Two simultaneous prayer meetings were held on Monday in order to pay last respects and tribute to one of the finest actors of Indian cinema, Om Puri. While the first one was held by his first wife Seema Puri at the Four Seasons Gurudwara in Andheri, the second one was held by his second wife Nandita Puri and son Ishan at Iskon Temple at Juhu. advertisement ALSO READ: Om Puri was intoxicated and wanted to meet son before death, investigation reveals ALSO READ: Om Puri died a lonely death, he was a wonderful human being, says Anupam Kher Several stalwarts of the industry including Amitabh Bachchan, son Abhishek Bachchan and wife Aishwarya Rai alongwith Naseeruddin Shah, his wife Ratna Pathak Shah, Panjak Kapoor with wife Supriya Pathak, Shyam Bengal, Kabir Bedi, David Dhawan, Gulshan Grover, Javed Jaffery and several other theatre actors were present to pay their last respects. The programme was held between 4-6pm. The actor who has entertained with his exceptional craft passed away on the January 6 following a massive heart attack. He was 66 years old. (Photos: Milind Shelte, India Today) --- ENDS --- Father Mulayam Singh Yadav and son Akhilesh hold 90-minute meeting day after Mulayam said Akhilesh would be Uttar Pradesh chief minister if their party wins the upcoming Uttar Pradesh election. By India Today Web Desk: A day after he was declared his party's chief ministerial candidate by Mulayam Singh, Akhilesh Yadav held a 90-minute meeting with his father in Lucknow today. While the young Yadav did not take any questions from reporters waiting outside Mulayam's residence, sources in the party said Akhilesh has been assured he will remain the CM candidate and Mulayam the chief. Mulayam has also reportedly urged Akhilesh to withdraw his letter from the Election Commission claiming majority in the party and hence, the party symbol. OLIVE BRANCH TO SON On Monday, Mulayam had extended an olive branch to his rebellious son, saying he would return as Chief Minister if their party retains power in the Uttar Pradesh election. The offer came even as the two factions - Mulayam's and Akhilesh's - escalated their fight in the Election Commission for their symbol, the cycle. "Akhilesh will be the next Chief Minister. Our party is completely united. There is no question of the party breaking up," Mulayam said. CYCLE WAR The surprise statement came on a day when the factional war in the Samajwadi Party escalated with the Akhilesh camp seeking an early decision on the disputed party symbol, while the embattled patriarch asserted that he is still the party chief. Earlier on Monday, Mulayam and his close aides, Amar Singh and Shivpal Yadav, met top Election Commission officials to claim majority support in the party. advertisement Though the Mulayam camp did not submit any fresh documents, it asserted that the 78-year-old leader is still the Samajwadi Party chief and has legal claim over the party and its symbol. Also read: Blood is thicker than water: Mulayam tries to undo rift with Akhilesh, but is it too late for a truce? Watch video: Mulayam Singh on peace path, says Akhilesh will be next UP CM --- ENDS --- "I will build a bigger, better city than Hyderabad. Amaravati, the Andhra capital, will be the best city in India," Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said at the India Today South Conclave. By India Today Web Desk: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu today said he will build a "bigger, better city" in Amaravati than Hyderabad when the latter becomes the capital of Telangana in 2024. "I will build a bigger, better city than Hyderabad. Amaravati, the Andhra capital, will be the best city in India," Naidu told Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai at the India Today South Conclave in Chennai. advertisement When Telangana was formed in 2014, it was decided that Hyderabad will remain the shared capital between the two states till 2024. "A water grid, world class capital city Amaravati and human resource development are the three top priorities of my government. Rest all will fall in place," he said. "People should remember me forever. I will make an Andhra Pradesh model," the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief said at the session titled 'The Great Digital Leap'. ON DEMONETISATION Making a U-turn, Naidu today said demonetisation was good for the country. The BJP ally at the Centre had earlier questioned the move to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, saying he did not know if there is a solution to the cash crisis. "In my state, there is no cash crunch. Ninety per cent of the people are supporting the move, only five to ten per cent are opposing," he said. On his relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu said, "Ideas sometimes may differ, but overall we should work for the betterment of the country." Naidu was part of the first NDA government headed by BJP veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee. When asked which Prime Minister was better, he said, "We should not compare Atal Bihari Vajpayee with Narendra Modi." --- ENDS --- As a part of this event, participants are told to get on trains and act as they normally would and are given an assigned point to take off their pants. By AP: Subway riders around the world got an eyeful when their fellow transit users stripped down to their underwear on Sunday for the annual No Pants Subway Ride. The event, organized by the Improv Everywhere comedy collective, started in 2002 in New York with seven participants. Also read: Hollyweed: Prankster 'honours marijuana' changing LA's landmark sign "We want to give New Yorkers a reason to look up from their papers, from their phones, and experience something that's a little different than their average run-of-the-mill stuff," said Jesse Good, one of the event's organizers. Transit users in Polant (Photo: AP) advertisement Pants-less subway rides were scheduled to take place this year in dozens of cities around the world, including Boston, Berlin, Prague, Warsaw, and Poland, organizers said. Philadelphia's version was sponsored by a laundry delivery service, which asked participants to show up with extra pants or other clothing to donate to charity. Participants are told to get on trains and act as they normally would and are given an assigned point to take off their pants. They're asked to keep a straight face and respond matter-of-factly to anyone who asks them if they're cold. Transit users in Germany (Photo: AP) Moments before entering a Manhattan station, Peter Saez said it was his third time going pant-less. "People who don't understand what we're doing will look at us like we're doing something bad or wrong," Saez said. "It's just for fun. It's a fun trip, that's all." Toni Carter planned on stripping down to her tight boxers with little polka-dots. Transit users in Boston (Photo: AP) "Not very often do I have an opportunity with a group of people to take my pants off and show it whatever I got to show," Carter said. "I'm entertaining New York City. This is my form of art." Also read: Walk on ice like penguins, German doctors advise public Wei Wei, a student from China who just moved to New York, was curious about the event but was on the fence about whether she was going to go through with taking off her pants. But there was no hesitation for Angela Bancilhon, a tourist from Australia who had her husband and two young sons along for the ride. Transit users in Czech Republic (Photo:AP) "It's fun. Why the hell not?" Bancilhon said. "We're in NYC. Why wouldn't you?" Transit users in Germany (Photo: AP) --- ENDS --- UPDATED 5:50pm. One person has been killed and three people are critically injured following two separate car crashes near Thames. A St John spokesperson confirms the motorist was killed in the crash on State Highway 25 near Orongo, south of Thames, which also left one other person with critical injuries. Four vehicles attended the incident and treated two patients and transported to Waikato Hospital, the statement reads. It was the first of two crashes which occurred on SH25 within 30 minutes of each other. Emergency services were notified of the second incident which involved a car crashing down a bank on the Kopu-Hikuai Road/SH25 at 1.40pm, leaving two people with critical injuries. Crash one: At approximately 1:25pm on State Highway 25, two cars collided head-on, both with one occupant in each car. At this stage, Police understand the silver car travelling westbound crossed the centre-line colliding with a green car travelling eastbound. The driver of the green car died shortly after the incident and the driver of the silver car remains in a critical condition. Police express their sympathies to the families of those involved while the Serious Crash Unit investigate the cause. Part of the investigation will involve working to establish exactly what caused one of the vehicles to cross the centre-line. The road remains closed between Kopu Bridge and the turn off to Turua until further notice. Crash two: At approximately 1:40pm, a second crash on Kopu-Hikuai Road occurred after a car travelling westbound left the road and went over a bank. Four people were in the vehicle. One person in a critical condition and a second person in a serious condition have been taken to Waikato Hospital. A third person has been taken to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition. The fourth occupant has minor injuries. Kopu-Hikuai Road has one lane open now, but Police urge motorists to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary. According to the New Zealand transport Agency website, both sections of SH25 where the crashes occurred remain closed in both directions, with diversions in place. At Orongo, SH25 is closed between the Kopu Bridge and Hauraki Road, with motorists being diverted down Hauraki Road, SH2 and SH26/Paeroa Kopu Road. While further east, one lane of Kopu-Hikuai Road/SH25A is open with stop/go traffic management in place. However, motorists are being advised to expect long delays in the area and should avoid unnecessary travel where and if possible. EARLIER 2.29PM: Three people have been critically injured in two seperate crashes near Thames. A third person is in serious condition after a car has gone over a bank on Kopu-Hikuai Road. The first crash happened on SH25, near Orongo Road. "Two people are in a critical condition and will be transported to hospital via helicopter," says police. "The road is closed between Kopu Bridge and the turn off to Turua until further notice." The serious crash unit is investigating the crash. The second crash was called into police around 1.40pm after a car went over a bank on Kopu-Hikuai Road, between Kirikiri Valley and Puketai Road. "There are two people in a critical condition and one in a serious condition. "The serious crash unit has been advised and will also be investigating this crash." State Highway 25 is closed in both directions just west of Kopu Bridge following an accident. Detour in both directions via Paeroa, says the NZTA. State Highway 25 is closed between Kopu Bridge and Hauraki Road, in both directions. NZ Transport Agency advises to allow an extra 40 minutes for the detour via Paeroa. "If youre travelling to Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula from the west along SH25, take Hauraki Rd through Turua, then SH2 to Paeroa, then SH26 back up to Thames and the Kopu-Hikuai Rd (SH25A). "Reverse this if youre travelling west in the direction of Auckland from the Coromandel Peninsula." NZTA says the detour is in place until further notice. Earlier: Motorists are being advised to use an alternative route following a serious crash on State Highway 25, near Thames. Emergency services have been called to a two-car, head-on crash near Orongo Road. Due to the serious nature of the crash, the NZ Transport Agency says the road is closed in both directions between Kopu Bridge and Hauraki Road. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route or delay their journey. SunLive will bring you more information soon. At the scene? Call 0800 SUNLIVE or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz UPDATED 6:59PM: Traffic is now flowing following a two vehicle crash south of Katikati this afternoon. Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 2 just before 3.30pm. The crash forced police to close the highway, which was later re-opened just after 5pm. Police say two people were injured in the crash and both occupants, one from each vehicle, sustained serious injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation. A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says traffic is now flowing as they make their way through Katikati, heading towards Tauranga. EARLIER: Police re-opened SH2 near Rea Road Katikati to one lane about 5pm, and to two lanes about 20 minutes later, but are advising people to avoid using the road for some time because of the significant traffic backlog. Two cars collided on a straight section of road near the Rereatukahia Stream bridge about 3.15pm. Two people were trapped in each of the cars involved. Both are injured but police say they are not life threatening. Traffic remains backed up for a considerable distance. Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion advises people to delay their journey because of the significant backlogs. Travellers say traffic is backed up North of Katikati to Kauri Point and south as far as Aongatete. The New Zealand Transport Agency advises people to divert through State Highway 29 Kaimai Ranges. Motorists heading to the Bay of Plenty can turn off at Paeroa and use State Highway 26, State Highway 27 then State Highway 24 to reach State Highway 29. The diversion could add an extra 45 minutes to a normal journey. Road users are asked to avoid the area or delay all non-essential travel. The latest to do just this is French horological experts Bell & Ross, who have created a limited edition series of dramatic looking timepieces called the BR-X1 Tourbillon Sapphire. Limited to just five pieces, the futuristic appearance of the watches is achieved by the avant-garde use of transparent sapphire crystal to create the entire watch case, including both front and back. Inside the square case is a transparent circular dial through which you can see the Swiss hand-wind Bell & Ross in-house caliber 285 movement with 35 jewels, 21,600 vph and a power reserve of four days. The striking look of the watches is completed by a translucent rubber strap with metallic Kevlar weaving with a steel buckle. Each of the five BR-X1 Tourbillon Sapphires by Bell & Ross are priced at $500,000. Rampal, Shroff visit BJP headquarters in New Delhi, setting off speculation of the duo campaigning for the party during the UP election. By Hardeep Dugal: Model-turned actor Arjun Rampal and Bollywood star Jackie Shroff could be the star campaigners for the Bhartiya Janata Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly election. Speculation regarding this started emerging after the duo reached the BJP's headquarters in New Delhi early this morning and held meetings with party officials. Soon after the meeting Arjun Rampal spoke to the media and expressed his admiration for the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been functioning over the last two and a half years since the NDA came to power. Rampal also said that he was impressed with the BJP since he believed that the party was working for the development of the people. advertisement When asked if he would be joining the party as a politician, the actor said that he hadn't decided on that yet. WATCH THE VIDEO --- ENDS --- Geddes, N.Y. The former P&C distribution center near Interstate 690 has sold for nearly $10 million to a Syracuse-based auto parts distribution business. The buyer, United Auto Supply, will use the high-bay portion of the 567,800-square-foot, facility at 1200 State Fair Blvd. to house its business, according to a news release from the sellers, Hackman Capital Partners LLC and Calare Properties Inc. Formerly named MetroWest Industrial Center, the facility has been renamed Ranalli Industrial Park. With United Auto Supply and two other long-term tenants Lowe's and W.B. Mason the center is fully occupied. Family owned and operated since 1946, United Auto Supply, headquartered on Tracy Street in Syracuse, manages 21 locations in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania with more than 400 employees. It sells to independent installers, car dealers and auto parts stores. United Auto Supply's owner and CEO, James Ranalli, has been active in redeveloping vacant properties on the west and south sides of Syracuse. He has redeveloped the burned-out remains of the former Marsellus Casket Co. factory on Richmond Avenue into the new home of the American Medical Response ambulance service and the former Sam Dell Dodge dealership site on West Genesee Street into a retail center. In June, Ranalli bought the former Coyne industrial laundry plant on Cortland Avenue and has plans to redevelop it for uses that include light industry and office space. Ranalli purchased the former P&C facility on Sept. 30 for $9.78 million, according to the Onondaga County Office of Real Property Services website. NIP Owner IV LLC, a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based Hackman Capital Partners, bought the facility from Equity Industrial PT Limited for $17 million in August 2007. Equity Industrial bought it for $11.4 million in April 2005. The facility temporarily closed in early 2010 when Tops Markets bought the assets of P&C's owner, The Penn Traffic Co., following the supermarket chain's third bankruptcy filing. The building had served as a distribution facility and corporate offices for Penn-Traffic, but Tops did not need it. Penn Traffic sold the building in 2004 and leased it back. Hackman Capital bought the facility as part of an 11-million-square-foot portfolio of industrial properties, mostly in the Northeast, acquired in a joint venture with Calare Properties and KBS Real Estate. It renamed the site MetroWest Industrial Center and marketed it as a multi-tenant distribution facility. The facility features 31-foot clearance heights, extensive loading and trailer storage and frontage at the intersection of I-690 and I-90. The building is adjacent to a CSX railroad line and is served by the village of Solvay's low-cost municipal Electric Department. Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-314 Welch Allyn.JPG Welch Allyn President Alton Shader shows Gov. Andrew Cuomo a display of the company's medical device products at the company's headquarters in Skaneateles on Sept. 28, 2016. (Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com) Skaneateles, N.Y. Welch Allyn owner Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. has agreed to buy Milwaukee-based Mortara Instrument Inc., a maker of diagnostic cardiology and patient monitoring devices, for $330 million a move Hill-Rom said will complement Welch Allyn's business. "It's a great fit with our Welch Allyn business," Hill-Rom President and CEO John Greisch said today following the company's announcement that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Mortara. Based in Milwaukee, Mortara is a global company, with offices in Australia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. It employs more than 400 people globally and generated approximately $115 million in revenue in 2016. Chicago-based Hill-Rom said it anticipates the structure of the acquisition will allow the company to qualify for a significant tax benefit of approximately $40 million, reducing the effective purchase price to approximately $290 million. In a phone interview with syracuse.com, Greisch said Mortara will become part of Hill-Rom's Front Line Care division, of which Skaneateles-based Welch Allyn is part. Welch Allyn, a maker of medical diagnostic devices, employs 2,300 people, including more than 900 in Skaneateles. Hill-Rom bought Welch Allyn in September 2015 for $2.05 billion and announced four months ago that it will create 100 new jobs in Skaneateles. Greisch said Welch Allyn has a small presence in the diagnostic cardiology device market, while Mortara has a major presence in that market. He said he did not expect the acquisition of Mortara to have an impact on the size of the Welch Allyn workforce. Hill-Rom said in its announcement that Mortara's relationships with leading global electronic medical records providers offers Hill-Rom opportunities for improved revenue growth and increased profitability through the expansion of Welch Allyn's patient monitoring and diagnostic cardiology business. Mortara Instrument CEO Dr. Justin Mortara intends to join Hill-Rom and continue in his leadership capacity at Mortara Instrument, reporting to Hill-Rom Front Line Care President Alton Shader, Hill-Rom said. Hill-Rom said it intends to finance the acquisition through a combination of cash and borrowings. Greisch said he expects the transaction to close by the end of March. Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Verizon-Yahoo This Monday, July 25, 2016, file photo shows the Yahoo and Verizon logos on a laptop, in North Andover, Mass. (Elise Amendola | AP) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Yahoo will adopt a new corporate identity and slash the size of its board if the proposed $4.8 billion sale of its digital services to Verizon Communications goes through. The company plans to change its name to Altaba Inc. after it turns over its email, websites, mobile apps and advertising tools to Verizon. The new name is meant to reflect Yahoo's transformation into a holding company for investments in China's e-commerce leader, Alibaba Group, and Yahoo Japan that are worth about more than $40 billion combined. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, co-founder David Filo and four other directors currently on the company's 11-member board will resign after the planned sale to Verizon closes. Verizon is expected to retain Yahoo's brand under its ownership. But the Verizon deal has been jeopardized by Yahoo's recent discovery of two computer hacking attacks that stole personal information from more than 1 billion user accounts during two different intrusions that occurred in 2013 and 2014. Verizon is reassessing whether it should renegotiate the sales price or perhaps cancel the deal light of hacking revelations that could trigger a backlash among Yahoo users upset about sensitive personal details being stolen. Yahoo is fighting to keep the deal intact. In the only change that took effect Monday, Yahoo director Eric Brandt became the company's chairman. He replaces Maynard Webb, who becomes chairman emeritus until the Verizon deal closes. Brandt, the former chief financial officer of chipmaker Broadcom, joined Yahoo's board 10 months ago. Webb had been Yahoo's chairman for nearly four years. If the Verizon deal closes, Webb will leave the board along with Mayer, Filo and Eddy Hartenstein, Richard Hill and Jane Shaw. Speaking in a public rally in Mohali, Punjab, Sisodia said, "You exercise your vote assuming that Arvind Kejriwal is going to become the next chief minister (of Punjab)." By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Will Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal betray the Delhi voters a second time? Going by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodias declaration on Tuesday, it would appear so. Speaking in a public rally in Mohali, Punjab, Sisodia said, "You exercise your vote assuming that Arvind Kejriwal is going to become the next chief minister (of Punjab)." Sisodia's statement is an obvious indication of Kejriwal moving from Delhi to Punjab if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) comes to power in the poll-bound state. advertisement Punjab goes to polls on February 4 and the results would be declared on March 11. If Kejriwal does decide to shift to Punjab, it would not just be a betrayal of the Delhi voters for the second time but also be going back on his promise. Kejriwal had abruptly resigned as Delhi Chief Minister in 2014 after 49 days of remaining in power. The voters had expressed their anger for this betrayal, throwing ink at him and even slapping him. Realising his blunder, Kejriwal had profusely apologised to the people for quitting as CM. He sought another chance, pledging not to repeat his mistake. He had assured the people in 2014 that if he was made the chief minister of Delhi again he will stay in power for five years. The voters trusted him. In the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP got an unprecedented mandate - polling 47,39,924 votes (54.3 per cent) and winning 67 of the 70 seats. While taking oath on February 14, 2015, Kejriwal had said that he had been punished for contesting the Lok Sabha throughout the country. He said he realized his blunder and pledged to serve Delhi by remaining there for five years. Watch video: Also read: Assume Arvind Kejriwal will be your Chief Minister: AAP's Manish Sisodia to Punjab voters Don't underestimate the power of common man, says Arvind Kejriwal in Goa PM Modi reduced Gandhi to his spectacles; Kejriwal, Kanhaiya hope for new politics, says Bapuji's grandson at South Conclave Improved version of odd-even formula soon: Arvind Kejriwal --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Washington, Jan 10 (PTI) Mumbai-born Ashley Tellis, a former White House official and renowned India expert, could be appointed the next US ambassador to New Delhi by President- elect Donald Trump who is preparing his own pivot to Asia policy, a media report said. According to Washington Post, Trump?s Asia appointments are outpacing those for other regions and include top Asia hands. advertisement Transition sources said Trump is close to selecting 55-year-old Tellis to be the next US envoy to India to replace Richard Verma who was appointed US Ambassador to India by outgoing President Barack Obama in 2015. Verma will depart as US Ambassador to India on January 20. "Tonight I told @SrBachchan I will depart as US Ambassador to India on January 20; it has been a great honour to serve in #IncredibleIndia," Verma tweeted after a meeting with superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday. Tellis is at present a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think-tank. While on assignment to the US Department of State as senior adviser to the under secretary of state for political affairs, he was intimately involved in negotiating the historic civil nuclear deal with India. Previously, he was commissioned into the Foreign Service and served as senior adviser to the ambassador at the US embassy in New Delhi. He also served on the National Security Council staff as special assistant to the president and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia. Prior to his government service, Tellis was senior policy analyst at the RAND Corporation and professor of policy analysis at the RAND Graduate School. He is the author of Indias Emerging Nuclear Posture (RAND, 2001) and co-author of Interpreting China?s Grand Strategy: Past, Present, and Future (RAND, 2000). The paper said public discussion of Trumps foreign policy has focused on the fight against terrorism and the US relationship with Russia, and since the election the president-elect has nominated no one with Asia expertise to a senior position in his administration. "Thats fueled concern among US Pacific allies about where the region will stand among White House priorities during the next four years," it said. "Behind the scenes, however, the Trump transition is preparing its own pivot to Asia. As the team that will implement that policy takes shape, whats emerging is an approach that harkens back to past Republican administrations ? but also seeks to actualise the Obama administrations ambition of enhancing the US presence in the region, it said. PTI NSA AKJ NSA --- ENDS --- advertisement UP Congress chairman and RS MP Raj Babbar told India Today in a special meeting that the BJP has not only broken this country on religious grounds, but is now going further by creating divisions in the name of caste and community, conspiring to divide the whole society. By Siraj Qureshi: As the assembly elections are closing in the five states, political parties are coming out with several tactics in order to gain votes. Uttar Pradesh is the most important state for the BJP in these elections, both due to being the current home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh apart from several other ministers and due to the fact that Uttar Pradesh is a state that the BJP has been trying to capture for the past 14 years and has failed to do so. advertisement UP Congress chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Raj Babbar told India Today in a special meeting that the BJP has not only broken this country on religious grounds, but is now even going down to create further divisions in the name of caste and community, conspiring to divide the whole society. He said that the Congress has always contested the elections keeping the country above religious and caste based differences, which has been praised by the people of this country, whereas the BJP is only engaging in religion and caste based politics. Not only that, but the Modi government is actively engaged in dividing the society on these grounds. SIN TO KEEP COMMUNITIES TOGETHER Raj Babbar said that the results of these five-state elections could have a big effect on the 2019 parliamentary elections and will indirectly decide who becomes the prime minister after the 2019 elections. He said that the BJP says that it believes in 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' but in fact, its leaders consider it a sin to keep all the communities together and walk in step with them. He said when the Congress struggled against the British occupation, there were no Hindus or Muslims fighting in that struggle, all were Indians. Even now, when the Congress contests elections, it does not look at the religion or caste of its voters as all are Indians and the Congress was formed for the upliftment of all Indians irrespective of their religious beliefs. He said that even the regional parties are now dividing the society and they all need to be removed from power so that the truly national party - Congress, could return and unify the country into a homogeneous entity. Babbar said that PM Modi accuses the Congress of developing itself instead of the country, he fails to realize that this highly developed trillion dollar economy that he inherited from the Congress had no contribution of the BJP in its making. From a needle to fighter and civilian aircraft, everything was being manufactured in India before Modi came into power and he is now trying to take credit of it all. CONGRESS DEVELOPS WHILE BJP DESTROYS The prosperity of western Uttar Pradesh and its farmlands is a silent testimony of the role of Congress in developing the country whereas, through his demonetisation, Modi destroyed this prosperity and made the farmers weep in the dust of their untilled farms. Labourers are not getting jobs, small traders are unable to meet daily sale targets, service-class is suffering from the unavailability of cash and with numerous bugs, the much-touted BHIM app of Modi is a mere show-piece targeted more at appeasing the Dalits that providing a solution to the cash crunch in the country. advertisement He said that Modi had promised to bring black money from foreign tax havens and has now closed his eyes from that side as he knows that it is his financiers and industrialist friends who hold these offshore accounts. Babbar said that when Congress comes in power, the party will waive off 50 per cent of the electricity dues of farmers and 100 per cent of their small debts. He said that the party will take all communities with it on the path of development and the BJP will face the consequences of the numerous deaths caused by this failed demonetisation move of Modi government. --- ENDS --- Ministers from the tourism sector of the southern states spoke about their respective efforts in boosting tourism for India as a whole. By Disha Roy Choudhury: That tourism accounts for a significant share of India's GDP is a truth that cannot be debated. But have we been able to exploit the country's tourism potential entirely? Addressing the question were panelists at India Today Conclave South 2017, who unanimously concluded that following an integrated tourism model for the country is undoubtedly the need of the hour. Speakers at the panel on The States of Play: Tourism and the Natural Advantage included Priyank M Kharge, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Information Technology and Tourism, Karnataka; Kadakampilly Surendran, Minister for Co-operation, Tourism and Devaswoms, Kerala; B Venkatesham, Secretary to Government, Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture Department, Telangana; and Dr Srikant Nagulapalli, Principal Secretary to Government, Tourism & Culture, Andhra Pradesh. While domestic tourism witnesses great numbers each year, the foreign tourist inflow to the country barely amounts to 7 million per year. What is imperative now, according to B Venkatesham, is to move beyond competing between individual state tourisms, put our acts together and promote India globally as an integrated tourism product. Dr Srikant Nagulapalli on the other hand suggested that India should focus on identifying and developing particular pockets or circuits as special tourism zones and promote it to a specific market, especially the high-end clientele with greater spending capacity. If the motto of Incredible India is 'Atithi Devo Bhava', it is time that we genuinely start practising the idea to increase foreign arrivals to the country, said Venkatesham. Besides, we should also look at maintaining a healthy and clean environment as part of our endeavours to boost tourism in the country. Another major factor influencing tourism in the country is related to the question of safety. The southern states also addressed questions on respective initiatives being taken on for the safety and security of tourists. For instance, Karanataka has lately trained around 140 'tourist mitras' to ensure the safety of women, said Priyank M Kharge. The Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation has also introduced several new special packages to cater to the needs of women and the disabled. However, what cannot be denied is the prominence that Kerala holds as one of the top tourist destinations, surpassing other states in the south. When asked about their secret to glory by moderator Rahul Kanwal, Managing Editor, India Today, Kadakampilly Surendran gave credit to the consolidated efforts undertaken by the state over a considerable period of time that has led to its success in tourism. --- ENDS --- advertisement Impact factor, the average number of times a year recent papers published in a journal are cited, is the metric by which scientific journals are often judged. Citations are part of the currency of science. A large number of citations for a paper show that it is talked about frequently and, for better or worse, that the author is well-known. There are a large number of academic journals: some, like Angewandte Chemie are published in two languages (in this case German and English), but the top 50 academic journalis (according to scimagojr.com) are all published in English. A study from Cambridge researchers in PLOS Biology is challenging scientists and scientific publishers to do something about this. According to the study, the acceptance of English as the international scientific language has two main effects. It firstly prevents the dissemination of scientific knowledge to policy makers and makes understanding difficult in local langauges, and secondly it makes diffusion of knowledge gathered in languages other than English to the general scientific community much harder. The team entered terms such as 'biodiversity' and 'conservation' into the Google Scholar search engine in 16 languages and found a total of 75,513 academic documents in all of those languages combined. Publications in English made up the overwhelming majority (64.4%) with Spanish a distant second (12.6%). By inspecting 95 of these Spanish-language results the team determined that 48% did not provide an abstract or introduction (the fundamental summary of the report often used to select which articles to read) in English. Similar findings in the remaining 16 languages show that with knowledge exclusively of English you would be unable to read the majority of publications not written in English. This has the additional effect that scientific data from areas with small numbers of English speakers are liable to bias against them from higher impact journals, and will be excluded from global databases run in English. The block in the flow of knowledge works in both directions: the team surveyed directors of regional and national protected areas in Spain and, of the 24 responses to the survey (from a total of 44 contacted), 13 cited language barriers as a serious impediment in extracting scientific information for management. The team conclude that there is no one group that needs to address this problem. It is an issue throughout the scientific community, from publishing to international databases, that the language science is carried out in prevents its dissemination. This could be prevented by publishing summaries of all articles in many common languages and taking publications into consideration regardless of the language it is published in. One year after a powerhouse group of technology executives and venture capital icons met to form the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, the group, led by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, has launched a US$1 billion investment fund to support clean energy startups around the world. The Breakthrough Energy Fund, chaired by Gates, is designed to jumpstart an entire new generation of entrepreneurs developing radical new approaches to providing reliable and low-cost energy, with zero carbon emissions as the end goal. Institutional partners, including the University of California, will help generate research ideas. Strategic partners, including Southern Co. and others, will help the group with regulatory issues, and figure out which companies have the most promise. In addition to Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Breakthrough Energy Coalitions board members include John Arnold, co-chair of the Laura and John Arnold Foundation; John Doerr, chair of Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers; and Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures. Star Power Other leading members include Jack Ma, executive chairman of Alibaba Group; Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries; Hasso Plattner, cofounder of SAP; Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon; and Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently joined the investor group, bringing the membership to 21, Gates said. Breakthrough technologies have the potential to be one of the best investment opportunities of the 21st century, Doerr said earlier this week, in a conference call with reporters. The fund will invest in a wide variety of companies storage, transportation, agricultural, electrical generation and industrial, among others. The fund will offer a range of financing, from seed capital to early stage investment and capitalization. The fund will take advantage of a lot of lessons learned about financing clean energy companies, and apply those lessons to the new venture, Doerr said. The fund will emphasize taking a long, patient view toward investment, in order to give companies enough time to properly develop, Khosla said during the conference call. The fund will be able to handle seven-, eight- and nine-figure investments, Arnold added, and it will focus on revolutionary versus evolutionary investments that is, those designed to push aggressively toward significant emission reductions. While there might be long-term business gains, I personally believe that this is part of [Gates] philanthropic work to improve overall human conditions, particularly for the next generation, observed Farah Saeed, principal consultant at Frost & Sullivan. Also, there is the attraction of using technology to resolve existing issues around improving affordability and vast availability of clean energy, she told TechNewsWorld. DoE Support U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz hailed the launch of the new fund as a breakthrough that will help push the U.S. into greater standing in the clean energy field, and he warned against the dangers of rolling back this progress. Because of the United States longstanding commitment to technology innovation, we have a head start on developing next generation clean-energy technologies, Moniz said. However, if the United States chooses to back away from a redoubled commitment to innovation, it will be American entrepreneurs, manufacturers and workers who will be put at competitive disadvantage in developing breakthrough technologies and creating jobs. Nokia has returned to the smartphone market not with an exciting flagship product, but with a rather uninteresting entry-level Android device designed for the Chinese market. This new device is called the Nokia 6, and it'll be available in China in just a few weeks. The Nokia 6 is the first Nokia device from HMD Global, the Finnish company that acquired exclusive rights to produce smartphones under the Nokia brand last year. Manufacturing will be handled by FIH Mobile, a subsidiary of Foxconn also included in the deal. Together, HMD Global and FIH Mobile own the entirety of Nokia's mobile phone business, which was previously part of Microsoft after they acquired it in 2014. The first Android phone from Nokia isn't anything to get excited about, unless entry-level Chinese handsets tickle your fancy. The Nokia 6 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 SoC, and packs 4GB of RAM alongside 64GB of internal storage, which is more than most budget phones. This device is also equipped with a 5.5-inch 1080p display, a 3,000 mAh battery, and a 16-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.0 lens. Android 7.0 is included on the Nokia 6 out of the box, complete with a custom skin and localized features for China. Like many entry-level devices from Chinese OEMs, the Nokia 6 packs a metal chassis that takes 55 minutes to machine from a block of 6000 series aluminium. The display is protected by "2.5D" Gorilla Glass, and along the edges you'll find slots for a microSD card and two nano-SIM cards. You'll be able to purchase a Nokia 6 in China in a few weeks through JD.com for 1,699, which is approximately US$245. After Verizon completes its $4.8 billion acquisition of Yahoo's key assets, the remainder of the company will be renamed to "Altaba", as discovered in a recent SEC filing. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and several other key members will be resigning from Yahoo's board at the same time. Update: If this doesn't make much sense, here's a follow-up explanation of why Yahoo is renaming itself and selling the "Yahoo" assets, which is counterintuitive, but the most convenient way to do this transaction due to taxes. Altaba's main asset moving forward will be their 15% stake in Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba; a stake that's more valuable than the internet business Yahoo is selling to Verizon. The name Altaba seems to be a reference to Alibaba, and will update the company's image to more closely reflect their remaining business. Altaba will also retain a 35.5% stake in Yahoo Japan, which is a joint venture between the company formally known as Yahoo and SoftBank. The SEC filing revealed that CEO Marissa Mayer, along with cofounder David Filo, current chairman Maynard Webb, and three other members of Yahoo's current board, will resign from the board following the closure of the Verizon deal. Altaba's new board will have just five members, all of which are current members of Yahoo's larger 11-person board, including Eric Brandt as the new chairman. It's not entirely clear if the deal between Verizon and Yahoo will actually go through. Two massive security breaches in recent months have resulted in more than a billion compromised Yahoo accounts, and there are suggestions that Verizon may be leveraging this issue to either lower the acquisition price, or pull out of the deal altogether. If the deal does go through, Verizon will own Yahoo's search business, Yahoo Mail, Tumblr, Flickr, and several other consumer internet services. Samsung has been rumored to have a Galaxy X lineup of smartphones in the pipeline, which will boast foldable and flexible smartphones. In a new development, a patent application granted to Samsung reveals plans of a foldable smartphone. The folks at Patently Mobile spotted the new patents that were filed by Samsung and have shared them online. The Samsung Patents There are three patents that have been filed by the South Korean company, and the sketch belonging to one of the patents depicts a foldable smartphone. This smartphone design as illustrated in Fig. 1, which is the front perspective, shows that a hinge has been placed between the displays. It is this mechanism that will possibly aid the Samsung smartphones using the new technology to be foldable. Earlier in May 2016, Tech Times reported that at least five new smartphones from the Samsung Galaxy X series were slated to launch by early 2017. The Galaxy X series is not only said to be foldable but also boast 4K displays. Rumors that Samsung had a foldable device in the works have been swirling online since 2015. It was fueled by Samsung being awarded a new patent for a dual-display folding device. Rumors have also hinted that the Samsung foldable smartphone in the works will be a 5-inch phone but later became a 7-inch tablet upon opening. Speculations that the Galaxy S7 would be a foldable smartphone were rife before the handset launched in 2016. In November 2016, Tech Times also reported that Samsung had been granted a new patent for flexible and foldable smartphones. This patent had been applied for by the company in May 2014, but only received approval on Nov. 22, 2016. A foldable smartphone would not be perfect for those on the move but its portability would earn brownie points from consumers. It would also safeguard the device's display from getting damaged. Moreover, typing on the onscreen keyboard and folding the device subsequently to bend between the keyboard and the screen would potentially make it easier for the user as it would resemble a tiny laptop. Samsung The Only One With Foldable Smartphones In The Works? It is in all likelihood, Samsung is looking to compete with rivals such as Apple, which has also applied for a foldable iPhone. In December 2016, reports suggested that five tech companies were testing foldable smartphones namely Lenovo, Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Samsung. Foldable Samsung Smartphone: Release? Rumors and leaks suggest that the foldable Samsung smartphones from the Galaxy X series would make their debut in Q1 2017, possibly the MWC 2017 in February. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. iFans who were looking forward to Apple refreshing its 7.9-inch iPad mini may be disappointed to learn that the company will likely overlook the tablet yet again. According to a note to investors from KGI Securities' analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will be updating the iPad Pro, but there was no mention of the iPad mini getting a new lease of life. Kuo shared that Apple would likely launch a trio of new iPads, but his note does not mention the 7.9-inch iPad mini which was last updated in 2015. The note's copy was acquired by publication AppleInsider, which shared Kuos thoughts on the impending lineup of Apple tablets. "We expect three new iPads (12.9" iPad Pro 2, new size 10.5" iPad Pro & low-cost 9.7" iPad) to be launched in 2017, though this may not drive shipment growth amid structural headwinds; 2017F shipments to fall 10-20 percent YoY," noted the analyst. The new iPad models are anticipated to be unveiled in Q2 2017, which means they will make their way to consumers sometime between April to June. What Does Apple Have In Store? The iPad trio would include the next-gen variant of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a new 10.5 inch iPad Pro with narrow bezels, as well as a low cost 9.7- inch model. For the uninitiated, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which debuted in September 2015, has the distinction of being the biggest tablet from Apple and is primarily aimed at business users According to Kuo, an A10X processor will power both the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro, as well as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2. This chipset will be made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The cheaper 9.7-inch iPad previously the iPad Air would house a variant of the A9 chip found on the iPhone 6s, which released in 2016. Interestingly, the chip for the 9.7-inch iPad will be manufactured by Apple's arch-rival Samsung. The analyst predicts that the 9.7-inch iPad model will be the most popular of the three. He estimates that the affordable iPad option will account for 50 percent to 60 percent of the total new iPad shipments. The analyst forecasts that "the worst has passed" for the tablet and even though iPad shipments may experience a decline a drop of 10 percent year-over-year improved average retail pricing of the device, coupled with professional standard models would give a fillip to the revenue generation. What About The iPad mini 5? Kuo does not mention the iPad mini 5, the successor of the iPad mini 4, which hints that either the 7.9-inch tablet will not be on Apple's agenda, or the analyst did not have any forecasts for the device. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Focusing on some intriguing clouds swirling around the atmosphere of Venus to look into the presence of alien life, a team of American and Russian scientists are embarking on a new mission to the second planet. Called Venera-D, the new probe is poised to send an uncrewed aerial vehicle to the heart of Venus atmosphere to take measurements over a long period of time. Once approved, the mission would be a joint effort between NASA and the Russian space agency, Roscosmos. The main goal is to determine whether those thick and sulfuric acid clouds of the planet that appear to absorb ultraviolet radiation could be proof of microbial life. Dark Streaks From Aliens? Its a possibility we cant overlook, University of Wisconsin atmospheric scientist Sanjay Limaye told Astrobiology Magazine, asserting that the only way to know is to go to Venus and sample its atmosphere. Russian planetary science has long been keen on Venus, landing probes on its surface from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. The joint endeavor seeks to launch anew an orbiter toward the planet in 2021, create remote-sensing observations, deploy a lander to the surface, and study future landing sites. Potential additions to the mission include a small sub-orbiter to investigate the Venusian magnetosphere, as well as the planned UAV to answer questions on potential extraterrestrial life. The UAVs main objective is to take measurements to know why the atmosphere rotates so quickly relative to the surface, an occurrence dubbed as super-rotation, a phenonemon identified in the 60s by astronomers monitoring the dark atmospheric streaks. Those dark streaks swirling around Venus atmosphere have been the subject of speculation for decades now. Some scientists believe they are particulates such as sulfur or iron that have merged with the clouds, while others think they could be ice. However, the planet is almost 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482 degrees Celsius) on the surface, effectively rendering the latter impossible. What is known so far is that the streaks absorb UV light unlike what else is found on the atmosphere. If ever they are partly formed by microbial life, too, they are likely to have ring-shaped protective polymers, which would ward off large sulfuric acid amounts. Previous issues with a Venus probe involve its high-pressure surface and much higher temperatures that challenge tech capabilities. Mariner 5, the first to successfully land there, survived only 93 minutes. Vehicle Design Plans The original design for Venera-D includes balloons that patrol the air, but this posed maneuvering problems and and the inability to reach the areas with dark streaks. A solar-powered UAV is then projected to propel through the clouds for nighttime data collection. At daytime, its helium reserves would keep it buoyed without consuming power, while huge wings would assist in navigation during storms. The vehicle is envisioned to survive for a year or so as it continues to circle around the planet, versus stay on the surface and contend with the oppressive conditions. The final report that will outline the mission goals will be submitted to the space agencies by the end of the month. An answer from them is not expected until late this year at the earliest. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. According to Mahua Moitra the comments came during the show, when MP Babul Supriyo said "Mahua are you drunk?", Which made her file a complaint against the MP. By Manogya Loiwal : The fight between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is getting murkier with each passing day and now it is Union Minister Babul Supriyo versus TMC MLA Mahua Moitra. Mahua and Babul have got into a legal battle with both filing police complaints and court cases too. According to Mahua Moitra, Babul had said on a television debate, "Mahua, are you drunk ?" HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Mahua Moitra has filed a case against BJP MP Babul Supriyo on his offensive comments on a private TV channel earlier this month when both of them were present on the same dais debating on the arrests of the TMC MP's on the Rose Valley Chit Fund Scam. According to Mahua the comments came during the show, when MP Babul Supriyo said "Mahua are you drunk?", Which made her file a complaint against the MP. "I am not friends with him, even have never met him face to face. I know he is a minister, but he has insulted me in media platform", she added. On the basis of the complaint registered to the new President magistrate, the police have also registered a case against the MP. The prosecution said, Babul has been booked under section 509 of IPC which includes obscene words or gestures to a woman. Babul said, "Mahua Mitra is behaving childish, she has the right she can lodge a FIR. I have been arrested in so many cases like taking arms inside the temple and soon got bailed. These things do not matter to me anymore." On the other hand, Union Minister of State for heavy industries Babul Supriyo too has filed a defamation cases in Delhi against TMC MPs Saugata Ray, Tapas Pal and his wife Nandini Pal. The case has been filed after his house was attacked by several TMC supporters in Kolkata on demanding his arrest in connection with Rose Valley Chit Fund scam. advertisement Also read: Rose Valley chit fund scam: Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal claims innocence --- ENDS --- Scientists have predicted that a newly recognized cosmic event would light up the Earth's night sky about five years from now. The phenomenon known as red nova would appear like a bright star. Red Nova A luminous red nova is a stellar explosion that scientists attribute to the merging of two stars. In this particular stellar collision, the brightness of the eruption ranges between that of the very bright cataclysmic supernova and the dimmer classical nova. The resulting visible light lasts from weeks up to months but becomes dimmer and redder over time. Astronomers have predicted that one such astronomical event would occur about five years from now and it would be visible from planet Earth. Merging Of Two Stars In A Binary System Researchers said that the two stars of the binary star system called KIC 9832227, which is located about 1,000 light years away from Earth, will merge in about five years. The two stars orbit each other and share a common atmosphere. The merging and explosion of these objects will lead to the formation of a red nova. How To See The New 'Star' If this first of its kind scientific prediction would turn out correct, astronomers would not be the only ones who will witness and study the celestial event. Everyone on Earth will have the opportunity to see the supernova without using any scientific instruments. Researchers said the explosion would be visible to the naked eye. People do not even have to use a telescope to see this cosmic display. It could be as bright as the Polaris, the north star. "It will be a very dramatic change in the sky, as anyone can see it. You won't need a telescope so tell me in 2023 whether I was wrong or I was right," Larry Molnar, from Calvin college, said. Seeing the cosmic explosion is much like seeing a new star bursting into a previously dark spot of the night sky. Just like a gem glittering in the sky, the red nova is anticipated to appear as part of the constellation Cygnus in the Northern Cross star pattern for a good portion of the year. "For the first time in history, parents will be able to point to a dark spot in the sky and say, 'Watch, kids, there's a star hiding in there, but soon it's going to light up,'" said Matt Walhout, from Calvin College. Molnar and colleagues predicted that celestial event will happen in 2022, give or take a year. During this time, the star will increase its brightness by ten thousand fold and would become one of the brighter stars in the sky for a time. The astronomers said this type of explosion is also a rare one. "Explosions of this size occur about once a decade in our galaxy," Molnar said. "This case is unusual in how close the star is, and hence how bright we will see it shine." Molnar and his team announced the prediction at the 229th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Grapevine, Texas on Friday. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung is apparently very confident its Galaxy S8 will be a big hit and it reportedly set the shipping target to 60 million units. That's quite a whopping amount and it's higher than for any Galaxy flagships so far, which indicates that Samsung is planning something huge for the Galaxy S8 release. Considering what the company went through with the Galaxy Note 7, recalling the product twice and damaging both its finances and its reputation in the process, it makes sense to plan a top-notch Galaxy S8 flagship to make up for it. Samsung Galaxy S8 Shipment Target Higher Than Ever A new report out of South Korea now cites industry sources claiming that Samsung set the bar high for its upcoming flagship, expecting it to be a whopping success. The company apparently asked its component suppliers to provide parts based on a 60 million unit shipment target, gearing up for the Galaxy S8 release in a few months. At the same time, Samsung reportedly confirmed to its suppliers that it did indeed push back the Galaxy S8 release, delaying it from March to mid-April. This also echoes last week's reports that Samsung plans to start mass production in March, ahead of a Galaxy S8 release in April. The report from last week also said that Samsung planned to build 10 million units for launch, but that doesn't contradict the new report. Samsung could roll out additional units in batches, increasing stock after release. If the latest report out of Korea turns out to be accurate, it means that Samsung believes its Galaxy S8 will be more successful than any of its previous flagships so far. The purported 60 million unit shipment target is substantially higher compared to previous years and iterations, as Samsung shipped 45 million Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6 units and 48 million Galaxy S7 units. The report further details that Samsung will start mass-producing the Galaxy S8 in March and release 5 million units of the new flagship each month until it reaches the 60 million unit target. However, considering how fiercely competitive the smartphone market already is, as well as the fact that the premium segment is becoming increasingly saturated, it remains to be seen whether Samsung will pull it off and manage to sell 60 million Galaxy S8 units. Samsung Galaxy S8 Rumored Specs Based on leaks and reports so far, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to arrive as a real powerhouse with impressive specs and features all around. The next-generation flagship is expected to be the first smartphone to boast the latest Bluetooth 5 with quadruple range and double speed, and among the first handsets to pack the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. The Galaxy S8 is further expected to ditch the home button and sport a sleek design with virtually no side bezels, as seen in recently leaked images. The smartphone could also feature up to 6 GB of RAM and 256 GB of native storage. If the Galaxy S8 is indeed launching with all the bells and whistles, it just might hit the shipment target and become Samsung's most successful device yet. Samsung has yet to confirm any of these specs or make an official announcement regarding Galaxy S8 release plans however, so it's highly recommended to take all leaks with a grain of salt for now. As always, we'll keep you up to date as soon as more information hits the surface. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Razer stole the show at CES 2017 and had attendees in awe with its gorgeous Project Valerie and other ambitious concepts, but it apparently raised more interest than it bargained for. As it turns out, someone found Razer's latest gadgets so exciting and decided to steal them right from the company's CES booth. More specifically, someone stole two Razer prototypes from the show, but it remains unclear for now just which concepts we're talking about. Razer is not a regular household brand making standard PCs and gear, but it's immensely popular with gamers. The company is famous for its high-end, expensive hardware such as laptops, keyboards and gaming mice, as well as ambitious, albeit odd prototypes like the Project Valerie laptop showcased at CES 2017. Two Razer Prototypes Stolen At CES Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan took to Facebook over the weekend to announce that two of the company's prototypes were stolen from its CES booth, but did not detail which prototypes. Razer made waves at the show with two impressive prototypes the Project Valerie triple 4K display laptop and the Project Ariana 4K projector but it remains unconfirmed whether these were the ones stolen. Tan says that Razer has already filed reports and it's currently working with law enforcement and the CES management to solve the matter. The CEO highlights that Razer works hard and plays fair its teams put a great deal of work and spent months conceptualizing and developing the prototypes and this incident will not be tolerated. Industrial Espionage? "We treat theft/larceny, and if relevant to this case, industrial espionage, very seriously - it is cheating, and cheating doesn't sit well with us," says the CEO. "Penalties for such crimes are grievous and anyone who would do this clearly isn't very smart." The mention of industrial espionage indicates that Razer is not ruling out the possibility of someone working for a competitor snatching the prototypes to spy on its progress and technology. It remains unclear whether this is just a possibility that hasn't been ruled out yet, or whether Razer and/or authorities already have a reason to believe it may be industrial espionage. To help figure things out and address the issue, Razer is asking anyone who may have some information on the matter to contact its legal team to help the investigation. Razer is expected to offer more details at a later date, once the investigation wraps up and the police find the culprits responsible for this shocking surprise. This is not the first time that Razer falls victim to theft. Back in 2011, two Razer laptop prototypes were stolen from a company office in San Francisco. An investigation was launched in that case as well and it turned out that the stolen goods were early prototypes of the Razer Blade gaming laptop. If the two prototypes stolen from Razer's CES 2017 booth were the cutting-edge Project Valerie and Project Ariana showcased at the show, it remains to be seen whether they will ever hit the market following the theft. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. For the United States, 2016 ranked second warmest in records dating back 1895, with every single state and city in the Lower 48 states warmer than usual last year. Average temperature in the nation during that time was 54.9 degrees Fahrenheit almost 3 degrees more than long-term average. The warmest year for the country was 2012, which had an average temperature of 55.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Record Highs In Temperature And Rainfall Last year was the 20th consecutive warmer-than-usual year, with an average warming rate of 0.15 degree Fahrenheit every decade, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported. Dubbing 2016 a year of temperature and precipitation extremes, the NOAA said that every state registered one of their top 7 warmest years on record. The breadth of the 2016 warmth is unparalleled in the nation's climate history, the agency wrote. Thirty-four U.S. cities logged their warmest year on file, including New Orleans, Houston, Nashville, Atlanta, New York (La Guardia), El Paso, and Barrow (Alaska). Alaska registered its warmest year for the third time in as many years, with nearly 6 degrees above average in temperature, still climbing at a rate of 0.3 degrees each decade. The country also saw extreme rainfall, with a number of severe rainfall events adjudged as 1 in 1,000 year happenings, including torrential rains in northern Louisiana in March and eastern North Carolina in October brought about by Hurricane Matthew. Catastrophic flooding also hit Louisiana back in August, with losses from four inland flooding events in Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana exceeding $15 billion. 2016 And Succeeding Years As Warmest On File The United States, however, does not have a monopoly of unusually warm temperatures, as NOAA and NASA are poised to announce 2016 as the warmest year on record around the world for the third time in many years. Based on nearly four decades worth of satellite temperature measurements, the Earth System Science Center of the University of Alabama already hailed 2016 as the warmest year in the last 38 years, ousting the year 1998 from the said slot. It was warmer by +0.02 degrees Celsius compared to 1998. As temperature trends from satellite data are a bit lower than those reflected by temperature readings across the world, other groups are expected to pronounce 2016 as the warmest year. The question, said the science centers director John Christy, is whether this means anything scientifically. Both 1998 and 2016 are anomalies, outliers, and in both cases, we have an easily identifiable cause for that anomaly: A powerful El Nino Pacific Ocean warming event. Not really, he believed. The focus, as far as temperature is concerned, is on long-term trends rather than phenomena such as El Nino, he added. Predictions for 2017, though, still remain glum, as this year is expected to be among the hottest in over 130 years worth of record. El Nino might be over, but this year will still continue to sizzle, the UK Met Office said. Every new year is practically poised to become the warmest on record based on the rising temperatures caused by global warming, warned the Deke Ardnt, head of the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Informations climate monitoring office. Scientists also recently urged everyone to forget about the so-called global warming pause, as oceans steadily warm and negate claims of a climate change hiatus. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An asteroid flew by relatively close to Earth on Monday morning. Data from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) revealed that the space rock made its closest approach to our planet about 7:50 a.m. EST at a time when people at the U.S. east coast were busy making coffee, or preparing themselves for work and school. Discovered Only Days Before The Flyby Dubbed 2017 AG3, the near-Earth object (NEO) came close to our planet flying at a proximity equivalent to about half the distance between the Earth and the moon at a speed of 9.9 miles per second. "This is moving very quickly, very nearby to us," Slooh astronomer Eric Feldman said during a live broadcast of the flyby. "It actually crosses the orbits of two planets, Venus and Earth." While astronomers have been aware of other space rocks approaching Earth, they did not see this one coming until two days before the flyby. The space rock was discovered only on Saturday by the Catalina Sky Survey of the University of Arizona. About The Same Size As The Asteroid That Struck Chelyabinsk In Russia Initial observations of the NEO show that it would take about 347 Earth days for this object to circle the sun. The asteroid that flew by was roughly the same size as the asteroid that struck Chelyabinsk, Russia in 2013. Astronomers estimate the size of the space rock to be between 36 and 111 feet. For perspective, the space rock that exploded over Chelyabinsk is believed to measure about 65 feet. What Could Have Happened If Asteroid 2017 AG3 Entered The Earth's Atmosphere? Meteors the size of 2017 AG3 often burn up in the atmosphere but depending on the angle of its entry, some amount of the burning hot debris can make it through which could possibly injure people and damage properties just as the Chelyabinsk meteor did. The Chelyabinsk meteor exploded in an airburst equivalent to about 30 times the power of the Hiroshima atomic bomb explosion. The shockwave injured more than 1,600 people. Had 2017 AG3 plowed into the Earth's atmosphere, the asteroid-impact simulator Impact Earth! of Purdue University hinted that it would have also exploded as an air burst. Although the air burst would be 30 times as powerful as the atomic bomb explosion at Hiroshima, most people on the ground would be safe because it would occur at about 10 miles high. No Danger Of Collision With Giant Asteroid In The Foreseeable Future Unexpected asteroid flybys such as this one are far from unprecedented. Millions of asteroids are believed to cruise through the space in our planet's neighborhood. Of these, 15,000 have already been detected to date. Scientists though acknowledge the dangers that space rocks pose. The extinction of the prehistoric dinosaurs is after all largely blamed on a giant asteroid that struck Earth in ancient times. The vast majority of the behemoth space rocks, which are capable of causing global damage if they were to collide with Earth though are believed to have already been discovered. NASA researchers, said that none of these poses threat in the foreseeable future. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Yahoo will shed members off its board after Verizon's acquisition of the company pushes through, the Sunnyvale, California, company said on Monday. This whittling down includes Marissa Mayer, Yahoo's CEO, and David Filo, Yahoo's cofounder. Both will step down as board directors. Members Will Exit Yahoo's Board After the sale of its core internet business, Yahoo's RemainCo its stake in Alibaba and other ancillary holdings will be called Altaba, said Yahoo in a regulatory filing. The name is a portmanteau of "alternate" and "Alibaba," reports the Wall Street Journal, citing a person familiar with the matter. Eric Brandt will become Altaba's chairman. Previously, he was Broadcom's chief financial officer. Last March, Brandt joined Yahoo's board. Four other directors currently occupying a seat on the board will join him once the sale is closed. Verizon's Acquisition Of Yahoo The shake-up is to occur after the Verizon deal, figures of which amount roughly to $4.8 billion. The purchase, however, has been mired by recent reports of data breaches of Yahoo's user data. In the filing, Yahoo said Verizon could opt out of the acquisition or set renegotiations in place because of the hacks. A second data breach of 1 billion accounts last month invoked another needle scratch to Verizon's confidence over the purchase. Both breaches could warrant Verizon to change terms, executives have said. Those hacks could fuel's Verizon's intent to possibly reduce the acquisition price. By mid-December last year, it was exploring such a reduction, Bloomberg reported. In spite of Yahoo's noxious dents in terms of security, analyst have opined that the company's value is rooted largely in its Alibaba and Yahoo Japan stakes, instead of the core business, which is what's being handed over to Verizon for the aforementioned sum. About 61 percent of Yahoo's worth is tied to its stake in Alibaba, according to Ken Sena, an Evercore ISI analyst. If the acquisition pulls through, six Yahoo directors are expected to exit, including Mayer. She, however, will still be part of the company post-acquisition. Mayer became the company's CEO in July 2012, after migrating from Google to Yahoo. Verizon sought to purchase Yahoo in July, but the deal hasn't closed yet. The detriment of the hacks, however, can possibly be scrapped and the deal might very well proceed. Tim Armstrong, AOL's chief executive, is confident it will, reports CNBC. It remains to be seen whether the deal closes or not, given the upset over Yahoo's data breaches. That said, the board structure shake-ups are expected to occur if the sale is completed. Will Yahoo Now Be Called Altaba? Yes, and no. As previously mentioned, Altaba is RemainCo's new name, which is the company's Alibaba stake. This stake is part of a group of holdings Yahoo was allowed to create as part of the deal's agreement. These valuable holdings include a 35.5 percent stake in Yahoo Japan, a 15 percent interest in Alibaba, cash, convertible notes, certain minority investments, and Excalibur, its noncore patent portfolio. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Motorola G5 Plus has leaked online and gives eager fans a peek into the hotly-anticipated smartphone. It has been listed in OLX Romania, an online marketplace where people can purchase and sell old and new goods alike. Motorola and Lenovo have been rumored to be working on the successor of the Moto G4 Plus, which was launched in May 2016 and officially released in the United States in July 2016. Who Spotted It First? The unannounced handset, the Moto G5 Plus was listed on OLX Romania, but was soon removed. However, an eagle-eyed Redditor named "gutzeit" was quick to spot the listing and downloaded the images of the supposed Moto G5 Plus. "Someone is claiming to be selling a Motorola Moto G5 Plus," he noted. He also shared the leaked images of what looks like a prototype of the alleged handset on Imgur. While online selling and buying of smartphones are very typical these days, having an unannounced smartphone's prototype listed for sale is unusual. The seller did not elaborate on the source from where he got hold of the device. The fact that it bore a "Motorola confidential property, not for sale" mark on it suggests that it could be authentic. The leaked images of the alleged Moto G5 Plus (with model number XT1685) reminds one of the Moto X (2017), which leaked in December 2016. What Are The Leaked Specs And Features? The leaked specs of the handset from the OLX seller reveal that the Moto G5 Plus would sport a 5.5-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Under the hood, the device houses an octa-core Snapdragon 625 processor and Adreno 506 GPU. The camera capabilities of the Moto G5 Plus are also shared and suggest that the device will benefit from a 13-megapixel primary camera and a 5-megapixel selfie snapper.The leaked images also show off a round rear-facing camera with dual flash. The specs sheet also points to 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of onboard storage. A 3,080 mAh battery is anticipated to fuel the device. The Moto G5 Plus will also pack a microUSB and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the device's bottom as hinted by the leaked images. The smartphone will also offer support for a fingerprint reader, which will be embedded in the home button. Expected Price And Release Since the Moto G4 Plus was released in the United States, it is likely that the next iteration of the phablet will also make its way to consumers in the country. While the Moto G4 Plus was launched in May 2016, rumors hint that the company could unleash the Moto G5 Plus in March this year, which is a few months before the annual cycle. The handset should hit the shelves a month later based on the previous launch cycle followed by the company. The factory unlocked Moto G4 Plus was retailed by Amazon in the United States before its official release and the Moto G5 Plus may follow the same route. The Moto G5 Plus listed on OLX was being sold without accessories. According to the seller, a March release of the handset is anticipated, with the smartphone sporting a price tag of $387. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung is rumored to launch the much-awaited Galaxy S8 flagship smartphone at the MWC 2017 in February, which will house new features to lure consumers. Rumors that Samsung has its very own AI assistant dubbed Bixby in the works have been swirling online for a while and now a new report reaffirms the speculation that the South Korean OEM has a Siri challenger up its sleeve. According to a report from Dutch blog GalaxyClub, Samsung could be announcing the Bixby to the world in the near future. The blog spotted a page on the Samsung Pay Beta website, which lists three services that the company intends to push out. The drop-down menu on the Samsung Pay's website has references to three new services namely: Bixby, Shopping and Mini. However, the list appears on the Samsung Pay Beta which suggests that these services are being tested currently. Samsung Pay Mini The Samsung Pay Mini could possibly be a simplified and stripped-down version of the firm's mobile payment platform. Based on reports, the Samsung Pay Mini version will enable users to make payments for services and goods that are offered by online retailers. Bixby Bixby is Samsung's next-generation AI-powered personal assistant, which has been created by Viv Labs. In November, Samsung filed for the trademark rights for the name Bixby. However, the company stayed mum on the presence of its very own virtual assistant. Rumors have been rife that Samsung will introduce Bixby to the world with the arrival of its Galaxy S8. The voice assistant would possibly tied into the smartphone's software much like the Google Assistant. Bixby is expected to be far more advanced compared with the company's S voice feature. A strong possibility exists that the Galaxy S8 is going to replace the S Voice feature with Bixby. With Bixby on board the Samsung Galaxy S8, the smartphone's users would be able to use the feature to access the Gallery app and enlist the personal assistant's help to see pictures and videos. Such a feature will be comparable to Apple's Photos app in iOS 10. Bixby may also be able to process payments made via Samsung Pay. Shopping It is not clear what the Shopping service embedded into the Samsung Pay would be. Release? There is no word on when the three rumored services, which are possibly in beta now, will be made available to users. The Galaxy S8 will possibly come with the latest version of Samsung Pay and may benefit from the three services. The smartphone is rumored to launch at the MWC 2017, so we will have to wait and watch if these Samsung Pay features indeed make an appearance on the handset. Whether Samsung intends to push them out via a software update for older-gen models once it outs the Galaxy S8 remains to be seen. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In the continuing debate over the issue of mammograms, a new Danish study has found that one out of three women with breast cancer detected through mammography is given unnecessary treatment. The patients did not need treatment because their tumors were slow-growing enough to remain harmless. In recent years, research showing that mammograms lead to overdiagnosis has sparked controversy on the popular breast cancer screening, with the American Cancer Society and other groups changing their recommendations on when and how often screening should be done. In Europe, for instance, the Swiss Medical Board now advises against getting routine mammograms. More Small, Early-Stage Tumors Detected In the latest related study discussed in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers warned of detecting and treating small growths that are not likely to progress into cancer and missing dangerous tumors that develop into advanced cancer through mammograms. Dr. Karsten Jorgensen, Rigs Hospitalet professor and Nordic Cochrane Center chief, mourned that the rate of late-stage cancers is still on the rise. So the screening doesnt seem to be working in the way we thought it would. The screening isnt picking up the cancer its supposed to pick up, Jorgensen said. The Danish team estimated overdiagnosis rate through a comparison of the number of early-stage and advanced breast tumors before and after Denmark began offering mammograms. If the screening is doing its job, the number of small, curable breast tumors should climb while the large ones should be reduced by around the same amount. Mammograms in the country found a lot more breast cancer cases, but mostly smaller lesions. Advanced cancers, however, did not fall in numbers. It is possible for the advanced cases to grow quite rapidly that they pop up in between screening sessions, Jorgensen observed. Breast Cancer Screening Today The likelihood of overdiagnosis and false positives can result in benign growths being tested via biopsy and other tests, prompting a review of the effectiveness of standard screening today. The new findings raise an important question not exactly on the necessity of screening, but on the effectiveness of current techniques. Those who believe they are being saved by mammograms could actually be harmed by the cancer screening, which led to treatments like surgery and chemotherapy that they did not really need, said ACS chief medical officer Dr. Otis Brawley in an accompanying editorial. Throwing its strong support behind breast cancer screenings, the American College of Radiology acknowledges that mammography leads to unnecessary treatment in some instances, but downplays the frequency of such cases. The amount of overdiagnosis is really small, said Commission on Breast Imaging chair Dr. Debra Monticciolo, asserting that these discussions confuse women on how to be screened for the disease. The ACR recommends yearly mammograms starting age 40, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force drew flak in 2009 when it bucked the advice and recommended mammograms every other year starting age 50. In 2015, the ACS also took a step back and recommended annual screenings from 45 to 54, following by testing every other year afterward. About 253,000 new breast cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year, with almost 41,000 deaths. A separate 63,000 females will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, which maintains some cancer traits and whose cells appear malignant but not seeming invasive of surrounding tissue. Some experts have called for merely considering DCIS a risk factor given it poses a low risk. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By India Today Web Desk: After experimenting with the fantasy thriller Puli, Vijay made a striking comeback with the blockbuster film Theri, which was directed by Atlee. Vijay's commercial entertainer Bairavaa is one of the most anticipated Tamil films of this year. Interestingly, in a statement, the film's overseas distributor A&P Group confirmed the film's release in 55 countries. ALSO READ: Kamal Haasan reveals why left Bombay and returned to Tamil cinema advertisement ALSO READ: SS Rajamouli wants to direct Mahabharat Apart from regular release in key overseas markets, the film will also release African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia among others. The statement further added that the film will also release in markets such as Mexico, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Russia, where no Tamil films have been released so far. Directed by Bharathan of Azhagiya Thamizh Magan fame, Bairavaa also stars Keerthy Suresh, Sathish, Daniel Balaji and Jagapathi Babu in pivotal roles. Bankrolled by Vijaya Productions, the film has music by Santhosh Narayanan, who has given a fitting background score. Tipped to be a action entertainer, the film is expected to release on Pongal. WATCH ALSO: Tamannaah, Shriya, Amyra and Manju shake a leg to Appadi Podu --- ENDS --- This early, Google's Tango is already proving to be quite useful even with the dearth of AR apps for the two devices currently supporting the platform. The company announced Jan. 9 that it is partnering with museums around the world to bring enhanced experiences through the use of the AR technology. The initiative will first get implemented in Detroit Institute of Arts through a dedicated app developed to offer visitors AR tools when viewing pieces being exhibited. The app called Lumin is going to bring AR interactivity and a new approach to providing information at DIA. For this particular museum, the project will be using the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, which will be available at the front desk. Google Tango In Museums If you are curious about the so-called enhanced experience, Google has cited specific examples that demonstrate how Tango can enrich interactions inside the museum. Take the case of the Egyptian mummy. Using the Tango-enabled device, visitors will be able to peer behind its bandages, revealing a fully preserved skeleton presented virtually. There is also the 3-by-4-foot mosaic that was once part of Babylon's Ishtar Gate. Using this piece as a point of reference, the Tango app will be able to show visitors the scale of the structure, which used to stand six stories high. Finally, Google touted how Tango can bring the Mesopotamian limestone relief to its appearance thousands of years ago. When the decorative element was made, it was painted in different colors. Using Tango, visitors will again see how they must have looked like in their past glory. AR vs. VR Based on the examples outlined, one should already recognize the AR's difference from virtual reality. The technology is bringing virtual objects into the physical world. This means that all content are confined to the smartphone screen, a variable that could prove to be a disadvantage when compared with virtual reality, which places its user right in the middle of the virtual world itself. However, companies are now reportedly building AR glasses that could make AR content consumption as immersive as VR. As more compatible devices roll out, developers are expected to produce more AR apps that could help bolster the viability of the platform. Meanwhile, Google with its collaboration with various museums seems ready to pull all the stops to get consumers to experience augmented reality despite existing constraints. As was previously mentioned, there are currently two devices supporting Tango today, and one of them, the Asus ZenFone AR, is yet to be released. This should could be rectified as OEMs start releasing compatible devices in the future. Google's push in this particular museum initiative was demonstrated through its vision of AR-enhanced exhibits it showed off last February during the Mobile World Congress. "This is just the beginning of how you'll be able to use Tango in museums to see more, hear more and learn more," Google said. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a bizarre incident the bridge leading to Ishamadi picnic spot in Basirhat in North 24 parganas district of West Bengal was burnt down, over dispute within party workers. By Manogya Loiwal : The famous saying of burning bridges turned into reality when a brawl took an ugly turn with two factions of Trinamool Congress (TMC) burning down the bamboo bridge. In a bizarre incident the bridge leading to Ishamadi picnic spot in Basirhat in North 24 parganas district of West Bengal was burnt down, over dispute within party workers. advertisement Two meetings held in Rabindra Bhawan yesterday witnessed two different things. The government meeting was successful while the TMC meeting did not take place at all. HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: A fight split between two workers of Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. 10 people were injured and 4 were hospitalized which included a minister and the 15 ward councillor. TMC leaders kept on denying any such fight trying to portray a united face. Fire brigades were called and soon after to put it off. The Murshidabad police station was informed of the same. Tapan Debnath, the BJP councilor of ward number 14 of Murshidabad Municipal Corporation said, "The bridge that was burnt down this morning was for the purpose of crossing over and reaching the picnic spot. Unfortunately, it will be of no use to us anymore. This has brought difficulties to the public as well as the Municipality." The fire is assumed to be set ablaze by some workers of the other party. "The municipality has been let down by this act. The brawl that took place in the meeting yesterday is assumed to be the reason behind the fire" said Tapan. The brawl has not only let dispute within the political party but has also created trouble for the common people. (With Inputs From: Tapan Mandal) Also read: TMC MP Idris Ali receives threat calls for stand against demonetisation --- ENDS --- The new law provide legal conditions for a long-term peace policy, allowing the current and future administrations to establish and implement agreements in favor of peace. | Read More From calling Salman Khan an ISI agent to accusing Bigg Boss of feeding him drugged food; Swami Om has been suffering from verbal diarrhea ever since his ouster. By India Today Web Desk: Swami Om has been suffering from verbal diarrhea since his ouster from the Bigg Boss house. He has been making obnoxious statements in his interviews for news channels and print media. From calling Salman an ISI agent to accusing Bigg Boss of feeding him drugged food, Swami has been going overboard with his bizarre claims, in a desperate attempt to garner publicity. advertisement Also read: Bigg Boss 10: These three contestants deserve to be in Top 3 This is not all. He has now claimed that he slapped the "greatest hero" Salman Khan when he visited the house on January 30 (New Year special episode). He also said that there are no cameras in the smoking zone, so there is no video recording of the incident. Also read: Bigg Boss 10: Have Mona and Manu won the ticket to finale task? In a live interview with a Hindi news channel, Swami said: "Salman ne mujhe bola mai thhapad marunga, Dawood aur Hafiz mere dost hain toh maine Salman ko thappad maara. TV me ye sab nahi dikhaya jata kyuki smoking room mein camera nahi hota. Maine Salman ko zor se thappad maara". (Salman said he would slap me and that Dawood and Hafiz are his friend. I slapped Salman, thereafter. The footage of this incident is not available as there are no cameras in the smoking room. I slapped him really hard.) Self-proclaimed godman Swami Om's stint in Bigg Boss 10 has surely left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, with his crazy antics and the disgusting act of throwing his urine on co-contestants Bani Judge and Rohan Mehra. He has also threatened to sabotage the finale of the show if he is not invited to it within two weeks. --- ENDS --- The kin and supporters of BJP Kagwad MLA Raju Kage, allegedly attacked businessman Vivek Shetty for posting a defamatory comment against the legislator on his Facebook page. The victim businessman Vivek Shetty who is now taking treatment at Sangali, Maharashtra By Ashish Pandey: Belgaum Police of Karnataka has booked a BJP legislator and thirteen other people including his daughter and brother for allegedly thrashing a youth brutally. The kin and supporters of BJP Kagwad MLA Raju Kage, allegedly attacked businessman Vivek Shetty for posting a defamatory comment against the legislator on his Facebook page. The attack captured in CCTV camera is of January 1 shows the MLA Raju kage's wife Shobha, daughter Trupti, brother Shivagounda along with supporters allegedly attacking Shetty at his residence at Ugar Khurd, under Athani taluk of district. advertisement ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: The victim is now taking treatment at Sangali, Maharashtra alleged that the attackers laced with sickles and sticks, barged into his house, dragged him to the ground floor and brutally thrashed him. The attackers also tried to abduct him however failed after people gathered outside the house. However when contacted MLA Raju Kage denied allegations and said, "I am not aware of the incident nor present in the CCTV footage. All is a political conspiracy and an effort to malign reputation." After release of CCTV footage to media the police has registered a case under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) but has not made any arrest in this regard. Click here to Enlarge The attack captured in CCTV camera shows the MLA's wife Shobha, daughter Trupti, brother Shivagounda along with supporters allegedly attacking Vivek Shetty at his residence Also read: PM Modi skips yoga session, has breakfast with mother Heeraben in Gandhinagar --- ENDS --- It is suspected that 22-year-old Khuadun Khangham could be a victim of racial attack. Dr Reeni, co-ordinator of Northeast helpline in Bengaluru said "Injuries suggest it is an attack", however she is waiting for the police to confirm on the same. Police found the youth critically injured in Koramangala on January 7 at around 1.45 am and shifted him to a hospital. Khangham works as a waiter at a pub in Koramangala and was walking back to his home after work. The victim is now undergoing treatment at NIMHANS, Bengaluru and is said to be in coma. The repeal of large pieces of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) proposed by Congress would mean trouble for most Louisianans. Vijay Bhaskar, the minister for Transport held a press meet at Koyambedu bus terminus on Monday to inform about the infrastructure development being done to handle the Pongal holiday crowd. The woman complained to the minister about how 4 cops ill-treated her when she fell asleep in one of the chairs at the waiting area. "Two policemen harassed me for dozing off. I told them that I was suffering from motion sickness, I had vomited and needed to rest for a while. But the cops harassed stating that they were suspicious about me", yelled Annapoorna at the minister and asked why isn't there any security for women. The embarrassed minister immediately told her that action would be taken. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Louisiana's funding of certain types of charter schools hit a snag following a ruling Monday from a state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal panel that, in a 3-2 decision, ruled unconstitutional the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's support such schools with local and state tax dollars. Monday's ruling overturns the May 2015 decision from Baton Rouge state District Judge Wilson Fields, who originally heard the arguments for the lawsuit from Louisiana Association of Educators against BESE and the Department of Education. A separate lawsuit from the Iberville Parish School Board over funding of a Type 2 charter school in that parish was consolidated with the case. This is a significant victory in defending the right of every child in Louisiana to attend a quality public school, LAE President Debbie Meaux said in a written statement. It is crucial for the state to adequately fund the institutions where the vast majority of Louisianas students learn, and a majority of Louisianas students learn in public school classrooms. Caroline Roemer Shirley, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, expressed "extreme disappointment" in Monday's decision, promising an appeal to the state's highest court. "We feel there were a lot of politics at play here," she said Monday. "We joined the case on behalf of the Type 2 charter schools we represent. And we always considered it would be a very important case that would be heard before the (Louisiana) Supreme Court." State Education Superintendent John White, in a written statement, said, "This is one step in a process that has always been headed to the Supreme Court. This lawsuit is only about money. It disregards the rights of parents to choose the schools that are best for their unique children. We look forward to presenting the matter at the next level." The plaintiffs asked Wilson to block the state's funding to 33 BESE-authorized charter schools, including seven in East Baton Rouge Parish, a half-dozen in Orleans Parish, three in Lafayette Parish and two in Jefferson Parish, through a permanent injunction. Wilson, however, deemed the state's use of state Minimum Foundation Program funding to operate certain charter schools was OK since Type 2 charters approved by BESE fall within the state constitution's definition of public schools. Type 2 charter schools are self-governed public schools independent of existing public school districts. They must obtain BESEs approval to operate after an application and review process and can draw students from across the state. A majority of the five-member panel of 1st Circuit judges who heard LAE's appeal to Wilson's ruling disagreed with the lower-court judge. Judges John Michael Guidry and Jewel "Duke" Welch joined in Judge Wayne Ray Chutz's opinion that Type 2 charter schools aren't entitled to MFP funding because they don't meet the definition of public schools clearly defined in the Louisiana Constitution. Judge Guy Holdridge offered a dissent that was supported by Chief Judge Vanessa Whipple. Charter school supporters note that such schools can operate without much of the red tape associated with traditional public schools. The LAE suit claims the state improperly spends $60 million a year for two types of charter schools that are not entitled to the state aid from the MFP, arguing that BESE-authorized charter schools dont qualify as city and parish school systems, which the state constitution requires be provided with MFP funds. Guidry made many of the same arguments in the majority's ruling Monday, citing precedent was established in the Louisiana Federation of Teachers' 2012 successful challenge of the state's expanded voucher program, which sought to give students at poor academically preforming public schools the option to apply for state aid to attend private or parochial schools. "The case distinguishes between 'public schools' and 'nonpublic schools' and concludes that MFP funds cannot be diverted to nonpublic schools," Guidry wrote. "The court in Louisiana Federation of Teachers recognized that nonpublic schools are not owned or operated by 'parish and city school systems.' " "So, while the New Type 2 charter schools may be subject to the same requirements as public schools and may not necessarily be considered 'private' schools, they clearly do not meet the constitutional definition of 'public schools'," Guidry added. In his dissent to Guidry's ruling, Judge Holdridge called attention to the constitution's recognition of public schools that are not part of city and parish school system but are still funded by MFP dollars like the lab schools at LSU and Southern University. "There are no exceptions in the language of the constitution that provide that public schools that are not part of the parish or city school systems are somehow different from other public schools or that they should be funded differently," Holdridge asserted. "Neither the constitution, legislation nor jurisprudence require that the words 'public schools' mean 'public schools in parish or city school systems.' " Holdridge did say the matter should be remanded to the trial court for "additional evidence as to the nature of each local school tax so that a determination can be made as to the constitutionality of the local cost allocation as applied to the Iberville Parish School Systems." Louisiana leaders are weighing three options for how the state will distribute funds to help homeowners affected by catastrophic floods that swept the state last year. Gov. John Bel Edwards has said the state wants for each of the estimated 36,500 households that suffered major or severe damage from the flood and didn't have insurance to receive something from the $1.2 billion the state secured from Congress last month. (Major and severe damage is defined as homes that took on at least a foot of water or sustained more than $8,000 in damage.) Pat Forbes, director of the state Office of Community Development, outlined three potential scenarios of how that may happen during a meeting of the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday. A panel of leaders tasked with recommending how the disaster aid is spent could pick one or come up with a new proposal, based on feedback from the public. Each of the proposals would establish tiers that direct how much money someone could get from the state's homeowner rebuilding assistance programs, based on income level. The poorest residents affected would get more than those whose income is higher. Each plan is based on federal low-to-moderate income calculations. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, the low-to-moderate income threshold for a family of four in some of the affected parishes would be up to $51,900 in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension; $53,100 in Lafayette; $41,600 in Ouachita; and $41,100 in Tangipahoa. One scenario would establish five tiers starting with people who make 80 percent of the federal low-to-moderate income rate, who would be eligible for all of their rebuilding needs to be covered. Those who make 150 percent or more of the low-to-moderate income level would be at the other end of the spectrum, eligible for awards that cover half of their needs. Three income groups between would be eligible for awards in between. In a second scenario, the 80 percent who fall in the federal low-to-moderate income level would have all of their costs covered. Everyone else, regardless of income, would be eligible for awards up to $35,000. The third scenario would provide everyone who makes up to 120 percent of the low-to-moderate income level with awards to cover their total costs. Those who make above that would be eligible for half of their needs covered. Homeowners can't get funding that duplicates money they have already received from FEMA, so for all options, the awards would be minus any past benefits. "There are advantages and disadvantages to all of these," Forbes said. The state expects to have homeowner programs in place by May, after each of the steps required by the federal government for the funds have been completed. "We're moving as fast or faster than any other disaster process has moved," he said of the pace. Plans call for three programs for homeowners: a state-run construction program, a program that allows homeowners to select their own contractors that the state pays and a reimbursement program for homeowners who have already had work done. Forbes said the goal is to spread the money across all whose homes suffered the most damage. "What we've heard over and over again is 'Get something to everybody,'" he said. "This disaster didn't discriminate it went through the doors of everybody in the flood area." The state plans to put about $935 million of the money toward the programs that will help homeowners rebuild or repair their flood-damaged houses. That's on top of the $388 million that is going toward home programs that will go largely to the elderly and disabled in an initial round of funding from Congress. It's also separate from money that came down through FEMA. The Restore Louisiana Task Force was supposed to hear the proposals on Friday, but that meeting was canceled because of the threat of wintry weather. The state can't formally submit its proposals until HUD publishes a notice in the federal register, so the plans wouldn't have been finalized at that meeting. About 80 percent of the money must go to the parishes most severely impacted by the flood: East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, Tangipahoa, Ouachita and Lafayette. And at least 70 percent must go to low or moderate income households, but Forbes said the state will seek a waiver from HUD to get around that requirement. "The big objective is get as many people home as possible," Forbes said. Forbes said the state's motivation is to keep communities whole. "In essence, you don't have that neighborhood anymore. You don't have that same community," he said. "Obviously, with less than half the money we need to do that, it's quite a challenge." Edwards will make two trips to Washington, D.C., next month to lobby Congress for $2 billion in additional aid. "It's very clear to us and the congressional delegation that those funds are needed," Forbes said. Here's how each of the proposed homeowner distribution scenarios would work for homeowners in East Baton Rouge, Ascension or Livingston Parishes. (Figures may vary for residents of other parishes.) Note: Any award would be minus benefits already received. Scenario 1: A family of four with a household income of $41,520 or below would be eligible for 100 percent of the estimated cost to rebuild or repair their home, minus FEMA or other benefits they already received. A family of four with an average income between $41,521 and $51,900 would be eligible for awards of up to 80 percent. Those that fall between $51,901 and $62,280 would be eligible for awards up to 70 percent. The $62,281 to $77,850 tier could get up to 60 percent of their repairs covered. And those whose income is above $77,850 would get 50 percent awards. Scenario 2: A family four with a household income up to $41,520 would be eligible for awards that meet their entire need, minus any previous benefits. Families above $41,521 would be eligible for awards up to $35,000. Scenario 3: U.S. House and Senate Republicans will take part in the annual Republican Issues Retreat in Philadelphia in two weeks, and U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a Jefferson Republican who is the chamber's 3rd-highest ranking member, is slated to be one of the event's presenters. The GOPs annual retreat is scheduled for Jan. 25-27 -- just days after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence have been invited to the summit, which will also draw Republican members of Louisiana's delegation. The annual meeting serves as an opportunity for Republicans to develop an agenda for the new term. Emboldened by the election of Trump and GOP majorities in the House and Senate, Republicans have begun to identify key efforts they plan to undertake, chief among them the repeal of the federal Affordable Care Act and replacement legislation. In his two years in the U.S. Senate, as well as his prior service in the U.S. House, Bill Cassidy has rarely strayed from the Republican Party's mainstream. When he ran for Senate as a critic of President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act in 2014, he was right in tune with the rest of the GOP. Which is what makes his latest move pretty interesting. Cassidy, a physician who spent years working in Louisiana's charity hospital system, has broken ranks and joined with four other GOP senators to sponsor an amendment pushing back on a quick repeal of the ACA, with a replacement to come only at some point down the line. The amendment calls for a key vote to defund the massive health care law to be delayed from later this month until March, in order to give Republicans time to coalesce around an alternative first. That's still an awfully quick turnaround, but it's an improvement over a half-baked, politically risky proposal that could well throw the system into chaos. In sponsoring the amendment, Cassidy joins three colleagues whose resistance might have been more predictable. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska are from the waning moderate wing of the party, and both have voiced concerns over GOP plans to defund Planned Parenthood as part of the ACA repeal. Rob Portman of Ohio represents a state where the Republican governor, former presidential candidate John Kasich, is pushing to keep the ACA's Medicaid expansion in place. More attention-getting are Cassidy and Tennessee's Bob Corker, who hail from the country's most conservative region and the party's more conservative wing. If they stick together, these five have the critical mass to stop a quick repeal. And they're not the only Republican senators who are pushing back, which suggests the plan may well be in trouble. As for Cassidy, the move establishes him as someone worth watching on this issue. He's pushing his own replacement proposal, although the party does not seem close to settling on his or any other alternative at this point. He just won a seat on the Finance Committee, which will have a strong say in any new health care policy. And by signing on to the amendment, he's signaling both that the center of the debate has shifted, and that he's not an automatic vote but rather someone who needs to convinced. As a legislator, that's always the best place to be. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close ISL closure comes as shock to some Jefferson school board members: 'Im blown away' International School of Louisiana closure comes as shock to some Jefferson school board members: Im blown away By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Jan 10 (PTI) Seeking closer ties with India, China today suggested a bilateral "Friendship and Cooperation Treaty" along with a Free Trade Agreement to comprehensively boost relations between the two Asian giants who are locked in a long-standing border dispute. Luo Zhaohui, Chinas Ambassador to India, while mooting the "Friendship and Cooperation Treaty" and FTA proposals, termed differences between New Delhi and Beijing over certain issues as matters "within a family", and sounded optimistic about the future of bilateral ties. advertisement Describing the twin proposals as "ambitious", Luo said the time is ripe for the two countries to reap some "early harvest" benefits in resolving their decades-old vexed border issue. The envoy maintained India and China should join hands in the latters One Belt One Road initiative aimed at building super-modern economic and infrastructural connectivities in South Asia. Indias Act East policy would get a fillip if New Delhi joined the ambitious initiative, the diplomat added. Luo was speaking at a function organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Mumbai at the newly established Ji Xianlin Centre for India-China Studies at the University of Mumbai in suburban Kalina. On his first official visit to Mumbai, Ambassador Luo said, "India is my second home. I joined foreign service because of my affection for India." "Beyond connectivity projects, our two countries should also cooperate to promote cultural exchanges, cooperation in education, and people-to-people contacts under the One Belt One Road framework." Luo described the current differences between India and China on certain issues as matters "within a family", adding, "Even members of a family have some differences sometimes. I am very optimistic about the future of our relations." Sudheendra Kulkarni, Chairman, ORF Mumbai, said India- China relations should be guided by their profound civilisational wisdom. "India, China and Pakistan should forge a friendly relationship, and resolve differences peacefully, which is critical for changing the destiny of South Asia," Kulkarni said. PTI VT RSY RG --- ENDS --- Within a few days, a contract was produced by Mr Gregg in line with his explanation for the $15 million payment. The money, Mr Gregg allegedly explained, had been paid to the Dubai consultant in return for the consultant's services sourcing bulk steel supplies for Leighton at favourable prices. Leighton chief executive Hamish Tyrwhitt sought answers. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer It is understood that Mr Gregg gave a similar explanation to ASIC interviewers after a confidential tip-off prompted the corporate regulator to begin asking the same questions as Leighton's auditors. Why was the payment made in the alleged absence of normal accounting practices? When exactly was the contract outlining the $15 million steel sourcing deal drawn up? And why was a deal involving a not insignificant payment from a top publicly listed company unknown to several of Mr Gregg's senior colleagues? Mr Gregg, a former Qantas executive who was appointed the managing director of the ASX 200 listed firm Primary Healthcare in 2015, has denied any wrongdoing and is suing Fairfax Media over stories in 2016 revealing the existence of the $15 million payment and the ASIC probe. Primary concern When these reports were first aired, Primary Healthcare announced it was standing by Mr Gregg. It also revealed that it had known that Mr Gregg was being investigated by ASIC when it appointed him in early 2015. In doing so, the board signalled that it had accepted Mr Gregg's explanation that his conduct was above board and that ASIC's probe, and Fairfax's reporting, was badly misguided. But on Monday night, Mr Gregg told the Primary board that he had been served with a court attendance notice by ASIC revealing the regulator's intention to charge him with two counts of falsifying books. That prompted Primary to call an emergency board meeting on Tuesday to decide if Mr Gregg should remain as the firm's top executive. The $2 billion healthcare firm released a statement on Tuesday morning that said its directors "will continue to meet to review the implications of this development for the Primary Group and its stakeholders". "Mr Gregg has informed Primary that he denies the allegations," the statement said. A lawyer for Mr Gregg likewise said that he denied any wrongdoing and was seeking to have the case heard quickly. Primary's board was locked in rolling meetings on Tuesday, with it understood the chief area of consideration was whether to ask Mr Gregg to stand down. The board is understood to be seeking urgent legal advice about whether Mr Gregg can stay on and also what the company's legal position would be if Mr Gregg tried to sue for unfair dismissal if he is found not guilty. Two counts Mr Gregg has been charged with two counts of falsifying the books and records while an executive at Leighton Holdings. He is scheduled to appear at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on January 31. His decision to stay on after the investigation was commenced stands in stark contrast to the actions of other chief executives facing serious allegations, most notably former ASX chief Elmer Funke Kupper who resigned during an investigation into alleged bribes being paid by Tabcorp during his time as CEO to secure a contract in Cambodia. ASIC's decision to charge Mr Gregg was made after the agency's brief of evidence was analysed by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions last year. Separately ASIC had also seized evidence uncovered by Fairfax Media's investigation into shadowy oil industry consultants Unaoil, who are now being investigated by authorities across the globe, including the FBI and UK Serious Fraud Office. ASIC was interested in emails showing that Unaoil and two of Mr Gregg's former Leighton colleagues, Peter Cox and Russell Waugh, had paid several million dollars in Leighton funds in early 2011 to Unaoil which then paid that money to the same Dubai consultant to whom Mr Gregg had, later in 2011, sent $15 million. There is no suggestion that Mr Gregg knew about the earlier payment to this consultant or that it had been made to launder bribe money destined for public officials in Iraq. As a February 2016 review commissioned by former prime minister Tony Abbott concluded, the rules covering politicians' expense claims are "complex, confusing, incomplete, contradictory and immensely difficult to follow and administer". But above all he would also start the year by doing himself a favour with some meaningful reforms the public has long demanded but successive governments have failed to deliver. Mr Turnbull would be doing his parliamentary colleagues some of whom cannot be trusted to do the right thing an enormous favour. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull needs to get on the front foot with a sweeping overhaul of the parliamentary expense system that removes the ambiguity that has allowed abuse to flourish at taxpayers' expense. It is a system that is open to interpretation, and consequently open to abuse. Instead of erring on the side of caution, instead of acting in the best interests of taxpayers, and instead of applying basic principles of morality and common sense, MPs such as Sussan Ley appear to have let self-interest get the better of them. If Ms Ley technically acted within the rules weak and ambiguous as those rules are she certainly acted outside the boundaries of what is publicly acceptable. Sadly, this adds to a growing pool of evidence suggesting it is relatively common practice among MPs to dress personal travel up as "official" business by perhaps meeting with a single member of the public, business entity or interest group. The PM has taken a positive step by ordering a review of Ms Ley's travel claims. But as Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie puts it, in doing so he is merely dealing with a symptom of a woefully inadequate framework. Mr Turnbull must now demonstrate real leadership by doing what his predecessors have failed to do: cure the disease with some clear, unambiguous rules that meet the community's not unreasonable expectations. All the more so because the latest scandal comes at the time when the government, faced with almost $95 billion worth of deficits over four years, is asking the rest of us to tighten our belts. While teaching my daughter to drive on the Princes Freeway, travelling at just under 100km/h in the far left-hand lane, I notice she regularly passes slower moving cars driving in the centre lane. Sometimes she is also travelling faster than an ignorant and oblivious driver in the far right lane. Joanne Dietrich, Oak Park Surely driverless cars would be safer Janine Joseph (Letters, 9/1) questions the need for driverless cars. On the contrary, the fact that we allow people to propel a tonne and a half, or more, of steel along freeways within a metre of others doing the same, when a small steering wobble will result in mayhem, is decidedly weird. Future generations will look back on this era and ask: "What were they thinking?" Peter Lynch, Kew Turn your head and check the blind spot As learners, we were taught to do regular "head checks" that is, look over our shoulders to see cars that might be in our blind spot but few drivers appear to do that today. Why? Modern vehicle design. Have you ever noticed how obstructed the view from the rear window gets these days? Adrian Luke, Moorabbin THE FORUM Populist or punitive The Victorian government only knows punitive measures, such as locking up children in an adult prison, probably paving the way for them to become hardened criminals. The Opposition cites populist cliches , such as "soft on crime". What next? Adopt measures as in the Darwin youth prison? Send them to Nauru? Politicians and their staff need to look at what happened at Parkville to spark these riots (The Age, 10/1). What is the situation in regard to education, rehabilitation and counselling? How many staff are qualified in the area of youth offending? How much physical exercise are the youths allowed? How well-trained are the prison officers? What is the accommodation like? What is their daily routine? Both political parties have shown a regrettable and primitive response when there are many experts and much research in the field of criminology and prison reform they could look to. Janice Florence, Preston Make yourself at home Perhaps the kind legal souls who are doing their best to free those unrepentant, hardcore, recidivist teen offenders who are now in Barwon Prison might like to billet them at their own homes. Graeme Hammond, Kingsville Towards consensus The challenges facing the juvenile justice system need bipartisan support and consensus thinking by government, families, lawyers and service providers. This is not a time for grandstanding by politicians. For many years, they have ignored advice and failed to provide services and supports to young people who exhibit challenging behaviour. Those who commit crimes need to take responsibility for their actions. However, as history has shown, incarceration is not the solution. The causes of their behaviour need to be identified and addressed. Let us have a more enlightened discussion and response to address the crisis rather than reactive and punitive comments. Ray Cleary, Camberwell Our MPs' public duty Bronwyn Bishop's comments (The Age, 10/1) only require the substitution of liberal and liberalism for socialist and socialism, to show what this privileged lot thinks of the rest of us. The Bishops and Sussan Leys of this world need to learn that government is a privilege, which carries with it a duty, and to act at all times for the public good. It must not be used as an opportunity to feather one's own nest. John Bemelmans, Belmont Self-interest wins out I concur with Bronwyn Bishop that politicians of all parties and genders should be investigated. However, her attempt to make this a gender issue, while blaming socialists, has no logical merits. She states, "there are socialists out there who want to attack free enterprise and anyone who sticks up for it". More of a helicopter crash of a defence. What if these generous and often ambiguous privileges and perks, plus the obscenely generous indexed-pensions, were removed, forcing politicians to obey the rules governing the general population? I suspect there would be outrage, followed by a surge of by-elections. Presumably the vast majority of their replacements would be principled and honest, focused on altruistic service to the community. Regrettably, ideologies, self-interest and free enterprise appear to motivate and dominate political behaviour. Tanya Parker, Mount Macedon Fighting the good fight Hooray for Bronnie as she battles bravely on against those "always on the march" socialists who are trying to "destroy free enterprise", the "whole country" and even her and Sussan Ley's divine right to raid the public purse. No irony to be seen here. Gary Greenway, Northcote Let them eat cake How very Marie Antoinette of Bronwyn Bishop when she commented on the temerity of the proletariat to question Sussan Ley's travel expenses. They are our taxes, after all. Bronwyn herself is sitting on a nice little parliamentary pension, plus travel expenses. She should quit while she is ahead. She still does not get it. She thinks that we peasants have no right to question how our taxes are wasted on politicians' little party junkets. Marilyn Gimel, Templestowe Ley's double standard Sussan Ley rorts the system while simultaneously supporting Malcolm Turnbull's policies that penalise aged pensioners, the unemployed, working mothers and the disadvantaged. As health minister, she would know that doctors take the Hippocratic oath. Did she take the hypocritical oath? Ian Maddison, Parkdale Ley, a quality MP Sussan Ley is an excellent health minister and should return to her portfolio. Being a parliamentarian is not a nine-to-five job and there is nothing wrong with attending to a personal matter, such as buying a flat, during "office hours". That said, it is important that private side trips are paid for by the MP and not the public. At the conclusion of the personal business, I can see no problem with the public paying for the flight back to Canberra if the initial reason for the visit was work-related. Ms Ley is a quality MP, like other key Coalition and Labor women MPs. Also, she has had a wide life experience in various jobs, unlike most other parliamentarians. Adrian Jackson, Middle Park Blame the yuppies I think you confused hipsters with yuppies (Editorial, 6/1). Yuppy stands for young, upwardly-mobile professional. In the '70s, the inner north's residents were artists, students, hippies and migrants. The yuppies moved in and forced most of us out with rising rents and an influx of owner-occupiers. They are ambitious, educated professionals who grew up in the wealthier suburbs. They can't afford to buy there, as they haven't inherited yet, so they are buying in Footscray and surrounds. I know hipsters. They are so nice. Yes, the blokes can look a bit funny and too samey. But, no, they do not have heaps of money. They often work in hospitality and the community sector, which is poorly paid, and quite a few are tradies. Us ageing hippies have been doing avocado on toast for years. What's the big deal? And why all the hipster bashing? Sylvie Leber, East Brunswick A protective shield James Ogilvie sings from the anti-Indonesia hymn book (Letters, 7/1). He is wrong on several counts: Indonesia is secular and democratic and as far as it harbouring "relentless hostility" towards Australia, well, this is a classic xenophobic Trumpism. Misunderstanding and misinformation can always threaten good neighbourliness, but remember that Indonesia continues to be a welcome security combatant, shielding us from terrorism and radical extremism without which, we would be naked. Alan Cane, Mount Eliza Australia's shame The protracted border dispute with Timor Leste (The Age, 10/1) is a shameful, venal running sore. Australia, via the oil companies, should not be ripping off this small, new country that is battling to raise the living standards of its population. Please do not let Australia be seen to be so revoltingly on the make. Sally Rose, Frankston An essential skill At 70 years old and a five-times a week swimmer, I am surprised at the small number of children at pools who are actually learning to swim. When I was a child, there were a number of sponsored "learn to swim" programs because that was what you did in order to survive in the water. The first lesson is to eliminate fear, take a deep breath, put you head under the water and blow bubbles. From there on, the rest flows. It is time the government subsidised the cost of learning to swim because drownings are invariably costing us more. Ian Oshlack, Guildford Sharks' smorgasbord So sharks have been spotted at our beaches, including at Fairhaven (The Age, 9/1). Back in the 1960s when I was a member of Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, we had a nickname for Fairhaven "shark haven". Back in those days, the surf fishermen around Bells Beach used to say, "if you saw what we saw, you wouldn't surf there". Nothing has changed. Sharks are there to stay. Just don't swim early morning or at dusk when they are ready for dinner. Ian Anderson, Surrey Hills Why the long wait? If the Pines, an Italianate villa in Brighton constructed in 1866, is so rare and significant (The Age, 9/1), why has it taken over 100 years to heritage list it to ensure its preservation? This may be legal but is it fair on owners of properties like these who purchased old homes without encumbrances, only to retrospectively be subject to a heritage listing and all the ramifications which result? Diana Yallop, Surrey Hills Joy for logophiles Thank you, DA (Quick crossword, 6/1). "Absquatulate" is a wonderful word and it has been around for a long time. H.G. Wells used it in his novel, The History of Mr Polly, and I thought he invented it. Beverley Bromham, Sassafras AND ANOTHER THING Sussan Ley A "distraction" from what? Bill Burns, Bendigo To dig a hole this big, you need an environmental impact statement. Dean Wotherspoon, Northcote Any overpayment of taxpayers' money should be calculated by Centrelink's computer. Pieter van Wessem, Balwyn Ley has stepped aside pending an internal investigation. I know the answer. All clear. Lou Ferrari, Richmond "I did nothing wrong" is also known as the "we're all doing it" defence. Colin Mockett, Geelong And the winners of the scandal will be more independents in parliament. Lorna Jensen, Bairnsdale Ley admits she broke ministerial standards, but not travel entitlement rules. Says it all, really. David Pahl, Beechworth Are all Labor MPs squeaky clean? Dianna Gray, Templestowe Lower Would there have been so many Gold Coast trips if Ley's partner didn't run a business there? Phil Gleadhill, Black Rock Either Ley broke the rules, or they're broken. Peter Rushen, Carnegie I bet Ley is delighted to have Bronwyn Bishop jump to her defence. Ruth Brain, Camperdown What does Ley's readiness to mix business with pleasure say about her workplace culture? Jenny Wilkins, Ascot Vale Ley's actions show why this government supports negative gearing. James Stuart, Forest Hill Diana Goetz (9/1), I don't doubt your holiday house was an impulse buy but did taxpayers pay your travel costs? Staff inside the Centrelink unit responsible for income reviews and eligibility assessments warned officials from the Department of Human Services that automated data matching would lead to incorrect debts being issued to low-income and vulnerable Australians, an insider has revealed. A longtime employee of one of Centrelink's income and debts teams said staff being reassigned to other work within the department were told computer-based debt recovery processes would be more efficient because the systems involved were relatively simple and would be less susceptible to errors. The Victorian-based staffer, who Fairfax Media has agreed not to name, said public servants were "flabbergasted" by the justification for the new processes - which have already seen about 170,000 people receive debt notices from Centrelink including some seeking repayment of thousands and tens of thousands of dollars. A growing list of welfare recipients say their debt notices include errors and demands for debt they insist they don't owe. Transport Minister Andrew Constance has warned Sydneysiders to brace for further disruption in the central city as the first high-rise towers are toppled later this year for construction of the second stage of a $20 billion-plus metro train line. His warning came after Planning Minister Rob Stokes gave approval on Tuesday for the line to go from Chatswood in Sydney's north, under Sydney Harbour and the CBD, and onto Sydenham in the south. The construction of the metro line will overlap that for the $2.1 billion light rail from Circular Quay to the city's south east, which has been a major disruption because it has forced the closure of busy thoroughfares such as George Street in the CBD. Most of the 19 buildings some as high as 22 storeys slated for demolition from as early as July are in and around Martin Place, and on Pitt Street near Town Hall. They include 39 Martin Place, best known as the home of high-end jeweller Tiffany & Co. Good Morning. It`ll be 38 degrees in the city today and 41 in the west. Phew what a scorcher, as they will invariably say on tonight`s evening news. Welcome to Sydney If the crippling heat doesn`t get you then the ozone and air pollution surely will. On Tuesday, NSW Health and the Office of Environment and Heritage issued warnings for people with respiratory conditions in response to rising ozone and air pollution levels. A second man charged with the rape of a 20-year-old woman in South Brisbane in 2011 was refused bail in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The 32-year-old New South Wales man, facing six charges, was remanded in custody to reappear again on January 30. A second man has been refused bail over the rape of a woman at South Brisbane in 2011. Credit:Rob Gunstone He is facing three charges of rape, two charges of sexual assault while in company and deprivation of liberty. Queensland's deputy chief magistrate Terry Gardiner imposed a no-publication order on any evidence raised and on any submissions made in Tuesday's bail application hearing. Here are five big promises, fulfilling which may become a herculean task for the grand old party. By Manjeet Sehgal: The manifesto released by the Congress party for Punjab elections has raised many eyebrows. Far from the reality, the party has promised so much ahead of the elections. Here are five big promises, fulfilling which may become a herculean task for the grand old party. The manifesto was released by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Talking to the media in the national capital, Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh had said that it took 6 months to draft the manifesto before its final blueprint got a green signal from Dr Singh, who is also a noted economist. advertisement Senior party leaders Ambika Soni and Rajinder Kaur Bhattal were also present on the occasion. FIVE PERCENT LIQUOR VENDS WILL BE SHUT Congress has promised to close down five percent liquor vends in five years which means if voted to power it will have to sacrifice a sizeable chunk of revenue as liquor sale is a major source of revenue in the state. Punjab stands at number six in the country in terms of liquor consumption which has doubled during the last decade. The state government which earned Rs 1,363 crore from liquor sales is now netting over Rs 3,057 crore (2015-16). AAP has ridiculed the Congress saying that it will not be able to keep the promise as their leaders, including Balbir Sidhu, party's Mohali MLA who released the manifesto with Manpreet Badal on Monday also owns the liquor business. Also read: Will Kejriwal betray Delhi voters a second time if he moves to Punjab as CM? "It is ridiculous that Congress is talking about closing down the liquor vends. It was Captain Amrinder Singh who had given an open hand to liquor baron Ponty Chadha to open vends in the state when he was a CM. Will the Congress leaders able to shut down the vends owned by them," asked senior AAP leader, Kanwar Sandhu. CONGRESS WILL WIPE OUT DRUG TRADE IN FOUR WEEKS Like AAP, Congress also boasted that it will adopt a zero tolerance policy for drug trafficking and its government will wipe out the menace in just '4 Hafte' (four weeks). However, experts say that claims to end the trade within a month is a mere dream as the business is deeply rooted and has spread like a wildfire during the past decade. The party has not made it clear how it will break the nexus between the mafias and the police or the politicians. JOBS TO EACH HOUSEHOLD Congress has also promised to provide jobs to each household in the state on the analogy of Skill India. The election manifesto says that the party would provide one jot for each family and will open employment bureaus in each district. There are a total 32,68,562 households in Punjab, Providing jobs to 32 lakh people will be a herculean task. The party has also promised jobs to Dalits. Not to talk about the general category unemployed, the government may not provide jobs to 12,00,764 dalit families. advertisement Also read: Assume Arvind Kejriwal will be your Chief Minister: AAP's Manish Sisodia to Punjab voters Besides this the party has also promised a monthly unemployment allowance of Rs 2,500 to 3.61 lac youths. The Akali Dal-BJP government could only provide jobs to 52,000 and the sixth pay commission is yet to be implemented. The government spends about 32 per cent on the salaries and pensions providing jobs to 32 lakh households and the unemployment allowance will not be easy when the government is under huge debt trap (of over Rs 1.25 lac crores). WAIVER OF AGRICULTURE DEBT The Congress in its manifesto has promised a number of soaps to the farmers including waiving off loans, introduction of farmer pension, health insurance and crop compensation. Besides, the party if voted to power will continue to provide free electricity to the farmers. advertisement According to a survey conducted by Punjab University, Patiala, the outstanding debt on farmers of Punjab is Rs 69,355 crore. The party has not given any clarity from where it will generate this money and will pay the debt. Even if the government plans to waive off loans what about the loans which the farmers have raised from third parties. CURBING VIP CULTURE Congress has promised that it will end the VIP culture in the state by removing red beacons ,by making a 90 percent cut in security provided to VIPs. Opposition AAP has ridiculed the Congress for making this promise citing Captain Amrinder Singh's aristocratic lifestyle (as he is a former Maharaja) and has asked whether he will be able to remove the red beacons of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. If this has been promised in the manifesto, did the Congress MLAs remove red beacons from their cars. Also read: Rahul Gandhi missing in action ahead of crucial Uttar Pradesh, Punjab elections. Does he not care? --- ENDS --- Disgraced former Education Department big wig Nino Napoli is among six people charged over their alleged involvement in a corrupt ring that swindled more than $6 million from Victorian state schools. After a lengthy investigation, the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission has charged Mr Napoli, the alleged ringleader of the scam, with more than 150 criminal offences. These include conspiring to defraud, knowingly dealing with and concealing the proceeds of crime and producing false documents. Mr Napoli will appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month alongside his cousin Carlo Squillacioti and former Keilor Heights Primary School principal Michael Giulieri. A wealthy Melbourne family is putting up $4 million to build more than 50 portable homes for disadvantaged people on vacant VicRoads properties in a unique project to tackle the city's homelessness crisis. The social housing project is mostly being privately funded by philanthropists Brad Harris, who co-owns the Sporting Globe Bar and Grill chain of nine restaurant-bars, and his father, Geoff Harris, who co-founded Flight Centre. Brad Harris said homelessness was the No. 1 issue facing Victoria. "Having a roof overhead and food in your stomach is fundamental. It's unacceptable that in a wealthy society like ours we've allowed this problem to grow worse," Mr Harris said. Murderers would have to hand over their superannuation to victims and their families under a new plan promised by the Victorian opposition. Opposition Leader Matthew Guy on Tuesday morning announced, if elected at the November 2018 poll, his government would implement a suite of reforms to give victims more rights in the justice system. Matthew Guy is wrong on crime. Credit:Paul Jeffers All but one of the dozens of proposed changes to boost victims' rights are recommended by a Law Reform Commission report released last year and commissioned by the Napthine government. The Andrews government is still considering the report including the implications it will have on the Office of Public Prosecutions, Victoria Police and the courts, as well as how to fund some of the reforms. A 10-year-old boy is among a gang arrested following a five-day crime spree that ended with a dramatic police chase through Melbourne's north. At least two homes in Mill Park were burgled on Tuesday morning and police were reportedly searching for the getaway car involved when they spotted a suspicious black vehicle with a damaged windscreen in Valadero Court about 11am. Police at the scene of the Mill Park pursuit. Credit:Courtesy of Channel 7 The occupants tried to flee, speeding off in the stolen vehicle. But police had laid "stop sticks" across the road and three of the stolen car's tyres blew out immediately. Washington: A Chinese H-6 strategic bomber flew around the Spratly Islands at the weekend in a new show of force in the contested South China Sea, a US official said on Tuesday. It was the second such flight by a Chinese bomber in the South China Sea this year. The first was on January 1, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The flight could be seen as a show of "strategic force" by the Chinese, the official said. It comes after US President-elect Donald Trump has signalled a tougher approach to China when he takes office on January 20, with tweets criticising Beijing for its trade practices and accusing it of failing to help rein in nuclear-armed North Korea. Miranda House issued a notice in Hindi for its part time students last year which reportedly stated, "many students have been seen clicking selfies, combing their hair and modelling. The college administration does not permit this. If any student is found wasting their time, then she will be suspended for the day and sent out of the campus." By Shalini Lobo: While report after report pops up about Miranda House banning selfies on campus, I walked into the campus and the first thing I witnessed was a group of young girls pouting for a selfie. I took a walk around the campus and nowhere could I find this circular. What I did find were other fellow journalists lurking around for the same. advertisement The very popular college under the Delhi University issued a notice in Hindi for its part time students at the School of Open Learning (SOL) in November last year which reportedly stated, "Many students have been seen clicking selfies, combing their hair and modelling. The college administration does not permit this. If any student is found wasting their time, then she will be suspended for the day and sent out of the campus." HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: The SOL conducts classes every Sunday and public holiday except Republic Day and Independent Day. Students from all walks of life attend these classes. Miranda House says that they only open their classrooms for them. Only a few teachers volunteer to work with SOL but apart from that the committees and authorities are completely different. This intriguing notice was issued in November 2016 which had no authority signature on it. Reports said the notice was pasted on the college main gate. But today, it wasn't there. The Principal of Miranda House, Pratibha Jolly denied these allegations of moral policing. 'We encourage our girls to be outspoken. We can't stop them from doing anything. This was an unsigned advisory put out by SOL and it was only keeping in mind the way students dangerously perch on parapets and hang off poles. They might get hurt', she said. But reports in media seem to suggest that it is a complete selfie ban on Sundays at the college. The Principal said it was only keeping safety of the SOL students in mind and has nothing to do with a complete ban. On the other hand a few media reports state that the SOL students have leveled charges of discrimination on the college saying that the notice is limited to them because they are from the backward section of society. There are also reports of the part time students and the Krantikari Sanghatan Yojna taking this matter up with the Delhi Commission of Women. A faculty member at the Miranda House pinned all this onto a political game. 'The notice came out in November but is being hyped up now. This is nothing more than a hidden political agenda'. Also read: DU girl dies after drunk Uber driver rams into a truck in Noida Also read: Miranda House --- ENDS --- Speaking in Patna, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated major steps towards electoral reforms, political probity and weeding out black money from elections. By Rohit Kumar Singh: BJP national president Amit Shah on Tuesday declared that after the Centre cracked down on black money hoarders through scrapping of high value Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, the government was now all set to go big with eradicating black money from electoral politics. Speaking in Patna on the occasion of the book release of Jan Sangh founder Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated major steps towards electoral reforms, political probity and weeding out black money from elections. advertisement "Following up on demonetisation, PM has decided to go hard on black money hoarders. People keep asking us how much black money has been unearthed? I would like to inform that PM Modi has started work on election reforms, to bring political probity and eradicate usage of black money from elections," said Shah. BJP ONLY DEMOCRATIC PARTY Shah also said that BJP had now become the largest party in the country with 11 crore members. Taking a dig at other political parties, Shah said it is only the BJP which is a democratic party which routinely conducts organizational elections. Shah said it was this democracy in BJP that a booth level worker like him became party president. "Ours is a democratic party. Elections take place here every year. It is because of this that a booth level worker like me who used to paste posters on the walls has become the president of the party," said Shah. Earlier in the day, Shah paid a visit to Takht Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara and paid obeisance on the occasion of 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. --- ENDS --- Coming soon - The Cultural Voyager Dedicated to anyone who pursues culture as a major part of their vacation experience. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is appointing his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as a senior adviser in the White House. And funnily enough, Trump might have Hillary Clinton to thank for making the position possible. In 1967, then President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an anti-nepotism bill into law that was widely seen as a reaction to his disapproval of the appointment of Robert Kennedy in John F. Kennedys previous administration. The law became an issue once again in 1993 when two federal appeals court judges in Washington, D.C., ruled that the law did not apply to White House staff. At the time, then President Bill Clinton had appointed his wife, Hillary, to lead health care reform efforts in his administration. We doubt that Congress intended to include the White House or the Executive Office of the President in the statute, D.C. Circuit Judge Laurence Silberman wrote in the decision with Judge Stephen Williams. So, for example, a President would be barred from appointing his brother as Attorney General, but perhaps not as a White House special assistant. The judges added that the statute may only bar related individuals from paid positions in government. Now experts say that ruling may bolster the Trump administrations position that Kushners appointment, which according to the transition team will be an unpaid job, is above board. I dont think the answer is cut and dry on anti-nepotism, Richard Painter, the former chief ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, told The Daily Beast in a phone interview. Theres some room to disagree on that, and I dont know what the right thing is, he said, referring to the anti-nepotism statute. Two judges didnt think it applied in the case of Hillary Clinton, Painter added. Jonathan Turley, a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School, said the ambiguity of the anti-nepotism law allowed Clinton to retain her position and potentially could green-light Kushner as well. I think one has to draw the distinction between actions that are unwise and actions that are unlawful, Turley said in reference to the Kushner appointment in a phone conversation with The Daily Beast. The anti-nepotism law has long suffered from a glaring ambiguity. The irony is that the term agency, as defined in the original 1967 law, has not normally extended to White House staff. The White House staff is not ordinarily considered an agency, even though the purpose of the law was to bar federal officials from appointing or promoting their own family members, Turley said. As Painter put it, the law creates a scenario where reasonable people can disagree. Silberman, one of the judges who presided over the 1993 case with Clinton, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the Kushner appointment. The bigger problem, according to legal experts, is the financial entanglements of Kushners empirewhich mirrors that of his father-in-law. Kushners attorney, Jamie Gorelick of WilmerHale, told Politico that the younger mogul intends to resign from his board positions, trusteeships, and partnerships, and that he intends to file a 278 financial disclosure form, which is required for Cabinet nominees. The rest of the details of his promised divestitures may be revealed after his father-in-law holds a press conference on Wednesday intended to address his own potential conflicts of interest. Trumps innumerable global financial ties have prompted a group of Democratic senators including Elizabeth Warren to introduce legislation that would require the president-elect to divest from any problematic financial assets and put the money in a blind trust. The promise from Kushners legal representation is at least giving experts some hope that he will not be encumbered in the White House by legal issues. If Kushner takes a White House role, he should submit himself to all ethics, conflicts and disclosure laws, Norman Eisen, special counsel for ethics and government reform in President Obamas White House, told The Daily Beast in an email. His representatives say he will do that. That is a positive step, and I welcome it. That said, we need to see the details of how he will do that. And I hope his father-in-law takes a page from his book and does the same, as presidents have for the past four decades, by divesting into a blind trust or the equivalent. But Democrats may have tied their hands on nepotism to an extent after giving Hillary Clinton a pass. At the time I was highly critical of President Clinton to [select Hillary to] chair the task force of child health care reform, Turley said. It was legally problematic and politically moronic. Democrats will be somewhat hard-pressed to make a convincing case against Trump given Hillary Clintons past position, Turley said. Hypocrisy obviously flows down Capitol Hill like a powerful river, he added. But that doesnt mean Kushner gets off completelyparticularly on divesting from his business interests. I dont know the details of his plan for divestment, as well as stopping certain activities, Painter said. Its going to be very important for the transition team to announce what hes going to get out of. And details dont always come easily from the Trump transition team. Rising need, fewer resources, fewer jobsand more campaigns like Donald Trumps. Thats the world ahead, according to Americas intelligence agencies. Analysts from U.S. spy services predict a darker world to come over the next five years, with rising populations, falling incomes, and ever more technology to spread anger at the speed of a tweetall trends that helped catapult Trump to victoryonly set to increase. The Global Trends Report, authored by the same intelligence community that concluded Russia tried to interfere with the U.S. elections, portrays a dystopian future of increasingly divided haves and have-nots, with climate change drying up resources and driving migrants into already stressed Western nations, only increasing competition. It further predicts governments or would-be leaders will play to their peoples worst fears, blaming outsiders or other nations for the calamities to come, so they dont get the blame for their peoples declining state. The National Intelligence Councilthe think tank of Director of National Intelligence James Clapperalso warns that Russia and China might stumble accidentally into a hot war with the U.S. or another nation as they try to expand their power and influence, by, say, pushing for more territory, a la Moscows annexation of Crimea or Beijings construction of a military island in the South China Sea. It further warns that Russia continues to see the U.S. as a competitor that must be checked on the world stage. This future, although dark, is not cast in stone, said Suzanne Fry, director of the NICs Strategic Futures Group. Governments that invest in their infrastructure, environment, and information-sharing with their people would be best positioned to survive the coming conflagration, she said at the public rollout of Paradox of Progress at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Its unclear what the incoming administration will do with the document, considering Team Trumps skepticism about climate change, warmth toward Russia, and stated goals to trim the size of government inside the U.S. and its intervention in the world outside. The reports data were gathered prior to the election and are intended to help whomever takes office. The NIC, which is staffed in large part by current and former CIA analysts, delivered the report to Trumps incoming national-security adviser, Ret. Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, but outgoing NIC chief Greg Treverton said he has not responded to its findings. The report is produced every few years, to give policymakers an idea of what to plan for. This newest edition makes for grim reading. Working age populations are shrinking in wealthy countries, China, and Russia, but growing in developing poorer countries, particularly Africa and South Asia, where there are also fewer jobs available, the report says. Major economies are growing more slowly, and poorer economies that might have relied on cheap labor to move up in the world are being shut out by automation. Simply put, its becoming cheaper to build a robot to churn out cheap clothes than to employ ranks of poorly paid humansa problem thats already drying up jobs in the U.S. manufacturing sector. Combine that shrinking pool of jobs with a climate-change-driven lack of resources and youve got a wave of migrants headed for Europe that military intervention cant stop. Those on the receiving end of that flood of humanity, already facing rising unemployment and falling incomes, will increasingly adopt a circle the wagons, bring up the castle gate hostile mentality toward the other that could make Brexit and the jingoistic strains of Trumps Make America Great Again campaign look tame. Populist leaders or movements, whether on the right or left, may leverage democratic practices to foster popular support for consolidation of power in a strong executive and a slow, steady erosion of civil society, the rule of law and the norms of tolerance, with anti-immigrant and xenophobic sentiment undermining the Wests diverse societies, the report says. In other words, popular leaders may rally their followers to swallow increasingly authoritarian rule because theyve convinced people it will protect them from outside/outsider threats. The reports authors say those self-identified groups will be more prone to being fooled by fake news because it suits their worldview, making changing their minds harder. Theres so much noise out there and so much misinformation that the more we can do to provide context on what is really a confusing present and future is all the more important, said Treverton, head of the National Intelligence Council. The angry and disenfranchised will also be able to better organize to express their discontent, thanks to the internet and proliferation of smartphones and social media. Connectivity is going to make it much more difficult for governments that are performing subpar work because everything will be visible, said the NICs Thomas Stork at the event. It will create a forum for grievance to raise voices of objection. That will make governing harder. As nations try both to deflect internal dissent and expand their influence, theyll more and more often use measures short of war, the report predicts. Conflicts will be quite ambiguous, said Fry, like Russias interference in the U.S. elections, which aimed to change minds, rather than crudely attacking ballot-box votes. She said the risk with that IS countries potentially overstepping and triggering an actual conflict. Overestimation or inability to control those moments can lead to hot war, Fry said. Both China and Russia think of what theyre doing in defensive terms, said Treverton, but the defensive/aggressive moves make chances of an inadvertent mistake and escalation more possible. What will be less ambiguous is the continuing rise of terrorism and other forms of violent extremism as a result of the competition for jobs and resources. The drumbeat driving all the instability and competition will be changes to climate, and habitat. Irrespective of what might happen with the climate, people are moving into places like low-lying coastal areas, which are vulnerable to tropical storms and flooding, said the NICs Rod Schoonover50 percent more people by 2035 than live there now. He said megacities are getting sicker, with many suffering water issues, and water scarcity growing in places like the Middle East. He ticked off more grim developments: Air pollution over the next few decades will be the primary reason for environmentally caused death; half of the worlds population is likely to face water shortages; oceans are getting more acidic, polluted, warmer, over-exploited, and deoxygenated; soil for farming is degrading 40 times faster than new soil is being created; and the planet is suffering a rapid decline in biodiversity because of human activity. One of the experts at the event, Larry Diamond from Stanford Universitys conservative Hoover Institution, said the only way to head off the reports overall predictions is to launch a sort of sweeping Marshall Plan aimed at those hit hardest by the changes. That could slow population growth in poor areas and raise taxes at home to subsidize the jobs that will pay less and less as they are replaced by automation, and offset trends that see a narrow segment of the population paid hundreds of times more than most of the planet makes. The nature of work and automation is accelerating to such a point that were not going to have work for people, he said. The most important point of identity is human dignity. If you rob people of that, youre sitting on a volcano. Work is crucial to human dignity. That may be something the Trump administration well understands. "Demonetisation is a gigantic mistake, both in terms of its objective of dealing with corruption as well as the objective of one rapid jump of getting into a cashless economy," said Amartya Sen. By India Today Web Desk: Two months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move, world renowned economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen spoke to India Today's Karan Thapar about the aims and achievements of the move and its consequences. "It is a gigantic mistake, both in terms of its objective of dealing with corruption as well as the objective of one rapid jump of getting into a cashless economy," Sen said while talking about note ban Amartya Sen. advertisement The Nobel Prize winner asked if it was fair to demonetise 86 per cent of all currency to tackle black money. "These statistics were known to everyone and it must have been known to the Prime Minister as well. So if there is only 6 to 7 per cent of black money in cash, how do you expect to have a major victory? It is puzzling to me," said Amartya Sen. POLICY AFFECTED LARGE SECTION OF PEOPLE The economist feels that the policy has affected a large section of people in India as it was taken unilaterally by the Centre. "It was indeed not even the whole of the Central government, it was a very small group around Modi. So the biggest question here, with the State Assembly elections approaching, is there an issue of federalism that needs to be addressed?," Sen asked. When asked about why the support towards Modi's continues to soar Amartya Sen said, "Modi is a very good political leader, there is no doubt about it. He can certainly convince people so the Modi magic is there. But this is Modi's Napoleon moment." DEMONETISATION - A NAPOLEON MOMENT The 19th century French conqueror Napoleon is known for cultivating an infallible image through his propaganda. He garnered immense public support by capitalising on his victories. During his tenure he floated literature and various publications that exaggerated his accomplishments. "Napoleon after his attempt to raid on Russia, on his way back, said that actually he did not wanted to do anything , just wanted to do an excursion into the snowy mountains of Russia," said Sen. SEN ON RBI Further emphasising on the role of the Reserve Bank of India, the noted economists said that RBI was simply following Prime Minister Modi's order. He said that while the government failed to eliminate black money, it leaped towards digitisation from corruption. According to him the Modi government changed its focus midcourse. The economist said that corruption continues to worry the nation. He added that black money creation will continue. advertisement Watch the video here: Also read: Demonetisation effect: Income Tax department detects Rs 4,807 crore black income DMK's Stalin at India Today Conclave South: Demonetisation a slow disaster, suffering continues Income Tax Department asks banks to report pre-demonetisation cash deposits --- ENDS --- Democrats probably wont be able to kill Jeff Sessionss confirmation prospects. But theyll try to make him bleed. Barring something extraordinary, Sen. Jeff Sessions will have little trouble getting confirmed as Donald Trumps attorney general. But some activists on the left still see a way of getting a win out of his confirmation hearing: They hope the process generates significant media scrutiny of his time at the Justice Department, and that he will take on a political toxicity that will hurt the moderate Republicans who back him. On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee will begin two days of hearings to examine Sessions and his long record. Sessions, an avid supporter of much stricter enforcement of immigration lawsincluding more deportationshas drawn energetic and organized opposition from progressive activists. But none of the Senates Republicans have indicated they will oppose his confirmation, meaning his confirmation is basically a lock. But that doesnt mean Sessions has nothing to lose. Nominees who survive their Senate grillings can still emerge damaged. Hans von Spakovsky, a Heritage Foundation legal scholar and former Justice Department official under George W. Bush, said some of Bushs appointees held back from pursuing conservative policies because they were so jarred by their confirmation processes. I occasionally saw political appointees whoit did scare them off from taking what I consider to be the correct positions on issues because they were afraid of what I would almost call the mad-dog left, he told The Daily Beast. If you get somebody up there whos not tough, who doesnt understand just how nasty and mean Washington is these days, it might have an effect. Von Spakovsky didnt name names, but his point was clear: Protests and push-back can give Republican appointees the jitters. He added that he highly doubts that will happen to Sessions. I dont think that hes going to get damaged, he said. But his perception among his would-be employeesthe career staff at the Justice Department, who stay on regardless of whos president, and who tend to support Democratic candidates over Republicanscould take a beating. And those tensions could make his start at the department rockier than he would like. A former Justice Department official who recently left the agency told The Daily Beast that some career attorneys there have deep concerns about Sessions. I think a lot of attorneys are nervous about a return to a really demoralized Justice Department, he said. I think what they will be listening for tomorrow from the nominee is, does he respect their mission? the former official said. Does he respect the non-ideological job that they do? Is he coming in with a partisan and political mission? Is he coming in more as the attorney to President-elect Trump, or is he coming in as the Peoples Lawyer? Conservatives said they suspect progressive opposition to Sessions is intended to make life harder for him at Justice. Theyre probably hoping that every picture of Jeff Sessions throughout the DOJ has little horns and mustaches drawn on it, said Carrie Severino of the Judicial Crisis Network, whose group is airing TV ads supporting Sessions. Severino and other conservatives argue Sessions will de-politicize the agency, rather than re-politicize it. But a chilly welcome wouldnt necessarily impact Sessionss ability to make big changes at the department. Mark Corallo was spokesman for John Ashcroft when he was attorney generala position he took after a historically blistering confirmation process. Corallo said Ashcrofts confirmation gave him perspective. They went after him in the most unkind and uncharitable ways that Ive ever seen the Senate go after a nominee, he said. He just kind of sloughed that off and used it as, Im just going to do what I need to do. If I can live through that, then heck, this will be cake. With time, Corallo added, Justice Department attorneys warmed to their Republican boss and his staff. I cant tell you how many times the career employees at the Justice Department would come up to me and say, I really like you, youre a different kind of Republican, and think thats not insulting, he said. Ashcroft faced many of the same charges that Sessions now faces: that he harbored racist sentiments, that he worked to slow down civil rights efforts, and that he was too ideological to equitably enforce federal laws he disagreed with. In 1986, the Senate Judiciary Committee blocked Sessions from being confirmed as a federal judgedue in large part to those charges. This time around, though, Republicans control the panel, and none of them have indicated they will oppose Sessions. Despite that, congressional hearings are always fraught. Alberto Gonzales, George W. Bushs second attorney general, infamously argle-bargled his way through congressional hearings about the firings of U.S. attorneys. I have in my mind a recollection as to knowing as to some of these United States attorneys, Gonzales said at one point. There are two that I do not recall knowing in my mind what I understood to be the reasons for the removal. In his initial Senate confirmation hearing, Gonzales promised the department wouldnt be politicized during his time there. Then the firing of U.S. attorneys in 2006 for political reasonswhich severely damaged the credibility of the department, according to an internal watchdog report (PDF)seemed to gut that promise. Theres no question that some of the pledges he made to try to keep politicization out of the DOJ were pushed on him during the hearings on the U.S. attorney crisis, said Elliot Mincberg, who was a top Democratic staffer on the House Judiciary Committee during the scandal and is now a senior fellow at the progressive People for the American Way. Both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees brought Gonzales in for testimony as the scandal unfolded. And he did terribly. His miserable showing undermined his employees confidence in him, which helped fuel a deluge of negative news stories. The Department started leaking and leaking and leaking, said Matthew Miller, a Justice Department spokesman under Obama. It started with career people and extended to political people pretty quickly. Gonzales ultimately resigned. Sessionss time as a trial lawyer and his extensive experience asking questions in congressional hearings means its very doubtful hell have a Gonzales moment. You cant foreclose the possibility that he says something that switches votes, Miller said. But it does seem unlikely at this point. Whats much more likelyin fact, guaranteedis that progressives will use Sessionss confirmation process to go after Republicans running for re-election in 2018. At the top of their target list is Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican with libertarian leanings who has already committed to backing Sessionss confirmation. Unlike Sessions, Flake has backed comprehensive immigration reform. And his state has a sizable Hispanic population. If Jeff Flake ends up voting for Jeff Sessions in committee and on the floor, we are not going to be shy about reminding his voters that he voted for the most anti-Latino, anti-immigrant nominee to this office that weve seen in decades, said Drew Courtney, communications director for People for the American Way. Senators who vote for him are really going to own him. We are in this fight to win it, he added. The fight will be long. Like Barack Obama before him, Donald Trump comes to power amid an inherited emergency. When Obama took office in January 2009, the U.S. economy was in freefall. massive housing bubble had burst. Banks were failing, stock markets tumbling. Millions of people were losing their jobs, homes, and life savings. The emergency Trump inherits also involves a bubble, but his bubble is made of carbon. This bubble nevertheless threatens many of the same catastrophes Obamas did, including the evaporation of trillions of dollars worth of wealth and terrible human suffering. Trump seems oblivious to the danger, judging from his nomination of ExxonMobils CEO Rex Tillerson and other fossil fuel champions to his cabinet. But the confirmation hearings that begin this week enable the Senate and the press to publicize the emergency, demand answers, and reject any nominee unfit to manage the crisis. A financial bubble occurs when the price of a given asset rises well above the assets actual value. In the case of the 2008 housing bubble, homebuyers, financial institutions, and other investors embraced the enticing but dubious assumption that U.S. housing prices only went up, never down. This assumption became a self-fulfilling prophecy, for a while, as a surge in investment drove housing values higher. But reality eventually asserted itself. When there were not enough buyers to keep the bubble expanding, housing prices imploded, punishing investors and bringing the economy as a whole to the brink of collapse. Todays carbon bubble operates on the same economic principles, as Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, has explained. In a landmark 2015 speech to the venerable Lloyds of London insurance company, Carney, Britains central banker, highlighted the scientific finding that humanity cannot burn most of the earths reserves of carbon-based fuels without risking a catastrophic increase in global warming. According to studies by the International Energy Agency and others, said Carney, only about one-third of the remaining oil, gas, and coal can be burned without pushing temperature rise beyond 2 degrees Celsius, the internationally agreed threshold where, scientists warn, climate change may well be unsurvivable. These two-thirds of unburnable reserves are the source of the carbon bubble. The financial implications of the carbon bubble are immense, dwarfing those of the 2008 housing bubble, according to Carney and the Whos Who of global financial leaders that have echoed his warnings, including private banks Citigroup and HSBC and the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Citigroup estimated in 2015 that the total value of stranded assets could be over $100 trillion. $100 trillion. Its one of those figures its hard to get ones head around. Just how much money is that? By way of comparison, $100 trillion is nearly five times the size of the losses associated with the housing bubble that nearly crashed the economy in 2008. One hundred trillion dollars is larger than the combined value of all the stock markets on earth. It is nothing to play with. Meanwhile, a staggering one-third of global wealth is invested in oil, gas, coal, and other carbon-heavy companies, Carney has calculated. These companies, including ExxonMobil and other fossil fuel giants, will be vulnerable to significant financial devaluations if governments limit carbon emissions in accordance with the latest scientific findings, as 196 countries agreed to do at the United Nations climate summit in Paris in December 2015. The projected devaluations for ExxonMobil and the rest of the fossil fuel industry derive from a peculiar but widespread accounting practice. The financial value and thus the stock market prices of such companies are based largely on the fuel reserves they claim to control and be able to bring to market. A prime example are the reportedly massive reserves in Russia that Putin and Tillerson agreed ExxonMobil would help develop, only to have the deal stalled after the U.S. imposed economic sanctions following Russias invasion of the Ukraine. If large portions of these and other reserves around the world must in fact go unburned, the companies valuations will decline accordingly. As in the housing crisis, a bursting of the carbon bubble will not only punish the companies and investors directly involved. Countless pension funds, mutual funds, and mom-and-pop investors are counting on solid future returns from carbon-based assets that may in fact end up stranded and all but worthless. If Carney is correct that one-third of the worlds wealth is invested in such assets, a devaluation of those assets could crater the entire global economy. What is Trumps position on this gigantic threat to economic stability and prosperity? He has spent his adult life in the real estate business, so he certainly knows about bubbles and the havoc they can wreak. Yet he appears to be willfully blind to the perils of the carbon bubble. Like the fossil fuel advocates chosen for his cabinet, Trump denies the foundational premise for a carbon bubble: the scientific finding that there are strict limits to how much carbon can be released into the atmosphere without imperiling human civilization. If no such limits exist, a carbon bubble by definition cannot arise. That certainly seems to be Rex Tillersons view, judging from his public statements and ExxonMobils actions since he became CEO in 2006. Breaking with the companys past decades of climate denial and deception, Tillerson does not dispute that ExxonMobils products will raise global temperatures; he simply insists that the resulting impactsshifts in food growing areas, harsher droughts and storms, rising seaswill be manageable through skillful adaptation. As Tillerson assured the Council on Foreign Relations in 2012, Changes to weather patterns that move crop production areas around, well adapt to that. Its an engineering problem, and it has an engineering solution. That may make sense to an engineer who has spent his entire adult life at ExxonMobil, but no farmer with dirt under his fingernails would voice such nonsense. Sure, in theory a Midwestern farmer could move north as temperatures rise. But doing so would mean leaving behind some of the most fertile soil on earth in favor of some of the poorest. You dont need a PhD to realize that your crop yields would plummet. Tillerson, Trump, and their fellow carbon boosters have gotten away with their outlandish views partly because they are not alone in underestimating the climate emergency. Upon his inauguration on January 20, Trump will become the only head of state in the world who denies climate science, the Sierra Club has pointed out. His denialism is shared by virtually every Republican on Capitol Hill, not to mention his other Cabinet nomineesnotably Rick Perry for energy secretary and Scott Pruitt for Environmental Protection Agency administrator. Nor are Republicans the only ones sleepwalking towards disaster. The U.S. news media barely mentioned climate change while covering the 2016 presidential campaign. And even many politicians, journalists, and other opinion leaders who acknowledge the dangers of climate change nevertheless act as if violating the 2 degrees limit is no big deal. Physics, however, does not compromise. Anyone who believes that the 2 C target is somehow optional should look hard at the climate impacts unfolding today, when temperatures have risen by a mere 1 degree C. To cite but one example: In November, Secretary of State John Kerry visited Antarctica, where he learned that the Pine Island Glacier is moving very fast, and when it goes, we will see 1.5 meters of sea level rise by 2050, his aide Jonathan Pershing reported at the UN climate conference in Marakesh. Five feet of sea level rise in less than 35 years, that is really soon, Pershing said in an epic understatement. If this scenario indeed comes to pass, houses going underwater, as the phrase went during the 2008 housing bubble, will no longer be a mere figure of speech. Five feet of sea level rise would put huge swaths of New York, Washington, Miami, London, Shanghai and many other coastal cities under water. Erecting sea walls might protect high-value locations, though the engineering and financial challenges of managing five feet of sea level rise would be extraordinary. (Just ask the Dutch, the worlds experts.) But 140 million people around the world live fewer than three feet above sea level, Pershing noted, often in places that have neither the money nor the expertise to manage any amount of sea level rise, much less five feet of it. Many of these people will have no choice but to re-locate, unleashing streams of refugees immeasurably larger than the emigrations seen today. Which is why the U.S. Department of Defense has called climate change a threat multiplier that poses an urgent and growing threat to national security. The rest of the world has long grasped the climate problem, and many governments, businesses, communities, and ordinary people are fast transitioning from carbon-based fuels to solar, wind, and other clean energy alternatives. China, the other climate change superpower along with the U.S., is shifting course at dizzying speed, shutting its coal mines while vastly expanding renewable energy. China expects to create an eye-popping 13 million jobs and construct 1,000 solar power plants by 2020, the governments National Energy Administration announced last week. For Trump and his team to accelerate oil, gas and coal production in the face of all these trends would be economically self-defeating and morally indefensible. It would cede leadership of the 21st century clean energy sector to China (and Germany). It would make the U.S. economy the foremost victim when the carbon bubble does eventually burst. Above all, it would make catastrophic climate change that much harder for everyone on earth to avoid. The senators conducting this weeks confirmation hearings, as well as the journalists covering them, should demand answers from Tillerson and Trumps other nominees on how they plan to address the carbon bubble and the emergency it represents. If the answers merely reiterate the climate denial that has caused our current predicament, citizens should pressure their elected representatives to reject these nominations. In 2017, the signs of climate emergency are all around us. Anyone who refuses to see, and to respond accordingly, is not qualified for leadership in Washington. Mark Hertsgaard is the author of seven books, including HOT: Living Through the Next Fifty Years on Earth. It was extraordinary that Walter Shaub, the director of the nonpartisan Office of Government Ethics, wrote that letter to Senate leaders last week about the slipshod vetting of many Trump Cabinet nominees. He said that he couldnt recall any prior occasions when hearings went forward before an ethics review was completed. Yet here is Mitch McConnell, rushing these people through as if the United States would be utterly incapacitated if they arent ensconced in their new positions by the day President Trump takes office. On one level its a small thing, whether Jeff Sessions becomes attorney general on Jan. 20 or Feb. 3 (the date in 2009 when Eric Holder was sworn in). But I think its a very big thing because the way this is being handled tells us something important about both Trumps attitude toward ethics, and the Republicans views about the Trump era. Trumps attitude toward ethics, we know. Its roughly John Dillingers attitude toward bank guards. Shaub also noted in his letterthis will shock youthat Trump transition officials werent answering his emails after the election. We seem to have lost contact with the Trump-Pence transition since the election, Shaub wrote in a Nov. 18 message to transition aide Sean Doocey. I will be talking to Don McGahn as soon as I can pin him down to a time for a call, which is proving to be difficult. However, I don't have confirmation from anyone on the transition team or from OMB that he is serving in any official capacity. It would help to have confirmation that he is authorized to speak for the transition. Lets be generous and attribute some of the delay to confusion around the fact that they didnt expect to win. OK, that buys them what, four days? Shaub was writing 10 days after the election. And now we have the news that Trump will go ahead and test nepotism laws and name Jared Kushner to a White House post. There is a gray area in the question of whether the White House is an agency in sense that the anti-nepotism laws mean the word. So well see about that, but in the meantime, its Trumps way to think the hell with these stupid laws. It might be fine if his son-in-law had some experience in government or public policy, but hes a real-estate magnate/newspaper-ruiner who coincidentally got into Harvard after his father cut the school at $2.5 million check. The lack of normal vetting for Cabinet designees is exactly Trumps style, of course, because Trump cares nothing for rules of any kind, and if a conflict ever should arise, hell simply lie and say its no conflict and its all Meryl Streeps fault or whoever it is hes trash-talking that week. No one expects any better of him. And how nicely it dovetails with the Republicans agenda for the Trump era, and this is the most important point here. McConnelland Paul Ryan, and everybody at the Heritage Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and all such redoubtswant the Trump era to start yesterday. They all have reservations about the man. Sometimes very grave reservations. How could they not? But hes useful to them because hes going to let them do the thing theyve been yearning to do for 30 yearsdismantle vestiges of liberalism from the Obama term back to the New Deal. To them, the Trump presidency means one thing: We assume this unstable man might serve only one term, so lets destroy everything we can while we can. From that vantage point, it does make a difference whether Sessions becomes AG on Jan. 20 or Feb. 3. The quicker he can get in there, the faster he can start hiring lawyers from Ave Maria and Regents University law schools to raise their microscopes against what remains of the Voting Rights Act. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Claytona Wall Street lawyer and foe of financial regulation, to head the SEC!has to get in there asap to oversee the dismemberment of Dodd-Frank. And so on down the line. A clock is ticking on the walls of leading Republicans and conservative organizations. They have 80 years of history to undo. Workplace regulations, environmental regulations, workers protections, social safety-net provisions, various minority-group protections, non-discrimination laws, and most of all business and corporate regulationsall of these and more have to be, uh, reexamined these next four years. Every day counts. You may think (if youre on my general side of the ideological fence) that past conservative administrations have done damage to the social fabric and the last-resort guarantor of dignity for the least fortunate Americans (the state). And they have. But theyve done nothing compared to what we might see in these next four years. There are briefing books sitting around Heritage and other such places that, after eight years of Obama and with Hillary looking like a winner, they were probably thinking of chucking in the shredder. But now theyve dusted them off. And at the NRA, too, which wants an America in which a person in possession of a concealed-carry permit in State A can go to State B with confidence that his permit has the force of law there. A raft of things, plans drawn up in the Reagan era but never quite acted on, may now get their moment in the sun. Thats the only way to understand congressional Republicans solidarity with Trump: Theyll let him have his Twitter tirades and little victory dances in Elkhart, Indiana, over 700 jobs, as long as he lets them take apart the New Deal. Thats what explains McConnells hurry to fill Trumps Cabinet. The first thing that will strike anyone going to see the play Holden at New York Citys New Ohio Theatre are the logs of wood. They are stacked, intricately, as a boundary for the stage and the walls of the cabin or writing shed in which the novelist J.D. Salinger is attempting to write a new novel. How long did they take to stack? Who chopped all the wood? An immediate bottle of Champagne, please, for scenic designer Nick Benacerraf. The writer we see in this George & Co. playconceived, written, and directed by Anisa Georgeis a tortured, surly man, and one so utterly folded in on himself as to be almost unreachable. As played with a self-contained ferocity by Bill George, he also has company of the seen and unseen kind. The seen presence is his daughter Peggy (the charming George Truman), here seen as a young child, keen just to hang out with her dad, whos locked himself up in this shack away from the Salingers New Hampshire house. She is the only equalizing influence around a man of bizarre extremity. There is a writing table Salinger paces around, a floor, what looks like an Army-issue bed he lies down on to sleep covered by a meager blanket, a kettle, books, and a laundry line cordand on the cord hang pages that he orders and reorders of the new work. Pages are added, pages are discarded, pages are rearranged. However, it is neither Salinger nor Peggy who are the lead characters in this 90-minute, intermission-less play, but three unseen presences. They are inner demons or muses, or just handy ghosts to give this story of writerly frustration and historical reckoning a violent punch. We dont know immediately that these young menone tall and bearded, another stocky and broy, and a third lean and boyishare their own complex monsters. But then they introduce themselves. Jaime Maseda plays Mark David Chapman, assassin of John Lennon, and Scott R. Sheppard is John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan. Here, as he was in real life, Hinckley is obsessed with Travis Bickle, addressing a picture of Iris, Jodie Fosters Taxi Driver character. Their link to Salinger is that both Chapman and Hinkley had The Catcher in the Rye in their possession, and so whose brain would be better to take up an extended residency within? Who better to be Salinger super-fans, willing him on to greater creative heights, to keep him in track? As anyone acquainted with the reclusive Salingers output after The Catcher in the Rye was published in 1951 knows, this would likely be no easy cheerleading process. Then there is Zev (Matteo Scammell), who seems a little hapless, and happy just to hear his peers wild tales, and aid them in their attempt to get Salinger not only to write something, but to send that manuscript out of the prison-cabin to his publisher. The worst thing that could happen is for Salinger to lock it in the cabins safe, which should have a skull-and-crossbones painted over it. In it are Salingers unpublished works: The demons cry in frustration if Salinger even approaches it. Part of the humor of the play is to watch this spirit-trio try to influence Salingerwho died in 2010from within. Another is to watch the two assassins compare notes: Well, at least he actually killed someone, mocks Chapman of Hinckley at one point. It is unclear what of their voices Salinger hears, though at one point he goes outside to chop some wood to escape himself and whatever inhibiting voices he is burdened by. This chopping he does as impressively as the neat stacks of logs attest. There are no rogue logs that fly into the audience, no airborne splinters. The choice of the two assassins is intriguing: They talk about guns, and they also double as soldiers fighting in the Second World War, alongside Salinger, whose memories of that period of his life are deeply traumatizing. The play has mashed-up time. Hinckley, Chapman, and Peggy Salinger were all born in 1955, and yet here Peggy is a little girl and the assassins are in their 20s, and Salinger seems more the older novelist than the comparatively young buck he was in 1955, four years after The Catcher in the Rye was published. The characters, then, are presences or conduits for George to examine fame, notoriety, and creativity; trauma, gun violence, and an attemptin the innocence of Peggy, who just wants her dad to be her dadto find a place for some peace and contentment. In this telling, Salinger is not just his own tortured recluse, but with these other notorious presencesand the calming reality of a childbecomes a kind of caged embodiment of a fractured America. The surprise is Zev. He is, as is eventually noted, the only figure on stage who is unknown, and not notorious. But Zev makes clear how he wants to become known, and the scale of the horror he wishes to inflictfamiliar to all those watching newscasts todayoutrages Chapman and Hinckley, leading to a curious act of brutality. Violence and the trauma of violenceof war, of individuals, of the creative process and mindis the thrumming through-line of Holden. If the book that made the title character famous has a golden sheen of youth and wizened romance about it, this strange, stunning play has anything but. Holden is at the New Ohio Theatre, in New York City, until Jan. 14. Book tickets here. PARIS Just days after Kim Kardashian was shown tearfully describing the terror she felt during a brazen armed robbery in Paris in October, on the other side of the Atlantic, French police nabbed 17 suspects allegedly involved with the audacious, multi-million dollar heist at an exclusive apartment-hotel in Paris's chic 8th Arrondissement. "They're going to shoot me in the back, there's no way out," Kardashian is seen saying in a promotional clip for the upcoming season of her famed reality series set to air in March. However, the traumatized reality television star may soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief. According to police, on Monday a motley band of suspects were nabbed in the Paris region, as well as in Normandy and near the French Riviera. Those arrested included a 72-year-old gangster, several women, and a handful of others who were known to authorities. Also arrested was the reality star's chauffeur, but any credence given to the theory that the bold banditry was an inside job was promptly dismissed following news of the the driver's release on Wednesday morning. Kardashian was alone at Lhotel de Pourtales, a celebrity haunt also known as No Address France" due to its discreet nature and unadorned facade, when armed men stormed the residence at about 2:30 am on Oct. 3. After tying her up and dumping her in the bathtub, the armed robbers fledsome on foot, some on bicycleswith jewelry valued at approximately 9 million ($10 million), including a 4 million rock that she is believed to have flashed on Instagram in the days before the heist. Kardashian's lawyer, Jean Veil, told L'Express that he welcomed the news and saluted the successful work of the police, calling the arrests "a nice surprise." "On the one hand, this will perhaps allow for the recovery of the stolen items, and on the other, it will put an end to shameful speculations by some who claimed that this robbery was a publicity stunt by Madame Kardashian," he said. Today the French press reported that police had announced that some 300,000 in cash had also been recovered in the raids. However, they have been unable to confirm whether the money was paid to the robbers in exchange for the stolen bling. According to The Guardian, French police have also been in touch with colleagues in neighboring Belgium, where they believe the robbers tried to get rid of the stolen jewels. Ironically, it seems as if the lifted loot was also a crucial key in yesterday's arrests. As the attackers fled with Kardashian's jewels, one of the thieves toppled off his bicycle, dropping a bag carrying the jewels. In his haste to flee the scene, he left behind a diamond-studded pin that was discovered by a passerby who turned it over to police. The thief's DNA was taken from the pendant, helping authorities to nab the gang. Kardashian may have to face her attackers once more. According to Veil, the reality star may be required to return to France to formally identify the brazen bandits. It might be necessary as part of the investigation, but it will be for the investigating judge to decide, he told L Express. President Barack Obama will deliver his farewell address to the American people on Jan. 10, at 9 p.m. ET, from McCormick Place in his hometown, Chicago, Illinois. The president's farewell address is a tradition dating back to 1796, when George Washington said goodbye to Americans before transferring power to his successor. In a written remark released at the beginning of the month, President Obama described presidency as an amazing journey and announced his remarks would be a grateful farewell to the American people. Promising to offer some thoughts on where we all go from here, many are likely hoping that the president will put forward suggestions as to how President-elect Donald Trump might ease the transition from one administration to the next. Despite worries about Trumps capacity to perform the duties required of the commander in chief, President Obama has so far expressed optimism that the president-elect will rise to the occasion. Also noteworthy: The address will be the first presidential address to be broadcast live in 360-degree video. The video will be broadcast by VRScout, a Los Angeles-based virtual-reality media company. VRScouts head of studio, Ryan Bell, has likened the presidents use of the innovative technology as similar to the first time a president was put on television or a president was put on the radio. Not a bad way to go out. The White House is also encouraging viewers to follow the event live on social media using the hashtag #YesWeCan. How to Live Stream President Obamas Farewell Address As this will be the first presidential address to be broadcast live in 360-degree video, it will be easy for viewers at home to catch every word live. VRScout plans to broadcast the address live under its social-media handle on Facebook Live, Twitter, and YouTube. For those who would prefer to watch in 2D, the presidents remarks will be streaming live on the White Houses on official Facebook page, or at whitehouse.gov/farewell. Investigators into the violent raid that saw millions of dollars worth of jewelry snatched from Kim Kardashian West are focusing their inquiries on the possibility the robbery was an inside job and have taken Kims chauffeur that night and his brother into custody, the Associated Press reports. Three Paris officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the news service that the driver and his younger brother were among the 17 people taken into custody. The brothers worked for the same company, two of the officials said. The 17 suspects picked up by French cops ranged in age from 23 to 72, and included several known to investigators for prior robberies and other crimes, according to a police document seen by the AP. The claim concurs with a report in Le Figaro saying the alleged robbers were a mixed bunch, which also said the oldest of the gang was 72 years old. Earlier this month, the reality-TV personality broke her silence on the robbery in a teaser for the Kardashian familys upcoming season, telling two of her sisters her thoughts at the time: Theyre going to shoot me in the back. Theres no way out. The new information follows a series of dramatic early-morning raids Monday, three months after Kim was left bound, gagged, and robbed by a masked gang in the Paris attack. The terrifying episode by a gangreported to have worn police uniforms and later fled the scene on bicycleswas the biggest robbery of an individual in France for more than 20 years. A number of the suspects were described to be well-known to detectives for armed robbery and were picked up across France. While most were grabbed in the Paris region, there were also arrests in Normandy and the Riviera. Police are said to have discovered DNA at the luxury residence where Kardashian, who has 50 million followers on Twitter and 90 million on Instagram, was staying. Kardashian has spoken about the robbery in a promo clip for the upcoming season of E!s Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which premieres in March. The reality-TV star is shown in tears recalling the incident to sisters Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, saying, It makes me so upset to think about it. She is also shown reacting to news of husband Kanye Wests mental breakdown in November. Kardashian returned to social media last week, posting pictures of her family on Instagram. The star was alone at the time of the raid as her German bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, was out at a club with her sisters. When Katelyn Burns wanted to start hormone therapy as part of her gender transition, there was a three-month wait at her nearest specialist, located over an hour away. So she went to Planned Parenthood instead. I called on a Friday and made an appointment for the following Tuesdayso quick! Burns, a freelance writer living in southern Maine, told The Daily Beast. She left with a prescription for a starting dose of estrogen that same day. Last Thursday, House Speaker Paul Ryan revealed that the Republican-controlled Congress will work to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood as part of its bid to repeal the Affordable Care Act, saying simply, Planned Parenthood legislation will be in our reconciliation bill. Defunding Planned Parenthood could affect millions of people who visit the organizations local health centers. And because the Hyde Amendment already prohibits the use of federal money for abortionexcept in the limited circumstances of rape, incest, and life endangermentRyans promised legislation would primarily affect Medicaid reimbursements for services like cancer screenings, contraception, and STI testing. But a lesser-known consequence of the attack on Planned Parenthood is its potential impact on transgender people like Burns who rely on the organization for transition-related medical care. Elizabeth Clark, Planned Parenthoods director of health media, told The Daily Beast that health centers in 16 statesincluding California, Florida, New York, and Illinoiscurrently offer hormone therapy to transgender patients. From 2013 to 2015, she added, there was an 80 percent increase in affiliates that reported offering that treatment. Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, estimated that about 65 Planned Parenthood locations now offer transition-related medical care. Its possible theyre the largest provider of trans health in the country, Keisling told The Daily Beast. We dont know for sure. But its certainly among the biggest, if not the biggest. Given the minefield that transgender people face when attempting to get access to health care, Planned Parenthoods place in the field is a significant one. Aside from Planned Parenthood, transgender people seeking hormone therapy can obtain a referral to an endocrinologist or visit a local LGBT-friendly clinic like the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York. But not every endocrinologist is willing to treat transgender patientsand not every transgender person lives in a major metropolitan area. Despite the fact that transition-related care is supported by most major medical associations, one-third of endocrinologists at a 2015 conference said they were unwilling to provide hormone therapy for transgender patients. Even when transgender people do find a doctor willing to see them, they risk discrimination. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, one-third of respondents reported that they have had at least one negative experience with a doctor or other health care provider related to being transgender, like being asked invasive questions or experiencing verbal harassment. That leaves many transgender people wary of doctors visits. According to the same survey, 23 percent of respondents did not see a physician in the past year due to fear of mistreatment. Alex Holiday, a 23-year-old restaurant manager in Colorado, is familiar with that fear. As a trans person and as someone who generally doesnt like doctors, getting medical care is a huge source of anxiety for me, he told The Daily Beast. Holiday turned to Planned Parenthood for testosterone and has had a phenomenal experience learning how to do the hormone injections at home. He still goes in for checkups and blood work every few months. I feel like they really care about how my transition is going, he said. They got excited with me when I started getting facial hair. As Slate reported, Planned Parenthood health centers generally offer hormone therapy to transgender patients on an informed consent model, which means that they can get access to treatment if they indicate that they understand and accept the possible side effects. For Claire, a transgender woman living in Tennessee who prefered to have her last name redacted for privacy, that option saved her months of hassle. Claire told The Daily Beast that she was initially going to visit an endocrinologist who would have required her to undergo a lengthy real-life testa period during which she would have to live full-time as a woman in Tennessee without any of the physical changes that hormones bringbefore receiving a prescription. At Planned Parenthood, there was no wait. I had no gatekeeping at all, she said. I had a prescription in my hand the same day I went in. Not every transgender person, of course, has a perfect experience at a Planned Parenthood health center. Burns said it took a few months for her dose to get raised to the right level, Claire said her nurse had a learning curve, and Holiday said his center was usually running behind. But all three were willing to be patient with these hiccups because their providers were welcoming and willing to learn. I dont trust most doctors to respect my gender, use the right pronouns, or use my chosen name, but I know that Planned Parenthood is great about that sort of thing, Holiday said. In a statement, Clark told The Daily Beast: We know that Planned Parenthood health centers may be one of the few spaces where the identities of LGBTQ people are acknowledged, respected, and understood, and were proud to open our doors to everyoneregardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. That makes Planned Parenthood an appealing option not just for transition-related treatments but for other forms of care as well. (Holiday, for example, said he actually use[s] Planned Parenthood for as much of my general health stuff as possible.) Access to HIV testing, in particular, is crucial. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, the rate of HIV among respondents1.4 percentwas five times higher than the overall rate in the U.S. population. Nearly 20 percent of black transgender women reported living with HIV. And because the country is dotted with Planned Parenthood affiliates, the organization can be a lifeline for transgender people living in rural areas who simply need to see a doctorwhether its for hormones, an HIV test, or a cholesterol screening. The thing about Planned Parenthood is that there are clinics all over the place, Keisling told The Daily Beast, when asked about the significance of Planned Parenthood to the transgender community. There are clinics in lots of less urban places. So having a nationwide network of these clinics is extremely helpful. It means theres a Planned Parenthood near you. Of course, there might not be a Planned Parenthood near you if the organizations funding gets stripped during the Trump administration. That outcome would leave many transgender people in a precarious position depending on their individual circumstances. Defunding Planned Parenthood would hurt those who already face significant barriers to accessing health care, and that absolutely includes trans and gender nonconforming people, Clark told The Daily Beast. By forcing Planned Parenthood health centers to potentially close, politicians are denying people their ability to go to an expert provider that they know and trust, and throwing gasoline onto the already precarious fire of LGBTQ health and well-being. Burns, for instance, said she is lucky enough to be able to make it despite institutional pressure but Holiday said Planned Parenthood was basically the only way he could get adequate health care. And Claire told The Daily Beast that if she cant go to Planned Parenthood she will likely have to pay more for her treatment. With nearly one-third of respondents to the U.S. Transgender Survey indicating that they were living in poverty, cost of treatment is likely to be a common concern. (PDF) For her part, Keisling is worried that defunding Planned Parenthood would increase HIV rates, worsen substance abuse problems nationwide, and cut transgender people off from health care in rural areas. It is just such a genuinely bad idea, she said. Conservative pundit and author Monica Crowley, President-elect Donald Trumps choice for a top job on the National Security Council, doesnt need Senate confirmation for access to the nations most sensitive military, diplomatic, and intelligence secrets. Yet she has already been confirmed as a plagiarist by her own book publisher. On Tuesday, Rupert Murdochs News Corp. publishing subsidiary, HarperCollins, announced that it is withdrawing Crowleys 2012 book, What the (Bleep) Just Happened?, in response to a weekend report by CNN investigative journalist Andrew Kaczynski that Crowley extensively lifted the work of other authors without credit in her harsh critique of President Obama. Harper Collinss action comes the day after Politico reported that Crowley, who insisted on being identified as Monica Crowley, Ph.D. during her frequent appearances on Fox Newswhere she was a longtime paid contributor until mid-December, when she accepted the White House jobalso plagiarized portions of her 2000 Columbia University doctoral dissertation, a study of U.S. policy toward China under Harry Truman and Richard Nixon. A Columbia University spokesperson declined to comment on Crowleys dissertation or whether the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, which awarded her degree, will investigate the allegations. The universitys process for addressing concerns raised about university research preserves the confidentiality of any review, and even the fact of a reviews existence is confidential while it is underway, the spokesperson emailed. Columbia is committed to upholding the very highest standards of integrity and credibility in academic research. It was unclear if the Council on Foreign Relations, of which Crowley is a member, will review her status with the prestigious organization. Editors of the Washington Times, the right-leaning newspaper where Crowley wrote more than 100 articles in recent years and was listed until Tuesday as online opinion editor, didnt respond to messages asking whether they would review her published pieces for potential problems. Late Monday, CNN reported that at least seven of those columnsbased on an examination of 50contained material lifted without credit from other news sources, occasionally verbatim. Crowley is no stranger to accusations of plagiarism: In 1999, as Slates Timothy Noah reported, The Wall Street Journal publicly regretted printing her Nixon-celebrating op-ed that borrowed heavily from a 1988 Commentary magazine article. There are striking similarities in phraseology between The Day Richard Nixon Said Goodbye, an editorial feature Monday by Monica Crowley, and a 1988 article by Paul Johnson in Commentary magazine, read the editors note. Had we known of the parallels, we would not have published the article. Yet several observers said this fresh controversy is unlikely to hurt Crowley with the president-elect or his team. They will double down, predicted a longtime Washington hand who knows Crowley well, and asked for anonymity so as not to be drawn into a catfight with her. I have no sense that the Trump folks give a fuck, agreed Poynter Institute media critic James Warren, a former Chicago Tribune editor who frequently appeared on television opposite Crowley a decade ago to discuss Washington politics. But I think it [the plagiarism charge] is really significant. Do I want someone who is an intellectual fabricator there in the room when the most sensitive American intelligence is being discussed, and then being a conduit to her boss? You know that the way actions are taken by executives has to do with what underlings are telling them. And should that person be someone who has an almost compulsive tendency to fabricate, if these stories are true? Former NSC spokesman Tommy Vietor, who toiled in the Obama White House during the presidents first term, said Crowley will inevitably start her White House job hobbled. I think credibility and veracity matter more for a spokesperson than for most jobs youll ever have, Vietor told The Daily Beast. In a parallel reality, where people still cared about things like vetting and honesty, this would be a problem that would probably sink her ability to work in the White House. But Trump is a serial liar, so he doesnt care. The man pretended to be his own spokesman. Vietor added: The irony in all of this is that Republicans loved to attack Ben Rhodesthe person who holds the NSC post for which Crowley has been tappedfor being an inspiring novelist. But at least he wrote the fucking thing himself. A second ex-NSC aide, who emailed on condition of anonymity, observed: The West Wing is the ultimate arbiter of fitness for NSC staff jobs. The job of strategic communications director is to transform the presidents foreign-policy instincts into rhetoric for media consumption. This West Wing might regard a plagiarist as especially well qualified. The future first lady, after all, plagiarized Michelle Obama, so they probably think, not unreasonably, why reinvent the wheel? Just wait for the State of the Union: a new nation conceived in liberty A spokesperson for the Trump transition office, who had dismissed CNNs initial report as a politically motivated attack that seeks to distract from the real issues facing this country, and continued to back Crowley for the prestigious White House post of senior communications strategist for the NSC, had no immediate comment on the latest damaging developments. Ironically, the Trump spokesperson had lauded HarperCollins, whose actions Tuesday will surely harm Crowleys credibility, as one of the largest and most respected publishers in the world. The book, which has reached the end of its natural sales cycle, will no longer be offered for purchase until such time as the author has the opportunity to source and revise the material, HarperCollins publicity director Tina Andreadis emailed The Daily Beast. Andreadis added that Crowleys book, a heavily promoted bestseller when it was published in June 2012, is being removed from bookstore shelves and no more copies will be printed, presumably pending the authors attempts, if any, to correct the widespread plagiarism problems. Former Harper Collins executive Adam Bellow, who published Crowleys book under the conservative imprint Broadside, didnt respond to a voicemail message seeking comment. Crowley likewise didnt respond to emails from The Daily Beast. Nixon, the disgraced ex-president, had hired Crowley in 1990, when she was a Colgate University undergrad, as his personal assistant and researcher. Crowley stepped into the media spotlight in the late 1990s, after Nixons April 1994 death, with two gossipy books chronicling her close relationship with the embittered, resentful president, who was forced to resign amid the Watergate scandal. Court fools were supposed to have been employed in the past to give kings a daily reminder of their flaws. Crowley was a fool in reverse, Garry Wills wrote in his withering New York Times review of Nixon in Winter, Crowleys second 1998 homage to her late mentor. She was there to tell Nixon, constantly, what a great man he was. Her real role in preparing his books was to say that the world cried out for insights that only he could supply. Time and again Nixon fishes for compliments. Can he really bring off such a daunting task as adding another to his long list of unread books? I gave him my usual reassurances that the country and the world needed to hear from him, she tells us. Crowley, now 48, parlayed her sudden celebrity into regular appearances on syndicated televisions The McLaughlin Groupthe Beltways version of extreme combat presided over by prickly former Jesuit priest John McLaughlinand eventually on Fox News, where she was a regular on The OReilly Factor and other programs, while also hosting her own radio show. Its an open question whether all of above is adequate preparation for a high-profile berth in the White House. You can argue that it [plagiarism] doesnt matter at allit might actually help her do her job, said Daniel Drezner, a former Treasury Department staffer and professor of international politics at Tuft Universitys Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Basically, when youre in government, a lot of what you have to do is craft words for the public, and a lot of your job consists of cutting and pasting other peoples words that have already been issued to the public. She might be really good at that. This story was updated to add new information. More than Rs 10,700 crore cash was deposited in different accounts in the North Eastern states since November 9. The income tax department and the Enforcement Directorate are looking into over Rs 16,000 crore deposited in different accounts of cooperative banks. By Press Trust of India: As it analyses bank deposits post demonetisation, the government has found that an estimated Rs 3-4 lakh crore of tax-evaded income could have been deposited during the 50-day window provided to get rid of junked Rs 500, 1000 notes. A senior official said the income tax department had been asked to scrutinise details and send notices to depositors of Rs 3-4 lakh crore on which tax could have been evaded. advertisement "We now have truckloads of data, analysis of which shows that more than Rs 2 lakh was deposited in over 60 lakh bank accounts post demonetisation. The total amount deposited in these accounts is more than Rs 7.34 lakh crore," he said. More than Rs 10,700 crore cash was deposited in different accounts in the northeastern states since November 9, he said adding that the income tax department and the Enforcement Directorate were looking into over Rs 16,000 crore deposited in different accounts of cooperative banks. 25,000 CRORE CASH DEPOSITED IN DORMANT BANK ACCOUNTS Also, it has come to light that Rs 25,000 crore cash was deposited in dormant bank accounts while nearly Rs 80,000 crore of repayment of loans was done in cash since November 8, 2016 when the government demonetised old 500 and 1000 rupee notes. Holders of the old currency were given the option to exchange or deposit demonetised notes in bank accounts until December 30. Also read | Demonetisation: Manufacturing industry lost 30 per cent jobs and 55 per cent revenue, says AIMO "Starting from November 8, 2016, various reports were called for from banks based on different threshold of cash deposits made by different categories of people. The reports were collated and analysed based on intelligence, which has been available in the government database," the official said. After an in-depth analysis, these reports have been disseminated to the income tax department, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other law enforcement agencies. Of the 60 lakh bank accounts that saw cash deposits worth more than Rs 2 lakh, over 6.80 lakh accounts have found matches in the existing database of various reports available with the government. I-T DEPT BRIEFED ON CASH DEPOSIT DETAILS "These have been flagged while disseminating to I-T department," he said adding the details of cash deposits totalling to more than Rs 10,700 crore in different accounts in the northeastern states had also been disseminated. Also, the income tax department and the ED have been provided with details of cash deposits of more than Rs 16,000 crore in different accounts of various kinds of Cooperative banks. advertisement Also read | Demonetisation: Parliament panel may summon PM Modi if RBI's reply not satisfactory The deposits of more than Rs 13,000 crore in Regional Rural Banks have also been disseminated. Besides, "cash deposits in terrorism-affected states have also been disseminated to the concerned law-enforcement agencies and appropriate actions have been taken in such cases," he said. WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- 1 Kushner to Step Down at The Observer ALL IN THE FAMILY Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Agarwal said, Dimple is not just Akhilesh's wife or our bahu. She is SP's MP and should campaign. It is women's era and to get votes of 50 per cent women population she should come out. By Supriya Bhardwaj: Amid the Samajwadi Party (SP) dangal, the spotlight is now on Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav. From within the SP headquarters demand is on a rise for Yadav Bahu to campaign for the SP led by her husband Akhilesh Yadav. If Congress workers want Priyanka Gandhi to add more star power to their campaign, SP workers want Dimple Yadav to campaign during assembly election. advertisement While spilling the beans, SP's Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Agarwal said, "Dimple is not just Akhilesh's wife or our bahu. She is SP's MP and should campaign. It is women's era and to get votes of 50 per cent women population she should come out." The political corridors from Uttar Pardesh to Delhi are a buzz that after the alliance is stitched and announced, a mega rally will be held to kick start the poll campaign for the alliance wherein the stage will be shared by Akhilesh Yadav, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Naresh Agarwal also mentioned, "Nothing is impossible in politics." Also read: Rahul Gandhi missing in action ahead of crucial Uttar Pradesh, Punjab elections. Does he not care? --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) The government today issued draft rules making it mandatory for dog breeders and marketers to register themselves with state Animal Welfare Board and maintain records regarding purchase, sale and rehabilitation of the canines, to make them accountable. It is also exploring ways on how pet dogs can play a role in providing security to the society including cases of terrorism and crime against women. advertisement Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said today that his ministry has issued a draft of rules which makes mandatory for dog breeders and marketers to register themselves with state Animal Welfare Board and maintain proper records regarding purchase, sale and rehabilitation of the canines, among others, to make them accountable. The Environment Ministry has invited comments on draft notification for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2016 within 30 days to prevent infliction of pain or suffering on dogs. Dave said, so far, there were no rules in the country on the breeding, sale and purchase of dogs which is why the ministry felt for framing the rules, while hoping that the shops and sale and purchase of canines will be made online in the coming days. "In this era of terrorism, can we give special training to pet dogs so that they can take part in social awareness. Can those dogs play some role against terrorism? If the dog gets around 2-4 months training and the dog gets ready...we have got these suggestions and we will think about them. "I got a suggestion whether there can be a dog university. We can think as to why only police dogs come to the locality and take care of these things. Why not trained dogs which are already present in the locality. We want to enlarge the horizon. This resource should come into use in properly breeding them as well as social security," he told reporters. He said in various localities of different cities, girls return home in the evening or late night. "Police have a role to play in their security. But the pet animals which are there in the locality, if they are trained, their role will also definitely change. Because then they will not remain in the house merely for the sake of it but also work as a watchdog in the locality. So, we are looking at this in a bigger perspective," he said. advertisement The objective of the proposed rules is to make dog breeders and their marketers accountable and to prevent infliction of any cruelty in this process. Dog breeding and their marketing trade has also mushroomed all around the country and at times, some cruelty has been caused in breeding and marketing of canines, with little or no accountability. "We are giving this regulation in the public domain. It will be there for 30 days. We have invited suggestions from public especially dog lovers and those who buy and sell dogs. We will try that this entire process becomes online so that records can be available," Dave said. The rules also define the requirements to be met by the breeders and the establishments used for breeding, or housing dogs, such as health-related requirements, housing facilities, manner of housing dogs, conditions for sale, breeding, micro-chipping, vaccination, among others. PTI TDS SMJ --- ENDS --- Tsai had departed Taiwan on Saturday and made a planned stopover in Houston en route to Central America. Before her trip, China had urged the United States not to allow Tsai to transit through the United States to avoid "sending the wrong signal to Taiwanese independence forces," the Associated Press reported. Beijing officials consider Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island, part of China, and are extremely sensitive to questions regarding its sovereignty. The meeting with Cruz and Abbott was not announced ahead of time. In a statement Sunday, the senator said that he was "honored" to meet with Tsai and that they had a "wide-ranging discussion." "We discussed our mutual opportunity to upgrade the stature of our bilateral relations in a wide-ranging discussion that addressed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic relations," Cruz said. "Furthering economic cooperation between our two nations must be a priority; increased access to Taiwanese markets will benefit Texas farmers, ranchers and small-business owners alike." Abbott expressed similar sentiments. "Thanks to our favorable regulatory and legal climate, Texas remains and will continue to be a premier destination for Taiwanese businesses to expand and thrive," he said in a statement. "I look forward to strengthening Texas' bond with Taiwan and continuing my dialogue with President Tsai to create even more opportunity and a better future for our citizens." Earlier this week, Chinese Consul General Li Qiangmin of Houston had sent Cruz a letter asking him not to meet with Tsai. "For U.S. leaders in administration and legislature, not to make any contact with Taiwan leaders nor send any implication of support of 'Taiwan Independence' are in the interests of China, the U.S. and the international community," Li wrote in his letter. "So, dear Senator, I sincerely hope that you will neither meet, nor have any contact with Tsai during her upcoming visit to Houston, and continue to play a significant role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples of China and the U.S." In his letter, Li called the "Taiwan issue" the most sensitive one in China-U. S. relations and acknowledged that it had been in the news media lately. Tensions regarding U.S.-China-Taiwan relations have been high since early December, when President-elect Donald Trump accepted a phone call from Tsai, breaking with nearly four decades of protocol in speaking directly with the Taiwanese leader. "In order not to interfere with the China-U. S. cooperation, I believe proper handling with Taiwan issue is always necessary and wise for all parties relevant," Li wrote. Cruz said in his statement Sunday that he had received Li's letter - but that China's wishes would not dictate whom he would or would not meet. "The People's Republic of China needs to understand that in America we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves," Cruz said. "This is not about the PRC. This is about the U.S. relationship with Taiwan, an ally we are legally bound to defend. The Chinese do not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit." Cruz's office confirmed that the meeting took place at the Omni Houston Hotel but did not specify how long it lasted. Photos released by Cruz's and Abbott's offices showed numerous officials seated and smiling as they talked at the hotel. On a small table, three tiny flags - one each for Taiwan, Texas and the United States - fanned out of a single stand. The U.S. maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan until 1979, when it opened formal diplomatic relations with China. One major stipulation for doing so was a U.S. acknowledgment of China's position that "there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China," and therefore breaking off its official ties with Taiwan, as it could recognize only a single government of "one China." However, the United States could continue to maintain unofficial ties with Taiwan, and has done so through the decades. In April 1979, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act "to help maintain peace, security, and stability in the Western Pacific" and to continue "commercial, cultural and other relations" with Taiwan. "The United States and Taiwan enjoy a robust unofficial relationship," the State Department's page on Taiwan notes. Cruz said that the existing U.S.-Taiwan relationship was "not on the negotiating table." "It is bound in statute and founded on common interests," he said. "I look forward to working with President Tsai to strengthen our partnership." The meeting - as well as lawmakers' bold statements about it - is sure to upset Chinese officials further. It is not necessarily unusual for American lawmakers to meet with Taiwanese presidents as they pass through the United States. In June, in her first trip to the United States as the president, Tsai met with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) during a stopover in Miami. However, Cruz and Abbott's meeting with Tsai in Texas on Sunday is particularly significant following heightened tensions between the United States and China. In 1995, Beijing conducted ballistic exercises intended to intimidate Taiwan after the United States granted a visa for then-Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to speak at Cornell University, his alma mater. At the time, no Taiwanese leader had been allowed into the United States since 1979. According to Tsai's office, the Taiwanese president plans to visit the Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador, four Central American countries that still maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan. On the return leg, she plans to make another U.S. stopover in San Francisco, then fly back to Taiwan on Jan. 14. Neither Trump nor members of his transition team would be meeting Tsai while she is in the United States, Trump transition spokeswoman Jessica Ditto told the Associated Press in an email Saturday. "Nobody's ever mentioned that to me," Trump told reporters on New Year's Eve, when asked about Tsai's trip, according to the AP. "I'm not meeting with anybody until after January 20, because it's a little bit inappropriate from a protocol standpoint. But we'll see." By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Aiming to address effectively the vexed issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being arrested by Sri Lanka, Coast Guards of the two countries will set up a hotline for better coordination between the two martime security forces. The hotline will be both at the local and the headquarter level, sources said. Sri Lanka will be the second country after Pakistan to have hotline with the Indian Coast Guard. advertisement A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) proposals between the two coast guards is being examined by the Ministry of Defence and is on an "advanced stage". The decision to sign an MoU between the two countries was taken during visit of senior officials of Sri Lankan Coast Guard last week. India is also believed to have told the delegation not to arrest fishermen who accidentally stray into its water due to bad weather. "The MoU will focus on cooperation in the areas of search and rescue operations, pollution control, sharing of information and setting up of a hotline. "While one hotline will be set up in the headquarters of the two coast guards, another one will be set up at regional level at Chennai and Northern Command (of Sri Lanka). So smaller issues could be sorted out at the regional level," said a senior Coast Guard official. At present hotline exists between the coast guards of India and Pakistan wherein the heads of the two maritime security agencies interact on weekly basis to address contentious issues. For better coordination, a tri-lateral exercise Dosti is also held between the coast guards of Sri Lanka, India and Maldives. With an aim to find a solution to the vexed issue of fishermen, a Joint Working Group (JWG) was formed last year. Coast Guard said, as a good will gesture ahead of Pongal and a request made to Sri Lanka, 51 fishermen were released last week. Today, the Sri Lankan navy also repatriated six Indian fishermen and a fishing boat after it got trapped in Cyclone Vardah last month. The boat was missing since December 16. The boat, along with the crew, was handed over to the Indian Coast Guard ship Rani Durgavati at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). PTI PR TIR --- ENDS --- Russian hackers of U.S. pose a worldwide threat The Jan. 8 editorial starts by saying every American should be appalled and concerned about the Russian hacking of Democratic Party computers. It goes on to say, "An intelligence report made public on Friday says ... the Russians wanted to help Donald Trump win the election. If so, they failed in that effort." The intelligence report documents the extent of Russian meddling in the election but says nothing about its effect. The election was very close in several key states. Russian efforts may have depressed Democratic Party turn out and encouraged votes for third party candidates. Neither The Eagle Editorial Board nor anyone else can be sure of this, however. The Eagle editorial criticizes Donald Trump for publicly refusing to accept information from our intelligence agencies. It goes on to say that he must "think long and hard before speaking or tweeting." The editorial seems to be saying that Donald Trump's casual speech and action could have serious worldwide effects but the deliberate efforts of the Russians to interfere in our election had no effect. BOB PRESLEY College Station Wo should thank Obama for returning us to God President Barack Obama's aggressive agenda and use of the executive pen led to a massive revival of biblically based political conservatism. Beginning with the rise of the tea parties in 2009, millions of Americans awoke to a leftist world of anti-biblical political correctness and became politically active. The result is a huge setback for the left in our nation's culture wars. Just as it seemed biblical, ideas about the nature of God and the nature of man were on the wane, Americans showed that this is not so. Thank you, President Obama. DON McLEROY College Station College Station needs to slow down growth to a sustainable level The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Jan. 19 public hearing on changing the zoning of 28.8 acres covering three different locations from Rural, General Commercial and Office to Multi-family and Townhomes. Do we need 28 more acres of housing at this time when hundreds of apartment units already are under construction? College Station grew by 50 percent from 2000 through 2014 according to Councilwoman Blanche Brick. Obviously, that is not sustainable in terms of land, services, streets, parking and traffic. Also obvious is growth mainly tied to enrollment increases at Texas A&M which appear to know no limits. As one looks around College Station, construction cranes and apartment unit construction are plentiful. We are becoming more like Waco and Austin than Bryan. As long as A&M continues to increase enrollment and the Texas Realty Association financially supports some council members, we can expect additional growth. As one who has lived here from 1957-1961, 1968-1974 and 2013 to present, I have seen College Station change dramatically. Moving here from Houston, I have seen how unguarded growth can destroy the pleasure of living in the city and frustrate travel. I believe it is time seriously to consider quality of life issues involving neighborhood integrity, convenience, traffic, services, environment and tranquility. We have exceptional parks and medical facilities and open spaces but no more Texas Avenues or University Drives. It appears an additional 500 acre subdivision will be built at Texas World Speedway with only one road for access and egress: Texas 6. Expect large traffic tie ups at rush hour. Let's have some discussions about the Master Plan in cooperation with Texas A&M and slow growth rate to sustainable levels. MICHAEL BOZARDT, '61 College Station Many funds are based in tax havens - 28 of CDC's 38 new investments in funds since 2012 are located in Mauritius, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, and Luxembourg The nature of these investments undermines the accountability of the Secretary of State for aid spending There is likely to be even less understanding of development' on the part of these funds than CDC itself - at best development is assessed on the basis of vague calculations of job creation. We believe that no additional funding should be given by DfID to CDC, and in fact DfID's entire relationship with CDC should be fundamentally reconsidered. Although a case can be made for supporting local business as one part of a much broader aid strategy, CDC fails fundamentally to fill that role. A profit-driven development model CDC's mandate is to invest in private enterprises in developing countries to meet DfID's overarching objective - as enshrined in law - to help end global poverty. Through its investments in business projects, it is supposed to create jobs, and encourage other investors into developing countries. But CDC is also supposed to make a profit - to re-invest in new deals, and to cover its operating costs including executive salaries and bonuses. Since 2012, CDC's financial returns from its investments have averaged 10.3% a year - far above its 3.5% target, though still much lower than its astronomic average annual returns of 30% or 40% between 2004-2007. [7] While owned by DfID, CDC operates with considerable autonomy. [8] It says it works with DfID "to agree our high-level strategy but the Government has no involvement in our day-today decision making. This is all carried out by our Board of executive and non-executive directors" - most of whom have significant private investment, but relatively little development or human rights, experience. [9] Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill 2016-2017 The Commonwealth Development Corporation Act 1999 transformed CDC into a public limited company, with all shares owned by DfID. [10] This act also set a limit on how much taxpayer money it could receive: 1.5 billion. This limit was met last year, after DfID announced a 735 million capital increase, its first in 20 years. [11] It is this limit which the government is now trying to increase. The Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill 2016-17, currently before parliament, would amend the 1999 act and quadruple this limit to 6 billion. [12] It would also allow this limit to rise to 12 billion without the need for further primary legislation. The government has attempted to underplay the significance of this bill, by saying that it would only raise the potential to increase financial assistance, and that it alone doesn't authorise an increase. [13] But DfID's intentions are clear: it wants CDC to grow and says additional taxpayer money is needed for "a planned programme of sustained expansion aimed at significantly increasing the scale of investment and development impact of the company over the next 15 years." [14 Former Secretary of State Andrew Mitchell set the case out clearly back in 2013, when he said: "It is not an unreasonable proposition to suggest that in 50 years' time the CDC will be seen as the principal British development structure - rather than DfID." [15] A Delegated Powers Memorandum attached to the current bill suggests that DfID plans to increase CDC's funding limit periodically. [16] In other words, parliament has been asked to pre-approve potential multi-billion pound increases in CDC's taxpayer funding, without seeing in advance any concrete plans of where this money might go. Some MPs raised this and other concerns during the bill's second reading in the House of Commons on 29 November 2016, but it progressed unhindered to its committee stage [17], and now to its report stage and third reading which are due to take place today. [18] CDC's reform promises Until 2012, CDC invested solely through intermediary third-party investment fund managers. It attracted sustained criticism for years: that its operations had questionable impacts for poor communities and was more focussed on securing financial return; that it was not transparent enough; that the funds it invested in made extensive use of tax havens; that it focused on investments that wouldn't have struggled to attract private capital from elsewhere; and that its executive salaries were extraordinarily high for an organisation with a supposed development mandate. [19] In response, under its 2012-2016 strategy, its new investments were refocused on companies operating in Africa and South Asia and CDC started making direct investments in businesses as well as through intermediary funds. [20] Today CDC buys shares in companies, gives loans and guarantees, and invests indirectly in businesses through fund managers. In November 2016 the National Audit Office (NAO) published an assessment which said CDC has "an efficient and economic operating model" and that it has indeed followed its strategy, making new investments only in Africa and South Asia, and investing directly as well as through fund managers. But, it said, there are serious shortcomings including CDC's inability to prove its "actual development impact." [21] By the end of 2015, CDC's overall portfolio included 1,293 investee businesses and was valued at 3.9 billion - up 16% from 2014 (3.37 billion) and more than three times that in 2004 (1.2 billion). [22] Last year alone it invested 712.9 million in private businesses (up from 296.8 million in 2014). This included 237.6 million in private equity and investment funds, and 475.3 million in direct investments, all in its priority regions. [23] The NAO said average salaries at CDC had dropped 27% from 123,000 to 90,000 over the past five years. But it suggested this could change with "revised remuneration framework" expected to be submitted for ministers' approval by March 2017. [24] Already there are 35 employees who make more than the UK prime minister. [25] Last year, CDC's outgoing chief executive, Diana Noble, took home 302,576. [26] But the ultimate objective of the review was sharpened development impact, and on this crucial point, five years on, there is still little evidence to support its claimed impacts - that it is helping to end poverty by creating millions of jobs and investing in businesses that can't access other capital. The NAO noted that, despite setting aside 5m last year for evaluations of CDC investments and their impacts, no contracts had even been awarded for this research. It said CDC is still measuring prospective rather than actual development impacts. It concluded that "a clearer picture of actual development impact" is necessary to demonstrate CDC's value for money. [27] Show me the evidence! CDC often justifies its model on the basis of the number of jobs created by its investments. In 2015, it claims that its investee businesses created "1.03 million new jobs." [28] But this can be misleading: it counts both direct jobs created (just 24,673) and "indirect jobs" which account for 97% of the total, and are based on estimates of potential knock-on effects in supply chains and local markets. [29] It also says nothing about the quality of jobs created. This is clearly problematic as not all employment is empowering. CDC has said it is "interested in increasing our understanding ... of job quality" but this is not currently monitored in any rigorous way. [30] The NAO noted that CDC has been "considering" how to measure and monitor job quality since 2012, but that "its progress has been slow." [31] The data CDC does have on jobs is also incomplete. On its website a disclaimer says: "Data is provided to CDC by its investment partners, including the fund managers that have invested our capital (and the capital of others), and has not been audited or independently verified by CDC." [32] It relies on companies to self-report employment figures - its central measure of development impact - which are not investigated to ensure jobs come with decent wages and conditions. [33] Indirect jobs created are meanwhile estimates based on potential knock-on effects. The NAO showed that most of these, in CDC's calculations, are supposedly created through "additional loans to consumers", as investments are expected to more broadly stimulate local economies. [34] To make it even less impressive, the NAO noted that CDC: "does not seek to attribute the jobs created by its investee businesses to its investment", because this is just one of many things that could impact job creation, it often invests alongside others, sometimes takes small stakes in businesses, and may be either an active or passive investor. "This makes it difficult to determine how much credit can be claimed by CDC", it said. [35] Public money, private profit CDC's portfolio is still largely in investment funds and wealthier developing countries such as India (which remains under the new strategy) and China (which was dropped). Since 2012, CDC's investments in private equity funds remains high, amounting to 238 million of new commitments in 2015. [36] It said it would not withdraw from commitments made in other places prior to the new strategy, but that this "legacy portfolio" would soon become less dominant. [37] Meanwhile, since 2012, CDC's new investments have included support for: Private hospitals in India In 2013 CDC announced a $17.5 million investment in Rainbow Healthcare, which operates a chain of private maternity clinics and children's hospitals in India. [38] The need to improve healthcare is clear. It is less obvious however how investing in for-profit health care businesses is the right strategy if the goal is to help poor communities. Healthcare spending is already thought to drive tens of millions of Indians into poverty each year. [39] Private equity funds are meanwhile "rushing in - to take a piece of the fast growing maternal healthcare segment." [40] According to one report, the country's "maternity and child care hospitals market" could be worth $27.6 billion by 2020, driven largely by a "rapidly increasing aspirational middle class population." [41] This could make investments in the sector attractive on commercial, financial terms. But the goal of UK development spending is to reduce poverty. Private schools in Kenya In 2014, CDC announced a $6 million investment to support the expansion of Bridge International Academies, a chain of "affordable" private schools. Founded in 2008, the company has already opened hundreds of "academies" in Kenya, where CDC says parents pay an average of $6 a month per child and that the company keeps costs down with "a new model" of teaching using "computer tablets to deliver dynamic, scripted lessons." [42] But the company has become increasingly controversial and in Uganda the High Court has recently ordered its academies to shut down saying that they put the "life and safety" of students at risk with unsanitary conditions and unqualified teachers. [43] Meanwhile, CDC has also invested $45 million in a company called GEMS Africa, which also operates private fee-paying schools including an international boarding school with pilates classes in a "leafy, residential" suburb of Nairobi where tuition costs up to 1,287,000 Kenyan shillings (10,000) a year. [44] Controversial palm oil plantations in the DRC Since 2012 CDC has also invested $41 million in Feronia Inc, a company that runs palm oil plantations that were first set up in the early 1900s under Belgian colonial rule. CDC is now Feronia's largest shareholder, with 67% of its shares. [46] It says the company is the country's largest private employer, with 9,000 permanent and temporary employees. [47] But it has also been linked to repeated allegations of land rights and labour violations. A November 2016 report by a group of NGOs said local communities "never consented to the company's operations on their territories, nor did they approve of the destruction of their palm groves for the establishment of plantations". It adds that "living conditions for communities within Feronia's oil palm plantation concessions remain abysmal. The company occupies lands that are essential to the livelihoods of local people and fails to provide decent wages and basic services." [48] Upscale real estate in Kenya In 2014, CDC announced an investment of $25 million in Garden City, a large-scale real estate development outside Nairobi including a 50,000 square meter mega-mall, along with offices, luxury apartments and a park. [49] It said the project would create over 650 direct jobs during construction and 800 more afterwards. If true, this works out to just one direct job created for every $17,000 spent, with almost half of these jobs being temporary while the development is built. Meanwhile, the Garden City mall's Twitter account says it offers "shopping therapy at its best." [50] By Press Trust of India: By Rajan Sharma New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) With over 20 countries participating in the ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair, foreign publishers are offering a diverse collection of books, but it is the language learning guides that are attracting heavy footfall. Available for several foreign languages like French, German, and Persian among others, the books cater to all levels of learning - from picture books for beginners to novels for veterans. advertisement According to Ishjot, who is managing the stall for German Book Office, majority of their customers comprise of parents who want their children to start learning German from an early age. Books on illustrations and short stories for beginners, priced at nominal prices, are selling like hot cakes, she said. "People are buying picture books and story books in large numbers, since they cost hardly Rs 150 each. So, parents who want their children to learn the language are readily buying the books. Those who are already learning German, are asking for more detailed books on the languages grammar," she says. Books at the stall also include a collection of classics by famous German author Daniel Kehlmann, along with English translations of popular German literature. The German book office that merely sold rights of German books to Indian publishers previously, has for the first time forayed into the sale segment this year to promote the language in India. "Till last year we only used to sell the rights but this year we have also started selling books. Also, the prices are throw away as we want to promote the language. Its not about making profit but popularising German literature and the language," Ishjot told PTI. The French stall featuring nearly 48 publishers is selling books on a wide array of topics from law, crime and social issues to food and French classics. According to a spokesperson from Institut Francais in India, despite the availability of books in multiple genres, French picture books for children and books on language tutorials for learning basic levels of French, are selling in huge numbers. "We have customers mainly looking for books which are useful in learning French because it is the second most taught language in India. French books for children are also popular," the spokesperson said. Books by Belgian Francophone novel writer Amelie Nothomb are also a big hit at the stall here. "We have a diverse collection of French Literature because the goal is not just to sell books but also to promote French books and publishing in India. "Every year we invite French publishers to meet their Indian counterparts with an aim to facilitate relations between publishing houses of both countries and increase the number of the translations of French titles in India," the spokesperson said. (MORE) PTI RJS TRS TRS --- ENDS --- advertisement 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 ... Nisha recently shared the news on her Instagram account. By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss 10 contestant and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's Karan Mehra cannot contain his happiness. And it has nothing to do with the actor grabbing a new gig. Also read: Are Karan Mehra and Nisha Rawal expecting their first child? We will tell you what is the happy news. Karan's lovely actress-wife Nisha Rawal is expecting. advertisement Yep, you read that right. Here's putting all speculations about my weight gain to rest: Yes our 1st baby is on the way & we are on our way to bringing a new life on this planet, need all your good wishes ??? P.S.: I hope the privacy of my pregnancy journey will be respected and I won't be asked over n over again to make posts on the same and shall be given space to post at will. A photo posted by Nisha Rawal (@missnisharawal) on Jan 9, 2017 at 7:17am PST The pretty lady is pregnant and she took to social media site Instagram to confirm the news about the same. Nisha posted a picture of herself looking fondly at her growing baby bump. She wrote: "Here's putting all speculations about my weight gain to rest: Yes our 1st baby is on the way & we are on our way to bringing a new life on this planet, need all your good wishes. P.S. I hope the privacy of my pregnancy journey will be respected and I won't be asked over n over again to make posts on the same and shall be given space to post at will." Congratulations, Karan and Nisha! --- ENDS --- By Shweta Keshri: Drashti Dhami, who is wooing her fans as Naina in Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil, began her showbiz career with a music video called Saiyyan Dil Mein Aana Re. The beautiful actress , who turns 34 today, is remembered mostly by her onscreen names, be it Geet, Madhubala or Naina. Drashti has been lucky to bag author-backed roles, but even when she was not playing the lead like in Dill Mill Gaye, she knew how to grab eyeballs with her acting chops. Here are some of her powerful roles that she has played in her last ten years on Television. advertisement 1. Geet: Drashti's big break was playing the lead role in Geet - Hui Sabse Parayi opposite Gurmeet Choudhary on now defunct channel STAR One. She played a young girl who's a victim of a sham marriage. She fights all odds to get justice and in process finds the love of her life in Maan Singh Khurana, played by Gurmeet. Maan is Geet's knight in shining armour and their crackling chemistry was a big hit with the viewers. Drashti as Madhubala in Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon 2. Madhubala: Colors show Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon was launched to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema and Drashti played the title role of Madhubala who was born on a film set. She plays a happy-go-lucky girl whose life turns upside down after meeting RK, a leading superstar played by Vivian Dsena. Drashti and Vivian were much appreciated as an onscreen couple. Drashti as Naina in Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil 3. Naina: Set in the backdrop of Europe, STAR Plus' Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil is a romantic drama that revolves around Drashti and Arjun Bijlani. Drashti plays the role of Naina whose life revolves around her mother but due to circumstances, she has to leave her ailing mother and go to Austria where fate brings her and Raghav--played by Arjun--together. Their love story has still not blossomed completely, but the audiences are waiting with baited breathe to see the lead pair romance on-screen. Drashti as Muskaan in Dill Mill Gaye 4. Muskaan: Drashti entered Dill Mill Gaye as a bubbly, chirpy Punjabi girl Dr. Muskaan Chadda who falls for the charms of Armaan, played by Karan Singh Grover. She is always seen at loggerheads with her colleague Dr. Rahul and later they both fall in love, but their relationship can't stand the test of time. Drashti as Gayatri in Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani 5. Gayatri: Drashti played the pivotal role of Gayatri in period drama set in the pre-independence era. Gayatri's father who's a rich zamindar gets her married to Rana Indravadan Singh, the king of Amerkot who is still in love with his dead wife. The story progresses with Rani Gayatri making a place in Ranaji's heart and kingdom. It's a love story that blooms between a commoner and royalty amidst the conspiracies in the royal palace. advertisement --- ENDS --- What Trump told a Sioux City crowd that had everybody abuzz Donald Trump teased the crowd with his expected presidential candidacy at a Sioux City event where he stumped for Chuck Grassley and Kim Reynolds. By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna London, Jan 10 (PTI) A group of homeless people have been squatting in a vacant building at UKs prestigious Oxford University and want to be allowed to stay on over the winter months. The group calling itself "Iffley Open House" entered the building belonging to Wadham College at the university on New Years eve and have launched an online petition titled "Tell Wadham College to do the right thing for homeless people this winter". advertisement "The situation for rough sleepers and homeless people in Oxford is now at a critical point. Latest figures show rough sleeping in Oxford has more than trebled in the last five years," the group said in an open letter. "Simultaneously, Oxford University and colleges like Wadham own dozens of buildings across the city which lie empty, some of which have been empty for almost a decade, that could be re-purposed as shelters, social housing and social spaces," it added. The college, which had acquired the old garage space in 2015 to convert it into student accommodation, has indicated that it is considering the request but expressed security concerns. "Wadham is investigating the ramifications of this move, with particular concern for the safety of those who are sleeping rough in an old and dilapidated building, including in areas that are not designed for residential use," a Wadham College spokesperson said. "The college will be making every effort to speak to representatives of this homeless group as well as local residents, safety experts and the site developers," she added. The college is awaiting planning permission for the redevelopment of the site. It said it was "particularly concerned" about the problems of homelessness in Oxfordshire and had regularly raised funds for homeless organisations. The students of the college are backing the homeless groups petition, which has attracted over 2,000 signatures, and a motion in support of the move is expected at a Students Union meeting later this week. Around 36 people are believed to have been sleeping in the space, which includes a kitchen and showering facility. PTI AK SUA ZH SUA --- ENDS --- NORWALK Norwalk resident Edward Spires dying wish to have a military funeral may be fulfilled after the U.S. Department of Defense this month upgraded his discharge to honorable. Spires, who is 91 and in poor health, was discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1948 for being gay. After the repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell in 2010, Spires finally became eligible for an upgrade, but the Air Force denied his application. On Jan. 5, the Air Force wrote Spires, informing him that it had reconsidered its earlier decision. The board determined that the military records should be corrected as set forth in the attached copy of a Memorandum for the Chief of Staff United States Air Force, wrote Daryl R. Lawrence, associate director of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records. The office responsible for making the correction will inform you when your records have been changed. After the correction, Lawrence continued, Spires records will be reviewed to determine if he is entitled to any monetary benefits as a result of the correction. Spires reached out to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthals office seeking assistance and the lawmaker connected him with Yale Law Schools legal clinic, which filed a lawsuit in November seeking to expedite Spires' upgrade. I'm very gratified for Ed Spires and his spouse for this decision corrects an incredible injustice, Blumenthal said in a statement Monday. I'm also hopeful and excited for others who were similarly unjustly discharged with less than honorable status simply because of their sexual orientation. I'll continue to fight for them. Spires enlisted in 1946 and served as a chaplains assistant at Lackland Air Force Base following World War II. He served for two years before one night, at a Halloween party, service members unearthed his secret. They claimed they saw him dressed in drag and accused him of being gay. After days of interrogation and threats of locking him up in military prison, Spires was discharged for homosexuality. That left him marked, according to the books, as undesirable, barring him from receiving U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs benefits for decades and from being buried at a VA cemetery or having military honors at his funeral service. Seventy years after his military services, Spires is in poor health. He nearly died last year after a bout with pneumonia. Staff writer Kevin Schultz contributed to this story. Courtesy American Greetings Nick Offerman has brought the laughs as Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, smooth talked as lawyer Karl Weathers in the second season of Fargo and plays one of the McDonald brothers in the upcoming Ray Kroc biopic The Founder, but he also really likes to make things out of wood. The 46-year-old actor, who built sets and props while attending theater school, eventually opened his own woodshop after moving to Los Angeles from his home state of Illinois. Offerman Woodshop employs nine, according to its website, and sells custom-made tables, chairs, beds and other items such as moustache combs. By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Jan 10 (PTI) The hotline established in 2015 between Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to exist after the outgoing US President hands over the baton to his successor Donald Trump on January 20, a presidential aide has suggested. It is the only new hotline that was established during the eight years of Obama Administration, reflecting on deepening of India-US ties. advertisement "Id be surprised if that was something that was discontinued," said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. "Typically, those kinds of arrangements are intended to persist beyond just one presidential term," he said in response to a question yesterday. The decision to establish the hotline was finalised during Obamas historic visit to India in 2015 to attend the annual Republic Day parade on January 26 as its chief guest. Modi had then said the effort was part of their exercise to give the critical partnership between two countries "a new thrust and sustained attention." After its established later that year, the two leaders have frequently interacted over the hotline even though only a few of those conversations have appeared in public domain. At least one of those conversations lasted for more than an hour, according to the US Ambassador to India. India is only the fourth country after Russia, Britain and China with which the US has a hotline. For India, this is the first hotline at the level of the head of state. In 2004, India and Pakistan agreed to establish hotlines at the level of foreign secretaries, and in 2010 New Delhi and Beijing announced to establish a hotline at the foreign ministry level. PTI LKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- Presidential farewells constitute a great American conversation among the nations chief executives and open our view onto a large and detailed panorama of the past. Farewell, Mr. President When on January 10, 2017, Barack Obama delivered his farewell address to the nation, the occasion was only the tenth time in U.S. history that a president had delivered a formal farewell address to the American people. The farewell messages of American presidents are important markers in the nations history. If one were seeking to survey Americas past, one could hardly do better than to do so through the eyes of some three-dozen shapers of that past. Presidential farewells bundle together the concerns of past generations of Americans. They offer vivid freeze-frames of key moments in the life of our nation. They are like snapshots of the American temper taken at regular intervals in our history. In a most interesting way, presidential farewells constitute a great American conversation among the nations chief executives. Usually much thought has gone into their crafting. Because of their rhetorical excellence, they are literary documents. Because of their contemporary references, they are historical documents. Because of their political context, they are civic documents. Several have transcended the status of period pieces and have become part of our cultural memory. Many Americans are familiar with Washingtons warning against a foreign policy involving entangling alliances.[1] Many are also familiar with Eisenhowers admonitions regarding the military-industrial complex. The farewell messages of American presidents often pack a moral and rhetorical punch because the president can speak as a statesman. Freed up from reelection concerns, he can be more magnanimous and disinterested than can a candidate in the heat of reelection campaign. As George Washington disarmingly noted at the outset of his farewell message, These [observations] will be offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of an impartial friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Not all of Washingtons successors were so disinterested. Some presidential farewells were self-absorbed; they aimed low at political enemies or engaged in some tit for tat. For the most part, however, a president uses the occasion of the farewell to deal graciously with political opponents. He seeks to transcend partisan politics and speak of the epochal concerns that shaped his times and administration. For readers who have not encountered these messages before, some wonderful surprises stand out. Many of our less famous presidents, it turns out, were powerfully eloquent. They wrote superb messages that give much instruction and delight. In many of these messages readers may sense a tension among the past, present, and future. American presidents for the most part were concerned to give a fair rendering of the state of the union; they were not easily tempted to assume the role of prophet. In public life they attended a tough school of experience. They sooner or later learned that the greater part of wisdom is to look back, and greet the future with eyes focused by the past. University of Virginia historian Robert Louis Wilken continues: The gift of discernment must be learned and if our eyes have not been trained to make out where we have been, they will be insentient to what is yet to be.[2] It is insightful to compare the presidential farewell message with its mirror image, the inaugural address. The pair often provides a presidency with eloquent bookends. Both addresses can be inspiring national testaments because Americans are a hopeful people, and the inaugurals are visionary statements untested by Oval Office experience, while farewells show how the vision was tested by experience.[3] John F. Kennedy once put the drama, the unpredictable nature of the presidency this way: It is impossible to foretell the precise nature of the problems that will confront you or the specific skills and capacities which those problems will demand. It is an office which called upon a man of peace, Lincoln, to become a great leader in a bloody war; which required a profound believer in limiting the scope of federal government, Jefferson, to expand dramatically the power and range of that government; which challenged a man dedicated to domestic social reform, Franklin Roosevelt, to lead this nation into a deep and irrevocable involvement with world affairs.[4] The dramatic, unpredictable nature of any presidency helps explain why farewells have a different tone from that encountered in inaugurals. Farewells tend to be more sober, more poignant. There are the disappointments, defeats, and dashed hopes of any leader. The poignancy is especially evident when the audience senses that a president is retiring not just from the Oval Office, but from this life.[5] The time has now come when advanced age and a broken frame warn me to retire from public concerns, wrote Andrew Jackson in his valedictory. Because he would pass beyond the reach of human events and cease to feel the vicissitudes of human affairs, it was time to bid his countrymen a last and affectionate farewell. History of the Formal Presidential Farewell Address Over the course of American history, forty-three men have served as president of the United States.[6] Not every president gave a formal farewell message to the nation. The first and most obvious reason is that eight of our forty-three presidents died in office. Moreoverand perhaps surprisinglyof the thirty-five who lived to the end of their final term, only nine delivered a formal farewell to the nation: George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Even a passing glance at this list of chief executives reveals a striking pattern. In the first 160 years of the republic, presidents rarely gave a formal farewell address to the nation. Decades could elapse between such messages (in the case of George Washington and Andrew Jackson, some four decades; in the case of Andrew Johnson and Harry Truman, more than eight decades).[7] Put another way, there was only one formal farewell address in the eighteenth century; there were but two in the nineteenth; and yet with President Obamas there will have been seven in the last 64 years. Indeed, it was only during the past few decades that the formal farewell address to the nation became customary. Why has this happened? Conversely, why was the farewell address relatively rare between Washington and Truman? Any number of reasons might account for the farewells rarity prior to the 1950s. Perhaps the nations early presidents were chary of treading on, or competing with, Washingtons example; his 1796 Farewell Address has been regarded as one of the sacred texts in the presidential canon. Part of the reason is that our nations first presidential farewell was really the work of three founding fathersMadison, Hamilton, and Washington himselfOlympians in our civil religion. Such an oracle was bound to cast a long shadow over American history. One indicator of the first farewells eminence is the regularity with which it has been anthologized in collections of great American documents. Another indicator is that, from 1862 on, Washingtons Farewell Address has been read annually from the floor of the U.S. Senate, a performance that continues to this day and is one of the Senates hallowed traditions.[8] The respect with which Washingtons farewell has been treated may suggest a second reason for the rarity of such messages between 1869 and 1953. Upon reading Andrew Johnsons farewell in 1869, the people perhaps perceived a decline in the quality of the genre. Not that Johnsons message was poorly writtenon the contrary, it was rhetorically competent. The problem was the desperate tone. Johnson was human. It is understandable that, as the nations first impeached president, he would try to vindicate himself, that he would use his farewell to attack political opponents and personal enemies. But if the farewell address were just a well-written personal grouse, who needed it? The contrast with Washingtons disinterested advice to posterity, or even with Jacksons ruminations on America at the fifty-year mark under the Constitution, put Johnsons address in an unfavorable light. Until memory of that address faded, perhaps future presidents did not want to be associated with the formal farewell at all. A third reason that may account for the rarity of farewell addresses prior to the 1950s is that they might have seemed redundant at best, self-aggrandizing at worst. Here is why. The U.S. Constitution requires the president to report periodically to the Congress.[9] Our commanders-in-chief developed the tradition of submitting messages to the legislative branch on an annual basis (until the 1930s, usually during the first week of December). The last such message would typically be submitted about three months prior to retiring from office (March 4).[10] Given this brief span of time, most presidents skipped the formal farewell address and chose instead to devote a portion of their final annual message to the Congress to bid adieu. The time frame between the last annual message and retirement was considerably shortened in the 1930s from two directions: Constitution and custom. When the Twentieth Amendment was adopted, the president was now to retire from office some six weeks earlier (January 20) than had previously been the case (March 4).11 About the same time the Twentieth Amendment was adopted, Franklin Delano Roosevelt started the practice of delivering the annual message to Congress in January rather than December. This rendered a separate farewell address even more superfluous. A final reason that may account for the rarity of the farewell address prior to the 1950s is that our earlier presidents did not do as much public speaking as presidents nowadays. These days we are used to the annual pomp and circumstance of the state of the union speech. But from Thomas Jefferson through William Howard Taft, annual messages were written, not spoken. They were submitted to the Congress as missives and read by a clerk. Even so commonplace an institution as the presidential news conference was not born until the Wilson administration. And a full-time speechwriter did not work in the White House until the Harding administration.[12] Prior to the middle of the twentieth century, the limits of technology may have reinforced the tendency to do less speechifying. Orations could not be easily delivered to the whole nation until developments in radio in the 1920s and television in the 1940s made broadcasting more practical. The first president to exploit radio waves for speechifying was Warren Harding on June 14, 1922. Still, not until the 1950s would the formal farewell message to the entire people be resurrected. Why? Two principal reasons might account for the resurrection of the formal farewell address in 1953some eighty-four years after the previous formal farewell message (by Andrew Johnson). First, there was a dramatically new world order. The United States was the only global power to emerge from World War II stronger than it had been before the conflict. By the 1950s, Americas role as the free worlds leader was a fait accompli. Isolation, though championed in some quarters, was generally rejected. An assertive Pax Americana became the ideal. In the new dispensation, President Washingtons warning against an assertive foreign policy seemed antiquated, dangerous even. It may have been prudent advice to previous generations, when a vulnerable nation had to build up its strength. But it did not speak to an America that had come of age, conquered militaristic enemies on two fronts, and emerged as the strongest power the world had ever seen. Nor did it speak to a generation confronted with international communism and constantly en garde against a potent enemy that possessed weapons of mass destruction. Americans found themselves in a new kind of war, the Cold War, with responsibility for a global sphere of influence. Truman realized that the new age called for a new farewell address. Our thirty-third president seized the opportunity upon his exit from office in 1953. Second, the outbreak of the Cold War coincided with the dramatic growth of the television industry. The leader of the United States and of the free world could now broadcast his message as no leader in human history ever had. Again Truman seized a historic opportunity and thereby revolutionized the delivery of the farewell address to the American people. He established the practice of televising the address from the White House.[13] It is also significantunprecedented, reallythat Trumans farewell address was the first to be delivered as a speech to the entire nation. The three previous formal farewell messagesby Washington, Jackson, and Andrew Johnsonwere delivered to the nation via newsprint. Trumans speech was groundbreaking. Thus was born not just a revival but a new era in the presidential farewell address. Truman was the pivotal figure in the resurrection and transformation of the genre. His example was reinforced by the next president, Dwight Eisenhower, who also delivered a farewell address to the nation (1961). This was the first time in American history in which back-to-back presidents gave formal farewell addresses to the nation.[14] Both presidents had their farewell addresses televised; both used the occasion to focus on the challenge of American power in the world; and both proved to be paradigmatic for future addresses. Before moving on, it is well to pause and grasp the unprecedented nature of the Truman-Eisenhower innovations in the genre. Because their farewells were speeches and because they were televised to the nation, they were quite unlike anything before in American history. Prior to the 1950s, only one in ten presidents gave a formal farewell message, and then it was a printed message. Since the 1950s, more than half our presidents have given a spoken farewell. While the farewell address is not a given in our recent history, a pattern is nevertheless emerging: those who made it a priority to master the television mediumRonald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, for instancedelivered a primetime farewell to the nation. Those who had other prioritiesGerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, for exampledid not. Farewell Themes Farewell messages are historical documents. They provide a unique survey of American history. They open our view onto a large and detailed panorama of the past. They give insight into the pressing concerns and achievements of each generation of Americans. Indeed, a systematic reading of these state papers gives one a sense of continuity and change in our national life. It is both instructive and ennobling to see how each president redefines and reasserts Americas national purpose. Several recurring thoughts or themes characterize the farewell genre. Not all of these thoughts and themes have to be present in one message for that message to qualify as a farewell. But students of the genre will encounter certain topics over and over in the great conversation of the presidents. Many farewell messages include something like the acknowledgments page at the beginning of a book. It is good form to say thank you to the people who have helped an administration and to mention a few of the virtues that make public service a noble calling. Gratitude is expressed to ones family, colleagues in governments, citizens, and God. The display of thanksgiving is often accompanied by humility and contritionvirtues becoming to those who have reached the pinnacle of power. Most presidents are well aware that they are servants of the people, flawed ones at that. For any successes they achieve, it is decent to share the credit with Providence; for any failures, it is good to pray that the nation will not be too harmed. As Washington put it: In reviewing the incidents of my administrations, I am unconscious of intentional error. I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. Another thought encountered in farewell messages is justification for offering the message. It can be the opportune place for the president to announce that he is not running for another political office. Or the aim can be to offer insight and advice to posterity. In his message, Washington twice noted that he offered advice out of a solicitude for your welfare. Jackson wrote that as a last gesture of public service he wanted to use the occasion to offer to you the counsel of age and experience. Presidents also use the farewell message to tell the story of the administration. It is one last official forum to give their spin on what has transpired under their watch and thereby influence what future historians will write about them. One specific policy Washington defended was his much-debated stance of neutrality toward France and Britain, even though it had already been officially set forth on April 22, 1793. Farewells often offer advice on how to proceed into the future. Washington famously advised his countrymen to avoid imprudent alliances with foreign nations. Eisenhower warned Americans against a host of dangers he saw on the horizon: (1) the growth of the military-industrial complex; (2) the overweening influence of the federal government on university research; (3) the danger of public policy becoming the captive of scientific-technological elite; and in an especially modern sounding passage, (4) environmental plunder and degradation. A number of final messages devote some space to what might be called great ideasto the articulation of Americas national purpose, to the civic virtues that are desirable in a constitutional republic, and to the first principles of public stewardship and governance. This is the opportunity for the president to make his contribution to the great conversation of his predecessors. Leaving the tyranny of details and petty politics behind, he can speak here as a statesman. Already in the introduction of his Farewell Address, our first president broached a number of great ideas and achievements: he praised the stronger union under the new Constitution, the prudent use of the blessings of liberty, the wisdom and virtue necessary for governing a republic, and the need to be exemplary for the sake of other nations struggling to achieve the blessings of liberty. Washingtons message inaugurated a great conversation among the presidents. Many of his themes would be picked up in later farewell discourse. The Constitution is perhaps the most dominant theme of presidential farewell discourse. But broad principles of political economy can be articulated as well. Also, many of the presidents praise Americans for being a practical people who appreciate common sense and whose political assessments rely on the lamp of experience rather than on abstract theory and ideology. Presidents have used their farewell to reaffirm a belief in American exceptionalismthe idea that the nation is unique in world history and has a special destiny. As Ronald Reagan used to put it, following John Winthrop, America is a city upon a hill. Eisenhower believed this unique destiny imposed special burdens on the United States. America, he wrote, is today the strongest, the most influential, and most productive nation in the world. Understandably proud of this preeminence, we yet realize that Americas leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches, and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment. Throughout Americas adventure in free government, such basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement; and to enhance liberty, dignity, and integrity among peoples and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Finally, many presidents have used the occasion of the farewell to wish the country well in the future and to allude to or invoke divine protection. Eisenhower, for instance, offered two prayers in his farewell address. Thoughts about the future do not always bubble with optimism but affirm Americas national purpose nevertheless. Noteworthy is Jeffersons parting sentimentthe same Jefferson who oversaw the Louisiana Purchase and was an inspiration for our western expansion: Looking forward with anxiety to their future destinies, I trust that, in their steady character unshaken by difficulties, in their love of liberty, obedience to law, and support of the public authorities, I see a sure guaranty of the permanence of our republic; and retiring from the charge of their affairs, I carry with me the consolation of a firm persuasion that Heaven has in store for our beloved country long ages to come of prosperity and happiness. Now that vision is one of true hope and change. The Imaginative Conservative applies the principle of appreciation to the discussion of culture and politicswe approach dialogue with magnanimity rather than with mere civility. Will you help us remain a refreshing oasis in the increasingly contentious arena of modern discourse? Please consider donating now. Notes: [1] A term, by the way, which is not in Washingtons Farewell Address. But it has become customary for commentators to use entangling alliances as a shorthand way of capturing our first presidents advice. [2] Robert Louis Wilken, Gregory VII and the Politics of the Spirit, in The Second One Thousand Years: Ten People Who Defined a Millennium, ed. Richard John Neuhaus (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2001), 1. [3] There are always exceptions to prove the rule. Of all the presidents who have delivered farewells, only Bill Clinton claimed to leave the presidency more idealistic than when he began eight years earlier. [4] John F. Kennedy, How to Prepare for the Presidency, Parade Magazine, September 23, 1962. [5] Wayne Fields, Union of Words: A History of Presidential Eloquence (New York: Free Press, 1996), 312. [6] Note that while there have been forty-four administrations (up through Barack Obamas), only forty-three men have served in the office. That is because Grover Cleveland served two nonconsecutive terms. Thus, Donald J. Trump will be the 45th POTUS but the 44th man elected or constitutionally stipulated to serve as U.S. president. [7] I discovered another most curious pattern in the course of researching presidential farewells. During the nations first century, the three presidents who gave a formal farewell addressWashington, Jackson, and A. Johnsonhad all lost their fathers as infants or young children. [8] For more on this tradition, see http://www.senate.gov/learning/min_3hh.html [accessed October 10, 2001]. It is a heroic tradition to uphold, given that Washington did not intend the Farewell Address to be read aloud. At more than 6,000 words, the Farewell Address takes almost an hour to get through. [9] Article II, section 3, of the Constitution states, He [the president] shall from time to time give to the Congress Information State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. [10] The March 4 retirement date was prescribed in 1789 by a resolution of the Continental Congress. [11] Adopted on February 6, 1933, the Twentieth Amendment, section 1, states: The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20 day of January. [12] William Safire, Safires New Political Dictionary, 3rd ed. (New York: Random House, 1993), s.v. speech-writer, 738. The first full-time White House speechwriter, Judson Welliver, was the literary clerk for presidents Harding and Coolidge. [13] GW interview with Pauline Testerman, audiovisual archivist, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Independence, MO, October 16, 2001. Truman was paradigmatic in other ways, as well. He delivered the first live televised state of the union address on January 6, 1947, and the first live televised inaugural address on January 20, 1949, in addition to the first live televised farewell address on January 15, 1953. [14] Prior to President Obamas scheduled speech, farewell addresses have been given by back-to-back presidents only three times in U.S. history: Truman (1953) and Eisenhower (1961); Carter (1981) and Reagan (1989); Clinton (2001) and George W. Bush (2009). The featured image is A View of Mount Vernon With Washington Family On the Terrace Artist (1796) by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and is in the public domain, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. It has been enhanced for clarity. What should reporters ask President-elect Donald Trump at his first post-election press conference scheduled for Jan. 11? The answer isnt as simple as it may seem. Trump has not held a formal news conference for six months. He postponed until January the news conference promised for December. He refers to the press on Twitter as the dishonest media. Trump seems to enjoy sparring with the media more than responding to the media. Richard Grenell, who served as U.S. spokesman at the United Nations in the George W. Bush administration, believes the press shoulders its own special burden having to get their credibility back. He sees the 2016 vote as a repudiation of the D.C. media circuit, which generally opposed Trump. Former CNN correspondent Frank Sesno, author of the book, Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change, agrees the public has come to see journalists as partisans, as opposed to the chroniclers of events. Theres a different kind of audience out there now, Sesno said, adding that reporters must be mindful of it. Sesno advised journalists to take the adjectives out of their questions. At news conferences, reporters shouldnt look like theyre trying to make points, he said. Thats no easy feat, as reporters also want to find answers to some of these huge questions that go beyond the daily headline. Im a big advocate that the press should focus on policy and not try to report on personality or let their agendas seep into their coverage, Grenell said. He favors reporters being very specific and avoiding a generic question. I think a good question for Trump is: Is Russian President Vladimir Putin an ally? (Its not a gotcha question, but an honest attempt to decipher Trumps opinion of the Russian leader, apart from the hacking scandal.) Bad idea, Grenell responds. That question can be interpreted to go 10,000 ways. For Trump, such queries can turn into a game, and Trump is a master at messaging. Bill Harlow, a former CIA spokesman and 15-seconds.com blogger, thinks it does not matter what reporters ask the president-elect. He has mastered the art of answering what he wants to with little or no reference to the question, Harlow said. Harlow also recommends asking very specific questions, like, You said X in 2010 and now you say Y why did you change? Some former White House staffers offered these questions on the condition they not be named. I throw them out because they are the sort of questions reporters easily could ask. None is neutral. Do you trust the U.S. Secret Service? Do you not trust the U.S. intelligence community? If you dont, who there is the problem? When was the last time you read the U.S. Constitution? Did any Russians provide you debt relief during your bankruptcies? If so, what were their names? What is the start and end construction date for the wall? Are you going to fly Air Force One? Even if you find all of those questions sufficiently specific and lacking in attitude for the record, I dont theres another hurdle. As Sesno noted, its tough. You only get one question, he said. As it stands now, Bernard Schaeffer wont be eligible for parole until 2033, when he is 72 years old. His release date, though, could come much sooner if the Nebraska Supreme Court makes a ruling in his favor. If the Supreme Court decides that the good-time law currently being used applies in cases such as Schaeffers, hell be eligible for parole in about two years. The Grand Island native was sentenced to life in prison in 1977 after killing Donald Beery Jr. At the time of the murder, which followed a robbery gone awry, Schaeffer was 16 years old. A U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2012, Miller v. Alabama, required that new sentences be imposed for Schaeffer and 24 other Nebraskans who were minors at the time they received life sentences. On Jan. 3, Hall County District Judge Teresa Luther gave Schaeffer a new sentence of 70 to 90 years in prison, beginning on May 21, 1977. Using the new sentence, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says Schaeffer will be eligible for parole on Feb. 20, 2033. His projected release date is Oct. 21, 2043, at which time Schaeffer will be 82. Schaeffer, 56, has been in prison for 39 years and seven months. He is currently at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. His hope for tasting freedom before 2033 rests with the Nebraska Supreme Court. The current calculation uses the method of figuring good time that was in effect in 1977. That system became law as LB567. Schaeffers lawyer, Jeffrey Pickens, hopes that the Nebraska Supreme Court will require that the current good-time law be used in determining jail time for Schaeffer and the other Miller v. Alabama defendants in Nebraska. That system was put into effect by LB191. If the Nebraska Supreme Court decides that the present good-time law applies, Pickens thinks the Department of Correctional Services will change the sentences for Schaeffer and the other Miller v. Alabama defendants. If that happens, Schaeffer could conceivably be eligible for parole two years from now. In Miller v. Alabama, the court ruled that keeping people in prison for life, beginning when theyre juveniles, without any chance of parole violates provisions against cruel and unusual punishment. Pickens thinks the current direction being taken by jurists is that LB191 should apply. The life sentences without parole that were originally imposed are void, and theyre void because the U.S. Supreme Court says so, he said. The Nebraska Supreme Court, he said, has to follow the U.S. Supreme Court. Pickens does not know when the Nebraska Supreme Court might rule on such a case. In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Schaeffers sentence also includes penalties for three offenses he committed while incarcerated in Lancaster County. Pickens, who lives in Lincoln, is chief counsel for the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy. Hes handling five of the Miller v. Alabama cases in Nebraska. Eagles were in a struggle to stay unbeaten until this safety saved them eagles Hrithik Roshan said that his sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan have surprises in store for him for his 43rd birthday. By India Today Web Desk: Hrithik Roshan turns 43 today, and his sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan are ensuring that their dad has the best birthday ever. Reason? Like every year, the tiny tots are writing notes to their dad. And goes without saying, doting dad Hrithik looks forward to his birthday every year so that he's able to read his sons' notes. advertisement According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Hrithik is ringing in his 43rd birthday with his family. He said, "I look forward to the occasion because my children make interesting plans. They have the habit of writing to me on my birthday, so I eagerly await their notes, and they also look forward to it. It puts a smile on my face." ALSO READ: Ex-wife Sussanne Khan wishing Hrithik Roshan on his birthday is the cutest thing you'll see today ALSO WATCH: Hrithik Roshan talks about his personal life, says he's fine with both the truth and lies Roshan, whose next film Kaabil hits the screens on January 25, also has a special party with his film team planned on his birthday. He said, "I have been working on the post-production of Kaabil. On my birthday, all I want to do is spend time with my family and children. There will also be a wrap-up party of sorts with the cast and crew of the film. I think I will have a great time surrounded by the people I love." Hrithik's last film, Mohenjo Daro, didn't exactly impress critics. Hence, more expectations from his upcoming film Kaabil, directed by Sanjay Gupta, and starring Yami Gautam across him. Hrithik plays a blind man out to seek revenge for his wife's murder. Ever since the first promos of Kaabil hit the web, Hrithik's fans have been waiting with bated breath for the film to release. And that it is happening just two weeks after Hrithik's 43rd birthday has only added to the excitement. Hrithik said, "I thank my fans for all the love that I receive. Every birthday, I am made to feel cherished - I want to tell all my fans that what makes me special is them and I value their love." Meanwhile, Hrithik's ex-wife Sussanne Khan took to Instagram to wish the Krrish star a happy birthday. Happiest happy birthday to you ?????????????????????#sacrecoeur #happiestsoulsaretheprettiest #limitless A photo posted by Sussanne Khan (@suzkr) on Jan 9, 2017 at 9:32pm PST --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Jammu, Jan 9 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today countered the charge that the opposition was not taken on board during last years unrest, saying she had tried to contact National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah but failed. She said in the Legislative Assembly that she had called Omar but was told that "he would call her back. And I waited but the call never came. advertisement "I also called Farooq (Abdullah) sahab when he returned from London after his treatment and again I was told that he will call me back but again no call came." Mehbooba was counter the charge by Omar, her predecesor, that he was not taken on board during the unrest. Apparently referring to the 2010 unrest that took place during NC-Congress rule, she said Omar was fortunate as his father was there to defend him to say that my son is there in Kashmir fighting the Pakistan for India. The Chief Minister, whose resignation was demanded by the National Conference for adopting a "casual" approach and taking "wrong steps" to control the situation during the unrest, said after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Buhran Wani in an encounter, she had asked the police and security officials to take caution and impose curfew. "When I got the phone call that Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter, I asked the police and security agencies to exercise caution that it was expected that people would come out to attend the funeral. I asked them to impose curfew. If someone is to be hanged, it is told in advance and security apparatus can be put in place but when this encounter took place, the security forces were busy in managing Amarnath yatra," she said. "People came out from places where it was unexpected. Over 50 police and security camps were damaged and 215 such incidents took place. I asked for restraint but there were certain elements who pushed the children inside and then themselves escaped and small children became the target," she said. She said six people lost vision in their both eyes whereas 20 others were left with a damaged eye during the unrest while there were over 100 people who had an eye injury. "Over 4,500 personnel of police and security forces were also injured while safeguarding the life and property of the people," she said. With regard to rehabilitation of families of those who lost their lives, the Chief Minister said, "We dont compare 2010 unrest and 2016 unrest. We should not do it. This is no excuse that anyone loses his life and for which (to ensure public safety) we have been given mandate by the people. People do not want any such thing to happen. advertisement "I strongly feel that the situation (last year) was not sudden and (had been) going on for several years. My request is that be it 2010 or 2016, it should not have happened, either in your time or ours. Help us to heal the wounds of the people and to bring them out of this," she said, reaching out to the opposition. PTI AB DK KIS AKK --- ENDS --- A Godfrey man has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for performing and filming a series of sex acts on two girls. The incidents took place in 2014 when the girls were between 5 and 10 years of age. David J. Von Bergen, 36, pleaded guilty on Oct. 28 to two counts of predatory sexual assault of a child and two counts of child pornography. Associate Judge Neil Schroeder sentenced Von Bergen to a total of 50 years on the two assault charges and a total of 30 years on the pornography charges. Von Bergen must serve at least 85 percent on the former charges and 50 percent on the latter two. I am extremely pleased with the extremely lengthy sentence handed down today by Judge Schroeder, said Madison County States Attorney Tom Gibbons in a press release issued late Friday. The citizens of Madison County can rest assured, knowing this monster will never be able to hurt another child and will almost certainly die behind bars. Local law enforcement was tipped off by federal investigators that child pornography was coming from Von Bergens home on Humbert Road, according to testimony at the sentencing hearing from Madison County Sheriffs Lt. David Vucich. Investigators here learned that Von Bergen was a registered sex offender, and when deputies went to the home they discovered child pornography on the hard drive of his computer and a hidden camera in the bathroom. A camera that was seized as evidence contained images of Von Bergen engaged in sex acts with the children, Vucich said. Patricia Bortko, a child abuse counselor, testified that victims of child sexual abuse often have problems later in life with low self esteem and a lack of trust and loyalty. The case was prosecuted by Assistant States Attorneys Kathleen Nolan and Alison Foley. Von Bergen was represented by attorney David Fahrenkamp. When such a predator hides among us and steals the innocence of children, we must hunt them down and lock them up, Gibbons said in a statement. The outstanding investigative work of the Madison County Sheriffs Department and the Jerseyville Police Department put an end to the terrible abuse these young victims were suffering at the hands of this monster. Together with prosecutors from our Childrens Justice Division, their efforts have ensured that this evil predator will be locked up for life and never be able to hurt another child. I pray that with this sentence and the certainty that the defendant will be locked behind bars for the rest of his life, these young victims and their family will be able to heal and find hope for a brighter future. Currently Reading Nazi invasion of Poland to start WWII in 1939 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hideo Kamata (The Japan News/Asia News Network) Beijing Tue, January 10, 2017 The so-called two-dimensional market is booming in China. Also described as an otaku geek market, it covers all industries related to animation, manga and video games that exist in two-dimensions. One research institute estimates that about 270 million people, or nearly one-fifth of the Chinese population, are consumers in the two-dimensional market. Japanese anime and manga are driving this huge market, but why are they so popular in China? Char comes to Beijing On Oct. 1, when the Peoples Republic of China celebrated the anniversary of its foundation, hundreds of Chinese youngsters gathered at a venue in Beijing, all shouting Sieg Zeon! in unison. The phrase is to honor the Principality of Zeon, an enemy nation in the Japanese anime series Mobile Suit Gundam. The phrase, so familiar to Japanese anime fans, is just as broadly understood in China. The fans were attending an event organized to showcase Japanese anime and related goods. Also in attendance was Shuichi Ikeda, the famous voice actor of the Gundam character Char Aznable, driving Chinese fans wild with Chars catchphrase May the glory of victory be yours! Yuan Zecheng, a college student who came to the venue wearing Chars trademark white helmet and red military uniform, could not contain his excitement: The real voice is so amazing! The venue was packed with men and women cosplaying various anime characters. We decided to hold this event because the Chinese organizers were passionate about showing genuine Japanese contents here, said Retsu Tamura, director of Sotsu Co., an anime production company that held the event. The level of enthusiasm is just as high in China as in Japan. We want to expand our business opportunities here, he added, indicating the companys aggressive stance regarding business in China. Outgrowing Japan market The research institute iResearch Consulting Group, which mainly studies Chinas online market, estimates that the number of consumers in the two-dimensional market in 2016 increased by 20 percent compared to the previous year to reach 270 million people. According to iResearch, there is a core group of about 70 million fans who check out anime or manga at least once a week. CI Consulting has also put forward an astonishing number, claiming that the two-dimensional market will grow to 600 billion yuan (about 9 trillion) in 2020. The Association of Japanese Animations, a Japanese animation industry body, estimates that the domestic anime industry market was worth 1.83 trillion in 2015. The Chinese market is becoming vastly larger than Japans. (Read also: Japanese cafes based on anime and manga) Politics takes back seat Tamura also voiced some anxiety about political risks, saying, We werent entirely sure the whole thing wouldnt suddenly grind to a halt should the political climate change. Japan-China relations did cool significantly after the anti-Japanese demonstrations of 2012, but did not seem to have much effect on the two-dimensional market. Japanese anime first arrived in China when Astro Boy was aired there in the 1970s. Japanese anime has become even more popular since then, and elderly Chinese still remember watching anime such as Doraemon and Ikkyu-san. I always enjoy watching ONE PIECE on my smartphone during my breaks, said a Chinese lawyer in her 20s. With Japanese anime, I get drawn into the characters or the story. I dont watch Chinese dramas anymore, she said. In the late 2000s, Japanese anime disappeared from terrestrial television, and people turned to the internet to watch it. Young anime fans were mesmerized by pirated editions that had been subtitled in Chinese. Hu Qianyi, the general manager of Beijing ACG Media Co., which organizes anime conventions in China, said, Japanese anime became so popular because people could watch these pirated editions for free. Many young people absorb Japanese through anime, so this kind of animation also functions as a tool for improving understanding of Japan. Japans strong presence Chinese people are drawn by the imaginative nature, subtle beauty and original points of view they see in Japanese animation. They find difficulties in getting accustomed to Western animation, said Li Enqi, an executive of Staro Animation Technology Developing Co., the Chinese organizer of the Oct. 1 event. So long as Japan keeps cranking out popular titles, the strong presence of Japanese anime on the Chinese market will remain unchanged, he added. As middle-class incomes rise, foreign travel becomes more common among young people, increasing opportunities for them to experience Japanese culture directly. Ive been to Akihabara in Japan. It was a chance for me to experience Japans good points, and I ended up enjoying anime even more, said an 18-year-old girl whose cosplay name is Ermeng. She was walking around the event venue in a pink Lolita costume. Enjoying anime is a matter of personal freedom. This has nothing to do with things between governments, said a 17-year-old high school student, whose cosplay name is Keke. She wore a costume depicting the Japanese anime character Haruhi Suzumiya. 80% of fans regularly watch Japan anime In a survey targeting about 33,000 Chinese fans with multiple answers allowed, iResearch found that to the question What sort of works do you regularly watch or read? 82.2 percent answered Japanese anime and 66.1 percent Japanese manga, a remarkable result. Chinese animation stood at 13.7 percent and comics at 19.7 percent. The survey also found that 28.7 percent of them enjoy cosplay or are involved in fan publications. While 73.5 percent said they were single, 16.7 percent claimed they had a two-dimensional wife. The odd Japanese custom of referring to a favorite anime character as my wife seems to have been adopted in China. By regions, it turned out that 15.2 percent of fans were from Guangdong, a relatively rich province in southern China. This figure, which stands out in contrast to figures from other areas, indicate that these fans have more money to spend on their hobbies. People living in urban areas often come across moe kyara, or a character that provokes moe infatuations. The Shanghai Metro once had cars with large drawings of moe kyara on their sides. The two-dimensional market appears to be expanding into a three-dimensional world. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Contrary to popular belief, there are some people who believe that the Earth is flat instead of round. A Facebook group dedicated to this belief, named the Indonesian Flat Earth Society, has more than 19,600 members, kompas.com reports. Late last year, representatives of this Flat Earth Society paid a visit to the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) office in Rawamangun, East Jakarta. Welcomed by the agency's astronomy and astrophysics research professor, Thomas Djamaluddin, they discussed everything under the sun, including solar eclipses, satellites, gravity and the astronomical algorithms of Jean Meeus. After the meeting, Thomas uploaded a 80-minute video containing the discussion, as well as the questions frequently asked on his blog. (Read also: Einstein's right again: Scientists detect ripples in gravity) The following are some of the questions and answers related to the "Flat Earth" misconception. Satellites During the visit, the group asked about satellites. Thomas explained that LAPAN currently operates three satellites and showed the launching of the LAPAN A2 satellite in India. In the video, the rocket, which carried the satellite, was seen to leave the Earth on a parabolic path. Although it flew vertically in the beginning, the Earth's gravitational pull caused the rocket to move in a parabolic curve. Satellites orbit in such curve because the Earth is roughly the shape of a sphere. The sun's apparent size and the distance between the sun and Earth In the beginning of the video, Thomas mentioned that the distance between the sun and Earth is about 150 million kilometers. As for the sun's photos that make it look close to Earth, these photos were taken by telescopes on the Earth or on satellites. Some people argued that the sun looks bigger in the morning. Thomas stressed that the sun's size remains the same throughout the day; the apparent difference is created by the Earth's atmosphere refracting the image. Gravity One of the Flat Earthers questioned the existence of gravity. Thomas, referring to the principles of Archimedes and Isaac Newton, replied that gravity does exist. Every celestial body exerts a gravitational force of varying degrees, which makes small objects remain on Earth and makes the planets orbit around the sun. (jes/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Joel Lee (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network) Seoul, South Korea Tue, January 10, 2017 With a pensive gaze, Park Si-in sips an old fashioned, a whiskey-based cocktail, at a dim, jazzy bistro nestled in a gentrified alley in Seoul. I dont think about anything, she says. I come here to empty and organize my thoughts. I need it, regularly and personally. Drinking alone is actually enjoyable. Beside her, Kang Dong-wan, a university student majoring in graphic design, chatters with a bartender. The bar acts as a sort of a mental hospital, a healing space, explains Kang, in an interview with The Korea Herald. Everyone these days has a tough time in their lives. People need space where they can let out their secrets and feelings. Its hard to do that with friends, so thats why I come here, to chat with the bartender. Amid the rise of single-person households in Korea -- now comprising a quarter of all families here -- a growing number of people have taken up the habit of drinking alone, a phenomenon known locally as honsul. An increasing number of bars cater to this segment of customers, and the practice has been dramatized in soap operas. (Read also: Table for one, please) The biggest benefit of living alone is finding the time and space to reclaim solitude, wrote Eric Klinenberg, professor of sociology at New York University, in his international best-seller Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone. Professor Andrew Kim, sociologist and dean of Korea Universitys Graduate School of International Studies, told The Korea Herald that the trend is a counterreaction to peoples excessive obsession with groupthink mentality. Koreans cannot say no to group activities, Kim said. There is an implicit sacrosanctity in doing everything together, the basis of which forms Confucianism. This can put a lot of stress on people, who have very little time for themselves. Due to the prevalent need to save face, Koreans are forcibly dragged into eating and drinking with others, he said, adding that people are only beginning to appreciate the virtues of privacy. (Read also: Emirates has invested $500 million to build a 'Fort Knox' of wine) Song Eun-jin, who runs the bar Saraswati in Yeonnam-dong, northern Seoul, says many of her customers come alone, reflecting the neighborhoods demographics.(The Korea Herald/Joel Lee) Song Eun-jin, who runs the bar Saraswati in Yeonnam-dong, northern Seoul, says many of her customers come alone, reflecting the neighborhoods demographics. About 60 percent of the lone clients are men, usually in their early to mid-30s. Some gossip with me and tattle their worries and concerns, she adds. As the town has become more posh and expensive in recent years, buoyed by the upscale gentrification of the nearby Hongdae district, living space became tighter, pushing the singletons outside their homes. Most of them come here to enjoy being left alone, Song observes. They read books, listen to music, do their work or simply gawk in silence. Being constantly hassled at work, I can see there are conscious efforts nowadays to luxuriate in loneliness. The owner also argues that the taboo against doing things alone in Korea is dissolving. Drinking alone doesnt mean one is desolate desperately, Song says. Rather, people drink alone for the sake of reclusiveness. Once you get the hang of it, it is surprisingly irresistible. This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Good Indonesian Food (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 08:26 2124 9b519824cb3263083aedb70a0ba569e4 3 Food Makassar,food,#food,konro-bakar,Konro-Karebosi,South-Sulawesi Free Some of you Jakartans may either have heard of Konro Karebosi or have had a taste of it at one of its branches up in Kelapa Gading in North Jakarta. One of the most celebrated restaurants in Makassar in South Sulawesi, its beef ribs are much loved by the locals. I grabbed the opportunity to enjoy its signature dish, where the story of Konro Karebosi all began. Konro Karebosi was initially established in 1968 in the form of a warung at Lapangan Karebosi a popular food market in the heart of Makassar at the time and its name was derived from its initial location. As time went by, Konro Karebosi relocated to Jl. Gunung Lompobattang and settled down inside a permanent modern building, where it has remained up to this day. The clock struck 6 p.m. when I paid a visit to Konro Karebosi, and the sun started to descend and fade from view. Not exactly the ideal time to have dinner, but it was already packed inside the eatery. The wait staff were running left and right taking down orders and delivering food from one table to another, accompanied by the buzzing noise of chatter from customers. (Read also: Where to get great pork ribs in Jakarta) With seating scarce due to the crowded nature of the joint, I had no choice but to sit at the only vacant table in a corner near the kitchen. My order was obviously its signature konro bakar (grilled beef ribs). As with any other grilled dishes, I assumed that it would take time to prepare my meal. However, Konro Karebosi only took about five minutes to cook and serve. It seems that the ribs here are prepared until they are half-cooked and ready to be grilled once ordered. Its konro bakar consists of two sizeable beef rib cuts that are splashed with peanut sauce. Seasoned well prior to grilling, the dense and savory peanut sauce really enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Unfortunately, my delightful meal was plagued by a few parts of the ribs that were too chewy and difficult to cut. Perhaps it just was not my lucky day or maybe the eatery should put in more effort to maintain the quality of its dishes? (kes) Jl. Gunung Lompobattang No. 4142, Makassar, South Sulawesi Contact: 0411 361 2157 Open daily from 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. Rp 70,000 (US$5.30) per person Explore more Indonesian cuisine here. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Selina Wang (Bloomberg) New York Tue, January 10, 2017 Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Chairman Jack Ma met with Donald Trump on Monday to discuss how the online retailer could help create 1 million new U.S. jobs, keying in on one of the president-elects chief concerns amid fraught relations between China and the incoming administration. The Chinese e-commerce giant said the positions would be generated through Alibaba adding 1 million small and medium-sized U.S. businesses to its platforms, estimating that each one will hire a new person as a result of the added commerce. Several other top executives have met with Trump in his New York headquarters promising to create U.S. jobs. But Mas 40-minute sit-down comes after Trump has called for high tariffs on trade with China, accused the country of stealing jobs from Americans and incited political controversy by reaching out to Taiwan. Alibaba was also recently put back on the U.S. Notorious Markets list, with its Taobao website cited as a haven for fake merchandise, suggesting it hasnt done enough to fight counterfeits. Alibaba said at the time its new designation could have been influenced by politics. Still, Alibaba needs to cultivate a positive working relationship with Trump as it aims to implement its international expansion plans. Mas discussion fits into Alibabas long-stated goal of bringing foreign goods to Chinese consumers. Ma has also said he wants the company to derive half of its revenue from outside China, which would to offset any slowdowns at home. Alibaba shares rose 0.9 percent to $94.72 at the close in New York. The stock gained 8 percent last year. Alibaba has a significant part of its business tied to trade in the U.S., giving it a strong incentive to avoid a situation in which Trump puts his campaign rhetoric into practice. Higher tariffs would depress demand for the AliExpress site, where Chinese retailers sell to U.S. consumers. Any ensuing trade disputes could hurt sales on Alibabas Tmall platform, through which U.S. and international brands sell to Chinese consumers. Last year, 7,000 U.S. brands on Alibabas platforms made sales worth $15 billion to Chinese consumers, according to the company. Jack and I are going to do some great things together, Trump said in the lobby of the Trump Tower in New York. After the meeting, Alibaba tweeted that it wants to create U.S. jobs by helping U.S. small businesses and farmers sell to Chinas 300 million-strong middle class. (Read also: Jack Ma not canceling on Indonesia) U.S. produce sold on Alibabas platforms include Pacific Northwest cherries, Washington State apples, and Alaskan seafood. Alibaba on Tuesday said it is leading a $2.6 billion bid to take department store operator Intime Retail Group Co. private, as its seeks to deepen its integration with brick-and-mortar stores in China. Alibaba has bought or invested in a number of physical retail chains in the country as it seeks growth beyond its traditional Internet business. Trumps meeting with Ma comes just a few weeks after he met with SoftBank Group Corp. Chief Executive Officer Masayoshi Son. In that meeting, Trump took credit for a previously announced investment by SoftBank and 50,000 jobs that fund would help create in the U.S. Several other companies -- from IBM to Ford Motor Co. -- have also unveiled plans to create jobs in the country since Trumps election, though some of the plans had been in the works before the election was decided. (Updates with Intime deal in ninth paragraph.) --With assistance from Jing Cao and Lulu Yilun Chen To contact the reporter on this story: Selina Wang in New York at swang533@bloomberg.net. To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Molly Schuetz, Andrew Pollack By Press Trust of India: Nobel Laureate Gandhinagar, Jan 10 (PTI) Nobel laureate David Gross today said India has responsibility and an opportunity to be one of the great scientific power centres of the world, while noting that a "tendency" here "to delay funding" has severely damaged beneficial impact of some major projects. "India has enormous potential (and) as such India has responsibility and an opportunity to be one of the great scientific power centres of the world in all areas," Gross said at Nobel Dialogues here in response to a question on the countrys position in scientific field. advertisement "You should have the aspirations and ambitions as set by your Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) yesterday (during the inauguration of Nobel exhibition)," he said. Prime Minister Modi had yesterday outlined Indias ambitious development programme in science and technology during the inauguration of the Exhibition at science city. "Given its (India) size and ambition and potential, it should not be a minor collaborator in major scientific projects around the world, but it should lead," said Gross, winner of the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics. Gross was participating in the Nobel Dialogue 2017 along with eight other Nobel laureates held at Mahatma Mandir here as part of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. "India has explored many possibilities to participate and lead in many major scientific projects around the world in the last 10 years but unfortunately when major projects are approved or are about to be approved, the tendency here to delay funding has severely damaged beneficial impact of those projects," he said. "Two examples that I know of are LIGO India, which plans to study gravitational rays, many years after it were discovered, is moving at a snails space," he said. "Another is Neutrino Observatory, which has suffered due to many legal and political problems," he said. India Neutrino Observatory is a particle physics research project under construction to primarily study atmospheric neutrinos in a 1,300-metre deep cave under Ino Peak near Theni, in Tamil Nadu. Gross said China, on the other hand, is seizing all the available opportunities to lead in the scientific field. PTI PD NRB KIS --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial candidate pair Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno will use the remaining time before the election on Feb. 15 to woo undecided voters. Sandiaga said on Tuesday that his team would focus on introducing programs that involved bringing in more jobs, providing decent and affordable education and making life in Jakarta affordable for most residents. "The most important thing is that these undecided voters choose Anies-Sandiaga," Sandiaga told reporters on the sidelines of a campaign event in Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta. The Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) revealed in its survey last month that undecided voters accounted for 17 to 18 percent of all voters in Jakarta, which is twice the margin between the front-runner and the underdog pair in the survey. (Read also: Agus Yudhoyono ready for debate, seeks advice from father) During Tuesdays campaign event, Sandiaga tried to convince participants that if elected, the pair would reduce the unemployment rate in Jakarta. Gun Gun Heryanto, a political expert from the Islamic State University Syarif Hidayatullah, said on Monday that the first official debate on Friday would be a good opportunity for all three candidate pairs to attract voters since it was likely to be watched by undecided voters. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedan and his deputy candidate Sandiaga Uno have made preparations ahead of the first official debate on Friday, including dividing up their roles in addressing specific issues. Sandiaga said Tuesday that Anies, a former culture and education minister, would address issues related to bureaucracy and human development in the city during the debate. "While I will be addressing economic and infrastructure development in Jakarta," Sandiaga, a businessman, told reporters on the campaign trail in Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta. "We are sure we can convince people that our programs can tackle the existing problems in the city," he added. (Read also: Agus still frontrunner for Jakarta election, new survey finds) The Anies-Sandiaga pair has proposed three main programs, namely creating more jobs, providing decent education and lowering living costs. "We want to make sure these three programs are known by the people," Sandiaga said. The three candidate pairs in the Jakarta gubernatorial election will meet for the first time in an official debate on Friday. The Jakarta General Elections Commission has said the first debate will explore problems facing Jakartans including education, unemployment, environment and public security. (dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Tue, January 10 2017 Vulnerable and beautiful, baby orangutans have been targeted by poachers on account of the lucrative trade of the rare animals, environmentalists said. Concerns over the rampant illegal trade of baby orangutans further emerged following the rescue of a baby orangutan from the home of a police officer in Patumbak district in Deli Serdang regency. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10 2017 East Java administration-owned lender Bank Jatim is gearing up to face a challenging year as it struggles to handle a non-performing loans (NPL) ratio that has nearly surpassed the 5 percent healthy NPL level set by financial regulators. Last year, the bank saw its NPL ratio, the ratio of bad debts, soar to 4.77 percent from 4.29 percent in 2015. Bank Jatim president director R. Soeroso said commercial sector NPL rose 230 basis points (bps) to 12.77 from 9.97 percent in 2015. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Tue, January 10 2017 Bank customers should prepare to face the inevitable reality that their accounts will not be secret anymore as the government pursues tax compliance by scrapping secrecy protections. Talks on eliminating bank secrecy are back on the table, following plans to revise the General Taxation System (KUP) Law and the Banking Law this year. The government claims that the plan is part of preparations to implement a global initiative called the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). The AEOI is endorsed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the G20, of which Indonesia is a member. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 People involved in the domestic seaweed business have urged the government to drop its plan to apply an export tax on raw seaweed, which they consider will hamper both the upstream and the downstream industries. Following Presidential Instruction No. 7/2016 on the acceleration of fisheries industry development, the Finance Ministry is preparing an export duty on unprocessed seaweed to help secure its supply for local processing. Indonesian Seaweed Association (ARLI) chairman Safari Azis said the plan would hurt the industry because the tax would raise local seaweed prices in international markets, eroding its competitiveness and potentially reducing its overseas sales. (Read also: Indonesian Navy trains ex-pirates to grow seaweed) Consequently, domestic farmers would be affected as the infrastructure to support the growth of the processing industry at home had not been properly built. The government needs to review its policy instead of pushing it because of lobbying from some business groups. It should communicate its [planned] policies well with relevant stakeholders, Safari said Tuesday. Since it came out, the plan to impose an export tax on raw or dried seaweed has apparently raised doubts for importers worldwide about buying more seaweed from Indonesia, he claimed. Safari referred to ARLIs figure of dried seaweed exports, which from January to August last year only amounted to 121,000 tons, slightly half of that exported from January to December in 2015. Meanwhile, shipments of processed seaweed totaled 4,000 tons in the first eight months of the past year, compared to 5,967 tons in 2015. (lnd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Tue, January 10 2017 The government has called on all over-the-top (OTT) companies to collaborate with one another to cease the spread of fake news in cyberspace. If they do not do so, they will be forbidden from generating revenues from Googles advertising network in the country. President Joko Jokowi Widodo has repeatedly conveyed deep concerns about the proliferation of fake news circulating online, prompting him to convene a Cabinet meeting with relevant ministries to find the best possible solution to clamp down on the trend. One of the most recent false news stories, according to the President, is about the influx of millions of Chinese workers who are said to have taken jobs from locals. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 The controversial State Defense program gained criticism following the recent involvement of members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) in the military-like training, which pro-democracy activists referred as a stain on democracy, one activist has said. The head of the department of politics of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Irene Gayatri, said that the State Defense program itself was problematic in nature because of the possibility it created to mobilize civilians for war duties. Will we give space for a vigilante mass organization like the FPI, which has repeatedly committed violence, to ruin democracy in the name of defending the state? she asked. (Read also: PDI-P questions military training for FPI members) Irene said that the Indonesian Military (TNI) would also ruin the image of the institution by providing military-style training to a controversial organization like the FPI. The State Defense program has raised criticism from the start when the Defense Ministry introduced the training to the public last year. The controversial program attracted attention again recently following the posting of photographs on Instagram by an account belonging to the FPI, @dpp_fpi, showing pictures of its members in Lebak, Banten, being trained by TNI officers. The Siliwangi Military Command has fired Lebak military commander Lt. Col. Czi Ubaidillah for having held the training session in Banten, which human rights activist Hendardi called a correct decision, although he encouraged TNI to take more actions to discipline its members for misconduct. Firing the Lebak military commander is not enough to make sure the TNI distances itself from intolerant and destructive groups that pose a threat to diversity, as well as to the NKRI [Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia], said the director of the Setara Institute, a Jakarta-based human rights watchdog. (dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Irena Handono, a former Catholic nun who became an Islamic preacher, testified against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama on Tuesday, saying Ahoks comments about Surah Al Maidah 51 of the Quran during a visit to Thousand Islands on Sept. 27 aimed to further his political agenda. "The suspect has used his working hours to do hidden campaigning [...] Why didn't he just talk about work? Why should he talk about the Quran, which is beyond his capacity?" Irena said to the judges, adding that Ahok's working visit should have been about fish cultivation, not the upcoming election. Irena said that although Ahok did not convey his vision, mission and program during the meeting, the incumbent had encouraged residents to vote for him. Like other prosecution witnesses who reported Ahok to the police for alleged blasphemy, Irena also condemned Ahok's statement, which some have interpreted as insulting the Quran. As a non-Muslim, Ahok should not criticize Islam, she said. (Read also: Ahok's lawyers criticize witness' background, noting him as Agus supporter) Ahok's lawyers countered Irena's testimony by grilling her about her educational background, which was later stopped by the judges due to its irrelevance. The lawyers also brought up Irena's Facebook fanpage which, according to them, frequently attacked Christians. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 The country's tax authority expects US-based technology giant Google's Indonesian operation to provide supporting documents as the company has come under investigation due to its failure to pay tax arrears demanded by the government. Jakartas special tax office head Muhammad Haniv said the tax authority was still waiting for the submission of reports from Google regarding its transactions in Indonesia as it operated many types of businesses in the country. The company has previously submitted a financial report regarding the value of its business in Indonesia, but Haniv said the tax office could not base its investigation on that document alone. We're still waiting for supporting documents, which is important in an investigation because they have many sources of revenue, such as from pay-per-click and apps, he said after a national meeting at the Finance Ministry on Tuesday. The investigation came after a negotiation between the Directorate General of Taxation and Google stalled without reaching a settlement because of a lower tax rate requested by the technology behemoth compared to what the tax office projected the company had earned in the country. The tax office asked Google to pay its due taxes with a 150 percent penalty. Should the company ignore the governments request, the tax authority will carry out a full investigation with a 400 percent fine as stipulated in the General Taxation System (KUP) Law. The tax office has estimated that Google owes about Rp 5 trillion (US$372 million) in back taxes and penalties. The government, desperate for new tax sources and a boost in state revenue, began negotiations a few months ago to find middle ground with the tech giant, only to end up in a deadlock. Despite expecting a faster process, Haniv said there was no deadline for the company as it was a special investigation, which could last for a year based on experiences in other countries. (est) Speaking at India Today South Conclave in Chennai, Kamal Haasan jokingly said that he used to bully Sridevi a lot. By India Today Web Desk: The India Today South Conclave 2017 saw acting legend Kamal Haasan speaking at a session called One Actor, Many Roles: Conversation About The Craft. Moderated by K Hariharan, professor, film studies and broadcast journalism, Ashoka University, the session had Haasan speaking about his craft, his acting. ALSO READ: Kamal Haasan at South Conclave 2017 - Left Bombay because of too many underworld issues advertisement ALSO READ: Randamoozham- Mohanlal's next to cost Rs 600 crore? One of the hit pairs of Kollywood are Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. They have worked together in blockbusters like Moondram Pirai, Varumayin Niram Sigappu and Sigappu Rojakkal to name a few. When asked about working with Sridevi, Kamal Haasan jokingly said that he used to bully her a lot. Speaking at the event, Kamal Haasan said, "The first thing about Sridevi is that her absorbing quality is astounding. I was a senior student in K Balachander's school. When the teacher wasn't around, I used to bully her. Though we did several romantic scenes, the bond we shared was more like schoolmates hanging around." Kamal Haasan talked about a lot of things at the event, including his favorite actors, why he left Bollywood and late actor Om Puri. On the work front, Kamal Haasan will be next seen in the trilingual comedy film Sabash Naidu. WATCH HERE: Kamal Haasan talks about his life and career at India Today South Conclave --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10 2017 The Jakarta Police questioned economic public policy observer Ichsanudin Noorsy as a witness in relation to a treason case on Monday. Ichsanudin was questioned because he was present at a declaration made at Rumah Amanat Rakyat in Central Jakarta, allegedly to reject non-active governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama as the next governor. He was there as a speaker during the declaration, so we want to dig deeper into what speech he delivered at that time and ask people who came to the event, Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono said Monday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Farmers and economists say the government should start funding new chili-growing methods like planting in greenhouses so that the commodity can be in supply year-round, considering it is a weather-sensitive plant. Supply is always short during the rainy season. This has been happening for the last 10 years. We as farmers suggest greenhouses as the best solution to keeping supplies stable, even during the wet season, Tunov Mondro Atmojo, a chili farmer coordinator in Magelang, Central Java, said over the phone on Tuesday. Although, the capital required for constructing greenhouses remained a challenge with at least Rp 200 million needed per hectare, excluding land costs, the bigger yield was apparent with 7 tons per hectare with only a 10 percent failure rate during the rainy season compared to conventional farming techniques of 5 tons per hectare at a 30 percent failure rate, Tunov said. (Read also: Restaurants feel heat of chili price hike) Meanwhile, economist Dwi Andreas of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture supports the farmers view, saying that the government needs a solution for the commoditys scarcity because with such a method, harvests could occur any time of the year regardless of season. Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman previously said greenhouses were a good idea and he would consider their utilization. Birds eye chili (cabai rawit merah) prices have surged to Rp 132,500 (US$9.88) per kg this month from Rp 60,000 per kg in November compared to its ceiling price of Rp 29,000 per kg on the back of bad harvests during the rainy season. (bbn) TheJakartaPost Please Update your browser Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below. Just click on the icons to get to the download page. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10 2017 Actress Titi Kamal is happy that her film Hangout has been well received by audiences. Directed by stand-up comedian and writer Raditya Dika, the film has attracted an audience of 2.2 million people in the 16 days since its release on Dec. 22. According to filmindonesia.or.id, Hangout was the fourth-most watched film last year after Warkop DKI Reborn: Jangkrik Boss! Part 1, Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? 2 and My Stupid Boss. Its true, we are the 10th most watched Indonesian film, number four in 2016 and still in theaters. Thank you Indonesian moviegoers, she said, including the hashtag #filmhangout in her post. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Winda A. Charmila (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Two historians have thrown their weight behind a judicial review filed with the Constitutional Court over the protection of eviction victims, saying the prevailing law is no longer suitable in the current conditions. A historian from the University of Indonesia, Yudi Bachrioktora, said Tuesday that a 1960 law on the prohibition of the use of land without permission from the entitled or proxies was not relevant to current conditions because the law was made to take over land owned by Dutch, who colonized Indonesia until the 1940s, with permission from the government. If there is no order from the President, the governor should not be able to use this law for evictions, Yudi said when testifying at the Constitutional Court in Jakarta. The judicial review was filed in September by people evicted from Papanggo in North Jakarta and Duri Kepa in West Jakarta who asked the court to amend the law, which is frequently used to facilitate evictions. The law enables regional administrations to conduct evictions without having to prove land ownership. Meanwhile, another historian JJ Rizal said the law was usually used by administrations to conduct evictions without having to hold discussions with local residents. The law was also based on staat van oorlog en beleg [a state of emergency] back in the early 1950s, which is used outside urban areas so there is no need to negotiate but [the authorities can] directly take over the land, Rizal said. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Indonesia saw an increase in the export value of its palm oil products throughout 2016 thanks to a recent surge in global crude palm oil (CPO) prices. Data from the Indonesian Oil Palm Estate Fund (BPDP-KS) shows that palm oil exports decreased by 2 percent annually to 25.7 million tons last year. However, the total export value soared by 8 percent to US$17.8 billion. Such a positive trend is attributed to the rise in CPO prices, which saw a 41.4 percent increase to $789 per ton in December from $558 per ton in January last year. It is good news because Indonesia is widely known as a major exporter of palm oil products. Nonetheless, we have also warned all exporters not to be overconfident. High prices will eventually weaken our competitiveness in the overall vegetable oil market, not just the palm oil market, BPDP-KS president director Bayu Krisnamurthi said in Jakarta on Tuesday. As we know, Indonesian palm oil competes with soybean oil in the global market. Hence, if the price of palm oil is too high, its competitiveness will also be reduced. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Medan Tue, January 10 2017 The North Sumatra Police apprehended 21 suspected illegal migrant workers from various provinces in waters off Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra, as they made their way to Malaysia over the weekend. Police detected the alleged people smuggling attempt after patrolling Teluk Bibung waters in Tanjung Balai on Saturday, North Sumatra Water Police director Sr. Comr. Sjamsul Badhar said. During the patrol, water police members raised suspicions about a boat carrying numerous passengers and sailing toward Malaysia. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10 2017 Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Joko Jokowi Widodo are widely expected to discuss the issue of reviving a decline in trade between the two countries in a meeting scheduled for Sunday. Total exports and imports from the two nations have declined steadily by a total of 41 percent to US$31.27 billion in 2015 from $53.14 billion in 2011, according to data from Trade Map of International Trade Center. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 The soon-to-be-established National Cyber Agency should not just be tasked with tackling hoaxes and fake news on social media but with overseeing all threats from the cyberworld, an information and technology expert has said. Heru Sutadi, executive director at the Indonesia Information and Communication Technology Institute, said handling hoaxes and rumors on the internet was a simple job that could be delegated to the information and technology team at the Communications and Information Ministry. He said a much more important task awaiting a solution was cyberattacks targeting Indonesian e-commerce and national security, such as foreign hackers trying to steal money from Indonesian banks or trying to penetrate government websites. Dealing with hoaxes is a simple job for an agency as big as the National Cyber Agency to handle, told The Jakarta Post on Monday. (Read also:Police to support national cyber agency) Wiranto, the coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister, previously said one of the agencys tasks would be to tackle hoaxes on the internet. The minister also said the agency would coordinate existing cyberbodies at institutions and departments such as the National Police, Information and Communications Ministry and the National Intelligence Agency. The government has increased efforts to tackle hoaxes on the internet, especially on social media, which it says can create disharmony among members of society. The police have charged a number of individuals with spreading hoaxes online. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Tehran Tue, January 10, 2017 A senior Tehran official says Iranian authorities are ready to "participate in bilateral talks" with Saudi Arabia about the 2017 hajj pilgrimage. The official IRNA news agency late on Monday quoted Ali Qaziaskar, a representative of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as saying that Iran like other Islamic countries received an invitation letter from Riyadh to discuss the next pilgrimage. Iran boycotted the 2016 haj after a stampede and crush of pilgrims during the previous year's pilgrimage killed at least 2,426 people, according to an Associated Press count. Iran had the highest death toll of any country, with 464 killed. A few months later, Riyadh cut diplomatic relations with Tehran after angry Iranians attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom's execution of a Saudi Shiite cleric. Responding to a question about the visuals that shocked the nation, Karnataka Priyank M Kharge said, "Despite all our efforts, incidents like that happen. It is an inherent problem of our society." By India Today Web Desk: The reports of mass molestation during New Year celebrations in Bengaluru might have shocked the entire nation, but for those in Karnataka government it is like 'an inherent problem of our society'. This is exactly what the tourism minister of Karnataka Priyank M Kharge said while participating in a discussion today on the second day of the India Today Conclave-South in Chennai. advertisement Responding to a question about the visuals that shocked the nation, Kharge said, "Despite all our efforts, incidents like that happen. It is an inherent problem of our society." Kharge went on to say that "It is difficult to man every street of the city." However, contrary to what Karnataka minister tried to suggest, some 1,500 police personnel were deployed in the area where the incident took place on the New Year. According to eyewitness accounts, women were molested and groped and lewd remarks were also passed by miscreants late night on December 31 in the posh area of Bengaluru, where the police teams were deployed to control the crowds. Kharge was participating in a debate in the Conclave over 'The States of Play: Tourism and the natural advantage'. Tourism minister of Kerala Kadakampilly Surendran also took part in the discussion. Tourism secretaries of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh B Venkatesham and Dr Srikant Nagulapalli were the other participants. All the participants said that demonetisation has affected tourism sector adversely. --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10 2017 Down an empty hallway, a couple hold on to each other as they look through the glass windows of a room. On the other side, the space is filled with 17 cribs, each occupied by a baby below the age of 6 months. Further down the hall, another 17 babies aged between 7 months and 2 years are grouped together in a different room. This is a typical scene at the Tunas Bangsa Social Orphanage for Toddlers in Cipayung, East Jakarta. Here, the children at this Jakarta administration-run facility can be legally adopted into a new family. Its common to see couples visiting. Everyday we have interested people who want to adopt but we have very strict procedures, the head of the orphanage, Vivi Kafilatul Jannah, told The Jakarta Post recently. As one of the worlds biggest metropolitan areas, Jakarta is no stranger to social problems that can lead to unwanted babies, such as poverty, prostitution and rape. Vivi said many of the orphaned children were abandoned in hospitals. As their biological parents abandoned them permanently, these children are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. On Jan. 3, for example, a 3-year-old boy was found by security officers wandering alone in a supermarket in Cakung, East Jakarta. He was dressed in a green shirt paired with checkered shorts. The boy, who was found to be in good health, could not give his own name. The officers subsequently brought him to the Cakung subprecinct police station. By 5 p.m. the next day, no one had come to claim him, prompting the police to hand him over to Jakartas social services. According to another Tunas Bangsa official, Siti Murtofingah, he is the newest addition to the orphanage. Each child has access to caretakers, healthcare facilities and education, Siti said. But Tunas Bangsa, the only city-owned orphanage for toddlers, has a maximum capacity of 100 children at a time. Currently, it is home to 95 children under 6 years of age. The other four orphanages run by the administration are for children above 6 years of age. As of November 2016, according to the Jakarta Social Affairs Agency, as many as 664 children were housed at five orphanages, representing a slight increase from 648 in 2015. These figures exclude the children housed by 133 other orphanages across the capital that are privately run. Tunas Bangsa maintains strict standards for prospective parents even though it is almost at full capacity. Potential parents, for example, must be residents of Jakarta and able to prove their financial independence, mental readiness and ability to provide a suitable home. In 2016, 18 children were adopted, a rise from 16 adopted in the previous year, Vivi said. At the moment, she added, 10 of the 95 children were living in foster care with potential parents who had passed through a series of tests to qualify for adoption. Some children, however, are only temporarily housed at the orphanage because their respective parents are in rehabilitation centers due to drug problems or mental health disorders. They must eventually be returned to the parents but only if the parents are deemed fit, Vivi said. She said she had added another step to the procedure in 2016. The additional step is a written psychological test for prospective parents. Mostly, she went on to say, prospective parents are focused on adopting babies who are below 12 months of age. However, budget cuts this year have affected the center in minor ways, including in the exclusion of religious instructors, she said. The city budget allocated for the facility has fluctuated over the past few years, with expenses for each child maintained at approximately Rp 25,000 (US$1.9) per day. In 2015, the budget was approximately Rp 6.4 billion. The figure was raised in 2016 to Rp 6.8 billion. This year, the proposed funds have dropped to Rp 6.1 billion. Siti said the orphanage would continue to seek alternative ways of maintaining the quality of its childcare services, including by collecting donations. ________________________ Rules for child adoption * Adoption is done in the best interests of the child and in accordance with local customs and regulations. * Adoption does not end the relationship of the child with his or her biological parents. * Adoptive parents should hold the same religion as the adopted child. * In case there is no record or information on the religion of the child, his or her religion is determined based on the religion of the majority of the people in his or her community. * Adoptive parents must inform the child about his or her biological parents at a proper time. Source: Law No. 23/2002 on Child Protection and Government to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Megawati Soekarnoputri, the chairwoman of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), has sent a warning to groups that threaten President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration. She has declared that party cadres are fully prepared to protect Jokowi and Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Speaking during a ceremony to celebrate the PDI-P's 44th anniversary on Tuesday, Megawati said those who dared to threaten the government would face the wrath of the PDI-P. "My subordinates are available and ready to face those who dare to disturb Pak President and Pak Vice President," Megawati told Jokowi and Kalla, who were sitting among the guests. Megawati did not specify the groups to whom she delivered the message. (Read also: Megawati calls on 'silent majority' to counter intolerant groups) PDI-P secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto, however, said the reminder applied to intolerant groups that use religion to challenge Jokowi's administration, as well as those who attempt to commit treason. "We know there are groups that threaten our unity due to their attempts to disturb the government. Bu Mega's remarks are meant for them," Hasto said on the sidelines of the ceremony. "It's the job of the PDI-P to protect Pak Jokowi and Pak Jusuf Kalla as the constitutionally elected leaders of the country," he declared. The police earlier named several activists, including Megawatis sister Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, suspects for treason. They were arrested on Dec. 2 and released shortly thereafter. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Ubud Tue, January 10 2017 The Ubud Police in Bali suggest an autopsy to reveal the cause of death of a drowned Australian man, saying that they are waiting for a confirmation from the deceaseds family before doing so. An Australia national, Vasco Rodrigues, 27, was found dead on Sunday in a swimming pool at Taman Indrakila hotel in Ubud where he stayed with his girlfriend Miroslava Kubeckova, 35. Rodrigues and his girlfriend were on holiday in Ubud for four days and scheduled to check out on Sunday. The couple was planning to leave the hotel after breakfast. After having breakfast together at around 8 a.m., Rodrigues went to the swimming pool, while Kubeckova went to their room. About 40 minutes later, Kubeckova looked for Rodrigues at the pool. She found Rodrigues body floating in the water, said Ubud Police Chief Comr. Nyoman Wirajaya. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Police have detained Irfan, a member of an Islamic organization, for allegedly assaulting a supporter of incumbent Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, identified as Widodo, and are continuing their hunt for the attackers accomplices. Yes, we have detained him [Irfan], Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono told kompas.com on Tuesday. Argo said Irfan, accompanied by his parents, surrendered to the police on Sunday, two days after he and his friends purportedly had beaten up Widodo, a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) in the Jelambar area, West Jakarta. The PDI-P along with the NasDem, Golkar, Hanura parties, have backed Ahok in the upcoming election slated for Feb. 15. (Read also: Police probe resident's resistance against Djarot) Besides Irfan, Argo said the police had also named a person identified as Fahmi, who was still at large, as a suspect in the case. So far, two people have been named suspects. We are still hunting for Fahmi, he said, adding that the police have questioned nine witnesses, including the victim who was currently being treated at Royal Taruma Hospital, West Jakarta. Widodo said earlier that while he was accompanying Ahoks running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat during a campaign visit in the area a group of people had blocked them off. In the evening, allegedly the same group approached and had beaten him until black and blue. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya and Winda A.Charmila (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10 2017 One suspect was arrested, while the other is still on the loose following an assault against a motorcycle taxi driver who is a supporter of incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama and his running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat. The suspects name is Irfan. He surrendered to the police on Sunday morning, said the Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono on Monday. The police have also named another suspect, identified as Fahmi, who is still on the run. Both perpetrators, Argo said, are affiliated with the Islam Defenders Army (LPI), an organization that is part of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI). to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 Amid rampant corruption by individuals in public offices, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) has moved to monitor the assets and bank accounts of high-ranking officials and their relatives and associates. The center is set to establish a list of politically exposed persons (PEPs), for whom it would have the authority to directly investigate irregular transactions or changes to values of assets. Currently, it only has the authority to monitor the bank accounts of particular state officials at the request of banking authorities. The PEP list will be comprised of officials from the executive, judicial and legislative branches of the government. The PPATK will actively monitor the financial activities of the individuals in order to spot graft and money laundering offenses earlier. The tendency of graft-tainted officials to use family members and relatives of associates to launder illgotten gains inspired the PPATK to make them subject to monitoring under the PEP system, so that it can watch in-and-out transfers from all related parties. Graft and money laundering convict and former Democratic Party treasurer Muhammad Nazaruddin, for example, laundered Rp 600 billion he gained from corruption through 30 companies with the help of his wife, family members and associates. (Read also: Terror attacks in Indonesia mostly funded from overseas: PPATK) The PPATK will also include information on assets that state officials fail to declare in wealth reports in the PEP system by covertly collecting information from relevant institutions in Indonesia or abroad. The results of the PPATK investigation into PEPs will later be submitted to the Attorney Generals Office (AGO), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the National Police for follow-up given that the PPATK, as a financial intelligence body, has no law enforcement authority. PPATK chairman Kiagus Ahmad Badaruddin said the PEP system would help investigations and prevent officials from committing corruption and money laundering because they would be aware their assets and bank accounts were being watched. We hope that with the PEP system we will be more proactive in monitoring [accounts and assets of ] state officials, Kiagus said. The PEP system, however, still has weaknesses because it cannot identify cash transactions involving third parties that benefit officials on the list. Cash transactions cannot be recorded by the financial system. The role of the PPATK in combating corruption and money laundering has won plaudits in past years following its success in submitting information on fat bank accounts of state officials to the KPK in cases related to graft and money laundering. Some police generals who have been subjected to investigations by the PPATK for having fat bank accounts included current National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Budi Gunawan and former National Police traffic division chief Djoko Susilo. While Djoko was convicted in a graft case relating to the procurement of a driving simulator, Budi, who was formerly National Police deputy chief, was cleared of all charges. The PPATK also helps the KPK to investigate fat accounts belonging to regional heads. Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Donal Fariz said it was possible the PPATK would find that officials on the PEP list could be linked to one other in certain crimes. Imagine there are millions of transactions involving state officials every day in the PPATKs system. By listing state officials considered to be prone to graft and money laundering on the PEP list, it will make it easier for the PPATK to monitor their financial activities effectively and efficiently, Donal said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10 2017 Banten Governor Rano Karno is facing an uphill battle to extend his term in the upcoming gubernatorial election as he takes on the heir of a powerful political dynasty in the province, analysts say. The former actor is running against former Tangerang mayor Wahidin Halim, who has chosen the son of Ratu Atut Chosiyah, Andika Hazrumy, as his running mate. Ratu Atut, who was dismissed by the Home Affairs Ministry after being found guilty of corruption, has been considered the leader of a political dynasty in the region. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Seoul Tue, January 10, 2017 Disgraced South Korean President Park Geun-hye's longtime friend at the center of a massive corruption scandal refused to testify at Park's impeachment trial on Tuesday, with lawmakers alleging that it was a stalling tactic. The Constitutional Court had expected to hear from Choi Soon-sil, a confidante of Park who's currently jailed and on trial herself for allegedly using her connections with the president to extort money and favors from companies and unlawfully interfere with government affairs. But Choi (pronounced Chwey) submitted documents to the court saying she was unable to testify. Two jailed former presidential aides who purportedly helped Choi also refused to testify, saying they needed to prepare for their own trials. Lawmakers, who function as prosecutors at the impeachment trial, raised suspicions that Park's lawyers were controlling the witnesses as a stalling tactic. "Three important witnesses all refused to testify, like they planned it ahead. We think there's an invisible hand at work," said lawmaker Lee Chun-suak. The no-shows by the three came after the court last week heard from only one of four former and current presidential aides it had called in as witnesses. Police are currently trying to locate the whereabouts of two of Park's former aides after court employees failed to deliver subpoenas to them. Park's powers have been suspended since Dec. 9, when South Korea's opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach her. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 The Indonesian Military (TNI) has banned Bela Negara (State Defense) training for any member of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) in the country, an official says. TNI spokesperson Maj. Gen. Wuryanto assured that regional commanders throughout the country were prohibited from giving training to the FPI. It is not allowed, he told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, emphasizing that the recent training session in Lebak, Banten, was a blunder and not a policy of the military institution. The TNI has been in the spotlight after photos of military-style training for FPI members in Lebak, uploaded by FPIs Instagram account @dpp_fpi went viral. The account also posted photos of similar training sessions taking place in Madura, East Java. The Siliwangi Military Command later stripped Lebak military commander Lt. Col. Czi Ubaidillah of his post for having held the training session, which according to Siliwangi Military Command spokesperson Col. M Desi Arianto violated proper procedures implemented by the military institution. (Read also: Democracy activists call for review of controversial state defense training) The incident has also revived criticism over the Bela Negara program for providing training to non-military personnel. Although, the Defense Ministry had previously promised that military training would only be given to ordinary citizens in special circumstances, such as for residents living in conflict-prone areas. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jonathan Lemire and Julie Pace (Associated Press) New York Tue, January 10, 2017 President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his influential son-in-law Jared Kushner as a White House senior adviser, putting the young real estate executive in position to exert broad sway over both domestic and foreign policy, particularly Middle East issues and trade negotiations. Trump has come to rely heavily on Kushner, who is married to the president-elect's daughter Ivanka. Since the election, the political novice has been one of the transition team's main liaisons to foreign governments, communicating with Israeli officials and meeting Sunday with Britain's foreign minister. He's also huddled with congressional leaders and helped interview Cabinet candidates. Ivanka Trump, who also played a significant role advising her father during the presidential campaign, will not be taking a formal White House position. Transition officials said the mother of three young children wanted to focus on moving her family from New York to Washington. Kushner's own eligibility for the White House could be challenged, given a 1967 law meant to bar government officials from hiring relatives. Kushner lawyer Jamie Gorelick argued Monday that the law does not apply to the West Wing. She cited a later congressional measure to allow the president "unfettered" and "sweeping" authority in hiring staff. In a statement Monday, Trump said Kushner will be an "invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda." Kushner will resign as CEO of his family's real estate company and as publisher of the New York Observer. He will also divest "substantial assets," Gorelick said. The lawyer said Kushner would not be taking a salary. Ivanka Trump will also be leaving her executive roles at the Trump Organization her father's real estate company and her own fashion brands. Kushner, who turns 36 on Tuesday, emerged as one of Trump's most powerful campaign advisers during his father-in-law's often unorthodox presidential bid a calming presence in an otherwise chaotic campaign. Soft-spoken and press-shy, he was deeply involved in the campaign's digital efforts and was usually at Trump's side during the election's closing weeks. He has continued to be a commanding presence during the transition, working alongside incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior adviser Steve Bannon. He's played a key role in coordinating Trump's contacts with foreign leaders and has been talking with foreign government officials himself, according to a person with knowledge of the conversations. Last week, Kushner and Bannon the controversial conservative media executive met with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson. Kushner and Bannon have also worked closely on issues related to Israel, including discussions over moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, which could inflame tensions in the Middle East, and on the Trump administration's response to a United Nations Security Council measure condemning Israeli settlements. Kushner is also weighing in on domestic policy. He joined other Trump advisers Monday night for a meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., on tax reform. He championed the pick of his friend Gary Cohn, the president of Goldman Sachs, for a top White House economic post, and Cohn's influence within Trump's team is said to be growing. He's been a conduit between Trump's team and the private sector, a role transition officials said would continue in the White House. Those with knowledge of Kushner's role spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss internal matters. The anti-nepotism law had appeared to be the main obstacle to Kushner joining the White House. In arguing that the measure did not apply to the West Wing, Gorelick cited an opinion from two federal court judges in a 1993 case involving Hillary Clinton's work on her husband's health care law. She said Trump planned to seek an advisory opinion on the nepotism law from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel. Gorelick worked in the Clinton administration at both the Pentagon and Justice Department. Norman Eisen, who served as President Barack Obama's government ethics lawyer, said there is a "murky legal landscape" regarding the anti-nepotism law. But he said Kushner appeared to be taking the proper steps regarding the ethics and disclosure requirements for federal employees. Like his father-in-law, Kushner pushed a mid-sized real estate company into the high-stakes battlefield of Manhattan. Though he is often viewed as more moderate than Trump, people close to him say he fully bought into the Trump campaign's fiery populist message that resonated with white, working-class voters. He never publicly distanced himself from Trump's more provocative stances, including the candidate's call for a Muslim-immigration ban and his doubts about President Barack Obama's birthplace. Kushner's place in Trump's orbit vital but often discreet was vividly on display last month, when the president-elect toured the Carrier plant in Indiana to tout the jobs he says he saved. Trump marched around the plant with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, shaking hands with workers, posing for photos and flashing his thumbs-up to the traveling press. Kushner stayed away from the cameras, lingering a deferential 10 or 20 feet from Trump while marveling at the scene. "Look at these people," Kushner was overheard saying as he watched dozens of workers cheer. "This is why he won." ___ Associated Press writer Steve Peoples contributed to this report. The minister was replying to a question on how ministries are allocated in a government at the India Today Conclave South. By India Today Web Desk: Merit in politics is getting compromised by caste and loyalty to party leaders, said RV Deshpande, Minister for Large and Medium Industries in Karnataka, at the India Today Conclave South. The minister was replying to a question on how ministries are allocated in a government. RV Deshpande said that in his long political career he has also seen people from the grassroots going on to become highly successful ministers. advertisement Former union minister MM Pallam Raju, to whom the question was first directed, said politicians "cannot confine themselves to one discipline. You learn on the job". Pallam Raju and RV Deshpande were speaking at the session 'Why Invest in South: The Case for Change'. They shared the dais with MC Sampath, minister for industries, Tamil Nadu, and KT Rama Rao, minister for IT, electronics and communication development, Telangana. Here are the session details: Pitching Karnataka as an investor-friendly state, RV Deshpande said, "You name a sector, and we have a policy for it". Terming Karnataka a leader in start-ups, Deshpande said the state was the first in the country to come up with an IT start-up policy in 1997. On South India attracting MNCs and big companies, Deshpande said the region scores over North on several parameters-- transparency, a safe environment for investment, law and order situation and skilled human resource. Telangana's KT Rama Rao said his government searched for countries that have adopted best practices in ease of business, and zeroed in on Singapore, which ranks first in ease of business index globally. "Self certification for enterprises and time-bound clearances" are now a reality in Telangana, said KT Rama Rao. Seeking more collaboration within states, KT Rama Rao said the "competition today is not just within India, it is with the world". "We could do more as a block, we have to coordinate on some counts while retaining our individual strength," the minister said. RV Deshpande of Karnataka said increased competition between states has led to greater transparency, adding that in post-liberalisation era it is difficult for red-tapism to go undetected. --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Lita Aruperes (The Jakarta Post) Manado, North Sulawesi Tue, January 10, 2017 The whereabouts of four members of the Indonesian Navy in waters near the Philippine border is still a mystery, an official has said. Until now, there are no signs of where they are. We have used satellites and there are no signs of them. They just vanished, Manado Naval Base (Lantamal VII) spokesman Maj. Dedy Irawan said on Monday. The men who were reported missing on Dec. 14 were identified as Second Lt. Faisal Dwi AR, Second Sgt. Mes Rizky Dwi Deptianto, Chief Seaman Amo Dian Mahendra and Second Seaman Isy Badnur Rohim. (Read also: Indonesian Navy continues to search for missing crewmen) However, Dedy said the navy was still searching for the men who went missing 26 days ago while they were on board and guarding a seized Philippine-flagged boat that had allegedly been fishing illegally in North Sulawesi waters. A Navy patrol boat had been towing the vessel back to base when stormy weather caused the towline to be disconnected. There is no deadline for the search effort. We should find them. If its an accident, we want to know why, he said. Meanwhile, Rear Adm. Supartono, the father of Faisal Dwi AR, said he hoped that his son and the other three men would be found alive. We pray every night with congregation members and orphans for the safety of the officers, Supartono said. Besides the Navy, he said the Indonesia Military (TNI) Strategic Intelligence Agency was also helping to search for the missing men. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 In his article Dont Just Do something, Talk, eccentric Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek writes: we often talk about doing something instead of actually doing it but sometimes we do things in order to avoid talking and thinking about them. That quotation may sum up gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedans criticism of his opponent, incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama and, also, Anies former boss, President Joko Jokowi Widodo. Anies once served as a minister in Jokowis Cabinet. During his visit to The Jakarta Posts office on Monday, the gubernatorial hopeful, who was listed among the worlds top 100 public intellectuals by Foreign Policy in 2008, lamented the fact that fewer people these days appreciated the value of ideas and dialogue. To be honest, in recent years, the country seems to no longer have any appreciation for ideas. Words seem to be unimportant. Meanwhile, [many think] what matters is work, work, work, Anies said in an apparent jab at Jokowis famous tagline. Jokowi, who fired Anies in August last year, has described his administration as the Working Cabinet in a thinly veiled attack against preceding administrations. Ahok, Jokowis deputy when the latter was governor of Jakarta, shares Jokowis general philosophy and, during his term as governor, has focused his energy on getting things done, a trait that has apparently earned him both praise and derision. For Anies, building Jakarta needs more than just work. It also needs ideas and words. It is not we should talk less and work more, but we should talk a lot and work a lot, Anies said. A leader must lead and therefore he has to talk. Therefore, what I offer is: ideas, words and action, he added. (Read also: Ahoks opponents lack innovative programs) During his speech, Anies repeated his criticisms of Ahoks leadership, arguing that the incumbent was focused too much on building inanimate objects and had overlooked the necessity of building human resources. He was referring to Ahoks focus on expediting infrastructure development and what he claims to be Ahoks lack of attention toward the citys poor. The former rector of Paramadina University said that, if elected, he would engage the public to develop Jakarta and close the gap between the haves and the have nots. He said he would invite the private sector to help the city administration alleviate poverty. There are so many kind people in Jakarta. Kindness is contagious. All people must be called upon to engage in [developing the city], he said, citing his experience with Indonesia Mengajar (Teach for Indonesia), which he founded, as proof that asking people to help other people was not impossible. He said it was important to invite everyone, regardless of their background, to contribute to the city. In his attempt to engage the public, Anies has held meetings with a number of communities, including members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI). His meeting with the FPI has drawn criticism from both his detractors and some of his supporters. Anies defended his decision to visit the headquarters of the FPI in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, saying that he was there to clarify rumors about him that could seriously hurt his chances in the election. He said he had been accused of being a Shiite, a liberal Muslim and a Wahabbi, a pejorative term used to refer to the strain of Islam widely practiced in Saudi Arabia. The accusations have circulated for years but he had never taken them seriously until he decided to run for office, Anies said, adding that religion turned out to be an important issue for Jakartas voters. On the campaign trail, many voters asked me what my religion was. Not only that, they also asked whether my Islam was the true Islam or not. Then, they asked whether I was a Sunni or a Shiite. These are serious questions, he said. Therefore, I think it is important to clarify [the rumors]. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 11 2017 A university student identified as Murniarti, 20, was found dead with bruises on her face at her boarding house in Pondok Ranggon, Cipayung, East Jakarta, on Tuesday. She has bruises on her left temple, collision injury and wounds on her lips, which might be the result of being smothered with a pillow. At the moment, we think she was murdered, said Cipayung Police officer Comr. Dedi Wahyudi on Tuesday as quoted by Kompas.com. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Prasiddha Gustanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 11 2017 Thanks to the hard work of more than 30 million Indians living abroad, India became the worlds single largest recipient nation of remittances by receiving an estimated US$65.5 billion in 2016. We have more than 30 million Indians living outside India. They remitted $69 billion in 2015 back to India, the Indian Embassys charge daffaires, Manish, said during the celebration of Pravasi Bharaitiya Divas in Jakarta on Monday night. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is set to commence full operations at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, in April. As reported by kompas.com on Monday, the newly built Terminal 3 was currently only serving the airline's domestic flights, while its international flights were still operating from Terminal 2. State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II director Muhammad Awaluddin said Garuda's international flights would move to Terminal 3 starting April, followed by other SkyTeam member airlines in May. A target has also been set to move all international airlines to Terminal 3 in August. (Read also: Terminal expansion, modernization looks to boost foreign tourist arrivals in 2017) After opening last year, Terminal 3 has yet to fully operate, as not all parts of the building have been developed. Terminal 3 is part of Soekarno-Hatta's revitalization program. The Grand Design Soekarno-Hatta Airport program aims to expand the airport's passenger capacity by opening Terminal 3, as well as revitalizing terminals 1 and 2. (jes/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, January 10, 2017 State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II is set to open a transit hotel at Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang regency, North Sumatra. The company's director Muhammad Awaluddin told kompas.com that the hotel was slated to open in November and designed for passengers who are in transit but do not want to travel to Medan's city center. Transit passengers in Kualanamu airport currently have to travel to Medan to spend the night before continuing their journey. (Read also: All Garuda Indonesia international flights to operate from Terminal 3 in April) The transit hotel will be situated at the airport's terminal. With a capacity of 100 rooms, it will be managed by local hotel operator Horison Hotels Group. PT Angkasa Pura II also plans to develop an airport city in Kualanamu area and make the airport a terminal hub for international flights to reduce air traffic density at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. (jes/kes) What does it mean to be a community theatre? What does it mean to be an arts organization for the community?When we talk about community, and about arts organizations with deep commitments to their local communities that make a significant impact, we could certainly point to the Pillsbury House Theatre in Minneapolis as a paragon of community-minded arts organizations.The Pillsbury House Theatre is a hybrid organization, a professional arts organization in the Settlement House tradition of creating art in collaboration with the community and part of a larger human services organization called Pillsbury United Communities The Pillsbury House Theatre is housed inside a busy community center located at the intersection of four very diverse neighborhoods that services 24,000 each year. The center includes services like a healthcare clinic, HIV outreach, early childhood education and afterschool programs, summer camps, a bike shop run by homeless youth, and a variety of other resources and services. Art is integrated into all aspects of the facility so that everyone who comes through the doors has an experience with art, even if they dont realize it.Since 2000, Noel Raymond and Faye Price have been co-artistic directors of the theatre. In 2008 they also became co-center directors of the Pillsbury House, and they have been working intentionally to fully integrate the arts component with the human services component.One of the many ways in which they do this is through a program called Art Blocks , an opportunity for the organization to reach even deeper into the community and connect with their neighbors on a personal level through artistic activities that take the shape of neighborly social gatherings.Through Art Blocks, 27 artists who live in the four neighborhoods surrounding the center are paid to serve as block club leaders to create arts experiences for their neighbors and connect them to other arts opportunities in the neighborhood.Those connections are sustainable beyond [one-time arts] interventions, says Raymond.Mike Hoyt, creative community liaison with Pillsbury House, painted a growth chart on his fence, painting the heights of the kids in the neighborhood that shows their growth each year. He also created a gathering space in an open lot near his house with a little stage for performances and a giant smoker for neighborhood parties. Molly Van Avery , community coordinator for Pillsbury, is also an Art Blocks artist, and she hosts big Poetry and Pie picnics for her neighborhood.With the Art Blocks program there are events happening in the surrounding neighborhoods all the time with new ideas constantly bubbling up as a result, like the new Village of Hip Hop debuting this week that includes dance workshops, music from local DJs, a film presentation, and panel talks.The artists live here; we are not putting them here, says Price. We wanted to make sure these artists who lived in these neighborhoods didnt have to go outside of these neighborhoods to do their work.Raymond adds, A study showed that artists often left [here] to make their work; their visibility in their community and connection to neighbors suffered because they had to go outside of their community to do their work. Fostering that social connection and figuring out how to connect people to one another is part of our work in looking at how to make a community more vital. Art Blocks is not about us designing the programming, but asking how we can be a catalyst for connections that can be unleashed, then building connections that live on [with or without us].She says programs like Art Blocks increase access, attachment, and agency for everyone involved. Our theory is that this kind of a structure helps create those impacts.The Pillsbury House Theatre is also a professional theatre company and venue, hosting three main stage plays, two youth showcases, three pieces by emerging artists, and three late night productions each season.Kurt Kwan, Artistic Programs Associate, leads the anti-racism Breaking Ice program, creating original performances in a structured model to open up dialogue around race-related issues that are difficult for people to talk about, from the interpersonal to the institutional.For example, Raymond says, the issue of gentrification is a pressing one in Minneapolis. We created a show to talk about what that means and what displacement is, she says. We also help people talk about race [openly] in corporate environments.Their productions follow in the same vein, addressing issues that might make people uncomfortable, or in ways audiences are not accustomed to seeing.We tell stories other theatres dont often tell, stories of experiences that are often underrepresented or misrepresented, says Raymond.Their most recent main stage production, Scapegoat , took place in Elaine, Arkansas just before one of the deadliest racial confrontations in American history in 1919. It juxtaposed this historical narrative with that of a present-day interracial couple who find themselves in Elaine and dealing with the effect of history in our post-racial society.It exposes a history that is not known widely the scope and the horror of it juxtaposed with how we are now, explains Raymond. We did a lot of dialogue after the performance with community partners, and created installations in the building to extend the theme and dialogue of the show.At the heart of all of the work that the Pillsbury House Theatre does is its commitment to its community, whether that is participating in community development plans, offering microfunding grants, or organizing events like the Powderhorn PorchFest , a multi-venue event that takes place entirely on peoples front porches. Everything they do is intended to foster connections and strengthen the relationships between neighbors and build a stronger community around them, acting as an advocate for community members and engaging them directly in a multitude of meaningful ways.We work with folks who are often left out of the community process, so their voices are heard, says Raymond. Pillsbury House has a long-term history and accountability to our specific geographic community. We work with and see the same people who live in this community and have a responsibility to those 30,000 folks who live here.This article was reprinted with permission from Springboard for the Art's Creative Exchange Before you know it, the streets of Chinatown will be coming alive with the sights and sounds of the Lunar New Year. Here are some events to add to your calendar. On Sunday, Feb. 5, the Better Chinatown Society will be celebrating the Year of the Rooster with its 18th annual Lunar New Year Parade. The parade launches at 1 p.m. from Mott Street (near Hester Street) and snakes through the neighborhood before ending up at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. You can stay up to date on parade details here. On Saturday, Jan. 28 the Better Chinatown Society will be putting on its Firecracker Ceremony in Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Theyll start setting off the fire crackers at noon. the ceremony takes place in the playing courts at Grand Street. If you can find a spot, elbow yourself in among the crowds lined up on Forsyth or Chrystie streets for the best view. On Saturday, Feb. 11, Museum of Chinese in America is hosting its Lunar New Year Family Festival. There will be a lion dance, of course, arts & crafts, storytelling and food. The event goes from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and costs $12. More info on MOCAs website. At the India Today Conclave South, Venkaiah Naidu hinted that in the view of strong emotional connect of the people of Tamil Nadu with jallikattu, the Centre is mulling over a way out after the Supreme Court banned it. By India Today Web Desk: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today invoked Constitution amendment to nullify the Supreme Court order in the Shah Bano case as a possible way out to allow jallikattu, which was banned by the apex court recently. Venkaiah Naidu hinted that in the view of strong emotional connect of the people of Tamil Nadu with jallikattu, the Centre is mulling over a way out after the Supreme Court banned it. advertisement "We are getting suggestions (to amend the law). After all, we did it in the Shah Bano case," said Naidu adding, "But, we will have to see. We will have to discuss. We will have to weigh what court thinks." However, Naidu was non-committal about bringing an ordinance to deal with the Supreme Court order on Jallikattu, saying, "I am not dealing with the subject in the government." Speaking at the India Today Conclave South in Chennai, Venkaiah Naidu said, "Personally, I feel that Jallikattu is a traditional art. It is a traditional sport in Tamil Nadu. Nobody should have problem with this." But, Naidu also added, "I don't know whether I should be saying this as a minister." Shah Bano, a 62-year-old mother of five children from Madhya Pradesh, was divorced by her husband in 1978. Later, she filed a maintenance lawsuit against her ex-husband. In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled that Shah Bano was entitled to maintenance like any other Indian woman. But, this led to a huge uproar among the Muslim clerics. The then Rajiv Gandhi government amended the law by passing Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 to set aside the Shah Bano verdict of the Supreme Court. WHAT ELSE DID HE SAY: THINGS TO KNOW Venkaiah Naidu rejected the allegation of misuse of central agencies against political rivals, a charge leveled by several opposition leaders including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. On the question of Tamil Nadu's chief secretary being raided, Naidu said, "He is not a rival of the BJP or central government. He is an officer. I don't know whether he is still the chief secretary or not but he should not have leveled allegations. Other officers have condemned his statement." "In 2014, we got mandate to act against black money. We are implementing that mandate. If every corrupt, who is held starts saying that he is a politician or a bureaucrat, so he should not be touched, how will we fight corruption," asked the Union minister. On the question of the post-Jayalalithaa scenario in AIADMK and the Tamil Nadu government, Venkaiah Naidu said, "We work with the state government. Here, people elected AIADMK, which has selected O Panneerselvam as the Chief Minister. We will work with him." Naidu did not give a straight answer to the question about whether BJP favours Panneerselvam over Sasikala. "Any politicians with some experience or knowledge should not answer question of ifs and buts," said Naidu before adding, "You want to make a headline, giving me a deadline but I won't change my line," bringing laughter in the audience. advertisement ALSO READ | Congress in panic over overwhelming support to demonetisation: Venkaiah Naidu WATCH VIDEO HERE: M Venkaiah Naidu: Jallikattu is a traditional art --- ENDS --- At the India Today Conclave-South 2017, the young startup leaders were of the view that India has the potential to improve its ranking if government just eases the way business is being done in the administration. By India Today Web Desk: Startup is the buzz word in the Indian business circle. There is plethora of new age entrepreneurs, who are not afraid of treading the path, which was considered risky not very long ago. According to a Nasscom report, India is third ranked country after USA and Britain in terms of number startups having been floated. At the India Today Conclave South 2017, the young startup leaders were of the view that India has the potential to improve its ranking if government just eases the way business is being done in the administration. advertisement START UP LEADERS AT INDIA TODAY CONCLAVE: WHAT THEY SAID CEO and MD of Protea Medical Meena Ganesh said, "The government's role is to smoothen the path setting up startup, for doing business in the country. The government can make it easier for startup by easing tax norms." "Youth is not thinking about getting a job today. They are prepared to be out of job to think of an idea that can change the world," Meena Ganesh said. Some 6-7 years ago, the southern states started investing to create right kind of environment and that is why we see almost 50 per cent of the startups in the South, Meena Ganesh said. Matrimony.com CEO Murugavel Janakiraman said, "Unlike the past, money is available now in the market for start ups. But, a start up will succeed in right kind of environment. Many states in the south have encouraged startups. Tamil Nadu needs to do a lot in this regard. Rest of India should also focus on the same." Participating in a discussion on 'Start-up Zone: Lighting the entrepreneurial spark', Nasscom president R Chandrasekhar said, "The South succeed in having almost half of the startups of the county as it has strong presence of technology and an emerging sense of entrepreneurship. Responding to a query about Modi government and Niti Ayog's push for Stand Up India and Start Up India, Chandrashekhar said, "There is a lot of angel funds available for startups. I personally feel that governments are not capable of taking such decisions. It has to be largely funded by private capital." The Nasscom president also said the idea of startups needs to have wider reach. "Monopoly on idea is not urban monopoly. Rural India also has a lot to contribute towards this." --- ENDS --- Cathy Come Home Injury, unemployment, eviction, squats, shelters, social services homelessness. This is the desperate spiral depicted in Ken Loachs influential film,. First aired 50 years ago, the drama offers a graphic portrayal of the treatment of an ordinary family by public authorities, as they grapple with homelessness. Shelter Reflecting the public outrage at the films revelations, the pressure groupwas founded to raise awareness and campaign for reform. The same year saw the publication of one of the only government-sponsored surveys of homelessness in England, by the National Assistance Board (NAB). On the 50th anniversary of these three landmark events, its time to ask whether Cathy and her family would suffer the same tragedies today. The first count Were not shown what happens to Cathy after her children are taken by social services. In all likelihood, she would have joined the 965 people sleeping rough, which the NAB found in their one-night head count on December 6, 1965, of which only 45 were women. She could have become one of the 1,367 unaccommodated claimants of National Assistance, the precursor to our Jobseekers Allowance. That meagre provision might then have afforded her the occasional bed in one of the 567 commercial or charitable hostels and lodging houses, which housed 28,789 inhabitants, of which just 1,905 were women. Poor Law workhouses Free, public sector accommodation was limited to the NABs own reception centres a relic from the Victorian eras which housed 1,956 men at the time of the count. After computing these figures, the survey estimated that there were about 13,500 single homeless people in December 1965, the vast majority of whom would have been men. Ten years on 1977 Housing (Homeless Persons) Act makes housing a statutory right Cathy might have fared better a decade later. Tireless campaigning by Shelter and other charities finally bore fruit, in the form of the. The act is unique among Western states, because itfor certain people. The law obliges local authorities to provide permanent housing to families who are judged to be unintentionally homeless (or threatened with homelessness) and belong to a priority need group. These include families with dependent children or pregnant women. So, Cathy would have had housing rights up to the point where her children were removed by social services, although she would still need to prove that she had not become homeless intentionally, by being evicted from a private tenancy for failing to keep up rent payments. Despite several re-enactments, these laws have withstood Thatcherism, and today remain in more or less their original form. figures released Yet any expectations that the act has worked to eliminate homelessness today must be quickly disappointed. The methods used by the NAB to count homelessness have changed over time, which makes comparisons tricky. Butby the Department for Communities and Local Government, based on nightly head counts undertaken in the autumn of 2015, revealed 3,569 rough sleepers. This is double the number recorded in 2010, and nearly five times the figure quoted 50 years ago. Homeless Link Services have not expanded to cope. The NAB counted 34,596 available places in hostel accommodation in 1966. The charityrecorded 36,540 in 2014. An investigation Would Cathy still lose her children for being homeless in 2016?for Inside Housing revealed that 35 of the 106 councils that responded to their survey had taken at least one child into care during 2014/15, where the main reason was homelessness. This tells us that a third of councils are still pursuing this practice, 50 years after Cathy and nearly 40 years after legislation was supposed to make it unnecessary. Ray of hope Homelessness Reduction Bill Amid this darkening outlook, some hope rests with the, which is currently being debated in parliament. As it stands, the bill will oblige local authorities to assist all homeless people by assessing their situation, helping to prevent their homelessness where possible, or providing temporary accommodation for up to 56 days. most rapidly increasing trigger It also addresses theof homelessness: the shorthold tenancy. When a shorthold tenancy comes to an end usually after a period of six months the landlord can evict the tenant without any legal reason. The new bill requires that local authorities treat households as threatened with homelessness, as soon as an eviction notice is served. This means people like Cathy wont have to wait for the bailiffs to arrive before help is available. data on rough sleepers If the NAB enumerators were to repeat their survey today, they would be struck by how little has changed. Some comparisons are possible usingcompiled by the Mayor of Londons office. Compared with 50 years ago, todays rough sleeping population is younger, more female and more vulnerable. It has a greater proportion of foreign nationals, and as we have seen, it is larger and growing by the year. But unaffordable and insecure tenancies remain the primary reason that people are left without accommodation. The proposed legislation offers some hope, but its provisions are essentially reactive until politicians address the underlying causes, people like Cathy will continue to struggle. By Press Trust of India: Kathmandu, Jan 10 (PTI) A 22-year-old Indian woman tourist was today killed after a wild elephant attacked her inside a national park in Nepals Chitwan district. Sneha Kanpara was attacked by the tusker inside the Chitwan National Park, located some 200 km south of the capital city of Kathmandu, police was quoted as saying by the Himalayn Times. advertisement Kanpara was criticaly injured in the attack and she was rushed to the Bharatpur-based Chitwan Medical College, where she was declared brought. Meanwhile, other members of the Kanpara family from Gujarat managed to save themselves from the attack, police said. Wild elephants from the Chitwan National Park are regularly brought to the Breeding Centre for mating. PTI AMS ASK AMS --- ENDS --- We shouldnt care what our politicians look like, but scientists have revealed that we do and it means those on the right have the advantage. New research shows the best looking representatives in Europe, Australia and the US are on the right of the political spectrum, and this benefits them in certain types of election. The Swedish and German scientists proposed that beautiful people are likely to be right-wing because they earn more (which has already been shown in multiple studies), and so are more likely to be against the redistribution of wealth. Beautiful but sad Zac Goldsmith having just lost to the Lib Dems in the Richmond by-election (Yui Mok/PA) The scientists also found evidence that voters unconsciously associate beauty with being right-wing, especially in elections where theres little emphasis on policy (post-truth politics, anyone?). The researchers quizzed people and found that in general, right-wing politicians were better looking than those on the left in Europe, the US and Australia. Looking at election results, they found good looking politicians on the right had more than twice the beauty advantage than those on the left in elections where there was little discussion of policy. For general elections, where voters were bombarded with information, the benefits were about the same for both sides. Jacob Rees-Mogg, who despite an unconventional look, comes in at #6 on sexymps.co.uks best looking male list (Jonathan Brady/PA) The study also found that being good looking was particularly advantageous to new candidates, rather than current seat-holders. In 2010, researchers from Israel found better looking politicians got more TV coverage an obvious benefit when seeking re-election. sexy MP survey site Despite all this, Made In Chelsea star Francis Boulleshas Tories in just five of the top 10 places in its most attractive MPs lists, as voted for by the public. Should people be allowed to shop in their pyjamas? No. No, and no again. Wearing pyjamas in public crosses the line. This was the view of Chris Cooke, a man who complained to Tesco on its Facebook page about two customers casually wearing their pyjamas in a Salford store. Wearing pyjamas in public crosses the line. This was the view of Chris Cooke, a man who complained to Tesco on its Facebook page about two customers casually wearing their pyjamas in a Salford store. His post stated "please can you put a rule in place that people like this will not be served in your stores. Its bloody disgusting". Unsurpursingly, a barrage of abuse followed directed at Mr Cooke, with calls for him to be banned from shopping at Tesco. One of the main criticisms was that Mr Cookes original post was constituting a breach of privacy. But, the picture does not actually show the faces of the shoppers, knocking that argument into the long grass. Perhaps he could have held back his rant and opted instead for a humourous approach, but he didnt. Thats the point though: hes right. Wearing your pyjamas to do the weekly shop is not acceptable. When youre a customer in a shop you abide by the rules. Were well aware that a dinner jacket is essential in posh restaurants, so why shouldnt a similar dress code be in force on the high street? This is a problem which goes back to 2010, when a Tesco superstore introduced a dress code at one of its stores in (St Mellons, Cardiff). Store management back then realised this was a growing fashion trend, a bad one at that. If you want to stay in your dressing gown, fine by me, but get your shopping delivered to your home if washing and getting dressed is too much to ask. We have 'pyjama days' and 'crazy-hair days' at school or charity fundraisers because they are meant to be one-off occurrences, not an everyday ritual. Now, of course, people can get caught out. Thereve been times when Ive slipped a pair of mocasin slippers on instead of my usual brogues and popped into the local newsagents. But, never would I consider wandering around a supermarket floor with the latest onesie on. It does nothing more than send a message that you basically cant be bothered. The truth is that certain individuals cannot spare two minutes to find a semi-clean coat and a pair of jeans. Ill happily sleep or study in my pyjamas in my own home, but I can ensure you that if Im out and about Ill throw on something thats at least semi-respectable. Were now so embroiled in the concept of 'doing what we want' that we seem to be losing a lack of self-respect for ourselves and those around us. Sleep on that thought, but please make sure you get dressed afterwards. Some of Britains bars have a new shot on the menu the angel shot. The order at the bar isnt actually a kick start to a heavy nights drinking however, it is an alert to staff which could get women out of trouble. every restaurant needs to have this in the women's restroom pic.twitter.com/vvsE6NLWqK stephanie duran (@ItsSteephh) January 9, 2017 The drinks are supposed to protect women so that if they feel unsafe whilst on a date or things just dont feel quite right they can discreetly alert staff. In the example above thought to be from a bar in Florida bar staff can help the woman depending on the manner of drink they order. Asking for the shot neat will mean the bar staff will escort you to your car, with ice they will call you a lift and with lime the police. However, there are other forms of the service. For example an initiative in Lincolnshire asks women to ask for Angela at the bar if they are concerned about their safety. i saw this in a toilet and thought it was important and should be a thing everywhere not just lincolnshire !!!! pic.twitter.com/oO45I7gaJL strawberry girl (@iizzzzzi) October 18, 2016 For many the idea makes complete sense. this "angel shot" thing is really incredible and so important grace (@wiIdandunruly) January 10, 2017 However, some worry they may cause some confusion. this is amazing but i'd probably be the one who accidentally orders that angel shot without knowing the meaning https://t.co/G9iIczWbrf jen 47 (@harryabcs) January 9, 2017 Drunk Me: "What's an angel shot?!? That sounds good af!! I want one too!! Yall got secret menus n shit?! Lemme get an angel shot too bih!!!" pic.twitter.com/Yb2fpUsaFM Tora Shae (@BlackMajiik) January 10, 2017 Others are saddened that the system is necessary at all. It melts my heart that bars/clubs are coming out with angel shots and those alike to help woman Panda (@AmanduhhhD) January 9, 2017 that angel shot thing is really cool and good but I'm pissed off that it's even necessary snek mami (@LilCapricoon) January 9, 2017 Some sceptics think the publicity angel shots are getting is exactly what will undermine them I feel like that this "angel shot" was an awesome, sneaky date failsafe until they posted it all over social media. d a n b r a y (@thatdamnbray) January 9, 2017 2016 was a strange year - and it shows in our porn habits, according to Pornhub With a year of turmoil in politics and the release of Pokemon Go, its perhaps unsurprising that some unusual keywords were trending. Amid the deaths of beloved celebrities and the deterioration of governments, people were more than ever turning to the internet to relieve their stress. Last year a grand total of 92 billion videos were watched on Pornhub, at a rate of around four steamy vids per visitor, making it one of the sites busiest on record. So, whos watching all this porn? Its you. Or it could be, with the UK streaming the second most videos worldwide. Its you. Or it could be, with the UK streaming the second most videos worldwide. Were still wildly behind the US however, who managed to account for 40% of all Pornhub visits. Also featuring in the top five were Canada, India and Japan, who managed to leap up seven places since 2015s tally. For the second year running lesbian has claimed the top spot for most searched genre, with step-mom hot on its tail. Interestingly popular video game Overwatch has made its way into the list, with sex therapist Dr Laurie Betito noting: It appears that the trend is moving more toward fantasy than reality. Generic porn is being replaced with fantasy specific or scenario specific scenes. Is this as a result of boredom or curiosity? One thing is certain; the typical in-out, in-out no longer satisfies the masses, who are clearly looking for something different. This view is backed up by the statistics coming out of America, where the fifth most popular category was Cartoon - a genre that has gained interest worldwide over the year. Unsurprisingly, given our reliance on smartphones, the popular porn site has also noted a +1400% increase in mobile traffic since 2010. Despite the huge numbers, the average visit to the site lasted just over nine minutes, showing us once again that maybe timing really is everything. In a rare committee-stage vote, the House of Lords has passed an amendment to the controversial Higher Education Bill, effectively limiting the powers of new profit making education providers the government had intended to create. The measure passed by 27 votes, with 248 peers supporting the amendments and 221 voting against. While government ministers had argued that the reforms would up teaching quality by increasing competition, peers had voiced concerns that they would unacceptably commercialise the education sector. Labour peer Wilf Stevenson led the voices speaking out against the proposed reforms, writing when the amendment was first tabled: The purpose of our amendment is simple: the bill does not define a university and we think it is important that it does. We do not simply itemise some core functions of a university but also scope out the role, with implicit ideals of responsibility, engagement and public service. Proposals to allow for-profit organisations to award degrees were among the bills most debated measures. However other changes, such as the introduction of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which will allow universities to increase tuition fees in line with student satisfaction ratings, as of yet remain although strongly opposed by the National Union of Students, who are running a campaign to boycott the National Student Survey. This amendment marks the first of more than 500 tabled by the House of Lords, which will be debated over the course of the five further dates set for the committee stage, starting tomorrow and ending on January 25th. Images by Maurice and Jorge Royan Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. 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Namun jangan khawatir, disini sebagai situs slot gacor MGS88 kami akan memberikan penjelasan lengkap mengenai tentang istilah yang ada di RTP SLOT dibawah ini. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) India and Portugal have agreed to work out modalities for a co-production agreement in the Film Sector and also cooperation between their public broadcasters. In a meeting between Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore and Portugal Minister of Culture Luis Filipe Castro Mendes today, the possibility of Student Exchange programmes between educational institutions of both the countries, was also discussed. advertisement According to an official statement Rathore apprised the Portuguese Minister on the initiatives to provide Single Window clearances for Foreign Film Producers in the country through the Film Facilitation Office. He also highlighted the prestigious National Film Heritage Mission to digitise, restore and preserve the rich heritage of films in the country. Rathore also apprised the Portuguese Minister about the IIMC and FTII, the premier educational institutes in the field of Journalism and Film production respectively in the country. The scheduled meeting of Prime Minister of Portugal with the film fraternity at Goa on Thursday, organized by FICCI, was also discussed, the statement said. PTI ADS RCJ --- ENDS --- Is it rigged or is it not? This question has been on everyone's lips ever since the show's inception. The reality however still evades us. Bigg Boss: Is it rigged or is it not? By Parmita Uniyal: Every year evicted housemates and former contestants claim that everything on the show is fixed by the makers--be it the winner, the eliminations, or the drama quotient of the show. We did not take Priyanka Jagga seriously when she said, the show was fixed and she knew Bani Judge was a winner for a fact. But Bigg Boss 8 contestant Diandra Soares' claim has led to a fresh discussion on the much-controversial question. advertisement "Sab idhar fan wars mein lage hue hai, phir paise waste kar rahe hai. Udhar sab set hai andar se! Phaltu ke war. Enjoy the show? bas!" Diandra tweeted. Her tweet suggests that the winner of the show is chosen by Viacom and not by public voting. "Maybe not the whole show and the behaviour of the housemates, but definitely the winner @viacom18 will choose, right." "Salman aur hum sab ko paise milte hai. Time pass karne nahin jaate. Think sweetheart. Apply your brain where it matters most." she said. "People are voting??? Why??? Don't waste your money and time people," she wrote. Apart from Diandra and Priyanka, these former BB contestants have also accused the show of being rigged. Season 1: Kashmira Shah The talks of the show being not so real have been going on since Season 1, when Kashmira Shah, after coming out of the house, claimed that she was just playing her part of being a bitch in the house. Season 3: KRK KRK, who got kicked out of the house in Season 3, but later made a comeback as a wild card entry, had said that his stint on the show was pre-planned and he was supposed to show his "angry young man" side. He had also said that he was the highest paid contestant for displaying his troublemaker side. Season 4: Khali The Great Khali who was part of Bigg Boss 4 had said in an interview with a news channel that the show was fixed, including the fights and the eliminations. Season 9: Aman Verma Last season's contestant Aman Verma said that his six-week stay in the house was part of his deal witht he producers and he knew about his elimination well in advance. He also claimed that Season 9 winner Prince Narula's victory was fixed. Season 9: Suyyash Rai Apart from Aman, another Bigg Boss 9 contestant Suyyash Rai had hinted that the voting on the show was rigged. Season 9: Arvind Vegda Bigg Boss 9 contestant Arvind Vegda had said in an interview that he was ousted because he couldn't churn out controversies in his stint. --- ENDS --- Family Coloured Obstacle Challenge Start From: Saturday 4 February 2017, 03:00PM to Saturday 4 February 2017, 07:00PM Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. An activity filled afternoon for the whole family in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! Have fun with all the family completing a course featuring physical obstacles and brain teasers. Participants receive medals and goody bags! Everyone can enjoy the fantastic carnival atmosphere with food and drink stalls and music from DJ Tank! Sat. 4th February, 3 pm Royal Phuket Marina Adults 500 THB; Children (5-16) 300 THB; Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe After encounter of Ishrat Jahan, her mother, Shamima Kausar, who resides in Mumbra was given police security. Round the clock a policeman used to be present at their house. By Mustafa Shaikh: A notice from Thane district's Mumbra police has asked Ishrat Jahan's family to pay for the police security granted to them or file a reply saying whether they need the security or not. After Ishrat Jahan was killed in a police encounter in Gujarat, her mother, Shamima Kausar, who resides in Mumbra, was given round-the-clock police security. She was protected by a policeman who used to be present at the family home. advertisement Following a review meeting of security and state intelligence officials, it was decided that Shamima Kausar must pay Rs 1,723 per day for her security. The meeting took place on November 30 last year where she was also asked to clear the dues for three months. Also read: Ishrat Jahan's encounter was fake: Ali Anwar, JDU MP The Thane police said that there is a periodic meeting to review all cases where security is provided, and depending on the threat perception, a decision over whether a person should be provided with police security is taken depending o nthe "It has been found that Kausar doesn't have a imminent threat perception now and this security can be utilised for someone else hence we have given her a notice to pay up for security or it can be withdrawn," said an official from Thane police. Shamima has received police protection since 2004, after the alleged fake encounter of Ishrat Jahan by policemen in Gujarat. Also read: Ishrat Jahan was a Lashkar operative, says David Headley Ishrat's family believes otherwise. Her uncle Rauf Dada told India Today that they fear for Ishrat's mother and her two siblings. "Shamima Kausar is not keeping well these days. There is Ishrat's brother and sister who is yet to be married. We feel that the family is in danger, but he can't afford the charges attached with the security. So it's the decision of Thane police whether they want to provide us security or withdraw it," said Dada. Nineteen-year-old Ishrat Jahan and three others were killed in an alleged fake encounter in Gujarat in 2004. David Headley during a deposition in Mumbai court last year had said that Ishrat Jahan belonged to a terrorist organization. Also read: This is what has happened in Ishrat Jahan case since 2004 --- ENDS --- While the nation stands divided on whether or not Jalikattu should be banned, leading voices from Chennai weigh in. By Ananth Krishnan: Moderated by Consulting Editor, Rajdeep Sardesai, the last session of India Today Conclave South, served as a befitting finale to what was an insightful two-day-long event in entirety. Titled Women in Public Life: Battling Bias, the esteemed panel of the session commented on various topics including the conversation around Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport celebrated in Pongal, that is currently a hot topic of discussion in the country, owing to Supreme Court intervention in its relevance. advertisement Also Read: Pongal a holiday now in Tamil Nadu's central offices, jallikattu verdict awaited Khushboo Sundar: "It's not about tradition alone, its part of wrong misconceptions of people of the north. It's not bull fighting its bull embracing. Theconception the north has is absolutely wrong it has to go.The farmers are absolutely pro jallikattu and we should listen to them also." Suhasini Mani: "As someone seen it performed in a village, it is festive. But also male dominated. I will take the side of women, stay away and see in this fight who will win. I believe in animal rights and human rights violations too. I don't want either to be hurt." Leela Samson: "As a person connected so strongly to culture, I believe in traditions. But I'm a very strong animal rights [advocate]. I feel there is an element of cruelty to it which I personally don't like to watch. I wonder if we have taken the opinion of the other party involved - the animals." Dhanya Rajendra (editor in chief News Minute): "I've watched four jallikuttu. First three were very shocking. I see the conversation now is very divided. The fourth was with restrictions where one person was allowed inside. It was a very sober affair. Maybe that should be the path forward." RJ Balaji: "There should be certain rules and regulations. It's our tradition. Breeding of cattle is done predominantly by people in the villages. Frame rules, but don't ban a sport that's been there for hundreds of years." --- ENDS --- In an interview to Simi Garewal in 1999, J Jayalalithaa went on the record saying that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be suitable to play her on screen. By India Today Web Desk: Despite the fierce politician that J Jayalalithaa was, Puratchi Thalaivi Amma will forever be remembered for her beauty and charisma. Ever since Jayalalithaa's demise, much has been said about her biopic and the actor suitable to play her role on screen. Interestingly, in an interview to Simi Garewal in 1999, Jayalalithaa went on the record saying that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan would be suitable to play her on screen. ALSO READ: Benny Dayal at India Today Conclave- I am not a fan of my voice advertisement ALSO READ: Kamal Haasan reveals why left Bombay and returned to Tamil cinema ALSO READ: SS Rajamouli wants to direct Mahabharat Speaking about her biopic, Jayalalithaa had said, "Aishwarya Rai would be suitable to play me in my younger days, but then to play me as I am now (back then) or I am likely to be in the future, I think it would be a little difficult." Recently, the uncut version of the interview surfaced on Twitter. Guess who Jayalalithaa wanted to play her role in a film about her life? And guess who she thought was the most b'ful woman in the world? :) pic.twitter.com/qa4u23d7nx Vani (@RandomMusings98) January 5, 2017 It must be noted that Aishwarya Rai played the fictitious character Kalpana in ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam's Iruvar (1997), which was loosely based on Dravidian stalwarts MG Ramachandran and M Karunanidhi. Will Aishwarya Rai essay Amma? Well, we have to wait and see. Tamil actor Ramya Krishnan also expressed her desire to play Jayalalithaa if a biopic is made on the AIADMK leader. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK's undisputed leader Jayaram Jayalalitha passed away in Chennai's Apollo Hospital on December 5, 2016. She was 68. WATCH ALSO: SS Rajamouli says Baahubali 2 is bigger and better than Baahubali --- ENDS --- 212 center lane construction begins, project to be done mid-November Westbound Highway 212 traffic will temporarily be single lane so center turn lane pavement can be set. Left turns will be restricted. Afghanistan capital Kabul was rocked by two blasts today, in which at least 23 people have died. By India Today Web Desk: Afghanistan capital Kabul was rocked by two blasts today, in which at least 23 people died and over 20 people sustained injuries. It was a suicide bomb attack near the offices of the Afghan parliament in Kabul, said Saleem Rasouli, a senior health official. The attack was claimed by the Afghan Taliban, who are fighting to overthrow the Western-backed government and drive foreign soldiers from the country. advertisement With inputs from Reuters. ALSO READ | Twin bombings near Afghanistan's Defense Ministry kill 24 --- ENDS --- After winning 7 Golden Globes at this year's ceremony, La La Land has now bagged 11 BAFTA nominations. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in a still from La La Land By India Today Web Desk: After a golden run of winning seven honours at the 74th Golden Globe Awards, La La Land has received the maximum nominations for the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) with 11 nods. The Hollywood musical is up for Best Film, while its lead actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are up for Best Actor and Actress awards respectively at the gala, to be organised by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 12. advertisement Philosophical sci-fi film Arrival and Tom Ford's dark drama Nocturnal Animals have nine nominations each. Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake is up for both the Best Film and Best British Film awards. The drama received an additional nod for its screenplay while Hayley Squires, who plays a single mother in the film, is up for Best Supporting Actress. ALSO READ: La La Land Movie Review ALSO READ: La La Land sweeps Golden Globes 2017 with 7 awards! ALSO SEE: Golden Globes 2017 full list of winners Arrival, La La Land and I, Daniel Blake are joined in the Best Film category by Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight. Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has five nominations in all. Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Amy Adams and Natalie Portman compete in the Best Actress category, while Gosling and Andrew Garfield are in competition with Casey Affleck, Jake Gyllenhaal and Viggo Mortensen for the Best Actor award. Hugh Grant, who appears with Meryl Streep in Florence Foster Jenkins, is joined in the supporting actor category by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Dev Patel. "This Bafta nomination today truly means so much to me," Patel said in a statement. "My family is literally freaking out right now!" Naomie Harris is also shortlisted for the supporting Actress award for her work in independent film Moonlight. Viola Davis, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Williams received nominations in that category as well. Director Damien Chazelle (La La Land) is BAFTA-shortlisted in both the director and original screenplay categories. Kenneth Lonergan and Tom Ford also receive dual director and screenplay nods for Manchester By The Sea and Nocturnal Animals respectively. Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) joins Chazelle, Ford, Loach and Lonergan in the Best Director category. The Disney studio dominates the animated film category, scoring three of the four nominations with Finding Dory, Moana and Zootropolis. The nominations follow last week's unveiling of the five actors in contention for this year's Rising Star prize. A public vote will decide whether Laia Costa, Lucas Hedges, Tom Holland, Ruth Negga or Anya Taylor-Joy receive the award. This year's nominations were announced by Dominic Cooper and Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner at BAFTA's central London headquarter on Tuesday (January 10). advertisement Cooper said he could understand why people were "raving" about La La Land, praising its "gorgeous, skillful performances". Amanda Berry, chief executive of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, said it had been "a really exciting year for films". ALSO WATCH: Priyanka Chopra exudes elegance on the Golden Globes 2017 red carpet --- ENDS --- Veteran actor Tom Alter has taken on a role as celebrated author Ruskin Bond in a new short film, its maker Bhargav Saikia has revealed. Saikia, whose Kashmir-set independent thriller production "Kaafiron Ki Namaaz" and horror short film "Awakenings" was widely acclaimed, is happy to welcome the actor on board for his new project, which narrates one of Bond's short stories. The director-producer did not wish to name which story of the noted author he has picked to translate to the screen. Talking about roping in Tom Alter for the role, Saikia told that his extensive acting experience in films, theatre and television, and his close friendship with the author, will be an asset to the film. While Saikia is looking forward to a "fruitful collaboration" with the actor, he is happy that he has Bond's support for the film too. "I met Ruskin Bond sir in Landour (near Mussoorie) last year and he was very kind to grant me the permission to make a short film on one of his stories," Saikia said and clarified that his film is not a biopic on Ruskin Bond. Other cast members of the project are yet to be revealed. India's much-loved author, Ruskin Bond, is 82 and continues to enthral readers with his stories, mostly themed on nature. Earlier, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj had adapted two of his stories for the film medium. The films made were "The Blue Umbrella" and "7 Khoon Maaf". Cultural heritage is quite important as it not only reflects our past journeys but also forms the basis of our present and future development. Thus, its protection should be an important task of our society. Sadly, the events happening in this century reveal that there is a great threat to cultural heritage worldwide from natural disasters to armed conflicts. Keeping in view the importance of saving our heritage, the department of lifelong learning, University of Jammu, organised an extension lecture on the theme Protecting cultural heritage in times of disasters and conflicts by Aparna Tandon, project specialist, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, Italy, last week. Tandon who is working with ICCROM, a United Nations body based in Rome, is leading its international capacity development programme on disaster risk management and its flagship training on First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis. Speaking about the need for preserving cultural heritage and the efforts of ICCROM to educate local people on methods of preservation, Tandon informed that 42 million life years have been lost due to disasters, as per a UN study. Around 1.2 billion people live in conflict afflicted and fragile areas and the UN Refugee agency says 18.1 million refugees are registered. Disasters, she said, can result from a complete interaction of hazards, exposure and vulnerability. She said conflicts and disasters impact cultural heritage (both formally protected and unlisted). Culture cannot wait. For communities uprooted by disasters, culture, in both its tangible and intangible forms, provides a thread of continuity and helps in overcoming the trauma of loss and displacement. Therefore, it cannot be separated from humanitarian assistance. Increased community awareness of its cultural heritage helps in defining and promoting cultural identity. Yet internal conflicts rooted in competing claims about identity and ownership can result in the destruction of cultural property as witnessed in the erstwhile Yugoslavia and closer home, the demolition of the 16th century Babari Masjid in Ayodhya. She added that the preservation of heritage in areas of conflict encompasses challenges that extend far beyond technical ones. Sustainable preservation mechanisms for such sites can only be developed by building consensus among the different stakeholders, thereby ensuring their active participation. Tandon who has worked extensively in regions like Syria, Iraq, Nepal, Philippines et al, addressed several questions including if it is possible to save cultural heritage from the intentional targeting that we are witnessing in Syria and Iraq. Or in the aftermath of large-scale natural disasters such as the Nepal earthquake or the Kashmir floods, how can cultural heritage be recovered quickly and effectively? Tandon also discussed in detail that the First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis aims to equip proactive cultural first aiders with the necessary skills and knowledge to work with communities and other mainstream emergency actors to protect cultural heritage amid an unfolding crisis situation. She made a strong case for community involvement in preventing and responding to the destruction of the composite heritage of the region adding that to mobilise community support, the government agencies concerned, in coordination with non-governmental organisations and the armed forces, need to assert the collective and inter-generational character of heritage. Workshops involving policy-makers, separatists, heritage professionals and the community need to be organised to create greater awareness of the emergency situations, which threaten cultural property and to develop mechanisms for preventing and responding to identified risks, Tandon said. She added that heritage sites and collections of cultural heritage artifacts continue to be threatened by acts of terrorism, fire, vandalism, theft, looting and illicit trafficking. The lack of guidelines and absence of networks between different organisations responsible for emergency preparedness and response have increased the risks even further. Through the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Centre at Sharjah, Tandon has led workshops for protecting cultural heritage in conflict-afflicted countries that include Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Sudan and South Sudan. Faculty members of DLL, department of education, JU, students of Masters in rural development, research scholars from the department of education, students from the department of psychology attended the programme. Shikha Mahajan conducted it while Karan Pradhan presented the vote of thanks. Reading, contrary to reports, is not dead. In fact, its very far from it. Brazilian author Paulo Coelho has legions of readers. His best-known book The Alchemist, the story of a young Andalusian shepherd on a personal quest, spent almost eight years two presidential election cycles -on the bestseller lists. It was translated into 81 languages. But The Alchemist is only one of Coelhos more than 30 works. The Spy came out in November last year. All told, the writer has sold an estimated 350 million books. Yes, books, those dead-tree, multi-page objects that people were supposed to have long ago abandoned for screens large and small. And Coelho has company. Horror master Stephen King, with more than 50 titles, has also sold an estimated 350 million books. Dan Brown has millions of readers as well. The Da Vinci Code alone sold 80 million copies. Books such as John Grishams The Whistler and Kings End of Watch are now doing great business. There are best-selling authors, and then there are mega-best-selling authors writers who have sold 100 million copies or more, such as Ken Follett, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stephenie Meyer. And there may be more of them now than ever. We live in a time of disruption in entertainment, when many people no longer go to the movies or buy CDs or watch television on television, and younger generations seek amusement largely through their phones. Yet there are still people who buy countless books, often by authors who dont so much visit the bestseller list as dwell there. Mega-best-selling authors dont just have readers. They have fans, the way rock stars have fans. Their readers are collectors, determined to own every title. They make pilgrimages to author events often, as in the case of Nicholas Sparks, in tears. These authors books are sold everywhere in discount warehouses, at drugstores and even supermarkets. They're as much a staple of airport stalls as those curious neck pillows. Their astonishing sales are, in part, due to improved technology e-books and the speed of printing and distribution. Not so long ago, booksellers and readers often had to gasp wait for additional printings of a runaway hit novel. Today, if you want a copy of Pattersons Cross the Line or Sparkss Two by Two and the local bookstore is out of stock, you can download an e-book in minutes or order a hardcover from Amazon to grace your doorstep the next day. Or your neighbourhood bookseller can generally get a copy by the weeks end. The success of these works can also be attributed to the cumulative power of the international marketplace, although because of multiple foreign imprints and varying publishing formats (hardcover, paperback, e-books) total worldwide sales can only be estimated. The mega-sellers ranks include romance writers (Roberts, Danielle Steele, Debbie Macomber), a goosebumpy spinner of creepy stories for children (RL Stine), a laureate of love (Sparks, who eschews the romance label), a Muggle of British wizardry (JK Rowling, selling more than an estimated 450 million books), a provocateur of shades of kink (EL James) and, more than any other genre, practitioners of suspense and thrills (Grisham, King, Brown, Dean Koontz, Jeffrey Archer, David Baldacci and Mary Higgins Clark). Elite readers may scoff at consistent best-selling writers as few of whom will ever win coveted awards or land on best of-the-year lists. But tent-pole authors are the powerful engines that keep publishing houses profitable and able to float authors who win acclaim but not necessarily large sales. How do you get to be a blockbuster author? Typing is not enough, though some of these novels certainly read that way. The writing quality and storytelling vary tremendously, but there are some similarities among hit writers. Chiefly, they're extraordinarily productive. They publish with Swiss-clock regularity once a year, twice a year, monthly if its Patterson, whos an industry unto himself, with a stable of writers working for him. Or Robert Ludlum, who continues to publish his Bourne series and other books long after his death in 2001, thanks to multiple authors writing under his name. You cant be a one or two-book wonder, says Jamie Raab, president and publisher of Grand Central Publishing, which acquired Sparkss The Notebook. Authors like Sparks tend to attract a lot of readers at the beginning, and then keep them, says Raab, whose imprint also publishes Baldacci. They give the reader what they like. Moreover, Sparks is very strategic. He know how to keep his core fan base, says Raab. Hell write younger characters, which brings in younger readers. In the same strategic fashion, Kings Charlie the Choo-Choo, Grishams, Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer series and Pattersons Middle School and Treasure Hunters series are geared to younger readers who have a tendency to grow up to become adult buyers. The big writers rarely take their popularity for granted. They go where the readers are and continue to make appearances long after theyve become established and wildly wealthy superstars. In June, for End of Watch, King toured Dayton, Ohio; Tulsa; and Salt Lake City, places that more literary authors tend to fly over while in the US. Mega-sellers also maintain thriving websites and a massive presence on social media. Brown, for instance, has 6.5 million likes on his Facebook page. Most of all, though, the top sellers deliver a terrific story. In their novels, especially thrillers and science fiction, plot is paramount. The heroes tend to be relatable shy, clumsy, anxious, myopic, in recovery, short-tempered, middle-class, broke but their stories are fantastic, over the top, a wild ride and a welcome escape from a readers quotidian life. In romance, the love is for the ages, destined, the opposite of casual. The story does not bog down with the challenge of dirty dishes or tax audits. You cant underestimate the value of entertainment that these guys are delivering, says Suzanne Herz, executive vice president of Doubleday, which publishes Grisham and Brown. Theres usually a David-versus-Goliath theme. You want the hero to come out on top. Thats because the heroes are worth rooting for. Scribner publisher Nan Graham edits King. One of the things that makes Steve so exceptional is he navigates the line between the common and the supernatural, but he always begins with a common man, she says. Many of his heroes are working-class. Theyre absolutely from the heartland of America. Reagan Arthur, publisher of Little Brown, whose authors include Patterson, Meyer and Michael Connelly (60 million books and climbing), agrees. The top writers heroes have a reliability that readers come back to while delivering a story that is a source of escapism, she says. You can also never underestimate the power of a really good villain, someone the reader can root against. Is this easy to pull off? No, it is not. If it were, more authors would sell millions of books. Little-known writer Mark Stay and self-described wannabe author Mark Desvaux are currently trying to produce a hit book in 52 weeks, a dream they are chronicling on their blog and interview podcast (where they talk to better-known writers), The Bestseller Experiment. Success doesnt always come with a first book. Gillian Flynn published two mysteries before her monster hit Gone Girl, which sold more than 15 million copies. Nor is there any guarantee that it can be repeated. Publishers are anxious to see whether Paula Hawkinss new thriller Into the Water, to be published in May, will prove equal to Girl on a Train, which sold more than 18 million copies. I dont think its a realistic expectation that an author can duplicate a singular moment in time, says Jason Kaufman, Browns editor. Its like an all-star baseball pitcher winning the Cy Young Award and the World Series. You can have a 20-year career, and you may never do that. Then again, sometimes they do. King is determined not to disappoint, says Graham. In 20 years of working with him, we've never had a Stephen King book thats not on the list. At age 69, he keeps writing and writing. He didnt sell 350 million books through wishful thinking or banking on the prior success of Misery or The Green Mile. Last year, he published what might take another author a decade or more to produce a novel, a contribution to an essay collection, a children's book and two short stories. Hell have another novel this year. They're all a sure way to keep King a king among readers, and have him dancing atop the bestseller list where he lives. (The Independent) With the affect of demonetisation, the cash handling in fees is troubling all the stakeholders like schools and fee collection facilitators. Globally, the countries with most number of schools have moved towards digital inclusion from 2007 onwards with phenomenon success rates. It was about time, that the country with the highest number of schools caught up with this inclusion. most private schools in India opting for quarterly fee payments, which is about 25 per cent of the Central Board of Secondary Education schools, the average fees of an urban K-12 student being 5,000 per month, the handling of Rs 15,000 in cash is both cumbersome as well as risk-prone. As per the CBSE guidelines, schools are going digital and this can avoid standing in long queues. It will have 24/7 access to fee account that gives an option to pay at the convenient time which is a boon for the working urban class parents. Payments through mobile are becoming easier day by day, hence payments on the go makes it even more convenient. With the effect of digitalisation, schools will be benefiting from reduced administration time and direct cost savings. All transactions will have a clear audit trail, and the payments can be tracked easily without any room for error. Bouncing cheques, cash reconciliation issues, dependence on human error, all will be things of the part. Schools will also begin to realise, the saving up on the time spent on chasing up payments will outweigh the initial cost of migration to online modes of payments. Teachers will be free from handling cash envelopes and classroom collections. About 90 per cent of the after school hours includes payment reconciliation and assessing student work. Streamlining the auxiliary functions and outsourcing these to fee payment vendors will also help schools focus on academic outcomes and channel the resources on promotion of skills in students. Cash has been accepted as a legal tender since the 17th century, and it has been persistent enough to stick round, while a lot of other information goods have gone digital. Its been only recently that the road to a wider cashless society has started to really take shape. PayPal, Square Cash Kenyas mpesa, Bangladeshs bKash, PayU Money, PayTM all have been spearheading towards a cashless economy in respective countries. Fastudent, an ecommerce tech enabler for schools, also helps schools get their fee payments integrated in a click making the non-cash transactions through the e-wallet, online payments, credit card swipe on delivery and even the cheque pickups. CBSE has been taking actions in making endeavours to enhance the transparency of fund usage within the education system. Schools hold a major key in stepping towards a cashless economy. The mandatory disclosures announced three months back would help give transparency to the funds usage under different headers from the number of taps to fee break-up, Wi-Fi speed, admission results, reserve funds and balance sheets. In coming times, in line with the global precedents, educational supplies entailing all goods purchased from or for school will be needed a platform to facilitate seamless and transparent school-student transactions. For those schools lagging in their digital evolution, the path to cashless nirvana is through investing in digital inclusion first. (THE WRITER IS CO- FOUNDER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, FASTUDENT.COM) Traders took aggressive long positions on Tuesday, making Indian shares the best performing in Asia, as the earnings season kicked off on a strong note. Metals led the advance along with capital goods and banking shares. The Nifty remained in an uptrend throughout the session, gaining 53 points at 8,289 points as it cemented the support level of 8,250 points further. It was the best performing index in Asia and the top performer after its Russian peer. Here are the major trading events of the day: * The Nifty closes near the high point of the day, 8,291 points. The index is consolidating at 8-week highs as investors buy into potential winners in Prime Minister Modi's demonetization drive. * Private sector lender IndusInd Bank was the first to kick off third quarter earnings. The bank reported a 29 per cent rise in net profit to 750 crore rupees for the quarter ended December. Similarly, Net Interest Income jumped 35 per cent to 1,578 crore rupees. Non performing assets both on the gross and the net level dropped. As a consequence, the stock rose 5.75 rupees to 1,165 rupees. * Hindalco, Adani Ports, Tata Motors and Tata Steel rose between 2.4-4.5 per cent and were among 35 shares that gained on the Nifty. * Axis Bank, Grasim, ACC, Dr. Reddy's and Cipla lost between 0.5-1.1 per cent and were among 15 stocks that slipped on the index. * The Sensex added 173 points to quote at 26,900 points on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Asian Paints, ITC and Wipro showed modest buying trends while Hindustan Unilever, NTPC and Lupin slipped just a bit. HDFC Bank was the top traded share by value on the Sensex. * Infosys, Axis Bank and Tata Motors were the top traded stocks by value on the NSE. * Hindalco, IFCI, Engineers India and Bajaj Hindusthan saw heavy volume based trading activity. * FMCG stocks showed a mixed trend with heavy delivery based activity seen on front liners. While Dabur and ITC rose, Hindustan Unilever and Britannia dropped on delivery based selling. * Strong delivery based trading was witnessed on BEML, Granules India and IDFC as well. * Broader market indices showed smart traction, gaining between 0.6-1.1 per cent. * The trend was positive in the sectoral space with gains ranging from 0.2-1.3 per cent. Sharp upticks were seen on Metals, IT, FMCG auto and banking shares. * Overall, 1,666 shares advanced on the BSE while 1,148 stocks dipped. It is a combination of lower production forecasts, higher demand for the commodity and firm international prices that are driving sugar companies higher on Dalal Street. While the overall markets are consolidating in a narrow trading range, sugar stocks are getting fatter by the day as analysts predict a lower sugar output and mandis report higher sales of the sweetener. Overall 34 sugar stocks rose compared with just 3 that fell on the National Stock Exchange. Hopes that the government will not tweak the 40 percent import duty on the commodity are also making the bulls more confident on sugar companies. As a consequence, sugar has been on an uptrend over the last two weeks on the commodity bourses. Prices gained by between 50-60 rupees a quintal in the mandi at Mumbai as offtake from consumers rose during the wedding season. Global prices of the sweetener have surged nearly 10 per cent in the past two weeks. Meanwhile, the heaviest gains were reserved for sugar companies based out of Uttar Pradesh, which is soon headed for local elections. Analysts expect politicians to keep the business environment positive ahead of the 7-phase voting, which is slated between February 11 and March 8. Here are some stock prices in trade today: Piccadilly Sugar surged 9.6 per cent to 10.95 rupees. Triveni Sugars jumped 7.5 per cent to 73.10 rupees. Mawana Sugars gained 7.1 per cent to 57.70 rupees. Upper Ganges Sugar rose 5 per cent to 375 rupees. Sector leaders Balrampur Chini was up 2.9 per cent to 140.45 rupees. Dhampur Sugars advanced 5.4 per cent to 172.25 rupees and Shree Renuka Sugars advanced 4.9 per cent to 16 rupees. In a major breakthrough, Manipur Police have identified the militant group that had been threatening local editors. On December 26, a hand grenade was left in the office of the Pandam News evening daily with a note saying that it was a "new year gift to the editors". This triggered a 24-hour cease-work strike by the local scribes on December 27. Police late on Monday arrested Mohen Kangabam, 63, an active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Lamyanba Khuman), a proscribed militant outfit, and recovered some extortion letters and incriminating items from his house. The threats were carried out by Corcom, an apex body of six outfits, a spokesperson for the para-military Assam Rifles here said. "Mohen has confessed to his crime. He disclosed that he planted the hand grenade under the orders of L. Mangoljao aka Lamyanba Khuman, the commander-in-chief of the outfit, believed to be hiding now in Nepal," police said. The special search operation was conducted under the supervision of S. Ibomcha, Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations), Imphal West. P. Labango Mangang, Editor of Kangla Pao evening newspaper, told IANS on Tuesday that the Editors' Guild Manipur is yet to get an official statement from the police. "Our appeal is that armed persons and others should not harass the scribes who are working amid constraints in this insurgency-affected state. We should be allowed to discharge our duty freely," he added. Security was tightened in the district following reports that extortion threats may be made to the candidates in the coming elections, police said. After a golden run of winning seven honours at the 74th Golden Globe Awards in the US, La La Land has received maximum nominations for the British Academy Film Awards with 11 nods. The Hollywood musical is up for Best Film, while its lead actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are up for Best Actor and Actress awards at the gala, to be organised by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall here on February 12, reports bbc.com. Philosophical sci-fi film Arrival and Tom Ford's dark drama Nocturnal Animals have nine nominations. Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake is up for both the Best Film and Best British Film awards. The drama received an additional nod for its screenplay while Hayley Squires, who plays a single mother in the film, is up for Best Supporting Actress. Arrival, La La Land and I, Daniel Blake are joined in the Best Film category by Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight. Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has five nominations in all. Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Amy Adams and Natalie Portman compete in the Best Actress category, while Gosling and Andrew Garfield are in competition with Casey Affleck, Jake Gyllenhaal and Viggo Mortensen for the Best Actor award. Hugh Grant, who appears with Streep in Florence Foster Jenkins, is joined in the supporting actor category by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Dev Patel. "This Bafta nomination today truly means so much to me," Patel said in a statement. "My family is literally freaking out right now!" Naomie Harris is also shortlisted for the supporting Actress ward for her work in independent film Moonlight. Viola Davis, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Williams received nominations in that category as well. Director Damien Chazelle ("La La Land") is BAFTA-shortlisted in both the director and original screenplay categories. Kenneth Lonergan and Tom Ford also receive dual director and screenplay nods for Manchester By The Sea and Nocturnal Animals respectively. Denis Villeneuve ("Arrival") joins Chazelle, Ford, Loach and Lonergan in the Best Director category. The Disney studio dominates the animated film category, scoring three of the four nominations with Finding Dory, Moana and Zootropolis. The nominations follow last week's unveiling of the five actors in contention for this year's Rising Star prize. A public vote will decide whether Laia Costa, Lucas Hedges, Tom Holland, Ruth Negga or Anya Taylor-Joy receive the award. This year's nominations were announced by Dominic Cooper and Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner at BAFTA's central London headquarter on Tuesday. Cooper said he could understand why people were "raving" about La La Land, praising its "gorgeous, skilful performances". Amanda Berry, chief executive of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, said it had been "a really exciting year for films". By Press Trust of India: From Gurdip Singh Singapore, Jan 10 (PTI) Sri Lanka is keen to establish a tripartite arrangement for trade and investment with India and Singapore, its Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Harsha de Silva has said. Sri Lanka aims to conclude Economic Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) with India for services this year, and is negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore, Silva said. advertisement "The ETCA will enhance the scope of our existing India-Sri Lanka FTA to extend freer movement of goods and services with the added emphasis on cooperation in the development of technology and in investments," he said at The Indian Ocean forum organised by the Institute of South Asian Studies yesterday. The three trade pacts, including India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, will enable South Asia and Singapore to establish a tripartite arrangement for trade and investments, he said. He went on to highlight Sri Lankas goal to boost exports to USD 20 billion by 2020. The geo-political realities require that Sri Lanka builds strong bilateral relations with Bay of Bengal members of ASEAN, in addition to its fellow South Asian members, he said. "In addition, we cannot be content with our traditional markets, and we must look beyond for new opportunities," said de Silva. Sri Lanka is supporting Chinaa One Belt - One Road economic initiative, in line with the major historical role it played in the Maritime Silk Route. "This will consolidate our position to become the hub of the Indian Ocean while further integrating us with the Asian markets," said de Silva. PTI GS SUA AKJ SUA --- ENDS --- Mathematicians of highest order, from India and abroad, met to shed light on the domain of digits at the 82nd annual conference of Indian Mathematical Society held at the University of Kalyani, recently. The IMS conference was a rare occasion that Bengal had witnessed for the first time in1973 when Jadavpur University had hosted the programme. Forty-three-years down the line this was the second chance to meet the torchbearers of higher learning in the field of mathematics. Scholars from state and central universities, IITs and other reputed institutes presented their research papers while experts in this field delivered lectures on a number of topics. In addition to this, it unfolded a lot more as the four day-long event progressed with scholars-guide interaction, symposia and selected talks by renowned mathematicians. The vice-chancellor of Kalyani University, Shankar Kumar Ghosh lit the inaugural lamp while the IMS President, Dr DV Pai of IIT, Gandhinagar and Professor Sanjib Kumar Datta of the department of mathematics under Kalyani University opened the conference. Conceived as a national forum for higher standard of education, the Indian Mathematical Society was founded by V Ramswami Aiyar along with 20 other members in 1907. IMS, which has its registered office at the department of mathematics, University of Pune, is the oldest science society in India, said Professor N K Thakare, secretary of IMS. Dr Pai in his inaugural address claimed that the number zero and decimal place value system were Indias contribution to world mathematics. He stated that the countrys share of world research in mathematical sciences improved from 0.1 per cent to around four per cent in the last century and some fields like probability and mathematical statistics, the percentage was as high as 12 to 15 per cent. He observed that though India was moving in the right direction in terms of quantity, but quality of research was not up to the mark as most universities do not require course-work for their PhD programmes. Programmes like the Advances Training in Mathematics sponsored by the National Board of Higher Mathematics and the National Programme on Differential Equations are playing rightful role for quality attainment. Apart from recalling outstanding contributions like Srinivasa Ramanujan, the IMS chief presented a brief overview of Indias journey through Vedic mathematics, Jain mathematics, Kerala School of Mathematics and several others in developing the subject as an academic discipline followed globally. Dr Pai also recounted contribution of professional societies like the Calcutta Mathematical Society which was founded in 1908. The first set of PhD thesis in India came from this university in the 20th century that contributed to the foundation of the Operation Research Society of India. The speakers mentioned that with at least 700 universities comprising state, central and private varsities, and 16 IITs to be backed by six more new IITs coming up at Tirupati, Palakkad, Jammu, Chhatisgarh, Goa and Dharwar, is ready to move steadily with the future of mathematics research. The IMS heads also appreciated the central governments initiative to establish five Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research in Kolkata, Pune, Mohali, Bhopal, Thiruvanantapuram. Three more IISERs are coming up at Tirupathi, Berhampore of Odisha and Nagaland, the officials informed. The speakers expressed concern about the current status of applied mathematics. In India applied mathematics is lagging and even in the field of pure mathematics, the available number of well-trained student and researchers is still a matter of concern. The prime attraction was plenary lecture on the topic Fourier series: myths, facts and applications. Professor Hrushikesh Mhaskar of Claremont Graduate University at Claremont, USA delivered the plenary talk. There are several memorial awards in the names of mathematics legends like PL Bhatnagar, Srinivasa Ramanujan, V Ramswami Iyer, Hansraj Gupta and Ganesh Prasad. The memorial lectures were delivered by Prof GP Raja Sekhar of IIT Kharagpur, Prof Eknath Ghate of TIFR, Mumbai, Prof CS Arvinda of TIFR-CAM, Bangalore and Prof Neena Gupta of ISI, Kolkata. The status of Bengal in higher mathematics was far from satisfactory because none of the research scholars who presented papers could win an IMS award. Two scholars who received the awards were Somnath Paul from Tezpur University and Mukta Garg from University of Delhi. The conference came up with a number of publications like souvenir containing the history of IMS and its previous programmes including its silver jubilee celebration inaugurated by former Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru at Allahabad. The souvenir also recorded account of union government releasing postage stamp on IMS in a gesture to recognise the societys contribution in higher education. It also published a commemorative booklet focusing on a recorded conversion between the Nobel laureate Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore and Albert Einstein, the scientist known for his theory of relativity. The meeting proposed some collaboration between the IMS and the University of Kalyani for betterment of research, teaching and learning in mathematics. The VC said he was open to the idea of developing skills of university students with rural background and it would be helpful if the IMS researchers develop apps to be used by parents of school students. In order to improve the status of higher mathematics learning and research culture in India, the central government needs to form an independent council by assimilating all the bodies working in the field of mathematics research and study. Higher education should be the prerogative of the government as state universities do not get enough funds which are released for central universities, said Thakare. The state government officials observed that the conference was the biggest of its kind in India. On behalf of the local representative, the sub-divisional officer of Kalyani, Swapan Kundu remarked that the conference was a Kumbhmela (the holy congregation) of mathematicians. India and Rwanda on Tuesday said that countries supporting terrorism need to be isolated, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rwandan President Paul Kagame here. "Terrorism is the single-biggest global threat to civil societies" and there was a need to isolate countries which support cross-border terrorism, said a joint declaration here. Kagame is on a two-day visit to India which began on Monday. This is his first official visit to India. India and Rwanda agreed to "collaborate closely on counter-terrorism cooperation, including blocking financing of terrorist activities, removing safe havens for terrorists and preventing money laundering", the declaration said. The declaration further appreciated "the role played by both countries in the field of international peace and security by committing regularly to various UN peacekeeping missions". The Declaration on Strategic Partnership was issued after delegation-level talks between Modi and Kagame. "Mindful of shared common values and mutual respect for each other" the declaration called for "sharing the common goal of rapid economic development, enhancing global peace, ensuring security and eliminating the menace of cross-border terrorism". The two nations expressed satisfaction over the broad-based bilateral cooperation spanning over the past two decades. Both countries recognised that they "are gateways to their respective regions and taking into account India's growing engagement with the African continent" acknowledged its role as an important partner for Africa's development. The two country resolved to maximise their economic potential to reflect the ongoing transformation of their economies and the global economic order. Both countries further declared they would double bilateral trade in five years, cooperate to promote investments in mutually-beneficial projects and promote people-to-people exchanges, especially in movement of professionals in areas like information technology, teaching, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Amid unease in the Indian establishment over Pakistan warming up to Russia, Moscow on Monday conveyed to India it is "fully committed" to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders discussed strategic issues and continued progress in the civil nuclear energy sector. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister is leading an over 60-member delegation to the four-day 'Vibrant Gujarat' summit beginning here. "Rogozin observed that the bilateral India-Russia Summit and the BRICS meeting in Goa were very successful and the Russian leadership was fully committed to further strengthening the strategic partnership with India," official sources said. The meeting between Modi and Rogozin took place amid greater global focus on Russia, particularly after US President-elect Donald Trump indicated that US' ties with Russia may see a transformation. There has been unease among some quarters in New Delhi over Pakistan's efforts to have closer ties with Russia. "Discussions covered various areas of the India-Russia strategic partnership. This included the Rosneft's investment in the Vadinar refinery, cooperation in the automobile sector, discussions on cooperation between Astrakhan region and its sister state of Gujarat," the sources said. They said Modi obsevered that the 70-year-old bilateral relationship was on an upward trajectory, aided by his frequent meetings with President Vladimir Putin. Rogozin reiterated President Putin's invitation to Modi to visit Russia later this year which the PM accepted, they said. In the meeting, Modi offered condolences on the dastardly killing of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey and loss of lives in the recent air crash of a Russian airliner. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister conveyed special greetings of President Putin and Prime Minister Dimitri Medvedev to Modi. The meeting also discussed proposed visit of the Russian Industry Minister to Delhi in March. "The Prime Minister welcomed increasing Russian investment in various states of India. Specifically in the context of Gujarat, he said India and Russia should strengthen cooperation in the areas of diamond cutting and polishing, dairy production, and the automobile sector," the sources said. Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry, is on a collision course with Chief Minister V Narayanasamy; and political parties in the Union Territory, both ruling and opposition, are united in demanding her recall. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been apprised of her rigidly autocratic, unethical, whimsical and dictatorial style of running the administration by overlooking the popularly elected government, in a memorandum submitted to him. Bedi, however, is firm that she will demit office only on 29 May 2018, when she completes two years as L-G. In the mid-summer election to the Puducherry Assembly, the Congress, in alliance with the DMK, won an absolute majority. Instead of electing one of the MLAs to head the government, the Congress leadership imposed former Union minister of state in the Manmohan Singh government, Narayanasamy, as the Legislature Party leader. Unsure of getting elected to the Assembly within the stipulated six months, he allowed Bedi, who assumed office as Lieutenant-Governor when the new government was in the process of taking charge, a free run of the administration. Proud of her earlier position in the police and aware that the Chief Minister was insecure, she started calling officers to Raj Nivas, giving suo motu policy directions and even threatening them, with scant respect to the elected representatives. According to the Puducherry Union Territory Act of 1963, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Union Territory should function as per the advice and guidance of the Cabinet. Bedi made the Act stand on its head. The turf war between the Lieutenant-Governor and the Chief Minister began with Bedi withholding approval to some popular schemes announced by Narayanasamy in the Assembly. Since old-age pension beneficiaries were finding it difficult to withdraw money from banks, the Chief Minister, in association with banks, announced a scheme to disburse the money at their doorsteps. It was to take effect from December but Bedi withheld approval. About 4,000 old-age pensioners and 21,000 differently-abled beneficiaries were affected. The government raised the MLA Local Area Development Fund to Rs 2 crore in the budget. Bedi cut it to Rs 50 lakh. The proverbial last straw that broke the camels back was the cancelling of the 2 January circular issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reform banning official communication on social media, claiming it contravened guidelines, rules and policies in force. If Puducherry has to be a progressive UT, it cannot be retrograde in communications, said Bedi in a Twitter post on 4 January. Bedi has WhatsApp groups for communication with officials and social media remains her favourite mode of interaction. Narayanasamy justified the circular expressing security concerns. On several occasions neither the Chief Minister nor the ministers concerned had any knowledge of orders issued by Bedi. Rajnath Singh must rein in Bedi. Little will provide the leadership of the BJP a more satisfying dose of its sinister brand of thrill than the public writing off the latest anti-Muslim outburst from Sakshi Maharaj, MP, as just another instance of a fringe element shooting his mouth off. And people noting that those provocative comments were not in accordance with the official party line. This has happened far too frequently to retain a degree of credibility. This time too it was left to a political pin-weight, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, to remind everyone that this shouldnt be seen as the partys stand. More telling was the law minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, evading comment when quizzed about the MP from Unnao blaming the Muslim community for the population explosion, and questioning the practice of four wives and triple talaq. What is really significant is that both the Prime Minister and the BJP president have yet again looked the other way: adding to the widespread belief that the series of such vicious comments from saffron stalwarts are part of a gameplan. Those conveniently dubbed fringe elements are encouraged to spread political poison, and even more conveniently the leadership distances itself from what it calls personal remarks. Not a single person has been reprimanded for such misconduct. Do M/s Modi & Shah believe they can fool all the people indefinitely? Sakshi Maharajs latest rhetoric points to calculated mischief. As an MP from poll-bound UP he was well aware that the model code of conduct had come into effect, and consequently the apex courts directives against seeking votes on religious, communal and caste basis were fully applicable. That he was testing the waters is evident from his contention that he not specified Muslims, and that his speech was not made at a political event: in other words, beyond the ambit of the Election Commission. Clearly he was seeing how far the Election Commission could go. The Meerut police duly registered a case and cited several violations of the law, the MP was actually taunting the cops to go further. For law and order being a state subject the police action could be projected as political action by the Samajwadi party government. An arrest would make a political martyr of the MP, and prudence dictated that the police go slow the UP cops would be aware of how Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamul had been going to town after the CBI arrested two MPs in connection with the Rose Valley chit-fund fiasco. Those inimical to the BJP would suspect that with the demonetisation exercise possibly having negative electoral implications, the saffron brigade was resorting to its polarisation ploy if for nothing more than insurance. Classes in India preceded castes, which, according to Ambedkar were enclosed classes characterised by endogamy. He wrote We shall be well advised to recall at the outset that the Hindu society, in common with other societies, was composed of classes and the earliest known are (1) the Brahmins or the priestly class; (2) the Kshatriya, or the military class; (3) the Vaishya, or the merchant class; and (4) the Shudra, or the artisan and menial class. Particular attention has to be paid to the fact that this was essentially a class system, in which individuals, when qualified, could change their class, and therefore classes did change their personnel. At some time in the history of the Hindus, the priestly class socially detached itself from the rest of the people and through a closed-door policy became a caste by itself. The other classes being subject to the law of social division of labour underwent differentiation, some into large, others into very minute, groups Why did these sub-divisions or classes, industrial, religious or otherwise, become self-enclosed or endogamous? Endogamy or the closed-door system was integral to Hindu society, and as it had originated from the Brahmin caste it was whole-heartedly imitated by all the non-Brahmin sub-divisions or classes, who, in their turn, became endogamous castes. It is the infection of imitation that influenced all these sub-divisions on their onward march of differentiation and has turned them into castes. Starting from a fundamental anthropological finding of tribal clan exogamy, Ambedkar had been able to show how caste endogamy was superimposed on the former. Secondly, his exposition of caste as an extreme form of class system as early as 1917 was also exemplary and this work of Ambedkar was never mentioned or referred to by the internationally renowned scholars on caste in India. In his Economic Weekly article Class and Caste published in 1965 (Vol. 17, Issue 35). Nirmal Kumar Bose admitted that caste can be regarded as a form of class in which the Brahminical classes tried to reserve their privileges in society. Bose did not mention that Ambedkar in his seminal paper in the anthropology seminar had already observed this fact nearly 50 years ago. Bose also missed the point that the reservation of privileges in the caste system was ensured through endogamy, a fact observed perceptively by Ambedkar. Bose in fact was highly biased towards the hegemony of the caste system which he tried to profess through his articles on Hindu Method of tribal absorption (1941) and Caste in India (1951). His idea was first proposed in a paper at the Indian Science Congress in 1941. His theory was based on his short field trips among the Juang tribal community of the Pal Lahara region of Odisha. The essence of the theory was that the tribals, who had come in contact with their powerful caste Hindu neighbours, gradually lost their own tribal identity and were given a low caste status within the Hindu fold. This idea became very popular and acceptable among the mainstream Indian anthropologists and Boses paper turned into a compulsory text in the curriculum of Indian anthropology. There was hardly any review focused on the Juang area to recheck Boses proposition and the idea influenced Indian anthropologists for generations. The university and college students of India who studied anthropology were taught the theory of Hindu Method of Tribal Absorption as an established sociological fact. NK Bose published three consecutive papers in 1928, 1929 and 1930 on Juangs in Man in India. These were later reprinted in his book Cultural Anthropology and other essays based on his short fieldwork in Odisha. Unlike the 1941 paper, all these three articles contained some hard ethnographic data and no theoretical formulation was attempted by Bose. After twelve years, he brought back his Juang field data in the famous paper on Hindu method of tribal absorption with a fresh vigour but his exposition in the 1941 paper seemed to lack logical consistency. I will first quote from Boses own account and then point out the inconsistencies. The significant fact is that the Juangs had started worshipping a Hindu goddess, although it was done in their own way. The bath in the morning, the offerings of sun-dried rice, the terms satya, devata, dharma, all prove how strongly Juang religious ceremonies have been influenced by those of the neighbouring Brahminical people. In nearly all respects, the Juangs are a tribe living outside the pale of Hinduism. They have their own language, which belongs to the Mundari group. No Brahmin or Vaishnava priest serves them; and they perform their marriage and funeral customs all by themselves. They eat beef and carrion, and are not considered by the Hindus to be one of the Hindu castes. Yet there is clear indication that Hindu religious ideas penetrated into their culture. The Juangs seem to be losing pride in their own culture and are adopting Hindu culture. Boses thesis was highly selective because he excluded all the non-Hindu customs, viz. eating of the rice balls by the two black cocks and their subsequent sacrifice and prayers made by the Juangs to their supreme indigenous gods in the 1953 paper. Secondly, again in the 1953 paper he reported that the Juangs were not considered by the Hindus to be one of the Hindu castes. How then the Juangs were absorbed by the Hindus? Bose himself admitted that the Juangs maintained their own ethnic identity but he at the same time stated that the Juang seem to be losing pride in their own culture and are adopting Hindu culture with a certain amount of avidity which appeared to be contradictory. If the Juangs were worshipping the Hindu goddess in their own way and retained their own customs and were not accepted by the caste Hindus to be one of the Hindu castes, then how were the Juangs being absorbed in the Hindu order? Both Bose and Ambedkar had their own ideas about the origin of caste which were scarcely by western anthropologists and sociologists. While Ambedkar emphasised that the endogamy of caste was superimposed on tribal exogamy, Bose attempted to view caste as a superior socioeconomic system, which could absorb the less powerful tribal society. Ambedkars method seemed to be better-knit theoretically than Boses and the former maintained a kind of academic detachment from his painful personal experience while presenting the seminar paper on caste at Columbia University. Bose on the other hand seemed to be less consistent methodologically and had certain simplistic biases which ultimately led him to ignore his own empirical findings. It is time that the original contributions of Dr BR Ambedkar are recognized in the pedagogy of the social sciences in India to pay proper tribute to this great man on his 125th birth anniversary. Filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday announced that the theatrical trailer of Rana Daggubati and Taapsee Pannu starrer bilingual war drama "The Ghazi Attack" will be released on Wednesday. Johar wrote on his Twitter page: "India's first war-at-sea film. 'The Ghazi Attack' trailer tomorrow." Directed by Sankalp Reddy, the film is tipped to be India's first submarine film which will be about the mysterious sinking of PNS Ghazi, a Pakistan deployed submarine. The film is partially based on the book Blue Fish, penned by Sankalp himself. While Rana will be seen as a naval officer, Taapsee will be playing a refugee. The story is about an executive naval officer of the Indian submarine S21 and his team who remain underwater for 18 days. Johar's Dharma Productions has acquired the theatrical rights of the film. Mount Abu the only hill-station of Rajasthan, becomes the hub of celebrations with the Winter Festival at the year-end. Amidst traditional gaiety, the place provides an occasion to the people of this region along with tourists to explore the beautiful Rajasthans Crown, famed for its serene ambience and rich vegetation. A visit to this place has always been filled with surprises. We were cautioned by the caretaker of the guesthouse where we had put up, about the presence of sloth bears at night inside the campus when we reached the rather cold destination on New Years eve. Mount Abu with bright sunny days and chilly nights was abuzz with various activities: people were shopping at the Chacha Museum, Picadilly shop or Rajasthan museum, sight-seeing or just hanging around tasting the sweet mangoes or the small red radish, a speciality of the town or celebrations at the polo ground in the form of taking rides in a hot air balloon or enjoying musical evenings. Tourists from diverse places especially Gujarati and Bengali had converged here for a grand send off to 2016 and to welcome the new year. The special attraction of Mount Abu, the Dilwara Temple whose stone workmanship inside is jaw-dropping in splendour but the management of the temple looked rather sluggish as visitors had to wait in long queues and were not treated properly. The exquisite beauty of the superbly carved Jain Temple, dating back to the 11th- 13th centuries, makes it a popular pilgrimage centre and a classic example of architecture thats described as a dream in marble. Though part of the Aravalli range, it is detached completely from it by a narrow valley and the highest point, Guru Shikhar and a defence observatory are situated at its northern end. The presence of migratory birds like northern shoveller, poachards, gray lag goose, Chinese coots was a bonanza for the guests. Interestingly, this is the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayan range up north. The azure waters of the fabulous Nakki Lake are set ablaze during the festive season and a boat-ride on the placid water studded with little islets was a joy indeed. The sunset at the famous Sunset Point, honey moon point amidst the forests was a delight to watch. The lake ,market , Plaza , Museum etc were a shoppers paradise. Mr. Gaurav Aggarwal SDM Mt. bu , informed that The interesting contrast of British style kothis, the holiday homes of the nobles along with the presence of the various tribal community dwelling amidst the thick foliage of the forest on the hills surrounding the region have enhanced the entire scenario. The hill station of Abu was once the favorite summer retreat of the English, who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat especially of the plains. The music of te band for the moning and evening drill by CRPF added even a special feeling to the neighbourhood. The picturesque location with lush green surroundings, the harmonious setting of the temples, hill-tops, religious abodes and the presence of water was indeed rejuvenating experience made us remember Gulzars Jaadon Ki Narm Dhoop Aur Aangan Mein Laet Kar The little green tracks around to view the exotic morning calm is a visitors delight. The soft and energizing rays of the sun feel inspiring and uplifting. The visitors had a great time amidst the hills and the zig-zag tracks supplemented with the the presence of wildlife, greenery and picturesque locations. The wildlife sanctuary, Trevors Tank, with its beautiful landscape sheltering a gamut of wildlife species provides an equally important adventure attraction. Forest official KG Shrivastava informed us, The overgrowth of tourism is a threat for the wildlife habitat including too many loud crackers and fireworks. The leopard and wild cat can be sighted easily here. One can enjoy trekking, horse rides, rock-climbing, apart from finding pleasure from the rich fauna and flora. The place mostly dominated by the outsiders is a classic example of commercialization where every nook and corner has been captured for wooing business and tourism. Although Mt Abu has the local green stone to its credit, all other exhibits are from other parts of Rajasthan. The winter offers many options for its visitors: sight-seeing, relishing the kadipakoda, taking walks in the countryside and going for excursions, enjoying local cuisine, boating, are some of the thrilling activities to indulge in here. Most importantly, Mount Abu is a beautiful destination with crystal clear skies which tourists can savour to the maximum. ACCESS: Mt. Abu is located in the Sirohi distict of Rajasthan. It is connected by a 29 kms motorable road from the Abu Road Railway Station, which is 679 km from Mumbai via Ahmedabad, and750 km from Delhi and 163 kms from Udaipur. Regular bus services are also present. Economy, moderate and luxurious resorts and heritage accommodations are available. Direct trains are also available for Jodhpur, Ajmer etc. The Winter Fest is celebrated on 30 31 December every year. Japanese Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat meet, and discussed bilateral issues, said an official. "The Japanese Minister recalled Prime Minister's visit to Japan in November 2016 and the far reaching accords reached in various fields. He briefed on the progress in Japan's commitment to train 30,000 Indian youths over the next 10 years," said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup. Modi appreciated Japan's long standing relationship with Gujarat and active participation in every Vibrant Gujarat Summit. "The Japanese Minister was accompanied by representatives of Suzuki, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Toyo Engineering and Toyota Tsusho who briefed on their future plans in India. Minister Seko said that this demonstrated the continued keenness of Japanese companies to invest in India," Swarup said. Seko also expressed the hope of working with India on renewable energy and in speeding up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations with Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN). RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the member states of ASEAN and the six states, namely, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements. Modi invited Japanese participation in the Railway University in Varodara. He also welcomed training for Indian entrepreneurs in small scale industries. He also reiterated the invitation for his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe to visit India in 2017. The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being be held here January 10-13 with the central focus of "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn has asked for certain amendments in the country's new constitution before it is passed, government officials said on Tuesday. The monarch has sought amendment of three-to-four issues in the section devoted to the authority and role of the king, according to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha. "It does not involve people's right and freedom at all. It is about His Majesty's authority," said Prayut. The Prime Minister added that he will amend the section dedicated to the king, the only section remaining from the constitution which was abolished after the coup in 2014. Prayut did not specify which points were to be modified in the section on the monarch, which determines his powers and authority to appoint members of the Privy Council and bestow noble titles, among others. According to the Prime Minister, the amendment of the interim constitution, approved in a referendum on August 7, 2016, will be done within a month and will be transposed into the new constitution in another three months before the document will be presented to the king for his approval. Prayut's announcement comes a day after Vice Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam warned that the new constitution will remain invalid if it is not approved by the king before February 6, when the legal deadline expires. The new constitution is part of the roadmap designed by the military junta to restore democracy in the country with elections expected to be held later this year. The draft was composed by a team of 21 members handpicked by the junta, and it serves to consolidate the power of the military and state bodies controlled by bureaucrats in the political sphere, while weakening the elected government. This is the 20th constitution that Thailand has adopted since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. Tiwari was unceremoniously transferred out of the district on Monday evening and city residents came out onto the streets on Tuesday demanding immediate revocation of the decision. By Hemender Sharma: An ex-service man and a middle aged man in Katni have threatened to commit self immolation if Shivraj Singh Chouhan's government does not take back its decision to transfer out the district Superintendent of Police Gaurav Tiwari. Tiwari was unceremoniously transferred out of the district on Monday evening and city residents came out onto the streets on Tuesday demanding immediate revocation of the decision. advertisement Tiwari who was moved out of the district within six months of his posting had stumbled upon a 500 crore hawala racket in which many big wigs of the BJP including a minister are allegedly involved. According to top sources Tiwari was called up by someone in the Chief minister's secretariat in the last week of December and was asked to go slow into the hawala investigations. Tiwari, however, did not follow the diktat and was thereafter shown the door, it is reliably learnt. Post demonetisation the matter was also taken up by the Income Tax department as suspicious transactions were spotted at the Katni branch of the Axis Bank. One driver, in whose name a Benami account was being operated has also been arrested in the case. Tiwari had also formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate into the scam and was zeroing down on the masterminds of the scam before he was eased out. The decision to transfer Tiwari has not gone down well with the people of the district with spontaneous protests breaking out within hours of the government's decision. "The protests will be taken to Delhi if the government does not reverse its decision to transfer an honest officer immediately," ex-service man Parmanand Chaturvedi while talking to India Today said. Chaturvedi has also decided to take the matter to the Prime Minister's door. "We will request the Prime Minister to intervene and if still nothing happens I will commit self immolation in Delhi," he said. The government, however, appears adamant on its decision and it is highly unlikely that the transfer order would be reversed. The government now is also planning to shift the hawala scam investigations to the state Crime Investigation Department, where files of many more important cases are already catching dust. Also read: Madhya Pradesh: Protests in Katni after transfer of SP, social groups call for bandh on Wednesday --- ENDS --- Low pressure will move across the central Great Lakes and towards James Bay on Tuesday. A mix of snow and rain is possible in Montreal, along with some spotty freezing rain. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. In this photo released Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, speaks with French journalists in Damascus, Syria. Assad said in remarks published on Monday that he was prepared "to negotiate everything" at talks set to begin in later this month in Kazakhstan, seeking to cast himself as a peacemaker after his forces' recapture of Aleppo last month. Assad also defended his troops' deadly bombardment of eastern Aleppo. (SANA via AP)) Gaurav Tiwari a 2010 batch IPS officer had been investigating suspicious deposits in private banks in Katni after the demonetisation announcement and had fallen foul of the political establishment in the process. By Rahul Noronha: A large number of people on Tuesday hit the streets in Katni, a district headquarter town about 400 kms from Bhopal to protest against the abrupt transfer of SP Gaurav Tiwari on Monday. Tiwari, a 2010 batch IPS officer had been investigating suspicious deposits in private banks in Katni after the demonetisation announcement and had fallen foul of the political establishment in the process. advertisement A call for Katni bandh has been issued for Wednesday by some social groups. On Tuesday, a large number of people protested former SP's transfer by closing down their shops and other business establishments and taking to the streets. On Monday, the state government had transferred Katni SP Gaurav Tiwari to Chhindwara in the same capacity. Tiwari had earlier been posted in the Left Wing Extremism (LFE) affected Balaghat district from where he was moved to Katni only in July. Soon after joining in Katni, Tiwari had taken on members of the deeply entrenched mining mafia in Katni. Lately, he had been probing suspicious deposits in a private bank during the demonetisation drive and hawala links to it. An SIT had been constituted to look into deposits of about Rs 500 crore in the name of what were found to be employees of Saraogi brothers who are into mining. The Saraogi brothers are since absconding but their employees during interrogation are said to have named MP minister for MSME Sanjay Pathak- also from Katni and into mining in a big way. MP INSTRUMENTAL IN SP'S TRANSFER It is being said that Sanjay Pathak was instrumental in getting the SP shifted after the unusually short tenure. After the transfer, online petitions demanding the cancellation of the transfer orders have been penned and have been marked to the PMO as well. Meanwhile, sensing an opportunity, the Congress too has jumped into the fray demanding the cancellation of the transfer orders. State Congress President Arun Yadav has written to the union Finance Minister demanding that the officer who was looking into suspicious cash deposits be brought back to Katni. Of late protests have been erupting across MP to oppose the transfer of popular officers. In Bhind, there were protests when the SP Navneet Bhasin was transferred after a short stint. However, the MP government has till date not cancelled any transfer orders bowing to public pressure. Gaurav Tiwari however left Katni on Monday itself after handing over charge to the Additional SP. Also read: Missing Delhi woman found murdered in Madhya Pradesh Jat quota protests Live: Govt agrees to grant OBC status to jats --- ENDS --- Modi's demonetisation decision is a gamble on both his own and the BJP's political future. However, two consequences are clear: many bank accounts will be opened, and the number of digital transactions will zoom VIRTUALLY THERE One of the government's main justifications for demonetisation was to induce a national shift toward digital transactions (Banking on E-Cash). This is possible only when the country has high internet speeds and robust cyber security. India lags behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in terms of download speeds and tops the world in terms of cyber crimes. Many Indians are wary of digital transactions for fear of being hacked, or theft of personal data. The government needs to frame effective laws to protect online consumers if it wishes to realise its goal. Otherwise, the idea of a cashless economy will prove to be the "foolish utopia" described by former finance minister P. Chidambaram. advertisement SALONI CHAUHAN, Patna Although India's young population is willing to embrace new technology, poor infrastructure and a lack of protection from cyber crimes means that demanding an overnight switch to cashless transactions is equivalent to throwing people into deep water and expecting them to learn to swim. Some may do so, but others will sink. It would have been better to bring in this change gradually-to give people time to adapt to the new system before adopting it. RAJESH JUNEJA, Ganganagar The government's initiatives toward a cashless India could be seen as a progressive step, provided every citizen can make use of such facilities. Cashless transactions are easy and convenient. But it is a herculean task for the government to bring all citizens under the 'digital umbrella'. The grim reality is that millions in India do not have access to electricity or the internet, and are illiterate. The idea that possessing a mobile phone is enough to go cashless is naive. The government itself seems uncertain of how to ensure that millions of underprivileged folks gain access to such modern ways of doing things. The shift to a digital economy will be worth nothing unless every citizen can enjoy the fruits of development. P.A. JACOB, Muscat The central government has unnecessarily forced cashless transactions on consumers, who will, in all likelihood, be cheated because of the malpractices rampant in the system. If the government were sincere about developing a cashless economy, it should have concentrated on eliminating cash in the wholesale trade rather than promoting the new industry of mobile payments. However, to clamp down on black money holders, the plan to print more Rs 2,000 notes should be scrapped, and there should be no more Rs 1,000 notes either. It is also a matter of concern-one that should be probed-that while common folk waste hours in long ATM queues, there is absolutely no shortage of new currency in wholesale markets! SUBHASH CHANDRA AGRAWAL, Delhi FIRST AMONG EQUALS The Indian Army is fully traditionalist, and there is no question of not respecting seniority, especially when it comes to the army's internal hierarchy (New Chief on the Block). However, since the selection process is the prerogative of the government, one presumes that all parameters, including that of seniority in service, must have been considered. LT COL. RANJIT SINHA, Kolkata The choice of the next army chief has drawn a number of responses, both from the military fraternity and the public. However, what no one seems to know is how such a big decision is taken. Is it based on set parameters? Or is it a comparative table of performance of generals prepared by babus that forms the basis of this major decision by the cabinet committee? When no doctrine on national security is in place after seven decades of Independence, I am sure that there are no policies, directives or instructions in place whereby a foolproof procedure can be invoked to select the next service chief. advertisement LT COL. SUSHIL CHILIMBI, Mumbai The Opposition, especially the Congress, has no right to criticise the appointment of Lt General Bipin Rawat as army chief. It was the Congress that first broke the tradition of following seniority, when then-prime minister Indira Gandhi chose to promote an admittedly deserving Lt Gen. S.K. Sinha to the post of army chief. The political squabbling over this issue is against the national interest, and should have been avoided. Postings in defence forces must not be made hostage to vote-bank politics. MADHU AGRAWAL, Delhi This is the second time in the past few months that politics has affected the Indian Army. However, it is entirely the government's prerogative to choose the leader of the armed forces, and considering that we have seen huge deterioration in our relationship with Pakistan, it is critical that someone who has significant experience in LoC operations leads the Indian Army. In this context, Lt Gen. Bipin Rawat's experience will only be a positive. advertisement BAL GOVIND, Noida A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION At a time when the parliamentary logjam has wiped out almost the entire winter session of Parliament, it is heartening to see legislation like the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Bill being passed (Not Quite Enabling Legislation). The amended list of disabilities ensures that the survivors of acid attacks are protected, which will be widely regarded as a positive step. However, there is also a need to bring in cultural change-people's attitudes toward the disabled need to evolve. Laws must work in tandem with a collective mindset that demands equal rights and spaces for all. The role of education and awareness in creating such a sensibility cannot be overemphasised. J. AKSHOBHYA, Mysuru UP AND ONWARD The development schemes and initiatives launched by UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav show that he is working hard to transform Uttar Pradesh into 'Uttam Pradesh' (East and West). UP is progressing swiftly, and it may not be long before it loses its tag of being a BIMARU state. In the future, it may also be beneficial to bifurcate the state for the sake of further development. As has been seen in other cases, smaller states are easier to manage and record higher growth rates. That being said, given its size and population, UP is also a major contributor to the country's GDP growth. What is required now is for the state administration to determinedly execute the projects it has begun, and to ensure that there are no setbacks to the progress already achieved. advertisement SHWETA CHAUDHARY, Delhi LOOKING TO THE FUTURE As a society given to rituals and timelessness, India is not naturally inclined to introspection. A certain ad hocism has defined the collective mentality of a people accustomed to letting events shape their destiny. Indians have readily accepted and adapted to change but have shown a curious reluctance to initiate it. Instinctively, the country has preferred tradition and habit to radicalism. It isn't conservatism. Intellectual laziness would be a better description. So it is after 50 years of the Republic. Speaking in the Constituent Assembly, S. Radhakrishnan spoke of a new order that would "break the mould"-an expression that held out the promise of dynamism and constant churning. The optimism proved remarkably unfounded. A new order in place, India settled into its new orthodoxies. The detached paternalism of the British Raj was effortlessly replaced by an intrusive socialist raj based on controls. "Baboo rule"-that fear of colonial romantics like Lord Curzon and Rudyard Kipling-became the unappetising base beneath the democratic icing. The "Hindu rate of growth" became the euphemism for institutionalised sloth and mediocrity. Success attracted 97 per cent taxes and "brain drain" became the gentle description for the first refugees from the licence -permit raj. Of course, it wasn't all gloom and doom. Remarkably adept in the art of surviving, Indian ingenuity took on the task of beating the system. The Artful Dodger ceased to be something out of Dickens; he became the archetypal Indian.by Swapan Dasgupta --- ENDS --- Last Sunday an Emirates Flight 863 from Muscat, Oman heading to Dubai had to be cancelled thanks to an uninvited guest a live snake. Baggage handlers found the stowaway scaling the heights of the cargo hold of the Boeing 777-300 ER according to The Khaleej Times. A spokesman said We apologize for the inconvenience caused. The species of the snake or even how it got there is as yet unkown. Though unusual, this isnt the only serpentine saga in the airways. A few months ago a three-foot-long snake slithered its way into first-class on a domestic Aeromexico flight. It made quite an entrance by falling out of an overhead bin mid-flight, and dropping to the ground. Apart from a heart-stopping moment, all passengers were fine and the snake was apprehended by animal control services when the plane landed in Mexico City. Bizarrely, last summer a man tried to smuggle ten baby pythons in his pants onto a Garuda Indonesia flight in Jakarta. He was apprehended at security. Read also: Most ridiculous things people have tried to smuggle through customs L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS) a pure play R&D services company has launched a nationwide initiative to offer a platform to engineering students to work on real time technology challenges and engineering problems faced currently by businesses. The initiative termed as 'TECHgium' will offer opportunities to engineering students to work on futuristic technology ideas. The company has invited students from top engineering colleges of the country to work on projects and Proof Of Concepts (POC) to address the current needs and challenges faced by the customers of LTTS. More than 900 colleges have registered fore TECHgium and close to 170 have confirmed and signed a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the company. Around 10,000 students had registered and around 5000 students have singed the (NDA) with the company for the initiative. The grand finale of the contest will be held in Bengaluru in April and the top three teams will get a cash prize starting from Rs 3 lakhs to the winning team, Rs 2 lakhs to the team securing the second position and Rs 1 lakh to the team coming third. The participants are also likely to be eligible for absorption into the company based on the merit of their solutions. Every year on an average we hire around 1000 to 1500 new engineers in our company and this can be a perfect platform for us to look for potential candidates to be absorbed by our company. This platform will help us bring together our customers, academia and students and will also trigger new age innovations conceptualized by fresh minds. This will also help in the creation of a new breed of associates who have niche engineering skills and capabilities, said Dr Keshab Panda, CEO and Managing Director, L&T Technology Services. The company has also identified a jury for the initiative and the final round of the event will have demonstration of Proof of Concept wherein the final shortlisted candidates will be required to develop a POC or a Prototype of their solution into a technology framework giving the necessary details. Keshab Panda, CEO and Managing Director of LTTS Interestingly LTTS is an innovation driven company and its employees have filed more than 171 patents both in India and abroad. 60 percent of the company's revenue's come from the US market and the rest of the revenue from regions such as Europe, Japan, India etc. Altogether the company has more than 10,000 employees and is present across multiple locations across the world. The company offers design and development solutions across various industries such as Industrial Products, Medical Devices, Transportation, Telecom and Hi-tech and the Process Industry. The company serves over 50 Fortune 500 companies and provides solutions in the areas of Mechanical Engineering Services, Embedded Systems and Applications, Engineering Process Services, Machine to Machine and Internet of Things etc. Interestingly in July 2014, L&T Technology Services had acquired certain assets and liabilities of Dell India and in November 2014, the company acquired certain of the assets and liabilities of Dell U.S.A., which added three delivery centres in the U.S. to its portfolio. These acquisitions strengthened the company's global research and development position in the transportation segment, and enhanced its talent pool with the addition of more than 200 engineers to its workforce. Even as the Trinamool Congress continues its agitation against the arrest of party leaders in the chit fund scam case, four MPs of the party, conspicuously, stayed away from the stir. Sources said actor-turned politician Moon Moon Sen, actor Dev, Professor Sugata Bose and yesteryear actor Sandhya Roy have given different excuses to chief minister and party supremo Mamata Banerjee for their absence in the agitation. While Moon Moon Sen cited knee problem, Dev said he had professional compulsions as he was busy shooting. Though Sugata Bose did not given any explanation, he has time and again expressed his reservation on supporting scam tainted politicians. Sandhya Roy said she was too old to be part of the massive demonstration programme organised by the party. However, according to people close to these MPs, they had decided that they would not be part of violent protests to support their partymen in corruption cases. I could not tell about others, but I could tell about professor Sugata Bose. He simply refused to take the side of scam tainted MPs. He told us categorically, said a senior Trinamool Congress leader in Kolkata. The other three, who said they could not be part of violent movement, were absent even in the silent agitations like the sit in dharna in front of the CBI office. Sources said Mamata had asked his party leaders to respect the views of her MPs who did not come from the political background. Trinamool Congress is carrying out protests march in Bhubneswar (where the case is being heard), West Bengal and Delhi simultaneously. Attacking Arvind Kejriwal after he was virtually declared as AAP's chief ministerial candidate for Punjab, state Congress president Amarinder Singh, on Tuesday, said that if the "nefarious design succeeds", for the first time in the history of the state, it will end up with a "Haryanvi chief minister". Reacting sharply to AAP leader Manish Sisodia's remarks at a rally in Mohali asking people to vote for Kejriwal, Amarinder said the Delhi chief minister wants to grab power by hook or crook. "Kejriwal's ugly intentions have been thoroughly exposed with this development, which had shown what a slimy liar the Delhi chief minister is...Kejriwal has finally exposed his obsessive and abominable lust for Punjab's chief ministerial position," he said in a statement. "From his lies on chief ministerial and deputy chief ministerial posts for Punjab to his conflicting statements on SYL (canal) and other issues, Kejriwal has all along been trying to befool the people in a desperate bid to seize power in the state and exploit it for personal gains," he said. The former Punjab chief minister said Kejriwal has failed to realise his dirty plans in Delhi and now he is resorting to the same tactics in the state. Stating that Congress had all along been maintaining that Kejriwal had his eyes on the top post in Punjab, Amarinder said, "If his nefarious design succeeds, for the first time in the history of Punjab, the state will end up with a Haryanvi chief minister." The Congress leader cautioned the people of Punjab against "biting the carrots Arvind Kejriwal has been dangling in front of them with his false claims". In a time of hate speeches and racial mockery being 'viral' on the Cyberspace, the politically disturbing comments of the BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj must not be shrugged off as silly or bigoted. Be it the demand of death penalty for cow slaughter last year or calling Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi "mad" or his comments of praise for Trump and equating him to Modi, the man has made sure he remains in the limelight for his politically slack-worthy remarks. Hinduism has made our country and its culture so unique. The world respects us because of Hinduism. I hope more and more leaders around the world would emulate Trump on this and rightfully praise Hindus and Hinduism, he was noted as saying. What Maharaj fails to acknowledge, where driven by ignorance or propaganda, is that, India is not just about Hindus and Hinduism, but an amalgamation of religious beliefs and cultures. His recent verbal attack on the Muslim community shows how little regard such politicians have towards maintaining the communal equilibrium in the country. Giving the communal standpoint on the issue of population rise while addressing an event in Meerut, his clear words were, "Population is increased by those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children". Adding further to the bigoted remarks, he also spoke against the practice of triple and asked the government to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as soon as possible. There is no further need of clarification as to which religious group was being targeted by the shallow opinion of the MP. It is quite an understatement to mention that the implementation of the UCC would pave way for an utter state of discord and unrest in the country. Bringing such controversial subjects in a political gathering could only be cited as a sly way of planting the seed of religious supremacy in the heads of an already religiously inclined crowd. Otherwise, how could one justify the need to bring in such an angle when clearly the topic of concern was the Supreme Court's verdict of seeking votes in the name of religion during polls being illegal. While the Centre and the party has distanced itself from Maharaj's comments, claiming to be solely his own, Union minister of state for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi reportedly said, "It is wrong to perceive his statement as that of the BJP." The state of Uttar Pradesh has always been a battlefront in the name of religion and clearly we do not need more leaders who believe in showing one's own religion in a greater light while belittling the other. With more and more leaders emerging as right-wing enthusiasts and their unabashed spew of communal venom, there's an impending cause for worry, in the name of democracy and secularism. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal views of the author. The industrial town of Katni in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday witnessed mass protests in support of a police officer who was transferred after he unearthed a Rs 500 crore hawala scam involving ruling BJP minister Sanjay Pathak. Katni district Superintendent of Police, Gourav Tiwari, was transferred to Chhindwara district two days after he summoned a coal merchant for inquiry into the hawala scam having links to the small-scale industry minister. Tiwari is a 2010 batch IPS officer and a graduate from IIT Kanpur Coal merchant Satish Saravagi and his brother Manish are known as business associates of minister Pathak. Pathak, who himself is a mining baron, had joined BJP in 2014 after quitting Congress. He was a Congress MLA earlier, and his father Satyendra Pathak was a minister in Digvijay Singh government. Gourav Tiwari Congress cried foul over the transfer of the officer. In order to teach the IPS officer a lesson, minister Pathak got the SP transferred from the district, said party state president Arun Yadav. Gourav Tiwari has barely completed six months in the district since he was transferred from Balaghat. Earlier, the investigation wing of the Income Tax Department had confiscated 40 bogus account from an Axis Bank branch where money over Rs 500 was found deposited. The police, on report of the IT department, have registered a case under IPC 420, 467, 468 and 471 against the accused. One of the accused Sanjay Tiwari has told police that he was a mere dummy and that he was working on behalf of the minister. The transfer of SP has evoked massive protests in the district where the police have tightened the grip over mafia and criminals. Katni town on Wednesday observed a bandh to support the SP while protesters sported black bands on their mouth against the alleged high-handedness of minister. Kolkata police issued notice to union minister Babul Supriyo to appear before it on Wednesday, after a violation of modesty complaint was lodged by Trinamool Congress MLA Mahua Moitra. Moitra lodged an FIR with Kolkata police commissioner Rajiv Kumar, alleging that while participating in a national news channel debate, she was verbally abused by Supriyo, minister of state for heavy industries in Narendra Modi government. According to Moitra, Supriyo, while responding to her argument in the debate, apparently referred to her as a drunken woman. The name Mahua is also similar to an alcohol tribal people consume. I felt humiliated and abused. It was disregarding a womans modesty. How could he say that in public, even though I did not know him personally? I decided to inform Kolkata police and urge them to take action, said Maitra. The action of police came on the same day that Supriyo sent legal notice of Rs 25 cr to three leaders of Trinamool CongressSaugata Ray, Mahua Moitra and Tapas Paul, who is already in judicial custodyfor dragging his name in the chit fund scam. Asked about polices call, Supriya said, Its childish behaviour on the part of Mahua. But I will meet police officials in Kolkata. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has called for installation of solar rooftops to be made mandatory for all upcoming residential societies and sought a ban on use of diesel generator sets in highly-polluted urban areas like the national capital. The environmental watchdog has argued that decline in cost of solar panels means they are now a financially viable option and the cost of electricity generation through them, including the capital cost, is a third (Rs 10 per unit) of that generated through diesel generator (DG) sets (Rs 27- Rs 33 per unit). advertisement The solar rooftop can also reduce monthly power bill of the consumers. The extra units generated through solar rooftop can be exported to the grid, something which cannot be done with DGs, according to CSE. In a survey conducted in five residential societies across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan it was found that "size of the diesel generator was often not connected to outage" but was sometimes linked to the "status" of a particular society. For instance, ICON, an upscale society in Gurugram, which experiences an outage of only 16 minutes per day on an average had "full backup" with DG size of 1,112 KW. "DG back-up has become increasingly redundant because of reducing power outages in cities. We must realise that full back up was considered a basic need by upscale societies when the outages often lasted several hours a day," said Chandra Bhushan, director general, CSE during the launch of report Solar Rooftop: Replacing Diesel Generators in Residential Societies. "If power outage is less than an hour a day then the very definition of full back-up needs to be changed. For tens of minutes of outage, even for the high-end societies partial load back-up should be sufficient," Bhushan added. As per CSE, this partial load can be easily met by solar rooftop for individual flats. DG sets though can be used to supplement additional power requirements for shared facilities in a residential society like elevators and for energy-intensive appliances such as ACs. (MORE) PTI JC KIS --- ENDS --- Manasi Kirloskar, the heir to the Toyota Kirloskar empire, while speaking at the India Today Conclave South 2017, said that social media is a great tool for expression but has to be used responsibly. By India Today Web Desk: On the second day of the India Today Conclave South 2017, Manasi Kirloskar, Upasana Kamineni, Serah John and Dia Bhupal attended a session titled 'The Next Generation: Banking on Youth'. Speaking during the session, chaired by Sethu Vaidyanathan, Manasi Kirloskar, the heir to the Toyota Kirloskar empire, said that social media is a great tool for expression but has to be used responsibly. "We need to be mature while using social media. We must not distort facts," said Upasana Kamineni, vice president of Apollo Charity, adding that she was trolled on social media by fans of her husband and actor Ram Charan. advertisement The executive director of Toyota Kirloskar, however, added that social media platforms have allowed people of her age to voice their opinions and be fearless. "I love being a 27-year-old in India today," she said at the session 'The Next Generation: Banking on Youth'. Kirloskar and Kamineni were joined by artist Dia Bhupal and CEO and co-founder of BlueTimbre Music Serah John at the session. TAP THE YOUTH Asked if the country's huge young population has been exploited enough, Manasi Kirloskar said, "India has a long way to go in terms of exploiting our youth. Few have access to quality education. There needs to be more focus on rural youth". Adding to that, Upasana Kamineni said, "India has a lot of talent, but (they) are not encouraged enough to grab the opportunity". Appreciating the government's effort towards facilitating business, the young Kirloskar said that "there is still a lot of paperwork, and a lot of lethargy" in government departments. Government needs to keep pace with the changing times, she added. While listing must-haves for start-ups, Serah John said it is important to be patient to get things done in India. She listed domain knowledge, focus, discipline and adaptability as the other important ingredients for building a start-up. --- ENDS --- President Reuven Rivlin is current on a state visit to Georgia. During his visit, Mr. Rivlin commented on the fatal vehicular ramming attack in Armon HaNatziv on Sunday 10 Teves, which claimed four lives and left 15 wounded. Mr. Rivlin on Monday morning 11 Teves began a State Visit to Georgia with an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace, hosted by President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili. During the ceremony, the Presidents stood for the playing of the national anthems and together reviewed a guard of honor. The two then went on to hold a working bilateral meeting after which they delivered statements to the media. In his remarks, President Rivlin began by speaking of the vehicular terror attack in Jerusalem the day earlier, in which four young soldiers were killed. He said, I come here from Jerusalem. The holy city. The eternal city. A city to which the Jewish people prayed to return for 2000 years. But today once again, it is a city where we mourn the victims of terror and hatred; young men and women. Terror will never win, but will only strengthen our faith and commitment to Jerusalem. The President went on to thank President Margvelashvili for the warm welcome and said, I am here today to celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations between our countries, but our friendship goes back much further. The Jewish community in Georgia goes back thousands of years, and we are so proud of the contribution made by Jews to Georgian culture, and by Georgian citizens to Israel. The Georgian Jewish community here and in Israel is a bridge between us, and an example of the warm friendship between our peoples. He went on to say, During my visit, I am looking forward to learning more about your country and about how we can grow our friendship and cooperation, and added, I believe this is an ideal time to bring together our economic and trade authorities to consider how we can work closer on a range of issues, and strengthen the ties between our two peoples. On the issue of agriculture alone; Israel has so much to offer, with the use of new technologies to help improve harvests and crops. I would like to see more delegations and shared cooperation on this issue especially, and on the issue of cyber security, where we already cooperate closely. This is an essential need for us all today, and is part of our duty to keep our people and our countries safe and secure. We face shared threats together with all the free world, said the President and continued, These threats are online, and in the street. We condemn all forms of terror. We condemn all forms of hatred. And we stand untied in facing these threats together. He concluded by saying, In times of trouble, and in good times; In the face of challenges, which are also opportunities; Israel is proud to stand with Georgia. President Margvelashvili welcomed the President on his arrival and said, I want to share with you the excitement in our country in the run up to your visit. We are delighted to host you and feel the strength of the relationship between the countries. We are small peoples with great strength, living in not so simple surroundings, and the opportunities for our cooperation continue to grow. He went on to stress the need to increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism and said, ISIS are phenomena which threaten the whole world and we must share our abilities in order to fight them and all who threaten the world order. Fighting against terror with a strong and united hand will enable us to overcome it. I spoke with the President about the potential to develop our cooperation in all possible areas. We are supported by the people, and our peoples want to continue to strengthen the ties, and today we discussed about all the steps necessary to be taken to develop the relationship between us. I want to the welcome all the Israeli delegation and I think the foundation of all cooperation between us is the firm friendship between the states. President Margvelashvili added that Georgia was interested in learning more from Israel in the area of agriculture, The miracle that you have performed in Israel in the development of agriculture in your land is an inspiration for us, and we are pleased to learn from these processes and to adopt them through the MASHAV program. Later President Rivlin would go on to hold working meetings with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, as well as with Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Irakli Kobakhidze, before both President and First Lady Rivlin will attend a state dinner in honor of their visit. The President was due to meet with leaders of Georgias Jewish community and lay a wreath at the national memorial, before returning back to Israel. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Haim Zach, GPO) In the framework of a combined Shin Bet, IDF and Israel Police operation last month, a network of smugglers was exposed that was engaged in smuggling dual-use equipment from Yehuda and Shomron to Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing. The network is suspected to have smuggled hundreds of cameras, some of which were designated for Hamas elements in Gaza. In December 2016, two suspected members of the network were arrested: Nofal Abu Siriya a merchant from Gaza, and Nader Massalma a merchant from Yehuda and Shomron. During their Shin Bet investigation, it was learned that during 2016, Nofal Abu Siriya, on various occasions, smuggled goods defined as dual-use, the transport of which to Gaza requires a special permit. The merchandise was smuggled to Gaza for Ahmed Abu Nafar and Zaher Bitar, businessmen from Gaza who deal in security cameras. The goods included hundreds of cameras, model airplanes and communications cables. The smuggled merchandise was hidden in a consignment of various electronic goods, such as televisions, washing machines and refrigerators. It was also learned that in November 2016, Nader Massalma had assisted Nofal Abu Siriya in smuggling hundreds of cameras inside washing machines that had been transported from Yehuda and Shomron to Gaza. It was learned that several members of the network were aware that the smuggled cameras were designated inter alia for members of the Hamas military wing. The above is additional testimony to Gaza -based merchants abuse of the permits given them for goods designated for the civilian population in order to smuggle dual-use equipment for the benefit inter alia of terrorist elements in Gaza. The smuggling method that was discovered by the security forces underscores the efforts undertaken by Hamas, via its collaborators, in order to build up its strength and cynically exploit the commercial permits given by Israel for the benefit of the civilian population in Gaza. The security establishment views the foregoing with utmost gravity and will continue to locate and foil attempts to smuggle equipment, goods and dual-use materials to Gaza, and which are liable to assist Hamas and other terrorist organizations to build up their strength. Those involved in Israel, Yehuda and Shomron, and Gaza will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. The State Attorneys Office (Southern District) on Monday 11 Teves, filed indictments against Nofal Abu Siriya and Nader Massalma, in the Beersheva Magistrate Court. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) New York will be able to make up for lost electricity generation after the aging Indian Point nuclear power plant shuts down in 2021, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday, announcing a deal between state officials and plant-owner Entergy Corp. that will close the facility by 2021. Sitting along the lower Hudson River about 30 miles north of New York City, Indian Point produces 2,000 megawatts of electrical power an amount that the company says is the equivalent of a quarter of the power used in New York City and Westchester County. Cuomo has long called for the plants closure, saying operating a nuclear plant so close to a major population center is a potential safety hazard. For 15 years, I have been deeply concerned by the continuing safety violations at Indian Point, especially given its location in the largest and most densely populated metropolitan region in the country, Cuomo said in a statement. The state is fully prepared to replace the power generated by the plant at a negligible cost to ratepayers. It will take some time, however, to ramp up other energy sources to take the place of Indian Point, according to Entergy President Bill Mohl. Clearly right now they dont have the ability to replace the 2000 megawatts, he told The Associated Press. Obviously theyre going to need to add a substantial amount of capacity. Transmission upgrades and efficiency measures equaling more than 700 megawatts are already in-service, Cuomo said, adding that other generation resources ready to come online by 2021 will help generate more than enough electrical power to replace Indian Points capacity. In its announcement of the closure, Cuomos administration wrote that the plants closure in 2021 will have little to no effect on New Yorkers electricity bills. The plants two reactors went online in 1974 and 1976. Mohl said increasing operational costs combined with low natural gas prices have cut into revenues, and that Entergy was facing a hard choice on the plant even before negotiations with the state began. This decision was truly based on economics, he said. We were going to have to make a decision regardless of the settlement with the state. The agreement requires Entergy to make repairs and upgrades to Indian Point and its spent fuel storage system. It would give the state time to find an alternative source of electricity and allow the closure deadline to be delayed a few years if the state and Entergy agree. In exchange, the state and the environmental group Riverkeeper agree to drop legal challenges and the state will support the plants request for a new federal operating license. (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his trip to the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His office announced the cancellation Monday without providing further details. Netanyahu is embroiled in a police investigation over allegations he improperly accepted gifts from high-profile figures in international business and Hollywood in return for favors. The prime minister has denied any wrongdoing. It was not clear if the cancellation of the trip to Davos, where the four-day forum opens Jan. 17, was connected to the police investigation. Netanyahus spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. (AP) Yes, Donald Trump is taking charge and Republicans control both the House and Senate, having won an election promising to repeal President Barack Obamas health care law. But in Congress, getting from Point A to point B rarely consists of a straight line, and Democrats in the Senate can easily gum up the works with procedural blockades. Since Republicans hold the Senate with just 52 votes, they are forced to employ an arcane, fast-track budget process to avoid a Democratic filibuster. With those advantages come a host of complications, however, most particularly restrictions on the range of provisions that can be passed under fast-track rules. Separately, several Senate Republicans are expressing reservations about repealing without a viable alternative. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said they will move quickly to replace it, but failed to provide a specific timeline. WHATS THE FIRST STEP? Pass a non-binding budget blueprint for the current 2017 fiscal year, and its already started in the Senate. The budget plan is mainly illustrative, but its passage permits binding follow-up legislation to actually repeal the 2010 health care law. Both the budget and the follow-up reconciliation bill can pass the Senate by a simple majority vote after limited debate. Both measures are subject to unlimited amendments, which are invariably stacked until the end and result in an hours-long series of votes that typically stretch until after midnight. On Capitol Hill, the process is dubbed vote-a-rama. Usually budget resolutions make projections about spending and taxes. The current measure is a shell bill that projects almost $10 trillion in new debt over a decade, but enabling action on repeal. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., a strong fiscal conservative, has railed against fellow Republicans about adding to the debt. AND THE ACTUAL REPEAL BILL? The ensuing repeal legislation a budget reconciliation bill in Washington-speak would be written by a handful of House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over health issues. Itll first go to the House, where debate should be fairly routine. When the Senate takes up its version, however, Democrats will have many opportunities to offer amendments. The House and Senate would have to work out their differences before passing a final version and sending it to the White House for Trumps signature. THAT SOUNDS SIMPLE ENOUGH, BUT Well, theres a major complication. Reconciliation bills operate under special rules, the most important of which is that its provisions need to have an impact on the budget or else they can be scuttled for being extraneous. This is a huge issue in the case of Obamacare, since some pieces of the law, such as mandating that insurance companies cover people with pre-existing medical conditions, cant be modified in a fast-track reconciliation measure. For instance, Republicans want to eliminate the requirement that individuals buy insurance. But that could mean too many people who are sick or have pre-existing maladies sign up, while healthier people stay away from the health insurance plans that are available on the laws state exchanges. That could make the entire system collapse. So using the budget process to repeal most, but not all, of Obamas health law is an imperfect tool at best. WHAT ABOUT REPLACING THE LAW? Thats even trickier. It would require the process to start all over again with an entirely new budget resolution at least for any legislation that wouldnt need Democratic support. But this one would be far more difficult because Republicans would have to agree on controversial budget matters as well. Or, Republicans could seek Democratic help and try to pass replacement legislation with a bipartisan coalition. That looks tough at this point, however. WHAT ABOUT PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP? Trump and his chosen secretary of Health and Human Services, Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., have broad executive branch powers under the law. The Trump team promises to use them to undo whatever Obama policies they can but also to try to smooth the transition for insurance markets that may struggle in the aftermath of Obamacares repeal. (AP) President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced Jared Kushner will serve as Senior Advisor to the President. Kushner will work closely with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon to execute President-elect Trumps agenda. Together, Bannon, Priebus and Kushner have formed an effective leadership team. Kushner, a widely respected businessman and real estate developer was instrumental in formulating and executing the strategy behind President-elect Trumps historic victory in November. Kushner has chosen to forego his salary while serving in the administration. Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration, said President-elect Trump. He has been incredibly successful, in both business and now politics. He will be an invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda, putting the American people first. Chief of Staff Reince Priebus added, Jared is a visionary with a rare ability to communicate with and assemble broad coalitions of support. His entrepreneurial mindset will be a great asset to the team as well as his open mind, adaptability and keen intellect. It is an honor to serve our country, said Kushner. I am energized by the shared passion of the President-elect and the American people and I am humbled by the opportunity to join this very talented team. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) As YWN first reported earlier today, many Jewish schools had received bomb threats on Monday morning. Now, the chair of the Jewish Federations of North America board of trustees says 15 to 19 Jewish community centers in at least six states have been targeted by bomb threats. Richard Sandler told The Associated Press the number of threats investigated Monday across the South and Northeast was unusually high. Sandler says some were prerecorded calls. No additional details about the calls were immediately available. Sandler said some of the community centers were evacuated but no explosives were found. Authorities say bomb threats have targeted Jewish community centers in several states, including Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Maryland and Delaware. Four of the centers are in Florida. Bomb threats also targeted Jewish community centers and schools in central Florida and Tampa last week, but Sandler said theres no apparent link between those threats and the calls received Monday. Police said Monday that no explosives were found after bomb threats were received at the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Community Alliance of Jacksonville. At other locations, buildings were evacuated and authorities investigated. Authorities say Miami-Dade Fire Rescue evacuated the Alper Jewish Community Center, which had about 450 children and 70 adults in it at the time. Last week, bomb threats targeted two Jewish centers in central Florida and two Jewish preschools in Tampa. Authorities said no explosives were found. Sandler said the federations security network was working closely with law enforcement to ensure safety at the community centers. (AP) The Obama administration says it has added two senior members of Hezbollah to its terrorism sanctions list. The State Department said Monday that Ali Damush and Mustafa Mughniyeh have been named Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Mughniyeh is a Hezbollah commander with extensive family links to the Lebanon-based militant group. Hes the nephew of Hezbollahs previous military commander, Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in an explosion near the Syrian capital in last year, and the son of military commander Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in a 2008 car bombing in Damascus that Hezbollah blamed on Israel. Damush is an aide to the groups leader, Hassan Nasrallah. He heads the groups foreign relations department, which the State Department says engages in covert terrorist operations around the world. (AP) With the help of WhatsApp, a link went viral on Tuesday, 12 Teves, reporting An Israeli cellular rentals database was hacked, leaving credit card information of clients during the past year exposed on the internet. As news of hacking attempts dominate the headlines, Yeshiva World has investigated recent rumors about the hacking of a frum website, Cellular Israel, and found that they are false. While recent posts on social media claimed that the website has been hacked, leaving customers financial information vulnerable and accessible online, these reports refer to an outdated security issue that has been corrected, and there are no customers whose information is at risk, Yeshiva World has found. Cellular Israel explained that the companys site was hacked in October 2015 during a routine site update. The company immediately invested thousands of dollars in updating the sites security and contacted customers to let them know of the leak. A few months later, when the company learned that some of the information had been posted online, they contacted each customer to confirm that they had cancelled their cards and alerted their company to monitor their accounts. It is this outdated credit card information that has been posted online. I hired additional employees specifically to contact each and every customer who had not already informed us that they had cancelled their cards and had them contact their bank to cancel and monitor their cards, Cellular Israel CEO Yisroel Meir Biegeleisen told Yeshiva World. Unfortunately, its not news that U.S. cyber security is problematic. We joined a list of victims that includes Target, the Pentagon, and the DNC, among many others. We recently learned that the hacked information is still available online, Biegeleisen added. While we immediately contacted the sites web host and domain registrar, it seems that the process of having the information removed will take time. However, it is important to stress that all of the posted information is outdated and unusable. Every credit card listed there was canceled months ago. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-11-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Jan 10 (PTI) In spite of a marginal fall in sales due to ban on diesel vehicles for most of the year and demonetisation, worlds largest luxury carmaker Mercedes could retain its foothold in domestic market for the second year in a row by selling over 13,000 units in 2016. For the Pune-based Mercedes-Benz India, this is the second consecutive year of selling over 13,000 units in annual sales and the company sounded optimistic about 2017, given the strong momentum in December and January. advertisement The company has been maintaining that it would be surprising if it crossed last years sales numbers, as most of the year was wasted due to the Supreme Court ban on over 2000-cc diesel vehicles in Delhi and NCR, which constitutes about one-third of its market, and then note ban in November. Mercedes-Benz India sold 13,231 units in 2016, marginally down from 13,502 units in 2015 when it toppled compatriot Audi to become the No 1 brand in the country. This comes as an additional icing on the cake for the company as its parent has overthrown homegrown rival BMW to become the worlds largest luxe carmaker after more than a decade by selling the highest units in history. "We have sold 13,231 units sold in 2016 period amid adverse market challenges, against 13,502 units in 2015. We have remained successful in retaining customer trust amidst challenges like the diesel ban for eight months in key Delhi NCR market, high Excise duty, rising prices and demonetisation effect in 2016," companys Managing Director & Chief Executive Roland Folger said. He attributed the strong growth to robust sales from the SUV segment which grew by 20 per cent in 2016, with GLE emerging as the highest selling SUV in Merc portfolio followed by the GLA and GLS. The segment which witnessed the highest growth was the AMG and Dream Car portfolio, he said. The C-class sedan remained the highest selling Mercedes-Benz model for second year in a row, replacing the E-Class sedan as the top seller, since 2015. The company also said December sales were higher than the same month last year, despite the note ban effect. (MORE) PTI BEN GK GK --- ENDS --- by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times EVERY SO OFTEN A FOOD comes along that literally takes over the market. Such has happened with a new food that is perhaps only 18 months old (at least in our community).Who would have imagined that Pretzel Chicken would have entered the Jewish community with such a storm? Avi Krasnow, of Chap-A-Nosh in the Gourmet Glatt Emporium in the Five Towns remarks, Pretzel Chicken is definitely one of the fastest growing chicken products in the past few years no question or doubt about it. High school students, believe it or not, are now take it along to their school Shabbatonim, eschewing the chicken that is prepared by the camps or hotels that house the school Shabbatonim. Mothers and wives are scrambling for recipes so that they do not have to dish out some $15 per pound for it. Some of their children (and husbands) are no longer eating the time-tested chicken recipes that they have been using for years. When attempting to make it in the kitchen at home, the biggest dilemma these mothers and wives face is how does one get the pretzels to stick to the chicken?[I am told that the trick is to use a flour coating first and refrigerate then after refrigerating for a few hours to use eggs andsecond flour coating]. THE DILEMMA But there is another dilemma that has been created by the sudden arrival of pretzel coated chicken.What bracha is to be recited upon it when not eaten during the Shabbos meal?And all of them do snack on it on Thursday night or on Friday. Do we say, as it seems to be with mezonos coated chicken (schnitzel), that the coating is batel to the chicken? Or do we say, because the pretzels are so visible and so thick, that this new food is entirely Mezonos?Or perhaps, the third option, should we be making two brachos? There are some people who, by virtue of the brachos question, will stop eating the pretzel chicken entirely unless they have previously washed on it.Why?They do not wish to enter into a safek bracha situation. It is not that this is the most earth-shattering question that faces us right now, but the analysis of the issue may give us new insight into how we read and understand certain Gemorahs and Torah concepts. MEZONOS UBER ALLES MEZONOS ABOVE ALL The Gemorah in Brachos (36b) quotes both Rav and Shmuel that whenever an item has one of the five grains, the blessing is Mezonos. The Gemorah uses this to resolve a debate between Rav Yehudah and Rav Cahana regarding a certain food combination. The Rosh (Siman 6) and the Rashba explain that the food under discussion contains more of other product than of Mezonos (grain) product.From here, the concept of Mezonos above all is derived.That is, whenever there is any part of the food that is mezonos, it is the determining factor. TWO ISSUES There are actually two issues here.The first issue is whether the minority food has become a tafel insignificant in light of the majority element, and therefore loses its blessing.The second issue is whether the food under discussion is actually considered to be one food item or is it two food items.If it is one food item, it would seem to require just one blessing.If it is two food items, it seems that it would require two blessings, unless one of the items is deemed insignificant. The Gemorah further on (39a) cites Rav Ashi as saying that when the Mezonos is added merely as a sticking agent, the food item retains the original blessing.The grain only being a sticking agent would make it insignificant from a halachic point of view.The Baalei Tosfos, Rashba,Rosh and the Rambam (Hilchos Brachos 3:5) all rule in accordance with this view. This author would like to suggest that there may be a dispute as to how exactly to understand the Gemorahs further quote of Rav Ashi on 39a.Is this the only exception to the rule of Mezonos above all?We will call this Approach A to the citation of Rav Ashi. Or does this citation demonstrate that the rule of Mezonos above all is not necessarily a hard and fast rule.We will call this Approach B.We will see that this question may be a debate between the Rashba and the aforementioned Rosh. WHY IS SCHNITZEL SHEHAKOL? The truth is that it is not so clear as to why people do not recite a mezonos on schnitzel.Schnitzel , of course, is mezonos coated chicken (to exclude corn flake or Rice Krispies coated chicken the latter being not a true Mezonos).The Mezonos coating on schnitzel is not there for binding, but rather for taste- and it is in every bite.Yet for some reason, the custom is that we recite only a shehakol. Indeed, Rav Elyashiv zatzal is cited in numerous seforim (see for example Rav Pinchas Bodners book on Brachos) as holding that the bracha on schnitzel is mezonos.Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl is cited as holding that the bracha is shehakol.We also find a similar debate in regard to Cookies n Cream ice cream.Rav Yisroel Belsky once told me that the blessing is shehakol and one should recite a mezonos on the big pieces.Another prominent Posek who has authored several authoritative seforim in halachah informed me that the ice cream is mezonos only. Rav Yoseph Teomim, the author of the Pri MaGadim in his Aishel Avrohom (OC 168:30) discusses a case that could perhaps shed much light on our case.He discusses a case where someone is adding bread crumbs into beer.He differentiates between larger pieces and smaller pieces.He writes that the smaller pieces would be batel to the drink but not the larger pieces.The size of the crumbs is apparently the determining factor as to whether his intent is on them as well.The Pri Magadim is explaining the position of the Mogain Avrohom who seems to be differentiating between taste and substance versus mere taste alone.He writes that if it is added for taste but there is no significant substance we do not say Mezonos wins all.The Mogain Avrohom bases his reasoning on his reading of the Rambam. There is a debate as to the actual text of the Mogain Avrohom, but it would seem that the Pri Magadims understanding of him is the authoritative one.I would like to suggest that this Pri Magadim is the reason why many Poskim differentiate between a thick coating of schnitzel where the bracha is mezonos and a thin layer where they consider the bracha to still be shehakol. The Pri Magadim is thought to be one of the most authoritative achronim in halachah.This Pri Magadim would explain why the custom has evolved to only recite a shehakol on chicken schnitzel. THE ROSHS VIEW Where did the Pri Magadim and Mogain Avrohom derive this position?It could very well be that he derived this from the language of the aforementioned Rosh, even though it is not clearly mentioned.The Rosh uses the following wording to explain the principle Kole shikro mchameshes haminimafilu rovo mimin acher anything whose essence is from the five grains even if most of it is from another type.Rav Asher Weiss (Responsa p. 44) reads this Rosh as fundamentally disagreeing with the idea that Mezonos wins always.He writes that from a qualitative sense it is not a five grain product then the blessing remains what the food items essence is. THE RASHBA The Rashba (Brachos 37a) explains a certain honey, grain mix as still being a Mezonos even though he explains that the essence of the food is the honey.This view lies in stark contrast to the explanation given in how we read the Rosh. The Shulchan Aruch (208:2-3,9), however, does not adopt the language of the Rosh.He seems to be learning like the Rashba that Mezonos is always the criterion with the exception of what was mentioned alone.There is no concept of essence of the food. So what about the pretzel chicken?It would seem that if the pretzels are there in their entirety, this would at the very least fit the Pri Magadims criterion.The view of the PMGwould explain why most Poskim have in the past stated that when schnitzel has a thick coating it is mezonos and if it is a thin coating it remains a shehakol. WHAT OF THE CHICKEN, THOUGH? So let us grant that the pretzels need a bracha, but what about the chicken?Do we consider this one item and then the bracha would be mezonos only?Or are there really two items here that are not a mixture chicken and pretzels? Rav Asher Weiss (Minchas Asher #16) would require two brachos just as he rules on the Cookies n Cream ice cream.The Poskim who do not invoke the aforementioned Rosh (or do not attribute significance to the nuanced reading of it) would just require one bracha. The Mishna Brurah (168:45) in a somewhat shocking position seems to indicate that the foods need to be cooked together in order to be considered one mixture and not simply placed together.If so, the question would arise that these pretzels are already pre-baked.Perhaps then they would not be considered pre-cooked.It would seem, however, that the Mishna Brurah only wrote this to require some sort of action happening within the food to demonstrate that it is one unit.Thus, the process of putting it in the oven so that it would attach together would probably fulfill this requirement.The pretzel chicken would be one bracha then. BRACHA ACHRONA And what about the Bracha Achrona?It would seem that most people do not eat the pretzel chicken fast enough where the pretzels themselves would form a kezayis and be eaten within the time frame of Bichdei Achilas Pras (three to four minutes).Thus the after-blessing is certainly a Borei Nefashos. Of course, everyone should ask their own Rav or Posaik as to how to proceed with Pretzel Chicken and with the Cookies n Cream Ice Cream, but it is important to understand the dynamics of how our Poskim come to determine the deep complexities of halachah. The author can be reached at [email protected] The nations top intelligence official faces questioning on Capitol Hill on Tuesday about a report that fingered the Kremlin in hacking during the presidential campaign. James Clapper, the director of national intelligence, is appearing before the Senate intelligence committee, where lawmakers questions will expose the underlying debate over the future of U.S.-Russian relations. Clapper also addressed the Russian interference when appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee last week ahead of the reports release. The declassified report explicitly tied Russian President Vladimir Putin to the hacking of email accounts of the Democratic National Committee and individual Democrats like Hillary Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta. Russia also used state-funded propaganda and paid trolls to make nasty comments on social media services, the report said, although there was no suggestion such operations affected the actual vote count. The report lacked details about how the U.S. learned what it says it knows, such as any intercepted conversations or electronic messages from Russian leaders, including Putin. It also said nothing about specific hacker techniques or digital tools the U.S. may have traced back to Russia in its investigations. Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that the Kremlin still believes the U.S. accusations of election hacking have no substance. They are amateurish and are hardly worthy of the high professional standards of top intelligence agencies, Peskov said. We categorically rule out the possibility that Russian officials or official bodies could have been involved. We are tired of such accusations. This is beginning to remind us of a full-fledged witch hunt. According to U.S. intelligence agencies, Russia provided the emails to WikiLeaks. The websites founder, Julian Assange, denies that is the case, but Democratic and Republican members of Congress have largely backed the accusation and many have demanded a sterner response. On Monday, Assange called the report on hacking a politically motivated press release and said it provided no evidence that Russian actors gave WikiLeaks hacked material. President Barack Obama struck back at Moscow in late December with penalties aimed at Russias leading spy agencies, the GRU and FSB, that the U.S. said were involved in the hacking. The GRU is Russias military intelligence agency. The FSB is the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB. On Monday, the U.S. levied economic sanctions against five Russians in connection to a 2012 U.S. law punishing Russian human rights violators. Americans are now banned from doing business with the men and any assets they may have in the United States are now frozen. The most prominent individual targeted by the new sanctions is Alexander Bastrykin, who heads Russias main investigative agency and is close to Putin. The two attended the same university together. The Investigative Committee under Bastrykin investigated Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitskys death in prison in 2009, but closed the case after determining there was no evidence of a crime. Two of the other Russians placed on the Treasury Departments list have been accused of trying to help cover up Magnitskys death. Britain blames the two others for the London murder of a former Russian intelligence agent. Forty-four Russians have now been subjected to U.S. sanctions under the so-called Magnitsky law, the State Department said. (AP) Now an elder statesman, Barack Obama is returning to Chicago where he launched his unlikely political career to tell Americans not to lose faith in their future, no matter what they think about their next president. Obamas final speech as president, before thousands who will gather at McCormick Place, is his last chance to try to define what his presidency meant for America. Its a fitting bookend to what he started eight years ago. It was in Chicago in 2008 that the nations first black president declared victory, and where over the years he tried to cultivate his brand of optimism in American politics. Ill be thinking back to being a young community organizer, pretty much fresh out of school, and feeling as if my faith in Americas ability to bring about change in our democracy has been vindicated, Obama said in a White House video previewing his speech. Obama said hes leaving his eight years in office with two basic lessons: that Americans are fundamentally good, and that change can happen. The system will respond to ordinary people coming together to try to move the country in a better direction, he said. The system did respond, in November, to Americans who by and large rejected Obamas policies by electing Republican Donald Trump. Obama and Democrats had warned against a Trump presidency in apocalyptic terms. So now Obamas daunting task the closing act of his political career is to explain how his vision of America remains relevant and achievable for Democrats in the Trump era. No stranger to high-stakes speeches, Obama rose to national prominence on the power of his oratory. But this speech is different, White House officials said. Determined not to simply recite a history of the last eight years, Obama directed his team to craft an address that would feel bigger than politics and speak to all Americans including those who voted for Trump. His chief speechwriter, Cody Keenan, started writing it last month while Obama was vacationing in Hawaii, handing him the first draft on the flight home. By late Monday Obama was immersed in a fourth draft, with Keenan expected to stay at the White House all night to help perfect Obamas final message. In his weekly address Saturday, Obama acknowledged that the chaos of Washington makes it easy to lose sight of the role American citizens play in democracy. He said that while he leaves office with his work unfinished, he believes his administration made the U.S. a stronger place for the generations that follow ours. Seeking inspiration, Obamas speechwriters spent weeks poring over Obamas other momentous speeches, including his 2004 keynote at the Democratic National Convention and his 2008 speech after losing the New Hampshire primary to Hillary Clinton. They also revisited his 2015 address in Selma, Alabama, that both honored Americas exceptionalism and acknowledged its painful history on civil rights. Former aides were brought back to consult on the speech, including advisers David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs, and former speechwriter Jon Favreau, said the officials, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions. The president, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will all travel to Chicago for the speech at McCormick Place, a sprawling convention center along Lake Michigan. For Obama, it will be his final trip aboard Air Force One as president, though hell use the plane to depart Washington for an unspecified destination next week just after Trump is inaugurated. In his hometown of Chicago, the prospect of witnessing Obamas last presidential address brought thousands out in single-digit temperatures over the weekend in hopes of securing tickets. They showed up well before sunrise and waited in lines that stretched for blocks. Though he and his party were dealt a devastating blow in Novembers elections, Obama leaves office as a relatively popular president viewed favorably by 57 percent of Americans, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released the day before his speech. That puts Obama on par with former President Bill Clintons popularity as he left office. Yet Americans remain deeply divided over Obamas legacy, with fewer than half saying theyre better off eight years later or that Obama brought the country together. Two in three Americans said he didnt keep his promises, though most of those Americans said he tried to, but could not. He acted very presidential, but he just couldnt get things done, said Dale Plath, 86, a retired sales manager from Mason City, Iowa. He said he voted for Obama the first time, voted against him the second, and this year, Plath said: I voted for change, frankly in the form of Trump. (AP) Sen. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trumps pick for attorney general, will outline his conservative priorities for the Justice Department as his confirmation hearings open Tuesday. He faces a tougher task in persuading skeptical Democrats hell be fair and committed to civil rights as the countrys top law enforcement official. The office of the Attorney General of the United States is not a political position, and anyone who holds it must have total fidelity to the laws and the Constitution of the United States, Sessions said in prepared testimony that also outlines goals of beefed-up drug, gun and immigration enforcement. Sessions also said he understands the history of civil rights and the horrendous impact that relentless and systemic discrimination and the denial of voting rights has had on our African-American brothers and sisters. I have witnessed it. Democrats are expected to use the two days of hearings to challenge Sessions commitment to civil rights, a chief priority of the Justice Department during the Obama administration. They also are likely to press him on his hard-line stance on immigration policy. But Republicans have expressed strong support and are expected to secure more than enough votes needed to confirm him, including from some Democrats in conservative-leaning states. The Alabama lawmaker is known as one of the most staunchly conservative members of the Senate, and has already drawn opposition from at least two Democrats, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. In a dramatic turn, Booker one of three black senators said he will testify against Sessions on Wednesday, marking a rare instance in which a senator has testified against a colleague seeking a Cabinet post. In a statement, Booker accused Sessions of having a concerning record on civil rights and criminal justice reform and called his decision a call to conscience. If confirmed, the four-term senator would succeed outgoing Attorney General Loretta Lynch and would be in a position to dramatically reshape Justice Department priorities in the areas of civil rights, environmental enforcement and criminal justice. Sessions was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and before that served as state attorney general and a United States attorney. Hes been a reliably conservative voice in Congress, supporting government surveillance programs, objecting to the proposed closure of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention facility and opposing as too lenient a 2013 bipartisan immigration bill that included a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. He will look to turn the page from a failed confirmation hearing in 1986, when his nomination for a federal judgeship was derailed by accusations he had made racially insensitive comments as a federal prosecutor. Civil rights advocates have rallied against his nomination, with protesters staging a sit-in last week at a Sessions office in Alabama and circulating letters opposed to his nomination. Advocacy groups have drawn attention to positions from Sessions they fear could weaken legal protections for immigrants, minority voters and gays, lesbians and transgender people. Sessions supporters have pointed to bipartisan work in the Senate and to supportive statements from some Democrats and even the son of a civil rights activist whom Sessions unsuccessfully prosecuted for voter fraud in Alabama. One of the two senators introducing him at Tuesdays hearing is a moderate Republican, Susan Collins of Maine, suggesting a concerted effort to try to cement his appeal beyond the more conservative members. Sessions may be asked whether the Justice Department would investigate again Hillary Clintons use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. Trump said during the campaign that he would ask his attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Clinton, but suggested after he won that he had changed his mind. Witnesses on Wednesday include former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, NAACP President Cornell Brooks and David Cole, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. (AP) The Iraq war veteran held in the fatal shooting of five people inside Fort Lauderdales airport was appointed a federal public defender on Monday after telling a judge that he has no job and only $5 or $10 in the bank. Esteban Santiago, 26, spoke clearly during a brief hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Valle, who ordered him held until his next hearings. Shackled in a red jumpsuit in the heavily guarded federal courtroom, Santiago answered mostly yes or no to questions, and told the judge he understands the charges, which include committing violence against people at an international airport resulting in death, and two firearms offenses. She told him the death penalty could apply. We are telling you the maximum penalty allowed by law so that you understand the seriousness of the charges, the judge said. He said he had been in the Army, where he made about $15,000 a year. He mentioned expenses including $560 in monthly rent, plus phone and other utility bills. He said he owns no property and doesnt have a vehicle. He said he had worked for a security company, Signal 88, in Anchorage, Alaska, until November, making $2,100 a month, but currently only had $5 to $10 in the bank. Given his finances, the judge decided hes eligible for government lawyers at taxpayer expense. Valle set a detention hearing for Jan. 17, followed by an arraignment for entering a plea for Jan. 23. More than a dozen officers kept watch outside the courthouse, carrying rifles and wearing bulletproof vests. There were also mounted police and K-9 units. The charges dont specifically use the word murder, but the effects of one of the gun charges and the airport charge are the same because they cover actions that result in a persons death and can result in capital punishment, said former federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein. Under federal law, there are many statutes that cover the killing of another human being and unlike state statutes, they are not specifically titled murder. But the elements of the crime and the definition of murder are the same, he said. State authorities could file first-degree murder charges against Santiago, but thats unnecessary for now, Weinstein added, because there is no statute of limitations on murder. If something were to go wrong in federal court, the state could then proceed against him, he said. No links to international terrorism have been found, the FBI has said. But if they surface, federal prosecutors could obtain an updated grand jury indictment to add terror-related charges, Weinstein added. Their focus right now will be on the existing three charges and the continuing investigation, he said. Santiago has been in custody since Fridays shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The FBI said Santiago flew on a one-way ticket aboard a Delta flight from Anchorage to Fort Lauderdale. The 11-hour flight has a 2-hour layover in Minneapolis, one of the longest itineraries within the U.S. He checked a single piece of luggage: a gun box for his Walther 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and two magazines of ammunition, according to an FBI affidavit. Agents say he retrieved the box in baggage claim and loaded his weapon in a bathroom stall before opening fire on fellow passengers, killing five and wounding six others. In November, Santiago walked into an FBI field office in Alaska with a handgun and his infant child, saying the U.S. government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State group videos, authorities said. Officers seized the weapon and local officers took him to get a mental health evaluation. His girlfriend picked up the child. On Dec. 8, the gun was returned to Santiago. Authorities wouldnt say if it was the same gun used in the airport attack. (AP) Two New York residents with disabilities are asking a federal judge to order the implementation of text-to-911 technology in New York City as well as on Long Island. Text-to-911 allows those suffering from speech or hearing impairments to contact police dispatchers via text message from their cellphones or other mobile devices. Newsday reports Deborah LoGerfo, of Babylon, and Nicholas Dupree, of Queens, filed the lawsuit last week in federal court in Brooklyn. Their complaint alleges that the city and Suffolk and Nassau county governments discriminate against the disabled by denying direct access to emergency services. Text-to-911 technology is currently used in 11 of New Yorks 62 counties. The states forthcoming Next Generation 911 system is capable of accepting videos, photos and files sent through text messages. Representatives for the defendants declined to comment. (AP) Part I: Health Minister Yaakov Litzman regularly emerges atop of the list in polls seeking to determine who the most popular cabinet minister is. He is viewed by the nation as one who is committed to his work, engulfed with the monumental task of rehabilitating the nations healthcare system. Litzman is also an outspoken voice against junk food, having commented about distancing oneself from McDonalds and jelly donuts on Chanukah. What has many bothered is Litzman unwillingness to come out strongly against cigarettes and the tobacco industry, even voting against legislation seeking to limit cigarettes, leading some to dub him the Minister of Tobacco. According to the Israel Cancer Association, 8,000 Israelis die annually as a result of smoking, some 20+ times more than in car accidents. However, Litzman is caught on hidden camera in his office explaining he does not feel responsible to act in this area. In the first of a two-part undercover series presented by Channel 2 News, including the use of hidden cameras and microphones, it has been learned that Litzman has met with the heads of the worlds tobacco industry, which he is prohibited from doing as Health Minister as per international treaties signed by Israel. He is also not reporting he met with them, another violation of the treaty. Channel 2 decided to probe what is compelling his policy. Channel 2 correspondents posing as representatives of an electronic cigarette company approached an aide to Litzman which their report refers to as a Macher from the Chassidus Litzman is affiliated with and gave him a envelope with cash, which got them into his office. A second cash envelope gained them entry into the ministers inner office, and a meeting with him. Omri (correspondents name for the purpose of this investigation), represents a fictitious Japanese company importing electronic cigarettes, SEC (Smoke Electronic Cigarettes). Channel 2 points out that they opted to go with the electronic cigarettes after the Israel Cancer Association came out strongly against them, citing they are at least as dangerous as regular cigarettes, but Litzman refused to adopt this policy. Channel 2 advertised the SEC product in Hamodia, aware it is affiliated with chassidim and Litzman. On a side note, Gerrer Chassidim do not smoke as per the rebbes instructions. The video shows that while Omri and others from SEC speak with the Hamodia staff, they ask if they are able to hook us up to meet with Health Minister Litzman to which they explain they can. After signing on an advertising contract, the connection is made to introduce Omri to Minister Litzman. The undercover reporter meets with Hamodia correspondent and Gur Chossid Yaakov Reinitz, who is the go-between to Litzman. He promises a meeting, which is expensive with Moti Bobchik, the man who runs the ministers office, adding I cannot however promise the outcome of the meeting. Ester, from Hamodia marketing is also involved and it is hinted how this must be done and that it will cost money. All sides agree as Esther explains as a client of ours (Hamodia), it is in our interest to assist you. Reinitz also explains that Everyone knows that Hamodia is Litzman. In a subsequent meeting with Reinitz caught on hidden camera, Reinitz explains he was at the ministry working to set up the meeting but There is one person in the way, Professor Itamar Grutto who is in charge of public health as he opposes the e-cigarettes. I am telling you in advance it is complicated to get to Grutto not black and white but I can tell you for now, he will not speak out against this. The meeting continues during which Reinitz is asked how much it will cost to meet with Grutto and he explains it depends on how long it takes, usually between NIS 8,000-12,000. Reinitz agrees to NIS 4,000, accepting half in advance and the remainder following the meeting, promising the meeting within a week. Moti Bobchik, Litzmans closest aide and a Gerrer Chossid arranges the meeting between Omri and Grutto. In subsequent conversations with Reinitz, it becomes clear to SEC that the company will be a favorite of the ministry and stands to gain by the connection made via Reinitz and Bobchik. Reinitz then explains to Omri that Grutto has concerns regarding he international treaty prohibiting them from meeting with the e-cigarette company representatives and therefore, it might be best not to meet with him. He adds I pressed and persuaded him and he will meet with you. It is pointed out that Grutto is not a political appointment but a professional who is responsible for the ministrys policy vis-a-vis the public health system. Omri is surprised when he arrives at Gruttos office there are four senior physicians including two professors, all employees of the ministry. This too is on hidden camera. They are aides of Grutto and employees who are his subordinates. Omri is looking for assistance in importing the product without ministry interference. He is told there is no regulatory authority and they are free to import the electronic cigarette. You have mazel there is a minister who is not exactly opposed to this. The forum then discusses the various studies pointing to problems and health concerns with e-cigarettes including a recent FDA report. After the meeting, Reinitz receives his second NIS 2,000 so within 10 days, for the fee of NIS 4,000, an e-cigarette importer received a meeting with senior Health Ministry officials, who promised not to interfere with importing a product that is harmful to the health of the general public. Reinitz does not waste time and explains the next meeting is with Litzman and this will cost them NIS 3,000, informing them he will be there along with Bobchik. The ministry and Minister Litzmans spokesman deny any knowledge of payments nor the involvement of Reinitz. They explain anyone can and does meet with Litzman as was believed to be the case here, nothing more, and one is not required to pay for such a meeting. Hamodia distances itself from Reinitzs actions. Reinitz explains he is a private individual and can act as a go-between for as long as he reports his income to the Tax Authority. He insists none of the money he received was given to Bobchik or Litzman or any other ministry employee. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) [VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Chief Rabbi of the Jewish community of Berlin Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, visited Brandenburg Gate on Monday evening 11 Teves, joining the many visitors who on Monday who visited the Gate to see the Israeli flag projected against it, all in intention to express solidarity with the people of Israel, after the terror attack they experienced in Jerusalem that claimed four lives. As he reached the site that Rabbi said: Here, at a central and important place in Berlin, where just over two weeks ago we experienced a ramming attack as well, we stand and show the people of the Holy Land that we identify alongside with them. We seek to show our solidarity to the families of those killed and of those wounded. We ask in the name of our community to express our condolences to the Yekutiel, Hajaj, Tzur and Orbach families. As we stand together, our light glows stronger than the darkness. The rabbi also added The intention of these terrorists is to spread fear within us, but they are due to fail, both in Jerusalem and in Berlin. Rabbi Teichtal was one of the thousands of Jews and non-Jews who signed the letter asking the Berlin Municipality to project the Israel flag on the walls of this historic Gate. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Video Credit: The Berlin Jewish Community) Members of the elite Duvdevan unit of the Paratroops Corps were operating in the Jordan Valley during the night, making arrests in the Parah refugee camp. A terrorist brandishing a knife headed towards the soldiers, but Bchasdei Hashem, he was detected in time and shot dead, before he could injure anyone. The force was also attacked later on with gunfire and bottles. Bchasdei Hashem the mission was completed without injuries. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Hundreds of police were deployed on Tuesday morning 12 Teves ahead of the court-ordered demolition of hundreds of illegal homes in the Israeli Arab sector. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: via Media Resource Group) By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Clicking selfies or combing hair in college corridor might lead to suspension of students at Delhi Universitys Miranda House, with the authorities issuing a warning in this regard. A notice which has been put up at the college for the School of Open Learning (SOL) students, who attend Sunday classes there, states that such activities amount to "misutilisation" of time. advertisement Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, a student association of SOL students, termed the circular "misogynistic" and said that they would take it up with the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). "Miranda House College and its teachers are always fighting to ensure your higher education. We hope that women students benefit from this opportunity and focus on academics. Many women have been seen taking selfies, combing their hair and modelling in the gallery," the notice put up by the college read. "This is misutilisation of time. The college does not give permission for this. If any student is found misutilising their time, they will be suspended from the classes held on that particular day, and will be made to leave the college premises," it added. Miranda House Principal Pratibha Jolly, confirmed the notice, saying, "it has been put out following an internal discussion on safety concerns as students usually sit on pillars while clicking selfies" and added that is a suggestion to the students. SOL Director CS Dubey, however, said he had no information about the notice. PTI GJS RT --- ENDS --- The daily Haaretz quotes sources involved in the almost-completed police investigation into Avi Harow, a former chief of staff for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The report states Harow is likely to face a criminal indictment for fraud and breach of trust for the fictitious sale of a PR company. Upon completion of the investigation, police will submit the case to the attorney general with recommendations. Harow will then be granted a hearing, a last chance to persuade authorities of his innocence. Only then will an indictment be filed, if at all. Harow was appointed as the PMs chief of staff in February 2009 and resigned in March 2010. The case against him began in December 2015. The sale of the company reportedly took place prior to his appointment to the high-level post in the Prime Ministers Office, but evidence that was uncovered subsequently placed the sale in doubt, leading police to believe it was actually a fictitious sale and that Harow continued running 3H Global while serving as the chief of staff for the prime minister. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, who was shot in the line of duty in 1986, died Tuesday morning at the age of 59. The detective was shot in Central Park in 1986 and had been paralyzed from the neck down ever since. McDonald suffered a heart attack last week. He is known for publicly forgiving the 15-year-old shooter who left him a quadriplegic following the shooting. McDonald had continued as an active member of the police department despite the fact that he used a wheelchair and was only able to breathe with help from a respirator. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called McDonald courageous and inspirational. (AP) By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns jewish Times Two Shabbosim ago, an announcement was made in shuls across the world. Tehillim should be recited for Rav Aron Leib Shteinman Shlita. It should be recited even on Shabbos. The ruling was promulgated by Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita as well as numerous Gedolim in America. Many people took note that if this was the psak halacha of the gedolei HaDor, the situation must really be serious. All this brings up a number of questions. What is the issue behind the general prohibition not to recite Tehillim on Shabbos? ONEG SHABBOS On Shabbos, there exists a Mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos taking delight and pleasure in the day. Delighting in the day means that we should avoid activities that bring about sadness. Most authorities, in fact, hold that the Mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos is a Biblical Mitzvah (See Rashi and Rashba on Yevamos 93a and Rivash, responsa #513). Generally speaking, crying is an expression of sadness an activity that people want to avoid when they are happy. One could assume then, that we should avoid crying on Shabbos. And while it is true that the Rambam (Shabbos 36:1) holds that Oneg Shabbos is only a Rabbinic Mitzvah, it would seem that even on a Rabbinic level we should avoid crying. THE LAST TIME THE ISSUE AROSE The last time the issue arose had to do with kidnapping of three Yeshiva boys HYD. It brought this issue front and center to many synagogues across the country. Crying has the same halachos as crying out in Tefilah (See Responsa Torah Lishma #103). Even though, ultimately, it turned out to be to no avail for the three Yeshiva students, were we permitted to cry out to Hashem on the Shabbos itself on their behalf? At that time, the leadership of Agudath Yisroels Moetzes Gedolei Torah chose not to issue a ruling. They left it up to each individual Rav of every shul. NAMING A CHILD Naming a child is a period of fantastic joy for both parents and grandparents, particularly when the naming perpetuates the memory of loved ones. Yet sometimes, people are brought to tears at the moment that the child is named for the deceased love one. When a Bris falls on Shabbos, should we avoid giving Krias Shaim to the father, if he will be brought to tears? Are these tears of complete joy or is there an element of sadness here? All this brings us to a fascinating passage found in the Talmud Yerushalmi (Brachos) that, interestingly enough, is not cited in the Talmud Bavli. The great sage Rabbi Akiva, had lost his son, Eliezer. Rabbi Akivas students encountered their master crying on the Shabbos. They asked him, Rebbe, have you not taught us the verse, And ye shall call Shabbos a delight? Rabbi Akiva responded, This [crying] is my personal delight. The Bavli makes no mention of this episode. The Beis Yoseph (OC 288), however, cites the Agur in the name of the Shvilei HaLeket who does mention this Yerushalmi. The Agur clearly indicates that Oneg Shabbos is a concept that does not have objective criterion. It is subjective and dependent upon each individual. TWO VIEWS ON RABBI AKIVAS TEARS The Ramah (OC 288:2) and the TaZ argue about how one understands the Agur. The Ramah rules that if crying makes a person feel better, by allowing the pain to go away from his heart then it is permitted to cry on Shabbos. It seems from the wording of the Ramah that it is only permitted if the person would know that the crying would make him feel better. TAZ FORBIDS The TaZ, on the other hand, has a different explanation for the crying and an altogether different source than this Yerushalmi. The TaZ explains that the crying of Rebbe Akiva was not based upon the idea of removing pain from ones heart. He writes that it is a special form of crying that emanates from Dveikus cleaving to Hashem. He cites as the source for this idea the Zohar Chadash. According to the TaZ it would not be permitted to cry on Shabbos in order to take away the pain. Indeed, the TaZ writes that if the Ramah is correct everyone would be permitted to cry on Shabbos. The TaZ gives us no further reference where it may be found in the Zohar. It is likely that it is the Midrash HaNeelam in Parshas VaYeirah page 98b. The Mishna Brurah cites the TaZ but further elaborates upon the opinions of the Eliyahu Rabbahs and the Tosefes Shabbos, who disagrees. The Eliyahu Rabba quoted the responsa of Reb Binyomin Zeev (#210) who justifies the Ramahs position. As far as the question that the TaZ poses that this leniency would permit everyone to cry the Eliyahu Rabbah answers that not all people are the same. To some, crying makes a sad matter worse or at least remain equal. To others crying allows a person to get it out of their system. The Ramahs permissive ruling was only for the latter. THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH THE RAMAH While it seems that the position of the Mishna Brurah is to allow crying for those people who will feel better about it, the Rav Shulchan Aruch (the first Lubavitcher Rebbe) leaves out the entire matter. It would seem, therefore, that he is in agreement with the view of the TaZ that crying is only permitted for those who do so out of a profound sense of Dveikus and Chassidus. The Mezritcher (Reb Dov Ber ben Avrohom student of the Besht) in his Likutei Yekarim (#4) also understands the issue like the TaZ. CONCLUSIONS So now lets get to some conclusions. According to what we are suggesting here, to have cried out in Tehillim for the three Yeshiva students would only be permitted to those whose agony might be quelled, even ever so, by praying for their safe return. If, however, the person is an individual whose pain will not be alleviated, even somewhat, through the Tefilah then if he or she would be further stressed by the pain brought on by thinking about it on Shabbos it would seem that he should not be crying out in Tefilah. What about the father who, on Shabbos, is given the honor of Krias Shaim, naming a child after a parent, who will be brought to tears? Perhaps we can argue that it does assuage pain, the pain he or she is feeling upon the loss of a parent and the perpetuation of the name within the family addresses that Tzaar. Thus it would be permitted according to the Ramah. According to the TaZ, it may not be so clear. Boruch hashem, Rav Shteinman made a remarkable recovery, although he still needs our Tefillos. Gedolei Torah have said that during the search for the three kidnapped boys, the Tefilos that Klal Yisroel recited were not lost. The miraculous fact that we had so few casualties in light of the fact that Hamas had shot 2874 rockets in July alone from Gaza can be attributed to the Tefilos of Klal Yisroel for the three Yeshiva students, HYD. Iron Dome performed far more effectively than it was ever imagined. May Hashem bring yeshuos and nechamos to all of Klal Yisroel and may we all share in Simchas! The author can be reached at [email protected] By: Ezra Friedlander Recently, due to President Obamas ill-conceived abstention of UNSC resolution 2334 to condemn Israeli settlements in the disputed post 1967 territories, there has been a feverish focus around the paralyzed peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The unwanted attention and subsequent conversation has been concentrated on what Israel has done wrong, what she should be doing, and how the peace negotiations should be handled. While respected experts and pundits alike have offered their insight on the never ending conflict, I want to shed light on what I feel is a critically important component of the conversation that has been glaringly missing: history. The international community and in particular members of the Security Council in their pursuit to identify the root caucus of the conflict, have failed to learn the lessons of history. They have what one might call, convenient amnesia. What the experts seem to have forgotten is the historic and enduring peace between Israel and Egypt, negotiated between by the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and the late Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin, came about as a result of Sadats bold declaration to his own people and to the Arab world that he is ready to recognize Israel and seek peace with her. Sadat made what was once deemed an unthinkable proposition and issued a presidential declaration of peace with the Jewish State, in the shadow of the Yom Kippur War. His message preceded the actual commencement of direct negotiations and was the exact opposite of an internationally imposed solution. Unfortunately, no one is talking about Sadat today. In the midst of the frustrating gridlocked peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, why isnt anyone looking back at the most successful and lasting peace process negotiated the Middle-East has ever known? So, why do I bring this subject up? Well, one of the greatest advantages of working as a public policy consultant on Capitol Hill is that you get the chance to meet some very interesting and influential people. On my most recent trip to the Hill, I had the good fortune of engaging in a conversation President-Elect Donald Trumps Secretary of State designee Rex Tillerson. During the brief time I was able to speak with him, I seized the rare moment to stress to him that this lack of focus and understanding of history and its application and relevance to the conflict today is a missed opportunity. I humbly suggested to him that he might want to consider the following: President Anwar Sadat was a champion of peace and a pioneer of diplomacy one of the greatest visionaries the world has seen. He became the first Arab leader to officially recognize Israel as a nation-state, facing public backlash from radical groups. Sadat was indispensable to establishing lasting peace between Israel and Egypt by courageously expelling hostilities towards Israel and successfully negotiating a peace treaty at the Camp David Accords along with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. However, what was most remarkable about Sadats diplomacy was his decision to travel to Israel before commencing negotiations. He addressed the Knesset on November 19, 1977 and spoke about his views on how to achieve comprehensive peace to the Arab-Israeli conflict, courageously announcing: I have come to you so that together we might build a durable peace based on justice, to avoid the shedding of one single drop of blood from an Arab or an Israeli. It is for this reason that I have proclaimed my readiness to go to the farthest corner of the world. Throughout the peace process, Sadat was well aware of the controversy to which his actions would lead, but held onto his ideals and pushed for peace anyway ultimately paying with his life. I believe that the lasting success of the Camp David Accords Treaty is due to the bold and courageous first move Sadat took by visiting Israel before the negotiations started. It was an important symbolic action that generated the goodwill which successfully contributed to the treatys success. This quality is what is lacking in todays peace process. We do not have the Anwar Sadat of our time someone willing to boldly pursue peace, despite the risks or controversy. The conversation should be about working towards building comprehensive peace, rather than practicing absenteeism and abstentionism. Only when this happens can there be lasting change. Mr. Tillerson graciously listened, as I imagined a potential Secretary of State would, I wished him well and we parted ways. Ezra Friedlander is the CEO of The Friedlander Group, a public policy consulting firm based in NYC and Washington, DC. He can followed on twitter @ezrafriedlander For more information, go to www.TheFriedlanderGroup.com Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi said that the Narendra Modi government reduced Mahatma Gandhi to 'his spectacles' without following what the Father of the Nation actually practiced. By India Today Web Desk: In a candid conversation with India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai during a session at the India Today Conclave South 2017 on the second day of the event, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's grandson, said, "The present Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced the name of Mahatma Gandhi to his spectacles." "But the question is why does he need those spectacles? He needs it because there is room for veracity," Gandhi said. advertisement BJP speaks about Sardar Patel because he also stood for veracity, Gopalkrishna Gandhi said. PRAISE FOR KERJIWAL, KANHAIYAMaking a nuanced comment about the need for idealism-based politics, Gopalkrishna Gandhi said, "There is great hope in India for non-cluster, non-family, non-right-wing politics. Right-wingism is about being on the side of majority (ignoring others)." "Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal brought a fresh hope on Jantar Matar few years ago. I don't know how will Kejriwal perform but he brought some fresh hope," Gopalkrishna Gandhi said. "Kejriwal, Kanhaiya Kumar and Jignesh (Mevani) bring hope for new politics of India," said Gandhi adding, "The governments come and go but he electorates and the electorate vending machine stay. I believe, India will produce such people, who will protect the country from its leaders." ADVICE FOR RAHUL GANDHI On a query drawing comparison between him and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi over electoral politics, Gopalkrishna Gandhi said, "I was playing safe by not joining politics. Rahul Gandhi has taken a big risk by joining politics." He said, "I would like Rahul Gandhi to tell India, "I don't want to become the prime minister of India. I want to serve my party for life because it fought for the freedom of the country. I want to serve my party. But I want a prime minister to emerge from the ranks of the Congress. But, I am giving up all hope to become prime minister of India"." 6 OTHER STATEMENTS GOPALKRISHNA GANDHI MADE Responding to a question about ideology-based politics, Gopalkrishna Gandhi said, "End of ideology is a good thing. It means the end of ideologues. It also means the end of (political) posturing." "Constitution does not give any ideology. It speaks of justice. My idea of ideology is justice." "Hindu party of India is BJP. But, it did not win the majority vote. Majority vote was scattered. Hindu vote got consolidated." "People see politicians as manipulative. But, there is a great hope in India for non-cluster, non-family, non-manipulative politics." "People remember Abdul Kalam as a great president because he came from non-political background. He brought freshness in the Rashtrapati Bhavan." advertisement "Abdul Kalam represents the prospects of non-sectarian, non-political and non-manipulative politics in India." --- ENDS --- Whether one believes in climate change or not, it is hard to dispute the work of the Government-controlled Green Investment Bank (GIB). Founded by the Coalition government in 2012, it has played a valuable role in using public funds to encourage the development of green choices in building and energy infrastructure. It has done it by forming alliances with the private sector and helping to develop skills and technologies which could contribute to exports in the future. In the Government's anxiety to close the budget deficit, it is rightly seeking to privatise all that it can as rapidly as possible. Liability: Macquarie's ownership of Thames water shows why it cannot be trusted as a good owner of the nation's vital infrastructure It has disposed of almost all its stake in Lloyds Banking Group, reducing its holding to less than that of fund manager Blackrock. So one can have no objections to the Government selling down its stake in the GIB. It is important for all those who believe in a cleaner energy future that the GIB, with projects stretching the length and breadth of the country, ends up in safe hands. We don't need a repeat of 2006 when Gordon Brown sold Westinghouse to the Japanese. It now has to court the very same firms, Hitachi and Toshiba, to help build a fleet of nuclear plants in the UK. Keeping the lights on must be a long-term objective of the energy policy of all governments, whatever their political colour. What is causing concern is the decision to sell GIB lock, stock and barrel to the Aussie 'vampire kangaroo' Macquarie. Whatever Macquarie decides to do with GIB, it cannot be trusted as a good owner of the nation's vital infrastructure. Its ownership of Thames Water has seen hundreds of millions of dividend payments shipped off to investors, minimal tax paid and disappointing investment in the network. It is now revealed that Macquarie is already engaged in advanced planning to sell the assets of GIB as soon as it gains control. To do so would make a mockery of the price at which it is being sold. Macquarie will make an instant profit on the 2.7billion outfit, but also runs roughshod over the golden share which was meant to give the Government a continuing say. In keeping with the spirit of the 'golden share' and the Government's promise to cut emissions to an acceptable level by 2030, the Prime Minister Theresa May should halt the current plan. One possibility is that the Government merges the GIB with the British Business Bank to create an organisation similar to Germany's KfW, which has been phenomenally successful in backing new technologies and keeping small- and medium-sized German enterprises in the country. There is no reason why, after a merger, the Government could not float a minority stake in the new bank, either through a Lloyds-style placing in the market or an initial public offer, perhaps with some enhanced tax opportunities for investors. GIB has demonstrated it can embrace technologies ranging from offshore windfarms to biomass, street lighting projects and anaerobic digestion and attract private funding. When the Prime Minister had doubts about Hinkley she halted contracts midstream and ordered a new look. She should do the same for the Green Investment Bank. Vanguard triumph Jack Bogle has very little of the name recognition of the famous investment gurus Warren Buffett and George Soros who cater for the more sophisticated investor. But Bogle, who founded the Pennsylvania based Vanguard group in 1975, is the world's most influential investor. He recognised a truth about fund management. The high fees charged for active management are more likely than not to gobble up a large proportion of the gains achieved. Now at 87, a year senior to Buffett, he is sweeping all before him. Figures from Morningstar show that in 2016 Vanguard attracted 230billion of money into its low cost funds and ETFs, outperforming the inflows of its ten closest competitors. Both its passive and more active funds are doing well largely as a result of low cost fees. The domination of Bogle and Vanguard, for many years seen as a maverick, cannot be regarded as a healthy development for the more active managers charging higher fees and seeking to make big profits for their investors. Vanguard doesn't have to worry so much about profitability since it is, in effect, owned by the clients who are rewarded with fee cuts as the money flows in. The management fees of Vanguard's traditional index funds have been cut to the quick and have now been reduced to just 0.16 per cent with 0.05 per cent becoming the going rate. Britain's greedy fund managers with their fat-cat pay cheques need to look to their laurels. Uphill struggle My horseracing-loving father brought me up to think that there was no such thing as a poor bookie. William Hill might want a corrective to that. It has warned that a run of favourites carrying off the spoils has left its profits for 2016 close to the bottom of its guidance some 20million short of where it hoped. By Press Trust of India: Jerusalem, Jan 10 (PTI) Small moonlets may have collided to form the Moon as we see it today, according to a new study which contradicts the prevalent theory that our natural satellite resulted from a giant impact between a small Mars-like planet and the ancient Earth. The study also claims that the Moon we see now is not Earths first moon, but rather the last in a series of moons that orbited our planet. advertisement The newly proposed theory by researchers at the Technion ? Israel Institute of Technology and Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel counter to the commonly held "giant impact" paradigm that the moon is a single object that was formed following a single giant collision between a small Mars-like planet and the Earth. "Our model suggests that the ancient Earth once hosted a series of moons, each one formed from a different collision with the proto-Earth," said Hagai Perets from the Technion. "It is likely that such moonlets were later ejected, or collided with Earth or with each other to form bigger moons," said Perets. To check the conditions for the formation of such mini-moons or moonlets the researchers ran 800 simulations of impacts with Earth. The new model is consistent with sciences current understanding of the formation of Earth. In its last stages of the growth, Earth experienced many giant impacts with other bodies. Each of these impacts contributed more material to the proto-Earth, until it reached its current size. "We believe Earth had many previous moons, a previously formed moon could therefore already exist when another moon-forming giant impact occurs," said Perets. The tidal forces from Earth could cause moons to slowly migrate outwards - the current Moon is slowly doing that at a pace of about one centimetre a year. A pre-existing moon would slowly move out by the time another moon forms. However, their mutual gravitational attraction would eventually cause the moons to affect each other and change their orbits. "It is likely that small moons formed through the process could cross orbits, collide and merge," said lead author Raluca Rufo from Weizmann. "A long series of such moon-moon collisions could gradually build-up a bigger moon - the Moon we see today," said Rufo. The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience. PTI NKS MHN MHN --- ENDS --- With the prestigious elections for the richest Civic body in the country just over a month away, BJP and Shivsena seems to be planning to bury the hatchet. By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: The ever bickering allies Shiv Sena and BJP may finally tie up for the BMC polls. After all the attacks and counter attacks, there seems to be some truce in the offing. With the prestigious elections for the richest Civic body in the country just over a month away, BJP and Shivsena seems to be planning to bury the hatchet. advertisement The allies who in spite of being in power together in the centre as well as the state have never let go one single opportunity to target each other. Leaders from both the parties especially from Mumbai have indulged into an ugly game of allegations and counter allegations. BJP Leaders like Kirit Somaiya even went on to allege large scale corruption in the Shiv Sena ruled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Political compulsions seem to be bringing the squabbling couple closer. After roaring that an alliance will only take place on Shivsena's terms, Uddhav Thackeray sent feelers to the BJP asking for a quick decision on an alliance. Speaking to reporters at his Bandra residence Matoshri, Shivsena President, Uddhav Thackeray, said, "Any decision on the alliance should be taken at the earliest otherwise elections would be over." The BJP too is not denying the possibility of an alliance but albeit insisting on a bigger role in the alliance. National vice president of BJP and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Sahastrabuddhe,said "BJP is Maharashtra's single largest party and an alliance with Shivsena or not we will be the largest party in BMC as well." Senior BJP leader and State Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar too has spoken about the possibility of an alliance and hinted that talks may begin after Wednesday. Whether the talks go ahead or derail like the assembly polls is a different question but seems like political compulsions is making the two allies look upto each other in a battle of survival. Also read: Mumbai Congress to tap Konkani community for 2017 BMC elections --- ENDS --- MBABANE It never rains but pours for Umdabula Festival founder and director, Mbekezeli Mdabula Zulu. It has transpired that there were over 1 000 forged tickets; some of which were sold to the public. The forged general tickets were being sold for E150 instead of E350, while the golden circle tickets went for E300 instead of the E500. Information gathered is that the fake tickets were printed in South Africa and were then brought to a local agent who was responsible for the sale. The sale went on for about two weeks before the show. The fake tickets were noted on the first day of the show after some of the fun lovers who had bought them were turned away at the venue. They informed the police that they had bought the tickets from an agent for as little as E200. Police began to investigate the matter and their investigation led to the arrest of one suspect who is alleged to have been the local agent. As the investigation continued, it transpired that the tickets were sourced from South Africa. The police did not close their investigation with the hope that the South African agent would also be arrested. Chief Police Information and Communication Officer Superintendent Khulani Mamba confirmed the arrest of one suspect who has since been charged with theft by false pretence. Forged Police are investing a case which is in connection with forged tickets of the Umdabula Festival. At the moment we have a suspect who has been arrested. I must say the investigation has not been closed as there is another suspect on this matter who is still on the loose, Mamba said. Called for comment, Zulu confirmed that some of the tickets for his show had been forged but referred all questions to the police. The police are the ones who can give you most of the information. I was informed that there is a suspect who has been arrested but I cannot elaborate much on the issue, Zulu said. Sandile Fakudze who allegedly tried committing suicide by jumping over the kaKhoza overhead bridge. (pics:Jabulisa Dlamini) MANZINI Traffic came to a standstill on Sunday afternoon after a 30-year-old man allegedly attempted suicide by jumping off an overhead bridge at KaKhoza. The incident occurred along the MR3 Public Road at about 11am, on the day. The suicide was, however, unsuccessful and the man survived the fall with severe injuries. Sandile Fakudze (30) of Lobamba was conveyed conscious to the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital and attended to by medical doctors at the Emergency Room (ER). Information gathered is that when the incident occurred, Fakudze was allegedly under the influence of alcohol as he had been drinking from the previous night, until the morning on Sunday. Some of those close to him revealed that he had been venting about his personal problems before the incident. When he left a certain bar situated in town with his friends, he jumped off the overhead bridge, much to the surprise of members of the public. The police were called and there were police vehicles and an ambulance under the bridge where Fakudze had jumped off. He is alleged to have suffered broken ribs, legs and severe bruises to the arms and neck. Yesterday when visited at the hospital, Fakudze admitted that he was drunk when the incident occurred. Despite having difficulty talking, he did mention that he had been having alcoholic beverages with his friends at Siyabonga Bar, situated near the Manzini Bus Rank before the incident. Yati sisi, angati mine kwentekeni itolo - loosely translated, I honestly do not know what happened yesterday. I was only informed after waking up in this hospital bed that I had jumped off the overhead bridge and I was shocked. There is nothing that could make me behave the way I did, Fakudze said. He further admitted that he had personal problems, however, he said that would not lead him to kill himself. Fakudze also revealed that he did not have a wife or children. this was after another patient enquired if the incident was over school fees. Fakudze insisted that he did not remember the details which led to the incident and further blamed himself for drinking too much alcohol. He complained of severe pain all over his body and the fact that he might not be able to walk normally after recovery. MBABANE It has taken 10 years of sweat and tears for the Swaziland Christian Medical Universitys Faculty of Medicine to be operational and relieve governments spending on medical students studying outside the country. Each medical student costs government E600 000 for a six- year course to study outside the country. The country has turned the tide as the university will be admitting its first batch of medical students, possibly in August this year. SCMU was established in 2006 and government approved the proposal for medical and ICT studies but the institution was faced with numerous challenges. Some of these included failure to pay staff on time, several grievances by students that included, but are not limited to shortage of books, laboratories and lecturers. The university had accused government of failing to release salaries and not giving them the promised E27 million for medicine related programmes. Minister of Education and Training Phineas Magagula said the establishment of the school of medicine was a flagship for the institution. Magagula said the country had, for a long time, relied on sending students to study Medicine abroad, which was expensive for government. You just have to look at the statistics on the number of doctors that we have trained but for some reason they are now practising somewhere else. According to the minister, the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine will enable students to pursue their six-year degree in Medicine locally and this will motivate them to work in the country. Yesterday, the minister also witnessed the delivery of various equipment and furniture for the nine SCU laboratory facilities. These included, among others, pharmacy, radiography and nursing. Magagula thanked the Africa Continent Mission and government for assisting SCMU to achieve this milestone. He acknowledged that when the university was first established, it faced certain challenges but added that problems were part of the journey. As you are aware, one of the conditions of accreditation of an institution of higher learning is the issue of provision of adequate equipment, Magagula said. He expressed his joy on the arrival of the equipment and furniture, stating that he was now seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Pastor Chong- Yang Kim of Africa Continent Mission said Swaziland have a well organised network of health facilities that would provide a strong platform for the clinical training of medical students. He said SCMU proposed the medical school project to alleviate the shortage of health professionals in the kingdom. NGCOSENI The fate of the 166 Ngcoseni Central High School pupils who failed Form III in the class of 2016 remains unknown. This is despite the fact that the 2016 Junior Certificate (JC) results were released last Wednesday and the head teacher of the school has submitted his report about the results to the Manzini Regional Education Office (REO). The pupils and parents who were found at the school said they were in the dark regarding what would happen when schools open in a fortnights time. They said they were only given the symbols by the deputy head teacher and nothing was said to them regarding spaces for repeating. They said no one addressed them on the matter. One of the parents, who preferred to remain anonymous because she wanted to protect her children from possible victimisation, said in 2015, 94 pupils failed the JC examinations and they were provided with two classes. Now, there are 166 pupils who failed. We do not know if the school will be able to provide more classes for them to repeat or if we should find other schools. She said it was even worse for those who were repeating the grade for a second time because it could be suggested that they try other schools as it was once hinted earlier last year. According to the parents, the school was supposed to discuss the matter immediately after the results were released by the Examinations Council of Swaziland (ECoS) so that by the time pupils come for their symbols, the administration gives them directions on what to do or expect. However, some of the pupils in question made their demand clear; they said the school should make sure that they are all accommodated to repeat the grade when schools open in two weeks time. They wondered where they would attend school if they were not allowed to repeat since Ngcoseni was the nearest school. The school should know that we are its children and it has to take care of us, said one of the pupils, who did not hide that he had failed for the second time. However, some of the pupils said they did not see themselves coming back to the school after failing a class twice yet they were willing to learn. On the other hand, the Head teacher of the school, Gcinumuzi Dlamini, said he could not comment on the matter because he had already submitted his report to the REO. He said the matter was now in the office of the REO. Meanwhile, Manzini Regional Education Officer (REO) Mlimi Mamba asked that the school be given a break so that it could breathe and be able to get back on its feet. My office is considering all interests, so we will meet the parents, school committee and teachers next week. However, if there is a parent who needs some clarification, he/she could go to the school, the REO said. MBABANE Suspended Judge Mpendulo Simelanes long-awaited impeachment finally began yesterday evening. Impeachment is a formal accusation of wrongdoing against a public official. The impeachment process, which was held at the High Court Conference room, is chaired by Chief Justice (CJ) Bheki Maphalala. Also forming part of the panel are two members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Pholile Dlamini and Peter Mamba. The hearing resumed at exactly 6:15pm and the suspended judge arrived in the company of his family and his lawyer Sipho Simelane. It was while everyone had settled waiting for the hearing to proceed that JSC lawyer Zweli Jele from Robinson Bertram stood up and applied for a postponement. He informed the CJ and the commissioners that the reason he was asking for a postponement was that there were preliminary issues which were being discussed by the parties. Jele applied that the proceedings be postponed to tomorrow. His application was not opposed by Judge Simelanes lawyer and this resulted in the CJ postponing the hearing to tomorrow afternoon. In accordance with the provisions of Section 158 (2) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, a formal notice of inquiry was issued into the question of removal of Justice Simelane from the office of Justice of the High Court of the Kingdom of Swaziland. Judge Simelane was suspended following his arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on corruption-related charges. The JSC has since given lawyers from Robinson and Bertram the task to prosecute in Simelanes impeachment proceedings. This is the same law firm which successfully prosecuted in the impeachment of former Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi. The document states that Judge Simelane was found guilty of serious misbehaviour in that he knowingly and willfully presided over the matter involving then Chief Justice Ramodibedi versus the Swaziland Revenue Authority, knowing that he was precluded from presiding over the matter. Thane police officials said that the three accused worked for a bigger racket by operating as security guards. The accused are a part of a huge gang of miscreants. Police said that they entered the firm through the duct area behind its office, where the building's main water supply pipeline passes through. They made a 3-feet-wide hole in the wall using a gas cutter to avoid making noise. The accused even opened the lockers with the gas cutter. The incident took place on Christmas eve when there was holiday for two consecutive days and the company was supposed to be closed. Over 50 cops were investigating the matter in different states and cities hoping to bust a rampant inter-state racket. A senior officer had got a tip-off about one of the gang members coming to Turbhe area of Navi Mumbai. A trap was laid to catch hold of them, as a result of which the accused were caught. The accused have been identified as Akhtar Sheikh alias Mustafa, Kamruddin Sheikh and Manoj Saud. All of them have been arrested. Cops have recovered over 2 kg gold worth Rs 77 lakh from the accused. More people are likely to get arrested in the case and further investigation into the matter is going on. Beaver County preparing for robust Election Day turnout As the Nov. 8 midterm election approaches, nearly 114,000 people are registered to vote in Beaver County. Nikunj's dead body was found in partial nude condition on Ahmadabad Mumbai Highway just few days before his birthday in November. By Saurabh Vaktania: The Kashimira police of Maharashtra after almost two months of investigations solved murder case of 23 year old Nikunj Chaurasiya, son of famous Pan wala of Mumbai. The murder case was talk of the town after Nikunj's dead body was found in partial nude condition on Ahmadabad Mumbai Highway just few days before his birthday in November. Final rites of Nikunj was done on his birthday. His father owns a pan shop in Bandra west of Mumbai which is very famous in Mumbai. The family reside in South Mumbai. All you need to know about the case: On November 23 the Kashimira police found one dead body near hotel Devesh Punjab on Ahmadabad Mumbai Highway. The body was badly damaged. The accused had destroyed the face by hitting it with huge stone. The cops started searching missing complaints registered in various police stations in Mumbai and neighbouring area. On 25th November the cops found that the body is of Nikunj and the missing complaint is registered at Bandra police station in whose jurisdiction Nikunj was last spotted with his friends where his father owns Pan shop. The cops in their investigations found that on 22nd November just day before his body was found, Nikunj was at Pan shop and he left late evening at 8 telling his father that he is going for having dinner with friends. The cops now brought CCTV footage of Bandra and Mira road area under Kashimira police station. The cops found few CCTV footage where Nikunj is roaming with three people but could not identify them. The family members of Nikunj told cops that he cannot leave Bandra and south Mumbai, he does not have friends out side those two area. The cops questioned over 400 people in the case. The cops later zeroed in on few people seen in CCTV footage with him that night. The cops detained, Kamlesh Sahani, 26, Rupesh Saha, 25 and Mantu Patel, 30. Kamlesh was arrested from Nalasopara while other two accused were arrested from Bihar. The three accused confessed to the crime. The accused told cops that they knew Nikunj has lot of money. Nikunj always used to wear huge gold chains, gold rings and bracelet which the accused had seen him wearing as they knew him from the past. A day before murder, the accused took Nikunj to Deepa Bar in Mumbai where they made him drunk a lot. From there they again brought alcohol and mixed sedative in his alcohol making him unconscious. They than took one cab to Kashimira area in Mira where they brutally murdered him by hitting him with huge stone several times. The accused removed the gold chains, two gold rings and one bracelet which Nikunj was wearing and 10 thousand cash. All the accused are now in custody. advertisement ALSO READ: Mumbai: 25-year-old doctor strangled to death with a pair of jeans Jigisha Ghosh murder case: Two killers to hang, third gets life --- ENDS --- This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany State economic development officials acknowledged Monday that plans by SUNY Polytechnic Institute to build a $90 million LED factory outside Syracuse are a year behind schedule. The news is another blow to the school following the Sept. 22 arrest of SUNY Poly's founding president, Alain Kaloyeros, who used the school's Albany semiconductor research campus as a model to help Gov. Andrew Cuomo bring high-tech manufacturing to other upstate cities. Soraa, which is based in Fremont, Calif., makes cutting-edge LED, or light-emitting diode, light bulbs that emit a nearly pure white color. Its co-founder, Shuji Nakamura, won the 2014 Nobel Prize in physics for his work on blue LEDs that are used in the screen technology for everything from iPhones to TV sets. Soraa uses what is known as "purple" LEDs that have more of the visible light spectrum to make a better white light. Construction of the LED factory, which is being built by SUNY Poly but would be equipped by Soraa with $1.8 billion in manufacturing equipment, has been delayed after contractors walked off the job after not having been paid. The situation is similar to previous work stoppages on SUNY Poly projects this year where the state slowed payments on SUNY Poly projects amid state and federal probes into Kaloyeros and several upstate developers, including COR Development, the firm building the Soraa factory. So far, it does not appear that Soraa has given up on the project as happened in the case of a computer chip factory that SUNY Poly was supposed to build in Utica for an Austrian company called ams AG. Last month, ams, which makes analog chip sensors, announced it was terminating the $2 billion deal due to construction delays that threatened to hurt its production goals. While the ams factory was not built, the outer shell of the Soraa factory is completed. Jason Conwall, a spokesman for Empire State Development Corp., the state agency tasked with overseeing SUNY Poly's construction projects after Kaloyeros' arrest, said Monday that the Soraa project is moving forward even though construction has stopped. "We are in regular communication with the company and this project is moving forward. We'll be providing further updates as they become available," Conwall told the Times Union. Conwall declined to explain how much the contractors on the Soraa project are owed or the exact reasons for the delays. Soraa has not responded to repeated requests for comment about the SUNY Poly project, which is located in the Syracuse suburb of Dewitt. The company had promised to create 420 jobs at the facility by 2026. COR, meanwhile, appears to be paying some of its subcontractors again, settling a lawsuit in recent days filed against it by Ward Steel, a Syracuse-area steel company that did work on a film studio that COR built for SUNY Poly next to where the Soraa factory is being built. Ward Steel of Liverpool was owed $141,000 on a $1.6 million steel contract for what is called the CNY Film Hub, a $15 million project. Matthew Ward, an attorney for Ward Steel, confirmed Monday an agreement was reached with COR and SUNY Poly but declined to reveal details of the settlement. Ward Steel filed the lawsuit against COR and SUNY Poly's development arm, Fort Schuyler Management Corp., back in August in state court. "It was settled before the (court case) got started," Ward said Monday. lrulison@timesunion.com 518-454-5504 @larryrulison Albany The former Albany County Department of Public Works commissioner was sworn in as a county legislator Monday night, filling the vacancy left by Michael Mackey, who was elected to serve as state Supreme Court judge last November. Legislators approved, 30-3, with six absentees, New Scotland resident Darrell Duncan filling the 38th District seat left vacant by Mackey, who took the bench Jan. 1. An amendment by Minority Leader Frank Mauriello to replace Duncan, a Democrat, with the Republican recommendation of Tim Stanton failed, 25-8. Stanton lost to Mackey in 2015 by fewer than 200 votes. Between his lifelong New Scotland residency and his experience as a highway superintendent first in New Scotland and then with the county Duncan shone as the candidate who would best represent the 38th District, New Scotland Democratic Committee Chairman Doug Miller had said. With the appointment, Duncan had to retire from the public works commissioner post. He said as a legislator he looks forward to continuing to work on efforts like the county Rail Trail. "It was a chance to retire and a chance to still stay in contact with what I'm doing," Duncan said of his move to the legislature. Albany County spokeswoman Mary Rozak said a search is underway to fill Duncan's position. DPW Deputy Commissioner Scott Duncan has assumed the role in the meantime, she said. The Duncans are not related, Rozak said. Darrell Duncan must run for the legislature seat in November, a plan that Republican nominee Stanton has already set. Stanton, a farmer and small business owner in Feura Bush, said he wasn't surprised by Darrell Duncan's appointment in a legislature where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly three to one. "I had planned to run ever since I lost the race (against Mackey)," Stanton said. "I came close last time. There is obviously some support out there for me." The vote was preceded by roughly two hours of public comment that largely centered around the county's proposal to expand the ban on polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam. The local law proposed by Legislator Chris Higgins, D-Albany, was not on the agenda for a vote. The majority of commenters spoke in favor of the expansion, pointing to health concerns based on the chemicals used to make the product and negative impacts to the environment. Several officials from polystyrene manufacturers spoke against the ban, citing negative impacts to small businesses and no reported health effects from using foam cups and containers. A local law to prohibit Albany County officials from asking whether applicants have a criminal record was poised to be voted on Monday night, but Legislator Sam Fein, D-Albany, tabled it suddenly to take another month to review the proposal. "We want to make sure the bill is exactly what we want it to be," Fein said. afries@timesunion.com 518-454-5353 @mandy_fries ALBANY -- Police Chief Brendan Cox retired as the city's top cop at noon, leaving the department Tuesday as the men and women he commanded lined up outside the public safety building to applaud him. "I will always love you guys. I will always cherish what we did together," Cox said as he addressed the rank-and-file for the last time. Cox was joined by his family as he bid farewell. The 46-year-old led the department for almost two years before announcing his plans to pursue criminal justice reform with a national nonprofit organization in December. Mayor Kathy Sheehan appointed Deputy Police Chief Robert Sears to oversee the department while the city begins a national search for the next police chief. "Bob, you have long been able to take over the reins. You are more than capable," Cox said during his final remarks. MORE: Albany eyes national search for next police chief, Mayor Kathy Sheehan says Cox, who has 22 years on the police force, is leaving for a job with Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, a national program aimed at reducing low-level arrests, racial disparities and recidivism. Albany was the third city in the nation, following Seattle and Santa Fe, N.M., to launch a LEAD program. "The most important thing any leader has when they leave this organization is sustainability ... and what you have built here at the APD will last as long as this department exists," Sears said, praising Cox for starting community policing initiatives and changing the department's culture. Cox, who grew up in Albany and now lives in Loudonville with his family, was intimately involved in the creation of the city's revamped beat patrols and a citizen advisory panel. "You've also changed this community," Sheehan said. "You have changed our expectations. ... You have changed the way we view the men and women of this department. And we are committed to sustain that positive change that has occurred, to continue down a path that has reduced crime in this city to its lowest levels, that has created a trust between the police department and the community and that has resulted in the place of that we are all prouder of today because of the work that you did." Cox took over as acting chief in April 2015, and was confirmed by the Common Council in July of that year. MORE: Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox retiring As the city tries to determine who should lead the department, Sheehan said she intends to "cast a wide net and see what's out there." The department has been led by eight different chiefs over the past 27 years, and all but one have come from the department. The mayor said the city will undertake a broad search for the next chief and is currently researching the best way to undertake a national search. The plan doesn't preclude promoting someone from the department and Cox said he's "confident" anyone on his command staff is fit for the job. Sears has not yet indicated whether he will throw his name into the hat. Former Chief Steven Krokoff was hired from within the ranks after a national search in 2010. Sheehan appointed Cox in 2015 without the benefit of a search. More than a hundred officers and citizens gathered Tuesday to honor the departing chief. "I may be the face of this department, but you guys are the ones who have done the work day in and day out," Cox said. "Know that what you do and how you make that partnership with this community makes such a difference in people's lives." Albany Families in Albany and Troy will have more options for getting their children into after-school programs under a proposal by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to add 22,000 new program slots in high-need areas across the state. The governor proposed a $35 million pilot program Monday that would create the slots in 16 cities he identified last year as part of a new Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative, which focuses on children who do not have a "safe and supportive place" to go after school. Albany and Troy were the only Capital Region cities to make the list. "This pilot program will further level the playing field for children in underserved cities across the state by expanding their access to programs and community resources that will help them get ahead in school and later on in life," Cuomo said in New York City at the first of six regional State of the State events this week. The benefit of after-school programs are many, state officials argue. Not only do they provide relief to parents who don't get out of work until 5 or 6 p.m., they offer students a healthy mix of academic, social, emotional and recreational support at the end of each school day. Participation is often associated with higher academic outcomes, lower dropout rates and a reduction in juvenile crime, research shows. High-quality after-school programs have also proven to have a $3 return on investment for every dollar spent, state officials say. New York currently spends $65 million on after-school programs, which are bolstered by an additional $88 million in federal funds. It's hard to know how many children statewide are served by after-school programs, since there are various programs, partners and funding streams, said Chris Neitzey, policy director for New York State Network for Youth Success, a nonprofit that advocates for after-school programs. Cuomo's office, however, expects the extra $35 million in funding from the state to increase enrollment by 36 percent. The funds will be awarded as part of a competitive grant process. "Twenty-two thousand new slots is a big deal," Neitzey said. "Especially when you look back at the previous almost 10 years when we saw a decrease in students served because of recession cuts. It's extremely exciting the governor has shown support." Albany is currently home to several programs: the federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Center program serves about 600 students in the city, while the state-funded Advantage After School program serves about 45 students. Troy serves 505 students through 21st Century programs and 205 students through Advantage programs. bbump@timesunion.com 518-454-5387 Barkha Bisht Sengupta gets a hair makeover and looks stunning in her new avatar. Barkha Bisht Sengupta looks stunning in her new look. Picture courtesy: Instagram/Barkha Bisht Sengupta By India Today Web Desk: Barkha Bisht Sengupta, who recently quit Mahesh Bhatt's Naamkarann, chopped off her long locks and is completely slaying the new hairdo. Picture courtesy: Instagram/Barkha Bisht Sengupta Barkha, who played Asha and romanced television hottie Viraf Phiroz Patel in the picturesque location of Kashmir in Naamkarann, was earlier seen in Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman. Picture courtesy: Instagram/Barkha Bisht Sengupta advertisement Barkha shared the picture on Instagram and captioned it as '2017 starts with the most radical thing I've done to my hair in almost 25 years'. She is brave enough to say bye-bye to her long tresses and experiment with her hair for the first time in 25 years. She looks chic and surely rocks the blunt cut. Barkha in her earlier look. Picture courtesy: Instagram/Barkha Bisht Sengupta The 37-year-old actress is married to actor Indraneil Sengupta and they have a daughter named Meera. The couple seems to be still very much in love after nine years of marriage. Barkha recently shared a picture of beautiful bouquet that Indraneil gifted to her with a note 'Just for being the stunner u are'. Barkha with her husband Indraneil and daughter Meera. Picture courtesy: Instagram/Barkha Bisht Sengupta --- ENDS --- Hoosick Falls An $850,000 settlement agreement between the village of Hoosick Falls and two companies blamed for polluting the community's drinking water supplies includes a clause that would prohibit the village from filing future claims against the manufacturers over the contamination. Nearly half of the money the village board is proposing to accept as a settlement includes more than $400,000 in legal and public relations expenses. The six-page agreement between the village and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and Honeywell International also is intended, in part, to cover many of the village's expenses since the discovery in 2014 that a toxic manufacturing chemical, PFOA, had polluted groundwater that includes the village's public water supply and also numerous private wells around the area. The draft agreement will be the subject of a public meeting on Thursday evening in Hoosick Falls. It includes a provision that the village agrees "not to sue and forever discharges SGPP and Honeywell ... for any and all claims which the village now has, or might have in the future, against the corporate releases relating in any extent to the presence of PFOA in the Village's current municipal water supply." The village's disclosure of the terms of the draft agreement late Monday brought sharp rebuke from environmental groups and a citizens' organization, Healthy Hoosick Water, that formed two years ago as part of a grassroots effort to get village leaders to be more proactive in warning the public about the potential health dangers of the contamination. "The ongoing crisis has led to an unprecedented situation, where questions remain unanswered, and residents live with an ongoing fear of how past contamination may harm their future health," said Elizabeth Moran, a water and natural resources associate with Environmental Advocates of New York. "It is recklessly shortsighted that government officials are knowingly tossing out legal options today that could mean the difference between life and death tomorrow." David Engel, an attorney for Healthy Hoosick Water, also criticized the agreement because he said the village may have been able to file future claims for negligence or trespass based on the pollution of its water supply that comes from underground wells several hundred yards from Saint-Gobain's McCaffrey Street manufacturing plant. "We have serious concerns about what's not in the agreement," said Engel, who specializes in environmental litigation. "It appears that the agreement fails to include appropriate protections for the village on a going-forward basis and there's no explanation in this agreement as to what the village's claims were against the companies." Nearly half of the $850,000 would be used to cover losses that village Mayor David Borge said were sustained from decreased water and sewer revenues when residents began using bottled water in late 2015 after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned them to stop drinking or cooking with the contaminated water. The village also expended money to flush waterlines, repair hydrants, augment its website and issue mailings to residents about the pollution. A Glens Falls law firm, FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth, is set to receive about $310,000 of the settlement for its legal work that included negotiating the terms of the draft agreement. A public relations firm, Behan Communications, will be paid about $100,000, according to the village. Behan Communications began advising village leaders in late 2015. The village's use of the communications firm was not publicly announced or voted on by the village; it was authorized by the Glens Falls law firm, which was hired in November 2015 at the recommendation of the village's attorney, John R. Patterson Jr. In May, the village provided copies of its agreements with the law firm and Behan Communications to the Times Union in response to a Freedom of Information Law request. The agreement with Behan Communications stated that Joan Gerhardt, a vice president with Behan Communications, would be paid at a rate of $275 per hour "to provide confidential communications and public relations strategy and advice to its attorneys in connection with its legal representation of the Village of Hoosick Falls." The agreement with Behan Communications confirmed the firm took steps to conceal its work for the village, including labeling the agreement and any communications as "attorney-client communication work product," even though the firm does not provide legal advice. The agreement also noted that Behan Communications' invoices would be billed to the law firm, rather than the village, which would have required a public vote by the Village Board to approve the invoices. Borge issued a statement late Monday commending village leaders for their efforts to secure the agreement with Saint-Gobain and Honeywell, saying the village board is "extremely proud of what has been accomplished to protect the safety and financial well-being of our community." The mayor's statement added the "priority was to ensure residents had access to clean water at no cost, which ultimately was accomplished by the state's consent order with the companies. We could have stopped there. Instead, the village board continued to demand Saint-Gobain and Honeywell cover all the additional costs and losses the village has incurred, to ensure local residents do not bear the brunt of a situation they didn't create." Blood tests conducted by the state Health Department revealed that dozens of people in and around Hoosick Falls, including children, have elevated levels of PFOA in their bodies. PFOA was found in the village's water system in the fall of 2014 by Michael Hickey, a former village trustee whose father died of cancer. Hickey sent water samples to a Canadian lab that reported levels of PFOA that the EPA later said are not safe for human consumption. blyons@timesunion.com 518-454-5547 @brendan_lyonstu This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Nearly a quarter-mile long, the Empire State Plaza Concourse houses a number of eateries, a dry cleaner, a post office, a combination newspaper/snack store, a gift shop and two banks, among other things. But it wasn't always this way. In the early days of the Concourse which runs just below the Empire State Plaza there were no banks. In the 1960s, state planners raised the possibility of putting a bank there to service the state workers who use the Concourse to access their office cubicles. But that idea was rebuffed by Erastus Corning II, who at that point was midway through his four-decade reign as Albany's mayor. Corning feared locating a bank on the concourse would dent the established downtown banks including the now-defunct National Commercial Bank & Trust, where Corning served on the board of directors. "He urged them not to put a bank there," recalled former state Assemblyman Jack McEneny, who earlier in his career worked in the Corning administration. This was in the pre-ATM era, when workers on Fridays would get their paper paychecks and walk to the bank. The anecdote illuminates an aspect of the Concourse that's often bemoaned by state workers and visitors: Despite serving as a veritable Main Street for thousands of state employees albeit a sunless and treeless one the modernist corridor has never really achieved the homey or consumer-friendly feel that some say it could have. While those seeking a different model acknowledge that a government center in a small city would be a poor place for the sort of underground shopping malls in Montreal and Toronto, some have wondered why the Concourse, with almost 19,000 feet of leasable space, can't seem to offer more. Paul Bray, an Albany lawyer and urbanist who has long pushed for quality of life issues through the Albany Roundtable, recalled his proposal to renovate the concourse as a sort of permanent World's Fair pavilion, including showcases for prominent New York corporations like IBM or Xerox. And he wanted food vendors whose wares had state resonance, from New York-style pizza and bagels to Rochester's unique "White Hot" frankfurters. Bray also proposed a glass entryway similar to the one added in 1989 to the Louvre in Paris as a way to draw people into the Concourse. Currently, almost every entrance to the space is subterranean, causing the familiar sight of tourists wandering around the outdoor upper deck trying to enter. Bray's plan was shot down by Corning's successor, Mayor Tom Whalen. He summed up Whalen's response: "This would be horrible. This would totally kill downtown.'' Bray believes former Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, who masterminded the entire Plaza complex (originally known as the South Mall), had plans for the Concourse but became distracted by his White House ambitions. (Rockefeller was tapped to serve as President Gerald Ford's vice president in 1974, a year after he stepped down as governor.) The governor "had other things on his mind. He was gone, so he couldn't ride herd on it," Bray said. There's also the reality that the prime function of the Concourse is to serve as neither a mall nor a pavilion. "I find the underground system in Montreal to be wonderful," said Patrick Quinn, an architecture professor emeritus at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in an email. "However, the Concourse in Albany is of very different origin. It is primarily founded upon the needs of state offices and institutions." He also pointed out practical considerations, such as limited parking, that would hinder efforts at, say, a large-scale farmers market. Nor does the Concourse's architectural style, which fits with the above-ground Plaza, lend itself to a warm and cozy feel. While The Egg and the Corning Tower named in honor of the mayor who kept out the banks are true Albany signatures, and the Plaza deck has its reflecting pools, skating rinks and abstract sculptures, the Concourse has other limitations. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. McEneny noted that there's zero natural sunlight. RPI's Quinn likes that the Concourse walls are lined with millions of dollars worth of modern artwork one of Rockefeller's ideas but wonders why they can't have some classical art as well. Most agree that Gov. Andrew Cuomo, since taking office in 2011, has worked to liven up the Concourse, changing the artwork and putting up seasonal displays about state attractions on the north side, known as Times Square. There's also a new gift shop nearby with New York-made food items and other gifts. But there is still no place to buy a toothbrush though the ShopRite supermarket chain during the last two years has at least looked at putting a store in the Concourse. The Egg continues to offer a full roster of concerts, and there's plenty to see at the State Museum, which can be accessed from the Concourse. An engineering firm has floated the concept of a gondola that would bring visitors from the Rensselaer train station across the Hudson River to the Times Union Center and then uphill to the Plaza. But the irony of the early attempts to bring more retail is clear. Since the South Mall's completion in the 1970s, Albany's downtown retail scene has continued to shrink. (The restaurant and bar scene, however, has experienced something of a renaissance.) As for the National Commercial Bank & Trust, where Corning was a director, it has through mergers and acquisitions over the years evolved into Key Bank which, you guessed it, has a branch right at the center of the Concourse. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU A scrum of political reporters staked out the town house on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, elbowing past knots of sidewalk gawkers and a passel of protesters, trolling for scoops and keeping a tally of the comings and goings of supplicants auditioning for a spot in the Cabinet or on the staff of the president-elect. But this was not the daily drama outside Trump Tower in the waning weeks of 2016. It describes a surreally similar scene from 84 years earlier, when the last populist New Yorker was elected president. A frenetic political scene played out in the fall and winter months of 1932 as President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt made his mother's East 65th Street mansion the base for his transition team. FDR's inauguration as the 33rd president was not held until March 4, 1933, creating a long-running Manhattan drama. Flash-forward nine decades. President-elect Donald Trump's gridlocked, heavily secured penthouse in the Trump Tower luxury skyscraper is located on Fifth Avenue between East 56th and 57th streets. That's just 10 blocks from where Roosevelt began assembling a new Cabinet for his move from the Executive Mansion in Albany to the White House. "There are certain similarities between those two scenes so many decades apart, but there were also a lot of substantive policy initiatives that took place during FDR's transition, including the creation of Social Security in this very house," said Harold Holzer, who works in the double-width town house on East 65th Street. Holzer, author of numerous books on Abraham Lincoln and a former aide to Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, is director of the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute of Hunter College. The college bought the town house in 1941 after the death of FDR's mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt. FDR dropped the price by $10,000 and sold the mansion for $70,000 to Hunter, and donated $1,000 to fund the purchase of books for a new student library. Meanwhile, Trump's three-story penthouse resembles King Louis XIV's Palace at Versailles, drenched in 24-karat gold and marble fixtures and valued at $100 million. Trump's wife, Melania, and 10-year-old son Barron will live in the penthouse after the president-elect decamps to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Holzer noted a curious comparison in communication styles between FDR and Trump, who has been widely criticized for being a prolific user of Twitter. He lambastes critics, floats policy proposals and launches late-night rants in 140-character blasts to his 18.2 million followers, thus bypassing the news media, sidestepping traditional gatekeepers and surprising even his own staff. FDR, Holzer noted, deployed the technology of the day to break with tradition in 1932, making live radio broadcasts from a second-floor room in Roosevelt House. "President-elects up until FDR basically kept silent until they got to Washington and were inaugurated," Holzer said. " ... It was shocking that the president-elect would speak directly to the people on such an informal medium used for entertainers. People were outraged. Trump's tweets are similar to FDR's radio broadcasts because they both dominated a direct avenue of communication without any filter or media interpretation." Although Trump's visits to the state's capital city have been confined mostly to campaign swings including a raucous April rally at the Times Union Center and lobbying via news conferences, there are far fewer than six degrees of separation from the billionaire and former Albany figures. Consider Trump's nominee for commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, the 79-year-old New York financier and billionaire who specializes in distressed investments. His ex-wife is the former Lt. Gov. Betsy McCaughey Ross, who remained standing during the entirety of Gov. George Pataki's State of the State address in the Assembly chamber in 1996, one of the more bizarre and memorable oddities in Albany's political annals. Direct comparisons probably end there between Trump an untested political outsider who ran as a Republican but alienated many in the GOP establishment and Democratic icon FDR, widely considered by historians as one of the greatest presidents in American history after he led the country through the double catastrophes of the Great Depression and World War II. But the outre parallels between the New Yorkers create a delicious parlor game for historians, political scientists and pundits. "There is no question that Trump will be one of the most disruptive presidents ever," said Mark McKinnon, a veteran GOP strategist and political adviser who last year served as a producer of "The Circus," the Showtime documentary series that offered a behind-the-scenes view of the 2016 presidential race. "The question is can he do it in a productive way like FDR. The only thing we really know for sure about Donald Trump is that he is unpredictable. He surprised everyone during the campaign. And I think he'll surprise people during his presidency." McKinnon and Alexander Heffner, a political writer and host of "The Open Mind" on PBS, will present a talk Jan. 14 at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park. "Yes, both men can be considered wealthy New York populists, but FDR appealed to the intelligence of the American citizen," Heffner said. "In his rhetoric, Trump has done the opposite. FDR was pragmatic but strategic. While he promised independence from the political class, at least so far Trump is no less beholden to ideologues than a typical politician. "The parallel is not the men as much as the condition of an economically wounded country," Heffner said. "The situation today of unprecedented wealth inequality is analogous to those 1930s anxieties. Roosevelt's policies were designed to protect hard-hit families, Trump has little intelligible prescription thus far." The venue where McKinnon and Heffner will talk about the Trump transition was named for an Iowa corn farmer, agricultural scientist and lifelong Republican who fell into FDR's orbit during the end of his term as governor. FDR convinced Wallace to leave the heartland to join the new administration as agriculture secretary. (He became FDR's vice president in 1941.) After his 1932 victory over Republican President Herbert Hoover in a landslide, the president-elect created a direct pipeline for thought leaders in Albany to the nation's capital. FDR drafted several of his most trusted and talented state government administration insiders to his Cabinet, notably was the triumvirate of Louis Howe, Harry Hopkins and Frances Perkins, who became the chief architects of the New Deal. "It's been said that the New Deal was created in New York state," said Adam Cohen, author of "Nothing to Fear: FDR's Inner Circle and the Hundred Days that Created Modern America" (2009). "People sometimes forget that when the stock market crashed in 1929 and the Great Depression began, FDR was governor of New York and he became the kind of activist governor and reformer that he would become as president. ... New York had an outstanding reputation as a powerhouse on the cutting-edge of public policy," said Cohen, a former member of The New York Times editorial board and a former speechwriter for Gov. Andrew Cuomo a Democrat who rarely misses a chance to remind New Yorkers of the state's centuries-long reputation as a progressive laboratory. Hopkins, like Wallace a former Iowan, worked for Roosevelt in Albany starting in 1931 as executive director of the state's Temporary Emergency Relief Agency, or TERA. He also began a long friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. After the move to Washington, Hopkins oversaw the relief programs of the Works Progress Administration, which became the nation's largest employer a much larger and more complex version of the TERA programs he directed in Albany. FDR tapped Hopkins for the thorniest assignments, including as the president's chief diplomatic adviser and fixer on the home front during World War II. Howe, born in Indianapolis, was a failed novelist and newspaperman who worked briefly for his father's Saratoga Springs newspaper before he was hired by the New York Herald and sent to Albany to cover the state Legislature in 1906. He was canned by the Herald three years later, but quickly hitched his career to the rising politician from Dutchess County. Howe helped get FDR elected to the state Senate in 1910, and assisted his victorious gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. As the president's secretary, Howe helped shape the New Deal's programs and put his stamp on the Civilian Conservation Corps. Howe grew jealous and enraged by rival Albany insider Raymond Moley, a gubernatorial adviser who was encouraged to recruit fellow Columbia University professors to form FDR's original "Brain Trust." Moley also wrote much of FDR's first inaugural address and claimed credit for the term "New Deal," although that was disputed. According to Cohen's book, the clash deepened when Moley was assigned a spacious office in the White House. Howe sabotaged the move so thoroughly that FDR tried to appease his loyal friend by making Moley assistant secretary of state and setting him up in an office near the White House. Infuriated by the slight and Howe's insecurity, Moley within a year began to criticize FDR's policies. He eventually became a conservative Republican. (Howe died in 1936, just as FDR's first term was ending.) "That was an unfortunate personality clash, but FDR's recruits from Albany generally worked well together as the architects of the New Deal," Cohen said. Along with Hopkins, the principal architect of unemployment relief was Frances Perkins, an Albany insider who served as the state's industrial commissioner (similar to today's labor commissioner) and earned a national reputation by developing new initiatives to combat rising unemployment. As president-elect, FDR appointed Perkins secretary of labor making her the first woman in American history to serve in a presidential Cabinet. She established Social Security and was a tireless advocate for a 40-hour work week, minimum wage, unemployment compensation, abolition of child labor and the workers' compensation system. "These were really brilliant people who were in FDR's inner circle in Albany," said Kirsten Carter, supervisory archivist at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, "and they became the core of his presidential Cabinet and White House staff because they had worked closely with him on New York policies and he trusted them." Carter noted that there were "a lot of unsung people without the name recognition of Hopkins, Howe and Perkins who also played an important role in the New Deal." Among them were FDR's Albany administrative assistants and family confidantes Missy LeHand and Grace Tully. LeHand become the president's private secretary and enjoyed extraordinary influence and access to FDR, and is widely regarded as the most powerful presidential secretary in history. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. FDR also brought to Washington an informal group of African-American advisers known as the Federal Council of Negro Affairs, or "The Black Cabinet." The leaders were black activist and educator Mary McLeod Bethune, Joseph Evans and Edgar Brown. Evans landed at the Farm Security Administration, and Brown at the CCC. There were more than 45 black officials working in federal executive departments and New Deal agencies by the end of FDR's first term. Another group of advisers that worked with FDR in Albany were the seven campaign staffers veterans of his 1920 vice presidential run known as the "Cuff Links Gang," named for his Christmas gift of a set of gold Tiffany cuff links engraved with the man's initials on one button and FDR's on the other. They advised him as president and gathered for a reunion each year on Jan. 30 to celebrate FDR's birthday. Taken together, this vast Albany network put its stamp on FDR's historic first 100 days as president, when his administration confronted the bleakest days of the Depression by shepherding 15 major bills through Congress. It was a period of extraordinary legislative action unparalleled in American history. In a commencement address May 22, 1932, at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, FDR described the mandate of his presidency: "The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." "So much policy in such a short time," Cohen said, "was only possible because he had a lot of momentum from his policies as governor in New York, he enjoyed huge Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate, and nobody was in the mood to challenge him because the country was in such distress." There are tenuous parallels to be drawn across the historical gap of 84 years between the presidential transitions of FDR and Trump. With a little more than a week before Trump's inauguration, trying to assess what he might accomplish in his first 100 days is sheer speculation, punctuated by anxiety whenever the president-elect pops off on Twitter. "To my Democratic friends who are curled up in the corner, I say: Take a breath," McKinnon said. "Your greatest hopes may not be realized, but neither do I believe will your greatest fears." Added PBS' Heffner, "In terms of policy, certainly Trump's Cabinet suggests a counterrevolution of deregulation, which swings the pendulum from the Obama era. At every turn this campaign season, the press speculated about the emergence of a more presidential Trump, but that alternate personality had no basis in reality. Trump is Trump." There's one more epic Albany connection in all this. After Gov. Al Smith ran unsuccessfully for president in 1928, the person groomed to become the next New York governor was Edwin Corning, father of 11-term Albany Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd. The mayor's father served as Smith's lieutenant governor, chair of the New York state Democratic Party and a wily power broker. But after Edwin Corning suffered a debilitating heart attack in 1928 on the train coming back to Albany from New York City, party leaders were forced to scramble to find a last-minute replacement for that year's gubernatorial campaign. They settled on a little-known patrician and neophyte politician from Hyde Park named Franklin Delano Roosevelt. "My family changed the course of history," Erastus Corning told me wryly, when I interviewed him two years before his death in 1983. I eventually wrote a biography about Corning, an experience that underscored the fact that Albany truly is America's political crossroads, and that politics is the city's only major-league sport in the crucible of the Empire State. pgrondahl@timesunion.com 518-454-5623 @PaulGrondahl THE ISSUE: Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposes more funding for after-school programs. THE STAKES: These are worthwhile efforts that can help kids stay out of trouble and academically thrive. More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse --- Schools are like the weather: everybody's got an opinion. Except nobody does anything about the weather, and lots of people have plans for our schools not all of them good. Credit Gov. Andrew Cuomo, however, with a smart, if modest, step in the right direction. On the first day of his multistop State of the State tour Monday, he laid out a plan to add slots for 22,000 kids in after-school programs in high-need areas across the state. The $35 million program will be rolled out in 16 cities in what Mr. Cuomo calls the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative, a list that includes Albany and Troy. We will get a chance to see firsthand, then, the value of what could be seen as a smart way to extend the school day. New York state already draws $88 million from the federal government for after-school programs, plus $65 million in state funds. The additional funding will increase enrollment in the selected communities by more than one-third. Here's what we know about after-school programs: Students who participate get better grades, and they're less likely to drop out. They also help working parents, who often find it hard to locate child care for a kid who gets out of school in mid-afternoon. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Those afternoon and early evening hours are troubling for many young people. It's not only that kids become slackers without supervision; that time of day can be dangerous, too. The prime time for juvenile crime, studies have shown, is 3 to 6 p.m. That's not only when young offenders commit crimes, but also the hours when young people are more likely to become victims of crime or get involved in a car accident. After-school programs vary greatly. Experts say it's important that kids have fun, so they're willing to stay in school rather than hit the streets. But at the same time, the extra hours in school give teachers a chance to enhance the learning process. More than 1,100 students in Albany and Troy already are involved in after-school 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which for more than 20 years have helped students grow academically in core subjects. This sort of program is one more step toward the vision of community schools the notion of a school as the center for family activities beyond education, involving health, social services and community engagement. It's valid to worry that we're expecting a lot of our schools these days, including activities that had once been the purview of families. But a changing society can't ignore the reality of its citizens' lives; a broader role for schools is a thoughtful response to children's needs now often unmet. With the U.S. Department of Education about to be led by an advocate for private schools, state officials must become the bulwark against steps that could severely damage American public education. Mr. Cuomo's after-school plan is the kind of sensible strengthening of public schools we need. Neighbours and friends of a Thurles lady who was killed in an accident in Morocco on Saturday night/ Sunday morning were this week comforting her heartbroken father - prominent former Thurles Town Councillor Martin Ryan - and her family after news of the tragedy emerged. Yvonne Slaughter, who was living in Sallins, County Kildare was on holiday with a group of friends in the Moroccan capital of Agadir when she was knocked down as she prepared to cross a street. The mother of two had been enjoying the New Year break with her friends, when the accident took place. She was a regular visitor to the city at this time of the year, The Tipperary Star understands. Married to Brendan Slaughter, who this week travelled to Morocco to help make arrangements for the return of his wife's remains, Yvonne was very well known in Thurles where she grew up and made many friends in and around Fontenoy Terrace, where her father Martin, and her mother, the late Phyllis, resided - her mother died a few months ago adding to the huge sense of loss for the Ryan family. Yvonne has two children, the youngest, her daughter, is due to sit the Leaving Certificate Examination in the summer, while her son is in second year in university. They too are being comforted by family and friends in Sallins at this very difficult time as they try to come to terms with the tragedy. See this weeks Tipperary Star for full report. By Press Trust of India: From Shirish B. Pradhan Kathmandu, Jan 10 (PTI) Nepal wants to play a proactive role in protecting biodiversity and mitigating the negative impact of climate change, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said today. "The whole world is concerned about the biodiversity loss and looming threats of climate change. Despite resource constraints and globalized nature of climate change impact, Nepal has accorded top priority to address these concerns," said Bhandari at the inauguration of the International Conference on Biodiversity, Climate Change Assessment and Impacts on Livelihood, here. advertisement Bhandari said while Nepals contributions to global warming are "negligible", it is compelled to face the brunt of the negative impact of climate change. "..in the form of ice-melting and threats of glacial lake outburst floods, deforestation, denudation and desertification, loss of precious flora and fauna, drought, landslide and depletion of sources of water, habitat loss and impact on productivity of soil, and consequent migration of people," she said. Bhandari said Nepal represents "biodiversity in a miniature form", alluring to its diversity comprising mountains, valleys and flatlands ranging from the highest point of the world in the Himalayas in the north to plain areas in the southern Tarai with exquisite flora and fauna. "Biodiversity is vital for human survival and livelihood," she said, adding, in recent years climate change and global warming have emerged as serious challenges threatening biodiversity and disturbing livelihood of common masses. Minister for Population and Environment Jayadev Joshi said developing countries like Nepal have been the "worst-affected" by the negative impact of climate change which has caused a serious threat to the livelihood. "The government has formulated and implemented adaptation policy for combating the negative consequences of climate change," he said and stressed on the need of implementing environment-friendly development policy and conducting public awareness programmes at local level for biodiversity protection. Various other dignitaries spoke about the significance of the conference, saying it would provide the platform for exchange of ideas and experiences in biodiversity conservation and combating climate change throughout the world. The three-day international conference is being jointly organised by the Ministries of Science and Technology, Population and Environment, Agricultural Development and Forest and Soil Conservation, TU Central Department of Botany, the Agriculture and Forestry University. During the conference, around 400 scientists, researchers, professors, environmentalists and conservationists from more than 20 countries including Nepal,India, China and Pakistan will deliberate on biodiversity issues, climate change and colonising species of plants as well as environmental and mountain problems. PTI SBP CHT CHT --- ENDS --- [January 10, 2017] Intelledox and Document Dialog Partner to Enable European Businesses Transform Customer Engagement DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelledox today announced a reseller partnership with Document Dialog, a leading supplier of Customer Engagement software solutions in Europe. With offices in The Netherlands and Belgium, Document Dialog provides software, services, and solutions with a focus on Digital Transformation. This collaboration between Intelledox and Document Dialog will offer businesses advanced Digital Transformation solutions including Omni-channel communications and help customers with the transition from PDF forms to intelligent, Adaptive Interviews. With this partnership, Intelledox and Document Dialog will enable Public Sector, Banking and Insurance organizations engage more effectively with their customers. The joint solution will migrate traditional forms and data collection processes to adaptive customer engagements that deliver relevant, digital experiences across mobile, social and desktop channels. Commenting on the partnership Neal Keene, Senior Vice President (Strategy), Intelledox NA said, "Customers today expect a customized and consistent experience each time they engage with a brand. Intelledox and Document Dialog will bring together advanced Adaptive Engagement capabilities to help companies digitally transform and engage customers in new ways. We welcome the opportunity to combine each of our company's many years of experience to help businesses across Europe." "We re happy to announce this best-of-breed offering to our customers," said Jaap Nieboer, Manager of Document Dialog, "We strongly believe that enriched customer engagement leads to improved business results. By partnering with leading software providers like Intelledox we can help brands achieve a high degree of customer satisfaction which is vital to the success of any brand." About Intelledox Utilizing intuitive, conversational digital interviews, Intelledox's Adaptive Engagement solutions help companies rapidly develop and deliver mobile-ready business processes. Insurance, Financial Services, Government and Enterprise customers worldwide deploy the Infiniti platform to enhance customer engagement, increase customer satisfaction, streamline efficiency, and drive down operational costs. With North American Headquarters located in Dallas Texas, Intelledox has offices in New York, Toronto, London, Singapore, Sydney and Global Headquarters in Canberra Australia. http://www.intelledox.com. About Document Dialog Since 1992, Document Dialog has been a market leader in the Customer Communications Management domain, specializing in the fields of Digital Transformation. Document Dialog supports organizations to innovate their current IT infrastructure to an omni-channel customer communication platform. From PDF to personalized interactive video or intelligent adaptive forms: tailored, via any channel and maximum focus on relevance, impact and conversion. Document Dialog has offices in Bunnik (The Netherlands) and in Heverlee (Belgium). http://www.documentdialog.eu More information: Intelledox Neal Keene, SVP Strategy Work +1.919.841.1915 [email protected] Neville Braganza, Marketing Manager Work +61 2 6280 6244 [email protected] Document Dialog B.V. Jaap Nieboer, Manager Mobile +31 6 29 04 30 00 [email protected] Karine Copier, Marketing & Communications Mobile +31 6 54 94 3664 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Labatt Food Service Software Delivers; Drives Everything Except the Trucks With the recent re-launch of its custom e-commerce website for customers, Labatt Food Service (www.Labattfood.com) has solidified its reputation as "a software company that delivers food." This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005296/en/ Blair Labatt III (Photo: Business Wire) In fact, privately-owned Labatt delivers a lot of food. At more than $1.3 billion in revenues, Labatt is the ninth-largest food distributor in the nation, primarily serving Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. The company has some 1,600 employees, five major distribution centers - San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Lubbock and Albuquerque -- and a fleet of 250 trucks whose drivers deliver the right food at the right time to chain and independent restaurants, schools, military bases, hospitals and other customers. While loading trucks with pallets of food and unloading them at a customer's back door might seem a traditional, low-tech business, Labatt has revolutionized food distribution with software developed entirely by its own, in-house team of programmers and analysts. The software drives everything - except the trucks, although every truck's route is determined daily by a computer algorithm that knows where and when food is to be delivered and then instantaneously analyzes virtually every possible route that hits the best time windows for each customer. That single innovation, among many, has enabled Labatt to achieve 99 percent on-time delivery. "We have just launched our third generation of web ordering and search software," said Blair Labatt III, the company's Director of Inormation Technology. "More than 89 percent of customer orders come directly to us electronically, from desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones. Off-the-shelf technology doesn't give either our customers or us the capabilities we all need, and that's why we write our own software and then constantly update it." The rollout of the newest version of the website was seamless, he said, as customers quickly understood the advantages. "For us, it's all about helping our customers grow their business, whether it's someone who owns one restaurant or a chain with 600 restaurants. That means accuracy, timeliness and information that lets them shop, buy name-brand products with reduced pricing and set a delivery time they can count on," Labatt said. "Our team has developed the business-to-business website for ordering food, software for warehouse robots that accurately fill and sort orders, a voice technology tracking system that essentially eliminates human errors in the warehouse, the truck routing software and a system we call 'Where's My Truck?' so a customer can know at any time exactly where the delivery truck is and when it will get there," he said. "If you are running a restaurant or a cafeteria at a school or hospital or a huge military dining hall, you are dealing with constant demand, constant deadlines," Labatt said. "You have to know that everything you need will be there on time, with the quality you want, and that the order will be complete. In the final analysis, our job is to make that happen with every single delivery." Labatt joined Labatt Food Service in 2004 after graduating from Princeton University with a degree in English and minor in computer science. He manages a "skunk works" of some 20 programmers and 15 analysts who develop all the company's software with the orientation of solving specific business problems in all areas of company operations - accounting, delivery, warehouse operations, inter-company logistics and customer services. The software team is recruited from universities large and small -- Texas universities, Ivy League schools, top universities on the west coast and in the southeast. "Our programmers are code writers who partner with analysts," he said, "and together they look at a business problem and ask, 'How can we make that better?' We want our analysts to have the mindset of executives, with the ability to think strategically about issues, customer needs, trends - all the things that can have an impact on our customers." "We get an avalanche of applications for analyst and programming positions," Labatt said. "Besides computer science degrees we have people who are humanities majors - English, psychology, political science - as well as industrial, mechanical and electrical engineers. And, it's an international group which includes personal backgrounds in Lebanon, India, Argentina, China and Vietnam. It all gives us a great mix of ideas and approaches that produces excellent results." The company annually offers eight highly-sought-after internships for programmers and analysts, he said, and that helps keep "best and brightest" pipeline full. With this technology advantage, Labatt's sales representatives spend very little time as order-takers and more time helping customers grow their business, he said. "Labatt is constantly looking at the entire food service industry and we bring that knowledge to bear for our customers, effectively becoming consultants," he said. "We are watching trends, innovations, examples of what works and what doesn't, whereas many customers necessarily have a total focus on their specific situation." "We've worked to build a culture here that challenges both our employees and our customers to reach their full potential," Labatt said. "Our commitment to software development plays a huge role in our drive for operational excellence, and it's a major reason not only for our growth but for our capacity to serve more customers." With antecedents dating to 1910, Labatt Food Service was founded in 1940. Now under third generation leadership, the company's mission is to reduce the cost of food distribution and to grow the business of its customers. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005296/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] New Face in the Denver Tech Scene DENVER, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Marca Global, an international reputation technology firm, has launched Massive Peak Digital. The new company exists to help organizations build, fix and grow their business through online reputation management. It joins Marca Global as its second company dedicated to helping others manage their online reputation. Marca Global LLC was formed in 2015, with the acquisition of six-year-old InternetReputation.com, by seasoned media executive Colleen Brown. Brown is the former CEO of Fisher Communications Inc. (FSCI) and was Chairman of American Apparel (APP) during its reorganization. "Your reputation is hard earned, but easily lost on the Internet. We believe you should be able to define and defend yourself online," said Brown. Fueled by personal conviction and extensive experience, Brown identified a need for online reputation advocacy and brings 35 years of business leadership and experience in media and technology to the growing firm. "Our company consists of digital natives able to quickly navigate the internet and find solutions for our clients. We identified an opportunity to locate in the dynamic Denver technology scene and are excited to join this thriving community," said Brown. Marca Global now provides a complete suite of solutions for online reputation management to both individuals and businesses, through InternetReputation.com and Massive Peak Digital respectively. The company handles every aspect of online reputation management, ranging from crisis response and removal services, to the ability to track one's digital footprint and the management and establishment of online assets. Zach Bloom, Marca Global CEO said, "losing your reputation can be more costly to you bottom line than cyber disruption or even fraud. It's hard to understand the risks until it happens to you. We are here to help protect your investment in your reputation." Marca Global LLC and incorporated brands are accredited with the Better Business Bureau of Colorado and have received awards from Inc. 5000, ColoradoBiz, Top SEO Rankers and more. Marca Global seeks to continually uphold its values of integrity, innovation and service. About Colleen Birdnow Brown Brown is the Founding Principal of Marca Global LLC, which owns Internet Reputation, Massive Peak and Blitz Monitoring. She is an advisor or board member to public and private companies and speaks nationally on media, technology and leadership issues. Brown is best known for founding the Mobile 500 Alliance and previously serving as Chairman of the Board for American Apparel (APP) during its reorganization. She was CEO of Fisher Communications (FSCI), and in the C-suite at Belo (BLC), Lee Enterprises (LEE) and a senior executive at Gannett (GCI). About Marca Global Marca Global exists to provide individuals and businesses the ability to define and defend their online reputations. The firm provides Online Reputation Management, Monitoring and Removal services to thousands of clients across the globe. Marca Global and incorporated brands are accredited with the Better Business Bureau of Colorado and have received awards from Inc. 5000, ColoradoBiz, Top SEO Rankers and more. Marca Global seeks to continually uphold its values of integrity, innovation and service. For more information, visit marcagloballlc.com or call 720-378-5024. Media Contact: Anna Hoglund Phone: 720.864.1850 ext. 1016 Email: [email protected] Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.png Related Links Massive Peak website Marca Global LLC This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com/. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-face-in-the-denver-tech-scene-300387949.html SOURCE Marca Global LLC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 09, 2017] STRATACACHE Acquires Real Digital Media DAYTON, Ohio, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- STRATACACHE, a leading provider of scalable, high-performance digital signage, media distribution and enterprise video acceleration technologies, today announced the acquisition of Real Digital Media, provider of the NEOCAST digital signage platform. Real Digital Media will become a wholly owned subsidiary of STRATACACHE and will continue to market, support and enhance the NEOCAST platform. The acquisition allows both companies to capitalize on years of shared industry success and experience. STRATACACHE brings to Real Digital Media significant capital, operational scale and service advantages that will directly benefit current and future Real Digital Media customers. "STRATACACHE has made significant investments across our global sales, support and service organizations to provide industry-leading managed solutions," said Chris Riegel, CEO of STRATACACHE. "These investments optimize service to our customers and enable STRATACACHE to strategically acquire companies that share our vision of growth in the digital signage industry. Real Digital Media has long maintained a strong position in the industry, and we believe the depth and breadth of STRATACACHE services will greatly expand Real Digital Media's reach and solution offerings." The acquisition underscores the opportunity within the digital signage industry to create market efficiencies, spur innovation and further cement STRATACACHE as the leading global solution provider for networks of scale. The digital signage industry is expected to reach $27 billio by 2022, according to a recent MarketsandMarkets report. "For over a decade, Real Digital Media has played an active role in the maturation of the digital signage industry," said Ken Goldberg, CEO of Real Digital Media. "We are proud of our customer base, longevity and successes, and have long recognized industry consolidation as a critical next step for industry growth. STRATACACHE has unmatched capabilities that will allow Real Digital Media to better serve the needs of our current and future customers, provide global scale and streamline network launch and expansion efforts. We are excited about the next phase of Real Digital Media's development as part of the STRATACACHE family." Together, the companies will add greater value to customers by providing a portfolio of comprehensive solutions designed to enhance audience engagement across a multitude of venues. About STRATACACHE STRATACACHE is the leading provider of intelligent digital signage, digital merchandising, mobile enablement and in-store rich media solutions. These solutions help inspire and influence customers at the point-of-decision, generating new sales and media opportunities. With over 2.1 million software activations globally across our STRATACACHE and SCALA brands, we have the deepest and widest footprint in the market and consistently enhance our offerings to better serve our customers. STRATACACHE is based in Dayton, Ohio, and serves 28 countries with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Bentonville, Dallas, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, London, Oslo, Sittard, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Adelaide, Luxembourg and Bangalore. Visit us at www.stratacache.com, follow us on Twitter @STRATACACHE or "Like" us on Facebook. About Real Digital Media Real Digital Media is the provider of NEOCAST, an enterprise-level digital signage platform for managing the efficient distribution of place-based targeted messages and branded experiences across networked displays. Designed intelligently to scale with the growing demands of the digital-out-of-home (DOOH) industry, NEOCAST is a standards-based platform that offers certainty to marketing and advertising professionals seeking a viable long-term solution to meet the current and future demands of their digital signage deployments. NEOCAST has been used to establish point-of-decision marketing, promotions and corporate communication networks across the retail, healthcare and hospitality sectors. Please visit our website to learn more: http://www.realdigitalmedia.com. Media Contacts: Jason Broom Real Digital Media [email protected] 941.444.2231 Lori Hillman STRATACACHE [email protected] 415.205.9696 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stratacache-acquires-real-digital-media-300388130.html SOURCE STRATACACHE [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Newman Ferrara LLP Announces Corporate Governance Investigation of CDI Corp. - CDI Newman Ferrara LLP announced today that the firm is conducting an investigation on behalf of shareholders of CDI Corp. ("CDI" or the "Company") (NYSE:CDI) into potential breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"). CDI, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, provides engineering and technology solutions and professional staffing services. In light of the Company's long-term operating and share price underperformance, it is clear that the Board lacks the ability to fairly assess and oversee the Company's direction and leadership. Newman Ferrara's investigation focuses on decisions made by the Board, without shareholder approval, and omissions to act, the result of which is signficantly diminishing shareholder value. Current CDI stockholders seeking more information on this matter are invited to contact Newman Ferrara attorneys Jeffrey Norton ([email protected]) or Roger Sachar, Jr. ([email protected]) to discuss this investigation and their rights. Newman Ferrara maintains a multifaceted practice based in New York City with attorneys specializing in complex commercial and multi-party litigation, securities fraud and shareholder litigation, consumer protection, civil rights, and real estate. For more information, please visit the firm website at www.nfllp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109006389/en/ [January 09, 2017] Master Chef Sharone Hakman Goes Digital with "Everyday Elevated" Series for Cooking Panda LOS ANGELES, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Creating tasty, healthy meals at home doesn't have to be intimidating. Chef Sharone Hakman, a celebrity chef and lifestyle enthusiast who catapulted to international stardom after his appearance on season 1 of Fox's "MasterChef" and later on Khloe Kardashian's unscripted series "Kocktails with Khloe," has partnered with multi-platform online food publisher Cooking Panda to share his "Everyday Elevated" approach to cooking. "Everyday Elevated" is a 5-episode online series marking Sharone's first major collaboration with a digital-exclusive publisher; starting today, Sharone will show Cooking Panda's 12 million social fans how to transform "everyday" foods into exciting (and healthier) meals with a flair. He believes that mundane dishes can be "elevated" with simple, whole ingredients - and you don't have to be a Master Chef to do it! "Everyday Elevated" episodes will be posted weekly for five weeks; 60-second versions will be posted to Cooking Panda's Facebook page, and longer, 3-5 minute versions will be posted to CookingPanda.com. The first episode, "Thai Green Curry & hrimp Pizza," was released on both platforms today. "I am pumped about this series," says Chef Sharone. "We are taking fun food that everyone knows, loves and gets excited about, and bringing it to a level of elevation and sophistication that is still very approachable." Cooking Panda is a multi-platform online food publication under the banner of Los Angeles-based digital media company Render Media. With 12 million social fans and millions of monthly visitors to CookingPanda.com, Cooking Panda is the fastest-growing online food publication today. It is also the most engaged food publisher on Facebook; fans of the page engage (like, comment, share) with the content at a much higher rate than any other page in the food and recipe space. "Series such as 'Everyday Elevated' really mark a turning point for Cooking Panda in terms of the direction our content is headed," says Render Media CRO Ross Cimino. "We have gotten to know our audience intimately and have learned what really works for them talent partnerships are the next step to getting fans even more engaged with the content that we're producing. We want to compliment our overhead recipe videos by incorporating engaging personalities like Sharone to get our fans even more excited about food and the diverse content that Cooking Panda can offer. We are thrilled to partner with Sharone on this series." About Cooking Panda: Cooking Panda is a social-first, multi-platform digital publication producing creative food and recipe content that connects with and excites an audience of millions. In just one year, Cooking Panda has grown from 600,000 fans to over 12 million, has produced the most viral cooking video of the year, and has attracted reputable branded content partners. Fans of the page routinely like, share and comment on the content, giving Cooking Panda the distinction of being the Internet's most engaged food publication. About Sharone Hakman: Sharone Hakman is a highly acclaimed chef (both on-screen and off) and owner of a gourmet sauce company, named Hak's. From his debut on Fox's Masterchef to countless appearances as a judge, host, chef and TV personality on the food network and many other major networks, he remains a dedicated family man and active lifestyle enthusiast. Sharone puts as much love into his food as he does into his zest for life with his insatiable appetite for adventure and creativity. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/master-chef-sharone-hakman-goes-digital-with-everyday-elevated-series-for-cooking-panda-300388173.html SOURCE Render Media [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 09, 2017] Three Colorado Online Schools Accepting Applications for 2017-18 Academic Year Three online schools in Colorado - Colorado Preparatory Academy, Destinations Career Academy of Colorado and Pikes Peak Online School - are now accepting applications for the 2017-18 academic year. All three schools are tuition-free, full-time online public schools for students throughout the state of Colorado. Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA), which serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade, specializes in programs designed specifically for advanced learners using the award-winning curriculum from K12 Inc., the nation's leading online K-12 curriculum provider. College-minded students can choose from a broad range of courses in order to gain a competitive edge for the future and discover their path after high school. CPA also gives students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school and offers a post-secondary preparedness program that ensures students attending the school are prepared for college. Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA) is the only online, Colorado Department of Education-approved Career Technical Education (CTE) program in the state and teaches students in grades 6-12 career and employment skills while they are still in high school. CODCA offers courses in the fields of health science, business, and information technology, offering students the opportunity to explore career fields both in and out of the classroom. Students prepare to earn technical credentials and may earn college credits and gain workplace experience while in high school. Other learning opportunities include interview preparation, team collaboration and effective communication. Graduates from CODCA are well prepared to enter a 4 year college, 2 year college, or the work force. The comprehensive education approach provided at Pikes Peak Online School (PPOS) focuses on providing struggling students in grades 9-12 with the academic, social and emotional support needed to reach graduation. In the event that a student is deficient in course credit, the school's extensive credit recovery courses allow a studen to get back on track for a successful graduation. Students take benchmark assessments at the beginning of the school year to identify strengths and challenges, and the results are used to develop an individually tailored learning plan for the student. For many students, this Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) expands beyond current academic objectives to include post-secondary goals for college or a career. In addition, the online curriculum is bolstered by a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, as well as a family support team to help students achieve success both academically and personally. All three schools serve families and students who seek alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar education. Through live and recorded class sessions that are accessed online, students and their teachers can engage and interact as if they were sitting together in a traditional classroom. Students also complete schoolwork using hands-on educational materials that are shipped to their home. Each student is supported by state-certified teachers who monitor student progress while providing professional insight and instruction. Teachers communicate with students via phone, email and the online classroom technology in order to provide an individualized approach that helps prepare students for career or college success. Teachers aim to establish a partnership with parents, so the students benefit from a strong network of support. The online curriculum is rigorous and engaging, including courses in language arts/English, math, science, history, world languages, art and music. In addition, CPA and CODCA offer Advanced Placement courses for high school students. During the enrollment period, all three schools will be conducting online and in-person information sessions throughout the state. Interested families are encouraged to attend to meet teachers, staff and other families and to learn more about the award-winning online curriculum provided by K12. For more information, visit the schools' websites at cpa.k12.com, codca.k12.com and ppos.k12.com. About Colorado Preparatory Academy Authorized by the Colorado Board of Cooperative Education Services (CD BOCES) Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA) is an accredited, full-time online public school that serves Colorado students statewide in grades K-12. As part of the Colorado public school system, CPA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the award-winning curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about CPA, visit http://cpa.k12.com. About Destinations Career Academy of Colorado Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA) is an accredited, full-time online public school program that serves Colorado students in grades 6-12. As part of the Colorado public school system, CODCA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the award-winning curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and education programs. For more information about CODCA, visit http://codca.k12.com. About Pikes Peak Online School Pikes Peak Online School (PPOS) is an accredited, full-time online public school that serves Colorado students in grades 9-12. As part of the Colorado public school system, PPOS is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the award-winning curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about PPOS, visit http://ppos.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109006414/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Commences Investigation on Behalf of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGAA Investors Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces an investigation on behalf of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGAA ("Fresenius" or the "Company") (NYSE: FMS) investors concerning the Company and its officers' possible violations of federal securities laws. GPM is preparing a lawsuit on behalf of Fresenius investors. Fresenius is a kidney dialysis company that provides dialysis treatment and related dialysis care services, and other health care services. On January 7, 2017, Fresenis disclosed that it was in receipt of subpoenas from federal prosecutors in connection with the Company's relationship with the American Kidney Fund, a charity that provides financial aid to patients for kidney dialysis. On this news, Fresenius stock has fallen as much as 6.70%, to $39.70 during intra-day trading on January 9, 2017. If you purchased Fresenius securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Lesley Portnoy, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at http://www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109006418/en/ [January 09, 2017] First Pulmonary Embolism Patients in Hong Kong Treated with the EKOS system BTG plc (LSE: BTG), the global specialist healthcare company, today announced the first patients diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolism (PE) to be treated in Hong Kong using the newly available EKOS system. The EKOS system includes an ultrasonic device that uses acoustic pulses to quickly and safely dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow in patients with PE, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and peripheral arterial occlusions (PAO). Blood clots are tightly bound together in a fibrous mesh called fibrin. Fibrin blocks the flow of thrombolytic drugs, requiring a higher drug dose to be effective. The EKOS system uses acoustic pulses to unwind and thin fibrin to expose drug receptor sites, allowing the drug to reach deeper into the clot, accelerating absorption and helping to dissolve the clot faster and with less thrombolytic.1,2 Dr. Luk Wing Hang, Consultant Radiologist at the Princess Margaret Hospital, who performed the procedure on one of the patients, said: "Prevalence of fatal PE was 0.21% (1964-74), 1.08% (1975-79), 1.83% (1980-84), 2.77% (1985-90), and 4.7% (1990- 94) and the trend has been found to be increasing year after year with the percentage approaching western countries' occurrence rate." In addition, Dr. Luk updated that the patient treated with the EKOS system was clinically stabilized with no desaturation or shortness of breath and their blood pressure was back to normal. Later, in the same week, another case of submassive pulmonary embolism was treated just eight miles away at the Prince of Wales Hospital, where Interventional Cardiologist Prof. Bryan P. Yan was the treating physician. "The EKOS system enables much lower and safer doses of thrombolytic drugs to be used which significantly reduces the risk of major bleeding. The device is currently the only US FDA cleared, minimally invasive endovascular therapy for PE. Our patient's condition was improved significantly after 12 hours of ultrasound assisted thrombolysis with the EKOS system. His breathing and blood pressure were improved and his grossly dilated right heart returned to nearly normal size and he was successfully discharged home," added Prof. Bryan P. Yan. James Glasgow, General Manager at BTG Asia, said: "I am pleased o introduce our ultrasonic catheter device to the Hong Kong market to improve the treatment of severe blood clots. BTG is committed to delivering a better standard of care for patients who suffer from PE, DVT and PAO, with improved outcomes and lower associated risks through the development of minimally invasive therapies like the EKOS system." The EKOS system is now commercially available to hospitals in Hong Kong. The EKOS system is distributed in Hong Kong by PPL Medical Limited which has the rich experience of distributing life-saving medical devices and equipment in Hong Kong and Macau for over 35 years. About Pulmonary Embolism Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a condition where one or more clots break off or travel from existing venous clots in the legs or arms and travel in the circulation, getting trapped in the lung, where they block the ability of blood to get to some areas of the lungs and receive oxygen. This may lead to a strain on the heart's ability to pump blood through the lungs which can then lead to heart failure and/or cardiovascular collapse. PEs can be immediately fatal, but if PE can be diagnosed and appropriate therapy started, the mortality can be reduced from approximately 30 percent to less than 10 percent.7 About the EkoSonic Endovascular System The EKOS system uses ultrasonic waves in combination with clot-dissolving thrombolytic drugs to effectively dissolve clots and restore healthy heart function and blood flow. In clinical studies EKOS therapy has been shown to speed time-to-clot dissolution, increase clot removal and enhance clinical improvement compared to either standard catheter-directed drug therapy or thrombectomy.4,5 EKOS therapy requires significantly shorter treatment times and less thrombolytic compared to standard catheter-directed drug therapy6, lowering the risk of bleeding and other complications.2,3 Reference materials as the remarks in the press release: 1Chau KY, Yuen ST, Ng TH, Ng WF. An autopsy study of pulmonary thromboembolism in Hong Kong Chinese. Pathology 1991;23:181-4. Chau KY, Yuen ST, Wong MP. Clinicopathological pattern of pulmonary thromboembolism in Chinese autopsy patients: comparison with Caucasian series. Pathology 1997;29:263-6. 2Kucher, N., et al., "Randomized, Controlled Trial of Ultrasound-Assisted Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism." Circulation, Vol. 129, No. 4, 2014, 479-486. 3Piazza G et al. A Prospective, Single-Arm, Multicenter Trial of Ultrasound-Facilitated, Catheter-Directed, Low-Dose Fibrinolysis for Acute Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism. The SEATTLE II Study. J Amer Coll Cardiol: Cardiovasc Interventions 2015; 8(10):1382-1392. 4Lin, P., et al., "Comparison of Percutaneous Ultrasound-Accelerated Thrombolysis versus Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute Massive Pulmonary Embolism." Vascular, Vol. 17, Suppl. 3, 2009, S137-S147. 5Lin, P., et al., "Catheter-Directed Thrombectomy and Thrombolysis for Symptomatic Lower-Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: Review of Current Interventional Treatment Strategies." Perspectives in Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, 2010, 22(3): 152-163. 6Parikh, S., et al., "Ultrasound-Accelerated Thrombolysis for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis: Initial Clinical Experience." Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Vol. 19, Issue 4, April 2008, 521-528. 7Banovac, R et al., J Vasc Interv Radiol, 2010; 21:44-53. About BTG BTG is a global specialist healthcare company bringing to market innovative products in specialist areas of medicine to better serve doctors and their patients. We have a portfolio of Interventional Medicine products to advance the treatment of cancer, severe emphysema, severe blood clots and varicose veins, and Specialty Pharmaceuticals that help patients overexposed to certain medications or toxins. Inspired by patient and physician needs, BTG is investing to expand its portfolio to address some of today's most complex healthcare challenges. To learn more about BTG, please visit: btgplc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109005815/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Press Trust of India: security: Min New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) The government is exploring ways on how pet dogs can also play a role in providing security to the society including cases of terrorism and anti-women crimes, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said today. The ministry has issued a draft of rules which makes mandatory for dog breeders and marketers to register themselves with state Animal Welfare Board and maintain proper records regarding purchase, sale and rehabilitation of the canines, among others, to make them accountable. advertisement The Environment Ministry has invited comments on draft notification for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2016 within 30 days to prevent infliction of pain or suffering on dogs. Dave said so far there were no rules in the country on the breeding, sale and purchase of dogs which is why the ministry felt for framing the rules, while hoping that the shops and sale and purchase of canines will be made online in the coming days. "In this era of terrorism, can we give special training to pet dogs so that they can take part in social awareness. Can those dogs play some role against terrorism? If the dog gets around 2-4 months training and the dog gets ready...we have got these suggestions and we will think about them. "I got a suggestion whether there can be a dog university. We can think as to why only police dogs come to the locality and take care of these things. Why not trained dogs which are already present in the locality. We want to enlarge the horizon. This resource should come into use in properly breeding them as well as social security," he told reporters. He said in various localities of different cities, girls return home in the evening or late night. "Police have a role to play in their security. But the pet animals which are there in the locality, if they are trained, their role will also definitely change. Because then they will not remain in the house merely for the sake of it but also work as a watchdog in the locality. So we are looking at this in a bigger perspective," he said. The objective of the proposed rules is to make dog breeders and their marketers accountable and to prevent infliction of any cruelty in this process. Dog breeding and their marketing trade has also mushroomed all around the country and at times, some cruelty has been caused in breeding and marketing of canines, with little or no accountability. advertisement "We are giving this regulation in the public domain. It will be there for 30 days. We have invited suggestions from public especially dog lovers and those who buy and sell dogs. We will try that this entire process becomes online so that records can be available," Dave said. (MORE) PTI TDS KIS --- ENDS --- [January 09, 2017] Informatica Launches Partner Concierge Program in Asia Pacific SINGAPORE, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Informatica, the world's No. 1 provider of data management solutions, has formally announced the Asia Pacific Partner Concierge Program with its first partner endorsing the new approach. The Partner Concierge Program was conceived within Asia Pacific as a unique method of driving rapid success within the region. In some countries, partners are sole representatives of Informatica, thus there is a critical need to support them as an extension of the sales organization, rather than as a separate team. "We deliberately stepped away from building another portal -- we instinctively look for human interaction to bring simplicity to complex problems. The best outcomes occur after critical conversations with partners. We saw an opportunity to build a concierge service model that works in the same way that a hotel concierge will distill complex requirements to facilitate a hotel guest's request as quickly and efficiently as possible," said Murray Sargant, senior vice president, Informatica Asia Pacific & Japan. "We are equipping our key partners, small and large, to become successful sales engines, rather than simply technical fulfillment arms for Informatica. Partners will play an important role in facilitating scale and reach for the company. Through this program, we aim to drive 60 percent of revenues for the region from the Channel," said Sargant. The Partner Concierge Program Team conducts workshops to train partners on all facets of Informatica solutions, including deal structuring, communicating key value propositions, technical demonstrations and sales workshops. Partners who complete the training then form part of the knowledge hub to scale the program. The program was launched via a pilot in ASEAN in October, with the first workshops executed in Thailand. Initial feedback from partners has been resoundingly positive. "The Partner Concierge Program enables G-ABLE to drive high value solutions for clients through close collaboration with Informatica. We can help clients to improve performance efficiencies, as well as to deliver innovation and transform future success. Our solutions, together with Informatica's expertise, help clients improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance competitive advantage," said Suthep Oonmettachit, chief commercial officer at G-ABLE. "One of the benefits and key differentiators we have seen from this pilot is that partners can go to a single place for information to respond to customers' requirements. This has increased our partners' confidence and resulted in greater reach and revenue. We can better create joint solutions by understanding each partner's strengths to go to market more efficiently and effectively," said Sudershan Krishnaswamy, channel & alliances manager, Informatica ASEAN. Find out more about the launch, please visit: https://www.informatica.com/sg/about-us/news/news-releases/2017/01/20170110-informatica-launches-partner-concierge-program-in-asia-pacific.html About Informatica Informatica is 100 percent focused on data because the world runs on data. Organizations need business solutions around data for the cloud, big data, real-time and streaming. Informatica is the world's No. 1 provider of data management solutions, in the cloud, on-premise or in a hybrid environment. More than 7,000 organizations around the world turn to Informatica for data solutions that power their businesses. For more information, call +1-650-385-5000 (1-800-653-3871 in the U.S.), or visit www.informatica.com. Connect with Informatica at https://linkedin.com/company/informatica, https://twitter.com/Informatica and https://facebook.com/InformaticaLLC. About G-ABLE Group G-ABLE Group is a professional IT services provider in Thailand. We provide our services to major organizations in both public and private sector, focusing on telecommunication companies, industry sector, financial business, energy as well as educational institutions. Note: Informatica is a trademark or registered trademark of Informatica in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other company and product names may be trade names or trademarks of their respective owners. Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170103/8521608435LOGO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 09, 2017] ACC and VAST Cooperate on Rooftop Solar PV Station in China BEIJING, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia Clean Capital ("ACC") today announced a 1.15-megawatt solar power supply agreement with VAST China Co., Ltd ("VAST") at the VAST production base located in Taicang, Jiangsu province. Under the terms of the Agreement, ACC will invest 100 percent of the system cost and will undertake the design, construction, and long-term system maintenance. Electricity from the solar system will be provided to VAST at below-grid rates to ensure operational savings throughout the lifetime of the system. In addition to monetary savings, the roofto solar system will assist in achieving sustainability goals. Over its lifetime, the system will save approximately 22,325 tons of CO2, or the equivalent of 12.6-million liters of gasoline. "ACC is pleased to establish this long-term strategic partnership with VAST through renewable energy," said Thomas Lapham, CEO of ACC. "VAST provides a full range of products and services for the automotive industry and has manufacturing bases worldwide. We believe this initial project in Taicang can serve as a demonstration to encourage expansion of this cooperation model to VAST's other facilities." About Asia Clean Capital Asia Clean Capital Ltd. ("ACC") is a leading clean energy solutions developer that serves large multinational and domestic firms throughout China. Focused on rooftop solar projects, ACC invests 100 percent of the project costs and provides the design, engineering, equipment, government approvals, installation, and long-term maintenance of solar systems. All electricity produced is then provided to clients at agreed rates lower than when purchased from the local power grid. Typical project sites are large production facilities with electric demand of between one to twenty megawatts. The company is based in Hong Kong with an additional office in Beijing, China. Media & Investor Contact: +86 10 5869 1319 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170109/0861700289 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Rasilient Systems Announces Successful Completion of Milestone Solution Partner Certification SANTA CLARA, California, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasilient Systems Inc., the pioneer in video surveillance systems purposely architected for IP video recording, announced today the successful completion of its solution partner certification with Milestone Systems, a global leader in IP video management software and surveillance solutions. "The NFD systems from Rasilient Systems Inc. exceeded our expectation with an impressive level of performance," said Mike Tarras, Milestone's Solutions Integration Engineer responsible for partner certification. "During our test, the NFD systems integrated with Milestone's XProtect VMS did not drop a single frame of video over the entire test period, while supporting 1,000 high definition video surveillance cameras streaming 25FPS at 2Mbps. Additionally, we intentionally triggered a disk failure to invoke a RAID rebuild and the Rasilient NFD system still did not drop single frame of video. We have never seen this level of performance and reliability in all our prior partner certification tests." "Our customers designing, installing and operating surveillance systems with Rasilient's NFD systems running Milestone can be confident that the system will record video reliably in a variety of conditions for applications in education, government, financial institutions, casinos, large shopping centers, airports, and other video critical applications," said Reinier Tuinzing, Milestone's Strategic Alliances Manager, Americas. "Rasilient's patented NFD technologies change the architecture of IP video surveillance systems. They enable our servers and storage systems to deliver superior video data recording performance and reliability to eliminate recording gaps, a key problem of other IP surveillance storage systems based on IT data storage architecture. Recording gaps mean lost images which could cost a company unmeasurable financial damages. The values of our systems are clearly demonstrated in Milestone's tests," said Sean Chang, Founder and CEO of Rasilient Systems. For more information on Rasilient Systems Inc., please go to www.rasilient.com. For a copy of the test report generated by Milestone Systems, please go to http://rasilient.com/milestone-solution-partner-certification/. Contact: Yu Hao Lin, (408) 605-7203, [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] BankBazaar Selects PeopleStrong Alt to Digitize HR GURUGRAM, India, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- World's first Neutral Online Marketplace to provide instant rate quotes on loans, BankBazaar has selected PeopleStrong Alt, a born-on-cloud HR SaaS technology, to take their HR to cloud. The company, which has over 1000+ employees spread across 5 locations, is looking to transform the employee experience by automating HR specifically in areas like workforce data management, leave and attendance, onboarding, exit and business-related expenses. Using PeopleStrong's true-blue HR SaaS technology designed 'For HR, By HR', and powered by India's first comprehensive HR mobile App, BankBazaar would be able to deliver a unified experience to its employees, HR teams and business users. Speaking on the occasion Sriram V, CHRO, BankBazaar shared, "At BankBazaar, we aim to provide the same level of experience to our employees as we deliver to our users. Our employees sell instant loans to our users making their lives simple, so it is only fair that they get an HR experience that simplifies their work life. I am sure with PeoplStrong Alt, we will be able to create this exceptional experience." Kiran Kumar, Chief Sales Officer, PeopleStrong said, "We have been gaining strong foothold in the Internet business segment and with comprehensiveness of the cloud-based solution coupled with new-age features around mobility, we have been able to deliver customer delight. We are pleased to partner with BankBazaar to provide a powerful HR technology backbone, which will surely take their HR to the next level, both in terms of user experience as well as in building efficiencies." About BankBazaar: BankBazaar is the world's first neutral online marketplace for instant customized rate quotes on loans and credit cards or personal finance products such as insurance policies, bank loans and credit card offers. They offer their services through web and mobile platforms, through which consumers can search for offers, compare, and customize it. About PeopleStrong: PeopleStrong is India's leading HR Solutions and Technology company headquartered at Gurgaon, India. With the vision to simplify work life, PeopleStrong offers the next generation HR SaaS Technology designed 'For HR, By HR' i.e. PeopleStrong Alt. It is 100% born-on-cloud and designed 'mobile first' - providing an app to simplify work life which is used by over 5 lakh+ users spread over 200+ organizations every single day. The pre-configured app environment has been created through natural R&D and distills PeopleStrong's experience of managing some of the largest HR environments in India. To know more, visit: http://www.peoplestrong.com/ Media Contact: Neha Singh [email protected] +91-9910638881 Adfactors PR [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] IT Revolution Announces DevOps Enterprise Summit London 2017 Call For Papers & Blind Bird Pricing Deadline for submissions closes at midnight GMT on 3 February 2017 PORTLAND, Oregon, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IT Revolution (http://itrevolution.com), the industry leader for advancing DevOps, today announced it has opened its Call for Papers for DevOps Enterprise Summit London 2017 (DOES17 London). The event, brought to you by IT Revolution and Premier Sponsor HPE Software, takes place 5-6 June 2017 at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London. The call for paper submissions will close on Friday, 3 February 2017 (bit.ly/DOES17LDNcfp). Abstracts should address the conference themes of Cost vs. Speed, Low Trust vs. High Trust, Manual vs. Automation, Fragile vs. Resilient and Fixed Careers vs. Lifelong Learning. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/346968/doesuk_logo_Logo.jpg Share This: DevOps Enterprise Summit London 2017 Call for Papers, Blind Bird Pricing is Open! events.itrevolution.com/eu @DOESsummitEU #DOES17 #DevOps In addition, IT Revolution has opened Blind Bird pricing for early ticket purchases for the London event and can be obtained via its website for only 550+VAT, a 25 percent discount from regularly priced tickets (http://bit.ly/DOES17LDNreg). Blind Bird pricing will close on 3 February 2017. For further details, please visit: (events.itrevolution.com/eu). "We're so excited to be returning to London to host the second DevOps Enterprise Summit in Europe," said Gene Kim, founder of IT Revolution and co-author of 'The Phoenix Project' and 'The DevOps Handbook.' "Last year's event was a huge success by all measures, and this year will be even better. We're lining up another two days full of brilliant speakers, experience reports, subject matter experts, forums for networking, so attendees can get the insights and practical takeaways they need. You'll hear from fellow practitioners in large, complex organizations sharing concrete examples of improvements and transformations as a result of their DevOps initiatives." The DevOps Enterprise Summit is the premier industry conference for leaders of large, complex organizations implementing DevOps principles and practices around the world. The event features presentations from leading global brands that leverage DevOps to thrive within an increasingly software-driven economy. DevOps Enterprise provides keynotes, panels, breakouts, workshops and an expo hall. Sessions are led by leaders who are pioneering these practices in large and complex organizations across a wide range of industries. The keynotes feature industry luminaries, as well as speakers from well-known companies who share the learnings from their enterprise DevOps initiatives. About IT Revolution IT Revolution assembles technology leaders and practitioners through publishing, events, and research. Our goal is to elevate the state of technology work, quantify the economic and human costs associated with suboptimal IT performance, and to improve the lives of IT professionals. Contact: Jeremy Douglas Catapult PR-IR 303-581-7760, ext. 16 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Safety Vision, LLC Celebrates 25 Years of Mobile Video Solutions Safety Vision, LLC, a top industry leader in mobile video surveillance, is proud to announce a great milestone and celebration of its 25th year in business. Safety Vision provides custom tailored mobile video solutions to a variety of industries including mass transit, pupil transportation, law enforcement, first responders, and commercial trucking from eight regional offices in the United States and many expanding locations globally. Safety Vision's longevity has formed a tremendous platform of knowledge and experience in mobile video technology. This credibility is brought to bear developing innovative solutions that foresee and solve customer needs before any competitor in the market. Recently, the flagship RoadRecorder 7000 series of network video recorders have heralded high definition IP recording for the mass transit industry, the popular Observer series of digital video recorders was enhanced by a suite of new features from the powerful Foresight PRO software, and the Prima Facie body worn camera topped the list of highest-rated cameras by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Founder and CEO Bruce Smith became well established in the mobile industry in the early 1990's by listening to customer concerns and providing them with equipment that met their needs, made their jobs easier, and increased their safety. Overseeing operations from its headquarters in Houston, Texas, he has expressed immense pride in what Safety Vision has accomplished with over one million recording systems sold, one billion dollars in sales, and in over forty countries. "This is my passion, and it's absolutely of no surprise to me that we're still here with such a strong presence, while so many others in themarket have been acquired or performed unsuccessfully." Always endeavoring to look forward, Safety Vision has a host of cutting-edge technology to create even more remarkable milestones. The RoadRecorder series is poised to revolutionize video recorders once again with the release of the 8000, making open architecture widely available in the mobile surveillance market. Hybrid video technology, found in the Observer series, allows customers to install high definition network IP cameras and legacy analog cameras on the same vehicle, maximizing installation options and creating affordable high-end surveillance solutions. During its 25th year of business, Safety Vision will bolster its presence with incredible international expansion. Safety Vision Latin America (SVLA) stands ready to service that market from Panama City, Panama, with innovations that will thrill their customers. President of SVLA Stephen Crissman has already been awarded a contract with the first ambulance service in the history of Latin America to have cameras installed. Buyers who are not accustomed to mobile surveillance will be at ease buying from a trained distributor and experienced technicians. Offices in Mexico City and Nicaragua will open soon, ready to enhance the safety of their local fleets. Safety Vision looks forward to expanding to even more areas where its products can improve the community and make a positive impact. Safety Vision also stands ready to introduce a new payment program that will help provide the benefits of its technology to fleets of all sizes and budgets. "The Evergreen Program will allow you to outfit all of your vehicles with flexible monthly payments, and at the end of the equipment's life, we'll automatically upgrade it with the latest and greatest," says Smith. "In our twenty-five years, we've successfully learned to stay ahead as the industry grows. We're experts at developing innovative hardware and software - now we've seen the need for a better, more convenient and cost-effective way to sell them. I'm confident in our plans and in continuing Safety Vision's strong growth for the future." About Safety Vision, LLC Safety Vision is among the most recognized vendors of mobile video surveillance products in North America. Our comprehensive solutions continually enhance vehicular safety in both the private and public sectors. Safety Vision's product offering includes digital video recorders, network video recorders, hybrid video recorders, analog and IP cameras, rear vision cameras, as well as a suite of intuitive software. Safety Vision prides itself on its forward-thinking ideology, comprehensive solutions, extensive client list, and proven results. Please contact us at www.safetyvision.com or 800-880-8855. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005194/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Improving Behavioral Care for Vulnerable Populations, L.A. Care Health Plan Expands eManagement System to Increase Access and Electronic Care Coordination between Community-based Physicians and the L.A. County Dept. of Mental Health Safety Net Connect (SNC), a leading provider of innovative web-based healthcare solutions for organizations assisting underserved populations, is pleased to announce that L.A. Care Health Plan (L.A. Care) is expanding the eManagement system to connect community-based physicians with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LADMH). L.A. Care will provide over 200 private practice physicians with direct, electronic communication to LADMH through the eManagement system developed by SNC. In addition to improving access and care coordination with behavioral health providers, the platform will facilitate early identification and triaging of patients with depression - the most prevalent mental health disorder in primary care. "We are excited to expand and expedite access to quality mental health care for our members," shares L.A. Care CEO John Baackes. "Mental and physical health are inextricably linked - to be successful we must provide a holistic and closely coordinated approach to care management. With this technology we can help facilitate the communication necessary for better care, while reducing barriers for primary and specialty care physicians - and for their patients." With this system, primary care physicians (PCPs) treating L.A. Care patients will be able to quickly access LADMH providers with electronic peer-to-peer consultations (eConsults) for inquiries on treatment guidelines or medication management. In addition, integrated assessments - including the Patient Healt Questionnaire or "PHQ" - enable PCPs to screen patients for depression and other conditions during their appointment, in the trusted environment of their medical home. If a referral for mental health services is appropriate, PCPs can simply and expeditiously connect patients with the right provider for their needs - and prioritize referral for patients who are at higher risk. The assessment scores and key elements of the patient history accompany the electronic referral - ensuring a more informed and effective first visit with the behavioral specialist. "Mental health providers and primary care physicians have long recognized the need for more coordinated care - but the day-to-day barriers of our healthcare system have made that exceedingly difficult," shares Chris Cruttenden, President of SNC. "We're honored to partner in this unique public/private initiative that improves access and makes physician-to-physician communication truly scalable; it's exciting to see the potential of technology applied in such a meaningful area." About L.A. Care L.A. Care Health Plan (Local Initiative Health Authority of Los Angeles County) is a public entity and community-accountable health plan serving residents of Los Angeles County through a variety of health coverage programs including L.A. Care Covered, Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Cal MediConnect Plan, L.A. Care's Healthy Kids and PASC-SEIU Homecare Workers Health Care Plan. L.A. Care is a leader in developing new programs through innovative partnerships designed to provide health coverage to vulnerable populations and to support the safety net. With more than 2 million members, L.A. Care is the nation's largest publicly operated health plan. http://www.lacare.org/ About Safety Net Connect Since 2009, Safety Net Connect (SNC) has been a leading creator of healthcare technology that makes it easier for providers and institutions to increase access to care, streamline care coordination, promote evidence-based practices, and improve quality. With a mission to improve health equity, SNC has helped public and private healthcare organizations across the nation successfully reach over 5 million low-income, underserved individuals with affordable, effective patient-centered care. For more information, please visit www.safetynetconnect.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005304/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] The Miller Law Firm is Here to Fight for You! LOS ANGELES, Jan.10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miller Law is excited to announce the launch of their firm's website, www.TheMillerLaw.com. The Los Angeles based law practice differentiates itself from other offices by providing compassionate counsel and aggressive representation aimed at achieving the specific goals of each of their clients. They have a reputation for personalized and effective representation by strategically and aggressively approaching each case, and have successfully litigated a wide variety of matters through jury verdict. The firm specializes in Criminal Defense and has a thriving Personal Injury practice. The founding attorney, Christopher Miller, meticulously approaches each case and has successfully litigated matters ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious and violent feloies. His passion for criminal defense rests on the notion that each and every person deserves zealous representation and protections under the law. He recognizes the stark reality that most people are mistreated the moment they enter the justice system - starting with their first contact with police and then their experience with prosecutors and the court. The firm also has a growing personal injury practice aimed at compensating those injured by other's negligence. Christopher Miller's compassionate and personalized approach translates into a practice that truly cares about its client's well-being. The Miller law firm ensures its clients receive exemplary medical care and well deserved compensation. The results speak for themselves - The Miller Law firm was awarded "Best of Thumbtack" in 2015 and again in 2016 for their results-oriented approach to the law and stellar reviews from their clients. Some of these reviews can be found on the Client Testimonial page. Whether you are in need of an aggressive criminal defense attorney, or legal counsel to receive compensation for an accident, call The Miller Law Firm right away. Chris will fight for you! The Miller Law Firm 9107 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Phone: 213-798-4249 www.TheMillerLaw.com This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-miller-law-firm-is-here-to-fight-for-you-300388307.html SOURCE The Miller Law Firm [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] PharmaCyte Biotech Discusses Upcoming Clinical Trial with Principal Investigator Dr. Manuel Hidalgo LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Jan. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB:PMCB), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing targeted treatments for cancer and diabetes using its signature live-cell encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box, released today the second article in a series of Q&A articles that will be conducted with some of the key team members of PharmaCytes planned clinical trial in locally advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer (LAPC). This article, which comes one week before PharmaCytes pre-IND meeting with the FDA, is with Dr. Manuel Hidalgo, the Principal Investigator of PharmaCytes clinical trial in LAPC. Dr. Hidalgo is Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and the Director of the Rosenberg Clinical Cancer Center of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. He is also a Member of the Faculty of Medicine of the Harvard Medical School and Co-Director of the international Pancreatic Cancer Research Program. What are your thoughts on PharmaCyte's therapy for LAPC and its technology Cell in a Box? Dr. Manuel Hidalgo: Locally advanced inoperable pancreas adenocarcinoma (pancreatic cancer or PDAC) is a significant health issue. About 30% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with disease that is localized but cannot be resected in full. These patients are now managed with chemotherapy and radiation therapy with poor results. One of the reasons why these results are poor is because the concentration of chemotherapy that reaches the pancreas tumor may be too low to exert its therapeutic effects. However, Cell in a Box is a new innovative technology that may result in higher concentrations of chemotherapy at the site of the pancreas cancer. The way this is achieved is by encapsulating living cells that have the capacity to enzymatically activate a drug called ifosfamide in the pancreas tumor itself. By doing so, the concentration of active drug in the tumor bed increases which likely results in better efficacy while there is less systemic exposure to the active drug with the corresponding decrease in toxicity. What did you see in the early data from the 2 previous clinical trials that gives you confidence with PharmaCytes therapy heading into the upcoming clinical trial? Dr. Manuel Hidalgo: The data is promising and suggests this approach should be further tested. In addition to early evidence of efficacy, the study showed minimal toxicity, consistent with decreased systemic exposure to the active drug and improvement in quality of life. These are very important observations. However, the previous studies were small, and we need additional data. As the Principle Investigator for the upcoming clinical trial, why is it important for you to be involved with this clinical trial? Dr. Manuel Hidalgo: As investigators involved in PDAC research, we are always looking for new, safe strategies to improve patient outcome. In this disease, we really need innovation. We need new approaches and strategies, and Cell in a Box is indeed a new strategy. I am very excited because of the novelty of the approach. I am also very glad to be working with a terrific group of people both on the PharmaCyte side and in the investigators team. You have been a part of so many clinical trials. What have you learned or experienced from those previous clinical trials that yu can bring to this clinical trial? Dr. Manuel Hidalgo: When conducting a clinical trial, the most important thing is to preserve the safety of the subjects and integrity of the data. To that end, it is critical to meticulously select the subjects and follow the protocol. As overall Principal Investigator, I will be working closely with other investigators and the sponsor to make sure the study is conducted according to good clinical practice and other pertinent regulations. Of course, in the day to day, there are always special situations. Here is where the expertise of the investigators team plays an important role. The two key features are to properly document every observation and to communicate and ask any question that may emerge. As a long-time friend and colleague of Dr. Von Hoff and relatively new friend and colleague of Dr. Lohr, what are your thoughts about being teamed up with them for this upcoming clinical trial? Dr. Manuel Hidalgo: I am naturally very excited with the opportunity to work with such terrific doctors and investigators. The conduct of the study is a team effort, and having such high caliber investigators on the team provides us with the expertise needed for the success of this clinical trial. What experiences can you draw on from the Abraxane clinical trial that you were involved in with Dr. Von Hoff that you can bring to PharmaCytes clinical trial? Dr. Manuel Hidalgo: Through a series of clinical and preclinical studies led by Dr. Von Hoff, myself and many other excellent investigators, we showed that Abraxane is effective in pancreatic cancer leading to its approval. The development of this drug provided us with a firsthand experience on how to take a new agent from concept to approval. We will now apply all of this knowledge and expertise to develop Cell in a Box for pancreas cancer treatment. These are obviously very different technologies, but the principles of conducting a high quality step-wise development plan are similar. For those who aren't familiar with the clinical trial process and the development of a therapy for pancreatic cancer, why is it important to have an experienced team surrounding PharmaCyte's technology heading into its clinical trial? Dr. Manuel Hidalgo: I cannot emphasize enough how important having an experienced team is to conducting any clinical trial, but even more a trial with a new technology like Cell in a Box. Elements of an experienced team range from proper patient selection to the delivery of the treatment and monitoring safety and efficacy. Each one of these elements, just to name a few, requires careful attention to details, proper documentation and communication. As this is a new technology and is a non-conventional one, these details become even more important. This is like a performance. The sheet music (protocol) is important but the conductor (investigator) and the orchestra (research team) are also critical. What do you think about going head to head with gemcitabine as the comparator arm in PharmaCytes clinical trial? Dr. Manuel Hidalgo: While patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer are managed in many different ways around the globe, one can argue that the data from the LAP007 trial shows that gemcitabine alone is as good as gemcitabine combined with radiation therapy. Based on these data, from a regulatory perspective, we think gemcitabine alone is the accepted standard of care and have written the protocol that way. About PharmaCyte Biotech PharmaCyte Biotech is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapies for cancer and diabetes based upon a proprietary cellulose-based live cell encapsulation technology known as Cell-in-a-Box. This technology will be used as a platform upon which therapies for several types of cancer and diabetes are being developed. PharmaCytes therapy for cancer involves encapsulating genetically engineered human cells that convert an inactive chemotherapy drug into its active or cancer-killing form. These encapsulated cells are implanted as close to the patients cancerous tumor as possible. Once implanted, a chemotherapy drug that is normally activated in the liver (ifosfamide) is given intravenously at one-third the normal dose. The ifosfamide is carried by the circulatory system to where the encapsulated cells have been implanted. When the ifosfamide comes in contact with the encapsulated cells they act as an artificial liver and activate the chemotherapy drug at the source of the cancer. This targeted chemotherapy has proven effective and safe to use in past clinical trials and results in no side effects. In addition to developing a novel therapy for cancer, PharmaCyte is developing a treatment for Type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes. PharmaCyte plans to encapsulate a human cell line that has been genetically engineered to produce, store and release insulin in response to the levels of blood sugar in the human body. The encapsulation will be done using the Cell-in-a-Box technology. Once the encapsulated cells are implanted in a diabetic patient they will function as a bio-artificial pancreas for purposes of insulin production. Safe Harbor This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding PharmaCyte and its future events and results that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "plan" and similar expressions, as they relate to PharmaCyte or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Important factors, many of which are beyond the control of PharmaCyte, could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. They include PharmaCyte's ability to continue as a going concern, delays or unsuccessful results in preclinical studies and clinical trials, flaws or defects regarding its product candidates, changes in relevant legislation or regulatory requirements, uncertainty of protection of PharmaCytes intellectual property and PharmaCytes continued ability to raise capital. PharmaCyte does not assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. More information about PharmaCyte can be found at www.PharmaCyte.com. It can also be obtained by contacting Investor Relations. Investor Relations: PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. Investor Relations Department Telephone: 917.595.2856 Email: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Alta Systems scores rapidly expanding digital print business and higher volumes with Ricoh's professional services and portfolio MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh USA, Inc. today announced that Alta Systems, a communications company focused on professional, personable and creative print and mail services, has overhauled its digital print operations with solutions and professional services from Ricoh. Since signing on with Ricoh, Alta Systems has grown its digital print business faster than its traditional offset base by implementing RICOH Pro C7100X, RICOH Pro 8100se and RICOH Pro C901 platforms; utilizing advanced workflow software; and capitalizing on in-depth, expert training. As a result, the Gainesville, Florida-based printer now sees increased uptime, tighter turnaround times and happier customers. Alta Systems first added digital capabilities in 2004 to meet customer needs for short runs, faster turnarounds, variable data printing (VDP) and specialty product offerings. However, after more than a decade in digital, Alta Systems found that component of its business struggling. Presses were often down for days or weeks at a time, lacking both durability and robust support. These long stretches of downtime combined with lack of visibility into and centralized control over workflows to cause dropped deadlines. Customer relationships were suffering, and some even withdrew their business. Alta Systems' management knew a change was needed. "We simply could not provide reliable service with presses breaking down so often," said Rick esbit, Owner, Alta Systems. "We needed solutions we could depend on, which meant we needed the right partner that could offer the right hardware and the level of support our shop needed. We learned of Heidelberg's global relationship with Ricoh and instantly saw credibility. Now, I can say that trust was well placed. Our digital operation is incredibly reliable, and now we can produce unbelievable five-color applications, thanks to the RICOH Pro C7100X and Ricoh's pragmatic training. If there is a problem, we know we have a Ricoh expert nearby who is willing and able to drop by and solve it quickly." Together, Alta Systems and Ricoh revamped the entire digital operation. The printer replaced its struggling color devices with a five-color RICOH Pro C7100X, empowering operators to produce creative, eye-catching applications. This platform's 80 ppm speed, 1,200 x 4,800 dpi image quality, broad range of substrate and color capabilities, and reliability, help turn creative, complex jobs around quickly. Alta Systems replaced its struggling monochrome devices with a pair of RICOH Pro 8100se devices, helping make fast turns for even the most demanding jobs manageable. These installations, combined with EFI's Fiery SeeQuence Suite and Fiery JobMaster makeready and workflow management software, enabled jobs to move swiftly through Alta Systems' operation. "Alta Systems turned to Ricoh, at first, for two reasons: our strong partnerships and our unmatched level of service," said Andre Brazeau, Vice President, Production Printing Business Group, Ricoh USA, Inc. "We are proud to build our reputation based on these criteria, which speak to our dedication to always looking for ways to better serve our customers. To that end, it's incredibly encouraging to see how Alta Systems has been able to turn its digital operations around, producing beautiful, outside-the-box applications while also keeping on top of customers' speed, volume and reliability needs." To learn more about Ricoh's work with Alta Systems, please visit: http://rpp.ricoh-usa.com/about/customer-success/alta-systems. For details on Ricoh's full line of products, services and solutions for the production print market, please visit www.rpp.ricoh-usa.com and follow @RicohProPrint on Twitter and Ricoh USA Production Print on LinkedIn. | About Ricoh | Ricoh is a global technology company that has been transforming the way people work for more than 80 years. Under its corporate tagline imagine. change. Ricoh continues to empower companies and individuals with services and technologies that inspire innovation, enhance sustainability and boost business growth. These include document management systems, IT services, production print solutions, visual communications systems, digital cameras, and industrial systems. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2016, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,209 billion yen (approx. 19.6 billion USD). For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com 2017 Ricoh USA, Inc. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies. Contact: John Greco Ricoh USA, Inc. (973) 882-2023 [email protected] Tracey Sheehy Breakaway Communications (212) 616-6003 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alta-systems-scores-rapidly-expanding-digital-print-business-and-higher-volumes-with-ricohs-professional-services-and-portfolio-300388541.html SOURCE Ricoh USA, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The National Investigation Agency has been asked to exchange the cash seized from an alleged Islamic State recruit, which was in demonetised currency, in new notes. By Sneha Agrawal: The echoes of demonetisation rang out in an NIA special court in the capital when it asked the probe agency to exchange the Rs 2.83 lakh in now-invalid currency seized from an alleged Islamic State (ISIS) recruit and keep the amount ready in legal tender. Syed Mujahid approached the court through his counsel, MS Khan, seeking the return of his "hard-earned money and parents' savings" that the National Investigation Agency confiscated during searches at his Karnataka home in January 2016 advertisement "I allow this application with the direction to the chief investigating officer to keep the amount in the shape of Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) in the name of the court after changing the same from old currency to new currency in the wake of demonetisation initially for the period of one year, which shall be extended automatically on attaining maturity till further orders of the court," judge Amar Nath said. The NIA court allowed Mujahid's plea after the federal investigation agency did not oppose the appeal and instead in its detailed reply before the judge supported the exchange of the old notes after keeping on record a photocopy of each demonetised bill before exchanging them with new ones. The agency said. It seized a total of Rs 5.42 lakh in old banknotes from Mujahid and two others-Nafees Khan and Mudabbir Mushtaq Shaikh. THE ARREST The NIA arrested over a dozen suspects, including Mujahid, in raids at 12 locations in six cities across several states in January last year. India has the world's third-largest Muslim population at nearly 170 million but only a handful of them have joined the West Asian group. Mujahid told court that the amount seized included money from his fruit-selling business as well as the pension of his parents. He has been accused of arranging meetings in connivance with a few resident and non-resident Indians, and indulging in identification, radicalisation, recruitment and training for Islamic State. Mujahid's parents were government servants- his father retired as a tehsildar while his mother was a school headmistress. NEED THE MONEY FOR CHILDREN: SYED'S WIFE Speaking to Mail Today, Syed's wife, Sumaiya, expressed satisfaction with the court order. "The money that was seized was kept as advance payment for his fruit-selling business. After my husband's arrest we had to close down the shop. I am managing my responsibilities with the pension amount we get for my in-laws. Without my husband, it has become extremely difficult to take care of my five children," she said. The suspected ISIS operatives were arrested under several sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC). advertisement The action came after the NIA registered a case on December 9, 2015 against unknown and unidentified persons involved in the activities of Islamic State in India and other Asian countries. Also read: NIA nails Lashkar terrorist Bahadur Ali over 9-alphabet code, a diary and fake notes In its final report, the agency alleged that some Indian men were transferred by the accused to countries such as Syria, Libya and Iraq for terror acts. It also said that the accused, who are currently in judicial custody, were using different internet channels, telephone and one-on-one meetings to further the outfit's ideology. The accused people against whom the agency filed the charge sheet are Mohd Aleem, Mohd Obaidullah Khan, Nafees Khan, Mohd Shareef Moinuddin Khan, Asif Ali, Najmul Huda, Mudabbir Mushtaq Shaikh, Mohd Abdul Ahad, Suhail Ahmed, Syed Mujahid, Mohd Hussain Khan, Mohd Afzal, Imran and Abu Anas. --- ENDS --- [January 10, 2017] WSM International Partners with LeaseWeb to Provide Turn-Key Migration Services ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich., Jan. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WSM International will provide migration services for organizations interested in easily, safely and quickly moving their IT infrastructure to LeaseWebs range of hosted and cloud services. WSM is the leading provider of cloud migrations services, with a 14-year history of and experience with migrating workloads from onsite to hosted cloud services. In working with the worlds leading hosting and cloud services company, WSM has successfully completed tens of thousands of migrations, from the simplest web sites to complex enterprise IT workloads. LeaseWeb provides global Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and on-demand hosting solutions including dedicated servers, cloud-based servers, colocation services and hybrid cloud offerings. The two companies will work together to ensure that all new and existing customers that are moving computing resources to LeaseWeb datacenters have a smooth, logical, and successful transition, with all planning and execution carried out by WSMs dedicated migration team. A company deciding to move some or all of its IT infrastructure off-premises or to a different provider is the beginning of the process, not the end, said Ryan Pelerin, CEO of WSM. We work with our partners and the customers to understand every bit of their IT needs as well as budgets, timelines and any compliance concerns to ensure that the move to their new home is trouble-free. It takes planning and expertise and weve been doing it for more than a decade, so were pleased to be teaming with a top-tier provider like LeaseWeb to help its customers make the move./p> About LeaseWeb LeaseWeb is a leading Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider serving a worldwide portfolio of 17,500 customers ranging from SMBs to Enterprises. Services include Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Hosting, Colocation, Dedicated Servers, Content Delivery Network and Cyber Security Services supported by exceptional customer service and technical support. With more than 70,000 servers under management, LeaseWeb has provided infrastructure for mission-critical websites, Internet applications, email servers, security, and storage services since 1997. The company operates 17 data centers in locations across Europe, Asia and North America, all of which are backed by a superior worldwide network with a total capacity of more than 5.5 Tbps. LeaseWeb offers services through its various subsidiaries, being LeaseWeb Netherlands B.V. (LeaseWeb Netherlands), LeaseWeb USA, Inc. (LeaseWeb USA), LeaseWeb Asia Pacific PTE. LTD (LeaseWeb Asia), LeaseWeb CDN B.V. (LeaseWeb CDN) and LeaseWeb Deutschland GmbH (LeaseWeb Germany). For more information, visit www.leaseweb.com or follow @LeaseWeb. About WSM WSM (https://wsmintl.com/) is a specialized services and solutions integrator with a core focus on cloud and server migration, transformation and DevOps services. WSM created the server migration services industry in 2003, and today is the largest specialized migration services provider in the world, having completed more migrations than all other competing service providers combined. Bill Baker, Baker Communications Group, LLC [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] WeddingWire Reveals Nation's Elite Wedding Professionals in 2017 Couples' Choice Awards CHEVY CHASE, Md., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WeddingWire, Inc., the leading global online marketplace for the wedding and event industry, announced today the winners of its ninth annual Couples' Choice Awards. The 2017 Couples Choice Awards recognize the top five percent of wedding professionals demonstrating excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism, and they distinguish these vendors as premier leaders in their industry. The awards are given to the top local wedding professionals across more than 20 different service categories, ranging from wedding venues to wedding photographers. "The Couples' Choice Awards' ninth year features one of the most impressive groups of dedicated and acclaimed wedding professionals yet," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. "It is our honor to work with exceptional professionals who not only make a couple's big day possible, but also contribute to the more than 2.5 million U.S. reviews represented on WeddingWire. We congratulate all of this year's winners on their achievements." The WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards utilize reviews from newlyweds about their experiences working with professionals to determine the winners. These top wedding vendors are determined by the quality, quantity, consistency, and timeliness of the reviews received from their clients. Nine out of 10 engaged couples rely on reviews when searching for wedding vendors, and the Couples' Choice Awards truly showcase the significance and relevance of reviews in the wedding and event industry. "It is an honor to be recognized for the 2017 Couple's Choice Awards. As a wedding venue, we understnd that couples look at reviews, understand what WeddingWire [awards] badges indicate, and use that information as part of their decision," said Casey Clark, Marketing Manager, Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel in Taneytown, MD. "Our team also understands the importance of maintaining excellence as a venue so that we can continue to be a part of this prestigious recognition which has clearly driven revenue for us." As the leading online resource connecting engaged couples with wedding professionals, WeddingWire helps couples connect with top vendors in their area through its vast directory of more than 200,000 vendors, 2.5 million U.S. consumer reviews, and notable programs, including the Couples' Choice Awards. The awards are an excellent indicator for couples seeking legitimacy and reliability in their vendors when planning their weddings. "Reviews and seeing that several of my vendors had consistently won Couples' Choice Awards were extremely important. It gave me peace of mind knowing I was making a great decision," said Samantha, a WeddingWire user from Delaware. "The awards tended to reinforce the impression I got after making contact with each vendor that had a Couples' Choice Award." The full list of the 2017 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award winners were revealed and notified on January 10, 2017. Recipients of the award will receive the official 2017 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards badge to be displayed on their WeddingWire Storefronts and business websites. To learn more about the Couples' Choice Awards and for a complete list of the winners, visit www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards. About WeddingWire, Inc. WeddingWire, Inc. is the leading global online marketplace connecting consumers with event and creative professionals. Operating within a $200 billion industry, WeddingWire, Inc. hosts 10 million monthly unique users across its mobile and web platforms. Consumers around the world are able to read over 3 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a database of over 400,000 businesses globally. It provides these businesses the technology they need to serve their clients through advertising, marketing and business management tools such as websites, payment processing, invoicing and contracts. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio of sites serves couples and businesses across 15 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, making it the worldwide leader in weddings with brands including Bodas.net,Casamentos.com.br, Matrimonio.com and more. The company employs more than 800 and maintains global headquarters in Washington, DC and international headquarters in Barcelona, Spain. Contact: Elizabeth Millett WeddingWire [email protected] 301.231.9473 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/weddingwire-reveals-nations-elite-wedding-professionals-in-2017-couples-choice-awards-300388117.html SOURCE WeddingWire, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] OneDigital Health and Benefits Acquires C.T. Hellmuth and Associates OneDigital Health and Benefits, the nation's largest employee benefits-only company with 37 offices across the country, has acquired C.T. Hellmuth and Associates in Chevy Chase, Md. A team of 26 experienced associates are now part of the OneDigital Health and Benefits and Human Capital Solutions organization. "This alignment of firms represents a significant expansion of OneDigital's middle market benefits consulting capability in the Mid-Atlantic region and nationally. Jim Hellmuth and his talented team fit our culture like a glove, bringing a reputation for client service that is unique in the marketplace," says Mike Sullivan, chief growth officer of OneDigital. "Our selective consolidation strategy remains focused on teams and capabilities that will thrive in a culture built on innovation and collaboration. When your focus is building for the long term, it is acquisitions like this that help solidify our foundation." The combined Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland region will be the largest in the country for OneDigital with more than 110 eployees and 3,500 clients. "These are exciting, and to say the least, rapidly changing times for the benefits industry. We are thrilled to have found a like-minded organization that will expand upon the leadership position that C.T. Hellmuth has built in the Washington D.C. region over the past 44 years," says Jim Hellmuth, president of C.T. Hellmuth. "Joining a national team of industry leaders gives our colleagues and clients immediate access to an expanded team of experts and services. Most importantly, OneDigital's culture aligns with our client-first focus. Our long-held reputation for being fierce client advocates is everything to us." Hellmuth will report up through Chris Schutt, regional managing principal for OneDigital Mid-Atlantic. "We have been searching for a team with a client base and level of sophistication that can anchor our rapidly expanding organization in the Maryland and Washington D.C. marketplace," says Chris Schutt. "The level of integration and collaboration among the overall team is energizing to watch." About OneDigital Health and Benefits OneDigital, the nation's largest company focused exclusively on employee benefits, combines people and technology to deliver the new generation of health and benefits. It provides fresh thinking ahead of the market, innovative approaches and market-leading solutions that give clients peace of mind. Serving companies of all sizes, OneDigital offers employers a sophisticated combination of strategic advisory services, analytics, compliance support, HR capital management tools and comprehensive insurance offerings. Headquartered in Atlanta, OneDigital has more than 850 employees throughout the country, serves 35,000 companies, partners with 275 leading brokers and manages nearly $4 billion in premiums. Formerly known as Digital Insurance and Digital Benefit Advisors, the company has been named to the Inc. 5000 List of America's fastest-growing companies every year since the honor's inception in 2007. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005796/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Drugs - Market Drivers and Forecast from Technavio Technavio's latest report on the global chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) drugs market provides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005541/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) drugs market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) Sapna Jha, a lead analyst from Technavio, specializing in research on central nervous system sector, says, "The high unmet medical need in the market is driving the vendors and research organizations to conduct extensive R&D activities, which is expected to bring novel drugs for the treatment of CINV. Currently, the market is characterized by the presence of serotonin receptor antagonists and NK1 receptor antagonists." For instance, Helsinn is one of the leading vendors in the market with flagship drug, Aloxi, which reported revenue of approximately USD 563 million in 2015. The increased need for effective treatments has driven Helsinn to conduct extensive R&D activities and subsequently launched Akynzeo, a fixed-dose combination of palonosetron and netupitant. The patent exclusivity till 2019 will enable Helsinn to generate substantial revenue during the initial phase of the forecast period. Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=55547 Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. The top three emerging trends driving the global CINV drugs market according to Technavio healthcare and life sciences research analysts are: Robust R&D activities fueling the pipeline /li> Increasing inorganic growth strategies likely to fuel the market growth Novel treatment options coupled with new applications Robust R&D activities fueling the pipeline The high unmet medical need in the market has driven the R&D activities of existing as well as new vendors. Helsinn is one of the leading companies that has a strong pipeline of CINV drugs with two drug candidates in Phase III and Phase I stages. Helsinn has collaborated with Taiho Pharmaceutical for the development and commercialization of netupitant IV in Japan. Heron Therapeutics is developing HTX-019, currently in Phase I stage, for the prevention and treatment of CINV. "New vendors such as Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories and Acacia Pharma are aggressively advancing their pipeline to launch new drugs during the forecast period. Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories and Acacia are developing granisetron intranasal and APD403, respectively," according to Sapna. Increasing inorganic growth strategies likely to fuel the market growth The vendors are looking to expand their product portfolio and market presence by pursuing inorganic growth strategies such as acquisitions and alliances. These strategies allow the companies to reduce R&D costs and quickly penetrate into the market. For instance, in April 2016, Helsinn and Purdue Pharma Canada entered an exclusive agreement for the distribution and licensing of Akynzeo. Under the terms of the agreement, Helsinn retains clinical development activities and the manufacturing and commercialization of Akynzeo, a drug used for the prevention of CINV, while Purdue Pharma Canada will have exclusive rights for the registration, promotion, and commercialization of Akynzeo in Canada. Novel treatment options coupled with new applications The focus of vendors toward the development of novel treatment options will likely change the market dynamics. Currently, the vendors are focusing on developing drugs that improve patient compliance significantly. This has driven the launch of oral therapies in the market, which are expected to witness an increased adoption in the coming years. For instance, in August 2016, BioStem Technologies acquired its first US FDA-approved branded generic drug, Granisol Oral Solution, for preventing nausea and vomiting linked with cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Moreover, the expansion of CINV drugs into new applications such as pediatric use is expected to have a positive impact on the market growth. As some of the cancers such as leukemia are most prevalent in children (accounts for 30% of all cancers in children), the approval of drugs in this application will help to address the untapped market. The key vendors are as follows: GlaxoSmithKline Helsinn Heron Therapeutics Merck Tesaro Browse Related Reports: Global Multiple Myeloma Drugs Market 2017-2021 Global Lung Cancer Therapeutics Market 2016-2020 Global Protein Therapeutics Market 2017-2021 Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like in-vitro diagnostics, oncology, and vaccines. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005541/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] ChannelNet Names Two Executives to Leadership Team ChannelNet, a leader in digital customer engagement and retention, announces two executive appointments; Chris Sims is the Chief Technology Officer and Joe Karle is the Vice President of Account Management for the mid-western U.S. and Canada. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006015/en/ Chris Sims, ChannelNet Chief Technology Officer (Photo: Business Wire) "We are happy to congratulate Chris Sims on his promotion and pleased to welcome Joe Karle to the team," says ChannelNet CEO and founder, Paula Tompkins. "It has been another year of growth for ChannelNet. There is no doubt that Chris and Joe will contribute to our continued success and innovation in 2017. Chris Sims, Chief Technology Officer, was promoted from within and was previously the chief software architect. In his new role, he oversees research, development and technology trends related to ChannelNet's patented platform, Sitebuilder. He is also responsible for working with clients and their technical staff on integrations, system goals and planning. His technical experience covers software architecture and design patterns for web-based and mobil software technology, web API, mobile applications and responsive web design. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. Joe Karle, Vice President of Account Management, is responsible for the leadership and success of ChannelNet's overall client relationships in the mid-west and Canada. Joe is charged with establishing and managing client relationships, strategic account planning and the overall success of our digital solutions for clients. His accounts include Ally Financial Inc., Hyundai Capital America Canada, Harley-Davidson Financial Services and the UAW Benefit Trust. He has more than 25 years of digital marketing experience; cutting his teeth at some of the top-tier agencies where he lead accounts for companies such as Ford (News - Alert) Motor Company, General Motors, FIAT Chrysler Automobiles, Chrysler Financial, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Delphi, Honeywell, Samsung, Staples (News - Alert), Hilton Worldwide, Campbell Soup Company and Pepperidge Farm. Previously, Karle was the executive account and client relationship lead for Ignite Social Media where he was responsible for Lenovo (News - Alert), Green Dot/GoBank, Staples, On The Border Grill, American Heart Association, ConAgra Foods, Daisy Brands, Kelly Services and the La-Z-Boy accounts. He has a bachelor's degree in advertising from Michigan State University In a separate organizational move, Greg Lesko was named senior project manager. Lesko works with ChannelNet customers and the company's internal creative, usability and technical teams to manage the launch and ongoing enhancements of customer life cycle solutions. He has more than ten years of experience with delivering global initiatives. Previously, he has worked for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, General Motors, Electronic Data Systems (News - Alert) (EDS) and Ally Bank. Lesko received a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in public relations from Wayne State University. About ChannelNet ChannelNet is a leader and a pioneer in delivering customer acquisition and retention services via mobile and web-based solutions that work across channels. Using software-as-a-service (SAAS), its experts connect brands and their respective retail outlets with their customers to sell products and services through local brick-and-mortar sales channels. The privately held company, founded more than 30 years ago, is based in Dearborn, Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.channelnet.com. Blog: http://crosschannelconnection.com/ LinkedIn (News - Alert): http://www.linkedin.com/company/channelnet Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChannelNet View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006015/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Months Long Search Ends, Woodland Park, NJ Man $100,000 Richer Thanks to Winloot.com WOODLAND PARK, N.J., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On a cool January 5, 2017 morning, following a months' long search, members of the Winloot.com Prize Department were finally able to personally hand a check for $100,000.00 to Mr. Patrick Acker of Woodland Park, NJ. Mr. Acker originally matched all 6 winning numbers in the Winloot $100,000 online sweepstakes game on August 31, 2016 but far reaching efforts to contact him proved elusive. Said Matt Gately, CMO of Winloot.com, "after several attempts at contacting Mr. Acker through email failed, we tried everything we could think of including reaching out to local media. Even other Winloot users offered their assistance in helping connect Mr. Acker with his newfound riches after we posted on our site and Facebook page that we were looking for a Patrick A. from New Jersey to award him $100,000." So how did Winloot finally reach Mr. Acker? It turns out that Patrick is not the only Acker who plays Winloot.com. His daughter, who happens to live in Florida, also plays and had even won a $10 prize in one of the Winloot Instant Win Bonus games just a few weeks earlier. She saw the post on the site and immediately called her dad to say, "hey Dad, I saw your name on Winloot and I think you won more than me." Upon hearing the news Mr. Acker said, "I still didn't believe it was real but I figured maybe I'll call just t see." That turned out to be a pretty valuable phone call. As Patrick recounted the story about what his daughter had said, Mr. Gately replied "I'll say, $100,000 is quite a bit more." While Winloot normally mails the checks to its winners, over 18,000 and counting as of this writing, given the story of how long it took to find him and the relative proximity of Mr. Acker's home in Woodland Park, NJ to their office in Long Island, NY, the Winloot team decided to deliver the check personally. When they arrived, Mr. Acker and his girlfriend were already at the door to greet them. Mr. Gately handed Patrick an envelope and inside was a check for $100,000. Mr. Acker peeked inside the envelope and exclaimed, "I sure believe it now." When asked if he had any immediate plans for the money, Patrick and his girlfriend noted that they put a $100 down payment on a cruise to the Bahamas. They now plan to invite a couple with whom they are friends to go along that plan to renew their wedding vows. That is an incredibly nice gesture on their part. With the rest, Patrick said he already had an appointment to speak with someone about putting some away for his retirement. Then again, as he said to Mr. Gately when he was leaving, "I'll see you soon when you come back with the $1,000,000." Fair enough Patrick. There's a new drawing every day at winloot.com and as you know better than anyone, you can't win if you don't play. About Winloot.com Long Island, NY based Winloot.com is a 100% free online sweepstakes which provides players thirty chances to win a variety of different prizes including a $25,000, $50,000, $100,000 and a $1,000,000 jackpot every day. In addition, users can also play up to 65 Bonus games in which people can find out instantly if they win cash prizes up to $5,000. And if that's not all, Winloot.com also guarantees a daily cash prize of $250 to $1,000. For more information, visit www.Winloot.com. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com/. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/months-long-search-ends-woodland-park-nj-man-100000-richer-thanks-to-winlootcom-300388705.html SOURCE Winloot.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Shiseido Americas Announces Appointment of Alexandra Papazian as General Manager of Laura Mercier Shiseido Americas Corporation ("Shiseido Americas" or "the Company"), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based, global cosmetics company Shiseido Company, Limited ("Shiseido"), today announced the appointment of Alexandra Papazian as General Manager of Laura Mercier, effective March 1, 2017. Based in New York, Ms. Papazian will be responsible for the development and execution of the overall strategy for the Laura Mercier business in the United States and abroad. In addition to establishing the brand's broader goals and objectives, she will focus on increased marketing efforts, product development, digital outreach and international expansion. She will report to Jean-Marc Plisson, President of the Beauty Prestige Group. Nancy Bernardini, current General Manager of Gurwitch Products, will remain in her role to assist in the transition until April 30, 2017, at which time she will be leaving the Company. Marc Rey, President and CEO of Shiseido Americas, said, "I am excited to welcome Alexandra as we continue to grow our global prestige portfolio with the addition of the Laura Mercier brand. Alexandra is a proven leader in the beauty business, with an outstanding track record, and she will be a tremendous asset to Laura Mercier as the brand continues to accelerate. I am grateful for Nancy's partnershipin managing the transition and for her tremendous leadership in guiding the Laura Mercier and ReVive businesses over the past four years. I am confident that the Laura Mercier business will be in good hands with Alexandra." Ms. Papazian joins Shiseido Americas after 15 years at L'OREAL, in the US and in France, where she successfully led high-profile luxury brands like Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Viktor & Rolf and Shu Uemura. She successfully repositioned Yves Saint Laurent Beauty in the US as a key player and took Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb to top 3 ranking in women's fragrances. Most recently, Ms. Papazian led Sales for Fine Department Stores for luxury designer signatures Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Yves St Laurent, Viktor & Rolf and Maison Margiela. Ms. Papazian said, "Shiseido Americas and Laura Mercier are forging an exciting new path in the cosmetics industry, and I am thrilled to join them. I look forward to doing everything I can to help this iconic and much-loved brand continue to thrive and reach customers around the world." About Shiseido Company, Limited Shiseido was founded in 1872 as the first Western-style pharmacy in Japan. The business gradually evolved into a cosmetics company, offering people the most advanced technology and the finest aesthetics available in the East or the West. Now known globally as the premier cosmetics company with roots in Japan, the name Shiseido has come to represent the world's highest standards of quality. Shiseido's global selection of skincare, makeup and fragrance includes a high-performance category for special skincare, and a brightening line. Shiseido also offers body care, suncare and a skincare line for men. Fiercely contemporary and innovative after over 140 years in business, Shiseido group brands are now sold in over 120 countries and regions. For more information, please visit http://group.shiseido.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006256/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Merck Receives FDA Acceptance of Supplemental Biologics License Application for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in Combination with Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), the company's anti-PD-1 therapy, plus chemotherapy (pemetrexed plus carboplatin) for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) regardless of PD-L1 expression and with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. This is the first application for regulatory approval of KEYTRUDA in combination with another treatment. The FDA granted Priority Review with a PDUFA, or target action, date of May 10, 2017. The sBLA will be reviewed under the FDA's Accelerated Approval program. "Through our monotherapy and combination studies, we are working to find new approaches to help a broad range of patients with lung cancer," said Dr. Roger Dansey, senior vice president and therapeutic area head, oncology late-stage development, Merck Research Laboratories. "KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy has shown promise versus chemotherapy alone in the first-line treatment of non-squamous metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, regardless of PD-L1 levels. If approved, this could be the first regimen combining chemotherapy with an immuno-oncology agent for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer." The application seeks accelerated approval for KEYTRUDA at a fixed dose of 200 mg administered intravenously every three weeks in combination with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 administered as an IV infusion over 10 minutes every three weeks, and carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min every three weeks for four cycles. KEYNOTE-021, Part 2, Cohort G, the pivotal cohort that forms the basis of the submission, studied 123 previously untreated patients with metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations and regardless of PD-L1 expression. KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is currently approved in lung cancer for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression (tumor proportion score [TPS] of 50 percent or more) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations; and for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS of one percent or more) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. Merck has an extensive development program in NSCLC and is currently advancing multiple registration-enabling studies with KEYTRUDA as monotherapy and in combination with other treatments. About Lung Cancer Lung cancer, which forms in the tissues of the lungs, usually within cells lining the air passages, is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than die of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell and small cell. NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85 percent of all cases. The five-year survival rate for patients suffering from highly advanced, metastatic (Stage IV) lung cancers is estimated to be two percent. About KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by increasing the ability of the body's immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells. KEYTRUDA is administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every three weeks for the approved indications. KEYTRUDA for injection is supplied in a 100 mg single use vial. KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) Indications and Dosing Melanoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma at a dose of 2 mg/kg every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Lung Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression [tumor proportion score (TPS) =50%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. KEYTRUDA is also indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS =1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. In metastatic NSCLC, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression. Head and Neck Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. In HNSCC, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression. Selected Important Safety Information for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases. Pneumonitis occurred in 94 (3.4%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.3%), 3 (0.9%), 4 (0.3%), and 5 (0.1%) pneumonitis, and occurred more frequently in patients with a history of prior thoracic radiation (6.9%) compared to those without (2.9%). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis. Evaluate suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis. KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis. Colitis occurred in 48 (1.7%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.4%), 3 (1.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2 or 3; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 colitis. KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Hepatitis occurred in 19 (0.7%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.4%), and 4 (<0.1%) hepatitis. Monitor patients for changes in liver function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis and, based on severity of liver enzyme elevations, withhold or discontine KEYTRUDA. KEYTRUDA can cause hypophysitis. Hypophysitis occurred in 17 (0.6%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.2%), 3 (0.3%), and 4 (<0.1%) hypophysitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis (including hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency). Administer corticosteroids and hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; withhold or discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 hypophysitis. KEYTRUDA can cause thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 96 (3.4%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.8%) and 3 (0.1%) hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurred in 237 (8.5%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (6.2%) and 3 (0.1%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in patients with HNSCC occurring in 28 (15%) of 192 patients with HNSCC, including Grade 3 (0.5%) hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis occurred in 16 (0.6%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.3%) thyroiditis. Monitor patients for changes in thyroid function (at the start of treatment, periodically during treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation) and for clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. Administer replacement hormones for hypothyroidism and manage hyperthyroidism with thionamides and beta-blockers as appropriate. Withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 hyperthyroidism. KEYTRUDA can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, including diabetic ketoacidosis, which have been reported in 6 (0.2%) of 2799 patients. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes, and withhold KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) and administer antihyperglycemics in patients with severe hyperglycemia. KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Nephritis occurred in 9 (0.3%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) nephritis. Monitor patients for changes in renal function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 nephritis. KEYTRUDA can cause other clinically important immune-mediated adverse reactions. For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, ensure adequate evaluation to confirm etiology or exclude other causes. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Based on limited data from clinical studies in patients whose immune-related adverse reactions could not be controlled with corticosteroid use, administration of other systemic immunosuppressants can be considered. Resume KEYTRUDA when the adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less following corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction. The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% (unless otherwise indicated) of 2799 patients: arthritis (1.5%), exfoliative dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, rash (1.4%), uveitis, myositis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, and partial seizures arising in a patient with inflammatory foci in brain parenchyma. KEYTRUDA can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions, which have been reported in 6 (0.2%) of 2799 patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions, including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. For Grade 3 or 4 reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA. Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA. In KEYNOTE-006, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 9% of 555 patients with advanced melanoma; adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in more than one patient were colitis (1.4%), autoimmune hepatitis (0.7%), allergic reaction (0.4%), polyneuropathy (0.4%), and cardiac failure (0.4%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) occurred in 21% of patients; the most common (=1%) was diarrhea (2.5%). The most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA vs ipilimumab were fatigue (28% vs 28%), diarrhea (26% with KEYTRUDA), rash (24% vs 23%), and nausea (21% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding incidence rates are listed for ipilimumab only for those adverse reactions that occurred at the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA. In KEYNOTE-002, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 12% of 357 patients with advanced melanoma; the most common (=1%) were general physical health deterioration (1%), asthenia (1%), dyspnea (1%), pneumonitis (1%), and generalized edema (1%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 14% of patients; the most common (=1%) were dyspnea (1%), diarrhea (1%), and maculopapular rash (1%). The most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA vs chemotherapy were fatigue (43% with KEYTRUDA), pruritus (28% vs 8%), rash (24% vs 8%), constipation (22% vs 20%), nausea (22% with KEYTRUDA), diarrhea (20% vs 20%), and decreased appetite (20% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding incidence rates are listed for chemotherapy only for those adverse reactions that occurred at the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA. KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 682 patients with metastatic NSCLC. The most common adverse event resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.8%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 23% of patients; the most common (=1%) were diarrhea (1%), fatigue (1.3%), pneumonia (1%), liver enzyme elevation (1.2%), decreased appetite (1.3%), and pneumonitis (1%). The most common adverse reactions (occurring in at least 20% of patients and at a higher incidence than with docetaxel) were decreased appetite (25% vs 23%), dyspnea (23% vs 20%), and nausea (20% vs 18%). KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 17% of 192 patients with HNSCC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonia, dyspnea, confusional state, vomiting, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) were fatigue, decreased appetite, and dyspnea. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with HNSCC were generally similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC, with the exception of increased incidences of facial edema (10% all Grades; 2.1% Grades 3 or 4) and new or worsening hypothyroidism. It is not known whether KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, instruct women to discontinue nursing during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the final dose. Safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA have not been established in pediatric patients. Our Focus on Cancer Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, helping people fight cancer is our passion and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. Our focus is on pursuing research in immuno-oncology and we are accelerating every step in the journey - from lab to clinic - to potentially bring new hope to people with cancer. As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the fastest-growing development programs in the industry. We are currently executing an expansive research program that includes more than 400 clinical trials evaluating our anti-PD-1 therapy across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our immuno-oncology portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising immunotherapeutic candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers. For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials. About Merck For over a century, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC (News - Alert)) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov). # # # Please see Prescribing Information for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf and Patient Information/Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006360/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] American Campus Communities Announces a Series of Executive Promotions and Upcoming Retirement of CFO American Campus Communities (NYSE: ACC), the nation's largest owner, manager and developer of high-quality student housing properties in the U.S., today announced it is advancing its succession plan with a series of internal promotions to ensure the company is fully exploiting the breadth of executive talent available to further advance the company's long-term strategic business plan. Effective immediately, the company is separating the roles of President and Chief Executive Officer, with Bill Bayless remaining as CEO and Jim Hopke, Chief Operating Officer, being promoted to the position of President. In this role, Jim will continue to report directly to the CEO and provide executive oversight of day-to-day business operations, advance the company's asset and portfolio management functions, and focus on furthering American Campus' best-in-class operating platform including strategic oversight of the company's Next Gen systems development working closely with Chief Technology Officer Jorge de Cardenas. Also effective immediately, Jennifer Beese, Executive Vice President of Operations, Marketing, and Leasing is being promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer and will continue to report directly to Mr. Hopke. Ms. Beese will continue to provide executive oversight of marketing, leasing and property operations, and functional support services. She will also assume executive responsibility for human resources, corporate administration and company culture. Hopke and Beese have a combined 30 plus years with the company and have been leading its operations since 2014. In addition, Jon Graf will step down as Chief Financial Officer on March 31, 2017 and will be retiring from the company on June 30, 2017. Graf has been an integral part of the executive team, having joined the company in conjunction with its IPO in 2004; initially serving as Crporate Controller, being promoted to Chief Accounting Officer in 2005, and ultimately serving as Chief Financial Officer since 2007. He led the company's financial operations through periods of substantial growth during which American Campus Communities came to be recognized as the industry's 'best-in-class' company. He will continue to work closely with his successors in the finance and accounting departments during the upcoming transition period. Daniel Perry, EVP of Corporate Finance & Capital Markets, who for years has been the company's lead executive interacting with investors, analysts and the banking community will be promoted to Chief Financial Officer, effective March 31, 2017. Perry joined the company in 2005 from Citigroup where he had worked on the company's IPO. Effective immediately, Kim Voss, EVP and Controller, who joined the company in 2004 from AMB, is being promoted to the position of Chief Accounting Officer reporting directly to the CFO. Voss has provided executive oversight of the company's corporate accounting, property accounting and public company reporting since her promotion to EVP in May of 2015. "On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I'd like to recognize and thank Jon Graf for more than a decade of service to American Campus Communities and wish him well in his retirement from the company," said Ed Lowenthal, Independent Chairman of the Board. "For nearly a decade, the Board has been working hand in hand with Bill on executive development and succession planning. These promotions represent a milestone related to that work and set the stage for smooth executive succession in the decades ahead." "It is very exciting to see each one of these talented executives continue to advance their careers with American Campus Communities," said Bill Bayless, CEO. "Jim and I look forward to fully developing the next generation of executives that will lead this company for decades to come. Jennifer, Daniel and Kim, along with William Talbot, our Chief Investment Officer, have been impact players throughout their careers at American Campus Communities and I am confident they will make even greater contributions at the next levels of executive leadership. It's truly an honor for me to continue to lead the industry's most talented group of executives as CEO." Forward-Looking Statements In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements under the federal securities law. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which American Campus Communities operates, management's beliefs, and assumptions made by management. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. About American Campus Communities American Campus Communities, Inc. is the largest owner, manager and developer of high-quality student housing communities in the United States. The company is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered equity real estate investment trust (REIT) with expertise in the design, finance, development, construction management and operational management of student housing properties. As of September 30, 2016, American Campus Communities owned 170 student housing properties containing approximately 105,300 beds. Including its owned and third-party managed properties, ACC's total managed portfolio consisted of 205 properties with approximately 133,600 beds. Visit www.americancampus.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006381/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] Feb. 1 is Deadline to Apply for Edison International's $1.2 Million Scholarship Program High school seniors driven to make a difference through science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) still have time to apply for Edison International's $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program. Each year, Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, helps students dream big and achieve their academic goals by awarding $40,000 scholarships, paid over four years, to 30 high school students planning to major in STEM fields at four-year colleges and universities. Scholarship applications are being accepted through Feb. 1. Eligible students must live in or attend a public or private high school in SCE's service territory or attend an eligible high school surrounding SCE's San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Visit scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars for a list of designated high schools. Applicants must plan to be a full-time undergraduate student majoring in one of the following STEM fields: mathematics, engineering, computer and information services, management information systems, natural resources and conservation and physical sciences. "Edison International funds educational programs and scholarships because one of our priorities is helping to nurture scholars of tomorrow," said Tami Bui, SCE's principal manager of Corporate Philanthropy. "The Edison Scholars Program provides financial support that lets students attend colleges and universities they thought were out of reach, and allows them to focus on their studies rather than worry about how they're going to pay for school." Since 2006, Edison International has financially supported 550 students' higher education by giving out nearly $6.5 million in scholarships. Applicants must be a high school senior, have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. To apply and get additional eligibility information, students are encouraged to visit: scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars. Students from underserved communities and ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April. Recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college. Edison International's support of charitable causes, such as the Edison Scholars Program, is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers' utility bill payments do not fund company donations, and dependents of Edison International and SCE employees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program. About Edison International Edison International (NYSE:EIX), through its subsidiaries, is a generator and distributor of electric power, as well as a provider of energy services and technologies, including renewable energy. Headquartered in Rosemead, Calif., Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison (News - Alert), one of the nation's largest electric utilities. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006400/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] More than 144 farmers have died in Tamil Nadu within the past three months due to crop failure even pushing NHRC to issue notice to the state government. By Pramod Madhav: O Panneerselvam,the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has declared every district of the state to be drought hit. As the monsoon failed last year and without the availability of Cauvery water due to an ensuing political battle, the farmers have suffered extreme loss as their crops failed. More than 144 farmers have died in Tamil Nadu within the past three months due to crop failure even pushing NHRC to issue notice to the state government. advertisement CM OPS stated that after receiving various inputs from the ministers regarding the farmers distress he constituted a committee to access the situation on January 3. The State environment and forest Minister, Dindigul Srinivasan and State PWD minister Edapadi Palanisamy submitted a report on January 9 along with other ministers and officials. NO LAND TAX FOR FARMERS Following which, the CM has decided to declare all districts drought hit due to failure of monsoon. Also, the farmers are not needed to pay land tax for the year. Exemptions would be given to farmers from paying Cooperative Bank loans. The state will also submit a report seeking relief fund from the Center. Rs 5,465 will be given per acre as relief fund for paddy and Rs 7,287 for long term crops. Farmers who have insured their crops can claim the damage amount and 'crop cutting experiment' will be done immediately to facilitate it. Had the farmer suffered 100% crop loss, the relief fund be between Rs 21,500 to Rs 26,000. The announcement came as a bit of relief to the farmers of Tamil Nadu who unlike any other year are not in any mood to celebrate Pongal, the harvest festival this year with failed crops. Also read: As talks of Sasikala heading Tamil Nadu grow louder, CM Panneerselvam says will follow Amma's path Issue ordinance for conduct of jallikattu: O Panneerselvam to Centre --- ENDS --- You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). The four are part of the list of 102 scientists and researchers who are recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. These scientists are Pankaj Lal, Kaushik Chowdhury, Manish Arora and Aradhna Tripati. By Press Trust of India: US President Barack Obama today chose four Indian-American scientists for the highest honour given to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research careers for keeping the US on the cutting edge by their innovations. The four are part of the list of 102 scientists and researchers who are recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). advertisement These scientists are Pankaj Lal from Montclair State University, Kaushik Chowdhury from Northeastern University, Manish Arora from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Aradhna Tripati from University of California, Los Angeles. Also read: Obama admits underestimating impact of Russian hacking It is the highest honour bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. "I congratulate these outstanding scientists and engineers on their impactful work," Obama said. "These innovators are working to help keep the United States on the cutting edge, showing that Federal investments in science lead to advancements that expand our knowledge of the world around us and contribute to our economy," Obama mentioned. Also read: Barack Obama signs $618 billion defence bill, boosts security cooperation with India Established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, the Presidential Early Career Awards highlight the key role that the Administration places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation to grow US economy and tackle greatest challenges, the White House said. Also read: Hollywood stars salute Barack Obama for his achievements --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Budget carrier SpiceJets Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh today met DGCA chief B S Bhullar, amid on-going slug fest between IndiGo and the rest of the peer group over on-time performance (OTP) issue. Singh, during his meeting with Bhullar, raised the issue of Directorate General of Civil Aviation setting up of a panel to review airlines OTP mechanism at four airports following IndiGos complaint of the system being "flawed", particularly at the GVK-run Mumbai airport, sources said. advertisement "Singh expressed serious concern over the setting up of a committee to look into the OTP mechanism following a complaint by an airline since the data collection system at airports like Mumbai has been in place for many years," they said. Significantly, IndiGos OTP from four airports has been on a decline for some time now, with the carrier standing fourth after rival SpiceJet, full service carriers Vistara and Jet Airways in November with its worst performance coming in from Mumbai airport, from where only 58.5 per cent of its flights were on time. Experts have attributed this sharp decline in IndiGos OTP from four airports largely to its expanding operations. Significantly, IndiGo has added as many as 19 aircraft between since April last year. It operates over 900 flights every day pan-India. However, the number of employees it has added during this period could not immediately be known. After recording a poor 58.4 per cent OTP from Mumbai airport, the airline was quick to approach the civil aviation regulator pointing out "flaws" in the very system and asking for a review of the entire mechanism. "The DGCA has assured Singh that it will carry out a fair evaluation (of the process) and that airline representatives will also be included in the committee formed to look into the OTP issue," they said. When contacted, an IndiGo spokesperson said the airline has only pointed out "discrepancy" in the OTP data that it has come across. "We have provided evidence of the same to the DGCA," the spokesperson said. PTI IAS SMJ --- ENDS --- Meryl's Meltdown- My Take On The Golden Globes AGREE OR DISAGREE . . . DID MERYL STREEP OFFER ANOTHER GREAT PERFORMANCE OR DOES SHE FALL FLAT IN THE HEARTLAND??? Hollywood stars wereMeanwhile, we're not so sure how the statement plays in Kansas City.Here's a word from Chuck on the topic and a view that is uniquely local . . .A few things were clear, before the Golden Globes last night, Mel Gibson wasn't winning sh*t, Sting was riding dirty and Donald Trump was in for a rhetorical "Rogering" on a national stage.After a Red Carpet Parade of dresses and gowns that looked like Stix Baer and Fuller rejects (Evan Rachel Wood did look great, but, in a tuxedo.), Jimmy Fallon struggled mightily through a tech-troubled opening that fell as flat as a Brownback budget. The Intro to the show, was a precursor for what we could expect from the "Stars". Basking in their own suns, awash in the usual treacly, quotidian, overwrought explanations and faux surprise at their ascendance to the stage, families and co-workers were thanked as per formula and for some, political commentary superseded the standard requirements.President Elect Trump has become a personal bete noire for many Hollywood Stars. How could it be otherwise for those who work in a profession that two or three times a year, hand out awards for their efforts to each other in front of millions of people who believe that supercilious Movie Stars are the heroes they portray?Hugh Laurie and others took their shots, but it was Grand Dame Meryl Streep who (After an into by Viola Davis that elevated sycophancy to Christian virtue.) dedicated her entire speech for winning the DeMille Award to the vilification of President Elect Trump. Streep and other Hollywood Patricians are apoplectic at this modern "Conflict Of The Orders". They plead helplessness and fear at the innate power of the coming Trump Imperium and would have us believe that the press has been speaking truth to power. That the holy triumvirate of the 4th Estate, Hollywood and "Foreigners" is the last bastion standing before the unholy onslaught of the President Elect and his destruction of America.Meryl claimed she had "hooks sank in her heart" by the President Elect. She apparently didn't feel any hooks in her wallet when everyone lost their Health Plans, Doctors and ponied up for dramatic increases in deductible costs. She said that "Violence incites violence" and I agree. Violence from those who protested outside of Trump Rallies and against Trump supporters is on video, rampant and unceasing as we see from last weeks video of a disabled young man, kidnapped and tortured while his attackers screamed epithets at him and President Elect Trump.The press, we can infer, from the great lady, was unbiased and objective. This came as no surprise to a room full of Crypto Fascists who would love nothing more than to regulate speech from some Progressive Hive Minded Think Tank off of Hollywood BLVD.As for "foreigners", the middle class resistance to the government sponsored, irredentist, cultural imperialism of liberal immigration policies might be an affront to those pecuniarily insouciant swells on the stage last night, but it posed and poses a serious threat to our nation in the opinion of the plebs in "flyover" country.I have to wrap this up with some awards of my own. For "Virtue Signaling" the Golden Globe goes to Tom Hiddleston. He went into the weeds with a personal story of his own heroism, working in the Sudan. He didn't mention, that the reason there is hell on earth in the Sudan and Darfur, is because of the racist Islamic Fundementalist Janjaweed, who are clearing space for living room. Yeah, that's right, "lebensraum". Guess that didn't fit the narrative.Up next. The Academy Awards.##############You decide . . . By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, Jan 10 (PTI) The Pakistan government today failed to get the Oppositions support to revive the controversial system of special military courts for trying "hardcore" militants as an all-party meeting to discuss the matter ended inconclusively. A meeting of joint opposition parties was held with speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq over the issue of military courts but it failed to reach a consensus. advertisement Senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that all parties had decided to consult with their leaders over the issue. He, however, heavily criticised the government for using the military as a "crutch". "Operation Zarb-i-Azb was successful but how long will the government use the military as a crutch?" he said. Before the meeting with speaker, leader of opposition, Khursheed Shah of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), held a consultative meeting of opposition parties regarding. Later, he told media that his party was not in the favour of military courts. "Our point of view from the day first is that military courts are not a solution," he said. A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif yesterday decided to start consultations with the Opposition to reintroduce the system of military courts which ended on Saturday. The courts were set up for two years in January, 2015 for speedy trial of hardcore militants after the deadly Peshawar school attack by the Taliban which killed 150 people, mostly schoolchildren. Right wing Jamaat-i-Islami has also opposed the idea of another stint for the military courts. Apart from the opposition parties, government allies like Pukhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and Jamiat-i-Ulema-i- Islam Fazl (JUI-F) parties were not ready to support the creation of military courts. The military courts were created through an amendment in the Constitution. An amendment needs two-third support which the government cannot muster without support of the opposition. The creation of military courts were criticised by rights groups as violation of the Constitution. Finally the matter was resolved by the Supreme Court which upheld the establishment of such courts as short term measure to deal with militants. The terrorism cases which were sent to military courts from now onward will be heard in the anti-terror courts already functional in the country. The special court system ended after another anti-terror law known as Protection of Pakistan Act expired last year. It allowed for detention of militants for 90 days without permission of the courts. PTI SH KUN AKJ KUN --- ENDS --- advertisement "Racial tensions are at an all-time high fueled by an unprecedented federal election that seemed to not just ignore these issues but seem to legitimize it. Ferguson was just the tip of the iceberg and we cannot continue to ignore its existence. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away. The unrest in Ferguson was more than two years ago, and this legislature has done nothing to understand why it occurred and little to address the underlying issues to ensure that it doesn't happen again." recently identified this important passage at the outset of the Missouri General Assembly Session . . .Money line . . .You decide . . . KANSAS CITY RIVER MARKET SMALL BIZ OWNERS RAGE AGAINST THE ONGOING PARKING CRACKDOWN!!! "City is putting up the last of the 2 hour parking limit signs in River Market. The streetcar is despised by the merchants & residents, because of the parking problems the trolley created. Since employees have no place to park, this will drive more businesses out of the River Market area." The toy train has made life harder for business owners in the River Market despite promises of jobs, consumer traffic and economic benefit that hasto materialize.Instead, the only thing local small biz people are seeing is increased regulation from City Hall in order to make sure the toy train streetcar has the right of way at all times.To wit . . .Here's the word . . .A look at 12th & Oak in action . . .Sadly, the grand visions of amateur urban planners haven't prevailed given amazingly low streetcar ridership during the Winter months and ongoing complaints from biz along the line.Developing . . . Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry saw its network of members grow by 9 per cent, or 16,800 companies in 2016, bringing the organizations total membership to 201,000 by the end of the year. The total value of members exports and re-exports amounted to Dh273 billion ($74.3 billion) last year. Saudi Arabia was the top destination for members exports and re-exports during the same period, which were valued at Dh87.8 billion. Meanwhile, 923,056 Certificates of Origin were issued and the number of ATA Carnets that were issued and received in the UAE reached 5,500, accounting for a total value of Dh3.1 billion. The number of customers served by Dubai Chamber rose 14 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 377,500 in 2016. Dubai Chamber participated in 78 events across 50 cities and hosted 681 delegations from 81 countries. More than 1,500 meetings were held by the Chamber with 1,525 delegates, while its International Offices conducted a total of 484 meetings. A total of 32 international associations were licensed by the Dubai Association Centre (DAC), marking a 100 per cent increase compared to the 16 licences accounted for in 2015. DAC, established by Dubai Chamber, Dubai Business Events and the Dubai World Trade, offers assistance for the establishment of non-profit, apolitical and non-religious professional associations and trade bodies in the emirate. The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) a Dubai Chamber initiative, received 214 arbitration cases in 2016, while the Chambers Legal Services department received 710 mediation cases, bringing the total number of registered commercial disputes to 924. Dubai Chambers Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) organised 31 events focused on improving corporate social responsibility and sustainability within the local business community, which were attended by more than 2,126 delegates from 691 companies. The 6th annual Give & Gain Day, held under the ENGAGE Dubai programme, saw the participation to 768 volunteers from 26 companies who contributed 1,681 hours to various community projects that benefited 1,300 people. In 2016, ENGAGE Dubai attracted 24 new corporate members and 5 new Community Partners. In addition, the Chambers Sustainability Network had a total of 58 members by the end of the year, and hosted 19 events attended by 398 participants. Dubais non-oil foreign trade remained steady in 2016, while key sectors continued to witness robust activity. Expo 2020 served as a catalyst for growth and expansion as infrastructure projects associated with the mega event began to take shape. Hamad Buamim, president and CEO, Dubai Chamber, explained that Dubai's economy remained resilient last year despite global economic challenges as the emirate scaled up its diversification efforts, which greatly minimised the impact of slowing global trade on the emirate. 2016 was an important year for Dubai as a number of new strategies were launched to facilitate the emirates transition to a post-oil economy and a global hub for knowledge and innovation. We saw a number of mega projects surface, such as Dubais next tallest tower and Dubai Harbour, which is set to become the Middle Easts largest marina. These major initiatives will only increase foreign investors interest in Dubai, and help boost the emirates profile globally, he said. Buamim said that Dubai Chamber would continue to support this vision by protecting the interests of Dubais business community, promoting the emirate as an attractive trade and investment destination, and exploring opportunities in new markets that offer the most potential for its members. He added that Chamber would soon launch its new strategy aligned with the Dubai Plan 2021, which would place a stronger emphasis on growing its global network, boosting public-private sector collaboration, developing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and fostering a culture of innovation in various sectors of the economy. TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabias Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) announces that it has sold its 100 per cent interest in the Movenpick Hotel Ambassador Accra to QG Africa Hotel, a Mauritius-based fund, for a consideration of $100 million. QG Africa Hotel is managed by Quantum Global Investments Africa Management Ltd. The transaction closed on December 28, 2016. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, chairman of KHC said: This transaction marks yet another success for KHCs value realization strategy from growth market investments. Kingdom continues to be a stakeholder in this asset through our interest in the management company Movenpick Hotels & Resorts which will continue to operate the hotel, he added. KHCs hospitality investments include major interests in industry-leading hotel management companies Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (which is co-owned by Bill Gates Cascade with a 47.5 per cent stake, and the remaining 5 per cent is owned by Isadore Sharp), AccorHotels (with a 5.8 per cent stake), and 33 per cent ownership in Movenpick Hotels & Resorts. This is in addition to a real estate portfolio comprising 15 hotels worldwide. These hotels include the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, The Plaza in New York, The Savoy in London, and other leading real estate assets across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. TradeArabia News Service Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the leading urban developers in kingdom, has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Education to donate two land plots for setting up key educational projects benefiting the Bahraini community. Diyar Al Muharraq chairman Abdul Hakeem Al Khayyat stressed the vital role of education, stressing cooperation to develop community services, reported BNA. He was speaking at the signing ceremony in the presence of Educational Minister Dr Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi and other senior officials representing the Ministry of Education and Diyar Al Muharraq company. Dr Al Nuaimi lauded the Bahraini developer for the gesture that will go a long way helping the ministry to establish a string of educational projects. By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, Jan 9 (PTI) Pakistan today successfully test- fired its first Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to 450 kms, with the military saying the strategic weapon has given the country a "credible" second-strike capability and augmenting deterrence amidst tensions with India. The missile, Babur-3, was fired from an underwater, mobile platform from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean and hit its target with precise accuracy, the Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani military said in a statement. advertisement Babur-3, which has a range of 450 km, is a sea-based variant of Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2, which was successfully tested earlier in December, last year. The Babur-3 SLCM incorporates state-of-the-art technologies including underwater controlled propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation features, duly augmented by Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems. The missile features terrain hugging and sea skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defenses, in addition to certain stealth technologies, in an emerging regional Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) environment, the release said. Babur-3 SLCM in land-attack mode, is capable of delivering various types of payloads and will provide Pakistan with a "credible second-strike capability, augmenting deterrence," the statement said. While the pursuit and now the successful attainment of a second strike capability by Pakistan represents a major scientific milestone, it is manifestation of the strategy of measured response to nuclear strategies and postures being adopted in Pakistans neighbourhood, it said, in an obvious reference to India. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has congratulated the nation and the military on the first successful test-fire of the SLCM, his office said in a statement. "The successful test of Babur-3 is a manifestation of Pakistans technological progress and self-reliance," according to the statement. Sharif further said that Pakistan always maintains policy of peaceful co-existence but this test is a step towards reinforcing policy of credible minimum deterrence. The test was witnessed by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Director General of the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) Lieutenant General Mazhar Jamil, Commander Naval Strategic Force Command (NSFC), senior officials, scientists and engineers from Scientific Strategic Organizations. The CJCSC and three services chiefs congratulated all the officials involved, on achieving this highly significant milestone. Gen. Hayat also highlighted that successful test-fire of SLCM also demonstrates confidence on our scientists and engineers in fostering the technological prowess, through indigenisation and self-reliance. SH/AKJ AKJ --- ENDS --- Bin Faqeeh, a leading Bahrain-based privately-owned real estate investment company, said it will start delivering $270 million worth of real estate development projects to the owners during the first quarter of 2017. The list of real estate development projects that will be delivered includes: The Grand, Plus, The Nest, Dar Tower, Forbes Tower, The Treasure, 360 and The Tweet, said the company in a statement. With the completion of these eight real estate development projects, the total number of delivered projects will reach 30, which constitutes 80 per cent of its total projects in the pipeline. This will provide a strong momentum to the Bahraini local real estate market at the beginning of the new year, it added. Chairman Faisal Faqeeh said: "It's our pleasure to announce to the owners and investors that a number of our outstanding projects are set to be handed over in the first quarter of 2017, after completion of all luxury finishes, facilities and final touches." "We are very proud of these milestones, which contribute significantly to the development of the real estate sector in Bahrain," he added. According to him, the timely delivery of these projects will play a vital role in giving the real estate market in Bahrain a powerful drive. It will positively impact investors confidence as well as boost real estate trading activity, stated Faqeeh. "We are confident that the owners will be very happy to get their luxurious residential apartments, which have been designed and built according to world-class standards. We have been very keen to integrate these projects with comprehensive facilities in order to turn them into a perfect living destination for families where they can spend quality time," he added. Faqeeh pointed out that the real estate sector in Bahrain was promising and had potential despite the volatility in global oil markets. It is one of the most developed and stable markets in the region in terms of its ability to grow, expand and yield investment returns, stated the top official. "We are pleased to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the wise leadership of Bahrain for their continued support and encouragement for the private sector to play an active role in the economy, which has contributed into realising these achievements and transform our visions into reality," he added. On its other projects, Faqeeh said over 30 per cent work has been completed on its ambitious 588-unit Water Bay development. Located at Bahrain Bay, the project will boast three residential towers housing 196 apartments each. The same applies to Hidd Heights, which is a 13-storey residential tower built next to Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park and includes apartments of different sizes, said Faqeeh. In addition, the construction work in Alsidra project will start in the end of the first quarter of 2017, he added. This project is an impressive luxury villa community with 465 villas of varying designs and capacities located at Diyar Al Muharraq. Also, work is already in progress at the Layan Project. "We are very proud to be Bahrain's leading real estate developer, aiming to positively influence the kingdoms real estate sector through introducing distinctive development projects with attractive and lucrative returns," he stated. Faqeeh pointed out that the developer is implementing its Limited 5 plan, which entails the launch of an exclusive limited edition luxury project each year for five years. These properties will reward its tenants with luxurious lifestyle experiences unlike any in the entire GCC. Bin Faqeeh, he stated, also seeks to support Bahrain's economy by attracting foreign capital through the creation of unique investment opportunities while maintaining a high level of quality and luxury. "In addition, we have played other roles to promote our economy by sponsoring key economic events such as the Bahrain International Property Exhibition (Bipex), Cityscape India, Gulf Property Show, Jewellery Arabia and others," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Saudi Egyptian Construction Company (Secon) has announced plans to pump over E2 billion ($129 million) into its projects in Egypt this year, said a report. The company will continue implementing its existing projects, including Nile Tours on Maadi Corniche, Riyadh Secon in New Cairo, Dorra Assiut in New Assiut, and Secon Resort in New Damietta, reported Daily News Egypt. The company raised its capital by $243 million in 2015, boosting it to $318 million. The Saudi government paid its 50 per cent stake in cash amounting to $121.5 million, stated the report citing the CEO Darwish Hassanein. The Egyptian government, on the other hand, paid for its share by providing three plots of land of 407,400 sq m in New Assiut, New Cairo, and New Damietta areas of Cairo, it added. Oman-based Port of Duqm revealed that its new container terminal is expected to become operational by early 2020, said a report. The container handling capacity of the terminal will be eventually ramped up to 3.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per annum, from an initial capacity of 200,000 TEUs, Reggy Vermeulen, chief executive officer of the Port of Duqm, was quoted as saying in a Times of Oman report. Vermeulen said that the mandate of the port is to operate the container terminal itself. He said that the organisations priority is to have the container terminal up and running. Moreover, once the port starts full-fledged operation some time in 2019-2020, it will have a 2.2-kilometre-long commercial berth, a 2.2-kilometre long container berth, one kilometre-long government berth and a break bulk berth for miscellaneous cargoes. Sustained industrial and retail expansion, along with infrastructural development is likely to drive Saudi Arabias logistics sector, according to Ken Research, a leading market research and data analytics company. The report, titled Saudi Arabia Logistics & Warehousing Market Outlook to 2020 - Expanding Industrial and Retail Activities Supported by Infrastructure Spending to Support Growth, provides a comprehensive analysis of logistics and warehousing industry in Saudi Arabia. The report focuses on Saudi Arabia logistics and warehousing segments. The report covers market size in terms of revenues and segmentation of overall logistics and warehousing industry on the basis of service mix, by geography and by industries. It also includes freight forwarding market size, warehousing market size, cold chain market size, 3PL market size and express logistics market. The report also covers value chain analysis for logistics and warehousing market, comparative analysis of Saudi Arabia logistics market with GCC and global logistics market. It also includes potential and future outlook and projection of the Saudi Arabia logistics and warehousing market, freight forwarding market, cold chain market, warehousing market, 3PL market and express logistics market. The report provides trends and developments, major issues and challenges, competitive landscape, competitive benchmarking of major players and comprehensive profile of leading and emerging players operating in the market. Geographical location of the kingdom has been very favourable towards its logistics industry. Being situated at the crossroads of Asia-Europe and Asia-Africa, it has been one of the promising factors behind such positive growth of Saudi Arabia logistics market. The government has plans to expand Jeddah and Dammam airport so that their capacity will increase. This will lead to rise in the logistics and warehousing market of the country, as more number of cargo units can be transported through these ports. The government has announced plans to invest $30 billion in upgrading facilities to enable the kingdoms ports to compete on the global stage. Furthermore, the expansion in the railways and airline networks in the country will allow more number of cargos to be transported from one place to another. Rising retail and FMCG industry of the country will accelerate the demand for warehouses storage and transportation and logistics facility. Most of the FMCG and retail industry of the country requires warehousing and cold storage to accommodate all the products safely. Additionally, Booming E-commerce industry will also trigger the demand for logistics and warehouse storage in the country. Freight forwarding services will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 per cent during 2016 to 2020.This incline in share of the freight forwarding market will be on account of several expansion projects such as expanding capacity of Jeddah and Dammam port, upcoming industrial cities in the country which will surge the demand for freight forwarding services in the country. Major players in the kingdom such as Aramex, DHL and others have plans to expand in the coming years to maintain their stronghold in the market, said the report. Expanding industrial activities in the country has triggered the demand for logistics and warehousing services. The dominating companies in the industry should focus on expanding the distribution network to cater the untapped pin codes in the country, said a research analyst with Ken Research. The companies should also upgrade its technology to modern digital technology which will increase the cargo handling capacity of warehouses. The companies should also focus on offering multiple value added services to the customers, as value added services is an important parameter for the clients to choose their logistics partners in the kingdom, the analyst concluded. TradeArabia News Service Fakhro Electronics, part of one of Bahrains oldest and well-established groups of companies, and Avaya, a global leader in business communications software, systems and services, are celebrating 25 years of collaboration in implementing innovative technology solutions in the region. The two companies will continue to collaborate to provide business communications and networking solutions and services to enterprises of all sizes in the Middle East & Africa region, they announced today. Recent collaborations include working with Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), the national oil company of Bahrain, to transform its network infrastructure and deploy Avayas next-generation Fabric technology to power the corporate network across its locations in Bahrain. Fakhro Electronics is one the leading suppliers of telecommunications, networking solutions and services in the Middle East & African region, with sales and post-sales support offices in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and with value added partners in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan & East Africa. Fakhro is an Avaya Diamond level Partner, the highest level available under Avayas partner programme, and is also a key member of the Avaya Aura Alliance, the worlds largest global Avaya-endorsed alliance. As the only company specialising in complex business communications, built on open and mobile software platforms and supported by a robust underlying network infrastructure, Avaya is able to help organisations of all sizes benefit from its solutions and services. Our mission is to be the leading ICT solution provider in the region, delivering innovative, state-of-the-art solutions that meet the needs of our customers today and into the future. By partnering with Avaya, we are able to deploy their world-class technology solutions, and help organisations of all sizes achieve their digital transformation objectives. We are proud to have been associated with this company for such a length of time and look forward to many more years of successful partnership, Bilal Al Zamgan, group general manager, Fakhro Electronics. This partnership is testament to the strength of our support for Bahrain, a market we see as a key growth area for Avaya going forward. Our partnership with Fakhro goes back many years and we have developed that partnership over the years. Today we are working together to help organizations across the region leverage our solutions to achieve their digital transformation objectives, said Mohammed Areff, VP, Avaya Middle East, Africa and Turkey. - TradeArabia News Service The Lexus GS F model on display at the reception. Ebrahim K Kanoo, sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Bahrain, sponsored a reception held by the Japanese Embassy to celebrate Japans National Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The event also celebrated the birthday of His Majesty Emperor Akihito, who has been Japans reigning Emperor since acceding to the throne in 1989. This year marks his 83rd birthday. Kiyoshi Asako, Ambassador of Japan in Bahrain, said: We appreciate the continuous support of Ebrahim K Kanoo on the occasion of HM Japanese Emperors birthday reception, and it is our pleasure to cooperate with this excellent company. Ebrahim K Kanoos latest luxury offering, the Lexus GS F model, was also on display for guests. With a 5.0-litre V8 engine that delivers 471HP and a control system that ensures optimum brake force even while turning sharp corners, the GS F combines luxury and power to deliver a superior performance and a stylish look and feel, the company said. The event was attended by representatives of the embassy and Ebrahim K Kanoo, Japanese nationals and other prominent officials and dignitaries. TradeArabia News Service Six Baloch people died while 10 sustained injuries in an incident of unprovoked firing and shelling by the Pakistan Forces in Dera Bugti of Balochistan. By Anil Kumar: Six Baloch people died while 10 sustained injuries in an incident of unprovoked firing and shelling by the Pakistan Forces at Uch area of Dera Bugti in Balochistan. Central spokesman of Baloch Republican Party Brahumdagh Bugti said in a statement that state atrocities across Balochistan were continuing. "Pakistani forces continue to abduct Baloch civilians, including women and children, during military operations in different areas of Naseerabad and Dera Bugti districts," Bugti said. advertisement The deceased have been identified as Rehan (son of Lashaar Bugti), Gull Mohammad (son of Yaqub Bugti), Qado (son of Gahna Bugti), Ghafoor (son of Sawali Bugti), Mewa (son of Pahr Deen Bugti) and Pahlo (son of Bari Bugti). ALSO READ | Pakistan army starts heavy shelling on LoC "Around 250 people including 70 women and 40 children from the villages were dragged and taken to FC camps by military trucks in Uch, Dera Bugti," the spokesperson said. The Pakistan Armed Forces carried out a door-to-door search operation and burnt down at least 70 mud houses, took away four motorcycles, a tractor and at least 300 sheep and goats, he added. Bugti appealed to the international community, media and the human rights organisations to take notice against abductions of Baloch women and children at the hands of the Pakistan Army. ALSO READ | Balochistan: Pakistan forces abduct 9 women, 8 children from Sui area --- ENDS --- As Donald Trump prepares to become America's 45th president, the question is posed: what impact will Trump's presidency have on tourism? This includes both Americans voyaging abroad and outside visitors coming in the US. Donald Trump will be the first travel industry tycoon in the White House. He has a chain of hotels. Be that as it may, Trump's administration may affect the travel business. According to USAToday, whether Americans can travel globally depends on to a great extent on the well-being of the U.S. economy. A weaker dollar could hurt outbound tourism. Travel is an optional item if the economy isn't great, it is constantly one of the principal territories where consumers begin to curtail. A more protectionist aviation policy for well over a year, the "big three" US carriers and "big three" Gulf carriers have been in a huge battle. It has centered on the right off Gulf carriers to operate flights to the US. Up until now the US government has sided with the Gulf carriers and continues to allow them to fly to the US. Given Trump's "patriotic" approach to things and him wanting to "bring jobs back to the US," It won't be a surprise to see him side with the US carriers on this. As Skift reports, will there be Visa limitations? Will Trump prohibit every single outside Muslim from entering the US? It appears to be impossible. Be that as it may, more tightly controls on guests are a plausibility. It is conceivable that the visa waiver program which permits English natives to visit the US without a visa may be explored. Change is one thing the industry can be sure of when Mr. Trump takes office. Henry Harteveldt thinks that Trump could be one of the most travel-friendly presidents in modern history. His thought bases on the fact Mr. Trump has long been part of the travel industry and was deeply involved in the marketing of the Trump Shuttle in its early days, an experience that he could put to use thinking of ways to make the United States a more welcoming and appealing destination. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 North Korea has opened its doors to tourists. While the country is still pretty guarded and not all the places are accessible, it still has a lot to offer. If you're planning a one-of-a-kind vacation, visit North Korea and discover the top 5 places in the world's most secretive country. Kumsusan Palace of the Sun - Mausoleum of Kim Il-Sung International Business Times, the Kumsusan Assembly Hall was built in 1976 and the palace served as Kim Il-Sung's official residence. After the death of the North Korean leader, his son, Kim Jong-Il converted the residence to the world's largest mausoleum for his father. Visitors are required to dress smartly. The Grand Monument on Mansu Hill (Mansudae) Constructed in April 1972, the complex of monuments located in Pyongyang, North Korea highlights the 2 22-meters high statues of North Korean leaders Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il. Situated behind the statues is a wall displaying a mural depicting a scene from Mount Paektu, considered to be the sacred mountain of revolution. While tourists can take photos of the statues, they are required to capture the entirety of the images of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il. Visit The North Korea & South Korean Border, The DMZ The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was agreed upon at the end of the Korean War and serves as a neutral zone between the North Korea and the South Korea. The DMZ is 250 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide and within which the small Joint Security Area is situated. This heavily guarded installation between the North and South Korea runs along the Korean Peninsula. Juche Tower - Based On Self-Reliance, The Official State Ideology Of North Korea The 170-meter high Juche Tower is located in Pyongyang, North Korea and was built based on Kim Il-Sung's Juche ideology. The Juche ideology states that an individual is "the master of his destiny" and the North Korean people must act as the "masters of the revolution and construction," thereby achieving self-reliance. The tower was inaugurated in 1982 on the 70th birthday of Kim Il-Sung. Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum - North Korea's Perspective On The War The war museum highlights the story of the North Korean's fight against foreign invaders. While there are many exhibits the visitors can learn from, the war museum will give tourists the North Korea's perspective on the war. According to the Telegraph, obtaining a tourist visa for North Korea is simple, with the only requirement being the need to book a pre-planned tour with two North Korean guides for the company. The guides are specifically appointed by the country's Ministry of Tourism and are associated with a travel service based in Pyongyang. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 At the end of this year's first quarter, Jamie Oliver will end the operations of his six Italian restaurants located in Ludgate Hill, Tunbridge Wells, Richmond, Cheltenham, Exeter and Aberdeen after the "pressures and unknowns" of the recent Brexit vote. According to The Guardian, Simon Blagned said that every restaurant owners know that operating a restaurant is tough market. And after the Brexit vote, the pressures and unknowns have made the situation even harder. Blagden is the Chief Executive of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group. On the lighter note, Blagden explained that the said closures are not reflections towards the company's dedication and commitment to their staff. He assured that his top priority as of the moment is to secure those employees who will be affected by the said closures. According to Eat Out Magazine, the closures will likely affect 120 employees, about five percent of the total number of staff of Jamie Oliver's Restaurant Group. However, the company affirmed that it intends to find alternatives and offer the affected employees new careers to other branches of Jamie's Italian restaurants. "Because we refuse to compromise on the quality and provenance of our ingredients and our commitment to training and developing our staff, we need restaurants that can serve an average of 3,000 covers every week to be sustainable," Blagden furthered. In the United Kingdom, Oliver already has 42 branches of Jaime's Italian restaurants as of this time and over 36 restaurants in other countries all over the world. Blagden revealed that the expensive prices on ingredients, and adequate training of the staff are some of the factors that pushed them for the closure of the said restaurant branches. Aside from Jaime's Italian restaurants, Oliver also owns 4 pizzeria branches, two delicatessens a Barbecoa, two branches of Fifteen restaurants, Jamie Oliver's Diner and Jamie Oliver Cookery School in the United Kingdom. Despite the closures, Blagden declares that the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group is still in doing a good job in terms of revenue and operations. "Jamie's Italian has become a much loved presence on the UK high street and we have our teams to thank for that," he added. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Vatican City is one of the most notable cities when it comes to religious and cultural sites. The first thing that a person dreaming of a tour to the Vatican City wants to experience is a closer encounter to the great Saint Peter's Basilica or to the Sistine Chapel. However, as a first time tourist who wants to explore all the famous sites the Vatican City has to offer, you must need to know few things before you travel to guide you on your trip and to make your tour worthy of your time and money. 1. Some tourists choose to have their trip to the Vatican City off the peak season such as Holy Week so that there will be fewer people on their destinations. Actually, there is no "best day" to schedule a trip to the Vatican City. All over Rome, the holy city is considered to be the most popular site among tourists all over the world. Therefore, you can always tend to find more tourists in Vatican all year round. 2. Your trip to the Vatican will never be complete without you having a sight to the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, or simply the Saint Peter's Basilica. St. Peter's is famous as it the papal enclave in the city of Rome and it is also known for being a place of pilgrimage and remarkable liturgical functions. Take note that the admission to the St. Peter's Basilica is absolutely free of charge. It will just actually take quite long until you reach inside St. Peter's considering the tons of people who wants to go inside it. But do not ever pay anything for some sort of skipping the legit lines. According to TripAdvisor, it is best to go to the basilica as early as 7 o'clock in the morning in order for you to beat the crowd of tourists and locals. 3. Aside from the St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican museums are also popular among tourists as they contain the world's largest private art collection. Because many tourist groups tend to begin their tour in the morning, the Vatican museums are slightly less crowded during the afternoon and more jam-packed during Saturdays. Please take note as well that Vatican museums are closed on Sundays so if you are planning on a trip to the Vatican City, make sure to avoid scheduling a trip on a Sunday. According to The Rome Toolkit, availing of pre-purchased tickets to the Vatican Museums through Vatican's official website could make your waiting time shorter compared to those who do not have pre-booked tickets. 4. To maximize your once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Vatican City, you might as well consider hiring for licensed tour guides who can give you a complete sightseeing to all the tourist destinations in the Vatican City. With a licensed tour guide, you can actually save time and energy as there guides known exactly all the things a tourist must see in Vatican perfect for personal praying, the time when these tourist spots are less crowded, the sights where you can take your photos, and all the things that you need to explore during your stay in the Vatican City. This 2017, Vatican City may be the best place for the most memorable travel of your life. Whatever your plan is, wherever your trip will be, just remember to enjoy and always make the most out of it! See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 In going for a travel and it's inevitable to fly. People often have difficulty on looking for the best transport to book. So, here is the breakdown of which airports and airlines in the world hold the most punctual award. Now, it's not all about service and price, but an on-time schedule is also a good indication that the travel will be excellent. Recently, Air Travel Intelligence Company "OAG" released the list of which airline and airports performed best for punctuality category. Seemingly, US aviation conquered the transports vehicles while Senior Analyst John Grant also praised its landing areas when it stacks up 11 spots out of 20 world-class competitors. More so, below is the breakdown of the top contenders. Indeed, CNN helps to determine OAG's most punctual airlines and airports in the world. To start with, Hawaiian Airline grabs the peak of its kind. The well-awarded company received an 89.87% grade for on-point arrival time. Definitely, its flights are a must-try! They have air destinations from all over the world, from Hawaii's inter-island to Asia Pacific and North America. Secondly, Alaska Airline manages to snatch the spot from the other top players: Delta Air Lines, Westjet, and Southwest. All the five make the upper part of the ten OAG's world's most punctual airlines. On the other hand, "OAG" gave a berth on airports sizes in determining the most punctual airports. For the biggest, Indonesia's Surabaya impresses everyone with 90.30% grade which settles its first place. Accordingly, it's the home for a three-storey terminal modern building with premier services and facilities. Lastly, the remaining world's most punctual airports are Tokyo Haneda, Detroit, and Atlanta. All three are in the major cities; supposedly the Tokyo's been in the second place for some years now. While, the UK is also listed for some of its medium and small performing locations, remarkably Birmingham receives an outstanding 91.28% while Newcastle gets 90.94%. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Chinese New Year is one of the most stimulating and picturesque experience a traveler can take part into. However, Hong Kong Chinese New Year Celebrations are a sight to behold. Find out the top 5 reasons why the Chinese New Year is the perfect time to visit Hong Kong! Chinese New Year Parade - January 28, 2017 The Hong Kong Chinese New Year Parade features colorful floats, marching bands, lively dragons, Chinese dancers, Chinese lions, and many more. Be sure to have your camera ready for this once a year spectacle. Watch out for firecrackers though. The Chinese New Year Parade is traditionally held at night on Chinese New Year's Day through the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Chinese New Year Fireworks - January 29, 2017 Granted you've already seen firecrackers and fireworks. But have you seen a fireworks display that is launched from a fleet of boats, pontoons, and barges that lasts half an hour? The fireworks are set in the middle of Victoria Harbour and can be seen from both sides of the Harbour. It's not just pyrotechnics, fireworks and firecrackers are deeply ingrained in Chinese tradition that goes back hundreds of years to ward off evil spirits and usher in good luck. Chinese New Year At Disneyland Hong Kong - January To February 2017 Except for Mulan, who is already wearing a traditional Chinese dress, your favorite Disney characters will once again don the traditional Chinese garb as the "Happiest Place on Earth" joins the Chinese people in welcoming the year of the Rooster. Disneyland will be transformed with lanterns, red envelopes, Chinese lions, dragons, drums and gongs. Ocean Park Lucky Lunar Fiesta - January To February 2017 Just like Disneyland, Ocean Park gets a makeover every Chinese New Year. There will be Lion and Dragon Dances at the Waterfront and at the Summit and a well-choreographed Kung Fu show will grace the God of Fortune Palace. Of course, Chinese New Year is not Chinese New Year without its traditional season specials to be offered at the theme park's restaurants. Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival January 28, 2017 To February 11, 2017 The wishing tree and wishing lanterns are two of the more popular traditions being held every Chinese New Year. There will be cultural activities and other spectacular performances during this event. You'll get another shot to snap photos of the floats included in the Chinese New Year Parade. Best of all, there will be lots of local foods you can dig into. Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year and is celebrated on the first moon of the Lunar Calendar. While every country has a different way in welcoming the new year, this is your chance to witness traditional Chinese New Year Festivals. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The good thing on reported 'UFO Landing Sites' is that these places became a hotspot for tourists because it is really a great place to travel to. UFO up to the present time still remains a mystery and total fantasy to everyone as there is no strong evidence to prove their existence most especially aliens. Many places in the world have the advantage to their claim as 'UFO Landing Sight' as they relive the controversy in reality. Some places have even annual UFO-themed festivals and other adventures. Check out the list of place provided by CN Traveler: Roswell, New Mexico- UFO landing site reported in the year 1947. The must-see ceremony in this place is the Roswell UFO Festival that is conducted during June 29- July 1. The festival features a 10k 'alien chase', light parade, UFO-themed art show, and a pet costume contest. Elmwood, Wisconsin- UFO landing site in the late 70s. Extraterrestrial celebration in this place is conducted annually known as UFO days which features a parade, craft fair, and concerts. The region consists of less than 800 population and just outside the Twin Cities. Area 51, Nevada- A military base wherein UFO sightings have been reported. Currently, the road leading to the base was declared as Extraterrestrial Highway. The place is actually remote but adventurers can and visit the town of Rachel, Nevada. Kennedy Space Center, Canada- This is not a reported UFO landing site rather a place where questions regarding 'flying discs' are answered. NASA Headquarter provides footage of space lights wherein astronauts answers a person's curiosity about aliens. People who are fond of research for UFOs are recommended to go here. Other sightings related to UFO landing which science- fiction lover wish to visit includes; Aurora (Texas), Mineral Lake (Washington), Kecksburg (Pennsylvania), and Gover's Mill (New Jersey). Many experts until the present time are subjecting their researchers to provide the existence of these UFO landing controversies. A report from the Huffington Post talks about the bizarre giant symbols that are seen on Google maps near Roswell UFO Crash Site. The symbol is one prominent Buddhist symbol. Some believe that the symbol is a message from the aliens to humans regarding their entry in the territory. Meanwhile, some of Canada's beautiful places are endangered; dare to visit them before gone click here for full details. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, Jan 10 (PTI) Medical examination of a 10-year- old Pakistani maid, who was allegedly beaten up while working for an influential district judge which sparked widespread outrage, has shown multiple signs of torture, the head of the countrys premier hospital said today. The case surfaced towards the end of last month when pictures of the maid went viral on social media, prompting chief justice of the Supreme Court to order a police probe. advertisement Chief of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Professor Dr Javed Akram told the media that in the light of court orders a high level team of doctors conducted the medical examination of the girl. "The examination shows multiple signs of torture. The girl has burn marks on her back and on the left hand. She also has a blunt wound on her face," he said. It was her second test as the initial medical examination report by PIMS stated that the wounds on the girls body were the result of blunt trauma and the burns were attributed to an "accidental matchbox". The re-examination was ordered by the Office of District Magistrate, Islamabad, and the medical board comprised a general surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a burn surgeon and a psychiatrist. In the First Information Report registered with Islamabad police, the girl said she had been working at the house of Additional District and Sessions Judge Raja Khurram Ali Khan for nearly two years. After the criticism, the judge has tried to settle the matter privately and reached at an agreement with the father of the girl. Later, the father told a local court, that there was no truth about allegations of torture and he had reached a private settlement with the judge. However, the case took another turn when Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of the case. Meanwhile, the father disappeared with the girl but police traced him and recovered the victim on Sunday and took her for medical examination. Initially, the girl told police that she was often beaten up in the house. Most recently, she alleged the judges wife shoved her hands onto a burning stove and then beat her after a broom went missing. She said the owners of the house would usually lock her up in a storeroom at night besides starving and beating her. PTI SH ASK AKJ ASK --- ENDS --- Burj Khalifa and Shanghai Tower are two of the best architecture engineered buildings in the world. The two buildings also belong to the list of Top 20 tallest architectural buildings. A recent article from Travelers Today revealed that the structures from Dubai and China are two of the buildings with the best style and art which relays the culture and tradition of their own. Compare and contrast the two buildings and find the best accommodation a tourist can get. According to the website of Burj Khalifa, the building is soaring high as tallest building worldwide. One of its pride is Armani Hotel Dubai that provides pure elegance, sophisticated yet comfortable nature to visitors. It is also considered as the world's prestigious address as it has almost 900 resident homes located in levels 19 to 108. Burj Khalifa provides a high class to amenities and services that would provide its residents and guests an elegant lifestyle. Burk Khalifa provides a fine dining with a great view. Located in the 122nd level, the fine dining offers the contemporary elegance of the restaurants, exclusive appeal of the private dining room, and casual but sophisticated lounge. Furthermore, located in the 124th floor is the observation deck until the top wherein tourists are entertained by a multimedia presentation of the history of Dubai. On the other hand, as supported by China Highlights, Shanghai tower is considered as the second-tallest building and a premier Shanghai tourist highlight. It has the world's highest observation deck (561m) that is higher than Burj Khalifa's (555m) deck. One pride of the building is its luxury hotel that sits at 84th to the 110th floor. It has also the world's fastest elevator as they speed up and down at 65 kph. Close to the tower is Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road which are the main shopping streets of the place. Series of international brand names are actually found in these shopping places. Souvenirs for the tourists are also available such as high-class silks, wood carvings, paintings, and calligraphy works. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Travelers differ in opinion on destinations. Some think the destination is all about where they will be seeing nature and culture while to others destination includes the hotel where they are being accommodated to and the food they eat. Of what use is it having a great time sightseeing and having an unappetizing meal? Of the best destinations in 2017, here is the summarization of the best new restaurants to support your travel with a great menu. According to CNN, Chef Judy Joo has brought the Korean food spirit in London through opening a restaurant at Jinjuu Mayfair. The food is purely Korean and soju completes the meal. Your visit to Scotland will be unforgettable when you visit the Spanish butcher in Glasgow. The place is filled with various grilling options and top quality Spanish meat. Featured with handcrafted cocktails and a 10 seat chef bar that allows you to taste 15 tiny portions of food prepared before you, Avecita, Kimpton Seafire in Grand Caymanis the best match. IGNIV, St Moritz, Switzerland a swish Swiss resort meaning nest, serves food in platters and allows passing of the platters as in a family dinner. As reported by Ksat, led by a two-Michelin-star Dutch chef Sidney Schutte, the recent opened Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Los Cabos has already claimed recognition for its extraordinary cuisine. Even with its off location, Hilma restaurant in Sweden has won fans for its cheap dishes of about $14 for a person with Scandinavian touch. Having an odd name with an origin from a Napoleon Bonaparte's bounty who offered 12,000 Francs for anyone who would be able to preserve food for his troops. 12,000 Francs in japan has naturally preserved foods and great desserts. The Patio in The Margi, Athens, Greece serves dishes that set respectable standards for Greek cuisine. Being promoted by a great view of the Chao Phraya River, Attitude, Avani, in Bangkok, Thailand serves best crispy and crunchy dishes. Agern, New York, USA offers simple and quality dishes that are hard to forget and will bring you back to eat again. With the idea of dining all day with a variety of healthy dishes, Grow, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia the award-winning chef Ryan's restaurant has fans in all of the place. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Every country has its own culture and a culinary nature that highly distinct it from other countries. Street food is present in almost all countries but they differ in taste and the ingredients. When traveling in 2017 there are certain street foods that I never want you to miss with which I have analyzed the ingredients and the streets which you can have the best street foods from various destinations in the countries. According to Cnn, in Malaysia, alam saka is the best for street food. It is a spicy seafood accompanied with a tamarind soup an old recipe of Lim Ee Quen. It is available in Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa, Jalan Gottlieb, George Town, and Penang in Malaysia. Made of diced beef grilled over charcoal the Indonesian satay food, is available in Sate Maranggi Cibungur, Jl. Raya Cibungur and Purwakarta in Indonesia streets receiving about 1000 customers a day. Hoy Tod having a crispy surfaces and soft inside is a dish made of flour and seafood available in Hoy Tod Sao and Bangkok streets in Thailand. Despite not being of the Indian origin, Biryani has now been the trending food in Indian streets. It is a spiced basmati rice mixed with chicken yogurt and masala spices, the dish has won the award for best street food in Hyderabad India. As reported by Unconeredmarket, Banh Xeo dish in Vietnam is a pancake made of seafood. Phan the maker of the Banh Xeo is still using clay pots to make the pancakes. She says using the modern pots will not make the pancakes as they should be. The dish is available in BanhCan, Nguyen Dinh Chinh and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Kway chap is a street food in Singapore that generates billion of income to the country and adds support to thousands of population. It is a pork dish coated with soy and served with noodles. In china, a salt baked chicken dish Zhu Hou Chicken is the best and available at Guangzhou provinces in China. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The most important key virtues for traveling include courage, open-mindedness, curiosity, and enthusiasm. However, such attributes couldn't bring anyone to another coast or land border without the backing of material necessities like travel money, well-prepared documents and permission from the authorities (e.g. work leave). There are only a handful of citizens in the world blessed with such favorable conditions for traveling abroad simply for leisure. Here are the top 5 most adventurous nationalities. Finns (Finland) In Finland, all citizens are given 25 days of legally paid vacation. As a result, an average Finn gets to accumulate 7.6 travels per year. Although they may be the most well-traveled nationality on earth, they are not exactly very adventurous since a huge percentage of their trips are confined locally or regionally. After all, their local destinations are a mosaic of unspoiled ecosystems. Americans (United States) An average American traveler conducts at least 6.7 trips per year. What is even ironic is that there are virtually no paid vacations in American labor culture. This restraint would not deter the people living in 'the land of the free and the home of the brave.' Americans are generally very enthusiastic about traveling abroad but they are limited by their strict international policies. Swedes (Sweden) Given the same legal endowments enjoyed by Finns, people of Sweden generally travel at least 6 times a year. For a nation blessed with spectacular topography, it is understandable how the majority of their vacations are spent locally. According to studies, the most popular destinations abroad for Swedes include Spain, Italy, and the USA. Danes (Denmark) Residents of Denmark make an average of 5.3 trips a year. Considering how bad their winters can get (as of any Scandinavian nation), the Danes usually chose semi-tropical destinations abroad. Danes are more inclined to choosing family-friendly trips and relaxing activities, which makes it unlikely for them to choose 'exotic' places. Norwegians (Norway) Norway is one of the few countries on earth that dramatically transformed its local tourist industry. Hence, Norwegians eventually landed 5th place in the most well-traveled nationalities on earth. Like Denmark and Finland, Norway affords 25 days of legally paid vacation just to get most of their unenthusiastic homebodies off their comfort zones. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Europe may show off of a number of countries having some of the highest incomes and standards of living in the world but it proves to be the most costly as well. Finding somewhere to live in Europe might not that be that hard but surely it could cost a lot as Europe has been known to be having high priced rents. For you to have an idea, here are some of the most expensive cities in Europe. Munich, Germany. Hotel prices in Munich are quite high especially in the months ahead of October. In Germany they have a festival wherein they celebrate Bavarian culture and heritage mainly through beers and spirits. These events happen yearly in Munich and it begins as early as September. A night in Munich can cost you 127 euros which is equivalent to $143 dollars which is pretty expensive to say the least. Dublin, Ireland. Dublin is one of only three euro zone cities listed as one of the most expensive cities in the world for migrant to live in and work in. The capital of Ireland has also one of the highest average salaries in Europe. But with the increasing cost for livelihood meaning housing, the transportation cost and weekly groceries is making Dublin a more expensive city to live in this 2017. London, England. The capital of Great Britain has the highest rents in Europe according to Business Insider. Although the income for people is not that high in this European country, most of the Brit's wages go to their monthly rents. Zurich, Switzerland. According to Bloomberg, Zurich tops the list of the world's mos costly cities ahead of New York. It costs a Zurich family of just three people more than $3,600 a month to live, based on a basket of 122 goods and services that doesn't include rent. Despite those high expenses, Zurich also has the highest salaries in the world meaning the people of Zurich rank second in Europe in terms of enjoying the greatest purchasing power. Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian capital has some of the highest wages in Europe. With high wages come high priced goods and services, meaning from groceries to other bills and transporation the city of Oslo does not come cheap. According to Most Today, for a single white loaf of bread it costs $6.31 which is just crazy high. For more news about Europe and other destinations as well, stay tuned to Travelers Today. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Singapore is an amazing place being a bustling tech hub and a melting pot of culture. Travelers looking to chill out after seeing everything the country has to offer could still maintain their view of the city in these high-altitude rooftop bars currently deemed the best in this country. Speaking of altitude, a great rooftop bar is one that offers a 360-degree view of the entire city. Altitude in Singapore has quite affordable cocktails at $20 with special combinations including Pink Floyd and "Shut Up And Drink." 283 meters above sea level, travelers lounging in their seats can see the entire Marina Bay, the central business district and the Singapore river. The name is not perfect French but likely wordplay of the famous French saying "C'est la vie" which means "such is life." Such is life indeed in the 360-degree view offered by Ce La Vi rooftop bar that overlooks Singapore's skyscrapers, the ports filled with boats and the central business district. According to TimeOut, Cocktails go for $24 and bottles go from $700 to $2,600. Lantern is a bar with a swimming pool means getting a drink by the poolside. Travelers who would like to take a dip in the pool can go for free -- while onlookers see them. There is no 360-degree city view here but it looks downwards towards Marina Bay while having a backdrop of tropical delights. Drinks go about $24 for cocktails; quite a steal if you consider the pure performance of the Latin house band. According to The Best Singapore, Southbridge has the finest food compared to all bars in the city. Its specialty is a variety of oysters on the menu. Southbridge also offers amazing seafood such as lobster rolls and salmon. Cocktails start at $20. A microbrewery on top of the Marina Bay Financial Center, LeVel33 offers beers around $13 before peak hours where it becomes $17. Not a bad price considering LeVel33 overlooks almost the entire city. Travelers who love F1 racing could dine here and see the entire race from the bar. An amazing experience. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 It's actually a good thing to know if the country you're going to travel to is generous or not. The people play a big factor if you want to experience an unforgettable vacation in your choice of destination. Before you plan your next travels, here's a list of the world's top 5 most generous countries in descending order. Burma According to The Telegraph, Burma or Myanmar has been given the title as the world's most generous country. In 2015, research shows that 91 percent of the countries residents have at least donated money to charity. The generous culture probably comes from the religion practiced by the people, which is Theravada Buddhism. They follow a practice called Sangha Dana where you are encouraged to donate to those people living a monastic life. United States BBC reported that the US is the second most generous country in the world. Compared to the Myanmar, the country doesn't really have a religious basis when it comes to generosity. There's so much diversity in the country that the kind of generosity differs in every region or state. It may be in the form of volunteering or donating money to charity. Australia There's a culture in Australia where everyone is given the chance to succeed and the locals would refer to it as giving everyone "a fair go."There are actually laws in the country that show this kind of Australian culture. For example, the government gives so many benefits for unemployed people that being unemployed isn't really a problem. New Zealand Being a small island nation, it's no doubt that almost everyone has that kind of responsibility to take care of their neighbors. In New Zealand, most restaurants and bakeries donate unsold food to people who can't afford it. Sri Lanka Comparable to Burma, this country's generosity is heavily influenced by religion. Hinduism and Buddhism are being practiced here and both are really encouraging people to be charitable. The beauty of Sri Lanka doesn't end here as it is renowned worldwide as a gathering spot for surfers as well, so if you feel adventurous, you can hop on the paddle board and ride some waves in Mirissa beach or any other destination in the southern coast. For those people who want to travel to these top 5 most generous places in the world, it's really something you won't regret. Experiencing the attractions and the generous culture of these places is a must see. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Coffeholic, coffee addict, whatever it is you wanna name it, loving it or just want to have the energy that it gives then this is something you would like to read. Arabs were actually the first once to cultivate coffee and a Frenchman was behind the 1843 debut of the world's first commercial espresso machine. Now it has taken it to another level as time goes on, coffee became better and better with different blends from different cultures that everyone might one to try out. There are many ways involved on how to make the perfect cup of coffee yet it depends really on the persons personal taste. Here are a chosen few of the best coffee destinations all over the planet. Melbourne, Australia. Australia is actually the coffee capital of the world as most of the city is filled with local cafes. This city has a coffee culture that runs deep in Australian history, no doubt it serves the best coffee. According to According to Oyster, Latte art is taken seriously as it is an art in Melbourne, and the coffee is actually deeply rooted in Melbourne's history. Italian immigrants brought their cultural heritage, including the famous espresso drinks long before. Locals often choose for menu options such as flat whites, long blacks, and classic cappuccinos that everyone loves. Rome, Italy surely deserves a spot on any coffee list all day long. If you're in Rome and looking to drink coffee like the locals, you must remember to only drink your frothy espresso drinks in the morning, and never after a meal or they might look at you in a weird way especially if your in a coffee shop. Drinking coffee in rome is like drinking water as it is just a part of their culture. Italians drink plain espresso in the afternoon and evenings because they believe that milk disrupts digestion and should not be drunk on a full stomach after eating. So when in rome be simple, just do what the locals do especially in coffee shops. Vienna, Austria coffee houses are stunning and elegant as its often referred to as the country's public living rooms. When stopping by to visit and taste the local coffee in one of these fabulous establishments, one cannot just order a cup of coffee but rather must examine through the lengthy options of crafted java drinks. Want to order a cappuccino in Vienna? Ask for a "Melange," its a combination or a blend of foamy milk and steamed coffee which is the traditional Viennese way. Coffee shops in Vienna don't only serve coffee but they also serve a variety of cakes to pastries making them a real living room for everyone to chill, relax, take and let time run by its own. According to CNN, the worldwide flat white was purportedly invented in Sydney but the drink was perfected in Wellington, New Zealand where it's become the nation's unofficial national beverage. Most people in the city take the Flat White which is just a religion in the area the other thing about Wellington or New Zealand in general is there is around zero chance of finding an aweful coffee blend. Seattle, Washington. Remember Starbucks? yes Starbucks, this is the place of origin of the famous coffee shop in the world. But Starbucks isn't Seattle's only claim to coffee fame since it started the coffee revolution in America and whole world at once. The Emerald City now has the highest concentration of coffee houses in the country and it is very understandable that people of Seattle are always eager to try and taste the best coffee productions and blends around. For more about the latest news and current events all over the world, stay tuned to Travelers Today. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Travelers travel for many different reasons, some travel for personal reasons, some travel to see the wonders of the beautiful earth and some travel simply for the love of food. There are those dedicated food lovers who would sail across oceans and fly from one country to the other just to be able to get a taste of different foods from different places. The Good Food team, a group of food enthusiasts who owns a food blog site which is obviously called "Good Food" had listed certain places that they're going to visit this year in order for them to try out particular delicacies and cuisines. They suggest the following: Lisbon, Portugal. One of the site's bloggers, Annabel Smith, is visiting Lisbon this year because of one heavenly treat, the Portuguese custard tarts. This is her main food goal and her first stop is Pastel de nata at the original Pasteis de Belem bakery. But she's not only there for the tasty custard cups - while she's in Lisbon, she's also going for some food sampling that includes petiscos (tapas,) and some paprika braised pork in a soft roll. According to a food blogger, Myanmar is perfect for rice, curries, and barbecued meat lovers. Along with other mouthwatering foods, Myanmar could offer, one of them that everyone is after is the fish-based soup, Mohinga. The soup is popular for its spicy and sweet taste that is made up of rice noodles and egg with an addition of onion, garlic, lemongrass and ginger to taste. San Sebastian, Spain. Spain is a very popular vacation spot, for the country offers a lot of amazing attractions, activities, and good food. For beer lovers, Spain might just be a great place to visit as they have a wide variety of beers. How about beer-tasting and chill in Spain? Carpigiani Gelato University, Bologna, Italy. There's actually a university for cold, soft and creamy treat lovers in Italy and it's called the Carpigiani Gelato University where ice cream and gelato-obsessing people can enroll in and learn how to make the perfect ones on their own. Check out Traveler Today for more travel news and tips. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 If you're visiting the wondrous country of the Philippines, then make sure to include Cebu on your list. Cebu City, the province's capital, is known as "The Queen City of the South." There are so many fun things to do and beautiful places to explore while visiting this Philippine gem, but let's take a look at the five things you shouldn't miss when wandering Cebu: Go swimming with whale sharks. It's not every day that you get to say you've swum with whale sharks right beside you, so if you want to avail this once-in-a-lifetime experience, then make sure to go to Oslob, Cebu, where this recreation is located. It's just a few hours' drive south, and there you will get to see and be with the world's gentlest sea giants. Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. The drive to get here may cost you 4-5 hours, but the trip will definitely be worth it! The canyoneering course features 3 waterfall jumps, complete with hiking trails and sliding on rocks to get to the river! It's a fun, extreme water-sport activity that's slowly getting global popularity. Another reason is because the river and falls is so breathtakingly beautiful. Make sure you don't miss it! Indulge in the Sugbu culture in Larsian. You may have probably eaten barbecue even at least once in your life, but Cebu barbecue isn't like anything you've ever tasted. And in Larsian, all varieties of barbecue are yours to devour and taste, from seafood, chicken, and pork. Wash it down with their local beer and share it with friends. The best thing is, they're super cheap! Experience Sinulog festival. If you decide to travel in Cebu, schedule your trip to be around the first 3 weeks of January so you could catch the celebration of Sinulog festival. This 9-day festival is one of the grandest and most celebrated in the whole country by honoring Sto. Nino, the province's patron saint. A grand street parade is usually the highlight of the whole festival, featuring lots of cultural dance and colorful floats. At night, the whole Cebu sky is lighted with beautiful fireworks, while tourists and locals alike mingle at the streets to party and have fun. It's like Mardi Gras, but for religious reasons. Eat Cebu's Lechon. Your Cebu trip wouldn't be complete if you won't get a taste of their famous Lechon. This roasted pig is marinated in secret herbs and spices that only Cebuanos seem to know about, resulting in a really savory and flavorful dish-- from the pig's crispy skin up to the tasty meat underneath. International TV host Anthony Bourdain fell in love when he got a taste and called it "the best pork dish in the world." See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 By India Today Web Desk: The upcoming episodes of STAR Plus' Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil will be filled with high voltage drama with Naina (Drashti Dhami) leaving the house and then returning just to prove her brother's innocence, who is behind the bars. Raghav, who testified against Naina's brother, would try to help her by bringing her back for a fixed period of seven days for Veer and Sanjana's wedding. Also read: Veteran actress Surekha Sikri faints on the sets of Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil Meanwhile, Naina will notice how Veer ill treats Raghav and doesn't leave a single chance to insult him. She will try to confront him but would end up slapping him. The slap obviously won't go down well with Veer who will attempt to rape Naina to avenge his insult. It's still not confirmed if Raghav will turn out to be a saviour for our damsel in distress, but this angle is surely going to give an interesting twist to the Ekta Kapoor drama. --- ENDS --- advertisement Thailand is a very cultural country that can offer different types of travel destinations throughout its regions. One of the most incredible travel destination in the world, particularly in Asia is Phuket, Thailand. A paradise on Earth, Phuket is home to a number of virgin beach resorts and incredible cliffs. But one particular destination located on the islands of Phuket would be the Villa Amanzi - a private resort that has been gaining popularity through the years because of its incredible location. According to the Villa Amanzi website, for just a little more than $2,700 per night, this particular tourist spot in Phuket is considered as a tropical sanctuary. More like a private resort than anything else, it houses only a total of six bedrooms all of which overlooks the Kata Noi Beach of the Andaman Sea. It has a large outdoor pool that is nestled almost naturally to the surrounding cliff. An article from the Telegraph UK has dubbed this beautiful destination as an unbelievable Bond Villain's Lair because of its incredible location among the rocky cliffs. It is just the type of luxurious home any rich villain could own. Seemingly hidden away in a secret tropical location, it is a modern take to the natural cliffs found in the region. As incredible as it is, it has used the combination of hard edges that flow into soft, flowing lines and has enhanced the hidden gentleness of the rocky cliffs. It has emphasized strongly on the flow that it even used fold-back windows to allow its residents to be indoors and outdoors at the same time in just a fold of a window or a wall. Hidden away between wooden cliffs, the Villa Amanzi is a small luxurious structure with a total area of more than 2000 square meters. An article from ArchDaily has described this as a structure that is one with the rocky nature of its surroundings as it literally a 'home that grows out from the rock'. It has used the cliff for which it is nestled in and the rock structures surrounding it as the primary inspiring elements in the design and construction of this structure. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The latest travel news focuses on the Mayor of Madrid officially banning private vehicles from entering the city's center. This ban on cars has been set down especially on the city's most popular street known as the Gran Via, a popular destination for shopping and leisure at the heart of the City of Madrid. According to a report from the Express UK, there has been a nine-day long temporary ban on private vehicles in the city just before the year 2016 ended. Along with this was there were additional driving restrictions that limit drivers from entering and exiting certain locations around the city. It would seem that the City Mayor, Manuela Carmela, plans to lengthen the ban until the city will be private vehicle free and make the Gran Via car ban more permanent. It is the City Mayor's effort pedestrianize the city, cut down on carbon emissions, improve the city's traffic situation and eventually ban diesel vehicles completely by 2025 according to a report from the Independent UK. Other than that, it is their hope to finally help the economy of small entrepreneurs in the area as the lack of need for parking spaces could eventually increase their visitors in the future. On the other hand, there are still no significant studies that have observed the effect of this car ban on the businesses in the area. What would this mean for both local and foreign travelers? It would be a great thing for their health as there will be a significant decrease in carbon emissions in the city. This is especially true since the country has been suffering from higher concentrations of carbon in their atmosphere, based on a report from BBC. The promotion of a pedestrian-friendly city would push more people to exercise due to the longer walks they would need to take. Based on their analysis, the Madrid car ban would also be a great way for them to have a deeper appreciation of the centuries-old architecture of Madrid especially since the Gran Via has been established in the early 1900s. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Known as the Hermit Kingdom, North Korea has been secluded from the world for the past half-decade. A lot of aspects regarding their people, culture, and the government has been under other countries' speculations for decades. In fact, a number of their government operations are shrouded in mystery. One particular controversy about North Korea is known as the Room 39. There had been controversial reports of this to be a secret room within the hidden complexes of North Korea where they smuggle money or torture military defectors. Financial Times has reported that there are allegations that state that it is a mafia-like organization and a secretive branch of the government which is powerful inside North Korea. But what really is North Korea's Room 39 and why is everyone so curious to find where it is? Contrary to most people's beliefs, North Korea's Room 39 is not actually a physical location and cannot be traveled to. However, it is one of the most important funds in North Korea. It is one of the primary source of money that helps build their nation. Noticeable in how many of their grand monuments and structures are can be quite luxurious. These are common destinations that tourists are allowed to visit and it is not difficult to wonder where they get their national income. Where does North Korea get money to build their beautiful buildings, their festive and grand parades, and gigantic monuments? According to a report from CNN, North Korea exports military machinery, coal, and minerals. They also include tourism as one of their primary sources of national funds. Is there any truth behind all the controversies and is it really safe to travel to North Korea? So far, there had been no physical evidence to prove that the Room 39 has functioned as it allegedly has. However, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal, there had been defectors that testify to the fact that Room 39 does work to come up with large sums of money that are aimed to help build their socialist economy. Based on their testimonies, these funds are collected under government registered 'revolutionary funds'. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Traveling is such a memorable and enriching recreation you must at least experience once in your life. Discovering new places, eating delicious food, meeting new people, immersing in a different culture-should I go on? Unfortunately, many people think that to travel means to spend a lot. That's why even though they're itching to go out of their home country and explore, they put it off in fear of spending too much. Don't worry, here's the list of the top places you should visit this year if you're on a budget or funds are pretty tight, but still want to have the time of your lives: Not all can have the luxury of spending the weekend at the Maldives, but in Honduras you'll find that their beaches can make you feel like you're in Maldives yourself. Explore the coast and beautiful white-sand beaches in Honduras and eat and drink to your heart's desire-all for just $30 a day! Not bad, right? Accommodations are also pretty cheap too, so if you're looking for a quick holiday destination in Central America then look no further. Thailand is one of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia, the affordability doesn't deserve the beauty of the country itself. Indulge in authentic Thai cuisine for just $21 for a full day's meal, and stay at their beautiful hotels without spending over a hundred bucks a night. In Bangkok, explore the locals' way of life by just walking around the city, and if you want to go on a tour then you can haggle the prices at some local tourist agencies. Who says you need your credit card for the trip of a lifetime? If you're craving for a bohemian style travel then pack your bags and explore Argentina, the 8th largest country in the world. Argentinians know how to party, so if you cancel out going to exclusive clubs, then you can still dance, eat and party the night away by just spending over 50 bucks! If you're looking for a beautiful view, then head on to Tierra del Fuego, the most southern city in the world. It's famous for being the departure point for Antarctic trips, and you can enjoy it all without breaking the bank. To get there much cheaper, just ride the bus instead of hopping on a plane-but beware, the ride will take up to 24-36 hours. European travel doesn't have to be expensive. Just go to Hungary and you'll see what I'm talking about. Their city, Budapest, is a tourist attraction by itself, thanks to its beautiful buildings and delicious food. For $20 a night you can sleep in gorgeous hotels, spend another 30 bucks for food for the whole day, and you got the recipe for contentment. Also check out Lake Balaton in Transdanubia, the largest lake in central Europe. If you want to get drunk on delicious European wine, then make sure to stop over at the vineyards nearby Badacsony Hill. In there you can enjoy a glass of wine while gazing at a magnificent view, just for 5 dollars. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 When it comes to traveling to low-cost tourist locations, petty crimes are an ordinary phenomenon any traveler can observe (and handle). However, there are countries that are host to a different level of trouble no decent tourist would ever tolerate. These top 5 most dangerous cities in the world are stand out according to their alarming murder rate per year. Each of these places is evaluated according to a number of people killed every year within the ratio of 100,000. Caracas, Venezuela The capital of Venezuela recently emerged as the most dangerous city in the world in terms of its petty crime rate. There is a total of 119.87 cases of murder per 100,000 citizens every year. Take note: this only represents a controlled fraction of the region-wide or even nation-wide scale. What significantly contributes to the danger is the fact that violence is comprised of a deadly mixture of riots, gang wars, and homicide. San Pedro Sula, Honduras Until 2016, San Pedro Sula held the top rank for the most dangerous city on earth for the past four years. Like many relatively impoverished South American countries, crime-rate in Honduras is largely linked to poverty and state-wide corruption. For every 100,000 citizens, 111 people are killed per year. San Salvador, El Salvador The capital city of El Salvador has a total of 10,000 officially documented gang members, with criminal groups like Mara 18 and MS-13 gaining international attention from law enforcement agencies worldwide. Hence, a majority of its murder cases are closely linked to its criminal enterprises. There is a total of 108.54 murder cases per 100,000 citizens. Acapulco, Mexico Once the center of the Spanish galleon trade in the Americas, Acapulco becomes to be the fourth most dangerous city in the world in modern times. As one of the key 'narco-cities' in Mexico, violence is often linked to the state-wide corruption that fosters wanton drug trade. There is a total of 104.73 murder cases per 100,000 citizens. Maturin, Venezuela The fifth most dangerous city in the world has done well enough to leave a bad impression for anyone who is planning to spend a vacation in Venezuela. This city has a murder rate of over 86.45 per 100,000 within a single year. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The political drama "Madam Secretary" just aired its latest episode where a horse given to Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni) by Mongolia took center stage. Spoilers for season 3 episode 12 indicate that the team will be going to Africa to bring aid, but are instead surprised by the Chinese. The next episode, as reported by Spoiler TV, will feature a bumpy plane ride for the team while on their way to bring aid to the continent of Africa. The turbulence has Daisy feeling uncomfortable during the flight, but it also causes her to go with Susan Thompson on a tour of the continent, thereby seeing its natural beauty. But the main conflict in the episode, as reported by Carter Matt, is that China is seemingly planning to outmaneuver the United States in their plans in Africa. Elizabeth McCord was clearly agitated to find out that the Chinese are offering a competitive deal to the leader of the country. In a humorous way, the Secretary of State declares that "Nobody pantses America", and prepares to outwit the Chinese. The conflict with the Chinese has been growing in season 3 of "Madam Secretary", and viewers will see more of that tension in the next episode, entitled "The Detour." Another thing viewers will see on the next episode is that Elizabeth McCord's husband, Henry (Tim Daly), will be approached by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to help them in the investigation of the attack on the coffee shop in Illinois. Henry will have to find out more about someone who might be a member of a Christian cult, and who may have been instrumental in the creation of the bomb that was used in the attack. Tim Daly, in a recent interview, shared his excitement that his real-life children will be part of the show as guest stars. "Madam Secretary" airs on January 15 on CBS. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with various international leaders at Mahatma Mandir, starting with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. By Press Trust of India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held bilateral talks with several heads of state and ministers who have converged here for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Ahead of the official inauguration of the Summit, the Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with various international leaders at Mahatma Mandir this morning, starting with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. advertisement In a series of tweets, External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with leaders of Rwanda, Serbia, Japan and Denmark. "A crisp January morning in Gandhinagar begins with full delegation level talks. PM with President @PaulKagame of Rwanda @VibrantGujarat," Swarup tweeted. "The two leaders witnessed the exchange of an MoU on Forensic Sciences cooperation and Rwanda's accession to the Intern'l Solar Alliance," said another tweet. Also read: PM Modi skips yoga session, has breakfast with mother Heeraben in Gandhinagar Later, Modi held bilateral talks with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Economy Minister of Japan Seko Hiroshige and then with Energy Minister of Denmark Lars Clilleholt. "Strengthening ties with Serbia. PM @narendramodi holds 2nd bilateral with Aleksandar Vucic, Serbian PM at #VibrantGujarat2017," Swarup said in another tweet. "An enduring investment partner. 2 months after Economy Minister @SekoHiroshige called on PM in Tokyo, they meet @VibrantGujarat," he said. "Learning from the leaders in renewable energy. PM @narendramodi with @larsclilleholt, Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate, Denmark," he tweeted. Also read: Also read | PM Modi thanks diaspora for supporting war against black money, corruption The Prime Minister is expected to hold similar meetings with other heads of state ahead of the official inauguration of the 8th edition of Vibrant Summit later Tuesday. Around 20 heads of state and ministers from different governments across the world are attending the summit. Nisha Desai Biswal, an Indian-American serving as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the United States Department of State, will attend the Summit along with a large US business delegation. Other prominent dignitaries are President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, Deputy PM of Russia Dmitry Rogozin, first Deputy PM and Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Poland, Poitr Glinski. --- ENDS --- With traditional decorations, tempting food, fascinating activities, fete Tet like a local with the hotels new inclusive package. (TRAVPR.COM) VIETNAM - January 10th, 2017 - HUE, Vietnam - The luxurious hotel by the fabled Perfume River is kicking off Vietnams most anticipated holiday, the Lunar New Year or Tet, with a special deal for all travelers who put Hue on their itinerary from January to March 2017. If your heart has ever been set on culture, then Tet is a perfect fit for aspiring seekers. The Vietnamese celebrate the long holiday with various activities. The preparations, which usually accelerate through the third week of Lunar Calendar December, involve tidying up the house, decorating ancestors altars, conducting some pre-Tet ceremonies such as Kitchen Gods Farewell and Year-end Party and more. During Tet, beautiful customs are practiced throughout the country such as giving li xi or lucky money, giving calligraphy, paying visits to spiritual sites like forefathers graves, pagodas and temples. Spring festivities continue to enthrall revelers till March. Known as the last feudal capital of Vietnam, the cultural and culinary Hue City is where centuries-old traditions are best-reserved and performed nowadays. It is, without question, an ideal place to soak up the vibrant spirit of the holiday. With La Residence, travelers will be on an enduring journey to explore the beauty of its celebration from rituals to cuisine. The "Tet" Festive Package entitles you to two nights accommodation in a Superior room inclusive of daily breakfast, choice of a special Tet menu dinner or a Banh Chung cooking class for two persons with La Residence culinary expert and the possibility of a room upgrade and late check-out. Starting at VND1,560,000 net per person per night based on double occupancy, the package is available until 31st March 2017. For more information, contact the hotel at (84-54) 383 7475 or resa@la-residence-hue.com. Visit the hotel's website www.la-residence-hue.com for further promotions and packages. About La Residence La Residence celebrated its grand opening in December 2005 after a painstaking restoration of the 1930-built mansion. The hotel's distinctive bowed facade, its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture. Its 122 rooms and suites, restaurants, lounges, bars and conference room are tricked out in complementary art-deco furnishings and decor that evoke both the 1920s and 1950s. The hotel's Le Parfum Restaurant serves Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as dishes from an expansive Vietnamese menu. La Residence has earned many prestigious awards from the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and other international media. ### The secret lies with Dutch parents, whose approach is radically different from that of American parents. In 2013, Unicef released a report card that assessed childrens wellbeing in 29 of the worlds richest countries. It concluded that Dutch children are the happiest of all, based on five categories: material wellbeing, health and safety, education, behaviors and risks, housing and environment. The Netherlands scored highest in both behaviors and risks and education, and its excellent scores in the other categories put it firmly in the leading position, followed by four Scandinavian countries. (The United States was at the bottom, worse than Greece but better than Lithuania.) Even Dutch children vouched for their own happiness, with 95 percent reporting a high level of life satisfaction. There is nothing more wonderful than thinking of children who are joyful about their own existence. Thats precisely how it should be. Childhood is a time for making memories, pushing boundaries, having great fun. Whats tragic is that Dutch childrens innate happiness stands in such contrast to many children in North America, who seemed to be plagued by chronic unhappiness. Kids may be similar the world over, but their parents are not. The way in which a child is raised has everything to do with how a child turns out, particularly when it comes to happiness. It seems the rest of the world (are you listening, USA?) could learn a thing or two from the Netherlands. After all, isnt happiness what every parent ultimately wants for their child? So whats different? Two mothers, one American and one British, both married to Dutchmen and raising families in Amsterdam, have weighed in on the conversation. In an article for The Telegraph, Rina Mae Acosta and Michele Hutchison, describe what defines a typical Dutch childhood and why its so successful. Dutch parents dont stress out about school. There is little pressure to meet goals, and education isnt even structured until age 6, when a child has been in school for three years. If a kid is slow to read, no one worries; he or she will catch up eventually. The environment is friendlier overall, since the competitive element just isnt there. The Unicef study found: Dutch children are among the least likely to feel pressured by schoolwork and scored highly in terms of finding their classmates friendly and helpful. Dutch parents are happy, which means their kids are happy. Dutch parents dont try to be perfect. They accept the fact that theyll make plenty of mistakes while parenting. Culturally, there are many more fathers who take an active role in parenting, which takes pressure off mothers. Acosta and Hutchison write: The Dutch work on average 29 hours a week, dedicate at least one day a week to spending time with their children, and pencil in time for themselves, too. You wont find a Dutch mother expressing guilt about the amount of time she spends with her children she will make a point of finding time for herself outside motherhood and work. These parents are also authoritative. They tell their kids what to do; they do not ask them. The idea is to not give the child a choice of options but to give clear directions. This approach eliminates many of the battles of wills that occur in American households multiple times days. While Dutch kids opinions are heard and respected, the kids still know whos boss. Getting outside Dutch kids are given a lot of independence from a young age. Theyre encouraged to go places on their own, usually riding their bicycles. Sporting activities are rarely cancelled due to bad weather, which means that kids learn to adapt with proper rain gear. They play outside unsupervised, as parents believe it develops important independence skills. (This is smart because it takes a huge burden off the parent, too.) Independent outdoor play is seen as the antidote to breeding passive, media-addicted couch potatoes. It sounds like the Dutch have really struck the perfect balance. For all those high-strung American and Canadian helicopter parents out there, its time to take a step back and realize that, maybe, doing less of everything is your kids ticket to true happiness. When a solar power company has a visionary like Josef Abramowitz at its helm, it will know no boundaries. It is hard to feel hopeful about the world these days. Environmental degradation continues to worsen; the mindset that drives such degradation persists; and the solutions are complicated for ordinary citizens to implement. Its no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, and deeply depressed about the way things are going. Once in a while, though, a true beacon of hope appears. For me, hope recently took the shape of a man named Josef Abramowitz, whom I met on a trip to the Arava Desert in southern Israel. Abramowitz, an American immigrant to Israel, is a passionate believer in the transformative power of solar energy for our planet, and he spoke about it so enthusiastically, peppering his talk with real-life success stories, that I felt more optimistic about renewable energys global viability and the impending death of fossil fuels than I ever have before. Shani Sadicario We are standing in the middle of the Syrian-African rift, Abramowitz shouts excitedly to our small group of environmental writers. He spreads his arms wide. To the east I can see the mountains of Jordan, to the west the cliffs leading northwest to the Negev desert and the Ramon crater of Israel. A vast valley separates the two sides, stretching north toward Syria and south to the Red Sea. It is hot, dry, and very sunny. This is a place for big messages, where ethical revolutions begin, he sings out, launching into a quick history lesson on the ancient events that have occurred in this inhospitable place, from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to Moses and the wandering Israelites to countless others. Shani Sadicario Now, thanks to Abramowitzs unswerving vision, another chapter has begun in this part of the world, one that will, hopefully, play a key role in halting climate change. Abramowitz is the president of Energiya Global, a company that develops affordable solar projects worldwide, and he has met us in the desert because this is where his first solar field is located, just outside a community called Kibbutz Ketura. The enormous solar field is also the first commercial-scale solar field in the Middle East. It was launched in 2014 and generates 40 megawatts of power enough to power one-third of the nearby city of Eilats daytime power. It is a beautiful and profoundly silent place. There are famous Medjool date palm groves surrounding the solar field, tended by donkeys who graze on the weeds. The entire Arava region, which stretches from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, currently generates 70 percent of its power needs, and will exceed 100 percent by 2020, including the port city of Eilat. But, as Abramowitz points out, "Israel should be 100 percent solar by day. This could be the blueprint for all of Africa, and more." Shani Sadicario The tour doesn't stop there. Abramowitz takes us across the road to another field, where 18,200 solar panels generate 4.9 megawatts of pure, green energy. A busy little robot, made by an innovative company called Ecoppia, is hard at work, cleaning the dusty panels to improve their efficiency; it is powered by its own tiny solar panel and can clean the entire field in 1.5 hours -- a drastic improvement over the six days it used to take when done by hand. Shani Sadicario Abramowitz describes himself as someone who enjoys fighting government regulations and tackling the bureaucratic red-tape that gives most people nightmares. If I can do it in Israel, I can do it in Africa, he laughs. Sure enough, Energiya pushed through an immense 8.5-megawatt solar project in Rwanda in 2015 at record-breaking speed, the first in East Africa. It now provides 6 percent of the countrys power, and Rwandas dependence on diesel power has dropped from 40 to 30 percent. (Video here on Rwanda's solar field.) This project was significant because, for the first time ever, it decoupled GDP growth from greenhouse gas emissions: Rwandas energy increased, but not its carbon emissions. Abramowitz is quoted in a 2015 Guardian article: This is the proof test to be able to break that deadlock so that the world can go solar. Energiya continues to push boundaries at a rapid rate. It has a 10-country strategy to develop 1,000 megawatts of solar power in Africa by 2022. It launched a 22-megawatt field in Glenn County, Georgia, in summer 2016, and it has been issued the first license by the Palestinian Authority for solar fields in the West Bank. Shani Sadicario Solar is the way of future, Abramowitz argues, and will become even more attainable once the storage problem is fixed. (Many innovators are working on that.) Already the cost of panel production has plummeted, relative to what it once was. Solar is now a fraction of the cost of diesel, and entirely green. Energiya shows that a business model can change the world, with a quadruple bottom line that makes everyone happy decent returns for investors, humanitarian benefits, environmental benefits, and smart geo-strategy. Solar has even bridged gaps between Palestinians, Israelis, and Jordanians, many of whom work as partners on projects. Abramowitz also advocates for desert-dwelling Bedouin families to have a special quota for solar fields, since they are locked out of Israels current solar program. On the day of our visit in mid-December, Abramowitz insisted that we stay in the solar field until the light was just right and the mountaintops over turned purple in the setting sun. Then we all sat under the palm trees, sipping sweet mint tea and eating dates, watching the full moon rise over the silvery solar panels in the distance. From that vantage point, finally, the future looked blessedly golden. Shani Sadicario TreeHugger was a guest of Vibe Israel, a non-profit organization leading a tour called Vibe Eco Impact in December 2016 that explored various sustainability initiatives throughout Israel. There was no requirement to write about this solar project. The Prime Minister will be inaugurating the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit this afternoon. He will also take part in other events as scheduled. By India Today Web Desk: PM Modi skipped his yoga session this morning to have breakfast with his mother Heeraben in Gandhinagar, he informed in a tweet. The Prime Minister will be inaugurating the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit this afternoon. He will also take part in other events as scheduled. Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi met his mother in Gandhinagar & had breakfast with her this morning, says it was great spending time together ANI (@ANI_news) January 10, 2017 advertisement Modi, who has been in Gujarat since Sunday, yesterday laid the foundation stone for the revamp of Gandhinagar Railway Station, estimated to cost around Rs 250 crore. Also read | PM Modi thanks diaspora for supporting war against black money, corruption --- ENDS --- Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held bilateral talks with several heads of state and ministers at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. By India Today Web Desk: Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told global investors that India's strength lies in its 3 Ds - Democracy, Demography, and Demand. "Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also represents the business spirit of India," Modi said. "Over the last two and a half years, we've also evolved a culture of healthy competitions among states which are being rated on the parameters of good governance," he said. advertisement "We have seen in the last two and a half years that it is possible to deliver quick results in a democratic set-up as well," the PM said. Earlier, Modi met several visiting foreign dignitaries including President of Rwanda and Prime Minister of Serbia to promote bilateral relations and investment opportunities. A number of India's leading corporate leaders including Mukesh Ambani of the Reliance Industries, Ratan Tata of the Tata Group and Mukesh Adani of the Adanis also addressed the event. Modi also met several delegates from different nations as well as Fortune 500 CEOs including John Chambers of Cisco on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. BUSINESS TYCOONS PRAISE GUJARAT Meanwhile, industry stalwarts like Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani lauded the Gujarat's potentials. "If you have not visited Gujarat you are stupid. It is the fastest growing state. I am fortunate to have a car company in Gujarat," said Ratan Tata. Business magnate and chairman of Reliance Industries Limited said that the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit got better each time. "History will record you PM Modi as a great transformative leader," said Ambani. "By Diwali entire Gujarat will be covered by Jio 4G," he added. Praising PM Modi, Ambani further said that the he transformed Gujarat and he is now transforming India. Business tycoon Gautam Adani said that his Adani Group Commits Rs 49,000 crore investment in Gujarat, 25,000 local employment in next 5 years and will invest in water. CEO of Suzuki Motors, Toshiro Suzuki said that the company will expand its Gujarat plant to the capacity of 7,50,000 units. Here are the latest updates: We are keen to promote tourism in a big way and this needs tourism infrastructure: PM Modi in Gandhinagar We have become 6th largest manufacturing country in the world: PM Narendra Modi Make in India has become the biggest brand that India ever had: Prime Minister Narendra Modi My Govt is strongly committed to continue the reforms of Indian economy; have placed highest emphasis on ease of doing business: PM Modi My government is strongly committed to continue the reform of the Indian economy:Prime Minister Narendra Modi Despite the global slow down we have registered excellent growth. India is a bright spot in the global economy: PM Modi We are on the threshold of becoming world's most digitized economy: PM Modi Believe me, we are on a threshold of becoming the world's most digitised economy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi In doing this, digital technology has played a key role. I often say that e-governance is easy and effective governance: PM Modi It is our vision and mission to bring a paradigm shift in our policies and economy: PM Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar We have seen in last two and a half year that it is possible to deliver quick results in democratic setup as well: PM Modi Over last 2 1/2 years,we've also evolved a culture of healthy competitions among states,being rated on parameters on good governance-PM Modi Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also represents the business spirit of India: PM Narendra Modi I express my gratitude to the partner countries and other organisations for this event, particularly thank Japan and Canada: PM Modi PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the Coffee table book and policy documents at the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit. advertisement Also read: advertisement PM Modi thanks diaspora for supporting war against black money, corruption Interview of the Year: PM Narendra Modi exclusive, his first since demonetisation Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first interview since demonetisation: Top 10 things he told India Today --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) In a major consolidation, PropTiger.com and Housing.com will merge to create Indias largest online real estate services company that will raise USD 55 million for business expansion. News Corp-backed PropTiger.com and SoftBank-backed Housing.com today said they will "come together to become Indias largest online real estate services company". As part of the deal, Australias REA Group Ltd will invest USD 50 million in the joint entity, while an affiliate of SoftBank Group Corp will invest USD 5 million. advertisement Co-founder and CEO of PropTiger Dhruv Agarwala will serve as CEO of the new entity, while Jason Kothari, CEO of Housing.com, will quit to pursue other opportunities in the Indian Internet space, a joint statement said. "Its a merger deal. Shareholders of PropTiger.com and Housing.com will be the shareholders in the new entity", Agarwala told PTI. "We will be using all the three brands -- Propetiger.com, Housing.com and Makaan.com to offer full range of online and offline real estate solutions for the home buyers," he added. The USD 55 million fund would be utilised for business development including new products, technologies and branding, Agarwala said. Online real estate space has seen major consolidations in recent times. In January 2015, CommonFloor.com merged with Quikrs realty vertical QuikrHomes. PropTiger had also acquired Makaan.com in 2015. News Corp, which owns 61.6 per cent of REA Group, would remain the largest shareholder of PropTiger. PropTiger is a leading online residential real estate brokerage firm, having completed transactions worth USD 1.5 billion since being founded in 2011, while Housing.com is a popular online platform for buying and selling homes, receiving over four million visits every month. In July 2015, Housing.coms board had sacked its CEO and co-founder Rahul Yadav, saying that his behaviour towards investors and media was not "befitting" of a CEO. In November, Jason Kothari was appointed as new CEO. "India is an important part of our international growth strategy. We believe in the potential of the Indian real estate market...The joint entity will have access to REA Group expertise and know-how from its operations across the globe," REA Group CEO Tracy Fellows said. News Corp Chief Executive Robert Thomson said: "Our investments in PropTiger, REA Group and Move, Inc are testimony to our faith in the potential of the global digital real estate market, of which we are now the largest player." The representatives of REA and SoftBank will join the board of the new joint entity, which will continue to be chaired by a News Corp representative. advertisement Henry Ruiz, Chief Digital Officer, REA Group, Simon Barnett, Sales Director, News Corp, and Jonathan Bullock, MD, SoftBank Group International will join Raju Narisetti (chair), Ravi Adusumalli from SAIF Partners and Prashanth Prakash from Accel Partners as investor directors on the board. PTI MJH SA --- ENDS --- Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 10 Monthly automobile sales growth rate in India slipped to a 16-year-low in December with total vehicle sales declining by 18.66% as demonetisation hits the industry hard. According to latest SIAM data, most of the major segments, including scooters, motorcycles and cars, witnessed record decline in December sales as the automobile sector continued to bear the brunt of negative consumer sentiments in the wake of the ban of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 banknotes announced in November. Vehicle sales across categories registered a decline of 18.66% last month at 12,21,929 units, from 15,02,314 units in December 2015, as per Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). This is the highest decline across all categories since December 2000, when there was a drop of 21.81%. The reason is largely due to the negative consumer sentiment due to demonetisation, SIAM DG Vishnu Mathur said. A jobless psychotherapist has been accused of turning into a contract killer and murdering a man after being paid off by a jilted lover. By Chayyanika Nigam: In what reads like an episode straight out of a TV crime drama series, a city psychotherapist allegedly turned hitman to fund his wedding and poisoned a man after being paid off by the jilted lover of the victim's wife. Ravi, a cashier at Kotak Mahindra Bank's Sadar Bazar branch, was returning home on foot with his colleague Satrudra Singh. When they reached near West End Cinema at Bara Tooti Chowk, the accused pushed a cycle rickshaw between the duo to separate them. Prem Singh, the alleged assassin, then came from behind and injected something into Ravi's neck. advertisement Also watch: Delhi woman stabbed 22 times by jilted lover According to Satrudra, Ravi screamed out while grabbing onto Prem. But the victim fell unconscious seconds later and the accused managed to flee. However, Satrudra and some locals caught him again. The police were called and they took Prem into custody. "Meanwhile, Ravi was rushed to St Stephen's Hospital where he was kept in the intensive care unit. He remained unfit for statement throughout the treatment and succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning," a senior police official close to investigation said. The probe revealed that Ravi survived a similar attack in October when he was in an auto-rickshaw. WHY THE PSHCHOTHERAPIST TURNED 'PSYCHO' Prem told the police that he needed money to spend on a lavish wedding that was supposed to take place in February. He had a diploma in psychotherapy but was unemployed. However, he managed to earn some money by treating family members. He met the client, Anish, seven months ago while having tea at a stall in Palam Colony. "Some frequent surprise meetings followed and they became buddies. Anish used to tell him about his ex-girlfriend who got married in July 2016 after five months of Anish's marriage. But Anish deserted his wife and was stalking Lata (name changed). He then decided to eliminate Ravi and sought Prem's help. When Anish offered him a contract of Rs 1.5 lakh, Prem agreed to inject the poison," the investigator told Mail Today, quoting Prem's confessional statement. Post-mortem showed that Ravi was injected with a combination of Midazolam and Fortwin-Phenergan that proved fatal for him. The police are trying to identify the source of the chemicals. Also watch: Bride shot dead by jilted lover during wedding Anish was arrested from his residence based on Prem's statement. Cops say he too confessed that he hired Prem to kill Ravi in a bid to marry Lata, who was his first love. Lata and Anish used to study at IGNOU when they allegedly fell in love. But the relationship couldn't last long. Anish got married in February 2016, while Lata and Ravi tied the knot in July. After Lata's marriage, Anish allegedly became jealous and started threatening her of making their intimate pictures public. advertisement Sources also say initially Anish had sent those pictures to Ravi but he didn't react. "Later, he sent them to Lata's father-in-law who also ignored them, saying Lata had already told them about her past," the sources added. --- ENDS --- Pramod Kumar THE electoral din in Punjab is like the lunatic swing of a pendulum creating a wave of different parties within a short span. It has moved from the Congress sweep at the time of the coronation of Amarinder Singh as PPCC president in December 2015 to the AAP rampage in post-Maghi in January 2015, and now the whisper of the Akali-BJP for a hat. These are often accompanied by claims and counterclaims the showcasing of performance and the promise of golden performance. It has liberated political parties from consistent political positions and ideological filters. Elections are being treated as events to be managed by professional managers without any ideology, commitment to pro-people politics with the sole aim to win. Besides anti-incumbency that provides a safe passage to parties without vision, the winnability criteria allow faceless politicians entry into politics and incentivises the hopping from one party to another. As if parties are nothing, but dharamshalas without doors. Political leadership has been discredited, the political parties are poaching celebrities and oiling the slide of leaders from one party to another. Has the political culture and terrain of Punjab become an ideological freak or rudderless? The history and culture of Punjab does not support such generalisations. Punjab politics can be located in three evolved axes. One is a stunted identity assertion ranging from religious, communal and secular Punjabi identities. The second is a unique feature of majoritarian arrogance and minority persecution complex in both the main communities the Hindus and Sikhs. The Sikhs are in a majority in Punjab and minority in India and the Hindus are in a minority in Punjab and a majority in India. The third axis is the intermeshed religio-caste categories as caste is not a category in itself for electoral mobilisations in Punjab. These axes lay down broad boundaries for the politics to function. Electoral alliances and coalitions have been formed with even diametrically opposed political parties. The Congress and the Akali Dal even merged in 1937, 1948 and 1956. Most Akalis who joined the Congress did not return to the Akali fold. Prominent among them were Pratap Singh Kairon, Swaran Singh, Baldev Singh, Bhai Mohan Singh, Darshan Singh Pheruman, and now Capt Amarinder Singh. The political culture of Punjab is, no doubt, competitive, but not conflictual. Apparently, in the post-Operation Bluestar and 84 riots period, the Congress faced opposition, but regained power in 2002. The lesson is that voters do not see parties as antagonistic, but competitive. Most people keep both a blue turban (Akali symbol) and a white turban (Congress symbol) ready to wear as per the need. To hinge the whole campaign that the Congress and the Akalis are mixed up and then expect that people will vote for a third party may not bring corresponding results. The parties have not only merged with each other, but also formed coalitions. In reorganised Punjab, between 1967-1980, four post-election coalitions were formed between the Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and in the post-terrorism phase the Akali Dal and the BJP formed three pre-election coalitions. In view of the lessons learnt from the decade of terrorism, the parties entered into pre-poll alliances. The Congress apologised for Operation Bluestar and the riots. And the competing parties gave representation to all existing fault lines of religion and caste rather than representing exclusive communal interests. The SAD, which has mainly been a party of Jat Sikh peasants, gave representation to Punjabi Hindus with 11 out of 94 SAD candidates for the 2012 polls. The BJP that largely represents urban Hindu traders gave representation to Sikhs. Similarly, the Congress made inroads into the SAD support base of rural Jat Sikhs by fielding an equal number of rural Jat Sikhs with the SAD. Dalits who constitute around 32 per cent of the population have been represented in all political formations. Of the 1,248 MLAs in the state from 1967 to 2012, Dalits constituted 25.16 per cent, OBCs 8.97 per cent and urban traders (Khatris) 22.12 per cent. But a majority of MLAs (43.74 per cent) came from the rural Jat peasantry. The uncertain religious allegiance of the Dalits and in the absence of caste as a defining parameter for social position, Dalits found representation in all parties. Even the Jat-dominated SAD has had a higher representation of Dalits in six of the 11 Assembly elections and in the remaining five, the Congress had a greater Dalit legislators. It is interesting to note that Dalit legislators have been elected from parties other than the BSP and the Communist parties. Thus Punjab politics has shown signs of blurring religious and caste fault lines. To mobilise people as exclusive categories like Hindu Banias, or Scheduled Castes may not bring the desired results. Considering this background, which way will Punjab go? Will it go the AAP way? The AAP won a surprise victory with four seats and a 24 per cent vote share in the 2014 parliamentary elections. It had the advantage of anti-incumbency against the Congress at the Centre and the Akali Dal-BJP in the state. However, wherever people could find a formidable alternative to the Akali-BJP alliance, the AAP candidates were not selected. This can be inferred from the results of two constituencies Bathinda from where Harsimrat Badal defeated Manpreet Badal, and in Amritsar where Amarinder Singh defeated BJP stalwart Arun Jaitley. The two Assembly byelections, in Patiala and Talwandi Sabu, showed that the AAP may not be able to consolidate its support. Unlike the Akali Dal and the Congress, the AAP does not have a historical baggage and therefore does not have a historical advantage either. Another AAP disadvantage is that unlike Delhi, Punjab does not have a large footloose population as people have their culture and history. The Congress and the Akalis have a regional flavour to their advantage and the AAP is yet to evolve a regional identity of its own. The only advantage it has is an anti-drug and an anti-corruption stance. How far it will help to win is a moot question. The SADs non-Panthic, development and governance reforms plank and the BJPs emergence at the national level have added a new flavour to the elections. How far will this alliance benefit from this and reversal of moral hegemony with demonetisation which brought Modi, Nitish Kumar and Navin Patnaik on one side and Arvind Kejriwal in the company of Mayawati and Lalu Yadav? Punjab needs a paradigm shift. In order to outcompete one another, all parties are raining sops rather than initiating a debate on policies to diversify economy, building a consensus against drug abuse, suggesting policies for productive engagement of youth and empowerment of women. This is symptomatic of an erosion of the ideological support base of parties, political leadership deficit and absence of a transformational agenda. The writer is the Director, Institute for Development and Communication, Chandigarh Ms Meryl Streep is not just one of the most talented artistes of our times, she has also demonstrated that she is very much alive to the artiste's primary obligation in our times the obligation to remind society of the need to speak up to the authority and the powerful. At a Hollywood function where she was honoured by her peers for life-time achievements, this brilliant actress gave expression to the most Americans dismay and frustration at Donald Trumps electoral success and political appeal. Ms Streeps audacious performance has resonated across the world and her words have given heart to all those who find themselves subjected to some kind of official dadagiri, intimidation and outright coercion. While reminding her global audience how Donald Trump publicly mocked a disabled reporter, the actress insisted that the powerful and the privileged should not be allowed to get away with this kind of bullying behaviour. Speak up, and tell the new leader that the Americans would not be a party to his demeaning antics. Ms Streeps words were so close to the bone that the President-elect could not just pretend not to have heard them. And he reacted in the only way he knows nastily, dismissively calling her an ageing and over-rated actress and a Hillary lover. The man who will be the next President of America has been served notice that dissent and differences would be aired and that the artistes and intellectuals intend to exercise their craft to try to reclaim and restore decency and decorum in American national life. This brilliantly audacious homage to Hollywoods hallowed traditions of pluralism and inclusiveness stands in sharp contrast to the bullies who in recent times have managed to shut down and shut up the likes of Aamir Khan. We become comfortably tolerant of intolerance. Our newspapers and other media outlets have discovered the usefulness of timidity and conformism. The universities have been handed over to second-rate administrators. Those who dare disagree and express dissent are dubbed anti-national and black-money lovers. Ms Streeps stunning defence of liberals values and ideas has been heard across the world; she needs to be heard in India, too. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 10 The INLD leaders will meet Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki tomorrow to seek the dismissal of the state government over its failure to protect the interests of the state in the SYL canal issue. Addressing mediapersons here today Abhay Chautala said, The BJP is not serious to get Haryanas share of waters as they have decided to campaign for the party in Punjab. Since they have failed to protect the rights of the state, we will request the Governor to immediately sack the government. He said the INSO, youth wing of the INLD, would protest against the Congress across the state for supporting the party in Punjab. Meanwhile, Abhay Chautala feigned ignorance about the Indian Olympic Associations decision to annul his appointment as its life president. He said, I do not have any information in this regard. Show me if you have any written communication. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 10 The Union Ministry of Home Affairs today claimed before thePunjab and HaryanaHigh Court there was no serious threat to senior Congress leader Randeeep Singh Surjewala from terrorist outfits. Neh Srivastava, Under Secretary, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, madethe claim in an affidavit placed before a Division Bench in response toSurjewalas petition for security cover by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) . The MHA submitted that security by central forces was generally recommended to individuals facing a high degree of threat primarily emanating from terrorist or militant outfits operating in the country. There is no specific and credible input of threat to Randeep Singh Surjewala from any terrorist or militant outfits, the reply said. Surjewala had earlier sought security cover after alleging a sinister conspiracy to eliminate him due to political considerations. Haryana has already claimed that he has been provided with adequate security. In a reply before the High Court, HaryanaSP Surinder Singh said Randeep had beenprovided Y category security since November, 2014. No less than 11 cops were in his security, considering threat perception to Surjewalas life on reports from the state and central agencies. Bhanu P Lohumi Tribune News Service Shimla, January 9 Adversity often brings out the best in man. And, in mans best friend, without fail. Perhaps Brawnys sixth sense saved the lives of five members of a family in the heart of snow-laden Shimla this morning. Our pet dog suddenly started barking around 5.30 am. As I tried to take it out for a walk, it dragged me inside and pulled the blanket off my grandchildren, recalled Ramesh Dutt, a retired railway employee. Sensing that Brawny was trying to warn us about something, I peeped out and heard a sound as if branches of a tree were cracking. We rushed out and within minutes, a huge tree collapsed, piercing through the walls of our house, said Dutt, who retired from the Railways two months ago and is still residing in the official accommodation here. Our dog saved us all, said Dutt, who lives with his wife, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. Two rooms have been totally damaged. We are staying with neighbours, he said. On Saturday, a tree branch had pierced through the roof of the house occupied by Subash Chand, another railway employee. Fortunately, there was no one in the house at that time, said Chand, who was shifting his belongings to another house. Meanwhile, a team of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), led by Commanding Officer PC Rathuria and Assistant Commander Naveen, evacuated 230 persons stranded in snow between Fagu and Kufri today. We received a call from the Under Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, that 130 persons were stuck in snow. We rushed to the spot from the SSB telecom training centre, Kasumpti, to rescue people, SSB officials said. They also evacuated about 100 tourists, they added. Tribune News Service Shimla, January 10 If the state government feels helpless in dealing with heavy snowfall in the state capital, it should immediately step down and ask the Army to step in and restore normalcy, said former BJP state president and MLA from Shimla (Urban) Suresh Bhardwaj. What to talk of the areas in upper Shimla, the state government has failed to restore life in the state capital even after five days and district administration, Municipal Corporation or the state government is nowhere to be seen, Bhardwaj said addressing media persons here. Accusing the state government and the Shimla Municipal Corporation of not following the snow manual, he said that the residents of the city are yearning for basic facilities like power, water, telecommunication and transportation and the government is making false claims that electricity, transport and other facilities have been restored. Bhardwaj said that apart from the residences of Chief Minister, ministers and other VIPs, the city is still in dark. One can imagine what will be the situation of remote and far-flung areas, he said asked the state government where the disaster management was. The disaster management is restricted only to mock drills and they are unable to cope with real situations, he said adding that retired people have been given important positions and there is no coordination within the administration and the plight of the public is miserable. The ABVP also lashed out at the government and MC for their failure to restore the situation in the town. Kuldeep chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, January 10 An unpredicted heavy spell of snow laid bare all blatant lies of the disaster management authority last Saturday. Each and every drop of water trickling down from the melting snow collected on rooftops of houses has turned out to be a saviour for residents here as million dollar government machinery failed to restore electricity and water even after four days till late evening in this state capital. If last year it was the jaundice outbreak triggered by the contamination of Ashwani khud water sources that shocked the capital city in December- January this time it is a complete collapse of the governments water and electricity machinery and MeT office in the wake of the snowfall that has added to the misery of residents. As government machinery failed to deliver, residents resorted to traditional ways of meeting the water crisis in most of the 34 municipal wards in the capital city. They tried to harvest each and very precious drop water from the snow melting at the rooftops to meet their daily needs. We bucketed snow water to survive, said an elderly housewife here. From toilets to kitchen, snowmelt water was used not only by labourers and common man in the city reeling under water and electricity crisis for the last four days as all stocks of water ran dry. We are collecting water from the rooftops for use, said Rajmani and Hiramani, the two labourers from Bihar. Packaged water companies did brisk business as demand for the bottled water soared many times following the water crisis. Hoteliers procured private tankers to meet the demands of the tourists that continue to pour in from across the region for witnessing snowfall in the queen of the hills that stretched limited supply of water and electricity to limits, adding to the crisis. Only 20 MLD Guma water scheme was operational for the last three days providing water in the city. State electricity board claimed that they had restored electricity in most parts of the city and pumping house of Giri and Koti- Barandi. The pumping will begin soon and we hope to normalize the water supply in a day of two, said Shimla Mayor Sanjay Chauhan. Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 9 The elections seem to cast a shadow on the upcoming government school examinations in the state. With over 2,700 teachers already having been deputed on poll duties announced today, and more duties to be announced in the coming days, the months right before the exams are set to be busy for school staff. While the CBSE exams have been postponed to March 9 in view of elections in five states, the Punjab government has announced its V and VIII standard exams from February 20. The dates for Class X and XII board exams are yet to be announced. However, with majority of teachers in the Education Department apprehending election duties, teachers say unless the exam dates are postponed, it is bound to affect government school students. Of all department staff deputed for election duties, the Education Department has a lions share in the deputations. While many teachers have already been allocated duties as presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers in the list released today, many more shall be put on duty in the upcoming lists to be released from tomorrow onwards. The entire atmosphere is no less than a festival with majority of the teachers away. In such a scenario, there will be very few days during which teachers will be able to give time for serious preparations, a district teacher said. Another teacher from a rural area said, At my school, barring two, all teachers have got duties. While the first upcoming duty is on January 15 which is Sunday, the subsequent ones fall on weekdays. Although its our job to do duties during elections, and it is important to us, but due to the very nature of the charged-up political scene and the duties, the scenario is bound to affect studies, even though we are away from schools only on duty days. Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, January 9 Observing that the five-month-long violence in Kashmir was pre-planned and preparations for the bloodshed and destruction were made well in advance, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today announced setting up of district-level Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to probe the killings. She blamed Pakistan as well as separatists for sabotaging the peace process. Winding up debate on the adjournment motion in the Assembly, Mehbooba, in her 40-minute address, reminded the National Conference (NC) that the 2010 unrest in the Valley, when Omar Abdullah was heading the NC-Congress coalition, was a spontaneous reaction to isolated incidents. However, the 2016 violence was a well-planned conspiracy hatched by vested interests to spread bloodshed in the state, she said. The adjournment motion, moved by the Opposition to discuss the unrest, was accepted by Speaker Kavinder Gupta on January 3. Without naming any organisation, Mehbooba said: Preparations for it (violence) were made well in advance and when irrelevant issues like separate Kashmiri Pandit Colony and Sainik Colony did not work, they triggered the violence over the killing of Burhan Wani. Burhan, a self-styled militant commander, was killed in an encounter on July 8, 2016. After his killing, the Valley witnessed bloodshed and destruction for five months. Within minutes after getting the news about the killing of Burhan, we instructed the security forces and the local police to maintain restraint at any cost to avoid collateral damage, but there were some forces who instigated innocent youth to attack police stations or pickets of security forces, she said, adding: Some elements used small children as a shield and pushed them inside camps of security forces and police stations. She said: It is easy to say that the security forces could have exercised restraint but when a mob attacks a police station with petrol bombs, stones and axes, it becomes difficult. Blaming Pakistan and separatists for sabotaging peace process, Mehbooba said Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Lahore but it was followed by the Pathankot terrorist attack. Taking a dig at the separatist groups for not meeting members of the all-party delegation that visited Kashmir in the first week of September 2016, she said: The whole nation had their eyes on those (separatists') doors but they did not open them for several senior leaders who visited their homes. She said had the separatists opened their doors, it could have led to the beginning of a dialogue. On September 5, 2016, Sharad Yadav, D Raja and Sitaram Yechury, who were members of the all-party delegation, arrived at Syed Ali Shah Geelanis residence. However, Geelani had refused to meet them. While announcing setting up of a separate SIT to probe the killing of a lecturer and an ATM guard, she announced setting up of SITs in each district to investigate the killings and injuries and to ascertain if excessive force was used to deal with the situations. Seizing the opportunity to expose those who were involved in fomenting trouble in the Valley, she pointed out that the injured were not allowed to go to hospitals. Even pregnant women were asked to show their baby bumps to prove their pregnancy to allow them to hospitals, she added. At the India Today Conclave South, Narayanasamy hits out at the Modi government saying that the demonetisation was implemented without any preparation. By India Today Web Desk: Questioning the Narendra Modi government over note ban, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said that demonetisation was 'thinking in right direction' but much more needed to be done. Narayanasamy said, "I am not against demonetisation. Thinking is in the right direction, but the question is can India do it in one go? Where is the infrastructure? There are just 2.14 lakh ATMs for 130 crore population." advertisement Narayanasamy hits out at the Modi government saying that the demonetisation was implemented without any preparation. "Demonetisation has not been done by taking all aspects into consideration. It was not planned properly, not discussed properly and not implemented properly," the Puducherry Chief Minister said at the India Today Conclave South in Chennai. He rejected the argument that those opposing demonetisation were supporting black money. "We are against black money. People holding black money should be booked. But, the way demonetisation has implemented has created problems for many especially the farmers and small traders," Narayansamy said. Replying to query about the Centre's push for making Puducherry as the model state for cashless transactions, Narayansamy admitted that there were differences between the home ministry and the Puducherry government. To push cashless transactions in Puducherry, the home ministry reportedly gave certain directions to the chief secretary of Puducherry via video-conference, to which Narayansamy objected. "I wrote to the Prime Minister and said don't try to impose any of your policies on our government until we agree to it," Narayansamy said. The Puducherry CM further said that after he raised the matter with the PM, the video-conferencing stopped. WHAT ELSE DID HE SAY: THINGS TO KNOW Narayansamy said, "Puducherry has lost commercial tax upto 30 per cent for November and December after demonetisation was announced." "Farmers are the worst affected by demonetisation. Earlier, they used to take loan from cooperative societies. Now they cannot do so. The Centre has asked the farmers to buy seeds from government stores. But where is the money available," asked Narayansamy. Narayanasamy said that only "2 per cent people in the country use cashless transactions while 70 crore people don't have bank accounts." On the question of tussle with Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, Narayansamy said, "There are established rule do run the government. I don't disturb anybody I don't want to be disturbed by anybody," while maintaining that the two are not rivals but take everything in "right spirit". Responding to a question about comparison between former prime minister Manmohan Singh and present PM Modi, Narayansamy said, "Prime Ministers are Prime Ministers. Chief Ministers have to work in coordination with the Government of India. When we coordinate with the government, the states will progress. We have to work with the Centre." --- ENDS --- advertisement Vikram Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, January 10 The government today announced that the encroachments around the Tawi river bank will be cleared to make way for an ambitious lake project. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said this in the Legislative Council while responding to a supplementary question asked by PDP MLC Surinder Choudhary. National Conference and Congress people (leaders) are responsible for the filth (referring to encroachments) on the Tawi riverbed. They facilitated the encroachments along the riverbed which have severely affected the Tawi beautification and preservation project, said Choudhary, demanding a strict action against the land encroachers. Nirmal Singh said, Howsoever powerful the earlier regimes might have been or the influence they had upon the encroachers, none will be spared and all illegal encroachments will be removed to facilitate beautification of the Tawi river. Earlier, responding to a question of BJP MLC Ashok Khajuria regarding the filth and garbage from various nullahs flowing into the river, Nirmal Singh said cluster sewerage treatment plants (STPs) were being set up in different areas to clear waste and slush from the nullahs. He said 10 nullahs falling on the right bank of the Tawi river were being treated at the STP at Bhagwati Nahar under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Different supplementaries on the Tawi river beautification, its development on the Sabarmati pattern and cleaning its water from were raised by BJP MLC Ramesh Arora and Vibodh Gupta. The Deputy Chief Minister assured them that comprehensive policies were being adopted by the government for it. Regarding fixed a deadline for the completion of the artificial lake project on the river, the Deputy Chief Minister said the project was under implementation with the Public Health and Engineering and Irrigation and Flood Control Departments. The timeline for the completion of the design and the construction of a barrage across the river at Belicharana is June, 2017, said Nirmal Singh. Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, January 10 An unidentified militant was killed in a gunfight in north Kashmir's Bandipora district in the wee hours on Tuesday. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The gunfight erupted at around 5 am when joint teams of forces cordoned Parrey Mohallah Hajin, some 30 kms from Srinagar, after an input about militant presence. As soon as cordon was being laid, militants opened fire and tried to break the cordon. The fire was retaliated, triggering a gunfight. In the encounter, an unidentified militant was killed, police sources said. The search operation in the area is still underway. Vikram Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, January 10 The Legislative Assembly today witnessed noisy scenes, first over a remark of the Speaker, Kavinder Gupta, which, according to protesting Opposition members, was out of context and a misquote, and second on frightening of the Gujjar community in Kathua district. The first issue was resolved when the Speaker withdrew his remark and Opposition members got satisfied with it but not before the House witnessed ruckus over the issue for first 20 minutes. During those 20 minutes, Opposition members of the Congress and National Conference (NC) raised slogans against the Speaker and alleged that he was working on the directions of the RSS. They also labelled him as communal Speaker. Once this issue got resolved, another issue related to attack on the Gujjar community in Kathua district was raised by Independent legislator Engineer Rashid and National Conference member Mian Altaf came in his support. While these MLAs were protesting and demanding answer from the government, other Opposition MLAs also came in their support and pandemonium was back in the House. This continued for 25 minutes and ended only when Opposition members staged a walkout from the House alleging that the government did nothing to save minorities in the state. Later speaking to the media, National Conference MLA Mian Altaf said a 12-year-old boy was missing, three big grass hutments were set ablaze, one vehicle damaged and 10-12 people got injured, while the government was having no information about it. It is the present government or a political party in the government which is giving air to these disturbances which is very unfortunate. No action has been taken against the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, or the officials of the police station under whose jurisdiction the area falls, said Mian Altaf. We leave it to the wisdom of the people to see whether it is Pakistan, NC or Congress which is creating the trouble here. It is well known to the people that it is the present government which has put the state on fire and if the system goes on, the situation will turn worse, which will not be good for anybody, said Altaf. Congress MLA Nawang Rigzin Jora said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Abul Rehman Veeri had yesterday assured of extending protection to lives and livestock of the people, but today again seven houses of the community were reduced to ashes, which was unfortunate. Mohit Khanna Tribune News Service Ludhiana, January 9 Determined to crack the prestigious Common Admission Test (CAT), he gave up his comfort, took a break from his Bengaluru job and returned to the city nearly two months ago to concentrate on studies. His zeal did wonders as he scored 99.16 percentile by studying barely for two months that many students may find hard to believe. Eeshwar Sahnan worked in an international company in Bengaluru. He, sometime ago, decided to take a break and return to the city to focus on studies. An enthusiastic Sahnan says, In order to reach the next level, you have to come out of your comfort zone. It was a good firm I was working for, but I decided to take a break and focus on studies. I studied dedicatedly for nearly one and a half month and the result is before you. He gives credit to his parents and teachers of the institute where he was enrolled for preparation. It was IMS Institutes director Munish Dewan who instilled confidence in me due to which I managed to crack the CAT, he says. He is waiting for a call from the top IIM institute for admission. Another city student, Karanveer Singh, scored 98.79 percentile, bagging the second position. Institute director Munish Dewan said nearly 25 aspirants cleared the prestigious test. Earlier, Vishav Gupta had made the institute proud after he became all-India MAT topper by scoring cent per cent in the 800-mark test. Beside Eeshwar, others who have brought laurels to the city are Shubham Gupta (98.5 percentile), Chirag Arora (97.92%), Rashmi (97.05%), Ankita Jindal (95.39%) and Vishav Gupta (95%). Jamshedpur, January 10 It was a marriage with a difference. A cashless wedding was solemnised at a temple at Badia in East Singhbhum district within hours of a toilet being built at the groom's house. Prior to the marriage yesterday, the family members of the bride Sunita, a resident of Itihasa village in Chakradharpur of West Singhbhum district, and the bridegroom Subhash Nayak of Badia village, joined hands and provided voluntary services in the construction of a toilet in Nayak's home. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The construction work began late on Sunday night and was completed before the marriage was solemnised, said Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Collector in the Chief Minister's camp office here. Kumar, who convinced both families to opt for cashless marriage, said all payments for the marriage - from tent house rent to purchase of vegetables, groceries and jewellery - were made without cash. Even the 'Dakshina' (donation) to the priest who performed the marriage and gifts were presented to the couple online or through cheques, he said adding, both families as well as the villagers were happy to be part of the cashless society movement launched across the country. Kumar said the cashless marriage was presumably first of its kind in the state following the demonetisation move. BJP MLA (Ghatsila) Laxman Tudu, Circle Officer (Musaboni) Sadhucharan Devgam, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Musaboni) Ajit Kumar Vimal, environmentalist Jamuna Tudu and others presented gifts to the newly wed couple by cheques. A joint account of the couple was also opened instantly and an ATM card was handed over to them after the marriage, Kumar said adding, almost the entire village turned up to witness the unique cashless marriage ceremony. PTI New Delhi, January 9 Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said on Monday that the central government was trying to rescue 41 Indian sailors among them some from Punjab stranded in abandoned merchant ships in Ajman in United Arab Emirates. Indian Embassy has been asked to ensure that the stranded sailors have sufficient essential supplies. Reports claimed that 41 Indian sailors were stranded in four merchant ships two of which are believed to be leaking and face at the risk of sinking at Ajman anchorage after their owner "abandoned" them. "We have contacted the captains of the two vessels, ship owners, port authorities and the government. They have essential supplies to last for the next two weeks. We are helping in the settlement of their dues and release of the crew. I have asked the mission to ensure that Indian sailors do not suffer for want of essential supplies," Swaraj tweeted. On January 6, Swaraj had responded to tweets calling for help saying she would help. Stranded in Iraq She said several Indian workers from Telangana were currently stranded in Iraq which is currently battling Islamic State in the city of Mosul but the number was fewer than the reported 500. She also asked the to approach the Indian embassy in Erbil. "I have received the report from Iraq. The number is not 500 but much less (sic). We have repatriated 52 stranded Indian workers. We have requests from 4 more. All stranded workers should approach our Consulate in Erbil. "We request Indian workers not to overstay. The penalty is US$6000 in each case. Please approach the Consulate for repatriation," she said in a tweet. Reports said several Indians many of them from poor households were stranded in Iraq after the government tightened rules against illegal immigration as the country battles the Islamic State. PTI Gandhinagar, January 10 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with several heads of state and ministers who have converged here for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Ahead of the official inauguration of the Summit, the Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with various international leaders at Mahatma Mandir in the morning, starting with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. In a series of tweets, External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with leaders of Rwanda, Serbia, Japan and Denmark. A crisp January morning in Gandhinagar begins with full delegation level talks. PM with President @PaulKagame of Rwanda @VibrantGujarat, Swarup tweeted. The two leaders witnessed the exchange of an MoU on Forensic Sciences cooperation and Rwandas accession to the Internl Solar Alliance, said another tweet. Later, Modi held bilateral talks with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Economy Minister of Japan Seko Hiroshige and then with Energy Minister of Denmark Lars Clilleholt. Strengthening ties with Serbia. PM @narendramodi holds 2nd bilateral with Aleksandar Vucic, Serbian PM at #VibrantGujarat2017, Swarup said in another tweet. An enduring investment partner. 2 months after Economy Minister @SekoHiroshige called on PM in Tokyo, they meet @VibrantGujarat, he said. Learning from the leaders in renewable energy. PM @narendramodi with @larsclilleholt, Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate, Denmark, he tweeted. The Prime Minister is expected to hold similar meetings with other heads of state ahead of the official inauguration of the 8th edition of Vibrant Summit later in the day. Around 20 heads of state and ministers from different governments across the world are attending the summit. Nisha Desai Biswal, an Indian-American serving as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the United States Department of State, will attend the Summit along with a large US business delegation. Other prominent dignitaries are President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, Deputy PM of Russia Dmitry Rogozin, first Deputy PM and Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Poland, Poitr Glinski. PTI Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 10 Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, on his first day of campaigning in Punjab, today reportedly urged people in Mohali and Anandpur Sahib to cast their ballot for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as if they are voting for Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister, triggering a Punjabi versus outsider debate. While AAPs state leadership refused to elaborate, the SAD and Congress claimed there was a conspiracy to anoint Kejriwal as Punjab CM through the back door. Atishi Marlena, AAP spokesperson in Delhi, said Sisodias remarks had been twisted out of context. He (Sisodia) said vote as if Kejriwal is going to be CM. He did not say Kejriwal will be CM, Marlena explained. A senior AAP leader claimed Sisodia had been misunderstood. He sought votes in the name of Kejriwal as he is the man behind the AAP movement. He refused to make an official statement. There has been much speculation on AAPs chief ministerial candidate, with one of the aspirants, Bhagwant Mann (Sangrur MP) seeking peoples backing for his claim to the top post at election rallies. However, Sanjay Singh, the partys political affairs incharge, says it will be up to the elected MLAs to chose their CM. Sisodia, who it is believed will take over as Delhi CM if Kejriwal moves to Punjab, told the media that Kejriwal alone could solve Punjab's problems, taking on the Centre till all demands were met. Dr DS Cheema, SAD spokesperson, and partys Delhi leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa claimed that by projecting Kejriwal as AAPs face in Punjab, the party leadership had accepted that none of its state leaders were worthy of the CMs chair. Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh said Sisodias statement was no surprise as the Congress had all along maintained that Kejriwal had his eyes on Punjab. It would be suicidal for Punjab if his nefarious design succeeds, he added. (With inputs by Kulwinder Sangha in Mohali and Arun Sharma in Anandpur Sahib) QUOTES AAPs conspiracy to foist an outsider on Punjab is now out in the open. It has chosen a Haryanvi who has already bartered away interests of Punjab on SYL. Sukhbir Singh Badal, sad chief and deputy CM It is sheer manipulation of the electorate. Sisodias statement makes it clear that Kejriwal is scheming to become Punjab CM. This is a mockery of the democratic process, and AAP will have to pay for it. Preneet Kaur, Congress leader It may be an attempt to create a media hype around Kejriwal. But if they are serious, it will not only be disrespect to the people of Delhi, but also to the political acumen of Punjab and Punjabis. Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, patiala MP New Delhi, January 9 The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the central government to take criminal action against non-governmental organisations misusing public funds. A bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar gave the central government and Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) which comes under Rural Development Ministry until March 31 to conduct audit of NGOs in the country and submit a report. The case will now be heard on April 5. The court was hearing a petition filed by an advocate, ML Sharma, who wanted NGOs to be accountable for the grants they receive. The development comes amid the central government's vetting of NGOs across the country, which has led to fears of crackdown on dissent. Agencies R Sedhuraman Legal Correspondent New Delhi, January 10 The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Centre to recover the funds given to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), voluntary agencies and societies if these outfits were found to have misused public money. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar also asked the government to file criminal cases against the NGOs and other organisations for misappropriation or embezzlement of the funds instead of utilising these for the intended purpose. The recovery and criminal proceedings should be launched on the basis of a financial audit to be initiated immediately and completed by March 31, 2017 without fail, the bench said. Most of the funds had been given by the Council for Advancement of Peoples Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) functioning under the Union Rural Development Ministry. The apex court also directed the government to put in place an effective mechanism to prevent these organisations from misusing public funds. It was not sufficient to merely blacklist the NGOs that failed to file the mandatory annual returns explaining their income and expenditure, the bench said. There should be regulatory and penal provisions to ensure their proper functioning and each rupee given to them was accounted for, the bench said. It asked the Centre to file the audit report to the court before the end of this financial year and posted the PIL by advocate ML Sharma for further hearing in April. The bench passed the order after perusing a 2008-09 report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) showing large-scale misuse of funds given by the Centre and state governments to these organisations. It lamented that subsequent CAG reports had not been given to the court. The apex court also made it clear that status reports along with affidavits in such cases should be filed by officials in the rank of not less than Joint Secretary. It had earlier said that if necessary the issue could be referred to the Law Commission for preparing a comprehensive draft law to put in place a necessary legal framework. The apex court had passed the order after being surprised by the fact that nearly one lakh NGOs were there in Assam alone, while there were about 32 lakh such organisations across the country. The court has already ordered a CBI probe. Punjab and Haryana have a disproportionately high concentration of NGOs going by the population of the two states and the NGOs in other states, information given by CBI to the Supreme Court shows. While Haryana had more than one lakh (1,00,611) NGOs, Punjab accounted for 84,752 such organisations. CBI has filed the report in response to an apex court order asking the agency to conduct a survey on the total number of NGOs in the country and go into their functioning to ascertain their financial irregularities. By Press Trust of India: extradite Davy Gandhinagar, Jan 10 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked Denmark to extend full support in the extradition of Purulia arms drop case accused Kim Davy, taking into account Indias "sensitivities". The matter was raised by Modi during a call on by Danish Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate Change Lars Christian Lilleholt, who is here to attend Vibrant Gujarat summit. advertisement "The Prime Minister raised the issue of Kim Davys extradition and hoped that Denmark would take into account Indias sensitivities and extend full cooperation. The Danish Minister assured that Denmark was seized of the matter," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. Last month, India had made a fresh request to Denmark seeking extradition of Niels Holck aka Kim Davy, an accused in the 21-year-old Purulia arms drop case. The fresh Indian plea was made after previous attempts to bring him to India for facing prosecution failed as the courts in Denmark rejected the extradition request. During the meeting, Modi also expressed his gratitude for Denmarks support to Indias membership of MTCR and NSG. The two also discussed bilateral trade cooperation with the Prime Minister asserting that India-Denmark trade of USD 2.8 billion and Danish investment of USD 6 billion in India showed the strength of trade and investment ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister sought Danish participation in the areas of ports and shipping, waste water management and energy efficiency, in all of which Denmark has considerable expertise, Swarup said. On his part, the Danish Minister conveyed greetings of the Danish Prime Minister and said that Denmark greatly appreciated Modis vision for modernising India. Denmark was keen to participate in Indias smart city project and was awaiting an early visit by Minister of Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu, the visiting minister conveyed and added that Denmark was also keen to cooperate in the area of green energy particularly wind and solar. Observing that India has set ambitious targets for combating climate change in COP21 with plans to install 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, Modi said Denmark could be a valuable partner in the area. Emphasising that new innovation was needed in the wind energy sector, the Prime Minister advocated a hybrid model where benefit could be driven from both solar and wind energy through an integrated system. Modi also sought Denmarks participation in the international Solar Alliance which would promote innovation, research, affordable and sustainable technology, especially for smaller countries, Swarup said, adding that Denmark and India had both prioritised Mission Innovation. PTI PYK SC --- ENDS --- advertisement Panaji, January 10 In a move that could queer the pitch for the ruling BJP, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) and NDA ally Shiv Sena today formed a grand alliance for the Goa Assembly elections next month. While GSM was floated by RSS rebel Subhash Velingkar, MGP, the oldest regional outfit of the state, recently severed its ties with the BJP and pulled out its two ministers from the Laxmikant Parsekar cabinet. All three parties will opt for seat sharing during the Goa polls. This would be a grand alliance among like-minded forces, MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar said in the presence of Velingkar representing GSM and Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena. The alliance, which will be contesting 35 of the 40 seats, declared Sudin as it CM face. The partners, however, did not say what its stand is going to be in the remaining five segments. PTI Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 10 Mumbai-born Ashley Tellis could be appointed next US Ambassador to India by US President-elect Donald Trump, if media reports emanating from Washington are to be believed. The choice of Tellis will be a pleasant one for many in the Indian establishment here. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar worked closely with Tellis during the Indo-US civil nuclear agreement. Tellis was then senior adviser to the state departments under-secretary of state for political affairs during the nuclear negotiations. Tellis is currently working as a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington based think-tank. He has written extensively on India and is the author of books like Indias Emerging Nuclear Posture (2001) and Interpreting Chinas Grand Strategy: Past, Present, and Future (2000). Another name that is doing the rounds for the coveted post is that of Shalabh Kumar. He launched the Republican Hindu Coalition in November 2015 and is known to have contributed at least a million dollars to the Trump campaign. Sources said Kumar was responsible for arranging two significant meetings one of foreign secretary Jaishankar with Vice President-elect Mike Pence and another between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval with the NSA-designate Michaeil Flynn. The current US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, has already tweeted that January 20 would be his last day in office. R Sedhuraman Legal Correspondent New Delhi, January 10 The Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted nine people sentenced to 10-year jail under the anti-terror law TADA for looting Rs 5.7 crore from Punjab National Bank in Ludhiana in 1987. The crime was then described as the biggest bank robbery in the country. A Bench comprising Justices Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Rohinton Fali Nariman held that the CBI had failed to prove that the Rs 60 lakh recovered from the convicts were in fact part of the looted money, advocate RK Kapoor, who argued for a convict, said. Among those convicted by TADA special judge, Ludhiana, on November 20, 2012, were Sikh Students Federation ex-President Daljit Singh Bittu and his close associate Gursharan Singh Gamma, who were allegedly working with Gen Labh Singh of the Khalistan Commando Force. The special court under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), which now stands repealed, had convicted and sentenced 13 accused persons. Two of the convicts withdrew their appeals in the apex court as they completed 10 years in jail in the absence of bail, while two died. Among those who had come in appeal to the Supreme Court were Balwinder Singh, Harjinder Singh and Harbhajan Singh. In its judgment, the TADA court had held that it was clearly established that the robbery was committed with the intention to either overawe the government or strike terror in a section of people. According to the prosecution, the accused had committed the crime on February 12, 1987 by donning police uniform to enter the Millarganj branch of PNB at 9.45 am. Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 10 SAD president Sukhbir Badal today blamed AAP MP Bhagwant Mann for the attack on his cavalcade in Jalalabad on Sunday. Sukhbir said Mann had been instigating people in his rallies to stone Akali leaders. "We don't resort to such measures. The Election Commission should take note of Mann's inflammatory speeches," he said adding the AAP should not see the Akali politeness as a sign of weakness. AAP giving fight on 22 seats Sukhbir claimed that the Akali Dal would win 70-80 seats, while AAP would get less than 10. "AAP is giving us credible fight on 22 seats in total. And our real fight is not with AAP or the Congress. It is with Congress rebels who will get more votes than the main Congress candidates," Sukhbir said. Sukhbir made fun of Congress manifesto saying it was a stamp on development during the 10 years' of the SAD-BJP rule. "The Congress manifesto is silent on power generation, road connectivity and water supply and sewerage. It is because the Akali Dal has already provided all these," he claimed. Taking a dig at Manpreet Badal, Sukhbir said Manpreet had quit the SAD on the issue of ending subsidies for the farmers, but now he had promised the same in his manifesto. On Congress promise of ending VIP culture, he said: "Manpreet and his father have 20 gunmen. They had sought the security. They use red beacons on their vehicles. Other Congress MLAs also use it. When they are using the facilities of a VIP while being in Opposition, wonder what they will do on coming to power?" The SAD president said the Congress had even gone back on the loan waiver promise for which the party had got lakhs of forms filled from farmers. He said the level of skullduggery by the party could be seen from the fact that the nine-point agenda released by Amarinder promised a loan waiver to farmers, but the fine print in the official manifesto released by former PM Manmohan Singh only stated that the party would vigorously pursue to get the loans waived. Vishav Bharti Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 10 A land acquisition notification issued by the Punjab government just a day before imposition of the model code of conduct has raised eyebrows. On January 3, a notification was issued to acquire more than 100 acres of land to build a 200 feet wide road to provide better connectivity of New Chandigarh. The new road incidentally will also give better connectivity to Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badals luxury resort Sukhvilas from the international airport. According to sources, the Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a notification for acquisition of 112.61 acres of eight villages at the public expense for public purpose. A 200 feet wide road will be built on this land, which will commence from Desu Majra village that is located close to the airport road on the Chandigarh-Kharar highway. The road will pass along eight villages and end up at Rani Majra village, located at the newly built 100 feet wide Boothgarh-New Chandigarh road. This is further connected to the Kurali-Chandigarh road. The Kurali-Chandigarh road leads to Sukhvilas at Palanpur village, around 5 km from Rani Majra. At present, the luxury resort is connected through either the PGI-Mullanpur road or through the Kurali-Chandigarh road. If someone has to travel from the airport to the resort, he or she either has to cross Chandigarh or first go up to Kurali and then take the Chandigarh-Kurali road. Sources in GMADA revealed that there are already three roads connecting New Chandigarh to Chandigarh or Punjab and this road was especially designed to provide better connectivity to Sukhvilas from the airport. They say that all the formalities to acquire land were completed at an unimaginable pace. The Social Assessment Report of the Master Plan states the road will improve connectivity of the affected villages to Mohali-Kharar road, Eco-City, Edu-City, Baddi and Mullanpur. It will also improve the connectivity with the airport as earlier the people had to cover a longer distance. It will save time, state the official documents. According to the impact assessment report of the project, a total of 197 families will be displaced to build this road. What raises eyebrows is the timing of the notification, as also the fact that this road project was the only one to be picked among the other several projects of New Chandigarh the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of which had already been done. Earlier, acting on the complaint of alleged environmental violations by the Badal-Oberoi venture, The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resorts & Spa, the Regional Office of Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change had sought a report from the state government. Nothing to do with Deputy CMs venture: Govt Housing and urban development secretary Visvajeet Khanna, when contacted, said the entire process of land acquisition started three months back with preparation of the Social Impact Assessment Report for the project. When asked about the timing of the notification, he said he issued a notification on January 3 and how can I know that the code will come into effect on January 4? Khanna said the coming up of the road had nothing to do with the Sukhvilas luxury resort, which is 6 km from where the road will end. The road will be a huge advantage for New Chandigarhs townships and even GMADA has its own three townships in the same area, Khanna added. Acquisition in eight villages The eight villages where land is to be acquired are Jandpur, Desu Majra, Rani Majra, Palheri, Bahalpur, Daun, Husainpur,Sinhpur. The maximum land (31 acres) will be acquired in Palheri, followed by 25 acres in Rani Majra, 23 acres in Jandpur and 17 acres in Daun. AAP seeks EC notice "New Chandigarhs master plan has been designed to serve business interests of the Badal family. Earlier also roads were built with public money to provide better connectivity to Sukhvilas from Chandigarh. Instead of doing other public works, they smartly prioritised their personal work just before the code of conduct. The Election Commission should take note of this." Dinesh Chadha, co-convenor, AAPs RTI wing Deepkamal Kaur & Amaninder Pal Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 10 The Scheduled Castes account for about one-third (31.9 per cent) of Punjabs population. This figure is the highest among all states, yet the Dalit-centric Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has never reached the double-digit mark in the Assembly. What heightens the irony is the fact that the party was founded by a Punjabi, Dalit icon Kanshi Ram, back in 1984. In contrast, the BSP has repeatedly managed to form the government in Uttar Pradesh, where only 20.7 per cent of the population belongs to the SC community. The party was first voted to power in UP 21 years ago. Its supremo, Kanshi Rams successor Mayawati, has served as the Chief Minister four times. In Punjab, the partys highest tally (nine MLAs) was in the boycott-hit 1992 Assembly elections, when militancy was at its peak. The BSPs vote share dropped from 16 per cent in 1992 to just 1.9 per cent in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Dr Ashutosh Kumar, a Professor of Political Science at Panjab University, Chandigarh, and a fellow at the Centre for Social and Development Studies, gives the reasons for the BSP no-show. Punjabs Assembly is not a mirror image of its society. Dalits are nowhere in the power equation. In UP, the Dalit assertion was massive due to the large-scale oppression. Such oppression was missing in the border state. Here, Dalits have never voted en bloc, says Dr Kumar. He observes that the Dalit leadership in Punjab comes from the Ad-Dharmi (Ravidassia) community, whereas a major chunk of the SC vote bank consists of Valmikis. Moreover, Mayawati has never paid serious attention to this state, he adds. The party has drawn a blank in the past three Assembly elections. As many as 109 of the 117 candidates it fielded in the 2012 polls forfeited their security deposit. However, some of them played spoilsport for the Congress in Doaba, due to which the party was infamously labelled as Sukhbir Badals B-team. The party, which had nine MLAs in 1992 and three MPs (Phillaur, Hoshiarpur and Ferozepur) in 1996, impacted the poll results on at least 15 of the 23 seats in Doaba, besides a few in Malwa, including Chamkaur Sahib, Ludhiana North, Ludhiana East and Fazilka. No wonder Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal tried to woo Kanshi Rams sister on March 15 last year. That day, during a separate rally at Nawanshahr to mark Kanshi Rams birth anniversary, Mayawati had announced that the BSP would not have any tie-up in the state. This was the trigger that made many disillusioned leaders quit the party. There are several leaders of rival parties who used the BSP as their launch pad: Akali MLAs Pawan Kumar Tinu (Adampur), Avinash Chander (Phillaur), Des Raj Dhugga (Sri Hargobindpur) and Congress legislator Hardyal Kamboj (Rajpura). Akali Dals new faces Baldev Khera (Phillaur), Dr Sukhwinder Sukhi (Banga), Congress nominee Satnam Kainth (Banga), AAP candidate from Adampur Hans Raj Rana and Lok Insaaf Party nominee from Phagwara Jarnail Nangal, too, are former BSP leaders. AAP has inducted two of the partys former presidents Parkash Singh Jandali and Mohan Singh Phallianwala. The Congress recently poached BSP leaders Sammitar Singh Sikri, Arjan Singh and Ram Kishan Gujjar. In another setback to the party, state affairs incharge Narendra Kashyap was replaced last year after his name figured in a dowry death case in Uttar Pradesh. Among the partys prominent candidates this time is former state unit chief Avtar Singh Karimpuri, who has been fielded from Phillaur. It was from this seat that the BSP had got the highest number of votes (over 42,000) in the 2012 polls. In an attempt to woo the SC vote bank, Kejriwal had chosen Phillaur as the venue to release AAPs Dalit manifesto last year and even promised to appoint a Dalit Deputy CM in Punjab. Archit Watts Tribune News Service Lambi, January 10 Hath bann ke tuhanu benti hai Punjab nu bacha lao. Punjab taan hi bachuga je ethe Akali-BJP sarkar bane. Centre vich vi aapni sarkar hai. Hun ohna de aaun naal hi eh univesitiyan, AIIMS, Amritsar nu heritage status, smart city sab miliya hai says Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, while seeking voters at his home turf Lambi. The grand old man of the Punjab politics is covering nearly 12 villages daily. He does not forget to say that he would not able to come again to the village, asking SAD workers to continue campaigning. Despite his old age and chilly weather, he remains stick to his schedule and reaches all villages well in time. He terms AAP nominee Jarnail Singh an outsider, saying: They have sent a man from Delhi, which means they have no one to contest from here in the state. He then moves to the next village accompanied by a large number of security personnel and a few SAD leaders. Notably, his security has been beefed up after Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badals cavalcade was pelted with stones in Jalalabad on Sunday. Are female drinkers still socially unacceptable? A study finds that women who binge drink are portrayed more negatively by the media than men who do the same. A recent study, published in BMJ Open, sheds light on the same and examined how the media reports womens and mens drinking habits. According to researchers from the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University, newspaper coverage misrepresents the fact that binge-drinking remains a predominantly male activity. They analysed 308 articles published over two years in seven British national newspapers. The findings indicate that womens binge drinking was given more coverage, despite men drinking more in reality. It also found that as well as misrepresenting differences in the amount each gender drinks, articles depicted womens and mens binge drinking in different ways. Media coverage of womens binge drinking isnt just about health or public disorder; it also performs a moralising, paternalistic role, reflecting broader social expectations about womens public behaviour, said Chris Patterson from the University of Glasgow in the Scotland. Autoimmune diseases decoded Scientists have discovered a new molecular mechanism behind some autoimmune diseases, an advance that may pave the way for new treatments against conditions caused by hyperactive immune systems. While the immune system is crucial for protecting the body from infection and disease, prolonged activation can damage healthy tissue. After its activation, the immune system is shut off by specialised immune cells known as regulatory T cells (Treg cells), researchers said. Understanding the development of Treg cells is thought to be critical for combating autoimmune diseases. The development of Treg cells in the thymus depends on super-enhancer establishment, said Shimon Sakaguchi from Osaka University in Japan. This super-enhancer establishment permits the expression of genes specific for Treg cell development. Super-enhancers appeared to be a pre-requisite for Treg cell development, so we sought molecules controlling super-enhancers, said Sakaguchi. Researchers report that Satb1 regulates the super enhancers essential for Treg cell development. Looking at the Treg cell development pathway, the scientists found that the level of Satb1 was the highest before Treg cells develop, and dropped after Treg cell development. Further study showed that Satb1 bound to the super enhancers responsible for Treg cell development, but again, only in progenitors that differentiated into Treg cells and not Treg cells themselves. Therefore, Satb1 may regulate the epigenetic changes that precede the creation of Treg cells. Your exercise routine is your kids too A new study suggests that kids aged three to five are more likely to be physically active if their parents increase activity and reduce sedentary lifestyle. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, examined the impact of parent modeling of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in low-income American ethnic minorities, included data from more than 1,000 parent-child pairs. The participants live in metro areas of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Nashville, Tennessee. Each parent and child wore an accelerometer for an average of 12 hours a day, for a week. Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the US found that the preschoolers' total physical activity was 6.03 hours per day with 1.5 hours spent in moderate to vigorous activity. "This study highlights how important parents' physical activity is to shaping their young children's physical activity," said principal investigator Shari Barkin. Agencies SMA KAZMI Tribune News Service Dehradun, January 10 The Congress as well as the BJP are awaiting the list of candidates of each other and hoping to rope in winnable rebel candidates. Both parties, involved in a fierce electoral battle, are trying every trick of the trade to get past one another in the state Assembly polls scheduled to be held on February 15. Both parties are not expected to release their list of candidates before mid January. The BJP, which is making a serious bid to capture power from the Congress, finds itself in a bind on the issue of giving ticket to 10 rebel Congress legislators who defected to the BJP in March 2016 in an unsuccessful bid to dethrone the Congress-run state government, led by Chief Minister Harish Rawat. Although, on the surface there is not much talk of rebellion in the disciplined ranks of the BJP with party national president Amit Shah directly overseeing the election preparations. However, insiders point out that there is a lot of turmoil going on and rebellion by some of the BJP leaders cant be ruled out. The BJP is finding it difficult to give party nomination to Congress rebels as it can fuel discontentment among several BJP aspirants who have been working in their respective segments for years. The party leaders point out that on the Kedarnath seat, sitting Congress legislator Shaila Rani Rawat defected to the BJP. She is facing anti-incumbency while her rival Asha Nautiyal, a former BJP legislator, has an edge over her. However, if Shaila Rani Rawat gets the BJP ticket, it will leave Asha Nautiyal dissatisfied. Similarly, Om Gopal Rawat lost to Subodh Uniyal of the Congress from Narendranagar in Tehri Garhwal by a narrow margin in the 2012 Assembly elections. Subodh Uniyal has since crossed over to the BJP and is a hopeful of the ticket, much to chagrin of Om Gopal Rawat, who has been vocal against the party nomination to Subodh. Former minister Harak Singh Rawat had added to the woes of the BJP by claiming the ticket from Lansdowne in Pauri Garhwal, much to the discomfort of sitting BJP legislator Dilip Singh Rawat. The BJP Central leadership has to do a tight rope walk in adjusting rebel Congress legislators. Chief Minister Harish Rawat is hoping to rope in strong BJP rebels, particularly on the seats of rebel Congress MLAs. He has already attacked the BJP for attempting to put up dummy candidates to cut through Congress vote bank on various seats where neck and neck battle was expected. Tribune News Service Dehradun, January 10 Chief Minister Harish Rawat was admitted to the Doon Hospital today after his blood pressure shot up and he complained of pain in the neck. Doctors attending on him have advised him rest. However, he was released from the hospital within a few hours. Rawat complained of uneasiness and a pain in neck following which he was admitted to the Doon Hospital at around 9 am today. According to Chief Ministers media adviser Surendra Kumar, the Chief Minister was given necessary medicines at the Doon Hospitals VVIP ward and later he left for his Bijapur guesthouse residence around 11 am. Addressing mediapersons outside the Doon Hospital, the Chief Minister said he was suffering from cervical problem but was fit now. It is noteworthy that the Chief Minister had suffered injuries on his back and neck when his helicopter had to make an emergency landing in 2014. Peasant leader Dhirendra Singh, who made news in 2011 by driving Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on his bike during the Bhatta Parsaul agitation, has joined the BJP. By Shashank Shekhar: In an indication of the rough ride ahead for the Congress in the crucial Uttar Pradesh elections, the man who drove party vice-president Rahul Gandhi to the Bhatta and Parsaul villages on his motorcycle at the height of the 2011 farmers' agitation has joined the BJP. Dhirendra Singh said he was upset with the party's functioning in the state and with the team of poll campaign strategist Prashant Kishor. advertisement Rahul had sneaked into the tense neighbouring villages on May 10, 2011 on the back of Singh's bike and was later arrested for a few hours. The area had seen violent clashes between the police and farmers over the then Mayawati-led state government's land acquisition policy. NO GROUND WORK BY CONGRESS OF LATE "For the past 3-4 months, I could see no solid ground work by the party. All the secretaries appointed by the party were busy keeping senior leaders happy," he told Mail Today. Singh claimed that farmers backed the Congress in UP in the past as the party stood for their rights. "We fought for farmers on issues related to land acquisition. I asked senior leaders to address the issues of farmers of Uttar Pradesh but no one in Delhi took interest," he said. Expressing his disappointment with Kishor's team, he said, "Young volunteers from PK's team started ill-treating party's senior members by giving them orders." Sharing one of his experiences, Singh said a member in his 20s from Kishor's group called up to ask with how many buses filled with farmers was he reaching Deoria. "We are at a stone's throw from Delhi and he was instructing farmers from here to travel 900 kilometres in a bus to Deoria. Such behaviour is uncalled for," said Singh who is a resident of Rabupura area in Gautam Budh Nagar district and was associated with the Congress for three decades. SADDENED BY CONGRESS' INACTION: DHIRENDRA SINGH Singh said he is saddened by the party headquarters' inaction but did not blame Rahul Gandhi for the condition. "Rahul Gandhi is working for the party but people around him are insecure and misguiding him. I submitted my resignation to the All India Congress Committee on Saturday. I tendered my resignation before the party could announce its candidate for Jewar," said Singh, who is not optimistic of getting an election ticket from the BJP. In the previous assembly polls, Singh contested the Jewar seat and lost out in a close fight to BSP nominee Ved Ram Bhati. advertisement The move is likely to dent the Congress vote bank and change the political equations especially in Jewar assembly constituency where Singh has a strong network. The BJP has high hopes of winning the seat as he has been raising farmers' issues and has been at the forefront of protests. Winning India's main battleground state is vital for the BJP to strengthen the party's position in the Rajya Sabha, where it is still in the minority, before seeking a second term in the 2019 general election. Singh said his decision to join the BJP came only after consulting people from his constituency. CONGRESS DOING NOTHING FOR FARMERS "Congress was not doing anything for farmers so locals used to request me to join the BJP. Even I took the final decision only after consulting people living in Jewar constituency," he said. However, the Congress says Singh's exit would not have any impact on its poll strategy. A similar movement of politicians from the Congress to BJP was seen during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when Congress candidate from Gautam Budh Nagar, Ramesh Chand Tomar, left the party and joined BJP just a week before the polls. This led to a massive win for BJP candidate Mahesh Sharma. advertisement Also read: Rahul Gandhi missing in action ahead of crucial Uttar Pradesh, Punjab elections. Does he not care? --- ENDS --- Iranians gather around a hearse carrying the coffin of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani during his funeral in the Tehran on Tuesday. Rafsanjani was buried next to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the countrys Islamic revolution in 1979 and founded theocratic rule. Reuters Kandahar, January 10 An Afghan official says that at least seven people have been killed when a suicide bomber, who was on foot, carried out an attack in the southern Helmand province. General Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief, said that the target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand. He says those killed include civilian and military personnel, and that six others were wounded in Tuesday's attack. Kemtoz added that a car full of explosives was found nearby and that the police are trying to defuse it. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but the Taliban use suicide attacks or roadside bombs to target government officials and Afghan security forces across the country. AP Washington, January 10 US President-elect Donald Trump today appointed his 35-year-old son-in-law Jared Kushner as his senior adviser that would make him one of the most powerful individuals in the incoming White House team, prompting Democrats to immediately call for a review of the move, citing nepotism laws and potential conflicts. During the grilling presidential election campaign, Trump had publicly acknowledged the important role being played by 35-year-old Kushner, the husband of his daughter Ivanka Trump. Kushner has been a tremendous asset and trusted adviser throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration, Trump said in a statement. He has been incredibly successful, in both business and now politics. He will be an invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda, putting the American people first, said the President-elect. Kushner was instrumental in formulating and executing the strategy behind Trumps historic victory in November. Kushner has chosen to forego his salary while serving in the administration, the Presidential Transition Team said in a statement. The position, unlike Cabinet posts, does not require US Senate confirmation. Trumps transition team said there is no legal problem with having Jared Kushner serve in the White House because an anti-nepotism law enacted in 1967 does not apply to the presidents staff. The outgoing Obama Administration said it is for the President-elect to choose his team. Ill let President-elect Trump select whomever he would like to have around him. What I can tell you is that President Obama and all of those of us who served on his senior staff here in the White House went to great lengths to comply with the strict ethical requirements that the American people expect of people who are entrusted with so much authority, said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. PTI Kabul, January 10 Twin Taliban blasts struck near the Afghan Parliament in Kabul today, killing at least 38 persons, including civilians and military personnel, and wounding 72 others in the rush-hour attack that shattered a relative lull in violence in the capital. Taliban insurgents immediately claimed responsibility for the bombings, which struck as employees were exiting the parliament complex. The first explosion happened outside the parliament... a number of innocent workers were killed and wounded. It was caused by a suicide bomber on foot, Zabi, an injured parliament security guard, told AFP. The second one was a car bomb. It was parked on the other side of the road and flung me back when it detonated, he said. The blasts left 38 persons dead and 72 others wounded, most of them civilians including parliament employees, a security official said. Another security official said the explosions had left dozens of people dead. Around 70 wounded people had been rushed to hospitals, a health ministry spokesman said. The blasts went off near a parliament annexe, which houses offices of some lawmakers. But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the explosions targeted a vehicle belonging to Afghanistan's main intelligence agency. The Taliban are pressing ahead with nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually ebbs, as international efforts to jumpstart peace talks falter. Repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed, with a fierce new fighting season expected to kick off in the spring. Earlier today, a suicide bomber blew himself up in Lashkar Gah, the capital of the volatile southern province of Helmand, killing seven people, the local police chief said. The attacks underline concerns over growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where around 10,000 US troops are assisting struggling Afghan forces to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency along with Al-Qaida and Islamic State militants. Afghanistan last week welcomed the Pentagon's decision to deploy some 300 US Marines to Helmand, where American forces engaged in heated combat until their mission ended in 2014. The Marines will head to the poppy-growing province this spring to assist a NATO-led mission to train Afghan forces, in the latest sign that foreign forces are increasingly being drawn back into the worsening conflict. Agencies London, January 10 UK's Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to British Prime Minister Theresa May calling for a "fresh, independent investigation" into Britain's alleged involvement in the "appalling" Operation Bluestar in 1984. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Corbyn's letter to Downing Street, dated January 4, follows what he describes as "significant representations" from a wide range of representatives from the British Sikh community demanding details of the full extent of the UK's alleged role in the military action on Golden Temple in 1984. "Given concerns regarding the effectiveness and integrity of the January 2014 review, I believe we must consider a fresh, independent investigation into this episode in British history. It is clear to me from my discussions with Sikh groups in the UK that there remains significant resentment that over the 30 years since this most appalling event, questions remain about the role which the UK played, his letter reads. In 2014, then Prime Minister David Cameron had ordered the Heywood Review into the exact nature of British involvement in the Indian Army operation at the Golden Temple in June 1984 after documents released previously under the 30-year declassification rule had implied British SAS commanders had advised the Indian government as it drew up plans for the removal of militants from the Sikh shrine. The report concluded that the nature of the UK's assistance was "purely advisory" and provided to the Indian government at an early stage of planning. Corbyn's letter notes: "This review was felt by many to be inaccurate and the presentation of its conclusions to Parliament in February 2014 to be misleading. A valuable opportunity to bring greater transparency to this was lost with the recall of 33 FCO [Foreign & Commonwealth Office] India files from 1984, which had only been released late in August 2016 after 32 years (contrary to the 30-year rule). "This recall came within a matter of weeks of the files being released, depriving those interested of the opportunity to fully review their contents and sending a signal that the government is not committed to transparency." Making a reference to May's India visit last November as highlighting the importance she attaches to "building and maintaining positive relations with India", Corbyn called on the British PM to revisit the issue and commission an independent investigation and re-release the recalled files in the interest of transparency. A spokesperson for Corbyn said the Opposition leader is yet to receive a response to the letter from Downing Street. Meanwhile, Sikh Federation UK welcomed the move with its chair Bhai Amrik Singh expressing his gratitude to Corbyn. "We are grateful the Labour leader has written to Theresa May to call for a fresh, independent investigation and deliver the British public transparency. British Sikhs will continue to call for transparency and this can only be delivered through an independent investigation that has full access to all relevant papers," he said. Sikh Federation UK has maintained the files recalled by FCO hold further information on the issue and has launched an appeal for the secret documents to be made public. PTI Do they owners of these trailers know where they are? Maybe, maybe not. Photos: Tom Berg Last weekend I needed to be in my old home state of Wisconsin for a cousins funeral, and instead of driving up from Ohio I rode on Amtrak. It takes more time, but the ride is enjoyable because I can doze, watch the passing scenes, read a newspaper, magazine or book, and even do some writing. Im starting this item on Sunday. The funeral finished the day before; tears were shed, relatives and friends greeted, and I'm now headed toward home on Amtrak's eastbound Capitol Limited, rolling through the night in northern Indiana. In a few hours, just before midnight, well arrive in Toledo, where Ill leave the train, climb into my cold car and drive a couple of hours south to Westerville. Railroad tracks tend to run past Americas back yards. Some of the scenes are gritty, especially in old, big cities, where many things have deteriorated over the years and litter has been strewn and left to rot. Even in small towns and rural areas, there are abandoned and neglected buildings, and all kinds of debris scraps of old wood and chunks of aged concrete scattered around a property, and sometimes old cars and trucks, seemingly parked one last time by hoarders who probably werent aware that their unwillingness to discard anything is a recognized psychiatric disorder. Then again, while riding out of Milwaukee on the Hiawatha, I spotted a modern terminal, gleaming white in the winter afternoon sun, everything clean and orderly on its acres of clean concrete. Trailers were parked smartly in ranks or backed against docks, with several staged in precise lines nearby, apparently waiting to be grabbed and loaded, then sent on their way. Trailers! At new places and old, there were semitrailers, lots of them. Often in groups and usually white vans, some lettered and some anonymous, parked on cold pavement or gravel, some with their rear doors open, waiting for work. Very few were at loading docks; most sat in long rows, side by side, looking forlorn and forgotten. Does anybody know were here? they might cry if they could think. On the previous Friday morning, after the sun rose and the westbound Capitol rocked and rolled and sometimes glided its way toward Chicago, I mustve seen thousands of vans parked within sight of the tracks. And it occurred to me that in many cases, no one might know they were there. And if they did know, why were there simply so many sitting idle? Were they all really needed at each of the locations? Managers strive for productivity and equipment utilization, but I wonder how many trailers are moving freight even half the time in their lives. In the classic three trailers for each tractor, Trailer 1 is being loaded at Point A, Trailer 2 is being offloaded at Point B, while Trailer 3, with or without cargo, is being pulled between A and B. In that example, even when sitting still, Trailers 1 and 2 are doing something useful. But when theyre sitting by the scores, even hundreds, in yards, what use are they? Sure, in hook-and-drop operations, some of those trailers are loaded, waiting for a tractor to arrive, hitch up and take it away. But that tractor has probably dropped off another trailer, whether loaded or empty, and now it will sit a while before being attended to -- unless its dispatchers lose track of it, and then it'll sit there until somebody notices it and gets a message to its owner. I once heard of a trailer that had gone missing for something like seven years until a driver discovered it, its tires flat and sinking into muddy gravel, and alerted dispatch of it. What trailer? the dispatcher probably said, not aware of its existence until a call to the garage confirmed that, Oh, yes, we do have a Trailer 605803, its in the records here. Boy, we haven't seen it in a while. That was maybe 20 years ago. Today theres hope: Tracking devices attached to trailers can broadcast their whereabouts to anyone who cares. Just ping it, and it will note its location by global positioning satellite and silently yell, Come to these coordinates. Im here! Stolen and hijacked trailers, and often their loads, have been recovered because of these devices. Because of the tracking device on its nose, Schneider dispatchers can find this van any time. Photos: Tom Berg Tracking is one of the things that make dumb trailers smart (read more about smart trailers in February HDT.) Maybe a lot of those trailers I saw in northern Indiana and southeastern Wisconsin were being tracked, and there were transport plans for them. Dont worry, Tom, they couldve been saying. Relax and enjoy the ride on that train. I did. Rahul meets senior party leaders, likely to soon head to China as part of a Congress delegation to Beijing. By India Today Web Desk: After returning from a ten-day New Year break, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today held a meeting with senior party leaders at his residence in New Delhi. According to sources, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are also believed to have attended the meeting. The meeting was held to discuss the strategy ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, starting February 4. While the question of whether or not the Congress will ally with the Samajwadi Party is still to be resolved, the party is hoping to win Punjab, according to the India Today-Axis Opinion Poll. Rahul is likely to be soon headed for China as part of a Congress delegation to Beijing on the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for a week from January 15, party sources said. Senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Kumari Selja, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Rajeev Satav and Sushmita Dev, among others, will be part of the delegation. Also read: Rahul Gandhi missing in action ahead of crucial Uttar Pradesh, Punjab elections. Does he not care? Also watch: On PM's national address day, Rahul Gandhi catches a flight to go abroad on vacation advertisement --- ENDS --- OKLAHOMA CITY A committee that will delve into sexual harassment complaints filed against sitting lawmakers will examine a case involving Rep. Will Fourkiller, the panels chairman said Tuesday. House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, last month asked the House Rules Committee to investigate a sexual harassment and wrongful termination claim against Rep. Dan Kirby, R-Tulsa, as well as a settlement agreement on the claim and the process for dealing with allegations of sexual harassment. In a statement released early Tuesday, Rep. Josh Cockroft, R-Wanette, chairman of the Special Investigation Committee, said the panel will also look at a formal complaint filed against Fourkiller, D-Stilwell. In his initial response, Fourkiller said, I havent a clue what this is about. I am at a loss. I have called and texted Speaker (Charles) McCall about this, but he has not responded yet. This has floored me. I wish that at the very least I had been notified before Rep. Cockroft issued his statement, he said. I am certainly willing to work with the committee, after I have been told what Im suspected of having done. Jason Sutton, a spokesman for McCall, said a formal sexual harassment complaint against Fourkiller was made to the House Human Resources Department in April 2015. The House general counsel met with Fourkiller after the complaint was filed to discuss it, Sutton said. After being told the incident happened in April 2015, Fourkiller said he was informed by the House chief clerk and an attorney that a female page said Fourkiller had made her feel uncomfortable. I do not know what I did or said, but whatever it was I certainly didnt mean to do it, and I apologized, he said. He said that is the only incident that he was made aware of by House staff. The House declined to release a copy of the complaint, saying it was part of the complaining partys personnel file and cant be disclosed. There was no financial settlement in the complaint against Fourkiller, Sutton said. These complaints will be thoroughly and fairly investigated by the committee and the results of those investigations will be made public, Cockroft said. The committee will meet Wednesday to adopt rules to guide the process and for scheduling purposes, he said. In an effort to protect personal information of the alleged victims and unelected witnesses, the committee will conduct its investigation in private, Cockroft said. The goal of this investigation is to present the findings quickly and publicly so that Oklahomans can have confidence that the House of Representatives is a safe place for employees to work, he said. The Oklahoma House paid Kirbys former executive assistant, Hollie Anne Bishop, and her attorneys $44,500 in a settlement where she claimed he sexually harassed her and that she was wrongfully terminated after reporting it. Kirby and former House Speaker Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, who approved the settlement, said an investigation revealed that there was no sexual harassment. Hickman said it was cheaper to settle the claim than to go to court. Kirby initially resigned but then rescinded his resignation. He says he is innocent of the allegations, did not participate in the settlement agreement and welcomes the investigation. Cockroft said he hopes the panel will conclude its business in a timely manner, but it will take all the time needed to answer questions from members. Cockroft said he hopes to get the distraction out of the way before the legislative session begins. Lawmakers return Feb. 6 to the Capitol. A case was registered against him over his controversial comment on population growth last week. By India Today Web Desk: The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj for violation of model code of conduct and has sought a reply by January 11. A case was registered against him over his controversial comment on population growth last week. He was booked for hurting religious sentiments by blaming Muslims for the exponential population growth in the country. advertisement His speech came merely two days after the Election Commission had announced the dates for polling in five states including Uttar Pradesh. Addressing a public meeting in Meerut in election-bound Uttar Pradesh, Sakshi Maharaj had said, "This increase in population is not because of Hindus. Population has risen due to those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children." Also read: Former Chief election commission SY Qureshi lashes out at Sakshi Maharaj for population jibe Sakshi Maharaj was speaking at a function to inaugurate a temple in Meerut, where he urged the government to implement the Uniform Civil Code. While clarifying his remarks, Sakshi Maharaj later denied seeking votes in the name of religion. "It was a gathering of 'sadhus and sants', where political workers were not present. I did not seek votes during my speech." Also read: 'Those with 4 wives, 40 children' increased population, says Sakshi Maharaj; BJP distances itself Watch the video --- ENDS --- ABC has confirmed its four-part documentary Ice Wars, will premiere in early February. The series by Northern Pictures, with access to NSW Police Anti-Ice operations, was originally due in 2016. Going for Breaking Bad look, perhaps.? Australia has a problem with Crystal Methamphetamine. Street name: Ice. Filmmakers Northern Pictures had unprecedented access to NSW Police Anti-Ice operations in metropolitan as well as rural and remote communities. The series reveals the scope of the challenges facing law enforcement, health workers, users and the community as they try to mitigate, if not eradicate, the effects of Ice use in Australia. Police co-operation with the program makers means that viewers are left in no doubt as to the size of the problem. The struggle of health workers to help their patients in the face of increasing drug use and often limited resources, points to an array of possible solutions that can only be achieved by informed discussion leading to good policy and political action. We hear from Australians who have battled Ice personally or with their family and community and we hear from the police who must plan and execute their anti-Ice strategies daily. A small Ice lab in an ordinary suburban home is dismantled by the drug squad, with the police left to clean up the mess. In every case, whether its a suspected dealer working out of a pub, a small lab in a garage or a large scale operation awash with cash and drugs, and protected by guns, evidence gathering must be meticulous if police are to gain a conviction for something more serious than possession. A woman in the Sunshine Coast hinterland decides to rent out her granny flat to make a bit of extra money. When her health deteriorates, she discovers her new tenant is not a chef, but an Ice cook, whose midnight kitchen concoctions are making her ill. Every day of the week, first responders like Ashley Baker, who manages the Mental Health Trauma Unit in Blacktown Hospital, must try to assess and stabilize, then balance the care options for Ice users who are in extreme distress, with concerns for community safety. As former World Surfing Champion Tom Carroll attests, Ice filled a void in his life but stole everything he valued at the same time. Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie reveals the story of her fight to save her son Dylan from Ice addiction. She points to the despair and low self esteem experienced by many of his generation, fuelled by a lack of opportunity and jobs. Young men and women in regional communities like Wellington, Lismore and Nowra in NSW, are especially vulnerable to Ice for the same reasons. When Ice comes to town, its hard to kick it out. Reformed user Barry from Wellington puts it succinctly: Every second house is dealing, kids are using, its shocking. Ice Wars tells an important and urgent Australian story affecting our community that we all need to understand and address. Ice Wars (460 minute factual series) is a Northern Pictures production in association with ABC, Screen Australia and Screen NSW. Executive Producers: Sue Clothier, Alex Hodgkinson and Karina Holden. ABC Head of Factual, Steve Bibb. Tuesday February 7 at 8.30pm on ABC. Nines 60 Minutes debacle in Lebanon has been voted the Biggest Blunder of 2016 by readers in the TV Tonight Awards. The controversy topped the category by a country mile. However we again see Morning TV completely dominate the Worst Male & Female categories. When you are Live on TV every day with media dissecting your every move, you are in the hot zone. Karl Stefanovic has again been voted Worst Male and Most Over-Exposed Performer. While he took both of these in 2015 on the back of ill-fated The Verdict, it is worth noting that this years voting followed headlines surrounding his personal life. Sam Armytage again takes the Worst Female title, in a category dominated by morning TV faces, followed by Sonia Kruger and a first time inclusion in Tara Brown. Note that both Krugers remarks about Muslim immigration bans and Sunrises Sex and the City sketch both rank high in the Blunder of the Year category. Juggling profile careers with over-exposure is also a delicate act. Even Waleed Aly (yesterday ranking 2nd in Favourite Male) enters the over-exposed stakes this year -presumably for media coverage outside of TV appearances. But Karl Stefanovic took that one out too. Nine also dominates the Worst Show of the Year awarded to Married at First Sight. Were readers reacting to the content, two seasons in one year, or both.? Either way, not good news for the upcoming season. Yet again we see The Big Bang Theory divide viewers. Yesterday it won Best International Comedy. Today it takes out Worst International Show. You either love it or hate it there is no in-between. But who knew Game of Thrones had its detractors? This category drew a lot of different suggestions, but there were just enough haters of all-things-Westeros for it to scrape into fourth place. * denotes runaway winner Biggest Blunder of the Year: 60 Minutes Lebanon debacle* Sonia Kruger calls for Muslim immigration ban Sunrise Sex and the City sketch SBS Viceland replaces SBS2 (2015: The Verdict) Worst Male: Karl Stefanovic David Koch Grant Denyer Andrew Bolt (2015: Karl Stefanovic) Worst Female: Sam Armytage Sonia Kruger Tara Brown Lisa Wilkinson (2015: Sam Armytage) Most Over-Exposed Performer: Karl Stefanovic Grant Denyer Scott Cam Waleed Aly (2015: Karl Stefanovic) Worst Show (Australian): Married at First Sight Zumbos Just Desserts The Briefcase Youre Back in the Room (2015: The Verdict) Worst Show (International): The Big Bang Theory Life in Pieces Keeping Up with the Kardashians Game of Thrones (2015: The Big Bang Theory) There were 443 votes this year. 70% of you visit the site once a day or more with 87% voting the site Excellent or Very Good. Just 1 person voted it as Disappointing. Thanks again to all of those who participated! In November 2016, as cold winds swept across the Canadian prairie, Najwa and Reyad Al Hamoud welcomed their third child into the world. From her hospital bed, Najwa sent out a flurry of excited text messages announcing the birth of her daughter to a new, unlikely group friends members of a Hutterite colony half an hour away in Brandon, Manitoba. The Hutterites are a minority religious group in Canada, a branch of the Anabaptist Christianity movement loosely related to the Mennonites and Amish. Members live in colonies scattered across the western provinces and are set apart by their distinct clothing women wear long, colourful dresses and black kerchiefs, while men don dark pants, work shirts and suspenders. A colony near Wawanesa stepped up to sponsor the Al Hamoud family, who are among more than 31,000 Syrians resettled in Canada over the last year. Meet the Hutterites colony who stepped up to sponsor the Al Hamoud family from Syria Paul Waldner, an educator in the colony, was the first to suggest the idea after a visiting Hutterite teacher from Germany told him how the colony could make a difference by helping refugees in need. Paul then approached his father, president of the colony, who told him: Our ancestors were refugees long ago people were always there to help them. Our ancestors were refugees long ago people were always there to help them. As the process moved forward, Paul and his wife Wanda turned to Enes and Fata Muheljic, a couple living in Wawanesa. They had arrived as refugees from Bosnia in the early 1990s, also privately sponsored by the community. When we saw the Al Hamoud familys papers, we saw ourselves and our journey, says Enes. We had to help. The Al Hamoud family and their sponsors spend an afternoon together. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Reyad Al Hamoud spends an afternoon with his friend and sponsor, Paul Waldner. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Sponsor Paul is teaching Reyad carpentry skills. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Alice Hofer (left) and her sister Elaine prepare food for the Al Hamoud children. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Elaine Hofer (left) hugs Raghad, the eldest Al Hamoud daughter, as Alice Hofer and Wanda Waldner prepare food for the young children. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Before the war, Najwa Hussein had taught at an elementary school in Hama, Syria. Her husband, Reyad, worked in construction. Just 10 days after they fled to Lebanon, the family home that Reyad had spent years building was destroyed in a bomb strike. The young Syrian family of four spent three years in exile and almost escaped by boat across the Mediterranean until, finally, they learned that they would be resettled in Canada. On the night of their arrival, a group from the colony packed themselves into a van and drove the two and a half hours to Winnipeg. When they came down the escalator [at the airport], I started to jump I was so excited, says Elaine Hofer, one of the familys sponsors. Members of the Hutterite community play with Raghad (left) and Ali. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Elaine Hofer takes Raghad Al Hamoud back into the house to warm up after tobogganing with other children at the Hutterite colony. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Elaine Hofer wraps Ali Al Hamoud in a blanket after the young Syrian spent the early afternoon in the snow. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Wanda Waldner warms up Raghad, who has been sledging on a nearby hill. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Members of the Hutterite group sponsoring the Al Hamoud family gather at Wanda Waldner's house. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Elaine Hofer (left) helps Najwa Hussein to care for her newborn daughter, Janna. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Najwa, who wears a hijab and felt nervous about arriving in a new country with unknown customs, was relieved when her sponsors came into view. When I saw their dress preserving their heritage and their origins this made me happy, she says. She loved that the Hutterites still spoke German as their first language and that minorities in a large country could keep their identity and traditions. A country doesn't change anyone. If one changes, its from the inside. While Paul, Wanda and Elaine were excited, not everyone on the colony was immediately receptive to sponsorship. Even Pauls daughter, Kayla, was apprehensive unsure why her father was challenging the stability of daily life. When they came down the escalator, I started to jump I was so excited." But the cold winter of the familys arrival gave way to the greenery and long days of summer, and the Al Hamouds were invited out for frequent bonfires and bike rides. Najwa would regularly make use of the colonys supply of vegetables, cooking together with Elaine and Wanda. The Muheljic family, alongside the Hutterites, patiently taught Reyad and Najwa to speak English. As the children spun around on the grass playing games, Paul, Reyad and Enes watched, sipping endless cups of Turkish coffee. In Kaylas graduation speech to members of the colony, months after the family arrived, she spoke of a life-changing experience. I never, ever, in a million years, would have figured they would snuggle their way into my heart as easily as they did, she told the audience. Later, the family made the difficult decision to move from Wawanesa to Brandon, the second largest city in the province, where jobs and school were closer. But, despite a half-hour drive from the colony to the city, visits were still frequent. In the lead up to the birth of Najwas daughter, the community fussed over her, making sure everything was perfect. When the text message went out that the baby had been born, the hospital room soon became a swirl of flowing dresses. Najwas sponsors, now close friends, rushed into see the newborn. As they crowded around, the couple revealed that they had named her Janna Arabic for paradise. Though it's an Arabic name, I felt part of name was for us, her Canadian family, and how we fell in love with each other, says Elaine. She captured both worlds with that name. From Far and Wide is a series of stories profiling the Canadians who have welcomed Syrian refugees with compassion and support. All across the country, strangers, friends, families and communities are creating powerful bonds of friendship that transcend language and culture, when they are needed the most. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 9 (PTI) The Supreme Court today said it wanted to hear the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on a plea seeking framing of an effective law to prevent torture and inhuman treatment of individuals in custody. A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and justices D Y Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao issued notice to Registrar General of NHRC for its response on the plea, besides asking the apex court registry to serve the notice to a lawyer who usually represents the rights body. advertisement The bench, which had earlier sought response from the government on a petition, was informed by the Centre that it would file an affidavit in the matter. Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre, said a writ petitioner cannot seek a legislation through the court as the issue fell under the domain of the Executive and the Legislature. The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by senior advocate and former law minister Ashwani Kumar, who has sought directions to empower agencies like NHRC with necessary enforcement capabilities and mechanism to implement its orders and directions. The court also appointed activist and senior lawyer, Colin Gonsalves, as an amicus curiae in the matter. Referring to Delhi University Professor G N Saibaba, a 90 per cent physically disabled and wheelchair-bound person who was allegedly brutalised by police in Nagpur Jail, the Congress leader said that torture meted out to thousands of prisoners in custody "shocks the constitutional conscience". Despite being a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, 1997, India has not ratified the convention so far since ratification requires an enabling legislation to reflect the definition and punishment for torture, Kumar said. (More) PTI SJK SKV MNL RKS ARC --- ENDS --- Displaced Mosul resident Haidar* speaks out about torture at the hands of extremists. UNHCR DUHOK, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Every time Haidar* sees a black car bumping through the camp for displaced Iraqis, the 20-year-old is afraid that it is someone looking to kidnap him. Five months earlier, Haidar was snatched off the streets of his hometown of Mosul by extremists and dragged before a court. My eyes were blindfolded and a judge accused me of posting inflammatory poems on the internet, he recalls. I denied the charges and knew they had only taken me because my father worked for the Iraqi forces. I didnt realize they had also taken my sister, Zaineb, until I heard her in another room begging them to release us. "They put electrical wires on my tongue and shocked me, saying it was because I spoke out against them." More than 100,000 residents of Mosul and its surrounding have fled since government forces launched an offensive on October 17 to retake Iraqs second city. Some, like Haidar and Zaineb, who are now safe in the care of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, recount the harrowing ordeals that they suffered under extremist rule. Taken from the court in Mosul to a prison by their captors, Haidar becomes agitated as he relates how the siblings were separated. Then the torture began. Kurdistan Region of Iraq: surviving torture (Vania Turner, producer / Houssam Hariri, camera.) Over a period of 18 days, they put electrical wires on my tongue and shocked me, saying it was because I spoke out against them. They would hang me upside down and hit me on the face, back and legs with hoses. It was so painful I asked them to kill me with a bullet. They told me they would not give me this gift, but said that one day I would be executed. In another part of the prison, Zaineb, who was accused of being a witch, was forced to watch fellow female inmates being executed. The dark-haired 23-year old speaks softly and sadly. They beheaded two women in front of me. One of them [was] a female police officer. As for me, I was shocked with electrical wires on my head, nose and on my legs, many times. The pain was unbearable. At night I would go to sleep and I knew I would wake up the next day and be tortured again, says Zaineb. Every day, I was sure I would die. While they were detained, their 50-year old mother, Rima, spent every day at the extremist-run courthouse, pleading for her childrens freedom. On their 20th day of captivity, Haidar and Zianeb were finally released, without explanation. Rima had to pay US$1,000 for their release. The siblings are now with 16 other family members at a camp run by UNHCR. But they continue to struggle with the memories of torture and the violence that they witnessed. I feel like this is not the end, and they will come back for me again." I feel like this is not the end, and they will come back for me again, Zaineb says. And I need a doctor. I have pain in different parts of my body because of the electric shocks. I dont feel mentally well, I need someone to sit and talk to. Her brother agrees. I want to see a doctor too, because I have trouble speaking after the shocks I got on my tongue. With the scale of displacement from Mosul increasing, UNHCR is committed to strengthening psychosocial support and counselling services in half a dozen of the camps that it has opened since the liberation of the city began more than two months ago. Many of those who fled Mosul witnessed the deaths of relatives, friends and neighbours and struggle with the memories In camps that have recently opened, UNHCR and its partners are providing psychological first aid, which includes specialized counselling known as "reflective listening," as well as needs assessment and appropriate help. UNHCR protection officers pay regular visits to Haidar, Zaineb and their family and are arranging medical care and psychological support through a local NGO. After such a harrowing experience, they can at last look to the future. We are so happy to be in the camp, Haidar says. It is the best moment we have had in two years. We were living in death and hell. Now we feel re-born. *All names have been changed for protection reasons. A Delhi-based women's rights activist has filed a complaint against ex-Bigg Boss contestant Swami Om for his explicit sexist comments on the national TV. By India Today Web Desk: Women's rights activist Teena Sharma has filed a complaint against self-claimed godman Swami Om for his explicit sexist comments on the national TV. Also read: BB10: Good news for Om Swami, non-bailable warrant against the Bigg Boss contestant cancelled In her complaint, which was filed with the Parliament Street Police Station, Sharma spoke about Swami Om's derogatory statements about his fellow female contestants on Bigg Boss, and women in general during an interview on India Today TV. advertisement Also read: Omji Maharaj says women are sensual beings, will attract sexual predators if not fully covered Sharma added a list of instances of his sexist comment in the written complaint. --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Hyderabad, Jan 10 (PTI) Underlining the need for speedy work on the ongoing 72km elevated Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) project, Telangana Chief Secretary SP Singh today directed senior officials to expedite acquisition of the affected properties in different parts of the city. Singh, who presided over a meeting of the Special Task Force (STF) on the progress of the metro work, indicated that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao desires that most parts of the project will have to be completed this year. advertisement He directed Collectors of Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts and the city civic Commissioner to expedite acquisition of the remaining properties related to the project. According to an HMR release, Singh asked the officials to complete acquisition of properties in Badichowdi, Sultan Bazar and Putlibowli areas in the next couple of months. He further instructed them to fast track purchase of the remaining few affected properties in Krishna Nagar, Yusufguda and Jubilee Hills. HMR Managing Director N V S Reddy made a detailed presentation on the progress of the work. He said 61km of foundations, 59km of pillars and 50km of viaduct works have been completed. PTI VVK RSY --- ENDS --- With the hundreds of thousands of high school students who graduate every year, many of them make unwisdecisions about where to go to college or whether they should be going to college. A lot of them make the wrong choices about the institutions they enroll to, and a lot more even decide to never enroll at all. In order to close this gap, a new approach in the form of text messaging was put in place to reach students during summer and encourage and remind them of the deadlines and the requirements of the college or university they intend to apply for. This is in fact a smart move because young people love to text and this form of communication has already somehow replaced phone calls. In a study, 72 percent of low income students who got the text message decided to enroll in college, according to NY Times, compared to the 66.4 percent who were not able to get the information. Another research suggests that college enrollment increased by 3.1 percent overall through information dissiminated through text messages and an 8.6 percent increase among low income students. Ben Castleman, a professor at the University of Virginia who co-authored the study, said that when the school counselors reached out to the students through text and Facebook messages, the results were more promising, according to the Huffington Post. Castleman explained that the difference is that when a student receives a text message, the phone will chirp and vibrate and at first glancethe text will stand on its own without showing a lot of content or information unlike when it is sent through an Email or a Facebook feed. He also added that this approach is something that we can leverage on when it comes to increasing our ability to access different populations in different fields. Samsung tech giant is determined and confident of its Galaxy A and J series devices that it beefed up its shipment goals. According to the report, mid-range smartphone Galaxy A series is aiming for a 20 million target, while low-end smartphone J series is projected at 100 million. Ambitious as it may seem but Samsung obviously is driving fast and keeping the momentum going after it suffered fatal flaws of its unforgettable Galaxy Note 7. The new Galaxy A (2017)series namely A7, A5, and A3 will not be coming to the United States but it will be seen and sold to less developed markets, such as Russia and Eastern Europe where mid-range devices have proven much more popular, Phone Arena reported. The Samsung Galaxy A series have integrated common features of high-end phones in the past, which boast a waterproof design that can be submerged up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes, a fingerprint scanner, and a full HD AMOLED display reports the Investor. Release date of these phones is yet to be confirmed but speculation points to a February release date. Meanwhile, Galaxy J (2017) series will be sold to emerging markets such as South America and India, which are the main driving force behind the series' good sales. Its 100 million target shipment goal can be equated to the devices' popularity due to its excellent specs for the prices they are sold for. While J series phones are yet to be unveiled, reports claimed that it will be an improved model compared to the previous ones. Like last year's J series devices, it is speculated that it will not be sold officially in the U.S. The confidence of Samsung in shipping this much of handsets to less developed and emerging markets might be considered a tough move for the company, specifically reports emerged that the global smartphone market grew only 1.6 percent in 2016, Investor reported. Although forecast would grow at around four percent this year, it still much lower than the double digit rate in the early years of the smartphone era. Samsung may be in for a risk but faith in its products will always get the company somewhere. European countries like Germany, France and Norway have public universities that are charging students with minimal fees to nothing when it comes to tuition, regardless of nationality. It is not strange to see international students looking for ways to cut costs. In 2015 until 2016, the average tuition for in-state students at public universities was at $9,410, as reported by the College Board. Getting into college is not cheap. While hearing the words tuition-free can be tempting, parents and students from the United States need to be aware that there are differences between a tuition-free European school and an American one. So before getting tempted to leave the high cost of college in the United States, it is best to know the difference. For example, the clip from BBC (below) talks about US students heading to Germany for free degrees. For international students who are looking to enroll at a tuition-free European university, here are a few things to consider before taking the leap: Financial resources as proof is essential Students still need to show proof that they can cover their living expenses and other fees associated. Which is why sufficient financial resources are important. Be advised that the minimum amount may vary per country. Parents can help by submitting proof that they can support the student. Proof of scholarship is also one more way, as reported by U.S. News. English-taught programs are not so common International students may need to learn the language before enrolling into a European university. Students may need to learn the language earlier or they can learn while at the school. Undergraduate programs are shorter Compared to U.S undergraduate programs that takes four years, European bachelor's degree programs would usually take three years. Undergrad programs in Europe are very focused on the area of study. There are little to no electives and education requirements. The grading system is different International students have to be more independent and self-motivated to succeed. Some European schools do not factor in attendance, class participation and homework. The final grade often speaks of the performance, alone. The incident took place in Parray Mohalla Hajin area of the district. An Army jawan sustained minor injuries in the crossfire. By Shuja-ul-Haq : A terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident took place at Parray Mohalla in Hajin area of the district. An Army jawan sustained minor injuries in the crossfire. The firing has now stopped and the operation declared over. Also read | Jammu: 3 killed in terror attack in Akhnoor sector, high alert sounded advertisement Acting on specific intelligence input about the presence of the militant in Hajin area, security forces launched a search operation in the area, police said. As the forces were conducting the search operation, the hiding militant opened fire on them. In the ensuing encounter, the militant was killed, a police official said. #FLASH J&K: 1 terrorist killed during encounter in Parray Mohalla Hajin area of Bandipora District. Operation over. ANI (@ANI_news) January 10, 2017 The identity and group affiliation of the militant is not immediately known. WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- The Huawei P9 and P9 Plus, the flagship phones of Huawei has surpassed the 10 million shipments mark and established Huawei's brand identity as a premium phone contender. Moreover, for those in a budget, Huawei's mid-range Honor 8 is a cheaper alternative to the P9 with its impressive specs and features. In its official website, the company posted that its Huawei P9 and P9 Plus have reached the 10 million shipments mark prior to CES 2017. By Q3 2016, the P9 sales went up by 23 percent with more than 33 million units sold the bulk of which comes from international markets including France, Germany and the U.K., more than its domestic market in China. Huawei P9 Winning Features The Huawei P9 is Huawei's flagship phone that has clearly established Huawei's brand identity. The Chinese smartphone maker partnering with the German lens optics manufacturer, Leica, contributed to its success, Latin Post reported. The Huawei P9 has the dual-lens camera setup with 12MP for each sensor, complete with the Leica optics and the phase detection auto-focus technology. It provides more depth and the bokeh effect, which blurs the background when shooting subjects in the foreground. Huawei P9 vs. Honor 8, A Cheaper Alternative The Huawei P9 price starts at $480 dollars, but for those in a budget, Huawei offers its highest mid-tier phone, the Huawei Honor 8, at $399.99 dolars. The mid-range phone shares similar features with its high-end cousin starting with the 5.2-inch 1080p IPS LCD display with 432 ppi pixel density. The Huawei P9's advantage is that it features deeper blacks, richer colors and better saturation levels as compared to Honor 8 with not so vibrant color display. Nonetheless, both phone has the dual lens camera setup with 12MP on both sensor, but the Honor 8 has none of the Leica branding. The Huawei P9 is powered by the highest-end Kirin 955 processor clocking at 2.5GHz with 3GB of RAM. The Honor 8 has the lower Kirin 950 processor at 2.3GHz and 4GB of RAM. Nonetheless, both the Huawei P9 and Honor 8 perform well without lags or stutters in playing high-end games. Both handles with relative ease tasks like web browsing, multi-tasking and switching apps according to PC-tablet. The Huawei P9 and Honor 8 also has the same 3000mAh battery capacity bit the quick charging technology of the P9 allows it to recharge fast by 40 percent in just half an hour, Meanwhile, the Honor 8 requires two hours to fully recharge when drained. To recap, the Huawei P9 has a more powerful processor, comes with Leica lens and quick charging. However, the Honor 8 with almost $100 dollars less than the P9 can be a good alternative for those sticking to a budget. The University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Irvine did a collaborative research that led them to a breakthrough that would be the beginning of scar-free wounds. One of the many woes of those who have undergone surgery or had suffered terrible wounds are the ugly scars left after the wounds have healed. With the breakthrough that scientists have discovered recently, ugly scars would soon become a thing of the past. One of the most common cells found in scars is myofibroblasts. Aside from that, scar tissues have no fat nor hair follicles present. However, scientists discovered during their research that myofibroblast cells can actually become a different type of cell. What the scientists did was to regenerate the hair follicles in the scar area. When hair in that area begins to grow, the scientists discovered that the follicles stimulate the skin to release a certain type of protein called Bone Morphogenetic Protein or BMP. These proteins are what "tells" the myofibroblast cells to become adipocyte cells, the fat cells that are found in regular, normal skin. Therefore, the process produced the growth of normal skin instead of a scar tissue. The team of scientists conducted these experiments on lab mice and they were successful. The skin from where a big wound was became indistinguishable and developed an almost-normal skin. According to research leader Dr. George Cotsarelis from the University of Pennsylvania, the cells can be manipulated to grow new skin rather than scar tissue. Maksim Plikus, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of Developmental and Cell Biology at the University of California, Irvine, said that it has given them a window of opportunity and has a huge significance in the area of scar therapy. He said that if further tests are successful, this therapy can be administered similarly like Botox injections. NASA has announced two missions that will kick off by the 2020s. The space agency will be sending two spacecrafts to study the early solar system. In its official website, NASA confirmed that it has chosen two missions with the potential to help scientists better understand the earliest periods of our solar system. The missions named Lucy and Psyche will be launched in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Thomas Zurbuchen explained that Lucy will be visiting one of Jupiter's mysterious Trojan asteroids. Psyche, on the other hand, will be landing on a metal asteroid which will be studied for the first time ever. Lucy is expected to launch in Oct. 2021. Its estimated time of arrival at its first destination will be in 2025. Lucy will explore six of Jupiter's Trojan asteroids from 2027 to 2033. Jupiter's gravity traps these asteroids in two swarms that is sharing the planet's orbit. These asteroids are believed to be remnants of an earlier era in the solar system's history and are thought to have been formed beyond Jupiter's current orbit. Harold F. Levison, principal investigator of the Lucy mission from the Southwest Research Institute, added that Trojans are highly likely to provide vital clues to helping us understand the history of the solar system. Lucy will be basing on the success of NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. Psyche will be exploring a giant metal asteroid, named as 16 Psyche. It is approximately three times farther away from the sun than the Earth. It is expected to help scientists understand how planets and other celestial bodies separated into different layers. This includes cores, mantles and crusts. According to the New York Times, the Psyche mission may provide clues about Earth and its core. This is important because our home planet's core is not something that scientists can observe directly. A latest study on the Great Barrier Reef has revealed that it was almost destroyed about 125,000 years ago. Apparently, it was caused by the rapid rise of sea-level due to melting glaciers and polar ice sheets. The Christian Science Monitor reported that the Great Barrier Reef nearly drowned at the start of the Last Interglacial period, which happened about 125,000 years ago. The University of Sydney published their findings in the journal "Global and Planetary Change." It was explained how the largest reef on Earth nearly got destroyed due to the rapid rise of sea-levels. The study not only provides a vital analysis in understanding the reef's history - it can also help modern scientists see the implications for its future. The study provided evidence for the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. Shallow reef growth developed once again after the sea-levels had stabilized. Today, however, pressures on the reef which include warming sea temperatures, pesticide run-off as well as mining operations threaten its survival. Last October, the whole world was in an uproar when a magazine published the obituary of the Great Barrier Reef. According to CNN, the reef is still dying; not dead. Russell Brainard, chief of the Coral Reef Ecosystem Program at NOAA's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, said to Huffington Post that the article may have been intended to highlight the urgency of the Great Barrier Reef's current condition. In the University of Sydney's official website, the lead author, Dr. Belinda Dechnik, from the Geocoastal Research Group in the School of Geosciences said that the study provides the first snapshot of the paleo-reef against a background of rapid environmental change. This includes a possible mass ice-sheet collapse. Dr. Dechnik further explained that the reef works like a sponge cake. The current, modern reef is just the last layer developed over 120,000 years ago. The rate of future sea-level rises caused by climate change may not be as intense as what the reef previously experienced. Nonetheless, it could still have a significant impact on the Great Barrier Reef. By Indo-Asian News Service: Thanks to a sperm donor that he found on the social networking site Facebook, 20-year-old Hayden Cross--born a girl 20 years ago and now legally male--is now four months pregnant and is set to give birth to his first child this year, media reported. Cross has been living legally as a man for three years in Gloucester and is already part-way through hormone treatment, The Sun reported on Sunday. advertisement Now unemployed after working with British supermarket chain Asda, Cross asked the National Health Service (NHS) to freeze his eggs before he completed his full transition, in the hope that he might have children years later. He was paused after the NHS refused to carry out a 4,000-pound process to freeze his eggs which, he hoped, would enable him to have children in the future. Cross then took to social media to find a sperm donor after the NHS declined to freeze his eggs. And he did find a sperm donor! "Cross, who has temporarily halted his gender transition after falling pregnant, plans to have the baby before completing the transition process, which will remove his breasts and ovaries," the report added. "I'll be the greatest dad. It is a very female thing to carry a baby and it goes against everything I feel in my body. I was finally starting to become myself and become a man physically -- but now my body is going in the opposite direction," Cross told The Sun. Cross also insists that he will not get into a relationship during his child's early years to have a secure life. "I want the baby to have the best," the newspaper quoted Cross as saying. --- ENDS --- A smoked glass office block at 150 St Vincent Street is in line for a dramatic overhaul at the hands of Sheppard Robson and LDA Design to better complement the surrounding conservation area.. An uninhabited Argyll village is to live on as a contemporary craft distillery under plans filed by Organic Architects and Portavadie Distillers to resurrect the brownfield site.. A ruinous B-listed Borders castle is set for a new lease of life with proposals for its full refurbishment as a palatial home.. Glasgow Academy is to erect a new sports building at its Kelvinbridge campus to mark the centenary of the school's re-establishment following the First World War.. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh is the result of a five year project to convert the former Bank of Scotland headquarters at 37-39 St Andrews Square into a hotel and private members club as part of an expansion of the Gleneagles Hotel brand. 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Blogs Latest Monday - 17/10/22 No comments Engineering can solve the carbon conundrum of Scotlands old and new buildings Jamie Paterson wrote: Buildings are responsible for more than one third of all global energy consumption, so it... Sunday - 31/07/22 No comments Close but no dice Mark Chalmers wrote: An acquaintance tells laypeople that architects learn something new every day and its... Wednesday - 06/07/22 No comments Colour conventions in architectural drawing Mark Chalmers wrote: During a recent trip to an archive north of the Highland Line, I began to ponder the evolution... January 10 2017 The Construction Scotland Innovation Centre has commenced work on an innovation and collaboration facility at Hamilton International Technology Park, Lanarkshire, for completion by the spring and a formal opening in the summer.Open to any construction related employee or business the refurbishment project will involve alterations and refurbishment to an existing warehouse by contractor akp to form offices, and 30,000sq/ft of workshop space housing variety of plant equipment and machinery.This will be dominated by a five-ton overhead gantry crane to allow businesses to develop new products, processes, systems and solutions with adjoining office space available for seminars, meetings and events.Stephen Good, chief executive of Construction Scotland Innovation Centre said of the new facility: It will provide a dynamic environment, away from the conventional building site, where the Scottish construction industry can innovate, take risks, explore and learn, safe in the knowledge that the activity here is protected from the perceived risks of innovating on live construction sites.Anderson Bell Christie, Armour, Currie & Brown and Scott Bennett are also contributing to the scheme which will sit alongside a new campus for The University of the West of Scotland Oct. 26, 2022 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. Cadets got the unique experience of interacting with and learning from the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Sept. 27-29. The National Character and Leadership Symposium sponsored the visit and three days of activities.The 12 UW Webinar Series Explores Tax Considerations for the Self-Employed Keith Hall Keith Hall, a certified public accountant and tax expert, will assist Wyoming self-employed businesses in getting the tax help they need. Hall will present three hourlong webinars designed to assist businesses with their tax preparation, explain recent tax changes and provide helpful tips. The three-part online series, titled Tax Considerations for the Self-Employed, is presented by the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. The series is scheduled Feb. 2, 9 and 16 from 2-3 p.m. each day. The SBDC is a partnership among the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC focuses on educating small-business owners and potential owners on how to successfully start and operate small businesses. The SBDCs main office is located at UW. On Feb. 2, Hall will cover Critical Tax Questions for the Self-Employed. For those new to self-employment, he will cover business entity formation, estimated taxes, and automobile and travel deductions. On Feb. 9, attendees will learn how to Audit-Proof Your Tax Return. The final webinar, scheduled Feb. 16, will provide attendees with tips on how to maximize tax savings by hiring their own children, taking the home office deduction and using retirement contributions. Hall is president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) and a certified public accountant. Through the NASE, Hall offers personalized tax consulting to thousands of small-business owners annually. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times and even Good Housekeeping. In addition, he has appeared on hundreds of radio programs across the country, including CBSs MarketWatch, and has testified before the House and Senate Small Business Committees in support of small business tax issues and tax code simplification. The fee for all three webinars is $15. Attendees can register at www.wyomingsbdc.org. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. For more information or to pay by check, call Peggy Baker at 1-800-348-5194. The Wyoming SBDC Network is a business advising group of the Wyoming SBDC, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Market Research Center and SBIR/STTR Initiative. The networks mission is to help Wyoming entrepreneurs succeed. Advising and most market research activities are free of charge to Wyoming residents. The SBDC is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Business Council and UW. For more information, go to www.wyomingsbdc.org. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Transportation app Uber today said it has partnered with Apollo Hospitals to train driver partners on handling situations like road accidents. As a part of the partnership, a series of training videos on handling road accidents have been created that will help driver-partners handle such situations better, Uber said in a statement. advertisement These trainings will be provided in English and one regional language. In addition to the online trainings, doctors from Apollo Hospitals will also conduct two-week training sessions at the partner support centres in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai over the next few weeks and certify driver partners who successfully complete the trainings. "There are numerous instances of Uber driver-partners providing timely assistance to riders or road-accident victims. Uber is taking this beyond individual acts of goodwill," Uber India Head of Public Policy Shweta Rajpal Kohli said. PTI SR MKJ --- ENDS --- Church News October 20, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Needing Answers We want God to be like FedEx and deliver overnight. Things dont happen that way, but in... Church News October 13, 2022 LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Natures Therapy The pine tree with its solemn dignity lifts its branches to the sky as if to give... By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna London, Jan 10 (PTI) Students at one of Londons leading universities are calling for famous Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle to be replaced by philosophers from Asia or Africa as part of a wider campaign to "decolonise" the university. The Student Union at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), well-known as among the few European institutions dedicated to the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, said "white philosophers" should be studied only if required and solely from a "critical standpoint". advertisement The union?s proposal to the university reads: "To make sure that the majority of the philosophers on our courses are from the Global South or it?s diaspora. SOAS? focus is on Asia and Africa and therefore the foundations of its theories should be presented by Asian or African philosophers (or the diaspora). "If white philosophers are required, then to teach their work from a critical standpoint. For example, acknowledging the colonial context in which so called ?Enlightenment? philosophers wrote within." According to the union, "Decolonising SOAS" is a campaign that aims to address the ?structural and epistemological legacy" of colonialism within the university. Dr Deborah Johnston, Pro-Director (Learning and Teaching), defended the students: "One of the great strengths of SOAS is that we have always looked at world issues from the perspective of the regions we study ? Asia, Africa & Middle East. "Informed and critical debate and discussion about the curriculum we teach is a healthy and proper part of the academic enterprise." However, Erica Hunter,head of Religions and Philosophies at SOAS, felt the unions viewpoint was "rather ridiculous". "I would firmly resist dropping philosophers or historians just because it was fashionable," she told The Telegraph. The move has divided opinion across social media, with King?s College London?s People of Colour Association coming out in support of SOAS Student Union. PTI AK PMS --- ENDS --- Tropicana Las Vegas is looking for candidates to join the team! On Friday, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., applicants are invited to an exclusive casting call for both Tropicana Pool and Sky Beach Club. The audition will take place inside the Havana Room at Tropicana Las Vegas, located at 3801 Las Vegas Blvd South. Open positions include model servers, model bartenders, food runners, security specialists, lifeguards, pool attendants, bar backs, pool lead, pool pit dealers and swim up blackjack dealers. Please note, model positions require the audition in swimwear. Interested applicants must apply online prior to attending the casting call. Airports Corporation of Viet Nam will be the countrys second aviation firm to have a strategic partner. - Photo viet-news.net In a draft resolution prepared for its first shareholders' meeting in HCM City last year, ACV said the initial price of the shares was expected to be VND13,100 (57 US cents) each. With this share volume and price, ADP will hold some 7.4 per cent of ACV's total equity of VND22.4 trillion. If the agreement is successful, the French company will be restricted in transferring its shares for at least 10 years. ACV will be the countrys second aviation firm to have a strategic partner. The first one is national carrier Vietnam Airlines, which completed negotiation and signed a strategic partnership agreement with Japans All Nippon Airways last year, according to a conference held by the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday. Speaking at the conference, which reviewed the transport sectors work in 2016 and plans for this year, deputy minister Nguyen Ngoc Dong said the ministry had prepared plans and conducted transaction of shares on the stock markets for equitised corporations. Dong said there were 37 equitised companies listed on the stock market last year with the total value of VND35 trillion. The ministry last year transferred its State ownership rights at Thang Long Joint Stock Corporation and eight joint stock companies operating in domestic waterway maintenance and management to the State Capital Investment Corporation. It also divested VND2.3 trillion from 22 joint stock companies and VND262 billion from 17 subsidiaries of the ministrys parent corporations. Fred Burke & Nguyen Thanh Vinh There has been a lot of controversy lately about cross-border digital commerce, specifically how and where it should be taxed. New technologies have made it possible for business transactions to go beyond traditional limitations. The digital economy plays a more and more significant role around the world, and Vietnam is not an exception and the country will continue to benefit from these new developments in many ways. One question that has come up in almost every country is the real or perceived loss of tax revenue from e-commerce companies. Both tax authorities and business players in this sector face a real challenge: how to create a business environment and tax mechanism that balance economic growth and tax revenue. This is an emerging area of international tax law. It is not simple, and before law makers leap to simple but risky conclusions, they should proceed carefully to make sure not to damage one of the country's key economic drivers tourism by cutting off the web-based services that bring tourists to the country. Tourism is hugely important to Vietnams economy. Directly and indirectly, the industry contributes 13.9 per cent of Vietnams GDP according to World Travel and Tourism Council. In 2015, the sector contributed $8.5 billion in export value. The industry directly employs 2,783,000 people, and when measured for indirect benefits to employment, it is responsible for 6,035,000 jobs. This area of the economy is not only large - it is growing fast. According to the Tourism Working Group position paper at last years Vietnam Business Forum, Vietnam welcomed 7.94 million international visitors in 2015. In addition, 57 million domestic travellers enjoyed visits to Vietnams travel destinations. In 2016, about 10.01 million international tourists visited Vietnam, representing an increase of 26 per cent from 2015. Another marker of the industrys growing contribution to the national economy: the stock of 4- and 5-star rooms has nearly doubled since 2011. One of the most important contributors to all this growth is foreign online hotel booking services. There have been debates over whether these services are subject to tax in Vietnam. Lets take a closer look from the Vietnamese tax perspective. The main tax regulation governing the taxation of foreign companies abroad having Vietnam-sourced income is Circular 103/2014/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance. According to the circular, foreign companies that derive income from, or conduct business in, Vietnam will be subject to value-added tax and corporate income tax, and local entities are required to withhold these taxes upon payments to foreign companies. This tax withholding obligation, however, does not apply to non-business individuals, and taxes under this circular do not apply to services supplied and consumed outside of Vietnam. Do, then, foreign online booking services have tax obligations in Vietnam? Lets look at the two different streams of hotel booking: inbound and outbound. For inbound hotel booking (that is, when foreign tourists make bookings at hotels in Vietnam via foreign online booking services), the transactions are between two offshore entities, and the brokerage service is performed outside of Vietnam. This type of transaction between foreign tourists and foreign online booking services are between two offshore entities, and the corresponding brokerage service also occurs and is performed outside of Vietnam. In such context, foreign online booking services with respect to inbound hotel booking could not be seen as liable to taxation in Vietnam in light of Vietnam's tax regulations. When Vietnamese tourists make outbound bookings (that is, bookings at hotels outside of Vietnam via foreign online booking services), Vietnamese tax regulations do not require Vietnamese tourists to withhold tax in such transactions if they are non-business individuals. Furthermore, when the hotels are outside of Vietnam, there is no legal ground for claiming tax liability since the outbound hotel service is consumed entirely outside of Vietnam. Tax revenue is important, which is all the more reason not to "kill the goose that lays the golden eggs" as they say. Vietnam should take care not to sacrifice an even greater national good namely, the growth of the tourism and hospitality industries. Vietnam should take appropriate action and implement policies that ensure sustainable growth and follow international tax principles and Vietnam's own tax laws. Candles and fresh flowers in front of the Joseph Koenig Gymnasium at a memorial for victims of the Germanwings plane crash in the French Alps, in Haltern am See, Germany on Mar 24, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Sascha Schurmann) The probe focused on whether any doctors who treated the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, had been criminally negligent in not reporting him to authorities before the plane came down in France, killing 144 passengers and six crew, mostly from Spain and Germany. "The investigation has shown no sufficient evidence of guilt by anyone still alive in connection with the Germanwings crash," a spokesman for the Duesseldorf public prosecutor's office, Christoph Kumpa, told AFP. Lubitz, 27, deliberately flew the Germanwings plane into a French mountainside in a tragedy that raised questions about aviation safety and doctor-patient confidentiality. Kumpa said the probe had determined that Lubitz's doctors knew he was "suffering psychologically" in the months before the disaster but that he had not been diagnosed as clinically depressed. Rather, the investigators found, "the co-pilot did not tell the doctors treating him or anyone else in his personal life about his suicidal thoughts so that none of these people could have been expected to tell his employer or the authorities". The probe also concluded that Germanwings had "no knowledge of psychological ailments" suffered by Lubitz. French investigators have been carrying out their own manslaughter probe over the crash, and relatives of victims have filed a lawsuit against the Lufthansa-owned flight school that trained Lubitz. The co-pilot was permitted to continue flying despite having been seen by doctors dozens of times in the years preceding the crash. Lubitz was terrified of losing his sight and consulted 41 different doctors in the previous five years, including psychiatrists as well as ear, throat and nose specialists. Following the crash, the European Aviation Safety Agency recommended more medical testing for pilots, including more psychological tests and drug and alcohol screening. Germany's doctors' association has criticised Germanwings parent company Lufthansa and aviation regulators for failing to keep Lubitz from flying, saying that medical controls focused largely on "physical findings and laboratory tests" but neglected psychological examinations. Luxury Apartment marks the beginning of a strategic cooperation between Alphanam Group and Marriott, the worlds leading hotel management group. Marriott represents over 5,500 hotels and 1.1 billion rooms world-wide. The project offers residents a 5-star living space, following the critical standards set by Marriott, in the Four Points by Sheraton and Luxury Apartment Complex. The only 5-star apartments right on My Khe Beach Situated on Vo Nguyen Giap Street, a prime beach location, Luxury Apartment is nearby many of the famous tourist attractions Danang has to offer. Danangs central business district (CBD) area, international and domestic airport and My Khe Beach Plaza are close by. Only 35 minutes away from Hoi An and around two hours away from the ancient city of Hue, Luxury Apartment is the best option for customers who want to live in a luxurious living space and enjoy life in the most worth-living city of Vietnam. View of Apartment 1 on the 6th floor from Luxury Apartment At the current period, Luxury Apartment is the only 5-star apartment complex at My Khe Beach, one of 10 most beautiful beaches in SE Asia. The long and wide sandy coast of My Khe Beach has great potential and walking over the white sand will offer residents an escape from everyday life. If you walk from Luxury Apartment through the beautiful green park, you will see a calm and wide coastline with white sand where you can enjoy personal space as well as a vast playground with many activities. My Khe Beach is filled with great seafood restaurants that serve up fish could daily. Do not miss out on the fishermen that row their iconic round boats out at 8pm to catch squid, eating the fresh squid is an absolute must try when in Danang. Squid fishing boat Tower Design The design by Salvador Perez Arroyo and DPA Singapore is one of the projects many outstanding features. Salvador, famous for his neoclassical design style, is considered one of the worlds leading architects and has many great designs on his name. Through his design, the project offers spacious living areas with stunning views for clients to contemplate the beauty of this vibrant city. By treating guests and clients to the comfort and energy they deserve, living in Luxury Apartment is bound to erase all stress. DPA Singapore, known for designing the Marina in Singapore, offers the building its iconic presence and creative use of space. Through their design, the top three floors of the building offer the best amenities that Danang has to offer. View of Luxury Apartment from My Khe Beach To optimise the benefit of investors and clients in Luxury Apartment, all apartments have been well equipped with high quality furniture and modern devices from leading brands around the world. Luxury Apartment ensures a great guest experience through its offerings comprising of: an all-day dining restaurant, infinity pool, childrens playground, modern gym and a rooftop bar which offers clients the best view of the beautiful sunset over the mountains. Luxury Apartment will provide the experience that will fulfill the demands of even the most critical customer in terms of quality of life. Danang - the most livable city in Vietnam Being the most livable city in Vietnam, Danang is recognised as a new ideal destination for the world. Recently, Danang was voted as the Asian Festivals Destination. The biggest festival which Danang is well known for is the fireworks festival - an international festival. In the near future, well-known domestic and international festivals will be held in Danang. The number of visitors, both foreign and domestic, have been increasing rapidly year on year. This has allowed Danang to promote the constant development of the non-smoke industry. Danangs Fireworks Festival 2015 The total number of visitors to Danang has reached 4.41 million in the first nine months of 2016, including 1.28 million foreigners, leading to the estimated tourism income of VND12.8 trillion ($574 million) in 2016. In 2017, Danang is projected to welcome six million tourists, which leads to an estimated income from tourism to be around VND17.87 trillion ($801.3 million). Options at Luxury Apartment When you purchase an Apartment at Luxury Apartment you have the opportunity to add your apartment to the Rental Pool Programme. This programme offers you an interesting investment opportunity while still being able to enjoy any apartment in the complex for 10 days per year. Luxury Apartment, Apartment 7 on the 21st floor During the first five years Alphanam commits a profit which starts at 8 per cent and goes up to 10 per cent through 0.5 per cent increments per year (based on the apartments contract value, not including the price increase of propertys future potential). From the 6th year, customers shall receive 85 per cent profit from the Rental Pool Programme. Currently, the topping out of Luxury Apartment has been completed and the project is in the progress of overall completion. Estimated hand-over period is the second quarter of 2017, which coincides with the 2017 APEC Summit. With Luxury Apartment providing services to meet the high demand of APEC events, not only will the project contribute to the promotion of Danang but also to Vietnam in general. If you have any questions, feel free to give our sales agents a call at: 0888 36 7979 Website: alphanamdiaoc.vn OPEC secretary general Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo (L) holds a joint press conference with Kuwaiti Oil Minister Essam al-Marzuq in Kuwait City on Jan 9, 2017. (AFP/Yasser Al-Zayyat) The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed in November to cut its production by 1.2 million barrels per day starting January to reduce a global supply glut that had kept prices painfully low. A group of 14 non-OPEC producers, led by the world's top crude producer Russia, agreed in December to lower their output by another 600,000 bpd, making the total pledged cuts at 1.8 million bpd. "So far, all Gulf producers, Iraq and Russia have announced their commitment to the cuts," Marzouk told a news conference after talks with OPEC secretary general Mohammad Barkindo. "These commitments make up between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of the pledged cuts" from the beginning of January, said the minister. "We expect the compliance to the cuts to be big because of its impact on boosting prices." Kuwait heads the five-member Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee set up to monitor compliance with the pledged cuts. Marzouk said he discussed with Barkindo mechanisms to monitor the cuts by OPEC and non-OPEC members. The Kuwaiti iminister said they discussed monitoring output of each member country and also the level of exports with the assistance of international companies. Barkindo described as historic the agreement between the 24 OPEC and non-OPEC producers. Marzouk said the committee would meet in Vienna on Jan 21 and 22 to finalise the monitoring mechanisms. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Bank employees unions have expressed their stiff opposition to any move to introduce performance linked incentive for public sector banks proposed by Banks Board Bureau (BBB) chief Vinod Rai. This will be a prelude to introduce differential pay as also the concept of Cost to Company at a later stage, All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) said in a statement. advertisement "Setting performance parameters at various levels of banking functions does not fit well into the banking environment as there are multiple functions for a few and specialist functions for another lot," AIBOC General Secretary Harvinder Singh said. Moreover, he said, such parameters may not work well with the functionaries in controlling offices who undertake jobs of evolving and implementing policies and guidelines at the back office. The unilateral introduction of such practices are aimed at bypassing the bipartite machinery and casting employees against their own colleagues, he added. Earlier this month, BBB has said it is thinking of the fact that the compensation package across the board of public sector banks needs to be improved. "Maybe, we are not able to do much with the fixed part of compensation package but variable part we are hopeful that in the next financial year we will be able to introduce a far more attractive package which do have bonuses, ESOPs and other performance linked incentives as part of the package," Rai had said. National Organisation of Bank Workers vice president Ashwini Rana said there are certain jobs in banks whose tangible gain cannot be measured especially assisting staff. So, the introduction of performance linked incentive will lead to inequality, favouritism and discrimination, Rana said, adding it may turn counter productive. AIBOC demands, instead, to finalise a better and satisfactory wage packet which has to be superior to 7th Pay Commission through the bipartite machinery already in force, in the best interests of the banks and the economy. So, far the wage revision negotiation were covered through all member banks in the country public sector as well as the old generation private sector. "There are attempts on the part of a few in the government, IBA as well as the recently constituted BBB to pursue bank level settlement. AIBOC is strongly opposed to this anti-labour and de-unionisation move," it said. Wage revision for bank employees is due from November this year. PTI DP BAL --- ENDS --- Tai Chi: The Daoist Martial Art of Winning Without Fighting It is said that during the Southern Song Dynasty (11271279), in the twelfth century, a man called Zhang Sanfeng () walked the earth. Adept in Shaolin kung fu and incomparably skilled in other styles of martial arts, Zhang had the heart for self-cultivation and had his sights set on the Activists from Phnom Penhs Boeung Kak lake area who organized the so-called Black Monday protests last year have said they will restart the banned marches following a court decision not to release several jailed rights workers. The campaign was launched 36 weeks ago with the aim of putting pressure on the government to release four staff members of local rights group Adhoc and an election official who were arrested and put in pre-trial detention in May. The group is being investigated for allegedly bribing a witness in a high-profile Anti-Corruption Unit case against the deputy leader of the opposition, Kem Sokha, who is accused of having an extra-marital affair. Song Sreyleap, a Boeung Kak activist, said the announcement last week from Interior Minister Sar Kheng that the detainees would not be freed by the end of 2016 had motivated them to renew the protests. It was such a big disappointment, she said. Khieu Sopheak, Interior Ministry spokesman, said the protests would not be sanctioned by the government and that only the courts could decide the fate of the detained. He added that Kheng was due to meet Sokha in the coming days. I think that the meeting will come up with some solutions to tackle the remaining issues, he said. Research by the Cambodian Center for Human Rights suggests Black Monday activists were arrested 33 times last year. By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Jan 11 (PTI) The US has called for partnership between India, Pakistan and Afghanistan on counter-terrorism operations, asserting that is for the "betterment" of the region as security of the three countries is linked with one another. "The realisation that Afghanistans security, Pakistans security, indeed Indias security - theyre all interconnected. So as much as they can work in tandem or work in a partnership on counterterrorism operations, I think its for the betterment of the region," State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters yesterday. advertisement Condemning the terrorist attacks on Afghanistans Parliament in Kabul that killed at least 38 people, and also one in Kandhar, Toner agreed with the allegations of the Afghan government that continuation of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan gave terrorists an opportunity to carry out attacks inside Afghanistan at their will. "I think weve been very frank and very open about publicly saying to Pakistan that it needs to not provide any safe haven to groups that will or are intent on carrying out attacks on Afghanistan," Toner said. "Weve seen some progress. Weve seen them take some steps to address these safe havens. But clearly, the problem persists and its something thats part of our ongoing conversation or ongoing dialogue or ongoing cooperation with Pakistan," he said in response to a question. Toner said an attack on the Afghanistans Parliament is an attack on democracy and the US would not let the war-torn country slip away the gains. "An attack on parliamentarians is frankly an attack on democracy," he said. "I think its in the work-in-progress column and I think the president and the Secretary of State has spoken frankly about the fact that we dont wanna see Afghanistan slide back into what it was. By we I mean not just the US, but the international community, NATO and its partners on the ground," he added. The US is encouraging the Afghan government and its people to build up the capacity of the security forces and consolidating their strengths. "The United States has worked hard to foster Afghan-led peace process, which again ultimately is US believe, the way forward," he said. "We encourage that. I dont think we can possibly look at it though and say, mission accomplished. We would certainly not say that. But at the same point, were not gonna encourage any kind of walking away from the situation there," Toner said. PTI LKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- Documents obtained by local environmental campaign group Mother Nature reportedly show that Cambodia exported more than 100,000 tons of sand to India between 2013 and 2015, a period when the country recorded no exports to the sub-continent. The development came on the heels of a Mother Nature analysis of U.N. trade figures it said showed Cambodia had under-reported its sand exports to Singapore by some 70 million tons between 2007 and 2015. The group is now preparing a lawsuit based on its findings. The documents we have in hand show that the source of the sand is from Cambodia, Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, a founder off Mother Nature, told VOA Khmer. We bought documents from Singapore and it doesnt show any Cambodian sand being re-exported in 2014 and 2015. The Spanish environmentalist, who has been banned from entering Cambodia since 2015, said he is working with a law firm in Singapore to possibly file a complaint against companies and government institutions there for importing sand extracted illegally from Cambodia. For now there are two possibilities, he said. The first one is to file a complaint against companies or government institutions that are involved in importing sand from Cambodia illegally. The second one is to file a complaint because this sand dredging has caused severe environmental impacts on Cambodia, especially Koh Kong residents have been impacted severely on their livelihoods. Government spokesman Dith Tina told a parliamentary committee after the allegations were raised that the drastic differences in the figures were due to the different reporting requirements of the two states. We dont know what recording system Singapore was using and if you asked us to say whether Singapore or the UN is wrong, we dont provide such judgment, he said. It should be noted that each system is designed to serve its own purpose and with different principles. Eugene Thuraisingam LLP said on its Facebook page on Tuesday that it has been instructed by Mother Nature Cambodia to provide advice in relation to the alleged illegal sand-dredging activities in Koh Kong. The dredging activities which have been taking place since 2008, have led to severe environmental destruction and the loss of livelihoods of local communities, wrote the law firm. Alibaba Executive Chairman Jack Ma met U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday and laid out the Chinese e-commerce company's new plan to bring a million small U.S. businesses onto its platform to sell to Chinese consumers over the next five year, an Alibaba spokesman said. Alibaba Group Holding expects the initiative to create a million U.S. jobs as each company adds a position, company spokesman Bob Christie said in a phone call. Trump and Ma emerged from their meeting at Trump Tower in New York together. The president-elect told reporters they had a "great meeting" and would do great things together. Ma called Trump "smart" and "open-minded." He said the two mainly discussed supporting small businesses, especially in the Midwest. Ma said that businesses such as farmers and small clothing makers could tap the Chinese market directly through Alibaba. He called the meeting with Trump "very productive." "We mainly talked about small business and young people and American agriculture products to china. And we also think, that the China and U.S. relationship should be strengthened, should be more friendly," he said. An American citizen arrested in the shooting of a U.S. consular official in Mexico last week has been deported, the U.S. justice department said Tuesday. Zia Zafar, 31, of Chino Hills, California, made his initial appearance Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, and was charged with one count of attempted murder of an internationally protected person. A surveillance video posted to Facebook by the U.S. consulate shows Zafar waiting outside a parking garage before opening fire on a car Friday evening. He wounded 13-year foreign service officer Christopher Ashcraft, who was reported to be in stable condition in a Guadalajara, Mexico, hospital. According to the complaint filed against him, Zafar disguised himself and followed Ashcraft through a parking garage and to his car. As Ashcraft drove toward the exit, Zafar shot him once in the chest and fled. He was arrested by Mexican authorities on Sunday and then deported. Belarus will allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, for visits of up to five days, according to a presidential decree signed on Monday. The decree comes as the former Soviet republic is seeking to improve its image in the West and rely less on ally Russia. The relaxed visa rules will apply to visitors who arrive in Belarus by airplane. They will come into force a month after their official publication. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, who once described himself as the "last dictator in Europe," helped improve his image in the West by acting as an intermediary during the Ukraine conflict. The EU imposed economic sanctions on Russia over that conflict in 2014. The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany later signed a peace deal on the Ukraine conflict in Minsk, the Belarussian capital. The streets were empty Monday in the Cameroonian city of Bamenda, as residents honored a call to strike over the increasing use of French in English-speaking parts of the country. A client and her attorney argue outside a courthouse in Bamenda as bystanders listen in. The client, Ashu Gerorgette, wants her lawyer to defend her in court, after she was accused of illegally occupying a piece of land she inherited from her father. But the attorney refuses, citing the ongoing strike by Cameroon's English-speaking lawyers. As we speak now somebody is constructing on the [piece of] land and I do not have any power to stop him, Georgette said. I have been waiting for the court to render justice, but my lawyer does not come. Strike started in September Lawyers in the English-speaking southwest and northwest regions of Cameroon called the strike in September, to protest what they called the overbearing use of the French language. English speakers constitute 20 percent of Cameroon's population, and the constitution says English and French inherited from colonial times are equally important. But most official documents are only in French, and judges, administrators and teachers with little understanding of English are often sent to work in English-speaking regions. Teachers, youths join the protest The lawyers have been joined by teachers and supported by young people. Protests in November led to clashes with the military that left several people dead, hundreds missing or wounded, and scores under arrest. The government opened up negotiations, but the striking teachers and lawyers stormed out. The leader of the striking lawyers, Bobga Harmony, says they will resume talks once authorities release youths who were arrested for burning police stations, vehicles, and Cameroon's national flag during the protests. "We maintain our disposition as civilized learned men to dialogue, and dialogue does not mean you are giving up your position, Harmony said. You simply market your position to the understanding of the other side and any other side who seeks peace will buy it rather than accuse infants of terrorism in a situation where that word has no place. Arrested protesters missing Harmony says the whereabouts of some of the arrested protesters is not known. Rights activists like Joseph Chongsi of the Center for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy, have called on officials to reveal where the protesters are being held. "Cameroon's government should without delay, set up an independent and impartial investigative commission to ensure thorough, prompt, effective and impartial investigation of all suspected cases of death especially those in custody, Chongsi said. In an address on December 31, President Paul Biya said he was open to talks with the protesters, but warned he will never accept any attempt to destabilize what he called Cameroon's hard-earned national unity. The European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile will be modified in order to allow it to search more effectively for potentially habitable planets in Alpha Centauri, the nearest star system to Earth. The ESO said it had signed a deal with Breakthrough Starshot, a venture that aims to deploy thousands of tiny spacecraft to travel to the system and send back pictures. Starshot, which is backed by internet billionaire Yuri Milner and physicist Stephen Hawking, will provide funding to allow equipment on the Very Large Telescope that studies in the mid-infrared spectral region to be adapted to better detect faint planets, the ESO said in a statement Monday. The adaptation will have the effect of reducing bright stellar light that drowns out relatively dim planets, improving the chances of finding them, it said. Interest in exploring the sun's nearest neighbor has increased since scientists announced last year that they had discovered evidence of an Earth-sized planet circling Proxima Centauri, a star in the Alpha Centauri system. Larger telescopes planned for the 2020s such as the ESO's own Extremely Large Telescope, current under construction in Chile should provide researchers with more information on the number and nature of exoplanets. The ESO is an intergovernmental astronomy organization backed by 16 countries in Europe and South America and hosted in Chile. An appeals court in Florence Tuesday rejected a bid for a new trial and possible acquittal by the only person convicted of the 2007 murder of British university student Meredith Kercher. Rudy Hermann Guede, an Ivorian, is serving a 16-year sentence for the murder of Kercher, found stabbed in her bedroom in a house she shared in Perugia with American student Amanda Knox. Knox and her former Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, after flip-flop verdicts of convictions and acquittal, were ultimately exonerated of the murder by Italy's top criminal tribunal, the Court of Cassation. Guede was in court for the court's decision, after an hour's deliberation. When the Cassation court upheld Guede's conviction in 2010, it ruled he didn't act alone but didn't name any accomplices. His lawyers argued that conclusion conflicts with the Knox and Sollecito acquittals. Italy's justice system involves two levels of appeals. Convictions aren't considered final until all appeals are exhausted, a process that can take years. Revising final verdicts is extremely rare in Italy. The Florence court didn't elaborate on why it rejected Guede's bid. His lawyer, Tommaso Pietrocarlo, said the defense will consider appealing to the Cassation court on the same issue that failed to persuade the lower level tribunal Tuesday. Guede has denied killing Kercher. Guede was initially sentenced to 30 years in prison, reduced on a previous appeal to 16 years. Last year, for good behavior behind bars, Guede was allowed an overnight stay at a house run by volunteers assisting inmates. In a case closely followed in the United States, Knox and Sollecito steadfastly proclaimed their innocence. Their judicial saga included time in prison following convictions, and release after an acquittal, before being definitively acquitted of the murder in 2015. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump predicted Monday that the Senate will confirm all of his Cabinet choices, even as the government's ethics chief says some of the nominees have yet to disclose key information about their financial holdings. Trump made the prediction in New York, where he continued to meet with business and political leaders, 11 days ahead of his inauguration as the country's 45th president. "I think they'll all pass," Trump said, describing them as "all at the highest level." The first Senate confirmation hearings on the Trump appointments begin Tuesday, with more scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, Trump's nominee for attorney general, the country's top law enforcement official, and retired Marine General John Kelly, picked to be homeland security chief, face hearings Tuesday. Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell met with Trump and then told reporters all the Cabinet nominees "will be properly vetted as they have been in the past." He said he is hopeful that six or seven Cabinet members "particularly the national security team" will be confirmed by the time Trump assumes power January 20. WATCH: McConnell Talk About his Meeting with Trump Sessions is likely to face tough questions from Democrats about his relations with blacks and his past efforts fighting immigration reform. Thirty years ago, the Senate rejected his nomination to be a federal judge because of allegations he had made racially insensitive remarks, a charge Sessions denied. He was the first senator to endorse Trump's presidential bid at a time when political Washington thought the billionaire real estate mogul turned politician had no chance of winning the Republican presidential nomination, let alone a four-year term in the White House. Trump called the 70-year-old Sessions "a high-quality man." Mum on Russia, business empire The president-elect declined to answer questions about last week's U.S. intelligence report that Russia meddled in the presidential election to help his stunning upset of Hillary Clinton. Later, in a second brief appearance at Trump Tower, the president-elect brushed aside detailed answers about how he plans to separate his worldwide business empire with ownership or control of about 500 companies from conflicts he could encounter as he oversees the U.S. government. "We'll talk about it on Wednesday," Trump said of his scheduled news conference. "All I can say is it's very simple, very easy." He also declined to answer questions about the role his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will play in his administration, although aides are telling media outlets he will be a senior adviser to the new president. Schedule of hearings In addition to Sessions and Kelly, at least six other Trump Cabinet nominees face confirmation hearings this week. Former ExxonMobil chief Rex Tillerson, nominated as secretary of state; Elaine Chao, McConnell's wife who was named as the transportation chief; Congressman Mike Pompeo, picked as the Central Intelligence Agency director; and Betsy DeVos, the charter school advocate Trump selected as education secretary, are all scheduled for Wednesday hearings. On Thursday, Defense Secretary-designate James Mattis, a retired Marine general; business investor Wilbur Ross, named as commerce secretary; and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, picked as the housing and urban development chief, are set for their confirmation hearings. America's next National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn, said adversaries around the world are presenting challenges to the U.S. at warp speed and acknowledged that the prospects of assuming the position next week are daunting. The gravity of this moment is a bit overwhelming, Flynn said Tuesday at a Washington event entitled Passing the Baton, which focused on how the Trump administration will take control of the government from U.S. President Barack Obama. Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, will succeed Susan Rice, who told the conference Flynn inherits a vital job at a time when the global security landscape is as unsettled as any recent time in history. Rice said the transition process is ongoing but would not disclose details because much of the information is highly classified. As national security advisor, Flynn will serve as the chief in-house advisor to President-elect Donald Trump on national security issues. French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon said on Tuesday he would meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the coming days to outline his plans for Europe. "The election of Donald Trump and the Berlin tragedy change things in Europe," Fillon said, referring both to the U.S. election and the Berlin truck attack claimed by Islamic State. "For the United States, our continent will likely not be a priority anymore and for Germany, a certain idea of pacifism is gone," said Fillon, the favorite in opinion polls for the April and May presidential election. "France must seize this opportunity to re-mobilize the European Union around strategic priorities: our collective security, defense, innovation and the re-tightening of the euro zone," he said, before adding he would meet Merkel in the coming days "to spell out to her my orientations for Europe." By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Jan 10 (PTI) The US has strongly condemned the terror attacks in Egypt in which nine persons were killed by militants linked to ISIS, saying it remains firmly committed to the countrys security. "The US strongly condemns todays terrorist attack on checkpoints in Egypts North Sinai governorate which killed at least nine people and injured many others," Spokesman of the National Security Council, White House Ned Price said yesterday. advertisement "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of all those who were killed and injured in this attack and in other recent violence. "The United States remains firmly committed to Egypts security and will continue to support the government of Egypt as it contends with ongoing threats from terrorist groups in the Sinai and elsewhere," Price added. Heavily-armed militants linked to ISIS yesterday targeted two police checkpoints using an explosive-laden garbage truck and rocket-propelled grenades, killing eight policemen and one civilian, the latest attack in Egypts restive North Sinai. A statement issued by the Ministry of Interior said that about 20 terrorists participated in the attack on al-Matafi checkpoint in Al-Arish city. Egypts North Sinai has been the stage for many terrorist attacks since the January 2011 revolution that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak. PTI LKJ CPS --- ENDS --- Gambian President Yahya Jammehs options to stay in office may be shrinking. The five judges from Nigeria and Sierra Leone needed to constitute the Gambian Supreme Court did not come to Banjul for Tuesday's scheduled hearing. The session was called to weigh in on President Jammehs request to nullify Decembers election results. The international community has already recognized President-elect Adama Barrow as the winner and called on Jammeh to step down. The head of Gambias Bar Association says the hearing has been rescheduled for next Monday, There has been no confirmation from the judges that they will show up for that date, which comes just three days before Barrows inauguration. Three West African presidents are expected in the Gambian capital Wednesday to continue the mediation efforts led by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. Buharis special adviser, Femi Adesina, told VOAs Daybreak Africa that diplomacy remains the best course of action, although the West African bloc ECOWAS has not ruled out military force. This is not interfering. This is rather mediation and peacemaking. Because there is the potential, what you have on the ground is like sitting on gunpowder, on a keg of gunpowder that can explode at any time, and innocent people would be affected, so its better to work for peace, talking to President Jammeh. And that is what ECOWAS is doing, Adesina said. Growing isolation Jammehs allies are dwindling. This week the minister of information resigned and fled to neighboring Senegal, and Jammeh fired 12 ambassadors who had spoken in favor of transition. Steve Cockburn, Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director for West and Central Africa, said the defections could give ECOWAS some strength in negotiations. Civil society groups that you would never have thought would dare speak out like that before are now doing so. Even the dentists' association... So I think, bit by bit, there is growing isolation; but, the key thing is looking at how much the army and the heads of the army remain with the president. There will certainly be some divisions in that; but at the moment the head of the army does seem to be staying close to Jammeh, and I think that is where people will be looking for movement, Cockburn said. In a statement Tuesday on Twitter, President-elect Barrow said ECOWAS leaders are coming Wednesday to persuade [Jammeh] to step down for the last time. Germany's interior and justice ministers, representing the two blocs in Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition, agreed Tuesday on tougher measures for asylum seekers whose documents are not in order or who are deemed to pose a security threat. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere and Justice Minister Heiko Maas resolved to tighten the security rules after the Christmas market attack in Berlin, in which a failed Tunisian asylum seeker killed 12 people. "We have agreed on the introduction of mandatory residency, in layman's terms: stricter domicile requirements for asylum seekers who have been deceptive with their identities," de Maiziere, a member of Merkel's conservatives, told reporters. "Secondly, it will now be easier to take people into custody for deportation," he added after meeting Maas, a member of the Social Democrats, the junior partner in the coalition government. German investigators identified the Berlin Christmas market attacker as a threat last February, but when officials subsequently met to discuss whether to deport him, they determined he posed no acute threat that could be presented in court, the Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported last week. The new measures will make it easier for the authorities to electronically tag foreigners deemed a security risk and required to leave Germany but who have not yet left, de Maiziere said. The Christmas market attack has thrown security policy into sharp focus ahead of September's federal elections. In addition to the tougher rules for failed asylum seekers, de Maiziere has proposed restructuring Germany's security setup. Earlier Tuesday, Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said Italy and Greece should if necessary be excluded from Europe's passport-free Schengen area if they do not fulfill their obligations to exchange data on criminals. He said people traveling by air or over land should be checked at the borders of those countries if they do not comply. He called for a deadline of the end of this year. Diplomatic tensions are on the rise between South Korea and important powers in the region at a time when the government in Seoul has been weakened and divided by the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. Park was suspended from office in December after the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach the president for alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar influence peddling scandal. The prime minister is currently acting head of state until the Constitutional Court either upholds the impeachment motion, prompting a new presidential election, or returns Park to power. It could take months before South Korea again has a fully functioning elected government. Comfort women Japan analyst Hosaka Yuji with Sejong University says widespread public disapproval of President Park in the wake of her impeachment has undermined support for one of her key diplomatic achievements, ending the long standing dispute with Tokyo over the issue of comfort women. This name was given to the over 200,000 women throughout the Pacific region who were forced into prostitution by the Japanese military during both WWII and Japans colonization of Asia. The legitimacy of the agreement between South Korea and Japan on the comfort women issue has disappeared in South Korea, said Hosaka. The governments of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Park reached a 2015 settlement that relieved Japan of any further responsibility and liability for all past wartime grievances. The deal included a written apology from Prime Minister Abe and a pledge by Tokyo to provide $8.9 million to support the surviving victims. Japan for its part requested that South Korea remove a comfort woman statue that sits across from the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. For years activists have staged weekly rallies at the site to demand Tokyo make a sincere apology and official restitution. The South Korean government agreed to try to facilitate this request but backed down when confronted by angry groups representing the surviving comfort women. These advocates denounced Abes apology as insincere, demanded official reparations from Tokyo, and vowed to continue their protests. Many of Abes nationalist supporters, who downplay the extent of the atrocities committed by the Japanese military during that period, were also unhappy with the prime minister for agreeing to make any form of apology. The deal is now in danger of falling apart after a second comfort woman statue was placed in front of the Japanese consulate in the South Korean city of Busan. In protest, Japan this week recalled its ambassador and consul general to South Korea, and last week suspended currency swaps with its neighbor. Prime Minister Abe has demanded South Korea remove the statues, saying, Even if the Korean government changes, the Korea-Japan comfort women agreement must be carried out. On Monday, a leader of the Democratic Party in the National Assembly called for the government to terminate the agreement and return Japans money. But on Tuesday, acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn urged all sides to respect the agreement and refrain from further escalating tensions. THAAD Meanwhile, China has reportedly been taking retaliatory measures to punish South Korea for agreeing to deploy the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. Seoul and Washington argue that the advanced THAAD system that uses infrared seeking technology, six mobile launchers and 48 interceptor missiles is needed to defend against North Koreas advancing ballistic missile development efforts. China has voiced its strong opposition to the THAAD deployment in South Korea, saying it will only provoke the North to further increase its military capabilities, and complained that the radar system can be used against other countries in the region. South Korean media outlets say Beijing has recently banned Korean airlines from running private charter flights between the two countries during the upcoming Chinese New year holiday this month. Beijing has also been accused of limiting the number of Chinese tourists in South Korea and barring some K-pop Korean music groups from entering China, forcing them to cancel their concerts. In the wake of Parks downfall, some opposition leaders in Seoul have called for the THAAD deployment to be delayed to appease China. A group of South Korean opposition legislators recently traveled to Beijing to discuss the issue. Woo Su-keun, a professor of international relations at Donghua University in Shanghai says Beijing is now increasing pressure to take advantage of the political turmoil in Seoul. China sees South Korea's impeachment as a golden opportunity not to be missed. By showing that it will be difficult to deal with China if South Korea pushes ahead (with the THAAD deployment), China is trying to change the situation, said Woo. Trump Some political observers are also concerned that without strong leadership in Seoul, U.S.-South Korean ties will suffer, if as expected, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump exerts pressure on South Korea over trade and defense cost sharing after he takes office later this month. Critics of the late Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani are painting a dark picture of the man who helped found the Islamic Republic, in contrast to depictions of him as a pragmatist in some obituaries. Iranian state media say Rafsanjani was taken to a Tehran hospital on Sunday, suffering from a heart attack, and died later that day. He was 82. State television interrupted programming to announce his death, saying it came "after a life full of restless efforts in the path of Islam and revolution." Some Western media published obituaries focusing on Rafsanjanis reputation in Iran as a popular figure of the 1979 Islamic Revolution who evolved into a centrist and champion of Iranian moderates and reformists in his final years. He served two terms as Iranian president from 1989 to 1997. But two exiled Iranian opposition figures who spoke to VOAs Persian service Monday highlighted controversial elements of Rafsanjanis past as they assessed his legacy. Speaking from Paris, Irans first post-revolution President Abolhassan Bani Sadr said Rafsanjani bore a great deal of responsibility for the current state of the country. If Irans situation is good, then we can say Rafsanjani had a good record; if it is bad, then he is responsible for this condition, even more than (Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei, Bani Sadr told VOA Persians "New Horizon" program. Rafsanjani imposed Khamenei on (the Iranian) people with lies and forging a letter. Forgery controversy When Khameneis predecessor as supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, died in June 1989, Rafsanjani - then speaker of Irans parliament - encouraged the countrys Assembly of Experts to appoint then-Iranian president Khamenei as the next supreme leader, a move the assembly approved. Rafsanjani succeeded Khamenei as president in August 1989. Iranian democracy activist Mahmood Delkhasteh, writing for The Huffington Post in 2011, said Rafsanjani presented the assembly with a letter purportedly written by Khomeini, saying the next supreme leader did not have to meet the constitutional requirement of being grand ayatollah a rank then-President Khamenei did not have. Some commentators have said Rafsanjani sought to elevate Khamenei because he mistakenly perceived the president as a weak figure to manipulate. Delkhasteh said former President Bani Sadr was suspicious of the letter and had it examined by several handwriting experts, who concluded that it was forged by someone much younger than Khomeini, most likely his son. The activist said Irans embassy in Paris protested the forgery allegation when it was published by the French newspaper Le Monde in June 1989. Rafsanjanis human rights record as Iranian president also faced criticism from Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian democracy activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003. Killings on Rafsanjanis watch Unfortunately, Rafsanjani does not have a good record on human rights, said Ebadi, appearing from London on VOA Persians "Newshour" program. I especially want to point out the case of Irans chain murders killings that began when Ali Fallahian was intelligence minister in Rafsanjanis cabinet and that were ordered by the intelligence ministry. Ebadi was referring to the killings of dozens of prominent dissidents and intellectuals in Iran from 1988 to 1998 a series of incidents that Iranian rights activists have labeled the chain murders and blamed on Iranian intelligence operatives. The Committee to Protect Journalists says Iranian reporters published articles in 1999 linking intelligence operatives to the killings, prompting Iranian authorities the following year to admit that rogue elements within the intelligence ministry were responsible for some of the incidents. It is unclear who carried out the other killings. Ebadi also linked Rafsanjani to two attacks outside Iran in the 1990s: a 1994 suicide car bombing that destroyed a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires and killed 85 people, and a 1992 assassination of four exiled Iranian Kurdish dissidents at a Berlin restaurant called Mykonos. Argentine prosecutors accused Iran of involvement in the Buenos Aires attack and requested the arrest of nine Iranian officials in connection with it, including Rafsanjani. German prosecutors also accused Rafsanjani of ordering the Berlin killings. In 1997, a German court ruled that the attack was ordered by the highest figures of the Iranian government but did not name them. Iran denied responsibility for both attacks. The United Nations reports increasing numbers of civilians are fleeing Mosul as Iraqi military operations to wrest the city from Islamic State (IS) control intensify. Latest figures show more than 135,000 people have fled Mosul since the Iraqi military offensive to retake the city from IS militants began on October 17. The United Nations reports 4,000 were displaced on January 2, one of the largest movements of people in a single day since the conflict began. Jens Laerke, spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, says most of the newly displaced are being cared for in camps run by the government and by humanitarian agencies, although people also are seeking help from family and friends. Laerke says aid agencies have no access to IS-controlled areas, increasing humanitarian concerns for the civilians remaining there. He says these fears are reinforced by reports from those who have escaped harsh conditions under which they were forced to live. Some of those who have fled from the western part of Mosul, IS-held Mosul, are saying that there are very few consumables left in terms of food, other consumables for daily sustenance, says Laerke. They also are talking about being restricted, for example, in running their generators by those who are in control of the area.... We are very concerned for their safety, their security, and their protection. Laerke says the United Nations has increased access to areas retaken by Iraqi government forces in Mosul; but, he says aid agencies are restrained from rushing in because of the high risk of death and injury from unexploded devices. He says contaminated areas must be cleared to make it safe to go in. He says trauma casualties remain extremely high because of increased military activity, especially near the front lines. The United Nations reports more than 3,100 civilians have been wounded in the fighting since December 5. Italian police arrested two siblings on Tuesday for hacking into the emails of European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and thousands of other accounts. The Rome court ordered the arrest of Giulio Occhionero, 45, and his sister Francesca Maria Occhionero, 48, for stealing state secrets and illegal hacking. Lawyers representing the two could not be immediately reached. "There were tens of thousands of email accounts hacked, and among them were accounts belonging to bankers, businessmen and even several cardinals in the Vatican," Roberto Di Legami, director of the specialized cyber police unit that conducted the investigation, told Reuters. Giulio Occhionero, a nuclear engineer by training, developed the malware that infected the email accounts and allowed him access to all correspondence, Di Legami said. The emails were probably used by Occhionero, who heads an investment firm called Westland Securities, "to make investments based on reserved information," Di Legami said. Draghi's account at the Bank of Italy, where he was previously governor, and Renzi's account while he was prime minister were among those infected by the malware, according to the arrest warrant. Draghi's ECB account was not listed as having been targeted in the warrant. Spokesmen for Renzi and the ECB could not be immediately reached. The Bank of Italy, whose former Director General Fabrizio Saccomanni was also a victim, had no immediate comment. Occhionero, which means black-eye in Italian, called his software "Eye Pyramid" in reference to the all-seeing eye of God like the one depicted on the back of the U.S. dollar bill. "He was very obsessive in cataloguing the information," Di Legami said. A folder containing emails relating to a Masonic lodge was called "BROS" for "Brothers", while another regarding politicians was called "POBU" for "Politicians Business". While most of the hacking appears to have been focused on the email accounts, there was evidence that he had managed to install a keylogger on some computers, allowing him to see every keystroke, Di Legami said. According to the material already seized in Rome, some 18,000 accounts may have been hacked, and some 2,000 user passwords were found. Former Prime Minister Mario Monti's accounts at Bocconi University, where he worked, and at the Senate also were targeted. Vatican culture minister Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi was another victim of the cyberattack. Cardinal Ravasi was not immediately available for comment. Email addresses at important legal firms, accounting companies, labor unions, and even credit recovery groups were also put under control, according to the warrant. Some "99 percent" of the data was stored in the United States, Di Legami said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, at the request of the Rome court, has seized the servers. They will be shipped back in coming days, but it will take some time before the information they contain can be analyzed, he said. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara dismissed the heads of the army, police and gendarmes Monday after a two-day military mutiny that spread unrest across the West African nation, according to a presidency statement. Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan also resigned and dissolved the government, a move that had been expected after elections last month but which was delayed two days by the weekend uprising. Disgruntled soldiers demanding the payment of bonuses and wage increases began their revolt Friday, seizing control of Bouake, the second-largest city, before troops in military camps in cities and towns across the country joined the mutiny. Army chief General Soumaila Bakayoko the former military head of a 2002-2011 rebellion, who has become increasingly unpopular with many troops was replaced by his second in command, General Sekou Toure, the presidency statement said. Gervais Kouakou Kouassi, superior commander of the National Gendarmerie, and Director General of the National Police Bredou M'Bia were also replaced by their deputies with immediate effect, according to the statement, read on national television. The uprising of mainly former rebels now integrated into the army was the second such army mutiny in less than three years. As happened in the first uprising, the government conceded to the low-ranking soldiers' demands and agreed to pay bonuses likely to cost state coffers tens of millions of dollars. Defense Minister Alain-Richard Donwahi was briefly trapped inside the house in Bouake where negotiations took place Saturday after some mutineers opened fire outside, having initially rejected the timetable for bonus payments. "I assure you that the president of the republic understands you. He is a man of his word," Donwahi said Monday in a televised address aimed at the disgruntled soldiers. He said he planned to return to Bouake on Friday to meet again with the mutinous troops. Economic recovery at risk Years of conflict and a failure to reform the army, cobbled together from rival rebel groups and government soldiers, have left it hobbled by divisions. Ivory Coast, French-speaking West Africa's largest economy and world's biggest cocoa producer, emerged from a 2002-2011 political crisis as one of the continent's rising economic stars. But Ouattara's failure to rein in an ill-disciplined, factionalized army could threaten that recovery. Duncan, the outgoing premier, had been expected to stand down Saturday but held off after the army mutiny erupted. "I have tendered my resignation and that of the government," he said after a meeting with Ouattara. The president retained his majority in the Dec. 18 parliamentary vote. However, Ivorian legislative elections are usually followed by a change of government as a matter of procedure. Ouattara was expected to name a new prime minister in the coming days. New constitution Earlier, Guillaume Soro was re-elected as president of the National Assembly with 95 percent of the votes cast by deputies. Soro led a rebellion that controlled the northern half of the country for nearly a decade starting in 2002. He later served as prime minister between 2007 and 2012. The government's dissolution paves the way for the implementation of measures contained in a new constitution. Ouattara signed the new charter, which had been approved by referendum, into law in November, casting it as the way to ensure peace is maintained in Ivory Coast. It modifies clauses in the old constitution that lay behind the conflict, especially concerning nationality requirements for presidential candidates. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has issued an apology on behalf of the State Department for the agency's past discrimination against gay and lesbian employees. In a statement Monday, Kerry said "In the past as far back as the 1940s, but continuing for decades the Department of State was among many public and private employers that discriminated against employees and job applicants on the basis of perceived sexual orientation." He said some employees were forced to resign because of the discrimination while other applicants were never hired. Kerry said the actions were "wrong then," and "wrong today." He said the State Department has a "steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion for all our employees, including members of the LGBTI community." Kerry said that for the past several years, the department has pressed for families of gay and lesbian officers to have the same protections overseas as families of other officers. He mentioned that in 2015, he appointed the first-ever Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons to further promote gay rights throughout the world. Kenya's president Monday signed an amendment to the country's election law to allow manual voting and counting of ballots as a backup, a move the opposition called a back door to rigging this year's presidential election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission can implement the backup process if the electronic voting system fails, said President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is running for a second term in the August election. Kenya's Senate approved the changes on Friday. The opposition coalition, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice Presidents Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka, said legislators in the Senate's ruling coalition have committed a great betrayal on the people of Kenya. The opposition also accused the ruling coalition of casting fraudulent votes during Friday's session. Both houses of Parliament held emergency meetings over the holidays to pass the amendment to sections of the electoral law that were reformed with bipartisan support just months ago, in August. Those reforms followed weeks of street protests led by the opposition during which more than five people were shot dead by police. Kenya tried to digitize its 2013 general elections to prevent the vote-rigging in 2007 that sparked violence and left more than 1,000 people dead. But finger-scanning voter identification equipment didn't work properly, while the server handling the vote count crashed. The results ended up being tabulated manually. Odinga unsuccessfully challenged Kenyatta's 2013 election win before the Supreme Court, claiming the system was designed to fail to allow for the more easily manipulated manual system. Lebanese President Michel Aoun, an ally of Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, flew to Saudi Arabia on Monday on his first visit abroad since his October election hoping to ease tensions rooted in the rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran. Aoun would like his trip, part of a tour that will also take him to Qatar, to result in a lifting of travel advisories imposed by some Gulf states last year on nationals visiting Lebanon, which severely damaged its tourism sector. Lebanon is caught up in regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Riyadh appeared to disengage from Lebanon over the past year as it became increasingly occupied with struggles against Iran in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Bahrain. In each case, the two rivals back opposing sides. In February, Riyadh cancelled a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army and also advised big-spending Saudis not to visit Lebanon, which relies heavily on tourism. This coincided with a financial crisis at the Saudi Oger construction firm belonging to the Hariri family, Saudi Arabia's main ally in Lebanon. Tensions also cast a shadow on the fate of an estimated 750,000 Lebanese nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia and in other Gulf Arab states, who transfer between $7 and $8 billion each year to support extensive families. Ties began to thaw after Aoun was elected in October in a deal that also saw Lebanon's leading Sunni Muslim politician, Saad al-Hariri, appointed prime minister. In a statement on Monday, Hariri said Aoun's Riyadh visit was an important step to "normalize Lebanon's relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states." While visiting Beirut in November, Saudi Prince Khaled al-Faisal, the governor of Mecca and also a nephew of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, invited Aoun to visit his country. The Lebanese Presidency said in a statement that eight ministers would accompany Aoun on his visit, due to last until Wednesday. Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk, who is accompanying Aoun, said on Saturday that the president would discuss the military grants to Lebanon which were put on hold last year. Aoun, who will meet the Saudi king, will also seek to activate economic, investment, aid and trade cooperation, including the frozen military aid. He said there would be a group meeting of all the ministerial delegation and then bilateral meetings between ministers. In talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Lebanese delegation will discuss making the issuance of work visas for Lebanese easier. Aoun was also expected to discuss possible Qatari help to free nine kidnapped Lebanese army soldiers believed to be held by Islamic State militants. By Press Trust of India: Chicago, Jan 10 (PTI) A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 22 years by a US court for stealing a TV remote as he "repeatedly thumbed his nose at the law". Eric Bramwell, 35, of Wheaton, Illinois, had been found guilty last year of burglary and was eligible for an extended-term sentence because of his past criminal history, according to prosecutors. advertisement Authorities alleged that Bramwell entered the common area of an apartment building on August 1, 2015, and stole the universal remote to the television set, the Chicago Tribune reported. But, prosecutors say, Bramwell dropped a glove while at the complex, and a DNA sample taken from it was matched to Bramwells DNA in a database of convicted felons, which led to his arrest. He was alleged to have committed similar thefts of remotes and televisions in other apartment complexes in Wheaton, Lisle, Aurora, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove and Oakbrook Terrace, prosecutors said. "Mr Bramwells illegal activity and his history have finally caught up with him," States Attorney Robert Berlin was quoted as saying. "Regardless of what was stolen, Mr Bramwell repeatedly thumbed his nose at the law. He took what he wanted time and time again and expected to avoid the consequences. Thats not how it works, as Mr. Bramwell has now found out," he said. Judge Robert Miller sentenced Bramwell last Wednesday. He will be required to serve half the sentence before he is eligible for parole. According to court files, Miller had in November sentenced Bramwell to six months in jail for contempt for using profane language in court. PTI ASK AKJ ASK --- ENDS --- Getting more organized is one of the most popular New Years resolutions among Americans. But as we start 2017, writer and economics journalist Tim Harford doesnt think always being tidy is such a good habit. He argues that we really dont have to organize our desks and computer files, or be absolutely precise in planning and preparing for work and life events. His new book - Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives - tells how disorder and uncertainty can lead to free thinking, creativity and success. The magical imperfect tunes Harford opens the book with a story about American jazz pianist Keith Jarret. As he began a concert at the Cologne Opera House in Germany in January, 1975, he discovered there was a problem with the piano. It was out of tune. The piano was basically unplayable, Harford said. But he felt he had to play this concert, a huge concert, by the way. There were 1,400 people in the audience. So he sat down, but before he started to play, he said, Im ready to record this concert because I want a documentary evidence of what a disaster sounds like, what happens when you dont have the right instrument.' But when he did start to play, it was just beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Something really magical happened when Keith Jarrett tried to overcome the problems in that piano. Harford says there is a reason he began with that story. I wanted people to think about the situations where they face a very difficult starting point, obstacles, disruptions, things that arent working or having a plan - and yet somehow as they adjust and adapt to those obstacles. They find something much better than the original plan. They find some magic in the mess. Tidy vs. Messy Messiness, he explains, is the opposite of tidiness. What I mean by tidiness is this habit of making sure that everything has some kind of label or category; everything is prepared; everything can be controlled," he explained. "Sometimes that will serve us very well, but often its actually not helpful in a complex, and ambiguous world. The messiness, I think, is this embrace of vagueness and improvisation and ambiguity and disorder. That doesn't always work. But I think it works more often that we tend to think. In fact, he insists, improvisation can spark creativity, pointing to civil-rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., as an example. As a young man, he would prepare his speeches very carefully. He would prepare his sermons - maybe 15 hours' worth of preparation for a 20-minute speech. But it was only later, when he was under pressure and had no time. Suddenly he found himself giving talks in public, [before] TV cameras ... [and] much, much bigger audiences than he ever faced before, and yet he didnt have these 15 hours to prepare his talk. Harford says King would write down a couple of notes and go to the church to give the speech and "it was brilliant, it was so powerful. People who knew him as a speaker were astonished at how much power he had acquired in his speaking and that came because he stepped away from the preparation and began to improvise and say what he really thought, he said. The 'I Have a Dream' speech, the most famous speech in Americas 20th century, half of that speech was improvised. And I can tell you, its the half that everybody remembers. Forgive your messiness Harford says people tend to find clutter and irregularity disturbing, but dont notice when it benefits them. He says we need to recognize when its important to be tidy and where its okay to be messy. Messiness can be a problem in some circumstances, he admitted. There are lots of situations where you want a very orderly plan. For example, when youre dealing with financial systems, its a good idea to be very organized. It helps to be tidy in the kitchen for sure. You want to know where the tools you use in the kitchen are. If youre working on a production line, with machinery, of course everything needs to be very well organized, very tidy and not to leave things lined around because thats dangerous. But the office is a different environment. And Harford notes that his desk is usually very messy. And when Im doing research for a book, it is chaos. It should be chaos. I need to forgive myself for the randomness and the disorder because its not causing any problems. Its actually helping me be a better writer. Harford says chaotic desks are messy because were dealing with a messy flow of information. What most studies find is that very often the messier approach actually works better because documents are ambiguous; its not clear where you should file them, he says. So if its not clear where you should file them, maybe its better to keep them where you can see them until more info comes out. People who file their documents too quickly find that they cannot actually find them again. So its not like looking for your keys or looking for your glasses or coffee mug. Looking for your emails is really a different problem, and a messy approach can often be more efficient. Harford says what he would like readers to take away from his book is the idea that resolving to be at least a bit messy can be a good start to the new year. Recession-hit Venezuela's imports plunged by more than half to nearly $18 billion in 2016, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday, as the nation prioritized foreign debt payments despite chronic product shortages. Maduro, in a meeting with businessmen, said the private sector accounted for $11 billion of imports, while the cash-strapped public sector brought in $6.8 billion of products. "You accounted for 60 percent of imports for the first time in 100 years," Maduro told the businessmen, blaming the oil price fall since mid-2014 for shrinking state coffers. Imports have fallen during three years of recession in the member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries from a record high of $66 billion in 2012 to $36.9 billion in 2015, according to Central Bank figures. Despite plunging oil revenues, Venezuela managed to pay $17 billion in foreign debt and build 360,000 new homes in a state housing project last year, Maduro said. But Venezuela's 30 million people have been suffering long shopping lines, while basic foodstuffs, medicines and other products have been running short. Price controls and nationalizations have hurt domestic production. "2016 was the hardest, longest and most difficult year we have known," Maduro said. In a research note on Monday, Torino Capital said Venezuela's import data demonstrated the Maduro government's commitment to keep paying maturing debt despite market speculation it may be heading toward an eventual default. "The bottom line is that the data continues to show a very strong import contraction which shows no sign of abating and may even be intensifying," it said. This "supports the hypothesis that the government is restricting foreign currency allocations for imports to free up resources that will allow it to continue servicing its external obligations," it added. Hundreds of thousands of mourners flooded the streets of Tehran on Tuesday, beating their chests and wailing in grief for the late Iranian leader Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei held prayers by Rafsanjani's casket, as other dignitaries knelt before the coffin on which his white cleric's turban was placed, reaching their hands out for one final embrace. Just behind Khamenei was President Hassan Rouhani, whose moderate administration led the recent nuclear negotiations with world powers. Rouhani, who is all but certain to run for re-election in May, is viewed as embodying Rafsanjani's realist vision. Hard-liners also took part in the ceremony Tuesday, which was a public holiday across the country. Among them was Qassem Soleimani, a general who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations like the war in Syria. Both Soleimani and Rafsanjani are from Iran's southeastern province of Kerman and worked together during the 1980s war against Iraq war. Apparently banned from the funeral was former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, a reformist who remains popular among the young but is deeply disliked by hard-liners. State media have banned the broadcasting of any images of Khatami. Outside, mourners carried posters bearing Rafsanjani's image as his casket slowly made his way through the streets. "I rarely attend religious ceremonies, but I am here as an Iranian who cannot forget Rafsanjani's contribution to developing political sphere in favor of people in recent years," said Nima Sheikhi, a computer teacher at a private school. Nearby was cleric Reza Babaei from the eastern town of Birjand near Afghan border. "I am here to say goodbye to a man who dedicated his life to make Iran better," Babaei said. "He founded the university in my city and developed our region when he was in power." Many in the crowds chanted that they would continue along Rafsanjani's "path." The semi-official ILNA news agency said that on the sidelines of the funeral ceremony, prominent moderate lawmaker Ali Motahari was asked by several mourners to free opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi from house arrest the two have been under since 2011. "Our message is clear, the house arrest should be lifted," some chanted. The police and security forces did not react to the chants. Rafsanjani's casket was heading to the ornate, massive shrine of the late Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini. There, he will be buried by the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the rule of the American-backed shah. Rafsanjani, a close aide to both Khomeini and Khamenei, served as president from 1989 to 1997. His life mirrored Iran's modern history. He served as the right-hand man of Khomeini. He led the military during the ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. He helped launch Iran's nuclear program and then pushed for reconciliation with the West. In the years after Khomeini's 1989 death, Rafsanjani represented one of an ever-shrinking number of leaders directly tied to the Islamic Revolution. Internally, however, his legacy remains mixed. He was massively wealthy and a veteran at maneuvering within Iran's opaque political system. He was considered a protector of the moderates, but many reformers distrusted him because he was such an insider and because of accusations he was involved in killing dissidents during his eight-year presidency, which he always denied. Hard-liners distrusted him because of his support of moderates and sought to sideline him, but he was too powerful and entrenched to be discounted. A new lawsuit in a U.S. court is reawakening a century-old mass slaughter of Namibia's Herero and Nama peoples by German colonial forces, an event that has been described as the 20th century's first genocide. When Vekuii Rukoro was a boy in what is now Namibia, his family would gather around a fire and tell stories. Stories of horror and humiliation, of unarmed women and children killed by German soldiers, of terrified families driven into the searing desert to die of thirst, and of concentration camps whose gruesome indignities would be repeated on new victims in Germany and Poland decades later. Herero chief takes lead "Untold suffering, misery and brutalities, Rukoro said. When we sat around the bonfire at night, this is where oral history would be passed along from generation to generation. And that is where we came to know what happened to our ancestors. Rukoro is 62 and the elected paramount chief of the Herero people, who number about 400,000. Between 1904 and 1908, tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people were killed by German troops after they revolted against colonial rule. More than a century later, Rukoro is leading a charge to sue the German government in U.S. District Court in New York, seeking an apology and group reparations. No resolution despite talks Germany has not issued a formal apology for this dark episode, but the issue has been discussed between the two governments for at least a decade, with no resolution. Rukoro says if Germany does not allow Nama and Herero representatives to participate in talks, there will be consequences. He threatened a public-relations and diplomatic offensive, and says his group will lobby to have Germany labeled a war criminal and a pariah state. We are not going to sit here, 100 years, for another 120 years and allow another imperialist situation to continue to depress us as Africans of our rights, Rukoro said. No. No. No. Germans are divided Germany's position on the apology and negotiations remains unclear. The German foreign ministry did not immediately respond to VOA's request for comment. But two years ago the foreign minister said, We think that the time has come to intensify and formalize this exchange between the governments of our two countries. That has not happened, says German human rights activist Christian Kopp, who says Germany should apologize and offer reparations, but he feels many Germans do not agree. "I think Germany would be divided. There are some, and I would not say it is the majority, maybe 50 percent, maybe even less, who would feel better after this, Kopp said. And there are others ... and there are many, many people who say, Well, why is it always the Germans who have to ask for forgiveness? So there will be many many Germans who will not be happy about this. A deep responsibility Rukoro's lawyer, New York-based Ken McCallion, says the damages cannot be understated. They went from being a very successful and relatively prosperous indigenous people to really grinding poverty, and that stain has really continued to today, McCallion said. In addition to that, there were cultural losses. In eradicating the people, the German authorities were really seeking to eradicate their history and culture. Rukoro stressed he is not seeking individual payouts for all living descendants, he wants reparations that benefit the entire community. And, he says, he feels a deep responsibility to keep agitating. Although his signature law is in jeopardy, President Barack Obama's work reshaping health care in America is certain to endure in the broad public support for many of its underlying principles, along with conflicts over how to secure them. The belief that people with medical problems should be able to get health insurance is no longer challenged. The issue seems to be how to guarantee that. The idea that government should help those who can't afford their premiums has gained acceptance. The question is how much, and for what kind of coverage. "The American people have now set new standards for access to health care based on the Affordable Care Act," former Surgeon General David Satcher says. "I don't believe it will ever be acceptable again to have 50 million people without access to health care." Obama's influence will continue in other ways, less visible and hardly divisive: Medicare is shifting to paying for value, not just volume. The importance of prevention and front-line primary care is more widely recognized. Doctors and hospitals have computerized their records systems, even if connectivity remains elusive. The government has opened up massive files of health care billing data, enabling independent analysts to look for patterns of questionable spending. But conflict is part of Obama's legacy, too. He leaves the country deeply divided about the government's role in health care. Passed with no Republican votes, the 2010 health care law broke the pattern of major safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which had bipartisan backing. Social Security has stood for more than 80 years; Medicare and Medicaid for more than 50. "If Medicare had been repealed, stories about Lyndon Johnson would have been different," said Robert Blendon, professor of health policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "A legacy is whether you did something that was sustained." Johnson was the Democratic president who won approval of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Already, the Republican-led Congress, taking its lead from President-elect Donald Trump, has started the process of repealing and replacing the health law. "Approaches that partisan are difficult to sustain as lasting, permanent features of the health care system," said Mark McClellan, Medicare administrator under Republican President George W. Bush. Obama also failed to deliver on early promises to cut premiums. From 2009-2016, the amount employees pay in premiums for workplace coverage rose by hundreds of dollars, according to the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. And the average deductible the annual amount patients pay before insurance kicks in went from $533 to $1,221, an increase of nearly 130 percent. The achievements and difficulties of the Obama years are reflected in people such as Karen Rezny. "I really do credit Obamacare with saving my life," said Rezny, a massage therapist from Austin, Texas. The health care law, or ACA, enabled her to get better treatment for advanced breast cancer. She was uninsured when diagnosed. Before the law, insurers would have rejected her because of her medical condition. Even with a subsidized premium, Rezny said she still struggles with cost. "What I would hope is that we would look back and say (Obama) got the ball rolling, and then we continue," said Rezny. "He took health care off the House and Senate floor out of theoretical talk by people who are guaranteed lifetime health care and actually allowed the people to experience it and have it." When the law passed, 48.6 million people were uninsured, according to the government. Through the first six months of last year, that dropped to 28.4 million. While employer coverage also grew as the economy strengthened, experts credit the ACA for most of the progress. The law provides subsidized private insurance along with a Medicaid expansion for low-income people. "It would have never been done without the focus and insistence of this president that we go big," said Kathleen Sebelius, Obama's first secretary of Health and Human Services. Obama set his sights high, but execution was a problem. When HealthCare.gov went live in 2013, the computer system quickly froze. It took a high-tech rescue effort to get things working for consumers. The law's complexity also tripped people up. It uses the income tax system to subsidize premiums. Some HealthCare.gov customers saw their tax refunds reduced because they underestimated their incomes when applying for subsidies. Fines on those who remained uninsured hit people in their 30s trying to get traction in life. Officials in many states were alarmed by rising Medicaid spending. When Republicans won control of the House in 2010, Obama was effectively blocked from legislating fixes. The administration used regulations to try smooth out the law's rough edges, while successfully fighting off two Supreme Court cases that would have gutted it. In the face of problems, the White House ceaselessly talked up the benefits of the law. Among the controversial claims was that the law deserved much credit for a historic slowdown in national health care spending from 2009-2013. "Just nonsense," said Rick Foster, formerly Medicare's chief actuary, in charge of long-range estimates. "Far and away the biggest cause of the slowdown was the Great Recession. That is not to say that the Affordable Care Act didn't have some impact, but I think that was small compared to the effect of the recession and the weak recovery." History shows that America's social programs got built in stages. Automatic cost-of-living increases weren't part of Social Security originally. Medicare didn't get a prescription benefit for nearly 40 years. Kris Case of Denver hopes that somehow, something like that can happen with Obama's overhaul. She works in customer relations for a technology company and buys coverage through the Colorado insurance marketplace. "Think of all the work that has gone into this imperfect thing," said Case, "and to just tear it down to make a point, rather than say it's flawed but we can fix it. "Just because you need to do the top floor doesn't mean you level the entire complex." Peru would withhold any money Brazil's Odebrecht SA might make by selling its 55 percent stake in a natural gas pipeline project while prosecutors probe bribes the company has admitted to distributing in the Andean country, the government said Monday. Odebrecht, a family-owned engineering conglomerate at the center of a massive graft scandal in Latin America, might be able to collect the earnings once it clears up its corrupt acts, Finance Minister Alfredo Thorne said. "If Odebrecht does sell its stake, it wouldn't collect," Thorne said in an interview with local TV station Canal N. "That money would turn into a guarantee in the event there was any corruption." Odebrecht declined to comment. Odebrecht must exit the $5 billion pipeline project - a condition of banks that would provide a $4.1 billion loan for construction - before Jan. 24 when a financing deadline must be met, Thorne said. But Odebrecht's acknowledgement last month in a U.S. plea deal that it had distributed $29 million in bribes to secure public work projects in Peru has clouded its prospects of closing a deal. Last week Odebrecht agreed to give local prosecutors details on its bribes in Peru, depositing an initial $8.9 million in public coffers as a gesture of goodwill. The company, which has had an out-sized presence in construction projects in Peru in the past decade, has turned into a symbol of high-level corruption for many Peruvians - fueling calls for its assets to be seized and its contracts revised. Thorne said the government was also preparing a law to unlink financing of the pipeline from consumer electricity bills. Odebrecht and its junior partner Enagas SA won the pipeline contract in 2014 during the previous government after their sole competitor was disqualified the day of the auction. Enagas now controls a 25 percent stake in the project. Peruvian construction group Grana y Montero, whose shares dropped by more than 5 percent on Monday, bought a 20 percent stake in the project from Odebrecht in 2015. Odebrecht has said it invested at least $1 billion in the pipeline, which was about a third finished when work on it ground to a halt last year. A day before the U.S. plea deal was made public, Odebrecht had been finalizing a deal to sell its stake to Brookfield Asset Management, according to Thorne. President Barack Obama plans to reaffirm in his farewell address his belief that change only happens when "ordinary people get involved, get engaged and come together to demand it." "I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change but in yours," Obama said. Obama plans to say that after eight years in the White House he still believes in the power of change. The outgoing president plans to tell supporters in the city that launched his political career that change is the "beating heart of our American idea -- our bold experiment in self-government." Obama will note the founding fathers gave Americans the freedom to "chase our individual dreams through our sweat, toil and imagination." Obama,in opening his farewell address in his hometown of Chicago, thanked thousands of supporters and reaffirmed his belief in the power of change. Obama hearkened back to the message of his first campaign for president in 2008. At one point, he was interrupted by chants of "Four more years!" Obama answered, laughing: "I can't do that." In the aftermath of Republican Donald Trump's election as the next president, Obama is acknowledging that the nation's progress has been "uneven." He says that for "every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back." But the president says the country strives for "forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all, and not just some." Obama said that in 10 days the world will witness the peaceful transfer of power to a new president, drawing some jeers ahead of Trump's presidency. He said hopes that he would usher in a post-racial America "was never realistic." Obama, who is 55 years old, said in his farewell address that he's lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were 30 years ago. But he says he also knows "we're not where we need to be." He said every economic issue can't be framed as a struggle between hardworking middle-class whites and undeserving minorities, and says forsaking the children of immigrants will diminish the prospects of American children. Obama said hearts must change. He quotes the hero of To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, who said that to understand a person, it helps to "climb into his skin and walk around in it." He acknowledged that "stark inequality" is corrosive to the nation's democratic principles, a nod to the economic uncertainty that helped Republican Donald Trump win the White House last November. Obama said in his final speech as president that too many families in inner cities and rural counties have been left behind. He says many are convinced that the "game is fixed against them" and government only serves powerful interests. The president called that a "recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics." He said he had committed to Trump that his administration would "ensure the smoothest possible transition" just as his predecessor, President George W. Bush, did for him. The outgoing president said, "It's up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face. He said the nation's politics need to reflect "the decency" of the American people. In ending, Obama said that the United States faces a stern test of its democracy, in a speech that was as much as farewell address as a call to arms. He called on supporters to pick up the torch and forge a new "social compact." "Democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity," he said. "For all our outward differences, we are all in this together," he said. "We rise or fall as one." The address was delivered at McCormick Place, the lakefront convention center in Chicago, Obamas adopted hometown. He delivered his speech near the same spot the night he won the presidential election in 2008. First lady Michelle Obama and their older daughter, Malia, accompanied the president to Chicago, as did Auma Obama, a sister from Kenya. Vice President Joe Biden, his wife, Jill Biden, and many current and former White House staff members and campaign workers will attend the speech as well. U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions faced a second day of confirmation hearings Wednesday as President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, including testimony against him by a fellow sitting senator. Senator Cory Booker appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee in an unprecedented move that he said was prompted by "the immense powers of the attorney general combined with the deeply troubling views of this nominee." Booker said Sessions' "record says we can't count on him." WATCH: Booker testifies against Sessions House members John Lewis and Cedric Richmond were among those who testified. Some Democrats are concerned that Sessions, as the nation's top law enforcement official, will not uphold civil rights laws. They point to allegations that Sessions made racist remarks in the past remarks that, 30 years ago, resulted in the Senate's rejection of his nomination to be a federal judge. He was alleged, for example, to have called an African-American lawyer "boy" and to have referred to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, one of the nation's foremost civil rights groups, as "un-American." "It wasn't accurate then, it isn't accurate now," Sessions told the lawmakers. He said he "understands the history of civil rights and the horrendous impact that relentless and systematic discrimination and the denial of voting rights has had on our African-American brothers and sisters." The country, Sessions said, can never go back, and he vowed to protect equality for every citizen, including gays and transgenders although he has voted against various bills aimed at protecting gay rights during his 20 years in the Senate. WATCH: Protesters disrupt Sessions confirmation hearing Demonstrators shouting anti-racist slogans at Sessions interrupted his testimony at one point and were taken out of the room. The staunchly conservative Sessions was the first senator to endorse Trump for president but appeared to distance himself from some of Trump's public pronouncements during Tuesday's hearing. WATCH: Sessions questioned on Trump's proposed ban on Muslims entering US He promised to crack down on illegal immigration but said he was against any proposal to ban Muslim immigration to the U.S. on the basis of religion. He also said he didn't think there was a need to put Muslims who are U.S. citizens into a registry; not only would it most likely be unconstitutional, he said, but Muslim citizens should not be treated differently than anyone else. Sessions called President Barack Obama's executive order to defer deportation for millions of undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children constitutionally questionable. He avoided a direct answer when he was asked whether he would recommend that Trump scrap the order, but said he would have "no objection" to such a move. Sessions told the lawmakers he did not want to stop admitting refugees to the U.S., but he said there needed to be a "higher intensity of vetting" for those coming from countries known to harbor terrorists. Opposition to waterboarding Contradicting Trump, Sessions said he would uphold the law against waterboarding a tactic that mimics the sensation of drowning when questioning terror suspects. Sessions also testified that he "has no reason to doubt" the conclusion by U.S. intelligence that Russia meddled in the presidential election by hacking into computers to try to help Trump win. And Sessions said he wanted to keep the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba open, calling it a secure place to hold terror suspects. Obama promised to shut down the facility by the end of his term, which ends next week. Sessions made it clear that he was a foe of abortion rights, but recognized that Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision legalizing abortion, was the law of the land, along with the 2015 ruling legalizing gay marriage. Those pronouncements from Sessions are likely to cause dismay among some of the more conservative members of the Senate. Liberals will continue to question his civil rights record. WATCH: Sessions on recusing himself from Clinton email probe Sessions voiced complaints during the lengthy presidential campaign about Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server and her handling of classified material while she was secretary of state. But he said that if he was confirmed as the country's top law enforcement official he would remove himself from any involvement in discussions about possible prosecution of her in connection with the emails or the charitable Clinton Foundation her family controls. Nothing came out of Tuesday's hearing that would likely place Session's confirmation as attorney general in doubt. But one Democrat, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, said he would testify against Sessions. It would be the first time in Senate history that a sitting senator testified against a colleague nominated for a Cabinet position. Booker said the "deeply troubling views of this nominee are a call to conscience." Homeland security choice Also Tuesday, the Senate's Homeland Security Committee questioned retired Marine General Mark Kelly, Trump's choice for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Kelly noted that most undocumented immigrants come to the United States for only one reason: "to have some economic opportunity and escape violence." He said a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico would not in itself keep out illegal immigrants: "I believe the defense of the southwest border really starts about 1,500 miles [2,400 kilometers] south, and that is partnering with some great countries as far south as Peru." Kelly said the key to stopping the illegal drug trade south of the U.S. border was "stopping demand." When asked about so-called enhanced interrogation techniques of terror suspects, Kelly said the U.S. should never come close to "crossing a line." He also said he had "high confidence" in the findings on the Russian election hacking. Speaking to VOA, Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso said he hoped the confirmation process would be swift, like it was eight years ago. "When President Obama came into office [in 2009], he had his Cabinet, a core working group, confirmed the first day, he said. Democrats say numerous Trump nominees have been slow to complete paperwork and release ethics and financial information considered to be standard requirements for Cabinet picks and federal agency heads. Republicans control 52 seats in the 100-member Senate. Should they maintain party unity behind Trumps nominees, they can all but assure the president-elects team will be confirmed. Democrats can delay votes, but are unable to block nominees on their own. Other Trump Cabinet picks to face confirmation hearings this week will include former ExxonMobil chief Rex Tillerson, nominated as secretary of state, and Elaine Chao, who was chosen to be transportation chief. Defense Secretary-designate James Mattis, a retired Marine general, has his confirmation hearing Thursday, along with U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo, picked for Central Intelligence Agency director; business investor Wilbur Ross, named as commerce secretary; and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, Trump's choice for housing and urban development secretary. VOA's Katherine Gypson contributed to this report. WATCH: Confirmation process explained The U.S. Senate will be ground zero beginning Tuesday for the first major battle of the incoming Trump administration: a rigorous and contentious confirmation process for the president-elect's Cabinet nominees and other top administration picks. Hearings for eight Trump nominees will be held this week, beginning with Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, tapped to be America's next attorney general. Sessions is likely to face tough questions from Democrats about his relations with blacks and his past efforts fighting immigration reform. Thirty years ago, the Senate rejected his nomination to be a federal judge because of allegations he had made racially insensitive remarks, a charge Sessions denied. He was the first senator to endorse Trump's presidential bid at a time when political Washington thought the billionaire real estate mogul turned politician had no chance of winning the Republican presidential nomination, let alone a four-year term in the White House. President-elect Donald Trump called the 70-year-old Sessions "a high quality man." Speaking to VOA Monday, Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso said he hoped the confirmation process would be swift, like it was four years ago. When President Obama came into office [in 2009], he had his Cabinet a core working group confirmed the first day, he said. And I would hope that we have that same situation with President Trump when he takes office on January 20. For his part, President-elect Donald Trump predicted Monday that the Senate will confirm all of his Cabinet choices. He made the prediction in New York, where he continued to meet with business and political leaders, 11 days ahead of his inauguration as the country's 45th president. "I think they'll all pass," Trump said, describing them as "all at the highest level." WATCH: How confirmation process works Information is lacking But Democrats have raised strenuous objections, saying numerous Trump nominees have been slow to complete paperwork and release information considered to be standard requirements for Cabinet picks and federal agency heads. "We are focused on not getting all the completed ethics forms, tax returns, and that's just unprecedented," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota told VOA. "We just want to have the information to see if there are any conflicts." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, noted that Republicans demanded that Obama's nominees clear the same hurdles on ethics, FBI background checks, and financial disclosures prior to their confirmation hearings in 2009. "Our requests are eminently reasonable," Schumer said. "I only ask that the Republican majority follow the same set of standards they had in 2009 when the shoe was on the other foot." Republicans insist no Trump nominee will be able to flout confirmation requirements, even if Democrats do not believe the information provided is sufficient. "Nobody has ever had all the information in these [confirmation] proceedings. But they [senators] will have adequate information, no question about that," Senator Orrin Hatch, a republican from Utah, told VOA. "It's our job to make sure we vet Cabinet level people. We're doing that and we will do it." Wealth complicates vetting But the director of the nonpartisan Office of Government Ethics has raised concerns that the sheer volume of nominees, the hectic pace of confirmation hearings, and the failure of some Cabinet picks to provide financial information has taxed the organization's ability to thoroughly vet them prior to the hearings. Democrats say the problem is compounded by the composition of Trump's proposed inner circle. "President-elect Trump's nominees pose particularly difficult ethics and conflict of interest challenges," Schumer said. "They come, many of them, from enormous wealth. Many have vast holdings in stocks, and very few have experience in government. So they have not been appropriately vetted for something like a Cabinet post before." Wealth is an issue, Klobuchar agreed. "When you have people with assets and ownerships all over the world that are billionaires, it just makes it all the more complicated," she said. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, downplayed Democrats' concerns after meeting with Trump on Monday in New York. "Everybody will be properly vetted as they have in the past, and I am hopeful it will get up to six or seven particularly the national security team on day one," McConnell told reporters. Republicans control 52 seats in the 100-member Senate. Should they maintain party unity behind Trump's nominees, they can all but assure the president-elect's team will be confirmed. Democrats can delay votes but are unable to block nominees on their own. Imatong State residents of Magwi County realize the main roads leading in and out of Torit can be dangerous, but they say a recent, state-imposed travel ban for all South Sudan citizens trying to use the Torit-Juba and the Torit-Magwi roads puts an even greater strain on their lives. The government banned travel on the two roads on Friday following several killings by unknown gunmen over the last few months. Farmers and traders in the agriculture-strong area say the travel ban means they cannot transport perishable food items like potatoes, cassava and maize to markets in Torit and Juba. On Sunday, unidentified gunmen killed two businessmen near Aru Junction carrying agricultural produce from Magwi to Juba. Gunmen asked to stop But Magwi resident Lagu Joseph insisted the area has been mostly peaceful since the start of the New Year, and warned traders will stop coming if they cannot travel to and from Torit. The businessmen have interest, they want to take goods to Torit but there is no way, and even the civil servants have their salary there in Torit and to bring it here is a problem. That is why we say we cannot see our brothers in Torit there suffering, yet we have food here so this can affect our economy, Joseph said. Residents like Joseph are pleading with gunmen to stop attacking travelers, saying, Magwi is a food basket, but to take it there is difficult so we advise them to leave the road free. We all need peace. Residents afraid to travel Magwi resident Ochola Ogeno says it's not safe to travel area roads. Even yesterday there were some vehicles packed with goods, but I think they have diverted their journey to Juba, Ogeno said. Magwi County Commissioner Ben Kingston Loduk said although it has been relatively peaceful since December, residents are still too afraid to travel along the Torit-Magwi and Torit-Juba roads. Food has been ferried to Juba like sweet potato, maize and many others on a daily basis, but it was only on Sunday that we experienced a problem where one of these traders was killed along with a boda-boda man [motorcycle taxi driver], and their belongings, including money, were all taken, Loduk said. Prices starting to rise Loduk believes life would be much easier for farmers and traders if they could access the Torit-Magwi Road. Torit-Magwi [road] has been a problem. That is why it is experiencing food shortages. It would have been a shorter road but because of the insecurity that is why it has become difficult, and as I speak there has been no movement, Loduk said. For the past three days, since state officials banned travel along the two roads, no trucks carrying food or other consumer goods have arrived in Torit, and commodity prices continue to rise each day. In her statement to Jaipur police, the girl said that she had gone to Alwar district for her SSC examination. After returning to Jaipur, she took an auto from outside Jaipur Junction Railway Station at around 7:30 pm and it was around then that the incident took place. By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: A girl, around 20 years old, was allegedly gang-raped in Jaipur last night. The girl is a native of Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri area and had been staying in Jaipur with her father. In her statement to Jaipur police, the girl said that she had gone to Alwar for her Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examination. After returning to Jaipur, she took an auto from outside the railway station at around 7:30 pm yesterday. advertisement She said that already there were 3 to 4 males, including the auto driver around her. HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: The girl is undergoing a medical test. The police is trying to verify the girl's statement and is yet to make any arrests in the case. Ashok Gupta, DCP (West), Jaipur said that the girl alleged that the accused gagged her mouth after which she was taken to a park and gang-raped. Gupta also mentioned that a case had been registered at the Sadar police station. Also read: Bengaluru mass molestation survivors: First time ever we felt unsafe --- ENDS --- After joking about working for the music streaming service following his tenure in office, U.S. President Barack Obama may be the only person qualified for Spotify's newest employee posting. "At least eight years experience running a highly-regarded nation" and a Nobel Peace Prize are among the requirements for Spotify's new position "President of Playlists". "Who you are ...familiar with the Spotify platform, with experience in programming playlists at a federal level. Anything from an eclectic summer playlist, to a celebratory, 'I just found my birth certificate' playlist," the job description, posted Tuesday, reads. And in case the listed requirements were too subtle, Spotify's CEO and founder Daniel Ek tweeted the job posting to the president from his official account. According to Natalia Brzezinski, podcast creator and wife of the former Swedish ambassador to the United States, Obama told her husband at the White House last week " I'm still waiting for my job at Spotify... Cuz' I know y'all loved my playlist." Last August, the White House released two music sets "hand-created" by the president of the United States for daytime and evening listening as part of a new channel on the popular music-streaming service. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen praised Honduras for its loyalty on Monday at the start of a trip to four Central American nations aimed at strengthening ties, days after she met U.S. lawmakers in Texas on a visit that angered China. Her trip has come under scrutiny since U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sparked protests from Beijing by accepting a congratulatory telephone call from Tsai on his U.S. election win, and by questioning U.S. commitment to China's stance that Taiwan is part of one China. Tsai emphasized Taiwan's economic cooperation with Honduras, one of the world's poorest countries, and said President Juan Orlando Hernandez, whom she met in Tegucigalpa, had been the first to congratulate her on her 2016 election victory. "Despite the international situation, and the constant challenges that affect us as a country ... the firm brotherhood and solidarity [of Honduras and Taiwan] is unalterable," Tsai said in a statement to reporters, speaking via an interpreter. Tsai said Taiwan and Honduras could serve as entry portals for the markets of Asia and Latina America. She did not mention China or the United States, and did not take questions. Tsai later flew to Nicaragua, and is also due to visit El Salvador and Guatemala this week. Her stopover in Texas at the weekend caused an angry response from Chinese state media. China had asked the United States not to allow Tsai to enter or have formal government meetings under the one-China policy. Beijing considers self-governing Taiwan a renegade province ineligible for state-to-state relations. Since the mid-1990s, almost a third of Taiwan's allies have broken ties. It now has formal relations with just 21, mostly smaller and poorer nations in Latin America and the Pacific. Ivory Coast's government has yet to pay bonuses promised to soldiers to end a two-day army revolt, mutineers said Tuesday, and confusion over how much has been agreed risked a repeat of the unrest that paralyzed the country. Soldiers most ex-rebels now serving in the army seized control of Bouake, the second-largest city, on Friday and troops in military camps across the country, including in the commercial capital Abidjan, then joined the mutiny. "Our comrades want their money now," said a negotiator for the mutineers, who asked not to be identified. "People aren't happy because they haven't received their money, so everything could start up again." Among the soldiers' primary demands are bonuses they say they were promised ahead of a 2011 U.N.- and French-backed rebel offensive that toppled then-president Laurent Gbagbo after he refused to accept Alassane Ouattara's poll victory in late 2010. "It's 12 million CFA francs [$19,274] ... and that's what we're waiting for," said another soldier who negotiated on behalf of the mutineers during talks that ended the revolt Saturday. The soldier, who also asked not to be named, said under an agreement struck with Defense Minister Alain-Richard Donwahi, the government was meant to begin paying the bonuses Monday, but no money had been released. Paying the bonuses would likely cost Ivory Coast tens of millions of dollars that it could struggle to mobilize quickly. Ivory Coast has stabilized since a series of wars and a near decade-long political crisis torpedoed what was once West Africa's most prosperous nation. It has since recovered to become one of the world's fastest-growing economies, and remains Francophone West Africa's most important. But years of on-off civil war and a failure to reform its army a plethora of former rebel fighters and government soldiers some of whom once fought each other have left it with an ill-disciplined force. Donwahi denied the government had pledged to pay the specific bonuses demanded by the soldiers and said it had instead agreed to pay what he called mission bonuses, though he declined to give details. "The president is very clear on this ... [those bonuses] don't exist," said Donwahi, who is due to return to Bouake on Friday to meet the soldiers. He said the mutineers own leaders had asked for the payments to be delayed, an assertion the two negotiators denied. "There's a timetable that was made with their leaders. Their leaders know what we are doing," Donwahi told Reuters. "We were ready. They themselves told us to wait." Ouattara dismissed the heads of the army, police and gendarmes Monday, in a move welcomed by the mutineers. On Tuesday, he named a new vice president and prime minister in a move unrelated to the uprising. The Pentagon has tapped some of science and technology's greatest minds to help innovate U.S. military capabilities and culture, and members of the panel say they will continue serving in the Trump administration if asked. Eric Schmidt, the chairman of the board and chairman of Google's parent company, Alphabet, said he expects everyone to stay on to serve under retired General James Mattis, if the board is invited to continue its work. "No one has told me they are leaving," Schmidt told reporters Monday at the Pentagon after the first board meeting since the presidential election. Famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, a board member who said in November that Americans now have a four-year mission to "make America smart again," told reporters the board is there to serve the country, not one particular administration. "I think there's a higher mission statement that we all live by here and expect that that will just continue," deGrasse Tyson said. 11 recommendations The Defense Innovation Board was created by Defense Secretary Ash Carter in April 2016 to incorporate some of the technological innovations and practices of Silicon Valley into the military. The board voted Monday to approve 11 recommendations for the Department of Defense, including appointing a new chief innovation officer, establishing a career track for computer scientists in the military, and assessing cyber security vulnerabilities of advanced weapons. The board's recommendations also included establishing incentives for "bureaucracy busting" activities that provide barriers to innovation, along with establishing a Defense Department center for studying artificial intelligence, also known as AI. "It's a matter of thinking of AI not as something to be done in pieces, but to be a fundamental core business of the military," deGrasse Tyson told reporters. "To think of it in some context other than that would really be to our own peril going forward." Ten of the 15 Defense Innovation Board members attended Monday's meeting. Those attending included Marne Levine, the chief operating officer of Instagram, and Jennifer Pahlka, executive director of Code for America. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has named his son-in-law Jared Kushner as a senior advisor, prompting a group of Democratic lawmakers to ask the Justice Department and ethics officials to examine potential violations of anti-nepotism laws and conflicts of interest. A lawyer for Kushner said he plans to divest himself of all foreign assets along with his interests in a venture capital firm and an office building in New York. He will also resign as chief executive of Kushner companies and as the publisher of the New York Observer before beginning work in the White House. Six members of Congress wrote a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the U.S. Office of Government Ethics pointing to a 1967 law that says a public official cannot appoint a family member to the same agency in which the official serves. Kushner lawyer Jamie Gorelick said the rule does not apply to the president because the White House does not fall under the definition of an agency. The lawmakers also say in their letter that Gorelick's statement that Kushner would recuse himself from matters involving his remaining financial interests after leaving his companies implies that he would still have assets that could be affected by government policy he helps shape. Trump transition team officials said Kushner's role will involve working on trade and the Middle East, and that he will work closely with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon. Unlike members of Trump's Cabinet, Kushner's position does not require Senate approval. The 35-year-old is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka. Reporters asked Trump about Kushner's possible role on Monday, to which the president-elect said, "We'll talk about that Wednesday." That is when the president-elect is due to hold a highly anticipated news conference, his first since being elected on November 8. Trump's inauguration will take place January 20. Turkish authorities have rounded up dozens of Central Asians in connection with a New Years attack at an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people. Turkish officials say they have identified an Uzbek national, Abdulkadir Masharipov, as the prime suspect. He remains at large and authorities said an extensive search for him is ongoing. While so-called Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Turkish government believes that a larger group of militants from various Central Asian nations were involved in engineering the attack. According to Turkish media reports, more than 40 suspects from a half dozen Central Asian countries have been detained for having links with the attack. Turkeys Hurriyet Daily News reported that Masharipov came to Istanbul from the Central Anatolian province of Konya on December 15, 2016 in preparation for the attacks According to recently obtained information, an IS cell in Konya that consists of Uzbeks continued to provide logistical support to Masharipov, whose code name is Ebu Muhammed Horasani, the newspaper said. Turkey has long been a transport point for hundreds of Central Asian radicals moving into Syria and Iraq to join IS. The Soufan Group, a security intelligence firm, estimated in December 2015 that some 4,700 IS fighters in Iraq and Syria come from the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. But as IS suffers continual losses in battles in both countries, some of the Central Asians have moved into Turkey, drawing the scrutiny and worry of Turkish authorities. The New Years attack was the third one in Turkey within a year linked to Central Asians affiliated with IS. IS militants of Central Asian background were behind a suicide attack on Istanbuls international airport that killed more than 41 people in June, authorities say. A suicide bomber from Russias Muslim region of Dagestan blew herself up in front of an Istanbul police station, killing at least 18 Turkish police officers in January 2015. Analysts warn that as IS struggles in Iraq and Turkey, IS leaders have instructed Central Asians jihadists infiltrating Turkey to conduct terror attacks. Last fall, Turkey supported a military offensive in northern Syria to uproot IS, and IS leaders have reportedly called for revenge attacks against Turkey. IS, in its online magazine published in Turkish, called on followers to begin an uprising against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. That the government of Turkey - with all of its power - massacres, arrests and persecutes Muslims today is never acceptable, IS said. All Muslims must try to stop the persecution of Muslims at the hands of Erdogan and his [religiously rebellious] governmentIt is obligatory to target and kill those who speak out against and denigrate the Islamic State and Muslims. Anne Speckhard, director of Georgetown Universitys International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism, told VOA that the Central Asian jihadists are considered elite forces dedicated to the cause of IS for attacks in Turkey. Due to liberal visa policies, Central Asians are generally permitted to travel in and out of Turkey with ease. They can move through airport security, customs and immigration usually without raising suspicion, said Wayne Madsen, an American journalist and former analyst at the National Security Agency. They also have the language advantage of knowing Turkish and Russian. John Daly, an analyst at John Hopkins Universitys Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, said that despite Turkish measures to tighten its borders with Syria and Iraq, Central Asian jihadists are able to flow back and forth with ease and have set their sights on foreign targets. I believe Turkey is high on the list, he said. Afghan officials say a twin suicide bombing in the capital Kabul Tuesday killed more than 30 people and wounded some 80 others. Witnesses say the insurgents targeted a convoy of officials leaving parliament offices. The death toll is likely to increase. Top security officials, civilians and parliamentarians are said to be among the victims. One suicide bomber blew himself up near parliament offices in the Darulaman area of the city moments before another bomber detonated his explosive-laden vehicle in a bid to maximize casualties. Witnesses saw rescue workers and private citizens transporting victims to area hospitals but routine evening traffic jams hampered the movement. The Taliban instantly claimed responsibility, saying the attack killed and wounded dozens of people. The insurgent group often issues inflated casualty toll for such attacks. Amnesty International denounced the Taliban for showing no contempt to for civilian life and called for an immediate impartial and investigation to secure justice for the victims. The deaths of scores of civilians in todays Kabul bomb attacks indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives, lamented the London-based rights watchdog. Kandahar blast In a separate incident, an explosion occurred in the southern city of Kandahar Tuesday evening, killing at least 11 people and wounding 18 others, including the provincial governor and the UAE ambassador. The UAE said Wednesday the dead included five of its citizens who had been in Afghanistan to work on humanitarian, educational and development projects. The incident occurred inside the governor's office where a meeting was underway, provincial security officials told VOA requesting anonymity. Officials requesting anonymity told VOA the envoy along with some other wounded officials have been taken to a U.S. military hospital for treatment. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for what the UAE foreign ministry called a "heinous terrorist attack." Earlier in the day, , a Taliban bomber stormed a meeting of local security officials and police personnel in Lashkargah, capital of Afghanistans largest southern province of Helmand. That attack killed at least 10 people and wounded many more. The victims included civilians and military personnel, according to provincial officials. Most of the territory in Helmand, a major poppy-growing Afghan region, is controlled by the Taliban. The Kabul government fully controls only the provincial capital. A monument to the victims of a World War II massacre in a western Ukrainian village has been destroyed by vandals, local police said on Tuesday. National Police in the Lviv region said in a statement that vandals destroyed a stone cross in Huta Pieniacka that commemorated Polish villagers who were massacred in 1944 by a Nazi unit mostly composed of Ukrainian volunteers. Up to 900 people are believed to have been killed in the village, according to the Polish Institute of National Remembrance. The monument was erected in 2005. Footage on Ukrainian media showed the toppled cross and two stone slabs bearing the names of the victims painted over with the colors of the Ukrainian flag and the colors of Ukrainian nationalists. Lviv police are investigating. Poland on Tuesday sent a note to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry demanding that the incident be investigated and the perpetrators punished, Poland Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanna Wajda told The Associated Press. Ukrainian authorities assured neighboring ally Poland they were treating the case very seriously, Wajda said. Poland's ambassador to Ukraine, Jan Pieklo, said local authorities want to help repair the monument. Pieklo is planning to attend ceremonies marking the 73rd anniversary of the massacre next month. The U.N. stabilization mission in Haiti is administering cholera vaccines to a police unit from India months after it arrived in the impoverished Caribbean nation without the required protection, officials said Tuesday. The failure to ensure that U.N. police personnel from a cholera-endemic country were vaccinated comes after the waterborne disease was introduced to Haiti's largest river in October 2010 by sewage from a base of U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal, one of the units that have rotated in and out of a multinational force here since 2004. Over six years later, Haiti continues to wrestle with the globe's worst outbreak of the preventable disease in recent history. Cholera has sickened roughly 800,000 Haitians and killed at least 9,500. Vaccination for cholera is now mandatory for all U.N. troops and police deploying to peacekeeping operations. The U.N. puts responsibility for peacekeeper vaccinations on member states, according to Ariane Quentier, spokeswoman for the U.N. mission in Haiti. But critics say failure to enforce the vaccination requirement with the 140-member Indian police unit is another breakdown in the world body's effort to minimize the risks of introducing epidemics by rotating UN troops. "It cannot duck its own responsibilities by pointing its fingers at the countries that supply the troops," said Brian Concannon, executive director of the Boston-based advocacy group Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti. Quentier told The Associated Press that the Indian police unit has received second cholera vaccine doses this week "to take in the coming hours, days." She said it was one of three police units from India, and the others were fully vaccinated. At a Monday press briefing at U.N. headquarters in New York, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, told reporters that the world body was looking into the situation and "trying to get more information, obviously, from the Indian authorities." The U.N. last month acknowledged not doing enough to help Haiti fight cholera, while stopping short of an admission of responsibility for introducing the disease. It has announced a new $400 million fundraising plan to battle cholera and assist victims in Haiti. The proposed plan would equip rapid response teams for areas where cholera cases are reported and would also try to boost Haiti's underfinanced sanitation and clean water systems. Spread by contaminated water, cholera is easily treatable but can lead to death within hours if unattended. It showed up in the hemisphere's poorest nation 10 months after a devastating earthquake in the south of Haiti, deepening the country's misery at a time when it was ill-equipped to cope with a second crisis. Russia on Tuesday criticized a round of U.S. sanctions against Russian officials, saying the move is a further step to degrade relations between the two countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia regrets the decline in relations during President Barack Obama's second term and hopes for positive developments in the future. The U.S. announced the sanctions Monday against Russia's top investigator and four other officials for what the State Department called "notorious human rights violations." The five Russians, along with two other men with alleged ties to Hezbollah, were sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act. U.S. officials did not say exactly what the seven are being sanctioned for. But State Department spokesman John Kirby said, "Each of the most recently added names was considered after extensive research." Kirby said the five Russians played "roles in the repressive machinery of Russia's law enforcement systems, as well as individuals involved in notorious human rights violations." They include Alexander Bastrykin, who is believed to be the Kremlin's top investigator and leads the crackdown on dissenters. Two others on the list are Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun, whom Britain has named as the two top suspects in the poisoning death of Russian spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in 2006. The 44 people now on the list are barred from entering the United States and their U.S. assets are frozen. U.S. citizens are forbidden from carrying out any financial transactions with them. The Magnitsky Act was named for Russian anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in 2009 after spending a year in prison and in poor health. Russian investigators ruled there was nothing criminal in Magnitsky's death. But the State Department alleges there is plenty of evidence to show Magnitsky was beaten in his jail cell, and his illnesses went untreated. In attendance at the India Today Conclave South, Kiran Bedi spoke on why all educated women aren't empowered. By India Today Web Desk: Not one to mince words, Kiran Bedi shared her strong views on the biases against women and the need for educating and empowering them on the second day of India Today Conclave South. The nation's first female Police Officer who is currently the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, said women empowerment comes with educating the fairer sex but education without an inherent sense of courage is of little or no use. advertisement "Women are taught to be secure, whereas men are told to be courageous," she said. "Women aren't given the resources, finances, education or mobility to be confident enough to protect themselves," she added. Also Read: Should Tamil Nadu ban Jallikattu? Leading Chennai voices say NO Reflecting on the importance of fruitful upbringing, Bedi also said an all-encompassing education will only be possible if a strong-willed woman gets the support of social community leaders, parents and educators. "It's a nature vs nurture argument. It's not in the nature of women to feel empowered--a sense of empowerment can only be taught to them, " Bedi said. Commenting on the Delhi vs Bengaluru arguments that followed the alleged 'Mass molestation' in Bengaluru, Bedi maintained women in South feel fairly safe as compared to the women in North India. --- ENDS --- The 115th Congress will consider a number of sweeping changes to American life, from health care to tax reform to government regulations, but one area that won't see significant change will be within the halls of the House of Representatives. Following a groundbreaking election dominated by social media, the new Congress has instituted new rules fining lawmakers for recording and broadcasting video and audio from the House floor. The changes are a direct Republican response to Democrats' gun control protest sit-in last summer. For Rep. Scott Peters the lawmaker who first thought of using social media to get the protesters' message out to the public the fines are a missed opportunity for Congress to keep up with the times. "Why would we want people to know what's going on in Congress?" he told VOA. "It's a shame." The House went into recess shortly after Democrats began the sit-in, allowing Republican leadership to turn off cameras broadcasting floor action. Deprived of a means of getting their message out, Peters and other Democrats turned to popular streaming apps Facebook Live and Periscope. The nearly 26-hour sit-in marked another key moment in the changing relationship between politicians and social media. "People were able to see the perspective that we have on the House floor everywhere in the world," Peters said. "It was kind of a remarkable moment in the history of American government." Right to dissent? Members of Congress have always been banned from using electronic devices on the House floor. But the Democrats' work-around using social media apps prompted House Speaker Paul Ryan to institute the penalties. "These changes will help ensure that order and decorum are preserved in the House of Representatives so lawmakers can do the people's work," Ashlee Strong, a spokeswoman for Ryan, said in a statement last month. But Rep. John Lewis leader of last summer's gun control sit-in and a veteran of the civil rights movement took to the House floor to denounce the fines, saying the changes violated members of Congress freedom of speech. "No Congress, no body, no committee has the power to tell us we cannot stand up, speak up and speak truth to power. We have a right to dissent. We have a right to protest what is right," Lewis said in an unsuccessful attempt to strike the changes from the rules package for the 115th Congress. Keeping up with the times While Democrats and Republicans have framed the debate as a clash between freedom of speech and maintaining the dignity and order of the House of Representatives, the bigger question may be a matter of finding a way for the nation's lawmakers to keep up with the times. "As the world becomes more dynamic, our Congress and our leaders should be thinking about how to simplify the way that our government communicates with our population," social media analyst John Crandall told VOA. "This kind of connection is so visceral and so immediate," Peters told VOA, "There are these technologies that can connect the American people to their government in ways we've never seen before." Peters says the immediate problem of party leadership controlling the cameras on the House floor could be solved by the creation of an independent, third-party organization. He says he's sympathetic to concerns about decorum on the House floor, and suggests designated areas or times for members to use social media to help keep voters involved in government. Congress will need to think carefully about the implications of social media and the possible impact its use could have in reaching younger voters who are increasingly demanding more transparency from lawmakers. "It's a losing position however you look at it," Crandall said. "It's like putting your finger in a leaky dike the water's going to be coming through whether or not you put these restrictions on Congressmen." Legislation with bipartisan support that would increase sanctions against Russia for its alleged interference in Novembers U.S. presidential election was introduced Tuesday in the Senate. When our nation was attacked at Pearl Harbor and when our nation was attacked on 9/11, we took steps in order to deal with those who attacked us and to prevent further attacks against our country in the interest of national security, said Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, the bills chief sponsor. It cannot be business as usual. We need to take steps to make it clear that this type of activity will have consequences and our legislation does that, Cardin added. Among the bills co-sponsors are Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, both critics of President-elect Donald Trump, and former Republican presidential hopeful and Senator Marco Rubio. The legislation - called the Countering Russian Hostilities Act of 2017 - is designed to show that key Republicans are intent on punishing Russia despite Trumps desire to strengthen bilateral ties. The measure was introduced four days after the U.S. intelligence community released a declassified version of a report accusing Russia of meddling in the election. Frozen assets, bans The bill would impose visa bans and freeze assets of those who undermine the cybersecurity of democratic institutions, possibly making it more difficult for banks to conduct business with Russian military and intelligence agencies. It also would codify sanctions imposed on Russia by President Barack Obamas administration in response to Russias alleged meddling in the election and its 2014 annexation of Crimea. In addition, the measure would authorize $100 million for the State Department and other U.S. agencies to counter Russian propaganda. If the bill becomes law, the Trump administration would not be required to implement the sanctions. Senator Cardin said a waiver probably would be included in the bill to allow the president to waive the sanctions if it is in the best interests of the U.S. Clapper questioning Also on Capitol Hill Tuesday, the top spy chief said the intelligence communitys recently released report that concluded Russia orchestrated computer hacks during the 2016 presidential campaign was based on a mix of human resources and the collection of technical and open source information. Moscows influence campaign blended covert intelligence operations with overt efforts by Russian government agencies, state-funded media, third-party intermediaries and paid social media users, National Intelligence Director James Clapper said during questioning before the Senate Intelligence Committee. In the report released Friday, the intelligence community said it had "high confidence" that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally ordered a campaign to undermine the democratic presidential electoral process in the U.S. U.S. officials said Russian efforts were intended to undercut the election chances of Democrat Hillary Clinton and help Trump, the Republican candidate. Russia has rejected U.S. claims that it interfered in the presidential election, and a spokesman said the legislation threatening U.S. sanctions are an attempt to further harm relations between the two countries. Russia refutes The allegations against Russia are "substantiated with nothing" and "amateurish," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday. Russia also criticized the new U.S. sanctions against Russian officials, saying they will further degrade relations between the two countries. On Monday, the U.S. announced the sanctions against Russia's top investigator and four other officials for what the State Department called "notorious human rights violations." Kremlin spokesman Peskov told reporters Tuesday that Russia regrets the decline in relations during President Barack Obama's second term and hopes for positive developments in the future. The five Russians, along with two other men with alleged ties to Hezbollah, were sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act. U.S. officials did not say exactly for which transgressions the seven are being sanctioned. But State Department spokesman John Kirby said, "Each of the most recently added names was considered after extensive research." Human rights Kirby said the five Russians played "roles in the repressive machinery of Russia's law enforcement systems, as well as individuals involved in notorious human rights violations." They include Alexander Bastrykin, the head of the Investigative Committee, Russia's main investigative agency, which has led criminal probes of leading Kremlin opponents. Two others on the list are Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun, whom Britain has named as the two top suspects in the poisoning death of Russian spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in 2006. The 44 people now on the list are barred from entering the United States and their U.S. assets are frozen. U.S. citizens are forbidden from carrying out any financial transactions with them. The Magnitsky Act was named for Russian anti-corruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in 2009 after spending a year in prison and in poor health. Russian investigators ruled there was nothing criminal in Magnitsky's death. The State Department alleges there is plenty of evidence, though, to show Magnitsky was beaten in his jail cell, and his illnesses went untreated. A former Volkswagen executive has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States over the company's emissions-cheating scandal. Oliver Schmidt, who was the general manager of the engineering and environmental office for VW of America, made a brief appearance in U.S. District Court in Miami on Monday following his arrest Saturday in Florida. He did not enter a plea. Schmidt, a German resident, was also charged with wire fraud and for violating the Clean Air Act. Settlement reportedly is near Schmidt is the second person to be arrested as part of the ongoing federal investigation into VW, which has admitted that it installed software on as many as 11 million diesel vehicles sold worldwide to circumvent emission tests. The software allowed the vehicles to turn pollution controls on during emission tests and to turn them off during actual driving. Those vehicles emitted up to 40 times the legally allowable pollution levels. U.S. prosecutors accuse Schmidt of lying to regulators who were investigating the discrepancies in emissions. Volkswagen said in a statement Monday that it is cooperating with the U.S. Justice Department in the investigation. U.S. media is reporting the company is close to agreeing to a multi-billion-dollar fine to settle the criminal case. Another U.S. VW employee, James Liang, was charged in September with misleading regulators about the diesel emissions. He pled guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors. Two new SUVs on display at auto show The news of the latest charges come as VW is rolling out two new sport utility vehicles at the Detroit auto show. Hinrich Woebcken, VW's chief executive of the North America region, told reporters at the auto show Monday that the company was surprised by the criminal charges. He said VW is on a good path to get things straight. Many of VW's top management left the company following the scandal, including CEO Martin Winterkorn. Tsechu Dolma, 24 year old Tibetan girl based in New York and founder of "Mountain Resiliency Project" in Nepal, who is currently in Bodh Gaya to receive Kalachakra initiation was selected as one of Forbes' 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs (2017). When asked about her recognition by Forbes, she said she was delighted to hear about her selection. She came to know about it on the second day of the Kalachakra initiation. "I am very happy. For the first time a Tibetan has received this recognition. I found out on January 3rd," says Tsechu Dolma who holds master's degree on environment science from Columbia University, New York. She founded her organization called "Mountain Resiliency Project" in Nepal in 2014 and has 15 personnel on staff who mostly works in Tibetan settlements and remote villages of Nepal where ethnic Tibetan people live. Thousands of people waited for hours in single-digit temperatures on Saturday to try to get a ticket to President Barack Obama's farewell speech in his hometown of Chicago, saying they want to show their appreciation and soak in the final moments of his history-making presidency. People began lining up well before sunrise for the 8 a.m. ticket distribution. The lines stretched for blocks and snarled traffic around McCormick Place, the sprawling convention center along Lake Michigan where Obama will speak on Tuesday night. "You never know when something as huge or as phenomenal like this will happen again, so I was like 'I'm not missing this for nothing,' " said Umar Ibrahim, 28, who took the day off from his job as a city bus driver to snag a ticket, waking up at 3 a.m. to start the trek to the convention center. "Just talking about it makes you beam," he said as he clenched his ticket, grinning from ear-to-ear. Obama's final speech to the public will continue a tradition set in 1796 when George Washington addressed the American people for the last time as president. It will be followed by a "family reunion" for alumni of Obama's former campaigns, according to a save-the-date sent to alumni. Obama has described the event as "a chance to say thank you for this amazing journey," to celebrate the ways the country has changed and "to offer some thoughts on where we all go from here." For many supporters, Obama's decision to give the speech in Chicago rather than Washington added to the significance of the event. It was in Chicago's Grant Park that in 2008 he delivered his victory speech after becoming the nation's first black president. "He's coming home," said Cheryl Bellamy-Bonner, 56, who volunteered on Obama's 2004 U.S. Senate campaign. "It shows he really cares about the people." Bellamy-Bonner said she appreciated Obama's professionalism in office and his support of diversity. If there have been any disappointments, she said, it's that he couldn't accomplish more, which she blamed on a lack of bipartisanship. On Tuesday night, she's hoping to hear what Obama will do next and "what we can do to help." Organizers didn't say how many tickets were available, but many people walked away empty-handed on Saturday. Among them was Stacy Bond. The 28-year-old from suburban Evanston said she's disheartened about President-elect Donald Trump and wanted to be in the room to hear directly from Obama, the first president she voted for after reaching the legal voting age. "You kind of want to hold on to that last bit of him that we've had," she said. The White House says the farewell address also will be streamed live online. Obama will be joined by first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. WATCH: President Obama's weekly address In order to guarantee his personal survival, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched a vast purge of all the pro-US elements in his country a purge which he must add to the combats in which he is already engaged against Syria, against the PKK, and now also against his ex-mercenaries from Daesh. The destruction of US influence began with the eradication of Fethullah Gulens Hizmet Gulen is the Islamist preacher who works for the CIA from Pennsylvania. It continues today with the dismissal and often the arrest not only of all the military personnel linked to the United States, but also all secular military personnel in general. You cant be too careful. 450 of the 600 Turkish senior officers in service at NATO have been called back to Turkey. More than 100 of them, and their families, have requested political asylum in Belgium, headquarters of the Atlantic Alliance. The first consequence of this anti-secular purge is that the Turkish army will be headless for a long time. In the space of five months, 44% of the generals have been fired, and this, despite the fact that during the Ergenekon scandal, 70% of the senior officers at the time were dismissed, arrested and imprisoned. Deprived of its command structure, operation Euphrates Shield is at a standstill. Erdogan is therefore obliged to revise his military ambitions downwards for the next few years in Syria, Iraq and Cyprus three states he partially occupies. He has therefore let go of East Aleppo (Syria) but not Idleb and is preparing to withdraw from Bachiqa (Iraq). Seen from Washington, a possible exit by Turkey from NATO, or at least from the Integrated Military Command of the Atlantic Alliance, has the imperialist faction of Power in a cold sweat. In terms of numbers, the Turkish army is in fact the second NATO power after the United States. However, a possible exit from the Alliance may be something of a relief for the Donald Trump faction, for whom Turkey is a rudderless country. This is the source of the neo-conservative forcing aimed at bringing Turkey back into the course of History (meaning that of the New American Century). Thus, the assistant Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, is attempting to offer Cyprus to Recep Tayyip Erdogan a project she conceived after the elections of November 2015, when President Barack Obama ordered the elimination of the Turkish President. By blackmailing Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis, Mrs. Nuland pressured him to accept her peace plan for Cyprus the island would be reunified and demilitarised (in other words, deprived of its army) while NATO (in real terms, Turkish troops) would be deployed. In this way, the Turkish army could complete its conquest of the island without having to fight. In case he should refuse this fools bargain, President Anastasiadis could be tried in New York for his implication as a lawyer in the business dealings for Imperium, the company belonging to his Russian friend Leonid Lebedev a two billion dollar affair. Thus, the split with NATO would cost Turkey the North-East part of Cyprus, which it currently occupies, while remaining in the Atlantic Alliance would offer it the whole of the island. Of course, in a few weeks Victoria Nuland should be replaced by the new Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, but the group she represents will probably not lose all its power. Mrs.Nuland is a member of the founding family of the Project for a New American Century, which played a part in the planning of the events of 11 September 2001. Her father-in-law, Donald Kagan of the Hudson Institute, trained the neo-conservatives and the disciples of Leo Strauss in the military history of Sparta. Her brother-in-law, Frederick Kagan, from the American Entreprise Institute, looked after public relations for Generals David Petraeus and John R. Allen. Her sister-in-law, Kimberly Kagan, created the Institute for the Study of War. Her husband, Robert Kagan, is today salaried by the ex-Emir of Qatar at the Brookings Institution. Four personalities, five think-tanks, but a single ideology. As for Victoria, she was successively ambassador to NATO, spokeswoman for Hillary Clinton, and organiser of the coup detat in Kiev in February2014. She helped Presidents Petro Porochenko and Erdogan with the official creation of the Islamic International Brigade, which organised vast sabotage operations in Russia. Her actions will probably be continued by the US deep state against the Trump administration. It is the group behind the Kagans which is pursuing the war in Syria, with no other motive than remaining in power. Not only was President Barack Obama incapable of expelling them from his administration, but a personality like Victoria Nuland, who was considered to be a figurehead of the Bush administration, had no difficulty in rising through the ranks of the Democratic administration and organising a wave of Russophobia. While she worked in close collboration with Hillary Clinton, she never stopped sabotaging the diplomacy of Secretary of State John Kerry, aided and abetted by her friend Jeffrey Feltman, the real commander of UNO. Knowing Erdogans capacity for sudden changes of strategy, Moscow will either have to soothe the anxieties of Anastasiadis, or propose something more attractive to Ankara in order to keep it midstream betweeen the United States and Russia. Barack Obama was automatically a saint: he had barely entered the White House when he was honoured pre-emptively in 2009 with the Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between [different] people. In the meantime, his administration was already secretly preparing, through the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, for a war that two years later would demolish the state of Libya, and then would be extended to Syria and Iraq through terrorist groups functional to the US/Nato strategy. In sharp contrast, Donald Trump is automatically a demon even before entering the White House. He is being accused of usurping the position that was meant for Hillary Clinton, through a satanic operation ordered by the Russian President Putin. The evidence has been provided by the CIA, the most expert body [when it comes to] material on infiltration and coups detat. We simply need to recall its operations to provoke and lead wars against Vietnam, Cambodia, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria; its coups detat in Indonesia, El Salvador, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Greece. Millions of people imprisoned, tortured and killed; millions uprooted from their homelands, transformed into asylum seekers subject to being treated like slaves, properly called. Especially in case of children and young women, enslaved, raped and forced to prostitute their bodies. All this should be held in mind by those in the U.S.A and Europe, who are organizing a March for Women, to defend, quite rightly, that equality of sexes that was won through arduous struggles and is continually challenged by the sexist positions, which Trump, among others, expresses. But this is not why Trump has been charged in a campaign, which constitutes a new feature in the procedure for succession planning to the White House: this time the losing party does not recognize the legitimacy of the newly-elected president, but is attempting a pre-emptive impeachment. Trump is being presented as a sort of Manchurian Candidate who, once he has infiltrated the White House, would be controlled by Putin, an enemy of the United States. This is how the neocon strategists, architects of the campaign, seek to prevent a change of route in US Russian relationships, that the Obama administration has escalated to the level of Cold War. Trump is a trader who, continuing to base US policy on military might, intends to enter into negotiations with Russia, possibly with the ancillary aim of weakening Moscows alliance with Peking. Meanwhile Europe fears a relaxation of the tension with Russia. This is especially true among Nato top brass, that has swelled with importance following the military escalation of the new cold war and the groups in power in the countries of the East in particular Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic States that are counting on hostility with Russia to have increasing military and economic support from Nato and the EU. In such a context, the demonstrations of 21 January cannot silence the liability of those who transformed Europe into the first line of battle, even nuclear, with Russia. There are many other objectives for which we will have to demonstrate in Europe: not for the American subjects that do not want an evil president and are clamouring for a good one but to liberate ourselves from our subjugation to the United States that, regardless of who is president, is using Nato to exercise its influence in Europe; to exit this military alliance, to claim the removal of US nuclear arms from our countries. We will need to demonstrate to allow our voices to be heard, as citizens, male and female, in the choice of foreign policy that is inextricably linked to internal economic and political issues and determines our living conditions and our future. Subsidiary of "Rosneft" will participate in the exploration works at ExxonMobil sites in the Gulf of Mexico. The agreement was signed on 5 March [2013] in the framework of the visit of Igor Sechin in the United States a Russian company. According to the document, the subsidiary of "Rosneft -Neftegaz Holding America Limited- will receive a 30% interest in 20 deepwater blocks with a total area of about 450 square kilometres. 17 blocks are located in the western part of the Gulf of Mexico, three - in the centre. At the same time ExxonMobil retains 70% interest and remains an operator. Currently,only seismic analysis is being undertaken and works for the extraction is put on the back burner. Chief of "Rosneft" Igor Sechin said that thanks to the signed agreement "Rosneft" and its subsidiaries have access to the worlds richest oil and gas bearing basins. "- We are confident that our joint efforts will ensure the most effective utilization of land in the Gulf of Mexico ... and received experience and knowledge can be used in the development of deep-water areas of the Russian shelf, in particular, the section of the Tuapse Trough [1], which is included in the Agreement on strategic cooperation . " Recall, "Rosneft" and "of ExxonMobil" continue the implementation of the Agreement on Strategic Cooperation, which was signed by the companies in 2011. It is planned that the two companies will conduct joint work on the exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources in Russia and other countries. Vitaly Kryukov of IFD "Kapital",in an interview with "Izvestiya", calls the deal being discussed "a mirror" because it is similar to the agreement of the companies on the [Russian shelf in] the Arctic. The expert believes that because Exploration section of Exxon does not have any geological reconnaissance on the area, the level of qualified intelligence can be associated with projects in the Kara Sea. Hooks also noted that, in his opinion, Exxon complex projects offered to Rosneft require large investments and are high-risk. However, he agreed that the Gulf of Mexico is very attractive region for oil. In general, according to the analyst, to talk about the international expansion of "Rosneft" is still too early, but it was more a question of the possibility to gain experience. Analyst of Raiffeisenbank Andrey Polishchuk agree with my colleague, but in an interview with "Vedomosti" he said that the position of the Russian companies are more profitable, since the Gulf of Mexico oil production has been conducted for a long time and has been very successful (in contrast to the Arctic), and thence carries a lower risk. According to the vice-president of the Center for Strategic Communications Dmitry Abzalov, access to the US market is promising for "Rosneft", and for Russia as a whole. Region, in his opinion, is attractive in its available transport infrastructure. Plus, with a 30% stake in the project, "Rosneft" will be able to improve its competence in matters of offshore operations, which will be priceless for the company in the Arctic. After the signing of the "shelf" agreement with European companies Eni and Statoil, as well as Asian voyage of Igor Sechin, "Rosneft" in act signposted the main directions of development in foreign markets. Sergey Pravosudov, director of the National Energy Institute told to programme "However" that "Rosneft" was following the footsteps of "Gazprom". "-The scheme is very simple,and it was pioneered by " Gazprom "- "allow a share in your domestic projects for foreign investors in exchange for the share in their projects in other countries". This allowed the United States to participate in the projects on the Arctic shelf in exchange for Rosneft participation in production of oil in the United States. "Rosneft" is an international corporation that produces oil not only in Russia, that is not news any more. " In addition to the contract with Exxon, on the March 6 "Rosneft" has signed an agreement on long-term supply [2] of oil from the worlds largest trading companies - Glencore and Vitol. The agreement with Glencore provides for the delivery of up to 46.9 million tons, with Vitol - to 20.1 million tons, according to the "Rosneft" website [3]. Under these contracts the Russian company will receive an advance of up to $ 10 billion, which will be used for general corporate and investment purposes (in particular, they can be used in the transaction for the purchase of TNK-BP, which will reduce the amount of the alleged debt) [4]. The Chief Ministers New Years Message "Good evening. 2016 was a tumultuous year around the whole world. And yet in Gibraltar, we have been able to enjoy the recent Christian Christmas and Jewish Hannukah feasts in peace and surrounded by plentiful abundance. The same has been true for those who have celebrated Muslim, Hindu and other feasts earlier in the year. Each year, we must be conscious of how lucky we are to live in prosperity and respecting each others beliefs, as we do in Gibraltar. This year, we must also be particularly conscious of how lucky we are to live in peace. We must put our lives in the context of the world in which we live. In parts of Syria and the Middle East, the past year has been marked by scenes of vicious war, fighting and death. Europe and the Mediterranean have seen the hardship of millions suffering forced migration. And the whole world has been the venue upon which terrorists have perpetrated countless acts of violence and murder. So this year, perhaps more than any other in recent memory, despite our many challenges, we have good reason to cherish our small but peaceful Nation. We must never forget how lucky we are to have the privilege of bringing up children in the security of Gibraltar. And the well-being and education of our children is always a top priority for us. Already planning is advancing for the building of the new schools. In our first term in office we delivered two new schools and a flourishing university. We will do even better this time, with five new schools to be delivered. And we will shortly be launching the programme for hot lunches to be available in schools. Of course, there are some in our Community who are not as well off as others. Their children will not have to pay for school meals. There are some who are suffering unemployment and who are not able to provide for their families as they might wish. I can tell you tonight that, despite the challenges Gibraltar has faced and is facing, our unemployment has this year once again reached record low levels. The comparable year on year level of unemployment for the past month of December was 146 individuals registered unemployed. That is the lowest level EVER for any December since records begun. Very good news indeed. That figure may be low, but whilst there is one Gibraltarian who is unemployed, we will continue to work to provide employment for everyone. In that context you will be pleased to learn that in the coming weeks a number of apprenticeships will commence in various fields. Apprenticeships in electrical, engineering and mechanical trades will soon start this January. Apprenticeships in construction trades have already commenced. And in the GHA, apprenticeships for new Nursing Assistants are also starting alongside further courses for graduation to Enrolled Nurse. The GHA is continuing to undergo other exciting changes. One of the things I know you will all welcome is my announcement tonight that the Government considers that we should reintroduce the rank of Matron in the management of our health services. This is a decision designed to ensure that the patient is the centre of attention in the provision of our health care. And the joining up of our health and care services is going to be producing dividends very soon. Already we are making great progress in the operation of the Alzheimers and Dementia Day facility which I expect will open next week. And in the next ninety days, I expect we will also be opening the Alzheimers and Dementia Residential facility. And also in the next few weeks elderly members of our Community will be moving to 140 magnificent new homes at Charles Bruzon House and Sea Master Lodge. These will in turn free up the same number of rental homes for younger families. Many other young people will be very happy to hear that you will soon be receiving letters to start the process of purchasing new affordable homes at Bob Peliza Mews and Hassan Centenary Terraces. You will therefore appreciate that the important priorities of continuing the improvement of the education of our children and the employment, health, and housing of our people are well under way and have not been in any way derailed. In the fields of commerce, 2017 will also be an exciting year. Yesterday we announced record growth in Port services, including bunkering. Recently we saw passenger numbers at the airport reach half a million for the first time. The works on the tunnel under the runway are also now underway. After the extensive litigation which we won, I expect we will now start to see considerable progress on that project at last. This year we will also see the completion of the new LNG fuelled Power Station at North Mole. This will be a huge step forward for our Nation. The new facility is designed to provide the security of supply and the generating capacity of clean energy that we need for the next thirty years. This is important for all of us. But it is essential for national and international businesses established in Gibraltar. In that respect, we continue to see new companies entering the market and setting up in the fields of financial services and online gaming. We continue to see interest in investment in Gibraltar. And we continue to negotiate the best terms for the taxpayer of a number of large developments in Gibraltar including Rooke and the Eastside. In just the first quarter of this year, for example, we will see the official opening of the Gibraltar World Trade Centre, a high end office development that is already almost full. Other, new office developments are also necessary and in progress. And new high end residential developments - alongside our own affordable home projects - are also breaking ground and progressing this year. New developments aimed at key workers in the financial services and online gaming industries are likely to break ground. And I also expect to see new reclamation projects getting underway soon. This is the economic activity which drives our growth and the relative prosperity of each one of our families. And I can tell you tonight that you can therefore have the confidence that we have no doubt that we will meet the GDP growth targets we have estimated for the period to the financial year 2019/2020. In that respect, you will be pleased to know that the Gibraltar International Bank is exceeding expectations in its development as an independent financial services institution. And the public sector and the civil service remains a hugely important part of the growth that enables businesses to establish themselves and grow in Gibraltar. It is right that we should have engaged positively with unions in the whole public sector to seek greater efficiencies where these can be achieved. Because everyone in the public sector has a personal responsibility to be as efficient as possible in everything that we do, especially in light of the vote to leave the European Union. Of course BREXIT and the triggering of Article 50 will be the dominant political agenda item for the year. With Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia and Attorney General Michael Llamas, I will continue the work of navigating this turbulent course for Gibraltar. We are working with the whole Cabinet, the whole of the public sector and the civil service and with all those interested in the private sector to ensure that the Gibraltar position is accurately understood in London and in Brussels. In coming weeks and months, we will be involved in more private and public meetings and discussions on the future for Gibraltar after BREXIT. Inevitably, this will take much of my time this year. I nonetheless hope that I will soon be able to meet with those of you who want to see me and are finding it difficult to secure appointments. I know you understand that at this time I have an obligation to all of us to concentrate on the wider political issues that leaving the European Union represents for us all. We are working also beyond Europe to attract investment to Gibraltar and to establish strong, mutually beneficial and friendly relationships in neighbouring and far flung nations. A financial services delegation was in Casablanca late last year, and will be in China again next week, developing the work of our Hong Kong office and our networks in East Asia. We will continue our lobbying work in the United States as that nation sees a new administration taking over. And we will work to build even stronger relationships with the United Kingdom, other Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and the nations of the Commonwealth. Because this is a seminal moment in our political history. It is a time which will present us with as many opportunities as it will challenges. And we must have the courage and the vision to grasp those opportunities as we negotiate those challenges. This is a time for hard work and common endeavour. For that is how we will preserve, protect and progress our prosperity. Perhaps not since the campaign for the return of our evacuees or since the closure of the frontier have we been called upon to be as united as we must now be in common purpose. So this is a time for constructive engagement and debate that seeks to progress our common cause. I know that the good will of all in Gibraltar is with us in Government as we embark on this process. We are all in it together. We did not choose BREXIT but are now obliged to deliver it successfully. My dear friends and fellow Gibraltarians, make no mistake: 2017 is a year that will likely define our future for generations to come. We will not be found wanting in enterprise, energy or enthusiasm when it comes to defending Gibraltars corner. So a tough and challenging year lies ahead. But as Gibraltarians, we know that so long as we knuckle down to work together, we have every reason to be optimistic about the future of our beloved British home. Finally, let me thank you for the huge honour and privilege of leading our small but great nation at this pivotal moment in our collective history. It is genuinely humbling to be entrusted with the administration of our affairs at this time. And so, on behalf of my wife Justine and my family, And on behalf of all of my ministerial colleagues and their families, Let me wish you all a very healthy, happy and prosperous 2017. Thank you for listening. Goodnight." Billy Joel is never not in a New York State of mind, but that doesnt mean he has to sing about it all the time. While visiting The Late Show With Stephen Colbert last night, the Piano Man picked his five favorite songs from his oeuvre, based primarily on their concert performance value. They are: Vienna, And So It Goes, You May Be Right, Shes Right on Time, and No. 1 with a bottle of rose instead, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant. While Vultures definitive ranking of all 121 Billy Joel songs might not line up exactly with his selection, at least everyone can agree on a clear No. 1. Joel also explained why he hasnt released an album of new pop songs since 1993, saying his decision was based on a belief that it was time to shut up now, a statement somehow more Long Island than the mans entire body of work combined. By Press Trust of India: Cairo, Jan 10 (PTI) India today celebrated Vishwa Hindi Divas (World Hindi Day) and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Overseas Indian Day) in the Egyptian capital to make the language popular in the country. The Indian Embassy in Cairo and its cultural wing the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) organised cultural performances at Hanager Theatre in the Cairo Opera House. advertisement During the celebration, Indias Ambassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya awarded certificates and prizes to all the students who studied Hindi and Urdu classes in MACIC. "This time we introduce the special trophy for the best Hindi student it called India Cup its a rolling trophy so every year the best student will be awarded this trophy," the ambassador said. The celebration included cultural performances by Hindi and Urdu students of MACIC. Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech was screened during the event. "I was touched by cultural performances that were presented by the students. It shows their deep love and affection and attachment to the language and the bond between our two countries," Bhattacharyya said. "Im particularly excited that the young people of Egypt are building these relations with India," he added. "We also look forward to the Hindi scholarships under which we provide an opportunity to the young people of Egypt to go to India and study the programmes at the Central University of Hindi in Agra," he explained. "We have started the study of Devanagari and Hindi at Ain Shams University. We hope to establish a Hindi Chair sometime in the future," the Ambassador added. In September, the first Indian Chair in Egypt at the Ain Shams University was operationalised with the arrival of Indian professor Naidu Subbarao. The Chair, which is at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, is not only the first Indian Chair in Egypt but also in the Arab world. Since 2006, to propagate the use of Hindi abroad, the World Hindi Day is celebrated by Indian Embassies the world over. PTI YES PMS --- ENDS --- With less than two weeks to go before Donald Trump officially holds the highest office in America, Seth Meyers pulled out his reliable Closer Look segment to examine what we know about Trumps current state of mind, and the answer is a lot of disjointed tweets. Since Trump has refused to hold a press conference after winning the election and only grants limited interviews, were left to interpret the written word of the self-titled Ernest Hemingway of Twitter. Meyerss findings? Praise for V. Putin, shrugs for Meryl Streep, and a seeming disdain for U.S. intelligence agencies. All of these tweets have been widely reported, but Meyerss main concern was one point Trump hasnt been writing about on Twitter: the Republican effort to push hearings for Trump appointments in the next week, despite the lack of completed customary government-ethics screenings. Tom Hardy in Taboo. Photo: Robert Viglasky/FX Set more than 200 years ago in muddy London, the period piece Taboo is a vivid but pokey FX mini-series about international adventurer James Delaney (Tom Hardy), who returns to England to claim an inheritance, avenge his dead dad, and inflict an empires sins upon it. The three episodes sent to reviewers have a nightmarish hypnotic power, with fanatically detailed sets and costumes, a CGI-heavy production design that suggests Sin City by way of Charles Dickens, and a snarling, Clint Eastwoodstyle Frankensteins monster anti-hero at its center. Delaney is a flesh-and-blood man with a history and a personality, and his work on behalf of the East India Tea Company (an early transnational corporation thats portrayed as having more power than some governments) has traumatized him so deeply that when hes alone, away from the sight lines of those hes hoping to intimidate, he struggles to hold the shattered pieces of himself together. More often, though, Delaney is a revenge-movie protagonist with villainous, even demonic qualities. When he strides through London alleyways in his long coat and top hat, hes sometimes framed and lit like an artists interpretation of Jack the Ripper. (One of Taboos many pop-culture reference points is High Plains Drifter, a 1973 Western starring Eastwood as a stranger who repaints a town red, renames it Hell, and punishes its inhabitants for signing off on a mans murder to cover up a real-estate conspiracy.) When Delaney gets up in the faces of people who made him do bad things or who are trying to evade their responsibility for other peoples suffering, the series becomes a curiously Freudian political drama: Taboo is about the return of the repressed, but also the suppressed, with Delaney serving as a vessel for social commentary about the species-wide violence and corruption wrought by imperialism, racism, and capitalism. (The character is introduced in a literally thunderous montage that uses rain and ocean imagery to suggest a nightmarish birth, or rebirth.) Delaneys travels and missions brought him in contact with the genocide against Native Americans and the horrors of the international slave trade; his back is inscribed with tattoos from his time in Africa, and hes haunted by ghostly visions of evil deeds he saw and did. Of course this is all quite on the nose (knowingly so), but Taboo is averse to flat-out telling us that this privileged white Englishman has somehow become the Other; this is probably the only way in which this mini-series could be called subtle. Unfortunately, Peak TV bloat saps much of the tales effectiveness. Taboo ambles along, drinking in the sooty urban vistas and foggy waterfronts and treating us to close-ups of decayed corpses, sick flesh, vermin, and filth. These images drive home the fact that life was much harder for Western city dwellers before electricity, running water, vaccinations, and the like; but its worth asking if they tell anything we didnt already know (or got after the first ten times Taboo showed them to us), and they pull much-needed focus from all the dramatic confrontations, which are soap-opera juicy, bordering on cartoonish. Delaney has an unnatural attraction to his sister Zilpha (Oona Chaplin), and loathes her snooty husband Thorne (Jefferson Hall), who thinks Delaney is a horrid brute and wants to claim the elder Delaneys land near Nootka Sound in Canada. The East India Tea Company, represented by its tented-fingers bad guy of a president (Jonathan Pryce), wants the land, too, because it has both military and economic value to the British and American governments; but it soon becomes clear that the rightful owner, Delaney, is essentially Marlow from Heart of Darkness, back from the jungle and royally pissed. A certain repetitiveness sets in soon, unfortunately. Many of the showdowns feel as if theyre duplicating information weve already absorbed or revisiting emotions weve already explored, and there are too many moments when you may legitimately question if this production truly needed to be a multi-part TV program as opposed to a self-contained film, play, or graphic novel. (Pryce doesnt play every one of his scenes sitting at a desk or table while waving documents and yelling, but it feels that way.) All that being said, this is clearly an obsessive, personal work, and its intriguing on that level more so if youre a fan of Tom Hardy, who has become the most exciting example of the Miserablist school of acting. He combines the theatrical bigness of Orson Welles and Sir Laurence Olivier with the eerie hypernaturalism of Robert De Niro in his prime. Hardy created the main character of Taboo, worked out a basic story for him with his father, writer Chips Hardy, then handed things off to writer and filmmaker Steven Knight, who turned the concept into a mini-series that aired on BBC One over the weekend and debuts on FX tonight. Its clear that Hardy and Knight understand each other on a deep level; between this, Peaky Blinders, and the superb, under-seen indie drama Locke, theyre carving out a collaborative body of work in the vein of Scorsese and De Niro. This one is more fun to think about than it is to watch, but it deserves points for weirdness, and for not being manufactured to satisfy a preexisting niche unless the market for Dickens-flavored soap-opera revenge Westerns is a phenomenon that escaped my attention. WASHINGTON (AP) Throughout the presidential campaign, the Bush family and many of its Republican allies turned their backs on Donald Trump. Now, they're finding common cause with Trump over his pick to lead the State Department: Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, who has long orbited their same political, philanthropic and business worlds. Former President George W. Bush, who has largely avoided politics since leaving office in 2009, heaped praise on Tillerson in a recent phone call to Sen. Bob Corker, the Tennessee lawmaker who will oversee the secretary of state confirmation hearings. Jeb Bush, Tillerson's preferred candidate in the 2016 race, called the Exxon executive a "good man and accomplished leader." Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice and Robert Gates Bush's vice president, secretary of state and secretary of defense have all offered glowing endorsements. Gates, who runs a consulting firm with Rice that represents Exxon, first put Tillerson on Trump's radar when the president-elect was dissatisfied with his more conventional options. Despite the high-level backing, Tillerson faces obstacles in his path to Foggy Bottom. He has no government experience, having spent his whole career at Exxon. Senators in both parties have raised questions about his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, a relationship that's particularly eye-catching given uncertainty about Trump's own connections to Russia. Corker said that while the support from the highest levels of the Republican national security establishment won't wipe away senators' questions about Tillerson, it could ease anxieties. "Most people will look at that and understand that he's not outside the mainstream," said Corker, adding that George W. Bush was "effusive" in his praise for Tillerson when they spoke last week. While Trump was never fully embraced by more traditional Republicans, his rejection by the Bush family and its national security apparatus was particularly glaring. The family produced the last two Republican presidents and had hoped for a third in 2016. The two Bush presidencies also defined the GOP's foreign policy philosophy as one that saw overseas military intervention as a means to pre-empt attacks on the U.S. and promote democracy abroad. Trump has vowed to take the Republican Party in a new direction, both in style and substance. He showed no reverence for the Bush family during the campaign, blasting George W. Bush over the Iraq war and deriding his administration's focus on nation building abroad. He was particularly hard on former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who ran against Trump in the GOP primaries. Trump transition officials say the Bush family has not coordinated its support for Tillerson with the president-elect, though Gates and Rice did directly offer their support to Trump's team. Like the Bush family, Tillerson has strong ties to Texas and its vast oil industry. Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush ran oil companies before going into politics. Tillerson, a native of Wichita Falls, Texas, joined Exxon out of college as a production engineer before moving through the oil giant's executive ranks on his way to becoming CEO. The bonds between Texas oilmen can run as deep as their wells. They share the same politics, bankroll the same politicians, attend the same charity balls, and, often, talk business with the same twang. It's a club of wealth, but also a culture. "If you're a prominent family in Texas, you probably are friends with the oil business," said Peter Feaver, who worked on the National Security Council in the Bush administration and did not support Trump during the campaign. "And if you're in the oil business, you're probably friends with prominent families in Texas." Tillerson's relationship with the Bush family dates back at least to President George W. Bush's years as Texas governor, according to people who know both men. The ties have moved beyond the political realm and into philanthropy, with some of Exxon's efforts overlapping with Bush's foundation, including on women's empowerment issues. Tillerson's philanthropic work on behalf of Exxon has also overlapped with Jeb Bush, who promoted STEM education science, technology, engineering and math as governor of Florida. When Jeb Bush joined the crowded field of Republicans running for president in 2016, he quickly became Tillerson's choice. The executive donated to both Bush's campaign and his super PAC. Campaign finance records show Tillerson has been a regular donor to other establishment Republicans who cringed at the prospect of Trump becoming the party's nominee. He gave money to Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential campaign who Trump also considered for secretary of State. He also donated to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who were lukewarm Trump supporters at best during the presidential race. ___ Associated Press writer Paul J. Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC Allergan, the Ireland-based pharmaceutical giant with a plant in Waco scheduled to receive a $200 million expansion, continued a multimonth spending spree Monday by announcing deals with smaller companies pursuing treatments for neurological disorders and diseases of the digestive tract. The company last year broke ground on a 322,000-square-foot addition to its Waco facility at 8301 Mars Drive, a move aimed at increasing manufacturing space that could create 100 full-time jobs in the near future and eventually 250 more when production approaches capacity. Company officials in mid-2016 touted the growing number of drugs in the Allergan research pipeline as a reason for expansion, and since then the company has closed on several deals to acquire the rights to even more products in development. On Monday, Allergan on its website confirmed it had secured an exclusive option to acquire Lysosomal Therapeutics Inc., which researches treatment options for patients suffering from severe neurological diseases, including Parkinsons disease. Allergan reportedly will complete the buyout directly from shareholders when a pending drug trial is completed, and it also will provide upfront money for continued research and development, according to a company announcement. Parkinsons disease is an area of medicine where significant unmet need exists, particularly in the development and potential breakthrough of disease-modifying treatments for the more than 2 million people suffering with Parkinsons today, said David Nicholson, Allergans chief research and development officer, in a prepared statement. Among those with Parkinsons disease, a progressive disorder that affects movement, is actor Michael J. Fox, probably best known for his appearance in the Back to the Future movies and the popular 1980s television show Family Ties. He has established the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research. Dr. Kenneth Marek, senior scientist at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Michael J. Fox Parkinson Progression Marker Initiative, as well as clinical professor of neurology at Yale University and a member of Lysosomals advisory board, said in a statement: The key unmet need for Parkinsons disease patients and families is to slow disease progression. Lysosomal has taken a novel personal medicine approach to Parkinsons disease, targeting rapidly-progressing patients who carry a mutant GBA1 gene. The LTI drug candidate, which is designed to reverse loss of enzyme activity in patients with the genetic mutation, has a chance to be the first drug in its class. Also on Monday, Allergan entered into an agreement with Assembly Biosciences to secure that companys worldwide research, development and licensing rights for treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohns diseases and ulcerative colitis, according to a company release. $50 million upfront Allergan will make a $50 million payment upfront, and Assembly Biosciences will receive additional funds when it meets certain milestones in product development. Allergans Nicholson said the deals struck Monday are in line with the company strategy of Open Science, meaning the pursuit of game-changing ideas for improving patient care wherever the company can find them. It said online it now has more than 70 potential products in mid-to-late-stage development. Locally, it focuses on skin and eye-care products such as Restasis, Lumiga, Combigan, Refresh Plus, Refresh Tears and Latisse. Allergan continues to focus on engineering work for the $200 million expansion that will unfold in phases, with most scheduled for completion by 2020, company officials said. Waco City Council has approved a deal worth nearly $13 million to reward Allergan for choosing its local operation for upgrades over others in the system. The city will forgo $9.9 million of real property taxes from the expansion and $3 million in tax revenue from personal property, which includes equipment. During that same 20-year period, the city would receive an estimated $6 million in property tax revenue from the expansion. Action pending It is likely Allergan will receive an additional $4 million from the Waco-McLennan County Economic Development Corp. fund, but official action is pending with Waco City Council and the McLennan County Commissioners Court, both of which would have to approve any payment from the fund. The companys expansion project will preserve nearly 700 existing jobs at the facility in addition to creating up to 250 new ones. Baylor University economics professor Tom Kelly prepared a report on the expansions economic impact showing Allergan employees make $78,965 a year on average, including benefits. Though Allergan ceremonially broke soil on the project in the spring of 2016, the site remains undisturbed and awaits the arrival of work crews. I believe they are finalizing their engineering, said Kris Collins, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerces senior vice president for economic development. Allergan spokesman Mike Marmur, who reportedly was attending the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, could not be reached for comment. The company continues to invest in its Waco complex aside from the expansion. The city of Waco has issued a building permit valued at $3.75 million for renovation of a 11,366-square-foot microlab, a project for which drawings have been submitted to the citys planning department, spokesman Bobby Horner said. A man with five child sex abuse convictions was found to be a sexually violent predator Tuesday and will be committed to a state sex offender facility after his release from prison. Jurors in Wacos 54th State District Court deliberated 20 minutes before determining Howard Lynn Thompson, 54, constitutes a likely threat to offend again if he is released from prison. The jurys unanimous verdict led Judge Matt Johnson to order Thompson to enter a Texas Civil Commitment Center in Littlefield after he is released from prison in 2019. The two-day trial marked the first time in a McLennan County courtroom that the state sought to civilly commit a repeat sex offender. Before a law was changed in 2015, all such civil trials were held in a Montgomery County state district court. Now, they are held in the court of conviction for the offenders most recent sex offense. Thompson denied many of the allegations for which he was convicted or tried to minimize his actions during testimony Tuesday. He stood with his hands shackled to a waist chain and just shook his head as the judge read the verdict. After he is transferred to the treatment center, Thompson will be evaluated and can petition for his release every two years. A judge will review his case to see if he can be released or if it is appropriate to modify his treatment plan. The judgment says he is to remain committed until the behavioral abnormality has changed to the extent that he is no longer likely to engage in a predatory act of sexual violence. Thompson, a former landscaper, pleaded guilty in Waco to four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2000 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison on each count. Trial testimony showed he was convicted of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl he was baby-sitting at the Uptown Motel in Waco in 1999. Thompson also was convicted in 1991 for molesting a 7-year-old girl in Glynn County, Georgia. He was baby-sitting that child, also. Jurors heard from just two witnesses before being asked to determine Thompsons fate: Thompson and Sheri Gaines, a psychiatrist from Walker County who examined Thompson for two hours and reviewed 1,000 pages of police reports, prison records, witness statements and a deposition Thompson gave in October as part of the civil trial. Offenders with two or more sexually violent convictions who have been diagnosed with a behavioral abnormality and who are deemed to be risks to offend again can be subject to the civil commitment proceedings. Like Thompsons testimony Tuesday, he was evasive and difficult during Gaines examination and denied or tried to mitigate his involvement in the child sex offenses, she said. Thompson is starting a nine-month sex offender treatment program in prison that he must finish before he can be released. Gaines said Thompson admitted in December that he is sexually attracted to young girls, which she said is the first step in a lengthy, difficult process of change. But he has a long, long way to go, Gaines said. Her opinion that he is a sexually violent predator and a risk to re-offend will not change even after he completes the sex offender treatment, Gaines said. Testimony During his testimony Tuesday, Thompson denied he is sexually attracted to children and said the improper contact for which he was convicted on all five counts was accidental. Maureen Whittmore, an attorney in the State Special Prosecution Units civil division, told jurors that someone must admit they have a problem before they can start to change. Whittmore said Thompsons continued denials, which contradict statements he has made in treatment and in his depositions, mean he remains a threat to children and is not ready or is unwilling to change. Texas has 407 civilly committed sex offenders. All are men. Thompson was defended by Charles Martin and Tom Brewer of the State Counsel for Offenders, an arm of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. A Bellmead man was arrested Monday, accused of threatening a family of four with a knife and injuring two people by swinging a guitar case around the home in November, an arrest affidavit states. Jack Mahaffey, 61, was arrested on three second-degree felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after police were called to the 4100 block of Compton Lane on Nov. 11. Mahaffey was yelling at a woman, saying Where is it at? the arrest affidavit states. Mahaffey pulled out a knife and pointed it at the woman and her husband while the couples two children were in the room, according to the affidavit. The victim, fearing for her and her familys safety, attempted to grab a shovel, the arrest affidavit states. The defendant was pacing back and forth between the victim, her husband and two children who were in the room while he was holding the knife. One of the children ran out of the residence before the womans husband reportedly took the knife away from Mahaffey while he was not looking. Mahaffey allegedly continued to yell at the man to get the knife back, but the man refused, the arrest affidavit states. The defendant struck a child in the back of the neck with his guitar case, causing her pain and a scratch as he was leaving when police were called, the arrest affidavit states. Mahaffey had left the home by the time police arrived, according to the affidavit. It was not immediately clear what Mahaffey was looking for. Calls to Bellmead police Sgt. Kory Martin were not immediately returned. Mahaffey remained in McLennan County Jail on Tuesday with bonds listed at $68,000. Jail records indicate he is also being held on two El Paso County warrants charging possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of a firearm. Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. The key is Russian national interest. Winston Churchills quote came a quarter-century and two months after the start of World War I. In late August 1914, a month into the conflict, a massive Russian army was defeated at the Battle of Tannenberg. While the German offensive through Belgium that brought Britain into the Great War on Aug. 3, 1914, had stalled at the First Battle of the Marne in mid-September, the small British Army committed to France would be destroyed within a year, to be replaced with conscripts. Ultimately, 700,000 British soldiers were killed. Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty in 1914, faced the threat of submarines and a German Imperial Fleet with nearly as many dreadnoughts as the Royal Navy. But Britain endured and prevailed. Russia fought on with some success against Austro-Hungarian forces while a broken economy paved the way for the Bolshevik coup of late 1917. Barely a quarter century later on August 23, 1939, Joseph Stalin shocked the world with the Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact opening the way for Nazi Germany to invade Poland a week later and for the USSR to invade Poland three weeks later. Churchill understood that Russian diplomacy was focused on national self-interest (as well as other ambitions). Although Stalin sought to create an industrial dynamo, his political paranoia instituted a 1938 purge that ravaged his military by executing four out of five Soviet marshals and imprisoning or killing 80 percent of the remaining officer corps. Stalin realized Russias vulnerability was along its western flank. He also knew Hitlers immediate interests lay in destroying Poland and then conquering the Baltic States, the Low Countries and ultimately destroying France. In the autumn of 1939, England faced an uncertain future but Churchill was back at the head of the Admiralty. On May 10, 1940, with German forces massed in France and the Low Countries and readying for Operation Sea Lion, Churchill became prime minister of Britain. After the Red Army occupied eastern Poland in late September 1939, Stalin ordered an invasion of Finland hoping to shore up the Soviet Unions northern flank against future German aggression. At the time, Churchill called for war with Russia. Fortunately, London demurred. Russia, whether under tsars such as Peter I and Alexander I, or commissars as demented as Stalin or as seemingly enlightened as Mikhail Gorbachev, will pursue whatever is in Moscows best interest. Vladimir Putin is no exception. Furthermore, wise Russian leaders understand and respect force. That remains as true today as it was for Alexander I when he accommodated Napoleon with the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807 before destroying the Grande Armee in the fall and winter of 1812. Putin is determined to reclaim Russias world power status and will do whatever he thinks necessary to achieve that end. Eight years of the Obama administrations leadership has brought the world to a perilously chaotic international situation. President-elect Donald Trumps administration inherits challenges from rogue states like Iran and North Korea; the continuing (and growing) threat of Islamist fundamentalism; Chinas seeking regional if not global hegemony; and an emboldened Russia reasserting itself in Europe and penetrating the Persian Gulf and southern Europe via Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean of coastal Syria. Trump must restore Americas international credibility with diplomacy that reassures and supports allies. An insipid foreign policy coupled with a depleted military capability invites catastrophes rendered between 1914 and 1918 and 1939 and 1945. Russian national interest will be as much a part of Putins approach as it was for leaders from Peter the Great to Stalin and ultimately to Mikhail Gorbachev. What made possible the Dec. 25, 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union was the strength of vision expressed by President Ronald Reagan who undertook the largest peacetime buildup of U.S. military might in history coupled to his unerring sense of Americas potential for greatness. The only way to deal effectively with international threats is to do so with credible diplomacy grounded in economic stability and supported by unassailable military strength. Earl Tilford is a retired professor of history at Grove City College. An Air Force intelligence officer with tours in Vietnam, he is the author of three books on the Vietnam War, including Crosswinds: The Air Forces Setup in Vietnam. The Texas Legislature gets back to work this week. At least, lets hope thats the intent of legislators, including the three who claim to represent our area. This means dispensing with cheap grandstanding and distracting fringe issues and getting down to real problems such as reforming school finance, which the conservative Texas Supreme Court brands a disaster; overhauling Child Protective Services to protect young lives; and, yes, ensuring Texans dont receive surprise medical bills from emergency-room trips, an increasing kitchen-table concern. Of the latter issue, its not enough to simply hope and pray such abuses will correct themselves on the good faith of insurance companies and health-care providers. Such strategies leave everyday families at the mercy of a health-care system sorely in need of state and federal reform. And if legislators want to help cure health care supposedly part of the thrust behind the Trump phenomenon how about removing the states regulatory burden hamstringing advanced practice nurses, who can do many of the same duties as overworked physicians? To our thinking, school finance remains the top issue by which to judge the worthiness of our state legislators this year. While we welcome debate on new frontiers in school choice, that discussion must wait till legislators actually fix the way the state appropriates money to public schools. Otherwise, the state becomes guilty of the same excesses as the federal government which, when a problem arises, simply creates a new agency or program to address it without reforming or dismantling old ones. School finance must be fixed to ensure equity from one school to the next. And in a state that supposedly cherishes young life, there is no excuse for continued failures in Child Protective Services, some of which have contributed to the deaths of children while state leaders frolicked on far less relevant matters. Legislation proposes placing more of the work with community-service contractors charged with improving outcomes involving dysfunctional families. A pay disparity problem involving CPS workers appears now to have been addressed. Transparency about use of taxpayer money is paramount. We will grade our legislators on their support of legislation that demands that cities, counties, schools and the state readily make available all information about public funds mixed with private ventures. Its a civic disgrace, for instance, that people in the city of McAllen cannot discover how much their own city spent in taxpayer funds to hire Enrique Iglesias for a holiday show. State Comptroller Glenn Hegars Monday announcement of a 2.7 percent decrease in state revenue from the last biennium means responsible legislators must closely scrutinize whether theyre spending our money wisely. For instance, we need detailed accounting for spending a billion dollars to protect the Texas-Mexico border when President Obama already has the highest rate of deportations of illegal immigrants of any president and President-elect Trump vows to bolster border security further (even if we, not Mexico, will now pay for any wall or fencing). The U.S. government is responsible for border enforcement. Lets leave the job to it and hold it accountable. Encouraging sign: Even on state Facebook pages, many Texans have turned a corner and are turning thumbs-down on mean-spirited legislation advocated by Gov. Greg Abbott requiring health clinics to bury all fetal remains from abortions and miscarriages clearly regulatory overreach that has nothing to do with saving lives of the unborn. And Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks transgender bill is anti-business legislation in desperate search of a problem. Its time to flush it before it stinks up the Legislature and all of Texas. VALPARAISO The Saunders County Sheriffs Office will do another search Tuesday morning for Sean Eddy, 42, of rural Valparaiso, who has been missing since Jan. 1. Saunders County Sheriff Kevin Stukenholtz said an air and ground search was conducted Jan. 7, with the aid of a Nebraska State Patrol helicopter. Eddy lives with his mother and step-father and was reported missing by them on Jan. 6. Eddys 2005 GMC Envoy was located less than four miles from his home, but he was not found. Stukenholtz said a second ground and air search was scheduled Jan. 10. The Saunders County sheriff said environmental factors, such as temperature change, snow and nearby open water, have changed since the first search, On Monday, Stukenholtz said all possibilities, including foul play, are still a part of the search for Eddy. We havent ruled anything out, he said. The sheriff reported Eddy is an Uber driver and that a witness reported seeing his car at the intersection of highways 79 and 92 on Jan. 1. However, the witness could not verify it was Eddy driving the vehicle. Stukenholtz said hes not aware of any criminal history for Eddy, but that the situation is pretty unusual. There are missing people all the time in cities and urban areas and theres generally some logical trails, but were not seeing any here, Stukenholtz said. Eddy is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs close to 350 pounds. To report information regarding Eddys whereabouts, contact the Saunders County Sheriffs Office at 402-443-1000 or Saunders County Crime Stoppers at 402-443-8181. The Minnesota Wing and the Dixie Wing are teaming up for a unique tour in several southeast states to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Doolittle Raid over Japan. The tour will include five stops with the Minnesota Wings B-25, Miss Mitchell, and the Dixie Wings P-51, Red Nose, and SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber. The Minnesota Wings tour season starts with the 75th Anniversary Doolittle Raid Reunion in Dayton, Ohio. From there, Miss Mitchell and her crew will work their way down to Peachtree City, Ga., for the CAF WWII Heritage Days. We have been talking about cooperating for a while, said Moreno Aguiari, Dixie Wings Marketing Officer and tour coordinator for 2017. We actually started earlier in the year by building parts from scratch for Miss Mitchell, and the Minnesota Wing donated much-needed parts for our Link Trainer restoration project. The units met at ICAS 2016 early in December and planned the tour. ICAS should be a place where units can discuss CAF airplanes, business, and coordinate and work on partnerships in addition to booking air shows, said Aguiari. Following the Dixie Wings WWII Heritage Days on April 22-23, 2017, Miss Mitchell will be hitting the road with the Dixie Wing as part of the tour. The tour will take the units through Greenville, S.C. ( May 6-7,2017), Raleigh, N.C.(May 13-14, 2017), and Virginia Beach, Va., at the Military Aviation Museums Warbirds Over the Beach ( May 18-21). Additional tour stops are being considered. Weve been trying to think outside the box as far as marketing our planes to the airshow community, and when the Dixie wing asked us to participate in their WWII Heritage Days in April, we couldnt pass it up, said Amy Lauria, Minnesota Wing public information officer. Its been a long time since weve traveled south and we thought this was the perfect time to do it. We are excited to be working closely with another Wing to promote our mission. The MN Wing will offer rides in its B-25 Miss Mitchell during the Dixie Wing tour with the P-51 Mustang Red Nose and the SBD-5 Dauntless. The units also are planning an air-to-air aviation photography workshop at Raleigh. Preliminary dates: April 22-23 in Peachtree City, GA then Savannah (04/29-30), Greenville, SC (05/7-8), Raleigh, NC (05/13-14), Virginia Beach, VA ( 05/18-21) Farmingdale, NY ( 05/25-28) then Reading, PA for the WWII Weekend. Stay tuned for the more details! A former Perth Glory youth player has been sentenced to 20 months behind bars for his role in a $120,000 travel insurance scam. Million Butshiire pleaded guilty to three counts of gaining benefit by fraud in the Perth District Court on Tuesday. Million Butshiire (right) in action during his days with the Perth Glory youth team. Credit:Paul Kane Judge Michael Gething heard the 24-year-old Currambine man conspired with another friend, who had previously worked for a travel insurance agency, to commit the fraud in 2014. The pair flew to their home country in the Democratic Republic of Congo together to carry out the scam. A Lockridge man is fighting for his life after being stabbed in the neck outside his home on Monday night. Police spokeswoman Ros Weatherall said the man was outside his home about 11pm when he got caught up in a brawl with an unknown man. An Australind man died at the scene of the crash. Credit:Rohan Thomson In the fight the man was stabbed in the neck and suffered serious wounds. He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition. A Perth man who claimed in an online advertisement that he could help people prepare to represent themselves in court at a fraction of the cost of hiring a lawyer has lost an appeal against his conviction. Ric van der Feltz was found guilty in July 2016 of advertising on Gumtree that he was entitled to engage in legal practice, despite not being an Australian lawyer. A Perth man who claimed on Gumtree he could help people prepare to represent themselves in court at a fraction of the cost of hiring a lawyer has lost an appeal against his conviction. Credit:Erin Jonasson Part of the advertisement read: "I can help you prepare to represent yourself in court and with filling out court applications and other court documents and the drafting of affidavits." It also read: "I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice. I do have an overseas law degree ... You might just need some help to guide you through the court system and that's where I come in at a fraction of the cost of a lawyer." A plane that crashed in Papua New Guinea, killing four people including one from rural WA, overshot the runway in poor visibility and heavy rain, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says. Three Australians and one New Zealander on board the twin engine Cessna died in the crash and there was one survivor, a New Zealander. Australian officials are now on the ground on Misima Island and will remain there until the injured Kiwi has been transported to Port Moresby and the bodies of the deceased repatriated. Mr Smith said the tragedy comes just weeks after the first anniversary of the Kokoda plane crash in which nine Australians died. "This will be a very sad reminder to nine Australian families," Mr Smith said. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Tyler Technologies, Inc. provides integrated information management solutions and services for the public sector. The company operates in three segments: Enterprise Software; Appraisal and Tax; and NIC. It offers financial management solutions, including modular fund accounting systems for government agencies or not-for-profit entities; utility billing systems for the billing and collection of metered and non-metered services; products to automate city and county functions, such as municipal courts, parking tickets, equipment and project costing, animal and business licenses, permits and inspections, code enforcement, citizen complaint tracking, ambulance billing, fleet maintenance, and cemetery records management; and student information and transportation solutions for K-12 schools. The company also provides a suite of judicial solutions comprising court case management, court and law enforcement, prosecutor, and supervision systems to handle multi-jurisdictional county or statewide implementations, and single county systems; public safety software solutions; systems and software to automate the appraisal and assessment of real and personal property, as well as tax applications for agencies that bill and collect taxes; planning, regulatory, and maintenance software solutions for public sector agencies; software applications to enhance and automate operations involving records and document management; and data and insights solutions. In addition, it offers software as a service arrangements and electronic document filing solutions for courts and law offices; software and hardware installation, data conversion, training, product modification, and maintenance and support services; and property appraisal outsourcing services for taxing jurisdictions. The company has a strategic collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services for cloud hosting services. Tyler Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas. WSU Gospel Fest to Rise up January 10, 2017 OGDEN, Utah Eight Utah choirs will gather to celebrate and share the joy of music during Weber State Universitys 17th Annual Gospel Music Festival in the Val A. Browning Center Austad Auditorium, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The festivals theme, Rise Up, encourages unity and strength in the community. The public is invited to attend this free event focused on music rooted in the spiritual messages and oral histories shared during the time of slavery. The theme this year is a message that lifts you up when you are down, gives you hope in uncertainty and provides confidence and courage when in doubt, said Teresa Martinez, diversity and inclusive programs coordinator for Access & Diversity. This year, the festival focuses on finding the strength to unite and rise up through song, spirituality and togetherness. Performances include groups from both campus and community. The Reverend Monica Hall from Trinity Presbyterian Church will emcee the event. The spirit of community reveals itself when people gather together and participate in the music of hope. Hall said. This is what we will do this year at Gospel Fest - sing together in hope and experience the invitation to rise up and rejoice. Gospel music is deeply rooted in culture and history, Martinez said. It has a richness that tells stories of overcoming adversity, finding hope and uniting people together as one. In addition to music, the festival will serve as a book drive to benefit K-12 schools in Utah. Admission to the festival is free, but those who attend are encouraged to bring one or more gently used books to donate. WSUs gospel festival began as a one-time community event nearly 17 years ago. Now, the festival has evolved into an annual campus and community tradition to celebrate the new year and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Austad Auditorium will open at 7 p.m. with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the Center for Diversity & Unity, visit weber.edu/diversity. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. Program includes content focusing on Real Time Web, Skype for Business, Expanding WebRTC Capabilities, New Revenue Opportunities and more. Trumbull, CT January 10, 2017 TMC, Systemwide Media and PKE Consulting have announced that Real Time Web Solutions has joined ITEXPO, being held February 7-10, 2017 at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Real Time Web Solutions brings together architects, enablers and users to learn about WebRTC as well as an added emphasis on the full range of capabilities and components necessary to deliver a complete Web communications solution. Successful Real Time Solutions begin with aligning the right knowledge and products with company goals. Our conference program in Fort Lauderdale offers businesses of all kinds the insight they need to know in order to leverage all the possibilities of real time solutions, said Rich Tehrani, TMC CEO and conference chairman. Between the top level speakers and interactive networking opportunities, Real Time Web Solutions Conference is an event that shouldnt be missed. The agenda Includes: Wednesday, February 8 9:30 a.m. - Real Time Web Communications - The Next Revolution - PKE Consulting LLC & UC Strategies.com - PKE Consulting LLC & UC Strategies.com 11:00 a.m. - Keynote Presentation by The Wireless Infrastructure Association 11:30 a.m.- Keynote Presentation by RingCentral 12:00 p.m.- Keynote Presentation by Vertical 2:00 p.m.- Tips for Adding Real-time Communications to Your Apps 2:30 p.m.- Enterprise Communications: It's Personal - Plantronics - Plantronics 4:30 p.m.- Keynote Presentation by IBM 5:00 p.m.- Exhibit Hall Grand Opening Reception Thursday, February 9 9:00 a.m. - Special General Session: Cloud UC - Innovation Awaits 10:00 a.m. - Keynote Presentation by Onvoy 10:30 a.m. - Keynote Presentation - Mind Shift: Learning to Thrive Amid Disruption and Digitization by VMware 11:00 a.m. - Exhibit Hall Open 1:00 p.m. - Making Skype for Business Work for Your Business AudioCodes, MegaPath, IntelliCom Analytics AudioCodes, MegaPath, IntelliCom Analytics 2:00 p.m. - Context, Wearables, and WebRTC: Communications Next - Plantronics - Plantronics 3:00 p.m. - Panel: New Revenue Opportunities with Communications Apps Fuze, Ingate Systems, Phone.com Fuze, Ingate Systems, Phone.com 3:00 p.m. - Panel: Expanding WebRTC Capabilities Beyond the Typical Use Cases - Blacc Spot Media, PKE Consulting LLC & UC Strategies.com, Bit6, Dialogic, Temasys Communications - Blacc Spot Media, PKE Consulting LLC & UC Strategies.com, Bit6, Dialogic, Temasys Communications 4:00 p.m. - IDEA Showcase - Startup Pitch Event - Featuring Keynote by Jeff Pulver 8:00 p.m. - Networking After Dark Party - Atlantic Hotel - Sponsored by 888VoIP, Sonus, Cox, Spectrum, Bicom, DIDx, snom,Vtech, Tender Software and Comcast Friday, February 10 10:30 a.m. - Mobile-first Communications APIs and The Mobile Last Mile - Xenialab - Xenialab 11:00 a.m. - Panel: The Embedded Communications Revolution: How WebRTC will Change Everything - Comunicano, Inc., Daitan Group, OnSIP, Temasys Communications - Comunicano, Inc., Daitan Group, OnSIP, Temasys Communications 11:00 a.m. - Exhibit Hall Open View the complete agenda here. Speakers are updated daily. For more information or to register for Real Time Web Solutions Conference, contact [email protected] . For media inquiries, contact Jessica Seabrook. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for Real Time Web Solutions should contact Dave Rodriguez at 203-852-6800 x146. For the latest Real Time Web Solutions news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter at @RTWebExpo. About TMC Global buyers rely on TMCs content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. This presents branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities for vendors/sellers. TMCs Marketplaces: Unique, turnkey Online Communities boost search results, establish market validation, elevate brands and thought leadership, while minimizing ad-blocking. boost search results, establish market validation, elevate brands and thought leadership, while minimizing ad-blocking. Custom Lead Programs uncover sales opportunities and build databases. uncover sales opportunities and build databases. In-Person and Online Events boost brands, enhance thought leadership and generate leads. and boost brands, enhance thought leadership and generate leads. Publications , Display Advertising and Newsletters bolster brand reputations. , and bolster brand reputations. Custom Content provides expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. provides expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. Comprehensive Event and Road Show Management Services help companies meet potential clients and generate leads face-to-face. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com. Media and Analyst Contact: Jessica Seabrook Marketing Director TMC 203-852-6800 x 170 [email protected] Edited by Alicia Young Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 83F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 58F. S winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Advertisement By Tim Brockwell Jan. 09, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY By Tim Brockwell Jan. 09, 2017 | 02:11 PM | PADUCAH, KY A railroad equipment manufacturer in Paducah has announced plans to lay off 65 of its workers. National Railway Equipment Company spokesman Hal Burgan says the company gave 60 days notice on Dec. 1 to 65 of its 110 employees currently working at the company's Paducah location. Burgan says the decision to downsize comes amid a recent industry-wide downturn that has made job cuts necessary. "We've held this off as long as we could and even longer because, you know, this is a difficult decision. We do not like doing this, but the numbers were just so low that we just didn't have any work for anybody there, or at least not at the level of staffing that's there now." Burgan said. Burgan said employees in the engine shop will keep their jobs, and it is possible that the laid off workers could be hired back if there is enough work for them at some point in the future. The company is the worlds largest independent supplier of locomotive servicing, new and remanufactured locomotives, locomotive leasing, field services, parts, and salvage operations. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 10, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 10, 2017 | 05:09 PM | PADUCAH, KY A semi crash on Said Road Tuesday afternoon made a mess and shut down traffic for several hours. The McCracken County Sheriffs Office says they got a call around 1 pm about a rollover crash in the 1600 block of Said Rd (KY 131). Deputies said they arrived to find a semi pulling a grain trailer had overturned, spilling grain over the road and into a yard. Deputies said the driver, 54-year-old Michael Sutton of Hickory was able to climb from the truck prior to emergency crews arrival. Sutton told police that as he started into a sharp curve, he met a pickup truck that was across the centerline and swerved to avoid a collision. The semi then dropped into the ditch on the right side and overturned. Crews worked for several hours to upright the truck and trailer and remove the spilled grain from the scene. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 09, 2017 | 09:25 PM | MAYFIELD, KY A Graves County man already in jail faces a new charge of burglary. On June 9, 2015, Graves County sheriff's deputies responded to a burglary complaint at the Community of Christ Church on Keystone Drive in Mayfield. Deputies said the suspect made forced entry through a window on the side of the building. Once inside the church, the suspect reportedly damaged a filing cabinet. Deputies found what appeared to be blood on the filing cabinet. A sample of the blood was sent off to the Kentucky State Police laboratory for analysis. Deputies determined that the DNA from the blood matched that of the DNA profile of 45-year-old William McAlpin of Mayfield. A warrant was issued for the arrest of McAlpin. On Friday, the warrant was served on McAlpin at the McCracken County Regional Jail where he is lodged on unrelated charges. According to police, McAlpin is the same man who was arrested for the burglary of Hawkins Used Auto Parts in Mayfield last June. DNA was also used to solve that case. Why no Powerball winner? It's luck, and smaller sales By The Associated Press Jan. 10, 2017 | 05:18 AM | FRANKFORT, KY The state's environment cabinet has awarded more than $1 million in grants to Kentucky counties to clean up illegal dumps across the state. Energy and Environment Secretary Charles Snavely announced Monday that $1.06 million in grant funding will be distributed to 25 counties to help remediate more than 100 illegal open dumps. The money for the Illegal Open Dump Grant program comes from the Kentucky Pride Fund, collected from a $1.75 fee for every ton of garbage disposed of at municipal solid waste facilities. To qualify for the funding, counties must agree to match 25 percent of the grant amount. The Energy and Environment Cabinet can choose to waive the match on an illegal dump that costs more than $50,000 to remediate. 14 Stanford students and one alumnus braved a 36-hour journey to support water protectors at Standing Rock, North Dakota.The group also included two students from other California universities. The students were at the Standing Rock camp from Sunday through Thursday after facing bad weather and car troubles on its journey. Robbins recalls renting an 11-passenger van alongside a personal car and a pickup truck for all 17 travelers.There was some difficulty with the rental cars, she said. The drive ended up being a large portion of the trip. We had to stop over the Sierras to put on snow chains.After hours of driving, Robbins recalls driving up to the camp and seeing flags along the road from over 300 recognized tribes and nations, as well as other parts of the world like Australia and New Zealand.Once there, the students mainly helped with logistics behind the scenes of the water protectors. They helped sort items in the donation tent, where people dropped off clothing and coats for water protectors.Robbins said she particularly enjoyed working in the arts tent, where protectors could create signs and fabrics bearing the motto of the NoDAPL movement: Water is life.We didnt feel really helpful at first, Robbins said. Camp is very much about family and community. I think the most important thing we brought was youthful energy.When students werent sorting or making art, they helped out in the largest part of camp, Oceti Sakowin. There, they stayed with the kitchen owner, who created traditional foods, like deer stew and bison meat.Robbins described the camp as a cross between contemporary and traditional. One day, some students helped to build a longhouse, a traditional homestead and place for ceremony.Although most of their work took place behind the scenes, some students witnessed the confrontations between the police and the protectors firsthand. Students who delivered sandwiches to the front lines witnessed peaceful protectors being sprayed with water in freezing weather conditions.Hampson-Medina said that the front lines would rotate so that protectors who were sprayed with fire extinguishers and hoses could run back to camp and change into dry, warm clothes. At the camp, other students were able to help out by building fires for the protectors to warm up. Stopping the bad is more important than promoting the good Redwood Comment Marketing today is increasingly about branding and a basic way to view a brand is to compare it to a savings account with a bank. You make both deposits and withdrawals so to increase the value of the brand it is important that the withdrawals are always smaller than the deposits. So it is with the brand that we all depend upon, the brand leather. Across the world, more groups and individuals are getting involved with speaking positively about leather and, hopefully from LeatherNaturally! on through the national and international organisations, we will see more leather promotional activity. Some of those activities, like the excellent leather is my job Cotance campaign, are particularly useful as they afford an opportunity to answer the many negative comments that are being spread about leather which have no basis in fact. Endless arguments about tanners using arsenic are typical withdrawals from the brand leather account which we have to counter through getting the truth in front of consumers time and again. Much more damaging in the long term are the complaints about careless chemical handling, lack of waste treatment, missing workwear and improper treatment of labour which are to be found around the world. So I have to write how disappointed I am to see that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina started 2017 by announcing that Leather Goods would be her Product of the Year without a single comment that the move of the tanneries out of Dhaka remains largely incomplete. More than any other place in the world the tanneries in Hazaribagh provide the images and stories that totally undermine all the good that has been done by the vast majority of tanners around the world. A glance through the Internet makes it clear that anti-leather groups argue that most leather is made in under-developed countries where regulations do not exist or are not enforced. The statement is a gross exaggeration but is hard to counter. There are still quite a few places where it is true, and Hazaribagh is by far the most prominent. Currently, globalisation is being challenged around the world. One of the huge benefits of globalisation, and the leather industry's significant role in it, has been pulling hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. If, instead, it is putting children to work emptying chrome drums with no shoes on while draining untreated effluent into the local river, everyone loses. We were asked to be patient while government and tanners sorted the move to Savar, but to see that the government have once again given the tanners three more months to relocate their factories to the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate is deeply discouraging. I think all the world likes the Bangladeshi people and would wish Bangladesh to succeed, but to do well Bangladesh must be scrupulous about doing it properly. The leather industry can offer many good jobs in Bangladesh but cannot be allowed to carry on like this. The Prime Minister should have linked her support for leather with a demand that the move to Savar be completed within three months, and link waste management with exemplary working conditions. Mike Redwood 10th January 2017 mike@internationalleathermaker.com Follow Mike Redwood on twitter: @michaelredwood Publication and Copyright of "Redwood Comment" remains with the publishers of International Leather Maker. The articles cannot be reproduced in any way without the express permission of the publisher. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati received the 2022 Adepi Award * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018. * IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014. * Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013. * Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011. 2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100. * Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010. * Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010. * Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010. * Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll. Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008. According to the Indictment, the (German) Federal Prosecutors Office believes that the purpose of the espionage has been to investigate the potential targets for a possible assassination attempt. A Pakistani, accused of spying for the Iranian Intelligence Ministry, in his reconnaissance operation, has created a movement profile of the SPD politician, Mr. Robbe. This is seen as a clear indication of an assassination attempt. This is also indicated by the fact that the suspect has observed the German-Israeli Society building and explored Mr. Robbes transport route from his Berlin apartment to the headquarters of the DIG in Berlin-Mitte. He is also said to have explored alternative routes to the headquarters, German TV reported. The espionage against the longtime former Bundestag deputy, Reinhold Robbe, is the first known case in which a German politician was the target of an operation for possible assassination attempt by the Iranian regimes secret service, according to the report. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/01/2017 (2124 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. It takes less than a minute for the new CBC series Workin Moms to establish in no uncertain terms the go-for-it attitude it intends to bring to the situation-comedy format. Three women, part of a weekly Mommy & Me parenting class, are discussing the ways in which childbirth has affected their bodies, most specifically their breasts. The conversation is quite revealing, to the point that the classs leader feels compelled to ask the trio to be a bit less, shall we say, forthcoming with their rather unfettered assessment of things. Its a wonderful comedic beat, but what makes it brilliant is it isnt simply a one-off gag; instead, its an attention-seizing moment that opens the door to a frank and funny discussion of some real maternal issues. And throughout the four episodes provided by CBC for preview, Workin Moms demonstrates a deft ability to deliver punchlines while at the same time confronting the realities of 21st-century motherhood. Submitted Jessalyn Wanlim, Dani Kind, Catherine Reitman and Juno Rinaldi play smart young mothers who share their issues in the new CBC comedy, Workin' Moms. Created by and starring Catherine Reitman the Los Angeles-born daughter of Canadian comedy icon Ivan Reitman Workin Moms (which premieres Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. on CBC) represents something of a rarity for the public broadcaster, as its the second slam-dunk sitcom success (along with Kims Convenience) to arrive on the CBC in a single TV season. Add the equally impressive debut of Citys Second Jen into the mix, and youve got the Canadian-TV equivalent of roping three unicorns with a single lasso toss. Reitman stars as Kate Foster, a successful public relations executive whos conflicted by the idea of returning to work after an eight-month maternity leave. Shes looking forward to resuming her career, but is struggling mightily at the thought of leaving her infant son Charlie in the care of a nanny. She shares this concern with her three closest friends Anne (Dani Kind), Frankie (Juno Rinaldi) and Jenny (Jessalyn Wanlim) and they, in turn, reveal the maternal challenges that have set them off-balance. Anne, a psychiatrist and mother of two, is a believer in the two-is-enough approach to child-rearing, and has also just discovered shes pregnant. Frankie is a real-estate agent whose attempt to return to work is impeded by an ever-deepening descent into post-partum depression, and Jenny is inclined not to return to her job in the information technology but has a husband who insists its his turn to be the stay-at-home parent so he can work on his long-ignored screenplay (The vampire genre is not over, he declares). Kate returns to work with the blessing and encouragement of her husband, Nathan (played by Reitmans real-life spouse, Philip Sternberg). She immediately finds herself fighting to reclaim her status as the firms rising star a single male competitor for that title has been hired during her mat leave while realizing its hard to be the toughest person in the boardroom when you spend half the morning expressing breast milk in the ladies room. Meanwhile, Jennys reluctant return to work results in an unexpected confrontation with her own sense of lost sexuality, and her sudden realization that she still is a fully functioning female, leads to a couple of questionable workplace decisions. In addition to dealing with the daunting prospect of another child, Anne must address complaints from her older childs school that the girl has begun to exhibit some inappropriate attention-seeking behaviours. All in all, Workin Moms is a bit of a parental-problems minefield. The issues explored in Workin Moms are challenging. The manner in which theyre addressed is mature and complex and layered and, above all, very funny. Theres sure to be lots of discussion of how familiar and relatable this series is for women and parents, and it surely is. But speaking as a viewer whos neither a parent nor a woman, I can state without hesitation that Workin Moms is, more than anything else, a sharply written and skilfully performed comedy that will leave anyone who watches glad they tuned in. Catherine Reitman is creator and star of the new CBC comedy Workin' Moms Hollywood is filled with Canadians who have taken their talents south and succeeded, and there are precious few reverse-directional stories involving northward migrations in search of stardom. But with Workin Moms, the CBC seems to have found its best bring-em-home story since Ken Finkleman left L.A. and Airplane II and Grease 2 behind and came back to Toronto with The Newsroom. brad.oswald@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @BradOswald If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more. Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project. Rafsanjanis role for the past 38 years helped maintain the regimes measures of domestic crackdown, export of terrorism and extremism abroad, and their effort to obtain nuclear weapons, according to Alavi. The death of Rafsanjani, one of the pillars of the religious fascism ruling Iran and its balance factor collapsed, and the regime in its entirety is closer now to its overthrow, said Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi, President of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. After Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, Rafsanjani served as president from 1989 to 1997. He ran again for office again in 2005, but lost the election to firebrand Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In recent years, Rafsanjani has been mentoring the so-called moderate Iranian President Hassan Rowhani, and was known for his fierce rivalry with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Although known for his close ties to the regime founder Ruhollah Khomeini, who died in 1989, the West believed him to be a pragmatic conservative willing to mend fences with the outside world, especially the US. Rafsanjanis last post was head of the Expediency Council, a body assigned to resolve conflicts between the regimes parliament (Majlis) and the Guardian Council, which has close links to Khamenei, and vets all candidates based on their loyalty to the establishment before any so-called elections. Rafsanjani himself was disqualified by the Guardian Council when he sought to participate in the 2013 elections as a reformist candidate. Instead, Rafsanjani placed his power behind Rowhani after the latter assumed power as president in 2013. Rafsanjani used this position to carve himself and his family an economic empire from the countrys institutions and natural resources in the past decades, writes Alavi. One brother headed the countrys largest copper mine; another took control of the state-owned TV network; a brother-in-law became governor of Kerman province, while a cousin runs an outfit that dominates Irans $400 million pistachio export business; a nephew and one of Rafsanjanis sons took key positions in the Ministry of Oil; another son heads the Tehran Metro construction project (an estimated $700 million spent so far), states a 2003 Forbes analysis, which also alludes to the billions cached in Swiss and Luxembourg bank accounts by the Rafsanjanis. While the West was convinced that Rafsanjani was more moderate than his hardline counterparts, he went along with them in suppressing dissidents, namely members and supporters of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the main opposition group that first blew the whistle on Irans clandestine nuclear weapons program. Four rulings are a must for the [PMOI]: 1- Be killed. 2- Be hanged. 3- Arms and legs be amputated. 4- Be separated from society, Rafsanjani said back in 1981. He also played a presiding role in the 1988 massacre of over 30,000 political prisoners. During his presidency, Rafsanjani allegedly directed numerous assassinations of dissidents abroad, including renowned human rights advocated Dr. Kazem Rajavi, former Iranian ambassador to Italy Mohammad Hossein Naghdi and Iranian Kurdish leader Abdulrahman Ghassemlou. He was also indicted for his role in the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires that left 85 killed and hundreds wounded. Alavi writes, Rafsanjani has through four decades of mullahs rule in Iran played the role of the regimes No. 2 figure and a balancing element, always securing the regimes higher interests. His death will significantly weaken the mullahs regime in its entirety and will trigger major upheavals across the regimes hierarchy. He concludes by saying, If past is any indication, the mullahs will most likely resort to further violence and the export of terrorism and extremism to prevent this newest crisis from spiraling out of control. The NCRI referred to Rafsanjani as one of the two pillars and key to the equilibrium of the Iranian regime, adding that, during his long career he was associated with some of the regimes most egregious actions, including mass-casualty terror attacks and the assassinations of exiled dissidents. Rafsanjani is considered as one of its founding fathers of the Iranian regime, who played an outsized political role in the life of the Islamic republic, not only by serving as President after serving as Speaker of Parliament and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, but also heading two of the regimes most important institutions, the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of top clerics which nominates the Supreme Leader; and the Expediency Council, a body that advises the Supreme Leader. Rafsanjani, who had always been the regimes number two, acted as its balancing factor and played a decisive role in its preservation. Now, the regime will lose its internal and external equilibrium, opposition leader Maryam Rajavi said in a statement that also referred to the approaching overthrow of the clerical regime. On January 9 the NCRI published a list, outlining some of his outrageous conduct: Rafsanjani called for the extermination of members of Irans main opposition group, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI or MEK). On October 3, 1981, the state-run Ettelaat daily wrote, Referring to the grouplets operations, Hashemi Rafsanjani, Speaker of the Islamic Parliament and Tehrans acting Friday prayer leader, said in his sermon, Divine law defines four sentences for them which must be carried out: 1 kill them, 2 hang them, 3 cut off their arms and legs, 4 banish themHad we caught and executed 200 of them right after the Revolution, they would not have multiplied so much. If we dont deal decisively with [Mojahedin] armed grouplet and agents of America and the Soviet Union today, in three years we will have to execute thousands of them instead of one thousand now According to Hossein-Ali Montazeri, Khomeinis former heir, Khomeini sought counsel on his decisions from just two individuals: Rafsanjani and current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, including his decision to issue a fatwa ordering the massacre of at least 30,000 political prisoners at the end of the Iran-Iraq war in the summer of 1988. During Rafsanjanis tenure as President and as head of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), a body that oversees and authorizes the regimes terrorist operations, the assassination of Iranian dissidents abroad and the regimes terror attacks skyrocketed. The terror targets were not only Iranians. Rafsanjanis remarks on May 5, 1989 as carried by Irans official state news agency IRNA , and were reported by The Associated Press:: If in retaliation for every Palestinian martyred in Palestine, they will kill and execute, not inside Palestine, five Americans or Britons or Frenchmen, the Israelis could not continue to do these wrongs It is not hard to kill Americans or Frenchmen. It is a bit difficult to Kill [Israelis]. But there are so many [Americans and Frenchmen] everywhere in the world. Argentinian investigators implicated Rafsanjani in 2006, in one of the deadliest instances of Iranian terrorism abroad a suicide truck bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, in which 85 people were killed in 1994. The investigators accused Iran of instructing Hezbollah to carry out the bombing. They issued arrest warrants for Rafsanjani, seven other senior Iranians, and a Lebanese national, Imad Mughniyah, Hezbollah terrorist chief. Interpol, at Argentinas request, issued red notices the organizations equivalent of arrest warrants for five of the Iranians and Mughniyah. The FBI established undeniable evidence that Tehran had masterminded the deaths of 19 American servicemen, in the bombing of Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia on June 25, 1996. According to the NCRI, these are some of the most significant killings of prominent dissidents abroad during Rafsanjanis tenure: In 1992, four Iranian Kurdish dissidents in a Berlin restaurant called Mykonos were assassinated. A German court ruled in 1996 that the Iranian regime under Rafsanjani was directly responsible for the killings, which the U.S. State Department said provided further proof that Iran was a terrorist state. Maryam Rajavis brother-in-law, Kazem Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Irans most renowned human rights advocate and a former Iranian ambassador to the U.N. was shot dead near Geneva in 1990. Swiss investigators accused the Iranian regime of responsibility and authorities issued an arrest warrant for Rafsanjanis intelligence minister, Ali Fallahian. Mohammad Hossein Naghdi, the NCRI representative in Rome, was shot dead on a street in the Italian capital in March 1993. Zahra Rajabi, the NCRIs representative on refugee issues, was shot dead with an NCRI colleague in an Istanbul apartment in February 1996. Rafsanjani was the one who pushed the Iranian clandestine nuclear weapons program forward as a guarantor of the regimes survival. He cooperated with countries like North Korea to achieve these objectives. Rafsanjani acknowledged that during his time as parliamentary speaker and President, both he and Khamenei sought ways to obtain a nuclear bomb in an interview published by the regimes official state news agency IRNA on October 27, 2015. Our basic doctrine was always a peaceful nuclear application, but it never left our mind that if one day we should be threatened and it was imperative, we should be able to go down the other path, Rafsanjani said. He added he had travelled to Pakistan to try to meet Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistans nuclear weapons program, who later helped North Korea to develop a bomb. Fortunately, the meeting never occurred. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 09/01/2017 (2125 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA More than 250 airplane maintenance workers who were laid off when Aveos Fleet Performance went bankrupt in 2012 are demanding the federal government treat them the same as former Aveos workers from Montreal, after two different decisions were made about employment insurance claims filed following the bankruptcy. Renald Courcelles told the Free Press Monday an appeal decision expected by the end of this month could settle whether Ottawa can claw back Employment Insurance payments made to the former workers because it says separation payments made by Air Canada should have been claimed as employment income. Courcelles worked for Air Canada for 22 years and when the airline spun off its maintenance division into the private company Aveos Fleet Performance in 2011, he was employed there until Aveos filed for bankruptcy in March 2012. KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Aveos workers rally at the Manitoba Legislative Building March 23, 2012. It has caused a lot of anxiety, stress, he said. Its unbelievable. Because the union representing the workers feared for the stability of the new company, it worked out a separation deal with Air Canada to protect the workers that left it to work for Aveos. The agreement stated if Aveos went out of business before the end of 2013, the former Air Canada workers employed there would receive two weeks pay for every year of service at both Air Canada and Aveos, up to a maximum of 52 weeks of pay. The agreement was triggered when Aveos went belly up before the deadline, however it took nearly nine months for the union to get Air Canada to begin paying the money. In the meantime, employees who couldnt immediately find other work made claims to employment insurance. When EI officials discovered the separation payments were started in December 2012, it sent notices to the workers that their EI claims, which had started months earlier, would be clawed back. Some workers only had to repay a small sum but others, like Courcelles, were told they owed $16,000. How am I going to get $16,000? he asked, noting most of the former workers who have found other work are making less now than they were with Aveos. The affected workers in Montreal and Winnipeg both filed appeals with the Social Security Tribunal, which looks after EI disputes. However the claims were made separately, and the decisions rendered were different. Most of the Montreal workers won their argument, and the clawback was reduced to almost nothing. The Winnipeg workers lost their claim. In both cases appeals were filed by the losing party. Those hearings were held last fall. The Winnipeg workers were told a decision would come by the end of January. The Montreal workers expect a decision by the middle of February. Normally, severance payments are considered employment income to be taken into account when calculating EI claims. However the workers say the law specifically states the severance is coming from the last employer. In their case the money was coming from Air Canada, not Aveos, and therefore they argue it was not from their last employer, but the one before that. Air Canada and Aveos were considered separate and distinct companies as of 2011. Joseph Frainetti, a former groomer with Air Canada and Aveos in Montreal, said the cases should all be decided the same way because the issue is the same. Both Frainetti and Courcelles said Air Canadas delay in making the separation payments caused much of the fuss. Courcelles said if Air Canada had just lived up to its agreement right away, and hadnt waited months to start making the payments, about 80 per cent of the Winnipeg workers would not have needed to file for EI. mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/01/2017 (2124 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. More than half of Manitoba Hydros employees will have their wages frozen this year as the Crown corporation struggles with ballooning debt and high costs. Hydros cost-cutting measure comes after Premier Brian Pallister and Finance Minister Cameron Friesen have warned that public-sector wages arent sustainable and wage freezes and opening of contracts are options. Three of the four unions that represent about 2,100 Hydro employees negotiated new contracts in the past few months, which include a zero per cent wage increase this year. TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Three of the four unions that represent bout 2,100 Hydro employees negotiated new contracts in the past few months, which include a zero per cent wage increase this year. The trio of four-year contracts include percentage increases of one, 1.25 and 1.5 in the remaining three years. Meanwhile, Hydros professional engineers and non-unionized corporate staff, which total nearly 1,100 employees, were told last month their wages would be frozen for at least one year. Senior executives, who have been roundly criticized for their sizeable salaries, will also see their wages frozen this year. Carmen Ledarney, the acting national representative for Unifor Local 681, which represents Hydros gas utilities workers, described the new contract as a reality of the new world we live in at the moment. The biggest part is having Pallister in government. He is hitting Hydro hard and any public-sector services. So certainly that had an impact on our negotiations, she said. When you dont have a labour-friendly government, you know the money isnt always going to be there. I think that any union with a Pallister government in control of their wages is going to have difficulty getting good wages but that is only my opinion. Hydro spokesman Scott Powell said the decision to freeze wages of non-union employees was made by the executive team, to continue to manage costs to help ensure our customers receive the best value for their energy dollar. Hydros 2,778 electrical workers and other technicians, which are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, ratified a three-year contract in 2016 under the former NDP government. It contained a no-layoff clause, a 2.5 per cent wage increase in the first year and two per cent increases in each of the following two years. Mike Velie, the business manager of IBEW Local 2034, said his union has no interest in reopening the contract. We view the contract we negotiated to have been fair under the conditions at the time, and we have no intention of altering that agreement made in good faith by both parties, he said. He said it is too early to speculate what will happen when contracts come up for negotiation in 2019. The news comes a week after Friesen held his first meeting with Manitobas largest public-sector unions to discuss proposed legislation that would include governments ability to pay when it comes to contract negotiations. Crowns Services Minister Ron Schuler has been steadfast that the Tories will not interfere in the affairs of Crown corporations, but has been critical of the state of Hydros finances, accusing the NDP of bankrupting the Crown. In a prepared response, Schuler said no one can ignore the fiscal challenges of the province and ability to pay should be factored into both core government and Crown corporation wage negotiations. Over 70 per cent of Manitobas budget is allocated to public-sector compensation, which is why our government has committed to prudent and sustainable fiscal management and transparent budgeting, Schuler said. We expect the Crowns to pursue those same goals. In October, Manitoba Hydro executives said the public utilitys debt outlook is dire, and they hinted once again this time to a legislative committee they will seek significantly higher rate increases from consumers. The executives warned Hydros debt could increase to $25 billion from the current $13 billion in the next few years as the Keeyask generating station and the Bipole III transmission line are completed. With files from Larry Kusch kristin.annable@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @kristinannable Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/01/2017 (2124 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Marilyn Davis has learned a lot about dementia the hard way from the struggles of several of her loved ones. My mom and my grandma had it, said Davis, 68. She got to know her husband, Dave Kydd, at a bereavement group after they each lost a spouse to cancer. He was active, outgoing and creative. I never, ever thought Dave would get it. He was diagnosed after they were together for four years. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Marilyn Davis visits her husband Dave Kydd, who has Lewy body dementia. He no longer knows she is his spouse. Now, the woman who has decades of experience caring for loved ones who have the disease is voluntarily running monthly meetings for caregivers. Things have changed for the better over the years, Davis said. Her grandmother went to the Fort Garry Care Centre and died in 1987. It was the same home my mom went to with some of the same staff there. I know the care was there for my mom, but the understanding the care workers had was not there, Davis said. She credits the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba with providing more training for staff at care homes and support for caregivers. Its 2017 campaign, which launched today, focuses on the fact dementia affects so many Canadians. Nearly half of all Manitobans have a close friend or family member with the progressive brain disorder. Its symptoms include memory loss and difficulty with thinking, problem-solving or language. Davis volunteered to share how dementia has affected her and what shes learned. Her husband, 76, has Lewy body dementia, a form of mental and physical dementia. She spent almost three years totally immersed in caring for him at home. Thank goodness I knew so much from my mom, Davis said. Tone is important and to explain and help them understand what is being done, she said, recalling how frustrated her mom would get when she perceived that a stranger was trying to get her dressed. That is such a personal thing. She learned theres no point in arguing or disagreeing with someone who has dementia, either. You have to learn how to tell little white lies for the betterment of the situation, she said. Davis said she learned that the way she treated her mom showed how she expected personal care home staff to treat her mom, and she learned how to speak up on her moms behalf. I do a lot of advocating and model behaviour when Im there with Dave, she said. She also learned how to take care of herself so she didnt get burned out, sick or isolated. When her husbands needs got to the point she could no longer care for him at home, he moved to Oakview Place, where hes received excellent care, said Davis. His incurable disease has continued to take its toll, she said. Theres very little sensible talk, and we have to feed him, she said. Davis visits Kydd twice a week. She knows other caregivers who visit their spouse with Alzheimers once or twice a day. I respect that in them, she said. After spending three years at home focused totally on caring for her husband, Davis said, at this stage, shes making time for relationships with grandchildren and friends. Its important to reconnect with people I havent spent time with for years. Kydd no longer recognizes her as his spouse, she said. When I see Dave, he always has a smile. He hasnt called me by name, she said. Im someone he trusts the same as with other caregivers at the care home. Once in a while, Ill get a kiss on the lips, and thats my gift. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 09/01/2017 (2125 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitobans should be provided with proof their premier is working while at his vacation home in Costa Rica, the citizen watchdog group Democracy Watch said Monday. Theres no way Brian Pallister should be out of the country for eight weeks every year, organization co-founder Duff Conacher said in an interview, and voters should not have to accept Pallisters word that hes working while away in the tropics. How is he proving that hes doing any work when hes down there? If I was a voter in Manitoba, Id want proof of what hes doing, Conacher said. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The premier says he works 60-hour weeks at the legislature, which he considers the equivalent of working 15 months in a 10-month period. No one can see him working. He should have no problem submitting to an audit by the auditor-general, Conacher said. The premiers office wont respond to Conachers comments, said Olivia Baldwin-Valainis, Pallisters director of communications and stakeholder relations. Pallister has said repeatedly that he expects to spend eight weeks a year at his vacation home in Costa Rica over the holidays just ended, later this month, and in July and August all when the legislature is not in session. The premier says he works 60-hour weeks at the legislature, which he considers the equivalent of working 15 months in a 10-month period. Last week he covered his desk in reading material prior to an interview with the Free Press, in an attempt to show reporters the volume of work he packs in his vacation luggage. Pallister has a personal government email account hes never used, indicating its for emergencies only. He said in Costa Rica he stays current on Manitoba news online and is in phone contact with his office, adding he personally covers the long-distance bills. Conacher is not impressed. Thats a lot of vacation, he said. I would question how dedicated any politician is when he spends that much time away from the province. What about just being in touch with voters? I dont see a message of dedication to your job. Conacher said he doubts voters could make a similar argument for eight weeks of vacation time after 10 months at their jobs. They cant go to the boss and say, I already worked a full year, Ill see you in eight weeks. Pallister said he can read and retain written information far better without interruption while hes away, and he marks up books and reports with extensive personal notes. Conacher said the premier should not expect to be taken at his word. If he used email, he could point to the amount of exchanges he has with staff and ministers, said Conacher, who contended that Pallister should at least release his phone logs to show how much time he spends on the phone and who hes speaking with from Costa Rica. You have to be able to verify your work somehow, he said. Democracy Watch believes all politicians should be subject to random audits to prove theyre working. I think auditors-general should be auditing every politicians office for value for money, he said. There should be a job description theres not even a set number of hours they work each week. Its something Democracy Watch advocates, to verify their honesty. nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/01/2017 (2124 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A 40-year-old Winnipeg man struggling with alcoholism made it out of a botched bank robbery with nothing but 5.5 years in prison to show for it. On the day his jury trial was set to begin in a case that turned on the identity of the robber, Jeffrey Allan Summerfield admitted it was me. Summerfield pleaded guilty to robbery Monday and was given a prison sentence with less than a year left to serve after Court of Queens Bench Justice James Edmond accepted a joint recommendation reached by Crown and defence lawyers before the beginning of the trial. Summerfield had a long record of robbing banks something he bragged about the night before the robbery-gone-wrong while hanging out and drinking with two acquaintances on Oct. 20, 2013. He told them hed just robbed a bank in Calgary and wanted to rob one in Winnipeg, but he didnt have a ride. Thats when one of them suggested he walk to TD Bank a block away on Notre Dame Avenue. He did that the next day, armed with a knife and an empty pillowcase. There was a desire for cash to continue the alcohol use, defence lawyer Scott Newman said. Summerfield threatened the customers inside the bank, brandishing the knife and telling everyone to leave before he went to the teller and demanded U.S. and Canadian currency while slamming the knife on the counter. Before he could collect any money, though, he got distracted by people crowding outside the doors and went into the banks front vestibule, ostensibly to tell them to go away, Crown attorney Libby Standil told court. Once there, the bank manager locked him out of the bank, leaving him with no choice but to walk back the way he came. A bank customer followed him back to the apartment where hed stayed the night before. The Good Samaritan tried to slow Summerfield down by throwing a steering-wheel locking device at him, Standil said. When police arrested Summerfield at the apartment a short time later, hed already changed his clothes. There were weaknesses in the case on both sides including that one of the Crowns key witnesses had severe fetal-alcohol syndrome which led both parties to a plea bargain rather than a trial, Newman said. He told court his client was a carpenter who was brought down by his addiction to alcohol and drugs. Summerfield told the judge he believes he can do well as long as he doesnt drink. Im not getting away with nothing, with 5.5 years, at least it doesnt feel that way, he said. The judge found he showed little remorse for the crime, the latest in a lengthy history of bank robberies, and told Summerfield its imperative he complete addictions treatment and not end up in court again. After his release from prison, hell be forbidden from drinking or using drugs. katie.may@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @thatkatiemay Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/01/2017 (2124 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Four snowstorms in a five-week period have put the spotlight on how city hall has been clearing streets and sidewalks. Councillors at the public works committee Tuesday questioned why so many sidewalks on regional streets remain impassible. North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty said many sections of sidewalk along Henderson Highway, a Priority 1 street, are clogged with snow. Coun. Cindy Gilroy said sidewalks on major routes in her West End ward have not yet been plowed. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Most sidewalks on regional and collector streets have been cleared and the balance have identified and will be cleared as soon as possible. Ive been getting a lot of calls, Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) said. City CAO Doug McNeil said civic crews and private contractors have been able to clear snow from the Dec. 6 and Christmas Day storms, but the accumulation has made it difficult to deal with more. McNeil said cleanup costs are still being calculated, but will likely be released at the Jan. 16 finance committee meeting. Jim Berezowsky, the citys manager of street maintenance, said boulevards are piled high with snow removed from streets, making it difficult to clear sidewalks. Berezowsky said private contractors and city crews have been working around the clock since Christmas, adding residential sidewalks will be targeted overnight Wednesday. Most sidewalks on regional and collector streets have been cleared and the balance have identified and will be cleared as soon as possible he said. Crews will begin clearing Monday and Tuesdays snow on Wednesday, he said. McNeil said Winnipeg has the most thorough snow clearing program of any major Canadian city. He said Winnipeg is alone in clearing residential sidewalks and is the only city that clears residential streets from curb to curb. Coun. Matt Allard said residents need to put the citys snow-clearing effort into context since the beginning of December, Winnipeggers have been buried under the same amount of snow that falls during an entire winter. Public works committee chairman Coun. Marty Morantz said he was satisfied with the snow-clearing effort. The order of magnitude of clearing the snow in Winnipeg in December was unbelievable, Morantz (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Whyte Ridge) said. The scope of the operation thousands and thousands of kilometres of streets, lanes, sidewalks and active transportation. When you look at the size of the task at hand, the city kept the regional streets cleared in short order, regional sidewalks were cleared in short order so people could access transit. aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/01/2017 (2124 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Mental illness is the most common illness experienced by children and teens in Canada. Each one of us knows a child or a teen who is struggling with depression, anxiety, an addiction or a behavioural disorder such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mental illness not only causes high levels of distress in children, but can also interfere in significant and real ways with their lives. What is not well-known is that these illnesses are not inevitable. Mental illnesses can often be prevented from developing or from becoming more severe and difficult to treat. A report we released this month from the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy found that 14 per cent of all children and teens in Manitoba were diagnosed by a doctor with at least one mental disorder during the four-year study period. These are diagnosed cases, so if we included all children who experienced a mental disorder, the percentage would be higher. JIM ATHERON ILLUSTRATION Other provinces report similar findings. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Ontario found that 34 per cent of high school students had a moderate to serious level of psychological distress and 12 per cent seriously thought about suicide in the past year. A recent report prepared for the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development found that 12.6 per cent of four- to 17-year-old children were experiencing a clinically significant mental disorder at any given time. What struck us, in completing the Manitoba report, is that mental illness touches children from all corners of the province and across all socioeconomic levels. We found, however, that some children are at greater risk. Children who live in families with many parenting challenges such as poverty, being a teen mom or being involved with child welfare services have a greater risk of developing mental illness. Our results also suggest that children from rural areas may not have adequate access to mental-health services so they cannot get treated early in the illness. When we looked at Manitobas suicide records over a four-year period, we found that 74 out of 100,000 teens died by suicide. It is important to keep in mind that these tragic deaths are only a fraction of those with mental illness. For every teen suicide, there are another 200 or more teens who are struggling with depression, ADHD, addictions or schizophrenia. Suicide most often occurs when mental illness and the conditions that place children and teens at risk for mental illness are not addressed. It is crucial to instil hope in our young people and to build awareness of the many solutions to their problems. So how can we better support children with mental illness? How do we create hope and better lifelong health and success for this future generation? It is essential to develop and invest in a comprehensive child and youth mental-health strategy at provincial and national levels. What is required are strategies to both promote positive mental health and to provide supports and services early in the illness. Home visiting in early childhood, for example, have been shown to reduce depression, anxiety and use of substances in children. Children require a warm, nurturing environment. High levels of stress negatively impact the mental health of children. Prevention programs include positive parenting, home visiting, anti-bullying initiatives and mental-health-promotion approaches in schools all strategies aimed at preventing mental illness from developing in the first place. Increasing resources for mental-health promotion in children will pay off big in reducing the mental-illness burden in adulthood given that more than half of mental disorders have their roots in childhood. Our study found that children with mental illnesses are more likely to have lower grades in school and are less likely to graduate from high school. They are also more likely to be accused of a crime or to be victimized. They are more likely to be from families living in social housing or receiving income assistance. Increasing mental-health knowledge and skills of people working with children across sectors such as education, social services and justice would mitigate the untoward effects of mental illness. Canada currently spends too little on mental health compared with other developed countries. The Mental Health Commission of Canada recommends that nine per cent of health budgets should go to improving mental-health services. Investments in mental health and wellness will go a long way towards creating hope and a brighter future for children and teens. Mariette J. Chartier, RN, PhD, is a research scientist at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. Marni Brownell, PhD, is an expert adviser with EvidenceNetwork.ca. Both are in the department of community health sciences at the University of Manitoba. Have you ever experienced an open door and the feeling of hope it instills? Those who support the mission of Catholic Charities open doors create endless opportunities for the poor and vulnerable. During challenging times that open door of help and hope can make all the difference. Join me in taking a peek at a few of the doors you opened in 2016 for the poor and marginalized. Because of you, our mission was invigorated and lives were changed forever! Amira arrived as a refugee from a world of violence and death. When her parents were forced to leave their country and a home they treasured, it felt like the doors of hope were slammed shut forever. Because of your help, Catholic Charities was able to open doors for her family through our refugee resettlement program. Today, Amira walks proudly through the doors of a classroom at a community college where she is studying to become a nurse. Her dreams are to open doors of healing in thanksgiving for the opportunities and blessings shes received. Tim needed to be on a brand-name medication that his insurance company would not approve. The insurance would pay for the generic version, but Tim suffered from side effects of that generic version. Tim called the MediAppS caseworker at Catholic Charities for help. The caseworker advocated for Tim and petitioned the pharmaceutical company explaining the situation, opening doors of health and healing. To Tims surprise, the pharmaceutical company approved him for a year of free brand-name medication shipped to his doctors office. Angie was facing her first pregnancy alone. She works part-time and wants to go back to school to become a dental hygienist, but is worried about raising her child alone. Thanks to Catholic Charities Mother and Child Assistance Fund, Angie received some help with her rent. Her Catholic Charities Social Worker helped her make a plan for her and her babys future. Her social worker is educating Angie regarding managing her finances in the future. Angie is becoming the best parent she can be, and she is excited to welcome her baby into the world in February. Joan spent her entire married life as a farm wife. She joined her local Bone Builders (osteoporosis exercise) class when it became available through Catholic Charities Common Good RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program). Until joining this class, Joan needed assistance from her husband or son in order to climb into the combine to help with fall harvest because that first step of the combine is high off the ground. Within a couple years of attending Bone Builders classes, Joan noticed she could climb into the combine unassisted, due to the arm strength she developed using weights in exercise class. Doors of independence were opened for Joan through the Bone Builders program. Earlier this year at her annual physical, Joans doctor was checking her legs for fluid retention. Finding none, he commented that she had firm muscles and good-looking legs for a person her age. Maria had devoted her life to caring for her children emotionally and financially as a single parent. As they began lives on their own, she became depressed, and concerned that she faced a sad, lonely future. Thanks to Catholic Charities counseling services, Maria set new goals, and began to care for herself after a lifetime of caring for others. She envisioned a future filled with promise for herself and as a treasured heart of her family. When she felt one door of her life had closed, another door of great promise opened. Thomas is 66 and living alone in his own home. He was unable to remember the day he ate his last meal or took his medications. He had threatened to commit suicide. He suffered fractured ribs due to a recent fall. Thomas had been physically abused and financially exploited. Catholic Charities was appointed emergency guardian and conservator for Thomas. Caseworkers have secured help with shopping and housekeeping seven days a week, connected with Meals on Wheels, and established a Life Alert system and an electronic medication reminder. The locks of his home have been changed and his assets safeguarded. Thomas is happier and now feels safe and cared for, because Catholic Charities opened doors of help and hope for him. Our staff and volunteers serve in a wide range of programs, addressing many unique life situations. In every situation doors are opened, providing endless opportunities for those in need. When we reflect on the stories of those served through Catholic Charities this past year, we are ever mindful that their lives were transformed because of the life-changing support of our donors. Hope lives here because of you! We are ever grateful for your trust and confidence in our work; a mission that provides help and creates hope in southern Minnesota. God bless you for your compassion and support. You open doors that lead to endless opportunities for families in crisis, vulnerable adults and seniors, and children in need. Wishing you great blessings in 2017! Minnesota farm communities are being hit by the perfect storm: low commodity prices, high land values, and aging schools. It is not fair to stick farmers with big property tax bills, or leave students with outdated classrooms. That is why we are proposing a tax credit to provide Minnesota farmers immediate relief from rising agricultural property taxes. Minnesota students need the best possible schools. However, state school funding has not kept up with the needs of our students over the last 15 years. The deficit has forced many rural school districts to pass local property tax levies to fund basic needs like building improvements and classroom technology. And school district levies have fallen disproportionately on farmers in communities without significant high-value land. For family farmers, like David Kragnes, the cost of levies has been significant. David, his mother, and three sisters raise soybeans and corn on a 1,300-acre farm in Felton. In 2015, voters in the Moorhead School District passed a $78 million levy to pay for new school construction. Afterwards, David said, his property taxes increased roughly $4 an acre, or an additional $2,600 a year for the acreage within the Moorhead district. David is not the only Minnesota farmer struggling with high property taxes. Between 2010 and 2015, 108 districts passed levies to pay for building or equipment expenses. Overall, property taxes have increased 114 percent for Minnesota farmers over the last decade. In the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District, farmers would have paid 64 percent of the $31 million price tag on renovations to local school buildings. And in Barnesville, farmers would have paid for 74 percent of the $35 million levy. These levies would have increased property taxes by about $10 to $14 an acre. For 160 acres of farmland that translates to a $1,600 to $2,200 tax hike a year for 20 to 30 years. The heavy burden makes it challenging for rural schools to secure the funding they need for basic needs. In 2016, the majority of levy referendums put to rural voters failed, while the majority posed to city voters passed. This puts students in school districts like Barnesville and Dilworth, where referendums failed, at a disadvantage to their metro peers. Our tax credit plan would cover 40 percent of property taxes attributable to school district debt levies for Minnesota farmers. Approximately 74,000 farmers would be eligible for the credit, which would save them nearly $34 million in property taxes. There is a lot of talk about partisan divisions in our state and country, but this tax credit is something we all should be able to agree on this year. Please contact your legislator. Urge them to support this Ag property tax credit and provide Minnesota farm families the relief they need. MIAMI (TNS) -- The subject of the famous Vietnam War photograph showing her fleeing a napalm attack received the last in a series of laser skin treatments designed to heal the scars that stretch from her hairline, down her back and up her left arm. In the 1972 Pulitzer Prize winning photo by AP photographer Nick Ut, the 9-year-old runs down a road street naked, screaming, as napalm dropped by a South Vietnamese plane scorches her body. Phan Thi Kim Phuc, now 53, said she had resigned herself to live with the scars and pain her whole life, until she saw a TV program about Dr. Jill Waibels laser treatments. She contacted Waibel, who runs Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, who offered to treat Phan Thi free. Success was not guaranteed. The practice of using laser to treat scars is still new, and the damage was intense. The highly flammable Napalm seared and melted Phan This flesh and muscles to the bone. It was so severe, Waibel said. We dont call it that anymore, but (it was a) fourth-degree burn. Four decades later, the open wounds have long healed, but pain, itching and mobility issues remained. Starting in September, Phan Thi flew to South Florida from her home in Canada for nine treatments over the months. Waibel used combinations of the more than 50 lasers in her practice on Phan This skin. The searingly hot lasers boil the scarred skin away, leaving room for new skin and collagen to regenerate. It will take a few more weeks for her skin to fully heal from her final treatment on Saturday, but theres already been improvement from the previous treatments. I can see that its softer in some places, Phan Thi said. It just looks so beautiful. Her husband, Toan Bui Huy, said his wife used to be in constant pain, especially when the weather changed. After the first few treatments, he was delighted to hear the pain had lessened. But the best benefit of the treatment was unexpected. Before, sometimes things would touch me and I wouldnt know what it was, Phan Thi said. Now, I can feel it. The regeneration process included the sensitive nerves near the surface of her skin, Waibel explained. Now she can feel her little grandsons hand on her arm, she said. 25 years ago this week (1992) The Baraboo-Wisconsin Dells Airports master plan for the future involves extending the airports cross-wind runway. A longer and smoother cross-wind runway at the airport will increase the flow of dollars into the area, according to Cheryl Mackie director of operations of the airport. The airport has a great economic impact on the community. Its a vital link in the whole transportation system. If the improvements are made to the runway, more types of aircraft will be able to use the facility. This translates into higher profits for the area. Dave Fordham, commanders representative for the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, and several Army officials Thursday said that, thanks to cooperation with local governments, plans for testing and clean-up at the plant are ahead of schedule. With the help of the legislators and regulating agencies we have been able to speed up the process of testing, he said, outlining the actions Badger Ammunition will continue. The Army has and will continue to disclose all findings of information they have. The Army accepts and will continue to accept full responsibility for the contaminations which they have caused. We are moving as quickly as possible within the realm of possible action. 50 years ago this week (1967) Chief Warrant Officer George W. Hinz, formerly of North Freedom, has recently been honored twice for outstanding service, receiving not only the Bronze Star Medal but also the Air Medal. Hinz is an automotive maintenance technician with the First Battalion, 63rd Armor. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service while serving in the Republic of Vietnam Oct. 19, 1965 to Aug. 27, 1966. Hinz was commended for his ability to resolve the problems accompanying the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation. Circuit Judge Edwin M. Wilke Tuesday narrowed the issues to be considered in the fact-finding hearing into the 1962 murder conviction of William Welter to whether trial news and the activities of newsmen in the courtroom voided Welters right to a fair trial. Welters attorneys, James H. Hill, Baraboo, and Edward Nager, Madison, said they would ask the Supreme Court to enlarge the scope of the inquiry. Welter, Richard Nickl and Lawrence Nutley, all of Chicago, were convicted for slaying Sauk County Traffic Policeman, James Jantz and wounding former Lake Delton Police Chief Eugene Kohl near Lake Delton. Judge Bruce Beilfuss, now a Supreme Court Justice, sentenced each of the men to life imprisonment. 75 years ago this week (1942) Baraboo spent an artic Sunday fixing tires and trying to start balky motors while between times studying the thermometer. Even on sunny porches, the mercury never got up above zero yesterday while today was colder yet. At eight oclock this morning, it was 10 to 15 below zero in the city and it didnt warm up much throughout the day. The milk man, who is always in a position to know how cold it really is, tells us it was 20 or more below about four oclock this morning and folks who have the bottles left outside found little mushroom caps of frozen cream on top. At a meeting of Company H Baraboo unit of state guards last evening, the members voted to sponsor a Give a Plane to Uncle Sam campaign here. The guardsmen started the drive out with a contribution of $20. The purpose of the drive, launched Sunday, is to give everybody in the state a chance to contribute toward the purchase of a combat plane for the United States armed forces. Wisconsin Governor Heil made his own personal contribution of $250. At the same time he said, I hope everybody in the state will give what he or she can, whether it is a dime or $1,000, so that it will be possible to buy a Badger bomber and show the world once more that Wisconsin people lead the nation in loyalty and enterprise. Extensive damage was done by fire this morning in the residence on North Walnut Street owned by Mrs. Rolla Briggs. The interior of the home was completely ruined by the flames which seemed to be confined to the inside with heavy clouds of smoke billowing forth. Most of the household furniture of two families residing there was saved. The fire apparently started in the rooms of Miss Eda Beyer, a semi-invalid who was carried to the home of a neighbor. 100 years ago this week (1917) The estimated average value per acre of land in Sauk County, based on land sales and assessments compiled by the Wisconsin Tax commission was $82.69 in 1916. The average value per acre for the whole state was $60.66, showing Sauk County property to be worth well above the average for the state. Sauk County land values have increased $32.01 per acre in value in the past 10 years. This denotes a healthy and desirable development in property values for the county. Arthur Cahoon, of Lime Ridge, was brought before Justice Adolph Andro and given a sentence of 90 days in the county jail under the care of Sheriff William Welk. It will be recalled a dressed pig was taken from the home of James Dempsey, near Lime Ridge, and later the porker was found suspended from a tree. An effort had been made to cut off a portion. Later Cahoon was arrested on the charge of stealing the pig and was brought to Baraboo. It is supposed he had an accomplice, but the companion never has been arrested. A committee decided Monday that it will ask the Sauk County Board to take a step toward solar energy on county buildings this month. The boards Property and Insurance Committee voted 4-0 in favor of a resolution to authorize negotiations with a firm that would help the county establish a third-party solar agreement. The resolution is expected to be considered by the 31-member board Jan. 17. The committee forwarded a similar resolution to the board last month, but pulled it from the agenda at the last minute. This was worth the wait, Supervisor Scott Von Asten of Baraboo, the committees chair, said Monday. This is a much better resolution. This is much clearer about what were asking. The resolution would authorize the countys facility manager and legal staff to negotiate a contract with Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction of Appleton for the first phase of planning toward a third-party solar agreement. It would further authorize the boards chair to sign the contract once negotiated. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the resolution says, the countys facility manager and legal staff shall report to the property and insurance committee. Third-party agreements allow tax exempt entities, such as local government agencies, to capitalize on federal tax incentives that only are available to for-profit companies. Under such agreements, a private firm funds the installation of solar panels on government buildings. The company then sells the energy back to the government, and typically offers an option to buy the solar equipment at a reduced rate at some point in the future. We have to think of alternative energy sources other than fossil fuels, said Supervisor Jean Berlin of Hillpoint, a committee member. I think that is something that is going to come to pass. The first phase of the project is expected to cost nearly $64,000. The county has budgeted $460,000 in the 2017 budget for implementation of energy cost savings. County officials have eyes on three buildings to potentially host solar panels: The Sauk County Law Enforcement Center and Highway Department, both in Baraboo, and the Sauk County Health Care Center in Reedsburg. A representative of Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction gave a presentation to the board last month in which he outlined third-party solar arrangements that his company has worked on in Wisconsin. Supervisor William Hambrecht of Prairie du Sac said using solar power fits with the countys placemaking initiative, an effort to make the community attractive to businesses and others who might decide to visit or locate here. Sauk County Board Chair Marty Krueger of Reedsburg attended Mondays meeting, but did not weigh in on the committees discussion. Debate continues to swirl over the Town of Necedahs camper ordinance as the law has left some residents frustrated and confused. Several town residents expressed frustration during Mondays board meeting at village/town hall in Necedah. Among the most critical of the towns camper policy were Dan Bilsky and Dan Dutscheck, who believe residents that have campers and are obeying laws are getting unfairly punished. Under current stipulations, residents have to pay a $150 fee to obtain a permit for each camper they have on their property. I have two campers on my property and I pay taxes on that land every year, Dutscheck said. I dont sleep in my camper and its used purely for recreation. Should I be charged for having more than one vehicle on my property? Where does it stop? Why should I get charged? The ordinance, an updated version of a previous law passed in the mid-1970s, has been worked on for about three years. Former Town Chairman Vince Marchetti created a camper ordinance committee to work with the town board to draft a new ordinance. Town officials believed residents were abusing the old law, having multiple campers on their properties without permits. On Monday, Town Supervisor Ginny Hodal said the new ordinance was passed to stifle sewage and trash dumping left from campers in the town. Town Chairman Terry Taft said Road Supervisor Darrell Santana counted more than 350 campers in the town of Necedah last summer. There is probably more than that because some properties go back far from the main road and you cant see them all, Taft said. This was also meant to get rid of unsightly campers. But residents believe they have the right to put multiple campers on their properties without paying for permits. You should go after the people who are abusing the ordinance, Bilsky said. The Necedah area is known as a recreational haven for people to escape big city life. Bilsky said the ordinance may prevent seasonal residents from coming to the area for a weekend of camping. They come up from Chicago and they spend money here and use our services, he said. This is like telling them not to come here. I dont understand it. Taft said other neighboring towns like Clearfield, Marion and Germantown have stiffer penalties for camper violations. The chairman said people have been abusing the ordinance for years because the town wasnt enforcing the previous law. In addition, the county has ordinances for sanitation, but town officials believe those stipulations are being ignored. Neither the town nor the county has the resources to punish violators on a regular basis. We dont want to prevent people from coming up here, Hodal said. But we wanted to find a fair way to clean up the sewage and trash were seeing. A year ago, we found a property that had seven campers on its lot and they were dumping sewage on the ground, Taft said. There are 19 towns in the county and they dont have the time to look for every camper, thats why they have these ordinances. Compared to other towns, we are way behind on this. Also on Monday, the town planned to amend several parts of the ordinance, but decided to table it until the Feb. 13 meeting. Taft and Hodal invited concerned residents to contact them and provide ideas of how to change the ordinance. If the town decides to change parts of it, especially the fee structure, it could cause more confusion. The town has already received more than 20 paid permits and may consider refunding the money if the fee structure is changed. Town Clerk Susan Kosinski, clearly agitated by the towns proceedings, said officials need to decide soon if the ordinance should be amended. We need to get our act together on this. This has been going on for six or seven months already, Kosinski said. Flooding help from FEMA Santana said he met recently with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to discuss flood relief funding. The town, including other parts of the county, received extensive flood damage last year. We will get some flood relief, but as to how much, thats still up in the air, Santana said. In his monthly report, Santana said his crew has already used about two-thirds of its road salt supply for the winter. Hopefully we wont have any freezing rain or ice storms in the coming weeks, he said. If we run out, we would have to buy some salt from the county. [January 09, 2017] Global System-On-A-Chip Industry LONDON, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This report analyzes the worldwide markets for System-on-A-Chip in US$ Million by the following Types: Mixed Signal SoCs, and Others. The Global market is further analyzed by the following End-Use Segments: Computers, Communication Equipment, Consumer Appliances, Automotive Applications, and Others. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2015 through 2022. Also, a seven-year historic analysis is provided for these markets. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are primarily based on public domain information including company URLs. The report profiles 89 companies including many key and niche players such as - Apple, Inc. ARM Holdings Plc Broadcom Corporation Infineon Technologies AG Intel Corporation Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/397779/ I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & PRODUCT DEFINITIONS Study Reliability and Reporting Limitations I-1 Disclaimers.............. I-2 Data Interpretation & Reporting Level I-2 Quantitative Techniques & Analytics I-3 Product Definitions and Scope of Study I-3 II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW.............. II-1 System-on-A-Chip (SoC): Introduction II-1 ICs with 14-nm Technology Nodes - Now a Commercial Reality II-2 The Technology Roadmap..............II-3 How Long Will the Moore's Law Hold True? II-3 Transistor Count (1970-2015) & Moore's law II-5 Embracing New Changes in Design Methodology II-5 Recent Past & Current Market Scenario II-6 Ongoing Transition of the World Electronics Industry in the Midst of Anemic Global Growth, Elicits a Mixed Outlook for SoCs Beyond 2016.............. II-7 Table 1: Weak Macro-Economic Forces Push the Capacitors Market into a Rough Growth Patch: World Real GDP Growth Rates in % by Country/Region for the Period 2014-2017 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-9 Outlook.............. II-9 2. MARKET TRENDS & GROWTH DRIVERS..............II-10 Growing Demand for Smart, Energy Efficient Electronic Devices Creates Strong Business Case for SoC II-10 Miniaturization of Electronics - A Major Factor Influencing Demand for SoCs.............. II-10 Compact Size of Logic Devices Favors Growth II-10 Mixed Signal System-on-a-Chip Dominates the Market II-11 Multicore SoCs Gain Widespread Acceptance II-11 SoCs Find Increasing Applications in Embedded Systems II-12 Communication Equipment - The Most Prominent End-Use Application Area for SoCs..............II-13 High-End Smartphones Boosts Demand for SoCs II-13 Manufacturers Target Low-End Smartphones to Increase Share in Emerging Markets..............II-14 Table 2: Global Market for Smartphones (2013, 2015 & 2019): Breakdown of Volume Sales in Million Units by Geographic Region (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-14 Growing Adoption of Media Tablets Increases Market Prospects for SoCs.............. II-14 Table 3: Global Market for Media Tablets: Annual Sales Figures (in Million Units) for years 2015 & 2018 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-15 Companies Aim at SoCs integrated with 3G and 4G LTE Capabilities II-16 SMEs Place Demand for SoCs in Multi-service Business Gateways II-16 Computers and Consumer Appliances Add to the Growth Prospects II-17 SoCs Foray into Ultrabooks and Laptops II-17 Table 4: Global Market for Ultrabooks: Annual Shipments (in Million Units) for years 2011 & 2016 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. II-17 SoCs in Smart TVs Drives Growth II-18 Table 5: Global Market for Smart TVs: Annual Shipments (in Million Units) for years 2013, 2016 & 2019P (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-18 Applications in Set Top Boxes Boosts Demand for SoCs II-18 Evolving Car Electronics and Resurgence in Auto Production to Drive Gains.............. II-19 Table 6: World Automotive Production by Geographic Region/Country (2015, 2017 & 2020) (in '000 Units) (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-19 Table 7: Continuous Digital Innovation & The Resulting Expansion of Connected Car Technologies to Spur the Importance of SoCs: Global Market for Connected Car Technologies (in US$ Billion) by Category (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-20 Table 8: Breakdown of Value of Semiconductor Content Per Car (in US$) by Car Type (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-20 Table 9: Breakdown of Average Value of Semiconductor Content Per Car (US$) by Type of Semiconductor Content (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-20 Medical Field Opens New Growth Opportunities II-21 SoC Technology Deployments in Industrial Automation II-21 Applications in Smart Grid Expected to Drive Future Growth II-21 High Demand for Radar Boosts the SoC Market II-22 "Internet of Things" to Open New Growth Avenues for SoCs II-22 Reducing Cost Per Function of ICs Boosts Market Fortune for SoCs II-22 Technology Developments - Key to the Success of SoC Market II-22 Need to Enhance SoC Performance..............II-24 Multiple Processor SoCs Makes the Cut II-24 Emergence of Quadcore & Octacore Processor SoCs II-25 Technology Developments Primarily Geared Towards Production of Compact Design SoCs with High Performance & Energy Efficiency Capabilities.............. II-25 Shift towards Low Power Processor SoCs II-25 Temperature Aware Designs Gathers Steam II-26 3D Chip Appeal Widens Among End-Use Sectors II-26 Network-On-Chip Technology Critical to the Efficiency of SoC II-26 FPGA SoCs - A Key Development..............II-27 Development of Premanufactured ASICs, and Flash- and SRAM- Series of FPGAs.............. II-27 Customization to Meet Client's Requirements II-28 Innovations Address Power Leakage and Multiple Tasks Handling II-29 Developing Countries Excel in Growth Prospects II-29 3. CHALLENGES & ISSUES..............II-31 Lack of Standardization in Intellectual Property Cores II-31 Memory Bandwidth and Latency..............II-31 Issues Related to Marketing of ICs II-31 High Costs, a Major Deterrent..............II-31 Table 10: Major Elements of Design Costs (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-32 Table 11: Design Costs by process Node (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-32 Time-to-Market Pressures..............II-33 Power Consumption.............. II-33 Transistor Variability..............II-33 Verification Challenges..............II-34 Testers - A Solution to the Challenge II-34 IP Compatibility Issue..............II-35 Customer & Software Support and Staffing Challenges II-35 System-in-Package (SiP): A Potential Threat to System-on-a-Chip II-36 4. PRODUCT OVERVIEW.............. II-37 SoC - An Introduction..............II-37 Components of SoC..............II-37 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) Block Diagram II-37 Developments in ICs Over the Years II-38 SoC Design Benefits.............. II-38 Mixed-Signal SoCs.............. II-38 "Second-Generation" SoCs..............II-38 ASIC SSOC - A New Dimension..............II-39 SoC Device Types.............. II-39 Standard Cells.............. II-39 Embedded IP.............. II-39 Micro Logic IP.............. II-39 Memory IP.............. II-39 ASIC/PLD IP.............. II-39 Analog IP & Other Components..............II-40 Standards For SOCs..............II-40 SoC Processor Types.............. II-40 Soft Instruction Processors..............II-40 Configurable Processors..............II-41 Total Design Strategies for SoC..............II-41 Architecture Strategy..............II-41 Design-for-Test Strategy..............II-41 Validation Strategy..............II-41 Synthesis and Back-End Strategy II-42 Integration Strategy..............II-42 End-Use Applications..............II-42 Computers.............. II-42 Communications Equipment..............II-43 Consumer Appliances..............II-43 Automotive Applications..............II-43 Others.............. II-44 Industrial Automation & Military II-44 Medical & Office Devices..............II-44 CRM and Hearing Aid Products Dominate the Category II-44 New Mixed-Signal Radio-Frequency (RF) Technology Design II-44 SoC-Equipped Nanorobots..............II-45 5. SOC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP)..............II-46 IP Cores Per SoC.............. II-46 Development of Reusable IPs..............II-47 Third Party IP.............. II-47 EDA and Silicon Intellectual-Property (IP), Two Burgeoning Sectors.............. II-48 Interconnect - A Growing Sector of Semiconductor IP Market II-48 6. PRODUCT LAUNCHES/INTRODUCTIONS..............II-49 Qualcomm to Introduce New Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 1100 SoC for Special-Purpose Wearable Devices II-49 Marvell Unveils Breakthrough 64-bit Dual-Core SoC Platform II-49 Altera Introduces Transceiver Technology II-49 Tensorcom develops 802.11ad 60 GHz System on Chip (SoC) with Integrated USB 3.0.............. II-49 EFFECT Photonics Introduces optical System-on-Chip II-49 Marvell Rolls Out 32-bit and 64-bit ARMADA system-on-chip (SoC) II-50 Mentor Graphics Corporation Releases Mentor Embedded Linux II-50 Renesas Electronics Releases R-Car D1 Series II-50 Xilinx Develops Expanded Ecosystem & Hardware Platforms II-50 Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon Wear 2100 SoC for Wearables II-50 Altera Introduces EN6362QI PowerSoC II-50 Telink Semiconductor Develops TLSR8269 II-51 Marvell Unveils ARMADA 3700 system-on-chip II-51 Qualcomm Technologies Develops Bluetooth Smart 4.2 System-on -Chip.............. II-51 MediaTek Unveils MediaTek MT8581, MT2523G and MT7697 II-51 Renesas Electronics Rolls Out R-Car H3 II-51 Texas Instruments Introduces TMS320F28379D and TMS320F28379S II-52 Mentor Graphics Releases Vista virtual platforms II-52 STMicroelectronics Introduces STCOMET smart-meter SoC II-52 Qualcomm Atheros Launches IPQ40x8/x9 SoC II-52 Renesas Electronics Develops R-Car W2R System-On-A-Chip II-52 Renesas Launches R-Car T2 system-on-a-chip (SoC) II-53 STMicroelectronics Develops Cannes Wi-Fi (STiH390) SoC II-53 Marvell Introduces 64-bit quad-core ARMADA Mobile PXA1918 R10 LTE SoC.............. II-53 Zilog Unveils MG2475..............II-53 Microsemi Launches Automotive-grade FPGAs and SoC FPGAs II-53 Broadcom Rolls Out StrataDNX Switch SoC II-54 Intel Unveils Xeon-based SoC..............II-54 Intel Rolls Out Intel Atom x3 and Intel XMM 7360 LTE II-54 Freescale Unveils S32V..............II-54 Broadcom Releases 5G WiFi Chips & System-On-Chip II-54 Atmel Rolls Out Power Line Communication SoC for Smart Metering II-55 Qualcomm Develops Qualcomm FSM90xx System-on-Chip II-55 Broadcom Unveils Bluetooth-Enabled System-on-a-Chip II-55 7. RECENT INDUSTRY ACTIVITY..............II-56 Microsemi Collaborates with Solectrix to Launch SmartFusion2- SoC-FPGA-Based-System-on-Module II-56 MStar Collaborates with Conax..............II-56 Avago Takes Over Broadcom..............II-56 Visteon Corporation Snaps Up AllGo II-56 TSMC Inks an Agreement with ARM..............II-57 Intel Takes Over Altera..............II-57 ARM Takes Over Carbon..............II-57 Altera Enters into a Partnership with Intrinsic II-57 MediaTek Enters into Partnerships with Amazon, Tinitell, Apple and People Power.............. II-57 Xilinx Inks an Agreement with Land Transport Authority of Singapore.............. II-58 Texas Instruments Collaborates with LGS Innovations II-58 Arteris Enters into a Partnership with YOGITECH II-58 Altera Enters into Collaboration with Mentor Graphics II-58 Altera Expands Partnership with ARM II-58 Cadence Design Systems Inks an Agreement with ARM II-59 Renesas Collaborates with IAR Systems for R-IN32M3 SoCs II-59 Intel Enters into a Partnership with Rockchip II-59 8. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS..............II-60 Apple, Inc. (US).............. II-60 ARM Holdings Plc (UK)..............II-60 Broadcom Corporation (US)..............II-61 Infineon Technologies AG (Germany) II-61 Intel Corporation (US)..............II-61 Altera Corporation (US)..............II-62 LSI Corporation (US)..............II-63 Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (US) II-63 Mentor Graphics Corporation (US) II-64 Microsemi Corp. (US)..............II-64 NVIDIA Corporation (US)..............II-65 NXP Semiconductors N.V. (The Netherlands) II-65 Palmchip Corporation (US)..............II-66 Qualcomm Incorporated (US)..............II-66 Renesas Electronics Corporation (Japan) II-66 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea) II-67 STMicroelectronics (Switzerland) II-67 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Taiwan) II-68 Texas Instruments, Inc. (US)..............II-68 Toshiba America Electronics Components, Inc. (US) II-69 Xilinx, Inc. (US).............. II-69 Zilog, Inc.(US).............. II-70 9. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE..............II-71 Table 12: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-71 Table 13: World Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-72 Table 14: World 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-73 Table 15: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Mixed Signal System-on-a-Chips (SoCs) by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-74 Table 16: World Historic Review for Mixed Signal System-on-a-Chips (SoCs) by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-75 Table 17: World 14-Year Perspective for Mixed Signal System-on-a-Chips (SoCs) by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-76 Table 18: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Other System-on-a-Chips (SoCs) by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-77 Table 19: World Historic Review for Other System-on-a-Chips (SoCs) by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. II-78 Table 20: World 14-Year Perspective for Other System-on-a-Chips (SoCs) by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-79 Global Market for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by End-Use Application II-80 Table 21: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by End-Use Application - Computers, Communications Equipment, Consumer Appliances, Automotive Applications and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-80 Table 22: World Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by End-Use Application - Computers, Communications Equipment, Consumer Appliances, Automotive Applications and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. II-81 Table 23: World 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by End-Use Application - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Computers, Communications Equipment, Consumer Appliances, Automotive Applications and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-82 III. MARKET 1. THE UNITED STATES.............. III-1 A.Market Analysis.............. III-1 Current & Future Analysis..............III-1 Recovery in Electronics Manufacturing & Subsequent Rise in Demand for Integrated Circuits to Drive SoC Market III-1 Continued Relocation of US Electronics Manufacturing to Low Cost Destinations - Threat for Domestic SMT Market III-1 High End Electronics Manufacturing to Help Sustain Demand Prospects for SoCs in US..............III-2 Product Launches..............III-2 Strategic Corporate Developments III-7 Focus on Select Players..............III-9 B.Market Analytics..............III-17 Table 24: US Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-17 Table 25: US Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-18 Table 26: US 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-19 2. CANADA.............. III-20 A.Market Analysis.............. III-20 Current & Future Analysis..............III-20 B.Market Analytics..............III-20 Table 27: Canadian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-20 Table 28: Canadian Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-21 Table 29: Canadian 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-22 3. JAPAN.............. III-23 A.Market Analysis.............. III-23 Current & Future Analysis..............III-23 Product Launches..............III-23 Strategic Corporate Development III-24 Select Player.............. III-24 B.Market Analytics..............III-25 Table 30: Japanese Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-25 Table 31: Japanese Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-26 Table 32: Japanese 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-27 4. EUROPE.............. III-28 A.Market Analysis.............. III-28 Current & Future Analysis..............III-28 Market Overview.............. III-28 Nearshoring Strategy to Sustain Demand for European SoC Market in Coming Years..............III-28 B.Market Analytics..............III-29 Table 33: European Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain and Rest of Europe Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-29 Table 34: European Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain and Rest of Europe Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-30 Table 35: European 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain and Rest of Europe Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-31 Table 36: European Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-32 Table 37: European Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-33 Table 38: European 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-34 4a. FRANCE.............. III-35 A.Market Analysis.............. III-35 Current & Future Analysis..............III-35 Product Launches..............III-35 B.Market Analytics..............III-36 Table 39: French Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-36 Table 40: French Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-37 Table 41: French 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-38 4b. GERMANY.............. III-39 A.Market Analysis.............. III-39 Current & Future Analysis..............III-39 Key Player.............. III-39 B.Market Analytics..............III-40 Table 42: German Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-40 Table 43: German Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-41 Table 44: German 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-42 4c. ITALY.............. III-43 A.Market Analysis.............. III-43 Current & Future Analysis..............III-43 B.Market Analytics..............III-43 Table 45: Italian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-43 Table 46: Italian Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-44 Table 47: Italian 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-45 4d. THE UNITED KINGDOM..............III-46 A.Market Analysis.............. III-46 Current & Future Analysis..............III-46 Strategic Corporate Development III-46 Key Player.............. III-46 B.Market Analytics..............III-47 Table 48: UK Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-47 Table 49: UK Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-48 Table 50: UK 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-49 4e. SPAIN.............. III-50 A.Market Analysis.............. III-50 Current & Future Analysis..............III-50 B.Market Analytics..............III-50 Table 51: Spanish Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-50 Table 52: Spanish Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-51 Table 53: Spanish 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-52 4f. REST OF EUROPE.............. III-53 A.Market Analysis.............. III-53 Current & Future Analysis..............III-53 Product Launch.............. III-53 Key Players.............. III-53 B.Market Analytics..............III-55 Table 54: Rest of Europe Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-55 Table 55: Rest of Europe Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-56 Table 56: Rest of Europe 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-57 5. ASIA-PACIFIC.............. III-58 A.Market Analysis.............. III-58 Current & Future Analysis..............III-58 Evolution of Electronics Industry in Asia-Pacific Over the Years.............. III-58 Well Established ECMS Industry Drives Demand for SoC III-58 Asia Emerges as a Major Market for SoC Deployment in Wireless Devices.............. III-59 B.Market Analytics..............III-59 Table 57: Asia-Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - China, South Korea, Taiwan and Rest of Asia-Pacific Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-59 Table 58: Asia-Pacific Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - China, South Korea, Taiwan and Rest of Asia-Pacific Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-60 Table 59: Asia-Pacific 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for China, South Korea, Taiwan and Rest of Asia-Pacific Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-61 Table 60: Asia-Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-62 Table 61: Asia-Pacific Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-63 Table 62: Asia-Pacific 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-64 5a. CHINA.............. III-65 A.Market Analysis.............. III-65 Current & Future Analysis..............III-65 Despite Recent Slowdown China Continues to Remain Most Prominent Regional Market for SoCs III-65 Chinese SoC Manufacturers Target Low Cost Tablet Market III-65 Product Launch.............. III-66 Strategic Corporate Development III-66 B.Market Analytics..............III-67 Table 63: Chinese Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-67 Table 64: Chinese Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-68 Table 65: Chinese 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-69 5b. SOUTH KOREA.............. III-70 A.Market Analysis.............. III-70 Current & Future Analysis..............III-70 Korean SoC Market on a Rise..............III-70 Integrated Circuits (ICs) Market III-70 Key Player.............. III-71 B.Market Analytics..............III-72 Table 66: South Korean Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-72 Table 67: South Korean Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-73 Table 68: South Korean 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-74 5c. TAIWAN.............. III-75 A.Market Analysis.............. III-75 Current & Future Analysis..............III-75 Large Electronic Device Manufacturing Industries Makes Taiwan a Major Market for SoCs III-75 Product Launch.............. III-75 Strategic Corporate Developments III-75 Key Player.............. III-76 B.Market Analytics..............III-77 Table 69: Taiwanese Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-77 Table 70: Taiwanese Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-78 Table 71: Taiwanese 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-79 5d. REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC..............III-80 A.Market Analysis.............. III-80 Current & Future Analysis..............III-80 India.............. III-80 Market Overview..............III-80 From Just Design to Complete Solutions III-80 Challenges Faced.............. III-81 Strategic Corporate Developments III-81 B.Market Analytics..............III-82 Table 72: Rest of Asia-Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-82 Table 73: Rest of Asia-Pacific Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-83 Table 74: Rest of Asia-Pacific 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-84 6. REST OF WORLD.............. III-85 A.Market Analysis.............. III-85 Current & Future Analysis..............III-85 B.Market Analytics..............III-85 Table 75: Rest of World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-85 Table 76: Rest of World Historic Review for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Million for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-86 Table 77: Rest of World 14-Year Perspective for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) by Product Type - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Mixed Signal SoCs and Other Markets for Years 2009, 2016 and 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-87 IV. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Total Companies Profiled: 89 (including Divisions/Subsidiaries - 94) The United States (46) Canada (1) Japan (6) Europe (15) - France (1) - Germany (3) - The United Kingdom (4) - Rest of Europe (7) Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) (23) Latin America (1) Middle East (2) Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/397779/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-system-on-a-chip-industry-300387870.html SOURCE ReportBuyer [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Bernice Hess, a Mauston area resident for most of her life, will celebrate a special birthday on Tuesday, Jan. 17 when she turns 100 years old. Hess lives in the Cottage Care Circle assisted living facility in Mauston and is the first resident there to turn 100. She plans on celebrating the milestone with friends and family in Mauston on Sunday. Hess has four children; three sons and a daughter who all live in Wisconsin. She has at least 24 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. There arent too many people that live that long and are as good off as I am, Hess said. Hess admitted to having some aches and pains, but looks younger than her 100 years. Her mind is still surprisingly sharp, and she carries a spunky, sarcastic sense of humor. Hess was born on Jan. 17, 1917 in La Grange, Illinois, a suburb on the southwest side of Chicago. However, Hess spent most of her youth on a small farm about seven miles south of Mauston. Hess experienced tragedy at a young age when her father was killed in an accident. My father got killed coming to work on his motorcycle, Hess said. A girl was learning to drive and she didnt even know enough to stop at a stop sign and drove right onto the highway and hit him. I was only three years old and I dont remember him at all. But I do have pictures of him and he had a twin brother that looked almost exactly like him. Hess mother remarried and the family moved onto a farm near Mauston. Her family raised pigs, chickens and cows. Through her experience on the farm, Hess learned about sacrifice and hard work. At the age of 14, I learned how to drive a car because my mother couldnt drive. Of course she was always with me, Hess said. We had 16 cows and I had to clean out the manure in the barn. I dont know how I did it. I worked that farm from 14 to 18 and I only went to high school for one year. Back then they didnt have buses to bring you into school and it cost money to go, so I had to wait. Then I got mixed up with my first husband and that was the end of school. I was kind of a wild and woolly kid. An uncle helped foster Hess artistic side at a young age. In her room at Cottage Care Circle, Hess has several of the oil and watercolor paintings she completed, including a depiction of the farmstead she grew up on. Hess enjoyed creating wildlife scenes and has a large oil painting of two deer hanging on her wall at Cottage Care Circle. I never had any special training, only in school, Hess said. Now I have a great-granddaughter who is also very good at drawing. Shes only about six years old, but I think she could end up being a painter. After marrying her second husband, Walter, Hess raised a family on dairy farm in the valley south of Mauston and then moved to another farm near the town. Hess husband passed away many years ago when he was in his 70s. The first farm we had was on some really hilly land and we didnt think that was a good idea to have our boys learn how to drive tractor on such hilly land because it was so dangerous, Hess said. But we had some good neighbors and we always got together when we thrashed grain. They didnt have all the fancy equipment like they do now. Hess also spent her free time sowing, making clothes for her husband and children. She designed dresses for her daughter and even crafted a suit for Walter. Hess said the key to a long, prosperous life is longevity and good health, which run in her family. I have a good system, she said. My sister lived to be 95 and I had an aunt who was 102. My mother came from Sweden on the bottom of a boat. They had a big family. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Rep. Mark Pocan has created a public education-focused caucus to oppose President elect-Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Education. Pocan, D-Black Earth, announced the creation of the House Public Education Caucus on Tuesday, alongside national teachers unions presidents Lily Eskelsen Garcia of the National Education Association and Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers, and other Democratic members of the U.S. House. "Mark feels like people in Wisconsin, where the K-12 voucher experiment was tested, need to be talking about the impact it has had on public schools, teachers, teacher retirements/shortage and education in general," said spokeswoman Melanie Conklin in an email. Trump's nominee to head the federal department of education is Betsy DeVos, chairwoman of the pro-school voucher group American Federation for Children and a big donor to Gov. Scott Walker, who has significantly expanded school vouchers in Wisconsin since he was first elected in 2010. Betsy DeVos and husband Dick have contributed more than $340,000 to Walker in recent years, according to state campaign finance records. A confirmation hearing with the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is set for Jan. 17. A Portage High School student appeared in court Monday, charged as an adult following an incident with prescription drugs that sent a 16-year-old girl to the University of Wisconsin Hospital. Keagen Strabley, 17, has been charged in Columbia County Circuit Court with felony distribution of a schedule IV drug and possession with intent to distribute schedule IV drugs, which carries a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison. Only because of this defendants age and lack of prior history, am I willing to not object to a signature bond in this case, said District Attorney Jane Kohlwey. This is an extremely troubling matter in which we have a 17-year-old selling controlled substances to a 16-year-old. And that 16-year-old ended up being transported not just to Divine Savior, but later to UW Hospital, which shows the risk to the public by people dealing in controlled substances. On Wednesday, Portage police officers responded to an ambulance call where a 16-year-old girl was reportedly stumbling, slurring speech and out of it. The girl later told officers that she had taken 4 mg of Xanax that she had bought from Strabley earlier that day at school. Strabley had allegedly approached the girl during a gym class, telling her that he had a ton of Xanax and agreed to sell four pills to her for $20. The officer later contacted Strabley at his home, where he was found with $304 in his wallet and a baggie of 36 pills of 2 mg Alprazolam, a generic version of Xanax. Though Strableys phone was locked, the officer reported seeing a Facebook message preview suggesting a drug transaction. While being taken to jail by another officer, Strabley reportedly mentioned that he had told the girl to be careful because people react differently to drugs, that he had been addicted to the anti-anxiety medication for the past two or three months and that he was looking forward to the fun experience of going to jail. The next day, officers were contacted by the girls mother who had found two more pills wrapped in paper on the girls nightstand. The officer reported finding the two pills that had been inside a hall pass issued to Keagan Strabley. Number one is that we take it very seriously, so once we have details in this particular case, we have protocols to follow, said Portage High School Principal Robin Kvalo. Mr. (Assistant Principal Matt ) Paulsen is working closely with the Portage Police Department. Paulsen directs disciplinary action at the school, Kvalo said. Any issue pertaining to AODA (alcohol and other drug abuse) is of concern to the school, Kvalo said, and that the topic is addressed in health class curriculum, occasional school assemblys and in discussion as it comes up in other classes. Kvalo was able to confirm that the girl is OK and has since returned to class. In court on Monday, Judge Todd Hepler ordered Strabley to be released on a $5,000 signature bond on the condition of having no possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia and, in the event of being in school with the girl at the center of the incident, to have no incidental contact with her. After a pre-trial conference, Strabley is scheduled to next appear in court for a March 14 hearing. Members of the Columbia County Boards Executive Committee said Monday that theyre not inclined to authorize side-door, security-bypassing access to the courthouse for attorneys working for the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office. Corporation Counsel Joseph Ruf said he was asked to relay the somewhat informal request to issue electronic key cards to several attorneys working for the SPD office, so that they could enter the building at 400 DeWitt St. via side doors instead of coming in the public entrance at the front, which entails having their belongings screened and walking through metal detectors when the Columbia County Sheriffs Office operates them. By county policy, Ruf said, the privilege of key-card access to the courthouse is reserved for county employees who work there, and county elected officials. Supervisor Kirk Konkel of Portage said he wasnt inclined to grant the permission, and made the motion to that effect, which the five-member panel approved unanimously. Because most private-practice attorneys doing business at the courthouse have to enter via the front-door security station, he said, so should those who work as public defenders. Why is the State Public Defenders Office more important than the private-practice attorneys coming in? he asked. Ruf said much of the countys court-related business involves public defenders, not just in criminal cases, but also in cases involving matters such as guardianship. The SPD office that serves Columbia County is located in Baraboo. According to Ruf, officials of the public defenders office are looking for office space in Portage for several attorneys and support staff. Although the public defenders use a small conference space in the courthouses lower level, Ruf said, their long-term office needs require more space than is available at the courthouse, and they will likely locate their offices somewhere else in Portage. County Board Chairman Vern Gove said this is not the right time to talk about extending key-card access to the courthouse, because this summer the building will be vacated for a nine-month remodeling, to convert it into a facility for court-related uses only. Non-court offices currently housed at the courthouse and the Annex at 120 W. Conant St. will move to the new Administration Building, now under construction alongside the Portage Canal. The court-related offices will be housed, temporarily, in the new Health and Human Services building, under construction on the other side of the canal, while the renovation is going on. The courthouse renovation is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018. No one at Mondays meeting of the Columbia County Boards Public Safety Committee disagreed with Capt. Darrel Kuhls contention that higher-ranking officers in the sheriffs office should be paid more than lower-ranking officers. Yet, there are lieutenants in the Columbia County Sheriffs Office who are paid only a little more than and in some cases, less than some deputies at the sergeant or detective-sergeant rank. The open question before the committee: How to fix this wage compression situation, given the countys current pay-related practices and policies. Kuhl, the chief deputy, was instructed to come up with one or more ideas by the time the committee next meets in March. According to Kuhl, this situation has existed for a long time, but the recently ratified contract for deputies has exacerbated it. The deputies contract for 2017 calls for no across-the-board pay increase, but an addition of longevity-based steps, so that more senior deputies can be financially rewarded for continuing to work for Columbia County. By and large, Kuhl said, the contract is a good one, in that it addresses a problem that the department has faced in recent years loss of experienced deputies to other law enforcement agencies. But the contract also raises the top pay for some sergeants and detective sergeants, in some cases above the level of both new lieutenants and lieutenants who have been with the department for some time. The 35 deputies at or below the rank of sergeant are the only Columbia County employees whose compensation, benefits and working conditions are still subject to collective bargaining, following the 2011 state law that stripped most public employees of most collective bargaining rights. The Wisconsin Professional Police Association represents the deputies in their annual contract negotiations with the county. Nearly all other county employees including the top-ranking officers in the sheriffs office have their compensation set by a pay scale, formulated by the Madison-based consulting firm Carlson-Dettmann and implemented starting in 2015. When Supervisor Mark Sleger of the town of Lowville suggested looking at compensation levels of high-ranking sheriffs officers in comparable counties, Supervisor Adam Field of Portage noted that the Carlson-Dettmann pay plan was designed to do just that. The committees chairman, Supervisor Kirk Konkel of Portage, said thats part of the problem. If the Carlson-Dettmann plan had been a legitimate reflection of earnings that county employees might get in the private sector, or elsewhere in the public sector, then there wouldnt have been so many employees who appealed their placement on the pay scale just before the plan was implemented. Dont get me started on Carlson-Dettmann, Konkel said. Field said the appeal process was built in to the Carlson-Dettmann pay plan, and large numbers of appeals dont necessarily mean the plans overall pay levels were too low. But whats wrong here, Field said, is that the pay plan is based largely on how long an employee has worked for the county, and rank or administrative responsibilities dont seem to enter into it. Konkel said other Columbia County departments also struggle with wage compression among their high-ranking employees, in relation to lower-ranking workers. And the solutions are elusive. Human Resources Director Joseph Ruf said the HR Department is authorized to set the starting salary of a new employee as high as the sixth step (out of 11, for most employees), if the persons experience and expertise warrants it. Under the pay plan, employees move up a step annually, on the anniversary of their employment, until the sixth step, after which step raises come every other year. For an employee promoted within a department, Ruf said, the usual practice is to calculate the wages to be 5 percent higher than the present wages, and then place the promoted worker at the corresponding step on the pay scale. But if thats the sixth step or higher and it usually is the employee would go for two years without a longevity-related raise. Unless the County Board authorizes an across-the-board increase, the employee would get no raise at all for two years. Supervisor Dan Drew of the town of Pacific said he didnt have enough information now to make any suggestions as to how the wage compression should be rectified. He suggested that Kuhl and Sheriff Dennis Richards work out a proposal, or two, for the Public Safety Committees March meeting. (Most County Board committees dont meet in February.) Then, the committee could come up with a recommendation to be considered by other committees including Human Resources, Executive and probably Finance before the full County Board considers it. Dispatchers with the Reedsburg Police Department will get a raise this year following a meeting of the Reedsburg Common Council. Council approved a proposal to increase wages by $2 on Jan. 9. The adjustment would take effect the next pay period, according to City documents. The increase will cost $19,968. It will be absorbed by the current police/communications budget. Police Department Chief Timothy Becker said the division has lost numerous employees in recent years due to other departments offering higher wages. Prior to the proposal, the City offered a $16.60 starting wage for dispatchers. The Sauk County Sheriffs Office sets starting pay at $20.77. Meanwhile Columbia County offers $19.87 and the Wisconsin Dells Police Department starts at $18.11. Its not unusual for applicants to finish their three-month training in Reedsburg then move on to higher-paying jobs. Reedsburg cant afford to be a training ground, Becker said. Since 2011 Reedsburg has lost 7 employees to positions that offered better pay. Two other employees just left, leaving the department so short staffed it had to close its reception desk and increase shifts to 12 hours. Becker said the City is losing money on the reception desk closure because its DMV services bring in $15,000 to $20,000 each year. Becker added that the money in the budget would have gone to another expense such as equipment. He said it makes sense to delay buying supplies in favor of offering attractive wages. There are 7 employees within the communications division, according to City documents. Boys and Girls Club The ink is officially dry on starting a Boys and Girls Club in Reedsburg. The city approved a six-year rent-free lease agreement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of West-Central Wisconsin to open a branch in the former hardware store at 300 Vine Street. Under the agreement, the Club would be responsible for subletting to other groups to use the building. Some programs, such as Rhinos Wrestling, may partner with the Club to provide extra activities to children, said Becker, who has been a leading proponent of the organization. The building needs a new heating system and the Club would split the bill with the City. Only one of the four furnaces works and none are efficient. A new setup would cost about $36,000. The Club would pay $300 per month plus 75 percent of utility bills. Since the City owns the property, it would be responsible for clearing snow from the parking lot. The Club would be expected to carry the proper insurance. Local volunteers and donors have been working on starting a club here since summer. At the moment about $170,000 has been raised, Becker said. Technical upgrades Common Council also approved a proposal for $50,000 to update the Citys server. Officials were hoping to wait until 2018, but a recent hard drive crash has made them think otherwise, said Public Works Director Steve Zibell. The hard drive was covered but warranties are ending this year. Instead of paying for an extended warranty, it would make more sense to just buy a new server, Zibell said. Funds would come from unused 2016 money. If necessary, informational systems could receive lower allocations on future city budgets to compensate for this years increase. Its a good thing to have it done this year, he said. The current server system was installed in late 2010 and has received limited upgrades. Zibell said most servers are replaced every 4 to 5 years, so Reedsburg has gained more than the expected life out of its equipment. A new server would be located at the Reedsburg Police Department instead of City Hall. Street sweeper The 2017 budget includes funding for a new street sweeper, but City officials have a different idea to save some time and money. Council agreed to lease a sweeper from Bruce Equipment for five years. Zibell said current sweepers cost between $250,000 and $300,000 to purchase but renting would cost $42,000 each year. Zibell said its an ideal arrangement because the City wouldnt need to worry about buying and keeping a sweeper that will only need more costly repairs over time. Under the agreement, City staff would handle routine tasks such as oil changes but Bruce Equipment would take care of significant repairs. Once five years is up, Bruce Equipment would buy back the sweeper from the City for $69,000, Zibell said. The business has also offered to purchase the Citys current 12-year-old sweeper for $12,500. As a bonus, the new sweeper could be used during winter months because it doesnt operate on water. Zibell said the current sweeper stays inside because it freezes during cold temperatures. Other business Council agreed to sell five lots at $6,000 each to Habitat for Humanity for USDA housing. The program is not the same as traditional Habitat for Humanity houses in that the owners receive a loan through the USDA, said Eleanor Chiquoine, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of the Wisconsin River Area. Habitat homes also tend to be geared for lower-income applicants; income restrictions are higher on USDA houses. Chiquoine said USDA housing has been a valuable asset for rural areas. It attracts families and helps bolster the economies and populations of more remote regions. I love this program, she said. Why should the (large cities) get all the federal funding? Council approved appointing Aaron Bauer to the Parks and Recreation Committee. [January 09, 2017] Global Web-to-Print Industry LONDON, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Web-to-Print in US$ Thousand. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2015 through 2022. Also, a six-year historic analysis is provided for these markets. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are primarily based on public domain information including company URLs. The report profiles 85 companies including many key and niche players such as - Agfa-Gevaert Group Aleyant Systems, LLC Avanti Computer Systems Limited B2CPRINT Ltd. Citation Software, Inc. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/552796/ I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & PRODUCT DEFINITIONS Study Reliability and Reporting Limitations I-1 Disclaimers.............. I-2 Data Interpretation & Reporting Level I-2 Quantitative Techniques & Analytics I-3 Product Definitions and Scope of Study I-3 II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW.............. II-1 E-Commerce Catches Up With the Print Industry in the Form of Web-to-Print.............. II-1 Table 1: W2P Becomes Vital for Survival in the Transforming Printing Industry: Percentage Breakdown of the Value of E-Enabled Print Shipments as Against Traditionally Ordered Print Shipments in the U.S. for the Years 2010, 2014 & 2016 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-2 The Need to Evolve With Changing Digital Times & Capitalize on the Benefits of the Digital Age Drives the Evolution of Print E-Commerce.............. II-2 W2P: Market Overview..............II-3 Table 2: Cost Savings Epitomized by the W2P Business Model as Compared to Traditional In-House Printing & Brick & Motor Printing Services (In US$) by Specific Print Order Tasks (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-5 Review of Key Trends & Drivers II-5 Semi Positive Outlook for the World Printing Industry & the Need to Fight Disruptive Technological Changes Encourage Growth of W2P.............. II-5 Table 3: Stable Growth of the World Print Market Encourages Print Service Providers to Invest in E-Commerce Enablement Technologies: World Market for Print (In US$ Billion) by Geographic Region for the Years 2014 & 2018 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-7 Table 4: Robust Growth in the Packaging End-Use Sector Leads to Higher Investments in W2P Among Packaging Printing Companies: World Market for Print (In US$ Billion) by Segment for the Years 2014 & 2018 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. II-7 Growing Print On Demand Services Strengthens the Business Case for W2P.............. II-8 Table 5: Robustly Growing Investments in the On-Demand Economy Paves the Way for Combining Printing With the Best of Modern Commerce, Spurring Opportunities for W2P: Global Venture Capital Investments in the On-Demand Economy (In US$ Million) by Geographic Region for the Years 2010, 2013 & 2016 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-9 Era of Personalized Print Adverts Fuels Interest in Variable Data Printing Feature of W2P II-9 Select Variable Data Printing Applications II-11 Shifting of Ad Budgets From Mass to Direct Advertising & the Ensuing Re-Emergence of Direct Mail Spells Opportunities for W2P.............. II-11 Table 6: Multi-Billion Dollar Market for Direct Mail Advertising Spurs Opportunities for W2P for Variable Data Printing of Direct Marketing Material: U.S. Market for Direct Mail Marketing as a Case in Point (In US$ Million) for the Years 2014, 2016 & 2020 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. II-12 Cost Benefits Spur Migration to Hosted W2P Solutions II-12 The Stellar Rise of Cloud Computing Drives the Emergence of Cloud-to-Print as the Most Preferred Hosted Service Model for W2P.............. II-13 W2P Breathes New Hope of Competitiveness for Small-Scale Printing Houses.............. II-14 Steady Recovery in Retail Trade: A Key External Driver II-15 Table 7: Strong Growth in World Retail Sales to Drive Opportunities W2P Services in the Form of Increased Packaging Printing & Print Media Advertising: Global Breakdown of Retail Sales (In US$ Trillion) for the Years 2013, 2016 & 2020 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-16 W2P for Large Format Printing Rises in Prominence Supported by Technology Innovation & Strong Growth in Outdoor Advertising.............. II-16 Developments in Internet Infrastructure Provides the Foundation for the Growth of W2P II-17 Table 8: Growing Internet Speeds Spurs the Commercial Feasibility of W2P Deployments: Breakdown of Average Net Connection Speeds in MBPS by Leading Countries for the Year 2015 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-18 Market Outlook.............. II-18 2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW.............. II-19 Web-to-Print: An Introduction..............II-19 Features of Web-to-Print..............II-19 A Glance at the Past..............II-19 Web-to-Print Solution..............II-20 Users of W2P Solutions..............II-20 Criteria for Choosing W2P Solution II-21 Factors Affecting Success of W2P Solution II-21 Essentials for Establishing W2P System II-21 Web-to-Print Models.............. II-22 W2P Hosted Solutions..............II-22 Software as a Service (SaaS) Model II-22 Application Service Provider (ASP) II-22 Licensed W2P Solution..............II-22 Web-to-Print Process..............II-23 Parties Involved in Web-to-Print Process II-23 Web-to-Print Portal: A Key Constituent II-23 Applications of Web-to-Print..............II-24 Benefits of W2P.............. II-25 Benefits of W2P for Printers and Customers II-26 Major Drawbacks & Challenges..............II-26 Major Challenges Facing W2P Implementation II-26 DTP Vs Web-to-Print.............. II-27 3. PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS/INNOVATIONS II-28 Silicon Publishing Re-architectures Web-to-Print Solution II-28 OnPrintShop to Unveil Advanced B2B Web-to-Print Solution II-28 HP Launches HP WallArt Suite..............II-28 Aleyant Redesigns Pressero Web-to-Print Platform II-28 Clickar Unveils Augmented Reality (AR) Web-to-Print II-28 Agfa Graphics Unveils Version 3.1 of W2P Software II-28 IntelligenceBank Unveils New Web-to-Print Feature II-28 PrintUI Launches New Cloud-Based Web to Print Services II-29 Design'N'Buy Unveils Upgraded 2.3 Web-to-Print Solution II-29 RGA Introduces Web-to-Print Website II-29 Racad Unveils New DIY W2P Wordpress Plugin II-29 Optimus Introduces Optimus Dash MIS and XMPie W2P System II-29 PTI Marketing Technologies Changes Name to MarcomCentral II-29 Living Sport Develops New Online W2P Portal II-29 XMPie Unveils New SaaS Web-to-Print Solution II-30 The UPS Store Collaborates with PrintSites to Launch Online Printing Store.............. II-30 Idea Republic Launches New Web-to-Print Wing II-3 RGA Unveils New Workflow Solutions W2P Portal II-30 4. RECENT INDUSTRY ACTIVITY..............II-31 Cimpress to Acquire WIRmachenDRUCK II-31 Worldwide Printing Solutions Selects Fuji Xerox's W2P Portal II-31 LiquidPixels Partners with Silicon Publishing II-31 Aleyant Takes Over Web-to-Print Business of Keen II-31 Cimpress Acquires Exagroup SAS II-31 Cimpress to Acquire druck.at..............II-31 Enfocus Partners with e-Cervo..............II-31 Design'N'Buy Acquires PrintCommerce II-32 Heidelberg UK Announces Partnership with ROI360 II-32 Vistaprint to Acquire Pixartprinting II-32 PrintUI Expands Into Asia-Pacific II-32 EFI Takes Over DirectSmile..............II-32 5. FOCUS ON SELECT GLOBAL PLAYERS..............II-33 Agfa-Gevaert Group (Belgium)..............II-33 Aleyant Systems, LLC (US)..............II-33 Avanti Computer Systems Limited (Canada) II-33 B2CPRINT Ltd. (Israel)..............II-34 Citation Software, Inc. (US)..............II-34 Electronics for Imaging, Inc. (EFI) (US) II-34 GMC Software Technology, Inc. (US) II-35 Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P (USA) II-35 InterlinkONE, Inc. (US)..............II-36 MarcomCentral (US)..............II-36 NowDocs, International Inc. (US) II-37 PageDNA (US).............. II-37 Pageflex (US).............. II-37 PagePath Technologies, Inc. (US) II-38 Print Science (US)..............II-38 Quark, Inc. (US).............. II-38 Quarterhouse Software, Inc. (US) II-39 Racad Tech, Inc. (Canada)..............II-39 RedTie Limited (UK).............. II-39 Rocketprint Software, LLC (US) II-39 Vpress (UK).............. II-40 Xerox Corporation (US)..............II-40 6. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE..............II-41 Table 9: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. II-41 Table 10: World Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) II-42 Table 11: World 14-Year Perspective for Web-to-Print Software by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Revenues for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............II-43 III. MARKET 1. THE UNITED STATES.............. III-1 A.Market Analysis.............. III-1 Outlook.............. III-1 Shift towards Online Processes III-1 Product Launches..............III-1 Strategic Corporate Developments III-3 Select Key Players..............III-3 B.Market Analytics..............III-10 Table 12: US Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-10 Table 13: US Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-11 2. CANADA.............. III-12 A.Market Analysis.............. III-12 Outlook.............. III-12 Product Launch.............. III-12 Select Key Players..............III-12 B.Market Analytics..............III-13 Table 14: Canadian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-13 Table 15: Canadian Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-14 3. JAPAN.............. III-15 A.Market Analysis.............. III-15 Outlook.............. III-15 Market Overview.............. III-15 B.Market Analytics..............III-15 Table 16: Japanese Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-15 Table 17: Japanese Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-16 4. EUROPE.............. III-17 A.Market Analysis.............. III-17 Outlook.............. III-17 High Growth Prospects for W2P in Europe III-17 B.Market Analytics..............III-18 Table 18: European Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-18 Table 19: European Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-19 Table 20: European 14-Year Perspective for Web-to-Print Software by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Revenues for France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)..............III-20 4a. FRANCE.............. III-21 A.Market Analysis.............. III-21 Outlook.............. III-21 Strategic Corporate Developments III-21 B.Market Analytics..............III-22 Table 21: French Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-22 Table 22: French Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-23 4b. GERMANY.............. III-24 A.Market Analysis.............. III-24 Outlook.............. III-24 Strategic Corporate Developments III-24 B.Market Analytics..............III-25 Table 23: German Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-25 Table 24: German Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-26 4c. ITALY.............. III-27 A.Market Analysis.............. III-27 Outlook.............. III-27 Market Overview.............. III-27 Corporate Development..............III-27 B.Market Analytics..............III-28 Table 25: Italian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-28 Table 26: Italian Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-29 4d. THE UNITED KINGDOM..............III-30 A.Market Analysis.............. III-30 Outlook.............. III-30 Market Overview.............. III-30 Product Launches..............III-30 Corporate Development..............III-30 Select Key Players..............III-31 B.Market Analytics..............III-32 Table 27: UK Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-32 Table 28: UK Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-33 4e. SPAIN.............. III-34 A.Market Analysis.............. III-34 Outlook.............. III-34 Internet Adoption Determines W2P Adoption Rates III-34 Product Launch.............. III-34 B.Market Analytics..............III-35 Table 29: Spanish Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-35 Table 30: Spanish Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-36 4f. RUSSIA.............. III-37 A.Market Analysis.............. III-37 Outlook.............. III-37 B.Market Analytics..............III-37 Table 31: Russian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart).............. III-37 Table 32: Russian Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-38 4g. REST OF EUROPE.............. III-39 A.Market Analysis.............. III-39 Outlook.............. III-39 Product Launch.............. III-39 Corporate Development..............III-39 Select Key Player.............. III-39 B.Market Analytics..............III-40 Table 33: Rest of Europe Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-40 Table 34: Rest of Europe Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-41 5. ASIA-PACIFIC.............. III-42 A.Market Analysis.............. III-42 Outlook.............. III-42 Product Launch.............. III-42 Strategic Corporate Developments III-42 B.Market Analytics..............III-43 Table 35: Asia-Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-43 Table 36: Asia-Pacific Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-44 6. LATIN AMERICA.............. III-45 A.Market Analysis.............. III-45 Outlook.............. III-45 B.Market Analytics..............III-45 Table 37: Latin American Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-45 Table 38: Latin American Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-46 7. REST OF WORLD.............. III-47 A.Market Analysis.............. III-47 Outlook.............. III-47 Key Player.............. III-47 B.Market Analytics..............III-47 Table 39: Rest of World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-47 Table 40: Rest of World Historic Review for Web-to-Print Software Analyzed with Annual Revenues in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart) III-48 IV. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Total Companies Profiled: 85 (including Divisions/Subsidiaries - 90) The United States (50) Canada (5) Japan (1) Europe (25) - France (2) - Germany (5) - The United Kingdom (11) - Spain (1) - Rest of Europe (6) Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) (4) Africa (4) Middle East (1) Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/552796/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-web-to-print-industry-300387873.html SOURCE ReportBuyer [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 09, 2017] Reduction in Project Design Time to Boost the Growth of the Global Architectural Engineering and Construction Market, Reports Technavio Technavio market research analysts forecast the global architectural engineering and construction (AEC) market to grow at a CAGR of close to 12% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109005767/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global architectural engineering and construction (AEC) market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) The study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global AEC market for 2017-2021. The report also segments the market into software and services, of which the software segment accounted for close to 72% of the market share in 2016. "The adoption of AEC solutions is increasing because it helps to reduce the capital and time spent on the construction of buildings. Also, factors such as government mandates and support to use AEC solutions in construction projects are driving the global AEC market," says Amrita Choudhury, a lead analyst at Technavio for product lifecycle management research. Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=55598 Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Technavio ICT analysts highlight the following three drivers contributing to market growth: Reduction in project design time Rising demand for cloud-based AEC solutions Need to improve construction quality Reductio in project design time The adoption of AEC reduces the project's design time by eliminating the need for paperwork. For instance, in 2015, building information modeling (BIM) was adopted by architects and engineers for the Diamond Island project in Vietnam, which is expected to be a new architectural symbol in Ho Chi Minh City. BTA is a key player in Vietnam's infrastructure and construction industry, and it adopted Autodesk (News - Alert) BIM software for building the project. The adoption of the software reduced around 25% of the project infrastructure costs related to design changes, reworks, change in orders, and request for information. Rising demand for cloud-based AEC solutions The demand for cloud-based AEC solutions is growing in the global AEC market. The cloud-based AEC solutions enable centralized access to AEC-based project data irrespective of location. The AEC solution runs on a remote server in an AEC-enabled project cloud. Also, the software can be accessed via local applications on a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. A major benefit of cloud-based AEC is that the solution can be accessed on any operating system such as Windows, Apple, and Android (News - Alert). The information stored in the solution is centrally located so that the entire team can access it at any given point in time. Companies such as Autodesk provide cloud-based AEC services known as Autodesk BIM 360. GRAPHISOFT launched a newer version of cloud-based AEC solution known as GRAPHISOFT BIMx BIMcloud in November 2016. "The availability of new cloud-based AEC solutions will increase during the forecast period as many end-users have started realizing its benefits such as low maintenance cost, flexibility, and scalability of the solution," says Amrita. Need to improve construction quality AEC software is a vital part of modern-day construction planning. Architecture and designing firms are highly competitive. Buyers have several solutions available while buying an architecture rendering software, leading to high bargaining power for buyers. Clients demand high-quality construction to avoid building defects and accidents and to ensure that the structure is not vulnerable to physical damage. This is possible only with the use of proper and efficient architectural rendering software. The 3D feature of AEC software allows engineers and architects to check the quality of buildings at an early stage of the designing process. It allows engineers and architects to monitor, access, and identify any disparities between the proposed design and the real building. With this software, engineers and architects can take preventive measures, thus reducing the need for repairs. Browse Related Reports: Global Pre-engineered Building Market 2016-2020 Global Construction Management Software Market 2016-2020 Global Architectural Rendering Software Market 2016-2020 Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like IT hardware, cloud computing, and data center. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109005767/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Newell Brands Inc. designs, manufactures, sources, and distributes consumer and commercial products worldwide. It operates in five segments: Commercial Solutions, Home Appliances, Home Solutions, Learning and Development, and Outdoor and Recreation. The Commercial Solutions segment provides commercial cleaning and maintenance solutions; closet and garage organization products; hygiene systems and material handling solutions; and home and security, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms products under the BRK, First Alert, Mapa, Quickie, Rubbermaid, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, and Spontex brands. The Home Appliances segment offers kitchen appliances under the Crock-Pot, Mr. Coffee, Oster, and Sunbeam brands. The Home Solutions segment provides food and home storage; fresh preserving; vacuum sealing; and gourmet cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and home fragrance products under the Ball, Calphalon, Chesapeake Bay Candle, FoodSaver, Rubbermaid, Sistema, WoodWick, and Yankee Candle brands. The Learning and Development segment offers writing instruments, including markers and highlighters, pens, and pencils; art products; activity-based adhesive and cutting products; labeling solutions; and baby gear and infant care products under the Aprica, Baby Jogger, Graco, NUK, Tigex, Dymo, Elmer's, EXPO, Graco, Mr. Sketch, NUK, Paper Mate, Parker, Prismacolor, Sharpie, Waterman, and X-Acto brands. The Outdoor and Recreation segment provides outdoor and outdoor-related products under the Campingaz, Coleman, Contigo, ExOfficio, and Marmot brands. It serves warehouse clubs, department and drug/grocery stores, mass merchants, home centers, office superstores and supply stores, contract stationers, and distributors, e-commerce, sporting goods, specialty, and travel retailers. The company was formerly known as Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and changed its name to Newell Brands Inc. in April 2016. Newell Brands Inc. was founded in 1903 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Allergan plc, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and commercializes branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical, and regenerative medicine products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: US Specialized Therapeutics, US General Medicine, and International. It offers a portfolio of products in various therapeutic areas, including medical aesthetics and dermatology, eye care, neuroscience, urology, gastrointestinal, women's health, and anti-infective therapeutic products. The company also offers breast implants and tissue expanders; and RM-131 (relamorelin), a peptide ghrelin agonist for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. In addition, it develops medical and cosmetic treatments; therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and other liver diseases; inhibitor for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders; atopic dermatitis drug candidate; peri-ocular rings for extended drug delivery and reducing elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Further, the company develops RST-001, a novel gene therapy for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa; small molecule therapeutics for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases; topical medicines for fat reduction; and delivery system and botulinum toxin-based prescription products. It has collaboration, option, and license agreement with Lyndra, Inc.; and strategic alliance and option agreement with Editas Medicine, Inc. Allergan plc also has licensing agreements with Assembly Biosciences, Inc.; MedImmune; and Heptares Therapeutics, Ltd. The company was formerly known as Actavis plc and changed its name to Allergan plc in June 2015. Allergan plc was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. [January 09, 2017] Moderna Provides Pipeline and Full-Year Corporate Update Moderna Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company that is pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) Therapeutics to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients, provided a business update today at the 35th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, Calif. Moderna's Chief Executive Officer, Stephane Bancel, highlighted the company's current development pipeline, which includes 12 mRNA development candidates (DCs), including vaccines and therapeutics across three therapeutic areas: infectious diseases, immuno-oncology and cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies for five of the DCs are now underway in the U.S., Europe and Australia. Among these is Moderna's Zika mRNA vaccine, mRNA-1325, which the company progressed from idea to first-in-human study in 12 months. Moderna has filed two additional investigational new drug (IND) applications with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA); one of these INDs is now open and the other was filed in late December 2016. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109006270/en/ Moderna Provides Pipeline and Full-Year Corporate Update (Graphic: Business Wire). "With clinical studies underway for five medicines, 332 healthy subjects dosed thus far, and seven additional development candidates advancing to the clinic, we have rapidly pivoted from a discovery company to a development company with a pipeline of unusual breadth and depth. Moderna is at an inflection point," said Stephane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "We've invested heavily in our mRNA platform, research engine and early development engine to build the world's leading mRNA company. With this infrastructure in place, we are now able to advance high-quality mRNA medicines with a breadth, speed and scale not common in our industry. Among our 2016 highlights, we are particularly proud that we were able to move our Zika mRNA vaccine candidate from initial concept to clinical study in just 12 months in response to the urgent need for a safe and effective Zika vaccine. I want to thank the Moderna team and our partners for their significant achievements over the past year to advance the promise of mRNA medicines for patients." A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed in the Newsroom section of Moderna's website at modernatx.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on Moderna's website for at least 30 days following the presentation. MODERNA'S mRNA DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE - OVERVIEW AND DC HIGHLIGHTS Modality-Centric Approach mRNA is a fundamental component of human biology and, used as a drug, directs cells in the body to produce proteins to fight or prevent disease. Moderna combines elements of its mRNA platform into distinct approaches, called modalities, to address diseases. Moderna is advancing multiple modalities, which are technological solution sets that can be deployed to create a family of medicines for different diseases within one therapeutic area, and often across therapeutic areas. Moderna's current DCs utilize two of the company's modalities: vaccines and localized therapeutics. The vaccines modality is being applied to advance mRNA-based viral vaccines for multiple infectious diseases, as well as mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines. Both the viral vaccines and personalized cancer vaccines are delivered via intramuscular (IM) injection. The localized therapeutics modality is being applied to advance mRNA-based immuno-oncology therapeutics, delivered via intratumoral (iTu) injection, as well as mRNA-based therapeutics for cardiovascular disease and other ischemic vascular diseases. Other modalities Moderna is pursuing in discovery include intravenous (IV) systemic therapeutics, IV liver therapeutics and inhaled pulmonary therapeutics. Moderna's development pipeline includes the use of in-licensed delivery technologies as well as proprietary, next-generation delivery technologies. Development Candidates (DCs) - By Modality and Therapeutic Application Vaccines Modality (IM Injection) Therapeutic Application #1 - Infectious Diseases/Viral Vaccines mRNA-1440 and mRNA-1851 - Enabling rapid assessment of platform safety and efficacy Moderna strategically selected its first two DCs with the goal of quickly assessing both the safety and efficacy of its mRNA platform in humans. These two DCs target influenza strains with pandemic potential: mRNA-1440 for influenza A subtype H10N8 and mRNA-1851 for influenza A subtype H7N9. Because these strains are not circulating in the general population where the trials are taking place (the U.S. and Germany), Moderna is able to study the efficacy of its vaccine technology in naive patient populations. Therefore, antibodies present in subjects' blood after treatment with mRNA-1440 and mRNA-1851 are likely attributed to Moderna's vaccines and not to active immunity as a result of previous exposure to the virus. To strengthen the quality of its clinical research, Moderna has conducted these trials with 25 percent of healthy subjects getting placebo. In addition, studying these influenza strains is allowing Moderna to measure vaccine efficacy against a well-understood endpoint, the hemagglutination inhibition assay, or HAI. HAI is used by FDA and World Health Organization (WHO) to measure how well antibodies bind to and inactivate an influenza virus. Vaccines demonstrating titers of 1:40 are considered effective in reducing the risk for influenza infection and are, thus, approved as seasonal flu vaccines. mRNA-1440 - Influenza A virus subtype H10N8 vaccine: Influenza A subtype H10N8 has infected three people in China in 2013, resulting in two deaths. If H10N8 were to become a pandemic, there is no approved vaccine. A Phase 1 study of healthy volunteers conducted in Europe has completed enrollment, with a total of 201 subjects enrolled. The study remains active, with subjects continuing to be followed. Moderna plans to publish topline study findings in 2017 and complete findings in 2018 upon completion of the study and full data analysis. Influenza A subtype H10N8 has infected three people in China in 2013, resulting in two deaths. If H10N8 were to become a pandemic, there is no approved vaccine. A Phase 1 study of healthy volunteers conducted in Europe has completed enrollment, with a total of 201 subjects enrolled. The study remains active, with subjects continuing to be followed. Moderna plans to publish topline study findings in 2017 and complete findings in 2018 upon completion of the study and full data analysis. mRNA-1851 - Influenza A virus subtype H7N9 vaccine: Influenza A subtype H7N9 has a high potential of becoming a pandemic. More than 600 cases have been reported to date in China, with a mortality rate of approximately one in three people infected. There is no approved vaccine against this strain. A Phase 1 study of healthy volunteers is underway in the U.S., with 104 healthy volunteers dosed to date. mRNA MRK-1777 - Viral vaccine for undisclosed indication: This viral vaccine is a Merck-partnered program. Under the terms of the collaboration and license agreement Moderna announced with Merck in 2015, Moderna is conducting a Phase 1 study of mRNA MRK-1777 in healthy volunteers, which is underway in Australia. mRNA-1388 - Chikungunya virus vaccine: Chikungunya typically causes mild fever and transient joint pain. In approximately 15 percent of infected patients, it can cause long-term, severe arthritis. Chikungunya historically has been limited to warmer climates in Asia and Africa, but recent cases have been identified in the Americas and Europe. There is no approved vaccine for Chikungunya. Development of mRNA-1388 is funded through an award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense. An IND application for mRNA-1388 has been filed with the FDA. mRNA-1325 - Zika virus vaccine: The Zika virus is a rapidly emerging pandemic with potential long-term public health implications. Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitos, but can also be transmitted sexually. Children born to mothers infected with Zika can develop microcephaly, a severe disease characterized by small, not fully developed heads and severe disabilities. Recent data shows that 42 percent of Zika-infected pregnancies result in structural brain damage to the baby. Zika is also thought to cause the autoimmune condition Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. There is no treatment or approved vaccine for Zika. In response to the urgent global threat Zika presents, Moderna advanced mRNA-1325 from concept to first-in-human study in 12 months. A Phase 1/2 study is now enrolling healthy volunteers in the U.S. In September 2016, Moderna announced a funding award of up to $125 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to accelerate development of its Zika mRNA vaccine. To date, BARDA has granted $52 million of the award to Moderna to support its Phase 1 clinical study, toxicology studies, vaccine formulation and manufacturing. The agreement includes additional funding options up to $73 million to support Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical studies. mRNA-1706 - Zika virus vaccine (proprietary formulation): Moderna is advancing a second version of its Zika mRNA vaccine that contains the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) as the mRNA-1325 Zika mRNA vaccine, but utilizes one of the company's next generation, novel formulations, V1GL. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology studies are currently underway for mRNA-1706. mRNA-1647 - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine: CMV leads to severe disease in two populations: newborns and transplant patients. CMV is the most common cause of newborn disability, leading to deafness, microcephaly (small, not fully developed heads and severe disabilities), vision loss and mental deficiencies, among other serious complications. It is also the most frequent viral disease in transplant recipients, often leading to transplant failure. There is no approved vaccine for CMV. The majority of neutralizing antibodies the body produces to fight CMV infection are against the CMV Pentamer complex, which consists of five proteins (gH, gL, UL128, UL130 and UL131A). Producing the CMV Pentamer recombinantly has proven very difficult. There has been no success to date developing a CMV vaccine. Moderna's mRNA platform has afforded the company the ability to rationally design a CMV vaccine that is capable of expressing the CMV Pentamer; the five components of the Pentamer are designed to act as a single antigen. mRNA-1647 combines six mRNAs to express the CMV Pentamer and another CMV antigen, the herpesvirus glycoprotein (gB) proten. mRNA-1653 - Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and Parainfluenza virus (PIV3) vaccine: Most children have been infected at least once with both HMPV and PIV3 by age five. These viruses typically cause mild respiratory illness, but can become severe in young children, the elderly and other immunocompromised adults. HMPV and PIV3 are the second and third most common causes, respectively, of lower respiratory hospitalizations in children, behind RSV. There is no approved vaccine for either HMPV or PIV3. mRNA-1653 combines mRNAs encoding for viral antigens associated with both HMPV and PIV3. Vaccines Modality (IM Injection) Therapeutic Application #2 - Personalized Cancer Vaccines mRNA-4157 - Personalized Cancer Vaccines: Moderna, in partnership with Merck, is developing an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine to prime the immune system to recognize cancer cells and mount a strong, tailored response to each individual patient's cancer. Moderna will identify neoantigens present in each patient's specific tumor and will create a personalized vaccine encoding for approximately 20 unique neoantigens. When injected into the body, the mRNA directs cells to produce and express these neoantigens. In turn, this activates the immune system to better recognize and destroy the cancer cells. Moderna's mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine has the potential to be synergistic with checkpoint inhibitor therapies, including its partner Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab). Leveraging its rapid cycle time, small-batch manufacturing technique and digital infrastructure, Moderna plans to manufacture and supply its personalized cancer vaccines tailored to individual patients within weeks. Localized Therapeutics Modality Therapeutic Application #1 - Immuno-Oncology Therapeutics (Intratumoral, or iTu, Injection) mRNA-2416 - OX40L Immunotherapy: OX40 Ligand, or OX40L, is a powerful co-stimulatory protein that enhances the expansion, function and survival of T cells to mount an attack against cancer cells. Moderna is investigating the potential effect of iTu injection of mRNA encoding for the OX40L protein into a tumor. When mRNA-2416 is delivered directly into a tumor, cells in the tumor express the OX40 ligand protein on their surface, which, in turn, may lead to a stronger T cell attack against the tumor. Additionally, Moderna is investigating the potential for mRNA-2416 to elicit an abscopal effect in metastatic cancer, in which localized injection into one tumor would lead not only to shrinking of that tumor but also shrinking of tumors elsewhere in the body. Combining mRNA-2416 with a checkpoint inhibitor may improve outcomes from cancer therapy. An IND for mRNA-2416 has been filed with the FDA. mRNA-2905 - IL-12 Immunotherapy: Interleukin 12, or IL-12, is a powerful cytokine that activates the immune system after being released from cells. Moderna, in partnership with AstraZeneca, is investigating the potential effect of iTu injection of mRNA encoding for the IL-12 protein. When mRNA-2905 is delivered directly into a tumor, cells in the tumor express IL-12 at a high concentration in the local microenvironment, which, in turn, may lead to a stronger T cell attack against the tumor. By expressing IL-12 locally, systemic side effects that previously have been seen from delivery of IL-12 protein into the blood may be more manageable. Moderna is also investigating the potential of mRNA-2905 to elicit an abscopal effect in metastatic cancer, in which localized injection into one tumor would lead not only to shrinking of that tumor but also shrinking of tumors elsewhere in the body. Combining mRNA-2905 with a checkpoint inhibitor may improve outcomes from cancer therapy. mRNA-2905 is being developed through a collaboration Moderna announced in early 2016 with AstraZeneca to discover, co-develop and co-commercialize immuno-oncology mRNA therapeutics. Under the terms of the agreement, Moderna is leading discovery efforts and preclinical development, and AstraZeneca will oversee early clinical development (led by MedImmune). GLP toxicology studies are currently underway for mRNA-2905. Moderna and AstraZeneca will share the costs of late-stage clinical development. The two companies will co-commercialize resulting products in the U.S. under a 50:50 profit sharing arrangement. Localized Therapeutics Modality Therapeutic Application #2 - Cardiovascular Therapeutics (Intracardiac Injection) mRNA AZD-8601 - VEGF-A: mRNA AZD-8601 is an investigational mRNA-based therapy being developed by AstraZeneca that encodes for vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Using mRNA to initiate a strong, local and transient surge of VEGF-A expression could help overcome challenges associated with previous approaches to regulate this protein in tissues. When directed via local tissue injection, VEGF-A mRNA may potentially lead to the creation of more blood vessels and improved blood supply. mRNA AZD-8601 could one day provide a unique regenerative treatment option for patients with heart failure or after a heart attack, as well as for diabetic wound healing and other ischemic vascular diseases. A Phase 1 safety study is currently enrolling patients in Europe. This study is a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study in male patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, performed at a single study center. This study is an essential first step to proving the clinical value of mRNA VEGF-A expression in cardiometabolic diseases. 2016 BUSINESS UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS 2016 Partnerships Immuno-Oncology Collaboration with AstraZeneca: In January, Moderna announced a new collaboration with AstraZeneca to discover, co-develop and co-commercialize immuno-oncology mRNA therapeutic candidates. The collaboration is in addition to the exclusive agreement announced by the companies in 2013 to develop mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases as well as selected targets in oncology. In January, Moderna announced a new collaboration with AstraZeneca to discover, co-develop and co-commercialize immuno-oncology mRNA therapeutic candidates. The collaboration is in addition to the exclusive agreement announced by the companies in 2013 to develop mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases as well as selected targets in oncology. Inclusion of New Infectious Disease Vaccine Program with Merck: In January, Moderna announced that Merck licensed a vaccine program against an undisclosed viral target, including mRNA 1566 and a set of related novel vaccine candidates, as part of the ongoing collaboration between the companies. The inclusion of this new program, which was not part of the original collaboration agreement, follows the rapid progress made in the first year of the collaboration. In January, Moderna announced that Merck licensed a vaccine program against an undisclosed viral target, including mRNA 1566 and a set of related novel vaccine candidates, as part of the ongoing collaboration between the companies. The inclusion of this new program, which was not part of the original collaboration agreement, follows the rapid progress made in the first year of the collaboration. Global Health Partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Moderna also announced in January a partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance the development of a novel, affordable combination of mRNA-based antibody therapeutics to help prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The global health partnership has the potential for follow-on projects to develop additional mRNA-based projects for various infectious diseases. Moderna also announced in January a partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance the development of a novel, affordable combination of mRNA-based antibody therapeutics to help prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The global health partnership has the potential for follow-on projects to develop additional mRNA-based projects for various infectious diseases. Personalized Cancer Vaccines Collaboration with Merck: In June, Moderna announced a new strategic collaboration with Merck to advance novel mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) for the treatment of multiple types of cancer. The collaboration will leverage Moderna's rapid cycle time, small-batch manufacturing and digital infrastructure to supply vaccines tailored to individual patients within weeks. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck made an upfront cash payment to Moderna of $200 million, which Moderna is using to lead all research and development efforts through proof of concept. In June, Moderna announced a new strategic collaboration with Merck to advance novel mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) for the treatment of multiple types of cancer. The collaboration will leverage Moderna's rapid cycle time, small-batch manufacturing and digital infrastructure to supply vaccines tailored to individual patients within weeks. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck made an upfront cash payment to Moderna of $200 million, which Moderna is using to lead all research and development efforts through proof of concept. Research Collaboration with Vertex (News - Alert) in Cystic Fibrosis: In July, Moderna announced an exclusive research collaboration and licensing agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to discover and develop mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). The three-year collaboration will focus on the use of mRNA therapeutics, administered via pulmonary delivery, to treat the underlying cause of CF by enabling cells in the lungs to produce functional copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, which is known to be defective in people with CF. In July, Moderna announced an exclusive research collaboration and licensing agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to discover and develop mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). The three-year collaboration will focus on the use of mRNA therapeutics, administered via pulmonary delivery, to treat the underlying cause of CF by enabling cells in the lungs to produce functional copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, which is known to be defective in people with CF. BARDA Funding Award for Zika mRNA Vaccine: In September, Moderna announced that it had received a BARDA funding award of up to $125 million for mRNA-1325, an investigational Zika vaccine. To date, BARDA has granted $52 million of the award to Moderna to support its Phase 1 clinical study, toxicology studies, vaccine formulation and manufacturing. The agreement includes options for additional funding up to $73 million to support Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical studies. 2016 Infrastructure Investments and Achievements Build-out of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) mRNA Clinical Manufacturing Facility: In September, Moderna announced the build-out of a state-of-the-art GMP clinical manufacturing facility to support its growing number of clinical programs. Moderna is making an initial investment of $110 million to build out the 200,000-square-foot facility, located in Norwood, Mass. The facility will enable the manufacture, quality, control and supply of clinical grade mRNA therapies and vaccines for GLP toxicology studies as well as Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies. At the site, which is expected to open in mid-2018, Moderna will carry out fully integrated manufacturing activities-from raw material production to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), formulation, filling and finish. In September, Moderna announced the build-out of a state-of-the-art GMP clinical manufacturing facility to support its growing number of clinical programs. Moderna is making an initial investment of $110 million to build out the 200,000-square-foot facility, located in Norwood, Mass. The facility will enable the manufacture, quality, control and supply of clinical grade mRNA therapies and vaccines for GLP toxicology studies as well as Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies. At the site, which is expected to open in mid-2018, Moderna will carry out fully integrated manufacturing activities-from raw material production to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), formulation, filling and finish. Continued Expansion of Internal Expertise: Key Leadership Hires: In October, Moderna welcomed two key senior additions. Bolstering its scientific team, the company appointed Melissa Moore, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer of its mRNA Research Platform. Previously a member of Moderna's Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Moore joined Moderna from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), where she served as Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Eleanor Eustis Farrington Chair in Cancer Research and Investigator at the Howard Hughes (News - Alert) Medical Institute (HHMI). In addition, Moderna appointed Annie Seibold Drapeau as Chief Human Resources Officer. Most recently an Operating Partner at Bain Capital Private Equity, Ms. Drapeau is leading Moderna's talent and organizational strategy to support its continued growth and advancement of its mRNA pipeline. Growth across the Organization: In 2016, Moderna expanded its headcount from approximately 325 to more than 500 team members. Ranked Third Top Employer in Biopharma Industry by Science: For the second consecutive year, Moderna was named among the industry's best employers by Science and Science Careers' annual Top Employer survey. Moderna ranked #3 this year, moving up four spots from the 2015 Top Employer survey. The survey polls employees across the globe in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical and related industries to rate companies on various key characteristics to arrive at a list of the 20 best employers. For the second consecutive year, Moderna was named among the industry's best employers by and Careers' annual Top Employer survey. Moderna ranked #3 this year, moving up four spots from the 2015 Top Employer survey. The survey polls employees across the globe in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical and related industries to rate companies on various key characteristics to arrive at a list of the 20 best employers. Recognized by The Boston Globe in its 2016 Top Places to Work Feature: Moderna was recognized by The Boston Globe as one of the top employers in Massachusetts in its annual Top Places to Work feature. Among the hundreds of life sciences companies in Mass., Moderna was only one of six companies from the pharmaceutical / biopharmaceutical and life science categories included in this year's Top Places to Work list. Moderna was recognized by The Boston Globe as one of the top employers in Massachusetts in its annual Top Places to Work feature. Among the hundreds of life sciences companies in Mass., Moderna was only one of six companies from the pharmaceutical / biopharmaceutical and life science categories included in this year's Top Places to Work list. Transitioned to SAP (News - Alert) for Finance Business Processes: At the end of 2016, Moderna took another important step toward becoming a fully digital biotech company with the implementation of SAP for finance business processes and materials receiving. The roll-out of a highly integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is a critical component of preparing for the launch of Moderna's Norwood, Mass., GMP clinical manufacturing facility. The deployment of SAP will enable Moderna to scale as a company, efficiently and in an integrated fashion, as it advances its mission to deliver a new generation of transformative medicines for patients. 2016 Financials Strengthened Balance Sheet with New Equity Financing: In September, Moderna announced the close of a $474 million equity financing, which included strong support from existing institutional investors, pharmaceutical partners and new institutional investors from the U.S., Europe and Asia. Granted First Two Tranches of BARDA Funding for Zika mRNA Vaccine: In September 2016, Moderna announced a funding award of up to $125 million from BARDA to accelerate development of its Zika mRNA vaccine. To date, BARDA has granted $52 million of the $125 million award to Moderna to support its Phase 1 clinical study, toxicology studies, vaccine formulation and manufacturing. This includes the granting of an initial $8 million in September and in December the granting of a second, tranche of $44 million. In September 2016, Moderna announced a funding award of up to $125 million from BARDA to accelerate development of its Zika mRNA vaccine. To date, BARDA has granted $52 million of the $125 million award to Moderna to support its Phase 1 clinical study, toxicology studies, vaccine formulation and manufacturing. This includes the granting of an initial $8 million in September and in December the granting of a second, tranche of $44 million. Over $1 Billion in Cash Inflows and Available Grants in 2016: In addition to the $474 million equity financing, Moderna received $36 million in reimbursement and product milestones from its collaborators. Also, upfront payments from new collaborations signed in 2016, plus a technical milestone from an existing collaboration, brought in $290 million. When considered with the $225 million in potentially available funding from grants and awards from foundations and government agencies, Moderna accessed over $1 billion of cash and available grants during the year. In addition to the $474 million equity financing, Moderna received $36 million in reimbursement and product milestones from its collaborators. Also, upfront payments from new collaborations signed in 2016, plus a technical milestone from an existing collaboration, brought in $290 million. When considered with the $225 million in potentially available funding from grants and awards from foundations and government agencies, Moderna accessed over $1 billion of cash and available grants during the year. Strong Cash Position Affords Several Years of Runway: As of December 31, 2016, Moderna had $1.307 billion in cash, as compared to $802 million as of December 31, 2015. This affords Moderna several years of runway to support its continued growth and pipeline acceleration. As of December 31, 2016, Moderna had $1.307 billion in cash, as compared to $802 million as of December 31, 2015. This affords Moderna several years of runway to support its continued growth and pipeline acceleration. Investments in the Business: Moderna's gross cash investment in the business totaled approximately $300 million in operating expense and capital expenditures. Net of reimbursements and product milestones, approximately $260 million of cash was used for operating expense and capital expenditures. "In 2017, we will remain focused on progressing our current development candidates to and through the clinic; discovering and bringing forth additional mRNA medicines as new development candidates; and continuing to invest heavily in our mRNA platform as well as the build-out of our GMP clinical manufacturing facility in Norwood, Mass. We also look forward to begin publishing data on our clinical programs as well as key insights related to our platform," said Stephane Bancel, Moderna's Chief Executive Officer. "And we will continue to invest in building our team and working diligently to ensure that our employees continue to feel inspired and empowered every day to innovate and drive impact for patients." About Moderna Therapeutics Moderna is a clinical stage pioneer of messenger RNA Therapeutics, an entirely new in vivo drug technology that directs the body's cells to produces human proteins, antibodies and entirely novel protein constructs, which are in turn secreted or active intracellularly. With its breakthrough platform, Moderna is developing mRNA vaccines and therapeutics to address currently undruggable targets and deliver a new class of medicines for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Moderna is developing and plans to commercialize its innovative mRNA medicines for infectious diseases, cancer (immuno-oncology), rare diseases, cardiovascular disease and pulmonary disease, through its ecosystem of internal ventures and strategic partners. Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., privately held Moderna currently has strategic agreements with AstraZeneca, Merck, Alexion Pharmaceuticals and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, as well as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense; the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. To learn more, visit www.modernatx.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109006270/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand. The company also provides home decor products under the West Elm brand; kids accessories under the Pottery Barn Kids brand; and an organic bedding to multi-purpose furniture under the Pottery Barn Teen brand. In addition, it offers made-to-order lighting, hardware, furniture, and home decors inspired by history under the Rejuvenation brand; and women's and men's accessories, travel, entertaining and bar, home decor, and seasonal items under the Mark and Graham brand, as well as operates a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and decor industry. The company markets its products through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs, and retail stores. It operates 544 stores comprising 502 stores in 41states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico; 20 stores in Canada; 19 stores in Australia; 3 stores in the United Kingdom; and 139 franchised stores, as well as e-commerce websites in various countries in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and India. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. 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Ltd., PPG Italia Business Support S.r.l., PPG Italia Sales & Services S.r.l., PPG Japan Ltd., PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes Canada LP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.K. LLP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.S. LLC, PPG Luxembourg Finance S.aR.L., PPG Luxembourg Holdings S.aR.L., PPG Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Packaging Coatings (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Paints Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Performance Coatings (Hong Kong) Limited, PPG Powder Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Refinish Distribution Limited, PPG Romania S.A., PPG Reunion SAS, PPG SSC Co. Ltd., PPG Switzerland GmbH, PPG Trilak Korlatolt FelelosseguTarasasag (PPG Trilak Kft.), PPG Vietnam Co. Ltd., PRC-DeSoto Australia Pty Ltd., PRC-DeSoto International Inc., PT. PPG Coatings Indonesia, Painter's Supply, Paintzen, Peintures de Paris SAS, Plasticos Envolventes S.A. de C.V., Polymeric Systems Inc., ProCoatings B.V., ProCoatings BV, Protec Pty Ltd, Reno A&E LLC, Revocoat France SAS, Revocoat Holding SAS, Revocoat Iberica SLU, Revocoat S.A.S, Road Infrastructure Investment Holdings Inc., SEM Products Inc., Sealants Europe SAS, Sierracin Corporation, Sierracin/Sylmar Corporation, Sigma Marine & Protective Coatings Holding B.V., SigmaKalon (BC) UK Limited, SigmaKalon Group, Sikar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Spraylat International Ltd, Texstars LLC, The Crown Group Co., The Crown Group Inc, The Homax Group, Tikkurila Group, Tikkurila Oyj, Tikkurila Sverige AB, Traffic Safety Intermediate LLC, Traffic Safety Parent LLC, VF Specialty Products LLC, Vanex Inc., Vernisol S.p.A., VersaFlex Acquisition Corp., VersaFlex Inc., VersaFlex Intermediate Holdings LLC, Versaflex, Viasa S.A. de C.V., Whitford, Whitford B.V., Whitford Corporation, Whitford Jiangmen Ltd., Whitford Ltd. (HK), Whitford Ltd. (UK), Whitford Pte. Ltd., Whitford S.r.l., Whitford Worldwide Company LLC, and Worwag Coatings. Read More VeriFone Systems, Inc. provides payments and commerce solutions at the point of sale (POS) worldwide. It offers countertop solutions that accept payment options, including contactless, NFC, mobile wallets, and EMV; PIN pads that support credit and debit card, EBT, EMV, and other PIN-based transactions; and multilane consumer facing commerce devices. It also provides portable payment devices, including small, portable, and handheld devices that enable merchants to accept electronic payments wherever wireless connectivity is available; and mobile solutions that attach to and interface with iOS or Android based smartphones and tablets. In addition, it offers integrated electronic payment systems that combine electronic payment processing, fuel dispensing, and ECR functions, as well as secure payment systems for integration with petroleum pump controllers; unattended and self-service payment solutions designed to enable payment transactions in self-service, high-transaction volume, and public transportation environments; and network access solutions. Further, it provides installation, deployment, training, and application development and delivery solutions; project management, client education program, and consulting services; helpdesk support, equipment repair and maintenance, and software post-contract support services; and application libraries and development tools. Additionally, it offers omnichannel commerce, terminal management, and security solutions; and cloud-based managed, transaction payment, and other value added services. It sells its products directly; and through third party and channel partners. It serves financial institutions, payment processors, government organizations, and retailers; petroleum, transportation, and healthcare companies; and quick service restaurants. The company was formerly known as VeriFone Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to VeriFone Systems, Inc. in May 2010. VeriFone Systems, Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, California. BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California. [January 10, 2017] KDX shows off Glasses-free 3D Products at CES LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest and most influential consumer electronics tradeshow in the world, was held January 5-8, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. More than 4000 world-famous companies including Huawei and Microsoft participated in the tradeshow, which attracted more than 160,000 visitors. The world-famous polymer material company and glasses-free 3D industry leader Kangdexin (KDX) had a solid showing at CES, building a large exhibition stand on site to show its glasses-free 3D products, smart magic mirrors and TouchFound series. KDX's large stand was located at 36400#, South No.4 Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center. Themed as "We bring reality", KDX vividly and clearly showed its core technologies and innovation achievements. At CES, KDX presented its new-tech products and achievements in 9 categories, boasting a stand full of "technical sense and modernization sense". On the first day of CES, KDX stand was visited by a large number of both clients and visitors. Executives from world-famous companies like Kodak, Huawei, ZTE, Lenovo, Qualcomm, HP, Skyworth,Changhong, Google, Toshiba, TCL, IGT, KOHLS, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and Unowth visited the KDX stand, and expressed their interest in KDX glasses-free solutions and large-format touch screens, further discussing commercial cooperation and plans to strengthen cooperation in this field. (Figure 3: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) Executives from Google visited the Kangdexin booth. Among 9 categories of products shown by KDX at CES were the world's largest 3*3*55" glasses-free 3D video wall, the world's largest 85" single-screen glasses-free 3D TV set, third-generation glasses-free 3D switchable lenticular products laptops and PAD, as well as Internet-based products like smart magic mirror and TouchFound. (Figure 4: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX 3*3*55" glasses-free 3D video wall (Figure 5: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX glasses-free 3D products series KDX third-generation glasses-free 3D solutions highlight multiview, 2D/3D switchability, excellent 3D imaging quality, 2D definition loss-free, 2D depth format and depth adjustability. The integration of an eye tracking algorithm ensures perfect stereoscopic display effect, and the latest XYZ weaving technology allows viewers to watch 3D at a short distance without any dizziness. (Figure 6: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX's latest XYZ weaving technology (Figure 7: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_how/id/267.html) (Figure 8: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX interactive glasses-free 3D solutions As the revolutionary technology in the consumer electronics industry, the third-generation technology demonstrates KDX's domination in glasses-free 3D field, and also points out the direction for the industry in China or even the world. (Figure 9: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX smart touch screen (Figure 10: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX's world-largest 98" capacitive touch screen KDX smart magic mirror is a smart product combining magic mirror and APP. Integrating body scanning, body fatness estimation and face recognition into human body 3D modeling algorithm, KDX smart magic mirror highlights 1080P ultra HD display and world-class antioxidant electroplated HD mirror surface. The smart magic mirror records family logs, provides customized health schemes and personalized fashion consulting; and can reshape the service scenario via providing users with gymnasium and boutique health data management and smart mirror surface interaction, so as to offer professional health interaction solutions for the health industry. (Figure 11: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX smart magic mirror TouchFound is a smart selling machine, adopting a 55" HD touch screen, Intel+Win platform architecture and industrial-grade 4G router, and push slideway + pantilt design, realizing full-range good sales. Moreover, TouchFound provides a smart interaction system, offering users management tools to set up goods, channels, pictures, advertising and payment. Its built-in industry-leading large-format touch UI and UE programs ensures an exemplary user experience. (Figure 12: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX TouchFound Wu Sheng, the co-founder of Logic Thinking and the presenter of scenario revolution theory, says: "globalization is here to stay. As the new material technology leader, KDX partners with world-leading technical giant by virtue of its powerful independent innovation strength and patent accumulation. With commercialization capability to form its structural advantage in the world, this company is equipped to flourish in the smart era." At CES, KDX and Royal Philips signed a strategic agreement to execute strategic cooperation in the glasses-free 3D field. According to the agreement, the parties will jointly develop technologies, share patent pools, and mutually license and share each other's intellectual properties. Philips exclusively licenses its glasses-free 3D IP rights to KDX in mainland China as well as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. (Figure 13: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) KDX and Philips strategic partnership press release "Strategically, this sole license will enable KDX to maximize our high volume industrialization of the technology and bring a broad product range to the market, further strengthening KDX's technology and market position in the glasses-free 3D field," says Mr. Zhong Yu, the board chairman of KDX. Jako Eleveld, the head of intellectual property license at Philips, says: "Our licensed scope covers all glasses-free 3D IPs owned by Philips and KDX. This partnership establishes a solid foundation for our long-term cooperation in the future." KDX's state-of-the-art exhibits were a hit at CES, attracting attention from both domestic and foreign media. Reporters from mainstream media like NBC, Bloomberg, Tencent, Sohu, Netease and Caijing Magazine visited the KDX stand for on-site experiences, and interviewed Mr. Zhong Yu, the board chairman, and Ms. Xu Shu, CEO of KDX Group to learn more about KDX series products and the company's development strategy. (Figure 14: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) Bloomberg interviewed Zhong Yu, the board chairman of KDX (Figure 15: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) China Daily interviewed Xu Shu, CEO of KDX (Figure 16: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) Digital Review interviewed Zhang Biao, executive vice president of KDX 3D business group and Liu Gang, executive vice president of KDX application business group (Figure 17: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) Chinese media interviewed Zhong Yu, the board chairman and Xu Shu, CEO of KDX At CES, KDX was visited by representatives of the relevant government departments. Wu Shengwu, the vice director of Electronic Information Division, Li Ying, the director of Software Division, and Shang Chao, the chief of Information Communication Unit of Electronic Information Division, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, paid a special visit to the KDX stand, praising KDX's achievements and efforts in glasses-free 3D and large-format touch. Wu Shengwu expressed that MIIT Electronic Information Division will continually support leading innovators like KDX, and continually develop the emerging display technologies. Li Ying also expressed the MIIT Software Division's support for KDX in the emerging display field. (Figure 18: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html) Wu Shengwu, the vice director of MIIT Electronic Information Division, Li Ying, the director of MIIT Software Division, and Shang Chao, the chief of Information Communication Unit of MIIT Electronic Information Division visited the KDX stand CES 2017 makes KDX glasses-free 3D and large-format touch business further globalized. KDX has developed from a materials manufacturer to an eco-operator, from B2B to B2C, from heavy assets to light assets, from industrial management to eco-operation, making this company even more competitive and providing it with an even larger development range. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kdx-shows-off-glasses-free-3d-products-at-ces-300388354.html SOURCE KDX [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., an offshore energy services company, provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry primarily in Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, the Asia Pacific, and West Africa regions. The company operates through three segments: Well Intervention, Robotics, and Production Facilities. It engages in the installation of flowlines, control umbilicals, and manifold assemblies and risers; trenching and burial of pipelines; installation and tie-in of riser and manifold assembly; commissioning, testing, and inspection activities; and provision of cable and umbilical lay, and connection services. The company also provides well intervention, intervention engineering, and production enhancement services; inspection, repair, and maintenance of production structures, trees, jumpers, risers, pipelines, and subsea equipment; and related support services. In addition, it offers reclamation and remediation services; well plug and abandonment services; pipeline abandonment services; and site inspections. Additionally, the company offers oil and natural gas processing facilities and services; and fast response system, as well as site clearance and subsea support services. It serves independent oil and gas producers and suppliers, pipeline transmission companies, renewable energy companies, and offshore engineering and construction firms. The company was formerly known as Cal Dive International, Inc. and changed its name to Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. in March 2006. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. operates as a branded consumer products company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Home and Personal Care; Global Pet Care; and Home and Garden. The Home and Personal Care segment provides home appliances under the Black & Decker, Russell Hobbs, George Foreman, Toastmaster, Juiceman, Farberware, and Breadman brands; and personal care products under the Remington and LumaBella brands. The Global Pet Care segment provides rawhide chewing, dog and cat clean-up and food, training, health and grooming, small animal food and care, and rawhide-free products under the 8IN1 (8-in-1), Dingo, Nature's Miracle, Wild Harvest, Littermaid, Jungle, Excel, FURminator, IAMS, Eukanuba, Healthy-Hide, DreamBone, SmartBones, ProSense, Perfect Coat, eCOTRITION, Birdola, Good Boy, Meowee!, Wildbird, and Wafcol brands. This segment also offers aquarium kits, stand-alone tanks, and aquatics equipment and consumables under the Tetra, Marineland, Whisper, Instant Ocean, GloFish, OmegaOne, and OmegaSea brands. The Home and Garden segment provides outdoor insect and weed control solutions, and animal repellents under the Spectracide, Garden Safe, Liquid Fence, and EcoLogic brands; household pest control solutions under the Hot Shot, Black Flag, Real-Kill, Ultra Kill, The Ant Trap, and Rid-A-Bug brand names; household surface cleaning, maintenance, and restoration products, including bottled liquids, mops, wipes, and markers under the Rejuvenate brand name; and personal-use pesticides and insect repellent products under the Cutter and Repel brands. The company sells its products through retailers, e-commerce and online retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin. [January 10, 2017] New York City Law Department Chooses Logikcull, Punctuating Government-Wide Embrace of Legal Intelligence for Litigation and Open Records Response Joining a wave of government law departments embracing the legal cloud as the challenges associated with litigation and open records response have grown more acute, New York City has selected Logikcull.com as a preferred provider to help it meet the growing demands of e-discovery and freedom of information. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005495/en/ Based in San Francisco, Logikcull, the leader in cloud-based Legal Intelligence, is increasingly the choice of state and local governments whose struggles with aging technology infrastructure, limited budgets, and paper-based workflows have pushed them toward powerfully simple solutions that are affordable, scalable and predictable. In Logikcull, the city's legal department finds a versatile, end-to-end platform that defensibly automates data processing associated with complex legal projects, and assists in organizing and reviewing that information so it can be quickly produced in legal cases and other forums. Amid an unprecedented upturn in hacking and data breach, Logikcull also provides a "closed-loop" hub for information, where all channels into and out of the platform are secured with bank-level encryption and all data is encrypted at rest. This is a stark contrast from norms in the legal industry whose practitioners typically transfer sensitive data via email, physical media or other insecure channels. New York's move to Logikcull comes as Governor Andrew Cuomo has vowed to make proposals that will better protect New Yorkers against cyber-attacks, in part by locking down areas traditionally vulnerable to intrusion. "As the volume and complexity of inforation multiplies by the second, city governments are coming under a tremendous amount of pressure to efficiently -- and securely -- manage data related to litigation and freedom of information laws," Logikcull CEO Andy Wilson said. "At a time when the stakes are higher than ever, we are honored to work with the City of New York to help it deliver just, timely and affordable outcomes to its many millions of constituents, and, by bringing more efficiency to its open records response, help it shine more light on the city's inner workings." New York joins other major cities across U.S. flocking to Legal Intelligence Confronted with the thorny reality of Big Data, public organizations are embracing the cloud in numbers, not just to manage the soaring volume of documents and information relevant to litigation, but to effectively sift through the enormous amounts of material potentially responsive to open records requests. Increasingly, they are turning to Logikcull, the San Francisco-based software company that is transforming the way governments, corporations and law firms are processing, searching, sharing and protecting data related to litigation and investigations. New York joins a broadening network of Logikcull customers in the public sector, including the Cities of Chicago, Boston, Baltimore and Portland. "As city and state governments increasingly feel the weight of budget uncertainty, and are tightening their belts, Logikcull offers a predictable model that allows organizations to lock in their costs to the penny," said Todd Eastman, Logikcull VP of Business Development. "Additionally, Logikcull customers typically see a cost reduction of more than 75 percent compared to traditional vendors, which will be a boon to the city's taxpayers and stakeholders." The City of New York, with more than 800 lawyers and 700 support staff, has by a significant margin the largest municipal legal department in the U.S. The Law Department represents the City, the Mayor, other elected officials, and the City's many agencies in all affirmative and defensive civil litigation as well as juvenile delinquency proceedings brought in Family Court and Administrative Code enforcement proceedings brought in Criminal Court. To learn more about legal intelligence, visit logikcull.com and watch the explainer video. About Logikcull Based in San Francisco, Logikcull is the leading provider of legal intelligence software. It is the only pure cloud-based solution for collaborative searching and sharing of information in litigation, investigations, due diligence, and M&A, and has become known for its powerfully simple platform that can be used by anyone anywhere at any time. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005495/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 10, 2017] EnerBank USA Launches Secure Mobile Loan App to Offer Even Greater Convenience and Faster Credit Decision Times EnerBank USA launched a mobile loan app to provide another convenient-and highly secure-choice in applying for its myriad of home improvement loans. The EnerBank Mobile App, available for iOS and Android (News - Alert) devices, is built with a state-of-the-art credit engine that reduces credit decision time to less than a minute, while still providing full access to EnerBank's quality lenders for consumers preferring to work with a live professional. "While our human touch has always been a key differentiator for EnerBank, today's highly mobile consumers-and the sales teams targeting them-are increasingly relying on mobile applications instead of phone calls for any number of personal and business purposes, including banking," EnerBank USA President & CEO Charles Knadler said. "The EnerBank Mobile App gives contractors the ability to offer the best of both worlds: the convenience of a secure, easy-to-use app for credit decisions in less than a minute as well as the ability to follow-up with lenders by phone to ensure any unique needs are met in a manner they are most comfortable." EnerBank will also continue to offer its loan-by-phone application for those consumers and home improvement contractors that prefer this delivery process. The bank anticipates that contractors will provide their customers with a choice of mobile loan app and loan-by-phone; then let them decide which one works best. p> Security is Key To protect EnerBank's customers and to meet the requirements of banking regulations, the app secures all data using secure, modern encryption. In addition, the app will immediately delete the applicant's data from the mobile device once the application is submitted. A highly respected cyber security specialist conducted a third-party application security test verifying EnerBank's security capabilities. "Surveys show that while security is a key concern for consumers considering mobile banking apps, more than 60 percent are already using them, with even more saying they'd increase their usage if there was more security," Knadler said. "We listened to these concerns, making these apps as secure as possible so consumers feel confident sharing their personal information with us no matter which way they choose to apply for a loan to fund the home improvement project they've been dreaming about." Availability iOS and Android versions are available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. About EnerBank USA-America's home improvement lender of choice EnerBank, Member FDIC, is a highly specialized bank headquartered in Salt Lake City. It exists to help home improvement contractors grow their businesses and consumers improve their homes. EnerBank provides unsecured home improvement loans to homeowners through strategic business partners and independent home improvement contractors throughout the United States. Strategic partners include manufacturers, distributors, franchisors, and major retailers of home improvement, remodeling, and energy-saving products and services. Visit www.enerbank.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005848/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A group of nurses from Oman are to become the first to complete a specialist training course at the University of Wolverhampton. A cohort of 19 qualified nurses from Oman will soon completetheir BSc (Hons) International Studies Nursing Top up degree. During the last year the nurses have studied alongside students from the Universitys Institute of Health Professions and completed a clinical placement at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. They have also received support from the Universitys International Academy, based at the Telford Innovation Campus. They are the first cohort from Oman to complete the International Studies Nursing Top up degree, which is designed to enhance a students knowledge, skills and practice of contemporary nursing issues in an international context. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page [January 10, 2017] Ransomware Protection Market to Reach $17 Billion by 2021 - Analysis by Solution, Service, Application, Deployment, Organization Size, Vertical & Region - Research and Markets Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Ransomware Protection Market - Global Forecast to 2021" report to their offering. The ransomware protection market size is expected to grow from USD 8.16 Billion in 2016 to USD 17.36 Billion by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.3% during the forecast period. The ransomware protection market is driven by factors such as rise in phishing attacks and security breaches, and emergence of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. Whereas, the availability of free anti-ransomware tools, may limit the growth of the ransomware protection market. Both SMEs and large enterprises are rapidly growing their partnership networks to deploy the ransomware protection solutions across the globe. Thus, the managed services segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. However, professional services segment is expected to have the largest market size in 2016. APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the high security spending by enterprises in major countries such as China, Australia, India, Singapore, and Japan, for ransomware protection. Furthermore, North America is expected to have the largest market size in 2016, as they are the early adopters of the security technologies. Companies Mentioned: Bitdefender Fireeye, Inc. Intel Security (News - Alert) (Mcafee) Kaspersky Lab Malwarebytes Sentinelone Sophos Group Plc Symantec (News - Alert) Corporation Trend Micro, Inc. Zscaler, Inc. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Industry Trends 7 Ransomware Protection Market Analysis, by Solution 8 Ransomware Protection Market Analysis, by Service 9 Ransomware Protection Market Analysis, by Application 10 Ransomware Protection Market Analysis, by Deployment Mode 11 Ransomware Protection Market Analysis, by Organization Size 12 Ransomware Protection Market Analysis, by Vertical 13 Geographic Analysis 14 Competitive Landscape 15 Company Profiles For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/h5zh33/ransomware View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005970/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] US energy secretary issues exit memo 10 January 2017 Share The USA must ensure continued implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran, as well as taking an economy-wide approach to decarbonisation - including a reinvigoration of the nuclear energy option, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in his formal roundup of US Department of Energy (DOE) achievements during the administration of President Barack Obama. "During the eight years of the Obama Administration, DOE has delivered on its mission. The results have included dramatic growth in clean energy jobs, vital progress on securing and diminishing the amount of nuclear material globally, and major scientific and technological discoveries," the DOE's Cabinet Exit Memo, released on 5 January, states. Accelerating threats from climate change have made it more urgent to reduce costs and increase deployment of advanced clean energy technologies, Moniz noted. As well as seeing growth in installed solar and wind capacity, Moniz pointed to the first US reactor start-up in decades - TVA's Watts Bar 2 began commercial operation in October last year - and nuclear new build projects. A total of four Westinghouse AP1000s are under construction at Vogtle in Georgia and VC Summer in South Carolina. The DOE made available loan guarantees to Southern Company's Vogtle 3 and 4 that are to begin operations in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The memo called for further action on "reinvigorating" the nuclear energy option through the deployment of advanced reactors and small modular reactors, as well as implementing consent-based consolidated storage and geologic repositories. Nuclear security The DOE responded to goals set by Obama in 2009 to secure vulnerable nuclear material and reduce the US nuclear stockpile. Over the past eight years the DOE, working with international partners, has completed removal or disposition of more than 4000 kilograms of highly enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium from 16 countries plus Taiwan, Moniz wrote. The threat of Iranian nuclear weapons development has been addressed through the JCPOA - the agreement signed in July 2015 by Iran and the E3/EU+3 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the USA - also referred to as the P5+1 - plus the European Union) and implemented in January 2016. "Reaching the agreement required a unique integration of science and diplomacy," Moniz wrote. Under its terms, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment activities, eliminate its stockpile of medium-enriched uranium and limit its stockpile of low-enriched uranium over the next 15 years. The agreement also provides for indefinite monitoring and verification, and rules out critical weaponization activity in Iran, Moniz said. Future actions should be taken to continue, he said, the implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement, including the extensive monitoring and verification measures. In conclusion, Moniz said he had been "especially privileged" to lead the DOE during the Obama administration, because of the "very high priority" placed by the president on clean energy and climate change, science and innovation, and nuclear security. "This set of priorities defines the core of DOE's responsibilities and opportunities for enduring service to the nation," Moniz said. "The 'business' of the Department of Energy has major consequences for America's future. I expect that the next and future Administrations and Congresses will sustain its success in addressing science, energy, security and environmental opportunities for generations of Americans." Moniz was sworn in as Energy Secretary in May 2013, succeeding Stephen Chu. US President-elect Donald Trump last November announced former Texas governor Rick Perry as his intended nomination for the role of Energy Secretary. The DOE is one of the 15 executive departments whose heads form the US Cabinet. Presidential nominees to those positions must be approved by the US Senate. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics UK to start regulatory assessment of Chinese design 10 January 2017 Share The British government has asked nuclear regulators to begin a Generic Design Assessment (GDA) of the UK HPR1000 reactor. This is the Hualong One design that General Nuclear Services (GNS) - a subsidiary of EDF and China General Nuclear (CGN) - proposes to use at a prospective new nuclear power plant in Bradwell. An artistic impression of how a plant based on the HPR1000 could appear (Image CGN) The GDA is a voluntary process for reactor vendors - it is policy rather than law - but it is a government expectation for all new build projects in the UK. Under a strategic investment agreement signed last October, CGN agreed to take a 33.5% stake in EDF Energy's Hinkley Point C project in Somerset, as well as jointly develop new nuclear power plants at Sizewell in Suffolk and Bradwell in Essex. The Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C plants will be based on France's EPR reactor technology, while the new plant at Bradwell in Essex will feature the Hualong One design. As part of that agreement, CGN agreed to form a joint venture company with EDF Energy to seek regulatory approval for a UK version of the Hualong One design. In a written statement to Parliament today, Jesse Norman, junior minister at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), said the investment by GNS in committing the resources required for the UK HPR1000 reactor to go through the GDA "underlines the fact that international companies continue to view investment in the UK's low-carbon energy future positively". Norman noted that, as with previous such assessments, the full cost of the GDA will be charged to the Requesting Party - in this case GNS - which submits the design for assessment. This process is independent of any final agreement to commission a reactor of the relevant type. ONR confirmed that it had received the request from government to start the GDA process for the UK HPR1000, which it said will begin once the necessary agreements with the Requesting Party have been put in place. In a joint statement, EDF Energy and CGN said the request to regulators "marks a first step in the robust and thorough process" to seek permission to build a nuclear power plant at Bradwell. The proposed project is in an early pre-planning stage which will involve years of investigative works and public consultations before detailed proposals are produced allowing a planning application to be made, they said. CGN and EDF submitted an application through their joint venture company to BEIS in October last year to begin the GDA process for a UK version of the nuclear technology. The reference plant for the design is CGN's Fangchenggang Plant Unit 3 in China, which is under construction and on schedule, they added. Zhu Minhong, general manager of CGN UK said: "The robust independence of the UK's regulators is seen across the world as a key strength for nuclear in Britain. This is a quality which we value and respect. CGN and EDF will bring to this enterprise their joint experience in China, Britain and France over many years." Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, EDF Energy's managing director of nuclear new build, said: "EDF will bring invaluable experience gained from the approval process for Hinkley Point C's EPR reactors and from our continuing work with the UK's independent regulators. Both EDF and CGN will also be listening carefully to the community around Bradwell before we draw up detailed proposals for the development of the new power station." The GDA process will take a number of years to complete. There are a number of different consents and permissions to be achieved before a nuclear power plant can be constructed. As well as successful completion of the GDA process, other requirements include development consent, site licensing and environmental permits. Greg Clark, secretary of state at BEIS, confirmed in September last year that the government had decided to proceed with the UK's first new nuclear power plant for a generation at Hinkley Point C. Richard Savage, the chief nuclear inspector at ONR, said later the same month that the regulatory body has the expertise and resources it needs should it receive a request from government to assess the Hualong One reactor design. Speaking to World Nuclear News during the International Atomic Energy Agency's 60th General Conference in Vienna, Savage said: "We've been planning for this for some time. We've got our assumptions about the program in the UK, which is obviously developing quickly for us. We have approximately 350 inspectors and that's projected to increase, recognising the program we need to regulate. We have an expectation to have a request from government to have a GDA for a Chinese design and we're prepared for that. We've got the two GDAs that will conclude [in 2017], all being well, and so the timing works quite well for us with potentially a new GDA coming into the process. We have the resources and the expertise to deploy into that process for a Chinese GDA." The ONR - which became a statutory public corporation in April 2014 - manages the GDA process with the Environment Agency. The ultimate positive outcome of the GDA process is issuance of a Design Acceptance Confirmation (DAC) from the ONR and a Statement of Design Acceptability (SoDA) from the Environment Agency. Before this, an interim DAC and an interim SoDA are issued. EDF Energy/Areva's UK European Pressurised Reactor design received a DAC and SoDA in December 2012. Hitachi's UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactor - for its UK subsidiary Horizon Nuclear Power - began the GDA process in January 2014. The AP1000 - to be used by Toshiba and Engie's UK subsidiary NuGeneration - reached the iDAC and iSoDA stage in December 2011, but then Westinghouse paused the process until its owner Toshiba bought a stake in NuGen. It restarted the process in January 2015. Both the UK ABWR and the AP1000 are on target to complete their respective GDAs this year. In 2012, central planners in Beijing directed CGN and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to 'rationalise' their reactor programs. This meant CNNC's ACP1000 and CGN's ACPR1000 were 'merged' into one standardised design - the Hualong One. CGN refers to its version of Hualong One as the HPR1000. In fact, each company has its own supply chain and their versions of Hualong One will differ slightly (units built by CGN will use some features from the ACPR1000), but the design is considered to be standardised. It is set for wide deployment in China as well as export to other countries. Hualong International Nuclear Power Technology - the joint venture between CGN and CNNC to promote the Hualong One reactor design in export markets - was officially inaugurated in March last year. Clark today attended an evidence session into The Economics of UK Energy Policy at the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee. Jeremy Pocklington, director general of energy and security at BEIS, also gave evidence. Among other energy-related topics, the Committee asked them whether the Hinkley Point C deal was good value for money, and what would happen if it is not built on time. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics [January 10, 2017] Freeman Brings Virtual Reality To Brand Experiences DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Freeman, the leading global provider of brand experiences, today announced the launch of new virtual reality products and services, a transformational category for marketers that will fundamentally change the customer experience. "As the demand for immersive experiences grows, we knew we needed to bring virtual reality to the brand experience category," said Richard Maranville, executive vice president and chief digital officer of Freeman. "VR has been the 'it' technology for some time, but what we're doing with VR technology is really going to change the way our industry works and how marketers interact with their audiences." As the world's largest brand experience company, Freeman is uniquely positioned to support industry innovations like VR that help exhibitors, organizers and corporate clients deliver optimal business results and personalized customer experiences. This initial VR offering is one of the many innovative solutions supported by Freeman's ongoing commitment to increase the impact of technology and digital advances in the brand experience category. The digital services team at Freeman is focused on providing clients with technology solutions that offer key insights and access to data, and helping to drive event strategy that leverages data to deliver more relevant experiences and create more meaningful audience connections. Freeman has announced five new VR services that are part of its initial rollout of its portfolio of VR product and service offerings: VR Design Explorer : Go beyond static renders of designs and invite clients to experience and actually walk through their experiences, designs, venues and/or events in true stereoscopic 3-D as if they were right there. : Go beyond static renders of designs and invite clients to experience and actually walk through their experiences, designs, venues and/or events in true stereoscopic 3-D as if they were right there. VR Prduct Explorer : Give audiences the ability to interact with products that were once too big, unwieldy, dangerous or expensive to demonstrate in new hands-on 3-D virtual reality. : Give audiences the ability to interact with products that were once too big, unwieldy, dangerous or expensive to demonstrate in new hands-on 3-D virtual reality. VR Films and Videos: Transport audiences into dramatically different environments and times with powerful 360-degree stereoscopic storytelling. Tell your stories with imaginative computer-generated graphics or immersive on-location video shoots that make audiences feel like they're actually there. Transport audiences into dramatically different environments and times with powerful 360-degree stereoscopic storytelling. Tell your stories with imaginative computer-generated graphics or immersive on-location video shoots that make audiences feel like they're actually there. Live VR Streaming: Experience events, shows, concerts and other live events as if you're actually live in the audience through virtual reality video streams. Viewers can watch through compatible VR headsets, pannable Web players or brandable custom mobile apps. Experience events, shows, concerts and other live events as if you're actually live in the audience through virtual reality video streams. Viewers can watch through compatible VR headsets, pannable Web players or brandable custom mobile apps. Custom VR Experiences: Freeman's new interactive content studio can create entirely new experiences like virtual worlds, games, interactive apps, learning programs and more in virtual reality. Wilson Tang , vice president, Digital Experience, Freeman. "We believe the immersive ability of VR is an opportunity to tell far more engaging stories and to teach far more interactive lessons." To help guide clients along this technological revolution, Freeman will be publishing new VR guides, articles and applications of VR. "More importantly, we want to work with clients to help evolve this technology, as it changes the design process," says Tang. For more information or pricing, visit www.freeman.com/vr or contact Freeman's sales team at [email protected]. ABOUT FREEMAN Freeman is the world's largest brand experience company. We help our clients design, plan and deliver immersive experiences for their most important audiences. Through comprehensive solutions including strategy, creative, logistics, digital solutions and event technology, Freeman helps increase engagement and drive business results. What makes us different is our collaborative culture, intuitive knowledge, global perspective and personalized approach, gained from our 90 years as an industry leader. Freeman is a family-owned company with 90+ locations worldwide and over 7,000 employees, 2,000 of whom are located outside the U.S. For more information visit: www.freeman.com. Social Networks: Web: www.freeman.com Blog: www.freeman.com/insights Twitter: www.twitter.com/freemanco Facebook: www.facebook.com/freemanfans LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-freeman-company YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/FreemancoVideos Tumblr: http://freemancompany.tumblr.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/freemancompany/ To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/freeman-brings-virtual-reality-to-brand-experiences-300388623.html SOURCE Freeman [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Central America is located on the southernmost isthmian portion of the continental North America that connects to South America. South America has seven countries and is bordered by Mexico, Colombia, Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. North America is the third largest continent after Asia and Africa and is wholly situated in the Northern Hemisphere while almost all of it is in the Western Hemisphere. The continent is bordered by the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Caribbean Sea and South America. North America is also the fourth most populous continent in the world after Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Biodiversity Of Central And North America The biodiversity of Central America is a part the Mesoamerican hotspot, and it extends from the northern region of Guatemala to central Panama accounting for 7% biodiversity in the world. The biodiversity of Central America comprises of The Pacific Flyway which is the chief route for the migrating birds in the Americas. The region has a lot of seismic activities because of the volcanic arc in Central and several geological faults that are active. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur often and have resulted in many deaths and property loss. The biodiversity of North America is characterized by deciduous forests, the coastal plains, flat fertile prairie, highlands, volcanic highlands, and megadiverse ecology. Why Central And North America Need To Establish Protected Areas? In Central America, more than 300 species of fauna and flora are unprotected and stand the risk of being endangered while 107 of them are classified as severely endangered. The main threat to the region's biodiversity together with Mexico is deforestation as it is approximated at 1.2% per year. The loss of rainforests has seen conversion of 80% of Central America's vegetation to agriculture contributes to loss of biodiversity thus the need for protected areas. In North America, the main threats to the biodiversity are logging and deforestation together with air and water pollution which continue to threaten habitats of endangered species. The Top Three Countries With The Highest Number Of National Parks Though Mexico has the highest number of national parks, only 0.73% of the country's land area is utilized for national parks and reserves. The US and Belize follow Mexico closely behind as number two and three respectively. Mexico Mexico is number one on the list of countries with the highest number of national parks with a total 67 federally recognized national park. These parks are supervised by the Federal National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP). The natural parks and reserves of Mexico cover 0.73% of the territory. The United States The US is the second with the highest number of national parks in the Central and Northern American region. The 59 national parks in the US are administered by the National Park Service which is under the Interior Department. The primary role of these national parks is for the conservation of the biodiversity. Belize Belize has a total of 53 national parks which are designed to protect and preserve the natural and aesthetic features that are of national significance for purposes of benefiting and enjoyment of the people. These protected areas of Belize are therefore mainly for recreational, tourism, as well as environmental protection and are administered by the Forest Department and managed through community-based organizations. Other National Parks In Central And North America Central and North America have a broad range of biodiversity which includes some of the world's endangered species of flora and fauna. The primary purpose of these protected areas in the region is to preserve the environment. The US together with 11 other countries of the Central and North American region have a total of 334 national parks. (Scroll down for video) A lawmaker in Germany, wants the government to help elderly people get time with prostitutes. Green Partyas Elisabeth Scharfenberg wants the state to pay prostitutes to have sex with patients requiring nursing care. She wants to give doctors the ability to prescribe prostitution as a cure the same way that doctors can give prescriptions for medication. Prostitution in Germany, was legalized in 2002. However, Scharfenberg wants the government to help those who cannot afford it, especially lonely elderly people. Scharfenberg wants the state to follow in the footsteps of the Netherlands, where people get money for prostitutes. In order to be approved, people in the Netherlands, have to prove a medical need and they have to show that they are unable to pay for the sex worker themselves. Darren and Maria Byrne By: Wayne Morin WorldWideWeirdNews.com (Scroll down for video) A stockbroker who was angry that his wife found out he was having an affair, decided to burn her alive, according to police in the United Kingdom. Essex police said that the man who killed his wife and then attempted to burn their house down to cover up what he had done, has been convicted of murder. According to the criminal complaint, 40-year-old Darren Byrne assaulted 35-year-old Maria Byrne, during an argument after she discovered that he had rekindled an affair with another woman. He then set her on fire by using alcohol. He then turned on the gas in the kitchen of their home in Morgan Crescent. Darren then called police, claiming that he had come home from walking their dog to find her on fire in the kitchen. When paramedics arrived, they found Maria lying on the floor with severe burns to her upper body and face. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Police then launched an investigation to establish how she died. Darren told officers that they had spent the day together at home while their two young children were staying with grandparents. He claimed to have then gone out at 2:40 p.m., to walk their dog and returned home at about 3:30 p.m. to the smell of gas and the smoke alarm ringing. He told police that he found his wife in the kitchen and called for an ambulance. He was instructed to give her CPR until help arrived. However, during the course of the investigation, officers discovered that Darren had an affair the previous summer. When Maria found out, she no longer trusted him and would check on his whereabouts, and messages on his mobile phone and email. She discovered that her husband had rekindled the affair on the day she was murdered. She learned that her husband had a second mobile phone, which he used to contact his mistress. Darren was arrested after a post mortem examination showed an accelerant had been used and that Maria had been assaulted or restrained. Surveillance videos also showed that he had walked their dog an hour earlier than he had claimed. Darren has not shown any remorse. Mariaas mother Linda Biggs, described what Darren did to her daughter as beyond any human comprehension.a She said: Eight years ago, we entrusted Maria, the most precious thing we had, to Darren. We loved him and treated him like our own son. This person, instead of loving and protecting her, took her life in the most degrading way.a Angela Leavitt is the CEO of Mojo Marketing. Founded in 2010, the company has helped more than 100 cloud, IT, and telecommunications providers create and execute effective marketing strategies. Because marketing has become such an important aspect of communications services, and because Leavitt will be delivering one of the presentations at next months ITEXPO in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., we decided to check in with Leavitt to get her thoughts on marketing and other considerations in the communications arena. Heres what she had to say. What technological improvements has your company benefitted from recently? Ive appreciated the ability for platforms to talk to each other, which increases automation and makes my entire team more efficient. What does the term collaboration mean to your business? The ability to have multiple people and platforms connected in such a way that we can work together seamlessly. What elements of unified communications are most useful for your company? Simultaneous ring and voicemail to text. Are you using messaging technologies to communicate with your customers? Not at the moment, but its something were looking to add very soon. Are you leveraging big data analytics to operate more efficiently? Yes. As a marketing agency, we leverage big data to help our clients more effectively reach their exact target audiences. A lot of the social platforms are utilizing big data in very interesting ways, which is exciting for anyone wishing to engage in digital marketing. How are you employing content marketing? We do this for ourselves and our clients. Content marketing is the process of educating prospects through your sales funnel. Buyers want to control their sales journey, so supplying them with the right content at the right time helps brands build those relationships. How have the growing number of high-visibility security breaches impacted your outlook on security? I no longer have the mentality that it will never happen to me. Since we manage a lot of contact lists and passwords for clients, those types of breaches are a concern. Weve tightened up our security policies and procedures as a result. What percentage of your workforce would you consider mobile? What technology do you use to keep them in the loop? All of our employees are on site, but we work with a lot of contractors throughout the U.S.A. Platforms like Basecamp and Box help us to stay connected and communicate effectively. To what extent are you using cloud services in your daily business processes? As a marketing agency we use a lot of tools to manage our processes, and they are all cloud based. I cant think of a single software program we own anymore. What emerging technology do you see as the most disruptive? As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, I would expect to see it taking a greater role in analytics, making suggestions, and eventually full-on decision making, especially in areas where decisions are heavily data-driven. This will be disruptive because it will potentially eliminate thinking jobs that rely on humans today. How has your business product development evolved over the past year as a result of emerging technologies? Since we have greater access to analytics today, we have been more surgical about what our offerings entail. We can see exactly whats working, what isnt, and adjust accordingly. Its a really exciting time to be in the tech marketing space! Are channel partners keeping up with the latest tech trends and developments? The channel partners we speak with struggle to keep up with the latest trends from a marketing perspective. Many have very outdated websites, messaging, and branding. We do a lot of education on why this matters, and how to evolve easily and effectively. Tell us about your ITEXPO session and why people should attend it. My session is The Anatomy of a Wildly Successful Lead Gen Campaign. Anyone who is interested in generating more quality leads should attend. Ill be sharing at least two tested and verified strategies that have worked really well for our clients. What are you most looking forward to at ITEXPO 2017? ITEXPO always draws a top-notch crowd. I look forward to meeting and learning with you all! Share this Page Edited by Stefania Viscusi This Account has been suspended. The new year has been marked by a series of prison riots in Brazils far north, with at least 102 inmates killed by other prisoners in highly coordinated acts. The first massacre on January 2 involved a 17-hour prison riot in the city of Manaus, capital of the Amazonas state, and ended with the slaughter of 56 inmates in a gang battle. At least 27 of the victims were decapitated by riot leaders. The police reportedly kept away from ending the riots until prisoners had negotiated a settlement, ostensibly in order to avoid another tragedy like the infamous Carandiru riot in which Sao Paulos Military Police slaughtered 111 inmates in 1992. Another riot at the nearby Purarequara Prisonal Unit (UPP) left four dead. More than 200 prisoners are thought to have escaped from both complexes in a simultaneous prison break. On January 4 a third riot resulted in two deaths by firearm during fights between inmates. Later, on early Friday, January 6, a fourth inmate riot resulted in the murder of another 33 inmates in the Monte Cristo Rural Penitentiary, in Boa Vista, the capital of the neighboring Roraima state. A fifth riot left four dead in the Manaus prison, which had received prisoners who survived the January 2 massacre and were believed to have been involved in the first attack. The wave of massacres exposes the criminal character of the Brazilian governments war on drugs, which is aimed at the countrys overwhelmingly impoverished population. The government has sought to cover up the true cause of the massacres: illegal and inhumane conditions for inmates in the countrys overcrowded prison system. The Raimundo Vidal Pessoa jail, where the third massacre took place, had been deactivated in December 2016 by order of the oversight National Justice Council for human rights violations. Federal authorities initially believed the Manaus riot was executed in order to cover up the murder of members of the criminal Capitals First Command (PCC) group, based in southeastern Sao Paulo. The PCC is South Americas largest drug trafficking gang. Under this theory, the massacres were part of a latent crime war which escalated dramatically last June when PCC soldiers murdered Jorge Rafaat Toumani, the drug lord of Brazils border region with Paraguay, in a fight over control of drug routes leading from the Andes to ports connecting to European drug markets. In the Manaus and Roraima cases, abundant evidence showed the gang war theory to be unlikely. The local public attorneys offices, charities and human rights organizations and family members of the dead have been quick to dismiss the authorities claims, pointing out that many dead were not related to the PCC or the FDN but were sexual crime convicts, a particularly endangered population of inmates usually subjected to crime tribunals inside the prisons in the name of crime morality. The state and federal governments have later admitted that at least half of the dead had no connection to the warring factions. The government adopted this gang war theory to wash their hands of any responsibility for the particularly horrifying circumstances of yet another prison massacre in Brazil. The routine character of prison violence in the country is certainly one of the most brutalizing features of the countrys social life, conditioned in every aspect by its vast social inequality. The COMPAJ compound holds three times its nominal capacity of 450 inmates, a figure above the already dire national average of 100 percent of overpopulation. Brazil has a total of 620,000 inmates, the worlds fourth largest prison population. According to Folha de S. Paulo, just last October, the National Justice Council (CNJ) found the prison terrible for any attempt at rehabilitation, with no education, health care, social assistance or legal council for inmates, an also routine conclusion of prison inspections. The COMPAJ is also a pioneering experiment of private management that the Michel Temer government declared as early as August 2016 should be expanded, according to O Globo. The Roraima prison holds twice its capacity of 750 inmates, and had been visited in May 2016 by the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB). Among the most barbaric conditions found were open sewage systems and a virtual absence of health care. After the riot on Friday, a Folha de S. Paulo reporting team found that the so-called kitchen wing had been destroyed by a fire several years before and rebuilt as a shantytown, generating private rights over rebuilt cells under the gang-imposed crime code that dominates many prisons, creating further sources of conflicts among desperate inmates. The shantytown cubicles were reportedly sold to other inmates by those who were freed. This dire picture extends all over the country. It is estimated that 40 percent of inmates in Brazil have not yet been convicted, being in indefinite provisional detention, a number almost the size of the prison overpopulation. According to OAB, in the case of the Roraima prison, a staggering 940 inmates are in provisional detention, and 180 of them have never even made a deposition on the circumstances of their arrests. The most immediate reason for the overcrowding would be, according to a survey by the G1 news station, the approval in 2006 of the Drug Law that formalized Brazils war on drugs. Ostensibly designed to allow for the differentiation of drug trafficking and possession, it ended up increasing almost fivefold, from 31,000 to 138,000, the number of drug trafficking-related imprisonments. The main mechanism for this massive repressive operation was the allowing in a large part for the corrupt, murderous and bigoted Military Police corps of each state to determine whether trafficking or possession was involved in any particular arrest. In 2015, G1 quoted the former National Justice Secretary Pedro Abramovay as admitting that the detention for drug-related crimes are today a mechanism for criminalizing poverty. The appeal of these demagogic practices was further evidenced by the treatment given to the families of the dead who were left waiting for many days for news of the inmates and were subjected to a campaign of lies about the behavior, legal situation and conditions of the inmates. Repressive policies responsible for mass incarceration are nonetheless set to deepen under the Temer presidency, the most right-wing in Brazil since the end of the US-backed military dictatorship. Temers justice minister, Alexandre de Moraes, infamously declared in a press conference in August 2016 that the country needed less research and more weapons to fight crime, in a reference to the toothless involvement of social sciences experts in security policies during the Workers Party (PT) governments of Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff. The declaration followed his nomination as justice minister after two years as head of Sao Paulos Military Police, the deadliest in the country, which kills more people per year than all police departments in the United States combined, despite the fact that the US has 7.5 times more people than Sao Paulo. Moraess immediate response to the massacre was to announce the construction of new prisons to room 30,000 inmates and to suggest a law to make it more difficult for inmates to obtain probation. Moraess actions are only part of an unfolding assault on democratic rights after the right-wing campaign that removed Rousseff. In late September 2016, a regional appeals court in Sao Paulo annulled the sentences of 74 police officers found guilty of murder in the 1992 Carandiru prison massacre, the deadliest in the countrys history. In an action that demonstrates both the arrogance of the incoming Trump administration and its oligarchic character, the real estate billionaire has named his own son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to the powerful position of senior White House adviser. The selection of Kushner is arguably illegal, violating the 1967 anti-nepotism law passed in response to President John F. Kennedys selection of his brother Robert as US attorney general. The law forbids the president from appointing relatives to agencies he supervises or controls, and son-in-law is explicitly enumerated as one of those forbidden. Spokesmen for Trump and Kushner claim the anti-nepotism law does not apply to the White House, arguing that it is not an agency as defined in the law. Kushners attorney, former Clinton administration deputy attorney general Jamie Gorelick, said Trump would seek an advisory opinion from the Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) on the legality of the appointment. As with Obama, who used the OLC to rubberstamp the legality of drone-missile assassinations, and Bush, who had the OLC draft legal opinions approving torture, Trump can be confident that lawyers he appoints will give him the answer he requires. It is nonetheless significant that in Trumps case, the rigged legal finding will concern his own family, not government policy. This demonstrates the inbred and personalist character of the incoming government, which has more the character of a Mafia than an administration. Added to this is the fact that Kushner is the seventh billionaire to take a top position in the Trump administration, joining Trump himself, cabinet nominees Wilbur Ross (Commerce), Betsy DeVos (Education) and Steven Mnuchin (Treasury), as well as Deputy Commerce Secretary Todd Ricketts and regulatory adviser Carl Icahn. Two other nominees, Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, named as secretary of state, and Gary Cohn of Goldman Sachs, to head the National Economic Council, each have fortunes approaching half a billion dollars. Kushner, who turns 36 today, is the scion of a super-rich family with vast holdings in New York City and New Jersey, although it was aligned politically with the Democratic Party until Kushners marriage to Ivanka, Trumps oldest daughter, in 2009. (Democrat Charles Schumer, the incoming Senate minority leader, has a close relationship with the Kushner family). According to press accounts, Kushner was admitted to Harvard and New York University Law School despite a mediocre academic record after his father, Charles, gave a large donation to each institution. When Charles Kushner went to prison in 2005 after being convicted for illegal campaign contributionsmainly to Democratsand obstruction of justice, Jared Kushner took over the leadership of the family real estate firm. Later, as a 2016 campaign adviser, Kushner blocked the selection of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as Trumps running mate in favor of Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Christie was the federal prosecutor who sent Charles Kushner to prison. Kushner reportedly also played a key role in replacing Christie with Pence as the leader of Trumps transition team. According to one Trump aide, Kushner will be first among equals among the four top aides in the Trump White House, including chief of staff Reince Priebus, political adviser Stephen K. Bannon, former head of the fascistic Breitbart News, and communications adviser Kellyanne Conway. There is no parallel in modern US history for such an overt role for a close family member. The naming of Kushner comes on the eve of the opening of Senate hearings on Trumps cabinet nominees. Senator Jeff Sessions, nominated for attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which he is a member, on Tuesday. Retired General John Kelly appears before the Senate Homeland Security Committee as the nominee for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Seven other nominees face Senate hearings during the week, including Tillerson, DeVos, Ross, Representative Mike Pompeo, nominated as CIA director, fast food mogul Andy Puzder to head the Department of Labor, Ben Carson to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Elaine Chao, the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and secretary of labor in the Bush administration, who is nominated to head the Department of Transportation. The same lack of scruples about ethical appearances demonstrated so flagrantly in the Kushner appointment prevails in the Senate confirmation process. Many of the cabinet nominees have not yet filed paperwork with the Office of Government Ethics, which conducts routine screening for Congress of White House nominees. McConnell dismissed objections about the violation of ethics rules, calling them little procedural complaints that were the byproducts of the Democrats losing the 2016 election. He said that all the necessary forms would be completed before a final Senate vote to confirm the nominations. At the same time, he predicted that all the nominees would be confirmed. This political judgment is undoubtedly correct, since Senate Democrats intend to do nothing to stop any of the nominees. They are making the occasional protest over particularly noxious nominations, as in the case of billionaire Betsy DeVos, a longtime enemy of public education and advocate of charter schools, to head the Department of Education, but little more. Liberal groups have adopted the same policy, as evidenced by the NAACP, which staged a symbolic sit-in at an office of Senator Sessions in Mobile, Alabama at which six NAACP officials were arrested, booked and released. Sessions has a vicious right-wing record, going back to his days as a federal prosecutor in the early 1980s, when he charged civil rights workers with vote fraud for helping elderly African-Americans to vote. He is an implacable supporter of capital punishment, having backed the execution of the mentally retarded and the obviously insane while Alabama state attorney general in the 1990s. He is a longtime advocate of persecuting undocumented workers and rallied to Trump early in the campaign on the basis of a shared anti-immigrant policy. The only sharp questioning will take place Wednesday when Rex Tillerson, the nominee for secretary of state, appears before the Foreign Relations Committee. He will be grilled by Democrats, and some Republicans, over Trumps refusal to condemn alleged Russian hacking of the Democrats during the 2016 campaign and his own generally more conciliatory statements about Russian President Vladimir Putin. The main Democratic response to Trumps selection of a cabinet of billionaires, ex-generals and ultra-right ideologues will be an attempt to attack them from the rightfrom the standpoint of an even more extreme policy of militarism. McConnell is pressing for confirmation of all Trumps choices for national security posts, including General Kelly at Homeland Security, Pompeo at CIA and General James Mattis as secretary of defense, by the first day of Trumps presidency, January 20. The Mattis nomination is the only one where the Democrats enjoy an outright veto, since the installation of a recently retired general to head the Pentagon requires a legislative waiver of concerns for civilian control of the military, a measure that can pass only with 60 out of 100 votes in the Senate, where the narrow Republican majority is 52 seats. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the senior Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, said of a waiver for Mattis, I admire him immensely, but I think we have to give it a full review. Only one Democratic senator, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, has publicly declared she will oppose the waiver. Most Democrats are expected to back Mattis, viewing him as more favorable to the Obama-Hillary Clinton line in foreign policy, which views Russia as the most pressing adversary of the United States, particularly in the Middle East. The departure of Barack and Michelle Obama from the White House in just 10 days has unleashed a torrent of praise, and some mourning, from the wealthiest layers of the celebrity elite eager to thank the outgoing president. To provide a forum for their tributes, the Obamas hosted a farewell party at the White House over the weekend that drew a whos who from the film and music industry. Among the A-listers making the pilgrimage to Washington were music legends Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen; actors Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, George Clooney and Robert De Niro; comedians Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and David Letterman; and film directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. A younger generation of stars, including R&B singers Solange Knowles and John Legend, and hip hop musicians Chance the Rapper and The Roots, were also on hand to celebrate and perform. In the days leading up to the event, and helping to set the tone, a video was posted to the official YouTube channel of the White House. Called Yes We Can: People Share Their Most Memorable Moments from the Obama Presidency, it shows a number of high-profile celebrities reflecting on the significance of the Obama presidency and recalling their favorite Obama moments and memories. In the video, basketball legend Michael Jordan calls Obama the Jackie Robinson of politics. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio recalls, When I was at the UN and I heard our president say that climate change is the most important issue facing not only this generation but all future generations, it was inspiring. Singer John Legend remembers Obamas electoral victory in 2008: I never cried before, from an election result. Gloria Steinem, the feminist icon and one-time operative of CIA front organization Independent Service for Information, tells the camera, Its the first time in my life I felt like the White House belonged to everybody. Perhaps the most informal and fawning comment came from comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. Referring to a sketch from her show filmed at a CVS pharmacy, DeGeneres said the CVS experience with Michelle was pretty cool, and dancing with Barack at his birthday party. And hes a good dancer. He should not get any flak for that. Youre a good dancer. Others took to social media to pay tribute. Singer Solange Knowles, whose sister is superstar Beyonce Knowles, posted a photo on Instagram showing her in rehearsals at the White House. Her caption reads: The sound check of life...Was truly the ultimate, ultimate honor. Cant even put into words. Really. We will miss your excellence, your grace, and the phenomenal legacy you have let us all share. Chance the Rapper tweeted prior to the event: Bout to fly 21 hours to DC to bid farewell to the greatest president in US history. God bless you @POTUS. The utter bankruptcy of identity politics finds expression in many of the photos and comments. Comedian Jay Pharoah posted a photo on Instagram showing himself and other African-American celebrities, adding the caption: All that ebony at the White House The message from Pharoah and others was clear. We are in the inner most circle of all circles now, the very center of wealth and power. Weve made it. Most of those participating in the White House gala and the video tribute are wealthy individuals who live in a very different world from the majority of the population. The Obama years have by and large been successful ones for them. They do not share the hostility felt by millions toward official politics and the whole rotten system of social life in the United States. They did not reject the invitation to party with members of an administration synonymous with two terms of endless war, massive global spying operations, and unprecedented social inequality and drone assassinations. They did not, as far as any reports indicate, raise so much as a whiff of criticism while in their presence. Actress Meryl Streep, now in the news for her anti-Trump comments during the Golden Globe ceremonies, was also at the Obama party, where she created no controversy whatsoever. Three years ago, she accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Obama and was the object of his flirtations. A simple Google search reveals the vast sums of money at the disposal of just a few of those in attendance in Washington: Tom Hanks is reported to have a net worth of $350 million. DeGeneres stands at $345 million. DiCaprio can claim $245 million. Paul McCartney is a billionaire, and Jerry Seinfeld is close behind with $820 million. Even up-and-comer Solange, considered socially conscious in some circles, is a millionaire 5 times over. Whether they believe it or not, the accumulation of such sums, and the social circles (and events) into which it buys one a ticket, profoundly influence their political outlook. We are in need of oppositional and truthful artistic works, films and music. For this we need artists, filmmakers and musicians who, in the first place, reject everything about this milieu. Such artists are all too rare at present. The work emerging from both Hollywood and independent film, popular and underground music in recent years is sorely lacking. It will not be made better by circling in the orbit of wealth and power and by singing the praises of warmongers and spies. Anyone who wants to know what prominent political circles in Germany are thinking should read the newspaper columns by ex-Green Party leader Joschka Fischer. The former anarchist and street fighter, who made a political career with the Greens, and then as foreign minister oversaw the first Bundeswehr (armed forces) missions abroad, never distinguished himself with an independent opinion. He provides, however, a sensitive measure of political trends. He sets his course according to the prevailing wind, before others even perceive this. Fischer has long spoken for that section of the German bourgeoisie that holds a strong European Union (EU) and a close military alliance with the US within the framework of NATO to be indispensable. The coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Greens broke up prematurely in 2003 not least because Fischer rejected the close relationship between Chancellor Gerhard Schroder (SPD) and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is all the more remarkable that Fischer now calls for a security option on the basis of the nation state and places the future of NATO in question. He draws the conclusion from a possible rapprochement between Moscow and Washington under the new US president, Donald Trump, that Germany should massively upgrade its militaryirrespective of the EU, and if possible, in cooperation with France. On Monday, in the Suddeutsche Zeitung, he published an Outsiders view headlined, Europes Agenda 2017: Squeezed between Presidents Putin and Trump, the EU cannot remain a soft power. He calls the coming to power of Trump on January 20 a watershed moment for Europe, which will deeply shake the EU. He sketches out a scenario in which Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump attempt to destabilise the EU by supporting nationalist forces and movements within its member states. What had even more far-reaching consequences for the EU, said Fischer, was the announcement by the new American president to review the American security guarantee for Europe and to put the relationship of the US with Russia on a new basis. If this were at the expense of NATO, this would radically change the security situation for Europe. Although Fischer advises the EU should now shore up what it has left with respect to NATO and focus on salvaging its own institutional, economic, and legal integration, he continued, It should also look to its member states to provide a second security option. The EU itself is based on soft power: it was not designed to guarantee European security, and it is not positioned in its current form to confront a hard-power challenge. As a Green, Fischer clothes his call for military rearmament in phrases about the preservation of peace. If Europe wants an enduring peace then it first must ensure that it is taken seriously, he writes. This is clearly not the case today. That is why Europe, in the Trump era, beyond the US security guarantee, must substantially strengthen its own [military] capabilities. Fischer therefore advocates a joint effort by France and Germany: Other countries such as Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, and Poland will also have a role to play, but France and Germany are indispensable. But he also has to admit that many diplomats hold the differences between Germany and France on military issues to be insurmountable. Although he hopes that Berlin and Paris find a compromise under pressure from Trump and Putin, ultimately his proposal amounts to a massive strengthening of German militarism. That Fischer is not alone is shown by the German reaction to the American hacker accusations against Russia. Although the US intelligence agencies have so far produced no factual evidence to support their allegation that the Russian government influenced the US elections, the German media supports what they say as an indisputable fact. The anti-Russian hysteria in Germany is also assuming grotesque proportions. Significantly, the edition of the Suddeutsche Zeitung containing Fischers column bears the headline: Berlin fears Russian hackers. The American ruling class is currently gripped by a fierce dispute over the future foreign policy direction. While outgoing President Obama and sections of the security apparatus want to escalate the confrontation with Russia, Trump and his followers regard China as their priority opponent. The German media have largely taken the side of the Obama camp in this conflict. While some, during the Ukraine conflict, had warned against escalating the confrontation with Russia, with regard to Germanys economic interests, they now fear a rapprochement between Washington and Moscow at the expense of the EU, and above all Germany. They are responding by stepping up the campaign for the revival of German militarism, which began three years ago when German President Gauck, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen proclaimed the end of [German] military restraint. The return of militarism is being accompanied by a massive upgrade of the police and state monitoring apparatus to suppress any social and political oppositionwith the Greens playing a leading role. A US guided missile destroyer fired warning shots at Iranian patrol boats on Sunday, which, US defence officials claimed, engaged in harassing behaviour. The incident underscores the volatile situation in the Middle East and the potential for a rapid rise of US-Iranian tensions once Donald Trump assumes the US presidency. According to the Pentagons account, the USS Mahan fired three warning shots from a .50-caliber machine gun at four Iranian boats after attempting to warn them off via radio, siren, ships whistle and flares. At least one of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) vessels reportedly came within a kilometre of the US destroyer, which was transiting the Gulf of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf with two other US Navy shipsthe amphibious craft USS Makin Island and the oiler, USNS Walter S. Diehl. Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis branded the encounter as unsafe and unprofessional. He alleged that Iranian boats ignored warnings and approached the USS Mahan at high speed with weapons manned. He did acknowledge that the incident was somewhat out of character for Iran recently, saying there were 23 such unsafe and unprofessional incidents involving Iran in 2015 and 35 in 2016, mostly in the first half of the year. The last time that a US warship fired warning shots at IRGC vessels was last August. Iranian authorities have yet to comment on the latest incident. It is possible that the IRGC, which is supported by hard-line factions of the Iranian regime, staged a show of force ahead of a parliamentary session on Monday that approved increases to military spending, including for the development of long-range ballistic missiles. The US and its allies last year objected to Iranian missile tests, claiming they were inconsistent with and in defiance of a UN resolution implementing the nuclear deal reached between Tehran and the major powers in July 2015. The agreement, however, only banned the development of missiles capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. It is also possible that the US Navy provoked the encounter, flexing its muscles ahead of the Trump presidency. Trump is known for his belligerent statements against Iran, and also has pledged to boost US naval strength by 40 to 350 ships. The US Navy last month released a proposal to increase its size even further to 355 vessels, including another aircraft carrier, 16 large surface ships and 18 nuclear attack submarines. The debacle for US foreign policy in Syria will only heighten the hostility in the American military and intelligence apparatus toward Iran, whose support for the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad contributed to the fall of the Syrian city of Aleppo to government forces. Like his other erratic and inconsistent foreign policy remarks, Trumps hostile attitude toward the 2015 nuclear agreement has veered from announcing his intention to rip it up to proposing to renegotiate it and impose harsher terms on Iran. Speaking to the Zionist lobby group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), in March, he declared: My No.1 priority is to dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran This deal is catastrophicfor America, for Israel, and for the whole Middle East. Trump also told the AIPAC gathering he would stop Irans missile program. Those ballistic missiles, with a range of 1,250 miles, were designed to intimidate not only Israel but also intended to frighten Europe and someday maybe hit the United States, he declared. Were not going to let that happen. Israel, which has its own substantial nuclear arsenal, has vehemently opposed the nuclear deal with Iran. A group of top US scientists, followed by some prominent Iranian-Americans, this month appealed to Trump to stick to the nuclear agreement. These appeals are likely to be ignored. Last Friday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Republican Senator Bob Corker, advised Trump not to abruptly pull out of the agreement, saying that could create a crisis. Instead, he urged Trump to begin to radically enforce it, in order to blame Iran if it fell apart. The Republican majority in the Congress already triggered an angry reaction from Tehran by passing legislation in November to extend some sanctions on Iran that would also make it easier to re-impose others lifted under the nuclear agreement. The Republicans also attempted to block the sale of dozens of Boeing jets to Iran worth an estimated $16 billion. Signalling Trumps support, a campaign statement in June declared that under a Trump presidency the worlds largest state sponsor of terror would not have been allowed to enter into these negotiations with Boeing. Trump has nominated figures for the top military and intelligence posts in his administration who have track records of backing aggressive action against Iran. His nominee for defence secretary, retired Marine General James Mad Dog Mattis, was preoccupied with Iran during his period as head of US Central Command. According to a recent Washington Post article, Mattis advised the Obama administration in 2011 to take military action inside Iran in retaliation for alleged attacks on US forces inside Iraq by Iranian-backed militia. Trumps incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee in 2015 that regime change in Tehran was the best means to halt Irans nuclear programs. In a book entitled The Field of Fight, he and co-author Michael Ledeen branded Iran as the lynchpin of a working coalition of nation states and terrorist groups focussed on attacking the US. Trumps pick to head the CIA, Mike Pompeo, led the campaign in Congress to oppose the nuclear deal with Iran and declared last year on Fox News that Congress had to change Iranian behaviour, and, ultimately, the Iranian regime. An incident involving Irans naval forces might well become the starting point for a reckless confrontation with Tehran by the Trump administration. An article in the influential US journal Foreign Affairs, entitled Irans Growing Naval Ambitions, highlights Iranian plans to establish naval bases in Syria and Yemen, and advises Trump to do more to counter the threat posed by Iran, particularly in the naval arena. Its author, Yoel Guzansky, is a former top Israeli official who was in charge of strategic issues, particularly pertaining to Iran, at the National Security Council in the Prime Ministers Office. Trump himself has no compunction in threatening acts of war. With Iran, when they circle our beautiful destroyers with their little boats, and they make gestures at our people that they shouldnt make, they will be shot out of the water, OK? Believe me, he told a campaign meeting audience in Florida last September. Mass protests in Mexico and the looming inauguration of Donald Trump as US president are adding to uncertainty in the Mexican ruling class and among foreign investors over fears of growing social unrest and economic crisis. Ongoing demonstrations continued across Mexico this weekend as Mexicans continue to reject the governments gas subsidy cut. As protests continued yesterday, Fiat Chrysler announced that it will shift production of two Jeep models currently being assembled in Mexico to the United States. The announcement came after Ford Motor Company said last week it was rescinding plans to build a new plant in Mexico. The response of the Mexican government has been to violently repress demonstrations and lay out the welcome mat for Trump. Even though Trump has pledged to deport millions and has called Mexicans rapists and criminals, President Enrique Pena Nieto appointed Luis Videgaray as foreign minister last week in a direct signal to Trump that the Mexican ruling class is willing to overlook his fascistic, xenophobic program in order to make a profit. Videgaray is seen as an advocate of close collaboration with the US government and is widely hated in Mexico for organizing a visit by Donald Trump to Mexico City last summer. The anger at this fiasco was so fierce that he was forced to resign as finance minister. The representatives of US imperialism are thrilled with Videgarays appointment and see it as an opportunity to intensify the corporate exploitation of Mexicos workers and resources. When Videgaray resigned in September as finance minister, then-candidate Trump tweeted: Mexico has lost a brilliant finance minister and wonderful man who I know is highly respected by President Pena Nieto. With Luis, Mexico and the United States would have made wonderful deals together. This spells disaster for the working class, which is demonstrating by the tens of thousands because they cannot afford the rising cost of living. On Saturday, protest demonstrations took place in scores of Mexican cities. The demonstrations include teachers, oil workers, and other sections of the working class, despite the fact that there has been no endorsement from the trade unions. Demonstrators clashed with heavily armed police in the Northern border city of Rosarito, with the government forced to fly in federal police from elsewhere in the country. Dozens were wounded in fierce fighting that ensued. The US government decided to close some border crossings this weekend as protests flared. Common to all the protests has been the demand that Pena Nieto resign together with many of the state governors. There is a widespread feeling that the government, the parties that signed the Pact For Mexico in December 2012, and the trade unions are rapidly losing legitimacy. Combined with violent repression, the Pena Nieto administration cobbled together a new pact over the weekend, called the Economic Strengthening and Family Economic Protection Pact (Acuerdo para el Fortalecimiento Economico y la Proteccion de la Economia Familiar). Economic Minister Jose Antonio Meade announced on Monday that the pact was reached with Pena Nietos partner parties and with the corporate sector, allegedly to strengthen four economic poles which include the household economy, employment, economic stability and the rule of law. The plan includes minor social investments for construction and transport plus austerity policies aimed at cutting the federal budget by 190 billion pesos (US$8.9 billion). The new pact includes the corporatist Union-Management National Productivity Committee (Comite Nacional de Productividad). Under the terms of this new agreement, big business agrees to restrain price increases and the trade unions agree to provide the program with cheap labor. The leaders of several of Mexicos major trade unions shamelessly signed the deal, which will result in further cuts to Mexicos social programs and will be used to advance the governments privatization plans. The leader of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) was joined in signing the document by several other union leaders representing the National Auto Workers union and the misnamed Revolutionary Workers and Peasants Confederation (CROC). The phony pact is aimed at duping protesters and striking workers to return to their jobs so that the reform plan can be successfully carried through. Mexican workers know the worthless value of promises made by the ruling class when faced with opposition from the working masses. The protests and strikes are at a turning point. The trade unions are working to suffocate the protests with hollow promises, and the forces of the left, including Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, are telling the working class and youth that they must calm down and vote for him in the 2018 presidential elections. In the absence of a revolutionary leadership of the working class, the government and its supporters will succeed in stifling the protest movement and forcing through the diktats of the banks and corporations. There exists in the Mexican working class a long tradition of militancy, hardened over the years by the deep poverty that pervades Mexican social life. But the whole of Mexican history also shows that spontaneity is insufficient for the overthrow of capitalism, which is the root cause of the poverty, inequality and violence dominating Mexico. The history of the 20th century shows that the working class requires political leadership and historical perspective. Mexican supporters of the World Socialist Web Site must come forward to help establish sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International and to provide the leadership that will be required to guide the explosive struggles ahead in the direction of world socialist revolution. The city of Philadelphia has agreed to pay $4.4 million to Phillippe Holland, a 20-year-old college student who police seriously wounded in 2014 while he was attempting to deliver takeout food. Two plainclothes officers fired into Hollands Ford Taurus 14 times, striking him in the head and body. Then-Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey announced shortly after the shooting that officers Mitchell Farrell and Kevin Hanvey had shot at the wrong man. The settlement is the largest to be paid out for a police shooting in Philadelphias history, according to the citys Law Department records. On Friday, the mayors office callously dismissed the shooting as the result of an unfortunate, regrettable series of events. Though the city has awarded Holland a record settlement, the incident has radically altered the young mans life. He still has bullet fragments in his brain that doctors were unable to remove. He has been left with a permanent seizure disorder and his face is disfigured with a scar from the bullet wound. Holland was delivering a cheeseburger to a house in West Philadelphia on April 22, 2014, when Farrell and Hanvey responded to reports of gunshots in the area. The young man gave a chilling recount of events in a court deposition. He said that when he saw plainclothes officers Farrell and Hanvey approach him, he thought he was about to be robbednot an uncommon occurrence for food delivery workers, which are easy targets. He slipped into his car through the passenger door when one officer shined a light into his car and Holland saw a gun in the others hand. Farrell and Hanvey, who were not in uniform, never identified themselves as police officers. Understandably, Holland panicked and tried to pull out of his parking spot. The two officers, without warning, opened fire, hitting him in the head and body. The officers claimed they had told Holland they were police and that they were in fear of their lives because Holland drove his car in their direction. At the time, however, it was against police regulations for officers to fire at a moving vehicle unless an individual inside the car was threatening them or someone else with a form of deadly force other than the vehicle itself. Despite the departments Use of Force Review Board concluding that Farrell and Hanvey had violated department policy, it did not recommend a punishment. The district attorneys office quickly ruled out pressing any charges against the officers. A police spokesman said that the two officers have been on administrative duty since the shooting over two years ago, and that discipline is still pending. The department declined to comment on whether or not the officers would be allowed to return to street duty. The city has boasted that it is attempting to prevent further police killings of this nature by introducing new protocols for plainclothes officers to introduce themselves as police (apparently, Police! does not suffice). The department also will introduce a new training video that plainclothes officers will have to watch before new assignments, which will be implemented July 1. Unarmed Minneapolis man shot and killed by police Police shot and killed an unarmed Twin Cities man in Mankato, Minnesota, early Saturday morning, in yet another case of the use of excessive force. The shooting took place at a Country Inn and Suites hotel. Chase Tuseth, 33, had gotten behind the hotel lobby counter and had begun throwing things, according to staff. According to the police report, Officer Gary Shnorenberg arrived at the scene and promptly tasered Tuseth. When Shnorenberg tried to handcuff Tuseth, witnesses claim he broke free and began punching and kicking the officer. The officer then pulled out his weapon and shot Tuseth, killing him. Tuseth was a teacher at Tokata Learning Center, an alternative high school in Shakopee, Minnesota. The schools principal, Eric Serbus, described him an outstanding educator. We are going to miss Chase, Serbus told CBS Minnesota. Chase is such an important part of our school. Part of our family. He brought a lot of positive energy into our school. We are just trying to process and cope right now. Tuseths grandmother told CBS Minnesota that he was an outstanding athlete and a Minnesota State University-Mankato graduate. He had previously taught in Japan and South Korea. She said the behavior described in the police report was uncharacteristic of her grandson. Florida man dies from Taser as police struggle to arrest him near homeless shelters A St. Petersburg, Florida, man died the morning of January 4 as police officers struggled to arrest him on a sidewalk near a group of homeless shelters. Officers struggled with Joshua Dove, 35, for several minutes before they used a Taser twice in an attempt to subdue him. He died shortly thereafter, likely of cardiac arrest. Police were dispatched to the area because they had been given a tip that Dove and other men were using drugs. Dove had been with four others when officers arrived. The officers told the men to leave, but Dove did not comply. According to officers, he then became confrontational and threw a punch at officer Patrick McGovern. Police said McGovern attempted to stun Dove with a Taser, but it did not work. Two more officers arrived, and they shocked Dove again with a Taser. As they handcuffed Dove and placed him in leg restraints, he collapsed. St. Petersburg Fire Rescue crews attempted first aid on Dove as he was transported to St. Anthonys Hospital. He was later pronounced dead on the premises. The officers did not find any drugs on Dove. Witnesses say he had smoked synthetic cannabinoids before officers had arrived. The mans death is currently under investigation by police and the state attorneys and medical examiners offices. In the meantime, the officers involved will remain on full duty. In comments to the media on December 28, former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse declared that he would topple the government in 2017, accusing it of failing in its management and development of the country. Rajapakse added: The biggest thing that they did was to stop all the development works that I started and they started taking revenge on me. He said that although the present government had a parliamentary majority, this might not last long because they are fighting each other. The former president is attempting to exploit the rising popular hostility toward the government, which came to power in January 2015 promising to end Rajapakses austerity policies and repressive measures. Over the past two years, the cost of living has continued to rise, social services and subsidies have been cut, youth unemployment has increased and the state repression of protests and strikes has intensified. Any attempt to topple the government confronts constitutional obstacles. The 19th constitutional amendment passed by the present government bars the dissolution of the parliament, even by the Sri Lankan president, until it has completed four and a half years of its full five-year term. Rajapakse, moreover, cannot constitutionally become president because he has already occupied that position for two terms. When one journalist pointed out these impediments, Rajapakse bluntly declared that he could govern the country without being the leader. In his media interview, Rajapakse blamed the US and India exclusively for his electoral defeat in 2015. American and Indian support for his rival, Maithripala Sirisena, was too much for us, he said. We didnt know what was going on inside the party. The US and India certainly had a hand in helping to engineer a regime-change through the January 2015 presidential election. Having failed to pressure Rajapakse to distance himself from China, Washington backed the intrigues in Colombo to remove him from office. The selection of Sirisena as the common opposition candidate was organised secretly. Sirisena, who was a leading cabinet minister in the Rajapakse government until the election date was announced, was backed by senior figures in the ruling Sri Lankan Freedom Party (SLFP) and the then opposition United National Party (UNP), the countrys two main bourgeois parties. Various pseudo-left organisations, trade unions and civil society groups exploited the widespread opposition to Rajapakses despotic methods to falsely promote Sirisena as a defender of democracy. According to the Hindu newspaper, Rajapakse told journalists that the US had spent nearly $US650 million on the regime-change operation and denounced the current government for cosying up to the US. Rajapakse, however, is no opponent of imperialism, having previously enjoyed the backing of the Western powers in his regimes civil war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). In the press conference, Rajapakse also accused Sirisena of double standards in attacking him in 2015 for having close relations with China, while Sirisena himself was seeking Chinese investment. Posturing as a defender of small landowners, Rajapakse criticised government plans to hand over 15,000 acres of land in Hambantota, adjoining a newly-built port, to Chinese investors. 15,000 acres is too much, he said. We wanted to give only 750 acres. These are peoples agricultural lands. We are not against Chinese or Indians or Americans coming here for investment. But we are against the land being given to them and the privatisation that they are doing. At the same time, Rajapakse carefully avoided any reference to the record of his own government. On three occasions between 2011 and 2013, it mobilised the military to fatally shoot protestors opposing his policies. Under his regime, tens of thousands of poor families were evicted from their shanty homes in Colombo and other Sri Lankan cities and the land was sold to the local and foreign businesses. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last week played down Rajapakses threat to topple the government, declaring that the former president could do whatever he wanted to do. Wickremasinghe confirmed a visit to Switzerland on January 17. Nevertheless, under conditions of rising national debt, falling export earnings and declining foreign investment, Rajapakses threats to overthrow the government and rule by extra-parliamentary means cannot be ignored by Sri Lankan workers and youth. One indication of the depth of the economic crisis is Sri Lankas rising national debt. The currencys depreciation increased the public debt by 285 billion rupees ($US1.9 billion) in 2015 and by another 141 billion rupees up to July 2016. The total public debt of 7,391 billion rupees in December 2014 climbed to 9,382 billion rupees in July 2016, a record increase in just 19 months. All factions of the ruling elitethe government and its opponents like Rajapakseare committed to imposing the debt burden on the masses. They recognise that austerity measures will be met by fierce resistance and are moving to strengthen the state apparatus to crush all opposition by workers and youth. This is the political background to Rajapakses provocative threat against the government. Since losing office, he has mounted a right-wing populist campaign against the government, whipping up Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism against Muslims and Tamils and eulogising war heroesthat is, the military responsible for war crimes and gross abuses of democratic rights in crushing the LTTE. The national unity government of Wickremesinghes UNP and the Sirisena faction of the SLFP is increasingly fractured. It faces concerted opposition to its Development (Special Provisions) Bill, with protest resolutions from eight out of nine provincial councils. The day after Rajapakses interview was published, the state minister of Provincial Councils and Local Councils, Priyankara Jayaratne of the SLFP, resigned his post, complaining of harassment by UNP ministers. He said 10 others would follow him on the same grounds. Two days later, Sirisena had to personally meet a group of state and deputy ministers and assure them that he would look after their grievances. The Sunday Times commented last week that Sirisena has mulled over the idea of a reshuffle of his Cabinet of Ministers this month. The idea is to pick a robust team that could work to a more efficient agenda and thus obviate further public criticism over different issues. During his presidency, Rajapakse successfully bribed several UNP members to cross the floor and join his government so as to amass a two-thirds majority to steamroll through legislation to sanctify his arbitrary rule. While he might hope to do the same today, the task of convincing those who already enjoy ministerial privileges to abandon them is not same as enticing opposition members to join a government. The unstable and unpopular government is increasingly reliant on the pseudo-left organisations and so-called civil society groups to keep promoting the lie that Sirisena and Wickremesinghe represent democracy and must be given more time to fulfil their promises. By blocking an independent movement of the working class to lead the oppressed masses on the basis of a socialist perspective, the pseudo-lefts are preparing the conditions for Rajapakse and an even more right-wing government to come to power. The author also recommends: Insiders book sheds light on Sri Lankas regime-change operation [20 December 2016] IMF lowers Sri Lankas growth forecast [29 December 2016] A report in the Wall Street Journal yesterday reveals the highly explosive geopolitical situation that persists in Syria, notwithstanding the Russian and Turkish-brokered ceasefire earlier this month. The article notes that US and Russian warplanes frequently threaten to collide with each other in the skies above Syria and cites unnamed US officials who describe the region as an international incident waiting to happen. According to the Journal, between 50 and 75 planes and unmanned drones from various countries operate in and around the ISIS-controlled city of Raqqa, while up to150 are regularly in the skies over Mosul in northern Iraq, where a US-backed offensive to recapture the city from ISIS has forced tens of thousands of civilians from their homes and led to large numbers of deaths. While the Journal article attempts to pin the blame chiefly on Russia for a number of close calls between fighter jets, it is forced to acknowledge that the most serious incident over recent months was triggered by US warplanes. In mid September, during the first week of a ceasefire deal agreed between Moscow and Washington, US planes targeted a Syrian army position in Deir Ezzour in a move which effectively torpedoed the agreement. The air strike permitted Islamic State militants to attack the Syrian army position, which was well known to the US. On Sunday, US forces conducted a rare ground raid in eastern Syria with the official aim of capturing ISIS operatives for interrogation. The special forces troops of the Expeditionary Targeting Force, which is based in Iraq, spent 90 minutes on the ground near Deir Ezzour, according to the Washington Post, and engaged in a fire fight with ISIS militants aimed at capturing unnamed leading personnel. Reports diverged significantly on the number of casualties, with the US army claiming only two ISIS suspects were killed, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based group affiliated with the anti-Assad opposition, alleged up to 25 ISIS militants had been slain. Importantly, the article noted that the Pentagon normally keeps such operations secret and only confirmed the latest raid after a local activist web site reported on it. President Obama has substantially increased the numbers of special forces troops deployed to Iraq and Syria over recent months. Washingtons deployment of ground forces demonstrates the readiness of the ruling elite to significantly intensify US involvement in Syria in a bid to uphold its predatory geopolitical and economic interests in the wake of the debacle suffered by the US-backed opposition in Aleppo. While incoming President Donald Trump has made vague pledges to improve relations with Russia so as to be in a better position to more directly confront China, the reality on the ground in Syria is that Washington and Moscow remain perilously close to a direct military conflagration that would quickly escalate into a broader regional war with the potential for the deployment of nuclear weapons. The information on the US raid came to light the same day as it emerged that Russian aircraft have begun bombing Islamic State positions in northern Syria in support of a Turkish offensive near the town of al-Bab. Ankara is aiming to take control of the strategically-important location ahead of a coalition of Kurdish forces led by the YPG, which is backed by the United States and affiliated with the Kurdish Democratic Unity Party (PYD). Control over al-Bab would have broader significance for the impending assault on Raqqa, ISIS de facto capital in Syria. A Monday article in the New York Times, which has assumed a leading role in the anti-Russian propaganda campaign, noted the increased cooperation between Moscow and Ankara with concern. The deepening ties threaten to marginalize the United States in the struggle to shape Syrias ultimate fate, the newspaper warned, before going on to point out that Turkeys recent offensive began without coordination with the United States and without assistance from US air strikes. The paper suggested that the Kremlin had decided to accommodate itself to Turkish advances in northern Syria, provided that Ankara does not openly confront the Assad regime. In a move that sharply increases the likelihood of a clash in the area, Turkey reversed its initial opposition to US drones and aircraft flying over al-Bab to gather intelligence last week. This means American and Russian planes will now be flying in close proximity to each other over the town in pursuit of ever more explicitly conflicting goals. Even a minor mishap, let alone a deliberate escalation of the conflict from either side, could provide the trigger for a devastating expansion of the war with catastrophic consequences for the regions beleaguered population. The US raid coincided with renewed criticism of Russia by outgoing Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. He blasted Russia for doing virtually zero in the fight against ISIS. He went on to declare that Russias involvement in Syria almost certainly made the ending of the Syrian civil war harder because the Kremlin had failed to help Assad move aside gently and bring the moderate opposition into the Syrian government. Carter then went on to make clear what he expected of a Trump administration in relation to Russia. Citing as fact the unsubstantiated allegations of Russian hacking of the Democratic Party in the lead-up to Novembers presidential election, Carter said of the type of response that should be adopted, I dont think it should be military or purely military response. There has to be a response, and I think the steps taken so far probably represent the beginning and not the end, the floor, not the ceiling I believe the price should be more. In truth, chief responsibility for the Syrian catastrophe lies with US imperialism, which systematically fomented the civil war with the aim of bringing about regime change in Damascus so as to strengthen its position in the energy rich Middle East against its geostrategic rivals. In the process, it actively encouraged Jihadist groups, with which the Obama administration cooperated in the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya. Only when Islamic State militants crossed into Iraq and seized territory did it become a concern for Washington. The United States will not be prepared to stand aside and allow other countries to decide on the countrys future, as Russia and Turkey have sought to do with the conclusion of a ceasefire covering a number of opposition groups and the Syrian government earlier this month. Peace talks are due to start in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, later this month. On Monday, Assad pledged to be ready to negotiate everything at the talks, while insisting his government was seeking to assert its control over all of Syrian territory. The ceasefire is already showing signs of faltering. In Wadi Barada, a valley which provides the capital its water supply, fighting has continued to rage between pro-Assad forces and opposition militias. The Free Syrian Army (FSA), a coalition of opposition groups, announced last week it was halting its participation in the ceasefire talks due to the attacks. However, the Assad government states it is justified in attacking the opposition-held area. It accuses the opposition groups of deliberately tampering with the water supply for Damascus, leaving 5 million people with no access to water for three weeks. The government has also pointed to collaboration between the FSA and the al-Nusra Front, the extremist group formerly the Syrian affiliate of al-Qaida and not part of the ceasefire agreement, as justification for its attacks on Wadi Barada. The US-backed rebels in Aleppo similarly fought alongside jihadi fighters. Some 12,000 administrative, support and clerical workers throughout the University of California system are set to take part in a one-day strike today. The strike affects all 10 University of California campuses, located in major cities throughout the state, as well as five medical centers. Teamsters Local 2010 said it called the one-day sympathy strike to support the nearly 600 skilled trade workers (electricians, mechanics, plumbers, locksmiths), who are currently on a one-week strike at UC Los Angeles that began Friday January 6 and has been scheduled to end Wednesday. Their contract expired in 2013. Skilled trades workers at UC San Diego saw their contract expire in 2015. The Teamsters said the strike was in response to unfair labor practices (ULPs), violations of state laws, and UCs refusal to bargain in good faith. While from the standpoint of the Teamster executives the strike represents an attempt to diffuse worker anger over declining living standards, it nonetheless expresses the determination of workers to fight back after years of concession contracts. The Teamsters local 2010 contract expired November 30, 2016. In a self indictment of its own policies the union notes that real wages have decreased by 24 percent over the past 18 years while executive pay skyrockets, tuition increases, and the University grows ever wealthier. A study released in October of last year by Occidental Colleges Urban & Environmental Policy Institute in conjunction with Teamsters Local 2010 concluded that over two-thirds or 70% of UCs clerical, administrative, and support workers struggle to put adequate food on the table, a category the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as food insecure. Despite UCs reputation of providing good jobs, the vast majority of its administrative staff must make monthly decisions on whether they should pay for adequate food or bills, while 45 percent report that they often skip meals to avoid the expense. The report also found that employees with children suffer from food insecurity at even higher levels. Staff with children reported 77.9 percent insecurity and those headed by a single mother 88.8 percent, or a single man, 91.7 percent. It is difficult to determine the degree to which food insecurity effects mental and physical states, but at least 69 percent reporting having difficulty concentrating on work due to inadequate meals at least once a year, with 14.2 percent reporting they experienced this hardship monthly. University of California is the states third largest employer, and the largest public institution of higher learning in the United States. The numbers reveal the vast polarization of wealth in the countrys richest state, and, if it was a separate country, the sixth largest economy in the world. Despite its immense wealth, the state has the highest poverty rate in the US according to a report published by the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy last July. Nearly half of Californias children live at or below the poverty line. The same report cited the Student Food Access and Security Study published in July 2016 which found that 42% of UC students were food insecure, with 29% reporting that they had difficulty studying due to hunger caused by lack of money for food. UC President Janet Napolitano replied to the revelations by pledging an increase of a derisory $3.3 million funding to improve food access. However, Napolitanos plan involved no decrease in tuition, campus housing or books, but rather assistance in enrolling students into the states food stamp or CalFresh program, pressuring better-off students to donate meal points in the Swipe Out Hunger programs, and increasing the student debt limit. The decision by the Teamsters to limit the strike to one day is a clear attempt to diffuse worker anger while minimizing the impact on management. Instead of seeking to mobilize all UC employees in a common struggle, they are keeping separate groups of workers isolated so that management can defeat them one by one. This is in line with the policies pursued by the Teamsters nationally. The Teamsters Central States Pension Fund collaborated with the Obama administration as it sought to slash the pensions for retired drivers. The CSPF sent letters to 400,000 pensioners in October 2015 stating that they would see their benefits drastically cut, many by as much as 50 percent or more under proposed changes aimed at saving the fund from bankruptcy. While verbally opposing the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014 signed into law by Obama, the Teamsters and AFL-CIO joined by the Service Employees International Union and North American Building Trades Unions are pledged to carrying out devastating cuts to pensioners and their families after decades in which they collaborated with employers to undermine worker retirement plans. All the contracts currently under negotiation seek to raise the proportion that workers must contribute to their own retirement. Increased contributions to retirement costs by employees quickly undermine any supposed raises. The last UC contract in 2011 contained a 1.5 percent increase in employee pension contributions and created a tiered system under which workers hired after July 1, 2013 had to contribute 7 percent. The only way forward for the clerical and administrative staff throughout the UC system is to fight for an expansion of their struggle throughout the entire UC system, bringing in nurses, housekeepers, electricians, kitchen staff and students. It must be organized independently, outside of the framework of the unions that do the bidding of the Democratic Party and management. The Occidental College study published comments by UC employees that reflect the hardships they face. One worker stated, I get depressed and truly feel like my life is worthless for not being able to pay my bills and buy enough groceries. I feel like I am failing in my life because I am always broke. I eat ramen noodles for lunch everyday, just to make sure that I am not spending money to feed myself. I am sad about this and I feel so disappointed that I have worked here for 16 years and don't make enough to survive and live life comfortable without worry. I am continually crying. It is terrible that every month I have to ask for assistance at food banks, from family members, friends and churches. I am horribly embarrassed. Every month I have to make a tough decision: do I pay the water bill or PG&E bill or not? I can only afford to eat one meal per day (I have to skip breakfast and lunch) and I'll be honesta bag of microwave popcorn does not make for a healthy meal. We buy meat from the soon-to-expire discount bin at the grocery store and some days we just don't really eat dinner. It brings me to tears answering these questions and realizing how often my husband and I go without so that our children have enough food to eat every month. I work very hard every day and go above and beyond my job description but yet I don't earn enough to live! Latin America Hundreds protest new tolls on Pan American Highway in Peru On January 4, hundreds blocked the northern section of the Pan American Highway in several spots along the Puente Piedra district, near Lima, the Peruvian capital, to protest a new system of tolls south to north. Among the demonstrators were bus drivers and residents of the region. Police used tear gas but were unsuccessful in clearing the protesters. For the most part, bus companies that use this part of the highway did not attempt to operate past the barricades. The protest took place after Rutas de Lima, the private company in charge of that sector of the Pan American Highway, installed a tollbooth on the south-to-north side of the highway. Tolls already were being charged for vehicles going the other way. Drivers into Lima must now pay both ways. Peruvian court employees lift their strike A seven-week strike of 25,000 court employees reached a controversial end on January 4. The strike began in the wake of a 30 percent cut by the government in the judicial budget, which would make wage increases nearly impossible. In addition, the strikers demanded the regularization of 7,500 contingent employees, many of them earning less than US$300 per month. Despite opposition by the rank-and-file union that represents the court workers, the Peruvian National Federation of Court Employees forced workers back in return for a meager wage increase for the contingent workers, leaving the other issues unsettled. Argentina: Striking public employees rally at Education Ministry over jobs Two separate public employee federations (ATE, UPCN) carried out a protest strike last week against Education Minister Esteban Bullrichs decision not to renew the contracts of 400 public employees. In addition, the ATE is warning that the jobs of 2,600 teachers are being threatened by the governments decision to cut back a teacher training program. In the last days of December 2016, workers lifted an occupation of the Education Ministry. When they returned this week to negotiate with government authorities, government officials claimed to be on summer vacation and the sacked workers were met violently by Buenos Aires police. Workers were knocked down and beaten. Chilean miners struggle over safety, givebacks Seventy miners occupied the Santa Ana coalmine in eastern Chile demanding that the government reopen it. The mine was shut down in 2015 due to safety concerns. The government of President Michelle Bachelet has refused to provide the necessary funds to make the mine safe. Instead, it offered funds to retrain the miners in other jobs. The miners have vowed to be buried in the mine, unless their demand is met. Elsewhere in Chile, negotiations are stalled between miners and mining transnational BHP Billiton. On Wednesday, the company rejected workers demands for a new contract at the Escondida copper mine. The company is proposing a giveback contract including reductions in wages, benefits and production bonuses. Escondida is the worlds largest copper mine, employing more than 2,500 miners. Disaster relief workers strike in Mexico Employees of the Mexican National Disaster Fund (FONDEN) in the city of Chipalcinango, capital of the Mexican state of Guerrero, have been on strike for more than three weeks. They are owed four months back pay and have been informed repeatedly that the FONDEN national office in Mexico City has yet to find the money to pay them. The workers declared on December 10 that they have had to use their own money to supervise the work of reconstruction of structures and homes damaged by Tropical Storm Manuel that hit southern Mexico in April 2016. On that very same day, the workers declared their strike. Strikers report repeatedly getting the runaround from FONDEN officials, and plan to rally this week to demand their wages and expenses. United States Union extends contract before unanimous strike vote by Minnesota drivers Truck drivers who deliver auto parts to OReilly Auto Parts stores across Minnesota voted unanimously on December 30 to strike in protest over increased work schedules and low pay. Negotiators for OReilly and Teamsters Local 120, which represents the 23 drivers, preceded the strike announcement with a contract extension. The union says that the company should expand the workforce by another 5-6 drivers due to heavy workloads and said the shortage of drivers contributed to unsafe working conditions. Drivers are also protesting a complicated wage formula that OReilly uses that results in underpayment. OReilly raked in record profits in 2015 and assert increased sales in each quarter of 2106. The company has 99 stores in Minnesota and 4,712 in 45 states nationally. The parts retailer was on target to add 210 new stores in the past year and acquired 48 more through a recent acquisition. Canada Quebec ambulance workers to strike Over 1,000 ambulance technicians and paramedics across the province of Quebec are set to go on strike January 19, after voting 90 percent in favor of strike action in December. The workers, members of the Federation des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Quebec (FTQ), are fighting for improvements in wages, pensions and work schedules. Many of the workers are restricted from striking under essential service legislation. At the same time, another 3,600 unionized EMTs in the province are also scheduled for strike votes in the coming weeks. Quebec union leader disciplined ahead of bus strike The head of the Syndicat uni du Transport (SUT) in Gatineau, Quebec in the Ottawa region has been suspended for four days as public transit workers in Gatineau prepare for strike action. The suspension of SUT union head Felix Gendron is part of disciplinary action being carried out against the union by the Societe de transport de lOutaouais (STO). Workers voted almost unanimously in favor of strike action in December, but are awaiting an essential services ruling from the Industrial Relations Board before taking strike action. The 485 bus drivers and maintenance workers are members of the SUT, but the STO says that disciplinary action against the union had nothing to do with ongoing contract negotiations. CHARLESTON -- From a potential increase in resources to potential overall deletion, programs and services at Eastern Illinois University can and likely will be seeing major changes going forward, according to recently released recommendations from the university's Vitalization Project. Final recommendations, some of which have already been implemented over the universitys holiday break, were posted online Monday. To view these recommendations, an EIU login is required. These recommendations came from Vitalization Project workgroups 1-7, which analyzed and then deliberated over potential changes to some programs and services at Eastern. EIU President David Glassman said in a message on the web page that some of the recommendations have already been approved or are in the process of being implemented. These include steps to improve our marketing strategies; improving facilities in Coleman Hall along with addressing infrastructural issues, Glassman stated in the message. We have added staff to the Office of International Students and Scholars to assist with our growing enrollment in this area of campus life, and the administration intends to further utilize our Literacy in Financial Education Center to address the need for enhanced student financial literacy, which a number of workgroups recommended. Numerous other recommendations were made also throughout by the seven workgroups that focused on various areas of the university. Notably, the deletion of seven academic programs made the list of final recommendations. Academic programs considered for deletion were as listed: the bachelor's programs in Adult and Community Education, Africana Studies, Career and Technical Education, Pre-Engineering and Philosophy, as well as the masters programs in Chemistry and Special Education. Several other services outside of academics were called for deletion by the workgroups. All of these suggestions are not the final decisions on the programs. Recommendations remain only suggestions for actions and not final decisions until determined by the administration to act upon them, Glassman said. It is important to note that this may not be the complete list of recommendations made by the workgroups or the university's vice presidents. Glassman has said he could and would omit certain recommendations should they be damaging to the university before they posted. I don't think that there is going to be any, but this is my safety clause in case a recommendation comes in that is not in the best interest of the university, Glassman has said. After the recommendations are finalized, the university administration will then start looking at them and start prioritizing and initiating them this month. This does not mean they will all be initiated in January, but that the process to do so will start in January. The decisions made by the university administration on these recommendations will be posted on the Vitalization Project website. Glassman has said the community will be updated on these decisions on an ongoing basis. The Vitalization Project has been a months-long endeavor by the university to analyze the programs and services it offers and find ways to boost efficiency and enrollment at the university. Workgroups 8-9 are still working on their respective areas. Their charge is to envision innovative ideas for Eastern's academic affairs division. According to the Vitalization Project web page, workgroup 8 will focus on program development that will enhance EIUs marketability in growing student enrollments at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Workgroup 9 will focus on EIUs organization of academic colleges, schools, and departments to enhance academic affairs operations. Their final recommendations are due April 14. Like many colleges and universities across Illinois and the United States, we face enrollment challenges, Glassman said in the message. In order to meet these challenges, we must adapt, change and evolve where necessary... We cannot remain the same... Staying the same is simply not an option. CHIPLEY, Fla. (WTXL) - A Chipley inmate is suing the Florida Department of Corrections after he was falsely accused of spitting on an officer and was brutally beat. According to court documents, Jeremiah Tatum is suing the FDOC for damages totaling over $15,000. Tatum alleged that while he was incarcerated at the Northwest Florida Reception Center several officers beat him up. The document said that on August 5, 2014, a correctional officer captain got several other officers together to have a private meeting. The captain apparently told the other officers that Tatum "was going to be dealt with" for allegedly getting chemicals on the captain and grabbing his ID card. When the captain told the other officers the plan, he asked if anyone took issue with it, to which no one voiced any concerns. With that, the group went to Tatum's cell. Once they had escorted him beyond surveillance cameras, the captain announced in a loud voice that Tatum had spit on him and told the others to "drop him on his head." The court document alleged that Tatum was then thrown to the ground and beaten. During the beating, Tatum didn't resist, nor did any officer object. The document alleges that a false use of force report was filed in an attempt to fabricate a story surrounding the incident and cover it up. Tatum had previously been imprisoned for trafficking illegal drugs in Duval County. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Teachers, lawmakers and concerned parents across the country are protesting Donald Trump's education secretary pick. Betsy Devos says she's committed to transforming the education system by expanding school choice, which many educators say would leave public schools behind. Here in the Capital City, not only were they against the education secretary selection, but other nominations as well. People gathered at the capitol Monday afternoon to protest President Elect Donald Trump's cabinet choices and demand that Senator Marco Rubio block his decisions. At odds over Donald trump's cabinet picks, people are concerned about corruption and potential conflicts of interest. Protesters at the capitol made their voices known, meeting with a representative of Senator Rubio and giving him a petition to pass along. "Just because the president elect has nominated someone does not mean they are fit for the job nor that they are qualified, and what we are hoping is that Senator Rubio will do his job, will listen to his constituents, vet the candidates properly and block the ones that need to be blocked," said Lakey Love, the state chair for the Women's March on Washington of Florida. Concerned citizen Nicola Soza, a member of the LGBT community, says protesting is important because even if elected officials don't listen and the nominations go through, it's important that they know about the people's dissatisfaction. Soza said, "I am here to ensure that my voice is heard and that the voices of my friends that were not able to be here are also heard." Protesters hope that Senator Rubio and more senators across different states come together to help block president elect trumps' cabinet picks before his inauguration on January 20th. COOK COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL) - Agents are looking into an officer-involved shooting in Cook County. The Georgia Bureau of Investigator said that on Sunday they were called by the Cook County Sheriff's Office to investigate an officer involved shooting. They said that preliminary information from law enforcement showed that around 5 p.m., the Ashburn Police Department tried to stop a car going southbound on I-75 in Turner County. The driver, later identified as Erin Hogue, refused to stop and was chased into Cook County. The Georgia State Patrol assisted in the chase, finally ending the chase in Adel. When officers tried to remove Hogue from the car, he pulled out a hangun, which resulted in him being shot by a Turner County deputy. Hogue was then arrested and transported to Tift Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cook County Sheriff's Office at (229) 896-7471. GBI is continuing to investigate. MOULTRIE, Ga. (WTXL) - A police officer in Moultrie finds himself on the other side of the law. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, officer Sam Smith was arrested Friday and is accused of using excessive force on a suspect who was restrained after being taken into custody. Thursday, the police chief requested the GBI to investigate the allegations. Smith is charged with assault and violation of oath of office. He was booked in the Colquitt County Jail, but has since been bonded out. The GBI says the investigation is ongoing. They and the Moultrie Police Department encourage anyone with information to contact the GBI Region 9 office at (229) 225-4090 or the Moultrie Police Department at (229) 616-7430. CAIRO, Ga. (WTXL) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has named a suspect in a fatal Cairo shooting and are asking for the public's help in finding him. GBI and the Cairo Police Department said that they are looking for Nicholas Perry, 20, who they believe is responsible for the murder of 25-year-old Elijah Smith. They said that Saturday afternoon, they responded to a shooting on 7th Street in Cairo. When they arrived, they found Smith. Investigators said that an autopsy will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab. Police said that they have arrest warrants for Perry and are still searching for him. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is encouraged to call Cairo PD at (229) 378-3096. CHARLESTON -- Recommendations for Eastern Illinois University made by members of the Vitalization Project task force are now up on the internet. These final recommendations that workgroups 1-7 deliberated over at the end of last year have been reviewed by the administration and now are on the Vitalization Project web page. An Eastern Illinois University login is required to view the recommendations. These remain suggestions at this point. The Vitalization Project has been a months-long endeavor by the university to analyze the programs and services it offers and finds ways to boost efficiency and enrollment at the university. Last year, David Glassman, EIU president, compiled the recommendations from seven of the nine workgroups along with individual recommendations from the student, academic and business affairs vice presidents. Glassman said, during the university holiday break, he would review the recommendations made by all of those workgroups and vice presidents involved. This may not be the complete list of recommendations made by the workgroups or the vice presidents. Glassman has said he could and would omit certain recommendations should they be damaging to the university before they are posted. Any recommendation by a workgroup that is considered by the president and chair of the task force, Ryan (Hendrickson), to be either egregious or harmful to the university will be retracted from the recommendation list prior to posting, Glassman said last year. I don't think that there is going to be any, but this is my safety clause in case a recommendation comes in that is not in the best interest of the university. Glassman has stated that after the recommendations are finalized, the university administration will then start looking the recommendations and start prioritizing and initiating them in January. This does not mean they will all be initiated in January, but that the process to do so will start in January. This story will be updated. Forrest Baugher, pictured here with his late nephew Steve Lundberg who served as his page in 1986, served three terms representing Washingtons Legislative District 15. He was one of only two democrats to break up an 80-year Republican dominance of the district. Baugher, an orchardist, electrician and father of two, died Friday at his ranch in Parker. (Courtesy photo) CHARLESTON -- Two women have chances for no records of convictions after they admitted taking part in a retaliation incident stemming from a fight at the Charleston Wal-Mart. Mykia J. Bolden and Kandyce Bynum pleaded guilty to charges alleging they were part of a group that used pepper spray to try to force their way into a room at Eastern Illinois University's Ford Hall on Oct. 25, 2015. They and a third woman were accused of confronting people in the residence hall as retaliation for a fight in which some of them engaged at the Wal-Mart store the day before. Bolden, 19, and Bynum, 38, both of whom have addresses on record in Chicago, pleaded guilty to felony charges of possession of burglary tools alleging the use of the pepper spray during the incident. The charges of mob action originally filed against the two suspects were dismissed and both were sentenced to a year of first offender probation. The sentence allows for no record of a conviction if completed successfully. The other suspects charged in connection with both incidents pleaded guilty earlier, with charges reduced from mob action to misdemeanor offenses in all the cases. The agreements reached with Bolden and Bynum differed because they wanted chances for no criminal convictions on their records, according to Coles County Assistant State's Attorney Rob Scales, who prosecuted the cases. Having the two women plead guilty to possession of burglary tools was needed for that because a conviction for mob action doesn't allow for a sentence of first offender probation, Scales explained. Probation terms for both Bolden and Bynum included counseling with specific anger management treatment. Circuit Judge Brien O'Brien imposed the sentences by accepting the plea agreements that Scales and defense attorney Alfred Ivy recommended. Scales said none of the six people charged in connection with the two incidents had any record of prior convictions. He added that all also did public service work before entering their guilty pleas to try to show that the incidents weren't typical of their behavior. The fight at Wal-Mart took place on the day of EIU's 2015 homecoming and was recorded on video that circulated on social media. Several people could be seen in the video but Scales said only the three people charged in connection with that incident have been identified. At Ford Hall, three women told police that three other women tried to force their way into their room and one sprayed one of the women in the room with pepper spray, according to records in the case. When police asked the women if they knew why the attack took place, they said they thought it was in retaliation for the fight at Wal-Mart, the records say. The other person charged in connection with the Ford Hall incident was Victoria M. Brown, 20, whose address on record is in Charleston. She was sentenced to probation when she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge in June. Those charged in connection with the fight at Wal-Mart were Amani V. Sanders-Benson, 22; Sheneice L. Lee, 22; and Chekiya N. Wilkerson, 21, all with addresses on record in Chicago. They also were sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery charges. You are the owner of this article. Submit An Obituary Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form The US Senate has unanimously passed the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, introduced by US Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Bob Casey (D-PA). If approved by the House, the bill will give the US Department of Education the statutory tools to examine anti-Semitic incidents in the broadest and effective way possible. The Anti-Semitism Awareness Act will mirror the State Departments Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitisms definition of anti-Semitism, including critical language to define where anti-Israel bias crosses the line into anti-Semitism. The new Act would enhance the Education Departments ability to identify, investigate, and punish all forms of anti-Semitism, including anti-Zionism and anti-Israel harassment. BDS on US campus. Such attitudes are quite common on university campuses, and are protected by 'academic freedom' (Photo: AP) When asked about the Act, Senator Casey channeled Natan Sharnaskys 3D definition of anti-Semitism and listed the following examples of where the bills tools would be helpful: Calling for, aiding or justifying the killing or harming of Jews, Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust, Demonizing Israel by blaming it for all interreligious or political tensions, Judging Israel by a double standard that one would not apply to any other democratic nation. Because of the bills potential impact on anti-Israel activities, we have seen a steady flow of hysteria and condemnation, in particular from the far left. Israel boycott groups like Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) claim that the bills overly broad language has the potential to define any criticism of Israeli policy as anti-Semitic, and that it would prevent frank discussions of the impact of Zionism, campus disagreements about the future of Israel/Palestine, and in fact, much of what falls under Jewish studies in all facets, including courses. The irony is that JVP in particular, which supports and advocates for boycott, divestment and sanction (BDS) against Israel, is only willing to have frank discussions through its own prism, which sees Israel as the source of all evil in the Middle East and something to be abolished. University administrators like Chancellor Howard Gillman and Dean Erwin Chemerinsky from the University of California, Irvine also took issue with the bill, despite living on a campus with one of the countrys most hostile educational environments for Jewish students. Earlier this year at Irvine, a Jewish student emerging from a Holocaust-related event was chased by a mob of anti-Israel protesters and was forced to barricade herself in a school building as her pursuers banged on the doors and windows and chanted Long live the Intifada! She had to be rescued by the police. In 2010, following the shouting down of then-Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren, Dean Chemerinsky wrote that he has not seen the slightest indication of anti-Semitism at UC Irvine, nor heard one complaint about an anti-Semitic incident on campus. Despite being a distinguished constitutional scholar, Dean Chemerinsky mischaracterized the proposed Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, claiming that the bill would require the Education Department, when deciding whether to investigate incidents on campus, to consider the State Departments definition of anti-Semitism. That is not what the bill says. Rather, under the proposed legislation, the Department of Education would consider the State Department definition adopted in 2010 when deciding whether severe, persistent, and pervasive harassment and intimidation (that federal civil rights statutes are designed to prevent) were motivated by anti-Jewish animus. That distinction is critical. On its face, the proposed legislation would not in any way encourage or permit the government to investigate or take action against protected speech-based and expressive activities. In fact, Irvine provides the strongest evidence that the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act is needed now more than ever. It is dismaying, but not surprising, that these two administrators and groups like JVP would rather misrepresent the text and constitutional soundness of the proposed legislation than address the culture of anti-Semitic hate that has arisen around the country, particularly at universities. Academia has unconsciously revealed that Jews and Israelis are the canaries in the coal mine. If universities are indicators of social trends, then anti-Semitism is becoming more acceptable in the guise of anti-Zionism. Only Jews are seen as unworthy of having a sovereign state, thanks to various sins past and present. Such attitudes are quite common on university campuses, and are protected by academic freedom. Yet it is also another reason for the growing gap between academia and the public; on moral issues, like defending democracy against jihadi terror, Americans and its elected officials are learning that universities are choosing their own way to define racism which may not always align with reality. The court did not only rule on Sergeant Elor Azarias fate last week. its ruling may also decide the fate of the No. 1 soldier, and one of the best chiefs of staff in the State of Israels history, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Three questions remained unanswered on the day after the powerful ruling handed down by the panel of judges led by Col. Maya Heller: regarding the punishment, regarding the pardon and regarding the chief of staffs future. Eisenkot and Netanyahu. Will the chief of staffs term be extended by a fourth year? (Photo: Motti Kimchi) On the one hand, Eisenkot can be satisfied with the outcome: The court explicitly ruled that the IDFs values are just as the chief of staff defined them, and that the public atmosphere has no room in the rules of engagement. On the other hand, he may pay a heavy price for this victory and not just because of the growing incitement against him and the prime ministers weak condemnation of that incitement. The punishment question: On January 15, the Military Court at the Kirya Base in Tel Aviv will begin the stage of argumentation of punishment for Azaria, who was convicted of killing a Palestinian terrorist in Hebron. The defense will likely present the request for a mitigated sentence, while the prosecution will present its demand for a prison sentence. It will be an explosive discussion, which is why the Judge Advocate General has already begun debating the issue, consulting senior legal experts and collecting opinions from senior figures in the Israeli society before specifying the required punishment. The manslaughter offense allows the prosecution to demand a long jail term: The law states up to 20 years, but in light of the circumstances of this case, legal experts believe that a sentence of five years matches the spirit of the verdict. On the other hand, this will clearly create major public unrest, so the discussions are ongoing. The Military Prosecution will likely not ask for an aggravated sentence which may ignite a commotion. Its possible, therefore, that Chief Military Advocate General Brig. Gen. Sharon Afek and prosecutor Lt. Col. (res.) Nadav Weisman will seek to convey the message that you won a clear legal victory now use your heart. In other words, now that the ethical message has been conveyed, there is no need to deepen the social rift and the prosecution should demand a mitigated sentence. As the outcry of the masses cannot be swept away, its possible that the prosecution will not even mention a jail term, thereby signaling to the court that it will respect any punishment, even a mitigated one. This scenario, however, means that the hot potato will be tossed over to the court, and its safe to assume that the judges will not fall into this trap and will demand that the prosecution specify a clear number of years in jail. The pardon question: The sentence decision is also overshadowed by the pardon issue. Although a matter-of-fact legal debate on this issue should be held between the professional elements in the army, a major battle is already taking place behind the scenes between the chief of staff and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and it may end in a massive drama that will also determine Eisenkots future in the IDF by affecting the option of extending his term by a fourth year. The question of Eisenkots future: The chief of staff will complete his second year in office in a month. Under the law, he has one more year left with an extension option, which is subject to the governments approval. Eisenkot will likely not fight for another year and not ask for it. But if it is offered to him by the prime minister and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, it is very likely that he will remain in office to complete the multi-year plan that he formed and implemented. As for Lieberman, it is pretty clear that he will support the extension, and he will likely not let Netanyahu harm the chief of staff. A decision in principle on Eisenkots future should be made as soon as the coming summer, in order to allow the army to prepare accordingly. So far, he has served as an excellent chief of staff, some will say one of the best Israel has ever had: Modest, practical and a professional who leaves no stone in the army unturned in order to prepare the IDF for war in a way which no one before him has apparently done. In this framework, he builds a multi-year plan, fills up warehouses for times of emergency and approves according to foreign reports bold attacks in the heart of Syria, while keeping away from politics and mainly maintaining the IDFs values. Even if he did make a mistake with the unnecessary comment on the eve of Azarias verdict ( an 18-year-old soldier is not everyones child ), we must not forget his many qualities and we must not lose him over a slip of the tongue. IDF forces shot and killed a knife-wielding terrorist overnight Monday after he attacked a group of soldiers in the Far'a refugee camp in the West Bank. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The terrorist, 33-year-old Mohammad Al-Salahi, shouted "Allahu Akbar" and did not heed calls to stop. Knife terrorist used in attempted stabbing (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) The incident occurred during the course of an arrest operation conducted by the elite Duvdevan Unit targeting wanted suspects in the refugee camp. The terrorist ran at soldiers with a knife drawn and attempted to stab them before being shot and later pronounced dead. During the operation, IDF forces were further attacked with gunfire and explosive devices thrown at soldiers. There were no IDF casualties. According to Palestinian sources, the incident occurred in Al-Salahi's home while IDF forces attempted to arrest him, but Israeli officials said Al-Salahi was not the target of the arrest operation. The operation resulted in the arrest of four wanted Palestinian suspects who were transferred to the Shin Bet for questioning. Another five terror suspects were separately detained in other villages by the IDF, Israel Police and Shin Bet for a range of offenses including violent acts, incitement and possession of weapons. TEHRAN -- A senior Tehran official says Iranian authorities are ready to "participate in bilateral talks" with Saudi Arabia about the 2017 hajj pilgrimage. The official IRNA news agency late on Monday quoted Ali Qaziaskar, a representative of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as saying that Iran like other Islamic countries received an invitation letter from Riyadh to discuss the next pilgrimage. Iran boycotted the 2016 hajj after a stampede and crush of pilgrims during the previous year's pilgrimage killed at least 2,426 people, according to an Associated Press count. Iran had the highest death toll of any country, with 464 killed. A few months later, Riyadh cut diplomatic relations with Tehran after angry Iranians attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom's execution of a Saudi Shiite cleric. Family members of the four IDF officers murdered in a vehicular terror attack Sunday have expressed anger and disappointment in the government for the failure of ministers to appear at any of the four funerals Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A friend of Lt. Yael Yakutiel's family spoke of the disappointment in the political establishment, saying, "During the funeral they didn't notice because of the clamor and the amount of people, but afterwards, when they realized (no minister had come), they thought it was very inappropriate." Funeral of Lt. Yael Yakutiel (Photo: Shaul Golan) Director Yad Labanim, an organization commemorating fallen soldiers, Eli Ben-Sham, promised action. "Since the founding of the organization, bereaved parents have not protested. This time, however, we will not hesitate to go out into the streets," said Ben-Sham. "For years we are being led astray. They promised us procedures guaranteeing the presence of government ministers and Knesset members at the funerals of the fallen, but nothing happened." Photo: Shaul Golan Following protests and outcries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to instruct Cabinet Secretary Tzachi Braverman to formulate binding procedure requiring government ministers, deputy ministers and Knesset members to attend the funerals of fallen IDF soldiers. Yedioth Ahronoth, Ynet's print publication, contacted government ministers asking why they didn't attend the funerals of the victims. Education Minister Naftali Bennett's office explained that Bennett attempted to coordinate participation in the funeral with one of the families, but the family asked to conduct a more intimate funeral, which the minister respected. Funeral of Erez Orbach (Photo: Ohad Zweigenberg) Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman's office replied: "As with previous cases, Minister Lieberman will visit the families of the soldiers that were murdered during shiva (the week-long mourning period in Judaism), without inviting the press." Interior Minister Aryeh Deri's office responded that Deri did not attend because he was holding meetings "to revoke the permanent resident status of the family of the terrorist who committed the attack." Other ministers and officials such as Sofa Landver, Gilad Erdan, Uri Ariel, Miri Regev, and Ze'ev Elkin missed the funerals for a variety reasons such as sickness, tours abroad and religious reasons. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes are expected to be questioned again by police, Channel 2 reported on Monday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to the report, police has recordings of two meetings between Netanyahu and Mozes each about an hour longallegedly to discuss a deal that would see the prime minister receive more favorable coverage in Mozes's paper in return for weakening rival paper Yisrael Hayom. The meetings were held at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, in the presence of Ari Harowat the time Netanyahu's bureau chief. Yedioth publisher Arnon Mozes and Prime Minister Netanyahu (Photos: AFP, Alex Kolomoiksy) According to Channel 2 journalist Guy Peleg, one meeting was held before the Knesset was dissolved on December 1, 2014 ahead of the 2015 elections and the other right after. In addition, the report noted that the prime minister's first questioning dealt with suspicions he accepted illicit gifts from Hollywood billionaire Arnon Milchan and with his ties to Australian billionaire James Packer, particularly concerning trips in which Packer hosted the prime minister's son, Yair. Police is expected to also interview employees at the Prime Minister's Residence who will be asked about the way the cigars and alcohol were brought to Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem and private residence in Caesarea. During his second questioning, Netanyahu was reportedly asked only about his meetings with Mozes. The prime minister was presented with transcripts of the recordings and was asked to respond, according to Channel 2. The Haaretz newspaper reported on Tuesday that Mozes claims it was Netanyahu who initiated the meetings. "Mozes insisted the prime minister was the one who asked to meet with him to discuss the matter" of the way Netanyahu is covered in Yedioth Ahronoth, according to Haaretz. The paper's report further stated the police "have documentation of more than one meeting of negotiations between the twodocumentation that spans over many hours." The recordings were reportedly seized by police as part of a different investigation into former PMO bureau chief Harow, who is said to have recorded the meetings. Channel 10 reported that a search of Arnon Milchan's office in Ramat Gan found receipts "documenting the purchase of cigars, champagne bottles and other illicit benefits." Journalist Baruch Kra reported that "to the best of our knowledge, there were over NIS 400,000 (worth of items) in the receipts found in Milchan's office." He said senior employees at the office were questioned. Arnon Mozes is the publisher and owner of Yedioth Ahronoth and controls both Ynet and Ynetnews. Police arrested four residents of the Old City of Jerusalem on Monday on suspicion they sprayed graffiti praising the terrorist who murdered four IDF officers on Sunday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The four suspectsaged 13, 16 and 20allegedly spray painted messages on shop doors and walls in the Muslim Quarter saying: "You have no place in Jerusalem," and "This attack is just the beginning of 2017." Furthermore, graffiti lauding Hamas was also discovered, saying, "Hamas is resistance, not terror." "Yesterday's attack is just the beginning of 2017" "King of the Mercedes Fadi Qunbar" Messages also praised Fadi Al-Qunbar, referring to him as "the king of the Mercedes," a reference to the fact that the vehicle used in the attack was a Mercedes truck. Additionally, messages praising Masbah Abu Sabih, the Ammunition Hill terrorist who murdered two people, including a police officer, were also discovered. "Hamas is resistance, not terror" An investigation into the graffiti led police to the homes of the suspects, where spray paint matching the paint used in the vandalism was found. Three of the four suspects are expected to be brought to court over the charges, while the 13-year-old suspect was released to house arrest. The United States has added two senior members of Hezbollah to its terrorism sanctions list, the State Department said Monday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Ali Damush and Mustafa Mughniyeh have been named Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Mughniyeh is a Hezbollah commander with extensive family links to the Lebanon-based militant group. He is the nephew of Hezbollah's previous military commander, Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in an explosion near the Syrian capital in last year, and the son of military commander Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in a 2008 car bombing in Damascusboth attributed to Israel. The Mughniyeh family in 1987, Tehran Mughniyeh is also the brother of the late Jihad Mughniyeh, who was killed in an explosion in Quneitra in 2015, which was alleged to be an Israeli airstrike. At the time, he was Hezbollah's commander of the Syrian Golan sector. Damush is an aide to the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. He heads the group's foreign relations department, which the State Department says "engages in covert terrorist operations around the world." Like father, like son. Jihad Mughniyeh (right) and his father Imad Mughniyeh (left) According to the State Department, Mughniyeh is in charge of the organization's operation in the Syrian Golan, where he has become a confidant and protege of Badreddine. He is reported to be in charge of the security of high ranking officials in Lebanon, Syria and Iran. It is thought that Mustafa's identity has been kept relatively secret, as opposed to his brother, in order for him to participate in operations such as those of Unit 910, which is responsible for overseas terror attacks. The tactical police activity being conducted in east Jerusalem for a long time now has led to a significant drop in the number of terror attacks. Even the strictest measures, however, are unable to prevent attacks like the one that took place in Jerusalem on Sunday and left four soldiers dead, as they do not require any organization. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The terrorist, a resident of the Jabel Mukaber neighborhood, was not known to the police, to the Shin Bet or to any other security services in regards to security-related offenses. All he had was a criminal record, and the Jerusalem Police believe that he acted of his own accord. A vehicular attack with a truck does not require starting any organization or forming a terrorist cell, which might have left an intelligence mark. All the terrorist needed to carry out his plan was the heavy vehicle he had purchased about a year ago for work purposes, and to drive for a few minutes from his home in Jabel Mukaber. Jerusalem terrorist Fadi al-Qanbar The only thing that pointed to what the terrorist, 28-year-old Fadi al-Qunbar, was planning and could have helped identify his intentions earlier, are a few social media posts suggesting that he identifies with Islamic State messages. That is precisely why one of the police and Shin Bets most effective tools in locating potential lone-wolf terrorists is activity aimed at locating and monitoring social media posts, which could point to an intention to carry out an attack. Public security minister vs. Facebook Quite a few people have been detained in the past year after publishing inciting social media posts suggesting that they intend to carry out an attack. That is also the reason why Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan has waged a battle against Facebook in a bid to get the social network to help monitor the posts. Another prevention measure is to create deterrence by prosecuting supportive family members and even associates who knew about the terrorists intentions. In the past, this measure has motivated family members to turn their relatives in shortly before the planned attack. Those family members said that they had decided to inform on their relatives for fear of home demolitions or other sanctions. Many times, however, the terrorist does not share his intentions with anyone, making this measure quite limited. The truck used to carry out the attack (Photo: AFP) On Sunday, the police arrested nine relatives and acquaintances of the Jerusalem terrorist. Our working premise is that the terrorist decided to act in the heat of the moment, but we want to examine all the ties and see if there are other people who were aware of his act, Commander Haim Shmueli, head of the Kedem district in the Jerusalem Police, told Ynet on Monday. The police officer, whose people are in charge of Jabel Mukaber and the East Talpiot Promenade, further noted that the operations began immediately at the scene of the attack and continued at the terrorists house. We went on to arrest family members who were in touch with him. Our operations lasted throughout the night, and this morning we were also prepared to enter the village and continue the enforcement activities. As for the terrorists social media posts, the commander noted that in this case we specifically know that he was affiliated, according to social media posts, with the Islamic State. In another incident, his brother had also identified with them, but other family members were not known to us. Another way that could further prevention is intelligence activity and thorough searches within the villages to locate weapons and rioters. This way often leads to people planning to carry out terror attacks, like the one that took place Sunday. Photo: AFP Addressing the activity conducted in the Jabel Mukaber area, which has generated several deadly attacks, Commander Shmueli noted that this village is mainly affiliated with the radical organizations. Most of the time, there are no disturbances on the local level. Its usually terrorist cells that go out and carry attacks. Its very difficult to characterize it. It may be the connection to the Hebron area, with many families and clans that came from Hebron to live in the Jabel Mukaber area. On Sunday, the police partially blocked roads leading to Jabel Mukaber. At the same time, they received a demand from residents of the East Talpiot area and Jerusalem Municipality officials to siege the village and conduct a strict security check on every person entering and leaving the village. Such a measure could prevent attacks involving weapons, but it is clearly unable to prevent an attack like the one that took place on Sunday. Jabel Mukaber has 30,000 residents living near the west Jerusalem neighborhoods. They have Israeli IDs and work in those neighborhoods. Throughout the day, there is a lot of undisturbed traffic between Jabel Mukaber and the western neighborhoods of the city. Unfortunately, the terrorist who carried out the criminal attack was raised in a hotbed of incitement and terrorism, and the evidence is his sisters comments (I thank God that he became a shahid) and the erection of a terror and incitement tent in the heart of Jabel Mukaber, said Maor Tzemach, chairman of the Lach Yerushalayim (For You, Jerusalem) organization. I call on the security forces to expel the terrorists nuclear family out of Jerusalem. Despite the attempt made by the terrorists family to set up a mourners tent, Jerusalem District Police Commander Yoram Halevy ordered its dismantlement Monday morning. The police reported that forces prevented the erection of a temporary structure to be used as a mourners tent for the terrorist in a compound next to his house. The police are constantly engaging in reinforced operational activity in the city, which will continue as long as it is required. RIYADH -- Lebanon's newly elected President Michel Aoun will meet with the Saudi king during his first visit to the kingdom. The meeting could melt the ice between the two countries after relations became strained over divisions on Iran. State news agency SPA said that Aoun, who arrived on Monday with eight ministers, was received by Riyadh governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud. He will meet the king on Tuesday. Hadas Ayash, 60, from Kiryat Tiv'on, drowned in Guatemala while on a group vacation with tourism company "Queen of the Desert." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Ayash, mother of three and grandmother of two, drowned while tubing in the after her raft overturned. The Foreign Ministry is working with the embassy in Guatemala to facilitate the return of the body as soon as possible. Hadas Ayash and the Cahabon River Liran Eldar, one of the trip participants, told Ynet, "It isn't an extreme trip. It's like tubing in the Jordan River in the summer. Staff handled it quickly, but we are all still in shock." According to Eldar, the group arrived in Guatemala on Saturday and on Monday morning began hiking until they arrived at the Cahabon River. "There is a permanent attraction there, nothing extreme, nothing crazy, just simple tubing. We split into two groups, with each tube being tied to the others; I was in the second group. When we reached the end, suddenly we noticed the other group had split in two and someone flipped over." Medical teams attending to Hadas Eldar said that medical and rescue services "arrived almost immediately. They managed to make contact with an ambulance quickly and from what I saw, everything seemed to be going well." "We got to know her well and there was a wonderful group dynamic and a great atmosphere. She was very lovely and very positive," she added. The company sponsoring the trip added, "We share in the family's deep sorrow. At this time, the case is being investigated locally and the rest of the group will return to Israel as soon as possible." GENEVA -- Europe's court of human rights has rejected an appeal by a Turkish-born couple who were fined in Switzerland for keeping their daughters out of mixed-gender, mandatory public-school swimming lessons for reasons linked to their Muslim faith. The European Court of Human Rights decision upholds a Swiss federal court ruling that education officials had not violated the family's rights of freedom of conscience and religion in the case in Basel dating to 2008. In a summary of the ruling announced Tuesday, the European court based in Strasbourg, France, acknowledged "interference" in freedom of religion but that public school had a "special role" in integration, particularly of children of foreign origin. Such issues of compulsory public education and religious belief have prompted similar cases in neighboring Germany and Liechtenstein in recent years. Turkey's deputy prime minister condemned the truck-ramming terror attack in Jerusalem that claimed the lives of four IDF soldiers and suffered the wrath of Palestinians on social media. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "Again we condemn another despicable act of terrorism today in Jerusalem. Humanity deserves nations to unite against terrorism without excuses," Mehmet Simsek wrote in English on his Twitter account. There were reports that the Turkish prime minister, Binali Yildirim, also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in the attacks in Jerusalem and Bahgdad on Sunday, but there is no confirmation of that. Turkish deputy prime minister condemns Jerusalem attack Simsek's tweet was also posted to his Facebook page and caused an outrage, mostly among Palestinians. Palestinian factions, including Hamas, also slammed the deputy prime minister's tweet. "The Turkish condemnation is unacceptable," some Hamas members tweeted. "The real terrorism is the one the occupation uses against our people and the slaughter it commits against the Palestinians," said Hazzam Qassam, a Hamas spokesman. He also noted that Hamas appreciates Turkey's support of the organization. The uproar caused by the tweet both on social media and in the traditional media led Simsek to delete it a day later. Last summer, Israel and Turkey signed a reconciliation agreement after six years of diplomatic freeze caused by an Israeli raid on a Turkish Gaza-bound flotilla, but the relationship between Ankara and Jerusalem is still quite cold. However, following the terror attack at an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's, which claimed the lives of 39 people including an Israeli, the government in Jerusalem was quick to condemn it. Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, commented Tuesday on the verdict against Sgt. Elor Azaria reached last week, saying "Azaria committed a criminal offense, but this is a threshold. The IDF cannot compromise its values, or it will lose its morality." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Zamir delivered his remarks at the Haifa Leadership Conference, saying, "As commanders, sh** happens. Leaders see these incidents as opportunities. You must not run from responsibility. I expect commanders not to be afraid to explain to their soldiers what they must do." Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir (Photo: Ido Erez) Referring specifically to the case of Elor Azaria, Zamir said, "Since the Azaria affair, 39 terrorists have been killed in the West Bank and even in the Southern Command, Palestinians have been killed on the border fence. Soldiers were backed up and investigations were not opened because the soldiers acted according to the rules of engagement." In addition to Zamir, other high ranking IDF officials were present at the forum, including the commander of the Paratroopers Brigade, Col. Nimrod Aloni and former commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Mizrahi. Sgt. Elor Azaria (Photo: AP) Addressing the Azaria affair, Aloni said, "I spoke with hundreds of soldiers about the incident. Not only just about what is legal and what is not, but what is moral and what we want as a Jewish army. There were fierce debates and soldiers expressed their opinions even if they were different than ours as commanders. Not everyone has to agree, but if you want to be part of the army defending Israel, you need to be part of the value system that comes with it." Gal Hirsch, director of the conference, remarked in his opening statements, "It is a big responsibility to be a commander and your words have weight and consequences. Public figures forget it takes years to build and only seconds to destroy." An official says Palestinian leaders are calling for mosque and church prayers "from Pakistan to Tehran, from Lebanon to Oman" this weekend to protest the possible move of the US Embassy in Israel to contested Jerusalem. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter US President-elect Donald Trump promised such a move during his campaign Jerusalem (Photo: Israel Police Spokesperson's Unit) Mohammed Ishtayeh, an adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said Tuesday that the Palestinians were told by "American circles and diplomatic friends" that Trump might reaffirm the plan during his January 20 inaugural speech. Ishtayeh says an embassy move would mean "the end of the two-state solution" to the conflict and would violate a global consensus. US President-elect Donald Trump (Photo: AP) The Palestinians seek a future capital in east Jerusalem, captured and annexed by Israel after surrounding Arab nations attacked in in the 1967 Six-Day War. President Abbas recently sent a letter to Trump informing him of the dangers entailed in moving the American embassy to Jerusalem. Abbas asked Trump to refrain from taking the step, describing it as destructive for the peace process, counterproductive to the two-state solution and to the stability of the region. In addition, Abbas sent a letter to European heads of state, to China, to the secretary-general of the Arab League and to Russia urging them to take measures to prevent the move. Whilst government ministers frequently publicly oppose returning terrorists' corpses to their families, a total of 20 such bodies were returned last month. Tuesday morning, Yossi Tzurwho lost a child to a terroristtold Ynet that he considered the government's failing to stand by its decisions "senseless." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The sensitive issue hardly penetrates public consciousness, as the return of the bodies is nearly clockwork: Friday afternoons, after the Israeli public is far removed from the goings-on and Shabbat is about to begin throughout the country. Only a few months ago, at the height of the wave of stabbing attacks, some ministers announced that they were firmly opposed to returning terrorists' corpses for burial by their families. But over the past year, the families of those terrorists petitioned the High Court of Justice (HCJ) thrice to order the return of their loved ones who died while attacking Israelis. In response to the petitions, the state announced that it would waive its objections so long as the families would meet the limitations imposed regarding the nature of the funeral and the number of attendees. Mass funeral for returned corpse (Photo: Uri Davidovitch) Tzur told Ynet, "I think that today, when we have in Gaza two fallen soldiersHadar Goldin and Oren Shaulwhom we're trying to get back, it's pretty obvious to everyone that it's a completely senseless measure that basically neutralizes the nearly only means of pressure that we have." He continued, "We want every terrorist to have to think twice about what will happen to his family and how his mother and father will feel afterwards. We see that returning bodies isn't only an act of returning, but rather funerals that become mass funerals. Attempts to reach agreements that it'll be a modest funeral of twenty people at night haven't succeeded." "I would be happy if the government would stand by its decisions and do whatever is necessary," Tzur added. "I think that the government understands that returning bodies is the wrong move and that it's a step that encourages terrorist and only encourages others to commit more and more attacks." Tzur explained that families who have lost members to terrorist have been angry about this subject for years and that they've tried to prevent the return of terrorists' corpses. "Unfortunately, the HCJ in this case is cooperating is with the government and not with us," Tzur claimed. "I think that the matter needs to be categorized as a security issue that can't be discussed by courts. We'll continue to protest and oppose returning bodies." Nine homes that were constructed illegally in the Arab village of Qalansawe in central Israel were demolished on Tuesday, sparking outrage from locals and political officials. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The demolition of the homes in a main neighborhood in the village, some of which were inhabited while some were still in various stages of construction, was accompanied by hundreds of policeman, as angry residents staged a protest. Qalansawe Mayor Abed Salameh announced that he would resign from his position as a result of the demolition and expressed fury over its implementation. Demolition in Qalansawe The police distanced the residents from the areas marked for destruction while moving vehicles blocking the routes leading to the homes. However, hundreds of residents assembled at the site in an angry demonstration, screaming chants such as Enough with the demolitions. Stop the racist policy. Police srround the area As a result of the demolition, the Arab Monitoring Committee, led by former MK Mohammad Barakeh, declared a general strike that is set to commence on Wednesday across the Arab sector, including in schools. The strike was announced at the conclusion of an emergency meeting of the monitoring committee in the Qalansuwa Municipality in which the majority of Arab MKs participated, along with other senior officials in the Arab sector. Where are all the Arab MKs and the leaders?" one of the protesters asked in an interview with Ynet. They are insulting what is going on. It would be better if they resigned. All the time we only hear speeches and their esoteric language without results. Arab Monitoring Committee meets Hasun Mahluf, an owner of one of the homes that was demolished, said that the destruction exemplified the racist policies of the State, that calls itself a democratic country. This move only causes bad relations. Where will these families go? It pains the government to see the Arabs progress, he vented. The Arabs living in the area had invested large sums of money to build the homes, continued Mahluf, and unfortunately, within seconds, they are destroying them. He called on the local authorities and government officials to legalize the construction in the Arab towns rather than leaving us here in the (cold). We also have children, and now they have no roof over their heads. Another individual attempted to highlight the difference between this case and that of Amona. Qalansawe is not Amona and they are destroying homes and leaving families without a roof despite the fact that the homes were built on private land, he said. US President Barack Obama warned in an interview broadcast Tuesday that "unfettered support" for Israel's settlement policies would lead to a "worsening situation" over time between Israelis and Palestinians. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Photo: AP Obama spoke to the Israeli TV program "Uvda" in an interview broadcast Tuesday, as he prepares to hand off to President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated he will be more accepting of Israel's expansion of settlements. Trump's pick for ambassador to Israel David Friedman is an outspoken settlement supporter. "If the notion is that unfettered support for Israel or more specifically support for the Netanyahu government's policiesno matter what they are, no matter how inimical they may be to the prospects for peaceif that's what qualifies as a good friend, then I think that we will see a worsening situation over time," Obama said during the interview, filmed in Washington last week. "Increasingly what you are seeing is that the facts on the ground are making it almost impossible, at least very difficult, and if this trendline continues - impossible, to create a contiguous, functioning Palestinian state," the president added. "Bibi says that he believes in the two-state solution and yet his actions consistently have shown that if he is getting pressured to approve more settlements he will do so regardless of what he says about the importance of the two-state solution," Obama said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. The Obama administration declined to veto a UN Security Council resolution condemning settlements last month, infuriating Netanyahu. Obama defended the abstention in the interview, saying "I believe it was the best move for peace." The expansion of Israeli communities in lands the Palestinians want for their future state is seen by some as an obstacle to peace. Israelis however, point to the Palestinians' refusal to accept Israel's existence as a Jewish state and Palestinian leaders' consistent incitement against its citizens and security forces. On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ... An art student in her 20s from Umm al-Fahm filed a complaint with the Israel Police on Monday due to threats that she allegedly received after submitting a piece composed of a Muslim prayer rug at Haifa University on which she had written in Arabic, "God is dead; keep praying." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The student's piece, which was prepared as part of her degree, was controversially received at the university. Some opponents claimed that its presence was deleterious to Muslims and their faith. Conversely, supporters of the student claimed that she was fully within her rights to express herself in such a manner. The student's artwork Ahmed, a resident of Sakhnin who is a student at the university, said, "Unfortunately, the student wanted to receive attention by harming religion. It's unacceptable to write things like this. To come and write that God is dead is something that really harms us. You need to respect all religions and not cross red lines." Following the controversy, the student said that she received threats that she would be harmed, the details of which she presented to the police in Haifa. She said, "The piece was presented in class and not in a gallery. Works that are done in class aren't supposed to be presented outside. I got a lot of support from the students, except for two students who photographed what I was presenting without my approval and put the photos online on social media. They gave the piece a completely different interpretation to provoke me and to incite against me. "Following this irresponsible behavior, the responses have been extreme and inflammatory by people who don't know me and don't know what my intentions were." The student related, "In everyday life, when you want to describe a person without pity, you say, 'You don't have God.' I took this concept and tried to play with it and change its words. I meant ISIS, which seemingly keeps all the commandments, but basically don't believe that religion is morality, compassion and love. "I received death threats and messages from people who said that they wanted to kill me and banish me from Umm al-Fahm, and there were curses too. I don't regret it, and I don't think that I made a mistake. The people who made a mistake are the people who hurt me." Haifa University commented on the controversy, "This was a homework assignment by a student in the art school, and, as with other assignments, it was presented for the students and lecturers to review, they had a discussion about it, and later it was removed. We will maintain the freedom of expression of all of our students." The Israel Police said that they have opened an investigation following the student's complaint. Pope Francis will grant Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas an audience at the Vatican on Saturday, the Holy See confirmed indirectly Tuesday by announcing arrangements for media coverage of the visit. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter It will be the third time Francis has met Abbas following an encounter during the pontiff's 2014 trip to the Holy Land and the Palestinian leader's 2015 visit to the Vatican to attend a canonization ceremony for two Palestinian nuns Relations between the Holy See and Palestine were upgraded in 2015 with the signing of an accord expected to lead to the establishment of a Palestinian embassy in the Vatican at some point this year. Francis and Abbas in 2015 (Photo: EPA) Israel was angered by the accord, which came two years after the Vatican recognized Palestine as a state. Relations with the Jewish state were also strained by Francis describing Abbas as an "angel of peace" during the two men's May 2015 meeting. Saturday's meeting will come against a background of deep concern among Palestinians over US President-elect Donald Trump's declared intention of moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The Palestinians fear the move would consolidate Israeli control over the ancient city and make it harder for them to have Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Saturday's meeting will also take place on the eve of an international conference in Paris at which some 70 countries are due to discuss the situation in the Middle East and reiterate support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. An Israeli flag was projected on the front of the Paris City Hall on Tuesday in a symbolic act of solidarity with the wounded and killed victims of Sundays vehicular attack in Jerusalem. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter X The act follows the examples set by Germany, in which the colors of the Israeli flag illuminated the Brandenburg Gate Berlin on Monday , and by the Netherlands, which on Tuesday flew an Israeli flag atop Rotterdam City Hall Paris City Hall Tuesday evening Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted a video of the projected flag waving, writing, "#Paris pays tribute to the victims of the attack in #Jerusalem." Some of her followers were displeased with the solidarity, with one writing, "Shame on Paris" and another adding, "I feel like vomiting." The flag projection is to remain in place from 7:30pm to 11pm local time. The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France tweeted, "This evening, we're in front of Paris City Hall, lit up in memory of the victims of the Jerusalem attack #AllUnitedAgainstTerrorism." The Israeli Ambassador to France, Aliza Bin-Noun commented on the occurrence, saying, "We are happy that the Paris Municipality has shown an act of solidarity with Israel in relation to the abhorrent act of terror that took place in Jerusalem. We are part of the fight of the global war on terror." Dear Editor, When a new year begins, people put up a new calendar. Businesses begin a new set of books. Schools complete a semester and begin a new one. One of the first dates of significance on calendars used in the United States is Jan. 22. Whoever has a red marker may like to circle this date. Unborn American children lost the right to live, to be a person on Jan. 22, 1973. Those who consider this a horror and a national tragedy can help stop it. There is a Walk for Life scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 14, at the State Capitol in Lincoln at 10 a.m. Another march will be held in Washington D.C., on Jan. 27, 2017. These events are the largest rallies held annually in Nebraska and in the nations capitol. For some reason, there is a news blackout regarding these peaceful demonstrations to there are citizens who remain unaware of such vital information. I hope people will pray and offer their strength and energy so that all Americans can repair the damage and emptiness caused by this tragedy. Meanwhile, as you stare at that red circle on your calendar, please realize there is something you can do to replace it with a victory for life instead. -- Bill Dunavan, York Life is complicated and hard. But life is really, really good, too. Because if youre reading this, you still have a chance at it. It has been 20 years since we heard the news at the Heine farm that Jason Barrett had passed away. While we did not attend the same school, Jason and I had befriended at the York County Fair and I heard the news from my dad that he had lost his life in an accident. Terrible news for such a young man, his parents, family and friends. I have not forgotten what dad said to me the day I heard the news, Remember, you still have a chance at life. Jason doesnt. I was thinking about the Barrett family the other day, when Caroline came home with a picture of herself sitting on Santa and Mrs. Clauss lap. The magical couple in red was actually Dan and Evie Barrett, who are well-known across the area for their reenactment of the famous Christmas couple each year. They are also Jasons parents. I have some other connections too with the Barretts. Evie knew my birth mom, Lorraine Tonniges, when she attended Gresham High School. She always shared at least a tidbit about my mom whenever I would run into her. Dan also holds a special place in my memory too. When I worked full time for the York News-Times many years ago, I recall some wonderful conversations with him in the old Barrett Bros. Welding Shop in York just west of Penners. There Dan told me about his memories of farm and rural life and shared a few jokes too, surrounded by the black, greasy smell of welding tools, some projects done and others yet to be completed. There have been other times I have thought about Jasons life, taken too soon. One of those times was when Dan and Evie invited me to the Jason Barrett Memorial Trap Shoot event they have held annually to honor his passing and to raise money for a scholarship that is given out each year in their sons honor. I did accept that initial invitation and remember enjoying the conversation, a cold beer and good food more than showing any level of prowess at trap shooting. Still, Jasons friends were patient enough with my inabilities to help me give it a try. Lets just say, at the very least, I shot in the correct direction and maybe hit one clay pigeon (maybe). But I had that chance you know, to at least give it a try. Yes, dad was sure right. Its all about still being alive and still being able to do something with our lives. No, not a year has gone by since that I have not thought of my peers life, cut short. It just doesnt seem like the way things should be ordered you know? But I know it happens. Yes, I know death happens. When you are four, like I was, and your mother died, you grow up with death sitting right next to you. You hold its hand some days, despise it others, but it shapes everything you do because it has shaped you. While my birth mother did not raise me to adulthood, her death and memory did condition me, with that stern reminder that life does, end. The sternness of the reminder has softened with age and more understanding that one is not alone in loss. Others who have experienced something like this know what I am talking about. Dan and Evie do. We all do at some point. Two stories of lives, two stories of deaths too young, at least in my humble human opinion. But really, who am I to judge Gods decisions, when mine are so finite? So now, here were are, like dad said, we still have a chance. Jason doesnt. My mom Lorraine doesnt. But we do. Thats sobering and thats satisfying too. Being here, present and alive, is really enough. Be thankful for that. Because you just never know. You just dont. The peace is, God does. God also gets the timing, the why and the reason were still here. So go, live your chance and allow others to live their chance too. Latest News Washington, DC - Special Advisor for Childrens Issues, Ambassador Susan Jacobs will visit Indonesia and the Philippines January 9-13. Special Advisor Jacobs will travel to Indonesia and meet with government leaders to discuss the benefits of joining the Hague Abduction Convention and explore ways to better protect the interests of children. Special Advisor Jacobs will then visit the Philippines and meet with government officials to discuss the strong partnership under the Hague Adoption Convention and ways to strengthen our practices under the Abduction Convention. For more information about childrens issues, please visit: http://ChildrensIssues.state.gov Yuma News Yuma, Arizona - On Saturday January 7, 2017, just after 5:00 pm, a fire was reported in the 500 block of South 15th Avenue. Yuma Fire Department personnel found brush, debris, and 2 trees on fire near a vacant house located at 580 South 15th Avenue. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire before it could spread to nearby structures on the property. Previously, on January 4th a fire was also reported and extinguished at this address. That fire damaged the rear of the vacant house. Fire investigators have determined both fire to have been intentionally set. The investigation has been turned over to the Yuma Police Department. You can help your police and fire departments, and help protect your homes and families, when you report suspicious circumstances and persons immediately. Be aware of people hanging around vacant buildings (or acting like they are trying to hide from view) or in business areas (or parks!) after hours (especially late at night). Reporting this type of suspicious activity to the police immediately (9-1-1) can prevent crimes and even save lives. If you have information about arson (or other) crimes, contact the police department. Information can also be provided anonymously (plus possible cash reward of up to $1000) through the Silent Witness tip line at 78-CRIME (782-7463). An investigation into a power outage that left customers in Ukraine without electricity for an hour last month has concluded that the cause was indeed a cyberattack, Motherboard reports citing its sources. This would be the second such known hack of a Ukrainian power facility following a massive December 2015 power outage affecting about 230,000 people, which was later blamed on the Russian government. The more recent attack occurred at a transmission facility, as opposed to the 2015 attack that affected a distribution facility, and was not as far-reaching (although it could have been much worseas disruptions to a transmission facility could impact a wider area than distribution facilities). But taken together, the implications of both attacks and a series of other breaches around Ukraine suggest that someone, or various individuals, may be using the country as a testbed for refining attacks on critical infrastructure that could be used across the world. The attack last month, which occurred almost exactly one year after the previous outage, struck the Pivnichna substation outside the capital city Kyiv, and cut power a few minutes before midnight local time December 17, leaving customers in part of Kyiv and a surrounding area in the dark on a Saturday night. The outage lasted only an hour, and power was restored a little after 1 am. Ukrainian security researchers involved in the investigation say they believe the attack was conducted by the same hackers who cut power in Ukraine a year ago. They also believe the attackers may be responsible for a series of other attacks that have struck other high-value Ukrainian targets in the commercial and government sectors, including the national railway system and the Ministry of Finance, which were hit around the same time. Ukraines intelligence service attributed the 2015 attack to Russia, without providing any evidence to support the claim. No one has publicly attributed this latest attack to Russia or anyone else. UkrEnergo, the national power company that oversees the Pivnichna substation and others, told customers after this last outage that it was unclear if it was the result of hackers or equipment failure, but the researchers say there is now no question it was the result of an intrusion. Aldi's Lincoln grocery stores, which are both less than three years old, will be getting minor facelifts. The German discount grocer filed building permits for $200,000 each last week for interior renovations to its locations at 84th and O streets and 27th Street and Yankee Hill Road. Aldi Olathe Division Vice President Mark Bersted said in a statement that both Lincoln stores will receive interior appearance updates, including new signage and updated display cases for products. Aldi has spent the past year revamping its nearly 1,500 U.S stores to increase its selection of organic and healthy foods. One of the main changes has been replacing candy in the checkout lanes with healthy snacks. Lincoln will soon be getting its first Costco warehouse store. The Lincoln City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to approve plans for a Costco near 14th Street and Pine Lake Road. Costco plans to build a 156,000-square-foot store along with gas pumps for 16 vehicles on about 20 acres between 16th Street and Hazel Scott Drive. A Costco official at Monday's meeting said he was not authorized to comment, and Costco's corporate office did not respond to an email seeking comment. Company officials have earlier said they hope to be open by this fall. The proposed location, sandwiched between Lincoln Southwest High School and Scott Middle School, drew strong opposition from people living in the area, who said the development would produce too much traffic and increase risks to schoolchildren. Two of the seven City Council members could not vote on the Costco issue. Both Roy Christensen and Jane Raybould had to recuse themselves from discussion and voting on the plan because of financial conflicts of interest. Christensen, an audiologist, received a ruling from the state Accountability and Disclosure Commission that because Costco sells hearing aids it would be in direct competition with his business. Costco challenged Raybould because she is an executive with B&R Stores, which owns the Super Saver supermarket at 27th and Pine Lake Road, about a mile from the planned Costco, which also sells groceries. Despite those two disqualifications, the plan still needed a majority of the full council to pass, meaning four "yes" votes. Of the five who did vote, only Leirion Gaylor Baird voted against the project, saying the site, which is a cornfield, is more appropriate for residential development. Gaylor Baird said she, like most people in Lincoln, wants to see Costco come to the city. "We all want Costco in Lincoln," she said. "I just don't think that Costco belongs next to two schools." Councilman Carl Eskridge said that while the location is not perfect, "It's important that Lincoln have this." Councilwoman Cyndi Lamm said she didn't make up her mind to support the project until very recently. She said she was satisfied that Costco is making necessary improvements to the site to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and others. That will include Costco paying to put turn lanes on both Pine Lake Road and 14th Street. It also will include installing a future traffic light at 16th and Pine Lake if traffic numbers warrant it, an amendment introduced by Lamm that also was approved on a 4-1 vote. Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha has proposed a legislative rule change that would create an independent citizens advisory committee to assist the Legislature in future redistricting decisions. The proposal would have the effect of clearly establishing development of the new process as a legislative responsibility, bypassing the governor. Under the state Constitution, that is a legislative prerogative, Harr said. However, any redistricting plan agreed to by the Legislature would need to be enacted in the form of a legislative bill and be subject to a gubernatorial veto. Last year, the Legislature enacted a bipartisan bill to create a new redistricting process that included creation of a citizens committee, but it was vetoed by Gov. Pete Ricketts. The proposal, agreed to by Sen. John Murante of Gretna, a Republican, and former Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha, a Democrat, following more than two years of cooperative negotiation, cleared the Legislature on a 29-15 vote. No effort was made to override the governor's veto. At issue is a desire to distance state senators from the politically charged process of drawing new boundaries for congressional and legislative districts following each federal census. Harr's proposal would create a seven-member citizens advisory committee that would recommend redistricting plans for consideration by the Legislature, which senators would either accept or reject. The committee would be bound to adhere to a set of redistricting principles, with equity in population among districts established as the paramount consideration. Plans proposed by the commission would be subject to at least four public hearings across the state before being submitted to the Legislature for its consideration. Redistricting plans would also be devised for Supreme Court judicial districts and for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, the Public Service Commission and the state Board of Education. In addition to his rules change proposal, which Harr said he will present to the Rules Committee at its scheduled meeting on Wednesday, the senator introduced a bill (LB216) Tuesday to propose creation of an advisory citizens committee. "If the rule passes, that bill won't be necessary," he said. Ilona Holland came to Nebraska in 2013 with two decades of experience in massage therapy in Europe and 600 more education hours once she got to this country, and wanted to open a business in Omaha. But 400 added education hours required in Nebraska discouraged her, and she opened her business in eastern Iowa. Gov. Pete Ricketts and several Nebraska senators want to ease some requirements and make it easier for people to work and open businesses in the state. So the Legislature will see a package of bills this week that would reform the requirements to obtain some occupational licenses, including those for cosmetologists, massage therapists and school bus drivers. The idea would be to do away with or reduce requirements for professionals that are out of step with what other states do or that are overly onerous, said Gov. Pete Ricketts at a news conference. It would help create more job opportunities in Nebraska, Ricketts said. Nebraska faces a workforce shortage, and occupational license requirements exacerbate the problem, said Nicole Fox, director of government relations for the Platte Institute. About 200 occupations require government licenses. About 25 percent of people employed in Nebraska are required to have a license. The Institute for Justice found overly onerous requirements tend to target lower income professions and those that help people become upwardly mobile. Of the 102 professions examined by the Institute for Justice, Nebraska had requirements for 45 of them. Ricketts' concern is that the state is putting up barriers to people getting jobs or establishing businesses, he said. Senators will propose changes through legislation to 18 occupations, including reducing the required hours of education for massage therapists from 1,000 to 500, and for barbers from 2,100 to 1,500, more in line with a countrywide standard. The European Commission concluded that France could inject 4.5 billion euros ($4.75 billion) into state-owned nuclear reactor builder Areva EU anti-trust regulators on Tuesday cleared the French government's massive restructuring of troubled state-owned nuclear reactor builder Areva. Problem-prone Areva, which is 87-percent owned by the French state, has faced severe difficulties since 2011, when the Fukushima disaster in Japan called nuclear power generation into question across the world. In April, Paris notified the EU Commission of a big restructuring plan to save the national champion that included a massive payout from public coffers. "The European Commission has concluded that French plans to grant a capital injection of 4.5 billion euros ($4.75 billion) to Areva are in line with EU state aid rules," a statement said. The Commission added that other regulatory decisions were still needed, including a greenlight by the EU on the buyout of Areva's reactor business by EDF, the French state-owned electricity supplier. Areva's woes were compounded by construction problems affecting its first EPR reactor in Finland -- now expected to open nine years late in 2018 -- putting company finances deep into the red. In addition, Areva's former CEO Anne Lauvergeon has been charged in a case linked to the company's disastrous 2007 purchase of a Canadian uranium mining firm. EDF, also majority-owned by the French state, agreed in June 2015 to purchase up to 75 percent of Areva's reactor unit at a valuation of around 2.7 billion euros, with the deal expected to be finalised in 2017. France sees nuclear energy as a key national industry and the government has been closely involved in talks to restructure the sector. The French state, which has already poured in billions to keep Areva afloat and thousands of French workers in their jobs, welcomed the decision. "This is a major step for the implementation of the main elements of the refounding of the French nuclear industry..." said a statement from the office of French President Francois Hollande. The cession of the reactor business to EDF will leave Areva with operations that include the extraction of uranium, its enrichment into fuel and then treatment of spent fuel. It will also dismantle oil nuclear reactors. Story continues Areva reached agreement in December with foreign companies -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited according to a source familiar with the talks -- to invest 500 million euros for a 10 percent stake. The state's injection of 4.5 billion euros will account for the lion's share of funds needed to put the company back on its feet. Trading in Areva shares was halted on Tuesday at 5.20 euros, just a quarter of the peak of over 20.00 euros per share hit in early 2014. Portugal's biggest private bank, BCP, on Monday announced a share sale of 1.33 billion euros ($1.41 billion) and said purchases by Fosun Industrial Holdings would see the Chinese conglomerate nearly double its stake in the firm. The cash injection will be used to pay off 700 million euros in debts to the state, the last repayment in a three-billion-euro bailout dating to 2012. The funds will also be harnessed to strengthen the balance sheet, bringing the bank's capital adequacy ratio to 11.4 percent, BCP said in a statement. Fosun, which became the BCP's biggest shareholder last November, has committed to buying more shares that will see its holding rise from 16.7 percent of capital to 30 percent, it said. Portugal's banking sector is saddled with debt and bad loans and has had to be rescued twice by the state under a plan backed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On November 20, Fosun and BCP said the Chinese firm paid nearly 175 million euros for its stake and aimed to increase its shareholding to around 30 percent. China's largest privately-owned conglomerate, Fosun is already present in Portugal with stakes in the insurer Fidelidade and medical services group Luz Saude. Throw out the rule book? Well, no. But senators have proposed 27 rule changes this session for their book of directives. The change requests come after a tumultuous start to the session that saw the election of almost all Republicans to committee chairs, the election of three freshman senators to committee leadership and controversy in the assignment of committee members. The rules changes will get a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, and senators will debate them on Friday. They have proposed changing how chairpersons are elected, the numbers of members on specified committees and how they are to be assigned, the number of days senators can introduce bills, the use of electronic devices in the chamber and committee hearings and the production of fiscal notes. They also want to put in writing the number of hours considered full and fair debate for filibusters, and how offices and chairs in the legislative chamber are assigned. Sen. Burke Harr has an eight-page proposal on how 10-year redistricting is to be accomplished. Several senators proposed changes to appointment of committees, in wake of the controversy this session involving Executive Board and committee assignments that senators argued didnt honor the legislative district caucus recommendations, were too philosophically aligned or not philosophically aligned enough to the makeup of the Legislature. Four proposals for election of committee chairs and officers will be heard by the Rules Committee headed by Lincoln Sen. Mike Hilgers. Two senators have put a spin on the usual argument for a public vote rather than a secret ballot. Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion has submitted two potential changes: Allow the election votes for committee chairs to be "secret," but require each senator to sign his or her ballot with name and district he or she represents, to be verified by the clerk. Ballots that are not signed or legible would be invalid. After the votes are tallied, how each member voted would be entered into the Legislative Journal, which is a public document. Kintner also proposed the same procedure for speaker, chair of Committee on Committees and Executive Board, but without the votes being entered into the journal by name. Sen. John Kuehn would change the election of committee chairs, speaker and officers to a voice vote, and the yays and nays of members entered into the Legislative Journal at the request of any of them. Filibusters and cloture votes are the subject of two proposals, one by Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz and one by Hilgers. Filibusters on bills came close to doubling in number last session, rising to 24 times a debate required a cloture vote to stop it. The numbers increase if times of extended debate without a cloture vote are considered. Bolz would put into the rules, rather than have it be by practice and subject to change by the speaker, the definition of full and fair debate on bills to be no less than eight hours on first round, and no less than four hours on each of second round and final reading. Hilgers would change the rule on cloture to require the recorded "no" votes of one-third of the members, 17 senators, for a cloture motion to fail. Several senators would change the number of members and meeting days for committees. Omaha Sen. John McCollister proposed changing committees that meet three days a week for hearings, such as the Judiciary and Revenue committees, to meet five days. Omaha Sen. Bob Krist would change 14 standing committees to have membership equal to a number divisible by three, which would be six members or nine members. He would also change the numbers of members on the Education and Revenue committees from eight to nine members. Sen. Burke Harr would reduce members on the Agriculture Committee from eight to six, and on the General Affairs and Urban Affairs committees from eight to seven. Other rule change proposals include: * Allowance of bill introductions for 12 days in the long session, or odd-numbered years of the two-year legislative term -- Omaha Sen. John McCollister * Communication using a cellphone, tablet or computer between any registered lobbyist and a committee member during a public hearing would be prohibited -- Kuehn * Use of electronic devices, other than those issued by the state, would be prohibited in the chamber during final reading -- Harr * The Clerk of the Legislature would preside over hiring and selection of legislative committee staff and legislative counsels -- Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen * Fiscal notes would be delivered from fiscal analysts to the clerk at least 72 hours, rather than the now required 24, prior to a public hearing, and upon request to determine the impact of a bill, the fiscal note would be prepared within four calendar days rather than five -- Harr * The policies of selection of offices and seating in the Legislature would be put in writing -- Omaha Sen. Sara Howard * No member would be denied use of computers or access to facilities to fulfill their duties as senator, and no member would be required to sign any oath, pledge or other acknowledgement as a condition of that use -- Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus. L'Oreal is to acquire the CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi brands from Valeant in a purchase it said would nearly double the US sales of its active cosmetics division which focuses on aesthetic dermatology French cosmetics giant L'Oreal said Tuesday it had agreed to buy three leading skincare brands from Valeant for $1.3 billion in a move set to give its US offering a facelift. The acquisition expands the group's presence in the United States and builds on its purchase last summer of the US brand IT Cosmetics for $1.2 billion. The cash deal will see L'Oreal acquiring the CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi brands from the Quebec-based pharmaceutical firm in a purchase it said would nearly double the US sales of its active cosmetics division which focuses on aesthetic dermatology. "The acquisition of CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi strongly complement L'Oreal's brand portfolio," said Frederic Roze, president and chief executive of L'Oreal USA in a statement. "These three brands, built on strong relationships with health professionals and widely distributed, will nearly double the revenue of our Active Cosmetics Division in the US and will help us satisfy the growing demand for active skincare at accessible prices." The Active division includes dermocosmetic brands such as La Roche-Posay, Vichy and SkinCeuticals. - A growing US footprint - Founded in 2005, CeraVe offers a range of skincare products including cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreens as well as a baby line. It is one of the fastest growing skincare brands in the US with an average growth over the past two years of over 20 percent, L'Oreal said. Its sales have enjoyed "a favourable dynamic" driven by consumers looking for products endorsed by health professionals for their effectiveness for sensitive skin, Active division president Brigitte Liberman told AFP. Predominantly sold in the US, the brand's dynamism and its potential on the international market justified the high price paid by L'Oreal, she said. AcneFree provides acne treatments and Ambi offers products for multicultural consumers. The acquisition expands the firm's footprint in the United States where the demand for beauty products is flourishing: in the first nine months of 2016, L'Oreal's North American sales grew 5.4 percent compared with just 0.1 in western Europe. Story continues Over the years, North America has become L'Oreal's most important division, accounting for 27 percent of its overall sales. - Valeant efforts on debt - The sale comes after a difficult year for the Canadian firm, which grew from a small pharmaceutical company to a global giant in the span of a decade mainly due to a growth strategy based on acquisitions. The former Wall Street darling has come under fire for steep price hikes on drugs and is currently under investigation in the US over alleged accounts manipulation, with former senior executives being probed for fraud. Its market capitalisation has collapsed from more than $90 billion in the summer of 2015 to a current value of $5.2 billion. The embattled drugmaker is also struggling to offload a heavy burden of long-term debt, which stood at just over $30 billion at the end of the third quarter, with Valeant saying the sale would help it "permanently repay term loan debt". The move comes a day after the drugmaker said it had agreed to sell its Dendreon cancer business to Chinese conglomerate Sanpower for $820 million. Ahead of the open in New York, Valeant shares rose sharply in pre-market trading, gaining around 12 percent while in Paris, L'Oreal fell to 0.67 percent to 170.20 in early afternoon trade in line with general market sentiment. A US court on Friday sentenced a former Volkswagen engineer to nearly three and a half years in prison for his role in the company's emissions cheating scandal US authorities charged a Volkswagen executive with fraud and conspiracy, saying he helped cover up the "dieselgate" emissions-cheating scandal, the Justice Department said Monday. Oliver Schmidt, who led the German automaker's US regulatory compliance office from 2012 to March 2015, appeared in a Miami court Monday to face charges he knowingly lied to US regulators. He did not enter a plea, and was ordered held for another hearing Thursday, according to news reports. The FBI arrested Schmidt Saturday in connection with a scandal in which Volkswagen admitted to installing software on as many as 11 million diesel vehicles sold worldwide to circumvent tests for emissions. The cheating technology allowed the cars to pass the emissions tests but release up to 40 times the permitted amounts of nitrogen oxides during actual driving. Volkswagen already has agreed to pay more than $15 billion to fix or replace the affected cars in the US. However, the German auto giant still faces a criminal US investigation, and prosecutors are pursuing possible charges against other individuals. An FBI affidavit depicts Schmidt as a key player in deceiving and obfuscating Volkswagen's use of the "defeat device" software to regulators. Schmidt, 48, did not come clean when he learned in April 2014 of a study by the nonprofit International Council of Clean Transportation that uncovered the discrepancy of vehicle emissions from tested levels, according to an FBI affidavit. "It should first be decided whether we are honest," Schmidt wrote in a note to a colleague. "If we are not honest, everything stays as it is." Schmidt and other officials subsequently developed a plan to continue to conceal the use of the software in August 2015 meetings with California regulators, about a month before the conspiracy was disclosed by regulators. In July 2015, Schmidt and other Volkswagen employees briefed senior executives at its German headquarters of the defeat device, saying regulators were not aware of the mechanism. Story continues "Rather than advocate for disclosure of the defeat device to US regulators, VW executive management authorized its continued concealment," the FBI said. Dozens of Volkswagen officials in Germany have hired US criminal defense attorneys over the last few months, according to Bloomberg News. The FBI affidavit cited three cooperating witnesses in their case against Schmidt, including James Liang, a former Volkswagen engineer who in September pleaded guilty for helping devise the defeat device. Volkswagen has said it is cooperating with US investigators and is eager to move past the case. "Investigations are going on. We can't comment on that," Herbert Diess, chairman of the Volkswagen brand told reporters Monday at the Detroit auto show. "We are not fully aware of who's investigating what, so we have to wait until the final results are released. We hope that it will be soon," he said. The New York Times reported on Friday that the company was close to agreeing to a $2.0 billion fine with the Justice Department to settle the criminal case. The VW group -- which includes the brands Porsche, Audi and Skoda -- beat analyst expectations with record revenues of 217.3 billion euros, up nearly two percent on the year before Volkswagen AG said on Tuesday it had a "concrete draft" agreement to pay an additional $4.3 billion in fines and plead guilty to criminal charges to end the emissions-cheating scandal known as "dieselgate." The deal is subject to approval by VW's board, and could be approved as early as late Tuesday. The German automaker said it was in advanced discussions with the US Justice Department and Customs and Border Protection on the agreement to settle the criminal investigation and pay civil and criminal penalties. The deal would resolve the final major legal hurdle facing the automaker in the United States since it admitted in 2015 to outfitting 11 million diesel cars worldwide with software designed to cheat emissions testing. The defeat devices allowed those vehicles to spew up to 40 times the permissible levels of harmful nitrogen oxide. Under the terms of the agreement, the company has agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges, which were not specified, and retain an outside monitor to oversee Volkswagen's legal compliance for a three-year period, the company said in a statement. A Justice Department spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The VW announcement follows Saturday's arrest in the Miami of a Volkswagen executive on a charge of conspiracy, fraud and violating the US Clean Air Act as he concealed the defeat technology from US regulators. While legal consequences for the company have been more muted elsewhere, in the United States, the emissions cheating scandal put Volkswagen in a world of legal trouble, sparking litigation by consumers, criminal authorities, state attorneys general and state and federal regulators. The company in 2016 agreed to pay about $17.5 billion in compensation to car owners -- to fix or replace the affected models -- contributions toward environmental cleanup, and payment to dealers. Despite the dieselgate crisis, and the 7.6 percent drop in US sales, the German automaker managed to hit a new global sales record in 2016, rising nearly four percent over 2015 with more than 10 million cars sold. Story continues "I think what we did was wrong and it was a big mistake for Volkswagen and I'm very sad about it but we are really working hard to make it good," Volkswagen brand chief Herbert Diess said while unveiling new SUV models at the Detroit auto show on Sunday. The company in November announced a rebirth plan, making a major move on the American SUV market, developing new ride-hailing and digital technologies and aiming to produce millions of new electric vehicles annually over the next decade. Industry analysts, however, say VW is late out of the starting block in these areas, as players like Tesla, Chevrolet and Nissan already bringing all electric vehicles at mid-range prices to market, while the US market for light trucks and SUV are dominated by other players. A frontline worker who has watched a growing number of friends, colleagues and clients overdose and die in recent months said a harm reduction strategy is Toronto's best chance at turning things around. Zoe Dodd, who works at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre, told CBC News she would like to see drug users educated and given access to supervised injection sites. "I've been working frontline for the last twelve years in the downtown east," she said. "This is the most loss that I've experienced as a frontline worker with seeing and experiencing people overdosing." Dodd said many of the deaths she's seen have involved heroin cut with fentanyl, including a friend of hers who died last year after ingesting drugs laced with the powerful opioid. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid increasingly found in street drugs in Canada and the U.S., is between 50 and 80 times stronger than morphine. Dodd will attend a meeting on Monday hosted by Toronto Public Health officials that will focus on strategies for curbing opioid overdoses in the city. "We can teach people how to use it safely," Dodd said, "We can give people education on how to prevent an overdose." Monday's meeting 'just the beginning' Barbara Yaffe, Toronto's acting medical officer of health and the chair of Monday's meeting, said she too has noted a "dramatic" rise in drug overdose deaths in the city. "Mostly due to opioids, [we've had a] 73 per cent increase from 2004 to 2015," she said on Metro Morning. The meeting will bring together groups such as police, paramedics, drug user groups, harm reduction services and the Centre For Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to discuss the problem. "We're hoping to get their input on what we can advocate to the provincial and federal governments," Yaffe said, She said she is hopeful that provincial funding and federal approval for supervised injection sites will come soon. Story continues Yaffe said she also would like to see more branches of emergency services carrying naloxone kits. Naloxone is an antidote used to treat narcotic overdoses. She called Monday's meeting "just the beginning" of Toronto's efforts to address the issue. For her part, Dodd would also like more readily available naloxone as soon as possible. "We do need to be prepared, because [fentanyl] is already here. People are already dying," she said. Philosophers Rene Descartes, Immanuel Kant and Plato. Photo from Getty Images. Kant, Plato, Descartes and Russell. They are all masters in the field of philosophy and their ideas form the base of their discipline. So why are students at a British university demanding their work be removed from syllabuses? The college in question is the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and the schools student union is demanding the controversial change be made because the philosophers in question are white. According to the Daily Mail, the student union issued a statement titled, Decolonising SOAS: Confronting The White Institution. It requests that white philosophers be taught only from a critical viewpoint and if required. Instead, the student union would rather have university course work focus on philosophers from Africa and Asia. However, some academics at the school are pushing back. The head of SOASs Religions and Philosophies department, Erica Hunter, described the demand as rather ridiculous. I would firmly resist dropping philosophers or historians just because it was fashionable, Hunter told the Daily Mail. The student unions request comes at a time when UK universities are already concerned that changes to the current academic ranking system will force them to cater to the demands of sensitive snowflake students. But not everyone finds the student unions request to be unreasonable. Dr. Deborah Johnston is the Director of Learning and Teaching at SOAS. One of the great strengths of SOAS is that we have always looked at world issues from the perspective of the regions we study Asia, Africa & Middle East, she told The Independent. Informed and critical debate and discussion about the curriculum we teach is a healthy and proper part of the academic enterprise. Engineering Penn State Pushes Use of IBM Watson to Improve Student Experiences An organization at Penn State that brings the campus community together with industry for development of education technology is teaming up with IBM to challenge students, faculty and staff to use the company's artificial intelligence platform, Watson, to improve the student experience at the university. The EdTech Network will be kicking off the Nittany Watson Challenge during an "immersion day" Jan. 19. Judges will award 10 projects $5,000 each in seed money to pursue development of Watson-based projects that can help students with the kinds of problems that surface regularly for them, such as job hunting, scheduling and transfer credits. A second round of judging will issue another $10,000 to five of the projects. During the launch event, the university and IBM will help prospective challengers learn more about Watson's capabilities and core services and help them meet up with potential collaborators. The competition's "Nittany" reference comes from the name of Penn State's mascot, a made-up breed of lion once said to roam around Mount Nittany, which the university sits in the shadow of. Security U of Dayton to Open Cybersecurity Center Focused on Healthcare The University of Dayton (UD), a private, faith-based research university in Ohio, has announced plans to establish a center on campus dedicated to cybersecurity and data intelligence. Made possible by a lead gift from Premier Health, the Center for Cybersecurity & Data Intelligence will initially focus on the healthcare environment, according to UD news. Premier will work with university faculty experts and IT staff to identify and test new cybersecurity practices, create education and awareness programs for employees, and share best practices with the greater Dayton community. They will also develop free resources that will be available to the public, including a blog, forums and webinars. "We want to help spread a culture of cyber-mindfulness across the community. Everyone should be 'cyber-mindful' of threats and able to alert others when things don't seem quite right," Tom Skill, UDs CIO, told UD News. "Just a quick glance at today's headlines reveals cybersecurity has become a global challenge," said Skill. "Health information is among the most valuable data for cybercriminals and protecting that information is a team effort. This partnership will help us develop and test leading practices that can be shared among professionals and the community." More information is available on the UD News site. Releases from NASA, NASA's Galex, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, HubbleSite, Spitzer, Cassini, ESO, ESA, NASAs Chandra X-ray Observatory, Royal Astronomical Society, NRAO, Astronomy Picture of the Day, Harvard-Smithsonian Center For Astrophysics, Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Gemini Observatory, Subaru Telescope, W. M. Keck Observatory, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, JPL-Caltech, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, ICRAR, etc MONDAY, Jan. 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Children with serious behavioral disorders might fare better at school if they get some exercise during the day, a new study suggests. The researchers focused on children and teenagers with conditions that included autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression. They looked at whether structured exercise during the school day -- in the form of stationary "cybercycles" -- could help ease students' behavioral issues in the classroom. Over a period of seven weeks, the study found it did. Kids were about one-third to 50 percent less likely to act out in class, compared to a seven-week period when they took standard gym classes. Those effects are meaningful, according to lead researcher April Bowling, who was a doctoral student at Harvard University at the time of the study. "On days that the students biked, they were less likely to be taken out of the classroom for unacceptable behavior," said Bowling, who is now an assistant professor of health sciences at Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass. "That's important for their learning, and for their relationships with their teachers and other kids in class," she said. The exercise in this case was carefully chosen for students with behavioral problems. These children often get less physical activity than their peers, Bowling said. They can have difficulty following the rules of organized sports, or with the physicality of some traditional gym activities, she explained. For the study, Bowling and her colleagues gave the kids stationary bikes equipped with virtual reality "exergaming." The exercise was simple and contained, and the video games offered a way to keep kids engaged and focused, Bowling explained. The study was done at a school that enrolls kids with behavioral health disorders, many of whom also have learning disabilities. Their usual gym classes focused mainly on skill-building, with only short bursts of aerobic activity at most, according to the researchers. For seven weeks, 103 students used the stationary bikes during their usual gym class -- twice a week, for 30 to 40 minutes. Their classroom behavior was tracked and compared with a seven-week period without the bikes, when they had gym class as usual. Overall, the study found, the students were better able to control their behavior in the classroom during the stationary-bike trial. The benefits were most apparent on the days they exercised, Bowling said, although there were some "carryover" effects on other days. A child psychologist who was not involved in the study called the results "exciting." "It's good science, and it's an important study," said Timothy Verduin, a clinical assistant professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. There's been a "hunch," Verduin said, that exercise can benefit kids with behavioral disorders. But there has not been much solid evidence of it, he added. The new study starts to fill that gap, Verduin said. There are caveats, he pointed out. For one, the kids in this study had more severe disorders; it's not clear whether the same approach would help students with milder behavioral problems. And stationary bikes are not a cure-all. "The intervention seemed to improve kids' overall ability to manage conflict when it came up in class," Verduin said. "That doesn't mean it's going to make your child do his homework." Bowling said the next step is to test the exercise program in special education classes at public schools. Cost and logistics are potential issues, she acknowledged. She also pointed to another question: Will kids eventually get bored with their cybercycles? "Ultimately, we want to find different exercise modalities that have similar benefits," Bowling said. A second study from Norway adds more evidence to the benefits of exercise in children. Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology measured activity levels in children at ages 6 and 8, and found that those kids who were more active showed fewer symptoms of depression two years later. The findings from both studies were published online Jan. 9 in the journal Pediatrics. Why would physical exercise actually help kids regulate their behavior? There are theories. For one, Bowling said, certain types of exercise may help kids focus, and "direct the brain away from worry." Verduin noted that exercise affects neurotransmitters -- chemical messengers in the brain that help regulate mood and behavior. At a time when schools are focusing on academics and often cutting out gym and recess, new exercise programs could be a tough sell, both Verduin and Bowling said. But, Bowling said, "if we really want our kids to do well, they need more movement during the school day, not less." For parents, one message from the study is this: "Kids don't have to do a ton of exercise to get benefits," she said. "Find something your child really likes to do," Bowling suggested. "It could be as simple as taking the dog for a walk." More information The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on child behavioral disorders. A Gresham man who entered a plea to child abuse for the death of his infant daughter was sentenced Monday to 35 to 40 years in prison. Ryan Kozisek, 35, pleaded no contest to attempted child abuse in a deal with prosecutors, who lowered the charge and dropped another. In March, the Nebraska Appeals Court granted him a retrial because an admission of opinion made by his ex-wife regarding his involvement in the baby's death was prejudicial. The baby died Jan. 25, 2011, a day after Kozisek called 911 to report she wasn't breathing. The plea agreement included a sentencing recommendation from both parties that Kozisek get 35 to 40 years in prison, rather than the 35-50 he got the first time. York County District Judge James Stecker followed the agreement when he sentenced him Monday. Kozisek was given credit for nearly four years in prison he's already served. If he loses no good time, he will be eligible for parole in 2030. MONDAY, Jan. 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Those tiny, common "button" batteries can pose a big threat of injury to children if swallowed, toxicologists warn. The round batteries are used in items such as toys, musical greeting cards, remote controls, calculators, watches, key fobs, flameless candles, hearing aids, games and flashing jewelry. "If a button battery ingestion is even suspected, quick medical evaluation should be a priority," Dr. Donna Seger said in a news release from the Tennessee Poison Center. She directs the center, located at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. In 2014, about 3,500 reports of people, mostly children, swallowing button batteries were reported to poison centers in the United States. Each year, more than 2,800 American children require emergency care after swallowing button batteries. In most cases, the batteries pass through the digestive system without causing harm, the toxicologists explained. But if a button battery lodges in the esophagus, it can produce an electrical current that burns through tissue and major blood vessels in the neck. Some children in this situation have died. Symptoms of a button battery lodged in the esophagus can include chest pain or tightness, coughing, foreign body sensation or bloody vomiting. An X-ray is recommended as soon as someone swallows a button battery, according to the poison center. Prevention is the best approach. Keep items with button batteries out of the reach of children, the toxicologists said. More information The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on button batteries. TUESDAY, Jan. 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Girls from poor U.S. families feel they're missing out on vital life lessons about the female body, researchers say. Girls repeatedly said they felt ill-informed about menstruation and other changes related to puberty, according to researchers who reviewed papers published from 2000 to 2014. "Puberty is the cornerstone of reproductive development," study co-author Marni Sommer, an associate professor of sociomedical sciences at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in New York City, said in a university news release. "Therefore, the transition through puberty is a critical period of development that provides an important opportunity to build a healthy foundation for sexual and reproductive health. Given the importance of this transition, the research is striking in its lack of quantity and quality to date." For the study, researchers at Columbia and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore reviewed 20 prior articles to evaluate the experiences of poor black, white and Hispanic girls living in cities in the northeast United States. The study authors found the age at which girls begin to develop breasts and start menstruating has fallen steadily over the past 25 years. Currently, 48 percent of black girls show physical changes by age 8, according to the study. "This trend may mean that increasing numbers of African-American girls are not receiving adequately timed puberty education, leaving them uninformed and ill-prepared for this transition," said study co-author Ann Herbert, a doctoral candidate at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Many of the girls said they had learned something about puberty from at least one person, such as their mother, sister or teacher. But most of these girls thought the information they'd received was incorrect, insufficient or simply too little, too late. In many cases, girls were disappointed in how their mothers told them about menstruation. Mothers, on the other hand, felt unable to meet their daughters' needs or didn't know when to broach the subject with their child. In some cases, mothers themselves didn't have a full understanding of what happens to the body during the menstrual cycle. When girls got their first period also influenced their reaction to this transition, the study found. There is an emphasis on sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy in the United States, but the researchers said doctors and other health care providers don't adequately address the issues young people face when puberty begins. This is a key window of opportunity to set children up for better sexual and reproductive health down the road, particularly for those who may be grappling with their sexual identity, the authors added. "Findings from the current review suggest that low-income girls today expressed a sentiment similar to girls studied in the 1980s and 1990s -- a feeling that they were largely unprepared for puberty and menarche [first menstruation]," said Herbert. The study was published online in the January issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health. More information The American Academy of Pediatrics explains what girls can expect during puberty. - Comedian Seyi Law's daughter and wife arrives Nigeria on Sunday, January 8, 2017 - The comedian has waited for five years to carry his first child - Seyi Law's wife Stacy welcomes their daughter on September 30, 2016 Comedian Seyi Law After waiting for three months to have his first child in his home, comedian Seyi Laws wife Stacy Ebere and their new born daughter, Tiwaloluwa have returned to Nigeria. Seyi Law, his family welcomes his daughter and wife READ ALSO: See photos from Seyi Laws daughters christening in Baltimore Tiwaloluwa was given birth to in United States of America and her fathers family members could not wait to have and hold her as they were all waiting at the comedians Lekki home on Sunday when Stacy and Tiwaloluwa got to the country. Seyi Law's mother, her mother-in-law, brothers, sisters were all waiting for Tiwaloluwa. Seyi Law's family welcomes latest addition to their family Tiwaloluwa will be dedicated on Sunday, January 15, 2016 at their family church in Lagos. The comedians wife put to bed on Friday, September 30, 2016 after being married for five years. It is not that Stacy was not pregnant before she had Tiwaloluwa, she lost first child at birth in February 2015 shortly after birth. READ ALSO: Here's Seyi Law's awesome poem to his wife on her birthday Seyi Law is one of Nigerias top comedians who came into spotlight after winning the first AY Open Mic talent hunt show in 2006. Source: Legit.ng YORK A man convicted last year for a second time in the death of his infant daughter has been sentenced to 35 to 40 years in prison. Ryan Kozisek, formerly of Gresham, was sentenced Monday in York County District Court. He had pleaded no contest last month to attempted child abuse. Prosecutors had lowered the charge and dropped another. He has been given credit for nearly four years already served behind bars. In March, the Nebraska Court of Appeals granted Kozisek a new trial, saying his ex-wife should not have been allowed to testify in his original trial. The baby died Jan. 25, 2011, a day after Kozisek called 911 to report she wasn't breathing. Archaeologists have recreated an ancient burial site in virtual reality, to help them study hard-to-access locations at the so-called Plain of Jars site in Laos and the millennia-old relics it contains. The researchers will also use virtual reality to study other archaeological sites at the Plain of Jars, many of them located where undetonated American bombs left over from the Vietnam War make it too dangerous to dig. The virtual-reality project combines aerial video captured by a drone with geophysical data and records of archaeological excavations at "Site 1" on the Plain of Jars, near the town of Phonsavan in central Laos. It aims to create a virtual record of the unique landscape and its hundreds of carved stone jars, some of which measure up to 11 feet (3 meters) tall and weigh many tons, say the researchers. [In Photos: Exploring the Mysterious Plain of Jars Site] The images and data have been integrated into a 3D video and data simulation at a room-sized, 360-degree virtual-reality facility at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Named Cave2, the facility is being developed for advanced "immersive visualization" applications in medicine, science and engineering. Project co-leader Louise Shewan, an archaeologist at Monash University, said the main purpose of the virtual landscape is to preserve a step-by-step visual and scientific record of a major five-year archaeological investigation by Laos and Australian scientists at the Plain of Jars, which began with excavations at Site 1 in February 2016. Shewan said the virtual landscape will also be used to explore other jar sites in rugged and forested territory, and in areas where many of the estimated 270 million cluster bombs dropped on Laos by American warplanes during the Vietnam War make traditional archaeology too dangerous. To date, only seven of more than 85 known jar sites in Laos have been cleared, and an estimated 80 million undetonated bombs are scattered across the country, according to the Laos government agency that oversees the clearance efforts. Story continues The Cave2 simulation also records a timeline that can be stepped forward or back to show the state of the excavations at any time, and which will be updated as the digs and discoveries at the Plain of Jars continue at Site 1 and other jar sites in the years to come. Plain of Jars Archaeological Project/MIVP Cave2 "We certainly can't just go and put shovels into the ground," Shewan told Live Science. "[But] we can fly the drones through those sites, and put all that information and imagery into the Cave2 and make comparisons such as, is there a consistent placement between the jars, or between different types of burial markers?" Giant jars The excavations at Site 1 in 2016, led by Shewan and Dougald O'Reilly, an archaeologist at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, established for the first time that the giant stone jars were linked to an ancient burial practice. They discovered the remains of dozens of people buried in communal and individual graves around some of the largest jars. The researchers think the carved stone jars at Site 1 are around 2,500 years old, and that they were used by an Iron Age civilization to expose their dead relatives to the elements for a period of time before the bones were cleaned and buried. [The 25 Most Mysterious Archaeological Finds on Earth] Shewan said the virtual landscape at the Cave2 facility will be updated with new data and the results of further excavations at the Plain of Jars site, so the researchers can revisit and review their archaeological fieldwork from more than 4,800 miles (7,700 kilometers) away in Melbourne. "Long after we leave the field, we can continue researching, and we can actually be there with all our team members and go through the excavation again, and pick up on things that we've missed," she said. "It's also great for teaching, to be able to recreate the excavation It really is virtual-reality archeology, because we've got the time sequence of the excavation, and you can speed that up and see the trench go down in 10-centimeter [4 inches] steps." Mystery makers The images and archaeological data recorded in the Cave2 simulation will also serve as a digital record of scholarship about the Plain of Jars in support of its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is an ongoing process, Shewan said. (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO designates sites as World Heritage Sites if they meet certain criteria for representing natural, historical or cultural significance.) The Laos government hopes the region's World Heritage status will stimulate tourism and spur further scientific research into the Plain of Jars and other archaeological sites. For now, the virtual Plain of Jars can be viewed only at the Cave2 facility in Melbourne, but Shewan hopes that 360-degree aerial footage of the site will be made available to the public or be integrated into a museum exhibition. She said the ongoing laboratory research on the samples from the latest excavations includes efforts by ANU geochemist Richard Armstrong to determine the geographic origin and accurate age of some of the jars at Site 1, by analyzing the radioactive decay of uranium into lead in traces of the mineral zircon in the rocks from which they were quarried. Shewan's own skeletal-chemistry research will focus next on strontium isotopes in human teeth from the graves at Site 1, which could provide clues about the identity of the mysterious jar makers, of whom almost nothing is known except their unusual burial practices. "We'll be able to work out where these people were living and what areas they were accessing their food from, based on the geological signature and that will be a really useful piece of information, because at the moment, we don't have any habitation sites, and so we know nothing about these people at all," Shewan said. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations By David Ljunggren and Andrea Hopkins OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau picked a Russia critic as the country's new top diplomat on Tuesday to work with the incoming U.S. Trump administration and handle potentially fraught trade challenges. Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland was appointed foreign affairs minister but also retained responsibility for the Canada-U.S. relations portfolio, including the trading relationship. The change is part of a wider shuffle of Trudeau's inner circle as he tries to position Canada for a new relationship with its largest trading partner and demote underperformers in his 14-month-old Liberal government. Canada's relationship with its neighbor could be tested in coming years, with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump promising to renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) aimed at removing tariff barriers between Canada, Mexico and the United States. "Obviously, the new administration to the south will present ... both opportunities and challenges, as well as a shifting global context," Trudeau told reporters after the announcement. The shuffle also included the promotion of a Somali-Canadian who came to Canada as a refugee to immigration minister and the departure of two of Trudeau's most experienced ministers. The move came ahead of Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration and shortly after Trudeau's senior staff met with Trump's transition team. Freeland, who wrote a book critical of plutocrats, said her views would not create awkwardness when dealing with a Trump Cabinet that features several billionaires. "I don't think it's baggage ... the new American administration's concerns are not that different from those of our government," she told reporters. The shuffle was the first major change Trudeau has made to the Cabinet he appointed after leading his party to an election victory in October 2015. The appointment of Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, to the foreign affairs file could be thorny as she has been a harsh critic of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president whom Trump has repeatedly praised. "We have some tough things coming up with Russia," said John Wright, senior fellow at pollster Angus Reid, citing Arctic sovereignty as one potential conflict. "I think it's a good thing that (Freeland) is tough." Moscow banned Freeland in 2014 as part of a series of retaliatory sanctions against Canadian officials, a move which prompted her to tweet "It's an honor to be on Putin's sanction list". In 2015, she wrote an article in Quartz magazine entitled "My Ukraine, and Putin's big lie". Ottawa had earlier blacklisted many Russian officials to punish the country for its annexation of Crimea. Trudeau sidestepped a question from reporters over whether Freeland's rocky relationship with Russia would have an impact. Freeland, who once lived in Moscow, said whether she will be able to travel to Russia as foreign minister was not up to her. "That's a question for Moscow," she said. "I am a very strong supporter of our government's view that it is important to engage with all countries around the world, very much including Russia." Before running for election in the Canadian parliament, Freeland worked for Reuters, a unit of Thomson Reuters. Freeland, an author and former reporter who has been a top performer in Trudeau's Cabinet, replaced Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion who quit active politics on Tuesday. Immigration Minister John McCallum was named ambassador to China and was replaced by Ahmed Hussen, a Muslim who came to Canada as a teenaged refugee from war-torn Somalia. Among other moves, Francois-Philippe Champagne, parliamentary secretary to the finance minister, was named trade minister. (Additional reporting by Leah Schnurr, Writing by Andrea Hopkins; Editing by Sandra Maler; Editing by Howard Goller and Alan Crosby) Florida state Rep. Jake Raburn, R-Lithia, and Florida state Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota. (Photos: Steve Cannon, Scott Keeler/Tampa Bay Times/ZumaPress.com) Pro-gun legislators in Florida argue that last weeks mass shooting at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport further vindicates their previous calls for quashing gun-free zones in airports. Florida state Sen. Greg Steube and state Rep. Jake Raburn have introduced separate bills that would allow licensed gun owners with concealed carry permits to bring their firearms to the unsecured areas of their states airports. Though their bills were introduced weeks before last weeks tragedy, Steube said the gunman might not have been able to kill five people and injure six others at the airport baggage claim if their laws were in effect. Shooters know theyre gun-free zones, and they know that law-abiding citizens arent present to defend themselves and that they [can] go in there and start shooting, he told Yahoo News on Monday. Stopping such attacks, he added, is reliant upon how quick law enforcement can get there. The legislation would likely face resistance from gun control advocates as well as some security experts. I am very concerned about a weapon in this airport, Patrick Gannon, deputy executive director for law enforcement and homeland security at Los Angeles International Airport, told the Wall Street Journal. Suspect Esteban Santiago, a 26-year-old Iraq War veteran, appeared in court Monday to hear the federal charges against him that could result in the death penalty. Authorities said he used a 9 mm handgun that was in his checked luggage to shoot travelers before running out of ammunition and falling to the ground, where he surrendered without incident. Santiagos family said he suffered from mental illness after returning home from the war. Authorities said he walked into an FBI office in November accusing the government of controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State videos. Steube, who was in the Floridas House of Representatives for six years before moving to the Senate, has fought for years to end gun-free zones on college campuses. Story continues His new proposal, Senate Bill 140, would affirm the right of citizens to carry handguns on college campuses, in kindergarten through 12th-grade schools, in the unsecured sections of airports and courthouses and at legislative committee meetings and local government meetings. Those with mental illness and terrorists specifically target locations where they know law-abiding people like myself arent carrying, he said. They go to places they know where they can do as much damage and as much terror as possible until law enforcement arrives. I dont think that should be the law of the state. In the House, Raburns House Bill 6001 deals exclusively with allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry guns on the nonsecured side of an airport. Both lawmakers previously spoke with the Miami Herald about their bills. Raburn told the paper thats its hard to tell whether his bill would have made a difference. But had I been there waiting to pick up my family from the airport and had it happened near me, I would have been prepared to defend myself and my family, he told the Herald. According to Steube, Floridians with concealed carry permits are actually 10 times less likely to commit a crime than certified law enforcement officers. He said its ridiculous that people who have undergone the necessary background checks and training to carry a concealed firearm would not be allowed to take it with them when picking up family at the Fort Lauderdale airport. The law not permitting those from carrying at the airport sure as hell didnt stop the criminals and the terrorists from walking in and starting shooting people, he said. Its only stopping law-abiding citizens ability to defend themselves. The Florida Senates Judiciary Committee, which Steube chairs, was going to have a hearing on Senate Bill 140 this week, but a senator could not attend, so this was postponed until the end of January. It would need to pass through two additional committees before appearing on the floor of the full Senate. Read more from Yahoo News: VALPARAISO -- A search team on Tuesday found the body of a rural Saunders County man missing since Jan. 1. Sean Eddy, 42, was last seen on New Year's Day by family members, who discovered his abandoned SUV on a rural road on Friday. A search party of 55 set out at 9 Tuesday morning to look for Eddy and found his coat 4 hours later near County Road A and Nebraska 79, Sheriff Kevin Stukenholtz said. Firefighters and law enforcement personnel then focused on North Oak Creek, using poles and chain saws to break through the ice. They found Eddy's body in the creek about a quarter of a mile south and east of the road. Members of his family were there and made the identification, the sheriff said. At this point, he said, there's no indication of foul play but an autopsy has been requested. "We don't have a positive conclusion for the family, but we have a conclusion," Stukenholtz said outside the Valparaiso Rural Fire District, where family, friends and members of the search party were gathered at mid-afternoon Tuesday. Eddy's GMC Envoy was found on the county road several miles from his home at 22501 N.W. 40th St., his mother, Cheryl Husted, said Monday night. He lived with her and his stepfather and had driven for the ride-sharing service Uber for the past six months. Eddy's mother said he told his family he was tired from working the early hours of New Year's Day and visited his brother that afternoon. Her friendly, intelligent son found his Uber customers extremely interesting and often went to great efforts to reunite them with items left behind in his SUV, Husted said. Eddy had two sons, 17 and 13, loved teasing his family members, cooking and watching Husker football, she said. In an interview Monday, Husted applauded the efforts of the agencies involved in the search for Eddy. They included Saunders and Butler County sheriff's offices, the Nebraska State Patrol, Valparaiso Rural Fire District and Ceresco Fire and Rescue. "Theyve been wonderful," she said. "Law enforcement has really been caring and careful (and) has worked really hard with us to see if they can figure out what happened." NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against General Cable Corporation (General Cable or the Company) (NYSE:BGC) and certain of its officers, and is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased General Cable securities between February 23, 2012 and February 10, 2016, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). Such investors are advised to join this case by visiting the firms site: http://www.bgandg.com/bgc. This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) General Cable paid millions of dollars in bribes to government officials in foreign countries, including Angola, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Indonesia, India, and Thailand, in order to secure business; (2) the above-mentioned conduct was in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1997 (the FCPA); (3) General Cables revenues were therefore partially the product of illegal conduct, and, therefore would be subject to disgorgement and unlikely to be sustainable; (4) once the illegal conduct was made public, the Company would be subject to significant regulatory scrutiny and financial penalties; and (5) consequently, General Cables statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On September 22, 2014, General Cable divulged that it was reviewing payment practices, the use of agents, and the manner in which the payments were reflected on our books and records in connection with General Cables operations in Portugal, Angola, Thailand, and India. General Cable advised investors that these concerns may have implications under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. Following this news, General Cable stock dropped $0.93 per share, or 4.68%, to close at $18.96 on September 22, 2014. On February 26, 2015, General Cable stated that in regards to a potential settlement of FCPA offenses, General Cable projected to disgorge $24 million in profits from bribe-tainted sales in Angola. On February 10, 2016, General Cable said that due to new deals and other considerations, the Company increased its disgorgement accrual for the potential FCPA settlement by $9 million to $33 million, after recognizing certain other transactions that may raise concerns. Following this news, General Cable stock dropped $3.05 per share or over 31.6% to close at $6.60 on February 11, 2016. On December 29, 2016, The Wall Street Journal described how General Cable had agreed on a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, in which the Company agreed to pay $75.8 million to settle allegations it paid bribes across Africa and Asia and . . . agreed to an additional $6.5 million penalty to settle accounting-related violations. The Wall Street Journal continued to state that General Cables subsidiaries, over a period of a dozen years, paid about $13 million to third-party agents and distributors, who then paid bribes to government officials in Angola, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia and Thailand to get business in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firms site: http://www.bgandg.com/bgc or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in General Cable you have until March 6, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firms expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Jan. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TopLine Federal Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial cooperative, is welcoming a student from Como Park Senior Highs Academy of Finance Program as an intern at its Como Park branch this year. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a39e000-96d5-4175-8d1b-9fe2dc543dfa TopLine is in its first year of collaboration with the Academy of Finance Program, a four-year curriculum within Como Park Senior High that prepares students for college and career. Students enter the program in 8th grade, and spend grades 9 through 12 completing requirements including 60 internship hours in a position relating to finance. St. Paul Community College awards credit to participants for yearly completion, and work is ongoing to implement credit acceptance for the programs 300 students at all Minnesota state schools. During the internship at TopLine, high school students will learn about managing personal finances, as well as perform duties as a teller, like assisting credit union members and learning cash handling skills. Each week of the TopLine internship focuses on honing professional skills including initiative, time management, teamwork, ethics, problem solving, verbal communication and a skill of the interns choice. This years intern will also assist with interpreting for neighborhood Karen-speaking TopLine members. Were very lucky to have our students placed at TopLine, where people are truly passionate about teaching financial literacy skills to the next generation, said Kristine Somerville, Academy of Finance Coordinator, Como Park Senior High School. TopLine Federal Credit Union provides our students with an amazing and rare opportunity, to get out of the classroom and immerse themselves in a real-world work environment. Its great for their maturity to interact with coworkers and customers as peers. Not only do they gain confidence, but they also build professional skills that will give them a strong footing for when its time to start their careers. TopLine is thrilled to help students build real-world career skills through the Academy of Finance Program, said Vicki Erickson, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, TopLine Federal Credit Union. This is an excellent partnership opportunity with our local schools and community members. Our Como Park branch in St. Paul serves many members of the local Karen community, and our new intern will allow us to offer an even higher level of service, while our intern learns firsthand marketable and in-demand job skills. Its a three-way win for the community, for TopLine and for Academy of Finance students. TopLine Federal Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesotas 13th largest, with assets of more than $385 million. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit cooperative offers a complete line of financial services, as well as auto and home insurance, from its five branch locations in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth and in St. Pauls Como Park as well as by phone, mobile app and online at www.TopLinecu.com. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington Counties and their immediate family members. Visit our website to learn more about TopLines Youth Financial Literacy sessions. English French With its new Bull supercomputer by Atos, The Pirbright Institute, UK will boost its capability to carry out bioinformatic analysis of animal virus diseases for research and surveillance purposes London, 10 January 2017 - High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Big Data technology provided by Atos will speed up the processing of omics information and epidemiological studies at the Institute, a world leading centre of research into viral diseases of livestock and those that spread from animals to people (zoonoses). The technology is an essential tool to enable the Institute to continue to process and analyse huge amounts of information generated by its research projects, building further capability and significantly contributing to the reduction of the impact of viral diseases both in livestock and humans. Genome research manages massive amounts of data, which requires vast computer processing and storage capacity. By eliminating the bottlenecks that often occur in data analysis and storing data more efficiently, it is possible to generate information about increasing numbers of viral diseases. Supercomputers are also critical when modelling the spread of disease with realistic simulations that take many factors into account, including work on the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the UK in 2001. Such simulations are essential to increase preparedness and inform policy makers in case of future outbreaks. Pirbright is strategically funded by the Bioscience and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC) and a unique national centre that enhances the UK's capability to control, contain and eliminate viral diseases of animals through its highly innovative fundamental and applied bioscience. With surveillance, vaccine production and informed support to policy making, Pirbright boosts the competitiveness of livestock and poultry producers in the UK and abroad, thereby improving the quality of life of both animals and people. The capability provided by Pirbright is essential in the context of the ever-changing nature of viral disease threats emerging from the globalisation of trade, environmental change and expanding human and animal populations. Computational and bioinformatics facilities are the key link in the long chain of cutting edge research facilities at Pirbright, notably a number of high- and low-containment laboratories, a bioimaging suite and a unit for sequencing in containment. To meet the Institute's requirements, Atos provided a Bull system featuring several types of computer nodes in order to be able to deal with the complexity of the tasks carried out in the different departments of the Institute. "Atos came up with a combination of different platforms that will allow the institute to analyse and collate the broad range of datasets generated by our research programmes. We were looking for an IT partner with a broad expertise in life science projects", says Bryan Charleston, Interim Director of The Pirbright Institute. "Purchasing a supercomputer is not like going to a supermarket and picking something off a shelf. It required a lot of design and discussion to define the system we wanted. Atos has enabled us to fully support our computational needs. We can assemble genomes, study the interaction between virus and host, understand how viruses evolve and model how they spread between individuals and farms", says Paolo Ribeca, Head of Integrative Biology and Bioinformatics at Pirbright. "Atos is determined to solve the technical challenges that arise in life sciences projects, to help scientists to focus on making breakthroughs and forget about technicalities. We know that one size doesn't fit all and that is the reason why we studied carefully The Pirbright Institute's challenges to design a customised and unique architecture. It is a pleasure for us to work with Pirbright and to contribute in some way to reduce the impact of viral diseases", says Natalia Jimenez, WW Life Sciences lead at Atos. Andy Grant, Head of Big Data and HPC, Atos, said "We are really excited to see our HPC and analytics technologies being deployed in such a critical area of science, fundamental to the health and wellbeing of both our animal and human populations. The Bull supercomputer and storage environment deployed has been designed specifically to tackle kinds of data intensive computing challenges that The Pirbright Institute undertakes, removing bottlenecks to dramatically increase the throughput of analytical jobs." Notes to Editors: For further information contact: Jackie McColl jmcoll@3x1.com 0141 221 0707 /07710 651 973 Karen Halley khalley@3x1.com 0131 225 7700 / 07841 128 150 About Atos Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is a leader in digital services with pro forma annual revenue of circa EUR 12 billion and 100,000 employees in 72 countries including the UK & Ireland where around 10,000 employees deliver business technology solutions for some of the largest public and private sector partners. On a global scale, the Group provides Consulting & Systems Integration services, Managed Services & BPO, Cloud operations, Big Data & Cyber-security solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payments and transactional services industry. With its deep technology expertise and industry knowledge, the Group works with clients across different business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications, and Transportation. Atos is focused on business technology that powers progress and helps organizations to create their firm of the future. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and is listed on the Euronext Paris market. Atos operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. www.atos.net | Follow @Atos Bull is the Atos brand for its technology products and software, which are today distributed in over 50 countries worldwide. With a rich heritage of over 80 years of technological innovation, 2000 patents and a 700 strong R&D team supported by the Atos Scientific Community, it offers products and value-added software to assist clients in their digital transformation, specifically in the areas of Big Data and Cybersecurity and Defense. www.bull.com|Follow @Bull_com Holding Company Showcases Client Work Promoting Sustainable Water Efforts New York, NY - January 10, 2017 - Today, Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) released a new video in conjunction with the company's support of UN Sustainable Development Goal #6, which the company adopted as part of the Common Ground Initiative launched this past summer at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The video focuses on the importance of access to water and sanitation and highlights some of the ground-breaking work IPG is doing, partnering with clients and NGOs in this area. More case studies can be accessed on the company's sustainability website, STRONGER, using a specially designed SDG#6 sorting tool. Featured cases include client partnerships focusing on hand-washing and hygiene; bringing the sport of rowing and water education to the Kafue River in Zambia, and partnering with Stella Artois and Water.org to raise awareness and funds for those without access to clean water. "Our investments in sustainability align with the values of our clients and consumers. The UN Sustainable Development Goals, and specifically water and sanitation, sit at the center of so many global issues," commented Michael Roth, Chairman and CEO, Interpublic Group. "Due to population growth and development, there's not enough sufficient clean, safe water to meet what's needed on a global basis. This scarcity impacts families, and ultimately economic and political stability, which affects businesses like ours as well as the quality of life for millions of people around the world. Advertising is a powerful tool, and we are proud to do our part in raising awareness around this issue, and in making a difference in the communities where we live and work," he continued. With the official launch of Common Ground at Cannes this year, IPG committed to supporting SDG#6, access to water and sanitation for all. Common Ground is a collaborative effort by the large advertising and marketing holding companies to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. IPG has formed a cross-disciplinary, cross-agency team to work on SDG#6. In addition to IPG corporate, this includes teams from Carmichael Lynch, Golin, The Martin Agency and Weber Shandwick. The team is currently strategizing on an integrated campaign that will help raise awareness about issues of water and sanitation. In addition, IPG is working to focus its volunteer initiatives to align with its commitment to SDG#6, and is investigating community partnerships to create an employee engagement program around issues of water and sanitation. # # # About Interpublic Interpublic is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. Major global brands include BPN, CRAFT, FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding), FutureBrand, Golin, Huge, Initiative, Jack Morton Worldwide, MAGNA, McCann, Momentum, MRM//McCann, MullenLowe Group, Octagon, R/GA, UM and Weber Shandwick. Other leading brands include Avrett Free Ginsberg, Campbell Ewald, Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, ID Media and The Martin Agency. For more information, please visit www.interpublic.com. # # # Contact Information Jemma Gould (Press) (212) 704-1327 Jerry Leshne (Analysts, Investors) (212) 704-1439 Houston, Texas, Jan. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Houston, Texas, January 10, 2017 Texas LNG Brownsville LLC (Texas LNG) is pleased to announce that it has executed detailed non-binding Term Sheets with four independent LNG buyers in South East Asia and China for a volume of 3.1 MTA. Buyers include a mix of state-owned and private entities that currently own, or plan to construct LNG receiving facilities in the next few years. Option rights in the Term Sheets could increase these offtake volumes to approximately 4 MTA. Texas LNG is now oversubscribed for its Phase 1 capacity of 2 MTA (comprising of one APCI LNG train), a key requisite to attaining FID. The Term Sheets provide the commercial foundation for Texas LNG to continue negotiating definitive 20-year LTAs and SPAs. Under the terms of the LTAs, Texas LNG will be paid monthly capacity fees to liquefy natural gas, store it, and deliver it onto LNG ships arranged by the LNG buyer. Texas LNG is also promoting an SPA structure, whereby it is responsible for delivering LNG on an FOB or DES basis, thus providing maximum flexibility to the LNG buyer. Emerging markets are experiencing healthy energy demand growth and declining domestic production importing LNG is an attractive solution. Low cost LNG is encouraging new demand in many parts of the world, which should lead to demand exceeding supply in 2022. Vivek Chandra, Founder & CEO of Texas LNG, said Despite a very challenging global environment, Texas LNG has demonstrated that its realistic size, ideal location, focus on low costs, and transparency have attracted LNG buyers. Buyers realize the value of procuring LNG directly from the producing source, rather than via intermediaries or portfolio players. Texas LNG is proud to offer a reliable and credible solution for these customers. Langtry Meyer, Founder & COO of Texas LNG, stated Texas LNG is riding the crest of the second wave of US LNG exports. Texas LNGs smaller size helped secure customers for Phase 1 capacity, which is sufficient to reach FID in 2018. With Phase 1 volumes oversubscribed, Texas LNG is marketing its Phase 2 capacity (a second identical 2 MTA train), and is confident that it will close out the full 4 MTA production capacity, for which Texas LNG currently is seeking authorizations from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy. About Texas LNG Texas LNG Brownsville LLC is an independent, Houston-based LNG company. The company is focused on low unit costs, realistic project size, LNG contractual flexibility, and proven liquefaction technology. Samsung Engineering is a minority equity owner in Texas LNG. Texas LNGs initial project will be constructed at the Port of Brownsville in South Texas. The 625-acre site is strategically located on the north shore of the Port of Brownsville's deepwater ship channel, in proximity to natural gas supplies. Phase 1 production of 2 MTA of LNG for export to FTA and non-FTA markets is expected to commence in 2021-22. The Texas LNG team comprises leading financial, technical, environmental and legal experts including Samsung Engineering, BNP Paribas, Galway Capital LP, Third Point LLC, Braemar Engineering, Air Products, Honeywell, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), K&L Gates, GreenbergTraurig, Andrews Kurth, Royston Rayzor, amongst others. Additional information about Texas LNG may be found on its website at www.txlng.com. WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Israel Project today thanked the government of Michigan for passing legislation that combats the hateful Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. The bill was passed by both the House and the Senate and was signed into law by Gov. Snyder. This bipartisan legislation prohibits state entities from contracting with companies that unfairly single out the Jewish state. Through BDS, Israel is the sole target of anti-Semitic economic warfare. Though BDS masquerades as a human rights movement, its founders have called for the destruction of Israel. BDS is simply the latest effort to demonize the only democratic state in the Middle East. When the legislators in Michigan voted this bill through, they made a statement that holding Israel to a double standard would not be tolerated, said The Israel Project CEO and President Josh Block. Id like to extend my thanks to Michigan for standing beside Israel and refusing to look the other way in the face of prejudice. Gov. Snyder signed the bill into law today after it received wide bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Michigan is the latest in a series of more than a dozen states that have passed similar legislation, reaffirming the unshakeable bond between Israel and the United States of America. About The Israel Project: The Israel Project (TIP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization that provides factual information about Israel and the Middle East to the press, policymakers and the public. Founded in 2003, TIP works in multiple languages to provide real-time background information, images, maps, audio, video, graphics and direct access to newsmakers. To learn more about TIP, visit http://www.theisraelproject.org. Should businesses that sell off-sale liquor in smaller neighborhood shopping centers have the same rules as those in larger districts when it comes to how far they have to be from homes and public spaces? That's a question the Lincoln City Council has to consider. Walgreens at 48th and O streets can't sell liquor because it is only 65 feet from a neighboring residential property. The law in its zoning district requires it to be 100 feet away. Lincoln attorney Mark Hunzeker said that if that 100-foot distance is important "it should apply to all zoning districts which permit such sales." But it doesn't. In the downtown area, there are no distance requirements. In larger shopping centers the distance requirement is less than 100 feet. In some areas, restaurants that serve alcohol are allowed to be as close as 25 feet to homes, schools, parks and other public spaces. So Walgreens is proposing that the city change its zoning code to drop the requirement to 50 feet. The city adopted the 100-foot rule in 2004. Before that it had a waiver system, but the City Council got tired of essentially deciding each liquor license case by case. Walgreens isn't the only business affected by the 100-foot rule. Grocery co-op Open Harvest can't sell alcohol at its store near 17th and South streets, although the change as proposed wouldn't help it because it is closer than 50 feet to a residential area. But it has a public street between it and the residences, and Brande Payne, the grocery co-op's board chair, is hoping to add an amendment to the proposed change that would allow that street to count as an acceptable buffer. Payne said being able to sell local craft beer and wine would make the store a one-stop shop and help it compete with larger chain grocery stores. Opponents of the proposed change, however, said council members shouldn't just consider whether Open Harvest or the 48th and O Walgreens should get to sell liquor, but whether they want another 650 potential businesses selling booze. That's the estimated number of additional businesses that would qualify to get a liquor license if the rules are changed. Pat Anderson Sifuentes with NeighborWorks Lincoln and the Lincoln Policy Network, said many areas of the city are already inundated with businesses selling alcohol, and the 100-foot rule is the only defense many neighborhoods, especially older ones, have to prevent even more establishments. "This is the one small tool that we have, and I would ask that you not do away with it until there is something to replace it," Anderson Sifuentes said. Council members will likely vote on the proposal at their next meeting scheduled for Jan. 23. - A government official in Uganda has been buried with millions of shillings in order to bribe God in the hereafter. - The man who was an employee in the Ministry of Public Service was buried with Ugandan Shillings 200 million (N17 million) The man identified as, Charles Obong, who planned to bribe God in other to enter heaven was buried with Ugandan Shillings 200 million (N17 million). It was reported that the money was supposed to be used by the deceased to ask for forgiveness for his sins on earth. In his will, Obong stated that the money had been deposited to his wife, asking her to put it in his coffin during his burial. A government official has sent shock among family and neighbours after he was buried with millions of shillings. Obong who was buried in a metallic coffin estimated to have cost nearly N15 million, had also ordered in the will that his brother and sister should be present to ensure his wife follows his testament to the letter and secure the money in his coffin. The money is also said would have been used by the deceased to ask for forgiveness for his sins on earth. READ ALSO: Aregbesola's HUGE birthday cake unveiled in Osun state (photos) The wife had also planned to bury him with another Ugandan Shillings 300 million (N25 million) so that he could enjoy it in heaven. Obong died on December 17, 2016, and had written in his will that his wife deposit the money in his coffin during his burial. According to Daily monitor, he had feared that his sins during his time in the government service would condemn him to hell. "He planned to convey the money to God as an offertory so that the Almighty Father could forgive his sins and save him from hellfire." Obong was buried in a metallic coffin estimated to have cost nearly KSh 5 million. PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App Sadly for Obong, he did not get the chance to send the money to God, as his clansmen exhumed the body and removed the money terming it as a taboo to bury someone with money. Wonders shall never end! Is it possible to bribe God with money? Meanwhile, Legit.ng TV went to the street to ask Nigerians to name politicians who are not corrupt in Nigeria. Source: Legit.ng As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Thank you, Meryl Streep. I would have been delighted by Streep's pitch for press freedom and the Committee to Protect Journalists even if -- full disclosure -- I were not a member of its board. Streep, who supported Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, criticized Trump in her speech for mocking a New York Times reporter with a disability. Trump denies that he was mocking the reporter. Yet videotape appears quite clearly to show him entertaining a rally crowd by mocking the reporter. Of course, Trump responded to Streep by ignoring her, right? After all, a president-elect has more important things to worry about than the displeasure of a Hollywood star, right? Yes, I'm kidding. After all, we're talking about Donald Trump, long-time believer, as one of his biographers put it, of "counter-punching" even the mildest attack. Trump, who has praised Streep's talents as "excellent" in the past, lashed back this time with typical Trumpian excess. In three tweets the next morning he called the winner of Golden Globes, Academy Awards, Emmies and numerous other awards over her nearly four-decade career "one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood" and a "Hillary flunky." Considering the source, Streep should consider all that a compliment. But she also had a more serious message about the rise of intolerance as a campaign tool. "You and all of us in this room really belong to the most vilified segments in American society right now," she told the audience at the event which is held by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, repeating a joke told earlier by fellow actor Hugh Laurie, "Think about it, Hollywood, foreigners and the press." She then called on "the famously well-heeled Hollywood Foreign Press (Association) and all of us in our community to join me in supporting the Committee to Protect Journalists because we are going to need them going forward, and they'll need us to safeguard the truth." Yet, as partisan as the Trump-Streep clash may sound, it is important to note that the CPJ is nonpartisan in its advocacy for press freedom. The organization protested the 2010 court order that exposed Fox News reporter James Rosen to possible prosecution as an alleged "aide, abettor and/or conspirator" of an indicted leak defendant, simply for doing his job as a journalist. Outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder later called that order his biggest regret. CPJ also protested the Obama administration's order of New York Times reporter James Risen to testify against a defendant or go to jail. The administration eventually ended its pursuit of that case, too. In a tough 2013 CPJ report on President Barack Obama's administration and the press, still posted on the CPJ.org website, Leonard Downey, a former executive editor of the Washington Post, criticized the Obama administration's war on leaks and other efforts to control information as "the most aggressive I've seen since the Nixon administration," when he was one of the editors involved in the Post's Watergate investigation. As Risen pointed out in a recent New York Times op-ed, if Trump "decides as president to throw a whistle-blower in jail for trying to talk to a reporter, or gets the FBI to spy on a journalist, he will have one man to thank for bequeathing him such expansive power: Barack Obama." But if that much of an increase in prosecution comes from an administration that strongly defends press freedom, what can we expect from the administration of a man who herded reporters into pens in the back of rallies so he could more dramatically call the media "dishonest," ''disgusting," ''slime" and "scum." Trump often has been compared to such autocrats as Vladimir Putin or Silvio Berlusconi. Let's hope he doesn't try any harder to imitate them in office. Press freedom, like many other fine things in life, often goes unappreciated until it's gone. Editor's Note: Sarah Sawin Thomas taught high school English and is Professor of Practice in English Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Becky Breed served as director of staff development and as a high school principal in the Lincoln Public Schools System. In this Local View column, they offer their views ina back-and-forth exchange. Becky: As the President-Elect approaches official confirmation, people seem more unsure of what will happen, less confident things are going to improve for them and their families. Sarah: Im profoundly worried about this instability for our nation and world, Becky. The President-Elect communicates inconsistently and doesnt inspire confidence that hes gaining nuanced understanding of complex issues. Im also confounded by his daily tweets that distract and enflame rather than advance positive leadership. Americans shouldnt worry about what incendiary tweet well wake to each day. And though draining the swamp, was promised, given his billionaire and seasoned politician appointees, Im not optimistic the common person will benefit from this administration. Becky: The instability during this transition concerns me, too. Think about the uncertainty and chaos created around information or rather, misinformation. Dont all of us, especially our leaders, have a civic responsibility to be well-informed? How do we model the important role of truth and justice in our classrooms when fake news abounds and both voters and leading officials are swayed by it? Sarah: Remember the classic, Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith? Written 250 years ago, it still has meaning. Smith observed an educated, vigilant citizenry is an empowered one. But with continuous doses of doublespeak, political maneuvering, and disorienting actions, its easy for a society to become psychically numb. Smith alluded to psychic numbing in Theory of Moral Sentimentsa phenomenon that occurs when societies get overwhelmed by major problems. I worry many feel a degree of civic confusion and paralysis right now, which renders our nation vulnerable. Becky: You remind me of the reason we need good public education to build an enlightened citizenry. Even in these disorienting times, its possible. When I need clarification of an educators broad mission, I review the National Education Associations Code of Ethics, which guides the work of committed teachers. The Code of Ethics privileged the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, and nurture of democratic principles in teaching and learning. Dont these criteria, Sarah, seem even more crucial based on the unanticipated House Republicans move to kill the Office of Congressional Ethics? Sarah: Im disturbed by that secretive turn of events when it comes to ethical oversight. Considering our professional context, I imagine ways teachers help students navigate truth-seeking and their developing ethics. Lincoln native, Alisa Miller, now CEO of Public Radio International, presented at UNL this falladdressed news curation. Its clear we all must do a better job seeking variety and ascertaining credibility. Teachers have deep responsibility to continue investigating with students what constitutes valid and unfounded information. Becky: Seeking truth is part of pursuing excellenceyes, thats a standard we all reach for. You remember the work of Parker Palmer, educator and world-renowned speaker, writer and community activist? He describes how we all sometimes face the tragic gap between what is and what could and should be. He recommends holding the tension between reality and possibility in a life-giving way, then, calling ourselves toward something better. Students grow most when they experience this call toward something better where safety, critical thinking and innovative, ethical and creative applications of their knowledge are celebrated. Sarah: Right. The education youre calling for reminds me of John Deweys notion of school and society mirroring one anotherthat when the excellence you mention operates in one realm, the other can more readily reflect it. I deeply worry that a more authoritarian and intolerant America, as projected by President-Elect Trump, will inhibit educators from realizing their ethical duty of protecting democratic principles. Im concerned educators may experience teaching in contradiction. America must stay vigilant and entrust our greatest resourceteachersas professionals to foster a critically thinking, actively listening citizenry. Becky: So much of creating this kind of citizenry requires the complex work of creating an inclusive classroom celebrating diversity. Good teaching involves both heart and mind. Remember the wise words of Terry Tempest Williams: The human heart is the first home of democracy. Sarah: Your Williams reference reminds me of another poet, Maya Angelou--her sentiment that like air, people are meant to rise. I want to believe her. Becky: But rising isnt a given. The fear in the federal workforce is palpable. "Obviously, the end of my run is here," predicted a Department of Agriculture employee, sure that the new administration won't be friendly to his agency. "The war on federal workers has just begun," another declared in an online federal worker forum. The country's 2.1 million federal workers have survived decades of government reinvention and massive outsourcing to contractors. But with the inauguration of Donald Trump less than two weeks away, this threat feels different. All over the nation's capital panicked job searches are under way among its legions of badge-wearing, Metro commuting, "I-can't-talk-to-you-I-work-for-the-government" federal employees. The federal workers have good reason to be worried. Because this isn't the usual churn of administrations or change in ideologies that happens while the rest of government - forest service folks in Oregon, levee engineers in Louisiana, astrophysicists in Maryland - keep working because their jobs are totally apolitical. Trump is picking people to head government agencies that they want to dismantle. When he was governor of Texas and running for president back in 2012, television dance star Rick Perry famously forgot that the Department of Energy was one bureaucracy he'd like to eliminate. Now he's going to head it. Billionaire Betsy DeVos has been leading the move to privatize public eduction in Michigan. Now Trump wants her to head the Department of Education. U.S. ambassadors abroad have been told to leave their posts on Jan. 20 - an unprecedented hard stop to their service. And, most ominously, House Republicans are reviving an 1876 rule that allows a member of Congress to slash any federal salary to $1. Basically, it means that any Loco Joe in Congress would be empowered to target any government worker anywhere. "This rule is the choice vehicle for ethically corrupt members of Congress," the National Federation of Federal Employees told its 110,000 members last week. Let's just be clear on what America looked like when Congress approved this rule in 1876. There were only 37 states. Alexander Graham Bell made his first phone call. Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull wiped out most of the U.S. 7th Cavalry regiment in the Battle of Little Bighorn. The world is a teeny bit different now. And pulling out rules from the same year that Wild Bill Hickok was shot at a poker table in Deadwood and Wyatt Earp took a job in Dodge City isn't really progress. The Republicans, who control Congress and the White House, will say this is all about saving money. This is about draining the swamp, they'll say. This is about cutting government bloat and thinning down the federal workforce. "We will cut so much, your head will spin," Trump promised. And here's the thing. This workforce that's supposedly as bloated and unwieldy as the Sta-Puft marshmallow man? It was roughly the same size in 1950. You know, around the time so many folks think America was great? With state revenues plummeting, its appropriate that Gov. Pete Ricketts turned to the cash reserve to stave off deeper cuts in state services to Nebraskans. The reserve is often called the rainy day fund, and its raining. In unveiling his plans for plugging the hole in this years budget, Ricketts last week proposed $276 million in adjustments, including a $92 million transfer from the cash reserve. As newly elected Appropriations Chairman John Stinner put it, Thats really your economic shock absorber, is that rainy day fund. So, using thats the prudent thing to do. Good thing theres still some money there. The drain on the reserve has been opened regularly in recent months. In the last session of the Legislature, senators drew down the rainy day fund, pulling out $50 million for the infrastructure bank, $13.7 million for levee improvements and $27 million for corrections. Actually, Ricketts originally had proposed taking $150 million from the rainy day fund for the infrastructure bank, but prudent senators on the Appropriations Committee held their ground. The fund looked healthy at the time, but storm clouds were on the horizon. Not long after senators adjourned for the year, the rain began. In fact, it ended the fiscal year June 30 about $95 million short of projections. The governor said that according to projections the state would still have a cash reserve of about $550 million at the end of 2019. The governor has spoken of $500 million as a good target for the reserve. But it should be quickly noted that the sum is less than recommended by the legislative fiscal office, and about 14 percent lower than recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association. Its entirely possible that current revenue projections may be optimistic, and that the projected amount for the cash reserve will evaporate in coming months. Nebraskas Economic Forecasting Advisory Board revised projections downward in October, and when November receipts came in, they were still $18.6 million, or 4.9 percent less than the forecast. The spending adjustments proposed by Ricketts last week were envisioned to lay the groundwork for state senators to work on the next biennial budget. But what happens if revenue receipts keep dropping? What if the starting point for the next biennial budget keeps going down? Senators ought to be cautious as they consider tax cuts and revenue needs. A go-slow approach might allow them to get a clearer picture of the states economy and the future revenue stream. The rainy day fund is providing a welcome cushion, but at the rate its being spent it wont last long. There are an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims in the world, roughly 23 percent of the worlds population. Most want nothing to do with ISIS twisted version of Islam. Even a fractional percentage of the 1.6 billion leaves plenty of foolish people to carry out ill-fated martyrdom attempts and, yes, Muslim cultures need to do more to identify these pockets of extremism, including the propaganda and fake news used to bring vulnerable minds into their lair. The people in charge at ISIS are diabolical and talented. What better way to intensify the divide between Western cultures and Muslim culture than attacking a cherished Christian tradition like the one in Berlin, all in the name of their twisted version of Islam? ISIS propaganda machine is working to maximize the divide, much like the propaganda, fake news and radio shock jocks have successfully created a divide in our US political system. What we can do is think before sharing fake news on social media. God gave us a wonderful thing called a brain for this purpose. Social media is great, but we have a tremendously serious responsibility to check out fake news before assuming it is correct and passing it on. Each one of us has to practice journalistic integrity when it comes to fake news. If you dont have time to check out suspect stories or if you cant find credible journalistic sources to confirm or deny suspected fake news, you have a responsibility to trash it and not forward it on. To do anything less, makes you part of the problem not a part of the solution. Dan Zichek, Lincoln Chinese electronics company Xiaomi has global ambitions for its line of products which include everything from smartphones and smart TVs to rice cookers, air purifiers, and motorized self-balancing scooter vehicle things. Right now the company only sells a few products in the US, including headphones, batteries, and an Android TV box. But Xiaomi had a presence at the international Consumer Electronics Show for the first time this year, where the company introduced some new devices (for China) and showed off its entire range of products. Some of the devices I was most impressed by were the companys laptops, which launched in China last summer. Its not clear if Xiaomi has any plans to bring them to the US market, but itd be easier to sell notebooks than phones in the US, where device makers dont need to work out relationships with US wireless providers. The Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air comes in two versions. Theres a 12.5 inch model with a Core M3 Skylake processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of SATA solid state storage, and a $500 price tag. And theres a 13.3 inch model with a Core i5 Skylake CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of PCIe solid state storage, and NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics That model costs about $720. Both laptops have nice build quality, sturdy keyboards 1.3mm travel and thin and light designs. Speaking of design, one thing that sets these laptops apart from most other notebooks? Theres no logo on the lid. Youll only find a Mi logo on the front, below the screen. Xiaomi also notes that both models have room for a second SSD. Just remove the screws on the bottom of the case, open up the laptop, and you can pop in additional storage. Unlike most of the companys phones, you shouldnt have any problem using one of these notebooks in the US. But if theres one down side to these laptops, its that they arent officially available in the North America yet, which means youll need to pay a bit extra to a company like Geekbuying or Gearbest if you want to import one. That means youll probably end up spending closer to $600 to get the cheaper model or $800 for the premium version. But if Xiaomis presence at CES this year is any indication, its possible that the company could bring these laptops, or similar ones, to the US and other markets in the future. A coalition of more than 60 business, civic and community leaders on Tuesday urged members of Nebraska's congressional delegation to guard young immigrants who have been granted legal presence in the United States from any effort to erase that protection. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status was granted by executive action taken by President Barack Obama, but its continuation has been threatened by President-elect Donald Trump who said during his campaign that he was prepared to eliminate that legal protection. Most DACA youths were brought to the United States illegally by their parents when they were children or even babies. Most have grown up here, gone to school here and built their lives here. An estimated 3,100 to 3,500 DACA youths live in Nebraska. One of them, Alejandra Ayotitla of Lincoln, said during a Lincoln news conference that they want to stay and "contribute our talent to the place we call home." At the age of 9, Ayotitla came to America with her mother and sister and she has lived in Lincoln ever since. "These young Nebraskans are enthusiastically pursuing their education, dedicating their skills and entrepreneurial spirit, and becoming leaders in their communities," members of Nebraska's congressional delegation were told in a letter dispatched to each of them. "Retaining DACA is the right choice, both morally and economically, while we wait for Congress to pass updated, common-sense immigration laws," the letter stated. Among signators were a host of organizations from ACLU of Nebraska to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce to the League of Nebraska Municipalities, from Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler to Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Steve Joel and seven state senators. Also on the list: Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Hospital Association, Nebraska Retail Federation and the Nebraska Restaurant Association. Nebraska Appleseed led the way, arranging Tuesday's news conference at St. Paul United Methodist Church in downtown Lincoln. There is "no logical objection" to protecting the status of DACA youth, said Jim Partington, executive director of the restaurant association. "They were educated here, they are in our workforce and they are contributing to our economy," he said. Partington noted that the Legislature already has approved legislation granting DACA youth the right to acquire Nebraska driver's licenses along with professional and commercial licenses. MMM, the online Ponzi scheme that collapsed in South Africa in 2016, is offering a Bitcoin-based currency to users, reported Fin24. The report stated that MMM told South Africans on its Facebook page that mavro-BTC is being introduced in the system. This follows the scheme telling members in 2016 that they could not withdraw their old rand-based mavros due to a scheme reset. MMM South Africa blamed its systems crash on a media campaign to shut down the Ponzi scheme, stated the report. It told South African members to be patient while its programmers finished updating the system with new mechanics. Bitcoin-based currency On 8 January, MMM introduced a new mavro-BTC to its members. The new currency is being advertised to its members around the world, including Japan, China, Mexico, as well as in Nigeria where the scheme also collapsed in 2016, stated the report. Fin24 previously reported that a similar global initiative MMMs Global Republic of Bitcoin also went bust. Uber launched its taxi service in Johannesburg in August 2013, with Cape Town and Durban following shortly afterwards. It was not long before the company faced trouble in South Africa, with metered taxi organisations protesting the companys operations. Uber taxis also experienced licensing issues, with the South African government impounding Uber cars because the drivers did not have taxi permits. Security challenges in South Africa were another problem, including drivers being attacked and Uber users being abducted and harmed. Uber South Africa is addressing these issues, but is now facing a new challenge declining service levels. Many local users have taken to social media to complain about their bad experiences with Uber. One of the problems, which was confirmed by MyBroadband, is that pickups are often problematic. A big gripe is that an Uber user is promised a time frame for the pickup and if the driver messes up and forces the user to cancel the trip, the user is billed. When a trip is canceled more than 5 minutes after a driver accepts, or if the driver has to cancel after waiting more than 5 minutes at the pickup location, a R70.00 cancellation fee is charged, said Uber. The real-life example below shows why local Uber users are frustrated with the situation. An Uber Black is ordered, promising the vehicle will arrive in 4 minutes. 4 minutes later, the driver is 8 minutes away and the trip is cancelled. The user is charged R70.00 for the cancellation. An Uber X is then ordered, promising to arrive in 4 minutes. After waiting 10 minutes, the driver is 8 minutes away and driving away from the pickup point. The trip is cancelled and the user is charged R25.00 for the cancellation. Another Uber X is ordered, with the promise of arriving in 4 minutes. The trip is cancelled after 8 minutes, because the vehicle was 7 minutes away from the pickup point. Another R25.00 cancellation fee was charged. A standard metered taxi is used, because it was not possible for the Uber drivers to find the pickup point. The Uber user was essentially charged for driver incompetence, on top of the frustration of waiting for Uber cars which never arrived. This is not an isolated event and many other Uber users in South Africa have complained about similar situations. I requested an Uber on 25 Dec 2016 and waited for about 15 minutes. When it was 1 minute away it cancelled and the payment went off, said one user. Your drivers lately have a tendency to cancel trips without even trying to communicate with the client to ask where they are. This has happened 3 times to me. Every time I get billed its maddening, said another user. Uber comments Uber was asked for comment, but could not say whether it is experiencing problems with its technology or drivers in South Africa. Each case needs to be evaluated on an individual basis. Trips can be impacted by network connection which can impact GPS and things like traffic can impact ETAs, said Uber. We are always looking to improve the experience, such as our current road mapping in Cape Town. We have also started location tracking to evaluate how accurately driver-partners are able to deliver riders to their destination. Now read: More information about violent South African Uber attacks The transport ministry is looking at reclassifying drunk driving to be as serious a crime as rape, murder or attempted murder. Transport Minister Dipuo Peters told reporters in Midrand on Tuesday, during the release of the 2016/17 festive season road fatality statistics, that they were looking at changing the crime from a Schedule 3 to a Schedule 5 offence. This formed part of its proposed interventions following the 1 714 death recorded over the period. Those convicted under a Schedule 5 offence face a recommended minimum sentence of 15 years in jail. Schedule 5 offences include murder, attempted murder, treason, rape, corruption, extortion and fraud. Premeditated murder is a Schedule 6 offence. News24 Poland asks EU to suspend fines Putin: Situation in Ukraine was deadly for Russia Portugal to test a four-day workweek US embassy in Armenia issues statement ahead of November 5 protests in Yerevan Dollar, euro go up in Armenia Baku authorities once again refuse to allow PFPA to hold protest rally Iranians commemorate anniversary of US embassy seizure Richard Kauzlarich: Azerbaijan, Armenia FMs meeting in Washington 'will send message to Putin' Russia ratifies protocol on requirements for length of service of EEU bodies' employees for pensions Armenia deputy defense minister in Russia, discusses military cooperation Yerevan receives proposal to hold Russia-Armenia-Azerbaijan interparliamentary talks Health minister: We will work with fallen Armenia detainees relatives one more time after which bodies will be buried Putin allows mobilization of citizens with unexpunged criminal record for serious crimes Arnika, NESEHNUTI NGOs of Czech Rep. issue joint statement on plan to expand gold mine in Armenias Karaberd Putin urges to evacuate civilians living in Kherson from the war zone Iran parliament speaker to visit Armenia Ruling force MP: Canada is opening embassy in Armenia because we are one of worlds most democratic countries Girl with Armenian roots ends up in Vladimir orphanage Erdogan says he has agreed with Putin to supply grain to needy countries for free Armenia President, UK envoy agree to continue cooperation, close contacts Armenia FM receives EU Monitoring Capacity Spanish MPs don't approve agreement with Baku as a sign of solidarity with Armenia Japan says North Korea may go ahead with nuclear test Armenia government to allocate about $5M to Karabakh refugees support program Belarusian border service: Border guards intercepts Ukrainian training drone President appoints Ruben Vardanyan as Karabakh Minister of State US embassy expresses concern about human rights violation in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan continues muscle play on Iran border Ibrahim Kalin says Turkey will become an important gas center one way or another Biden: We're gonna free Iran Reuters: G7 countries and Australia agrees on fixed price for Russian oil World oil prices dropping Wizz Air to launch new flights between Venice, Yerevan EU assesses Armenia, Azerbaijan border commissions meeting in Brussels as constructive Artsakh President convenes enlarged working consultation Envoy: China supports Armenians Azerbaijan MOD disseminates disinformation, Armenia army did not fire Armenia ruling party recounts congress voting results Quake jolts Turkey Newspaper: Armenia PM once again manipulates topic of negotiations, Karabakh conflict Newspaper: Studies underway on Armenia MPs business involvement US wants to prevent Germany, other allies from working together with China Protests turn violent in Iran's Alborz Province Portugal is considering abandoning golden visa scheme Biden and Erdogan to meet at G-20 summit NATO supports normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and welcomes EU efforts Bank of England raises interest rates by largest amount since 1989 Scholz says Berlin must change its attitude toward China Cavusoglu and Stoltenberg disagree over Sweden's and Finland's fulfillment of commitments Turkish Vice President to visit Azerbaijan and occupied Shushi Britain buys 250 million pounds worth of oil from Azerbaijan from July 2021 to June 2022 Yair Lapid congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu on winning election Armenian MOD: Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense spreads another disinformation ENISA: War in Ukraine, geopolitics fuel cyberattacks Armenian MFA: Yerevan and Baku agree to speed up work on agreeing procedure of Commissions' activities Zelenskyy will not participate in G20 summit if Putin participates in it WP: Man who attacked Pelosi's husband was in the U.S. illegally At Upper Lars, 30 cars are allowed through per day instead of previous 300: What are authorities doing? Bloomberg: Turkey unlikely to sign Sweden's bid for NATO membership before the end of the year Military servicemen in Armenia to be attested: Discussion at parliamentary standing committee IEA calls for urgent action on gas shortages in Europe French Senate to consider resolution demanding immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenian territory Papikyan: The final number of dead will be published after the identification is complete Armen Grigoryan presents to Patrushev consequences of Azerbaijani aggression Indonesia reveals its own kamikaze drones UN: Russia resumes participation in inspection of ships in Black Sea Grigoryan: Armenia interested in using communication routes through Azerbaijan Investigative Committee: 10 officers charged in Armenia FT: Azerbaijan demands EU funding and long-term contracts for gas supplies Security Council Secretary: Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenian territory US becomes 2nd largest gas supplier to EU Russian Defense Ministry reports release of 107 Russian servicemen from Ukrainian captivity How U.S supports Azerbaijan in 20 years by suspending 907th Amendment? Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive less funds in 2023 than in previous two years German government urges its citizens to leave Iran Armenian MFA: Unblocking infrastructures is one of the main directions of talks Armenia MFA: We expect positive results in relations with Turkey in near future Armenia to open diplomatic representations in several countries in 2023: Uruguay among them Former Pakistani Prime Minister injured in shooting of election motorcade Russian MFA: Great Britain transferred underwater drones to Ukraine Armenia FM: International community has sent very clear signal to Azerbaijan Prime Minister receives Arin Karapet, Swedish MP Dollar, euro drop in Armenia Armenia FM: In few days there will be meeting between me, Bayramov, Blinken in Washington IRNA: Iran's IRGC eliminated a group that was planning attacks on government agencies Lawcoster 'Pobeda' to resume flights to Armenia at end of this year Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: One cannot despair, struggle must continue Deputy FM: Armenia can make some progress in simplifying visa regime with EU Turkey says Russia assures not to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine CSTO deputy chief: Armenia-Azerbaijan escalation, confrontation risk remains Armenian MFA: Cautious optimism in restoration of diplomatic relations with Hungary Uzbekistan refuses to resume operation of Mir cards in country Belarus Council: If Poland unleashes aggression, war will spread throughout Eastern Europe Peskov: It is up to the Ministry of Defense to increase the term of military service Valerie Boyer: Corrupt, racist Azerbaijan is attacking Armenia borders, seeking to continue ethnic cleansing, genocide Meeting of CIS Security Councils chiefs kicks off in Moscow Charles III travels with teddy bear and toilet seat EU plans to finance programs in Armenia for AMD 55 billion 747 mln Economy minister: Armenia and Iran are making efforts to jointly sell goods to third countries Azerbaijani Armed Forces practice capturing borders during exercises on border with Iran The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States), on Monday released the following belated statement in connection with the sabotage attempt by Azerbaijan, on December 29, 2016: Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijan serviceman killed in the fighting. Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable and are contrary to the acknowledged commitments of the Parties, who bear full responsibility, not to use force. The Co-Chairs urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to strictly observe the agreements reached during summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016, including obligations to finalize in the shortest possible time an OSCE investigative mechanism. The Co-Chairs also urge the return, without delay, of human remains, in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue. We call upon the Parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. The Co-Chairs extend their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and to all Armenians and Azerbaijanis for whom hopes for the New Year have been darkened with the grief of senseless loss. On early morning December 29, 2016, the Azerbaijani troops launched a diversionary infiltration attempt toward the Armenian military positions located southeast of Chinari village of Tavush Province of Armenia. The Armenian armed forces entered into a battle with the adversary, but suffered three casualties: Senior Lieutenant Shavarsh Melikyan, and Privates Edgar Narayan and Erik Abovyan. The Azerbaijani troops were driven back, having suffered numerous injuries and at least seven casualtiesincluding one in the Armenian military positions. Head of National Congress of Armenians of Ukraine, Ashot Avanesyan, called the interview published in Azerbaijani media a fabrication. On his Facebook account, Avanesyan commented on the statements attributed to him by Azerbaijani media, and as follows: On January 9, an interview allegedly made with me was published in Azerbaijani media, where absolutely false statements were noted. I state with all accountability that this is a fake interview; it is a dirty provocation. The independence and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) and the Republic of Armenia was, is and will be paramount value for any Armenian, regardless of his place of birth or residence. Solely in the case of assurance of the indicated conditions it is possible to speak with the opposing party, about the future mutual concessions. I very much would like to grasp why and who needs this false news, about which I know nothing at all. The said fake interview was disseminated by APA news agency of Azerbaijan, and, subsequently, several other Azerbaijani media republished this interview. This yet again confirms the work methods of the Azerbaijani propaganda machine. YEREVAN. The statements by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Minsk Group (OSCE MG) co-chairs need to be targeted. Chairman of the National Assembly of Armenia Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, Artak Zakaryan, expressed such a view to Armenian News-NEWS.am, as he commented on Mondays statement by the co-chairs. The MP noted that it is illogical to link this belated statement on the aggression that took place on December 29, 2016 to the New Year holidays. At the same time, Zakaryan noted that unaddressed statements only complement the series of formal statements. The co-chairs have political and legal resources to put pressure on Azerbaijan, so that the latter carry out the Vienna and Saint Petersburg summits arrangements about applying mechanisms to investigate incidents, the Armenian MP said, in particular. He added that Azerbaijan shows disrespect towards the agreements that are reached during negotiations. Azerbaijan is interested in exacerbating the [Karabakh] conflict, added Zakaryan. [But] Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)] tend to maintain the arrangements, and they always support a pacific settlement [to the conflict]. YEREVAN. What the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Minsk Group (OSCE MG) co-chairs are reflecting on has been always consistently voiced by us. Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, told the aforesaid to Armenpress news agency, when asked to comment on the OSCE MG co-chairs statement regarding the attempted Azerbaijani sabotage attack on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. We agree with them that the ceasefire violations are unacceptable. We agree that the agreements reached in Vienna and Saint Petersburg must unconditionally be realized, including, as noted by the co-chairs, to introduce a mechanism for investigating incidents in the shortest possible time. The three co-chairing countries [i.e. Russia, US, and France] have repeatedly noted as to which side refuses the introduction of the mechanism, [and] therefore, it is that side which bears the full accountability for the incidents and ceasefire violations. Such a mechanism will enable, as the co-chairs say, to get rid of mutual accusations. Although when an Azerbaijani saboteur is neutralized in the Armenian [military] posts, it is clear for everyone[and] without a mechanismas to who has attacked. We hope the three co-chairs will be consistent in immediately, strictly responding to each manifestation of [use of] forceor the threat of [use of] forcein the conflict zone, especially when ceasefire violations result in casualties. It shall not be allowed for a belated response to be perceived by the violator as if its actions can be tolerated. As the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have repeatedly stressed, the unconditional adherence to the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements is mandatory, [and] the incidents recorded as a result of their violations are unacceptable and they seriously undermine the settlement process. In conditions when Azerbaijan is obstructing the introduction of the investigation mechanism and expansion of the capacity of the team of the Personal Representative to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, the co-chairs remain the single format which can and must continue its preventive activity, in accordance to its mandate, Nalbandian also noted. YEREVAN. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Garen Nazarian, on Tuesday received European Parliament member (MEP) Frank Engel. They reflected on Armenias partnership relations with the European Union (EU), the negotiation process around a new Armenia-EU framework agreement, the ongoing sectoral discourse, and several other matters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. At the request of the MEP, the deputy FM of Armenia presented the current level and the prospects for development of Armenia-EU relations. In the context of the ongoing effortsby Armenia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Minsk Grouptowards eliminating the aftermath of Azerbaijans aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in April 2016 as well as advancing the peace process, the interlocutors underscored the need to raise respective awareness at the European Parliament and within European public opinion. Also, Nazarian and Engel exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. Sheridan County's board of commissioners has voted unanimously to recommend reissuing liquor licenses to the four beer stores in the troubled village of Whiteclay. The next step is a hearing before the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, probably in early March. Sheridan County's decision in the stores' favor came on a 3-0 vote Tuesday after about 10 minutes of discussion, said Commissioner James Krotz. However, he said, "I've thought about little else since Thursday," when the board met in Rushville and heard four hours of testimony on the beer stores and the effects of rampant alcoholism on South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The beer stores sold the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of beer in 2015 a few hundred yards from Pine Ridge, where alcohol is banned. Their licenses were up for automatic renewal this year, but the state liquor board ordered Arrowhead Inn, State Line Liquor, D&S Pioneer Service and Jumping Eagle Inn to reapply instead, citing concerns about law enforcement in the area. Activists have pointed to statements by Sheriff Terry Robbins and County Commissioner Jack Andersen as evidence that conditions in Whiteclay have deteriorated. Andersen told a legislative committee last year that the county "absolutely" lacks adequate resources for law enforcement in Whiteclay. Now, Andersen says he meant local property taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill. And Tuesday, the county commissioners said in a resolution that "what little evidence" they received suggests conditions in Whiteclay are the same or similar to when the stores first got their liquor licenses. Without evidence of a change, commissioners argued they lack legal authority to scrutinize liquor licenses up for renewal in the same way they would review first-time licenses. Commissioners also sided with beer store owners and their supporters who argue prohibition isn't the answer to the Oglala Sioux Tribe's problems and shouldn't affect other people's ability to run businesses in Nebraska. "I hope the tribe and the people that have the authority to help themselves will step up to the plate and deal with alcoholism," Commissioner Loren Paul said in an interview Tuesday. "Alcoholism is the problem, not the supply." Activists argue the stores should be shut down because they cause violence and vagrancy in Whiteclay itself and undermine the tribe's authority. John Maisch, a former liquor regulator from Oklahoma who wants the beer stores closed, questioned how Sheridan County could support its conclusion without the sheriff presenting any evidence or testimony at Tuesday's hearing. "The county commissioners recommendation was based on fear, not facts," Maisch said in an email. "If the county commissioners had been able to base their decision on the overwhelming weight of the facts presented, there is no question that they would have recommended denial of those beer license applications." The state liquor board has the ultimate say on the licenses, and will hold public hearings of its own before making a decision. Hobie Rupe, the commission's executive director, had expected to hold hearings regardless. Still, enough Sheridan County residents submitted formal protests of the licenses to guarantee that happens, as required under state law. Criminal cases launched against another group of former officials of the Azerbaijani National Security Ministry have been transferred to one of the countrys courts. The group included the chief of the Monitoring Center of the liquidated National Security Ministry of Azerbaijan, General Teymur Guliyev, the former head of the ministrys Department of Combating Transnational Crime, General Subahir Gurbanov, and his deputy, Colonel Fizuli Aliyev, haqqin.az reports. One of the persons who suffered from T. Guliyev and his team was Elchin Aliyev, the founder of EGT Express LLC, which deals with international cargo transportations. The con men organized a raid on the businessmans office in early June 2014. According to Aliyev, he was accused of having links with Armenians. You are linked to Lilit Grigoryan, who lives in the Czech Republic. A call was made to her from your office. Now we will take you to the National Security Ministry, head of the division at the General Department of Combating Transnational Crime, Colonel Fuad Sadreddinov told the businessman. The latter tried to deny knowing any Lilit Grigoryan but nobody would listen to him. I realized that F. Dasreddinov wanted to get a large bribe under the factitious pretence of my alleged link to an Armenian. I reiterated that I had no business relations with Armenians. Sadreddinov smirked and noted that if needed I would be forced to admit this, Aliyev said. The head of the ministry department allegedly named the price of solving the matter100,000 manatand gave him several hours for gathering it. When the businessman began assuring that he had no such great sums, F. Sadreddinov warned him that all his talks had been tapped long ago and the Ministry knew about all his incomes. Consequently, the colonel allegedly swindled out another several thousand dollars from the businessman by means of blackmail. Overall, Elchin Aliyev allegely had to give over $150,000 to the colonel for his tranquility. Sadreddinov, for his part, noted that Elchin Aliyevs company is the subsidiary of the Czech company EGT Express. The worker of the companys Czech office Lilit Grigoryan allegedly called to Baku several times, following which the Ministry decided to carry out the operation. He also added that after this operation he and Elchin Aliyev established friendly ties. Since Aliyev is a specialist of international cargo transportations, Sadreddinov consulted with him on those issues. In the words of the arrested colonel, he borrowed $30,000 from Aliyev for his sons wedding but was not able to return it. Exactly because of this debt Elchin Aliyev gave false testimony against me, he noted. Czech company EGT Express CZ published information on its website on that they cooperate with similarly-named company in Baku and that they indeed have a worker named Lilit Grigoryan among the staff of the Czech office. The British war correspondent Clare Hollingworth, who broke the news that World War II had started, died on January 10, 2017 at the age of 105 in Hong Kong. Hollingworth worked more than 30 years for The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian as a foreign correspondent. She covered conflicts in Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, and Vietnam. She wrote 5 books: Poland's Three Weeks' War, There's a German Right Behind Me, The Arabs and the West, Mao and the Men Against Him, and Front Lin memoirs. A year before the start of the Second World War, Hollingworth was in Poland, where she arranged the issue of evacuating 3500 Polish Jews to Britain. Hollingworth knew, that the war was inevitable. She traveled in consuls car to Germany to get wine and aspirin supplies. When she was passing along the border line, which was separated by linen partitions, there suddenly rose a wind, and she saw thousands of tanks. It was her first sensational article at the beginning of World War II. Three days later, on September 1, 1939, Hollingworth woke up to the sounds of tanks. She tried to bring that information to the editor, the British and Polish foreign media, but they did not believe her and continue considering, that they were negotiating with Germany. YEREVAN. - The results of the one month dedicated to the Human Rights Day were summed up at the Defense Ministry of Armenia on Tuesday, the press-service of the Ministry informed Armenian News NEWS.am. During the event, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan underscored the issue of human rights defense in the Armed Forces, stressing that one of the most important functions of the defense agency is the civilian and democratic supervision over the armed forces. The Minister noted that the cooperation and joint work of the defense agency especially with the Human Rights Defenders Office yields its results. Sargsyan also highlighted the importance of the Ministrys Center for Human Rights and Building Integrity, as well as the establishment of an expert council on servicemens rights adjunct to the Human Rights Defenders Office. The sphere of human rights defense has two features: the first one is the change of an atmosphere of systematic violation so that no violations recur, the second one being our decisiveness in the work with the civil society and Human Rights Defender in order to get information on separate cases and be consistent in solving those issues. The first body concerned is the Defense Ministry, which wants a citizen to feel strong and protected in the Armed Forces, since only then he can effectively defend his country, Sargsyan noted. Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, for his part, lauded the role of the expert council, stressing that the sphere is unique and requires work corresponding to professional principles. At the meeting, head of the Center for Human Rights and Building Integrity, Colonel Alik Avetisyan presented the activities carried out in the human rights sphere in the Armed Forces, as well as the results of cooperation with international organizations and civil society. CHAPMAN Despite pleas from residents of the tiny central Nebraska town of Chapman, a school board has decided to close the community's school. The Northwest school board voted 3-3 late Monday on a vote to rescind an earlier decision to close the Chapman school, one of the district's four K-8 "feeder" schools. The board then tied in a vote to ratify the December closure vote. The tie votes meant the earlier decision apparently will stand. The board voted again on the matter after hearing more than two hours of testimony, primarily from students, teachers and residents of the 280-person town near Grand Island. Since the earlier vote, two new members had joined the board. The move to close the school comes amid declining enrollment and the school's high cost per student. Scandit secures $7.5m Series A from Atomico as data capture shifts to smart devices #NRF17 Investment by leading European VC will help drive product development and opening of new markets San Francisco, CA and Zurich, Switzerland January 10, 2017: Scandit, the internationally acclaimed enterprise mobility and data capture innovator, has closed a $7.5m Series A funding round with Atomico, the leading global venture capital firm based in London. The investment enables Scandit to further develop its software-based, hardware agnostic data capture platform and cloud services. The company also plans to expand its international footprint with new sales offices across the US and Europe. Welcoming the investment, Scandit CEO and co-founder Samuel Mueller said: Atomico is the perfect partner for us. They share our belief that the right product, backed by a team of innovative, dedicated people can change an entire industry. That includes an industry where a handful of incumbents hold three-quarters of the market share. Scandit offers power and flexibility that the existing players, despite their high price tags, simply cannot match. Thats due, in part, to our ecosystem of software and cloud services including the Scandit Flow platform. Its versatility, combined with the efficiencies and cost savings associated with Scandits data capture solutions, is what our customers love and what enables them to fundamentally transform their businesses through the use of smart mobile solutions. Teddie Wardi, Partner at Atomico, said: What Samuel and his team have achieved is testament to a winning combination of an exceptional product and team. They are exactly the kind of founders we look for, who have built a company that, through disruptive technology, is ready to expand and become a global category leader. Were excited to partner with Samuel and the team as they develop their stronghold. There is a wave of founders and engineers in Europe using deep technology to unlock huge value in traditional sectors. Scandit is bringing that vision to life and we cant wait to see whats next. Scandit was founded in 2009, by a group of PhD graduates and former researchers from ETH Zurich, MIT and IBM Research. They realized that modern off-the-shelf smart devices, running sophisticated software algorithms, could replicate, and even exceed, the capabilities of dedicated data capture systems at a fraction of the cost. The founders saw that their innovative approach to data capture was capable of serving enterprise, employee and consumer applications. Research carried out by Scandit, based on publicly available pricing data, found that legacy scanners offered by industry incumbents have a total cost of ownership (TCO) up to 5x higher than a Scandit-based system. Today, Scandit is transforming the business operations of multinational companies, lowering TCO and establishing real-time operational visibility across healthcare, retail, logistics, manufacturing and government. Key clients include Coop group, GE Healthcare, Home Depot, Macys, Shell, PostNL and Verizon. Scandits product portfolio has expanded beyond its successful Scandit Barcode Scanner software development kit (SDK), which allows companies to add scanning functionality to their own apps. Enterprise customers can now select from a variety of workflow-based data capture solutions that best suit their business, such as proof of delivery, inventory management and order entry all built on Scandits Flow platform, an array of powerful, customizable mobile development tools and cloud services, which facilitate large-scale mobile data capture on smart devices and deliver real-time operational visibility into enterprise business processes. ENDS Video About Scandit Scandit is the leading enterprise mobility and data capture company, specializing in barcode scanning solutions that transform business processes across industries including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and retail. Through its software technologies and cloud services, Scandit empowers organizations to rapidly build, deploy and manage mobile apps for smartphones, tablets and wearable devices. The resulting solutions offer a lower total cost of ownership than traditional, dedicated devices. Scandits solutions portfolio includes patented, software-based optical data capture technology, an innovative iPhone Case and rapidly deployable enterprise mobile apps. Built on its Flow Mobile Application Development Platform (MADP) for Data Capture, the companys cloud-based mobility solutions are enabling business transformation for thousands of businesses worldwide, including top brands Cardinal Health, Coop, The Home Depot, NASA and Verizon Wireless. About Atomico Atomico is an international investment firm, focused on helping the worlds most disruptive technology companies scale and become global leaders, at any stage from Series A. Founded in 2006, Atomico has made over 75 investments with a particular focus on Europe including Supercell, Klarna, and The Climate Corporation. Atomicos team of investors and advisors includes founders of six billion dollar companies, and operational leaders who were responsible for global expansion, hiring, user growth and marketing at companies from Skype and Google to Uber, Facebook and Spotify. More point of sale and NRF news: Shoptalk Announces Support of FDIH, for Launch of Shoptalk Europe Inaugural Pan-European Event to Bring Together Leading Retailers & Ecommerce Disruptors in Copenhagen on October 9-11, 2017 New York, NY, January 9, 2017 Shoptalk, which organizes the worlds most important events in retail and ecommerce innovation, today announced the support of leading Danish ecommerce association, Foreningen for Dansk Internet Handel (FDIH), in the launch of its inaugural pan-European event, Shoptalk Europe. Shoptalk Europe will be held at the Bella Center in Copenhagen on October 9-11, 2017, and is expected to bring together more than 2,000 attendees and 250 world-class speakers. FDIH has historically organized its own industry event called Total Retail, which attracted more than 1,000 attendees in 2016. As part of its support of Shoptalk Europe, Total Retail will cease to operate and FDIH members will instead be invited to attend Shoptalk Europe. Following 10 years of success and continuous growth with Total Retail, we are pleased to now partner with Shoptalk Europe to move the conversation from a national to pan-European and global level, said Niels Ralund, chief executive officer of FDIH. During a highly transformative period of dramatic change, Shoptalk Europe will bring significant benefits to our 800+ association members, uniting leaders and innovators across European countries in a way that will serve as a catalyst for the entire European retail and ecommerce ecosystem. The Shoptalk founders and leadership team, led by Anil D. Aggarwal and Katy Fryatt, previously created a successful, large-scale pan-European dialogue and community through the development of Money20/20 Europe, the largest consumer payments and fintech event in Europe. At its inaugural event, launched in Copenhagen in April 2016, Money20/20 Europe attracted nearly 4,000 attendees and is on track to bring more than 6,000 attendees to its 2017 event. New technologies, trends and business models are rapidly transforming the way people discover, shop and buy all of their physical goods, from grocery to fashion and everything in between, said Mr. Aggarwal, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Shoptalk. Shoptalk Europe was created as the event to facilitate a much-needed pan-European dialogue focused on this innovation in retail and ecommerce and to build a global community of industry leaders and innovators. Shoptalk launched in the U.S. in 2016 and is widely acknowledged for creating a modern U.S. retail and ecommerce dialogue and building a much-needed new community of U.S. retail and ecommerce innovators. As a result, Shoptalk has become the most important American event for innovation in retail and ecommerce. Shoptalks next U.S. event will be held on March 19-22, 2017 at the Aria in Las Vegas and is on track to grow to more than 5,000 attendees in just its second year. To date, its been easy to assume that differences in culture, language, laws and regulations across Europe limit the value of a pan-European dialogue. However, these differences pale in comparison to the similarities that both the establishment and startups face in preparing for the next generation of retail and ecommerce in Europe, said Ms. Fryatt, managing director of Shoptalk Europe. As a highly partner-centric organization, were thrilled to be working with FDIH, and value their support in ensuring the participation of the Scandinavian retail and ecommerce community in Shoptalk Europe. About Shoptalk Shoptalk organizes the worlds most important events for retail and ecommerce innovation. Held annually in both the U.S. and Europe, Shoptalk events represent unprecedented gatherings of individuals and companies reshaping how consumers discover, shop and buy. Each event provides a platform for large retailers and branded manufacturers, startups, tech companies, investors, media and analysts to learn, collaborate and evolve. The next Shoptalk will be held on March 19-22, 2017 at the Aria in Las Vegas, followed by Shoptalk Europe, which will take place on October 9-11, 2017 at The Bella Center in Copenhagen. For more information, visit www.shoptalk.com and www.shoptalkeurope.com. About FDIH FDIH (The Danish e-commerce Association) is a non-profit organization, representing over 800 members. We provide know-how resources, events, workshops and information to help our members improve their businesses within the continuous growing e-commerce industry. We are involved in decision/policy making based on issues that helps strengthen the industry in Denmark and throughout Europe. This is partially in collaboration with E-commerce Europe, which we have helped co-found. Its primary goals are to work with, and influence, the EU parliament and its legislation, in order to sustain a strong and healthy e-commerce industry throughout Europe. Other Point of Sale blogs of interest: WH Smith Signs 900 Store Agreement with Aptos to Elevate In-Store Customer Experience Retailer to Increase Productivity and Customer Engagement with Aptos Point of Sale Solution across 900 Stores in Europe ATLANTA, January 9, 2017 Aptos, a recognized market leader in retail technology solutions, today announced that retailer WH Smith has selected the Aptos Store point of sale solution to increase productivity and customer engagement at more than 900 locations in Europe. The multi-year agreement includes the utilization of Aptos Store at WH Smiths Travel locations that sell a range of products to cater to people on the move or in need of a convenience offer. The agreement also covers WH Smiths High Street outlets that sell a wide range of products including newspapers, magazines, stationery, books and confectionery products. The retailer will deploy the latest version of Aptos Store to provide store associates with the most modern technology available to maximize productivity and improve the customer experience. The agreement with Aptos also covers a dedicated contract and service management team as well as help desk call handling and incident management with pro-active support services to maximize store availability. Through its agreement with Aptos, WH Smith has a strategic, long-term partner to support the opening of new retail units while empowering the most efficient, engaged and informed customer interactions at each store. Investment in our IT infrastructure across our High Street and Travel channels is key to our development strategy, said Ian Windsor, CIO, WH Smith. We need solid and reliable in-store technology to support our expansion plans and we are confident that Aptos can provide this along with the required support. Were delighted to partner with an iconic and growing retailer such as WH Smith, said Steve Towe, EMEA managing director, Aptos. By leveraging Aptos for its industry leading point of sale solution and managed services offering, WH Smith will spend less time developing and managing IT solutions which will free up additional resources to focus on innovation and continued expansion in the UK and internationally. With over 125,000 stores live on its Singular Commerce platform available in the cloud, more than 500 retail brands across the globe rely on cloud-ready Aptos solutions. About Aptos Engaging Customers Differently In an era of virtually limitless choice, sustained competitive advantage only comes to retailers who engage customers differently by truly understanding who they are, what they want and why they buy. At Aptos, we too, believe that engaging customers differently is critical to our success. We are committed to a deep understanding of each of our clients, to fulfilling their needs with the retail industrys most comprehensive omni-channel solutions, and to fostering long-term relationships built on tangible value and trust. More than 500 retail brands rely upon our Singular Commerce platform to deliver every shopper a personalized, empowered and seamless experienceno matter when, where or how they shop. Learn more: www.aptos.com More POS news: - President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders from West Africa are to pay a second visit to President Jammeh of Gambia - The visit is to intervene in the chaos that erupted, following the last Gambia presidential election - The option of a second visit as adopted after the ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja Following growing security concerns in Zambia, a team of ECOWAS leaders as led by President Muhammadu Buhari, will pay a second visit to President Yahya Jammeh. Gambia on the verge of war: Buhari, ECOWAS leaders to meet Jammeh a second time The ECOWAS leaders had on Monday, January 9, condemned the deteriorating security situation in The Gambia. The Nation reports that Buhari met with other leaders at the presidential Villa in Abuja including Senegalese President, Macky Sall; Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and ex- Ghanaaian President John Mahama on how to preserve democracy in The Gambia. The communique of the three-hour meeting read by Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyaema said the leaders specifically decried the clamp down on media houses in The Gambia. Towards resolving the crisis, he said President Buhari will tomorrow lead a delegation to The Gambia. READ ALSO: Budget 2017: NASS, Buhari on the verge of collision, as lawmakers issue serious warning Gambia on the verge of war: Buhari, ECOWAS leaders to meet Jammeh a second time He said: President Muhammadu Buhari in his capacity as the mediator of the crisis in The Gambia hosted a meeting today with certain ECOWAS Presidents here in the State House. Present at this meeting today were Presidents of Liberia who is also the chair of the ECOWAS authority, the President of Senegal and His Excellency the former President of Ghana who is also the co-chair mediator with President Buhari. Also present were the Presidents of the ECOWAS commission and also the Special Representatives of the United Nations Secretary General who happens to be the head of the UN office for West Africa and the Sahel. They deliberated on the current state of affairs in The Gambia and shared views on the way forward. They agreed on the determination to resolve The Gambian political crisis in a manner that every step of the way conform with the constitution of The Gambia and respect the will of the people of The Gambia. READ ALSO: Kaduna killings: Arrest CAN President, Senator Laah, Imams tell Buhari Gambia on the verge of war: Buhari, ECOWAS leaders to meet Jammeh a second time They expressed particular concern at the deteriorating situation that has been reported in respect of security in The Gambia in particular, the closure of some of the radio stations and media and house, arrest that have been taking place and also the refugee situation that is being created with the mass exodus of a large number of people to the interior and to neighbouring countries. In view of this, the meeting agree that a certain number of Presidents will visit in two days time, President Jammeh in The Gambia and that again will comprise the mediator President Buhari together with the President of Liberia and hopefully, the President of Sierra-Leon and the co-mediator the former President of Ghana (John Mahamma) as well as the President of the ECOWAS commission, the Special Representatives of United Nations and also a Representative of the African Union. Gambia on the verge of war: Buhari, ECOWAS leaders to meet Jammeh a second time So, this meeting will take place in two days time on Wednesday to discourse with President Jammeh the need the imperative the constitution. He added. The Gambian President-elect, Adama Barrow, is expected to take oath of office on 19th of January, 2017 while the out-going President Yahya Jammeh has threatened to hang on to power. Source: Legit.ng Citrix Launches Windows 10 Service on Microsoft's Azure Cloud Following on last year's plan to deliver new virtual desktops and application-as-a-service offering on Microsoft's Azure public cloud, Citrix today released its Windows 10 desktop-as-service VDI offering that will run on Microsoft Azure. Citrix also said its apps-as-a-service offering, poised to replace Microsoft's Azure RemoteApp, will arrive this quarter. The new services, to be called Citrix XenDesktop Essentials and XenApp Essentials, were launched today at the annual Citrix Summit, taking place in Anaheim, Calif. Both are key new offerings developed by both companies as part of broad extensions of their longstanding partnership announced back in May at the company's Synergy conference. Citrix XenDesktop Essentials was the first offering announced that lets organizations provision virtual Windows 10 instances as a service using their existing software licenses. The forthcoming XenApp Essentials will let organizations deploy Windows 10 Enterprise images on Azure. This is aimed at "... those organizations seeking a simplified way to deploy Windows 10 virtual desktops in the Microsoft Azure cloud," said Calvin Hsu, VP of product marketing at Citrix, discussing several key announcements at its partner conference. "Microsoft customers who have licensed Windows 10 Enterprise on a per-user basis will have the option to manage their Windows 10 images on Azure through our XenDesktop VDI solution. Once XenDesktop Essentials is set up and running, the service can be managed by the Citrix Cloud." The two companies, which have a longstanding partnership, described last year's extension of its pact as their broadest to date. In additions to offering VDI and app services on the Azure public cloud (managed by Citrix), the extended pact aims to offer a new delivery channel for Windows desktops and apps, including Skype for Business, Office 365 and Microsoft's Enterprise Mobility Suite (including Intune) via the Citrix Workspace Cloud. Citrix is running its digital workspace platform on Microsoft Azure. Citrix, through its service provider partners, will offer these new services via XenApp Essentials. Citrix also said it will kick off a pilot for its network of service providers looking to offer its workspace platform using its cloud. Based on the licensing model found in other Citrix offerings, the company is looking for existing and new service providers to deliver hosted, managed desktop-as-service offerings and app workspaces. Another pillar of last year's pact between the two companies included plans to integrate Microsoft's Enterprise Mobility Suite with Citrix NetScaler, the company's application delivery controller (ADC) and load balancing appliance. Citrix said the resulting integration of the two, the Citrix NetScaler Unified Gateway with Microsoft Intune, is now available. Citrix said the new offering lets administrators apply policies tied to Microsoft's EMS to NetScaler, allowing for conditional single sign-on access based on specific endpoint and mobile devices. "Together, our solution allows IT administrators to define access control policies based on the state of the end user mobile device," explained Akhilesh Dhawan, principal product marketing manager at Citrix, in a blog post. "These policies will check each end-user mobile device before a user session is established to determine whether the device is enrolled with Microsoft Intune and is compliant with the security policies set by an organization and -- only then -- grant or deny access accordingly." For customers looking for hybrid solutions, the company launched a new program that will provide hyper-converged infrastructure running on integrated appliance. Providers of hyper-converged infrastructure hardware that are part of the new Citrix Ready HCI Workspace Appliance Program will offer appliances designed to automate the provisioning and management of XenDesktop and XenApp. Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Atlantis Computing are the first partners inked to offer a new solution based on the new program, according to Citrix's Hsu. The appliance will include XenApp or XenDesktop running on HPE's new Edgeline Converged EL4000 Edge System, a 1U-based system available in configurations from one to four nodes and four to 16 cores based on Intel's Xeon processors with GPU compute and integrated SSD storage. Included on the HPE system is Atlantis' USX software-defined storage offering, which creates the hyper-converged infrastructure delivering the Citrix Workspace. Citrix also announced today that it has acquired Unidesk, a well-regarded supplier of virtual application packaging management software that, among other thing, can manage both Citrix XenDesktop and Microsoft's Remote Desktop Service (RDS). Citrix said Unidesk's application layering technology "offers full-stack layering technology, which enhances compatibility by layering the entire Windows workspace as modular virtual disks, including the Windows operating system itself (OS layer), apps (app layers), and a writable persistent layer that captures all user settings, apps and data." The company also described the latest Unidesk 4.0 architecture as a scalable solution that offers the company's app-layer technology and aims to ease customers' transition to the cloud by providing a single app image that covers both on-premises and cloud-based deployments. Citrix said it will continue to offer Unidesk as a standalone product for VMware Horizon and Microsoft virtual desktop customers. What now? Airport Security Post Fort Lauderdale Shooting On Friday, January 6, Esteban Santiago picked up his luggage from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports Terminal 2 baggage claim, walked into a nearby bathroom, took out his checked firearm and loaded it. What happened next has been in the headlines for five straight days. 13 innocent people traveling to Fort Lauderdale were shot by Santiago. Five of them died. One couple was traveling to Florida to enjoy a cruise, another were attending a friends 90th birthday. Some were returning home from a long vacation. None of them were expecting to have a gun drawn on them at an airport. According to TSAs guidelines for transporting firearms and ammunition, you can bring a gun on a plane as long as it is inside a hard-sided container, which is not easily opened, in your checked baggage. The traveler must declare the firearm to the airline when checking the bag at the ticket counter. So to answer the questions most people have been asking: Yes, you can fly with a gun as long as it resides in your checked luggage. Santiago did just that. He followed the rules. He checked the gun and 2 magazines in the only luggage he brought with him to Fort Lauderdale from Alaska, where he lived. So, what now for airport security? Time and time again events have shown that while airport terminals are some of the most safe areas in a city, those areas on the perimeter are the vulnerable underbelly. Weve seen shootings at arrival and departure sidewalks, weve seen bombings in security checkpoint lines, weve seen TSA agents shot and killed just outside ticket counters. How do we secure this defenseless area? While weve seen an uptick in officers patrolling these areas, not much else has been done as a result of these horrific events. I remember in the days after the attack on the Brussels airport, many security professionals predicted that wed see a widening of the perimeter secured by TSA. That travelers and passengers would be screened before they even made it into the door of the building. While this sounds like a good idea at first, it comes with its own set of problems. No matter where you put the security checkpoint lines, there will always have to be a place for people to wait. In some of the busiest airports, security lines can get backed up to an almost three hour wait during high flying times. These lines are in-and-out of themselves a soft target to begin with. The first solution I thought of when I saw this headline on Friday was, Dont let anyone check a firearm. I mean it sounds like a pretty common sense thing to me. If you need your gun to be somewhere, then ship it ahead of time. Is it worth it to check your firearm onto a plane if you know that others, less stable than you, can, too? Tweet me your thoughts at @1105Sydny. AFP News Zhang Yao recalls the moment he realised something had gone deeply wrong at the Chinese mega-factory where he and hundreds of thousands of other workers assembled iPhones and other high-end electronics. In early October, supervisors suddenly warned him that 3,000 colleagues had been taken into quarantine after someone tested positive for Covid-19 at the factory. "They told us not to take our masks off," Zhang, speaking under a pseudonym for fear of retaliation, told AFP by telephone. What followed was a weeks-long ordeal including food shortages and the ever-present fear of infection, before he finally escaped on Tuesday. Zhang's employer, Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, has said it faces a "protracted battle" against infections and imposed a "closed loop" bubble around its sprawling campus in central China's Zhengzhou city. Local authorities locked down the area surrounding the major Apple supplier's factory on Wednesday, but not before reports emerged of employees fleeing on foot and a lack of adequate medical care at the plant. China is the last major economy committed to a zero-Covid strategy, persisting with snap lockdowns, mass testing and lengthy quarantines in a bid to stamp out emerging outbreaks. But new variants have tested officials' ability to snuff out flare-ups and dragged down economic activity with the threat of sudden disruptions. - Desperation - Multiple workers have recounted scenes of chaos and increasing disorganisation at Foxconn's complex of workshops and dormitories, which form a city-within-a-city near Zhengzhou's airport. Zhang told AFP that "positive tests and double lines (on antigen tests) had become a common sight" in his workshop before he left. "Of course we were scared, it was so close to us." "People with fevers are not guaranteed to receive medicine," another Foxconn worker, a 30-year-old man who also asked to remain anonymous, told AFP. "We are drowning," he said. Those who decided to stop working were not offered meals at their dormitories, Zhang said, adding that some were able to survive on personal stockpiles of instant noodles. Kai, a worker at in the complex who gave an interview to state-owned Sanlian Lifeweek, told the magazine Foxconn's "closed loop" involved cordoning off paths between dormitory compounds and the factory, and complained he was left to his own devices after being thrown in quarantine. TikTok videos geolocated by AFP showed mounds of uncollected rubbish outside buildings in late October, while employees in N95 masks squeezed onto packed shuttle buses taking them from dormitories to their work stations. A 27-year-old woman working at Foxconn, who asked not to be named, told AFP a roommate who tested positive for Covid was sent back to her dormitory on Thursday morning, crying, after she decided to hand in her notice while in quarantine. "Now the three of us are living in the same room: one a confirmed case and two of us testing positive on the rapid test, still waiting for our nucleic acid test results," the worker told AFP. Many became so desperate by the end of last month that they attempted to walk back to their hometowns to get around Covid transport curbs. As videos of people dragging their suitcases down motorways and struggling up hills spread on Chinese social media, the authorities rushed in to do damage control. The Zhengzhou city government on Sunday said it had arranged for special buses to take employees back to their hometowns. Surrounding Henan province has officially reported a spike of more than 600 Covid cases since the start of this week. - Distrust - When Zhang finally attempted to leave the Foxconn campus on Tuesday, he found the company had set up obstacle after obstacle. "There were people with loudspeakers advertising the latest Foxconn policy, saying that each day there would be a 400 yuan ($55) bonus," Zhang told AFP. A crowd of employees gathered at a pick-up point in front of empty buses but were not let on. People in hazmat suits, known colloquially as "big whites" in China, claimed they had been sent by the city government. "They tried to persuade people to stay in Zhengzhou... and avoid going home," Zhang said. "But when we asked to see their work ID, they had nothing to show us, so we suspected they were actually from Foxconn." Foxconn pointed to the local government's lockdown orders from Wednesday when asked by AFP if it attempted to stop employees from leaving, without giving any further response. The company had on Sunday said it was "providing employees with complimentary three meals a day" and cooperating with the government to provide transport home. Eventually, the crowd of unhappy workers who had gathered decided to take matters into their own hands and walked over seven kilometres on foot to the nearest highway entry ramp. There, more people claiming to be government officials pleaded with the employees to wait for the bus. The crowd had no choice as the road was blocked. Buses eventually arrived at five in the afternoon -- nearly nine hours after Zhang had begun his attempt to secure transport. "They were trying to grind us down," he said. Back in his hometown, Zhang is now waiting out the home quarantine period required by the local government. "All I feel is, I've finally left Zhengzhou," he told AFP. bur-tjx/oho/je/mca/cwl AFP News Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was recovering in hospital Friday after a gunman shot him in the leg, with his supporters vowing the assassination attempt will not derail his "long march" bid to return to power. The attack on his convoy, apparently by a lone gunman, killed one man and wounded at least 10, significantly raising the stakes in a political crisis that has gripped the South Asian nation since Khan's ousting in April. Khan "was stable and he was doing fine" at Shaukat Khanum hospital in the eastern city of Lahore, his doctor Faisal Sultan told AFP Friday. Seemi Bokhari, a lawmaker with Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, said after visiting Khan the former premier was in high spirits. "The doctors are allowing him to move ... He is feeling perfectly well and he will soon be discharged," she told AFP. The 70-year-old former international cricket star had been leading a campaign convoy of thousands since last week from Lahore to the capital Islamabad when he was attacked. Khan suffered at least one bullet wound to his right leg when a gunmen sprayed pistol fire at his modified container truck as it drove slowly through a thick crowd in Wazirabad, around 170 kilometres (105 miles) east of Islamabad. "Everyone who was standing in the very front row got hit," former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, who was standing behind Khan, told AFP. Senior aide Raoof Hasan said it was "an attempt to kill him, to assassinate him". Chaudhry said party officials would meet later Friday to discuss the immediate fate of Khan's campaign march. "The real freedom long march will continue and the movement for people's rights will remain until an announcement on the general elections," he tweeted. - Threats - Party officials also called for supporters to stage rallies and marches across the country after Friday afternoon prayers, the most important of the week. Protesters lit fires and blocked roads in several cities late Thursday as news of Khan's shooting spread. His campaign truck has become a crime scene for now, cordoned off and guarded by commandos as forensic experts comb the area. Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Thursday the attacker had been taken into custody. Officials shared an apparent confession video that was circulating online. "I did it because (Khan) was misleading the public," says a dishevelled man in the leaked video, shown with his hands tied behind his back in what appears to be a police station. He says he was angry with the procession for making a racket during the call to prayer that summons Muslims to the mosque five times a day. Pervaiz Elahi, the chief minister of Punjab, said officers who leaked the video would be disciplined. Pakistan has been grappling with Islamist militancy for decades, with right-wing religious groups having huge sway over the population. It has been no stranger to assassination attempts during decades of political instability, and the powerful military has led the country several times. Pakistan's first prime minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, was shot dead at a rally in Rawalpindi in 1951. Another former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, was killed in 2007 when a huge bomb detonated near her vehicle as she greeted supporters in the city of Rawalpindi. - Kicked from power - Khan was booted from office in April by a no-confidence vote after defections by some of his coalition partners, but he retains huge support. He was voted into power in 2018 on an anti-corruption platform by an electorate tired of dynastic politics, but his mishandling of the economy -- and falling out with a military accused of helping his rise -- sealed his fate. Since then, he has railed against the establishment and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, which he says was imposed on Pakistan by a "conspiracy" involving the United States. Khan and Shehbaz have for months traded bitter accusations of corruption and incompetence, raising the political temperature in a nation that is frequently at boiling point. Khan has repeatedly told supporters he was prepared to die for the country, and aides have long warned of unspecified threats made on his life. The attack drew international condemnation including from the United States, which had uneasy relations with Khan when he was in power. "Violence has no place in politics, and we call on all parties to refrain from violence, harassment and intimidation," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. sjd/fox/ecl/pbt/dhc By Joe Brock JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) needs a bold leader to launch a "second revolution" redistributing wealth to the black majority, said the head of the party's youth wing, which helped propel President Jacob Zuma to power. Zuma is expected to step down as ANC leader in December and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the head of the African Union and Zuma's ex-wife, along with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa are widely seen as the two leading candidates to replace him. But ANC Youth League President Collen Maine said the candidate it would endorse to run for leader at a party conference in December would send "shock waves" through the ANC, suggesting the youth branch will not back either frontrunner. "These candidates who have been mentioned are part of the system. They have been part of the system we want to change," Maine told Reuters in an interview. "We need bold leadership. We need a second revolution that will cause ruptures in the economy." Dlamini-Zuma, 67, and Ramaphosa, 64, are both anti-apartheid activists and ANC stalwarts, though neither has declared their intention to run for the ANC leadership at this point. Given the party's dominance since the end of apartheid in 1994, whoever succeeds Zuma as ANC leader will most likely replace him as the country's president too when elections are held in 2019. Maine, who has been a staunch defender of Zuma against party critics, said every ANC leader had failed to deliver on the promise to transform South Africa, which remains starkly unequal more than two decades after the end of white-minority rule. REVOLUTION DERAILED Maine said he wanted a new leader to take radical measures, such as the redistribution of land, to disperse wealth from white elites to the black majority, as well as to limit the influence of foreign companies and give the poor free education. "Our leaders have derailed the revolution. We were supposed to get more than just the vote. We need to shake up the economy. You don't have a revolution without pain," Maine said. The Youth League was established in 1944 by ANC leaders Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo and it became one of the major disruptive forces in the fight against apartheid. Under its last president, Julius Malema, the group was instrumental in forcing out President Thabo Mbeki and installing Zuma. Maine was elected youth leader unopposed in 2015, three years after Malema was expelled for turning against Zuma. Maine says the Youth League has 600,000 members and a significant voting block at party conference, though the complex leadership election process means it is unclear exactly how much influence the group will wield come December. Ramaphosa, who was once touted as a successor to Mandela, would be first choice for many investors because his business background suggests he will support more pro-business policies than many in the traditionally left-wing ANC. Dlamini-Zuma was regarded as a capable technocrat during her time as South Africa's minister of home affairs from 2009 to 2012 and has since gained international exposure as the first female head of the African Union. The ANC's Women League endorsed Dlamini-Zuma last week and President Zuma, who will have a major say in who succeeds him, is also expected to back his ex-wife if she runs. [nL5N1EX0IF] RAND SHOULD FALL Maine has courted controversy by saying a sharp devaluation of the rand currency would force South Africa to make tough economic decisions and turn the tables on the white business elite, even if it caused near-term pain for the general public. South Africa's economy is barely growing and ratings agencies have threatened to downgrade the country's sovereign debt rating to "junk". [nL8N1CO33P] The policies espoused by Maine would spook financial markets but he said in the interview with Reuters that should not be a worry for politicians bent on change. "We should not be concerned with markets. Once we hear the rand is going to fall, or we are going to 'junk', we get very nervous. Black people are already in junk," Maine said. "If some white people want to leave South Africa, let them leave." "Investors will not leave. They need South Africa." Maine has also openly admitted to meeting several times with the Gupta family, Indian businessmen close to Zuma who have been accused of influencing cabinet appointments and winning government tenders unfairly. A report by a government watchdog found evidence that the family held undue influence over government decisions. Zuma and the Gupta family deny any wrongdoing. [nL8N1D31UX] [nL8N1D84JI] "The only mistake the Guptas made was going into a space reserved for white people," Maine said. "If you want to see who has captured this country, look at white monopoly capital." (Additional reporting by Nqobile Dludla; editing by David Clarke) By Wa Lone and Serajul Quadir YANGON/DHAKA (Reuters) - A special envoy of Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi will begin top-level talks in Bangladesh on Wednesday, as the United Nations said the Rohingya crisis prompted 65,000 people to flee Myanmar for Bangladesh in the past three months. Kyaw Tin, Myanmar's deputy minister of foreign affairs, will make a three-day visit to the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, in a rare diplomatic foray to tackle the biggest challenge facing Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyi's nine-month old administration. The stream of new refugees, and reports that Myanmar's navy has shot at Bangladeshi fishermen, have further tested historically strained ties between the neighbours, who each see the stateless Rohingya Muslims as the other side's problem. The visit marks a shift away from Myanmar's reluctant approach to cooperation with its western neighbour, which analysts see as key to solving the growing crisis. Rohingya insurgents attacked Myanmar border posts on Oct. 9, killing nine police. In response Myanmar sent the army into the Muslim-majority northern part of Rakhine State. Residents and refugees have described summary executions, arbitrary arrests and rape in the operation. Suu Kyi's government has denied almost all abuse allegations. During the visit, the neighbours will discuss bilateral relations, but the Myanmar side was unlikely to bring up the "complicated" issue of border security, said Aye Aye Soe, deputy director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "For the border situation, an operation is still in progress to create stability, so I don't think there will be a lot of results from this first-time meeting," she said. INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE Kyaw Tin will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday, said a senior official at the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media, said Myanmar had initiated the visit "so that Bangladesh does not raise pressure on Myanmar on the Rohingya issue in international forums," such as an upcoming meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation. Southeast Asia's Muslim-majority nations, Indonesia and Malaysia, have publicly pressured Myanmar over the crisis. "Bangladesh has been persuading and pressing in international forums behind the scenes so as not to hamper the relationship," the Bangladeshi official said. Talks between the neighbours are complicated by the fact that as many as 500,000 Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh during decades of persecution in Myanmar are not recognised as citizens there either. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that by Jan. 5 about 65,000 more people had arrived in Bangladesh since Oct. 9. Myanmar's Aye Aye Soe questioned the U.N. figure, saying anyone claiming to be a refugee from Myanmar would have to be scrutinised. She referred to a longstanding government policy that repatriation talks can only cover 2,415 people in Bangladesh whom Myanmar recognises as citizens. "We need to make sure how many people arrived and where they are from, but no one can confirm exactly," she said. (Writing by Simon Lewis; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Recently I visited the Microsoft headquarters in Redmond as part of its Small Business Ambassador tour (Im one of the Small Business Ambassadors). While there I learned about some new Microsoft products Id never heard of, and got a deeper look at others I already knew about. Here are 10 Microsoft products for small businesses (or individual or even larger businesses) that seemed very interesting and helpful. See what you think and how they can benefit you, in the video above. The products are also listed below for easy scanning. Microsoft Products for Small Businesses More Than an Office Suite If Office software Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook is the set of products that come to mind when you think of Microsoft, then youre in for a pleasant surprise. Microsoft has so many more products to offer small businesses, including: 1. MileIQ: You know how you track your mileage for IRS tax deduction purposes? Or perhaps you or your employees track mileage in order to assure you get properly reimbursed. Know what a pain it can be? Enter MileIQ. The tracking app automatically captures your miles via your mobile phone. It creates a log of your mileage and does it automatically so you dont have to remember. 2. Bookings: If your small business runs on clients appointments, youre going to love the time that the self-service scheduler Microsoft Bookings will save for you and your staff. Your clients will be able to book service or other appointments with you online, if you deploy this app. Theres even the ability to tie it to Facebook, so customers can book an appointment with you directly from your Facebook page. 3. Surface Pro Tablets: Who hasnt heard of these nifty tablets? The latest Surface tablet device, the Surface Pro 4, is touted as The tablet that can replace your laptop. This is the device for the business owner on the go. 4. Surface Studio: One of the most innovative computers to debut recently is the Microsoft Surface Studio. This large computer is designed for creators. It can operate like a large tablet, and the screen/monitor slide down like a computerized drafting table. In addition, devices such as the Surface Dial take the creative process to a whole new level of intuitive use so you can work without the technology getting in the way. 5. Office 365: The Microsoft Office Suite moved online several years ago. Today, its much more than office apps, as it serves as a central hub to run your business. The business version is better than ever. 6. Dynamics for Business: Microsoft began rolling out a version of its Dynamics 365 offering priced for small businesses called the Business Edition. Currently, the financial module is available. The company has big plans to add to it during 2017 and onward. 7. Device Finder: The Device Finder is an online tool that helps you find the device you need based on the problem you are trying to solve or your needs. Instead of searching by hardware features, you search by your need (which is the way it should be!). 8. Windows PIN Sign In: See Also: Microsoft Ends Enrollment for Program Helping Small Businesses Finance Surface Plus Included with Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile, the PIN Sign In is much more secure than a password. Why? Because it requires not only the PIN itself, but you have to have the device itself. 9. Microsoft Hello: Windows Hello is another security feature. It introduces biometric security to your Windows 10 devices by your face, fingerprint or iris to unlock your device. You need an IR camera in your device, but newer devices do have IR cameras built in. 10.Bot Framework: Microsofts Bot Framework sounds techy and intimidating, but this could be the next frontier of how your company interacts with customers online. The Bot Framework enables developers to create bots (think of them as automated administrative assistants). Or you can use one of the many that have already been created. Looking for a successful year? These top 10 Microsoft products for small businesses will help you get there. Note: This article is provided as part of my work as a Microsoft Small Business Ambassador. Research Robotic Infant Simulators Actually Promote Teen Pregnancy, Study Finds Robotic infant simulators or robot babies used by schools to help prevent teen pregnancy actually have the opposite effect, according to a study published in the British health journal The Lancet. Australian researchers randomly assigned nearly 3,000 teenage girls to one of two groups. Some received an automated doll (programmed to cry, sleep, eat and spoil its diapers on a realistic schedule, with sensors to track whether students are properly caring for it), while others received only standard health education. The researchers tracked the girls until they turned 20, using records from hospital and abortion clinics. The results were surprising: 8 percent of the girls who received an infant simulator ended up giving birth, compared to just 4 percent of those who received standard health education. And 9 percent of the girls who received a robot baby had an abortion, compared to 6 percent who received standard health education. The infant simulator-based VIP program did not achieve its aim of reducing teenage pregnancy, the researchers determined. Girls in the intervention group were more likely to experience a birth or an induced abortion than those in the control group before they reached 20 years of age. Wisconsin-based Realityworks is the largest provider of infant simulators to schools in the United States and abroad. The company estimates it controls 95 percent of the infant-simulator market. Shortly after the Lancet study was released, the company issued a statement calling The Lancet study deeply flawed and criticizing the researchers findings as junk science despite their rigorous methodology. The company complained that the Australian schools in the study did not use the full Realityworks curriculum. The study had nothing to do with us, our curriculum or our RealCare Baby infant simulators, nor are its conclusions about us credible, the company said in its statement. A Bloomberg Businessweek investigation late last year found that two-thirds of U.S. school districts buy some kind of infant simulator, and that the Realityworks model (which costs about $650 apiece) had become a staple of American education, reaching more than 6 million students at 17,000 schools. In addition to robot babies, Realityworks now produces many other experiential learning technologies, including a growing number of simulators for career and technical education programs, including nursing, welding and animal science, Education Week reported last week. Research Student Worries about Social Image Affect School Behavior High school students are willing to ignore educational opportunities when they're concerned about how they'll be viewed by their classmates, according to a new study by researchers from three universities. "Cool To Be Smart or Smart To Be Cool? Understanding Peer Pressure in Education" was a project undertaken by researchers at the Universities of Chicago and Pennsylvania and Northwestern University and published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The project extended work published in 2015 that found that pick up of a free SAT preparation course and effort used to practice for a high school exit exam by students are influenced by how observable those activities are by their peers. The new work identified two peer cultures, one that stigmatizes effort and the other that rewards ability, both of which may lower the take-up of educational activities by young people when others can see what's going on. Understanding the motivations of the students in both cultures, the researchers suggested, could offer "important insights" for understanding "the root causes of educational underachievement." The experiment was undertaken in three Los Angeles public high schools. One had a lower-achieving, lower income, higher minority share. There, about 54 percent of seniors take the SAT, and the average score is about 1,200. The other two schools had higher-achieving, higher income, lower minority shares. About 60 percent of seniors at those campuses take the SAT, and the average score is around 1,500. The project focused on 11th graders because they're typically at an age where they begin preparing to take the SAT. Students were invited to sign up for complimentary access to an SAT preparation package. They were handed a form at their desks explaining that they could win an SAT prep package that included access to the software for a year, as well as a diagnostic test and personalized assessment of their performance and areas of strength and weakness and an hour-long session with an SAT prep tutor. The value of the package was given as "over $100." The researchers added two variables. Some students were told on the form that their chance of winning the prep package was 25 percent; others were told the chance was 75 percent. Likewise, some students' forms stated that their decision to sign up for the "lottery" and that the results of their diagnostic test score would be kept private; the others were told those items would be made public to other students in the room. The first form was collected, then the researchers handed out an additional survey with questions related to intentions related to higher education, how good their grades were in general, how important they considered it to be popular in school, and how hard they had been studying for the SAT. The expectation was twofold: 1) that "effort stigmatization" would be more influential at the lower-achieving school, dampening interest in the SAT help; and 2) signaling high ability or "ability rewarding" would be more important at the higher achieving schools. That's what happened. As the researchers reported, "We identify two potentially important peer cultures: one that stigmatizes effort (thus, where it is 'smart to be cool') and one that rewards ability (where it is 'cool to be smart')." According to the results of the secondary survey, students did report greater concerns about whether people think they are smart in the higher-achieving schools, compared to the former. The same survey also revealed that the students believed the package could have a major impact on their test scores a median gain of 100 points at the lower-income school and 123 at the higher-income schools. Despite the possible benefits, the report noted, "High school students are willing to forgo educational investment opportunities due to concerns about how they will be perceived by their classmates." Armed with an understanding of motives, the researchers added, schools can tailor information or marketing campaigns with the right kinds of messaging for school improvement. For example, they explained, "trying to change attitudes so that doing well in school is rewarded rather than stigmatized ... may actually increase the stigma associated with not doing well," thereby morphing one form of negative peer pressure into another form without changing the outcomes. Or schools may want to label or market various programs differently depending on peer culture. The report offers the example of teachers making themselves available after class for additional work with students. "When such programs are labeled as extra help, attending will be perceived as a sign of low ability," they wrote. "Calling such programs advanced material or enrichment might reverse some of that stigma. But in schools where effort is stigmatized, the exact opposite may hold." The same kind of thinking can be applied, the report suggested, by schools in their treatment of grades. In schools where the biggest concern is about revealing low economic status, privacy of grades is likely to be important. Otherwise, low ability students might reduce their efforts to signal that they're cool. In schools where the "main worry" is to broadcast a high social type, keeping grades private could, in fact, "be detrimental to performance." The report is available on the NBER website here. By Paul Carrel, Gernot Heller and Arno Schuetze BERLIN/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany is reviewing its powers to block foreign acquisitions after a spate of Chinese takeovers, but the government's commitment to free trade beats its concerns about haemorrhaging strategic technologies and will limit any changes. A more hostile German tone towards Chinese takeovers set in last year when Berlin actively, though unsuccessfully, sought to line up a European offer to counter a Chinese bid for industrial robot maker Kuka . Chancellor Angela Merkel had held up Kuka as an example of a cutting-edge German industrial company, telling workers on a visit to its Augsburg headquarters in 2015: "We can be proud that in Germany companies like Kuka, for example, are at home." The takeover of Kuka by Chinese home appliance maker Midea <000333.SZ> hurt that pride. As a result, Berlin is reviewing its legal means of blocking foreign takeovers, while also pushing for European measures to safeguard key technologies. The government review is being led by Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, whose centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) are the junior partner in Merkel's ruling coalition with her conservative bloc. She is ultimately likely to rein him in. "If they change something, I don't think it will be fundamental," said Mikko Huotari at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) in Berlin. "Nothing is going to happen if the chancellery does not push this." Merkel is deeply committed to free trade, adopting the motto "Shaping an Interconnected World" for Germany's G20 presidency this year, with which she is aiming to resist U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's protectionist instincts. Even during the Kuka takeover, Merkel stressed that Germany is generally open towards investments from China, though in return she said it expects that China opens up and offers the same investment conditions. Since making those comments last June, Merkel has largely stayed out of the Chinese investment issue, leaving Gabriel to lead the review and ruffle feathers during a trip to Beijing in November, when he clashed with China's trade minister. "We didn't mince our words - on either side," Gabriel told reporters after meeting the minister, when he pressed his concerns about Chinese companies buying German businesses while restricting German firms' access to Chinese markets. HITTING THE BRAKES Gabriel's bluster is having a tangible impact: Chinese interest in a takeover of German lighting group Osram Licht AG has cooled amid signs of mounting political opposition here, two people familiar with the matter said. There is also greater scrutiny of M&A deals in China, where the authorities have begun checking some outbound investment projects as part of a crackdown on illegal cross-border currency deals due to concerns over increased pressure on China's foreign exchange reserves and external payments. These checks will make it harder for Chinese firms to justify takeovers of German targets unless there is a clear strategic fit, investment bankers say. "Both sides are stepping on the brakes a little," said Berthold Fuerst, Deutsche Bank's Germany co-head of corporate finance. Chinese firms withdrew four M&A deals in Germany last year, three of which had a combined value of $579 million, Thomson Reuters data shows. Data on the value of the fourth was not available. In total, Chinese firms spent nearly $10 billion on 56 M&A deals here last year, Thomson Reuters data shows. Berlin is worried about losing strategic technologies, and trade unions are worried about jobs. While the German government reviews how it handles Chinese takeovers, investment bankers expect China-related deals here to cool off for a while. "Chinese corporate buyers can be expected to operate under the radar for a while and also work on deal alternatives, such as the acquisition of minority stakes," said Barclays' Germany chief Alexander Doll. BEHIND THE BLUSTER...TINKERING Embarking on his review of government powers to block foreign takeovers, Gabriel said last June: "One cannot sacrifice German companies and German jobs on the altar of open markets." Germany's tool for restricting or blocking foreign takeovers is its Foreign Trade and Payments Act, or Aussenwirtschaftsgesetz. Yet Germany's deep commitment to global free trade, from which it prospers, means major change is unlikely. German officials speak of an "adjustment" of the rules on foreign takeovers, rather than a "tightening". At present, the law only gives Berlin scope to intervene with "restrictions or obligations" in the event that an acquisition "endangers the public order or security of the Federal Republic of Germany". It says such restrictions or obligations "can particularly be imposed" on military equipment, and with companies that produce IT technology products with "security functions to process classified state material". If the government were to interpret these criteria too widely, it would likely run up against resistance from the courts. Berlin has generally been 'hands off' about foreign acquisitions here. Of 338 government audits of foreign investments since 2008, only one has been initiated by the ministry. The others were all at the request of the foreign buyers, who wanted compliance clearance. One recent example of government intervention came in 2014, when Berlin imposed restrictions on BlackBerry's acquisition of encryption technology firm Secusmart, only approving the deal after BlackBerry gave assurances confidential information would not be passed on to foreign spy agencies. Berlin has yet to nix a Chinese takeover, though China's Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund dropped its bid for German chip equipment maker Aixtron last month after the United States blocked the deal on security grounds. Government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the economy ministry could present proposals to change the rules on screening foreign takeovers before September's federal election but it was unclear if these would be enacted by then. Huotari at MERICS said Berlin could tighten the rules a bit: "What they might do is change the thresholds of when they look at things, and maybe add dual use goods to the lists of critical technologies." Achieving a higher degree of scrutiny at EU level will also be difficult as France and Germany are the main countries concerned about haemorrhaging technological know-how to China. Other countries - eager for investment - have fewer concerns. Asked about how concerned China is about the extra attention Chinese acquisitions in Germany are now getting from Berlin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said business deals between China and Germany were a "win-win". BUSINESS RESISTANCE For many German businesses, China remains crucial. German automakers continue to enjoy success in the world's largest car market. Data published by Volkswagen late last year showed Chinese demand will drive sales growth of its core brand in the coming months. But while the Chinese buy up firms with strategic technologies abroad, foreign auto brands are only allowed to manufacture cars in China through joint ventures with local partners, and typically are limited to two partners. Furthermore, Beijing's China 2025 plan calls for a progressive increase in domestic components in sectors such as advanced information technology and robotics. This means Germany's export exposure to China, for years a source of economic strength, is turning into a risk for some sectors where the Chinese are becoming dominant. In recent years, Chinese companies have already unseated their German peers as the world's biggest suppliers of solar cells. Rather than a partner, German officials see China as a country with interests that it is seeking to promote - by acquiring know-how in technology and high-end engineering. "I have never sensed this so strongly before: China does not want any friends, nor partners, for China all that counts is their own interests," one German delegate said during Gabriel's November trip to China. Yet German business leaders are largely reluctant for their government to impede Chinese takeovers and acquisitions here. Many need the investment and find the Chinese reliable partners. Putzmeister, a German maker of pumps for concrete, has seen its workers' jobs secured and its sales rise nearly a third since Chinese competitor Sany bought it in 2012. "The experience with investors from China is consistently good," said Thilo Brodtmann, chief of Germany's VDMA engineering industry association. With industry in her ear, Merkel has asked her advisers to brief her on Chinese takeovers even as Gabriel leads his review. She is unlikely to stymie the investment inflow. One government source said: "We mustn't throw the baby out with the bathwater." For a graphic on Germany-China M&A deals, click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/GERMANY-CHINA-M-A/0100319V2X3/GERMANY-CHINA-MA-01.jpg (Additional reporting by Edward Taylor in Frankfurt, Tom Kaeckenhoff in Duesseldorf, and by Michael Martina and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; editing by Anna Willard) The Independent Manchester City's manager has hailed Rico Lewis for becoming the club's youngest Champions League goalscorer. Pep Guardiola said the teenager has "something special," and is "so clever, so intelligent."At just 17 years old, the defender who has been training with the club since he was eight scored against Sevilla in their winning game on Wednesday, 2 November. Guardiola said that the player has earned his place on the pitch, and they don't "give presents" just because he came from the academy. Source: PA By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian lawmakers approved plans on Monday to expand military spending to five percent of the budget, including developing the country's long-range missile program which U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to halt. The vote is a boost to Iran's military establishment the regular army, the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and defense ministry - which was allocated almost 2 percent of the 2015-16 budget. But it could put the Islamic Republic on a collision course with the incoming Trump administration, and fuel criticism from other Western states which say Tehran's recent ballistic missile tests are inconsistent with a U.N. resolution on Iran. The resolution, adopted last year as part of the deal to curb Iran's nuclear activities, calls on Iran to refrain from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons. Tehran says it has not carried out any work on missiles specifically designed to carry such payloads. Tasnim news agency said 173 lawmakers voted in favor of an article in Iran's five-year development plan that "requires government to increase Iran's defense capabilities as a regional power and preserve the country's national security and interests by allocating at least five percent of annual budget" to military affairs. Only 10 lawmakers voted against the plan, which includes developing long range missiles, armed drones and cyber-war capabilities. The Obama administration says Iran's ballistic missile tests have not violated the nuclear agreement with Tehran, but Trump, who criticized the accord as "the worst deal ever negotiated", has said he would stop Iran's missile program. "Those ballistic missiles, with a range of 1,250 miles, were designed to intimidate not only Israel ... but also intended to frighten Europe and someday maybe hit even the United States," he told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee AIPAC in March. "We're not going to let that happen." TESTS "INCONSISTENT" WITH DEAL The increase in military spending is part of a growth plan for 2016-2021 first announced in July 2015 by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei supported last year's nuclear deal with world powers that curbed Iran's nuclear program in return for lifting of international sanctions. However, he has since called for Iran to avoid further rapprochement with the West, and maintain its military strength. Iran has test-fired several ballistic missiles since the nuclear deal and the U.S. Treasury has imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals linked to the program. Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said last year that the missile launches were "not consistent with the constructive spirit" of the nuclear deal, but did not say whether they actually violated the U.N. resolution. The United States, Britain, France and Germany wrote to Ban in March about the missile tests, which they said were "inconsistent with" and "in defiance of" the council resolution. Most U.N. sanctions on Iran were lifted after the deal but Iran is still subject to a five-year U.N. arms embargo - unless approved in advance by the U.N. Security Council. Although the embargo is not technically part of the nuclear agreement, the U.N. resolution enshrining the deal requires the U.N. Secretary-General to highlight any violations. In a report submitted to the Security Council before he was succeeded by Antonio Guterres on Jan. 1, Ban expressed concern that Iran may have violated the embargo by supplying weapons and missiles to Hezbollah. The Lebanese Shi'ite organization is one of several groups backed in the Middle East by mainly Shi'ite Iran in its regional rivalry with Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states, a competition for influence that is played out in conflicts or power struggles in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. (Editing by Dominic Evans) KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) The Latest on twin bombings in Afghanistan's capital (all times local): 10:30 p.m. The United Arab Emirates says an attack on a guesthouse belonging to the governor of Afghanistan's Kandahar province wounded its ambassador and "a number of Emirati diplomats." The UAE's Foreign Ministry made the statement Tuesday night, describing the attack as "heinous." It identified the wounded ambassador as Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi. Al-Kaabi first presented his credentials to Afghan authorities in June. The statement did not say how many Emirati diplomats were wounded. It said they were there as part of a humanitarian mission. Emirati combat troops deployed to Afghanistan after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban. Afghan officials say two explosions inside the governor's compound killed five people and wounded 12. ___ 8 p.m. An Afghan official says the death toll from twin bombings in Kabul has climbed to 38, with civilians and military personnel among those killed. Mohibullah Zeer, an official in the Public Health Ministry, says another 72 people were wounded in the attack. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi says a suicide bomber struck first, followed by a car bomb, adding that four police officers are among those killed. The Taliban, which is waging a 15-year war against the U.S.-backed government, claimed the attack, which took place near government and legislative offices. ___ 6:30 p.m. An Afghan official says twin bombings in Kabul have killed at least 22 people, including four women. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi says another 43 people were wounded in Tuesday's attack near government and lawmakers' offices. He says a suicide bomber struck first, followed moments later by a car bomb. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. ___ 6 p.m. An Afghan official says two large bombings in the capital have wounded at least 50 people. Story continues Mohibullah Zeer, a Health Ministry official, says they were brought to hospitals following Tuesday's attack. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi says a suicide bomber targeted an area near government and lawmakers' offices, and that a car bomb went off nearby moments later. He says it is not yet clear how many people were killed or wounded. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the attacks. Ghulam Faroq Naziri, a lawmaker from the western Herat province, says another MP form the same province, Rahima Jami, was wounded in the bombings. ___ 2:15 p.m. An Afghan official says that at least seven people have been killed when a suicide bomber, who was on foot, carried out an attack in the southern Helmand province. Gen. Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief, said that the target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand. He says those killed include civilian and military personnel, and that six others were wounded in Tuesday's attack. Kemtoz added that a car full of explosives was found nearby and that the police are trying to defuse it. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but the Taliban use suicide attacks or roadside bombs to target government officials and Afghan security forces across the country. By Gustavo Palencia TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen praised Honduras for its loyalty on Monday at the start of a trip to four Central American nations aimed at strengthening ties, days after she met U.S. lawmakers in Texas on a visit that angered China. Her trip has come under scrutiny since U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sparked protests from Beijing by accepting a congratulatory telephone call from Tsai on his U.S. election win, and by questioning U.S. commitment to China's stance that Taiwan is part of one China. Tsai emphasized Taiwan's economic cooperation with Honduras, one of the world's poorest countries, and said President Juan Orlando Hernandez, whom she met in Tegucigalpa, had been the first to congratulate her on her 2016 election victory. "Despite the international situation, and the constant challenges that affect us as a country ... the firm brotherhood and solidarity (of Honduras and Taiwan) is unalterable," Tsai said in a statement to reporters, speaking via an interpreter. Tsai said Taiwan and Honduras could serve as entry portals for the markets of Asia and Latina America. She did not mention China or the United States, and did not take questions. Tsai later flew to Nicaragua, and is also due to visit El Salvador and Guatemala this week. Her stopover in Texas at the weekend caused an angry response from Chinese state media. China had asked the United States not to allow Tsai to enter or have formal government meetings under the one-China policy. Beijing considers self-governing Taiwan a renegade province ineligible for state-to-state relations. Since the mid-1990s, almost a third of Taiwan's allies have broken ties. It now has formal relations with just 21, mostly smaller and poorer nations in Latin America and the Pacific. (Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Sandra Maler) Martin Luther King Jr. Week at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will begin with the 22nd annual MLK Youth Rally and March at 8 a.m. Monday. The event, sponsored by Lincoln Public Schools, will start with a pre-rally at the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St. It will continue with a unifying march through downtown Lincoln and culminate with the "Call to Action" program at the state Capitol. For more details, visit http://go.unl.edu/c4bb. The following is a list of other events at the university during MLK Week. All events are free to the public unless otherwise noted. Tuesday - 6:30 p.m.: Late Night Dish It Up!, "The Definition of a Dream," Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, OASIS Lounge. Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services staff will facilitate a discussion with university students on King's vision of the "dream" and their own experiences. All students are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided. Wednesday - 6:30 p.m.: MLK keynote speech, "The Next Phase," by Ryan Mack, Nebraska Union Auditorium. Mack is a financial adviser and president of the Optimum Institute of Economic Empowerment, which provides low-income individuals and communities with financial literacy and community-building strategies. He will discuss economic opportunities for people of all colors. The 2017 Chancellor's Fulfilling the Dream Award also will be presented during the event. The award is given to individuals or groups who have contributed to the university or Lincoln by their exemplary action in promoting King's goals and vision. Thursday - 6:30 p.m.: Panel discussion, "What Now? Your Rights and Responsibilities," Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, Unity Room. Hosted by IDEA, the LGBTQA+ Center and the Graduate Student Assembly, the panel will include state Sen. Adam Morfeld and Tyler Richard, communications director for ACLU of Nebraska. Friday - 6:30 p.m.: MLK Banquet, Nebraska Union, Colonial Room. Hosted by the Afrikan People's Union, the banquet will feature a keynote address by Cynthia Gooch-Grayson, associate vice president for equity and diversity at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha. Tickets are $10 for students at Nebraska and $15 for non-students. For more information, contact jcmorris14@cox.net. Despite the cold weather and change in training activities caused by a winter storm, the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Corps of Cadets adds 56 new cadets this semester. The students went through Freshman Recruit Orientation Group training, commonly called FROG Week held the week before classes start at UNG for more than 50 years. "The purpose of FROG week is to introduce recruits to the dual responsibilities of life as a student and a cadet at UNG and to their student-led chain of command; provide orientation to our military customs, courtesies and traditions; orient students to the campus; promote teamwork at the squad level; teach the basic standards needed to sustain the maintenance of good order and discipline; and prepare students for academic success once classes begin," said retired Col. Tom Palmer, commandant of cadets at UNG and also a UNG alumnus who experienced FROG Week as a cadet himself. New cadet recruits arrived on Tuesday, Jan. 3 for in-processing, but the winter storm at the end of the week presented a challenge, according to retired Maj. Richard Neikirk, assistant commandant of Cadets at UNG. During FROG Week, cadet recruits also learn more about the traditions of the Corps of Cadets and the university. "Our Operations Staff, retired CW4 Benny Wyrick and retired Sgt. Maj. Terry Baumann did a fantastic job working with our cadet leadership to get the FROGs trained this week," Neikirk said. "We were able to adjust the training schedule to get the FROGs the required training before the ice and snow hit Dahlonega, including rappelling at Camp Merrill and the 6.2-mile road march in the Chattahoochee National Forest early Friday morning. Though we had to cancel the Crown Mountain Run on Sunday due to the weather, we should be able to conduct the run this week to complete their training." It's not just the weather that makes FROG Week in spring semester different from fall semester. In recent years the training week also was added prior to spring semester as the number of cadets enrolling in spring has steadily grown each year. Many freshman cadets at UNG choose to start their college career in spring after attending Basic Training or Advanced Individual Training as members of the U.S. Army Reserve or Georgia National Guard. FROG Week also serves as a training exercise for current cadets, according to Neikirk. Like many corps events and activities, UNG cadets plan and execute FROG Week, with oversight from Commandant of Cadets staff and Department of Military Science instructors. For the recruits, the week of training stresses the importance that UNG's Corps of Cadets places on leadership development. "The entire week demonstrates to the incoming class that we strongly desire to develop them into highly educated leaders of character," Palmer said. "Importantly, the squad leader who will supervise the new student for the entire semester leads him or her through all six days of FROG Week, clearly establishing the chain of command from day one." HORGOS, Serbia Baton-wielding Hungarian riot police unleashed tear gas and water cannons against hundreds of migrants Wednesday after they broke through a razor-wire fence and tried to surge into the country from Serbia. Crying children fled the acrid smoke and dozens of people were injured in the chaos. With their path blocked, hundreds of other asylum-seekers turned to a longer, more arduous path to Western Europe through Croatia, where officials said 1,300 had arrived in a single day a number that was sure to grow. On the sealed border into Hungary, frustrated men many of them war refugees from Syria and Iraq hurled rocks and plastic water bottles at the helmeted riot police as they chanted Open Open! in English. Children and women cried as the young men, their faces wrapped in scarves, charged toward the police through thick smoke from tear gas and tires set on fire by the crowd. We fled wars and violence and did not expect such brutality and inhumane treatment in Europe, shouted an Iraqi, Amir Hassan, his eyes red from tear gas and his hair and clothing soaked after being hit by blasts of water cannon spray. Shame on you, Hungarians, he shouted pointing in the direction of the shielded Hungarian policemen who were firing volleys of tear gas canisters directly into the crowd. Around him, women screamed and wailed, covering their faces with scarves as they poured bottled water into their sobbing childrens eyes to relieve the stinging. Children gasped from the gas; blood streamed down the face of one man as he ran from the melee, carrying a small child. People fainted from the noxious plumes of tear gas, including one woman who collapsed while holding a baby. At least two people were seriously injured and 200 to 300 others received medical care for tear gas inhalation and injuries such as cuts, bruises and burns, said Dr. Margit Pajor, who treated people at a medical center in Kanjiza, Serbia. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed shock at the behavior of Hungarian police, calling it unacceptable. Referring to Syria, he said: People facing barrel bombs and brutality in their country will continue to seek life in another. Hungarian authorities insisted they acted legitimately in self-defense, describing the migrants as violent and dangerous. We will employ all legal means to protect Hungarys borders security, said Gyorgy Bakondi, homeland security adviser to Prime Minister Viktor Orban. We will not permit violent, armed, aggressive attackers to enter. The ugly developments in Europes migrant crisis took place after some of those massed in Serbia broke through a gate. They and hundreds of others had grown desperate after Hungary sealed off its border with Serbia with a razor-wire fence the day before to stop the huge numbers of migrants entering Hungary, which lies on a popular route to Western Europe. More than 200,000 have entered Hungary this year alone, turning the country into one of the main entry points into Europe for the rising numbers of people fleeing war and persecution in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere. Orban said Wednesday he plans to also build stretches of fence along the border with Croatia. A day earlier his government said it was also extending the fence along a stretch of its border with Romania. Both Croatia and Romania, like Hungary, are members of the EU, and the moves are straining ties with those allies and herald the unusual prospect of fortress-like barriers between EU states. After the clashes with police, chaotic scenes also erupted as some private groups delivered aid in trucks. People fought over food, water and clothing, with no Serbian policemen or anyone else to establish order. It was clear that Hungarys ties with Serbia were facing deep strains. Hungarys foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, decried what he called brutal attacks by the migrants against Hungarian police and asked Serbian authorities to crack down on the migrants on its soil. Serbia said it would send more police to the border to separate the migrants from Hungarian police. But Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, on a visit to the United States, condemned the brutal treatment of migrants by Hungarian police. We will not allow anyone to humiliate us and we will not allow anyone to throw tear gas on Serbias territory, Vucic said. Meanwhile, Serbian state television said three of its staff members reporting at the border were beaten by Hungarian police with batons and that their equipment was broken. Radio-Television Serbia said that Hungarian police pushed a cameraman against the wall and then beat him on the head and back and then smashed his camera. A reporters arm was also hurt. The beatings occurred while the journalists stood between police and the migrants even though they identified themselves as journalists, the broadcaster said. Hungarian authorities said they have arrested 519 migrants who tried to cross the border since tough new laws went into effect Tuesday that make it a crime to cross from Serbia anywhere other than at legal checkpoints. Authorities launched 46 criminal prosecutions and found nine people guilty, the first convictions based on the new laws. The asylum-seekers, who were escorted into court in handcuffs, were expelled from Hungary and banned from re-entering the country for either one or two years. They were provided with lawyers and translators. Syrian President Bashar Assad blamed Europe for the crisis, saying it was a direct result of the Wests support for extremists in Syria over the past four years. In an interview with Russian media, Assad accused Europe of supporting terrorism and providing protection for terrorists, calling them moderates. Earlier in the day, Hungarys foreign minister denied the closed borders and tough new laws signaled callousness toward refugees, repeating the governments claim that most of those entering Hungary are actually economic migrants. Based on our history, we are always in solidarity with the refugees, Szijjarto told The Associated Press in an interview. What were saying is that we cannot accept economic migrants because we cannot bear the burden of that. Some asylum-seekers trapped at the border were confused about whether to keep waiting or to try to enter the EU through Croatia, where there are still mines left over from the Balkan wars. A de-mining expert was killed earlier this week when one of the mines exploded, but not in the region where the migrants are expected to travel. Croatias Mine Action Center says there are still 500 square kilometers (193 square miles) of suspicious areas throughout the country, but all have been clearly marked. De-mining experts have been working recently in areas where the migrants will pass to remove remaining mines. I dont know what to do stay here or try some other way to cross the border, said Ahmed Sami from Aleppo, Syria. We walked and traveled for hundreds, thousands of kilometers only to be stopped meters from the European Union. My wife and children cannot stand on their feet any more. This is tragic. Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic criticized Hungarys decision to seal its border with Serbia and said Croatia will not do the same. We are ready to accept these people, regardless of their religion and the color of their skin, and direct them to the destinations where they wish to go, Germany and Scandinavia, Milanovic told lawmakers in Parliament. Elsewhere in Europe, migrants remained on the move. Greek police said some 5,000 people trying to reach Western Europe crossed the countrys northern border with Macedonia over the 24-hour period from Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning. ___ Gera reported from Budapest, Hungary. Associated Press reporters Mike Corder in Roszke, Hungary; Pablo Gorondi and Alex Kuli in Budapest; Darko Bandic in Tovarnik, Croatia; Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia; and George Jahn in Vienna contributed to this report. BEIJING China reiterated its opposition Monday to any contacts between U.S. officials and Taiwans government following a meeting between Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. Greg Abbott and the self-governing islands president, Tsai Ing-wen. Cruz and Abbot met with Tsai on Sunday while she was passing through Houston on her way to visit Taiwans Central American allies. At a news briefing in Beijing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China was firmly opposed to any contact between Taiwans leader and anyone from the U.S. government. He said such contacts threaten to disturb and undermine relations between Washington and Beijing. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been ratcheting up diplomatic pressure on the independence-leaning Tsai since her election last year. Cruz said in a statement that he and Tsai discussed our mutual opportunity to upgrade the stature of our bilateral relations in their meeting, which addressed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic ties. An official with Republican President elect-Donald Trumps transition team said neither Trump nor transition officials would meet with Tsai. Her stop in the U.S. was scrutinized by Beijing for any signs that Trumps team would risk its ire by further engaging with Taiwan, which China considers to be its territory. Trump breached diplomatic protocol last month by speaking by phone with the Taiwanese leader. Trump raised further concerns in Beijing when he questioned a U.S. policy that since 1979 has recognized Beijing as Chinas government and maintains only unofficial relations with Taiwan. U.S. lawmakers often meet with Taiwanese presidents when they transit through the U.S., most recently in June, when Tsai met in Miami with Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. The tabloid Global Times, published by Chinas Communist Party, said in an editorial Sunday that Beijing would take a hard line toward any contacts between Taiwans government and the incoming Trump administration. China should also impose military pressure on Taiwan and push it to the edge of being reunified by force, it said. China has seized the initiative. The U.S. and Taiwan now should restrain, or be forced to restrain, themselves, the newspaper said. Tsai needs to face the consequences for every provocative step she takes, it said. A Maryland state lawmaker who came under scrutiny for his ties to a medical marijuana business while working on legislation shaping the industry has been removed from the health committee that oversees such bills. Del. Dan Morhaim, D-Baltimore County, a physician, will serve on the judiciary committee in the 90-day legislative session starting Wednesday, following 13 years on the Health and Government Operations Committee. House Speaker Michael E. Busch, D-Anne Arundel, announced the change Monday when he released committee assignments. Morhaim faced a probe from the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics after The Washington Post and other outlets revealed he was consulting a prospective medical marijuana dispensary. He maintains he followed all applicable disclosure rules and ethics laws. Among other things, he listed on state ethics forms that he might do cannabis consulting, and he received clearance from the General Assemblys ethics adviser permission to sponsor a bill affecting the industry. Buschs chief of staff didnt immediately explain the reasoning for Morhaims committee change. In an email, Morhaim said he was looking forward to using his new assignment to work on a number of important issues, including juvenile justice reform, drug law reform and harm reduction, rape kit testing policy, update of last years Justice Reinvestment Act, and any changes to tort and punitive damages law. New Mexico is contributing $1 million in Local Economic Development Act funding to allow a Roswell manufacturer to create 70 jobs, according to an announcement from Gov. Susana Martinez. Gov. Martinez said the money will go toward the renovation of Dean Baldwin Aircraft Paintings 165,000 square-foot facility at Roswell International Airport. Creating good private-sector jobs like these are key to decreasing our reliance on the oil and gas industry and the federal government, said Martinez in a statement. Thats why we will continue to do all we can to make New Mexico more competitive and business friendly, because it creates jobs for our families and communities. The facility, which will be upgrading its roof and fire suppression systems during the renovation, currently employs 130 people. The Florida-based company opened its Roswell operations in 1999. Economic developers say LEDA funding is one of the most powerful tools they have to convince businesses to choose New Mexico for expansions and relocations. But in the midst of an estimated $300 million projected budget deficit for the coming fiscal year, lawmakers have refused to promise they will keep the funds intact. Matt Geisel, the states Economic Development secretary, said in the statement that the Dean Baldwin announcement proves the value of programs like LEDA. This expansion shows how our tax cuts and incentives are working for our rural communities, said Geisel. The governors commitment to making New Mexico more competitive has allowed companies like Dean Baldwin to grow and thrive, bringing private sector jobs to our state. At a giant Best Buy repair shop in Brooks, Kentucky, Geek Squad technicians work on computers owned by people across the country, delving into them to retrieve lost data. Over several years, a handful of those workers have notified the FBI when they see signs of child pornography, earning payments from the agency. The existence of the small cadre of informants within one of the countrys most popular computer repair services was revealed in the case of a California doctor who is facing federal charges after his hard drive was flagged by a technician. The doctors lawyers found that the FBI had cultivated eight confidential human sources in the Geek Squad over a four-year period, according to a judges order in the case, with all of them receiving some payment. The case raises issues about privacy and the government use of informants. If a customer turns over their computer for repair, do they forfeit their expectation of privacy, and their Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable searches? And if an informant is paid, does it compromise their credibility or effectively convert them into an agent of the government? Best Buy searching a computer is legal the customer authorized it, and the law does not prohibit private searches. But if Best Buy serves as an arm of the government, then a warrant or specific consent is needed. And a federal judge in the child pornography case against Mark Rettenmaier is going to allow defense attorneys to probe the relationship between Best Buy and the FBI at a hearing in Los Angeles starting Wednesday. Their relationship is so cozy, said defense attorney James D. Riddet, and so extensive that it turns searches by Best Buy into government searches. If theyre going to set up that network between Best Buy supervisors and FBI agents, you run the risk that Best Buy is a branch of the FBI. The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment. Federal prosecutors argued in California that when a technician doing repairs stumbles across images of child pornography and the government wasnt aware of the search, the technician is clearly not performing the search with the intent of assisting law enforcement efforts. Best Buy spokesman Jeff Shelsaid in a statement Monday that Best Buy and Geek Squad have no relationship with the FBI. From time to time, our repair agents discover material that may be child pornography and we have a legal and moral obligation to turn that material over to law enforcement. We are proud of our policy and share it with our customers before we begin any repair. Shelman added, Any circumstances in which an employee received payment from the FBI is the result of extremely poor individual judgment, is not something we tolerate and is certainly not a part of our normal business behavior. Court records did not detail how often or how much the technicians were paid, other than one $500 payment to one supervisor. But emails between Geek Squad technicians and FBI agents in the Louisville field office indicate a long-running relationship. In revealing those publicly in a Dec. 19 order, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney required technicians and agents to take the witness stand this week. The ruling was first reported by Orange County Weekly. Many of the documents establishing the ties between the FBI and the technicians are sealed, but Carney discussed some in his order. He noted that the FBI acknowledged it considered technician supervisor Justin Meade a confidential human source for all but a few months between October 2008 and November 2012. Different agents handled the Geek Squad technicians, Carney wrote. In October 2009, Agent Jennifer Cardwell emailed Meade to express interest in meeting to discuss some other ideas for collaboration, Carney disclosed. In an internal FBI communication in July 2010, Agent Tracey L. Riley told her supervisor that Source reported all has been quiet for about the last 5-6 months, however source agreed that once school started again, they may see an influx of CP [child pornography]. Meade was later identified as the source. Other internal communications show the source referring possible cases to Riley from computers sent to the Geek Squad from across the country. This two-way thoroughfare of information, Riddet, the defense attorney. argued in his motion to suppress the evidence, suggests that the FBI considers [Meade] . . . to be a partner in the ongoing effort of law enforcement to detect and prosecute child pornography violators. . . . Here it is very clear that Best Buy, and specifically the supervisor who reports its technicians discovery of inappropriate content on customers computers, are not only working together, but actually planning to conduct more such searches in the future. The case started in November 2011, when Rettenmaier, a gynecological oncologist in Orange County, Calif., took his HP Pavilion desktop to the Best Buy in Mission Viejo, Calif., because it wouldnt boot up. The technicians at the store told him he had a faulty hard drive. If he wanted to retain information from the hard drive, he would need the Geek Squads data recovery services in Kentucky. Rettenmaier signed a service order that prosecutors argue waived any right to raise a Fourth Amendment claim because it contained the admonition: I am on notice that any product containing child pornography will be turned over to the authorities. Rettenmaiers hard drive was shipped to Geek Squad City in Brooks, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville. In December 2011, one of Meades technicians located a photo that Riddet described as a nude prepubescent girl on a bed. In January 2012, court records show Meade emailed Agent Riley in Louisville and said, We have another one out of California we want you to take a look at, when can you swing by? Meade did not respond to phone and email messages. Prosecutors acknowledged that the FBI paid him $500 in October 2011, two months before his co-worker discovered the photo. Meade filed a sworn declaration last year that I do not remember ever being paid by the FBI. The search of Rettenmaiers hard drive has a further wrinkle. The image was located on unallocated space, which is where deleted items reside on a computer until they are overwritten when the space is needed. Unallocated space is not easily accessed it requires special forensic software. Prosecutors said that the Geek Squad technician who searched the unallocated space was merely trying to recover all the data Rettenmaier had asked to be restored. Riddet argued that the technician was going beyond the regular search to deleted material to find evidence the FBI might want. In addition, a federal appeals court has ruled that pornography found on unallocated space is insufficient to prove that the user possessed it, since information about when it was accessed, altered or deleted is no longer available. There was no evidence of how the contraband got onto Dr. Rettenmaiers hard drive, Riddet wrote, and it could have gotten there before he possessed the computer or against his will. An internal FBI email indicated that agents knew charges were unlikely based on an image in unallocated space. But prosecutors did authorize a search warrant for Rettenmaiers computer and home, which was executed in February 2012. It is unclear why Rettenmaier was not indicted until almost three years later, in November 2014. Judge Carney will allow Rettenmaiers lawyer to question not only the Best Buy technicians and FBI agents involved in the case, but also the federal prosecutor who authorized the searches at the upcoming hearing. The relationship between the FBI and Best Buy [informants] prior to Rettenmaiers hard drives repair, Carney wrote, is relevant to how Meade understood his role as an informant and the possibility of an agency relationship between those who specified [the technicians] procedures and the government. Best Buys Shelman said, To be clear, our agents unintentionally find child pornography as they try to make the repairs the customer is paying for. They are not looking for it. He said store policy bars agents from doing anything other than what is necessary to solve the customers problem. Stan Goldman, a law professor at Loyola Law School, likened Best Buys search to the plain view doctrine for police: If officers can see something in plain view, they have reason to search or seize it. Whatever they see while searching within the scope of what they were asked to do would be admissible, in my view, Goldman said. If they start searching on their own, theyve gone beyond what is plain view. He said what a customer consents to when ordering the work is crucial. Have people actually understood that theyve agreed to have their entire computer searched? I dont think so, but you cant be 100 percent certain. Virtually everywhere in America, the Supreme Court was told Monday, a criminal defendant who has paid fines and other penalties as a consequence of being convicted gets the money back if the verdict is overturned. The exception is Colorado, where a freed defendant must file suit and prove his innocence by clear and convincing evidence in order to request a refund. But perhaps not for long. Practically every member of the court who spoke at Mondays oral argument seemed to find something to question about Colorados procedure, which a lawyer for two defendants said stood the normal burden of proof on its head. The process is tantamount to charging people money for the privilege of trying them unlawfully, said Stuart Banner, a UCLA law professor. Such was the barrage of questions for Colorado Solicitor General Frederick Yarger that Justice Stephen Breyer at one point apologized. I mean, you I grant you have a tough side of this argument, Breyer said. It doesnt seem very fair. Yarger stood his ground, saying that because the fines were valid at the time they were levied, the funds belong to the state. And the state has discretion on how to refund them or whether to refund them at all. Justice Elena Kagan told Yarger to put aside the legalities and describe just in common-sensical terms, why is this the states money? Chief Justice John Roberts said that under Colorados reasoning, the state could mandate that everybody who is convicted owes the state $10,000 and that no one gets the money back, even if the conviction is overturned. Breyer came up with a scenario in which a corporate defendant is found guilty and fined $15 million. He could appeal, Breyer said, but the state could say: If you win, were not going to give you the money back. Now, theres something wrong with that, Breyer said, to laughter. Im trying to put my finger on it. Bannon was representing Shannon Nelson and Louis Alonzo Madden, who were separately charged and convicted of sexual assaults. Nelson paid about $700 in penalties before her conviction was overturned on appeal. At a later trial, she was acquitted of the alleged crimes against her children. Madden paid about $4,000 after his conviction. It was overturned, and prosecutors decided not to try him again. But both were turned down when they sought refunds. Their cases eventually reached the Colorado Supreme Court, which ruled that the only way for them to get the money back was to file through the states Exoneration Act. The law was intended to help those who had been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for years. It requires those who appeal to prove their actual innocence by clear and convincing evidence. Yarger noted that there is no requirement that states compensate those who are wrongly convicted for the time they spend in jail. The same is true for fines and penalties, he said. The assumption is that the deprivation of both the liberty and the property at the time of conviction is lawful, and that the property passes into public funds, he said. But Roberts said Yarger was conflating compensation with refunds. You cant give them back whatever time theyve spent in jail, the chief justice said. You just cant do it. But you can give them the money back. Under questioning from Kagan, Yarger noted that if the court disagrees with Colorados assertion, the state could not make it difficult for those whose convictions were overturned to be reimbursed. Probably, he said, it should be as simple as filing a motion with a lower court and proving how much money they have turned over. The case is Nelson v. Colorado. For its commitment to healthy babies and healthy moms, CHI Health Lakeside has earned the Perinatal Care Certification from The Joint Commission. The certification program recognizes hospitals that are committed to achieving patient-centered care for mothers and their newborns. Lakeside is the third hospital in Nebraska to attain the recognition and the second of CHI hospitals nationwide. CHI Health Bergan Mercy also has achieved the certification. Both are full service hospitals with intensive care units and two of only 30 hospitals nationwide to receive the certification. Lakeside underwent a rigorous onsite review to assess its compliance with certification standards. During the review, Joint Commission experts completed an independent evaluation that looked at Lakesides perinatal health care services, as well as: * Coordinated patient-centered care that starts with prenatal and continues through postpartum care * Early identification of high-risk pregnancies and births * Management of mothers and newborns risks at a level corresponding to the programs capabilities Available patient education and information In all, Joint Commission examiners looked at almost 200 different standards to see if Lakeside earned the certification. We are delighted to receive Perinatal Care Certification from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation, said Lisa Strasheim, division director of Womens Health Services. It shows our commitment to healthy mothers and healthy babies. It demonstrates the unparalleled advantage we have when it comes to preparing mothers for labor and delivery, while also being able to help them if complications arise. Established in 2015, the Perinatal Care Certification is awarded for a two-year period to Joint Commission-accredited hospitals. The Trump transition team is discussing keeping Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work in his current position for at least three to six months in the new presidential administration, as it builds a team of senior officials around defense secretary nominee James Mattis, according to three people familiar with the discussions. The move would serve as a stopgap measure that creates continuity at the Pentagon, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. The decision is considered all but a done deal, according to one of the people familiar with the discussions. It also would keep Work in the job while the Pentagon prepares its first budget of the Trump administration. Virtually all political appointees from the Obama administration are expected to leave their Defense Department jobs within days, including Army Secretary Eric Fanning, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Air Force Secretary Deborah James. The transition team has not yet announced nominees for several influential positions, including Navy secretary, Air Force secretary and undersecretary for policy. Trump last month nominated Vincent Viola, an Army veteran who became a billionaire after founding an electronic trading firm, for Army secretary. A spokesperson for Work in the Pentagon referred comment to the Trump transition team. Sean Spicer, the incoming White House press secretary, said Monday in an email that he has made it clear that no decisions have been finalized/announced for deputy defense secretary. He declined to answer whether Work has been asked to stay in his current position. The Trump transition team has maintained that it is on track and ahead of schedule to assemble the most qualified cabinet and administration in history. Mattis, who retired as the four-star chief of U.S. Central Command in 2013, is said to have rejected several candidates put forth by the Trump transition team, and to have expressed interest in appointing some senior defense officials who were part of the Obama administration. Among them were Michele Flournoy, who is currently the chief executive officer of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and the former undersecretary for policy under Obama, and was considered a frontrunner to become defense secretary if Hillary Clinton had become president. Mattis, who was a member of the CNAS think tanks board of directors until recently, expressed interest in making Flournoy deputy defense secretary, but she declined, privately citing differences of opinion with Trump, people familiar with the process said. Given recent media speculation, we wanted to clarify Michele Flournoy will remain as CEO of CNAS, a position in which she has exceeded our highest expectations, said Kurt Campbell, the chairman of CNASs board of directors, in a statement after Flournoy reached her decision. She has the utmost respect for General Mattis. While she had several conversations with General Mattis about how she could support his success as the nominee for Secretary of Defense, she has no plans to return government service at this time. Mattis has clashed with the Trump teams over who should be considered for jobs, according to a report Friday by a Washington Post columnist. The process allegedly became particularly contentious after Mattis learned through media reports that Trump had picked Viola for Army secretary. Similar conflicts have been underway in the State Department transition, where a series of officials have been considered and apparently rejected as deputy to secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson. Work, who turns 64 this month, has been deputy defense secretary since spring 2014. He previously served as CEO of CNAS before Flournoy and as the undersecretary of the Navy under Obama. Work would add to the list of Marines in Trumps administration. A retired colonel, he served 27 years as a field artillery officer before leaving active duty in 2001. He became an influential Washington defense analyst, serving as a senior official with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Under Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Work has managed many of the day-to-day operations of the Pentagon and been a chief architect of the so-called Third Offset Strategy, a broad effort to ensure the U.S. military keeps a competitive advantage on the battlefield by incorporating technology in creative ways. SANTA FE A former Santa Fe city government paramedic who pleaded no contest to stealing a dead mans debit while on the job can avoid spending time in jail if he successfully completes probation. Michael John Harcharik, 32, was indicted for identity theft and three counts of violating the Remote Financial Service Act, all fourth-degree felonies, in June. A Santa Fe police report said Harchariks fire department unit responded to the unattended death of 76-year-old Allan Pearson March 25 and took Pearsons debit card, which may have had its personal identification number (PIN) written on it, from a wallet on a table. Harcharik then allegedly used the card to make purchases and withdraw cash at several locations around Santa Fe, totalling about $11,217. On one occasion Harcharik was in uniform and driving a city ambulance when he made one of the purchases. Prosecutor Peter Valencia said Monday that Harcharik didnt use the card to buy essential items like groceries but rather bought a riding lawnmower, custom car parts and shoes for his wife. He was arrested April 11 and released on a $20,000 surety bond after one day. Pearsons daughter noticed the charges when she went to First National Bank on the Plaza to close the her late fathers account and called police. Harcharik pleaded no contest to the charges Dec. 15, meaning hes not admitting guilt but does acknowledge that he would be found guilty if the case went to trial. In court Monday, Harcharik and several family members said he struggled with his mental health due to the stress of his job. Harcharik said one of his biggest mistakes was not getting help for the issues he had. He said that he had seen a child die a horrific death and drank alcohol every night to help him fall asleep. District Court Judge Matthew Wilson sentenced Harcharik to six years of incarceration but suspended the sentence. Harcharik can instead serve five years of probation and is eligible to get off early after three years with no violations. He can be sentenced to prison if he violates probation. Harcharik also must pay restitution to First National Bank, since the bank had to pay Pearsons family for the fraudulent charges. Defense attorney Dan Marlowe asked for a conditional discharge meaning his conviction would eventually be dismissed if Pearson successfully completed probation but Wilson denied it, saying Harcharik did breach the public trust. I will never be a paramedic again, and its a job that I love deeply, but it brought me a lot of pain as well, Harcharik said. Im not sorry that I got caught. This could have gotten far worse because I was in a mental state where this action was OK. Looking back, I dont even know how I got here. This boils down to a public integrity case, prosecutir Valencia said. The defendant took advantage of his position. But Valencia supported probation for Harcharik instead of jail time. WASHINGTON The intelligence communitys allegation that Russia intervened covertly in the 2016 election describes a significant assault on our democracy. The country needs to know more: The charge needs to be followed up with an independent investigation that continues after Donald Trump becomes president on Jan. 20. Congress should commit now to such a bipartisan inquiry. If theres a possibility that U.S. laws were violated by the Russian political attack, the FBI and the Justice Department should begin a formal legal investigation. The Justice probe could be led by an independent counsel or an experienced U.S. attorney. The allegations about Russian hacking are framed in the unclassified report released last Friday by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, on behalf of the CIA, FBI and NSA. That report made strong charges, but it didnt provide detailed supporting evidence, which is contained in other, classified reports. The allegations are public, in other words, but not the proof. Thats a bad mix. Indeed, its potentially toxic when Trump has criticized the investigation as a political witch hunt, and Reince Priebus, his choice for White House chief of staff, said the Clapper report is clearly politically motivated to discredit Trumps victory. Somehow, this allegation of foreign meddling has to be taken out of politics. Otherwise, its too incendiary. It could be abused by Trumps critics, or by Trump himself. An independent inquiry is the best way to safeguard the rule of law, and the insistence that nobody is above it. Recall what the intelligence chiefs alleged in the Clapper report: We assess Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election. We also assess Putin and the Russian government aspired to help President-elect Trumps election chances when possible by discrediting Secretary Clinton and publicly contrasting her unfavorably to him. How did Putin organize and implement this manipulative campaign? What funds were used, and from what source? Were any Americans involved? Did any Americans meet improperly with Russian operatives? Does Russia believe it has any leverage over Trump, financial or otherwise? Are remnants of the Russian network still in place? On any such details of the alleged influence campaign, the report is silent. Thats understandable, in terms of protecting sources and methods, but frustrating for those who want hard facts to combat the post-truth environment in which people are skeptical of any assertion that lacks proof. At the top of each page of Clappers report is a reminder: Conclusions are identical to those in the highly classified assessment but this version does not include the full supporting information on key elements of the influence campaign. Id argue that there is a genuine public need to know more of the supporting information, even if that carries risks. A hint of the secret investigation emerged on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. Chuck Todd pressed Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on whether there were active investigations going on to try to figure out if there was coordination between campaigns and Moscow. Graham answered that the FBI and other agencies should get to the bottom of all things Russia when it came to the 2016 election. Period. And he added: I believe that its happening. Nobody stands to gain more from a careful, unbiased investigation than Trump, assuming the Russians were acting alone. A thorough inquiry would give his presidency the solid legitimacy that any victor desires. It would also dispel worries that his moves toward rapprochement with Russia are tainted. Inevitably, as members of Congress are briefed this week on the classified version of the report, there will be leaks. That will provide more information to the public, which is good, but also more complaints about partisan leaking, which isnt. Trump seems to think that he can bury the investigation by treating it as a creation of his political enemies and what he likes to call the dishonest media. He may well succeed, absent some formal investigative process thats endorsed by bipartisan congressional leaders, or shielded by our legal system. Such an investigation could actually pull a divided country together. Once it began, any attempt to subvert or steer it would be difficult. If it ended favorably for Trump, it would resolve questions that could otherwise haunt his presidency. The alternative is a continuing miasma of speculation and political skullduggery, which would be bad for everyone. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group An Albuquerque provider of treatment for children with autism has been recognized as one of the top agencies in the country. The Los Angeles, Calif.-based Behavioral Health Center of Excellence recently designated JumpStart Autism Center as a Center of Excellence. JumpStart offers Applied Behavior Analysis treatment services at its center at 8500 Washington NE. The award celebrates exceptional special needs providers that excel in the areas of clinical quality, staff satisfaction and qualifications, and consumer satisfaction, the national industry quality assurance organization said in a news release announcing the designation. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects the development of communication and social interaction skills. Some children diagnosed with ASD are non-verbal, some eat such a limited number of foods that it threatens their health. Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show ASD is becoming more prevalent. About 1 in 68 children in the U.S. were diagnosed in 2012, compared to 1 in 150 in 2000. It is more common in boys than girls. JumpStart founder, clinical and executive director Dr. Brian Lopez said research since the 1970s has shown this type of treatment can make a significant difference in childrens life experience. Brian Lopez began studying autism in California in 1996. He returned to his native New Mexico in 2003 and saw a need for treatment providers. He founded the agency in 2008 to provide diagnostic services. He began offering Applied Behavior Analysis treatment services in 2011 after a state law passed requiring private health insurers to cover the treatment. In Applied Behavior Analysis, trained therapists called Registered Behavior Technicians work individually with children to help them learn to communicate everyday needs and interact with family members and peers. Lopez said children may need intensive one-on-one treatment for up to two years and it can be very expensive. The state law capped the amount insurers were required to pay to $36,000 per year, with a lifetime limit of $200,000. The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion in New Mexico changed that, Lopez said. The ACA said insurers could no longer refuse coverage for pre-existing conditions, and removed the annual and lifetime caps on insurance coverage. Many families have also been able to get treatment covered through Medicaid since program eligibility was expanded in 2014 under provisions of the ACA. Those changes enabled JumpStart to offer more intensive services. The agency now has programs that offer services from just a few hours per week up to 40 hours per week. JumpStart currently has about 70 full and part-time staffers who work with 46 children. It has a waiting list and is expanding to meet demand. The agency opened a center in Denver this year and is adding a Rio Rancho location near the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in 2017. SANTA FE Former longtime New Mexico state Rep. Murray Ryan, who developed a reputation as a personable and principled lawmaker during a 29-year run in the Legislature, died Saturday in Silver City. Ryan, who was 94, was the longest-serving House Republican at the time of his resignation in 1998. He was a member of the minority party during his entire tenure in the Legislature Democrats held control of the House for 60 years before a GOP takeover in 2014 but was able to secure funding for hospitals, senior centers and Western New Mexico University. Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, who served in the Legislature with Ryan and who knew the former lawmaker from a young age, described Ryan as a straight shooter and a moderate Republican. He was not highly partisan he just called it the way it was, Smith recalled in a Monday interview. He was never looking for a fight with anyone, but he would stand his ground. Journal Editor Kent Walz, a former Silver City resident, said, Murray was a dear family friend and a tremendous role model. His good humor, civility and kindness were defining traits, and he was an inspiration to so many. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ryan was one of just a few House Republicans who broke ranks with their GOP colleagues by refusing to join the cowboy coalition, an alliance of Republicans and conservative Democrats who controlled the chamber for several years. He lost his spot on the influential House Taxation and Revenue Committee for the stance, but refused to back down, telling the El Paso Times in 1982 that the coalition was a detriment and repudiation to the two-party system. Former Legislative Council Service Director Paula Tackett called Ryan a true gentleman who always treated legislative staffers kindly and wasnt afraid of crossing party lines. He was thoughtful, smart and didnt blow his own horn, Tackett said. A graduate of West Point, Ryan was born in the small village of Central, N.M. now known as Santa Clara in 1922, and worked for both his familys liquor distribution company and the Kennecott Copper Corp., which ran the open-pit copper mine near Silver City. After a stint on the local school board, he began representing House District 38 which includes Truth or Consequences, part of Silver City and a swath of the Gila National Forest in 1969. Ryan Cangiolosi, chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, said in a statement Monday that the state GOP was saddened by Ryans death. His long and distinguished record of service in the Legislature fighting for the interests of rural New Mexicans had an immeasurable impact on our state, and his passion for his community has left an ever-lasting mark on Grant County and the surrounding area, Cangiolosi said. A public viewing will be held at 5 p.m. today at Bacas Funeral Chapels in Silver City, and will be followed by a prayer vigil and rosary. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Silver City. The official reopening Monday of the nations only underground nuclear waste repository nearly three years after a radiation leak marks a key step toward cleaning up a decadeslong legacy of bomb-making and research, but the U.S. energy secretary said more needs to be done before a backlog of contaminated material starts heading to the New Mexico desert again. The radiation release halted work at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and derailed a multibillion-dollar cleanup program, raising questions about oversight across the U.S. nuclear weapons complex and causing waste to build up at sites around the country. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz told The Associated Press that sweeping changes have been made to improve safety, and that hard work by employees and technological advancements over the past three years should bolster public confidence in cleanup efforts following the 2014 leak. We are very, very excited about getting at least a resumption of operations, he said during an interview late Sunday. I do want to caution we will not be at full speed yet for a few years. Moniz, Gov. Susana Martinez, members of the states congressional delegation and others gathered Monday to formally mark the reopening of the site in southern New Mexico. Officials shut down the repository in February 2014 after a chemical reaction inside a drum of inappropriately packed waste caused the lid to burst, contaminating some disposal vaults, corridors and air shafts. Moniz acknowledged that the closure caused a backlog of waste at sites, including northern New Mexicos Los Alamos National Laboratory, the birthplace of the atomic bomb, and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, where the basic materials used to fabricate nuclear weapons were produced. The secretary is hopeful shipments can resume later this year, but work to move the waste underground takes more time now because of the extra clothing, respirators and heavy monitoring devices that workers must wear to protect against the contamination. Limited ventilation also slows the work. While no schedule has been finalized, officials expect the repository will be accepting about five shipments a week later this year. The radiation leak also triggered intense state and federal investigations that revealed mismanagement, lax oversight and a failure to follow existing policies. New Mexico cited the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and Los Alamos lab where the drum was packed for numerous permit violations, while federal investigators detailed a list of corrective actions. Negotiations eventually led to the largest settlement ever between the Energy Department and a state. Bottom line: We moved quickly to hold the federal government accountable, Gov. Martinez said in a statement. Energy boss: Nuke dump reopens but work remains New Mexico Democrats will elect a new state party chairman in April, and the field of candidates is starting to shape up. The partys current vice chairman, Juan Sanchez III of Belen, formally launched his candidacy Monday in Albuquerque, joining two other candidates who have already signaled their intentions to run for the high-profile volunteer post. Former Santa Fe County Democratic Party Chairman Richard Ellenberg and Rusty Pearce, a Las Cruces resident who attended last years Democratic National Convention as a delegate for Bernie Sanders, are the two other announced candidates. Current state Democratic Party Chairwoman Debra Haaland announced in November that she would not seek a second term, opening the door to a new leader. Whoever is elected will guide the state party through the 2018 election cycle. New Mexico Republicans already held their leadership election, choosing Ryan Cangiolosi last month as the state chairman. Lt. gov. race: The 2018 election is still nearly two years away, but a Democrat has jumped into the lieutenant governors race and a prominent Republican is weighing a bid of his own. Democrat Jeff Carr of Eagle Nest, a former member of the Public Education Commission, announced last week that he will seek the states second-highest post, saying he would focus on education, economic and environmental issues. Meanwhile, Public Regulation Commissioner Pat Lyons of Cuervo recently told the Journal hes considering a run for the GOP lieutenant governor nomination. His second four-year PRC term ends next year, and hes barred from seeking a third consecutive term. Expect more candidate announcements for lieutenant governor in the next few weeks and months. And although theres just one confirmed gubernatorial candidate, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., more than a half-dozen others could launch campaigns by the end of this year. In New Mexico, the lieutenant governor runs on a ticket with the governor in the general election but must win nomination in a stand-alone primary election. Dan Boyd: dboyd@abqjournal.com A 20-year-old city panel that has been dormant for the past two years was reconstituted Monday when Mayor Richard Berry introduced five new members of the citys Commission on Indian Affairs. Although first established as a city commission in 1997, it hasnt been active since 2014, Berry told about 15 people at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. But a recommendation by the Native American Homelessness Task Force an ad hoc 18-member group formed by city and tribal leaders in the wake of the July 19, 2014, murders of two homeless Navajo men by a trio of teenagers has led to a reactivation of the commission, Berry said. That rocked our community and it really pointed to the need to do more to address the needs of homeless Native Americans living in the city, Berry said. That summer night, Allison Gorman, 44, of Shiprock, and Kee Thompson, 46, from Church Rock, had been drinking in a vacant field near 60th Street and west Central Avenue when three young Hispanic men beat them to death using bricks, cinder blocks and a metal fence post. All three of the assailants, aged 15, 16 and 18 at the time, were arrested and handed sentences ranging from 20 to 67 years. The gruesome homicides triggered a protest march and caused then-Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly to meet with Berry to discuss strategies for helping the citys homeless population, particularly homeless Native Americans. The formation of the Native American Homelessness Task Force was an outgrowth of that meeting. We have important work to do, and were going to make sure this reconstituted commission gets that work done, Berry said Monday, noting that the city is home to more than 50,000 urban Native Americans. Appointed to the commission for four-year terms are: Attorney Ronald Solimon, a specialist in community and economic development at his home pueblo of Laguna as well as the city of Albuquerque. Solimon will chair the commission. William F. Riding In, homeless outreach coordinator for First Nations Community Healthsource. Laurie Weahkee, executive director of the Native American Voters Alliance and the alliances education project. Weahkee also serves on the New Mexico State Advisory Commission for the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Michael Canfield, president and CEO of the All Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Lloyd Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico, and president of the Board for the American Indian Studies Association. Let me express our appreciation for this opportunity for being asked to serve in these positions, Solimon said. He said the commission is meeting with city departments to become better acquainted with how services are provided to the Native American community here in the city. SANTA FE The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with a New Mexico State Police officer facing a wrongful death lawsuit over the fatal shooting of a gun-wielding man at his house east of Santa Fe about five years ago. At least one legal expert said the decision could have wide-ranging effects, making it more difficult to sue police officers. The shooting occurred when officers surrounded the home of two brothers, one of whom was involved in an earlier road rage incident on Interstate 25. The officer who fired the fatal shot showed up later than the other two officers. In a unanimous but unsigned decision released Monday, the nations high court said officer Ray White did not violate clearly established law when he shot and killed Samuel Pauly, 34, without calling out a warning first. The courts ruling overturns decisions by U.S. District Judge Kenneth J. Gonzales of Albuquerque and the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. Gonzales had rejected defense motions to dismiss the Pauly familys wrongful death suit against White and two other officers, and the Denver appeals court affirmed Gonzales decision. The officers appealed to the Supreme Court, which said the appeals court failed to identify a case where an officer acting under similar circumstances as Officer White was held to have violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from the use of excessive force by police. Noah Feldman, a Bloomberg View columnist and professor of constitutional and international law at Harvard University, wrote that the decision was significant and will make it more difficult to sue police officers because almost all confrontations have unique features that could be used to block lawsuits. In essence, the court is signaling that it wants fewer suits against officers in the lower courts, and is chiding the appellate courts for allowing such suits, Feldman said in a column he wrote after the decision. But the Supreme Courts ruling does not on its own end the suit over the Pauly shooting. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in a concurring opinion, clarified that all three officers at the scene could still face liability on grounds not ruled out by Mondays high court decision. Attorneys on both sides of the case did not return calls seeking comment Monday. The shooting occurred about 11 p.m. Oct. 4, 2011. White arrived at the rural Glorieta scene a couple of minutes after two other State Police officers, Kevin Truesdale and Michael Mariscal. The other officers shouted to Pauly and his brother, Daniel, who were both inside, that they had the house surrounded after the brothers had called out, Who are you? and What do you want? Truesdale has said he also yelled State Police, open the door, but Daniel Pauly has maintained that the brothers had no way of knowing who was outside their door and that they thought the visitors might be people connected to the earlier road rage incident on I-25 involving Daniel. Daniel Pauly said he fired two warning shots out the back of the house and yelled, We have guns, which White heard as he approached the house. The Santa Fe District Attorneys Office has said evidence shows that Samuel Pauly also fired a shot toward officers. He was killed by a gunshot fired by officer White, who had taken cover behind a stone wall. The Supreme Court found: Clearly established federal law does not prohibit an ongoing police action in circumstances like this from assuming that proper procedures, such as officer identification, have already been followed. No settled Fourth Amendment principle requires that officer to second-guess the earlier steps already taken by his or her fellow officers in instances like the one confronted here. At issue in the lawsuit has been whether the officers have qualified immunity, an established legal principle that protects officers from liability for civil damages in the performance of their duties as long as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights. The Supreme Court said nothing White did violated clearly established law, overturning the appeals court, and remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. The high court took no position on whether the other two officers Truesdale and Mariscal are entitled to qualified immunity. Ginsburgs concurring opinion says Mondays decision also leaves open the question of whether the suit can continue against White based on fact disputes over when Officer White arrived at the scene, what he may have witnessed, and whether he had adequate time to identify himself and order Samuel Pauly to drop his weapon before Officer White shot Pauly. The events that led to the shooting started when two young women driving on I-25 called 911 to report that the driver of a truck who turned out to be Daniel Pauly was driving recklessly and in a harassing manner. The women gave police a license plate number that led officers to the Pauly brothers house in Glorieta. Daniel Pauly has maintained that it was the women who were driving dangerously. The Supreme Court ruling notes that officers agreed after responding to the 911 call that there was no probable cause to arrest Pauly but decided to go to his house to get his side of the story, to make sure nothing else happened and to find out whether he was drunk. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. A legal journey that could mean life or death for the suspect in the Florida airport mass shooting has begun with appointment of a public defender to represent the Iraq war veteran blamed for killing five people and wounding six more. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Valle told Esteban Santiago, 26, at a hearing Monday that the three federal charges lodged against him could mean the death penalty if he is convicted. We are telling you the maximum penalty allowed by law so that you understand the seriousness of the charges, the judge said. Shackled in a red jumpsuit in the heavily guarded federal courtroom, Santiago answered mostly yes or no to questions, and told the judge he understands the charges, which include committing violence against people at an international airport resulting in death, and two firearms offenses. He said he had been in the Army, where he made about $15,000 a year. He mentioned expenses including $560 in monthly rent, plus phone and other utility bills. He said he owns no property and doesnt have a vehicle. He said he had worked for a security company, Signal 88, in Anchorage, Alaska, until November, making $2,100 a month, but currently only had $5 to $10 in the bank. Given his finances, the judge decided hes eligible for government lawyers at taxpayer expense. Valle ordered Santiago held without bail and also set a detention hearing for Jan. 17, followed by an arraignment for entering a plea for Jan. 23. More than a dozen officers kept watch outside the courthouse, carrying rifles and wearing bulletproof vests. There were also mounted police and K-9 units. The charges dont specifically use the word murder, but the effects of one of the gun charges and the airport charge are the same because they cover actions that result in a persons death and can result in capital punishment, said former federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein. Under federal law, there are many statutes that cover the killing of another human being and unlike state statutes, they are not specifically titled murder. But the elements of the crime and the definition of murder are the same, he said. State authorities could file first-degree murder charges against Santiago, but thats unnecessary for now, Weinstein added, because there is no statute of limitations on murder. If something were to go wrong in federal court, the state could then proceed against him, he said. No links to international terrorism have been found, the FBI has said. But if they surface, federal prosecutors could obtain an updated grand jury indictment to add terror-related charges, Weinstein added. Their focus right now will be on the existing three charges and the continuing investigation, he said. Santiago has been in custody since Fridays shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The FBI said Santiago flew on a one-way ticket aboard a Delta flight from Anchorage to Fort Lauderdale. The 11-hour flight has a 2-hour layover in Minneapolis, one of the longest itineraries within the U.S. He checked a single piece of luggage: a gun box for his Walther 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and two magazines of ammunition, according to an FBI affidavit. Agents say he retrieved the box in baggage claim and loaded his weapon in a bathroom stall before opening fire on fellow passengers. In November, Santiago walked into an FBI field office in Alaska with a handgun and his infant child, saying the U.S. government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State group videos, authorities said. Officers seized the weapon and local officers took him to get a mental health evaluation. His girlfriend picked up the child. On Dec. 8, the gun was returned to Santiago. Authorities wouldnt say if it was the same gun used in the airport attack. ___ Follow Curt Anderson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/miamicurt RACINE Police say a Racine man accused of robbing Landmark Credit Union on Thursday was at the time on GPS monitoring, which confirmed he was in the business during the incident. Renault Griffin Jr., 28, of the 1900 block of Jay Eye See Avenue, was charged Monday with robbery of a financial institution, cocaine possession, felony bail jumping and misdemeanor bail jumping. According to a criminal complaint: Griffin allegedly entered the Landmark Credit Union, 3417 Rapids Drive, about 9:40 a.m. Thursday and told the employee at the counter he wanted to make a deposit. But then he pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the employees face and demanded money. Police investigating the incident reportedly received an anonymous tip that Griffin robbed the credit union. An investigator discovered Griffin was on GPS monitoring and obtained information that confirmed he was at Landmark Credit Union at the time of the incident, the complaint states. Griffin was taken into custody Friday and allegedly found with $2,366, as well as multiple items of new merchandise and 0.3 grams of cocaine, according to the complaint. Griffin later admitted to committing the robbery and said he used a BB gun during the crime, the complaint states. He reportedly told investigators he used money from the robbery to buy drugs, a rental car, jackets, clothing and shoes, which police said matched what they found in his vehicle. The suspect made an initial court appearance Monday. A preliminary hearing has been set for Jan. 19. Griffin has two other open court cases, including for hit-and-run and armed robbery. He remained in custody at the Racine County Jail on a probation hold, online records indicated. KABUL Blasts from a suicide bomber and explosives-laden vehicle struck a highly guarded district in the Afghan capital Tuesday, officials said, killing more than 20 people in what appeared to be coordinated attacks on an area housing important government and security agencies. A suicide attacker approached an intelligence agency building in Kabul before detonating his explosives, said Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujhaid. A car bomb then exploded as security forces gathered at the site of the first blast, Mujahid said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the twin bombings, saying the attackers had targeted a minibus carrying employees of the National Security Directorate, Afghanistans intelligence agency. Police said most of those killed had been traveling in minibuses a common form of transportation in Afghanistan at the height of the citys late afternoon rush hour. The Interior Ministry said Tuesday that 22 people were killed. But Health Ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh, reached by telephone, said at least 27 people died and 70 others were wounded. The discrepancy in death tolls could not be immediately reconciled. The attack took place on a major road near the Afghan parliament building and American University of Afghanistan, both of which have previously been targeted by Taliban insurgents. Police cordoned off the site following the blasts and stepped up vehicle searches at checkpoints around the city. A thick column of smoke could be seen rising from the blast site in the aftermath of the attack. A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media, said the target of the attack appeared to be the security directorate building. A local intelligence chief was killed, and a female lawmaker and two journalists were among the wounded, the official said. The explosions came just hours after a suicide attack killed seven people in the southern city of Lashkar Gah, in restive Helmand province. That attack also targeted an intelligence official, the Associated Press reported, quoting the Helmand police chief. Weeks of calm in the capital had raised hopes that the government would revive stalled peace talks with insurgents, as the war grinds into its 16th year and militants have expanded their control. In response to an uptick in attacks in places such as Helmand, the United States announced that 300 more Marines would deploy to the province to train and assist Afghan security forces. Most foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2014, after which Afghan troops took the lead battling insurgents. Cunningham reported from Istanbul. Confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trumps Cabinet picks and other nominees will come fast and furious starting the second week of January. Heres your guide to the details: WHO: Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., NOMINATED FOR: Attorney general WHEN AND WHERE: 9:30 a.m. Jan. 10, 11; Senate Judiciary Committee (Russell Senate Office Building, Room 325) ARGUMENT FOR: Trump has praised Sessions, a longtime adviser and supporter, as a world-class legal mind. First elected in 1996, Sessions previously served as a U.S. attorney and attorney general for Alabama. He has earned praise from Democrats who work with him. ARGUMENT AGAINST: Accusations of racism have dogged Sessionss career. He was denied a federal judgeship in 1986 after former colleagues testified he used the n-word and said the Ku Klux Klan was okay until he realized Klan members smoked marijuana. WHO: Retired Marine Gen. John Kelly NOMINATED FOR: Homeland Security secretary WHEN AND WHERE: 3:30 p.m.Jan. 10; Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 342) ARGUMENT FOR: A widely respected and long-serving military officer, Kelly oversaw operations in Central and South America as commander of the U.S. Southern Command. Trump praised him as the right person to spearhead the urgent mission of stopping illegal immigration and experienced in stopping drug and human trafficking. ARGUMENT AGAINST: The choice of Kelly raised questions about Trumps desire to surround himself with military generals, and Kelly has a blunt manner that can bring him into conflict with other leaders. Detractors have raised concerns about his past comments questioning the Pentagon order opening jobs in combat units to women. WHO: Rex Tillerson NOMINATED FOR: Secretary of state WHEN AND WHERE: 9:15 a.m. Jan. 11, also Jan. 12; Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106) ARGUMENT FOR: Trump sees Tillerson, who joined ExxonMobil in 1975 and served as chief executive, as the embodiment of the American dream. Trump has praised his tenacity, broad experience and deep understanding of geopolitics. As a global business leader, Tillerson has experience dealing with heads of state around the world, including in Russia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. ARGUMENT AGAINST: Tillerson has no experience in the public sector, received the Order of Friendship from Russian President Vladimir Putin and brings along potential conflicts of interest from his business career. Its also unclear whether he supports sanctions implemented against Russia in 2014 over its annexation of the Crimea and Moscows support for separatists in Ukraine. WHO: Elaine Chao NOMINATED FOR: Transportation secretary WHEN AND WHERE: 10:15 a.m. Jan. 11; Senate Commerce Committee (Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253) ARGUMENT FOR: Chao previously served as deputy secretary at the Transportation Department and secretary of the Labor Department, giving her expansive insight into the workings of federal bureaucracy. Trump praised her expertise, strong leadership and personal background as an immigrant. ARGUMENT AGAINST: The nomination of Chao, a consummate Washington insider married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., defies Trumps promise to surround himself only with people from outside government. WHO: Wilbur Ross NOMINATED FOR: Commerce secretary WHEN AND WHERE: 10 a.m. Jan. 12; Senate Commerce Committee (Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253) ARGUMENT FOR: Trump praised Ross, a billionaire investor who made his fortune restructuring distressed companies, as a champion of American manufacturing and one of the greatest negotiators I have ever met. Supporters hope his experience as a turnaround specialist will boost jobs and reinvigorate troubled U.S. industries. ARGUMENT AGAINST: Ross record of buying and restructuring troubled businesses sometimes involved layoffs and budget cuts. He is a hard-line supporter of renegotiating or withdrawing from free-trade agreements, a stance that puts him in conflict with free-market Republican orthodoxy. WHO: Ben Carson NOMINATED FOR: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development WHEN AND WHERE: 10 a.m. Jan. 12; Senate Banking Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs (Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 538) ARGUMENT FOR: Carson started his career as a highly accomplished surgeon before turning his attention to politics. His many fans on the conservative right cite his religious faith and rags-to-riches personal story as factors behind their support. Trump has called Carson brilliant and a tough competitor. ARGUMENT AGAINST: Carson has no experience in public policy and no particular expertise in housing issues. He is known for promoting theories including that prison makes inmates gay and that the pyramids were originally constructed to store grain. WHO: Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis NOMINATED FOR: Defense secretary WHEN AND WHERE: 9:30 a.m. Jan. 12; Senate Armed Services Committee (Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room G50) ARGUMENT FOR: Mattis is highly experienced, having served more than four decades in the Marine Corps, including as the chief of U.S. Central Command. He is highly respected within the military establishment. ARGUMENT AGAINST: Mattis is known for making impolitic comments from time to time, such as Its fun to shoot some people, a remark he made during a panel discussion in 2005. To lead the Pentagon, he needs a waiver from Congress bypassing a federal law that disqualifies military personnel who served on active duty in the previous seven years from becoming defense secretary. He is one of several former generals expected to join the top ranks of Trumps administration, a source of criticism for the president-elect. WHO: Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan. NOMINATED FOR: CIA director WHEN AND WHERE: Jan. 12; Senate Intelligence Committee (Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216) ARGUMENT FOR: Pompeo, who was elected to the House in 2010, serves on the House Intelligence Committee. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, he served as an Army cavalry officer before founding an aerospace company a varied record that Trump favors. He was praised as bright and hard-working by Democratic House colleague Adam B. Schiff (Calif.). ARGUMENT AGAINST: Pompeo has no meaningful experience in espionage. He is seen as a fierce partisan on issues such as the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, and the leaks by Edward Snowden, a tendency some CIA veterans fear could bias his judgment. WHO: Betsy DeVos NOMINATED FOR: Education secretary WHEN AND WHERE: 5 p.m. Jan. 17; Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 430) ARGUMENT FOR: To supporters of school voucher programs, DeVos is a champion. A billionaire conservative activist, she has spent millions on programs to expand them around the country. Trump called her a brilliant and passionate education advocate. ARGUMENT AGAINST: DeVos has no professional experience in schools and no traditional experience in education policy. Detractors say her views pose an unprecedented threat to the public school system as a civic institution. WHO: Andrew Puzder NOMINATED FOR: Labor secretary WHEN AND WHERE: Sometime during the week of Jan. 16; Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions ARGUMENT FOR: Puzder is chief executive of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Hardees and Carls Jr. Trump said he has created and boosted the careers of thousands of Americans. ARGUMENT AGAINST: Detractors point to Puzders opposition to the Affordable Care Act, federal rules that would make more workers eligible for overtime pay and substantially raising the minimum wage to argue he should not lead the Labor Department. His ex-wife accused him of beating her Puzder denies any physical abuse in their 1986 divorce proceedings. He has also faced criticism for his companys use of racy and suggestive advertising. WASHINGTON Nearly two years after the deadly smoke disaster at LEnfant Plaza, Metro is taking legal action against the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department arguing that emergency responders were largely to blame for the tragic results of the Yellow Line incident. The cross-claim, filed on Monday in U.S. District Court, is a response to an ongoing civil case filed by dozens of passengers who were stuck inside the smoke-filled tunnel on Jan. 12, 2015, who said they experienced permanent injuries and trauma resulting from the experience. The family of 61-year-old Carol Glover, who died from smoke-related respiratory failure during the episode, are also plaintiffs in that case. On Monday, Metros lawyers sought for the case to be dismissed on technical grounds. But in a counterclaim filed simultaneously, the transit agencys lawyers also argued that most of the casualties occurred because of a chaotic and ineffective response from firefighters and emergency responders. Metros lawyers are arguing that if the transit agency is found responsible for Glovers death or any of the injuries, the District of Columbia should also be found at fault and should help pay the victims. In the cross-claim, which was first reported by WTOP on Monday evening, Metros lawyers asserted that emergency response officials failed to follow proper protocol as the incident unfolded, sending a battalion commander to the scene who was unfamiliar with Metros underground tunnel network and lacked requisite training. That battalion commander, they continued, did not establish a unified command procedure to communicate with officials from Metro and the Transit Police Department a step that, Metros lawyers say, would have allowed him to quickly realize the magnitude of the disaster unfolding. Instead, the cross-claim says, D.C. fire and emergency officials did not immediately understand that there were people trapped inside the immobile subway car, and that the tunnel was quickly filling with smoke. Emergency responders delayed [their] response, resulting in a substantially longer exposure to smoke by passengers on Train 302, thereby exacerbating the nature and extent of each passengers injuries, Metro alleged in the legal filing. To add to the confusion, the District of Columbias emergency radio system was not functioning inside the tunnel. (That, too, was the District of Columbias fault, Metro argued: In the days before the smoke incident, the District delayed providing access to this site for WMATAs technicians because . . . it was not convenient, Metro wrote.) But, if the District of Columbias battalion commander had coordinated with Metro officials, they would have been able to use the working Metro Transit Police radios to communicate with emergency responders inside the tunnel, Metro said. Instead, the commander sent messengers running in and out of the tunnel, which wasted precious time as passengers found it increasingly difficult to breathe. D.C. Fire spokesman Douglas Buchanan said Tuesday morning that the agency is still reviewing the court documents. We will determine if it is appropriate for us to respond upon the completion of this process, Buchanan said. The communication gap also prolonged the process of shutting down the third-rail so that passengers could be evacuated, Metro argued. The cross-claim alleges that the commander appeared to willfully ignore information coming from Metro about the fact that people were stuck inside the train in an increasingly perilous situation. The Metro Transit Police Deputy Chief tried to communicate this critical piece of information to the Incident Commander several times, and each time the Incident Commander rolled up his vehicle window and drove off instead of engaging a fellow agency senior official, Metros lawyers wrote. The National Transportation Safety Board the federal agency tasked with investigating the incident came up with similar conclusions in the accident report they released last May. They said that communications between D.C.s incident commander and Metro officials was delayed and inefficient. And they said that D.C.s Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department was unprepared to respond to a mass casualty event on the WMATA underground system. In total, the cross-claim alleged 10 counts of indemnity and contribution to the incident based on negligence. Metros lawyers want D.C. to be held financially responsible for any damages that are awarded to the LEnfant Plaza victims. But Metros lawyers are also insisting that the lawsuit brought forth by Glovers family and the surviving victims should be dismissed altogether. They argued that critical decisions made before, during and after the crisis about tunnel fan ventilation systems, about the electrified third rail, and about radio equipment were difficult choices that were fraught with public policy considerations that should grant Metro immunity from being held liable. These were governmental decisions of a discretionary variety that are entitled to immunity protection, Metro said in the motion to dismiss. DETROIT Ford executives said Monday night that Donald Trumps presidency could bode well for Americas automobile industry, even if it means companies must find a new normal that accounts for his erratic tweets. Trumps twitter account has stoked anxiety among some automakers gathered here for the annual North American International Auto Show. In recent days, he has fired off 140-character missives that commend or criticize companies sometimes getting the facts wrong depending on whether they plan to build cars in the U.S. or Mexico. GM and Toyota saw their stocks dip after they were the subject of Trumps tweets. Ford Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks called Trumps Twitter usage innovative because it has allowed Trump to bypass traditional media and speak directly to the voters who supported him. And theres obviously times it doesnt feel particularly comfortable if youre in the crosshairs, Shanks said. But its real time and thats what the guys thinking. Its clear from when the tweets come out and how theyre written, thats what he thinks. I think that can also be helpful. Trumps penchant for Twitter has allowed the auto industry to hand him some political wins. He has tacitly taken credit for recent plans that Ford and Fiat Chrysler announced to expand manufacturing in the U.S. (Both companies said their plans were not the result of pressure from Trump.) In turn, auto companies expect to see tax and regulatory reforms, among other changes, under a new president, executives said. Everybody in this industry is kind of realizing simultaneously [Trump] could be quite good for us, said Joseph Hinrichs, Fords president of the Americas. Were all adapting to this new reality post November 8th. You have to look for opportunity in everything; thats how you have to approach the business. Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst at Autotrader, said most automakers here are focused on the positives as much as the negatives. Some are even optimistic that Trumps policies could push the industry to an unprecedented eighth consecutive year of sales growth, she said. But they dont yet have enough information to sit comfortably. That companies are now announcing long-planned expansions of their U.S. manufacturing plants suggests they are looking to score points with the new president, Krebs said. Donald Trump is a negotiator; this is what he does. Theres deal-making going on, Krebs said. The problem is we arent seeing the full picture of what deal has been negotiated and what Trump is actually going to be able to get done this year. There is plenty Trump and the auto industry seem to agree on. He has called for lowering corporate taxes, rolling back regulations and investing heavily in infrastructure actions that automakers would see as a boon for their businesses. Trumps message of bolstering manufacturing in the U.S. is also something the industry can support, Hinrichs said. Much of the recent manufacturing expansion in the U.S. will have workers here building vehicles with higher margins or advanced technologies, such as trucks and SUVs, electric vehicles and self-driving cars. The work that has moved to Mexico and continues to move to Mexico is assembling smaller cars that dont turn as large of a profit and have fallen out of favor with American car buyers. The Mexican plant that Ford halted was slated to build the Ford Focus, which is in less demand now than when that factory was initially planned. The Focus will instead be built at a different, existing facility in Mexico. GENEVA Chinas President Xi Jinping will attend the World Economic Forum next week, becoming the first Chinese head of state to do so at the annual gathering of business leaders, politicians and cultural icons in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos. As part of an official visit to Switzerland, Xi will attend and open the annual economic meeting in the ski resort of Davos on Jan. 17, accompanied by the largest delegation of officials from China since the worlds most populous country first participated at the forum nearly four decades ago. Xis attendance comes as China has sought to be more influential globally and present itself as a force for stability and champion of globalization and opponent of protectionism. The Davos forum takes place during a week when the United States, home to the worlds largest economy, will be focused on Donald Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration as president. We are all aware that we are now in the transition in the world to a multilateral, to a multipolar, geopolitical and geo-economic structure, World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday. China will equal the United States soon as far as economic power is concerned, Schwab added, noting a strong Chinese business delegation would accompany Xi. In the spirit of Davos, we want to engage them as much as possible, he said. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last month that China would lead the way amid a shakeup in global governance, we will take hold of the situation amid international chaos, we will protect our interests amid intense and complex games. At the same time, while Xi has promised to make the worlds second-largest economy more competitive and productive by giving market forces a bigger role, reform advocates complain Beijing is failing to reduce the dominance of state companies. Foreign companies say regulators are trying to squeeze them out of technology and other promising fields. Ministry spokesman Lu Kang says Xis Jan. 15-18 trip to Switzerland will also include visits to the offices of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in Geneva, and the International Olympics Committees headquarters in Lausanne. This years World Economic Forum, which first took place in 1971 as a business gathering but has expanded to include politics, culture and humanitarian issues, is expected to draw a record 3,000 leaders from government, business and culture. Activist Hollywood stars such as Matt Damon and Forest Whitaker are expected to attend along with outgoing U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and outgoing Vice President Joe Biden, long a Davos devotee. The presidents of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and South Africa also are expected be there, as is British Prime Minister Theresa May. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Floridas tourism agency agreed Tuesday to pay its outgoing president and CEO $73,000 amid the fallout from the states secret deal with rapper Pitbull and a video for his song Sexy Beaches. The Visit Florida board of directors voted to pay Will Seccombe, who agreed to resign after pressure from Gov. Rick Scott. Visit Florida is hiring Ken Lawson, a former federal prosecutor and the current secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to replace Seccombe. Some of the board members, meeting in Orlando, expressed their discomfort with the arrangement and said that Seccombe had done a good job since he was tapped to lead the agency in 2012. But they conceded that the agency, which is funded largely with money from state taxpayers, was engaged in a political fight for its existence. House Speaker Richard Corcoran has continued to question why the state should spend money on promoting tourism. Carol Dover, president of the Florida trade group that represents hotels and restaurants, said it was imperative that Visit Florida take action now. Scott has pushed to increase the amount of state money that Visit Florida uses on advertising to entice tourists to come to the Sunshine State. It has now climbed to more than $70 million. Seccombe used some of the money on a contract with Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez. Pitbull filmed a new video for his song Sexy Beaches that featured Florida locations as part of the contract and agreed to promote the hashtag #LOVEFL on his social media sites and at concerts Visit Florida refused to say how much it paid Pitbull or disclose any details on the arrangement, calling it a trade secret. Corcoran found that unacceptable, saying taxpayers should know just how Visit Florida was spending its money. The Florida House sued in December to release the contract, but withdrew the lawsuit after Pitbull used Twitter to release it. Scott, who previously had repeatedly praised the job done by Visit Florida, responded to the criticism by calling on Seccombe to resign. Seccombes contract could have allowed him to claim more than $400,000 equivalent to 18 months salary if he was dismissed for no reason. But Visit Floridas chairman negotiated a deal where Seccombe agreed to accept a payment of $73,000. Board chairman William Talbert said that the money would come from private funds raised by the organization. Lawson, who currently earns $141,000 a year, will receive a salary of $175,000 and work without a contract. Lawson is an attorney who has worked for the federal government and once was an assistant U.S. attorney, but has no any experience in the tourism industry. Since 2011 he has led the state agency that oversees gambling as well as the regulation of hotels and restaurants. Scott, who pushed Visit Florida to hire Lawson, said in a statement that he understands the responsibility we have to be transparent with every tax dollar. Scott added that Lawson knows that tourism is important to the economic growth of our state. A New York police captain has apologized after suggesting that some rapes are not as serious as others comments that went viral and sparked outrage from officials and the general public. Capt. Peter Rose, head of NYPDs 94th Precinct, first made his controversial comments last week to a DNAinfo New York reporter about an increase in sex attacks in Brooklyns Greenpoint neighborhood. Every rape should be investigated, Rose told the news site. I wish we could do more. Thirteen attempted rapes and rapes were reported in the precinct in 2016, compared with eight in 2015, according to police crime statistics. Ten of those cases remained unsolved, DNAinfo reported. Rose seemingly tried to play down the increase. It really becomes a balancing act for the investigators. Some of them were Tinder, some of them were hookup sites, some of theme were actually coworkers, Rose told DNAinfo. Its not a trend that were too worried about because out of 13 [rapes and attempted rapes reported], only two were true stranger rapes. If theres a true stranger rape, a random guy picks up a stranger off the street, those are the troubling ones. That person has, like, no moral standards. Rose elaborated on his perceived difference between those cases at a community council meeting Wednesday, according to the news site. Theyre not total-abomination rapes where strangers are being dragged off the streets, Rose said at the meeting, referring to rape cases in which the victim may have known the perpetrator, according to the news site. After the article published Thursday and word of Roses comments spread online, thousands reacted in outrage and anger. Wtf, one Twitter user said. No NYPD rape is always rape. There are no degrees of rape. And no always means no. No matter what. Very disturbing comments by @NYPD94Pct, tweeted another. Please educate yourself, Peter Rose. New York city hall immediately distanced itself from Roses comments, saying in a statement that they did not represent the views of Mayor Bill de Blasio, his administration or the NYPD. Rape is rape, in New York City and everywhere else, de Blasio spokesman Eric Phillips said. The crime merits no moral qualification and does not involve shades of criminality or degrees of danger. In New York City, rape is aggressively investigated and prosecuted blind to the nature of the underlying relationship, and with an absolute focus on obtaining justice for the survivor and safety for our neighborhoods. On Friday, the NYPD released a statement walking back Roses comments. Captain Roses comments did not properly explain the complexity of issues involved with investigating rape complaints, NYPD spokesman Stephen Davis said, adding that all reported cases are thoroughly investigated by the department. All complaints of rape and other types of sexual crimes are taken seriously whether they are committed by domestic partners, acquaintances, or strangers. Davis noted that the department had conducted several public campaigns in recent years to encourage people to report sexual assault crimes. Due to the anonymous and random nature of rapes committed by strangers, detectives often face greater challenges in these types of crimes, he said. Regardless, all sexual offenses are taken seriously. The department did not respond Sunday to questions about whether Rose would be subject to any disciplinary action or mandatory training, or to a request to interview him. On Monday, Rose broke his silence and posted an apology on Twitter. I deeply regret the statements I made last week about rape, he wrote. I failed to communicate accurately how I respond to reports of rape, and the actions the Department as a whole takes. My comments were not meant to minimize the seriousness of sexual assault. Every rape, whether it is perpetrated by a stranger or someone known to them is fully investigated. We make no distinction in response. My comments suggested otherwise and for that I apologize. Though reports of sexual violence in the United States have fallen by more than half since 1993, an American is sexually assaulted every two minutes, according to statistics from the Rape Abuse Incest National Network, a nonprofit that advocates for survivors of sex crimes. About one of every six women in the country and about one in 33 men has been the victim of a rape of an attempted rape in her lifetime, the group said. The group notes that seven out of 10 rapes are committed by someone known to the victim. That figure jumps even higher when the victim is a juvenile: For 93 percent of child and teen victims of sexual abuse, the perpetrator was an acquaintance or family member. Roy Richter, president of the NYPD Captains Endowment Association, told the New York Daily News that Rose misspoke and defended him. His statements dont correctly reflect how serious a crime this is and how seriously he takes them, Richter said. It was a pure misstatement. The words came out wrong and unfortunately they look even worse in print. Still, others worried that the damage was done. New York public advocate Letitia James said in a statement that she was extremely disturbed and concerned by Roses comments and feared that they would deter rape victims from coming forward to the NYPD. Rape is a heinous and brutal crime that should be treated as such, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a stranger or known by the victim, James said. Too often, victims of rape and sexual crimes do not come forward because of fear that their claims wont be taken seriously, and these comments perpetuate those concerns. The womens advocacy group UltraViolet started a petition online calling for the NYPD to fire Rose. This is the kind of attitude in law enforcement and the courts that allow the rape of 1 in 3 women to happen or let rapists like Brock Turner off the hook, the petition read in part. (Turner, a former Stanford University student who was convicted in March of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman outside a fraternity house, was released from jail after serving three months of his six-month sentence. His case gained nationwide attention when his victim, known only as Emily Doe, wrote a 12-page impact statement calling his jail sentence a soft timeout.) Rape is a crime whether you know the rapist or not, whether you are on Tinder or not and it is the responsibility of law enforcement to investigate, prosecute and hold rapists accountable for their crimes period, full stop, Nita Chaudhary, the groups founder, told the Huffington Post. Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams described the report of the spike in Greenpoint sex crimes as troubling. We can all agree every #rapes an abomination, he tweeted. Former Maryland State Del. and Prince Georges Councilman William Campos has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for official favors, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday. This undercover investigation did not involve an isolated instance of misconduct, said Maryland U.S. attorney Rod Rosenstein. It exposed a long-standing practice of giving away taxpayer money in exchange for bribes. This type of corruption can flourish when government officials exercise discretion without oversight. Campos, 42, of Hyattsville, Md., pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy on Jan. 5 and the plea was unsealed Tuesday. Federal prosecutors last week charged four others in a pay-to-play scheme in the county and Annapolis and said at that time that they also expected to charge two elected officials in the governments case. Campos admitted taking bribes in exchange for favorable action, including funneling government grants through a nonprofit organization to encourage someone to move a business to the county. The plea agreement says Campos admitted receiving bribe payments over several years that totaled more than $21,000 from two county business owners who would then receive about $325,000 in county grant funds to help their business interests. The business owners have not been named by prosecutors. While Campos served as County Councilman, prosecutors said, Prince Georges County allowed each County Council member to award $100,000 in grant funds to nonprofit service organizations of their choice. In his plea, Campos also admitted he sought money to pay off a campaign-related expense of his own and directed an undercover officer who was posing as a businessman to contribute to another unnamed candidates campaign. In a brief interview last week, Campos denied knowing anything about the federal investigation. He has not responded to subsequent requests for comment. His attorney was not immediately available for comment Tuesday. Second-term Prince Georges County Executive Rushern Baker III, D, who campaigned on battling a culture of corruption that marked the administration of his predecessor, Jack Johnson, D, said, Its disappointing people havent gotten the message that those days in Prince Georges County are over. Baker was in Annapolis Tuesday for a Democratic lawmakers luncheon a day ahead of the opening of the state legislative session. He noted that he has known Campos since Campos came into office. To have him violate the public trust really is disappointing and disheartening. Campos, considered an up-and-comer in county politics, stepped down from the state legislature in 2015 just nine months into his tenure. Campos had said he wanted to focus on his new marriage, starting a family and his professional career when he explained the abrupt resignation. Campos must give up the money he collected in the case and pay restitution of at least $34,000 as part of his plea agreement. Campos also faces up 15 years in prison for the bribery and conspiracy charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10. Two government officials and two business owners were arrested last week in connection with the case: David Dae Sok Son, 40, the director of the liquor board in Prince Georges; Anuj Sud, 39, a county liquor board commissioner who resigned on Friday; Young Jung Paig, 62, owner of Central Avenue Restaurant & Liquor Store; and Shin Ja Lee, 55, owner of Palmer Liquor Store. Senate President Thomas Mike Miller Jr., a Democrat whose district includes Prince Georges, said he discussed the bribery allegations with Gov. Larry Hogan, R, on Friday, and the need to appoint reputable civic minded commissioners to the liquor board. Everyones concerned about it, you should be concerned if its happening in Tennessee or Ohio and its happening here in Maryland, Miller said after Camposs plea was made public. The Board of License Commissioners is a state entity that regulates the sale of alcohol in the county at more than 600 liquor stores, restaurants and other businesses. The boards five commissioners are appointed by the governor to three-year terms. The county weathered another corruption case under Johnson, who served as county executive from 2002 to 2010. Johnson pleaded guilty to extortion and witness and evidence tampering after masterminding a corruption conspiracy in which prosecutors said he received more than $1.6 million in bribes. His wife, Leslie Johnson, made headlines when she flushed a $100,000 check down the toilet and hid $79,600 in cash in her underwear as federal agents pounded on the couples front door. Fenit Nirappil contributed to this report. The Central Intelligence Agency was created 70 years ago to prevent another Pearl Harbor and fight Soviet communism. Since then, almost every U.S. president has had his troubles with the agency. But until now, none picked a fight with the CIA between his election and his inauguration. President Donald Trump is going to have to decide how he wants to coexist with his premier spy service. Resentful of its conclusion that the Russian government backed his bid for the White House, Trump is already talking about restructuring it. Like it or not, hell have to take its views into account. History has demonstrated that its dangerous when the CIA gets it wrong. And that its even more dangerous when a president disbelieves the agency when its right. President Harry Truman started up the CIA in 1947, at the dawn of the Cold War, in the hope that it could inform him better than the front page of the daily newspapers. But his own secretary of state warned him that the CIA could go out of his control. The neophyte intelligence service soon turned to covert operations against communism, and many were disastrous. They were coordinated with British intelligence, and the senior British intelligence officer assigned to Washington in 1949 turned out to be a Soviet mole. President Dwight D. Eisenhower who had run the biggest secret operation of World War II, the D-Day landing in France knew the value of good intelligence and wanted to depend on the CIA. He was enthused early in his first term by successful CIA coups against the elected leaders of Iran and Guatemala. But in his second term, his director of central intelligence, Allen Dulles, failed to keep the White House and the Pentagon informed of precisely what the CIA was doing overseas. This led to spectacularly unsuccessful attempts to overthrow governments from Indonesia to Syria. Ike concluded in 1960, at the end of his presidency, that American intelligence was in shambles. He said he was leaving, in his words, a legacy of ashes to his successor, President John F. Kennedy. Three months later came the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba. Kennedy vowed to break the CIA into pieces and scatter it to the winds. The agency redeemed itself by providing forewarning of Soviet shipments of nuclear weapons to Cuba; that intelligence helped JFK avert a global war in 1962. At the same time, the CIA was plotting the assassination of Cubas leader, Fidel Castro. Castro would outlast 11 U.S. presidents. President Lyndon B. Johnson wanted one thing above all from the CIA a strategy to win the war in Vietnam. He was enraged when the agency advised that a cease-fire and a negotiated peace was the only way out. Director of Central Intelligence Richard Helms told LBJ bluntly in 1967 that the U.S. was ill-suited to cope with guerilla warfare waged by a determined, resourceful, and politically astute opponent. The president did not want to hear that. No president did especially not Richard Nixon. What the hell do those clowns do out there in Langley? Nixon railed, referring to the CIAs Virginia headquarters, in a 1970 tirade. One thing that Helms would not do was to obey Nixons command to cover up the 1972 break-in at Democratic Party headquarters in the Watergate Hotel. The Watergate operation was conducted by former agents of the CIA and Federal Bureau of Investigation and Nixons orders, caught on his secret White House tapes, were for the CIA to tell the FBI to stop its investigation of the case on spurious grounds of national security. That was an obstruction of justice, and it led directly to Nixons resignation two years later. His successor, President Gerald Ford, suffered through a long Senate investigation of the history of the CIA, which revealed assassination plots and coup attempts but did not disclose that presidents had, in many cases, personally authorized them. Ford appointed a new director of central intelligence, George H.W. Bush, who loved the agency during the year he was in charge. Bush wanted to stay on at the CIA after Jimmy Carter was elected in 1976. If I had agreed to that, Carter said years later, he never would have become president. Carter had called the CIA a national disgrace during the Senate investigation. But he wound up signing almost as many covert-action orders as Nixon and Ford. Most were aimed at undermining communism. Bob Gates who served as CIA director under Bush and secretary of defense under his son, President George W. Bush, and then under President Barack Obama wrote that Carter was the first president since Truman to challenge directly the legitimacy of the Soviet government. The credit for the Soviet collapse would go to President Ronald Reagan, but some should go to Carter and the CIA. Reagans CIA chief was the wily William Casey, and Casey was, in the words of his own deputy, a freelance buccaneer. He ran the CIA aground. Casey dreamed up a plot to generate millions of dollars to support anticommunist guerrillas in Central America by selling weapons to Irans Revolutionary Guards and skimming the profits. When this scheme was exposed in 1986, the Reagan administration nearly ground to a halt as senior officials were investigated and indicted. George H.W. Bush was the first president who had run the CIA, and he got along famously with the agency, especially after Gates took the helm in 1991. But the CIA missed the signs that the Soviet state was about to collapse. It had no idea, Gates wrote, that a tidal wave of history was about to break upon us. Nonetheless, the Cold War ended without shots being fired, much less nuclear missiles, and the CIA helped the White House keep its powder dry. President Bill Clinton had thought little about U.S. strategic interests after the Cold War. His CIA went adrift in the 1990s, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and before the fall of the Twin Towers. He met with his first CIA director, Jim Woolsey, twice in two years. I didnt have a bad relationship with the president, Woolsey said. I just didnt have one at all. But by 2000 Clinton was deeply concerned by the rise of al-Qaida and its terrorist mastermind, Osama bin Laden. He recalled telling his successor, Your biggest threat is bin Laden. George W. Bush swore he never heard those words. Perhaps he was not listening. Nor did he take seriously a CIA report in August 2001 with the headline: Bin Laden Determined to Strike in US. The most serious intelligence failure since Pearl Harbor was compounded when CIA Director George Tenet told Bush that the CIA had slam dunk evidence that Saddam Hussein was building nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. It didnt. As a direct consequence, Americans are still fighting in Iraq. Bush himself said in 2004 that the CIA was just guessing about the course of that war. By 2008, the agency was in effect a second-echelon branch of the Pentagon. Generals took charge of American intelligence. The CIA that Obama inherited was in large part devoted to paramilitary operations and drone strikes against suspected terrorists. The analytical powers of the CIA he will pass on have been revitalized in part by a huge infusion of funds from the Republican-led Congress. Those same Republicans now have to hold hearings on its conclusion that a Russian intelligence operation supported the election of Trump. Intelligence is a human endeavor, and prone to error. Presidents are free to pick and choose from the CIAs reports. But if Trump seeks revenge for its findings on Russias plot, or if he simply tunes it out entirely, its more than a bad sign its a danger to the national security of the United States. Weiner has reported on national security for the New York Times and won the National Book Award for Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA. For more columns from Bloomberg View, visit http://www.bloomberg.com/view. ROME Three doctors at a Naples-area hospital have been suspended for treating emergency room patients while they were lying on the floor. Antonietta Costantini, manager of the public health district that includes Nola hospital, justified the suspensions, saying Tuesday that the physicians should have told administrators the ER had a stretcher shortage. But Italian Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin defended the doctors as heroes who did the best they could under trying circumstances. Flu and a meningitis scare flooded Italian emergency rooms over the holiday period, when many doctors were on vacation. The suspensions were ordered after someone uploaded a video to the internet showing doctors at Nola hospital tending to a patient lying directly on the floor and others on blankets spread out on floor. MOUNT PLEASANT The Village Board put off for two weeks a decision on a senior housing project proposed along Highway KR near the Campbell Woods subdivision. The board had, on Monday, been slated to take up a rezoning request to allow the project to move forward. But officials erroneously left it off the meeting agenda, so trustees could not vote on it, interim Village Administrator Tim Zarzecki said. Trustees voted unanimously to take up the issue at their 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 meeting at Village Hall, 8811 Campus Drive. Plans call for a $40 million, 170-unit senior living campus on about 20 acres on Highway KR east of Highway 31. Many neighbors have protested the project, saying it would disrupt what is now a heavily wooded, natural area. Developers say it would meet a growing demand for senior living and benefit the village economically. The village Plan Commission last month recommended the Village Board deny a zoning change. Trustees also met for about 45 minutes in closed session about possible litigation related to the project, according to a meeting agenda. No action was taken in open session. CHICAGO The Latest on President Barack Obamas farewell speech (all times CST): 8:55 p.m. President Barack Obama says choosing Joe Biden to be his vice president was the first and best choice he made. He says Biden the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delawares favorite son has not only been a great vice president during the past eight years, but he also was an unexpected gift. Obama says that in Biden, he gained a brother. Obama says he loves Biden and his wife, Jill, like family. He says their friendship has been one of the great joys for the Obama family. The Bidens were in the audience at Chicagos McCormick Place convention center for Obamas farewell address. Obama and Biden embraced onstage after the speech. ___ 8:50 p.m. President Barack Obama says the nations democracy needs more citizen involvement. Obama says in his farewell speech in Chicago that if youre tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, trying talking with one of them in real life. Hes encouraging citizens who are disappointed by their elected officials to grab a clipboard, get some signatures and run for office. Obama is offering this advice: Show up. Dive in. Stay at it. Sometimes youll win. Sometimes youll lose. He says more often than not your faith in America will be confirmed. ___ 8:45 p.m. President Barack Obama is thanking his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha for sacrificing for his political dreams. Hes noting in his farewell address that his partner for the past 25 years took on a role she didnt want and made it her own with grace and grit and style and good humor. He says the first lady is a role model who turned the White House into a place that belongs to everybody. Obama tells his wife that she has made him and the country proud. Obama paused for a few seconds and pressed his lips together to regain his composure while thanking the first lady. Only 18-year-old Malia traveled to Chicago for the speech, but Obama says both daughters wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. He says that of everything hes done in life hes most proud to be their dad. __ 8:40 p.m. President Barack Obama says in his farewell address that protecting the nations way of life is the job of citizens as well as the military. Obama says in Chicago that democracy can buckle when we give in to fear. He is also making a reference to President-elect Donald Trumps campaign calls for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration to the United States. Obama says he rejects discrimination against Muslim Americans, and he is drawing cheers for saying they are just as patriotic as we are. The outgoing president says the U.S. cant withdraw from global fights to expand democracy, human rights and the rights of women, gays and lesbians. ___ 8:30 p.m. President Barack Obama says talk of a post-racial America after his 2008 election may have been well-intended, but it was never realistic. Obama who is 55 years old says in his farewell address that hes lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were 30 years ago. But he says he also knows were not where we need to be. He says every economic issue cant be framed as a struggle between hardworking middle-class whites and undeserving minorities, and says forsaking the children of immigrants will diminish the prospects of American children. Obama says hearts must change. He quotes the hero of To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, who said that to understand a person, it helps to climb into his skin and walk around in it. ___ 8:25 p.m. President Barack Obama is acknowledging that stark inequality is corrosive to the nations democratic principles, a nod to the economic uncertainty that helped Republican Donald Trump win the White House last November. Obama says in his final speech as president that too many families in inner cities and rural counties have been left behind. He says many are convinced that the game is fixed against them and government only serves powerful interests. The president calls that a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics. ___ 8:15 p.m. President Barack Obama says in his farewell address that in 10 days the world will witness the peaceful transfer of power to a new president, drawing some jeers ahead of Donald Trumps presidency. Obama says he committed to Trump that his administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition just as his predecessor, President George W. Bush, did for him. The outgoing president says in Chicago its up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face. Obama says the nations politics need to reflect the decency of the American people. ___ 8:10 p.m. President Barack Obama is opening his farewell address in his hometown of Chicago, thanking thousands of supporters and reaffirming his belief in the power of change. Obama was harkening back to the message of his first campaign for president in 2008. At one point, he was interrupted by chants of Four more years! Obama says, I cant do that. In the aftermath of Republican Donald Trumps election as the next president, Obama is acknowledging that the nations progress has been uneven. He says that for every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back. But the president says the country strives for forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all, and not just some. ___ 6:30 p.m. President Barack Obama plans to reaffirm in his farewell address his belief that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged and come together to demand it. Obama plans to say that after eight years in the White House he still believes in the power of change. The outgoing president plans to tell supporters in the city that launched his political career that change is the beating heart of our American idea our bold experiment in self-government. Obama will note the founding fathers gave Americans the freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat, toil and imagination. ___ 4 p.m. President Barack Obamas final trip aboard Air Force One as president is his 445th mission on the presidential aircraft. Obama is flying to Chicago to give his final presidential speech. The White House says hes traveled on the plane to 56 countries and to 49 of the 50 U.S. states. Hes visited all 50 but never flown to Maryland. White House spokesman Josh Earnest tells reporters aboard Air Force One that prior to Tuesdays flight, the plane had been airborne for 2,799 hours and 6 minutes during Obamas tenure. Thats equivalent to spending 116 days on the plane. Earnest says Air Force One is a national treasure. He says Obama benefited deeply from use of the plane. ___ 3:25 p.m. President Barack Obama is taking an array of longtime friends, staffers and relatives along for his last trip as president. Obama boarded Air Force One for the flight to Chicago along with first lady Michelle Obama, daughter Malia and sister Auma Obama, who is from Kenya. They were joined by Obama speechwriter Cody Keenan, national security adviser Susan Rice and counterterrorism adviser Lisa Monaco. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife are also traveling to Chicago for the speech on a separate aircraft. The White House says that before taking off from Andrews Air Force Base, Obama attended a farewell event with members of the U.S. Air Force division that supports presidential air travel. ___ 3 p.m. President Barack Obama is returning to the city that launched his unlikely political career to give one final speech. Hell deliver a parting plea to Americans not to lose faith in their future, no matter what they think about their next president. Obamas speech before thousands in Chicago on Tuesday evening is his last chance to try to define what his presidency meant for America, and a fitting bookend. Chicago is where the nations first black president declared victory in 2008 and where he cultivated his decidedly optimistic brand of American politics. Obama says in a video preview that hell be reflecting on lessons learned from his presidency, including that Americans are fundamentally good and that the democratic system responds to ordinary people pursuing a better future. PHOENIX Two towns in Arizona and Utah are rejecting a proposed disbandment of their shared police department as a remedy to a jury verdict that concluded they discriminated against people who werent members of a polygamous sect. Instead, lawyers for the Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, said in court papers filed late Monday that they want to restructure the police agency. They proposed offering officers more training in constitutional policing, making them wear body cameras and removing the town manager and council members from the internal-affairs investigations process. The U.S. Justice Department had proposed disbanding the Colorado City Marshals Office a month ago, arguing such a change was needed to ensure the church doesnt use law enforcement to carry out religious edicts and to remedy decades of constitutional violations. The federal government wants the local sheriffs office to take over policing in both towns. Federal authorities alleged the towns operated as an arm of the Fundamentalist Church of Justice Christ of Latter Day Saints, a radical offshoot of mainstream Mormonism, which disavowed polygamy more than 100 years ago. Ten months ago, a jury in Arizona found that nonbelievers were denied police protection, building permits and water hookups in the adjacent towns. The jury found the Colorado City Marshals Office violated the rights of nonbelievers by breaking the First Amendments promise that the government wont show preference to a particular faith and force religion upon people. Jurors concluded officers treated nonbelievers inequitably when providing police protection, arrested them without having probable cause and made unreasonable searches of their property. Its now up to U.S. District Judge H. Russel Holland to decide how to remedy the constitutional violations. Lawyers for the towns say other police departments that have been investigated for constitutional violations didnt face remedies as drastic as disbandment. The attorneys also voiced concerns that such a change would result in less police protection in the towns. The Justice Department said in a court filing a month ago that experts and other law enforcement agencies agree the Colorado City Marshals Office wasnt able to follow the Constitution. ___ Follow Jacques Billeaud at twitter.com/jacquesbilleaud. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/jacques-billeaud. NEW YORK An Arizona man charged with conspiring to help a terrorism group provided a launching pad for a New York college student to join the Islamic State group in Syria, a prosecutor told jurors at the opening of his trial. But a defense lawyer said her client was being blamed as a scapegoat. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew DeFilippis urged Manhattan federal court jurors to carefully listen to evidence against 44-year-old Ahmed Mohammed el-Gammal before convicting the Avondale, Arizona, resident at a trial expected to last up to a month. He said el-Gammal wasnt a fighter or a terrorist operative but assisted the Islamic State by helping Samy el-Goarany reach Syria, where he trained and fought for the group. DeFilippis said el-Gammal helped the Islamic State find one more person, one more recruit, one more fighter who was willing to train, to fight and to kill. He said el-Gammal communicated online with el-Goarany and visited him in New York for two days in October 2014, just weeks before el-Goarany flew to Turkey on his way to Syria. DeFilippis said jurors would see a video el-Goarany made after el-Gammals arrest in which the 24-year-old, clad in military fatigues, insists he got himself to Syria without help from others. The prosecutor called it a transparent, almost ridiculous denial, powerful proof of what did happen. He said el-Goaranys parents and brother were desperately trying to get him to return home when they received a letter in fall 2015 saying he was killed in battle. He said trial witnesses would include family members who will describe the words and actions of el-Goarany in the days before he left the United States. He was too far down the path the defendant had helped pave for him, DeFilippis said. He acted as a launching pad for el-Goaranys mission. Defense attorney Annalisa Miron said the trial should end in acquittal. Mr. Ahmed el-Gammal is not guilty, she said. Miron said her client was a typical American who smokes cigarettes, listens to rhythm and blues music and takes weekend trips to Las Vegas. She said members of el-Goaranys family, including his brother and a cousin, knew he was going to join the Islamic State group. She said the Baruch College student planned his own trip to Syria. The government is looking for somebody to blame, she said. If convicted, el-Gammal could face decades in prison. AUSTIN, Texas Likely budget cuts and a Donald Trump presidency loomed over the return of the Texas Legislature on Tuesday amid a worsening child welfare crisis and top Republicans promising anti-LGBT bathroom laws similar to what brought upheaval in North Carolina. Already there are signs of tensions to come. Republican House Speaker Joe Straus, a moderate hand in a statehouse constantly drifting to the hard right, marked his election to a record-tying fifth term in his powerful post with a call for civility over Trump-style politics. Straus didnt mention the president-elect by name, or proposals that would require transgender people to use public bathrooms that correspond with the sex on their birth certificate. Driving those efforts are Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who campaigned for Trump and has scoffed at warnings from business groups of economic repercussions. Companies, touring bands and sporting events boycotted North Carolina after GOP lawmakers last year passed a transgender bathroom law. Straus appeared to take a veiled swipe at copycat efforts in Texas in his opening speech to the overwhelmingly Republican House. This state should invite economic activity, not turn it away, Straus said. His spokesman did not immediately respond to a question about whether the comment was about the bathroom measures. Transgender rights will be far from the only fight in the Texas Capitol between now and June. A prolonged oil slump has left Texas short on cash for the next two-year budget at a time when the state must fix a foster care system that a federal judge ruled unconstitutionally broken, and public school funding that the Texas Supreme Court says is only barely constitutional. Texas is as much as $6 billion short of the money needed just to keep the status quo, according to budget experts and Republican state Rep. Drew Darby, who says spending cuts are now certain. Texas has not been forced to make budget cuts since 2011, when a much bigger shortfall amid the Great Recession resulted in lawmakers cutting $5.4 billion from public schools. ___ STRAUS EASILY SECURES FIFTH HOUSE SPEAKER TERM Republican Joe Straus will serve a record-tying fifth term as the powerful speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Straus faced no competition Tuesday and won a unanimous 150-0 vote. It was a sharp departure from previous sessions, when far-right conservative groups who criticize Straus as a moderate backed longshot challengers against him. Straus is popular among both Republicans and Democrats, who see him an even hand and not a provocative firebrand like other GOP leaders. One legislator who tried to unseat Straus in 2013 even seconded his nomination this time. Only former Democratic speakers Gib Lewis and Pete Laney have held the job as long as Straus. ___ ABBOTT URGES UNITY Republican Gov. Greg Abbott opened Texas legislative session urging lawmakers to put aside their differences but they arent likely to do so when things get busier. Abbott told the Senate on Tuesday: We may bring different political perspectives, but we unite under one Capitol dome. He struck a similar tone in a speech to the House. Those words were conciliatory and the session opened that way. But over the next 140 days, tensions will surely rise. A tighter-than-usual state budget and a potential policy showdown over a North Carolina-style transgender bathroom bill are already roiling some lawmakers. And things are likely to get even testier in the face of promises by the Republican majority to cut taxes and fix a broken child welfare system. ___ DUKES SWORN-IN ANEW AMID INVESTIGATION A state representative who reneged on previous plans to resign amid a criminal investigation into misusing campaign funds reported to the Texas House for the opening day. Austin Democratic Rep. Dawnna Dukes arrived on the floor Tuesday escorted by the House sergeant at arms after the pledge of allegiance and national anthem. Dukes was sworn in for her 12th term moments later. The Texas Rangers are investigating accusations she misused her legislative staff and campaign funds. Dukes announced in September that she was stepping down at the end of 2016, citing medical concerns. That announcement came too late for her to be replaced on the ballot and she was re-elected in November. On Twitter, Dukes now says her constituents didnt want her to resign. ___ OPENING DAY PRAYER SESSION URGES LAWMAKERS TO REMEMBER TEXAS MARGINALIZED Elders representing various religious faiths prayed for lawmakers to remember societys neediest as the Texas Legislature got back to work. More than a dozen religious leaders held a prayer service on the Capitol steps. Behind them, the line of people waiting to enter the building grew on a windy but balmy Tuesday. The faithful urged the Republican-controlled Legislature to, as Pastor Ronald Smith of Houstons New Mount Calvary Baptist Church put it, Remember the least, the last, the left out. The prolonged oil slump is squeezing the state budget, fueling fears of social service cuts. The prayer service featured a Muslim call to prayer, the blowing of the Jewish shofar, or rams horn, Sikh, Buddhist and Christian blessings and a prayer in Spanish and English. ____ ON DECK The House reconvenes at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and the Senate is in an hour later. The upper chamber is expected to vote on its rules, which affect how bills are debated and approved though no major changes are anticipated. The House should discuss logistical and administrative matters, though it isnt expected to tackle major policymaking, either. The Legislature is prohibited from passing most bills in the early going of the session, making the opening weeks traditionally slow. ___ QUOTE OF THE DAY Kel, you aint no Hells Angel but youre a heck of a friend to all of us, Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, to Republican colleague Kel Seliger of Amarillo. Seliger was elected President-Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate on Tuesday and endured gentle ribbing about his love of motorcycles. MOSCOW It is the most highly anticipated meeting of the year. Sometime this year, in a location to be named, the hulking, 6-foot-3-inch frame of President-elect Donald Trump will encounter the diminutive Russian president, Vladimir Putin, a reported 5-foot-7, bringing the real estate mogul who coined the Art of the Deal up against the former KGB agent claimed to have aided his election victory. Its been called a bromance. But Putin and Trump, two men who view international issues through a prism of self-interest, each with his own peculiar personality, have never met in person. It will be a fateful tete-a-tete for Trump, and the Russian leader brings a diverse bag of tricks to the table, his European counterparts say. He can put on a mask in a second, said Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former president of Latvia, who recalled how Putin first attacked, and then sought to charm her during their first meeting in 2001. One moment, he can stare at you with the eyes of a dead fish and try to intimidate you. The next, hes looking at you with warm and friendly eyes and ready to be your pal forever, she said. He really has a good sense of throwing people off balance. Some of those feats of intimidation are famous. There are the hours of time he has forced world leaders to wait for him: 14 minutes for Queen Elizabeth II, 50 minutes for Pope Francis, four hours for former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Then there was the time in 2007 he brought his pet Labrador, Koni, into a meeting with the extremely canine-averse German Chancellor Angela Merkel (maximum waiting time: four hours and 15 minutes). So plenty can go wrong, a bad first impression spiraling perhaps into a fiery, pre-dawn tweetstorm dispelling the dream of detente once again. Some Russian officials have voiced concerns about Trumps unpredictability, and U.S. officials are vocal about Putins duplicity. But Putin has also been known for his ability to form chummy, odd-couple relationships with world leaders, and, as Mikhail Zygar, a journalist and the author of the Russian bestseller, All the Kremlins Men, wrote of Putin and Trump earlier this year: Two cynics can always find a common tongue. Vike-Freiberga said she could guess at Putins strategy in that first meeting with Trump: Flattery, flattery, flattery. It works on most people. And in this particular case I think it will work like a charm, sorry to say. In the past, Putin has gotten on well with larger-than-life characters: men like Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian media magnate and former prime minister, who, like Trump, is known for his populist style and outsized personality, and was regularly mired in scandal. Putin has been known to charm an American president as well. In her 2011 memoir, former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice recalled how Putin shared a rather syrupy story about a cross that his mother had given him with President George W. Bush as the two sought to establish a rapport at a 2001 summit in Slovenia. It paid off when Bush told reporters later that day: I looked the man in the eye. I found him very straightforward and trustworthy I was able to get a sense of his soul. I visibly stiffened, Rice wrote later. We were never able to escape the perception that the president had naively trusted Putin and then been betrayed. Trump has gone much further, calling Putin far more of a leader than President Barack Obama, bucking the U.S. foreign policy establishment orthodoxy on Russias actions in Ukraine, and questioning the intelligence communitys assessment of Russias role in the presidential elections he won. Both Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov and Trump have called last weeks intelligence report into Russias hacking of the Democratic National Committee the same thing: a witch hunt. Peskov on Monday said planning for any meeting between the two leaders would begin only after next weeks inauguration. Both leaders would be expected to attend the G-20 summit in Hamburg in July. Vike-Freiberga said that Putin thoroughly researched the leaders he met in advance and was good at interpreting body language and pushing buttons. I myself have a reasonably good sense of what motivates people, she said. But Mr. Putin to my mind is someone who has been trained at it. One moment she recalled: Putin trying to lure away French President Jacques Chirac for a birthday dinner in Riga at the conclusion of a 2006 NATO summit in the former Soviet republic. Putin crashing the summit would have highlighted the divisions in NATO, just as President Bush was delivering a speech urging support for countries such as Ukraine and Georgia seeking to escape Moscows orbit. Vike-Freiberga raised the stakes, demanded a bilateral meeting with Putin, the first in Riga since Latvia declared independence. The Kremlin balked and Putin canceled his trip. The dinner was off. Thats one way I got him in the eye for sure, she laughed. Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal Frankly, if any other group of individuals were acting the way APD has allegedly been acting, some of us in law enforcement might refer to them as a continuing criminal enterprise and/or engaged in the act of racketeering. I appreciate how bold a statement that is. Albuquerques outgoing district attorney, in her final days in office, slammed the Police Department one last time accusing it of cover-ups and other problems. Frankly, if any other group of individuals were acting the way (the Albuquerque Police Department) has allegedly been acting, some of us in law enforcement might refer to them as a continuing criminal enterprise and/or engaged in the act of racketeering, then-District Attorney Kari Brandenburg wrote. I appreciate how bold a statement that is. Brandenburg made the comments in a Dec. 29 letter to Damon Martinez, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico; Ed Harness, the director of the Civilian Police Oversight Agency; and James Ginger, the independent monitor overseeing police reforms. I take strong exception to the baseless allegations the former district attorney made against the dedicated men and women of this Department as she left office. Albuquerque Police Department officers work tirelessly day after day to keep our community safe, Police Chief Gorden Eden said in a statement. APD worked diligently over the years to maintain a professional working relationship with the District Attorneys Office. Unfortunately, Ms. Brandenburgs letter shows her response to those efforts. Eden said police officials already have had several productive meetings with District Attorney Raul Torrez, who took office Jan. 1. Brandenburgs criticism of the department was directed at the polices administration, not the officers on the street, who Brandenburg said perform honorable jobs under trying circumstances. Brandenburg said in her letter that despite the settlement agreement between the city and the U.S. Department of Justice, there are ongoing problems within APD, including with its crime lab. She referred to allegations that police have altered lapel camera evidence in police shooting cases. She also said the department has refused to cooperate with, and hindered investigations by, Albuquerque civilian police oversight groups. Reynaldo Chavez, Albuquerque polices former records custodian, made the allegations in October about edited police videos in a sworn affidavit filed as part of a lawsuit being brought by the family of Mary Hawkes, who was 19 when she was shot and killed by a police officer. The city has strongly disputed the allegations by Chavez, who was fired, and has said it is ordering an independent investigation of the video tampering claims. The DOJ has said it is investigating the matter as well. Beth Mohr, chairwoman of the Police Oversight Board, has written emails filed in court that said Albuquerque police have shut out civilian oversight members from many aspects of the ongoing reforms underway by the department. Albuquerque police are involved in a yearslong reform effort brought on by a DOJ investigation, which found a pattern of excessive force. Brandenburg, who did not seek re-election and has been at odds with the department, particularly after APD concluded she improperly interfered in a burglary investigation of her son, also said in the letter that recently there have been problems with Albuquerque polices lab and DNA analysis. Attorney General Hector Balderas found that Brandenburg had not broken any laws in regard to the investigation of her son. But he said his investigation did find leadership failures by both Brandenburgs office and the police. Regarding the DNA allegation, Brandenburg cited a specific case: the prosecution of Mark Angelo Chavez on felony kidnapping charges. A jury found him guilty of kidnapping Tuesday afternoon. The former district attorney didnt specifically say what problems existed with DNA evidence collected from the victims fingernails. But documents she included in her letter showed that APDs crime lab experts werent able to testify in court to the conclusions they reached in the lab. Rachel Walker Al-Yasi, Chavezs attorney, said she didnt know the district attorney had those concerns but said she had tried to get DNA testimony excluded from the trial. If the DA is citing my case specifically, I should have been informed, she said. I would have presented that to a jury. Adolfo Mendez, a spokesman for Torrez, said issues with DNA evidence were litigated and there was other evidence against Chavez. The case was strong, he said. And the issues with DNA were disclosed and litigated. DA Kari Brandenburgs letter to feds about APD by Albuquerque Journal on Scribd DENVER Citing backlash from Republicans, Colorados Democratic governor said Tuesday he has abandoned the idea of issuing an executive order to seek a one-third cut in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. But Gov. John Hickenlooper insisted he hadnt given up on the proposals goals or his own commitment to maintaining Colorados status as a national leader in fighting air pollution. I think the response the pushback from the executive order was so intense that the potential benefits were outweighed by the collateral damage, Hickenlooper told reporters on the eve of the 2017 state legislative session. That being said, I continue to hold it up as a vision for reducing emissions, he said. The draft order revealed by The Associated Press in August would have directed state agencies to work on ways to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power generators by 35 percent by 2030, compared with 2012 levels. It said warming temperatures and violent weather related to global warming threaten Colorados economy, including agriculture, skiing and summer recreation. The proposal directed agencies to work with utilities to keep energy affordable to consumers. It did not disclose how the state would try to enforce the goals. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Power Plan set similar targets for Colorado and separate targets for other states. The Supreme Court suspended that plan pending the outcome of lawsuits challenging the EPA rules. GOP lawmakers argued that federal courts had to settle those lawsuits before Hickenlooper could push ahead with any state plan. Colorado was the first state in the nation to adopt regulations on methane pollution from oil and gas operations. Hickenlooper said he saw the proposed order as a vision rather than a mandate. Why wouldnt we do that? he said of outlining its goals. I think it would be government malpractice not to do that. ___ James Anderson can be reached on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jandersonap Abhishek Bachchan has completed a decade long association with the prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer OMEGA. The bollywood actor/producer has been an integral part of the brand and has reiterated his commitment towards it. Abhishek Bachchans constant striving for exellence and sense of sophistication make him the perfect choice as a brand ambassador. With his easy charm and effortless sense of style, Abhishek Bachchan's image fits perfectly with OMEGA's core values. The brand is associated with precision, sophistication and elegance. OMEGA prides itself on the uniqueness of its watches and Abhishek has been a huge fan of the brand for a very long time. Some of his favourites are the Seamaster Planet Ocean series, The Speedmaster "Dark Side of the Moon" and the Globemaster: the world's first Master Chronometer. Speaking about his decade long association and dedication to the brand, Abhishek added, OMEGA is an exceptional brand. They make watches that are the most innovative and technologically ahead of their times. The Dark Side of the Moon is one of my favourite timepieces. It is sporty, young and at the same time very suave. OMEGA is like a family to me and has always treated its ambassadors like family. I had never before seen the Olympic Games live and I thank OMEGA for giving me this privilege. With an extensive experience of around 10 years in the industry, Venkata Gavaskar Dontha is currently AVP - SEO at iProspect India. He has been with iProspect India for over six years now and successfully managed complex and large organic search campaigns with the help of his 35+ member team, winning key industry awards for most. Some of these include those for Myntra, Apollo Hospitals, Thomas Cook, Cleartrip, ICICI Lombard, Sharekhan, Maxlife Insurance, Indigo, Shopclues and JetAirways. His understanding of various digital channels allows him to co-optimise various digital campaigns for a brand, leveraging its benefits for better SEO performance. Prior to iProspect India, Dontha had worked with Progressive Media Group, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK with brands like Blueprint Magazine, New Statesman, etc. and Marvist Consulting. What does it takes to climb up the ladder in in this industry? Heres Venkata Gavaskar Dontha in his own words... How did you get into the role you are serving? Rewind to over 10 years back in time I had just completed my MBA. A marketing fresher, I happened to join a SEO company through reference. I felt it was relevant to what I had studied in college and digital was just getting started. Thats where my love for the digital industry was first seeded and I havent looked back ever since. I eventually got on board iProspect India. Today, after 10 glorious years in the industry, and six of them at iProspect, I know Im in the right place every new day at work is a reminder of the same and Im loving it! What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table? While Im personally excited about all things digital and the future that its going to bring along, my forte lies in SEO and Content Marketing. I was fortunate to identify these strengths early in the day. Through the years, Ive made a dedicated effort to hone my skills on this front and believe its my happy place. One campaign that you have worked on that you are particularly proud of? Please take us through the making of the campaign. I am extremely proud of all the work my team has done over the years at iProspect India. And at the risk of sounding cliched, choosing any one from them all is a really difficult task. However, if I had to pick any one, I think it would have to be the campaign undertaken for Myntra. The campaigns objective was to regain business performance to the level that they were at before they went to an app-only format. This was no piece of cake and what made it more challenging was that it has to be done in a six-month timeframe. This required us to go over and beyond the conventional approach of on page and off page. We, therefore, added an aggressive mix of content marketing activities, which helped us to achieve our targets and that too all in the given time period. While working on the creatives, how do you prepare yourself? What goes on in your mind? There are some key aspects that are integral to the making of any creative piece of work the target audience tops this list, whether its an ad copy or writing a meta description for a page. Eventually it all boils down to how efficiently, for how long and how frequently you can engage with your target audience. Icons in advertising you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work? Rand Fishkin (better known as Wizard of Moz) and marketing guru Philip Kotler are by far two great personalities who have influenced my professional work to a large extent. I have read their books multiple times and Im an ardent disciple of their ideologies. Their philosophies continue to shape my thought process and actions till date. What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine? 1. Ensure the daily tracker is in place being organised and having a to-do list, however basic it may seem, is 50 per cent of the work done well. 2. I try to keep my meetings that take place out of office either first thing in the morning or then towards the end of the day its a great way to save time. 3. My team and people mean everything to me, their happiness is vital I make it a point to spend around 10-15 minutes just on team building activities or sit and talk to them about anything fun. 4. As a practice, I rely on online portals to read the news and be abreast with whats happening in the world while commuting to work daily helps me kill two birds with one stone! 5. Call it me-time, making time for hobbies or taking time off, whatever you may but its absolutely necessary for me to commit a part of the day to doing anything that relaxes my mind, be it watching a movie, or playing candy crush. Do you think a career in advertising is a viable one in the long term? Absolutely! Im a living example of the same. Jokes apart, the industry has seen several stalwarts who have made their mark and spent all their working years in advertising and marketing field itself. In fact, I have seen many of my friends in the IT industry changing jobs often or switching careers, but the cases of the same in advertising are far and few in between. What does it take to succeed in a career like advertising? I dont think there can be a specific manual on this. Every advertising professionals strengths unfold in their own way to make their own successful story. However, if I were to pen down one attribute that went a long way in moulding me as a professional in this industry, it would be continuous learning. The advertising space in particular is rapidly evolving, demanding absolute agility and quick adaption to changes, especially in algorithms and user behaviour. What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry? My two cents of advice here would be that advertising is a great long term career option, provided you are a quick learner. Keep innovating your professional persona read more stories online on the industry trends, watch lots of ads to see the work being done by your peers, etc. Im sure this will help come up with your own innovative ideas for your campaigns and take your work to the next level. Always remember to be a story teller! Where do you see yourself in five years time? Honestly, I cant see myself anywhere but in the advertising and marketing industry. Im sure five years down the line, things will be different methods of doing things will change and I might adapt to newer formats, but the essence of advertising will still be the same. Technology is getting increasingly integrated in most of the work we do and Im waiting to see how things unfold there I will probably explore additional responsibilities and opportunities around that. Is there any agency/ organisation that you would like to work with in the future? No way! Its been an amazing journey with iProspect India for the last six years and Im proud to be a part of the leadership team here. Theres so much more to achieve in this place and I truly believe that this is just the beginning we have a lot more coming up! Celebrated journalist and News Anchor Arnab Goswami turned RJ this morning as he hosted the Morning Show along with RJ Nathan and RJ Michelle on Indigo 91.9, Bangalore's first International music station. The celebrated journalist spoke in length with the RJs as he shared details about his new venture - Republic, which is all set to go on air very soon. Known to be very vocal and to-the-point at most of his news shows, Arnab got candid and shared many anecdotes about his past. He joked about his anchoring and at times got serious about the many impending issues the country is dealing with. He also shared his views on current topics - from the US elections to the recent mass molestation that took place in Bangalore. Answering questions from the listeners, he said Bengaluru was one of his favorite places and was keen to travel to the city as much as he could. After launching the Twitter and Facebook handles of his new venture Republic, the man himself made his first public appearance last evening at the Under 25 Summit presented by Indigo 91.9 FM and Asianet Newsable. A new revolution for independent news media he said addressing a large gathering of youth, who were excited to meet one of Indias top journalists and news anchors. Of course, the RJs did not let him go without getting him to say, The Nation Wants to Know...?!, his most heard query on TV which has become a cult slogan across the country. For more, tune into Indigo 91.9 FM or log onto www.facebook.com/Indigo919Bangalore and www.theindigoxp.com GREEN BAY The Packers honored a veteran from Racine during Sunday's big victory over the Giants. Michael Kirby and his family were recognized on the field before Sunday's game. Kirby served 14 years in the U.S. Army, from March 2001 to October 2015, and was mobilized in 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his decorated career, Kirby earned the rank of sergeant first class and earned a Glen E. Morrell Medallion, in addition to numerous commendation medals, according to a release. Kirby also became a recruiting station commander in 2009 and later provided logistic support to the Pacific command in Okinawa, Japan. Kirby and his family now live in Stoughton. According to the release, Kirby attended Sunday's game with his wife, Katie, his son Aidan and his friend, Nick. Operation Fan Mail, which debuted in 2007, recognizes families with a member who is on active duty in the armed forces, or who served. The Packers and WPS Health Solutions hosted a family at each 2016 home game and recognized them on the field during pregame activities. A total of 99 individuals or families have been recognized through the program thus far. The stationary brand Bic has launched a digital campaign for its new category of pens in India, Cello Marky. The humorous three-film campaign has been conceptualized by Scarecrow Communications. The first film features a boy gifting a pair of shoes to his girlfriend who starts gushing about the gift. When the boyfriend leaves, her true colours come out! She looks at the grey shoes with disdain and exclaims So boring! Suddenly, a Cello Marky appears in the frame with the brand message Why Jhelo when you can badlo! (Why tolerate things when you can change them?) The girl grabs the Marky and points the grey shoes in bright funky colours, completely transforming them. The final VO says Its not a Marker. Its a Marky. The second film portrays a post-wedding anniversary party in a house. The father, mother and daughter are unpacking the gifts and each one of them, turns out to be an identical white cup! The family is obviously exasperated. Thats when the Cello Marky appears in the frame and lets each member transform the cup into something very creative and colourful. Says Tanveer Khan, CMO BIC-Cello India, The Permanent Marking segment in India has been restricted to office and industrial use, with standard ink colours. However, we have seen global markets in this segments undergo a massive change, where permanent markers are extensively used in home and in schools for various purposes, creative or practical. In India, Cello Marky intends to transform this segment and expand the usage pattern of a markers, utilising the advantage of permanent marking across surfaces. We want people to use Cello Marky and creatively express themselves beyond paper & cartons. Cello Marky provides 8 vibrant ink colours (first time in India) along with long lasting Japanese tips which will help consumers use this product for creatively marking on most surfaces. The Idea is to Transform boring objects and the campaign execution idea is Why Jhelo when you can badlo. The campaign aims to showcase the usage of Cello Marky in day to day life by transforming mundane objects into desirable mediums of personal expression. It humorously showcases different situations where consumers are gifted or offered objects which they do not like in its current form." Says Raghu Bhat, Founder Director, Scarecrow Communications, The opportunity was to make Marky synonymous with a new product category. At a product level, the campaign had to differentiate Marky vis-a-vis a marker and educate consumers on various surfaces of usage. At an emotional level, we wanted to position Marky as an instrument of self-expression and a means to change the status quo. We chose an abrupt editing technique used by many Japanese films to intensify the drama. Says Mangesh Mulajkar, Senior Vice-President, Scarecrow Communications, The potential of Cello Marky can only be realised if we are able to demonstrate the domestic usage of the product in the everyday lives of the consumer. Armed with a Marky and their imagination, they can transform regular, boring objects into vibrant beautiful pieces of art. The third film of the campaign is about to be released soon. The campaign will also run in cinema halls. On Facebook, the campaign is generating a lot of traction and business enquiries. Client: BIC-Cello Agency: Scarecrow Communications Clients team: Tanveer Khan, Vikram Jain, Disha Pandya Creative Team: Raghu Bhat, Manish Bhatt, Joybrato Dutta, Saikat Sengupta, Vaishakh Jhunjhunwala, Gaurav Vaswani Account Management: Mangesh Mulajkar Production house: Puppet Pictures Director: Naren Multani Producer: Hozefa Multani Music composer: Bobo The 2 films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN2paPEVcyk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3OHGNf3Xzg In 2016, about 69 million consumers purchased online and the number is expected to cross 100 million by 2017 with the rise of digital natives, better infrastructure in terms of logistics, broadband and Internet-ready devices to fuel the demand in e-Commerce, according to an ASSOCHAM-Resurgent India study. As per the findings of the joint study, Bangalore has left behind all other cities in India shopping online in the year 2016. While Mumbai ranks second, Delhi ranks third in their preference for online shopping. In other cities like Bangalore, 69% of its population chose to buy daily routine products through e-shopping in 2015-16, which will go to 75% this year for apparel, gift articles, magazines, home tools, toys, jewellery, beauty products & sporting goods categories. Likewise, Mumbai share was 65% in the last year, which might go up another 70% in this year for electronic gadgets, accessories, apparel, gifts, computer peripherals, movies, hotel booking, home appliances, movie tickets, health & fitness products and apparel gift certificates etc whereas, Delhi, 61% of its population chose to buy daily routine products through e-shopping in 2015-16, which will go to 65-68% by the year end. The ASSOCHAM- Resurgent India joint study reveals, Indian e-Retail looks even more promising which is Up from $3.59 billion in 2013 to $5.30 billion in 2014 (a phenomenal increase of 48%), by the end of 2018, it is expected to touch $17.52 billion (with growth of 65%). The e-retail sale continues to register an unprecedented growth and increase by leaps and bounds over the 2013-2018 period. In 2017, mobile commerce will become more important as most of the companies are shifting to m-commerce. Mobile already accounts for 30-35% of e-commerce sales, and its share will jump to 45-50% by 2017," adds the report. E-commerce is big business and getting bigger every day. Online shopping has been embraced by Indians with close to 25-30 million adults making a purchase via the internet in the last year. The paper said, online shoppers and buyers starting with a base age of 18 are become more involved with ecommerce in their early teens, adds the paper. In 2016, it showed that a higher amount was being spent on average for popular categories such as apparel by 85 per cent, mobile phones by 68 per cent and cosmetics by 25 per cent, when it comes to online shopping. There was also a significant increase in spending on categories such as watches by 75 per cent and artificial jewellery by 65 per cent. Computer and consumer electronics, along with apparel and accessories, account for the bulk of India's retail e-commerce sales. There is a surge in the number of people shopping on mobile across India with tier II and III cities displaying increased dominance. In fact, 50% of our traffic is coming from mobile and a majority of them are first time customers, adds the paper. The year 2017 will see large scale growth in the Indian e-commerce sector with increased participation from people across the country. This industry will continue to drive more employment opportunities and contribute towards creating more entrepreneurs through the e-commerce marketplace model, noted the study. As per the joint study, the total retail sales in India will likely to increase from the $717.73 billion during CY 2014 to touch $1,244.58 billion by 2018. The total retail sales is growing at an impressive rate of 15%, registering a double digit growth figure year after year. Challenges for the e-Commerce The phenomenal growth of the e-Commerce sector is accompanied by certain challenges: Absence of e-Commerce laws Low entry barriers leading to reduced competitive advantages Rapidly changing business models Urban phenomenon Shortage of manpower Customer loyalty Opportunities for the e-commerce: We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain. A group of UW-Madison professors criticized the state Department of Natural Resources on Monday for scrubbing its website of language that stated human activity is causing climate change, accusing the agency of ignoring facts and violating the public trust. The Republican-controlled DNRs revisions came last month. Instead of saying human activities that increase greenhouse gases are the main cause of climate change, the website now says that Earths climate is going through a change and the reasons are up for debate. Seven UW-Madison climate, zoology and ecology professors sent an essay to media outlets Monday saying the new language incorrectly implies climate change is mysterious when its clearly caused by greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels. The Wisconsin DNR has a responsibility to accurately inform the public about the challenges presented by climate change, the scientists said. Ignoring facts and this responsibility hobbles the state agency entrusted to manage natural resources and protect the public. It also portrays the Wisconsin state government as anti-science. DNR spokesman James Dick said Monday that agency officials decided to update the website in response to an inquiry from The Lakeland Times newspaper in northern Wisconsin. The Minocqua newspaper reported last week that it asked why the site wasnt changed since agency officials have been stating publicly for years that the cause of climate change is up for debate. Asked for comment on the scientists essay, Dick said the DNR doesnt have the capacity to evaluate the causes of climate change and the agency continues to adapt management strategies to address changing environmental conditions. Most scientists agree burning fossil fuels has increased greenhouse gases and caused global warming. A 2014 United Nations report found that human influence on climate is clear and global warming is unequivocal and unprecedented. Gov. Scott Walker, who controls the DNR, and his fellow Republicans have been critical of President Barack Obamas climate change initiatives. The scientists column threatens to further inflame tensions between UW-Madison and Republican legislators. Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany of Hazelhurst, which is near Minocqua, is a frequent DNR critic who leads the Senates Sporting Heritage, Mining and Forestry Committee. He said the agency appropriately updated its website. Their criticism is off-base, Tiffany said, because climate change is a theoretical construct. Here's Why Liberals Are Suddenly Embracing The 2nd Amendment By Shaun Bradley. January 3rd, 2017 Article Source Bureaucrats in California are ringing in the new year by doubling down on their failed policies to stop gun violence. As of January 1st, six new bills are being phased in that close the so-called bullet-button loophole and require background checks to buy ammunition. Another policy would have banned magazines that hold over ten rounds, but in a surprise move, the magazine restriction was repealed on December 29th, just ahead of the deadline. Although California has always been a poster child for the progressive agenda, support for these extreme measures seems to have faded especially since the result of the presidential election. These new standards were signed by Governor Jerry Brown in the wake of the San Bernardino attack last December, and in many ways, they mimic the registry created in Connecticut after Sandy Hook. Even though the changes solidify Californias status as the most draconian state when it comes to gun rights, public opinion may be at a turning point. The reality of a Trump administration has shocked many Californians into a newfound appreciation for the 2nd Amendment. Since November, there has been a record number firearms sold in the Golden State and many of those buying them are liberals. Hopefully, instead of being blinded by identity politics, this can be a moment for both parties to realize gun ownership is a necessary check on centralized power. The 2nd Amendment has long been a point of contention between the left and the right, but perhaps a year like 2016 is what was needed to find some common ground. Regardless of ones beliefs, when the president has far-reaching, violative power, concerns of authoritarianism will inevitably come from both sides of the political spectrum. An armed populace, though, has much less to fear from the whims of a dictator, whether they are a fascist or a socialist. Yet if the original magazine ban hadnt been repealed, thousands of innocent people would have been turned into felons overnight. Those who dont comply with the numerous other new stipulations are still at risk. For this reason, those who oppose the drug war should empathize with gun owners who find themselves in the crosshairs of the State. People who have experimented safely with marijuana or psychedelics understand that when used responsibly, they can be important tools in improving quality of life. Thats why its infuriating to see politicians who have never experienced the benefits of these substances make laws that put people in jail for simply possessing a plant. But why isnt there the same anger when politicians who have never been in a fight or shot a gun (yet are protected by armed bodyguards) create laws criminalizing individuals choices on how they defend themselves? The drug war uses law enforcement on non-violent people to enforce arbitrary victimless crimes, but it is just as immoral when law-abiding gun owners are targeted by the State at the behest of a fearful public. This targeting amounts to the collectivization of millions of people, the vast majority of whom will never harm anyone. In the same way, the majority of cannabis or psychedelic users do not harm others let alone themselves proving blanket bans unreasonably violate the rights of non-violent individuals. Further, instances where firearms are used in self-defense are almost never covered by the press but lives saved by guns should carry significant weight in the discussion. Taking away legal firearms only limits options for those who become victims when the police arent close enough to intervene. Obviously, not everyone has the desire to carry a firearm, just as there are many people who have no interest in using drugs, but entrusting government as the mediator of what is reasonable and ethical is a fatal mistake that has been highlighted throughout history. The well-known tactics of doublespeak and problem-reaction-solution have been deployed on the public to link societys perception of gun ownership to criminality. Terms like bullet-button, high-capacity, automatic rifle, and ghost gun are all manipulative words that have been used to confuse those who arent assimilated into American gun culture. With little personal experience on which to base their opinions, many liberals unquestionably accept the States assertions that guns are to blame accusations that inevitably follow these tragic scenarios. Unfortunately, the government has a poor track record of addressing the root cause of the issue and not just a symptom of the disease. There is no amount of laws that can be written to solve the underlying societal problems driving the violence, and like it or not, the weapons of millions of Americans are here to stay. When crucial information from the media is being intentionally omitted, the result can be just as deceptive as an outright lie. Even the infamous false claim that there were 355 mass shootings in 2015 made its rounds and was regurgitated on major networks. But deliberate wording was used to skew the data and guide the publics reaction. Out of those 355 incidents, only a handful resulted in any loss of life, even though the audience associated mass shootings with the few mass murders they had seen broadcast non-stop. The source of the data is a site called Mass Shooting Tracker, and their calculations are vastly different than most would assume. The organization clearly states how they define mass shootings on their web page: The current FBI definition of mass murder, commonly accepted by the media as a proxy for mass gun violence, is three or more people murdered in one event. We believe this does not capture the whole picture. Many people may survive a shooting based on luck aloneOur definition is this: a mass shooting is an incident where four or more people are shot in a single shooting spree. This may include the gunman himself, or police shootings of civilians around the gunman. The statistics echoed throughout the mainstream media to convince the public that were in the midst of a mass shooting epidemic and that assault rifles are largely to blame has been a spectacle. Even something as simple as the number of gun deaths is consistently inflated by the rate of suicides, which are often included in tallies. The gun control position would at least have some integrity if they went after the weapons that are used in 68% of all murders handguns. But instead of standing on the values they preach, gun control advocates turn to emotional manipulation that undermines logic to target rifles, which account for only 3% of all murders. FBI reports have consistently shown an overall decrease in violent crime, but only cities that have instituted the strictest gun control, like Chicago, have fallen victim to unprecedented turmoil turmoil that, if state gun laws worked, would be avoided. The democratic nature of the United States is only valuable if it remains representative of all opinions without marginalizing the rights of the minority. The rise of the Calexit movement has created a unique opportunity to open up the debate on the issue of state rights, which until now has mostly been associated with right-wing parts of the country. Hopefully, the perfect storm of political upheaval and government overreach can bring people together behind individual freedom. The new laws being implemented in California exemplify a failed solution to a complex problem. If 2016 did one thing, it highlighted the differences in values and vision that separate the ideologies of the nation. In the pursuit of diversity, the differences in ideas have been placed on the back burner, but if progress that is more than skin deep is going to be made, then all views even the unpleasant ones need to be heard. Republished under a Creative Commons license. Attribution to Shaun Bradley and theAntiMedia.org. Back to Top Daniel McConnell Political Editor Political leaders in the South expressed their grave fears for the future of the Northern Assembly following the decision by Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness to resign as Deputy First Minister. The Government in Dublin has appealed for calm in Stormont in the wake of Martin McGuinness resignation. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan (pictured)said he regretted the circumstances which have led to Mr McGuinness decision to resign his office. The Government is very mindful of the need to protect the integrity of the principles and institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, he said. If, as appears likely, new elections to the Assembly will now be required, it behoves all parties to act responsibly in word and deed, so that the political institutions of the Agreement will not be damaged in the longer term." Mr Flanagan spoke to Mr McGuinness and also to the British Secretary of State to Northern Ireland James Brokenshire. As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government will continue to work with the British Government and the political parties to advance political stability, reconciliation and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland, Mr Flanagan added. Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin (pictured below) said it is with a sense of dismay that he has watched the so-called Cash for Ash scandal unfold. Deputy Martin said: It was my hope that an agreement could be reached to facilitate a robust inquiry into this scandal. However, the decision of Mr McGuinness to resign his position and Sinn Feins demand for new elections means that will not now happen. Instead, the stage is now being set for a bitter election campaign that will not address any of the issues that led us to this point, and the future of the institutions is thrown into serious doubt." Mr Martin said Sinn Feins decision to respond by pulling the plug and demanding fresh elections would appear to do very little to address any of the underlying problems and does nothing to deal with the challenge of limiting taxpayer exposure. SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said the public understand that there is one reason for this potential election - Arlene Fosters arrogance. "The SDLP is ready to fight an election. Last May the Executive offered a fresh start and have now failed - we will offer the public the chance of change," he said. The public also knows that those behind cash for ash scandal can now enjoy a two-month break from any effective public inquiry or police investigation. The Sinn Fein statement references the attacks by the DUP on Irish identity and culture and on the equality agenda. All of those statements and sentiments are true and I agree with them all. The DUP have governed disgracefully and it has extended well beyond the leadership of Arlene Foster." Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA said Mr McGuinness resignation was not the way to resolve the scandal. Sinn Fein should have stayed, to hold the First Minister to account, to force a public inquiry and to vote on the much-needed cost controls on the scheme, he said. Instead, they have prioritised self-interest, as always. This is Sinn Fein letting the DUP off the hook. The public mood clearly indicates they want the facts of the RHI debacle exposed, he added. Irelands population of over 65s will grow by 200,000 over the next ten years. The implications of this ageing population for retirement and healthcare was discussed by Irish Life today at a media briefing looking at trends in the pensions, investment and health insurance sectors. During the briefing, it was announced that only three in 10 (28%) of those not yet retired have a financial plan to help them prepare for retirement. Surprisingly, only half of those under 50 years of age had ever discussed financial retirement plans with their partner. As retirement age approached, this increased with 75% of those ten years or less from retirement saying they had discussed plans with their partner. The financial issues which people expect to have to deal with in retirement include supporting both their children and their parents and paying off debt. Many life events, such as getting married and having children now happen later than previously, including saving for retirement. In 2016, the average age at which individual Irish Life customers first purchased a pension was 44 years, almost 10 years older than the average age in 2000. Commenting on the data, Managing Director at Irish Life Corporate Business, Tony Lawless said, "We recommend a target of one third of salary, plus the state pension, for people to enjoy a comfortable retirement. However, 90% of people currently on our Defined Contribution plans are not on track and most people will see a salary replacement of just 18% plus the state pension unless they save more, and start pensions earlier." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Yesterday Prime Minister Theresa May announced her first big initiative: the shared society. David Ainsworth asks what this means for charities, and whether her ambition can be delivered. There's a lot to like about the shared society, Theresa May's grand plan for Britain, which she announced yesterday at the Charity Commission's annual meeting. But there are also a few things to be wary of. May's vision is one of social equality and justice for those struggling on the margins of society, and it chimes extremely well with the ambitions the charity sector has for this country. She appears to want this to be the thing, other than Brexit, that will define her leadership. So what to think of it? At first glance it may have looked a bit, well, familiar. The assembled charity leaders might be forgiven for thinking: Big initiative, light on policy, uses the word society. Havent we been here before? Time might well prove them right, too. There are distinct similarities between this announcement and David Camerons initiative, the big society. But then, there are also distinct differences. Light on policies The shared society speech was light on policies, but it did at least suggest that there were some, and that they joined together in a coherent way, which is much more than can be said for the big society. We will have to wait and see if there really are policies, and if they are good ones, and if they come with any money attached. But it feels as if theres something there. And it's very good that Theresa May said things the charity sector wanted to hear. She talked about tackling poverty, about solving the housing crisis, about social care. The one area where she did deliver solid plans mental health is an area where the sector has led the way in changing attitudes. She also seems to have understood the idea that you cant just roll back the state and expect charities to pick up the pieces. She was very clear that the state must be active in changing peoples lives for the better, rather than just getting out of the way and hoping for the best. Must involve charities Hopefully there will be an attempt to involve the sector in delivering this change. If there is, the state must continue to be involved as a convenor, partner, and funder. Mind you, there wasnt actually that much mention of the charity sector in the speech. There was some enough to show she was aware of her audience but little to show how social sector bodies might be tasked with delivery. To be honest, if all the machinery of government is committed to tackling the problems of fairness, the charity sector shouldnt complain too much. At least there will be someone to cheer on from the sidelines. Another positive point is the fact that Theresa May was at the Charity Commission, talking about charities, to an audience of sector people. One suspects this may be fortuitousness, rather than a deep commitment the commissions annual meeting might just have happened along at roughly the point that she finished the speech but still, she was there. And thats got to be good news - a prime minister actively engaging with and praising the sector, after a couple of years in which charities have mostly only been mentioned by politicians in connection with the words scandal, disgrace and we really dont want to hear what you think. Of course, David Cameron talked a lot about charities early in his premiership, and look how that turned out. And the Tories still have many senior people who are deeply suspicious of the sector. So even if Theresa May is feeling well intentioned towards charities now, there's room for it to go wrong. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating. May is far from the first prime minister to set out a big idea. Many of her predecessors have seen those ideas founder on the rocks of exigencies and events. And May has Brexit looming over her, just as recession and referendum loomed over David Cameron, and eventually condemned the big society to a footnote. Even if events do not scupper the vision, other things can go wrong. We may still find she does not have a coherent suite of policies to implement her vision. We may find she can simply not deliver what she wants. We may find that if she does, those policies do not suit the sector as well as it currently looks. But who knows? It might just work. Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Robert Half International Inc. provides staffing and risk consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Temporary and Consultant Staffing, Permanent Placement Staffing, and Risk Consulting and Internal Audit Services. It places temporary services for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping; temporary and full-time office and administrative personnel consisting of executive and administrative assistants, receptionists, and customer service representatives; full-time accounting, financial, tax, and accounting operations personnel; and information technology contract professionals and full-time employees in the areas of platform systems integration to end-user technical and desktop support, including specialists in application development, networking and cloud, systems integration and deployment, database design and administration, and security and business continuity. The company also offers temporary and full-time employees in attorney, paralegal, legal administrative, and legal secretarial positions; and senior-level project professionals in the accounting and finance fields for financial systems conversions, expansion into new markets, business process re-engineering, business systems performance improvement, and post-merger financial consolidation. It is involved in serving professionals in the areas of creative, design, marketing, advertising, and public relations; and placing various positions, such as creative directors, graphics designers, web designers, media buyers, front end developers, copywriters, digital marketing managers, marketing analytics specialists, brand managers, and public relations specialists. The company provides internal audit, technology consulting, risk and compliance consulting, and business performance services. It serves clients and employment candidates. Robert Half International Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. Last month, I wrote an article about the process we take to build a credit union websites in just four months. This establishes our thinking when it comes to CU Grows process to build websites that sell and will help to provide context for the information below. So while its not required reading, I would highly encourage you to review this article before venturing onward. Building your new credit union website should be treated as a process. In other words, your new website needs to be viewed as an entity in your organization that can be continuously optimized and improved over time. But even before you get to that point of optimization, your new website initiative must begin somewhere. Below are just four of the dozens of items we work our clients through when building new websites in four to five months using Growth Driven Design for credit unions. And while you may choose to ignore the principles of Growth Driven Design in your next website redevelopment project, I would encourage you to consider these ideas as they will provide a sense of purpose and direction for you and your team. The Purpose of the Website Must Be Defined Like any character in a story, your new website will fill a specific role in your organizations narrative. Will it be just another glorified brochure with a bulleted list of product features? Or will it be the central focus of your digital growth engine, a true digital marketing and sales platform, that guides consumers through their buying journey? Lets consider the evolving consumer: Current data indicates eighty-one percent (81%) of consumers in the U.S. today start researching banking products online. Bankrate 50% of consumers report searching exclusively online for financial services products. They are typically first drawn to a product before settling on a credit union brand. Filene Banking shoppers used on average 8.9 sources of information to help them make their purchase decision. Google After guiding dozens of credit unions through our Digital Growth Blueprint engagements, we find many fail to keep up with these changing behaviors of their consumers. Theres usually a disconnect as to the purpose of the website in the organization, especially at the executive and board level. To help provide clarity and confidence for these organizations, we conduct half-day workshops with key executives and stakeholders with one goal in mind: education. Because as consumer behavior continues to evolve, marketers must continue to learn and train others within their organizations as to how digital assets, including the website, will provide value for consumers. So instead of starting discussions about wireframes, designs, or overall structure, simply begin by defining the purpose of your website. A good question to answer is, Why does our website exist? This often yields deeper discussions about your financial institutions purpose, or Why does your credit union exist? Defined Consumer Personas Steer the Websites Direction When guiding credit unions on these website endeavors, its necessary to determine the intended audience of a new website to provide direction and focus. In other words, you can ask, Who are we trying to help in our community? These discussions typically start with a broad perspective, like wanting the new website to appeal to anyone who lives, works, or worships in a certain geographic area. But regardless of if your financial institution is located in the rural countryside of the Midwest or a metropolis on the East Coast, the communities in which you operate are made up of smaller market segments. The basis for persona development are outlined in our consumer persona worksheets in which we answer the following questions: What are the general demographics of this persona? What are the personas questions or concerns? What are the personas hopes and dreams? What are the values of this persona? What are the lifestyle behaviors of this persona? What products and services are applicable for this persona? What media channels (both traditional and digital) are applicable for this persona? And through the development of several different consumer personas with our clients, we can better understand who their current and ideal members are. As a result, we can develop a comprehensive website, from design to content to imagery to even calls to action, for these consumers. Historical Analytics are Invaluable Once a group of consumer personas has been clearly defined, the next step is to assess the financial institutions current websites performance. This analysis typically involves an in-depth review of their current website architecture, Google Analytics, live user testing data, website surveys, and various heat maps. A majority of todays credit union websites are a bloated mess of unnecessary content and information, and this analysis helps us to understand what pages and information are truly necessary for the new website. For example, in a recent website initiative, commoditized product features, like Estatements, Bill Pay, and Remote Deposit Capture, had their individual pages, yet historical traffic to these pages didnt justify migrating the existing content to the new website. We were able to consolidate these features into one page with visual icons and short descriptions. And if questions arise from our clients as to why certain pages are not migrating over to the new website, we point to the historical analytics as to the basis for our decisions. Furthermore, these analytics allow us to understand how people are visiting the website. What devices are they using (desktop, tablet or mobile)? What has the trend over the last few years been for each of these devices? What are popular pages people are viewing from a mobile device? From a desktop? Historical analytics allow us to better understand past website performance and eliminate flawed assumptions when building a website from (mostly) scratch. Mobile First. Mobile First. Mobile First. Notice how this is simply not responsive design. Like other buzz words in the industry, we receive numerous RFPs and have various discussions with prospects in which the primary goal of the website is to make sure its responsive. To that, we respond, Table stakes. Whats more important, and often overlooked by credit union marketers, is the content for these responsive sites. Much attention is spent reviewing and refining the design and visuals of the new website, while the content, for the most part, is quickly and quietly ported over. In fact, our website assessments continue to find much of this content has survived numerous versions of the website. But this text heavy content is not optimized for mobile consumption. And we hear this from consumers. After conducting hundreds of user testing sessions of various credit union websites, the primary complaint shared about contemporary financial institution websites is that there is simply too much text. In fact, one user tester exclaimed, No, theres no way Im reading that. Content is just one part of this conversation. We must also consider mobile delivery at each step of the consumer buying journey. If we were to start this from a product landing page, what is the experience of a consumer who clicks on the Apply Now CTA? If they were to go through the entire online application, what would then happen? Yes, responsive design is a must for credit union websites. But what value does that bring a consumer when the sum of other website elements add up to a negative experience? Learn more about building a website that sells with this downloadable guide from CU Grow. PSU stocks gain on divestments hopes The PSU stocks were buzzing in trade anticipating stake sales by the government to be speeded up further post BEML receiving in principal approval from the government for stake sale. The Modi government has been trying to trim down its shareholding in several of the PSUs, including the financially sound ones, along with the ones which have been bleeding financially for a long time and have been a drain on government's resources. The governments disinvestment programme is mainly about revenue generation in order to meet its varied developmental agendas, and at the same time, it is about giving operational autonomy to the state firms. The Indian government has budgeted to make Rs 56,500 crore from disinvestment, including Rs 20,500 crore from strategic sales, by March 2017. The cabinet has already given in-principle approval for divestment of several companies. However, companies such as Hindustan Zinc and BALCO where the government holds minority stake and have already been privatised, need to be looked at. MTNL was trading up with the gains of 5 per cent reacting to the governments divestment drive. MMTC (up 8.2 per cent), Hind Copper (up 3.7 per cent) and Bharat Electronics (up 3.5 per cent) were the other PSU stocks buzzing on D-Street. While exploring the behavior of fluids at the nanoscale, a group of researchers at the French National Center for Scientific Research discovered a peculiar state of fluid mixtures contained in microscopic channels WASHINGTON, D.C., January 10, 2017 -- Shrinking the investigation of objects down to the nanometer scale often reveals new properties of matter that have no equivalent for their bulk analysis. This phenomenon is motivating many current studies of nanomaterials which can reveal fascinating new phenomena. It inspired a group of researchers at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) to explore the extent of our knowledge about fundamental properties of fluids, which demands reconsideration with the increasing use of fluids in the decreasing sizes of new devices, where their flow is confined into ever-smaller capillary tubes. As the group reports in The Journal of Chemical Physics, from AIP Publishing, they discovered a peculiar state of miscible, or mixable, fluids contained within nanochannels. This peculiar state "corresponds to a well-ordered, concentric arrangement of two coexisting liquid regions of different composition," said Denis Morineau, director of research at CNRS, in Rennes. "One region forms a shell surrounding a second liquid core, both of which have a radial thickness of only one to four molecular sizes. "[The phenomenon] is known as 'microphase separation' because it doesn't imply that the constituents of the two liquid regions will indeed phase separate," he said. "They actually form a unique homogenous liquid phase during normal conditions. In fact, this hidden tendency of binary fluids to form spontaneous supramolecular ordered structures is revealed only at the microscopic scale." In primary school, many pupils experiment with droplets of ink from, say, a fountain pen to observe their dispersion in a glass of water. Eventually, the droplet disperses fully and the miscible combination leads to the formation of a homogenous, light-blue solution. "This shows that two liquids are fully miscible and their binary mixture forms a single liquid phase at thermodynamic equilibrium," said Morineau. "Now, by combining different pairs of simple solvents, we've shown that this inherent property of fully miscible binary liquids is invalidated when the container size is scaled down." Effectively, they directly measured how small is too small for a sample of two miscible liquids to be considered a combined solution. This phenomenon was first observed during a neutron scattering experiment performed at the French Neutron National Source Orphee in the Laboratory Leon Brillouin (LLB). The study was further developed at LLB in collaboration with the European Large Scale Facility (Institute Laue-Langevin). "Scattered neutrons reveal where atoms are in the sample with a spatial resolution that reaches the nanometer scale," Morineau said. "The unique method is sensitive to the isotopic nature of atom. Unlike X-rays, they provide a clear distinction between hydrogen and (the hydrogen isotope) deuterium." The group applied this method to study the structure of simple solvents such as hydrocarbons and alcohols, impregnated within synthetic, porous solids made of silica glass. The glass featured a honeycomb-like arrangement of parallel, eight nanometer wide cylindrical channels. The porous material served as a collection of nanometer-sized test tubes. Morineau's group mixed molecules of the same liquid, but differing in the total number of neutrons from the exchange of hydrogen atoms with its heavier isotope, deuterium. With the right proportions, the mixture can be tuned to scatter neutrons matching the scattering from the glass tubes, making the two indistinguishable. "We first used this trick to prepare and confine liquids that have the same interaction with neutrons as the silica glass nanocapillaries. Under this contrast-matching condition, the neutron is blind to the liquid and the measured scattered intensity is cancelled," Morineau said. "[With ink this would] correspond to the situation in which both the inked solution and the glass container have exactly the same color, making them indistinguishable." The group had a surprising observation for some confided binary liquids, where they expected neutron matching behavior, but the signal was higher than ever. "This was the first direct proof that the paradigm of homogenous composition in a fully miscible mixture must break down within nanochannels," said Morineau. For real applicability, the group extended a series of carefully designed experiments to establish methods of labeling the components of binary liquids. "Combined with the development of a computational model, it shows excellent agreement with our present experiments," Morineau said. "We've provided a handy method to assess the original structures of fluids imbibed in nanometer-scale environments." Manipulating liquids in nanostructured pores is an activity common to many chemistry and materials science processes, but also plays a significant role in biological environments where the researchers expect their work to have broad applicability. "Our study suggests that microphase separation, as a new type of nanostructure, results from the concomitant effects of specific surface interactions and spatial confinement," said Morineau. "So we're excited by the opportunity the modulation of both elements offers to promote a new control on supermolecular assembling of complex mixtures." They plan to further investigate the dynamics, out-of-equilibrium properties and fluid flow within such systems. "These are fundamentally of interest, as well as for the development of nanofluidic devices," he said. "We're now collaborating with two research groups from Hamburg to explore these different perspectives." ### The article, "More room for microphase separation: An extended study on binary liquids confined in SBA-15 cylindrical pores," is authored by Ramona Mhanna, Abdel Razzak Abdel Hamid, Sujeet Dutta, Ronan Lefort, Laurence Noirez, Bernhard Frick and Denis Morineau. The article will appear in The Journal of Chemical Physics on January 10, 2017 (DOI: 10.1063/1.4972126). After that date, it can be accessed at http://aip.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1063/1.4972126. ABOUT THE JOURNAL The Journal of Chemical Physics publishes concise and definitive reports of significant research in the methods and applications of chemical physics. See http://jcp.aip.org. An international team of scientists at Baylor College of Medicine, the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine in Naples, Italy and other institutions has discovered that the gene TFEB is a major regulator of muscle function during exercise. Exercise triggers TFEB entering into the nucleus of muscle cells where it regulates the processes that provide energy to the muscle. These genes include those involved in glucose use, insulin sensitivity and function of the mitochondria, the energy-producer structures inside cells. This work may lead to the design of future treatments for conditions such as diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study appears in Cell Metabolism. In a previous study, the researchers found that TFEB can regulate the response of cells to food deprivation. "In this study we found that TFEB controls the response of the body to physical exercise," said co-senior author Dr. Andrea Ballabio, professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor and director of the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine. "TFEB plays a central role by regulating the expression of genes that allow muscle cells to use energy." TFEB is a transcription factor - a master regulator molecule inside the cell that controls the expression and function of genes. Uncovering the role of TFEB in exercise The scientists studied the role of TFEB in the laboratory mouse. When the researchers knocked out the mouse TFEB gene, the mice had a hard time sustaining exercise. A closer look inside the cells showed that the mitochondria looked abnormal and were dysfunctional. The cells in the exercising muscle could not generate enough energy to sustain physical activity. In contrast, when the scientists overexpressed the TFEB gene in mice, the mitochondria looked healthy and increased the amount of energy they normally produced. The researchers were surprised by these results. "TFEB had not been associated with how cells use energy before," Ballabio said. "This work is the product of a very fruitful international collaboration among researchers in laboratories in Italy, the UK, China and the U.S.," said Ballabio. "Our discovery of a central pathway that regulates muscle metabolism, use of glucose and mitochondrial function may have important implications in the study of diseases such as obesity and diabetes, as well as in a number of diseases in which muscle function is compromised." Future studies aimed at identifying drugs that modulate this pathway may lead to the identification of new strategies to treat such diseases. ### Other contributors of this work include Gelsomina Mansueto, Andrea Armani, Carlo Viscomi, Luca D'Orsi, Rossella De Cegli, Elena V. Polishchuk, Costanza Lamperti, Ivano Di Meo, Vanina Romanello, Silvia Marchet, Pradip K. Saha, Haihong Zong, Bert Blaauw, Francesca Solagna, Caterina Tezze, Paolo Grumati, Paolo Bonaldo, Jeffrey E. Pessin, Massimo Zeviani and Marco Sandri. The researchers are affiliated with one or more of the following institutions: Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine; University of Padova; MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge; Istituto Neurologico; Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine; North Sichuan Medical College; Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Federico II University, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. Financial support was provided by the Italian Telethon Foundation (TCR09003, TCP04009), the European Research Council (ERC 250154-CLEAR and 282310-MyoPHAGY), the Italian Ministry of Education (MiUR) (PRIN 2010/2011), CARIPARO and Foundation Leducq. In addition, support came from the University of Pennsylvania and Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, the Core Grant (MRC-MBU and ERC FP7-322424, GR-2010-2306-756), the Italian Ministry of Health and the National Science Foundation of China (H0315: 81370531). PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] -- As the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and members of the 115th U.S. Congress consider the possibility of revamping or replacing the Affordable Care Act, a new Brown University study finds an association between the law's expansion of Medicaid and improved care quality at federally funded community health centers that serve more than 20 million predominantly poor residents a year. "The first year of Medicaid expansion was associated with increases in insurance coverage and improvements in asthma treatment, BMI screening, pap testing and blood pressure control," wrote the authors of the study in the January 2017 issue of the journal Health Affairs. In January 2014, the District of Columbia and 25 states extended Medicaid to non-elderly residents with incomes at or below 138 percent of poverty, while 25 states did not (though six more have expanded Medicaid since then). Because many poor people turn to federally funded community health centers for care, the researchers sought to determine what difference Medicaid expansion might be making for them. Their analysis tracked changes in insurance coverage, the number of patients receiving care at health centers, and eight measures of care quality among roughly 20 million people a year who sought care at 1,057 community health centers between 2011 and 2014. Led by Megan Cole, a doctoral student at Brown, and Dr. Amal Trivedi, associate professor of health services, policy and practice, the study not only spanned the time period around expansion, but also compared statistically similar centers in states that expanded Medicaid and states that did not. That method gave the researchers two layers of comparison -- before 2014 vs. after, and expansion state vs. non-expansion state -- for determining whether the differences they observed might be attributable to Medicaid expansion. The researchers found a relatively greater drop in uninsurance rates of 11.1 percentage points for health center patients in expansion states vs. non-expansion states in 2014 compared to 2011-2013. Over the same period, they also found that the relative increase in Medicaid coverage was 11.8 percentage points higher for centers in expansion states. In 2014 about 23 percent of health center patients in expansion states and 39 percent in non-expansion states still remained uninsured. Although more patients in expansion states gained insurance coverage (primarily from Medicaid but also a modest amount from private sources), the rate of increase in unique patients visiting centers in 2014 compared to before was similar in expansion vs. non-expansion states. Cole and Trivedi said a likely reason was that the Affordable Care Act provided billions of dollars in funding to centers in all states to hire more staff, expand operations and to upgrade facilities, potentially allowing them to serve more patients across the board. Impact on quality The apparent result of the law in 2014 was therefore that many more patients came to health centers for care, but they were substantially more likely to come with insurance in expansion states. That meant that patients in expansion states were significantly more likely to contribute to their local center's revenue rather than just using their services, Cole said, and they were also more likely to be able to buy medications they were prescribed and access specialty care. Both factors -- that patients in expansion states could better reimburse their centers and were better positioned to benefit from higher quality care -- may have contributed to the quality trends the study data show, Trivedi added. Between the 2011-2013 period and 2014, care quality -- defined as the rate at which recommended care was provided -- improved at least slightly in expansion states on seven of the study's eight tracked measures: providing drug treatment for asthma, lipid-lowering therapy for coronary artery disease, aspirin for patients with cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer screening, pap testing, body mass index (BMI) assessment, and hypertension control. Care improved in non-expansion states on five of those measures but declined for pap testing and hypertension. In both sets of states, diabetes control got slightly worse. When the researchers compared the magnitude and the direction of the changes on each of the eight metrics, they found that four showed statistically significant differences -- all in favor of Medicaid expansion states: care for asthma, pap testing, BMI assessment and hypertension (particularly among Hispanics). "We do see relative improvements in some of these measures," Cole said. "Prior to expansion we see similar trends in both expansion and non-expansion states but then we see a deviation in 2014. Some of it is due to slight declines in quality in the non-expansion states, and some of it is due to greater improvements in quality in the expansion states." Trivedi and Cole said they hope that as policymakers consider the future of health care in the U.S., they will account for the impact on care for millions of poor patients who receive care in health centers. Their analysis suggests that Medicaid expansion benefited these patients. "Repealing Medicaid expansion entirely would have large consequences given that millions of low-income people would lose coverage -- particularly those patients who receive care in health centers," Cole said. ### In addition to Cole and Trivedi, the paper's other authors are Omar Galarraga, Dr. Ira Wilson of Brown University and Brad Wright of the University of Iowa. Funding for this research was provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) R36 Dissertation Grant and by the Nora Kahn Piore Award. A simple, linear robot is easy to control. With known goals and a clear understanding of variables, a controller tells the robot the rules to follow. If button A is pressed, for example, pick up an item from the conveyor belt. The item can either be moved to a different belt, or disposed of completely. A more complicated, nonlinear robot is more difficult. The rules change when neither the goals nor the variables are understood. "The knowledge of system dynamics is completely unknown and system states are not available... therefore, it is desirable to design a novel control scheme that does not need the exact knowledge of system dynamics but only the input and output data measured during the operation of the system," said Dr. Zhijun Fu, a researcher in the department of mechanical engineering at Zhejiang University, China. Fu and his research team published a paper describing this novel control scheme in IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica (JAS). The scientists first had to determine the system states in order to figure out how to control them. They implemented a neural network - an artificial brain capable of quick assessment and learning - to observe the system at multiple time scales and to update its information as it studies. "We cannot apply existing actor-based methods to unknown nonlinear systems directly," Fu said, explaining the appeal of an observer-based method. An actor must be told what to do, while the observer watches the system to learn the requirements for optimal control. Optimal control is the goal in most robotic systems. It's the budget of the system - how to achieve the goals at the lowest cost possible. "The proposed method may be used [in] industrial systems with 'slow' and 'fast' dynamics, due to the presence of some... parameters, such as small time constants," Fu said. Such variable dynamics can typically cost a system a lot, in terms of energy and resources. An observer-based method takes into account each type of parameter and adjusts ideally. This method also accounts for a common system control problem: the overwhelming of actuators. Actuators, the physical sensors in automated machines, can become saturated with information and stop working properly. Since this control method accounts for input constraints (since only the input and output data are measured), the actuators avoid saturation. Not all of the system control problems are solved, though. "[In this paper,] we don't consider the state constraints problem," Fu said, referring to potential limitations that scientists may need to apply to a robotic system in some situations. "[Future] research will be dedicated to solving this problem." ### Z. J. Fu, W. F. Xie, S. Rakheja, and J. Ma, "Observer-based adaptive optimal control for unknown singularly perturbed nonlinear systems with input constraints," IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, Vol. 4, no.1, pp. 33-42, Jan. 2017. IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica (JAS) is a joint publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc (IEEE) and the Chinese Association of Automation. JAS publishes papers on original theoretical and experimental research and development in all areas of automation. The coverage of JAS includes but is not limited to: Automatic control/Artificial intelligence and intelligent control/Systems theory and engineering/Pattern recognition and intelligent systems/Automation engineering and applications/Information processing and information systems/Network based automation/Robotics/Computer-aided technologies for automation systems/Sensing and measurement/Navigation, guidance, and control. To learn more about JAS, please visit: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=6570654 http://www.ieee-jas.org For members of the established research and education (R&E) networking community, attending conferences or sitting in on workshop sessions is the normal way to learn about the latest equipment, architecture, tools and technologies. But for network engineers striving to establish basic R&E infrastructure where bandwidth and other resources are scarce, the University of Oregon's Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC) is often the primary information conduit. NSRC staff travel to emerging nations in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and South America where they hold intensive hands-on training courses combined with direct engineering assistance to bring institutions up to speed. And for the second time in a year, ESnet and the NSRC have produced and released a library of short explanatory videos to help network engineers around the world gain basic knowledge, set up basic systems and drill down into areas of specific interest. In December, 15 videos detailing the Science DMZ network architecture were posted, covering the background and structure, specific designs, and techniques and technology. The Science DMZ video library complements the 29-video perfSONAR library released in July 2016. "The goal is to make the information more accessible to networking staff, in the U.S. and particularly in emerging economic areas where institutions are trying to bootstrap a research network," said ESnet Network Engineer Eli Dart, who developed the Science DMZ concept with Brent Draney of the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC). Both ESnet and NERSC are DOE Office of Science User Facilities managed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. While many networks were designed to support millions of small connections and rely on firewalls to provide security, R&E networks are increasingly called on to move massive research data sets from experiments or science simulations, which slow to an ooze when they encounter firewalls. The Science DMZ architecture provides a secure network enclave that safely and quickly moves large data sets between scientific facilities. With support from the National Science Foundation, more than 100 universities around the U.S. have deployed Science DMZs to enhance data transfers. "We were at a university recently and discussed the Science DMZ several times during our workshop," said Hervey Allen, NSRC's assistant director. "The network there had the traditional design of a big old firewall that filtered everything -- it just throttled data throughput." Partially funded by the National Science Foundation, Google and other organizations, the NSRC works directly with the indigenous network engineers and operators who develop and maintain the Internet infrastructure in their respective countries and regions by providing technical information, engineering assistance, training, donations of networking books, equipment and other resources. The end goal in this work is to make it easier for local scientists, engineers and educators to collaborate via the Internet with their international colleagues by helping to connect communities. Allen said that while networks capable of carrying 20 to 40 megabits a second may not be overly impacted by firewalls, once the bandwidth reaches a few gigabits, "the firewall just kills them." In places where high-speed networking is still in nascent stages, such as universities in emerging regions, installing Science DMZs on low-speed connections is useful and helps pave the way to greater capabilities as bandwidth grows. "Often, they never think they'll get up to speeds of multiple gigabits, but in a few years they are often at those rates," Allen said. Dart said another advantage of the Science DMZ architecture is that it is modular. "You can start small and grow incrementally--you don't have to jump in all at once," he said. "As an organization does more with its cyber-infrastructure, the components can be upgraded and as more researchers use the network, more sites can be added." Technology meets sociology While the technology is critical, Dart and Allen both note that sociological factors are at least as important in helping organizations bootstrap their networks. "Our partnership is so important in that we bring real-world operational understanding to these collaborations, but there is also a strong sociological aspect to making them work," Dart said. "There are smart people everywhere in the world and NSRC finds them and teaches them critical knowledge and skills in person. The end result is that we are helping connect more people in more ways." Allen said that when the NSRC staff hold a technical training workshop, the participants may not yet have the skills to diagnose problems and together they prioritize steps. In other cases, the local staff may know about the bottlenecks, but institutional administrators want confirmation from outside experts before approving upgrades. The range of challenges encountered by NSRC staff span a wide spectrum, Allen said, including no fiber--just copper wire or even multiple, separate DSL links across several buildings for connectivity. In some cases, campuses might daisy-chain together switches as they grow the local network organically. But even when an internet service provider comes in with high-bandwidth fiber, the local networks don't necessarily see a big difference in performance, particularly at the desktop. The video libraries provide NSRC with additional material to use when helping local staff plan network deployments and upgrades. "It's very cool when you see that a group viewed the educational video content and actually implemented the upgrades after they came up with a plan, deployed new infrastructure, and achieved a dramatic increase in data transfer rates," Allen said. In the coming year, NSRC staff will be organizing technical training workshops with local partners in Vietnam, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Rwanda and many other countries, Allen said, and as part of the preparation participants will be pointed to watch the videos in advance. For Dart, making the videos was also educational. At major meetings and conferences, such information is usually presented in longer presentations, rather than in a series of short bursts. "It's a different approach to take a large idea and break it down into smaller, digestible components," Dart said. "In this way, we hope to make the information much more accessible to a much wider audience." ### About ESnet and Berkeley Lab ESnet provides the high-bandwidth, reliable connections that link scientists at national laboratories, universities and other research institutions, enabling them to collaborate on some of the world's most important scientific challenges including energy, climate science, and the origins of the universe. Funded by the DOE Office of Science, ESnet is managed and operated by the Scientific Networking Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. As a nationwide infrastructure and DOE User Facility, ESnet provides scientists with access to unique DOE research facilities and computing resources. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel Prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov. As more DNA sequencing data continues to become available, including extinct hominids, a new human origins study has been performed that augments a trio of influential papers published in 2016 in the journal Nature. The papers all confirmed the "Out of Africa" origins of modern humans, while disagreeing on the timing of when a more southern migration route (into Southeast Asia and Australia) may have occurred. The new study, performed by geneticists at Harvard Medical School, provides an expanded framework for researchers to study human origins, drawing upon extensive DNA sampling --- 10 representative modern human populations and all archaic hominid DNA sequenced. After accounting for interbreeding events involving the archaic hominids, their model features a major eastern-western population split once modern humans left Africa, dating back to at least 45,000 years ago, with Australians and New Guineans inside the eastern group. "We view our model as a detailed synthesis of existing data and a good basis for further work," said Mark Lipson, lead author on the paper from the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Lipson, along with colleague David Reich, of Harvard, the Broad Institute, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, published the study in the advance online edition of the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution. Their model supports a radiation of modern human populations shortly after leaving Africa, matching the work of archaeologists, although the "southern route" question is still not fully resolved. "We don't see evidence of ancestry from an early southern dispersal in present-day populations, although we can't rule out a small proportion," added Lipson. He also urges caution until more DNA data is in hand. "There is some older archaeological evidence from Asia, and while our results suggest that the earliest inhabitants probably would not have been closely related to Asian and Australian populations today, it would be extremely interesting to see DNA from those sites," he said. Their hope is that analysis of additional ancient samples within the framework of their study and the other recent papers will continue to refine our understanding of human origins. ### A team of researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard has found that the most common bacterial community in the genital tract of healthy South African women is associated with a more than four-fold increase in the risk of acquiring HIV. In a paper appearing January 10th in the journal Immunity, the investigators report that women with specific high-risk vaginal bacterial communities not only acquired HIV at higher rates but also had increased inflammation and a greater number of HIV target cells in their reproductive tract. "Higher numbers of HIV target cells at the initial site of exposure has been shown to increase the risk of infection and thus constitutes a likely biological mechanism for the observed increase in HIV risk," says Douglas Kwon, MD, PhD, of the Ragon Institute and the MGH Division of Infectious Diseases, senior author of the report. The study enrolled 236 HIV-uninfected young black women participating in a poverty alleviation program in Umlazi, South Africa, who were followed for an average of 336 days. Using advanced methods to sequence the vaginal microbiome, the investigators found that almost 60 percent of women had highly diverse bacterial communities while the minority had the type of Lactobacillus-dominant bacterial population typically seen in healthy white women in developed countries. Based on this information, the researchers grouped the genital samples they studied into four community types - referred to as "cervicotypes" - two of which were characterized by highly diverse, low- Lactobacillus bacterial populations. They then monitored HIV infection rates within these groups during the following year and found a four times greater incidence of HIV acquisition among women with diverse anaerobic bacterial communities, compared to those with Lactobacillus-dominant microbiomes. This increased risk was independent of other factors, including the presence of sexually transmitted infections, the use of condoms, and sexual behavior. The investigators further identified specific bacterial species associated with increased or reduced HIV acquisition risk and showed that introducing high-risk bacteria into the vaginas of mice increased numbers of the activated CD4 T cells that are the virus's primary target, establishing a direct link between the high-risk bacteria and a known biological marker of HIV susceptibility. "Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering the genital microbiome in the development of new strategies to reduce HIV acquisition in women living in sub-Saharan Africa," says lead author Christina Gosmann, PhD, of the Ragon Institute. "By identifying both bacterial communities and individual bacterial species associated with HIV risk, we can provide specific targets for the development of preventive strategies. In addition, treatments targeting genital bacteria could improve the effectiveness of existing preventive measures." Kwon adds, "Understanding the impact of differences in the genital microbial population could also have important implications for pregnant women and their infants. Some of the risk-associated pro-inflammatory bacteria that we found in our study may also contribute to poor reproductive outcomes, such as premature birth and other complications of pregnancy." The research team is now investigating how to leverage the genital microbiome to reduce HIV risk and improve the efficacy of existing preventative measures. ### Kwon is an assistant professor of Medicine and Gosmann is a research fellow at Harvard Medical School. Support for the study includes grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; the Burroughs Wellcome Fund; International AIDS Vaccine Initiative grant UKZNRSA1001; National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases grants 1R01AI111918, R01AI067073, and AI1113217; National Institute of General Medical Sciences grant T32GM007753, and the Harvard Center for AIDS Research. The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard was established in 2009 with a gift from the Philip T. and Susan M. Ragon Foundation, creating a collaborative scientific mission among these institutions to harness the immune system to combat and cure human diseases. The primary initial focus of the institute is to contribute to the development of an effective AIDS vaccine. The Ragon Institute draws scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise across the Harvard and MIT communities and throughout the world, in order to apply the full arsenal of scientific knowledge to understanding mechanisms of immune control and immune failure and to apply these advances to directly benefit patients. Russian scientists from the National University of Science and Technology MISiS, MIPT, and Prokhorov General Physics Institute (GPI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences have compared the effectiveness of several techniques of remote water temperature detection based on laser spectroscopy and evaluated various approaches to spectral profile interpretation. The paper detailing the study was published in Optics Letters. The researchers examined four data processing techniques drawing on the relevant analyses in prior publications. The technique which the authors themselves previously proposed, developed and obtained a patent for proved to be precise up to 0.15 degrees Celsius. The research findings will support further development of sea surface temperature remote sensing solutions, enabling scientists to keep track of thermal energy flows in hard-to-reach areas such as the Arctic region, where average temperatures are rising approximately twice as fast as they are elsewhere on the planet. In their study, the scientists focused on Raman spectroscopy, which is based on the phenomenon of Raman scattering discovered in the 1920s. It involves the interaction of a medium with a light wave: The scattered light is modulated by the molecular vibrations of the medium, resulting in the wavelengths of some of the photons being shifted; in other words, some of the scattered light changes its color. Raman scattering and, by extension, the field of Raman spectroscopy were named after Sir C. V. Raman, an Indian physicist who was awarded a Nobel Prize for the discovery of this effect. Interestingly, Russian scientific literature tends to refer to the same phenomenon as "combination scattering," a term coined to emphasize its independent discovery by Soviet researchers. "With the climate changing so rapidly, remote sensing of water temperature is a priority, but the radiometry techniques currently in use are only precise up to about a half degree. Raman spectroscopy enables measurements with a much greater precision," claims Mikhail Grishin, one of the authors of the study, a Ph.D. student at MIPT, and a researcher at the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory of the Wave Research Center at GPI. The experiment carried out by the scientists involved probing water with a pulsed laser and using a spectrometer to analyze the light that was scattered back. Depending on the temperature of the water, its characteristic OH stretching vibrations spectral band was variably transformed. The scientists needed to find out whether it is possible to establish a clear relationship between water temperature and one of the spectral band parameters. The scientists examined the temperature dependence of several spectral band parameters (aka metrics), viz., certain parts of the area below the graph (see Fig. 1), differential spectra (the result of subtraction of two spectra), and the location of the peak of the curve fitting the band spectrum. Although it proved possible to establish a relationship between water temperature and each of the abovementioned metrics, the estimated temperature measurement accuracy of the respective techniques varied. Statistical analysis of experimental data showed that temperature dependence was most pronounced when the wavelength that corresponds to the peak of the curve fitting the band spectrum was used as a metric. The scientists were granted a patent for the corresponding approach to spectral profile interpretation by the Russian patent office. Seawater temperatures in the Arctic are currently monitored using a range of techniques including direct measurements made by weather buoys and merchant or research vessels. However, to track the temperature dynamics of sea surface water in real time and over vast areas, it is necessary to make aerial observations using sensing equipment installed on aircraft or satellites, which irradiates the water with a laser and collects the scattered light. A spatial resolution of less than one kilometer enables researchers to create very detailed temperature maps which can be used to monitor the transfer of heat by ocean currents, predict how fast Arctic ice is going to melt, and make a global climate change forecast. As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become better, remote sensing equipment should also be improved to be more precise, lightweight, compact, and energy-efficient. The scientists are developing both the software and the laser-detector system. Vasily Lednev, one of the authors of the study, a leading expert at the Department of Certification and Analytical Control of NUST MISiS, told us how he sees the future of this research: "One of the main hurdles faced in remote sensing of the sea surface is the necessity to calibrate equipment and verify satellite measurement results against contact measurements of seawater parameters (temperature, chlorophyll concentration, etc.). The development and design of compact autonomous lidar (laser radar) systems which can be mounted on UAVs will enable us to obtain detailed sea charts featuring a range of water parameters. These lidar systems are also of immediate interest to the study of hard-to-reach and dangerous objects like icebergs or ice shelves." The average annual changes in the temperature of the world's oceans tend to be very small. It is currently heating up by a mere tenth of a degree every ten years, whereas seasonal temperature variations can amount to several degrees. This means that an error of just half of a degree will cause a significant drop in precision of the overall picture of temperature dynamics that we get. In the case of seasonal measurements, the uncertainty can reach 20 percent or more, while long-term climate trends may remain unidentified due to the measurement error. The remote-sensing thermometers currently in use operate in the microwave spectral range. Raman scattering spectrometry has a significant advantage over microwave radiometry in that the probing laser radiation falls into the visible (blue-green) part of the spectrum. Unlike microwave radiation, to which water is almost completely opaque, visible light can penetrate a layer of water that is 1-10 meters thick. With microwave sensing, the data is only available for the 30-micron-thick surface layer whose temperature is significantly affected by the cold Arctic winds. This gives rise to an error, which is almost entirely avoided in measurements based on Raman scattering. To correct errors of this kind, satellite-based microwave radiometers need to be calibrated against ground-based measurements. By contrast, Raman spectrometry does not face this obstacle and can produce useful data independently from contact observations. ### A landmark study, led by Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute with the involvement of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, has revealed the reason why men with a family history of prostate cancer who also carry the BRCA2 gene fault have a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. The study, published today in Nature Communications, involving a consortium of Melbourne and Toronto researchers and clinicians, reports the molecular profile of the prostate cancers in men with the BRCA2 fault is similar to the profile seen in patients with advanced cancer: explaining why - right from diagnosis - BRCA2 patients have a poor outcome. The international team of scientists, led by Professor Gail Risbridger and Dr Renea Taylor from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) and Dr Rob Bristow from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada, in collaboration with clinicians from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, kConFab, Austin Health and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, worked to unlock the secrets of why prostate cancer in BRCA2 men behaves aggressively. This study, part of a larger Victorian Cancer Agency funded program of translational research, had previously reported that men who carried the BRCA2 gene fault were at a higher risk of having a more aggressive form of prostate cancer if a cell pathology known as IDCP (intraductal carcinoma of the prostate) was present; the IDCP cell pathology predicted these men were much more likely to have a poor clinical outcome. The reason why this happens is now clear. Following surgery to remove the cancerous prostate, the patient's specimen was made available to the laboratory for genomic analyses. Surprisingly, the study showed that these early, untreated, prostate cancers were genetically similar to cancers that are usually seen in men with more advanced cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This was in contrast to the cancers seen in men who don't carry a BRCA2 gene fault and who rarely have cancer spread at diagnosis. This was confirmed when compared to data from a companion study, published at the same time in Nature and led by the Toronto group, which looked at prostate cancer tissue samples from more than 320 patients with prostate cancer who don't carry a BRCA2 gene fault. Put together, these studies identified why the presence of the BRCA2 gene fault led to markedly different clinical outcomes, with the disease progressing rapidly in this group of men. Director of Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium and Monash BDI lead author, Professor Gail Risbridger, explained why these findings are important. "This study shows how different these tumours are from 'regular' tumours and emphasises the importance of men knowing if they have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer in their family and may carry the BRCA2 gene fault," Professor Risbridger said. Fellow Monash BDI lead author, Dr Renea Taylor, highlighted that these findings prompt the need to think about whether these men should be managed differently. "As the tumours in men with the BRCA2 gene fault are so different from the 'get-go', our findings raise the question about whether these patients should be managed differently at diagnosis," Dr Taylor said. Director of Genitourinary Oncology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and study author, Associate Professor Declan Murphy, spoke about possible therapeutic implications."We now know that the BRCA2 fault is seen in many more men presenting with advanced prostate cancer than previously realised. Also, as prostate cancer progresses, the BRCA2 fault begins to develop in prostate cancer secondaries, and drives the aggressive behaviour of the cancer. Therefore these new findings detailing the genomic instability of BRCA2 prostate cancer are important as we may be able to target this with new therapies," Associate Professor Murphy said. ### Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the newly established Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery. Searching for planets around other stars is a tricky business. They're so small and faint that it's hard to spot them. But a possible planet in a nearby stellar system may be betraying its presence in a unique way: by a shadow that is sweeping across the face of a vast pancake-shaped gas-and-dust disk surrounding a young star. The planet itself is not casting the shadow. But it is doing some heavy lifting by gravitationally pulling on material near the star and warping the inner part of the disk. The twisted, misaligned inner disk is casting its shadow across the surface of the outer disk. These images, taken a year apart by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, reveal a shadow moving counterclockwise around a gas-and-dust disk encircling the young star TW Hydrae. The two images at the top, taken by the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, show an uneven brightness across the disk. Through enhanced image processing (images at bottom), the darkening becomes even more apparent. These enhanced images allowed astronomers to determine the reason for the changes in brightness. The dimmer areas of the disk, at top left, are caused by a shadow spreading across the outer disk. The dotted lines approximate the shadow's coverage. The long arrows show how far the shadow has moved in a year (from 2015-2016), which is roughly 20 degrees. Based on Hubble archival data, astronomers determined that the shadow completes a rotation around the central star every 16 years. They know the feature is a shadow because dust and gas in the disk do not orbit the star nearly that quickly. So, the feature must not be part of the physical disk. The shadow may be caused by the gravitational effect of an unseen planet orbiting close to the star. The planet pulls up material from the main disk, creating a warped inner disk. The twisted disk blocks light from the star and casts a shadow onto the disk's outer region. Credits: NASA, ESA, and J. Debes (STScI) A team of astronomers led by John Debes of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland say this scenario is the most plausible explanation for the shadow they spotted in the stellar system TW Hydrae, located 192 light-years away in the constellation Hydra, also known as the Female Water Snake. The star is roughly 8 million years old and slightly less massive than our sun. Debes' team uncovered the phenomenon while analyzing 18 years' worth of archival observations taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. "This is the very first disk where we have so many images over such a long period of time, therefore allowing us to see this interesting effect," Debes said. "That gives us hope that this shadow phenomenon may be fairly common in young stellar systems." Debes will present his team's results Jan. 7 at the winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Grapevine, Texas. Debes' first clue to the phenomenon was a brightness in the disk that changed with position. Astronomers using Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) first noted this brightness asymmetry in 2005. But they had only one set of observations, and could not make a definitive determination about the nature of the mystery feature. Searching the archive, Debes' team put together six images from several different epochs. The observations were made by STIS and by the Hubble's Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS). STIS is equipped with a coronagraph that blocks starlight to within about 1 billion miles from the star, allowing Hubble to look as close to the star as Saturn is to our sun. Over time, the structure appeared to move in counter-clockwise fashion around the disk, until, in 2016, it was in the same position as it was in images taken in 2000. This 16-year period puzzled Debes. He originally thought the feature was part of the disk, but the short period meant that the feature was moving way too fast to be physically in the disk. Under the laws of gravity, disks rotate at glacial speeds. The outermost parts of the TW Hydrae disk would take centuries to complete one rotation. "The fact that I saw the same motion over 10 billion miles from the star was pretty significant, and told me that I was seeing something that was imprinted on the outer disk rather than something that was happening directly in the disk itself," Debes said. "The best explanation is that the feature is a shadow moving across the surface of the disk." Debes concluded that whatever was making the shadow must be deep inside the 41-billion-mile-wide disk, so close to the star it cannot be imaged by Hubble or any other present-day telescope. The most likely way to create a shadow is to have an inner disk that is tilted relative to the outer disk. In fact, submillimeter observations of TW Hydrae by the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile suggested a possible warp in the inner disk. But what causes disks to warp? "The most plausible scenario is the gravitational influence of an unseen planet, which is pulling material out of the plane of the disk and twisting the inner disk," Debes explained. "The misaligned disk is inside the planet's orbit." Given the relatively short 16-year period of the clocklike moving shadow, the planet is estimated to be about 100 million miles from the star -- about as close as Earth is from the sun. The planet would be roughly the size of Jupiter to have enough gravity to pull the material up out of the plane of the main disk. The planet's gravitational pull causes the disk to wobble, or precess, around the star, giving the shadow its 16-year rotational period. Recent observations of TW Hydrae by ALMA in Chile add credence to the presence of a planet. ALMA revealed a gap in the disk roughly 93 million miles from TW Hydrae. A gap is significant, because it could be the signature of an unseen planet clearing away a path in the disk. This new Hubble study, however, offers a unique way to look for planets hiding in the inner part of the disk and probe what is happening very close to the star, which is not reachable in direct imaging by current telescopes. "What is surprising is that we can learn something about an unseen part of the disk by studying the disk's outer region and by measuring the motion, location, and behavior of a shadow," Debes said. "This study shows us that even these large disks, whose inner regions are unobservable, are still dynamic, or changing in detectable ways which we didn't imagine." ### The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy in Washington, D.C. For images and more information about TW Hydrae and Hubble, visit: http://hubblesite.org/news/2017/03 http://www.nasa.gov/hubble For additional information, contact: Felicia Chou NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 202-358-0257 felicia.chou@nasa.gov Donna Weaver / Ray Villard Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 410-338-4493 / 410-338-4514 dweaver@stsci.edu / villard@stsci.edu John Debes Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 410-338-4782 debes@stsci.edu While new species are most commonly described based on recent field collections, undertaken at poorly explored places, some are identified in museum collections, where they have spent decades before being recognised as new to science. Such is the case of an unusually large and likely extinct ground beetle found at the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, whose story began in the distant 1860s with Dr. Eduard Graeffe's trip to Samoa. Now, a century and a half later, the beetle is finally described by Dr. James K. Liebherr, Cornell University, USA, in the open access journal Zoosystematics and Evolution. Much like the rest of the species within the genus, the beetle now going under the name Bryanites graeffii showed vestigial flight wings and other traits associated with flight-wing loss. However, at length of 16.2 mm it is the largest for the taxonomic group it is now assigned to. Although this may seem way too obvious for taxonomists to overlook, the beetle's relatives are just as obscure. The Bryanites genus was previously known from two species represented by two specimens only, collected in 1924 from Savai?i Island by Edwin H. Bryan, Jr., Bernice P. Bishop Museum in Honolulu, during the Bishop Museum's Whitney South Seas Expedition. As a result, we now have three species representing an evolutionary radiation in Samoa, all known from single specimens collected long ago. The phylogenetics of these three species link them to other groups from Fiji and New Zealand. What is the advantage of knowledge about species that existed some 90-150 years ago, but no longer? It might actually point us to the actual level of impact mankind has on natural ecosystems. The cause of the likely extermination of Bryanites graeffi might never be known with certainty, however, the colonization of many Pacific islands by the Polynesian rat has always been followed by the diminution or elimination of native insect species. Thus, we can add another likely victim to the list of species that have been adversely impacted by mankind's commensal voyagers. The species bears the name of its original collector to pay tribute to Dr. Graeffe and his hard work while collecting insects in the rain forest of Samoa well over a century ago . ### Original source: Liebherr JK (2017) Bryanites graeffii sp. n. (Coleoptera, Carabidae): museum rediscovery of a relict species from Samoa. Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.93.10802 LA JOLLA, CA - January 10, 2017 - The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), a leading non-profit biomedical research institute, today announced a research collaboration and license agreement with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) to pioneer new DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology, including new synthetic chemistry for the creation of next-generation DELs, a potentially transformative technology for early stage drug discovery research. Under the terms of the collaboration, Pfizer will pay a technology access fee and thereby gain access to innovative chemical synthesis technology developed at TSRI. Members of the TSRI chemistry department--Professors Phil Baran, Ph.D., Dale Boger, Ph.D., Jin-Quan Yu, Ph.D., K. Barry Sharpless, Ph.D., and others--will work alongside Pfizer scientists to adapt these chemical methods for use in creating DELs, which require stringent processes that are tolerant of the delicate DNA backbone. TSRI and Pfizer may choose to expand the scope of the joint research to include other technologies relevant for enabling DEL-based drug discovery. Financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed. "TSRI's chemistry department is known for its rich history of innovation, and that has never been more true than today", said TSRI President Peter Schultz, Ph.D. "We are delighted to partner with Pfizer in an area where pioneering chemical methodologies can have a significant impact on the discovery of new medicines for unmet medical needs." In contrast to conventional drug screening where a few million small molecules are evaluated in biological systems, DEL screening uses DNA-based "barcodes" to survey billions of small molecules, potentially increasing the ability of researchers to identify promising chemical leads. While this technology was originally conceived at TSRI by Richard Lerner, M.D., and Sydney Brenner, Ph.D., in the early 1990s, the reduction to practice has taken decades and required technological advances in DNA sequencing and informatics in order to be more fully realized. "We look forward to continuing our longtime relationship with TSRI," said Tony Wood, Senior Vice President and Head of Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer. "We hope that this new collaboration will contribute to the creation of novel chemistries that can be used by Pfizer to prepare unique libraries for screening which, together with our parallel medicinal chemistry expertise, will have the potential to help us accelerate the discovery of new medicines for patients." ### About The Scripps Research Institute The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) is one of the world's largest independent, not-for-profit organizations focusing on research in the biomedical sciences. TSRI is internationally recognized for its contributions to science and health, including its role in laying the foundation for new treatments for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, and other diseases. An institution that evolved from the Scripps Metabolic Clinic founded by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1924, the institute now employs more than 2,500 people on its campuses in La Jolla, CA, and Jupiter, FL, where its renowned scientists--including two Nobel laureates and 20 members of the National Academies of Science, Engineering or Medicine--work toward their next discoveries. The institute's graduate program, which awards PhD degrees in biology and chemistry, ranks among the top ten of its kind in the nation. In October 2016, TSRI announced a strategic affiliation with the California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr), representing a renewed commitment to the discovery and development of new medicines to address unmet medical needs. For more information, see http://www.scripps.edu. Brain cells that support neurons change most as we get older, suggesting a new focus for dementia research The main changes in our brains as we get older are in the brain cells with a supporting role, called glial cells, British scientists have found. The surprising finding in a study by researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and UCL (University College London) is published in the journal Cell Reports. The researchers also found that the greatest changes in glial cells as we age are in the brain regions most often damaged by neurodegenerative disease, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The discovery suggests the interactions between glial cells and neuronal cells, the nerve cells active in mental function and forming memories, should be a focus of future dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease research. Jernej Ule, a Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute and a professor at UCL's Institute of Neurology, said: "Sadly, getting older affects the brain just as much as other parts of the body. To understand more, we looked at how different types of brain cells change over time in healthy individuals. Knowing more about healthy ageing in different parts of the brain can also give us an insight into the damage caused by diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. "It was a surprise to find that the genes specific for glial cells in our brains showed the most dramatic changes in expression as we age," he added. "Typically we have concentrated on neurons, as they are the cells involved in brain processing and memories. We may now need to change our focus." The scientists analysed brain tissue samples from 480 healthy people who were between 16 and 106 years old when they died. They looked at patterns of gene expression in neuron and glial cells in 10 different brain regions. They also used dedicated computational analyses - involving data mining and machine learning approaches - to examine the cell populations present in images scanned from stained brain sections. Each image would typically include hundreds of thousands of brain cells and is scanned in high resolution. Most of the samples were provided by a UK brain bank, the Sudden Death MRC brain bank based in Edinburgh, which stores post mortem brain tissue donated for research. This large resource, confirmed by samples from other brain banks, allowed the team to tell the story of how healthy human brains age. The team's findings and the new resource of data this research has generated provide an important foundation for future studies that apply a similar approach to learn more about neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Rickie Patani of UCL, whose team is shortly moving into the new Francis Crick Institute building, said: "Integrating traditional gene expression techniques with powerful computational and imaging methods has given us a new insight into the way the brain changes as it ages. It's not neurons that change most but the supportive glial cells. This suggests we need to focus on the relationship between these cells, if we are to learn more about dementia and other devastating neurodegenerative diseases." First author Dr Lilach Soreq, of the Francis Crick Institute and UCL, said: "We looked at brain tissue from healthy people aged 16 to 106 years old. Our computational approaches allowed us to analyse a huge dataset. It revealed that the glial cells that surround and insulate neurons appear to have something of an identity crisis as we age. At younger ages, there are distinct patterns of gene expression seen among glial cells in different parts of the brain. But these patterns reduce as we age." ### NOTES TO EDITORS For further information or copies of the paper, contact: press@crick.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 3796 3095 The original paper: 'Major shifts in glial regional identity are a transcriptional hallmark of human brain aging' is to be published in Cell Reports with an embargo of Tuesday 10 January at 17:00 UK Time / 12:00 US Eastern Time. with an embargo of Tuesday 10 January at 17:00 UK Time / 12:00 US Eastern Time. After the article publishes, it will be available at: http://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(16)31684-9. The research was funded by the European Research Council, a Marie Curie fellowship, the Alzheimer's Society, the Francis Crick Institute (which receives its core funding from the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL, Imperial College London and King's College London), the Medical Research Council and the US National Institutes of Health. The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and illness. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate this into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, strokes, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases. An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's College London. In 2016 it moved into a brand new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under a single roof in Europe. An analysis that included 8.7 million participants finds that the rate of elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased substantially globally between 1990 and 2015, and that in 2015 an estimated 3.5 billion adults had systolic blood pressure of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg, and 874 million adults had SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher, according to a study appearing in the January 10 issue of JAMA. Systolic blood pressure of at least 110 mm Hg has been related to multiple cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, including ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. The global obesity epidemic may further increase SBP in some populations. Quantifying the levels of SBP is important to guide prevention policies and interventions. Christopher J. L. Murray, D.Phil., of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues estimated the association between SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher and the burden of different causes of death and disability by age and sex, based on 844 studies from 154 countries (published 1980-2015) of 8.69 million participants. The researchers found that the rate of elevated SBP (110-115 or greater and 140 mm Hg or greater) increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and deaths associated with elevated SBP also increased. Systolic blood pressure of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg was associated with more than 10 million deaths and more than 212 million DALYs in 2015, a 1.4-fold increase since 1990. Compared with all other specific risks quantified in a 2015 study, SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg was the leading global contributor to preventable death in 2015. "These estimates are concerning given that in 2015, an estimated 3.5 billion individuals had an SBP level of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg," the authors write. The largest numbers of SBP-related deaths were caused by ischemic heart disease (4.9 million), hemorrhagic stroke (2 million), and ischemic stroke (1.5 million). Five countries accounted for more than half of global DALYs associated with SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg: China, India, Russia, Indonesia, and the United States. "Both the projected number and prevalence rate of SBP of at least 110 to115 mm Hg are likely to continue to increase globally. These findings support increased efforts to control the burden of SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg to reduce disease burden," the researchers write. ### (doi:10.1001/jama.2016.19043; the study is available pre-embargo at the For the Media website) Editor's Note: This research was supported by funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, etc. Related material: The editorial, "Global Burden of Raised Blood Pressure, by Mark D. Huffman, M.D., M.P.H., and Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, also is available at the For The Media website. To place an electronic embedded link to this study in your story This link will be live at the embargo time: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2016.19043 Hormonal fluctuations women undergo make them particularly sensitive, compared to men, to the addictive properties of cocaine, according to a study conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published January 10 in the journal Nature Communications. The Mount Sinai research team discovered that estrogen intensifies the brain's dopamine reward pathway and demonstrated that cocaine has its most potent effects during the estrous/menstrual cycle, when release of estrogen is at its highest. Their research suggests that a possible addiction intervention could be to adjust this hormonal cycle through use of birth control pills or a similar strategy. "Our study will change the way we think about addiction research to emphasize the need to further understand female subjects, as most research on addiction has been conducted in male subjects," says Erin Calipari, PhD, co-first author on the paper and a postdoctoral fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine. "Further study of the estrogen-reward pathway is important, as it is quite possible that estrogen may have similar effects on other forms of substance abuse." Dr. Calipari is a member of the Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, led by the study's senior investigator, Eric Nestler, MD, PhD, Nash Family Professor of Neuroscience and Director of The Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine. The Mount Sinai research team sought to understand why women, once they try cocaine, are much more likely than men to become addicted. While the overall rate of addiction is higher in males, previous research has shown that when females have the opportunity to try cocaine and other drugs, they are more likely than men to continue use and they transition to full addiction significantly faster than their male counterparts. Addiction investigators have also uncovered that women are more likely to use cocaine at an earlier age, take the drug in larger quantities, and have greater difficulty remaining abstinent compared to men. Additionally, women report that when estrogen levels are rising during their menstrual cycles, they experience a greater "high" from cocaine administration. To understand why this occurs, researchers used mice -- animals that show the same sex differences in drug use as humans -- and fixed tiny fiber-optic probes to specific areas of the brain, including those involved in the dopamine reward pathway. Female mice at various points in their estrus cycle, as well as male mice, were studied. The research team found that estrogen affects the quantity of dopamine released by neurons in response to cocaine, as well as how long the dopamine stays in the synapse between brain cells. Both actions increase the pleasurable effects of cocaine, and each was significantly bolstered as estrogen levels increased in the female mice. Both male and female mice linked pleasure/reward to where it occurred in their cages, spending more time on the side of their cage that was previously paired with cocaine. Female mice did so to a greater extent, indicating enhanced reward to cocaine use. "The mice quickly learned that a particular environment is linked to drugs, and we demonstrated that when these mice, especially females at the height of their estrous cycle, were put into that environment, it stimulated a dopamine reward signal even without cocaine use," Dr. Calipari says. "It is the same kind of strong, learned response that we know happens in humans." Researchers surmise that the evolutionary mechanism underlying the link between estrogen and the reward pathway is pleasure from seeking a mate and having sex, actions which promote the survival of the species. Another evolutionary hypothesis is that heightened estrogen could promote food seeking, via effects on dopamine signaling, to ensure females are healthy enough to carry offspring. However, the estrogen in the brains of women that likely primes their response to survival-related rewards can also make them more vulnerable to addiction. "Our findings underscore the unique insight into normal brain function and disease pathology that results from studying both sexes," emphasizes Dr. Nestler, the principal author of the study. "This approach is essential to enable the field to develop optimized treatments for drug addition and other conditions for women as well as men." ### This work was performed collaboratively between several laboratories at Mount Sinai and at Stanford University. It was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (E.J.N., R01 DA14133, P01 DA008227; E.S.C. K99 DA042111); The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD, M.H.H. and E.S.C.); National Institute of Mental Health (E.J.N., R01 MH051399, P50 MH096890, M.H.H. R21 MH112081;) and National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (M.H.H. R01 AA022445; B.J. F31 AA022862). About the Mount Sinai Health System The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services--from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care. The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 12 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is in the "Honor Roll" of best hospitals in America, ranked No. 15 nationally in the 2016-2017 "Best Hospitals" issue of U.S. News & World Report. The Mount Sinai Hospital is also ranked as one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Geriatrics, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, and Ear, Nose & Throat, and is in the top 50 in four other specialties. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 10 nationally for Ophthalmology, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital is ranked in seven out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Children's Hospitals." For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Many pathogens use certain sugar compounds from their host to help conceal themselves against the immune system. Scientists at the University of Bonn have now, in cooperation with researchers at the University of York in the United Kingdom, analyzed the dynamics of a bacterial molecule that is involved in this process. They demonstrate that the protein grabs onto the sugar molecule with a Pac Man-like chewing motion and holds it until it can be used. Their results could help design therapeutics that could make the protein poorer at grabbing and holding and hence compromise the pathogen in the host. The study has now been published in Biophysical Journal. The cells of the mouth, nose and intestinal mucosa produce large quantities of a chemical called sialic acid. Many bacteria possess a special transport system with which they can absorb the sugar compound. They use sialic acid, for instance, to produce energy, but also to escape the eagle eyes of the immune system. To do this, they incorporate the sugar into their cell surface. Thanks to this invisibility cloak made from substances produced naturally in the body, immune cells do not notice that the bacteria are intruders. Many bacteria are surrounded by two membranes, which cover them like a thick skin. The absorption of sialic acid through the inner membrane often takes place via molecules that are known as TRAP transporters. They are comprised of three components. One of these -- the P domain -- moves freely and patrols between the two membranes. If it meets a sialic acid molecule, it grabs it and brings it to the inner membrane, where the two other components are firmly anchored. They then translocate the sugar compound into the bacteria cell. Rapid masticatory movement "The atomic structure of the P domain was already known," explains Dr. Gregor Hageluken from the Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Bonn. "Together with our collaborator Dr. Gavin Thomas from the University of York, we wanted to analyse how exactly the P domain grabs the sialic acid. We have now been able to show that - metaphorically speaking - it lies in wait with its mouth open until it encounters a sugar molecule. At this moment, its jaws snap shut." The P domain thus performs a rapid grabbing motion, which is somewhat reminiscent of the computer game character Pac Man. The researchers used EPR spectroscopy in their work, a method with which the distances between parts of molecules can be measured precisely to a ten-millionth of a millimeter. In this way, they were able to understand the movement of the "Pac Man jaw". "To achieve this, we planted the blueprint for the P domain in harmless intestinal bacteria and grew them in a test tube," explains Janin Glanzer, PhD student at the Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry. "We then cleaned the protein in an elaborate procedure and provided it with various quantities of sialic acid." In order to investigate the masticatory movement, the researchers used a trick: they fitted molecular labels to the "jaw" of the P domain and then measured the precise distance between these markers. "We were able to show that the P domain can only exist in two forms: opened and closed," says the chemist Martin Peter, who worked on this topic in his master thesis. "We were not able to identify any stable intermediate form. Without sialic acid, all P domains are found in an open state. The more sugar we provided, the more P domains were closed." Hageluken hopes that the knowledge may help to develop new active ingredients against pathogens. "We can, for instance, attempt to prevent the masticatory movement - for example, using a molecular muzzle." ### Publication: J. Glaenzer, M. Peter, G. H. Thomas, G. Hagelueken: PELDOR Spectroscopy Reveals Two Defined States of a Sialic Acid TRAP Transporter SBP in Solution, Biophysical Journal, DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.12.010 Contact: Dr. Gregor Hageluken Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry University of Bonn Tel. 49-0-228/733830 E-mail: hagelueken@pc.uni-bonn.de Predicting how species will respond to climate change is a critical part of efforts to prevent widespread climate-driven extinction, or to predict its consequences for ecosystems. Usually, the current climatic range of a species is used to predict where it will occur under future climate change scenarios. However, this approach overlooks two important factors that may affect species' responses to climate change: Species may be able to change the climatic range they can inhabit through evolution Species within an ecological community may respond differently to climate change, meaning the competitors, predators, pathogens and parasites that a given species encounters under the new climatic conditions may also change. In a new study, published today in Global Change Biology, scientists from the Universities of Bristol, James Cook University, and Melbourne University in Australia tested the response of the tropical rainforest fly Drosophila birchii to a changing climate by transplanting flies in hundreds of cages along mountain gradients in north-eastern Australia, and measuring their reproductive success at different elevations. Mountains are useful for exploring the effects of climate change because they show predictable changes in temperature and humidity with elevation: In general, sites at low elevations are warmer and drier than higher elevation sites. By testing the success of many D. birchii families transplanted along elevation gradients, the team were able to measure genetic variation in responses to the thermal environment, which indicates the potential for thermal tolerances to evolve. They found that all families showed similar responses, indicating low levels of genetic variation in temperature sensitivity, and therefore little potential for climatic tolerances to evolve. The team also compared the response of flies in cages (which experienced the local temperature and humidity, but not interactions with other species) with the abundance of D. birchii in wild populations at the same sites along mountain gradients (where other species were also present), to test whether interactions among species affect responses to climate change. The reproductive success of D. birchii in cages was lowest at cold, high elevation sites and increased at warmer sites towards the bottom of mountains. Of particular interest however, was that the change in abundance of D. birchii in wild populations along mountain gradients differed from that of D. birchii success in cages. D. birchii was most common at intermediate elevations, with abundance declining at colder sites towards the summit, but also at warmer sites towards the bottom of mountains, where flies in cages thrived. This suggests that different factors restrict the distribution of D. birchii at either end of its range. Low temperatures prevent expansion of D. birchii at higher elevations, whereas it appears that other species, which were absent from the transplant cages, limit the spread of D. birchii into warmer sites in nature. Understanding how interactions among species in ecological communities will change as a consequence of climate change is a critical part of predicting the consequences for ecosystem function, and will be a focus of the team's future work. ### RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Engineers at the University of California, Riverside have taken inspiration from biological evolution and the energy savings garnered by birds flying in formation to improve the efficiency of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by more than 30 percent. Titled "Development and Evaluation of an Evolutionary Algorithm-Based Online Energy Management System for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles," a paper describing the research was recently accepted for publication in the journal IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems. The work was led by Xuewei Qi, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) in UCR's Bourns College of Engineering, and Matthew Barth, CE-CERT director and a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UCR. PHEVs, which combine a gas or diesel engine with an electric motor and a large rechargeable battery, offer advantages over conventional hybrids because they can be charged using mains electricity, which reduces their need for fuel. However, the race to improve the efficiency of current PHEVs is limited by shortfalls in their energy management systems (EMS), which control the power split between engine and battery when they switch from all-electric mode to hybrid mode. While not all plug-in hybrids work the same way, most models start in all-electric mode, running on electricity until their battery packs are depleted, then switch to hybrid mode. Known as binary mode control, this EMS strategy is easy to apply, but isn't the most efficient way to combine the two power sources. In lab tests, blended discharge strategies, in which power from the battery is used throughout the trip, have proven more efficient at minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. However, their development is complex and, until now, they have required an unrealistic amount of information upfront. "In reality, drivers may switch routes, traffic can be unpredictable, and road conditions may change, meaning that the EMS must source that information in real-time," Qi said. The highly efficient EMS developed and simulated by Qi and his team combines vehicle connectivity information (such as cellular networks and crowdsourcing platforms) and evolutionary algorithms--a mathematical way to describe natural phenomena such as evolution, insect swarming and bird flocking. "By mathematically modeling the energy saving processes that occur in nature, scientists have created algorithms that can be used to solve optimization problems in engineering," Qi said. "We combined this approach with connected vehicle technology to achieve energy savings of more than 30 percent. We achieved this by considering the charging opportunities during the trip--something that is not possible with existing EMS." The current paper builds on previous work by the team showing that individual vehicles can learn how to save fuel from their own historical driving records. Together with the application of evolutionary algorithms, vehicles will not only learn and optimize their own energy efficiency, but will also share their knowledge with other vehicles in the same traffic network through connected vehicle technology. "Even more importantly, the PHEV energy management system will no longer be a static device--it will actively evolve and improve for its entire life cycle. Our goal is to revolutionize the PHEV EMS to achieve even greater fuel savings and emission reductions," Qi said. The work was done by Qi and Barth, together with Guoyuan Wu, assistant research engineer at CE-CERT, and Kanok Boriboonsomsin, associate research engineer at CE-CERT. This project was supported in part by the National Center for Sustainable Transportation. The UCR Office of Technology Commercialization has filed patents for the inventions above. ### UC researchers are leading efforts to learn more about the effects of pink snow algae on glaciers and snowfields covering Pacific Northwest stratovolcanoes It may look pretty, but the swaths of delicately-colored, pretty "precipitation" may lead to an increase in glacial melting, according to interdisciplinary research at the University of Cincinnati. Pink snow, or "watermelon snow" as it is sometimes called is actually algae that grow on top of snow and ice in the spring and summer, especially on large glaciers and in high altitude alpine regions that can maintain snow year-round. Scientists report that during the winter months snow algae become dormant while covered with snow, but in the spring when the snow melts slightly on the surface, the algae thrive again, acquiring nutrients from the environment. Prior studies on the growth of snow algae have focused on glacial snow in only a few polar regions and a handful of glaciers, but recent UC research published in the journal Geobiology report the first-ever study of snow algae growth on volcanic terrains in the Pacific Northwest. Concentrating on the Cascade Mountain volcanic chain along the continental shorelines ringing the Pacific -- part of what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire -- the research team began their expedition on three volcanic glaciers near Mount St. Helens in Washington. While the study's authors, microbiologist Trinity Hamilton and geobiologist Jeff Havig from the University of Cincinnati, bring their own unique expertise and perspectives to this study, their goals are completely aligned for this ongoing research. Hamilton, UC assistant professor of biology explains, "We know that snow algae convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into biomass (more cells) similar to what phytoplankton in the ocean do. Marine microbes play a significant role in Earth's carbon cycle and we would like to know if and how much snow algae contribute to this process. "We are also interested in how snow algae buried deep in frozen glaciers eventually affects the downstream ecosystems as glaciers melt and retreat," she adds. Snow's pink peril Describing the rosy pigment as a natural protective sunscreen, the researchers say there is also a downside to the algae's colorful hue -- it tends to lower the snow's albedo, or in other words the snow surface's ability to reflect sunlight. Instead, the pink patches absorb heat from the sun leading to a rise in surface melting, which they say can result in an increase in algal growth. The study, supported by a grant from the University of Cincinnati LEAF Program, also notes that atmospheric sources of ammonia and nitrate, similar to the nitrate and ammonium found in fertilizers, is important for the growth and survival of these algae and can fluctuate depending on nearby industry, livestock farms or trees and plant growth. "The snow algae need nitrogen as well, and some of our preliminary results indicate that these algal communities are getting their nitrogen primarily from an anthropogenically [human] generated source like combustion engines," says Havig, UC adjunct professor of geology. "A rich supply of nitrogen can also come from regional dairy farms where there are large lagoons of cow manure that generate a lot of ammonia from the breakdown. "We can track the snow algae's chemical signatures, and it looks indeed like a large source of their nitrogen might be coming from those sorts of man-made sources rather than from a biological pathway." Microbes making merry As Hamilton and Havig considered other lifeforms on the snow's surface they found that snow algae are interacting with bacteria and other microorganisms and are taking up nutrients from the local bedrock that get blown onto the surface. At the core, the study shows the snow algae using these carbon, nitrogen and other nutrient sources, turning it all into more organic material and ultimately new algal cells. "As we look closer we find that the growth of snow algae and other organic lifeforms on the surface could also be a likely source of the carbon, nitrogen, iron, manganese and phosphorus found in river and stream runoff after glacial retreat and melting," adds Hamilton. The researchers are quick to note that collecting these colorful specimens was not an easy jaunt. On the contrary, Havig, Hamilton and a few field assistants climbed to elevations of up to 9,000 feet, much of it on foot, while sporting 50-pound backpacks filled with camping gear, scientific equipment, food and safety equipment for traversing glaciers. The team gathered samples from Collier Glacier on North Sister and Eliot Glacier on Mount Hood in Oregon and Gotchen Glacier on Mount Adams in Washington after completing the 5- to 10-mile round-trip excursions last summer. "We ended up camping on the glaciers so we could spend more time there but it also meant a lot more weight in the pack," says Havig. "By packing dry ice we were able to keep some samples frozen until we reached a lab. We were also able to perform other analysis right on the spot." Glacial rainbows As the researchers explored the occasional variances in pigment colors they found snow algae occasionally appearing in colors of orange, brown, purple and green, explaining those as different species of algae using different wavelengths of light to harvest energy from sunlight and to protect themselves from UV radiation. While earlier explorers have observed the colorful algae for centuries, it is only recently that scientists like Hamilton and Havig have begun investigating its growth patterns and effects from climate change. "We ultimately hope to secure additional funding so we can continue our research on other Pacific Rim stratovolcanoes," says Havig. ### Hamilton and Havig's research paper titled "Primary productivity of snow algae communities on Stratovolcanoes of the Pacific Northwest," was recently published in the journal Geobiology. Hamilton presented on the same material and title at the December 2016 American Geophysical Union Conference in San Francisco. Researchers involved in the project: Trinity L. Hamilton, UC Department of Biological Sciences; Jeff Havig, UC Department of Geology; Jordyn Miller, PhD graduate student, Purdue University and Helen Rogers, UC Department of Biological Sciences Lab Tech. African Americans may be less responsive to asthma treatment and more likely to die from the condition, in part, because they have a unique type of airway inflammation, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. Airway inflammation is a key component of asthma, and innovations in treatment are becoming more personalized based on the specific type of airway inflammation in a patient, says Dr. Sharmilee Nyenhuis, assistant professor of medicine at UIC and corresponding author on the study. "Emerging evidence suggests that differences in airway inflammation can affect a patient's response to treatment, but whether the patterns of airway inflammation vary across race has, until now, been very unclear," said Nyenhuis, of UIC's division of pulmonary, critical care, sleep and allergy. Black men and women are two to three times more likely than whites to be hospitalized or die from asthma. And while many factors contribute to the burden of asthma in African Americans--such as access to health care and environmental exposures--rates are disproportionate even when social and environmental elements are taken into account. Nyenhuis and her colleagues performed a secondary analysis of more than 1,000 sputum samples obtained from AsthmaNet, a nationwide clinical research network created by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, and the Asthma Clinical Research Network. Samples of the coughed-up fluids were from past clinical trial participants over the age of 12 with mild or moderate persistent asthma and who had not smoked within the last year. The samples were tested for the presence of eosinophils--a type of white blood cell. The study is one of the largest and most diverse trials conducted in the U.S. on race and asthma, with 26 percent of the patients self-identifying as African American. Researchers found that black patients were more likely to exhibit eosinophilic airway inflammation than whites, despite taking comparable doses of asthma medication, such as inhaled corticosteroids. The results are published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. "Our findings of higher numbers of African Americans with this type of airway inflammatory pattern suggests a mechanism that may account for more severe and difficult to control asthma in African Americans," said Nyenhuis. "It follows that the persistence of eosinophilic airway inflammation in African Americans may be associated with asthma exacerbations and an impaired response to corticosteroids." The findings suggest that black patients with eosinophilic airway inflammation may not benefit from increasingly strong corticosteroid treatment--instead, other targeted therapies may need to be considered and researched as a treatment option for those black patients with difficult to control eosinophilic asthma. ### Co-authors on the paper from UIC include Dr. Jerry Krishnan, associate vice chancellor for population health sciences and professor of pulmonary, critical care, sleep and allergy; and Steven Ackerman, professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics. Other authors on the paper are Dr. Alalia Berry of the University of Wisconsin; Dr. William Calhoun of the University of Texas; Vernon Chinchilli, Linda Engle, Erik Lehman and David Mauger of Pennsylvania State University; Dr. Nicole Grossman, Dr. Elliot Israel and Dr. Michael Wechsler of Brigham and Women's Hospital; Dr. Fernando Holguin and Dr. Sally Wenzel of the University of Pittsburgh; Rick Kittles and Dr. Monica Kraft of the University of Arizona; Dr. Stephen Lazarus of the University of California; Dr. James Moy of Stroger Hospital of Cook County; Dr. Stephen Peters of the Wake Forest School of Medicine; Dr. Wanda Phipatanakul of Boston Children's Hospital; Dr. Lewis Smith of Northwestern University; Dr. Kaharu Sumino of Washington University; Dr. Stanley Szefler of the Children's Hospital of Colorado; and Dr. Steven White of the University of Chicago. This research was supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, one of the National Institutes of Health (Grant Nos. U10 HL098096, U10 HL074225, U10 HLA074227, U10 HLA074231, U10 HLA074204, U10 HLA074212, U10 HLA074073, U10 HLA074206, U10 HLA074208, U10 HLA074218, R21 HL118588); the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology/Association of Specialty Professors; the UIC Center for Clinical and Translational Science (Award No. KL2RR029878); and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (Grant No. UL1TR000050). In December 2015, the world's nations negotiated the Paris Climate Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures. Scientists at the University of Maryland have developed an empirical model of global climate, which they have used to comprehensively analyze the Paris Agreement. In a new book titled Paris Climate Agreement: Beacon of Hope, the authors describe their findings. They suggest that if countries achieve the greenhouse gas reductions pledged during the Paris meeting, there is a good chance that the world will be able to limit warming to 2 degrees Celsius. "We've developed an empirical model of global climate that we use to forecast future temperature out to the year 2100," said Timothy Canty, a research professor in atmospheric and oceanic science at UMD and a co-author of the book. "This is a model that ingests massive amounts of observational data." Climate models that forecast global warming use of one of four numbered scenarios to describe greenhouse gases in the future atmosphere. Researchers refer to these projections as representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios, each of which accounts for the influence of greenhouse gases and other pollutants on climate out to year 2100. RCP 4.5, one of the more optimistic pathways, assumes that human emissions of greenhouse gases will level off soon and then decline after a few decades. "The most important result from our modeling efforts is that the RCP 4.5 scenario is the two degree global warming pathway," said Austin Hope, a graduate student in atmospheric and oceanic science at UMD and a co-author of the book. "If the world keeps emissions to RCP 4.5, then we will likely stay beneath 1.5 degrees of global warming and almost certainly beneath two degrees of global warming," To achieve emissions reductions, the Paris Agreement requires each participating country to commit to a pledge, called an intended nationally determined contribution (INDC). Most INDCs only extend to the year 2030, however. "Our research shows that if the Paris Climate Agreement is met, it will put us on the RCP 4.5 pathway, but this can only happen if two important things occur," said Walter Tribett, a research scientist in atmospheric and oceanic science at UMD and a co-author of the book. "One, all conditional and unconditional INDCs must be met. Two, the mitigation of greenhouse gases needed to meet the Paris goal must be propagated out to 2060." Each INDC is different, based on the status and needs of each country. But most recognize the importance of non-emitting, renewable sources of energy. "To achieve RCP 4.5, half of the world's global energy must come from renewable sources by year 2060," said Brian Bennett, a research scientist in atmospheric and oceanic science at UMD and a co-author of the book. This is an ambitious goal that requires a large-scale global transition to renewable energy. Researchers can track access to electricity, most of which still comes from the burning of fossil fuels, using satellite imagery of night light across the globe. Noticeable differences exist between the developed and developing world. "Europe is lit up at night where its large population centers exist. The United States is equally lit up at night and we are seeing China emerge in the night light data," said Ross Salawitch, a professor of chemistry as well as atmospheric and oceanic science at UMD and a co-author of the book. "But largely absent in the night light data is India, and totally absent is Africa." The book's authors suggest that the developing world will have a great need for renewable energy solutions. But the developed world has a large role to play as well. "This will require large-scale transfer of technology and capital from the developed to the developing world," noted Salawitch, who also has an appointment with UMD's Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC). "And at the same time this is happening, the developed world must reduce its own dependence on dependence on fossil fuels--not a little bit, but massively--by 2060." ### The book, Paris Climate Agreement: Beacon of Hope, Ross Salawitch, Timothy Canty, Austin Hope, Walter Tribett and Brian Bennett, was published by Springer Climate in January 2017. This work was supported by NASA (Award No. NNX16AG34G). The content of this article does not necessarily reflect the views of this organization. To download a PDF of the book free of charge, or to purchase a hard copy: http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319469386 For more information: http://parisbeaconofhope.org Media Relations Contact: Matthew Wright301-405-9267 University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences 2300 Symons Hall College Park, MD 20742 http://www.cmns.umd.edu @UMDscience About the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences The College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland educates more than 7,000 future scientific leaders in its undergraduate and graduate programs each year. The college's 10 departments and more than a dozen interdisciplinary research centers foster scientific discovery with annual sponsored research funding exceeding $150 million. Reductions in highest doses through computer 'dashboard' and prioritizing painkiller safety suggests other large health systems could do the same ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Fewer veterans received prescriptions for risky dosages of opioid painkillers after a national initiative took aim at reducing high doses and potentially dangerous drug combinations, a new study finds. Over a two-year period, high-dose opioid prescribing declined by 16 percent, and very-high-dose opioid prescribing dropped by 24 percent. The number of patients receiving both opioids and sedatives, which can be lethal when combined, dropped by 21 percent. The study, published in the journal Pain, looks at the effect of the Opioid Safety Initiative rolled out by the Veterans Health Administration in late 2013 to promote safer opioid prescribing. The study examines implementation of the OSI across all of the nation's 141 VA hospitals. Under the OSI, the VHA created a "dashboard" tool using its national computerized medical record system to allow local VA clinical leaders to systematically review opioid prescribing and give physicians feedback. The researchers hope their findings could help other large health systems use their own electronic medical systems as part of a larger initiative to address a key aspect of the nation's epidemic of painkiller overdoses and opioid addiction. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, and Yale University Encouraging findings with a dose of caution The researchers studied VA opioid prescribing for the year before the OSI rolled out, and the OSI's first year. The national VA system had made other attempts to combat risky opioid use before OSI, including guidelines for prescribing, but the new research shows OSI greatly accelerated the downward trend. The team calls the findings encouraging. But they caution that further efforts to drive down risky opioid prescribing will need to continue to take patients' pain, mental health and addiction care needs and physicians' decision-making into account. "As our nation as a whole is learning, it's important to reduce risky opioid-related prescribing," says Lewei Allison Lin, M.D., the first author of the new study and an addiction fellow in the U-M Department of Psychiatry who trained in the VA system. "We hope that these findings, showing the VA OSI was associated with a reduction in risky prescribing, will encourage others to consider similar healthcare system interventions to address this complex issue." Adds senior author Mark Ilgen, Ph.D., "These results highlight the importance of addressing provider behaviors in our efforts to address the opioid epidemic, and the need for large health systems to develop and implement systematic approaches that are flexible enough to allow clinicians to make individual decisions while still reducing the overall prevalence of potentially risky prescribing." Ilgen is an associate professor of psychiatry at U-M and research investigator at the VA's Center for Clinical Management Research. Deaths and cases of substance use disorders linked to opioid painkillers have risen to epidemic levels nationally, with more than 14,000 deaths from prescription opioids in 2014 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although there are many kinds of opioid painkillers, the potency of each one can be measured in morphine equivalents or MEQs. The study focused on patients with prescriptions above particularly high daily thresholds: 100 MEQ and 200 MEQ. The study finds that OSI was associated with 331 fewer patients a month receiving prescriptions with daily doses above 100 MEQ, and 164 fewer patients a month being prescribed a daily dose above 200 MEQ. Accidental overdoses among people taking opioids that interact with other drugs have also been on the rise, so the OSI effort also focused on use of benzodiazepine sedatives. The study found that OSI resulted in 781 fewer patients each month receiving both an opioid and a benzodiazepine. However, the new data shows variation among VA hospitals in OSI's impact. In a minority of hospitals, high-dose opioid prescribing actually went up during the study period. More about OSI The OSI is based on an approach called "audit and feedback", which has been used successfully in other efforts to improve health care quality and safety. The fact that the national VA system uses a single computerized electronic medical record system allowed it to create the dashboard approach. Each hospital's OSI "champion" could easily see how opioids and related medications were being prescribed at their hospital, and by each doctor who prescribed them. They could compare that information with national and regional data. Besides the dashboard, and the VA's opioid prescribing guidelines introduced in 2010, the OSI also encouraged local hospital leaders to provide education to clinicians about pain care and opioid prescribing. Each OSI champion could decide how best to use the OSI data and tools to address opioid prescribing to ensure that care tailored to individual patient needs remained the priority. Once opioids and sedatives have been prescribed, changing the dose must be done gradually and carefully, especially when a patient has been accustomed to higher doses over a longer period of time. Lin notes that further evaluation of OSI data will be needed to determine how dosages were reduced and to see the impact of newer components of the OSI program. ### In addition to Lin and Ilgen, the study's authors include Amy S. Bohnert, Ph.D., Robert D. Kerns, Ph.D., Michael A. Clay, M.D., and Dara Ganoczy, M.P.H. The study was funded by the VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative. Ilgen and Bohnert are members of IHPI. Reference: PAIN, doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000837 http://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/publishahead/Impact_of_the_Opioid_Safety_Initiative_on.99344.aspx But among those diagnosed, treatment rates remain high, despite increasing evidence that surveillance may be appropriate option ANN ARBOR, Michigan -- As some national guidelines now recommend against routine prostate cancer screening, the overall rate of men receiving treatment for the disease declined 42 percent, a new study finds. The decline reflects efforts to decrease overdiagnosis and overtreatment - preventing some unnecessary treatments that can cause long-term impact on quality of life, while still providing life-saving care to patients who need it. But among those who are diagnosed, only 8 percent fewer are getting initial surgery or radiation treatments - even as data shows those with low-risk disease can substitute surveillance. "It's not entirely surprising: Primary care doctors who perform the majority of screening were the target audience of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommending against screening. But the specialists who treat prostate cancer once it's diagnosed had a more tempered response," says study author Tudor Borza, M.D., M.S., a urologic oncology and health services research fellow at Michigan Medicine. In a study published in Health Affairs, Michigan Medicine researchers used Medicare claims data to identify 67,023 men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2007 and 2012. Nearly three-quarters of those men had initial curative treatment, such as surgery or radiation. In comparing overall treatment rates from 2007 till 2012, researchers found a sharp decrease of 42 percent, reflecting a change in screening recommendations and adoption of surveillance strategies in select groups of men. In 2008, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advised against routine screening in men older than 75. By 2011, a recommendation came out against all PSA screening. However, specialty societies, such as the American Urological Association, continued to advocate for screening in men who were most likely to benefit. "These findings suggest that primary care doctors significantly decreased the number of patients to whom they recommended PSA screening after the guidelines changed," Borza says. "Primary care doctors make recommendations for screening to men who do not have cancer. They see men who have been treated for prostate cancer and have long-term effects such as incontinence or impotence. That favors a less-aggressive approach to the disease." While screening recommendations became less-aggressive, so did attitudes toward treatment. But researchers found a more tempered response when they looked at treatment rates over time among those diagnosed with prostate cancer. Some prostate cancers are so slow-growing that data suggests the risks of treatment may outweigh the benefits. Watchful waiting or active surveillance - which involve monitoring patients without delivering treatment - are options, especially for those patients with low-risk disease or limited life expectancy. By monitoring these patients, urologists can identify when treatment may become necessary. But even as this paradigm shifted, treatment rates move slowly - only 8 percent fewer diagnosed patients received treatment over the timeframe studied. "Specialists understand how insidious prostate cancer can be. They recognize the problems arising from overdiagnosis and overtreatment, but they also see people suffering from painful metastases or dying from the disease. When you're exposed to that, you're likely going to have a more reserved approach towards surveillance strategies," Borza says. The study drilled down in particular on patients who had a high risk of dying from a cause other than prostate cancer within 10 years. This could be due to advanced age or multiple medical problems such as heart disease. "If we had expected a big change in treatment for observation, it would have been in this group," Borza says. "These are the men for whom most physicians agree the risks of treatment outweigh the benefits. But there was no change in their treatment rate, meaning that adoption of less aggressive treatment strategies is occurring more slowly than the decrease in PSA screening." The researchers recommend new payment models or other policies that emphasize value of care over volume, which might provide more incentive for specialists to choose observation over treatment. They also urge participation in quality improvement initiatives, such as the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative, which strive to provide high quality, evidence-based care. In addition, research continues to uncover new clues to identify which men are at highest risk of aggressive prostate cancer and could most benefit from screening and treatment. "That's really the concern here. We know prostate cancer is a deadly disease in some men. We need better tools to identify which men should be screened and among those diagnosed, which men should be treated aggressively. This is still a black box. It's that uncertainty that leads to different approaches to treatment based on how different physicians view the risk. If we get better predicting who's at highest risk, we can more accurately tailor screening and treatment," Borza says. ### Additional authors: Samuel R. Kaufman, Vahakn B. Shahinian, Phyllis Yan, David C. Miller, Ted A. Skolarus, Brent K. Hollenbeck Funding: National Cancer Institute grants R01 CA168691, R01 CA174768, T32 CA180984 Disclosure: None Reference: Health Affairs, January 2017 Resources: University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, http://www.mcancer.org Michigan Medicine Cancer AnswerLine, 800-865-1125 Michigan Health Lab, http://www.MichiganHealthLab.org ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Thousands of times a day, doctors sign the hospital discharge papers for patients who have just had surgery, and send them off to their next destination. About half of those patients will get some sort of post-surgery care to help them heal and get back into life. But a new study finds huge variation in where they end up, depending on where they had their operation. And that variation in turn leads to huge differences in how much their care costs, the research shows. The study, published in Health Affairs by a University of Michigan team, looks at the impact of sending patients home with some in-house or outpatient help, compared with sending them to a skilled nursing facility or an inpatient rehabilitation center. The researchers looked at the type and cost of post-hospital care received by hundreds of thousands of patients covered by traditional Medicare in the 90 days after they had one of three common operations: hip replacement, heart bypass surgery, or removal of a part of their colon, called colectomy. They divided patients up by which hospital they had their operation at, and looked over a three-year period at how those hospitals compared. Some hospitals, they found, had average post-acute care costs for a surgical patient that were three times as high as other hospitals. But after the researchers looked closer at where each of those hospitals tended to send their patients, those cost differences shrank markedly. In the end, a hospital's decision to send a post-surgery patient to an inpatient rehabilitation facility was the key driver of total 90-day post-hospital costs. To a lesser extent, the decision to send the patient to a skilled nursing facility also drove costs, compared with prescribing in-home care or outpatient rehabilitation. Doctors have little official guidance or objective measurements to help them decide which patients will do best in each setting, says Lena Chen, M.D., the lead author of the study and an assistant professor at the U-M Medical School. "Based on these findings, and others, we can see that it's going to be really important to find out which type of care setting will have value to which patients, and when," she says. "We need to better understand how to do what's best for each patient." The need for such tools is even more important now, because hospitals are increasingly being penalized or rewarded financially by Medicare for the total cost of their surgical patients' care - even in the weeks after the patient leaves the hospital. Accountable care organizations and bundled payment programs are all incentivizing hospitals and health systems to do things that will get the most value out of Medicare dollars - including spending on post-hospital care. For instance, the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program is penalizing hospitals that spend more than their peers on "episodes of care" that start just before a patient enters the hospital, and ends 30 days after they leave the hospital. More about the study The researchers looked at Medicare data from 2009 to 2012 from 231,744 hip replacement patients treated in 1,831 hospitals; 218,940 bypass patients treated in 1,056 hospitals, and 189,229 colectomy patients treated in 1,876 hospitals. They accounted for differences in patient populations and the prices for care in different parts of the country. Even though skilled nursing facilities charge for every day that a patient is there, the length of stay in such facilities didn't matter nearly as much as the decision to send a patient to such a facility or to a rehab facility, compared with the lower-cost home-based or outpatient care. How to decide which patients could benefit most from each type of post-hospital care will rely on good uniform measures of how well patients are functioning at the time they leave the hospital - and the time they finish their post-hospital care. The agency that runs Medicare is testing a tool called the Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) Item Set that will help with this. But also important, Chen says, is the amount of social support a patient has - whether he or she has a relative or friend available to help out at home or transportation to outpatient rehab appointments, for instance. The availability of high-quality post-acute care in the local area around the patient also matters a lot. Those factors couldn't be included in this study. Educating patients and families about their post-surgery options before and after the operation is also important, she notes. If patients understand the different options and how the type of care differs from setting to setting, they and their loved ones can convey what they prefer. And that can be factored in as the doctor is preparing to write the discharge orders and the care team is making the arrangements for post-hospital care. And while much effort is going into helping reduce length of stay in nursing facilities, Chen notes, the need for research on what patients get the most benefit from what post-acute care settings may be even greater from a cost perspective. "Once providers better understand what setting has value and when, the payment system can better incentivize appropriate decisions," she notes. "Right now, we know so little about what is the best, and who gets the most benefit from the highest-cost options." ### In addition to Chen, the study's authors are U-M researchers Edward C. Norton, Ph.D., Mousumi Banerjee, Ph.D., M.S., Scott Regenbogen, M.D., M.P.H., and Anne Cain-Nielsen, M.S., and former Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health System researcher John Birkmeyer, M.D. Chen, Norton, Banerjee and Regenbogen are members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. All the U-M authors are members of the U-M Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy. Chen is also serving as a Senior Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy in the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The study was funded by the National Institute of Aging (AG019783) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (HS020671) Reference: Health Affairs, January 2017, DOI 10.1377/hlthaff.2016.0668 Theoretical physicists from the University of Plymouth have been awarded funding to enhance our understanding of the world and the universe that surrounds us. The researchers, led by Dr Antonio Rago, have been awarded a Consolidated Grant from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It will enable them to build on existing work exploring phenomena within and Beyond the Standard Model, the theory that describes all the elementary particle interactions. Working in collaboration with the theoretical physics department at Swansea University, they will also seek to develop and pursue new ideas using the planet's largest supercomputers. And it will ensure a continued supply of PhD students, as the STFC have approved the quality of training and support already being provided to early career researchers and included Plymouth among its accredited universities in the field of theoretical physics. The team at Plymouth being funded through the grant is composed of Dr Rago, Dr Craig McNeile and Dr Agostino Patella, who is currently on secondment at the CERN laboratories in Switzerland. Dr Rago, Associate Professor (Reader) in Theoretical Physics at the University, said: "Throughout history, some of the greatest scientific discoveries have been made through 'blue sky research' and that is exactly what this grant will enable us to carry out. It acknowledges our work and achievements in recent years, and will enable us to build on our research and push new boundaries in the future. We have a very young and talented group here in Plymouth, and this grant will fuel our efforts and enable us to offer opportunities to other young scientists in the future." The grant provides three years of funding, and in this period the researchers will continue to develop the simulation system which allows them to generate snapshots of their complex theories and coding. Such tools are developed to assess phenomena such as dark matter, the standard model, BSM and the precise structure of the Higgs Boson, and can only be run through supercomputers. The resulting calculations could then inform ongoing work taking place at CERN, which houses the most powerful particle accelerator allowing scientists to reproduce the conditions that existed within a billionth of a second after the Big Bang. Also in the first year, a post-doctoral researcher will begin work on a number of BSM theories, and a series of outreach and engagement activities will be developed so that the public will be able to gain an understanding of the world-leading research being undertaken in Plymouth. Dr Rago added: "In the last 20 years, everyone has been waiting for data from the Large Hadron Collider to confirm or disprove theories that go beyond the standard model. Around five years ago, that data enabled scientists to prove the presence of the Higgs Boson, one of the cornerstones of theoretical physics, but we still lack a clear understanding of its nature and structure. Another exciting observation comes from the astronomical side: it has been shown that the visible ordinary matter constitutes only the 5% of the total mass-energy content of the universe, our studies could help to identify possible candidates for the remaining part. This grant will hence fuel a very exciting research field and further enhances our standing at the cutting edge of particle physics research in the UK and Europe." ### A study, led by the University of Southampton and published in Cell Reports, shows that the turnover of the cells, called Microglia, is 10 times faster, allowing the whole population of Microglia cells to be renewed several times during a lifetime. "Microglia are constantly scanning the brain to find and fix issues - you could call them the housekeepers of the brain," said Dr Diego Gomez-Nicola, of the University of Southampton, who supervised the study. "We previously thought that microglia would renew themselves so slowly that a whole lifetime would not suffice to renew the whole population. But now we can talk about up to six renewal cycles in a lifetime. We now need to reinterpret how they interact and regulate the function of other brain cells to understand their full potential." The study, led by PhD student, Katharine Askew, assessed the proliferation of microglia, from both mouse and human brain, using staining of sections with specific antibodies alongside live imaging of the cells. It also found that the number of microglial cells remains relatively unchanged from birth until ageing and is maintained by the spatial and temporal coupling of cell division and cell death. The research was carried out in collaboration with researchers at the University of Tubingen (Germany), University of Oxford, University of Hamburg (Germany) and Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience (Spain). The Southampton team believe this new research will help the understanding of Microglia's behaviour in diseases like Alzheimer's Disease. In Alzheimer's microglia contribute to the person's cognitive decline. Dr Diego Gomez-Nicola added: "This finding provides a basic piece of cell biology, needed to understand the functions of microglia and their interaction with other cells in the brain. Understanding the clockwork of microglia will help understand their behaviour in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases of the brain like Alzheimer's." ### UTA researchers show in a new study that people's confidence actually exceeds what they can achieve when judging phishing attacks in the business world. Jingguo Wang, a UTA associate professor in the College of Business' Department of Information Systems and Operations Management, collaborated with Yuan Li of Missouri's Columbia College and Raghav Rao of the State University of New York, Buffalo, on the study titled: Overconfidence in Phishing Email Detection, recently published in Journal of the Association for Information Systems. "We wanted to link people's confidence with their performance," Wang said. "We found out that many people are overconfident. In other words, a lot of people thought they had made correct judgment on an email, yet they did not. Their confidence is a poor indicator for their actual performance. Therefore, one suggestion from the study is that following one's confidence on judgment to take subsequent actions on an email may not be recommended." About 600 people were included in this survey experiment about how people recognize phishing. Eighteen randomly selected emails were presented to the participants mixed with about half phishing emails that were targeted at financial institutions like Bank of America and Chase, and half authentic business emails actually sent by such institutions. People were asked to tell whether an email is legitimate or not. "The research suggests that businesses may provide feedback mechanisms in their training measures on one's performance to regulate a person's confidence. The goal is to reduce overconfidence," Wang said. Wang has led a second research paper that questions how people effectively recognize phishing. It's titled "Coping Responses in Phishing Detection: An Investigation of Antecedents and Consequences" and will be published in Information Systems Research. It investigates how people cope with phishing leads to detection accuracy. "We determined that many of the people surveyed exhibited a lie bias in their response of how to cope with phishing emails," Wang said. "They might just decide to delete everything, which isn't effective or worthwhile." Wang's research fits into a vital part of the University's strategic plan theme of data-driven discoveries. Chandra Subramaniam, interim dean of the College of Business, said Wang's work in this realm of phishing and behavior is vital in reaching conclusions on how business and industry should proceed. "Linking how people think to how they actually act and how confident they are when acting is important in determining a method to deal with phishing effectively," Subramaniam said. ### About The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Arlington is a Carnegie Research-1 "highest research activity" institution. With a projected global enrollment of close to 57,000 in AY 2016-17, UTA is the largest institution in The University of Texas System. Guided by its Strategic Plan Bold Solutions | Global Impact, UTA fosters interdisciplinary research within four broad themes: health and the human condition, sustainable urban communities, global environmental impact, and data-driven discovery. UTA was recently cited by U.S. News & World Report as having the second lowest average student debt among U.S. universities. U.S. News & World Report also ranks UTA fifth in the nation for undergraduate diversity. The University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is ranked as the top four-year college in Texas for veterans on Military Times' 2017 Best for Vets list. The global climate is a complex machine in which some pieces are separate, yet others are connected. Scientists try to discover the connections to predict what will happen to our climate, especially in a future with more heat-trapping gases. A dramatic pattern in our planet's climate history involves paroxysms in Arctic temperatures. During the last ice age, tens of thousands of years ago, Greenland repeatedly warmed by about 10 degrees Celsius over just a few decades and then gradually cooled. Meanwhile the Southern Hemisphere climate stayed fairly stable, with only weak and long-delayed echoes of the temperature chaos up north. But new University of Washington research shows the fierce winds circling Antarctica -- an important lever on the global climate -- shifted quickly in response to the Northern Hemisphere temperature spikes. "It's most surprising that we can see these really abrupt changes in the Northern Hemisphere making it very quickly to the Southern Hemisphere," said first author Bradley Markle, a UW doctoral student in Earth and space sciences. "The atmospheric circulation is tightly connected across the globe during these events." The study is published in the January issue of Nature Geoscience. Researchers used evidence from a 2-mile-long West Antarctic ice core. That ice core's thick annual layers provide precise dating that allows scientists to match its climate history with those in distant Greenland ice records. The wild northern temperature swings, known as Dansgaard-Oeschger events, are thought to be natural oscillations in the climate system. They have been reproduced in the most sophisticated climate models covering the ice age period. These same models also show a shift in Southern Hemisphere winds. The new study is the observational support for this shift in the winds. The Antarctic ice core shows that Southern Ocean winds shifted at the same time, or at most within a few decades, of each rapid Greenland warming event. Antarctic air temperatures, on the other hand, are connected through the slower-moving oceans and took about two centuries to respond. "We'd never found anything in our ice cores before that show the Southern Hemisphere responding so quickly to what happened in the Northern Hemisphere," said co-author Eric Steig, a UW professor of Earth and space sciences. "What we found is that when it warms up abruptly in the Northern Hemisphere, the winds in the Southern Hemisphere move north, and blow over warmer water. And the opposite happens when it cools down quickly in the north: the winds shift south." It was already well known that tropical rain bands and the Northern Hemisphere jet stream adjust to the temperature balance between hemispheres. But there was little historical evidence for winds blowing over the icy southern seas. The new study uses chemical clues in the 70-thousand-year ice core record. As gusting winds evaporate seawater, the fraction of heavier to lighter hydrogen and oxygen atoms in vapor depend on the ocean's temperature. When this moisture eventually falls as snow over Antarctica, it contains a signature of the latitude where it evaporated. Results show that the winds shifted north toward the equator when Greenland warmed, through a signal that was communicated through the atmosphere. "When it warms up rapidly in the Northern Hemisphere it creates strong temperature gradients, which influence the rain belts in the tropics. The rain belts in the tropics affect where the winds blow in the Southern Hemisphere. So it's a chain of effects," Steig said. Besides being important for Antarctic climate, the Southern Ocean winds influence rainfall in South America, Australia and southern Africa. These winds also play a role in long-term climate feedbacks that involve Antarctic sea ice and the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the oceans. "There's a general understanding in the climate science community that global warming is not just about temperature change, it's also about changing winds," Steig said. While there is some evidence that Southern Ocean winds may be changing today, the causes would be different from those in the study, the authors cautioned. But the results establish a new bridge between the two hemispheres, and support the results from computer models that create detailed simulations of the global climate over thousands of years. "This gives us confidence that the models that we're using to make those calculations are getting it about right," Steig said. ### The research was supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the UW-based Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean and fellowships from NASA and the ARCS Foundation. Other co-authors are Cecilia Bitz and T.J. Fudge at the UW; Spruce Schoenemann at the University of Montana; Christo Buizert at Oregon State University; Joel Pedro at the University of Copenhagen; Qinghua Ding at the University of California, Santa Barbara; Tyler Jones and James White at the University of Colorado, Boulder; and Todd Sowers at Pennsylvania State University. For more information, contact Steig at steig@uw.edu or 206-685-3715 and Markle at marklebr@uw.edu or 541-760-8322. Haiti - Health : 5th week of strike in public hospitals... On Friday, Dr Gabriel Timothee, Director General of the Ministry of Health, met with the union representatives of the staff of the majority of the 19 public hospitals in the country on strike since last December 12 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19531-haiti-health-new-strike-in-public-hospitals.html During the meeting, he tried to reassure the strikers on their demands with new promises. However, for the strikers, scalded by the failure to respect the promises of the Ministry in the agreement of end of strike of last August https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18474-haiti-health-strike-ends-for-medical-residents.html "They are bluffers, we have no confidence in them." Remember that in early December,Daphnee Benoit Delsoin, the Minister of Health had announced the impossibility for her ministry to respect the salary increases. Gabriel Timothee, had later admitted that due to lack of budget, the Ministry was not in a position, at the moment, to respect its promises https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19531-haiti-health-new-strike-in-public-hospitals.html The strikers who have not changed their demands (improvement of working conditions, revision of the wage grid, letters of appointment of contractual), require a signed agreement that will commit the next government, aware that it may take a little time to get satisfaction and that this requires continuity to avoid further strikes. They say they are ready to resume work once a credible agreement with formal guarantees is signed with the government, while waiting for the strike that paralyzes the public health system, is maintained and the population taken in hostage... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19670-haiti-flash-unlimited-strike-in-19-hospitals-msf-is-overwhelmed.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping politics... CARICOM congratulates Jovenel Moise Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretary General of CARICOM, congratulated the elected President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, who was declared the winner of the presidential elections of 20 November 2016 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19698-haiti-presidential-2016-final-results-jovenel-moise-58th-president.html "The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) wishes to congratulate President-elect Jovenel Moise who was declared the outright winner following the publication on 3 January 2017 by the Haitian Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) of the final results of the first round of the presidential elections of 20 November 2016. The Community looks forward to the inauguration of the President-elect on 7 February 2017 which would signal the return to constitutional governance and the continuation of the strengthening of Haitian democracy. The Community has also taken note of the results of the partial legislative elections. It is hoped that the electoral cycle will be completed in a free, peaceful and timely manner thereby making whole the executive and legislative branches of government." School fees law The publication of the law on school fees published in the official journal Le Moniteur https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-19727-icihaiti-politics-publication-of-3-presidential-orders.html aims to relieve parents of the significant costs of tuition. According to this law, 50% of these expenses will have to be paid at the beginning of the school year, 25% at the beginning of the second quarter and the remainder at the beginning of the third quarter. These costs can only be increased every 4 years and the increase can not exceed 10%, according to article 4 of this law. Rafael Correa at the investiture of Jovenel Moise On Saturday, President Rafael Correa announced his international agenda until the end of his government, among his traveling, the President of Ecuador on 7 February plans to attend the change of government in Haiti. Youth Assembly at the United Nations Joseph Max Veve, the Young Ambassador of the Youth Government of Haiti (GJH), will represent Haiti at the Youth Assembly at the United Nations in New York from 1 to 3 February 2017. He will be accompanied by four young Haitian professionals and Haitian students of the structure "Haiti Leve" to address issues related to the 2030 sustainable development goals. Gifts for Haitian children in DR On Sunday, was held the Graduation Ceremony for the first graduating class of the Annex of the school of law and economics of Les Cayes in Petit-Goave. After 4 years of study in the legal sciences, 16 graduating students were able to obtain their certificate. The head of academic affairs, Me Marthel Jean Claude exhorted them to be examples, to change the world of the basoche and to flee corruption, concluding that "science without consciousness is only the ruin of the soul, honor is the most beautiful inheritance that can be left to posterity" IH/ iciHaiti / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goave) HL/ HaitiLibre Graduation in legal sciences to Petit-Goave 50 aircraft were refused access to Irish airspace and airports last year over concerns they were carrying indiscriminate military hardware, it has been revealed. The planes, classed as civilian and believed to be mostly US, sought permission to fly over the country, stop or refuel at Shannon but were denied on advice from government officials. The Department of Transport said a total of 889 planes carrying guns and weapons applied to use Irish airports or airspace. Some 808 permits were granted with the vast majority landing in Shannon while another 31 applications were cancelled. No information has been revealed about the reasons why the 50 military contracted planes were denied access to Ireland or what exact type of munitions were believed to have been on board. In 2015 the Department of Transport granted 584 exemptions for aircraft to land at Shannon with guns on board compared to 1,495 in 2007. There were 19 refusals. The figures were released after anti-war group ShannonWatch said it had counted at least 730 US military flights coming through Shannon Airport last year - more than two planes every day owned by or operated on behalf of the US Air Force, Marines or Navy. The figure is the highest number recorded by the group since it began daily monitoring in 2008. Ed Horgan, spokesman for the campaign and a former Irish Army officer and United Nations elections' inspector, said: "These are the numbers recorded by ShannonWatch but they may not reflect the total numbers coming through. "And the numbers surprised me." More than 400 of the flights recorded by ShannonWatch were operated directly by the US Air Force, Navy or Marines. The rest were contracted troop carriers on civilian planes, some of which would be among the 889 planes granted exemptions to carry arms such as rifles without ammunition. Among the planes recorded last year were 100 C-130s, also known as Hercules transporters, 15 four engine C17 Globemaster or C5 Galaxy transporters and 71 executive jets. Mr Horgan said Ireland's approach to the use of airspace and airports as a neutral country should be compared with the attitude of Switzerland and Austria, two countries which routinely refuse US military access. ShannonWatch last week called on Transport Minister Shane Ross to explain the presence of a plane operated on behalf of the US military that had stopped in Shannon for less than two hours before flying on to a Nato airbase in Turkey. The Department of Foreign Affairs defended granting access to Irish air space and airports to the US military. It insisted that the troops on board and the planes must be unarmed, with no cargo of arms, ammunition or explosives, not engage in intelligence gathering and not form part of military exercises or operations. "Ireland remains strictly neutral and objective in applying the same strict conditions to the use of our airport by military aircraft belonging to all UN member states," a spokesman said. The Children's Minister Katherine Zappone says she expects the first children from the former migrant camp in Calais in France to arrive here within weeks. She also confirmed that the first group of unaccompanied Calais migrant camp children to be taken in by Ireland will all be teenage boys. Ms Zappone is seeking Cabinet approval to implement a Dail motion from last November to accept up to 200 unaccompanied minors. The first group of 20 will be interviewed in France next week and are all boys aged 16 and 17. Speaking on her way into the meeting she confirmed many will be housed in small residential settings. She said: "Most of those we have accommodation ready for them and probably most of them will be in very small residential settings, as they are now. "We have about 80 young people within our care setting, unaccompanied minors, many of whom are in residential settings." Ms Zappone said around 40 children would initially be relocated from the migrant camp at a cost of 11.5 million in the first year. The Minister said she would be raising the issue of financing the relocation with Finance Minister Michael Noonan at Cabinet. "There is that will to do it and we will find a way," she said. Officials are due to travel to France next week where she said they will assess around 20 young people and identify which ones wish to come to Ireland. "They will be on their way within the next couple of weeks. "My understanding is that from speaking to my officials and Tusla, all of them are boys and they are 16 and 17 years old. "We have to really think about their needs and the experiences of boys becoming young men and fleeing conflict and terror without their families and that's what we are getting ready for," the minister said. Update 9.45am: Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has said that said that neither Dublin nor London are to blame for the Stormont crisis. Minister Flanagan claims the so-called cash for ash scandal is an issue exclusively for the North's politicians. Yesterday the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein, resigned forcing the First Minister Arlene Foster, of the DUP, to also step down. It throws the power sharing agreement in the six counties into disarray but Minister Flanagan denies that he could have done more to help. I dont accept that, obviously the issue upon which the resignation of Martin McGuinness took place its an issue that it exclusively one for the internally elected representatives of NI to deal with, he said. Obviously there are issues outside that that both governments can facilitate. Earlier: The North's political parties are preparing for a snap election after yesterday's resignation of Martin McGuinness. The British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will address MPs today after Mr McGuinness's resignation caused the power-sharing agreement to descend into crisis. James Brokenshire will update the British House of Commons after the Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister resigned in protest at the Democratic Unionists' handling of a botched green energy scheme. Mr McGuinness's decision to walk away after 10 years sharing power with the DUP came as First Minister Arlene Foster refused to stand aside to facilitate a probe into the ill-fated Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - the so-called "cash for ash" furore. Martin McGuinness says 'today is the right time to call a halt to the DUP's arrogance' as he announces resignation as Deputy First Minister. pic.twitter.com/XWyFdrsweR RTE News (@rtenews) January 9, 2017 The UK Government is set to call a snap Assembly election in the wake of the energy scheme, which has left the administration in Belfast facing a 490m bill. DUP leader Mrs Foster oversaw the doomed RHI during her time as economy minister. She has rejected Sinn Fein's demands to step down temporarily pending the outcome of a preliminary investigation. Foster posts video reaction to McGuinness resignation: "Northern Ireland doesn't need an election, it needs stability and solutions." pic.twitter.com/73IIri28SQ RTE News (@rtenews) January 9, 2017 Under the structures of the peace process-forged institutions, neither Stormont's First Minister nor Deputy First Minister can remain in post without the other, so Mr McGuinness's resignation spelled the end of Mrs Foster's current tenure in the job. "We in Sinn Fein will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP," he said. "I believe today is the right time to call a halt to the DUP's arrogance." Mr McGuinness denied his health problems, for which he is undergoing intensive treatment, had influenced his move. 'My health has absolutely nothing to do with this whatsoever', Martin McGuinness says as he announces resignation as Deputy First Minister. pic.twitter.com/mfOpqlKXp7 RTE News (@rtenews) January 9, 2017 In response, the outgoing First Minister accused Mr McGuinness of putting politics before principle. Mrs Foster said she was "disappointed". "His actions have meant that, at precisely the time we need our government to be active, we will have no government and no way to resolve the RHI. "It is clear that Sinn Fein's actions are not principled, they are political." Mr McGuinness made clear that Sinn Fein would not replace him in the role. While politicians are set to face the electorate, a poll is unlikely to resolve the crisis if the RHI issue is not dealt with before an executive is re-formed. Sinn Fein has warned there will be no return to the "status quo". Mr Brokenshire said: "Unless Sinn Fein nominates a replacement to the position of Deputy First Minister within the next seven days, it is incumbent upon me to call an Assembly election within a reasonable period." The state-funded RHI was supposed to offer a proportion of the cost businesses had to pay to run eco-friendly boilers, but the subsidy tariffs were set too high and, without a cap, it ended up paying out significantly more than the price of fuel. This enabled applicants to "burn to earn" - getting free heat and making a profit as they did so. Claims of widespread abuse include a farmer allegedly set to pocket around 1m in the next two decades for heating an empty shed. While the DUP and Sinn Fein were in agreement on the terms of a potential investigation into RHI, the sticking point was the position of Mrs Foster when the probe got under way. Steps by the Executive to cut the costs of the overspend will not be implemented in the short term. Mr McGuinness cited other disputes with the DUP, including over the Irish language and stalled mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the Troubles, in explaining his move. The DUP claimed RHI was not the motivation behind Sinn Fein's strategy, insisting they were exploiting the crisis to pursue a broader republican agenda. A spokeswoman for Theresa May said: "The Prime Minister has been kept updated on the resignation of Martin McGuinness. "The Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is in contact with people there, encouraging all parties to continue the dialogue." The Home Office has been accused of having its "head in the sand" over the position of EU citizens living in the UK, after an official said that guaranteeing their right to remain after Brexit would cost the UK "negotiating capital" in withdrawal talks. A senior official in the Home Office's immigration and border policy directorate said in a letter to a group representing European expats that Britain would be put at an "immediate disadvantage" in negotiations if it made a unilateral move to assure them they can stay. The chairman of EU citizens' rights group the3million said the official's comments would make "a very uneasy read" for as many as a million European nationals who fear they could be forced to leave the UK because of Brexit. Nicolas Hatton wrote to Home Secretary Amber Rudd in December, urging her to remove the threat of removal from EU nationals living legally in the UK who are unable to prove their right to stay. Mr Hatton said rejected applications for permanent residence had increased by 60% to reach 4,728 in the last quarter - around 30% of the total submitted. At that rate, as many as a million EU citizens could be at risk of deportation from the day the UK leaves the EU, he warned. With the number of permanent residence applications soaring after the June 23 vote for Brexit, it could take 47 years for the Home Office to register all EU citizens now in the UK at current rates, he said. In a letter of response, the Home Office official promised that, as long as the UK remains in the EU, nationals of the other 27 members "will only be removed if they are considered to be a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society, if they abuse their free movement rights, or if they are not exercising free movement rights". He added: "The Government understands that EU citizens need certainty over their status and we intend to reach agreement on this issue as soon as possible in the forthcoming negotiations. "However, agreeing a unilateral position in advance of these negotiations would lose negotiating capital with respect to British citizens in EU member states and place the UK at an immediate disadvantage." Mr Hatton said the Home Office letter "confirms the threat of deportation and justifies all rejection based on the current rules". "How will the Home Office register three million people when it struggles to process the applications of tens of thousands?," he asked. "What about the EU citizens exercising treaty rights but having their application rejected due to the over-complicated process imposed by an over-zealous administration? Based on the 30% rejection rate, could one million people be at risk of deportation after Brexit? "The Home Office has clearly its head in the sand and it will make a very uneasy read for the three million EU citizens, many who are UK taxpayers, who are anxious about their future and would like the Home Office to work for them, not the other way round." Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake said: "Once again, this Conservative Brexit Government is confirming it sees EU nationals living in the UK as nothing more than pawns in the negotiations. "Amber Rudd should be ashamed. The Government must end the sickening game they are playing with millions of families and give EU citizens who have made the UK their home the right to stay. There is an overwhelming moral and pragmatic case to do so." A Home Office spokesman said: "This Government has been clear that we want to protect the status of EU nationals already living here and the only circumstances in which that wouldn't be possible is if British citizens' rights in European member states were not protected in return. "The rights of EU nationals living in the UK remains unchanged while we are a member of the European Union. EU nationals do not require any additional documents to prove their status. "There are a number of options as to how EU migration might work once we have left, including regarding documentation. We are considering those various options and it would be wrong to set out further positions at this stage." One of the primary aims of the foundation is to fund a scholarship programme for Leaving Certificate students seeking to study engineering, mathematics, science and technology at college. The scholarship programme which was set up in 2008, initially only applied to students in counties Louth, Meath and Monaghan, but its coverage has been widened. Last year, the foundation awarded 35 scholarships of 5,000 each. The foundation, established by Mr Naughton and his wife Carmel also helps support other causes in the arts and education. Mr Naughton established Glen Dimplex, one of Irelands most successful manufacturing companies, in 1973. New accounts filed by Glen Electric, a division of Glen Dimplex based in the North, reveal that the company donated 17.8m (20.4m) to the Naughton Foundation last year, and distributed 18.3m to all charities. The donation meant pre-tax profits more than halved to 19.35m at Glen Electric Ltd in the 12 months to the end of March. It nonetheless posted a net profit of 12m, after paying corporation tax of 7.2m. Its revenues fell by 5.5% from 765.49m to 723.2m. Glen Electric Ltd is estimated to account for around half of Glen Dimplexs overall business and revenues. Glen Electric is the largest manufacturer of domestic heating appliances in the world, with a range of more than 400 products and is one of the largest employers across Ireland employing 4,830 people. The firm last year paid a dividend of 1.6m. Its balance sheet remains very strong with shareholder funds standing at 361m. The companys pre-tax profits last year take account of non-cash depreciation and amortisation costs of 15.8m. The directors will continue to develop the principal activities of the group and to identify areas with further growth potential and acquisitions, which would increase shareholder value, the directors say. A breakdown of the firms revenues show that the EU is the businesss largest market accounting for 559m of sales, while north America accounted for 78m in sales. Revenues from the rest of the world totalled 60m, while sales in the rest of Europe accounted for 25m. The firm employs 2,671 people in production; 1,330 in selling and distribution; and has 462 people working in administration and 367 in research and development. Reece Cullen, who was due to turn 17 later this month, died from a stab wound to his chest in a row with other youths in Tallaght, west Dublin, on the afternoon of January 4. A 14-year-old boy was arrested in relation to the stabbing, but it is understood detectives were unable to glean much information in the interviews. He was released without charge. Gardai are now considering whether to arrest another teenager in relation to the attack. Sources said there were concerns that there was some intimidation going on deterring witnesses from talking to detectives. Gardai said they need either witness statements, forensic evidence or possibly CCTV footage to progress their investigation. The weapon used in the stabbing has not yet been found. It is not clear what type of knife was used and pathology results could only indicate that a sharp blade was involved. It is understood that the autopsy showed that Reece was stabbed once in the chest, piercing his heart. Gardai said the stabbing was the result of a minor enough row between youths in the Jobstown area. There are reports that there could have been a minor drug debt. The dispute escalated in recent times to include the use of a pellet gun. Sources said the parties involved did not have significant convictions. Reece was staying in a house on Kilclare Crescent, Jobstown, where the stabbing occurred. He was found severely wounded inside the front door at around 3pm and was pronounced dead in hospital. Effectively announcing his departure from front-line politics, Mr McGuinness, who has been severely ill in recent months, said he was resigning with deep regret and reluctance. Appearing frail and in weakened voice, the 66-year-old insisted his health was not the reason for his resignation, claiming it was caused by the failure of First Minister Arlene Foster to stand aside to allow an investigation into so-called Cash for Ash scandal. My health is absolutely nothing to do with this whatsoever, he said. As they effectively share the office of First Minister, Ms Fosters role will also cease. The former IRA commander- turned-political leader failed to clarify if he would stand again for election, when asked by the media. Mr McGuinness is said to be suffering from a rare heart condition and Belfast insiders believe his ill-health will not permit him to continue, ending the career of one of the Norths most controversial figures. [media-bbw]2743931[/media[ Political leaders in Dublin, Belfast, and London appealed for calm amid fears for the future of the Northern Assembly, with elections set to be called if Sinn Fein do not nominate an Assembly member to replace Mr McGuinness within seven days. Mr McGuinness said he was stepping down from office because of the arrogance of Ms Fosters handling of the crisis, which has gripped Stormont for several weeks. Ms Foster insisted she would not temporarily step aside, pending an investigation into the renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme, which could cost up to 490m (563.5m), as demanded by Sinn Fein. The First Minister has refused to stand aside, without prejudice, pending a preliminary report from an investigation. That position is not credible or tenable, said Mr McGuinness. We in Sinn Fein will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP. I believe today is the right time to call a halt to the DUPs arrogance. There will be no return to the status quo. Sinn Fein could re-nominate Mr McGuinness or a replacement to the deputy first minister role within the next seven days, but Mr McGuinness said that will not happen, saying fresh elections are the only way forward. We now need an election to allow the people to make their own judgment on these issues. Ms Foster said: I am disappointed that Martin McGuinness has chosen to take the position he has today. His actions have meant that, at precisely the time we need our government to be active, we will have no government and no way to resolve the RHI problems. It is clear that Sinn Feins actions are not principled, they are political, she said. Let me make it clear the DUP will always defend unionism and stand up for what is best for Northern Ireland and it appears from the Deputy First Ministers resignation letter that is what annoys Sinn Fein the most. It will be a matter for the British government to call Assembly elections, with a late February or early March date likely. Prime Minister Theresa May has been updated on the resignation, said Downing Street. Political leaders here expressed grave fears for the Assembly and the Government appealed for calm in Stormont. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said he regretted the circumstances which led to Mr McGuinnesss decision to resign his office. The Government is very mindful of the need to protect the integrity of the principles and institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, he said. If, as appears likely, new elections to the Assembly will now be required, it behoves all parties to act responsibly in word and deed, so that the political institutions of the Agreement will not be damaged in the longer term. Mr Flanagan spoke to Mr McGuinness and to the British Secretary of State to Northern Ireland James Brokenshire. As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government will continue to work with the British government and the political parties to advance political stability, reconciliation, and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland, said Mr Flanagan. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said it is with a sense of dismay that he has watched the so-called Cash for Ash scandal unfold. The stage is now being set for a bitter election campaign that will not address any of the issues that led us to this point, and the future of the institutions is thrown into serious doubt, said Mr Martin. President of the Transportation Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, Edward Wytkind, called on Mr Obama to reverse the decision on December 3 last to grant a licence to Norwegian Air to begin transatlantic flights. The flights are due to begin this summer, with Cork- Boston and Cork-New York capturing the imagination of the public and business community alike. Despite support in Ireland, there has been strenuous cross-party opposition in the US, with 100 Republicans and Democrats alike calling for the licence to be stopped. Opponents claim that Norwegian Air engages in unfair work practices such as lower wages for workers. The company has vehemently denied it engages in unfair work practices. The labour union represents 55 labour unions and more than 12.5 million workers. It has consistently opposed Norwegian Air plans to launch transatlantic flights since a tentative licence was granted in April 2016. Writing in one of Washington DCs most influential political newspapers and websites, The Hill, Mr Wytkind said: President Obama can stop this. He can intervene and the Secretary of Transportation (Anthony Foxx) can amend or revoke the Department of Transports December 3 order because it is in the public interest to do so. If President Obama fails to reverse this decision, it will be left to president-elect Donald Trump to ensure that our aviation trade agreements are fully enforced. He said American aviation was at a crossroads and that if the license was granted, it would decimate air labour like the marine industry, which has seen mass decline in recent decades. Mr Wytkind added: Four years ago President Obama said he wouldnt stand by when our competitors violate the rules dictated by trade agreements. Our aviation trade rules with the EU unambiguously require that airlines abide by high labour standards and honour the respective labour laws on both sides of the Atlantic. Norwegian Air fails this test, and now is the time for the president to prove that his words hold weight and that commitments negotiated into trade agreements are not empty promises. News: 17 From IWU Magazine, Fall 2016 edition Leaving Her Mark In designing a wall mural for IWUs Multicultural Center, Lucy Sanchez 17 reflected on all that it means to be a part of the campus community. Story by KIM HILL Photos by ROBERT FRANK III 14 For the wall mural she designed, Sanchez (above) drew on her study-abroad experiences and a desire to say "something big." Lucy Sanchez 17 thinks big, whether about her art or the world around her. An art major at Illinois Wesleyan, Sanchez has designed and painted a mural entitled La Lucha de Colores (The Struggle of Colors) for the Multicultural Center on campus. The 15-foot-long and 8-foot-high work depicts the journey of a student of color as he or she progresses through the IWU experience, while also acknowledging the current atmosphere of racial relations in society. Sanchez has long admired street art, and as a Chicago native was well acquainted with the citys Pilsen neighborhood and its many murals. She was deeply influenced by her study of Mexican muralism, which typically conveys social and political messages. Ive always felt murals were art that belonged to a community, she says. Its more accessible in comparison to a lot of art that is very fine art, making fine art a privilege because its expensive. Street art tells you whats going on in that community, even if its angry. Street art is reality. The idea for the mural was an outgrowth of Sanchezs experience in Ireland, where she studied on an IWU Study Abroad Scholarship through a fund established by Betty Ritchie-Birrer 47. Sanchez chose to document her time there by creating original works informed by her experiences in the Emerald Isle. Her artwork focusing on identity was my way of finding my place in Ireland, a very different culture than Im accustomed to, coming from a Mexican-American household. All the pieces were my way of figuring myself out and trying to establish myself in this new environment while struggling with culture shock and homesickness. Using a Kente stole as a unifying element, Sanchez painted the mural with pathways starting at The Ames Library. After her study-abroad experience, Sanchez began to see her work as saying something, and shared her desire to create something big in a conversation with Brandon Common, then the director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). Dialogue involving a reimagining of the space in the Multicultural Center was already underway, so Common suggested Sanchez brainstorm some ideas for a mural to adorn the focal wall of the center, which is a gathering place for all students to study and socialize. As an administrator, I believe it is our responsibility to support students in their aspirations, so I saw the creation of the mural as a way to showcase Lucys talents because she is a phenomenal student and woman of color, says Common, who is now assistant dean of students for campus life. I also thought the mural would enliven the Multicultural Center and capture what is happening at this moment in time, and I wanted future students to see what one of their own did while a student at IWU. Using a Kente stole denoting multicultural pride as a unifying element, Sanchez designed the mural with pathways beginning at The Ames Library and the Sesquicentennial Gates. These locations are included in campus tours and quickly become cultural icons for new students. The stole works as a pathway leading your experience around Illinois Wesleyan, Sanchez says, noting the stole includes elements of national flags representing the cultural backgrounds of Illinois Wesleyan students. Activism is portrayed, both on campus and in the world. She also included depictions of dancers to illustrate the importance of joy and celebration in the face of oppression. We try to celebrate our cultures in multiple ways, and I wanted to include that. The pathway ends with a graduation cap, the symbolic end of the journey. A panel near the end of the stole celebrates the Class of 2017; Sanchez used chalkboard paint for this panel so that it can be changed each year to celebrate a new graduating class. A self-portrait by Sanchez. Sanchezs own college experience began as a junior at Chicagos John F. Kennedy High School. Her counselor recommended her for the Chicago Scholars Foundation, a nonprofit that helps high-performing, first-generation Chicago students navigate the college admission process. Chicago Scholars sponsors workshops on applications and financial aid, one-on-one mentoring and networking. Dozens of colleges and universities recruit at the annual Chicago Scholars Onsite admission forum, where an IWU admissions counselor requested a meeting with Sanchez. Helping her through every step of the process, the counselor also urged Sanchez to visit campus during Multicultural Weekend and Tu Universidad!, an event designed to help Latino/a students and their parents learn more about the University community, the admissions process and financial aid resources. At IWU Sanchez has thrived as an art and business administration double major. She is president of Kappa Pi honorary art fraternity and a student programmer for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and she previously served as an officer in the Spanish and Latino Student Association (SALSA). Illinois Wesleyan offers opportunities to become who you want to be, and to fight for what you believe in, she says. There are some great people here who constantly support students in their fights against injustices, not only on this campus but in the world. While the mural she created for the Multicultural Center reflects Illinois Wesleyans sense of community, it also illustrates frustration students of color can feel on a predominantly white campus. When I started the project, I think one of my goals was to empower people, says Sanchez. On one of the murals panels, she utilized a quote from activist Yareliz Elena Mendez-Zamora. Sanchez wanted to make a statement that people of color are not alone and theyre not going anywhere. Were here because we earned it, she says, referring to students of color on college campuses and people of color as leaders in industry, the private sector and public office. Common says Sanchez has left an indelible mark with the murals completion. I hope the mural speaks to marginalized students and lets them know they matter and that they are valued at IWU, he says. I also hope that it tells a story of perseverance and determination and also challenges those who look at it to reflect on where we are as a community and where we can be if we continue to support each other. I hope this mural will continue to promote the Multicultural Center as a space where all students matter, while also challenging future students to leave their mark somewhere else, in some way, on campus. Learn more about the University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Learn more about the University's Ames School of Art. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 10, 2017) - Rubicon Minerals Corporation (TSX:RMX)(OTC PINK:RBYCD) ("Rubicon" or the "Company") provides details on its exploration plans at the Phoenix Gold Project (the "Project"). "We have finalized the details of our 18- to 24-month exploration program that will advance our understanding of the F2 Gold Deposit at the Phoenix Gold Project," stated George Ogilvie, P.Eng., President and Chief Executive Officer of Rubicon. "We believe that approaching the F2 Gold Deposit as an exploration target is a necessary step to better understand its complex structural geology and the distribution of gold mineralization in the host rocks, as interpreted by the geological model prepared in January 2016. The ultimate goals of the exploration program are to increase the quality and quantity of mineral resources and, through a future planned feasibility study, determine the economics of the Project to upgrade mineral resources to reserves." 2017 Exploration Program The 2017 Exploration Program at the Project consists of the following components: Re-logging of approximately 10,000 metres ("m") of core from historical drilling: core samples from previous drilling were mainly logged for grade and lithology. However, the geological model prepared in January 2016 highlighted the complexity of geological structural controls on the distribution of the gold mineralization. According to the interpretation of the current geological model, the east-west (mine grid) trending cross-cutting shear structures ("D2 structures") appear to control the distribution of high-grade mineralization, which were not adequately interpreted in previous geological models. Rubicon intends to re-log historical core to better understand the structural geology and the relationship of these D2 structures relative to the high-grade gold mineralization. 3,500 m of drilling from the 244- and 305-metre levels (commencing second quarter 2017): As most of the drilling of the F2 Gold Deposit was orientated in an east-west (mine grid) direction, the influence of the D2 structures (which run near parallel to the drill orientation) has not been captured. The Company plans to conduct 3,500 m of orientated drilling in a north-south (mine grid) direction to gain further knowledge of these D2 structures and update the geological model. 20,000 m of drilling from the 610-metre level (commencing second quarter 2017): Rubicon intends to follow up on widely-spaced, high-grade intercepts from historical drilling of the F2 Gold Deposit with infill and step-out orientated diamond drilling. The drilling will cover the area between the 366- and 854-metre levels. The Company believes that the data collected from these areas could positively impact the classification of mineral resources in the Measured and Indicated categories in an updated mineral resource estimate. Engagement of a primary external consultant (process to be completed in first quarter 2017): Rubicon plans to engage an external consultant at the beginning and throughout the exploration program to assist with the interpretation of the structural geology and the eventual formulation of an updated mineral resource estimate. Development into the main mineralized zone: While undertaking clean up and infrastructure upgrades underground, the Company anticipates drifting into the main zone of the F2 Gold Deposit, between the 305- and 366-metre levels, to gather more information for geological mapping and sampling purposes. 2018 Exploration Program The 2018 Exploration Program at the Project consists of the following components: Trial mining (mid-2018): the Company plans to conduct limited trial mining in the main zone of the F2 Gold Deposit, between the 244- and 305-metre levels. This will allow Rubicon to gather more information for geological mapping, sampling purposes, evaluation of mining techniques and reconciliation to the mineral resource block model. Updated mineral resource estimate and feasibility study decision (second half 2018): Rubicon anticipates providing an updated mineral resource estimate in the second half of 2018, in addition to making a decision to move ahead with a feasibility study for the Project. The updated mineral resource estimate (and potential feasibility study) will be evaluated by a peer group of external consultants prior to completion. Mr. Ogilvie commented: "We have commenced activities at the Project, including moving more than 3,000 m of core into our core shack in preparation for re-logging, resumed staff hiring to assist with the exploration programs, and Request for Proposals ("RFP") have been sent out to engage a primary external mineral resource consultant. Shortly, an RFP will be sent to potential bidders for commencement of diamond drilling activities." The Company intends to provide periodic updates to the markets as it completes the various elements of the exploration program. OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 10, 2017) - Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE:ORE) is pleased to announce its updated 2017 Mineral Resource statement (Table 1), subsequent to its release of September 7, 2016, for its Bombore Project in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The updated resource estimation was performed by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (RPA) in Toronto, Ontario. Mineral Resources are estimated at variable cutoff grades depending on weathering layer and geographic location. The overall results (Table 2) show that the gold ounces contained in the 2017 Measured and Indicated (M&I) resource have increased by 15% from 3.22 million ounces to 3.69 million ounces with a 5% reduction in the average gold grade to 0.92 gram per tonne (gpt) as compared to the 2016 estimate. Of this, the Oxidized and Transition M&I resource increased by 10% with a 3% reduction in the average gold grade to 0.87 gpt and the fresh rock (Sulphide) M&I resource increased by 18% with the average gold grade reduced by 7% to 0.97 gpt. For comparison purposes, Table 2 also includes the 2013 resource statement based on the same cutoff grades (0.45 gpt for oxide & transition and 0.5 gpt for sulphide). These cutoff grades are well above the lower economic cutoff grades that will be used for estimating the 2017 reserves. The increase in resources is directly attributable to the recent modeling (wireframing) of the additional mineralization that had been categorized as the waste domain (third domain) within the pit shells that constrained the 2016 estimate and not due to a change in methodology or gold price. The 2017 Mineral Resource Statement (Table 1) reports at the calculated economic cutoff gold grades of 0.2 gpt for oxide and 0.38 gpt sulphide. Compared to the 2016 estimate, at the calculated economic cutoff grades, the total Oxide and Transition M&I resources increased from 1.935 million ounces to 2.214 million ounces and the total Sulphide M&I resources increased from 2.074 million ounces to 2.556 million ounces. The 2017 resource estimation methodology and parameters as applied to the Measured and Indicated categories, of both the higher and lower grade cutoffs, has remained unchanged from the 2016 estimate. The 2017 Inferred category includes one additional step in methodology as described below, however, this is not considered to be a material change. Table 1 - 2017 Mineral Resources Statement for the Bombore Deposit, Burkina Faso, West Africa Measured Mineral Resource Indicated Mineral Resource Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Inferred Mineral Resource Cutoff Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold Material Type gpt Mt gpt koz Mt gpt koz Mt gpt koz Mt gpt koz Oxide+Tran HG 0.45 16.9 0.94 513 36.5 0.83 974 53.4 0.87 1,487 4.8 0.77 117 Oxide+Tran LG 0.2 to 0.45 18.5 0.33 196 50.1 0.33 531 68.6 0.33 727 16.4 0.29 151 Total Ox+Tr 0.20 35.4 0.62 709 86.7 0.54 1,505 122.0 0.56 2,214 21.2 0.39 268 Fresh HG 0.50 2.3 1.18 87 68.7 0.96 2,121 71.0 0.97 2,208 20.1 0.97 630 Fresh LG 0.38 to 0.5 0.8 0.43 11 24.2 0.43 337 25.0 0.43 348 6.9 0.43 96 Total Fresh 0.38 3.1 0.99 97 93.0 0.82 2,458 96.0 0.83 2,556 27.0 0.84 726 Total HG 19.2 0.97 600 105.3 0.91 3,095 124.5 0.92 3,695 24.9 0.93 747 Total LG 19.2 0.33 206 74.4 0.36 868 93.6 0.36 1,075 23.3 0.33 246 Total HG + LG 38.4 0.65 806 179.6 0.69 3,964 218.1 0.68 4,770 48.2 0.64 994 Notes: 1. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. 2. HG indicates material above the higher grade cutoffs, LG indicates low grade material between the high grade and breakeven cutoff grades. 3. Mineral Resources are estimated at variable cutoff grades depending on weathering layer and location. 4. Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,400 per ounce. 5. A minimum mining width of approximately 3 m was used. 6. Bulk densities vary by material type. 6. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 7. Numbers may not add due to rounding. 8. The effective date of this Mineral Resource statement is January 5, 2017. Table 2 - Comparison Table of 2017 to 2016 Mineral Resource Estimates at Similar Cut-off Grades Measured Mineral Resource Indicated Mineral Resource Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Inferred Mineral Resource Cutoff Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold gpt Mt gpt Koz Mt gpt Koz Mt gpt Koz Mt gpt Koz 2013 Ox+Tr 0.45 38.9 0.94 1,174 28.3 0.87 789 67.2 0.91 1,964 6.4 0.92 189 2016 Ox+Tr 0.45 16.3 0.98 514 30.7 0.85 840 47.1 0.89 1,355 1.0 0.76 24 2017 Ox+Tr 0.45 16.9 0.94 513 36.5 0.83 974 53.4 0.87 1,487 4.8 0.77 117 Difference 0.5 (0.03) (2) 5.8 (0.02) 134 6.3 (0.03) 133 3.8 0.00 93 Percent Difference 3% -4% 0% 19% -2% 16% 13% -3% 10% 381% 0% 383% 2013 Fresh (Fr) 0.50 44.1 1.03 1,456 28.6 1.24 1,142 72.7 1.11 2,598 12.1 1.38 534 2016 Fresh 0.50 6.7 1.07 232 49.1 1.04 1,638 55.8 1.04 1,870 15.9 0.89 457 2017 Fresh 0.50 2.3 1.18 87 68.7 0.96 2,121 71.0 0.97 2,208 20.1 0.97 630 Difference (4.4) 0.10 (145) 19.6 (0.08) 483 15.2 (0.08) 338 4.2 0.08 174 Percent Difference -66% 9% -63% 40% -8% 29% 27% -7% 18% 26% 9% 38% 2013 Ox+Tr+Fr 83.0 0.99 2,630 56.8 1.06 1,931 139.9 1.01 4,561 18.4 1.22 723 2016 Ox+Tr+Fr 23.0 1.01 746 79.8 0.97 2,478 102.9 0.97 3,224 16.9 0.88 481 2017 Ox+Tr+Fr 19.2 0.97 600 105.3 0.91 3,095 124.5 0.92 3,695 24.9 0.93 747 Difference (3.9) (0.03) (147) 25.4 (0.05) 617 21.6 (0.05) 471 8.0 0.05 267 Percent Difference -17% -3% -20% 32% -5% 25% 21% -5% 15% 47% 6% 55% Notes: A subset of the 2017 and 2016 Mineral Resources is reported in this table in order to draw comparisons to the 2013 model which was reported at a lower cutoff grade of 0.45 gpt for oxide and transition material and 0.50 gpt for fresh material. As previously stated on Sept 7, 2016 approximately one third of the reduction in M&I resources between the 2013 and 2016 estimates was related to environmentally sensitive areas and areas set aside for the benefit of local artisanal miners. Most of these resources were already excluded from the 2015 feasibility study reserve estimation and will remain excluded in the 2017 feasibility update. Some of these resources may be recaptured in the future through independent studies and permitting. By combining the 2017 increase in resources with this voluntary reduction in resources for technical and practical reasons, the difference between 2013 and 2017 resource estimates is now less significant. With the resource updated and complete, the Company is now working with RPA to complete the Mineral Reserves and Mine Plan in order to update and optimize the 2015 Phase 1 feasibility study. "The 2017 resource update shows a significant increase over the 2016 estimate and better reflects the mineralization that was not previously wireframed (accounted for) in the 2016 estimate." stated Ron Little, CEO for Orezone. "It is important to note that we followed the same methodology, protocols and parameters as those used in the 2016 estimate along with the same level of rigor and conservatism. Some upside remains in the area of Inferred resources that occur within the pit shells that constrain the resource (in the third domain) that may well be upgraded and included within future mine production by grade control drilling during the mining phase." The Bombore project benefits from a large oxide and sulphide resource that allows for flexibility and potential expansion of the process facility. The resource remains open at depth and for the most part along strike. The Company is planning further drilling for infill, expansion, and model testing purposes during H1 2017 once the appropriate permits have been received. Part of the focus of this drilling is to define and upgrade the mineralization that is currently unclassified and occurs within the resource pit limits. This drilling will generally be shallow and designed to demonstrate the ability to upgrade resources by expanding grade domains and to test areas that have been previously identified as prospective but are presently excluded from the current estimate. The 2017 estimation methodology: The methodology used for the current resource estimate was mostly the same as the September 7, 2016 estimate with the addition of 391 lower grade envelopes to the North and South models, many of which demonstrate grade continuity suitable to be classified as Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, and the addition of a minor third domain located outside the envelopes as an unconstrained model using a limited search ellipse up to 35 m by 35 m by 2.5 m. All of the "third domain" was classified as Inferred. The methodology included estimating the grade in two principal grade domains, a higher grade +0.45 gpt domain (the core of mineralization) and a lower grade 0.2 to 0.45 gpt domain (the lower grade halo around the core). The grade of each domain (or envelope) was estimated using only the composited assays that occur within each envelope and thereby there was a hard boundary between each domain. Assays were capped prior to compositing to 1.5 m. Block grades were estimated using ordinary kriging and classified according to drill hole spacing and the apparent continuity of the mineralized zones. Mineral Resources were reporting in preliminary pit shells generated in Whittle software. The Company plans to issue an updated feasibility study in Q2 2017 that will include amongst other things, the 2017 resource statement and the minor changes to section 14 (Estimation Methodology) from that described in the September 7, 2016 resource report filed on SEDAR on November 2, 2016. The Company and RPA confirm that the description of the methodology in the 2016 report sufficiently supports and applies to those same techniques used by RPA to estimate the 2017 Measured and Indicated resources. The 2016 estimation methodology: The methodology included estimating the grade in two principal grade domains, a higher grade +0.45 gpt domain (the core of mineralization) and a lower grade 0.2 to 0.45 gpt domain (the lower grade halo around the core). The grade of each domain (or envelope) was estimated using only the composited assays that occur within each envelope and thereby there was a hard boundary between each domain. The 2013 estimation methodology: The Company worked with SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. to produce the 2013 resource model which included the definition of the higher grade domains using +0.5 gpt wireframe envelope and the Company created a lithological model that was used to constrain the low-grade gold domains. SRK estimated block grades inside the higher grade domains using only those composited samples located within that domain. The block grades inside the lower grade domains were constrained by lithological wireframes and were assigned a grade based on composites from that domain as well as composites from nearby higher grade domains within a certain distance. This ensured grade continuity of the higher grade zones while overcoming software limitations at that time. In this process, the lower grade domains could be described as having a hybrid or semi-hard boundary between the higher grade and lower grade domains. Domains identified as waste were not estimated. Tim Miller, SME and COO, Pascal Marquis, Geo and SVP and Ron Little, P.Eng. and CEO of Orezone, are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101 and have reviewed the information in this release. Readers should refer to the annual information form of Orezone for the year ended December 31, 2015 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Orezone since January 1, 2016 available at www.sedar.com, for this detailed information, which is subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein. Qualified Person - Mineral Resources: The 2017 Mineral Resources disclosed in this press release have been prepared under the supervision of Reno Pressacco, P.Geo., Jose Texidor-Carlsson, P.Geo., and Tudorel Ciuculescu, P.Geo., all employees of RPA and independent of Orezone. By virtue of their education and relevant experience, Messrs. Pressacco, Texidor-Carlsson and Ciuculescu are "Qualified Persons" for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014). Messrs. Pressacco, Texidor-Carlsson and Ciuculescu have read and approved the contents of this press release as it pertains to the disclosed Mineral Resource estimate. About Orezone Gold Corporation Orezone is a Canadian company with a successful track record of gold discoveries and mine development experience in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Company owns a 100% interest in Bombore, one of the largest and permitted undeveloped oxide gold deposit in West Africa, situated 85 km east of the capital city, adjacent to an international highway. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 10, 2017) - Rupert Resources Ltd. ("Rupert" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:RUP) is pleased to announce assay results from an additional 26 surface diamond holes (3,528m) drilled into the large, open Karoliina zone that was discovered prior to mine's closing in May 2014. The permitted Pahtavaara gold mine is located in Northern Finland in the emerging Central Lapland Greenstone Belt. In 2016, Rupert drilled 12,293m from surface and 3,209m from underground, balancing the requirements for production infill drilling and exploration. The results of additional holes from the 8,951m of drilling will be released in the next few weeks as assays are received and interpreted. The areas of focus at Pahtavaara and location of drilling in Karoliina can be found in the accompanying figures 1 and 2. "This round of drilling advanced the 500,000t Karoliina zone and importantly, indicated the emergence of a thick plunge zone parallel to previously mined deposits and in close proximity to the Karoliina development," said Brian Hinchcliffe, CEO of Rupert Resources. "Of particular significance in these results however, is that this closer spaced drilling indicated higher grade potential at Pahtavaara. We have also had further success at the western extremity of the Karoliina zone which remains open at depth and to the west." This drilling program of the Karoliina zone has been carried out as per recommendations by Micon International, the prior mine owner's geological consultant, who estimated two holes in a 30m search radius were required to delineate resources into the indicated mineral resources category. The 2016 infill holes have been drilled by Rupert at approximately 25m centres, which is significantly less than the 40m centres on average used by previous operators. Initial observations suggest that this 2016 drilling appears to have been successful in converting approximately 75% of the previously defined inferred mineral resource area to indicated mineral resources. Of the 26 holes drilled from surface, 19 intersected mineralisation and have confirmed continuity of the zone over a strike of 400m and a vertical dimension of 75m to 100m. The positive results remain open to the west and east and at depth with potential extended 75m below the latest drilling by the previously reported hole 116001 (1.71g/t Au over 8m). Results from the 2016 campaign testing to the west and this deeper mineralisation (9 holes totalling 1,796m) are expected in the next few weeks and the continuity of this zone will be tested further in 2017. Highlights from the program include hole 116026 yielding 2.1 g/t Au over 18.0m (11.2m TW, including 7.1g/t Au over 1.0m, and 5.0g/t Au over 4.0m) suggesting the potential of a emergence of a thicker plunge zone parallel to Pahtavaara's main deposits. This intersection is aligned with hole 114701, drilled by the previous owner which intersected 2.3g/t Au over 21.4m along this trend. This area is located 25m above existing infrastructure. Other significant results included 116025 returning 14.5g/t Au over 1.6m (1.4m TW), and 116023 returning 7.5g/t Au over 3.0m (2.3m TW), in the same area. Hole 116041 on the western edge of the currently defined area of mineralisation yielded an intersection of 32.8g/t Au over 2.0m (1.9m TW) at a vertical depth from surface of 169m. Holes 116040 with an intersection of 22.1g/t Au over 1.0m (0.8m TW) and 116036 with an intersection of 5.4g/t Au over 3.0m (2.6m TW) indicate the potential for higher grade material in the upper levels of the zone. The Pahtavaara mine produced 350koz of gold between 1996 and 2014 and is part of a 124km2 land package located in Northern Finland in the emerging Central Lapland Greenstone Belt. Other mines in the area include Boliden's polymetallic Kevitsa mine, Anglo-American's Sakatti project and a joint venture between Aurion Resources and B2Gold who are exploring the same gold mineralisation trend, furthermore, the mine is approximately 100km from Agnico Eagle's 8Moz Kittila deposit, Europe's largest gold mine. Elevation From To Interval TW Grade Hole ID Zone Azimuth Dip Northing Easting (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t Au) 116023 Karoliina east 180 -61 4512 4858 252 85 86 1.0 0.8 1.2 116023 Karoliina east 180 -61 4512 4858 252 117 118 1.0 0.8 1.5 116023 Karoliina east 180 -61 4512 4858 252 167.8 169 1.2 0.9 1.2 116023 Karoliina east 180 -61 4512 4858 252 175 178 3.0 2.3 6.7 116024 Karoliina east 180 -61 4495 4850 251 161 162 1.0 0.9 1.4 116025 Karoliina east 180 -46 4495 4849 251 120 123 3.0 2.7 1.4 116025 Karoliina east 180 -46 4495 4849 251 127 128 1.0 0.9 1.6 116025 Karoliina east 180 -46 4495 4849 251 135.0 136.6 1.6 1.4 14.5 116026 Karoliina east 180 -72 4478 4826 250 146 164 18.0 11.2 2.1 inc. 146 147 1.0 0.6 7.1 inc. 159 163 4.0 2.5 5.0 116027 Karoliina east 180 -46 4478 4826 251 161 162 1.0 0.9 1.4 116028 Karoliina east 181 -46 4477 4857 251 67 68 1.0 0.9 7.8 116028 Karoliina east 181 -46 4477 4857 251 113 114 1.0 0.9 1.8 116028 Karoliina east 181 -46 4477 4857 251 131 132 1.0 0.9 1.9 116028 Karoliina east 181 -46 4477 4857 251 135 135.6 0.6 0.5 2.8 116028 Karoliina east 181 -46 4477 4857 251 149 150 1.0 0.9 4.9 116029 Karoliina east 182 -61 4462 4795 250 32 33 1.0 0.8 2.4 116030 Karoliina west 195 -56 4431 4868 251 140 141 1.0 0.9 2.5 116031 Karoliina west 185 -56 4431 4868 251 146 147 1.0 0.9 2.4 116031 Karoliina west 185 -56 4431 4868 251 162 163 1.0 0.9 5.2 116032 Karoliina west 180 -46 4379 4858 251 97 97.7 0.7 0.7 4.0 116033 Karoliina west 200 -46 4379 4858 251 69 70 1.0 1.0 2.2 116034 Karoliina west 200 -75 4356 4792 249 66 68 2.0 1.4 1.4 116034 Karoliina west 200 -75 4356 4792 249 76 77 1.0 0.7 1.9 116035 Karoliina west 198 -70 4345 4855 251 93.0 94.6 1.6 1.3 1.7 116035 Karoliina west 198 -70 4345 4855 251 116 117 1.0 0.8 1.6 116036 Karoliina west 199 -61 4312 4859 251 80 83 3.0 2.6 5.4 116037 Karoliina west 201 -46 4312 4909 251 64 64.9 0.8 0.8 1.4 116039 Karoliina west 199 -66 4300 4845 250 81 82.3 1.3 1.1 1.5 116040 Karoliina west 199 -66 4286 4831 252 65.5 66.5 1.0 0.8 22.1 116041 Karoliina west 201 -46 4285 4971 252 169 171 2.0 1.9 32.8 116045 Karoliina west 185 -61 4399 4860 251 124 129 5.0 4.3 1.0 No upper cut-off grade was applied. Unless specified, true widths (TW) cannot be determined from the information available. Mineralization Intercepts reported above are hosted by amphibolitized komatiites. The principal geologic control in the area is a linear structural corridor that trends east-west, forms multiple folds, and dips steeply to the north on the south side and steeply south on the north side. The mineralized zone identified on Rupert's Pahtavaara property is characterized by hydrothermal alteration and mineralization within various phases of pervasively altered komatiites. Mineralization remains open at depth along the entire zone. The hydrothermal alteration and the Au-bearing veins associated with it are deformed. Because they were competent rocks (massive amphibole), they resisted deformation. They are therefore less deformed than the adjacent talc-chlorite schists. This implies early brittle deformation followed by ductile deformation. Hydrothermal fluids entered by fractures and faults, which explains why some alteration fronts are almost perpendicular to the schistosity. Gold occurs mostly as free gold, a smaller part is associated with magnetite. Review by Qualified Person, Quality Control and Reports In compliance with National Instrument 43-101, Mr. Mike Sutton, P.Geo. is the Qualified Person who supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. All samples are assayed by CRS/Actlabs Finland at Takatie 6, 90440 Kempele Finland, who have ISO9001 sample prep. All core is under watch from the drill site to the core processing facility. Samples are assayed PAL1000 cyanide leach with AAS detection of Au. The Company's QA/QC program includes the regular insertion of blanks and standards into the sample shipments, as well as instructions for duplication. Standards, blanks and duplicates are inserted at appropriate intervals. Approximately five percent (5%) of the pulps and rejects are sent for check assaying at a second lab with the results averaged and intersections updated when received. Core recovery in the mineralized zones has averaged 99%. About Rupert Rupert is a Canadian based gold exploration and development company that is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "RUP". The Company owns the Pahtavaara gold mine, mill, and exploration permits and concessions located in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in Northern Finland (see the Company's November 9, 2016 press release). The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Gold Centre property, which consists of mineral claims located in the Balmer Township, Red Lake Mining Division of Ontario. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jan. 10, 2017) - Pilot Gold Inc. (TSX:PLG) ("Pilot Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce drill results from the newly tested Peg Leg target at the 100% controlled Goldstrike Project in southwestern Utah. The primary target at Goldstrike is shallow, Carlin-style, oxide gold mineralization within the 14 km2 "Historic Mine Trend", between and down-dip of historic open pits. The Peg Leg target is 1500 metres long and is located southwest of the Main Zone near the historic Covington and Hamburg Pits. Highlights from this new target include: 0.43 g/t Au over 32.0 m in PGS130 in PGS130 0.82 g/t Au over 21.3 m in PGS135 in PGS135 0.57 g/t Au over 13.7 m and 0.47 g/t Au over 6.1 m and 0.58 g/t over 3.0 m in PGS145 in PGS145 0.80 g/t Au over 10.7 m in PGS147 in PGS147 0.54 g/t Au over 25.9 m and 0.75 g/t Au over 10.7 m in PGS149 in PGS149 0.80 g/t Au over 7.6 m in PGS151 * Please note that due to having two drills on the property, assay results are not necessarily received in sequence. There are 3 historical RC drill holes in the Peg Leg target. Drill hole 90-035: 0.82 g/t Au over 24.4 m Drill hole 91-078: 0.67 g/t Au over 27.4 m, starting from 82.3 m downhole . . Drill hole 91-077: 0.43 g/t Au over 4.6 m and 0.57 g/t Au over 10.7 m, starting from 18.3 m down hole. KEY POINTS The Peg Leg target covers an area approximately 1.5 km long and up to 250 m wide southwest of the Main Zone where Pilot Gold drilled over 100 drill holes in 2016. Pilot Gold tested a 1 km-long portion of Peg Leg with 15 widely spaced drill holes drilled from 11 drill sites. Of these, 12 contained gold mineralization and only three yielded no significant results. and only three yielded no significant results. Hole PGS149 is located along the southern Peg Leg margin, and is believed to lie along the same fault that hosts mineralization in the historic Covington pit, located 650 m to the west, and the historic Moosehead pit, located an additional 1 km further to the west. Follow-up drilling in the Peg Leg target will focus on areas of mineralization identified in the first-pass drilling, particularly the southern, graben-bounding, Covington Fault. Complete table of drill results for the current holes Complete table of results for all drilling by Pilot Gold at Goldstrike in 2015 and to date in 2016 Map of drill collars and traces for the current release Areas of new drilling and the location of historic pits at Goldstrike ABOUT GOLDSTRIKE Goldstrike is located in the eastern Great Basin, immediately adjacent to the Utah/Nevada border, and is a Carlin-style gold system, similar in many ways to the prolific deposits located along Nevada's Carlin trend. Like Kinsley Mountain and Newmont's Long Canyon deposit, Goldstrike represents part of a growing number of Carlin-type systems located off the main Carlin and Cortez trends in largely underexplored parts of the Great Basin. Goldstrike is an early-stage exploration projects and does not contain any mineral resource estimates as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The potential quantities and grades disclosed herein are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource for the targets disclosed herein. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in these targets being delineated as a mineral resource. Further information on Goldstrike is available in the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Goldstrike Project, Washington County, Utah, U.S.A.", effective April 1, 2016 and dated October 7, 2016, prepared by Michael M. Gustin, C.P.G. and Moira Smith, Ph.D., P.Geo., available on the Company's website at www.pilotgold.com or under Pilot Gold's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. KINSLEY PROJECT UPDATE A helicopter-borne MAG-VTEM survey has been completed over the 10 km2 Kinsley Project, in order to better define drill targets on a regional scale. In 2014, Pilot Gold discovered the Western Flank gold deposit in the Secret Canyon Shale and outlined an indicated gold resource of 284,000 ounces grading 6.04 g/t and an additional inferred resource of 39,000 ounces of gold grading 2.41 g/t (using multiple cut-offs1). In 2016, one drill target southwest of the Kinsley Main historic pit was tested with four holes, with no significant gold intercepts. Twelve new target areas, some of which have been confirmed to be gold bearing based on compilation of historical drill results, have been selected for potential future drill programs. The airborne survey will be used to assist in locating drill holes for these future programs. (1) Cut-off grades at Kinsley 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. The Company holds approximately 79.1% of Kinsley. Intor Resources Corporation ("Intor"), a subsidiary of Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp., is the Company's joint venture partner at Kinsley. Further information on Kinsley is available in the 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, available on the Company's website at www.pilotgold.com or under Pilot Gold's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Moira Smith, Ph.D., P.Geo., Vice-President Exploration and Geoscience, Pilot Gold, is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and validated that the information contained in the release is accurate. Drill composites were calculated using a cut-off of 0.20 g/t. Drill intersections are reported as drilled thicknesses. True widths of the mineralized intervals vary between 30 and 100% of the reported lengths due to varying drill hole orientations, but are typically in the range of 60 to 80% of true width. Drill samples were assayed by ALS Limited in Reno, Nevada for gold by Fire Assay of a 30 gram (1 assay ton) charge with an AA finish, or if over 5.0 g/t were re-assayed and completed with a gravimetric finish. For these samples, the gravimetric data were utilized in calculating gold intersections. For any samples assaying over 0.200 ppm an additional cyanide leach analysis is done where the sample is treated with a 0.25% NaCN solution and rolled for an hour. An aliquot of the final leach solution is then centrifuged and analyzed by AAS. Metallic screen techniques may be employed where the presence of coarse free gold is suspected. Approximately 1000 grams of coarse reject material are pulverized and screened. Two splits of the fine fraction are assayed, as well as all material that does not pass through the screen (the coarse fraction). The final gold assay reported is a weighted average of the coarse and fine fractions. QA/QC for all drill samples consists of the insertion and continual monitoring of numerous standards aonnd blanks into the sample stream, and the collection of duplicate samples at random intervals within each batch. Selected holes are also analyzed for a 51 multi-element geochemical suite by ICP-MS. ALS Geochemistry-Reno is ISO 17025:2005 Accredited, with the Elko prep lab listed on the scope of accreditation. ABOUT PILOT GOLD Pilot Gold is led by a proven technical and capital markets team that continues to discover and define high-quality assets. Our core projects are Goldstrike in Utah, Black Pine in Idaho and Kinsley Mountain in Nevada. The Company also holds important interests in two Turkish assets, Halilaga and TV Tower, and has a pipeline of Western US projects characterized by large land positions and district-wide potential that can meet our growth needs for years to come. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 10, 2017) - Probe Metals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:PRB) ("Probe" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a significant 2017 exploration program, including a 50,000 metre diamond drilling program, at its Val-d'Or East project ("Val-d'Or East") located in Quebec. The program is designed to expand the known mineral resources and test high priority satellite gold targets at Val-d'Or East, including on its recent Bonnefond North and Cadillac Break East acquisitions. The consolidated Val-d'Or East land package now represents a district-scale opportunity of approximately 231 square kilometres of under-explored ground located within one of Canada's leading gold mining camps. David Palmer, President and CEO of Probe Metals, stated, "Given the discovery of a new gold zone and the district consolidation we were able to accomplish in 2016, we are excited to announce an aggressive 2017 exploration program at Val-d'Or East. Drilling to-date has confirmed our initial exploration model, that the New Beliveau deposit is still open in all directions, and we believe there is strong potential to expand the current mineral resource as well as discover new gold deposits throughout the project. The Company is in a strong financial position, with approximately $30 million in treasury, and the work we accomplished in 2016 has put us in an excellent position to launch this 2017 program. We have a great deal of confidence in the potential of Val-d'Or East and we are looking forward to unlocking more value from this flagship project." 2016 Exploration Programs Since August 2016, Probe has drilled approximately 11,500 metres on its New Beliveau deposit in Val-d'Or East. Significant results, including the discovery of a new gold zone, warranted an increase of the first-phase program as well as the mobilization of a second drill. Results indicate increased potential for both near-surface bulk tonnage and deeper, higher grade mineralized systems. Results also demonstrate the continuity of the gold mineralization and therefore the potential for significant new mineralization laterally to the west and east of the known mineralization. Exploration success in the 2016 exploration program included: Discovery of a new high-grade gold zone at depth in diorite dyke returning intervals of up to 12.6 g/t gold over 7.3 metres (Hole PC-90), which could represent a significant contribution to a gold resource. Continuity of near surface mineralization with some impressive intervals including 2.0 g/t gold over 143 metres in Hole PC-90. Completion of extensive ground geophysical surveys consisting of a 220-line kilometre induced polarization survey ("IP") covering over two-thirds of the original claim block. The IP survey was designed to better define known mineralized systems as well as identifying new gold targets surrounding the New Beliveau Deposit. Interpretation of the results is now underway. The Company also recently commissioned a new core logging facility in the town of Val-d'Or, in order to accommodate expansion of its future drilling programs. 2017 Exploration Programs To capitalize on its early exploration success on its Val-d'Or East project, Probe will embark on an aggressive exploration program in 2017 in order to expand its current gold resources as well as delineate potential new gold deposits within its regional land holdings. The proposed $7.0 million 2017 exploration program will include 50,000 metres of drilling as well as regional surveys, as follows: Approximately 35,000 metres of drilling focused on the potential expansion of the New Beliveau Gold Deposit to the north, west, east and south of its current limits as well as at depth along parallel diorite dykes similar to those hosting the past-producing Beliveau mine. Two drill rigs are currently in operation testing the new gold zones discovered in 2016 in the diorite dykes. Approximately 15,000 metres of drilling focused on high priority gold targets surrounding the New Beliveau deposit and elsewhere on the Project with a goal of discovering high-grade mineralization. Target generation is well-advanced and a drill rig will be mobilized to test geophysical anomalies as soon as permits are received, which is expected to be in the next few weeks. Expansion of IP surveys to provide coverage over the new Bonnefond North property, which is contiguous to the New Beliveau deposit and contains the potential southern expansion of the Beliveau Mine Trend as well as the potential western extension of the Monique Mine gold trend. Airborne, regional geochemical, geological mapping and ground geophysical surveys on the recently acquired Cadillac Break East property, under option from Alexandria Minerals. The project contains the Sleepy gold deposit as well as 14 kilometres of under-explored strike extent along the Cadillac Break Fault, one of Val-d'Or's most prolific gold structures. 2017 programs are designed to generate drill targets for testing in Q3 or Q4. Qualified Persons The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by Mr. Marco Gagnon, P.Geo, Executive Vice President of Probe, and Mr. Denis Chenard, P.Eng, Senior Geologist of Probe at the Val-d'Or East Project, who are "Qualified Persons" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). About Probe Metals: Probe Metals Inc. is a leading Canadian gold exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is well-funded and controls a strategic land package of over 1,000-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Ontario and Quebec: Val d'Or, West Timmins, Casa-Berardi and Detour Quebec. The Company is committed to discovering and developing high-quality gold projects, including its key asset the Val-d'Or East Gold Project. The Company was formed as a result of the sale of Probe Mines Limited to Goldcorp Inc. in 2015. Goldcorp currently owns a 14% stake in the Company. TORONTO, ON - (Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - Continental Gold Inc. (TSX: CNL) (OTCQX: CGOOF) ("Continental Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Continental Gold Limited, entered into a definitive senior Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") with a special purpose vehicle of RK Mine Finance Master Fund I Limited ("Red Kite") to provide a secured project debt facility for a total of US$250 million. The project debt facility will be used for the development, construction and working capital requirements for the Company's Buritica project in Antioquia, Colombia. Prior to the execution of the Agreement, Red Kite conducted substantial technical and legal due diligence and, therefore, the Agreement is not subject to further due diligence. Highlights: Definitive Credit Agreement signed with RK Mine Finance for a secured debt facility of US$250 million The secured debt facility provides for immediate access to US$100 million to advance the Buritica project development, subject to satisfying certain customary conditions precedent Red Kite to invest up to US$25 million in equity No hedging, cash sweeps, cash collateralization or offtake agreement Interest and principal payment holiday for 42 months Carve out for equipment financing for up to US$30 million "We are excited to partner with Red Kite to complete the debt financing for the Buritica project. Throughout the course of 2016, the Company conducted an extensive process of reviewing its debt financing alternatives. The Red Kite senior secured debt facility best met the Company's objectives, providing maximum flexibility and a low cost of capital relative to other private debt deals executed over the past few years, with no hedging, offtake agreements or royalty attached," commented Ari Sussman, CEO of Continental Gold. "With sufficient capital now in place for the bulk of 2017 planned expenditures, the Company will now accelerate detailed engineering and will commence construction and securing the long lead time items in the first half of 2017." Harry Tefoglou, CIO of Red Kite, stated: "We are delighted to be supporting Continental Gold to develop the Buritica project, which represents a major milestone for precious metals mining in Colombia." Senior Facility Agreement -- Key Terms Term of 7.25 years; US$250 million Agreement structured in three tranches: First advance of US$25 million is available immediately with the next portion of the first tranche, being US$75 million, available on satisfaction of certain customary conditions precedent; Second tranche of US$100 million is available to the Company once it secures an additional US$100 million in net equity financing and satisfies certain other customary conditions precedent; Red Kite has committed to investing up to an additional US$25 million in equity (which is not included in the US$100 million net equity financing referred to above); and Third tranche of US$50 million is available to the Company when the project is at least 65% complete and the Company has sufficient capital (including the final tranche of US$50 million) to complete the Buritica project; Agreement bears interest at 3-month LIBOR plus 8%, with a 1% minimum LIBOR rate; 3% arrangement fee payable upon execution of the Agreement; 42-month principal and interest payment holiday whereby interest payments are added to principal; Quarterly principal repayments and monthly interest payments thereafter; Repayable after the fifth year with no penalty; 2.5% prepayment fee between years three and five and 5% prepayment fee in the first two years; Fixed production-linked payment of US$20 per ounce of gold on the first 1.25 million ounces produced from the Buritica project (no payment made on ounces produced thereafter), with the number of ounces subject to the payment to be pro-rated in the event that the Company does not drawdown the full US$250 million project debt facility. The production-linked payments are to be financially settled on a monthly basis and can be terminated at any time by the Company by payment of an early termination fee calculated as the then present value of the outstanding obligation using a 7.5% discount rate; and 3,000,000 warrants issued to Red Kite having a four-year term and an exercise price of US$3.67 (equivalent to CDN$4.93 and representing a 25% premium to the volume-weighted average price of the Company's common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") for a 20-day period prior to the closing date). The warrants can be accelerated by the Company in the event the share price of the Company's common shares on the TSX exceed 200% of the exercise price for a period of not less than 40 consecutive trading days. About Continental Gold Continental Gold Inc. is an advanced-stage exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of 100%-owned gold projects in Colombia. Formed in April 2007, the Company -- led by an international management team with a successful track record of discovering and developing large high-grade gold deposits in Latin America -- is focused on advancing its high-grade Buritica gold project to production. For information on the Buritica project, please refer to the technical report, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, entitled "Buritica Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Antioquia, Colombia" and dated March 29, 2016 with an effective date of February 24, 2016, led by independent consultants JDS Energy & Mining Inc. The technical report is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the OTCQX at www.otcmarkets.com and on the Company website at www.continentalgold.com. Additional details on Continental Gold's suite of gold exploration properties are also available at www.continentalgold.com. About RK Mine Finance RK Mine Finance provides bespoke financing solutions to base and precious metals focussed mining companies including bridge finance, construction finance, expansion funding, working capital and acquisition facilities. The fund has a strong track record of supporting mining companies with their financing needs and since its inception has provided committed capital of over $1.4bn. RK Mine Finance is part of the Red Kite group of funds. Red Kite operates across the global metals industry from offices in Bermuda, Hong Kong, London, New York, Shanghai and Toronto. Investors in Red Kite funds include college endowments, foundations, family offices, pensions and other institutional investors. Further information on RK Mine Finance can be found at www.rkminefinance.com. A Korean monk was pronounced dead, Monday, two days after he set himself on fire during a mass rally in central Seoul against the country's impeached president, hospital officials said. The monk identified by his surname Seo had been in serious condition since he poured inflammables on his body and burned himself at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday during the weekly candlelight vigil joined by tens of thousands of people, according to the officials. He, who sustained serious burns all over his body, was pronounced dead at around 7:40 p.m. Multiple organ dysfunction was cited as the main cause of death. The police suspect the 64-year-old monk tried to commit suicide since he left what is seen as a suicide note in which he called for President Park Geun-hye to immediately step down. Last month, the country's parliament voted to impeach the president over an influence-peddling scandal involving her and her longtime friend. She was suspended from her presidential powers while the Constitutional Court reviews the validity of the impeachment. (Yonhap) The incoming U.S. administration of Donald Trump is reportedly considering "secondary sanctions" designed to punish Chinese firms doing business with North Korea. "North Korea's nuclear and missile programs are advancing quickly, and Trump has pledged to stop them. His team is considering secondary sanctions that would apply to companies that aid Kim Jong-un's regime, which would create another point of tension with China," Josh Rogin, a Washington Post columnist, said in an article. Secondary sanctions, also known as "secondary boycott," is considered one of the last-remaining sanctions tools against the North, and call for penalizing companies doing business with Pyongyang. Chinese firms are expected to be subject to the measure as most of the North's dealings with the outside world are with China. The outgoing Obama administration has been reluctant to impose secondary sanctions out of fear of souring relations with Beijing. But Trump is widely expected to pursue those measures as he has been strongly critical of Beijing for not helping resolve the North Korea problem. Trump has even raised questions why the U.S. should stick to the "one-China" policy of diplomatically recognizing only Beijing, not Taiwan, when China is uncooperative over the North. According to the Washington Post article, Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson has been raising his concerns about China in meetings with senators in recent days. Participants said afterwards that Tillerson is particularly clear about what he sees as the need to counter Chinese militarization and expansion in the South China Sea. Stephen Bannon, Trump's chief strategist, is also keenly interested in Asia strategy, according to the story. A focus of attention has been on who will fill three key positions handling Asia affairs: Asia director at the National Security Council, the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs as well as the assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs. The Washington Post article said that Matt Pottinger, a former journalist and Marine, is under consideration for the NSC Asia director, while former State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Randall Schriver and former White House Asia director Victor Cha are considered for the other two jobs. (Yonhap) In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com La La Land has received the most nominations for the British Academy Film Awards with 11 nods. The Hollywood musical, out in the UK on Friday, is up for best film, while stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are up for best actor and actress. British actors Andrew Garfield, Emily Blunt and Hugh Grant are also in line for acting awards. Philosophical sci-fi film Arrival and Tom Fords dark drama Nocturnal Animals have nine nominations apiece. The 2017 Bafta Film Awards will be held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 12 February. Nod for Streep Ken Loachs I, Daniel Blake is up for both the best film and best British film awards. The welfare state drama receives an additional nod for its screenplay while Hayley Squires, who plays a single mother in the film, is up for best supporting actress. Arrival, La La Land and I, Daniel Blake are joined in the best film category by Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight. Other titles in contention for the outstanding British film award include Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which has five nominations in all. Meryl Streep joins Blunt and Stone in the leading actress category, where she is nominated for her role in Florence Foster Jenkins. The US actress made headlines at the Golden Globes on Sunday with a speech in which she criticised US President-elect Donald Trump. Amy Adams and Natalie Portman complete the best actress contenders list, having been nominated for Arrival and Jackie respectively. Gosling and Hacksaw Ridge star Garfield compete with Casey Affleck, Jake Gyllenhaal and Viggo Mortensen for the best actor award. The latter trio are respectively nominated for Manchester by the Sea, Nocturnal Animals and Captain Fantastic respectively. Films with most nominations La La Land 11 Arrival 9 Nocturnal Animals 9 Manchester by the Sea 6 Grant, who appears with Streep in Florence Foster Jenkins, is joined in the supporting actor category by fellow Britons Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Dev Patel. Taylor-Johnson is nominated for his Golden Globe-winning turn in Nocturnal Animals, while Slumdog Millionaire star Patel is shortlisted for Lion. This Bafta nomination today truly means so much to me said the actor in a statement. My family is literally freaking out right now! British actress Naomie Harris is also shortlisted for the supporting actress award for her work in independent film Moonlight. Viola Davis, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Williams receive nominations in that category as well for Fences, Lion and Manchester by the Sea. La La Land was the big winner at last weekends Golden Globes, receiving every one of the seven awards for which it was nominated. Its director, Damien Chazelle, is Bafta-shortlisted in both the director and original screenplay categories. Kenneth Lonergan and Tom Ford also receive dual director and screenplay nods for Manchester by the Sea and Nocturnal Animals respectively. Arrivals Denis Villeneuve joins Chazelle, Ford, Loach and Lonergan in the best director category. The Disney studio dominates the animated film category, scoring three of the four nominations with Finding Dory, Moana and Zootropolis. Kubo and the Two Strings is the only nominee not to have been made by the so-called House of Mouse and its subsidiary Pixar. Zootropolis co-director Rich Moore tweeted his thanks for his films nomination, adding: We will see you in London! The nominations were announced by Dominic Cooper and Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner at Baftas central London HQ. The nominations follow last weeks unveiling of the five actors in contention for this years Rising Star prize. A public vote will decide whether Laia Costa, Lucas Hedges, Tom Holland, Ruth Negga or Anya Taylor-Joy receive the award. Music producer Mark Okraku Mantey has disclosed that he plans to take legal action against rapper Sarkodie for theft of intellectual property. According to the CEO of Slip Music, the rapper, born Michael Owusu Addo, infringed on his intellectual property right by doing another version of Daasebre Gyamenahs hit song, Kokoko. The rapper first performed the song, a tribute to the late highlife great, Daasebre Gyamenah, who passed away at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on Friday, July 29, at his Rapperholic Concert on December 25, 2016. Video/Photos: Sarkodie pays emotional tribute to Daasebre Gyamenah Sarkodie later released the song, which features his Sarkcess Music label mate, Akwaboah Jnr. Mr Mantey is however not enthused about the development and is planning to take legal action against the award-winning rapper. He explained to Myjoyonline.com that he produced the song, which was released in 1999, under his Slip Music label and, therefore, owns the rights to the song. The use of either the entire or any part of the song, without his permission, is illegal, he argued. At the Rapperholic Concert, Sarkodie, clad in a beautiful white attire, performed the remix of Daasebres smash hit single which featured Lord Kenya. He did a rap over a redefined beat of the Kokoko song with the late highlife musicians image flashing on the screen behind him. Pointing his finger at Daasebre Gyamenahs image, he acknowledged the late musicians contribution to Ghanaian music and prayed he rests in peace. Akwaboah also delivered the original chorus of the song. Asked when he plans to take the action, Mark said soon but will not disclose exactly when. Management of Sarkodie, when contacted by Myjoyonline.com for a reaction, declined to comment but said they will respond at the appropriate time. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ernest Dela Aglanu (Twitter: @delaXdela / email: [email protected]) Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. Banjul (Gambia) (AFP) - The Gambia's chief Supreme Court justice dealt a blow to President Yahya Jammeh's legal challenge against the result of December's election on Tuesday, saying it would not be heard for several months. Jammeh's political party lodged a legal case on his behalf last month aimed at annulling his December 1 election defeat to opponent Adama Barrow, and triggering new elections. "We can only hear this matter when we have a full bench of the Supreme Court," Chief Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle said, adding that the extra judges needed to hear the case were not available and could arrive only in May or November. The Gambia relies on foreign judges, notably from Nigeria, to staff its courts due to a lack of trained professionals in the tiny west African state. Fagbenle is the panel's only sitting judge, as the Supreme Court has lain dormant since May 2015. Map of Gambia The chief justice added that he would prefer the country to resolve its political deadlock through the mediation underway by a group of west African leaders, who are attempting to persuade Jammeh to respect the constitution and step aside. "This is why alternative dispute resolution is important," he said. "We are now only left with the ECOWAS mediation initiative and the inter-party committee set up by government to resolve the dispute." The inter-party committee is a UN-backed body aimed at resolving arguments between different Gambian political parties. But Jammeh has made clear he will not go until his complaint is heard. On December 20 he was broadcast on state television saying "unless the Court decides the case, there will be no inauguration on the 19 January. And let me see what ECOWAS and those big powers behind them can do." West African leaders apply pressure The leaders from the ECOWAS regional grouping led by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will return to The Gambia for the second time this week since the election to attempt to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. They were due to arrive Wednesday but the trip was delayed until Friday, Buhari's spokesman said, because Jammeh had asked for more time. "Delay notwithstanding, the mandate of the ECOWAS will be accomplished," Garba Shehu said. Yahya Jammeh Nigeria's foreign minister said Monday the use of force remained an option if there was no movement in the situation. "Violence should be avoided but nothing is ruled out," Geoffrey Onyeama said. Meanwhile an ex-minister and high-profile defector from Jammeh's government declared his support for Barrow, and said the Supreme Court case was an attempt to "subvert the express will of the Gambian electorate." Former information and communication minister Sheriff Bojang fled to neighbouring Senegal on Monday after resigning. Bojang said his conscience had overwhelmed him after Jammeh declared he would not step down at the end of his mandate. As minister for two years he was Jammeh's mouthpiece for explaining the actions of the regime, including arbitrary detentions, activists' deaths in custody and a crackdown on opposition protests. "It is never too late to do the right thing," he wrote in a Facebook post. "It is my considered opinion and stance that the results of the December 1st election represent a true reflection of the sovereign will of the Gambian people." The Minority in Parliament has described as 'spectacularly disgraceful', a plagiarised quote in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's inaugural address last Saturday. In a statement signed by the Deputy Minority leader James Avedzi, Monday, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs) are demanding that the address be withdrawn and expunged from Parliamentary records. The president at his inauguration Saturday in the capital Accra, told Ghanaians, I ask you to be citizens not spectators; citizens not subjects... It turned out that these were the exact words used by former US President George W Bush. The words are actually being traced to another United States president, Woodrow Wilson. President Akufo-Addo did not attribute the statement to anyone in his speech. Social media has been set ablaze since it emerged that the statement is plagiarised. Since the revelation that that portion of the speech was plagiarised, Director of Communication at the Presidency , Eugene Arhin, has issued an apology. But the Minority in Parliament will not let the matter rest. It has cast doubt over the ability of the NPP to fulfill its campaign promises if it cannot write a speech. Read full speech MINORITY CAUCUS OF PARLIAMENT DEMANDS WITHDRAWAL OF PRESIDENT NANA AKUFO-ADDOS INAUGURAL ADDRESS AND FOR THE PRESIDENT TO TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EMBARRASSMENT HIS ACTION HAS BROUGHT UPON GHANA On the 7th of January 2017, the newly elected President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, delivered his Inaugural Speech as the fifth President of the Fourth Republic in consonance with the tenets of established protocols of the State. However, it has emerged that upon a careful reading of the written text of the said speech, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo failed to publicly acknowledge certain key sources of material information as contained in the speech in question. Further scrutiny so far reveals that several paragraphs in President Nana Addos inaugural address contained word for word liftings from speeches ever presented by President John F. Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush Jnr. and President Muhammadu Buhari. The Minority in Parliament like most well-meaning Ghanaians is deeply saddened and outraged by this development which has brought Ghana shame and subjected us to intense ridicule. This monumental plagiarism scandal which has now assumed international dimensions with major global news networks including CNN, BBC, AlJazeera, Reuters, Washington Post, Metro News, Nairobi News, Vanguard of Nigeria and Yahoo News all casting Ghana in bad light has clearly tarnished the image of Ghana abroad and brought upon this great nation untold embarrassment never witnessed in the aftermath of a Presidential inauguration. It is depressing to observe that the goodwill that Ghana had been enjoying within the international community since our successful December 7 election and transition all appear to have been squandered by this singular act of sloppy intellectual theft. It is indeed shocking that for a presidential campaign that anchored its core message on competence and incorruptibility will on its first day in office fall short of its pledge in such a spectacularly disgraceful manner. If the NPP Government cannot exhibit competence in writing its own speeches, how can we trust them to have the competence to fulfil their numerous promises to the electorate? If the NPP Government engages in intellectual property theft on its first day in office, how safe are the resources of this country that have been freshly placed in their care? Even more worrying is further evidence of plagiarism now coming to the fore pointing to a consistent pattern on the part of President Nana Akufo-Addo dating back to his days as opposition leader. Another video also in circulation exposes how then Flagbearer Akufo-Addo lifts statements during his 2013 post-Supreme Court verdict address from Former US Vice President Al Gore's speech after the US Supreme Court verdict on that country's election dispute. We urge President Nana Akufo-Addo and his speech writers to be original and realize that they have now formed a Government and it is expected of them to put a stop to this unfortunate practice as it will be very difficult to get away as they may have gotten away in time past. We also expect the new President to exercise diligence and circumspection before reading or signing anything put before him to avoid even more severe consequences to our dear nation. Considering that this inaugural address was made before us in Parliament in compliance with the Constitution and same having been captured by the Hansard Department as part of the official records of Parliament, the Minority demands that the now infamous plagiarized inaugural address be withdrawn and expunged from Parliamentary records with liberty to resubmit another speech not tainted with fraud and reflecting all attributable sources. The sanctity of Parliament must be respected and preserved and it is our expectation that the new Speaker of Parliament The Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Michael Oquaye who thankfully is an academic of some repute will better appreciate the full ramifications of what is before us. We also wish to remind President Nana Akufo-Addo that Ghana operates an Executive Presidency as clearly stipulated in Articles 57 and 58 of the Constitution and therefore the apology of his Communications Director notwithstanding, we expect him to take personal responsibility and assure the good people of Ghana that he will take concrete steps to ensure that this nation is spared any similar embarrassment in future. Ghanaians expect of their leaders to, at all times, defend the good image of Ghana, therefore, it is our hope that we will all take steps to mitigate and rescue Ghana - the black star of Africa from the web of ridicule that our nation is being subjected to all over the world and we must not fail them. Issued in Parliament House on Monday, January 9, 2017, in the year of our Lord on behalf of the Minority Caucus and signed by: Hon. James Klutse Avedzi Deputy Minority Leader. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|EA Some irate youth of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been on rampage Monday locking and completely taking over some state institutions. They say they are exacting retribution for what they suffered in the hands of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) when it won power in the 2008 elections. The situation in Tamale in the Northern Region, Boodi in the Western Region, Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and Accra in the Greater Accra Region was the same. A group associated with the NPP, Invincible Forces, drove out workers who had turned up to work out of their offices and warned never to return again. Joy News' Northern Regional Correspondent, Hashmin Mohammed reported that the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and National Disaster Management Office (NADMO) in Sagnerigu district were put under a lock by some youth of the NPP. It took the presence of security personnel for calm to return to the Region, he said. At Boodi in the Western Region, NPP youth forced their way into the offices of the National Health Insurance (NHIS) in the district. It was reported that the youth assaulted some staff and vandalised properties belong to the institution, District Director of NHIS Samuel Mintah told Joy News. The Rattray Park situated in Kumasi was stormed by at least 30 youth who identified themselves as members of the NPP Patriots, a group said to be part of the party's security wing. Joy News' Ashanti Regional Correspondent, Erastus Asare Donkor reported that the leader of the group who identified himself as Mustapha popularly known as Staff promised to return on Wednesday to complete their action. The Passport Office in Accra was also besieged by some NPP youth demanding to be told how the office is run. Director of Passport, Alexander Grant told Joy News the men drove into the office in NPP branded vehicles and said they would provide security for the institution. At Agbogbloshie, a suburb of Accra, the situation nearly resulted in bloodshed when some NPP youth drove NDC youth from their residence. NPP Deputy General Secretary, Nana Obiri Boahene said the party dissociates itself from the action allegedly carried out by their supporters. "It is quiet unfortunate, very regrettable that we are hearing of these incidents," he said, adding 'I can state categorically that the party dissociates itself from the incident." Although he lauded the role the youth played in the party's 2016 victory, Mr Obiri Boahene said the NPP does not sanction their action. "They [youth] should not undertake any exercise that will mar the peaceful transition," he said. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] Constitution amendment won't get endorsed: Oli CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has claimed that constitution amendment bill will not be endorsed at any cost. Stanbic Bank has denied assertions that negligence on its part could have contributed to the recent fraud scandal involving a female staff. A sales officer, Martha Amakye allegedly duped about 70 customers to the tune of over GHC900 by issuing fake receipts at the banks Tema Community 1 Branch. She has since absconded and declared wanted by the police, however, the bank insists it expects the incident to rather boost customer confidence in its operations mainly because of the mechanisms instituted afterwards. Speaking with JOY BUSINESS, Head of Marketing and Communications, Mawuko Afadzinu said the bank cannot be blamed for the development. More soon... Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Joy Business The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has appealed to its youth who are on rampage taking over state institutions to desist from acts that create disaffection for the government. NPP National Youth Organiser Sammy Awuku says government would create more than "enough space for jobs" to accommodate the teeming unemployed youth in the country. Speaking to Evans Mensah, host of Joy FM's Newsnite programme Monday, he said the NPP does not sanction acts of vandalism allegedly perpetrated by its youth. There have been reported cases of seizure of state institutions across the country allegedly spearheaded by NPP youth. From Tamale in the Northern Region to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and Accra in the Greater Accra Region, the invasions have been prevalent. There were litany of takeovers and seizures of state institutions. Thugs believed to be members of the NPP's Invincible Forces invaded the Passport Office in Accra demanding to take over the security of the place. The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and National Disaster Management Office (NADMO) in Sagnerigu district in Tamale were put under lock and key. The workers were barred from entering their offices. It took the presence of Tamale police officers for sanity to prevail. The situation at Boodi in the Western Region was the same. Some NPP youth forced their way into the offices of the National Health Insurance (NHIS) in the district to assault some staff and destroyed properties of the institution. The Rattray Park in Kumasi was also besieged by at least 30 youth who identified themselves as members of the NPP Patriots, a group said to be part of the party's security wing. Mr Awuku said the NPP would be "embarking on an investigation" to ascertain the extent of damage caused by its youth across the country. "These are condemnable acts," he said, adding he has been visiting some of the institutions purported to have been attacked. "We want to put on record that Akufo-Addo will create enough space for jobs...nobody should feel threatened that someone has to vacate before they can be employed," he said. "It is early days in our government, but trust the President to create jobs," he added. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] Tripoli (AFP) - Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti announced Monday the reopening of his country's embassy in the Libyan capital, which closed in 2015 along with all other Western embassies due to violence. Speaking at a news conference in Tripoli, Minniti said the Italian ambassador would present his credentials on Tuesday before taking up his duties in the embassy in the Libyan capital. Diplomatic missions in Libya have been targeted in recent years, including in 2012 when an attack on the US consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi killed ambassador Chris Stevens and three other American staff. The embassy of Italy, a former colonial power in Libya, was one of the last western missions to close in February 2015 after a coalition of militias seized the capital Tripoli. In a statement, Italy's foreign ministry said the reopening of the embassy showed "confidence in the process of stabilising the country". Minniti said he held talks with Libyan officials on cooperation in the fight against illegal immigration and terrorism. In recent years Italy has been on the front line of migrants arriving across the Mediterranean and has been pushing for agreements with governments in North Africa to facilitate returns. Libya's Foreign Minister Mohamad Taher Siala said he had agreed with Minniti to launch joint initiatives to combat illegal immigration, as well as the smuggling of oil from his country. "We have agreed to build new relations of cooperation on the basis of the friendship treaty signed in 2008," said Siala. The treaty was signed by late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi and former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. It provides for cooperation from Libya in the fight against illegal immigration in return for compensation from Italy for its colonisation of Libya, which lasted more than three decades until 1942. 10.01.2017 LISTEN On Saturday, January 7, 2017 history was made in Ghana, West Africa when Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was inaugurated and sworn in as the fifth President of the fourth Republic of Ghana. First of all, we have to give praise and gratitude to the Almighty God, who made it possible for the elections to be conducted in the atmosphere of transparency, freedom, and fairness. Both the national and international observers have testified to the credibility and fairness of Ghanas elections. We applaud the citizenry and electorate for the peaceful manner they conducted themselves during the elections. Many guests of honor, foreign diplomats, and those in the Diaspora who flew to Ghana to observe this splendid occasion have all lauded the event and the activities thereafter. Once again, glory belongs to the Almighty Father for a good weather and His journey mercies for all those who traveled from far and near to grace the occasion. The election and inaugural activities have confirmed and strengthened the fact that democracy has come to stay in sub-Saharan Africa. All the African nations should learn from the success of these events that Ghana has chalked in its short but promising democracy. In spite of the success of this festive occasion, some detractors, cynics, and skeptics have resorted to the use of and complaint of plagiarism to mar the beauty of the events of the day. All of a sudden these detractors have become professors and researchers who are keen on academic and scholarly integrity. I was not at the event in person but I listened to some parts of the address by the newly installed president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. No sooner had the speech ended than the word plagiarism began to fly in the social media. The accusation was that the president lifted a verbatim quote from former President Bush of the United States without giving him credit. The speech writer since then has offered his sincere apology to the nation for such an oversight. Such things occur from time to time even in rigorous academic settings. What bothers me is that even many of those who are throwing the term plagiarism around do not have a clue about the meaning of the word. What is plagiarism? According to Oxford Dictionary, the verb plagiarize means to copy another persons writings and present them as your own (Oxford Large Print Dictionary Thesaurus & Wordpower (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005, 518). Webster uses a stronger definition of plagiarize to mean to steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as ones own use (a created production) without crediting the source, vt (verb transitive) to commit literary theft; present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source (William Webster, Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (Springfield, Mass: William Websters Inc., Publishers, 1986, 898). By way of a reminder, in scholarly and academic circles the following are considered forms of plagiarism: Turning in someone elses work as your own Copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit Failing to put a quotation in quotation marks Giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not. Fortunately, most cases of plagiarism can be avoided by citing sources. This site can provide more details (www. Plagiarism.org/plag_article_what is plagiarism.html). Why am I laboring at this trivial issue that some people are making it a big deal out of it? My reason is simple. Even in academic or scholarly circles some can commit plagiarism inadvertently. For instance, in schools in the United States where I have taught and those that I still teach, we educate students to avoid plagiarism. Therefore, at Liberty University School of Divinity, we use Safe Assign that helps students to refrain from plagiarism. Grand Canyon University which I used to teach online courses from 2007-2013, we used TurnItin. Even in these institutions, a students research paper or term paper is not blatantly charged as plagiarism until it is flagged as 30% or more in the similarity index. Now I am coming to the crux of my concern. If preachers in Ghana, musicians, and writers were to be scrutinized strictly, many of them would be fined or incarcerated for committing the crime of plagiarism. Therefore, give the new President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo a break and let him begin to attend to the mountainous problems of Ghana with the help of God. Ghana is at the crossroads and needs people of vision, innovation, creativity, and substance to make the country a better place for all and sundry. We need all hands on deck and no looting or ulterior motives in leadership. It is high time to stop the nit picking, bickering, infighting, selfishness, greed, and corruption and build a better Ghana for our children and their posterity. God bless President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and God bless the Republic of Ghana. Abidjan (AFP) - Ivory Coast initiated a post-election reshuffle on Monday and fired the heads of its armed forces and police after a brief army mutiny that stoked security fears in the world's top cocoa producer. President Alassane Ouattara issued a statement saying he had accepted the resignations of Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan and the cabinet, who would stay in office until their replacements were appointed. The decision had been widely expected, coming on the heels of a legislative elections last month won by the governing coalition. Separately, a presidential statement read on TV said Alassane Ouattara had signed three decrees ordering major changes in top security ranks. The decrees "relieve General Soumaila Bakayoko as chief of staff of the armed forces of Ivory Coast, General Gervais Kouakou Kouassi, senior commander of the national gendarmerie, and the director-general of the police, Bredou M'Bia," the statement said. Their replacements were named as General Sekou Toure, General Nicolas Kouadio Kouakou and Youssouf Kouyate, respectively. There were no further details. Ouattara also issued decrees ending the functions of the secretary-general of the president's office and the minister in charge of presidential affairs, the post held by his right-hand man Amadou Gon Coulibaly and his younger brother Ibrahima Tene respectively. Former Ivorian Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan delivers a speech following his resignation on January 9, 2017 at the presidential palace in Abidjan The mutiny saw soldiers seize the second city of Bouake, firing shots in the air and terrifying residents, while demanding bonuses, better pay and houses. The protests spread to other cities, including the economic capital Abidjan. A deal to end the mutiny was struck on Sunday. Defence Minister Alain Richard Donwahi, who was briefly held by the mutineers over the weekend, assured them on Monday that Ouattara had issued "firm instructions to bring solutions to your concerns". State employees strike Bouake, which is home to 1.5 million people, was the cradle of a rebellion which erupted in 2002 in a failed attempt to oust then president Laurent Gbagbo. Guillaume Soro (C) addresses lawmakers after being reelected speaker in Abidjan on January 9, 2017 The revolt sliced the former French colony into the rebel-held north and the government-controlled south and triggered years of unrest. Twelve years later, a similar dispute over pay by rebels-turned-soldiers erupted in Bouake which spread to Abidjan and briefly brought the country to a standstill. The government then agreed to a deal that provided amnesty for the mutineers and a financial settlement. Speculation has mounted in Abidjan that former rebel leader Guillaume Soro, who served as premier for five years until 2012, engineered Friday's mutiny. Just hours after the prime minister's resignation Soro was re-elected as parliamentary speaker, securing 95 percent of the votes case in the 230-seat assembly thanks to support from members of the ruling Houphouetist Rally for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) coalition. Ouattara is scheduled to address the national assembly at 10:00 am (1000 GMT) on Tuesday, Soro announced. Ivorian state employees meanwhile began a five-day strike on Monday to protest against pension cuts ranging from 30 to 50 percent and a plan to raise the retirement age from 55 to 60. "The strike affects all sectors -- especially education, health and territorial administration," Theodore Gnagna Zadi, who is leading the strikers, told AFP. By Deborah Apetorgbor, GNA Accra, Jan. 9, GNA - Residents of the Dome- Kwabenya have expressed their excitement about the inauguration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the Fifth President of Ghana's Fourth Republic and wished him successful four-year tenure. A survey by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in the township following the investiture on Saturday, January 7, showed that many were impressed with the organisation and turn out, which they said as unprecedented. Mr Michael Sarkodie, a resident of Dome, told the GNA that he was very excited for the new President and wished him well for his stewardship to go down in world history as one of the best. He urged the new government to deliver on their promises to bring the requisite change citizens yearned for. "It's not only me, but I believe that all Ghanaians are expecting that change he promised to materialise in his first few months as leader of this nation," he said. He, however, advised President Akufo-Addo to be cautious with the people he would appoint to take up ministerial positions as they would largely determine the success or otherwise of his Government. Mrs Christiana Ampadu, a trader at Kwabenya, also said the inaugural ceremony was spectacular and she was especially happy with President Akufo-Addo's speech. She, however, expressed the hope that the Administration would ensure that things eased up for Ghanaians. Mr Listowell Ankomah, an electrician at Dome, said he was content with the outcome of the inaugural ceremony, and the NPP could start the work for which they were voted to power. He advised them to remain focus on making good the promise they made to Ghanaians and not abuse the people's trust. Abraham Sam, also at Dome, also explained to the GNA that he had hoped for a long time to see Nana Addo inaugurated as president, and he had been fortunate to witness the ceremony. He said with the ceremony over, he expected to see a drastic reduction in taxes and fuel prices as well as the implementation of the free Senior High School Education Policy and the improvement in the National Health Insurance Scheme. Chief Justice Georgina Wood administered the Presidential Oath to Nana Akufo-Addo at the Black Star Square, which was converted into a chamber of Parliament for the occasion, which recorded an unprecedented number of both local and foreign patrons. GNA 10.01.2017 LISTEN By Stephen Asante, GNA Kumasi, Dec 09, GNA - The National Peace Council (NPC) has sounded a note of caution to Ghanaians to eschew provocative utterances as the results for this year's polls are announced by the Electoral Commission (EC). 'We wish to remind ourselves of the need to avoid heaping taunts and abusive language intending to make fun of losing political opponents', the Council said. A statement signed by Professor Seth Opuni Asiama, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Council, copied to the Ghana News Agency, Kumasi, urged all and sundry to exercise restraint, and not be carried away by overexcitement. The statement advised the people to demonstrate a high sense of maturity and patriotism, adding that the Council was worried at the excessive jubilation by some citizenry even before the EC declared the results. The Council was appreciative of the different roles each and every one played to ensuring that the nation continued to enjoy maximum benefits from the 2016 general election. It encouraged Ghanaians to be peace-loving and do all that they could to control the level of tension, speculation and anxiety in the society as the EC prepared to announce the eventual winner for the polls. GNA By Ken Sackey, GNA Accra, Jan. 9, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday applauded the growing bilateral and economic relations between Ghana and China, expressing optimism that the mutual co-operation between the two countries will flourish during his time, God willing. 'We love very much to continue to building the strong relationship that we have with China in so many different areas, particularly in economic development,' he said when Wang Zhengwei, the Special Envoy of the Chinese Leader, Zi Jinping, called on him at the Flagstaff House on his first day at work. Mr Zhengwei led a high-powered delegation to attend the investiture of President Akufo-Addo on January 7 at the Black Star Square. Many other regional leaders and heads of government also witnessed the inaugural ceremony where the President and his Vice, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, were sworn into office by the Chief Justice. President Akufo-Addo told Mr Zhengwei that the relations between both countries had grown better in the last 10 years, waxing stronger during President John Kufuor's Administration when he was then the Foreign Minister. He said the expansion of relations between Ghana and China were exemplified by the fact that trade between both countries had assumed great potentials, as China had become effectively the second largest trading partner to Ghana. President Akufo-Addo lauded the contribution of China in Ghana's energy sector, particularly the Bui Hydroelectric Dam and the Western Gas Infrastructure Project. He welcomed an assurance made by the Chinese Special Envoy to encourage more Chinese companies to take interest in the economy of Ghana, saying; 'we want to do exactly what you are doing in China, develop rapidly our infrastructure, develop rapidly our economy and we are very open to others from outside Ghana to come in and invest in our country and help us develop our economy.' Mr Wang commended President Akufo-Addo for his 'excellent speech' during the inaugural ceremony and said the speech had left a great impression on him. He said President Akufo-Addo's inaugural speech had given the international community the assurance that he would serve the people and that the ideas in that message were in alignment with the thinking of Chinese Leader Zi. 'You are a blessing for the Ghanaian people and a blessing for the sub-region. We know you are a true friend of China and we pay our respectsWe believe that under your leadership Ghana would enjoy a brighter future,' he said. Mr Wang lauded the co-operation between the two countries, particularly progress made in aviation and energy, and said China looked forward to more communications and bilateral relations in international and regional issues of common concern, especially those concerning people's livelihood. He said the Chinese Government had confidence in the development of Ghana and was willing to encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Ghana in order for both nations to achieve win-win results. He said just as President Akufo-Addo mentioned in his speech that Ghana's doors were opened for more business opportunities, China was also willing to work with Ghana to do more in communication and exchanges in various areas. Mr Wang is a Chinese Politician, Economist, and expert on Islamic Affairs. Of the Hui ethnic heritage, Wang served as the Chairman of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission between 2013 and 2016, and Chairman (Governor) of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region between 2007 and 2013. He is currently a Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. China is Ghana's fifth largest export destination with investment of over six billion dollars as at 2016. According to data, China is Ghana's second largest trading partner after Europe and the seventh largest African trading partner. Ghana's exports to China are dominated by traditional or primary exports, such as unprocessed cocoa, raw metals, wood products, and petroleum oils, which account for 96 per cent of exports to the Asian nation. GNA Another delegation of West African leaders and others from the United Nations, will visit The Gambia to further convince defeated President, Yahyah Jammeh to step down. Mr. Jammeh is contesting results of the December 1, 2016 presidential elections at the Supreme Court, after earlier conceding defeat. An ECOWAS mediating team headed by the Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari,failed to reach an agreement when it first visited him in December. The ECOWAS is working to get Jammeh to accept defeat before his term expires on January 18, 2017. At an ECOWAS mini-summit in Abuja, Nigeria on Monday, the team agreed to once again visit the Gambia to discuss with Jammeh the need and imperative to respect the constitution Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, briefing the press after the meeting in Abuja, said other dignitaries to visit Jammeh include Presidents of Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Immediate past President of Ghana, John Mahama, who is the co-mediator, will be part of the entourage, including representatives of the African Union and the United Nations. Meanwhile the Chair of ECOWAS and President of Liberia, Ellen Johson Sirleaf, has assured that ECOWAS would adhere to the principles of democracy in handling the issue. At the inaugural ceremony of Ghana's new President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President Johnson Sirleaf admitted the brewing political stalemate in the Gambia is perhaps the most difficult situation currently facing the ECOWAS. She called on Gambians to follow the example of Ghana and put the interest of the nation above all personal interests, and further assured ECOWAS will exercise every effort to sustain peace and democracy in that country. After accepting his loss in the elections, President Jammeh reversed cause and questioned the results in the elections. He has submitted his grievances to the Supreme Court which will start its review process on January 10. ECOWAS is closely following the process and the president of Nigeria is leading the effort as ECOWAS mediator, she stated, adding that, we stand with the people of Gambia, and want to assure them of our unwavering adherence to the principles of democracy in our entire region. By: Eugenia Tenkorang/citifmonline.com/Ghana I write to congratulate the Rt. Hon. Speaker and members of the 7th Parliament under the Fourth Republican Constitution for their election and assumption of office resulting from the 7th December 2016 Presidential and General Elections. Unlike previous elections in the annals of our history the pivotal and critical issues were between electing a corrupt, bankrupt, inept, incompetent, abusive, impudent, and Looter incumbent Government, and electing one of the contesting candidates dedicated to fighting all these unconstitutional capricious evils and protecting the national purse. The massive thrashing of the incumbent Looter Government of John Dramani Mahama (may God never give Ghana a corrupt and looter President like him again) by the President, Nana Akufo Addo and the New Patriotic Party, is a clear expression of the sovereign will of Ghanaians for accountability, transparency and fairness in governance to all citizens without fear or favour. The people voted against patronage, cronyism, ethnicity, and political party cryptocracy in bringing the President and the 7th Parliament into office. Ghanaians therefore expect, and demand a total brake with the immediate past practices of the parliaments which were reduced into appendages of the executive chariot in looting the national purse. Ghanaians have demanded and expect that the mandate of the 7th Parliament will be consistent with the letter and spirit of the 1992 Constitution; and the promises by the President to protect the national purse and be impartial in the governance of our dear country. The promises of the President upon whose steam of anti-corruption agenda the NPP in Parliament had such a beautiful majority meets Citizens Vigilance for Justices agenda of putting Ghana First. I dare say that the reasonable number of members of Parliament returned and voted to the 7th Parliament was the result of the electorates perception of their ability to put Ghana First in holding the executive to account. The expectations of Ghanaians that the President and the 7th Parliament would for the first time since 2009 indeed render selfless service to the people of Ghana and not champion their corrupt self-interest and their political partys myopic corrupt self-interest was demonstrated by the events that unfolded on Friday 6th January 2017 at the concluding deliberations of the Sixth Parliament under the Fourth Republican Constitution, 1992. That incident put beyond any argument the overwhelming conviction by patriotic Ghanaians that the Sixth Legislature had become a mere rubber stamp of the executive contrary to the letter and spirit of the Constitution that made it a watch dog of the national interest. The partisanship, cronyism, patronage, ethnicity, and endemic corruption of the Looter Governments of the Fifth and Sixth Governments of the Fourth Republic had been allowed by the majority to infect the fabric and conduct of Legislative business in the House. Corruption became endemically pervasive in the Fifth and Sixth Parliaments because of the deliberate acts of infection by the Presidents and Governments whose members made up the majority in those Parliaments. The whole body polity consequently became infected with the pandemic of corruption and corrupt practices from the Presidency of looting the national purse for private profit. The messenger, the clerk, executive officer, administrative officer, the Chiefs Director came to believe that the only way of surviving in the service of ones nation was to support the looting executive branch and their majority in parliament in their looting crusade of the national purse. Honesty and integrity became grounds for transfer of officers of honour and integrity. The Looter Government club could not tolerate citizens with any degree or modicum of honour and integrity. Nobody better explains and articulates the purposeful and deliberate collusion between the Fifth and Sixth Parliaments and Executives under the Fourth Republican Constitution to set the Constitution asunder than its Minority Leader, the Honourable Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu on 6th January 2017. He confirmed the majority and patriotic beliefs of citizens that the majority in Fifth and Sixth Parliaments kowtowed to the Looter Governments of that epoch in such a way that due diligence was not done in the passage and approval of loans and international agreements which were usually passed with alacrity. The then Minority Leader, who has since become the Majority Leader, is reported to have underscored the general belief of the more politically conscious members of the citizenry that: If Parliament was a bit more diligent in its approval of loans and was more transparent in handling motions parliamentary democracy would have been deepened. The then Minority Leader stated the well-known paramount objective of any democratic Parliament to improve the quality of life of citizens. The Fifth and Sixth Parliaments under the Fourth Republican Constitution on the other hand served the interest of the majority members and their looter Governments contrary to their oath as members of parliament. The lame defence of the then Majority Leader that the majority in parliament affiliated to their Looter Governments tried to balance the interest of the country and that of their party in the discharge of their duties on the floor only goes to reinforce the fact that the majority in the Fifth and Sixth Parliaments were indeed mere appendages of the executive looter chariot. They abysmally failed their constituents and failed the nation as well. The 1992 Constitution does not enjoin that partisan political party interest which is inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Constitution should supersede the collective national interest. The just ended elections make it clear that the electorate will judge the tenure of the Speaker and the members of this 7th Parliament by whether or not the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-Generals Department will be compelled again to ask for monetary contributions from the component security, intelligence, and legal agencies to pay extortion money to Committees of Parliament before their budgets will be heard at the yearly budget hearings: and a further amount of GH2,000.00 extorted as a condition precedent to laying the committees report before the whole House for its deliberations and approval. The payment of extortion money to committees to deliberate upon loan agreements and bills in or outside Accra together with pocket allowances or fuel allowances by Ministries, Department, Agencies (MDA) and even by lobbying Non-Governmental Organizations all engender corruption in the whole body polity as Parliament never approves such expenditures in any MDAs budget. The money extorted by Parliamentary Committees and related bodies and individuals under such extortion racketeering from the MDAs is no small money because even the supporting staff of the committee of Parliament is paid a share of it. And as I found out to my chagrin the staff of MDAs also used the extortion by Parliament as an excuse to be paid similar allowances for their contribution towards preparing for the budget hearing, and loan or legislative committee discussions. I was proud of the organizations in the Ministry of Justice when they each wrote to say they had no funds to contribute to the extortion money required for the budget hearing as their meager allocations in the previous budget had not even been given them. Regrettably, to avoid disaster for the Ministry one of the Departments with authority to retain a portion of its internally generated funds loaned the administration the extortion money which was paid to the budget committee of the 5th Parliament at the budget hearing of 2011. I was pleasantly amused by the enthusiasm both sides of the house on the committee showed in signing for their extortion money. The response I received when I reported the two occasions of extortion to the then President was to be consoled by the fact that Parliament had made attempts to extort money from him when he nominated persons for appointment; he added that two of my colleagues even paid to be approved for their ministerial positions. I was shocked because such extortions never took place in the First and Second Parliaments that ended on 7th January 2001 when I was Deputy Attorney General. May the 7th Parliament not compromise the national interest and purse in approving the likes of such agreements as the Atuabu Free Port Agreement which short changed Ghana simply because the President and another Minister had consummated their selfish interest in unwarranted trips to Mauritius in 2013 and 2014 behind the backs of the people of Ghana. May we not also have the likes of the Africa and Middle East Investment (AMERI) Agreement which prompted the Senior Staff Association of the Volta River Authority (VRA) to gathered the courage for the first time to show their disapproval of and disagreement with the greedy self-interest of the Looter Government against the national interest on 4th January 2017, after the Looter Government that had been voted out of power by the people of Ghana was exiting office in a few days. The rape of this country by the Looter Government with the active cooperation of the 5th and 6th Parliaments are well known and the welcome disapproval shown publicly by the then Minority Leader, Honourable Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu on 6th January 2017 is, therefore, good news and a harbinger of the anticipations for the positive changes to come. Happily, Hon. Mensah-Bonsu who is now the Majority Leader of the 7th Parliament, has the burdensome duty to help the President to pursued any past criminal infractions of the Constitution and laws of Ghana by investigating and dealing with them as the first step to demonstrating commitment to the anti-corruption agenda of the President and his Government, and of Parliament. The nation is looking forward to being assured by the pronouncements and actions of the President and Parliament that looters of whatever status will not be allowed to enjoy their booty freely in Dubai, Mauritius and other safe havens. I assure every Ghanaian that the evidence of criminal and unconstitutional conduct is overwhelming but unconstitutional attempts are being made through influential chiefs and elders to let bygones be bygones contrary to the demands of the Constitution for accountability, transparency and fairness in governance. May the 7th Parliament and the President remember that even walls have ears and we hear the attempts at trying to compromise the Presidents anti-corruption agenda in the name of reconciliation. The Presidents anti-corruption drive will be still-born with such compromises and reconciliations. Now, I wish first of all on this occasion of the first official meeting of the 7th Parliament of the Fourth Republic, after its inauguration, to congratulate the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament upon his election by Parliament to preside over its affairs during its tenure. Mr. Speaker, uphold your status as a pastor of a renowned church and a worthy Spokesperson of God in ensuring that you do not preside over an extortionist and corrupt Parliament as we witnessed in the immediate past in this country in the name of democracy. I also wish to congratulate each Member of Parliament and the membership as a collective on their election by an awakened Ghanaian electorate demanding probity, accountability and transparency in the work of Parliament. May God and Allah, give this 7th Parliament the courage, wisdom, and vision to be truly accountable, just and transparent during its tenure! May the 7th Parliament which contains some members from the Fifth and Sixth Parliaments forget and repent the corrupt practices of the Fifth and Sixth Parliaments. May this 7th Parliament be a leading champion of the anti-corruption agenda within itself and against the executive and judiciary. May this 7th Parliament not be party to paid covert Government surveillance through illegal undercover agents spying on coordinate organs of government and collaborating with the executive to suppress parliaments own corrupt practices while exposing that of the least powerful branch, the judiciary. May Ghanaians at the end of this 7th Parliaments tenure be proud that it has helped to restore the underlying principles and values for which Ghanaians gave to themselves the Fourth Republican Constitution, 1992. May this 7th Parliament always put Ghana First in supporting the President to protect the national purse. Congratulations to the 7th Parliament in which our hopes as citizens are now focused for the delivery of a good democratic accountability that puts Ghana First! Martin A. B. K. Amidu Accra, 9th January 2017 Deadly blasts near Afghan parliament At least 21 people have been killed and 45 wounded in twin bombings near the Afghan parliament in Kabul, a security official says. The anticipation of an event-free first day for the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was marred by speculations, counter speculations, and counter counter speculations on a non-existent problem whose apparition seems to have scared the living daylights out of NPP supporters. The non-issue is about the much touted request by the former President, John Dramani Mahama, to keep the house that he lived in. Seemingly coming with its own muse, the house enchanted its occupants as it appears to have enchanted the whole nation. The NPP says that there is no agreement that it will be given John Mahama as part of his retirement package. Hanna Tetteh, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, claimed that the dissolved NDC Parliament okayed the deal. That could be true because the NDC controlled parliament during their time, so I am not in the least surprised at her utterance. If same is established to be true, then the NDC had yet again demonstrated that they were on a looting agenda in government, and that should be used in the campaign against them heading into the 2020 elections. After all, what theft did the former government not involve itself in with its parliamentary bullying tactics? But, then again, where does the innocent Akufo-Addo come in regarding this brouhaha? If the deal had already been signed into effect, the rule of law must take its course. It should not be expected that the president would violate laws, rules, and regulations. YES, it is painful that John Dramani Mahama, the former first gentleman suspected of causing major damage to national institutions and massive losses to the State by his irresponsible reign, should have such a magnificent retirement home, especially that same was denied former President John Agyekum Kufuor. Suddenly, Karma seems to be at work! Was it not Dr Omane Boamah who went to court along with a few dead brains on behalf of the NDC in the case of the house that the late Jake Obetsebi Lampety acquired? What has changed? Was it not the same NDC that incited some youth to make insalubrious racial statements against President Kufuor on the issue of an office for His Excellency that was never given to him? I am particularly disappointed, though, that my dear brothers and sisters did not hasten slowly to get an answer to their questions in this regard. However, more disappointing were indications on many social media platforms that Mr Kweku Baaku asserted that President Nana Akufo-Addo had confirmed the house for John Dramani Mahama. I thought that such a proclamation, if truly made, was in bad taste, frivolous, vexatious, and untimely. This statement rather served to turn the heat on the innocent President than to relieve the pressure. I have always held Kweku Baako in high esteem to the point of describing him as a legendary journalist in my book, 59 Years to Nowhereand counting The Future is Now. However, this kind of tactics, as I opine, put a dent on his intentions as far as the government of His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo is concerned. Why would he confirm a speculation when the NPP hierarchy had denied that there was any form of agreement with the transition team over the house? Besides, why pre-empt any such thing when the nation had not heard from the President either way? Was it a calculated attempt to continue with the tradition of NDC nokofio each time there was an issue? This is surreal! To quote Lil Wayne, I cant think far, lest I be accused of plagiarism. I think we ought to hold our horses. Nana Akufo-Addo will not do anything on the blind side of Ghanaians. Whatever the decision might be in this matter, he would definitely release a statement to inform the nation why it was taken. And certainly it would be an explanation simple enough to sink into the hardest of heads. I plead with my brothers and sisters not to tow the line that the NDC want us to. We laboured tirelessly to clinch Power, so lets not throw away the blessings that GOD Almighty bestowed upon us in the form of the humiliating defeat of the NDC. Besides, our love for and trust in the President created the change that propelled him into office, so why allow a small issue to replace the sweetness we are enjoying with the bitterness of unwarranted criticisms and unfashionable discourse that would only serve to hurt us and our beloved President all the more? Let us be circumspect, and continue to trust Nana Akufo-Addo to do the right things within the realms of law and order. I believe the law says JDM should be given rent allowance, and I know he would get what the law has prescribed. Magana ya kari!!! Let us rebuild Ghana and make our nation great and strong! The defeat of President John Dramani Mahama and his National Democratic Congress in last December elections has destabilized plans by some presidential hopefuls of the now biggest opposition party nursing ambition to step into the shoes of the former President for the 2020 elections if he had secured his second term bid, The aL-hAJJ has gathered. As many as 25 NDC kingpins, this paper reported late last year, had started preparing grounds for the eventual ascension to the flag bearer post after Mr. Mahama had finished his eight year term. These NDC stalwarts, mainly former Ministers, former Chief Executive of State Institutions, party kingpins and appointees of the erstwhile Mahama government were convinced the 2016 election would be walk over for former President Mahama. Former Ministers of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Employment and Labor Relations, Haruna Iddrisu; Roads and Highways; Inusah Fuseini; Education, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang; Foreign Affairs, Hannah Serwah Tetteh; Trade and Industry; Dr Ekow Spio Gabrah; Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, former Minister of State and Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovations, were all reported interested in leading the NDC into the 2024 election. Others reported to be interested in leading the party after Mr Mahamas eight years included former Ministers of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuije; Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur; former Brong Ahafo Minister, Eric Opoku; former Central Regional Minister; Kwaku Rickett Hagan; former Minister of State at the presidency, Rashid Pelpuo; and former majority leader and now 2nd deputy Speaker of Parliament; Alban Kingsford Sumane Bagbin. The likes of immediate past Senior Policy Adviser and Head of Presidential Delivery Unit, Dr Valerie Sawyer; former MP for La Dadekotopon, Nii Amasah Namoale; former Chief Executives of NHIA, Sylvester Mensah; COCOBODs Dr Stephen Opuni; Eco Medical Villages, Dzifa Aku Ativor; former KMA boss, Kojo Bonsu; 1st vice Chairman of NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo; former Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia; MP for Klottey Korle; Dr Zanetor Rawlings; Anlo MP; Clement Kofi Humado and former vice President, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur were also reported interested in the post. However, intelligence gathered by The aL-hAJJ indicate that following the NDCs abysmal performance in last years polls, many of these hitherto flamboyant flag bearer hopefuls are being compelled to chicken-out in what would have been a rehash of 2007 NPP-like flag bearer contest. Though the 13 member committee constituted by the NDC to investigate the cause(s) of the partys defeat in the December 7 polls is yet to begin work to determine the future direction of the party, some of the 25 flag bearer hopefuls are reported to have willingly given up on their ambitions. Stunned activists of the party this papers intelligence reveal, have subsequently been forced to go back to the drawing board to agree on a suitable candidate for the 2020 presidential election. There is deep rift among kingpins and supporters of the NDC as to what ex-President Mahamas resounding loss means for the party; whether the party should field the one term President for the 2020 elections or put their trust in a new candidate with hopes of securing victory in the nearest future? Others are however kicking against the former Presidents comeback. Leading the operation reject Mahama for 2020 is failed NDC parliamentary aspirant for Bawku Central, Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu Dori, and former NDC MP for Lower Manya Krobo, Michael Teye Nyaunu. According to Alhaji Dori considering the magnitude of defeat the NDC suffered in the hands of the NPP at the just ended elections, the leadership of the party must not make any move of imposing any candidate on the rank and file of the party. The controversial former Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo has squarely blamed the leadership of the National Democratic Congress for its failure to avert President Mahamas defeat, which it had knowledge of, at least a year before it manifested. We could see the defeat staring us in the face but we ignored it, he told TV3 Midday Live on Monday. The seed for the defeat was sowed during the primaries both presidential and parliamentary [last year], he clarified. Explaining further, Mr. Teye Nyaunu blamed the party executive for its calculated efforts that muscled out a number of potential presidential candidates in the party. All machineries were set towards that, a situation he described as unfortunate. He believed competition would have brought the best out of Mahama. He was however not so convinced that President Mahama was the partys best choice for the December elections. Until you make comparison you cannot say he is the best, he asserted. Teye Nyaunu was also sure that how the party organized its parliamentary primaries contributed to the partys defeat. On his part, the Dean of Graduate Studies at the Institute of Local Government Studies, Dr Eric Oduro-Osae has also called on former President Mahama not to contest the 2020 elections even though it is his constitutional right to contest for another four years. If I have the opportunity of advising him (Mahama), I will advise him to bow out. I will advise him that now that the applause is loudest, Ill advise him that at this point in time youve served your tenure for four years. Although the constitution allows [him] to come in for another four years, in his own interest and for his own integrity and for the purpose of consolidating the gains he has made as far as adding on to the democratic development of this country, he should just bow out and allow the NDC to look for another candidate, he stated on Class Fm. But many party bigwigs, mainly appointees of the erstwhile Mahama administration and their supporters have been persistent with their call on the Bole-born-Communication specialist now turned-former-President to make a comeback in 2020. Their reason is simple; Mr Mahama has achieved so much during his stewardship that it will be a disservice to the NDC and the country if he decides not to run for the presidency in 2020 because of the outcome of last years presidential election. But the immediate family of the former President has kicked against these requests by admirers of Mr Mahama to lead the biggest opposition party into the 2020 elections. Mr Ibrahim Mahama, younger brother of the former President Mahama, told senior journalist in an exclusive interview that the Mahama family has prevailed on the immediate past President not to contest. John has given his all in politics and we think it is just fair that we allow him to rest. We were very supportive and instrumental in convincing him to partner late Prof Mills, and when the time came for him to contest President, we supported him and advised him to go for itnow we have again advised him not to make a comeback in 2020, the Chief of Engineers and Planners noted. With official confirmation from the immediate family of Mr Mahama that he will not lead the party into the 2020 elections, other kingpins of the NDC nursing ambition to lead the party have started using surrogates and assign to start preparing grounds for their 2020 presidential dream. Names of possible successors to the former President have started filling the media landscape. Some prominent names currently on the lips of the NDC family and doing the rounds on condition; Mr Mahama indeed decides not to contest the next presidential election include former Trade and Industry Minister, Dr Ekow Spio Gabrah; former Executive Director of National Health Insurance Authority, Mr Sylvester Mensah, and immediate past Communications Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah. Others are immediate past Speaker of Parliament, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, and former flag bearer of the Reform Party, Mr Goozie Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, defeatd MP for Awutu Senya West and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Hannah Serwah Tetteh. However the name of former Chief of Staff of the erstwhile NDC administration, Mr Julius Debrah, according to The aL-hAJJs intelligence, seems to be more pronounced amongst NDC power brokers and within the rank and file of the party. Perhaps, Mr Debrah, who has maintained a low profile as far as early scramble on who leads NDC in 2020 is concerned, is still looking up to his boss, Mr Mahama, as to whether he will make a comeback or not before he starts flying the kite on is ambition to lead the reorganization process of the NDC and to eventually; lead it into the next presidential election. Though immediate past Speaker of Parliament, Doe Adjaho is said to be more favored in terms of experience and qualification, The aL-hAJJ has gathered that an unwritten NDC convention that allows for rotational regional representation may damper his chances. Mr Doe Adjaho, an accomplished legal practitioner and veteran legislator, according to sources, is presently the face of Volta region so far as representation in the top echelon of the NDC is concerned. Some have argued that in order to appease the NDCs World Bank, Mr Adjaho should be selected as the partys next flag bearer. But a reliable source close to NDC power brokers told this paper that "Rt Hon Doe Adjaho comes from the NDCs first president and party founder, Jerry John Rawlings' region of Volta, after which we had Mills from Central and then John Mahama from the North so it's now the turn of other Akan regions and Gas." We in the NDC have an unwritten convention on regionalization of our leaders so now, it is the turn of the Akan regions of Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Eastern and Western regions, and Greater Accra region, a respected NDC elder who does not want his name mentioned disclosed. This regional rotation convention and other reasons appear to have closed the chapter on NDC flag bearer hopefuls from Volta, Central and Northern region. This, among other reasons, could probably impede Mr Goozie Tanoh and Hannah Tettehs attempt to lead the NDC into the 2020 elections. Mr Tanoh, though has not officially announced his 2020 bid; was rumored to be interested in the NDC topmost job when he made a sudden appearance at the 35th Anniversary of the 31st December Revolution recently. His address, which was centered on reorganization of the NDC, has been interpreted as a red carpet laying ceremony to announce his presidential ambition. The legal practitioner and PNDC capo broke ranks with the NDC ahead of selection of presidential candidate for the 2000 after Mr Rawlings, then outgoing president, favored Prof John Evans Atta Mills for the post over the cadre who had worked closely with the former military leader and had been highly tipped for the position. He was thought to be enjoying support of Mr Rawlings for the 2020 post after he spoke at the ceremony, however, the NDC founders office, in a sharp statement said Mr Rawlings wishes to inform the general public that the 35th anniversary event held at the Revolution Square last Saturday was not an avenue to promote any individuals political ambition or agenda. The head of the anniversary planning committee for the June 4 and 31st December events has since been asked to step down. A new head will be announced after consultations with cadres and other planning committee members. Mr Tanoh, though cut for the job, may not find favor with the rank and file of the NDC if he decides to contest the flag bearer post giving his long absence on the political scheme and issues of loyalty and betrayal hanging around his neck. Dr Ekow Spio Gabrah, who has been angling to lead the NDC for over a decade now, have had his name been bandied in the media by his loyalists for the next flag bearer post of the party. The Former Trade and Industry Minister, has an impeccable record in governance and the telecommunication sector. He has made two unsuccessful attempts at leading the now biggest opposition party. Some see him as the ideal successor to former President Mahama but he seems not to have the support of NDC kingmakers and the grassroots. His contest with late Prof Mills and aborted attempt to contest the late tax Professor in the 2011 Sunyani Congress for the flag bearer post may have courted so much hatred for him especially, from his own native region, Central. Dr Gabrahs bid is also at variance with NDCs unwritten regional rotation pact because of his Fante background. Like Mr Tanoh and Dr Spio Gabrah, the immediate past MP for Awutu Senya West, Hannah Tetteh, may also not be considered for the post because of this pact. Moreover, her humiliating defeat at the polls has also dealt a heavy blow to her possible flag bearer bid. Madam Hannah Tetteh has long been rumored to be interested in the flag bearer post. When ex-president Mahama was elected to lead the NDC into the 2016 election, she was rumored to be one of the persons penciled for the running mate post. However, she missed out on it. Her surrogates have also had running battles with former vice President Amissah Arthurs devotees over the formers surreptitious moves to upstage the latter for the number two post and eventual flag bearer bid. Mr Amissah Arthur himself was also thought to be interested in leading the NDC after his boss but, giving the abysmal performance of the party particularly, in the Central region among other factors; his dream may not materialize. Perhaps, the only NDC stalwarts whose name has come up for the post and who is favored by almost all the permutations is Mr Julius Debrah. The meteoric rise of Mr Debrah to the position of Chief of Staff after serving as Regional Minister of Eastern and Greater Accra Regions, and Local Government Minister and how he distinguished himself in all these portfolios consolidates calls for his bid. The former Chief of Staff is liked by rank and file of the NDC, party bigwigs and almost all the supposed factions in the opposition party. The only blot on his likely ascension to the NDCs topmost post is that he hails from the same region as President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Dr Omane Boamah, another strong contender for the NDC flag bearer post. The immediate past Communications Minister is one of the appointees of the NDC government thought to be former President Mahamas heir. His admirers believe the ex-president will shepherd him to assume the flag bearer post. Dr Boamah, who turned 41 last year December, though has remained tightlipped on his ambitions following the NDCs defeat, has been berated by some NDC supporters as being one of the persons who caused Mr Mahamas defeat. His hitherto admirable personality among NDC members has since plummet, making a likely flag bearer bid implausible. Following closely to NDC bigwigs favored by the internal arrangements of the party is former Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Sylvester Mensah. His dual native background as Ewe and Ga is feeding into the narrative that NDC must consider their World Bank when considering who leads the party. But Mr Mensah appears not to be the favorite of bankrollers of the party. As immediate past President John Dramani Mahama starts his life journey in opposition, The aL-hAJJ can confirm of intense lobbying amongst some of his former appointees and close aides over who becomes his spokesperson. Intelligence picked from the home of the former first family has it that right from the day the results of the election was declared which did not favor Mr Mahama, some appointees of the erstwhile NDC government have been using family sources to lobby the former President to name them as his official spokesperson. Whilst some of the spokesperson hopefuls are said to be using persons who have the ear of the ex-President to lobby him, others are said to falling on the Mahama family and his household to grab the privileged position. Presently, names of former deputy Transport Minister and 2016 NDC Campaign spokesperson, Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari; former deputy Minister of Power and Member of Parliament of Yapei-Kusawgu, JohnAbdulai Jinapor; former Communications Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and former presidential staffer, Stan Dogbe have come up at persons angling for the post. There has been intense lobbying from several quarters for the post of spokesperson for the old man (ex-president Mahama) since we lost the election. So far Omane, Joyce, Jinapor and Stan are in strong contention for the post, a very dependable source close to the immediate past first family told The aL-hAJJ. Though it is not clear who amongst the four candidates the ex-president would like to man the post, sources say Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari is much favored by the party and Mahama family to take up the post. Amongst the four names, many prefer Joyce is given the post because they (the Mahama family) needs new face around John to give him a dignified public image. Joyce has an unblemished record, her demeanor, articulation and competency is admired by all as the ideal person to be around John, the source noted. But a major stumbling block that may let the deputy former Transport lose out much to the detriment of ex-Presidemt Mahama, another sourced stated, is threats being posed by the other competitors, particularly Stan Dogbe. Mr Dogbe is said to be doing everything possible to edge out Joyce. Stan is very close to some persons of Johns household who can easily prevail on John to consider him for the post. That is the only impediment on the way of Joyce. But the Mahama family, another source disclosed to The aL-hAJJ, are warning of dire consequences for Mr Mahama if the old faces who were accused of causing his defeat continue to represent his genteel and humble character even as ex-president. Nana Akufo-Addo thwarted John Mahamas plan of serving a second term by beating him in the December 7 election by securing 53.58% of the total valid votes cast, against Mahamas 44.4%. The then opposition leaders victory was described as historic in many ways, as it was the first time a sitting President was beaten in an election, and also the first time a total vote difference of more than 1 million was recorded, between the winner and his closest opponent in an election in Ghana. By convention, former Heads of States are required to keep spokespersons. This is what has created an avenue for allies of ex-president Mahama to be fighting over who speaks for him as ex-president. At exactly 12 midnight last Friday, the Lion of Gonja Mahama's reign as the President of Ghana came to an end. And has thus join ranks with his predecessors, John Agyekum Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings, the two living ex-Presidents. And by the time he handed over to the NPP's Akufo-Addo on January 7, a new era has begun, an era filled with promises of counter-measures to create the impression that Ghana will become the paradise that Akufo-Addo has already constructed it by way of his promises and conceptualizations of what he could do to prove his competence. An interesting era to watch carefully!! For the records, President Mahama will be leaving the scene, dogged by questions about why he lost the bid for a second term despite all the assurances of support given him wherever he went prior to Election 2016 because of his insistence on infrastructural development as the panacea to the myriad problems facing the country and people. Unfortunately, the outcome of the polls proved him wrong even though his opponents will definitely take advantage of the foundation that he has laid to launch their own agenda. The NPP's Akufo-Addo will step in to do whatever he has up his sleeves. Judging from the tall list of promises that he has made, which stood him in good stead at Election 2016, it is clear that he needs more than "rally ground talk" to sail through. As of now, the stage is set for him to take over; and take over, he will with all the baggage weighing him down. Nothing new or strange to those of us who have been alive to the "changing times" of Ghanaian politics since the mid-1960's. Only the wearer of the shoe knows where it pinches; and when wincing happens, onlookers will notice it all. President Mahama has done a lot to be proud of---and to be respected for. That is why he should not fade away. No amount of calumny will change anything about him to damn his legacy. He stands tall in many ways---as an affable and peace-loving gentleman who worked hard to keep Ghana together despite all the challenges threatening to tear it apart. As he hinted at in his last State of the Nation Address, he is handing over a peaceful Ghana to the Akufo-Addo camp to sustain. A major challenge!! Regardless of his failures in whatever area that informed voters' electoral decisions, he will join the ranks of those who have done their best to move Ghana forward in diverse ways. His failures shouldn't be the trump-card to be played by those seeking to make Ghana a paradise. They are expected to come up with their own game plan for us to see how they will fare. Four years hence, the moment of reckoning will dawn for them to be taken on as well. Their ability to sustain our democracy will allow that taking on to happen peacefully. For now, let us congratulate President Mahama on his service to country and people and wish him all the best in any venture that he settles on. In the same vein, let us welcome into office the Akufo-Addo team and breathe hard on their backs for them to know that their desire to outdo the Mahama legacy has to go beyond "rally ground talk". They have already lined themselves up for marching into the slaughter house and shouldn't cry foul when taken on should they give Ghanaians nothing new. I hope I will have the time to watch the swearing-in ceremony on Saturday so I can identify more issues to raise for comment. In any case, what has happened since December 7 is a clear confirmation of the fact that Ghanaians are one people who belong to one country and have a common destiny. Let us continue to work together to make our country the oasis in the vast desert of chaos surrounding us. That is the resounding message that bids good-bye to the Lion of Gonja. He will not disappear into the dustbin of (sodden) history. No doubt, no two ways, no curve, no bend!! 10.01.2017 LISTEN Dear Sir, I am very humbled to see the light of this day and to ink my thoughts in this letter to you. I hope this letter finds you in good health. For the past few days, I have been boiling within from reading a notice that hit our various whatsapp groups. The notice in focus is a letter served by the Ministry of Education to the various Regional Directors of Education and Colleges of Education informing final year teacher trainees to fill their posting forms online. The message has been attached to this letter for the benefit of doubts. My concern has never been about the posting itself but about district sponsorship forms. To the best of my understanding, for someone to sponsor you, the person has to pay your fees in full or part. It could again be in terms of your feeding or books. Well, that is just my thought as a final year teacher trainee. Sir, I am yet to harbor any doubts in mind that you are very much aware of the district sponsorship and the rationale behind it. For the benefit of the sundry reading this post, I shall state the rationale out word for word. 'RATIONALE FOR SPONSORSHIP: Equity distribution of teachers is one of the biggest problems confronting the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service. Most schools in the disadvantaged areas are without teachers because it has been difficult to get trained teachers to accept posting to the rural areas. To have equity distribution and also to ensure that districts respond quickly to teacher demand in their schools, it was decided that Districts should be allowed to sponsor students for training. The Sponsorship scheme is an attempt to meet the challenge of shortage of qualified teachers in the rural and other disadvantaged areas. The teacher trainees who are sponsored would be contracted to teach in the Districts that sponsored them for a period of at least three years after completion of their course.' According to the rationale for sponsorship as stated just above, one has to apply for sponsorship just as soon as they gain admission into any of the colleges. I have been informed duly (I stand to be corrected though) that District Sponsorships have been erased (that is sponsorship before entry into any college). Sir, as of the moment of writing this letter, it is a tradition that before one completes a college and gains employment in a district of his choice, one must have to apply for sponsorship to such districts. Amazingly, one never gets a penny from such districts. The only thing you get is a signature and an automatic employment (at least, that is how it looks). Again, I am not so worried about that. My worry however is that, this creates opportunity for some people at the helm of affairs at the various District Education offices to enrich themselves unlawfully in the name of poor teacher trainees who hardly get money to buy handouts. Sir, it is so disheartening to know that cheque are signed and issued out to cover the fees of students who apply for such sponsorships yet only God knows the end of such monies. Everyone could easily decide not to go in for the sponsorship forms since mostly, one would be in his final year before the order comes for one to work on their postings. One would not need sponsorships by then and so could easily forgo them and resort to being posted to just 'anywhere'. Well, unless you are ready to face the only threat of being posted to a cottage in the north where you would have no good drinking water and electricity, you can try that. So, reluctantly, 98 percent or more of teacher trainees are forced to go in for the sponsorships thereby enriching the 'big men' the more. Mine is not war but a mere plea to the various bodies involved responsible through you, the Director General that, the district sponsorship be removed since it has as well become a white elephant. It is so glaring today that teachers are been produced on a large scale hence making the district sponsorship nonessential. It has over-lived its essence. I hereby plead that with our quest to quench the burning flames of corruption in our beloved nation, a stop be put to the district sponsorship scheme. Well, I do not really know for how long this has gone on but I know definitely that we shall as well serve as prey to the big men again this year. I only hope something is done to save those after us. But till then, I am still boiling within for we are unduly being used to exploit our beloved nations purse. I am hoping to see changes in the system soon. Thank you. Yours faithfully, Signed Gabla Godwin. (An embattled teacher Trainee) The Wa West Member of Parliament in the Upper West Region, Joseph Yileh Chireh, has described calls for the immediate past President, John Dramani Mahama, to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in the 2020 elections as premature and undemocratic. The Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, in a recent interview with Citi News, backed Mr. Mahama to lead the party again in the 2020 election, saying he is the best man to recapture power after the NDCs heavy defeat in the 2016 elections. But Mr. Chireh insists such calls should be suspended until the Kwesi Botchwey-led committee, tasked to investigate the cause of the partys defeat in the 2016 elections, completes its work. I think that since the party has gone through this troubling experience of defeat, it is only proper that we all keep our eyes open, wait for the report that has been commissioned by the party hierarchy to bring out the causes, the MP said. Mr. Chireh further urged NDC members to refrain from publicly making known their preferences on who to lead them at this point, as he warned that such actions are further destroying the link that should be between all of us as party members. Too early for Flagbearership talk The Volta Regional Youth Organizer of the NDC, Egypt Kudoto, also stressed that it was imperative that the Kwesi Botchwey-led committee conducts its post-mortem of the NDC's election defeat before any Flagbearership talk. I personally thought it was just too early in the day. It is just some weeks gone past the last election and as a party, the national leadership has just put in place a 13-member committee to look into all that led to that abysmal performance of our party in terms of the results of the 2016 election. Egypt Kudoto I think it is important for us as a party to give this team led by Professor Kwesi Botchwey some time for us to complete this work, submit their report to the national executives, and for the national executives to see the way forward in terms of what the report is about, the findings of the team and what must be done by the party. In the meantime, the NDC members should be focusing on the re-organisation of our party. Once the party is in shape, as to who becomes the Flagbearer will not be problematic, Mr. Kudoto said. Mr. John Mahama became the first sitting President to lose an election after just one-term in office. The margin by which he lost, is also historic, in that he lost by over a million votes. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Just three days after the curtains closed on his tenure, there is mounting debate between former President John Dramani Mahama's family and a section of the party he led into the 2016 elections over his political future. While his immediate family insists that the former President should call time on local politics, some leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including Mr Kofi Adams, its National Organiser, and Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, have rejected the idea, insisting that Ghana's first one-term President is the NDC's best bet for Election 2020. Speaking to a group of senior journalists ahead of last weekend's swearing-in of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, former President Mahama's younger brother and Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, said the former President's family had been advising him not to contest the NDC primary to select a candidate for 2020, adding: He (former President Mahama) agreed with us. John has given his all in politics to the NDC and Ghana and we think it is just fair that we allow him to rest. We were very supportive and instrumental in convincing him to partner the late Prof. J.E.A. Mills, and when the time came for him to contest for President, we supported him and advised him to go for itNow we have advised him not to make a comeback in 2020, he said. President Mahama and wife Lordina A case for Mahama 2020? Historically, Ghanaian Presidents since 1992 have always served two terms. Perhaps counting on the fact that currently former President Mahama is the most marketed face in the NDC, Mr Adams said he would reject a decision by the former President not to contest the 2020 presidential election. If he decides not to run for elections, I will be disappointedI will mobilise people against that, he was quoted as saying on Asempa FM. But the first person to have officially stood up for the Mahama 2020 candidature was the immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Vanderpuye, who insisted on Starr FM that former President Mahama would be forced to contest the 2020 elections. However, the former President's brother believed that the family was making a better judgement. While appreciating the support from those urging Mr Mahama to stage a comeback, Ibrahim said it is important for those calling for his comeback to also respect the family's judgement. Mahama on his future While his family and some members of his party are poles apart on his future, the former President gave a hint about his future to his peers during an ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, in December last year. Many people have asked me what my plans are; I have no plans yet. My immediate intention is to take a well-deserved rest after three years of working without a single break. I guess that going forward Ill be more engaged on sub-regional, continental and global matters, he explained. Mahama & diplomacy For those cautioning the President to forget about local politics, their argument is informed by Ghana's voting trend since 1992 which gives two terms to every new government NDC I (1993-2001); the New Patriotic Party (NPP) (2001-2009); and NDC II (2009-2016) and the ex-President's performance as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). For those in this school of thought, the President's image as a statesman may be crashed if he contests and loses the 2020 elections. Rather, they hold the view that he should pursue international diplomacy in which he had by far excelled, given the way he handled the Ebola crisis in West Africa, the Burkina Faso political crisis after the overthrow of President Blaise Campaore, the Togolese election crisis, as well as his appointment as a member of the group of West African leaders mediating The Gambian crisis. Apart from his role in West Africa, the United Nations also appointed former President Mahama and the Prime Minister of Norway, Ms Erna Solberg, as co-Chairs of a group of 16 eminent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Support new government Mr Mahama courted public support for President Akufo-Addo, calling on Ghanaians, irrespective of their ethnic background, political and religious affiliation, to support the new President and his administration with prayer to successfully steer the affairs of the nation. With the NPP making quiet a number of promises to the electorate ahead of the elections, expectations are high, but Mr Mahama urged Ghanaians to be measured in their expectations and give the new administration time to settle. The fact that Nana Akufo- Addo made promises does not mean as soon as he takes office things will change, as many are expecting things cannot change overnight. He needs time to put things in place before whatever changes he promised will start manifesting, he observed. While admitting that his family would also benefit from a successful NPP administration, he observed that the expectations would not be fulfilled overnight. There are no miracles in governance and so I am pleading with my countrymen and women to be modest in their expectations of Nana's governmentwe should allow them some time to settle down, he said. President Akufo-Addo of the NPP secured 5,716,026 votes, representing 53.85 per cent of the valid votes cast, to beat former President Mahama, who garnered 4,713,277 votes (44.40 per cent) in the December 7 elections. Nana Akufo-Addo was subsequently sworn into office as President last Saturday. The Methodist Church Ghana formally opened Belgium Circuit in the Diamond City,Antwerpen, on 10th December 2016. The Circuit consists of three (3) Societies and a Nursery society; namely, Brussels Society, Ghent Society, Leuven Nursery Society and Antwerpen Society (Circuit Headquarters). The inauguration service was officiated, assisted and supported by The Most Rev. Titus Awortwi Pratt, The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, The Very Rev. Dr. Isaac Amoah (The Sup't Minister - The Netherland Circuit) who was in charge of both Belgium and Holland Circuits before the arrival of The Very Rev. Bernard bamfo-Bosompen some few years back, and some ministers from Holland, Germany and The U.K respectively. Preaching from Acts 2:42-47, The Most Rev. Titus Awortwi Pratt, touched on some essential ingredients needed to make the church grow which characterized the early church, namely: teachings, fellowship/unity, breaking of bread and prayer. He praised the work of the pioneers (both lay and clergy) and the current minister for their selflessness and dedication for the work of Christ in the diaspora and urged the members to support the minister in their discharge of duties. The inauguration of the Circuit was followed by consecration and dedication of a newly purchased Church building purchased by Wesley Society, Antwerpen. The purchase of the Church complex and the manse is a major achievement, and has given the Methodist Church a new face and special prestige amongst the diasporan churches especially African communities in Belgium. This is so because, getting a place like this is not an easy task especially in Europe. The property which was originally owned by Jehovahs Witnesses contains 3 fully furnished auditorium (Regular Chapel Hall, Winter Chapel Hall, a Conference room, toilet facilities, and offices), car park and a 4-bedroom storey building to be used as a Manse. The purchase was negotiated by The Very Rev. Bernard Bamfo-Bosompem, Superintendent Minister of Belgium Circuit. The property which might cost approximately 1.8 million for similar new Construction, but was settled for little over half a million Euros. The inauguration of Belgium Circuit, the Consecration and the Dedication of the 1528.87 -square-foot( 466 m 2 ) property was climaxed on 11th December 2016 with the induction of The Very Rev. Bernard Bamfo Bosompem as Superintendent Minister of the Belgium Circuit. The Very Rev. Bernard Bamfo Bosompem had his 3-year institutional/ministerial training at The Trinity Theological Seminary, Accra, Ghana and was commissioned and ordained in the years 2002 and 2005 respectively. He earned a superintendent status in 2013 upon serving various Societies in the Methodist Connexion, Circuit and Diocese within Ghana and Europe. The Very Rev Bamfo-Bosompem holds Diploma in Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary (Legon-Accra, Ghana); Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Religions) from the University of Ghana (Legon-Ghana) and Master of Arts (Intercultural Theology) from the University of Goetingen, (Germany). The Very Rev. Bernard Bamfo-Bosompem is gifted in the area of Revivals, Retreats, Evangelism and other Renewal programs which The Methodist Church and other Denominations are greatly blessed through him. He is married to Lilian, who he affectionately calls MeyereAkua (My wife Akua), and they are blessed with 3 children - 2 boys and a girl. The ceremony was graced by high profile guests from Ghanaian Community Elders to public figures and dignitaries. Mrs Hannah Ama Nyarko the deputy chief of the Ghana mission in The Kingdom of Belgium and The European Union and Mr William Okaikoe a Minister Counsellor at the Ghana Embassy in The Kingdom of Belgium represented the Ghana diplomatic corps in The Kingdom of Belgium and The European Union. Mrs Hannah Ama Nyarko was a stand in for Her Excellency Mrs. Novisi Abaidoo, Ghana Ambassador to The Kingdom of Belgium and The European Union who was on official assignment abroad. In her address to the Congregants, She expressed their great excitement and understood it that, The Very Rev. Bernard Bamfo-Bosompems task is a holy calling from Almighty God so they are very happy to support him in all his endeavours to making his vision a reality. Her address hinted on the change of government in Ghana based on the recent elections, and also advised all Ghanaians to be law abiding in Belgium and do their best to support the incoming government in Ghana. Mrs Nyarko attested to the growth of the Methodist Church not only in Ghana but beyond, and also noted that this growth has come not by itself but through earnest prayers, hard work of the Clergy and all The Methodist Church associates with their various support. She quoted 1 Timothy 2: 1-2 from the Holy Scriptures to urge all Ghanaians to pray for the peace of Ghana and Belgium. The Very Rev. Bernard Bamfo-Bosompem and family expressed their great gratitude to God for how far He has brought them and also The Presiding Bishop for his continued mentorship and support. The ceremony was climaxed with a spectacular choreographic act by the Antwerpen Society youth. President Akufo-Addo did not only lifted quotes of former American presidents, but also plagiarized speeches of former Ugandan president Idi Amin Dada, according to the Minority in Parliament. Speaking on GHone Television on Monday, Deputy Minority Leader, James Klutse Avedzi, said his group has identified quotes by the former Ugandan president that were repeated in the presidents inaugural speech without attribution. He said he was alarmed that writers of the speech only copied statements of past leaders and handed it over to the president without the necessary checks. Im seriously surprised that the communications team of the president intended to copy peoples work and handed them to the president disregarding the consequences of that. Not only did President Akufo-Addo copied quotes by the two American presidents, he also lifted speeches of Idi Amin. I am baffled that a whole government machinery could allow that to happen. It was a shoddy work indeed, the deputy minority leader stressed, eventhough he fell short in quoting the passage the president lifted words of Idi Amin. It was in this direction that Mr Kluste Avedzi insisted the documents is depressing and must therefore be withdrawn from the parliamentary hansard. According to him, the plagiarism scandal which has now assumed international dimensions with major global news networks has clearly tarnished the image of Ghana abroad hence the need for the documents to be withdrawn immediately. Moments after the presidents swearing in ceremony in Accra, news went viral that there were striking similarities between Akufo-Addo's speech and those delivered by two former United States Presidents. Portions of Nana Akufo-Addos speech were the exact words of ex-Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton. The quote, I ask you to be citizens, not spectators..., which was uttered by Nana Akufo-Addo during his inaugural speech has been attributed to Presidents Woodrow Wilson and later George Bush. The office of President Akufo-Addo subsequently issued an apology, admitting to lifting words without acknowledgment. 10.01.2017 LISTEN Political science lecturer, Dr Evans Aggrey Darko has urged President Akufo-Addo and the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to call rioting youth of the party to order before the attacks escalate. He said the incessant attacks on government installations across the country amounted to hooliganism, which he added, must be halted immediately. These attacks dont send the right signal to the citizenry. We voted for government to hold our properties and assets in our trust and not to lord over them. The notion that once your party is in office you are above the law should be dispelled. I think the president and the leadership of the NPP should engage their supporters and call them to order right away. Political leaders must discourage their supporters from doing that moving forward, the political scientist added. Dr Aggrey-Darko made the call on GHone Television during the stations State of Affairs programme on Monday. Some youth believed to be sympathisers of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), went on rampage on Monday breaking into rooms of occupants at the Kwame Nkrumah Flats at Laterbiokoshie in Accra. But for the timely intervention of the Police, they would have forcefully ejected occupants of the flat. Others also stormed the Tema Habour in the early hours of Monday demanding to be given control of some key installations of there. There were several reports across the country on Monday. The errant supporters are demanding that all national security operatives manning the Golden Jubilee terminal, Reefer and Atlas yards be withdrawn for them to take over. The action, according to them, was in retaliation of what the now opposition, National Democratic Congress, did in 2009 when they took over power. Deliberations on amendment bill likely to start on Thursday Forty days after it was registered at the Parliament Secretariat, the constitution amendment bill was finally tabled in Parliament on Sunday amid objections from the opposition parties. Governance expert, Prof Agyeman-Duah has condemned the ongoing attacks on government installations in the country saying it flies in the face of good governance and good judgment. To end the lawlessness, Prof. Agyeman-Duah recommends that the New Patriotic Party leadership and the Ghana Police Service must dialogue to find a lasting solution to the problem. He said such unruliness must not be allowed to continue in any form or shape, adding that the attacks denigrates the colorful transition we had. Some youth believed to be sympathisers of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), went on rampage on Monday breaking into rooms of occupants at the Kwame Nkrumah Flats at Laterbiokoshie in Accra. But for the timely intervention of the Police, they would have forcefully ejected occupants of the flat. Others also stormed the Tema Habour in the early hours of Monday demanding to be given control of some key installations of there. There were several reports across the country on Monday. We had a peaceful transition process and a colourful inauguration on Saturday only for these supporters to embark upon this shameful act. It is doesnt augur well at all, the governance expert said. Prof. Agyeman-Duah said these when GHones current affairs programme State of Affairs, Monday. Against that backdrop, he advised political parties to advise supporters to refrain from such actions as it could disrupt the nations peace and security. The Writer 10.01.2017 LISTEN Most of our words which are using by our society every day for expressing different emotions, news, and impressions are related to multicultural values, and it means that multiculturalism is one of the most important parts of our daily life. Nowadays, in the whole world when multiculturalism has a very complicated situation and difficult conditions, in Azerbaijan these values are living, developing, also supported by society and the government. As the worst example of improvement of multiculturalism and respect to different cultures and religions in government, we can show terrible and enormous acts of vandalism done by terroristic Armenian government in occupied territories of Azerbaijan. They have destroyed all historical monuments and mosques which were a part of Azerbaijan's historical treasure, which shows that sometimes terrorists and occupants try to erase cultural or historical identification for their lucre benefits. The modern world and the international community have to prevent such acts of vandalism and have to do everything to provide the stable conditions for the development of multiculturalism by its natural ways, not by force and killings as it was done in occupied territories of Azerbaijan. On May 14, 2014, our President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree about the Establishment of the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre. President Ilham Aliyev has ordered additional measures to strengthen religious culture, tolerance, and interreligious and intercultural dialogue in Azerbaijan. The state and Haydar Aliyev Foundation also restore religious monuments and build new ones. They are Shamakhi Juma Mosque one of the oldest mosques in the world, as well as in the village of Kish of Shaki region which is the oldest church in the Caucasus have also been restored. According to the statement of the Ilham Aliyev: "Multiculturalism is a lifestyle in Azerbaijan" and as a result of these precious thoughts, this year in Azerbaijan was declared as the year of Multiculturalism. There have been established all good conditions for free development to the people from different nations, religious, ethnic groups and cultures. The big events such as "The first European Games," "Formula 1", "The 42nd FIDE World Chess Olympiad" which organized by Azerbaijani Government is the result of recognition in the world, respect to the society in Azerbaijan. At the same time, the decision on holding the 7th Global Forum of Civilizations Alliance of UN in Baku demonstrates that Azerbaijan's multiculturalism environment is recognized in the world. This year we organized survey among foreign students who are studying in Azerbaijan to answer the question "Why you chose exactly Azerbaijan for your education?". We received about 200 responses, and it is interesting that while analyzing and reading these answers, we understood one of the reasons why students chose Azerbaijan it is because of the multicultural values in Azerbaijan, hospitality and tolerance of the people, the culture of the country, security in society and etc. reasons. They have claimed that they feel as comfortable as in their country and also the creation of this environment, where there are the same attention and care to the people from different nations, cultures, religious, countries and it is derived from the results of respect to the multicultural values in Azerbaijan. We can be sure that when these international students while arriving at their lands, they will be there as cultural ambassadors of Azerbaijan in their motherlands, they can represent and share the information about our model of multiculturalism in society and some countries may assume it as an example for their state policy. It is the real fact that multicultural values and tolerance in our country, which is developing day by day and also state support to this field has increased our tourism opportunities. It is easily visible while walking in the city center. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan "in the first six months of 2016, the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has increased 19 times (10,086 people) compared to the same period of last year (530 people) and those coming from Bahrain has also increased by 13 times (422 people) compared to the same period of last year (32)". According to Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan " In the first six months of 2016, a total of 25,000 people traveled to Azerbaijan from Arab countries, which is eight times (22,000 people) increase compared to the same period of last year (3,158 people)." Generally, the growth is observed in all countries tourists coming to Azerbaijan. While multiculturalism is the most important part of our state policy, the attraction of the foreigners to our country will increase, and it means that multiculturalism is possible and also useful. In conclusion, It is obvious that there is no one the same in the world, everybody is different, religious are different, languages are different, cultures are different. Multiculturalism is the way which leads to the world`s culture, culture is the face of each country, nation and by respecting, tolerating these differences it is possible to create Peace in the world. Unfortunately, the bases of some conflicts, which we have in the world today, are differences of religious and we should respect each religion as ourselves, only in these cases multiculturalism can be useful for everybody. The past year of Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan has proved that today, multicultural values of our country are one of the most important and essential parts of society and Azerbaijan is considered to be an example to the whole world as a model of multiculturalism. Nurkhan Babayev - Director of International Relations Department of Azerbaijan Student Youth Organizations` Union, studying Master of Public Policy in ADA University. Rabat (AFP) - Morocco has banned the production and sale of burqa full-face Muslim veils, apparently for security reasons, media reports said Tuesday. While there was no official announcement by authorities in the North African nation, the reports said the interior ministry order would take effect this week. "We have taken the step of completely banning the import, manufacture and marketing of this garment in all the cities and towns of the kingdom," the Le360 news site quoted a high-ranking interior ministry official as saying. It said the measure appeared to be motivated by security concerns, "since bandits have repeatedly used this garment to perpetrate their crimes." Most women in Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, prefer the hijab headscarf that does not cover the face. The niqab, which leaves the area around the eyes uncovered, is also worn in Salafist circles and in more conservative regions in the north, from where thousands of jihadists have gone to fight in Syria and Iraq. In some commercial districts of Casablanca, the country's economic capital, interior ministry officials on Monday conducted "awareness-raising campaigns with traders to inform them of this new decision," the Media 24 website said. In Taroudant in southern Morocco, authorities ordered traders to stop making and selling burqas and to liquidate their stock within 48 hours, the reports said. Retailers in the northern town of Ouislane were said to have received similar instructions. It was unclear if Morocco plans to follow in the footsteps of some European countries such as France and Belgium where it is illegal to wear full veils in public. The reports were met with a muted response in the absence of official confirmation, though Salafists expressed concern that the measure could be expanded to include the niqab. "Is Morocco moving towards banning the niqab that Muslim women have worn for five centuries?" Salafist sheikh Hassan Kettani wrote on Facebook. "If true it would be a disaster," he added. President Nana Akufo-Addo 10.01.2017 LISTEN There was heavy downpour in Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti Region on Sunday after Nana Akufo-Addo was sworn in as the 5th President of Ghana under the Fourth Republic on Saturday. Prior to Sundays downpour, Kumasi and its environs had not recorded rains for some time now. Residents in the city stated that the rain is a good omen that signifies that Nana Akufo-Addo government would be successful. Past Sins The rains came down heavily to wipe away Ghanas past sins. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) committed sins during its tenure, they alleged. In this regard, the residents said God opened the Heavens and made the rains to fall in order to bless the country. According to them, with the rains, the new government would start on a good note with a lot of blessings. Wrongdoings such as corruption and hurling insults at the elderly was the order of the day under the NDC administration. All these things are ungodly so they brought bad omen for the country, Kwadwo Essel said. God intentionally opened up the Heavens for the rains to fall to clear Ghanas numerous sins, he disclosed. Blessings Essel, a resident of Atasemanso, said the heavy downpour indicates that God loves the NPP government. He predicted that the heavy downpour is a sign that the NPP government would deliver on its promises. Lord Manya, on his part, predicted that Nana Akufo-Addos government would fulfill its campaign promises. According to him, anything that starts with rain becomes a success so the NPP administration is starting on a positive note. From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi Ernest Agbesi (left) presenting the computers to Paa Kwesi Yankey of the University Ghana Alumni Association GCB Bank Limited has donated a total of GH302,646.00 to five institutions towards the improvement of education and health. The five institutions include the Commonwealth Hall Library of the University of Ghana, Legon, which was refurbished and presented with 10 computers and accessories amounting to GH42,640.00. Other beneficiaries are the Accident and Orthopaedic Centre of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital-GH50,000, Typhoid Research Project-GH30,000 and the Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu Education Trust Fund- GH20,000. A six-classroom block for the Bomaa Roman Catholic Junior High School (JHS) in the Brong-Ahafo Region is under construction at an estimated cost of GH160,000, courtesy GCB. The Managing Director of the bank, Ernest Mawuli Agbesi, at the presentation ceremony, said the bank is proud to offer assistance to the health and education sectors, which are crucial to national development. He recalled the recent handing over of a 1,200 capacity examination/lecture theatre the bank funded for the University of Ghana. The GH4.9 million building complex is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities that provide a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning. Mr. Agbesi said in furtherance of quality healthcare delivery, the bank supported the Graft Foundation in its reconstructive surgery programme, which positively impacted the lives of some 87 people. GCB also sponsored a GH30,000 eye-screening campaign, which provided treatment for some 3,000 people with eye diseases between September and October in Takoradi and Accra, this year. A second donation of GH30,000 has been made towards the ongoing Typhoid Research Project being handled by doctors of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital. President of the University of Ghana Alumni Association, Paa Kwesi Yankey, thanked the bank and MD for the continuous support to the university. Dr. Frederick Kwarteng, Head of Department at the Accident and Orthopedics Department at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, thanked the bank for its support in refurbishing the wards at the Orthopedic Department. Alhaji Mamah Gado Mohammed and Alhaji Khuzaima M. Osman, Chairman and General Secretary of Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu Education Trust Fund received the GH20,000 on behalf of the National Chief Imam. New clothes for the electoral victory of the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo and his inauguration on Saturday January 7, at the Blackstar Square in Accra, have hit the market. The clothes including; the inauguration cloth-Nyame Adi Ama Yen, Kalypo, Onaapo, Nana Aba and the Battle is the Lord's are selling very fast. Akosombo Textile Limited (ATL), one of Ghana's indigenous textile companies was contracted to print the clothes. Samuel Hemans-Ardey, the Deputy Marketing Manager, ATL told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra on Friday that ATL designed and printed four clothes, two for the public while the remaining two were ordered by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Executives. Madam Mary Ansongmaa, a trader who sells clothes at Makola in Accra told the GNA that, for the past two weeks, people have been buying the NPP clothes more than any other cloth. Another trader who introduced herself as Madam Gyamfua said the Onaapo and Nana Aba goes for GH 20 per yard while the Kalypo goes for GH 25 per yard. Apart from these clothes, other NPP paraphernalia are on high demand. They include; hats, necklace, watches, wrist bands, ear rings, scarves and spectacles. GNA Minority Chief Whip Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has defended Parliament's decision to grant former President John Mahama a house as an ex-gratia package contrary to the recommendations of his own committee. The Asawase MP (NDC) said the House found it a 'big anomaly' that a retiring president should live in a rented house as suggested by the Presidential Emolument Committee. This committee chaired by Professor Dora Francisca Edu- Buandoh had in its report recommended that the President be paid 40% of his salary as rent allowance. Photo: The Committee was chaired by Professor Dora Francisca Edu- Buandoh. Members were Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, Dr. William Baah Boateng, Mrs. Norkor Duah and Mrs. Lydia Bawa. Their report was adopted and approved by parliament. But according to the Majority leader Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the President sent influential persons to prevail on the parliamentary leadership to amend the package. The sixth Parliament in its dying days, approved a re-submitted report recommending that the president be given a House. Muntaka was then a Majority Chief Whip and chairperson of parliament's sub-committee on Emoluments. A section of the Ghanaian public has been quizzical about why the state must give the President a house. They expect that a President should have built his own property and not depend on the state to house him after leaving office. The Asawase MP Mubarak Muntaka explained on Joy FM's Super Morning Show that his committee later realised that the rent allowance recommended by the Prof. Edu-Buandoh Committee as rent for the former president too meagre to afford him a befitting House in Accra. At GH22,000 monthly salary, the President's monthly rent allowance would translate into at least GH 8,800. "...believe me, the nature and stature of a president , [there is] no property that you can rent for the president for that amount," the Minority Chief Whip was sure. He said the Majority and Minority caucuses "unanimously" agreed that "it is better to give the president accommodation". Then Majority leader Alban Bagbin and then Minority leader Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu By doing this, Parliament was falling on the Chinery-Hesse Committee set up by President Kufuor despite the existence of a new Prof. Edu- Buandoh committee report. "I don't think we did that with any bad intention," the NDC MP said and urged Ghanaians not to get emotional about the President's retirement package. He said as a member of the network of African Parliaments, he was travelled well enough to appreciate that giving the President a house is best practice and also a cultural heritage. "There is no culture in Africa that doesn't dignify its chief or their leaders...when you go to the village, the best house is for the chief", he condensed his observations across Africa. Ex-President John Mahama Muntaka rejected the view that a retiring President, who would have been more than 40 years old, must have built a House for himself. He said this view is an assumption. "Believe me it is not everybody at the age of 40 that would have built a house so if you are assuming that by the time you are president you should have built a house, [you may be wrong]," he argued. Muntaka went further to argue that Ghanaians might be infringing on a person's right to contest for president if owning a House is a social pre-requisite. "...you would, without putting it into law, be disqualifying somebody who wants to be president," he said. According to him, the decision to give the President a House was taken, considering the status of the President and not the person of the president. "...it is not about what you have as an individual, it is about what we think that as a state we should do to dignify that office... It is more about dignifying the office than what you have". Meanwhile, there is another controversy over which House the President should retire in. Mahama wants to keep the Cantonments house in which he lived as Vice-President and in which three previous Vice-Presidents lived, as his retiring package. He used that House since he was vice-president even though there was an official house for the President in the Flagstaff House. Ghanaians on social media are resisting this choice. They want the former President to find a different house rather than keep a state property used by three former vice-presidents. There is a petition demanding that the new President reject the former President's request and eject him. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|[email protected] Former Trades Minister Ekow Spio Garbrah is not in a hurry to declare his presidential ambitions any time soon. He would rather the party focuses its attention on reuniting its ranks and rebuilding after the humiliating defeat it suffered in the 2016 elections. He told Joy News' Joseph Opoku Gakpo a horse that is well fed, groomed and prepared for a race will win it, adding, the party must be oiled and prepared for the next elections. The John Mahama led National Democratic Congress was seeking for a historic third term in the fourth republic but was trounced at the polls by the opposition New Patriotic Party. The party has within two years to elect a flagbearer that will lead the party in the 2020 elections. There are reports, ex-president John Mahama will not exercise his right to a second term in office after the defeat. His brother Ibrahim Mahama is reported to have said John Mahama will not contest in 2020 because he has paid his dues for the party and the country. If the comments by Mr Ibrahim Mahama is anything to go by, it means the party must work hard to find a new leader, competent, popular and marketable enough to win an election in 2020. Few names are popping up. Goozie Tanoh a member of the party who broke away to form the now defunct Reform Party appeared to have returned from his self imposed political exile. He showed his face on December 31, 2016 as a prospective leader of the party in the 2020 election, charging party supporters to reunite and refocus on the ideals of probity and accountability, the values he said, shaped the NDC. However, Ekow Spio Gabrah, a veteran in the party who contested the flagbearership race against the late president John Mills but lost, still appears to be a formidable force to lead the party in 2020. In an interview with Joy News, Spio who was the former Communications Minister under ex-president Rawlings and Trades Minister under ex-president John Mahama said the party must work to resolve the bitterness, differences that pop after a party loses an election. Once that is done, he said the party will begin to elect new leaders at the branch, constituency, regional and national levels before electing a flagbearer in two years time. He said only then will he be ready to give a firm answer as to whether he will contest the 2020 elections as the flagbearer of the party. He charged all those subtly campaigning for him to refocus their energies in rebuilding the party. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah Dakar (AFP) - An ex minister who has become the most high-profile defector from Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's government has declared his support for Adama Barrow, the businessman who recently defeated Jammeh at the polls. Former Information and Communication Minister Sheriff Bojang fled to neighbouring Senegal on Monday after resigning, he said via a Facebook post later that evening. Bojang said his conscience had overwhelmed him after Jammeh declared he would not step down at the end of his mandate on January 18. As minister for two years he was Jammeh's mouthpiece for explaining the actions of the regime, including arbitrary detentions, activists' deaths in custody and a crackdown on opposition protests. "It is never too late to do the right thing," he wrote in the post. "It is my considered opinion and stance that the results of the December 1st election represent a true reflection of the sovereign will of the Gambian people." A statement on state-run television said Bojang had been sacked and replaced with a National Assembly member who was appointed this month as the ruling party's spokesman. The former journalist said he did not believe a Supreme Court case, due to begin hearings today on an election challenge lodged by Jammeh, had any merit. "The current attempts while appearing to have a veneer of constitutionalism are in fact an attempt to subvert the express will of the Gambian electorate," he wrote. The court is unlikely to sit as none of the judges ordered to appear have declared their intention to do so, according to Nigerian and Gambian legal experts. 10.01.2017 LISTEN Criminologist, Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah has chided the police for failing to rein in on some New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters allegedly seizing state institutions across the country. He says "there is no excuse or justification for police indolence in enforcing the laws of this country against so-called political criminals." Speaking to Prince Minkah, host of Joy FM's Midday News Tuesday, the Dean of Central University Law Faculty said the solution to ending the spate of attacks by party footsoldiers is stern law enforcement by the police. Reports of some NPP supporters driving workers of some institutions made the round just after the party was declared the winner of the 2016 general elections. In the latest incident, thugs believed to be members of the NPP's Invincible Forces invaded the Passport Office in Accra two days after the investiture of the President demanding to take over the security of the place. Related Article: Rampaging Tamale NPP youth invade, lock up NHIS, YEA, NADMO offices The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and National Disaster Management Office (NADMO) in Sagnerigu district in Tamale were put under lock and key. The workers were barred from entering their offices. It took the presence of Tamale police officers for sanity to prevail. The Rattray Park in Kumasi was also besieged by at least 30 youth who identified themselves as members of the NPP Patriots, a group said to be part of the party's security wing, Invincible Forces. These incidents are a playback of what happened in 2008 when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the election. Supporters of NDC went on rampage driving out workers believed to be NPP members. NPP General Secretary, Nana Obiri Boahene recounted to Joy News that the acts perpetrated by some NDC youth in 2008 and 2009 were "quite unfortunate." "What happened in 2008 was in bad taste and some NPP members were even massacred in broad daylight," he said. According to him, Majority leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu catalogued names of perpetrators and submitted to the police but no arrest was effected. He has entreated NPP supporters to desist from exacting retribution because the political table has turned in their favor. The Police have not arrested any NPP supporter since the start of the attacks. They say they are aware promising not to leave "any loose end on." But Professor Attafuah said the police have to step up their activities if they want to stop these repeated incidents that crop up after a change of power. "I think that the practice whereby the police turn a proverbial blind eye to criminality encourages the behavior and helps to perpetuate this cyclical repetition when one party is replaced by the other," he said. He called on President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to reiterated to the NPP youth across the country his earlier admonish to "temper jubilation with moderation." "The President must use his extensive network of relationships available to him to call the supporters to order...[and to promise] them that there will be an immediate material improvement in their economic circumstances," he added. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] Energy Ministry fixes power purchase rates Domestic hydro firms may not have to wait for prolonged period of time to sign power purchase agreements with Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), as the Ministry of Energy has introduced a range of rates at which reservoir, peaking and run-of-the-river projects could sell electricity to the state-owned power company. The African Prison Project (APP) is now active in 30 prisons Over 2,000 inmates have been released as a result, including from death row APP is featured on Al Jazeera as part of Rebel Education documentary series In Kenya and Uganda, up to 80% of those in prison have never seen a lawyer, estimates African Prison Project (APP) founder Alexander McLean. A new Al Jazeera documentary looks at the APPs innovative response: helping prisoners in East Africa teach each other law so that they can help mount their own defence and represent each other in court. Over 2,000 inmates have been released or had their sentences reduced as a result. Ugandan Susan Kigula was APPs first female law student. She was sentenced to death in 2002 and separated from her then one-year-old child. Thanks to her law studies, she was released in January 2016 after playing a role in getting her own death sentence overturned. She recently graduated with a Diploma in Law from the University of London, who are partnering with APP. McLean founded the project in his second year at university. Its now working with 30 prisons in Africa, including maximum security facilities like Naivasha in Kenya. At Naivasha, most of the inmates were illiterate but now 50% are in formal education through this initiative. Once the prisoners master literacy and numeracy, APP encourages them to study law. Prisoners who show academic and leadership potential are encouraged to become teachers and even principals. APP is one of six ground-breaking initiatives around the world featured in Rebel Education, a new Al Jazeera documentary series that explores learning models from around the world which are challenging the dominant ideas of education. Rebel Education: Teaching Empowerment screens on Al Jazeera English on 2 February 2017 at 1630 GMT / 1930 EAT and will be available to embed in full from YouTube after it airs. An earlier episode in Rebel Education features Educate, an experience-based education model in Kampala that encourages entrepreneurship, leadership, critical thinking and problem solving. Rebel Education: School for Life screens on Al Jazeera English on 26 January 2017 at 1630 GMT / 1930 EAT and will also be available to embed in full from YouTube after it airs. Other episodes follow: Global Teacher Prize finalist and Best Education in Latin America 2015 winner, Elisa Guerra, whose ambitious early years curriculum has three-year-old Mexican children learning to read and play the violin. Watch and embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAL_CFNoXJs The London Nautical School, which gives students the power to choose for themselves their curriculum and teachers. Watch and embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RdMDY5rYnY TUMO, a free, creative after-school activities centre in Armenia, teaching maker skills such as 3D printing, web design, film and animation (Screening 19 January 2017 at 1630 GMT / 1930 EAT) The Inspiring Science Project in Thailand, which encourages students to become science investigators and solve real local problems (Screening 9 February 2017 at 1630 GMT / 1930 EAT) Rebel Education is currently screening on Thursdays at 1630 GMT / 1930 EAT. Watch and embed the 30s promo: For more information, visit http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/rebel-education/. The twelve labour unions who are demanding the payment of their tier two contributions, have called on the Akufo-Addo government to immediately suspend the payment of all ex-gratia to members of the immediate past NDC government. According to the unions, the Mahama-led administration failed to pay their tier two contributions into their registered schemes, and thus wants the Nana Addo government to suspend benefits for members of the previous administration, until contributions for the labour unions have been duly transferred. The aggrieved unions include the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Ghana National Association Teachers(GNAT), and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana. The Spokesperson for the unions, Dr. Isaac Bampoe-Addo, who spoke to Citi News, said, What we've been asking for is that, the temporary pensions fund at the Bank of Ghana should be audited, we are in 80 months arrears and this amount should be transferred to our custodian banks, and these are all issues we are going to take up with the incoming government. 90 months of our contributions have not been invested, and that means when our people go on retirement, they will have less amount for a lump sum. Dr. Bampoe-Addo said the Akufo-Addo government must not pay the recently-past administration its ex-gratia at least until pension issues are adequately addressed. We are pleading with the Nana Akufo-Addo government that the ex-gratia of the past government and our arrears should be paid before theirs are paid. They [ex-government officials] should also experience the 'arrears syndrome' and know how it feels like. So far, we have about 7 years of our monies in arrears. The monies should be held the first to come, must be the first to be served. The labour unions in November 2016 threatened to embark on a strike over the matter, but were given assurances by government that their concerns would be addressed. Seth Tekper, now the former Minister of Finance in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show, also said the Auditor General was validating the pension to enable their fund managers receive the monies on their behalf. By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @jnyabor Businesses may have to be moderate in their expectations of the new government in addressing their concerns immediately. This is the suggestion from Banking Consultant, Nana Otuo Acheampong. His advice comes on the back of renewed calls by various business associations on their expectations following the inauguration of President Nana Akufo-Addo. The calls have largely bordered on taxation, job creation, ministerial appointments among others. We would expect that some of these measures may take off immediate effect others may take short to medium term effect and some may also take long term effect, But as to be able to give specific dates as three months, six months or a year, that can only be given by a minister chosen for finance because he or she will be the one who has access to documents and can tell us what they have found, Nana Otuo Acheampong stated. The Ghana Union of Traders' Association (GUTA) has reiterated its anticipation of a reduction in 17.5 percent VAT to 3 percent flat rate plus the elimination of the import levy charged at the ports. Meanwhile bankers say they are upbeat about a turnaround in the sector with the President's reassurance to develop the private sector. Nana Otuo Acheampong further explained that most of the government's promises will largely be achieved upon a careful analysis of available information from the previous government and the transition team. The transition team is still working on the handing over notes that have been given and so they haven't yet published to those of us who are not in the team as to what has been seen but whatever it is the assurance by the President is that Ghana is once again open for business, he stressed. For the Importers and Exporters Association however, efforts must be geared at attaining a stable currency for at least the first quarter of 2017. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana Political Speeches are not academic papers. The NDC clearly out of government is looking to raise tempest out of dust from the Presidents inaugural address. This is much ado about nothing. In their classic modus oparandi, the NDC is seeking to distract Ghanaians from the battered economy they left behind and the wisdom the President shared. The call on the nation to rise and build a prosperous Ghana is immediate! Isnt it surprising the NDC is suddenly expert on speeches when Presidents Mahama, Rawlings and late Atta Mills have all borrowed ideas from each other and other sources? Ladies and gentlemen, it is insightful to note that Presidents have usually provided the ideas for their speeches, leaving the speechwriters to provide the flesh. Furthermore, by convention speechwriters borrowing ideas and phrases, in some cases whole paragraphs is not new. It is a standard industry practice. Throughout political speeches, politicians have borrowed wisdom from one another and from history and convention, have the liberty to footnote, acknowledge the original ideas or avoid the two altogether. This practice does not negate their vision or the message they seek to share. Is it wrong to borrow wisdom from genuine sources as in this case? WORLD EXAMPLES AFAG wishes to cite some few examples to buttress our point. These politicians are the most intelligent and experienced around today yet they sometime feel at liberty to borrow from one another. These cases include; Barack Obama: In the 2008 Democratic primaries, then candidate Obama was accused by senator Clinton for plagiarizing from Deval Patrick, the Governor of Massachusetts and John Edwards. The phrase in contention was: Dont tell me words dont matter. Are we saying that Obama was daft not to have coined these words? Senator Clinton the accuser of Obama, it turned out that, had also borrowed lots of lines from Obama, John Edwards and even from Bernie Sanders as late as 2016. Notably, this was the phrase in contention; No bank can be too big to fail, no executive too powerful to jail. Joe Biden in 1988 was also accused of borrowing his famous phrase: My ancestors who worked in the coal mines from the biography of the British Labour party leader Neal Kinnock. Another case fresh on our minds is the apparent lifting of parts of speeches of Michelle Obama in her RNC convention speech.. Melania Trump received lots of attention for this incident. Ladies and gentle, Michelle Obama in 2008 was also accused of lifting parts of her Democratic National Convention (DNC) convention speech from Saul Alinksky! On the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, President Bush gave one of the best speeches of his political career. At it turned out, the paragraph; an evil exists that threatens every man, woman and child of this nation. We must take steps to ensure our domestic security and protect our homeland was a quote from Adolf Hitlers at a speech he gave in 1933 when terrorists burned down the German parliament house. A similar occurrence to 9/11! At this point AFAG believes the picture is clear. Leaders have throughout decades borrowed ideas, which reflects on their vision, situation and lines of thought. Leaders have sought not to reinvent the wheel but to rather tap into the wisdom of their colleagues and other sources. What the President did was to reconstitute ideas from some of the brightest political minds, which are still relevant to the times, and reflects on his vision. Can anyone say that the quotes the President leaned on are not relevant the Ghanaian situation? Should we not come together to build a better nation? AFAG's research shows that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. J. B. Danquah, first used the NDCs popular Better Ghana phrase in various speeches in the liberation struggles. RESOLUTION The nation must move on. Presidential speeches are not academic papers. Political speeches have their conventions, ethos and environment, which cannot be situated in the arena of dissertation. They are speeches. The essence of which is to convey a vision; call to do duty and summon the energies of the listeners to a common cause. The President just did that and AFAG welcomes his call to duty to rebuild Ghana from the greatest harm the NDC has done to our economy and country. AFAG believes that, the nation should reflect on some of the issues raised by the President, among which were the re-affirmation and commitment to serve the nation; need for the three arms of government; the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary to collaborate and work in equality rather than the purported competition for superiority - in the ultimate interest of Ghana; the need for restoration of Integrity in public life by demanding accountability in all transactions; protecting state coffers from party activists; supporting the private sector to be the engine of growth among many others. We Congratulate you Mr President for the greatest presidential inaugural speech in the history of Ghana. God Bless Ghana!!! 10.01.2017 LISTEN God is going to send down angles to stop the terrorist attacks on Ghana. The angels would defend Ghana just like they came down to vote for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-AddoOwusu Bempah. OWUSU BEMPAHS MYSTERIOUS GOD, ANGELS AND GHANAIAN POLITICS Whether Owusu Bempah was speaking under the heavy influence of drugs or alcohol, or a combination of these two, is difficult to tell. It is even more difficult to tell whether he spoke under the influence of what these latter-day hypocritical Pentecostals and charismatics call anointing. Nevertheless, in the absence of any convincing interpretation alternative beyond what we may deem fundamentally as the glaring fact of rhetorical signification pertaining to Owusu Bempahs, as it were, we shall forever remain as grudgingly clueless as though his words were borne out of a mouthful conscience of figurative audacity. For his avowed critics information, Owusu Bempah is indisputably a scheming fraud, a fake, a mountebank, but certainly not dumb. A street-smart hawker of religious-spiritual wares among other characterizations, the well-known sociopath Owusu Bempah is wide-awake and in full control of his untamed faculties behind which is hidden his frosted glass of political theology and opportunism. Gradually the divisive cacophony of political theology seems to be usurping the space exclusively reserved for commonsense democracy, which is actually the case we have been witnessing in Ghana at the dawn of the Fourth Republic with the feral likes of Owusu Bempah and their shenanigans running helter-skelter across the political landscape. Why will angels be involved in elections that is rigged in one way or another in favor of one political party, given that which party is in power has found a way to rig elections in order to hold onto to power? On which side have the angels and Owusu Bempahs God been in the equation of Ghanas elective democracy? On the side of the incumbent party which seeks to steal elections in order to hold onto power or the opposition which seeks to steal elections in order to get the incumbent party out of the way? Perhaps these voting angels are the missing links between Ghanas alleged bloated voters register and the Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) just across from the border, Togo. Obviously these angels and Owusu Bempahs God were not sleeping during the 2008 and 2012 general elections when Akufo-Addo lost. Ghanas corrupt and criminal democracy does not deserve the attention-seeking melodramatic acts from scheming fakes, such as Owusu Bempah, as well as from any demonic angels inhabiting his prosthetic head, psychotic visions and dreams. Drugs meant for innocent men and women and children are stolen on a daily basis and yet these angels and Owusu Bempahs God do absolutely nothing about it. Counterfeit drugs from China and India flood the Ghanaian market, yet these angels and Owusu Bempahs God do absolutely nothing about this underground market in fake drugs. Cholera takes away precious lives and yet these angels and Owusu Bempahs God do absolutely nothing about it. Open defecation is everywhere and yet these angels and Owusu Bempahs Good only appear to enjoy the repulsive stench emanating from it, the open defecation. For nearly four years the national economy faltered, somersaulted, and almost died, yet these angels and Owusu Bempahs God showed no interest in its revival until Akufo-Addo decided to run for the presidency. Institutional corruption went haywire and yet these angels and Owusu Bempahs God could not care less. Children have been studying under trees Trokosi girls deserve absolute freedom from their ritual servitude but Educational standards falling Arson almost everywhere in the wake of the 2012 general elections Corruption everywherein Akufo-Addos Attorney Generals Office, his Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his Ministry of Justice, and Kufuors and Mahamas Flagstaff House, Parliament and Judiciary Kalabule everywhere Superstition, ignorance, and churches mushrooming everywhere Insults and pornography and open prostitution on radio and television Armed robbery everywhere Unmotorable networks of roads everywhere Dirt everywhere Social and moral decay everywhere Poor or bad public services everywhere Dumsor killed people, almost bankrupted the country, collapsed businesses, created graveyards of unemployed youth The Ghanaian church has become a den of thieves Evangelical robbers, thieves and rapistsPolitical robbers, thieves and rapists And so and so forth. And all these detrimental social realities have to wait for Akufo-Addo to appear on the political scene before we hope for or even seek their resolution? What a country of jokers? What a country of dubious, diabolical soothsayers? What were these angels and Owusu Bempahs God waiting for all this while? Yet, not to be outdone, Owusu Bempah comes up with another bold-faced lie, a dangerous, divisive canard: When I was in heaven, the angel took me to a location where they opened a curtain, I saw late President Mills alone in a room crying. Then the angel told me that he was not in that palace but God allowed them to bring him there at the time so he could teach me something which was that he never died a natural death They have provided him with a bowl into which his tears fall anytime he cries. The reason is that they were preventing the tears from falling unto the land because that could cause chaos in Ghana. Ghana would have become a land of desolation. Its an innocent blood which has been sacrificed because of position The angel opened another curtain, there I saw President Mahama with chains around his neck, waist and legs as well. The chains have been tied to a huge stone. He was sweating and crying profusely as well with a red scarlet tied around his waist as well OUR TAKE Late President Mills cried but not Ghanaian children who study under trees every day, not helpless mothers who have to sleep on concrete hospital floors while giving birth, not trokosi girls in need of absolute freedom, not the poor and underperforming national economy, not the child street-hawker who is constantly exposed to the elements, not the poor masses Then President Mahama in chains but not Ghanaian children who study under trees every day, not helpless mothers who have to sleep on concrete hospital floors while giving birth, not trokosi girls in need of absolute freedom, not the child street-hawker who is constantly exposed to the elements, not the poor masses Where is the corroborating evidence from Mensa Otabil, Bishop Obinim, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, T.B. Joshua, Rev. Eastwood Anaba, and Bishop Charles Agyinasare, that a deity somewhere did indeed make heaven, angels, and Mills accessible to Owusu Bempah? And where is the corroborating evidence from Kweku Bonsam? Akufo-Addo cannot save Ghana and Ghanaians for that matter. In other words, Akufo-Addo is not Ghanas hoped-for savior. Thus, Ghanaians must accept their choices whatever they are and begin to see themselves as their own saviors, given that Akufo-Addo has already done his bit for the country, for his family, and for his friends. Ghanaians have to do the rest for themselves by among other things, ignoring the likes of Owusu Bempah and their methodological shenanigans! We shall return with Part 2. Dakar (AFP) - A Senegalese court has approved the extradition of a Guinean soldier allegedly involved in the 2009 massacre of more than 150 people in a stadium, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. Fugitive Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite, arrested in Dakar on December 16, is accused of involvement in a September 2009 massacre at an opposition rally in Conakry stadium. Witnesses reported presidential guards firing on the crowd, beating and arresting opposition leaders, and raping dozens of women. A UN investigation found that 157 people were killed and at least 109 women raped in the stadium and its surroundings. A Dakar appeals court "has approved the extradition" of Diakite, his lawyer Baba Diop said. "We are now awaiting the president's extradition order to file an appeal before the Supreme Court for abuse of power," he added. Under Senegalese law, the final decision on extradition lies with the president, Macky Sall. Diop told AFP on December 29 that Diakite was opposed to extradition, fearing for his safety. Diakite gained notoriety for the December 2009 shooting of Guinea coup leader Dadis Camara after a dispute over responsibility for the massacre. After being seriously injured in the attempted assassination, Camara was evacuated to Morocco and since has lived in Ouagadougou. Diakite went missing. In the days after his arrest, Senegalese media harped on his change of identity and appearance that allowed him to go unnoticed in Dakar for five years. By Kenneth Sackey, GNA Accra, Jan. 10, GNA - ECOWAS Mediator in the political situation in The Gambia, President Muhammadu Buhari and his Co-Mediator, former President John Dramani Mahama are to meet and hold another round of talks with President Yahya Jammeh. Information available to the Ghana News Agency indicates that the decision was announced by Nigeria's Foreign Minister at the end of a day's meeting in Abuja, Nigeria on Monday. Other leaders present for the meeting were Liberia's Ellen Sirleaf Johnson who is the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President Macky Sall of Senegal. Also present were the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General. GNA Washington (dpa/GNA) - Donald Trump's choice for attorney general on Tuesday will become the first of his cabinet appointees to face a Senate confirmation hearing. The expected hours-long grilling of Jeff Sessions, a conservative senator from Alabama and long-time Trump loyalist, will include tough questioning by Democrats about Sessions' racial record and hardline stances on issues such as immigration. Sessions, however, is a known quantity to his former Senate peers after 20 years in the upper chamber, including years on the Judiciary Committee that will host the two-day confirmation hearing. He was Alabama's attorney general from 1995-97 before being elected to the Senate. Sessions previously received Senate confirmation as US attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, a post he held from 1981-93 throughout the presidencies of Republicans Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush. In 1986, Sessions was named to be a federal judge, but confirmation hearings raised multiple allegations of racially inflammatory statements. His appointment was blocked by a vote of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sessions' hearing is the first of nine Cabinet confirmation hearings this week, and along with hearings for secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson and defence secretary nominee James Mattis among the most prominent. A government ethics watchdog has questioned the rush of confirmation hearings before many of the candidates had been fully vetted for potential conflicts of interest, but Republicans have stressed the need to have many of posts filled to begin the Trump administration. Trump's nomination of retired general John Kelly to head the Department of Homeland Security is also scheduled for Tuesday. Cabinet appointees require approval of the Senate. GNA 10.01.2017 LISTEN Washington (dpa/GNA) - US President Barack Obama will return to Chicago on Tuesday to deliver his farewell address, reflecting on his eight years in the White House and looking forward to how the country can deal with future challenges. Obama will deliver his final address to the American people from the city where he launched his political career and celebrated two successful presidential elections. In announcing the address, Obama said he saw the remarks as "a chance to say thank you for this amazing journey, to celebrate the ways you've changed this country for the better these past eight years, and to offer some thoughts on where we all go from here." Obama was still drafting the speech on Monday, writing out long-hand what will be "the president's words and no one elses," spokesman Josh Earnest said. The speech will harken back to long-running themes for Obama noting "that for all our differences, there's much more that unites us than that separates us," Earnest said, pointing to values such as fairness, justice and the ability to succeed with hard work. Obama leaves office next week as Donald Trump will be sworn in as US president on January 20. In remarks since the election, Obama has sought to walk a fine line to ensure a smooth transition to Trump despite significant policy differences with a man he once described as unfit to hold the highest elected office in the country. Obama has also sought to defend some of his administration's core accomplishments, including health care reforms, an international climate change agreement, the Iran nuclear deal and diplomatic rapprochement with Cuba, as Trump and his team have vowed to roll them back. Tuesday's remarks, however, are not aimed at defending the legacy, Earnest said. "The president feels an obligation to talk about what he's learned of the last eight years, what he's learned about the country, what he's learned about governing the country, and offer up his advice to the American people about the most effective way to confront the challenges that we see ahead," he said. GNA By Gideon Ahenkorah/ Kwamina Tandoh, GNA Accra Jan. 10, GNA - Ministers of God have dismissed the popular claim that the use of electronic bibles on mobile phones and tablets at Church services enhanced convenience and quick search of scriptures. They argued that, the use of modern technologies was a gross disregard to the word of God as one's attention could be destructed during reading or meditation. They also talked about the increasing trend of Christians going to church armed not with a hard-copy Bible but with mobile phones or tablet, which carried many versions of soft-copies describing it as a 'means of disturbance'. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Reverend Joseph Oti Nyametease of Revival Church of God at Akewteyman in Accra said the Bible was a sacred book that carried spiritual power to save Christians in times of difficulties and a symbol of salvation for the Christian. He explained that, even though, the electronic bible as argued by many, helped readers locate scriptures faster, it could pose numerous challenges when in use as it was filled with many other applications. Reverend Nyametease quoted Luke 4: 16 versus 17 which read: 'And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 'And there was delivered unto him the book of the Prophet Esaias... And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written...' This he observed that, the word of God had always been in a hard-copy medium, which indicated that, any other medium was inappropriate. He therefore cautioned Pastors to adopt the ways of Jesus Christ as he did at Nazareth using the Holy Bible to preach the word of God than to use a tablet. Rev William Akotua Opare, a Senior Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, at Adiebeba, Kumasi, however believes that, the destruction caused by the use of mobile phones or tablets for scripture reading could be avoided through self discipline. He advised that it was necessary for Christians to stay holy by ensuring that their mobile phones or tablet did not contain any unhealthy information such as pornography. He pointed that, mobile phones or tablets should be switched to flight mode to prevent any intrusions by calls during scripture reading. 'If you know you cannot turn your network off, then, it would be necessary to use a hard-copy bible,' he said. Meanwhile, in an interview the GNA, some Christian expressed varying views on the subject. Mr Samuel-Richard Bogobley, a National Service Person at the University of Cape Coast said both the electronic bible and the hard copy contained the same word of God which made it more preferable. He said hard copy bibles were bulky and revisions led to wastage of paper that might negatively impact on global climate change by use of more trees for paper. 'Electronic bibles are the future, I think we ought to embrace them, after all a concentrated mind is difficult to distract,' he said. Ms Ann Haizel-Cobbina, a worker at the Ghana National Household Registry said both the hard and soft copies of the bible were the same but the paper made provision for flagging and side noting for easy referencing. 'Some will say it is distractive; but I opine that it is not, when you know what you are about in your Christian life. GNA Gas stations ordered to upgrade Gasoline stations have been told to upgrade their infrastructure and maintain safety standards set by Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) in the next four months. Accra, Jan. 9, GNA - Inesfly Africa, an insecticide manufacturing company, has inaugurated a showroom in Accra as part of its mission to end malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Ghana and across other countries on the African continent. In an interaction with journalists, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inesfly Africa, Mr. Michael Sjodin said the company's expansion drive to help fight malaria was on course. Malaria was one of the three leading causes of death in Ghana and account for over 40 per cent of outpatient visits, according to the Ghana Health Service. Mr Sjodin said the Company's range of products, included paints, floor-cleaners, body-repellents and crop protection for the agricultural sector, would help eradicate malaria in Ghana. Inesfly Africa's technology allows insectides to be released in a gradual and slow manner, thereby prolonging the efficacy and reducing the active ingredient' toxicity -- making it completely safe for humans, pets and other animals. The products are further fortified by the inclusion of insect growth regulators which prevent insects from fully developing and reproducing. Mr Sjodin said the Company's aim in 2017 was to reduce ten-fold the current level of malaria cases in Ghana through an increase in the number of sales points from 600 in 2016 to 6,000 in 2017 to ensure that the products were available to people who need them. On export, the CEO said the Company expected to be present in 29 countries up from the 14 countries in which it currently operated through building an export hub in the Southern Africa Region to serve a number of countries. It would also focus on further growing operations in Togo and Benin. Jose Javier Gracenea, the Chief Technical Officer at Inesfly Africa Limited, said the Inesfly range of products were safe and do not have any side-effects on humans and pets. 'The microencapsulation technology allows for a slow and gradual release of active ingredients which are of no consequence to humans and pets. This mechanism ensures a minimal release of insecticides targeted at just insect-pests,' he explained. Besides, the products safety is reinforced by certifications from notable bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). The Director of Sales, Mr David Afugani, said aside the fight against malaria the Company had been dominant in dealing with insects' infestation in the agricultural industry, hospitality and public health sector. GNA 10.01.2017 LISTEN President Nana Akufo-Addo has appointed Ken Ofori Atta as Finance Minister designate. He will replace Seth Terkper who served under the immediate past administration. Ken Ofori Atta is Co-Founder of Databank Financial Services Limited and served as its Executive Chairman from 1990 to February 14, 2012. Announcing his appointment at the Flagstaff House, Nana Akufo Addo described Mr. Ofori Atta as someone who has the capacity and insight to move modern economies. Mr. Ofori-Atta has rich experience in finance and administration. Ken Ofori Atta with President Akufo Addo at the announcement at the Flagstaff House He has worked with Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley, on debt and equity issues and financing for a variety of industries. He is a Co-Founder of the African Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He serves as the Chairman of both Trust Bank Limited as well as Family Ventures and Offices. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana Some commercial drivers have already begun adjusting their fares following the increase in fuel prices in the first pricing window in January. Checks by Citi Business News with some floating taxi drivers in the nation's capital reveal that fares have been increased by about 20 percent. For those of us floating drivers, we are at the mercy of the customers; some agree to adjustments in fares while others don't; following the increases in petroleum prices, I charge 12 cedis for a distance I used to charge 10 cedis before the increase, one taxi driver stated. Another taxi driver who operates within the central business district asserted, In fact the passengers are our greatest challenge because they insist on paying the old fares. But if the passenger doesn't oppose, I could charge 10 cedis for distances that I use to charge 8 or 7 cedis. The price of petrol and diesel went up between 8 and 11 percent for the first pricing window in January this year. The development is likely to reflect in the increases to be announced for the year. The 20 percent increase in transport fares is however high compared to the 15 percent increase announced in January last year. At the time, the prices of petroleum products had gone up between 18 to 30 percent. The Ghana Road Co-ordinating Council is however yet to meet with the Transport Ministry over possible increase in transport fares this year. According to the General Secretary of the GRTCC, Andrews Kwayke, the council is yet to meet with the Transport Ministry to decide new adjusted fares for the year. But the taxi drivers believe their new fares could be more effective if the mother union announces new fares. We are really being affected by the increased prices; even though some of the passengers pay the old fare of say 10 cedis, others are ready to pay the revised fares we tell them. I would have wished that the GPRTU quickly announces the increase so we don't get inconvenienced, one driver also remarked. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo and mew Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta 10.01.2017 LISTEN President Nana Akufo-Addo is set to reveal names of his ministers at a press conference in the Flagstaff House. Speculations have been rife since he was declared winner of the 2016 presidential elections. But he is set to put to bed all the social media rumours of the make-up of his government. He has already revealed four names Alan Kyerematen for Trade Ministry, Hajia Alima Mahama for Local Government and Rural Development. Anyaa-Sowutuom MP Shirley Ayorkor Botchway for the Foreign Ministry and Kwadaso MP Dr. Afriyie Akoto, who has been his childhood friend, for the Ministry of Agriculture. Dr. Afriyie Akoto He has assured former Deputy Minority leader Dominic Nitiwul that he will be in his government. Which post, we will find out soon. President Akufo-Addo says he is releasing only 13 names today. A second and third batch will be released on Thursday. He says the first list has been sent to Parliament. He says Yaw Osafo Marfo will be his senior minister, confirming speculations. He described him as the most sucessful Finance minister in Ghana. He took us into HIPC and got us out of HIPC, he praises Osafo Marfo as he recounts his vast experience in the former NPP government. He wants his senoir minister to help turn the economy around. He moves on to National Security and explains the postion is to create an office that will answer to Parliament and provide accountability for the conduct of national security. Albert Kan-Dapaah is his pick. He was Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament. He won the Afigya-Sekyere seat at the 1996 parliamentary election and has held his seat in the two subsequent parliamentary elections in 2000 and 2004. Albert Kan-Dapaah became Minister for Energy in the Kufuour government after the NPP won power in the 2000 elections. During the April 2003 cabinet reshuffle, he became the Minister for Communications and Technology. He became the Minister for Interior during Kufuors second term. Finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta We need somebody of finance who has the range, who has the capacity and insight to move mortal economies, Akufo-Addo explains and picks Ken Ofori-Atta, founder of Databank. Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta is a Co-Founder of Databank Financial Services Limited and served as its Executive Chairman from 1990 to February 14, 2012. Mr. Ofori-Atta worked with Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley, on debt and equity issues and financing for a variety of industries. Energy minister Boakye Agyarko Akufo-Addo says he wants somebody who will make dumsor, a thing permanently of the past -myjoyonine Unless the incoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration take deliberate steps and policies in creating jobs for the teaming unemployed youth of this country, the government is bound to fail, the Chief Executive officer of Dalex Finance, Mr Ken Thompson has warned. According to Mr. Thompson, the NDC Mahama-led administration lost the 2016 election because they failed to address the unemployment situation in the country. Speaking to asempanews.com, the CEO stressed that, the only means the new government can create jobs and revive the ailing economy is to shift focus to agriculture. Cocoa is no longer working, we have played politics with cocoa and the yields have fallen, and there is the need to focus on new crops like Yam and Cassava to turn around the local economy, Mr Thompson said. Buttressing his point, he explained that there has been a research to prove that Cassava and Yam could transform Ghanas economy in short time when it is given maximum attention. All we need to do as a country is to set up the Ministry of Agriculture and make sure its working properly. Lets take Yam, it can be used to feed industries, for local consumption and export, he said. The Dalex boss, who was clearly not happy about the countrys agricultural system lamented as to why Ghana continues to approach agriculture in the same old way with hoe and cutlass. The agric extension services are dead in our country, farmers do not have access to good seeds to grow and they do not get access to market the little that they get from their yields. He added. We cannot continue to do things the old way, what do we do with the numerous research works we conduct in this country? He quarried. Citing the Ivorian example, Ken Thompson submitted that the new NPP government must make conscious efforts to mechanized agriculture, whilst focusing on crops that can be grown in more regions in the country than cocoa grows. He also stated that the Presidential Special Initiative introduced by Former President Kufuors administration all failed because private sector players were not allowed to lead the initiative. The people of this country are not interested in government debts neither are they interested in deficit and figures churn out by politicians. All they are interested in is jobs and the private sector is the only way to go in creating jobs, he said. Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has been named Minister designate for the Education Ministry. President Nana Addo made the announcement at the Flagstaff House today [Tuesday], where he announced 12 other minister designates, pending parliamentary approval. Before his announcement , Nana Addo emphasized the need for free and quality education to be accessed by everyone, saying Where we are and where we want to get to, is nothing more important than the quality of the educational system that we have It is the responsibility of the state to make sure that every young person in this country has access to quality secondary education and so we want to make it free. Nana Addo expressed the hope that although this would be Mr. Opoku Prempehs first ministerial appointment, the young medical doctor would work hard in the interest of the country. Opoku Prempeh and Nana Addo. I believe it is an important developmental tool inasmuch as it also an issue of social justice that people of this country no matter their circumstances can have access to good schooling. It is important that we develop the human capital of our country. The policies that we have will make it possible, the President said. Free SHS policy has been one of the major campaign promises of the NPP since 2008. The appointment also saw Yaw Osafo Marfo earmarked for Senior Minister position, and Alan Kyerematen appointed Minister designate for Trade and Industry, among others. About Matthew Opoku Prempeh Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been a Member of Parliament since 2008. He won the seat again in 2016, making him eligible to be MP for a second term. Born on May 23,1968, Opoku Prempeh comes from Pakyi No. 2 in the Ashanti Region. He holds MB CHB (KNUST),MSc (Chemical Epidemiology) Netherlands Institute for HealthScience, MRCS which he obtained in 1994; 1998 and 2002 respectively. He is a Medical Doctor/Health Worker and was the Executive Chairman, Keyemap Services Limited before he became an MP. First Batch of ministerial appointments Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah Trade & Industry Alan Kyeremanten Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta Minister of Food & Agric Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto Boakye Agyarko Minister for Energy Dominic Nitiwul Minister of Defense Ambrose Dery Minister of Interior Shirley Ayorkor Botchway Foreign Affairs Minister Gloria Akufo- Minister of Justice and Attorney General Hajia Alima Mahama Minister for Local Government & Rural Development Mathew Opoku Prempeh Minister for Education Kwaku Agyemang Manu Minister of Health By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana President Nana Akufo Addo has named persons to lead key business related ministries under the NPP government. They include Ken Ofori Atta, Alan Kyeremanteng, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Boakye Agyarko. The four have been named as minister designates for Finance, Trade, Agriculture and Energy and Petroleum respectively. The announcements were made at a brief ceremony at the Flagstaff House on Tuesday. Ken Ofori Atta Ken Ofori Atta Mr. Ken Ofori Atta will be replacing Seth Terkper who served under the immediate past administration. He is Co-Founder of Databank Financial Services Limited and served as its Executive Chairman from 1990 to February 14, 2012. Announcing his appointment at the Flagstaff House, Nana Akufo Addo described Mr. Ofori Atta as someone who has the capacity and insight to move modern economies. Mr. Ofori-Atta has experience in finance and administration. He has worked with Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley, on debt and equity issues and financing for a variety of industries. He is a Co-Founder of the African Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He serves as the Chairman of both Trust Bank Limited as well as Family Ventures and Offices. Alan Kyeremanteng Mr. Alan John Kyeremanteng is a businessman, and a politician who served as a Trade and Industry minister in the erstwhile John Kufour administration. Currently, at age 61, he played an integral role in the success of the New Patriotic Party in the 2016 general elections that saw the party defeat the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. He proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon for a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Alan Kyerematen also holds a Law degree, LLB from the Ghana Law School at the same university where he qualified as a Barrister-at-Law. He was called to the bar in Ghana, and is a practicing attorneyat-law in Ghana. In addition, he is a Hubert Humphrey Fellow of the School of Management at the University of Minnesota, U.S.A, having completed one year management studies under the Fulbright Fellowship program at that institution. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto is a former Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso constituency. He was the Minority spokesperson on agriculture in the 6th Parliament. Dr. Owusu Afriyie is an Agric Economist and holds certificates from various recognised universities, both home and abroad. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agric Economy from the University of Ghana, Legon. He further obtained his Master of Science (Msc) and Doctorate in Philosophy (PHD) in Agric Economics from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. The MP has served on a number of international organisations, and has undertaken several consultancy services as a result of his expertise in Agriculture and Agric Economy. Until 1999, Dr. Owusu Afriyie was the Chief Economic Advisor to the International Coffee Organisation under the United Nations, having served the position for 17 good years, before entering the Parliament of Ghana. Boakye Agyarko Mr. Agyarko who is heading for the energy ministry, was a Policy Advisor for the 2016 campaign team of the New Patriotic Party(NPP). He is a successful banker, having worked as banker in New York for several years. He has also worked as an investment banker for years, with enormous experience in negotiations and managerial skills. The major challenge Mr. Agyarko will face if approved by parliament will be his ability to prevent a power crisis. Describing him, as man who is very good with figures, President Akufo-Addo disclosed at the Flagstaff House that Mr. Agyarko has enormous experience in energy sector contracts. According to President Akufo-Addo, Mr. Agyarko could be described as a person with deep understanding of financial transactions that will help the country's numerous power deal and agreements. Mr. Agyarko attended Mfantsipim School. Meanwhile other business related appointments yet to be named include; communications, transport and roads and highways. By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has named Boakye Agyarko as the Minister Designate for Energy. Mr. Agyarko was a Policy Advisor for the 2016 campaign team of the New Patriotic Party(NPP). He is a successful banker, having worked as banker in New York for several years. He has also worked as an investment banker for years, with enormous experience in negotiations and managerial skills. The major challenge Mr. Agyarko will face if approved by parliament will be his ability to prevent a power crisis. Describing him, as man who is very good with figures, President Akufo-Addo disclosed at the Flagstaff House that Mr. Agyarko has enormous experience in energy sector contracts. Mr. Agyarko with President Nana Akufo-Addo According to President Akufo-Addo, Mr. Agyarko could be described as a person with deep understanding of financial transactions that will help the country's numerous power deal and agreements. Nana Akufo Addo also announced that the Ministry of Petroleum, and the Ministry of Power has been merged into one Ministry of Energy. Mr. Agyarko attended Mfantsipim School. By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana Indian tourist killed in elephant attack An Indian tourist was killed after a wild elephant attacked her inside the Chitwan National Park in Chitwan on Tuesday. - Imams and Ulama, Kaduna State, has called for the arrest of President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, Senator representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone, Senator Danjuma Laah -The Imams also want President of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, Dr. Musa Solomon arrested over their inflammatory comments over Southern Kaduna killings Southern Kaduna killings: Arrest Pastors, Senator Laah, President of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, Council of Imams and Ulama tells FG The Council of Imams and Ulama, Kaduna State, has called for the arrest of President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, Senator representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone, Senator Danjuma Laah and the President of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, Dr. Musa Solomon over their inflammatory comments over Southern Kaduna killings. The who Imams made the call at a briefing by the Chairman and Secretary General, Sheikh Abubakar Babantune, and Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, said; In the last one year or so, Kaduna State has not been in peace resulting from the activities of some mischief-makers and the reckless utterances of southern Kaduna political and religious leaders. READ ALSO: Pastor Adeboye's retirement: Buhari fires FRC chief, CAN reacts Speaking further, they said; Several news reports credited to southern Kaduna political and religious leaders, urged their people to take up arms to defend themselves and nothing was done to prevent its occurrence until the worse had happened. Thus, the situation degenera-ted into the senseless and merciless massacre of Hausa/Fulani Muslims in that area. These drew the attention of the Council to call on the government to arrest and prosecute persons who made inflammatory statements that instigated the crises, these include Reverend Zachariah Gado, Chairman, ECWA 19 DCC Fellowship, Kaduna State. "Others are Dr. Samson Olasopu Ayokunle, President, Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Musa Asake; Senator Danjuma Laah, Senator representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone; Mr. Sunday Marshall Katung, member representing Zangon Kataf/Java Federal Constituency; Mr. Solomon Musa, SOKAPU President, and all his executive members; Dr. John Danfulani and any person found involved. However, Senator Laah responded promptly, saying the call for his arrest and others by the Imans and Ulama of Kaduna State was a ploy to cover their (Ulamas) fear and shame resulting from the cruelty meted out to Southern Kaduna people by those they mentored. Speaking on behalf of Senator Laah, his legislative aide, media and public relations, Mr Balla Duniya, said: They are afraid and too ashamed to own up and face the horror and cruelty terrorists herdsmen, who may have been mentored by the Ulamas, carried out. There was not a word the Senator uttered that was unlawful or profane. As a devout Christian, a parent, business-man with extensive investment in Southern Kaduna and a sitting Senator, he stands to lose the most if the violence goes on. The Imans and Ulamas have nothing to lose, but gain new conquered territories if the killings and occupation of more parts of Southern Kaduna goes on by those who look to them for divine guidance. READ ALSO: What is govt's business with church general overseers - Fani-Kayode All he has ever wanted was for the killings to be put to an end. This curious blame game is distasteful, as the Senator is yet to see the Ulamas call for the arrest of the murderers, who have been on a killing spree since May last year, with over 800 reportedly killed and properties worth billions lost. Why are the Ulamas not calling for the arrest of some leaders of Miyetti Allah, who have come out on several occasions to defend the pogrom in Southern Kaduna carried by their members as reprisals, whatever meaning they make out of that word. The Senator is committed to peace, development and progress of Southern Kaduna, while the Ulamas are clearly not for that. They only care about the murderers. Source: Legit.ng A Facebook user, Governor Imam Sunmola Olayemi, has made of 'mockery' of the belief in Christendom. According to him, everything about Christianity is a joke. He analysed his words by exemplifying how Jesus came about into the world and how He is the Father and son in himself. Facebook user Sunmola Olayemi says Christianity is a joke According to this Facebook user, this is all gibberish and total nonsense because he cannot fathom how a God will allow himself to be killed by the human He created all in the guise of dying for the salvation of all. He also went on to note that every human is a slave of God and that no one is a son of God like the Christians claim. He used some verses of the Holy Bible and Quran to however back up his claims. PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App Read the controversial post below: If the educated Christians thinks with perfect sense I believe they will reject Christianity. Christians take Christianity as joke because everything about Christianity is a Joke. For example: 1: God became a man 2: God created Adam without Father and Mother but created himself with a Mother 3: God was in the Womb for 9 month and came out of woman private part 4: God was circumcised 5: God was killed by human being he created 6: God became accursed just to forgive Sins 7: God sacrifice his own blood to himself 8: God had a Son which the Son is the same God while God is Father and Son of himself 9: God was buried for 3 days and raised by another God 10: God was lost for 3 days at age of 12 aaahaaa, All this is Nonsense and a big JOKE. No person with common sense would believe this Nonsense. Christianity is a Joke and I don't really blame Christians that take it as JOKE because they never found in the BIBLE where Jesus said I brought Christianity or where Jesus called his followers Christians and they cannot even find the Word Bible inside the Bible itself. Christianity is a Joke. "Truth (ISLAM) has come and falsehood has vanished, Surely falsehood is ever bound to vanish" (Alqur'an 17:81) WE ARE ALL SLAVES OF GOD NOBODY IS SON, ROMAN 6:20-22 "20For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. WHY DO CHRISTIENS CALL THEMSELVES "SON OF GOD", WHILE THEY ARE GLARINGLY "SLAVE OF CHRIST"???? 1 Corinthians 7:22 "Parallel Verses New International Version "For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord's freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ's slave." LOL, this must be a joke! Source: Legit.ng Leaders speak a lot. They are always giving speeches. But what happens when the words they speak are not originally theirs? Plagiarism is nothing new, especially in the political arena. When you use another persons work without acknowledgement, you have plagiarized. There have been several cases of politicians accused of plagiarizing speeches of other leaders. Below are prominent politicians around the world who have been caught plagiarism scandal. 1. Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo Nana Akufo-Addo was sworn in on Saturday, January 8. This is the most recent. The new Ghanaian president started his administration on a rather embarrassing note after he was caught plagiarizing the speeches of two former American presidents during his inaugural speech on Saturday, January 8. He lifted a portion of George W. Bush 2001 inauguration speech which said: I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building communities of service and a nation of character. The Ghanaian president also took quotes from Bill Clintons speech delivered on January, 20, 1993. He said: "Though our challenges are fearsome, so are our strengths. Ghanaians have been a restless, questing, hopeful people. And we must bring to our task today the vision and will of those who came before us." Akufo-Addos communications director, Eugene Arhin, has since apologised for the speech, which according to him was a complete oversight and never deliberate. 2. Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari copied Obama in a speech to launch his "change begins with me" campaign Buhari made a terrible mistake in September 2016 when he plagiarized US President Barack Obamas 2008 inaugural speech to launch the change begins with me campaign. Buhari had said: "We must resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship, pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our country for so long." Obamas speech read: "Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.'' Buhari blamed it on an overzealous official who was later reportedly relieved of his duties. 3. Incoming US first lady Melania Trump Melania copied lines about necessity of hard work nearly verbatim from Michelle's 2008 address Melania, the wife of the incoming US president, Donald Trump, was caught plagiarizing the speech of Michelle Obama, the outgoing first lady. Speaking at the Republican national convention, Melania said: "My parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise; that you treat people with respect." Michelle had said in 2008: "And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: That you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them." Meredith McIver, the writer who worked with Melania on the speech later apologized, saying, "This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania. 4. US President Barack Obama Obama said he erred by not crediting Patrick Obama has also been accused of plagiarism. He was accused of plagiarizing a 2006 speech by former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. READ ALSO: Plagiarism of Obamas speech: Buhari sacks deputy director Giving a speech in 2008 when he was a US senator making a bid for the presidency, Obama said: "Don't tell me words don't matter! 'I have a dream.' Just words. 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' Just words. 'We have nothing to fear but fear itself.' Just words, just speeches." Reacting to the accusation, Obama said Patrick had suggested "we use these lines", saying his error was not crediting him. 5. UK opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn Heller denied Mr Corbyn was guilty of plagiarism In 2015, he was caught up in a humiliating plagiarism row after it emerged that large tracts of his speech were lifted word-for-word from a speech written and published online four years ago by a blogger called Richard Heller written in 2011. Corbyn said: "Since the dawn of history in virtually every human society there are some people who are given a great deal and many more people who are given little or nothing. Some people have property and power, class and capital, status and clout which are denied to the many." This was similar to Hellers which read: "Since the dawn of history, in virtually every human society there are some people who are given a great deal and many more people who are given little or nothing. Some people have property and power, class and capital, status and even sanctity, which are denied to the multitude. However, Heller defended Corbyn, saying he was not guilty of plagiarism as he had sent quotes to Corbyn's team. 6. US Vice President Joe Biden When Biden ran for president in 1988, he was caught plagiarising the speech of British politician Neil Kinnock In 1987, Biden who was running for president was accused of plagiarising a speech that British Labour Party Neil Kinnock delivered just four months earlier. Biden said: "Why is it that my wife who is sitting out there in the audience is the first in her family to ever go to college? Is it because our fathers and mothers were not bright?" On the other hand, Kinnock's speech had the following lines: "Why is Glenys [Mr Kinnock's wife] the first woman in her family in a thousand generations to be able to get to university? Was it because all our predecessors were thick?'' Following the plagiarism scandal, Biden dropped out of the 1988 presidential race. 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin was accused of plagiarism In 2006, Putin was labelled a plagiarist after a pair of researchers at the Brookings Institution accused him of plagiarizing his economics dissertation. He was said to have stolen 16 out of 20 pages from a paper published by the University of Pittsburgh 20 years earlier. Watch video of Ghana president's plagiarism scandal. Source: Legit.ng Long road to justice Conflict victims have been waiting and waiting for transitional justice bodies to act Nnamdi Kanu has arrived the court premises for the commencement of his secret trial amidst heavy security. Kanu was transported to court in an enclosed Hilux van while an open Hilux with prison officers followed closely. Meanwhile, Nigerian journalists have been prevented from gaining entrance into the court premises to cover the trial of Nnamdi Kanu. Nnamdi Kanu as he arrived the court in an enclosed Hilux van on Tuesday, 10, December for the commencement of his secret trial. Some of the journalists who arrived at the court premises told Legit.ng that they were at the venue as early as 7.30 am. "We have been here since 7.30 am and they said we can not go in there unless we have the Federal High Court tag," Abraham Achida, a photojournalist said. READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanus secret trial to start today When Legit.ng inquired from the security officer (dressed in mufti), he said the Federal High Court tags were needed by all those who would want to gain access into the court today. Journalists said for over two years they have applied for the tags without any action taken by the court on the matter. "I have applied three times since 2015, no action on the press card and now they want to punish us for their laxity," another journalist said. But, contrary to the claim by the security operative, Legit.ng observed some persons and even journalists without the said tags were allowed in court. READ ALSO: Buhari working with Britain against Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB alleges When asked why selected persons were allowed entrance while others were being denied, he however gave no cogent reason why some people without tags were allowed and others denied access. However, journalists were allowed to cross the court after the accused arrives were denied access into the main courtroom. See pictures of journalist at the court entrance below: READ ALSO: Buhari working with Britain against Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB alleges Kanu is facing trial for treasonable felony, mismanagement of an unlawful society and concealing of goods in a container. He is facing charges alongside three others before Justice Binta Nyako who had in December ruled that Department of State Security witnesses testify against the defendants be protected. Source: Legit.ng - America's President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his son-in-law Jared Kushne as a senior adviser -The appointment has however drawn sharp criticism from democrats across the country -The appointment is alleged to be against the nepotism rule signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1967 Donald Trump named son-in-law Kushder as White House senior adviser and may have flouted the anti-nepotism law. America's President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his son-in-law Jared Kushne as a senior adviser and drawn the anger of Democrats who have condemned the move. They say that Trump's action is against the nepotism rule signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1967 which prevents public officials in America from promoting a relative "to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control". READ ALSO: Obama advises Donald Trump on how to run America CNN reports that within hours of the appointment, Democrats in House Judiciary Committee issued a statement, asking Justice Department and the Office of Government Ethics to appraise the appointment's legality in light of the anti-nepotism law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1967. John Conyers, the House Judiciary Committee's ranking member, and other top Democrats on the committee, in a statement released on Monday, January 9 evening, said: "There is a strong case to be made that the White House is an "agency" for purposes of the anti-nepotism statute and that it would apply to bar Mr. Kushner's appointment as a White House staff member." Kushner, Trump's son-in-law is now a White House senior adviser Kushner's attorney Jamie Gorelick however told CNN that the statute is open to different interpretations. He also argued that Kushne plans to excuse himself from "particular matters that would have a direct and predictable effect on his remaining financial interests. READ ALSO: Give me liberty or give me death by Femi Fani-Kayode "He will also abide by federal rules requiring impartiality in particular matters involving specific parties. These steps are consistent with federal law and executive branch practice and evidence Mr. Kushner's commitment to public service." On the other hand, Larry Noble, general counsel of the Campaign Legal Center and CNN consultant, noted that Kushner may be qualified but the problem is that he is a relative of the president-elect. He said: "A classic abuse of hiring authority is hiring your own relatives." According to him, if he was asked to advice Trump, his advice would be: "Follow the anti-nepotism laws, they are meant to apply to the President. The point of the statute was to stop the President from hiring relatives, including son-in-laws." Meanwhile, outgoing president of America Barack Obama advised US president-elect Donald Trump to avoid managing the countrys affair like a family business. According to him, the president-elect must understand the difference between campaigning and leading a country. Source: Legit.ng Margin of error Nepal should think about adapting to the new global trend of 'responsible' nationalism The Nigerian Senate has rejected the nomination of Professor Akinwande Akintunde as chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) by President Muhammadu Buhari. Prof Akintunde has been rejected by the Senate for NERC chairmanship position after failing to show up for screening. In its first plenary in 2017 on Tuesday, January 10, the Senate said Prof Akintundes rejection was because of his failure to attend screening. Deputy Senate majority leader Ibn Naallah noted that that since the chairman nominee Prof Akintunde did not appear, it may be that he is not interested in the job. READ ALSO: Budget 2017: Lawmakers issue crucial warning to Buhari The senate then resolved to clear those nominees on ground and requested that President Buhari send another name for the chairmans position. The Senate went ahead to clear six other nominees for commissioners and vice chairman of the Commission. The nominees are Sanusi Garba as vice chairman and Nathan Rogers Shatti, Moses Arigu, Dafe C. Akpeneve, Prof Frank Okafor and Dr Musiliu O Oseni as commissioners. However, Senator Mohammed Hassan raised an observation from the provisions of the Electric Power Reform act section 41 sub-section 4 that the Senate cannot approve only five commissioners and a vice chairman for the NERC without the chairman of the board inclusive. READ ALSO: Bill to forcefully take land from Nigerians for Fulani herdsmen grazing still alive The senate then voted on the screening and confirmed the six other nominees "I congratulate the nominees, we hope they will live up to the expectations of Nigerians and bring solutions to our power problem, Senate president Bukola Saraki said. Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly have prioritized the 2017 budget and constitutional amendment as they resume session after the Christmas and New Year break. The two chambers of the National Assembly embarked on recess December 15 2016, a day after President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2017 budget to the law makers. Source: Legit.ng - The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra has asked the Federal High Court to squash all charges against him - Nnamdi Kanu said the charges leveled against him by the Department of State Security are baseless Nnamdi Kanu said all the charges against him by the DSS are baseless The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to squash all charges leveled against him by the Federal Government. Speaking in court on Tuesday, January 10, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanus lawyer said all the six-count charges against Kanu were baseless. Ejiofor who brought applications before the court also said his clients relatives and visitors were either being harassed or arrested by security agents in Kuje prison. READ ALSO: BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu arrives court amidst heavy security Kanus counsel alleged threat and intimidation to his personal life and that of his family by members of the Department of State Securities. At the commencement of the trial against Kanu and three others, Ejiofor told the court that on several occasions members of IPOB and relatives of the defendants have been harassed and arrested by security officials during their visit to Kanu in Kuje prison. He also said he suspects that those arrested have been killed by the security operatives. READ ALSO: JUST IN: This is the only way we can stop fight for Biafra IPOB tells Buhari Also, concurring to Ejiofor, counsel to the third defendant, Barrister Maxwell Opara said the security operatives have harassed him personally as a lawyer. "Many times, the DSS will ask you for your name, your thumb print, they even asked for my village address, a lawyer, my lord," Opara said. "My lord, this is just a criminal trial, all this unnecessary tension is uncalled for. "You go to the prison to see your client by 9am and you will not see him until 12 noon," Opara said. However, in her reaction Nyako said: "From day one I told you this is not a drama point, I don't want drama." "If you have a personal problem with security operatives and bring it formally and I will make a legal pronouncement on it. "If they have been misbehaving in the prison when you go to see your client, you let me know formally and I'll will contact them legally. "But you have nothing formally on these allegations, I cannot do it for you because if I do, I have taking a position on the matter," Nyako said. READ ALSO: BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanus trial - Court shields witnesses with screen-guard (Photos) Meanwhile, having heard his notice to make applications before the court, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako in her ruling said all applications before the court will be taken together and ruling subsequently given on the matter in two days. The judge said by the end of hearing on the applications, two things are bound to happen. "It is either we continue on the trial or we squash the charges as applied, Nyako said. She further adjourned the matter to Thursday, January 12. READ ALSO: TENSION hits Biafra camp as IPOB moves against Buhari, British govt. Kanus trial commenced today, January 10, before Justice Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. During the trial, the witnesses, defendants, judge and counsels to both parties were shielded behind a blue screen guard. Members of the public seated in the court could only hear voices and correspondence between all parties involved but could not see their faces. Source: Legit.ng Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has been removed as Senate Leader as serious indications emerged on Tuesday, January 10, that the in-houses crises in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new turn. APC lawmakers have removed Ali Ndume as Senate leader and presented Ahmed Lawan as the new man for the position. The APC caucus in a letter which was transmitted to the Senate on Tuesday forwarded the name of Senator Ahmed Lawan of Yobe North as the new Senate leader. The letter was read by Senate President Bukola Saraki. READ ALSO: Senate summons Fashola, Amaechi, Sirika over Abuja airport closure According to the APC caucus, the decision was arrived at during the partys caucus meeting on Monday, January 9. However, Ali Ndume has rejected his removal as Senate Majority leader by the APC senate caucus. "I still remain Senate Leader, '' Ndume claimed during a press briefing with National Assembly correspondents on Tuesday. He added that he was not aware of his removal by the APC Senate Caucus because he had no knowledge of when the decision to remove him was taken. READ ALSO: Senate rejects Buhari's nominee for NERC chairmanship Prof Akintunde Analysts believe Ndume's removal is bound to cause crisis in the Senate since the lawmaker will not go down without a fight. Ali Ndume was a member of the Federal House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011 representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of ANPP. He was unanimously elected minority leader in the lower house's 6th Assembly in 2007. In December 2010, barely 100 days to 2011 elections Ndume decamped to the PDP and as a result of this, the PDP re-opened the sale of nomination forms for the senate and Alhaji Sanda Garba, the only aspirant, stepped down for him. However, he later teamed up with the new PDP (nPDP) along with 20 of his colleagues in what eventually became known today as the APC. In 2015 election, he was re-elected and became the Leader of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 8th Assembly. Source: Legit.ng The Nigerian Senate resumed from its Christmas recess on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, with Bukola Saraki, the president of the upper legislative chamber, meeting with his colleagues and addressing them before the days plenary. Saraki and Buhari met three times in December 2016 Saraki, who in December, 2016 had three closed-door meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari explained issues affecting the country and told his colleagues how to help with their duties in 2017. The Senate also impeached Ali Ndume as its leader at the session which happened to be the first in 2017. 1. BILLS PASSED Saraki explained that though 2016 was very challenging, the senators put in their best to ensure a level of success among which is the passing of 49 bills while 68 other bills scaled second reading. It is already historic that within the last quarter, which incidentally is the second quarter of this session, we all rolled up our sleeves, with sweat on our brows and successfully passed 49 bills through 3rdreading and 68 bills through second reading. This is a record setting feat, which has never been matched in the history of the National Assembly, he said. READ ALSO: Fayose says Buhari's government over proposed data hike 2. THE REALITY OF THE TIMES The Senate president reminded his colleagues that the country was still seriously in recession and efforts must be made to help with solutions. According to him, people are still being laid off; so long as factories are closing shop, for as the hardship in the land continues to bite harder, investment continues to dwindle and the foreign exchange market remains fragmented." 3. UNCOMPLETED BILLS He urged his colleagues to expedite action on the pending bills which have been carried over from 2016. He also gave those in charge of the bills the first quarter of 2017 to complete them. 4. ECONOMIC REFORMS We promise to pass our priority economic reform bills to help aid our economic recovery. This is a promise we must keep. There are already, new NASSBER research findings projecting that our priority bills, will have an output impact equivalent to an average of 6.87 percent of GDP over a five-year period on the economy. The average annual growth in jobs is estimated at approximately 7.55 million additional employments as well as an average of 16.42 percent reduction in Nigerias poverty rate. Over the projected five-year period, it is suggested that the reforms, which these bills would engender, may add an average of N3.76 trillion to National incomes (National disposable income was N85.62 trillion in 2014), equivalent to 4.39 percent of 2014 figures, he said. READ ALSO: 8 urgent issues before the Senate on resumption Saraki expressed concern over the plight of Nigerians Source: Facebook 5. BUDGET CONSIDERATION The Senate president said the chamber would start considering the 2017 budget which is to hold in three sitting days of the next week. He also hinted that the Senate would consider the implementation of the report of the committee on budget reforms which would allow Nigerians partake in budget consideration processes. He pleaded to with his colleagues to make the passage of the budget one of the best in the country. READ ALSO: BREAKING: Senate to Investigate Southern Kaduna Killings 6. MADE-IN-NIGERIA He said the drive to encourage the made-in-Nigeria initiative would be given a special impetus in 2017. He added that the Senate had played a major role in passing the amendment to the Procurement Act for which it is awaiting concurrence by the House of Representatives and for the immediate assent of President Muhammadu Buhari. I for one, intend to put the full weight of my office behind this initiative to build the trust and ensuing patronage of Nigerians in goods and products made by our own people. I truly believe that this is the singular policy that can play a key role in getting out of this recession, provide the needed jobs; and keep the economy going, he said. 7. POLICY INCONSISTENCY Saraki said this would be tackled to boost the economy as well as agriculture. He said this is also needed for the much talked-about diversification and exploration of solid minerals. READ ALSO: Senator Effiong accused of stealing from a widow 8. POWER SECTOR The Senate president admitted that there are errors in the privatization process of the power sector of the country and the model by which it is run. According to him, the revelations from the investigation into the process have been mid-boggling. It has failed and nobody appears willing to tackle the issue head-on towards a permanent resolution, he said adding that he has mandated the Senate committee on power to continue the consultation with the relevant parties to forge a path to solving the electricity challenge of the country. Babatunde Fashola, the minister of Power, Works and Housing 9. SOUTHERN KADUNA MAYHEM Saraki called the attention of his colleagues to the attacks and killings of citizens in the Southern part of Kaduna state. While condemning the continued violence in the area, Saraki said the Senate will not pay lip-service to the issue or watch helplessly as people are killed on the basis of religion, ethnic group or political persuasion. This new theatre of conflict is one too many and must be nipped in the bud, he said. 10. PETROLEUM SECTOR CHALLENGE Saraki called on the executive arm of the federal government to urgently dialogue with stakeholders and those in the Niger Delta to end their agitations. This, he said, would benefit the Nigeria in the end. He proposed that the engagement should be sincere, constructive, open, and confidence-building. 11. DATA TARIFF HIKE He pleaded with his colleagues to pay special attention to the protection and preservation of consumer rights, especially where it concerns the proposed data tariff hike. We will not stand for the exploitation of consumers and we have already shown that we are unafraid to tackle such an issue whether perpetrated by public or private sector service-providers; as was the case of the intended data tariff hike proposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which we moved swiftly to prevent. We want people to know that they can run to us and we will in turn rise in defense of the Nigerian consumer who should be respected as a driving force in the economy, he said. Source: Legit.ng Meeting deferred in lack of quorum The meeting of Legislature-Parliament, which was scheduled to discuss two important bills related to local elections, was deferred by half an hour on Monday in the lack of quorum after lawmakers including those from the ruling parties left the House after marking their attendance. - A Federal High Court in Abuja has cautioned security operatives in Nigeria over the case against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra - Justice Binta Nyako said there is no needed for the tension created around Nnamdi Kanu - She said there is absolutely nothing special about Kanu or his trial Justice Binta Nyako urged security agencies not create tension around Nnamdi Kanu's trial A Federal High Court judge has accused security operatives of creating tension over the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu. Justice Binta Nyakos backlash on the security operatives came after Kanus counsel Ifeanyi Ejiofor alleged harassment and threat to life of his counsel, relatives and visitor by men of the Department of State Securities. READ ALSO: Just in: Nnamdi Kanu asks court to squash all charges against him Nyako accused the DSS and the security operatives of creating unnecessary tension over the ongoing trial of the IPOB leader. Meanwhile, there was unusual security presence at the Federal High Court today, January 10. The court was filled with hundreds of security officials including DSS operatives, Nigerian police officers, officers from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, scores of prison officials, security officials in mufti and four security dogs. READ ALSO: BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanus trial - Court shields witnesses with screen-guard (Photos) Also, entrance into the court premises was highly limited with series and interrogation from some of the operatives stationed at almost every point. However, in dismay, Justice Nyako said: And to the security operatives, there is absolutely nothing special about the first defendant or this case, they (the defendants) are just like any other defendant. Dont create all these tension because of one person. READ ALSO: Kanu's lawyer levels SERIOUS allegation against DSS, other security agencies During the last case I watched you all through the CCTV in my office and I was disappointed; this is just an ordinary criminal trial, Nyako said. Dont let us add sensation into this case let us not create tension because this case, it is only a criminal case like every other one, she added. Source: Legit.ng Former minister of aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has applauded President Muhammadu Buharis prompt action on the issue of the controversial Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) policy that forced resignation of RCCG senior pastor Enoch Adeboye. Fani-Kayode says President Buhari has done well by sacking FRC boss Obazee and suspending the controversial policy. In a tweet on Tuesday, January 10, Fani-Kayode, for the first time in a long while, praised Buharis decision to suspend the implementing of the controversial policy that sought to limit the leadership of Christian leaders to just 20 years. READ ALSO: UPDATE: Ali Ndume kicks after APC lawmakers remove him as Senate majority leader Recall that RCCG general overseer Pastor Adeboye announced his retirement from the Nigerian arm of the church on Saturday, January 7 as a result of the policy which was implemented by FRC boss Jim Obazee. Buhari also sacked Obazee for implementing the policy without proper consultation and due process. Fani-Kayode however, had tough words for Muslim leaders that called for the prosecution of Christian leaders calling for justice after the numerous killings in Southern Kaduna. Source: Legit.ng Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated his side to the allegation of receiving gratification to approve the Malabu Oil transaction while he was in office. Jonathans reaction came through his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, about 24 hours after news hit Nigeria that he had been indicted in Italy. Jonathan said he never held private meetings with oil companies during his time In the lengthy statement explaining what transpired, the former president said he did not send anyone including Abubakar Aliyu, a businessman, to receive bribe on his behalf. Our attention has been drawn to news reports published mostly by online media which suggested through innuendo, rather than factual evidence, that former President Goodluck Jonathan received kickbacks in the $1.3bn OPL 245 oil block deal involving oil giants ENI and Royal Dutch Shell. READ ALSO: 4 Jonathan's men, one woman who are on currently on exile With regards to the publication, we wish to make it clear that former President Jonathan was not accused, indicted or charged for corruptly collecting any monies as kickbacks or bribes from ENI by the Italian authorities or any other law enforcement body the world over. In the first place, we have to categorically state that the negotiations and transactions for the oil block deal predate the presidency of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan which began on 6th May 2010 and ended on 29th May 2015. It may interest those promoting this false narrative to know that all the documents relating to the transactions, issues and decisions of the federal government on the Malabo issue, during the Jonathan administration, are in the office of the Attorney General of the federation/minister of Justice, the statement said. The statement said as president, Jonathan met with the executives of all the oil majors operating in Nigeria and urged them to, amongst other things, support the growth of the Nigerian oil industry by ramping up their investments and complying with the Local Content Act that he promoted and signed into law. We however wish to state, for emphasis, that at no time did the former president holds private meetings with representatives of ENI to discuss pecuniary issues. All the meetings and discussions former President Jonathan had with ENI, other IOCs and some indigenous operators were conducted officially, and in the presence of relevant Nigerian Government officials and were done in the best interest of the country. READ ALSO: BREAKING: EFCC files charges against Adoke, others over Malabu $1.1 billion scandal We make bold to point out that the former President never sent any Abubakar Aliyu, as the innuendoes in the false report suggest, to ENI, the IOCs or any indigenous operator to seek favour or collect any gratification on his behalf, the statement added while stressing that Jonathan does not own any bank account, aircraft or real estate outside Nigeria. The president urged anybody with any contrary information to make it available recalling that he signed the Freedom of Information Act into law to lift the veil on governance and encourage transparency knowing that evil breeds in secrecy. Source: Legit.ng Some Nigerians have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prosecute Goodluck Jonathan and Diezani Alison-Madueke to show that the anti-corruption campaign of the present administration is serious about tackling corruption in the country. Goodluck Jonathan and Diezani Alison-Madueke have been indicted by Italian prosecutors of receiving gratification to approve the controversial Malabu Oil transaction. Calls for the arrest Jonathan and Madueke surfaced after Italian prosecutors named the former president and Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who served under his administration as Minister of Petroleum Resources, among those who allegedly received kickbacks in the controversial $1.3bn oil block deal involving oil giants ENI and Royal Dutch Shell. READ ALSO: Obasanjo, Adoke, Fayemi allegedly fingered in Ajaokuta, Itakpe scandal Jonathan and his minster were indicted by court documents filed late last month in the city of Milan which outlined a case against 11 people, including senior executives from the two oil majors and the companies themselves. The prosecutors alleged that total of $801.5 million was allegedly transferred to the account of Nigerian businessman Dan Etete, of which $466 million was converted into cash in Nigeria and used for remunerating government officials, including Jonathan and Alison-Madueke, prosecutors said. The prosecutors also alleged that another $54m was withdrawn by one Abubakar Aliyu, whom the prosecutors described as an agent of Jonathan. The beneficiaries of the money went on a shopping spree buying property, aeroplanes, armoured cars, prosecutors stated in the court papers. The recent exposure has come as a shock to some Nigerians who have called for Jonathan to be extradited to Italy to face prosecution for the Malabu scandal. Others said the report in Italian court is evidence that Jonathan and those who served under his administration plundered the country. READ ALSO: Malabu oil scandal: Ex-oil minister Etete to be tried in Italy They described Jonathan and Diezani as enemies of Nigeria and urged the Buhari administration to ensure that they answer for their alleged embezzlement. Read what aggrieved Nigerians are saying about the allegations against Jonathan and Diezani below: Sincere said: "I have always said it that Jonathan and his group of demons stole and did this country slot of evil. No wonder his demons did all they could to see that the clueless one continued in office. May God help us from enemies within." Menyinnah called for all those involved to be fished out and prosecuted, he said: "Both Nigerian EFCC and Italian anti-corruption agencies need establish those involved in corruption in the $1.3 billion OPL 245 block deal and hold them responsible as the law stated." Fred Odorige was more forceful when he called for Jonathan to be sent to jail. According to him: "You (Buhari) cannot be fighting corruption if Jonathan is not put on trial. In order to avoid civil disturbances, he should be arrested, prosecuted and jailed like Ibori whenever he travel abroad. Conceding defeat in the last election does not make him sancrosant. Elections are meant to be won and lost." Yashim concurred by demanding that Jonathan Diezani face justice for what he described as "selling out their consciences to the detriment of the larger Nigerian nation!" Another commentator, Aboikagbo, said the recent report had exposed Jonathan as a fraud. "Gradually the dune is caving in. 99 days for the thief, 1 day for the owner. Stealing is corruption in Italy and soon the dumbo who did not see anything wrong in stealing will find himself explaining what corruption is in international court. Mind you, Italy is not Nigeria. Except the dumbo Jonathan did not travel abroad, he is as good as being arrested and detained abroad. Thief should not go unfurnished," he said. Abu Abu on his part, took a swipe at supporters of the former president. "Where are the Wailers! See GEJ finally nailed, even if FG doesn't prosecute him God will ask him to answer for this misdemeanor," he noted. Another concerned Nigerian, Olufemi Adeniyi, called for the federal government to support the Italian prosecutors in investigation and extraditing Jonathan to face prosecution. According to him: "It is time for the Presidency, DSS and EFCC to support Italian prosecutors and give intelligence reports and evidence to the Italian prosecutors so that the Italianos can help us to keep these international looters into Italian jails where the eyes of the likes of Asari cannot see. "At last, what the Nigerian judiciary and the incompetent prosecuting agents cannot do successfully, the Italianos will help us to do them abundantly and have these certified thieves locked up for many years. "Having these born theives that have their ND DNAs coated with looting in Italian jail will remove the cry of victimization and further pipeline vandalism by their sick people and followers "If they are too powerful for the Nigeria government to prosecute or the government is intimidated or incapable to prosecute or the FG has bounded itself not to prosecute these shameless looters, we can now take the available Italian opportunity and hand over these looters to the Italians and we will all see what will become of them in a sane Italian county, it will be a mirror of Ibori and the UK courts. "Over to you EFCC and DSS. "Every Nigerian matters ooo, May God save Nigeria from ENEMIES WITHIN." Okoh Ndidi Precious said: "I think some people said that President Buhari was using EFCC to harass former president Jonathan and Madueke , now that two of them have been fingered in the Malabu scandal, they should go and tell the italian government that they are been harassed" A similar sentiment was shared by"Mohammed Isyaku who said: "Thank God this case is being head in far Italy, Nigeria is only to extradite him (Jonathan) when ever the request is made" Meanwhile, Jonathan has reacted to the allegation that he received gratification to approve the controversial Malabu Oil transaction during his tenure. In a statement by his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja on Tuesday, December 10, Jonathan said he did not send businessman Abubakar Aliyu or any other person to receive bribe on his behalf during or after the negotiation. The former president also said he held no secret meeting with parties in the transaction at anytime. What is your stance on the issue, do you support calls for Jonathan and Diezani to be extradited to face prosecution in Italy? Source: Legit.ng Nepal will play proactive role to repel negative impact of climate change: President President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that Nepal wishes to play a proactive role to protect biodiversity and repel the negative impact of climate change. - Olisa Metuh's lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) says the ex-PDP spokesperson is presently on admission at the National Hospital Abuja where he is receiving treatment - Metuh reportedly collapsed in church on Sunday, January 8 while singing hymns during service - The former PDP chieftain was supposed to appear before Justice Okon Abang at the Federal High Court Abuja Picture showing Metuh's transformation after being detained by the EFCC for a while in 2016. Former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisah Metuh collapsed and was rushed to the hospital at the weekend. READ ALSO: Fani-Kayode praises Buhari over suspension of controversial FRC policy Metuhs lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) disclosed this to a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, January 10 while explaining why the politician was absent for the case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ikpeazu said Metuh was admitted following complications from the spinal cord ailment for which he had earlier prayed the court to allow him leave for a scheduled surgery abroad. He said Metuh fell when he stood up to sing at his church on Sunday, January 8 and has since been on admission at the National Hospital Abuja where he is receiving treatment. Ikpeazu said doctors at the National Hospital were still running series of tests and examinations on Metuh and had insisted that they would only be able to issue a report later in the day after collating the results of the tests. He therefore urged the court to adjourn the matter till the next day since the doctors had assured that the report will be ready later today. Ikpeazu also sought the court to direct the prosecution and an officer of the court to accompany him to see Metuh at the National Hospital if it is not satisfied with his explanations. Addressing the court, Tochukwu Onwugbufor, counsel to second defendant in the case - Destra Investments Limited (Metuhs company) - told the court that the first defendant took ill and suddenly could not stand while attending church service on Sunday after which it was realized that his lower limbs had gone numb. According to him, Metuh was rushed to the National Hospital where preliminary examination by doctors showed that the untreated spinal cord ailment had triggered a complication resulting in the numbness of his lower limbs. Onwugbufor urged the court to note that the defendant is human and susceptible to the frailties of life including falling sick, and is only asking the court to grant him an adjournment to enable his doctors conclude on the tests and issue a report on him. He argued that under the law, the defendant is entitled to such adjournments under such circumstance. However, in his argument, prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir said the explanations by the defence counsel do not substitute for a sick certificate or a medical report from the hospital. He urged the court to adjourn the case to the following day after which it should invoke the relevant sections of the laws to continue the case in the absence of the accused if he fails to appear in court or produce the necessary medical documents. READ ALSO: There is absolutely nothing special about Nnamdi Kanu, judge tells DSS, others However, Justice Okon Abang in a bench ruling adjourned the case at the instance of the accused to Wednesday, January 11, on the ground that the same day had already been listed for continuation of trial on the case. Metuh had been battling a spinal cord ailment for which he had severally been admitted earlier and for which he had been referred for a spinal surgery in a London hospital since last year, Legit.ng gathered from close sources. It was also gathered that that the facilities for the prescribed operation are not available in the country. The court had in an, last year, earlier denied an application by the first defendant to release his travel document for treatment abroad. Metuh was supposed to appear before presiding judge Justice Abang in cases against him and his company Destra Investment Limited for offences relating to separate transactions of N400m and $2m. EFCC had brought seven counts charge against Metuh and Destra Investment Limited including fraud involving N400m which he allegedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2014 without any justification. Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated his side to the allegation of receiving gratification to approve the Malabu Oil transaction while he was in office. Jonathans reaction came through his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, about 24 hours after news hit Nigeria that he had been indicted in Italy. Source: Legit.ng - Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna state governor has reportedly announced the arrest of some of the perpetrators of the southern Kaduna killings - The Kaduna state governor during a visit to the office of the State Commissioner of Police, Agyle Abeh revealed names of the arrested suspects Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna state governor has reportedly announced the arrest of some of the perpetrators of the violent attacks in the southern part of the state. The Kaduna state governor during a visit to the office of the State Commissioner of Police, Agyle Abeh revealed names of the arrested suspects, Nigerian Bulletin reports. Though the names were not made public, he vowed that the state government would make sure that all those involved in the attacks were brought to justice. READ ALSO: 2 killed, two missing in fresh attacks on Southern Kaduna El-rufai also said that acts of criminality and lawlessness would never be condoned. He called on citizens of the state to embrace peace and tolerate one another for the interest of peace and development. Recall that the presidency had earlier explained that President Muhammadu Buhari was silent on the ongoing violence in southern part of Kaduna state because the state governor was handling the issue. The killings in southern Kaduna are suspected to be due to violence between the locals and migrating Fulani herdsmen. Buharis silence over the issue has fueled suggestion from some religious and political leaders that the president and Governor Nasir El-Rufai who are of the Fulani tribe, are siding with the attackers. Source: Legit.ng - The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has recorded major successes against criminal gangs, kidnap syndicates and terrorist elements across the country - DSS restates its determination to ensuring the security of lives and property of all law-abiding residents and citizens in the country In its determined counter-terrorism efforts, the Department of State Services (DSS) says it has recorded major successes against criminal gangs, kidnap syndicates and terrorist elements across the country. The agency says the successes have further degraded the capability of these elements to operate in the county. A statement issued by Tony Opuiyo on behalf of the agency, made available to Legit.ng, noted that on 1st January, 2017, at Mutum Biyu in Gassol LGA, Taraba State, suspects identified as Bale Kolomi Grema and Kolomi Adba-Aji were arrested in a mosque after they had fled Marte, Borno State, where they were involved in Boko Haram terrorist activities. Read the full statement below: "Also on the same 1st January, 2017, a kidnap suspect, Amadu Bello, was apprehended at Hotoron Arewa, Nasarawa LGA of Kano State for his involvement in a kidnap operation at Zomo village, Ningi LGA of Bauchi State from which he got a share of N3m from the ransom. READ ALSO: Boko Haram bomb timer discovered in BornoBoko Haram bomb timer discovered in Borno In a related development, on 6th January, 2017, one Paul ALI (aka Simplee), a high profile leader of a kidnap syndicate was arrested at Hill Flower Hotel, Asaga Ohafia, Abia State. Ali, who operates camps at Ikot Abasi and Mbo LGAs of Akwa Ibom State, is responsible for notable kidnap incidents across the Niger Delta. He is also a member of the Bakassi Strike Force (BSF) which has carried out attacks against oil installations in the area. At the time of his arrest, Ali, with his associate, Chidiebere KANU was planning the kidnap of a Federal Lawmaker and an expatriate. Kanu is presently at large. In another incident, two (2) suspected Boko Haram insurgents, Ibrahim MALA and Abdallah MODU were arrested on 6th January 2017 at Amba and Gudi villages of Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State. The suspects who are indigenes of Maiduguri, Borno State, had fled the military action in Borno State and were regrouping in the State under different trade covers. While MODU sells childrens wears, MALA, who trades in perfumes, confessed to his membership of the sect and disclosed that he (Mala) joined the Yusufiyya faction in 2007. Similarly, Abdulkarim DAHIRU, a key terrorist commander and an indigene of Okengwa, Okene LGA of Kogi State, was arrested at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. Suspect was identified as the main coordinator of several kidnappings as well as other robbery activities in Kogi and Edo States. Furthermore, security operations conducted from 3rd to 7th January, 2017, across some flashpoints in Lagos State led to the arrest of seven (7) kidnap suspects, six of whom, namely; Gilbert Koku Nelson, John Nelson, Adekoya Kazeem, Muhammad Lawal, Abu Yahro and Kelvin Nwanaji; were arrested in connection with the kidnap of a management staff of Dangote Company. The two (2) other suspects, Abdullahi BELLO, a Custom Officer and Bello GUMEL, were apprehended at Navy Town, Ojo LGA, and Naval Base, Alakija, respectively, in connection with the kidnap of another Custom Officer, on 20th December, 2016. Members of the above gang specialized in spying on senior company executives and laying ambush for kidnap and robbery operations for huge ransoms. On 7th January, 2017, one Muhammad Auwal was arrested at Andaza village, Kiyawa LGA of Bauchi State in conncetion with boko haram terrorist activities. AUWAL who was arrested with the sum of three hundred thousand Naira (N300,000.00) on him, is believed to be a drug supplier to the boko haram sect in Sambisa Forest. Also on 7th January, 2017, the Service also arrested the trio of Elijah AWUA, Joseph EJAKA and Hope NATHAN, at Kanshio, Otukpo road, Makurdi, Benue State. The suspects are members of a notorious kidnap syndicate that has been responsible for several kidnap operations in Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau States. Their most recent venture was the gangs abduction of a staff of Radio Benue, Makurdi on 2nd December, 2016. Suspects were arrested with a silver coloured Toyota RAV4 vehicle marked ABJ AQ 720 KUJ. Two (2) other members of the syndicate identified as Gabriel JOSHUA and TIMOTHY (FNU) are currently on the run and being trailed. On 8th January, 2017, one Bello MOHAMMED (aka Awilo), the leader of a syndicate that specialized in car theft and burglary in Gombe State was arrested at Jekadafari area of Gombe metropolis of the State. Mohammed confessed to being the kingpin of the syndicate in the state. His confession led to the arrest of an associate, Abdullahi IBRAHIM (alias DIBAL) who is seen at the arrowhead of the gang in the North East. IBRAHIM also disclosed that he has stolen ten (10) cars in Gombe. Based on his confession two (2) buyers of the stolen cars identified as Surajo Ali GOMBE, and Danjuma BAKA, have been arrested. READ ALSO: 1,250 Boko Haram suspects freed by the army On 8th January, 2017 about 1500 hours, one Elijah Oyebode, aged twenty-two (22) years, was arrested in connection with the disappearance of one Damilola Rofiat Adebisi (F), a 400 level student of the Department of Chemistry Education, Osun State University, Ipetu-Ijesa campus, Oriade LGA. The incident occurred on 22nd December, 2016. Oyebade confessed to picking the victim along with two (2) other men on 22nd October, 2016 and claimed to have dropped them off at a house in Ikirun. Investigation is ongoing. The Service also arrested four (4) suspected fleeing members of the Boko Haram; Fanayi Bukar Hassan, Butame Hassan, Kologoni Bukar, and Amina Abubakar on 10th January, 2017 at Oko-Oba, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA of Lagos State. They are suspected to have fled to the State to evade arrest in the ongoing military offensive in the North East. Same day (10th January, 2017), at Okene town, Adavi LGA, Kogi State, the leader of the Boko Haram sect in Okene, Abdullahi Mohammed aka Huja, was arrested. Subject had been responsible for the coordination of Boko Haram activities in Okene axis of Kogi State. It is important to state that these successes were recorded as a result of proactive and credible intelligence offered by patriotic citizens, and the effective cooperation of sister agencies and other relevant stakeholders. This Service wishes to restate its determination to sustain the tempo within the provisions of the law as part of its drive towards ensuring the security of lives and property of all law-abiding residents and citizens in the country." However, an update to the above shows that the DSS arrested in total 13 suspected Boko Haram members. According to Premium Times, on January 10, 2017, a kingpin of the sect in Okene town, Adavi local government area of Kogi state was arrested. The kingpin whose name was Abdullahi Mohammed, was said to be responsible for the coordination of Boko Haram activities in Okene axis of Kogi state. In addition, two Boko Haram members were apprehended at Mutum Biyu in Gassol local government area of Taraba state on New Year day. Their names are: Bale Grema and Kolomi Adba-Aji, and they were arrested in a mosque after they had fled Marte, Borno state, where they were involved in Boko Haram activities. Muhammad Auwal was arrested on January 7 at Andaza village, Kiyawa local government area of Bauchi state because of involvement in terrorist activities. Mr. Auwal, was arrested with the sum of N300,000 and is believed to have been a medicine supplier to the Boko Haram sect. On January 6, Ibrahim Mala and Abdallah Modu, were arrested at Amba and Gudi villages of Kokona local government area, of Nasarawa state. The two men from Borno state, had reportedly fled the military action in Borno state and were regrouping in the state under different trade covers, the SSS explained. Mr Modu was using the guise of a childrens wears sellers, Mr Mala, was trading in perfumes, and he confessed to his membership of Boko Haram, disclosing that he had joined the Yusufiyya faction in 2007. Another arrested suspect was Abdulkarim Dahiru, a key terrorist commander and an indigene of Okengwa, Okene LGA of Kogi state. He was arrested at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. Source: Legit.ng Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has lashed out at Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) for alleging that he was one of the masked witnesses that will testify against the pro-Biafra leader. READ ALSO: BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu arrives court amidst heavy security The Punch reports that the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation for a Sovereign State Of Biafra (MASSOB) said he would not need to wear a mask he wanted to testify against Kanu. Uwazuruike blasts Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB He described Kanu and IPOB members as fraudsters who are out to milk gullible people. Uazuruikes reaction is coming following allegations contained in a statement released by Emma Powerful on Behalf of IPOB that the MASSOB leader and some other persons were the masked men to testify against Kanu when he appears before Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja. Meanwhile, Kanu asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to squash all charges leveled against him by the Federal Government. Speaking in court on Tuesday, January 10, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanus lawyer said all the six-count charges against Kanu were baseless. Ejiofor who brought applications before the court also said his clients relatives and visitors were either being harassed or arrested by security agents in Kuje prison. Kanus counsel alleged threat and intimidation to his personal life and that of his family by members of the Department of State Securities. At the commencement of the trial against Kanu and three others, Ejiofor told the court that on several occasions members of IPOB and relatives of the defendants have been harassed and arrested by security officials during their visit to Kanu in Kuje prison. He also said he suspects that those arrested have been killed by the security operatives. Source: Legit.ng Outgoing President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, has asked the high Level ECOWAS mediation mission led by President Muhammadu Buhari not to come to the country on Wednesday, January 11, for talks. The presidency in a statement by Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant on media and publicity on Tuesday, January 10, said the president and other ECOWAS leaders will visit Banjul, the capital of Gambia, on Friday, January 13. President Buhari had on Monday, January 9, met behind closed-door with three West African leaders at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in continuation of discussion on the crisis brewing in Gambia. Towards resolving the crisis in Gambia, President Buhari was to lead a delegation to The Gambia tomorrow. Buhari is mediating in the crisis alongside Mr. John Mahama, the immediate past president of Ghana. READ ALSO: President Buhari hosts ECOWAS leaders in Abuja Read the statement below: At the instance of President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia, the High Level ECOWAS mediation mission led by Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has pushed forward its visit to Banjul, the capital of Gambia, to Friday. In accepting to postpone the visit earlier planned to take place on Wednesday, President Buhari, who is mediating alongside Mr. John Mahama, the immediate past president of Ghana said the delay notwithstanding, the mandate of the ECOWAS will be accomplished. President Buhari reiterated the appeal on Monday by ECOWAS leaders that the Gambian leaders do everything they can to douse the tension in the West African country, which has led citizens to leave the country due to political uncertainty. The Nigerian leader said ECOWAS is committed to the resolution of the crisis through inclusive dialogue with respect to the constitution and the will of the people of Gambia. READ ALSO: OPINION: Jammeh as a threat to democracy and democratization in Africa? Jammeh, a former coup leader, who has ruled Gambia for 22 years, initially accepted his loss in the December 1 election, shocking Gambians who have lived through his rule since he took power in a 1994 coup. But a week later he changed his mind, saying the electoral commission had been biased by foreign influences and vowing to hang on despite regional and international condemnation. Source: Legit.ng NPC panel to standardise national pride project selection process The National Planning Commission, the apex body that frames countrys development plans and policies, on Monday formed a committee to standardise the process of selecting national pride projects considered vital for the overall development of the country. Sorry! This content is not available in your region BEIJING For the past two years, Wu Dongmeis 14-year-old son has been attending a private school in Shanghai that offers an international program that prepares students for higher education abroad. All had proceeded smoothly until recently, she said. On Oct. 19, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission summoned the principals of 21 local private schools to explain draft regulations that would restrict international programs in Grades 1 through 9, the years of compulsory education in China. The commission accused schools that had replaced the officially mandated curriculum, which includes classes in political ideology, of infringing on Chinas education sovereignty. The commission said that under the proposed regulations the authorities would no longer approve the establishment of any new private schools with foreign influence and would bar foreign investment in private schools. School curriculums would be monitored to ensure that they uphold national sovereignty and ideology. Private schools could not be named after foreigners. The rules would not apply to international schools set up primarily to educate foreign students. A woman who answered the telephone at the commissions office this week said that it was unclear when the new regulations, if approved, might take effect, but that any information would be posted on the commissions website. The woman declined to give her name. IN 2009, when the Kia Soul was introduced, it was roundly criticized as a blatant copy of the square-shaped Scion xB. At the time, Toyotas youth brand had sold an average of 46,000 xBs annually over six years to coveted younger buyers, a good reason for Kia to go to the square-shaped well. The combination of practicality, affordability and hipster-hamster marketing has made the Soul so successful its often neck and neck with the Optima as Kias best-selling car. On track to sell more than 150,000 copies in North America for 2016, the Soul has outlived other boxes such as the Nissan Cube, the Honda Element and, of course, the xB (R.I.P. Scion). How do you improve a sales powerhouse? Well, add power of course. That is what Kia has done with the 2017 Exclaim model (or ! in Kia-speak), dropping in a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This motor runs exclusively with a sure-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The lower-rung Plus (or +) model has a standard 6-speed automatic. At 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, the Exclaim increases the Pluss 2-liter 4-cylinder by 40 horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque. Consider it your hamster on speed. Two chefs cook side by side at Karu Cafe, one from Paraguay, the other from Venezuela. Never mind that a continent away, the two nations are hardly on the best of terms. In August, Paraguay recalled its ambassador to Venezuela and proclaimed a freeze in diplomatic relations. But in an unassuming storefront in the shadow of the elevated train in Woodside, Queens, there is harmony. So Venezuelan arepas, airy corn cakes barely a fingers width thick, may share the table with Paraguayan chipas dense, bulging curls of cassava flour and cornmeal fattened by cheese, eggs, milk and butter and looking like lopsided bagels. Chipa tastes like a gougere after a gravitational collapse, but little pops of anise cool the mouth and lend a curious leavening effect. Zuny Llano, who grew up in Asuncion, Paraguay, opened the restaurant in October with her husband, Augusto Acevedo, a native of Caracas, Venezuela. Although its menu celebrates both their heritages, its name belongs to hers: Karu means to eat in Guarani, the indigenous language spoken throughout Paraguay by peasants and aristocrats alike and declared equal to Spanish by the Constitution, defying the legacy of the conquistadors. (The poet Ramon Silva noted that Guarani is the perfect language for verbally disemboweling an adversary.) New York renters would be the first to tell you that rents go in only one direction: up. But after a long and relentless climb to historic highs, the momentum has stalled. With renters unwilling, or unable, to pay ever higher sums, rents have largely flatlined. And it seems we have come to the year of the renters market. In Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, inventories and vacancies are up, and landlords are offering new tenants discounts, like several months of free rent and no brokers fee. In the Bronx and Staten Island, rents are holding steady because those boroughs did not experience the same rapid rent escalations or volume of new development. But that could change when new rental buildings open in both boroughs this year and in 2018. The biggest deals are happening at the top of the market, where some luxury developments are offering as much as four months of free rent on a two-year lease. But deals are to be had in older, less expensive buildings, too. Despite these concessions, some apartments linger vacant for months. Worried that a slowdown will continue, many landlords are not raising the rent when leases come up for renewal, and some are even throwing in perks like gift cards. Body-worn cameras are reshaping perceptions of policing. The small devices, typically mounted on officers shirts, provide a lens into law enforcement that is meant to build transparency and trust. But their increased use has also raised a host of questions and concerns: Who should have access to recordings? How will the footage be used? What are the privacy rights of people caught on video? And what are the long-term costs to taxpayers? Across the country, police departments large and small are rolling out expensive body-camera programs without consistent answers to the questions or, according to policy experts, convincing evidence that the cameras ensure the level of accountability that the public demands. Already, at least 19 states have enacted laws restricting public access to footage, and a dozen more are proposing legislation. This four-chapter video series examines the challenges and incentives social, political and economic surrounding the rapid rise of police body cameras. Our story begins in Cincinnati, with a pitch for their use to officers in training. PARIS A panel of French judges has decided not to bring charges against soldiers accused of having sexually abused children while on a peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, officials said on Friday. Soldiers were sent to the country, a former French colony, in 2013 to help quell a sectarian conflict there, but allegations of sexual and physical violence by the troops have been an embarrassment for France. They also have been an embarrassment for the United Nations, where rights investigators compiled a confidential report in 2014 about the allegations and the organization did not move quickly to rectify them. The French authorities became aware of the allegations only when the report was leaked to them. The lapse at the United Nations in promptly notifying the French led to an investigation by an independent panel that accused some of the organizations officials of having passed the allegations from desk to desk, inbox to inbox and having failed to meet their core mission to protect the rights of the most vulnerable civilians. LOS ANGELES Golden Globes Weekend is in full dizzying swing here in Hollywood, and on Saturday the Bagger found herself invited, for the first time, to the It Girl Luncheon held by W Magazines editor-at-large, Lynn Hirschberg, on the sun-dappled patio of A.O.C., the West Hollywood restaurant. And verily the lunch was chock-a-block with many an it girl Amber Heard, Laura Mulleavy of the art-fashion label Rodarte, Thandie Newton, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lily Collins. It was a sea of flawless skin, diaphanous dresses, wasp waists, and carb aversion: the Bagger was one of only three at her table of 18 to not order the salad. I always wanted to be an it girl, and I never was, Ms. Hirschberg said at the lunchs outset. But now I get to choose them. The Bagger sat between the actresses Aja Naomi King and Eiza Gonzalez, bonding over photos of our dogs. Popping by to say hello, Ms. Hirschberg noted the Baggers absence from W Magazines annual party at the Chateau Marmont by saying, You didnt make it, but Barbra Streisand did. Patriotic Nepali should respect Prithvi Narayan Shah: Chairman Thapa Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Kamal Thapa, has said every patriotic Nepali should honour Prithvi Narayan Shah. The crime rate keeps falling in New York City, and falling. The trend has held for many years, and not even 2016 so terrible in so many other ways broke the pattern. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner James ONeill hit the high points at a news conference on Wednesday: The year ended with fewer than 1,000 shootings, a record low. There were fewer murders (335) than in 2015 (352), fewer rapes, fewer burglaries, fewer robberies. Over all, 101,606 major-category crimes were reported in 2016, compared with 105,921 in 2015. Just 25 years ago there were over 5,000 shootings in a single year in the city, Mr. de Blasio said. Look how far we have all come together. Far, indeed. What is striking, too, is how crime has fallen even as policing and criminal justice polices have drastically shifted. Crime fell when New York City officers were logging hundreds of thousands of stop-and-frisk encounters every year, and it fell when the department all but abandoned the unjust policy there were only about 10,000 stopped-and-frisked New Yorkers in all of 2016. Crime fell even as New York backed away from old tough-on-crime policies, sharply reducing the population of its prisons and jails. A research paper issued in October by the Harvard Kennedy School Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management noted that between 1996 and 2014, the citys jail and prison incarceration rate fell by 55 percent and serious crime by 58 percent: New York is now not only the safest big city in the United States, but also one with the fewest incarcerations for its size. With all the talk of the white working class having catapulted our incoming president to power, Ive been pondering my own status, past and present, on the socioeconomic ladder. Admittedly now a card-carrying member of the liberal and coastal elite so despised by Donald J. Trumps core constituency, I didnt always see myself this way. But then, whether you consider yourself lower, middle or upper has a good deal to do with whom youre standing next to. Attending public school in the late 70s and early 80s in suburban New Jersey, I dont think the subject of social class ever really occurred to me, except in the context of the BBC productions (Upstairs Downstairs, Brideshead Revisited) that my mother liked to watch on PBS. The town I grew up in was made up of what was once known as White Ethnics (Irish-, Italian- and Jewish Americans), and pretty much everyone I knew was middle class. There were a handful of families who were less than that, and I remember classmates whispering in the hall that so-and-sos family was on welfare. But even the poor kids hung out at the same recreation center as we did, played on the same softball teams and appeared at the same roller-disco and pizza birthday parties. That all changed when, in the mid-80s, I began attending a private high school in a nearby town, with the help of financial aid. On the event of their 17th birthdays, my classmates would appear in the school parking lot in brand-new Audis and Mercedes coups, Yazs Upstairs at Erics blasting from their state-of-the-art sound systems. Though my best friend at the time drove a black Chrysler LeBaron convertible with a butterscotch leather interior, she also lived in a beautiful limestone mansion from the 1920s that, not unlike Castle Howard the real-life setting for the Brideshead adaptation sat at the end of a long white-gravel driveway behind elaborately rococo iron gates. Ill never forget the time I struggled to back out of her cul-de-sac in my parents beat-up Ford Fairmont station wagon, nearly knocking over one of the giant topiary-filled urns that flanked the entrance. The incident didnt simply make me feel incompetent; on some more primal level, it confirmed for me some confused sense of myself as a hapless intruder and perpetual outsider who would never be fully embraced by the people who mattered. BEIRUT, Lebanon At least 43 people were killed on Saturday when a truck bomb ripped through the center of a busy commercial district in a rebel-held Syrian town along the Turkish border, activists and rescue workers said. The explosion occurred outside a local courthouse and security headquarters operated by the opposition fighters who control the town, Azaz, said Saif Alnajdi, a resident and activist. It hit the busiest part of the town, Mr. Alnajdi said, referring to its administrative section. Azaz, a couple of miles away from the Turkish border, is a hub for antigovernment activists and opposition fighters, as well as many displaced people from the recent fighting in Aleppo. Activists say its prewar population of 30,000 has swelled. The town is sandwiched between rival groups, including Kurdish fighters to the west and opposition groups backed by Turkey to the east. Militants of the Islamic State have been pushed back farther east by the Turkish-backed fighters. He learned thriftiness from his parents, who grew up during the Depression. Upon becoming a United States attorney in 1981, he had only $750 in the bank, records show. Friends joke that even after he attained the comfortable life of a senator decades later, he refused to replace an aging car or the outdated kitchen countertops at his home in Mobile. It was an environment that fostered Mr. Sessionss belief in frugality and self-reliance, bounded by a strict if much disputed code of what was and was not fair. It also bred, even early on, a skeptics eye toward elites. His parents were longtime Republicans in a state that had been run by Democrats since Reconstruction. In high school, as racial politics laid the foundation for the eventual Republican takeover of the South, Mr. Sessions was fascinated by Phyllis Schlaflys book A Choice Not an Echo, a catechism on the split between the Republican Party establishment and its right wing. The book enjoined true conservatives to topple the partys kingmakers and compromisers, presaging the rise of the Tea Party and Mr. Trump and now, Mr. Sessions himself. Unpopular ideas did not faze him, even as a schoolboy. His mother told one reporter, That boy could argue with a signpost. His high school yearbook photo bore the caption: He is a host of debaters in himself. Alabamas economic struggles helped define his political priorities. As a young man, he watched timber imports eat into local logging jobs, cheaper foreign steel hasten the closing of Birmingham mills, and immigrants take jobs in the fields and chicken processing plants. Most economists say those changes were largely unavoidable as the United States shifted from an economy based on manual labor to one rooted in services and knowledge. But Mr. Sessions saw a threat to the hard-working families he had grown up with, former aides said. To Alabama voters, weary of decades of Democratic back-scratching and scandals, Mr. Sessions seemed a breath of fresh air when he emerged on the political scene in 1994, after 12 years as the top federal prosecutor in Mobile. As the states attorney general, his first elective post, he slashed staff, pay, travel, cars and supplies. Republican leaders hoped he would come to the rescue of the former governor, Guy Hunt, who was removed from office after a 1993 ethics conviction. Instead, Mr. Sessions asked a federal appeals court to uphold the conviction. The business-dominated establishment wing of Alabamas Republican Party is closer to the states senior senator, Richard C. Shelby. Mr. Sessionss political base included rural and suburban working-class and evangelical white voters the same constituencies that proved crucial to Mr. Trumps success in November. Sessions had a Trump movement before there was a Trump, Professor Flynt, of Auburn University, said. Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former president of Iran and a founder of the Islamic republic, who navigated the opaque shoals of his countrys theocracy as one of its most enduring, wiliest and wealthiest leaders, died on Sunday in Tehran. He was 82. His death was announced by Iranian state television. As his career seesawed through periods of revolutionary zeal and confrontation with powerful conservative rivals, he was portrayed as a Machiavellian and often ruthless player in the power struggles among Irans elite factions, protected by his close association with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the revolutionary leader who overthrew the shah in 1979. Known as a pragmatist and centrist inclined toward economic liberalism and political authoritarianism, Mr. Rafsanjani was accused by critics of corruption in amassing his fortune and of a readiness for harsh tactics to deal with dissent at home and abroad. Argentina has accused Mr. Rafsanjani and other senior Iranian figures of complicity in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, in which 85 people died. In 1997, a German court concluded that the highest levels of Irans political leadership had ordered the killing five years earlier of four exiled Iranian Kurdish dissidents in Berlin. The events added weight to American assertions that Iran was a sponsor of terrorism. Mr. Rafsanjani was president from 1989 to 1997. Its unclear whether the passage was obliterated by Hamilton or by someone else like his son John Church Hamilton, who prepared a 19th-century edition of Hamiltons papers that suppressed some correspondence, Mr. Kiffer said. There is also a group of letters relating to the first of the 10 affairs of honor, or ritualistic negotiations over insults to ones reputation that did not result in an actual duel, that Hamilton is known to have been involved in. And there are seemingly banal documents that take on a foreboding quality in retrospect, like an anonymous memorandum, sent to one of Hamiltons brothers-in-law in June 1804, describing a recent town meeting in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Fierce arguments had broken out over whether, should a toast be called for President Thomas Jefferson at the towns Fourth of July celebrations, the vice president should also be toasted as such out of respect for the office, if not for the man himself. In the margin, someone has helpfully penciled in that vice presidents name: Aaron Burr. Hamiltons fatal duel with Burr a few weeks later may seem utterly senseless to us now. But it was fought, Ms. Freeman said, out of Hamiltons belief that he needed to preserve his honor so he could lead the country through what he foresaw as an impending crisis of American democracy. Todays partisans do not generally come to physical blows. But Ms. Freeman, whose recently completed book about violence in Congress in the decades before the Civil War will be published next year, said that Hamiltons papers offered a timely reminder that the hard-won norms of American democracy should not be taken for granted. People tend to assume the system percolates happily along, she said. But it sure wasnt percolating happily along here. This was a period where it could have collapsed at any second. Leading women from politics, the arts and other fields urged President-elect Donald Trump on Monday to support a new national womens museum in Washington that would be affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. At a meeting in New York to give momentum to the idea, the group cited the report of a bipartisan Congressional commission in November that urged construction of the museum. Its tremendously important, said Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, Democrat of New York, who first proposed the project in the late 1990s. How can you empower women if they are not even recognized? The commission recommended a national museum dedicated to showcasing the historical experiences and impact of women in this country. It doesnt take long to realize that Taboo, the heavy-breathing new FX series set in Regency England, is going to be very ripe viewing. Rain on the moors, tubs of offal, bodies with coppers on the eyes, grave robbers, a funeral procession led by a dwarf were talking the whole dark-gothic playbook. And thats before we get to the half-sibling incest and the slave ship flashbacks and the Native American incantations. But the most self-consciously gloomy thing about Taboo, which begins its eight-episode run on Tuesday, is its star, Tom Hardy, who created the show with his father, Chips Hardy, and the writer and producer Steven Knight. (Mr. Knight worked with Tom Hardy on Peaky Blinders, another highly stylized British period piece.) As James Keziah Delaney, who returns to London from abroad to reclaim his family legacy, Mr. Hardy growls, rasps, glowers and, when Delaney is caught without an answer, makes a popping noise that resembles a grunt. Delaney represents a disruptive, democratic force in this melodrama of ideas. Its in his blood hes the son of a British merchant and an American Indian mother and its in the surly, barbaric manner he displays after sojourns in Africa and America, where hes assumed to have gone native (although Delaney also possesses a superspy-style competence thats at odds with the rest of the material). Its also right there in the plot: England and America are fighting the War of 1812, and Delaney has just inherited the title to a piece of land in Canada, coveted by both sides. He appears willing to play them off against each other, loyalty to the crown be damned. This aspect of the story is loosely based on real history, and the Nootka Sound that Delaney owns is a real place on Vancouver Island. It could be the basis for an absorbing story, and the best parts of Taboo in the first three episodes take place in the boardroom of the East India Company. There, Jonathan Pryce, as the companys chairman, presides in highly entertaining fashion over the gargoylish protectors of multinational privilege who want to get their hands on Nootka Sound, preferably over Delaneys dead body. Jane Harpers The Dry is set in a parched Australian farming community within a days drive of Melbourne. Its a region that hasnt seen rain in two years, and the novels main character, Aaron Falk, is jolted to see that a rushing river he remembers from his youth has all but disappeared. Ms. Harper is not one to drop a fact like that without using it later. She has jampacked her swift debut thriller with sneaky moves that the reader has to track with care. At 36, Falk has been a pariah in the town, Kiewarra, since his teenage years, when he was forced to leave town for reasons that are, of course, not initially shared with the reader. As The Dry opens, he is back for 18 hours, tops (or so he tells himself). The circumstances are suitably ghoulish for a book thats this much of a grabber: Falks onetime best friend, Luke Hadler, has apparently killed his wife and young son before turning his shotgun on himself. Only a baby girl too young to tell tales survived the familys slaughter. Falk grew up to be a federal agent in Melbourne. He has spent half his life putting his history behind him. The only reason he has returned is a letter from Lukes father that summoned him in no uncertain terms: You lied. Luke lied. Be at the funeral. So here we are, only on Page 7, trying to figure out what they had to lie about. Ms. Harper throws out so many teasing possibilities that its hard to believe this is her first novel. And even harder to believe that she learned to write fiction via a literary agencys online writing course. (She had already been a print journalist for more than a decade.) One trick the course clearly taught her was a basic of the crime genre: Make sure that nothing is what it looks like at first sight. People trying to solve the Hadler murder case and to deal with many other troubles that erupt in Kiewarra during Falks stay are reliably quick to jump to the wrong conclusions. We should be careful about reading too much into the committee report as a complete reflection of Mr. Claytons views, even though he was the committees chairman at the time. Lawyers often keep their advocates hat in place when working on these projects. Deal lawyers dislike the uncertainty posed by the F.C.P.A. when a company with global operations is involved because of the potential that an instance of bribery could be uncovered that might derail the transaction. Mr. Clayton is not the only critic of the foreign bribery law who later came to enforce it. The current head of the Fraud Section in the Justice Department, which handles foreign bribery cases, was the lead author of the Chamber of Commerce report seeking to restrict its scope, yet the government has continued to pursue such cases. The S.E.C. has changed since 2009, when Mary L. Schapiro, who had a strong regulatory background, took over after disastrous revelations about the agencys failure to catch the Ponzi scheme operated by Bernard L. Madoff. Her successor in 2013, Mary Jo White, came into office promising an even more aggressive approach to enforcement, reflective of her background as the United States attorney in Manhattan, one of the premier offices pursuing financial crimes. Mr. Clayton has a far different mandate, so a key indicator of his approach to enforcement will be the appointment of a new director of the enforcement division, which has primary responsibility for investigating violations and litigating civil charges. Two of the last three enforcement directors were former federal prosecutors who cut their teeth under Ms. White. The S.E.C. has started to mimic the approach taken by the Justice Department by allowing deferred-prosecution agreements for cooperating companies and granting immunity to witnesses who can provide valuable information. Choosing someone with a background in criminal prosecution may signal that the aggressive approach to enforcement will continue. The enforcement division also gained much greater freedom under Ms. Schapiro to operate without supervision in 2009, one of the responses to the scandal caused by Mr. Madoffs fraud. Instead of having to get the five S.E.C. commissioners to sign off on a formal investigation, which allows subpoenaing documents and witnesses, now the director has that authority, allowing quicker development of investigations. This was a significant change from how the agency operated under the chairmanship of Christopher Cox, who left office in 2009 at a time when the agency was being criticized for a lack of supervision of Wall Street in the lead-up to the financial crisis. Mr. Clayton could reverse this by shifting the authority to approve investigations back to the full commission, which would have the effect of slowing them down and perhaps narrowing the scope of an inquiry. That would also allow the commissioners to focus enforcement efforts rather than let the S.E.C. staff set the agenda. Planning Commission endorses 14th 3-yr plan A full meeting of the National Planning Commission (NPC) chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has endorsed a three-year plan that will guide all development activities in the country till the end of fiscal 2018-19. DETROIT President-elect Donald J. Trump is not attending the countrys premier auto show here. But his vow to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico has changed the focus of the show from what new vehicles are on display to where they are made. More than anything, said Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of Fiat Chrysler, the industry needed to know what was going to happen with the North American Free Trade Agreement, which allows for a free flow of trade between the United States and Mexico. We need a clear indication of how the U.S. administration plans to deal with Nafta, Mr. Marchionne said at the auto show. Were just waiting for clarity. Mr. Trump has made the auto industry a frequent target, attacking automakers for selling Mexican-made vehicles in the United States. In response, some automakers have somewhat changed their strategy. New technology also plays a role as huge airliners, with 400 or more seats, are eclipsed in popularity by aircraft of a more moderate size. Apart from a few large markets, large aircraft could only be flown when they had a feed of passengers from other markets that would then travel onwards to intercontinental destinations, said Floris de Haan, head of aviation practice for Ortec, a consulting firm based in the Netherlands. In the last five years, the companies manufacturing the two biggest airliners, the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380, have introduced smaller, more fuel-efficient long- and medium-range airplanes that are just right for connecting smaller cities. The 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was critical to Norwegians decision to begin low-cost flights between gateways in the United States and Norway in 2013. The airline has configured the aircraft to carry 291 to 344 passengers. Mr. Kjos says his airline is now relying on delivery of four even smaller Boeing 737 Max aircraft, with 180 seats, to expand its route map. The Max, thats a single aisle that can fly on routes to secondary cities, Mr. Kjos said of the plane and others like it with 100 to 230 seats. You will see a lot of low fares and a new segment of people start flying. Airlines find more savings on the ground as well. Layover hotel rates for flight crews, landing fees and fuel prices are usually lower at smaller airports. For passengers, the costs of parking, car rentals and other travel services are usually less than at major airports. But the primary business of Express Scripts is as a pharmacy benefit manager, running the prescription drug benefits for insurers or large employers. Three companies Express Scripts, CVS and Optum, owned by UnitedHealth now handle 75 percent of all prescription claims, according to Mr. Feins report. Prime Aid and other independent pharmacies say that Express Scripts is unfairly wielding that market power to steer business to Accredo. Express Scripts patients typically cannot have their drugs covered by insurance if they use a pharmacy that is not in the network. Dr. Steve Miller, the chief medical officer for Express Scripts, denied that the company was unfairly cutting off independent pharmacies. He said less than a percent of all pharmacies in Express Scripts network are thrown out in any given year. But he acknowledged that the company had increased its oversight of pharmacies, especially after revelations about Philidor Rx Services, a mail-order pharmacy that was found to have undisclosed ties to the drug maker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. In November, the former chief executive of Philidor and a former executive at Valeant were arrested on federal charges of violating anti-kickback laws, which they have denied. What it showed us is that our surveillance is not as good as we thought it was, Dr. Miller said. Prime Aid, which has been in business since 2006, had a good relationship with Express Scripts until August 2014, Ms. Shtindler said, eight months after the approval of Sovaldi and Viekira Pak, two high priced and highly anticipated hepatitis C drugs that cure patients of the disease. Prime Aids business spiked as patients lined up for the drug. At the time Prime Aid was removed from Express Scripts network, Ms. Shtindler said, it was processing millions of dollars in claims every day for Sovaldi. Ms. Shtindler said the reasons Express Scripts gave for terminating the contract were minor offenses. Prime Aid had failed to quickly cancel at least seven drug claims it submitted to Express Scripts out of thousands after customers failed to pick them up. This might be a case of great minds or chefs and restaurateurs thinking alike. Both La Sirena in Chelsea and Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria in NoHo have added tapas bars. At La Sirena, in the Maritime Hotel, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich are converting the spacious bar area into Tapas Bar, which will offer Spanish-style small plates. Previously, the bar served drinks, and some snacks were available from a rolling cart. But now, the partners have tapped Anthony Sasso, the chef de cuisine at their Spanish restaurant, Casa Mono, to create the menu, which will feature patatas bravas, lamb ribs and such, and is meant to be a faster, cheaper option than dining in the main restaurant. They are also warming up the stark black-and-white space with accents of brass and chartreuse. The new space is to open on Wednesday. LONDON After having shown her clothes on the runways of Milan and Paris since 1982, Dame Vivienne Westwood made a dramatic return to the city that made her a fashion star for London Fashion Week Mens. Her latest show, a unisex affair on Monday with male and female models, closed the four-day event. The men tramped down the runway wearing a range of outfits, including sharp suits (wide lapels, flared pants) and billowing capes and tulle tutus. The women wore the same. And that, Ms. Westwood declared, was precisely the point. Unisex may sound like a joke, but, in fact, its all about styling and being able to dress however you like, Ms. Westwood, 75, said. Swapping clothes with your partner means you can buy less, choose well and really make them last. Ms. Howards product arrives at a time when doctors are turning their attention to the often-neglected area. People have been taking better care of their facial skin in recent years, but a face that looks youthful paired with a neck and chest that show the signs of sun damage and photo-aging can make people look unnatural and done, said Dr. Dara Liotta, a plastic surgeon in New York. Its important to focus some energy on the neck and chest so you match. Since the problems of the neck and chest, like those of the face, are varied, doctors suggest layering multiple in-office treatments with at-home care. Following are recommendations for the most common complaints: Fade the Dark Spots After years of sun exposure, dark spots and broken capillaries can populate the chest. An intense pulsed light (also called broadband light), applied in a doctors office, can correct both. The light targets unwanted pigment, breaking it up so it can be absorbed by the body. Its superficial, requires little downtime and has a light collagen-building effect, Dr. Engelman said of the treatment. It is also less expensive (around $600) than the popular Fraxel lasers, which trigger the skins wound-healing response to stimulate collagen growth. Smooth the Crinkles Crinkly skin below the chin is caused primarily by sun damage leading to collagen loss. The sun hits directly on the chest and has a skin-thinning effect, said Dr. Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist in New York. Fortunately, this inevitable damage is treatable in a number of noninvasive ways. Lasers such as the Fraxel can be used safely on the neck and decolletage. Dr. Anne Chapas, a dermatologist in Manhattan, recently studied the effect of photodynamic therapy, a light treatment traditionally used for skin cancers, as a cosmetic option for the chest. Its a new take on a technology thats been used in the medical realm for a while, Dr. Chapas said. Theres improvement of the chest wrinkles, brown discolorations after three sessions. During the procedure, a photosensitive lotion containing aminolevulinic acid is applied to the skin and absorbed by only damaged cells. An intense pulsed light laser then activates the lotion. At around $600 a session, it, too, costs less than many laser treatments, which can be twice as much. I think she is one of the greatest actresses of a generation, Ms. Collins said of Ms. Streep. She has the right to say whatever she wants. And I think if you look at peoples faces in the audience, people went along with her. At the HBO party, Eddie Redmayne said he found Ms. Streeps speech incredibly emotional, but was so distracted by her presence in the audience while presenting the award for best musical or comedy that he almost forgot to read the nominees. He wouldnt say whether he thought Hollywood should take a page from Ms. Streep and speak out politically. The Bagger nabbed Bryan Cranston at the HBO party, too. Mr. Cranston, who has spoofed a Donald J. Trump presidency on Saturday Night Live, got a little misty just speaking about Ms. Streeps words. She was able to deliver an important message that resonated with all of us, with grace and dignity and no vitriol or hyperbole, he said, It was just beautifully delivered, to convey the anxiety that we are feeling, and the concern. In his speech, Mr. Cuomo thanked Mr. Schneiderman for his offices efforts in negotiating the settlement with Entergy. The agreement involves the withdrawal of the states challenges and is expected to clear the way for Entergy to renew the licenses with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Mr. Mohl said Entergy intended to shut one of the reactors by April 2020 and the other by April 2021. (A third reactor at Indian Point, the first to operate there, was shut down in 1974.) But he said the company planned to seek renewals of the licenses until 2024 and 2025 in case the operator of the states power grid determined that the plant must keep running longer to ensure reliability. Mr. Mohl disputed any suggestion that Entergy had been pressured into agreeing to the shutdown, repeatedly asserting in an interview that the decision was made for economic reasons. We certainly respect the governor, he said later at a news conference. Hes entitled to say what he wants to say. We know what the facts are, and the facts are we made this decision based on the economics of the plant. Entergy, which is based in New Orleans, has been withdrawing from nuclear power generation in the North and focusing on its regulated utility business in the South. Mr. Mohl said the company would provide incentives to the workers at Indian Point to stay on through the shutdown. The company will offer displaced workers the chance to relocate to one of the companys other facilities. State officials said the impact on ratepayers would be negligible, adding that the governors office had estimated that, at most, the proposed shutdown would add $3 a month to electric bills in the New York City area. Utility customers in the city already pay rates that are higher than anywhere in the United States, except Hawaii. James T. Slevin, the president of Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers Union of America, which represents about 350 workers at Indian Point, said: Indian Point provides clean, affordable energy in abundance, which helps stabilize rates for ratepayers. New Yorkers are going to get hit hard in their pocketbooks when this shakes out. For Najairee Davis, high school was synonymous with bouts of anger and frustration. She had the hallway fights, suspensions and detention to prove it. Early in Ms. Daviss high school career, her father was incarcerated on manslaughter charges. I was just angry, Ms. Davis, 18, recalled. I wouldnt talk to anybody. I wasnt feeling good about anything. Academics were no longer a priority; she shut everyone out. And if pressed on anything, she said, she would pick fights with classmates. Ms. Davis got a bad reputation at school, and said it was not long before teachers simply assumed she was to blame for any confrontation. Everyone else went unpunished, she said. Her principal at Frederick Douglass Academy in West Harlem suggested she might benefit from transferring to a different school, one designed for students who struggle in more traditional education settings. Her boyfriend had attended such a school, and compared the experience to being surrounded by a supportive family. If Mr. Cuomo ran for the White House someday, it would be a remarkable turnaround for a man whose career had been written off on more than one occasion, nearly succumbing to political miscalculations. It would also offer the intriguing story line of a sons fulfilling a mission endlessly contemplated, but never executed, by his father, former Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, who was also a Democrat. Political consultants note several factors in the governors favor, including his ability to raise money: Mr. Cuomo already has a re-election war chest of nearly $20 million. He has also shown a willingness to blast Washingtonian dysfunction and Trumpian values, announcing shortly after the election in a fund-raising email that as New Yorkers, we have fundamentally different philosophies than what Donald Trump laid out in his campaign, something he echoed in his remarks on Monday. Let the great State of New York serve as a safe harbor for our progressive principles and social justice that made America, the governor said. There are other possible pluses, strategists say, including his age, 59; his religious background as a Catholic, potentially popular in Rust Belt states; and his current occupation as governor, an executive-branch position that has allowed politicians to rack up resume-building accomplishments. The role, however, can come with unflattering headlines. Preet Bharara, the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, has twice investigated the governors office, and brought down two of Albanys most powerful politicians: the former State Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver and the former Senate majority leader Dean G. Skelos, both convicted of federal corruption charges in late 2015. While Mr. Cuomo has never been accused of any wrongdoing, Mr. Bharara indicted the governors closest aide, Joseph Percoco, in the fall as part of a wide-ranging bribery and bid-rigging investigation. Mr. Cuomo has repeatedly described himself as shocked and heartbroken by Mr. Percocos alleged actions, but a conviction could reflect badly on the governor, as could Albanys reputation for corrupt politics. PM Dahal yet to appoint VC at KU Even three days after five names were recommended for the post of vice-chancellor of Kathmandu University, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is in capacity of the chancellor of the varsity, is yet to pick one. Presidential elections have consequences, and this one will affect New York City more than any in recent memory. This isnt a comment on the candidates or the nationwide political tone, but on the simple fact that the winner of this election, Donald J. Trump, lives in New York City. And not just in New York City, but on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, home to one of the worlds densest concentrations of humanity and traffic bedlam. Fifth Avenues five lanes run past landmarks like the New York Public Library, the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, as well as numerous cathedrals of commerce, tourism and high-end retail. Because the avenue is such a popular destination, retail floor space there rents for $3,000 per square foot a year, the highest price in the world, more than double the cost of similar space along the Champs Elysees. It seems appropriate that gold is a popular color for building facades on Fifth. Fifth Avenue at 56th Street is the site of Mr. Trumps apartment in Trump Tower, which has rapidly turned into a fortress of Secret Service agents and heavily armed police officers surrounded by curious tourists, camera crews and protesters. They join the usual shoppers, workers and other pedestrians on what were already crowded sidewalks, and often spill into the street. This has significantly slowed traffic, and security concerns have forced the closing of side streets. While Mr. Trump has said he will move into the White House, his wife and youngest child plan to wait until at least the end of the school year. During the campaign, Mr. Trump was known for flying home late at night so that he could wake up in his own bed, and he has said that he plans to return to the city frequently. If he chooses to stay even part of the week in New York, Trump Tower will become a de facto presidential residence and seat of global power. (Ironically, that also happened to be the same day that a joint session of Congress performed its perfunctory duty of counting the Electoral College votes and verifying Trumps victory.) No sir, Mr. Trump, as is your wont, your assertions stretch well beyond your proof. An impact that cannot be measured is not the same as an impact that does not exist. The question isnt if but how much; not the existence of impact but the degree to which that impact was dispositive. The intelligence community did not say that the Russian hacking had no effect on the outcome of the election, but rather stated quite clearly: We did not make an assessment of the impact that Russian activities had on the outcome of the 2016 election. The U.S. Intelligence Community is charged with monitoring and assessing the intentions, capabilities, and actions of foreign actors; it does not analyze U.S. political processes or U.S. public opinion. You twist the truth like a string of yarn caught in a fan. But eventually, you and every citizen of this country must face the fact that you were not only elected but also installed, that your victory will be forever tangled up in the yellow tape of an international crime scene. No wonder then that you have systematically sought to denigrate all inquiry into this act of cyber warfare that the intelligence report called unprecedented. You have scorned our intelligence agencies you tweet intelligence in quotes the same way that we should eventually use quotes around the word president when it precedes your name and you have continued your assault on the press. On Friday, Trump told my colleague Michael Shear that the focus on the hacking amounted to a political witch hunt. Wrong again. Its a truth hunt. Furthermore, the only person subjected to a witch hunt in this election was named Hillary. To the Editor: Re Meryl Streeps Golden Globes Speech (nytimes.com, Jan. 9): I have not generally been an advocate of celebrities using award shows to make political statements, but given the threat to the character of our nation that we now face due to the nature and behavior of our incoming president, it was gratifying to see someone of the stature of Meryl Streep taking him to task for one example of his outrageous conduct, the mimicking of a reporter with a disability. Never content to let any perceived slight pass without engaging in a nuclear war of words, Mr. Trumps response to Ms. Streep was predictable. He sought to denigrate and diminish the acclaimed actress by characterizing her as one of the most over-rated in Hollywood and a Hillary flunky. He went on to assert that he did not mock someone with a disability, despite what we have seen with our own eyes. I do not imagine we will ever see tweets from our soon-to-be leader to address injustices in our country. Rather we can expect his undignified 140-characters-or-less means of communication to be engaged in simply to settle personal scores. To use his favorite words, Mr. Trump is a disaster. Sad. OREN SPIEGLER Upper St. Clair, Pa. To the Editor: When Meryl Streep won the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes on Sunday night, I dont recall seeing her political achievements in the video clip that preceded the presentation. Ms. Streep certainly deserved an award commemorating her stellar acting performances. MADISON, Wis. At least three times in the past six months, state legislators have threatened to cut the budget of the University of Wisconsin at Madison for teaching about homosexuality, gender and race. As a faculty member who focuses on how public organizations are managed, I hear a great deal about the dangers of political correctness in higher education. Several of Wisconsins elected officials have joined the growing chorus of demands for better protections for free speech on campus, even as they fail to recognize how their own politicized approach to managing campuses poses a much more fundamental risk to free speech. For example, Steve Nass, a state senator from Whitewater, has urged university leaders not to give way to the political correctness crowd demanding safe spaces, safe words, universal apologies for hurt feelings, and speech/thought police. But last July, Senator Nass also sent a letter to university leaders to complain about an offensive essay assignment on gay mens sexual preferences. A few days ago he said that a university program that explored masculinity declares war on men after asking, Will we have the courage to reform the U.W. system in the 2017-19 biennial budget? Senator Nass is not alone. A state representative heading a committee that oversees higher education asked for the cancellation of a course that examined white identity called The Problem of Whiteness and the dismissal of its instructor. The representative, Dave Murphy, said the course was adding to the polarization of the races in our state. If the university stands with this professor, I dont know how the university can expect the taxpayers to stand with U.W.-Madison. Mr. Murphy also promised to direct his staff to screen courses in the humanities to make sure theres legitimate education going on. These examples show whats being left out of a narrative about a crisis of campus speech that is becoming widely accepted. In this story, there is a battle between the traditional values of free speech and identity politics, with tolerance for disagreement being erased by an insistence on recognizing micro-aggressions, safe spaces and trigger warnings. Controversial speakers are heckled or disinvited. Greetings Earthlings! This is your planet and its moon as seen from Mars, some 127 million miles away. This composite image, which was released by NASA on Friday, was created using a special camera aboard the agencys Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which is a spacecraft orbiting about 180 miles above the red planet. The camera is called the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment. It provides scientists with detailed views of the Martian surface so they can better study geological features like its volcanoes and gullies, as well as scope out potential landing sites for future missions. Its the biggest telescope ever sent to another planet, said Alfred McEwen a planetary geologist at the University of Arizona and the principal investigator of HiRise. Dr. McEwen said that the image was taken while NASA researchers were trying to calibrate the camera. NASA knows precisely what color the moons near side is, so when it wants to calibrate HiRise, it points it at the moon and takes some images. NASA then analyzes the pictures and if the colors appear off it can correct the calibration. The moon is boring. It doesnt change, its relatively bland and it doesnt have all of these variations or changing clouds. Its a good calibration target, Dr. McEwen said. The Earth is a bad calibration target with all its variability like clouds and such, but it makes a pretty picture. For the first time, you dont have to be a member of the armed forces to see Blueprint Specials, a jaunty foray into a little-known footnote in American military history. A series of musicals intended to boost morale and entertain the troops during World War II, these forgotten shows (only four survive) have now been resurrected by the theater company Waterwell. The production which combines elements of all of the extant shows is being presented in association with (and on the hangar deck of) the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, as part of the Under the Radar festival. The title derives from the fact that after all the elements of the shows had been created songs (by Pvt. Frank Loesser, among others), choreography (by Pvt. Jose Limon, ditto) and book and designs they were packaged together with instructions on how regular G.I.s could assemble and perform them. The kits were sent to companies unreached by traditional U.S.O. shows. The new production, directed and adapted by Tom Ridgely, retains this informal, lets-put-on-a-show air, with simple sets and a spirited cast that includes professional performers notably the Broadway veterans Laura Osnes and Will Swenson alongside former and current members of the military. (We only see whos who when the servicemen and women wear their uniforms during the curtain call, while the others take their bows in mufti.) Pet health insurance is also much less common. More than 90 percent of Americans now have health insurance, an industry that has been with us since before World War II. But only 1 percent of dogs and cats are insured for pet care, a relatively new product. (According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, the first pet health insurance policy in the United States was written for Lassie, the TV dog star, in 1982.) So the economists focus turned to the commonalities. Human and pet health care are both provided by experts doctors and veterinarians whove undergone lengthy and expensive training and occupational licensing. That expertise commands high salaries. It also gives them the authority to recommend treatments and tests, the need for which most consumers cannot independently judge. You trust your vet as you would trust your doctor to do what is best, especially when an emotional decision is being made. Both human and pet health care are accompanied by strong emotions, making it hard to rationally weigh the value of options. Moreover, the need for care, whether it is for a pet or a human, is difficult to predict and often urgent, again threatening our ability and willingness to shop for the best deals. Technology plays a role, too. Complex procedures, new pharmaceuticals and high-tech imaging, which drive human health care spending, are no longer uncommon in pet care, increasing those costs. Though routine veterinary visits might cost pet owners only a couple of hundred dollars per year, a serious condition can be very expensive. A dogs kidney transplant can run $25,000, and a cats cancer treatment can cost $10,000 or more. Even if such high costs are extremely rare, it is not as uncommon for a pet owner to encounter a $2,000 to $4,000 bill at some point, particularly near the end of a pets life. It makes you think that the emotional nature of the treatment decision may be important in explaining high and sometimes heroic end-of-life health care spending, Ms. Finkelstein said, whether on your dog or on your mother. If emotions are in fact driving the higher spending, will it hasten the trend toward more pet insurance? The pet health insurance industry is growing, with total premium volume up about 17 percent in each of the last two years. Its one of the fastest-growing employee benefits; Delta Air Lines, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, U.P.S. and Xerox now offer it. The Cornerstone of Our Family Image Olga Woltering, 84, always had a beaming smile, the pastor at the Roman Catholic church she attended in Marietta, Ga., said. Credit... Reuters Olga Woltering, 84, regularly attended Mass with her husband, Ralph, at The Catholic Church of the Transfiguration in Marietta, Ga. She worked in various ministries affiliated with the church, where she and her husband had been members since 1978. The normal expression on her face? A beaming smile, her church pastor said. Father Fernando Molina-Restrepo, the pastor of the church, said there was a pall of sadness over his churchs 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday. The first pew on the left Mrs. Wolterings regular spot remained empty. He asked congregants to pray for the victims of the massacre, but to also to pray for people like the man accused of killing her, people who are walking in darkness. She was so joyful, Father Molina-Restrepo said of Mrs. Woltering on Sunday. Whenever you met her, she left you with this sense of joy and peace. She and her husband were married for 64 years and were setting out on a cruise to celebrate her husbands 90th birthday, he said. She was known as the church social butterfly who attended every dance. Good morning. (Want to get California Today by email? Heres the sign-up.) The rain is back, and it seems to be coming all at once. A band of dense, airborne moisture from the tropics known as an atmospheric river swirled into Northern California on Saturday and was expected to linger through Monday. In just 48 hours, the system dropped up to four inches of rain across much of the region, with as much as nine inches in the foothills and mountains, where warmer air meant snow fell only at the highest elevations. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Looking frail and meek, Esteban Santiago, the man accused of fatally shooting five people and wounding six others at the airport in this South Florida city three days ago, made a brief appearance on Monday in a federal courtroom here and was assigned a public defender because he cannot afford a lawyer. Shackled, bearded and wearing a red jumpsuit, Mr. Santiago, 26, an Iraq war veteran who grew up in Puerto Rico, took several deep breaths and jiggled his legs nervously as he waited for the judge. Federal marshals towered over him when he stood. Speaking with a slight Spanish accent, Mr. Santiago told Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle that he had $5 or $10 in his checking account, owned no property and had not held a job since November. That was the same month that he walked into an F.B.I. office in Alaska carrying an ammunition clip leaving a pistol and his infant son in his car to complain about a C.I.A. plot against him. F.B.I. agents called the local police, who took him to a psychiatric center where he spent a few days. Before November, Mr. Santiago said he had spent nearly three years working security for Signal 88 in Anchorage, Alaska, where he earned $2,100 a month. He also spent about 10 years in the Army, where he earned $15,000 a year in his last three years of service. Tika R Pradhan is a senior political correspondent for the Post, covering politics, parliament, judiciary and social affairs. Pradhan joined the Post in 2016 after working at The Himalayan Times for more than a decade. A police officer in Orlando, Fla., was shot and killed on Monday morning by a man wanted in the death of his pregnant former girlfriend, the authorities said. A manhunt was underway for the suspect. The officer, Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, 42, was shot near a Walmart after she approached Markeith Loyd, 41, who is suspected of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December, according to the Orlando Police Department and Orange County Sheriffs Office. The Orlando police chief, John W. Mina, describing the encounter with Sergeant Clayton, said at a news conference on Monday afternoon, As soon as she said, Stop, he basically opened fire on her. The suspect and the sergeant shot at each other, the police said, though the authorities said they did not believe that Mr. Loyd had been hit in the exchange. Sergeant Clayton died around 7:40 a.m. An Orange County sheriffs deputy spotted Mr. Loyd fleeing in Sergeant Claytons police vehicle, the authorities said. He pulled into an apartment complex, fired at the deputy who was not hurt and stole another vehicle, which was later found abandoned nearby, the police said. The Orlando Police Department family is heartbroken today, the department said on Twitter. It described Sergeant Clayton, a 17-year veteran of the force, as a hero who was deeply committed to the community and to police work. WASHINGTON Two years ago, Gen. John F. Kelly, then head of the United States Southern Command, delivered a dire warning to Congress: The nation was not focusing on the security threat presented by the financial and operational relationship between terrorist networks and drug smuggling organizations. Terrorist organizations could seek to leverage those same smuggling routes to move operatives with intent to cause grave harm to our citizens or even bring weapons of mass destruction into the United States, General Kelly said. Now General Kelly, 66, is President-elect Donald J. Trumps choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security, and his view of the threat to the southern border is likely to be the subject of questioning during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. The department, with a budget of more than $40 billion and more than 240,000 workers, is responsible for border security, immigration control, responding to natural disasters, cybersecurity and screening passengers at airports, among other duties. WASHINGTON The Obama administration has blacklisted five Russians, including the governments chief public investigator, who is a close aide to President Vladimir V. Putin, for human rights abuses, laying down a marker for President-elect Donald J. Trump less than two weeks before he takes office with a vow to thaw relations with Russia. The sanctions, announced Monday by the Treasury Department, are not related to allegations of Russian hacking during the presidential election, according to a senior administration official. But they carry symbolic weight at a charged moment, as likely the last visible act the United States will take against Russia before power is transferred in Washington. The biggest name added to the list is that of Aleksandr I. Bastrykin, who reports directly to Mr. Putin and has carried out political investigations on his behalf. Mr. Bastrykin, officials said, was complicit in the case of Sergei L. Magnitsky, a lawyer who died in detention in murky circumstances in November 2009 and for whom the Magnitsky Act was named. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Monday seemed deeply skeptical of a Colorado law that makes it hard for criminal defendants whose convictions are overturned to get refunds of the fines and restitution they had been ordered to pay. The justices were helped by the forthright presentation of the states solicitor general, Frederick R. Yarger, who did not shy away from the more extreme implications of his argument. Money taken from defendants after valid convictions belongs to the state, he said. A Colorado law requires people cleared by the courts to file separate civil suits and prove their innocence with clear and convincing evidence in order to obtain reimbursement. But Mr. Yarger said the state was under no obligation to do even that much. He said the state was not only free to impose onerous procedures, but could also enact a law making exonerated defendants forfeit the money entirely. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. asked if the state could impose a $10,000 fine on everyone convicted of a crime and refuse to return the money if the convictions were later overturned. WASHINGTON United States Special Operations forces carried out a ground raid that killed an Islamic State leader in eastern Syria on Sunday, the Pentagon said, underscoring how the military is using risky commando missions and not just airstrikes to battle the militants. A Defense Department spokesman, Capt. Jeff Davis, confirmed on Monday that the operation had occurred. But he dismissed a report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group based in London, that about 25 fighters had been killed in a two-hour raid in al-Kubar, a village in Deir al-Zour Province. Captain Davis said that figure overstated the casualties by orders of magnitude, but he declined to say how many militants had been killed. He said no fighters had been detained in the operation, which did not involve rescuing any hostages, contrary to what some news reports indicated earlier on Monday. A senior Defense Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of the operation, said the target of the raid was a midlevel Islamic State leader the American commandos were trying to capture and interrogate. But when the helicopter-borne commandos intercepted the vehicle carrying the leader, a firefight broke out and the suspect and another person in the car were killed. No Americans were injured. CAIRO Gunmen assaulted a police checkpoint in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt on Monday, killing at least nine people and wounding 12, an Egyptian police spokesman said, and Islamic State militants were suspected to be behind it. The complex attack, which the police said involved rocket-propelled grenades and rifle fire as well as a failed attempt to ram the checkpoint with a truck bomb, was one of the largest in Sinai in recent months. The attack came a month after the bombing of a Cairo church that killed at least 28 worshipers. Islamist militants, most affiliated with the Islamic State, have been pressing a twin-pronged war in Egypt, attacking the security forces in remote Sinai while striking civilian and police targets in major cities. About 20 masked militants, some wearing military fatigues, were involved in Mondays assault in El Arish, the main town in northern Sinai, said Tarek Attiya, a police spokesman. Initially, some used rocket-propelled grenades, the police said. GOIANIA, Brazil On a recent visit to Goiania, a bustling city noted for its sway in Brazils farm belt, I didnt expect to stumble across Art Deco gems. But there they were, amid spacious parks, plazas and tree-lined avenues: a train station, a theater, a palace, some government buildings. Yet that grandeur from the 1930s when Goiania was founded as an example of forward-looking cosmopolitanism in Brazils hinterland has faded. Landmark buildings have been torn down to make way for nondescript towers, and graffiti envelops many structures. Image Motorists pass a gazebo in Goiania, which was founded as an outpost of cosmopolitanism in the 1930s. Credit... Simon Romero/The New York Times Some Brazilians write off Goiania, far from Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as their version of Midwestern flyover country. But farming and ranching generates much of the countrys wealth and influences Brazilian culture these days, even if the region sometimes neglects its own complex and sophisticated history. Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre, a spokeswoman for the Paris prosecutors office, said the arrests had been made at 6 a.m. Monday in Grasse, and in Paris and the surrounding region, including the quiet suburbs of Vincennes and Le Raincy. The police seized at least one firearm and large sums of cash, Ms. Thibault-Lecuivre said, without giving specific amounts. She did not identify the suspects and could not say for certain whether the people who actually carried out the robbery were among them. But she said that the suspects appeared to be part of an experienced group with connections to organized crime, and that most of them had previous convictions for drug trafficking or aggravated theft. The oldest suspect, who is 72, also had a conviction for counterfeiting, she said. The suspects ages echoed a case in Britain in which several men in their 60s and 70s experienced thieves with long criminal records were convicted of stealing $20 million in gold, jewelry and gems. The Kardashian West robbery took place in the early hours of Oct. 3, when five people wearing balaclavas burst into a luxury residence where Ms. Kardashian West was staying during Fashion Week. Her bodyguard was absent at the time. The assailants held her at gunpoint, tied her up in the bathroom and took jewelry worth at least $9 million, along with cellphones and a wallet, before fleeing on bicycles or on foot. Pope Francis encouraged women attending Mass at the Sistine Chapel on Sunday to breast-feed in public, telling them they could calm their crying babies by nursing them just as the Virgin Mary nursed the baby Jesus. The comments, which were reported by Vatican Radio, came as the pontiff baptized 28 babies at the Vatican. When the infants began, one after the other, to cry the pope joked to their parents that Jesus first sermon was the sound of him wailing in the manger at Bethlehem. According to a Vatican Radio correspondent, Philippa Hitchen: As the sounds of crying grew louder, the pope joked that the concert had begun. The babies are crying, he said, because they are in an unfamiliar place, or because they had to get up early, or sometimes simply because they hear another child crying. Jesus did just the same, Pope Francis said, adding that he liked to think of Our Lords first sermon as his crying in the stable. And if your children are crying because they are hungry, the pope told the mothers present, then go ahead and feed them, just as Mary breast-fed Jesus. This is not the first time that the pope has supported a womans right to breast-feed in public or in the Sistine Chapel, an ornate room decorated by Michelangelo where popes are elected in closed-door conclaves. Two years ago, as he baptized 33 babies at the same ceremony, Pope Francis encouraged mothers to nurse their crying infants, using the Italian word for breast-feed, allattateli, according to Reuters. DUBLIN The top Catholic official in Northern Irelands power-sharing government abruptly resigned on Monday, plunging the territory into political uncertainty and adding to Britains complications as it plans to leave the European Union. The official, Martin McGuinness, stepped down as deputy first minister to protest what he called the mishandling of a program that subsidizes the use of renewable energy to heat buildings. Mr. McGuinness said he would not nominate a replacement, a decision that effectively sets off an election for the Northern Ireland Assembly, as it will end the current power-sharing agreement between Mr. McGuinnesss Catholic Sinn Fein party and the Democratic Unionist Party, which represents Protestants and is led by Arlene Foster, the first minister. Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to the decades-long sectarian strife known as the Troubles, Catholics and Protestants share governance of the region, along with the British government. Rebuilding of earthquake-hit schools in limbo A majority of the earthquake-hit schools in Dhading are still running their classes from under tents and huts because of the delay in reconstruction of school buildings. TEHRAN The hunger strike, a pressure tactic of self-starvation used by political protesters around the world, is forcing Irans powerful judiciary to reconsider the conditions of at least one of its inmates after several started fasts that are leading to widespread support on social media. The exact number of hunger strikers in Iranian prisons is unclear, but according to human rights organizations and reports in local media outlets, seven inmates, sentenced for crimes against the state, have refused to eat for intervals ranging from several weeks to more than two months. Their backgrounds vary, but they include an antigovernment protester, a childrens rights activist, an ayatollah, a spiritual leader and a Lebanese computer technology specialist convicted of espionage. It is not possible to verify their conditions because of restrictions preventing foreign reporters from visiting Iranian prisons without permission. While some members of Irans Parliament have said on their social media accounts that they are investigating the reports, other officials have dismissed the hunger strikes as plots organized by foreign opposition groups. Conservative critics further argue that the extensive support for the hunger strikers seen on social media networks is an exaggeration created by automated messages. One of the inmates, Arash Sadeghi, stopped his strike last Tuesday, after the judiciary met his demand to temporarily release his imprisoned wife. She was transferred back to prison on Saturday, said the couples lawyer, Amir Raeesian. Refusing to eat to protest conditions in prison is illegal in Iran, but is not uncommon. However, the number of inmates now simultaneously fasting, in combination with a large social media campaign, is unusual in the country. It also providing a publicity platform for those in prison, Iranian analysts say. The success is clearly motivating others to join, said Nader Karimi Joni, a journalist close to the reformist factions in Iran. Two of the hunger strikers, Mr. Sadeghi and Ali Shariati, have been convicted of crimes against the state charges that by Western standards would make them political prisoners. They went for nearly 70 days without food, advocates say, surviving on water and salts. Mr. Sadeghi received a 15-year sentence last year for offenses like provoking protest gatherings, conniving with counterrevolutionaries against the system, making propaganda against the system, insulting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and insulting the sharia, his lawyer, Mr. Raeesian, said. The system is an Iranian ideological term for the countrys political establishment: a coterie of clerics, commanders and revolutionary comrades. Mr. Sadeghis sentence is lengthy even by Iranian standards, and reflects what rights activists regard as a new trend in which relatively unknown offenders receive long sentences, often as a warning to others. He began his fast on Oct. 24 after his wife, Golrokh Ebrahimi-Iraee, started serving a six-year prison term for an unpublished story found on her private computer about a woman watching a film about a stoning and burning a Quran in anger afterward. She was convicted on blasphemy charges. Mr. Shariati, 30, is serving a five-year sentence for his involvement in a 2014 protest supporting the female victims of acid attacks. He is demanding to be released. Their ordeals have galvanized supporters to highlight the hunger strikes on messaging platforms, using hashtags like #savearash and #sosali. Both became worldwide trending topics on Twitter. The use of the hunger strike in Iran has in some ways put the government in an embarrassing position, as it exalted the Northern Ireland hunger strikers who once vexed the British. The embassy of Britain in Tehran is on Bobby Sands Street, renamed for the Provisional I.R.A. member who was imprisoned in Northern Ireland and died in 1981 after refusing to eat for 66 days. A man who admitted changing the Hollywood sign to Hollyweed has turned himself in to the authorities. Zachary Cole Fernandez, a 30-year-old artist, surrendered on Monday with his lawyer at his side, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He was booked on a misdemeanor trespassing charge and released on bail. The sign was changed about 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, when two Os were partly obscured by sheets and turned into Es. It remained that way throughout the morning before the sign was restored. In a phone interview, Mr. Fernandez said he considered the results more of an art installation than a prank. The downstairs lobby of the Abrons Arts Center on the Lower East Side is a gray, unglamorous space. But on Sunday night, the voguer Jason Anthony Rodriguez, known as Slim Ninja, strutted in as if it were a catwalk, parting the crowd that had gathered there with a sweep of his arms, then striking pose after steely-eyed pose. It was an electric performance for those who could see it, at least. The place was packed, wall to wall, with many of the audience members, who had come to see NiJa Whitsons A Meditation on Tongues as part of the American Realness festival, stranded on the stairs leading down to the lobby. Shouts of We cant see anything! and Work! Even though we cant see you! could be heard over the pulsing music. The scene captured some of the best and worst aspects of American Realness, the festival of contemporary performance that takes over the Abrons each January: on the one hand, irresistible dancing grounded in smart, subversive choices; on the other, a sense of complicated work too hastily assembled. While some artists may deliberately play with invisibility and obfuscation, the site-specific opening of Meditation first the vogueing solo; then some related vignettes in a long, dark hallway seemed intended to be fully seen. Yet both nights that I attended, seeing proved difficult. 1. President Obama delivered a nostalgic but hopeful farewell address to the nation from a convention center in Chicago. He warned the nation not to shrink from the challenges of economic inequality, racial strife, political isolation and voter apathy. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing, Mr. Obama, a one-time political organizer, told the cheering crowd. If youre disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Persevere. Valeant Pharmaceuticals Internationals failed strategy had a grain of sense at its center. Drug makers spend over $50 billion a year on research and development, but the payoff keeps declining. Valeant tried to address the problem by acquiring companies, slashing research outlays and jacking up prices to keep the top line growing. But its aggressive approach backfired. The projected return for the dozen biggest-spending companies a group that includes Merck, Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline has declined to less than 4 percent last year from 10 percent in 2010, according to a report this month by Deloitte. The consultancy compared estimated future cash flows from new drugs with total expenditure on developing and licensing late-stage medicines. Both numbers are going the wrong way for the industry. The projected peak annual revenue for a typical new drug has declined to under $400 million less than half what it was in 2010. And the associated development cost has risen by about 30 percent over the same period to $1.5 billion, according to Deloitte. Rich veins like treatments for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases have largely been worked over. Remaining gold mines are harder to tap, perhaps because many involve less understood science in areas such as neurology. Eli Lillys recent failure with an Alzheimers treatment it spent about $1 billion developing shows the risk. Niche diseases offer easier pickings, but these markets are smaller. Big pharmas growth in earnings per share has slipped to less than 3 percent a year over the last five years, according to Thomson Reuters Eikon. According to the letter in Ms. Huddys case, her lawyers said that Mr. OReilly began sexually harassing her in 2011. She started her career at Fox News in 1998 as a reporter based in Miami and went on to be a host of a syndicated morning show in New York that was canceled in 2009. In the months afterward, Ms. Huddy tried to find a landing place at the network and appeared as a guest on Mr. OReillys show. Ms. Huddys father, John Huddy Sr., who was a confidant of Mr. Ailes and a consultant to Fox News, left the network in July. Her brother, John Huddy Jr., continues to work there as a correspondent based in Jerusalem. In January 2011, Mr. OReilly invited Ms. Huddy to lunch near his multimillion-dollar home in Manhasset on Long Island, according to the letter. After lunch, he drove her back to his home, where he showed her every room, including his bedroom, and his collection of presidential memorabilia. To shock and disgust, as Ms. Huddy was saying goodbye to Mr. OReilly, he quickly moved in and kissed her on the lips, the letter said. Ms. Huddy was so taken aback and repulsed that she instinctively recoiled and actually fell to the ground. Mr. OReilly, looking amused, did not even help Ms. Huddy up. The next week, Mr. OReilly asked her to join him for dinner at the Harvard Club, followed by a Broadway show, according to the letter and to current and former Fox News employees. Ms. Huddy was not interested in having a romantic relationship with Mr. OReilly but, the letter said, she felt compelled to comply with Mr. OReillys request, given that he had total control over her work assignment. During the Broadway show, according to the letter, Mr. OReilly moved close to Ms. Huddy in a way that made her feel uncomfortable. He tried to hold her hand, but she pulled it away. Then he dropped a key to the room at a Midtown Manhattan hotel he was staying at into her lap, and told her to meet him there after the show. He stood up and left, the letter said. But this is a regime, he added, that says you are allowed to call it a surcharge, you just cant call it a discount. Some of the more conservative justices saw a threat to free speech. They are forcing the merchant to speak in a particular way, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy seemed to agree. Its a matter of how the pricing structure is communicated in the speech, he said. Steven C. Wu, a lawyer for the state, said it was free to require merchants not to exceed an announced price. The First Amendment doesnt prohibit the state from using a previously conveyed price as a baseline for a price regulation, he said. Much of the argument concerned a semantic and psychological puzzle. As an economic matter, the prohibited surcharges and permitted discounts are identical. But as a matter of behavioral science, people resist the former and embrace the latter. A discount and a surcharge are the same thing economically, Justice Breyer said. But we live in a world in which not everyone is an economist. Eric J. Feigin, a lawyer for the federal government, said the New York law would not violate the First Amendment if it barred a deli from saying that it charges credit card users a little more. The hypothetical example came from a brief in the case, which posed the question of whether it would violate the law to charge $10 for a pastrami sandwich, adding a 20 cent surcharge for using a credit card. According to two people briefed on the settlement, Volkswagen is expected to plead guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate the Clean Air Act, customs violations, and obstruction of justice. The people could not talk publicly about the deal because it was not yet final. Many of the 600,000 cars in the United States equipped with the emissions-cheating software were imported from Germany or Mexico. The $4.3 billion in fines covers criminal and civil aspects of the governments case, including environmental and customs-related penalties. The fines would bring the total cost of the scandal to Volkswagen in the United States to $20 billion, including settlements of civil suits by car owners, certainly one of the most costly corporate scandals in history. The details of the deal, which requires the approval of the companys management and supervisory boards, were provided by Volkswagen in a financial disclosure on Tuesday. Volkswagen said in the disclosure that money it had set aside for scandal-related costs would be insufficient to cover the latest agreement. A vote on the matter could come on Wednesday. The Justice Department declined to comment. Regulators in the United States began investigating Volkswagen in early 2014 after a study by West Virginia University showed that its diesel cars polluted far more on the road than during official emissions tests. Company executives knew that the cars were programmed to recognize when they were being tested and to deliver exemplary pollution readings, according to investigators. Rather than admit wrongdoing, Volkswagen representatives provided false and misleading information for more than a year to the California Air Resources Board and the Environmental Protection Agency. Headliner MAISON PICKLE Jacob Hadjigeorgis is expanding his pickling of the Upper West Side. Five years ago, he established Jacobs Pickles, serving cured vegetables alongside beer and Southern comfort fare like biscuit sandwiches. Now, about a block away, his new place also serves pickles, but they take a back seat to several iterations of the French dip sandwich, a nearly 100-year-old Los Angeles classic made with roast beef on a hero roll, and pan juices (au jus) for dipping on the side. Cocktails, instead of beer, are suggested alongside. All of this is happening in the former Ouest space, a neighborhood favorite that closed in 2015. In fact, one of the chefs, Harold Villarosa, is a Ouest alum. (Glenroy Brown is the executive chef.) In addition to the sandwiches, there will be a more substantial menu than the one that draws a young crowd at Jacobs Pickles, with dishes like chicken livers on toast with gravy, clams casino with bone marrow, salads, steaks and flounder Rockefeller for two. The main dining rooms leather banquettes are now straight, not curved. (Opens Saturday): 2315 Broadway (84th Street), 212-496-9100, maisonpickle.com. Opening BABETHS FEAST The high-end purveyor of chef-prepared frozen food established on the Upper East Side in 2014 now has a branch with a difference. There is a counter at the entrance with six seats for breakfast, lunch and dinner, permitting customers to try before they buy. The idea is to tempt on the spot with dishes like beef bourguignon, fish curry or coq au vin, served with a side dish, $10.99: 309 Amsterdam Avenue (75th Street), 347-482-0369, babeths.com. HANOI HOUSE A lengthy stop in Vietnam during a world trip inspired Sara Leveen and Ben Lowell, both of whom worked for Starr Restaurants, to open their first establishment, serving classics like pomelo salad, nem ran crab and pork rolls, Hanoi-style pho bac soup with beef and noodles, and platters of cha ca fish seasoned with turmeric and herbs. The chef, John Nguyen, whose background is Vietnamese and who also worked for Starr, has done some tweaking, creating a banh mi sandwich on brioche with uni. The room, with half the seats at the bar and at high-top tables, is accented with vintage finds. (Wednesday): 119 St. Marks Place (First Avenue), 212-995-5010, hanoihousenyc.com. JOJU BOWL This downstairs addition to JoJu, a Vietnamese sandwich shop, serves rice bowls that come with pickles and vegetables and a choice of assorted toppings and sauces: 83-25 Broadway (Dongan Avenue), Elmhurst, Queens, 929-208-2470, jojuny.com. Any adventurous eater who has wandered into the woods of modern Nordic cuisine has probably tripped over a loaf of rye bread. There is wonderfully chewy rugbrod at Great Northern Food Hall in Grand Central Terminal, spice-scented Swedish limpa at Plaj in San Francisco, and darkly rugged toast at Bachelor Farmer in Minneapolis. But none of it is the rye bread that most Americans know. Unlike a smooth, ivory-crumbed, faintly tangy loaf the bread that clasps the ideal pastrami sandwich together rye breads from Scandinavia and other parts of Northern Europe are bumpy, nutty and fragrant. They can be as dark as chocolate cake and as spicy as gingerbread. They are often powerfully sour and even more powerfully delicious. Riding a wave of interest in ancient grains, rye is sprouting in many influential kitchens in pasta, porridge, brownies and, most gratifyingly, in bread. Rugbrod is like wine in France or olive oil in Italy, said Claus Meyer, the owner of Great Northern Food Hall and several new Nordic food enterprises in New York. He is also a founder of Noma in Copenhagen, a chef and a bread evangelist. It is more than food, he said. It is history. It is culture, and agriculture. Soil conservation officer found hanging in Chitwan Chief of Soil Conservation Office, Syangja, Kamal Prasad Gautam, was found dead at a forest in Ramnagar, Chitwan on Monday night. While she achieved a good deal of recognition in her lifetime, Elizabeth Murray, the subject of this fine yet too-short documentary, remains an American artist who hasnt quite gotten her due. One hopes Everybody Knows ... Elizabeth Murray changes that at least a little. This cogent, fascinating portrait of the artist, who died in 2007 at 66, was made over several years by Kristi Zea, best known for her work as a production designer on notable films directed by Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Demme (among them Goodfellas and The Silence of the Lambs). The movie shows the great variety of Murrays always vivid, colorful work, and culminates with a triumph not just for Murray but also, as the film takes pains to point out, for women in American art: a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art. (An exhibition of her work is at the gallery Canada through Jan. 29.) Murray comes across as personable, friendly, extremely thoughtful and wholly admirable. The movie, perhaps without intending to, demonstrates that one neednt be a prickly person to be a wonderful artist. Meryl Streep, reading from Murrays journals, does well communicating her emotional and intellectual acuity. While remaining upbeat about the artists legacy, Everybody Knows is underscored by a sense of just how much the art world lost when Murray left it. This brief feature is accompanied at Film Forum by a 30-minute short, The 100 Years Show, a lively look at the Cuban-born artist Carmen Herrera, an art-world discovery as she approached her centenary. Now 101, she finally received a solo exhibition at a major New York museum (the Whitney Museum of American Art) last year. The commander of a Brooklyn police precinct has apologized for remarks he made to the media and at a local community meeting last week in which he played down a recent surge in rapes in his neighborhood, saying most were date rapes, not true stranger rapes. In a post on Twitter on Monday afternoon, Capt. Peter R. Rose of the 94th Precinct in Greenpoint said, I deeply regret the statements I made last week about rape, adding that his comments were not meant to minimize the seriousness of sexual assault. Every rape whether it is perpetrated by a stranger or someone known to them is fully investigated, Captain Rose wrote. We make no distinction in our response. The apology came days after the officer was quoted in an article on the local news website DNAinfo.com about an increase of sexual violence in the neighborhood of Greenpoint, where there were eight reported attacks or attempted attacks in 2015 and 13 last year. Of last years cases, three led to arrests, but 10 including two allegedly by taxi drivers on young female passengers remain unsolved. The JetBlue flight, which had been scheduled to depart around 1:40 p.m. Monday, did not take off until about 8 p.m., after delays. During the delay, Mr. DAmato stood in the aisle and urged other passengers to walk out with him, according to video of the episode. We can still speak in this country, Mr. DAmato said in the video. I am making an appeal to all you people. Stand up for whats right and walk out with me. At least one unidentified passenger stood to join him. Im going, he said. It is not exactly clear what prompted Mr. DAmatos response. The crew was trying to move passengers to address a weight imbalance, an airline spokesman said. A passenger, Jeffrey A. Wurst, said that the planes captain explained that about 10 people needed to move to the back of the plane from the front to balance how the cargo had been loaded. I saw Al DAmato go to the back, to one of the last rows, Mr. Wurst said. People spotted him and asked to take pictures. The captain then asked for more people to move. DAmato gets up and starts shouting, he said. Eventually, the police were called. An officer from the Broward County Sheriffs Office can be seen walking toward Mr. DAmato in the video. Mr. DAmato seems to refer to the issue with the seats, speaking during an announcement that the plane would take off once everyone was seated. Mr. Spires is one of the hundreds of gay former military personnel who have been emboldened by the 2010 repeal of the United States militarys Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy, which prohibited gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military. In 2011, the federal government allowed changes to veterans military records, some of which had been labeled undesirable or other than honorable. The incentives for doing so were sometimes financial. Such designations could make it difficult for the men and women who had served to get employment, loans or access to veterans benefits. But there was another, more important reason. The respect factor, said Matt Thorn, an executive director at OutServe-Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which helps veterans with the application process needed to reverse such designations. I served my country honorably; I want that respect. And they should have that. Mr. Thorn said many go through an application process that can take up to 18 months. But for Mr. Spires, who recently recovered from pneumonia, it took years of effort that will now allow him to have a burial, when the time comes, with military honors. I have to quietly go back into my shell now, he said. Because I am 91 years old, and my health is not all it should be. I cant take on jobs that require energy because I dont have it anymore, but I had it long enough to fight the G.D. Air Force and win, he said. Its quite offensive, he said. Its a form of conquest. Mr. Van Dunk, 54, a Brooklyn woodworker who is active in Native American issues, pointed out that, if such a transaction had taken place, the Lenape might have meant it as a good-will exchange for sharing the land, and not as transferring ownership, especially because the tribe did not believe anyone could own land or water. The Lenape tried to embrace and share, Mr. Van Dunk said. And in return, they got everything taken, even their lives. Now, of course, Manhattan whose name comes from the Lenape tongue, meaning roughly the land of many hills has been developed to the hilt into a center of global commerce. Manhattan is a capitalist rock; this is a quiet protest against that, Mr. Bourgeois said of his gift. Im giving it back to whom the land was stolen from, and thats really a joyful event. Mr. Bourgeois, a longtime Greenwich Village resident and an architectural historian, is a son of the sculptor Louise Bourgeois, who died in 2010. His large inheritance, from the proceeds of her art, has financed his activism, which is aimed at social and environmental causes. Mr. Bourgeois said that he bought the building, 392 West Street, in 2006 for $2.2 million, and that it had probably appreciated in value to about $4 million. With three floors and less than 3,000 square feet, it is one of the last wood-frame buildings along the Hudson waterfront. The police came to the door on the familys cleaning day. Julio Reyes, then 13, remembers that the apartment was spotless; his mother was a stickler for cleanliness. After the authorities forced their way into the Lower East Side home, they scoured the place looking for drugs. Furniture was flipped over, clothing tossed around, debris strewn everywhere, and somehow the toilet ended up broken. I was like, Really? We just cleaned, said Mr. Reyes, now 21, recalling the day, which ended with him being placed in foster care. He and a brother eventually ended up in the custody of an aunt who had raised Mr. Reyes until he was 4. Though he called her tia, Spanish for aunt, he considered her a mother. He took on adult responsibilities and was like a parent to many of his siblings. To the Editor: Re A Bond Over Bucking the Establishment (front page, Jan. 9): It is rare for our organization to take a position on attorney general nominees. However, we could not stay silent here. Senator Jeff Sessions has a record that has demonstrated long and consistent hostility to civil rights. His opposition to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, resistance to reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and description of the Voting Rights Act as an intrusive piece of legislation make clear that he will not be entrusted to enforce federal civil rights laws. Moreover, his opposition to the use of consent decrees agreements that local governments reach with the Justice Department to make reforms means that eight years of effort to address unconstitutional policing practices across the country stands to be unraveled. The same issues that led the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject his nomination for a federal judgeship in 1986 remain, and have only been reinforced by a more recent record of opposition to civil rights. Our nation needs strong leadership at the helm of the Justice Department now more than ever. The dominant issues at Wednesdays hearing on the nomination of Rex Tillerson, the former chief executive of Exxon Mobil, for secretary of state are likely to be Mr. Tillersons ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin and any potential conflicts of interest arising from Exxons extensive global operations. But members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will be sadly delinquent if they do not press him on the issue of climate change. Mr. Tillerson, who concedes that climate change is a problem, has been seen as a bright spot in the bleak lineup of climate deniers that Donald Trump has named to other cabinet positions. But thats a very low bar, and if Mr. Tillerson has any hope of raising the issue to the prominence it deserves, and changing the mind of a president-elect who has already called global warming a hoax, he will have to be tough and tenacious. And he wont be unless he really cares. It will fall to the committees Democrats in particular people like Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Tom Udall of New Mexico to try to find out whether he does, for at least two reasons. One is that the secretary of state will be pivotal in maintaining Americas leadership role in the worldwide effort to reduce greenhouse gases an effort that reached an important milestone in the global agreement in Paris a little over a year ago when 195 countries agreed to join in keeping global temperature increases below dangerous levels. That agreement would not have been possible without the extraordinary diplomatic labors of John Kerry, the person Mr. Tillerson is nominated to replace, and also a person who saw climate change as a supremely important issue and put it near the top of his agenda. The second reason to gauge the level of Mr. Tillersons interest is that he is a career employee of an industry whose main products, oil and natural gas, contribute mightily to global carbon emissions and whose interest in regulating those emissions has been close to zero. Flash forward to the Golden Globes Monday night, when the actor Meryl Streep raised the incident anew, slamming Trump for his behavior and saying she was heartbroken to think that a man who mocks the disabled just to get a laugh is about to be the next president. Image Donald J. Trump, campaigning in 2015 when he made fun of a disabled reporter. Credit... Reuters This time, however, The Times adopted more of a he-said-she-said approach when it described Trumps remarks at the rally. In its main story of Streeps speech, it referred to Trump appearing to mock a disabled reporter at The Times. And it wrote a separate story on Trumps reaction to Streeps remarks, in which Trump insisted in an interview with The Times once more that he was not mocking Kovaleski, but merely imitating a flustered reporter who was trying to back away from a story he had written. Nowhere in its news coverage Monday did The Times challenge the truthfulness of Trumps account. It let Streep give her version (that he was mocking a disabled reporter) and Trump give his (that he wasnt). As it turns out, the facts align more closely with Streeps account, as most anyone who looks at the video would see. Whats more, the rest of Trumps contention that he had never met Kovaleski, and that the reporter had been trying to walk back a story are simply not true. The Timess own reporting shows this, as does that of other news outlets. Around the world, the populations of bees, butterflies and other insects that promote plant growth are crashing, a threat not only to biodiversity but also to the global food supply. A study last year from a group associated with the United Nations warned that an increasing number of species that aid the growth of hundreds of billions of dollars worth of food each year face extinction. Obviously, its sad that anything has to get on the endangered list, but this really provides a great opportunity, said Dennis vanEngelsdorp of the University of Maryland, a bee expert who applauded the governments decision. When youre talking about saving the bumblebees, what youre really talking about is saving the community. The kinds of measures that could protect the rusty-patched bumblebee could help many other pollinators, as well, by restoring habitats and food sources and restricting the use of pesticides especially nicotine-based insecticides that have been linked to the decline in bee species. Such measures are especially important with native bumblebees, Dr. vanEngelsdorp noted, as opposed to honeybees, which are maintained in large colonies and trucked around the country for commercial pollination. The service is reviewing three other species of bees to determine whether they ought to be listed as endangered as well: Franklins bumblebee, the western bumblebee and the yellow-banded bumblebee. When a species is listed as endangered, the Fish and Wildlife Service is required to design a recovery plan, which is often carried out by other agencies, nongovernmental organizations, universities and tribes. Other federal agencies have to check that their actions will not hurt an endangered species or its habitat, particularly when it comes to land use planning. Bumblebees are particularly effective pollinators because, though they seem to prefer native flowers, they will pollinate pretty much anything and can fly in lower temperatures and lower light conditions than many other insects. They also use the technique of buzz pollination, in which they grab the pollen-producing part of the flower in their jaws and vibrate their wings, shaking the pollen loose, a process that seems to benefit plants like tomatoes, peppers and cranberries, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Stakeholders demand effective mechanism to curb gold smuggling through TIA Stakeholders on Tuesday expressed the need on enforcing effective mechanism on growing gold smuggling through Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). A White House road map for federally funded climate research has for the first time recommended research into geoengineering, the concept of intervening in nature to slow or reverse global warming. The document, an update of a report that lays out a plan for climate-related research at 13 federal agencies until 2021, calls for studies related to the two most-discussed approaches to geoengineering: distributing chemicals in the atmosphere to reflect more heat-producing sunlight away from the earth, and removing carbon dioxide from the air so the atmosphere traps less heat. The report was submitted to Congress this week by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which was established in 1990 and is overseen by the executive branch. The program, the report notes, provides insight into the science needed to understand potential pathways for climate intervention or geoengineering and the possible consequences of any such measures, both intended and unintended. Inside the North London apartment of the event designer Fiona Leahy, even at midday, the hearth is ablaze, candles are lit and the heady scent of frankincense lingers in the air. I always like my house to smell like a big old church, says Leahy, who over the last decade has been employed by everyone from Christian Dior to Aerin Lauder to conjure experiences with that most intangible of commodities atmosphere. The fragrance, the fire and the notable smattering of crystals are all part of a wellness routine that Leahy has evolved to better cope with the intensity of producing some of the fashion worlds most standout parties. Working in events is like being flung off a cliff, says the Irish native. When you go live, everything has to be absolutely perfect. Getting everything together takes a lot of energy. Theres a definite comedown from that. Leahys post-party decompression technique includes massage, meditation and the occasional glass of biodynamic wine. What I do for work is quite hedonistic, says Leahy, who began meditating about two years ago. You need to offset that, and Id rather do that by surrounding myself with crystals and incense than by relying solely on alcohol. One recent self-investment is her Biomat, a device filled with heat-conductive amethyst thats said to aid relaxation. Its like my magic carpet, she says. The heat goes right through the body, and it totally transports you. Before embarking on a guided meditation by Terrence the Teacher or Donna DCruz (perfect, she says, for those whose natural compulsion is not to just wake up and meditate), Leahy will light a fire and some candles, burn incense and grab one of numerous crystals to set the mood. Leahy spent the holidays at a smartphone-free Thai meditation retreat reading therapeutic self-improvement books from the School of Life series. Wellness is about more than just massage and green juice, she says. Its about living well, reading well, thinking well and carving out time for yourself. The trip inspired her to work less, and be more this year. Though somehow that seems unlikely: She has plans to launch an online emporium for life-enhancing home goods (everything from incense to crystals to notecards) and is in the throes of pulling together a series of soirees for London Fashion Week. Her most imminent manifestation, though, is hosting a sound bath, in which friends are invited to bathe in the meditative hum of gongs, an experience she likens to an internal massage. Not that all of Leahys happy-making pursuits happen on a higher plane: Im not saying I dont dance on the tables or drink too many margaritas, she smiles. Thats good for you too. Last summer, The New York Times published a story on what President Obama does after hours. It recounted that he works on speeches, answers nightly letters from 10 Americans, and eats seven lightly-salted almonds which incited an outsize response that caused Obama to explain that while he does enjoy almonds, he doesnt eat exactly seven every night. In the same story about Obamas evening routine, the current mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, recalled the dream that he and Obama would often joke about: opening a T-shirt shack in Hawaii, where they would sell only sell one size (medium) and one color (white) to no longer have to make another job-related decision. I read that and something just clicked, says the writer, artist and T contributor Emily Spivack, who brings a version of his dream to life this week. I cant begin to fathom the kind of stress the president deals with every day, Spivack says, but everyone suffers decision-making fatigue, and the concept of a durable white T-shirt as a symbol of a kind of freedom from that is something I can relate to. Her monthlong pop-up shop opens Wednesday on the island of Oahu, Obamas birthplace, as both an homage to the 44th president (the shirts cost $44 each) and an ode to the concept of simplicity. SAN FRANCISCO The Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, have vowed to put their enormous wealth toward philanthropic causes. Now the couple are putting infrastructure in place to make sure their money and efforts will make an impact on policy as well. Mr. Zuckerberg and Dr. Chan have hired a top political operative to lead the next phase of their philanthropic work at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the limited liability company they set up in 2015 to conduct charitable efforts. David Plouffe, who managed Barack Obamas 2008 presidential campaign and is chief adviser and a board member at Uber, is leaving the ride-hailing company to join the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative as president of policy and advocacy. In addition, Mr. Zuckerberg and Dr. Chan are forming a public policy advisory board of former government officials and other experts in the fields of education, science communications and advocacy. The new board will be led by Kenneth Mehlman, who managed President George W. Bushs 2004 re-election campaign and is now head of global public affairs at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, the private equity firm. Mr. Mehlman will volunteer part of his time to the new board, which is recruiting other members who will also serve in a part-time capacity. The additions underline how Mr. Zuckerberg and Dr. Chan are pushing to give their philanthropic work which has focused on education, science and curing disease a greater voice in Washington and among movements and advocacy groups across the country. The couples clout stems primarily from their substantial fortune; when they announced they would give 99 percent of their Facebook shares to charitable causes, their holdings were worth more than $45 billion at the time. On Broadway, at least, everyone loves a pompous, thin-skinned autocrat. Its why Taran Killam couldnt be more excited to join Hamilton as King George, the blustery British monarch who, with a few memorable pop tunes, warns the upstart American colonists that theyll regret their revolutionary acts. The role, which Mr. Killam inherits from Rory OMalley (Jonathan Groff, Andrew Rannells and Brian dArcy James have also played the character), will be his Broadway debut when he begins on Jan. 17. Its a big opportunity for Mr. Killam, 34, an alumnus of Saturday Night Live who is close with the Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and its director, Thomas Kail. I dont want to let my friends down, more than anything, Mr. Killam said in late December over a pub lunch in TriBeCa. This is also the first major project that Mr. Killam will be seen in since it was reported last summer that he would not be returning to S.N.L., where he had spent six seasons playing politicians like Donald J. Trump, Ted Cruz and Paul D. Ryan, as well as characters like Jebidiah Atkinson, a feisty newspaper critic from the 1860s. Mr. Killam had recently returned to NBCs Manhattan headquarters to appear on Late Night With Seth Meyers. Though S.N.L. was dark that week, he did not want to seem too eager to roam the sets and offices. Its still too fresh, Mr. Killam said. I didnt want to be Matthew McConaughey from Dazed and Confused. While its too soon to gauge any impact on tourism to Fort Lauderdale because of the shooting, statistics from STR, a data analytics company in Hendersonville, Tenn., specializing in hotels, show only slight declines in hotel occupancy in Miami, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale following the Orlando shooting and the presence of Zika in Miami. Occupancy in Miami, a city with about 54,000 hotel rooms, was down 2.6 percent for the first 11 months of 2016 compared with the first 11 months of 2015. In Orlando, a city with about 124,000 hotel rooms, occupancy for the first 11 months was down 1.3 percent compared with the same period in 2015, and in Fort Lauderdale, a city with about 31,000 hotel rooms, occupancy through November was down 1.8 percent as opposed to the same period in 2015. But Bobby Bowers, an analyst at STR, said that while the presence of Zika and the Orlando nightclub shooting could be a factor in the downturns, the three cities have more hotel rooms than they did a year ago, so more competition may play a role in the decline. You had years of booming growth, and all of a sudden, there was a slowdown, but that slowdown is because of a combination of reasons, he said. Hotel occupancy in these three cities aside, overall tourism to Florida grew for most of 2016. The state had more than 85 million visitors for the first three quarters of the year, an increase of 5.5 percent compared with the same period in 2015, according to Visit Florida, the states marketing corporation. Visits should continue to rise in 2017, said Rummy Pandit, the executive director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism at Stockton University in New Jersey. Florida is appealing for every kind of traveler, so the long-term tourism prospects are strong, Mr. Pandit said. You have the beach, gaming, Disney World and a wide range of budget and luxury accommodation options, and while any calamity in a destination tends to have an immediate decline in visitation to that destination, the decline is usually temporary. To his point, data from STR shows that hotel occupancy in Orlando the week of June 12 to 19, following the June 12 shooting, decreased by 19 percent compared with the same week in 2015, but then increased 7.4 percent in September compared with September 2015. LOS ANGELES Peter Arellano was standing on the street with his father last year when an officer from the Los Angeles Police Department handcuffed him, supposedly for vandalism a few blocks away. Before asking him for any information about the incident, the police officer asked him for his gang moniker, Mr. Arellano said. He told the officer he had none. But moments later, Mr. Arellano was served with a gang injunction, restricting where he could go in public and with whom. There wasnt a chance to argue or anything, Mr. Arellano said, who denies any affiliation with a gang. They just gave it to me and said I would be arrested if I broke it. Mr. Arellano, 21, is one of about 10,000 people in the city subject to an injunction, which prohibits suspected gang members from a variety of activities in designated neighborhoods. Now, the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the city over the injunctions, arguing that they violate due process and effectively amount to house arrest. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in October, seeks to stop the police from enforcing the injunctions against people who have not been given a chance to prove they are not gang members. The debate over just who is considered a gang member has taken on new significance because President-elect Donald J. Trump could use the database to help deport unauthorized immigrants the administration regards as criminals, even if they have no criminal record. WASHINGTON Senator Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald J. Trumps nominee for attorney general, pledged on Tuesday to say no to Mr. Trump if he tries to go beyond the law, and he spoke out against torture, a ban on Muslim immigration and other ideas that had been floated by Mr. Trump. Mr. Sessions, a deeply conservative Republican from Alabama who was an early Trump supporter, appears headed for confirmation after completing more than nine hours of testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Mr. Sessions and his allies had girded for a coordinated attack on his civil rights record, but Democrats tempered their criticism and Republicans mounted a pre-emptive defense, describing him repeatedly as a man of integrity. In his two decades on Capitol Hill, Mr. Sessions has questioned whether the Constitution guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the United States, has said courts have interpreted the separation of church and state too broadly and has declared same-sex marriage a threat to American culture. He also voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Much of the hearing focused on Mr. Sessionss long record as a prosecutor and a senator, but Mr. Trump proved a dominant figure in absentia for much of the debate as Democrats sought to question the president-elect by proxy. They asked whether Mr. Sessions supported Mr. Trumps most controversial statements and questioned whether he had the independence to rein in the strong-willed Mr. Trump if he seeks to exceed his presidential authority. WASHINGTON The director of the F.B.I., James B. Comey, told lawmakers at a Senate hearing on Tuesday that Russian hackers had penetrated the Republican National Committees computer records, but he called it a limited penetration of old R.N.C. computer systems that were no longer in use. Mr. Comeys statement was significant because the committee said weeks ago that it did not lose data to the Russians because of its strong cybersecurity. President-elect Donald J. Trump has repeated that assertion and has also said weaknesses in Democratic National Committee systems had opened the way for their systems to be hacked. While Mr. Comey did not go into detail, he appeared to be referring to a Russian-led attack on a contractor in Tennessee, Smartech Corporation, used by the Republican committee to host some of its websites and handle some lists of donors. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a trial courts ruling ordering special elections in North Carolina that would have truncated the terms of many lawmakers in the state. The Supreme Courts brief order included no reasoning, and it said the temporary stay of the lower courts decision would last only as long as it took the justices to consider an appeal from state officials. In August, the trial court found that the states legislative map had been tainted by unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. But it allowed the November election to proceed, saying there was not enough time to draw new legislative maps. Heres the latest: Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, questioned Mr. Sessions about his links to groups and people who have taken xenophobic views. Heres a quick primer, from a recent Times profile. Mr. Sessionss views have made him a target of critics who say he works too closely with people who have racist, xenophobic views. Several of the groups he has worked alongside were founded or nurtured by the activist John Tanton, who has described the anti-immigration fight in racial terms. For European-American society and culture to persist requires a European-American majority, Mr. Tanton once warned a friend. In 2015, Mr. Sessions received the annual Keeper of the Flame award from the Center for Security Policy, a Washington think tank that promotes anti-Muslim conspiracy theories. Its founder, Frank Gaffney, has argued, among other things, that Mr. Obama is secretly a Muslim and that the crescent in the new logo of the Missile Defense Agency is a veiled sign that the United States has submitted to Islamic law. Mr. Sessions has for years heard claims that his views are rooted in a fear of foreigners. He has steadfastly denied it. It is not xenophobic but our patriotic duty to defend the integrity of our borders and the rule of law, he said in 2014. Mr. Blumenthal asked: How can Americans have confidence that youre going to enforce anti-discrimination laws if youve accepted awards from these kinds of groups and associated with these kinds of individuals and wont return the awards? Mr. Sessions said he does not necessarily share the views of every political donor or organization he has received an award from. A change in tone on marijuana Mr. Sessions came of age in the Justice Department at the height of the crack epidemic. He has described himself as a lieutenant in the war on drugs, said he was heartbroken when President Obama compared marijuana to alcohol, and criticized the administration for not enforcing drug laws in states like Colorado that have legalized marijuana. He said in 2015: Its still a federal offense to deal in marijuana in the United States, and so even though a state doesnt have that law, the federal government does. They said, Well, if you dont enforce it, we wont enforce it. Another relaxation of federal law. Flash forward to Tuesday. Mr. Sessions sidestepped questions about whether he would put the weight of the Justice Department behind drug prosecution in those states. Doing so would set up a huge fight over states rights and federal drug policy. I know it wont be an easy decision, he said. No vitriol Senate Democrats do not have the votes, by themselves, to prevent Mr. Sessions from becoming attorney general, and they have spared their colleague any vitriol, doing little to undermine his confirmation. Mr. Sessions was prepared to face renewed questions about race and comments he was accused of making in the 1980s regarding the N.A.A.C.P., the American Civil Liberties Union and un-American views. Liberal activists have repeatedly disrupted the hearing, screaming K.K.K. or racist. But the questioning from Democrats has mostly focused on his Senate record and whether he would enforce laws that he disagreed with. He has said he would. President-elect Donald J. Trump demanded on Tuesday that Congress immediately repeal the Affordable Care Act and pass another health law quickly. His remarks put Republicans in the nearly impossible position of having only weeks to replace a health law that took nearly two years to pass. We have to get to business, Mr. Trump told The New York Times in a telephone interview. Obamacare has been a catastrophic event. Mr. Trump appeared to be unclear both about the timing of already scheduled votes in Congress and about the difficulty of his demand a repeal vote probably some time next week and a replacement very quickly or simultaneously, very shortly thereafter. But he was clear on one point: Plans by congressional Republicans to repeal the health law now, then take years to create and implement a replacement law are unacceptable to the incoming president. Roy Innis, the autocratic national leader of the Congress of Racial Equality since 1968, whose right-wing views on affirmative action, law enforcement, desegregation and other issues put him at odds with many black Americans and other civil rights leaders, died on Sunday in Manhattan. He was 82. The cause was complications of Parkinsons disease, a statement from CORE said. In a stormy career marked by radical rhetoric, shifting ideologies, legal and financial troubles and quixotic runs for office, Mr. Innis led CORE through changes that mirrored his own evolution from black-power militancy in the 1960s to staunch conservatism resembling a modern Republican political platform. He came to prominence after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young and James Farmer had taken command of the civil rights movement and did not share their commitment to nonviolent civil disobedience. Nor did he embrace COREs pioneering roles in desegregation school boycotts, sit-ins, Freedom Rides through the South and voter registration drives that led to the murders of the activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner in Mississippi in 1964. Though court decisions and new laws banned discrimination in education, employment and public accommodations, Mr. Innis was disillusioned by that progress, saying integration robbed black people of their heritage and dignity. He pronounced it dead as a doornail, proclaimed CORE once and for all a black nationalist organization and declared all-out war on desegregation. No one abused her, she said through tears. But the emotional trauma, Ill never forget. Hers is a familiar narrative, said Aaron C. Morris, executive director of Immigration Equality, a nonprofit group that provides free legal representation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. About half of the groups clients indicate that they were threatened with sexual assault or were sexually assaulted while in immigration detention, he said. The abuse, the mistreatment, they are not aberrations, Mr. Morris said. The question of how to best protect transgender women in immigration detention has confounded federal authorities for some time. In 2011, Immigration and Customs Enforcement known by its acronym, ICE for the first time recognized transgender detainees as a vulnerable population, albeit a small one. According to statistics provided by the agency to The New York Times, among the approximately 41,000 immigrants in custody on Tuesday, 53 identified as transgender. There are guidelines to allow transgender detainees to continue their hormone treatments and be placed in units based on the gender they identify with. A memo in 2015 stipulated other protections, like a system to identify detainees gender identity that should inform where and how they are detained and the type of medical care they may receive. ICE has also moved to house transgender men and women in a dedicated unit at the city jail in Santa Ana, Calif., which had 36 detainees on Tuesday, and at a new facility that is scheduled to open this month in Alvarado, Tex., south of Fort Worth. The goal, an agency official said, is to concentrate a small population in places that can offer specific services and shield them from abuse. (After public pressure, including a hunger strike, the Santa Ana City Council voted to stop holding immigration detainees in the city jail by June 30, 2020.) While acknowledging the changes, lawyers and advocates say mistreatment and abuse endure. A client of Immigration Equality told her lawyers that she was assaulted in the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny, N.J., on Dec. 21 and was transferred to another detention center in the state afterward, Mr. Morris said. Jennicet Gutierrez, a community organizer at Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, a grass-roots group based in Los Angeles, said that despite the mandatory training of guards at the Santa Ana jail, some transgender women are told to act male and are often addressed using male pronouns. It was a mystery that captivated Australia for years, inspired a Meryl Streep movie and tormented a couple for more than three decades. Now, one of the central figures in the case in which a dingo, a type of wild dog found in Australia, was found to have killed the couples nine-week-old baby girl has died. Michael Chamberlain, a former pastor who fought for decades to prove to the world that the animal was responsible for his daughters disappearance, died on Monday, his former wife, Lindy Chamberlain, told The Associated Press. He was 72. Will present how companies can get an edge in the marketplace by expanding their talent searches globally. Karoli Hindriks, CEO of Jobbatical Contact C Harmel ***@jobbatical.com C Harmel End -- Tallinn-based global talent platform, Jobbatical, announces their upcoming "Global Hiring 101" event taking place at Rise Vilnius on January 19, 2017.Jobbatical's Founder Karoli Hindriks and Head of Global Hiring, Alina Basina will present how companies can get an edge in the marketplace by expanding their talent searches globally. Covering topics ranging from how to attract talent from other countries to immigration process and employee happiness, the two presenters will offer tips and tricks for successfully growing and keeping an international team, as well as discussing how international hiring can serve as a key contributor to a company's growth and success.The public is invited to attend and admission is free. Complimentary wine and beer will be served at the event, which begins at 18:00 and ends at 20:00 and there will be time for questions and networking. Rise is located at Gyneju g. 14, Vilnius.About Jobbatical Jobbatical is a platform that connects companies with top business, technical and creative talent from around the globe. Employers who hire through Jobbatical get enhanced company branding and access to our elite community of people who are ready to relocate for the right career opportunity.About Rise Vilnius is a purpose-built workspace for the FinTech community, offering an inspiring environment for creative ideas. A former retail space turned into everything a traditional office isn't: a welcoming, open space where exciting things happen, it is designed to be a vibrant and refreshing place that offers everything you need to make your day run smoothly.RSVP for the event here: https://globalhiring101vilnius.splashthat.com/ Schnug Polska has signed a lease agreement for nearly 1,500 square meters of warehousing space at MLP Pruszkow II owned by the MLP Group. The lease will commence this January. The transaction was brokered by the real estate agency Axi Immo. Schnug Polska Sp. z o.o. has signed a contract [] Back in June this year, Audi unveiled the new Q8 SUV in its production guise via official photos. They have now unveiled the car to the public in many European countries. In Germany and Poland, bookings have already opened. With this new Audi Q8, the automaker marks its entry into the full size SUV segment while official launch of the Q8 is slated for later this year. 2019 Audi Q8 measures 5 mt in length, 1.70 mt tall, 2 m wide and sits on a 3 mt wheelbase resulting in added interior space for occupants and significantly more boot space as well. Ahead of its launch, the new Q8 SUV has been spied on test in India too. New Audi Q8 features a host of outstanding exterior features with a distinctive front grille, wedge shaped headlamps with digital Matrix laser technology and haunches that draw careful attention to front and rear wheels. The sill areas of the doors are finished with brushed aluminum accentuating Q8s Bombay blue painted exterior. Doors devoid of window frames can be opened via touch sensors while wheel arches show off a double design. At the rear, a long roof edge spoiler is evident while strips of lights extend from end to end serving as both tail lamp and brake light. Audi Q8 boasts of a spacious interior and a boot space that stands at 630 liter capacity. The central console is designed like the stern of a yacht and comes in with a shift by wire lever which the driver can control via an 8 speed tiptronic transmission. Seating is comfortable and done up in fine Nappa and Nubuk leather in a pastel silver finish. High gloss carbon and aluminum is seen throughout its interiors while LED lighting brightens up the interiors, instrument panel receives a futuristic design and the display surface on the dashboard is called the Black Panel. Audi Q8 claims a host of onboard technology to appeal to the buyer. All information and commands are via touch displays while a virtual cockpit and contact analogue head up display is also evident. A 12.3 TFT display reveals maps, lists and added information while an MMI monitor on the dashboard reveals infotainment and vehicle settings. To be powered by an e-tron, plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Audi Q8 gets a 3.0 liter TFSI petrol engine offering 329 bhp peak power and 369 lb/ft torque and an electric motor. The 17.9 kWh lithium ion battery pack is positioned at the rear while it claims to offer an all electric range of 37 miles. It can be charged via a 7.2 kW charger in two and half hours while fuel tank filled to capacity offers a range upto 621 miles. The electric motor adds another 124 bhp power and 243 lb/ft torque bringing totals upto 443 bhp and 516 lb/ft. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph is achieved in 5.6 seconds while top speed stands at 250 kmph. Audi Q8 will be produced at Volkswagens Bratislava plant in Slovakia along with the present Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. It is expected to come in with a starting price of around 60,000 which is 12,000 more than the current Q7. India launch is next year. Expect price to be in the Rs 1 cr range. Much awaited new Honda City facelift was finally launched in India last month. Priced from INR 8.49 lakh, the new City facelift features a design which is similar to that of new gen Civic / Accord. 2017 Honda City facelift features LED wraparound headlamps, LED taillights, new fog lights, new bumper, new 16 inch diamond cut alloys, new all black interiors, new 17 inch touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink tech powered by Hondas new software called DigiPad. New Honda City Dimensions, Colours The new Honda City measures 4,440 mm in length, 1,695mm in width and 1,496mm in height. It sits on a wheelbase measuring 2,600mm, fuel tank capacity of 40 liters and trunk space of 510 liters. Suspension includes McPherson strut, coil spring in the front and Torsion beam axle, coil spring at the rear while braking system includes disc and drum at the front and rear respectively. The new Honda City continues to be offered with 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol and 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engines. New Honda City Engines and Mileage The facelift is also expected to have fixed a few shortcomings (such as high noise levels of the diesel variants) based on the customer feedback. The 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol and i-DTEC diesel engines would continue in India. The petrol 1.5 liter delivers 118 PS while the diesel 1.5 liter delivers 100 PS. It will be available with both automatic (CVT) as well as manual transmission. Fuel efficiency claimed by the petrol manual variant is 17.4 kmpl while that by petrol CVT is 18 kmpl. Diesel manual variant claims 25.6 kmpl. New Honda City Variants, Features, Safety It is presented in five color preferences and five variants to include the S, SV, V, VX and ZX, with each variant abounding in comfort, safety and infotainment features. 2017 Honda City S trim gets only a petrol engine while the other 4 trims are presented in both petrol and diesel engine options. V and VX petrol variants receive manual and CVT gearbox while top end ZX petrol receives only a CVT unit. The SV variant gets automatic AC with rear AC vents, cruise control, power folding door mirrors, automatic door locking, driver seat height adjustment and front and rear arm rests with storage facility. It is also seen with a premium piano black dashboard panel and an advanced 3 ring 3D Combimeter. The top ends V, VX and ZX trims get features that include 7 touchscreen infotainment system, 4 speakers and tweeters along with 1.5 GB media memory, mirror link Smartphone connectivity, voice recognition and a rearview camera. VX and VZ are also fitted with premium leather upholstery seen on its armrests, door lining, steering wheel and gear lever while exclusive to the top end ZX trim are features such as LED cabin lights, automatic headlights and automatic wipers. The SV, V, VX and ZX trims get cruise control while ZX trim also gets 6 airbags, driver passenger and side along with curtain airbags. New Honda City India Price 2017 Honda City Petrol Price S MT INR 8.49 lakh SV MT INR 9.53 lakh V MT INR 9.99 lakh V CVT INR 11.53 lakh VX MT INR 11.64 lakh VX CVT INR 12.84 lakh ZX CVT INR 13.52 lakh 2017 Honda City Diesel Price SV MT INR 10.75 lakh V MT INR 11.55 lakh VX MT INR 12.86 lakh ZX MT INR 13.56 lakh * All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi. Honda City 2017 Video Honda City 2017 Photos News Release The new generation KTM Duke 390 made its global debut at the 2016 EICMA show last year. A few weeks back, it was launched in India at a starting price of INR 2.25 lakh, ex-showroom. At the time of launch, KTM India had stated that the Duke 390 will only be offered in Orange colour option, and the white colour KTM Duke 390 will not be sold in India. This was probably done so as to give the flagship some Orange advantage in the eyes of their buyers. But, within a few days, a dealer in Mumbai was selling white colour variant of KTM Duke 390. How was this happening as white colour was not supposed to be on sale in India? When we contacted KTM India for clarification, they told Rushlane that this was because the company had decided to launch the white colour option as a limited edition. Some readers had questioned this decision of the company. Why would you abruptly decide to launch a variant which you had clearly stated was not meant for India. Well, the readers are right. The company had not decided to launch the white colour variant, but it happened by mistake. Our sources tell us that the white colour Duke 390 was launched in India because of a goof-up in dispatch from the manufacturing plant. By mistake, export-spec white coloured new Duke 390s were loaded in a trailer which was meant to be distributed among dealers in India. And thus, some lucky customers in India own export-spec variants of the new Duke 390. Sharper and more responsive than before, the new KTM Duke 390s engine delivers more torque than before (37 Nm). In addition to that, it also gets a completely new exhaust system to meet BSIV norms in India and EUROIV norms in Europe. [table id=1 /] [table id=3 /] Apart from a new exhaust system, other changes include, a revised headlamp cluster with LED lights, LED side indicators, LED tail light, larger fuel tank, extensions on the tank, new digital instrument cluster, new exhaust system, and more efficient brakes. What will be carried forward from current Dukes upside down forks in the front, monoshock at the rear. [table id=4 /] [table id=5 /] Below are the highlights of the new generation Duke 390. New trellis frame that features a bolt-on rear subframe Larger fuel tank of 13.4 litres (old had 11 liters) Side-mounted exhaust system Wheelbase reduced by 10 mm to 1,357 mm Ground clearance increased by 15 mm to 185 mm Seat height increased by 30 mm to 830 mm Dry weight increased by 10 kg to 149 kg Power 44 hp (same as before) Torque 37 Nm (2 Nm increased) Ride-by-wire, LED DRL, LED headlight, LED taillight Colour TFT instrument panel KTM MY RIDE for smartphone tethering KTM Duke 390 White Colour Talks on opening NA hospital to public The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Nepal Army have begun talks on opening up the services at the Armys Shree Birendra Hospital to the general public. Oil minister meets UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen SANA'A, Jan. 09 (Saba) - Minister of Oil and Minerals Thyab Bin Ma'eili has met with the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Jamie McGoldrick. At the meeting which held on Sunday, the minister and the UN official discussed the humanitarian situation in the capital Sana'a. They reviewed the damage which occurred on oil and gas sectors by the US- Saudi aggression warplanes' airstrikes and the blockade on the country, causing negatively repercussions on the lives of citizens and national economy. The meeting touched upon measures and plans of the ministry so as to ease the suffering of the citizens. They also discussed aspects of cooperation and coordination between the oil ministry and the United Nations to provide oil and gas derivatives and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all areas in Yemen. The minister stressed the role of the United Nations in a joint action to neutralize the oil sector as being linking to the lives of citizens and their daily requirements. He noted the efforts played by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen and the nature of the situation in Yemen which needs more assistance. McGoldrick praised the ministry efforts to provide as much as possible of the oil derivatives to people, pointing out the role of the ministry in providing the needs of the Yemeni people of the petroleum products and supplement the national economy. AA/HA Saba Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Telegram Email Email Print Print [09/January/2017] SANA'A, Jan. 10 (Saba) - Deputy Speaker for Parliamentary Affairs and External Relations Nasser Mohammed Ba-Jabal met today the British House of Commons Member Andrew Mitchell, who is currently visiting Yemen. Ba-Jabal appreciated the stance of member of the British House of Commons Andrew Mitchell and stance of some of the British House of Commons members that support the Yemeni people and reflect the friendly relations between the Yemeni and British peoples. He briefed the British official on the humanitarian situation resulting from the crimes of the Saudi coalition countries aggression on the Yemeni people and their bad effects mainly on the humanitarian situation and the human rights violations caused by this aggression.He also pointed out that the President of Parliament Yahya Ali Alraei has sent several letters to the President and members of the British House of Commons briefed them on the nature of the disastrous situation in Yemen and the huge destruction caused by the aggression and the humanitarian disaster being committed against the Yemeni people.He called on the British House of Commons to urge its government to put pressure on the of Saudi aggression coalition countries to stop their aggression against Yemen and lift the land, sea and air unjust siege imposed on our Yemen and reopening Sana'a International Airport for the access of medicine and food and to enable the wounded , sick and injured people left for medical treatment abroad .For his part, the British official expressed his regret of the humanitarian and material damages caused by the aggression of the Saudi aggression coalition countries he had seen in Sana'a during his visit. Stressing that the British House of Commons will play a humanitarian role in this area to meet the aspirations of the Yemeni and British peoples to better deepen friendly relations and cooperation.The Deputy Speaker honored the British official by the memorial trophy of the Yemeni Parliament as an expression of the deep Yemeni-British friendly relations.TN The oldest blood available for transfusions releases large and potentially harmful amounts of iron into patients' bloodstreams, a new study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) has found. Based on the new findings, the researchers recommend that the FDA reduce the maximum storage limit of red blood cells from 6 weeks to 5 weeks, as long as there are sufficient blood supplies available. "Our recommendation will be controversial, but we think we have real data to support it," said the study's co-leader Steven Spitalnik, MD, professor of pathology & cell biology at CUMC and medical director of the clinical laboratories at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia. "Recent studies have concluded that transfusing old blood has no impact on patient outcomes, but those studies didn't exclusively examine the oldest blood available for transfusions. Our new study found a real problem when transfusing blood that's older than 5 weeks." Their findings appear in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Transfusion of red blood cells is the most common procedure performed in hospitalized patients, with approximately 5 million patients receiving red blood cell transfusions annually in the United States. "But the longer you store blood, the more the cells become damaged," said the study's co-leader Eldad Hod, MD, associate professor of pathology & cell biology at CUMC and clinical pathologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia. Currently, the U.S. FDA allows units of red blood cells to be stored for up to 6 weeks before they must be discarded. In the study, the researchers randomly assigned a group of 60 healthy volunteers to receive a unit of red blood cells that had been stored for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks. The volunteers were then monitored for 20 hours after transfusion. Within hours after transfusion, 7 of the 9 volunteers who received the 6-week-old blood could not appropriately metabolize the damaged cells, thereby releasing large amounts of iron into their bloodstream. Only one volunteer who received younger blood had a similar response, with blood had been stored for five weeks. None of the volunteers were harmed by the transfusion, but previous studies have shown that excess iron can enhance blood clots and promote infections. "Based on the amount of iron circulating in the blood of the volunteers who received 6-week-old blood, we'd predict that certain existing infections could be exacerbated," said Dr. Hod. "Thus, for ill, hospitalized patients, this excess iron could lead to serious complications," said Dr. Spitalnik says. The true impact of 6-week-old blood on the rate of complications in patients is likely to be small, the researchers say, but since millions of Americans receive transfusions each year, even a 1 percent difference in complications could affect a large number of patients. "It's estimated that up to 10 to 20 percent of blood units used for transfusions have been stored for more than 5 weeks, so the number of patients who are likely to receive a unit of very old blood is substantial," Dr. Hod added. "Based on our findings of potential harm, we think the prudent thing to do at this time is for the FDA to reduce the maximum storage period," said Dr. Spitalnik. "The U.K., Ireland, the Netherlands, and the National Institutes of Health have limited storage to 35 days, and we think that can be achieved throughout the U.S. without seriously affecting the blood supply." "Traffic and weather, together on the hour!" blasts your local radio station, while your smartphone knows the weather halfway across the world. A network of satellites whizzing around Earth collecting mountains of data makes such constant and wide-ranging access to accurate weather forecasts possible. Just one satellite, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R that launched in 2016, can collect 3.5 terabytes of weather data per day. But how do scientists ensure satellite-measured weather data is good? They can compare live data against high-quality reference data from in-orbit satellites. Making such resources available is a goal of the Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System (GSICS), an international consortium of 15 satellite agencies that collaborate on monitoring satellites and developing methods to ensure the quality of their weather data. "The quality of the satellite data drives how prepared nations -- and the world -- can be when it comes to weather-related events," said GSICS Deputy Director Manik Bali, a faculty research assistant in the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), a joint center of the University of Maryland and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Bali is also a NOAA affiliate. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a United Nations specialized agency and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), launched GSICS in 2005. ESSIC contributes manpower and infrastructure support to GSICS, including the servers needed to share data between GSICS collaborators worldwide, enabling the monitoring of weather satellites among member agencies and the correction of measurement anomalies in real time. One GSICS breakthrough came in 2011, with a paper demonstrating that a GSICS-developed algorithm corrected a temperature difference of approximately 3 degrees Celsius between two satellites. The results were published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. While that temperature difference may sound small, the world's nations recently negotiated the Paris Climate Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures. Also in 2011, Cheng-Zhi Zou, a NOAA research scientist and former chair of the GSICS Microwave Subgroup, intercalibrated 38 years of climate data -- starting in 1979 -- to generate what NOAA calls a fundamental climate data record (FCDR). The FCDR was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. At the American Geophysical Union's (AGU) fall meeting in December 2016, Bali demonstrated that Zou's FCDR was suitable for monitoring microwave satellites, including the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder onboard NOAA/NASA's Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). When launched, JPSS will replace the aging National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System and provide full global monitoring coverage twice a day. Bali expects the FCDR will help monitor and adjust data gathered during JPSS missions. At the recent AGU meeting, Bali also showed that the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites' Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) and NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder exhibit sufficiently stable behavior to serve as in-orbit references. Calibrating against these satellites can reduce errors from 2 degrees Celsius to below 0.1 degrees Celsius. "This has given tremendous confidence to the GSICS calibration community that uses IASI-A as an in-orbit reference to monitor its geostationary satellites," said Bali. Moving forward, Bali's colleagues at ESSIC will continue to support the science goals of the JPSS satellite mission through the Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites (CICS), which is managed by ESSIC and was created in 2009 through a $93 million agreement with NOAA. "ESSIC's leadership in supporting these global initiatives is very important," said Bali. "Looking ahead, I see a far greater interaction between NOAA and ESSIC/CICS, which will help NOAA lead the global satellite calibration efforts." Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe The Singapore model Foreign and Nepali politicians often refer to Singapore as one of the model nations when it comes to planning for a new Nepal, even though our own country is almost five times older than Singapore. The U.S. Air Force has finally retired the last of its F-4 jet fighters. Actually these were unmanned QF-4s, used as target practice. The last manned American F-4s were retired in the 1980s. Most were put into storage at the desert boneyard and in the 1990s the first of over 300 F-4s were refurbished and fitted out as a UAV. The mods cost about $1.4 million per aircraft, plus the cost of getting a boneyard aircraft back in flying shape. The air force ran out of retired (but still flyable) F-4s to convert in 2013 and now the last two of these has been retired and replaced by QF-16s (retired F-16s). There are still some manned F-4s in use but few are left. In mid-2013 Germany retired the last of its 263 F-4 Phantom fighter-bombers after 41 years of use. A third of these were used mainly for reconnaissance, but most were expected to do ground support and air defense. This retirement is part of a growing trend. In 2010, also after 41 years of service, South Korea retired the last of its 222 F-4s. South Korean F-4s (and F-5 fighters) were replaced, over the previous 15 years, by 40 F-15K fighter-bombers and 180 F-16s. Not everyone has been eager to retire its F-4s. Iran bought 225 F-4 Phantom jets in the 1970s, and several dozen are still operational. Spare parts are obtained via a smuggling network, with some of the less complex parts manufactured inside Iran. This effort is the result of decades of sanctions that prevent Iran from buying new jet fighters. Other countries continue to use F-4s because the aircraft are sturdy and still effective as bombers. Of the 5,195 F-4s manufactured, some eight percent are still in service, plus a hundred converted to be unmanned targets for the U.S. Air Force. The F-4 is a 1950s design that, for its day, was quite advanced. The two seat, 28 ton F-4 is still a credible fighter bomber, able to carry eight tons of bombs and missiles. Normal combat radius is about 700 kilometers. The average sortie lasts about two hours. The F-4 was also one of the first jet fighters to be quite safe to fly. Combat aircraft have, for decades, been getting more reliable, even as they became more complex. For example, in the early 1950s, the U.S. F-89 fighter had 383 accidents per 100,000 flying hours. A decade later the rate was in the 20s for a new generation of aircraft. At the time the F-4, most of which served into the 1990s, had a rate of under 5 per 100,000 hours. Contemporary Russian aircraft (MiG-21/23/27) had a rate 10-20 times higher. The two-seat F-4 was popular with its pilots (and back-seat weapons officers) and was one of the few aircraft to serve widely on aircraft carriers as well as from land bases. The F-4 has been upgraded many times and, when equipped with modern electronics and missiles, it is still lethal and competitive. The F-4 has been in service for 57 years so far and will probably hit 60 before the last of them are gone. A C-130 Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron conducts a night flight mission over Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 11, 2016. The C-130 provides tactical airlift worldwide and its flexible design allows it to operate in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo/Yasuo Osakabe) X 0 20 Help Keep Us Soaring We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. We need your help in reversing that trend. We would like to add 20 new subscribers this month. Each month we count on your subscriptions or contributions. You can support us in the following ways: Despite all the violence and threats directed it at it Israel is the most peaceful and prosperous nation in the region. Israeli GDP is growing 3.8 percent in 2016, compared to 3.3 percent for 2015. Most of this is due to a three percent increase in exports. Unemployment remains under five percent. The two Palestinian states, who are mired in corruption and desperate efforts to destroy Israel, are doing less well. Gaza, which has alienated its Moslem neighbor Egypt, as well as Israel. This has led to total loss of free trade and that crippled the economy. The West Bank, run by a less self-destructive group (Fatah), has more economic activity but suffers for the bad behavior of Hamas and has lost a lot of its foreign aid. Most of those aid losses have been in Gaza where about 40 percent of the 4.9 Palestinians live. In the last three years foreign aid (most of it from the West and wealthy Arab oil states) has declined nearly 50 percent. The main reason for the Arabs cutting their aid is the persistent corruption in Hamas and Fatah. This means most of the money meant to aid the Palestinian people does not do that. In the West Bank most of the loss is outright theft by Fatah officials, who have grown wealthy while the people they rule have slipped deeper into poverty. One advantage the West Bank has is that young Palestinians can migrate (usually via Jordan). Most of these migrants want to go to the West but will settle for a more prosperous Moslem nation. The migrants are not only the youngest but also the best educated. The corruption provides few jobs for recent school and university graduates and becoming a terrorist only appeals to a about a quarter of young Palestinians. The people of Gaza cant get out, although Hamas is trying to improve relations with Egypt to change that and having some success. Meanwhile 80 percent of the Gaza Palestinians are dependent on foreign aid and corruption, not Israel, is the biggest obstacle to change. Foreign Jews moving to Israel declined 13 percent (to 27,000) in 2016 compared to 31,000 in 2015. Since 1948 over three million Jews moved to Israel, most of them from Europe and the former Soviet Union. Migration by foreign Jews (Aliyah) has increased steadily since 2009, when there were 16,465. That rose to 19,000 in 2010 and, except for 2016, has continued ever since. But more Israelis are migrating to other countries. This the net addition each year has become about half of those arriving. The Northern Menace Israel considers Lebanon, in the form of Hezbollah, as its most immediate military threat. Israel has been shifting its military plans and deployments to the north and paying close attention to Syria because of this and the fact that Iran gets a key base area if it succeeds in getting the Syrian rebels and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) shut down there. Meanwhile Hezbollah continues to make progress in taking control of the Lebanese government. This has been a slow process because most Lebanese do not want to be dominated by a minority militia (the Shia Hezbollah) controlled by a foreign country (Iran, and until the 2011 civil war, Syria as well). Currently Hezbollah has 30,000 members (who are paid full or part time). Half of these are armed and more than half the armed Hezbollah have served in Syria. There nearly 2,000 have died since 2011 and three times as many wounded. These losses were very unpopular among all Lebanese and even among most Hezbollah members. Yet Hezbollah managed to recruit replacements, mainly because Iran paid for funerals, medical care and compensation (large cash payments to families of the dead and lesser amounts to those crippled by wounds). Hezbollah is a major employer in the largely Shia south of Lebanon (and Shia neighborhoods in the Beirut, the capital). Since the 1990s, with the help of Iranian cash and lots of intimidation by its armed militia, Hezbollah has slowly gained power. In 2008, for example, Lebanese politicians selected Michel Suleiman, the head of the armed forces, as president of the country. This was part of a deal with Hezbollah, whereby the Shia group obtained unofficial veto power over government decisions. Hezbollah represents a minority party, but the Iranian-backed group has the most effective military force in Lebanon. In effect, Hezbollah bullied the majority into handing over veto power. This has made Hezbollah very unpopular with the non-Shia majority (Christians, Sunnis and Druze), perhaps to the point where, if there were another war with Israel, Hezbollah could find themselves getting attacked from the rear by the Christians, Sunnis and Druze. To try and deal with that in 2009 Hezbollah forced Lebanon to legalize Hezbollah use of terrorist violence against Israel. Most Lebanese opposed this, as it makes them vulnerable to attack the next time Hezbollah engages in large scale violence against Israel, or tries to kidnap Israelis. Hezbollah is trying to get the Lebanese government more involved in aggression against Israel. They are having some success but its largely through intimidation. Both Israel and Hezbollah acknowledge that it's not a matter of if, but when, Hezbollah will launch another major rocket attack against Israel. Syria Iran, Russia and Hezbollah agree on defeating the Syrian rebels but Iran and Hezbollah are unclear on exactly what else Russia wants. Thats because Russia and Israel are openly on very good terms while Iran and Hezbollah call for Israel to be destroyed (and have done so for decades). Russia has no official explanation for this seeming contradiction. Russia and Israel have always had good relations, even though Russia often backs Moslem nations that want Israel gone. In the current situation Israel and Russia are constantly negotiating deals that keep Israelis safe (especially Israeli pilots carrying out airstrikes against Hezbollah or anyone else posing an immediate threat to Israel). Russia has installed a modern air defense system (based on their S-300 missiles and a few jet fighters) in parts of Syria and Israel must exercise caution when attacking targets in Syria from the air. For that reason many of the recent airstrikes are launched by Israeli aircraft over Lebanon. The Israeli aircraft launch long range guided missiles at targets in Syria and generally report few if any details. Israeli defense officials did recently admit that it is government policy to prevent Hezbollah and Islamic terrorists in general from getting advanced weapons. Currently this includes chemical weapons, which Israel believes Hezbollah had received from Syria or Iran and was trying to smuggle into Lebanon. Recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria apparently interfered with that. Israel also admitted that it wants Iranian forces out of Syria and the Assad government replaced by someone not dedicated to the destruction of Israel. January 9, 2017: In Egypt (Sinai) Islamic terrorists attacked the police station at al Arish using a stolen garbage truck rigged as a suicide truck bomb. The truck was stopped at a checkpoint outside the police station but the explosion was so large that is blew out most windows in the police station. Behind the truck bomb were about 20 Islamic terrorists armed with assault rifles and RPGs that tried to get into the police stations but failed an fled. In addition to the suicide bomber, about a dozen others died (mostly police and two civilians) and twice as many police and civilians wounded. In the West Bank a Palestinian armed with a knife was shot dead when he refused to stop advancing on the soldiers (and shouting "Allahu Akbar"). January 8, 2017: In Jerusalem an Arab-Israeli Islamic terrorist used a truck to attack a group of soldiers (most of them officer trainees) getting off a bus. Four of the soldiers were killed, as well as the driver who was shot dead because he refused to stop trying to back up over the injured knocked to the ground. Another 16 soldiers were injured. The dead attacker was known to police as a petty criminal and vocal supporter of ISIL. Apparently the attacker had been encouraged by kill the Jews sermons mandated (by Fatah) in the mosque he attended. This attack was a continuation of the knife terrorism campaign that attacks that began during late 2015. This was organized by the Palestinian Fatah group that runs the West Bank. Fatah considers the knife (or lone wolf) terrorism effort a success but most Palestinians now see it as another Fatah failure and that feeds the current feud among the Fatah leadership. The knife terrorism campaign has left nearly 300 people dead, 86 percent of them Palestinians (64 percent of them while attacking, the rest during violent demonstrations). Worse, thousands of Palestinians have been wounded or arrested. So far 40 Israelis, two Americans and an Eritrean have been killed. Most (about 80 percent) of the Palestinian deaths occurred in the West Bank while most of the remainder took place in Jerusalem. Palestinian media depicts unsuccessful attacks that result in attackers being killed or wounded as Israeli attacks against random (and innocent) Palestinians. This Fatah promoted violence was mostly about making the corrupt and incompetent Fatah more popular in the West Bank but opinion polls show that many (but not most) Palestinians would vote for Hamas if elections were held right now. January 6, 2017: Israel released December 28 spy satellite photos showing two Russian Iskander (also known as SS-26 and 9M723K1) ballistic missile launcher vehicles in Syria (at the base Russia shares with Syria). These are probably in Syria to be tested in combat by firing a non-nuclear warhead at a high profile target, like the ISIL capital of Raqqa. Iskander has a 500 kilometer range and is not a traditional ballistic missile. That is, it does not fire straight up, leave the atmosphere, then come back down, following a ballistic trajectory. Instead, Iskander stays in the atmosphere and follows a rather flat trajectory. It is capable of evasive maneuvers and deploying decoys. This makes it more difficult for anti-missile systems to take it down. Iskander began development near the end of the Cold War and the first successful launch took place in 1996. The 4.6 ton Iskander M has a solid fuel rocket motor and a range of up to 700 kilometers normally carries a 710 kg (1,500 pound) warhead. The missile can be stored for up to ten years. Russia developed several different types of warheads, mainly for, including cluster munitions, thermobaric (fuel-air explosive) and electro-magnetic pulse (anti-radar, and destructive to electronics in general.) There is also a nuclear warhead, which is not exported. Guidance is very accurate, using GPS, plus infrared homing for terminal guidance. The warhead will land within 10 meters (31 feet) of the aim point. Iskanders are carried in a 40 ton 8x8 truck, which also provides a launch platform. There is an optional reload truck that carries two missiles. Russia ended up only producing the Iskander-M for its own military. Entering service in 2005, Russia found there were no export customers for the innovative and expensive Iskander but free publicity from actual use in Syria might change that. In Egypt (Sinai) Islamic terrorists attacked two army checkpoints using at least six suicide car bombs and over 30 gunmen. The attacks failed leaving nine Islamic terrorists dead, at least 16 wounded and six of their vehicles destroyed. Some vehicles and an undetermined number of attackers got away. The army did not have any men killed but there were apparently some wounded. January 4, 2017: Hamas has offered to begin negotiations for the release of the remains of two Israeli soldiers killed in the 2014 and two Israeli civilians detained in Gaza. But only if Israel first sets free 60 Hamas members imprisoned by Israel. This offer is not likely to be acted on. For one thing the two Israelis held by Hamas are mentally ill civilians who got into Gaza and were seized by Hamas. One of these Israelis is a Jewish migrant from Ethiopia and the other is a Bedouin (and Moslem). Worse, the 60 men Hamas wants released had already been released before, in 2011. Back then, for the first time since 1985, Israel exchanged imprisoned Palestinians for a captured Israeli soldier (Gilad Shalit). Hundreds of the 1,027 Palestinian prisoners released in the Shalit deal returned to terrorism and dozens of Israelis have since been killed or wounded because of that violence. During the 2014 Gaza War many of those 1,027 were rearrested on terrorism charges and put back in prison. Others were known to have died fighting for Hamas in Gaza. January 3, 2017: Once more Israel has criticized the UN for aiding the spread of anti-Semitism in Gaza. The latest example is UN-run schools in Gaza using textbooks that deny the existence of Israel or of Jews ever being in the region. This is nothing new, but the UN, which Israel and Western nations provide most of the funding for, should not be paying for spreading a message the UN (and most historians and nations) officially admits is false and counterproductive. Doing this sort of thing in schools the UN pays for is another matter. It is nothing new. In 2007 new textbooks for Palestinian high school students used maps of the region lacking any reference to Israel, and when these books did mention Israel it was to insist that Israel must be destroyed. Whatever Palestinians are saying to foreign diplomats, they are delivering a very different message to their own teenagers. For decades, Palestinian leaders have proclaimed that the only solution to Palestinian problems is the destruction of Israel. A generation of Palestinian children have grown up in schools that stressed that every day, in classrooms and textbooks. That message is constantly delivered in Palestinian media. January 1, 2017: In Gaza Hamas admitted that 21 of its members (or those employed by them) had died while working on a tunnels in 2016. Most of these tunnel deaths took place in those being built or repaired near the Israeli border. The similar deaths near the Egyptian border are usually not Hamas members. Most tunnel deaths recently have been in deeper and more dangerous tunnels designed to pass under the Israeli security fence or the improved Egyptian security measures. Most of the 30 (at least) tunnel deaths in 2016 were known to have been Hamas men or Palestinians working for Hamas. Tunnel collapses and accidents have been common in Gaza since 2007, when Hamas backed the construction of more smuggling and combat tunnels. Since 2007 over 400 Gazans have died in tunnel accidents. Hamas usually blames such collapses on natural causes (like heavy rains) but Israel believes Israel and Egypt efforts to limit lumber and cement shipments entering Gaza has played a role because many of these recent accidents seem to be the result of poor tunnel construction compared to earlier, sturdier and safer tunnels. As a result of all these accidents, which began to accelerate in late 2015, a growing number of Gazans are refusing to work in the tunnels because there is a widely believed (in Gazan) rumor that the real cause of all these tunnel collapses (including the unreported ones that didnt kill anyone) are the result of new Israeli anti-tunnel weapons. This sort of thing has been mentioned in the Israeli media, but mainly in terms of new detection sensors not devices that could remotely trigger a tunnel collapse. Hamas denies Israel has any such weapon and Israel wont discuss classified military matters like new tunnel detection sensors. December 30, 2016: In Israel a court convicted an 18 year old soldier of manslaughter for killing an immobilized terrorist in March 2016. Soldiers and police are usually given the benefit of the doubt in situations like this, but Israel puts those accused of unjustified violence on trial. The Palestinians praise (and pay cash rewards to) any of their number who kill Jews. That includes killing women and children. Palestinians often use foreign aid (mostly from the West) to cover the cost of these rewards and pensions (for imprisoned killers). December 22, 2016: In Gaza Hamas announced the formation of another security force. Some six hundred veteran security personnel are being assigned to a new marine unit to guard the 39 kilometer Gaza coastline. There are two major reasons for this new elite, independent force. One if to cut down on illegal smuggling of untaxed goods (luxury items usually but also anything small and expensive) and forbidden recreational substances (usually drugs but also alcohol). The other reason for the new marine force is to make it more difficult for Israeli intel agencies smuggling in, or out, items needed to maintain the Israeli informant network that has long existed in Gaza. Hamas caught on to the fact that some of the clandestine activity on the coast was in the service of Israeli espionage and that has to stop. Hamas may have gotten some help from its patron Iran in this respect. Hamas has also offered Egypt very visible help in dealing the ISIL activity in Sinai in return for some easing of the blockade. While Hamas still supports many Islamic terrorists operating in Egypt (where Hamas originally came from, as a branch of the Moslem Brotherhood) there is agreement with Egypt on the need to destroy ISIL. Over the last year the most active Islamic terrorist group in Egypt (mainly Sinai) has been ISIL and if Hamas can deliver Egypt will again allow relatively free movement of people and goods via the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. Since October Hamas has been cracking down on more radical Islamic terrorist groups in Gaza and found that many of the 200 people arrested were big fans of ISIL. Hamas know of nearly fifty of its members who had got out of Gaza and gone to join ISIL. Meanwhile about 700 ISIL members continue to survive in Sinai. Making a deal with Egypt is, for Hamas, a deal with the devil. Thats because the biggest political threat to the Egyptian government is the outlawed (once again) Moslem Brotherhood. This organization not only provided the initial funding and leadership for Hamas but has continued to provide whatever support it could. Hamas is basically telling the Moslem Brotherhood that Hamas is now working with the enemy because, well, thats how things work, especially in the Middle East. December 15, 2016: In Tunisia Mohamed Al Zoari, a Tunisian UAV expert known to work for Hamas and Hezbollah, was shot dead in his car. Ten Tunisians were tracked down and arrested and because no connection to any Islamic terrorist group or criminal gang could be found, Israel (Mossad) was blamed. Israel denies any involvement, but Mossad has over the years gone after key (or just notorious) Islamic terrorists and anti-Semites and killed them. It often takes a decade or more for evidence to emerge. Orange S.A. provides various fixed telephony and mobile telecommunications, data transmission, and other value-added services to customers, businesses, and other telecommunications operators in France and internationally. It operates through France; Spain and Other European Countries; The Africa and Middle East; Enterprise; International Carriers & Shared Services; and Mobile Financial Services segments. The company offers mobile services, such as voice, SMS, and data; fixed broadband and narrowband services, as well as fixed network business solutions, including voice and data; and convergence packages. It also sells mobile handsets, mobile terminals, broadband equipment, connected devices, and accessories. In addition, the company provides IT and integration services comprising unified communication and collaboration services, such as LAN and telephony, consultancy, integration, and project management; hosting and infrastructure services, including cloud computing; customer relations management and other applications services; security services; and video conferencing, as well as sells related equipment. Further, it offers national and international roaming services; online advertising services; and mobile virtual network operators, network sharing, and mobile financial services, as well as sells equipment to external distributors and brokers. Orange S.A. markets its products and services under the Orange brand. The company was formerly known as France Telecom and changed its name to Orange S.A. in July 2013. Orange S.A. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. Trump role for son-in-law Jared Kushner needs review, Democrats say Democrats have called for US President-elect Donald Trump's naming of his son-in-law as a top adviser to be reviewed over concerns of nepotism and conflict of interest. BP, plc, once known as British Petroleum, is one of the worlds 7 oil & gas supermajors with operations spanning the globe. In terms of revenue, it ranks 4th on the list and the company is vertically integrated as well with operations in all segments of the oil and gas sector. Operations are currently underway in 80 countries around the world, the company can produce 3.7 million barrels of oil equivalents per day, and it lays claim to nearly 20 billion barrels in proven reserves. On the retail end of the business, the company operates more than 18,700 fuel stations and its largest segment is in the US. The company was founded in 1908 with the purpose of exploring for and producing oil in the middle east. The company expanded into Alaska in 1959 and then accelerated its expansion when it merged with Amoco in 1998. Another merger with Burhman Castrol in 2000 created the company that is traded today. BP, plc rebranded itself in 2000 giving new meaning to its name. The once British Petroleum is now Beyond Petroleum and focused on a major shift in its business. The company is working hard to move away from non-renewable carbon-based energy and into biofuels, solar, and wind. The company hopes to be net-zero in regard to carbon emissions and production by 2050 or earlier and is well on the way to doing so. Among the many avenues of advance are the build-out of solar and wind farms as well as the expansion of a major EV charging network. The network totaled more than 9,000 stations around the middle of 2022 and expansion was ramping in order to meet the goal of 100,000 EV stations before 2050. BP p.l.c. currently operates through 4 segments including Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Oil Production & Operations, Customers & Products, and Rosneft segments. The company produces and trades in natural gas and oil liquids, offers biofuels, and operates wind and solar power generating facilities. The company also provides de-carbonization solutions and services, such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, as part of its green agenda. In addition, it produces and refines oil and gas for its downstream operations as well as invests in upstream, downstream, and alternative energy companies including advanced mobility. Advanced mobility is the future of transportation and includes technologies like EV, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cells. To that end, the company is building 7 hydrogen production and storage hubs in key locations around the world. The company aims to produce blue and green hydrogen for the global transportation industry with production beginning in 2027. Blue hydrogen is hydrogen captured from the companys natural gas deposits using a process that captures the waste carbon. Killeen, TX (76540) Today Windy with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 46F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. A tiny lamb who was born on the darkest day of the year was put up for adoption online by the farmer who had no use for him. He was just two days old - and he was really sick. His mom had died, and the farmer didn't want to try to raise the infant lamb himself. When some animal lovers saw the ad, they reached out to the farmer to adopt the lamb. But the farmer said he didn't want to give the baby over to a sanctuary. Rescuers didn't give up. One went undercover and adopted the lamb, making no mention of a sanctuary. "Farmers often do not like sanctuaries as we do expose the dark side of the industry," Carla Reilly Moore, co-founder of Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary in Kingston, Ontario, told The Dodo. When he arrived at the sanctuary, his rescuers named him Charlie. "Charlie, the little lamb, was our Christmas miracle," Moore said. "He arrived very ill, with his tail and testicles banded, - incorrectly, I might add - covered in diarrhea," Moore said. "We did not know if he would make it." Moore and her husband, who both run the sanctuary, nursed Charlie - but they weren't the only ones showing him love and care. Dodo Shows Cat Crazy Fluffy Cat Wants To Sit On His Dad At All Times Dora, who was found as a kitten in front of the Moore's home back in November, also took on the task of helping Charlie get better. "With much tender, loving, round-the-clock care, we were able to bring Charlie back to health, and he is now thriving," Moore said. Charlie had to have surgery to repair his tail and testicles - and when he came home from the hospital, Dora was waiting for him. "Dora the kitten ran straight to his crate, and stayed with him until he woke up and came out to play again," Moore said. "Dora and Charlie have a kinship now, both animals were in dire need, and both animals were taken in by us, both animals were brought back to health, and together they are now living out their life here at Happy Tails Farm," Moore said. "They had an instant connection - like it was always meant to be." At least some of the animals languishing at one of Canada's most notorious marine parks are finally getting some much-needed attention. On Monday, the Ontario SPCA filed six animal cruelty charges against Marineland, alleging the tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Canada, has left animals to suffer and failed to provide them with adequate care. The recent batch of charges relates to elk, red deer and fallow deer. Another five charges were filed in November involving the company's bears and birds. Ontario Captive Animal Watch According to the OSPCA, the recent charges stem from the same ongoing investigation. "The investigation has continued since November 10," OSPCA deputy chief Jennifer Bluhm told reporters at a press conference on Monday. "It was apparent there were additional charges that were appropriate. While the investigation is still ongoing, these are all the charges we expect to be laid in this case." Dodo Shows Odd Couples Dog And Wild Dolphin Play Whenever They See Each Other Ontario Captive Animal Watch Marineland responded to The Dodo's requests for comment with a press release titled "OSPCA Lays Strangest Charges Yet Against Marineland Canada." "The OSPCA charges fail to identify a specific animal they believe to be in distress or not receiving an appropriate level of care," the statement reads. "And failed to identify a specific animal in their charges today." "We believe the OSPCA is continuing a publicity campaign at the behest of a band of discredited activists with little relevant expertise or knowledge," the company added. LCA While Phil Demers, former senior whale trainer at the park, welcomed the new charges, he's hoping the OSPCA will also expand its investigation to the plight of the park's marine animals. Marineland owns about 50 beluga whales, along with dolphins, walruses, sea lions and seals, and a single orca - all of them, Demers claims, kept in deplorable conditions. Ontario Captive Animal Watch "I hate to say it, but the condition of whales and dolphins are far worse than that of the land animals," Demers adds. "The land animal care versus marine animal care is like night and day." The park came under harsh criticism last August when an emaciated walrus named Zeus collapsed during a performance. Phil Demers For some rabbits, the world will never be big enough. It's not enough that Nene has her own blanket. Or her own chair. Or her own room. Everything belongs to this tiny 2-pound rabbit. Including the hearts of the Montreal, Canada, couple who happen to live with her. Derek Rombeiro "She owns everything in the house," Derek Rombeiro tells The Dodo. "The house is her playground. She makes everything hers." And despite being so tiny, Nene won't surrender an inch of her turf to anyone. Unless of course, they come bearing cuddles. Dodo Shows Cat Crazy Fluffy Cat Wants To Sit On His Dad At All Times Derek Rombeiro "She stands her ground," Rombeiro says. "No matter how little she is, she will always stand her ground. She is literally the toughest rabbit I've ever met in my entire life." Derek Rombeiro Six years ago, no one could have predicted Nene would grow up to be a princess. Much less grow up at all. Rombeiro, who is an animal rights activist and volunteer with local rescue groups, spotted her at a rabbit breeding farm in Quebec. The rabbits were being raised and sold as pets. Derek Rombeiro She was the runt of the litter. She was riddled with health issues. And her teeth were so crooked they would need to be trimmed regularly for the rest of her life. Derek Rombeiro It all added up to the farm operator's decision to put the bunny down. "She looked small and pathetic and in a corner all alone," Rombeiro recalls. "It was either I take her or it was the end of her life." Rombeiro and his girlfriend Tania Orlando chose to give Nene a real beginning. And the bunny, who never grew to be much bigger than a handful, wasted no time in seizing the crown. Derek Rombeiro "She is literally a princess," Rombeiro says. "She cannot be bothered when she does not want to be bothered." But one thing that does bother Nene are the trips, every two weeks, to the veterinarian to have her teeth trimmed. "It's very stressful," Rombeiro says. "Rabbits are animals of prey and very stressed creatures." A rabbit's teeth never stop growing, but normally they file themselves down through eating and gnawing. Because of the particular angle of Nene's teeth, however, that doesn't happen. If not for a visit to the veterinarian, Rombeiro says Nene's crooked teeth "would never stop growing and they would block her from being able to eat her food. Almost like a rhino but having a horn on his chin." With the help of a veterinarian who makes every effort to make her comfortable, Nene only feels the slightest pinch of stress during her tooth-trimming sessions. And then it's back home for some serious de-stressing. Derek Rombeiro In recent days, much of Europe has been reeling from a deadly winter chill. But as the temperatures continue to reach dangerous lows, the warmth of human kindness has endured. Since the extreme weather began, this shop in Turkey has opened its doors to animals who might otherwise have perished in the cold. Selcuk Bayal Selcuk Bayal, who runs the small stationery store and cafe in Istanbul, often donates his time to help homeless animals living nearby. But with the current cold snap, he decided to go even further - by transforming his business into a temporary refuge for nearly a dozen stray cats. "We are human, and these creatures are entrusted to us by God," Bayal tells The Dodo. "We are responsible for looking after them." Dodo Shows Odd Couples Dog Is So Gentle And Patient With Her Foster Kittens Selcuk Bayal Bayal's kind gesture toward the cats has earned him the praise of animal lovers, but not everyone stopping by his shop has been so pleased. Still, rather than send the cats packing for the sake of profit, the shopkeeper suggested those people take their business elsewhere. He put up a sign in his store window saying: "Those who are bothered by cats, do not shop here!" Selcuk Bayal Despite potentially losing some customers, helping to keep the cats cozy and fed through the harsh winter comes with its own rewards. Selcuk Bayal A petition calling on Ottawa to kill the Internet tax has garnered more than 26,000 signatures even before the ink is dry on a public consultation over Canadian programming in the digital age. Take these ineffective ideas off the table, Internet freedom advocacy group Open Media says in its Stop this Digital Tax on Everything campaign, arguing that industry lobbyists are pushing for new taxes that would raise monthly bills and keep Canadians offline. The issue has been in renewed focus since Canadian Heritage Minister Melanie Joly in April launched a public consultation on homegrown content in a digital world. The consultation closed on Nov. 25 following social media and town hall gatherings that included an in-person session with the minister in Toronto over the summer. Joly has been noncommittal on whether the government will extend consumption charges such as the GST to video and audio streaming, or whether it plans to institute a brand new tax on digital content and hardware. This is a broader question than just taxes, Joly said in a recent interview with CTV News. It's about the participation of digital platforms in the system. Were looking at all scenarios right now and certainly we want to engage with the different digital platforms in a conversation on how they can support Canadian content. Joly did not respond to the Stars request for comment. A spokesperson said the minister will likely introduce new policy initiatives within the first two months of 2017. While Open Media is bracing for the imposition of new fees, unions and some cultural industry groups welcome the potential revenue as a means to buttress Canadian programming while traditional broadcasters grapple with unregulated Internet rivals and falling ad loads. The minister says everything is on the table, but observers note that new taxes on the Internet would probably require an overhaul of related legislation, since the Canada Revenue Agency has ruled that so-called over-the-top content providers are not required to pay tax on revenue earned in Canada. The agency has ruled that if a business has no physical presence, even if it sells goods and services in the country, it is deemed not to be carrying on business for the purposes of tax collection. According to these rules, over-the-top (OTT) suppliers such as Netflix, which has no office in Canada, are not required to register with CRA, collect Canadian HST and GST, or pay income tax. The Supreme Court in 2012 affirmed that Internet providers are not subject to the rules applied to broadcasters under the Broadcasting Act. Joly, moreover, has rejected the so-called Netflix tax, a levy on OTT content providers that would direct a percentage of revenue from domestic broadcasting services to the Canadian Media Fund similar to the obligations the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission imposes on traditional cable and satellite distributors. But the minister in past statements has lent credence to the notion of some sort of equivalency between new and old media, at least in terms of their use of scarce and government-controlled airwave spectrum. And in light of the open nature of the digital content consultations and moves by jurisdictions including the EU to apply value added taxes to telecom, broadcasting and electronic services, Open Media and other groups believe more consumer burdens are on the horizon. They want this Internet tax to pay for Canadian content. But by driving up already high Internet costs, it will deepen the digital divide, Open Media says on its website. This is not what the government promised us. Proponents of digital content taxation, including the Ontario government, however, argue that the current environment unfairly disadvantages conventional media companies such as Bell Media, Videotron and Corus in the discretionary pay and specialty TV market. Broadcasting is broadcasting, and the CRTC has a duty to regulate it, whether its on a TV, a laptop or a BlackBerry, said Ferne Downey, president of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists. Tax proponents also note that the government is forgoing legitimate revenue that could be derived from Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV and other foreign-based, on-demand streaming services operating in Canada and used to support Canadian productions. In a study published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, independent researcher John Anderson said the OTT players have established a strong enough footing in Canada to withstand taxation without impacting their ability to innovate and offer new categories of choice to the viewing public. Right from the dawn of Internet broadcasting, we have had this double standard that covers the CBC, CTV and other already regulated companies with one set of rules, and the Internet startups with another, Anderson writes in a report called An Over-the-Top Exemption. Netflix, in its submission to the Heritage consultation, said it spent hundreds of millions of dollars on original programming in Canada in 2016 in the form of co-commissions with Canadian producers and broadcasters such as Degrassi: Next Class and the sci-fi series Travelers. Weve been doing significant investments on our own and will continue, and honestly (it) will only grow significantly over the next couple of years. But regulation is not helping to encourage that for us, Elizabeth Bradley, content vice-president for Netflix said in her submission to the consultation. But Anderson said Netflix, which earned an estimated $600 million from subscribers in Canada over the past 12 months, is coasting on the contributions to the system of traditional broadcasters. The latest survey by the Solutions Research Group estimated there were 5.2 million Canadian households subscribed to Netflix in April 2016, up from 4.7 million in December 2015. That would represent annual revenue of $620 million a year based on $9.99 per household. Estimates are in order because Netflix as an unlicensed OTT has successfully rebuffed CRTC demands that it reveal Canadian revenue and subscriber data, along with information related to the Canadian content it creates or provides to subscribers, calling it competitively sensitive information. Anderson estimates that Canadian programs accounted for roughly 5 per cent of Netflixs total investment in the domestic market since its launch here in 2010. Read more about: SHARE: Rydens Border Store, located about 800 metres from the U.S./Canada border in Grand Portage, Minn., has been run by the Ryden clan since 1947 and still does a brisk business in currency exchange, parcel pickup, beer and T-shirt sales and such. Two years ago Larry Rydens daughter, Lori Boomer, took over the place. Everyone calls her Sam. Summertime is super busy with fishermen headed north to the wild blue yonder, she says. (Canadian beer is expensive, she notes.) Christmases are always crazy with thousands of parcels needing to be processed for pickup. Heres a question Ms. Boomer is ill-equipped to handle: if Ontario were to ship 150,000 cubic metres of low level and intermediate level nuclear waste her way, would she have a place to bury it? Well, one, Im not going to accept it obviously. Two, my governments not going to accept it. Its absurd. The hunt for an appropriate site for a Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) to house waste from Ontarios nuclear facilities is not a subject to be taken lightly. Everything from mops to materials close to the reactor core, such as ion exchange resins that bear a significant amount of Carbon-14, a radionuclide that has a half life of more than 5,700 years, is slated for permanent burial. And lets be clear Ms. Boomer has not been contacted on a whim. A report recently released by OPG cites Rydens GPS co-ordinates as one of the plot points in one of two contemplated alternate locations for the DGR. Equally curious, the co-ordinates for the second alternate include a stately two story brick home in Chaplin Estates, near Yonge St. and Davisville Ave. This is worth digging into. On Dec. 28, Ontario Power Generation submitted the results of its federally mandated assignment to present technically and economically feasible alternate locations for the DGR alternate, that is, to OPGs preferred strategy to inter the waste from the Bruce, Darlington and Pickering nuclear power plants at Bruce Nuclear near Kincardine. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency will take until Jan. 16 to determine whether OPGs information is complete and that it conforms to the Ministers information request. A 30-day public comment period will follow. When the federal Environment Ministry requested the study, 11 months ago, it sought details as to specific reference to actual locations. While OPG responded in April that it intended to assess two feasible geological regions in the province, without providing specific reference to actual locations, it says now that in this document and the main submission it is using specific references to actual locations. The common reader may see the word location to mean, as it is conventionally defined, a particular or exact place. OPG has provided something quite different and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna now must decide whether the power giant has come up with an evaluation that is good enough. Lets remember that the proposed Bruce site will be dug nearly 700 metres deep in limestone host rock a distance of 1.2 km from Lake Huron. The town of Kincardine is on side. Opposition voices on both sides of the border have been loud, particularly as it concerns protecting the Great Lakes. The dominant question: is Bruce the best spot? And a corollary: wasnt granite the Canadian Shield in northern Ontario discussed long ago as potentially the appropriate geology for toxic waste? The issue may pertain not just to low and intermediate waste, but ultimately the disposal of spent fuel rods, a headache for the generations that has yet to be effectively addressed. OPG has defined two alternate locations one a crystalline rock location, which OPG has used interchangeably with granite, and the other a sedimentary rock location. Fourteen GPS co-ordinates, including Rydens Border Store and a spot in Lake Erie, have been provided to define the first of these. When mapped, the 14 form the perimeter of this so-called crystalline alternate location. Plotted by the Stars Matthew Cole, the result is a 726,052-square-kilometre land mass covering roughly 73 per cent of the province. OPG makes the accurate assertion that taken to a finer decimal point, which is not noted in the report, the location perimeter moves just a titch this side of Canadian border. So Rydens is off the hook. What this should spur in McKennas office is an examination of how carefully OPG undertook the assignment and whether the vast result is of much use. Jerry Keto, the OPG vice-president who signed off on the reports, was unavailable for comment. In his stead, OPG spokesperson Kevin Powers responded to the question as to whether OPG has fulfilled its mandate. We do believe we have met the ministers expectations, Powers says. The minister asked for a study of the environmental effects of two technically and economically feasible alternate locations. We distinguish between sites and locations. A site would be identified through a multiyear, multiphase, consent based exercise, which would be the equivalent of starting over again to find a willing host community. Instead we approached this as we would as if this were the early screening step of a siting process, so what geological locations are technically and economically feasible. But ultimately it will be up to the minister to determine whether or not this has met her expectations. In making its case for the Bruce site, the report estimates that it could take two decades to secure an alternate location, a process of marrying evidence-based science to a willing host community. It additionally projects increased costs should an alternate site be chosen, including transportation costs, depending on distance, of between $380 million and $1.4 billion. As to the geology, the report raises the possibility that a crystalline location could be more fractured and thereby more permeable than Bruce. This is of particular importance with the intermediate waste, concluding that a likely result would be sooner groundwater contact, releasing, by example, Carbon-14 sooner than expected in sedimentary rock. Yet a companion report on the potential environmental effects prepared by Golder Associates states that the deep bedrock zones are expected to exhibit very low permeability. Just like the Bruce site. Rod McLeod, provincial deputy environment minister in the David Peterson government and the provinces chief Crown prosecutor before that, is a director of SOS Great Lakes, the group that has been loudest in its opposition to the Bruce DGR. OPG has never answered the question, McLeod says of the years-long location discussion. He spools all the way back to 2003. They didnt answer it then, they didnt answer it at the first hearing in 2013, they were given a second chance at a new hearing in 2014. They are simply stalling. Will McKenna ultimately relieve OPG of the traditional requirement to identify, study, analyze and reject alternate options? And if so, on what basis, besides expediency? Rod McLeods view is that its absolute madness to dig this hole beside the drinking water source for 40 million Canadians and Americans. OPG insists that, at least according to its own social media analysis, Ontarians arent bothered. The topic is not a popular one, nor is it generating large volumes of curiosity, the report states, adding that interest in the DGR has flatlined. The public now has little more than a month to change that perception, should it care to. SHARE: Travel can be stressful when things go wrong. Your dream trip can turn into a nightmare. Here are a few cases where I helped readers receive refunds after their travel bookings didnt measure up. Alison Bukhari was planning a two-week vacation to Maui with her husband and three children. She used Expedia to search for hotels. We found the perfect location and booked, she said. I received emails from Expedia confirming our booking at 475 Front St., Lahaina, right near the beach. Then, just days before we were scheduled to check in, the hotel sent me an email with check-in details. The address was 660 Wainee St., much further from the beach. In a panic, she called Expedia to report the error. Would she have to pay a cancellation fee? Was it safe to book another hotel? Expedia assured her that it would work with the hotel to get her a refund, Bukhari said. She booked another hotel and kept checking her credit card account while on vacation, waiting for a refund to show up. She called Expedia when she returned five times in the first 10 days and spent hours trying to get a response. Finally, a supervisor said that she was out of luck. In a written response, Expedia told me that the hotel in Hawaii had a policy of charging a penalty of 50 per cent of the reservation cost when customers cancelled. A representative had told Bukhari about the penalty, but also suggested she cancel the reservation and book a new hotel in a preferred location. Expedia said it had tried to advocate on her behalf, but the hotel would not waive the penalty, especially since the customer cancelled five days before the arrival date. After I got involved, Expedia apologized for the misunderstanding and provided a full refund of $2,918.32 back to Bukharis credit card. In another case I handled, there was a mix-up in booking airline seats. Barb Crowther and Ian Wigle wanted to fly business class to Copenhagen, but an Expedia agent had overlooked their request. The agent did tell them during the booking process that their tickets were in the economy section. For this reason, Expedia denied a refund when the couple complained about having to buy new tickets. Expedia later apologized for the confusion. It acknowledged the error and provided a refund of $2,295.98 for the lost residual value of the tickets and exchange fees. Daniel Cabandie asked for help with Air Canada after he was barred from boarding a flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil, last July. The airline said there was a problem with his credit card. When he had booked the flight in March 2016, he paid with a credit card that was replaced afterward because it wasnt working. Shortly before departure, he rescheduled the flight using his new card. At the airport, he was not allowed to check in for his flight since he was using a credit card that was different from the one used to purchase the original ticket. At one point, they requested the other credit card, he said. I no longer had it, since the bank had told me to break it and discard it. I missed my flight and was forced to buy a ticket to Brazil with United Airlines. Citing fraud prevention, Air Canada said it could not provide service if he could not produce the credit card used for the original booking despite having confirmed payment at the time he rebooked. It provided a refund on the flight he missed and a 20-per-cent discount on a future flight. Cabandie wrote to me and to the Canadian Transportation Agency. Eventually, Air Canada agreed to refund the amount he had paid for the more expensive United ticket purchased at the last minute. Ellens advice Keep pushing. Travel complaints can be difficult to resolve. You need good records to support your claims. But with a solid case, you should eventually reach a resolution. Ellen Rosemans column appears each week in Smart Money SHARE: Its mid-January 2015 and the price of oil is half what it was four months ago. In Alberta, the provincial government is panicking and threatening to cut social programs. In Ottawa, the federal government is nervously reassessing revenue projections. And in Norway, where the economy is also based on oil and gas development? Its just another day at the office. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg declares that the Norwegian economy will continue to thrive. Finance Minister Siv Jensen has already delivered a budget that features increased spending, tax cuts and a surplus. How is this possible in a country of only five million people (Alberta has just over four million) that produces less oil than Alberta but also has to deal with the unpredictability of roller-coaster oil prices? The Norwegians pay very high taxes, including a 25-per-cent sales tax, but they also have well-funded social programs in Norway the term welfare state is not a pejorative. The government doesnt resort to cutting health care, education and social service programs when the price of oil slides. And they dont run deficit budgets. There is universal child care. Post-secondary education is free. Seniors receive generous pensions and there is abundant public housing The Norwegians have also managed to save almost $900 billion (U.S.) the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world since offshore oil was discovered in their waters in the late 1960s. Norway doesnt take a royalty share of its oil and gas production like Alberta. Instead, the government heavily taxes the petroleum producers profits, takes a substantial equity share in many projects and earns stock dividends from a government-controlled oil and gas company. Tax revenue from the petroleum sector accounts for about 30 per cent of government revenues, but this revenue is not based on royalties (taxes) per barrel of oil produced and it is not tied to the fluctuating price of oil, as in Alberta. Instead, oil and gas companies operating in Norway pay a 28 per cent corporate tax plus a 50-per-cent petroleum tax on profits, for a total tax of 78 per cent. According to the Norwegian governments finance ministry, $81 billion was deposited into the countrys sovereign fund over the past three years. Usually only 3 per cent of the savings fund goes to government coffers annually, the rest getting invested overseas. By law the government cannot take more than 4 per cent a year. This year, the government upped the take to 3.5 per cent about $26 billion, or 11 per cent of its annual state budget. That caused barely a ripple in Parliament or among voters from quietly wealthy Oslo to thriving Arctic towns like Hammerfest. In Alberta, petroleum companies pay a royalty per barrel produced to the provincial government, a 10-per-cent corporate tax rate and a 15-per-cent federal corporate tax. But oilsands developers pay only minimal royalties (as low as one per cent) until they have recovered capital costs. That can take up to 10 years, and if there are cost overruns and delays it can take even longer. At this point, about 60 per cent of Alberta oilsands projects are paying the minimal royalty rate. The Norwegian government recognizes their oil production has peaked and they are planning for Norway to become a powerhouse of renewable energy hydro, wind, waves and solar. In contrast, the Alberta government has only $17 billion in its savings fund, The Heritage Savings Trust Fund, which was established 20 years before the Norwegian fund. And transitioning to renewables is not a high priority for Alberta or the federal government. So instead of taming the impact of volatile oil prices like the Norwegians do, Canada rides the stomach-churning roller-coaster of unpredictable pricing that can shrink government revenues and knock the wind out of our dollar in a very short time. In the early days, Norways petroleum activities were primarily carried out by foreign multinationals. But when the first major discovery Ekofisk was made in the North Sea in 1969, the government decided to play a much bigger role. The oil company Statoil was established in 1972 with the state as sole owner. It would not only be an operator but would also be involved in all stages of production. Statoil now produces 1.7 million barrels a day out of total Norwegian production of 2.1 million barrels. The state also took 50-per-cent ownership in each petroleum licence granted, although that position was lowered to between 20 and 40 per cent in 1993. In 2001, the government established Petoro, which represents its interests in projects where it has partnered with the private sector for exploration and development. Generally, Petoro takes a 20-per-cent stake in leases, though the slice has been as hefty as 60 per cent in the past. The government deposits Petoros net revenues into the savings fund and decides, as part of the federal budget, how much to invest in new projects. All the cash flow from Petoro, the Statoil dividends and taxes on petroleum profits go into Norways sovereign fund. The government gets most of what it needs to pay for universal health care, free education through college, a generous pension system and other programs from heavy taxes on residents and businesses. And yet, multinationals such as Conoco Phillips and Exxon Mobil have steadily invested in Norways offshore resources over the past 40 years and now account for about 30 per cent of offshore exploration and production. These companies receive a sizeable government subsidy, introduced in 2005, that refunds 78 per cent of the exploration costs. In addition, taxes from onshore oil activities and from liquefied natural gas shipped overseas were reduced, which has attracted additional international investment. Canada once had a state-owned oil company, Petro-Canada. Even in Alberta, premier Peter Lougheed established the Alberta Energy Company in 1973. But by the 1990s, after vocal opposition from the petroleum private sector and right-wing conservatives, both companies were privatized, leaving the Canadian and Alberta governments without a direct interest in oil and gas development. The only state-owned companies operating in the oilsands are foreign. Norways Statoil had an interest in a multi-billion oilsands project until opposition at home to dirty oil projects caused them to quietly pull out. Chinas state-owned oil company, CNOOC, took over oilsands player Nexen in 2013 and also has a stake in Syncrude and Brion Energy. Other countries with state-owned stakes in the oil sands include Abu Dhabi, Thailand and Korea. SHARE: Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus culture chief is visiting China for the first time in over a decade as his government pivots from protectionism to promotion in the arts. Melanie Joly, who as heritage minister oversees the arts and media sectors, begins a five-day series of meetings in China on Tuesday. Her office said its the first such visit in 12 years and comes as Canada prepares a new cultural policy to roll out later this year. Jolys trip follows a visit by Trudeau to the Asian country, where he revealed the first markings of a new Canadian trade policy that includes a shift in focus away from bulk resource exports toward consumers. Joly, whos travelling with Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board, will also meet with companies including Cirque du Soleil Inc. and Walt Disney Co., according to a statement from her office. Its a change of vision we have. We believe that in the digital age we have to depart from protection to promotion of our own cultural content, Joly said in an interview. Because of digital disruption driven by the web, we need to make sure we help our creative sector seize new markets, and we need to support quality when it comes to content. To be sure, Joly and Trudeau arent abandoning support for Canadian culture in what she deemed a pivot from protectionism. Their debut budget last year pledged $1.9 billion over five years in new cultural funding, an investment the heritage minister hails as historic. However, there are signs of a changing tone as Joly stresses quality and global competition. The government has also, for instance, so far declined to intervene in a Super Bowl advertising spat that loosens the grip of protectionist policies that fund Canadian television programming. The government held consultations last year on the future of Canadian content in a digital world. Joly is pitching change. I want to bring in a new model, she said, adding Canada needs a new policy tool kit for its cultural sector. We can really be ambitious and help our creative sector to grow and create good jobs in Canada by making sure we have strong ties with other markets, and China is our first target. Jolys trip is an important statement, said Gordon Esau, a partner at Dentons who specializes in film and television and advises clients in China. Joly will have to make return visits to maximize impact, he said. We could well see the U.S., under Donald Trump, pull back in their interaction at a time when theres great growth there, so it could give Canada a unique opportunity to jump forward, Esau said. How do we capture some of that economic benefit? The first step is to establish the connections. Trudeau travelled to China last year, visiting Alibaba Group Holding and agreeing to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. While the prime minister praised Chinas economic potential, the visit was not without tension. The countries resolved a canola dispute and Trudeau raised human-rights concerns with Chinese leaders. As Joly focuses on championing Canadian content abroad, part of her new model will include a decision on whether or not to directly support traditional media companies at home, including newspaper chain Postmedia and others facing steep declines in revenue. The government is concerned about ensuring Canadians have access to reliable and credible sources of information through news media, Joly said. The minster said she will receive a report on potential options for newspapers from Canadas Public Policy Forum think-tank this month before deciding how to proceed. Well be coming up with our vision of the model later this year in the context of the 150th anniversary, she said, referring to the countrys national celebrations this year of its founding in 1867. We believe in the importance of journalism, thats for sure. And therefore were looking at all scenarios that have been presented. Read more about: SHARE: KINGSTON, ONT.Police say a woman is facing charges after allegedly assaulting an apartment building superintendent with a mop. They say the complainant confronted the woman on Monday night after he saw her mopping the walls in the buildings hallway. Investigators allege the woman began cursing at the man claiming he was harassing her and hit him in the head after he followed her to the laundry room. They say she then tried to hit him with the mop and he left and called police. Police say the 39-year-old woman was unco-operative and had to be restrained by officers during her arrest and is charged with assault and assault with a weapon. They say the man wasnt injured and its not known why the woman was mopping the walls. SHARE: OTTAWAThree Toronto-area MPs earned big promotions as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled his cabinet Tuesday to gird for a new protectionist president in Washington and potential economic turbulence to follow. Ahmed Hussen, who arrived as a 16-year-old refugee from Mogadishu, went to law school and just over a year ago became the first Somali-Canadian elected to the House of Commons, was named immigration minister. Chrystia Freeland, the International Trade minister who closed the Canada-EU free trade deal, moves to Foreign Affairs replacing Liberal veteran Stephane Dion, to steer Canadas relationship with a newly unpredictable ally and trading partner under Donald Trump as U.S. president. And Karina Gould, a rookie MP from Burlington, joins cabinet as Democratic Institutions minister, taking over from embattled Maryam Monsef. Hussens varied experiences as an immigrant, community activist and immigration lawyer means he knows his new post from the grassroots up, inside and out, one senior official told the Star. The Rideau Hall ceremony Tuesday afternoon put a fresh face on Trudeaus government with veterans John McCallum and Dion leaving politics, rookie minister MaryAnn Mihychuk dumped and three newcomers joining the cabinet table. Trudeau said the changes were made in order to put our best team forward in dealing with the important issues that matter to Canadians, whether it be the relationship with the United States, whether it be the relationship with China, whether it be how we engage with Europe. It is Trudeaus tapping of Freeland, 48, a journalist and author who lived in New York and Moscow, to replace Dion and his decision to leave her to steer the Canada-U.S. trade relationship that will set the tone for several big files in the New Year. Trudeau suggested that Freeland, a fluent Russian speaker, is the best placed as the government navigates the unfolding U.S.-Russian dynamic. Freeland has in-depth knowledge of both countries and speaks Ukrainian, Russian, French and Italian. Freeland has been blacklisted from visiting Russia, retaliation by President Vladimir Putin after Canada slapped sanctions on Moscow in 2014 to protest annexation of the Crimea in Ukraine. Freeland brushed aside queries about that, saying, thats a question for Moscow. For now, Ottawas focus is on Washington, where Trumps administration will present both opportunities and challenges, Trudeau said. One of the things that weve seen from president-elect Trump is that he very much takes a trade and job lens to his engagements with the world in international diplomacy, Trudeau said. It makes sense for the person who is responsible for foreign relations with the United States to also have the ability and the responsibility to engage with issues such as NAFTA and the broad range of trade issues that well be facing, Trudeau said, sketching out the rationale for Freelands move to foreign affairs. Freeland told reporters Tuesday the government has laid the groundwork for some personal relationships with the new administration. A senior government official said those meetings have helped inform Trump aides about the extent of the Canadas economic ties to the U.S. and Americas dependence on cross-border trade, but added Trumps people are very serious about changing things. The world did change in November and it will have far-reaching implications, not just on our relations with the United States but our key economic and trade partners in Asia and Europe, the official told the Star. Helping out with that agenda will be Francois-Philippe Champagne, 46, who was promoted from parliamentary secretary to the minister of finance to International Trade. He replaces Freeland as the point person for other trade negotiations such as exploratory talks with China and the not-yet ratified Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Trump has threatened to ditch. Tuesdays shakeup rewarded some MPs who made an impression in the year since the Liberals took over government and shuffled aside poor performers. Patty Hajdu, 50, the minister for the status of women was promoted to become minister of employment, workforce development and labour. She replaces Mihychuk, a former Manitoba NDP cabinet minister whose brusque and complaining manner rubbed many the wrong way. Mihychuk is dropped from cabinet altogether. Gould, 29, is a relative unknown even more than a year after the election. She moves from parliamentary secretary for International Development and the Francophonie to take on the Democratic Institutions portfolio stickhandling changes to how Canadians will vote in the next election, and how the government will move its bills through a reformed Senate and its newly independent ranks under Trudeau appointments. With democratic reform bogged down, Gould will bring a new focus to the portfolio, perhaps one that put less emphasis on changing the way Canadians vote, the official suggested. The change is also an effort to help rehabilitate Monsef, the 31-year-old minister who muddled the electoral reform file and now takes over the Status of Women file. Its a good chance for a fresh start for someone who has a really, really bright future, the source said. Trudeau thanked the two departing veterans for their years of political service, even though Dion was said to be unhappy about the shift, despite the offer of a plum diplomatic posting as ambassador to both the European Union and Germany, according to the CBC. Asked whether he had fired Dion, Trudeau only spoke glowingly of the party stalwart and said he had offered him a very senior important position. He is rightly taking a moment to consider what his future service will look like, Trudeau said. Dion released a statement Tuesday evening thanking Trudeau and wishing Freeland the best of luck. Over the last twenty-one years, I have devoted myself to my riding, to my fellow citizens, to Quebec, to all of Canada, to the role that we must play in the world, and to the Liberal Party of Canada. Now, I shall deploy my efforts outside active politics, he said. McCallum, a former bank economist who held the immigration minister portfolio, leaves his 16-year political career as the MP for Markham-Thornhill to become Canadas ambassador in Beijing, a politically important shift at a time when Trudeau is launching exploratory talks towards free trade with China. MORE ON THESTAR.COM Cabinet shuffle is handiwork of Trudeau, and Trump: Editorial Trudeau wields carrots and sticks: Paul Wells SHARE: Thats one way to keep MPs on their toes. Justin Trudeau kicked three ministers out of his cabinet on Tuesday even though none had provoked the sort of scandal that normally merits such a sanction. And he promoted three rookies to serious jobs. Thats both more carrot and more stick than most prime ministers have felt a need to wave this early in their terms. As cabinet shuffles go, this one is on the small side, but its effect is not inconsequential. In only two months, Donald Trumps election has led to the appointment of new foreign ministers in both Ottawa and Mexico City. Chrystia Freeland has a bit in common with her newly appointed Mexican counterpart Luis Videgaray. Each is a trusted lieutenant to the head of government. Justin Trudeau has worked closely with Stephane Dion since Trudeau managed to become the Liberal candidate in Montreals Papineau riding in 2007, despite the best efforts of Dions staff to anoint another candidate. As that rough start portended, Dion and Trudeau never learned to make their disparate styles gel. Freeland, on the other hand, is in politics because Trudeau spent months urging her to run. The governments preoccupation with the middle class, a nebulous entity mentioned in both the Liberals campaign platform and their first budget, is based in large part on her pre-politics writing as a business journalist. As trade minister, she spent 2016 pulling the Canada-EU trade deal out of the fire, repeatedly, with nearly no direct intervention from Trudeau. He trusts her. And like Videgaray whose first speech as Mexican foreign secretary said Mexico will be not be submissive any more than it will seek conflict or insult Freeland will need to walk a line. Trumps election has the Trudeau government deeply spooked, because the incoming U.S. president is both highly unpredictable and, demonstrably, easy to underestimate as a political force. Job One will be to avoid conflict with the Trump administration where possible. But it wont always be possible, and on those days it will be both pointless and politically damaging at home for the Canadians to apologize for disagreeing. Trudeau will need a forceful and coherent advocate with serious entrees in Washington and, ahem, a demonstrated ability to work well with others. Freeland has those. She has also won what amounted to a bet with Dion over whether Russia should be viewed as more of a problem or an opportunity for Canada. The U.S. election settled that one, too: Donald Trump may not believe that the Kremlin hacked Hillary Clinton out of a job, but Trudeaus staff does. Freelands relatively hawkish stance toward Russia is one early, neon-bright line of demarcation between her and Trump. Also out of the cabinet is John McCallum. His appointment as ambassador to China seems distinctly second-best, both because weve seen ministers leave Ottawa for diplomatic posts before, to less-than-illustrious effect, and because Trudeaus office had already let it be known that if the consultant Dominic Barton would take the Beijing job he could have it. Finally, there is MaryAnn Mihychuk, who lost half her portfolio in the autumn and, having refused to take the hint, lost the rest of it on Tuesday. Prime ministers are normally reluctant to kick anyone out of cabinet, because it creates a little island of resentment in the back benches. Based on his past behaviour, a Trudeau aide told me last week, I dont think that will be a problem for this prime minister. So, thats the stick. The carrot is the notion that hard work can, at least sometimes, be rewarded. At least thats the theory behind the appointment of Karina Gould and Ahmed Hussen, neither a household name in Ottawa, to the democratic reform and immigration posts respectively. Francois-Philippe Champagne, who gets Freelands old job as trade minister, is more of a known quantity. A dapper dresser and mile-a-minute talker in both English and French, he was a tireless grinder as Bill Morneaus parliamentary secretary for finance. Champagne (sometimes called Frankie Bubbles around Ottawa) would go anywhere, attend any thankless ribbon-cutting, slog through any Friday-morning barrage of opposition flak in question period. He becomes the new poster boy for the notion that hard work does not go unrewarded in Trudeaus Ottawa. As for the others, well see. Gould is only months older than Jean Charest was when he became the youngest-ever cabinet minister in 1984. That she gets democratic reform while the embattled Maryam Monsef moves to status of women may be a sign, not that Monsef has been demoted, but that the democratic reform project has. If Im wrong on that, Gould could yet be a star. If not, not. Environment used to be the portfolio where Conservative ambition went to die. Maybe democratic reform is developing the same role for Liberals. And then theres Trudeau. Before Christmas it was possible to build a portrait of a prime minister in denial about some nasty festering problems Dions ineffectual defence of military contracts with Saudi Arabia, Monsefs flailing on electoral reform, the Trump/Brexit axis of global populism, and Trudeaus own apparent comfort with billionaire donors and pals. But since he returned from the Aga Khans island retreat, Trudeau has moved quickly to implement a multi-part strategy to address all of those issues. The decision to skip Davos in favour of an extended outreach tour away from big cities. The high-level staff meetings with Trumps transition team in New York. And now a cabinet shuffle, compact but potent in its delivery of both opportunity and fury. Justin Trudeau has reminded everyone of his ability to surprise. Read more about: SHARE: Serial rapist Selva Kumar Subbiah is due to be released from prison this month and authorities wont say whether hell be deported to his native Malaysia or returned to the streets of Toronto. Subbiah, 56, assaulted more than two dozen women in the city and one of them says she cant stop worrying as his Jan. 29 release date approaches. It seems like he has just coloured my view of people, said the woman, whose name the Star has agreed not to publish because of her security concerns. I just have more fear. You just feel like nothings safe. Its weird. Subbiahs scheduled release comes amid chilling warnings from prison staff that hes a high risk to reoffend or even kill. He was told in a June 2016 parole hearing that behind-bars therapy hasnt done him much good. That echoes comments in a string of previous parole hearings. The CMT (case management team) believes that you are likely to commit an offence causing death or serious harm to another person prior to the expiration of your (parole) and therefore, is recommending that your detention order be confirmed, the parole record from that June hearing states. File information indicates that you continue to struggle in the areas of victim empathy, remorse and your inability to take full responsibility for your personal choices which results in your lack of mitigation in risk. Subbiah made no comment at that hearing, waiving his right to have an adviser or assistant present. He also did not make written submissions to the board in June. Canada Border Services would not say whether Subbiah would be deported upon his release and declined to discuss Subbiahs case specifically. But a spokesperson said the Immigration Act clearly defines reasons for inadmissibility including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations, in organized crime, security, health or financial reasons. All foreign nationals and/or permanent residents accused of committing criminal acts are subject to the due process of the law, Derek Lawrence of the CBSA in Toronto said in an email. When convicted, they must serve their sentence before the removal from Canada can take place. The law does allow for the removal of serious criminals without an appeal. Subbiahs victim said she hopes that hes deported, adding she recently called police there to warn them. She also sent them a package that included a Star article and photos of him. I didnt hear anything back, she said. That doesnt make you feel too comfy. There were dire warnings when Subbiah was sent to prison a quarter century ago. He has no feelings, no compassion. All we can do is warehouse him, Crown counsel Paul Normandeau told the court. On Dec. 21, 1992, Subbiah was convicted of multiple sexual assaults. During the sentencing, Justice David Humphrey ordered police to escort Subbiah to his native Malaysia when he is finally released though it is unclear whether this will be carried out. Subbiah committed several of his crimes while posing as a model agent or movie talent scout, often using the names Richard Wild and Ryan Hunter. Occasionally, he also posed as a professional dancer, a lawyer and a diplomat. He also lured victims to the basement of his home on Macdonnell Ave. through ads offering to sell exotic pets. He would offer victims a drink, which he would drug to knock them out. Once the women were in a state of unconsciousness, he usually raped them and took photos of their naked, limp bodies, court heard. Court heard one of his victims was as young as 14, and that when morality squad officers arrested him on Aug. 7, 1991, they found he was carrying a black book containing the names of 170 women, rated on a scale of 0 to 10. Subbiah was in the news again in 1998, when police told the Star he was using a string of aliases from behind bars and a female accomplice on the outside to con women to send him nude photos and gifts. Corrections Canada officials do not comment on where prisoners are housed. However, the Star has learned that Subbiah was transferred from maximum security Kingston Penitentiary to the nearby medium security Warkworth Institution in 2013 because the penitentiary was scheduled to be closed that year. Author Rob Tripp noted that Subbiah survived a knifing attack at Kingston in 2009, when two convicts stabbed him at least six times. Subbiahs victim told the Star that for two years after the attack she rarely left her home. She has gone to therapy and longs to feel safe again. I just cant get there. I kept trying, but it has never worked. My life is very small. SHARE: A suspect police dubbed the lunchtime bandit who allegedly has an appetite for cash has been arrested. Police say the robberies occurred between Nov. 21 and Dec. 17 at banks located along Yonge St. between Lawrence Ave. and Davisville Ave. Four of the five robberies took place at around 12:30 p.m. said police. In each case, police say a man posed as a customer and then passed a note to bank tellers in which he politely demanded money and indicated he was armed with a gun. He would then flee with the cash. He has a pattern of some sort, maybe he is on lunch break between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., in that area, Staff Insp. Mike Earl told media on Dec. 20. The undisguised preppy punk was seen on surveillance cameras of a nearby subway station police said. Social media users and critics had plenty to say about the suspect police dubbed the lunchtime bandit. What a cute nickname for someone who is putting the fear of God into bank employees Twitter user @mcsammer said. Maybe the lunchtime bandit is leaving a trail of bread crumbs? said Twitter user @TorontoBruce. Michael Lilly, 20, of Toronto, has been charged with five counts of robbery. He was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning. With files from Evelyn Kwong SHARE: A veteran Crown prosecutor says authorities must make certain Toronto serial rapist Selvah Kumar Subbiah is immediately deported and turned over to Malaysian authorities when hes set free from prison at the end of the month. I think hes the most dangerous person that I ever prosecuted in 23 years, retired Crown counsel Paul Normandeau said in an interview. I did hundreds of sexual assault cases and child abuse cases and I still think hes the most dangerous person Ive ever seen, said Normandeau, who for seven years was the lead prosecutor on the child abuse team in downtown Toronto. Prison staff who have worked with Subbiah, 56, consider him a high risk to rape again or kill if hes given the opportunity, his parole records state. Subbiah is due to be released from prison on Jan. 29 when he has completed his full sentence of more than 24 years, even though prison authorities have said hes likely to reoffend or even kill. Authorities wont say whether hell be deported to his native Malaysia or returned to the streets of Toronto, where he sexually assaulted more than two dozen women. A spokesperson said the Immigration Act clearly defines reasons for inadmissibility including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations, in organized crime, security, health or financial reasons. All foreign nationals and/or permanent residents accused of committing criminal acts are subject to the due process of the law, Derek Lawrence of the CBSA in Toronto said in an email. When convicted, they must serve their sentence before the removal from Canada can take place. The law does allow for the removal of serious criminals without an appeal. One of Subbiahs victims said she deserves to know if hes back in Toronto. He doesnt have the right for a quiet exit, she said in a telephone interview. People should be all over this. The Star agreed not to reveal her identity because of her security concerns. Court heard that Subbiah sometimes posed as a model agent or movie talent scout and occasionally pretended to be a professional dancer, lawyer or diplomat. He also lured victims through ads offering to sell exotic pets. He offered victims a drink, which he would drug to immobilize or knock them out. Then he would rape them. When I got to the bottom of the glass, I realized there was powder in it, his victim said. I was fighting and fighting not to pass out. She said she was able to remain conscious but lacked the strength to ward off his attack. Normandeau said he wasnt surprised to hear that prison officials consider Subbiah an extremely high risk to sexually assault or kill women, if he returns to the streets. Subbiah was told in a June 2016 parole hearing that prison hasnt made him less dangerous, according to records obtained by The Star. Similar comments were made by prison officials in previous parole hearings. The CMT (case management team) believes that you are likely to commit an offence causing death or serious harm to another person prior to the expiration of your (parole) and therefore, is recommending that your detention order be confirmed, the parole record from that June hearing states. File information indicates that you continue to struggle in the areas of victim empathy, remorse and your inability to take full responsibility for your personal choices which results in your lack of mitigation in risk. Normandeau said he has been dreading the day of Subbiahs release ever since he was sent to prison back in 1992. Are they going to deport him? asked Normandeau, who retired five years ago. How are they going to deport him? This is the guy to worry about. Normandeau said theres only one way for authorities to properly handle Subbiahs release escort him with two police officers to Malaysia, and turn him over to authorities there, along with a thick file on his crimes. Normandeau said that he never saw Subbiah show any remorse for his crimes or hint at why he preys upon women. He said he has no doubt that Subbiah will reoffend, if given the opportunity. The only way he wouldnt is if hes double escorted to Malaysia and hes turned over to Malaysia with a file, Normandeau said. Normandeau said that in the early 1990s, the federal Minister of Immigration declared Subbiah an undesirable person, subject to deportation. Officials from Canada Border Service wouldnt say definitively if he would be immediately deported. CBSA should be there for the release and should be taking him into custody under a warrant from the ministry of immigration, Normandeau said. Normandeau said that simply flying Subbiah out of the country isnt enough, and that he must be turned over to authorities in Malaysia. Canada Border Services declined to discuss Subbiahs case specifically. But a spokesperson said the Immigration Act clearly defines reasons for inadmissibility including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations, in organized crime, security, health or financial reasons. Normandeau said that authorities were not sure exactly how many women Subbiah raped. Subbiah was carrying a black book containing the names of 170 women when he was arrested Aug. 7, 1991. The women were rated on a scale of 0 to 10. Court heard one of his victims was just 14. SHARE: Congressional Republicans seeking traction with an unpredictable and untried president-elect Donald Trump are embracing an emissary: vice-president-elect Mike Pence. The former six-term House member met with Republicans on both sides of the Capitol last week to discuss repealing Obamacare and other issues. In addition to his traditional Senate office, hell have one in the House a Capitol footprint not seen since Dick Cheney was vice-president. Hes also laying the groundwork to become a dealmaker in the Senate, reaching out to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats from states Trump won who could decide which of the administrations proposals can become law. Well be able to work on many things, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said as he left a private meeting with Pence last week. We need to have a relationship, a dialogue, to find out if theres a difference how we work through it. Still, many other Democrats say they see scant common ground with Pence and expect to see little benefit from his congressional manoeuvring. Vice-presidents have always had a role in Congress they can cast tiebreaking votes in the Senate but Pence joins those with added clout because theyre former members. Cheney, a former House minority whip, was a regular fixture in the Capitol during George W. Bushs presidency, and like Pence was invited to weekly Senate Republican caucus meetings to co-ordinate policy. Vice President Joe Biden was more hands-off, but he had cachet as a former chairman of the Foreign Relations and Judiciary panels and sometimes closed the deal with Republicans on big-ticket legislation. Yet lawmakers in Trumps own party are particularly wary of the incoming president, whom Republican leaders belatedly embraced and who has never before held public office. That raises the prospect that Pences roles will include buffer, wire-puller and even decoder for a chief executive who communicates in tweets and often parts ways with his party. Its not so much laying down the law, which Cheney sometimes did, but rather somebody who can serve as a kind of interpreter of what the president is thinking and whats going on at the White House, said Ross Baker, a political science professor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Pence, also tapped by Trump to run his presidential transition team, has helped assemble what could result in one of the most conservative Cabinets in decades. As governor of Indiana until he stepped down Monday, Pence helped secure tax incentives from the state that helped Trump crow about keeping hundreds of jobs from air-conditioning company Carrier Corp. in the U.S. that otherwise would have gone to Mexico. Pence and his wife on Monday officially move from Indiana to Washington, D.C., after the inauguration of Indianas new governor. Biden, as a traditional courtesy, sent the plane thats known as Air Force Two when the sitting vice-president is aboard to pick up the Pences. After Trump takes office Jan. 20, Pence can draw on deep ties within Republican ranks as the Capitols policy agenda shifts into high gear. Pence rose to become the No. 3 Republican leader, in charge of communication strategy, during 12 years in the House representing an eastern Indiana district. He was chairman in 2005-2006 of the Republican Study Committee, a group of House Republicans who back limited government. He also forged close relationships with more independent-minded House members, including former Arizona Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona, who is now in the Senate and has been firmly in the camp of Never Trump lawmakers who refused to endorse the president-elect. Flake has praised Pences new role, calling him a solid go-between for Republicans seeking consensus on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, as have House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. We all really like Mike Pence, McConnell of Kentucky told reporters after the November election. If you asked any of us who served with him, we all like him. We all thought it was a great choice that president-elect Trump made in picking him. Yet some Democrats say that in the House, he was known less for legislative wins and bipartisanship than for pushing his party to the right. I think hes a very good Republican, said James Clyburn, the No. 3 House Democrat. With Republicans, hell be great. With Democrats, not so good. Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Virginia Democrat, said he served with Pence for four years on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and that Pence, a born-again Christian, was a gentleman, but a rigid ideologue who opposed Connollys proposed legislation calling for protections for gay and lesbian foreign service officers. Pence was rarely on the same side as Democrats on that panel or in the full House, Connolly said, adding he sees little likelihood Pence will be able to deliver bipartisan support for proposals. Instead, he said, he may encourage Republicans to take a harder line on social policy and other issues that could cause gridlock. At the starting gate, I dont see much potential, Connolly said. That wasnt his role here. His role was implacable, relentless opposition to the Obama administration and its agenda. He certainly spent very little time that I could observe attempting to find common ground at all. Read more about: SHARE: BUCHAREST, ROMANIAOfficials suspended shipping along Europes second-longest waterway on Tuesday as a polar spell gripped a large swathe of the continent, causing hardship especially among migrants, the homeless and the elderly. The deep freeze has caused at least 61 deaths since it began last week, a third of those in Poland. Romanian police halted shipping at midday for an undetermined period along a 900-kilometre stretch of the Danube River, which crosses Romania. Croatian and Serbian authorities also stopped river traffic on the Danube. In Serbia, shipping was banned on the River Sava because of icy conditions, which claimed another two lives in southern Serbia. Authorities said an 88-year-old man and his son, 64, died from freezing temperatures in the village of Duga Poljana, in the south, which has been hardest-hit by the recent cold spell. Serbian state TV reported the two victims, discovered by a man delivering bread from a neighbouring village, were extremely poor. Three people have been found dead in the past three days in Macedonia as temperatures plunged to -20 C. One 68-year old homeless man was found frozen to death in the capital, Skopje, while a 60-year-old man died in front of his home in the southern town in Strumica. An 80-year-old woman was discovered in her home in eastern Macedonia. Authorities urged homeless people to go to shelters and local schools, which are taking them in during the cold spell. In Albania, it snowed in the southern city of Saranda for the first time in 32 years. A homeless Albanian man was found dead in the southeastern city of Korca, the fifth person to die in the frigid weather. In central town of Bulqize, temperatures plummeted to -22 C, with most rural areas cut off by snow. There were temporary power and water outages. Army helicopters were distributing aid in remote mountain areas. Following strong criticism from aid agencies and others, authorities on the Greek island of Lesbos said they would move 250 refugees from tents at camps into vacant hotel rooms as heavy snow continued unabated around the country. The government also said it was sending a Greek Navy ship to Lesbos, to serve as a floating shelter for residents of a snowbound camp. We denounce the inhuman living conditions refugees on Lesbos are facing, an association of public hospital doctors said They are living in mud and snow, cramped together in unsuitable tents ... and lighting fires inside them to stay warm. Elsewhere, snow cancelled several flights in Greeces second-largest city, Thessaloniki, while a state of emergency was declared in several parts of the country. Snow dusted the ancient Acropolis in Athens and closed most schools in the capital, while more than 10 heated shelters were opened for homeless people. An Athens municipal employee was placed under disciplinary review for allegedly telling occupants to leave a shelter because his shift had ended and nobody was available to take his place. One person died and more than 10 were injured in Istanbul after a mosque canopy collapsed because of high winds and snowfall. It happened during a funeral service near Istanbuls main airport. Bulent Kerimoglu, a district mayor, told reporters ambulances rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Several Serbian municipalities have declared emergency measures to battle the extreme weather and dozens of villages in the south have been cut off by high snowdrifts. In Romania, Bucharest Mayor Gabriela Firea on Tuesday ordered schools in the capital to remain closed for the rest of the week as the country battled the bitter cold which has led to travel delays, power outages and a surge in demand for natural gas and power. Farther north in Poland where 20 people have died since the cold spell started last week, alarming smog levels led authorities to close schools and kindergartens for two days in the southern city of Rybnik to protect children from noxious fumes, and offer free public transport to try and improve air quality. Polands capital, Warsaw, offered free public transport on Monday, and the situation improved, although residents complained of coughing and irritated noses and eyes. Smog alarm levels were exceeded in Rybnik, Czestochowa, Katowice and another low-lying industrial region. The smog mainly emanates from substandard fuels, such as coal mud, waste and plastic, burned in poor quality heaters in private homes, air monitoring expert Barbara Toczko told The Associated Press. She said authorities should help residents acquire heaters which use clean fuel and have low-level emissions. She said that traffic fumes and industrial smoke also contribute to the air quality, but to a lesser extent as they have to meet European standards. Polands Government Center for Security said six people died Monday because of the cold. Read more about: SHARE: The prospect of President-elect Donald Trump striking a grand bargain with Russian President Vladimir Putin is unnerving to many traditional U.S. allies, but few stand to lose more than the pro-American leaders of countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Those leaders, fighting on the front line of the battle against Putins drive to upend the democratic world order, are asking Trump to think twice before choosing the wrong side. Putin does not seek American greatness. As your allies, we do, 17 current and former officials from a range of Central and Eastern European countries wrote in a letter to Trump that The Washington Post obtained. As your treaty-bound allies, we appeal to Americans in the new U.S. Administration and Congress to stand firm in the defence of our common goals and interests: peace, Atlantic strength, and freedom. The letter was signed by one sitting European leader, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev, and several former heads of government and foreign ministers, including former Romanian president Traian Basescu, former Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga, and former Swedish prime minister and foreign minister Carl Bildt. The European leaders wrote that they welcome Trumps election and look forward to working with the new administration to bolster the transatlantic alliance. But if Trump decides to go the other way and join forces with Putin, they warn, there will be severe negative consequences for both Europe and the United States. First of all, the Trump administration must not weaken sanctions on Russia or tacitly accept the Russian annexation of Crimea, the European leaders argued. Doing so would not only demoralize the pro-American forces in Ukraine, but would also destabilize the region economically and give comfort to extremist, anti-Western actors. A grand bargain with Putin that throws Ukraine under the bus would have grave consequences for Americas broader standing in Europe as well, the leaders wrote. The aftershocks of such a deal would shake American credibility with allies in Europe and elsewhere, the letter says. The rules-based international order on which Western security has depended for decades would be weakened. The alliances that are the true source of American greatness would erode: countries that have expended blood, treasure and political capital in support of transatlantic security will wonder if America is now no longer a dependable friend. Overall, the European leaders argue that Putin cannot be an ally of the West and that Russian policies have made Europe a more dangerous place for all. Even if a deal is struck, Russia is likely to continue to undermine European democracies through a range of nefarious activities, including cyberattacks, energy and economic pressure, espionage, psychological warfare, disinformation and bribery. Their plea to Trump is similar to an open letter that several Central and Eastern European leaders wrote to President Barack Obama shortly after he took office in 2009. Those leaders warned that as Obama pursued a reset of U.S. relations with Russia, there was a risk that the European countries would lose faith in the United States and that the transatlantic relationship might be weakened. During the Obama administrations tenure, several Central and European countries have seen the ascension of far right, pro-Russian political actors and groups. Meanwhile, Russias active measures across the European continent have escalated. Central Europeans were proved right. They warned the Obama administration about the risks of engaging with Russia, said Peter Doran, executive vice president of the Center for European Policy Analysis. Now with the prospect of a new grand bargain with Russia, Central Europeans are warning the new American president not to make the same mistakes of his predecessors. Theres lots of evidence that the concerns of pro-American Europeans are justified. The Trump team seems intent on joining with Russia to fight terrorism in Syria, an idea that is fraught with problems. Trump himself has denigrated NATO, written off Crimea and praised Putin. But as the Trump team takes power and fills out its ranks, the hope is that calmer heads inside the new administration will argue forcefully for protecting the transatlantic relationship and standing by allies that have fought beside the United States for shared interests and values for decades. A grand bargain with Putin must not come at Europes expense. Read more about: SHARE: It was a chilly Midwestern morning when a Michigan man named Taylor Trupiano, 24, kept his car running in his girlfriends driveway in Roseville, Mich. Leaving the keys in the ignition, he ducked into her house. He was there, Trupiano said, only to deliver diapers for his girlfriends 2-year-old son before jotting back out again. I was in and out in probably about seven, eight minutes, Trupiano said to Detroits ABC 7 News. When Trupiano returned outside, he discovered that he now owed the city of Roseville $128 (U.S.). A ticket stuck to Trupianos car outlined the violation: vehicle parked in drive, with keys in the ignition, motor running no one around. The 24-year-old at first believed that the ticket was some sort of prank. Incredulity gave way to anger. Ive done this every day for seven years, he said, according to a local Fox affiliate. Every person warms up their car. We live in Michigan. Trupiano told Click on Detroit that he had no idea he was violating a law, and wished that the patrolling officer could have approached him instead of issuing the fine. Trupiano posted the ticket to Facebook, saying that giving me a ticket for warming up my car in my own damn driveway was wasting the taxpayers money. He also called the officer who left the ticket a dipsh--. Trupiano later retracted the obscenity in a subsequent Facebook post: Thinking it over, it wasnt the appropriate thing to say because I do respect police officers for what they do for us every day. Although Michigan does not have a statewide law prohibiting warming up cars in driveways, James Berlin, the Roseville Police chief, defended the practice. Cities or municipalities in the state may have their own regulations to curb the practice. We have five to 10 cars stolen this way every winter, Berlin told ABC 7 News. Its dangerous, and of course it drives everyones insurance rates up. It drives our crime rates up. He encouraged the tickets because stolen cars, the police chief argued, can lead to dangerous high-speed chases. The lawman expressed little sympathy for Trupianos ignorance of the local prohibition. You see the disparaging comments he made about my officer? Berlin said to Click on Detroit. Drop dead. Fox 2 Detroit reported that Trupiano was set to appear in court on Jan. 26 in Rosevilles District Court. Trupiano wrote on Facebook he would burn the ticket at a music performance. SHARE: KABULTwo large bombs one triggered by a suicide attacker exploded near government offices Tuesday, killing at least 38 people and wounding dozens of others in the deadliest Taliban violence in Kabul in months. In southern Afghanistan, another attack at a guest house belonging to the governor of Kandahar province killed five people and wounded 12. An ambassador from the United Arab Emirates and other UAE diplomats were among the wounded, authorities said. The Kabul suicide bomber struck about 4 p.m. as workers were leaving a compound of government and legislative offices, said Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. The second bomb, which was planted in a car, exploded minutes later after security forces had rushed in to help the victims, he said. The Taliban, who have been waging a 15-year war against the U.S.-backed government, claimed the attack in the capital. The 38 dead included civilians and military personnel, and another 72 people were wounded, said Public Health Ministry official Mohibullah Zeer. Among the wounded was Rahima Jami, a member of parliament from Herat province in western Afghanistan, said another lawmaker from the province, Ghulam Faroq Naziri. It appeared to be the deadliest attack in Kabul since July, when two suicide bombers struck during a demonstration held by Hazaras, a Shiite Muslim ethnic group, killing 80 people. That attack was claimed by a local affiliate of the Daesh group, also known as ISIS or ISIL. Fighting in Afghanistan tends to taper off during the winter, when mountain supply routes used by the insurgents are impassable. President Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the Kabul bombings in a statement from the presidential palace. Amnesty International said the bombings indicate that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives. Targeting first responders in a car bomb that killed many people that were on the street shows a chilling contempt for human life, said Champa Patel, Amnesty Internationals South Asia director. In the Kandahar attack, two explosions inside the governors compound killed five people and wounded 12, including several officials and the United Arab Emirates diplomats, authorities said. Among the wounded was Gov. Homayun Azizi, his spokesman said. The spokesman, Samim Khpolwak, who also was slightly wounded, said it was not yet clear what caused the blasts. Also hurt was UAE Ambassador Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi and a number of Emirati diplomats, the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It had no other details on how many UAE envoys were wounded in what it called a heinous attack. An attack inside the heavily guarded compound would represent a major breach of security. Al-Kaabi presented his credentials to Afghan authorities in June. The statement said the diplomats were in Helmand as part of a humanitarian mission. Emirati combat troops had been sent to Afghanistan after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban. The UAE had troops for years as part of the NATO-led mission, and the Gulf federation also trained members of the Afghan armed forces. Multiple daily commercial flights link the countries, with Dubai serving as an important commercial hub for Afghan businessmen. The Taliban also claimed a suicide bombing earlier in the day that killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, said Gen. Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The bomber, who was on foot, attacked a guest house used by provincial intelligence officials, he said. Civilians and military personnel were among the dead, and six others were wounded, Kemtoz added. A car full of explosives was found nearby. Read more about: SHARE: While waiting for an x-ray at Scarborough General Hospital the other day, I started chatting to a stranger who informed me that she was the Head Elf and worked for Santa every Christmas. She is employed by Canada Post and volunteers her time answering the thousands of letters from across Canada at Christmas addressed to Dear Santa. She adds a personal note to each one. The half-hour wait just flew by as she shared the story of two very special letters. One was from a very young boy, nearly illegible, but full of humour and determination. This was Charlies letter. The other, from a 10-year old girl was very artistic and included the name of her school and teacher. Unfortunately, neither of these letters, addressed by the parent had a return address. Head Elf was distressed and could have just tossed the letters aside, but she noticed that the writing on both envelopes was similar. She made a long distance call to the school, introducing herself as Head Elf, North Pole. The school secretary was totally on board and after checking Elfs authenticity, the address was found and the letters were written. Besides going beyond the call of duty for those two children, the Head Elf worked until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve answering letters. She is one of the thousands of unsung heroes in our city who display true kindness. It was an honour meeting her. I just wanted to share her lovely story. Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Scarborough SHARE: Re: Cameras will help stop driver violations against TTC, councillor says, Jan. 4 Cameras will help stop driver violations against TTC, councillor says, Jan. 4 As a former Toronto resident, and one who rode streetcars in my youth and then anxiously shared the roads with them as a Toronto driver, I wonder why the City and the TTC do not consider retrofitting the streetcars with a school-bus-style flashing arm that comes down to ensure drivers know there is a passenger exiting. Yes, cameras would make it easier to find and charge offenders, but the offender may still hit a passenger. An old school solution may be worth considering. N. J. Wood, Vancouver Island, B.C. I am a long-time Torontonian who visits the city regularly. The idea of installing cameras is wrong headed, costly and wont make anyone safer. Why not choose a decidedly low-tech, proven solution and equip the streetcars with a similar style of safety arm successfully used on every school bus in the city? These will give drivers advance warning and provide a physical barrier between departing riders and vehicles. Low cost, effective and safer for all. Michael G. Wright, Portland, OR City councillor Mike Layton recently had a disjointed thought about a new function for the Toronto Transit Commission. He is urging the TTC take video footage of cars and bicycles that illegally pass streetcars that have stopped to let passengers on and off. And this he asks of a TTC that hasnt the wherewithal to go about having passengers pay the fare to ride streetcars in the first place. Councillor Laytons wish needs to be directed to the Toronto Police department; traffic violation is their responsibility. And as we all know, the beleaguered TTC has enough on its plate right now. Jack Drury, Toronto SHARE: Updated from 7:01 a.m. with comments from Jim Cramer. L'Oreal (LRLCY) shares traded higher in Paris Tuesday after the luxury group bought three skincare lines from Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) for $1.3 billion in a bid to expand its skincare portfolio. The Paris-based beauty and hair care product manufacturer entered an agreement to buy the skincare brands CeraVe, Acne Free and Ambi from Valeant. The purchases will become part of L'Oreal's Active Cosmetics Division, which includes brands such as La Roche-Posay, Vichy and SkinCeuticals that are endorsed by health professionals -- dermatologists, pediatricians and other physicians. CeraVe is one of the fastest-growing skincare brands in the U.S., L'Oreal said, with average growth exceeding 20% over the past two years. It has a range of skincare products including cleansers, moisturizers and healing ointments that are sold in drug stores, mass and beauty retailers, and online outlets. Acne Free offers over-the-counter acne treatments and cleansers and Ambi distributes skincare products formulated for the needs of multicultural consumers. Both brands are distributed in drug stores, mass retailers and select online outlets. L'Oreal stock was 0.9% lower at 169.85 in afternoon trading in Europe. Shares have gained nearly 14% over the past 52 weeks. Like-for-like sales in the Active cosmetics division were up 6.3% in the third quarter, the company's most recent results. "These three brands, built on strong relationships with health professionals and widely distributed, will nearly double the revenue of our Active Cosmetics Division in the U.S. and will help us satisfy the growing demand for active skincare at accessible prices," L'Oreal U.S. CEO Frederic Roze said in a statement. Under pressure, Valeant today also announced it will sell its Dendreon cancer business to China's Sanpower for $819.9 million. Valeant bought the company for $300 million in 2015. The Laval, Quebec-based Valeant is in the midst of a turnaround strategy, shedding non-core assets to repay debt. Valeant had a tumultuous year in which its pricing strategy and ties to a specialty pharmacy led to wider political and regulatory scrutiny. The company is looking to offload $8 billion worth of non-core assets. That is a "positive first step," TheStreet's Jim Cramer, co-manager of the Action Alerts PLUS portfolio, said on CNBC's "Mad Dash" segment Tuesday. Valeant has some $30 billion in debt, so as the company reduces that debt load, the stock becomes more investible, he said. This is genuinely positive news and is something the company simply had to do, Cramer commented. Its debt is high, but growth remains a concern too, he said. Perhaps product price increases and new products in Valeant's pipeline will bolster growth, Cramer suggested. Valeant shares gained 9% on Monday, but have lost more than 81% of their value in the past 52 weeks. China's biggest e-commerce retailer, Alibaba (BABA) , said Monday it is teaming up with Shen Guojun, the founder of Chinese retailer Intime, to acquire the latter company for about HK$19.8 billion ($2.6 billion). Alibaba is offering HK$10 per Intime share, a 53.6% premium over the stock's 60-day average closing price, to cancel all shares of the company. Alibaba already owns 28% of Intime after investing $692 million in the company in 2014. If the deal closed, Alibaba would become Intime's controlling shareholder with 74% ownership. Alibaba and Shen will fund the deal through internal cash resources and external debt financing. The company said in a statement that e-commerce is changing and is "no longer about shopping in front of a computer at home." Striking this deal with Intime will help Alibaba advance its strategy to "transform" conventional retail, the company said. An Alibaba representative declined further comment on the deal. Intime, based in Beijing, operates and manages 29 department stores and 17 shopping malls across China. In September, the retailer reported a decline in sales, which it attributed to mounting competition from e-commerce companies. "While traditional retailers continue to struggle, e-commerce has continued to provide an avenue for sales that is experiencing strong growth," the company said. For Alibaba, the changing landscape of retail offers an opportunity. "Alibaba's interest in Intime is consistent with its o2o [online to offline] strategy," said Gil Luria, director of research at Wedbush Securities. "Alibaba is trying to blur the lines in its own business as consumers increasingly see their shopping as a continuous experience between brick-and-mortar locations and their mobile device." For the quarter ended in September, 78% of Alibaba's gross merchandise volume to retail marketplaces was generated from mobile devices. Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang noted China has a $4.5 trillion retail economy that is growing about 10.7% per year. "We don't divide the world into real or virtual economies, only the old and the new," Zhang said in Monday's statement. "Those who cling on to the old ways of retailing will be disrupted, and brick-and-mortar businesses will be able to create value for consumers if they are integrated with the power of mobile reach, real-time consumer insights and technology capability to improve operating efficiency." He added that the company hoped to create a "new form of retail" driven by online technology and data. Alibaba "is looking for ways to better leverage the technology it has," Ben Cavender, a retail analyst at China Market Research Group, told Reuters. "It's always looking for new models and new ways to drive growth, and it has obviously seen a slowdown in online sales. ... The advantage Alibaba has over a lot of brick-and-mortar retailers is that it has probably better customer data than just about anybody else." Shares of Alibaba were up about 2.8% to $97.35 on Tuesday morning following the news. The stock has climbed about 20% since the start of 2016. Alibaba's founder and executive chairman, Jack Ma, meanwhile, met with President-elect Donald Trump Monday at Trump Tower in New York to discuss Alibaba's plans to create 1 million new jobs in the U.S. by 2022. "I think the door is opened for discussing the relationship on trade issues," Ma said. He has said in the past that he plans to help U.S. small-business owners and entrepreneurs sell their goods to Chinese consumers over the e-commerce platform. Updated January 19 with recent news 2016 was the hottest year on record, and the polar bear population certainly knows it. Though melting icebergs have been making headlines for years, things have never been quite so dire for the polar bear. In a report first reported by Buzzfeed, the Fish and Wildlife Service stated that slowing down climate change is the only way to save already dwindling polar bear populations. Without global effort, the polar bear could come to only exist in Coca-Cola commercials. Polar bears call the ice-covered seas of the United States, Canada, Russian, Norway, Greenland and Denmark home. As global Greenhouse gases continue to rise, sea ice environments are at risk. The loss of sea ice reduces the polar bear's primary prey base, the seal, while simultaneously increasing the energy a bear needs for moving about and finding food. In addition, such changes reduce the polar bear's access to denning areas traditionally used for hibernation. This loss of nutrition and reduced productivity will result in population declines, at varying levels geographically. The Fish and Wildlife Service designated the polar bear as a "threatened" species in 2008, as prescribed by the The Endangered Act of 1973. As required by the act, the government has developed a 'Polar Bear Plan' with the intent of conserving and restoring the polar bear population to it's optimum sustainable population. The plan lists the global reduction of atmospheric greenhouse gases as the "single most important action for the recovery of polar bears." Beyond the battle against climate change, the plan seeks to aid conservation efforts, reduce bear/human conflicts, minimize contamination caused by oil spills and conduct strategic monitoring and planning. All these efforts are expected to cost approximately $66,720,000 over the next five years? Will it be enough to save the polar bear? Only time and the ever-changing climate can tell. N/A Short-sellers hate being caught short a stock that reports a blowout quarter. When this happens, we often see a tradable short squeeze develop as the bears rush to cover their positions to avoid big losses. Even the best short-sellers know that it's never a great idea to stay short once a bullish earnings report sparks a big short-covering rally. This is why I scan the market for heavily shorted stocks that are about to report earnings. You only need to find a few of these stocks in a year to help enhance your portfolio returns -- the gains become so outsized in such a short time frame that your profits add up quickly. That said, let's not forget that stocks are heavily shorted for a reason, so you have to use trading discipline and sound money management when playing earnings short-squeeze candidates. It's important that you don't go betting the farm on these plays and that you manage your risk accordingly. Sometimes the best play is to wait for the stock to break out following the report before you jump in to profit off a short squeeze. This way, you're letting the trend emerge after the market has digested all of the news. Of course, sometimes the stock is going to be in such high demand that you risk missing a lot of the move by waiting. That's why it can be worth betting prior to the report -- but only if the stock is acting very bullish technically and you have a very strong conviction that it is going to rip higher. Just remember that even when you have that conviction and have done your due diligence, the stock can still get hammered if Wall Street doesn't like the numbers or guidance. If you do decide to bet ahead of a quarter, then you might want to use options to limit your capital exposure. Heavily shorted stocks are usually the names that make the biggest post-earnings moves and have the most volatility. I personally prefer to wait until all the earnings-related news is out for a heavily shorted stock and then jump in and trade the prevailing trend. With that in mind, let's take a look at several stocks that could experience big short squeezes when they report earnings this week. Advanced Drainage Systems My first earnings short-squeeze trade idea is water management products player Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) , which is set to release numbers on Thursday before the market open. Wall Street analysts, on average, expect Advanced Drainage Systems to report revenue of $172.17 million. The current short interest as a percentage of the float for Advanced Drainage Systems is very high at 17.8%. That means that out of the 28.88 million shares in the tradable float, 5.16 million shares are sold short by the bears. From a technical perspective, Advanced Drainage Systems is currently trending below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bearish. This stock has been consolidating and trending sideways over the last two months, with shares moving between $19.94 a share on the downside and $21.75 a share on the upside. Any high-volume move above the upper-end of its recent sideways trending chart pattern post-earnings could trigger a big breakout trade for shares of Advanced Drainage Systems. If you're bullish on Advanced Drainage Systems, then I would wait until after its report and look for long-biased trades if this stock manages to break out above its 20-day moving average of $20.68 a share and then above more near-term overhead resistance levels at $21.20 to $21.75 a share with high volume. Look for volume on that move that registers near or above its three-month average action of 296,647 shares. If that breakout hits post-earnings, then this stock will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $22.43 to its 200-day moving average of $23.36 a share, or even $24 to $25 a share. I would simply avoid Advanced Drainage Systems or look for short-biased trades if after earnings it fails to trigger that breakout and then drops back below some key near-term support levels at $20 to $19.94 a share with high volume. If we get that move, then this stock will set up to retest or possibly take out its next major support levels at $18.55 to its 52-week low of $17.72 a share. Any high-volume move below $17.72 will then push this stock into new 52-week low territory, which is bearish technical price action. Delta Air Lines Another potential earnings short-squeeze trading opportunity is major airlines player Delta Air Lines (DAL) , which is set to release numbers on Thursday before the market open. Wall Street analysts, on average, expect Delta Air Lines to report revenue of $9.35 billion on earnings of 82 cents per share. The current short interest as a percentage of the float for Delta Air Lines is notable at 2.77%. That means that out of the 731.72 million shares in the tradable float, 20.23 million shares are sold short by the bears. The bears have also been increasing their bets from the last reporting period by 31.8%, or by about 4.87 million shares. If the bears get caught pressing their bets into a strong quarter, then this stock could easily spike sharply higher post-earnings as the bears move fast to cover some of their positions. From a technical perspective, Delta Air Lines is currently trending above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish. This stock has been uptrending strongly over the last three months and change, with shares moving higher off the low of $36.42 a share to the recent high of $52.76 a share. During that uptrend, shares of Delta Air Lines have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That strong uptrend has now pushed this stock within range of triggering a big breakout trade post-earnings above some key overhead resistance levels. If you're in the bull camp on Delta Air Lines, then I would wait until after its report and look for long-biased trades if this stock manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $51.74 a share to its 52-week high of $52.76 a share with high volume. Look for volume on that move that registers near or above its three-month average action of 9.17 million shares. If that breakout triggers post-earnings, then this stock will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $55 to $60, or even $65 to $70 a share. I would simply avoid Delta Air Lines or look for short-biased trades if after earnings it fails to trigger that breakout and then drops back below some near-term support levels at $48.87 to its 50-day moving average of $48.12 a share with high volume. If we get that move, then this stock will set up to retest or possibly take out its next major support levels at $46.85 to $45, or even its 200-day moving average of $42.04 a share. FuelCell Energy Another potential earnings short-squeeze candidate is alternative energy player FuelCell Energy (FCEL) , which is set to release numbers on Thursday before the market open. Wall Street analysts, on average, expect FuelCell Energy to report revenue of $23.32 million on a loss of 37 cents per share. The current short interest as a percentage of the float for FuelCell Energy is pretty high at 11.7%. That means that out of the 28.96 million shares in the tradable float, 3.39 million shares are sold short by the bears. From a technical perspective, FuelCell Energy is currently trending below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bearish. This stock has been downtrending badly over the last three months and change, with shares moving lower off the high of $5.67 a share to the recent low of $1.60 a share. During that downtrend, shares of FuelCell Energy have been making mostly lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. If you're bullish on FuelCell Energy, then I would wait until after its report and look for long-biased trades if this stock manages to break out above its 20-day moving average of $1.94 a share and then above more near-term resistance at $2.05 a share with high volume. Look for volume on that move that hits near or above its three-month average action of 703,931 shares. If that breakout materializes post-earnings, then this stock will set up to retest or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $2.25 to $2.30, or even its 50-day moving average of $2.43 a share to $2.75 a share. I would avoid FuelCell Energy or look for short-biased trades if after earnings it fails to trigger that breakout and then drops back below some near-term support levels at $1.75 to its new 52-week low of $1.60 a share with high volume. If we get that move, then this stock will set up to enter new 52-week low territory, which is bearish technical price action. Bank of America Another earnings short-squeeze prospect is Bank of America (BAC) , which is set to release numbers on Friday before the market open. Wall Street analysts, on average, expect Bank of America to report revenue of $2.50 billion on earnings of 20 cents per share. The current short interest as a percentage of the float for Bank of America sits at 1.3%. That means that out of 10.50 billion shares in the tradable float, 138.73 million shares are sold short by the bears. From a technical perspective, Bank of America is currently trending above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish. This stock has been consolidating and trending sideways over the last month and change, with shares moving between $21.77 a share on the downside and $23.39 a share on the upside. Any high-volume move above the upper end of its recent sideways-trending chart pattern post-earnings could trigger a big breakout trade for shares of Bank of America. If you're bullish on Bank of America, then I would wait until after its report and look for long-biased trades if this stock manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $22.96 to its 52-week high of $23.39 a share with high volume. Look for volume on that move that hits near or above its three-month average action of 115.27 million shares. If that breakout fires off post-earnings, then this stock will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $28 to $30, or even $33 a share. I would simply avoid Bank of America or look for short-biased trades if after earnings it fails to trigger that breakout and then drops back below its 20-day moving average of $22.60 a share to some more support at $21.77 a share with high volume. If we get that move, then this stock will set up to retest or possibly take out its next major support levels at its 50-day moving average of $20.77 a share to $20.18, or even $18.50 to $17 a share. First Horizon National My final earnings short-squeeze trade idea is regional banking player First Horizon National (FHN) , which is set to release numbers on Friday before the market open. Wall Street analysts, on average, expect First Horizon National to report revenue of $331.75 million on earnings of 25 cents per share. The current short interest as a percentage of the float for First Horizon National sits at 5%. That means that out of the 229.83 million shares in the tradable float, 11.48 million shares are sold short by the bears. From a technical perspective, First Horizon National is currently trending above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish. This stock has been consolidating and trending sideways over the last month and change, with shares moving between $19.59 a share on the downside and $20.76 a share on the upside. Any high-volume move above the upper end of its recent sideways-trending chart pattern post-earnings could trigger a big breakout trade for shares of First Horizon National. If you're in the bull camp on First Horizon National then I would wait until after its report and look for long-biased trades if this stock manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $20.59 to its 52-week high of $20.76 a share with high volume. Look for volume on that move that hits near or above its three-month average action of 2.18 million shares. If that breakout develops post-earnings, then this stock will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $25 to $30, or even $33 a share. I would avoid First Horizon National look for short-biased trades if after earnings it fails to trigger that breakout, and then drops back below both its 20-day moving average of $20.12 a share to more near-term support at $19.59 a share with high volume. If we get that move, then this stock will set up to retest or possibly take out its next major support levels at its 50-day moving average of $18.76 a share to $18.44, or even $17 to $16 a share. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. U.S. oilfield services companies are primed for another period of growth, one that could expand under former ExxonMobil (XOM) CEO Rex Tillerson, if he is confirmed as secretary of state. Domestic oil and gas producers are already taking advantage of the international agreement between OPEC and 11 non-OPEC producers to cut production for the first six months of 2017 by ramping up drilling and adding rigs. However, given Tillerson and Donald Trump's friendly stance toward Russia, the playing field for American petroleum producers could get even larger. It's no secret that ExxonMobil and its former CEO have deep ties to Russia. In 2011, with Tillerson at the helm, Exxon teamed up with Russian oil giant Rosneft. Two years later, the ExxonMobil CEO was awarded the Kremlin's Order of Friendship, one of the highest honors Russia gives to foreign citizens. Sanctions, however, have cost the oil giant hundreds of millions of dollars; Exxon reported a maximum loss of $1 billion in 2014 due to the sanctions against Russia, according to an SEC filing. Even though President Obama recently issued harsher sanctions against Russian intelligence services following the cyber-attacks on the Democratic National Committee and other political organizations, Trump was originally skeptical of the conclusions. Following his intelligence briefing, Kellyanne Conway, one of Trump's top advisers, said the president-elect may reconsider some of the actions President Obama ordered and questioned whether an independent probe into the hacking was necessary. If the Trump does weaken the sanctions once he takes his seat in the White House, Exxon and others could jump on the opportunity to dive into oil-rich Russia. "If Russian sanctions are lifted, the oilfield services companies will benefit as the current sanctions limit sales of technology in deepwater, shale and Arctic," says James Wicklund, managing director for Energy Research at Credit Suisse. "We actually do very little of any of the three in Russia, but the bureaucratic rules associated with making sure there is compliance are cumbersome." Wicklund believes diversified oilfield service companies, such as Schlumberger (SLB) , Halliburton (HAL) , Baker Hughes (BHI) and Weatherford International (WFT) would profit from such actions -- all of which are established players in the region. Schlumberger is holding in Jim Cramer'sAction Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells SLB? Learn more now. Separately, Barclays is bullish on North American oilfield services, upgrading its view on the industry to Positive from Neutral. "In our view, the potential for hyper earnings growth from pricing coupled with strong operating leverage on rationalized cost structures supports current rich multiples given a likely beat and raise scenario starting in the second half of 2017," Barclays research analysts wrote in a note Monday. "Oilfield service stocks are not broadly owned in the market and we should expect to see a rotation as investors move out of Integrateds and E&Ps," they added. Barclays prefers Halliburton, U.S. Silica Holdings (SLCA) , Forum Energy Technologies (FET) , Superior Energy Services (SPN) and Dril-Quip (DRQ) to own in the space, noting that Halliburton has the most exposure to a 50% increase in E&P spending. While oilfield services companies await any news on Russian sanctions, the international sanctions on Iran that were lifted last year have yet to prompt any American interest in the OPEC member nation. "Iran has had little success getting oil companies interested in oil, with the companies more focused on natural gas and petrochemical," says Credit Suisse's Wicklund. "We know of no U.S. oil companies involved, and the oilfield services companies are not allowed to do oil work there, so we see little near-term improvement for those guys." Similarly, Tillerson expressed a "wait and see" approach to Iran while at Exxon, telling CNBC in March even though American companies were still unable -- at the time -- to conduct business in Iran, it was not necessarily a disadvantage. "The history of Iranian -- in foreign investment in the past, their terms were always quite challenging, quite difficult," Tillerson said. "We'll wait and see if things open up for U.S. companies." Tillerson could be the man to open things up, but he faces a tough confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill this Wednesday, especially considering the bipartisan opposition to his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, if the Senate gives its stamp of approval, oil and gas companies could see policy changes work to their benefit. Employees of TheStreet are restricted from trading individual securities. Action Alerts PLUS, which Cramer co-manages as a charitable trust, is long SLB stock. National Retail Properties is a REIT focused on retail-oriented properties across the United States. The company invests in high-quality retail properties subject to long-term leases that generate stable, consistent, predictable income. The company laid claim to 3,305 properties enclosing 33.8 million square feet of space in 48 states leased to 380 tenants engaged in 37 trades as of October 2022. National Retail Properties was formed in 1984 as Golden Corral Realty Corporation. The company was intended as a means for employees to invest in Golden Corral but it soon took on a life of its own. The company split from its parent in 1993 and then became a REIT in 1998. Since then a number of mergers and acquisitions resulted in the company that is traded today. National Retail Properties seeks to generate returns for shareholders through capital appreciation and dividends and is one of the most stable dividend payers in the REIT universe. The company made its 33rd consecutive distribution increase in 2022 ranking it 3rd on the list of REITs with sustained annual dividend increases. In regard to all publicly listed companies, there are less than 90 which have increased their payout for as many years or more as National Retail Properties. The compound annual growth rate runs in the range of 4% to 5%. National Retail Properties is not limited in scope to the type of business it will lease to. The top four sectors occupying its space, however, are convenience stores, automotive-related, full-service, and limited-service restaurants which command a lions share of retail dollars. These segments made up nearly 49% of the portfolio in 2022 with no tenant making up more than 5% of the total income. The top three tenants at the time are 7-11, Mister Car Wash, and Camping World followed by L.A. Fitness, GPM Investments (convenience), and Dave & Busters. The firm's average lease runs in the range of 10.6 years and occupancy runs high and above 99%. Properties are all single-occupier and leased on a net basis. Most properties are leased on a triple-net basis which means National Retail Properties is insulated from taxes, maintenance, and insurance costs. Other notable tenants include Yum! Brands and Wendys. National Retail Properties uses leverage to enhance its returns. The companys debt ratio is low however and its debt carries an investment-grade rating from Standard & Poors and Moodys. The following companies are subsidiares of Caterpillar: Advanced Tri-Gen Power Systems LLC, Anchor Coupling Inc., Asia Power Systems (Tianjin) Ltd., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd., Banco Caterpillar S.A., Berg Propulsion International Pte Ltd., Bucyrus, Bucyrus Australia Surface Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Holdings Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Limited, Bucyrus International (Chile) Limitada, Bucyrus International (Peru) S.A., Bucyrus Mining Australia Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Mining China LLC, Bucyrus UK Limited, Cat Rental Kyushu LLC, Caterpillar (Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar (China) Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Machinery Components Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (HK) Limited, Caterpillar (Huainan) Machinery Service Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Langfang) Mining Equipment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Luxembourg) Investment Co. S.a r.l., Caterpillar (NI) Limited, Caterpillar (Newberry) LLC, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Logistics Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar (U.K.) Limited, Caterpillar (Wujiang) Ltd., Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Zhengzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar Acquisition Holding Corp., Caterpillar Americas C.V., Caterpillar Americas Co., Caterpillar Americas Funding Inc., Caterpillar Americas Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Asia Limited, Caterpillar Asia Pacific L.P., Caterpillar Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Asset Intelligence LLC, Caterpillar Belgium S.A., Caterpillar Brasil Comercio de Maquinas e Pecas Ltda., Caterpillar Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Brazil LLC, Caterpillar Castings Kiel GmbH, Caterpillar Centro de Formacion S.L., Caterpillar China Limited, Caterpillar Commercial Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Commercial LLC, Caterpillar Commercial Northern Europe Limited, Caterpillar Commercial S.A., Caterpillar Commercial S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Commercial Services S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Communications LLC, Caterpillar Corporativo Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Cote DIvoire, Caterpillar Credito S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., Caterpillar DC Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Digital Services & Solutions SARL, Caterpillar Distribution International LLC, Caterpillar Distribution Services Europe B.V.B.A., Caterpillar East Real Estate Holding Ltd., Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH, Caterpillar Energy Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions S.A., Caterpillar Energy System Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Engine Systems Inc., Caterpillar Equipos Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Eurasia LLC, Caterpillar FS (QFC) LLC, Caterpillar Finance France S.A., Caterpillar Finance Kabushiki Kaisha, Caterpillar Financial Acquisition Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Aftermarket Solutions Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Australia Leasing Pty Limited, Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited, Caterpillar Financial Commercial Account Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Corporacion Financiera S.A. E.F.C., Caterpillar Financial Dealer Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Funding Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Caterpillar Financial Leasing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial New Zealand Limited, Caterpillar Financial Nordic Services AB, Caterpillar Financial Nova Scotia Corporation, Caterpillar Financial OOO, Caterpillar Financial Receivables Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Renting S.A., Caterpillar Financial SARL, Caterpillar Financial Services (Dubai) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services (Ireland) plc, Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Argentina S.A., Caterpillar Financial Services Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Financial Services CR s.r.o., Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Services GmbH, Caterpillar Financial Services India Private Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Leasing ULC, Caterpillar Financial Services Limited Les Services Financiers Caterpillar Limitee, Caterpillar Financial Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Caterpillar Financial Services Netherlands B.V., Caterpillar Financial Services Norway AS, Caterpillar Financial Services Philippines Inc., Caterpillar Financial Services Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, Caterpillar Financial UK Acquisition Funding Partners, Caterpillar Financial Ukraine LLC, Caterpillar Fluid Systems S.r.l., Caterpillar Fomento Comercial Ltda., Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., Caterpillar France S.A.S., Caterpillar GB L.L.C., Caterpillar Global Investments S.a r.l., Caterpillar Global Mining America LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Equipamentos De Mineracao do Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Expanded Products Pty Ltd, Caterpillar Global Mining Germany Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong AFC Manufacturing Holding Co. Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Global Mining SARL, Caterpillar Global Mining U.S. Parts LLC, Caterpillar Global Services LLC, Caterpillar Group Services S.A., Caterpillar Holding (France) S.A.S., Caterpillar Holding Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Holdings Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Hungary Components Manufacturing Ltd., Caterpillar Hydraulics Italia S.r.l., Caterpillar IPX LLC, Caterpillar IRB LLC, Caterpillar Impact Products Limited, Caterpillar India Private Limited, Caterpillar Industrial Inc., Caterpillar Industrias Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Industries (Pty) Ltd, Caterpillar Insurance Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Insurance Company, Caterpillar Insurance Holdings Inc., Caterpillar Insurance Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Finance Designated Activity Company, Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg I S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg II S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Product SARL, Caterpillar International Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Services del Peru S.A., Caterpillar Investment Limited, Caterpillar Investment One SARL, Caterpillar Investment Two SARL, Caterpillar Investments, Caterpillar Japan LLC, Caterpillar Latin America Services S.R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Panama S. de R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Servicios de Chile Limitada, Caterpillar Latin America Support Services S. DE R.L., Caterpillar Leasing (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar Leasing Chile S.A., Caterpillar Leasing GmbH (Leipzig), Caterpillar Leasing Operativo Limitada, Caterpillar Life Insurance Company, Caterpillar Logistics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Logistics (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Logistics Inc., Caterpillar Logistics ML Services France S.A.S., Caterpillar Logistics Services China Limited, Caterpillar Luxembourg Group S.ar.l., Caterpillar Luxembourg LLC, Caterpillar Luxembourg S.a r.l., Caterpillar Machinery Nantong Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence, Caterpillar Marine Power UK Limited, Caterpillar Marine Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Maroc SARL, Caterpillar Materiels Routiers SAS, Caterpillar Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Mexico S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Mining Canada ULC, Caterpillar Mining Chile Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Motoren (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, Caterpillar Motoren Henstedt-Ulzburg GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Rostock GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Verwaltungs-GmbH, Caterpillar Netherlands Holding B.V., Caterpillar North America C.V., Caterpillar Operator Training Ltd., Caterpillar Overseas Credit Corporation SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Investment Holding SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Limited, Caterpillar Overseas SARL, Caterpillar Panama Services S.A., Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Paving Products Xuzhou Ltd., Caterpillar Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Power Generation Systems (Bangladesh) Limited, Caterpillar Power Generation Systems L.L.C., Caterpillar Power Systems Inc., Caterpillar Power Ventures International Ltd., Caterpillar Precision Seals Korea, Caterpillar Prodotti Stradali S.r.l., Caterpillar Product Services Corporation, Caterpillar Propulsion AB, Caterpillar Propulsion International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Italy S.R.L., Caterpillar Propulsion Namibia (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar Propulsion Production AB, Caterpillar Propulsion Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Singapore Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar R&D Center (China) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe LLC, Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe Servicios S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Drivetrain LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Renting France S.A.S., Caterpillar Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar SARL, Caterpillar Services Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Servizi Italia Srl, Caterpillar Shrewsbury Limited, Caterpillar Skinningrove Limited, Caterpillar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Caterpillar Special Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Switchgear Americas LLC, Caterpillar Switchgear Holding Inc., Caterpillar Tianjin Ltd., Caterpillar Torreon S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Tosno L.L.C., Caterpillar Transmissions France S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Tunneling Canada Holdings Ltd., Caterpillar Tunnelling Canada Corporation, Caterpillar Tunnelling Europe Limited, Caterpillar UK Employee Trust Limited, Caterpillar UK Engines Company Limited, Caterpillar UK Group Limited, Caterpillar UK Holdings Limited, Caterpillar Undercarriage (Xuzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Used Equipment Services Inc., Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., Caterpillar Work Tools B.V., Caterpillar Work Tools Inc., Caterpillar World Trading Corporation, Caterpillar Xuzhou, Caterpillar of Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar of Canada Corporation, Caterpillar of Delaware Inc., Centre de Distribution de Wallonie SPRL, CleanAir Systems, Downer Freight Rail, ECM Railway Evolution Romania s.r.l., ECM S.p.A., EDC European Excavator Design Center GmbH, EMC Holding Corp., EMD International Holdings Inc., ERA Information & Entertainment (BVI) Limited, ERA Mining Machinery Limited, Electro-Motive Diesel Limited, Electro-Motive Locomotive Technologies LLC, Electro-Motive Technical Consulting Co. (Beijing) Ltd., Energy Services International Limited, Equipos de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Eurenov S.A.S., F. G. Wilson (Proprietary) Limited, F. Perkins Limited, FG Wilson (Engineering) Limited, GB Holdco (China) Inc., GFCM Comercial Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., GFCM Servicios S.A. de C.V., Gremada Industries - Assets, Hong Kong Siwei Holdings Limited, Inmobiliaria Conek S.A. de C.V., JCS Co., Kemper Valve & Fittings Corp., Leo Inc., Locomotive Demand Power Pty Ltd., Locomotoras Progress Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Lovat, M2M Data Corporation, MGE Equipamentos & Servicos Ferroviarios, MWM, MWM Austria GmbH, MWM Benelux B.V., MWM Energy Australia Pty Ltd, MWM France S.A.S, MWM Real Estate GmbH, MaK Americas Inc., MaK Americas Inc. (Canada), Magnum Power Products LLC, Marble, Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH, Mec-Track S.r.l., Metalmark Financial Services Limited, Motoren Steffens GmbH, Nippon Caterpillar LLC, P. T. Solar Services Indonesia, PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, PT. Bucyrus Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia Batam, PT. Caterpillar Remanufacturing Indonesia, Perkins Engines, Perkins Engines (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Perkins Engines Group Limited, Perkins Engines Inc., Perkins Group Limited, Perkins Holdings Limited LLC, Perkins India Private Limited, Perkins International Inc., Perkins Japan LLC, Perkins Limited, Perkins Machinery (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Perkins Motores do Brasil Ltda., Perkins Power Systems Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines LLC, Perkins Small Engines Limited, Perkins Technology Inc., Progress Metal Reclamation Company, Progress Rail Arabia Limited Company, Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd, Progress Rail Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Equipamentos e Servicos Ferroviarios do Brasil Ltda., Progress Rail Equipment Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Holdings Inc., Progress Rail Innovations Private Limited, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems GmbH, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems S.r.l., Progress Rail International Corp., Progress Rail Leasing Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Progress Rail Locomotivas (do Brasil) Ltda., Progress Rail Locomotive Canada Co., Progress Rail Locomotive Chile SpA, Progress Rail Locomotive Inc., Progress Rail Maintenance de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Progress Rail Manufacturing Corporation, Progress Rail Raceland Corporation, Progress Rail Rocklin Corporation, Progress Rail SA Proprietary Limited, Progress Rail Services Corporation, Progress Rail Services Holdings Corp., Progress Rail Services LLC, Progress Rail Services UK Limited, Progress Rail Switching Services LLC, Progress Rail Transcanada Corporation, Progress Rail Welding Corporation, Progress Rail Wildwood LLC, Progress Rail de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pyroban Group, Pyroban Group, Pyrrha Investments B.V., Pyrrha Investments Limited, S&L Railroad LLC, SCM Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., SPL Software Alliance LLC, Sabre Engines, Servicios de Turbinas Solar S. de R.L. de C.V., Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines (Beijing) Trading Services Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines (Thailand) Ltd., Solar Turbines CIS Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Canada Ltd./Ltee., Solar Turbines Central Asia Limited Liability Partnership, Solar Turbines EAME s.r.o., Solar Turbines Egypt Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Europe S.A., Solar Turbines India Private Limited, Solar Turbines International Company, Solar Turbines Italy S.R.L., Solar Turbines Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solar Turbines Middle East Limited, Solar Turbines New Zealand Limited, Solar Turbines Saudi Arabia Limited, Solar Turbines Services Company, Solar Turbines Services Nigeria Limited, Solar Turbines Services of Argentina S.R.L., Solar Turbines Switzerland Sagl, Solar Turbines Trinidad & Tobago Limited, Solar Turbines West-Africa SARL, Tangshan DBT Machinery Co. Ltd., Tecnologia Modificada S.A. de C.V., Towmotor Corporation, Traction & Mining Motor Repairs Pty Ltd, Turbinas Solar S.A. de C.V., Turbinas Solar de Colombia S.A., Turbinas Solar de Venezuela C.A., Turbo Tecnologia de Reparaciones S.A. de C.V., Turbomach, Turbomach Endustriyel Gaz Turbinleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited, Turbomach France SARL, Turbomach GmbH, Turbomach Netherlands B.V., Turbomach Pakistan (Private) Limited, Turbomach S.A. Unipersonal, Turbomach Sp. Z o.o., Turner Powertrain Systems Limited, UK Hose Assembly Limited, Underground Imaging Technologies Inc, United Industries LLC, VALA Inc., Vasky Energy Ltd., Wealdstone Engineering, Weir - Oil & Gas Division, West Virginia Auto Shredding Inc., Western Gear Machinery LLC, Wetland Sustainability Fund I LLC, Williams Technologies, Yard Club, Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Sales Co. Ltd., and okyo Rental Ltd.. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Quanta Services: (De) Lazy Q Ranch LLC, 1 Diamond LLC, 1Diamond AS, 618232 Alberta Ltd., 8246408 Canada Inc., Advanced Electric Systems, Advanced Electric Systems LLC, Advanced Utility Testing & Maintenance LLC, Alexander Publications LLC, Allteck GP Ltd., Allteck Limited Partnership, Apprenticeship Programs Inc., Arby Construction, Arcanum Chemicals LLC, Arnett & Burgess Oil Field Construction Limited, Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners (Rockies) LLC, Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners Ltd., B&N Clearing and Environmental LLC, Banister Pipelines Constructors Corp., Banister Pipelines Constructors GP Ltd., Banister Pipelines Limited Partnership, Brent Woodward Inc., Brink Constructors Inc., Brink Constructors Inc. A Corporation Of South Dakota, Brown Engineering and Testing, CAT SPEC Ltd., CAT-SPEC Limited Partnership, CAT-SPEC Limited Partnership (Regd Name) CAT SPEC Ltd., CAT-Spec Limited Partnership, Canadian Utility Construction Corp., Cat Spec Limited LP, Cat Spec Ltd, Cat Spec Ltd. L.P., Cat Spec Ltd. LP, Cat Spec. Ltd. LP, Cat-Spec Ltd (A Domestic limited Partnership), Cat-Spec Ltd LP, Cat-Spec Ltd., Cat-Spec Ltd. L.P., Cat-Spec Ltd. LP, Cat-Spec Ltd. Limited Partnership, Catalyst Changers Inc., Chatham Electric, Citadel Industrial Services L.P., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd. L.P., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Coe Drilling Pty Ltd., Computapole, Conam Construction Co., Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd, Conti Communications Inc., Crux Subsurface Canada Ltd., Crux Subsurface Inc., Cutting Technology - 1 Diamond LLC, DB Utilities Inc., DE Lazy Q Ranch LLC, DNR Pressure Welding Ltd., Dacon Corporation, Dashiell (DE) Corporation (Dashiell Corporation), Dashiell Corporation, Dashiell Corporation DBA Dashiell (DE) Corporation, De Mears Group, De Mears Group Inc., Delaware Quanta Technology LLC, Delaware Underground Construction Co., Didado Utility Company Inc., Digco Utility Construction L.P. Digco Utility Construction Limited Partnership, Dorado Specialty Services L.P., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd. L.P., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Dorado Specialty Services. Ltd. L.P., Driftwood Electrical Contractors, EHV Power ULC, ELITE PIPING & CIVIL L.P., ELITE TURNAROUND SPECIALISTS LTD, Elite Fabrication Ltd. Elite Fabrication LP, Elite Piping & Civil Limited Partnership, Elite Piping & Civil Limited Partnership, Elite Piping & Civil Lp, Elite Piping & Civil Ltd L.P., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd. L.P., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd. Limited Partnership, Elite Piping and Civil L.P., Elite Turnaround Specialists L.p., Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Lp, Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Partnership, Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Partnership, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd Lp, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd., Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. L.P., Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. LP, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. Limited Partnership, Energy Consulting Group LLC, Enscope, Enscope Pty Ltd, FIC GP LLC, Field Personnel Services LLC, First Infrastructure Capital Advisors LLC, First Infrastructure Capital GP L.P., Five Points Construction Co., G-Tek, G-Vac, GEM Engineering Co., Grand Electric Inc., Great Lakes Line Builders, Grid Creative Inc., Grid Manufacturing Corporation, Grid Training Corporation, H.L. Chapman Pipeline Construction Inc., Haverfield Aviation, Haverfield Aviation Inc., Haverfield International Incorporated, Heritage Midstream LLC, IM Electric Inc., IUC ILLINOIS LLC, IUC Nebraska LLC, InfraSource Construction LLC, InfraSource Field Services LLC, InfraSource Services LLC, InfraSources Construction LLC, Infraestructura ETP de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V, Infrasource Engineering Company PC, Infrasource Iowa Underground LLC, Infrasource Of Pa LLC, Integracion Tecnologica del Peru SAC, Intermountain Electric Inc., Intermountain Electric Inc. A Corporation of Colorado, IonEarth LLC, Irby Construction Company, Irby Construction Company Inc., Iron Mountain M.J. Electric LLC, Island Mechanical Corporation, J.C.R. Construction Co. Inc., J.C.R. Utility Construction Co., J.W. Didado Electric Inc., J.W. Didado Electric LLC, J.w. Didado Electric, JBT Electric LLC, Kingston Contracting Inc., Lazy Q Ranch LLC, Lazy Q Training Center LLC The Lazy Q Lineman School, Legend Foundation Services, Lex Engineering Ltd., Lindsey Electric L.P., Logical Link, Longfellow Drilling, M. G. Dyess Inc., M. J. ELECTRIC LLC IRON MOUNTAIN, M. J. Electric LLC, M. J. Electric LLC - Iron Mountain, M. J. Electric LLC DBA M. J. Electric Iron Mountain LLC, M.J. Electric LLC DBA M.J. Electric Iron Mountain, M.J. Electric LLC Iron Mountain, MTS Field Services, MTS Field Services (Richmond Co), MTS Quanta LLC, Manuel Bros. Inc., Marathon Construction Services, Mears Canada Corp., Mears Equipment Services LLC, Mears Group Inc., Mears Group Pty Ltd, Mears Installation LLC, Mearsmex S. de R.L. de C.V., Mejia Personnel Services LLC, Mercer Technical Services, Microline Technology Corporation, Mid America Energy Services Inc., NACAP Niugini Ltd., NC Northstar Energy Services Inc, NGI Construction, NGI Construction Inc., NGI Construction Inc. (FN), NLC CA. Inc., NLC FL. Inc. Northwest Lineman Center, NLC ID. Inc. Northwest Lineman College, NLC TX. Inc., NPC Energy Services LLC, Nacap Australia, Nacap PNG Limited, Network Communication Services, North Houston Pole Line L.P., North Houston Pole Line Limited Partnership, North Sky Communications, NorthStar Energy Services Inc., Northern Powerline Constructors Inc., Northstar Energy Solutions LLC, Northwest Lineman Center, Northwest Lineman College, Northwest Lineman Training Center, Northwest Lineman Training Center Inc., Nova Constructors LLC, Nova Constructors LTD, Nova Equipment Leasing LLC, Nova Group Inc, Nova Group Inc (CA), Nova Group Inc., Nova Group Inc. DBA NGI Construction, Nova NextGen Solutions LLC, O. J. Pipelines Canada Corporation, O. J. Pipelines Canada Limited Partnership, O.J. Industrial Maintenance, O.J. Pipelines Canada, One Call Locators Canada Ltd., P.D.G. Electric, PAR Electrical Contractors Inc., PDG Electric Co., Par Internacional S. de R.L. de C.V., Performance Energy Services Guyana Ltd., Performance Energy Services L.L.C., Phasor Engineering Inc., Phoenix North Constructors Inc., Phoenix Power Group Inc., Potelco Inc., Potelco Incorporated, Power Delivery Program Inc., Price Gregory International Inc., Price Gregory Services LLC, Probst Construction Inc., Probst Electric Inc., QEPC, QEPC Power Solutions LLC, QES GP LLC, QP Energy Services LLC, QPS Engineering LLC, QPS Engineering LTD., QPS Engineering PLLC, QPS Environmental, QPS Flint Construction, QPS Flint Tank Services, QPS Global, QPS Global Services, QPS Global Services (Richmond Ci), QPS Professional Services, QPSE, QS Mats, QSI Engineering Inc., QSI Finance (Australia) Pty Ltd., QSI Finance (Cayman) Pvt. Ltd., QSI Finance Canada ULC, QSI Finance GP (US) LLC, QSI Finance I (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., QSI Finance I (US) LP, QSI Finance II (Australia) Pty Ltd., QSI Finance II (Lux) S.a r.l, QSI Finance II (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., QSI Finance III (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance III (Lux) SARL, QSI Finance IV (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance IX (Canada) Limited Partnership, QSI Finance V (US) L.P., QSI Finance VI (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance VII (Canada) Limited Partnership, QSI Finance VIII (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance X (Canada) ULC, QSI Inc., QSN Lux Holdings I SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings II SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings III SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings IV SCSp, QTSL LLC, QUANTA FOUNDATION SERVICES, Quanta APL GP II Ltd., Quanta Asset Management LLC, Quanta Associates L.P., Quanta Aviation Services LLC, Quanta Canada GP ULC, Quanta Canada Holdings III Limited Partnership, Quanta Canada Holdings LP, Quanta Canada III GP Ltd., Quanta Capital GP LLC, Quanta Capital LP L.P., Quanta Capital Solutions Inc., Quanta Cares, Quanta EPC Services, Quanta Electric Power Construction LLC, Quanta Electric Power Construction Management Inc., Quanta Electric Power Services LLC, Quanta Electric Power Services West LLC, Quanta Energized Innovations Ltd., Quanta Energized Services U.S. LLC, Quanta Energized Services of Canada Ltd., Quanta Energy Services LLC, Quanta Environmental Solutions, Quanta Equipment Company LLC, Quanta Government Solutions Inc., Quanta Holdings I (Netherlands) B.V., Quanta Holdings II (Netherlands) B.V., Quanta Infraestructura de Chile SpA, Quanta Infrastructure Services LLC, Quanta Infrastructure Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Quanta Inline Devices LLC, Quanta Inspection Services, Quanta Insurance Company Inc., Quanta International Holdings (US) LLC, Quanta International Holdings II Ltd., Quanta International Holdings Ltd., Quanta International Limited, Quanta Kingsvale LP Ltd., Quanta Lines Pty Ltd., Quanta Maine Services LLC, Quanta Middle East LLC, Quanta Pipeline Services Inc., Quanta Power Australia Pty Ltd, Quanta Power Generation Inc., Quanta Power Inc., Quanta Power Solutions India Private Limited, Quanta Resource Development, Quanta Services Africa (PTY) Ltd., Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd., Quanta Services Chile SpA, Quanta Services Colombia S.A.S., Quanta Services Costa Rica Ltda., Quanta Services Guatemala Ltda., Quanta Services International Holdings II LP, Quanta Services International Holdings LP, Quanta Services Management Partnership L.P., Quanta Services Netherlands B.V., Quanta Services Panama S. de R.L., Quanta Services Peru S.A.C., Quanta Services Puerto Rico LLC, Quanta Services of Canada Ltd., Quanta Subsurface Canada Ltd., Quanta Subsurface LLC, Quanta Tank Services, Quanta Technology Canada ULC, Quanta Technology LLC, Quanta Technology UK Ltd., Quanta Tecnologia do Brasil Ltda., Quanta Telecom, Quanta Telecom Services, Quanta Telecommunication Services, Quanta Telecommunication Services LLC, Quanta Telecommunications Services LLC, Quanta Underground Services, Quanta Underground Services (Culpeper Co), Quanta Underground Services (Spotsylvania Co), Quanta Underground Services Inc., Quanta Utility Engineering Services Inc., Quanta Utility Installation Company Inc., Quanta Utility Operation LLC, Quanta West LLC, Quantecua Cia. Ltda., R. R. Cassidy Inc., RMS Holdings LLC, RMS Holdings LLC (Delaware), RMS Welding Systems, RMS Welding Systems LLC, Ranger Directional, Realtime Engineers Inc., Realtime Utility Engineers Inc., Redes Andinas de Comunicaciones S.R.L., Riggin & Diggin Line Construction, Rms Welding LLC, Rms Welding Systems LLC, Road Bore Corporation, Ryan Company Inc. The, Ryan Company Inc. of Massachusetts, Ryan Company Inc.(The), Seaward, Seaward Corp, Seaward Corporation, Service EC (DE) Inc., Service Electric Company (DE), Service Electric Company Inc., Service Electric Company of Delaware, Servicios Par Electric S. de R.L. de C.V., Servicios de Infraestructura del Peru S.A.C., Southwest Trenching Company Inc., Specialty Tank Services L.P., Specialty Tank Services LP, Specialty Tank Services Limited Partnership, Specialty Tank Services Limited Partnership, Specialty Tank Services Ltd., Specialty Tank Services Ltd. (LP), Specialty Tank Services Ltd. L.P., Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, Specialty Tank Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold General LLC, Stronghold Holdings (BVI) Limited, Stronghold Inspection L.P., Stronghold Inspection Limited Partnership, Stronghold Inspection Limited Partnership, Stronghold Inspection Lp, Stronghold Inspection Ltd L.P., Stronghold Inspection Ltd., Stronghold Inspection Ltd. L.P., Stronghold Inspection Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Limited Partnership, Stronghold Ltd., Stronghold Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Management Holdings LP, Stronghold Specialty General LLC, Stronghold Specialty Ltd., Stronghold Specialty Ltd., Stronghold Specialty Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Tower Group LP, Stronghold Tower Group Ltd LP, Stronghold Tower Group Ltd., Stronghold Tower Group Ltd. LP, Stronghold VI LLC, Subterra Damage Prevention Specialists Ltd., Summit Line Construction, Sumter Utilities Inc., T. G. Mercer Consulting Services Inc., TA Construction, TC Infrastructure Services Ltd., Taylor Built, Texas Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, The Aspen Utility Company LLC, The ComTran Group Inc., The Hallen Construction Co. Inc., The Massachusetts Ryan Company Inc., The Ryan Company Inc Of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Inc., The Ryan Company Inc. (Massachusetts), The Ryan Company Inc. of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Incorporated of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Of Massachusetts Inc., The Ryan Company of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company of Massachusetts (FN), Tom Allen Construction Company Inc., Tom Allen Construction Company of Delaware, Trans Tech Electric, TurnKey Automation Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Ltd., TurnKey Automation Ltd. Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Ltd. Limited Partnership, TurnKey I&E Ltd., Turnkey Automation Ltd. L.P., Turnkey Automation Ltd. LP., UCC Underground Construction Co. Inc., Ucc - Underground Construction Co., Underground Construction Co. Inc., Underground Construction Co. Inc. (Delaware), Underground Electric Construction Company LLC, Utilco Inc., Utility Fleet Services, Utility Line Management Services Inc., Utility Testing & Maintenance LLC, Utility Training Services Corporation, VALARD Polska sp. Z o.o., Valard, Valard, Valard Construction (Ontario) Ltd., Valard Construction (Quebec) Inc., Valard Construction 2008 Ltd., Valard Construction Australia Pty Ltd, Valard Construction LLC, Valard Equipment (AB) Ltd., Valard Equipment GP Ltd., Valard Equipment Limited Partnership, Valard Geomatics (Ontario) Ltd., Valard Geomatics BC Ltd., Valard Geomatics Ltd., Valard Mechanical Ltd., Valard Norway AS, Valard Sweden AB, Valard Zagreb d. o. o., Wade D. Taylor Inc., West Coast Communications, Winco Helicopters, Winco Inc., Winco Inc. an Oregon Based Corporation, Winco Powerline Services, Winco Powerline Services Inc., Winco Powerline Services Inc., Winco Services Inc., World Fiber Inc., and mmit Line Construction Inc.. Read More Red Hat, Inc. provides open source software solutions to develop and offer operating system, virtualization, management, middleware, cloud, mobile, and storage technologies to various enterprises worldwide. It offers infrastructure-related solutions, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, an operating system platform that runs on hardware for use in hybrid cloud environments; Red Hat Satellite, a system management offering that helps to deploy, scale, and manage in hybrid cloud environments; and Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization, a software solution that allows customers to utilize and manage a common hardware infrastructure to run multiple operating systems and applications. The company offers application development-related and other technology solutions, such as Red Hat JBoss Middleware, a solution for developing, deploying, and managing applications; integrating applications, data, and devices; and automating business processes in hybrid cloud environments; The company's application development-related and other technology solutions also includes Red Hat cloud offerings, a software solution that enables customers to build and manage various cloud computing environments; Red Hat Mobile, a software development platform that enables customers to develop, integrate, deploy, and manage mobile applications for enterprises; and Red Hat Storage, a software solution that enables customers to manage large, unstructured, or semi-structured data in hybrid cloud environments. It also provides consulting, support, and training services; and realtime operating system, distributed computing, directory services, and user authentication. Red Hat, Inc. has collaboration with Juniper Networks Expand to provide a unified solution for enterprises designed to manage and run applications and services. The company was formerly known as Red Hat Software, Inc. and changed its name to Red Hat, Inc. in June 1999. Red Hat, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, struts/pylons, nacelles, and related engine structural components; and wings and wing components, including flight control surfaces, as well as other structural parts. This segment primarily serves the aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or engine OEMs of large commercial aircraft and/or business/regional jet programs. The Defense & Space segment provides fuselage, strut, nacelle, and wing aerostructures primarily for U.S. Government defense programs, including Boeing P-8, C40, and KC-46 Tanker. This segment also engages in the fabrication, bonding, assembly, testing, tooling, processing, engineering analysis, and training on fixed wing aircraft aerostructures, missiles, and hypersonics works, such as solid rocket motor throats, nozzles, re-entry vehicle thermal protections systems, forward cockpit and cabin, and fuselage work on rotorcraft aerostructures. The Aftermarket segment offers spare parts and MRO services, repairs for flight control surfaces and nacelles, radome repairs, rotable assets, engineering services, advanced composite repairs, and other repair and overhaul services. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. has a strategic partnership with Sierra Space to enhance access to commercial space economy of the future. The company was formerly known as Mid-Western Aircraft Systems Holdings, Inc. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.; Alector, Inc.; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. The company was formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc and changed its name to GSK plc in May 2022. GSK plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom. An official website of the United States Government No Ukrainian soldiers were killed, but five servicemen were wounded in the ATO area in eastern Ukraine in last day. Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO Colonel Oleksandr Motuzianyk said this at a press briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "No Ukrainian soldiers were killed, but five servicemen were wounded as a result of military hostilities in Donbas in last day," Motuzianyk said. ish Ukrainian Food Export Board (UFEB) organizes a trade mission to Poland, which is scheduled for April 11-16, 2017. Ukrinform learnt this from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. As part of the trade mission participants will be able to present their products at the largest exhibition of food products in Poland WorldFood Warsaw 2017. Annually this area has more than 2,500 visitors, which are representatives of importers, distributors and retailers, reads a report. Also, the Ukrainian Food Export Board invite Ukrainian invite Ukrainian food producers to join a trade mission to Vietnam and participate in the exhibition Food and Hotel Vietnam 2017, which is to be held on April 25-30, 2017 in Ho Chi Minh City. Food and Hotel Vietnam 2017 is a regional exhibition of food products, which is located on an area of 10,000 square meters and attracts more than 8,000 visitors annually. The exhibition focuses on dairy products, pork, chicken, sugar confectionery, flour and cereal products, alcohol, sugar, vegetable oil, reads a report. iy The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine strongly condemns the terrorist attacks that have been recently perpetrated, in particular in Egypt, Israel, Iraq and Turkey, resulted in dozens of victims and more than one hundred of badly wounded. This has been reported by the press service of the Foreign Ministry. "We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy and full recovery to those injured. The surge of terrorist attacks, which has been recently observed, once again proves the need for the international community to consolidate efforts in order to combat this reprehensible phenomenon which poses a serious threat to the whole civilized world," reads a statement. The Foreign Ministry noted that such acts of violence, which caused deaths of innocent people, constituted criminal offenses and had no justification, no matter under whatever slogans they were committed. ish Leaders of the European Union and New Zealand have discussed the response to the aggression of Russia against Ukraine. The meeting between European Council President Donald Tusk and Prime Minister of New Zealand Bill English was held in Brussels on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. "We discussed the crisis in Ukraine and the importance of full implementation of the Minsk agreements. The EU sanctions against Russia were extended for another six months due to non-fulfilment of the Minsk agreements," Tusk said after talks. The European Council President also stressed the importance of New Zealand in the field of security. As a reminder, the European Union extended economic sectoral sanctions against Russia until July 31, 2017 in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. ish Education At least 716 schools were damaged after hurricane Matthew, according to the official data of the Ministry of Education. An estimated 490,000 children have had their education interrupted. Schools need to be repaired urgently, and students and teachers who lost everything need school supplies. UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Education in the rehabilitation of 121 schools. Specific actions include coordinating education partner activities, providing school furniture and once the schools reopen, distributing school-in-a-box kits benefiting more than 20,000 school children. Roberline Dore, a 13-year-old student in her fourth year, cannot conceal her joy at being able to return to school. "I felt very bad because I saw our house being destroyed. My family and I were soaked by the rain. I lost everything, including my books, my notebooks and my school bag. The director of the school gave us some suitcases, to save what we could," she says. "I am very happy to be back in school. I was sad before, seeing other children going to school, when we couldnt. We spent so many weeks without school. Now Im very happy, and I get to see my friends again! WWE star Karl Anderson appeared on Sam Roberts' podcast and touched on a couple of topics involving former WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor. On Balor's return Anderson said he could not wait for Balor to return from injury and fears that the former NXT Champion is kayfabing him regarding his return date. Anderson told Roberts he would be hot at Balor if he returned earlier than Anderson thought. Balor was last on WWE television on the RAW following SummerSlam. The first ever WWE Universal Champion vacated the title due to a torn labrum sustained while taking Seth Rollins powerbomb on the ring barrier the previous night. Balor was set to miss four to six months. Some rumors speculated that Balor could return as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble match while others downplayed that possibility. 4 Life Could Anderson, Gallows, and Balor reunite on RAW? Photo: sportskeeda.com Anderson also talked about a possible Bullet Club reunion: Well just tear everything apart. Thats one of those pitches weve [Anderson and Luke Gallows] thrown. Balor, then known as Prince Devitt formed Bullet Club in New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2013 after turning on his tag team partner Ryusuke Taguchi. He, Bad Luck Fale, Karl Anderson, and Tama Tonga were the founding members. Later members include the likes of Luke Gallows, A.J. Styles, Kenny Omega, Adam Cole, The Young Bucks, Jeff Jarrett, and Cody Rhodes. The group uses tactics that are commonplace in American pro wrestling (ref bumps and excessive interference). While those heel tactics are eye rolling to many in the U.S., it was rarely done in Japan, thus getting them over huge as heels in the NJPW. They are just as popular in the states, Bullet Club shirts are one of, if not the top selling shirts in the indies today. The group draws comparisons to similar cool heel groups from the 1990s such as the NWO or D-Generation X. While heels in Japan, the group often works as babyfaces in U.S. promotions due to their immense popularity. Balor teased possible reunions with the renamed Club after he, Anderson and Gallows were drafted to RAW via cryptic messages on Twitter. WWE further teased this at SummerSlam during a backstage segment with Balor, Anderson, Gallows, and Styles. Despite losing her last two appearances in UFC, Ronda Rousey still draws interest from WWE. According to a report from NoDQ.com, the company still wants to sign the former UFC Womens Bantamweight Champion. The report refutes the notion that the companys interest waned after her loss at UFC 207, feeling Rousey had been exposed. On the contrary, those in WWE feel Rousey is still a major draw and a top superstar. A brief but impactful career Could we see Rousey wrestling in the near future? Photo: Uproxx Rousey signed with UFC in November 2012, becoming the first womens fighter to do so. She won her first six fights in the promotion, all Womens Bantamweight Title defenses. Rouseys victories came in dominant fashion. Only one of the six victories lasted past a minute, let alone the first round, her UFC 168 defense against Miesha Tate. In a stunning upset, Rousey lost her title 59 seconds into the second round to Holly Holm at UFC 193. Rousey returned to the octagon on December 30 at UFC 207. She lost via knockout 48 seconds into the first round to defending champion Amanda Nunes. Rousey announced her retirement shortly after the fight. While still the undefeated Bantamweight champion, Rousey appeared at WrestleMania 31. She joined The Rock in the ring during a segment with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Rousey teased locking McMahon in an armbar and then threw both Helmsleys from the ring teasing a future confrontation down the line. Following the interaction, rumors of a match featuring all four in some form or another began to circulate. Not the first fighter to make the jump. If she makes the jump from legitimate to simulated fighting, Rousey would join the likes of Dan Severn, Ken Shamrock, and Matt Riddle among others to make the jump to pro wrestling. Brock Lesnar was also UFC Heavyweight Champion before returning to WWE in 2012. Rousey is also a known wrestling fan, with her Rowdy nickname inspired by WWE Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper. Based on satellite and webcam images KVERT reported that explosions at Klyuchevskoy recorded on 1 January generated ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 114 km SE. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). ... Background: Kliuchevskoi is Kamchatka's highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 6000 years ago, the beautifully symmetrical, 4835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. Kliuchevskoi rises above a saddle NE of sharp-peaked Kamen volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred at Kliuchevskoi during the past roughly 3000 years, with most lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3600 m elevation. The morphology of its 700-m-wide summit crater has been frequently modified by historical eruptions, which have been recorded since the late-17th century. Historical eruptions have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included numerous major explosive and effusive eruptions from flank craters. --- Source: Klyuchevsky information by the GVP (Smithsonian Institution) (Ron Charles/The Washington Post) Early in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, when Tom Sawyer and his friends are devising rules for their band of robbers, they run into a problem: Heres Huck Finn, one of the boys asks, what you going to do bout him? Indeed, what are we going to do bout Huck Finn? More than 130 years after the publication of Mark Twains masterpiece a novel that Hemingway called the beginning of all modern American literature we still dont know. Poor Huck just wanted to be left alone, but nothing the Widow Douglas or his abusive father inflicted on him could match the punishments brought down on Hucks story, which has been sanitized, sivilized, Disneyfied and, of course, banned in school districts across the country. Even Twain couldnt leave the river kid well-enough alone. He sketched a sequel in 1885 that had Huck heading out West with Tom and Jim to live with Indians. That manuscript remained unfinished, but other writers have shown more initiative or less restraint sometimes with surprisingly fine results. Among the contenders, John Seelye published The True Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1970), and Greg Matthews offered The Further Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1988). Nancy Rawles told the story of Sadie, Jims enslaved wife, in My Jim (2005), and Jon Clinch reconstructed the life of Hucks Pap in Finn (2007). [A new biography of the most famous American of his time: Mark Twain] And now comes Huck Out West, by Robert Coover, the literary cult figure whos been transforming American myth and history for 50 years. Twains characters are back, alive again: Huck, Tom, Becky and Jim, along with references to Pap and the Widow and the Judge. Is this resurrection something to celebrate, like the boys showing up at their own funeral? You may be tempted to sigh, I been there before, but you aint been here before, not like this anyways. Coovers novel picks up the story decades later, in the 1870s, around the Black Hills of South Dakota during the gold rush. Huck is a man now, bearded, still living alone and still sounding remarkably like the boy we met in school: If Id knowed wed be a-finding gold, Id a stayed down in the teepee, he begins, because there aint much worse can happen to a body than getting rich. All gold is fools gold, and I warnt in that neighborhood on its account. Drawed out by Tom Sawyers stories and still here long after hed upped and gone, Id spent nigh half my life in the Territories, working one job or tother. I was sometimes homesick for the Big River, but I mostly got used to the Territories and they got used to me, neither of us giving nor asking much, a way of easing through time that suited me when the world lowed it. Coover sustains that magical act of literary ventriloquism for 300 pages, preserving Twains raggedly, tall-tale patter spiced with the same accidental aphorisms. But Coovers feat of transformation is ultimately more interesting than his imitation. Rafting down the Mississippi, Twain captured pre-Civil War America with a picaresque tale of marks and swindlers, innocents and thugs. In the end, he allowed us to fantasize that Huck might find some respite from the raspy constraints of society by lighting out for the Territory. Coover, though, re-creates a strikingly different era: the nations first centennial when the country is swelling with gold, immigrants and dreams of finally eradicating its native population. This is an empire no longer expanding or fracturing but greedily staking its claims on every last acre. Huck has ridden for the Pony Express the Wild West Web of its day and hes lived happily with Lakota Indians, but now theres nowhere left for him to light out for, nowhere left to practice the natural morality that is his blessing and his curse. It was almost, Huck says, like there was something wicked about growing up. As a result, despite a rich vein of slapstick humor, Huck Out West is a more melancholy novel than Twains original. All stories is sad stories, Huck says, and we come to see that his desperate low-spiritedness stems from the trauma of witnessing so much of the human slaughter that federal expansion demanded. That darkness accrues slowly at first, though. Huck has settled in a place called the Gulch. It was, he tells us, mighty peaceful and about as close as one could get in this world to the Widow Douglass fancied Providence. But the discovery of gold has ruined that tranquility, drawing in hordes of prospectors and thieves. Soon thered be more people shooting at each other, Huck predicts, correctly, and then laws and lawmen getting mixed up in it. Hes already earned the ire of the genocidal Gen. Hard Ass for slipping away from his regiment rather than participate in any more atrocities. (Its a comfort to know what fate awaits Gen. Hard Ass, a.k.a. George Custer.) Even out West, Hucks greatest challenge is still his best friend, Tom Sawyer. The imaginative, quick-talking boy who charmed women and dazzled other kids with tales of pirates has grown up to become a maniacal politician. (Like another crowd-pleasing narcissist of more recent vintage, he also rails against Mexicans and brags about abusing women.) Coover hasnt altered the direction of Toms character so much as followed its trajectory straight to hell. Tom is the hypnotic mythmaker, the egomaniac gilded with shiny humility. Riding into the Gulch at just the right moment accompanied by his personal photographer hes a white-hatted, smooth-talking lawyer who molds the truth and public opinion as though it were mud from the creek. He would be merely ridiculous, except that now the boy who once rhapsodized about killing his rivals is a man who can actually do it quickly, gleefully and frequently. If the story meanders as much as the Mississippi River, it also gathers considerable force as Huck struggles to stay out of trouble, avoid Gen. Hard Ass and resist Toms increasingly malevolent friendship. As this symphony of echoes reaches its conclusion, readers may hear the grisly battle from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court. Among the many elements that Coover imitates so well is Twains misanthropy, his macabre sense of humor and his perpetually offended innocence. That was a sad thing, Huck says, to think that even Tom Sawyer was a-growing old. Indeed, everybody seems to be growing old except Huck, who remains a voice of perplexed kindness, and Coover, who, at 84, is still a miraculously sharp writer. Ron Charles is the editor of Book World. You can follow him @RonCharles. Read more: Final volume shows why Twain wanted his Autobiography kept under wraps We didnt mean to be so tricky. Apparently, the 2016 Kids-Post News Quiz 10 questions about KidsPost stories from last year was tough. Out of the nearly 50 responses we received, only eight had all correct answers. We put those names in a hat and selected a winner: Dominique Kabasela. Dominique, a 13-year-old from Burtonsville, Maryland, will receive KidsPost goodies and a family pack of tickets to The Freshest Snow Whyte at Bethesdas Imagination Stage. Now for the quiz review: 1. Gene Luen Yang, national ambassador for young peoples literature, was a computer science teacher (A). 2. Maryland State Police rescue helicopters can travel 175 miles per hour to reach almost any location in the state within 20 minutes. (A). 3. Selkie the seal was 43 when she died at the National Zoo (C). 4. The first national park was Yellowstone (B). 5. Including Donald Trump, an elected president has lost the popular vote five times in U.S. history (D). 6. Fasting is a traditional part of the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur (B). 7. Pi in the Sky was not part of the 2016 KidsPost Summer Book Club (C). 8. Fifty percent of dogs that go through the Canine Companions for Independence training graduate from the program (B). 9. Bioluminescence is the ability of living things to create light within their bodies (A). 10. John F. Kennedy was president the last time a boy lived in the White House (D). Thanks to all who entered! Author and illustrator Nick Bruel poses with a drawing of Kitty, the main character of his Bad Kitty children's book series. (Macmillan Children's Publishing Group) Nick Bruel visits schools across the United States to talk about his Bad Kitty books. And he sees a lot of kids stressed out about the same thing: standardized tests. So for his new chapter book, Bad Kitty Takes the Test, Bruel wanted his readers to relax and laugh and also question whether tests are all necessary. Kitty must take a goofy test to PROVE she is a cat even though she clearly IS a cat, Bruel said in an email from his home in Briarcliff Manor, New York. Chatty Kitty, another cat, and Uncle Murray, a silly human, take the test, too. And so does a chicken disguised as a cat. A chicken is taking the test to demonstrate that the testing process is not necessarily accurate, Bruel said. Another chicken is asking the questions and making it clear he doesnt like cats. No matter what the cats say, the chicken shouts, Wrong! Bad Kitty Takes the Test is author Bruels latest in the series. (Macmillan Children's Publishing Group) Its definitely not part of a plan, he says, to have chickens kept as pets while cats are served at dinnertime on a bed of rice next to potatoes and green beans. Like all the Bad Kitty chapter books, this one resembles a graphic novel, with dialogue balloons and large comic panels. On Wednesday at Hooray for Books in Alexandria, Virginia, Bruel will talk about how he wrote and illustrated Bad Kitty Takes the Test, and he will demonstrate how he draws his favorite fictional feline. A kid and his kitty Bruel grew up in New York City with a feisty pet who helped inspire Kitty. Zou-zou was black with a tiny patch of white fur on her chest, he said. In kindergarten, Bruel discovered what he called the magic of comic books. He also loved reading the comic strip King Aroo and childrens books by Jack Kent, especially The Fat Cat. This wonderfully absurd story is about a cat that walks through a town eating everything he encounters, Bruel said. Bruel enjoys story ideas that are outright funny. Kitty has starred in chapter books and picture books about birthdays, babysitters and babies. In a new early reader, Bad Kitty Does Not Like Snow, the cranky main character discovers slippery, cold snow for the first time and high-tails it home to her warm bed. The author confessed that this is how he feels when he looks out the window and realizes that his morning will be spent shoveling the driveway. Be brave For kids interested in writing, drawing and creating comics, Bruel has one piece of advice: Be brave. Its never easy to work past the you shouldnts and the you mustnts and the you cants, but it really is so critical to listen to your own I wants in order to pursue your goals, he said. This is advice Bruel is taking himself as he finishes Bad Kitty: Camp Daze, which he aims to release in 2018. The pictures are the authors most complex yet. On one page alone, Kitty appears 25 times! Bruel said hes also working on a project completely new to him: a middle-grade novel. I cant go into the details yet, but lets just say that my long history of reading comic books is going to help me tremendously. Dear Heloise: Please let readers know that when a vehicle is in an accident and children with car seats are involved, the car seats must be replaced. Most insurance companies will replace the car seat. The car seats can be easily compromised (belts stretched, ETC.). Ruth in New Jersey Ruth in New Jersey: You are right! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that car seats be replaced when involved in a moderate to severe crash, but not necessarily after a minor crash. All crashes are different, and whether the child was in the seat at the time of the crash matters, too. If a child was in the seat at the time of the crash, be sure to replace it. Car seats are guaranteed to perform at their peak during only one crash. Even with no visible damage, a car seat may not hold up to a second crash. Car-seat manufacturers have their own recommendations, depending on the company, so check with yours as well. When in doubt, I would replace the car seat no matter what, and most insurance companies should cover the replacement cost. Dear Heloise: As my wife and I grow older, we are becoming more and more aware of the dangers of falling. Some of our friends have experienced falling in their homes at night. We suggest investing in some small, motion-activated night lights, available at a hardware store, that come in battery-operated or plug-in varieties. We have mounted the lights around our house where we would be walking at night. They go on in succession as we proceed from one room to the next. We also have one in our overnight kit for those unfamiliar motel rooms and late-night bathroom visits. J.R.F., via email Dear Heloise: My hint is for people who wear prescription eyeglasses. You can save a lot of money by reusing the frames and replacing just the lenses. Some well-made frames will last 10 years or longer. Patricia R., Bellaire, Tex. Patricia R.: This can be a money-saving hint if the frames are in good condition. But be sure to check with the eyeglass provider, because some lenses cannot be replaced in frames without damaging the frames. Dear Heloise: Occasionally I will wear slacks for just a few hours while out to dinner, a short business meeting or an appointment. When I get home, I hang the slacks from the cuff using a pants hanger so that any creases come out from that day of wear. This saves a trip to the dry cleaner. C.W. in New York Dear Heloise: At the end of each year, I remove the binding from the family calendar, three-hole punch it at the top and put it in a photo binder with the other calendars from the past. This makes it easy to review prior years and saves space stacking old calendars. Jim M., via email Heloises column appears six days a week at washingtonpost.com/advice. Send a hint to Heloise , P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Some 60 days later, Jayna Zweiman still cannot utter the words election or President-elect Trump. Nov. 8 happened, and it was a really big shock, she recalls by phone from her home in a sunny, undeniably Democratic state. We live in Los Angeles, where, honestly, I saw, like, one Trump bumper sticker. Stunned by the election that made Donald Trump our nations next president, Zweiman, 38, an architectural designer, took a brief period to mourn before emerging Nov. 16 with a protest plan. She and a friend, Krista Suh, would rally an army: women in every corner of the country, joined in a single cause. They couldnt undo the election. But they could knit hats. Hats in every shade of pink, from rose to flamingo to fuchsia, with bold, pointed cat ears. Each one as unique as a snowflake. This yarn-loving-squads goal is to turn out 1 million pink pussyhats by inauguration weekend and for those hats to become the visual marker for activists attending the Jan. 21 Womens March on Washington. For the hats to become symbols of the struggle for womens rights. To become a way, Zweiman says, for wearers to take a stand in their daily life without having to say a word. [It started with a retiree. Now the Womens March could be the biggest inauguration demonstration] The most divisive election of our time has triggered a wave of protests and rallies: not only street marches, but also Golden Globes tirades; hashtags; plans to stink up the inauguration with marijuana; and silent, warm-and-fuzzy stands such as Zweimans. It has launched a thousand Facebook groups and online petitions, spurred fashion trends (safety pins, anyone?) and spawned pantsuit dances. But the election outcome wont change. So what good do any of these protests do? Passive protests in particular may be more about tending to the losing sides wounded psyches than addressing Americas deep political rift. The amazing thing about knitting, Zweiman says, is that its like meditation. (Erin Patrick O'Connor/The Washington Post) Thomas Plante, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at Santa Clara University in California, has another thought. We like having control, he says. People feel they need to get control somewhere, whether thats wearing a safety pin, or [signing] an online petition or posting things on Facebook. There is something soothing about it all. Clicking on a petition. Registering your rage. Seeing how many likes you get on Facebook, Plante offers. You feel solidarity. You feel like youve done something. In the antsy days and hours before the election, nearly 200 dancers pulled on vibrant pantsuits and Wild Feminist Ts and took to a New York park to pop, shimmy and back flip for Hillary Clinton. The Pantsuit Nation, a secret army of 3 million Facebook users, mostly women, reached for its blazers and rallied for Clinton so swiftly and solidly that the candidate herself made a winking mention of the groups efforts in her concession speech. After it was all over, Trump opponents decked out their lapels with safety pins (#safetypin, because #hashtivism) and declared themselves walking, talking safe spaces. People are looking around for other ways to protest, says Micah White, a founder of the Occupy Wall Street movement who has more recently authored The End of Protest, a book declaring old-school protest dead. We invested so much effort into street protest, we put everything into it. And what happens? Nothing. And Trump gets elected. Approximately 10,000 Trump-related petitions have been filed on Change.org since the election, including one to suspend or cancel the Donalds Twitter account and another urging his impeachment, according to site spokesman A.J. Walton. Theyve amassed 8 million signatures and yielded the sites most popular petition of all time, to get the electoral college to choose anyone but Donald Trump as our next president. (It collected 4.9 million signatures, shy of its goal of 6 million.) The creator of that petition, Daniel Brezenoff, 45, once taught American history and knew that, even as the election was being called for Donald Trump, there was still a glimmer of hope. So on Nov. 9, he created a plea for electronic signatures to urge the electoral colleges electors to choose Clinton over Trump. My highest aspiration at the time, says the Long Beach, Calif.-based social worker, was generating a good discussion on my social media with people in my network. But the petition, which circulated, like so many protests these days, on Facebook, took off. And when the nations 538 electors met in their home states last month, Brezenoff printed and delivered his petition by hand to a few from Texas meeting in Austin. The college did as expected and made Trump president-elect. But two Republican electors in Texas cast their votes for others. I took that as a great success, Brezenoff says. I think theres a psychological benefit in having hope, and participating in the process. That hasnt stopped critics from pointing out the seeming futility of some of these pin-and-pantsuit efforts. These pins not the wearing of them or the pictures posted of folks wearing them are not about safe spaces. Theyre about not wanting to be perceived as a racist, Demetria Lucas DOyley wrote of the safety-pin movement on the site The Root, which covers news from an African American perspective. Over the holidays, Pantsuit Nation became embroiled in controversy when its former allies denounced founder Libby Chamberlain for profiting from the movement with a book deal. In the Los Angeles Times, an op-ed writer fretted, I imagined we were mobilizing for the political fight of our lives. But was a Facebook group ever a political fight at all? We believe if we do some sort of ritual called protest, and it can take many different forms, then somehow our elected representatives will have to listen, and change will happen, blah blah blah. That story line is broken, White says. If I were Trump, Id be so happy that theyre knitting hats. Id be like, Yes, please, knit some more hats, while I take all power! Krista Suh, 29, left, and Jayna Zweiman, 38, enlisted knitters nationwide to help make hats for the upcoming Womens March in Washington. (Kat Coyle) Psychologically speaking, protesters are going to need positive reinforcement sometime. They need successes, Plante says. And thats something these sorts of political statements dont deliver. Taking to the streets creates traffic jams, creates big news, creates a more visible way of protest, he says. Taking it to Facebook really doesnt. You get 300 or 400 likes on your rant, you might feel satisfied. But thats not going to change anything. None of this has swayed Zweiman and her contingent of hatmakers from ferociously knitting and crocheting in preparation for their inauguration debut. I would not discourage anyone from signing their name to something they care about, Zweiman says. I dont know what it actually does. It might do something. It might make them feel just a little bit better. They want to feel that they matter, Plante says. And if marching around with a pink hat on the 21st makes you feel all of that, that may be a good thing. Nevertheless, he wonders. What happens the day after the march in Washington? Ta-Nehisi Coates, Lindy West and Sherman Alexie are among the liberal writers who have abruptly left Twitter recently. (Andre Chung for The Washington Post; Evan Agostini/Invision/AP; Seth Wenig/AP) On Jan. 1, Sherman Alexie logged on to Twitter to announce he was logging off. The sites negatives, the award-winning Native American novelist wrote, increasingly outweigh its positives. The following day, Ta-Nehisi Coates, the acclaimed politics and culture writer, declared that he, too, was outta there: He plans to spend his mental energy in 2017 working on a book, he wrote, so see yall in 18. A day after that, it was essayist and feminist activist Lindy Wests turn to say farewell at least for a while, she wrote. She, like Alexie, was finding the costs are starting to outweigh the benefits. Then she deactivated her account. Unspoken but perhaps understood: For outspoken liberals, the presidential election and transition as experienced on Twitter has been brutally exhausting. Granted, users have been proclaiming their frustrations with Twitter ever since the ultra-terse social-media site caught fire nearly a decade ago. And its long since become routine for celebrities (Kanye, Miley, Alec) to dramatically exit the site, only to skulk back online after a hiatus of a few months, or a few hours. But the rapid exit of three high-profile voices whose reputations as liberal intellectuals had been bolstered by their Twitter presence is drawing attention to a growing chorus of complaints about a site that has, for some, become a central part of daily life and communication. Last year, Saturday Night Live comic Leslie Jones briefly quit Twitter after she was barraged with particularly vile racist and misogynist messages. Feminist writer Jessica Valenti took a break from the platform after she received a rape and death threat directed at her 5-year-old daughter. Model Chrissy Teigen temporarily made her account private after she said she was besieged by trolls: My mind and body cannot handle it anymore, she said in a parting tweet. [Why Leslie Jones wants the world to see the hateful tweets she receives] Others, meanwhile, have raised concerns about the addictive, time-suck qualities of the site. Comedian Patton Oswalt and former broadcast journalist Luke Russert have extolled the benefits of detoxing from Twitter to focus on the real life around them. Pioneering political blogger Andrew Sullivan cited Twitter as a prime cause of a distraction sickness that ultimately drove him to (temporarily) quit the Internet cold turkey. The manic intensity of Twitter was exacerbated for many media-political types by a nail-biter of an election one in which the president-elect himself hurled tweets like thunderbolts and rallied an army of supporters eager to clash online with any commentator who opposed him. West and Coates were frequently swarmed by racist and misogynist harassers (neo-Nazis mine my personal life for vulnerabilities to exploit, West wrote in a column for the Guardian, and men enjoy unfettered, direct access to my brain so they can inform me, for the thousandth time, that they would gladly rape me if I werent so fat.) Alexie seemed to avoid heated back-and-forths, yet his angst about the election pulsated through his Twitter feed like a throbbing forehead vein. (Who wins Gold Medal for Most Awful? Never Trumpers who now support Trump or Jill Stein voters who still think theyre angels?) In an interview last month with Vox, Coates urged young journalists to steer clear of Twitter, among other pesky habits: You dont want to cultivate things that rob you of time. Yet for lesser-known creatives, the high-minded exodus of Twitters left-wing cool kids (most of the above boast followings that number in at least the six figures) underscored a certain frustration: Not everyone who shares the same complaints about Twitter feels they can afford to walk away. Im still building my platform. Im still green. I *need* @Twitter for my career, tweeted Hanna Brooks Olsen, co-founder of the blog Seattlish, last week. So I unfortunately cant quit. Even some established writers share that feeling. I think most people who use Twitter have a love-hate relationship with it, said author and former child star Mara Wilson, who has more than 320,000 followers. There are times I want to take a break, but then I remember that I have to promote something Im doing or someone else is doing. Even if I wanted to quit, I dont know if I would be able to anytime soon. Feminist author Roxane Gay says she hasnt ever thought about leaving Twitter permanently but she feels like she could if she needed to. Im one of the lucky people who can take it or leave it, she said. That allows me the privilege of not stressing that much over Twitter. She says she enjoys the platform because it gives her a sense of proximity to her readers and other artists she admires. Its fun, she says, except for when its not. As someone who writes about race, gender, sexuality and pop culture, she gets more than her share of harassment. And, like West and other prominent women on Twitter, Gay says she has watched the site become increasingly taken over by trolls. Its a cesspool of homophobia and racism and cruelty, she said. Twitters executives think thats okay. And the reason I say that is because theyve done nothing to fix it. Thats what finally spurred West to leave the platform, she wrote in the Guardian. It wasnt the trolls themselves but the global repercussions of Twitters refusal to stop them, she wrote. The companys inaction, she argued, allowed the site to be used as a propaganda tool and effectively set the stage for the political ascent of Donald Trump and the rise of a new white supremacist movement. [Twitter trolls are actually hurting democracy.] Twitter has created tools meant to help combat online abuse; in November, the platform introduced a mute button for users to shut out comments from persistent hasslers, and it began cracking down on accounts that engaged in hateful conduct. Amid renewed complaints that those steps werent enough, Twitters chief executive, Jack Dorsey, agreed, and he assured critics that fixes were in the works. We hear you and are working on it, Dorsey tweeted last week. It will take time . . . And we will be more transparent. Twitter declined to elaborate on Dorseys tweets. West wasnt particularly impressed with Dorseys assurances. Obviously weve heard this from Twitter before, over and over, West told The Washington Post in an email. And there have been a few improvements . . . but while they were laboring over these small fixes, trolling has become more sophisticated, more incentivized, more coordinated, and more aggressive. Still, she hasnt closed the door on a possible return. I might go back eventually well see what they do from here, she said. As Ive said, I really genuinely like Twitter. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) in his office in Washington, D.C. on October 06, 2015. (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post) (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post) Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said Monday hell use rarely invoked congressional authority to block a new law passed by the D.C. Council to allow doctors to help end the lives of terminally ill patients in the city. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) signed legislation in December that would have made the nations capital the seventh jurisdiction to authorize doctors to prescribe fatal drugs. The bill was transmitted Friday to Congress for a 30-day review. [Bowser quietly signs legislation to allow terminally ill patients to end lives ] Chaffetz, the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that oversees District affairs, told reporters Monday that he fundamentally disagrees with the bill. Assisted suicide is not something we take lightly, he said at a news conference during which he also said hed like to see federal agencies relocate outside the Washington region. Supporters of medical aid-in-dying say it gives patients the option to avoid needless suffering, while opponents have raised religious objections and concerns that some may feel pressured to end their lives for financial or other reasons. Assisted suicide is legal in Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Montana, California and Colorado. After extensive debate and public hearings, the D.C. Council voted 11 to 2 to pass the legislation in November. [House votes to strike down D.C. law banning reproductive discrimination] Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3), the laws author, said Chaffetz should not interfere. This is entirely a local matter and he may have philosophical or perhaps even religious objections, but we have made our own choice and it should be respected, Cheh said. Is he not aware there are a number of other states that have approved this? Why isnt he using his federal powers to intervene with them? Its only because under our degraded democracy there are some members of Congress who think they can use us a plaything. Peg Sandeen, executive director of the Oregon-based Death with Dignity National Center, said, Congress has better things to do than meddle with the Districts business . . . Representative Chaffetz should stay focused on Utah. Bowser said through a spokesman that the District is a self-sufficient government that pays more per capita in federal taxes than any other state in the country. We are more than capable of passing our own laws, and the best thing the federal government can do to help us continue succeeding is to leave us alone. Chaffetz plans to introduce a disapproval resolution by the end of January. Congress last successfully used its power to void D.C. laws in 1991 to stop the city from changing the maximum height of buildings and in 1981 to block the repeal of a felony sodomy law. Federal lawmakers have also used appropriation powers to block the full legalization of marijuana in the city and the use of local revenue on abortions for low-income women. [Right-to-die movement faces key test in heavily black D.C.] Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) says if members of Congress disagree with physician-aided death, they should ban the practice nationwide. She said she intended to fight all efforts to block the bill and to prevail. Chaffetz also said he would pursue efforts to have federal agencies locate operations outside the metropolitan area, an initiative he labeled Divest D.C. He suggested that Congress would easily pass a measure requiring agencies to analyze the costs of operating in the District against other locations. That could save money, help local economies elsewhere and lead to a more reflective government, he said. Aaron C. Davis contributed to this report. Athanasia Kyriakakos teaches in Baltimore city, is the MD teacher of the year and now a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. (Maryland State Dept of Education) (N/A/Maryland State Dept of Education) A Maryland teacher has been tapped as one of four finalists for the 2017 National Teacher of the Year Award. Athanasia Kyriakakos, who teaches in Baltimore city and previously won top teaching honors in Maryland, was described by her principal as an internationally award-winning artist who has sacrificed her personal ambitions to share her passion of art with students. Kyriakakos will compete against stand-out teachers from Wisconsin, Massachusetts and California in the annual competition, run by the national Council of Chief State School Officers. The winner is to be announced in May at a White House ceremony. In a letter of recommendation, Craig Rivers, principal at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School, where Kyriakakos has taught since 2014, said her credentials and work were so impressive she could have worked anywhere she wished. She chose the students of Baltimore city and I believe she is here for a purpose, he wrote. [Montgomery County Teacher of the Year is finalist for Maryland honor] Kyriakakos fights for equity in art and education, he said, working tirelessly to take our students to the world in which they must compete. At a school that can get hyper-focused on math, science and language arts, she has become a voice for the importance of the whole child, he said. Maryland education officials said Kyriakakos, a teacher in Baltimore since 2011, lived in Greece as a child and later taught in Connecticut. A Fulbright scholar, she earned a masters degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a bachelors degree from Maryland Institute College of Art. In October, Kyriakakos was named 2016-2017 Maryland Teacher of the Year. As a finalist for the national teaching award, she is up against Megan Gross, 2017 California Teacher of the Year; Chris Gleason, 2017 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year; and Sydney Chaffee, 2017 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Kyriakakos is the fifth Maryland teacher since 2006 named a finalist for the national award. Three have been selected National Teacher of the Year, state officials said. We congratulate Ms. Kyriakakos on this terrific honor for her and for the State of Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said in a statement. Great teachers and great schools make an enormous difference in the lives of our children and in the future of our state. Advocates say Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District is the most significant special-education case to reach the high court in decades. (Gary Cameron/Reuters) The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Wednesday in a dispute over the level of education that public schools must provide to millions of children with disabilities, a case that advocates describe as the most significant special-education issue to reach the high court in three decades. The question is whether public schools owe disabled children some educational benefit which courts have determined to mean just-above-trivial progress or whether students legally deserve something more: a substantial, meaningful benefit. [From Wednesdays hearing: Supreme Court wrestles with defining rights for students with disabilities, including autism] Lower courts are divided on the question, meaning that disabled children in some states can expect more from their schools than children in other states. Now the Supreme Court will have an opportunity to decide whether a uniform standard should apply nationally. To advocates for children with disabilities, this should not be a difficult decision. Although the Supreme Court upheld the lower standard in 1982, Congress has since amended the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The law which outlines what states must do in return for receiving federal special-education funds is meant not just to open the schoolhouse door to disabled children, they argue, but also to make sure that those children get an education that gives them a shot at equal opportunity, independent life and full participation in society. That means schools must be required to provide students with a real, meaningful education, they argue. I cant even believe that this is really a question for the court to wrestle with, said Gary Mayerson, a civil rights lawyer and board member of Autism Speaks, an advocacy organization. [Researchers have launched the worlds largest study on autism and genes and you can participate] But lawyers for Colorados Douglas County School District the defendant in the case before the court argue that the meaningful benefit standard is ambiguous, not grounded in law and not practical. Judges arent proficient in education policy and cant be expected to decide whether schools are meeting such a vague and variable standard, they argue. The case to be heard Wednesday is Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, brought by the family of a boy diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. His conditions complicated his efforts to communicate and socialize, and that left him struggling with phobias and compulsive behaviors. Endrew F., who goes by Drew, started attending schools in Douglas County south of Denver in preschool and began showing an increase in behavioral problems in the second grade, according to court records. He was yelling, crying and dropping to the floor. By fourth grade, the problems had become more frequent and severe; he was kicking walls, banging his head and bolting from the classroom. He went to the bathroom on the floor of a calming room, and he was able to escape from the school building and run into the street. His parents said their son made almost no academic or social progress over that period, and they didnt see a commitment from the district to find a solution. The goals in his Individualized Education Program (IEP) a legally binding blueprint that laid out the services he would receive and the progress he was expected to make hardly changed from year to year, according to court records, and there was little written evidence that he was making gains. Drews parents withdrew him from public school at the end of fourth grade, in 2010, and placed him in a private school that specialized in educating children with autism. He made progress immediately, they said, achieving IEP goals in months that he had been working on for years. It was a relief. Drew, now 17, continues to attend the private school, his parents said, where he is learning vocational skills and preparing for life after high school. Under federal law, Drews parents were entitled to seek reimbursement for the private school tuition, which approached $70,000 per year. But they had to prove that their son had been denied the free appropriate public education to which he had a right under federal special-education law. And to do so, they had to prove that he hadnt been making adequate progress. [Youre autistic. You know you can do a good job, but will employers listen?] Jack Robinson, their attorney, has been working in special-education law for 20 years, and he thought that if any child could win a case like this, it was Drew. There was almost no documented progress in Drews educational records, he said in an interview. But the Douglas County School District disagreed, arguing that while Drew was not learning as quickly as his parents would have liked, he was making some progress enough to satisfy the law. The family lost its case before an administrative law judge in 2012. They lost again in a suit in U.S. District Court and a third time at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. This is without question a close case, Judge Timothy Tymkovich wrote in his opinion for the 10th Circuit. It is clear, he continued, that Drew is thriving at the private school. But it is not the Districts burden to pay for his placement there when Drew was making some progress under its tutelage. That is all that is required. The courts endorsement of that low bar was a blow to Drews parents. What is the point of the law, if it doesnt help the child? said his mother, Jennifer. In their briefs to the Supreme Court, Drew and his family argued that schools should be obligated to provide children with disabilities with substantially equal opportunities to achieve academic success, attain self-sufficiency and contribute to society. They won the support of the Obama administration, whose Justice Department submitted an amicus brief calling on the high court to find a requirement that children have an opportunity to make significant educational progress. More than 100 members of Congress also support Drew and his parents, arguing in an amicus brief that the just-above-trivial standard is vanishingly low and runs contrary to Congresss intent in IDEA. The Douglas County School District disagrees, arguing that the Supreme Courts decision in a 1982 case, Board of Education v. Rowley, should stand. In that case, the court rejected the argument that schools owed disabled children an opportunity to maximize their potential. The justices ruled that Congress intended to ensure some educational benefit for children with disabilities, the standard that has been explicitly adopted by five Circuit Courts of Appeals. This Court answered the question presented 34 years ago, lawyers for the school district wrote in a brief last month. That decision was correct. (In Rowley, the justice also said that Congress intended to make access meaningful for students with disabilities, giving rise to the meaningful educational benefit standard that has been adopted by two circuits.) [What Texas did to its special-education students] The school districts lawyers have argued in briefs that Drew and his family are seeking a sweeping new standard that has no basis in IDEA and that courts would be unable to enforce given the complications of determining what that standard means in practice for children with different disabilities and circumstances. The districts supporters include the National School Boards Association and AASA, an association of district superintendents, which both argued that raising expectations of schools could encourage more litigation. William E. Trachman, the districts legal counsel, declined through a spokeswoman to discuss the facts of the case given the pending litigation. The District complies with every facet of federal law in making sure that students with special needs are not only provided services, but that educational experts and the students parents are maximally involved in the process, and that every Individualized Education Plan is personalized, holistic and ambitious, Trachman said in a statement. THE DISTRICT Man who was beaten in October dies D.C. police said Monday that a man who was beaten near Union Station on Oct. 2 died Friday at a hospital. Police said Richard Lewis, 37, of no fixed address, was attacked about 2:30 a.m. in the first block of Massachusetts Avenue NE, near North Capitol Street. A surveillance video made public by police shows a man wearing a jacket and with a blue hat on backward walking outside Union Station. Police describe the man as a person of interest. Peter Hermann MARYLAND Police make arrest in Suitland killing A District Heights man has been arrested in connection with a December homicide, Prince Georges County police said. Devonte Proctor, 25, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Terria Petty, 34. Officers found Petty behind a building in the 3500 block of Silver Park Drive in Suitland at about 5:25 a.m. on Dec. 31. Lynh Bui Delegate is moved to Judiciary Committee A state lawmaker who faced scrutiny for ties to a medical marijuana business has been removed from the committee that oversees cannabis bills. Del. Dan K. Morhaim (D-Baltimore County), a physician who had been on the House Health and Government Operations Committee for 13 years, will serve on the House Judiciary Committee. Morhaim said he was looking forward to working on juvenile justice reform, drug law reform, . . . rape kit testing policy and other issues. Fenit Nirappil Temple Hill shooting victim is identified Police have identified the man killed in a Temple Hills shooting Sunday as Jermaine Roach, 25. Officers found Roach about 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Hill Park Drive and Dunlap Street, according to Prince Georges County police. Lynh Bui Montgomery County Democrats on Monday evening named Jheanelle Wilkins, senior field manager for the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, to fill a vacant House seat for Marylands District 20 (Silver Spring-Takoma Park). Wilkins, 28, replaces former delegate William C. Smith Jr., who succeeded Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery) in the state Senate after Raskin was elected to Congress this November. The contest was closer than the final tally suggested, the culmination of several weeks of intense behind-the-scenes courting of central committee members. It took three rounds of balloting to winnow the field of six candidates down to Wilkins and Lorig Charkoudian, a professional mediator and criminal justice activist. Wilkins was selected by the countys Democratic Central Committee by a vote of 19 to 9. She sits on the 28-member central committee and was able to vote for herself. She received most of the party establishments support, including that of Gino Renne, president the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 400 (MCGEO), which represents about 5,000 nonuniform county employees, and Montgomerys African American and Latino American Democratic clubs. In letters to the committee, tenant activists praised her advocacy for renter protection legislation passed last year by the Montgomery County Council. Wade Henderson, the Leadership Conference president and chief executive, also writing to the committee, called Wilkins a passionate and effective advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable in our society, including immigrants, the formerly incarcerated and children. Wilkins got a boost from committee concerns about a lack of diversity in the countys 32-member Annapolis delegation. She becomes just the third African American woman to represent Montgomery in the General Assembly. The second, Morgan State University professor Pamela Queen, was selected by the panel in February to fill a vacancy in District 14. Karen Britto served eight months of an unexpired term in District 16 in 2010. Charkoudian, 43, came to the race with a long history of community activism, including mediation and conflict resolution to help released prisoners reenter society. She is on the board of the Crossroads Community Food Network, which operates a farmers market and a community kitchen to help low-income people begin food businesses. She was endorsed by former delegate Heather Mizeur, who represented District 20 from 2007 to 2015. The four other applicants were Daniel Koroma, outreach manager and liaison to African and Caribbean communities in the countys Office of Community Partnerships; Darian Unger, a volunteer firefighter and Howard University School of Business professor; Yvette Butler, state director of the League of United Latin American Citizens; and Amy Cress, communications director for Easter Seals in the Washington area and an anti-gun-violence organizer. They were all excellent candidates, said Tim Whitehouse, a central committee member who voted for Charkoudian. Wilkinss victory could add to debate about the state law that requires committee members to fill legislative vacancies by appointment rather than special election. Critics call it an undemocratic practice that can favor insiders. Queen was a member of the committee, and Britto was its chairman, when each of them were named. Ten of the countys 32 state lawmakers have gained seats in the House or advanced to the state Senate through party appointments. Whitehouse, who opposes appointments, said the panel took some small steps this time to bring more transparency to the selection, holding three large forums where the public could question candidates. [Montgomery Democrats tussle to fill open General Assembly seats] They need to take some big steps in the next three or four years, said Whitehouse, who supports a change in the law. The committee vote is technically a recommendation to Gov. Larry Hogan, who makes the appointment. Hogan, a Republican, is required by law to appoint someone from the party that held the seat. Maryland Del. Richard Impallaria, right, has a word with Del. Pat McDonough, left, in the Legislative Services Building (Matt Houston/AP) A Maryland delegate from Baltimore County was convicted of driving while intoxicated last week for charges stemming from a traffic stop while attending a conference in Ocean City in August. Del. Richard Impallaria, a Republican and a proponent of stricter drunk-driving laws, is scheduled for sentencing on March 10, according to court records. Impallaria, who pleaded not guilty, requested a jury trial in Wocester County Circuit Court and was found guilty on Jan. 4, according to court records. Court officials said Impallaria had a 0.07 alcohol level. Impallaria could not be reached for comment. In Maryland, driving while impaired is a secondary charge for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level between 0.04 percent and 0.08 percent. Impallaria, who serves as a deputy minority whip, is a member of the House Economic Matters Committee. At the time of his arrest, he was attending the annual Maryland Association of Counties summer conference. It doesnt have the moral and political resonance of the Districts statehood fight, but some Bethesda residents are asking whether their prosperous suburban community should pursue its own form of self-determination as a self-governing city. They are driven by recent frustration with the Montgomery County government, especially over a proposed land-use plan that could open the door to dramatically increased building heights along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor. Last week, the Montgomery Planning Board approved a proposal for a 29-story office and apartment complex at Wisconsin Avenue and Elm Street, just above the projected site of a Purple Line station. That project, and the rest of the Bethesda sector plan, are subject to County Council approval. The chatter about breaking away is loud enough that two community groups, the East Bethesda Citizens Association and the Coalition of Bethesda Area Residents, are co-sponsoring a meeting on the topic Thursday evening in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School cafeteria. Its just a question thats asked so many times in so many conversations, said Katya Marin, vice president of the East Bethesda group. Organizers emphasize that the gathering is informational only. The crowd will hear from a representative of the Maryland Municipal League, a go-to organization on issues such as municipal incorporation. The road to joining the states 156 other self-governing towns and cities (including Rockville, Frederick, Gaithersburg and Hagerstown) is filled with legal and political challenges. Most formidable is the Montgomery County Council. Supporters have two ways to request a ballot referendum on seeking independence collecting signatures from 25 percent of the areas registered voters, or a combination of 20 percent of registered voters and owners of at least 25 percent of the land. But it is ultimately the councils decision whether to hold a referendum election. It would not be easy for the county to give up its hold on Bethesda, home to many of Montgomerys fanciest condominiums, single-family homes, restaurants and shops. The community is generally considered to be bounded by Interstate 495, Connecticut Avenue, the District border on Western Avenue and the Potomac River. As an independently chartered city, Bethesda would receive a chunk of state income-tax revenue that currently goes to the county. And given that Bethesda boasts some of the highest-income communities in the state, the hit could be substantial. On the other hand, that loss could be offset, at least partially, depending on which services the new Bethesda would pay for on its own. Getting all those pieces to fall together can be really difficult, said Thomas Reynolds, who is director of education services for the Municipal League and will be answering questions from residents Thursday evening. Since 1954, there have been just five successful elections for incorporation in Maryland, the last when North Chevy Chase won its charter in 1996. A similar effort by Friendship Heights failed five years before that. Largo petitioned for a referendum in 2002 but was turned down by the Prince Georges County Council. Rollingwood, a small community adjacent to Chevy Chase, was rebuffed by the Montgomery council in 2007. Nevertheless, Reynolds gets a small but steady stream of queries. Once every two years well speak to somebody, he said. What those interested in incorporation may not realize is that it would not automatically give Bethesda autonomy over land-use decisions. For that, the suburb would need to change state law, which empowers the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to oversee zoning and parks. Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) said in an interview that he was not necessarily opposed to Bethesdas incorporation. But he cautioned that it should not be considered in the middle of turmoil over a specific issue. I dont think it should be done in the heat of a problem where people are angry about it, he said. If you step away from that heightened atmosphere, it would be okay. Ricky Gray is escorted from the county courthouse in Culpeper, Va., on Jan. 3, 2007, after a preliminary hearing. (Mike Morones/AP) A federal judge in Virginia has declined to halt the execution of convicted killer Ricky Gray, scheduled to take place Jan. 18. Grays attorneys argued in a hearing this month that the drugs the state would use to execute Gray are untested and potentially torturous. But U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson concluded that any discomfort experienced by Gray in the execution process is unlikely to cause serious pain or suffering. The possibility of some incremental increase in pain was outweighed, he said, by the harm of delaying the execution, given the appalling number of people, including two children ages four and nine, whom Gray tortured and killed. [Texas sues FDA over lethal injection drugs ] Gray, 39, and his nephew Ray Dandridge killed a Richmond family of four on Jan. 1, 2006. The parents and two children were bound, beaten and stabbed before their throats were slit and their home set on fire. Gray was sentenced to life in prison for killing Bryan and Kathryn Harvey, ages 49 and 39. He was sentenced to death in the slaying of their daughters, Stella and Ruby. Gray was also implicated in the killing of another Richmond family a few days later; Dandridge pleaded guilty to murder in that case. And Gray has confessed to killing his wife, Treva Terrell Gray, two months before the January rampage. He has since filed several challenges and appeals, Hudson noted, leading the judge to conclude that this effort was merely another attempt to delay execution. Gray has separately asked Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe to commute his sentence to life in prison, arguing that the severe sexual and physical abuse he suffered as a child and his resulting PCP use were not fully explained at trial. Grays attorneys said they also plan to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. It is our position that it is unconstitutional for the VDOC to carry out an execution that risks chemically torturing a prisoner to death, attorney Lisa Fried said in a statement. Virginias lethal injection protocol uses three drugs: midazolam hydrochloride as a sedative, rocuronium bromide to halt breathing and potassium chloride to stop the heart. The first and third drugs were produced by a pharmacy whose name is kept secret from the public under a state law passed last year. Without more information about the pharmacy, Grays attorneys said, there is a risk that the execution will amount to cruel and unusual punishment. No other state has yet performed an execution with these compounded drugs. Grays lawyers also unsuccessfully argued that it is unconstitutional to keep the name of the pharmacy and other details secret. Secrecy is necessary, officials say, because public pressure on pharmacies has made it difficult to obtain the drugs necessary to carry out executions. Grays attorneys also maintained that the use of midazolam of any kind is troubling. In several other states, prisoners sedated with the drug have subsequently moved in apparent pain, made gasping or choking noises and even talked. In December, Arizona agreed to stop using the sedative. But as Hudson noted, the Supreme Court in 2015 narrowly ruled that the use of midazolam is constitutional. The judge agreed with state officials that there is no evidence that compounded drugs are inferior to those made at traditional pharmacies. Hudson also rejected a suggestion from Grays lawyers that a firing squad be used instead, saying he had no authority to order an execution method not prescribed by state law. Will Campos in 2014 at the opening of the Langley Park Multi-Service Center. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post) William A. Campos, a former Maryland state delegate and former Prince Georges County Council member, has pleaded guilty to accepting about $40,000 to $50,000 in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for official favors, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday. The bulk of the illegal activity involves Camposs directing more than $325,000 in government grants or funds intended for charitable giving to business owners, nonprofit organizations and other parties in exchange for personal payments while serving on the Prince Georges council. Campos, 42, a Democrat from Hyattsville, pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy Jan. 5, and the plea was unsealed Tuesday. Mr. Camposs favorite charity was himself, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said after the plea was announced. He treated the taxpayers money as if it were a literal slush fund. Campos admitted to accepting payoffs on at least eight occasions between 2007 and 2014, according to the plea agreement, and encouraged some bribers to set up sham nonprofit entities to make it easier for him to funnel money to his benefactors. The government unveiled the case against Campos less than a week after federal prosecutors charged four others in a pay-to-play investigation. The wide-ranging investigation alleges corruption among politicians and business owners, including accusations that store owners and a county liquor board official bribed elected officials in return for favorable votes on proposals that would expand alcohol sales in Prince Georges. Public disclosure of Camposs plea and the related liquor board probe cast a cloud over the run-up to Wednesdays opening of the state legislative session, as Rosenstein said more than one legislator remains under investigation. [30 months of wiretaps, hundreds of recordings underpin Md. bribery charges, prosecutors say] Campos admitted taking bribes and kickbacks as early as 2007 his first term on the County Council and through 2014, according to his plea agreement. Campos engaged in three major types of corruption: funneling county government grants to business owners in exchange for payments; accepting kickbacks for steering county money to some individuals charities; and writing a letter of recommendation on county letterhead in return for $2,000. In December 2012, the plea agreement shows, Campos accepted an envelope stuffed with $3,000 in the bathroom of a College Park restaurant after discussions with an FBI informant and another individual about helping to move the informants business to the county. After picking up the cash, Campos promised to direct $10,000 from a county grant program to a nonprofit organization the informant could control. The plea agreement also states that Campos took money to testify before the liquor board on behalf of a nightclub owner and help another business owner with a zoning matter and that he sought money to help pay off campaign-related expenses. In a brief interview last week, Campos denied knowing anything about the federal investigation. On Tuesday, attorney Barry Wm. Levine issued a written statement on Camposs behalf in which he described his client as a compassionate, decent and religious man. He is deeply remorseful and accepts full responsibility for his profound error, Levines statement said. People are complex. It would be a mistake to judge him only through the acts which are the subject of his error. Council member Deni Taveras (D-Adelphi), who succeeded Campos in District 2, said citizens are highly disappointed in the actions of Mr. Campos. As an elected official, the residents trusted and looked up to him, and his breach of the public trust is unacceptable and painful. Second-term County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D), who campaigned on battling a culture of corruption that marked the administration of his predecessor, Jack B. Johnson (D), said, Its disappointing people havent gotten the message that those days in Prince Georges County are over. Johnson, who served as county executive from 2002 to 2010, pleaded guilty to extortion and witness and evidence tampering after masterminding a corruption conspiracy in which prosecutors said he received more than $1.6 million in bribes. Campos must give up the money he collected in the scheme and pay restitution of at least $340,000 as part of his plea agreement. Campos also faces up 15 years in prison for the bribery and conspiracy charges. His sentencing is scheduled for April 10. In a statement sent to friends and supporters, Campos said that the investigation had been going on for years and that he immediately admitted wrongdoing when approached by the government.He said he was relieved the torturous process was coming to an end. As embarrassing and devastating as this may be, I own up to my mistakes, his statement said. Campos also alluded to the wide reach of the investigation, saying, I know what lies ahead for many others, and asking for prayers for them. Last week, two government officials and two business owners were arrested in a related case: David Dae Sok Son, 40, the director of the liquor board in Prince Georges; Anuj Sud, 39, a county liquor board commissioner who resigned on Friday; Young Jung Paig, 62, owner of Central Avenue Restaurant & Liquor Store; and Shin Ja Lee, 55, owner of Palmer Liquor Store. [Federal bribery charges filed over Prince Georges County liquor licenses] Federal prosecutors say the cases are related but would not detail how Campos was involved with the liquor-board probe. In a charging affidavit released last week, prosecutors said that two elected officials began cooperating with the liquor board investigation in exchange for a more lenient sentence on other corruption charges. One of those cooperators was identified as a former elected official who took a plea agreement and helped federal agents in the case between June 2014 and July 2015, which would be just months before Campos resigned from the state legislature. Prosecutors do not identify their informants and would not say whether Campos is the former elected official they described as having taken a plea deal. Camposs plea agreement includes several details including conversations, cash amounts, promised favors, locations and dates that appear to align with the charges filed last week. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., a Democrat whose district includes part of Prince Georges, said he discussed the bribery allegations with Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Friday, and emphasized the need to appoint reputable, civic-minded commissioners to the liquor board. Everyones concerned about it. You should be concerned if its happening in Tennessee or Ohio, and its happening here in Maryland, Miller said Tuesday. The Board of License Commissioners is a state entity that regulates the sale of alcohol in the county at more than 600 liquor stores, restaurants and other businesses. The boards five commissioners are appointed by the governor to three-year terms. [Latino state lawmaker from Prince Georges resigns 9 months into job] Campos became Prince Georges first Hispanic county council member in 2004, winning a special election to fill a vacant seat. He was reelected twice and served 10 years before becoming a state delegate in 2014. Campos, considered an up-and-comer in county politics, stepped down from the state legislature nine months into his tenure, saying he wanted to focus on his new marriage, starting a family and his career. While Campos served as a county council member, prosecutors said, Prince Georges officials allowed each member to award $100,000 in grants and funds to nonprofit service organizations of their choosing. In recent years, council members have opted to have the Community Foundation of Prince Georges, a subset of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, manage the discretionary funds now totaling $107,000 per council member on their behalf instead of having legislators disburse the funds directly. County Council Chairman Derrick L. Davis, who served on the council with Campos, said that the allegations against his former colleague are a serious matter and that the body is taking a look at the system for distributing grants and discretionary funds. Rosenstein said Campos was cavalier in his dealings and confident no one would catch him. But Campos explained his actions differently when picking up a $2,000 bribe in the parking lot of an Alexandria restaurant. Im a mortal man, Campos said, according to the plea agreement. Thats the problem. Fenit Nirappil, Cheryl W. Thompson and Ovetta Wiggins contributed to this report. Best Buy Geek Squad agent Josh Sorensen replaces a motherboard on a laptop at Geek Squad City in Brooks, Ky., in a 2012 file photo. A child pornography case launched at the facility led to the discovery that eight Geek Squad technicians had served as paid informants for the FBI. (Ken James/BLOOMBERG NEWS) At a giant Best Buy repair shop in Brooks, Ky., Geek Squad technicians work on computers owned by people across the country, delving into them to retrieve lost data. Over several years, a handful of those workers have notified the FBI when they see signs of child pornography, earning payments from the agency. The existence of the small cadre of informants within one of the countrys most popular computer repair services was revealed in the case of a California doctor who is facing federal charges after his hard drive was flagged by a technician. The doctors lawyers found that the FBI had cultivated eight confidential human sources in the Geek Squad over a four-year period, according to a judges order in the case, with all of them receiving some payment. The case raises issues about privacy and the government use of informants. If a customer turns over their computer for repair, do they forfeit their expectation of privacy, and their Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable searches? And if an informant is paid, does it compromise their credibility or effectively convert them into an agent of the government? Best Buy searching a computer is legal the customer authorized it, and the law does not prohibit private searches. But if Best Buy serves as an arm of the government, then a warrant or specific consent is needed. And a federal judge in the child pornography case against Mark Rettenmaier is going to allow defense attorneys to probe the relationship between Best Buy and the FBI at a hearing in Los Angeles starting Wednesday. Their relationship is so cozy, said defense attorney James D. Riddet, and so extensive that it turns searches by Best Buy into government searches. If theyre going to set up that network between Best Buy supervisors and FBI agents, you run the risk that Best Buy is a branch of the FBI. The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment. Federal prosecutors argued in California that when a technician doing repairs stumbles across images of child pornography and the government wasnt aware of the search, the technician is clearly not performing the search with the intent of assisting law enforcement efforts. Best Buy spokesman Jeff Shelman said in a statement Monday that Best Buy and Geek Squad have no relationship with the FBI. From time to time, our repair agents discover material that may be child pornography and we have a legal and moral obligation to turn that material over to law enforcement. We are proud of our policy and share it with our customers before we begin any repair. Shelman added, Any circumstances in which an employee received payment from the FBI is the result of extremely poor individual judgment, is not something we tolerate and is certainly not a part of our normal business behavior. Court records did not detail how often or how much the technicians were paid, other than one $500 payment to one supervisor. But emails between Geek Squad technicians and FBI agents in the Louisville field office indicate a long-running relationship. In revealing those publicly in a Dec. 19 order, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney required technicians and agents to take the witness stand this week. The ruling was first reported by Orange County Weekly. Many of the documents establishing the ties between the FBI and the technicians are sealed, but Carney discussed some in his order. He noted that the FBI acknowledged it considered technician supervisor Justin Meade a confidential human source for all but a few months between October 2008 and November 2012. Different agents handled the Geek Squad technicians, Carney wrote. In October 2009, Agent Jennifer Cardwell emailed Meade to express interest in meeting to discuss some other ideas for collaboration, Carney disclosed. In an internal FBI communication in July 2010, Agent Tracey L. Riley told her supervisor that Source reported all has been quiet for about the last 5-6 months, however source agreed that once school started again, they may see an influx of CP [child pornography]. Meade was later identified as the source. Other internal communications show the source referring possible cases to Riley from computers sent to the Geek Squad from across the country. This two-way thoroughfare of information, Riddet, the defense attorney. argued in his motion to suppress the evidence, suggests that the FBI considers [Meade] . . . to be a partner in the ongoing effort of law enforcement to detect and prosecute child pornography violators. . . . Here it is very clear that Best Buy, and specifically the supervisor who reports its technicians discovery of inappropriate content on customers computers, are not only working together, but actually planning to conduct more such searches in the future. The case started in November 2011, when Rettenmaier, a gynecological oncologist in Orange County, Calif., took his HP Pavilion desktop to the Best Buy in Mission Viejo, Calif., because it wouldnt boot up. The technicians at the store told him he had a faulty hard drive. If he wanted to retain information from the hard drive, he would need the Geek Squads data recovery services in Kentucky. Rettenmaier signed a service order that prosecutors argue waived any right to raise a Fourth Amendment claim because it contained the admonition: I am on notice that any product containing child pornography will be turned over to the authorities. Rettenmaiers hard drive was shipped to Geek Squad City in Brooks, Ky., a suburb of Louisville. In December 2011, one of Meades technicians located a photo that Riddet described as a nude prepubescent girl on a bed. In January 2012, court records show Meade emailed Agent Riley in Louisville and said, We have another one out of California we want you to take a look at, when can you swing by? Meade did not respond to phone and email messages. Prosecutors acknowledged that the FBI paid him $500 in October 2011, two months before his co-worker discovered the photo. Meade filed a sworn declaration last year that I do not remember ever being paid by the FBI. The search of Rettenmaiers hard drive has a further wrinkle. The image was located on unallocated space, which is where deleted items reside on a computer until they are overwritten when the space is needed. Unallocated space is not easily accessed it requires special forensic software. Prosecutors said that the Geek Squad technician who searched the unallocated space was merely trying to recover all the data Rettenmaier had asked to be restored. Riddet argued that the technician was going beyond the regular search to deleted material to find evidence the FBI might want. In addition, a federal appeals court has ruled that pornography found on unallocated space is insufficient to prove that the user possessed it, since information about when it was accessed, altered or deleted is no longer available. There was no evidence of how the contraband got onto Dr. Rettenmaiers hard drive, Riddet wrote, and it could have gotten there before he possessed the computer or against his will. An internal FBI email indicated that agents knew charges were unlikely based on an image in unallocated space. But prosecutors did authorize a search warrant for Rettenmaiers computer and home, which was executed in February 2012. It is unclear why Rettenmaier was not indicted until almost three years later, in November 2014. Judge Carney will allow Rettenmaiers lawyer to question not only the Best Buy technicians and FBI agents involved in the case, but also the federal prosecutor who authorized the searches at the upcoming hearing. The relationship between the FBI and Best Buy [informants] prior to Rettenmaiers hard drives repair, Carney wrote, is relevant to how Meade understood his role as an informant and the possibility of an agency relationship between those who specified [the technicians] procedures and the government. Best Buys Shelman said, To be clear, our agents unintentionally find child pornography as they try to make the repairs the customer is paying for. They are not looking for it. He said store policy bars agents from doing anything other than what is necessary to solve the customers problem. Stan Goldman, a law professor at Loyola Law School, likened Best Buys search to the plain view doctrine for police: If officers can see something in plain view, they have reason to search or seize it. Whatever they see while searching within the scope of what they were asked to do would be admissible, in my view, Goldman said. If they start searching on their own, theyve gone beyond what is plain view. He said what a customer consents to when ordering the work is crucial. Have people actually understood that theyve agreed to have their entire computer searched? I dont think so, but you cant be 100 percent certain. Read more: Are the police tracking you? Push to restrict license plate readers heads to Va. Supreme Court Joe Davidson: Want to make a million? Become a DEA informant. 30 months of wiretaps, hundreds of recordings underpin Md. bribery charges, prosecutors say A man authorities labeled a player in violence that rattled a District neighborhood was sentenced Monday to 14 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Keith Cooper, 23, has been detained for the past eight months, much of it spent in solitary confinement. He pleaded guilty to the ammunition charge in September. The U.S. attorneys office had wanted Cooper imprisoned for 16 months. The judges sentence exceeds suggestions by Coopers attorney from the federal public defenders office, who argued that her client should be released on time served. [Man police say at center of neighborhood violence is detained] A sentence of time served approximately eight months of solitary confinement is a serious consequence that will more than adequately punish Mr. Cooper for his particular conduct and will also adequately deter any future wrongful conduct, the attorney, Dani Jahn, wrote in a petition to the court Monday. The federal judge also ordered Cooper to serve three years of supervised release when he is freed. Police said bullets were found during a search of Coopers home near East Capitol Street and Benning Road SE after a spate of violence May 16 that included a shootout, in which no one was injured, and two other shootings hours apart in which Coopers mother, Tracey Louise Cooper, 45, and a 22-year-old man were killed. [Residents fear violence after two killed ] Authorities have said the shootout and subsequent fatal shootings are believed to be related. Cooper had provided one of the guns used in the shootout, authorities said. No charges have been filed in the shootout or in either slaying. Cooper was arrested shortly after his mother was killed and was charged in D.C. Superior Court with threatening to kill the man he believes shot his mother. After the threat charge was filed, a D.C. Superior Court judge released Cooper pending his next court appearance. Federal authorities then charged him in the ammunition case and have held him in protective custody since. Prosecutors argued that Coopers detention is necessary to help prevent further violence in his neighborhood. A man shoots at a U.S. consular official in his car in Guadalajara, Mexico, in this image taken from Jan. 6 security video footage. (U.S. Embassy in Mexico via Reuters) An American who allegedly shot and wounded a U.S. diplomat in Mexico has been charged in federal court in Virginia. Zia Zafar, 31, of Chino Hills, Calif., was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Alexandria on a charge of attempted murder of an internationally protected person. Christopher Ashcraft, vice consul at the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, was leaving a gym there Friday evening when he was shot by Zafar, according to prosecutors. Authorities did not offer any possible motive in the shooting, and it was unclear if Zafar and Ashcraft were known to each other. The bald, slim suspect said little at a brief hearing, telling a judge only that he understood the charge against him and could not afford a lawyer. He will be jailed until Friday, when prosecutors will argue for prolonged detention. Security video from the night of the attack shows the gunman, wearing blue scrubs, dark sunglasses and what looks like a wig, appearing to follow Ashcraft as he exits the gym and pays for his parking. The man is later seen pacing, with his right hand in his pocket. As Ashcrafts car pulls up the exit ramp, the man fires into the vehicle and then runs. Ashcraft was hit in the chest. [Video captures shooting of U.S. consular official in Mexico] Mexican officials said Zafar arrived in Guadalajara from Phoenix in late November. A spokesman at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara has said Zafar was enrolled there. Ashcraft is in his first posting with the State Department, according to a friend who spoke to The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity. According to the friend, the assailant reportedly asked for Ashcraft by name at the gyms reception area. Ashcraft has no idea what happened, said the friend, who has been in contact with Ashcraft since the shooting. But it wasnt random. In an interview from a hospital, where he remains in stable condition, Ashcraft told FBI agents that when he left the gym that evening, he sensed that a person was waiting for him, according to court documents. He walked to a kiosk to pay for his parking. When he turned to walk to his car, he said, he noticed the person was following him, so he walked to a populated part of the garage. Seeing that the person was no longer following him, Ashcraft said he got into his car and drove toward the garage exit. According to an affidavit from FBI agent David J. DiMarco, Zafar was identified a day later by another security video, showing him making a purchase at a Starbucks about an hour before the shooting. Law enforcement got a copy of his receipt, signed with the name Zafar Zia. Officials say Zafar entered Mexico on a student visa and holds a U.S. passport. He has a California drivers license and a Honda Civic with California plates. The Post was unable to reach any of his family members in the United States. Mexican law enforcement searched Zafars local residence, recovering a pistol, a pair of sunglasses and a wig, according to court documents. The shooting alarmed the top levels of the Mexican government. Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray was in contact with the U.S. ambassador, Roberta Jacobson, and the hospitalized Ashcraft was under guard in Guadalajara, according to Mexican officials familiar with the case. This was a heinous thing, one Mexican official said. The office of Ashcrafts father, Larry Ashcraft, a leader of the Salvation Army in Cincinnati, referred questions about his son to the State Department. In a statement after Zafars arrest, Secretary of State John F. Kerry thanked the Mexican government for the prompt and decisive arrest of a suspect in the outrageous attack on one of our colleagues. If convicted, Zafar could go to prison for up to 20 years. Partlow reported from Mexico City. Gabriela Martinez in Mexico City contributed to this report. A 5-month-old Silver Spring boy who died of alleged child abuse suffered brain and spine injuries consistent with having been vigorously shaken, a prosecutor said in court Tuesday as the childs father made his first appearance since his arrest. The offense in this case is horrific, Assistant States Attorney Dermot Garrett said. The father Roger Lee Miller Jr., 20 was ordered held without bond. He had been charged Monday with first-degree child abuse resulting in death and first-degree child abuse resulting in severe physical injury. Miller didnt speak about the case in court. His attorney, public defender John Lavigne, said Miller denies that he caused any of these injuries. Millers mother was in court, but she declined to comment afterward. The morning of Oct. 28, just after 8 a.m., Miller called 911 to report that his son, Darrell Lee Barnes, was gasping for air and had become unresponsive, court records show. Paramedics took the child to Holy Cross Hospital, where a CT scan showed he had suffered a subdural hematoma, according to police. Darrell was taken to Childrens Hospital in the District, where he was placed on a ventilator. Roger Lee Miller Jr. (Montgomery Count police) The boys mother told detectives that she had last seen her son before leaving for work at 6:20 a.m. on Oct. 28. At that time the baby was healthy, Garrett said. These injuries occurred during the time the victim was alone with the defendant. When questioned by detectives, court filings show, Miller said that after he fed Darrell a bottle of formula, the boy began projectile vomiting and gasping. The filings show Miller said he picked the boy up to burp him and noticed blood coming from his nose, called 911, and with the help of a 911 operator, administered CPR as medics were en route. Two days later, at Childrens Hospital, Darrell was pronounced dead. An autopsy showed his injuries were non-accidental, according to detectives. Investigators reviewed reports from Childrens and said that they indicated the child suffered from cerebral hemorrhaging, brain swelling and spinal-cord swelling. The child suffered injuries consistent with vigorous, repetitive shaking, detectives wrote. In court Tuesday, Garrett, the prosecutor, said investigators have talked to Miller several times. The defendant has given numerous statements that have been inconsistent, including recently trying to blame the (childs) mother for the injuries, Garrett said. Lavigne said Miller had gone to high school locally but left to pursue work. He had held jobs at a moving company and a grocery store. Lavigne said that according to Millers mother, he is a good child, a wonderful person who is a good brother to his younger siblings. Police converged Monday night on a Connecticut Avenue block in the heart of downtown Washington, after a suspicious person was reported there. They said later that an arrest was made in connection with an incident of theft from a store. The area, about a block north of the intersection with K Street NW, was swarming with officers about 7 p.m. , according to a witness. In addition to stores, the 1100 block of Connecticut is home to office buildings, banks and the Mayflower Hotel, which frequently houses visiting dignitaries. A preliminary report said police were sent to the block in response to a report of a suspicious person. Security concerns in and around Washington have been heightened in recent days as Inauguration Day approaches. In addition, such events as the shooting last week at the Fort Lauderdale airport have increased the level of wariness. Within a short time, however, the block appeared quiet and calm. No police were to be seen. However anyone defines a rare bird, one of the feathered flyers residing at the National Zoo seemed to fit the bill. According to the zoo it was one of only 146 members of its species in the entire world. Given that small population, it was easy to believe that, as the zoo said, of all the birds and beasts in its collection, the bird, a Guam Kingfisher, belonged to the most endangered species there. On Saturday, the zoo said, the bird died. He was 17 years old, the zoo said, making him a survivor among survivors, a long-lived member of the small band who were his avian brethren. In the words of the announcement made Monday by the zoo, he was geriatric for his species. In Washington, this Guam Kingfisher made his home at the zoos Bird House. Before coming to the zoo in July of 2013, he had been spending his blue-backed time at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va. Members of the species often measure about 10 inches in length, with a prominent, pointed bill that is as long as two inches. Although the kingfisher had enjoyed a longer life in which to display his cinnamon- colored belly than many of his species, his death was nevertheless sad, the zoo said. He was not the only Guam kingfisher at the zoo or the Front Royal facility. A report in Smithsonian magazine a little more than five years ago, placed the population at the two places at 10. It noted that at the time of its 2011 publication, two new ones had just been born at the conservation institute. Breeding his been painstaking, and difficult. Population growth has been slow. With the 17-year-old gone, the zoo said, only 145 Guam kingfishers remain throughout the world. Even that low-three-figures number is far more than had once existed. By accident, the brown tree snake was introduced to Guam shortly after the second World War, specialists said. That brought doom to many of the islands species. Evolution had not equipped them to elude the reptile. The kingfishers made easy prey, according to the zoo. It was estimated that by the early 1980s, their numbers had dwindled alarmingly, and only about 30 remained. The threat of extinction touched off vigorous efforts at conservation, which entailed removing the birds from their native haunts, with the hope of some day reintroducing them. However, at present, specialists say, they exist only in captivity. The elderly bird that died last week did not contribute to the breeding program, the zoo said. But it said, he was a terrific ambassador for his species. On Donald Trumps first day in office, organizers of the Womens March on Washington are calling on all defenders of human rights to join to stand up for women and other groups that have been marginalized. But there is one group, composed of about half of the population, that is hard to find in the social media and logistical frenzy leading up to the highest profile event protesting Trumps politics: men. Of the 175,000 people who indicated they are going on the marchs Facebook page, just a fraction appear to be men. And the #WhyIMarch Twitter feeds show far more mothers and sisters than fathers and brothers. On the ground, march organizers in Houston, Cleveland and Pittsburgh reported that just a handful of the seats on their buses have been reserved by men. This is a movement that is led by women, but it is not just for women. Its for all people, said Linda Sarsour, one of the marchs lead organizers. One caveat: You have to be okay with being led by women, she said. (Elyse Samuels/The Washington Post) The same test that played out when Americans went to vote for the nations first female president is now playing out in the anti-Trump response to the election. Some scholars of gender and politics say that while plenty of these men believe in womens rights and abilities to lead, many still arent comfortable shouting their views through a bullhorn or spreading them on Twitter. Even those who show up might be unlikely to signal so beforehand. [It started with a retiree. Now the Womens March could be the biggest inauguration demonstration] A lot of men are quiet supporters of women, said Jackson Katz, author of Man Enough? Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and the Politics of Presidential Masculinity. Millions of men voted for Clinton and support womens rights both politically and personally, he said, but they dont have a powerful voice. Plans to attend the march formed quickly among female friends and relatives, many of whom also took to social media to channel their disappointment after the election. Katz attributes the more muffled support among men in part to efforts that Trump and other Republicans have made to challenge the masculinity of men who support liberal causes or women in leadership. Trump has repeatedly cast himself as the strong man. Alex Mohajer, co-founder of Bros 4 Hillary, an advocacy group, said it this way: There is a sense [that] if you outwardly support a woman you are less deserving of your man stripes. The November election exposed the largest gender gap in more than 40 years, with women favoring Clinton by 13 points and men favoring Trump by 11 points. The gap was most stark for white men, in particular non-college-educated white men, 71 percent of whom voted for Trump. For this group of economically challenged men, Trumps appeal to a simpler time when men ruled the family resonated, Katz said. At the same time, millions of men went to vote for Clinton as the first female president. Among them, 82 percent of African American men and 63 percent of Latino men. Younger men ages 18 to 29 were also more supportive of Clinton and also are likely to support gender equality when it comes to a range of family-friendly policies. Katz said these men will need to speak out if they dont want to see abortion outlawed, given Trumps pledge to appoint antiabortion judges to federal courts. They will also need to make known, he said, that they believe preventing sexual violence should be a priority, after Trump openly bragged about assaulting women. That means taking some risks in challenging other men, and literally standing up to the bullying that comes from the right about masculinity, Katz said. [The unexpected voters behind the widest gender gap in recorded election history] Women are leading the charge for the march, heading up logistics and legal work, while male volunteers are playing mostly supporting roles. It is a contrast to the 1963 March on Washington, when women largely worked behind the scenes. This is all a part of straightening that bend in the road that women did not have a voice through the years, said Harry Belafonte, the music legend and civil rights leader who worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and was asked to be an honorary co-chair of the event with feminist icon Gloria Steinem. A lot of women are going with their friends, their sisters, and their mothers, said Leah Burnett, a musician who helped organize five busloads of marchers from Cleveland. I think its a bonding experience. She counted less than 10 of more than 250 seats that she can confirm have been reserved by men. Many men who have pledged support for the march on Facebook say they are motivated to attend to continue the progress that women have made. Tim Riddick, a 36-year-old photographer from Woodbridge, said he plans to join the march because he wants to set an example for his three young sons. I am worrying about the way my boys will treat women when they are older. I want to make sure they not only respect women, but that they fight for women as well, he said. Riddick calls himself a purple elephant, a rare liberal who is also an observant Christian. He believes that women should be leaders in the church and also in the nation and he believes womens rights will not be successful without support from both genders. That means blending the line on what is considered a womens issue to start with, including access to abortion and birth control. Jeffrey Allan Ellis-Lee, a public school teacher in New York City, volunteered to be a bus captain, helping to shepherd a fleet of more than 60 buses that are scheduled to bring protesters from New York City and building on organizing work he did during Clintons campaign. This was such an anti-woman campaign, he said. There are so many issues, but this is the issue that I am standing up for during the march itself. Gerald Dudley, 33, is attending a solidarity march in Austin, where he works for a company that hosts pub quizzes. He said he wants to be much more outspoken in his support for womens rights. Its not enough to say, Im not a misogynist, he said. This year I am trying to put my money where my mouth is. To him, that means donating to feminist causes, seeking out more womens perspectives in his reading, and calling out sexism when he encounters it. When I hear a joke where the butt of the joke is a woman . . . Maybe I could say, I dont get it: Why is that funny? Darren Battle, a 51-year-old chef in Atlanta, is coming to Washington for the march because he wants to support equal pay and other rights. There are not many female chefs. But if they are doing the job, they should be making what I am making, he said. Duncan Chaplin, an education policy researcher in Petworth, said when he heard about the Womens March he immediately planned to go and invited friends from out of town. Being part of a loyal opposition is important, he said. I want to oppose what Trump stands for, and womens issues are clearly a part of that. Emily Guskin contributed to this report. Law enforcement officers in Orlando hug as other officers, not pictured, escort the body of Orange County Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, who was fatally shot. A manhunt is underway for the suspect. (Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel via AP) FLORIDA Manhunt for suspect in killing of officer A massive manhunt was underway Monday in central Florida as authorities searched for a man accused of fatally shooting an Orlando police officer. The Orlando Police Department announced the death of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton on its official Twitter account Monday morning. A short time later, authorities said a second law enforcement officer was killed in a crash while searching for the suspect in Claytons killing. Another Orlando Police officer also was involved in a crash while responding to the shooting but only sustained minor injuries. The shooting occurred near a Walmart store in northwest Orlando earlier Monday. The suspect has been identified as Markeith Loyd, 41. Authorities said Loyd previously was a suspect in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend last December. Authorities were offering a $60,000 reward for any information leading to Loyds arrest. Associated Press TEXAS Officer suspended after taped incident A white Texas police officer was suspended without pay for 10 days but will not be fired after a videotaped incident in which he wrestled a black woman and her daughter to the ground, Fort Worth Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald announced Monday. Fitzgerald said the officer violated policy, is sorry for his behavior and is eager to resume active duty at the end of the suspension. He said the officer will also undergo additional training. The incident happened after Jacqueline Craig complained that a neighbor choked her 7-year-old son for allegedly littering in his yard. One of her daughters filmed the interactions between Craig and the officer. In the video, one of Craigs daughters tries to push her mother away from the officer, but the officer forces Craig and the daughter to the ground. He thrusts a stun gun into Craigs back and later points it at the daughter telling her to stay down. He arrested Craig and her daughters on charges that included disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Associated Press Bomb threats target Jewish centers: Bomb threats targeted Jewish community centers in several states, but it wasnt clear whether the threats were linked, authorities said Monday. A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokeswoman said the agency was aware of the threats and its field divisions were ready to assist state and local law enforcement. Threats were received at Jewish centers in Miami Beach; Nashville; Wilmington, Del.; Tenafly, N.J.; Columbia, S.C.; and Rockville, Md. Associated Press Roy Innis, a politically conservative civil rights leader who tussled philosophically and physically, in one memorable televised encounter involving the Rev. Al Sharpton with other activists during an embattled, decades-long tenure at the helm of the Congress of Racial Equality, died Jan. 8 at a hospital in New York City. He was 82. The cause was complications from Parkinsons disease, said his son Niger Innis, the national spokesman for CORE, where Mr. Innis became national chairman in 1968. Mr. Innis rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s as a CORE activist in Harlem, where he had settled after an early childhood in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Founded in 1942 by activists including James Farmer, CORE had a storied reputation in the movement for racial equality. Its members had aided protesters who led the sit-in at a Woolworths lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., in 1960. CORE also helped organize the Freedom Rides, in which protesters risked their safety to challenge segregation in interstate transit. Mr. Innis, who described himself as a serious economic and political and cultural black nationalist, led a marked change at CORE, which had been known for its adherence to principles of nonviolence and its inclusion of like-minded whites in its work. He distinguished himself from many other civil rights leaders by applying a conservative, at times libertarian, worldview to his advocacy work. He described activists such as Sharpton as politicized in left-wing nonsense and once told Newsday that he was sick of them defining the African-American community. In 1988, appearing with Sharpton on The Morton Downey Jr. Show to discuss the discredited rape claims of Tawana Brawley, Mr. Innis pushed Sharpton to the ground after the fellow activist taunted him as a bigot. The same year, he engaged in a physical altercation with a white Aryan activist on Geraldo Riveras TV talk show, remarking that he had delivered the Sharpton treatment to the man. In another noted television moment, from 1973, he debated William B. Shockley, the Nobel laureate in physics who cited genetic reasons for what he regarded as black inferiority. Mr. Innis traced his philosophy to the shooting deaths of two sons Roy Innis Jr., who died at 13 while playing outside in 1968, and Alexander Innis, who died at 26 in 1982 in what the Associated Press described as an apparent robbery. After the murders of my sons I did not want other parents to go through what I went through, Mr. Innis told Newsday in 1993. My sons were not killed by the KKK or David Duke. They were murdered by young, black thugs. I use the murder of my sons by black hoodlums to shift the problems from excuses like the KKK to the dope pushers on the streets. He opposed busing as a way of achieving integration in schools, telling the New York Times that you cannot define desegregation as the idea that black kids cant learn outside the presence of white kids. He instead advocated greater community control of school district finances and leadership. Gun control, he told blacks, was not meant to protect your safety; it was meant to deprive you of your freedom. He was a board member of the National Rifle Association. Affirmative action, he argued, worked against the advances of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination in employment. According to CORE, the organization under his leadership provided services related to education and job training. In addition, Mr. Innis participated in political monitoring in Nigeria as well as in a 1973 summit of the Organization of African Unity. He drew criticism for his refusal in the 1970s to speak out against the brutality of Ugandan strongman Idi Amin, in what scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. once described as some misbegotten sense of racial solidarity. By 1978, Farmer and other CORE leaders denounced Mr. Innis for pursuing a course of violence, corruption and compromise. Two years later, a faction of members unsuccessfully sought to replace him, arguing that he had used the group for personal gain, egotism and grandiose plans. In the later years of his leadership, the organization was reported to be mired in debt. Roy Emile Alfredo Innis was born in Christiansted, on the island of Saint Croix, on June 6, 1934. His father, a police officer, died when Mr. Innis was 6, and when he was 12 his mother took the family to New York. After Army service, Mr. Innis studied chemistry at the City College of New York and worked as a chemist for the Vicks company and at a hospital in the Bronx. He joined CORE in the 1950s, telling the Times that he enrolled mainly because of a girlfriend, who participated in the activities of the Harlem chapter. He worked on issues including police brutality and economic revitalization in Harlem before rising through the organizations ranks. In what Mr. Innis described as a conspiracy to besmirch my image and reputation, CORE endured an investigation of its fundraising practices, and he also faced an assault charge, for which he was acquitted in 1982. Mr. Innis mounted unsuccessful primary challenges to U.S. Rep. Major R. Owens (D-N.Y.) in 1986 and New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins (D), the first African American to hold that post, in 1993. Mr. Innis once told the Times that he had been married more than once and fewer times than Elizabeth Taylor. According to CORE, his survivors include nine children, Cedric, Kwame, Niger, Kimathi, Mugabe, Arenza, Patricia, Corinne and Lydia; two sisters; and numerous grandchildren. My brand of conservatism is the traditional, most decent and rational expression of the American personality, Mr. Innis once told the Times. I believe that the success of America has been the application of pragmatism in society, and that view is particularly unfashionable in the civil rights movement. NORTH CAROLINA Court order to redraw districts is put on hold The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily blocked a lower-court ruling ordering North Carolina legislators to redraw state legislative districts by March 15 and hold special elections within the altered districts this fall. Tuesdays court order granted the request of North Carolina Republican legislative leaders and state officials to delay Novembers ruling by a three-judge panel. The same lower court last summer threw out 28 state House and Senate districts as illegal racial gerrymanders. The Supreme Court says its order will stay in place at least until the court decides whether to hear the appeal. If the justices take up the case, the stay will remain in effect pending a decision. If no special elections are required, the next round of General Assembly elections would be held in late 2018. The GOP currently holds majorities large enough to override any vetoes by newly installed Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Special elections would give Democrats a chance to narrow those margins and give leverage to Cooper. The voters who sued alleged that Republican lawmakers drew the boundaries to create more predominantly white and Republican districts by effectively cramming black voters into adjacent Democratic districts. GOP lawmakers said the boundaries were drawn to protect them against lawsuits alleging they violated the Voting Rights Act. The states attorneys filed the request for a delay of the lower courts ruling with the U.S. Supreme Court late last month. Associated Press NEW YORK Former U.N. chiefs relatives face charges Two relatives of former U.N. secretary-general Ban Ki-moon have been indicted on U.S. charges that they engaged in a scheme to bribe a Middle Eastern official in connection with the attempted $800 million sale of a building complex in Vietnam. Joo Hyun Dennis Bahn, a New York real estate broker who is Ban Ki-moons nephew, and his father, Ban Ki-sang, Ban Ki-moons brother who was a senior executive at the South Korean construction firm Keangnam Enterprises, were charged in an indictment unsealed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court. The charges came after Ban Ki-moon stepped down on Dec. 31 after serving two five-year terms as U.N. secretary-general. Ban Ki-moon was not charged. According to the indictment, in 2013, Keangnam was facing a liquidity crisis and turned to Bahn to secure an investor for a Vietnamese building complex called Landmark 72 in exchange for a potential $5 million commission. Rather than obtain financing legitimately, Bahn and Ban Ki-sang engaged in a scheme to pay bribes to an unnamed Middle Eastern official to convince his countrys sovereign wealth fund to acquire Landmark 72, the indictment said. Reuters OKLAHOMA Woman gets life term for 2015 parade crash A woman charged with killing four people and injuring dozens more by driving her car into spectators at Oklahoma State Universitys 2015 homecoming parade was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison after accepting a plea deal. Adacia Chambers, 26, was sentenced in Payne County District Court after pleading no contest to four counts of second-degree murder and 39 counts of assault and battery. Chambers was due to stand trial Tuesday and prosecutors had estimated it could have lasted a month because of the extensive list of potential witnesses, including victims, first-responders and detectives. Chambers was apologetic to victims of the crash. Chamberss attorney, Tony Coleman, said his client took the plea agreement because she didnt want to put the victims families through such a long trial. Taken with an additional 10-year sentence added to her life term for the assault and battery charges, Chambers figures to still be in prison when she is a senior citizen. Prosecutors alleged that Chambers purposely steered her car around a police barricade and sped up before she plowed into the crowd watching the parade before Oklahoma States game against the University of Kansas. Killed in the crash were Nikita Nakal, a 23-year-old master of business administration student from India at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond; a married couple, Bonnie Jean Stone and Marvin Lyle Stone, both 65; and 2-year-old Nash Lucas. Dozens more were injured, many of them children. Associated Press Man arrested over threat to senator: U.S. Capitol police on Tuesday arrested a Fargo, N.D., man suspected of making threats against Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.). An affidavit filed in federal court alleges that the suspect sent an email last month threatening to shoot a senator in the head. It doesnt identify the senator. A spokeswoman for Heitkamp said it was the Democrat who was threatened. Associated Press An overturned vehicle is seen on Highway 395 near Mammoth Lakes, Calif. on Jan. 9 as a series of strong storms moved through. (David Mcnew/AFP/Getty Images) Hurricane-force winds in the mountaintops and torrential rainfall in the valleys caused havoc in Northern California on Monday, flooding roadways and stranding drivers on major highways after mudslides. The extreme weather pummeling the Sierra Nevada is the result of a meteorological phenomenon known as the Pineapple Express, which ushers an atmospheric river of moisture-rich warm air north from the tropical waters of Hawaii. The powerful storm has blasted Lake Tahoe and the Yosemite Valley with several feet of snow and drenching downpours, with more than 12 inches of precipitation in some locations and more to come this week. All of the ski resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe were shut down amid the winds and snow, and the San Francisco area received more rain during the first eight days of 2017 than it did during all of 2013. At the Squaw Valley ski resort, a historic 173-mph wind gust was recorded on its 8,700-foot peak, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane powerful enough to rip buildings off their foundations. National Weather Service forecasters in Reno, Nev., indicated that the wind was probably a record. At Squaw Valley, sustained winds of 100 mph howled at the peak for more than an hour, speeds that typically peel shingles off rooftops. California braces for flooding, avalanches as Sierra gets slammed with rain, snow (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post) It was extremely windy here, said Sam Kieckhefer, a spokesman for Squaw Valley and a longtime Tahoe skier. We have no reason to doubt the accuracy of that measurement. The storm also toppled a giant sequoia known as the Pioneer Cabin Tree, a well-known tourist attraction with a tunnel wide enough for a car to pass through carved into its base. The tree was in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, southwest of Lake Tahoe, where some trees are estimated to be 1,000 years old. It was 150 feet tall and measured about 33 feet in diameter, and the storm felled the tree with ease, splintering the trunk into pieces. [Winter storm fells one of Californias iconic drive-through tunnel trees, carved in the 1880s] Across California, roads were closed because of high waters and dangerous conditions. A massive mudslide shuttered Interstate 80 near Donner Summit, leading some drivers to seek alternate routes; some followed their phones map directions onto a sketchy switchback two-lane road that was covered in snow, stranding them there. Do not blindly follow GPS! tweeted the Washoe County Sheriffs Office. The roadway hazards also may have contributed to a traffic fatality near the Oakland Airport, where a taxicab was found submerged in an estuary. The driver died. Officials have logged more than 100 reports of flooding or landslides in California during the past 48 hours, according to reports. The Sierra Avalanche Center also said there was considerable risk for slides in the high Sierra. A person shovels snow from a roof in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., on Jan. 9. More storms are forecast for this week. (David Mcnew/AFP/Getty Images) Dangerous avalanche conditions still exist, and large, deep, destructive human-triggered avalanches remain likely due to deep slabs and wind slabs, the center wrote in an advisory. This danger rating is when the most avalanche fatalities occur. In the Tahoe area, flooding continued to fluster residents. Tenaya and Nick Durfy had spent the weekend placing sandbags around their home to little avail. By Sunday their house was inundated. All of a sudden, water just started coming out of everywhere, said Tenaya Durfy, who is seven months pregnant. Water flooded through the entire house. I couldnt keep up with it, so I focused on getting our stuff off the ground. Seeking to help, neighbors came by the Durfy home with shovels to dig a trench, hoping to redirect the floodwaters, and also supplied the couple with sump pumps, a generator and beer, she said. Me and my husband were overwhelmed with how generous and helpful everyone was, Durfy said. People just showed up. Even people I didnt know. If they didnt come, I dont know what wouldve happened. It was amazing. The Truckee River in Reno crested at 12.3 feet more than three feet over flood stage early Monday. It was the highest crest since the historic flood of 2005, when the river rose to 15.7 feet. North of San Francisco, the Napa River rose Sunday to nearly 27 feet, or five feet above flood stage, which was just three feet short of the record flood in 1995. The storm was Californias second major atmospheric river event in less than a week. Between Sunday and Thursday, about five feet of snow fell on mountain peaks west of Reno. Nearly half of California remained under flood watches and warnings Monday afternoon, the next storm forming over the Pacific Ocean and heading toward land. Another round of rain and snow is forecast through Thursday, after which things should dry out for the weekend. Forecasters are calling for another round of heavy snowfall in the coming days, with between four feet to eight feet of powder expected to drop above 7,000 feet and two feet to five feet predicted on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Fritz and Shapiro reported from Washington. Sage Sauerbrey contributed to this report from Truckee. An ICE officer watches protesters in front of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building in Fairfax, Va. (Marlon Correa/The Washington Post) THE UNITED STATES immigration courts are a diorama of dysfunction, staggering under a crushing caseload. The backlog, which has doubled in the past six years, now exceeds half a million cases ; thousands more are added each month. Immigration judges, who number just 300, schedule hearings two or three years in the future, or even more in some venues. Their workloads, on average more than 700 cases annually, are twice what federal district court judges face. Under those circumstances, due process the idea that each immigrant seeking asylum or charged with overstaying their visa or entering the country illegally will be granted a fair hearing with the laws full protection is a fading ideal. Its no more than a pipe dream when it comes to the tens of thousands of children whose cases come before immigration judges each year. Many of them have no lawyers, and little if any understanding of the procedures, question and stakes they face. Frightened and intimidated, they are compelled to represent themselves, facing government attorneys. Under those circumstances, the idea that justice will be rendered impartially is a fantasy. The nations 58 immigration courts, administered not by the judiciary but by the Justice Department, are places of Dickensian impenetrability, operating under comically antiquated conditions. Case files are scarcely digitized. Clerks are outmatched by mountains of paper files. Translators struggle to convey evidence and legal concepts across linguistic and cultural barriers. Disgracefully, wild disparities in outcomes and legal standards characterize the various courts, meaning that asylum seekers who appear before immigration judges in Atlanta face almost impossibly long odds and are generally ordered deported, while those in New York are usually granted relief and allowed to remain in the country. In these courts, the idea of justice itself is so degraded, and the burnout rate so high, that some immigration lawyers have simply thrown in the towel. One of them, movingly profiled by The Posts Chico Harlan, got sick of the charade and finally quit. I genuinely believed these people could die if theyre sent back to their home countries, said Elizabeth Matherne, who once represented asylum seekers. And youre talking to somebody the judge who is not listening. Little wonder that Ms. Matherne gave up. In Atlanta, where she practiced, the handful of immigration judges granted asylum in just 2 percent of cases in the 2015 fiscal year, despite a surge in drug and gang violence in Central America, which drive thousands to flee to the United States. Nationally, the average grant rate in fiscal 2015 was 48 percent, according to government figures. The Obama administration, which contributed to the logjam by ordering judges in 2014 to prioritize Central American families and unaccompanied children who flooded across the southern border, has hired new judges, a painstakingly slow process. In order to clear the backlog, though, at least 200 more are needed. President-elect Donald Trump says hell freeze federal hiring. Doing so would also impede his own plans to accelerate deportations, many of which must be ordered by a deportation judge. In immigration courts, reality and rhetoric are on a collision course for the new administration. NEW YORK Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) announced last week a plan to provide free in-state tuition to many New Yorkers. In the process, he got his picture taken with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and burnished his image with progressives, whose support would help him in a presidential run in 2020. Just one problem: His plan is not particularly progressive. In fact, as Urban Institute education expert Matthew M. Chingos explained on The Posts higher-education blog, its benefits would largely flow to middle- and upper-middle-class families, not to the neediest. Mr. Cuomo proposed spending $163 million to eliminate tuition payments for students who are enrolled full time in public undergraduate degree programs and whose families make $125,000 or less. The aid would come in the form of new Excelsior Scholarships, which would pay the difference between the grant aid that students currently get and the cost of tuition at state colleges, which runs about $6,000 to $7,000 per year. Students from low-income families already get aid packages from the federal and state governments that cover tuition costs, so the benefit would not go to them even though they still need help. In fact, very needy New York families require more help financing non-tuition costs such as room, board and books than middle-class families need with New Yorks modest tuition charges. But Mr. Cuomos plan would pump more aid to families that make more money. The more tuition students are currently expected to contribute that is, the higher their families incomes the larger the benefit they would receive under Mr. Cuomos scheme. It is true that college costs can be daunting for middle-class families. But in-state tuition rates already offer a huge subsidy not based on income. An authentically progressive program would prioritize the neediest. A report by the Council of Economic Advisers finds that students from low-income backgrounds tend to have more trouble than others paying off their loans. Tuition, meanwhile, represents only about a third of the educational costs New Yorks undergraduates face. The first priority must be enabling poor families to send their children to college so that talented students are not trapped in a cycle of poverty. Mr. Cuomos plan has a few good ideas. Students benefiting from free tuition would be required to enroll full time, which should push up graduation rates and push down student loan defaults. Mr. Cuomo also could have done much worse, by, for example, proposing a general reduction in tuition, or even waiving it entirely, for everyone in the state. That approach would have been even less targeted at the neediest end of the income scale. But it would have been more progressive if the governor had proposed covering low-income peoples tuition in a way that enabled them to use more of the money they get from other grants, such as federal Pell Grants, for non-tuition college costs. In the interest of creating a free tuition program portrayed as a near-universal benefit, Mr. Cuomo did something less useful. Garrison Keillor is an author and radio personality. Ive been down in South Carolina and Georgia, an old Northern liberal in red states, enjoying a climate like April in January and the hospitality of gracious, soft-spoken people, many of whom voted for He Who Does Not Need Intelligence, but they didnt bring it up, so neither did I. I walked into Jestines Kitchen in Charleston, and a waitress said, Is there just one of you, sweetheart? and her voice was like jasmine and teaberry. There was just one of me, though I wished there were two and she was the other one. She showed me to a table Have a seat, sweetheart, Ill be right with you. Liberal waitpersons up north would no more call you sweetheart than they would kiss you on the lips, and if you called one of them sweetheart she might hand you your hat. I ordered the fried chicken with collard greens and mashed potatoes and gravy and read a front-page story in the Charleston Post and Courier about a Republican state legislator charged with a felony for allegedly beating his wife in front of their weeping children, and then the waitress brought the food and I dug in and it was luminous, redemptive, all that chicken and gravy could be. If this is what Makes America Great Again, I am all for it. Charleston was where the ugliness started, what they call the War of Northern Aggression, what I call the War of Criminal Apprehension. I mean, they destroyed government property, they shot at Old Glory. A Confederate named Robert E. Lee Committed treason quite freely And General Grant Beat him up cause you cant Attack federal troops I mean really. We won the war because we had a righteous cause and better songs. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord vs. I wish I was in the land of cotton, old times there are not forgotten theres no comparison. Ours has watchfires in it, flaring lamps, a trumpet, jubilant feet. The old times in the land of cotton were not enjoyed by the people who picked the cotton, but by the ones who sat on the porch with their mint juleps and wrote bad poetry about sunsets and weeping willows. Like Lee, Republicans are smarter and more daring strategically, but what a sordid cause, that of the Count of Mar-a-Lago, no flaring lamps or trumpet, just glaring looks and Twitter, and its reassuring as you wander through Savannah and its 22 squares, most of them with a statue or a fountain, live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, and Flannery OConnors childhood home and her bedroom window looking out at the twin spires of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, to know that in Savannah, the Count got beat, by about 55 to 40 percent. I sit in the Grey, a cafe in an old Greyhound depot now serving Georgia oysters and a pork chop with grits and gravy, and a couple stops by my table, Henry and Octavia, who comment on my red socks her father favored red socks and, realizing I am not from here, they recommend I visit the old cemetery nearby and the Moon River that Johnny Mercer wrote about, which is not far away and though it is not wider than a mile he only said so to rhyme with crossing you in style it is worth visiting, especially a Geechee-Gullah oystering camp along it, and they sing me a little Gullah tune that goes, Oh me, how good I feel, I come possession of an automobile. Now I can have chicken and I dont have to steal because things are coming my way. A social encounter inspired by the mere fact of red socks: I thought to myself, A person could live in a town like this. Ive spent time with people whose politics agreed with mine and who were cold fish indeed and now that Im elderly and have time on my hands, maybe Id enjoy hanging out with amiable sweet-talking right-wingers. Im just saying. Im an accidental Democrat anyway, only because my grandma was one. She kept quiet about it, living among hard-shell Republicans who believed that FDR was a drunk and there was no Depression and welfare was for shiftless people, but I sat in her kitchen as she baked bread and fried chicken and she said that women are as good as men and deserve to go to college if they can do the work, and black people are as good as whites, and people deserve a living wage, no matter how humble their work, so they can raise a family. I believe in that because she did and because her bread was so good and her fried chicken, too. The intelligence communitys allegation that Russia intervened covertly in the 2016 election describes a significant assault on our democracy. The country needs to know more: The charge needs to be followed up with an independent investigation that continues after Donald Trump becomes president on Jan. 20. Congress should commit now to such a bipartisan inquiry. If there is a possibility that U.S. laws were violated by the Russian political attack, the FBI and the Justice Department should begin a formal legal investigation. The Justice Department probe could be led by an independent counsel or an experienced U.S. attorney, such as Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York, whom Trump has already said he will reappoint. The allegations about Russian hacking are framed in the unclassified report released last Friday by Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr., on behalf of the CIA, FBI and National Security Agency. That report made strong charges, but it didnt provide detailed supporting evidence, which is contained in other, classified reports. The allegations are public, in other words, but not the proof. Thats a bad mix. Indeed, its potentially toxic when Trump has criticized the investigation as a political witch hunt, and Reince Priebus, his choice for White House chief of staff, has said the Clapper report is clearly politically motivated to discredit Trumps victory. Somehow, this allegation of foreign meddling has to be taken out of politics. Otherwise, its too incendiary. It could be abused by Trumps critics, or by Trump himself. An independent inquiry is the best way to safeguard the rule of law, and the insistence that nobody is above it. Recall what the intelligence chiefs alleged in the Clapper report: We assess Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election. . . . We also assess Putin and the Russian government aspired to help President-elect Trumps election chances when possible by discrediting Secretary Clinton and publicly contrasting her unfavorably to him. How did Putin organize and implement this manipulative campaign? What funds were used, and from what source? Were any Americans involved in the effort? Did any Americans meet improperly with Russian operatives, in the United States or abroad? Does Russia believe it has any leverage over Trump, financial or otherwise? Are remnants of the Russian network still in place? On any such details of the alleged influence campaign, the report is silent. Thats understandable, in terms of protecting sources and methods, but frustrating for those who want hard facts to combat the post-truth environment in which people are skeptical of any assertion that lacks proof. At the top of each page of Clappers report is a reminder: Conclusions are identical to those in the highly classified assessment but this version does not include the full supporting information on key elements of the influence campaign. Id argue that there is a genuine public need to know more of the supporting information, even if that carries risks. A hint of the secret investigation emerged on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. Chuck Todd pressed Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on whether there were active investigations going on to try to figure out if there was coordination between campaigns and Moscow. Graham answered that the FBI and other agencies should get to the bottom of all things Russia when it came to the 2016 . . . election. Period. And he added: I believe that its happening. Nobody stands to gain more from a careful, unbiased investigation than Trump, assuming the Russians were acting alone. A thorough inquiry would give his presidency the solid legitimacy that any victor desires. It would also dispel worries that his moves toward rapprochement with Russia are tainted. Inevitably, as members of Congress are briefed this week on the classified version of the report, there will be leaks. That will provide more information to the public, which is good, but also more complaints about partisan leaking, which isnt. Incomplete or tendentious news reports could simply muddy the water, rather than fostering clarity. Trump seems to think he can bury the investigation by treating it as a creation of his political enemies and what he likes to call the dishonest media. He may well succeed, absent some formal investigative process thats endorsed by bipartisan congressional leaders, or shielded by our legal system. Such an investigation could actually pull a divided country together. Once it began, any attempt to subvert or steer it would be difficult. If it ended favorably for Trump, it would resolve questions that could otherwise haunt his presidency. The alternative is a continuing miasma of speculation and political skullduggery, which would be bad for everyone. Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Donald Trump is a one-man basket of deplorables. He is a braggart and a liar. He is a bully and a demagogue. He is an ignoramus and a deadbeat, a chiseler and either a sincere racist or an insincere one, and his love for himself is matched only by my loathing of him. He is about to be president of the United States. A constitutional coup may be in the offing. Since winning the election, Trump has not moderated his behavior. He still behaves like a brat his childish tweet zinging Arnold Schwarzenegger for failing to get Trumpian ratings on The New Celebrity Apprentice being the most amusing example. Many of the others were just plain lies, the most serious being his earlier troubling statements regarding Russian efforts to affect the election. As always, Trump made this about himself not, as it should be, about a foreign power meddling in our democracy. [What Trump is really saying in his tweets: Im weak] Trump turns things on their heads. To him, the hacking story was an example of fake news not the uncontestably false news that the Russians were spreading, but the news coming from our own intelligence community. Trump lives in a hall of mirrors but not alone. Reince Priebus, the outgoing Republican National Committee chairman and now another of the moral eunuchs in Trumps court, said on CBS Newss Face the Nation that the release of the intelligence communitys finding was clearly politically motivated to discredit the victory of President-elect Trump. Priebus, as my grandmother used to say, knows which side his bread is buttered on. It is folly to think that aides such as Priebus are going to be able to moderate Trump. They are enablers, emptying their consciences and stuffing their egos, and it is even sillier to think that Trump himself will change. He is 70, into the years of ossification, and his political triumph has only convinced him of his inerrant correctness. He thinks he is infallible, a kind of secular pope. Things will go from bad to worse. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) One remote remedy is impeachment by the House and conviction by the Senate. It is, as it should be, a laborious process and requires provable acts of treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors very high bars indeed and difficult to define. In fact, no president has ever gone the whole way: not Andrew Johnson and not Bill Clinton. There is, however, another way. Under the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, the vice president, together with a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide can remove the president for being unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. No doubt the mere mention of incapacitation would summon a horde of lawyers to Washington to contest it or the meaning of every term. But it is plain that the 25th Amendment does give a role to Cabinet members that is not generally considered when they are up for confirmation. This time, however, they should all be asked whether they are aware of the 25th Amendment and, if need be, whether they would be willing to implement it. Some would say that they do not respond to hypotheticals, but a willingness to abide by the Constitution is not a hypothetical. It is, instead, a grave duty. [This is the inaugural speech that Trump should give] Is this going to happen? Probably not. Well just muddle through a Trump presidency, as we have some others. But the nature and malevolence of Donald Trump have to be borne in mind. He has shown little regard for the Constitution, as exemplified by statements saying that by definition anything a president does is legal, and he is prone to vulgar statements and tactics. Recall that he was once the most prominent birther, evidence of either racism or a chilling willingness to pander to it. Recall also, as Meryl Streep did at the Golden Globes, that Trump mocked Serge Kovaleski, a physically disabled New York Times reporter, and then denied that he had done anything of the sort. Here was the bully in full repugnance. Here was the liar in full contempt for the truth. Since his election, Trump has done nothing to allay the concern that he is unfit for the presidency. In about a week, hell assume the presidency with all its awesome power. Maybe the only thing that will constrain him is his own Cabinet. Trump goofed. There are some good people in that room. Read more from Richard Cohens archive. ANOTHER U.S. mass shooting, this time at an airport in Florida. This time, five people were killed and six others injured, some grievously. This time, those senselessly gunned down were picking up their luggage before going to board cruise ships for eagerly anticipated vacations. This time, once again, the all-too-easy availability of firearms allowed a gun to get into the hands of the wrong person. Esteban Santiago, a 26-year-old Iraq War veteran who has been described by family members and authorities as having mental-health issues, made his first court appearance Monday on federal charges stemming from Fridays shooting rampage in the baggage-claim area of the Fort Lauderdale airport. Investigation is continuing as authorities try to sort out what prompted him to travel, a semiautomatic legally checked in his luggage, from Alaska to Florida, and whether terrorism was a motive. Prior to Fridays rampage, Mr. Santiago had shown signs of violence and what authorities characterized as erratic behavior. There had been frequent run-ins with law enforcement, allegations of domestic violence and a visit in November to the Anchorage FBI office in which he made disturbing remarks about his mind being controlled by a U.S. intelligence agency. Local authorities were contacted, and he was transported to a local mental-health facility for evaluation. A gun, the same one authorities say was used in the airport shooting, was taken for safekeeping but returned to him a month later because there was no legal justification to withhold it. There is, of course, no way of knowing whether the attack could have been prevented. But there are obvious questions that need to be addressed. What kind of mental-health treatment was offered to Mr. Santiago? Was there a failure of the system? Could the family have taken action? Was the FBI response adequate? And, given this is the third instance in which an alleged mass killer had previously come to the attention of the agency, is a review of their threat assessments in order? We also cant help wondering what the outcome might have been had Mr. Santiagos family and law enforcement authorities had the benefit of laws that allow the removal of guns from people who have been deemed to be a high risk. Four states California, Connecticut, Indiana and, most recently, Washington allow law enforcement and family members to petition a court for a protective order to temporarily suspend a persons access to guns if the person poses a danger to himself or others. Studies show promising results, particularly in preventing suicides, and there have been no reports of misuse. It is a common-sense measure that other states should adopt. Unfortunately, there seems to be a push in statehouses across the country to go in the opposite direction by loosening, not tightening, what controls do exist. Florida, the scene of two recent mass shootings, is considering changes that would eliminate gun-free zones in schools, colleges and, yes, airports. As if more guns would have helped Friday when five people were killed in some 80 seconds. Regarding Charles Krauthammers Jan. 6 op-ed on the North Korean nuclear threat, Cold War relic, present-day threat: Mr. Krauthammers suggestion that China could control the situation if only the United States would apply the proper leverage is a throwback to Cold War-era thinking that North Korea takes orders from Beijing or Moscow. The North Korean states raison detre is defying foreign pressure. The historical foundation of its ultra-nationalist-Stalinist government is rooted in a rejection of foreign coercion; it would never give in to American or Chinese demands. Mr. Krauthammers claim that the North Korean government is wholly unpredictable . . . and often irrational is the continuation of a reductive Cold War narrative that suggests Pyongyang makes decisions beyond understanding. It encourages Americans to believe that confrontation is inevitable. To diminish the threat of the North Korean nuclear program, the best path forward is to negotiate a peace treaty contingent on Pyongyangs acceptance of U.S. forces in South Korea that quietly accepts Kim Jong Uns nuclear weapons program. Brandon K. Gauthier, Greenwich, Conn. Charles Krauthammer wrote that the United States offered food as an inducement to get North Korea to give up its nuclear program. Along with other donors, we provided food in the 1990s to end a serious famine. With World Food Program leadership, we were largely successful. At the end of the Clinton administration, the United States had extensive contacts with North Korea that could have resulted in peace on the Korean Peninsula. U.S. policy under the George W. Bush administration took a confrontational turn in line with the axis of evil trope. The Obama administration also adopted this approach. Now, 16 years later, it is clear our policy has been a failure. The options laid out by Mr. Krauthammer mostly involve escalating to the brink of nuclear confrontation on the Korean Peninsula. Perhaps a better choice would be a fresh start, beginning with direct talks with North Korea. As the Jan. 7 obituary for Selig Harrison [Scholarly Washington Post reporter covered and shaped Asian affairs] indicated, there has always been an alternative policy based on peaceful engagement. Such a policy would require swallowing obnoxious compromises, such as security assurances for the North Korean elite. Success would be uncertain, but it should be tried before risking massive loss of life that could result from the bellicose policies Mr. Krauthammer advocated. Its unfortunate Mr. Harrison is no longer here to provide counsel. Len Rogers, Arlington The writer was deputy assistant administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development and oversaw the U.S. food aid program in the late 1990s. The Jan. 5 Metro article B ill would restrict restroom use in Va. reported that Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) introduced a bill that would mandate discrimination against transgender Virginians. The legislature should reject it. The so-called Physical Privacy Act would make it illegal for a transgender person to use the restroom that matched their gender identity, mimicking North Carolinas infamous law. Mr. Marshall said that transgender people in bathrooms are a threat to women; but this is a baseless, discredited myth rejected by womens advocates and law enforcement. On the contrary, bills such as this encourage harassment of transgender people, almost 60 percent of whom report avoiding public restrooms out of fear. The bill goes even further than North Carolinas law by including a parental-notification provision that requires schools to out transgender students to their families. More than 1 in 4 transgender people have family members stop speaking to them or end relationships with them because of their gender identity. A parental-notification provision would inevitably cause transgender youths to be kicked out of their homes and onto the streets, where they would be at extreme risk of mistreatment and abuse. The bill would not keep anyone safe; instead, it would subject transgender people to harassment, hate and violence for living authentically. Laura Durso, Washington The writer is senior director of the LGBT research and communications project at the Center for American Progress. Seriously? Is President-elect Donald Trump so thin-skinned that even criticism from Meryl Streep triggers a nasty, over-the-top response? What kind of crybaby have Americans elected as their leader? One of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, Trump absurdly called the most acclaimed actress of our time, demonstrating that he is no more prepared to become critic in chief than commander in chief. Are there more important things to think and write about than Trumps latest Twitter tantrum? Yes and no. Trump threatens to snatch health insurance coverage from millions, enact huge tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, reverse progress against climate change, destabilize the Western alliance, pick fights with China while cuddling up to Russia the big-issues list is long and frightening. But I believe it would be foolish not to examine the personality and the psychological makeup of the man who will soon be in the White House. [How to remove Trump from office] My view, then, is that we cannot ignore his vitriolic tweet storms. No, we should not let them distract us from other news about the incoming administration. But the Twitter rants offer a glimpse into Trumps psyche, and its not pretty. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) For anyone who missed the whole thing, Streep received a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes on Sunday night. She began her acceptance speech by apologizing for having lost her voice. But while she could only speak softly, her words took a two-by-four to Trumps fragile ego. There was one performance this year that stunned me, she said. It sank its hooks in my heart. Not because it was good. . . . There was nothing good about it. But it was effective, and it did its job. It made its intended audience laugh and show their teeth. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. Someone he outranked in privilege, power and the capacity to fight back. It kind of broke my heart when I saw it. And I still cant get it out of my head because it wasnt in a movie. It was real life. Streep was incorrect in only one fact: The incident to which she referred actually took place at a rally in November 2015 , when candidate Trump mocked New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has a medical condition that limits the motion of his arms. While denouncing Kovaleski, whom I have known for years, Trump gestured similarly to the way the reporter does. This instinct to humiliate, when its modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, Streep said, it filters down into everybodys life, because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Streep was hardly the first critic to attack Trump for that performance, and she wont be the last. But Trump must have stewed about it all night, because he rose to tweet his response early in the morning, calling her over-rated and a Hillary flunky who lost big. I dont have to defend Streep or Kovaleski both can take care of themselves. But Trumps knee-jerk reaction is worthy of comment because it is so typical. The man who is about to become president is enveloped by a shell of self-regard that at first seems armor-like but turns out to be delicate and brittle. He couldnt endure Alec Baldwins impression of him on Saturday Night Live, calling it not funny and saying that it just cant get any worse. He reacted to an unflattering piece in Vanity Fair by saying that the magazine is way down, big trouble, dead! and that its editor has no talent. He taunted his replacement on The Celebrity Apprentice, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, for having low Nielsen numbers by comparison to the ratings machine, DJT and noted that Schwarzenegger was not a supporter of his campaign. 1 of 12 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Highlights from the 74th annual Golden Globe Awards View Photos The 74th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Caption The 74th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Jan. 8, 2017 Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon hosts the Golden Globes ceremony. European Pressphoto Agency via Hollywood Foreign Press Association Wait 1 second to continue. [This is the inaugural speech that Trump should give] Conversely, he shows nothing but high regard for anyone who says anything nice about him. Thus he calls Russian President Vladimir Putin very smart and quotes him approvingly, despite the fact that intelligence officials say Russia actively meddled in our electoral process. I dont believe Trumps tweets are part of some sophisticated strategy to draw attention from other events and topics. To me, this looks like simple action and reaction. When someone criticizes him publicly in a way that threatens his stature, he seems compelled to hit back. He cant seem to ignore any slight. Thats a sign of weakness, not strength as Putin and other world leaders surely have figured out. Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A. Key disclosure reports for four out of nine of Donald Trumps nominees subject to Senate confirmation hearings this week had yet to be made public by late Monday, underscoring concerns from the Office of Government Ethics that it is being rushed to approve the documentation. The first nomination hearing is slated for Tuesday, for attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions, whose ethics report has been completed. But paperwork for some other nominees was not available. For example, the ethics report had yet to be made public for Betsy DeVos, the billionaire who is slated to head the Department of Education. Devoss confirmation hearing was originally set for Wednesday, but was postponed on Monday night to Jan. 17. Even if all the reports are released just before the hearings, some ethics specialists said the process is too hurried for the public and senators to evaluate the information. The reports focus on potential financial conflicts of interest and agreements to divest certain holdings. The whole point of ventilating this stuff is to enable the American people and senators to ask questions of the nominee about how you are going to address conflicts, said Norman Eisen, who served as an ethics lawyer in the Obama administration. Eisen cited a letter written in February 2009 by then-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that called on the Obama administration to promptly provide all ethics disclosure material in time for review and prior to a committee hearing. On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) tried to use McConnells letter against him, sending him a tweaked copy in which he crossed out McConnells name as the signatory and swapped in his own. View Graphic What lies ahead for Trump's nominees, and how Democrats helped smooth the way Antonia Ferrier, a spokesman for McConnell, said Monday that his 2009 letter had been written after most Obama nominees had been confirmed. She said Republicans are providing all the needed information for the Trump administrations nominees in a timely manner. By late Monday, the Office of Government Ethics had released reports for five top picks subject to hearings this week: Sessions, defense nominee James Mattis, secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson, CIA director nominee Mike Pompeo and transportation nominee Elaine L. Chao. The agency had not posted reports for the four others: DeVos, homeland security nominee John Kelly, commerce nominee Wilbur Ross, and housing and urban development nominee Ben Carson. A spokeswoman for the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said the panel had ethics paperwork for Kelly, but it had not been made public by the ethics office as of Monday night. Kellys confirmation hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. The documents show that Mattis, a retired Marine general, has received millions of dollars in income since leaving the military, including through lucrative speaking engagements with companies such as Goldman Sachs and Northrop Grumman, and paid positions with Theranos, Stanford University and General Dynamics. Mattis, who retired as chief of U.S. Central Command in 2013, said in a memo to the Pentagon dated Jan. 5 that he would not participate personally and substantially in any matters in which he knew he had a financial interest without seeking a legal waiver. Mattiss most significant forms of income since retiring, according to the documents, include a salary of $419,359 as a distinguished visiting fellow at Stanfords Hoover Institution and fees of $242,000 as a member of the board of directors at the defense contractor General Dynamics. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) Mattis also received $150,000 in fees as a member of the board of directors at Theranos, a controversial Silicon Valley blood-testing firm. He pushed for its technology to be incorporated while chief of U.S. Central Command, according to emails obtained and previously detailed by The Washington Post. But the effectiveness of the firms technology was called into question, and Theranos has since fallen from grace and laid off dozens of employees. In addition to the ethics reports, the FBI conducts background checks of top nominees. The bureau has completed checks for five of the nine Trump nominees with confirmation hearings this week, according to Republican aides. Walter M. Shaub Jr., the director of the Office of Government Ethics, said in a Friday letter that it was of great concern to me that confirmation hearings were scheduled before all the reviews were complete. It has left some of the nominees with potentially unknown or unresolved ethics issues shortly before their scheduled hearings. The agency declined to say whether Shaubs concerns had been allayed since Friday. Shaub did not respond to a request for comment. Since his surprise victory in November, Trump has been quick to name his nominees but slower to complete the background paperwork that the Senate requires for them to be confirmed. In 2008 and 2009, Obamas transition officials began vetting potential Cabinet nominees before the election, in an effort to move them through the process as quickly as possible and identify potential problems with their nominations before they became public. As a result, all of Obamas nominees had completed their background check, ethics and committee paperwork before their confirmation hearings. We had developed a pretty detailed confirmation plan before Election Day, said Caroline Chambers, who served as the director of confirmations for Obamas transition team. I suspect the Trump transition did not. They did get a late start, and they probably didnt have as much institutional support in the beginning, she added. Obamas precedent was followed by Hillary Clintons transition team, which began requesting FBI background checks for potential nominees in the months leading up to the election. It is not clear when Trump began vetting his Cabinet nominees, and transition officials did not comment on their vetting process. Trumps approach is not unprecedented. In 2001, at least a handful of George W. Bushs Cabinet appointees entered their congressional confirmation hearings without having certified ethics agreements with the Office of Government Ethics. One of those nominees was Bushs pick for commerce secretary, Donald Evans, who went though a confirmation hearing on Jan. 4, 2001, but did not submit a completed ethics form until Jan. 19, 2001, a day before the Senate confirmed his appointment by voice vote. But the approach could lead to headaches for Trumps team. Democratic groups have already created war rooms to unearth damaging or embarrassing information about Trumps nominees. Our sense is that the vetting was light and incomplete, said David Brock, who runs a number of Democratic groups that plan to go on the offense against Trumps nominees. Theres a potential vulnerability here on the ground. They didnt follow precedent and really do the kind of vetting that is normally done. Theres room for error. Some Democrats have called for more of the top Trump nominees to supply their tax returns. But Republicans said that, in the end, the Trump administration will send just as much information about its nominees as prior administrations have. There is no law requiring that Cabinet nominees submit their tax returns, but by Senate tradition, they have been requested for a few positions such as treasury secretary, who oversees the Internal Revenue Service. Democrats are pushing for more disclosure from Trump nominees, like DeVos, who have complex and large financial assets. Trumps incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer, said it is ridiculous for Democrats to demand new information not required of past nominees. These are long-standing practices by these committees that they had no problem upholding twice though President Obamas nomination process, Spicer said. It is 100 percent politics, and thats it. Everything that theyve additionally asked for is not only out of practice, but it is blatantly political, he said. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation that Trump and more of his nominees should release their tax returns. Trump said during the campaign that he would release his returns when an IRS audit was complete. But McConnell said on the same program that Democrats are being sore losers. We are still in the process of getting the papers in, McConnell said. I think at least five of the nominees have all of their papers in. You know, what this is about . . . the Democrats are really frustrated that they lost the election. I was in [that] position eight years ago. I know how it feels when you are coming into a new situation that the other guys won the election. On Monday, McConnell emerged from a meeting with the president-elect at Trump Tower in New York and expressed hope that the nominees would be speedily confirmed. He told reporters that everybody will be properly vetted, as they have been in the past, and Im hopeful that well get up to six or seven particularly national security team in place on Day One. Dan Lamothe and Ed OKeefe contributed to this report. Attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions did not disclose his ownership of oil interests on land in Alabama as required by federal ethics rules, according to an examination of state records and independent ethics lawyers who reviewed the documents. The Alabama records show that Sessions owns subsurface rights to oil and other minerals on more than 600 acres in his home state, some of which are adjacent to a federal wildlife preserve. The holdings are small, producing revenue in the range of $4,700 annually. But the interests were not disclosed on forms sent by Sessions to the Office of Government Ethics, which reviews the assets of Cabinet nominees for potential conflicts of interest. Democrats have accused Republicans of trying to rush through President-elect Donald Trumps Cabinet picks before ethics checks can be completed, and they are seizing on the apparent lapse by Sessions, a Republican senator from Alabama, to bolster their argument. His confirmation hearing is scheduled to begin Tuesday. I am troubled by any omissions, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Judiciary Committee. But this is particularly troubling because this ownership interest involves oil and gas holdings connected to a federal wildlife refuge. Sen. Jeff Sessions earns around $4,700 a year from mineral rights in Alabama. (Molly Riley/AP) Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), the committees ranking Democrat, said, If Senator Sessions failed to disclose all of his financial information this is a serious matter. A lawyer assisting Sessions with the confirmation process, Charles Cooper, said Monday that we are investigating these questions and looking carefully into the reporting forms submitted to be sure that they have accurately characterized the senators holdings. To whatever extent thats not the case, the forms will be amended. He noted that the amount of money Sessions receives from oil holdings is small and that the senators team had discussed the revenue in private conversations with Justice Department ethics officials, who raised no objections. He also said Sessions accurately listed the amount of overall revenue he received and has described the revenue as rent or royalties. Ethics experts said the rules require more complete and specific public disclosure. Office of Government Ethics guidance clearly states with regard to mineral rights leases that filers must disclose their real estate holding as well as the identity of the lessee and the specific type of resources being extracted, said Bryson Morgan, a former investigative counsel to the Office of Congressional Ethics now working at the Caplin & Drysdale law firm. Sessions did make reference to $4,474 in oil royalty revenue in a Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire last month, but he did not describe the nature of his holdings, including rights to oil located under the federal wildlife refuge. Trevor Potter, an ethics lawyer who has advised several GOP presidential candidates, said Sessionss ethics agreement may now need to be adjusted. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) The fact that his oil is in a federal wildlife refuge means he should not be involved in DOJ policies concerning drilling or environmental issues involving federal reserves, Potter said. Clearly he should have disclosed the asset. As attorney general, Sessions would have a role in determining policy for the departments environment and natural resources division, which has more than 400 lawyers responsible for enforcing pollution and other laws. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, Sessions has been critical of past nominees who submitted what he said was incomplete information. In 2010, he spearheaded a letter to the committees then-chairman, Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), arguing that an appeals court nominee, Goodwin Liu, was not providing senators with enough information about past articles he had written. At best, this nominees extraordinary disregard for the Committees constitutional role demonstrates incompetence; at worst, it creates the impression that he knowingly attempted to hide his most controversial work from the Committee, the letter read. Alabama records show that the senator leased undivided mineral interests to Chief Capital, a Texas firm, in 2015. The interests described in state records are located in Choctaw County and appear from state topographical maps to be located in the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a proponent of a widely discredited theory that vaccines cause autism, said Tuesday that President-elect Donald Trump asked him to chair a new commission on vaccines. Hours later, however, a spokeswoman for Trumps transition said that while Trump would like to create a commission on autism, no final decision had been made. If Trump follows through, the stunning move would push up against established science, medicine and the governments position on the issue. It comes after Trump who has long been critical of vaccines met at Trump Tower with Kennedy, who has spearheaded efforts to roll back child vaccination laws. The President-elect enjoyed his discussion with Robert Kennedy Jr. on a range of issues and appreciates his thoughts and ideas, Trump transition spokeswoman Hope Hicks said in a statement. The President-elect is exploring the possibility of forming a commission on autism, which affects so many families; however no decisions have been made at this time. The President-elect looks forward to continuing the discussion about all aspects of autism with many groups and individuals, she added. (CNN) [The facts about vaccines, autism and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s conspiracy theory] Speaking to reporters earlier Tuesday in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, Kennedy said that Trump called him to request the meeting and that he accepted the offer of a position on the commission during the meeting. President-elect Trump has some doubts about the current vaccine policies, and he has questions about it, Kennedy said. His opinion doesnt matter, but the science does matter, and we ought to be reading the science, and we ought to be debating the science. And that everybody ought to be able to be assured that the vaccines that we have hes very pro-vaccine, as am I but theyre as safe as they possibly can be, he added. There is a federal advisory committee on immunization, made up of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on how vaccines are used in the United States. The announcement was met with alarm from health professionals who say that putting a proponent of a conspiracy theory in a position of authority on the issue is dangerous. [The origins of Donald Trumps autism/vaccine theory and how it was completely debunked eons ago] (The Washington Post) Thats very frightening; its difficult to imagine anyone less qualified to serve on a commission for vaccine science, said Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a nonprofit that works to control, treat and eliminate vaccine-preventable and neglected tropical diseases. The science is clear: Massive evidence showing no link between vaccines and autism, and as both a scientist who develops vaccines for poverty-related neglected diseases and the father of an adult daughter with autism, theres not even any plausibility for a link, Hotez continued. Autism is a genetic condition. Our nations public health will suffer if this nascent neo-antivaxxer movement is not stopped immediately, he added. Kennedy has been a proponent of nonmedical exemptions for parents who seek to prevent their children from being vaccinated, which is mandatory in most states. He has argued that mercury-based additives in vaccines explain the link to autism. And he has alleged that government scientists, journalists and pharmaceutical companies have colluded to hide the truth from the public. They get the shot. That night they have a fever of 103. They go to sleep, and three months later their brain is gone, Kennedy said at the premiere of an anti-vaccination film screening in California in 2015. This is a holocaust, what this is doing to our country. [A horrifying reminder of what life without vaccines was really like] Kennedy is known to be an occasional conspiracy theorist and longtime opponent of mandatory vaccination laws. In 2006, he wrote in Rolling Stone magazine that the Republican Party had stolen the 2004 election from Democratic candidate John F. Kerry. At a 2013 speech in Dallas, he said he doesnt believe the lone gunman theory of the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. Trump notably expressed support for the theory that vaccinations are linked to autism at a Republican presidential debate in 2015. [The GOPs dangerous debate on vaccines and autism] We had so many instances, people that work for me, just the other day, 2 years old, a beautiful child, went to have the vaccine and came back and a week later got a tremendous fever, got very, very sick, now is autistic, Trump said. The comments were widely denounced by medical professionals who say that there is no evidence that vaccines lead to autism. In fact, the study that popularized the idea has been retracted and discredited as fraudulent. Multiple high-quality studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. Trumps claim was rejected on the same debate stage by retired neurosurgeon Benjamin Carson, whom Trump has now nominated to serve as his secretary of housing and urban development. The fact of the matter is we have extremely well-documented proof that theres no autism associated with vaccinations, Carson said. The controversy began in 1998 after The Lancet, a respected medical journal, published a paper by researcher Andrew Wakefield and colleagues linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism. It had a sample of only 12 subjects and speculative conclusions but launched a global movement joined by celebrities including Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey, who warned parents to stop vaccinating their children. A drop in MMR vaccinations followed. But the study was a fraud. The Lancet determined that Wakefield had been funded by attorneys for parents who had brought lawsuits against vaccine companies. In 2010, the journal retracted the paper. Wakefield was stripped of his medical license. Large studies that examined whether there is an association between vaccines and autism, including one that examined 96,000 U.S. children, found none. [Robert Kennedy Jr.s belief in autism-vaccine connection, and its political peril] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said flatly that there is no link between vaccines and autism and that vaccine ingredients do not cause autism. Scores of studies from around the world since then have shown conclusively that vaccines do not cause autism. Every relevant scientific and medical organization has examined the evidence and concluded that vaccines are safe and effective and that the real danger lies in skipping or delaying them. Still, the theory has retained its adherents. The United States has experienced recent measles outbreaks linked to unvaccinated residents, including one in 2014 that infected 383 people, most of them in Amish communities in Ohio. In 2015, another multistate outbreak was linked to Californias Disneyland theme park. In both years, the source of the infection was believed to be people who brought the virus home after visiting the Philippines. In tweets as early as 2012, Trump expressed skepticism about vaccines, and in 2014 he said that doctors lied about vaccines. In other tweets, Trump has referred to vaccines as the cause of doctor-inflicted autism. Massive combined inoculations to small children is the cause for big increase in autism, Trump said in an August 2012 tweet. At the presidential debate in 2015, he claimed that his children had been vaccinated in small doses. I am totally in favor of vaccines, but I want smaller doses over a longer period of time, Trump said. Because you take a baby in, and Ive seen it. Ive had my children taken care of over a long period of time, over a two- or three-year period of time. Trumps statements at the Republican debate in 2015 were denounced as false by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which released a strongly worded condemnation. [The challenges to public health under a Trump administration] Claims that vaccines are linked to autism, or are unsafe when administered according to the recommended schedule, have been disproved by a robust body of medical literature, said Karen Remley, executive director of the AAP. It is dangerous to public health to suggest otherwise. There is no alternative immunization schedule. Delaying vaccines only leaves a child at risk of disease for a longer period of time; it does not make vaccinating safer. Vaccines work, plain and simple, she added. Autism is now considered a spectrum of brain disorders with a multitude of causes. According to Autism Speaks, people with the disorder can have trouble with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. One in 68 U.S. children are considered to be on the autism spectrum a tenfold increase from 40 years earlier, largely due to changes in how autism is defined and diagnosed. Mark Berman contributed to this report. Read more: Trump names Scott Pruitt, Oklahoma attorney general suing EPA on climate change, to head the EPA 7 things about vaccines and autism that the movie Vaxxed wont tell you The ultimate guide to health care under a Trump presidency In early 1939, peace activist Clare Hollingworth arrived on the Polish-German border to aid Jews and other refugees fleeing from the Sudetenland, newly annexed by Nazi Germany. On a brief return to her native England, the 27-year-old Hollingworth who once professed to enjoy being in a war was hired as a part-time correspondent in Katowice, Poland, for the London Daily Telegraph. After three days on the job that August, the cub reporter landed one of the biggest journalistic scoops of the 20th century: Hitlers imminent invasion of Poland, marking the outbreak of World War II. Ms. Hollingworth, who died Jan. 10 at age 105, had driven into Germany to get a better sense of the impending danger. Without divulging the reason, she asked to borrow a diplomatic vehicle from her ex-lover, the British consul in Katowice, knowing the Union Jack on its hood would get her across the heavily restricted border. On the return leg, she was passed by dozens of German military dispatch riders on motorcycles. I was driving back along a valley and there was a Hessian screen up so you couldnt look down into the valley, she told the Telegraph more than 70 years later. Suddenly, there was a great gust of wind which blew the sacking from its moorings, and I looked into the valley and saw scores, if not hundreds, of tanks. Clare Hollingworth and then-fiancee Geoffrey Hoare in the British mandate of Palestine in the 1940s. (Photo from "Of Fortunes & War: Clare Hollingworth, First of the Female War Correspondents") So when I got back I said, Thank you for lending me your car. And he said, Where did you go, old girl? So I said, I went into Germany. He said, Stop being funny. And I said, Whats more, I got a very good story: The tanks are already lined up for invasion of Poland. He went upstairs and sent a top secret message to the Foreign Office. Ms. Hollingworth called the Telegraph correspondent in Warsaw, and he filed a front-page story published on Aug. 29, 1939, under the headline 1,000 tanks massed on Polish border. Ten divisions reported ready for swift stroke. Three days later, she awoke to the sounds of German planes and Panzer tanks invading Poland. After notifying her editors, she called the British Embassy in Warsaw and declared, Its begun. So also began a five-decade career in which Ms. Hollingworth covered hostilities from Algeria to Vietnam, from Greece to Yemen. No battlefield was complete without her, the British author and war correspondent Tom Pocock once remarked. Ms. Hollingworth, who also helped unmask British intelligence agent Kim Philby as a Soviet spy, died in Hong Kong, where she had lived since the 1980s. Patrick Garrett, her great-nephew and biographer, confirmed the death but did not provide an immediate cause. Often dressed in a tailored safari suit and sometimes packing a pearl-handled revolver, Ms. Hollingworth marched with troops, witnessed firefights, traveled to rebel hideouts and rode along during aerial bombing runs. In Kashmir, motoring across a bridge that had come under shelling by Pakistani troops, she gushed to a colleague, Now, this is what makes life worth living! She thrived on the adrenaline and on proving she could keep pace with the men who made up the vast majority of war correspondents. During the North African desert campaign in World War II, British commander Bernard Montgomery (something of a women-hater, she later wrote) expelled Ms. Hollingworth from his press contingent, saying that women did not belong on the front lines. She then embedded with American troops under Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhowers command in Algiers. 1 of 8 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad See photos of the life and career of Clare Hollingworth (1911-2017) View Photos The journalist, best known for breaking the news of World War II, passed away on Jan. 10 at the age of 105. Caption The journalist, best known for breaking the news of World War II, passed away on Jan. 10 at the age of 105. May 14, 1985 British journalist and author Clare Hollingworth in London. United News/Popperfoto/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. It was essential to be able to go without washing, sleep in the open desert and live on bully-beef and biscuits for days on end, she recalled in Front Lines (1990), one of her five books. Many male correspondents got themselves sent back to Cairo because they could not take it. To prepare herself, Ms. Hollingworth slept on her apartment floor. Although just a hair over 5 feet tall, she learned to parachute and pilot a plane. She could identify shell and bullet types from their in-flight acoustics. During the blitzkrieg in Poland, she drove around the country for weeks to report on the aggression, staying just ahead of advancing Nazi troops. When it grew too dark to drive, I stopped, ate some biscuits, took a pull of whisky, and curled up for the night with my electric torch and revolver on the seat beside me, she told Garrett for his 2015 account of her life, Of Fortunes and War. In the early 1960s, she reported for the British paper the Guardian on the Algerian guerrilla struggle against French rule. In his history of the Guardian, journalist Geoffrey Taylor described Ms. Hollingworth literally marching toward the sound of gunfire and regularly walking alone through the casbah. When right-wing French paramilitaries stormed a hotel in Algiers and kidnapped a British reporter in 1962, Ms. Hollingworth rallied a group of foreign correspondents to fight back. Pocock recalled in his book East and West of Suez: Clare turned like Joan of Arc to the rest of us standing with our hands up Come on! she said, Were going too! They wont shoot all the worlds press! So we all marched out and started climbing into the jeeps. The fighters released the journalist. Ms. Hollingworth considered other female war reporters, such as Martha Gellhorn, the glamorous wife of Ernest Hemingway, and Clare Boothe Luce, who married the publisher of Life and Time magazines, pampered elitists. Insecurity may have helped fuel the impression. Garrett noted that Ms. Hollingworth spent decades as a low-paid freelancer before securing a staff position with the Guardian, and later the Daily Telegraph, when she was in her 50s. She also struggled at the typewriter. One editor said her first drafts read more like communiques than narratives. She relied on her second husband, British journalist Geoffrey Hoare, to polish her stories. But her curiosity, stamina and vast array of sources including generals, diplomats, government ministers, socialites and rebels helped her produce a steady stream of stories for British and U.S. publications, including the Economist, Time and the Chicago Daily News. Among her friends and contacts were Donald Maclean and Philby, members of Britains notorious Cambridge Five spy ring that provided intelligence to Moscow. In January 1963, Philby who worked in British intelligence and also had a cover as a journalist failed to show up at a Beirut dinner party that he and Ms. Hollingworth were scheduled to attend. Amid deepening suspicions about Philbys loyalties, Ms. Hollingworth tracked down port records and discovered that, on the night of the dinner, Philby had boarded a ship for Odessa in the course of defecting to the Soviet Union. The scoop seemed so sensational that, fearing a libel suit and under pressure from the British government to conceal what would be one of the most sensational scandals of the Cold War, the Guardians editor sat on the article. Only when that editor was absent did Ms. Hollingworth persuade his deputy to run her story. Three months later, the government confirmed Philbys defection. Ms. Hollingworths last major posting came in 1973, when she was named the Telegraphs China correspondent, covering the death of Mao Zedong and the power struggle that followed. Late in life, she reflected on a career spent on the razors edge, noting that she was 900 feet from the King David Hotel in Jerusalem when Jewish terrorists bombed the building in 1946. Ninety-one people died in the blast. I enjoy action, she told the Telegraph in 2011. Im not brave, I just enjoy it. I dont know why. God made me like this. Im not frightened. Ms. Hollingworth was born in Knighton, England, on Oct. 10, 1911. Her father, who ran a shoe factory, was a history buff and sparked her interest in warfare by taking her to visit the battlefields of Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt. From an early age, she flouted conservative English norms by quitting a finishing school and breaking off an engagement to a family friend. She became a secretary for a group affiliated with the League of Nations, the short-lived predecessor to the United Nations. With World War II looming, she took a job with a British refugee support group that sent her to Poland. Ms. Hollingworth was chosen for the assignment, which required an overland train trip through Berlin, thanks to a German visa left over from a ski vacation in the Alps. Her personal life contained its own share of drama. She married two of her sundry lovers author Vandeleur Robinson, from whom she was divorced, and Hoare, who died in 1965. In a bid to end what she had learned to be Hoares womanizing, she confronted his girlfriend with a German Mauser pistol, according to Garretts book. She later converted to Catholicism. Mostly, Ms. Hollingworths life was defined by an unquenchable wanderlust. In her 60s, while on assignment covering the relatively staid doings of the British Defense Ministry, she was known to show up at the office with a bedroll and ask her editors, Any foreign trips going? Any wars? Amid the cacophony of campaign riffs and post-election tweets, two central themes have emerged as apparent pillars of Donald Trumps foreign policy vision: ending Islamist terrorism and constraining China. In some ways, Trump is not so different from modern presidential predecessors whose early ambitions were focused on a few big ideas in response to the world as they saw it. Ronald Reagan wanted to defeat the evil empire of Soviet communism, promote capitalist democracy and reinvigorate U.S. global dominance. Bill Clinton sought to reposition the United States for the age of globalization and maintain leadership of strong international alliances. Barack Obama promised to take the country off a perpetual war footing, seek normal relations with old adversaries and work with global partners on big issues, such as climate change. But in other ways, Trump is like nothing in recent memory. It remains unclear whether the president-elect and his team few of whom have government foreign policy experience see his individual policy pronouncements as part of a broader strategy or have begun to consider some of the contradictions they pose. [How a week of Trump tweets stoked anxiety, moved markets and altered plans] Trump has called for expanding the U.S. nuclear arsenal saying, let it be an arms race while urging improved relations with Russia, the United States principal nuclear adversary. He has said, without explanation, that North Korean development of nuclear-armed, long-range missiles wont happen, and has blamed China for failing to prevent it while bleeding the American economy. He has not explained how the 4 percent U.S. growth rate he has predicted can be achieved at the same time as the potential trade war his policies could trigger with China, the third-largest U.S. trading partner and largest creditor. Trump has said he will establish safe zones in Syria, presumably protecting those under fire from Syrian government and Russian bombing, while suggesting he would abandon aid for the rebels and cooperate with Russia against the Islamic State, in addition to pressuring Iran, Russias ally in Syria. Trump congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin for disdaining President Obamas hacking sanctions and tweeted with apparent glee that the Russians are playing [the U.S. news media] for such fools . . . funny to watch. He has called on the world to fight back against the religious threat of terrorism, claimed credit for predicting terrorist attacks by refugees, and said the U.S. intelligence community is incompetent and politically biased. We have never had a populist movement or political insurgency that has actually won the White House, said Stephen Hadley, national security adviser to former president George W. Bush. We have it now, and its different. Hadley said he counsels concerned Americans and foreigners not to overreact to noise in the system. Have some strategic patience, give them time to get their sea legs. . . . there will be time enough to criticize. Trump Doctrine The first indication of a Trump Doctrine, if such a thing yet exists, may come this week with confirmation hearings for his national security nominees, none of whom has spoken publicly about any pending issues. Among the several challenges that will require the Trump team to hit the ground running is North Korea, which conducted its fifth nuclear test, its largest ever, in September. In a New Years speech, leader Kim Jong Un said his country was in the last stage of preparations to test-fire a long-range missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to the continental United States. Six-party denuclearization talks with regional partners and North Korea have been suspended since 2008, and the Obama administration has said it would not restart them until Pyongyang abandoned its nuclear program. U.S. and European sanctions against Russia over Ukraine will have to be renewed before midyear, and Trump, as well as his nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, have indicated they are not fans. The pro-Western government in Kiev fears that Trump will use Ukraine as a bargaining tool to achieve the improvement of relations with Moscow the president-elect has said he seeks. Trump also has suggested that he is less concerned than Obama and U.S. allies have been with regard to forcing Russia to give up the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which Moscow invaded and annexed in 2014. Trump also may face early decisions on a host of what are currently considered secondary issues, from Venezuela to Libya. He has indicated that he favors major revisions to Obamas policy on Cuba and has left open his views on the U.S. commitment to NATO. Then there is the sudden crisis. They could walk into a major terrorist attack, said defense expert Eliot Cohen, who helped orchestrate an anti-Trump letter signed by scores of foreign- and defense-policy notables during the campaign. For those who see a strategy, virtually every issue the administration is likely to confront will be interpreted as a subset of the two main goals of fighting Islamist terrorism and recapturing economic dominance perceived as lost to the Chinese. Im not of the view that Trump is operating by the seat of his pants, without a kind of foreign policy vision, said Mark Dubowitz, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Beyond counterterrorism, a rising China is both a national security and economic threat. Trumps perceived closeness or sort of unfathomable comments on Russia are actually part of a deliberate strategy, Dubowitz said. Trump believes in a strategic approach with Russia, not on core interests but where our core interests are more closely aligned where Russia would be a helpful partner in confronting radical Islam and constraining the rise of Chinese power, Dubowitz said. Still, he said, Trump is going to operate under what we used to call the FUD principle create fear, uncertainty and doubt. Im calling the emerging Trump Doctrine the FUD Doctrine. Power centers Trump, like other modern presidents, is expected to put his own stamp on the decision-making structure, with a written document outlining the hierarchy of authority in the White House and with the major agencies expected to be issued during the administrations first weeks. Traditionally, that document sets up the relationship between national security departments and agency heads, and their seconds and thirds. It outlines the duties of the national security adviser and delineates whether certain issues will be handled in the White House or at the agency level, extending even to who will chair certain meetings. The answers to those questions have been both decisive and divisive in the past. President George W. Bush vetoed a play by his vice president, Richard B. Cheney, to chair the principals meetings of top officials in the presidents absence, insisting that they be led by his first-term national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice. Obama, in his first national security directive, centralized decision-making in the White House, directing that third-tier policy committees across national security agencies be chaired by an NSC official, rather than giving a designated department the lead role. [How the Obama White House runs foreign policy] Clinton set up the National Economic Council (NEC) because, in a different era, he wanted to give economics more importance in foreign policy, said James Mann of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Mann has written several books on national security organization. While Obama folded the Bush-created Homeland Security Council (HSC) into the NSC, his first counterterrorism adviser, current CIA Director John Brennan, was given broad leeway and access to the president. So far, Trump has created a structure that, depending on ones perspective, seems designed for either diffused authority or conflict. In addition to the NSC, to be headed by retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, he has revived the HSC, retained the NEC and created a new National Trade Council all of whose leaders apparently will report directly to the president. A wide range of national security experts with experience in government, all of whom asked for anonymity in anticipating initial chaos in the new administration, predicted clashes not only within the White House but between Flynn most of whose experience is in counterterrorism and James N. Mattis, the nominee to be defense secretary, as well as Tillerson. The experts also expect early departures. The multiple national security power centers within the White House alone indicate a large number of staffers, although the Trump transition has indicated a desire to streamline the NSC. Congress also has mandated an NSC policy staff of no more than 200. Under Obama, it ballooned to more than more than 400, more than half in policy positions and the rest in technology support and administration. Over the past two years, however, national security adviser Susan E. Rice has cut the policy staff to about 180, according to administration officials. The Obama administration Monday added five more Russians, including a senior government official who is an underling of Russian President Vladimir Putin, to a list of people who are banned from traveling to the United States and subject to asset freezes for alleged human rights abuses. The sanctions were imposed under a 2012 law passed by Congress and named for Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer and whistleblower who revealed tax fraud by Russian officials and died after spending a year in pretrial detention. The U.S. law requires sanctions against anyone who took part in Magnitskys abuse and death or a subsequent coverup. It also provides for sanctions against people who took part in torture or other human rights abuses in other cases. [Russia fumes as U.S. passes measure aimed at human rights abuses] The five names bring to 44 the number of people hit with sanctions under the Magnitsky Act. They are not allowed to obtain U.S. visas, and Americans are not permitted to have dealings with them. The freezing of their assets applies to American banks, but because most international transactions are conducted in U.S. dollars, that in effect allows banks to seize any money the people on the list may try to wire. The highest-profile name on the list is Alexander Bastrykin, the head of the federal Investigative Committee, the Russian equivalent of the FBI. He is suspected of participating in a coverup of Magnitskys torture and death. He also has been implicated in several other human rights abuses. When a Russian journalist wrote a story accusing Bastrykin of covering up a mass murder, Bastrykin threatened to behead and dismember the reporter, according to an open letter written by the reporters editor. You can call him Putins chief enforcer, said Tom Malinowski, assistant U.S. secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor. The sanctions were imposed just three days after U.S. intelligence officials made public an assessment that Putin had directed the hacking of Democratic emails in an effort to sabotage the U.S. presidential election. But Malinowski said the timing is coincidental. The State and Treasury departments add new names to the list around this time every year. President-elect Donald Trump has said that when he takes office, in less than two weeks, he plans to work toward forging a warmer working relationship with Putin. One of the choices he will face is whether to ease sanctions related to Russias military intervention in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea. Sanctions under the Magnitsky law are difficult to lift, however. These were done pursuant to the law, which tells us if a particular person meets the criteria by virtue of having committed gross human rights abuses, he must be sanctioned, Malinowski said. The United States government has now determined these people meet that criteria. It would be quite hard to reverse that factual judgment. Two low-level Russian officials, Stanislav Gordievsky and Gennady Plaksin, were also blacklisted for allegedly playing a role in covering up Magnitskys death. Also hit with sanctions were Andrei Lugovoi, a member of the lower house of the Russian parliament, and Dmitri Kovtun. British investigators have accused the two men of poisoning Alexander Litvinenko, a critic of the Kremlin, by putting radioactive polonium in his tea at a London hotel in 2006. President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for homeland security secretary struck a markedly different tone from the president-elect on some of Trumps signature issues on Tuesday, calling for increased outreach to Muslims and saying the controversial southwest border wall might not be built anytime soon. Retired Marine Gen. John F. Kelly made the remarks at his confirmation hearing before a Senate committee that was unusual for its bipartisan tone during a highly partisan era. Kelly was greeted warmly by Republicans and Democrats alike and appeared to be on his way to an easy confirmation for the high-profile post of running the Department of Homeland Security. Long known for his blunt manner, the former chief of the U.S. Southern Command added several layers of uncertainty to Trumps promised crackdown on illegal immigration, which was the centerpiece of the president-elects campaign and which Kelly would oversee at DHS. Kelly appeared to play down the importance of Trumps promised wall, telling senators that a physical barrier in and of itself will not do the job and that technology such as drones and sensors are also needed to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. He said the structure might not be built anytime soon because it is such an immense project, appearing to contradict Trump, who has said building the wall is easy and can be done inexpensively. House Republicans said last week they plan to fund the wall, which some experts have estimated will cost more than $20 billion. Kelly said he would keep an open mind on the Obama administrations Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. The 2012 initiative has given temporary protection from deportation to hundreds of thousands of people who arrived in the United States as children. Trump vowed during the campaign to reverse it. The rhetorical difference between Trump and his prospective DHS chief was perhaps most striking on the subject of Muslims. While Trump once called for a ban on all Muslims entering the United States as a counterterrorism measure, Kelly noted that when he was a Marine officer in Iraq, his forces secured stability in part by reaching out to clerics and other Muslim leaders. I dont believe it is appropriate to target any group of people solely based on religion or ethnic background, including through the development of a registry, Kelly told the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. His remarks, which also included a vow to promote tolerance, seemed to reinforce his declaration during his opening remarks that he would always give those in power his full candor. Though he never openly broke with the future commander in chief, his words helped win over Democrats concerned about Trumps incendiary remarks. Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.), the committees ranking Democrat, thanked Kelly for your service to this country and said his vow to speak truth to power had been music to my ears. She added that the committee is not here to participate in some partisan or political exercise. I very much believe in that principle, and I think we all anticipate that you will need it in your next job, McCaskill said, noting her belief that Trump has used some of his most extreme and divisive rhetoric on issues under DHSs jurisdiction. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), the committees chairman, called Kelly just an extraordinary individual, a great American who has served faithfully and sacrificed mightily for this nation.He called for a quick confirmation, adding that he cant think of a single individual more qualified to run DHS than Kelly. Trumps team was drawn to Kelly because of his experience at the Southern Command, where he oversaw military operations across Central and South America and worked with several DHS agencies. Kelly is also a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which advises the DHS secretary on a variety of security issues. In documents released Tuesday by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, Kelly said that upon his confirmation he would resign from DynCorp International, a McLean military contractor where he has worked since June as an adviser at a salary of $166,000. He also vowed to resign from advisory or board positions at two other defense contractors and a private equity firm, which are paying him a combined $73,000. Kelly also said he owns a consulting business, Oak Square Perspectives, but that it is dormant and has never had clients. He said it would remain dormant during his time at DHS. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and former defense secretary Robert M. Gates introduced Kelly at the confirmation hearing, with Gates calling Kelly one of the finest people Ive ever known. I would trust him with my life. Kelly was a senior military adviser to Gates and also former defense secretary Leon E. Panetta during the Obama administration. His role in the current administration and his typically blunt style led to clashes over women in combat and plans to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. Kelly opposed President Obamas failed plans to close Guantanamo, people familiar with his views said, and he has strongly defended how the military handles detainees. In a 2014 interview, he told The Washington Post that criticism of their treatment by human rights groups and others was foolishness. He also publicly expressed concerns over the Pentagons order in December that opened all jobs in combat units to women, including the most elite forces such as the Navy SEALs. Theyre saying we are not going to change any standards, Kelly told reporters at the Pentagon. There will be great pressure, whether its 12 months from now, four years from now, because the question will be asked whether weve let women into these other roles, why arent they staying in those other roles? Even before he left the Obama administration, Kelly was sounding the alarm in terms reminiscent of Trumps campaign rhetoric about drugs, terrorism and other cross-border threats that he said that he sees as emanating from Mexico and Central and South America. He has described the militarys counterterrorism operations abroad as a war against a savage enemy who would gladly launch more deadly attacks. Yet Kelly has also stressed the importance of supporting human rights, and did so again during Tuesdays hearing. Kelly is widely respected at the Pentagon for his personal sacrifice and deep knowledge of the pain suffered by many military families. His son, 1st Lt. Robert M. Kelly, died in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban in 2010. Kelly also repeatedly stressed the need to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the U.S. as a way to diminish the flight of undocumented immigrants from central and South America. The Latins will tell you that because of your recreational use, thousands and thousands of Latins die every year that shouldnt die, he said. Theres no such thing as non-violent use of recreational drugs. As DHS secretary, Kelly would take on a major management challenge in what is considered to be one of Washingtons most challenging jobs, in part because the agencys employee morale is among the federal governments lowest. He said in his remarks that he recognizes the many challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security, and he vowed to tackle the departments complicated and diffuse culture. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Sen. Jeff Sessions sought to assure the American public Tuesday that he could set aside campaign rhetoric and fairly enforce the law as the next U.S. attorney general, asserting repeatedly at his confirmation hearing that he would not let his personal views interfere with court precedent or the will of Congress. Sessions (R-Ala.) said, although his politics might indicate otherwise, that he would abide by the Supreme Court decision underpinning abortion rights and that he would similarly follow the 5-to-4 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. He said he understands that the waterboarding of suspects to elicit information is absolutely improper and illegal and, though he voted against a law that banned the governments bulk collection of Americans phone records, that he would uphold it as attorney general. He declared that he would recuse himself from any Justice Department investigations of Hillary Clintons email practices or her familys charitable foundation mindful that his previous comments could place my objectivity in question. We can never have a political dispute turn into a criminal dispute, he said. On the first day of his two-day confirmation hearing, Sessions came under tough questioning from Democrats about his conservative, often controversial views on immigration, hate crimes legislation and national security matters. He answered politely, although often forcefully, and frequently referred to his decades of experience in the Senate. He is expected to be confirmed. You know who I am, Sessions said. You know what I believe in. You know that I am a man of my word and can be trusted to do what I say I will do. On some topics, Sessions, 70, held his ground. He said, for example, that he supports the continued operation of the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for terrorism suspects. He said he would not object if President-elect Donald Trump abandoned an executive action by President Obama that allows people who came to the United States illegally as children to receive work permits and a reprieve from possible deportation, although he offered no solution for what to do with those who had received such reprieves. He refused to agree to keep intact consent decrees prompting reform in police departments across the country, saying such agreements and the lawsuits that lead to them undermine the respect for police officers and should be approached with caution. Justice Department officials have been pressing to negotiate such reforms in Baltimore and Chicago before the end of the Obama administration. I just wouldnt commit that there would never be any changes in them, and if departments have complied or reached other developments that could justify the withdrawal or modification of a consent decree, of course I would do that, Sessions said. He said, though, that he would enforce existing agreements. Sessions declined to say that he would adopt the policies of former attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr. when it comes to investigations involving the news media, including a promise not to jail reporters for doing their job. Im not sure, he said when asked whether he would keep that Holder promise. I have not studied those regulations. But Sessions also seemed to recognize that, if confirmed, he would have to abandon his persona as a far-right lawmaker and an unabashed Trump supporter. He said that the attorney general should enforce the law regardless of the presidents views and that if the president presses for illegal action, the attorney general should resign. He or she must be willing to tell the president or other top officials no if he or they overreach, Sessions said. He or she cannot be a mere rubber stamp. Sessions spoke in a room packed with demonstrators, reporters and his family members, and the proceedings were interrupted several times by protesters declaring him evil or racist. Capitol Police said 25 were arrested 18 at the hearing and seven in Sessionss office. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) The Senate Judiciary Committee rejected Sessions for a federal judgeship in 1986 amid allegations of racially insensitive remarks, and civil rights advocates and others have mounted a campaign to deny him the attorney general post. Democratic senators took up many of their issues Tuesday, questioning Sessions on his opposition to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded federal hate crimes law to include sexual orientation and gender identity, and his decision not to support an iteration of the Violence Against Women Act that gave Native Americans special protections. Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) asked Sessions about prior comments in which he suggested, after a video emerged of Trump talking about grabbing women by the genitals, that such conduct was not necessarily sexual assault. Senator, is grabbing a woman by her genitals without consent, is that sexual assault? Leahy said. Clearly, it would be, Sessions responded. He later suggested that a sitting president could be prosecuted for doing so if appropriate. Sessions said that he supported the Violence Against Women Act broadly and that he thought hate crimes were being prosecuted effectively in state courts where they would normally be expected to be prosecuted. He sought to portray the allegations that sunk him in 1986 when even Coretta Scott King, the widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., urged Congress to turn him down as inaccurate. Sessions said his controversial prosecution of civil rights advocates rather than being an effort to stifle voting was done in response to complaints from African American incumbent officials. He assailed white supremacists. I abhor the Klan and what it represents and its hateful ideology, he said. He denied calling the NAACP un-American a charge leveled against him by a fellow lawyer. I hope my tenure in this body has shown you that the caricature that was created of me was not accurate, he said. Sessionss assertion on the Clinton investigations was an early highlight of the hearing, notable because the future of the inquiries has long been a source of speculation. Trump said during the campaign that he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Clinton, his Democratic rival, even after the FBI concluded that it could not recommend criminal charges. But he has since softened that stance and suggested that he wants to move past the matter. Sessions has been critical of the Clinton email investigation, and he has said it seems like the FBI did not fully investigate the dealings of the Clinton Foundation while Clinton was secretary of state. The two inquiries are separate, and although the email investigation has ended, the status of the foundation matter is murkier. Justice Department public-integrity prosecutors told FBI agents last year that they had no case, but agents have apparently continued to press the matter. A defense attorney for Clinton declined to comment on Sessionss claim that he would recuse himself. Later in the hearing, pressed on whether he would recuse himself on Trump investigations, Sessions said he would review it and try to do the right thing. Of Trumps proposal to ban Muslims from immigrating to the United States, Sessions said he thought the president-elect favored stringent vetting of those coming from countries with a history of terrorism. He said he voted against a resolution that would have objected to a Muslim ban because he thought it would not have allowed for religion to be considered in the vetting process. Many people do have religious views that are inimical to the public safety of the United States, Sessions said. He said he would not support an immigration ban that excluded people solely because they are Muslim. Sessions also addressed issues of policing, saying that officers have come to feel unfairly maligned and blamed for the unacceptable actions of a few of their bad actors. He cited violent-crime statistics, such as Chicagos 4,368 shooting victims in 2016 and the 11 percent increase in homicides nationwide from 2014 to 2015 and promised that he would prioritize turning the tide. Sessions acknowledged that he is not well-informed about the recent high-profile cyber-provocations by Russia. When asked by Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) if he thought the Russian government was behind the hacking of Democratic Party computers, he said, I have done no research into that. When Graham pointed out that the FBI had concluded Russia was behind the intrusion, Sessions observed, at least thats whats been reported. Later, he allowed, I have no reason to doubt that, and he said the response to such action might not be as simple as prosecuting a case. In many ways, the political response, the international foreign policy response, may be the only recourse, he said. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) asked Sessions whether he would let an investigation of Russian interference continue, even if it leads to the Trump campaign and Trump interests and associates. Sessions replied: If the law is violated and they can be prosecuted, then youll have to handle that in an appropriate way. On Wednesday, 15 witnesses are scheduled speak about the nominee, including a former attorney general, the president of a national police union, and several civil rights and other advocates. Late Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee said that one of Sessionss colleagues, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), is expected to testify against him. Read more: The facts about the voter fraud case that sank Jeff Sessionss bid for a judgeship At the Justice Department, Sessions could play a key role on immigration 10 things to know about Sen. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trumps pick for attorney general Free Syrian Army fighters gesture as Turkish military vehicles drive in the Syrian rebel-held town of al-Rai while heading towards the northern Syrian town of al-Bab on Monday. (Khalil Ashawi/Reuters) U.S. aircraft have begun regular aerial intelligence surveillance in support of Turkeys offensive against the Islamic State in northwestern Syria, in anticipation of increased U.S. support for the flailing Turkish military operation around the town of al-Bab. The increased support comes after weeks of U.S. military and diplomatic talks with Turkish counterparts, and Russian airstrikes backing the Turkish offensive. U.S. support to ground troops, including airstrikes and equipment in addition to surveillance, would be similar to what the United States now provides to Syrian groups battling the militants, potentially including assistance from Special Operations advisers whose participation in the offensive has thus far been limited to an area inside the Syrian border about 10 miles north of al-Bab, according to administration and defense officials. U.S. strikes over al-Bab would require an intensive effort to de-conflict American flights with those of Turkey and Russia, whose forces are also bombing there. Flying anywhere in Syria is complicated. Flying up in that area where everyone seems to be flying would require some work, one defense official said. I wouldnt say we arent worried about it. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, were not authorized to discuss the operations. Decisions to increase support come as the Obama administration is also in the final stages of weighing direct weapons shipments to U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces moving toward the Islamic States de facto capital of Raqqa. Turkey, which considers the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, a terrorist group allied with Turkeys own Kurdish separatists, has warned the United States against aiding the group. Weapons shipments to the YPG, which composes the majority of what the United States calls the Syrian Democratic Forces, are now funneled indirectly through Iraq in deference to Turkish concerns. Arming the Kurds is one of a handful of national security decisions the administration will have to make in the next two weeks on what it sees as important, ongoing operations that it fears President-elect Donald Trump will alter or discontinue. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Monday that ending cooperation with the YPG was one of Turkeys two main expectations of the United States, along with extradition of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, the U.S. permanent resident who Turkey says orchestrated last summers Turkish coup attempt. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he believes U.S.-Turkish relations will gain momentum after Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration. Remarks by Erdogan and Cavusoglu, to a conference of Turkish ambassadors in Ankara, were reported by the Anadolu news agency there. U.S.-Turkey relations have been strained over both the Gulen and YPG issues, as well as Obama administration criticism of the arrests of tens of thousands of alleged Gulen supporters in the wake of the failed coup attempt. Michael T. Flynn, Trumps designated White House national security adviser, wrote in an op-ed published on Election Day that he believed the United States should agree to the extradition still under consideration by the Justice Department and should back off criticism of a key ally in the fight against the Islamic State. Obamas policy toward Turkey, Flynn wrote, was unwise. As tension between Washington and Ankara has increased, Turkeys relations with Russia have improved. In recent weeks, Russian airstrikes came to the rescue of Turkish forces bogged down outside al-Bab. Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin negotiated a partial cease-fire in Syrias civil war in which they have been on opposite sides for years without U.S. participation. It is unclear the extent to which Turkeys new closeness with Russia just a year after relations between them plummeted when Turkey shot down a Russian jet it said was flying over its territory marks a long-term change in policy, or is an effort to pressure the United States over its support for the Kurds. While pleased at Turkeys decision last year to send its troops into Islamic State territory in Syria, the United States advised against pushing quickly southward toward al-Bab, and Turkish forces now find themselves in a difficult situation, the U.S. officials said. U.S. reluctance to participate, they said, stemmed from the closeness of Russian air operations in and around Aleppo, and concern that the Turks were primarily interested in moving closer to Kurdish forces, provoking a clash that would complicate the ultimate goal of taking Raqqa, about 140 miles to the southeast. They also have been uncertain whether U.S. offers of support have been transmitted from Turkeys military to its political leaders. Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland was appointed Canadas foreign affairs minister on Tuesday as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled his cabinet, putting a Russia critic on the front lines of working with the incoming Trump administration. The change is part of a wider shuffle of Trudeaus inner circle as he tries to position Canada for a new relationship with its largest trading partner and demote underperformers in his 14-month-old Liberal government. The shuffle included the promotion of a Somali Canadian who came to the country as a refugee to immigration minister and the departure of two of Trudeaus most experienced ministers. The move came ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican, and shortly after Trudeaus senior staff met with Trumps transition team. Freeland, an author and former reporter who has been a top performer in Trudeaus cabinet, replaced Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion but also retained the Canada-U.S. relations portfolio, including the trade relationship. The United States is Canadas largest trading partner. The shuffle was the first major change Trudeau has made to the cabinet he appointed after leading his party to an election victory in October 2015. Canadas relationship with its neighbor to the south could be tested in coming years, with Trump promising to renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, aimed at removing tariff barriers between Canada, Mexico and the United States. The appointment of Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, to the foreign affairs portfolio could be thorny, as she has been a harsh critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Trump has repeatedly praised. Moscow banned Freeland in 2014 as part of retaliatory sanctions against Canadian officials. Before running for election in the Canadian parliament, Freeland worked for Reuters, a unit of Thomson Reuters. Immigration Minister John McCallum was named ambassador to China and was replaced by Ahmed Hussen, a Muslim who came to Canada as a teenage refugee from war-torn Somalia. The Canada-China relationship will be well served by such a strong presence from our government, Trudeau said in a statement announcing the changes. Among other moves, Francois-Philippe Champagne, parliamentary secretary to the finance minister, was named trade minister. A member of the Afghan security forces stands guard near the site of two blasts in Kabul on Jan. 10, 2017. (Rahmat Gul/AP) Apparent Taliban bombers struck some of Afghanistans most heavily guarded sites Tuesday, setting off twin blasts near security agencies in the countrys capital and targeting diplomatic talks in southern Afghanistan. More than 30 people were killed and scores wounded, including an Arab ambassador and a powerful provincial governor. The attacks marked one of the bloodiest days in Afghanistan in months. They also again showed the insurgents ability to penetrate Afghan security and dealt another blow to the governments claims that its U.S.-aided forces are gaining the upper hand against the Taliban. In Kabul, a suicide attacker approached an intelligence-agency building before detonating explosives, said Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid. A car bomb then exploded as security forces gathered at the site of the first blast, Mujahid said. Hours later, an explosion took place outside the governors compound in the southern city of Kandahar as the governor met with security officials and the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Afghanistan, Kandahar police officials said. In Abu Dhabi, a statement by the UAE Foreign Ministry said the blast injured Ambassador Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi and other UAE diplomats but gave no immediate details on their condition. A security official in Kandahar said the provinces governor, Humayun Azizi, also was injured. The reason for the high-level meeting was not disclosed, although the UAE has been closely involved in Afghan affairs for decades. Earlier Tuesday, Azizi said the talks involved a $2 million training project. The Taliban asserted responsibility for the back-to-back bombings in Kabul, saying the attackers targeted a minibus carrying employees of the National Directorate of Security, Afghanistans intelligence agency. Police said most of those killed had been traveling in minibuses a common form of transportation in Afghanistan at the height of the citys late-afternoon rush hour. There was no immediate assertion of responsibility for the Kandahar attack, but the area is a stronghold of the Taliban. Saleem Rasouli, a senior public health official, said at least 33 people were killed and more than 70 wounded, the Reuters news agency reported. Other reports cited higher death tolls. The discrepancy in fatality numbers could not immediately be reconciled. [These Afghans sought a haven in Germany. Now they have been sent back.] The attack took place on a major road near the Afghan parliament building and the American University of Afghanistan, both of which previously have been targeted by Taliban insurgents. Police cordoned off the site after the blasts and stepped up vehicle searches at checkpoints around the city. A thick column of smoke could be seen rising from the blast site after the attack. A security official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief journalists, said the target of the attack appeared to be the security directorate building. A local intelligence chief was killed, and a female lawmaker and two journalists were among the wounded, the official said. The explosions came just hours after a suicide attack killed seven people in the southern city of Lashkar Gah, in restive Helmand province. That attack also targeted an intelligence official, the Associated Press reported, quoting the Helmand police chief. Weeks of calm in the capital had raised hopes that the government would revive stalled peace talks with insurgents, as the war grinds into its 16th year and militants have expanded their control. In response to an uptick in attacks in places such as Helmand, the United States announced that 300 more Marines would deploy to the province to train and assist Afghan security forces. Most foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2014, after which Afghan troops took the lead battling insurgents. Cunningham reported from Istanbul. Read more At least 22 dead after twin bombings in Kabul Thousands of Marines fought in southern Afghanistan. Now, the service is going back. Afghanistans vice president is known for brutality. But he may have gone too far. Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news President-elect Donald Trump talks to members of the media after a meeting with military leadership in Palm Beach, Fla., on Dec. 21. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) It is the most highly anticipated meeting of the year. Sometime this year, in a location to be named, the hulking 6-foot-3-inch frame of President Donald Trump will encounter the diminutive Russian president, Vladimir Putin, a reported 5-foot-7, bringing the celebrity businessman who coined the Art of the Deal up against the former KGB agent alleged to have aided his election victory. Its been called a bromance. But Putin and Trump, two men who view international issues through a prism of self-interest, each with his own peculiar personality, have never met in person. It will be a fateful tete-a-tete for Trump, and the Russian leader brings a diverse bag of tricks to the table, his European counterparts say. He can put on a mask in a second, said Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former president of Latvia, who recalled how Putin first attacked and then sought to charm her during their first meeting in 2001. One moment, he can stare at you with the eyes of a dead fish and try to intimidate you. The next, hes looking at you with warm and friendly eyes and ready to be your pal forever, she said. Former Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said she could guess at Putins strategy in that first meeting with Trump: Flattery, flattery, flattery. It works on most people. And in this particular case, I think it will work like a charm, sorry to say. (Alexei Druzhinin/AP) He really has a good sense of throwing people off balance. Some of those feats of intimidation are famous. There are the hours of time he has forced world leaders to wait for him: 14 minutes for Queen Elizabeth II, 50 minutes for Pope Francis, four hours for then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Then there was the time in 2007 he brought his pet Labrador, Koni, into a meeting with the extremely canine-averse German Chancellor Angela Merkel (maximum waiting time: four hours and 15 minutes). So plenty can go wrong, a bad first impression spiraling perhaps into a fiery, pre-dawn tweetstorm dispelling the dream of detente once again. Some Russian officials have voiced concerns about Trumps unpredictability, and U.S. officials are vocal about Putins duplicity. But Putin has also been known for his ability to form chummy odd-couple relationships with world leaders, and as Mikhail Zygar, a journalist and the author of the Russian bestseller All the Kremlins Men, wrote of Putin and Trump earlier this year: Two cynics can always find a common tongue. Vike-Freiberga said she could guess at Putins strategy in that first meeting with Trump: Flattery, flattery, flattery. It works on most people. And in this particular case, I think it will work like a charm, sorry to say. In the past, Putin has gotten on well with larger-than-life characters: men like Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian media magnate and former prime minister who, like Trump, is known for his populist style and outsize personality, and was regularly mired in scandal. Putin has been known to charm an American president as well. In her 2011 memoir, former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice recalled how Putin shared a rather syrupy story about a cross that his mother had given him with President George W. Bush as the two sought to establish a rapport at a 2001 summit in Slovenia. It paid off when Bush told reporters later that day: I looked the man in the eye. I found him very straightforward and trustworthy I was able to get a sense of his soul. I visibly stiffened, Rice wrote later. We were never able to escape the perception that the president had naively trusted Putin and then been betrayed. Trump has gone much further, calling Putin far more of a leader than President Obama, bucking the U.S. foreign-policy establishments orthodoxy on Russias actions in Ukraine, and questioning the intelligence communitys assessment of Russias role in the presidential election he won. Both Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and Trump have called last weeks intelligence report on Russias hacking of the Democratic National Committee the same thing: a witch hunt. Peskov on Monday said planning for any meeting between the two leaders would begin only after next weeks inauguration. Both leaders would be expected to attend the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg in July. Vike-Freiberga said that Putin thoroughly researched the leaders he met in advance and was good at interpreting body language and pushing buttons. I myself have a reasonably good sense of what motivates people, she said. But Mr. Putin to my mind is someone who has been trained at it. One moment that she recalled: Putin trying to lure away French President Jacques Chirac for a birthday dinner in Riga at the conclusion of a 2006 NATO summit in her former Soviet republic. Putin crashing the summit would have highlighted the divisions in NATO, just as Bush was delivering a speech urging support for countries such as Ukraine and Georgia seeking to escape Moscows orbit. Vike-Freiberga raised the stakes, demanded a bilateral meeting with Putin, the first in Riga since Latvia declared independence. The Kremlin balked and Putin canceled his trip. The dinner was off. Thats one way I got him in the eye for sure, she laughed. Read more Republican leaders cast doubt on Trump improving relations with Russia A right-wing militia trains Russians to fight the next war with or without Putin Putin says he wont deport U.S. diplomats as he awaits Trump Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news For Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts, the eclair has become the recipe for immersing guests in a subject all travelers can relate to: food. Since its launch in April 2014, the chains LM Eclair Dairies Program has been giving the oblong-shaped French treat a global re-flavoring with ingredients from wherever the properties can be found. This epicurean journey is directly in the hands of pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini. His mission is to travel to Le Meridien locations and put his kitchen skills and sense of discovery to task. A 2006 James Beard Award-winner and a judge on Top Chef and The Great American Baking Show, Iuzzini goes to local markets and merchants to discover commonplace foods to select for a signature eclair. Whats special for me as a chef is that Im always curious; I always want to learn, Iuzzini says during a recent presentation on the LM Eclair Program. A chef never stops learning, and the way we learn is through eating. Formulating a Local Eclair Through the program, Iuzzini is developing six custom eclairs (this years plans for the program are currently under development). So far, his assignments have taken him to properties in the United States, Europe, and India. In Barcelona, he created a carob, praline, and Augustus vinegar eclair. For Louisiana, his eclair featured coffee and chicory; in San Francisco, he came up a caramelized corn and blueberry version. In Nice, France, he was inspired to use lemon verbena and herbes de Provence; and in New Delhi, he perfected a Darjeeling-jaggery eclair. Iuzzini starts off each eclair expedition by talking to those who know the destination best local employees. Every time I arrive in a new destination, the first thing I do is get a list of all the local spots to eat from the concierge and, actually, anyone that works there, he explained. These venues often involve markets, where anything from fresh fruit to dry goods or spices can spike his attention. His food inquisition also extends to finding out how these foods are used in cooking and how they pair for a sweet or savory application. My goal is to be true to the flavors of the region but also surprise the guest, and even the locals, with how I may layer the flavors and to think about contrasting textures to heighten the experience, he says. Story continues Once his culinary calculations are set, Iuzzini starts to dig into his flavor memory bank for foods that would work together nicely, but also reimagines how these flavors can be presented to hotel guests. However, guests shouldnt expect something very sweet. Sugar isnt a flavor, Iuzzini adds. Instead, his approach is for the eclairs to be multi-textural, a harmonious mix of flavors with hints of saltiness and spice. Once I find that specific components work perfectly with certain flavors, then I lock them in and move onto the next component. The eclair is only as good as the sum of its parts being the shell, filling, glaze, and garnishes. The pastry arts have been his passion since his youth. As a teenager, his first culinary job was at The River Cafe in Brooklyn, but not with dough at first. Originally working in savory, Iuzzini gradually began assisting the cafes pastry chef, Eric Gouteyron, at the end of his kitchen shift. Iuzzini graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and then worked in the pastry department of the original Daniel on Manhattans Upper East Side. Then Iuzzini took his skills to Europe, working in Frances patisseries, including Laduree in Paris. He returned to the States in fall of 1998, working first for Cafe Boulud and then at Daniel, where he became the executive pastry chef in 2001. After working for Jean Georges Vongerichten at his namesake restaurant Jean-Georges and its cafe, Nougatine, Iuzzini formed his own consulting company, Sugar Fueled. Market Shopping in Mexico City Michele Herrmann Johnny Iuzzini shops for ingredients in a Mexico City market. Recently, Iuzzini headed to Mexico City to develop a locally inspired eclair for the chains Le Meridien Mexico City property. To start his research, he went on a group outing to Central de Abasto, Mexico Citys major wholesale market. Joining him were Jared Reardon and Sonia Arias, a husband-and-wife culinary duo who run the local Jaso Restaurant. The couple led Iuzzini around to different vendor stalls, providing details on foods displayed and negotiating with various merchants. While listening to his friends recommendations, Iuzzini wasted no time in examining what he saw and wanted to taste. He tried fruits unique in look and flavor: the citrusy granada china, the papaya-looking mamey sapote, and the dark but sweet zapote negro. He took a whiff of vanilla beans and browsed through containers of moles from different regions. With every stop, Iuzzini pulled out his notebook, jotting down notes and first impressions. And, of course, he made some purchases, like piloncillo, a brown cane sugar molded and sold in a cone shape. After a four-hour market visit and then a day of kitchen R&D, Iuzzini unveiled the Mexico City eclair at a media presentation. His end result: a mole eclair with a mamey-vanilla cream, tamarind-lime glaze, crispy peanuts, caramelized bananas, and crystallized huitlacoche. At the event, Iuzzini explained that part of his development process involved coating the huitlacoche (a mushroom found on corn) in sugar in order to create a sweet, crunchy topping. Then came the peanuts and an extra touch of mole (in addition to having a mole-based pate a choux) to put a spicy peanut brittle on top of the eclair. Iuzzini summed up his Mexico City eclair creation by saying: Its all flavors you understand, but its the combination that makes it different. The Mexico City eclair will be available to guests at Le Meridien Mexico City in mid-January 2017. Other current eclairs are served at the respective properties. The Pioneer Cabin Tree, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, toppled from its historic height in Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Calaveras County, California, over the weekend. In photos captured on Sunday, the drive-through massive sequoia tree could not endure the flooding caused by rainstorms throughout the weekend. Jim Allday, who is a volunteer at the park and took the photos, told the San Francisco Gate that the tree fell around 2 p.m. and shattered when it hit the ground. He also added people had been walking through it that same day. Back in the 1880s, the Pioneer Cabin was hollowed out so tourists (and even cars!) could pass through it. It is a stop on the Big Trees Trail within the state park. When I went out there (Sunday afternoon), the trail was literally a river, the trail is washed out, Allday said. I could see the tree on the ground, it looked like it was laying in a pond or lake with a river running through it. The Calaveras Big Trees Association provided information about the historic landmarks fall on their Facebook page, and wrote, The Pioneer Cabin tree has fallen! This iconic and still living tree the tunnel tree enchanted many visitors. The storm was just too much for it. Within hours, the post had over 1,000 comments and nearly 6,000 reactions as people mourned one of their favorite locations. I guess I should just be thankful that I got to see it, one Facebook user said. The Womens March on Washington announced its Artist Table on Monday, revealing a list of celebrities expected to march alongside over 100,000 women the day after President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated. America Ferrera will serve as chair of the Artist Table, while stars like Chelsea Handler, Zendaya, Amy Schumer, Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, Cher, and more will participate. Since the election, so many fear that their voices will go unheard, said Ferrera in a statement. As artists, women, and most importantly dedicated Americans, it is critical that we stand together in solidarity for the protection, dignity, and rights of our communities. Immigrant rights, worker rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights, racial justice and environmental rights are not special interests, they affect us all and should be every Americans concern. The growing list of famous names also includes Uzo Aduba, Cristela Alonzo, Patricia Arquette, Danielle Brooks, Lea DeLaria, Diane Guerrero, Danai Gurira, Margo Jefferson, Angelique Kidjo, Padma Lakshmi, Shantell Martin, Debra Messing, Frances McDormand, Julianne Moore, Hari Nef, Monica Raymond, Yara Shahidi, Alia Sherif, Kara Walker, Olivia Wilde, and Constance Wu. Handler will also host a separate march in Park City, Utah, coinciding with Sundance. Im honored to join the Womens March on Washington Artist Table, she said. By hosting a sister march in Park City, our Womens March on Main will help send a message to the incoming administration that attacks on Planned Parenthood and our fundamental human rights are unacceptable and if we have to re-fight for rights we have already fought for and won, we will do it louder and stronger, with men by our side. It is my duty as an American citizen to exercise my rights, make my voice heard and stand up for what I believe in, Scarlett Johansson said. The new administration may be very vague about specifics, but one thing has been made very clear; their intentions of reducing the availability of Womens Healthcare and attacking her reproductive rights. I am marching on Washington to let our next president know that we, men and women alike, will not stand down or be silenced and will fight to protect our bodies and our choices. Debra Messing echoed the sentiment: I am honored to be a member of the Artist Table. An attack on Planned Parenthood is an attack on all American women. There is no more urgent time than now to raise our voices and be heard. The Womens March on Washington will take place in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21. For additional information, visit womensmarch.com. A California woman who authorities claimed had recruited men on Craigslist to rape her ex-boyfriends wife has been cleared of all charges related to the case and officials allege the mans wife herself was behind the whole thing. Michelle Hadley, of Ontario, was arrested in July, accused of harassing Angela Diaz, 31, and sending men to her home to engage in rape fantasies. Hadley was exonerated on Monday and Diaz is facing a slew of charges as a result of the twist in the case. Ms. Hadley is an innocent victim of a diabolical scheme, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas announced in a statement. Rackauckus alleged Diaz went to great lengths to frame Hadley by allegedly falsely reporting a rape claim and posing as Hadley in emails and on Craigslist. Diaz has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, falsely reporting crimes, perjury, grand theft and forgery, among other charges. She was arrested by Phoenix, Arizona, police on Friday. Hadley, who had been released from custody in October nearly three months after her arrest, became emotional outside a Fullerton courthouse on Monday after she was officially exonerated. Obviously, this has been a huge nightmare for me, probably the most traumatic experience of my life, Hadley said, according to the Associated Press. Im glad its finally over, and I can move on. Diaz Allegedly Sent Herself Threatening Emails The ordeal began in June when Diaz allegedly posed as Hadley on Craigslist and sent responses to people who had responded to rape fantasy ads. She allegedly reported to Anaheim police that men arrived at her home to engage in the act. Prosecutors alleged the men were intercepted by police. (The men have not been publicly identified.) Authorities alleged Diaz sent herself threatening emails, using violent language and including pictures to portray herself as a rape victim. Rackauckus also alleged that Diaz falsely reported that a man attempted to rape her in her garage. Story continues Prosecutors said that, for about a month, Diaz allegedly told police Hadley had been threatening to have her raped and had threatened to kill her and what she represented as her unborn child. However, prosecutors alleged Diaz faked the pregnancy. Hadleys arrest made headlines, with details of the case garnering widespread attention. But Diazs alleged plan soon fell through as authorities learned the threats and Craigslist solicitations allegedly came from Diazs phone and condo. Authorities have not determined a motive for Diazs alleged actions. But the women are linked by Ian Diaz, an agent with the U.S. Marshals Service, according to the AP. Prosecutors have said they have no evidence indicating Ian was involved. It is unclear whether Diaz has entered a plea or acquired a lawyer. Prosecutors said she faces a maximum sentence of 12 years and eight months in prison along with 11 years in county jail. By Jessica McKinney There are only 12 days left in Barack Obamas presidency, and it is giving so many Americans an overwhelming amount of feels. But instead of tweeting about it or sobbing in a corner as some of us have done, T.I. channeled his grief into an open letter, thanking President Obama for his service throughout his two terms in the White House. Say what you want about T.I.s use of SAT vocabulary words, but you have to admit, the man is pretty eloquent. As I reflect, I am filled with gratitude, outrage, grief, anger, humility and appreciation, both for the things you helped bring to light and the many things we still have yet to realize, T.I. began in the letter that was originally published by The New York Times. The Us or Else rapper also expressed his appreciation for what the Obama administration has done for the country. For years, many of US failed you because, as Ive said before, we were not all ready for the change you wanted to bring about, he continued. But rest assured that we heard you. Rest assured that we felt you and rest assured that your legacy will live on long after your presidency. Not only did you impact a nation, but you defined a culture and you shook up and woke up a generation. T.I. then thanked the president for addressing issues of hatred, bigotry, and inequality throughout his terms as well, noting specific movements such The Black Live Matter. As the letter reached a conclusion, T.I. vowed to keep Obamas legacy and mission alive, calling on every one of US who has been touched by him to do more. We cannot afford to live in a prolonged state of grief, but must remember that we have no choice but to dust ourselves off, wipe off our wounds and move beyond this barren state of shock, he added. Finally, T.I. saluted First Lady Michelle Obama and the first daughters Sasha and Malia, before referring back to Obamas 2008 presidential campaign slogan. WE will continue to stand with you and alongside those who make a personal investment in US. We will continue to remain committed to causes that are bigger than ourselves, he wrote. We will continue to remind ourselves that, Yes, We still can! T.I.s heartfelt note follows many other celebrities who have written to the president on his final stretch in office, including John Legend, who penned an open letter in December 2016, pleading with Obama for continued criminal justice reform. Its going to be a sad day when we have to say good by to the Obamas, but as T.I. so eloquently stated, his legacy will live on. Read T.I.s complete letter here. This post T.I. Pens Open Letter To President Obama: Your Legacy Will Live On first appeared on Vibe. The U.S. News Short List, separate from our overall rankings, is a regular series that magnifies individual data points in hopes of providing students and parents a way to find which undergraduate or graduate programs excel or have room to grow in specific areas. Be sure to explore The Short List: College, The Short List: Grad School and The Short List: Online Programs to find data that matter to you in your college or graduate school search. An online bachelor's degree can come with a hefty price tag. But there are still many low-cost programs for out-of-state students -- in some cases, even less than other programs for in-state students. [Discover the top 20 online bachelor's degree programs.] Among the 133 ranked online bachelor's programs at public schools that submitted these data to U.S. News in an annual survey, Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts tops the list of the cheapest for out-of-state students during the 2016-2017 school year. The school charges $133 per credit and requires 120 credits to graduate for a total program cost of $15,960. To put things in perspective, a prospective online student from Florida, for example, would pay less for Fitchburg State's online bachelor's program than for Florida International University's. FIU charges $212 for Florida residents, bringing the total cost to $25,440 for 120 credits. [Ask five financial questions before getting an online degree.] The average total cost among the 10 online bachelor's programs that charge the least is $23,436 for 2016-2017. That's significantly lower than programs on the other end of the spectrum such as West Virginia University, which charges out-of-state students $1,040 per credit for a total of $124,800. These data don't, however, account for the fact that many online students enter undergraduate programs with some college credit earned already -- something for prospective students to consider. Online programs usually charge students by credit rather than semester, which is common for traditional undergraduate programs. Story continues [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.] Below is a list of the undergraduate online programs where out-of-state students had the lowest total cost during the 2016-2017 school year. Unranked schools, which did not meet certain criteria required by U.S. News to be ranked, were not considered for this report. School name (state) Out-of-state cost per credit Credits needed to graduate Out-of-state total program cost U.S. News rank Fitchburg State University (MA) $133 120 $15,960 81 (tie) College of Coastal Georgia $136 120 $16,320 165 (tie) Montana State University--Billings $183 120 $21,960 RNP* University of Central Arkansas $207 120 $24,840 RNP Fort Hays State University (KS) $207 120 $24,840 15 (tie) University of Alaska--Fairbanks $212 120 $25,440 132 (tie) Georgia Southern University $204 126 $25,704 92 (tie) Minot State University (ND) $216 120 $25,920 180 (tie) Sam Houston State University (TX) $216 120 $25,920 54 (tie) Georgia College & State University $289 95 $27,455 28 (tie) *RNP denotes an institution that is ranked in the bottom one-fourth of its rankings category. U.S. News calculates a rank for the school but has decided not to publish it. School officials can access historical data and rankings, including of peer institutions, via U.S. News Academic Insights. U.S. News surveyed more than 300 colleges and universities for our 2017 Best Online Bachelor's Programs rankings. Schools self-reported myriad data regarding their academic programs and the makeup of their student body, among other areas, making U.S. News' data the most accurate and detailed collection of college facts and figures of its kind. While U.S. News uses much of this survey data to rank schools for our annual Best Colleges rankings, the data can also be useful when examined on a smaller scale. U.S. News will now produce lists of data, separate from the overall rankings, meant to provide students and parents a means to find which schools excel, or have room to grow, in specific areas that are important to them. While the data come from the schools themselves, these lists are not related to, and have no influence over, U.S. News' rankings of Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools or Best Online Programs. The tuition data above are correct as of Jan. 10, 2017. More From US News & World Report The U.S. News Short List, separate from our overall rankings, is a regular series that magnifies individual data points in hopes of providing students and parents a way to find which undergraduate or graduate programs excel or have room to grow in specific areas. Be sure to explore The Short List: College, The Short List: Grad School and The Short List: Online Programs to find data that matter to you in your college or graduate school search. An online bachelor's degree can come with a hefty price tag. But there are still many low-cost programs for out-of-state students -- in some cases, even less than other programs for in-state students. [Discover the top 20 online bachelor's degree programs.] Among the 133 ranked online bachelor's programs at public schools that submitted these data to U.S. News in an annual survey, Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts tops the list of the cheapest for out-of-state students during the 2016-2017 school year. The school charges $133 per credit and requires 120 credits to graduate for a total program cost of $15,960. To put things in perspective, a prospective online student from Florida, for example, would pay less for Fitchburg State's online bachelor's program than for Florida International University's. FIU charges $212 for Florida residents, bringing the total cost to $25,440 for 120 credits. [Ask five financial questions before getting an online degree.] The average total cost among the 10 online bachelor's programs that charge the least is $23,436 for 2016-2017. That's significantly lower than programs on the other end of the spectrum such as West Virginia University, which charges out-of-state students $1,040 per credit for a total of $124,800. These data don't, however, account for the fact that many online students enter undergraduate programs with some college credit earned already -- something for prospective students to consider. Online programs usually charge students by credit rather than semester, which is common for traditional undergraduate programs. Story continues [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.] Below is a list of the undergraduate online programs where out-of-state students had the lowest total cost during the 2016-2017 school year. Unranked schools, which did not meet certain criteria required by U.S. News to be ranked, were not considered for this report. * RNP denotes an institution that is ranked in the bottom one-fourth of its rankings category. U.S. News calculates a rank for the school but has decided not to publish it. School officials can access historical data and rankings, including of peer institutions, via U.S. News Academic Insights. U.S. News surveyed more than 300 colleges and universities for our 2017 Best Online Bachelor's Programs rankings. Schools self-reported myriad data regarding their academic programs and the makeup of their student body, among other areas, making U.S. News' data the most accurate and detailed collection of college facts and figures of its kind. While U.S. News uses much of this survey data to rank schools for our annual Best Colleges rankings, the data can also be useful when examined on a smaller scale. U.S. News will now produce lists of data, separate from the overall rankings, meant to provide students and parents a means to find which schools excel, or have room to grow, in specific areas that are important to them. While the data come from the schools themselves, these lists are not related to, and have no influence over, U.S. News' rankings of Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools or Best Online Programs. The tuition data above are correct as of Jan. 10, 2017. Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com. A 10-year-old girl who lost her favorite stuffed animal in the chaos and evacuation that followed the Fort Lauderdale shooting that claimed five lives Friday has been reunited with her beloved teddy Rufus. The girls mom. Kim Lariviere, took to Twitter for help finding the beloved bear, who was dressed in a cute red onesie, for her 10-year-old daughter, Courtney, who has had the bear all of her life, according to reports. Rufus was a gift from Courtney's late grandfather. Read: Fairy Godmother Gives Comfort to Grieving Mom Carrying Her Daughter's Ashes in Teddy Bear 'Looking for Rufus from Terminal 2 D8. Crying daughter cannot sleep. #FLLshooting help!' she wrote on Twitter. Airport officials have been working to get 23,000 items back to their owners since the 16-hour airport shut down in the aftermath of the shooting and Rufus had not yet been returned to the Canada family. The Broward County Sheriffs department then retweeted her message. Has anyone seen #Rufus? Help @klariviere3 find her daughter's stuffed animal that was lost in the #FLLshooting. https://t.co/oT0ykVKqiU Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) January 9, 2017 After some searching, Rufus was found safe and sound. "We found Rufus!" airport representatives wrote on Twitter, telling the mother they'd be in touch by private message. Lariviere tweeted back a thank-you message, writing: "Omg!!!!!! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!!" Story continues Rufus has been located!! Thx for sharing everyone. One happy kid! Lariviere (@klariviere3) January 10, 2017 The mother recounted being in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport with her husband and their two children after finishing a cruise when the gunman, Esteban Santiago, opened fire. Read: Grandfather Buys Baby Ridiculously Huge Teddy Bear: 'Its Foot Alone Is Bigger Than Her' "I'll never experience this fear again. This is a once in a lifetime fear," Lariviere told CTV. Watch: Hiker Details How He Survived Being Horrifically Attacked by Grizzly Bear Twice Related Articles: Evan Spiegel - Sun Valley Good morning. Here's everything you need to know in the world of advertising today. 1. Snapchat is making the UK its international headquarters. It's an unusual move for a US tech company, with other firms usually choosing to base their international operations in European countries that have lower rates of corporation tax. 2. Following the close of its merger with Verizon, Yahoo announced that what's left of the company will be changing its name to Altaba. It includes Yahoo's 15% stake in Alibaba and a part of Yahoo Japan. 3. Marissa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo, is resigning from the company's board. She will step down after Yahoo's $4.8 billion merger with Verizon is completed. 4. Ad tech company Rocket Fuel is laying off 11% of its staff, AdExchanger reported. The move will affect 93 employees and is expected to save $20 million in operating expenses. 5. Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will step down as publisher of the Observer. Kushner will "no longer have an ownership stake" in the Observer business or play any role in its affairs, the company said. 6. Two of Britain's biggest tabloid newspaper groups are getting together to fight dying sales. Trinity Mirror, owner of the The Daily Mirror, confirmed that it is in talks with Richard Desmond's Northern & Shell, which owns The Daily Express and The Daily Star. 7. These are Oppenheimer analyst Jason Helfstein's three key reasons to be bullish on Facebook this year . Helfstein named Facebook as his firm's top internet stock pick for 2017 in a note distributed to clients on Monday. 8. Publicis Groupe is set to appoint one of its former media agency executives, Andrew Swinard, as CEO of Leo Burnett in North America, according to The Wall Street Journal. Publicis is also in talks to acquire the two agencies Swinard currently runs, The Abundancy and Ardent. 9. Facebook will begin testing "mid-roll" ads in videos, The Wall Street Journal reports. It has been testing the format for Facebook Live videos already. Story continues 10. Yahoo's chief revenue officer Lisa Utzschneider says marketers care more about the Verizon deal than the recent hacks, The Drum reports. Utzschneider said that advertisers she was meeting with were already inquiring over what a post-deal Yahoo would have to offer them. NOW WATCH: An exercise scientist reveals exactly how long you need to work out to get in great shape More From Business Insider Pretty Little Liars kicked off its farewell tour Tuesday at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, Calif. with a panel, teasing the final 10 episodes of the hit Freeform show. Creator Marlene King was joined by stars Lucy Hale, Shay Mitchell, and Sasha Pieterse, plus executive producers Charlie Craig, Joseph Dougherty, and Oliver Goldstick. (Cast members Ashley Benson and Troian Bellisario were not present, as Benson was sick, and Bellisario is on her honeymoon.) Here are 10 things to look forward to in the final 10 episodes of Pretty Little Liars: 1. There will be a musical number. Well get a musical number in the last 10 episodes, Goldstick revealed. Speaking of the casts skills, he continued, All of them have incredible different talents and singing is one of them we found a way to platform it in one of the episodes of the last 10. (Fun fact: Lucy Hale and Janel Parrish both competed in reality TV singing competitions). 2. There will be another time jump in the final 10 episodes. Last season, Pretty Little Liars had a five-year time jump. The back-half of Season 7 will see another time jump. King revealed that within the final 10 episodes, time will move forward one year. 3. Fan-favorite couples will end up together, but not all of them. Im a hopeless romantic. I think that our fans, as much as theyve enjoyed the mystery of the show, theyve enjoyed the romance, as well, King said. I think the couples that are meant to be together will find their way back together. However, Goldstick added, I think there are some surprises. 4. Well learn more about the DiLaurentis family. I think she really does evolve. I think there is a redemption, Goldstick said about Alison (Pieterses character). Youll know a lot more about the DiLaurentis [family]. I think that a lot of Alisons behavior, if not forgivable, is certainly comprehensible. King added, We humanize everyone. We humanize Alison and learn why she is the way she is. Story continues 5. We wont find out how the moms got out of the basement well, maybe we will Every single answer, except how the moms got out of the basement, Shay Mitchell said. King teased, But it is discussed. 6. There will be lots of game-playing. The first episode back features the liars opening up a gift from A a board game that he created. He forces the PLLs to play this game, King said. And the stakes are incredible high. (FYI: King said do not pay too much attention to her saying he when referring to A.) 7. Everyone from past seasons of Pretty Little Liars is coming back. I think we wound up getting every single person, King said. There was one at the very last moment that we didnt think was going to work outpeople on other shows begged their producers and networks. 8. Social media has impacted the storytelling on the show and will continue to do so in the final 10 episodes. If you see an overwhelming trend on Twitter, King said, specifically mentioning couples on the show, We have taken that into account, as we move the story forward. Hale gave a nod to the viewers, weighing in: I think thats why the fans have stuck with the show for all this time because weve made them feel a part of it. 9. The final episodes are for the fans. These last 10 episodes are really a love letter to the fans. We know why theyre loyal and what they want, King said. 10. Theres still hope for more Pretty Little Liars after the final 10 episodes. King said that the current reunion-filled television landscape will enable her to bring Pretty Little Liars in some shape of form. Well find a way to bring back these characters together in some point in time, she said to which Mitchell jumped in, Sex and the City did it, right?! Pretty Little Liars will wrap up its seven-season run this spring, kicking off on Apr. 18 on Freeform. Related stories 'Scandal' Star Kerry Washington on Donald Trump: 'Less Than Quarter' of America 'Voted for Our Next President' Freeform Renews 'Beyond' for Season 2 in Middle of TCA Session 'Bachelor' Twins Emily and Haley Ferguson Get Their Own Spinoff on Freeform (Reuters) - Roughly 11.5 million people signed up for individual health plan coverage under U.S. President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, an increase of 286,000 from a year earlier, according to government figures released on Tuesday. The report includes data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and is the first time the government has released 3Q9TGV1from the state-run marketplaces. Of those, 8.7 million people signed up for federally run plans through Healthcare.gov. (Reporting by Toni Clarke in Washington; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Come for your college education, stay for a master's degree on the house. In the higher education equivalent of a fast-food value meal, at least one university is dangling tuition-free professional graduate degrees as a way to entice applicants at a time of lean budgets and intense competition. The University of St. Joseph in West Hartford this week made the pitch, announcing that undergraduates studying business management and accounting will be able to qualify for a fifth-year master's degree with no additional tuition. "We'll leave some tuition dollars on the table for graduate students," the university's president, Rhona Free, said in an interview, "but we hope that we will more than make up for that by attracting more undergraduate students to the campus and to these programs." It's part of a broader strategy to boost enrollment at the private university. The school, which has enrolled only female undergraduates since its founding in 1932, also is evaluating whether to open admission to men as it contends with a decline in college enrollment. In developing the new program, which the university bills as "Two degrees for the price of one," Free said school officials spoke with leaders of other campuses that have attempted different pricing approaches but did not find many others that offered tuition-free graduate school. The closest model they found, she said, was the private Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, which offers a tuition-free fifth-year master's degree in areas including finance, management and public administration. About 20 percent of graduating Clark seniors, or roughly 100 students, take advantage of the accelerated master's degrees annually. The GPA requirements vary by department, depending on the cost and available spaces in each program, according to Kevin McKenna, a senior associate college dean. Clark introduced its program in the 1990s as an incentive to retain strong students who were transferring to more highly ranked institutions, he said, but it also has helped to attract students. Story continues While joint-degree programs have become common at universities, the offers of tuition-free graduate degrees at a few private schools remain unusual. Bob Collins, vice president for financial aid at Western Governors University, said it is a fascinating concept that makes sense for students who decide early on a career path. For others coming out of high school, he said, it will take more time and work experience to know whether an advanced degree is worth the time and indirect expenses. With enrollment around 2,500 students, half of them in the co-ed graduate programs, St. Joseph's is among many smaller schools that have faced strains in the aftermath of the Great Recession, particularly in suburban areas where the number of college-age students has dropped. The pressures have led many schools to carve out niche academic offerings and experiment with aid packages to help bring in more tuition-paying students. Enrollment has remained strong in the programs the university is best known for including nursing, nutrition and social work but it hopes the new offer will attract more to business and accounting programs it began offering 40 years ago, Free said. Students who complete the program will earn an M.S. in management. "We have some really important global corporations right down the road and they have needs for workers who are prepared to move directly into jobs," Free said, referring to Hartford's big insurers among others. "We want to help meet that need." A year at St. Joseph's costs around $46,000 including tuition, room and board. School spokeswoman Diana Sousa said 84 percent of full-time undergraduates receive need-based grants, with an average award of $20,487 annually. The tuition for the master's degree would be around $28,000. Elsewhere, the Milwaukee School of Engineering began offering tuition-free master's degrees to qualified undergraduates in 2012 as a recruiting tool, but it has since discontinued the program. A spokeswoman for the private school, JoEllen Burdue, said that students in the graduate program traditionally have had three to five years of work experience and that those who enrolled directly from college could not draw on real-life experiences and struggled in the classroom. Toyota (TM) will start selling a brand-new version of its best-selling Camry later this year, and the Japanese automaker wants to make sure you know where it is built. The first bullet point on the press release announcing the car says, assembled in America, by Americans, for Americans. The cars American heritage will be a prominent feature of promotional campaigns coming this summer. If youre wondering why Toyota is going gaga over America, you havent been paying attention to Donald Trumps tweets. In early January, Trump tweet-slammed Toyota, criticizing its plan to move production of the Corolla compact car from Mississippi to a new plant in Mexico. NO WAY! Trump tweet-thundered. Build plant in US or pay big border tax. Toyota says it doesnt plan to change its production plans for the Corollabut it does hope to do a better job of publicizing everything it builds in the United States. Camry is going to allow us to tell that Americanization story, Toyota division general manager Bill Fay tells Yahoo Finance in the video above. Its quite an Americanization story. The car is assembled in Georgetown, Ky., and ranks as one of the most American cars in terms of content, according to government data, since major components such as the engine and transmission are also US-made. Toyota operates 10 manufacturing plants in the United States and employs 136,000 Americans. Company executives say Trump may not have been aware of Toyotas heavy US footprint when he complained about the Corolla. Toyota executives have been in touch with Trumps team to straighten them out. Oh, one other thing about the Camry: Its now taut and exciting. The popular sedan has borne one badge of ignominy over the years: automotive purists consider it boring. Toyota has revamped the 2018 model so it sits a bit lower, looks a bit sharper and takes corners with more aplomb. It will be a sportier-looking car, says Fay. It will be a sportier-driving car. Reviews arent in yet, since Toyota just unveiled its flagship sedan at the Detroit auto show. It will hit dealerships in August and get a lot of attention, since the Camry is an industry bellwether that reflects changes in consumer tastes. By the time it arrives, just about everybody who watches TV, surfs the web or reads a car magazine will know where the Camry is built. Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman. At this years Detroit auto show, everybody wanted to know how incoming president Donald Trump was likely to disrupt the car business in 2017. Auto executives preferred to talk about profitsbecause theres a lot to talk about. General Motors (GM) just boosted its guidance for profitability in 2017 to as high as $6.50 per share, a healthy 8% bump over the firms expected EPS for 2016. GM also said it will buy back an additional $5 billion in stock, for a total of $14 billion in buybacks since 2015. GM stock jumped on the news and is up 24% during the last year, more than the overall stock market. Fiat-Chrysler (FCAU), parent of the Fiat, Chrysler Dodge, Jeep an Ram brands, cant build enough Jeeps to meet global demand. It just announced expanded production of existing Jeep models along with a forthcoming Jeep pickup and a new Wagoneer. The company will invest $1 billion in Ohio and Michigan to build the new vehicles, which earned a tweet plaudit from Trump. Fiat-Chrysler stock has soared of late, up 65% in the last three months. Ford (F) has underperformed its crosstown rivals recently, due to a costly recall and higher-than-expected expenses for a freshening of the F-150 pickup. But analysts still expect a $7.3 billion profit for 2015, according to S&P Capital IQ, which would be comparable to the prior years healthy numbers. Ford stock has been flat during the last year, but its up 12% since Trumps surprise win in November. Trump has hassled Ford, GM and Toyota (TM) for building cars in Mexico, leading some to worry that Trump could declare war on the whole industry. It would be particularly problematic if Trump pulled the United States out of the North American Free Trade Agreement, as he has threatened to do, since automakers have invested many billions of dollars south of the border during the last decade, taking advantage of NAFTAs free-trade provisions. But investors seem to be betting that Trumps policies could benefit the automakers on the whole, rather than punishing them. Analyst Adam Jonas of Morgan Stanley points out that Fiat-Chrysler would be a huge beneficiary if Trump relaxes fuel-economy rules, which could fit with his promise to roll back regulations on business. Fiat-Chrysler is more dependent on large vehicles with weak fuel economy than most other automakers, which has been considered a vulnerability that has depressed the share price. But it could become an asset if suddenly automakers dont need as many high-mileage compacts or costly new technologies such as electric vehicles. Story continues Ford CEO Mark Fields has said repeatedly that his company would be quite pleased to see a cut in the corporate income tax, as Trump has promised. That could make it considerably cheaper to manufacture in the United States and give automakers an incentive to build more products here instead of overseas. Another proposal under consideration by Congressional Republicans, a border-adjusted tax, could further lower taxes on automakers while giving them an incentive to build more cars in America for export, which in theory might create more jobs. Theres also the chance Trump will throw the auto industry into mayhem by imposing new taxes on cars imported from Mexico and other low-cost countries. But Trump has proved to be a willing negotiator so far. After criticizing Ford for months, for instance, he praised the company for a new investment in Michigan it probably would have made no matter what. He was also happy with Fords plan to cancel the construction of a new plant in Mexico, which Ford also might have done regardless, because demand has evaporated for the small cars it planned to build there. Trump has proven he can be appeased, and the automakers are getting better at turning Trump to their own advantage. The future might be brighter for Detroit than Trumps tweets suggest. Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman. GRAPEVINE, Texas The 2017 total solar eclipse, which will be visible across the contiguous United States, will be a scientific marvel and a potentially life-changing experience for people who view it. But experts warn that it will also be a logistical nightmare. The eclipse was a hot topic of discussion Dec. 3 through Dec. 8 at the 229th meeting of the American Astronomical Society. One session at the meeting focused on some of the science that can be done only during an eclipse. During a plenary session talk, NASA heliophysicist C. Alex Young encouraged the scientists at the meeting to spread the word to people who might not be aware that the eclipse will be taking place in the U.S this year. "Every single person that I've talked to [who has seen a total eclipse] has said it is a life-changing event," Young said during his plenary talk. "This is so much more than a scientific opportunity. This is a human event." ['Great American Total Solar Eclipse' of 2017: A Photo Guide] But a panel of eclipse experts who spoke to members of the news media also warned that the eclipse will likely create a logistical nightmare. The areas of the country where the eclipse will reach totality (meaning the sun will be entirely covered by the moon) are expected to be congested with people trying to get a glimpse of the incredible sight. Federal agencies, including NASA, are bracing for the event. This NASA map of the United States shows the entire path of totality for the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse. NASA/Goddard/SVS/Ernie Wright A unique science event It's a miraculous cosmic coincidence that the sun and moon appear to be almost the same size in Earth's sky. The size similarity of the two bodies means that during a total solar eclipse, the central body of the sun is blocked by the moon. When the eclipse reaches totality, it seems as though the world has suddenly changed from day to night, with a fast drop in temperature. With the light from the sun's main body obscured, it's possible for the naked eye to see the sun's corona, a region of intensely hot gas surrounding the main body that is typically overwhelmed by the light from the main body. To eclipse viewers, the corona appears as silvery streaks in the sky. Story continues An instrument called a coronagraph is used to study the sun's corona (and to search for planets around distant stars), and it mimics the moon during a solar eclipse: A telescope or camera looks at the sun, and a coronagraph is placed over the central body of the sun to block the light. It's easy to see these coronagraphs at work in images taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). And yet, humans can't make a coronagraph that gets as close to the edge of the sun as the moon does during an eclipse, Young said during his talk. (The reason for this has to do with "the optics" of the instruments, he said.) That means scientists can't see as much of the corona using those state-of-the-art instruments as they can during a natural eclipse. NASA has multiple experiments it will be supporting to collect data during the 2017 eclipse to take advantage of this opportunity. Other safety concerns The only time it is safe to look directly at the sun is during a total solar eclipse, during totality, when the central body is completely obscured. (Check out this Space.com infographic to learn more about how to view the sun safely.) In addition to eye-safety concerns around the event, Young told the media that federal agencies are concerned about safety in the region of totality. "There's going to be traffic like we've never seen," Angela Speck, a professor of astronomy at the University of Columbia in Missouri and head of the AAS 2017 eclipse task force, at the media briefing. The eclipse's path of totality (the region where the total eclipse will be visible) extends from Oregon all the way to South Carolina, and is 70 miles wide (112 kilometers). "Basically every single person in U.S. is within a long day's drive [of the path of totality], and there are 88 million people that live within 200 miles, which is a few hours' drive," she said. If clouds appear over the path of totality as the eclipse approaches, people will most likely try to (quickly) drive to areas with clearer skies, which will create more traffic problems. And there are concerns that go along with any large crowd of people standing outside in the middle of summer: If people get heatstroke or become dehydrated, will there be emergency services available. Where will those people eat, and will there be restroom facilities? These are issues that Speck said her task force is trying to address. Despite the logistical mayhem that will likely accompany the eclipse, Speck agreed with Young and said the science community should try to get the word out to members of the general public who may not know the event is happening. Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Editor's Recommendations It's a new year and it's time for a fresh start. If you're planning to sell your home in 2017, here are a few mistakes you should avoid to maximize your results and minimize your headache. Selling a home can be difficult. Side step these common mistakes to increase your chances for a smoother, faster, and more gainful transaction. [See: 10 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast.] Skipping the necessary preparation. Once the decision has been made to sell, it's understandable that many sellers want to get their homes on the market as quickly as possible. However, taking the time to get your home ready for sale is one of the most important steps in the selling process. Skipping or skimping on this step is one of the biggest mistakes a home seller can make. You only get one chance to make a first impression and a great first impression can translate to actual dollar value -- especially in a competitive market. Take the time to paint, make repairs, declutter, tidy landscaping and stage the home, if needed. An experienced real estate professional can help you to determine what work needs to be done and how it could affect the value of your home in the local market. Clean up and declutter. Potential buyers need to be able to picture themselves in your home -- too much clutter, personal items or disorder can be distracting and turn buyers off. Repair and upgrade. Even small cosmetic issues can be a red flag for potential buyers. Chipping paint, water stains, cracks or stained carpets can be signs of neglect or larger problems with the property. Your home should look well cared for and maintained. Stage. Staging can range from simply refreshing and rearranging current furnishings, to editing and adding accessories, to complete professional staging. Take great photos. Proper preparation also translates to a well-executed marketing plan. Your home should show at its best in person as well as in the property photos and collateral materials. As more and more buyers are turning to the internet to begin their home search, we rely on excellent photography to make a great first impression. Ditch those iPhone or point-and-shoot images. Professionally shot and staged property photos are an absolutely essential sales tool. Story continues [See: 8 Ways to Stage Your Home in the Winter.] Pricing too high for the market. Pricing is the most important decision, and the one that will have the largest impact on your sales outcome. The biggest mistake sellers make is overpricing their property for the market. Overpricing typically leads to more days on market, which can negatively affect your final sale price. Whether you're in a hurry to sell or not, time is a critical factor in selling your home. In general, the longer a property sits on the market, the less urgency buyers will feel, the more leverage they will feel they have and the less likely you will be to attract the attention for multiple offers. Pricing can be a sensitive topic of discussion, and it's a good idea to work with an experienced professional who knows the market as well as your specific neighborhood. As a seller, it can be difficult to see your own home with unbiased eyes. Emotional attachments and financial obligations can cause sellers to reach for more value than the market will bear. Review comparable deals in the area, take a realistic look at your home and discuss the positives and negatives of different pricing strategies with your agent to determine what will work best for you. Even with thoughtful pricing, it's still possible to miss the mark. Sellers who are able to keep their emotions and expectations in check will be better able to reassess a situation and find a successful outcome. Being present for showings and open houses. As much as you may want to be completely hands-on in the sale of your home, it's almost never a good idea to linger during showings or open houses. When the seller is present, it can create an awkward situation for potential buyers. Buyers may feel they're intruding on your home, which can make it even more difficult for them to imagine themselves living there. They may feel rushed or inhibited by the seller's presence and may not take the extra time they need to go through the home at their own pace. In addition, buyers may not feel comfortable expressing their true feelings about a property which can lead to frustration and inaccurate feedback. [See: 10 Unorthodox Ways Your Real Estate Agent May Market Your Home.] Not working with an experienced professional. Working with an experienced real estate professional can make all the difference in your home selling experience. A good agent can provide you with support, advice and resources to help you avoid many of these common pitfalls. From preparation and pricing to marketing and showing your property, a good agent can alleviate much of the stress, time and legwork necessary to get your home sold. Real estate transactions can get complicated and once a buyer makes an offer on your home or you enter escrow, a seasoned professional who is skilled in negotiation and familiar with the process can be invaluable. When you're interviewing and hiring an agent to sell your home, it's important to ask questions. Not all agents are created equal, so choosing the best person to represent you is key. Working with an underqualified agent, or even someone who just doesn't mesh with your personality and goals, can be just as detrimental as going it on your own. Consider experience, past and current deals, market knowledge and marketing know-how. Equally important is to hire someone you respect, trust and feel you can work well with. Avoid these common home selling mistakes and set yourself up for a positive and prosperous 2017. Sally Forster Jones is recognized as one of the top real estate brokers in Southern California. Sally is an expert in the luxury real estate market in Los Angeles and internationally. Her extensive knowledge ranges from residential sales, luxury and architecturally significant properties to new developments and commercial transactions. Sally is currently President of Aaroe International Luxury Properties with John Aaroe Group in Beverly Hills, California, where her team, Sally Foster Jones Group, is comprised of a full-service team of agents and real estate and marketing professionals. Seven people have been arrested in Florida for serving food to the homeless after police said they didnt have a permit to do so. Members of "Tampa Food Not Bombs," an organization dedicated to providing meals for the homeless, were warned by police while they were serving food in Gaslight Park Saturday. In a video captured of the scene, police can be heard warning the group that they had three minutes to pack up and leave because they were trespassing. When they didn't budge, cops arrested them. Read: What a Kind Sole! Young Boy Gives Homeless Man the Shoes Off His Feet We kind of expected it to happen. They had given us warning. But our stance is we are not packing up until every belly is full so we did what we came there to do, Cliff Connolly, a member of the group, told InsideEdition.com. Police arrested Jimmy Dunson, 32; Bert Donaldson, 38; Dezeray Rubinchik, 38; Jason Grimes, 26; William Payton, 46; Roger Butterfield, 26; and Christopher Mince, 30, but they were released the same day, according to reports. Connolly said the group has been distributing food for years on Tuesdays and Saturdays and only had a problem once in 2004 when five members were arrested, but police had since backed down after protests. According to the city ordinance 16-43(c), people are prohibited from the distribution of food to the general public without a permit or written permission from the Parks and Recreation department. Police also said that they warned the group days in advance while passing out coffee and bagels that they would be arrested if they returned, but the members did anyway. "We warned them. You set up table, chairs and everything, that's against ordinance," Steve Hegarty, a police spokesman, said in an interview with TampaBay.com. "We told them exactly what would happen. And that's exactly what happened." Read: A 9-Year-Old Girl With a Very Big Heart Tends to Homeless by Making Them Care Packages However, Connolly said in order to be approved for the permit, the group would need $1 million worth of insurance, which they do not have the money to pay. Story continues Our stance is that compassion is not a crime. This isnt an act of charity its an act of solidarity. The people in the park are our friends and if they are hungry we are going to share our food with them, Connolly said. Watch: Man Who Spent Most of Life as Homeless Alcoholic Finally Graduates College Related Articles: The Duchess donned a real fur hat on Sunday [Photo: PA] On Sunday, the Duchess of Cambridge attended a church service in Sandringham sporting a furry grey hat. It has now been revealed that the royals eye-catching accessory is in fact made of real fur. But all is not as it seems. In fact, Kate has impressed once again by opting for an ethical fur designer. Her recent style was created by Peruvian designer, Antonia Valentin Jacob, who runs the Lacorine brand. Kates hat is ethically sourced from Peruvian alpacas [Photo: Lacorine] Lacorines fur is ethically sourced from baby alpacas who die in Perus harsh climates which can hit as low as minus 20 degrees. Local artisans, who work under the Fairtrade label, supply Antonia with the fur on her many visits to the countrys mountains. The alpacas are not bred for slaughter. They die of natural causes in the harsh weather conditions and the farmers suffer terrible losses because they make money from sheering them for their fleeces. I visit them three times a year, flying to Cusco and take a bus to Sicuani to work with them. The ideas come from two worlds, the designer told the Daily Mail. Sister Pippa wore the same style back in 2013 [Photo: PA] The Duchesss particular style is called the Sumac and retails for 320 at Lock & Co; one of the royal familys favourite milliners. Kate first bought the design with sister Pippa five years ago, stocking up on a wide range of colours including black, chocolate brown and champagne. Antonia says her company has effectively been saved by the Duchess after struggling sales turned into endless orders almost immediately after Kates appearance. Its the Kate effect all over again. Would you wear ethical fur? Tell us your thoughts at @YahooStyleUK. Justin Bieber and other celebrities who wear real fur Heres what turning 35 might mean for the Duchess of Cambridge Ace soared to new heights for his first birthday! The youngest child of Real Housewives of Atlantas Kandi Burruss celebrated turning 1 with family and friends at Kids Planet in Jonesboro, Georgia on Sunday. While there, guests enjoyed an aviation-themed party with a color scheme of red, blue and yellow. They called the event #FlyingAce1stBirthday, Burruss tells PEOPLE. Ace has many definitions but one definition is a military aircraft pilot who has destroyed five or more enemy aircrafts, the proud mom, who shares baby Ace with husband Todd Tucker, explains. So we decided to go with the flying ace theme. As for her life as a new mom, Burruss who is also mom to her 13-year-old daughter Riley and stepmom to Tuckers daughter Kaela said shes enjoyed this past year. Its been awesome! she gushed. Ace is the best son in the world! Among the guests invited to the party was Xscape bandmate Tameka Tiny Harris, who attended with her and estranged husband T.I.s youngest child, daughter Heiress. But her baby did more than eat some cake during his big day. The family also celebrated his latest milestone: walking! He just started walking, right on time for his party, she said. On Thursday, Burruss took to Instagram to share a video of Ace making some of his first solo steps, captioning the clip, Walking in time to play & have fun for the bday party! #Ace is birthday is tomorrow! And the happy mom is already excited for his next milestone. Im looking forward to him talking, she said. Two years old is when it gets fun! Just a few weeks before Aces big birthday, the family celebrated the holidays with a family trip to Floridas Disney World. And from the looks of it, the then-soon-to-be birthday boy was all too thrilled to experience his first trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Merry Christmas from me and from Disney World, Todd captioned a selfie of the two on Instagram. Enjoy your holiday and be safe! By Luke Mintz LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - British actor Tom Hiddleston apologized on Tuesday to aid workers for comments he made at the Golden Globe Awards about how viewing his TV series "The Night Manager" had helped them in a conflict zone. Hiddleston, a UNICEF ambassador, was accused of being a "white savior" after telling the audience how he met some Medecins Sans Frontieres medics in South Sudan last year who told him they "binge-watched" the series while holed up. He said the idea that he could provide some relief for people "fixing the world in the places where it is broken made me immensely proud". But after coming under criticism for his remarks, the 35-year-old actor said his "nerves got the better of me" while he accepted the award for Best Actor in a TV Drama for his role in the series that was adapted from a John le Carre novel. "My speech at the Golden Globes last night was inelegantly expressed ... I was very nervous and the words just came out wrong," he wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. "Sincerely, my only intention was to salute the incredible bravery and courage of the men and women who work so tirelessly for UNICEF UK, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), and World Food Programme." Hiddleston has been a UNICEF UK Ambassador since 2015 and recently traveled to South Sudan for a second time to see the impact of the civil conflict on vulnerable children, the United Nations children's agency said on its website. (Editing by Belinda Goldsmith; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org) Acuity Brands, Inc. AYI reported first-quarter fiscal 2017 adjusted earnings of $1.88 per share (including stock option expenses), missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.06 by 8.7%. Excluding stock option expenses, the company reported adjusted earnings of $2.00 per share, an increase of 13% from $1.77 a year ago. Sales Net sales during the quarter were $851.2 million, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $887.1 million by 4.1%. The reported figure, however, increased 15.6% year over year. The upside was mainly attributable to a 10% increase in volume and a 9% rise from acquisitions. These were partly offset by a net unfavorable change in product prices and mix of products sold (price/mix) of 2% and a 1% impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Volumes increased across most product categories and key sales channels during the quarter. LED-based product sales represented approximately two-thirds of the first-quarter net sales. Operating Highlights Adjusted gross profit margin was 42.4% in the first quarter, reflecting a decrease of 100 basis points (bps) year over year owing to the lower-than-expected sales volume. Adjusted operating margin was 16.8%, down 30 bps year over year. Adjusted Selling, Distribution and Administrative or SG&A expenses were $218 million or 25.6% of quarterly net sales, compared with $194.1 million or 26.4% a year ago. Financials Cash and cash equivalents, as of Nov 30, 2016, were $451.2 million, up from $413.2 million in fiscal 2016. Long-term debt, less current portion, was $355.7 million, up slightly from $355 million at fiscal 2016-end. Net cash provided by operating activities was $38.7 million in the fiscal first quarter, down 24.3% from $51.1 million a year ago. Guidance The company believes that lower demand will likely continue in the second quarter. Also, order activity in Dec 2016 reflected growth at a slower pace than what was witnessed over the past several quarters. Additionally, the second fiscal quarter typically marks the weakest quarter due to normal seasonality and the potential for year-end inventory rebalancing by certain customers. The company had earlier stated that it will likely spend approximately 2.5% of its revenues as capital expenditures in fiscal 2017, which will support growth including tooling for new products, expansion and electronic capacity. Acuity Brands projects growth rate for the North American lighting market (comprising over 97% of the companys revenues) in the mid-to-upper single digit range for fiscal 2017. Overall, Acuity Brands reaffirmed its fiscal 2017 outlook and expects demand in its end-markets to rise substantially over the next several years. Zacks Rank Acuity Brands currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Story continues Acuity Brands Inc Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Acuity Brands Inc Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Acuity Brands Inc Quote Upcoming Peer Releases in the Construction Sector KB Home KBH will release its fourth-quarter 2016 earnings on Jan 11. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarters earnings is pegged at 37 cents per share. PulteGroup, Inc. PHM is slated to release its fourth-quarter 2016 earnings on Jan 26. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarters earnings is 58 cents per share. DR Horton Inc. DHI is likely to report its first-quarter fiscal 2017 results on Jan 24. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarters earnings stands at 47 cents per share. Zacks' Top Investment Ideas for Long-Term Profit How would you like to see our best recommendations to help you find todays most promising long-term stocks? Starting now, you can look inside our portfolios featuring stocks under $10, income stocks, value investments and more. These picks, which have double and triple-digit profit potential, are rarely available to the public. But you can see them now. Click here >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Acuity Brands Inc (AYI): Free Stock Analysis Report PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM): Free Stock Analysis Report KB Home (KBH): Free Stock Analysis Report D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research (Recasts to add details on acquisition, comments throughout) By Guillermo Parra-Bernal SAO PAULO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - GTM Holdings SA, Latin America's No. 1 independent distributor of chemical products, has agreed to pay 550 million reais ($172 million) for Brazilian peer quantiQ Distribuidora Ltda, in an effort to gain more foothold in the region's biggest country. Under terms of the deal, GTM Holdings, which is owned by private equity firm Advent International Corp, will pay 450 million reais when the deal closes, with the remainder being disbursed within the next 12 months. The acquisition of quantiQ, formerly part of Brazil's Braskem SA, is GTM's third since June. The deal will allow GTM, which was founded in Guatemala 31 years ago, to broaden the wide array of suppliers for the company's 12,000 customers in 12 Latin American countries, said Manuel Garcia Podesta, a director at Advent. An advantage of the quantiQ deal is the proximity it will create with Braskem , Latin America's No. 1 resin maker, he added. "This deal is transformational for GTM in the sense that it will significantly expand the scope of our suppliers, creating value and synergies for GTM's customers," Garcia Podesta said in an interview from Bogota, where he is based. Mergers and acquisitions among Latin America's chemical and industrial companies are poised to gain traction this year, as two years of a deep downturn and an ongoing recovery in global prices are making some targets attractive for large global players, bankers said. Room for acquisitions of chemical distributors in Brazil remain large, Advent's Garcia Podesta said, noting that GTM will gauge organic growth or acquisition opportunities carefully. Brazil's top ten chemical distributors control about 30 percent of the market. For GTM, the purchase of quantiQ will give it access to a portfolio of over 5,000 clients in the country in 50 different market segments ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and food processing. Story continues In turn, Braskem, which recently signed a leniency deal with Brazilian and U.S. authorities over its involvement in a graft and bribery scandal in Brazil, could be looking to divest assets as it seeks to cut costs by 400 million reais a year. The sale of quantiQ "is in line with Braskem's strategy of reinforcing the focus on petrochemical operations," Sao Paulo-based Braskem said in a Tuesday securities filing. The transaction hinges on regulatory approval. Itau BBA SA, the investment-banking unit of Itau Unibanco Holding SA and law firm Lobo & de Rizo Advogados, advised GTM on the transaction. ($1 = 3.1955 reais) (Editing by Diane Craft, Bernard Orr) Nearly 100 Afghan former interpreters for the French army demanded French visas on Tuesday so they can leave their country, saying they face regular threats from Islamist insurgents. The group, which gathered near the French embassy but was promptly dispersed by police, displayed banners calling for protection and France's solidarity with endangered interpreters. "Why are we still here in Kabul? Why were our demands rejected by the French government?" said Khodadad Adib, 28, their representative. "We were with the soldiers in sometimes dangerous places. Today we find ourselves in a fragile situation but the army is no longer there with us." The interpreters said they were currently in danger after taking risks alongside the French troops deployed against the Taliban insurgency. They said they have seen their visa applications rejected once and sometimes several times without explanation. "I would like to know why," said Habibullah Habib, 24, who was an interpreter for the French in the dangerous Kapisa valley northeast of Kabul. "Daesh (the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group) and the Taliban are looking for us. If they find us they will kill us for working with foreign armies," he said. Habib, who lives with relatives in Parwan province north of Kabul, said he had received several anonymous letters threatening him and his family with death. "Sometimes I have to wear a burqa to go out on the street and go to work. My father wears a mask to go to the mosque, my brothers do not go to school any more," he said. In 2013 and again in 2015, his visa application was refused. "I get calls calling me a spy for working with foreign troops," said Noorzai Mohammed Amin, 50. A total of 70,000 French soldiers were deployed in Afghanistan between the end of 2001 and the end of 2014, of whom 89 were killed and about 700 wounded. Some 700 Afghans worked with them in jobs such as mechanics, housekeepers and interpreters. Story continues One hundred of these have benefited from a process of "relocation" in France. Others have tried illegal emigration routes, sometimes at the risk of their lives. A similar demonstration by Afghan interpreters was scheduled simultaneously on Tuesday in Paris. Afghan officials are pushing to create a "safe zone" for Taliban insurgents in a bid to wean them away from traditional sanctuaries inside Pakistan, in a radical and contentious strategy to de-escalate the conflict. The plan underscores desperation in Afghanistan for out-of-the-box solutions to tackle the 15-year insurgency, as peace bids repeatedly fail and US-backed forces suffer record casualties in stalemated fighting. If implemented, the strategy -- aimed at undercutting Pakistan's influence over the Taliban -- could, for better or for worse, be a game changer in a strife-torn nation where ceding territory to insurgents is seen as tantamount to partition. "I urge the Taliban to return to Afghanistan. We should make a safe zone for them and their families," Kandahar police chief Abdul Raziq told a gathering of religious scholars and tribal elders last month. "We can no longer rely on foreign governments and embassies to end the war. The Taliban belong to this country, they are sons of this soil." That Raziq, arguably the most powerful commander in southern Afghanistan and long one of the staunchest anti-Taliban figures, would suggest such an idea amplified the shockwaves it created. "The government shouldn't be giving safe zones to terrorists," warned former Helmand governor Sher Mohammed Akhundzada, while some observers dismissed the strategy as "illogical" as the Taliban already control vast swathes of Afghan territory. Raziq did not respond to repeated requests for an interview, but a senior security official told AFP the government's goal "is to bring the Taliban from Pakistan to Afghanistan". "We will separate a territory for them to come with their families. Then whether they want to fight or talk peace, they will be relieved from the pressure of Pakistan," he said, speaking anonymously. - 'Double game' - Pakistan began supporting the Taliban movement of the 1990s as part of its policy of "strategic depth" against nemesis India. Story continues Seen by many Afghans as the biggest obstacle to lasting peace, Islamabad has long been accused of playing a "double game" in Afghanistan: endorsing Washington's war on terrorism since the 9/11 attacks, while nurturing militant sanctuaries. After years of official denial, a top Pakistani official in 2016 admitted for the first time the Taliban enjoys safe haven inside his country, which Islamabad uses as a "lever" to pressure the group into talks with Kabul. However, Pakistan has hosted multiple rounds of talks ostensibly to jumpstart a peace process -- without result. The "safe zone" strategy appears to have taken shape as prominent Taliban figures call to make the insurgency independent of Pakistan's powerful intelligence agency, which they accuse of manipulating the group. "The presence of our movement's key decision makers and institutions inside Pakistan means they can impose things that are against the interests of our movement and Afghanistan," Sayed Tayyeb Agha wrote in a letter last year to Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada. "To be able to make independent decisions, our leadership... should leave Pakistan," the former head of the Taliban's political commission added in the letter seen by AFP. Afghanistan's National Security Council did not officially confirm the government strategy, saying only: "The Taliban are allowed to relocate to Afghanistan under state protection." The Afghan security official said the government was in contact with Taliban leaders over the proposal, a fact corroborated by militant sources in Pakistan. He refused to specify the potential location for the safe zone, and whether it will be immune from aerial bombardment or ground assault, but insisted no areas with military installations will be handed over. - Flawed strategy? - Speculation that the government was furtively trying to cede territory recently grew when local media cited secret military documents revealing Afghan forces were planning to retreat from two Helmand districts during a winter lull in fighting. Afghan officials dismissed the report, while also rejecting longstanding claims that the Taliban leadership council - Quetta Shura - has relocated to Afghanistan. But multiple insurgent sources told AFP that prominent members, including the Taliban's military chief Ibrahim Sadr, recently moved to an undisclosed location in Afghanistan. "Ibrahim also urged Haibatullah to come to Afghanistan but he refused," a top Quetta Shura member told AFP. Obaidullah Barakzai, an MP from Uruzgan province, argued that giving the Taliban a permanent address in Afghanistan would make it easier to convince them to participate in an "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace dialogue without interference from our neighbour". However Timor Sharan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, said the strategy was flawed. "It's like asking the Taliban to leave their brick-built houses and settle in a tent in the desert with half-hearted guarantees that they will not be bombed," Sharan told AFP. "The Taliban need to receive a strong assurance from coalition forces, in particular the US, before making the move." But the Afghan security official insisted there was no military solution to the conflict. "If this plan does not work, Afghanistan will be ready for another tough year of fighting," he said. On Tuesday, less than two weeks before U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reshuffled his (famously feminist-friendly) cabinet. One major change? Chrystia Freeland will leave her post as minister of international trade to become minister of foreign affairs. Freeland is a strong supporter of international trade and played a key role in saving the Canada-European Union trade agreement (CETA) last year. As foreign minister, she will be charged in part with dealing with the U.S. administration of a man who says he wants to renegotiate or leave the North American free trade agreement (NAFTA) Canadas largest and most important trade deal. Freeland, who also chairs the cabinet committee on U.S.-Canada relations, will replace Stephane Dion, who will reportedly be taking a diplomatic post. Dion, per the Globe and Mail, is known to have a cranky personality, which some feel wont sit well with Trump or his secretary of state pick, ExxonMobil chief Rex Tillerson. But Freelands selection is not the only part of the Canadian charm offensive. Trudeaus principal secretary Gerald Butts, chief of staff Katie Telford, and Canadas U.S. Ambassador David MacNaughton reportedly met on more than one occasion with Steve Bannon, former Breitbart boss and incoming White House strategist, and Jared Kushner, Trumps soon to be senior advisor and also his son-in-law. Trudeau also apparently enlisted former Progressive Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney, Trumps neighbor in Palm Beach, and Derek Burney, former U.S.-Canada ambassador, with opening doors in Washington and helping to preserve a bilateral partnership worth $2 billion dollars a day in trade. Francois-Philippe Champagne will now take Freelands international trade post. Another notable change: Somali-Canadian Ahmed Hussen will succeed John McCallum as minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship. Like Dion, McCallum is reportedly moving out to diplomatic post pasture. Meanwhile, the job of minister of democratic institutions, which evidently exists in Canada, will be taken over by 29year-old Karina Gould. Shell replace Maryam Monsef, who is being moved to Status of Women (again, a thing in Canada), taking over from Patty Hajdu, who will now labor as minister of labour. Photo credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images (NEW HAVEN, Conn.) A 91-year-old veteran who was dismissed from the U.S. Air Force as undesirable in 1948 because he is gay has had that discharge status changed to honorable. The move by the Air Force comes in response to a lawsuit filed in November by H. Edward Spires of Norwalk, Connecticut, who served from 1946 to 1948 as a chaplains assistant, earning the rank of sergeant. Spires was forced out of the military in 1948 after an investigation into his sexual orientation. Spires attorneys said he was originally denied the discharge upgrade after the repeal of the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy in 2010 because the Air Force said his records had likely been lost in a 1973 fire. The Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records informed Spires on Friday that the honorable discharge had been approved by the Air Force Review Boards Agency. Spires attorneys have said he is in poor health and would like a military funeral, which the upgrade makes possible. The idea that this man of faith who served dutifully as a chaplains assistant in the armed forces, who built a life and a career that has brought joy to those around him, would leave this earth considered undesirable in the eyes of his country, its unthinkable, Spires husband, David Rosenberg, said during a briefing on the case at the Yale Law School in November. Spires case also was championed by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who said Monday that the Air Forces decision corrects an incredible injustice. ALGIERS, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Resources for the state fund intended to cover Algeria's budget deficits had declined by 59.5 percent at the end of 2016 from the previous year because of falling oil prices, Finance Minister Hadji Baba Ammi said. State finances were already under pressure in Algeria, where the government had forecast foreign exchange reserves would reach $114 billion by the end of last year, from $144 billion in 2015 and $178 billion the previous year. Oil and gas earnings make up 94 percent of total exports and 60 percent of the state budget in the North African state. Algeria set up its oil savings fund, the Fund for the Regulation of Receipts (FRR), 17 years ago. It allocates revenue calculated from the difference between a reference price for oil of $37 a barrel and the market price at which it is actually sold. Algeria's government had maintained high levels of public spending and domestic subsidies before crude oil prices started sliding in mid-2014. Resources for the fund reached 840 billion dinars in December last year, down from 2,072 billion dinars in 2015, Baba Ammi told the parliament finance committee on Monday, according to the state news agency APS. The government had expected oil and gas earnings to drop to $27.5 billion by the end of 2016 from $35.7 billion in 2015 and $60 billion in 2014. The government has approved a 14 percent cut in its budget for 2017 and endorsed higher taxes in a bid to cope with lower energy revenues. It also promises to maintain a subsidy system, a sensitive issue, that will cost $18 billion this year. (Reporting by Hamid Ould Ahmed, editing by Larry King) Lime Light CRM has Selected the Sponsors for the Event, which will be on January 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / The founders of Alpha Connect, a company that offers state-of-the-art customer service solutions for their clients, are pleased to announce that they will be sponsoring an event that is taking place during Affiliate Summit West. Lime Light CRM is organizing the event, which will be at the Delano Hotel in Las Vegas on Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 6 to 9 p.m. As a spokesperson for Alpha Connect noted, the private event is being held to express Lime Light CRM's gratitude and appreciation to their clients, and it will be an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to expand their networks and meet other advertisers in the industry. "This is a great opportunity to network with some of the most reputable providers in different areas of the online and offline marketing industry," the spokesperson noted. In addition to Alpha Connect, several other companies will also co-sponsor the upcoming event in Las Vegas. They are: Code Clouds, Clickbooth, PaySafe and The Fulfillment Lab. The founders of Alpha Connect and the company's team members who are attending Affiliate Summit West are looking forward to the upcoming event and meeting with clients. The conference and tradeshow offers attendees three areas filled with affiliates, merchants, vendors, networks, digital agencies and other people from the industry, as well as a variety of networking events. More than 6,000 people are expected to attend Affiliate Summit West. About Alpha Connect: Alpha Connect specializes in providing world class domestic customer support and business services for a variety of specialty businesses. For more information, please check out the Alpha Connect company website here: http://alphaconnect.com/. Alpha Connect 4502 E. University Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85034 Contact: Nicole de Vera 602-586-1368 SOURCE: Alpha Connect In which an Amelie superfan weighs in on the musical version of the film shes so obsessed with When the movie Amelie first came out back in 2001, I, along with many others, was instantly smitten with the story of a young French woman and her magnificently odd imagination. In the film, we follow Amelie from her days as a shy, lovingly offbeat child to a shy, lovingly offbeat adult living in the Montmartre section of Paris. When the grown-up Amelie (played by the gorgeous and talented Audrey Tatou) finds a treasure box time capsule in her apartment then returns it to its rightful owner, it kicks off her series of good-natured deeds. Amelie has recently been given its own stage version, led by Hamilton actress Phillipa Soo. Filled with vivid imagery, a whimsical plot, and an endearing cast of characters, Amelie has always been one of those movies that gives me solace. It is comfort food in the form of a film a warm hug to anyone who has ever felt strange and alone in the world, but with a head full of wonder and a heart full of longing. My history with the Amelie movie has been slightly obsessive. I went through a phase where I watched the movie EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT for over a week. Though I surprisingly never got Audrey Tatous adorable haircut, I did make a romantic gesture of giving a guy I liked an Amelie-themed mix CD, complete with a photobooth picture strip of me posing in a Zorro mask. What can I say? Im a ROMANTIC. Last year, I was able to visit Paris for the first time, where I made sure to visit Montmartre and in particular, Cafe des 2 Moulins, the very restaurant where Amelie works in the film. Amelie: A New Musical Whenever there is news of a beloved movie getting a reboot or turning into a musical, it can make a superfan nervous. So, when I first heard there was going to be a musical of Amelie, I was instantly curious as to how the movie would translate to stage, from a French film into an English musical. Phillipa Soo, who played Eliza Schuyler in the Broadway hit Hamilton, was set to play Amelie, so I knew that was a good sign. It was confirmed when I saw Soo first step onstage as Amelie I had to do a double take because I thought she was Audrey Tatou! My eyes seriously had to adjust. Story continues Amelie: A New Musical When you think about it, the Jean-Pierre Jeunet-directed film was ideal for film-to-stage adaption. So much, in fact, that Im surprised it is only happening 16 years later. The aesthetics alone prove this was made for a live audience. In the movie, Amelie is always seen wearing red, perfectly complementing her rainbow surroundings. Along with crimson hues, rich primary colors like greens, yellows, and blues saturate the scenes, constantly competing for the viewers gaze. The films costumes, which were designed by Madeline Fontaine (she also costumed the recent Jackie), embodied Amelies dreamy spirit. There was never a neutral seen in our protagonists closet. Soos portrayal of Amelie, dressed in a red floral print top and a black and red checkered maxi, is proof that print mixing can be a gesture of the Divine. Amelie: A New Musical Because the films set design (created by Marie-Laure Valla) is also so colorful and quirky, this was another visual reason why a stage version made sense. Tony Award winner David Zinn was behind both the scenic and costume design, paying homage to both Fontaine and Vallas work brilliantly. Amelie: A New Musical While much of the musical was similar to the film plot, there were specific scenes that became 10 times more magical when brought to the stage. For instance, Amelies pet goldfish, Fluffy, stars in his own musical number, and the globe-hopping, runaway gnome that lived in Amelies fathers backyard had one as well. Even the accidental death of Amelies mother managed to transform well into a comedy rather than a tragic scenario. Then there were completely new sights to take in, like the hilarious dream sequence with none other than Elton John. Amelie: A New Musical Even if you arent a musical theater nerd, fans of Amelie should definitely consider seeing the musical adaptation. Get lost in the brand-new world of our favorite French heroine for a couple of hours. Hope to see you before #AmelieMusical heads to Broadway on January 15! A photo posted by Center Theatre Group (@ctgla) on Jan 9, 2017 at 12:27pm PST You can watch Amelie, A New Musical at the Center Theatre Group in LA until January 15th, and at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York starting March 9th. Following Paradigms partnerships with AM Only and The Windish Agency, the latter two agencies will now formally be renamed as Paradigm Talent Agency. AM Only has collaborated with Paradigm since 2012 and Windish since 2015. Paradigm will continue to work with London-based CODA Agency, its European partner. This renaming is not unexpected it follows a move in November when Paradigm, AM Only and Windish joined in combined office space in New York. Paul Morris (CEO of AM Only) and Tom Windish, (founder-president of The Windish Agency) will continue their leadership roles within Paradigms Music Executive Group along with Dan Weiner, Marty Diamond and CODAs Tom Schroeder. Ive found that the same entrepreneurial spirit that leads to successful business building also lends itself to successful career building for our clients, said Paradigm chairman and CEO Sam Gores in making the announcement. By combining forces with Monterey Peninsula Artists, Little Big Man and, now, AM Only and Windish, Paradigm has built an inclusive culture that keeps the spirit of these independent companies alive which allows our unique attributes to continue to flourish within the unified agency, said Morris. Related stories Brad Turell Exiting Paradigm To Launch Media Consulting Startup 'Austin Powers' Producer Suzanne Todd Inks With Paradigm For TV Paradigm Promotes Five To Agent Amazon made an acquisition last year without getting it publicized. The electronic commerce giant did not spill the beans about the deal, but somehow some details managed to surface this Monday after the company showed off Alexas growth and expansion at CES 2017 last week. According to multiple sources, the Seattle-headquartered company bought San Diego-based cybersecurity startup Harvest.ai in early 2016. The acquisition was made stealthily, so it wasnt made known until recently when investors and tipsters have come out to gush about the deal. If Harvest.ai investor Fred Wang is to be asked, the acquisition was made so Amazon could bolster cloud security for its patrons. Wang is a general partner with Trinity Ventures, the cybersecurity startups lead investor. Although he did not divulge the specifics or confirm the price of the deal, he told GeekWire that it was a good win for the investors and for the management team. The acquisition is indeed a good deal for the startup. A tipster with knowledge on the issue has disclosed that the money involved was $19 million. Considering that Harvest.ai has only raised $2.3 million, the value acquisition really benefited the startup. Amazon and Harvest.ai had already established a good relationship back in 2015. For people who have been religiously following Amazons blog posts, the big company has featured the startup in a post about startups all over the world that are building businesses on top of cloud infrastructure. At the time, Harvest.ai was included in the post because of its app that utilizes multiple Amazon services. It isnt clear then why Amazon, when contacted, said that it does not respond to rumors and speculations and did not even bother to comment on Harvest.ai. However, TechCrunch got out of the way to prove that the acquisition indeed took place. Per the tech sites investigation, the 12 employees of the San Diego startup have since relocated to the Seattle headquarters of Amazon. Story continues Founded in September 2014, Harvest.ai is a company that specializes in AI algorithms to protect data stored in cloud services. The firm works to prevent cyber attacks and inadvertent exposure of important documents and information. Its flagship product is the MACIE Analytics thats designed to automatically identify risk to the business of data that is being exposed or shared outside the organization and remediate based on policies in near real-time, as described on its website. The company works in an area called data-leakage prevention, Wang said of the startup. At one time a lot of companies got into it, but most of them didnt get much traction. Harvest.ai automated looking at file-access patterns to detect which are normal and which are not. Wang then confirmed that Amazon is selling Harvest.ais technology, but he wasnt sure if it is already part of the electronic commerce and cloud computing companys offerings. Related Articles Photo credit: Getty From ELLE UK Amber Heard and Johnny Depp's divorce proceedings appear to be nowhere near finalised. After the actor accused Heard of using their divorce as way to "extend her fifteen minutes of fame," multiple reports also claim he has asked for $100,000 (82,460) in legal fees. Following the setbacks, Heard has responded by saying her estranged husband is delaying the procedure as a way of "punishing" her. Photo credit: Getty "Johnny and his counsel seem to wish to prolong this proceeding as a means of punishing me," Heard is reported to have said in documents obtained by E! News. "I am now told that Johnny is taking outrageous steps of seeking legal fees from me because I have asked the court to enforce the settlement agreement that we reached four months ago," she said. "I am told that Johnny somehow claims I am the one who is delaying settlement rather than the other way around. These claims are contemptible and shocking." Heard also revealed she is only focused on one thing; ending the divorce settlement. "Johnny has delayed the resolutions of this matter.," she added. "I want my life back. I want to be divorced from Johnny now." The hold-up comes after the former couple agreed to a $7 million settlement back in August. Heard requested that the entire sum should be donated to charities, but after she claimed Depp had only contributed a small portion of the full amount, she reportedly filed a Request for Order with the Los Angeles Superior Court in an attempt to fast-track the settlement proceedings. Now that Depp has responded with his fee payment request, it doesn't look like this legal battle will be easily resolved. A court hearing on Depp's request for legal fee payment has been scheduled for 13 January, 2017. You Might Also Like CNBC When Time Warner Cable merged with Charter Communications earlier this year and the new public-facing operation rebranded, changing its name to Spectrum, it was likely for good reason. For many Americans, each name had come to be associated with poor customer service. The long erosion of reputation has the power to destroy businesses. Today, in the internet age, news of a single scandal can spread quickly and seriously cripple a previously respected brand. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a range of information, including customer survey results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index, employee reviews on Glassdoor, as well as our own annual customer satisfaction survey. We identified 12 companies hated by customers, employees, and the general public. ALSO READ: America's Poorest Cities A single bad experience can forever ruin a companys image in the mind of a customer. While these are bound to happen at any organization, many of the companies on this list have developed a reputation for consistent poor performance. Most of the companies on this list score worse than the average in their industries in the ACSI. This fact is all the more serious given that many of these companies are in industries with generally poor reputations for customer service, including cable and internet service providers, airlines, and subscription television services. In 24/7 Wall St.s annual customer satisfaction survey, the majority of these companies had among the highest share of respondents reporting generally negative customer experiences. In the case of Comcast and Sprint, more than half of respondents had a negative customer experience, the only two existing brands out of the more than 100 we surveyed for which this was the case. At several of the companies on this list, employee satisfaction is also extremely poor. 24/7 Wall St. spoke to Scott Dobroski, community expert at Glassdoor, a site that allows employees to rate their employment experience. Dobroski explained that it is not surprising to see unhappy employees and unsatisfied customers at the same businesses. The risk when you have employees that are generally dissatisfied is that they are not willing to bring their best selves to work, to produce, to be engaged, and to fulfill responsibilities," Dobroski said. "When employees are generally satisfied in their jobs -- we know that there's a direct tie to the customer experience. Dish Network and Sears each have close to the worst employee satisfaction scores earned by large corporations on Glassdoor. Story continues In the case of Sears, Dobroski suggested that poor employee satisfaction might also be tied to dread of the company failing, as Sears has been in dire financial straits for years. The company has averaged $1.65 billion in net losses over the last five fiscal years and closed hundreds of locations. Several of the companies to make the list this year, rather than suffering from long-term damage to reputations, have only recently earned the ire of the general public. Pharmaceutical company Mylan has been exposed to severe public outcry after it was revealed the company hiked prices of life-saving allergy treatment EpiPen by more than 500%. Wells Fargo lost the public's trust after news broke the bank had created millions of fake accounts to inflate sales numbers. To identify the most hated companies in America, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a variety of metrics on customer service, employee satisfaction, and financial performance. We considered consumer surveys from a number of sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and a Zogby Analytics poll created in partnership with 24/7 Wall St. We also reviewed employee satisfaction based on worker opinion scores on Glassdoor this is not a Glassdoor commissioned report. Finally, we reviewed management decisions and company policies that hurt a companys public perception. ALSO READ: The Most Dangerous Cars in America These are America's most hated companies. 1. Comcast (CMCSA) The internet service provider and subscription television service industries are not known for superior customer service. In fact, the two industries have the worst average scores in the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Still, Comcast has a significantly worse customer satisfaction score than either industry average. The companys internet services received the fourth worst score out of some 350 companies. In J.D. Powers rating of major wireline services, only Time Warner Cable -- recently subsumed by Charter -- received a worse score in overall satisfaction. In the same survey, Comcast received the worst scores in cost to consumer, performance, billing, and reliability. In 24/7 Wall St.s annual customer satisfaction poll conducted in partnership with Zogby, nearly 55% of of respondents reported a negative experience with the company, the second worst of any corporation. 2. Bank of America (BAC) Bank of America has the worst customer satisfaction score of any bank in the ACSI. In a 24/7 Wall St.s annual customer satisfaction poll, about 44% of those surveyed said they had a negative experience with both BofAs banking and credit card operations, among the worst of any company surveyed. In addition to unhappy customers, the company has also has dissatisfied employees. The bank agreed to pay to settle a racial discrimination case involving 700 employees in August 2013 as well as a gender discrimination suit the following month. While nearly a decade has passed since the financial crisis, many Americans still resent Bank of America for its role in the crisis. Although the bank has paid tens of billions of dollars to settle suits related to improper mortgage practices and toxic securities, the recent year seems to have brought more of the same. Only a few months after it was reported that CEO Brian Moynihan received a 23% pay raise in 2015, the bank agreed to pay yet another $415 million to settle a suit. This time the settlement was with the Securities and Exchange Commission over the way Bank of Americas Merrill Lynch handled customer money. 3. Mylan (MYL) Several pharmaceutical companies gained national notoriety in 2016 for hiking up prices of certain life-saving drugs. Few received more attention than Mylan, which has come under heavy scrutiny after it raised the price of its emergency allergic reaction treatment EpiPen. Prices of the EpiPen, which can be life saving for those with severe allergies, increased by more than 500% -- from $114 for two pens in 2007 to over $600 today. ALSO READ: 18 Biggest Companies That May IPO in 2017 The company attempted to quell the controversy by introducing a generic alternative of the drug, but the company faces at least one major class-action lawsuits for the perceived price gouging. In October, the company agreed to a $465 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice on the grounds that it had overcharged Medicaid for years by misclassifying the EpiPen. While the EpiPen was most publicized, the company has received criticism for sharply raising the prices of several other drugs as well. 4. McDonalds (MCD) Providing poor customer service is one of the most direct ways a company can lose esteem in the public eye. However, customers have different expectations, depending on the industry, and ranking a company against only its direct competitors can provide useful insight. McDonalds has the worst customer service rating of all 17 industry competitors reviewed by ACSI. Some of the dislike for the fast food chain may be politically charged. The company made headlines last year when ex-CEO Ed Rensi spoke out against the Service Employees International Unions campaign to increase the national minimum wage to $15. However, two years prior, then-CEO Don Thompson implied he would support President Barack Obamas initiative to raise minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. 5. Wells Fargo Bank (WFC) Wells Fargo had perhaps the most publicized fall from grace of any company in 2016. Under pressure to meet quotas, bank employees, over the last five years, created millions of fake credit card accounts to inflate sales numbers. When the fraudulent practices came to light, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fined the bank $185 million and then-CEO John Stumpf was called to testify before congress, facing withering criticism from a bipartisan panel. Wells Fargo's board is also currently investigating the company. The banks share price tumbled as a result of the scandal, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. overtook Wells Fargo as the worlds largest bank by market capitalization in mid-September. Not long after testifying on Capitol Hill, Stumpf stepped down as CEO, forgoing a severance package. 6. Facebook (FB) Facebook has been a boon for shareholders since its IPO. The company's stock is now trading over 200% higher than its 2012 Wall Street debut. However, not everyone is pleased with the social media platform. In recent years, the company has drawn significant criticism over its privacy policies and the mass data collection of its users. According the companys statements, Facebook collects data on nearly anything it can, including who its users communicate with, users financial transactions, and the types of devices users are connecting with. ALSO READ: America's 25 Least Affordable Housing Markets Recently, the company faced sharp criticism for not doing enough to curb the spread of fake news leading up to the U.S. presidential election. Since then, in an apparent attempt to mend public relations, the company announced a series of new policies aimed at identifying and flagging fake news stories on its site. 7. Spirit (SAVE) Poor customer service is typically not a point of pride for any company. However, for many years, it was a part of Spirit Airlines marketing strategy. The company famously offers cut rate airfare and little in the way of comfort or customer service. By charging additional fees for such amenities as assigned seats and in-flight refreshments, Spirit was able to undercut what its competitors were charging for airfare. While the business model led to tremendous growth, it has also become something of a liability for Spirit. Many of the companys competitors are now cutting into Spirit's business, offering similarly low airfare without the stigma of poor customer service and irksome fees that former CEO Ben Baldanza championed. In a likely attempt to revamp the company's image, the board announced the end of Baldanzas decade-long tenure as CEO last January. Currently, Spirit has the lowest customer satisfaction rating of any airline reviewed by ACSI. 8. DISH Network (DISH) Like many other companies on this list, much of the negative sentiment towards DISH Network comes from its customers. In a Zogby survey commissioned by 24/7 Wall St., nearly 47% of those polled reported a negative service experience with the company. Bad customer service is common in the subscription television service industry. Internet service is the only industry with a worse overall customer service rating, according to the ACSI. Few companies are disliked by their own employees as much as DISH. The satellite television service provider has one of the lowest employee satisfaction ratings of any major company reviewed on Glassdoor, and only 38% of DISH employees would recommend a job at the company to a friend. 9. Sears (SHLD) Sears department stores are disliked by both customers and employees. Sears has nearly the lowest customer satisfaction rating of any department store reviewed in the ACSI. Additionally, Sears employees give the company far lower than average marks on workplace review site Glassdoor, and fewer than one in three Sears employees would recommend a job with the company to a friend. Multiple reviews cite low wages and unprofessional upper management as major drawbacks of working at the company. ALSO READ: The Net Worth of American Presidents: Washington to Trump The department stores parent company, Sears Holdings, has also been disappointing for shareholders. Once trading at over $170 a share, the companys stock price has plummeted by 95% in the last decade and is now trading at just over $10 a share. Sears Holdings is also the parent company of another troubled retailer, Kmart. In an attempt to raise capital, the company announced in early 2017 plans to shutter a combined 150 Sears and Kmart locations. 10. Sprint (NYSE: S) Sprint customers report the lowest customer satisfaction of any company in the wireless telephone service industry, according to the ACSI. In a separate Zogby survey commissioned by 24/7 Wall St., Sprint had the worst customer service rating out of the more than 100 companies included in the survey. More than half of Sprint customers polled reported a negative customer service experience with the company. In addition, Sprints service lags behind that of some of its primary competitors. According to a study conducted by mobile performance measurement company Rootmetrics, both Verizon and AT&T reported better overall performance across a range of measures including, speed, reliability, calling and texting, than Sprint in the first half of 2016. 11. Wal-Mart (WMT) Walmart, the worlds largest retailer and private employer, is also one of the most polarizing companies when it comes to public opinion. The retail giant is infamous for undercutting prices and hurting, if not dooming, locally owned businesses. While Walmart touts itself as a job creator in small towns across the country, it pays its employees very little. Based on self-reported earnings listed on Glassdoor, cashiers and sales associates have an average starting wage of less than $10 an hour, which is not enough to maintain a normal standard of living in many parts of the country. In addition to hurting mom-and-pop operations, Walmart is also disappointing its customers. According to a recent Zogby survey, roughly 40% of Walmart customers polled reported a negative customer service experience. 12. Charter Communications (CHTR) Charter has one of the poorest reputations for customer service of any company in the subscription television service industry. It also scores below average in customer service compared to its competitors in the fixed line telephone industry and internet service industry. ALSO READ: The Most Expensive City in Each State Charter Communications bought Time Warner Cable -- a company with an equally poor customer service reputation -- and Bright House Networks for a combined $71 billion in May 2016. Now the second largest cable company in the country, Charter, in a rebranding effort, will continue to serve customers under the name Spectrum. Whether or not the Spectrum brand will continue to provide the poor customer service associated with Charter and Time Warner remains to be seen. Related Articles Mexico City (AFP) - An American held in the shooting last week of a US consular official in Mexico's western city of Guadalajara was deported to the United States late Monday, authorities here said. The consular official was shot and wounded Friday in a brazen attack by a man wearing a black wig and a blue nurse's uniform outside a shopping center garage in Mexico's second biggest city. Officials have not indicated the possible motive nor revealed the identities of the victim or the suspect. A US government official told AFP the victim was a vice consul at the consulate in Guadalajara. Mexican authorities said he handled interviews of visa applicants. Prosecutors said in a brief statement that although the suspect was being sent to the US, Mexican authorities would continue their probe into the crime. Traders are looking for American Airlines to rally. Our monitor systems show that 15,000 January 40 calls were sold for $8.10 while 15,000 January 2018 42 calls were purchased for $10.50. Volume was below open interest in the near-term contracts, indicating that a bullish position was rolled forward by a year for $2.40. Long calls lock in the price where investors can buy stock, allowing them to profit from a rally with limited capital at risk. Their cheap cost can also generate significant leverage on a percentage basis if shares move in the right direction. (See our Education section) AAL is up 2.02 percent to $48.03 in afternoon trading and is up 25 percent in the last three months. The carrier reported bearish results on Oct. 20 and is expected to announce its next quarterly numbers in pre-market hours on Jan. 27. More From optionMONSTER American Apparel has found its knight in shining armor. The bankrupt L.A.-based retailer was acquired by Canadian brand Gildan Activewear on Tuesday morning following a court-supervised auction for the American Apparel brand and "certain" assets for $88 million. The acquisition still needs to be approved by bankruptcy court Jan. 12, and will be finalized in February. The acquisition does not include American Apparel retail stores. Gildan upped its initial $66 million bid - first put forth Nov. 14, following American Apparel's bankruptcy filing - after facing competition from Next Level Apparel. Both Amazon and Forever 21 have been rumored to be eyeing the retail stores. Read more: Makeup Monday: Top Makeup Artists Talk Bake Offs and Getting Text Messages From Blake Lively Said Glenn Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan in a release: "We are excited to be moving forward with this acquisition. The American Apparel brand will be a strong complementary addition to our growing brand portfolio." He added, "We see strong potential to grow American Apparel sales by leveraging our extensive printwear distribution networks in North America and internationally to drive further market share penetration in the fashion basics segment of these markets." Gildan's printwear services already have an extensive reach; memorably, they were the brand Kanye West chose for his Yeezy tour merch, which he sold at several international pop-up shops in 2016. The news that American Apparel was filing for its second bankruptcy in less than two years followed shortly after the announcement that CEO Paula Schneider, who had been leading the company's turnaround efforts since the oust of founder and former CEO Dov Charney at the end of 2014, was stepping down. In part due to the high- cost of labor in Los Angeles, as well as stagnant product, the retailer had been suffering over the past few years, and has mostly been kept afloat by its wholesale business. Gildan, which manufactures T-shirts, fleece, socks and more, is expected to keep some of the brand's manufacturing, distribution and warehouse operations located in Los Angeles, according to WWD. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. citizen was charged with the attempted murder of an American diplomat stationed at the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico, the Justice Department said on Tuesday. Zia Zafar, 31, of Chino Hills, California, made an appearance in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Tuesday after being deported from Mexico to the United States and arrested on Monday, the department said in a statement. He was charged with one count of attempted murder of an internationally protected person in the shooting on Friday, it said. Zafar disguised himself and followed the vice consul through a parking garage to his car and then shot him once in the chest as he drove toward the exit, according to the criminal complaint cited by the Justice Department. The diplomat remained hospitalized on Tuesday, the department said. A video posted online by the consulate in Guadalajara shows the shooter appearing to wait for the official's car to pull up to a car park barrier before shooting directly at the driver and running away. Court papers did not provide a motive for the shooting. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Eric Walsh and Tom Brown) Cannabis in Commercial Real Estate is Scheduled for Wednesday, February 8th in Boston DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / AmeriCann, Inc. (ACAN), a company that is developing sustainable, state-of-the-art medical cannabis cultivation properties, announced today that it will be the Title Presenter at the New England Real Estate Journal's first summit of 2017. The "Cannabis in Commercial Real Estate Summit" will be held February 8th, 2016 at the Boston Marriott Newton, 2345 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA 02466 from 8:00 am to Noon. The New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) is the largest commercial real estate media company in the world that covers all six New England states and has been in business since 1963. NEREJ has thirteen summits a year in Massachusetts, Northern New England and Connecticut. The first summit of 2017 is titled "Cannabis and Commercial Real Estate." AmeriCann's President and CEO, Tim Keogh, will be a panelist, as well as meeting one-on-one with attendees and investors throughout the event discussing the company and the Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center. AmeriCann recently completed the acquisition of a 53-acre Massachusetts property from Boston Beer Company (NYSE:SAM) for $4,475,000 cash. The Company plans to develop the property as the Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center (the "MMCC"), which is expected to be one of the largest and most technologically advanced cannabis cultivation facilities in the nation. The Commercial Real Estate market in Massachusetts will undergo significant expansion and revitalization as the Cannabis industry develops throughout the Commonwealth. According to a September 2015 Market Report conducted by CBRE; "The marijuana industry was a key factor in the industrial sector's recovery during the current business cycle, accounting for 35.8% of Denver's total net absorption in industrial space between 2009 and 2014. Marijuana cultivation accounts for at least 3.7 million sq. ft. of occupied industrial space in Denver, or approximately 2.6% of the existing warehouse footprint." Story continues According to the Marijuana Business Daily Factbook 2016: "Cannabis storefronts average $974 in revenue annually per square foot of space." This volume of sales puts Cannabis storefronts in the same range as Whole Foods Store and Costco Wholesale Store based on that key financial metric. The regulated cannabis industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. The respected Wall Street firm of Cowen & Co recently released a research report projecting dramatic growth for the industry from the current $7 billion nationally to over $50 billion in ten years. Massachusetts, California, Maine, and Nevada voted to legalize recreational marijuana while Arkansas and North Dakota approved medical cannabis initiatives. Florida voters approved medical marijuana in a landslide with over 71% of the vote. With these election results, over 60% of the US Population now live in states where medical cannabis is now legal. Cannabis in Commercial Real Estate Summit Location: Boston Marriott Newtown Hotel Date: Wednesday, February 8th Time: 8:00 AM EST / 12:00 PM EST Tickets: http://bit.ly/2iX8g1K About AmeriCann AmeriCann is a publicly traded company that plans to develop and lease sustainable, state-of-the-art medical cannabis cultivation properties. The Company has over 1,000,000 square feet of facilities in the planning and design stages of development. The Company has designed a proprietary line of cannabis infused products which will be branded and licensed to companies in regulated markets. AmeriCann, Inc. is a Certified B Corp, an acknowledgment of the company's commitment to social and environmental ethics, transparency and accountability. AmeriCann became the first public cannabis company to earn this respected accreditation. More information about the Company is available at: www.americann.co. About Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center The Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Center is approved for nearly 1,000,000 square feet of medical cannabis cultivation and processing in Freetown, Massachusetts. The state-of-the-art, sustainable, greenhouse project will consist of multiple planned phases for tenants in the Massachusetts medical marijuana market. AmeriCann's Cannopy System uniquely combines expertise from traditional horticulture, lean manufacturing, regulatory compliance and cannabis cultivation to create superior facilities and procedures. The first phase of the project consists of 130,000 sq. ft. of cultivation and processing infrastructure. AmeriCann can expand the first phase to approximately 600,000 sq. ft., based on patient demand. About New England Real Estate Journal The 54 year old New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ), a weekly publication, reaches over 55,000 industry leaders who depend on and receive the most comprehensive and current coverage in commercial/investment real estate today. NEREJ offers 24/7 access to news and all published content, daily e-newsletter, weekly newspaper with a digital edition and monthly specials. The New England Real Estate Journal has also been publishing the New York Real Estate Journal (NYREJ) twice a month for over 25 years. Primary readership includes: investors, brokers, developers, builders, contractors, owners, auctioneers, bankers, lenders, government agencies, appraisers and property management services and suppliers. Visit https://cre.nerej.com/ for more information. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (which Sections were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "prospects," "outlook," and similar words or expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may," and "could" are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, performance or achievements. The Company disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, a future event, or otherwise. For additional uncertainties that could impact the Company's forward-looking statements, please see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015, which the Company has filed with the SEC and which may be viewed at http://www.sec.gov. Contact Information: Corporate: AmeriCann, Inc. 3200 Brighton Blvd. Unit 114 Denver, CO 80216 (303) 862-9000 info@americann.co www.americann.co Investors: Hayden IR hart@haydenir.com (917) 658-7878 SOURCE: AmeriCann, Inc. By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump is finding himself caught between his desire to improve relations with Russia and fellow Republicans who are pushing for a harsher response to what American spy agencies say was the Kremlin's meddling in the U.S. presidential election. The tacit acknowledgement on Sunday by his incoming chief of staff, Reince Priebus, that Russia was behind the hacking of Democratic Party organizations suggests that Trump's maneuvering room could be shrinking. Trump has long been dismissive of the U.S. intelligence conclusion that Russia was behind the election hacks, which Russia has denied, or was trying to help him win the November ballot, saying the intrusions could have been carried out by China or a 400-pound hacker sitting on his bed. But following a report from U.S. intelligence agencies last week blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia experts say Trump will face growing calls for a stiff military, diplomatic, economic, and perhaps also covert response after his Jan. 20 inauguration. "The new U.S. administration will need to adopt a significantly tougher line," said Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington that is an influential voice in Trump's transition team. Republicans in Congress wary of Trump's push for detente with Putin could pressure the new president to withhold the thing the Russian leader wants most: a rapid easing of the economic sanctions imposed after Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, the Russia experts said. U.S. intelligence agencies say that since the election, Russian spies have turned to hacking other individuals and organizations, including prominent think-tanks, in what analysts think is an effort to gain insights into future U.S. policies. Washington's Brookings Institution, which is headed by prominent Russia expert Strobe Talbott, "received a big wave of attacks the day after the election," but there is no reason to believe its systems have been compromised, said David Nassar, the think tank's vice president for communications. SHOWDOWN WITH CONGRESS? Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he and fellow Republican John McCain, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, would introduce legislation with stronger sanctions than the ones now in place. "We're going to introduce sanctions that ... will hit them in the financial sector and the energy sector, where they're the weakest," Graham told NBC television's Meet the Press. Retired Marine General James Mattis, the nominee for secretary of defense who will face a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, is expected to advocate a stronger line against Moscow than the one Trump outlined during his election campaign.That could put him at odds with Trump's national security adviser, retired Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, who has had warmer relations with Putin's government, and with Rex Tillerson, the nominee for secretary of state, who as CEO of ExxonMobil had extensive business ties with Russia. If Mattis does push for a tougher approach to Russia, that could empower U.S. advocates for strengthening the American military presence in Europe. That could include reinforcing U.S. troops in the Baltic states and Poland, analysts say. NATO already plans to deploy 4,000 additional troops, planes, tanks and artillery to the three former Soviet republics in the Baltics and Poland this year. "There is nervousness about Trump among Europeans at NATO," said one European diplomat. "Any grand bargain with Russia would fundamentally change NATO's course and threaten Europe with disunity," the diplomat said. "But we don't expect that. NATO is seeking to reassure Baltic allies, and the United States is a big part of the deterrent." Some advocates of a sterner response to the Russian hacking say it should include cyber counterattacks, perhaps by leaking financial information embarrassing to some of Putin's aides and close associates. So far, the Obama administration has refrained from such action, at least publicly, for fear that it could lead to an escalating cyberwar that could threaten critical infrastructure such as financial transactions and energy transmission. TRUMP RUSSIA POLICY STILL A BLUR Although Trump has said the nation needed to "move on to bigger and better things" following the U.S. disclosure of alleged Russian hacking, it appears that Republican and Democratic lawmakers are unlikely to drop the issue anytime soon. McCain told NBC he wanted to create a select committee to investigate the Russian hacking, if he can convince the Republican-controlled Senate's leaders to charge their minds. In the meantime, he said, key Senate committees, including Armed Services and Intelligence, will investigate. Experts say the close scrutiny of Russia's actions will come just as Trump's administration starts to craft a comprehensive strategy on the former Cold War foe. It is likely to be weeks or longer before a clear sense of Trump's actual Russia strategy comes into view. "Until there's a team in place, until there's a little more organization I tend to think we're not going to have clear answers," said Heather Conley, a former deputy assistant secretary of state for Europe now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. (Reporting by Phil Stewart; additional reporting by Warren Strobel, Patricia Zengerle, Arshad Mohammed and John Walcott in Washington and Robin Emmott in Brussels, editing by Ross Colvin) Photo credit: Mark Wilsonundefined From Popular Mechanics Despite what you heard, the Amish aren't against technology. Communities adopt new gadgets such as fax machines and business-use cell phones all the time-so long as the local church approves each one ahead of time, determining that it won't drastically change their way of life. So it is with the Amish horse-drawn buggy. You might have thought the technology inside this 1800s method of transportation stopped progressing right around then. Instead, buggy tech keeps advancing, and buggy makers have become electricians and metalworkers to build in all the new tech you can't see under the traditional black paint. Even if you skip luxury options such as a propane-powered heater, cupholders, and speedometer, a buggy is an expensive thing. One builder in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was rather busy when we spoke. In a half-hour, four people called in to discuss orders. Amish people often shy away from using their names and businesses in publication, but one of the shop's builders was happy to talk about all the new system being developed for this old technology. Brakes Buggy brakes are automotive-style, non-powered drum or disc brakes mounted to two wheels. When a driver wants to stop, he or she halts the horse using the reins and halts the buggy by stepping on the brake pedal so that it doesn't run into the horse. Our builder estimates 90 percent of buggy buyers stick with drums, in part because of the old-fashioned aesthetics-braking systems on buggies are very visible-and partly because all drum components can be made in Amish communities. Photo credit: Mark Wilsonundefined "Back in the '60s, a local Amish man started going through junkyards and getting the old seven-inch VW brakes," our builder says, "salvaging them, repairing them, and cleaning them up, and retrofitting them to buggies. After a while he started getting good castings made. Now all the buggy brakes are manufactured by buggy shops." Builders cast the drums in steel and the backer plates and shoes in aluminum-tin alloy. "We'll buy the castings, and we'll machine, we'll drill the holes, we'll process them, and install the components," he says. "We actually bond our own shoes. We buy brake lining from a brake company in Ohio." Story continues The few disc brakes used on buggies are off-the-shelf parts bought from outside Amish communities and usually were manufactured for dune buggies. For both drums and discs, the brake master cylinder, which moves the hydraulic fluid that actuates the brakes, is mounted underneath the body near an Amish-made pedal assembly whose foot pedal pokes up through the floor into the interior. The master cylinders are made of anodized aluminum at an Amish shop, also in Ohio. Electrical Photo credit: William Thomas Cainundefined States with large Amish populations, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, have laws that require buggies to light up when sharing public roads with automotive traffic. Which means these old-fashioned vehicles have electrical components. "Ninety-nine percent of buggies are built with a dash-a console on the front panel-and in that switch box is all the switches you need," says our builder. "We have headlights, taillights, interior lights, and a turn signal switch." Shops buy LED components and assemble systems based on a customized turn signal developed by Lancaster County's Amish builders 50 years ago. It's a pedestal lamp with an amber headlight on the front and a red taillight on the back, one lamp for each side of the buggy. Bulbs stay on low-beam during normal use, but flicking a turn signal toggle switch activates a brake-light-style system that turns on the high-beams. There's your Amish turn signal: A buggy whose left-side headlight and taillight are brighter than their right-side counterparts is about to turn left. "We actually looked into doing financing through the banks, but we don't have titles for buggies, so the banks are squeamish about it." To power these lights, batteries are all over the place. "For many, many years we just simply used a standard deep-cycle marine battery because everything was incandescent, and we needed more power," says the builder. Nowadays, they use cordless tool batteries. A single 20-volt/6-amp battery, the type that powers an electric drill, runs the whole electrical system for two to three hours on a charge. Those traveling for longer carry spare batteries. "There was actually an alternator system attempted in the last five years," he says. "It worked about 60 percent, but it never took off." Body The main body is fiberglass. It's pre-manufactured off-site and shipped to Amish builders across the country for finishing. They add aluminum components to areas that see a lot of wear, such as door sills. Everything else is white oak or ash wood framing stretched over with fabric, plusher linings for interior surfaces, and a tough polyester for exterior surfaces, all to save weight. "Back in the '60s, a local Amish man started going through junkyards and getting the old seven-inch VW brakes." "A new technology is thermally modified wood," our builder says. "Thermally modified is, basically, they cook the livin' daylights out of it. Like a kiln. Your common dried lumber, they take it down to 10 to 20 percent moisture. Thermally modified is taken down to almost zero-percent moisture. They just bake the moisture out of it, and then it's stabilized and real hard to rot." Tires and Wheels Photo credit: John Greimundefined Amish buggies roll on either steel or solid rubber tires, but our builder says most use steel. Both are built in-house. "Your steel-tire buggy actually pulls easier than a rubber-tire one because of the compression of the rubber," he says. "Now, if you'd have pneumatic tires it'd be different, but with a solid rubber tire it has compression. Of course, the pro with rubber is that it'll be quieter." Rubber tires also stress the turning mechanism (the fifth wheel) harder, so brakes are mounted on the rear wheels if a buggy has rubber tires. Steel-tire buggies have the brakes on the front wheels because the sliding of metal on road takes some of the stress off the fifth wheel. For the wheels mounted within the tires, they're wood, steel, aluminum, or fiberglass. "I prefer the wooden wheel yet," the builder says. "That's my number-one choice, for several reasons. It's quieter, and it's repairable. If you bust a spoke or something, you can easily pop off a tire, replace a spoke, and pop it back together again." In the past five years, Amish buggy builders have developed an automotive-style tubular-steel torsion bar suspension that mounts the body over traditional leaf springs or, more recently, air bags. How the Amish Buy a Buggy Photo credit: Shady Lane Wagons Like car-shopping, the first step is to choose a general model of buggy as a base to build upon. You could opt for a two-seater, four-seater, half-enclosed, completely open, and so on. Then you pile on the options from the shop's checklist. Even if you skip luxury options such as a propane-powered heater, cupholders, and speedometer, a buggy is an expensive thing. "Average cost of a buggy is, I'm gonna say, $8,000," says our builder. Families usually have several types at once, for different uses, and each one they buy outright with cash. "We actually looked into doing financing through the banks," he says, "but we don't have titles for buggies, so the banks are squeamish about it." If somebody needs it, though, builders will finance them a buggy without the banks. "A lot of people will get 20 or 30 years out of a buggy before they do any major rebuilding of it. There's a strong demand for good used buggies because of youth. Most people will buy their 16-year-old son a horse, a harness, and a used buggy. And then we have people who trade in their buggy every five to eight years. It's like the mainstream world. A lot of these buggies will be running 40 or 50 years, rebuilt several times." You Might Also Like amy schumer Amy Schumer is taking her next stand-up comedy special to Netflix. Schumer shot the special last November at Denver, Colorados Bellco Theater. The special will debut on the streaming service on Tuesday, March 17 in the 190 countries in which Netflix is available. As a comedian, actress, writer, director, producer, and best-selling author, Amy Schumer is a boundless threat and a one-of-a-kind talent," Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement. "We couldnt be more excited that shes making Netflix her home for her next stand-up comedy special." The "Inside Amy Schumer" star is the latest A-list talent to choose Netflix over the usual choice of HBO. This news follows recent Netflix stand-up comedy deals with Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, both reportedly being paid $20 million per show. Rock, whose previous five stand-up specials aired on HBO, signed on for two Netflix specials. Chappelle sold three specials to the streaming company. Schumer's last televised stand-up special, "Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo," was directed by Rock and aired on HBO in October 2015. While taking a break from her sketch show, "Inside Amy Schumer," for Comedy Central, Schumer has starred in films "Trainwreck" and the upcoming "Snatched" opposite Goldie Hawn. Her book, The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, was released in August 2016. NOW WATCH: Amy Schumer is doing something awesome for veterans and other women who are re-entering the workforce More From Business Insider Amy Schumer is making her return to the small screen. Netflix announced on Tuesday that the 35-year-old comedian will premiere a brand new stand-up comedy special on the streaming service on March 7. The special was taped on Nov. 5 at Bellco Theater in Denver, Colorado. WATCH: Amy Schumer on Why Body-Shamers Make Her the Perfect Choice for Barbie -- 'Something's Wrong With Our Culture' This will be Schumer's first TV project since wrapping the fourth season of her Emmy-winning Comedy Central show, Inside Amy Schumer, last year. Her HBO comedy special, Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo, also earned several nominations at the 2015 Emmys. I have a new special coming to @netflix march 7th! #theleatherspecial A photo posted by @amyschumer on Jan 10, 2017 at 8:18am PST Now that Schumer has her foot in the door at Netflix, she joked that she's looking to land a role in one of their beloved scripted series. "Very happy to be a part of the Netflix family for this special," the Snatched star said in a statement. "Maybe now they will look at my Stranger Things audition tape to play the demogorgon for season two." EXCLUSIVE: Goldie Hawn Talks Working With Amy Schumer on Snatched At Sunday's Golden Globes, Schumer and boyfriend Ben Hanisch didn't miss a chance to pose with Stranger Things stars Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin and Noah Schnapp. Amy Adams also attempted to jump in the pic. "Ummmmm things got strange #goldenglobes #amyadamsphotobomb," Schumer captioned the image. Check out the fun photo: Related Articles Amy Schumer is the latest comedian to join Netflixs lineup of comedy specials: The Inside Amy Schumer creator and star will debut her newest hour this March on the streaming service. Very happy to be part of the Netflix family for this special, she said in a statement. Maybe now they will look at my Stranger Things audition tape to play the demogorgon for season 2. Schumers most recent special, Amy Schumer Live at the Apollo, aired on HBO in 2015 and was later nominated for two Emmy Awards. That year, she also starred and wrote the Judd Apatow-directed Trainwreck and continued to work on the Emmy-winning Inside Amy Schumer. More recently, she released her debut book, a memoir titled The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo, this past August, and recently wrapped filming on Snatched, a comedy with Goldie Hawn. As a comedian, actress, writer, director, producer, and best-selling author, Amy Schumer is a boundless threat and a one-of-a-kind talent, Ted Sarandos, Netflixs chief content officer, said in a statement. We couldnt be more excited that shes making Netflix her home for her next stand-up comedy special. The currently untitled special, filmed Nov. 5 in Denver, will premiere Tuesday, March 7 on Netflix. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have agreed to work together for the sake of their family. The actors released a joint statement Monday evening stating that they have reached an agreement to handle their divorce in a private forum and will keep future details of their divorce confidential by utilizing a private judge. According to the statement obtained by PEOPLE, The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues. It concludes: The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification. For the past several weeks, Pitt, 53, and Jolie, 41, had been trading harsh accusations in filings in Los Angeles Superior Court, but recently both agreed to seal sensitive records relating to their six children. Pitt and Jolie who are parents to Maddox, 15, Pax, 13, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 8 have a voluntary temporary custody agreement in place that allows Pitt supervised visitation with the children. (Adds CEO comment, background context) WELLINGTON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - ANZ has agreed to sell New Zealand subsidiary UDC Finance to China's HNA Group for about NZ$660 million ($460 million), the Australian bank said on Wednesday, as part of its efforts to streamline its business. ANZ expected the sale to be completed in the second half of 2017, it said in a statement, though it was subject to regulatory approvals. "The sale of UDC is consistent with our strategy to simplify the bank," ANZ New Zealand CEO David Hisco said in a statement. Last week, ANZ agreed to sell its 20-percent stake in Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank Co Ltd for A$1.8 billion (RM5.8 billion). The bank is also considering the sale of its Australian wealth and life insurance business, valued by the bank at A$4.5 billion ($3.3 billion). ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott has said he wants the bank to be better capitalised and to focus on areas where it has the strongest competitive position. (Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield and Jamie Freed; Editing by Louise Ireland) NAMPO, North Korea (AP) North Korean officials and factory managers are scrambling to answer a call from leader Kim Jong Un for an all-out, nationwide effort to build up the country's economy in 2017. Along with vowing to make yet more advances with nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles, including an intercontinental ballistic missile, Kim called for the push to improve the economy in his annual New Year's address. Now, in something of a New Year's tradition, economic officials are rushing to make plans to fill that very tall bill. "Last year, we made many achievements in the science and technology field and we made a lot of steel," Kim Kil Nam, vice chief engineer at the Chollima Steel Complex, told The Associated Press on Saturday. "We are trying to consolidate those achievements and make even more steel this year, too, after hearing the marshal's New Year's address." Kim Jong Un is often referred to as the marshal, one of his many titles. The sprawling Chollima complex south of Pyongyang, the capital, is a focal point of North Korea's effort to expand the economy and lift the nation's standard of living. One of seven North Korean steel works, Chollima has more than 8,000 workers and is among the North's showcase enterprises. Built by the Mitsubishi company during Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945, it was destroyed and then rebuilt. Production resumed soon after the Korean War ended with an armistice in 1953. Kim, the engineer, said the complex produced 120,000 tons of steel last year. But he noted that was partly the result of two "loyalty campaigns" of 70 and 200 days each. Such campaigns, which were also common in the Soviet Union and other communist countries, are designed to boost output, but are almost by definition unsustainable. Even so, Kim said, with technological improvements, the plant hopes to produce 150,000 tons of steel this year. He said demand is high, in large part because of major high-rise construction projects in Pyongyang. Story continues The North's economy, though far behind its neighbors, appears to have been growing slowly in the five years since Kim Jong Un assumed power. But it continues to be weighed down by the inefficiencies of central planning and bureaucratic red tape, and a scarcity of resources and energy. Such problems are exacerbated by the country's outsize military budget, along with the cost in lost trade opportunities because of sanctions over its nuclear weapons program. Kim said most of the Chollima plant's production is intended for domestic use, so it has not been significantly impacted by sanctions. "We have been living with sanctions for a long time, so we are used to that," he said. 10 Jan - Actress Arci Munoz recently admitted that she and boyfriend Badi del Rosario have called it quits on their relationship. As reported on Push, the actress, who appeared at the press conference of her upcoming film "Extra Service" alongside Coleen Garcia and Jessy Mendiola recently, stated that she is enjoying her single life for the time being. "I have learned that I need to maybe focus first on the things that are happening in my life. So maybe I need to focus first on something, right?" she said. Munoz shared that she and del Rosario ended their relationship since Christmas, although the problems started even before the holidays. She admitted that they lacked time for each other, especially since Munoz has been busy with filming. "We tried to fix it, but it was still there," she said, who said that she didn't want to be unfair to del Rosario, who has been very supportive of her. Nonetheless, Munoz stressed that she is doing well and loved the fact that she get to be herself again with other people. "Now, I'm more excited to spend more time with my family because I haven't really been able to be with them. It was work all the time. This year, I told myself I'll make sure that I will have more time for them," she added. (Photo source: instagram.com/ramonathornes) BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) Argentina says it has struck a deal with labor unions and energy companies aimed at attracting investment to one of the world's biggest unconventional hydrocarbons deposits. President Mauricio Macri on Tuesday said the agreement will offer a subsidized price for natural gas produced at new wells at the Vaca Muerta shale deposit in southwestern Neuquen province. Macri said the provincial government has also agreed to stabilize taxes as part of the deal. Argentina's YPF, U.S.-based Chevron and other companies are investing billions in the Vaca Muerta deposit. A 2013 assessment by the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated that the deposit potentially holds 16.2 billion barrels of oil and 308 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. About 22,000 Rohingya Muslims have crossed the border into Bangladesh after fleeing unrest in Burma in the past seven days, bringing the total number of new arrivals to more than 65,000 since the Burmese army launched operations against the heavily persecuted minority in early October. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Monday that the displaced are being sheltered in registered refugee camps, makeshift settlements and a few host communities in the Bangladeshi city of Coxs Bazaar, near the border with Burmas Arakan state. People began pouring over the border after the Burmese army launched what it calls clearance operations in response to an Oct. 9 attack on border police positions believed to have been carried out by Rohingya militants. The attack killed nine officers, prompting a sweeping search for suspects in Muslim villages. Several waves of Rohingya civilians have since fled, many arriving in Bangladesh with harrowing stories alleging that the Burmese army has committed grave human-rights abuses, such as gang rape, arson and extrajudicial killing, in the operation zone. The area has been closed off to journalists and almost all humanitarian workers, leaving some 130,000 aid-reliant people without assistance. Read more: Reprisals, Rape, and Children Burned Alive: Burmas Rohingya Speak of Genocidal Terror Last week, the Burmese government vowed to take action against four officers after a video was shared online appearing to show Burmese soldiers kicking and beating young men who were rounded up for questioning. However, the government has denied most allegations of abuse and says that security forces are acting within the law. The Rohingya, a mostly stateless Muslim group numbering about 1.1 million, are the majority in northern Arakan state, also known as Rakhine, though they are the minority in Burma, which is officially known as Myanmar. The predominantly Buddhist country has seen an alarming rise in anti-Muslim attitudes since communal riots in 2012 swept through Arakan, causing more than 100 deaths and displacing over 100,000 people. Story continues The U.N. human-rights envoy for Burma, Yanghee Lee, is currently visiting the country to assess the situation. She has previously said she had received credible reports that abuses were being committed in northern Arakan since the military operation began, and that conditions could be nearing what we would all agree are crimes against humanity. Lee said in mid-December: I am getting reports from inside the country and from neighboring places too that things are not as they are being portrayed by the government. We are seeing a lot of very graphic and very disturbing photos and video clips. Lee is expected to visit northern Arakan state as well as parts of Kachin state, where conflict between ethnic rebels and the Burmese army has recently forced some 2,700 internally displaced civilians to flee refugee camps. Aziz Ansari is hosting Saturday Night Live this month, and we cant wait Phew. Finally. After so many people have questions why actor and comedian Aziz Ansari hadnt hosted Saturday Night Live by this point, he goes ahead and announces that 2017 will be his year. Ansari posted on his social media accounts that hell be hosting the show on January 21st so, you might want to set your calendar. Hell be on stage alongside Big Sean, wholl be starting up a tour this March, so its definitely an episode we dont want to miss. The Washington Post points out that Ansari will actually be the very first South Asian American host that the show has had, so its pretty monumental as well. We fell in love with Ansari after meeting him as his character Tom Haverford on Parks & Recreation. Without Ansari, there might never be Treat Yo Self. Think about that for a moment or two. Excited to host SNL on 1/21. See ya then. A photo posted by @azizansari on Jan 10, 2017 at 10:23am PST Ansari also dusted off his rarely-used Twitter account to post the announcement, mentioning that he was really excited about the opportunity. The timing of his gig is definitely interesting since he doesnt seem to have much to promote. Hes currently working on the second season of his Netflix hit show Master of None, which he co-created with Alan Yang. Season 2 is currently set to stream in April of this year. His book, Modern Romance: An Investigation, was also a big hit when it was released in 2015. Much like a lot of Ansaris stand-up, he wrote about how dating in this generation is surprisingly difficult and much different than generations past. We think that Ansaris episode is going to be incredibly funny. Were so happy that Lorne Michaels finally gave him a call and offered him the opportunity! Welcome back to The Bachelor where Nick Viall is getting his fourth chance at love after striking out twice on The Bachelorette and once on Bachelor in Paradise. The producers chose 30 lovely women for Nick and the ingrate has already turned up his nose at eight of them. The remaining women love his strong confidence and the fact that he comes with an almost guaranteed marriage proposal and a Neil Lane diamond ring. In this crazy world thats a sure-fire recipe for true love. Heres what happened on The Bachelor, season 21, episode 2: The First Group Date: In case you werent sure where this season was headed, the very first date involves getting wedding photos taken with Nick. Alexis, the dolphin enthusiast, trades her shark, er, dolphin costume for that of a pregnant bride armed with a glass of wine and a shotgun. One girl gets to be a princess bride, another is a biker bride, and another (Brittany?) is given an outfit you dont see in many bridal magazinesa bikini bottom and a long wig. Its part Lady Godiva, part Eve, and all too much for Corinne, the 24-year old with the nanny, to handle. She is super jealous of Brittanys costume and decides that the best revenge is to take her shirt off in her photo shoot, too, using Nicks hands as a bikini top. All the women gasp and cringe, and Nick tries not to enjoy it too much. The women are not impressed, but Corinne brands herself as brave and the other women as jealous. Because we live in an upside down world, Corinne wins the challenge and gets extra time with Nick. The Bachelor Milestone: Guess whos not here to make friends? Corinne! The Cocktail Party: Later, Corinne is still reeling from her victory, No one has ever held my boobs like that, and no one ever will. Nick tells her that for his part, he is very impressed with her. Despite the fact that she already got quality time with Nick, Corinne interrupts Alexis, who is dolphin-itely not impressed. Taylor, the Hopkins-educated therapist, is talking to Nick about his feelings when Corinne interrupts again. Taylor allowed her a moment and then re-interrupted Corinne and reclaimed her time with Nick. Corinne is so upset by this turn of events that her motherboard reboots and she starts to refer to herself in the third person and then blurts out on a torrent of Bachelor-isms about being here for Nick and putting herself out there. Can someone turn her off and turn her back on? Story continues The Group Date Rose: Nick gives the rose to Corinne, because of course he did. Dad would be proud, even though I was naked, says Corinne. The One-on-One Date: Danielle M., the NICU nurse from Nicks hometown, earns the first one-on-one date. The Bachelor Milestone: Helicopter ride! Danielle and Nick hop on a copter and fly to a yacht anchored off Newport Beach. You know just like a typical date night in Wisconsin. The Bachelor Milestone: Tragic backstory alert. Danielle was engaged to a man who overdosed and she found him. To add insult to injury, she didnt even know he was an addict. Nick admires [Danielle] more now for sharing her past and to reward her, Nick hands her the date rose, because tragedy and vulnerability always earn you a rose or two on this show. The Second Group Date: Liz (remember Liz who hooked up with Nick at Jade and Tanners wedding?) gets invited on the group date and she is so relieved because she needs to talk to Nick. The group visits the Los Angeles outpost of the Museum of Broken Relationships, to which Nick has donated the rose and engagement ring that he picked out for Kaitlyn Bristowe, when she chucked him over on The Bachelorette. The group is at the museum to break up with Nickreally. The women are tasked with unceremoniously dumping him and they live up to the challenge. All six of them dump Nick over and over again with one girl going for extra credit and slapping the tuna salad out of him. Its glorious and Andi Dorfman is probably slightly jealous. The Drama: Liz, who helpfully reminds us a few more times that she met Nick at Jade and Tanners wedding, decides to confide in one of her housemates, Christen, about her past with Nick. When Nick avoids Liz on the group date, undoubtedly egged on by a producer, she decides to use the opportunity of the staged break-up to tell him all her feelings. Nick hears the truth in her words, but is not happy that shes blabbing their business in front of the other women. Not that any of the other women have any idea what she is talking about. Nick decides that he must do something (like talk to her?) about this Liz situation. The Second Cocktail Party: Nick decides to grill all the women to see whether or not they know about his past with Liz. Only Christen does, but thats enough for Nick. He calls Liz aside and they finally have a conversation. She talks in circles, slowly digging a hole as she tries to explain that she didnt call him, because she didnt want to, but now she does want to, but not because hes on TV or anything. Nick is suspicious of her motives and doesnt want her ruining his relationship with the other women. Its basically how you dont want your ex anywhere near your new boo, because they will spill all the dirt about how you eat Cheetos in bed and ugly-cry during reruns of Jessie. So Nick dumps her on primetime and Liz looks stunned, but doesnt cry. Nick decides he has to tell the other women that he was so inspired by their trip to the Museum of Broken Relationships that he dumped Liz. But thats next week on The Bachelor. SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The online classified advertising site Backpage.com abruptly shut its "adult" section on Monday, yielding to a campaign by state and federal government officials to close a service they contend promotes prostitution and human trafficking. The unexpected move came hours after a U.S. Senate subcommittee released a report accusing Backpage of actively editing posts on the site to remove evidence of child sex trafficking. In announcing its decision, Backpage said it was the victim of government censorship. Backpage attorneys said executives would appear at a subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, but would not testify. U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Claire McCaskill, however, said their subcommittee found Backpage had been far more complicit in sex trafficking than previously known. "Backpage's response wasn't to deny what we said. It was to shut down their site," they said in a statement. "That's not 'censorship' it's validation of our findings." The company vowed to continue its legal battles, which have become an important test for the entire internet industry of whether online platforms can be held liable for the content posted on their sites. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld a Backpage victory by refusing to revive a lawsuit filed by three young women who claimed the website facilitated their forced prostitution. Backpage is also the target of criminal action in California, where former Attorney General Kamala Harris filed charges of pimping and money-laundering against Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer and the company's controlling shareholders, Michael Lacey and James Larkin. In its announcement on Monday, Backpage cited praise from law enforcement agencies and child-protection organizations who said the site had been helpful in rooting out human trafficking. "Like the decision by Craigslist to remove its adult category in 2010, this announcement is the culmination of years of effort by government at various levels to exert pressure on Backpage.com and to make it too costly to continue," it said. (Reporting by Jonathan Weber and Dan Levine; Editing by Paul Tait & Simon Cameron-Moore) There was a time, way back in the mists of the 20th century, when you wouldnt have looked to the BAFTAs to confirm any predictions you had about the upcoming Academy Awards not least because they took place comfortably after the Oscars, happily marching to their own beat not just in terms of scheduling, but voting too. Those were days when Jean de Florette and The Commitments won Best Picture, while Wim Wenders could sneak in a Best Director win for Paris, Texas. Theyre also very much over: Since 2001, when BAFTA jumped back to precede the Academys shindig, theyve embraced their Oscar precursor status, gravitating almost exclusively around films and artists with awards buzz echoing from across the Atlantic, and giving mostly short shrift to Britains own independent cinema. This mornings BAFTA nominations see them largely stick to that system, albeit with some key deviations from the Oscar playbook that recall the more self-steered British Academy of old. To the surprise of precisely nobody, recent Golden Globes sweeper and presumed Oscar favorite La La Land leads the field with 11 nominations, missing nary a category in which it could conceivably compete. Meanwhile, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight the films that have joined Damien Chazelles original musical to form a near-unbreakable trinity of frontrunners all season also landed in the Best Film category, even if the latter has reason to be disappointed. (More on that shortly.) The remaining two top slots, however, were filled with less of a sense of inevitability. Awards pundits have been undecided all season on the likely fortunes of Arrival, Denis Villeneuves elegant heart-and-head sci-fi puzzler, but a healthy nine nominations, including mentions for Best Film, Director and Actress, might persuade the uncertain that its an Oscar player to be reckoned with. That haul places it second on the BAFTA nomination leaderboard, a position it shares with this seasons recurring wild card, Nocturnal Animals. Tom Fords tricksily structured revenge drama repeated its Golden Globe feat of landing multiple semi-unexpected nods in the top categories (including two for Ford himself and one for shock Globe winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson), but falling just short of a Best Film nomination. The films many critics might say thats an apt fate for a work they see as less than the sum of its many dazzling parts, but with the Oscars having more slots to play with, dont be stunned if it cracks the Best Picture lineup. Story continues But where BAFTA really stood its own ground this morning, going to bat for a film with scarcely any chance of awards recognition in the U.S., was in those five key nominations, including Best Film and Director, for Ken Loachs Cannes Palme dOr winner I, Daniel Blake. Its fair recognition for a British film that, in addition to its critical and festival acclaim, significantly connected with the U.K. public upon its release in October 2016, its unsubtle but affecting social tract stoking a heated nationwide conversation about the governments problem-riddled benefits system. Thats pretty much exactly was Loach, now 80, was put on the planet to do, but hes received less BAFTA recognition for it than you might think: This is the first time hes landed in BAFTA race besides Best British Film since Kes in 1969. This mornings news will come as consolation to Team Loach after Blake was essentially steamrolled at last months British Independent Film Awards the U.K.s answer to the Spirits by Andrea Arnolds edgier, less populist American Honey, which today landed a Best British Film nod and no more. Arnolds sidelining is far more typical of BAFTAs usual approach to its most adventurous local filmmakers; another multiple BIFA winner, Babak Anvaris foreign-language Oscar submission Under the Shadow, was likewise restricted to non-general categories. But Loachs home-turf success means one of the bigger players has to sit out the race and over in Best Director, that meant the rather startling omission of Moonlights Barry Jenkins. Jenkins may not be a familiar face to most BAFTA voters (Medicine for Melancholy never received a U.K. release, for one thing), but his hefty presence on the circuit thus far might have led one to assume he was a safer bet, even on foreign ground, than Tom Ford. With just four nominations, including Best Film, Original Screenplay and acting bids for Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris, Moonlight might be considered the mornings most conspicuous under-performer, scoring not even below the line for its widely celebrated cinematography and editing. (Such omissions at the nomination stage are all the more surprising given BAFTAs switch a few years ago to the Academys system of branch-determined voting for the nominations and membership-wide voting for the winners; it used to be the reverse, with frequently, sometimes delightfully, quirky results gone are the days when a Mulholland Dr. could bag an editing win.) At a time when diversity is a watchword for such voting groups and with BAFTA itself having recently implemented bold new measures to up the diversity of its British fields Jenkinss miss is less likely to be waved off as just one of those things, particularly in light of the mornings other most prominent omission: that of Fences director-star Denzel Washington from the Best Actor lineup. Washington may be regarded as the only man with even a theoretical shot at beating precursor hoarder Casey Affleck at the Oscars, but made way for Nocturnal Animals star Jake Gyllenhaal in the BAFTA lineup, while Fences landed a solitary nomination for Viola Davis. Washingtons miss today maintains a stat that American awards-watchers may find astonishing: Despite six Oscar nominations and two wins, Washington has not once been nominated for a BAFTA. As for the years third major African-American-centered awards hopeful, Hidden Figures bested Fences scribe August Wilson to nab the films one nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. (That Figures writers Ted Melfi and Allison Schroeder are both white doesnt help the picture for BAFTA much.) Is a #BAFTASoWhite protest in the works? Well, thatd probably be overestimating the British awards cultural resonance and influence, but it is sure to be a talking point especially in light of the commercial and distribution challenges that black-themed cinema already faces in the U.K. African-American stories, in particular, are routinely a difficult sell to British audiences. A veritable blockbuster in the U.S., The Help which did land a Best Film BAFTA nod performed modestly in Blighty, while on the opposite end of the prestige spectrum, one-man industry Tyler Perry hasnt had a film released theatrically in the U.K. since his bid for crossover respectability, For Colored Girls, bombed hard in 2010. Moonlight, Fences and Hidden Figures are all very different kettles of fish from each other as well as from such aforementioned examples and well find out how they land with British viewers when they open in February. But this less than effusive welcome from BAFTA will already be making their local distributors a tad nervous. Related stories BAFTA Film Award Nominations: 'La La Land' Leads Race The Golden Globes Are No Longer Just Respectable. They Now Have (Gulp!) Good Taste Golden Globes Leaderboard: 'La La Land' Sweeps, 'Night Manager' Tops Shows The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced its nominees for the 70th BAFTA Awards early Tuesday morning. The group best known for bestowing the British equivalent of the Oscars included among its 20 acting nominees Moonlight's Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris, Fences' Viola Davis and Lion's Dev Patel, all in its supporting categories. (Harris and Patel are both British.) And yet, after reviewing the organization's full list of nominees, it's very hard to argue that it doesn't have some sort of a race-related problem. That's because two top-tier Oscar contenders who happen to be American-born people of color weren't even nominated in categories they might well win at the Oscars on Feb. 26: Moonlight's Barry Jenkins in the best director race (even though Moonlight was nominated for best film); and, in the best actor race, Fences' Denzel Washington. A six-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner, Washington, it turns out, has never been nominated for a BAFTA. (Neither has Oscar winner Morgan Freeman, perhaps the only active black actor more revered than Washington.) That stinks worse than week-old fish and chips, and BAFTA surely knows it. They already were exploring better ways to handle diversity when last I checked in with them in April. Clearly, they haven't cracked that nut yet. The news was far better for La La Land, which, two days after making history at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Golden Globe Awards, landed a field-leading 11 nominations from another group of non-American voters - but that was basically expected. What was less assured was the tremendous showing by the next-best finishers, Arrival and Nocturnal Animals, two Amy Adams vehicles that bagged nine noms each. Arrival is up for best film; as it was at the Globes, Nocturnal is not up for best film, but it still landed noms for best director and best adapted screenplay (both Tom Ford), as well as best supporting actor (Globes winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson) - and Jake Gyllenhaal in the best actor category, presumably taking the slot that could have gone to Washington. I, personally, was delighted to see I, Daniel Blake, a great little movie entirely overlooked since its Palme d'Or win at Cannes back in May, register in a big way, with noms for best film, director (Ken Loach) and supporting actress (Hayley Squires). MIA from the noms were Isabelle Huppert, the best actress (drama) Golden Globe winner, if only because her film Elle wasn't released in the U.K. in time to be considered this cycle. That also explains the absence of several other contenders, including the animated/foreign double-threat My Life as a Zucchini, and the presence of several that were eligible for Oscars last season but only this cycle qualified for BAFTAs, such as Son of Saul and Mustang, either of which could prevent Oscar frontrunner Toni Erdmann from winning BAFTA's best foreign-language film award. BAFTA and SAG agreed on four best actor nominees - La La Land's Ryan Gosling, Manchester by the Sea's Casey Affleck, Hacksaw Ridge's Andrew Garfield and Captain Fantastic's Viggo Mortensen. Gyllenhaal, rather than Washington, filled out the category. The best actress race wound up looking exactly as it does at SAG: joining the usual suspects - La La Land's Emma Stone, Jackie's Natalie Portman, Florence Foster Jenkins' Meryl Streep and Arrival's Amy Adams - will be Emily Blunt for The Girl on the Train. Considering that film currently possesses a 43 percent favorable rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's more than a little bizarre that Blunt was picked over the likes of 20th Century Women's Annette Bening or Loving's Ruth Negga or Hidden Figures' Taraji P. Henson. SAG nominated Manchester by the Sea's Lucas Hedges in the best supporting actor category, but BAFTA did not, giving his slot to Taylor-Johnson. The two groups agreed on the other four nominees: Moonlight's Ali, Lion's Patel, Hell or High Water's Jeff Bridges and Florence Foster Jenkins' Hugh Grant. Grant, at this point, really looks like a probable Oscar nominee. And, in the best supporting actress category, BAFTA seconded SAG by singling out Fences' Davis, Moonlight's Harris, Lion's Nicole Kidman and Manchester by the Sea's Michelle Williams - but opted for Squires over Hidden Figures' Octavia Spencer, another person of color, who has received Globe and SAG noms for her performance. It must also be noted that BAFTA omitted from all categories Martin Scorsese's Silence. BAFTA and the Academy are roughly the same size - each has around 7,000 members - and are thought to overlap on about 500 names. That's a fairly sizable sample size, meaning that BAFTA's groupings could well be repeated when Oscar nominations are announced on Jan. 24. Dhaka (AFP) - Doctors the world over are renowned for their bad handwriting, but now a Bangladesh court is seeking to ban the sloppy scrawl after prescriptions became so illegible that patients were taking the wrong medicines. Doctors will now have to either type their prescriptions or write them in block capitals, deputy attorney general Mokhlesur Rahman told AFP after the court issued its judgement late Monday. "The court has ordered the health secretary to circulate the ruling among the country's doctors. He was also asked to report on improvement of the situation within six weeks," he said. The court also said doctors must use generic drug names rather than specifying particular brands. "Many patients and even some pharmacists cannot read what the doctors scribble on the prescriptions," said lawyer Manzil Morshed, who filed the public interest suit. "Therefore, very often they take wrong medicines. It costs them money and exposes them to unnecessary and sometimes dangerous health hazards." The court order was widely praised on social media, although some doctors asked the government to do its bit by introducing a computerised prescription system. "Why blame us when you can't implement computerised prescription system?" posted Farhan Kabir on Facebook. Barack Obama ends his eight-year tenure as U.S. president in a couple of weeks, but he might not be out of a job for long. Music streaming service Spotify has posted a job with the title "President of Playlists", which seems perfectly suited to Obama. The role requires someone with a Nobel Peace Prize, which of course Obama won in 2009. Also, knowing famous artists is a plus. "Have good relationships with a wide range of artists and musicians. Ever had Kendrick Lamar play at your birthday bash? We'd love to hear about it!," the tongue-in-cheek Spotify job posting reads. Another favorable characteristic of the candidate is the ability to "speak passionately about playlists at press events." "Let us be clear, you should be nothing short of one of the greatest speakers of all time," the job posting says. The opportunity was tweeted out by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek on Monday. It follows a quip Obama made recently about waiting for a job offer from Spotify, while he was speaking to Natalia Brzezinski, CEO of Symposium Stockholm, a technology, music and fashion festival in Sweden. "I'm still waiting for my job at Spotify ... Cuz' I know y'all loved my playlist," Obama was quoted as saying in an Instagram post by Brzezinski. Obama has previously curated playlists for Spotify and his list this summer featured an eclectic mix of songs from "Rock Steady" by Aretha Franklin to "So Ambitious" by Jay Z and Pharrell. The outgoing U.S. president has been talking about his plans following Donald Trump's win over Hillary Clinton in November and suggested he will stay in Washington until his youngest daughter finishes high school. He has hinted at remaining in politics, but it leaves the door open for more playlists from Obama. More From CNBC Barbra Streisand is standing with Meryl Streep, who used her acceptance speech at Sundays Golden Globe Awards to criticize Donald Trump for lacking empathy and infamously mocking a disabled reporter in 2015. A day after Streep delivered her blistering rebuke of the president-elect, Streisand called in to Hardball With Chris Matthews and expressed her solidarity. I thought that said what she said beautifully, Streisand remarked. Regarding Trumps ridiculing of journalist Serge F. Kovaleski 14 months ago, Streisand added, I completely agree with Meryl. It was a heartbreaking moment and so beneath the dignity of the presidency, let alone any respectful person. What we need more in this world is kindness and common decency, and what he did and how he reacts, and how he has the need to talk back and insult anybody who doesnt agree with him, thats pretty disgraceful. Trump has denied he was mocking Kovaleskis disability. Streep had characterized Trump as a bully while accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award, a lifetime achievement honor. This instinct to humiliate, when its modeled by someone in a public platform, it filters down into everybodys life because it gives permission for other people to do the same thing, she said. Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence, and when the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose. She also spoke of the responsibility of the act of empathy and the need for the principled press to hold power to account. While many in Hollywood cheered Streeps speech, several conservative pundits decried it. So did Trump himself, calling Streep one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood and a Hillary flunky. During Streisands Hardball interview, however, Matthews noted that as recently as 2015, Trump described Streep as an excellent actress and a fine person too. Thats why you cant trust anything he says, Streisand replied, because if you get on his wrong side, you know he will blast you negatively. Watch Streisands Hardball interview above. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Barbra Streisand is not looking forward to a Trump presidency. Calling in to MSNBC's Hardball With Chris Matthews on Monday, the performer commented on Sunday's Golden Globes speech in which Meryl Streep called out Donald Trump for mocking a disabled reporter and called on the press to stand up to the president-elect. "I thought that she said what she said beautifully," said Streisand, "and I completely agree with Meryl - it was a heartbreaking moment and so beneath the dignity of the presidency, let alone any respectful person. And what we need more in this world is kindness and common decency, and how he reacts and how he has the need to talk back and insult anybody who doesn't agree with him, that's pretty disgraceful." Read more: Critic's Notebook: Donald Trump Takes Aim at Meryl Streep and We All Lose "What's the signal to little children who watch television and see this is the behavior of the soon-to-be-president of the United States?" she continued. When Matthews reminded her that Trump told The Hollywood Reporter in a 2015 interview that Meryl Streep was one of his favorite actresses, Streisand added, "That's why you can't trust anything he says." "Why isn't he sitting through briefings rather than tweeting this nonsense? I don't know how we're going to take four years of this," she concluded before leaving as she was "in the middle of getting my teeth cleaned." Later in the show, Matthews spoke to contributors who remarked on Trump's tendency to tweet out his feelings, especially his latest attack on the celebrities who oppose him. Janice Min, chief creative officer and president of THR, told Matthews that "this is also part of Donald Trump's brand at this point." "Even though you and I and people in the room at the Golden Globes last night find this so outrageous, so offensive, it does mobilize people that support him, the diehards," Min added. "The frustrating thing about all of this is the lack of rational discussion somewhere around these topics, and the more Trump doubles down on these things, the more people get outraged and the more divisive the conversation gets." When Barracuda Networks Inc. (CUDA) reported its fiscal third-quarter earnings report after the markets closed on Monday, the company said that it had $0.22 in earnings per share (EPS) and $88.8 million in revenue. Consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters had called for $0.14 in EPS and revenue of $86.59 million. In the same period of last year, it posted EPS of $0.07 and $80.09 million in revenue. Keep in mind that three major banks are reporting earnings at the end of this week to kick off the new earnings season. Total revenue increased 11% from the same quarter of last year. Subscription revenue grew to $68.3 million, up 17% from $58.4 million in same period from last year, representing 77% of total revenue. Appliance revenue was $20.5 million, compared with $21.7 million at the same time. ALSO READ: Morgan Stanley: How an iPhone Super Cycle Will Drive Apple Shares Much Higher During the quarter, the company announced the availability of Barracuda NextGen Firewall on Google Cloud Platform, marking the first next-generation firewall available on Google Cloud Platform. Barracuda NextGen Firewall, which is available directly on AWS Marketplace, Microsoft Azure and now Google Cloud Platform, is designed for the cloud era, with features that enable direct access to cloud applications in dispersed networks where quality of service, network reliability and secure connectivity are required at every location. On the books, Barracuda Networks cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $194.3 million at the end of the quarter, up from $155.0 million at the end of the previous fiscal year. ALSO READ: Why the 2017 Bullish and Bearish Outlook for Microsoft Looks More Bullish B. J. Jenkins, president and CEO, commented: Barracuda delivered a strong third quarter with core product billings outpacing our expectations, driven in part by increasing customer adoption of our cloud-based security and data protection solutions. We continue to execute on our strategy to capitalize on market trends as more customers utilize our solutions as they move applications and workloads to the cloud. The threat landscape is complex and constantly evolving. As threats become more sophisticated, security remains a top priority for customers. We continue to drive innovation and deliver easy-to-use products that address our customers' most pressing security needs across multiple threat vectors, including email, networks, web applications and mobile devices. Story continues ALSO READ: The Next 14 States to Legalize Marijuana Shares of Barracuda closed Monday up 4% to $23.77, with a consensus analyst price target of $26.87 and a 52-week trading range of $9.44 to $26.69. Following the release, the stock was up 8% at $25.75 in early trading indications Tuesday. Related Articles It looks like Casey Affleck may owe his big brother an apology! The Manchester By the Sea star nabbed his first Golden Globe on Sunday night, but failed to thank a very important person during his acceptance speech his famous brother, Ben Affleck. Ben visited Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday night to call out his Casey for the faux pas. WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: Casey Affleck Talks First Golden Globe Win, Jokes Brother Ben Displays His Awards 'In His Window' "Someone was omitted I was a little taken aback," he teased. "That's not the kind of thing I would do. If it's me, you know, I thank people." And Kimmel proved the Live By Night star's point, showing a clip from his 1998 Oscar win for Good Will Hunting, in which pal Matt Damon mentioned Casey and Ben chimed in with his own praise. "I needed that little push, but I did say 'My brother is brilliant.' Those words came out of my mouth," Ben quipped. "We didn't hear anything like that last night. I mean [there was] the thing with Denzel [Washington], and the thing with Matt [Damon], he was Mr. Hollywood." Ben went on to note that if Casey were to win the Oscar, it would be a historic moment. Getty Images "It would actually, historically be the first time that brothers won [Oscars in separate categories] and not just that, this would be the first time someone would win an Oscar who didn't brush his teeth from ages 10 to 14," he continued, throwing jabs at Casey. "It would be the very first time that someone would win who pulls his pants all the way down at the urinal. Most Oscar winners don't do that. [It would be] the first person to win who's scared of butterflies...This would be the very first person to win an Academy Award who once asked his brother if Back to the Future was a true story." Casey had his own quips about Ben when he spoke with ET's Kevin Frazier directly following his big win. Story continues "He likes to show off his hardware," Casey joked of Ben's two Golden Globes and two Oscars. "I'm not that kind of guy. I discreetly put it away. He's got it like in his window. Some people put Christmas lights or a menorah and Ben lines up his hardware." WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: Ben Affleck Says Brother Casey's Golden Globes Win Was the 'Most Memorable Experience in My Life' Getty Images All jokes aside, Ben was very sincere about Casey's accomplishment while talking to ET's Carly Steel at the premiere of his film Live By Night on Monday. "The overwhelming sense I had last night, watching my brother win, and believing in him for so long and knowing how talented he is it was the most memorable experience in my life," the actor said. "I'm thrilled. I wish him the best, but already what he's done is amazing." For more from Ben, watch the clip below! Related Articles * BHP chief executive, chairman meet with Trump * Hold "productive" discussion * Talks include BHP's U.S. investments (Adds BHP comment, investment details) SYDNEY, Jan 11 (Reuters) - BHP Billiton , the world's biggest miner, said its chairman and chief executive held positive talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday, 10 days ahead of him taking office. "BHP Billiton Chairman Jac Nasser and Chief Executive Andrew Mackenzie had a productive meeting with President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Pence today in New York City," the company said in an emailed statement. "They discussed a wide range of subject areas, including the global resources sector, and BHP Billiton's investment in the U.S.," BHP said. BHP's U.S. investments include billions of dollars in onshore shale oil and gas production and deepwater oil stakes in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as an undeveloped copper project in Arizona that it co-owns with Rio Tinto . Trump has promised to initiate big infrastructure renewal programs in the United States that would draw heavily on industrial raw materials, such as those supplied by BHP. (Reporting by James Regan and Sonali Paul; Editing by Richard Pullin) Fox News Channel may have to put together its own Talking Points Memo on Bill OReilly. For some viewers, the veteran anchor is Fox News. He has been part of its primetime lineup since the network launched in 1996 and the millions of fans he gathers each evening at 8 p.m. often stick around for the rest of the cable-news outlets evening offerings. Yet viewers tuning in to his next The OReilly Factor broadcast may listen to hear whether he addresses a new controversy that erupted Tuesday. Fox News last year settled claims that OReilly sexually harassed Juliet Huddy, a Fox News on-air correspondent, and the company did so shortly after the networks chairman, Roger Ailes, was removed from his post as he faced similar allegations, according to reports by LawNews and the New York Times. Juliet Huddys letter of intent to sue contained substantial falsehoods which were vehemently denied by Bill OReilly, Fox News said in a statement. The gossipy episode is the latest dispute to involve OReilly, who is never shy about speaking his mind and has over the years never hesitated to defend himself against an array of opponents. The latest conflagration comes to light while OReilly is in the last year of his current contract and hinted in an interview last summer that he could consider stepping down from his show. I dont want to work this hard much longer, OReilly told Adweek in July. Fredric S. Newman, an attorney who represents OReilly, could not be reached for immediate comment. A spokesman for 21st Century Fox referred an inquiry to Fox News. The cable-news network has been trying to move forward under new management after Ailes was ousted last summer in the wake of sexual-harassment allegations levied at him by former anchor Gretchen Carlson. Ailes has denied the charges. Fox News has continued to win more viewers than its main competitors, CNN and MSNBC, and has proven better at retaining eyeballs as the frenzy around the recent presidential election begins to settle. Story continues At the time of Ailes ouster, Lachlan and James Murdoch, the executive chairman and CEO, respectively, of 21st Century Fox, said the company intended to continue our commitment to maintaining a work environment based on trust and respect. The executives also said: We take seriously our responsibility to uphold these traditional, long-standing values of our company. A few other settlements were made after Ailes departure related to sexual-harassment claims, according to people familiar with the matter. It is hard to envision a Fox News without OReillys program. Once known as The OReilly Report, his program attracted an average of nearly 3.3 million viewers in 2016, according to data from Nielsen making it the most-watched program on cable news. Its a distinction the program has held for some time, and a boost from OReilly has built other careers on the network. Megyn Kelly was a force in her own right, to be sure, and her willingness to push back on conservative politicians helped her stand apart from the pack. But she also benefited from OReillys weeknight lead-ins. Jesse Watters, a Factor regular who draws attention with man-on-the-street interviews, was recently granted a new hour-long berth on Fox News Saturday-night lineup. At the same time, OReilly has been involved with a handful of off-air controversies in recent months. During a November appearance on CBS This Morning, he suggested Kellys new memoir, Settle for More, made Fox News look bad because it tackled the subject of the sexual-harassment claims against Ailes. In 2015, OReilly became embroiled in accusations by Mother Jones magazine that he had made false claims about time he spent covering the Falklands War in 1982. OReilly denied the accusations, going so far as to tell a New York Times reporter, Emily Steel, that he would go after her with everything I have if he felt her coverage was inappropriate. You can take it as a threat, he added. He has been enmeshed in sexual-harassment accusations in the past. In 2004, OReilly settled a sexual-harassment lawsuit filed by a former producer on his show, Andrea Mackris, alleging he had made explicit phone calls to her. OReilly filed a lawsuit against the employee alleging she was trying to extort millions of dollars in so-called hush money to stop the case. The two parties eventually reached a settlement believed to be worth millions of dollars. This brutal ordeal is now officially over, and I will never speak of it again, OReilly told his viewers. Rupert Murdoch, the executive chairman of Fox News and also of its parent company, has indicated he wants OReilly to remain where he is. Were going to want Bill to stay with us, he told the Wall Street Journal in October. Related stories Fox News Reportedly Settled Sexual Harassment Claims Against Bill O'Reilly 21st Century Fox Taps Tumblr's Liba Rubenstein to Head Social-Impact Initiatives Tucker Carlson Gears Up for Fox News Primetime: 'I'm Never Interested In Sucking Up' Billie Lourd is continuing to lean on Taylor Lautner after the death of her mother, Carrie Fisher, and her grandmother, Debbie Reynolds. The rumored couple was spotted out and about in Los Angeles on Tuesday, both dressed casually. Lourd appeared makeup-free and wore a loose sweater, black pants and boots, while Lautner sported a navy blue hoodie and black jeans. Pacific Coast News WATCH: Billie Lourd Does an Impression of Debbie Reynolds Weeks Before Her Death The sighting marks the first time the two have been seen together following both Fisher's private memorial service on Jan. 5, and Reynolds' funeral just one day later, both of which Lautner attended. Scream Queens stars Emma Roberts and Lea Michele were also spotted at Reynolds' funeral on Friday. Last month, Lourd and Lautner -- both 24 years old -- sparked dating rumors, when their Scream Queens co-star, Keke Palmer, Snapchatted the two kissing at a Los Angeles club. The Twilight star later publicly supported Lourd after news broke of Fisher's death, Instagramming a sweet picture of the two of them together. "This girl is one of the strongest, most fearless individuals I've ever met," Lautner wrote. "Absolutely beautiful inside and out. I'm lucky to know you @praisethelourd .. [heart emoji] me." This girl is one of the strongest, most fearless individuals I've ever met. Absolutely beautiful inside and out. I'm lucky to know you @praisethelourd .. , me. A photo posted by Taylor Lautner (@taylorlautner) on Dec 27, 2016 at 4:40pm PST Lourd broke her silence on the devastating deaths of both her mother and grandmother last week, thanking fans for their support. "Receiving all of your prayers and kind words over the past week has given me strength during a time I thought strength could not exist," she Instagrammed alongside a throwback photo of herself as a child with both Fisher and Reynolds. "There are no words to express how much I will miss my Abadaba and my one and only Momby. Your love and support means the world to me." Story continues WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: A Look Back at Billie Lourd and Carrie Fisher's Cutest On-Camera Moments Fisher and Reynolds were honored during Sunday's Golden Globes, when the Hollywood Foreign Press Association paid homage to the actresses with the first-ever Golden Globes In Memoriam tribute. Watch below: Related Articles Billy Joel swung by The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, where Colbert, after momentarily regressing into a total fanboy, asked Joel to name his Top 5 Billy Joel songs. Joel has released 12 studio albums over a career thats lasted decades, so there are a lot of songs to choose from. You might expect to hear such hits as Piano Man, Shes Got A Way, or Uptown Girl, but youd be wrong. Joel said he prefers the lesser known songs, not the hits. At No. 5, Joel picked Vienna, off his 1977 album The Stranger. The song also appeared in the 2004 Jennifer Garner hit movie 13 Going on 30. And So It Goes was Joels pick at No. 4. The song appeared on Joels 1989 album, Storm Front, but was written by Joel years earlier about his doomed relationship with model Elle Macpherson. For his third-favorite song, Joel finally chose one that a casual fan might actually know. You May Be Right, off his 1980 album Glass Houses, can still be heard on the radio today. For his second-favorite song, Joel picked the ultra-obscure Shes Right On Time from his album The Nylon Curtain, released in 1982. The song may not have been a hit, but that didnt stop them from shooting a video for it. The video is perfect for anyone suffering from that pesky early-80s nostalgia. And Billy Joels favorite Billy Joel song is Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, also from his The Stranger album. Colbert might have a much more difficult time picking out his favorite Billy Joel song. During his aforementioned regression into a fanboy, Colbert sang lines from dozens of Joels songs in quick succession, proving his Billy Joel fandom. Watch as Billy Joel kills the romance with Stories Behind the Hits on The Late Show: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f342897%2fb786c49a-98b0-4917-810c-7d0ec82fe27e Unless you've stayed faithful to your DVD collection, or avoided social media with Luddite gusto, you've likely noticed the soaring rise of digital video streaming. Companies from Netflix and Hulu to HBO and Amazon are serving up ever more top-notch programming to meet our binge-watching needs. YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are increasingly flooding our feeds with live-streamed events and, naturally, cat videos. SEE ALSO: Obama says clean energy's momentum is 'irreversible,' even under Trump Streaming videos means storing data on millions of servers and transmitting shows to our devices, both of which use a sizable amount of electricity. So if IT companies get that electricity from fossil fuels not renewable energy the sector's carbon footprint is likely to balloon, environmentalists and energy analysts cautioned. A smartphone sits on display during a launch event for Netflix service in Tokyo, Japan. Image: KEN ISHII/Getty Images "If those companies don't join the [clean energy] race in a real way, that growth is going to be driving more demand for dirty energy," Gary Cook, senior IT analyst for Greenpeace, told Mashable. Greenpeace on Tuesday released its annual "Clicking Clean" report, which scores digital companies on their environmental performance. The report lists Apple, Google, Facebook and data center operator Switch as the IT sector's top achievers. All of the firms have made significant investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency at their data centers, offices and, in Apple's case, manufacturing sites. The maker of iPhones, iPads and iMacs retained the top leadership spot in Greenpeace's report for the third year in a row, among platform operators. But video streaming companies, including Netflix, HBO and Amazon, are lagging, according to Greenpeace. All three firms scored poorly in the new report after flunking categories such as "energy transparency" and "renewable procurement," which refer to efforts to purchase cleaner electrons or invest in wind and solar projects. Story continues Image: Greenpeace, "Clicking clean" (2017) Given its growth, video streaming has the potential to either advance or undermine the IT sector's recent environmental progress. Streaming drove nearly two-thirds of global internet traffic in 2015, according to Cisco. By 2020, it could account for nearly 80 percent of traffic as the world watches the equivalent of 1 million video minutes every second. "The lion's share of the amount of data that's transmitted across the internet is involved with video streaming," said Arman Shehabi, a research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, who was not involved with the Greenpeace report. Shehabi found that in 2011, Americans streamed 3.2 billion hours of video, which consumed 25 petajoules of energy and resulted in 1.3 billion kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, according to his 2014 report. He said those numbers have likely soared over the past six years. Hulu's logo on a window in New York City. Image: AP photo/dan goodman Even so, the IT sector has so far managed to offset its rising electricity needs by designing energy-efficient data centers and investing in renewable energy, Shehabi said. "They're holding back an explosion of energy use that's associated with the explosion in demand," he told Mashable. "The challenge is, it's continuing to explode. [Companies] have got to keep pushing back." Netflix, which operates most of its technology in the Amazon Web Services cloud platform, said that roughly 50 percent of its energy mix comes from renewable energy sources. The company also intends to offset its carbon footprint by purchasing renewable-energy credits from other projects. Yet Amazon Web Services is substantially growing its data center capacity in states that still rely heavily on coal-fired power plants and lack strong clean energy policies, such as Virginia. As Netflix's appetite for cloud computing grows, the company will likely depend more on fossil fuel-fired electricity. Possibly the home of your binge-watching favorites. Image: Maksim Bogodvid/Sputnik via AP Netflix did not immediately return Mashable's request for comment. Cook, the lead author of Tuesday's report, said the choices that internet companies make on energy affect more than their own sector. Commitments by Facebook, Apple, Google and other firms to power their data centers and offices with clean energy have helped drive billions of dollars' worth of investments across the U.S. and enabled other companies to follow suit. These companies have also helped put pressure on state and federal governments to enact policies to promote renewable energy development and deployment an advocacy role that may become even more important during the incoming Trump administration. "We continue to give such focus to the [IT] sector, because they have such a critical role to play. It's one of the few sectors where energy demand is growing very rapidly," Cook said. "We need to make sure we're moving in the right direction." ASHBURN, Va. (AP) A racist note left on a receipt for a black Virginia waitress has sparked outrage. Multiple news outlets, which ran pictures of the receipt , report that the message scrawled at the bottom of the bill at Anita's New Mexico Style Cafe in Ashburn read "great service don't tip black people." Restaurant server Kelly Carter says it was left Saturday, with no gratuity, by a white man and woman to whom she had served breakfast. Carter says there was no indication the couple was unhappy with her for any reason. Restaurant owner Tommy Tellez Sr. called the note "disheartening," saying Carter is a loyal employee and beloved by her customers. Since then, the restaurant manager says customers are now requesting Carter as their server and some are even stopping by to give her hugs and money. The Daily Beast Getty Images/TwitterJoshua Primo, the shunned NBA newcomer cut amid allegations he regularly exposed himself to a team therapist, said Thursday that his accuser was using ugly stereotypes and racially charged fears for her own financial gain.Primo made the bizarre claim just hours after Dr. Hillary Cauthen filed a lawsuit in Bexar County, Texas, against Primo and the San Antonio Spursa lawsuit in which she explicitly stated that shes not seeking monetary damages.Instead, Cauthen, a 40-year-o Istanbul (AFP) - The bodies of two Turkish soldiers who had been missing in Syria for more than a month have been returned to Turkey, local media reported on Tuesday. Turkey has been fighting the Islamic State jihadist group in Syria since August, but the battle to take town of Al-Bab has proved tough and casualties there are on the rise. At the end of November, the Turkish army said it had lost contact with two of its soldiers in the region, without elaborating. The Amaq news agency affiliated with IS claimed at the time that the jihadists had taken the pair hostage in northern Syria. The bodies of Kivanc Kasikci and Muhammed Duran Kesin were returned to their families after a funeral ceremony in the southeastern city of Gaziantep near the Syrian border, the Dogan news agency reported, without saying when. A spokesman for a Syrian rebel group called Hamza Brigade, Eyup Ahmet Aga, suggested the troops' bodies had been returned in exchange for the release of IS prisoners. Six IS captives held by the Hamza Brigade had been delivered to the jihadist group, he told the Haber Turk newspaper. While Syrian opposition fighters backed by Turkey easily captured Jarabulus, Al-Rai and Dabiq from IS jihadists at the start of the campaign, Al-Bab has proved elusive and has become the main target of Turkey's operation known as Euphrates Shield. In December, IS released a video purporting to show another pair of Turkish soldiers captured in Syria being burned alive. Turkey has said it could not confirm the authenticity of the video. According to an international survey carried out by Booking.com, travelers in 2017 are hungry for new travel experiences, taking them off the beaten track and away from well-known destinations. To satisfy adventurous appetites, the accommodation reservation platform has used traveler recommendation data to draw up a list of lesser-known destinations for culture vultures to discover this year. The study, which polled 34,000 travelers in 17 countries, found that 66% of respondents were looking for new travel experiences in 2017. The site recommends getting adventurous with trips to destinations that are less well-known on the global travel scene, overshadowed by famous hotspots like Paris, London and Rome. In fact, an alternative destination in Italy comes top of Booking's list. In a land with a strong musical tradition, Recanati, in the Province of Macerata, is a small town on the Adriatic coast with almost 22,000 residents which is a historical center of accordion making. Also in Europe, the hotel reservation site suggests intrepid travelers with a taste for culture head to Viljandi in Estonia or Vezelay in France. Destinations further off the beaten track include the Indian city of Jaisalmer, in second place. Located on the border with Pakistan, this fortified city is gaining interest among travelers and appeals to the curiosity of amateur historians thanks to its strategic location at a crossroads between India, Persia and the West. Another historical hotspot on the list is Borobudur, a Buddhist monument on the Indonesian island of Java. Built around 800 C.E., this lesser-known site is sure to please culturally-minded travelers looking for an alternative to Bali. Barichara in Colombia also makes the list, at a time when the country is gaining ground as an upcoming destination for 2017 in all kinds of travel rankings. Booking.com's top culture destinations for travelers looking to head off the beaten track 1. Recanati, Italy Story continues 2. Jaisalmer, India 3. Viljandi, Estonia 4. Ait Benhaddou, Morocco 5. Borobudur, Indonesia 6. Uluru, Australia 7. Barichara, Colombia 8. Vezelay, France 9. Flores, Guatemala By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - Many breastfed infants may not get enough vitamin D because their mothers prefer not to give babies supplement drops, a study suggests. Pediatricians recommend that mothers exclusively breastfeed infants until at least six months of age because it can reduce babies risk of ear and respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome, allergies, childhood obesity and diabetes. Because breast milk typically doesnt contain enough vitamin D to help infants develop healthy bones, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises nursing mothers to give their babies daily supplements of 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D. As an alternative, women can take vitamin D supplements themselves typically 4,000 to 6,000 IU daily to give babies enough in breast milk so that drops arent needed. The research team surveyed 184 breastfeeding mothers, including 44 mothers who also gave their babies formula in addition to breast milk. Altogether, just 55 percent of the women said they gave their babies vitamin D drops and only 42 percent supplemented with the recommended 400 IU. Many mothers were not aware of the need for vitamin D supplementation or their physician had not recommended supplementation, said senior study author Dr. Tom Thacher, a researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Others believed that breast milk had all the needed nutrition, and some mentioned the inconvenience of giving a supplement or their poor experience of giving a supplement to previous children, Thacher added by email. Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, or soft bones, seizures due to low calcium or heart failure in infants. While adults may get some vitamin D from sunlight, direct sun exposure isnt recommended for babies. About 76 percent of mothers said they took vitamin D themselves, and most of them preferred daily supplements to longer-acting versions taken less often. Overall, nearly nine in 10 women said they would prefer to take supplements themselves rather than give drops to their babies. Women who didnt give babies vitamin D most often cited safety concerns, the survey found. One limitation of the study is that it included mostly white mothers, and the findings might not apply to women of other racial or ethnic groups or with a high risk of vitamin D deficiency, the authors note in the Annals of Family Medicine. Still, the findings highlight the need to educate new parents about vitamin D and make sure breastfeeding mothers take supplements themselves or give babies drops, said Dr. Lydia Furman, a researcher at Case Western Reserve University and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Infants can only receive adequate vitamin D if their mothers receive adequate vitamin D and thus there is adequate vitamin D in their breast milk, or if they are supplemented, Furman, who wasnt involved in the study, said by email. Some infant formulas may contain enough vitamin D to make drops unnecessary. But babies who consume both breast milk and formula may not get enough vitamin D and still need drops or mothers who take supplements. Many women who breastfeed incorrectly believe that this gives babies all the nutrients they need, said Dr. Carol Wagner of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. There is an inherent belief that breast milk is the perfect food for their baby, Wagner, who wasnt involved in the study, said by email. Its no surprise women prefer taking supplements themselves, because infant drops can be hard to remember and hard to get babies to swallow, Wagner added. We have found that mothers are more apt to take medications and vitamin supplements themselves than to give anything to their infants, Wagner said. It is much easier to give a vitamin to an adult than to an infant. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2jfiYBJ Annals of Family Medicine, online January 9, 2017. Skien (Norway) (AFP) - Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik made a Nazi salute at the opening of an appeal case on his prison conditions on Tuesday, repeating the provocative gesture he made in a lower court hearing. The extended arm gesture, sure to offend families of the 77 people he killed in 2011, earned Breivik a reprimand from Judge Oystein Hermansen, who described it as "offensive to the dignity of the court". Wearing a dark suit, with a shaved head and thick beard, Breivik, 37, agreed not to repeat the salute. The appeals court is examining Breivik's case after a lower court in Oslo ruled in April that his rights had been violated and he was subjected to "inhumane" and "degrading" treatment in prison, in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The legal defeat stunned the Norwegian state, which has prided itself on respecting the rule of law after the bloodiest attack on its soil since the end of World War II. In prison, Breivik has a three-cell complex where he can play video games and watch television on two sets. He also has a computer without internet access, gym machines, books and newspapers. In July 2011, Breivik gunned down 69 people, most of them teenagers, at a Labour Party youth camp on the island of Utoya, shortly after he killed eight people in a bombing outside a government building in Oslo. The right-wing extremist said he killed his victims because they valued multiculturalism. Victims' families have largely remained silent ahead of the appeals case and none of their representatives were present for Tuesday's three-hour hearing. But one survivor spoke out on Twitter to complain that media coverage of the court case gives Breivik the attention he craves. "For many of us, the relentless struggle for a good and dignified life continues... while the media incessantly give a podium to the Breivik circus," wrote Viljar Hanssen, who survived five of Breivik's bullets. Story continues - Far from 'human rights violations' - Breivik was sentenced in 2012 to 21 years in prison, which can be extended indefinitely as long as he is considered a threat. In the lower court's ruling, the judge had pointed to Breivik's prolonged isolation -- he has been held apart from other inmates for five-and-a-half years for security reasons -- and a lack of measures to compensate for the severe regime. Since 2011, the killer has only been allowed contact with guards and other professionals such as lawyers and doctors behind a glass pane, with the exception of one brief visit from his mother just before she died. The lower court ruling also questioned the many potentially "humiliating" strip searches, the systematic use of handcuffs, and frequent awakenings at night, especially in the early days of his imprisonment. Breivik's state of mind is expected to be at the centre of the six-day hearing. His lawyer Oystein Storrvik has said the killer is "mentally vulnerable" because of his prison conditions. But the lawyer defending the state, Fredrik Sejersted, on Tuesday vehemently contested that Breivik was being treated inhumanely, noting his frequent contacts with guards, medical staff, his lawyer and a pastor. "In many regards, he is incarcerated in better conditions than other prisoners, to compensate for the fact that he does not have any contact with the other inmates," he said. "We're very far from human rights violations," he added, saying the strict regime was justified by Breivik's status as a highly dangerous man and adding that the extremist deliberately used provocative behaviour to bring attention to his ideological views. The three appeals court judges are also to rule on another point raised by Breivik himself: the lower court's ruling that the state is within its rights to closely monitor and filter his correspondence to prevent him from forming a network capable of carrying out new attacks. Breivik claims this violates his right to privacy, as guaranteed by Article 8 of the European Convention. He is scheduled to address the court on Thursday, and the verdict is due in February. - By insider Investment company Bridges Investment Counsel Inc buys Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, iShares Russell 1000 Value, Lowe's Companies Inc, Fiserv Inc, Cerner Corp, sells Berkshire Hathaway Inc, ING Groep NV, iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund, Ash Grove Cement Co, Gilead Sciences Inc during the 3-months ended 2016-12-31, according to the most recent filings of the investment company, Bridges Investment Counsel Inc. As of 2016-12-31, Bridges Investment Counsel Inc owns 142 stocks with a total value of $411 million. These are the details of the buys and sells. New Purchases: TMO, CERN, APA, AXP, IP, MAR, TRN, Added Positions: IWD, LOW, FISV, VEU, IWF, FB, CVS, PFE, AMGN, IWR, Reduced Positions: BRK.A, ING, MA, ASHG, GILD, WFC, IJH, CTSH, UNP, AMP, Sold Out: EEM, ASIX, LW, VSM, For the details of BRIDGES INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC's stock buys and sells, go to http://www.gurufocus.com/StockBuy.php?GuruName=BRIDGES+INVESTMENT+COUNSEL+INC These are the top 5 holdings of BRIDGES INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC Union Pacific Corp (UNP) - 227,584 shares, 5.74% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 4.15% Apple Inc (AAPL) - 140,437 shares, 3.96% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 5.1% Mastercard Inc (MA) - 126,657 shares, 3.18% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 11.17% Chevron Corp (CVX) - 104,487 shares, 2.99% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 3.05% Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) - 60,233 shares, 2.39% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 5.5% New Purchase: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (TMO) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc initiated holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. The purchase prices were between $139.63 and $159.12, with an estimated average price of $147.43. The stock is now traded at around $148.28. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.25%. The holdings were 7,235 shares as of 2016-12-31. Story continues New Purchase: Cerner Corp (CERN) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc initiated holdings in Cerner Corp. The purchase prices were between $47.37 and $61.79, with an estimated average price of $53.08. The stock is now traded at around $49.39. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.11%. The holdings were 9,425 shares as of 2016-12-31. New Purchase: Marriott International Inc (MAR) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc initiated holdings in Marriott International Inc. The purchase prices were between $66.61 and $86.05, with an estimated average price of $75.26. The stock is now traded at around $82.34. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.05%. The holdings were 2,425 shares as of 2016-12-31. New Purchase: American Express Co (AXP) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc initiated holdings in American Express Co. The purchase prices were between $59.9 and $75.32, with an estimated average price of $69.23. The stock is now traded at around $77.49. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.05%. The holdings were 2,900 shares as of 2016-12-31. New Purchase: Apache Corp (APA) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc initiated holdings in Apache Corp. The purchase prices were between $55.52 and $67.35, with an estimated average price of $62.99. The stock is now traded at around $62.83. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.05%. The holdings were 3,544 shares as of 2016-12-31. New Purchase: Trinity Industries Inc (TRN) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc initiated holdings in Trinity Industries Inc. The purchase prices were between $21.01 and $29.24, with an estimated average price of $25.58. The stock is now traded at around $28.35. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.05%. The holdings were 7,500 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: iShares Russell 1000 Value (IWD) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc added to the holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value by 119.21%. The purchase prices were between $102.2 and $113.77, with an estimated average price of $106.98. The stock is now traded at around $112.97. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.22%. The holdings were 15,005 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: Lowe's Companies Inc (LOW) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc added to the holdings in Lowe's Companies Inc by 60.12%. The purchase prices were between $65.63 and $76.4, with an estimated average price of $70.75. The stock is now traded at around $71.61. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.2%. The holdings were 29,975 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: Fiserv Inc (FISV) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc added to the holdings in Fiserv Inc by 143.92%. The purchase prices were between $96.75 and $109.07, with an estimated average price of $102.73. The stock is now traded at around $108.53. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.18%. The holdings were 11,525 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: iShares Russell 1000 Growth (IWF) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc added to the holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth by 37.24%. The purchase prices were between $99.72 and $106.61, with an estimated average price of $103.3. The stock is now traded at around $107.67. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.06%. The holdings were 8,070 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: Facebook Inc (FB) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc added to the holdings in Facebook Inc by 23.51%. The purchase prices were between $115.05 and $133.28, with an estimated average price of $122.81. The stock is now traded at around $125.15. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.06%. The holdings were 12,090 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: CVS Health Corp (CVS) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc added to the holdings in CVS Health Corp by 69.30%. The purchase prices were between $73.53 and $88.8, with an estimated average price of $80.91. The stock is now traded at around $82.14. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.05%. The holdings were 6,987 shares as of 2016-12-31. Sold Out: iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund (EEM) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc sold out the holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund. The sale prices were between $34.3 and $38.1, with an estimated average price of $36.34. Sold Out: AdvanSix Inc (ASIX) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc sold out the holdings in AdvanSix Inc. The sale prices were between $14.01 and $22.97, with an estimated average price of $17.96. Sold Out: Versum Materials Inc (VSM) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc sold out the holdings in Versum Materials Inc. The sale prices were between $22.46 and $28.72, with an estimated average price of $24.89. Sold Out: Lamb Weston Holdings Inc (LW) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc sold out the holdings in Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. The sale prices were between $29.89 and $37.85, with an estimated average price of $33.99. Reduced: Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.A) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc reduced to the holdings in Berkshire Hathaway Inc by 94.51%. The sale prices were between $214520 and $249711, with an estimated average price of $230816. The stock is now traded at around $243570.00. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -11.76%. Bridges Investment Counsel Inc still held 15 shares as of 2016-12-31. Reduced: ING Groep NV (ING) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc reduced to the holdings in ING Groep NV by 26.52%. The sale prices were between $12.17 and $14.64, with an estimated average price of $13.48. The stock is now traded at around $14.45. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -0.54%. Bridges Investment Counsel Inc still held 578,270 shares as of 2016-12-31. Reduced: Ash Grove Cement Co (ASHG) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc reduced to the holdings in Ash Grove Cement Co by 47.52%. The sale prices were between $238 and $274.9, with an estimated average price of $253.92. The stock is now traded at around $247.01. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -0.28%. Bridges Investment Counsel Inc still held 5,965 shares as of 2016-12-31. Reduced: Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc reduced to the holdings in Gilead Sciences Inc by 57.88%. The sale prices were between $71.61 and $78.47, with an estimated average price of $74.33. The stock is now traded at around $75.49. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -0.27%. Bridges Investment Counsel Inc still held 11,814 shares as of 2016-12-31. Reduced: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp (CTSH) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc reduced to the holdings in Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp by 57.64%. The sale prices were between $49.71 and $57.1, with an estimated average price of $53.52. The stock is now traded at around $56.38. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -0.24%. Bridges Investment Counsel Inc still held 17,270 shares as of 2016-12-31. Reduced: Ameriprise Financial Inc (AMP) Bridges Investment Counsel Inc reduced to the holdings in Ameriprise Financial Inc by 26.09%. The sale prices were between $86.76 and $118.9, with an estimated average price of $105.6. The stock is now traded at around $115.51. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -0.2%. Bridges Investment Counsel Inc still held 26,248 shares as of 2016-12-31. Here is the complete portfolio of BRIDGES INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. Also check out: 1. BRIDGES INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC's Undervalued Stocks 2. BRIDGES INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC's Top Growth Companies, and 3. BRIDGES INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC's High Yield stocks 4. Stocks that BRIDGES INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC keeps buyingThis article first appeared on GuruFocus. By Lawrence Delevingne NEW YORK, Jan 10 (Reuters) - David McCormick has declined an offer to be U.S. deputy secretary of defense in President-elect Donald Trump's administration, a person familiar with the situation said on Tuesday. It had been unclear how seriously McCormick - an Army veteran and former federal official who is now president of the world's largest hedge fund manager, Bridgewater Associates LP - had been considered for the post. McCormick, who had previously been under consideration to be Treasury Secretary, declined partly because he is happy with his job at Bridgewater and the government role was not the right fit, said the person, who requested anonymity because the information is private. Westport, Connecticut-based Bridgewater declined to comment. McCormick did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The news of his withdrawal was first reported by Bloomberg. The Washington Post said the Trump team was considering keeping the current deputy defense secretary, Robert Work, on for at least several months. Retired Marine General James "Mad Dog" Mattis has been nominated to be Trump's defense secretary, succeeding current Pentagon chief Ash Carter. Before joining Bridgewater, McCormick, a West Point graduate, was both a White House adviser and U.S. Treasury under secretary for international affairs under Republican President George W. Bush. (Reporting by Lawrence Delevingne; Additional reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will be in the "front seat" to negotiate a new trade deal with the incoming administration of Donald Trump, a top Republican in the United States Senate said, the BBC reported. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said after meeting British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson that a trade deal between the two countries would be a priority as Britain prepares to leave the European Union. Last year, ahead of the Brexit vote, President Barack Obama exhorted Britons to stay in the EU and warned that if they left they would be at "the back of the queue" for a U.S. trade deal. Corker said Johnson knows full well that "there is no way the United Kingdom is going to take a back seat". "They will take a front seat and I think it will be our priority to make sure that we deal with them on a trade agreement initially but in all respects in a way that demonstrates the long-term friendship that we've had for so long," Corker was quoted as saying by the BBC. Trump, while a candidate for the U.S. presidency, hailed Brexit as a "great thing" when visiting Scotland the day after the vote, though Britain cannot sign a trade deal until it leaves the EU which under current plans will likely be in 2019. After visits to see aides in Trump Tower in New York and meet members of Congress in Washington, Johnson said there had been a "huge fund of goodwill" towards Britain and a desire to move quickly on a trade deal. "They want to do it and they want to do it fast and that understanding was most vivid and most urgent on the part of the incoming administration," he told parliament on Tuesday when asked about his trip. Speaking earlier, Johnson also described the incoming Trump administration as having a "very exciting agenda of change" and stressed that close relations between the two countries were not under threat. "We are Americas principal partner in working for global security and, of course, we are great campaigners for free trade," Johnson was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper. "We hear that we are first in line to do a great free trade deal with the United States. So it's going to be a very exciting year for both our countries." (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and William James; editing by Stephen Addison) * Corbyn says Labour not wedded to free movement of Labour * But says it should not be ruled out if helps win trade access * Wants to narrow pay gap between executives and their staff (Adds speech, reaction) By Elizabeth Piper LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Britain's main opposition Labour Party backs "the reasonable management of migration", its leader said on Tuesday in a speech aimed at winning back millions of traditional supporters who backed Britain's split from the European Union. But Jeremy Corbyn fudged a planned commitment that his pro-EU party was no longer "wedded" to the idea of free movement - a pillar of the European Union that, he said, could not be ruled out if it helped Britain win trade access. In his first major speech this year, Corbyn set out his Brexit strategy more than six months after Britain voted to leave the EU to try to silence critics who say he has failed to challenge Prime Minister Theresa May with an alternative plan. By offering workers higher wages and protection against undercutting by ruthless bosses, Corbyn hopes to ease concerns among Labour voters who feel the party is not in tune with their fears over immigration and to staunch their exodus to parties such as the anti-EU UK Independence Party. "Labour is not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle, but I don't want that to be misinterpreted, nor do we rule it out," he told supporters in the English city of Peterborough, which voted strongly in favour of leaving the EU. "We support fair rules and the reasonable management of migration as part of the post-Brexit relationship with the EU, while putting jobs and living standards first in the negotiations." EXECUTIVE PAY Since becoming party leader over a year ago, Corbyn has struggled to put his stamp on a party which has been pro-EU for more than two decades and was blindsided on Brexit by the more organised ruling Conservative Party, which enjoys a slim majority in parliament and has largely driven the debate. Story continues A socialist on the left of his party, Corbyn has criticised the bloc for being in thrall to big business and said he would find ways to close the income gap between bosses and their workers by addressing pay ratios. Corbyn had said earlier he was in favour of a cap on executive pay, but questioned after his speech he said that idea was one of a number alternatives. He said looking at pay ratios would "encourage wage rises lower down and ensure a better sharing of resources". Supporters hoped Corbyn's speech would "rebrand" the veteran campaigner as a more populist figure to boost ratings that have been dwarfed by those of May's Conservatives. The latest poll gives the Conservatives a 14 point lead with 42 percent. But despite acknowledging that many voters supported Brexit because of high rates of immigration, Corbyn would not be drawn on whether he wanted levels of immigration to fall. Labour has long backed freedom of movement - one of the EU's main principles - which the bloc says must be respected if Britain is to maintain its preferential access to the single market of 500 million consumers. Corbyn said migration levels should depend on what kind of preferential access Britain would get to the single market. "We cannot afford to lose full access to the European markets on which so many British businesses and jobs depend," he said. (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; editing by Richard Lough) Detroit (AFP) - Cadillac, among the most iconic American luxury car brands, plans to sell a Chinese-made hybrid vehicle in the United States despite President-elect Donald Trump's recent offensive against foreign-made cars. In an interview during the annual Detroit auto show, Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen said manufacturing a new plug-in hybrid in China -- where the market for alternative drivetrain vehicles is far larger than in the US -- made more business sense than having assembly plants in both countries. "The CT6 plug-in actually has quite a bit of US content in the car but nevertheless in terms of manufacturing tooling, it made economic sense to tool up only one plant for what still is a low-volume car," he told AFP. "It would not have at all been economically feasible to tool up twice and so we are faced with a question: Either we don't bring the car to the US at all or we import it in low volume from China." Cadillac, a unit of General Motors, produces the CT6 near Shanghai and the car is expected on US markets in the spring, making it the second GM model to be built in China and sold in the US. Trump has recently attacked auto makers for seeking to import cars made in Mexico with lower-cost foreign labor, threatening them with stiff tariffs and casting a long shadow over the start of this year's international auto showcase. Though outmatched in the US market by German and Japanese luxury brands seen as more prestigious, wealthier car buyers in China have given Cadillac a boost. Sales in China rose 43 percent in the first 10 months of 2016 to 89,530 units but fell 5.6 percent in the United States to 133,234. In the event of a trade war between China and the United States, Cadillac could simply stop imports of the CT6, de Nysschen said. "And then the car would be produced only for the China market." Sales of electrified vehicles represented fewer than three percent of the US market in 2016 and Cadillac would not envision a significant effect on its revenues in such a scenario, he added. By Sharon Bernstein SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - A California Republican state lawmaker is challenging the legality of a move by Democrats in the legislature to hire former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to help in any legal battles with President-elect Donald Trump's administration. Assembly member Kevin Kiley has requested a formal ruling from state lawyers on whether the decision by Democratic legislative leaders to hire Holder and his firm, Covington & Burling, for $25,000 a month violated a provision in the state's constitution that bans hiring outside counsel for work the state's own lawyers can do. "People might have differing feelings about Eric Holder and about the incoming presidential administration, but all of us should be able to agree that as legislators we have a duty to abide by the law," Kiley, an attorney, said in a phone interview on Monday. Kiley's request came on the eve of hearings in the Democratic-led legislature on the nomination of U.S. Representative Xavier Becerra as state attorney general, another move by Democrats to position California to defend its liberal policies against the Republican Trump. America's most populous state voted heavily for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 presidential election. Under the Trump administration, which takes office on Jan. 20, California is expected to take a role similar to that played by Texas, Kansas and other conservative states during Democratic President Barack Obama's administration. Those states mounted legal challenges to Obama's executive orders and federal policies on such issues as healthcare, immigration and the environment. California Republicans have been mostly quiet on Democratic Governor Jerry Brown's nomination of Becerra. But the hiring of Holder, who was Obama's attorney general from 2009 to 2015, prompted an outpouring of protest from Republican lawmakers. "Democrats should focus on solving these real-world problems instead of wasting tax-payer money to score political points before the president-elect even takes office," Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes said in a statement. Kevin Liao, a spokesman for Democratic state Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said on Monday his office had conferred with the state Legislative Counsel and other legal sources before hiring Holder's firm. He disagreed the hiring was prohibited, saying the constitutional ban referred to hiring by the executive branch of government and not the legislature. Liao added that legislature needed legal advice from attorneys experienced in dealing with federal agencies and federal law - cases in which the state attorney general's office does not specialize. (Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; Editing by Peter Cooney) Backstory: Emigrated from Greece for college in 1996. Education: Degrees in economics and civil engineering from Brown University, MBA from Duke University. Profession: CEO and founder of WalletHub. Vision: Create the smartest free web-based financial adviser. When Odysseas Papadimitriou left home for college in the U.S., he had every intention of returning. Greece was gearing up for the 2004 Olympics, and the economy was booming. But then he saw the chance to gain more experience by way of a job in banking. Eight years and an MBA later, he saw another opportunitybuild the brain of a financial adviser online. First up: a credit card comparison site. What existed seemed out of date, he recalls. Today WalletHub has more than 80 employees and 18 million visitors a year to its financial services review site. His Credit Lessons Dont be in the 1%. Never settle for a card that gives you less than 1.5% cash back (unless you carry a balance). People have cards from 10 years ago getting 1% because they dont know they could get 2%, Papadimitriou says. Clean out your wallet. Once a year, revisit your card choices: what you are earning, what you are paying, and how your spending has changed (more overseas travel, say). Companies rely on your brand loyalty and raise fees accordingly, he says. They know most people are too lazy to switch. Give your teen credit. Get a secured credit card and have your kid put allowance money toward the $200 to $500 cash collateral. If they put money on their own card, he says, they will build good habits. (Adds details on changes, context) OTTAWA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland will become Canada's foreign affairs minister in a planned Cabinet shuffle, said a person familiar with the change, putting a Russia critic on the front lines of working with the incoming U.S. Trump administration. The change-up is part of a wider shuffle of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet which will be announced at 2 p.m. ET (1900 GMT) on Tuesday. The person said Freeland would replace Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion. A Freeland spokesman could not immediately be reached while spokespeople for Dion and Trudeau declined to comment. A person with knowledge of the matter said on Monday that Dion was set to be removed as foreign minister. The shuffle will be the first major change Trudeau has made to the Cabinet he appointed in November 2015. Donald Trump is due to succeed U.S. President Barack Obama on Jan. 20. Canada's relationship with its neighbor to the south could be tested in coming years, with Trump promising to renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement aimed at removing tariff barriers between Canada, Mexico and the United States. The appointment of Freeland, an author and former reporter, to the foreign affairs file could be thorny as she has been harshly critical of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president whom Trump has repeatedly praised. Moscow banned Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, in 2014 as part of a series of retaliatory sanctions against Canadian officials. Ottawa had earlier blacklisted many Russian officials to punish the country for its annexation of Crimea. Before running for election in the Canadian parliament, Freeland worked for Reuters, a unit of Thomson Reuters. Among other changes that are expected to be announced, Immigration Minister John McCallum will be appointed Canada's ambassador to China, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) said. Francois-Philippe Champagne, parliamentary secretary to the finance minister, will become trade minister, the CBC said. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr and David Ljunggren; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Howard Goller) (Recasts, adds Freeland comment) By David Ljunggren and Andrea Hopkins OTTAWA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau picked a Russia critic as the country's new top diplomat on Tuesday to work with the incoming U.S. Trump administration and handle potentially fraught trade challenges. Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland was appointed foreign affairs minister but also retained responsibility for the Canada-U.S. relations portfolio, including the trading relationship. The change is part of a wider shuffle of Trudeau's inner circle as he tries to position Canada for a new relationship with its largest trading partner and demote underperformers in his 14-month-old Liberal government. Canada's relationship with its neighbor could be tested in coming years, with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump promising to renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) aimed at removing tariff barriers between Canada, Mexico and the United States. "Obviously, the new administration to the south will present ... both opportunities and challenges, as well as a shifting global context," Trudeau told reporters after the announcement. The shuffle also included the promotion of a Somali-Canadian who came to Canada as a refugee to immigration minister and the departure of two of Trudeau's most experienced ministers. The move came ahead of Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration and shortly after Trudeau's senior staff met with Trump's transition team. Freeland, who wrote a book critical of plutocrats, said her views would not create awkwardness when dealing with a Trump Cabinet that features several billionaires. "I don't think it's baggage ... the new American administration's concerns are not that different from those of our government," she told reporters. The shuffle was the first major change Trudeau has made to the Cabinet he appointed after leading his party to an election victory in October 2015. The appointment of Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, to the foreign affairs file could be thorny as she has been a harsh critic of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president whom Trump has repeatedly praised. Story continues "We have some tough things coming up with Russia," said John Wright, senior fellow at pollster Angus Reid, citing Arctic sovereignty as one potential conflict. "I think it's a good thing that (Freeland) is tough." Moscow banned Freeland in 2014 as part of a series of retaliatory sanctions against Canadian officials, a move which prompted her to tweet "It's an honor to be on Putin's sanction list". In 2015, she wrote an article in Quartz magazine entitled "My Ukraine, and Putin's big lie". Ottawa had earlier blacklisted many Russian officials to punish the country for its annexation of Crimea. Trudeau sidestepped a question from reporters over whether Freeland's rocky relationship with Russia would have an impact. Freeland, who once lived in Moscow, said whether she will be able to travel to Russia as foreign minister was not up to her. "That's a question for Moscow," she said. "I am a very strong supporter of our government's view that it is important to engage with all countries around the world, very much including Russia." Before running for election in the Canadian parliament, Freeland worked for Reuters, a unit of Thomson Reuters. Freeland, an author and former reporter who has been a top performer in Trudeau's Cabinet, replaced Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion who quit active politics on Tuesday. Immigration Minister John McCallum was named ambassador to China and was replaced by Ahmed Hussen, a Muslim who came to Canada as a teenaged refugee from war-torn Somalia. Among other moves, Francois-Philippe Champagne, parliamentary secretary to the finance minister, was named trade minister. (Additional reporting by Leah Schnurr, Writing by Andrea Hopkins; Editing by Sandra Maler; Editing by Howard Goller and Alan Crosby) By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland was appointed Canada's foreign affairs minister on Tuesday as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled his cabinet, putting a Russia critic on the front lines of working with the incoming U.S. Trump administration. The change is part of a wider shuffle of Trudeau's inner circle as he tries to position Canada for a new relationship with its largest trading partner and demote underperformers in his 14-month-old Liberal government. "Obviously, the new administration to the south will present ... both opportunities and challenges, as well as a shifting global context," Trudeau told reporters after the announcement. The shuffle also included the promotion of a Somali-Canadian who came to Canada as a refugee to immigration minister and the departure of two of Trudeau's most experienced ministers. The move came ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and shortly after Trudeau's senior staff met with Trump's transition team. Freeland, an author and former reporter who has been a top performer in Trudeau's cabinet, replaced Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion but also retained the Canada-U.S. relations portfolio, including the trading relationship. The United States is Canada's largest trading partner. "She's gritty, she gets work done," said John Wright, senior fellow at pollster Angus Reid. "I think she's a full package to be able present to the new administration ... There's a personality there that's not in your face, it's not aggressive, but it certainly is assertive." The shuffle was the first major change Trudeau has made to the cabinet he appointed after leading his party to an election victory in October 2015. Canada's relationship with its neighbour to the south could be tested in coming years, with Trump promising to renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement aimed at removing tariff barriers between Canada, Mexico and the United States. The appointment of Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, to the foreign affairs file could be thorny as she has been a harsh critic of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president whom Trump has repeatedly praised. Moscow banned Freeland in 2014 as part of a series of retaliatory sanctions against Canadian officials, a move Freeland wrote about in an article entitled "My Ukraine, and Putin's big lie," in Quartz magazine in 2015. Ottawa had earlier blacklisted many Russian officials to punish the country for its annexation of Crimea. Trudeau sidestepped a question from reporters over whether Freeland's rocky relationship with Russia would have an impact. "As to how she gets along with Russia, well, she speaks fluent Russian," he said. "We continue to stand strongly with Ukraine and ... continue to condemn in no uncertain terms the illegitimate and illegal actions of the Russians in Ukraine, in the Donbass and Crimea." Before running for election in the Canadian parliament, Freeland worked for Reuters, a unit of Thomson Reuters . Immigration Minister John McCallum was named ambassador to China and was replaced by Ahmed Hussen, a Muslim who came to Canada as a teenaged refugee from war-torn Somalia. Among other moves, Francois-Philippe Champagne, parliamentary secretary to the finance minister, was named trade minister. (Additional reporting by Leah Schnurr and Andrea Hopkins, Writing by Andrea Hopkins; Editing by Howard Goller and Alan Crosby) By Allison Lampert and Jessica DiNapoli MONTREAL/NEW YORK (Reuters) - American Apparel LLC's made-in-the-U.S. heritage is uncertain after Canadian apparel maker Gildan Activewear Inc (GIL.TO) won a bankruptcy auction to acquire the edgy fashion retailer for about $88 million in cash. Gildan said on Tuesday it will buy manufacturing equipment and intellectual property rights related to American Apparel, but the Canadian company did not assume the leases of the retailer's California manufacturing plants, fueling questions over where the clothing will be produced. Reuters reported late on Monday that Gildan had won the auction, which also attracted bidders such as California-based apparel maker Next Level Apparel and had garnered interest from Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) and Forever 21 Inc. Gildan's stalking-horse bid of $66 million for American Apparel, an offer that set the floor for competing bidders, included an option to acquire the company's manufacturing operations. Gildan had planned to maintain some operations as recently as last week, but then reversed course. Garry Bell, a Gildan spokesman, said the company would decide where to make the clothing when it completes its integration plan. "We felt it was best to not assume these leases while we worked through that plan, he said, adding details will be outlined Feb. 23. American Apparel had insisted in the weeks leading up to its bankruptcy and auction that any deal would keep its manufacturing plants in the United States. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said that "the manufacturing facilities were always a part of negotiations, and any decision by the buyer to not assume these operations is at their discretion." Gildan, which manufactures yarn in North Carolina and Georgia, has no "apprehension about investing in the United States," Bell said. However, close to 90 percent of Gildan's 42,000 employees are in low-cost Caribbean and Central American countries, and the company does not manufacture clothes other than socks in the United States. Story continues HOT-BUTTON ISSUE Keeping jobs in the United States has become a hot-button political issue since the election of Donald Trump, who campaigned on stopping manufacturing jobs from moving overseas. Trump's transition team did not immediately return a request for comment. Bell said American Apparel's U.S. manufacturing heritage is a component of the brand, but Gildan's plan for it will also consider factors like transportation and energy costs. While Bell said Gildan is considering hiring some workers in product design and merchandising, approximately 3,500 American Apparel employees have received notices that they could be laid off as soon as this month, according to California public notices. American Apparel's Los Angeles plants are some of the largest private garment-making operations in the United States, and the mostly immigrant employees from China, Central America and Mexico are paid minimum wage and receive extras like bonuses and subsidized public transportation, said worker Irma Fuentes. "We don't know now what's going to happen," Fuentes said by phone on Tuesday. Gildan, whose branded apparel and printwear basics compete with Hanes Brands Inc (HBI.N), has also said it will not buy any of the 110 American Apparel retail stores. However, existing American Apparel stores will continue selling the clothes for the next 100 days as Gildan decides how to make the products available to consumers, Bell said. Analysts said Gildan's focus on just the brand, coupled with its vast distribution network and an ability to control costs, would benefit American Apparel, which spent heavily on its stores and racy marketing campaigns. Gildan is very good at sticking to what they are good at, said an analyst who asked not to be identified. They know they have no business running retail stores or being a marketing machine. American Apparel filed its second Chapter 11 in November with about $177 million in debt after the failure of a turnaround plan. It filed for its first Chapter 11 in October 2015, and emerged from bankruptcy early last year. The deal, which is subject to approval from a bankruptcy court on Thursday, pushed Gildan shares up in Toronto and New York on Tuesday. (Additional reporting by Siddharth Cavale and Komal Khettry in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Matthew Lewis) With the golden age of television upon us, cinema mecca Cannes is determined not to be left out. Already home to the famed film festival, as well as the MIPTV and MIPCOM television markets, the city plans to launch its own television festival in 2018. The city is one of five currently under consideration for a government-sponsored festival, but Cannes plans to go it alone before that decision is made, the mayor's office confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Mayor David Lisnard first told French business newspaper Les Echos the fest will run alongside one of the television markets, which take place in April and October, respectively. Bordeaux, Cannes, Lille, Paris and Nice are among the cities being studied for a television festival by the culture ministry. That city will receive government funding, but Cannes will move forward with its own event. While details of the fest have not been revealed, the city plans an international TV competition modeled on its film festival, a co-production forum of roughly 30 teams pitching to potential funders, an online component and public screenings of series around the city. That puts it in competition with the eight-year-old Series Mania - Paris' popular TV festival that has been gaining star-studded momentum recently - which is held in April of each year. The smaller Serie Series held outside of Paris each July, which bills itself as "The European Series Summit," is now in its fourth year. Lisnard called the planned TV festival a "strategic" move for the city as it starts construction on a massive media complex. Cannes is slated to start development this month on a 30 million euro ($31.7 million) complex focused on creative industries, including a content institute, a business incubator and a multiplex. The new complex will be built in the La Bocca district, an area in the western part of the city, including a university campus specializing in writing, new media and film, a business incubator, co-working spaces and a 12-screen multiplex. Construction is expected to be completed in 2018. The city also will create an artists' residence within the Villa Rothschild open to both big and small screenwriters. Read more: Series Mania: Bobby Cannavale Opens Festival With 'Vinyl' Premiere Peter Buttigieg Some Democrats argued after President-elect Donald Trump's upset win that the party needs to reconnect with the working-class voters who once identified with the party's emphasis on strong pro-union, worker protections. Others called the strategy a step backward, contending that while white working-class voters propelled Trump to victory, appealing to the constituency isn't a long-term solution to the party's 2016 failure. Peter Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and a dark-horse entrant into the race for Democratic National Committee chair, told Business Insider that this dichotomy presents a false choice for the party. "We need to have a strong economic message and always have that at the heart of what we talk about," Buttigieg said in an interview last week. "What I want to make clear, though, is that thats not to say were speaking to one constituency and abandoning another." Buttigieg said promoting issues like "economic fairness" and voting rights should appeal to both the white working-class and minority constituents. "We need to remember that, done right, the right kind of messages are unifying, both within our coalition and when it comes to broadening our coalition," he said. The mayor's bid could shake up the DNC race, set to be decided by the 447 voting members at the party's winter meeting in Atlanta in late February. So far, the race has largely been viewed as a contest between outgoing Secretary of the Department of Labor Tom Perez and Rep. Keith Ellison, a Minnesota congressman who garnered endorsements from high-profile Democrats like Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Chuck Schumer. Idaho Democratic party leader Sally Boyton Brown, New Hampshire party leader Raymond Buckley, and South Carolina chair Jamie Harrison are also seeking the job. Indeed, some Democrats have lamented that the DNC race has been viewed as a rehash of the Democratic primary. Story continues Ellison, a longtime activist with ties to the party's progressive base, emerged as one of Sanders' most high-profile supporters during the 2016 presidential primary. The perceived pick for many former Obama administration officials, Perez stumped vigorously for Hillary Clinton, whose team likely planned to appoint him as DNC chair following her victory, according to Axios' Mike Allen. For his part, Buttigieg dismissed both candidates' characterizations, arguing that the differences between candidates weren't particularly stark. "The proxy characterization I think its a little unfair to some of the candidates, but I do think that its there, and I think its bad for business. We cant be seen as trapped in that kind of fight," Buttigieg said of the 2016 primary comparison. He added: "Everyone in this race is progressive, everyone wants to be chair, and wants to be chair in order to defend progressive values. And so weve got a way to transcend that divide. Were always going to be a party just like the other side with people with some diversity of opinion. But weve got to keep it together." The mayor a Harvard and Oxford graduate and US Navy Reserve officer told Business Insider that party members he talked to urged him to run, claiming he "found that theres an appetite out there for something that hadn't yet been presented in the candidacies. An appetite for a conversation that is more driven by the states, driven by the local perspective, driven by our values." keith ellison Buttigieg's bid is viewed by some observers as a long shot, partially because of the 34-year-old's relatively low national profile, outside several fawning profiles in The New York Times and The Washington Post, which emphasize his impressive biography, including his identity as one of the Midwest's only young and gay mayors. Unlike Ellison and Perez both of whom are national politicians who served as major surrogates during the 2016 presidential election it's unclear where Buttigieg stands on issues that have divided the party, such as trade (though the chair primarily dictates party strategy, not policy). While Perez has made protecting voting rights a central part of his pitch, and Ellison has hammered home his connection to grassroots activists, the mayor's relatively lean website does not delve into specifics of his proposed strategy, though he's promised to roll out detailed proposals in the weeks leading up to the race. Buttigieg's existing proposals have been fairly broad. He wants to organize the DNC to avoid the appearance of impropriety, promising to roll out specifics to ensure that that fairness and neutrality in the primary process are "beyond reproach." He argued that state parties should be given more money to hire their own staff, rather than delegating that power to Washington, and said that Democrats need to think of campaigns beyond simply building a field operation and buying TV ads. Much of the mayor's pitch to voting members most of whom hail from state and local Democratic parties is a promise to empower state and local parties. Buttigieg argued that Democrats "would be in trouble" even if Clinton had won, because state and federal congressional losses have decimated the party's ability to enact serious legislation. "If you are just focusing on the White House, even when you get the White House, youre going to have a lot of problems if the other party is dominating the states and Congress," Buttigieg said. "Look at the monstrous obstructions to getting anything done, even while we had a lock on the White House for eight years. And in the event that we don't get the White House, then youre left with nothing. And thats part of how the party now is finding ourselves, at the lowest level of influence weve had in nearly a century." He also laid out a rough plan for how he'd tackle the DNC's budget. While conquering the organization's postelection debt would be an early priority, Buttigieg told Business Insider that he would focus on pumping funding into state and local partnership programs, and he promised to perform an internal audit on past spending. He also promised to "invest more directly in local races, even bench-building races where the odds are long." And while the mayor did not embrace Ellison's proposed ban on accepting donations from lobbyists, saying it's "not where the conversation needs to go," he argued that the DNC needs to expand the donor base to draw from the small-money donors that propelled Sanders' candidacy, as well as local fundraising networks harnessed by mayoral candidates that Buttigieg claimed are not often tapped into by the national party. Buttigieg, who doesn't have the national communications experience of the other candidates, said if Democrats maintained "a laser-like focus on the actual lives of actual people" when crafting their message to voters, the party could outflank Trump. "If all we talk about is him, then people at home my neighbors are going to say, 'Trump is talking about himself, Democrats are talking about Trump, who is talking about me?'" Buttigieg said. "We need to not get trapped in every shiny object or trapped in paying attention to every shiny object that gets thrown out, because he is very good at distraction, and he has a peculiar genius in allocating blame," Buttigieg said. "Which means even when his administration fails the American people, which I think will happen in many different ways, that won't have political consequences on its own. Not without our help." NOW WATCH: Watch President Obama tear up while addressing Michelle in his farewell speech More From Business Insider Carmakers used the Detroit Auto Show to talk up their U.S. production, in a likely reaction to President-elect Donald Trump 's all-hours tweet storms, an industry analyst said on Tuesday. John Rosevear, senior auto specialist at The Motley Fool, told CNBC's " The Rundown " on Tuesday that it was a repeated theme at the annual auto show. "It's clearly a new and big movement across the board," he said. "Every press conference, every discussion we have today, it seems like some executive from any of the automakers is at pains to talk about what they make in the U.S., how much they make in the U.S." Rosevear noted that a VW (VOW3-DE) conference highlighted that its SUVs were being made in Tennessee, while Toyota (7203.T-JP) went so far as to display a Camry model with "Made in U.S.A." painted on the side. "It's being talked up obviously at the Detroit-based automakers, but also at a lot of what we call the transplants, the overseas companies doing business here in the U.S. too." Automakers new focus on flag-waving has followed a series of all-hours tweets from Trump lambasting, sometimes inaccurately, plans to produce vehicles in Mexico. Trump has previously called Ford (F) "horrible" for its plans to move all small-car production to Mexico within three years, and has threatened to impose a border tax on automakers which move production abroad. Earlier this month, Ford announced that it was scrapping plans for a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico and instead would invest $700 million in the Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan. On Monday, Ford CEO Mark Fields told CNBC that Trump's proposed tax or trade reforms would not influence Ford Motor's long-term goals. Fields said the company cancelled production of the plant because it "didn't need the capacity anymore." In a tweet last week, Trump also criticized Japanese automaker Toyota Motor for plans to build a new plant in Mexico. In response to Trump's tweet, Toyota said in a statement to Reuters that the new Mexican plant will not cut its U.S. employment. Story continues Also this month, Trump issued a separate ultimatum to General Motors (GM): Make its Chevy Cruze cars in the U.S. or expect to pay a big border tax. GM responded by saying it built the Cruze hatchback in Mexico for global markets with a very small amount sold in the U.S. Of the 190,000 Cruze cars sold in the U.S., 185,500 were built in Lordstown, Ohio, the company said. The Motley Fool's Rosevear said it wasn't clear if automakers' "made in U.S.A." mantra was out of fear of being called out in a Trump tweet storm. For one, automakers were highlighting that their decisions to shift production to the U.S. weren't in reaction to Trump. "They're positioning it as something that just happened to come up this week," Rosevear said, although he added, "Enough times of hearing that and you have to think more is going on behind the scenes." Certainly, however, it's unlikely that automakers were making billion-dollar production and factory-building decisions in the space of mere weeks. For example, FCA, the U.S. arm of automaker Fiat Chrysler (FCA-IT), announced on Sunday that it would invest $1 billion in plants in Michigan and Ohio, which will add 2,000 new jobs in the U.S. The company said it was the second phase of a plan it first made public a year ago. Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said Monday the decision to announce the U.S. investments was "coincidental" to Trump's tweets, according to Reuters. Additionally, the allure of making cars in Mexico isn't about to go away anytime soon. Karl Brauer, senior director for automotive industry insights at Kelley Blue Book, told CNBC's " Squawk Box " on Tuesday that Mexico's trade agreements were a key attraction. "You can build a vehicle in Mexico and you've got really good trade agreements with a wide portion of the globe," he said, adding that the U.S. needed better deals for markets "across the oceans," and not just with neighbors Canada and Mexico. Brauer also noted that even with Trump's threatening language for the industry, automakers were likely to keep some production south of the border. "As a car company, you have to be smart about which cars you build where," he said. "If you can build some of these small, low-priced cars where the labor is cheaper, you can still build the big ones here and make money and both products are profitable." To be sure, while Trump has focused on whether cars were made in Mexico, the U.S.'s biggest automotive import from Mexico isn't cars it's vehicle parts. Under the free-trade deal NAFTA, the automotive industry increasingly became intertwined between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, resulting in an auto parts manufacturing boom south of the border. The impact of that is clear in U.S. trade data. For instance, in the 10 months ended in October 2016, automotive vehicle and parts imports from Mexico totaled $89.6 billion, dwarfing the next biggest import nations, Canada with $54 billion and Japan, at $44 billion. While vehicles were the main imports from Canada and Japan, more than half $46.8 billion of the automotive-related imports from Mexico were vehicle parts in that 10-month period. U.S. government data show that car parts imports into the U.S. nearly doubled in the past five years. Patti Domm, Javier E. David and Berkeley Lovelace Jr. contributed to this article. By CNBC.Com's Leslie Shaffer; Follow her on Twitter @LeslieShaffer1 Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f33105%2f03006663-4515-4837-a4c8-bee7155a5b9d A cat named Pretty Boy has taken a special liking to a pregnant goat named Copper in West Virginia. According to the cat rescue group Operation Fancy Free, Pretty Boy has been acting as a midwife and masseur for the expecting goat. Although there are plenty of other pregnant goats at the farm, the cat is only giving attention to Copper. SEE ALSO: Meet the woman who quit her NYC job to run a baby goat sanctuary "Copper the goat is due to deliver babies any time now," the page wrote on Facebook last week. "Pretty Boy thinks he's a midwife and is massaging Copper through her contractions trying to help Copper have her babies." The group also posted a video of the cat in action, and we've gotta admit, Pretty Boy looks like he gives a pretty good massage. In an update to its page on Monday, Operation Fancy Free said that Copper is still in pre-labor and has yet to give birth. Don't worry though, Pretty Boy is still there to make sure Copper is comfortable. Image: Operation Fancy Free [h/t: UPI] Were all excited that Chinese New Year is coming round the corner, it looks like were not the only ones! Starbucks Korea has just released their New Years collection and their new Logo Coin Purse couldnt be more precious. starbucks Logo Coin Purse: Silver Logo Coin Purse Close-Up (Source: @jh50201) The Starbucks Logo Coin Purses come in either a pretty, almost rose gold shade for those who prefer a more warm, feminine piece. They are also available in a bright silver if you prefer a cooler vibe. Whichever colour you choose though, these colours are so versatile you can be sure theyll match with nearly any outfit. starbucks Logo Coin Purse: Logo Coin Purse Colours (Source: @seoul_sistas) The cute Logo Coin Purse is not only completely Instagram-worthy, theyre also perfect for storing makeup, ear pieces, or any small loose items that could possibly get lost in the abyss of our bags. They could even replace your bags on your lazy errand days. starbucks Logo Coin Purse: Features of Logo Coin Purse (Source: @Jerrystore) And if thats not enough, the Starbucks Logo Coin Purse would set you back by 8900 won (thats only about $10!) Whats in it? Open up the pouch to reveal 6 chocolate coins wrapped in golden/silver foil, just like those we used to have in Singapore! News from those who have gotten themselves one of these purses tells us that the chocolate coins are really yummy too! starbucks Logo Coin Purse (Source: iam_alicenim) Ready to fly to Korea to get your hands on one of these gorgeous coin purses yet? Well, you dont have to! Airfrovs got you covered. Just send in a request for a purse from one of our travelers, and you can get one without even leaving Singapore! Click here to post request! starbucks Logo Coin Purse Facebook twitter reddit pinterest linkedin mail The post Celebrate CNY With This Logo Coin Purse from Starbucks Korea! appeared first on Airfrov Blog. When youre cooking for the President of the United States, youre gonna pull out your best recipe something Marcus Samuelsson knows well. The Chopped judge, who owns the popular Red Rooster in N.Y.C.s Harlem neighborhood, hosted a campaign fundraising dinner at the restaurant for President Obama in 2011. This was not the first time I cooked for the President, but it was one of the times that I will cherish the most with my staff because the first time was actually at the White House at the state dinner, he tells PEOPLE in the video above. This felt very special home turf advantage for such a big occasion. There was just as much action in the restaurant as outside, he recalls of the evening. There were like 4,000 people outside just wanting to get into the restaurant. For the event, he chose a recipe that was big on flavor and that you can make ahead of time. Short ribs are great for a big dinner, because theyre succulent and super delicious, he says. This is also an excellent dish to do the day before, because the slower you cook it and the longer it will sit, the better it will taste. And the reviews? Overwhelmingly positive. The dinner went amazingly well, Samuelsson says. He was very happy with the short ribs. Get Samuelssons presidential recipe below to make it yourself at home. For more exclusive recipes and celebrity food news, follow People Food on Facebook. Obamas Short Ribs Serves 4 4 (8-z.) boneless short ribs Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil 1 onion, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 2 celery ribs, chopped 1 lemongrass stalk, trimmed, smashed, and minced 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 (1-in.) piece ginger, peeled and minced cup dry red wine 3 cups beef or chicken broth cup plum sauce cup soy sauce 2 sprigs thyme 2 sprigs flat-leaf parsley 2 bay leaves Horseradish, preferably freshly grated, for serving 1. Preheat the oven to 325F. 2. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper. Story continues 3. Heat the grapeseed oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the short ribs and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Put them aside on a plate. 4. Add the onion, carrot, celery, lemongrass, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Season with salt and cook, stirring often, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine and cook, stirring to dissolve any of the brown bits that may still be on the bottom of the pot (the juice from the onions will have dissolved most already). Add the broth, plum sauce, soy sauce, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Return the short ribs to the pot, along with any of the juices, cover, and slide the pot into the oven. Braise until the meat is fork-tender, about 1 hours. 5. Transfer the meat to a plate. Strain the braising liquid into a fat separator. Discard the bay leaves and put the vegetables into a food processor. Process until smooth. Add 1 cups of the defatted braising liquid to the processor and pulse to combine. Return the sauce to the Dutch oven and check for salt and pepper. Bury the short ribs in the sauce, cover, and leave on the back of the stove until youre ready to serve. 6. Reheat the short ribs in the sauce. 7. Divide the short ribs among four shallow bowls. Top each with a spoonful of sauce. Put the rest of the sauce in a bowl for passing at the table, along with a bowl of horseradish if youd like. NOTE: Short ribs marry with many flavor combinations, and they taste much more expensive than they are. I chose plum sauce as an accent to this super-delicious braise; it adds an elusive flavor. We served this as part of a special menu when President Obama first came to the Red Rooster, and its a hit every time we put it back on. I love serving it with freshly grated horseradish on the side. Youll have extra braising liquid. Freeze it in ice cube trays, and youll have flavor bombs to use in pan sauces or pasta. By Chen Aizhu and Michelle Price BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) - China National Chemical Corp (ChemChina) [CNNCC.UL] and Swiss pesticides and seeds group Syngenta AG (SYNN.S) have proposed minor concessions to the EU's competition watchdog to address concerns over their $43 billion merger plan, sources told Reuters. One person close to the deal said it was unlikely ChemChina would have to sell its Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd (ADAM.N) unit. Discussions were focussing on remedying concerns with respect to specific products, some of which Adama may own. This person said the overall divestments would be less than $500 million. "It's about individual products where competition is scarce," this person said, adding that some of these products were only worth tens of millions of dollars. "My understanding is that [divestments] are very minor," another source close to the deal said. The European Commission's website showed "commitments" submitted on Jan. 9, which typically means the parties have proposed remedies such as asset divestment or specific product pricing. It did not elaborate on the nature of the commitments. "Syngenta confirms that remedies related to the deal with ChemChina have been submitted to the EC. We will not comment further on that," a Syngenta spokesman said. "ChemChina and Syngenta remain fully committed to the transaction and are confident of its closure." A spokesman for state-owned ChemChina told Reuters details of the remedy proposals were confidential. The Commission began investigating ChemChina's takeover of Syngenta in October, saying they had not allayed concerns about potentially unfair competitive advantages. The deal has already been approved by regulators in several markets, including by a U.S. national security panel and Australia's competition watchdog. The Commission's concerns are widely seen as one of the last major regulatory hurdles, with U.S. antitrust approval also pending. Syngenta said last week the Commission had agreed to extend its review of the deal by 10 working days to April 12 to allow "sufficient time for the discussion of remedy proposals". Story continues In its October statement, the Commission highlighted ChemChina subsidiary Adama as one area where ChemChina and Syngenta had an overlapping portfolio of European crop protection products, including herbicide and insecticide. A merger could therefore potentially reduce competition for such products. Israel-based Adama makes generic crop protection and pest control products. It is the largest supplier of generic crop protection products in Europe, according to the Commission. Ioannis Kokkoris, Chair in Law and Economics at Queen Mary University of London, said divesting Adama was the simplest and cleanest means for ChemChina to address competition concerns. "That ChemChina has not done this yet suggests it is trying to mitigate a full divestment of Adama, such as by selling a number of significant activities," said Kokkoris. "The other scenario is that it has agreed to divest Adama and is now discussing top-up remedies." These could include commitments to continue funding research in certain products to ensure the deal does not adversely affect innovation in product development, he said. The Commission's next step would be to test the proposed remedies against its market model, Kokkoris said. "The companies have identified a list of products that may have caused the Commission's concerns in respective countries," a senior Beijing-based industry executive with knowledge of the talks told Reuters last week. "Although the progress has taken slightly longer than expected, communication with the Commission has been smooth," said the executive, who was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter and so declined to be identified. (Additional reporting by Arno Schuetze in Frankfurt and Joshua Franklin and Oliver Hirt in Zurich; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Muralikumar Anantharaman and Susan Thomas) By Chen Aizhu and Michelle Price BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) - China National Chemical Corp (ChemChina) [CNNCC.UL] and Swiss pesticides and seeds group Syngenta AG have proposed minor concessions to the EU's competition watchdog to address concerns over their $43 billion merger plan, sources told Reuters. One person close to the deal said it was unlikely ChemChina would have to sell its Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd unit. Discussions were focusing on remedying concerns with respect to specific products, some of which Adama may own. This person said the overall divestments would be less than $500 million. "It's about individual products where competition is scarce," this person said, adding that some of these products were only worth tens of millions of dollars. "My understanding is that [divestments] are very minor," another source close to the deal said. The European Commission's website showed "commitments" submitted on Jan. 9, which typically means the parties have proposed remedies such as asset divestment or specific product pricing. It did not elaborate on the nature of the commitments. "Syngenta confirms that remedies related to the deal with ChemChina have been submitted to the EC. We will not comment further on that," a Syngenta spokesman said. "ChemChina and Syngenta remain fully committed to the transaction and are confident of its closure." A spokesman for state-owned ChemChina told Reuters details of the remedy proposals were confidential. The Commission began investigating ChemChina's takeover of Syngenta in October, saying they had not allayed concerns about potentially unfair competitive advantages. The deal has already been approved by regulators in several markets, including by a U.S. national security panel and Australia's competition watchdog. The Commission's concerns are widely seen as one of the last major regulatory hurdles, with U.S. antitrust approval also pending. Syngenta said last week the Commission had agreed to extend its review of the deal by 10 working days to April 12 to allow "sufficient time for the discussion of remedy proposals". In its October statement, the Commission highlighted ChemChina subsidiary Adama as one area where ChemChina and Syngenta had an overlapping portfolio of European crop protection products, including herbicide and insecticide. A merger could therefore potentially reduce competition for such products. Israel-based Adama makes generic crop protection and pest control products. It is the largest supplier of generic crop protection products in Europe, according to the Commission. Ioannis Kokkoris, Chair in Law and Economics at Queen Mary University of London, said divesting Adama was the simplest and cleanest means for ChemChina to address competition concerns. "That ChemChina has not done this yet suggests it is trying to mitigate a full divestment of Adama, such as by selling a number of significant activities," said Kokkoris. "The other scenario is that it has agreed to divest Adama and is now discussing top-up remedies." These could include commitments to continue funding research in certain products to ensure the deal does not adversely affect innovation in product development, he said. The Commission's next step would be to test the proposed remedies against its market model, Kokkoris said. "The companies have identified a list of products that may have caused the Commission's concerns in respective countries," a senior Beijing-based industry executive with knowledge of the talks told Reuters last week. "Although the progress has taken slightly longer than expected, communication with the Commission has been smooth," said the executive, who was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter and so declined to be identified. (Additional reporting by Arno Schuetze in Frankfurt and Joshua Franklin and Oliver Hirt in Zurich; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Muralikumar Anantharaman and Susan Thomas) By John McCrank NEW YORK, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The Chicago Stock Exchange has asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to remove a letter from its website that fraudulently claims to be from a journalistic organization calling for a halt to the exchange's sale to a China-led consortium. The letter "is nothing more than 'fake news' masquerading as investigative journalism," Albert Kim, associate general counsel of the exchange, known as CHX, said in response to the letter on Jan. 6. The author of the disputed letter was attempting to undermine the SEC rule filing process and the integrity of the government, Kim said. Fake news became a prominent feature of last year's U.S. presidential election, prompting Facebook to take steps to better detect and flag misleading articles on its social media platform. The CHX was referring to a letter attributed to John Ciccarelli on behalf of the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) and dated Jan. 2. It claimed that the sale of CHX to an investment group led by China's Chongqing Casin Enterprise Group would give Chinese investors operating through shell companies 99 percent control of CHX and raised serious anti-money laundering concerns. Two days later, Dave Kaplan, executive director of GIJN, wrote to the SEC saying the Ciccarelli letter was a fraud and had no connection to the organization. "We can assure you that we did not file these comments and ask that they be withdrawn from the official record," he said. Kevin Goldberg, a lawyer for the GIJN, confirmed Kaplan wrote the second letter. The SEC declined to comment. The letter is still on the SEC's website. It was not possible to determine the identity of the author. CHX's Kim said that once the deal closes, 50.5 percent of CHX will be indirectly owned by U.S. citizens, with 49.5 percent indirectly owned by Chinese citizens. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which scrutinizes foreign acquisitions of U.S. companies for national security concerns, approved the sale of CHX last month, but SEC approval is still needed. Story continues Five members of the U.S. Congress asked the SEC to reject the CHX deal in a Dec. 22 letter to the SEC. Led by Representative Robert Pittenger, a Republican on the Financial Services Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the lawmakers argued the Chinese investors were involved in market sectors in China that indicated they had close ties to the state. (Reporting by John McCrank. Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Steve Orlofsky) BEIJING (Reuters) - China's economic growth in 2016 was expected to be around 6.7 percent, Xu Shaoshi, director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said on Tuesday. Consumption accounted for 71 percent of China's GDP growth in the first three quarters of 2016, Xu told a media briefing in Beijing. China's government had targeted 6.5-7 percent economic growth in 2016. Activity was boosted by higher government spending, a housing rally and record high levels of bank lending, which, however, also led to an explosive increase in debt. (This story corrects second paragraph to show consumption accounted for growth in Jan-Sept period, not full year of 2016.) (Reporting by Kevin Yao and Beijing Monitoring Desk; Editintg by Kim Coghill) Nearly 1.2 million people have been punished in China's ongoing anti-graft campaign, a senior official has said, promising that the government will double-down on the drive that some say is a political purge. As part of the campaign, nearly 2,600 fugitives have been extradited or repatriated, and 8.6 billion yuan ($1.2 billion) worth of assets have been recovered, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), said in a statement published on the organisations web site Monday. China has extradition treaties with 48 countries in total, including Spain, Italy, and France, which returned a fugitive to China last September. Speaking at a press conference Monday, Luo Dongchuan, a senior CCDI official pledged that the campaign would continue, saying that the government should "keep the crushing momentum against corruption," according to a press briefing transcript posted on the group's website. But in 2016 the number of corruption cases reported to the watchdog decreased for the first time since 2012, another official, Xiao Pei, said, without giving a specific figure. He said of the 2016 cases, 57,000 were self-confessions. Around 410,000 officials, 76 of whom ranked at the ministerial level or above, were punished in 2016, the state-run China Daily reported Monday. The CCDI statement followed an announcement that Beijing would be tightening the reins on anti-corruption investigators after more than 7,900 across the country, including 17 from the CCDI itself, were punished for their own wrongdoing. Government corruption is rampant in China, and President Xi Jinping has presided over a much-publicised anti-graft campaign since coming to power in 2012, which some have compared to a political purge. China has expressed concern Monday over North Koreas repeated threats to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile. On Sunday, Pyongyang had blamed the U.S. for the isolated countrys nuclear and missile tests and warned it would test-launch the ICBM at any time from any place chosen by leader Kim Jong Un. We are seriously concerned over this We call on all sides to refrain from actions that could escalate the situation. We will closely monitor the situation and try to contribute to upholding peace and stability on the peninsula, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. The United Nations Security Council has clear rules for North Korea regarding its use of ICBM technology to test missiles. In this complex and sensitive situation, China asks all relevant parties to not engage in acts that will raise tensions, Lu added. North Koreas foreign ministry had said that it developed the ICBM to strengthen its self-defense capabilities to counter the ever more undisguised nuclear war threat from the U.S. The ministry also said that the North developed hydrogen bomb and had access to standardized nuclear warheads by bolstering up its nuclear weapons on a high level at an unimaginably high speed on the strength of self-development despite the sanctions from the United Nations and world powers. The ICBM will be launched anytime and anywhere determined by the supreme headquarters of the DPRK [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea], the North Korean foreign ministry said. Also on Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Washington would shoot down the Norths ballistic missile and called the countrys nuclear weapons capabilities and ballistic missile defense programs a serious threat to the U.S. We only would shoot them down ... if it was threatening, that is if it were coming toward our territory or the territory of our friends and allies, Carter said. Related Articles WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Chinese H-6 strategic bomber flew around the Spratly Islands at the weekend in a new show of force in the contested South China Sea, a U.S. official said on Tuesday. It was the second such flight by a Chinese bomber in the South China Sea this year. The first was on Jan. 1, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The flight could be seen as a show of strategic force by the Chinese, the official said. It comes after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has signaled a tougher approach to China when he takes office on Jan. 20, with tweets criticizing Beijing for its trade practices and accusing it of failing to help rein in nuclear-armed North Korea. Commander Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said he had no specific comment on Chinas recent bomber activities, but added: "we continue to observe a range of ongoing Chinese military activity in the region. In December, China flew an H-6 bomber along the nine-dash line it uses to map its claim to nearly all of the South China Sea, a strategic global trade route. That flight also went around Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province. In August, China conducted combat patrols near contested islands in the South China Sea. Trump has enraged Beijing by breaking with decades of U.S. policy and speaking to the Taiwanese president by telephone. A state-run Chinese newspaper warned Donald Trump on Sunday that China would "take revenge" if he reneged on the U.S. one-China policy, only hours after Taiwan's president made a controversial stopover in Houston. Last week China said that a group of Chinese warships led by its sole aircraft carrier was testing weapons and equipment in exercises this week in the South China Sea, where territory is claimed by several regional states. U.S. warships conducted what they call "freedom of navigation" patrols through the South China Sea over the past year amid growing concern about Chinese construction of air strips and docks on disputed reefs and islands. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and David Brunnstrom; Editing by James Dalgleish) Geneva (AFP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be the star attraction at this year's Davos forum, taking place next week at a time of rising populism and uncertainty around the globe. This year's World Economic Forum, held in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Davos, should be seen as a call for "responsible and responsive leadership," WEF founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab told AFP as the organisation unveiled the programme for its 47th edition. The five-day event kicks off Monday and is expected to draw a record 3,000 political and business elites to Davos -- considered the highest-altitude town in Europe, situated at 1,550 metres (5,085 feet) above sea level -- which usually counts just 12,000 inhabitants. Schwab, 78, said he hoped the eclectic gathering could brainstorm on how to address "the root causes" of the widespread anxiety seen in the world today. "Why the people are angry, and why they are not satisfied," he said, insisting on the need for "responsibility which needs courage and which needs decision-making and which needs action orientation." "We will have in Davos numerous initiatives ... which together may make positive contributions, not only to economic development, but also to social, more inclusive progress," he said. As for the main highlights of this year's forum, Schwab said "the main interest probably will be with the unique Chinese delegation, which will be in Davos under the leadership of the president Xi Jinping." Xi will be the first Chinese leader to ever attend the forum. He is set to pay a state visit to Switzerland from January 15-18, during which time he will also visit the UN's European headquarters and the World Health Organization in Geneva and the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne. His visit comes as China seeks opportunities to reshape the rules for global trade, anticipating a more isolated United States under President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on the last day of the forum on January 20. Story continues - Trump transition team represented - The Davos line-up will include outgoing US Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, along side a representative of Trump's transition team, Anthony Scaramucci. Schwab said he expected the US transition to be one of the hottest topics of discussion at the forum, adding that there would certainly also "be great interest given to the question of Brexit and the future of Europe." Davos this year will also feature the new UN chief Antonio Guterres, as well as ministers representing 70 countries, including all of the G20 nations. The business world will also be well represented, with the heads of some 1,000 companies expected to attend. Among them are many top Chinese executives, including Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Dalian Wanda Group chairman Wang Jianlin and Baidu president Zhang Yaqin. A number of Hollywood stars will also be present this year, including Matt Damon, who is also the co-founder of an organisation called Water.org, and Forest Whitaker, who is behind the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative. BEIJING (Reuters) - A Chinese professor has been sacked after he criticized Chairman Mao Zedong on his 123rd birthday in an commentary he posted online that enraged leftists. Mao, who died on Sept. 9, 1976, is still officially venerated by the ruling Communist Party as the founder of modern China and his face appears on every yuan banknote. But he is particularly respected by leftists who believe the country has become too capitalist and unequal over three decades of market-based reforms, and attitudes towards Mao and his legacy mirror differences between reformers and traditionalists. Deng Xiaochao, 62, an art professor at Shandong Jianzhu University in central China, posted a commentary on his Weibo social media site, dated Dec. 26, Mao's birthday, suggesting Mao was responsible for a famine that led to 3 million deaths and the Cultural Revolution in which 2 million died. The post was deleted but an image of it has been shared online and seen by Reuters. Such public criticism of is rare in China and Mao's supporters took to the streets to protest against Deng shortly after he made the comments. Some held banners saying "Whoever opposes Mao is an enemy of the people", according to videos and photos widely shared on Weibo. The state-owned tabloid the Global Times reported late on Monday that Deng was dismissed from his post as counselor of the provincial government last Thursday, while the university's party committee posted a statement saying Deng would no longer teach or be allowed to organize social events on campus. The Global Times did not give a reason for Deng's dismissal. The Shandong government said on its website Deng had been dismissed for breaking provincial and national rules on government work, without providing details, and that local discipline bodies had been informed. The university's party committee said Deng had made "false remarks", according to images of a statement from it, shared on social media and seen by Reuters. Deng could not be reached for comment. Calls to Shandong Jianzhu University and Shandong provincial government went unanswered. Modern history is a sensitive subject in China as so much of the party's legitimacy rests on claims of its achievements. The party tries to manage the interpretation of history, though officials say online information is threatening that control. While there is debate in the party about the direction of reforms, analysts suggest there are no serious challenges to President Xi Jinping's rule from leftists. (Corrects month of Mao's death to September in second paragraph) (Reporting by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Robert Birsel) Clare Hollingworth, the veteran war correspondent who broke the news that World War II had started, has died in Hong Kong at the age of 105. Hollingworth was born in rural Leicestershire in central England on Oct. 10, 1911. Although she grew up on a farm in the countryside, her childhood was still overshadowed by World War I, which began in 1914. As Dominique Rowe recently explored in an in-depth TIME.com profile of Hollingworth and her work, Hollingworth decided from a young age that she wanted to be a writer, but first spent time in Poland, arranging the evacuation of more than 3,500 political and Jewish refugees to Britain in the lead-up to World War II. When she left Poland in 1939, her expertise in that country proved to be essential to what would be the defining moment of her career, as Rowe reported: Within a month of returning to England, she had secured a job as a war correspondent for the Telegraph, and almost immediately returned back to the Polish-German border in Katowice, where she stayed with a diplomat friend from the Foreign Office. Knowing that war may be imminent, and bolstered by the presence of a diplomatic flag, she borrowed her hosts car, and motored off alone into Nazi Germany to stock up on wine and aspirin. As she drove back along the border, a fabric partition separating the two countries flapped momentarily in the wind, exposing scores, if not hundreds of tanks in the valley below. And there was her first big scoop: the outbreak of World War II. Three days later, at 5 a.m. on Sept. 1, 1939, Hollingworth was awoken by the sound of tanks rolling past her window. She scrambled to call her editor, as well as the British and Polish Foreign Offices, each of whom met her news with disbelief. (At this point Poland thought it was still in negotiations with Germany.) Hollingworths important role in her profession continued long after that groundbreaking scoop. As well as writing five books, Hollingworth covered conflicts in Europe, North Africa and Asia for the Telegraph and the Guardian. (And, when a ban was imposed on British female correspondents on the front lines in Egypt in 1942, she approached the American press instead and became accredited by TIME.) Story continues Read more: The Correspondent Who Scooped the World Hollingworth married her second husband Geoffrey Hoare, the London Times Middle East correspondent, in 1951. He died about a decade later. "Portrait of the Writer" recent-found foto of Clare in her 80s @ home Dorset Sq, London. (Upstairs ws home of author of "101 Dalmatians"!) pic.twitter.com/UIepihMOqE Celebrate Clare (@CelebrateClare) January 4, 2017 In 1973, Hollingworth became the first Beijing-based correspondent for the Telegraph, a position she held for three years, and later moved to Hong Kong in the 1980s as the Telegraphs Southeast Asia correspondent. Until her death, Hollingworth lived in Hong Kong, in an apartment near the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC). Despite the onset of macular degeneration in 1995, Rowe reported, she never officially retired and Clares Table at the FCC was reserved for her every single day, in case she turned up for lunch or dinner. Tara Joseph, president of the FCC, said in a statement that the organization was very sad to hear about Hollingworths passing. She was a tremendous inspiration to us all, Joseph said. Some MBA applicants worry that they are at a competitive disadvantage because their college major is unrelated to business. However, experts say an applicant's major has little influence on their chance of acceptance. Most MBA programs admit applicants with various majors, experts say, and a business-related major does not significantly improve an applicant's odds. In fact, experts say, sometimes an uncommon major can be an advantage in the MBA admissions process. "Admissions officers are really trying to fill their class with a diverse group and a well-rounded group," says Erin Goodnow, CEO of Going Ivy , an admissions consulting company. Goodnow says what MBA admissions officers truly care about is long-term career potential, not an applicant's college major. [Get a head start on b-school by improving your quantitative skills.] David Tang, an MBA student at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, says applicants should describe in their application essay how their major fits into their journey to business school. "Making the case is all about connecting the dots between your past achievements, how it led to the b-school decision and what you want to accomplish post b-school," Tang said via Facebook . "The story needs to be genuine, personal and believable." Alicia Stewart, an MBA admissions counselor at the IvyWise consulting group and a former assistant director of admissions at Columbia Business School, says a small minority of business schools have preferences regarding college major. "There may be school-specific preferences for major, so the key is to look into the school you are interested in and see what their class profile looks like," Stewart said in an email. "Get an idea of the culture, and you will see the types of students they admit and also assess your own fit to the community." [Learn how to overcome a low quantitative background in MBA admissions.] Any Major Can Lead to Business School Laurel Grodman, director of admissions, analytics and evaluation for the Yale School of Management, says admissions officers often get questions from nervous MBA applicants who wonder if their major ruins their prospects. This is particularly common among liberal arts majors, who often describe themselves as "nontraditional" to MBA admissions officers, she says. Story continues "We always kind of chuckle to ourselves, because there really is not a nontraditional background when you look at the applicant pool," Grodman says. Grodman says that, regardless of major, applicants need to explain why business school makes sense for them. She says Yale evaluates MBA applicants with different college majors based on a consistent set of standards, such as GPA, GMAT scores, work history and the rigor of undergraduate courses. "We've actually got tremendous diversity when it comes to college major," Grodman says. "We have a healthy representation from all of the big major groupings, so we're certainly not advantaging or disadvantaging any particular group, and we certainly don't go out on the onset looking to hit some sort of quota." [Understand what matters most in MBA admissions.] The Importance of Explanation The ability to explain a college major and describe how it fits into a career is more important than the actual major, says Ryan Barba, an MBA admissions consultant based in Boston and a 2011 MBA graduate from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. Barba says when he applied to MBA programs as a biology major, he was often asked why he was switching gears. "It was not a concern, but it was something I had to explain clearly," he says. Anna Henschel, a first-year student at the Isenberg School of Management at University of Massachusetts--Amherst, says the fact that MBA interviewers asked her to explain her religious studies major created an opportunity for her to discuss her undergraduate experience at Bard College. Henschel says the key for MBA applicants is to present their college major with pride. "Say, 'This is what I gained, and these are the skills I bring to the table,'" Henschel suggests. A Liberal Arts Major Is Not a Disadvantage One recent MBA graduate says his college major in philosophy served him well before, during and after business school, and he says MBA applicants with a liberal arts background should emphasize it in their MBA application. Robert Green, an engineering project leader in Florida and a 2014 MBA graduate from the College of Business Administration at University of Central Florida, says a liberal arts education gets people in the habit of being creative, which is a strong asset in the business world. "We need people who can think in abstract or gestalt perspectives to see things in a way that transcends routine mindless thought and actually give people what they need, not just what they ask for," Green said via email. "People with a philosophical background tend to be visionary and may connect with people at a very emotional level or tap into a social or psychological vein that exposes a market opportunity that the MBA would want to service and satisfy." Searching for a business school? Get our complete rankings of Best Business Schools. Ilana Kowarski covers graduate schools for U.S. News. You can reach her via email at ikowarski@usnews.com. Brazzaville (AFP) - A Congolese opposition leader who unsuccessfully challenged President Denis Sassou Nguesso at the polls has been arrested, a police source told AFP Tuesday. "I can confirm 100 percent that Mr (Andre) Okombi Salissa has been arrested," the source said. Okombi Salissa, 55, had been placed under house arrest three months after the March 2016 vote, which swept Sassou Nguesso back into power. He then escaped and went into hiding for several months. In December, prosecutor Andre Ngakala Oko asked Congo's National Assembly to lift Okombi Salissa's parliamentary immunity, to enable the courts to prosecute him for illegal possession of weapons of war. Along with four other opposition figures, Okombi Salissa had sought to stop 73-year-old Sassou Nguesso from returning to power in March. Another candidate, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko, has been in custody since June after being charged with "breaching internal state security" and illegal possession of weapons. Although he was minister for several portfolios under Sassou Nguesso from 1997 to 2012, Okombi Salissa joined the opposition shortly before a constitutional referendum in 2015. Congo has been on edge since the referendum ended a two-term limit on presidential mandates, allowing the head of state to extend his three-decade grip on power. Juggle Responsibilities to Boost a Career Many of today's working adults who aim to switch careers or advance in their current jobs turn to online learning for the convenience of attending class remotely on their own time, experts say. But before they enroll, prospective students with jobs should consider these 10 facts about balancing their career goals with an online education. 1. Online education is ideal for career changers. Online learning's flexibility allows working adults, wherever they live, to switch careers, Melissa Venable, a Saint Leo University and University of South Florida online instructor and course designer, told U.S. News. Before online education, "You would say, 'I'm going to switch and go to school on the weekends,' or 'I'm going to have to save money so I can stop working and go to school,'" Venable says. "It was a bit more risky." 2. Non-degree credentials offer a faster career boost. Experts say a degree isn't always the most time- and cost-efficient credential to advance a career. An online graduate certificate, for instance, enables students to more quickly gain job-specific skills. Other credentials such as digital badges and verified certificates from massive open online courses, or MOOCs, are also faster, lower-cost options for busy online students. 3. "Stackable" credentials also speed up job growth. In some cases, online students can earn several smaller credentials as they build up to a degree. This enables immediate career advancement as they also pursue long-term goals. "Employers are showing trends of paying more attention to those levels of education and completion," Deborah Seymour, chief academic innovation officer at the American Council on Education, told U.S. News. 4. Time management is key to balance. Experts say working online students need to effectively divide their time between their job and education. It's important to stick to a schedule and avoid procrastination. Story continues While working, "It is highly unlikely that you will be able to take a course load comparable to a typical full-time student," John LaMar, an online bachelor's student at Oregon State University Ecampus, wrote on the U.S. News Online Learning Lessons blog last year. "Each situation will require a different balance." 5. Working online students need self-discipline. With no in-person instructor to motivate online students, attending class after work can be tough. Online students need to take full charge of their learning, Debbie Morrison, a digital education consultant, told U.S. News. "It's going in with the thought process of, 'I'm in charge, I'm going to be seeking out the information I need, asking questions if I'm not clear on something,'" she says. 6. Some companies pay for employees' online degrees. It's not uncommon for companies to fund employees' online degree. Starbucks, for instance, offers to pay employees' tuition for bachelor's degrees at Arizona State University's ASU Online. "Make sure the employer knows that this institution is regionally accredited and that you have looked into the quality of the program they offer," Pamela Tate, president and CEO of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, told U.S. News. 7. You shouldn't hide your online education from an employer. In many cases, experts say, employers support workers who are also juggling an online education -- especially if the employee clarifies how that education might benefit their job. "You are making yourself more valuable to the business by finishing a degree online, and as long as there is proper prioritization, both parties can benefit," LaMar, the OSU Ecampus student, wrote on U.S. News. 8. You can instantly apply what you learn to a job. Online students say they are often surprised at their online program's immediate relevance to their current careers -- and vice versa. "Your readings and your work and the assessments you do for the program relate completely to what you do in your everyday job," Lara Bersano Calot, an online master's student in public relations and corporate communications at the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, told U.S. News in a video. 9. Online learning teaches relevant virtual collaboration skills. Today's workplace requires interaction with colleagues around the world, and online learning teaches those skills, Darwin Green, an online bachelor's alum from Pennsylvania State University--World Campus, wrote on the U.S. News blog. "Written language becomes a primary form of communication, and in place of nonverbal cues and gestures come emoticons and other symbols," he wrote. 10. Virtual career services can be useful. Working online students planning to change fields should use an online program's career services for remote access to advisers, virtual career fairs and networking opportunities. "In general, we have live 'face-to-face' conversations, if not phone conversations, that replicate the in-person conversation for career counseling," Kyle Whitehouse, assistant director of learner services at OSU Ecampus, told U.S. News. More on Online Education Find more career-related tips about online education on the Online Learning Lessons blog, and get our complete rankings of the Best Online Programs. For additional advice and information on how to choose an online program, connect with U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook. Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said he will testify this week against Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessionsa move his office has said is unprecedented in Senate history. Im breaking a pretty long Senate tradition by actually being a sitting Senator testifying tomorrow against another sitting Senator, Booker said Monday in an interview with MSNBC. Please understand, I think these are extraordinary times, and they call for extraordinary measures. Sessions confirmation hearings for the role of attorney general begin Tuesday. Booker told MSNBC that he plans to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday or Wednesday. Weve seen consistently Jeff Sessionsthats Senator Jeff Sessionsvoting against everything from the Matthew Shepard Act, voting against or speaking out against key ideals around the Voting Rights Act, taking measures to try to block criminal justice reform, Booker said on MSNBC. He has a posture and a positioning that I think represent a real danger to our country. Others have also raised concerns about Sessions stance on key issues, including voting rights, freedom of speech and religious freedom. Bookers office said the Senate historian has not been able to find a prior instance of a sitting senator testifying against another siting senator nominated for a White House Cabinet position, NBC News reported. Once, diplomacy was an art laboriously conducted in person, preferably in French. Later came missives, then cables. Throughout, it was predominantly carried out by staid men wearing dignified suits seated in palatial estates. But that time is not now. Now, diplomacy, or whatever its antithesis may be called, is conducted on Twitter. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, trolling, sophomoric humor, emoji, and whenever possible, pictures of animals. Exhibit A, of course, comes from the Russian Embassy in the United Kingdom. Recent Russian Embassy in the U.K. tweets include President Obama expels 35 diplomats in Cold War deja vu. As everybody, incl people, will be glad to see the last of this hapless Adm. pic.twitter.com/mleqA16H8D Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) December 29, 2016 Just for fun: latest joke from friends: minus 35 in Moscow and no French, Germans nor even @NATO around such a waste! pic.twitter.com/3CW3dUc6yd Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) January 8, 2017 In todays papers: pundits call on @Theresa_May to disrupt possible Russia-US thaw. No trust in Britain's best friend and ally? pic.twitter.com/4TNf9x8PCh Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) January 9, 2017 To be clear, that last tweet features Pepe the Frog, symbol of the alt-right. And during Russias spat with Turkey over the downing of its jet on the Turkey-Syrian border, the gloves really came off. .@RT_Erdogan put family members in lucrative posts in energy firms,plus graphic evidence of IS oil trade thru Turkey pic.twitter.com/Lj8srt6ad1 Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) December 2, 2015 (The cyber bullying may have worked, because Turkey and Russia made nice a few months later.) But dont worrythe embassy intersperses its politically charged tweets with good morning wishes from cute woodland creatures. Antagonism and animal pics are not the natural purview of an entity charged with managing foreign relations, one might think. And one might be right! But the Russian Embassy in the U.K. is not the only culprit. Another repeat offender: the English language account for the Spanish Embassy in Australia, which has used a Simpsons GIF to point out that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump likely has not read Don Quixote (yes, you read that sentence correctly). It has also used a Simpsons GIF to note that Australia still, in October 2016, had not legalized same sex marriage. The situation of same sex marriage in Australia. (Approved in Spain since 2005) pic.twitter.com/B96Xio7m90 Spain in Oz (@EmbajadaEspAust) October 12, 2016 They implicitly criticized their hosts stance on Muslims. Also, this: Now other embassies are dipping their diplomatic toes in this bizarre waters. On Tuesday, for example, the French Embassy in the U.S. must have noted #SignsYoureASuperhero was trending, because it then tweeted this: That is a literal GIF of a beret-clad French superhero tweeted out by the French Embassy in the United States of America. Last week, the Polish Embassy in the U.S. wanted to remind us all that Martha Stewart favors pierogi, which are Polish. What dish tops @MarthaStewart's list of cold-weather comforts? #Pierogi! The delectable Polish dumplings we all love https://t.co/nmg4XJnsqi pic.twitter.com/Z8tSHqN5ke Embassy of Poland US (@PolishEmbassyUS) January 5, 2017 There are, thankfully, still exceptions to this new rule. Israel, for example, just thanked Germany after the Brandenburg Gate was lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag to commemorate the death of four Israeli soldiers. Wir sind sehr bewegt. Das #BrandenburgerTor wird gerade angestrahlt in Gedenken an die Opfer des Anschlags in #Jerusalem. #BerlinfurIsrael pic.twitter.com/OUl9UJQ4rA Botschaft Israel (@IsraelinGermany) January 9, 2017 Photo credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / Greenbriar Capital Corp. (the "Company" or "Greenbriar") (GRB.V) is pleased to announce the results of a Court ordered damage report prepared by Dr. Leonardo Giacchino, Adjunct Professor of Law at the Washington College of Law, American University. Using the Discounted Cash Flow ("DCF") method, Greenbriar had foregone a profit between $119.0 million and $247.0 million in July 1, 2017 dollars. The most likely value within that range of profits is of $198.1 million in July 1, 2017 dollars. In the case of the Comparables method, a MW is valued between $806,852 and $2,367,250, which places the 100 MWs at between $80.4 million and $236.0 million in July 1, 2017 dollars, with a mid-point of $158.2 million. The range of damages calculated with the DCF method overlaps with the range of values of the Comparables method. Combining both methods and keeping the overlapped values, as shown in Table 1, the first part of damages range between $119 million and $236 million, with a most likely value of $178.2 million giving each method equal weights. Table 1: Summary of Damages to Greenbriar Item Values in July 1, 2017 Dollars Lower Bound Most Likely Upper Bound Montalva Damages DCF (a) 118,970,052 198,132,337 247,005,316 Comparables (b) 80,426,983 158,197,222 235,967,461 Overlap (c) 118,970,052 178,164,779 235,967,461 Greenbriar is pleased with this court ordered report. We look forward to a successful conclusion for our shareholders, either by way of a final court order, or a bilateral settlement by the new administration to honor our binding US $1.9 billion contract. The full report is available at www.greenbriarcapital.com. About Greenbriar Capital Corp. Greenbriar Capital Corp. is a leading developer of renewable energy and sustainable real estate projects. With longterm, high impact, contracted sales agreements in key project locations, and led by a successful industryrecognized operating and development team, Greenbriar targets deep valued assets directed at accretive shareholder value. Story continues ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "SIGNED" Jeffrey J. Ciachurski President, Chief Executive Officer and Director The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forwardlooking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forwardlooking statements" and include any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Company's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance. Forwardlooking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "continue," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "plan," or "project," or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These statements, however, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed, implied by or projected in the forwardlooking information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forwardlooking statements include but are not limited to: risks related to the development and potential development of the Company's projects, the ability of RESIC to complete the Mandate, conclusions of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the availability of tax incentives in connection with the development of renewable energy projects and the sale of electrical energy, as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR. There can be no assurance that any forwardlooking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forwardlooking information or statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forwardlooking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. Toronto Venture Exchange Symbol: "GRB" Issued and Outstanding: 13,824,227 TELEPHONE: 949.903.5906 FACSIMILE: 604.608.9572 SOURCE: Greenbriar Capital Corp. * Northern Ireland power-sharing falls apart * Lingering deep distrust undermines 1998 peace deal * Sinn Fein pushes for new deal * Government paralysed as Brexit looms By Amanda Ferguson BELFAST, Jan 10 (Reuters) - After a decade of bitter compromises over paramilitaries and policing, Northern Ireland's power-sharing government finally fell apart this week over the abuse by farmers of a green-energy grant to burn fuels such as wood pellets instead of coal. The confrontation has exposed a growing rupture in trust between Catholic Irish nationalists and pro-British Protestant unionists whose cooperation underpins the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement that ended three decades of bloodshed. While there is no sign of a return to violence that killed 3,600 people, the political crisis looks set to paralyse government in the province for months at the same time as Britain's exit from the European Union threatens simultaneous shockwaves to its economy and constitutional status. "I'm not sure that power-sharing can be restored now," Jeffrey Donaldson, a senior member of the ruling pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) told Irish state radio RTE on Tuesday, a day after Irish nationalist, and ex-Irish Republican Army (IRA) commander, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, resigned over the affair. "I really don't think that Martin and his colleagues have begun to contemplate the damage the decision they made yesterday has done to the prospect of power sharing in the future." The Good Friday Agreement, negotiated by former U.S. senator George Mitchell and ratified in May 1998, effectively ended the "Troubles" that had torn apart Northern Ireland and was based on a power-sharing pact to govern by cross-community consent. McGuinness's resignation means a snap election is more than likely, bringing the power-sharing government to the brink of collapse. McGuinness raised the prospect of a lengthy renegotiation of any power-sharing, saying there would be "no return to the status quo" after an election. Story continues There has been a decade of power-sharing between Sinn Fein, once the political arm of the IRA, and the DUP which have overcome fierce disagreements over rival marches, the legacy of the Troubles and constitutional issues. The green energy scandal proved to be the final tipping point. "CASH FOR ASH" For months Northern Irish media have revelled in stories of farmers heating barns night and day to burn as many wood pellets as they and other business owners could to take advantage of a subsidy that gave them 1.60 pounds for every 1 pound spent. Unlike a similar scheme elsewhere in the United Kingdom legislation lacked a cap and could cost taxpayers up to 490 million pounds ($595 million), almost 5 percent of the region's annual budget. First Minister Arlene Foster, who launched the scheme four years ago, apologised, but insisted her party closed it as soon as flaws became apparent. While her refusal to resign was the trigger for the first collapse of the government since McGuinness agreed to share power with rivals a decade ago, all sides admit that the political fissures go much deeper. "The heating scandal is the occasion for the resignation, it's not the cause," said Brian Feeney, a columnist for Irish nationalist newspaper the Irish News. "They have a long list of grievances and they have just decided it's not going to go on any longer." While the power-sharing deal calls for a partnership of equals, Sinn Fein says the DUP has been treating it with "provocation, arrogance and disrespect" culminating, they say, in the scrapping of a 50,000-pound grant for disadvantaged children to learn the Irish language just days before Christmas. "Sinn Fein will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP. We now need an election to allow the people to make their own judgment," McGuinness said after his resignation. ELECTION "HIGHLY LIKELY" An election is the "highly likely" next step, the British government's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire said on Tuesday, unless Sinn Fein agrees to appoint a replacement for McGuinness within seven days, something it has said it will not do. McGuinness recently took a break from some of his duties because of an undisclosed illness. But an election appears likely to just mark the starting gun for a renegotiation of the terms under which the two parties share power. Sinn Fein members in recent days have begun to hint at demands likely to be made including funding additional rights for Irish speakers and the lesbian and gay community, which the DUP has blocked and for inquiries into deaths in the "Troubles". Failure in those talks could cause devolved powers to revert to London and open the possibility of a deeper rethinking of the concept of power sharing. The collapse of the relationship between McGuinness and Foster also risks paralysing the region's response to Britain's planned exit from the European Union as London prepares to trigger divorce talks. Sinn Fein, which campaigned for Britain to stay in the European Union, says Foster has failed to properly represent the 56 percent of Northern Ireland voters who voted "Remain". Foster, who campaigned to quit the EU, said she must instead respect the opinion of the 52 percent of voters in all of the United Kingdom who wanted to leave. "Brexit is a complete mess and everyone here seems to be ignoring it," said Ollie Woodhouse, a 21-year-old bar-tender walking through central Belfast on Tuesday. "It is definitely time for change in Northern Ireland." EXPOSED TO BREXIT A number of studies have named Northern Ireland, which is the poorest region of the United Kingdom and has its only land border with the European Union, as the most economically exposed to Brexit. "There has seldom been a more important time for all our citizens to have a strong well-functioning Executive," said Angela McGowan, Northern Ireland Director of the Confederation of British Industry. But Brexit's impact could go much deeper, shifting the constitutional architecture on which Northern Ireland's peace deal sits. There are several references to the European Union in the good Friday Agreement and the DUP's Donaldson on Tuesday suggested that Britain's exit from the European Union could undermine the Republic of Ireland's ability to share in the governing of the province under the Good Friday Agreement. In recent days, fears have grown about the return of border posts after suggestions Britain may leave the EU customs union, a development that would anger Northern Irish nationalists and, experts say, provide obvious targets for paramilitaries. "Whilst these negotiations are about to start you have the Scottish government lobbying for Scottish interests, you have the Welsh government lobbying for Welsh interests and who does ... (prime minister) Theresa May pick up the phone to in Northern Ireland?," asked University politics lecturer David McCann. "Northern Ireland cannot afford to be stuck in neutral." ($1 = 0.8226 pounds) (Writing by Conor Humphries; Additional reporting by Padraic Halpin and Alistair Smout, editing by Peter Millership) Dassaults Falcon 900LX business jet, which debuted back in 2010, recently underwent a preening, with the French aeronautics firm introducing an all-new upgraded cabin for the tri-jet airplane. Designed to accommodate modern travelers need to keep their electronic devices close at hand and well-charged, the new interior is equipped with plenty of convenient storage nooks and charging ports. The upgrades also provide high-speed access to networks and high-definition onboard fiber-optic audio and video systems. An all-new LED mood lighting system offers a choice of traditional white light or programmable ambient mood lighting, while new acoustic insulation produces a quieter cabin. The 900LX is the most advanced model in Falcons 900 series, able to fly up to 5,500 miles nonstop at speeds up to 550 mph. Like many of its stablemates in the Falcon line, it is equipped with three engines, providing robust performance for operations at short or high-altitude runways. The 900LX sells for about $43 million. (dassaultfalcon.com) More From Robbreport.com The 2017 BMW 5 Series Sedan Is a Subtle Yet Smart Evolution An Exclusive Taste of One of New Englands Top Kitchens The Balvenies Pop-Up Offers Core Pours at Waldorf Astoria New York Wally Yachts Is Working on a Gorgeous New Sailing Yacht Copper & Kings New Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder Kalamazoos New Barbecue Cabinet Smokes the Competition Identifying for-profit schools that provide little return on investment just got easier. For the first time, the Department of Education is publishing data that compares student debt to actual earnings after graduation for thousands of career-training and certificate programs offered by for-profit and nonprofit private and public colleges. The data shows that a significant number of for-profit schools fail to prepare students for careers that enable them to repay their student loans. The data, to be published annually, is required by the gainful employment rule, which went into effect in July 2015. Under the rule, schools risk losing federal financial-aid funding if a typical graduate's student debt exceeds 20 percent of their discretionary income or 8 percent of total earnings. Losing financial aid for career-training programs can effectively shut down the school. While for-profit schools offer 66 percent of the 29,000 programs subject to the gainful employment rule, 98 percent of the 800 that failed were from for-profit schools. "Far too many students are graduating with degrees of little or no value," said Department of Education Secretary John B. King Jr. on a call with reporters. King said the data sheds light on which career training programs are most likely to prepare students for repaying their student loan debt and which programs might leave them worse off than before. Schools with programs that fail have 30 days to inform students that they are at risk of losing financial aid. While that could affect the more than 350,000 students in these programs, nothing will happen immediately because a school must fail to meet acceptable standards at least two years in a row. The Department of Education created a new disclosure template, which will be released later this month, that schools must use to provide the information to prospective students. While King declined to speculate on whether the gainful employment rule would be enforced by the incoming Trump administration, it's an issue likely to come up Wednesday at the confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos, the Trump nominee to head the Department of Education. Ahead of the hearing, Sen. Elizabeth Warren sent DeVos a 16-page letter with questions Warren wants to raise, including DeVos's stance on enforcing the gainful employment rule. Story continues Some Say Rules Dont Go Far Enough Consumer advocates say this is an important first step to cutting off schools that load up graduates with too much debt relative to their eventual income. But advocates want more accountability. These are very modest rules, said Suzanne Martindale, a staff attorney at Consumer Reports who specializes in student debt issues. "They fall well short of providing the level of robust oversight we need over this industry." Dozens of for-profit schools have been targets of federal and state investigations as well as student lawsuits. In December, DeVry University paid $100 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the Federal Trade Commission for allegedly making misleading claims. The FTC cited DeVry's contention that 90 percent of its graduates seeking employment landed jobs in their field within six months of graduation. The FTC also said DeVry falsely claimed its graduates had, on average, incomes 15 percent higher than those from other colleges and universities. In September, ITT Technical Institutes, one of the largest for-profit colleges in the U.S., shut down after the Department of Education shut off financial aid funding for new students. ITT was the target of numerous lawsuits and investigations, with accusations that included ITT misled students about job placement prospects and lied about student loan default rates. Corinthian Colleges shut down in 2015 amid allegations that it falsified graduation rates and job placement data. How to Evaluate a For-Profit School If youre considering a for-profit school, take these steps to help ensure it provides good value: Check the schools track record. Most for-profit schools charge higher tuition than comparable programs at community colleges and public universities. That means their students can carry significantly more debt. In addition to debt-to-earnings rates being published on career-training programs, the Education Department's College Scorecard website allows you to check graduation rates, average cost, average student debt and salaries of graduates of all private, public and for-profit schools that receive federal financial aid. You should comparison shop before you enroll and consider less expensive programs at community colleges and public schools. In the Education Department's analysis, no community colleges failed to meet the debt-to-earnings standards. Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell, also on the call with reporters, said that the data shows the exceptional value that community colleges provide. You can use the College Scorecard to search for schools by zipcode. Research complaints. A simple Google search of the school name and complaint or lawsuit can show if a school is being investigated for deceptive marketing practices or reveal other problems. You can check for formal complaints with your local Better Business Bureau and through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus Paying for College site. Beware a hard sell. School recruiters often pressure students into enrolling. If that happens, you should go elsewhere. If they're making lofty promises and trying to get you to sign up quickly without reviewing financial aid and debt information, it could be a warning sign that the school cares more about getting your money than giving you an education, said Martindale. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright 2006-2017 Consumers Union of U.S. The snowy weather didn't stop fans from showing love this past weekend. On Saturday, rapper Dave East opened a pop-up shop at Community 54 in NYC, featuring his latest merchandise and items from emerging brand Inspire or Retire. "It really showed me that what I've been doing thus far is meaning something to people, where they'll come out in the snow and all thatit's been packed all day; so it just showed me the love I got when I'm in New York. It's nothing but love here, no matter the weather," East tells Billboard. The intimate venue was decorated with black-and-white photography while East's music played in the background. Wearing all black and gold accessories, the rapper signed hard copies of his CD and took pictures with fans. The event kicked off at 2 p.m. and wrapped up around 6 p.m. "I definitely know about Dave East and what he's doing ,especially with Mass Appeal (an independent record label founded by Nas) so I wanted to come out and support," said attendee Keenan Higgens. "I saw some really dope merch. I like the '96 to 2016 shirt." Having merch of his own was a long-term goal for East, whose personal favorite article of clothing is hooded sweatshirts. "Honestly, I've been wanting to do merchandise. I wanted to get to a certain point where I knew it would kind of more in demand," East explained. East began creating merch for his fans just last year (2016). Items include printed hoodies, t-shirts, tanks, and a pillow ranging from $30-$50. In the future, East plans to have more pop-up shop events where he can meet his fans. He also has upcoming collaborations with underwear line Ethika and sockwear company Stance. "I want to continue to [make clothing] with all my next projects. Whatever I'm doing, I just want to involve the fashion with it." Check out Dave East's online shop at daveeastmerch.com and Inspire or Retire items at shopinspireorretire.com There werent any Twin Peaks clips dropped by Showtime today, but the network surprised the TCA press corps with the series creator himself David Lynch. Few details about the upcoming reboot were revealed. Earlier today, Showtime president David Nevins said that series would center around the odyssey of FBI Agent Dale Coopers return to the mountainous town. What Lynch spoke about today was that c0-creator Mark Frost contacted me many years ago and asked if I wanted to go back in that world. We met at Musso & Frank and talked, thats what got us going again for this one. On what killed Twin Peaks, Lynch expounded, Who killed Laura Palmer was a question we really never wanted to answer. That Laura Palmer mystery was the goose that laid the golden eggs. We were told to wrap that up, and it didnt get going on again after that. In regards to the prequel feature film he made, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, and how it relates to the new series, Lynch commented, Its very important. Asked to reveal who his Blue Velvet actress Laura Dern would portray and Lynch simply said I like Laura Dern. Asked about why certain actors from the old series werent returning I.E. Joan Chen, Lara Flynn Boyle the director acknowledged that it partially had to do with a new storyline. Asked whether he had future feature film or TV series plans beyond Twin Peaks, and Lynch said that he was completely consumed with the new series. Lynch even remained brief on his working process with co-creator Mark Frost: He lives in Ojai, we work by Skype, and thats how we write, said Lynch. On why he departed the project briefly and returned, Lynch opted not to comment on what went down. Nevins revealed earlier today that Twin Peaks will return on May 21, 9PM for 18 weekly episodes. Appearing after Lynch today were Madchen Amick (Shelly Johnson, waitress at the Double R diner and former g.f. to Bobby Briggs), Laura Dern, Miguel Ferrer (Albert Rosenfield, FBI forensics expert), Robert Forster, Kyle MacLachlan (FBI Agent Dale Cooper) and Kimmy Robertson (ditzy receptionist Lucy Moran at the Sheriffs Department). Story continues Said MacLachlan to the press corps about Lynchs glibness, He gave you guys a lot. Related stories Showtime's 'Guerrilla' Looks At UK Racism Of The 1970s - TCA 'Twin Peaks' Thespians On Returning To Work With David Lynch: "Magic" - TCA Showtime Positioned For Donald Trump Presidency - TCA With Showtime finally rolling out its Twin Peaks revival, officially set to bow May 21, the network also was ready to put at least some of those involved in the hot seat on Monday - more than originally expected. David Lynch made a surprise appearance at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour, as Showtime trotted out Twin Peaks' famously secretive director and co-creator for a quick Q&A. And, over the course of 15 very cryptic minutes, he offered a little bit of insight into what brought him to revisiting his cult TV drama, the creative process with scribe and fellow creator Mark Frost and what viewers might expect from it. "I see it as a film," Lynch said of the 18-hour project. "And a film in parts is what people will experience. It was a joyful experience. This word 'expect' is a magical word. People expect things, and their expectations are hopefully met when they see the thing." The 70-year-old filmmaker, who got both laughter and applause for his frequently blunt answers, resisted integration with the skill of a Navy SEAL. And when faced with spoiler-free questions, he often chose to wax poetic. "I love this world of Twin Peaks," Lynch said when asked about how long he'd thought of bringing it back. "I often thought about what might be happening. It was Mark who contacted me, many years ago now, and asked if I wanted to go back into that world. We met at [Hollywood bar and grill] Musso & Frank and talked. And that's what got us going again for this one." Lynch went on to say that he and Frost wrote the project together on Skype - Lynch from his Hollywood home and Frost in Ojai, Calif. News of Twin Peaks' revival came in late 2014, and it did not arrive without drama in tow. Lynch briefly left the project in 2015, initially citing a money dispute, before reboarding prior to filming. He demurred when asked directly about the speed bump. "I would rather not discuss that," he said. "All I can say is that [Showtime executives] David Nevins, Gary Levine and Robin Gurney, I love working with them. It's been super." Story continues Reminiscing about the original two-season run on ABC in 1990-91, Lynch said that standards and practices was never an issue for the avant garde project, but creative interference from the network ultimately put it to an premature end after 30 episodes. "What killed Twin Peaks originally ... "Who killed Laura Palmer?" was a question that we never really wanted to answer," he said. "That was the goose that laid these golden eggs. And at a certain point, we were told to wrap that up, and it never really got back going after that." That was the bulk of the new information Lynch brought to the table. A sampling of some other answers include such single-sentence declarations as, "I love Laura Dern," "Mark is very smart" and "I hear heroin is a very popular drug these days." Nevins began Showtime's day with critics by saying that the return of Twin Peaks is very much a one-off, but that might not be the case forever. Lynch was optimistically vague when asked about whether or not he would revisit the series again. "Before I said I wasn't going to revisit it, and I did," he noted. "You never say no. But right now there's no plan for anything more." The State Department said Monday it is "not an uncommon practice" for diplomats to move in and out of a country after Japan recalled its ambassador from South Korea in anger over the installation of a statue symbolizing the country's wartime sexual slavery. Historical tensions flared anew between Seoul and Tokyo over the Japanese defense minister's recent visit to a Tokyo war shrine seen as glorifying the country's militaristic past, and the establishment by civic activists of the girl's statue in front of Japan's consulate in the South Korean port city of Busan. Japan has demanded the statue be removed, calling it a violation of the 2015 agreement that the two countries reached on resolving the sexual slavery issue. In protest, Tokyo has also recalled its ambassador and consul general from South Korea. "We are aware of reports that the ambassadors were called. I think we would leave it to those two countries to speak to that decision," State Department spokesman John Kirby said at a regular briefing. "I mean, as you know, it's not an uncommon practice with respect to moving diplomats in and out." The statue added to tensions sparked after Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine honoring Class-A war criminals. She was the first Japanese defense chief to pay homage to the shrine, which has been denounced as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past. South Korea and China have slammed visits to the shrine as a sign Japan has not repented for its wartime past. (Yonhap) SXSW today released its latest and largest batch of acts scheduled to perform at this year's music festival and conference which runs from March 13-19 in Austin, TX. Some of the more established artists announced among the 498 predominantly up-and-coming indie musicians from across the globe include Nicole Atkins, Jacob Collier, Waco Brothers, R Stevie Moore & Jason Falkner, Martin Creed, Fat Tony, Dead Meadow and Garland Jeffreys. Last month SXSW announced that legendary producer and Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers will deliver this year's keynote address along with Zane Lowe, the creative director and lead DJ for Apple's Beats 1 radio station. New to this year's confab is expanded access between the festival's traditionally separate "Music," "Interactive" and "Film" segments. Festival goers will now have secondary access to "most other SXSW events" in addition to primary entry to their registered conference. Other notable acts previously announced for this year's staggering lineup (of which no one person could ever hope to see all) include Autre Ne Veut, Avi Buffalo, Bash & Pop, Bridget Mendler, Cherry Glazer, the Drums, Fastball, Greg Graffin, Jesse Collin Young, Joan of Arc, Minus the Bear, Modern English, Priests, Raul Midon, Shinobi Ninja and Sohn. SXSW's next registration deadline is Jan. 13. For more information visit sxsw.com. By Lisa Lambert WASHINGTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The debate over whether President-elect Donald Trump should fire the head of a U.S. consumer watchdog after taking office came to a boil on Tuesday, with congressional lawmakers sending off strong letters that dug into constitutional law. Republican senators pushing Trump to fire the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Richard Cordray, portrayed the agency as overreaching its authority. Meanwhile, Democrats said firing Cordray would advance a "Wall Street agenda" to escape federal oversight. The bureau, created in the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, was originally proposed by Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, to guard individuals against lending fraud. At the heart of the debate is a restriction that the president can only fire the director for cause. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is reviewing a recent court decision that the president should be able to fire the director at will. Some want Trump to remove Cordray for cause soon after his inauguration on Jan. 20, and not wait for the appeals court's decision. That could open the door for Cordray to sue. Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican from Utah, started Tuesday's fight with the tweet: "It's time to fire King Richard." Sasse, a member of the Banking Committee, and fellow Republican Mike Lee, of Utah, then released a letter to Vice President-elect Mike Pence saying the CFPB "combines the powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches into the hands of a few unaccountable Washington elites." Senator Sherrod Brown, the most senior Democrat on the Banking Committee, shot back with a statement that Cordray should stay until his term expires in 2018. "Under Richard Cordray's leadership, the CFPB has returned $12 billion to servicemembers, seniors, and working Americans who've been ripped off by shady debt collectors, for-profit schools, payday lenders, and huge banks like Wells Fargo," Brown said. Story continues The CFPB recently was part of a $190 million settlement with Wells Fargo, which was accused of creating phony accounts. In the House, 21 Democrats sent a letter to Trump saying no U.S. president has ever removed an independent agency head for cause. "While we understand that many powerful special interests would like to see Director Cordray leave, we urge you not to bow to their demands to initiate costly, meritless litigation, and we stand ready to oppose any efforts you may make to do so," they wrote. (Editing by Matthew Lewis) Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynoldss death certificates have been released. Fishers cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest/deferred, according to her death certificate, obtained by TMZ. The Los Angeles County Coroners Office will perform more testing, including toxicology tests, to determine what triggered her massive heart attack aboard her flight from London to L.A. Her autopsy was completed on Dec. 30, when her body was released to her family. Also on Monday, the gossip site acquired Reynolds death certificate. The Singin in the Rain star died from a blood vessel that ruptured and caused bleeding in her brain. Her official cause of death was an intracerebral hemorrhage. Fisher was aboard an 11-hour flight on Dec. 23 when she went into cardiac arrest. She died four days later at UCLA Medical Center. She was 60. Reynolds died a day later, on Dec. 28, at the age of 84. She suffered a stroke at her and Fishers property when she was rushed to the hospital. The mother-daughter pair, who starred in HBOs Bright Lights documentary, were laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Friday. Reynolds was buried with some of Fishers ashes, which were in an urn shaped like a Prozac pill. Reynolds funeral service was one day after a private memorial service was held at Fishers Beverly Hills home to pay tribute to the iconic Star Wars actress. At Sundays Golden Globe Awards, the Hollywood Foreign Press remembered the late mother-daughter duo in a tribute filled with old footage of the pair, set to the classic 50s track You Made Me Love You. This article originally appeared on PEOPLE.com. Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynoldss death certificates have been released. Fishers cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest/deferred, according to her death certificate, obtained by TMZ. The Los Angeles County Coroners Office will perform more testing, including toxicology tests, to determine what triggered her massive heart attack aboard her flight from London to L.A. Her autopsy was completed on Dec. 30, when her body was released to her family. Also on Monday, the gossip site acquired Reynolds death certificate. The Singin in the Rain star died from a blood vessel that ruptured and caused bleeding in her brain. Her official cause of death was an intracerebral hemorrhage. Fisher was aboard an 11-hour flight on Dec. 23 when she went into cardiac arrest. She died four days later at UCLA Medical Center. She was 60. Reynolds died a day later, on Dec. 28, at the age of 84. She suffered a stroke at her and Fishers property when she was rushed to the hospital. The mother-daughter pair, who starred in HBOs Bright Lights documentary, were laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Friday. Reynolds was buried with some of Fishers ashes, which were in an urn shaped like a Prozac pill. Reynolds funeral service was one day after a private memorial service was held at Fishers Beverly Hills home to pay tribute to the iconic Star Wars actress. At Sundays Golden Globe Awards, the Hollywood Foreign Press remembered the late mother-daughter duo in a tribute filled with old footage of the pair, set to the classic 50s track You Made Me Love You. London (AFP) - Cohen Bramall signed for Premier League giants Arsenal on Tuesday just a week after being made redundant from his factory job with luxury carmakers Bentley. The 20-year-old defender -- who had previously failed to convince Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday to take him on after trials with them -- signed for a reported fee of 40,000 (46,000 euros, $48,500) from non-league side Hednesford Town. "Incredible, incredible. It's a dream come true. I can't believe that I'm here already," he told the Arsenal website. "I played a game at Birmingham City on a Monday. Then on the Tuesday, I was made redundant from Bentley Motors and on the Wednesday, Arsenal came in. "I was gobsmacked and took the chance with both hands. I drove down on the Wednesday and trained with the first team on Thursday and Friday. Then they offered me a deal." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said last week that Bramall reminded him of Gunners defending great Ashley Cole. Bramall -- who may end up crossing swords with another former Hednesford product in Wales captain and central defender Ashley Williams who is at Everton -- will first get a taste of Under-23 action and faces competition to make the senior first team from Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / Defiance Silver Corp (DEF.V) (OTC PINK: DNCVF) (D4E.F) ("Defiance" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received all the necessary permits to resume drilling on its San Acacio Silver deposit located in Zacatecas State, Mexico. As per the Company's release dated September 7, 2016, the drill permit will allow for 60,000m of drilling and is valid for a period of 4.5 years. Over the last few months, as the permitting was in process, management has been able to closely review results from the previous drilling programs to try to get a better understanding of the nature of the San Acacio deposit. With this review and the granting of the drilling permit, Defiance now plans to finalize a drilling program to follow up on the successful results of its most recent drilling that defined wide zones of mineralization grading in excess of 200 g/t AgEq. The permit covers drilling below the 1.2km long San Acacio deposit, as well as along the underexplored 900m San Acacio Extension, where the Veta Grande vein has only been defined to shallow depths. "We are very pleased with the granting of this drill permit, as it provides long-term certainty to our exploration efforts to aggressively expand the San Acacio Silver deposit," stated Bruce Winfield, President and CEO of Defiance Silver Corp. "As one of the more prolific past producing silver mines in Mexico, we are hopeful that this work will allow us to increase our knowledge of the deposit, as well as expand the resource." Having secured the required surface rights (see press release dated August 23, 2016) and the necessary drilling permits, Defiance will now finalize its program for the 1.2km of vein strike length that hosts the San Acacio deposit. The results of this work will ultimately allow the Company to expand its exploration efforts to the 4.4 km of the vein that has yet to see modern exploration. A Panoramic Video on the San Acacio Deposit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEqtbHzMeYw) is available on our website, or Click Here to visit our Defiance YouTube Channel (http://www.defiancesilver.com/media/video). Defiance Silver Corp. is a silver explorer and developer advancing the San Acacio Deposit, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District of central Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring and developing 7 operating mines to date. Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand San Acacio to become one of Mexico's premier high grade wide vein silver deposits. For more information on the property or Defiance, please visit Defiance's website at www.DefianceSilver.com. Story continues On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp. "Bruce Winfield" President and CEO For more information, please contact: Sunny Pannu - Corporate Development (604) 669 7315 or via email at pannu@defiancesilver.com. 2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 Tel: 604-669-7315 Email: info@defiancesilver.com www.defiancesilver.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Defiance Silver Corp Donald Trumps nominee to become the nations top diplomat is expected to face a brutal confirmation hearing on Wednesday. But the political show is unlikely to derail former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillersons move to the State Department. An experienced energy executive with business ties around the globe, Tillerson has been roundly criticized from all corners: liberal Democrats, anti-big business activists, pro-environment groups and good government types. His nomination as Secretary of State is a proxy of sorts for Democrats objections to the incoming Administration, especially Tillersons ties to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who intelligence agencies say ordered the hacking of Democratic leaders. Its entirely likely that Democrats detour to these topics instead of asking the likely next Secretary of State the usual questions about how he might conduct diplomacy. He has never made public disclosures of this type, as he has worked at ExxonMobil for his entire career and has never been in public service, said Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Mr. Tillerson was actively engaged with many foreign governments that could become relevant if confirmed as Secretary of State. The Senate has a responsibility to review all relevant documents during the confirmation process. The concerns, however, might not matter. Sure, Tillerson was awarded a high honor from Russia and his company is responsible for a huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions tied to climate change. He is among the wealthiest members of Trumps Cabinet, and his bank account is stacked with millions he earned at a company that in many places has more clout that the State Department. He represents persistent questions about Trumps team and its conflicts of interests. And, as USA Today reported, a subsidiary of his company did business with Iran and skirted the U.S. sanctions against a nation that the State Department monitors incredibly closely. Story continues But its quite possibleif not probablethat none of that matters in the big picture. Confirmation battles seldom take down nominees and Trump has shown he pays little heed to critics and doubles-down to defy them. And, if the last two years have shown us anything, the old rules do not apply. Just ask Merrick Garland, President Obamas consensus Supreme Court nominee who was denied a hearing by the Republican-led Senate that is likely to green-light Trumps choices. Trumps team rightly telegraphed confidence. It looks like the Democrats are going to go full-on with obstruction, Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway told Fox News. Its politics. But we need them confirmed. Finally, its worth noting the Democrats who will be asking the questions on the Senate Foreign Relations: the lawmakers who have some of the safest seats. While the foreign relations panel packs a lot of political heft, its hardly a cash cow like those that regulate telecom companies, energy firms or Wall Street. Generally, only comfortably safe lawmakers can afford to take a spot on the panel and give up posts that attract the interests of donors and lobbyists. The top Democrat, Cardin, won his last election in Maryland by 30 percentage points. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts won his by 24 points. Sen. Bob Menendez won his last election in New Jersey by almost 20, as did Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon. Sens. Chris Coons of Delaware and Cory Booker of New Jersey each won by close to 14 points. Sen. Chris Murphy won by 12 points over Linda McMahon, Trumps pick as small business czar. Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico won by 11. The most at-risk Democrat, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, won her last term by just three points. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia won his by 6. Both are up in 2018, represent states with heavy military interest and have proven to have serious chops on the Foreign Relations Committee. Both are likely to come to Tillersons hearing prepared for tough questionsbut the answers still might not make a difference. As members of the U.S. Senate grilled Donald Trumps nominee for attorney general on Capitol Hill, California lawmakers vetted their own in Sacramento on Tuesday. Appearing before a special House committee, 12-term California Rep. Xavier Becerra was asked about his positions on topics ranging from religious liberty to marijuana legalization. But the strongest chorus of questions for the Democrat were about Donald Trump and what Becerra would do to defend liberal state policies from conservative tides coming out Washington. Im not going to be out there just to be a thorn in the side of the federal government, Becerra said in response to a question about immigration regulations. But, he added, if a law impinges on the rights of Californians in excessive or unconstitutional ways, I will fight. The sentiment is not just idle words. As the largest state and a solid blue Democratic bastion, California could play a key role in resisting Trumps plans on such hot topics as immigration and marijuana by refusing to cooperate or even suing the federal government, a job that would be led by the states attorney general. Texas attorney general during the Obama Administration once described his job under similar circumstances as I go into the office, I sue the federal government and I go home. Becerra, Congress highest-ranking Latino and someone once touted as a potential running mate to Hillary Clinton, would be the first Latino to hold the California attorney generals post, and he repeatedly emphasized the role his hardworking immigrant parents had played in shaping his character. I am bringing my own personal experiences and biases to this job, he said, after telling a story about possibly being racially profiled by police as a young man. He also expressed support for reproductive rights, LGBT rights and other stances that sat well with most of his questioners. Story continues After two hours, the special committee voted 6-3 along party lines to support Becerras nomination. Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown had appeared at the beginning of the meeting, amid preparations to release the state budget later that day, to speak on Becerras behalf. I dont usually come to the other branch out of respect for the separationnot the wall, but the separation, Brown jokedto much laughterbefore lauding Becerras intellect and battle-testedness. He still must get a vote of approval from the full assembly to take the job recently vacated by Kamala Harris, who was sworn in earlier this week as an incoming member of the U.S. Senate. But he is unlikely to face much opposition from the Democratic supermajority. Its not often you get to be in this chair, Becerra said of getting the job. And I want to use it. Sen. Jeff Sessions will face tough questions from Democrats over his record on civil rights, race relations, immigration and other issues in two days of hearings on his nomination to be attorney general. Democrats are targeting eight of President-elect Donald Trumps cabinet nominations, but Sessions hearing could be the most contentious of the lot, with a fellow senator taking the unprecedented step of testifying against him. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, will speak out against Sessions Wednesday, becoming the first sitting senator to testify against a fellow senator in a confirmation hearing. Booker said he decided to take this step because of Sessions comments criticizing parts of the Voting Rights Act and his recent opposition to criminal justice reform and immigration reform. I do not take lightly the decision to testify against a Senate colleague, Booker said in a statement. But the immense powers of the attorney general combined with the deeply troubling views of this nominee is a call to conscience. Booker is scheduled to testify alongside civil rights hero Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. Thirty years ago, Sessions bid to become a district judge failed in the Senate over accusations that he called a black lawyer boy Sessions denied this and called the American Civil Liberties Union un-American. As a federal prosecutor in the 1980s, Sessions also unsuccessfully brought charges for voting fraud against an activist who was registering black voters. He has criticized the Voting Rights Act, although he voted to reauthorize it in 2006. Sessions will produce witnesses who will speak to his record of supporting civil rights over his long career, according to Ken Blackwell, the Trump transition teams domestic policy chief. Sessions was pictured holding hands with Lewis in a commemorative march in Selma in 2015. We will not allow them to Bork him, Blackwell said referring to the Democratic torpedoing of Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork in 1987 no matter how sophisticated they think their effort to define and to destroy his exemplary public record is. Story continues There are just 48 Democrats in the Senate, and its unlikely the minority party would scoop up the three Republican defections needed to block Sessions nomination. (Also, some Democrats may end up backing Sessions Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has already thrown his support behind him.) Still, Democrats can use the hearing to air their concerns about Sessions, who was a close adviser to Trump throughout the campaign, and make the argument that his views are outside of the mainstream. Sessions will also likely face questions about whether he will keep the Justice Department independent of the White House so that it does not become an investigatory arm of the president, and senators will seek assurance that he will look into allegations of wrongdoing within the executive branch. Most of the rules preventing the Justice Departments politicization are not laws, but policies that can be changed by an incoming administration, according to Politicos Isaac Arnsdorf. While on the campaign trail, Trump vowed to throw Hillary Clinton in jail when he became president, but he has since said hes not interested in prosecuting his former rival. Democrats are keen to find out whether Sessions would say no to a White House request to prosecute a political enemy, for example. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., told reporters Monday that he planned to ask Sessions about whether he would adequately enforce the nations gun laws to ensure that felons cannot purchase weapons. Sessions has an A-plus rating from the NRA. Immigration will also likely be a hot-button topic during the hearing. Sessions has consistently favored tightening legal immigration and deporting illegal immigrants. He helped kill bipartisan efforts to reform the immigration system and offer some undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship in 2013. Hes also questioned whether people born in the United States should automatically be granted citizenship under the 14th Amendment. Ill be asking about immigration issues, particularly related to the religious test that his prospective boss has suggested the Muslim registry, Blumenthal said. The senator said he will focus on areas where I think he is clearly out of the mainstream. Carrie Severino, policy director at the conservative Judicial Crisis Network, said she believes Sessions will enforce immigration laws more aggressively than the Obama administration did. People realize we do need to enforce our immigration laws, Severino said. Sessions is someone whos committed his life to the rule of law. CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga has been ruled out of the Twenty20 and One Day series against South Africa as he has yet to fully recover from a bout of dengue fever, officials said on Tuesday. The 33-year-old was expected to make a comeback after a litany of injuries but will now have to wait until next month at least when Sri Lanka play three T20 internationals in Australia. He struggled last year with knee problems that kept him out of the World T20s and the Indian Premier League, and late last year had bout of dengue fever. "He had a practice game last week and realised he still wasn't up the right level of fitness," team manager Ranjith Fernando told Reuters. The last of Malingas 191 ODI appearances was against the West Indies in November 2015 and last February he played a single T20 international against the United Arab Emirates at the Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka play the last of three tests against South Africa from Thursday and then have three T20 internationals and five ODIs against their hosts. (Reporting by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Pritha Sarkar) By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's departing chief trade negotiator warned the Trump administration on Tuesday that it risked abdicating U.S. leadership in Asia by scrapping Obama's 12-country Pacific Rim free trade deal. Michael Froman, in excerpts of his final speech as U.S. Trade Representative, said he agreed with Trump's plan to take a tough stance on trade with China, adding that the Obama administration has filed 15 challenges to that country's practices at the World Trade Organization over eight years. But he said withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement would create a vacuum that China would fill as it draws countries into its own free trade deal. "There simply is no way to reconcile a get-tough-on-China policy with withdrawing from TPP," Froman in remarks to the Washington International Trade Association. "That would be the biggest gift any U.S. president could give China, one with broad and deep consequences, economic and strategic." The U.S. Congress has not approved the TPP, which the United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico and eight other countries agreed upon in October 2015. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to issue a formal notice of withdrawal from TPP on Jan. 20, his first day in office. He frequently criticized the trade deal during his campaign, calling it a "rape of our country." Froman said withdrawing would "abdicate" U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific region and effectively push traditional U.S. allies in the region "into China's arms." China is negotiating a 16-country trade bloc that he said would set lower standards for labor, the environment, intellectual property rights, internet freedom and other key areas. "It would be a strategic miscalculation of enormous proportions," said Froman, who spent all eight years of the Obama administration, both as a White House deputy national security adviser and as USTR, working to promote and negotiate the TPP deal. "Why would we cede our role as a Pacific power?" he said. "Does anyone really think U.S. interests are better served if China, rather than the U.S., writes the rules of the road?" Without the TPP, he said, new export opportunities would be lost and current export market share would be eroded. Froman's successor will be Robert Lighthizer, a veteran Washington trade lawyer who has taken a more protectionist route, working through the Commerce Department to erect tariffs to benefit the U.S. steel industry and other manufacturers. Lighthizer was deputy USTR in the Reagan administration at a time when the United States took a tougher stance against a flood of imports from Japan. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) NEW YORK (AP) More than a decade before Philip Johnson designed his iconic Glass House, French designer and architect Pierre Chareau designed the Maison de Verre in 1932 in Paris. It featured one of the world's first glass-brick exterior walls three stories high. Chareau's work straddles industrial aesthetics and traditional fine craftsmanship, clean spare lines and playful 1920s whimsy. He made futuristic gadgets like folding staircases, a pivoting bidet and sliding walls. His furniture, with elegant woods and hand-wrought iron, was made for the few and the wealthy. Many pieces fold or have multiple uses, designed for small but chic Paris apartments. It was a gem-like world soon to be violently dismantled with the start of World War II, and Chareau, despite moving to New York to flee the war, has remained little known in the United States. An exhibit, "Pierre Chareau: Modern Architecture and Design," billed as the first in the U.S. to focus on him, is on view at The Jewish Museum in Manhattan through March 26. It was organized by guest curator Esther da Costa Meyer, professor of the history of modern architecture at Princeton University, in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou in Paris. It will not travel beyond New York. The show is accompanied by a hefty and richly illustrated book with essays by a half-dozen leading scholars. "Pierre Chareau: Modern Architecture and Design," was published in 2016 by The Jewish Museum and Yale University Press. "Chareau is the most invisible of the great designers, because outside of France, there are less than a dozen pieces by him on view in museums anywhere in the world. It's all in private collections," said da Costa Meyer. "And the most famous masterpiece he did, the Maison de Verre, has always been in private hands and is not visible from the street. He is really known by designers." Chareau worked in "the golden age of French design before the Depression, and he was trained in that grand tradition," she said. "He was one of the leaders of the early trend to modernize. He was also known in his day as a patron of the arts, so we reunited here some of his (collection)." Story continues Through over 180 rarely seen works from public and private collections in the U.S. and Europe, the exhibit brings Chareau's world of Paris luxe to life. Furniture displays are enhanced by an enormous white screen behind them on which shadow-like silhouettes of imagined residents come and go, complete with shadow cigarette smoke and the enthusiastic tail wags of a passing shadow dog. In another gallery, rustling leaves and glinting sunlight, visible through virtual reality goggles, bring visitors into Chareau's Paris study, an apartment he designed, and a salon and courtyard of the elegant Maison de Verre, designed with Dutch architect Bernard Bijvoet. Those elements add context and movement to the furniture. The exhibit employs a large-scale digital installation that lets you experience different sections of the Maison de Verre as if moving through it. Film footage of actors strolling through the house using Chareau-designed gadgets adds to the experience. Floor plans are projected onto walls, making the space appear continually spliced, deconstructed, revealed and then reconstructed. "Chareau has almost no surviving interiors, since most of them were destroyed. And the furniture feels a bit orphaned in and of itself," explains Liz Diller, founding partner of Diller Scofidio and Renfro, the firm that designed the exhibit. "So we brought back the domestic life and the feel of the furniture in situ .." When the Maison de Verre was built, she says, "it was very radical. ... The exposed steel columns could be a beautiful contemporary loft." Chareau rose to prominence in early 1920s Paris with interior designs that were both elegant and functional. The pieces featured rare woods, alabaster (for lamps), and exotic elements like touches of ivory or sharkskin. Many of his designs featured leopard-skin rugs, with expanses of silk or velvet curtains as wall coverings. Chareau's works were custom-made, not mass-produced, and made use of France's artisanal traditions of metal, woodwork and tapestry-making. He designed for a cultured urban elite, and many of his clients, including painters, sculptors and composers, were Jewish. Although Chareau was raised Catholic, his mother came from a Sephardic Jewish family and his wife Dollie, also a designer, was Jewish. With the German occupation of Paris in 1940, the couple, like many of their clients, fled to the United States. The show explores the enduring consequences of that flight from persecution, including the dispersal of many of his works during the war; his own collection of art, including works by Mondrian and Modigliani; and his attempts to rebuild his career in New York in the 1940s. By then, the world of European luxe to which he catered had vanished. In New York, he lacked the pool of skilled French artisans with whom he was used to working. And aside from an East Hampton, Long Island, house that he designed for artist Robert Motherwell in 1947 and which was later destroyed he obtained few commissions here. "He basically did odd jobs, and he and his wife had no children, so once they had died, everything was gone. We have tried to put some of it together again here," da Costa Meyer said. "He was truly a designer's designer." A superhero has been invited into the magical world of Disney for the first time, as the Disneyland theme park in Hong Kong opens a new Iron Man attraction Wednesday, January 11. No Marvel character has previously enjoyed such pride of place in the realm of Mickey Mouse. Visitors will don 3D glasses as they step into Disney's "Iron Man Experience," a ride-through attraction taking them soaring through the skies of Hong Kong thanks to a flight simulator. The ride takes visitors alongside the superhero as he battles against Hydra, the terrorist organization of the Marvel universe, heading to Hong Kong's Stark Tower and speeding through the streets of the Chinese city powered by the famous Arc Reactor. The ride is located in Hong Kong Disneyland's "Tomorrowland" zone. Visitors can also explore Iron Man's latest high-tech inventions up close in four exhibition halls. Other Marvel superheroes could one day join Iron Man at Disneyland Hong Kong, although this is as yet unconfirmed. By Rina Chandran and Ruma Paul MUMBAI/DHAKA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Protests against a power plant in Bangladesh and an industrial zone in southern Sri Lanka highlight growing anger across South Asia at big development projects which displace villagers, analysts and activists said. Hundreds of villagers protested in the Bangladeshi capital at the weekend against the 1,320-megawatt Rampal power plant being built on 742 hectares (1,834 acres) of land at the edge of the World Heritage Sundarbans mangrove forest. In Sri Lanka, police used teargas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters who accuse the government of trying to evict thousands of families to provide 15,000 acres (6,070 hectares) of land for Chinese investors. The Colombo government has denied the claim. Clashes pitting activists and farmers against governments keen to develop infrastructure to fight poverty and encourage economic growth are likely to become more common in South Asia as demand for scarce land rises, one analyst said. "Governments face a tough balancing act of luring investors, while at the same time ensuring adequate safeguards for farmers and the environment," said Bhaskar Roy at think-tank South Asia Analysis Group. "Nations can't push for development alone and neglect other concerns," he said. Research published in November showed that conflict over land was behind stalled industrial and development projects in India, the regional economic powerhouse, affecting millions of people and putting billions of dollars at risk. RAMPAL POWER PLANT Last year, work on a $2.4-billion coal power plant in Bangladesh backed by a Chinese firm was suspended after four demonstrators were killed in clashes with the police. But the Dhaka government has indicated it is unlikely to abandon its push to build more coal-fired power plants to meet rising electricity demand, despite the protests. The Rampal plant, a joint venture between state-run entities Bangladesh Power Development Board and India's NTPC Ltd., will use new technology to curb environmental impact, said Saiful Hasan Chowdhury, a spokesman for the Bangladeshi company. Displacement of residents would be minimal, he said. The coal-fired Rampal plant will directly impact the livelihoods of about half a million people and make millions more vulnerable to natural disasters, according to Mowdud Rahman of Bangladesh lobby group, the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports (NCBD). About 2,000 families have been forcefully evicted so far from agricultural land and shrimp aquaculture ponds, he said. "In the name of development, people are being uprooted. They are struggling to save their land and livelihoods, their very way of living," Rahman told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. A spokesman for the joint venture, the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Co., said due process had been followed. "It was mostly barren land," said Mohammad Anwarul Azim. "Roughly 150 huts were displaced, and we paid them as per government rules," he said. (Writing by Rina Chandran. Editing by Katie Nguyen. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.) In a break from the policies and positions advocated by the President-elect, incoming National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn (Ret.) delivered a paean Tuesday to traditional American foreign policy, signaling a shift in the new Administration. In his first major public remarks since being appointed to the role last year, the controversial and occasionally bombastic former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency touted American alliances abroad and the need for American leadership around the world. As we examine and potentially re-baseline our relationships around the globe, we will keep in mind the sacrifices and deep commitments that many of our allies have made on behalf of our security and our prosperity, Flynn said. Alliances are one of the great tools that we have and the strength of those alliances magnify our own strengths. Its a clear divergence from the publicly stated views of President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed skepticism about American alliances overseas and has said the U.S. must shift its focus inward. The President-elect has questioned the deployment of U.S. troops to protect allies in South Korea, Japan, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, while threatening to tear up or renegotiate trade, climate, and other international agreements. Trump has also worried Eastern European allies by failing to speak out against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Whether we like it or not the world needs us, and in fact, demands it, Flynn said. But Flynn echoed a frequent Trump campaign line, outlining that the incoming administration will approach the world through an overarching policy of peace through strength. Flynn, who has made inflammatory remarks about Muslims and was a vocal critic of President Obamas foreign policy on the campaign trail, was gracious in his praise of incumbent National Security Advisor Susan Rice, who spoke before him at a Passing the Baton panel at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Story continues Rice pledged to work closely with Flynn during the remainder of the transition and thereafter as needed. I intend to make myself available to him, just as my predecessors have for me, she said. Rice also touted the Obama administrations foreign policy aims around the globe, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate agreement, both of which have drawn criticism from Trump. Flynn pledged to continue the reforms of the National Security Council started under the Obama Administration, during which the size of the White House body has shrunk by 15 percent, Rice said. He added that under his leadership the NSC would continue to serve as the fulcrum of national security and national security policy. President Barack Obama is set to deliver his farewell address to the nation Tuesday evening from his hometown of Chicago, as he seeks to defend his legacy as the calendar turns to the age of Trump. Obama will be joined by his most loyal supporters, staffers, and some of the Americans who have benefited under his administration, particularly from the imperiled Affordable Care Act. Obama will harken back to his time as a community organizer and as an inspirational candidate in 2008 as he seeks to rejuvenate despondent Democrats after the last election, while encouraging to keep up the fight for his legacy. Meanwhile, he is quietly rebuilding his political operation and returning to campaigning for the still-troubled Democratic National Committee, which languished under his presidency. But Obama also instructed his staff to ensure that the speech also reaches out to those who voted for President-elect Donald Trump. The confirmation hearings for Trumps intended nominees are underway, kicking off with Sen. Jeff Sessions for the post of Attorney General. In a lengthy opening statement, Sessions promised to faithfully enforce the law if elected, while seeking to defend himself from charges from Democratic and civil rights groups questioning his commitment and record on civil rights issues. Trump is testing the limits of federal anti-nepotism laws with the selection of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to be a senior adviser in the White House. Federal statute both prohibits the hiring of a son-in-law, even by a president, and from paying that person. Kushner will not take a salary in an effort to be more compliant with the law and to mitigate any potential legal challenge. Democrats are already calling for a Justice Department investigation, but it appears that the Trump position will be to argue that the restriction on whom a president can select for jobs is an unconstitutional restriction on his appointment powers. A field day for business lobbyists. Cory Booker to take a stand against Sessions. And Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway suggests he may roll back Russia sanctions. Story continues Here are your must reads: Must Reads Barack Obamas Farewell Address and 6 Other Memorable Presidential Goodbyes The story of America can be told through these messages [TIME] Jared Kushner Named Senior White House Adviser to Donald Trump Testing anti-nepotism laws [New York Times] In Final Speech, Obama Must Reconcile His Hopes With Trumps His legacy is on the line [Associated Press] Conway Dismisses Need for Independent Hack Probe Says Trump may reconsider sanctions on Russia [USA Today] In Donald Trumps Washington, Business Lobbyists Champ at the Bit Energy companies, airlines and others have launched lobbying blitzes amid renewed hope for pro-business policy changes [Wall Street Journal] Sound Off He is somebody who I think is not lacking in confidence, which is probably a prerequisite for the job, or at least you have to have enough craziness to think that you can do the job. President Obama to ABC News on his successor I abhor the Klan, and what that it represents, and its hateful ideology. Sen. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trumps intended nominee to be Attorney General, in the opening statement of his confirmation hearing Bits and Bites Cory Booker Will Take an Unprecedented Stand Against Jeff Sessions [TIME] D.C. Stores Arent Actually Running Out of Dresses for Donald Trumps Inauguration [People] 5 Things to Know About Donald Trumps Adviser Son-in-Law Jared Kushner [TIME] Secretary of State John Kerry Formally Apologizes for Past LGBT Discrimination [TIME] Condoleezza Rice backs Jeff Sessions as attorney general [Politico] Trump transition team weighs keeping on Obamas deputy defense secretary [Washington Post] By Paul Carrel, Gernot Heller and Arno Schuetze BERLIN/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany is reviewing its powers to block foreign acquisitions after a spate of Chinese takeovers, but the government's commitment to free trade beats its concerns about haemorrhaging strategic technologies and will limit any changes. A more hostile German tone towards Chinese takeovers set in last year when Berlin actively, though unsuccessfully, sought to line up a European offer to counter a Chinese bid for industrial robot maker Kuka (KU2G.DE). Chancellor Angela Merkel had held up Kuka as an example of a cutting-edge German industrial company, telling workers on a visit to its Augsburg headquarters in 2015: "We can be proud that in Germany companies like Kuka, for example, are at home." The takeover of Kuka by Chinese home appliance maker Midea hurt that pride. As a result, Berlin is reviewing its legal means of blocking foreign takeovers, while also pushing for European measures to safeguard key technologies. The government review is being led by Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, whose centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) are the junior partner in Merkel's ruling coalition with her conservative bloc. She is ultimately likely to rein him in. "If they change something, I don't think it will be fundamental," said Mikko Huotari at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) in Berlin. "Nothing is going to happen if the chancellery does not push this." Merkel is deeply committed to free trade, adopting the motto "Shaping an Interconnected World" for Germany's G20 presidency this year, with which she is aiming to resist U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's protectionist instincts. Even during the Kuka takeover, Merkel stressed that Germany is generally open towards investments from China, though in return she said it expects that China opens up and offers the same investment conditions. Since making those comments last June, Merkel has largely stayed out of the Chinese investment issue, leaving Gabriel to lead the review and ruffle feathers during a trip to Beijing in November, when he clashed with China's trade minister. Story continues "We didn't mince our words - on either side," Gabriel told reporters after meeting the minister, when he pressed his concerns about Chinese companies buying German businesses while restricting German firms' access to Chinese markets. HITTING THE BRAKES Gabriel's bluster is having a tangible impact: Chinese interest in a takeover of German lighting group Osram Licht AG (OSRn.DE) has cooled amid signs of mounting political opposition here, two people familiar with the matter said. There is also greater scrutiny of M&A deals in China, where the authorities have begun checking some outbound investment projects as part of a crackdown on illegal cross-border currency deals due to concerns over increased pressure on China's foreign exchange reserves and external payments. These checks will make it harder for Chinese firms to justify takeovers of German targets unless there is a clear strategic fit, investment bankers say. "Both sides are stepping on the brakes a little," said Berthold Fuerst, Deutsche Bank's Germany co-head of corporate finance. Chinese firms withdrew four M&A deals in Germany last year, three of which had a combined value of $579 million, Thomson Reuters data shows. Data on the value of the fourth was not available. In total, Chinese firms spent nearly $10 billion on 56 M&A deals here last year, Thomson Reuters data shows. Berlin is worried about losing strategic technologies, and trade unions are worried about jobs. While the German government reviews how it handles Chinese takeovers, investment bankers expect China-related deals here to cool off for a while. "Chinese corporate buyers can be expected to operate under the radar for a while and also work on deal alternatives, such as the acquisition of minority stakes," said Barclays' Germany chief Alexander Doll. BEHIND THE BLUSTER...TINKERING Embarking on his review of government powers to block foreign takeovers, Gabriel said last June: "One cannot sacrifice German companies and German jobs on the altar of open markets." Germany's tool for restricting or blocking foreign takeovers is its Foreign Trade and Payments Act, or Aussenwirtschaftsgesetz. Yet Germany's deep commitment to global free trade, from which it prospers, means major change is unlikely. German officials speak of an "adjustment" of the rules on foreign takeovers, rather than a "tightening". At present, the law only gives Berlin scope to intervene with "restrictions or obligations" in the event that an acquisition "endangers the public order or security of the Federal Republic of Germany". It says such restrictions or obligations "can particularly be imposed" on military equipment, and with companies that produce IT technology products with "security functions to process classified state material". If the government were to interpret these criteria too widely, it would likely run up against resistance from the courts. Berlin has generally been 'hands off' about foreign acquisitions here. Of 338 government audits of foreign investments since 2008, only one has been initiated by the ministry. The others were all at the request of the foreign buyers, who wanted compliance clearance. One recent example of government intervention came in 2014, when Berlin imposed restrictions on BlackBerry's (BB.TO) acquisition of encryption technology firm Secusmart, only approving the deal after BlackBerry gave assurances confidential information would not be passed on to foreign spy agencies. Berlin has yet to nix a Chinese takeover, though China's Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund dropped its bid for German chip equipment maker Aixtron (AIXGn.DE) last month after the United States blocked the deal on security grounds. Government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the economy ministry could present proposals to change the rules on screening foreign takeovers before September's federal election but it was unclear if these would be enacted by then. Huotari at MERICS said Berlin could tighten the rules a bit: "What they might do is change the thresholds of when they look at things, and maybe add dual use goods to the lists of critical technologies." Achieving a higher degree of scrutiny at EU level will also be difficult as France and Germany are the main countries concerned about haemorrhaging technological know-how to China. Other countries - eager for investment - have fewer concerns. Asked about how concerned China is about the extra attention Chinese acquisitions in Germany are now getting from Berlin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said business deals between China and Germany were a "win-win". BUSINESS RESISTANCE For many German businesses, China remains crucial. German automakers continue to enjoy success in the world's largest car market. Data published by Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) late last year showed Chinese demand will drive sales growth of its core brand in the coming months. But while the Chinese buy up firms with strategic technologies abroad, foreign auto brands are only allowed to manufacture cars in China through joint ventures with local partners, and typically are limited to two partners. Furthermore, Beijing's China 2025 plan calls for a progressive increase in domestic components in sectors such as advanced information technology and robotics. This means Germany's export exposure to China, for years a source of economic strength, is turning into a risk for some sectors where the Chinese are becoming dominant. In recent years, Chinese companies have already unseated their German peers as the world's biggest suppliers of solar cells. Rather than a partner, German officials see China as a country with interests that it is seeking to promote - by acquiring know-how in technology and high-end engineering. "I have never sensed this so strongly before: China does not want any friends, nor partners, for China all that counts is their own interests," one German delegate said during Gabriel's November trip to China. Yet German business leaders are largely reluctant for their government to impede Chinese takeovers and acquisitions here. Many need the investment and find the Chinese reliable partners. Putzmeister, a German maker of pumps for concrete, has seen its workers' jobs secured and its sales rise nearly a third since Chinese competitor Sany bought it in 2012. "The experience with investors from China is consistently good," said Thilo Brodtmann, chief of Germany's VDMA engineering industry association. With industry in her ear, Merkel has asked her advisers to brief her on Chinese takeovers even as Gabriel leads his review. She is unlikely to stymie the investment inflow. One government source said: "We mustn't throw the baby out with the bathwater." For a graphic on Germany-China M&A deals, click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/GERMANY-CHINA-M-A/0100319V2X3/GERMANY-CHINA-MA-01.jpg (Additional reporting by Edward Taylor in Frankfurt, Tom Kaeckenhoff in Duesseldorf, and by Michael Martina and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; editing by Anna Willard) Financial stress seems inevitable. After all, there are utility bills, credit card bills and college tuition to worry about. There are student loans and mortgages to repay. There are retirement accounts that need to be fed, and medical bills to handle. But stress caused by financial insecurity isn't something to take lightly. In fact, financial stress may be partially responsible for shortening U.S. life spans, which decreased in 2015 for the first time in more than 20 years, says Mark Rank, professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis' Brown School. "The argument can be made that over time, economic insecurity has really been rising for a number of reasons," Rank says. "There seems to be a connection between that and the falling of life expectancy." He notes that some leading causes of death -- heart disease, stroke, unintentional injuries and suicide -- may have their roots in high stress levels. "We know, based on a lot of medical research, that stress is related to a lot of diseases and conditions," Rank says. [See: 8 Big Budgeting Blunders -- and How to Fix Them.] Rank isn't alone in observing a relationship between financial stress and physical deterioration. Among U.S. employees, 52 percent reported feeling stressed about their finances, according to PwC's " 2016 Employee Financial Wellness Survey." Among them, 28 percent reported that financial stress had impacted their health. "When I talk to corporate wellness people, they believe that there is a very strong connection between financial health and physical health," says Carla Dearing, CEO of SUM180, an online financial wellness service. One reason for the connection may be that people who are financially insecure often lack the resources necessary to seek mental and physical health care when their stress levels rise, says James Ruby, an assistant director of clinical training and a core faculty member for Counseling@Northwestern, an online Master of Arts in counseling program from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. When people are short on cash and high on stress, "we do see an increase in things like health-related illnesses, an increase in substance abuse," Ruby says. Story continues While Rank notes that it's difficult to pinpoint exactly which financial factors are related to shortened life expectancy, there are a few potential culprits. "I think it's been coming for a long time," Rank says. "In this last election, there was a lot of concern about economic vulnerability and economic stress." He adds: "It's becoming more and more difficult for people to achieve the American dream." If you're concerned that stress caused by money woes is making you sick -- and potentially shrinking your life span -- make these changes to ease your mind and maybe even increase your longevity. [See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.] Grow an emergency fund. Losing sleep is no surprise when you don't have the cash on hand if something, like a car breakdown, medical emergency or loss in income, rears its ugly head. "There's a massive savings problem in the country, so if you don't have any emergency fund, then everything is a crisis," Dearing says. Start small. Automating monthly debits, even small amounts, into an emergency savings account can radically increase your financial hardiness. In fact, a study from the Urban Institute recently found that savings accounts stocked with as little as $250 to $749 can drastically reduce the chances that certain financial disruptions will derail a family's finances. Every little bit helps. "Here's a baby step: Put away one month's worth of expenses," Dearing says. Doing that will teach you how to track spending, budget and get a sense of your monthly expenses, she says. You can grow a full emergency fund -- three to six month's worth of living expenses -- from there. Prioritize. If every aspect of your financial life is amiss, prioritize which ones need the most attention, Ruby says. Focus on making sure that you have food, shelter and clothing before stressing about the rest. "As much as the credit card company may want us to believe that what we owe them is the most important thing in the stack of bills, our mortgage is probably the most important thing, too," Ruby says. If you don't know how to start, seek professional help. An expert can show you how to get your finances back on track -- and sleep better at night. [Read: No Savings, No Backup Plan, No Fairy Godmother: How to Handle a Financial Disaster.] Find stress relief. Look for low-cost or no-cost ways to relieve your stress. Those might include deep breathing, positive self-talk or exercise, Ruby says. While these money moves can help individuals who are struggling find some relief when it comes to their finances, Rank says that large-scale policy changes are essential to relieving financial stress for many Americans. "I think a larger part of the answer is: What are we doing on a large sale in terms of our policies?" Rank says. For example, he says, we need to examine policies that create good jobs and strong safety nets. Until then, these steps may help you at least chip away at your financial fretting. Susannah Snider is the Personal Finance editor at U.S. News. Since 2010, she has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics, from consumer travel to college financial aid, student loans and employment. Snider previously worked as a staff writer at Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. She has appeared as a personal finance expert on television, radio and in print, including on "Fox & Friends," "The Tavis Smiley Show" and Fox Business News. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at ssnider@usnews.com. From Good Housekeeping If you live in one of the many states that got pummeled with wintery weather this weekend, this story is going to make you cringe. Nick Taylor, a Michigan resident, started his car and then went inside while it warmed up. When he returned five minutes later, there was a ticket from a police officer for idling his car, WILX10 reports. He shared the ticket on Facebook in an angry post: Despite the fact that it's freezing in Michigan and, "everyone warms up their car," as Taylor says, it's technically against the law to idle your car in certain states. The officer wrote that the "vehicle parked in drive with keys in ignition, motor running - no one around," according to WILX10. Taylor says he was furious because the officer didn't bother to come to his door before giving him the ticket. "I had no clue that was a law, an ordinance," he said. The laws about idling cars vary from state to state, and some particularly cold states even make exceptions if the temperature drops below a certain number. In Michigan, you're allowed to use a remote starter, because the key isn't in the car. If your key is in the car and it's running, it's a state and local violation, because somebody could steal the car. Taylor's Facebook post has gotten 5,000 shares and people are just as shocked as he is by the ticket. Might be time to think about getting a car that has remote start... [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Stories" customtitles="It's%20Illegal%20to%20Warm%20Up%20Your%20Car%20in%20These%20States%7CIt's%20Illegal%20to%20Not%20Remove%20Snow%20from%20Your%20Car%7CSchools%20are%20Eliminating%20Snow%20Days" customimages="||" content="article.41993|article.41874|article.42281"] You Might Also Like Downtown Music Publishing has signed an administration deal with Big Yellow Dog Music, a Nashville-based music publishing and artist development company whose roster includes Grammy winners Meghan Trainor and Josh Kear and CMA-winner Maren Morris who is also up for a 2016 Best New Artist Grammy. Big Yellow Dog's writers have accrued four Grammys, 28 chart toppers and four ASCAP/BMI Country Songs of the Year awards. Its hits songs include "All About That Bass", "Lips Are Movin" and "No" co-written by Trainor; "My Church" and "80s Mercedes" co-written by Morris; and "Need You Now" (performed by Lady Antebellum) and "Before He Cheats" and "Blown Away" (performed by Carrie Underwood) co-written by Kear. Artists such as Fifth Harmony, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth, DJ Khaled, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Demi Levato and Rascal Flatts have performed songs by Big Yellow Dog writers.The company's film, television and brand division had over 400 placements last year including uses by How to Get Away with Murder, Shades of Blue, Mad Max: Fury Road, Moana and The Edge of Seventeen. "We have always admired the company that Big Yellow Dog Music co-owners Kerry O'Neil and Carla Wallace built," said Downtown's svp of business affairs Andrew Sparkler in a statement. "We are thrilled to be strengthening our long-standing relationship and welcoming their world class catalog to the Downtown family." In recent months Downtown has been in expansion mode, most recently announcing a joint venture with Grammy-nominated music producers the Invisible Men which included a publishing agreement with Saltwives. The company has also signed a partnership with Benny Blanco, acquired Nikki Sixx's Motley Crue catalog, the works of lyricist Wayne Kirkpatrick and entered into administration agreements with jazz pianist Erroll Garner, pop songwriter Itaal Shur and legendary Italian publishing company Edizioni Curci. The company has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London, and Amsterdam and represents Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Santigold, Hans Zimmer, Social Distortion, One Direction, Sturgill Simpson and the Kinks among others. "Today's business environment is as challenging and fast-paced as any in our 18 years of business," said Wallace and O'Neil said in a joint statement. "Being able to align our company with such a serious player in copyright administration is a great opportunity for us and our writers." The frozen landscape that envelops the AMG winter driving school in Arjeplog, Sweden, is as frigid as one might expectmost of the time. But when Scandinavian snow coverage is less than optimal during summer months, AMG cognoscenti capture the endless winter by flocking to southern latitudesnamely, the Winter Sporting Driving Academy in Queenstown, New Zealand. As northern climates bask in warmer weather, the AMG crew converts 1,200 acres of stunning winter wonderland into a high horsepower, tire-sliding playground for impassioned drivers. A fleet of muscular AMG steeds, from the diminutive CLA45 to the mighty GT S, keeps participants on razors edge as they absorb performance driving techniques from pros like lead instructor Peter Hackett. The snow is a living, breathing thing, Hackett informs our group before we embark on a round of driving exercises that include slaloms, figure eights, and road-course layouts. The slipperiness of the ice and snow and the ever-changing conditions challenge the primal instinct to simply bury the accelerator to achieve maximum speed. Under these shifting circumstances, it takes measured doses of patience, precision, and advanced thinking to flick a vehicle sideways without a disgraceful spin-out. Interestingly, each Mercedes-AMG vehicle has a distinct personality and reacts differently to driver inputs. Due to its all-wheel-drive layout, the CLA45 begs to be powered through a corner in order to maintain its stability. On the other hand, the rear-drive GT S demands extra doses of restraint since it has a tendency to kick its tail out. Performed successfully, a graceful powerslide is like automotive ballet on ice. Executed sloppily or with a leaden foot, and your vehicle can slip off course and plow into a snow bank, requiring a rescue from one of the G-Wagons on hand. The New Zealand AMG school ($3,287 per drive day) offers a gratifying challenge for anyone who enjoys more than just going fast. Speeds rarely exceed 35 mph as drivers skid across low-friction surfaces, where loss of control occurs in inexorable slow motion. New Zealand may seem like an ideal destination for any driving enthusiast, but this invitation-only event draws solely from a list of AMG customers. As such, the New Zealand AMG program trumps the more commonly attended school in Sweden, making it the ultimate in exclusivity for those who seek to hone their driving skills in cold climates. (amgacademy.com) Story continues More From Robbreport.com New Made to Measure Program from Ermenegildo Zegna Brings the Runway to You Lexus Launches a Stunning and Speedy 42-Foot Sport Yacht An Exclusive Taste of One of New Englands Top Kitchens Andrea Bocelli Walks the Stefano Ricci Runway An Intimate Sneak Peek at the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster This New Los Angeles Restaurant Just Might Convert You to a Vegetarian Duck Dynasty producers Scott and Deirdre Gurney have filed a lawsuit against ITV Studios after being ousted from their namesake company, TheWrap has learned. The producers claim the studio used launched and outrageous campaign of intimidation and extortion in order to lower the cost of Gurney Productions, of which ITV acquired a majority stake in 2012. Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, the new suit is seeking $100 million in damages. In addition to ITV, the suit also names individuals Brent Montgomery, Andrew Garard and David McGraynor as defendants. Also Read: 'Duck Dynasty' Producers Plan Countersuit After Being Fired and Sued for Fraud The actions taken by ITV and its appointed board members are reprehensible, said the Gurneys attorney Michael Weinsten. My clients will not be intimated by their outrageous, strong-arm tactics to acquire my clients interest in Gurney Productions at a massively discounted price. We will hold each of these defendants personally accountable for the many millions in economic damages to my clients, and damage to their good name and reputation. Though this filing comes as no surprise as the Gurneys attempt to salvage their reputation, ITV absolutely refutes all of the allegations in this claim as completely baseless and without merit, ITV said in a statement in response to the Gurneys suit. We will be vigorously pursuing the lawsuit we filed against Scott and Deirdre Gurney in December, following the termination of their employment, on the grounds of self-dealing, fraudulent concealment and breach of contract. Emmy-winning producer Craig Armstrong was appointed interim CEO of Gurney Productions in December and has the full ground support of ITV Americas senior team, the statement continued. Under his leadership, all Gurney Productions shows and development continue to be produced by the companys strong team of producers. Its very much business as usual and our brilliant production team remains focused on making and delivering great shows. Story continues The Gurneys were fired ITV last month, the same day that the company filed a lawsuit against them for fraud and breach of contract. Also Read: 'Duck Dynasty' Producers Scott and Deirdre Gurney Fired and Sued for Fraud by ITV According to ITV, an audit determined that the couple was secretly operating another production company Snake River Productions that competed with Gurney Productions after it was sold to ITV. Following a meeting with Scott and Deirdre Gurney, the Board of Gurney Productions has been left with no alternative but to terminate their employment and file a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California on the grounds of self-dealing, fraudulent concealment and breach of contract, a Gurney Productions spokeswoman wrote. They formed Snake River as part of an unlawful plan to misappropriate the companys opportunities for themselves and to artificially inflate the companys EBITDA, or earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization, the ITVs complaint added. Pamela Chelin contributed to this report. Related stories from TheWrap: 'Duck Dynasty' Producers Plan Countersuit After Being Fired and Sued for Fraud 'Duck Dynasty' Producers Scott and Deirdre Gurney Fired and Sued for Fraud by ITV 'Duck Dynasty' Producers Scott and Deirdre Gurney Put On Leave in Company Audit Dylann Roof has been sentenced to die for the June 2015 mass murders of nine black men and women in a racially-motivated attack on a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina. A jury deliberated for about four hours before finding that the 22-year-old, a professed white supremacist, should be put to death. The verdict was unanimous. Before reaching their verdict, the jury asked the judge a series of questions that seemed to indicate that they were leaning toward life imprisonment. But as the verdict was read, the jurors agreed unanimously that several aggravating factors had been achieved, including a lack of remorse. The horrific aspects of this case justify the death penalty, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Richardson said in his closing statement at the sentencing. It outweighs anything else you might consider on the other side. As the verdict was read, Roof stared straight ahead in the courtroom, his hands clasped in front of him. He showed no emotion. As the jurors were polled, he looked down at some papers on the defense table. Roof then stood and requested new lawyers, to seek a retrial, though the judge said he was not inclined to grant that request. No Apologies In December, the same jury of three black people and nine white people found Roof guilty on 33 federal counts, including hate crimes resulting in death, religious obstruction and use of a firearm to commit murder during a crime of violence. Roof had pleaded not guilty. Before sentencing deliberations began on Tuesday, Roof addressed the jury and suggested that they should spare his life. I felt like I had to do it, and I still feel like I had to do it, he said. From what Ive been told, I have a right to ask you to give me a life sentence, but Im not sure what good that will do anyway. But what I will say is only one of you has to disagree with the other jurors. In his rambling five-minute statement, Roof also talked about whether he hated African Americans. The FBI asked if I hated black people, he said. I said I dont like what black people do. Story continues He later added, Wouldnt it be fair to say that the prosecution hates me since they are the ones trying to give me the death penalty? You could say, Of course they hate you. Everyone hates you. They have good reason to hate you. Im not denying that. My point is that anyone who hates anything, in their mind, has a good reason. In a 2015 manifesto seized by authorities, written after his arrest, Roof offered no apology for the murders. I would like to make it crystal clear I do not regret what I did, he wrote, according to the New York Times. I am not sorry. I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed. The Horrific Crime Authorities say Roof sat alongside his victims for about an hour inside the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston before opening fire. In that moment, a man of immense hatred walked that room shooting person after person after person, stopping only so he could reload more magazines and kill more people, assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Williams told the jury in December. It was an act of tremendous cowardice, shooting people as they have their eyes closed in prayer, shooting them on the ground. The victims were: Tywanza Sanders, 26; Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49; Ethel Lance, 70; Myra Thompson, 59; and Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., 74. Prosecutors said Roof planned the massacre carefully, scouting the church nearly two years before the attack and even traveling six times from his home 90 minutes away in Eastover, South Carolina. He has admitted that he hoped to start a race war, according to the New York Times. Rejected Mental Health Defense Roof represented himself in court. Although Judge Richard Gergel called the move strategically unwise, Roof had a legal right to serve as his own lawyer after being found competent to stand trial, according to the New York Times. He rejected a defense based on his mental health which might have been his best defense to avoid the death penalty, according to the Times. I want to state that I am morally opposed to psychology, Roof wrote in a journal found in his car. It is a Jewish Invention, and does nothing but invent diseases and tell people they have problems when they dont. Earlier this month, Roof wrote to Judge Gergel that he would not be calling mental health experts or presenting mental health evidence. Roof did not call any witnesses or present any evidence during the sentencing phase of the trial. He will be remanded to custody and will be formally sentenced on Wednesday. By law, he is allowed to appeal the decision. He also faces a state trial in South Carolina, which has been postponed. We want to express our sympathy to all of the families who were so grievously hurt by Dylann Roofs actions, Roofs lawyers said in a statement, according to reporter Maurice Chammah. Todays sentencing decision means that this case will not be over for a very long time. Roofs family also released a statement following the sentencing, according to Chammah: We are Dylann Roofs family. We will always love Dylann. We will struggle as long as we live to understand why he committed this horrible attack, which caused so much pain to so many good people. We wish to express the grief we feel for the victims of his crimes, and our sympathy to the many families he has hurt. We continue to pray for the Emanuel AME families and the Charleston community. South Carolina church gunman Dylann Roof was sentenced to death Tuesday after he again refused to ask jurors to spare his life for the racially motivated murder of nine black worshippers. Jurors deliberated for nearly three hours after the 22-year-old said he doesn't know "what good" it would do to ask to live the rest of his life in prison. Read: Dylann Roof's Stepmom: 'He Fell Prey to Internet Evil' Roof reiterated that he is without regret. "I still feel like I had to do it," he told jurors Tuesday. His statements came as no surprise. Last week, he told jurors deciding his ultimate fate, "There is nothing wrong with me psychologically. "Anything you heard from my lawyers in the last phase [of the trial], I ask you to forget it," Roof told the court. Prosecutors said earlier Tuesday that Roof should be executed because he had a hateful heart and chose to kill parishioners at Emanuel AME Church based on their race. A month earlier, the same jury found Roof guilty of 33 federal crimes in the June 2015 church massacre that Roof told authorities he committed "to start a race war." Read: Shooter Dylann Roof's Friends: He's a Pill-Popping, Gun-Toting Loner Who 'Made Racist Comments' While Roof has so far declined to ask for mercy, prosecutors have called scores of relatives to testify about their families' unthinkable grief following the attack. Watch: See Disturbing Video of Dylann Roof Entering Church Before Shootings Related Articles: the-eagle-huntress-2 Sony Pictures Classics One of the nice surprises of this awards season has been the The Eagle Huntress, which is starting to feel like the little movie that could since its debut way back at Sundance last January. The documentary is about a 13-year-old girl in Mongolia, Aisholpan, who is training to be an eagle hunter a traditionally male tradition. And, yes, shes met with (to put it kindly) many skeptics. Last week, publicist Peggy Siegal held an afternoon tea in the films honor at Manhattans Plaza Athenee, including a talk between noted hunting bird enthusiast, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the films director, Otto Bell. Related Links: (As an aside, when I first arrived I noticed a huge owl and immediately took a picture while saying something like, Ohhh, an owl! I then later realized the man holding the owl was Robert Kennedy Jr. I then later found out they brought an owl instead of an eagle because an eagle can kill a human by piercing the skull with its talons. So theres that.) robert-f-kennedy-jr-and-golden-eyed-owl Sony Pictures Classics As the press tour for The Eagle Huntress reaches a full year, its striking to watch a film about this family who lives in such a remote part of the world and contrast that with this whirlwind tour theyve been on to promote the film. They were first in Park City, Utah last January. Then I got an opportunity to meet the Eagle Huntress herself at an event at the Toronto Film Festival. Theyve since seen the ocean for the first time while in Los Angeles (and rode a roller coaster) and then visited the desert while in Qatar. After the event, I spoke to director Otto Bell and asked about Aisholpan and her familys whirlwind world tour. (And he gave me a photo of the family riding a roller coaster for the first time.) I took them to the ocean for the first time in Santa Monica, says Bell. They had never seen the ocean before, I so I took them to the ocean and we splashed around. We then went up on the pier and went on the roller coaster for the first time. I hate roller coasters! She loved it. I actually have a photograph, Ive got it if you want to see it. Story continues the-eagle-huntress Otto Bell Bell continues, You know how shes this physical, winning person? You know those games that are supposed to be rigged on the pier? She won all of those. And then was so surprised when she got this five-foot teddy bear. It got its own seat back to Mongolia. Bell then shared a story about their trip to Qatar for a film festival (where they wound up winning an award for the film). We went out to Qatar, we won that film festival, actually, but one of the sheiks was really taken with the story and the film and invited them out to his palace in the desert to go falcon hunting with him. He has like 300 falcons. What does the future hold for Aisholpan? Bell has made it clear that with the success of the film, she will be well taken care of financially. Bell adds, I think shes very keen to study abroad. She wants to go to college and learn medicine in a foreign country and I think that will happen for her. My hope is that they have options. Theyve enjoyed the traveling, but they havent chosen to move to the city or anything like that. You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter. Berlin (AFP) - German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel has decided to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel in this year's election, the top-selling Bild newspaper reported Tuesday citing sources from his Social Democrats. Gabriel, 57, currently serves as Merkel's vice-chancellor and holds the economy brief, and leads the Social Democratic Party (SPD), junior partner in Merkel's right-left coalition government. Merkel, 62, who remains popular despite criticism of her liberal asylum policy, announced in November that she would stand for a fourth term in a general election expected this September. However Gabriel has hesitated to run for the Social Democrats, who have seen their support plummet in Merkel's shadow, as he weighs his options. Although an official announcement is not expected until January 29, Bild said that Gabriel had finally taken his decision to throw his hat in the ring. The paper said former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, 72, had repeatedly advised him to clearly state he wanted the country's top job. It put his hesitation down to his low popularity ratings, even compared to other SPD politicians such as outgoing EU Parliament chief Martin Schulz and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is expected to be elected president next month. Bild said Gabriel's likely run for the chancellery meant that Schulz would replace Steinmeier as Berlin's top diplomat. The SPD executive board denied in a tweet that a decision had been taken. "We are pleased about the media interest in the SPD! But it is just speculation about the chancellor issue. The fact remains: we will decide on January 29," it said. Polls show that Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) enjoy a clear lead with around 37 percent support, followed at a distance by the SPD with about 20 percent. An insurgent anti-immigration party, the AfD, is currently polling at around 15 percent. BELGRADE/SARAJEVO (Reuters) - At least eight people have died as subzero cold and heavy snow enveloped the Balkans, with tens of thousands stranded in remote regions or left without heating in temperatures that dipped as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Central and east-southeastern Europe have been gripped by a mid-winter deep freeze and snowstorms for days. With temperatures dropping below -30 Celsius, at least 25 people died over the weekend, mainly in Poland. In the Balkans, a father and son died from frigid cold in Serbia, state RTS TV reported on Tuesday. A man fell into a well and survived 52 hours in extreme cold before being found by neighbours, local officials said. Thousands of people were trapped in outlying central and southern regions of Serbia by heavy snow. A state of emergency was declared in 11 municipalities. Serbian authorities also halted navigation along the Danube river after it iced up along some stretches. Bulgaria and Hungary also banned shipping along their sections of the Danube because of dangerous floating ice. In neighbouring Bosnia, three people in remote parts of the country froze to death while nearly 50,000 in the central town of Zenica lost their home heating due to a malfunction in a boiler at the ArcelorMittal steel mill, which provides thermal power to households. Three men in their 50s froze to death in Albania, and municipal authorities took several hundred homeless people to heated shelters. In Turkey, one person died and 10 people were injured when a snow-laden canopy collapsed at a mosque in Istanbul. In northern Greece, temperatures plummeted to freezing levels not seen since the 1960s, while Athens' ancient monuments, such as the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis rising above the city, wore a rare mantle of snow. (Reporting by Maja Zuvela in Sarajevo, Aleksandar Vasovic in Belgrade, Benet Koleka in Tirana and Anna Koper in Warsaw; editing by Ivana Sekularac/Mark Heinrich) The Baweng satanic leaf gecko is found only in Madagascarthat isif you can actually spot it. This amazing lizard takes camouflage to new heights, expertly disguising itself to look like a dead leaf, a plant stem or even a strip of tree bark. But its natural rainforest habitat is disappearing. And while scientists do not yet consider the gecko endangered, its future is uncertain. As chair of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development, its my goal to ensure that we debate and pass policies that put students first. As evidenced by the General Assemblys commitment to devoting over half of the states general fund to K-12 education, we are always looking for ways to further support our schools. Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to discuss education issues with superintendents, parents, teachers and other education officials from across the state including many here in Northeast Indiana. From those conversations, I have developed a list of the top 20 education issues in 2017. 1. Changing or creating a new statewide test to replace ISTEP+; 2. Addressing testing concerns like technology and testing time; 3. Improving civics education for Indiana students; 4. Assisting schools with improvement plans; 5. Funding masters degrees for dual-credit teachers; 6. Expanding the five-county pre-K pilot program; 7. Looking for solutions to address the teacher shortage; 8. Protecting students from abuse in school; 9. Reducing student unexcused absenteeism; 10. Developing great principals to make a greater impact on school leadership; 11. Aligning career and technical education with job opportunities; 12. Promoting parental involvement with children; 13. Teaching good attitudes, character and values; 14. Offering after-school alternative educational and extra-curricular options for families; 15. Increasing professional development for teachers; 16. Concentrating on science, technology, engineering and math courses; 17. Advancing career and technical education; 18. Promoting 529 college savings plans for families with the Indiana State Treasurer; 19. Finding additional funding sources for school bus transportation; and 20. Developing new diploma requirements. To stay informed and engaged on these issues and others as they move through the Indiana General Assembly, you can sign up for my e-newsletters by visiting www.in.gov/s14. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions for the 2017 legislative session, you can email me at Senator.Kruse@iga.in.gov or call 800-382-9467. What do you think? Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) represents DeKalb County in the Indiana State Senate. His columns appear periodically in The Butler Bulletin. By Philip Blenkinsop and Geert De Clercq BRUSSELS/PARIS (Reuters) - European Union antitrust regulators approved the French government's plan to inject 4.5 billion euros ($4.8 billion) into embattled nuclear group Areva , saying the rescue would not unduly distort competition. The European Commission's ruling will allow Areva, whose equity has been wiped out by years of losses, to restart as a smaller firm focused on uranium mining and nuclear fuel production and recycling. "Today's decision paves the way for a viable future for Areva based on a sustainable restructuring plan," EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement on Tuesday. The Commission said the aid for 87 percent state-owned Areva was subject to conditions, notably a positive conclusion of nuclear regulator ASN's safety tests on an Areva-designed reactor under construction for utility EDF in Flamanville, France, as well as EU approval of the planned sale of Areva's reactor business to EDF. This means the planned state aid may not be paid until then, said the Commission, which therefore also approved a 3.3 billion euro ($3.5 billion) state loan to Areva, aimed at bridging its liquidity needs until the capital injection can take place. ASN has said it expects to rule by end June on whether the Flamanville reactor can start up as planned in 2018. In 2015, Areva discovered carbon concentrations in the steel of the reactor vessel, which can weaken the resilience of the steel. The head of French state holding agency APE said in October that EU competition authorities were not expected to rule on the planned takeover of Areva's reactor unit by state-owned EDF before the summer of 2017. Following the Commission's statement, Areva said its board would meet on Wednesday to determine the terms of the capital increase, on which its shareholders will vote on Feb. 3. The new nuclear fuel group, provisionally called Areva NewCo, will get a 3 billion euros capital increase, of which 2.5 billion euros will come from the state. Areva said last month two investors have made a 500 million euro offer for a combined 10 percent stake in NewCo. Story continues A source familiar with the situation said the two investors are Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries <7011.T> and JNFL. Talks are continuing with China's National Nuclear Corporation about also taking a minority stake in NewCo. Legacy Areva SA - the firm left over after NewCo splits off and the reactor unit is sold - will get a 2 billion euro capital increase and will hold the liabilities related to the troubled Olkiluoto 3 project in Finland. Areva and its Finnish customer TVO are claiming billions of euros from one another in an arbitration suit over the project. Green Party European Parliament member Claude Turmes said leaving the Olkiluoto claims in Areva SA amounted to a nationalization of losses and questioned the EU's approval. "The Commission should not let the French state use taxpayers' money to rescue a failed technology," he said. (Writing by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Mark Potter) Brussels (AFP) - EU anti-trust regulators on Tuesday cleared the French government's massive restructuring of troubled state-owned nuclear reactor builder Areva. Problem-prone Areva, which is 87-percent owned by the French state, has faced severe difficulties since 2011, when the Fukushima disaster in Japan called nuclear power generation into question across the world. In April, Paris notified the EU Commission of a big restructuring plan to save the national champion that included a massive payout from public coffers. "The European Commission has concluded that French plans to grant a capital injection of 4.5 billion euros ($4.75 billion) to Areva are in line with EU state aid rules," a statement said. The Commission added that other regulatory decisions were still needed, including a greenlight by the EU on the buyout of Areva's reactor business by EDF, the French state-owned electricity supplier. Areva's woes were compounded by construction problems affecting its first EPR reactor in Finland -- now expected to open nine years late in 2018 -- putting company finances deep into the red. In addition, Areva's former CEO Anne Lauvergeon has been charged in a case linked to the company's disastrous 2007 purchase of a Canadian uranium mining firm. EDF, also majority-owned by the French state, agreed in June 2015 to purchase up to 75 percent of Areva's reactor unit at a valuation of around 2.7 billion euros, with the deal expected to be finalised in 2017. France sees nuclear energy as a key national industry and the government has been closely involved in talks to restructure the sector. The French state, which has already poured in billions to keep Areva afloat and thousands of French workers in their jobs, welcomed the decision. "This is a major step for the implementation of the main elements of the refounding of the French nuclear industry..." said a statement from the office of French President Francois Hollande. Story continues The cession of the reactor business to EDF will leave Areva with operations that include the extraction of uranium, its enrichment into fuel and then treatment of spent fuel. It will also dismantle oil nuclear reactors. Areva reached agreement in December with foreign companies -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited according to a source familiar with the talks -- to invest 500 million euros for a 10 percent stake. The state's injection of 4.5 billion euros will account for the lion's share of funds needed to put the company back on its feet. Trading in Areva shares was halted on Tuesday at 5.20 euros, just a quarter of the peak of over 20.00 euros per share hit in early 2014. Even Anna Kendrick was jealous of Maisie Williams and Sophie Turners friendship at the Golden Globes The Pitch Perfect star has joined the Maisie and Sophie fan club! Seriously, now even Anna Kendrick is jealous of Maisie Williams and Sophie Turners friendship. That makes two of us, girl. On Sunday, the two Game of Thrones actresses arrived at the Golden Globe Awards together and walked the red carpet one right after another. While this is normal for the two best friends, who plays sisters on the HBO series, this time there was a little snag on the carpet. When Williams train got tangled, her on-screen big sis, and real-life bestie stepped up to help. Turner stopped to pose for her own pictures and went to Williams aid and fixed the gorgeous yellow dress. What are sisters for if its not to pick up the others dress and keep them moving at an award show? Seriously, could these two be any cuter? While weve been fans of these two friends for many years, after seeing this sweet gesture at the Golden Globes, the Pitch Perfect 3 star is now totally obsessed with them, too and for good reason. Sophie was carrying Maisies train down the red carpet and when they introduced themselves to me I made them let me take a photo because my heart couldnt take how bananas cute it was. #GoT , Kendrick captioned a picture of the BFFs. Sophie was carrying Maisie's train down the red carpet and when they introduced themselves to me I made them let me take a photo because my heart couldn't take how bananas cute it was. #GoT A photo posted by Anna Kendrick (@annakendrick47) on Jan 8, 2017 at 7:35pm PST Yes, Kendrick did say it was bananas cute, and now we want to use this phrase any, and every, time we see Williams and Turner together. This snap of the two British actresses together, might be our favorite moment from this years Golden Globes. Too bad there isnt a picture of The Accountant actress with her new favorite best friends. That would then be the perfect Globes moment! David Clementi has been confirmed to take on the role of Chairman of the BBCs new unitary board, which is replacing the BBC Trust on April 1. The former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England does not have a background in broadcasting but comes highly praised by Culture Secretary Karen Bradley. According to The Guardian, Bradley said, I am confident that Sir David will provide the strong leadership necessary for the BBC to remain the worlds best broadcaster. [He] will bring a wealth of experience to the role and was the strongest candidate in an extremely competitive and high-caliber field. He has extensive experience as a chairman in both the commercial and not-for-profit sector, and has a strong regulatory and business background. I am confident that under his direction, the nations broadcaster will continue to go from strength to strength. Clementi published a report in March calling for the BBC to have a board akin to those at large public companies. The government adopted the recommendations and in May said it would abolish the BBC Trust, the self-regulatory body previously charged with overseeing the BBC. Rona Fairhead, and previously Chris Patten, headed the BBC Trust. The BBC is a world-class broadcaster and one of the UKs most beloved and cherished institutions, Clementi said. It would be a great honor to join the BBC at an important time in the organizations history. One of Clementis first orders of business will be to work with Director General Tony Hall to set the strategy and editorial direction of the BBC and shave costs of 800M by 2020. The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee will hold a pre-appointment hearing with Clementi on January 17. Per The Guardian, committee member John Nicolson said he would receive a proper grilling on topics including the BBCs independence and his views on media plurality, given Foxs proposed takeover bid for Sky. The committee is going to want to be assured that he will defend the BBCs independence from political interference, he said. We want to make sure he is appointed properly, independently and that he guarantees BBC editorial independence. All of us want to make sure he is the right man for the job. Story continues Related stories Hulu Teams With BBC For Neil Cross Crime Series 'Hard Sun', Jim Sturgess & Agyness Deyn To Star 'Sherlock' Returns To BBC With 8.1M Viewers For Season 4 Opener; Tops UK New Year's Day Ratings BBC, ITV & AMC Team To Launch U.S. SVOD Service 'BritBox' Casey Affleck took home the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama, on Sunday, for his performance in Manchester by the Sea, and the only person who may have been more thrilled by the win than Casey was his brother, Ben Affleck. The Oscar winner stopped to talk with ET at the premiere of his new film, Live by Night, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Monday, where he opened up about the joy and pride he felt in watching his younger brother win the coveted award. WATCH: Ben Affleck Hopes He and Casey Will Be the First Brothers to Win Golden Globes and Oscars "The overwhelming sense I had last night, watching my brother win, and believing in him for so long and knowing how talented he is it was the most memorable experience in my life," the 44-year-old star shared. "I'm thrilled. I wish him the best, but already what he's done is amazing." Ben was at the show where he was able to cheer his brother on in person, and the pair ended up celebrating the big win well into the night -- but, as the father of three admitted, he wasn't able to stay out too late. "I had to get up and take the kids to school, so responsibilities were still calling," said Ben, who shares three children -- Violet, 11, Seraphina, 8, and Samuel, 4 -- with his estranged wife, Jennifer Garner. WATCH: Casey Affleck Gushes Over Michelle Williams During His Golden Globe Win Ben's best friend and frequent collaborator, Matt Damon, who also served as a producer on Manchester by the Sea, celebrated the win with the brothers. The Martian star also came out to the Live By Night premiere to support his friend, who had nothing but love and praise for his long-time compatriot. "I can't tell you how valuable it is to have somebody who's been through things with you, ups and downs, who knows what your life experience is like, who can identify with that," Ben explained. "It's an incredibly valuable friendship and it's very precious and so is my friendship with my brother. I don't know what I would do without those guys." Story continues Live by Night hits theaters this Friday. WATCH: Casey Affleck Talks First Golden Globe Win, Jokes Brother Ben Displays His Awards 'In His Window' Related Articles Atlanta creator and star Donald Glover raised a few eyebrows at the Golden Globe Awards when he thanked the rap group Migos in his acceptance speech. He explained the shout-out to ET backstage at the awards show. "I love the Migos. I think they're awesome," Glover told ET's Kevin Frazier. "I think they're the Beatles. And that song ['Bad and Boujee'] is just amazing." READ: Donald Glover Thanks 'Black Folks' After 'Incredible' 'Atlanta' Golden Globe Win Glover thanked the Georgia-based rap trio after taking home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Comedy Series. "I couldn't be here without Atlanta," Glover said from the Golden Globes stage. "And I really want to thank the Migos, not for being in the show but for making 'Bad and Boujee.' That's the best song ever." The Community alum later returned to the stage, this time with the rest of the cast and crew, to accept the award for Best Television Comedy. He told Frazier he's hopeful that the two trophies can help with getting the FX comedy a third season. "If you make something super personal and specific, you'll reach a wide group of people," Glover said, commenting on the show's authenticity. "People got to be real right now. I think we realized that from what's happening in this country and in the world. Small talk about things is not getting us anything we want, so you got to be honest about it and willing to listen to each other, so I think this show is playing with that." PICS: Golden Globes 2017: All the Parties! Atlanta follows Earn (Glover), a Princeton dropout-turned-music manager in Atlanta, who tries to get his cousin, who raps under the stage name Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), to stardom. Related Articles cory booker Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey announced on Monday that he would break longstanding Senate norms and testify against fellow sitting Sen. Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald Trump's US attorney general nominee. Booker told MSNBC that he would testify against Sessions on Tuesday or Wednesday during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings surrounding Sessions' nomination, joining prominent civil-rights activist Rep. John Lewis and the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Cedric Richmond. "I'm breaking a pretty long Senate tradition by actually being a sitting senator tomorrow testifying tomorrow against another sitting senator," Booker said. "Please understand I think these are extraordinary times and they call for extraordinary measures." Booker cited Sessions' stances on policing, voting rights, marijuana legalization, and LGBT issues as areas where he disagreed with the Alabama senator, saying Sessions "has a posture and positioning that I think represent a real danger to our country. "We are at a strike point around issues of policing, around issues of civil rights, around issues of gay and lesbian equality within our country," Booker added. "We've seen consistently Jeff Sessions as Sen. Jeff Sessions voting against everything from the Matthew Shepard Act, voting against speaking out against key ideals around the Voting Rights Act, taking measures to try to block criminal-justice reform." "There's a whole spectrum of things that Jeff Sessions' own words represent a real threat to vulnerable populations in this country and is something that I feel necessary to do everything that I can to speak out against," he said. Though senators have voted against confirming fellow members to Cabinet positions and expressed opposition during the question-and-answer portion of hearings, Booker's decision to actively testify against his colleague represents a break with longstanding precedent. Story continues Republicans were quick to decry Booker's move. Rep. Chris Collins, one of Trump's more active supporters on cable TV, described Sessions as a well-respected "Southern gentleman" and dismissed Booker's testimony as a publicity stunt. "Cory Booker is all about the latest stunt," Collins told CNN on Tuesday. "What he's doing today, never done before in the Senate it's not surprising at all that Cory Booker is the one pulling this off. "What Cory Booker is doing is nothing but being self-serving, grabbing the headlines," he added. Many Democrats, including Booker, said they opposed Sessions' attempts to kill immigration-reform efforts, his stance against the legalization of same-sex marriage, and his support for tough sentences for those convicted of drug crimes. While Trump's transition team has said Sessions has a "strong civil-rights record," many Democrats and civil liberties groups blasted Sessions' criticism of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibited inhibitions on the right to vote, as well as his criticism of the Justice Department's civil-rights division, which he said occasionally supersedes its authority and perpetrates "civil wrongs." Sessions is also staunchly opposed to marijuana legalization and decriminalization. In April he said, "Good people don't smoke marijuana." He has also faced backlash for saying in the 1980s that he thought members of the KKK were "OK, until I found out they smoked pot," which he said was a joke. NOW WATCH: Trump's attorney general pick was once denied a federal judge job over alleged racist remarks More From Business Insider Kate Hudson's athleisure fashion brand Fabletics is teaming up with the UN on a long-term 'girl power' campaign. The label is getting on board with the foundation's 'Girl Up' movement, which aims to empower teenage girls to become a force for change via community changes covering education, health services and personal safety. Over the next few years, the brand will create and launch exclusive capsule collections and specific campaigns in partnership with the organization, in order to inspire young women in various communities to "realize their best selves." "I dream about a day where women everywhere are able to live their most empowered, most fulfilling lives," said Hollywood actress and entrepreneur in a statement. "And the best place to start is with girls because they represent tomorrow's leaders, change-makers and innovators." Launched in 2010, 'Girl up' focuses its efforts on helping those living in developing countries and areas where it is more difficult to be a young woman than others. There are now 1,200 Girl Up Clubs in 66 different countries, with high-profile advocates including Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and Latin American business leader Angelica Fuentes. Hudson founded Fabletics in 2013, with the aim of offering high-quality activewear for women at an accessible price point, and the brand has since grown rapidly to include more than one million member customers from across eight countries. New York (AFP) - Bearing flowers, lipstick and glitter, fans around the world Tuesday paid tribute to rock icon David Bowie a year after his shocking death. Bouquets of flowers appeared once again outside the New York apartment where Bowie spent his final years, recreating the festive and communal scene that emerged after he passed away on January 10, 2016. Sabrina Rosneck, a student from Detroit who came to New York for a Bowie anniversary concert, slipped a letter into the makeshift memorial outside The Starman's Soho home. "I leave him a card whenever I come to New York. I feel like he sort of understands people and he kind of understood me even though he didn't know me, so I just want to update him on my life and how it's going," she said. Like many fans, Rosneck credited Bowie -- who constantly reinvented himself in a half-century career that spanned from glam rock to electronica to disco -- with helping people accept themselves. Aurelio Ayala III, who flew to New York from Seattle, said that discovering Bowie transformed his youth in Texas, where he dyed his hair orange in the rocker's honor and didn't look back. "He allowed me to express myself the way I wanted," the 56-year-old said on the sidewalk outside Bowie's apartment, between the building's dumpster and slushy snow. "Living in Texas you are looked upon if you're a little different. I never really cared -- and to this day, I don't care." - Tribute concerts around world - Bowie died from an undisclosed battle with cancer two days after releasing his last album, "Blackstar," a work of hard-driving jazz that won glowing reviews. Columbia Records on Sunday released three additional tracks from the "Blackstar" sessions in a digital EP to celebrate what would have been Bowie's 70th birthday. Bowie's veteran producer Tony Visconti, one of the few people to whom the rocker had confided his illness, said he has "been through every stage of grief in the past 365 days." Story continues Visconti, writing on Facebook, recalled that Bowie had been "so much stronger, more positive and bursting with creativity" when making "Blackstar." "Our team, the band, the technicians and everyone who visited us in the studio kept shooting glances at each other -- is this really happening?" he recalled of the final recording sessions. "He was a legend in his lifetime and he will be a legend until the end of time. But he was my friend, too. I miss him dearly." Bowie fans organized concerts around the world to mark the anniversary, with proceeds to go to charities. The New York show on Tuesday evening will feature Kate Pierson of The B-52s and rockers Living Colour with veterans of Bowie's band. - 'Eternal' Bowie - A similar show on Sunday at London's Brixton Academy brought out actor Gary Oldman, who was a close friend of Bowie, and artists as diverse as Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliot and Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon. Bowie was born in the south London district, where thousands had gathered after his death to sing, dance and cry for their hero. On the anniversary, a blonde girl wept as her friend drew a heart with lipstick on a Bowie mural in Brixton. "Gone but never forgotten," "All the days of my life I owe you" and "RIP David my hero my idol," read some of the inscriptions scrawled on the wall. "He changed the face of music," said Roger Rowley, an actor and musician who traveled down from Leeds in northern England to attend a vigil by the mural along with dozens of other fans. "I've learnt more from Bowie as an artist as from anyone else. He's eternal," he said. Getty Image On Tuesday, FBI Director James Comey spoke with Washington lawmakers in a Senate hearing on the Russian hacking of the election. Comey stated that Russian hackers not only successfully attacked the DNC (and leaked in the aftermath), but they were also able to penetrate some RNC records. But Comedy stressed it was only a limited penetration of older computers. Comey continued to explain that the hacking occurred on computers that were no longer in use. He provided few other details, but the New York Times reports how he noted that the attack occurred on a contractor in Tennessee used by the Republican committee. In particular, Comey revealed that the affected server was used by Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain, who used it for campaign releases and news clips. When pressed further, Comey said that there was not a shred of evidence that either the Trump campaign or current RNC had been successfully hacked. Despite the hacking attempts on both major political parties, Trump still does not seem to think Russia is a viable cyberwar threat, even though numerous intelligence officials have told him otherwise. And he appears to be apathetic about the findings these agencies provide. (Via The New York Times) By David Ingram and Mark Hosenball NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A wave of telephone bomb threats to 16 Jewish community centers in nine U.S. states may have originated from the same number and been placed by at least one individual and an automated calling system, security officials said on Tuesday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into the calls, which led to evacuations at some of the community centers on Monday, but resulted in no attacks or injuries. Police who searched the centers found no bombs. The FBI has not named any suspects or described a likely motive for the bomb threats, and it was not clear why the centers in the U.S. Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and South regions were targeted. Some of the phone calls were made using an automated "robocall" system, while others were placed live by at least one individual, said Paul Goldenberg, national director of the Secure Community Network, a nonprofit group that advises Jewish groups on security. Automated calling has been used for threats before, including in January 2016 when a string of apparent hoaxes disrupted U.S. schools, but the tactic is still considered unusual. "Bomb threats to Jewish communities are nothing new," Goldenberg said in a phone interview. "What's extraordinary is that we had so many in such a short period of time." The phone calls were made to Jewish community centers in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee. All of the centers were back to normal operations on Tuesday after being declared bomb-free, the JCC Association of North America said. The centers offer children's programs, fitness rooms and other services. It was not clear if the calls were related to bomb threats against several British schools. Most of those schools were Jewish, and an analysis indicated the calls there came from separate countries, a source who monitors security threats said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Story continues It was possible that the U.S. incidents "may have originated from the same phone number," said Oren Segal, director of the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism, which he said was working with the community centers and law enforcement. FBI officials declined to comment on the progress of their investigation but said in a statement that they were encouraging the public to be vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities that could be a threat to public safety. Jewish organizations would step up security training and staff to counter threats, Goldenberg said. (Reporting by David Ingram in New York and Mark Hosenball in Washington, editing by G Crosse) The following article, originally published at 7:01 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, has been updated with analyst commentary and market reaction. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s lawsuit seeking $542 million in underpaid insurance premiums from Bank of America amounts to a 'contract dispute' that can be settled without hurting the lender's long-term performance, an analyst says. The Charlotte, N.C.-based company's fees "have reflected the higher expense," so the operating earnings outlook shouldn't be hurt though the bank will have to pay some amount to the FDIC, Brian Kleinhanzl of brokerage Keefe, Bruyette & Woods said in a note to clients. The agency's lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in Washington, attributes the underpaid premiums to a discrepancy in key risk reports from the company, the second-largest U.S. bank by deposits. Created in 1933 to protect consumers from bank failures like those during the Great Depression, the FDIC insures bank deposits up to $250,000, guaranteeing customers have access to their money when a financial institution collapses. Its insurance fund, buoyed in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, is financed through quarterly risk-based premiums from covered banks, with large complex companies paying the highest charges. The assessment for those firms, which include the likes of JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup as well as Bank of America, is based on self-reported data that includes money owed by other companies, known as counterparties, according to the suit. The system assumes that the more concentrated a bank's exposure is to a particular counterparty, the higher is its degree of risk. As a result, lenders are required to report payments owed by parent companies as a whole rather than their individual operating units or subsidiaries. Because Bank of America didn't comply with that rule, it under-reported its exposures "by tens of billions of dollars" from the second quarter of 2011 through the first quarter of 2016, according to the suit, filed in federal district court in Washington. Story continues Bank of America held about $1.2 trillion in deposits as of Sept. 30, some $700 billion of which was insured by the FDIC, according to the lawsuit. The amount sought in the case is for premiums from the second quarter of 2013 through the end of 2014, but the FDIC reserved the right to change the total after determining what the bank should have paid before that time. The dispute arises "from a technical disagreement about a calculation from several years ago regarding a rule that has had changing provisions over time" said Lawrence Grayson, a Bank of America spokesman who noted that the $542 million comprises only a fraction of what the company pays to the FDIC each year. "We have kept the FDIC regularly updated on our calculations," he added. "We look forward to the court's review." While the requirement changed significantly in 2014, the FDIC's suit claims that what the agency "added in 2014 is actually what the rule said all along," said Eugene Scalia, a partner in the Washington office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher who's representing the bank. "Our position is that the new words gave the regulation new meaning," said Scalia, the son of late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. "That new meaning can't be applied retroactively, especially because the FDIC never gave Bank of America fair notice of its view prior to this year. The FDIC also will have difficulty explaining how it could have been unaware of the bank's approach, since it received reports from the bank each quarter which made crystal clear what approach the bank was taking." The timing of the suit is striking, coming less than two weeks before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican real estate mogul who plans to scale back regulations tightened after the financial crisis led to government bailouts of companies including Bank of America and Citi. Many of Trump's picks for regulatory and advisory posts have come from Wall Street, including hedge-fund manager Steve Mnuchin, the Treasury Secretary nominee; and Gary Cohn, the former Goldman Sachs COO whom Trump asked to head the National Economic Council. Still, FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg, an appointee of President Barack Obama who was confirmed by the Senate in November 2012, has said he plans to serve out the remainder of his five-year term. "It is surprising to me that what essentially is an administrative matter that should have been resolved through continued discussions with the bank has resulted in litigation," said Michael Krimminger, another of the bank's attorneys. Krimminger spent more than two decades at the FDIC, including a stint as general counsel. The pivotal question in the case is "on the FDIC's rule-making processes and the interpretation of what it claims to be a straightforward regulation," Krimminger said in a statement. "In my view, the FDIC's position in this instance is erroneous." While the expense shouldn't affect the bank's long-term operating performance, Kleinhanzl, the Keefe Bruyette analyst, said it would reduce his estimate of the company's book value this year by at least 4 cents a share. "We have concerns that Bank of America has now had another issue with calculating regulatory ratios or metrics," Kleinhanzl added, "but our expectation is that this will be the last of those issues." In 2014, the bank had to resubmit its stress tests to the Federal Reserve because capital ratios were misstated. The gaffe was a setback for CEO Brian Moynihan, who has worked to rebuild Bank of America following costly financial-crisis acquisitions by his predecessor that forced the company to accept a $45 billion government bailout. Bank of America's stock has climbed 3.8% to $22.94 this year as investors bet the company and its rivals will benefit from de-regulation under Trump. That outpaces a gain of 1.3% by the broader S&P 500. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: See inside Jim Cramers multi-million dollar charitable trust portfolio to see the stocks he thinks could be potentially HUGE winners. Click here to see his holdings for FREE. In the mid-'90s, Ferry Corsten was living in Rotterdam, getting his start as a producer and hanging out in record stores to hear the sounds of the world. There was this one shop in particular he frequented most, and he met a guy working there named Tijs Verwest, who himself had a pretty good gig as a DJ going under the name Tiesto. "We both had this gravitation towards this really melodic sort of electronic music," Corsten says. "We were always talking about this stuff, the early form of trance, and we were both really big fans of that." Corsten had a hit with a song called "Out of The Blue" under the alias System F, and as he and Tiesto were talking, they thought they might try out making music in that kind of vein together, combine their talents so to speak and go for gold. Corsten couldn't know then that he was embarking on one of the most important musical journeys of his lifetime. "We sat down in the studio and came up with this first track Gouryella "Gouryella," Corsten says. "We didn't have a name for it yet, but I'd pick these weird names, certain words with a certain meaning of something really beautiful. In this case, I was watching something like Discovery Channel or something, and it was about Australian Aborigines. The story was about their beliefs and heaven, and their word for heaven was "gouryella." I thought, 'that's a cool name,' so we picked that." "Gouryella" was a breakneck beat under sweeping melodies, and it soon became both artists biggest hits, peaking at no. 15 on the UK charts. They followed it with two more singles, "Walhalla" in 1999, and "Tenshi" in 2000, (both named after heavens and heavenly beings of the Norse and Japanese alike) all in this very synthy anthemic turn of the century sound. When it was time for Gouryella's fourth single, "Ligaya" in 2002, Tiesto found himself moving in a different sonic direction and let Corsten take the reins up on his own. Story continues Corsten then found his own personal tastes changing. He took up his own name as a moniker and experimented with more electro sounds, became a bit more techy in his productions. He still lived in the trance world but not in those same chord progressions and topline melodies. He's become one of the biggest names in trance, but throughout the years, fans have never stopped asking about new Gouryella. If he so much as posted a picture of himself having spaghetti for dinner, someone would invariably comment "when are you going to release new Gouryella?" Corsten took it as a cute sort of madness, until the summer of 2015. "I honestly started to feel very tired of what was going on in the music scene and also in the trance genre itself," he remembers. "I was tired of the same old, and though I still like all of this, I started thinking 'what would I want to do again now? What excites me?'" Reading all those comments and Tweets got him thinking, what if he did bring Gouryella back? But it wasn't that easy. Music isn't just some switch you can pull in your mind. When you've spent the last 10 years of his life going in a forward direction, you can't just climb back into old patterns of thought like stepping into an old pair of shoes. If he was going to give Gouryella a true chance at a future, he'd have to go back into the old midi files and pick apart its past. "I went right in and analyzed just how simple those tracks really were," he says. "Over time in your head, they start to become so different, so complicated in a way. It was just funny to see, it's almost like confrontational how simplistic the stuff back then and sometimes how much I'm overthinking music now." Not only was the music simpler, it was also longer. Each track was given twice the room to draw out concepts and motifs, to bring whole storylines to life in the melodies and chords. "Nowadays, everything is so quick, snappy, and it's over before you know it," he says. "Looking back at how it was then and now gave me good insight for my production (as Ferry Corsten) that I'm working on right now. How can you make something still tell a story with a shorter track where everything is a lot quicker and not so dragged out? That's what I took away from this." The first new Gouryella track was "Anahera," a waterfall of sparkling synths that glitters its way into a pulsing bass-heavy rhythm. He followed that with "Neba," a tune that seems to mirror even more closely the upbeat shimmer of Gouryella's past offerings. Both tracks have the characteristic warmth and lushness of the classics, but with a modern softness. It's the extension of trance's past into the new landscape, and the response has been great. He knew he was going to get a rise out of his fans on social media, but then the tracks started charting on Beatport, and then Armin van Buuren gave heavy support during his A State of Trance sets. It was more than Corsten expected, and then promoters called. "I really had no plans to (tour), but again, the whole point in the first place was to bring this sound back to new audience," he says. "When that argument was thrown at me I was like, 'okay, I think they're right, but how am I going to do the shows if I only have five tracks?" As much as he loved those old Gouryella tracks, they sounded dated back-to-back with the new tunes. The production on "Gouryella" just wasn't as tight as "Anahera," and that's no surprise given Corsten's decade of experience. He'd have to go back and, with the subtle precision of a surgeon, reproduce the old Gouryella catalog to meet his modern standards. "As a music lover, when I hear a reproduction of a track - and especially a classic - I feel a little gutted like, 'ah, this is not the real thing that I fell in love with,'" he says. "I took all those old tracks almost like a magnifying glass like, 'okay, how did I do the filtering there?' I lost bits and pieces here and there, because over 15 years time, you lose your files. My whole archiving wasn't what it is today." The hard work paid off, and Corsten released the new editions in a limited edition boxset From The Heaveans, out now on iTunes. For live performances, he seamed the tracks together into a cohesive package, padded by Ferry Corsten songs that fit the sonic scope. He also reached out to Dimension, a young artist on his label Flashover Recordings with just the right sound. Dimension created an original tune specially for the Gouryella tour performances, and with that, he was in business. It was a brilliant worldwide experience that begat another project, a documentary on the Gouryella journey from the old days at the Rotterdham record shop with Tiesto, to those first original tunes, on through the 2016 revival, the tour, and the lasting impact the project has had on fans and Corsten's peers. "We have some of the big guys that were a part of the scene back in the day and were supportive of Gouryella tell their story about how it influenced them and what it did to their shows," he says. "I knew that it was a special thing from the very first release. It was just always referred to as the trance of the highest shelf, you know? When you get to that point and you suddenly stop releasing, it lives on in people's imagination. The absence of Gouryella has almost made it the holy grail of trance in a way, so fragile." It's been a humbling year for Corsten, to see his old world become new, to be bowled over by the praise for an old project brought back to life and hear the stories of how it touched fans' lives. Now, however, it's time to pack Gouryella away for another period of rest. He returns to Ferry Corsten in 2017, but he's bringing with him all the lessons of the past. "It's almost an extension of what I've been doing with Gouryella," he says, "not Gouryella the next chapter, but Gouryella goes back into Ferry Corsten. You've been inspired before that way, and it's cool to go back there and find out what it was. Like I said, I'm going back to a time when I just made music without overthinking it, and that was very refreshing." EXCLUSIVE: Film Movement has picked up U.S. rights to Andrei Konchalovskys Paradise which is shortlisted for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. The Russian-German co-production is set during WWII and looks at the Holocaust from the perspective of three characters. Paradise debuted at the Venice Film Festival last year and won Konchalovsky the Silver Lion for Best Director. ARRI Media International is handling sales. Shot in black and white by cinematographer Alexander Simonov, the drama tells the story of Olga, Jules and Helmut, whose paths cross amidst the devastation of war. Olga (Julia Vysotskaya) is a beautiful Russian aristocrat emigree and member of the French Resistance; Jules (Philippe Duquesne) is a French Nazi collaborator who is assigned to investigate her case; and Helmut (Christian Clauss) is a high-ranking, yet naive German SS officer who once fell madly in love with Olga and meets her again when she is shipped to a concentration camp. While they recount their stories, the film flashes back to the end of World War II and the days when their destinies crossed. Film Movement President Michael E Rosenberg calls the film stunningly shot and emotionally rich We are honored to have another important auteurs work join our slate for this year, alongside films by Andrzej Wajda and Hirokazu Kore-eda. Film Movement will release Paradise in the summer, followed by a digital and home video release. Paradise is written, directed and produced by Konchalovsky and was co-produce by Russias Andrei Konchalovsky Studios and Germanys Drife Filmproduktion. The film also won the Founders Award at the 2016 Chicago Film Festival; Best Director of Photography for Simonov, Best Actress and the Young Jury Award for Best Actress both for Vysotskaya at the 2016 Gijon International Film Festival; the Silver Astor Award for Best Screenplay at 2016 Mar del Plata International Film Festival; and The Schoumann Award for Jewish Cinema at the Jerusalem Jewish Film Festival. Story continues ARRI has also sold it to Artfest (Bulgaria), Time in Portrait (China), MCF Megacom (Ex-Yugoslavia); SevenGroup (Greece), Contact Film (Belgium & Netherlands), Legendmain (Portugal) and Film Buro (Spain). Alpenrepublik have the rights for Germany, and Walt Disney Studios Sony Pictures Releasing CIS is the distributor in Russia. France and CIS rights are represented by Antipode Sales, UK rights are handled by the producers directly. Film Movement last year had its first Academy Award-nominated film with Theeb. Oscar nominations will be announced this year on January 24. Related stories For 'Sing Street', Director John Carney Cast Musically-Oriented Non-Actors Who Could 'Drive It Like They Stole It' To Win A Best Picture Oscar, Producers Need A Great Film - And It Helps To Have Three Little Letters 'Moonlight' DP James Laxton On The Emotional Effect Of CinemaScope And Capturing The Visual Poetry Of The Face The Kings Choice is a World War II drama, and as soon as you hear that well, okay, as soon as I heard it the reaction it inspires may be something along the lines of: Really? Again? Yet the movie, which is Norways short-listed Oscar contender for Best Foreign Language Film (its actually a co-production of Norway and Ireland), is nothing if not original. It has a few traumatic and bedazzling scenes of combat, but mostly its about the backroom bureaucratic gamesmanship of war. It re-enacts a celebrated moment of national defiance, and the vision it puts forth is at once ennobling and, frankly, a little eccentric. Outside of Norway, where it has already opened, the prospects look limited, though a pinch of Oscar love could always help its chances. The movie is set over the course of three days in April 1940, and everything that happens during those three days could, theoretically, be summed up in a one-sentence intertitle: Hitlers forces sweep through Norway, securing all major cities. The Nazis v. Norway: Not much suspense to that outcome. And not much need for heavy artillery either. In The Kings Choice, the Norwegians sovereign, peace-loving, officially neutral dont begin to have the military strength to stand up to their invaders. Theyre such a courtly, civilized nation that they dont just lack the firepower; they lack the ability to even understand what theyre up against. Of course, it makes sense that one might not have a full apprehension of that in 1940, when Hitlers barbarism was just getting rolling. In The Kings Choice, the Germans present themselves like the Mob, offering protection for Norway (they claim that the British have mined the local waters). But what Hitler is really after is the nations strategic coastline, and its reserves of iron ore. Most countries, placed in Norways position, would be hammering out the politics of surrender, trying to save as many lives as possible. But King Haakon VII (Jesper Christensen), the monarch of Norway since 1905 (though officially only a figurehead), finds himself possessed by a moral quandary: Should he hand over his country to the Nazis on a silver platter of peace, allowing Norway to be ruled by an odious collaborator named with poetic perfection Quisling? Or should he continue to push back against the invasion, even if its not entirely clear what pushing back actually means? The Kings Choice is a talky movie with a spark of propulsion to it. Early on, theres a stunning combat sequence in which a German battleship approaches, and a Norwegian general, looking like hes still fighting World War I, orders the cannon fire to begin. The Norwegians actually sink the German ship, but what we sense and what the Norwegians apparently dont is that a dozen more battleships are coming. By not giving in peacefully, the Norwegians have stood their ground, but really, theyve only enflamed the Nazis will to conquer. Part of the historical fascination and the stiff-upper-lip, head-in-the-sand Scandinavian flintiness of The Kings Choice is that the film spends nearly every one of its 133 minutes presuming that King Haakon had some honest sway in his countrys destiny. Its an idea that has been woven into Norwegian mythology. They would not go softly into that good night! (The movie could have been called Surrender Hard.) Erik Poppe, the Norwegian music video, commercial, and documentary veteran who directed the film, has told a story designed to stoke the patriotic passion of its targeted national audience. The Kings Choice is intricately told, and its certainly got an Oscar-friendly title, yet for those outside of Norway it may prove a dislocating experience: a war drama built entirely around a symbolic gesture. The Danish actor Jesper Christensen, who is one of the films producers, plays Haakon with stalwart precision: craggy and reserved, unsmiling beneath his sodden Victorian mustache, gentle with his grandchildren, always with the weight of Norway on his shoulders. Yet the film never pushes very far past his politicians facade. The most interesting character in The Kings Choice is the man appointed to deal with him: Kurt Brauer, a Nazi envoy who turns out to have torn loyalties. Karl Markovics, with his haunted face (hes like a neurotically severe Christoph Waltz), plays him as a conflicted occupier who actually wants to preserve Norwegian neutrality. Hes a German who doesnt seem to fully grasp what his country is up to, that theyre trying to take over the world even when, in a scene that jolts the audience, he is speaking on the phone to his superior in Berlin, and another voice comes on the phone: Its Hitler, barking orders about how he wants this invasion to go (with no more fuss). Its as if Brauer were being chewed out by his CEO, yet hes the kind of weasel who wants to please everyone, even the people hes capturing. The Kings Choice plays fast and loose with some of the information it gives us. It implies that any delay in surrendering will bring on massive casualties yet despite the Kings delays, and the whole obstinate honor of his nature, the bloodbath remains mercifully limited. An end title informs us that Haakons actions became a defining moment for the Norwegian spirit. Yet its not at all clear how those three days in 1940 represented anything more than a way for a country that was being steamrolled by brutes to convince itself it had saved face. The Norwegians werent willing collaborators, but that was the whole horror of their predicament: They never did have a choice. Related stories Oscar Goes Its Own Way With Foreign Shortlist -- But Is That So Bad? Old Masters and New Talents Compete in a Stacked Foreign-Language Oscar Race Academy Unveils Record-Breaking 85 Foreign-Language Oscar Contenders By Harriet McLeod CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - A U.S. jury on Tuesday condemned white supremacist Dylann Roof to death for the hate-fueled killings of nine black parishioners at a Bible study meeting in a Charleston, South Carolina, church in 2015. The same jury last month found Roof, 22, guilty of 33 federal charges, including hate crimes resulting in death, for the shootings at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours. Roof showed no emotion as the verdict was read, Charleston's Post and Courier newspaper reported. "Justice is served in Charleston, Malcolm Graham, shooting victim Cynthia Hurd's younger brother, said in a post on Twitter following the verdict. There's no place in a civilized society for hatred, racism or discrimination." Roof, who represented himself for the penalty phase, was unrepentant during his closing argument earlier in the day. He told jurors he still felt the massacre was something he had to do and did not ask that his life be spared. A U.S. prosecutor argued that Roof deserved to die because the shooting was calculated and intended to incite racial violence. On June 17, 2015, Roof sat for 40 minutes with parishioners gathered for a Bible study meeting before opening fire as they closed their eyes to pray, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Richardson said. Roof pulled the trigger 75 times as he methodically killed Hurd, 54; Clementa Pinckney, 41, the churchs pastor and a state senator; DePayne Middleton Doctor, 49; Sharonda Coleman Singleton, 45; Susie Jackson, 87; Ethel Lance, 70; Myra Thompson, 59; Daniel Simmons Sr., 74; and Tywanza Sanders, 26. Whether Roof was competent to serve as his own attorney will be a fundamental issue in the appeals process, said Robert Dunham, executive director of the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center said in a telephone interview. Roof did not want jurors to hear mental health evidence and put up no defense against the death penalty. Defense lawyers likely will use the trial to show appellate judges that mental illness prevented him from adequately representing himself, Dunham said. Story continues "Todays sentencing decision means that this case will not be over for a very long time," Roof's lawyers, who represented him for the guilt phase, said in a statement. "We are sorry that, despite our best efforts, the legal proceedings have shed so little light on the reasons for this tragedy," said the lawyers, who objected to Roof's self-representation. Roof also still faces a trial on murder charges in state court, where prosecutors also are seeking the death penalty. (Additional reporting by Letitia Stein and Jon Herskovitz; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Alan Crosby and Jonathan Oatis) Could the fish youre eating actually be fake and could it make you sick? The Doctors investigate the growing fish fraud problem. The Doctors ordered white tuna and red snapper from 12 different restaurants that ranged in price from low to high and sent the fish to a lab to test its DNA and the results were shocking! In our test, all of the fish which claimed to be white tuna were actually a cheap substitute fish named escolar. This type of fish has been dubbed "Ex-Lax fish," as it is known to cause gastrointestinal problems and diarrhea. Most of the red snapper we tested was porgy or sea bream fish and was dyed red with food coloring. Watch: Mercury Levels in Sushi, Should You Be Worried? The Doctors spoke with author Larry Olmsted, who wrote Real Food/Fake Food: Why You Don't Know What You're Eating and What You Can Do about It, to get to the bottom of this imposter food issue. Larry explains that the FDA is required to inspect only 2 percent of our imported seafood, but usually falls short of their of their yearly quotas. With 93 percent of our seafood being imported, there are many opportunities for fake fish to possibly end up being served. Unfortunately, seafood is the worst category for food fraud of any of the kinds of foods we eat, he tells The Doctors . Watch: Skin Infection from Raw Fish? The Doctors and Larry point out that there is no such species as white tuna and it usually is escolar, which is banned in Japan and parts of Europe due to how dangerous it is to humans. While there is no surefire way to find out if your fish is what it claims to be (short of getting it DNA tested) Larry recommends asking restaurants who their seafood distributor is because if they do not know or dont have a good answer, he says that is a sign of a possible red flag. Next time you dine at your favorite sushi restaurant, skip the white tuna option and it something seems fishy about the fish, skip it all together! Global Smartwatch Shipments This story was delivered to BI Intelligence Apps and Platforms Briefing subscribers. To learn more and subscribe, please click here. Fitbit plans to launch a dedicated wearables app store in 2017, according to comments made by CEO James Park during CES 2017 in Las Vegas. While few details were divulged, the app store would focus on providing support for health and wellness apps, aimed at businesses and healthcare companies. The company will likely use Pebble's OS system, which it acquired late last year when it purchased the floundering smartwatch company for $40 million. The announcement supports the theory that Fitbit plans to launch its own smartwatch. Building an app store is integral for Fitbit if it wants to become a big player in the emerging market: It will help build up a community of loyal users and developers. App stores unify and define platforms by providing users and developers with a designated location for apps and helps create a community around the brand. If Fitbit intends to become a significant vendor within the smartwatch market, it will need to curry up a community of users and developers, which could facilitate brand loyalty and recognition. It will make Fitbit competitive with rival vendors. Google, Apple, and Samsung already have dedicated smartwatch app stores that host device- and platform-specific apps. Users can download these apps from their phones and move them to their watches. Fitbit will need to offer users and developers a viable alternative to these app stores if it wishes to siphon users. It will provide the company with an alternate revenue stream. Service revenues from app stores can provide platforms with consistent revenue streams, besides device purchases. And just as they are for smartphones, app stores will be a critical part of the smartwatch market as revenue generators. While late to the smartwatch race, Fitbit has the opportunity to grab significant market share. For now, the nascent smartwatch market is controlled by Apple and Android, according to BI Intelligence estimates, accounting for roughly 70% of global device shipments in 2016. However, the overall low adoption thus far means that new entrants still have an opportunity to carve out a fair share from these larger companies. Moreover, as smartwatch vendors, such as Apple, begin gearing more to fitness and well-being, Fitbit's established health and fitness brand could give it an advantage over the rest of the market. Story continues Nevertheless, it will be some time before smartwatch adoption reaches critical mass. It will likely be at least five years before global shipments of smartwatches reach a significant number. Sluggish adoption of the devices over the past 24 months has resulted in a heavy reduction in shipment predictions. BI Intelligence projects that smartwatch shipments will grow at an annualized rate of 18% between 2016 and 2021, reaching 70 million units shipped. When they first broke onto the scene, smartwatches were touted as the next generation of devices set to transform consumers lives. And brands, service providers, and the healthcare segment were ready to capitalize on their always on nature, which promised to provide greater insight into consumer habits. But while the market initially grew rapidly, it has begun to cool off, as consumers become impatient with the technology's lack of distinct capabilities, such as LTE connectivity and device-specific apps. In the next few years, the smartwatch market will likely see the addition of new functionality and increased capabilities, which will see the device shipments grow at an annualized rate of 18% through 2021 to reach 70 million units. However, smartwatches are reliant on a number of factors in order to generate any sort of meaningful consumer demand. Until such a time, adoption of smartwatches will likely be sluggish, as consumers wait for vendors to produce products that can run independently from their phones and provide more useful functions. So what does this mean for the device championed as the replacement for the smartphone? Should vendors manage to implement a lower price point, better functionality, and expanded use cases, there is a vast potential for accelerated global growth. Moreover, because of the low adoption rate thus far, there is still ample opportunity for new entrants to join the market, and capture mind share. Laurie Beaver, research associate for BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has compiled a detailed report on smartwatches that examines all areas of the smartwatch market, including a five-year forecast, key growth trends, market leaders, consumer demand, and more. It also discusses the need for the inclusion of standalone capabilities in smartwatches, as well as the importance of bringing both better apps to the devices and greater consumer awareness of capabilities. Lastly, it explores the nascent smartwatch app market, including its shortcomings and how it can be improved. Here are some of the key takeaways from the report: Demand for smartwatches has cooled as consumers wait for better functionality. But early demand suggests the market could take off when functionality improves. Apple will continue to drive a large portion of the overall market, however, Android Wear devices will quickly catch up as emerging markets begin to adopt the technology. Health and fitness remain a dominant segment of the smartwatch market, providing healthcare workers and hospitals with savings opportunities. As technology and app development advances, the benefits of smartwatches within these segments will become even more robust. The future of the smartwatch market remains somewhat unclear, however, there is profound opportunity for businesses and developers to begin exploring the nascent smartwatch market. This will give them a head start against competitors. In full, the report: Forecasts smartwatch shipments through 2021 for both overall device shipments as well as by operating system. Provides an overview of the main players in both hardware and software, and how they will size up in the future. Demonstrates the effect of Apples entrance into the market, and why it's unlikely to dictate future growth. Gives insight into what technologies need to be worked on in order to incentivize future growth, the effects they will have on the market, and how they can be used. And much more. Interested in getting the full report? Here are several ways to access it: Subscribe to an All-Access pass to BI Intelligence and gain immediate access to this report and over 100 other expertly researched reports. As an added bonus, you'll also gain access to all future reports and daily newsletters to ensure you stay ahead of the curve and benefit personally and professionally. >> Learn More Now Access the Ultimate Mobile, Apps & Platforms Reports Bundle and save 95% today. You will gain immediate access to the Chatbots Explainer and 75 other comprehensive research reports covering the most important topics impacting the mobile. >> Bundle & Save Now Purchase & download the full report from our research store. >> Purchase & Download Now More From Business Insider Sanaa (AFP) - An air strike by the Saudi-led coalition near a school in rebel-held northern Yemen on Tuesday killed five people including two children, a medical and local official said. Thirteen other people were wounded in the strike that hit a market near Al-Falah school in the district of Nihm, northeast of the capital Sanaa, the sources said. "An air strike by the Saudi aggression hit near the school, about 200 metres (yards) away," a Nihm local official told AFP, requesting not to be named. "The deputy principal of the school was moving around to call students for attending morning queue but he faced his fate," resident Mohammed Ali told AFP. A medical source at Kuwait Hospital in Sanaa confirmed the casualty toll, saying two children were among the dead. A government military official had told AFP earlier that the school was hit by two missiles by mistake, accusing the Shiite Huthi rebels of keeping armoured vehicles nearby. The rebels' saba.ye news website said eight people had been killed and 15 wounded, adding that the air strike hit the vicinity of the school. Human rights groups have repeatedly criticised the coalition over the civilian death toll from the bombing campaign it launched in March 2015. In August, an air strike on a Koranic school in Saada province, a rebel stronghold in the far north, killed 10 children and wounded 28 other people, prompting a UN call for a swift investigation. But a probe commissioned by the coalition found the closest targets hit by warplanes were 10 kilometres (six miles) away from the school. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called on Washington, London and Paris to stop their deliveries of bombs and other weapons to Riyadh because of concerns over civilian casualties. More than 7,000 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition launched its intervention, many of them civilians killed in its air strikes. Washington has scaled back its logistics and intelligence support for the coalition's air war because of concerns about its targeting. MUMBAI/BENGALURU (Reuters) - India's leading e-commerce company Flipkart shook up its top management for the second time in a year on Monday, naming a former executive of U.S. hedge fund Tiger Global Management, one of its biggest investors, as head of its core business. The shake-up follows a series of valuation writedowns for Flipkart, which has seen its lead in the online market in India eaten into by global e-commerce giant Amazon. Kalyan Krishnamurthy, a former managing director of Tiger Global who joined Flipkart last June, was named chief executive in a restructuring that moves current CEO Binny Bansal into the newly-minted, broader strategic role of group CEO. The highly competitive e-commerce market in India has driven players to offer steep discounts in a bid to snag market share. This in turn has raised concerns around profitability and dented valuations of home-grown names like Flipkart and Snapdeal. A Morgan Stanley fund, that owns a stake in Flipkart, marked down its investment in the company in a securities filing in November. Local media have reported that a number of other Flipkart investors have taken similar actions. Bansal will lead the newly formed Flipkart Group and focus on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, the company said in a statement late on Monday. The changes hint at continued investor concerns about Flipkart's core business. Bansal took the reins at Flipkart a year ago, following a reshuffle that saw his fellow co-founder, then CEO Sachin Bansal, step aside to become executive chairman. The company said the new structure will help the group build a portfolio of value-creating businesses and that Binny Bansal will oversee capital allocation across group companies. Flipkart's Myntra fashion portal bought rival Jabong for $70 million last year to create India's largest online fashion retailer and, with India's e-commerce market forecast to grow to $188 billion over the next decade, the group now plans to expand deeper into furniture and groceries. Story continues Launched by two former Amazon employees in 2007, Flipkart's current investors include Accel Partners, DST Global and Baillie Gifford, among others. Flipkart said Sachin Bansal will remain executive chairman, providing strategic direction and will work closely with Binny Bansal on the new business portfolio. (Reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal in MUMBAI and Laharee Chatterjee in BENGALURU; Editing by Euan Rocha and Adrian Croft) Berlin (AFP) - Former German president Roman Herzog, best remembered for urging "a jolt" of political and social reform in his country, has died at the age of 82, the presidential office said Tuesday. He died in the early hours of Tuesday in a hospital near his hometown in the southwestern state of Baden-Wurttemberg, a spokeswoman said. Herzog, a former conservative regional politician and chief judge of Germany's constitutional court, served as head of state, a largely ceremonial but influential post, from 1994-99. He is best remembered for the phrase "Germany needs a jolt" from his 1997 Berlin speech "Moving into the 21st century" in which he warned that a country scared of change would go under in a globalised world. "Everyone is addressed, everyone has to make sacrifices, everyone has to participate," he implored the nation, a year before centre-left chancellor Gerhard Schroeder would take power and implement sweeping social welfare and labour reforms. Germany's current chancellor Angela Merkel praised Herzog as a "patriot" who had served the country in multiple posts and was "plain-spoken, unpretentious, humorous, and quite self-ironic". Herzog, who was born in the southern state of Bavaria and grew up under the Nazi regime, is also remembered for travelling to Poland as soon as he assumed his post to ask for forgiveness on the 50th anniversary of the 1944 Warsaw uprising. The following year, half a century after the liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz, he attended a Jewish ceremony at the site. The World Jewish Congress on Tuesday honoured Herzog as a "great fighter for the rule of law and for a free and tolerant society". Herzog had "distinguished himself with his great openness and friendship toward the Jewish community and for promoting its role in German civil society," said Maram Stern, the WJC's deputy CEO, in a statement. Story continues Germany's serving President Joachim Gauck, a former pastor and east German civil rights activist, called Herzog "a striking personality who influenced and helped shape Germany's image of itself and its society". "With expertise, wisdom and great life experience, he served our country and its liberal constitution." Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier -- who is set to take over the presidency next month -- described Herzog as "a straight-forward, honest, and intelligent man who was not afraid to speak the truth on hard issues but also never lost his profound sense of humor." Gauck offered his condolences to Herzog's second wife, Alexandra Freifrau von Berlichingen. Herzog had two sons with his first wife, Christiane, who died in 2000. The man accused of killing five people in Friday's Fort Lauderdale airport shooting originally made arrangements to travel to New York City, according to reports. A law enforcement source told CBS News that Esteban Santiago originally booked a flight from Anchorage to SeattleTacoma International Airport to New Yorks JFK Airport with a final destination of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Read: Great-Grandmother and Volunteer Firefighter Among Those Killed in Ft. Lauderdale Shooting According to the source, the former U.S. Army reservist would have arrived in New York on New Year's Day. Santiago reportedly had a habit of frequently booking and canceling flights. However, after changing his mind about the New York-bound ticket, the 26-year-old reserved a seat on a one-way flight to Florida. About 45 minutes after he arrived, cops say Santiago pulled a 9mm handgun out of his waistband and fired round after round in the Terminal 2 baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. A video of the attack was revealed Monday. "The area was crowded with newly-arrived passengers retrieving their luggage," the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement. "Santiago started shooting, aiming at his victims heads until he was out of ammunition." Five people were killed and six others were left wounded. Just two months earlier, investigators say Santiago voluntarily entered the Anchorage FBI office, where he told authorities his mind was being controlled by U.S. intelligence. Anchorage police said Santiago was "having terroristic thoughts and believed he was influenced by ISIS." Santiago was briefly hospitalized. However, upon his release, Santiago was allowed to collect his gun. Read: What to Do If You Hear Shots Fired at an Airport: 'All Rules Go Out the Window' Authorities believe it was the same weapon used in the January 6 attack. Story continues Santiago was federally charged Saturday with an act of violence at an international airport resulting in death, which carries a maximum punishment of execution, as well as weapons charges. According to court documents, Santiago confessed to the FBI that he planned the attack. Watch: Video Shows Grim Aftermath of Ft. Lauderdale Airport Shooting: 'Casings Were Flying All Around Us' Related Articles: Fox News Channel quietly has settled sexual harassment claims against Bill OReilly and Jack Abernethy, who took over as co-president of Fox News after Roger Ailes stepped down last year amid similar allegations, according to multiple reports. According to accounts first reported by Newslaw.com and subsequently confirmed by the New York Times, former Fox News host Juliet Huddy, who left the network in September, claims that OReilly tried to derail her career after she rebuffed his many sexual advances. In one incident cited in a draft of a letter from her lawyers to Fox News, OReilly invited her to dinner and to the theater, and when he asked her to return a key to his hotel room, he appeared at the door in his boxer shorts. The letter also claims that he repeatedly called her at her home, and, according to the Times, it sometimes sounded like he was masturbating. The letter claims Abernethy also tried to woo her and, according to the Times, retaliated against her professionally after she made clear that she was not interested in a personal relationship. OReilly and Abernethy have flatly denied the allegations. The letter contains substantial falsehoods, which both men have vehemently denied, Fox News spokeswoman Irena Briganti said in a statement. According to Newslaw.com, the settlement was in the high six figures. Related stories Megyn Kelly Bids Farewell To Fox Viewers On Final Show: "I'll See You Again Soon" Megyn Kelly To Exit Fox News This Week, Joins NBC News To Host Daytime Show & New Sunday Evening Newsmag - Update Bill O'Reilly On Media Meltdown 2016, Obama's Legacy & Fox News Changes Getty Image On Tuesday, the New York Times reported on documents that revealed how Fox News secretly came to a settlement agreement with former host Juliet Huddy after she accused Bill OReilly and Fox News Co-President Jack Abernethy of sexual harassment. The reported settlement arrived mere weeks after Roger Ailes was ousted from the network last fall after a wave of sexual harassment allegations. In documents regarding the settlement, Huddy alleged that, beginning in 2011, OReilly had tried to pursue a sexual relationship with her. She also claimed that he tried to affect her career after she turned him down. The documents detailed alleged behavior from OReilly, who Huddy says repeatedly called her, tried to kiss her, invited her to his Long Island home, and arrived in his boxers as she stopped by his hotel room. Law Newz initially reported that Huddy had sent a letter of intent to sue Fox News not long after the Ailes allegations surfaced. OReilly, Abernethy, and the Fox News network have denied the claims, and Law Newz notes that neither OReilly nor Abernethy paid any amount of the reported high-six-figure settlement. This isnt the first time OReilly has been accused of sexual harassment. In fact, theres quite a history of similar allegations, including a prominent 2004 lawsuit, in which former Fox News producer Andrea Mackris accused OReilly of shocking behavior. Her largely tape-recorded evidence revealed OReillys apparent taste for threesomes, vibrators, Thai sex shows, Caribbean shower fantasies, and falafel. In addition, former Fox News personality Andrea Tantaros (who also made sexual harassment claims against Ailes) alleged in a lawsuit that OReilly tried to lure her to Long Island and promised that, under very private circumstances, she should let him see her wild side. (Via The New York Times, Law Newz, The Smoking Gun & ThinkProgress) Around the time Fox News was settling an explosive lawsuit with former host Gretchen Carlson accusing ex-CEO Roger Ailes of sexual harassment, the top-rated cable news network quietly settled with another former host who reportedly accused one of its biggest stars, Bill OReilly, of sexual harassment. In a letter to Fox News owner 21st Century Fox first obtained by LawNewz.com and published Monday, Juliet Huddy, a former Fox & Friends Weekend host who used to appear regularly on The OReilly Factor, claimed she was removed from the primetime show in retaliation for rebuffing Mr. OReillys advances. According to the website, the letter alleges that OReilly propositioned Huddy on numerous occasions, frequently made sexually charged comments to her and once tried to kiss her when she visited his Long Island home. According to the New York Times, the letter includes allegations that Mr. OReilly had called Ms. Huddy repeatedly and that it sometimes sounded like he was masturbating. Huddy also claims she faced workplace harassment from newly appointed Fox News co-president Jack Abernethy. Abernethy, then head of Fox Television Stations, would be constantly calling her at the office and asking her to come by his office, Huddys letter states. In a statement to Yahoo News, a Fox spokesperson said Huddys letter of intent to sue contained substantial falsehoods which both men vehemently denied. Huddy and OReilly. (Fox News) Huddy was subsequently transferred to Foxs local New York City affiliate, where she was given a 4:30 a.m. anchoring spot on Good Day New York and effectively banished from the Rupert Murdoch-owned cable channel. According to Lawnewz.com, the dispute was settled within days of the six-page letter being sent. According to the Times, Huddy received a sum in the high six figure range which was paid by the network and not by OReilly or Abernathy. Ailes was ousted from the network in July after more than 20 women came forward in the wake of Carlsons allegations. Story continues Huddy, whose father, John Huddy Sr., was a longtime consultant for Fox News under Ailes, tweeted support for her outgoing boss. Thank you, Roger Ailes for being a wonderful boss and mentor. I will always appreciate what you've done for me. Again, THANK YOU. Juliet Huddy (@JulietHuddyTV) July 21, 2016 Thank you, Roger Ailes for being a wonderful boss and mentor, she wrote. I will always appreciate what youve done for me. Again, THANK YOU. Huddy announced her departure from Fox 5 on Sept. 7, the day after Carlsons reported $20 million settlement with Fox was revealed. Finally, after years of working in television, I understand what it feels like to be connected to a community, Huddy wrote in a letter still pinned to the top of her Twitter page. It is time for me now to move on. Read more from Yahoo News: Fox News settled claims of sexual harassment by a longtime employee against Bill OReilly, shortly after the networks chairman, Roger Ailes, was removed from his post as he faced similar allegations, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. According to the Times, the employee, Juliet Huddy, claimed that OReilly sought sexual relations with her, and set out to hurt her career when she refused his advances. The Times obtained a draft of a letter that was sent from her lawyers to Fox News. A spokeswoman for Fox News, OReillys agent, and OReillys attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. But the Times reported that 21st Century Fox, the parent company of Fox News, as well as OReillys lawyer, have called the allegations false. The Times reported that the letter includes allegations that Mr. OReilly had called Ms. Huddy repeatedly and that it sometimes sounded like he was masturbating. He invited her to his house on Long Island, tried to kiss her, took her to dinner and the theater, and after asking her to return a key to his hotel room, appeared at the door in his boxer shorts. The settlement was in the high six figures and was made between Huddy and 21st Century Fox. Ailes left Fox after 21st Century Fox launched an internal review over allegations that he sexually harassed employees. Gretchen Carlson, a former on-air personality, filed suit last summer, claiming Ailes harassed her, and her lawsuit was later settled. News of the settlement was first reported by LawNewz. Related stories Tucker Carlson Gears Up for Fox News Primetime: 'I'm Never Interested In Sucking Up' Megyn Kelly Calls Move to NBC a 'New Adventure' Megyn Kelly and the Problem With Being Conservative Media's Most Elegant Talking Head Paris (AFP) - France has deemed a newfound Leonardo da Vinci sketch to be a national treasure and now has 30 months to raise 15 million euros ($15.8 million) to purchase it, an auction house said Tuesday. The Renaissance master's dreamily sensual sketch of Saint Sebastian was classified as a French national treasure on December 29, Tajan auctioneers in Paris said during an unveiling of the work to the press. The French government has a "right of pre-emption" under which it has 30 months to purchase items that it deems should remain in France. Discovered in the papers of a French provincial doctor who wants to remain anonymous, the drawing measures 19.3 x 13 centimetres (7.6 x 5 inches) and was authenticated by leading Da Vinci experts. The dramatic study, which it is thought Leonardo did in his late 20s or early 30s, is one of eight he is known to have drawn of Saint Sebastian. It is thought the sketch, done with a quill pen on thin paper, may have come from one of the artist's famous notebooks. A couple of scientific sketches are on the back, as well as some back-to-front writing, a technique Da Vinci used regularly so that his writing could be read only by using a mirror. The find is extremely rare, with the last Da Vinci drawing that came to market -- a sketch of a horse and rider -- equalling the world record for an Old Master drawing when it sold for $10 million in 2001. PARIS, Jan 10 (Reuters) - French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon said on Tuesday he would meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the coming days to outline his plans for Europe. "The election of Donald Trump and the Berlin tragedy change things in Europe," Fillon said, referring both to the U.S. election and the Berlin truck attack claimed by Islamic State. "For the United States, our continent will likely not be a priority anymore and for Germany, a certain idea of pacifism is gone," said Fillon, the favourite in opinion polls for the April and May presidential election. "France must seize this opportunity to re-mobilise the European Union around strategic priorities: our collective security, defence, innovation and the re-tightening of the euro zone," he said, before adding he would meet Merkel in the coming days "to spell out to her my orientations for Europe." (Reporting by Ingrid Melander and Simon Carraud; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta) PARIS (Reuters) - French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel on January 23 to outline his plans for a Europe which he said should focus on defence, security and a tighter euro zone. While Europe is rarely much of a factor in French presidential elections, the bloc's future has taken center-stage in recent days, with candidates from the far-right National Front, and the mainstream left and right wing parties exposing very different views. "For the United States, our continent will likely not be a priority anymore and for Germany, a certain idea of pacifism is gone," said Fillon, referring both to the election of Donald Trump and the Berlin truck attack claimed by Islamic State. "France must seize this opportunity to re-mobilise the European Union around strategic priorities: our collective security, defence, innovation and the re-tightening of the euro zone," said Fillon, the favourite in opinion polls for the April and May presidential election. Fillon, who did not detail his plans and did not say what he meant by a tighter euro zone, said he would meet Merkel in the coming days "to spell out to her my orientations for Europe." The meeting will take place on January 23 in Berlin, an aide said. Fillon is viewed by Merkel's government as an ally in areas such as economic reform, where he has proposed a shock-and-awe approach involving deep cuts to public spending. But on other issues, from Russia and Turkey to migration and Europe, Fillon's views differ to those of Merkel, who is seeking a fourth term as German chancellor. Fillon, who was addressing journalists and lawmakers, also said he wanted to "muscle up" France's defence and move to a more "imaginative" foreign policy. Fillon, who had already received praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, was on Monday described positively by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "His rhetoric on terrorism, making combating terrorists a priority and not interfering in other countries' business, was welcome," Assad told French media. (Reporting by Ingrid Melander and Simon Carraud; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta) Paris (AFP) - The worries are mounting for former French PM Manuel Valls as he bids to clinch the Socialist party nomination for this year's presidential election: sliding poll numbers, disappointing crowds and a muddled message. After shunting aside his long-time boss, deeply unpopular President Francois Hollande, Valls was hoping for a smooth run to the nomination in the Socialist primary vote later this month. But since Hollande decided not to run for re-election in December, the 54-year-old Spanish-born centrist has fallen from clear favourite to a man with a serious political fight on his hands. A new poll on Monday showed Valls losing momentum as the primary votes on January 22 and 29 draw closer, with his leftist rival and ex-ministerial colleague Arnaud Montebourg beating him in some scenarios. "I'm trying to embody a reformist leftwing which rejects liberalism but tries to make progress at the same time," Valls said in an interview with France 2 television last week. This was reflected in his programme, unveiled to little fanfare on January 3, that contained few of his formerly bold reform ideas. - 'Taboo-breaker' - The father-of-four came to national prominence as a tough-talker who wanted to modernise his party by shrinking state spending, helping businesses and extending working hours. His record as prime minister for two and half years under Hollande includes pushing through liberalising economic policies considered too rightwing by many Socialists. But now he needs the support of leftwing grassroots voters, many of whom prefer the traditional big state Socialist agenda of Montebourg, a former industry minister, or Benoit Hamon, an ex-education minister. "I know that lots of people liked me when I was a taboo-breaker. At five percent (in the polls)! But of course I've changed. I haven't changed my convictions but I've grown wiser," Valls said last week. Only a few hundred people turned out to a Valls event at the weekend in northern France. Story continues "He's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," joked the green candidate in the presidential election, Yannick Jadot, on Monday. In focus particularly is his declaration that he wants to phase out executive powers that allow the prime minister to force legislation through parliament -- having used it six times while in office. An aide in Hollande's camp, quoted by Le Monde newspaper this week, was even more biting in his assessment of Valls' campaign, which has already changed its slogan once. The president has apparently concluded that Valls does not have a project. "'His project was to get rid of me' is what he says," the aide was reported as saying on Monday. The same criticism was levelled at Hollande this week by a former speechwriter who accused the head of state of wanting to become president but having no idea what to do with the power once in office. - Grassroots rebellion? - Valls is still hoping that the party will not take the path of Britain's Labour party, which has lurched to the left since Jeremy Corbyn's election in 2015. Strong performances in three televised debates in the next fortnight could help change the momentum of the contest. But even if he does make it through the primary contest, a far tougher test awaits Valls in the first round of voting in the presidential election in April. Polls currently forecast the Socialist party candidate to finish fourth or fifth, behind two other former Socialists who are running as independents, the centrist Emmanuel Macron and the hard-left Jean-Luc Melenchon. Surveys currently tip rightwing Republicans candidate Francois Fillon to win and face far-right nominee Marine Le Pen in the second-round run-off in May, though analysts caution against making predictions. With the full range of candidates still unknown and politics in Western nations delivering frequent upsets, the race remains open and could well tighten in the months ahead. (Adds date of visit to Berlin, details) PARIS, Jan 10 (Reuters) - French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel on January 23 to outline his plans for a Europe which he said should focus on defence, security and a tighter euro zone. While Europe is rarely much of a factor in French presidential elections, the bloc's future has taken center-stage in recent days, with candidates from the far-right National Front, and the mainstream left and right wing parties exposing very different views. "For the United States, our continent will likely not be a priority anymore and for Germany, a certain idea of pacifism is gone," said Fillon, referring both to the election of Donald Trump and the Berlin truck attack claimed by Islamic State. "France must seize this opportunity to re-mobilise the European Union around strategic priorities: our collective security, defence, innovation and the re-tightening of the euro zone," said Fillon, the favourite in opinion polls for the April and May presidential election. Fillon, who did not detail his plans and did not say what he meant by a tighter euro zone, said he would meet Merkel in the coming days "to spell out to her my orientations for Europe." The meeting will take place on January 23 in Berlin, an aide said. Fillon is viewed by Merkel's government as an ally in areas such as economic reform, where he has proposed a shock-and-awe approach involving deep cuts to public spending. But on other issues, from Russia and Turkey to migration and Europe, Fillon's views differ to those of Merkel, who is seeking a fourth term as German chancellor. Fillon, who was addressing journalists and lawmakers, also said he wanted to "muscle up" France's defence and move to a more "imaginative" foreign policy. Fillon, who had already received praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, was on Monday described positively by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "His rhetoric on terrorism, making combating terrorists a priority and not interfering in other countries' business, was welcome," Assad told French media. (Reporting by Ingrid Melander and Simon Carraud; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta) Banjul (Gambia) (AFP) - The Gambia's chief Supreme Court justice dealt a blow to President Yahya Jammeh's legal challenge against the result of December's election on Tuesday, saying it would not be heard for several months. Jammeh's political party lodged a legal case on his behalf last month aimed at annulling his December 1 election defeat to opponent Adama Barrow, and triggering new elections. "We can only hear this matter when we have a full bench of the Supreme Court," Chief Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle said, adding that the extra judges needed to hear the case were not available and could arrive only in May or November. The Gambia relies on foreign judges, notably from Nigeria, to staff its courts due to a lack of trained professionals in the tiny west African state. Fagbenle is the panel's only sitting judge, as the Supreme Court has lain dormant since May 2015. The chief justice added that he would prefer the country to resolve its political deadlock through the mediation underway by a group of west African leaders, who are attempting to persuade Jammeh to respect the constitution and step aside. "This is why alternative dispute resolution is important," he said. "We are now only left with the ECOWAS mediation initiative and the inter-party committee set up by government to resolve the dispute." The inter-party committee is a UN-backed body aimed at resolving arguments between different Gambian political parties. But Jammeh has made clear he will not go until his complaint is heard. On December 20 he was broadcast on state television saying "unless the Court decides the case, there will be no inauguration on the 19 January. And let me see what ECOWAS and those big powers behind them can do." - West African leaders apply pressure - The leaders from the ECOWAS regional grouping led by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will return to The Gambia for the second time this week since the election to attempt to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Story continues They were due to arrive Wednesday but the trip was delayed until Friday, Buhari's spokesman said, because Jammeh had asked for more time. "Delay notwithstanding, the mandate of the ECOWAS will be accomplished," Garba Shehu said. Nigeria's foreign minister said Monday the use of force remained an option if there was no movement in the situation. "Violence should be avoided but nothing is ruled out," Geoffrey Onyeama said. Meanwhile an ex-minister and high-profile defector from Jammeh's government declared his support for Barrow, and said the Supreme Court case was an attempt to "subvert the express will of the Gambian electorate." Former information and communication minister Sheriff Bojang fled to neighbouring Senegal on Monday after resigning. Bojang said his conscience had overwhelmed him after Jammeh declared he would not step down at the end of his mandate. As minister for two years he was Jammeh's mouthpiece for explaining the actions of the regime, including arbitrary detentions, activists' deaths in custody and a crackdown on opposition protests. "It is never too late to do the right thing," he wrote in a Facebook post. "It is my considered opinion and stance that the results of the December 1st election represent a true reflection of the sovereign will of the Gambian people." On Tuesday night Jammeh sacked his minister of youth and sport, a statement carried on national television said, without providing reasons for the dismissal. DAKAR (Reuters) - Gambia's communication minister, Sheriff Bojang, said on Monday he had left his post in the first high-profile Cabinet defection since President Yahya Jammeh refused to accept losing a December election. Opposition leader Adama Barrow won the polls by a thin margin, sparking nationwide celebrations in the riverine nation wedged within its larger and freer neighbor, Senegal. But after initially conceding defeat, Jammeh changed his mind a week later and said his party would challenge the results in court. In a statement sent to Reuters, Bojang said such efforts were "an attempt to subvert the express will of the Gambian electorate" and he urged others to join him. "The Gambia has decided and we must accept and respect this decision," he said, quoting a popular poster slogan which has been effaced by soldiers in the capital Banjul in recent weeks. Bojang confirmed the authenticity of the statement to Reuters via telephone from neighboring Senegal. The minister made headlines in October by announcing that Gambia intended to leave the International Criminal Court, calling it the "International Caucasian Court". Jammeh's opponents hope Bojang's departure might signal further departures from among allies within the country who retain control of the army and other state institutions. Foreign Minister Neneh Macdouall Gaye resigned in December, though her decision attracted little publicity. Many officials and businessmen have fled the country, fearing a crackdown by the former lieutenant who seized power at aged 29 in a 1994 coup and is accused by rights groups of jailing and killing his critics. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Sandra Maler) George Clooney is weighing in on President-elect Donald Trumps comments about Meryl Streep following her politically charged speech at the Golden Globes. Trump lashed out at the actress via Twitter on Monday after she criticized him in her passionate Golden Globes speech about empathy Sunday night. In response, Trump called her one of the most overrated actresses in Hollywood. Clooney, a staunch Hillary Clinton supporter and former costar of Streeps, addressed the controversy at a reception hosted by The Clooney Foundation for Justice on Monday. The event was in support of the Netflix documentary White Helmets about the work done by heroic Syrians to help those hit by bombings in the country. Ive always said that about Meryl, Clooney told PEOPLE sarcastically. Shes maybe the most overrated actress of all-time. She and I worked together on Fantastic Mr. Fox as husband and wife and I will tell you even as a fox, a female fox, shes overrated, he said with a smile. Arent you supposed to be running the country? he asked Trump rhetorically. Asked about bringing his star power to causes, Clooney told PEOPLE, The only reason that people who are well known should be involved in these kinds of things is when no one knows about them. He explained, I remember getting involved in Darfur in 2005-ish and part of the reason was that it wasnt being talked about. I cant change policy, but I can make things louder. I can help them make it louder theyre the filmmakers, the brave ones and the White Helmets are the heroes, so if I can help them out at all and people can know about it, in any way possible, then thats a good use of celebrity, I think. RELATED: Meryl Streep Unloads on Trump in Powerful Golden Globes Speech For more celebrity videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Story continues Addressing the reception following a screening of the harrowing film in a Central London hotel, he thanked the filmmakers, director Orlando von Einsiedel and producer Joanna Natasegara. The reality is that bad things happen when the lights have been turned off. Thats what the bad guys want, Clooney said. You have to have the lights on, and show what this really is, and show that these are human beings and not names and statistics. They are living and surviving and caring for one another. What you are doing is spectacular. Thank you for this. Despite the desperate situation in Syria, Clooney concluded his speech on a hopeful note. The reality is that the vast majority of human beings are kind and want whats best for their neighbors, for their children, for their families and also whats best for their neighbors and people they dont even know, he said. That is the norm, thats whats ordinary and we forget that sometimes, added the actor. What is extraordinary is these people who put on White Helmets and run towards violence while everyone else is running away from it. Where there is no other structure or society, they are there to protect. And they risk their lives to do it. First and foremost they are heroes. This article originally appeared on PEOPLE.com. George Clooney is weighing in on President-elect Donald Trumps comments about Meryl Streep following her politically charged speech at the Golden Globes. Trump lashed out at the actress via Twitter on Monday after she criticized him in her passionate Golden Globes speech about empathy Sunday night. In response, Trump called her one of the most overrated actresses in Hollywood. Clooney, a staunch Hillary Clinton supporter and former costar of Streeps, addressed the controversy at a reception hosted by The Clooney Foundation for Justice on Monday. The event was in support of the Netflix documentary White Helmets about the work done by heroic Syrians to help those hit by bombings in the country. Ive always said that about Meryl, Clooney told PEOPLE sarcastically. Shes maybe the most overrated actress of all-time. She and I worked together on Fantastic Mr. Fox as husband and wife and I will tell you even as a fox, a female fox, shes overrated, he said with a smile. Arent you supposed to be running the country? he asked Trump rhetorically. Asked about bringing his star power to causes, Clooney told PEOPLE, The only reason that people who are well known should be involved in these kinds of things is when no one knows about them. He explained, I remember getting involved in Darfur in 2005-ish and part of the reason was that it wasnt being talked about. I cant change policy, but I can make things louder. I can help them make it louder theyre the filmmakers, the brave ones and the White Helmets are the heroes, so if I can help them out at all and people can know about it, in any way possible, then thats a good use of celebrity, I think. RELATED: Meryl Streep Unloads on Trump in Powerful Golden Globes Speech Addressing the reception following a screening of the harrowing film in a Central London hotel, he thanked the filmmakers, director Orlando von Einsiedel and producer Joanna Natasegara. Story continues The reality is that bad things happen when the lights have been turned off. Thats what the bad guys want, Clooney said. You have to have the lights on, and show what this really is, and show that these are human beings and not names and statistics. They are living and surviving and caring for one another. What you are doing is spectacular. Thank you for this. Despite the desperate situation in Syria, Clooney concluded his speech on a hopeful note. The reality is that the vast majority of human beings are kind and want whats best for their neighbors, for their children, for their families and also whats best for their neighbors and people they dont even know, he said. That is the norm, thats whats ordinary and we forget that sometimes, added the actor. What is extraordinary is these people who put on White Helmets and run towards violence while everyone else is running away from it. Where there is no other structure or society, they are there to protect. And they risk their lives to do it. First and foremost they are heroes. George Clooney shared his most touching memory of President Obama, and where are the tissues? Its hard to believe that well soon be saying goodbye to President Barack Obama after eight years of service as Commander-in-Chief. Many people have been taking time to reflect on their favorite moments and memories of the outgoing president. And now, George Clooney shared a memorable moment of President Obama, and its making us seriously emotional. Of course, Clooney isnt the first person to share positive memories of Obama. Famous people and regular citizens alike have been sharing all sorts of reflections about the current president. And, since, his official farewell address happens tonight, people everywhere will be sharing all sorts of heartfelt thoughts about him. Clooney had worked with Obama a great deal during the Darfur crisis. And while he undoubtedly had plenty of memories from their time together on that worthy cause, it was a different memory that he shared. While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Clooney shared a moment when Obama sang to help heal broken hearts. He said, The idea that the president of the U.S. can show up in South Carolina after nine people in a church had been shot and sing Amazing Grace and the way he sang Amazing Grace was one of the most moving things Ive ever seen in my life. Clooney is referring to the 2015 shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Obama came to help grieve for those who lost their lives. He added, I couldnt imagine any other president in our history doing that. He moved us in a way, and those family members moved us by not retaliating and keeping the city calm. It was such a moving moment that Ill always remember. Just thinking of the sensitivity it takes to be so vulnerable is overwhelming. Hearing this is a great reminder of what a truly brave leader Obama has been. From ELLE UK George Clooney has shown his support for Meryl Streep's powerful Golden Globes speech in which she took down Donald Trump in the most elegant, powerful way possible. Without directly naming the president-elect, the award-winning actress noted the occasion Trump mocked a disabled reporter, accusing him of spreading hatred and violence. Trump responded by branding Streep as "one of the most overrated actresses in Hollywood." Her widely acclaimed speech has since attracted the backing of Clooney. "Aren't you supposed to be running the country?" said Clooney in response, reports The Guardian. "I didn't vote for him, I don't support him, I don't think he's the right choice. "At this moment in our lives we have to hope that he doesn't destroy everything. The reality is you have to hope he will do a decent job because if the United States fails, really terrible things happen, so you have to hope that he can." He then added: "I don't see any signs of it." Clooney was talking at a Netflix reception for his forthcoming documentary about Syrian rescue volunteers, The White Helmets. "The only reason that people who are well known should be involved in these kinds of things is when no one knows about them," he said. "I can't change policy but I can make things louder." There is no confirmed release date for the documentary as yet. Watch Streep's speech below: At tonight's #GoldenGlobes we honor Hollywood legend Meryl Streep with the prestigious Cecil B. Demille Award. pic.twitter.com/dxpeCDNXY6 - Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 9, 2017 You Might Also Like The Force is with Los Angeles. George Lucas has selected L.A. over San Francisco to be home to his $1 billion museum, with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art set to feature pieces from the filmmaker's personal collection, including memorabilia from Star Wars and other films, vintage photographs and an impressive selection of traditional paintings. The museum is eyeing a May 4, 2020, launch, according to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "After extensive due diligence and deliberation, the Board of Directors of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is pleased to announce plans to build the museum in Exposition Park in Los Angeles," the museum's board of directors said Tuesday in a statement. "We have been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive support we received from both San Francisco and Los Angeles during our selection process. Settling on a location proved to be an extremely difficult decision precisely because of the desirability of both sites and cities." Courtesy of Lucas Museum Lucas' Exposition Park Plan Lucas had previously unveiled two different designs for his proposed Museum of Narrative Art, one for Los Angeles' Exposition Park and a similar proposal for the same museum to be built on San Francisco's Treasure Island. At one point, Chicago also was in the running, but those plans were scrapped in June after it faced opposition from a local preservation group called Friends of the Parks. Garcetti thanked Lucas and his wife, businesswoman Mellody Hobson, for selecting Los Angeles. "They have a vision that museums should not be foreboding places, but should be welcoming," Garcetti said Tuesday afternoon during a press conference at City Hall. He also noted that "this is not a Star Wars museum." Continued Garcetti: "This is a collection of narrative art in a city that has the best storytellers and storymakers in the world. The best collection of Norman Rockwell paintings on Earth. Works from R. Crumb." Story continues The Mayor also singled out Jeffrey Katzenberg, who he said he "relentlessly pushed" behind the scenes for the museum to come to L.A. Los Angeles County Museum of Art director Michael Govan was another key proponent in the city's lobbying efforts. "'Do or do not - there is no try,'" Garcetti said, quoting Yoda. "Today, we did it." While Lucas was not made available for comment, accessibility may have been the deciding factor between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Whereas Exposition Park can be reached by several public transportation lines, Treasure Island is a four-acre parcel of land in the middle of San Francisco Bay, accessible only by traffic from the bridge and a ferry. The futuristic design for the museum comes from Chinese architect Ma Yansong. The museum's supporters have said it will bring 1,500 construction jobs to the city as well as an additional 350 permanent jobs. Read more: George Lucas' Museum Is Bringing These Rare 'Star Wars' Pieces to Los Angeles BERLIN (Reuters) - The chairman of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD), Sigmar Gabriel, has decided to run against conservative Angela Merkel for the chancellorship in September's federal election, the newspaper Bild reported on Tuesday. The report backs up what senior party sources told Reuters last week, that there is no realistic alternative to Gabriel, vice chancellor and economy minister in Merkel's right-left coalition of the last four years. A spokesman for Gabriel said the party was sticking to its planned timetable. "The SPD will decide on its candidate for chancellor on Jan. 29," he said. Senior party members are holding a closed-door meeting to discuss election strategy on Tuesday, but the question of who will be the party's top candidate will not be discussed officially, Bild reported. The paper said the SPD's last chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, had urged Gabriel to stand. "You must make clear that you really want it," the newspaper cites Schroeder as saying, adding: "Otherwise I'm ready to do it again." Gabriel has long favored to stand against Merkel, but some party members had hoped that Martin Schulz, the former president of the European Parliament, would take on the role. That now looks unlikely, since he is tipped to become foreign minister, replacing Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whom ruling parties have agreed to elect as German president next month. Gabriel, a 57-year-old former school teacher, trails Merkel in popularity ratings. He has a reputation for being unpredictable, but he is more popular with the SPD rank and file than his recent predecessors. Although the SPD wants to win enough votes to form a coalition with the Greens and possibly the radical Left party, most analysts think another 'grand coalition' is the most likely outcome with Merkel clinching a fourth term. An INSA poll in Bild on Tuesday showed Merkel's conservatives on 32 percent, unchanged from last week, and the SPD also stable on 21 percent. The combined total for the SPD, Greens and Left was 41 percent compared with 53 percent for another grand coalition. It put the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) on 15 percent. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers and Holger Hansen, editing by Larry King) Some of his friends call him Crazy Dave because of things hes done such as occasionally jumping with daredevil friends from one moving freight train to another in a La Crosse railyard during his high school years. Thats why Dave Willette chose the name Crazy Daves Auto Repair for his new business, which opened in November in the former Transmission Specialists location at 3207 South Ave., on the South Side of La Crosse. He also wanted a business name that would stand out. Ive been doing automotive work since I was 14, said Willette, who is 48. This is the first time he has owned his own business. Its been a longtime dream, he said. Its doing well. I do diagnostics, suspensions, brakes, exhaust, motors and transmission rebuilds as well as oil changes, Willette said of his auto service and repair business. His customers include some local used-car dealers, he said. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours available by appointment. Crazy Daves telephone number is 608-519-3717 and it soon will have a website and be on Facebook. Willette plans to hold a grand opening later this year. Willette also participates in street drag races at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem. Dale and Yvonne Peterson opened the Corner Store on Dec. 29 in the former Alwoods West Side Grocery at 923 Main St. in Black River Falls. Alwoods closed last spring. Its kind of like a convenience store, Dale said of the new business, which sells a large variety of everyday food products, along with deli meats and cheeses sliced to order and homemade sandwiches. It also sells alcoholic as well as nonalcoholic beverages. Store hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Peterson said he and his wife might have a grand opening celebration in the spring. For more information, visit the Corner Stores Facebook page. Prairie Farms Dairy, based in Carlinville, Ill., and Swiss Valley Farms, based in Davenport, Iowa, have announced a planned merger of the two farmer-owned dairy cooperatives and say it will expand products for both brands. Swiss Valley has five plants that produce cheese and whey powder, including one in Mindoro, Wis., that produces blue and Gorgonzola cheeses. With the planned merger it will be business as usual for customers and employees at all plants, including the Mindoro cheese plant, said Rebecca Leinenbach, Prairie Farms vice president of marketing and communications. The Mindoro plant has 44 employees and will continue to have the Swiss Valley name, she said. Under the agreement announced in December, Prairie Farms will merge the assets of Swiss Valley into Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. and the combined company will operate under the latter name. No changes in personnel or manufacturing locations are being planned as part of the merger, Leinenbach said. Swiss Valley will retain its Davenport headquarters. Leinenbach said Prairie Farms will expand into the cheese business with the merger. She said eventually, the two brands will produce products for one another, retaining both brands. The merger is subject to approval by both cooperatives members. If approved, its expected to close in mid-2017. SANTIAGO (Reuters) - The European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile will be modified in order to allow it to search more effectively for potentially habitable planets in Alpha Centauri, the nearest star system to Earth. The ESO said it has signed a deal with Breakthrough Starshot, a venture that aims to deploy thousands of tiny spacecraft to travel to the system and send back pictures. Starshot, which is backed by internet billionaire Yuri Milner and physicist Stephen Hawking, will provide funding to allow equipment on the Very Large Telescope that studies in the mid-infrared to be adapted to better detect faint planets, the ESO said in a statement on Monday. The adaption will have the effect of reducing bright stellar light that drowns out relatively dim planets, improving the chances of finding them, it said. Interest in exploring the sun's nearest neighbor has increased since scientists announced last year that they had discovered evidence of an Earth-sized planet circling Proxima Centauri, a star in the Alpha Centauri system. Larger telescopes planned for the 2020s - such as the ESO's own Extremely Large Telescope, current under construction in Chile - should provide researchers with more information on the number and nature of exoplanets. The ESO is an intergovernmental astronomy organization backed by 16 countries in Europe and South America and hosted in Chile. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Phil Berlowitz) Girl Meets Cancellation: How the next generation of tween programming can change the media Last week, the hit Disney Channel show Girl Meets World was canceled after only three seasons. Say it aint so! A spin off of the sitcom Boy Meets World, which ended in 2000, the series starred Rowan Blanchard as the titular girl, Riley, as she navigates school, friendships, and family. Ratings for the show had been steadily declining, yet its cancellation came as a surprise to many. With cast members from the original Boy Meets World making upcoming appearances in addition to Danielle Fishel (Topanga) and Ben Savage (Cory), who are series regulars it appeared that there was a renewed traction in the show via the always-useful nostalgia tactic. It seems to not have been a complete surprise to Blanchard. A major voice in the teen set, speaking out on a variety of social issues via Instagram, Twitter, and beyond, Blanchard took the chance to express her gratitude and disappointment via Instagram. In a letter posted shortly after the announcement was made, Blanchard writes: You [our audience] allowed a dream to breathe. You have given us so much. A photo posted by Rowan Blanchard (@rowanblanchard) on Jan 4, 2017 at 8:42pm PST But Blanchard, no stranger to commentary, continues further on in the letter: Teens determine and influence all of this in general, and I hope and think our show reflects you for how you are: brave, opinionated and powerful. People, more than often adults who have forgotten their power, will tell you differently and I hope that is when you turn to our show, which is now your show. I will continue to fight to not be talked down to by the shows and books and movies that are aimed towards us. She finished: I am sorry that this channel is just not able to understand that but I know what we are capable of. A photo posted by Rowan Blanchard (@rowanblanchard) on Jan 2, 2017 at 1:11pm PST Why is this statement significant? For a few reasons. First, Blanchard is directly calling out her employer, something Disney Channel stars have been wary to ever do until they are far beyond the ears of the mouse. Second, she is specifically calling out their content. Not their treatment of her, which through the reading of the rest of her letter sounds perfectly fine. Her issue seems to be with the material itself. Past Disney Channel stars have spent extensive tell-all interviews detailing their frustration with the house of mouse. But very few (if any) have mentioned their frustration with what they were producing. Story continues The only one of recent memory is Zendaya, who returned to the Disney Channel in 2015 with KC Undercover. When speaking about the show, she discussed contributing to the diversity on the channel, a major factor in her return. A photo posted by Zendaya (@zendaya) on Aug 11, 2016 at 6:42pm PDT This move by Blanchard could be a major step in the right direction for a genre that has spent far too long in a laugh track hell. Disney Channel has long had the specific brand of perky sitcoms. Their first original show, Flash Forward, doesnt sound too far off from Girl Meets World: Two best friends navigating eighth grade. This plot line also sounds familiar to the forever-in-our-hearts Lizzie McGuire (can that get a reboot?). Girl Meets World Blanchard seems to be asking for something more than just the cookie cutter best friend plot. Though the show has touched on important topics such as mental illness and cultural appropriation, Disney has long been hesitant to take steps down any controversial type of road. In 2014, they faced considerable backlash over their decision to feature a lesbian couple in Good Luck Charlie. Though the couple appeared for a total of 59 seconds, petitions were started and boycotts were begun. Since, Disney has been shy to broach the subject again, except in cartoon form, as a gay couple appeared in the animated series Gravity Falls. Nickelodeon, too, has been shy to approach these kinds of topics. Major networks seem afraid of challenging their audience, but perhaps that shows how little they know about the audience they are entertaining. Whereas once information might have been hard for that age group to get ahold of, in the age of smart phones, the world beyond them is just a click (or Snapchat) away. Its not about getting political; its about getting with the times. A photo posted by Rowan Blanchard (@rowanblanchard) on Oct 11, 2016 at 12:34pm PDT These shows are intended to be educational so it would make sense that they would be educating the viewers on the world we live in, right? But they dont. How can creators forget that the kids and tweens watching these shows will one day be creators themselves? Are they not seeking to inspire? Holding programming to a higher standard for that age group only creates a positive domino effect down the road. Its troubling, as the viewers seem to be outgrowing the content created for them faster and faster. Perhaps that is why so many tweens were drawn not to Girl Meets World, but to Blanchard herself. Through personal action, she has shown how true representation and education can be presented to the age group that so adores her. She holds them to the highest standard, just as they hold her. girl meets world In calling out Disney Channel, Blanchard may be on the precipice of a wave of change in a network that has long stood stagnant. It is important her statements do not go unnoticed. It is time the bar is set higher for the demographic of programming. It is time that, perhaps, girl meets the real world preferably without a laugh track. Isabella Boettcher graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Television Production. Shes currently working as an assistant in Hollywood. In her free time, she enjoys writing, baking overcooked cakes, and caring for her beta fish, Hillary Clinton. Girl Meets Worlds Rider Strong was the first to let slip that the Boy Meets World follow-up had ended prior to Disney Channels official cancellation. Now, the actor best known as Shawn Hunter is speaking out against what he sees as the kiddie networks interference in the overall vibe of the spin-off. RELATEDGirl Meets World Cancelled: Read Rowan Blanchards Letter to Fans In a new interview on the podcast Kevin Pollaks Chat Show, Strong tells guest host Samm Levine (of Freaks & Geeks fame) that Disney Channel didnt allow series creator Michael Jacobs to get quite as dramatic as he wouldve liked to on GMW. I think what Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World tapped into is that theres actually a huge segment of that age group, you know the target age group from 8 all the way up to 16ish, that is very melodramatic and that does see life as Its all fun, and then the rug gets pulled out from under you, Strong explained, defending the melodrama that seeped into both sitcoms. I think Michael [Jacobs], to his credit, really wrote well for that [age group], and he still does. Weve had some very dramatic episodes [of Girl Meets World]. I dont think as dramatic as Boy, mostly because were on Disney Channel and they wont allow us to. I think had Michael had his way, Girl Meets World would have swung just as extreme. When you do a tonal shift like that I think Boy Meets World missed the mark almost as often as it nailed the mark, honestly for some people that tonal shift will never work, Strong said. RELATED Girl Meets World Says an Early Goodbye to Fans With Hour-Long Special As an example of something more intense than Girl Meets World has ever done, Strong referred to BMWs infamous Season 4 episode, Cult Fiction, during which Shawn joined a cult, found God and Mr. Turner lapsed into a coma all in the span of 22 minutes. (Though Turner was briefly mentioned during Season 5s high school graduation episode, his fate wasnt ultimately revealed until GMW Season 2.) Story continues During the 90-plus-minute interview, Strong also revealed what props he took from the Boy Meets World set when it came to an end in 2000, and what he wishes he would have taken from the Girl Meets World set had he known the show was coming to an end. The series finale, Girl Meets Goodbye, airs on Jan. 20, and features nearly the entire BMW cast. Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel, who were the only BMW cast members to join GMW as series regulars, have yet to comment on GMWs demise. Strong appeared in just seven episodes over the course of its three-season run. RELATEDFuller House vs. Girl Meets World: Which TGIF Revival Series Is Better? In a statement to TVLine, the network said, Disney Channel is committed to presenting age-appropriate, entertaining, optimistic and empowering stories for our core viewers, age 6-14, and were proud of the heartfelt and comedic stories that Girl Meets World brought to fans for over 70 episodes. Watch Strongs interview (Boy Meets World chatter begins at the 28:42 mark) as well as Shawn Hunters Cult Fiction monologue below, then tell us if you think GMW couldve flourished/matured on a network other than Disney Channel. Related stories Girl Meets World Says an Early Goodbye to Fans With Hour-Long Special Girl Meets World Cancelled: Read Rowan Blanchard's Letter to Fans Girl Meets World Update: 'No Official Word' on Cancellation... Yet DailyFX.com - Talking Points: Gold prices rise as markets resume unwinding of the Trump trade Crude oil prices sink, hinting at ebbing support from OPEC narrative API inventory figures may keep WTI benchmark under pressure Gold prices returned to the offensive amid cooling Fed rate hike speculation. The US Dollar declined alongside benchmark US Treasury bond yields and the priced-in 2017 policy path implied in Fed Funds futures flattened a bit. Not surprisingly, this stocked support for anti-fiat assets. Interestingly, tightening beats receded even against a backdrop of relatively supportive commentary from US central bank officials. This suggests the markets are rather determined to scale back exposure to the so-called Trump trade. Crude oil prices turned dramatically lower in a move that may reflect the ebbing capacity of OPEC news-flow to boost prices. Officials from Kuwait which chairs the committee monitoring implementation of the cartels output reduction scheme said key producers have already announced 60-70 percent of intended cuts. This seemingly reinforces the sense that prices have already adjusted to post-cut supply dynamics, with the degree of offset by rebuilding capacity in North America emerging as the next object of speculation. Tellingly, the number of active US oil rigs hit a 12-month high last week according to data from Baker Hughes. With this in mind, the weekly API report on inventory flows ought to be interesting. If stockpiles show signs of significant recovery as US output comes back on steam, the WTI benchmark may find it difficult to defend against selling pressure even as OPEC cut implementation continues. Where are gold and crude oil going in the first three months of 2017? See our forecasts here! GOLD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold prices pushed higher anew after a brief digestive pullback. A daily close above the 1193.55-99.80 area (38.2% level, May 30 low) targets the 50% Fib at 1215.40. Alternatively, a reversal back below the 23.6% Fib at 1166.51 paves the way for a retest of the 14.6% Fib at 1149.85. Story continues Gold Prices Rise as Markets Press on With Trump Trade Unwind CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Crude oil prices posted the largest decline in over a month. From here, a daily close below double top resistance-turned-support at 51.64 opens the door for a test of the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 50.25. Critical resistance remains at 55.21, the January 3 high. Gold Prices Rise as Markets Press on With Trump Trade Unwind --- Written by Ilya Spivak, Currency Strategist for DailyFX.com To receive Ilya's analysis directly via email, please SIGN UP HERE Contact and follow Ilya on Twitter: @IlyaSpivak original source DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets. Learn forex trading with a free practice account and trading charts from IG. Over the years, Android has become one of hackers favorite targets, and there are plenty of reports detailing various malware attacks against Android devices. One of the most recent ones revealed that Russia found a way to track Ukrainian artillery sites by targeting soldiers phones with Android malware. At the same time, Google is busy patching the various security vulnerabilities that are discovered by hackers, and the company has just plugged a severe bootmode issue that could have exposed devices to spying. Don't Miss: Samsung accidentally confirmed one of the Galaxy S8s headline features The vulnerability, Ars Technica reports, is part of a series of Nexus 6 and Nexus 6P security holes found by IBMs X-Force, all related to a flaw in the phones bootmode, thats tagged CVE-2016-8467. Using this security hole, hackers would be able to remotely access the modem and eavesdrop on calls. The exploit also allowed attackers to find exact GPS coordinates with detailed satellite information, place phone calls, steal call information, and access or change nonvolatile items or the EFS partition. Patches were rolled out in November for the Nexus 6 and in January for the Nexus 6P before the issue was made public. However, other Android devices wont get them as fast. Before you freak out, you should know that the malware also involves other components, including malware-infected PCs, and malicious power chargers so that it can access hidden USB interfaces. Moreover, the victim would have to have Android Debug Bridge enabled on their devices and manually authorize ADB connectivity with the infected PC or charger for it to work. The IBM researchers only singled out the Nexus 6 and Nexus 6P as devices that can be affected by the hack. Hopefully, other devices cant also be attacked in a similar manner. After so many years, Google still cant control Android updates for vendor handsets. Device makers and mobile operators are still deeply involved in the process, meaning that any fixes Google releases will not be available immediately on any other devices. Story continues Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com skybox imaging lab Google's parent company Alphabet is reportedly in talks to sell off Skybox, the startup it acquired for around $500 million almost three years ago. Bloomberg's Mark Bergen and Ashlee Vance report that Alphabet is in talks to sell the satellite-imaging company to Planet Labs, another satellite-imaging startup. Alphabet paid $500 million for Skybox, a company that takes high-definition images for agricultural planning and scientific purposes, among other things. The sale could be part of a larger trend at Alphabet: scaling back some of the company's more ambitious projects as part of a larger cost-cutting measure. In August, Alphabet reportedly cut its Fiber business in half, cutting 9% of the staff at the internet service provider. The company announced in November that it was scaling back its experimental drone delivery program, Project Wing. And in December, Alphabet rebranded and spun out its self-driving car project as Waymo, axing plans to build its own vehicle in favor of partnering with automakers. NOW WATCH: Weed, crab legs, and a mermaid inside the massive marijuana-mansion party thrown by Instagram's 'Marijuana Don' More From Business Insider paul ryan Facing the realities of the complicated health-insurance market, Republican members of Congress have wavered over the past week on a Senate bill to repeal President Barack Obama's healthcare law, instead pushing a strategy of crafting a replacement before going ahead with repeal. Last Tuesday, Republican Senate leaders introduced a bill that would use budget reconciliation to undo significant parts of the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare law better known as Obamacare. On Monday night, however, five GOP Senators Bob Corker of Tennessee, Rob Portman of Ohio, Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska submitted an amendment to the bill in the Senate that would extend the deadline for the committees to craft a repeal bill from its current January 27 deadline to March 3. "By extending the deadline for budget reconciliation instructions until March, Congress and the incoming administration will each have additional time to get the policy right," Corker said in a statement on Monday night. "Repealing President Obama's healthcare law and replacing it with a responsible alternative is a top priority, and by exercising due diligence we can create a stable transition to an open healthcare marketplace that provides far greater choice and more affordable plans for the American people," he added. Corker also emphasized that President-elect Donald Trump had said "repeal and replace should take place simultaneously." For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Other GOP senators have expressed a desire to make sure there is a replacement plan in place before a repeal is triggered. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas told MSNBC last week that he also had reservations on repealing the law without a replacement ready to go. "It would not be the right path for us to repeal Obamacare without laying out a path forward," Cotton said. Story continues Sen. Lamar Alexander also has said the GOP has to "consider what it would take to create a new and better alternative and then begin to create that alternative" before repealing the ACA. Given the slight majority of Republicans in the Senate and the unwillingness of Democrats to help tear down Obama's signature legislative achievement, even a few defections from the Republican Party would cause a repeal bill to fail on a vote. At a press conference with other Republican House leaders on Tuesday morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan said that the GOP wants to repeal Obamacare "concurrently" with a replacement, but noted the budget reconciliation process is primarily driven by the Senate. "It is our goal to bring it all together concurrently," said Ryan. "We already show people what we believe in, what we believe Obamacare should be replaced with. so we're going to use every tool at our disposal through legislation, through regulation to bring replace concurrent along with repeal so we can save people from this mess." It also appears that the Trump administration is working with congressional leaders to lay out a plan to replace the bill before any repeal happens. The Associated Press' Erica Werner reported that top Trump advisers Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner, along with incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus and Treasury Secretary-designate Steven Mnuchin, met with Speaker Ryan for two hours on Monday night. At the conclusion of the meeting, Bannon told reporters the group was "still thinking that through" in regard to the Obamacare repeal and replacement. Bob Corker Simultaneously, Sen. Rand Paul has been gathering support over the past week to delay any repeal of Obamacare until the GOP has a full replacement bill ready to go. Paul has cited concerns over a possible increase in the deficit caused by a repeal and has tweeted that Trump supports his call for a replacement on the same day as repeal. Concerns have been raised over the past week by Republican leaders that any repeal without a replacement may lead to a disruption for those people in the individual marketplaces that is, those not getting their insurance through their employer or a government program like Medicaid or Medicare. Given that more than 23 million people gained healthcare coverage through various provisions of the ACA, GOP leaders appear to want to ensure that there is no gap in their care, given the political and practical complications. Additionally, health policy experts have expressed concerns that the possibility of repeal with no clear replacement could lead insurers to pull out of the individual marketplace at a faster pace, leaving fewer choices and potentially causing price increases that would make current premium hikes look small by comparison. The move would also be politically unpopular. A poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan healthcare-focused think tank, found that just 20% of Americans wanted Obamacare repealed even if there were no replacement. Another 28% want a repeal if there is a replacement plan ready, while 47% do not want a repeal at all. Former Republican House Speaker and Trump confidant Newt Gingrich told Fox News on Monday night that Republicans were worried about a possible loss of coverage for some Americans. "I don't think Republicans want to have 23 million people out there worried that they're going to lose their insurance," Gingrich said. GOP senators such as John McCain of Arizona have also expressed reservations about possible coverage lapses. Collins, a sponsor of the amendment to delay the repeal, said in a statement Monday night that avoiding coverage lapses was a key part of the reason Republicans should delay. "Repeal and replacement is a complicated task, and my number one concern is that we not create a gap in coverage for individuals who are currently insured and who rely on that coverage," Collins said in the statement announcing the amendment. And Democrats appear to be unwilling to help kill Obamacare. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously told The Washington Post that Democrats "will not then step up to the plate and come up with a half-baked solution that we will partially own." In a meeting with Democrats on Capitol Hill last week, Obama told members not to "rescue" Republicans with a replacement bill and to call any changes to the ACA "Trumpcare." As for the current administrators of the law, it appears that the administration will go full steam ahead with the current open-enrollment period until Trump takes office. As of the end of 2016, 8.8 million people had signed up for plans through Obamacare, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, Obama, HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, and Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services chief Andy Slavitt have been on a public-relations blitz to defend the growth of the law and its positive impact on patients and Americans before Trump is inaugurated next week. NOW WATCH: Watch Former CIA director James Woolsey explain why he wont advise the Trump transition team anymore More From Business Insider Small-government Republican rhetoric, meet bigly government Republican President Donald J. Trump. The neophyte president-elect and first-time public office holders heavy-handed, ad-hoc approach to economic management is so anathema to congressional Republicans talk about Washington excesses that signs of internal division are already emerging. The bickering could lead to an economically crippling political stasis that defies Wall Streets assumptions about a potential fiscal boost because of the GOPs electoral dominance in 2016. In his latest publicity stunt, the hotel magnate-turned-politician claimed credit for Fords decision to keep a plant in Michigan rather than build a new one in Mexico even though it was made before the election and certainly before the president-elects public arm-twisting. Trump played a similarly deceptive numbers game with air-conditioning manufacturer Carrier, only to reveal that he had offered the firm large taxpayer subsidies in exchange for keeping jobs in the United States. Trumps election victory, a narrow one despite his frequent false claims of a landslide win, is enough to give him the initial upper hand in intraparty negotiations. For one thing, it has forced House Republicans to tow a much more anti-trade line than they otherwise might. It also brought House Speaker and Wisconsin Sen. Paul Ryan back into Trumps fold after he distanced himself from the partys own presidential candidate a rare development that followed the release of recordings showing Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women and getting away with it. How will the party square its long-standing rhetoric about smaller government with a president-elect whose vision of economic management is a micro, deal-making approach to macroeconomic policy, all tinged by virulent anti-trade talk and the constant threat of protectionism? Uncomfortably, at best. Beginning with trade, or deep suspicion thereof, which permeated not only Trumps campaign but also thus far his appointments and promised initial actions, traditional conservative Republicans have felt deep unease with several components of the new administrations agenda. But they have had to remain quiet because he propelled the ticket to victory, despite a weak overall mandate. Yet once the business of governing as the ruling party in full control of the executive branch and both chambers of Congress, some of the more salient splits are likely to be expressed more publicly. Story continues Trumps nominations so far give little reason to believe, as some on Wall Street have, that his anti-trade talk during the campaign was merely bluster. In particular, the appointment of people like Death by China author/director/public speaker/economist Peter Navarro (now the head of the new White House National Trade Council) hardly sets the tone for a diplomatic start to international commercial relations. Naturally, the bluster doesnt stop with trade, as suggested by renewed tensions around the South China Sea made worse by the president-elects unusually casual tweeting habits. Infrastructure, another key part of Trumps rhetoric, also faces hurdles from a Republican Party that staunchly opposed similar plans by President Barack Obamas administration. True, they might be more open to projects coming from a president from their own party, but given the large gap between Trumps inner circle and the party, the two agendas might be difficult to square. There might be some infrastructure spending in Trumps fiscal package, but do not hold your breath, argues Simon Johnson, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and ex-chief economist at the International Monetary Fund. Infrastructure does not appear high on [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnells priorities and a significant number of House Republicans will only support infrastructure spending if it is paid for by reductions in social spending (i.e., reducing transfers to less prosperous people, for example by cutting Medicaid and Medicare). That would betray a central campaign promise by Trump not to touch the programs. Theres also a risk that, given Trumps predilection for individual-firm intervention and his unprecedented unwillingness to fully divest of his businesses after being elected, large construction projects will be seen as skewed by personal relationships and ties, leading to a lack of public confidence. After all, America is not Atlantic City. Taxes and regulation should be simpler for Trumps team and House Republicans to agree on: Everyone wants to cut both and sharply. The problem, as previously discussed here, is that the old trickle-down tax cuts for the rich theory was tried in spades under George W. Bush, and it failed to boost growth in any sustainable manner. In fact, those policies accelerated an accumulation of wealth at the top of the income ladder that, because it concentrated investments in the highest-yielding asset du jour, which at the time was housing, contributed to the bubble and crash that devolved into the Great Recession. Corporate tax reform has bipartisan support and could be a positive long-run structural reform for the economy if it simplifies the code and boosts revenue collections at Treasury. But reforms must be done right, and theres little evidence things are heading in that direction. Then there are the many wild cards of Trumps foreign policy. Although not directly an economic issue, it could certainly become one if the new president ratchets up nerves sufficiently. Thus far, markets have been blissfully complacent to rising geopolitical risk. But evidence of Russian interference in the U.S. election, and the president-elects denial thereof, leaves the United States and the world in uncharted cyber/military waters. Plus, the evolving war of words with China over Taiwan and trade issues remains a great risk to global stability. Taken together, these hurdles hardly jive with ebullient, record-setting stock markets. Somethings got to give. Photo credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images ABC is postponing the return of #TGIT and you have president-elect Donald Trump to thank for it. Sort of. PHOTOSScandal Catch-Up: Everything You Need to Remember Before Season 6 Arrives The network announced on Monday that the premieres of Greys Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder previously slated for Thursday, Jan. 19 will now air on Jan. 26, because of a special pre-inauguration installment of 20/20. Americas First Family: The Trumps Go to Washington will air at 10/9c, following repeats of Greys (8 pm) and Scandal (9 pm). The decision was made to ensure that the long-awaited return of #TGIT would feature three new episodes. RELATEDGreys Anatomy Mystery: Why Is Mer Acting Like Shes in High School? Sure, its only one more week of waiting, but be honest: On a scale from 1 to 10, how annoyed are you? Drop a comment with your thoughts below. Launch Gallery: Scandal Season 6 Photos Related stories Once Upon a Time Is Casting Tiger Lily, Princess From Peter Pan's Neverland Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Recap: Aye, Robot Grey's Greenlights #JaprilTheSequel Halle Berry is fresh-faced and fierce! The 50-year-old actress enjoyed a girl's night out at Serafina in Los Angeles on Sunday, going au naturel for the outing. WATCH: Halle Berry Shows Off Her Stunning Bikini Body at 50 Berry wore buckled heeled boots over a pair of leather leggings, styling the edgy pieces with an oversized gray T-shirt, open-knit sweater and Ullu leather piggyback phone case, but all eyes were on her carefree beauty look. The Kidnap star went makeup-free and sported what appears to be a wig full of gorgeous corkscrew curls. MEGA "Mille is her name," Berry captioned a selfie of herself playing with the brown and honey-toned locks via Instagram last Thursday. Millie is her name. A photo posted by Halle Berry (@halleberry) on Jan 5, 2017 at 2:51pm PST The new 'do comes less than a week after her divorce from Olivier Martinez was officially finalized. The exes, who have remained cordial following the split, will share physical and legal custody of their 3-year-old son, Maceo. Berry is also mom to 8-year-old daughter Nahla from a previous relationship. WATCH: Halle Berry's Divorce From Olivier Martinez Officially Finalized Before the New Year at Actress' Request Berry and Martinez initially filed for divorce in October 2015 after two years of marriage. "Due to pending contract and deals, it is important for our marriage to be terminated by January 1, 2017, so that numerous documents do not have to be prepared," Berry explained in her declaration at the time. "All these contract negotiations were initiated long after our separation." Hear more in the video below. Related Articles On New Years Eve, Lamar Austin of Pittsfield, N.H., had a decision to make: Should he attend the birth of his new son, Cainan, or show up for a shift at his new security guard job? Because he had missed the births of his other three children, it wasnt that tough of a choice, Lamar, 30, tells PEOPLE. I told my boss that I wanted to be there for my wife when she had the baby she was more important. I wanted to do good by my family. Lamars employer, though, didnt see it that way. His supervisor at Salerno Protective Services in Manchester, N.H., where hed started a part-time job three weeks earlier, told him that if he didnt report to work by 8 a.m. the next morning, he would be fired, says Lamar. When they actually did it, I was stunned, he tells PEOPLE. But then I thought, Okay, Im not going to pass judgment on this man. I couldnt be two places at once. I had to be at the place where I thought I was most needed with my wife, Lindsay. Although the couple made headlines in New Hampshire for giving birth to the towns first child at Concord Hospital in 2017, those stories were soon followed with the unhappy news about Lamars job loss. And then something heartwarming happened: The community rallied around the Austins through a GoFundMe account to help pay their bills, and flooded Lamar with new job offers. I was fortunate to have my husband with me for the birth of both our daughters, and we both had flexible schedules, which made all the difference, Sara Pereschino, who started the account, tells PEOPLE. I was so moved by their story. Nobody should have to choose between their family and their job. Its been inspirational to see support coming in from across the world, including Scotland, Australia and Japan. Lamar is now sifting through nearly two-dozen local job offers, including one as an electrical apprentice. That would be a dream job for me, with a good future, he says. Im thinking of taking them up on it. Im at a loss for words to describe how touched I am. There are a lot of good people out there. Story continues Officials at his former employer didnt respond to PEOPLEs request for an interview, but in a statement posted on their website, a Salerno Protective Services spokesperson says, Our silence is due to the fact that we have not had an exit interview with (Lamar). In no way did it have anything to do with his childs birth. The timing of the termination was poor, but it was necessary for operation purposes. Salerno will be looking into revamping its termination policies to avoid such misunderstandings in the future. Says Lamar, Hey, Im not holding any grudges. They did what they felt they had to do, and I did what I felt I had to do. My family is my life. Originally from Newark, N.J., where he was the oldest of five children raised by a single mom, I lived in a dangerous neighborhood and knew it wasnt a place for me to stay when it came time to raise a family, adds the former Army ammunition specialist. After he met Lindsay, 26, on an online dating site and the couple married and moved to New Hampshire, Lamar spent several years shuttling back and forth to New Jersey to work until he took an assembly line job in New Hampshire. In December, when he was hired by the security firm, it seemed perfect, with flexible shifts and hours, he says. But if I have to choose, Ill take my family, any day. For now, hes enjoying some bonding time with Cainan, who at 7 pounds, 3 ounces, was the best New Years gift we could ask for, Lamar tells PEOPLE. My children just love having a new little brother. Were all very happy and grateful. I might have lost my job, he says, but I gained something so much better. Alicia Keys partnered with budding Haitian-Canadian producer Kaytranada for a lithe and sensual new song, "Sweet F'in Love." Keys glides over the dance track Kaytranada lays down. The song shimmers with a subtle disco influence, laden with piano and bass. "Sweet F'in Love" marks another new song for Keys following the release of her eighth album, Here, last November. The album boasted a gritty, eclectic sound with politically charged lyrics, which Keys discussed during an interview with Rolling Stone. "I've always been inspired by Curtis Mayfield, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bob Marley, but I didn't quite know how to do that in the beginning," she said. "I didn't understand how to put it into words, or I just didn't have access to the emotion or the confidence or the clarity or the ballsiness. The difference is time." As for Kaytranada, the producer released his breakout debut LP, 99.9%, last year, and has offered a steady stream of new music and remixes since. He recently shared re-workings of Chance the Rapper's "All Night" and Solange's "Cranes In the Sky," while last May he offered a dreamy remix of Rihanna's "Kiss It Better." Related Content: These heroic women are running from NYC to D.C. to raise money for Planned Parenthood Its only a few days into the new year, but access to equal healthcare is already under attack. As it was announced last week, Republicans are rallying hard to present legislation that would defund Planned Parenthood leaving thousands of Americans without access to quality healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare and family planning. While there have been many efforts to rally and protest this unjust news, some women are pushing for more unconventional ways to raise money for Planned Parenthood. Entirely by foot, this journey will take a total of 240 miles and these women are challenging themselves to do it in five days you can check out their GoFundMe page to learn how to donate and support Planned Parenthood. This may seem extreme to some, but with the fate of Planned Parenthood at stake, these women are sure in their decision. The best part is that other women are already volunteering to join the runners in their efforts to fundraise for Planned Parenthood. Story continues The 4 Women who made this real #4WomenRunForAllWomen #RunForAllWomen #PlannedParenthood #StandWithPP #WomensRunning Design by @_therealkai A photo posted by Alison Mariella Desir (@powderedfeet) on Jan 10, 2017 at 11:14am PST An estimated 200,000 women will be in attendance of the inauguration in order to protest, while over 200 women have asked to join the runners along their journey to D.C. We applaud the runners for their dedication in ensuring that everyone have access to reproductive and comprehensive healthcare! Shares of hhgregg, Inc. HGG fell 2.24% yesterday after the company announced its preliminary sales results for the third quarter of fiscal 2017. hhgregg is expected to report weaker sales compared to the prior year due to competitive pressure in the market. This appliance and electronics retailer is scheduled to release its third-quarter fiscal 2017 results on Jan 26. Q3 Prelim Sales For the third quarter, the company expects net sales to decline approximately 24% year over year to $453 million, with a drop of approximately 22% in comparable store sales. The poor comparable sales performance is due to decline in comparable store sales across all its segments. The consumer electronics category was affected the most as it is a larger mix of the business during the holidays. It is expected to decline around 39%. The appliance category is expected to dip approximately 4% and the home products category is estimated to decrease approximately 9%. The transition to a new distribution center also had a temporary negative impact on the sales for the quarter. Notably, hhgregg has been reporting losses and declining revenues for the past many quarters, primarily due to weak comparable store sales. Estimates have also been declining since the company reported its second-quarter fiscal 2016 results. HHGregg, Inc. EPS Diluted (Quarterly) HHGregg, Inc. EPS Diluted (Quarterly) | HHGregg, Inc. Quote In fact, the stock has underperformed the Zacks categorized Retail-Consumer Electronics industry over the past five years. Shares of the retailer have plunged 88.1% over the past five years in comparison to the Zacks categorized Retail-Consumer Electronics industry, which grew 40.3%. Despite the weaknesses, the company has been making efforts to revive the business. hhgregg has been investing to shift its focus from consumer electronics to appliances and furniture. In this regard, it is resetting store layouts, adding Fine Lines departments and promotions focused on the appliance business. Since the consumer electronics category is very competitive, the company has devised a strategic move in this category, particularly at the entry level price points. The company plans to reposition its consumer electronics business to focus on the premium models. Story continues We are encouraged by hhgreggs strategic initiatives, which focus on reversing the negative sales trends, optimizing marketing spending and improving cost structure. While these initiatives are expected to revive the consumer electronics category over the long term, the segment will continue to witness a downtrend, as the company is under a lot of pressure and facing volatility. hhgregg carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked company in the same space is Best Buy Co., Inc. BBY. Investors interested in the broader retail space may also consider Tillys, Inc. TLYS and The Children's Place, Inc. PLCE. All three of them sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. While Best Buy and Childrens Place has a long term earnings growth of 11.9% and 10.3%, respectively, Tillys Inc. has a growth rate of 13.0% over the long term. Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest tickers for the entirety of 2017? Who wouldn't? These 10 are painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks to buy and hold. Be among the very first to see them >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Children's Place, Inc. (The) (PLCE): Free Stock Analysis Report Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY): Free Stock Analysis Report HHGregg, Inc. (HGG): Free Stock Analysis Report Tilly's, Inc. (TLYS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. A Texas teen proved that a t-shirt is all you need to send out a statement [Photo: Twitter/lustdad] How do you tell bullies that youre fed up with their childish behaviour? With a simple t-shirt, according to one high school student. 17-year-old Aaron from Houston, Texas, has seen his powerful outfit go viral. The tee, which reads: Why be racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic when you could just be quiet?, is sold by Etsy store, Green Box Shop. After being drawn to the design because he had problems in the past with people being homophobic, Aaron decided to wear the tee to school. I have been a victim of bullying because I am gay, and yes, I have overcome all of those obstacles in my life. When I saw the shirt, I was amazed, he told Buzzfeed. If you have nothing nice to say, just dont say it at all. Posting a picture on Twitter to send out a good message, Aarons original tweet has been retweeted over 85,000 times, spawning a whole host of reactions from similar images to cries of I want one too. Looks like one store will have a surge in sales thanks to this teens bravery. Twitter is going crazy over Ryan Reynolds spray tan Instagram is now the main culprit behind low self-esteem Hillary Clinton stole the spotlight a bit while attending The Color Purple's final Broadway performance in New York City on Sunday. The recent Democratic presidential nominee -- who was joined by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea -- received a standing ovation after the show. Getty Images PHOTOS: Hillary Clinton's Famous Friends The Clinton family were among several famous faces in the audience during the final performance of the acclaimed revival, which opened in December 2015. Jonathan Groff, Debra Messing, Hamilton's Leslie Odom Jr. and Anna Wintour were just a few celebs who turned out to catch the last show, according to the New York Times. However, it appears no celeb generated as much attention and appreciation as the former Secretary of State. At the end of the performance, star Patrice Covington addressed all of the "really awesome, famous and notable people" who came to the show, adding, "I'm not going to call all of them out I know you already know them," before directing a nod at Hillary. RELATED: Bill and Hillary Clinton to Attend Donald Trump's Inauguration Hillary -- who lost the 2016 election to President-Elect Donald Trump despite winning the popular vote by over 2.9 million votes -- was showered with love and praise from the audience. The Color Purple star Cynthia Erivo -- who won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2016 for her role as Celie -- managed to snap a beaming photo with the Clinton family after the performance, which she shared to Twitter. WATCH: Hillary Clinton Gives Concession Speech Day After Donald Trump Wins Presidential Election: 'Never Stop Believing' Hillary's warm, passionate reception at the performance was a far cry from Vice-President-Elect Mike Pence's experience when he attended a production of Hamilton in November, less than two weeks after the election. Story continues Pence was greeted with a few boos from the audience before star Brandon Victor Dixon asked patrons to stop jeering at the politician. Dixon later delivered an impassioned message to the soon-to-be-VP, sharing, "We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf all of us." Check out the video below to hear more. Related Articles BUDAPEST, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Any civil society group with funding from billionaire George Soros should be "swept out" of Hungary, a vice chairman of the ruling Fidesz party said on Tuesday. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been criticised at home and abroad for his crackdown on NGOs, which started in 2014, involved dozens of organisations, and lasted for more than a year. They uncovered no wrongdoing. Orban has said civil society groups receive foreign money to "organise refugee streams and boost migration". Fidesz vice chairman Szilard Nemeth told a news conference, according to HirTV's website, that Soros was "pushing global big capital and a related political correctness into Hungary" and NGOs he funded were meddling in politics. "These organisations must be pushed back with all available tools, and I think they must be swept out, and now I believe the international conditions are right for this with the election of the new president (in the U.S.)," Nemeth said, according to a video posted on HirTV's website. No one at Soros Fund Management was immediately available for comment. Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said in reply to Reuters emailed questions that as a Fidesz lawmaker and vice chairman, Nemeth represented its views and that the government's stance had been set out in an interview with Orban on website 888.hu. Orban told 888.hu in December that Soros would be "squeezed out" of every European country and that NGOs would be scrutinised to find out what interests they represented. "The following year will be about the squeezing out of Soros and the powers that symbolise him," Orban was quoted as saying. According to a schedule of planned legislation on the parliamentary website, lawmakers are set to vote on extending mandatory declarations of assets to executives of NGOs. "We don't know exactly what the government is planning against civil organisations but we are not scared by the latest comments," rights advocacy group TASZ, one of the NGOs which is partly funded by Soros, posted on its Facebook page. (Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Louise Ireland) Los Angeles police have arrested the man suspected of altering the Hollywood sign on New Year's Day to read "Hollyweed." Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, turned himself in to authorities with his attorney present on Monday, LAPD officer Tony Im told The Hollywood Reporter. "He was arrested and booked for trespassing, which is a misdemeanor," Im said. Fernandez, who goes by the artist name Jesus Hands, granted a short interview to THR last week in which he explained he did not think his stunt, which he did for the sake of "art" and "love," was vandalism: I did it out of love and a certain peace from within. 2016 was a rough year for a lot of people. You got hurt and then you grew. 2017 is perfect to conjure up the growth. It was a very personal thing at first, and it still is. I hold it very personal. It was a personal thing and a tribute to the artist (who did a similar stunt in 1976), the late Daniel Finegood. I felt his message speak to me and it felt like that message needed to be shared. It was honestly just a work of art, but it becomes so much more because of people's interpretations of it. Pot art. That's what it is. Fernandez is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 15. Read more: "Hollyweed": Artist Says He's Responsible for Sign Alteration But It Wasn't Vandalism Montreal (AFP) - Honda will invest Can$492 ($372 million) in its Alliston factory north of Toronto, with financial support from the federal government and province of Ontario, Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains said. The governments of Canada and Ontario will each contribute Can$41.8 million over three years. The investment will enable the facility to assemble new models of the Civic and the CR-V vehicles. The Japanese automotive group will also construct a new paint shop that will help cut greenhouse gas emissions from the paint process by 44 percent, Honda Canada CEO Jerry Chenkin said. The improvements will help save 4,000 jobs at Honda's facilities -- which assembled 385,000 vehicles last year -- and "further anchor Honda's presence in Canada," the government of Canada said in a statement released on Monday. The announcement comes as US President-elect Donald Trump is putting pressure on automakers with facilities on US soil to stop relocating production to Mexico, where a number of factories opened following the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Signed by Canada, the United States and Mexico, the agreement went into force in 1994. Trump has so far held off criticizing investments in Canada, where labor costs are similar to those in the United States. Manufacturers with facilities in Canada have also relocated plants to Mexico thanks to NAFTA. The Republican billionaire, who has vowed to renegotiate NAFTA, is "a potential risk" for the Canadian automotive industry, Ontario Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid said on Monday. However, he said he is convinced the US president-elect would do nothing to hinder the industry's cross-border supply chain, which links several factories in Ontario to others in Michigan and Ohio, crucial swing states that voted for Trump by small margins. The three major American automakers committed to investing Can$1.5 billion in their plants in Ontario when they reached collective bargaining agreements with employees last year. Hong Kong (AFP) - Hong Kong's former leader Donald Tsang abused power and was "hopelessly compromised" while in office, prosecutors said Tuesday in opening arguments at his high-profile corruption trial. Tsang, 72, held the leadership post of chief executive for seven years from 2005 and is the highest ranking Hong Kong official to be taken to court for graft. While Hong Kong has earned a reputation as one of the world's most open and transparent markets, Tsang's is the latest in a string of misconduct cases which are fuelling public suspicion over cosy links between authorities and business leaders. "This case is about integrity, honesty, standards of conduct in public life," said prosecutor David Perry at Hong Kong's high court. Tsang "exploited his position as chief executive", said Perry, in what he termed a "classic conflict of interest". Perry said Tsang "abused" his power to further his personal interests instead of acting on behalf of the Hong Kong public. The former leader has pleaded not guilty to three charges of misconduct and bribery relating to his time in office, each of which carries a maximum jail sentence of seven years. He is accused of failing to disclose his plans to lease a luxury penthouse in the neighbouring city of Shenzhen from a major investor in a broadcaster -- which at the time was seeking a licence from the Hong Kong government. Tsang allegedly approved the company's application for the licence, and also failed to declare that an architect he proposed for a government award had been employed as an interior designer on the flat. Another of the investor's companies also paid for a refurbishment of the flat, said Perry, including a gym, tea room and calligraphy room. Perry called Tsang's behaviour "a betrayal of public trust". Tsang, wearing a trademark bow tie, sat solemnly in court, coughing often during the afternoon session. Story continues In 2012 he apologised for separate allegations that he accepted inappropriate gifts from business friends in the form of trips on luxury yachts and private jets. Hong Kong's unpopular current leader Leung Chun-ying also faces allegations of corruption over receiving a reported payment of HK$50 million ($6.5 million) from Australian engineering firm UGL before he took office. In 2014, Tsang's deputy Rafael Hui was jailed for seven-and-a-half years after being found guilty of taking bribes from Hong Kong property tycoon Thomas Kwok. Web Hosting Secret Revealed has expanded its web presence with new tools and resources, including an uptime checker and a Web Host Spy tool LABUAN FT, MALAYSIA / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / Web Hosting Secret Revealed is a website that has specialized in helping people identify the best web hosting for their needs for nearly ten years. Now, they have undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of their web presence, redesigning it from the ground up to prioritize user experience. This has included the launching of new tools and resources, all aimed at empowering people to determine the ultimate web host for their needs. The new Uptime Checker (http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/uptime/) allows users to check their site's online status quickly, including its recent uptime and transfer speeds. Many webhosts offer uptime guarantees, based primarily on the fact that most people won't check their uptime. This puts an end to that. Web Host Spy (http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/web-host-spy/) is a brand-new app that will enable users to check any websites' host, together with their server locations. This way, if a competitor is outperforming a user, or they simply wish to get performance as good as a website they visit regularly, they can use this tool to identify the provider and location, and replicate it accordingly. The new Resources section (http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/resources/) is a repository of the vast amount of knowledge Web Hosting Secret Revealed has accumulated over the years. Individuals can download this knowledge in the form of PDF guides, enabling them to read the material on their local devices, even when offline. The resources already include buying guides, blogging guides and digital marketing guides, with more content due to be published over the next 6 months. A spokesperson for Web Hosting Secret Revealed explained, "We are thrilled to have completed this transformation, and we have emerged with a more powerful suite of tools than ever before, while retaining the comprehensive insights and expertise that have made us an invaluable resource center for years. This latest evolution will enable us to fulfill our users' needs better than ever before." Story continues About Website Hosting Secret Revealed: Founded in May 2008, Web Hosting Secret Revealed (WHSR) delivers useful information to web hosting shoppers, bloggers, and web marketers. The website aims to offer all the information and tools needed to make an informed purchasing decision about web hosting providers. This includes regularly updated reviews, new tools and smart blogging and digital marketing tips. For more information, please visit http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/ Contact Info: Name: Jerry Low Organization: Web Hosting Secret Revealed Address: Financial Park Labuan 87000 Labuan FT, Malaysia SOURCE: Web Hosting Secret Revealed London (AFP) - HSBC chairman Douglas Flint on Tuesday warned that the banking titan could move activities from London to continental Europe ahead of Brexit. Britain is due to trigger Article 50 by late March, kicking off a two-year process to leave the European Union. The nation's financial sector has long feared the loss of "passporting" rights -- which allows EU member states to trade across national borders. That provides a crucial gateway for companies to access the rest of the bloc. "The impact (from the loss of passporting) would start to be seen far before the end of the Article 50 process because there would be a period of time necessary to adjust our" activities, Flint told lawmakers on parliament's Treasury Select Committee. "We would take pre-emptive actions in order to ensure that we have the capacity in place... to continue to deliver what we deliver today. "That would require us to move activities (...) to France or indeed Ireland or Holland or any other place in Europe where we have operations. It would be something like 1,000 jobs." Flint added that the government's lack of Brexit guidance "would lead to people thinking earlier as to where to move jobs". Following Britain's shock EU exit referendum decision on June 23, Flint had already warned that the bank could potentially move 1,000 British-bases staff to Paris. Lobby group the British Bankers' Association (BBA) cautioned in October that international lenders with operations in the UK are ready to transfer some of their activities out of the country from early 2017. Big banks have long harboured fears about the impact of Brexit, including potential loss of access to the single market. "We are in perhaps a better position than many having a full service bank already in France," added Flint on Tuesday. "Because we've got operations in France we can take a little bit more wait and see approach than possibly more others. "Nobody wants to push the button (to leave Britain) because the best outcome for everybody is the preservation of the status quo, insofar as is possible," he said. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f343434%2f77abd93a-891a-422d-8a75-792813cb607d Polar bears will disappear from the Arctic if the U.S. and other nations don't drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions soon, U.S. wildlife officials warned this week. The bears' sea-ice habitat is steadily shrinking due to human-driven global warming. That makes curbing emissions the "single most important action" to protect the species, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) said in a new report. SEE ALSO: Portland's polar bear plays in the first snow of the season "Make no mistake; without decisive action to address Arctic warming, the long-term fate of this species is uncertain," Greg Siekaniec, the FWS's Alaska regional director, said Monday in a news release. The federal report is the latest piece of bad news for polar bears. A separate study last week found that toxic pollutants moving into the Arctic from outside the region are accumulating in mother bears' breast milk and getting passed on to their cubs. Two months, too cute. Image: Tierpark Berlin/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images The report also arrives at a particularly uncertain time for U.S. climate and energy policy. President-elect Donald Trump and many of his cabinet nominees reject the mainstream scientific consensus that humans are driving climate change. For example, Trump's pick for the Environmental Protection Agency the department responsible for regulating carbon emissions has vowed to gut many of the EPA's climate policies. Meanwhile, Arctic sea ice is plummeting, hitting record lows. Most recently, in October and November 2016, the area of the Arctic covered by sea ice was the lowest on record for those months since record-keeping began in 1979, according to the National Snow & Ice Data Center. Again, no, #Arctic sea ice not recovering. Extent/thickness/volume of ice are all the lowest on record for the date as we start 2017... pic.twitter.com/AGKC2Q8T1V Zack Labe (@ZLabe) January 10, 2017 A polar bear at Russia's Royev Ruchei Zoo in Krasnoayrsk casts its vote for Donald Trump. Image: Sputnik via AP Story continues Polar bears were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2008 due to the continued loss of their sea-ice habitat. The species depends on the floating ice as platforms for hunting seals, their primary source of food. The FWS is required under the act to produce a report called a conservation management plan that describes what actions are needed for the species to recover and avoid extinction. Around 26,000 polar bears currently make up 19 subpopulations in parts of five countries: the United States, Canada, Russia, Norway and Greenland. The FWS report mainly focuses on two subpopulations off the coast of Alaska, in the southern Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. While the global polar bear population hasn't yet shown a precipitous decline, certain subpopulations have started to drop, including in the southern Beaufort Sea. The number of bears there has dropped about 40 percent in the last decade, from 1,500 bears in 2006 to about 900 today, according to the report. "If greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at the current rates throughout the 21st century, polar bears will likely disappear from much of their present-day range," the agency warned. A polar bear dries off after taking a swim in the Chukchi Sea in Alaska. Image: Brian Battaile/U.S. Geological Survey via AP Along with curbing emissions, the FWS's conservation plan also calls for reducing human-bear conflicts, protecting the dens of pregnant polar bears and minimizing the risk of contamination from oil spills. For some environmental groups, however, the report doesn't go far enough. The Center for Biological Diversity said the recovery plan was "weak" and should have required the U.S. to make the large-scale emissions reductions needed to save the species. "This recovery plan is just too risky for the polar bear, Shaye Wolf, the center's climate science director, said in a statement. "Recovery plans work, but only if they truly address the threats to species. Sadly that simply isn't the case with this polar bear plan." In the wake of recent tweets by President-elect Donald Trump against U.S. corporations, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty told CNBC on Monday that business leaders need to take the right actions for their companies. "Many of us are global companies. Of course we have workforces around the world," she said in an interview with CNBC's " Closing Bell " from outside the FinTech Ideas Festival in San Francisco. "We, like others, will continue to do the right thing for our own business and do the right thing for IBM (IBM)." Most recently, Trump has taken companies like Toyota (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 7203.T-JP) and General Motors (GM) to task. Last week, he threatened Toyota with a large border tax if it builds a new plant outside the U.S. and he attacked General Motors on making one of its Chevy Cruze models in Mexico . Rometty, a member of Trump's Strategic and Policy Forum, wrote to Trump shortly after his election victory, advocating the creation of "new collar" information technology jobs. That's because one of the most important topics that should be worked on is job creation, she told CNBC. "For the jobs of the future here, there are many in technology that can be done without a four-year college degree," Rometty said. Instead, potential employees can get six years of training in "pathways to technology" schools, which is akin to four years of high school and two years of community college or six years of high school, she said. She anticipates the creation of about 25,000 jobs over the next several years, including in areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Reykjavik (AFP) - A new centre-right coalition in Iceland announced Tuesday it had agreed to make conservative Independence Party leader Bjarni Benediktsson the country's next prime minister, 10 weeks after a snap election. Benediktsson, 46, who has served as finance minister since 2013 and was the big winner in October 29 elections, presented the new government at a press conference in Reykjavik with his new coalition partners, the centre-right Reform Party and the centrist Bright Future. The government programme published by the coalition calls for a possible referendum on European Union membership "towards the end of the legislative period." It also dashes any hopes of major institutional reforms, including the ratification of a constitution drawn up by a citizen-led commission in 2010-2012. Regarding the economy, Benediktsson's liberal policies are expected to continue. Under his guidance as finance minister, Iceland has seen solid growth and unemployment has been almost eliminated. The new centre-right government is a blow for the left-wing opposition, which hoped to sweeo to power on a wave of discontent following the April release of the Panama Papers, a trove of documents detailing account holders in offshore tax havens. In April, a large majority of Icelanders called for the country's political establishment to be voted out of office, targetting Benediktsson, whose name appeared in the Panama Papers, among others. But everything changed in the October election: Benediktsson's Independence Party won 21 of 63 seats in parliament, far ahead of its opponents the Left Green Movement and the anti-establishment Pirate Party, which won 10 seats each. Iceland's various parties have been in negotiations since the election to try to form a coalition government. REYKJAVIK (Reuters) - Iceland's center-right Independence, Reform and Bright Future parties have agreed to form a coalition government and will give parliament a vote on whether to hold a referendum on joining the European Union. Together, the coalition will hold 32 of the 63 seats in parliament. The Independence Party will have 21 seats, making it the largest party in the coalition. However, it opposes EU membership while the other two parties both favor it. The Independence and Reform parties accepted the agreement on Monday, Icelandic media reported. Bright Future said it had backed the deal in a vote overnight. The agreement ends a political impasse since a general election in October. "The agreement was, after a discussion, voted on by the management by electronic voting and was accepted by the party," Bright Future spokesman Unsteinn Johannsson said. In November, the three parties abandoned an attempt to form a coalition. The Left Greens and the Pirate Party also made unsuccessful attempts to form a government before the mandate was returned to the Independence Party. Iceland applied to join the EU in 2009, a year after a banking crash left the country on the verge of bankruptcy. The crash led many to argue it should have closer ties with Europe and even join the single currency to shield it from future crises. Iceland, already a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), later shelved the talks. (Reporting by Ragnhildur Sigurdadottir; writing by Simon Johnson in Stockholm) By Dave McKinney CHICAGO, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signaled a likely veto on Monday of newly passed legislation to stave off possible insolvency for two of Chicago's pension funds. Credit ratings for the nation's third-largest city have been plummeting largely due to an unfunded pension liability that stood at $33.8 billion at the end of fiscal 2015 for Chicago's four retirement systems. By a 41-0 vote, the Illinois Senate approved the proposed rescue, which cleared the House overwhelming in December. The plan would authorize new city funding for Chicago's municipal and laborers retirement systems. The systems are projected to run out of money in the coming decade and were depending on legislative sign-off of the city's enactment of a water and sewer usage tax and telephone surcharge designed to help get them 90 percent funded in 40 years. City officials have acknowledged that more money will be needed starting in 2023 when payments will reach actuarially required levels. "The bill essentially authorizes another property tax hike on the people of Chicago and sets a funding cliff five years out without any assurances that the city can meet its obligations," Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said in a statement. "The governor cannot support this bill without real pension reform that protects taxpayers." Rauner's response drew belittlement from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration. "Bruce Rauner is Governor Gridlock, and he is showing why nothing gets done in Springfield," said Emanuel spokesman Adam Collins, who argued the governor should focus on passing a budget and fixing Illinois' pension woes. A bipartisan, statewide fix to Illinois' $129.8 pension crisis did not get called for a vote in the Illinois Senate on Monday as part of a sprawling deal to end an 18-month budget stalemate, pass non-budgetary reforms sought by Rauner and expand casino gambling, among other things. That package's architects, Democratic Senate President John Cullerton and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, pledged to reintroduce their plan after a new legislative session begins Wednesday. Story continues On a separate budgetary track, the House on Monday approved a $657.3 million appropriation plan for universities and social service agencies that lost spending authority on Jan. 1. The House-passed legislation that would fund operations through June awaits Senate approval, but Rauner has expressed past reluctance to support new stopgap spending without other reforms. (Reporting by Dave McKinney; Editing by Leslie Adler) MUMBAI (Reuters) - The Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) is planning to launch three futures contracts for diamonds in March to provide exporters with a hedging tool, the exchange said on Tuesday. India is a global diamond polishing hub where 14 out of every 15 rough diamonds in the world are polished. The exchange has received "in-principle" approval from the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to start futures trading and the bourse will initially launch three contracts for stones sized 30 cents, equivalent to 0.3 carats, 50 cents, equivalent to 0.5 carats, and 1 carat, it said. "The futures contract will enhance the global competitiveness of Indian exporters who will be able to create inventory and hedge against price volatility which will improve price competitiveness," said Sanjit Prasad, managing director of ICEX. The contracts are designed to consider the requirements of market participants and the delivery centre will be the western Indian city of Surat, which polishes around 80 percent of the world's diamonds, said an official with ICEX, who declined to be named. India's exports of cut and polished diamonds between April to November jumped by 12.2 percent from a year ago to $15.4 billion, the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council said last month. However, in the last two months, diamond polishing by small companies has been disrupted due to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move to abolish most of the nation's cash overnight. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f343020%2fe975510b-fc2f-4b56-9fdc-76011f58e2d8 An Indian soldier has made a heartfelt plea to the country's Prime Minister in a Facebook video that has gone viral. For all the wrong reasons. SEE ALSO: An evocative sketchbook traces one soldier's journey through WWII Soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav, part of the Border Security Force (BSF) along the Line of Control with Pakistan in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, has alleged that troops are ill-treated and have to make do with food shortage. He claims that not only is the food served poor in quality, but at times, soldiers have to sleep on an "empty stomach" because higher-ranked officers "sell off" government provisions "illegally". Yadav has called for a scrutiny of the matter and has requested people to spread his word. Following his claims, which are fairly serious in nature, India's Home Minister has called for "appropriate action". I have seen a video regarding a BSF jawan's plight. I have asked the HS to immediately seek a report from the BSF & take appropriate action. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 9, 2017 Charges are now being hurled at the BSF, which has tweeted out a clarification and called Yadav's claims "individual aberrations". BSF is highly sensitive to the welfare of tps.Individual aberrations,if any,are enquired into.A senior officer has already rchd the location https://t.co/3fH7qZdV5P BSF (@BSF_India) January 9, 2017 A senior BSF official has even told the Press Trust of India that Yadav is an "alcoholic" and has been pulled up often for violation of discipline. However, the force has already ordered for a full investigation into the allegations made," the official has confirmed. Story continues The soldier later told an Indian television station that he has no regrets about the video. "I don't think I did anything wrong. I only used my basic human rights to put forth the truth", BSF Jawan tells ABP News ABP News (@abpnewstv) January 10, 2017 India's citizens have mixed reactions though. BSF Jawan Shares Plight in Facebook Video, Seeks PM Modi's Attention https://t.co/oXJfpOjzzJ. Gutted, distraught & above all Ashamed!!! Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 9, 2017 Taken serious note of a BSF Jawan video. But during my regular visit to border posts I find high level of satisfactions amongst the jawans. Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 10, 2017 If @BSF_India is admitting an indisciplined, chronic alcoholic Jawan was deployed for guarding Border, they have bigger questions to answer Joy (@Joydas) January 9, 2017 BSF Jawan who posted video should provided proper security, It takes lots of strength and courage to highlight such issues. Mahesh Herambha (@MahiHerambha) January 10, 2017 @BSF_India And for Godsake don't take action on Jawan. Not this time, though he skipped service rules. He was left with no options, maybe. Sniper #Jallikattu (@avarakai) January 9, 2017 Shocking to hear of massive corrution by SeniorOfficials of BSF selling Rations in OpenMarket. @rajnathsingh Enquiry&Action Must! #BSFJawan pic.twitter.com/h8KBYeGcjr Gurudas Kamat (@KamatGurudas) January 10, 2017 Army marches on its stomach. Shameful that BSF jawan had to put video on social media for BSF/MHA to take notice of sorry state of affairs GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) January 9, 2017 The rot is there in our system. Shortchanging is our way of life even if it means playing with lives of others. #BSFjawan Ravi Dhingra (@PhotosByRavi) January 10, 2017 The BSF Jawan must be applauded for exposing the truth but I am scared he is not punished @rajnathsingh @BSF_India Abhijit Gupta (@Abhijit_TravelD) January 10, 2017 Infiniti stunned the automotive world last April when it rolled out the QX Sport Inspiration concept at the 2016 Beijing auto show. The concept combined flowing, sculptural lines and strong, muscular proportions with Infinitis signature design cues, resulting in one impressive-looking SUV. Given the size of the concept, at 181 inches in length and with a wheelbase of 110 in, we knew all along it was actually a thinly-veiled preview of the next-generation QX50. Now Infiniti has confirmed that thinking with the reveal of the almost identical QX50 concept. ALSO SEE: 2018 Audi SQ5 debuts with 354 hp and 369 lb-ft Unveiled on Monday at the 2017 Detroit auto show, the QX50 concept not only previews the design of the next QX50, it also previews some of the upcoming vehicles technologies. These include Nissan and Infinitis ProPilot driver assist feature and VC-Turbo variable compression engine. The QX50 concept indicates that, at least stylistically, the redesigned QX50 will diverge significantly by sporting a sleek sexy design that contrasts with the somewhat plain looking current model. Infiniti calls the new look Powerful Elegance. The interior is much plusher than were used to seeing in Infiniti vehicles. The dashboard controls are angled towards the driver and most of the surfaces are lined in cut and sewn leather and accented with real wood and metal elements. On the seats there is dot quilting which Infiniti says was inspired by classic buttoned-leather sofas. Infiniti QX50 concept, 2017 Detroit auto show In the center of the dash is a wide touchscreen display. As well as displaying navigation and infotainment features, the screen also presents information related to the cars ProPilot driver assist feature. It can even show a graphic of the VC-Turbo engine shifting between its various compression ratios. The VC-Turbo in the QX50 concept is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). In normal engines the compression ratio is fixed. Infiniti is targeting 268 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque for its first VC-Turbo engine. Those numbers are substantially better than the 208 hp and 258 lb-ft from Infinitis current turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4, and the new engine will likely offer better fuel economy too. Story continues As for ProPilot, this is the name of Nissan and Infinitis new self-driving technology. In the QX50 concept its more of an assist feature than a true self-driving feature. Infiniti says ProPilot will enable the conceptand likely the production model it will spawnto crawl in traffic, cruise on the highway and keep track of surrounding vehicles on its own. Infiniti hasnt mentioned when its redesigned QX50 will arrive. We expect it to be revealed in late 2017 or early the following year. For more from the Detroit auto show, head to our dedicated hub. The Recently Rebranded Website Now Includes Extensive Guides on Specialist Types of Cover, including LGBT, High BMI and Other Life Insurance Policies LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / The founders of Insurance Hero, a specialist UK life insurance cover company, are pleased to announce the launch of their newly re-branded website. In addition to being more user-friendly than ever, the site now features helpful educational guides on more specialist types of cover, including LGBT, HIV, high BMI and diabetes life insurance policies. To get a no obligation and free quote, please visit http://www.insurancehero.org.uk/get-a-life-insurance-quote at any time. As part of the revamped and updated website, Insurance Hero also now features easy-to-understand articles on topics that are often confusing for people; this includes a guide on life insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is often misunderstood and made overly complicated by some brokers. As a company spokesperson noted, the founders of Insurance Hero understand how difficult it can be for people to find affordable life insurance coverage. Checking out the different companies and their policies is not only time consuming, it can leave people feeling confused and overwhelmed. This knowledge inspired them to launch Insurance Hero, a company that compares leading UK insurers. By analysing multiple insurers, people can rest assured that they are getting the perfect cover to meet their needs. "Technology allows us to quickly compare life insurance quotes from a large number of companies and provide you with fast feedback and bespoke plans," the company spokesperson noted, adding that people who work with Insurance Hero also have personal access to a friendly and experienced life insurance specialist. Using the newly re-branded Insurance Hero website is quick and easy. To get a personal quote, people simply need to fill in the life insurance form that is on the site, or they may also call the company directly. After Insurance Hero receives the information, they go to work to find the best possible quote for the person's requirements. Then, a member of the team will contact the person by phone or email to go over the quote. Story continues To learn more about life insurance and how it works, please check out this short video by Insurance Hero at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEECpKZeSCw&feature=youtu.be. About Insurance Hero: Insurance Hero are a UK-based life insurance company offering bespoke policy comparisons from an extensive panel of insurers. They offer a fast and no obligation quotation system that caters for both mass market and the more specialist types of cover. These include quotes for people with pre-existing conditions and for those who work in dangerous environments. They have been in business since 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.insurancehero.org.uk/. Contact: Simon Jones press@insurancehero.org.uk 0203 150 1349 SOURCE: Insurance Hero (TEHRAN, Iran) Hundreds of thousands of mourners flooded the streets of Tehran on Tuesday, beating their chests and wailing in grief for the late Iranian leader Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei held prayers by Rafsanjanis casket, as other dignitaries knelt before the coffin on which his white clerics turban was placed, reaching their hands out for one final embrace. Just behind Khamenei was President Hassan Rouhani, whose moderate administration led the recent nuclear negotiations with world powers. Rouhani, who is all but certain to run for re-election in May, is viewed as embodying Rafsanjanis realist vision. Hard-liners also took part in the ceremony Tuesday, which was a public holiday across the country. Among them was Qassem Soleimani, a general who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations like the war in Syria. Both Soleimani and Rafsanjani are from Irans southeastern province of Kerman and worked together during the 1980s war against Iraq war. Apparently banned from the funeral was former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, a reformist who remains popular among the young but is deeply disliked by hard-liners. State media have banned the broadcasting of any images of Khatami. Outside, mourners carried posters bearing Rafsanjanis image as his casket slowly made his way through the streets. I rarely attend religious ceremonies, but I am here as an Iranian who cannot forget Rafsanjanis contribution to developing political sphere in favor of people in recent years, said Nima Sheikhi, a computer teacher at a private school. Nearby was cleric Reza Babaei from the eastern town of Birjand near Afghan border. I am here to say goodbye to a man who dedicated his life to make Iran better, Babaei said. He founded the university in my city and developed our region when he was in power. Story continues Many in the crowds chanted that they would continue along Rafsanjanis path. The semi-official ILNA news agency said that on the sidelines of the funeral ceremony, prominent moderate lawmaker Ali Motahari was asked by several mourners to free opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi from house arrest the two have been under since 2011. Our message is clear, the house arrest should be lifted, some chanted. The police and security forces did not react to the chants. Rafsanjanis casket was heading to the ornate, massive shrine of the late Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini. There, he will be buried by the leader of Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the rule of the American-backed shah. Rafsanjani, a close aide to both Khomeini and Khamenei, served as president from 1989 to 1997. His life mirrored Irans modern history. He served as the right-hand man of Khomeini. He led the military during the ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. He helped launch Irans nuclear program and then pushed for reconciliation with the West. In the years after Khomeinis 1989 death, Rafsanjani represented one of an ever-shrinking number of leaders directly tied to the Islamic Revolution. Internally, however, his legacy remains mixed. He was massively wealthy and a veteran at maneuvering within Irans opaque political system. He was considered a protector of the moderates, but many reformers distrusted him because he was such an insider and because of accusations he was involved in killing dissidents during his eight-year presidency, which he always denied. Hard-liners distrusted him because of his support of moderates and sought to sideline him, but he was too powerful and entrenched to be discounted. Russia is reportedly set to ship a huge consignment of natural uranium measuring 116 metric tons (nearly 130 tons) to Iran, in a move ratified by the outgoing U.S. administration and all other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The move aimed at solidifying the landmark Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015, also compensates Iran for the 40 metric tons of heavy water (reactor coolant) exported by it to Russia, according to anonymous diplomats who spoke ahead of a meeting this week in Vienna of representatives of Iran, the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany to review Iranian complaints, the Associated Press (AP) reported. However, the latest move may unsettle the incoming U.S. administration led by President-elect Donald Trump and several other American lawmakers who have already articulated their criticism of the deal. During his election rallies, Trump had already pledged to withdraw support from the deal. Separately, he also told an Israeli lobbying group that it was the worst deal ever negotiated and that it was his number one priority to dismantle it. Other members of the Trump transition team such as Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who will be the president-elects National Security Advisor and Mike Pompeo, who is taking over as director of the CIA, have also similarly denounced the deal. Although Iran has pledged to peaceful use of the nuclear technology and diplomats claim that the transferred natural uranium would be under strict overwatch by the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency for 25 years after implementation of the deal, the main concerns for many in the U.S. is whether Iran will continue to be committed to the civilian use of nuclear energy as the uranium can be enriched to produce atomic weapons. No part of the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] obligates the P5+1 to gift the Iranian regime tons of natural uranium, which can be further enriched to build bombs. ... This is one more reckless unilateral concession that the Obama administration should forgo, particularly amid reports that Iran has been close to exhausting its domestic deposits, Matan Shamir, executive director at the advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran, told the Algemeiner. Story continues Similarly, David Albright, head of the Institute for Science and International Security think tank, that reportedly briefs U.S. lawmakers on Iran's nuclear program, was quoted by the AP as saying that Iran could potentially make 10 simple nuclear bombs depending on the efficiency of the enrichment process and the design of the nuclear weapon. However, U.S. officials like State Department spokesman John Kirby and White House spokesman Josh Earnest downplayed the fears. They also did not confirm the reported agreement. Kirby, for instance, told reporters there is no ban on such imports by Iran and Earnest reportedly said such arrangements are "subject to the careful monitoring and inspections that are included in the deal to ensure that Iran is living up to the commitments that they made." Related Articles RTR2VQX9 The news came out Monday that Iranian fast-attack craft had once again harassed US Navy ships in the Persian Gulf with unsafe and unprofessional behavior, forcing the USS Mahan to fire warning shots. The incident, the first of its type reported this year, follows a significant increase in Iran's navy harassing US ships in 2016, the US Navy has told Business Insider. Iran's ability to undermine the West, to harass their ships in international waters, and to look militarily strong while having weak conventional forces owes to Tehran' ;expert handling of the US diplomatically and militarily, according to Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior Iran analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Although the US lists Iran as the No. 1 state sponsor of terror and has accordingly moved to sanction Iran over the past few decades, the actions have not been enough to deter Iran. According to Taleblu, "sanctions are an important step, but theyre not the only step." In addition to sanctions, the US would benefit from a signaling its resolve against Iran, where the Obama administration has been seen as "phobic" in confronting them. The US "need[s] to make sure our commanders and CENTCOM (the US command responsible for the Middle East region) have a free hand not to go rogue but so they do not feel politically encumbered to defend themselves, US vessels, and partners in the region," said Taleblu. USS Mahan Retired Navy Captain Lawrence Brennan, also an expert on international maritime law and the rules of engagement, told Business Insider the US Navy's response so far has been "measured and appropriate under the circumstances," but also noted that it was likely muted somewhat by concerns over Iran's nuclear program in an incident that "seems to be near the edge," of militarily actionable behavior. Story continues Others say that the Navy has exercised too much restraint under a president striving to improve ties with Iran, and that may be actually encouraging Iran to act aggressively. Former US Navy Commander Jeremy Vaughan stressed in an essay for the Washington Institute that the strategic goals of the Obama administration may have confined Navy commanders to more docile responses to Iranian aggression. iran irgc navy fast attack craft According to Vaughan, even when Navy commanders have established the "threat triangle" (determining that a threat has the capability, opportunity, and intent to harm the US Navy), sailors have not responded with force in keeping with naval guidance. A specific example comes from the January 2016 capture of US Navy sailors on a broken down boat by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' navy during which the boat captain said he had thought the following: "the Commander in Chief would not want me to start a war over a mistake, over a misunderstanding." So while no direct decree from the president has hamstrung the Navy, the overall political climate deterred a more forceful action. How Iran bosses around the much stronger US kerry zarif Taleblu explained that the reason Iran is "an enduring threat, even though its a weak state, is because it fights asymmetrically." According to Taleblu, understanding Iran's strategy requires looking into the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. Iran's navy, soundly defeated by US ships in the Persian Gulf, never fully recovered after the conflict. The US "went after their frigates and destroyers. Now Iran goes after us with these little speedboats," said Taleblu. Iran "cannot fight a set piece war against America. Thats why its military is framed the way it is," said Taleblu. Instead, Iran focuses on sending weapons to terrorist organizations that oppose the US and their allies. For example, Iran sent missiles to Iraq to use against US soldiers during Operation Iraqi Freedom. More recently, Iran has been tied, though not conclusively, to providing anti-ship missiles that Houthi militants fired against US ships off the coast of Yemen. Despite being a smaller country with a conventionally weaker military, Iran has proven a "competent adversary capable of learning," says Taleblu. Iran missile Meanwhile, pursuing nuclear weapons has worried the US enough to engage with them diplomatically. The Iranian deal only addresses nuclear weapons and doesn't include effective measures to combat its ballistic missile program. The lack of restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program, which could easily be modified to create nuclear ballistic missiles, "is a direct result of the failure of the Obama administration to include ballistic missiles in talks with Tehran," said Taleblu. So Iran openly sponsors terror, and tests ballistic missiles with slogans that read "Israel should be wiped off the Earth" printed on the side. "The launches actually make the US look weak," said Taleblu. Iran "does it to poke a finger in the eye of the West," and have been allowed to because the US failed to stop Iran's ballistic missile ambitions when they curbed Iran's nuclear program, said Taleblu. Iran has masterfully employed cheap, asymmetrical means of keeping their enemies, the US and its allies, off balance. Iran lacks a modern air force, which would be terribly expensive, so instead Tehran is pursuing the development of ballistic missiles to continue engaging in terror while simultaneously deterring attacks on their homeland said Taleblu. Since Iran has not engaged in overt military actions, the US military cannot fight Tehran head on. Iran instead spreads its influence through a diverse group of regional proxies in a move that the US cannot address simply by force. "The cost of the US fighting Iran is so prohibitive [that the US is] just forced to absorb the provocations," said Taleblu. NOW WATCH: The US struck radar sites in Yemen after rebels tried to attack a Navy ship with missiles More From Business Insider Grocers are looking at ways to add value to their products as consumer trends shift and food prices continue to stay low. Consumers, fed by the growth of millennial shoppers, are putting a premium on fresh and local ingredients. Prices for staples such as meat and dairy dropped nearly 10 percent last year and experts expect that trend to continue into 2017. Nina Winistorfer of Festival Foods said the grocery store chain has seen prices for beef, pork and poultry drop nearly 25 percent compared to previous years. Produce items also saw prices come down from 2015 levels when cold and wet growing conditions in the southwest hurt yields. Growing conditions have continued to be cooperative for produce farmers, but Winistorfer said that can change quickly. One exception to the trend of falling prices is the orange juice market, which saw crop damage in Brazil, lowering supplies. Brandon Scholz, president of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, said prices, in general, have been down the past six months due to lower feed and fuel costs. A Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Survey conducted last fall found prices had dropped 8.2 percent on the 16 items the organization tracks including eggs, milk, flour, oil and ground beef. Americans have some of the cheapest food in the world, he said, which makes it hard to argue prices are too high. But with all the competition in the market La Crosse has seven grocery store brands as well as big-box stores such as Walmart and Target within a 10-mile radius the competition for consumer dollars is very tight, Scholz said. As a result, Scholz said grocers tend to have very thin margins of about 80 cents per $100 of groceries sold. Grocers cant sell below margin or theyd lose money, but with margins that close, it is also very easy to go from a profit to a loss. This is great for consumers, but not for grocers, he said. It reduces their margins. Consumer trends are also changing as millennials make up more and more of the workforce. Scholz said shoppers are looking more and more to do their business online or through mobile apps, as well as putting a premium on quality and taste. Consumers are also cooking at home more, but are outsourcing much of the meal prep work with the rise of delivery services such as HelloFresh and Blue Apron offering complete meals in a box. To compete, grocers are offering their own premium services such as online shopping, recipes and meal planning as well as offering more value-added items. Instead of boxed dinners, Festival has been seeing a rise in its prepped foods, La Crosses Village Festival Foods Assistant Store Manager Adam Wershofen said. Ready-to-eat items such as sandwiches and deli case offerings are popular, as well as pre-cut fruits and vegetables. The store also offers a number of one-step prepped items that pair a protein with a couple of sides and shoppers simply need to cook themselves. This includes seafood items that are bagged and can be quickly cooked in the microwave. You basically have your meal made for you, he said. It is just how busy peoples lives are now. Shoppers are also visiting the store more often instead of stocking up for a week or two and they pay more attention to what they are eating and the flavors being created. Scholz said the Asian spice turmeric is trendy right now but consumers palates are constantly changing. We are always looking at what we offer on our shelves and if its the right mix of what customers want, Wershofen said. In the biggest state funeral held in the Islamic Republic in the past quarter of a century, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, one of the last remaining founding fathers of the republic, was laid to rest on Tuesday. Rafsanjani, a former President who held a unique place in Irans political firmament, was buried beside his mentor Ayatollah Khomeini in the sprawling cemetery in downtown Tehran where many of his comrades of the 1979 Islamic revolution are buried. In a funeral procession symbolic of Rafsanjanis amazingly complex and inconsistent public persona, the one-time hardline revolutionary turned pragmatic moderate was mourned by thousands upon thousands of Iranians of all walks of life. From devoted revolutionaries to dissidents, from the staunchly pious to those who barely observed the Islamic hijab, from the lower to the affluent middle classes, everyone saw something they respected or cherished in Rafsanjanis six decades in politics. For years he has been alongside the people, the Islamic Republic, the whole nation is indebted to him, said Amir Alizadeh, a 55-year-old former state employee who had attended with his wife. Ive come to pay respect to all the work he did for the Islamic Republic, all the struggles and hardship he endured for the revolution, said 32-year-old Ehsan Mohammadi, who considered himself a devout supporter of the establishment. Others favored Rafsanjanis more recent stances and actions, From the 2009 unrests onwards Rafsanjani worked in the interests of the people, he strived for them, said Afsaneh, a 59-year-old pensioner who had attended with her daughter and who declined to give her full name. Ive come to the funeral to show that I will continue his path. Rafsanjani had always been an unpredictable figure, changing his views and stances with time. In the first years of the revolution he had actively participated in the quashing of all opposition, yet in 2009 he came out in support of dissidents. While parliamentary speaker in the 80s he helped to set up a socialist economy but in the decade that followed he led, as president, a massive liberalization of the economy. As commander of Iranian forces in the war with Iraq he had decried the lack of dedication to total war by others, but later said the world of tomorrow is that of dialogue not missiles. Story continues This had led his opponents to call him opportunistic, and his supporters pragmatic but what they all agreed upon was his uncanny ability to appeal to large segments of the populace at all times, even though those segments changed drastically throughout the years. This appeal allowed many Iranians to keep faith in the establishment, in spite of hardships and differences of opinion. He had a tranquilizing effect, he kept hope alive, said Saleh Mahlooji, a student and reformist activist who had attended the funeral. Somehow he managed to unite people behind the system. With his sudden death on Sunday Iranians of all persuasions were left wondering who, if anyone could play this role after him. With his death the split between different groups of people and the state could widen, Mahlooji said. That split was vividly apparent today, as just yards away from each other groups of loyalists and dissidents were shouting slogans in support of their cause. At one point, when forced together by the pressure of the crowd, their voices joined into one chorus, from bearded hardliners to hip young women wearing as little hijab as they could get away with. Together, they shouted: Your path will continue Hashemi! No matter what path they each meant, Rafsanjani had in death, for a day at least, united Iranians one last time. Baghdad (AFP) - Iraq's oil minister called Tuesday for Angolan energy firm Sonangol to resume work at fields south of Mosul where the Islamic State group had set wells alight, sparking months-long infernos. Iraqi forces recaptured the Qayyarah and Najmah fields last year, but oil wells have burned long after IS was pushed back, blanketing areas for miles around in a haze of smoke. Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luaibi "called on Angolan company Sonangol to resume work in developing the Qayyarah and Najmah fields in Nineveh province," the oil ministry said in a statement. Luaibi made the call during a meeting with Sonangol executive administrator Edson dos Santos, and requested that work be resumed at the two fields by the end of next month, the ministry said. The statement said that "most of the wells set on fire by terrorist gangs" had been brought under control, but ministry spokesman Assem Jihad told AFP that nine were still burning. Sonangol made the winning bids in 2009 to develop Qayyarah and Najmah. But IS overran the areas after launching a devastatingly effective offensive in 2014 that saw it seize swathes of territory north and west of Baghdad. The jihadists have since been pushed back, but they set oil wells alight in a bid to sow destruction and provide cover from attacking aircraft before they withdrew. Iraqi forces are now battling IS inside Mosul, the country's second city and the last in which the jihadists hold significant territory. The Iraqi government relies on oil for the vast majority of its revenue, and has been hit hard by falling prices following years of mismanagement and corruption that squandered funds when prices were high. By John Davison and Stephen Kalin BAGHDAD/ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi forces fought their way into more districts of Mosul but advances in the city's southeast were being slowed by Islamic State's use of civilians for cover, military officials said on Tuesday. The United Nations said civilian casualties had streamed into nearby hospitals in the last two weeks as fighting intensified in the jihadist group's last major stronghold in Iraq. Advances by elite forces in the city's east and northeast have picked up speed in a new push since the turn of the year, and U.S.-backed forces have for the first time reached the Tigris river, which bisects the city. "They entered Hadba (district) today. There is a battle inside the city," Lt-Colonel Abbas al-Azawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi army's 16th division, said. Seizing control of Hadba, a large district, would likely take more than a day, and Islamic State (IS) were deploying suicide bombers, he added. Recapturing Mosul after more than two years of Islamic State rule would probably spell the end of the Iraqi side of the group's self-declared caliphate, which spans areas of Iraq and Syria. Forces in the city's eastern and northeastern districts, and in particular the elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS), have made rapid gains in past days. Better defenses against militant car bombs and improved coordination among the advancing troops had helped put Islamic State on the back foot, U.S. and Iraqi military officers said. "Every day the Iraqi Security Forces go forward and every day the enemy goes backward or underground," U.S. Air Force Colonel John Dorrian, spokesman for the coalition, told reporters in Erbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. MILITANTS 'HIDING IN MOSQUES' But fighting in neighbourhoods in the southeast has been tougher. "The challenge is that they (IS) are hiding among civilian families, that's why our advances are slow and very cautious," Lieutenant-Colonel Abdel Amir al-Mohammedawi, a spokesman for the rapid response units of Iraq's federal police, told Reuters. Mohammedawi said rapid response units and Iraqi army units had fought their way into the Palestine and Sumer districts in the last day, but that Islamic State fighters were firing at civilians trying to flee. "The families, when they see Iraqi forces coming, flee from the areas controlled by Daesh (Islamic State) towards the Iraqi forces, holding up white flags, and Daesh bomb them with mortars and Molotov cocktails, and also shoot at them. "Whenever they (IS) withdraw from a district, they shell it at random, and it's heavy shelling," he said. Col. Dorrian said militant fighters were hiding in mosques, schools and hospitals, using civilians as human shields. The United Nations' humanitarian coordination office (OCHA) said nearly 700 people had been taken to hospitals in cities in Kurdish-controlled areas outside Mosul in the last week, and more than 817 had required hospital treatment a week earlier. "Trauma casualties remain extremely high, particularly near frontline areas," OCHA said. The U.S.-backed operation to drive the ultra-hardline militants from Mosul began in October and has recaptured villages and towns surrounding the city, and most of Mosul's eastern half. (Additional reporting by Girish Gupta in Erbil; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Richard Lough) * Offensive has picked up speed in new year * Islamic State fighting back and targeting civilians * All bridges over Tigris in Mosul damaged * Defeat in Mosul would be decisive blow for the jihadists (Adds Iraq PM, WHO) By Stephen Kalin and John Davison ERBIL, Iraq/BAGHDAD, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Iraqi forces pushed Islamic State fighters back further in Mosul on Tuesday in a renewed effort to seize the northern city and deal a decisive blow to the militant group, though progress was slow in some districts, the army said. Iraqi forces and their allies have captured villages and towns surrounding Mosul and seized at least two-thirds of its eastern districts, military officials say, reaching the eastern bank of the Tigris river for the first time on Sunday. The government had initially hoped to retake Mosul by the end of 2016 but three months into the U.S.-backed campaign, the militants control the territory to the west of the Tigris that bisects the city from north to south. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in December it would now take another three months to drive the militants out of Mosul, the largest city under Islamic State control in Iraq or Syria. Civilians wounded in the fighting streamed into nearby hospitals and Iraqi forces blamed Islamic State for shooting at fleeing residents and shelling populated areas after losing control of them. United Nations humanitarian spokesman Jens Laerke said nearly 700 people had been taken to hospitals in Kurdish-controlled areas outside Mosul in the last week and more than 817 had required hospital treatment a week earlier. "Trauma casualties remain extremely high, particularly near frontlines," he told reporters in Geneva. The World Health Organization (WHO) said about 50 wounded patients a day had come into emergency wards in Erbil over the past two weeks, up from 32 a day previously. BRIDGES BLOWN Recapturing Mosul after more than two years of Islamic State rule would probably spell the end of the Iraqi side of the group's self-declared caliphate, which spans Iraq and Syria. Story continues But advances inside Mosul slowed in November and December as troops engaged in tough urban warfare with the jihadists, who are thought to number several thousand in the city. The militants fought back with suicide car bombs and snipers hidden among the civilian population. They have also recently blown up sections of two bridges crossing the Tigris to try to slow the Iraqi advance, military officials say. Abadi said on Tuesday the destruction of the bridges would not stop Iraqi forces from "liberating ... the people of Mosul". Elite forces in the city's east and northeast have advanced faster since the turn of the year thanks to new tactics and better coordination but there was stiff resistance in the southeast of Mosul, military officials said. Lieutenant Colonel Abbas al-Azawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi army's 16th division, said Iraqi forces entered Hadba on Tuesday, a large northeastern district, though it would likely take more than a day to capture as IS was using suicide bombers. Iraqi counter-terrorism service (CTS) units encircled the nearby Sukkar district on Monday and sought to recapture the strategic Mosul University area. The United Nations has said Islamic State seized nuclear material used for research there when the militant group overran a third of Iraq in 2014. The CTS and army units want to capture all the eastern bank of the Tigris so they can launch attacks on western Mosul. Mosul's five bridges across the Tigris had already been partially damaged by U.S.-led air strikes to slow the militants' movement before Islamic State blew up two of them. Coalition spokesman U.S. Air Force Colonel John Dorrian told Reuters last week the new damage done by retreating IS fighters was "severe" but would not stop the advance. "Every day the Iraqi Security Forces go forward and every day the enemy goes backward or underground," he told reporters in Erbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region on Tuesday. HUMAN SHIELDS Fighting in neighbourhoods in the southeast of Mosul has been tougher, however, as Iraqi forces push towards the river. "The challenge is that (IS) are hiding among civilian families, that's why our advances are slow and very cautious," Lieutenant Colonel Abdel Amir al-Mohammedawi, a spokesman for the rapid response units of Iraq's federal police, told Reuters. He said police and army units had fought their way into the Palestine and Sumer districts over the last day but Islamic State fighters were firing at civilians trying to flee. "The families, when they see Iraqi forces coming, flee from the areas controlled by Daesh (Islamic State) towards the Iraqi forces, holding up white flags, and Daesh bomb them with mortars and Molotov cocktails, and also shoot at them. "Whenever they withdraw from a district, they shell it at random, and it's heavy shelling," he said. Dorrian said militant fighters were hiding in mosques, schools and hospitals, using civilians as human shields. One resident reached by phone in a recently recaptured district of Mosul said shells had continued to fall near his home, forcing him to move his family to another neighbourhood. "In the 10 days since we were liberated, the bombs haven't stopped. Shells fall every day near the house and we've seen civilians killed and wounded several times," he said, without giving his name. Another resident said he had heard an Islamic State radio broadcast urging fighters to fire at areas were the civilians remained once the Iraqi army had moved in. OIL EXPORTS The number of people driven out of their homes by fighting spiked around the beginning of the new push by Iraqi forces, but has since returned to previous levels, the U.N.'s Laerke said. Since the offensive started in October, some 135,000 people have been displaced, he said, adding that a non-governmental organisation had opened a field hospital east of Mosul to take the strain off hospitals in Erbil, some 60 km (40 miles) away. In a sign Baghdad is keen to revive parts of its economy hit by Islamic State's expansion more than two years ago, the oil ministry said this week it might resume exports via a pipeline to Turkey through Nineveh province, where Mosul is located. Relations with Ankara may have to improve first, however. Abadi said relations "cannot move forward one step" without the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Bashiqa camp near Mosul. Turkey's military presence in northern Iraq, where its forces have trained Sunni and Kurdish fighters, has been a point of friction between the two regional powers since well before the Mosul campaign began. Iraq's oil ministry also invited an Angolan oil company to start work at two oil fields close to Mosul, which Islamic State withdrew from months ago, setting oil wells alight as they left. (Reporting by Stephen Kalin and Girish Gupta in Erbil; John Davison, Ahmed Rasheed and Saif Hameed in Baghdad,; Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva; writing by John Davison; editing by David Clarke) Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank shot dead a Palestinian who attacked them during an overnight operation to arrest suspected militants, the army said on Tuesday. A Palestinian rights group said the man was shot in his home at point blank range, calling it an "execution." A military statement said no soldiers were injured in the raid at Al-Fara refugee camp, northeast of the city of Nablus. "Overnight, an assailant, armed with a knife, attempted to stab soldiers on operational activity to arrest suspects," the statement said. "Forces called the attacker to halt and, upon his continued advance, fired toward him, resulting in his death." It added that others in the camp hurled explosives and shot at the soldiers. Khaled Mansour, an official in the camp, identified the dead man as Mohammed al-Salhi, 32. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) called it an "execution," saying the shooting occurred inside Salhi's house in front of his mother. In a statement the group said Israeli soldiers raided the house and one "pulled out a gun with a silencer and directly fired five bullets at Mohammed at point-blank range." Asked by AFP, the army denied it took place in the house but did not respond further to the PCHR allegations. The Palestinian Prisoners Club said Salhi had been jailed by Israel between 2004 and 2007 for being a member of a banned militant group linked to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. Since October 2015, 248 Palestinians, 40 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some died in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with the Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, comatose peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have helped feed the unrest. Story continues Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause. The Al-Fara raid came less than 48 hours after a Palestinian rammed a truck into troops visiting a Jerusalem tourist site, killing four soldiers in a stark reminder of tensions despite a recent lull in violence. The attacker was shot dead at the scene. ROME, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Italian police arrested two people on Tuesday for hacking into thousands of email accounts, including those of European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and former prime minister Matteo Renzi. "There were tens of thousands of email accounts hacked, and among them were accounts belonging to bankers, businessmen and even several cardinals in the Vatican," Roberto Di Legami, director of the specialised cyber police unit that conducted the investigation, told Reuters. How the information may have been used is still under investigation, he said. It is still not clear exactly how much information was collected and how important it may have been, he said. Police have sequestered a server in Rome containing thousands of files, but 99 percent of the data was stored in the United States, Di Legami said. The information will be shipped back in coming days but it will take some time before it can be analysed. (Reporting by Steve Scherer, editing by Isla Binnie) * Businessmen, law firms, Vatican officials also targeted * Most material stored in U.S. servers, seized by FBI * Information likely used for investing - police (Adds details) By Steve Scherer and Massimiliano Di Giorgio ROME, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Italian police arrested two siblings on Tuesday for hacking into the emails of European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, former prime minister Matteo Renzi and thousands of others. The Rome court ordered the detention of Giulio Occhionero, 45, and his sister Francesca Maria Occhionero, 48, for stealing state secrets and illegal hacking. Lawyers representing the two could not be immediately reached. "There were tens of thousands of email accounts hacked, and among them were accounts belonging to bankers, businessmen and even several cardinals in the Vatican," Roberto Di Legami, head of the specialised police cyber unit that conducted the investigation, told Reuters. Giulio Occhionero, a trained nuclear engineer and co-founder of investment firm Westland Securities, used a malware to infect the email accounts so that he could make "investments based on reserved information," Di Legami said. Draghi's account at the Bank of Italy, where he was previously governor, and Renzi's personal Apple account that he used while he was prime minister were among those infected by the malware, according to the arrest warrant. Renzi's official email as prime minister was also targeted, Di Legami said. However, Draghi's ECB account was not listed in the warrant as having been touched and a source close to the matter said there was no evidence of a successful hacking of an ECB account. A spokesman for Renzi had no immediate comment. The ECB declined to comment. The Bank of Italy, whose former Director General Fabrizio Saccomanni was also a victim, also had no immediate comment. Cyber crimes are in focus after U.S. intelligence agencies last week said Russia had conducted a cyber campaign aimed at discrediting Democrat Hillary Clinton and helping president-elect Donald Trump win the 2016 vote. Story continues There was no evidence the Italian hackers were acting on behalf of foreign states, Di Legami said. ALL-SEEING EYE Occhionero was a high-ranking member of a Masonic lodge, which in Italy are shrouded in secrecy, and among those he monitored was the grand master of the country's biggest lodge, the arrest warrant said. Occhionero, which means black-eye in Italian, used a customised malware called "EyePyramid", a reference to the all-seeing eye of God like the one depicted on the back of the U.S. dollar bill. The stolen data was stored in servers in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and Salt Lake City, Utah, the court document showed. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has seized the servers and will ship them to Italy, Di Legami said. While most of the hacking appears to have been focused on the email accounts, there was evidence that he had managed to install a keylogger on some computers, allowing him to see every keystroke, the warrant showed. The investigation began when an infected email was detected in April, 2016, though there is evidence the two had been using the malware to spy since 2010. Investigations so far show some 18,000 accounts may have been hacked, and some 2,000 user passwords identified. Email addresses at important corporate law firms, accounting companies, finance police officials, economy ministry officials, Vatican offices, labour unions, and even credit recovery groups were also put under surveillance, according to the warrant. (Additional reporting by Francesco Canepa in Frankfurt, and Philip Pullella and Stefano Bernabei in Rome; Editing by Isla Binnie and Richard Lough) (Adds 5-Star confirming return to UKIP alliance, Grillo comments) BRUSSELS/ROME, Jan 10 (Reuters) - After being rejected by the Liberals, Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement on Tuesday went back to its alliance with UKIP in the European Parliament and on its return gave up a leading role in the grouping. UKIP's founder Nigel Farage said that all differences with 5-Star had been resolved "in an amicable manner" despite 5-Star's founder, Beppe Grillo, on Monday writing a post on his blog, the party's main mouthpiece, bidding farewell to Farage. Farage said in a statement he welcomed back the 5-Star's 17 European lawmakers, but noted that some "administrative changes" would be needed before continuing to work together in the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group (EFDD). Grillo wrote on his blog that 5-Star's co-president of the EFDD, David Borrelli, had given up his position. Borrelli was one of the main negotiators of the failed deal with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and his departure strengthens UKIP within the group. In his blog, Grillo lashed out at ALDE's leader, Guy Verhofstadt, a former Belgian prime minister who had previously paved the way for 5-Star's entry into ALDE but failed to convince enough of the group's members to follow his line. Verhofstadt "should be ashamed of himself because, like a coward, he bowed to the pressure from the establishment", Grillo wrote. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio in BRUSSELS and Gavin Jones in ROME; Editing by Louise Ireland) Ivanka Trump will be stepping down from her company but will not be playing a role in her father's administration in Washington, according to reports. Read: Streep Fighter: Trump Advisor Kellyanne Conway Rips Meryl Over Golden Globes Dis Donald Trump's eldest daughter has arranged to resign from her roles in the Trump Organization and the Fashion label that bears her name when her father takes the oath of office next week, Vanity Fair reported Monday. Ivanka, who served as an adviser during the president-elect's campaign and subsequent transition, will not continue in that role, devoting her time to her family instead, Reuters reported Monday. Her husband, Jared Kushner, was named a senior Trump adviser Monday. "Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration," Donald Trump said in a statement. Read: Inside Ivanka Trump's $5.5 Million D.C. Mansion, Around the Block From the Obamas' Post-White House Digs Ivanka and her family will be moving into a home in the Kalorama neighborhood of the nations capital which will be blocks away from where the Obamas will be moving to after January 20 and is also a short distance from the White House. Watch: Vice President Joe Biden Tells President-Elect Trump: 'Time to Grow Up, Donald ... Time to Be an Adult' Related Articles: Award-winning actress Meryl Streep took the Golden Globes and social media by storm with her moving speech about the importance of members of the press and actors holding people in power accountable for their actions. Donald Trump dismissed Streeps acceptance speech calling her an over-rated actress. Now another celebrity has reacted to the whole Meryl Streep-Donald Trump controversy. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has made her thoughts clear on the matter. When a concerned fan suggested that soon the President-elect might call her over-rated, the 51-year-old scribe tweeted, Never forget that some peoples good opinion would be more insulting than their abuse! Later, Rowling retweeted Donald Clarkes tweet in which Trump is seen mocking disabled New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski during a 2015 rally. She has made it clear that she is not a fan of the businessman. She once called him a giant orange Twitter egg, according to Time. Finally, the Casual Vacancy author ended her reaction to the Meryl Streep-Donald Trump controversy by addressing a fans tweet. This fan told her that if all famous people are busy criticizing Trump for the next four years, he will be busy ranting on Twitter. Rowling reacted to the tweet by saying that criticizing the new President will be both a pleasure and duty. At the 2017 Golden Globes, when Streep accepted her Cecille B. DeMille Award, she pointed out that Hollywood is made up of diverse talent. The 67-year-old star cited an incident in which Trump mocked a disabled reporter and said that it broke her heart. She then insisted that actors and the press hold people in power accountable for their actions. The speech has since gone viral. A lot of anti-Trump sentiments were expressed by the public since Streep made that speech at the Golden Globes. Story continues What are your thoughts on Meryl Streeps speech and Donald Trumps diss? Share them below. J.K. Rowling Photo: Getty Images/Michael Loccisano Related Articles VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / Jackpot Digital Inc. (the "Company" or "Jackpot") (JP.V) (OTC PINK: JPOTF) (Frankfurt & Berlin Exchanges: LVH). Jackpot is pleased to announce that it has signed a licensing agreement with Portland Meadows Horse Track and Poker Club ("Portland Meadows") after Portland Meadows received approval from the City of Portland to install Jackpot's PokerPro electronic table games (ETGs). Jackpot will be deploying ETGs at the City's largest venue, Portland Meadows (www.portlandmeadows.com). Following the initial rollout in February, Jackpot and Portland Meadows plan to convert the majority of the poker rooms' traditional poker tables to Jackpot's ETGs during 2017. Jackpot is also targeting the remaining poker rooms in the Portland area for transition from traditional tables to ETGs in the near future. Due to recent regulatory changes instituted by the City of Portland, the City's poker rooms now require dealerless poker tables to meet the demands of their customers. Jackpot's ETGs will offer Portland's poker rooms a faster and more reliable poker operation through patented dealerless operations, seamless accounting, no dealer tipping, multi-table tournaments, and industry leading gameplay speed. Mr. Jake Kalpakian, President and CEO of Jackpot, states, "We are looking forward to our electronic table games rolling out at Portland Meadows. The fact is our ETGs are perfect products for racetracks/racinos, and we expect more and more of these style venues to license our ETGs. Furthermore, traditional poker room operators are increasingly interested in streamlining their operations with our ETGs, and there is huge potential in the nascent but growing electronic table game market in Portland and many other markets. We are confident that our ETGs will transform the poker scene in Portland and other poker/racino markets in the future." About Jackpot Digital Inc. Jackpot Digital Inc. is a leading electronic table games manufacturer and mobile gaming provider for the cruise ship industry and regulated casino industry. The Company specializes in multiplayer gaming products, including poker and casino games, which are complimented by a robust suite of backend tools for operators to efficiently control and optimize their gaming business. Story continues Jackpot NR - January 10, 2017 For more information on the Company, please contact Jake H. Kalpakian, President and CEO, at (604) 681-0204 ext 6105, or visit the Company's website at www.jackpotdigital.com. On behalf of the Board of Jackpot Digital Inc. "Jake H. Kalpakian" Jake H. Kalpakian President & CEO Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. SOURCE: Jackpot Digital Inc. Jamie Dornan describes his relationship with his wife and he couldnt be farther from his Fifty Shades character Okay ladies, this ones for you! Actor, Jamie Dornan revealed what he finds attractive and what his real-life romance is like, and hes so NOT Christian Grey its crazy. The Fifty Shades Darker actor might be married, and have two children, but that doesnt mean he cant share a little romance advice. Dornan opened up about what he finds attractive in a woman during an interview with Cosmopolitan for their January 2017 issue and were listening. Girls who are at ease with themselves, in whatever sort of way that manifests itself, Dornan told Cosmopolitan. And I guess I have my own meaning of it: girls whove got their sh*t sorted and are comfortable with who they are, he explained. If who they are is a bit unhinged, thats fine as long as theyre accepting of it! Rise and shine. #FiftyShades A photo posted by Fifty Shades Darker (@fiftyshadesmovie) on Mar 13, 2015 at 11:34am PDT He also explained that being playful and laughing is very important in a relationship and we totally agree. I like laughter I like trying to make people laugh, and I like when people make me laugh, Dornan said. I think my wifes very funny, so we have a giggle a lot. While laughter is a definite must for Dornan, he also revealed what he wouldnt want in his life, or marriagea Red Room! No more secrets. #FiftyShadesDarker, in theaters February 10. Tickets: link in bio. A video posted by Fifty Shades Darker (@fiftyshadesmovie) on Jan 8, 2017 at 1:00pm PST Id never in a million years have a Red Room. I learned from doing the research for the films that its just so far from what works for me, the Irish actor told the publication. And Ive got kids, so Id be dealing with some pretty heavy locks, he joked. I would save some money by not building a Red Room. Were pretty sure most people wouldnt have a Red Room, so no harm or foul thereLOL. As for the laughter-is-the-best-medicine in a relationship, we are on the same page Jamie. What do you think is key to a good romance? Would you go Fifty Shades Darker? Jamie Foxx has "gotta set the record straight" after it was reported that he was attacked on Saturday at Catch restaurant in West Hollywood, California. Foxx addressed the claims in a video posted to Instagram on Monday night. "Gotta set the record straight. Can't we all just get along?" he wrote. "East coast, West coast! Remember when they push and shove it's only love! #icecubevoice #backonmyfunnysh**." Despite allegations, West Hollywood Sheriff's Department told ET that they did not respond to any disturbance at the restaurant that night, and Catch would not respond to the reports. WATCH: Jamie Foxx Speaks Out About Fiery Car Crash Rescue -- 'I Don't Look at It as Heroic' In the video, the 59-year-old actor feigns a face injury as he jokes about getting into an alleged brawl. "I just want to address what happened on Saturday from my perspective of ...all I was trying to do was keep my own things," he explains. Foxx then removes the towel from his eye to reveal he doesn't have an injury at all, but rather a talent of crossing just one eye. "I'm just f**king with y'all," he quips. "Listen, in 2017, we don't want no violence. We don't wanna get hurt, and we don't want nobody hurt." Foxx then goes on to promote his new movie Sleepless, which hits theaters on Friday. "If you want to see me whip some a**, come check me on Friday the 13th, Sleepless," he says, plugging the film. "Come see me whip some a** for real." WATCH: Jamie Foxx and James Corden Turn Public Domain Into Hits on Late Late Show Foxx told ET that he got in fighting shape for Sleepless, after receiving some tough love from his father. "Six, seven months ago, I was 216 pounds, not paying attention, eating Mr. Chows and ordering mutton and I think I had a yak cheese," he admitted. "But my pops was like, 'Boy, what are you doing? You look like you're about to have baby.' And I said, 'Oh man!'" Story continues Check out more of our exclusive interview with Foxx: Related Articles TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical Co <4502.T> flagged its appetite for fresh acquisitions to bolster its drug portfolio after agreeing on Monday to acquire cancer drug maker Ariad Pharmaceuticals in a $5.20 billion deal. The Ariad transaction, at a 75 percent premium, is the latest example of the world's pharmaceutical giants paying handsomely to snap up promising drugs owned by rivals in a bid to secure stable revenue growth particularly in the burgeoning therapeutic markets such as treatments for cancer or rare diseases Pfizer Inc agreed in August to pay $14 billion for Medivation Inc, the maker of the $2.2 billion-a-year cancer drug Xtandi. In 2015, AbbVie Inc forked out $21 billion for Pharmacyclics, giving it ownership with Johnson & Johnson of blockbuster leukemia drug Imbruvica. Takeda's move comes as it readies to fend off imminent generic competition for its top-selling blood cancer drug Velcade, with other key products slated to go off patent later from 2020. Its Chief Financial Officer James Kehoe said that sound finances would keep the Japanese company in that hunt for potential hit drugs. "Should the right deal come along we have the capacity," Kehoe said during a conference call after Takeda announced the Ariad purchase. The company was in a position to limit its debt burden and retain a strong credit rating, he said. At the end of its last business year that ended on March 31, Takeda had 438 billion yen ($3.79 billion) in cash and cash equivalents. Takeda's Chief Executive Officer Christophe Weber said on the same call that while there were not many opportunities to buy cancer drugs and central nervous system drugs, such as Alzheimer remedies and bipolar treatments, the company, nevertheless, would make acquisitions "that make sense". Weber said the potential returns from Ariad's lung cancer treatment, Brigatinib, and its leukemia drug, Iclusig, along with other formulas in its pipeline justified the high premium. Story continues Takeda predicts annual sales from Brigatinib, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide on by April, could exceed $1 billion. "It has the potential to be the best in class," Weber said. Both Brigatinib and Iclusig, however, face tough competition, according to MorganStanley MUFGs pharmaceutical analyst, Shinichiro Muraoka. Ariads new drugs are in the third-fourth order groups in the market, so the competitive edge is not that high. Whether the premium of over 70 percent for the acquisition is justified depends on synergies ahead, Muraoka said in a note following the announcement. Takeda's shares gained 0.2 percent to 4,966 yen in Tokyo on Tuesday compared with a 0.5 percent dip in the benchmark Nikkei 225 index <.N225>. (Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Michael Perry and Muralikumar Anantharaman) Photo credit: undefined From Harper's BAZAAR Donald Trump plans to name his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who's married to Ivanka Trump, as a senior advisor to the president, according to NBC News. Kushner, 35, is largely seen as the president elect's closest confidante - "the last person [Trump] consulted before making major decisions," according to New York magazine. His "whispery" voice, The New York Times reported in November, would soothe Trump during late, sleepless nights in the final stages of the election. It's unclear exactly what role Kushner will play in the Trump White House, but his appointment is seen as formalizing an advisor relationship that would've existed between the president elect and Kushner whether or not he had an official job title. Such an appointment, however, raises questions about ethical issues due to the government's anti-nepotism law. Established in 1967, the law states: "A public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control any individual who is a relative of the public official." That includes a public official's son-in-law, according to NPR. But the debate over whether Trump can appoint Kushner centers on the definition of "agency." Does the White House constitute an agency? If not, then the president should be able to give his son-in-law a job in the White House. Kushner is currently chief executive at the real estate development company, Kushner Companies. He also owns the Observer newspaper (which went digital only last year). He and Ivanka Trump, who were married in 2009, have three children together. Kushner's brother, Josh, owns the healthcare startup Oscar and has dated model Karlie Kloss for four years. You Might Also Like Jeezy is the Nate Silver of the rap game. In a new video from Genius,the rapper breaks down the creation of his iconic Barack Obama toast My President. In the video the Thug Motivation rapper reveals that he made the song four months before POTUS was first elected. When I wrote the song, he didnt win until four months later. It was kinda spoken into existence, he said. Theres this guy who could possibly be our president and hes black like us. Not to say that thats the reason were voting for him, but its like damn, he made it this far. We gotta celebrate this. Jeezy explained the celebratory feeling he encountered after President Obama won. When he won, I had my blue Lambo, he said. I let my doors upblasting My President Is Black and even white people black people were like [screams] Jeezy, we did it! like we won together. Jeezy also didnt hold back when he was asked to break down his negative lines about former president George W. Bush. I feel like he robbed us all, man, he said. Bush came in, him and his family and they basically put the deficit worse than it was and they went to war for their oil We had a problem in Florida with the polls, you know what I mean he was cheating. Check out the whole video up top courtesy of Genius. Thirty-five years ago, the U.S. Attorneys office in the Southern District of Alabama played a crucial role in ensuring that the lynching of 19-year-old Michael Donald by two members of the Ku Klux Klan was investigated and punished. That gruesome case has become newly relevant with the nomination of Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions to run the Department of Justice. Sessions was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District when the Donald case was tried. In 1986, Sessions nomination for a federal judgeship was rejected after one of his former subordinates, Thomas Figures, alleged that Sessions called him boy, made remarks disparaging civil-rights organizations, and made jokes about the KKK, even as his office was investigating the Donald lynching. Civil-rights groups have harshly criticized Sessionss nomination, arguing that he is hostile to federal anti-discrimination and voting-rights law. Six members of the NAACP, including president Cornell Brooks, were arrested in early January after staging a sit-in at Sessionss Mobile office. Recommended: A Voter in His 20s Gives Up on Liberal Democracy After Sessionss nomination was announced, CNNs Jake Tapper asked incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus whether Sessionss record suggested he would be hostile to reforming local police agencies accused of racial bias. Look at this man's life, Priebus replied, citing the Donald case. He prosecuted that person for the murder. He then presided over the execution of this person. Other defenders of Sessions have used the Donald case in similar ways. A letter from 23 former assistant attorney generals cited the fact that he had worked to obtain the successful capital prosecution of the head of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan as evidence of his commitment to the rule of law, and to the even-handed administration of justice. The Wall Street Journal said that Sessions, won a death-penalty conviction for the head of the state KKK in a capital murder trial, a case which broke the Klan in the heart of dixie, and The New York Post praised him for having successfully prosecuted the head of the state Ku Klux Klan for murder. Grant Bosse wrote in the Manchester, New Hampshire, Union Leader wrote that when local police wrote off the murder as a drug deal gone wrong, Sessions brought in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and brought Hays and the Klan to justice. Story continues Sessions himself recently listed the case as one of the ten most significant significant litigated matters he had personally handled on his Senate confirmation questionnaire. And in 2009, Sessions told National Review that there had been a campaign to smear my record, whereas in fact, he had prosecuted the head of the Klan for murdering somebody. Recommended: My President Was Black No one involved in the case disputes that Sessions lent his support to the prosecution. Not all southern United States attorneys welcomed civil-rights division attorneys into their districts back then, said Barry Kowalski, a former civil-rights division attorney who was one of the main lawyers on the investigation, and who defended Sessions in his 1986 confirmation hearing. He did, he cooperated with us completely. However, in seeking to defend Sessions from charges of racism, Sessionss allies, and even Sessions himself, seem to have embellished key details, and to have inflated his actual role in the case, presenting him not merely as a cooperative U.S. attorney who facilitated the prosecution of the two Klansmen, but the driving force behind the prosecution itself. The details of the case dont support that claim. M ichael Donalds lifeless body was found strapped to a tree in Mobile with thirteen knots, a Klan signature, as author Lawrence Leamer puts it in The Lynching: The Epic Courtroom Battle That Brought Down the Klan, his history of the Donald case. He had been beaten savagely, his throat had been slashed, and his blue jeans and blue jeans jacket were covered in dirt and dried blood. A cross was burned on the lawn of the Mobile courthouse a few hours before Donalds body was discovered. Even so, Leamer wrote, Montgomery police disregarded the possibility that Donald had been lynched. Instead they pursued theories that Donald had been sleeping with a white co-worker at the Mobile Press-Register, where he worked part-time, and had been killed in retaliation. They told reporters that Donald had been murdered in a drug deal gone bad, and arrested three men who were later found to have nothing to do with the case. It had nothing to do with race, but rather, three junkies had killed this lowlife black man who thought he could take drugs from them and not pay. Recommended: Jeff Sessions's Unqualified Praise for a 1924 Immigration Law When the Donald familys lawyer, State Senator Michael Figures, suggested that extremists were involved, according to a 1989 article in the Los Angeles Times, white people accused him of stirring up racism. When the drug-dealer and affair theories didnt pan out, police tried to gather evidence that Donald had led a secret criminal life. Learner detailed their efforts. A white transvestite prostitute volunteered that he had slept with Donald and that the teenager was a hustler. When the prostitute saw Donalds photo in the paper, he admitted it did not look like the man he knew, but the police, nonetheless, tried to validate his story. They found someone else who said that Donald was a drug dealer. The fact that a prominent Klansman recently owned property across the street was seen as simply more evidence the Klan could not have been responsible. The head detective believed the Klan would not lynch somebody practically on their own front lawn, according to Leamer. The cops told the FBI this was a simple street crime, so they lost interest. Most of those guys who were law enforcement, not all of them, but most of those guys, a lot of those guys, they didnt care if you killed a black guy. It would later become clear that Donald had been lynched because the Klan sought to make an example of any black man it could find. A mistrial had recently been declared in the prosecution of a black man, Josephus Anderson who had killed a white police officer named Gene Ballard. (Anderson was later retried and convicted.) Witnesses later testified that Bennie Jack Hays, the second-highest-ranking Klansman in Alabama, had said at a KKK meeting after the mistrial, and two days before Donalds death, If a black man can kill a white man, a white man should be able to get away with killing a black man. Hays told the two Klansmen who eventually carried out the lynching that they shouldnt do it until after he closed on the sale of a pair of properties on the street where they intended to leave the body. The police department told me when they looked at it, Youll never solve that case, its just an unsolvable case, said Bob Eddy, a former state criminal investigator who worked the Donald case. You just have to know the climate in those times, most of those guys who were law enforcement, not all of them, but most of those guys, a lot of those guys, they didnt care if you killed a black guy. The Donald family later said that the motivation behind the murder was immediately obvious to them. Black people dont hang people, Donalds sister Betty Wyatt told Michael Wilson of the Mobile Register in 1997. The black community in Mobile organized protests to express their frustration with authorities and the lack of progress in the case, and civil rights leaders like Jesse Jackson and Joseph Lowery urged them to keep up the fight. Michael Figuress brother Thomas, an assistant U.S. attorney then working under Jeff Sessions, and the only black assistant U.S. attorney in the state, watched as the local authorities botched the investigation. According to Leamer, Thomas Figures was endlessly persistent in trying to get the civil-rights division in Washington, D.C., to reopen the investigation into Donalds murder, and worked with an FBI agent named James Bodman to obtain the evidence needed to reopen the case. The New York Times Magazine and the Mobile Register likewise credited Figures as the driving force behind getting the Justice Department to take a second look at the killing. Mr. Figures definitely did not want the case to end, Sessions testified in 1986. By 1983, the FBI had reopened the investigation and managed to get one of the local Klansmen to slip up and implicate one of the murderers. After hearing a lot of lies and following many unproductive leads, Figures and Bodman uncovered one key fact, that on the night of the murder, one of the perpetrators had returned to Bennie Hays's house with blood on his shirt, the New York Times Magazine reported in 1986. With this new evidence, the Justice Department convened an investigative grand jury in Mobile. By Kowalskis account, which is backed up by Eddy and others, Sessions played a supervisory role and couldnt have been more cooperative and helpful in the case. For instance, Kowalski recalled Sessions allowing them to use his office to interview Klan members, who Kowalski said found the official trappings of a federal prosecutors office intimidating. Sessions asked what we needed, and I said, in order to get a capital murder conviction, we need these things, and he said that in that regard whatever the federal agents did or the FBI did he would make those things available, said then-Assistant District Attorney Thomas Harrison, who prosecuted Hays in state court. He did in fact do that. Chris Galanos, the District Attorney and lead prosecutor on the case before he was replaced by Harrison, claims that he and Sessions were the reason the federal investigation into Donalds murder was reopened. I believed then, and I believe now, Galanos said, that were it not for his assistance, the case would have remained unsolved for an indefinite length of time. (Most accounts, including that of Leamer, the New York Times Magazine, the Mobile Register, do not describe the investigation this waythe latter two do not even mention Sessions in their lengthy accounts of the case). Figures recalled a more complicated story as far as Sessionss involvement is concerned. In 1986, Figures testified before the Senate that while it was literally true that Sessions had not obstructed the investigation of the murder of Michael Donald, Sessions had tried to persuade me to discontinue pursuit of the case. Figures said that Sessions remarked, with regard to the investigation, that the case was a waste of time, that it wasnt going anywhere, that I should spend more time on other things, and that, if the perpetrators were found, I would not be assigned to the case. Figures told the Senate that after the case went to the grand jury, and it became increasingly apparent that we were going to break the case, Mr. Sessions attitude changed and that he supported the prosecution. Sessionss statements to the Senate in 1986 about his supervisory role in the case are more modest than what he and his supporters say today, and while his testimony at the time generally did not directly contradict Figuress account, Sessions insisted that he did not urge Figures to drop the case. He asked the FBI to go out and re-interview witnesses, and I concurred in that, or I was aware of it, and they were reinterviewed, Sessions said. And I remember distinctly saying, We need to know who did this murder, and we do not have proof now, but we need to go do something about it. In his 2016 Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire, Sessions wrote When I became the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, I, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Figures and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, worked to solve the murder. The questionnaire also accurately identifies Hays as the son of the local Klan chieftain. The federal attorneys were ultimately successful in forcing one of the perpetrators, Tiger Knowles, to testify against his accomplice Henry Hays, Bennie Hayss son, and to plead guilty to a federal civil rights charge. The evidence they collected gave the state the crucial support it needed to pursue a murder charge against Hays. Hays was prosecuted in state court by Harrison, a local assistant district attorney. Kidnapping and murder were not capital offenses, so in order to make Hays eligible for the death penalty, state prosecutors argued that Hayss theft of a dollar from Donald turned the crime into murder in the course of a robberya crime punishable by death. The amount is not relevant, its the fact that he stole, that he took something from somebody holding a gun on him saying, give me whatevers in your pocket, explained Harrison. That constitutes robbery under the laws of the state of Alabama, and was sufficient to bump it up from a murder case to a capital murder case and thats what I wanted to do. I wanted a capital murder conviction of Henry Hays. It was a longshot, but the jury, and crucially, the judge, bought it. The jury convicted Hays and recommended life in prison, but the judge overturned the sentence and gave Hays the death penalty. Hays was not the head of the KKK in Alabama, as Sessions would later claim to National Reviewhis father, Bennie Hays, was the second-highest-ranking Klansman. According to his brother Raymond, Henry, 27 at the time, committed the crime in part to impress his father, Raymond told the Register. Bennie Hays was later charged in connection with the murder, but he died in 1993 before he could be convicted. Unless theres a particular reason not to let a state go forward we normally let the state prosecute. Sessions has suggested that he played a major role in deciding that the case be tried in state court. I insisted that the case eventually developed against one of the klansmen be sent to state court and tried there, despite our desire to be involved in it, because Alabama had the death penalty or life without parole, Sessions testified in 1986. But he had little choiceat the time, there was no way to prosecute a racist murder under federal law. The only option would have been an endlessly convoluted charge of conspiracy to deprive black defendants of a fair trial by intimidating witnesses, a crime in which Donald would not even have been the victim. To try to explain that charge to a jury would not be easy, there was a lot more we had to prove than first-degree murder, and secondly our the federal system in this country, we give the primary authority for prosecuting criminal acts to the state, Kowalski said. So unless theres a particular reason not to let a state go forward we normally let the state prosecute. That made prosecuting Hays in state court the obvious, if not only possible decisionone Kowalski said both he and Figures recommended to their respective bosses. After Hayss conviction and death sentence, Sessions served as Alabama attorney general during his appeal, and opposed ameliorating his sentence. He took that stand against the wishes of civil-rights groups like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, which arranged for Hayss representation by Rick Kerger during his appeal. The author B.J. Hollars wrote in Thirteen Loops that Kerger was initially surprised by the request made by the NAACP LDF, but was told, we work against the death penalty no matter who its directed against. That position persists to this day. As Dylann Roof, the white supremacist who gunned down nine black parishoners in a church in South Carolina in 2015 faced trial, NAACP LDF legal director Christina Swarns wrote a New York Times op-ed explaining that supporting the death penalty for Mr. Roof means supporting the use of a punishment that will continue to be inflicted on people who are nothing like him. A s Alabama state prosecutors were trying Henry Hays, the segregationist turned civil-rights activist and Southern Poverty Law Center founder Morris Dees was hatching a plan to go after the United Klans of America as a whole, by trying them to the killing and suing them in civil court. The UKA was involved in many of the most infamous racist crimes of the civil-rights era, from the beating of freedom riders, to the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, to the assassination of the civil-rights activist Viola Liuzzo. The idea, Leamer wrote, was that Dees would accuse the UKA of having a mock military structure, meaning that the killing of Michael Donald was an act encouraged by the groups leader Robert Shelton, making the UKA itself liable. Dees did not intend to argue that Shelton was directly involved with the murder, Leamer wrote. Instead he would allege that the Imperial Wizard headed an organization with a military structure whose custom, practice, and policy was to advance the goal of white supremacy through violence. It was a risky legal theory, Leamer wrotemost of Deess colleagues at the SPLC didnt think it would work, and the judge in the case was extraordinarily skeptical at the outset. But as Leamer and Hollars wrote, there were several factors that turned in Deess favor. The first was that Beulah Mae Donald, Michael Donalds mother, who was represented by Thomas Figuress brother Michael, agreed to allow the case to be filed in her name. Sheltons attorney, John Mays, did not offer a defense, or seek a directed verdict from the judge. Dees skillfully played the Klan members against one another, obtaining internal UKA documents that would prove to be pivotal during the trial, and he exploited Mayss failure to take the case seriously. But the most powerful moment during the trial was the testimony of Tiger Knowles, who stoically recited his role in the murder, apologized to Beulah Mae Donald, and implicated the Klan as an organization in Donalds death, imploring the jury to find the UKA liable. I do hope you decide a judgment against me and everyone else involved. And whatever it is, it may make a hardship, Knowles told the court. But I hope you decide on it. Because you people need to understand that this cant happen. The jury returned a $7 million verdict that bankrupted the organization, leaving one of the most dangerous iterations of the KKK fatally weakened. In 1994, Shelton told the Associated Press that ''The Klan is my belief, my religion. But it won't work anymore. The Klan is gone. Forever.'' Richard Cohen, the legal director of the SPLC, and one of the attorneys representing the Donald family, said that in addition to helping to develop the evidence in the criminal investigation that we used, Sessionss office was helpful in arranging for an FBI agent to testify for us at the civil trial. It was however, the civil case pursued by the SPLC, not the prosecution of Henry Hays, that broke the Klan in the heart of dixie. Hays was not the head of the KKK in Alabama, and he was prosecuted by state authorities, not the U.S. attorneys office. And according to Sessionss former subordinate Thomas Figures, that prosecution would never have occurred had Sessions had his way. Figures was later charged with attempting to bribe a witness in a drug case. He was acquitted, and went on to serve as a municipal judge. His supporters argued that the charge was retaliation for his testimony against Sessions, who said he had recused himself from the case. Asked by the New York Times about the allegation, Sessions said "I'm sorry people see it that way. It is a matter I would like to see behind me, and I'm sorry to see it come up again." S essionss role in investigating the Donald murder has been a go-to rebuttal to the decades-old allegations of racism. Those who try to argue that Sessions is a racist have to reckon with his legal track record a record that included pursuing the ultimate penalty against a Klan killer, wrote David French in National Review. While Sessionss remarks about race are likely what derailed his nomination to a federal judgeship in 1986, civil-rights groups today have focused not just on those remarks, but also on the record on civil rights he has amassed since. Given that many of these groups have consistently opposed the use of the death penalty, Sessionss support for its use in the Donald case seems more likely to reinforce than to allay their concerns. It would be out of character for Sessions not to have supported the death penalty in the Donald caseSessions is such a staunch supporter of the death penalty that in 2002 he publicly opposed the Supreme Court decision ruling that execution of mentally disabled people violated the Constitution. The Court seemed to say that they had divined, somehow, that the American people had evolved in their thinking and, therefore, the laws their legislatures had passed were not valid anymore; that they could not execute people who were retarded, Sessions said. Supporters have repeatedly pointed to Sessionss record to insist that he is in fact a champion of civil rights. But as in the Donald case, those claims have rarely held up to close scrutiny. Despite once claiming to have filed dozens of desegregation cases, Sessions appears to have filed noneinstead taking credit for work done by the civil-rights division on which his signature was included merely as a formality. By contrast, one of Sessionss signature efforts as a prosecutor was an attempt to convict three voting-rights activists on charges of fraud for assisting elderly voters in filling out ballots. Sessionss record as a senator has led civil-rights groups, including the NAACP, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and Color of Change, to oppose his nomination and question whether he would fairly administer laws protecting against discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation. He opposed the decriminalization of homosexual sex, opposed same-sex marriage, blamed school shootings on laws protecting disabled students, and supported the Supreme Court decision striking down key portions of the Voting Rights Act, saying now if you go to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, people aren't being denied the vote because of the color of their skin." More recently, he was among the first to back Donald Trumps proposal for a ban on Muslims entering the country, and trivialized the president-elects admission of sexual assault. The Trump transition has urged supporters to highlight Sessionss strong civil rights record. But the more closely that record is examined, the less it looks like the record of a civil-rights advocate of any kind, and the more it appears to be the standard, unremarkable record of a longtime conservative Republican from a Southern state. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Jenna Dewan Tatum will serve as a host and mentor on the upcoming NBC competition series World of Dance from executive producer Jennifer Lopez, TheWrap has learned. Initially discovered by a dance agent, Tatum began her career touring alongside some of the music industrys most top entertainers, including Janet Jackson, Missy Elliot and Ricky Martin. In addition to a thriving acting and dancing career, Tatum recently launched her own production company, Purple Cup. She previously joined forces with close friends and husband Channing Tatum to start their first production company, 33andOut Productions, which has produced the films 22 Jump Street, 10 Years and the documentary Earth Made of Glass that follows Rwandan President Paul Kagame and genocide survivor Jean-Pierre Sagahutu. Also Read: Jennifer Lopez's 'World of Dance' Adds Derek Hough, Ne-Yo as Judges Tatum joins the judges team led by Derek Hough, NE-YO and Lopez. The upcoming 10-episode series from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Nuyorican Productions will give dancers a shot at a $1 million grand prize. Solo dancers will compete against duos and crews in a range of dance categories, including hip-hop, krumping, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, stomping and more. World of Dance is a show by dancers for dancers, said Lopez. Jenna is the perfect addition to join NE-YO, Derek and me in our World of Dance family. We are thrilled to have her. Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina will executive produce for Nuyorican Productions. Also executive producing are Kris Curry, Matilda Zoltowski, David Gonzalez, Matthew Everitt and Al Hassas. The series will be produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio in association with Nuyorican Productions and World of Dance. Also Read: Jennifer Lopez to Judge NBC Competition Series 'World of Dance' Tatum is represented by UTA and Management 360. Related stories from TheWrap: Ratings: 'Hairspray Live' Encore Places NBC Fifth on All-Rerun Evening NBC Tops 2016 in TV Ratings With or Without Sports 'Single White Female' TV Series in the Works at NBC NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jewish community centers in several U.S. states were evacuated on Monday after they reported receiving bomb threats, according to the organizations and national umbrella organization, though no explosives were found and no injuries reported. Fifteen JCCs across the United States reported the calls and all resumed normal operations by 4:30 p.m. ET (2130 GMT), after police determined there was no threat, the JCC Association of North America said in a statement. Kaplen JCC in the New York City suburb of Tenafly, New Jersey, said on its Facebook page that it received a bomb threat in the afternoon and had reopened as of 2:00 p.m. (1900 GMT). "The police have completed a thorough sweep of the JCC and have deemed the threat not credible and the building safe," the center said. Bender JCC of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland, said it had also reopened after receiving a threat and being swept checked by local authorities. Other centers that received threats included ones in Miami Beach, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida; Columbia, South Carolina; and Nashville, Tennessee, according to local media reports. Jewish community centers typically offer after-school activities, fitness programs and an array of other services. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is aware of the threats and is prepared to assist local authorities if asked, spokeswoman Amanda Hils said in a phone interview. (This version of the story corrects paragraph 6 to remove erroneous reference to Jacksonville as Florida state capital.) (Reporting by David Ingram; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Richard Chang) Billionaire media baron John Malone, fresh from helping engineer the Lionsgate-Starz merger to compete on the content side against Netflix, on Tuesday praised the video streaming giant's CEO, Reed Hastings. "He really broke the mold with his success," Malone told the studio's first-ever Investor Day in Denver. "He got to scale. The traditional distributors who were asleep at the switch, they should have been doing that, they didn't do that, they didn't protect their scale monopoly position. So now they face going-forward competition for the consumer with content." Besides holding voting control of Liberty Media and Liberty Global, Malone has big stakes in Lionsgate and Discovery Communications as he moves to consolidate the pay TV industry in the face of fast-growing competition from new streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Malone's Liberty Broadband also owns a big stake in Charter Communications, a major cable player in a sector saddling up to Netflix and other streaming players to remain relevant with consumers. "Even Reed Hastings recognizes the benefit of being in a package built as part of a broader service offering," Malone said. "He's approached most big operators...about a revenue split in exchange for, and including, Netflix content being inside the fence, accessible on an advanced set-top box, and potentially part of the billing process," he explained. Malone said the combined Lionsgate-Starz entity was "well-positioned" to take advantage of consumers increasingly tapping video content and other entertainment offerings in the digital landscape. "The real question for Lionsgate is how far up the food chain is it realistic to think Lionsgate can go. Can you create a Netflix-like direct to consumer relationship branded on a global basis, is that within the scope of possibility? Because that's a great model if you can get there," he told investors. Story continues "If you can't get there, you may have a distribution asset that is part of some broader distribution package," Malone said. The cable mogul, asked whether he thought Lionsgate should be put up for sale, now that it has secured scale, said he favored continuing to build value with the combined entity. "If I had control of Lionsgate, that would be the last thing I'd do," Malone said. But the studio's boardroom, which does control Lionsgate, may want to entertain a take-out bid, he added, if shareholders weren't willing to tolerate "negative growth" as the company builds for the future. At the same time, Malone talked about a pro-business climate from the upcoming Trump administration opening the way for a new round of industry consolidation. "One could contemplate in a Trump administration Comcast and Charter could merge. I don't know. But there would be a lot of synergy," he said. And with AT&T attempting to buy Time Warner for $85.4 million, Malone added "maybe the three major cable companies get together and buy T-Mobile" to get deeper into the wireless business. Read more: BAFTA Awards: 'La La Land' Leads Nominations Los Angeles (AFP) - Angelina Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt, once Hollywood's most celebrated couple, have reached an agreement to keep details of their high-profile divorce and child custody dispute private, US media reported on Tuesday. The estranged Hollywood film stars have "signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues," Jolie and Pitt said in a statement obtained by CNN. "The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification." Jolie and Pitt have been in the midst of a bitter public divorce and custody battle over their children, some of which has played out on gossip television and in the tabloids. Jolie Pitt, 41, who filed court papers in September to end their marriage, is seeking sole custody of the couple's six children. Pitt was cleared by the FBI and social workers over allegations that he struck one of his children during a flight that month from France to Los Angeles. Pitt, 53, who won a best film Oscar for producing "12 Years a Slave", is seeking joint legal and physical custody. He has been granted visits supervised by a therapist as part of a temporary custody agreement. Under a current arrangement, Jolie has physical custody of the children -- three of whom are adopted -- at a rented LA house. The A-listers -- given the celebrity moniker "Brangelina" -- got married in France in August two years ago, but had been a couple since 2004. JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon is fairly hopeful about President-elect Trumps planned economic policies. I like the fact that the focus has been on growth, and you see it when they talk about the tax policy, regulatory policy. I think growth is going to be very good for all Americans, not just for companies, he said, pointing to the record levels of U.S. stocks, during an interview with FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo. I like that fact. I think youve seen some of that optimism reflected in the stock prices, etc. And hopefully theyll be able to deliver some of that. Dimon was rumored to be interested in the role of Treasury Secretary, however that job nod went to former Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) executive Steve Mnuchin who may face tough confirmation hearings, along with other Trump cabinet nominees. While he wont end up at the Treasury Department, Dimon will be influencing broader business friendly policies. He is the new chair of the Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs that oversee $6 trillion in annual revenue. Under the direction of former chair, Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman (NYSE:CAT), the group was at odds with certain Trump policies including his promise to rip up the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The interview took place at the investment banks annual healthcare conference in San Francisco which is noted to be Wall Streets largest investment conference. JPMorgan is set to report earnings on Friday along with other big banks including Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC). Related Articles CHICAGO (AP) A lawyer for a Chicago police officer charged in Laquan McDonald's shooting death is asking that the first-degree murder charge be dismissed. Attorney Daniel Herbert filed a motion Tuesday. He contends that statements Jason Van Dyke and other officers gave investigators helped build the case against Van Dyke even after the officers were assured they wouldn't be used "against them in any criminal proceedings." Van Dyke, who is white, shot the black, 17-year-old McDonald 16 times in 2014. Judge Vincent Gaughan hasn't made a ruling. The special prosecutor in the case, Joseph McMahon, says he'll respond to the motion by the next court date, Feb. 3. Gaughan ordered the release of McDonald's juvenile records to Herbert, but hasn't ruled whether the material can be used at trial. CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) A man who as a teenager was seen on surveillance video proclaiming his commitment to jihad was sentenced on Tuesday to 13 years in prison despite his tearful pleas to a judge that he was a disillusioned and immature high school student at the time he plotted to join al-Qaida. "I am not the monster that the government says I am," Justin Kaliebe told U.S. District Court Judge Denis Hurley before being sentenced. "I never intended to hurt anyone. That's not who I am." Kaliebe, now 22 years old, also faces 20 years of post-release supervision. The judge said Kaliebe's offense "is very serious." "He was radicalized to the nth degree," the judge said. "He was a very dangerous individual. People who engage in this type of activity ... must recognize that serious consequences will follow." Kaliebe was a 16-year-old high school student who had recently converted to Islam from Roman Catholicism when he landed on the radar of undercover agents on the hunt for would-be radicals on suburban Long Island. FBI agents and New York City police officers watched him for 18 months before arresting him four years ago after he went to John F. Kennedy International Airport intending to fly to Yemen, where he would join the militant group al-Qaida. Kaliebe pleaded guilty within a month of his arrest. His sentencing was delayed for four years while the court held hearings into whether he understood the gravity of his crime. He said Tuesday he has renounced Islam, received his high school diploma while in prison and teaches fellow inmates to read. Kaliebe's attorney argued he has Asperger's syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum, and had developmental and psychological issues and a troubled home life. "He may have committed himself to a violent cause, but he's not a violent man," said the attorney, Anthony La Pinta, who pleaded with the judge to "temper justice with mercy." Story continues The judge, who noted that Kaliebe appeared to be "basically a nice young man," could have sentenced him to 30 years. Federal prosecutors asked for a 24-year sentence, conceding that Kaliebe had psychological, physical and emotional issues but arguing a stiff sentence needed to serve as a deterrent to society. They said the undercover agents interacting with Kaliebe made video recordings of him talking admiringly about Anwar al-Awlaki and Osama bin Laden as leaders who "bore witness to the truth with their blood." Just days before Kaliebe's arrest, he pledged in one of those secretly recorded conversations that he would rather go to prison than abandon his plan to join Islamic militants. "One of my highest goals in life is to fight with the mujahedeen," he said. "And I define victory as martyrdom ... or victory on the ground." When the agent asked Kaliebe to reconsider and stay home, Kaliebe refused. "If the cops were to come right now and would force me out of this car and arrest me, it would still be better for me to go to prison than for me to stay here and live a life, a demeaning life," he said. Kaliebe briefly cooperated with prosecutors after his arrest but then declined to help in their investigation of another Long Island man, Marcos Alonso Zea, who ultimately was convicted of helping the teen develop his plan to link up with militants in Yemen. Zea is now serving 25 years. His attorney said Tuesday that Kaliebe stopped cooperating after being warned in prison that informants could face retribution from fellow inmates. In a letter to the judge, prosecutors conceded that Kaliebe had painful childhood experiences, but they said he knew what he was doing when he allied himself with Zea, an extremist. They said the teenager willingly chose a violent path and knew what he faced if arrested. "Rare is the case where a defendant is so aware of the unlawfulness of his conduct as to actually quote the federal criminal code that applies to him during the commission of his offense," prosecutors said. ___ Follow Eltman on Twitter at @feltman41 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A federal judge weighing whether Ohio's new execution method is constitutional ordered the state Tuesday to clear up whether its supply of three lethal injection drugs is enough to carry out far more executions than it claimed three months ago. The directive from Magistrate Judge Michael Merz comes a day after The Associated Press reported inventory logs show Ohio has enough supplies of lethal injection drugs for dozens of executions more than the three it told Merz about last year. Attorneys for the Ohio prisons system told Merz in October the state had enough drugs to proceed with three executions this year. Until the AP report, it was unclear how much of the three lethal drugs the state possessed and whether it had enough for more executions. Ohio plans to put condemned child killer Ronald Phillips to death next month with a new three-drug method similar to one the state used several years ago. It plans to use the same method to put inmates to death in March and April. The state has four additional executions scheduled this year but hasn't said what drugs it will use. The state is reviewing the judge's order and will respond, said Jill Del Greco, a spokeswoman for the Ohio Attorney General's Office. The judge set a Friday deadline for the response. The logs obtained by the AP through a records request show the state could conceivably carry out dozens of executions with its current supply. What is unclear are the expiration dates for the drugs information not provided on the logs which could control whether they're available for future executions. The records show the prison system received supplies three times in September and October for the first drug used in the process, a sedative called midazolam, which has been at the center of several lawsuits over lethal injection. The records show the state obtained supplies twice in September and October for the second drug used in the process and three times in September for the third drug. Story continues The state has said the drugs it plans to use on the first three executions this year are standard drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, though it won't say where they came from. Attorneys representing death row inmates have been unable to identify the suppliers or producers because of a 2015 law shielding such information and because recent federal court rulings bar them from obtaining the data through usual evidence channels. Drugmakers have by and large put their drugs off-limits for executions. Last year, Pfizer put seven drugs off-limits, including the three drugs to be used by Ohio. But drugs like midazolam are widespread, found everywhere from dental offices to veterinary clinics, making it difficult to trace the origin. Executions have been on hold in Ohio since January 2014, when Dennis McGuire gasped and snorted during the 26 minutes it took him to die, the longest execution since the state resumed putting prisoners to death in 1999. The state used a two-drug method with McGuire, starting with midazolam, its first use for executions in the country. Attorneys challenging Ohio's new three-drug method say midazolam is unlikely to relieve an inmate's pain. The drug, which is meant to sedate inmates, also was used in a problematic 2014 execution in Arizona. But last year, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the use of midazolam in an Oklahoma case. The state says the three-drug method is similar to its past execution process, which survived court challenges. State attorneys also say the Supreme Court ruling last year makes clear the use of midazolam is allowable. ___ Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/andrew-welsh-huggins A cat tries to play with a Chesapeake Bay retriever. (Photo: Getty Images) A comprehensive review of animal safety laws throughout the United States found that Kentucky has the weakest protections in the country a dubious honor its held for a decade. The Animal Legal Defense Fund released its 11th annual report on animal protection rankings on Tuesday. Illinois topped the list of best protections for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Oregon, Maine , California and Rhode Island. Kentucky came in dead last for the 10th straight year. Other states with weak animal protection laws include Iowa (49th), Wyoming (48th), Utah (47th) and North Dakota (46th). Lora Dunn, the senior staff attorney of the Animal Legal Defense Funds Criminal Justice Program, said the organization looked at 15 distinct categories of animal protection laws in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. We would like to see Kentucky make some very important changes to make sure that animals are protected now and in the future from known offenders, Dunn said in an interview with Yahoo News. According to Dunn, Kentucky falls short in terms of its felony penalties for animal cruelty: There is no consequence for neglect, sexual assault or abandonment of an animal, for instance. A tortoise shell kitten happily plays with Dalmatian. (Photo: Getty Images) Wed really like to see the punishment fit the crime in those situations, she told Yahoo News. Kentucky is the only state in the country that specifically prohibits veterinarians from reporting animal cruelty. The majority of states either allow or require by law that veterinarians who suspect animal cruelty to report it to law enforcement. Additionally, she said, Kentucky is the only state that doesnt require that animals be forfeited from a convicted offenders custody after he or she has been convicted. She said statistics show that someone who has harmed animals is more likely to hurt animals again in the future and to hurt humans as well. On the other end of the spectrum, Dunn said, Illinois remains on top because there are felony penalties covering virtually every kind of mistreatment, including abuse, neglect, fighting, sexual assault and abandonment. Story continues Across the country, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has largely seen positive changes regarding animal safety. Wisconsin was the most-improved state of the year, jumping 14 places in rank, from the bottom tier to number 30 overall. This was partly thanks to a new cost-of-care law. A tabby cat rubbing his head affectionately on sleepy fawn Great Dane. (Photo: Getty Images) Were seeing very encouraging trends regarding animal protection legislation. In particular, were seeing a trend regarding cost-of-care laws, she said. These mandate that [when] care-giving agencies that come to the rescue to help animals in need that have been seized as part of a criminal investigation the cost and burden of caring for those animals lies with the offender. In other words, comprehensive cost-of-care laws place the financial responsibility of caring for an animal squarely with the person who has harmed it. Dunn said theres also been a promising trend regarding dogs in hot cars laws, which criminalize leaving an animal in a hot car and affirms the right of other people to save these animals in certain circumstances. The rescue provisions kick in after calling 911, after having a good faith belief that these animals are in danger and after taking other steps to notify the owner, she said. More than 20 states have passed laws that allow citizens to come to the rescue of these animals in really dangerous situations. The Animal Legal Defense Funds annual rankings are based on a review of each jurisdictions animal protection laws, which include more than 4,000 pages of statutes. Read more from Yahoo News: Kia Stinger Kia unveiled the stunning Stinger four-door coupe on Monday, and it's truly unlike anything else we've seen from the Korean automaker. Over the past few years, Kia has built a solid reputation by offering stylish, well-made cars and SUVs for the mass market. Now the brand wants to attack the premium market by taking on the likes of Audi and BMW. While Kia did introduce the K900 luxury sedan in 2014, it sold in very limited quantities and was not truly geared to compete in the premium market. But Kia has learned a lot since then. And for the first time, the company has a product that should be of concern to Germany's stalwart brands. Here are the stats. The standard 2018 Kia Stinger is powered by a 2.0-liter, 255-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the performance spec GT version gets a 365-horsepower, twin-turbo V6. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, putting power to the pavement through either the rear wheels or all four wheels. Kia Stinger All-wheel-drive Stingers get Kia's Dynamic Torque Vectoring system, while the rear-drive cars get a limited-slip differential. Stopping power comes courtesy of a set of vented Brembo brakes. According to Kia, the V6 Stinger should be able to hit 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 167 mph. "I think, for the Kia brand, the Stinger is like a special event," Albert Biermann, Kia's head of high-performance development, said in a statement. "Because nobody expects such a car, not just the way it looks but also the way it drives. It's a wholly different animal." (Remember that name Albert Biermann he'll come up again later.) As a four-door coupe, the Stinger is poised to compete directly with the new Audi A5/S5 Sportback as well as the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe. In addition, shoppers considering such industry heavyweights as the BMW 3-Series, the Mercedes C-Class, the Audi A4, the Cadillac ATS, the Lexus IS, the Infiniti Q50, and the Jaguar XE may also consider the Stinger. Story continues Kia Stinger The premium market is brutally competitive, and Kia certainly isn't coming into this blind to that fact. The company has spent the past decade or so stockpiling high-priced talent from around Europe Germany in particular. This includes chief designer Peter Schreyer, the person behind the Stinger's striking looks, whose resume includes time as Audi and Volkswagen's head of design. In addition, Luc Donckerwolke, the former design boss at Bentley and Lamborghini, was brought in to oversee design work at Hyundai-Kia's Genesis premium brand. The biggest hiring coup for Kia's performance ambitions, however, was the arrival of Biermann. The BMW M-division vice president of engineering left Bavaria for South Korea in 2014. During his three decades at BMW, Biermann served as the architect for many of the company's most respected performance cars. They include the BMW M3, the M4, and the M5 along with countless winning BMW Motorsports racers. The German engineer was brought in make Kia's cars drive like the automotive legends he so frequently created at BMW. Biermann and his team put the Stinger through its paces at the company's test track in South Korea as well as the notorious Nurburgring in Germany. Kia Stinger In addition, the Stinger was designed at Kia's European design center in Frankfurt, Germany. So, the Stinger had a German designer, a German engineer, and was developed at the Nurburgring. It's a Korean car with a heavy dose of Teutonic DNA. Why not? After all, the Stinger is designed to attack the Germans in a market segment they have dominated for decades. Whether the 2018 Kia Stinger can beat the Germans at their own game remains to be seen. But at first glance at least, the Stinger is as well equipped for battle as anything we've ever seen from the Korean auto industry. The 2018 Kia Stinger is expected to reach showrooms later this year. Official pricing will be announced closer to the launch date. NOW WATCH: Honda wants its newest concept car to become your personal self-driving taxi More From Business Insider As Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West work to return to some normalcy in their relationship, it appears that theyre also mending the connections outside of their marriage. X17 spotted the couple visiting Jay Z and Beyonce at their California home on Friday, over a month after the Famous rapper ranted against his longtime pals during a concert. Kanyes in a great place and Jay is a very mature and forgiving person, a source tells PEOPLE. The relationship he and Kanye have is very strong. Ahead of Wests November hospitalization for exhaustion and sleep deprivation, he said in front of the crowd at his Sacramento, California, Jay Z call me, bruh. You still aint called me, he continued. Jay Z, I know you got killers. Please dont send them at my head. Also, referencing the 2009 VMAs incident when he interrupted Taylor Swifts speech to say that Beyonce deserved to win, West said, I went down seven years on behalf of you. RELATED VIDEO: Kim Kardashian Shared the Story Behind Her Stolen Diamond Ring Days Before the Robbery The new year has marked a string of positive changes for the pair: Kardashian West returned to social media for the first time since her October robbery, sharing a range of family photos. This week, it was also reported that 17 suspects were arrested in connection with Kardashian Wests heist. A source told PEOPLE that Kardashian West was aware of the progress, adding that she remains deeply disturbed by the ordeal. While she is relieved they are making progress, any updates makes her relive everything. Its still very tough for her to deal with. And while another insider told PEOPLE that things are still not great in Kardashian West and the rappers marriage, the pair were spotted sharing a sushi date night in Beverly Hills on Monday night. The insider noted, Kim and Kanye continue to spend time with the kids. They act friendly, but the passion seems to be missing. Still, Kardashian Wests reinvigorated online presence shows no sign of strife. In her first post back, the star shared a sweet and sentimental video montage of family moments with West and their two children. She simply captioned the video with a heart. Reporting by JANINE RUBENSTEIN Southampton (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool to make amends for their FA Cup flop by delivering a dominant display in Wednesday's League Cup semi-final first leg against Southampton. Klopp fielded Liverpool's youngest ever line-up against Plymouth in the FA Cup third round on Sunday and the raw rookies failed to impress as the fourth-tier minnows easily held on for a goalless draw at Anfield. Liverpool can still advance in the FA Cup when they face Plymouth in a replay, but that is on the back burner for now as the Reds focus on their other road to Wembley. After losing to Manchester City on penalties in last season's League Cup final, Liverpool are one step away from a return to Wembley and Klopp will send out a stronger line-up at St Mary's as he looks to get his side back on track. Aware of accusations that he and his players were guilty of complacency against Plymouth, the Liverpool manager said: "The question I asked this morning in the dressing room was 'Could we have done better?' 100 per cent yes with this line-up. "I don't expect perfection but I have high expectations because I see them every day in training and I was convinced we could play really well. "I have absolutely no problem with criticism but it was not about underestimating an opponent." Liverpool are hoping to add to their record haul of eight League Cup trophies by winning the competition for the first time since 2012. That would also be a first piece of major silverware for Klopp, who arrived on Merseyside in October 2015, after Liverpool's defeats in the League Cup and Europa League finals last term. But before they start to prepare a space in the Anfield trophy cabinet, Liverpool have to beat Southampton and then Manchester United or Hull, who meet in the other semi. - 'No pressure' - "There is no more pressure on us. It is an opportunity. It is always a new day," said Klopp, who welcomes back Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho after an ankle injury. Story continues "I said to the lads last year it would not be the last final they would be involved in and this is the first chance to prove this." Although Klopp's side have lost and drawn on their last two visits to St Mary's, they thrashed Southampton 6-1 at the same venue in the League Cup quarter-finals last season. And Liverpool's hopes of advancing to Wembley will be aided by the absence of Southampton defender Jose Fonte. Southampton manager Claude Puel has confirmed Fonte will not be part of his squad after the club captain handed in a transfer request amid reports of possible bids from Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. Fonte was absent for Saturday's FA Cup draw against Norwich and Puel has decided to leave him out again. "Jose won't participate for this game. We will see for the next game. It is important to keep stability," said Puel, whose club haven't reached the League Cup final since a 1979 defeat against Nottingham Forest. "We do not know the future of Jose, it is a difficult situation in the market. I respect Jose, it is not an easy situation for the staff or players. It is difficult. "It is an opportunity also for Jose to view different opportunities and it is important to respect this. "For me, it is important to keep stability in defence first, and second, we will see what the situation of Jose in this market is." The court hearing South Korean President Park Geun-Hye's impeachment trial on Tuesday dismissed as "unsatisfactory" attempts to explain her whereabouts during the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster. Parliament voted to impeach Park last month over an influence-peddling scandal that has brought hundreds of thousands of protesters onto the streets every week demanding her removal. At the time of the vote lawmakers also said allegations that Park failed to carry out her official duties as the head of state during the ferry sinking were also grounds for her removal from office. The Constitutional Court last month urged Park's defence counsel to clarify the mystery surrounding her seven-hour absence during the disaster that claimed more than 300 lives, mostly school children. Unconfirmed media reports have suggested a wide range of theories about her whereabouts, including a romantic liaison, participation in a shamanistic ritual, cosmetic surgery or a 90-minute hair styling. Park's lawyers said Tuesday that she had felt unwell on the morning of the disaster and stayed at her residence instead of her office -- both within the presidential Blue House complex. They submitted documents to the Constitutional Court showing timelines of her receiving reports by phone or from her aides about the disaster and issuing directives. But Justice Lee Jin-Sung, one of the nine members of the court, told Park's legal team that the timelines failed to clarify exactly when and how she first came to learn about the sinking. "The answer from the president's side fell short of expectations and was somewhat unsatisfactory", Lee was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying. Lee noted that TV channels broke the story just after 9:00 a.m. local time and said Park should clarify whether or not she was watching the news at the time. "(Park) received numerous phone calls from the chief of the National Security Office and gave orders," Lee Joong-hwan, a lawyer representing Park, told reporters on the sidelines of the hearing. Story continues "She took appropriate steps." However, representatives from parliament told the hearing that neither the top national security advisor nor the chief of the presidential secretariat knew where Park was at the time of the disaster. "The president's inactivity was in breach of the victims' rights to life and their relatives' rights to pursue happiness," they told the court. "She must be deprived of her presidency immediately." Park is accused of colluding with a longtime friend, Choi Soon-Il, to strong-arm donations worth tens of millions of dollars from top firms which were then funnelled to dubious foundations. Should the Constitutional Court confirm Park's impeachment, the next presidential election would have to take place within 60 days from the court's ruling. A South Korean Buddhist monk who set himself on fire during a protest against impeached President Park Geun-Hye has died, hospital officials said Tuesday. The 64-year-old monk set himself alight on Saturday night in central Seoul where hundreds of thousands of people had gathered to rally for the 11th week to demand Park's immediate removal. He suffered severe burns across his face and body and died Monday night, according to Seoul National University Hospital where he was being treated. The monk, who has been identified as Venerable Jung-Won, left a note urging authorities to arrest the scandal-hit president for committing "treason" and criticising policies of her administration. He also slammed Park as a "traitor" for forging a deal with Japan to settle compensation for women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II, according to Yonhap news agency. "Ven. Jung-Won... sacrificed his life to convey people's sentiment including... the demand for President Park Geun-Hye to resign. We hope that no lives will be lost like this and the whole country will be stabilised soon," the social justice committee of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism said in a statement. Self-immolation is not unheard of as a mean of protest in the South, where many pro-democracy activists set themselves on fire in the 1970s and 80s during demonstrations against military rule. Park was impeached by parliament last month over an influence-peddling scandal involving a secret confidante that sparked a storm of public fury and nationwide protests. Park is accused of colluding with a longtime friend, Choi Soon-Il, to strong-arm donations worth tens of millions of dollars from top firms which were then funnelled to dubious foundations which Choi used as her personal ATMs. The president is also accused of letting Choi -- currently on trial -- meddle in a wide range of state affairs including nomination of top officials. The Constitutional Court is reviewing the validity of the impeachment bill. Both Park and Choi have denied any wrongdoing. Moscow (AFP) - The Kremlin deplored Tuesday the United States' blacklisting of a high-ranking official and the prime suspects in the 2006 murder of ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko as a move that further damages bilateral ties. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Washington's decision to blacklist Investigative Committee chief Alexander Bastrykin and Litvinenko's alleged assassins, lawmaker Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun, represented "further steps in the artificially created degradation of our relations". "We deeply regret the fact that a lingering period of unprecedented degradation in our bilateral ties occurred during Obama's second presidential term," Peskov said. "We are convinced that this does not coincide with our interests or that of Washington." The US Treasury on Monday added Bastrykin, Lugovoi and Kovtun to the Magnitsky Act sanctions list in a spike of diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Washington. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Monday the additions to the sanctions list followed "extensive research" and targeted individuals with "roles in the repressive machinery of Russia's law enforcement systems, as well as individuals involved in notorious human rights violations." Obama's outgoing administration has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating cyber attacks aimed at influencing the results of November's White House race. Moscow has repeatedly rejected the accusations, over which Washington last month expelled 35 Russian diplomats allegedly involved in espionage and due to what Obama said was "harassment" of US diplomats in Russia. The Magnitsky Act was originally passed to allow US officials to impose sanctions on Russians implicated in the 2009 prison death of Russian tax fraud whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. But more individuals have been blacklisted over the years. The list now includes 44 names of those whose assets under US jurisdiction are frozen, and who are barred from doing business with Americans or receiving US visas. Los Angeles is a City of Stars year round, as La La Land points out in its Oscar-winning Best Original Song, but come Awards Season, the city is stuffed to the gills with A-listers attending endless ceremonies, popping up at after parties, and of course crashing in its many impressive hotels. Even stars who reside in the City of Angels full-time often make use of the luxurious accommodations on offer for pre-show preparations and seamless delivery to the red carpet. Here, a guide to some of Hollywoods favorite haunts for living it up and recuperating in style. Chateau Marmont The frequent celebrity haunt hosted Vanity Fair and Barneys New Yorks dinner in celebration of La La Land on Wednesday as well as their Hollywood Issue party on Thursday. (The magazines famous post-show fete took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.) During Globes weekend, Natalie Portman, Emma Stone, Barbra Streisand and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel all attended the W Magazine and Audi party held here. The storied hotel has hosted every sort of Hollywood affair, from the scandalous to the downright musical-worthy: say, a Lady Gaga sing-a-long. Soho House West Hollywood The members-only club on Sunset Boulevard is always fertile celeb-spotting ground. After the Oscars, it hosted Lionsgates celebration, which saw attendees including Emma Stone and La La Land director Damien Chazelle, Darren Criss and Vince Vaughn. The Beverly Hilton The Beverly Hilton complex has long been the epicenter of the Golden Globes action. (Angelina Jolie made her famous post-show leap into the hotels Aqua Star Pool here in 1999, and George Clooney and Brad Pitt are frequent visitors, according to a hotel spokesperson.) In addition to hosting the awards ceremony itself, the hotel was also the main after-party destination, hosting events for HBO, Fox, NBC Universal, Netflix and the Weinstein Company, and Warner Brothers and InStyle. During Oscars week, Denzel Washington, Mandy Moore and James Corden were on site for an impressive lineup of parties, lunches and award ceremonies. Story continues Celebs who choose to stay on-site frequent the Penthouse Collection rooms on the 8th floor of the Wilshire Towers, which contain 16 luxury suites ranging from 830 to 3,750 square feet. Rooms are equipped with a virtual concierge service so stars dont need to leave, but those who do can indulge in a beauty treatment invented just for the event: the Red Carpet-Ready facial. The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills The L.A. outpost of the luxury hotel chain lures A-listers during award season with not-to-be-missed events including the AFI Luncheon and the BAFTA Tea Party, which this year hosted Emma Stone, Michelle Williams and Stranger Things favorite Millie Bobby Brown among others. During Oscars week, the hotel hosted the Australian Oscar Nominee Reception, where Lion star Sunny Pawar stole the show, and a Merecedes-Benz viewing party attended by Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson and Kenya Moore. Stars usually stay in the Presidential East, Presidential West and Royal Suites (the hotels crown jewels) and can indulge in chocolate creations courtesy of chef Federico Fernandez awaiting them in their room and themed for the Globes, Grammys and Oscars. Every nominee who checks into the hotel receives one, according to a hotel spokesperson. Sarah Jessica Parker even shared hers on Instagram. Sunset Marquis Celebrity guests including Kerry Washington, Pharrell Williams and Billy Bob Thornton, who took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor Television Series Drama, have all stayed at this West Hollywood haunt, which is an equally short limo ride from both the Beverly Hilton and the Dolby Theater, where the Academy Awards are held. Stars checking into the exclusive address tend to occupy the 3,200-square-foot, two-story Presidential Villa, which boasts a private screening room, a grand piano and a dining room that can seat ten. AKA Beverly Hills Renowned for its homey accommodations including private-access townhouses and luxury hotel amenities, AKA Beverly Hills is a favorite stay of Jennifer Lawrence, Empire director Lee Daniels and Richard Gere. Room service aficionados also appreciate that they can order up from Wolfgang Pucks Spago (Justin Bieber and Julia Roberts are fans) while staying at the Beverly Hills property. Puck has not allowed this option at any other property, a spokesperson for the hotel says. The Montage Beverly Hills Sean Penn chose this impossibly stylish hotel for his star-studded Haiti Rising event for the fifth year running. Leonardo DiCaprio, Nick Jonas and Lily Collins were on sight for a pre-Globes gathering. The hotel also boasts a steady flow of A-list guests year round. Most appreciate the privacy of the property, but not all: Justin Bieber once serenaded Selena Gomez with My Girl in the hotels lobby bar. The Sunset Tower Hotel Long a trusty gathering spot in the city for extra-private celebs (Jennifer Aniston, Johnny Depp and Sean Penn have been spotted here), hotelier Jeff Kleins Sunset Tower even has a famous maitre d, Dmitri, who tends to the A-list visitors at the Tower Bar. The property was the site of Vanity Fairs Oscar party for several years (last year it was held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills), but kept a relatively low profile during Golden Globes weekend, hosting only one public event for agency CAA. However, one of their biggest clients, Jimmy Fallen, was busy over at the Beverly Hilton hosting a party of his own with NBC. A man wipes off the headlights of the L.L. Bean Bootmobile in the parking lot at the facility where the famous outdoor boot is made. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach) L.L. Bean is pushing back against a boycott led by a group urging consumers not to shop at retailers that support President-elect Donald Trump after it was revealed that Linda Bean, heir of the Maine-based companys founder, had donated to a political action committee that helped elect Trump. We are deeply troubled by the portrayal of L.L. Bean as a supporter of any political agenda, Shawn Gorman, L.L. Beans executive chairman, said in a statement posted to Facebook late Sunday. L.L. Bean does not endorse political candidates, take positions on political matters or make political contributions. Simply put, we stay out of politics. Last week, the Associated Press reported that Linda Bean, a longtime Republican activist and granddaughter of Leon Leonwood Bean, contributed $60,000 to the Making America Great Again LLC. According to the Federal Election Commission, the donation exceeded the PACs contribution limit. In response, Grab Your Wallet, a group that advocates boycotting companies that do business with the Trump family, added L.L. Bean to its running list of pro-Trump entities. (Among them: Amazon, Macys, NASCAR and Walmart.) But L.L. Bean said the boycott against its company is simply misguided, considering Linda Bean is one of more than 50 family members involved with the business. Like most large families, the more than 50 family member-owners of the business hold views and embrace causes across the political spectrum, just as our employees and customers do, Gorman said. And as every member of the family would agree, no individual alone speaks on behalf of the business or represents the values of the company that L.L. built. Linda Bean is a member of L.L. Beans 10-member board of directors. Shannon Coulter, who co-founded Grab You Wallet in October after Trumps controversial comments about women were revealed in a 2005 Access Hollywood tape, told Maine Public Radio that the group would drop L.L. Bean from its list if the company dropped Linda Bean from the board. Story continues As fans of L.L. Beans products, everybody is hoping that the company is really seriously evaluating whether or not Linda Beans presence and contributions to the company are worth the damage she continues to inflict on L.L. Beans brand and reputation, Coulter said. We fully acknowledge and respect that some may disagree with the political views of a single member of our 10-person board, Gorman said. And we respectfully request that Grab Your Wallet reverse its position. In lobbying against the boycott, L.L. Bean is trying to avoid the backlash fellow Northeast retailer New Balance received after a spokesman for the Boston-based company came out in support of Trumps trade policies after his election victory. The Obama administration turned a deaf ear to us, Matt LeBretton, New Balances vice president of public affairs, said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. And frankly, with President-elect Trump, we feel things are going to move in the right direction. New Balance also posted a statement to Facebook saying LeBrettons remarks were taken out of context. New Balance does not tolerate bigotry or hate in any form, the company said in its Facebook post. My loyalty to New Balance ended today, one woman wrote in response. You endorsed a vile excuse for a human being whose policies are going to cause a lot of suffering to people, animals and the environment. My boyfriend and I have bought your shoes and sportswear for decades, now Id rather go barefoot than wear anything with the NB logo. The shoe manufacturer was subsequently embraced by the so-called alt-right. Neo-Nazis have declared New Balance the Official Shoes of White People, the Washington Post reported. Im a Nike guy. Or rather, I was, Andrew Anglin, a noted neo-Nazi blogger, wrote in a post on his website, the Daily Stormer. Its time to get on-board with New Balance now. Their brave act has just made them the official brand of the Trump Revolution. Read more from Yahoo News: A man has been arrested after turning himself in on Monday for altering the famous Hollywood sign so it read Hollyweed during the early hours of New Years Day. The prank was said to be a nod to Californias Nov. 8 vote to legalize recreational marijuana. Local artist Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor trespassing, The Guardian reports. Police had not previously confirmed his involvement. He will be released on his own recognizance and must return to court Feb. 15, a police spokesperson told AFP. Surveillance footage showed a man using tarpaulin to alter the 45-ft. letters between midnight and 2 a.m. City officials increased security measures around the landmark following the incident. Fernandez had claimed credit for the stunt in an interview with Vice before his arrest. It was a lot of work, he told the online publication. It took me two hours. Its exhausting! Your adrenaline is pumping and then you just crash so hard when it bottoms out. We collaborated before, packed everything, trying to keep it simple and easy. The sign was defaced in the exact same way on Jan. 1, 1976, when a California law relaxing penalties for marijuana use took effect. It has been the victim of other word play games over the years, from Ollywood, to protest Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North during the Iran-Contra hearings, and Oil War during the Persian Gulf War, the L.A. Times reports. By Elizabeth Piper LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's main opposition Labour Party backs "the reasonable management of migration", its leader said on Tuesday in a speech aimed at winning back millions of traditional supporters who backed Britain's split from the European Union. But Jeremy Corbyn fudged a planned commitment that his pro-EU party was no longer "wedded" to the idea of free movement - a pillar of the European Union that, he said, could not be ruled out if it helped Britain win trade access. In his first major speech this year, Corbyn set out his Brexit strategy more than six months after Britain voted to leave the EU to try to silence critics who say he has failed to challenge Prime Minister Theresa May with an alternative plan. By offering workers higher wages and protection against undercutting by ruthless bosses, Corbyn hopes to ease concerns among Labour voters who feel the party is not in tune with their fears over immigration and to staunch their exodus to parties such as the anti-EU UK Independence Party. "Labour is not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle, but I dont want that to be misinterpreted, nor do we rule it out," he told supporters in the English city of Peterborough, which voted strongly in favour of leaving the EU. "We support fair rules and the reasonable management of migration as part of the post-Brexit relationship with the EU, while putting jobs and living standards first in the negotiations." EXECUTIVE PAY Since becoming party leader over a year ago, Corbyn has struggled to put his stamp on a party which has been pro-EU for more than two decades and was blindsided on Brexit by the more organised ruling Conservative Party, which enjoys a slim majority in parliament and has largely driven the debate. A socialist on the left of his party, Corbyn has criticised the bloc for being in thrall to big business and said he would find ways to close the income gap between bosses and their workers by addressing pay ratios. Corbyn had said earlier he was in favour of a cap on executive pay, but questioned after his speech he said that idea was one of a number alternatives. He said looking at pay ratios would "encourage wage rises lower down and ensure a better sharing of resources". Supporters hoped Corbyn's speech would "rebrand" the veteran campaigner as a more populist figure to boost ratings that have been dwarfed by those of May's Conservatives. The latest poll gives the Conservatives a 14 point lead with 42 percent. But despite acknowledging that many voters supported Brexit because of high rates of immigration, Corbyn would not be drawn on whether he wanted levels of immigration to fall. Labour has long backed freedom of movement - one of the EU's main principles - which the bloc says must be respected if Britain is to maintain its preferential access to the single market of 500 million consumers. Corbyn said migration levels should depend on what kind of preferential access Britain would get to the single market. "We cannot afford to lose full access to the European markets on which so many British businesses and jobs depend," he said. (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; editing by Richard Lough) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The Latest on Gov. Jerry Brown's budget proposal (all times local): 5:10 p.m. For a third year, California's governor is proposing tax increases to pay for billions of dollars in needed transportation infrastructure repairs and upgrades. The plan released Tuesday would raise $43 billion over 10 years from several sources, including a new $65 fee on all vehicles, higher gasoline and diesel taxes and more revenue from cap-and-trade fees on polluters. Gov. Jerry Brown's administration says it wants to prioritize maintenance on existing infrastructure and make major new investments on highways and local roads. But Brown's plan and others calling for tax increases have repeatedly stalled in the Legislature. Republicans and moderate Democrats have been reluctant to back the higher taxes. ___ 2:45 p.m. Republican state lawmakers are optimistic about Gov. Jerry Brown's fiscally restrained budget, while Democrats want more spending on social welfare programs. Brown is proposing more than $3 billion in cuts as California faces uncertainty about federal funding under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. The Democratic governor also warned Tuesday of a looming $1.6 billion budget deficit because tax revenues are growing more slowly than previously forecast. Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen of Gerber, the ranking Republican on the Senate budget committee, says it's no time for California to "be getting loose with the purse." Democratic legislative leaders want increased funding for higher education, social services and other state programs. ___ 11 a.m. Gov. Jerry Brown has proposed a $122.5 billion budget for California and is warning of a possible $2 billion deficit in the coming fiscal year. Brown says the budget will be the most difficult California has faced since 2012, as the state deals with declining revenues. Brown says California has the most regressive tax system in the United States, relying too heavily on the richest few. Story continues The Democratic governor released his spending plan Tuesday amid uncertainty about changes to come from President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican-led U.S. Congress. Brown's proposal is his opening salvo in six months of spending negotiations with lawmakers. Democrats who control the Legislature generally have favored more substantial spending on higher education, social services and other state programs than Brown. ___ 12:01 a.m. California Gov. Jerry Brown is set to release his opening budget proposal Tuesday, revealing how his administration plans to prepare for possible steep cuts in federal funding for health care and other public services. The Democratic governor has crafted his spending plan amid tremendous uncertainty about the changes to come from President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican-led U.S. Congress. The incoming Republican president has pledged to repeal President Barack Obama's health care law, which California has embraced. Trump has also said he will financially punish local governments that impede federal immigration enforcement, as Democratic legislators have vowed to do. Obama's Affordable Care Act provides about $20 billion to help deliver health care to 5 million Californians. Brown's January budget is the governor's opening salvo in the six-month spending negotiations to come. WASHINGTON (AP) A key U.S. lawmaker warned Tuesday that new intelligence shows former detainees released recently from the Guantanamo Bay detention center are trying to return to terrorism. In a letter to President Barack Obama, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., said his committee had received a "troubling new report" from the U.S. intelligence community about detainees recently transferred to foreign countries. He said the report also showed that detainees were recently transferred to a country poorly equipped to stop them from returning to battle. "In light of this dangerous revelation, I again ask that you immediately halt all transfers from Guantanamo Bay and take steps to secure former detainees who pose a threat to U.S. national security," Royce said. Despite the long-running protestations of Republicans, Obama is expected to continue whittling down the prison's population in his final days in office. A senior Obama administration official declined to provide details on the intelligence assessment that Royce cited, but said the administration takes any signs of recidivism "very seriously" and works to stop it through military, law enforcement, intelligence and diplomatic means. The official wasn't authorized to comment by name and requested anonymity. The U.S. opened the prison at a U.S. naval base in Cuba to hold militants suspected of ties to al-Qaida and Taliban after the 9/11 attacks. Most were never charged with a crime. But their indefinite detention and mistreatment in early days of the prison triggered a global outcry that Obama has argued undermines U.S. national security. Although Royce argued the recently released detainees were part of a broader pattern of former Guantanamo detainees pursuing a return to terrorism and posing a continuing threat to the U.S., the Obama administration had disputed that charge. Royce didn't name the country to which the detainees were transferred, and his office declined to provide more details, citing the classified nature of the intelligence report. In recent months detainees have been sent to Saudi Arabia, Camp Verde, Mauritania and the United Arab Emirates. Story continues Royce sent a copy of his letter to President-elect Donald Trump, who has called for a halt of releases from Guantanamo Bay. Most of the 693 detainees formerly held at Guantanamo were transferred under President George W. Bush. Of Bush's transfers, 21 percent are confirmed by the U.S. as having re-engaged in the fight. Only 9 of the 161 detainees transferred by Obama or 6 percent are confirmed as having re-engaged, although more are suspected of having done so. Closing the prison was a key Obama campaign promise that he was never able to fulfill, stymied by opposition by Congress, which refused to allow Obama to transfer detainees to prisons in the U.S. In a bid to empty the prison out, Obama tried to transfer as many as possible to third countries willing to accept them. The current population stands at 55, including 19 cleared for release. ___ Associated Press writer Ben Fox in Miami contributed to this report. ___ Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP Kandahar (Afghanistan) (AFP) - At least nine people were killed in an explosion in the governor's compound in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province Tuesday during a visit by the UAE ambassador, local media reported. The UAE foreign ministry said envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi and other UAE diplomats were wounded in the "terrorist attack". Afghanistan's Tolo News said the blast left nine people dead and 16 others wounded. A two-story building under construction in Multan, Pakistan, collapsed on January 10, killing at least one person, according to reports. Local resident Hussain Gillani shared this footage from the scene with Storyful, and said one body and four survivors had been recovered by 11:30 pm. However, more than 20 people were reportedly trapped under the rubble, and the army had been called in to assist in clearing the area. Official confirmation of the number of casualties was unavailable at the time of writing. Credit: Hussain Gillani via Storyful Riyadh (AFP) - Lebanon seeks cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the country's Hezbollah-backed President Michel Aoun told Saudi television on Tuesday, after a tense year in relations between the two countries. Aoun arrived in Riyadh on Monday night with a delegation of ministers. It is his first trip to the kingdom since his election in November ended a two-year deadlock between Iran- and Saudi-backed blocs in the Lebanese parliament. In an interview with Saudi state news channel Al-Ekhbaria, Aoun said his ministers of foreign affairs, education, finance and information would meet their counterparts "to find some fields of cooperation." Aoun himself held talks over lunch on Tuesday with King Salman, but the official Saudi Press Agency gave no details of their content. Aoun, a Maronite Christian former army chief, clinched the presidency with shock support from Saudi ally Saad Hariri, a leading Sunni figure who in return was named prime minister. Analysts say Saudi Arabia is hoping for a more stable Lebanon, after concerns about the role played by Hezbollah in the Lebanese government. The Iran-backed Shiite militant group has fighters in Syria supporting forces of President Bashar al-Assad. Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival, backs some rebels opposed to Assad. Riyadh last March declared Hezbollah a "terrorist organisation" and urged its citizens to leave Lebanon. In February, the kingdom halted a $3 billion programme of military aid to Lebanon to protest what it said was "the stranglehold of Hezbollah on the state". The programme, funded by Riyadh, would have provided vehicles, helicopters, drones, cannons and other military equipment from France. It aimed to ensure stability in a Lebanon weakened by internal divisions and threatened by jihadists. Asked vaguely by Ekhbaria about the agreement, Aoun said: "Of course we will discuss all the possible issues." Syria's nearly six-year civil war has been a major fault line in Lebanese politics, and the country hosts more than one million Syrian refugees. Story continues Aoun told the Saudi channel that Lebanon's partners "have agreed to build Lebanon, regardless of the results in the other countries, because building Lebanon is for all, and secondly, security and stability is for all." He said his country's internal political situation has improved, and expressed confidence that "balance" can be maintained. "The state must realise, and maintain, security and stability for individuals and groups even if there are different political visions regarding neighbouring and regional countries," Aoun said. BEIRUT/RIYADH (Reuters) - Lebanese President Michel Aoun, an ally of Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, flew to Saudi Arabia on Monday on his first visit abroad since his October election hoping to ease tensions rooted in the rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran. Aoun would like his trip, part of a tour that will also take him to Qatar, to result in a lifting of travel advisories imposed by some Gulf states last year on nationals visiting Lebanon, which severely damaged its tourism sector. Lebanon is caught up in regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Riyadh appeared to disengage from Lebanon over the past year as it became increasingly occupied with struggles against Iran in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Bahrain. In each case, the two rivals back opposing sides. In February, Riyadh cancelled a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army and also advised big-spending Saudis not to visit Lebanon, which relies heavily on tourism. This coincided with a financial crisis at the Saudi Oger construction firm belonging to the Hariri family, Saudi Arabia's main ally in Lebanon. Tensions also cast a shadow on the fate of an estimated 750,000 Lebanese nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia and in other Gulf Arab states, who transfer between $7 and $8 billion each year to support extensive families. Ties began to thaw after Aoun was elected in October in a deal that also saw Lebanon's leading Sunni Muslim politician, Saad al-Hariri, appointed prime minister. In a statement on Monday, Hariri said Aoun's Riyadh visit was an important step to "normalize Lebanon's relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states". While visiting Beirut in November, Saudi Prince Khaled al-Faisal, the governor of Mecca and also a nephew of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, invited Aoun to visit his country. [nL8N1DM3TW] The Lebanese Presidency said in a statement that eight ministers would accompany Aoun on his visit, due to last until Wednesday. Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk, who is accompanying Aoun, said on Saturday that the president would discuss the military grants to Lebanon which were put on hold last year. Aoun, who will meet the Saudi king, will also seek to activate economic, investment, aid and trade cooperation, including the frozen military aid. He said there would be a group meeting of all the ministerial delegation and then bilateral meetings between ministers. In talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Lebanese delegation will discuss making the issuance of work visas for Lebanese easier. Aoun was also expected to discuss possible Qatari help to free nine kidnapped Lebanese army soldiers believed to be held by Islamic State militants. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington, Tom Perry, and William Maclean; editing by Sami Aboudi/Mark Heinrich) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Illinois' financial crisis is being handed off from one set of lawmakers to another this week a problem that, at 18 months, is the nation's longest-running budget stalemate. The key players: The conservative businessman-turned-governor Bruce Rauner and Michael Madigan, the old-school Democratic House speaker whose decades at the helm has made him a Capitol institution. The General Assembly being sworn in Wednesday is the 100th, a historic one marking the Prairie State's 2018 bicentennial. It has a steep climb ahead, although the Senate broke away this week with its own proposed solution to pulling the state out of billions of dollars of debt, restoring for thousands of vendors the ability to make payroll and returning social service programs to more than a million people. But Rauner and Madigan remain so entrenched in their positions and some think the matter will not be resolved before the 2018 election, when voters have another crack at naming the governor. Here's a look back at the beginning of the debacle and what might happen next: ___ THE GENESIS The seeds of the battle were sown when Rauner, a wealthy private investor, began campaigning across the state in 2013, bucking a left-leaning, union-friendly electorate which hasn't voted for a GOP presidential candidate since 1988. He pledged to open up the hood of government and retool its engine at extreme cost, if necessary. In a March 2013 speech, he invoked former President Ronald Reagan's dismissal of striking air traffic controllers as a model for working government. "Sort of have to do a do-over and shut things down for a little while," Rauner said. But he stepped into the Statehouse just as the House and Senate elected near-historic Democratic majorities and ran head-on into Madigan, who began his career helping write the state's current Constitution and has served in the House since President Richard Nixon's first term. After ruling as House speaker for 32 of the past 34 years, he's gotten used to winning. Story continues ___ THE BATTLE Rauner believes the state's businesses are overburdened by restrictive laws and union requirements, that voters have lost faith because of political scandal and that property taxes are choking homeowners. Since his inauguration in January 2015, he has insisted that a budget agreement and the income-tax hike likely necessary to fund state services be accompanied by restrictions on workers' compensation, union power, term limits for politicians and a fairer way of drawing legislative districts. Democrats say no. Madigan has called Rauner's agenda "extreme," arguing it would hurt middle-class families and shouldn't be part of budget talks. And that's where it has stood, with little variation since the no-budget era began July 1, 2015 the longest any state has gone at least since World War II. Government has continued along, albeit slowly, because of court-ordered spending and temporary lawmaker appropriations, but people dependent on state-funded mental health treatment, elderly care, college grants and cancer screenings have suffered. ___ WHAT'S NEXT? New names on the legislative roll call alone will mean little change. Democrats lost four seats and their veto-proof supermajority in the House. But that supermajority was fickle because of moderate party members who couldn't always vote in lockstep. Frustrated by the seemingly interminable stare-down, the Senate tried to step out of the shadows this week. Senate Majority Leader John Cullerton and the Republican leader, Sen. Christine Radogno, negotiated a package of legislation that would raise the income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, but also provide property tax relief and meet other Rauner desires. The vote planned for Monday would have been symbolic because of the session's end on Tuesday, but it sputtered when Radogno couldn't muster Republicans. The pair promised to reintroduce the measures in the new Legislature. ___ WHEN WILL IT END? In the early days of the standoff, those watching spoke in terms of weeks, then months. When 2016 rolled around, it became apparent that no one wanted to budge until after Election Day, when all the House and one-third of the Senate would face the voters. But even before the polls opened, reality set in: In 2018, voters will choose a new governor. Rauner recently contributed $50 million to his own campaign fund as he prepares to seek re-election. He'll have a Democratic opponent, but the real battle likely will be with Madigan. ___ Contact Political Writer John O'Connor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/john-oconnor . FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) A legal journey that could mean life or death for the suspect in the Florida airport mass shooting has begun with appointment of a public defender to represent the Iraq war veteran blamed for killing five people and wounding six more. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Valle told Esteban Santiago, 26, at a hearing Monday that the three federal charges lodged against him could mean the death penalty if he is convicted. "We are telling you the maximum penalty allowed by law so that you understand the seriousness of the charges," the judge said. Shackled in a red jumpsuit in the heavily guarded federal courtroom, Santiago answered mostly yes or no to questions, and told the judge he understands the charges, which include committing violence against people at an international airport resulting in death, and two firearms offenses. He said he had been in the Army, where he made about $15,000 a year. He mentioned expenses including $560 in monthly rent, plus phone and other utility bills. He said he owns no property and doesn't have a vehicle. He said he had worked for a security company, Signal 88, in Anchorage, Alaska, until November, making $2,100 a month, but currently only had $5 to $10 in the bank. Given his finances, the judge decided he's eligible for government lawyers at taxpayer expense. Valle ordered Santiago held without bail and also set a detention hearing for Jan. 17, followed by an arraignment for entering a plea for Jan. 23. More than a dozen officers kept watch outside the courthouse, carrying rifles and wearing bulletproof vests. There were also mounted police and K-9 units. The charges don't specifically use the word murder, but the effects of one of the gun charges and the airport charge are the same because they cover actions that result in a person's death and can result in capital punishment, said former federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein. "Under federal law, there are many statutes that cover the killing of another human being and unlike state statutes, they are not specifically titled murder. But the elements of the crime and the definition of murder are the same," he said. Story continues State authorities could file first-degree murder charges against Santiago, but that's unnecessary for now, Weinstein added, because there is no statute of limitations on murder. If something were to go wrong in federal court, the state could then proceed against him, he said. No links to international terrorism have been found, the FBI has said. But if they surface, federal prosecutors could obtain an updated grand jury indictment to add terror-related charges, Weinstein added. "Their focus right now will be on the existing three charges and the continuing investigation," he said. Santiago has been in custody since Friday's shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The FBI said Santiago flew on a one-way ticket aboard a Delta flight from Anchorage to Fort Lauderdale. The 11-hour flight has a 2-hour layover in Minneapolis, one of the longest itineraries within the U.S. He checked a single piece of luggage: a gun box for his Walther 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and two magazines of ammunition, according to an FBI affidavit. Agents say he retrieved the box in baggage claim and loaded his weapon in a bathroom stall before opening fire on fellow passengers. In November, Santiago walked into an FBI field office in Alaska with a handgun and his infant child, saying the U.S. government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State group videos, authorities said. Officers seized the weapon and local officers took him to get a mental health evaluation. His girlfriend picked up the child. On Dec. 8, the gun was returned to Santiago. Authorities wouldn't say if it was the same gun used in the airport attack. ___ Follow Curt Anderson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/miamicurt Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet at the InStyle Awards. (Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage) Hollywood stars arent exactly known for their stable marriages, but the union between Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa seems to defy all stereotypes and expectations. On Monday night, the couple made a rare appearance together at the Live By Night premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre. The parents of 8-year-old Nakoa-Wolf and 9-year-old Lola looked more in love than ever as they canoodled on the carpet, snuggling up to each other and staring deeply into each others eyes (which is not the easiest task, considering Bonet is literally more than a foot shorter than her better half). Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock (7759441ca) Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa 'Live By Night' film premiere, Los Angeles, USA - 09 Jan 2017 Most likely, they came out to support the Ben Affleck-directed film because Momoa co-starred with Affleck in the DC Comics flicks Batman V Superman as well as the upcoming Justice League. (FYI, Affleck not only directed Live By Night, but also starred in it, so this was a big night for him.) While 49-year-old Bonet and 37-year-old Momoa dont hit red-carpet events together very often, theyre hardly shy about sharing how they feel about one another. Last December, the Game of Thrones star released a short film entitled Canvas of My Life that was really more of a love letter to his wife. Though the film starts out discussing how his childhood and world travels helped shape his life, around the four-minute mark it shifts focus to the moment he met Bonet. And then it happened, she came, my muse, the love of my life, my partner in crime. I fell stupid, crazy, madly in love with her. My wife gave me three beautiful, feral kids, he began. (He and Bonet share two children in addition to her first child, Zoe Kravitz, whom they share with her ex, Lenny Kravitz.) And with them, my dreams finally came true. Im a father. I found my place. My home. He then reflected on how his acting career is sometimes at odds with his duties as a father. Like any father, we want our children to see us doing what we love, but now my passion for storytelling pulls me away for long periods of time and that scares me, he admitted. Im afraid of what Im going to miss. He went on to predict that he only had five more summers remaining in which he would still be the center of their universe (hes clearly talking about the younger two kids, btw). He resolved to teach them to climb so they could gracefully navigate through fear and doubt. Sounds good to us. Story continues Momoa and Bonet first met through mutual friends when he was living out of a hotel. He invited her to a diner and they bonded over Guinness beer and grits. This is the stuff that dreams are made of, folks. Moscow (AFP) - Russian lawmaker Andrei Lugovoi, one of two men suspected of fatally poisoning Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in 2006, Tuesday dismissed his being included on a US sanctions list as "absurd", saying he was "perplexed" by the decision. The US Treasury on Monday added Lugovoi along with Investigative Committee chief Alexander Bastrykin and Dmitri Kovtun -- also a suspect in the Litvinenko murder -- to the Magnitsky Act sanctions list. "I am perplexed," Lugovoi was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti. He added he didn't know why he was on the blacklist only that he heard "persons who violated people's rights in some way" ended up on it. "I think that (US President Barack) Obama is now rushing before handing over his prerogatives to harm and spite Russia in any way he can, and this has led to absurd things." US State Department spokesman John Kirby said Monday the new additions to the sanctions list have "roles in the repressive machinery of Russia's law enforcement systems, as well as individuals involved in notorious human rights violations." Litvinenko, an ex-spy turned Kremlin critic, died of radiation poisoning in 2006 aged 43, three weeks after drinking tea laced with radioactive polonium at an upmarket London hotel. An inquiry last year found that Lugovoi and Kovtun, identified as prime suspects by British police, were likely to have carried out Litvinenko's poisoning on the instructions of the Russian security services. Lugovoi has dismissed the allegations as "nonsense." Obama's outgoing administration has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating cyber attacks aimed at influencing the results of November's White House race. Moscow has vehemently rejected the accusations, over which Washington has already expelled 35 Russian diplomats allegedly involved in espionage and due to what Obama said was "harassment" of US diplomats in Russia. Story continues The Magnitsky Act was originally passed to allow US officials to impose sanctions on Russians involved in the 2009 prison death of Russian tax fraud whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. But more individuals have been blacklisted over the years. Opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was gunned down near the Kremlin in 2015, had petitioned US congressmen to expand the list with individuals seen as violators of human rights, including Bastrykin, who reacted at the time by saying that it "would be a great honour". The target list now includes 44 names of those whose assets under US jurisdiction are frozen, and who are barred from doing business with Americans or receiving US visas. SALTA, Argentina (AP) Sebastien Loeb retook the lead in the Dakar Rally when he dominated the eighth stage crossing from Bolivia into Argentina on Tuesday. Loeb began the day less than a minute behind race leader Stephane Peterhansel but where the route was changed and the stage split at the border, because rain made swollen rivers impassable, Loeb zoomed ahead and made his fellow Frenchman look like he was driving on three wheels. In the second part, on the run to Salta, Loeb was more than five minutes ahead of Peterhansel, but a puncture forced him to stop and he won his third stage of the race by nearly four minutes from Peterhansel, to lead the latter overall by 1 minute, 38 seconds. Cyril Despres, the five-time motorbike champion, was more than five minutes back in third, giving Peugeot a 1-2-3 finish for the second time in the rally. That's also how they stood in the overall. Only Nani Roma, the 2014 champion, and Mikko Hirvonen, fourth on debut last year, were within an hour of Loeb, the rally great trying to win his first Dakar at his second attempt. "I wanted to try to make a gap today, but I had a puncture on the last part of the stage, so I lost a few minutes to change the wheel," Loeb said. "But it's OK, it's still the best time." In the motorbike category, Joan Barreda of Spain won his second stage of the race comfortably. Barreda was no threat to overall leader Sam Sunderland at more than an hour behind, and was free to attack. Sunderland tracked him though to finish third, about four minutes back, and the Briton still increased his overall lead to 21 minutes over Pablo Quintanilla of Chile, who was seventh on the stage. * Lobbying effort shifts to the continent * Banks have spent months bombarding British govt * New push will focus on French officials, EU's Barnier By Andrew MacAskill and Anjuli Davies LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Banks with large London operations say they will step up lobbying European officials because they are running out of arguments to convince the British government the industry needs single market access after Britain leaves the European Union. Banks have focused on pressuring British officials to push for as much market access as possible since voters decided seven months ago to leave the EU. They held fewer meetings with European officials, according to several senior sources in the financial services industry. The focus is shifting because after scores of meetings and research reports, banks, which say they may begin moving staff and operations out of London in the next few months if there is no clarity, feel they are running out of new points to make. Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday she was not interested in Britain keeping "bits" of its EU membership, interpreted by some as signalling she will favour immigration controls over access to the single market. Banks are now planning a new round of lobbying to highlight how a hard Brexit could harm the EU and the UK. They have identified French politicians, EU regulators and government officials, as key groups to win over. "The battle for Britain is over, the battle for France is about to begin," said one senior lobbyist. Another senior lobbyist for one of the major global banks said he will spend more time in Brussels this year to target the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and his teams as well as Didier Seeuws, a Belgian diplomat, who is helping coordinate the Brexit negotiations. Another lobbyist said he is planning to visit Paris to meet with French politicians and regulators later this month. Britain's position as Europe's financial centre is emerging as one of the main collision points in the Brexit talks. Some European politicians see an opportunity to challenge British dominance of finance after decades of viewing its free-wheeling "Anglo-Saxon" model of capitalism with suspicion. Story continues EU leaders like French President Francois Hollande have said they plan to weaken Britain's grip on finance by, for instance, demanding the lucrative business of clearing euros should move to the euro zone. Finance is Britain's most important industry, accounting for about a tenth of its economic output and is its biggest source of business tax revenue. EUROPE'S INVESTMENT BANKER But Britain also acts as "the investment banker for Europe", Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said in November, with more than half the equity and debt raised for European governments and companies done in the UK. Banks will argue that Europe depends on the strength and the depth of the financial sector in London to service its economy and companies. If access to the EU is cut off, regional financial stability could be in jeopardy, they will say. UK-based banks had total outstanding loans of more than 1.1 trillion pounds to European companies and governments at the start of 2016. The British government has also privately appealed to financial organisations to make their case in Europe if they want a transitional period where their ability to operate in the EU would be phased out gradually over several years. Finance minister Philip Hammond told a meeting of finance executives at the end of November they should lobby European governments if they want to secure a post-Brexit transitional deal, according to two people who were present. Hammond made the comments at the annual dinner of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wholesale Financial Markets and Services, attended by executives from the major British and international banks, according to the people who attended. "He basically said we need a transitional deal to avoid a cliff edge effect, but the EU also needs to argue for it," one person at the dinner said. "He was implying that we need to help the government prepare the ground." A Treasury spokesman, when asked for comment, reiterated Hammond's previous statements to lawmakers that Europe will harm itself if they use Brexit to undermine London's position as the region's principal financial centre. Bankers say more work is needed on forging a consensus between Britain and Europe on what any transitional deal may look like. European officials say they will not discuss such a deal before Britain triggers Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to start the process of leaving the EU. "Everyone has a different definition of what it means in Europe and within Whitehall. We're trying to get a common view on what transition means," one of the lobbyists said. THAWING RELATIONS The British government's relationship with business has gradually improved after months of friction after the vote. It hit a low point during the Conservative party conference in October when May attacked a "rootless" international elite and officials privately suggested banks would get no special favours in the Brexit negotiations. Nevertheless, banks feel they have largely finished putting forward their case for single market access. "We feel we've been lobbying the UK government to death. We've presented every piece of evidence, every report, research, you name it," one of the lobbyists said. "We've been repeating ourselves for a month or two now... What else do they really need from us now?" One government official, who asked not to be named, said regular dialogue with the finance sector will continue, but the number of meetings may reduce. "The door is open if people want to talk to us. There is not an arbitrary point at which speaking to people is no longer helpful," the person said. "But it has been intense, as we wanted it to be, and that intensity may ease." (Additional reporting by Huw Jones; editing by Anna Willard) By Andrew MacAskill and Anjuli Davies LONDON (Reuters) - Banks with large London operations say they will step up lobbying European officials because they are running out of arguments to convince the British government the industry needs single market access after Britain leaves the European Union. Banks have focussed on pressuring British officials to push for as much market access as possible since voters decided seven months ago to leave the EU. They held fewer meetings with European officials, according to several senior sources in the financial services industry. The focus is shifting because after scores of meetings and research reports, banks, which say they may begin moving staff and operations out of London in the next few months if there is no clarity, feel they are running out of new points to make. Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday she was not interested in Britain keeping "bits" of its EU membership, interpreted by some as signalling she will favour immigration controls over access to the single market. Banks are now planning a new round of lobbying to highlight how a hard Brexit could harm the EU and the UK. They have identified French politicians, EU regulators and government officials, as key groups to win over. "The battle for Britain is over, the battle for France is about to begin," said one senior lobbyist. Another senior lobbyist for one of the major global banks said he will spend more time in Brussels this year to target the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and his teams as well as Didier Seeuws, a Belgian diplomat, who is helping coordinate the Brexit negotiations. Another lobbyist said he is planning to visit Paris to meet with French politicians and regulators later this month. Britain's position as Europe's financial centre is emerging as one of the main collision points in the Brexit talks. Some European politicians see an opportunity to challenge British dominance of finance after decades of viewing its free-wheeling "Anglo-Saxon" model of capitalism with suspicion. Story continues EU leaders like French President Francois Hollande have said they plan to weaken Britain's grip on finance by, for instance, demanding the lucrative business of clearing euros should move to the euro zone. Finance is Britain's most important industry, accounting for about a tenth of its economic output and is its biggest source of business tax revenue. EUROPE'S INVESTMENT BANKER But Britain also acts as "the investment banker for Europe", Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said in November, with more than half the equity and debt raised for European governments and companies done in the UK. Banks will argue that Europe depends on the strength and the depth of the financial sector in London to service its economy and companies. If access to the EU is cut off, regional financial stability could be in jeopardy, they will say. UK-based banks had total outstanding loans of more than 1.1 trillion pounds to European companies and governments at the start of 2016. The British government has also privately appealed to financial organisations to make their case in Europe if they want a transitional period where their ability to operate in the EU would be phased out gradually over several years. Finance minister Philip Hammond told a meeting of finance executives at the end of November they should lobby European governments if they want to secure a post-Brexit transitional deal, according to two people who were present. Hammond made the comments at the annual dinner of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wholesale Financial Markets and Services, attended by executives from the major British and international banks, according to the people who attended. "He basically said we need a transitional deal to avoid a cliff edge effect, but the EU also needs to argue for it," one person at the dinner said. "He was implying that we need to help the government prepare the ground." A Treasury spokesman, when asked for comment, reiterated Hammond's previous statements to lawmakers that Europe will harm itself if they use Brexit to undermine London's position as the region's principal financial centre. Bankers say more work is needed on forging a consensus between Britain and Europe on what any transitional deal may look like. European officials say they will not discuss such a deal before Britain triggers Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to start the process of leaving the EU. "Everyone has a different definition of what it means in Europe and within Whitehall. We're trying to get a common view on what transition means," one of the lobbyists said. THAWING RELATIONS The British government's relationship with business has gradually improved after months of friction after the vote. It hit a low point during the Conservative party conference in October when May attacked a "rootless" international elite and officials privately suggested banks would get no special favours in the Brexit negotiations. Nevertheless, banks feel they have largely finished putting forward their case for single market access. "We feel we've been lobbying the UK government to death. We've presented every piece of evidence, every report, research, you name it," one of the lobbyists said. "We've been repeating ourselves for a month or two now... What else do they really need from us now?" One government official, who asked not to be named, said regular dialogue with the finance sector will continue, but the number of meetings may reduce. "The door is open if people want to talk to us. There is not an arbitrary point at which speaking to people is no longer helpful," the person said. "But it has been intense, as we wanted it to be, and that intensity may ease." (Additional reporting by Huw Jones; editing by Anna Willard) By Andrew MacAskill and Anjuli Davies LONDON (Reuters) - Banks with large London operations say they will step up lobbying European officials because they are running out of arguments to convince the British government the industry needs single market access after Britain leaves the European Union. Banks have focused on pressuring British officials to push for as much market access as possible since voters decided seven months ago to leave the EU. They held fewer meetings with European officials, according to several senior sources in the financial services industry. The focus is shifting because after scores of meetings and research reports, banks, which say they may begin moving staff and operations out of London in the next few months if there is no clarity, feel they are running out of new points to make. Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday she was not interested in Britain keeping "bits" of its EU membership, interpreted by some as signaling she will favor immigration controls over access to the single market. Banks are now planning a new round of lobbying to highlight how a hard Brexit could harm the EU and the UK. They have identified French politicians, EU regulators and government officials, as key groups to win over. "The battle for Britain is over, the battle for France is about to begin," said one senior lobbyist. Another senior lobbyist for one of the major global banks said he will spend more time in Brussels this year to target the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and his teams as well as Didier Seeuws, a Belgian diplomat, who is helping coordinate the Brexit negotiations. Another lobbyist said he is planning to visit Paris to meet with French politicians and regulators later this month. Britain's position as Europe's financial center is emerging as one of the main collision points in the Brexit talks. Some European politicians see an opportunity to challenge British dominance of finance after decades of viewing its free-wheeling "Anglo-Saxon" model of capitalism with suspicion. Story continues EU leaders like French President Francois Hollande have said they plan to weaken Britain's grip on finance by, for instance, demanding the lucrative business of clearing euros should move to the euro zone. Finance is Britain's most important industry, accounting for about a tenth of its economic output and is its biggest source of business tax revenue. EUROPE'S INVESTMENT BANKER But Britain also acts as "the investment banker for Europe", Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said in November, with more than half the equity and debt raised for European governments and companies done in the UK. Banks will argue that Europe depends on the strength and the depth of the financial sector in London to service its economy and companies. If access to the EU is cut off, regional financial stability could be in jeopardy, they will say. UK-based banks had total outstanding loans of more than 1.1 trillion pounds to European companies and governments at the start of 2016. The British government has also privately appealed to financial organizations to make their case in Europe if they want a transitional period where their ability to operate in the EU would be phased out gradually over several years. Finance minister Philip Hammond told a meeting of finance executives at the end of November they should lobby European governments if they want to secure a post-Brexit transitional deal, according to two people who were present. Hammond made the comments at the annual dinner of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wholesale Financial Markets and Services, attended by executives from the major British and international banks, according to the people who attended. "He basically said we need a transitional deal to avoid a cliff edge effect, but the EU also needs to argue for it," one person at the dinner said. "He was implying that we need to help the government prepare the ground." A Treasury spokesman, when asked for comment, reiterated Hammond's previous statements to lawmakers that Europe will harm itself if they use Brexit to undermine London's position as the region's principal financial center. Bankers say more work is needed on forging a consensus between Britain and Europe on what any transitional deal may look like. European officials say they will not discuss such a deal before Britain triggers Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to start the process of leaving the EU. "Everyone has a different definition of what it means in Europe and within Whitehall. We're trying to get a common view on what transition means," one of the lobbyists said. THAWING RELATIONS The British government's relationship with business has gradually improved after months of friction after the vote. It hit a low point during the Conservative party conference in October when May attacked a "rootless" international elite and officials privately suggested banks would get no special favors in the Brexit negotiations. Nevertheless, banks feel they have largely finished putting forward their case for single market access. "We feel we've been lobbying the UK government to death. We've presented every piece of evidence, every report, research, you name it," one of the lobbyists said. "We've been repeating ourselves for a month or two now... What else do they really need from us now?" One government official, who asked not to be named, said regular dialogue with the finance sector will continue, but the number of meetings may reduce. "The door is open if people want to talk to us. There is not an arbitrary point at which speaking to people is no longer helpful," the person said. "But it has been intense, as we wanted it to be, and that intensity may ease." (Additional reporting by Huw Jones; editing by Anna Willard) Rome (AFP) - Italian police on Tuesday announced the arrest of a London-resident nuclear engineer and his sister on suspicion of running a cyber snooping operation targeting politicians, public bodies and companies. Police did not name the two suspects but Italian media cited charge sheets which identified them as Giulio Occhionero, 45, and his sister Francesca Maria Occhionero. Reports described the pair as well known figures in Roman finance circles who lived in the Italian capital but were officially resident in London. Media reports said politicians targeted by the pair included former premiers Matteo Renzi and Mario Monti and the current head of the European Central Bank (ECB) Mario Draghi. The brother and sister were placed under investigation last year after a senior government official reported having been sent an email contained spy malware known as EyePyramid. Prosecutors want them charged with illegally obtaining information related to state security, illegally accessing computer systems and illegal interception of online messages. Data they collected was allegedly catalogued under two broad categories: BROS for snippets concerning individuals who were members of masonic orders, and POBU for politicians and business figures. Police said the information trawling was carried out via a complex network of overseas-based companies but did not offer any theory of what the duo's objective might have been. As Donald Trumps designated National Security Adviser, former three-star Army General Mike Flynn will be in one of the most sensitive and influential posts within the new Administration. But his job title is not Cabinet-level and confirmation by the Senate is not required. Still, that hasnt stopped Democrats from attacking the president-elects choice and even suggesting that Flynn should step aside, saying he doesn't have the judgment for the job." Related: Out Like Flynn: Why Trump Must Dump the Fake News General Last Thursday, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, Hillary Clintons running mate, told CNN, "Gen. Flynn's trafficking in conspiracy stories that a fourth grader would find incredible suggests either that he's highly gullible or that he's so consumed with malice that he loses his ability to judge what's fact and what's fiction. Kaine was referring to the dissemination by Flynn and his son Michael, then the generals chief of staff, of fake news stories during the election especially disturbing tweets (#PizzaGate) that linked Clinton and campaign chief John Podesta to a supposed ring of child-sex traffickers run out of the basement of a popular pizza restaurant in Washington. As reported in a Fiscal Times column early last month calling for Flynn to step aside, scurrilous social media posts about Comet Ping Pong led an armed avenger from North Carolina to invade the restaurant on Dec. 4, assault weapon in hand, to free the young sex slaves. No captives were found. The white knight was arrested. And the Comets owner pointed out that the restaurant doesnt even have a basement. Michael Flynn -- whom Mike Pence said was never part of the transition team until he was contradicted by a transition team spokesperson -- was summarily dispatched, but the General remains by the President-elects side. On Monday, 53 nonprofits signed a letter calling Flynn unfit for serving in this critical post because of his deeply troubling history of bigoted and deceitful statements and his alarming ties to foreign governments. Story continues Other than J Street, the liberal Jewish organization, and MoveOn.org, a progressive organizing group, you probably never heard of most of the organizations, many of which are religious and/or peaceniks. But given U.S. intelligence revelations about Russias attempts to disrupt the American presidential election process, discredit Clinton and elect Trump through hacking, fake news, and state-controlled media, they have a point about Flynns alarming ties. Related: Is Trumps Team Headed for an Epic Clash Over Classified Intelligence? The declassified report on Russian hacking released on Friday by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and presented to Trump said in part, Russias state-run propaganda machine contributed to the influence campaign by serving as a platform for Kremlin messaging to Russian and international audiences. RT refers to Russia Today, the 24-hour, English-language TV news channel funded by the Russian government. In December 2015, Flynn traveled to Moscow for RTs 10th anniversary, collected a speakers fee that he has declined to disclose, and attended a gala dinner at which he was seated at the right hand of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom the U.S. intelligence report says ordered the influence campaign aimed at the U.S. election. In addition, as Yahoo News investigative reporter Mike Isikoff revealed in November, Flynn began receiving classified national security briefings last summer while he was also running a private consulting firm that offered all-source intelligence support to international clients. Beyond that, the Flynn Intel Group, which the general launched after he was first appointed and then ousted as chief of the Defense Intelligence Agency by President Obama, registered to lobby for a wealthy associate of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey while Flynn was advising candidate Trump. Related: Trump Being Advised by Ex-U.S. Lieutenant General Who Favors Closer Russia Ties In a New York Times op-ed on Sunday, William J. Burns, president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former ambassador to Russia under President George W. Bush, wrote, The reality is that our relationship with Russia will remain competitive, and often adversarial, for the foreseeable future. At its core is a fundamental disconnect in outlook and about each others role in the world. It is tempting to think that personal rapport can bridge this disconnect and that the art of the deal can unlock a grand bargain. That is a foolish starting point for sensible policy. It would be especially foolish to think that Russias deeply troubling interference in our election can or should be played down, however inconvenient. Thus far, Flynn has been mum about Russian interference in the election, though his bosss skepticism until a day or two ago may be a reflection of the generals influence. Given the fake news, the ties to RT and Putin and possible conflicts of interest not fully explored but troubling on their face, can Flynn be trusted to be a credible counselor to the incoming president on issues affecting the sanctity and safety of the republic? Just as important, can a critical adviser already compromised be trusted by other members of the intelligence community? The answers are simple: no and no. And that is why Flynn must go. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: By Sudip Kar-Gupta and Ankur Banerjee (Reuters) - Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (VRX.TO) is selling its Dendreon cancer treatment business and three skincare brands for $2.12 billion as the troubled Canadian drugmaker looks to reduce more than $30 billion in debt. Valeant's U.S.-listed shares (VRX.N) rose as much as 14 percent on Tuesday, before paring gains to 5.7 percent at $16.22 in afternoon trading. Its bonds also moved higher. The company is trying to regain investor confidence after its stock plunged over the past year amid disclosures that it worked secretly with a specialty pharmacy to boost sales of its medicines. Laval, Quebec-based Valeant has been the subject of recent investigations by congressional panels as well as the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. French cosmetics group L'Oreal (OREP.PA) is buying CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi from Valeant for about $1.3 billion in cash. Valeant is also selling its Dendreon unit to China's Sanpower Group Co Ltd [SPGCL.UL] for $819.9 million. Valeant had acquired the bankrupt Dendreon in 2015 for about $300 million. "We think these two assets we sold today certainly go a long way toward helping us," Valeant Chief Executive Joseph Papa said in an interview on CNBC. Valeant's gastrointestinal, dermatology and eyecare businesses are core to the company's operations, but it would listen to significant offers, Papa said. The deals could be the first of a series of divestitures for Valeant, whose growth was fueled by an acquisition spree that left it saddled with debt. Mizuho Securities USA analyst Irina Koffler said she expects Valeant to divest its dental business as well as its interests in some geographic areas. Founded in 2005, CeraVe develops cleansers, moisturizers and baby products and is one of the fastest-growing active skincare brands in the United States, L'Oreal said. AcneFree provides acne treatments and skin cleansers, while Ambi makes products to treat dark spots and brighten skin. Story continues L'Oreal said the three brands would stand alongside the likes of Vichy and La Roche-Posay in its Active Cosmetics division, which is among its strongest in terms of growth and resilience to slowdowns in consumer spending in the past three to four years. L'Oreal paid nearly eight times the brand's combined annual revenue of $168 million as it expands into one of the fastest-growing areas of the beauty industry. Separately, Valeant said its lotion for plaque psoriasis, IDP-118 was more effective and reduced irritation in patients in a key study. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta in Paris and Ankur Banerjee in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg; editing by Andrew Callus, Louise Heavens, G Crosse and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) 10 Jan - Actress and TV personality Karla Estrada confirmed recently that her life story will be dramatised in the Kapamilya long-running drama anthology, "Maalaala Mo Kaya". As reported on ABS-CBN News, the actress, who was spotted at the set of the sitcom "Funny Ka, Pare Ko" recently, shared that actress Angelica Panganiban will play her in the special episode, while her younger self will be played by Alexa Ilacad. The said episode, according to Estrada, will revolve around her life before she joined showbiz. "I am thankful that Angelica is playing me. When I found out about it, I quickly contacted her and thanked her. She said she is excited about playing me, because when she was reading the script of my story, she was working together with [my son] Daniel Padilla on "Pangako Sa 'Yo"," said Estrada. However, the actress added that there will be nothing about her love life in the upcoming episode, describing it to be "too complicated". "The episode will tell the story about how I made an impossible dream come true, because in the '80s, it was hard for someone to come to Manila and to be an artiste," she added. (Photo source: instagram.com/karlaestrada1121) Madonna looks like a silver screen vixen in Harpers Bazaar There are just a three things in life that are certain: death, taxes, and Madonnas true form as a photogenic pop diva. Were of the mind that a better world would involve death and taxes getting canceled, while Madonnas latest Harpers Bazaar cover becomes the new image for US currency. Can you imagine a world where we pay for our smoothies with dollar bills featuring a well-coiffed Madonna looking like an actress from the Golden Age of the silver screen? It would be a lovely, bizarre, and accurate representation of American culture. Until she is given the honored venue of the $2 bill, we can still honor Madonnas recent work, both the modeling and interview, in her latest photoshoot for Harpers Bazaar. In signature Madonna fashion, the cover features her done up in smoky eyes and a bold red lipstick. Who better to help us celebrate our 150th anniversary than @Madonna? The pop icon talks with #RoxanneGay about election-night prayers, aging and bad wine. Tap the link in our bio to see the full cover story on BAZAAR.com. #BAZAAR150 Photography by @LuigiandIango Styling by @AriannePhillips A photo posted by Harper's BAZAAR (@harpersbazaarus) on Jan 10, 2017 at 5:06am PST The series of photos feature a black and white Madonna taking on a series of dramatic poses, which elicit a spectrum of emotions ranging from seductive to meditative. Crawling my way back to work and into the arms of Harpers Bazaar @luigiandiango out Jan. 17th A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Jan 7, 2017 at 8:40pm PST All of them are serving a strong classic Hollywood aesthetic. Hello Harpers Bazaar! 50th Anniversary issue! shot by Luigi and Iango. out Jan 17th. A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Jan 7, 2017 at 9:29pm PST She looks like shes about to light a cigarette and put on a record. We support Madonnas ability to pull off a fashion boa while looking somewhat serious. Hello! We Are Fine! @harpersbazaarus @luigiandiango A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Jan 9, 2017 at 10:55am PST In her full cover story, which you can read through the Harpers Bazaar website, Madonna opened up about her strong convictions about womens sexuality, and how we should not be censored in our modes of self-expression. Its worth noting that the profile was written by the fabulous Roxane Gay, who wrote the book Bad Feminist (a highly recommended read). Story continues The cover story strikes a refreshing balance between a classic, glamorous photoshoot, and a profile that takes a deep dive into Madonnas everyday meditations. Lost and Found @harpersbazaarus @luigiandiango @baron_films A video posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Jan 9, 2017 at 6:03pm PST You can check out the full photoshoot and story online! Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f343024%2fbfe6e71a-df1c-4299-ba07-70d02dc02645 Some may finish a trip across the notoriously wild Drake Passage a little worse for wear, but Amanda Davies is feeling invigorated. A geographer at Curtin University in Perth, Australia, she recently returned from the largest-ever all-women expedition of scientists to Antarctica. SEE ALSO: An iceberg the size of Delaware is about to break off Antarctica The inaugural December trip, including 76 women, was organised by Homeward Bound to promote women in science leadership. The travellers all came with different scientific backgrounds, from structural biology and astrophysics to geology and marine science. According to Davies, friendships were formed "like nothing else." "You had no choice but to get along and chat about science after 20 days together in very close quarters," she laughed. Image: Amanda davies Climate change was a topic foremost on the minds of those on the expedition, not least because they witnessed firsthand the scale of the changes occurring in the environment and the speed at which it's happening. "I couldn't believe it until I actually saw it," Davies said. "Also the plastic pollution the absolute shock of seeing old soda bottles washing up on the Antarctic peninsula was very confronting." "It's an absolutely pristine environment, except for our rubbish," she added. "I've come back with renewed vigour to communicate science and to get the message out there." Getting to the ice The trip set off from Ushuaia, Argentina on Dec. 2 across the Drake Passage. Davies admitted to a little seasickness, but the swells were forgotten once they reached Antarctica. The women slept on the ship, which would relocate in the night. In the sunlight, they would set off in rubber dinghies to explore the icy continent, taking in glaciers, plunging crevasses and penguin colonies. "It was just magic getting onto these remote, very exclusive localities and being able to explore," she said. Story continues Image: AMANDA DAVIES There was very little trouble onboard, according to Davies, despite the hours of sea travel. "The landscape was so phenomenal, and the conversation was just unbelievably good and crisp and fresh all the time that you didn't get bored," she said. Promoting women leadership in science While she acknowledged the trip had attracted some criticism for being all-female, Davies has returned with energy to tackle the issue of women dropping out of science careers. "About 52 percent of our graduates are female, and after 10 years, we're getting down to 20 percent left in research and less than 10 percent of senior leadership positions," she said. "It was about shining a light on that ... so we can make sure all that investment we're putting into people isn't necessarily lost." On the trip, the women also received leadership training. The founder of the project, Fabian Dattner, told the ABC that for her, the trip was as much about leadership as science. "Science touches every part of our current world, and every part of our future," she explained. "The absence of women as leaders with a scientific background is bad for us all." Image: Amanda davies It wasn't only female scientists onboard. According to Davies, the ship itself was female-led, owned by a German woman Ute Hohn-Bowen and managed onboard by Monika Schillat. "It was a bit of luck really, but it was really nice to have these two strong, independent females responsible for the whole thing," she said. Being on an all-women trip was also special to her personally. "For me, it was a joy being with other women because I am quite isolated working in the space that I do," she explained. "There are just not many females around. Now in my late 30s, there are few of us left." People warming up their cars before driving off in the harsh winter weather may be a common sight but in many places, leaving your car idling could lead to a hefty fine. Read: Suspect Taunts Police During Intense Stop-And-Go Pursuit After Allegedly Shooting Sister-in-Law Just ask Nick Trupiano, said he was warming up his car in the freezing cold outside his Roseville, Michigan, home earlier this week when he says he was ticketed by police for $128 as the vehicle sat in the driveway. Trupiano claims he had no idea there was a law about idling. I had no knowledge of it and it seems like others had no knowledge of it either, he told Inside Edition. Trupiano, upset with the fine, posted the ticket on Facebook Tuesday where it gained national attention and has been shared more than 13,000 times. Let's all take a moment to thank the officer... for wasting the taxpayer's money and giving me a ticket for warming up my car in my own damn driveway, he wrote. "I was really upset, I was astonished," He told Inside Edition. "I came out to a ticket on my car for just warming up my car." Police say issuing tickets for idling cars is meant to stop thieves. In some parts of the country it is illegal to leave a car idling. "Most of these idiots take off at a high rate of speed and you are putting the public at risk," Roseville Police Chief James Berlin told Inside Edition. "It's purely a public safety issue." Watch: Woman Steals Ambulance to Drive Home After Being Discharged From Hospital: Cops According to Fox 2 Detroit, the ticket issued to Trupiano lists the ordinance as 99006, but there is no decree in the city of Roseville, where the ticket was issued, or in the state of Michigan that matches the number listed on the citation. It also lists ordinance 895 under the description of offenses saying: VEH/MOTOR ON UNATTENDED 895, which is a rule pertaining to "rodent control," according to the city of Roseville's website. Story continues A message left with the Roseville Police Department by InsideEdition.com has not yet been returned. Such a violation does not exist in Michigan on the state level, according to Michigan State Police. "There is no state law that prohibits anyone from warming up their vehicle in their own driveway or idling in their own driveway," Lori Dougovito of the Michigan State Police Public Affairs division, told InsideEdition.com. Trupiano is due in court on January 26 at the District Court in Roseville, the town where he lives. Watch: Badge Saves Cop From Bullet Before Police Pursuit Ends in Fiery Crash Related Articles: Mariah Carey never misses an opportunity to debut a glamorous look no matter the circumstance. The pop star recently wore an extravagant $1,890 black Herve Leger gown during a shopping trip to Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. The 46-year-olds figure-hugging bandage gown featured a flattering mermaid silhouette, sheer geometric appliques, and an open back an unconventional choice even for a trip to a luxury department store. Even for Mariah Carey. Mariah Carey wore a very fancy look during a recent shopping trip. (Photo: AKM-GSI) She completed her red carpet-ready look with black platform heels and a leather jacket, accessorized with plenty of dazzling diamonds, and styled her hair in a high, side ponytail. Although Carey recently announced she is taking a break from social media to be with her loved ones and prepare for her upcoming tour after the New Years Eve fiasco, its clear that the stars dramatic fashion flair is here to stay. Careys style has been described by some as over the top particularly when she shopped at a Whole Foods in Honolulu in November wearing a white leotard with a plunging neckline, huge diamonds, and sunglasses. #grocerystore glam!! Happy #Thanksgiving #lambily A photo posted by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on Nov 24, 2016 at 5:41pm PST She posted a number of playful images from the outing to her Instagram page, which boasts 5 million followers. #hawaiianpunch for #thanksgiving ???? A photo posted by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on Nov 24, 2016 at 5:57pm PST Love all my #hawaiian #lambs ???? A photo posted by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on Nov 24, 2016 at 6:20pm PST She also posed with fans at the store. Just a regular day at the #grocery store in #hawaii #groceryshopping #itsperfectlynormal #happythanksgiving lambs ???? A photo posted by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on Nov 24, 2016 at 5:56pm PST Mariahs wardrobe choices might be unique, but they definitely keep people talking, which is a very smart thing to do if youre in the middle of a social media break. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. With more and more states legalizing marijuana, the debate about whether the substance is simply a harmless herb or a dangerous gateway drug continues. The Doctors continue to examine both sides of the argument with Karen OKeefe, a marijuana advocate from the Marijuana Policy Project and addiction expert Paul Auchterlonie. Karen acknowledges that marijuana does pose some risks, but says it pales in comparison to alcohol and other drugs, Its far less toxic, less addictive and its not linked to violence, she contends. She feels the idea that the herb is a gateway to harder drugs is not true and that keeping it illegal leads to people using harder drugs, which are not tested or verified like legal marijuana is. Watch: Grow Cannabis in Your Kitchen? On the side of the argument, Paul says that 18 percent of people in rehab for addiction are there due to marijuana. He is concerned about the age when people use marijuana most, which is from the age of 15 to 25. He notes that many parts of the brain are still developing during these years and points out that marijuana can affect things like emotions, judgment, decision making and time management. He would like the pro-pot people to acknowledge that many young people are using marijuana thinking its safe and less dangerous. Its a dream killer theres a reason why you cant manage your time and complete tasks, he says. The Doctors, along with Karen and Paul, note that everyone is unique and will respond to marijuana differently. Some are able to use it and not have it adversely affect their lives, which others experience many harmful and lasting effects. Watch: Marijuana Infused Wine? Where do you stand on marijuana? See more from our guests and The Doctors about whether they feel pot leads to harder drugs in the video below. As Yahoo takes steps to sell its core internet business to Verizon, the company is revealing its plans for its remaining investment company. In a regulatory filing published Monday, Yahoo disclosed that CEO Marissa Mayer, chairman Maynard Webb, co-founder David Filo and three other board members will resign from their positions. That will shrink the board to five members. Further, Yahoo will rename its investment business Altaba Inc. That business will primarily consist of Yahoo's investment in China's Alibaba Group. As of Monday, Webb has become chairman emeritus and board member Eric Brandt the new chairman. Yahoo announced in July its plan to sell its core internet assets to Verizon for $4.8 billion. The sale has been held up by the disclosure of two large hacks on Yahoo's user base. Verizon executive vp Marni Walden, speaking last week at an investor conference in Las Vegas, said that the investigation into the hacks was ongoing. "Unfortunately, I can't sit here today and say with confidence one way or another, because we still don't know," she added at the Citi Technology, Media and Telecommunications confab. Read more: European Commission Approves Verizon's Proposed Buyout of Yahoo, Given Their "Moderate Market Positions" The number of maritime kidnappings hit a ten-year high in 2016, with waters off the southern Philippines becoming increasingly dangerous, the International Maritime Bureau said Tuesday. While the overall number of pirate attacks has declined in recent years, the IMB said 62 people worldwide were kidnapped for ransom at sea last year compared to only 19 in 2015 and nine in 2014. "The kidnapping of crew from ocean-going merchant vessels in the Sulu Sea and their transfer to the southern Philippines represents a notable escalation in attacks," the IMB said in a report. It urged shipowners to avoid the Sulu Sea, which lies between eastern Malaysia and the Philippines, by routing ships to the west of Borneo island. In a string of incidents in the Sea last year, groups of armed men -- said to be either from or linked to the Abu Sayyaf -- ambushed ships and seized crew for ransom. The Abu Sayyaf are based on remote and mountainous southern Philippine islands. Their leaders pledge allegiance to the Islamic State group, but analysts say they are more focused on lucrative kidnappings. Noel Choong, head of the IMB's Kuala Lumpur-based Piracy Reporting Centre, said groups linked to militants were carrying out the kidnappings -- particularly off West Africa and in the Sulu Sea. Despite the rise in kidnappings, the number of overall pirate attacks continued to fall due to better policing and ships taking more precautions. A total of 191 cases of piracy on the high seas were recorded in 2016 compared to 246 in 2015. World piracy has been on the decline since 2012 after international naval patrols were launched off East Africa in response to a spate of violent assaults by Somali-based pirates and others. The number of cases has also plummeted off Indonesia thanks to more efficient patrols. The continued fall in piracy is good news but certain shipping routes remain dangerous, and the escalation of crew kidnapping is a worrying trend in some emerging areas, said Pottengal Mukundan, director of IMB. Story continues In addition to the Sulu Sea, the Gulf of Guinea was a kidnap hotspot, with 34 crew taken in nine incidents last year. The number of all pirate attacks off Nigeria rose from 14 in 2015 to 36 last year. Peru, which had a clean sheet in 2015, saw 11 pirate incidents last year - 10 of them at its main port of Callao. PORT LOUIS (Reuters) - Visitor numbers to Mauritius rose 11 percent in 2016 compared with the previous year, driven by more arrivals from Europe, official data showed on Tuesday. The central bank said in November it expected tourism earnings in 2016 to be around 56.6 billion rupees ($1.58 billion). Statistics Mauritius said arrivals rose to 1.28 million from 1.15 million in 2015. Numbers from Europe, which accounts for two third of visitors, climbed 16 percent to 734,506. Tourism is an important component of the Mauritian economy and a key source of hard currency for the Indian Ocean island state, best known for its luxury spas and beaches. The statistics office said in November it expects tourist arrivals to increase 4.3 percent this year to 1.3 million while the Bank of Mauritius forecast earnings of 59 billion rupees for the same period. ($1 = 35.7500 Mauritius rupees) (Reporting by Jean Paul Arouff; editing by George Obulutsa) Narya Marcilles poster design has caught the attention of women on Pantsuit Nation. (Artwork: Narya Marcille) As excitement builds over the upcoming Womens March on Washington, much of that protest energy has translated into an outpouring of Facebook love for an emblematic poster design created by a mother of two. Narya Marcille of Rhode Island knows that traveling to the post-Inauguration Day march with her sister and aunts will be too difficult with her 4-month-old son, so instead the talented artist created a poster for her family members to carry, at her aunt Ginny Kerslakes behest. She then posted her inspired creation, also at Kerslakes urging, to the Facebook group Pantsuit Nation on Sunday evening, where it has since received more than 82,000 reactions. Its overwhelming, Marcille, who has a BA in fine arts from the University of Rhode Island, tells Yahoo Beauty. I didnt expect it. People have been so kind. Narya Marcille with her husband, Tom Gruczka, and their two sons. (Photo courtesy of Narya Marcille) The stay-at-home mom (also to another son, 3) and freelance graphic designer says she spent just over a week on the vector drawing, digitally created in Adobe Illustrator. She was also able to submit it to the Womens March call for official artwork, a deadline she made by six minutes. But whether or not Marcilles design rises to the top of the pack or not (and announcement is expected any day now), Pantsuit Nation fans have deemed her a winner. HRC by Narya Marcille. The thousands of commenters have called her poster design amazing, beautiful, and outstanding, with some noting they would be posting it to their walls and crediting the artist. In response, Marcille, 34, announced that she had set up an Etsy page with various digital downloads available ($5 to $15, depending on sizes) for T-shirts, hats, and posters, with half the profits going toward Planned Parenthood and Running Start. RBG by Narya Marcille. Although the artist included Hillary Clinton and Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the forefront of the image, the other women depicted were imagined. I wanted it to be that everyone can join the fight, not just famous women, she explains. But I really admire them. Story continues Since the election, Marcille admits, she has felt frightened for the country. Im really scared, she says. Im just baffled by [Donald Trump]. But the positive and supportive posts on Pantsuit Nation have lifted her up. Its inspiring, and its made me braver and given me hope that people are willing to stand up for each other, she adds, noting that such hope is particularly inspiring for her goals as a mom. Im going to raise my boys to be feminists. Women Unite by Narya Marcille. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) Lebanon's newly elected president met Tuesday with the Saudi king during his first visit to the kingdom, a meeting that could melt the ice after relations became strained over Iran and the Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Saudi state news agency SPA said the 83-year-old Michel Aoun met with King Salman at the Yamama palace in Riyadh after arriving in the country a day earlier accompanied by eight government ministers. A former general, Aoun was elected in October after a 29-month vacuum in the country's top post. Lebanon's political factions are deeply divided, with some, like Aoun's Christian party and the Hezbollah, aligning with Iran and their opponents siding with Saudi Arabia. Last February, Saudi Arabia halted a $3 billion arms deal with Lebanon and banned Saudis and Gulf nationals from traveling there, decisions linked to the kingdom's tensions with Iran. Aoun told Saudi media the arms deal would be discussed during his visit. In December, the 128-member Lebanese parliament approved a national unity government headed by Lebanon's top Saudi ally, Saad Hariri. He endorsed Aoun, ending the long standing deadlock between the two longtime foes. Hariri praised Aoun's visit to Saudi Arabia, saying it would bring "the return of Saudi tourists and investments to Lebanon and all that contributes to the (country's) economic advancement." Hariri is a longtime critic of Hezbollah's support for the Syrian government in that country's ongoing civil war. The militant group has sent thousands of its members to fight alongside President Bashar Assad's forces. The SPA said King Salman and Aoun discussed bilateral relations, without elaborating. Aoun, however, told Al-Ekhbariyah TV that besides discussing the arms deal, there would be a "general assessment of the situation," blaming the strained relations on "events in the Arab countries." "I am here today to remove such ambiguities while carrying with me love and friendship to the Saudi people," he said. The Syrian war has spilled over into Lebanon on several occasions over the past five years, with clashes and bombings that have killed scores of people. Lebanon is home to some 1.2 million Syrian refugees, equivalent to one fourth of its own population. As society is living longer and longer, the risks of diseases such as Alzheimers are becoming even greater. Of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer's, an estimated 5.2 million people are age 65 and older, according to the Alzheimers Association. And as more Baby Boomers age that number may triple to 13 million by 2050. At 85 you have a one in three chance of getting Alzheimers or that form of dementia, so this is an incredible tsunami thats hitting our society given the fact that people are living longer, said Merck CEO Ken Frazier (NYSE:MRK) during an appearance with the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo. Frazier elaborated on Mercks pipeline, which includes a drug to treat the disease. We have a drug that were actually going to get data on in the middle of 2017. Its called a base inhibitor. And what we know from human genetic studies is if you have lower levels of base, youre much less likely to have dementia, he said while explaining the science of how it would work. What we need is a drug that slows down the death of the neurons, slows down the dementia process he added. Along with becoming a health epidemic, Alzheimers is a financial one as well. An estimated $236 billion was spent on caretakers and related treatments, through 2016 per the Alzheimers Association. We have high hopes for it, the world needs it, Frazier said of the drug. The fight to find a treatment has not been an easy one. Last November, Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) disclosed its experimental, late-stage drug failed in trials and that it would not seek FDA approval. Related Articles Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. MACK announced that it has entered into a definitive asset purchase and sale agreement with Ipsen for $1.0 billion along with milestone payment of up to $33 million. Notably, Merrimack has underperformed the Zacks classified Medical Biomed/Genetics industry in the last 12 months. In fact, the stock has lost 38.1 % during this period, compared with a decline of 13.5% for the industry. As per the terms of the agreement, Merrimack will sell its marketed product, Onivyde, to Ipsen. The sale will include commercialization rights in the U.S. and Merrimacks licensing agreement with Shire SHPG. Ipsen will also purchase Mericmack;s generic version of Doxil (doxorubicin hydrochloride (HCI) liposome injection for which the latter has a license and supply agreement with Actavis LLC, a part of Teva Pharmaceuticals TEVA. Terms of the Transaction The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017. Merrimack will receive $575 million from Ipsen on closing, along with $450 million in milestone payments. Merrimack will also retain the rights to receive net milestone payments of up to $33 million pursuant to its exclusive licensing agreement with Shire for the development and commercialization of Onivyde in the U.S. Last month, Merrimack announced the discontinuation of a phase II trial on its breast cancer candidate, MM-302. The decision was taken following the recommendation and a subsequent futility analysis by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). MM-302 is being evaluated for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in patients who were previously treated with Herceptin, Perjeta and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1, Kadcyla). The DSMB recommended that the continuation of the trial is unlikely to demonstrate benefit over the comparator treatments. A subsequent futility assessment confirmed the DSMB's opinion as both the treatment and control arms were found to have shorter-than-expected median progression-free survival. Story continues Consequently, Merrimack will now focus its resources on the development of its three pipeline candidates MM-121, MM-141 and MM-310. Of the $575 million that the company will receive upon closing, it will invest $125 million to develop its pipeline. In Oct 2016, Merrimack undertook a restructuring initiative to focus R&D on a set of oncology products as well as to strengthen its cash runway for the next two years. As part of this move, the company has reduced its headcount by 22%. As a result of the sale of rights to Onivyde, the discontinuation of the MM-302 trial and the restructuring activities announced in Oct 2016, Merrimack should have a significantly leaner operating expense structure and capital structure, which would better support the company's new focus. These restructuring activities will reduce the companys workforce by 80% and Merrimack will now have only 80 employees, down from 400 employees prior to implementing the restructuring in Oct 2016. Merrimack will also repay $175 million of outstanding debt due in 2022. The company will return approximately $200 million to its shareholders through a special dividend of $1.54 per outstanding share. Merrimack also plans to return to stockholders 100% of the amount received of up to $450 million. The amount is to be returned in additional regulatory approval-based milestone payments for Onivyde in the U.S. The total dividend comes to approximately $3.46 per share. Merrimack will also discontinue the phase I study on MM-151 and defer continued investment in MM-131, MM-302 and several preclinical programs until the company gets partners or funding sources. Merrimack had only one marketed product in its portfolio, Onivyde which is approved in the U.S., for use in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV). Onivyde is used for treating patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas by the Gemzar (gemcitabine)-based therapy. With only one approved product in its portfolio, Merrimack was heavily dependent on Onivyde for growth. Thus, successful development of other candidates in its pipeline is critical for Merrimacks growth prospects. Merrimack carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Price and Consensus Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Price and Consensus | Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Quote Key Pick in Sector Sucmapo Pharmaceuticals SCMP looks well placed with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Sucmapos earnings estimates increased from $1.03 to $1.22 for 2016 and from $1.30 to $1.74 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive earnings surprise in all of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 35.5% Zacks' Top Investment Ideas for Long-Term Profit How would you like to see our best recommendations to help you find todays most promising long-term stocks? Starting now, you can look inside our portfolios featuring stocks under $10, income stocks, value investments and more. These picks, which have double and triple-digit profit potential, are rarely available to the public. But you can see them now. Click here >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SCMP): Free Stock Analysis Report Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (TEVA): Free Stock Analysis Report Shire PLC (SHPG): Free Stock Analysis Report Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MACK): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Mexico City (AFP) - Mexico's government, business leaders and agricultural groups agreed on Monday to prevent increases in the cost of basic goods after a gasoline price hike sparked daily and sometimes violent protests. As thousands marched again in Mexico City, President Enrique Pena Nieto did not signal any backpedaling on the government's unpopular decision to increase gasoline prices by up to 20.1 percent. But he was joined by business leaders at his official residence in Mexico City to announce an agreement to keep the prices of other goods under control. "The business sector is making the commitment to help in order to not resort in an indiscriminate increase in prices," Pena Nieto said. "This is possible because gasoline, for the majority of products, represents just a fraction of production costs," he said. The agreement published by the administration warns the government will "watch for and sanction any abuse." The government, meanwhile, will apply austerity measures including a cut in the salaries of senior officials by 10 percent in addition to a previously announced 1.7 percent budget reduction. While the Business Coordination Council backed the deal, the powerful COPARMEX trade confederation refused to join. "It is more important for such an agreement to be the fruit of a real and broad social consensus, and not just serve as a communications or public relations strategy," COPARMEX said in a statement. Mexicans have held daily protests since the government increased the cost of a liter of gasoline on January 1 as part of a deregulation of fuel prices. Some protesters clashed with police while others looted stores, leaving at least three people dead and some 1,500 arrested. More protests took place on Monday, including thousands in the capital where people shouted "Pena Out!" Pena Nieto has defended the price increase, saying it was necessary to avoid cuts in health care and welfare programs after global oil prices went up. Mexico imports more than half of the gasoline it consumes. MGM has agreed to put up as much as $232,500 to settle a proposed class action over unpaid internships at the studio. The deal was submitted to a judge last week for approval. Kimi Gupta, who spent less than three weeks interning at MGM in 2012, filed the lawsuit on behalf of herself and others similarly situated in April 2015 - around the time that Viacom, NBCU, Conde Nast and ICM were hammering their own settlement agreements to resolve legal disputes over internships. Perhaps the feature that set Gupta's lawsuit apart from the others was its location. She brought her case in Los Angeles Superior Court over alleged violations of California labor law including failure to pay minimum wage, whereas many of the other internship lawsuits proceeded in New York federal court. As such, had Gupta's case proceeded further, a judge wouldn't have been beholden to the big ruling from the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in the case over unpaid internships at Fox. During her short stint at MGM, Gupta alleged she was assigned entry-level work including maintaining records of television programs at the company's cable unit. The proposed settlement covers others who participated in unpaid internships since April 30, 2011. In a memorandum in support of the settlement, the plaintiff's attorney Jahan Sagafi at Outten & Golden estimates 258 class members. That makes the $232,500 settlement about on par by the standards of prior litigation on the topic. (See Fox.) The deal allows the plaintiff's counsel to seek up to one-third of the settlement fund as attorney's fees, plus $10,000 in litigation costs, meaning that each class member would theoretically receive about $500 to resolve claims. A judge is scheduled to consider the settlement at a hearing on Jan. 17. Episode 5 of AMERICAN DOERS, a new 12-part video series featuring original thinkers, innovators, craftspeople, risk-takers and artisans across the United States. In Shamayim Harris hometown of Highland Park, Michigan, more than 50 percent of the population lives in poverty. In 2011, the city could not afford its electric bill, so the energy company turned off the street lights and physically repossessed them. But Harris, who is affectionately known as Mama Shu, refused to let Highland Park go dark. As she set out to rebuild a half-abandoned nearby block, she focused on transforming her community into a sustainable eco-village. One of the first steps was installing the first residential solar street light in 2014. For more American Doers, go to americandoers.people.com. Im very proud to have that light, she tells PEOPLE. It shines every night theres no bill for it. Harris owns 10 properties within what is now called Avalon Village, including an after-school homework house and a community park. Its important to me to build everything in Avalon Village with a green infrastructure because our neighborhood is poor and a lot of times we cant afford electric bills, she says. Harris hopes to have the project completed by 2018. I want the good life, she continues. So I figured, Hey, lets start building the good life! During an interview with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday, President Barack Obama discussed why he thinks race relations in the U.S. have improved during his presidency. However, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke believes that Obama may be mischaracterizing what is actually taking place in cities across America. Obama misspoke, what he meant to say was race relations have never been worse since Ive become President of the United StatesThe election of Donald Trump, we have a chance in this country to put this aside and to rebuild this nation again in terms of relations, not just on race, but between gender, economic, ethnicity...One of the first things that President-elect Trump should do in his first 100 days is to deliver a Gettysburg type address to begin to help this nation heal, Clarke said to the FOX Business Networks Liz MacDonald. Sheriff Clarke also weighed in on another controversial comment President Obama made during a recent interview with Trevor Noah when he said We have by no means overcome the legacies of slavery and Jim Crow [laws], Colonialism and racism. How can the first black president stand up there and try to convince anybody that this country is still racist. When many Americans black, white, Hispanic and you name it went out and voted for that man and on the way out the door he kicks them right in their teeth, this guy is incredible, Clarke said. Related Articles Flaming Cliffs (Mongolia) (AFP) - For years, herder Gelegrash had a sideline bringing tourists to see a dinosaur skull hidden near the Flaming Cliffs in Mongolia's Gobi desert. Then, one day, it was gone. It is one of thousands of ancient fossils that have disappeared from the country since American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews -- supposedly the inspiration for the movie character Indiana Jones -- discovered dinosaur eggs there nearly a century ago. Paleontologists and smugglers alike have descended on the sands ever since. Now the Mongolian government is mounting a campaign to reclaim the lost relics, hoping to bring home fossils long held in foreign museums and the curiosity cabinets of private collectors -- such as Hollywood star Nicolas Cage -- who pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for them on the open market. In his yurt near the red sandstone cliffs, Gelegrash laughed about the skull's potential value: If I had known it was worth so much, I would have sold it myself." The dinosaur repatriation drive began when the husband of the country's then culture, sport and tourism minister Oyungerel Tsedevdamba learned a New York auction house was to sell a rare, nearly complete Tarbosaur bataar specimen -- a smaller, fiercer cousin of Tyrannosaurus rex. Palaeontologists confirmed that all known specimens of the fearsome reptile had come from Mongolia's Nemegt basin, raising the question of how it ended up in Manhattan. Removing fossils from the country is illegal, but nobody knew what to do exactly", Oyungerel told AFP. "Nobody had claimed dinosaurs from abroad before." - Smugglers and thieves - Since Chapman Andrews' discovery, hundreds of expeditions have travelled to Mongolia to look for fossils, some with official blessing, others digging them out illegally and smuggling them out of the country. It is nearly impossible to prevent thefts from Mongolia's vast steppe, said Surenjav Munkhsaikhan, 31, who manages the national park where Chapman found the eggs. Story continues She is the only full-time guardian of over 10,000 hectares of fossil-rich desert, working with police and her volunteer deputy Gelegrash to combat crimes ranging from illegal mining to the theft of rare plants. She patrols the area on an old motorbike, but "really wants some drones", she said. For now the only way she knows a fossil has been stolen is when customs agents catch a smuggler, or one of Gelegrash's fellow herders complains about losing their source of income. "We never caught or arrested any of those thieves," she said. The Tyrannosaurus Bataar in New York -- estimated to be 70 million years old -- was far from the first fossil to leave Mongolia, but quickly captured the national imagination, and Mongolias President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj took the case directly to the US government. In 2012, a US federal prosecutor filed a lawsuit seeking the forfeiture of the relic from the firm that auctioned it. The case ended in victory -- two years after the suit was filed, the fossil headed home to Mongolia. More importantly, the ruling was an important step towards undermining the entire underground trade, Oyungerel told AFP. The US was the "end point where all fossils were going -- we wanted to shut down that market." - Lenin's footsteps - Mongolia has since recovered around 30 fossils directly from the smugglers' hands, Oyungerel said. Some collectors have also begun to return their fossils voluntarily, among them Cage, who bought his T. bataar skull at auction for $276,000 before learning it had been smuggled out of Mongolia. Authorities were once slow to recognise the value of Mongolia's palaeontological heritage, according to Oyungerel, while Mongolians regarded dinosaurs as "just bones". But last year, a museum dedicated to the recovered specimens opened in Ulan Bator's former Lenin museum, a holdover from the countrys Communist past. A monumental bust of the founder of the Soviet Union used to occupy centre spot in the exhibition hall but now lies in pieces behind the building, with T. Bataar standing in his place. The museum has reserved space for more recoveries. Among those the most symbolically important targets are Chapman Andrews' specimens, now in the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)in New York. When he took them, he signed a contract promising to return them to the country. But AMNH officials are reluctant to give up their prized specimens, according to sources familiar with the matter, citing concerns about Mongolia's ability to manage the collection. Similar arguments have been cited elsewhere over other demands for heritage restitution, such as Greece's Elgin Marbles, now in the British Museum in London, or the Benin Bronzes of Nigeria, now scattered between museums in Britain, Germany and the US. The AMNH declined a request from AFP for comment. Surenjav and Gelegrash hope that the fossils can one day return to their original resting place in the Mongolian desert. The herder admits the campaign has changed his perception of dinosaur remains. He used to value them for a different use: "Theyre good for health," he said, as he poked at a small, white fossil sticking out of the red earth. "I sometimes ground them up and gave them to my livestock." MOSCOW (AP) A monument to the victims of a World War II massacre in a western Ukrainian village has been destroyed by vandals, local police said on Tuesday. National Police in the Lviv region said in a statement that vandals destroyed a stone cross in Huta Penyatska that commemorated Polish villagers who were massacred in 1944 by a Nazi unit mostly composed of Ukrainian volunteers. Up to 900 people are believed to have been killed in the village, according to the Polish Institute of National Remembrance. The monument was erected in 2005. Footage on Ukrainian media showed the toppled cross and two stone slabs bearing the names of the victims painted over with the colors of the Ukrainian flag and the colors of Ukrainian nationals. Lviv police are investigating. Poland on Tuesday sent a note to Ukraine's foreign ministry demanding that the incident be investigated and the perpetrators punished, Poland Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanna Wajda told The Associated Press. Ukraine authorities assured neighboring ally Poland they were treating the case very seriously, Wajda said. Poland's ambassador to Ukraine, Jan Pieklo, said local authorities want to help repair the monument. Pieklo is planning to attend ceremonies marking the 73rd anniversary of the massacre next month. ____ Monika Scislowska contributed to this report from Warsaw, Poland. Working with director Barry Jenkins over more than a decade since they first met, as Florida State University students, cinematographer James Laxton has attracted due notice this season for his work in Jenkins Moonlight, the directors first feature since 2008s Medicine for Melancholy. As with editor Nat Sanders, Laxtons continued work with Jenkins is demonstrative of the directors proclivity for keeping his collaborators close, resulting in a trust and kinship unique to his sets. And while Jenkins and Laxton have climbed to a place of esteem and recognition in the industry, with Plan B and A24 teaming up to produce their latest, their collaborative process nonetheless remains much the same. Speaking to Deadline, Laxton breaks down the core ideas behind the films emotionally affecting aesthetic choices. Moonlightor alternatively, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. Those are pretty richly evocative titles from which to begin your work. Yes. [Laughs] Its a little daunting of course, but its also incredibly inspiring, so the stakes are high. Your relationship with Barry Jenkins goes back a ways. What was it about Moonlight that inspired you, as a cinematographer? I guess the answer is, everything about it was fantastic. Working with Barry is such a joy and an honor. I think the world of him, and our relationship goes back at this point 15 or 17 years now. Working with someone that you have that kind of trust and that kind of rapport with, it means a lot, just the creative process. That was paramount, obviously, to go in, but then also given the script, and what a wonderful script it was, gave us all I think a canvas to make some really fantastic work. How has the process in working with Jenkins changed since your film school days? I think the biggest thing about working with Barry, we have just an incredible amount of trust between the two of us. Trust is something that really is integral to any sort of collaboration, and I think because we have that, thats the biggest thing that I can point to, in terms of whats so important to our creative process. But little things, I guess, have changed over the years. Story continues Like anything, as you learn more and more, you can become a bit more sophisticated with the techniques and the approaches that you are tackling. I guess things got more specific and things got more sophisticated, but the truth is I think on some level, we really havent changed a whole lot. Even some of the references we had, I can point to as references for our first [project], bouncing early on in our relationship, creatively, that I think still hold water today. Where was the thinking in finding your approach to color in Moonlight? I think the script really started this whole process by being a story with such powerful and intense emotions, and so I think the entire team, from whatever part of the filmmaking team, we all tried to attempt to match that amount of emotional power that the story had within it. For me, that had to do obviously with the way it was shot, and the lighting, and definitely in terms of our treatment of color in the DI process, all those decisions stemmed from this concept of wanting to create an image, and a film, generally, that intended to evoke some very intense emotions. In incorporating the feel and flavor of the Florida setting into the image, did you spend time immersing yourself in that particular world? I think Miami definitely plays a massive role in terms of how the film looks. Miami is a city like no other place in the country, really. I find the color palette, the light that exists in that city to be almost akin to a Caribbean country, or a Caribbean city, that has a certain kind of almost pastel colors of buildings. You have those baby blues and sky blues, and obviously the green of the natural environment impacted the intense greens that you see in the film, as well. Its a really colorful, vibrant city generally, and so yes, I think the way we intended to use it was just to lean into those colors, and lean into that amount of saturation that already existed within the city itself. In a sense, the film seems to float between realms, at various points grounded in its tone and style, and then heightened. I think theres a lot of things to point to in that sense. Maybe I can speak to one of them, in the way in which we move the camera in the filmthe speed and the delicacy that were employing with those movements, I think, speak to that kind of sentiment that the film intends to pursue. The framing is fairly specific welloften, we are met with wide shots, which create a specific feeling. Sure, yes. The vastness and the wide angle lenses in certain moments, I think, intended to show the main characters sense of isolation within his community, so we tried at times to use framing devices and use camera movements to amplify that sentiment to have a very meaningful impact. Lucky for us, we had some really amazing actors, and the cast generally was such a joy to work with, and also just delivered some really wonderful performances. I think theyre able to do some amazing work, just in terms of their emotions conveyed through their space specifically. It gave us an opportunity to just be as simple as a close-up and not have to do too much at times. Certain shots and certain scenes, for example, we were able to not attempt to do anything too stylistic with the camera, and let the performances dictate so much, and I think those kind of close-ups, for example, when the cast looked directly into the lens, those moments are so emotionally impactful. I think that had a lot to do with how great their performances were. What has it meant to see the way in which the film has already connected with a broad audience? The truth is, its incredibly humbling, obviously. I think hopefully, its an indication that we can get back to work. [Laughs] I think all artists intend to have our work resonate with peopleat least thats why I make filmsand thats why I chose the career path that I wanted, and just to be able to communicate ideas that I have in my head and then to be lucky enough to be able to work on projects like these, and then to have those resonate with people, is everything. Truthfully, its what I get up in the morning for, and so I feel very blessed and really humbled to have this opportunity. Related stories For 'Sing Street', Director John Carney Cast Musically-Oriented Non-Actors Who Could 'Drive It Like They Stole It' BAFTA Sniffs At Diversity Criticism: "Everyone Looks For The Snubs" To Win A Best Picture Oscar, Producers Need A Great Film - And It Helps To Have Three Little Letters Moscow (AFP) - Russian military officials on Tuesday slammed US-led coalition action against Islamic State jihadists in Syria as having had "less than zero" impact, and claimed that a US air strike killed 20 Syrian civilians this month. Russia's involvement in the war-torn country since September 2015 had "changed the course of fighting terrorism in Syria," said chief of general staff Valery Gerasimov. He listed the successes of Russia's operation to shore up the forces of long-time ally Bashar al-Assad, saying Moscow had carried out 71,000 strikes. But "our colleagues from the US-led anti-terrorist coalition have conducted considerably fewer strikes, only about 6,500, over the past two and a half years of the operation against IS in Syria," he said. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, speaking during a televised meeting, said the US-led coalition had made no impact. "As much as we needed the support of the international coalition -- the effect of which has been less than zero -- I regret to say that we did not see this support, and this required us to exert all of our energy" on Syria, he said. Gerasimov said the coalition strikes never had "any significant results" and said they had caused a "considerable number of deaths among civilians and government troops." Besides a misguided strike on Syrian troops near Deir Ezzor last September, which the Pentagon admitted was a "regrettable error," Gerasimov said a US plane had bombed Syrian civilians on January 3. "An American B-52 bomber struck Sarmada in the Idlib province without warning the Russian side. This is in an area where the ceasefire applies," he said, referring to the truce brokered by Russia and Turkey that went into effect on December 30. "As a result of the strike, over 20 civilians were killed," Gerasimov said. Washington said last week it had killed about 20 Al-Qaeda militants in air strikes in northwestern Syria. From construction to farming, many jobs in America are dangerousbut one of the groups thats most at risk may be surprising: senior citizens. For every 100,000 workers over the age of 65 in 2015, 9.4 died on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently updated Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries. That death rate is nearly on par with electricians, the 20th most dangerous job in the country. The things that wouldnt kill a younger person, like a fall or slip, can kill an older person, said Peg Seminario, the safety and health director at AFL-CIO, the union federation. Fatal work injuries have largely held steady over the past six years, but the small uptick that started in 2014 occurred almost entirely in older workers. Increased life expectancy and financial strains are expanding the older workforce as more Americans need to make ends meet in their later years. In 2010, 19% of workers were over 55; BLS predicts that figure will rise to 24.8% by 2024. The concern is that people are working longer and longer into their lives, Seminario said, raising risks as the workforce ages. Older workers are more vulnerable to and take longer to recover from injuries, which makes transportation accidents and fallsthe most common causes of death on the job for those over the age of 55more perilous, causing 722 and 314 deaths respectively. Overall, loggers, fishers and aircraft pilots had the most dangerous jobs in 2015, consistent with BLS findings from previous years. Loggers, which top the list, saw 132 deaths per 100,000 workers, far above the national average of 3.4 deaths per 100,000 workers. These jobs accounted for some of the hazards that claimed hundreds of lives in 2015, including transportation incidents (2,154 deaths), falling (800 deaths), and being struck by trees, vehicles and machines (722 deaths). Click or tap the column headers to sort the table by fatality rates, or total deaths. Story continues Most Dangerous Jobs of 2015 Sorting the column by total deaths shows that occupations with bigger workforces, like truck driving and farming, saw the most fatalities in 2015 across all jobs, with 885 and 252 deaths respectively. In all, there were 4,836 fatal injuries on the job in 2015, up slightly from 2014, but still significantly below numbers in recent decades. Fatal Work Injuries, 19922015 Fatality rates also vary greatly by sex and race: men are more than five times more likely to die at work than women, and Latino deaths rose 12% in 2015 to 903 fatalities. The increased Latino fatality rate4 deaths per 100,000 workersis the highest among any racial group tracked, in part due to high representation in high risk sectors like construction and agriculture, says Seminario. Workplace homicides claimed 417 lives in 2015, including 14 killed in the San Bernardino, Calif. attack on an office holiday party. The state with the highest on-the-job death rate is Wyoming, at 13.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. Massachusetts has the lowest workplace facility rate with 1.3 deaths for every 100,000. Methodology Fatal injury rates exclude workers under the age of 16 years, volunteers and resident military. Read more about the fatal work injury rate methodology here. After a decline in 2015, U.S. patenting activity rose to a record high in 2016. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted 304,126 patents last year, up from 298,407 in 2015. The increase was largely driven by West Coast technology companies, including Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Boeing, IBM, Intel, Google, and Microsoft. According to a 24/7 Wall St. analysis of data provided by Information for Industry (IFI) Claims Patent Services, Korean conglomerate Samsung Electronics was granted the most patents in 2016. Including its major subsidiaries, Samsung was awarded more than 8,500 patents, slightly higher than IBMs 8,088 awarded patents. Tech companies and others spend hundreds of millions, and often billions, of dollars to discover the next big thing and gain an advantage over competitors. Based on the number of patents awarded in 2016, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the most innovative companies. ALSO READ: America's Poorest Cities In an interview with 24/7 Wall St. Larry Cady, senior analyst with IFI Claims, explained that patenting activity tends to increase at companies based in countries with strong economies. Because the U.S. economy is doing well, patent activity at U.S. companies increased last year. By contrast, with Japans economy flagging in recent years, patents awarded to a number of Japanese companies, including Canon, Honda, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, and Toyota, decreased in 2016. Last year, about half of all patents were granted to U.S.-based companies, with the remainder awarded primarily to Asia-based corporations as well as companies operating in European nations such as Germany and Scandinavian countries such as Sweden. The fact that foreign companies are seeking U.S. patent grants underscores the extraordinary demand for access to the U.S. market -- the largest in the world. Most Japanese companies perform their work in Japan but still file U.S. patents. (click image to enlarge) Many years often pass before companies gain value from research investments, even when the research results in a patent grant. As Cady noted, Not all those developments are going to be earth shattering. Allocating resources to research and development is for this reason a highly strategic decision, and companies leverage patent portfolios in a variety of ways. In addition to searching for breakthrough technologies, for example, companies will develop a large patent portfolio as defense against litigation. For this reason, one of the drivers of patenting is litigation, Cady said. Story continues The most frequently patented technologies are in the categories of computers, transmission of digital information, wireless communication networks, and pictorial communication. According to Cady, the high patenting activity in these areas is due to their novelty. Any kind of new and emerging technology that has a lot of potential value in the future is going to see a lot of patenting. While it is reasonable to expect less patenting activity in more mature industries, this is certainly not always the case. For instance, although cars have not changed considerably in the past several decades, patents granted to companies in the auto manufacturing sector rose substantially last year. While a patent in a newer high tech field like artificial intelligence may represent a major scientific breakthrough, recent patents in the more staid automobile industry reflect relatively small improvements. Cady acknowledged the growing interest in self-driving cars, but noted these developments have not yet moved the needle in patent grants. ALSO READ: American Cities Adding the Most Jobs This Year To identify the 25 most innovative companies, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the companies with the 1,000 highest total number of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office grants in 2015 from IFI Claims Patent Services. IFI produces these data based on the entity listed as holding the patent. In order to arrive at a figure that more closely reflects a companys total, 24/7 Wall St. combined the grants awarded to a company and its subsidiaries. It is important to note that while IFI Claims Patent Services provided the data on USPTO grants, 24/7 Wall St. aggregated the grants of multiple entities under the same parent corporation. This number is an estimate only as it excludes any patent-holding subsidiaries of a company that do not share the companys name, and it does not include companies outside of the top 1,000 patent grantees. These are the 25 most innovative companies. 25. Siemens AG > 2016 patent grants: 1,317 > 2015 patent grants: 1,343 > Country: Germany > Products: Home appliances, automation systems, HVAC products 24. Huawei Technologies Co. > 2016 patent grants: 1,353 > 2015 patent grants: 929 > Country: China > Products: Mobile phones, tablets, routers, IT infrastructure 23. Ricoh Co. > 2016 patent grants: 1,412 > 2015 patent grants: 1,627 > Country: Japan > Products: Printers, cameras, watches, interactive whiteboards 22. GlobalFoundries Inc. > 2016 patent grants: 1,497 > 2015 patent grants: 695 > Country: Cayman Islands > Products: Semiconductors 21. Ford Motor Co. > 2016 patent grants: 1,524 > 2015 patent grants: 1,184 > Country: United States > Products: Automobiles 20. Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson > 2016 patent grants: 1,552 > 2015 patent grants: 1,407 > Country: Sweden > Products: IT services, public safety management, electronic components 19. Amazon.com Inc. > 2016 patent grants: 1,662 > 2015 patent grants: 1,136 > Country: United States > Products: Consumer products, e-readers, TV and movie streaming 18. Fujitsu > 2016 patent grants: 1,674 > 2015 patent grants: 1,574 > Country: Japan > Products: Semiconductors, operating systems, computer storage 17. Seiko Epson Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 1,647 > 2015 patent grants: 1,619 > Country: Japan > Products: Printers, projectors, wearable products 16. Mitsubishi Group > 2016 patent grants: 1,728 > 2015 patent grants: 1,623 > Country: Japan > Products: Automobiles, air conditioners, power generation systems 15. General Electric Co. > 2016 patent grants: 1,728 > 2015 patent grants: 1,838 > Country: United States > Products: Home appliances, jet engines, commercial lending 14. Toyota Motor Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 1,864 > 2015 patent grants: 1,944 > Country: Japan > Products: Automobiles, automobile accessories 13. Panasonic Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 1,977 > 2015 patent grants: 2,349 > Country: Japan > Products: Cameras, home appliances, televisions 12. Apple Inc. > 2016 patent grants: 2,102 > 2015 patent grants: 1,938 > Country: United States > Products: Mobile phones, computers, tablets, software 11. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) > 2016 patent grants: 2,288 > 2015 patent grants: 1,774 > Country: Taiwan > Products: Semiconductors 10. Microsoft Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 2,398 > 2015 patent grants: 1,956 > Country: United States > Products: Software, operating systems, mobile phones 9. Toshiba Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 2,425 > 2015 patent grants: 3,110 > Country: Japan > Products: Laptops, hard drives, digital displays, business solutions 8. Sony Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 2,501 > 2015 patent grants: 2,733 > Country: Japan > Products: Digital cameras, televisions, speakers, mobile phones 7. Qualcomm Inc. > 2016 patent grants: 2,947 > 2015 patent grants: 2,950 > Country: United States > Products: Semiconductors, cellular modems, telecommunications equipment 6. Intel Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 3,066 > 2015 patent grants: 2,189 > Country: United States > Products: Personal computers, consumer electronics, processors 5. Google Inc. > 2016 patent grants: 3,210 > 2015 patent grants: 3,196 > Country: United States > Products: Search engine, internet browser, laptops 4. Canon Inc. > 2016 patent grants: 3,665 > 2015 patent grants: 4,134 > Country: Japan > Products: Cameras, camcorders, printers 3. LG Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 4,052 > 2015 patent grants: 3,814 > Country: South Korea > Products: Mobile phones, televisions, home appliances 2. International Business Machines Corp. > 2016 patent grants: 8,088 > 2015 patent grants: 7,353 > Country: United States > Products: Data management, IT services, application development 1. Samsung > 2016 patent grants: 8,500 > 2015 patent grants: 8,053 > Country: South Korea > Products: Mobile phones, televisions, home appliances Related Articles A writer for MTV News came under fire on Tuesday after joking that Sen. Jeff Sessions, the attorney general nominee, kidnapped an Asian child from a local Toys R Us to use as a prop at his Senate confirmation hearing. "Sessions, sir, kindly return this Asian baby to the Toys 'R' Us you stole her from," Ira Madison III, a cultural writer for MTV News, wrote in a now deleted tweet. The child is Sessions' biological granddaughter. His family had accompanied him to his confirmation hearing. Screen Shot 2017 01 10 at 11.10.05 AM Madison continued to attack the Alabama senator. The MTV News writer referred to Sessions' grandchild as a mere "prop." "There is no reason for that child to be in his lap in a hearing other than to send an 'I'm not racist message,'" Madison tweeted. There is no reason for that child to be in his lap in a hearing other than to send an "I'm not racist message" Ira Madison III (@ira) January 10, 2017 The comments were immediately condemned online. CNBC anchor John Harwood called them "disgusting," and The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza suggested Madison "never tweet." A representative for MTV News told Business Insider that Madison's tweets did not speak for the company, but declined to answer further questions, including whether the outlet would take disciplinary action against the writer. Madison's tweets came weeks after the outlet landed in hot water for producing a "Hey, white guys" video. In the past year, MTV has attempted to breathe new life into its news operation. The company brought on several high-profile journalists from established news organizations, such as Ana Marie Cox from The New York Times Magazine and Jamil Smith from The New Republic. The outlet, like many new-media ventures, considers itself the "conversation authority for the millennial audience." NOW WATCH: Protests break out during the senate confirmation hearing of Jeff Sessions for attorney general More From Business Insider By Gilbert Reilhac STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) - A Muslim couple who refused on religious grounds to allow their two young daughters take part in boys-and-girls school swimming lessons in Switzerland did not have the right to do so, the European Court of Human Rights ruled on Tuesday. The ruling by the court was a first on the specific issue of religious beliefs versus school rules where sport, in this case involving some exposure of the body and changing of clothes, is part of obligatory activities. Schooling, including sports, overrode religious convictions, notably when the school sought to address the couple's concerns by offering to let the girls wear burkinis - full-body swimwear - and change into it without boys present, the court said. The case ended up at the rights court, based in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, when a couple of Turkish nationality fought a Swiss decision to fine them 1,400 Swiss francs ($1,380) for failure to respect schooling rules. The Swiss authorities fined the couple in 2010 for refusing to send the two girls, born in 1999 and 2002, to the swimming lessons. After a challenge in the Swiss courts, the parents turned to the European rights court. (Reporting by Gilbert Reilhac; Writing by Brian Love; Editing by Andrew Callus) Muslim parents in Switzerland cannot refuse to send their children to mixed swimming lessons, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled Tuesday. Europes highest ruled that refusing to exempt two Muslim pupils from compulsory mixed swimming lessons gave precedence to the childrens full school curriculum and had not infringed the right to freedom of religion. Two Swiss-Turkish nationals, who refused to send their teenage daughters (born in 1999 and 2001, respectively) to compulsory mixed lessons, brought the case forward. They argued that their beliefs prohibited them from allowing their children to take part. Education officials told them that they risked a maximum fine of 1,000 Swiss francs ($983) each if their daughters did not attend the compulsory lessons, as the girls were under the legal puberty age and therefore could not claim exemption. However, the children continued to miss swimming and were ordered to pay a fine of nearly $350 per parent and per child for acting in breach of their parental duty, despite Swiss authorities offering flexible arrangements including allowing the girls to wear burkinis. The parents appealed and, after arguing that the treatment was a violation of Article Nine of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion), the case was eventually escalated to the ECHR. The ECHR ruled that although the authorities refusal to grant the children an exemption from swimming lessons had been an interference with the freedom of religion, that interference was prescribed by law and pursuing a legitimate aim (protection of foreign pupils from any form of social exclusion). The court observed that the childrens full education took precedence over the parents wish to have their daughters exempted from the lessons. It was also noted that the childrens interest in attending the lessons was not just to learn to swim, but also to take part in an activity with all the other pupils, with no exception on account of the childrens origin or religion. Neil Patrick Harris has had enough. After a year of watching James Corden host the Tony Awards and assemble Broadway-themed Carpool Karaokes, Harris apparently feels like hes being overshadowed in the TV stars who can also sing Broadway department. So the Series of Unfortunate Events star crashed The Late Late Show on Tuesday night (with the Philharmonic in tow) to challenge Corden to a Broadway sing-off. Accepting the challenge, Corden began with a riff on Sit Down, Youre Rocking the Boat from Guys and Dolls. Harris responded with Everythings Coming Up Roses from Gypsy, thus ending the Classics round. After that, it was time for some heartbreaking ballads. Harris began with Being Alive from Company, and Corden had On My Own from Les Miserables, which finally forced Harris to concede the host was good. On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, the competitors then went for sexy Broadway songs. Corden brought out All That Jazz from Chicago, to which Harris had Sugar Daddy from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, for which he once won a Tony Award. To top it all off, Harris and Corden teamed up for the one Broadway musical everyone can get behind, Hamilton. The two traded verses on My Shot, still probably the most iconic hit from Lin-Manuel Mirandas breakout musical. Watch the video above. COSTA MESA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / NEMUS Bioscience, Inc. (NMUS) today announced the closing of its Preferred Stock financing for gross proceeds of $1,200,000. Roth Capital Partners acted as the exclusive placement agent for the transaction. ABOUT NEMUS BIOSCIENCE, INC. The Company is a biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of cannabis-based therapeutics for significant unmet medical needs in global markets. Utilizing certain proprietary technology licensed from the University of Mississippi, NEMUS is working to develop novel ways to deliver cannabis-based drugs for specific indications, with the aim of optimizing the clinical effects of such drugs, while limiting the potential adverse events. NEMUS' strategy will explore the use of natural and synthetic compounds, alone or in combination. The Company is led by a highly qualified team of executives with decades of biopharmaceutical experience and significant background in early-stage drug development. For more information, visit www.nemusbioscience.com. CONTACTS: Adam Holdsworth, Investor Relations Email: adamh@pcgadvisory.com Phone: 646-862-4607 Janet Vasquez, Public Relations Email: jvasquez@jvprny.com Phone: 212-645-5498 SOURCE: NEMUS Bioscience, Inc. Chinese esports organization Newbee has unveiled their new Dota 2 roster for the Newbee.Boss team. As revealed on a post from the teams official Twitter account, the lineup includes female player Axx (full name unknown) as well as seasoned veterans Zhang xiao8 Ning, Wong ChuaN Hock Chuan, Luo Ferrari_430 Feichi, and newcomer Zei9 (full name unknown). Newbee.Boss may potentially be the first professional Dota 2 team to compete at a major event with a mixed gender roster. Axxs Dotabuff profile displays a solo MMR over 7k, and a tendency to play mid heroes. Xiao8 was part of Newbees squad at The International 2014, which would go on to win the major. Shortly afterwards, he announced that he would be taking a break from the pro scene, eventually coming out of retirement to sign with Chinese team LGD. Legendary carry player Ferrari_430 joins Newbee after a long stint with Invictus Gaming, whom he parted ways with in August 2016. He had been playing for IG for five years, helping the team win first place at The International 2012. Support player ChuaN has been signed to Newbee since December 2015. The team failed to find success at The International 2016, placing 9th-12th despite placing third at the Manila Major earlier in the year. Not much information is available on newcomer Zei9, other than he is allegedly the son of a Chinese billionaire. Given the nature of the other players of the team, he is likely a support player of some sort. Valves Dota 2 roster lock hit last night, so it looks like Newbee.Boss just missed the deadline. If that is the case, the team will not be eligible to be invited to major events and will instead have to enter through open qualifiers. The next upcoming Dota 2 major is the Kiev Major 2017, scheduled to take place April 20-23 in Kiev, Ukraine. Nick and Vanessa Lachey attend the 58th Grammy Awards on February 15, 2016. (Photo: Dan MacMedan/WireImage) Just when you thought potato chips couldnt get any better, these chips come with the chance to meet Nick Lachey and add $1 million to your bank account. On Monday night at Carolines on Broadway in New York City, the 98 Degrees alum and his brother, Drew Lachey, kicked off the Lays #DoUsAFlavor campaign, in which they search again for a new chip flavor. Nick, who has a solid track record partnering with the behemoth snack brand in the past, was equally excited about his pitch off against Drew this time around. I enjoy getting to know people. Obviously, the flavors are cool, but the coolest part to me is the story behind the flavor that made someone want to pitch it whether its a memory or a moment, theres usually a really neat and meaningful genesis for the idea. A chip flavor could absolutely hold strong emotional connections for folks, he told Yahoo Celebrity, before going on to share a bit about the family plans that he and his wife have. Thanks to all who came out to see me and Drew compete in some friendly sibling rivalry to launch Lays (tag) #DoUsAFlavor. We loved hearing all of your flavor ideas and cant wait to try the ones that make it to store shelves in July. To pitch your ideas for a chance to win $1 million, go to Lays.com #ad A photo posted by Nick Lachey (@nicklachey) on Jan 10, 2017 at 10:12am PST He and Drew later took the stage to kick off the pitching process. How much did he prepare for that? Answer: not much. Too planned gets stale, he said of being onstage, though he quickly added, Too much winging it can be reckless. Im more of a middle-of-the-road kind of guy. His desire to keep things loose onstage has caused some missteps in the past, however. Its mostly comments that I make onstage that I regret, like, Hey guys, theres a lot of empty seats down here in front! Come on down! Later Im like, Why did I do that? Why did I draw attention to all those empty seats?' he laughed. We hear you. Story continues When hes not performing or helping Lays discover the next million-dollar flavor, Lachey is busy helping his wife, Vanessa Lachey, manage their small army of children at home. We just had No. 3, so I believe that thats the end of that chapter for us. I cant handle four, he said with a sigh. ICYMI, Nick and Vanessa welcomed a son, Phoenix Robert, on Christmas Eve. Phoenix joined two older siblings, two-year-old sister Brooklyn and four-and-a-half-year-old brother Camden. It's a very Merry Christmas indeed! We had our Christmas Miracle. Phoenix Robert Lachey decided to show up early and was born on Christmas Eve. Mommy, Daddy, Camden & Brooklyn LOVE You very much! #LacheyPartyOf5 A photo posted by Vanessa Lachey (@vanessalachey) on Dec 26, 2016 at 6:15am PST And while Lachey admitted he gained some sympathy weight during his wifes last pregnancy, he gets in regular visits to the gym even now. As an added bonus, he reported that he gets some of his best work done when hes on the treadmill because it gives him an hour to clear his head (i.e. escape the crazy at home). Hes still struggling with what he eats, however, since people have been trying to help the sleep-deprived parents by bringing over food. For whatever reason, they bring cupcakes, cookies, and pasta, he said. Its not like, Congrats on your newborn! Heres a salad.' Nicks struggle with carbs aside, everyone seems to be adjusting to the new addition well. When my daughter was born, for Camden, who didnt totally understand what a sibling was, that was a little crazy for him, Lachey recalled. There was definitely a period of adjustment, but I also think it helped him be ready to welcome another brother into the world. And the same for her I think shes already used to having a sibling, so its not as intimidating as it was the first time around. That doesnt mean hes not anxious about the future, though. Everyone tells you that you switch from man-to-man to zone defense and everything changes. You know, when youre one-on-one, youre OK, but then when youre outmatched it gets sticky, he said. We just turned in the Range Rover because it didnt have a third row. He recognized this would be the first of many life changes ahead. But I would definitely rock a minivan, he added with a smile. He and Camden seem to share a passion for clunky vans, considering his sons obsession with a 1988 brown Ford Econoline thats parked on the route they drive to take the four-year-old to school. He gets so pumped about seeing this van, Lachey mused. I think its always there because it just doesnt run anymore, but for whatever reason, he found this great attachment to this van, and he asked Santa for one for Christmas. The result was that Nick had to run around Los Angeles until he found a toy-sized brown van, which, he said was no small feat. There are a lot more toy Ferraris out there! he laughed. Lachey drives his older son to school almost every day and called it the most fun time they have together. We have conversations during that drive, and after he gets out I think, I was just talking to my son,' he explained. They are the kind of conversations that two months ago I didnt think could even happen, so its really cool. Over the years, Nick and Vanessa have relaxed (a bit) in their parenting style though not exactly by choice. With the first youre like this helicopter parent and youre always hovering and checking everything, but then by the third, youre not as much, mainly just because your body cant be that exhausted all the time. With some of that extra energy they save, they go on date nights. We literally force them to happen, he said. Ive always said thats important. Its important that you do that because otherwise you lose yourself completely in your kids and you forget what got you there to begin with. One night a week we carve out a night and make sure we do something just us. Vanessa seems to share his sentiments, as she occasionally uses social media to showcase the romantic side of their relationship. In other words, these two seem to have a handle on things and they plan to keep it that way. Asked if he was absolutely sure they wouldnt have any more kids, Nick said, Three was always our loose target number, but Ill be sure sure in about a month when I go see the doctor. Guess there are some things he isnt comfortable winging. Lagos (AFP) - Nigeria's former president Goodluck Jonathan did not receive kickbacks from a $1.3 billion deal involving oil giants ENI and Shell which is under investigation in Italy, his spokesman said Tuesday. In a statement, Jonathan said he has not been "accused, indicted or charged for corruptly collecting monies" linked to the 2011 deal for an offshore oil block in Nigeria. Italian prosecutors late last month released court documents that outline criminal proceedings against the two oil majors and 11 people, including senior executives from the companies. Jonathan, who left office in May 2015, and Diezani Alison-Madueke, his long-time oil minister who was also the first woman president of OPEC, do not feature on the list. But the prosecutors alleged in court papers that they played a key role in the deal in which $466 million went to remunerate Nigerian government officials, including Jonathan and Alison-Madueke. No formal charges have been brought and the parties usually have 20 days to respond to a preliminary investigation report before any formal prosecution. "At no time did the former president hold private meetings with representatives of ENI to discuss pecuniary issues," said his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze. "All the meetings and discussions former president Jonathan had with ENI, other IOCs and some indigenous operators were conducted officially, and in the presence of relevant Nigerian government officials and were done in the best interest of the country." Eze also countered prosecutors' contention that an agent named Abubakar Aliyu had collected money for the then president. Jonathan "never sent" Aliyu to "collect any gratification on his behalf", and the ex-president "does not own any bank account, aircraft or real estate outside Nigeria," Eze said. ENI and Shell have both denied wrongdoing. By Shinichi Saoshiro TOKYO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average was little changed on Tuesday, trimming earlier losses amid hopes that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump would provide stimulus-supportive hints at an upcoming news conference. The Nikkei initially slipped as much as 0.4 percent on a combination of sagging Wall Street shares, a stronger yen and slumping crude oil prices before ending midday up 0.03 percent at 19,448.55. Of Tokyo's 33 sub-indexes, 14 were in the red. The banking and insurance sub-indexes were among those that suffered relatively steep losses after Wall Street's financial stocks fell overnight to stall the Dow's advance towards 20,000. "Selling was limited ahead of Trump's speech with the market first wanting to see what he has to offer. There are still hopes that Trump would provide support by hinting at stimulus measures," said Masahiro Ichikawa, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management. Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, is scheduled to hold a news conference on Wednesday that will be his first since winning the November U.S. election. Among individual shares, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd rose as much as 1.5 percent to an eight-month high after the company said it would buy U.S. cancer drug maker Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc in a deal valued at $5.2 billion to beef up its oncology pipeline. Electronic component maker Rohm Co Ltd rose 4.7 percent after the company said it had developed a chip set for automotive LCDs equipped with the ability to identify internal malfunctions, thus potentially raising safety standards. Michinoku Bank Ltd fell as much as 15.8 percent on share dilution fears after it said it will issue about 30.4 million stocks via a public offering to raise funds. The broader Topix edged up 0.1 percent to 1,554.44 and the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 added 0.03 percent to 13,932.14. (Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Icy road conditions caused three vehicles to crash on Hwy. 14 near Hellwig Lane on the west Coon Valley Hill in the town of Hamburg, Monday, Jan. 9. Sheriff John Spears reports the first accident occurred at approximately 6:52 p.m., with the second at 7 p.m. and third at approximately 7:29 p.m. Andrew Schlifer, 30, Viola, was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 14 toward Coon Valley. While descending the hill, Schlifer lost control of his vehicle due to icy conditions and crashed into the guardrail. John Hines Jr., 57, Woodman, was behind Schlifer and attempted to avoid crashing into Schlifers vehicle. Hines slid into the westbound lane, crashing into the guardrail. In a separate accident, Colleen Gran, 37, La Crosse, was traveling westbound when she lost control of her vehicle. Gran crossed into the eastbound lane and crashed into the guardrail. Gran was transported with non-life-threatening injuries to Gundersen Health System All drivers were wearing their seat belts, and airbags were deployed in Schlifers vehicle. Hwy. 14 was shut down for approximately an hour and a half until road conditions were safe to travel. Assisting the Vernon County Sheriffs Department was the Coon Valley Fire Department and First Responders, Tri-State Ambulance and the Vernon County Highway Department. The accident remains under investigation by the sheriffs department. By Dustin Volz and Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Russia hacked into Republican state political campaigns and old email domains of the Republican National Committee but there is no evidence it successfully penetrated President-elect Donald Trump's campaign, FBI Director James Comey said on Tuesday. Comey also told lawmakers Russia did not release information obtained from the state campaigns or the old RNC email domains, comments that may buttress the U.S. intelligence view that Moscow tried to help Trump against Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 campaign. U.S. intelligence agencies on Friday released an assessment that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a covert effort to help Republican Trump's electoral chances by discrediting Clinton. The report, which omitted classified details, was the U.S. government's starkest public description of what it says was a Russian effort to manipulate the American electoral process by leaking hacked emails from Democrats. Russia has denied interfering in the election but President Barack Obama expelled 35 Russian suspected spies from the United States and imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies last month in response to the allegations. Defense Secretary Ash Carter told a news conference on Tuesday those penalties were "a start and not the end" of U.S. retaliation for the hacks, and senior officials have suggested covert action may be taken. Comey told lawmakers the Federal Bureau of Investigation "did not develop any evidence that the Trump campaign, or the current RNC, was successfully hacked." He did not say whether Russia had tried to hack Trump's campaign. Trump has disputed the accusations of Russian cyber attacks during the election, but his incoming chief of staff said on Sunday that the New York businessman accepts the U.S. intelligence community's conclusions that Russia was responsible, and that further action may be taken against Moscow. SENATE HEARING Story continues Comey declined to comment on whether or not the FBI might be investigating links between Russia and associates of Trump, who frequently called during the campaign for improved relations between Washington and Moscow. The FBI director was pressed by Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, to publicly provide a declassified answer to the question before Jan. 20, the day Trump will be inaugurated, but Comey suggested he would unable to do so. Comey appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee along with the director of national intelligence, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency and the chief of the National Security Agency at a time of controversy in Washington about the 2016 election. Testifying before Congress for the first time since Trump beat Clinton on Nov. 8, Comey has been criticized by Democrats for statements about a separate investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server as secretary of state. The controversy over Russia's alleged role in attempting to influence the election has roiled Washington, with Democratic lawmakers calling for an independent commission to investigate the matter and Republicans worried that the affair might call into question the legitimacy of Trump's victory. Comey said there was evidence Russia hacked Republican state-level political campaigns and "old" email domains that the RNC was no longer using. In contrast, Friday's report assessed that Russian military intelligence used intermediaries such as WikiLeaks, DCLeaks.com and the Guccifer 2.0 "persona" to release emails that it had acquired from the Democratic National Committee and top Democrats as part of the effort to help Trump and harm Clinton. The DNC denied "multiple requests" made by the FBI to examine its hacked servers, Comey said. He added that his agents relied on a forensic analysis conducted by the cyber security firm CrowdStrike, which was hired by the DNC to help clean up the hack when it was detected last spring. Senior U.S. Republican and Democratic senators introduced legislation on Tuesday seeking to impose a wide range of sanctions on Russia over its cyber activities and actions in Syria and Ukraine. (Reporting by Dustin Volz and Jonathan Landay; additional reporting by Idrees Ali; Writing by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and Tom Brown) * Britain's N.Ireland minister says situation grave * Deputy leader quit over controversial energy scheme * Sinn Fein's Adams signals lengthy post-election talks (Adds quotes from First Minister Foster) By William James and Amanda Ferguson LONDON/BELFAST, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The British government's Northern Ireland minister warned on Tuesday that an early election in the province was highly likely following the resignation of deputy leader, Martin McGuinness, which effectively collapsed its devolved government. McGuinness resigned on Monday in protest at First Minister Arlene Foster's handling of a controversial green-energy scheme, risking political paralysis in the region as Britain plans its exit from the European Union. "I am very clear that in the event of the offices not being filled, I have an obligation to follow the legislation. As things stand therefore, an early assembly election looks highly likely," Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire told parliament. "The situation we face in Northern Ireland today is grave and the government treats it with the utmost seriousness," Brokenshire said. McGuinness, who quit after Foster repeatedly refused to step aside for the duration of an inquiry into the botched "cash for ash" scheme, has said his Irish nationalist Sinn Fein party will not nominate anyone to fill the office that is jointly held with Foster's pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Foster said on Tuesday she is open to talks with Sinn Fein but their continued refusal to replace McGuinness will cause the power-sharing government to end in six days' time when Brokenshire must propose a date for the election. "If necessary we will take our case to the electorate and use it as a platform for further discussions," Foster said in a statement. Brokenshire said there was a widely held view an election will change nothing and instead would threaten the continuity of the devolved institutions. "This political stability has been hard-gained, and it should not be lightly thrown away," he added. Story continues Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said he did not think elections could be avoided and Mike Nesbitt, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, the province's second-largest pro-British party, said they were inevitable. Adams also echoed comments by McGuinness on Monday that raised the prospect of a lengthy renegotiation between the two divided governing partners on the terms of power-sharing, part of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement. That deal ended three decades of violence between mainly Catholic Irish nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant pro-British unionists who wanted the North to remain part of the United Kingdom. While the violence, which killed over 3,600, has subsided, the two sides of the sectarian divide have consistently strained at the confines of their power-sharing arrangement. (Addition reporting by Kylie MacLellan in London and Padraic Halpin in Dublin; editing by Stephen Addison) By Amanda Ferguson BELFAST (Reuters) - Northern Ireland's deputy leader, Martin McGuinness, resigned on Monday in protest at First Minister Arlene Foster's handling of a controversial green-energy scheme, a move likely to trigger an election in the British province. The collapse of the relationship between Irish nationalist leader McGuinness and Foster, a pro-British unionist, risks paralysing the region's response to Britain's planned exit from the European Union as London prepares to trigger divorce talks. McGuinness also raised the prospect of a lengthy renegotiation of the terms of power-sharing, part of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement, saying there would be "no return to the status quo" after an election. "Sinn Fein will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party). We now need an election to allow the people to make their own judgment," he said. The 1998 deal ended three decades of violence between mainly Catholic Irish nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant pro-British unionists who wanted the North to remain part of the United Kingdom. While the violence, which killed over 3,600, has subsided, the two sides of the sectarian divide have consistently strained at the confines of their power-sharing arrangement. 'CASH FOR ASH' McGuinness said in a statement that he was quitting because Foster had repeatedly refused to step aside for the duration of an inquiry into the botched "cash for ash" scheme, which she established when she was enterprise minister. The scheme aimed to encourage businesses to burn wood pellets rather than fossil fuels. The failure to put a cap on the rebate, worth 1.60 pounds for every 1 pound spent, could cost Northern Ireland up to 490 million pounds, Sinn Fein says. Foster says she closed it down as soon as the potential abuse was recognized. But Sinn Fein said this was just the latest example of Foster's DUP failing to treat Sinn Fein with "equality and respect" in recent months. Sinn Fein, which campaigned for the UK to stay in the European Union, says Foster has failed to properly represent the 56 percent of Northern Ireland voters who voted "Remain". Foster, who campaigned to quit the EU, said she must instead respect the opinion of the 52 percent of UK voters who wanted to leave. CHECKPOINTS AHEAD? Northern Ireland is widely seen as the part of the UK most exposed to Brexit because of the prospect that checkpoints will be reinstated on its land border with the Irish Republic. But while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has vocally defended her nation's interests with regard to Brexit negotiations, the government in Belfast has been relatively quiet. McGuinness said Sinn Fein would not nominate anyone to fill his role, which will cause the power-sharing government to collapse after seven days. It would then be up to London's Northern Ireland secretary, James Brokenshire, to propose a date for the election. Foster said in a statement that she was disappointed by McGuinness's action, which was "not principled". It was not clear if McGuinness, who has recently taken a break from some of his duties because of an undisclosed illness, would lead Sinn Fein into the election. He told journalists he would say at a later date whether or not he would be well enough to stand, but said his health had nothing to do with his decision to step down. ($1 = 0.8222 pounds) (Reporting by Amanda Ferguson, writing by Conor Humphries and Padraic Halpin; Editing by Kevin Liffey) TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / Northern Sphere Mining Corp. (CSE:NSM) ("NSM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has received its blasting permit for its Arizona mining operation from the US Department of Justice. The Company considers the receipt of the permit to be a significant step forward and one of the last remaining requirements for development of the underground, bulk sampling initiative to commence Q1 2017 on its patented Buckeye Mine. NSM is currently completing preliminary site work at the Buckeye Mine. This includes leveling the site for the necessary infrastructure such as air compressor, generator, powder magazines, storage containers, ore storage, shipping area and guard trailer. In addition; NSM has purchased a Tamrock two boom jumbo drill and a MTI 2 yd scoop tram. This production type underground equipment will enable the Company to move ahead with generating larger quantities of ore when combined with our existing equipment and infrastructure. NSM plans to stockpile ore under its test mining regime to better define grade, geometry, variability and daily tonnage expectations from current accessible stoping horizons of the mine. Reconciled grade and tonnage numbers from this work in conjunction with short ranged drilling (Q1 2017), will allow the company to forecast a cash-flow model and mine-plan. As NSM works toward development of the Buckeye Mine it continues to work closely with its environmental consultant and the Arizona Department of Mines on permitting of the adjacent Silver Sevens Mine. NSM is pleased with the ongoing progress and, as a result of our successful financing in December 2016, is in a position to continue its efforts to develop the property. For further information on the Company, please visit our website at www.northernsphere.com. For further information, please contact: John Carter Chief Executive Officer Northern Sphere Mining Corp. Tel: 905-302-3843 About Northern Sphere Mining Corp. Northern Sphere Mining Corp. is dedicated to growth through the acquisition and development of mining assets, with an emphasis on near term production opportunities. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Northern Sphere Mining Corp. has a strong project pipeline of properties with a focus on gold, silver and other metal production in pro-mining jurisdictions. Story continues Cautionary Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements which reflect Northern Sphere's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Northern Sphere disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Northern Sphere Mining Corp. By Alister Doyle SKIEN, Norway (Reuters) - Mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik gave a Nazi salute on Tuesday to a court where Norway appealed against a ruling that it has violated his human rights by keeping him in virtual isolation since he massacred 77 people in 2011. Breivik, in a black suit and striped tie and a beard he has grown in the past year, made the defiant gesture as he entered the high-security courtroom at the start of the Jan. 10-18 hearing about his detention conditions. Judge Oeystein Hermansen told him the salute was insulting and should not be repeated. Breivik, 37, made a similar salute at the start of the lower court hearing last year where the judge agreed with him that his near-isolation violated a European Convention on Human Rights ban on "inhuman and degrading treatment". Launching the state's appeal, Attorney General Fredrik Sejersted defended the draconian measures, including no contact with other inmates, use of strip searches and handcuffs, as fully justified for an unrepentant far-right extremist. "There is no violation of his human rights," he said. "He has not broken down, he has not expressed remorse, he is proud of what he has done," he told the court, saying Breivik was ever more convinced of his extreme right-wing ideology. Sejersted told Reuters that Breivik's letters and other writings showed that he had embraced a more purely Nazi-style ideology in the past two years, shifting from a more home-grown fanaticism. Breivik had "better conditions" than other prisoners in Norway - a three-room cell including a training room as well as a playstation, television and newspapers - to compensate for security and a lack of contact with other inmates, he said. On July 22, 2011, Breivik killed eight people with a car bomb outside the prime minister's office in Oslo and then gunned down 69 others on an island near the capital, many of them teenagers attending a youth camp of Norway's then-ruling Labour Party. Breivik, flanked by his two lawyers with three prison guards behind him, shook his head repeatedly as Sejersted spoke. Last year, lower court judge Helen Andenaes Sekulic ruled that Breivik was wrongly kept in a "locked world" for 22-23 hours a day. Breivik's only contacts are lawyers and professionals such as guards and health workers. His mother was the only family member who wanted to visit him, hugging him shortly before she died of cancer in 2013. "The main problem is isolation from other people," Breivik's lawyer Oeystein Storrvik told Reuters. Still, he said that he meets Breivik in a room separated by bars, slightly easier than a system until late 2016 of talking through a thick glass wall. The appeal is being heard in a converted gym at Skien jail where Breivik is serving Norway's longest sentence - 21 years with the possibility of an extension. Hermansen said that the three-judge appeal court would give its ruling sometime in February. At his last court appearance, Breivik grumbled about microwaved food and cold coffee. Sejersted said Breivik had later said that the complaints were intended to create headlines to gain attention for his right-wing ideas. (Editing by Tom Heneghan and Hugh Lawson) (Updates with excerpts from address) By Jeff Mason CHICAGO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will give a farewell speech to the nation on Tuesday night, looking back at his legacy as he encourages supporters demoralized by the election of Republican Donald Trump to feel optimism about the future of the country. The Democratic president is feeling some nostalgia as he prepares to leave the White House on Jan. 20 after eight years in office. His top policy achievements were jolted by the Nov. 8 election of Trump, who has threatened to undo Obama's actions on issues ranging from advancing healthcare reform to curbing climate change. In an 8 p.m. CST (0200 GMT Wednesday) speech at McCormick Place, the city's main convention center, Obama will talk about how his experience in Chicago - at the start of his political career - taught him that change happens from the grassroots. "I first came to Chicago when I was in my early twenties, still trying to figure out who I was; still searching for a purpose to my life," Obama was set to say, according to excerpts released by the White House. "It was in neighborhoods not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills. It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss." First lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, his wife, Jill Biden, and many current and former White House staff members and campaign workers were expected to attend the speech. "The president is not one to be overly sentimental, but given the circumstances, I think it would be unrealistic to expect anybody to not feel some nostalgia for this moment," his spokesman, Josh Earnest told reporters traveling with Obama. Even the final trip on the presidential aircraft was a moment tinged with wistfulness. It was Obama's 445th trip on the presidential aircraft, a perk he has said he will miss when he leaves office. All told, he will have spent more than 2,800 hours or 116 days on the plane during his presidency, Earnest said. Story continues Obama has said he plans to reflect on his administration's achievements in his address, encouraging supporters to keep fighting for issues like the environment, gay rights and economic equality. Obama plans to remain in Washington for the next two years while his younger daughter, Sasha, finishes high school. He has indicated he wants to give Trump the same space that his predecessor, Republican President George W. Bush, gave Obama after leaving office by not maintaining a high public profile. (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Peter Cooney) - By insider Boston, MA, based Investment company Oakmont Partners LLC buys Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, SPDR Bloomberg Barclays Short Term High Yield Bond, iShares Floating Rate Bond, Procter & Gamble Co, sells iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond, iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond, Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF, Colgate-Palmolive Co, Pfizer Inc during the 3-months ended 2016-12-31, according to the most recent filings of the investment company, Oakmont Partners LLC. As of 2016-12-31, Oakmont Partners LLC owns 51 stocks with a total value of $154 million. These are the details of the buys and sells. New Purchases: PG, Added Positions: VCSH, BKLN, SJNK, AMLP, FLOT, CIU, CSJ, MSFT, Reduced Positions: LQD, HYG, VCIT, MDY, IWB, IWM, XLK, SPY, ICF, RWO, Sold Out: CL, PFE, For the details of Oakmont Partners LLC's stock buys and sells, go to http://www.gurufocus.com/StockBuy.php?GuruName=Oakmont+Partners+LLC These are the top 5 holdings of Oakmont Partners LLC SPDR MidCap Trust Series I (MDY) - 53,194 shares, 10.4% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 2.85% iShares MSCI EAFE (EFA) - 200,979 shares, 7.52% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 0.18% Alerian MLP (AMLP) - 752,576 shares, 6.14% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 6.79% PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (BKLN) - 364,513 shares, 5.52% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 32.50% Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF - DNQ (VYM) - 107,951 shares, 5.3% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 0.61% New Purchase: Procter & Gamble Co (PG) Oakmont Partners LLC initiated holdings in Procter & Gamble Co. The purchase prices were between $81.86 and $90, with an estimated average price of $85.23. The stock is now traded at around $84.40. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.19%. The holdings were 3,500 shares as of 2016-12-31. Story continues Added: Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) Oakmont Partners LLC added to the holdings in Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF by 95.69%. The purchase prices were between $79.14 and $80.5, with an estimated average price of $79.92. The stock is now traded at around $79.40. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 2.12%. The holdings were 84,303 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (BKLN) Oakmont Partners LLC added to the holdings in PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust by 32.50%. The purchase prices were between $22.98 and $23.36, with an estimated average price of $23.16. The stock is now traded at around $23.39. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 1.35%. The holdings were 364,513 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: SPDR Bloomberg Barclays Short Term High Yield Bond (SJNK) Oakmont Partners LLC added to the holdings in SPDR Bloomberg Barclays Short Term High Yield Bond by 32.57%. The purchase prices were between $26.89 and $27.8, with an estimated average price of $27.49. The stock is now traded at around $27.85. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 1.23%. The holdings were 278,917 shares as of 2016-12-31. Added: iShares Floating Rate Bond (FLOT) Oakmont Partners LLC added to the holdings in iShares Floating Rate Bond by 47.56%. The purchase prices were between $50.67 and $50.84, with an estimated average price of $50.73. The stock is now traded at around $50.76. The impact to the portfolio due to this purchase was 0.39%. The holdings were 36,709 shares as of 2016-12-31. Sold Out: Colgate-Palmolive Co (CL) Oakmont Partners LLC sold out the holdings in Colgate-Palmolive Co. The sale prices were between $64.63 and $73.62, with an estimated average price of $68.57. Sold Out: Pfizer Inc (PFE) Oakmont Partners LLC sold out the holdings in Pfizer Inc. The sale prices were between $29.89 and $33.9, with an estimated average price of $32.18. Reduced: iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond (LQD) Oakmont Partners LLC reduced to the holdings in iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond by 36.79%. The sale prices were between $115.87 and $122.51, with an estimated average price of $119.4. The stock is now traded at around $117.92. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -1.75%. Oakmont Partners LLC still held 37,397 shares as of 2016-12-31. Reduced: iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond (HYG) Oakmont Partners LLC reduced to the holdings in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond by 40.81%. The sale prices were between $83.47 and $87.42, with an estimated average price of $86.04. The stock is now traded at around $87.21. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -1.73%. Oakmont Partners LLC still held 44,271 shares as of 2016-12-31. Reduced: Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) Oakmont Partners LLC reduced to the holdings in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF by 25.5%. The sale prices were between $85.24 and $89.25, with an estimated average price of $87.43. The stock is now traded at around $86.01. The impact to the portfolio due to this sale was -0.36%. Oakmont Partners LLC still held 18,298 shares as of 2016-12-31. Here is the complete portfolio of Oakmont Partners LLC. Also check out: 1. Oakmont Partners LLC's Undervalued Stocks 2. Oakmont Partners LLC's Top Growth Companies, and 3. Oakmont Partners LLC's High Yield stocks 4. Stocks that Oakmont Partners LLC keeps buyingThis article first appeared on GuruFocus. After battling slippery roads and sidewalks Tuesday morning, southern Wisconsin residents will have to fight against gale force winds Tuesday evening, forecasters said. A winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. for parts of south-central, east-central and southeast Wisconsin, caused by light sleet, snow, freezing rain and rain. Untreated pavement is very icy, but city and county crews are out with salters, trying to make for better driving conditions. Just about all major highways in the state are snow- or ice-covered or have slippery stretches, according to the state winter road condition map. About three dozen schools were opening later in the morning, mostly in southwest Wisconsin, according to the Channel3000 school closing list. The Dane County 911 Center said roads were in pretty good shape, with few slide-offs, but sidewalks were very icy. Madison Streets Superintendent Chris Kelley said extra salting and sanding crews were dispatched, five trucks to each side of town, while other streets workers were putting salt on sidewalks. "People are falling all over," Kelley said. Salters and sanders will stay out until conditions improve, which should be later in the afternoon when the high is expected to hit 40 degrees, and the winds start to blow out of the west. The National Weather Service said a wind advisory starts at 3 p.m. Tuesday lasting until midnight, with winds gusting up to 55 mph, as a strong low pressure system moves through Wisconsin. Winds this strong could down power lines and tree branches, and high-profile vehicles, such as semi trailer trucks, should use extra caution. 27 Storm Track meteorologist Branden Borremans said winds should calm Tuesday night. On Wednesday, there's a chance of snow after 10 a.m. then freezing rain could be added in after 4 p.m., with the high staying around the freezing mark of 32. The wintry mix could continue Wednesday night, changing to snow on Thursday, with maybe an inch of snow falling in Madison, Borremans said. Skies should turn mostly sunny on Thursday with a high of 21, but Friday's high is only forecast to reach 14, under sunny skies, the Weather Service said. Snow chances build as the weekend arrives, with a 30 percent chance on Saturday, 40 percent on Sunday and 60 percent on Monday. Highs should be in the mid-20s on Saturday, near 30 on Sunday and up to 34 on Monday. Monday's high in Madison was 29, 3 degrees above normal and 24 degrees below the record high of 53 for Jan. 9, set in 1939 and tied in 2002. The low on Monday was 17, 6 degrees above normal and 42 degrees above the record low of 25 below for the day, set in 1875. Three-hundredths of an inch of precipitation (rain and melted snow) fell at the airport before midnight Monday, bringing the January and 2017 totals up to 0.06 inches, 0.31 inches below normal. The record precipitation total on Jan. 9 was 0.75 inches in 1889. For the meteorological winter of December through February, 2.09 inches of precipitation has fallen, 0.02 inches below normal. The precipitation included 0.9 inches of snow, bringing the January total up to 1.0 inches, 2.6 inches below normal. The record snowfall on Jan. 9 was 7.5 inches in 1889. For the winter and the snow season, Madison has received 23.7 inches of snow, 6.6 inches above normal for winter and 2.5 inches above normal for the snow season. George Washington, as depicted by Gilbert Stuart, 1797 Tonight at 9pm EST, President Barack Obama will deliver a farewell address in his adopted hometown of Chicago, Illinois, less than two weeks ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. The practice has been popular among modern Presidents: according to the American Presidency Project, every President since Harry S. Trumanwith the tragic exception of John F. Kennedyhas delivered some kind of farewell address, albeit under a wide range of circumstances. Prior to Truman, however, it was a rare occurrence, with only two PresidentsGeorge Washington and Andrew Jacksonseizing the opportunity to offer a reflection on his tenure and a few words of wisdom to the nation he served. Washingtons address was actually printed in Philadelphias American Daily Advertiser, formerly the Pennsylvania Packet, on September 19, 1796, just weeks ahead of the bitter contest to succeed the weary general. It was republished in countless newspapers and pamphlets. To this day, it remains a near-sacred text in the American political canon. Indeed, a member of the U.S. Senate is asked to read it on the Senate floor every year. As 44 takes a bow and 45 takes the stage, let us recall the parting lessons of 1. Preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. [Y]ou have improved upon your first essay [the Articles of Confederation] by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better calculated than your former for an intimate union and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This Government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. Story continues All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle and of fatal tendency. However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. Be skeptical of constitutional change. Toward the preservation of your Government and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect in the forms of the Constitution alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what can not be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember especially that for the efficient management of your common interests in a country so extensive as ours a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. Cherish your fellow Americans. The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth, as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminationsNorthern and Southern, Atlantic and Westernwhence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You can not shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. Remember that you are more than your party affiliation. Let me now warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual, and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation on the ruins of public liberty. It [the spirit of party] serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-rounded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another; foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passion. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another. There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose; and there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume. Dont get tied up abroad. Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations and passionate attachments for others should be excluded, and that in place of them just and amicable feelings toward all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges toward another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils! Such an attachment of a small or weak toward a great and powerful nation dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter. Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence ( I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial, else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people to surrender their interests. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Know your limitations. In the discharge of this trust [the presidency] I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed toward the organization and administration of the Government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. Always say thank you. In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my political life my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me, and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise and as an instructive example in our annals that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead; amidst appearances sometimes dubious; vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging; in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts and a guaranty of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution which is the work of your hands may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. Nicandro Iannacci is a web content strategist at the National Constitution Center. Recent Historical Stories on Constitution Daily 10 fascinating facts about Richard Nixon Millard Fillmores forgotten role in the slavery debate What if another Roosevelt were on the 1920 presidential ballot? Podcast: A new look at Americas founding By Jeff Mason CHICAGO (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will give a farewell speech to the nation on Tuesday night, looking back at his legacy as he encourages supporters demoralized by the election of Republican Donald Trump to feel optimism about the future of the country. The Democratic president is feeling some nostalgia as he prepares to leave the White House on Jan. 20 after eight years in office. His top policy achievements were jolted by the Nov. 8 election of Trump, who has threatened to undo Obama's actions on issues ranging from advancing healthcare reform to curbing climate change. In an 8 p.m. CST (0200 GMT Wednesday) speech at McCormick Place, the city's main convention center, Obama will talk about how his experience in Chicago - at the start of his political career - taught him that change happens from the grassroots. "I first came to Chicago when I was in my early twenties, still trying to figure out who I was; still searching for a purpose to my life," Obama was set to say, according to excerpts released by the White House. "It was in neighborhoods not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills. It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss." First lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, his wife, Jill Biden, and many current and former White House staff members and campaign workers were expected to attend the speech. "The president is not one to be overly sentimental, but given the circumstances, I think it would be unrealistic to expect anybody to not feel some nostalgia for this moment," his spokesman, Josh Earnest told reporters traveling with Obama. Even the final trip on the presidential aircraft was a moment tinged with wistfulness. It was Obama's 445th trip on the presidential aircraft, a perk he has said he will miss when he leaves office. All told, he will have spent more than 2,800 hours or 116 days on the plane during his presidency, Earnest said. Obama has said he plans to reflect on his administration's achievements in his address, encouraging supporters to keep fighting for issues like the environment, gay rights and economic equality. Obama plans to remain in Washington for the next two years while his younger daughter, Sasha, finishes high school. He has indicated he wants to give Trump the same space that his predecessor, Republican President George W. Bush, gave Obama after leaving office by not maintaining a high public profile. (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Peter Cooney) Crosses, each bearing the name of a murder victim, sit on the sidewalk along Michigan Avenue before the start of a Dec. 31 march to call attention to Chicagos rising murder rate. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images) President Obama will take the stage Tuesday night in his adopted hometown of Chicago, where he will deliver what aides have described as a farewell speech celebrating the achievements of his eight years in office. But as Obama returns to Chicago for what will be his final time as president, he does so against the backdrop of a city rocked by historic levels of violence. Last year, according to the Chicago Tribune, 781 people were killed the highest homicide rate since 1996, when 796 people were murdered. A majority of the deaths were attributed to an explosion of violence on the citys South and West sides, where the echo of gunfire has become a daily way of life. More than 4,300 people were shot last year in what police have described as a plague of gun violence that has surged out of control. Thats a major increase over 2015, when there were 2,989 shooting victims and 492 homicides statistics that, even then, ranked above other large cities. And though Chicago police have long looked to the citys brutal winter to temporarily pause the gang feuds that many blame for the uptick in shootings, the disturbing pace of violence has continued. Since Jan. 1, more than 70 people have been shot and at least a dozen killedincluding two Monday night, on the eve of Obamas speech. The bloodshed in Chicago comes in contrast to the rest of the country, where other major cities have experienced decreases in violent crime. In 2016, Chicago had more homicides than New York and Los Angeles combined despite the fact that, as the nations third largest city, it has a smaller population than either one. The seemingly unending violence has caused despair in already struggling neighborhoods, where residents say they feel under siege in a way that few Americans could truly understand. With the shootings happening at all hours of the day, many are scared to go outside even in broad daylight. On Monday, a man was shot in the street just after 11 a.m. on the South Side, a few miles from the Obama family home near Hyde Park and not far from where the outgoing chief executive plans to set up his presidential library. Story continues A Chicago Police officer, left, watches as an evidence technician officer investigates a gun at the scene where a 16-year-old boy was shot in the head and killed and another 18-year-old man was shot and wounded on the 7300 block of South Sangamon Street on April 25, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: Joshua Lott/Getty Images) That proximity has caused mixed feelings among Chicago residents who are proud of Obama but who also feel forgotten and overlooked by him and the rest of the country. Many here look to Obama who got his start as a community organizer here, and whose wife, Michelle, grew up in South Chicago as someone who knows better than others the problems plaguing the city. They question why he hasnt done more to help. But in a hint of their complicated feelings about Obama and his legacy, they are also hesitant to criticize someone they revere which, in some ways, has added to the sense of despair. If [Obama] cant help us, who can? said the mother of a shooting victim who declined to be named because she didnt want her neighbors to see her quoted criticizing the president. On the eve of Obamas appearance, many in the most dangerous neighborhoods declined to comment, including a prominent activist who told Yahoo News, If you dont have anything good to say, you shouldnt talk at all. Chicagos violence is a complicated issue that existed long before Obama headed to the White House. For decades, people in the city have struggled to combat the factors they say have combined to cause the brutal decline of the inner city, including poverty, easy access to guns and mutual distrust between residents and the police. As president, Obama tried and failed to pass stricter gun control laws that he and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, his former chief of staff, argued would have helped stem some of the out-of-control violence in the city. But Obama has acknowledged the issue is much deeper than guns, suggesting in an exit interview last week with Chicagos NBC affiliate that there is no silver-bullet answer for how to solve the citys epidemic of bloodshed. It appears to be a combination of factors: the nature of gang structures or lack of structure in Chicago, the way that police are allocated, in some cases the need for more police, the easy accessibility of guns, pockets of poverty that are highly segregated, Obama said. Though Obama has frequently cited the need for gun control and made it a central plank of his campaign for Hillary Clinton to succeed him in the White House, the interview marked the presidents first comments on Chicagos violence in months. In pushing for gun measures, the president has primarily mentioned mass shootings, such as the 2012 massacre in Newtown, Conn., which left 20 first-graders and six adults dead an incident that hes described as the most difficult day of his presidency. Last January, Obama likened Newtown to Chicago in passing during a White House event. Every time I think about those kids it gets me mad, he said. And by the way, it happens on the streets of Chicago every day. His cheek wet with tears, President Barack Obama President Barack Obama recalls the 20 first-graders killed in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School, while speaking in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, about steps his administration is taking to reduce gun violence. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) But that comment was one of the last times Obama spoke publicly about Chicagos violence, even as the murder rate rose to historic levels. That has upset some in his adopted hometown who think he hasnt done enough to call attention to the ongoing tragedy. Against this backdrop is Donald Trump, who regularly cited Chicago in his stump speech last year. Trump, who campaigned in Chicago but bypassed a chance to see the most dangerous neighborhoods for himself, has likened the city to a war zone and pledged to help residents there by bringing jobs and development to the inner city. Pressed last week on the issue, Obama insisted to NBC Chicago that he has been pushing everybody that has impact on criminal justice issues to try to figure out what can be done to help. Ive assigned my Justice Department to work directly with the mayors office to provide them additional incentives, resources, best practices, Obama said, adding that hes approached the issue as a citizen who has a deep interest in Chicago. At the same time, Obama pointed to personal initiatives hes launched to help at-risk youth, including the My Brothers Keeper program, which he will maintain as part of his post-White House legacy. That hasnt been enough for some. Last week, Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass, a frequent critic of Obama, lambasted the president ahead of Tuesdays farewell speech for using the city as a prop. For all his talk, he has no answers for Chicago, or for its failing institutions or for the blood running in the streets, Kass wrote. But Obama allies have defended the president, saying he tried to help his hometown but realized the limited scope of the presidency. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, a longtime friend and adviser to Obama, said he and the president had talked over and over again about trying to figure out an answer for how they might be able to dramatically shift the dynamic of violence. But they had come to realize there was no simple solution. Its almost as difficult as Syria, Durbin told the paper. Washington (AFP) - Barack Obama closes the book on his presidency Tuesday, with a farewell speech in Chicago that will try to lift supporters shaken by Donald Trump's shock election. Obama's last trip on Air Force One is a pilgrimage to his adoptive hometown, where he will address a sell-out crowd not far from where he delivered his victory speech eight years ago. "I first came to Chicago when I was in my early twenties, still trying to figure out who I was; still searching for a purpose to my life," Obama is expected to tell Chicagoans, according to advance excerpts of his speech. "This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it." "After eight years as your president, I still believe that." Diehard fans -- many African Americans -- have braved Chicago's frigid winter to collect free tickets, which now sell for upwards of $1,000 a piece on Craigslist. Joined by First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill, Obama's trip would be a sentimental walk down memory lane, were it not slap-bang in the middle of a tumultuous presidential handover. Trump has smashed conventions, vowed to efface Obama's legacy and hurled personal insults left and right. The 2016 election campaign has raised serious questions about the resilience of US democracy. In a virtually unprecedented move, US intelligence has accused the Kremlin of seeking to tip the electoral scales in Trump's favor. Democrats, cast into the political wilderness with the loss of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives plus a majority of statehouses, are struggling to regroup. - 'True to him' - With an approval rating hovering around 55 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll, Obama will hope to steel them for new battles ahead. Some 51 percent of Americans polled believe that Trump is doing a bad job as president-elect. Story continues Obama's lead speechwriter Cody Keenan said the address will be about a vision for where the country should go. "It's not going to be like an anti-Trump speech, it's not going to be a red meat, rabble rousing thing, it will be statesman-like but it will also be true to him," Keenan told AFP. "It will tell a story." As Obama put it: "Over the course of my life, I've been reminded time and again that change can happen -- that ordinary people can come together to achieve extraordinary things." "And I've seen that truth up close over these last eight years." - Life after White House - Trump's unorthodox politics has thrown 55-year-old Obama's transition and post-presidency plans into flux. Having vowed a smooth handover of power, Obama finds himself being increasingly critical of Trump as he prepares to leave office on January 20. After that there will still be a holiday and an autobiography, but Obama could find himself being dragged backed into the political fray if Trump were to enact a Muslim registry or deport adults brought to the United States years ago by their parents. Having vowed to take a backseat in politics, Obama's second act could yet be as politically engaged as Jimmy Carter -- whose post-presidency has remade his image as an elder statesman. Many Obama aides who had planned to take exotic holidays or launch coffer-replenishing forays into the private sector are also reassessing their future and mulling a return to the political trenches. Obama's foundation is already gearing up for a quasi-political role -- funneling idealistic youngsters into public life. - Presidential precedent - Presidents since George Washington have delivered a farewell address of sorts. Washington's final 7,641-word message -- which is still read once a year in the Senate by tradition -- contained warnings about factionalism and interference by foreign powers that seem oddly prescient. But speechwriter Keenan sees few obvious templates: "Bush and Clinton did theirs from here (the White House), George H.W. Bush went to West Point, gave a foreign policy speech," he told AFP. "They are all totally different." Obama's trip to Chicago is about more than nostalgia, Keenan indicated. "The thread that has run though his career from his days as community organizer to the Oval Office is the idea that if you get ordinary people together and get them educated, get them empowered, get them to act on something, that's when good things happen," he said. "Chicago is not just his hometown, it's where his career started." And now it is also where Obama's presidential career will effectively end. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) A senior Tehran official says Iranian authorities are ready to "participate in bilateral talks" with Saudi Arabia about the 2017 hajj pilgrimage. The official IRNA news agency late on Monday quoted Ali Qaziaskar, a representative of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as saying that Iran like other Islamic countries received an invitation letter from Riyadh to discuss the next pilgrimage. Iran boycotted the 2016 hajj after a stampede and crush of pilgrims during the previous year's pilgrimage killed at least 2,426 people, according to an Associated Press count. Iran had the highest death toll of any country, with 464 killed. A few months later, Riyadh cut diplomatic relations with Tehran after angry Iranians attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom's execution of a Saudi Shiite cleric. By Devika Krishna Kumar NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell 2 percent on Tuesday to the lowest in nearly a month, extending the previous session's sell-off as the U.S. dollar strengthened and doubts mounted over whether producing countries would implement a deal to cut output. Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) appear to be reducing production, but it was unclear whether other big producers will follow suit. Iraq, OPEC's No. 2 producer, said it would raise crude exports from its main Basra port to an all-time high in February. The country's southern oil exports in early January held steady near a record high, despite the agreed start of OPEC cuts, according to an industry source and loading data. Oil prices "are consolidating at the lower levels ... after doubts emerged over the degree of compliance with OPEC production cuts as Iraqi exports remain high, as well as the more general pace of market rebalancing," Tim Evans, energy futures specialist at Citigroup said in a note. "Fresh reports that non-OPEC producers Russia and Kazakhstan have reduced output have produced little price reaction, with the failure to rally on bullish news suggesting that the market is overbought and vulnerable to a further downward correction." Brent crude settled at $53.64 a barrel, down $1.30, or 2.4 percent, after hitting the lowest level since Dec. 15 at $53.60. U.S. crude futures ended down $1.14, or 2.2 percent, at $50.82 per barrel. The contract touched its lowest since Dec. 16 at $50.79. Prices did not move much after settlement, when industry group the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a 1.5 million-barrel build in U.S. crude stocks in the week to Jan. 6. Analysts had expected an increase of 1.2 million barrels, and official data from the U.S. government are due Wednesday morning. On Monday, both contracts sank around 4 percent on doubts about global output cuts. Story continues The dollar rose <.DXY>, pressuring greenback-denominated oil. Higher oil futures prices through December encouraged investors to buy large volumes of crude contracts and sliding prices could prompt many of these long positions to be unwound. Rising oil production in North America is also pressuring prices. The U.S. Energy Information Administration sharply raised its forecast for 2017 U.S. crude output growth to 110,000 barrels per day. Last month it forecast a 80,000 bpd decline. The average Canadian rig count for December was 209, up 36 from November and up 49 from a year ago, said Matt Stanley, a fuel broker at Freight Services International in Dubai. "A 30 percent increase in Canadian rigs in a year ... The bear in me is well and truly back," Stanley said. (Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in London, Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by David Gregorio and Marguerita Choy) A OK Apartment Locators is celebrating its Twenty year anniversary and reveals some of its big wins and challenges it faced getting this far. More information on the business can be found at www.aokapartmentlocators.com. DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / A OK Apartment Locators is celebrating their 20th Anniversary, which commemorates Twenty Fulfilling years in business. This is a huge milestone for the Dallas-based Apartment Locator for the Dallas, Texas area. business, which has provided Apartment Locator for the Dallas, Texas area. to Apartment Renting since 1997. A OK Apartment Locators got it's start in 1997 when co-founder Danny saw an opportunity and an unanswered demand of people needing assistance to find the right apartment in the Dallas area. One of the earliest challenges A OK Apartment Locators faced was finding an effective training system to rapidly train their agents to help their clients find the perfect Dallas apartment that fits their needs and budgets. While every business of course faces challenges, some, like A OK Apartment Locators are fortunate enough to enjoy real successes, wins and victories too. Once such victory came when they were voted the top Uptown Dallas Apartment Locator for five years straight by the local chamber of commerce. Danny, Co-Founder at A OK Apartment Locators was also quoted when discussing another big win. "One of the high points of A OK Apartment Locators's history so far was having a journalist from the local Dallas paper write a news piece on them, which generated a huge amount of interest from the local renting community and other property managers." A OK Apartment Locators's Founder, Danny says "We're delighted to be celebrating our Twenty Year Anniversary. I believe the secret to getting this far in business today is putting our customers first without them, we do not have a business. Listening to our customers and hearing what their apartment needs are helps our agents provide a solid service that people love." Story continues A OK Apartment Locators currently consists of 12 employees and has big plans for the upcoming year. This year, the business's main objective is to become the premier Dallas apartment locator service in the entire area. They would like to reach an all time goal of renting 1500 new apartments in the Dallas area including, uptown and downtown Dallas, Texas. A OK Apartment Locators would also like to thank friends, customers and all its partners for their well wishes on this happy occasion. More information on the business can be found at http://www.aokapartmentlocators.com For more information, please visit http://www.aokapartmentlocators.com Contact Info: Name: Kim Shufelt Email: sales@aokapartmentlocators.com Organization: A OK Apartment Locators Address: 6227 Palo Pinto Ave., Dallas, 75214 United States Phone: +1-972-818-3456 SOURCE: A OK Apartment Locators MUMBAI (Reuters) - Online real estate services providers PropTiger.com and Housing.com will merge to create what the companies said would be the biggest player in the segment, accelerating a consolidation in the sector. News Corp is the biggest shareholder of PropTiger, while SoftBank Group Corp is the largest investor in Housing.com. As part of the deal, Australia's REA Group Ltd, 61.6 percent owned by News Corp, will invest $50 million in the combined entity, while an affiliate of SoftBank will invest $5 million, PropTiger and Housing.com said in a joint statement on Tuesday. Housing.com, once billed as one of India's most promising start-ups, has been struggling with losses and a management shake-up. The company fired its founding chief executive in 2015 after he was involved in a public spat with venture capital investors. http://reut.rs/2iXfrIj Housing.com's current CEO, Jason Kothari, will leave the company after the deal, while PropTiger co-founder and CEO Dhruv Agarwala will head the joint entity, the companies said. In January last year, online classifieds company Quikr bought CommonFloor.com and merged it with its real estate vertical QuikrHomes. In 2015, PropTiger had acquired Makaan.com. (Reporting by Devidutta Tripathy and Aditi Shah; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) This commentary originally appeared on The Hill. Many of the nation's most respected Republicans and conservatives are publicly or privately terrified about the risks of a Donald Trump presidency to their party and our country. First, Trump's repeatedly stated admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin , a dictator who is systematically destroying every mainstream avenue of citizen dissent in his country and systematically attacking democracy in Europe and America, alarms most Republicans as well as Democrats. Second, Trump is aligning the GOP with players that most members of both parties believe are anathema to American values and American interests. In furtherance of his pro-Putin viewpoints, Trump is now praising Julian Assange of Wikileaks, who is intensely disliked in Republican and Democratic cloakrooms. Almost all television networks have run stories with headlines such as "Trump sides with Assange over U.S. Intelligence in Russia." Major newspapers across America have run major stories with headlines such as the The Washington Post ran last week: "To some in GOP, Assange is a paragon, not pariah." The Post quotes Fox News host Sean Hannity's and 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin's high praise for Assange. Let's be fair to the GOP, though: Hannity and Palin do not speak for many Republicans elected to any office with their praise of Assange. Most Republicans, like most Democrats, deplore Assange. Republicans' concern is a patriotic one that a Republican president and any Republicans or conservatives could praise the likes of Putin and Assange and political that the GOP risks being publicly aligned with those who are hostile to their values as a party and our values as Americans. More from The Hill: Trump: Tax dollars will 'speed up' the wall Vicente Fox to Trump: We won't pay for that f***ken wall Schwarzenegger fires back at Trump Does Trump want to create a pro-Assange and pro-Putin wing of the GOP? The thought is so surreal and ridiculous that it alarms many Republicans and conservatives, outrages Democrats and liberals, and alienates political independents. Story continues Third, many Republicans as well as Democrats are terrified when Trump repeatedly denies that Russia was behind attacks against American democracy, and when Trump criticizes our entire intelligence community when it unambiguously concludes that Russia was behind these attacks. Most Republicans agree with Democrats that it is profoundly destructive and damaging to American national security for any commander in chief to publicly castigate and seek to demonize the entire American intelligence community. The intelligence community is composed of courageous men and women who risk their lives every day to protect, preserve and defend our Constitution, security and democracy. It is also composed of many brilliant and deeply patriotic analysts and experts who have accumulated vast knowledge using their talents and ingenuity to analyze world events to combat the attacks of our enemies and adversaries. For Trump to repeatedly insult these men and women of the intelligence community, as he previously insulted various women who did not meet his approval, and various other Americans from Hispanics to the handicapped, is a crime against common sense and a hostile attack against those who defend our nation. It alarms many of the nation's most respected Republicans who are loathe to state it publicly that Trump has not grown into the presidency but has, instead, repeated the same destructive tendencies he exhibited as a candidate. Fourth, many Republicans are well aware of, and deeply concerned by, the fact that Trump often says things that aren't true. There is a debate among the most serious journalists in America, from the editorial page of The Wall Street Journal to the newsroom of The New York Times, about whether Trump should be called a "liar." What would be worse: If Trump sincerely believes that the Russians were not involved in attacks against our democracy, in which case he would be delusional to the point of national danger, or if he does not believe this, in which case he would be a liar? Trump has claimed he won a historic landslide, even though Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton defeated him by almost 3 million popular votes, claimed that climate change was a hoax invented by the Chinese, and claimed the Russians were not responsible for attacks against our democracy in the last election, and the large number of regularly repeated false statements by Trump alarms many Republicans as well as Democrats. Fifth, there is a profound worry among libertarians and civil libertarians, from the right as well as the left, that Trump has dangerously authoritarian tendencies. Can a president who has praised foreign dictators, been intolerant of dissenting voices, and reacts with impulsive anger against those who criticism him be expected to protect our freedom when it is needed most, in a crisis that fires the passions of anger or fear such as a major terror attack? Sixth, would a commander in chief who impulsively writes angry tweets about foreign leaders, and reacts with intense emotion to real or imagined slights against him, be more likely to trigger an unwise and unnecessary war? There will be much news on the Russian operation against American democracy in the coming days from hearings of the Senate Armed Services Committee, even more evidence offered from our intelligence services and an intensive intelligence briefing of Trump by intelligence leaders. The coming week may offer Trump his last opportunity to pivot away from unwise and reckless stands on matters central to our security. Soon, his nominees for key Cabinet posts will testify at confirmation hearings on whether they agree or disagree with Trump about these matters and others. For now, do not underestimate the extreme concern of many Republicans, whose party now owns the Donald Trump presidency. Their support or opposition to Trump as events unfold will be one of the most important and unpredictable stories of 2017 and the possibility that both parties aggressively break with Trump on national security is real. Commentary by Brent Budowsky, a columnist at The Hill. Budowsky was an aide to former Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Texas) and former Chief Deputy Majority Whip Bill Alexander (D-Ark.). He holds an LL.M. degree in international financial law from the London School of Economics. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. WATCH: Trumps tweets can cost a company billions of dollars. Heres how... More From CNBC Snapshot Wisconsin, a new program that allows landowners to play an important role in wildlife management, is looking for volunteers to assist with the next phase of a pilot study in Dodge, Racine and Vernon counties. Snapshot Wisconsin is a citizen science effort to capture images of all types of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, fox, bobcats, whooping cranes and more, to learn about Wisconsin's wildlife. This project is led by Department of Natural Resources staff in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW-Extension. To qualify to participate, volunteers must have access to at least 10 acres of contiguous private land in Dodge, Racine or Vernon counties and agree to maintain a trail camera on that land for at least one year. Training and supplies will be provided and no prior experience with trail cameras is necessary. In-person training sessions will be held in Dodge County later this winter. Volunteers can sign up at dnr.wi.gov, keywords "Snapshot Wisconsin." "When everything is up and running, Snapshot Wisconsin will be the largest volunteer-based monitoring project in Wisconsin," said Jennifer Stenglein, DNR Snapshot Wisconsin program coordinator. "By volunteering, participants will have a great opportunity to help collect and categorize photos of Wisconsin wildlife." Photos collected through this project offer a unique opportunity to view wildlife in their normal routines in the wild and data collected will help researchers better understand Wisconsin's ecological landscapes. Snapshot Wisconsin is also recruiting applicants in Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Manitowoc, Sawyer and Waupaca counties, tribal members or affiliates on tribal lands and educators statewide. Additional counties will be rolled out over the next few years. Christina Locke, co-coordinator of Snapshot Wisconsin, will talk about the results of a pilot study, how trail camera pictures are used currently, and how they will be used in the future at a program Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Ice Age Visitor Center in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, off Hwy. 67, a half mile west of Dundee. (Adds quote from union leader, paragraph 8) By Anthony Esposito and Antonio De la Jara SANTIAGO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Operations at Canadian miner Yamana Gold Inc's El Penon mine in Chile have been suspended for five days after one of its two unions representing underground workers went on strike and blockaded access to the mine, a union leader said on Tuesday. Workers affiliated with union No. 2 at the mine in Chile's arid north rejected the company's final offer, downed tools and blocked access to El Penon, the union president, Eduardo Puelles, told Reuters. The strike started seven days ago. Two days after that, workers blocked the access roads, said Puelles, whose union represents 500 workers. El Penon is Yamana's second biggest gold mine by output. It produced 164,445 ounces of gold in the first nine months of 2016, equal to about 17 percent of the company's gold output. "The company wants to cut benefits we already got in prior negotiations, so we cut access roads to the mine five days ago ... operations are completely suspended," said Puelles. Union No. 2 asked for an 8 percent pay increase and other benefits, but the company was only willing to offer a 2 percent salary increase, he added. Yamana's final offer took into account current commodity prices, the production and cost outlook for the mine and recent collective bargaining settlements at other mines in Chile, Yamana said in a statement late on Monday. "It's true that copper prices have seen its ups and downs, but this mine produces gold and silver and those prices have been more stable, they have remained near their average of the last few years," Puelles said. The gold price, which rose sharply in the first half of last year, has fallen about 10 percent in the past four months. The other union at El Penon will begin government-mediated talks with the company on Thursday, the last chance for both sides to reach a deal before those workers can legally strike. Puelles said that if those talks fail, "they will join us in the strike." Story continues Representatives at the other union were not immediately available to comment. Yamana said on Monday that striking workers had been picketing and damaged some equipment. Asked if further talks with the unions were planned, a company spokesman said Yamana was "committed to reaching a resolution." The Toronto-based company also said it had reached collective bargaining agreements with workers at its Minera Florida operation, also in Chile, and that the mine and plant were operating at full capacity. Shares in Yamana finished 0.72 percent higher at C$4.22 on the Toronto Stock Exchange, in line with other gold stocks. (Additional reporting by Nicole Mordant in Vancouver; Editing by David Gregorio and Peter Cooney) Managua (AFP) - Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega officially takes up his third successive term on Tuesday, this time with his wife as vice president as he tightens his decade-long grip over one of Latin America's poorest countries. The ex-rebel leader has ruled Nicaragua for 20 of the past 37 years. His new mandate, delivered in a landslide November election victory, will see him in office until 2022. His wife Rosario Murillo's elevation to vice president -- she was already his official spokesperson and the public face of his government -- positions her to become president if Ortega, 71, leaves office before his term is out. Heavy security was evident ahead of the inauguration ceremony in the capital Managua, with the deployment of elite police units backed by dog handlers and the closure of surrounding roads. VIPs attending included Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen, Bolivian President Evo Morales and El Salvador's leader, Salvador Sanchez Ceren. The absence of other Central American heads of state underlined the rocky state of Ortega's relations with his neighbors. The Nicaraguan leader has instead courted nations with an anti-US bent, including Russia and Venezuela. A North Korean delegation headed by a senior political and military official, Choe Ryong Hae, also was attending Ortega's swearing-in ceremony. By Syed Raza Hassan and Saad Sayeed KARACHI/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan's major opposition parties expressed scepticism on Tuesday about the government's proposal to revive special military courts to try civilians charged with terrorism, potentially jeopardizing a proposed constitutional amendment. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office said on Monday that it would seek to keep military courts in place, days after the secret tribunals' original legal mandate had expired. However, Sharif's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party does not have the two-thirds National Assembly majority necessary to amend the constitution, meaning it would need support from at least some opposition lawmakers. That is likely to be a hard sell. "We are against any extension for military courts," Senator Saeed Ghani of the leading opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) told Reuters. He asked what the government had done to improve civilian courts during the military tribunal's two-year mandate, noting that the original justification for the special courts was to allow time for reforms. Military courts in Pakistan have been accused of fostering human rights abuses and criticized for a lack of transparency and accountability. A spokesman for the other main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), criticized the courts as undemocratic but said it would hear out the government's plans. "We have asked the government to tell us what reforms have been made to the (civilian) anti-terrorism courts," said Fawad Chaudhry. "But we have not taken a final decision." Sharif's ruling party has 189 seats in the 342 member National Assembly, falling short by 39 votes. Swaying the PTI, which has 33 assembly seats, to vote for reinstating the military courts would be a major achievement. The two parties have been at loggerheads over corruption allegations leveled at Sharif after his children's names appeared in the Panama Papers as owners of offshore companies. Military trials of terrorism suspects were legalized in January 2015 with lawmakers and the military arguing that civilian courts were unable to process cases swiftly because many judges feared becoming victims of revenge attacks. The courts have since delivered 275 convictions, including 161 death sentences, and carried out 12 executions. These courts do not allow the right to appeal and judges are not required to have law degrees or provide reasons for their verdicts. The government has called for an conference on Jan. 17 to discuss the issue. Both opposition parties said they would attend the meeting but PPP's Ghani added: "It is unlikely that there will be a change in our stance." (Writing by Saad Sayeed. Editing by Kay Johnson.) Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Palestinian leaders on Tuesday called for prayers at mosques across the Middle East this week to protest plans by President-elect Donald Trump to move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. There have been warnings that moving the US embassy to the contested city and recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital could inflame tensions in the Middle East and possibly sink what remains of peace efforts. Mohammad Shtayyeh, a senior Palestinian official and Fatah central committee member who was speaking on behalf of the Palestinian leadership, said doing so would mean an "end to the two-state solution". He said the Palestinian leadership had been informed by diplomatic contacts that Trump could call for the move in his inauguration speech on January 20. Palestinian leaders are considering whether to withdraw their recognition of Israel if the move goes through, he said. They have added the issue to the agenda of a meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on January 19 in Malaysia, he added. Shtayyeh called for prayers at mosques throughout the Middle East on Friday as well as for churches to ring bells in protest on Sunday. "I think and we all think that moving the embassy to Jerusalem is a dangerous step that will have dangerous consequences for the political track for our people and for our future aspirations and for the Muslim, Arab, Christian countries and people all over the world," said Shtayyeh. "We are not inciting violence. Ringing a church bell... is not a violent act. Calling for a prayer is not a violent act," he told journalists in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has written to Trump urging him not to move the embassy. The Palestinians regard Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, while Israel proclaims the entire city as its capital. The city's status is one of the thorniest issues of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Story continues Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. - 'Indications negative' - A UN Security Council resolution passed on December 23 called for a stop to Israeli settlement building in Palestinian territory. In a rare move, the United States did not use its veto and abstained, enabling the adoption of the first UN resolution since 1979 to condemn Israel over its settlement policy. Trump has signalled he will pursue far more favourable policy toward Israel and called for US President Barack Obama's administration to veto the resolution. France is to hold an international conference on January 15 including some 70 nations aimed at helping restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts. Israel has rejected it and called for direct talks, while the Palestinians have welcomed the gathering. The conference will take place without the Israelis and Palestinians, though Abbas is to meet French President Francois Hollande on January 16 to be briefed on the proceedings, according to Shtayyeh. Shtayyeh said he hoped the conference would put a multilateral peace process in motion. But he added "all indications are negative" when it comes to Trump, citing his rejection of the UN resolution and some of his appointments. Trump has nominated David Friedman, a supporter of Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, as his ambassador to the Jewish state. Also on Tuesday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman accused Abbas of having given "direct instructions" to imams for incitement inside mosques. He appeared to make reference to a truck-ramming attack on Sunday by a Palestinian in Jerusalem that killed four soldiers. "Everything we have seen in recent days is on the direct instructions of (Abbas) to the imams for incitement in the mosques," Lieberman said while visiting an Israeli military base in the West Bank. "This, to my regret, has a direct effect on the ground." Israel has long blamed incitement by Palestinian leaders and media as a leading cause of violence. Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with the Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, comatose peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have helped feed the unrest. A smash-hit Paris show of one the world's greatest private collections of modern art is to be extended after 600,000 people flocked to see it in just 10 weeks. "Icons of Modern Art" at the Louis Vuitton Foundation features the cream of the staggering collection of 250 paintings put together by Sergei Shchukin before the Bolshevik Revolution, which had never before been seen outside Russia. The show includes 29 works by Picasso, 22 by Matisse, 12 by Gauguin and other top-notch Cezannes and Van Goghs that the super-rich textile merchant picked up on trips to Paris before World War I. With 60,000 people a week flocking to the spectacular though relatively modest-sized private gallery designed by Frank Gehry, its hours are being extended to try to cope with the demand, with doors opening seven days a week until 11:00 pm (2200 GMT) in February. In the final week of the extended run, which ends on March 5, the foundation in the west of the French capital will stay open till 1:00 am. The gallery -- paid for by the French luxury goods tycoon Bernard Arnault -- will lay on a breakfast every morning for visitors in the final week when doors open at 7:00 am, it told AFP. - Magritte blockbuster - That could end up amounting to quite a mountain of croissants as the show's attendance is already outstripping the blockbuster "Magritte" exhibit at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, which is currently pulling in 6,000 people a day. As well as the impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces, the exhibition also includes 30 major pieces from the Russian avant-garde suprematist and constructivist movements, loaned by the Tretyakov State Gallery in Moscow and the Russian Museum in St Petersburg. Shchukin, who fled Russia for France after the revolution, had a particularly close relationship with Henri Matisse, whom he brought to Moscow in 1911 to decorate his palatial home. He also commissioned two of the artist's most important works, "The Dance" and "Music", which are the centrepieces of the Paris show, curated by the former head of the city's Picasso Museum, Anne Baldassari. Lenin himself signed the decree to expropriate the works, before Stalin scattered the collection to museums in Moscow and St Petersburg, condemning some of the greatest masterpieces of 20th-century art as "bourgeois and cosmopolitan". The exhibition is the fruit of years of negotiations between LVMH boss Arnault and the Russian authorities, with a partnership agreement signed last year between the foundation and the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and Moscow's Pushkin Museum. The Pennsylvania woman who has been charged with her boyfriend in the death and dismemberment of her 14-year-old adoptive daughter spent seven years working for a childrens welfare agency overseeing adoptions, PEOPLE confirms. A statement obtained by PEOPLE from Catherine Allen, the director of administration for Pennsylvanias Northampton County, confirms Sara Packer, 41, was an employee of Northampton County from 2003 through 2010, working as a supervisor for the countys Children, Youth and Families Division. Allens statement does not address the criminal allegations against Packer, which according to prosecutors stem from an alleged rape-murder fantasy she allegedly acted out with her boyfriend, Jacob Sullivan, 44. The county cannot comment regarding ongoing law enforcement investigations, reads the statement. Packer was suspended from her position in 2010 following allegations of misconduct, according to personnel records obtained by PEOPLE. Those records do not detail the specific allegations against Packer. Allegations Against Mother, Boyfriend Packer and her 44-year-old boyfriend, Jacob Sullivan, face multiple charges connected to the death of Grace Packer, who Packer took in as a foster child at the age of 3 and later adopted. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Prosecutors allege that Packer and Sullivan preserved Graces remains in cat litter for three months before chopping up her body and dumping it in a remote area of Pennsylvania. Grace was reported missing by her mother in July. Hunters found her corpse on Halloween in a mountainous region of the state, just south of Scranton. Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that Sullivan and Packer began plotting the teens murder in late 2015, soon after Grace returned from a stay with extended family members in North Carolina. Story continues Unfortunately, Grace Packer was a disposable child to these people, reads Weintraubs statement. Who will now speak for Grace Packer? We will. Weintraub said he may seek the death penalty against Sullivan and Packer. Weintraub alleges that Sullivan and Packer forged a suicide pact and, on Dec. 30, unsuccessfully attempted suicide by prescription pills. Sullivan has been in the hospital ever since. Sullivan was arrested on Saturday after allegedly telling several staffers at Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health in Abington that he was responsible for the teens strangulation murder. Under subsequent questioning by Bucks County detectives, he revealed in detail how the girl was assaulted and killed over the course of about 18 hours, Weintraubs statement reads. Weintraub says the alleged attack on Grace began on July 8, 2016. Sullivan allegedly told investigators he and Packer drove the girl to a new home in Richland Township, where he allegedly punched her several times in the face, splitting her lip open. The two adults then took the teen to the third floor of the residence, where Sara Packer watched as Sullivan raped her daughter, Weintraubs statement alleges. Sara Packer then left to buy Tylenol PM and other drugs for sedating Grace. Telling her the drugs would help minimize her pain from the assaults, the adults gave her an overdose of pills, then bound and gagged her and left her to die in the hot attic. Weintraub alleges that Packer and Sullivan said they left the house for the rest of the day, returning the next morning. Much to their shock, Grace was still alive, Sullivan allegedly told investigators. He strangled and suffocated her until she died, claims Weintraubs statement. Packer and Sullivan then packed Graces body in cat litter to mask the odor and left it in the attic for three months. Pick up PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: Cases That Shocked America, on sale now, for the latest on Casey Anthony, JonBenet Ramsey and more. Weintraub called the crime a rape-murder fantasy that was shared by Jacob Sullivan and Sara Packer, and they acted it out. Sullivan has been charged with homicide, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful restraint, kidnapping, possessing instruments of crime, endangering the welfare of a child, abuse of corpse, simple assault, tampering with physical evidence, and corresponding conspiracy charges. Packer was arrested on homicide, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, possessing instruments of crime, endangering the welfare of a child, abuse of corpse, simple assault, tampering with physical evidence, and conspiracy to commit rape charges. Both Sullivan and Packer are being held without bail and have yet to enter pleas to the charges against them. Neither has retained legal counsel. Weintraubs statement alleges Sullivan shouted Im sorry for what I did to reporters as he was being led into a courthouse Saturday for his arraignment. Super Hornet The Pentagon has drones. Lots of them. And as of Monday, hundreds of miniature versions of them can work together and attack an enemy like a swarm of killer bees. The DoD made the news public on Monday, though its Strategic Capabilities Office successfully demonstrated its micro-drone technology at China Lake, California back in October. During the test, three F/A-18 Super Hornets spit out more than 100 tiny Perdix drones, which then linked up with each other to collectively make decisions and fly in formation. Due to the complex nature of combat, Perdix are not pre-programmed synchronized individuals, they are a collective organism, sharing one distributed brain for decision-making and adapting to each other like swarms in nature, SCO Director William Roper said in a statement. Because every Perdix communicates and collaborates with every other Perdix, the swarm has no leader and can gracefully adapt to drones entering or exiting the team. The mini-drones are meant to be expendable flying low and offering surveillance capabilities beyond those offered by larger unmanned aircraft like the Predator or Global Hawk. They also can be used to overwhelm enemy defenses, since their numbers and speed make them much harder to track. "Saturating has an advantage over the thing it has to defend against. Its defender has to take more time and money to defend against it," Roper said in October. First developed at MIT in 2013, the drones have been continuously upgraded and tested by the Pentagon. Currently, the drones have about a one-foot wingspan and can fly for roughly 20 minutes at an air speed of 40 to 60 knots. The Pentagon is working on its next generation design with more advanced autonomy, according to its fact sheet. Check out the video of the test below: NOW WATCH: Animated map shows every nuclear-bomb explosion in history More From Business Insider Berlin (AFP) - A panel of German language experts on Tuesday chose "Volksverraeter" (traitor to the people) as the worst word of 2016, saying the term often used by right-wing activists to insult mainstream politicians had Nazi connotations. The six-member jury described the word as a "relic of dictatorships, including that of the Nazis". "Used as a reproach against politicians, the word is both un-nuanced and defamatory, stifling the serious conversation and debates necessary in a democracy," it said in a statement. Chancellor Angela Merkel and Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel have both been labelled "Volksverraeter" by far-right hecklers over the government's liberal refugee policy that has seen more than a million asylum seekers arrive since 2015. The term is heavily loaded in Germany, where it evokes memories of Adolf Hitler and his henchmen going after those they labelled enemies of the nation. It is one of a number of formerly taboo Nazi-era words that have in recent years been revived by groups such as the anti-Islam Pegida movement and the AfD party, which rails against the migrant influx. The "worst word of the year" award typically goes to an offensive term that has gained popularity in Germany over the past 12 months in a bid to raise awareness of the inflammatory words used in public discourse. Last year's dubious honour went to "Gutmensch", which translates as "do-gooder" and is used to describe people seen as naively opening their arms to migrants and refugees without thinking through the consequences. In 2014, the winner was "Luegenpresse" (lying press), another Nazi-era term that has been reclaimed by anti-migrant groups to denigrate the mainstream press. The word is chosen from submissions sent in by the public. The jury, led by Nina Janich of the Technical University Darmstadt, is made up of four linguists and a journalist as well as a different guest judge each year. The panel received over 1,000 submissions this year, it said. A Philippine policeman assigned to fighting drugs has been detained over the alleged kidnapping of a South Korean businessman who went missing nearly three months ago, authorities said Tuesday. The businessman's wife reported the abduction to the police after he disappeared from his home in the northern city of Angeles in October last year, they added. "The (Philippine National Police) chief has ordered the placing under restricted custody of the policeman allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a Korean businessman," national police spokesman Dionardo Carlos told AFP. Philippine police chief Ronald dela Rosa said on Monday the policeman alleged to have taken part in the abduction was a low-ranking officer assigned to a special unit going after drug traffickers in Angeles. Police have asked the justice department to file criminal charges against him, dela Rosa said. However dela Rosa did not give any details as to whether the detained officer had given any information about the case. Police did not identify the missing South Korean or the officer under investigation for alleged kidnapping. The South Korean embassy in Manila told AFP it did not wish to comment on the case. The Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper on Monday quoted the missing man's wife as saying the abductors had kidnapped him in a bid to extort a ransom. The wife said she had already paid five million pesos ($100,000) but the kidnappers wanted another 4.5 million pesos, according to the newspaper. The Philippine police force has a long history of corruption. However critics of President Rodrigo Duterte say he has emboldened corrupt officers with his repeated pledges that he will shield all police from prosecution if they are charged with killing people in his drug crackdown. About 5,700 people have died in Duterte's drug war since he took office in the middle of last year. "Now cops appear to have upped their game by venturing into kidnapping for ransom in the name of the drug war," the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which has reported critically on the crime crackdown, said in an editorial on Tuesday. However dela Rosa insisted he would not tolerate corrupt officers. "We are not condoning (the alleged kidnapping). If it's proven that he was responsible, he doesn't deserve any day in this organisation," dela Rosa said. MANILA (Reuters) - Armed men killed eight fishermen in what appeared to be an attack by pirates in dangerous waters in the southern Philippines, a coast guard spokesman said on Tuesday. The apparent act of piracy came as Philippine soldiers were given a six-month deadline to end Islamist militant threats, including those made on cargo ships in south, where a long-festering insurgency has been exacerbated by the growing influence of the Islamic State militant group. About two dozen sailors and tourists were taken captive by Islamist militants last year in attacks on tug boats and yachts in the Celebes and Sulu seas, raising concerns among defense officials from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines about Islamist militancy and piracy. Coast guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said a Filipino fishing boat with 15 crew on board was operating off Laud Siromon island near the Zamboanga peninsula on Monday night when five armed men on a speed boat attacked them. "The attackers opened fire at the fishermen," Balilo said. He said eight were killed and another five men jumped overboard and swam to a nearby island. Two others who remained on the boat were unharmed. "We consider this a piracy attack. If these were Islamist militants, they would have been taken captive and held for ransom," Balilo said. He said the attackers fled in the darkness and two coast guard ships were sent to the area to search for them. Last month, a container ship repulsed an attack by members of the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf group who attempted to board the vessel and abduct the crew, the coast guard has said. Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana said the military had been ordered to end threats from Abu Sayyaf within six months, with more troops to be poured into the area while a ceasefire agreement with Maoist-led guerrillas holds. "That is our target," Lorenzana told reporters. "We will just have to do all we can, combining military operations and developmental projects to end what they are doing," he said. The small but violent Abu Sayyaf group, known in the south for kidnapping, extortion, and beheadings, has been holding about two dozen captives, including Dutch, German, Japanese, Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese nationals. (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Paul Tait) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f342674%2ffe6ac621-eb6a-4795-bd6c-a28fa978af41 Meryl Streep's speech at the Golden Globes on Sunday was an arresting, heartbreaking testimony and a historic call-to-arms for some. On stage, Streep mourned the most "stunning" performance of the year, when Trump imitated and mocked a reporter with disabilities. She then used that violent memory to enjoin Hollywood to tell more empathetic stories and protect the storytellers who produce them. Immediately, right-wing commentators on Twitter slammed the actress' speech as "liberal elitism," a way to push down "real Americans" from the heartland. For Streep, and millions of liberals like her, it was a familiar moment: their empathy and calls for compassion reflexively dismissed as coastal privilege. SEE ALSO: Meryl Streeps Golden Globes speech divides nation Conservative commentators and even some progressive journalists have spent years lobbying the same exhausting, yet effective form of criticism at progressives like Streep. The left, they scream, suffers from an incurable disease known as "liberal elitism," whose symptoms include: writing for and/or reading The New York Times, calling racist people racist, obtaining a graduate degree, speaking positively of Hillary Clinton, wearing tight jeans and/or man buns and disrespecting of one the great art forms known to man, mixed martial arts. "Liberal elitists" who voted for Hillary accused of getting Trump elected The attack has reached such a pitch that "liberal elites" like Streep are actually being pigeon holed as the ones responsible for Trump's election, not those who, you know, voted for him. After the actor's speech, Meghan McCain blamed Streep, who spent the majority of her time on stage advocating on behalf of people with disabilities and the free press, for Trump's election. Newsweek contributing editor and celebrated center-left journalist Kurt Eichenwald recently informed students at Yale that anyone who thought all Trump voters were "racist or stupid" were responsible for getting him elected. Story continues This Meryl Streep speech is why Trump won. And if people in Hollywood don't start recognizing why and how - you will help him get re-elected Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) January 9, 2017 I spoke at Yale. Asked students "How many think all Trump voters racist or stupid?" Many raised hands. I said: "Ur belief is why dems lost." Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) December 26, 2016 Trump voters aren't responsible for their choices, headlines like "Donald Trump won because the liberal elite forgot the uneducated poor" seem to suggest. They're victims of a cannibalistic call out culture. If only the liberal elites of the Democratic party whose base includes people of color, LGBTQ people and religious minorities had been more sympathetic to the opposing party's biases, perhaps they wouldn't have voted for a president who'll do violence to them. Conservatives conflate liberal elitism with multiculturalism It's amazing to see what falls under the umbrella of liberal elitism. Breitbart, whose founder is now headed to the Oval Office, famously referred to a Washington Post columnist as a "Jewish elitist." Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson, who called gender-neutral bathrooms "disgusting" and likes to portray American immigrants as welfare-addicted gang members, recently accused the "liberal elite" of lacking compassion for the American underclass: "Look, if youre not in the elite media, if youre not on Wall Street, if youre not in the political class, look at the people who run the country they sneer at you, Carlson said. They have contempt for you. Theres nothing about you that they like. And you resent that after a while." Of course, Trump's wealth, the small $9 million dollar loan he received from his father or his cabinet of Goldman Sachs billionaires hasn't made him an elitist. "Elitism" has become largely divorced from its original meaning remember the good old days, when money and power made you an elitist? and instead signifies multiculturalism, secularism and social liberalism. Since universities, who hold cultural capital, are home to so many of these values, they've become synonymous with them and with power. Image: peter hvizdak/AP In this framework, "liberal elitists" are measured by their level of distance from the (perceived) needs of the white working class. These needs aren't structural just look at how Ryan's Affordable Care Act replacement plan will impact white low-income voters but cultural and emotional. Trump's policies on Obamacare and protectionism may have flip-flopped throughout the campaign, but his views on Muslims and other marginalized groups remained remarkably consistent. Money no longer makes you an elitist, values do. Just look at the data. The average Clinton voter during the primary made a salary around $61,000, compared to the typical Trump voter, who brought home $72,000 a year. The poorest Americans voted for Clinton, including the most impoverished whites. Yet it was the Democrats, not the Republicans, who were largely smeared as "elitists." That makes it all the easier for right-wingers to dismiss deeply compassionate pleas like Streep's. Whatever Streep had to say about the disability community, or the role of actors and journalists, could be summarily dismissed as "elitism." Of course, many of the critiques about the speech's supposed elitism came from very wealthy Americans Tomi Lahren, Meghan McCain. Oh no!! What will @realDonaldTrump do without the support of the liberal Hollywood elite?! Oh I know, he will Make America Great Again. Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) January 9, 2017 None of Streep's critics denied the actress the right to her wealth the conventional definition of "elitism" but instead attacked her values. Streep is an elitist not because of the money she has or influence she wields but because of her empathic multicultural worldview. Liberal elitism does exist, just not to the degree people say it does To be fair, there is a "smug style" on the American left far more likely to crush healthy debate than invite it. Think of how many Bernie Bros referred to Clinton supporters as "delusional" and Clinton voters who portrayed his base as lazy idealists. Or the avalanche of criticism directed at the moms of Pantsuit Nation or safety pin wearers, who were demeaned for being political ingenues instead of being invited into the coalition. It doesn't help that some Clinton voters chose to label all Trump supporters as morons or racists this election, and then subsequently deleted them from their Facebook page. While that may be true of a significant part of his base, it's bad organizing, and won't help Democrats in 2020. Liberal elitism is alive and well as is conservative elitism. Too often, however, the label is used to disguise contempt for social liberalism and for compassion. For some, humiliating a reporter with a disability, as Trump famously did, shows disdain for "elitist" political correctness. The victim in this situation becomes not the journalist who was mocked, nor the community who suffered a surge in hate crimes post-election, but the voter who wants a safe space for their hate. Rage cloaked as anti-elitism, power restored to the people who never lost it in the first place. Two kids screaming their heads off got a little help from a friendly cop, who lent them his patrol cars microphone for a little extra volume. Rileigh Buetow, 4, and her little brother Austin, 2, were jumping up and down, shouting, Bye, daddy! We love you, daddy! as their Navy fathers aircraft carrier pumped out to sea. Read: Deployed Navy Dad Finds Clever Way to Attend Son's 'Lunch with Dad' Day San Diego Police Officer James Weaver had stopped his cruiser to take in the majestic sight of the USS Carl Vinson heading west, when he saw the two little ones hopping near the water. I figured Id give them a chance to be heard, he told InsideEdition.com Monday evening. What made him think of his cars P.A. system? When he visits local schools, he said, "Thats the thing [kids] love the most. They love to talk on the mike and they love to hear the sounds of their voices." Rileigh stepped right up and blasted her lungs out. Bye, daddy! The amplification was so intense her brother, Austin, was startled into silence. "He just shook his head, like 'Im not going to say anything,'" his mother, Brettany, recalled. "It was really loud." Brettany had been holding it together pretty well as the family geared up to say goodbye to Joshua Buetow last week before he set sail on a mission to the western Pacific that is expected to last until summer. But the kindness of Officer Weaver and her excited children pushed her over the edge, she said. "I started crying," she said. "This is our first deployment, so weve never been through this before." Read: Watch 7-Year-Old Boy Break Down in Tears When His Navy Dad Returns Home Early She says her husband didnt hear the cruisers P.A. system, given the distance and the roar of the ships engines. But they havent had an opportunity to talk about it in-depth. Story continues She posted a couple of photos of Rileigh, Austin, and 2-month-old Ryder (who cant say much of anything yet), seeing their father off. The images went viral, naturally. Her mother asked why she didnt take video of the impromptu police involvement. Brettany laughed. She was lucky to have the presence of mind to snap some photos what with her crying, the kids screaming, and a kind police officer handing over his microphone. Watch: Being Deployed Doesn't Stop Navy Dad from Attending Kindergarten Event with Son Related Articles: Photo credit: Getty From Woman's Day Any mother who has ever struggled to breastfeed in a public place will appreciate Pope Francis's take on the matter: "You mothers, go ahead and breastfeed, without fear," he said after several babies began crying during a ceremony at the Sistine Chapel on Sunday. "Just like the Virgin Mary nursed Jesus." The pope was in the middle of baptizing 28 children when he heard the sounds of discontent. Recognizing that some women might think they needed to refrain from nursing in the holy place-or at least, be worried about exposing their breasts-he quickly eased their concerns, joking that "the concert has begun," and that perhaps Jesus's own first "homily" was his cries as a baby, the Associated Press reports. "The ceremony is a little long, someone's crying because he's hungry. That's the way it is," he continued, according to Agence France-Presse. At least one woman took him up on the opportunity to feed her baby. Photo credit: Getty While this isn't the first time Pope Francis has voiced his support for breastfeeding, it certainly solidifies his place as part of the "Normalize Breastfeeding" movement. During the same ceremony last year, the pope made similar statements, and back in 2013, he recalled during an interview with Italy's La Stampa how he had met a young woman who had been afraid to nurse in his presence. "She was shy and didn't want to breastfeed in public, while the Pope was passing," he said. "I wish to say the same to humanity: Give people something to eat! That woman had milk to give to her child; we have enough food in the world to feed everyone." For women who still face judgment when breastfeeding in public and-sometimes especially-in church, this continued encouragement from the leader of the Catholic Church is everything. (h/t: Washington Post) [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Stories" customtitles="Mother%20Breast%20Feeds%206-Year-Old%7CThings%20You%20Should%20Never%20Say%20to%20Bottle-Feeding%20Moms" customimages="|" content="article.57446|article.55572"] You Might Also Like Pope Francis has a message for all mothers concerned about breastfeeding in public: do so without fear. At a ceremony in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday, the 80-year-old encouraged all mothers in attendance to breastfeed their children if necessary, The New York Times reported. After all, Jesus was once a hungry baby. Since the ceremony is a little long, someones crying because hes hungry, the pope said in Italian, referencing the noise of a crying baby. Thats the way it is. You mothers, go ahead and breastfeed, without fear. Just like the Virgin Mary nursed Jesus. The pontiff had baptized 28 babies earlier in the mass and called the sound of the crying infants a concert. I would like to think that the first sermon of Jesus in the stable was his crying, he said, USA Today reported. Pope Francis has made statements of support towards public breastfeeding in the past including during a baptismal ceremony last year, where Time reported he told mothers If they are crying for hunger, nurse them. RELATED VIDEO: Breastfeeding Mother Threatened With Arrest In December 2013 during an interview with La Stampa, he recounted encouraging a mother to breastfeed while he passed by: There was a young mother behind one of the barriers with a baby that was just a few months old. The child was crying its eyes out as I came past. The mother was caressing it. I said to her, Madam, I think the childs hungry. Yes, its probably time she replied. Please give it something to eat! I said. She was shy and didnt want to breastfeed in public, while the Pope was passing. I wish to say the same to humanity: Give people something to eat! Pope Francis is known for his progressive social stances. In America, breastfeeding in public can often be seen as a social taboo with one mother even experiencing pushback from authorities as she tried to nurse her child. Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis will grant Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas an audience at the Vatican on Saturday, the Holy See confirmed indirectly Tuesday by announcing arrangements for media coverage of the visit. It will be the third time Francis has met Abbas following an encounter during the pontiff's 2014 trip to the Holy Land and the Palestinian leader's 2015 visit to the Vatican to attend a canonisation ceremony for two Palestinian nuns. Relations between the Holy See and Palestine were upgraded in 2015 with the signing of an accord expected to lead to the establishment of a Palestinian embassy in the Vatican at some point this year. Israel was angered by the accord, which came two years after the Vatican recognised Palestine as a state. Relations with the Jewish state were also strained by Francis describing Abbas as an "angel of peace" during the two men's May 2015 meeting. Saturday's meeting will come against a background of deep concern among Palestinians over US President-elect Donald Trump's declared intention of moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The Palestinians fear the move would consolidate Israeli control over the ancient city and make it harder for them to have Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Saturday's meeting will also take place on the eve of an international conference in Paris at which some 70 countries are due to discuss the situation in the Middle East and reiterate support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Lisbon (AFP) - Portugal on Tuesday paid its final respects to Mario Soares, hailed as the father of the country's modern-day democracy, as the former Socialist president was buried in Lisbon. Soares, who was due to be buried in the late afternoon after a ceremony in the capital, died Saturday aged 92. "This is the man who gave us democracy and liberty," said 57-year-old Maria Albergaria, one of thousands of Lisbon residents who came out to bid farewell to the statesman. "This country will never again know a politician like him. He played a decisive role in our history and he is part of every Portuguese family, in a little way," added Rosa Pereira, a 44-year-old medical assistant. Soares' body has been lying in state since Monday, draped in the Portuguese flag, at the Jeronimos Monastery -- the symbolic site where, as prime minister, Soares signed the 1985 treaty that saw his country join the European Economic Community, forerunner of the European Union. He is set to be buried at Lisbon's Prazeres cemetery, the final resting place of many Portuguese luminaries, after a funeral procession taking his body past parliament and the headquarters of the Socialist party he founded. His son Joao Soares said he had inherited his "optimism, moral fibre, courage, determination and audacity" from his father as he addressed a ceremony at the monastery attended by Spain's King Felipe VI, Brazilian President Michel Temer and outgoing EU parliament chief Martin Schulz. An anti-fascist activist who was prime minister twice before serving as president for a decade from 1986, Soares won Portugal's first free elections after the 1974 Carnation Revolution, a military coup that ended 48 years of dictatorship and 13 years of colonial war. Dear reader, we're asking for your help to keep local reporting available for all today during our fall fundraiser. Your financial support keeps stories like this one free to read, instead of hidden behind paywalls. We believe when reliable local reporting is widely available, the entire community benefits. Thank you for investing in your neighborhood. Start your day with LAist Sign up for How To LA, delivered weekday mornings. Subscribe Strap yourself in for this one, because its going to be a roller coaster. In July, we reported that Michelle Suzanne Hadley, 29, had been charged with felony stalking, attempted forcible rape, violating a protective order and assault. She was allegedly embroiled in a nefarious and dangerous scheme; shed supposedly posed as 31-year-old Angela Maria Diaz on Craigslist, and had invited men to come to Diazs place and act out a rape fantasy. Hadley had allegedly told the men to proceed even if she resisted their advances, and had even gone as far as providing details about the routines and whereabouts of Diaz. Diaz was married to an ex of Hadley's. Now, in a wild turnaround, the Orange County District Attorneys office says that Hadley has been cleared of all charges, and that prosecutors believe that Diaz had been framing her this whole time. As important as the filing of charges against Ms. Diaz, is the dismissal of the previous complaint and full exoneration of Michelle Hadley, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said in a release. Ms. Hadley is an innocent victim of a diabolical scheme, he added. Where to start? Well, Diaz was indeed married to Hadleys ex, who is identified only as John Doe in documents. Hadley had been dating Doe from August 2013 to August 2015, when the pair broke up. Doe then began courting Diaz in January 2016, and the two were married by the end of February, according to the D.A.s office. And sometime in mid-May, Diaz informed Doe that she was pregnant. Michelle Hadley. (Photo courtesy of the Orange County District Attorney's office) But wait, she wasnt pregnant. And, apparently, this fabrication was only one of the many lies that Diaz had weaved. When all is said and done, both the D.A.s office and the Anaheim Police Department believe that Diaz had faked having cervical cancer, pretended to be an attorney, forged doctors notes, and impersonated two of Does ex-girlfriends via email.One of those ex-girlfriends was Hadley. The D.A.s office says that Diaz had gone to the police in June to complain of threatening emails that were supposedly sent by Hadley, when, allegedly, Diaz had been posing as Hadley the whole time, sending the messages to herself as evidence. Diaz was so convincing, in fact, that she was able to obtain a restraining order against Hadley. Posing as Hadley, Diaz was also allegedly the one whod been directing men on Craigslist to attack Diaz. What makes this even crazier is that the scheme had worked to some degree; at least two men had confronted Diaz with intentions of going through with the rape fantasy, and all of them were detained by law enforcement, according to KTLA. So, if the allegations are true, Diaz had actually put her safety on the line to get Hadley in trouble. And her plans were going swimmingly, apparently, because Hadley would be arrested twice as Diaz kept filing reports to the Anaheim Police Department, saying that Hadley was stalking her and sending her vile messages. Hadley was arrested on June 24 and July 14. And she would remain in custody until October 7, when sufficient evidence had been ascertained through extensive investigative efforts to clear her name. The Orange County District Attorney's Office says that, by tracing the origins of the emails and Craigslist postings, authorities had uncovered connections back to Diazs cell phone, as well the condo she shared with Doe, and her fathers home in Arizona. Diaz was later arrested on January 6 in the Phoenix area. The Phoenix Police Department tells LAist in a message that the arrest was made on the request of the Anaheim Police Department. Diaz has been charged with two felony counts of kidnapping, two felony counts of false imprisonment by menace, fraud, or deceit, one felony count of perjury, one felony count of grand theft, two felony counts of forgery, two felony counts of possession of a forged check over $950, one misdemeanor count of falsely reporting a crime to a police agency, and 21 misdemeanor counts of falsely reporting a crime to a peace officer. She faces a maximum sentence of 12 years and eight months in state prison if convicted. Of course, the case isnt closed until it has gone through the trial process. But, if a Powerpoint sent to media outlets by the Orange County District Attorney's Office is any indication, the D.A. seems to be pretty sure of Diaz's guilt: Diaz behind bars, kind of. (Image courtesy of the Orange County District Attorney's office) (Reuters) - Powerful storms packing heavy rain and snow will lash the U.S. West on Tuesday, a day after thousands of people fled their homes to escape floods, forecasters said. A band of heavy downpours will drench northern California and heavy snow will fall in the Sierra Nevada mountains into Wednesday, exacerbating the threat of flooding, the National Weather Service said. The storms are part of weather system called the "Pineapple Express" that has soaked a vast area from Hawaii to the typically drought-prone states of California and Nevada. Just north of San Francisco, the Russian River in Sonoma County flooded early on Monday, forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 residents, officials said. In Nevada, residents of about 400 homes in Reno were ordered to leave as rains swelled the Truckee River, which flows through the city, a county official said. A woman died after she was struck by a falling tree in the San Francisco area, local officials and media reported. Over the weekend, an ancient giant sequoia tree with a hollowed-out tunnel was toppled by floods in Calaveras Big Trees State Park just southeast of Sacramento. California's Napa Valley vinyards largely escaped undamaged and the rain was expected to replenish water supplies after five years of drought, said Patsy McGaughy, Napa Valley Vintners spokeswoman. California officially remains in a state of drought as water is still scarce in the south. But northern California's Lake Oroville, the principal reservoir for the State Water Project, has 2.25 million acre feet of water, more than double the amount it had a year ago, Michael Anderson, state climatologist for the California Department of Water Resources, said. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee) Industrial gas producer and supplier, Praxair Inc. PX recently announced that it has started operating a new air separation plant at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltds Hwasung site in the Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Also, the company communicated about the upgrade of the pipeline system serving Samsung. Over the last one year, shares of Praxair yielded a return of 18.4%, outperforming the return of 17.8% provided by the S&P 500 market. We believe expansionary initiatives will help Praxair meet the growing preference of customers for its world-class products and services. Also, increasing application of industrial gases in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, food & beverages, and metal fabrication industries will prove to be a boon for industrial gas producers. Despite the long-term positives, we believe that Praxairs exposure to certain near-term headwinds, including unfavorable foreign currency movements, higher production costs, stiff competition, and high debt levels have restricted its growth momentum. Over the last one year, shares of Praxair have underperformed the return of 26.6% provided by the Zacks categorized Chemicals diversified industry. Praxairs New and Existing Business with Samsung As revealed, the plant is Praxairs fourth of its kind at the Hwasung site and will supply nitrogen to Samsung. The new plant has a daily production capacity of 1,400 tons of industrial gases. We believe the move further solidifies the two companies business relations as well as strengthens Praxairs foothold in the region. Praxairs existing business with Samsung includes supply of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, helium and other gases through its complex outside Seoul. In addition, the company satisfies the need for liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon to local customers in non-ferrous metal, wastewater treatment and ship building end markets. Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider With a market capitalization of $33.3 billion, Praxair Inc. currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the stock is $5.88 per share for 2017, representing 7.3% year-over-year growth. Story continues Praxair, Inc. Price and Consensus Praxair, Inc. Price and Consensus | Praxair, Inc. Quote Some better-ranked stocks in the chemical industry include The Chemours Company CC, Kronos Worldwide, Inc. KRO and Albemarle Corporation ALB. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The Chemours Company has a positive average earnings surprise of 153.83% for the last four quarters. Also, earnings expectations for 2017 have improved over the past 60 days. Kronos Worldwide, Inc.s financial performance has been impressive in the last quarter, with a positive earnings surprise of 111.11%. Also, the stocks earnings estimates for 2017 have been revised upward over the last 60 days. Albemarle Corporation has witnessed positive revisions in earnings estimates for 2017, over the past 60 days. Also, the company has an average positive earnings surprise of 27.13%. Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest tickers for the entirety of 2017? Who wouldn't? These 10 are painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks to buy and hold. Be among the very first to see them >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Praxair, Inc. (PX): Free Stock Analysis Report Albemarle Corporation (ALB): Free Stock Analysis Report Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO): Free Stock Analysis Report Chemours Company (The) (CC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Since Donald Trump's unexpected presidential victory, environmentalists fear a substantial rollback of protections for our natural world. Yet there may be a silver lining. Trump's broader security goals -- to crush the Islamic State group, fight transnational criminals and promote stability -- does allow for perhaps one environmental agenda to be advanced: the ongoing fight against environmental criminals. Around the world, transnational organized criminals are involved in natural resource theft and other environmental crimes that benefit them, finance terrorism and cause instability. Overall, environmental crime generates upward of $258 billion and is growing by 5 to 7 percent annually -- two to three times the growth rate of the global economy, a figure that should startle any businessman. Last year during an interview with Chuck Todd on "Meet the Press," Trump responded to a question on how he would deal with Islamic State. His response: "I want to take away their wealth." By protecting our environment from transnational criminals and terrorists, President-elect Trump will do just that while gaining crucial ground on other security priorities. Here's a look at the perpetrators of environmental crime. In recent years, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, turned to gold over drugs -- a growing trend among organized criminal and terror groups around the world. The FARC have long financed their enterprise through illegal mining in Colombia and neighboring countries, and relied on the same networks they use to peddle drugs to pawn their stolen gold. In 2015, the Colombian Armed Forces raided 63 FARC-operated mines, which netted the group $9 million -- per month. In October of this year, the government seized $3.4 million of the group's mining assets. These figures indicate that, in some regions of the country, the group's income from illegal mining surpasses the money it generates from drug trafficking, for which the group is infamous. Story continues Other terrorist organizations are also financing their endeavors with profits from pillaged resources or by exploiting legal industries to move their stolen commodities. The Taliban funds itself by selling drugs, which are trafficked by fishermen. The Lord's Resistance Army funds itself by poaching elephants. One 2015 study tracking the flow of blood diamonds through West Africa raised concerns that Boko Haram may shift its focus to this lucrative revenue stream. These organizations -- all of which make the U.S. government's list of terror organizations -- are experts at finding where resources are abundant and protective capacity is low, where Mother Nature is most vulnerable. [READ: Obama's missed opportunity on child soldiers.] It's not only terrorists who steal from and otherwise exploit the environment. There's a much wider group of transnational bandits who are involved in looting the environment for profit. The Asian Triad, a collective of Chinese syndicates, has been operating in South Africa for decades. The syndicates have their hands in a range of illicit activities. Most recently, they've entered into the illegal abalone trade. The groups use the legal trade to hide their illicit activities, which include dealing the ingredients for methamphetamine. What's more, the groups have entrenched poaching into local economies, sowing instability. These groups leave instability and insecurity in their wake. Look no further than the South China Sea. The intense territorial conflicts there, fueled in part by China's unsustainable demand for seafood, are pushing countries to turn to military means for control. The government of Indonesia has adopted a strategy of sinking vessels that are illegally fishing in their territory. Chinese fishing boats, fortified with metal sheeting, have begun ambushing South Korean coast guard vessels. The geostrategic conflicts fueled by resource disputes don't only unfold in local waters. China's distant water fleet has become ensnared in conflicts as far away from home as Argentina. It's no coincidence that China has deliberately projected its power regionally and around the world during a moment when demand for resources, particularly food, is skyrocketing. Throughout his campaign, President-elect Trump promised to get tough on China. Resources are at the core of Chinese aggression and regional instability. Cracking down on China necessarily includes addressing the regional instability fueled by resource theft. So what are President-elect Trump's first steps on these "natural security" challenges? First, the President-elect should include these environmental crimes in the national security strategy. Doing so would open the security toolbox to fight the threat of criminals exploiting the environment for their destructive benefit. The shift would also usher in an era for the entire U.S. government to respond to the threats these groups pose. For example, the Combined Maritime Forces, a naval coalition of 31 countries to which the U.S. contributes, has already begun targeting fishing vessels to find and seize arms and drugs, which are fueling conflict in the region. Expanding the mission of coalitions like the Combined Maritime Forces to include a call to target environmental crime will help the President-elect meet his goal of reducing instability and crime in the Middle East. Second, President-elect Trump should appoint to his security team a natural security czar. A natural security leader would be able to coordinate an interagency response to this agile, ever evolving threat, and an expert dedicated to addressing the threat could marshal the dexterity needed on the part of governments to outmaneuver these shady groups. These concrete steps -- shifting the U.S. national security strategy to include natural security and tapping an expert in the threat networks that perpetrate environmental crime -- will set President-elect Trump's course for achieving his security goals, while in parallel making our environment safe again. Johan Bergenas is director of the Partnerships in Security and Development program at the nonpartisan Stimson Center where he oversees the National Security Forum. Follow him on Twitter. A little over eight years ago, then-President elect Barack Obama stood at a lectern in Chicagos Grant Park and declared that change had come to America. If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer, Obama said. The air was swollen with optimism, with hope for the future that lay ahead. Now, on his way out, the president will address a nation that is largely apprehensive about the next commander-in-chief, a man who won despite trailing his opponent by 3 million popular votes. A man who the president himself derided throughout the 2016 presidential election, only to graciously welcome him for a meeting in the Oval Office just days after the election. But instead of harping on the nations anxiety, President Obama will attempt to revive that same sense of optimism in the farewell address hell deliver from his adoptive hometown. The two things I take away from this office are number one that change can happen, the president said in a video released by the White House ahead of the address. The second thing Ill take away from this experience is the fundamental goodness of the American people. That goodness, he said, is what gives him confidence in the future prospects of the American people. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Monday the president seeks to deliver a heartfelt message of gratitude to the American people in his final address, which will be both forward looking and reflective; reflective in that the president will list his accomplishments as commander-in-chief, the legislation passed, promised kept, and the social progress hes ushered through. And forward looking in that hell discuss what he believes will be necessary to face the challenges that lay ahead. Story continues The President is committed to delivering a forward-looking speech that will examine briefly the significant progress that our country has made in the last eight years. But it will take a closer look and hell spend more time talking about what the President believes is necessary for us to confront the challenges that lie ahead, Earnest said. Most of those solutions, in the mind of the President, rest on the deeply held values that just about every American subscribes to, including fairness, justice, and the strength in the U.S.s diversity. Read More: Obamas Farewell Address and 6 Other Memorable Presidential Goodbyes Obama has been similarly nostalgic before. In the heat of the 2016 campaign, the president delivered speech after speech noting the work of his Administration. Those remarks, however, were shaped around the presidents belief that his successor would continue the work he started. In short, they were delivered before the American public handed a decisive victory over to president-elect Donald Trump, a man who campaigned on dismantling much of the work of the Obama presidency. The presidents speech on Tuesday is also likely to be laced with subtle admonitions aimed at the president-elect whose divisive campaign and harsh rhetoric stoked fear among marginalized communities. Throughout the transition, President Obama has offered measured criticisms of Trump; it would be unlike him to change his tone. When the president comes home to Washington after his Tuesday evening speech, he will deplane from Air Force One for the last time as president. In years past, farewell addresses have been delivered from the White House; Presidents Clinton, Carter, and Reagan delivered their addresses from the Oval Office while President George W. Bush spoke from the East Room. Obama, however, said he wanted to return to where it all started, the community where he launched his career in public service as a community organizer and which he later represented as the junior Senator from Illinois, to say goodbye. Ill be thinking back to being a young community organizer, pretty much fresh out of school and feeling as if my faith in Americas ability to bring about change in our democracy has been vindicated, Obama said in a video released by the White House ahead of the speech. Jan 10(Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. - Jack Ma, the founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, met with Donald Trump for about half an hour on Monday. http://on.wsj.com/2ib28lG - China's WeChat saluted Apple Inc on the iPhone's 10th anniversary - just as it unveiled a new app platform that could challenge Apple in the decade to come. http://on.wsj.com/2ib4KA7 - Islamic militants based in the Middle East used bitcoin and online-payment services such as PayPal to fund terrorist activities in Indonesia, an official with the country's financial-transactions agency said. http://on.wsj.com/2ib1hl7 - Valeant Pharmaceuticals Inc agreed to sell its Dendreon cancer business to Chinese conglomerate Sanpower for $820 million, part of an effort by the beleaguered drugmaker to unload assets and pare debt. http://on.wsj.com/2ib0WP4 - Mars Inc. is making a bid to dominate the fast-growing pet-care business with a $7.7 billion purchase of veterinary and dog day-care company VCA Inc. http://on.wsj.com/2iaPm6K - Yahoo Inc. said it will whittle down its board after completing its deal with Verizon Communications Inc., and several longtime directors, including Chief Executive Marissa Mayer and co-founder David Filo, will step down as directors. http://on.wsj.com/2iaTHGU (Compiled by Gaurika Juneja in Bengaluru) Jan 10 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. - Yahoo Inc said on Monday when its $4.8 billion deal to sell internet business to Verizon Communications Inc closes, it would rename itself "Altaba." And that more than half the company's board members - including Chief Executive Marissa Mayer - would step down. http://nyti.ms/2iyGo40 - Goldman Sachs Group Inc announced on Monday that Elisha Wiesel would become the chief information officer, taking over from Martin Chavez, a prominent executive who pushed to make Goldman more of a forward-looking technology firm. http://nyti.ms/2iyEhx2 - UnitedHealth Group Inc, one of the largest and most diversified health insurance companies in the United States, said on Monday that it planned to buy Surgical Care Affiliates Inc, a chain of outpatient surgery centers, for about $2.3 billion. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2017. http://nyti.ms/2iyHVHi - McDonald's Corp said on Monday it would sell its businesses in mainland China and Hong Kong for $2.08 billion to Citic Ltd, a state-owned conglomerate, and the Carlyle Group Lp, a private equity firm. http://nyti.ms/2jnN3hu - The company that serves as the back end for much Wall Street trading - the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, or DTCC - said on Monday it would replace one of its central databases, used by the largest banks in the world, with new software inspired by Bitcoin. The organization, based in New York, plays a role in recording and reporting nearly every stock and bond trade in the United States, as well as most valuable derivatives trades. http://nyti.ms/2jxvMqh (Compiled by Rama Venkat Raman in Bengaluru) Two male protesters dressed in mock Ku Klux Klan garb were removed from the Senate on January 10 after heckling Alabama Sen Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald Trumps pick for attorney general, as he arrived at his confirmation hearing. Video from ABC News showed the protesters being escorted through the building by security, with one shouting that Sessions was a racist. Credit: Twitter/NAACP via Storyful CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Hundreds of people flocked to Concord on Tuesday to testify, cheer and boo as they debated the merits of right-to-work legislation during the session's first public hearing on the topic. "There is no evidence this legislation would improve work opportunities, job security or employment for hard-working Granite Staters," said Bob Jones, a public safety union president. About 120 people signed up to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee. The legislation would bar both public and private unions from requiring employees to contribute dues, fees or any other type of payment, although union members could voluntarily pay dues. If the law passes, any collective bargaining agreement that requires payments would become null and void. Legislators and business leaders who testified in support of the bill said it would give workers more freedom and entice businesses to New Hampshire. But union representatives and members said a right-to-work law would weaken collective bargaining power and threaten worker protections and wages. Passing right-to-work legislation is part of a national movement by Republicans. Kentucky recently passed a similar law, and Missouri is considering one. In New Hampshire, Republican Gov. Chris Sununu and GOP House and Senate leaders support right-to-work legislation, but it's not a done deal. Both chambers have rejected the measure at times in the past, even under Republican control. Opponents seemed to outnumber supporters, and they applauded or booed loudly depending on the testimony. Sen. Dan Innis, the committee chair, warned people several times to quiet down and threatened to time-limit speeches if the catcalls did not cease. Some audience members grew particularly heated during remarks by Matthew Leen, vice president of the National Right to Work Committee. In his testimony supporting the bill, Leen compared compelling workers to pay union dues to a cab driver kidnapping someone and forcing them to pay for the ride. Story continues "Forced unionism makes no more sense," he said. State and federal law says employees cannot be forced to join a union, even if they benefit from the union's representation. But collective bargaining agreements can require non-members to pay fees or other dues for the benefits they receive. If passed, the right-to-work legislation would ban that. Mark Hounsell, a former Republican state senator and member of the state's Public Employee Labor Relations Board, said allowing people to get out of paying union dues amounts to stealing. "This bill legalizes theft of services among the men and women working side by side every day," he said. Other opponents warned it would weaken unions' collective bargaining power, potentially depressing wages, eliminating benefits and removing other health and safety protections. But business leaders said it would bring new companies into New Hampshire. No other New England states have right-to-work laws, and Business and Industry Association President Jim Roche called it the "single best economic development incentive" New Hampshire could pass without using taxpayer dollars. Tom Sullivan, a vice president of operations at firearms manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Co., said the company was specifically looking for a right-to-work state when it chose to build a new factory. "New Hampshire didn't make the cut," he said. ___ This story has been corrected to show that Kentucky recently passed a law, not that it's considering one, and that the National Right to Work Committee vice president's surname is Leen, not Lee. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) may have just derailed congressional GOP leaders efforts to swiftly repeal the Affordable Care Act without a clear replacement plan in hand. He did it by apparently enlisting the support of President-elect Donald Trump in concocting an alternative health insurance program that could garner widespread support within their party. Paul and a small handful of other Senate Republicans have raised concerns about GOP leaders forging ahead with a budget reconciliation bill that would repeal key provisions of Obamacare -- including premium subsidies and new taxes to finance the program without immediately addressing the impact on more than 20 million Americans enrolled in plans and insurers likely incur huge losses. Related: Could Rand Paul End Up Saving Obamacare? We should repeal Obamacare, but partial repeal will only accelerate the current chaos and may eventually lead to calls for a taxpayer bailout of insurance companies, he wrote recently. Now Paul, 53, a libertarian who ran an unsuccessful campaign for president last year, is attempting to thrust himself in the middle of the GOP debate over how best to keep a solemn campaign pledge to obliterate Obamacare within weeks of Trump taking power -- but without triggering an angry backlash from millions of people who likely would lose their coverage. Paul says he is working on a replacement plan of his own. It is one made up of some of the best ideas floated by Republicans in recent years, and he hopes to have it ready for Trumps consideration early this week. He told Politico Monday that Trump called him last Friday night after seeing an interview in which Paul said that Congress should vote on an Obama replacement at the same time it repeals the law. Related: Obamacare Repeal Could Push Rural Hospitals to the Brink He said he was in complete agreement with that, Paul told Politico, after tweeting out the news last week. I just spoke to @realDonaldTrump and he fully supports my plan to replace Obamacare the same day we repeal it. The time to act is now. Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 7, 2017 Trump told CBSs 60 Minutes shortly after the Nov. 8 election that he would like to see repeal and replacement of Obamacare handled simultaneously, although he subsequently backed away from any specific timetable. Story continues Yesterday, Trump told reporters in New York that hes not even a little bit worried about how Republicans will replace Obamacare, and that in the end everything will work out. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said over the weekend that Congress would follow up Obamacare repeal legislation with a replacement program very quickly, but without setting a timetable. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) said last week that he was confident a replacement plan could be approved by the end of this year. But this is no simple task. Getting all the stakeholdershospitals, doctors, insurance companies, governors of states that expanded Medicaidto agree on a framework is like holding a tenants meeting in a New York City apartment building. Related: Obamacare Repeal Is a Fiscal Minefield for the GOP Senior Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the chair of the Health, Education and Labor Committee, has warned that it could take as long as two years before Congress finally sorts out a replacement for the Affordable Care Act that could garner some needed Democratic support. Paul says hes not trying to be the fly in the ointment but a catalyst for speeding up the process by pressing for simultaneous consideration of repeal and replacement legislation. Senate and House GOP Leaders are determined to stage votes this week and next on the preliminary budget action required to authorize committees in both chambers to draft the specific language for repealing Obamacare subsidies, taxes and mandates. That process could take weeks or months before a final plan is stitched together and approved by the House and Senate. Democrats and other critics say its reckless of Trump and his GOP allies on Capitol Hill to rush to repeal the 2010 law before they can agree on a comprehensive replacement plan that preserves coverage for millions of Americans who signed up for Obamacare and prevents the insurance markets, health care providers and the pharmaceutical industry from falling into a financial death spiral. Paul is not alone in his effort to forestall a vote on repealing Obamacare until a consensus emerges on replacement legislation. Others including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Bob Corker of Tennessee and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana have also voiced support for a coordinated approach. And with a relatively modest 52 to 48 seat majority, McConnell cant afford more than two to three defections to achieve his goals. Related: Republicans Are Having Second Thoughts About Scrapping Obamacare Taxes Paul didn't offer any details yesterday concerning what he would include in his healthcare bill. He wrote in an op-ed recently that Obamacare should be replaced with "freedom" to choose inexpensive insurance free of government dictates. He also said he favors allowing unlimited savings in health savings accounts and authority for major insurers to sell policies across state lines proposals that Trump has also endorsed. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell delivered a farewell address on Monday warning of a looming chaotic situation in which tens of millions of Americans could lose their coverage. I think we havent seen a real [Republican] proposal for replacement, she said in responding to a question about whether any of the GOP proposals being floated might be acceptable to the Democrats. We have not seen a plan that can be measured or scored or that adequately addresses the need for broad coverage and access, affordable premiums and quality of health care. Related: GOP and Dem Governors Are Closing Ranks Against Obamacare Repeal Last night, Senate Democrats planned to deliver floor speeches and Facebook Live broadcasts denouncing the Republicans efforts to unravel Obamacare and push for cuts in Medicare, Medicaid and Planned Parenthood, according to Huffington Post. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and his members also are preparing to slow Senate action on a budget reconciliation package to repeal key elements of Obamacare by offering scores of poison pill amendments late this week in a Vote-a-Rama that could last a day or more. If the Affordable Care Act is repealed without a replacement, the damage to the countrys individual insurance market will begin this spring, Burwell said in her speech. If health insurance companies dont know what the market will look like going forward, many will either raise prices or drop out. That means more Americans wont be able to afford coverage, and others wont be able to find it at all. While estimates vary on the potential adverse effect of a repeal of Obamacare, a recent Urban Institute study concluded that as many as 30 million Americans could lose their coverage. The share of non-elderly people lacking insurance coverage would increase from 11 percent to 21 percent a higher rate of uninsured than before the advent of Obamacare. If Congress never enacts a comprehensive replacement, the consequences for American health care would be stark. We would not just go backwards we would fall far behind where we started. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: 10 January 2016 The Worst Next Day I was sound asleep in a hotel room in Toronto when my phone lit up around 2 am with texts every second. The messages were more or less the same thing David Bowie has died, something I had been dreading for a year. Strangely, I said to myself, Oh God and fell back to sleep (Holy Holy had played an exhausting show the night before). My roommate, saxophonist Terry Edwards, woke me up gently around 7 am whispering, Tony, something terrible has happened. A few minutes later Woody Woodmansey came into the room and tried to console me. My band, Holy Holy, hadnt any idea David was terminally ill. I had signed an NDA a year earlier (which was unnecessary) vowing I wouldnt reveal any details about the recording of Blackstar. The shock was obviously greater to them. Just two days earlier they were overjoyed to hear that the album was released as I was. (We had been paying tribute to David since 2015, playing The Man Who Sold The World in its entirety along with other great Bowie songs, specifically ones that Woody and I had a part in making. I showed David a video of us playing The Width Of A Circle live at the Shepherds Bush Empire and he tacitly approved.) Looking back a year I realize I was so fortunate I was with my band when the news broke. If I was on my own I would have been totally devastated, totally. We were asked to do a second show that evening to accommodate those who couldnt get in the night before. We had to discuss whether it was better to end the tour then and there or play this one final show. Considering our feelings and love for The Great Man, and the beautiful audience in Toronto who came for the first ecstatic night, there was only one right answer. We played, but it was a very different show. Woody and I addressed the audience before we played and said we felt it was appropriate to celebrate our dear friends life together (rather than scatter to the four winds in our own private grief that would come later, of course). Of course some of the audience couldnt hold back the tears, but we the band and the audience were all there for each other. So, grief is a very real thing. There is no control over it. I have been on an emotional roller coaster all year and I know most of you have been too. I talk to David in my head all the time. Its still very hard to come to terms with. In the last year of his life he was so vibrant and creative. Making Blackstar wasnt a haphazard affair, we knew every minute we were making something akin to constructing a Gothic cathedral. This was a very special album from day one. David was so happy and energetic making The Next Day but on Blackstar he was so much stronger, more positive and bursting with creativity. Our team, the band, the technicians and everyone who visited us in the studio kept shooting glances at each other is this really happening? When the singles Blackstar and Lazarus were released, and then the album, we were right there cheering along with the public! At last we could talk about it (albeit very little). A worldwide celebration exploded with the news of new David Bowie music. I will end here. I will try to accept that David has passed. Ive been through every stage of grief in the past 365 days, including anger. Of course, he never left us in spirit. We are fortunate to have lived in the same time as him. Weve seen him, weve heard him sing and speak, weve hugged him, weve worshipped him and we are constantly reminded of him daily. He was a legend in his lifetime and he will be a legend until the end of time. But he was my friend too. I miss him dearly. Everybodys interested in how in the world weve gotten along so well for so many years, Barbara Fletcher tells PEOPLE. And the answer is we dont know, the 76-year-old continues. We fell into a really good situation and it has just continued to work well. Working well is an understatement. For five decades, Fletcher and her roommates Nancy Fassett, 85, and Margaret Sugg, 87, have lived under one roof supporting each other through career changes, relationships and all of lifes travails. We all got along pretty much from the beginning, Sugg says of the trios meeting in a group home in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., in the late 1960s. It was built in that we all enjoyed the same things cocktail parties, politics, movies and the theater, Fletcher adds. At the time, the three women never would have guessed theyd remain together for decades. I think we thought we would live together for a couple of years and then wed get another job or get married or something like that, Fletcher says. But none of that ever happened were still together. And likely to remain so! Sugg, a former congressional staffer from North Carolina, adds. We consider ourselves a family after all this time. Making It Official After Fassett, a school librarian from Minnesota, had lived in the house in Georgetown for over 10 years (initially with different roommates and later with Fletcher and Sugg) she decided she was tired of the renting life. So the three women began looking at properties together with the mindset that even if they parted ways eventually, a house would be a good investment. After two years of searching for the perfect place, the women fell in love with a 5-bedroom home in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1975. The house had everything, Sugg recalls fondly, a pool, a wet bar and space for a darkroom because we all loved photography. While initially hesitant to leave the city, the roommates were delighted to find their friends and co-workers were always eager to visit. Story continues We had pool parties in the summer and other parties when it got too cold, Fletcher, a former congressional staffer from North Carolina, says. We entertained a lot of Congress people and senators, Sugg adds. They used to call us the P street girls. The fun didnt end there. The group also had a tradition of celebrating major holidays with mystery trips. For special weekends someone would plan a trip and not tell anybody else anything except where they were supposed to appear and at what time, Sugg says. Soon more friends wanted to join in. The ladies were happy to have them. Wed send out clues once in a while and people were just killing themselves trying to figure out, Sugg says. But nobody ever guessed it. A Tempting Offer The happy household came close to breaking up when Sugg was offered a marketing job with Avon cosmetics in New York City. Sugg says she considered trying to have the best of both worlds by accepting the job and keeping her room in the house, but that would have been really expensive. Ultimately, Sugg decided to stay put. It turned out I liked cherry blossoms better than I liked big apples, Sugg jokes. I like this area a whole lot and Im not sorry that I didnt go. Sugg and Fletcher eventually got into real estate sales while Fassett continued working in education. They all dated, but nothing ever got serious. With no spouses or children, they formed a family unit of their own and grew close to each others relatives. Everybodys siblings are everybody elses siblings, Fletcher says. Nancys sister is my sister and Margarets sister is my sister too. It works out so well, Fassett adds. Our families love to visit us because were so much fun. All three women retired during the 1990s and soon filled their schedules with travel to the vacation home they built at the shore in Duck, North Carolina, their timeshare in Aruba and whatever new destination struck their fancy. Were always thinking about where we go next! Fletcher says. A New Start In October 2014, the trio said goodbye to their home in Bethesda and moved in to Asbury Methodist Village, a retirement community in nearby Gaithersburg, Maryland. Since then, theyve been making good use of the wet bar they installed before moving in to entertain friends and neighbors. Our neighbors are really friendly and we feel like weve known them forever, Fletcher says. It feels like being in the south where people just pop in. Many of these visitors often tend to ask the question the ladies have been answering for years: How have you lived together for so long and not killed each other? I think thats the thing we hear the most, Fletcher says, that people cant believe we have managed to live together for this long and remain friends. We cant explain it but we feel lucky that we have. Having the friendship of these women and being able to rely on them all the time makes for a really happy experience, she says. By Nia Williams CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - Enbridge Inc has approved a new stream of heavy Canadian crude for export on one of its major oil pipelines to the United States, according to four trading sources. The only problem? No one wants it. Canada produces more heavy than light crude because of its vast oil sands projects in northern Alberta. Space on the Enbridge system for heavy barrels is in short supply, with congestion set to worsen as oil sands production grows. Enbridge's plan to squeeze more heavy crude onto its pipelines by shipping the new grade is its latest attempt to resolve bottlenecks in the 2.85 million barrel per day (bpd) Mainline system, traders in Calgary said. The system ships the bulk of Canada's crude exports to the United States. Limited pipeline capacity has lead to a glut of crude building up in storage in Alberta, widening the discount on Canadian producers' oil and has deterred some companies like Royal Dutch Shell and Statoil ASA from building oil sands projects altogether. Since late last year shippers have had the option of shipping the new blend known as Canada Heavy Sweet (CHS) crude on Enbridge's Line 3, which can carry up to 390,000 bpd of primarily light crudes from Alberta, to Superior, Wisconsin, and is currently underutilized. Some refiners had inquired about the new crude but so far nobody has bought any, one source at a Canadian oil logistics firm said. Refiners are unsure about the quality of the CHS blend and also are concerned about how it would be impacted through commingling with other batches of different crude blends shipped on Line 3. To buy it, refiners would need to see cheaper prices, he said. Refiners are typically wary of processing new crude blends as their impact on expensive catalysts used to make fuel from crude is untested. The proposed blend is no exception, said Randy Segato, president of the Canadian Crude Quality Technical Association. "No refiner is going to jump on this until they know what it looks like," Segato said. "The general specifications are unique." Segato said CHS appeared to be a blend of very light sweet conventional crude with a conventional lower tan (total acid number) heavy crude, and perhaps medium and possibly some synthetic crudes too. BP suggested the unusual blend of light sweet and heavy crude to Enbridge, three trading sources said. BP processes tens of thousands of barrels a day of Canadian crude in its U.S. refineries. BP did not respond to a request for comment but the trading sources, who are all shippers on the Enbridge system, said the company could potentially use the blend at its 413,500 bpd Whiting, Indiana, refinery, one of the largest consumers of heavy Canadian crude. A handful of companies with blending facilities and storage tanks in Alberta could blend the CHS crude, should refiners show interest in buying it, sources said. Enbridge is always looking for more space on its pipeline system and has talked before about needing more heavy crude capacity, but could not speak to specific products or lines as that was client information and commercially sensitive, a company spokeswoman said. Enbridge has already added more than 400,000 bpd of extra capacity since 2014 by optimizing its pipeline network. The Canadian government recently approved one new pipeline project for Enbridge and one for Kinder Morgan. Even so, market access for Canadian crude producers is expected to be tight for years to come. New crude streams are usually driven by changing output as oil projects come on line, and each new blend must go through Enbridge's quality approval process. (Additional reporting by Catherine Ngai and Liz Hampton; editing by Simon Webb and Phil Berlowitz) By Karolina Tagaris RITSONA, Greece (Reuters) - Refugees stranded in Greece suffered sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall on Tuesday at camps not designed for winter weather and the government promised those on one island temporary warm accommodations aboard a navy ship. A mid-winter icy spell and snowstorms have gripped central and southeastern Europe for days, and parts of Greece have been covered in rare snow with temperatures dipping to -20 degrees Celsius this week. Snow also fell in Athens on Tuesday. More than 60,000 refugees and migrants have been trapped in Greece since Balkan countries along the main, northward overland route to wealthy western Europe sealed their borders last March. Most now live in overcrowded camps across Greece in abandoned factories or warehouses, or in tents which lack insulation or heating. "Cold, it's very cold for children - it's not like Syria," said Rostam, a 34-year-old Syrian Kurd who has been living in a camp near the village of Ritsona in eastern Greece near Athens for 10 months with his wife and three young children. Temperatures hovered at -1 degrees at the camp, a collection shipping containers in a forest where clothes left on hanging on lines outdoors had frozen stiff. Humanitarian aid organizations, including the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, have pressed Greece to quickly transfer those on freezing, snowbound Aegean islands to the mainland or other European countries. "The situation is very difficult and especially dangerous for children," said George Protopapas, Greece director of international organisation SOS Children's Villages. "Power outages, freezing temperatures, snow and freezing rain have hampered access to some refugee camps and created very hazardous conditions for all those in temporary shelters." Conditions were considerably worse on the eastern Aegean island of Lesbos, where more than 5,000 asylum seekers have been waiting for months for their applications to be processed. Scores of summer tents weighed down by thick snow resembled igloos after several days of icy weather on the island. On Tuesday, the government said it was sending a naval ship to Lesbos to accommodate migrants. It was also scrambling to transfer others to hotels. "It is important to take immediate measures to ensure that men, women and children are housed in decent accommodation suitable for winter," the Greek branch of global health charity Medecins du Monde said in a statement. For some refugees who have been in limbo in Greece for months, things have been worse. "It's normal, we're used to living like this," said a 25-year-old Syrian who gave his name as Ahmad, one of the first to arrive in the Ritsona camp. "This is not one day or two days, this is 10 months." (Editing by Mark Heinrich) By Bill Berkrot (Reuters) - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Chief Executive Len Schleifer on Monday ripped into Amgen Inc for its insistence on blocking sales of a rival Regeneron cholesterol drug while the appeals process in a patent infringement case plays out. A federal judge last week handed Regeneron and its partner Sanofi a stunning setback by banning sales of their LDL-lowering medicine Praluent, finding it infringed patents held by Amgen on its Repatha cholesterol drug. Regeneron and Sanofi were given 30 days before the ban takes effect to give them time to appeal. That was extended to 45 days on Monday. Speaking at the annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, Schleifer said Amgen had refused a request to delay any ban of Praluent sales until the appeal is heard, even though the judge in her ruling had said competition among the two drugs was in the public interest. "If they really cared about patients they wouldn't rip this drug from patients," the outspoken Schleifer said. "To say that you cannot wait, is that putting patients first? It's no small wonder that our industry isn't beloved," he continued. "If this industry is to survive, we have got to do the right thing by patients ... and still adequately reward our investors," Schleifer said. Earlier at the conference, Amgen CEO Robert Bradway reiterated that his company intended to defend its patents. He declined to say whether Amgen would consider a settlement in the case. Sanofi and Regeneron had no right to sell Praluent, Amgen said in an emailed statement. Amgen also said the companies were afforded a full and fair opportunity to challenge the validity of Amgen's patents at trial and the jury determined Amgen's patents to be valid. The expensive injectable drugs from both companies dramatically lower "bad" LDL cholesterol by blocking a protein called PCSK9. Both companies are expecting data this year that is likely to show that the drugs also cut the risk of heart attacks and deaths. Amgen's Bradway said he does not expect that data to be added to the Repatha label until 2018, and Amgen would not be allowed to promote those heart benefits until they are in the label. Without proof that the drugs prevent heart attacks, health insurers have been denying payment for three quarters of Repatha prescriptions written, Amgen said. The drug had just $40 million in third quarter sales. Amgen said if all Repatha prescriptions written had been filled it would be well on its way to being a $1 billion drug. Regeneron has run into similar resistance to Praluent with insurers refusing to pay for it. (Reporting by Bill Berkrot; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sunil Nair) Environmentalists are mobilizing against President-elect Donald Trumps nomination for secretary of state, ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson, in the hours leading up to his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday. A collection of green and liberal organizations including Greenpeace USA and Oil Change International projected Reject Rex and similar messages on the side of the Harry S. Truman Building, the headquarters of the State Department, in Washington, D.C., on Monday night. Naomi Ages, the climate liability campaigner for Greenpeace USA, said its ridiculous that the chief executive of an oil company would be selected to succeed John Kerry as secretary of state, the chief diplomat representing the interests of the American people around the world. He has no diplomatic experience. He has no government experience. Hes only ever worked for ExxonMobil for 41 years. So his loyalty is to ExxonMobil and his experience is extracting oil for profit and for burning carbon. Neither of those things qualify you to be the secretary of state, Ages said in an interview with Yahoo News. Kerry has been a climate champion and led the United States during the Paris climate negotiations in late 2015. But Tillerson ran a business that opposed the kinds of restrictions on emissions or fossil fossils that scientists say are necessary to fulfill the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). On Monday, pro-environment demonstrators gathered in all 50 states for The Day Against Denial. They called upon their U.S. senators reject Trumps most dangerous cabinet picks: Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for EPA administrator, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry for secretary of energy, Rep. Ryan Zinke for the Department of Interior, and Tillerson. Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson arrives for a meeting with Senate Committee on Foreign Relations member Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., and the committee that will conduct Tillersons confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 4, 2017. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP) According to Ages, the fossil fuel industry already has too much influence over government. She said ExxonMobil is already among the biggest donors to Republicans in Congress. Organizations like the American Petroleum Institute and the American Legislative Exchange Council, she continued, are already funding and buying up politicians to advance the oil industrys agenda and spread misinformation about climate science. Story continues If Rex Tillerson is secretary of state, its going to be that but worse because youll have the policies of the oil and gas industry be the actual foreign policies of the United States, and it will be what we call a marriage of oil and state, which we absolutely should resist. A quick glance at the states comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries such as Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar shows what oil interests tied to the government looks like. For Ages, this is not a viable model for the United States future. When your desire for oil and to burn oil directs your foreign policy, it causes problems across the board, not just in those areas, she said. I think youd see that immediately in the U.S. Tillerson, 64, has worked for ExxonMobil his entire career and became its chairman and chief executive in 2006. He established a close relationship with the Kremlin, and Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded him the Order of Friendship, one of the highest Russian honors given to foreign citizens, in 2013. Tillerson opposed economic sanctions against Russia after the annexation of Crimea in March 2014. If the U.S. lifted those sanctions, ExxonMobil could proceed with a series of deals potentially worth billions that had been put on hold including drilling in the Arctic, a red flag to environmentalists. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, right, and Rex Tillerson, ExxonMobils chief executive, smile during a signing ceremony in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Aug. 30, 2011. (Photo: Alexei Druzhinin/RIA Novosti via AP) Many critics, including Ages, are concerned that Tillersons life as an oil tycoon currying favor with Putin would be in conflict with his anticipated role as the top U.S. diplomat. The fact that lifting Russian sanctions would directly benefit Exxon at the expense of the United States is another reason why its impossible that Rex Tillerson should be secretary of state, Ages continued. Having him confirmed would benefit Russia, Putin, Rosneft [a Russian government-owned oil company] and Exxon, but it would not benefit the American people or really the world, because of the warming consequences. Shortly after Trump announced Tillerson as his pick in December, Natural Resources Defense Council President Rhea Suh criticized the choice as an epic mistake. This industry has been near the center of more conflict than any other in modern time; tapping its chief oilman as the nations top diplomat sends the wrong message at home and abroad, Suh said in a statement. First occupied by Thomas Jefferson, this office must stand for our highest ideals, democratic aspirations and universal values and rights. Cutting oil deals with Vladimir Putin is a far cry from that, and Rex Tillerson should not be Secretary of State. Suh argues that advancing U.S. interests aboard means working to leave the next generation with a livable world not basing foreign policy on a business model that imperils our future. Michael Brune, the executive director of Sierra Club, released a similar statement lambasting Trumps growing cabinet as a whos who of climate-deniers and fossil fuel hacks. He said his environmental organization is shocked but not surprised that Trump would tap the leader of one of the worlds most environmentally disastrous oil companies to represent his administration to the world. As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings for Rex Tillerson as Donald Trumps Secretary of State, a collection of organizations projected Reject Rex messages on the side of the State Department Building in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Tim Aubry/Greenpeace) Tillersons nomination cements the fact that clean air, clean water, and our climate are public enemy number one in Trumps America, Brune said. ExxonMobil not only deliberately concealed its knowledge of climate change for decades but is responsible for one of the costliest environmental disasters in history. The Sierra Club called upon U.S. senators, in their duty to represent the American people, to oppose his nomination. At a time when the climate crisis is deepening, both the United States and the world deserve much better than having one of the planets top fossil fuel tycoons run U.S. foreign policy, Brune said. But its not just liberals and environmentalists who are troubled by his ties to Moscow. U.S. Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have all said this relationship is cause for concern. Last week, when asked if he could support Tillerson, McCain, a fierce critic of Russia, replied, Sure. Theres also a realistic scenario that pigs fly, the Houston Chronicle reported. Being a "friend of Vladimir" is not an attribute I am hoping for from a #SecretaryOfState MR Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 11, 2016 Youre going to see resistance at the state level. Youre going to see resistance at the business level, Ages said. Youre going to see people, state leaders, and local leaders doing everything they can to resist these policies and to resist the rolling back of these environmental protections that we enjoy. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, which holds the confirmation hearings, recently told reporters at an event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor that he will be overwhelmingly supported. According to The Hill, Corker said, I predict that people are going to see what a distinguished this person is. I think theyre going to see how substantial this person is. Read more from Yahoo News: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said on Tuesday the U.S. intelligence community's report concluding that Russia orchestrated hacks during the 2016 presidential campaign was based on a mix of human sources, collection of technical data and open-source information. Clapper, speaking before the Senate Intelligence Committee, said much of the report is classified due to a need to protect sensitive sources and methods. In an assessment released last week, U.S. intelligence agencies said Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an effort to help Republican Donald Trump's electoral chances by discrediting Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 campaign. (Reporting by Dustin Volz and Jonathan Landay; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) bill oreilly donald trump A former Fox News host who accused Bill O'Reilly and a network executive of sexual harassment quietly received a six-figure settlement from the company after the ouster of former Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, according to The New York Times and Lawnewz.com. Juliet Huddy, who hosted "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" before it was canceled in 2009, was a frequent guest on "The O'Reilly Factor." She described a pattern of harassment beginning in 2011 that ended in O'Reilly sabotaging her career after she rejected his advances, according to a letter written by her lawyers that was obtained by The Times and Lawnewz.com. This isn't the first time O'Reilly has been accused of sexual harassment. Andrea Mackris, who was a producer on his show, sued him in 2004, describing instances of harassment similar to those Huddy alleged. Both women said they received phone calls from O'Reilly that sounded like he was masturbating, according to The Times. Huddy also accused Jack Abernethy, who was recently appointed copresident of Fox News, of sexual harassment. Both Abernethy and O'Reilly strongly denied the allegations, according to the reports. According to the reports, the letter says O'Reilly took Huddy out to dinner and the theater, invited her to his house, tried to kiss her, and made inappropriate phone calls. He also invited her to his hotel room on one occasion, then appeared in his boxers when she went to return the room key he gave her after saying she wasn't interested in a sexual relationship with him, according to the reported letter. Last year, Huddy's lawyers sent the letter containing the allegations to Fox, which settled with Huddy in September before she could sue, according to the reports. The letter said that when Huddy visited O'Reilly's home he kissed her on the lips, according to the reports. "Ms. Huddy was so taken aback and repulsed that she instinctively recoiled and actually fell to the ground," the letter said, according to The Times. "Mr. O'Reilly, looking amused, did not even help Ms. Huddy up." Story continues She went to dinner and the theater with O'Reilly the next week, which is when the alleged incident at the hotel happened, according to the reported letter. Huddy said she "felt compelled to comply with Mr. O'Reilly's request, given that he had total control over her work assignment," the letter said, according to The Times. When Huddy made clear she did not want a sexual relationship with O'Reilly, he "began to retaliate against her both on and off air," according to the reported letter. The letter said O'Reilly "nitpicked her work," berated her for "minor mistakes," and stopped preparing her for segments on his show, according to The Times. Huddy told Fox News employees at the time that she didn't complain because she feared retaliation, according to The Times. Huddy moved from Fox News to a local New York affiliate, then left that job in September after she received the settlement, according to Lawnewz.com. A Fox News spokeswoman told Business Insider in a statement that "the letter contains substantial falsehoods, which both men have vehemently denied." A person briefed on the situation additionally said the company was aware of Huddys allegations when they signed Abernethy to a new multi-year deal in September 2016. NOW WATCH: This is what it's really like at Trump Tower which is disrupting life in New York More From Business Insider 9 $1,5 - 2022 -- () $1 541 . Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f344008%2f1abe4bb7-4f2b-4772-a78c-3fd535693088 Paul Ryan has warned Americans that he plans to defund Planned Parenthood, and women everywhere are listening. Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards appeared on CNN Monday to discuss the upcoming GOP onslaught on reproductive rights. According to Richards, the organization has seen a "900 percent increase in women trying to get into Planned Parenthood to get an IUD. SEE ALSO: Why 2016 was a huge year for women's health tech "Theyre desperately concerned that they might lose their access to healthcare and they know that Planned Parenthood is the place that can provide it," Richards said. IUDs (intrauterine devices) are tiny devices implanted in women's uteruses that function as a kind of long term birth control. The hormones in the device can prevent fertilization of the egg. Rated 99.9 percent effective, devices can last as up to 12 years. At Planned Parenthood, the devices currently cost anywhere from $0 to $1,000. According to Richards, many women are terrified that they'll lose access to this and other crucial forms of birth control, whether through defunding Planned Parenthood or repealing Obamacare. On Thursday last week, Ryan announced that he planned to defund Planned Parenthood as part of his larger vision to repeal and replace Obamacare. Though Ryan and other GOP leaders have been pushing to defund Planned Parenthood for years, two Republican Senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Barbara Lisa Murkowski of Alaska won't commit to repealing Obamacare if defunding Planned Parenthood is part of the package. "What were talking about now, in fact, and what Paul RyanSpeaker Ryansaid the other day is now theyre going to end access to Planned Parenthood preventive care," Richards said. "That means birth control services, cancer screenings, well-woman visits. We provide healthcare to 2.5 million people every single year and that healthcare is now at risk." Story continues In order for Republicans to successfully repeal Obamacare, they'll need 52 votes. Senator Rand Paul has already expressed opposition to repealing and replacing Obamacare if it adds to the budget. If Murkowski, Collins and Paul all vote no, the Republicans will lack the necessary majority to get their bill through. "Women in this country are absolutely not going without a fight and the majority is with us," Richards said. When it comes to investing and saving for retirement, a fine line exists between minimizing risk and playing it too safe. An October 2016 Wells Fargo survey found that 59 percent of workers are more focused on avoiding loss than maximizing the growth potential of their retirement assets. Dave Roda, regional chief investment officer for Wells Fargo Private Bank in Boca Raton, Florida, says that attitude could compromise the long-term retirement outlook of some savers. "Our survey results suggest that many Americans have an investment strategy that's too conservative for accumulating a sufficient retirement nest egg," Roda says. [See: The 7 Best Bank Stocks to Buy for 2017.] Failing to achieve adequate growth could narrow the odds of being able to meet your retirement needs, says Roda, particularly when longer life expectancies and near record-low bond yields are factored in. Thirty-five percent of workers included in the survey said they felt they wouldn't have enough money to stay afloat in their later years. If you've taken the cautious route in building an investment portfolio for retirement so far, it may be necessary to rethink that approach. Making certain adjustments to your plan could mean the difference between a savings shortfall or a secure retirement. Consider your time horizon. Time can be your best friend or your enemy, depending on how long you have to invest for retirement. Steven Anzuoni, a retirement income certified professional and owner of Fairway Financial Insurance Agency in Boston, says the number of years left to maximize retirement savings has a significant impact on lifetime income planning. "The reason most people tend to be conservative is fear of losing money," Anzuoni says, which can detract from your savings goals. Being overly aggressive with less time to plan can be equally devastating. Albert Brenner, director of asset allocation strategy at People's United Wealth Management in Bridgeport, Connecticut, says investors must learn to deal with risk rather than attempting to avoid it altogether. Story continues "An investor's time frame is probably the most important factor in making portfolio adjustments because the longer someone has until retirement, the more risk he or she should be able to take on," Brenner says. Take a step back and consider how far off retirement is for you. Is there a wide enough time gap to allow for your portfolio to rebound in the event of a major market decline? If time is on your side, moving beyond your current comfort zone could increase the potential for higher returns over the long term, despite market fluctuations. Check your savings rate. For some investors the real issue is not choosing too-conservative investments, but simply not saving enough for their retirement years. Comparing how much you're currently investing for retirement to your target savings number can help you map out an action plan for getting back on course says Chris Georgandellis, a chartered financial analyst and founder of Tree Town Investments in Ann Arbor, Michigan. "If you've recognized that you're not going to hit your goals, it's important to try to determine the cause," Georgandellis says. "If you can't understand how you got to where you are, then you won't be able to understand what you need to do next." [See: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Financial Advisor.] Georgandellis says that for some investors, a simple asset allocation change could be enough to correct a retirement portfolio that's skewed off track. The key is to understand what you're getting into when you move toward new investment territory. Brandon Ross, managing director at United Capital in Dallas, says some investors may need to think beyond increasing their risk tolerance or savings rate to compensate for a smaller asset base. "Those who aren't saving enough for retirement need to look at extending employment, changing their lifestyle or reducing spending," Ross says. He recommends avoiding knee-jerk decisions and leaving emotions out of the investment equation. Ross says a certified financial planner can help you with creating a plan that meets your retirement objectives and accounts for economic, market and life changes that may occur along the way. Be consistent. How frequently you're investing for retirement can be just as important as how much you're saving for the future. In the Wells Fargo Survey, only 34 percent of workers said they were putting money aside for the future regularly. Those who'd been saving steadily since starting their careers had a median of $150,000 set aside for retirement, compared to a $20,000 median savings for those who were more sporadic in their efforts. "Consistency is really important," Ross says, not only in terms of how often you're saving but what you're investing in. "Investors should use a consistent balance approach between stocks, bonds and cash, then tilt the risk based on what their objectives are," he says. Look at how much you're investing in tax-advantaged retirement accounts outside of your employer's plan, as well as taxable investment accounts. Then, consider how often you're making those investments. Investing $500 here or $1,000 there may seem like you're making headway, but choosing to invest smaller amounts on a periodic basis could yield better results. Setting up automatic investments can make it easier to get on schedule. Know where to draw the line. While being ultra-conservative with your investments can put a damper on your retirement outlook, swinging too far in the other direction can also be detrimental. "People can get hurt financially by taking on too much risk that they're not comfortable with," Anzuoni says. Trying to overcompensate and being too aggressive takes you outside the scope of your risk tolerance level, which may lead to unnecessary stress, says Anzuoni. Brenner says investors should take care to avoid putting all their eggs in one basket when trying to move their portfolio away from being overly conservative. "The last thing an investor should do is try to hit a home run by making concentrated investments, whether they be in a single security or a single asset class," he says. Big bets can impoverish an investor and should be avoided, no matter how tempting they may be. Brenner says investors should also be careful about buying last year's winners or funds that are ranked largely on their past performance alone. "Investors are buying the future, not the past," he says, and investment decisions must be forward-looking. Roda warns against giving into the urge to try and time the markets and encourages investors to focus instead on implementing a disciplined program of rebalancing. His most straightforward piece of advice is perhaps the most important. [See: 10 Tips for Couples and Young Families to Build Wealth.] "Don't wait to act," Roda says. "It's never too late to improve your chances of meeting your retirement goals." Rebecca Lake has been writing about investing, finance and small business for nearly a decade. Her work has been featured on The Huffington Post, Fox Business and Investopedia. Follow her on Twitter @seemomwrite. Mosul (Iraq) (AFP) - The number of jihadist car bomb attacks against Iraqi forces advancing in Mosul has fallen sharply to just a few a day, a top special forces commander said Tuesday. Major General Maan al-Saadi of the elite Counter-Terrorism Service, which has done much of the fighting in east Mosul, said the Islamic State group's defence of its last major Iraqi bastion was weakening. "Car bombs have been a key component" of IS's defence system since a broad offensive, Iraq's largest military operation in years, was launched on October 17 to retake Mosul, Saadi told AFP inside the city. "At the beginning, they launched many car bombs, now much fewer. There are one, two or three a day, never more than 10," he said. "In the first phase, they used more than 50 a day." Many of those attacks were conducted by suicide bombers who ram their explosives-laden vehicles into federal forces. A fresh push that started on December 29 has seen Iraqi forces, with increased backing from the US-led coalition, make significant gains in the eastern side of the city. The west bank of Mosul remains under full IS control however and was seen before the launch of the offensive as hosting the city's most diehard jihadists. A Pentagon spokesman in Washington had spoken of the same trend on Monday. "We see fewer and fewer VBIED than we had previously in Mosul," Navy Captain Jeff Davis said, using the acronym for vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. Iraqi forces advancing in east Mosul on Sunday reached the Tigris River that splits the city for the first time. Combined with coalition air strikes on the bridges in central Mosul in recent weeks, the Iraqi push makes it very difficult for IS to resupply its eastern front. Another CTS commander said on Monday that the full recapture of east Mosul would be completed in a matter of days. The next phase of the nearly three-month-old operation will involve moving into the streets of west Mosul. A variety of Iraqi forces are positioned near the airport, which lies at Mosul's southern entrance but west of the river, in desert areas to the west and on the northern edges of the city. Photo credit: Instagram From Country Living We've said it before and we'll say it again: A big adventure doesn't have to cost you a fortune. First, we learned that it's possible to see some of the most beautiful sights in America with this $213 train trip. Now, one couple's amazing globetrotting experience proves that you don't have to be wealthy to visit some of the best cities in the world, either. Debbie and Michael Campbell, a 60- and 70-year-old retired couple from Seattle, sold all of their possessions and used their social security and retirement savings to visit 160 cities around the world, WTKR News 3 reports. For less than $100 a night, the pair now travels from city to city, and shares all of their globetrotting adventures on their blog, Senior Nomads. Back in 2013, when the couple was approaching retirement, they had a long list of places they wanted to see. "We weren't ready to stop working and sit on our rocking chairs," Debbie said. "We had one more adventure in us." To make their new nomadic lifestyle possible, they sold almost everything they owned including their car, boat, and home. Now, they're pretty savvy with their spending and live out of two suitcases. "[We realized that] if we took our Social Security and retirement funds and doled that out every month to travel and live in Airbnbs, we could spend the same amount we would spend in our rocking chairs in Seattle," Michael told Business Insider. This year alone, they traveled to 17 countries including Mexico, Cuba, France, Spain, Croatia, Andorra, Switzerland, Ireland, England, Amsterdam, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, and Italy. The pair opts to do free or inexpensive things whenever possible-exploring food markets and galleries, taking walking tours, and seeing concerts-and they try not to spend more than $90 per night on their lodging. They also prefer to eat at home and shop at nearby food markets to get a truly authentic, local experience. Story continues Since their adventure first began, the Campbells have journeyed to 56 countries and they plan to visit South Africa next in February. "We weren't sure how long we'd be gone," the couple wrote on their blog. "Now, over three years later, we still aren't sure!" Happy travels to the senior nomads! Follow Country Living on Pinterest. You Might Also Like CALGARY, Alberta, Jan 10 (Reuters) - A Canadian environmental group on Tuesday will file a legal challenge against the regulatory review of TransCanada Corp's Energy East pipeline, it said, seeking to restart what it calls a process tainted by bias. Transition Initiative Kenora's motion to be filed to the National Energy Board quasi-judicial body comes one day after the board formally assigned three replacement members for Energy East's review. The review was thrown into chaos last year after revelations that panel members met privately with a company consultant, prompting the entire panel to step down in September. The government has not said whether the review will begin where it was suspended or restart from the beginning. Transition Initiative Kenora said it should restart as the meeting with the consultant calls into question any previous decision by the panel. The Natural Resources Canada federal agency and TransCanada did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Ethan Lou in Calgary, Alberta; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) ISLAMABAD (AP) International and local rights groups on Tuesday urged the Pakistani government to investigate the abductions last week of four anti-Taliban activists disappearances that critics claim reflect a crackdown on secular dissent. Human Rights Watch said that in their work and writings, the four men had criticized militant groups and the Pakistani military establishment, and often spoke up for religious freedoms. The four, including a poet and university professor, were snatched from various Pakistani cities, the New York-based group said, adding it would hold the government responsible if any harm comes to them. No militant group has claimed abducting them and authorities have not said any of the four were arrested or detained. Kamila Hayat, a former official with Pakistan's independent Human Rights Commission, said the disappearances were part of efforts to curb dissent. "We allow orthodox ideas to be freely aired ... but we're closing down space for liberal and dissenting voices," she said. The Interior Ministry has ordered the police to find one of the four the professor, Salman Haider but hasn't mentioned the others. Rights groups and relatives held rallies in Pakistani cities on Monday and Tuesday, demanding information about the four. Along with Haider, the other three Ahmad Waqas Goraya, Asim Saeed and Ahmad Raza Naseer have written blogs and ran social media pages critical of sectarianism and Pakistan's security policies, at great personal risk. Pakistan is ranked among the worst places in the world in terms of religious freedom. Goraya studied anthropology and lived in the Netherlands. He was visiting family in Pakistan when he disappeared, his wife Mesha Saeed said. "I don't know what could have been so threatening for the people who took him away," she said. Geneva (AFP) - Rival Cypriot leaders returned to the negotiating table Tuesday to press on with a bid to end their country's 42-year-old division, but hopes of a deal hung in the balance. "We are within reach of an agreement," Cyprus government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said, cited by local media. But he added: "We are as close as we are far." As he arrived at the UN's European headquarters in Geneva for a second day of talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades described the discussions so far as "constructive". But he acknowledged that "we have not yet reached" agreement on sufficient issues to seal a deal. On Tuesday, the two leaders were poring over the issue of how a reunited Cyprus should be governed. "You can understand that we have difficult and sensitive issues. There is a will from both sides to have progress to reach agreements or understanding," Cyprus government spokesman Nikos Christodoulides was quoted as saying by the Cyprus Weekly Newspaper. In the divided Cypriot capital of Nicosia, hundreds of Greek and Turkish Cypriots held a peace rally between checkpoints to urge reunification. "Nico-Mustafa, come back with a solution," read a poster. The Beatles' hit "Come Together" played on the loudspeaker before the rally, which was called by dozens of associations, unions and parties from both sides of the island. Akinci and Anastasiades have been negotiating for more than 18 months, in what many commentators say is a historic opportunity for reunification. But deep divisions remain on core issues such as property, territorial adjustments and security. Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops invaded in July 1974 in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece. This is the third time the Cypriot leaders have met in Switzerland since November, but the two previous rounds were inconclusive. Story continues And the two sides are still facing a range of thorny issues that have blocked progress for decades, including how to redraw boundaries and ensure security on the island. - Maps on the table? - The three days of talks are set to wrap up Wednesday with the parties presenting maps of their proposals for the internal boundaries of a future bi-zonal federation on the eastern Mediterranean island. If that goes to plan, they will be joined from Thursday for an international conference chaired by the UN's new secretary general, Antonio Guterres, and attended by representatives of the island's three guarantor powers -- former colonial ruler Britain, Greece and Turkey. "It's going to be the first time in the history of the Cyprus problem that we are going to have such an important conference," said Cyprus government spokesman Christodoulides. But he confirmed that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is not currently planning to attend, and Cypriot media said the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was also highly uncertain without significant progress. London meanwhile said that British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, not Prime Minister Theresa May, is due to attend. - 'Moment of truth' - "We are now really at the moment of truth," Espen Barth Eide, UN envoy for Cyprus, said Monday, while warning that some of the "most complicated or most emotional issues" remained to be agreed upon. On Tuesday, the two delegations were discussing the island's relations with the European Union as well as a future system of government for a prospective federal state and the economy, the UN said. While Cyprus has been an EU member since 2004, Anastasiades's internationally recognised government exercises no control over the northern Turkish-ruled part of the island, and EU legislation is suspended there until a settlement is reached. The EU therefore has a vested interest in seeing the Cyprus conflict resolved, and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker is planning to attend Thursday's conference as an observer. On Monday, the two sides tried to thrash out an agreement on the difficult issue of property. But they appear to remain far apart on how many Greek Cypriots should be able to return to homes they fled in 1974, with Akinci determined to minimise the number of Turkish Cypriots who would be displaced for a second time. There are also still significant differences over security, with Anastasiades wanting Turkish troops to leave the island but Akinci determined to keep a military presence. A major contractor on Riyadh's $22.5 billion urban rail and bus system said Monday the project is on track despite Saudi government cuts to infrastructure last year after oil revenues fell. The Metro is the biggest infrastructure project in the history of the Saudi capital. "We are progressing. The project is going on satisfactorily. It is a priority project" for the government, Pietro Bagnati, project director for the Italian construction group Salini Impregilo, told AFP. His firm leads the ArRiyadh New Mobility consortium, one of three foreign groups building the six-line Metro project planned to cover 179 kilometres (109 miles) of the sprawling, congested Saudi capital. The underground and elevated rail network is to be supported by a bus system. Asked if there had been any cuts to New Mobility's portion of the project, the Line 3 railway covering 42 kilometres, Bagnati said: "Our contract is still the same." He spoke on the sidelines of the EU-GCC Business Forum which aims to strengthen trade and investment ties between the European Union and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council. Analysts say Saudi Arabia made significant reductions last year in its capital spending, including infrastructure, to adjust to a collapse in oil prices since 2014. This year's budget projects a rise in infrastructure and transport spending, to 52 billion riyals ($13.9 billion) from 37.5 billion riyals in 2016. Construction on the Riyadh Metro began in late 2013 with 2018 targeted for completion. The government says it will finish paying early this year billions of dollars it owes to private firms, chiefly in the construction sector, after cuts to projects as oil revenues fell. The Los Angeles Police Department needs your help in finding a man who was armed only with his finger when he robbed a convenience store, according to authorities. Read: Waffle House Waitress Loses Her Job After Firing Her Gun During Robbery A man wearing shorts, a fedora and a blue dress shirt entered the store just before midnight on Nov. 11, video posted to YouTube by the department appears to show. After waiting for some customers to leave, he tells the clerks to give him the cash registers contents or Youll be shot! he is heard yelling as he puts his right hand in his pocket and simulates a gun, according to the video. Read: Man Gets Locked Up For At Least 6 Months over $1 Robbery Then he puts the hand under his shirt, jumps over the counter and begins pulling cash out of the drawer. While grabbing money with his left hand, he puts his right behind his back, where the video clearly shows hes carrying nothing but a cocked finger. The man got away with about $300, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact LACrimestoppers.org. Watch: 'Spelling Bee Bandit' Spells 'Robbery' Wrong on Note Each Time He Steals: Cops Related Articles: Randy wootton Ad tech company Rocket Fuel is laying off 11% of its headcount 93 members of staff as it looks to save $20 million in operating expenses, AdExchanger first reported. The firm last made layoffs in April 2015, when it shed 11% of its workforce in a move designed to reduce costs by $30 million. Rocket Fuel said in a press release the latest staff reduction is the result of a reorganization designed to shift it away from being an ad network toward becoming a "leading SaaS [software as a service]-based platform solutions company." Business Insider spoke to Rocket Fuel CEO Randy Wootton ahead of the layoffs announcement in a wide-ranging interview earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. After a disappointing Q3 in which revenue missed guidance, Wootton described Rocket Fuel's course towards becoming "free cashflow positive." Wootton also discussed his predictions for the wider ad tech market in 2017, his thoughts on The Trade Desk's IPO in 2016, and whether he thinks there will be another ad tech IPO this year (Spoiler: Yes, but probably not a pureplay ad tech company by the traditional definitions.) This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Lara O'Reilly: Talk me through Q4, if you can. I know you obviously haven't reported yet but you gave some indication in the last earnings call that it was going to be flat compared to the previous quarter. Is it still looking that way? Randy Wootton: Yeah I think to frame with Q4, is what we have been talking about all year. I started less than two years ago, as the CRO in March 2015, and I took over as CEO in November. When I took over, the thing that got really clear was that the first thing we needed to solve was we needed to be free cashflow positive. We made a commitment at the beginning of the year to be free cashflow positive. Our Q4 guidance reiterated that. We expect to be free cashflow positive for Q4 and we expect to be free cashflow positive for the full year. Story continues I think one of the trends, and you've written about it a bit, is there is going to be an ad tech armageddon a shake out between those who make it and those who don't, and the big difference is profitability. One of the things I've told my team and the people we work with is our ability to demonstrate to the market that we can be marching toward profitability, which is an indicator we will be one of the ones standing. In Q2 I realized, with the help of lots of people, we have have two businesses: a media service business and a platform solutions business. They are valued very differently in the marketplace and right now. The platform business grew 140% in Q3, I expect continued growth going forward. It's driven by a few things: one is changing our relationship going forward with holding companies. Rocket Fuel 1.0 was perceived as perhaps a bit adversarial to agencies. I think me coming on board, hiring someone like [chief revenue officer] Rick Song, an agency veteran, [and] Dave Gosen [formerly at Nielsen and Microsoft] has allowed us to have a different conversation with agencies. We did turn the tide in terms of losing year-over-year growth with holding companies: we are now up in North America year-over-year marginally, and we expect that to continue. O'Reilly: Are you moving away from the classic ad tech revenue model of having a take rate on media spend and moving more towards a SaaS (software as a service) model? Is that ultimately the way you want to go? Wootton: We want to be a software company. We have technology and services, but our primary revenue stream will be the tech platform. Then you have an ecosystem. For example, we weren't working with systems integrators [like Accenture and PwC] when we showed up. Now we have relationships with some of the top systems integrators. For us it's about how you use the insights from AI that an Accenture, or a PwC, or Deloitte can use in their practices. Similarly, [in] what I call an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) strategy, we are working with Salesforce, and other ones as well the Adobes and the IBMs to say: How can AI help you? The OEM and the systems integrator strategy is a classic software play. In that context, we will still offer services, but it follows more in the model of professional services: implementation, adoption, execution, support, and training. The I/O [insertion order] business is one where it is the lion's share of revenue represented in Q3 about 81% of total revenue and will continue to be as such but the thing we find that's interesting is when you do a deal with a holding company, you get access to both sources of revenue. You get the trading company dollars and then, by having a media services team, you're a partner, and operating agencies will spend on the I/O. So I don't see that going away totally because they need a different capacity and capabilities. So it's about offering the balance. O'Reilly: Ad fraud hit the headlines last month, when a security firm uncovered a Methbot ad fraud scam, apparently costing advertisers millions of dollars a day. Were you affected? Wootton: We sampled 450 million impressions, 650 came from those IPs [that were affected by the Methbot scam, according to security firm White Ops]. That's like 0.00016%. It was less than a dollar. That was because of the exchange partners we have in place, then our own fraud detection. Of the 200 billion impressions we look at a day, 40% we say are invalid traffic fraud, non-human etcetera. The number of bids we have seen has grown exponentially. When I started, it was 120 billion, now it's 200 billion a day. I really like White Ops and Michael Tiffany [its CEO]. [The Methbot announcement] was brilliant from them and they did it at just the right point, before Christmas, got it out there and it was like: Oh my god the Russians are coming! But everyone I have spoken to [has said it didn't affect them]. We are a member of TAG (The Trustworthy Accountability Group), a combination of comScore, the 4A's, the IAB, and the ANA saying these are the standards to prevent fraud. It's not just White Ops. We've been certified, comScore has been certified, there are a couple of us who have that seal. The question going round is: Did WhiteOps do a good service, or disservice? Did it lead to more fear and uncertainty in the marketplace? But for me, when I'm arguing around being more transparent, I think it has actually led to a very interesting conversation. It's always good to tell a story about black ops the bad guys but I think there's a counter-story around the good guys. Those who have been certified came out without it being an issue, so there must be a whole bunch of people out there that aren't certified that got destroyed. What this points to is that we are not collectively doing a good enough job of lobbying [in] a coordinated effort. We are all in our own world, saying our solution is better, but I'm not going to compete on that. That's not going to be why someone chooses me. We should just have a basic level of standard certification. I think the IAB tries to do that but we need a stronger collective industry engagement and common voice to help make it clear because there's so much noise and the bad news always wins. O'Reilly: I want to talk about shareholder value. It appears that there are a lot of shareholders that are not very happy with $FUEL, not just the way in which the share price has dropped but also the way in which the former executive team made their money and left, and also the recent share sale, potentially diluting their stock. What do you say to shareholders to convince them of the companys value? Wootton: We had an at-the=market-offering where we said we would take up to $50 million and in Q3 we announced less than $2 million was actually sold. We are in the middle of a transformation. The world changed from valuing companies' top-line revenue growth, to profitability When I came on board, the thing I was very clear on was cash. I've been on boards, I've been at startups, and it's all about cash, and conserving cash, and being free cashflow positive. We took out a significant amount of cost. In Q3 our operating expenditure was $56 million, last year at this time it was $64.7 million. We made an announcement our lease for our headquarters was $7 million we cancelled that. Our biggest challenge when we were a startup was capacity: People, facilities, and infrastructure. And we just over-billed. So I've been getting our costs under control. What I will talk about is not just a return to revenue growth, but profitable growth, sustainable and predictable growth. Another thing that we get banged up on is we didn't meet guidance since we went with our secondary [offering] in 2014. Since I've been on board, we have met guidance. In Q3 we were a little out on net revenue, about $1 million off, but in general it's a lot tighter than it's ever been. What I say to shareholders is that there's value here if you believe in the macro trends that all media is going digital, all digital media will be addressable, and all addressable media can be bought automatically. That means you need to have AI. And you're seeing the proof points with Salesforce and Einstein, IBM and Watson, with real AI use cases. AI is not scary any more. Salesforce Einstein Look at Einstein, it's like a cartoon character. Those guys are brilliant. We came out with AI and people thought we were The Terminator, and that our AI would put people out of jobs. O'Reilly: What is your AI? A lot of ad tech companies say they have an artificial intelligence facet to their business. What is yours? How do you describe it? Wootton: AI is a subset of machine learning, the ability of a machine to learn and intuit what needs to happen. The joke about ad tech is: There's very little tech in ad tech. But we put $270 million into tech, that's 6,000 servers, 72,000 CPUs O'Reilly: How does that compare to your competitors? Wootton: That's a question you'd have to ask them. You find a lot use AWS (Amazon Web Services) and do sampling. So the other thing you need to look at is the big data infrastructure. It's our ability to process 200 billion bid transactions, see all of that, and process what we call "moment scoring" scoring each moment for specific advertisers based on whats the value. It's basically a market where we are able to say for this moment, right now, how much are you willing to pay for Randy on his phone in the Aria hotel versus Randy sitting on the couch watching the Oakland Raiders with his kids? That ability to discern that for American Express versus San Pellegrino, that's where the value comes from. We process 75 petabytes of data, so we have an immense number of profiles. Our cross-device technology is the best out there, according to Nielsen. We work with probabilistic and deterministic data to create those graphs. For us the question around tech, it gets confusing because everyone throws the same acronyms out. It's very hard. O'Reilly: Depending on what figures you look at, Google and Facebook appear to be sucking all the growth out of the online advertising market. Is that true? .@iab it does seem relevant to note when you back out Facebook and Google, the digital ad industry actually shrunk in 1st half. #unhealthy pic.twitter.com/x0gRXWz6XT Jason Kint (@jason_kint) November 1, 2016 You can't refute how much money they are making. One thing to think about is that a lot of what we spend is on Google and Facebook, so part of the revenue is coming through our model and we're more effective at using their inventory in some cases than they are. O'Reilly: Rocket Fuel is an official Facebook marketing partner, is that correct? Wootton: That was something new. We were struggling with Facebook but now we are one of their marketing partners. When I talk to marketers and agencies, they don't want a duopoly. They are looking for a third-party independent. But they need a third-party independent that has enough scale to make it a viable alternative. The other part is that I think there will be a continued proliferation of websites and mobile phone experiences which are beyond Google or Facebook. I don't just use my mobile phone for Facebook. Do I check in once a day? Probably. But I do a lot more. programmatic tv For me really, I'm now looking at the future of TV. All media is going digital. All digital will be sold programmatically. We announced our programmatic TV solution last year and it's really interesting to see the type of marketers who are coming into this space, the type of technology. There's a whole host of embedded players. O'Reilly: How close are we to realizing this dream? Everyone talks about programmatic TV and addressable TV, but the money doesn't seem to be following. Wootton: Yes, it's more progra-manual, with a lot of people doing manual buying. But we are actually buying on the impression. For big marketers it falls in the category of experimental media, the 10-15% [of spend], doing something because it's sexy. But there are marketers who have never bought TV and [programmatic TV is] efficient. It's coming. Is it five years is it 10 years? Probably more five than 10. I think you're seeing the OTTs [over-the-top services] putting immense pressure on the current cable companies and also the telco companies coming in. O'Reilly: Is TV perhaps where the duopoly gets toppled because Facebook and Google don't play in that space? Wootton: I think so. It's why as a company we are moving into brand [advertising] aggressively. It's why we are staying smart with the agencies, because 65% of all media dollars go through agencies, and brand dollars in particular. With TV, we are trying to figure out how to do it in a very coordinated way. It's one of the major bets for us as a company. O'Reilly: What's going to happen with the ad tech market in 2017? lumascape Wootton: I think there's a real opportunity for investors to look again at this landscape. I think a lot of them were burned in round one. But if you look at Salesforce buying Krux, Adobe buying TubeMogul, there are some bets being made by the marketing platforms. The interesting thing to think about is that all those companies right now, where the magic happens is in what you do with the data. It's making decisions about the data. For that apart from one that has bought a DSP you need partnerships. O'Reilly: What's stopping a Salesforce or an IBM or an Adobe simply buying the full stack of ad tech companies? What puts them off? Wootton: What I have heard from some analysts is that they are loathe [to buy media activation companies] because of the working capital risk to buy media and what that means. O'Reilly: This year was about recalibrating the business and making sure you're cashflow positive and cutting out unnecessary costs. I'm guessing that's still work in progress. What's next for Rocket Fuel? Wootton: Return to growth, primarily in the platform business. In Q3 it was 140% year-over-year growth, representing 19% of the total business. Thats the growth because a year ago that was 8% of our business. The other area were excited about is international. In Q3, we explained we had a little bit of a hiccup, Brexit and all of that played out, as well as the currency exchange. International was 17% of our total revenue in Q3 2016, it was 16% last year, so it was up year-over-year but it wasn't growing as fast as I would have hoped. The other area of growth in 2017 is that we have to get is brand dollars. We have to show we have a viable brand solution. We announced our IAS (Integral Ad Science) pre-bid video first to market in Q3, and we have some exciting things unfolding in Q4 that will be drivers. The other piece clearly is the holding company stabilization in North America, which is where we saw the decrease primarily over the last year or year and a half. O'Reilly: The ANA report [on media transparency] had some repercussions on the way in which marketers view media buying in North America and it's led to audits and agency changes. What effect has had it on your business? Wootton: I think it is more directly impacting agencies and what they are sharing with their clients. When we do a platform deal with an agency we say: 'Heres the tier-based pricing.' It's their choice whether the relationship with their marketers is one where they show that to their clients. We still are negotiating platform deals based on volume, the classic software deal: if you commit to more you'll get a lower price. There's a competitive price in the marketplace around that, which any marketer could get to if they were using a consultant. Not every marketer gets the same price. You have to have the volume. If you're working with the world's biggest brands you get a bigger deal than if you're a [mid-sized brand]. I think marketers all get that. With regards to what we are required to provide in terms of transparency, that hasn't changed at all. The nice thing about software is you can take it for a spin. We set up pink slips, like racing, and we can win more often than not. That's where you can charge more for premium of the AI and tech. I do think there is a conversation to be had, which is why we are not working with all holding companies. We are not an inventory supply where inventory is free and infinite. We are a technology vendor. If you don't want to invest in our technology, we can't support you. And I've walked away from some deals where I've said: 'I cant be profitable'. So that orientation in 2017 is that we will be profitable with every customer. O'Reilly: What do you think The Trade Desk's IPO did for the market? the trade desk Wootton: I thought it was great. What they got right, as they said in their S-1, they learned from the past mistakes [of the market]. They were profitable and they had a clear go-to-market in that they only worked with agencies. I think it gave resurgence to the space. I think there were three of them: The Trade Desk IPO, Krux [being bought be Salesforce], and [Adobe acquiring] TubeMogul, all happening within a couple of months, where everyone went 'Woah, what just happened?' The Trade Desk is also brilliant naming: The Trade Desk! What I would say though is I would encourage you to go and look at the technology. What they did really well is that they have a good UI [user experience] and I think that's something where many tech companies need to learn that lesson, especially in a world where consumers are employees and you are used to good interfaces. They want good interfaces and if the interface isn't clean, you have no market share. Silicon Valley suffers again and again and again [from this]. If we think we are smarter by not doing [design] iterations based on feedback, we are going to build something nobody will want. We're finding that with our brand solution. We have been built for direct response and our big challenge has been thinking about brand marketers: how do we build for GRPs [gross rating points]? We may discount it and say it's goofy but you have to bridge from what they know to where you want to go and I think people really underestimate that. O'Reilly: If you look back on the big ad tech stories of 2016, I think header bidding and ad fraud would feature up there. What are going to be the big stories of 2017? How Header Bidding Works Wootton: Header bidding is super interesting. We saw the real benefit to that as being more access and visibly to inventory. The challenge is biding against yourself and that whole dynamic, although that will impact SSPs [supply-side platforms] much harder than us. I think access to inventory, getting visibility, getting first look, and being able to bid on it will be a major trend. It will also help offset some of Criteo's power and Amazon. I do think fraud and invalid traffic is going to coalesce more. I hope that Methbot thing will be the match that lights the fire to get us all on board with driving that more aggressively. The transparency theme will continue along those different vectors of: what is the model doing for you, where is the audience, what's happening with the placement, who is the audience, where are you seeing them and companies being able to inform that will do well. And the final thing is price transparency. I think it's a multi-variable transparency story, around trust. We think that we are starting to see AI as a service: meaning we are connecting AIs to AIs. I think large brands that have a lot of data are going to start to connect where that data sits, because it's often very siloed, and they're going to use some AI and data scientists to help figure out how to use it and then they are going to integrate with APIs and other AI sources. One point, if you fast-forward 10 years, we as individuals will have our own AI, our little buyer AI. And brands will have their AIs. And we will have this dark world of AIs interacting with each other continuously. They will just be common place: buyer agents and seller agents. O'Reilly: Do you think there will be many ad tech IPOs next year? Wootton: Yes. I think if you shifted ad techs definition around mobile ad tech I think that's where there are probably more interesting IPOs that will be possible. I think ad tech is being reinvented. There was a very interesting article about the VC money drying up in ad tech. We think there are not going to be standalone DMPs [data management platforms] any more. They have been bought. DSPs, if all you are is just a dumb pipe, youre going to be commoditized. AI, predictive marketing, is the new space. There will be IPOs in the AI space applied to marketing. That's where the innovation is happening. O'Reilly: Will there be more public companies taken private, as with TubeMogul and Adobe? Wootton: As a public company CEO you have a responsibility to maximize shareholder value. Every public company CEO is looking at what the options are and there will be some that look at their specific dynamics and say it's better to take a strategic [buyout]. I think there is a place for a third-party independent player in this space. I don't think theres 50 of them. There will be some weedling down, some go will go private, some will be bought by a strategic, and some will make a run for it. NOW WATCH: Heres why airlines make you put your phone on Airplane Mode More From Business Insider It was rumored last year that Lenovo was planning on reviving the Moto X line in 2017 with purported renders of the device already leaking. However, a person selling a similar-looking phone is claiming that its actually the Moto G5 Plus. The individual is selling the handset on a Romanian website for 1,650 Romanian Leu (around $388.35), according to 9To5Google. The Moto G5 Plus looks similar to the Moto X renders from late last year. The only major difference with this handset is that it carries the Moto batwing logo on the top left corner in front of the device. The presence of the logo indicates that the device the person is in possession of is a prototype. Moto G5 Plus Photo: 9To5Google The Moto G5 Plus looks like its incased in a metallic body. Edges are curved for ergonomics, while the camera module protrudes on the devices back. The camera modules design is also similar to the ones found on the Moto Z line. The fingerprint sensor up front is now also larger and oblong instead of being small and square. The device comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p full HD display, like last years Moto G4 Plus. As for internals, the Moto G5 Plus is powered by a Snapdragon 625 processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It also has a generous 3,080 mAh battery, a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. Whats really disappointing about the Moto G5 Plus is that it still comes with a microUSB port for charging/data transfers instead of USB Type-C. Nevertheless, it will be running Android 7.0 Nougat straight our of the box. Moto G5 Plus Photo: 9To5Google Lenovo hasnt officially announced the Moto G5 Plus yet, but the seller from the Romanian website has listed that the device will be out by March 2017. If true, Lenovo appears to be straying away from its usual release cycle to bolster its sales, according to Droid-Life. The Moto G4 Plus was released back in May 2016. Related Articles U.S. officials announced Monday that special forces conducted an operation in eastern Syria to capture leaders of the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, as Russian airstrikes bolstered a Turkish offensive to capture territory held by the jihadist militants in the country's northwest. An elite group of U.S. soldiers landed Sunday by helicopter north of the city of Deir al-Zour, contested between ISIS and the Syrian army, and remained about an hour and a half before departing with ISIS prisoners and bodies, according to local media. The operation focused on a vehicle believed to be carrying members of ISIS' leadership, however, Pentagon officials declined to say who exactly was targeted, but at least 25 ISIS fighters were reportedly killed without any U.S. casualties, according to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based organization with ties to the Syrian opposition. The Pentagon's statement followed a week of Russian airstrikes near the northwestern city of Al Bab, captured by ISIS militants in 2013. The campaign backed a ground offensive by Turkish-sponsored Syrian rebels and marked the first instance of Moscow's support for Turkey's "Operation Euphrates Shield" launched in August. Russia, who supports Syrian President Bashar Assad, has in the past opposed Turkey's intervention on behalf of opposition forces in the conflict. After the Russian-backed Syrian army was able last month to recapture Aleppo, Syria's former commercial capital and largest city, from rebels, Turkey has coordinated with Russia in an effort to wipe out their mutual enemy, ISIS, and secure a peaceful resolution to the more than five-year conflict. The U.S. has also provided limited support to Syrian rebels in the wake of their 2011 uprising against the government, however, the rise of Islamist groups such as ISIS and the Al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, now known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, within rebel ranks caused Washington to scale back its backing of the Syrian opposition. In neighboring Iraq, U.S. forces are assisting local forces in driving ISIS out of the strategic city of Mosul. ISIS, originally known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, has suffered a series of major setbacks since taking vast swathes of territory in the two nations in recent years. The militant Sunni group formed out of an ultraconservative branch of Al Qaeda in Iraq and is currently headed by self-proclaimed caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The group has claimed responsibility for major terror attacks around the world and hosts supporters from various nationalities, however, airstrikes by Russia and the U.S. in addition to ground offensives by Iraqi forces, the Syrian army and various militias opposed to the group have severely impacted the militant's grasp in the region. Related Articles (Updates throughout with Bannon comments, details and background) By David Morgan WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan and top members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Monday discussed a controversial plan to tax imports during an evening meeting on Capitol Hill, a Trump adviser said. Trump's incoming chief strategist Stephen Bannon said the meeting examined two provisions of Ryan's "Better Way" tax reform blueprint, including a border-adjustability measure intended to boost U.S. manufacturing by taxing imports while exempting U.S. business export revenues from corporate taxation. The discussion also focused on a House "territorial" tax proposal that would end U.S. taxation on the foreign profits of U.S.-based multinationals, Bannon told reporters as more than a half-dozen Trump transition team members left the 2-1/2 hour meeting. Bannon said the discussion involved "working through" border adjustability and added that the territorial measure was "also what this meeting's about. Start working through it, make sure everybody understands it and is on the same page." Some tax experts believe Trump has signalled his support for the border adjustability provision in recent tweets warning that companies including automakers could face a border tax if they expand manufacturing abroad and ship products back to the U.S. market. Trump and Ryan agree that tax reform should reduce tax rates for individuals and businesses, do away with longstanding tax loopholes and broaden the tax base in order to drive U.S. economic growth. Advocates say the House Republican border-adjustability measure could help Trump meet his pledge of boosting manufacturing jobs in the United States. It would also pay for lower tax rates by raising more than $1 trillion in revenues over 10 years, analysts say. But some industries including retailers, automakers and oil refiners claim it would raise consumer prices by making exports more expensive. Other critics say it could be vulnerable to a challenge before the World Trade Organization. Story continues House Republicans say their territorial provision would bring the United States into line with other countries that do not tax their business's foreign profits. Up to now, Trump has favored maintaining the current U.S. tax system, which taxes U.S. earnings abroad but allows companies to defer taxes until profits are returned. U.S. corporations have sought to avoid the tax by stashing about $2.6 trillion in earnings overseas. Also attending Monday's meeting with Ryan and his staff were Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Treasury Secretary-nominee Steven Mnuchin, incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Michael Perry) By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan and top members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Monday discussed a controversial plan to tax imports during an evening meeting on Capitol Hill, a Trump adviser said. Trump's incoming chief strategist Stephen Bannon said the meeting examined two provisions of Ryan's "Better Way" tax reform blueprint, including a border-adjustability measure intended to boost U.S. manufacturing by taxing imports while exempting U.S. business export revenues from corporate taxation. The discussion also focused on a House "territorial" tax proposal that would end U.S. taxation on the foreign profits of U.S.-based multinationals, Bannon told reporters as more than a half-dozen Trump transition team members left the 2-1/2 hour meeting. Bannon said the discussion involved "working through" border adjustability and added that the territorial measure was "also what this meeting's about. Start working through it, make sure everybody understands it and is on the same page." Some tax experts believe Trump has signalled his support for the border adjustability provision in recent tweets warning that companies including automakers could face a border tax if they expand manufacturing abroad and ship products back to the U.S. market. Trump and Ryan agree that tax reform should reduce tax rates for individuals and businesses, do away with longstanding tax loopholes and broaden the tax base in order to drive U.S. economic growth. Advocates say the House Republican border-adjustability measure could help Trump meet his pledge of boosting manufacturing jobs in the United States. It would also pay for lower tax rates by raising more than $1 trillion in revenues over 10 years, analysts say. But some industries including retailers, automakers and oil refiners claim it would raise consumer prices by making exports more expensive. Other critics say it could be vulnerable to a challenge before the World Trade Organization. House Republicans say their territorial provision would bring the United States into line with other countries that do not tax their business's foreign profits. Up to now, Trump has favored maintaining the current U.S. tax system, which taxes U.S. earnings abroad but allows companies to defer taxes until profits are returned. U.S. corporations have sought to avoid the tax by stashing about $2.6 trillion in earnings overseas. Also attending Monday's meeting with Ryan and his staff were Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Treasury Secretary-nominee Steven Mnuchin, incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Michael Perry) Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - Ryanair has overtaken Lufthansa to become Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, figures on Tuesday showed, allowing the Irish budget carrier to snatch the crown from the German rival for the first time. The Lufthansa group -- which includes Austrian Airlines, Swiss, and low-cost Eurowings -- said in a statement it had carried a record 109.7 million passengers in 2016, up 1.8 percent on the year before. But it was not enough to beat Ryanair, which last week announced a 15-percent jump in passenger numbers to 117 million. While the German flag carrier remains ahead of its no-frills competitor in terms of revenue, "these numbers show that passengers are increasingly tempted by Ryanair's offer," Hamburg-based aviation expert Cord Schellenberg told AFP. "This should be a wake-up call for Lufthansa," he added. A Lufthansa spokesman however downplayed the significance of being relegated to second place by passenger numbers, saying it was "just one figure among many". "We want to grow in a profitable way," he told AFP. But the battle for dominance in the skies is far from over. Faced with stiff competition from low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, Lufthansa has set out to strengthen its own budget subsidiary, Eurowings. It reached a deal late last year to lease 33 aircraft from struggling Air Berlin that will be operated by Eurowings. And last month Lufthansa announced it was taking full control of Brussels Airlines, which is set to be incorporated into Eurowings. "Together, this should bring us another 11 to 12 million passengers annually," the Lufthansa spokesman said. Ryanair for its part is keeping up the pressure, notably by adding new routes and bases in France, Germany and eastern Europe. The Irish airline has particularly rattled Lufthansa with its plans to start flying from Frankfurt airport this year -- Lufthansa's home base. "Ryanair will continue to improve the customer experience, and fares will continue to fall," spokesman Ronan O'Keeffe told AFP, adding that the group had set itself the goal of transporting "over 200 million customers a year" by 2024. New York (AFP) - An allegedly plagiarized book written by one of Donald Trump's political appointees is being withdrawn from sale until the author addresses the accusations, her publisher said Tuesday. The president-elect nominated Monica Crowley, a talk-radio host and Fox News commentator, to a senior communications job with the National Security Council last month. Since then, her 2012 book "What The (Bleep) Just Happened" has landed her in hot water, with CNN reporting that some 50 sections were copied -- some with minor changes -- from news articles, websites, think-tank reports and Wikipedia. The passages in question are often factual and include figures and economic or historical explanations. A section on Keynesian economics, for example, appears lifted from a 2009 article published on investopedia.com. Noting that the book had already "reached the end of its natural sales cycle," publisher HarperCollins said that it would be removed from sale until the author "has the opportunity to source and revise the material." Trump's team neither confirmed nor denied the accusations, but said in a statement that "any attempt to discredit Monica is nothing more than a politically motivated attack." The controversial book aimed to show that the United States economy had been torn apart and its prestige diminished abroad -- first and foremost at the hands of President Barack Obama's administration. According to the website Politico, Crowley also plagiarized multiple passages in her 2000 Columbia University doctoral dissertation on diplomatic relations between the United States and China. One of the most interesting rumored features of the Galaxy S8 is a Samsung-owned virtual assistant. After all, previous Galaxy S generations always had access to Googles Google Now voice-based assistant, but Samsung is going to do things a little differently this year. And the company accidentally confirmed that its virtual assistant is indeed in the works. Don't Miss: There are strange radio waves hitting Earth from space, and scientists just found the source Samsung put on its website images that indicate Bixby will support Samsung Pay payments. Bixby is what the virtual assistant will be called, according to previous leaks that include trademark applications from Samsung. samsung-galaxy-s8-bixby-assistant Bixby is based on the technology developed by Viv, a company that Samsung acquired a few months ago. Viv was founded by two of the people who created Siri for the iPhone a few years ago. As SamMobile points out, Bixby will let users send money to friends and family. Youll be able to say things like Bixby, send $30 to Carlos, and the assistant should complete the request. Samsung may have confirmed that Bixby is indeed in the works, and will be integrated with Samsung Pay in the future, but the company never mentioned the Galaxy S8. Still, its very likely that a feature as important as a virtual assistant would be introduced together with a brand new flagship handset. The Galaxy S8 is the next major phone coming out of Samsung factories. A recent report indicated the handset might be launched at MWC, although it would only ship to buyers in mid-April. Its also very likely that Bixby will be available on older Galaxy S and Note flagships that will be updated to Samsungs latest Android Nougat-based operating system. But thats just speculation at this point. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's display panel subsidiary plans to invest another 3 trillion won ($2.51 billion) in Vietnam to boost capacity, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources. Samsung Display is in talks with Vietnamese authorities about the additional investment, Yonhap reported without elaborating further. A Samsung Display spokeswoman declined to comment on the Yonhap report. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters separately on Tuesday the South Korean panel maker is considering additional investment in Vietnam but did not comment further including on how much the company plans to spend. Vietnam is a major smartphone manufacturing base for Samsung Electronics and its subsidiaries, which have already invested billions of dollars in the country. ($1 = 1,196.7700 won) (Reporting by Se Young Lee; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Samsung may have an ongoing device rivalry with Apple, but it's warming up to the iPhone in an all-new way. The company just came out with two apps that make its many wearables including the Gear S2, Gear S3, and Gear Fit 2 compatible with iOS devices. The newly released Gear S app for iOS works with the Gear S2 and Gear S3 smartwatches. The Gear Fit app works with Samsung's Gear Fit 2 fitness tracker. The free apps, which are available now in Apple's App Store, mean anyone with an iPhone will be able to download the app, set it up, and finally pair their Samsung Gear smartwatch with Apple's handset. The apps let you manage Gear apps, change battery settings, and handle notifications. You can also access most of the same fitness features. MORE: Best Smartwatches - Top Picks for Android and iOS It's not always common for companies that compete against each other to support the other firm's platforms. Apple, for instance, has long avoided the practice of sharing its apps and other products with third-parties, hoping instead that customers will invest in its own ecosystem of hardware and software to get what it says is the best experience. Apple Music is one recent exception. Still, Apple's policy has been criticized by those who say it should be more open to other platforms such as Android and make it easier for fans of other platforms to access its products. Apple has, in the vast majority of cases, ignored those requests. Take the Apple Watch, for instance, which only pairs with iOS devices. Meanwhile, Samsung has promised iOS support for its smartwatches over the last few years, but failed to deliver in 2016. That's changed with these new apps, giving smartwatch owners who don't want to use Android another option at their disposal. Both the Gear S and Gear Fit apps require iOS 9 or later in order to allow two-way communication between the devices. See also : Cheap Smartwatches Under $40 Ranked Best to Worst (Repeats Monday item) * Oman caught between rivals Iran, Saudi Arabia * Oman joined Saudi-led counter-terrorism alliance * But remains outside a separate Yemen coalition * Tehran ties may be key to boosting Oman economy By Tom Finn and Fatma Alarimi MUSCAT, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Caught between two vast neighbours locked in a regional struggle, Oman has long been to the Middle East what neutral Switzerland is to global diplomacy. But now its policy of being "friends to all and enemy to none" is under heavy strain. Oman has never found it easy to balance relations with Saudi Arabia to the west and Iran to the north, but worsening rivalry between the region's dominant Sunni and Shi'ite powers is testing its cherished policy of non-alignment more than ever. That policy has been felt far beyond the small but strategically-located sultanate on the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40 percent of the world's seaborne crude oil flows. Oman helped to mediate secret U.S.-Iran talks in 2013 that led to the historic nuclear deal signed in Geneva two years later. It has also helped to free American hostages in Yemen. Omanis believe this Swiss-style peacemaker role is vital in helping to prevent the Middle East from sinking even deeper into chaos. "We hope Oman will stick to the same policies. A full-blown conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia would be a disaster for everyone," said Tawfiq al-Lawati, a member of Oman's consultative Shura Council. However, an assertive Saudi Arabia, which is leading a bombing campaign against Iranian-allied rebels in Yemen, has insisted that the Gulf Arab monarchies draw closer together to confront Tehran. At the same time, Oman is struggling with a vast budget deficit largely due to low global prices of its oil exports. Muscat is therefore looking to raise trade with Iran, following the easing of international sanctions on Tehran under the nuclear deal, to buttress its economy. As a result, Muscat has had to walk a diplomatic tightrope. "With Saudi Arabia we do sometimes have disagreements and with Iran too," said Lawati. "But there is still more bringing us all together." Story continues Muscat surprised neighbours last week by agreeing to join a Saudi-led military coalition - not the one fighting in Yemen but a separate, larger grouping. This is officially aimed at fighting Islamic State and other militants but suspected of serving also as a counter to Tehran around the Muslim world. Gulf Arab citizens hailed the decision as a sign that their nations were finally closing ranks against the perceived Iranian menace. Oman had "returned to the bosom of the Gulf", said prominent Saudi columnist Turki al-Dakhil. King Salman is expected to visit Muscat shortly, Saudi and Gulf sources have said, in what would be a sign of strengthening relations. "In grave times, clear positions are needed," said a Gulf Arab official. "We of course know Oman will stand with us." "STILL NEUTRAL" And yet Oman may struggle to please its wealthier fellow Gulf Arabs consistently. They interpret neutrality as disregard for the Gulf's shared security during wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen where Riyadh and Tehran back opposing sides. Joining the Saudi-led alliance signals Oman's concern over the spread of Islamic State and Al Qaeda militants who have vowed to carry out attacks on the Gulf Arab monarchies. Oman also faces some domestic uncertainty as 76-year-old Sultan Qaboos has no named successor. But a transformation of the foreign policy balancing act does not appear to be in prospect. A former Omani diplomat, who declined to be named, described the move as a "largely symbolic" gesture to accommodate Riyadh and said it would involve "little material commitment". Ahmed al-Mukhaini, a former Assistant Secretary General for the Shura Council, suggested the move may give Oman more influence to calm strained regional nerves but "would not compromise our independence". "It might even give Oman more leverage, more space, to play a better role in this coalition and the region. By joining the coalition Oman is shielding itself from criticism from Saudi Arabia," he added. PIPELINE POLITICS There are economic risks to a Saudi rapprochement. Any perception that Muscat is allying with Riyadh may irk Tehran, analysts say. Iran has billions of dollars of foreign reserves in Omani banks and could pull the plug on promised projects in the sultanate. The nuclear deal has offered hope of a leap in trade between Oman and its gas-rich neighbour. Muscat expects the end of sanctions to speed the completion of a liquefied natural gas pipeline, which it hopes will feed energy-intensive industries. "Oman needs the economic cooperation that Iran has pledged ... The two countries' planned subsea gas pipeline is an important part of the sultanate's plans for economic improvement," said Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics. Oman sees foreign investment from Iran, including a car factory, a hospital complex and a nanotechnology plant, as helping economic diversification away from oil, he added. (Editing by Noah Browning, William Maclean and David Stamp) Riyadh (AFP) - Saudi Arabia and Lebanon agreed Tuesday to hold talks on restoring a $3-billion military aid package, opening a "new page" in relations, a Lebanese official source said. "The blockage is lifted," said the official in the delegation of Lebanese President Michel Aoun, who held talks over lunch with King Salman in the Saudi capital. After a tense year which saw Saudi Arabia freeze the aid deal over what it said was the dominance of Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah movement, Aoun arrived in Riyadh on Monday night with a delegation of ministers. It was his first trip to the kingdom since his election in November ended a two-year deadlock between Iran- and Saudi-backed blocs in the Lebanese parliament. Aoun, a Maronite Christian former army chief who was backed by Hezbollah, clinched the presidency with shock support from Saudi ally Saad Hariri, a leading Sunni figure who in return was named prime minister. Analysts say Saudi Arabia is hoping for a more stable Lebanon, after concerns over the role played by Hezbollah in the Lebanese government and the threat posed by jihadists and the war in neighbouring Syria. The Iran-backed Shiite militant group has fighters in Syria supporting forces of President Bashar al-Assad, while Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival, backs some rebels opposed to his government. Riyadh last March declared Hezbollah a "terrorist organisation" and urged its citizens to leave Lebanon. In February, the kingdom halted the $3-billion (2.8-billion-euro) military aid package to Lebanon to protest what it said was "the stranglehold of Hezbollah on the state". The programme would see Riyadh fund the transfer of vehicles, helicopters, drones, cannons and other military equipment from France, which has been seeking to boost arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The Lebanese official told AFP that a "new page" in relations with Riyadh had been turned and said the aid was "going to move". Story continues "There is truly a change. But when and how, we have to wait to see," the official said on condition of anonymity. He added that King Salman's son, the powerful Defence Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will discuss with his Lebanese counterpart how to move the package forward. - 'Security, stability' - After Aoun's election, France's foreign ministry said it was in "close dialogue" with Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in hope of a deal. Aoun told Saudi state news channel Al-Ekhbaria that his ministers of foreign affairs, education, finance and information would meet their Saudi counterparts "to find some fields of cooperation." Asked vaguely about the military aid, Aoun said: "Of course we will discuss all the possible issues." Syria's nearly six-year civil war has been a major fault line in Lebanese politics, and the country hosts more than one million Syrian refugees. Aoun said that Lebanon's partners "have agreed to build Lebanon, regardless of the results in the other countries, because building Lebanon is for all, and secondly, security and stability is for all." He told Al-Ekhbaria his country's internal political situation had improved, and expressed confidence that "balance" can be maintained. "The state must realise, and maintain, security and stability for individuals and groups even if there are different political visions regarding neighbouring and regional countries," Aoun said. Scorpion Season 3, episode 13 will see the return of Paiges (Katharine McPhee) mom, Veronica (Lea Thompson). In Faux Money Maux Problems, Team Scorpion will be duped into producing counterfeit money for a foreign entity that has plans to take over the economy of the United States. When they realize that they have been fooled, Paige will be left with no other choice but to reach out to her mom, who has experience in being a conwoman. Veronica first appeared in the hit CBS TV series in episode 9, titled Mother Load. At the time, Veronica visited Paige to try and make amends with her. The former also met Paiges boyfriend, Tim (Scott Porter). But Veronica made it clear to both Paige and Walter (Elyes Gabel) that she likes the latter better for her daughter. Paige wasnt really happy with what her mom told her, but this gave Walter a boost of confidence to try and win the love of his life. At present, Tim is no longer working with Team Scorpion so this could potentially give Walter a chance to get closer to Paige. However, executive producer Nick Wootton told TV Line that Paige is not pleased with how Walter contributed to Tims decision to pursue a job in another country. Paige is furious at first. Walter, meanwhile, feels terrible about the whole Tim thing and tries to be sweet and kind to Paige with the purest of intentions, he said. Eventually, Paige will realize that if Walter will try to make a move on her again, she has to follow Veronicas advice. Her mom once told Paige to not close her doors on her good friend. The air date for Scorpion Season 3, episode 13 hasnt been confirmed. A rerun of Season 2, episode 13 aired on Monday, Jan. 9 at 9 p.m. EST on CBS. Scorpion Photo: CBS Related Articles This Secret deodorant commercial is a perfect takedown of sexism in the tech industry Ever since Secrets Stress Test campaign debuted in April 2015, the brand has placed a strong focus on spotlighting workplace sexism and gender bias. And this Secret commercial about sexism in the tech industry boldly shows that gender bias in the field of technology is so strong that its come to be expected. The 30-second ad, titled Pitch, is simultaneously comedic and enlightening. It depicts two women in an elevator as they prepare to pitch their startup to the boys club. From perfecting their handshake (solid and strong, but not too strong) to vehemently defending their ability to excel in tech, the pairs prep makes a strong statement about the sexism faced by women in the male-dominated field. The woman playing the sexist businessman tells her business partner, I doubt you girls could pull that off, despite her impressive ability to rattle off impressive stats without batting an eyelash. Although the ad takes a humorous approach, its hardly an exaggeration of what women in tech deal with many of the women who attended the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show reported experiencing gender bias. At my flight from YVR to Vegas. Attendant: Why r so many men & so few women on this flight? A man explains: It's for #CES, the TECH show. Borjana (@Boryana_S) January 4, 2017 #CES2017: the only place where there is a line for the men's restroom and not the women's Alicia Palmieri (@alicia_palmieri) January 6, 2017 This isnt the first time Secrets Stress Test campaign has excelled at exposing gender bias other ads have depicted a woman giving herself a pep talk before asking for a raise and a trans woman anxiously exiting a stall in a crowded womens restroom. The ads are empowering, and Pitch makes another important statement solidarity between women in the workplace is invaluable. Its easier to break barriers when we act as allies, rather than competitors. Bravo to Secret for another powerful ad we cant wait to see which gender bias angle the brand tackles next. Washington (AFP) - The US Senate begins confirmation hearings for key nominees to Donald Trump's cabinet Tuesday, amid concerns many of the president-elect's picks haven't been fully vetted over ethics, or made full financial disclosures. Ten days before Trump takes the oath of office, lawmakers will hold hearings for Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, Trump's nominee for US attorney general, and retired Marine general John Kelly, his choice for homeland security secretary. Several nominees are scheduled to have hearings this week, with three due to get under way Wednesday, including Rex Tillerson, the wealthy Exxon oilman who Trump has tapped for secretary of state. Unlike Sessions, who has faced pushback from Senate Democrats, Kelly by most accounts has been amicably received during several days of private meetings with Democratic and Republican members of the Homeland Security Committee. Trump, meanwhile, has shown no sign of worry over the reception his nominees will get on Capitol Hill. "Confirmation is going great," he told reporters Monday in an unexpected appearance in the lobby of Trump Tower, headquarters for his gilded corporate offices in New York City. "I think they'll all pass," he predicted. Democrats however are vowing not to allow Congress to rubber stamp Trump's cabinet picks without a fight. Sessions, in particular, has drawn fierce opposition from liberals concerned over his conservative views on everything from abortion rights to civil liberties. "He has denounced Roe v. Wade, which guarantees a woman's right to choose. And on other issues like religious freedoms, torture, where he's taken positions that I think are out of the mainstream, and of course his staunch and steadfast opposition to any kind of immigration reform," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Judiciary Committee, told MSNBC late Monday. Another Democratic senator, Cory Booker, has gone so far as to say he'll testify against Sessions at Tuesday's hearing -- a departure from many decades of Senate protocol. Story continues "I'm breaking a pretty long Senate tradition," Booker told MSNBC, adding that Sessions " has a posture and a positioning that I think represent a real danger to our country." Blumenthal said one measure of whether an attorney general nominee is right for the job is whether that person is willing to stand up to the president in the interest of justice. "Our constitutional duty is to make a choice about whether this individual will be a champion of constitutional rights and liberties and will be able to stand up to Donald Trump, soon to be president, and say, you cannot do what you need to do, or we're going to have to indict someone who is a friend of yours, and sometimes there will be conflicts of interest where an independent counsel will have to be appointed," he said. Meanwhile, Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer said lawmakers in the Republican-controlled chamber have crammed the schedule full of hearings, making the vetting more challenging than usual. "The hearing schedule... is so jammed right now that several high, important hearings will fall on the same day," Schumer said on the Senate floor Monday. Many of Trump's nominees pose especially thorny conflict-of-interest challenges, Schumer added. "They come, many of them, from enormous wealth. Many have vast holdings in stocks and very few have experience in government. So they have not been appropriately vetted for something like a cabinet post before," said the New York Democrat. "What had been standard practice for the vast majority of nominees -- the completion of a preliminary ethics review before their nomination -- was skipped over for the vast majority of president-elect Trump's nominees," Schumer said. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions stressed his reputation in the Senate when he testified before a key committee Tuesday that could decide whether he becomes Donald Trumps attorney general. The four-term Senator told the Senate Judiciary Committeethe same one that once rejected him for a federal judgeship over allegations of racially provocative remarksthat he is a man of my word who believes in equal justice under the law. I come before you today as a colleague who has worked with you for years, and with some of you for 20 years, he said. You know who I am. You know what I believe in. You know that I am a man of my word and can be trusted to do what I say I will do. You know that I revere our Constitution and am committed to the rule of law. And you know that I believe in fairness, impartiality, and equal justice under the law. Democrats have targeted Sessions as one of the Trump Cabinet nominees they will oppose, in part due to his rejection for a judgeship in 1986 and his views on subjects such as illegal immigration. The hearing got off to a rocky start when two protesters dressed in mock Ku Klux Klan outfits shouted. A member of the liberal group Code Pink was later kicked out for laughing when Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby was speaking in Sessions favor, while two more protesters were removed just after Sessions began speaking. "You can't arrest me, I'm white!" as they're led out by police at Jeff sessions hearing pic.twitter.com/VHULfMZ1ks Tessa Berenson (@tcberenson) January 10, 2017 Wow. Capitol Police are not joking. Trying to remove a Code Pink protester for laughing out loud. She's resisting Victoria McGrane (@vgmac) January 10, 2017 These protesters interrupted Sen. @jeffsessions' testimony at his AG confirmation hearing. pic.twitter.com/HTs7acHIUT Graham MacGillivray (@GWMacGillivray) January 10, 2017 Read More: Sessions Hopes to Escape His History of Racial Controversy Story continues Deviating from his prepared remarks, Sessions came out ahead of an expected line of attack and addressed the charges of racism levied against him at his 1986 hearing for a federal judgeship. These are damnably false charges, Sessions said. He defended his prosecution of the Marion Three in what he called a voting rights case, he denied claims that he had called the NAACP and the ACLU un-American and he vehemently denounced the Ku Klux Klan. I abhor the Klan, and what that it represents, and its hateful ideology, Sessions said. Sessions was the first sitting senator to endorse Trump largely due to his views on immigration. He is against a path to citizenship and has opposed almost every immigration reform bill before the Senate that includes one. Hes also in favor of curbing legal immigration. But his positions on civil rights issues are difficult to paint with a broad brush. He voted in 2006 to renew the Voting Rights Act for 25 years, and then cheered in 2013 when the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the law. In the late 1990s, he co-sponsored legislation to honor Rosa Parks with the Congressional Gold Medal, while also voting against 2009 legislation that extended federal hate crime protections to people targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In her opening questions to Sessions, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) asked Sessions about his past statements against Roe v. Wade and Obergefell v. Hodges, the two Supreme Court decisions that legalized abortion and same-sex marriage, respectively. Despite Sessions personal feelings against the decisions, he said as attorney general he would follow the law. It is the law of the land, it has been so established and settled for quite a long time, and it deserves respect, and I would respect it and follow it, he said of Roe v. Wade, adding that he also considers same-sex marriage settled law. Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) was the first questioner to invoke Sessions role in the contentious 2016 presidential race. He asked Sessions if he could be impartial in any investigations into Hillary Clintons emails or foundation, given his role in Donald Trumps campaign. Sessions said no, and that he would recuse himself if any Clinton issues were to arise with him as attorney general. I do believe that that could place my objectivity in question, he said of statements he made during the campaign. I believe the proper thing for me to do would be to recuse myself. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) followed up with more questions about the campaign, asking Sessions if he supports Donald Trumps proposed Muslim immigration ban. I do not support the idea that Muslims as a religious group should be denied entry to the United States, Sessions said, noting that Trump had revised the policy towards careful vetting of immigrants from countries with a history of terrorism. He did say that in some situations it would be appropriate to take religious affiliation into account, however. Many people do have religious views that are inimical to the public safety of the United States, he said. Sessions also said that the results of the election vindicated his hard-line views on immigration. In response to a question from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) on his record opposing immigration bills that contain a path to citizenship, Sessions said, I do believe that if you continually go through a cycle of amnesty that you undermine the respect for the law and encourage more illegal immigration into America. I believe the American people spoke clearly in this election and they agreed with my basic view. In a sign of how seriously some Democrats are taking the nomination, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey will break with Senate history and testify against Sessions on Tuesday or Wednesday, possibly the first time a sitting senator has testified against another siting senator nominated for a White House Cabinet position. But its likely that none of this will matter. If the committee votes along party lines, Sessions will pass on a vote of 11 to nine. There are no signs that any Republicans will defect, either in the committee or on the Senate floor. Maines Susan Collins, widely considered the most moderate Republican in the Senate, introduced Sessions, and Senators have a long tradition of deference for their colleagues on nominations. On Tuesday, one day before confirmation hearings for a key chunk of President-elect Donald Trumps national security nominees, top lawmakers from both sides of the aisle said they would introduce new legislation to punish Russia for meddling in the election, as well as its aggressive behavior in Ukraine and Syria. An aide to Sen. Ben Cardin (D.-Md.), one of the sponsors of the bill, said that after the public release last week of the intelligence communitys assessment of Russian interference in the U.S. election he felt now was the time to introduce the legislation. The bill would impose mandatory visa bans and asset freezes [on] those who undermine the cybersecurity of public or private infrastructure and democratic institutions and sanction anyone who assists in such activities. It would also mandate more sanctions on Russia, including on investments of $20 million or more in Russias ability to develop its petroleum and natural gas resources and on investments in the development of civil nuclear projects. Perhaps most notably, it would codify Obamas most recent executive order, thereby making recognition of Russias role in the past presidential election the literal law of the land. Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway said those sanctions were an attempt by Obama to box in her boss. The bill comes just ahead of the the inauguration of a president-elect who insists that Russian hacking did not play a role in his election despite ample U.S. intelligence findings showing it did. And the legislation drops just ahead of hearings for Rex Tillerson, formerly the head of ExxonMobil but tapped by Trump to be secretary of state. Tillerson has been openly critical of Russian sanctions, and Exxon stands to benefit with billions of dollars if the sanctions imposed for Russias 2014 invasion of Crimea are removed. Other sponsors of the bill include Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio). Story continues On Meet the Press on Sunday, Graham offered advice for Trump. You should let everybody know in America, Republicans and Democrats, that youre going to make Russia pay a price for trying to interfere, he said. Even though it didnt affect the outcome, they tried to interfere. And they need to pay a price. And I dont care what their motives were. Graham, joined by Klobuchar and McCain, also recently took a trip to Ukraine and Georgia to show their continued support for the countries despite the incoming presidents repeated statements about improving relations with Russia. One section of the new bill is dedicated to countering Russian aggression in Syria, Ukraine, Georgia, and Crimea (which the United States recognizes as part of Ukraine, not Russia, but which is mentioned with separately in the legislation). The bill also reiterates that the United States does not recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea or the independence of South Ossetia or Abkhazia (the renegade parts of Georgia propped up, and recognized as independent, by Russia), addressing concerns that Trump might do so in a grand bargain with Putin. Having a good relationship with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. Only "stupid" people, or fools, would think that it is bad! We.. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2017 The bill would also authorize $100 million for an Europe and Eurasia Democracy and Anti-Corruption Fund, which would seek, among other things, to counter Russian disinformation both through media education and the establishment of independent, Russian-language media, and to strengthen other governments cybersecurity practices. Whether such funds will be available for democracy promotion and anti-corruption in the United States remains to be seen. Photo credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images Senators used the first day of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions hearings to test the boundaries of Donald Trumps executive power and highlight areas where Sessions would need to limit him as Attorney General. While several questions looked back at Sessions civil rights record, the backdrop to questions about Sessions future relationship with Trump was set early Tuesday, when Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) asked Sessions whether he would be comfortable saying no to the President-elect, given their close relationship on the campaign. I will do so, Sessions responded. [You] have to be able to say no, both for the country, for the legal system and for the president, to avoid situations that are not acceptable. I understand that duty. As hearing progressed, often interrupted by loud protesters being taken out of the room, Sessions said as attorney general he would enforce settled law, including in areas where the law runs contrary to his personal views, such as on abortion and same-sex marriage. But he also set out specific issues where he might have to restrain the new president, including on religious freedom and torture. For one thing, Sessions he would not sanction Trumps proposed Muslim immigration ban. I do not support the idea that Muslims as a religious group should be denied entry to the United States, Sessions said in response to a question from Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, noting that Trump had revised the policy towards careful vetting of immigrants from countries with a history of terrorism. He did say that in some situations it would be appropriate to take religious affiliation into account, however. Many people do have religious views that are inimical to the public safety of the United States, he said. Later, Sessions said he also does not support a registry of Muslims in the United States or surveillance of mosques, two policies Trump has advocated. I would not favor a registry of Muslims in the United States, no I would not, he said in response to a question from Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware). And I think we should avoid surveillance of religious institutions unless theres a basis to believe that dangerous or threatening illegal activity is going on there. Story continues Sessions said that waterboarding is torture and is illegal, contradicting Trumps preferences on interrogation. Congress has taken an action now that makes it absolutely improper and illegal to use waterboarding or any other form of torture in the United States, Sessions said in response to a question from Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island. Trump repeatedly condoned waterboarding during his campaign. In 2015, Trump said he would reinstate the practice: I would bring it back. I think waterboarding is peanuts compared to what theyd do to us, he said. And in 2016, he defended torture at a Republican debate: We should go for waterboarding and we should go tougher than waterboarding, he said. Another frequent refrain at Trump rallies was chants of lock her up, about sending former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to jail. Sessions said he didnt think he had ever engaged in one of those chants. But he said he would recuse himself from any matters relating to Clinton that might come before him as Attorney General because of his role in Trumps campaign and political statements he made about her. I do believe that that could place my objectivity in question, he said. I believe the proper thing for me to do would be to recuse myself. (In December, Trump said that he no longer cared about prosecuting Clinton.) More broadly, multiple senators asked Sessions about the role of the Attorney General and the Justice Department and how he would maintain independence from the Oval Office. Sessions told Grassley he would hold oversight as a high priority. I will be responsive to your request The executive branch needs to be held accountable, Sessions said. Sessions told Whitehouse he would maintain the procedures adopted for limited communication between the White House and the Justice Department following the Alberto Gonzales scandal in 2007. Thats the appropriate way to do it, Sessions said. I would maintain those rules. The Alabama Senator told his former committee that he would not lose sight of how to balance his role in the presidents Cabinet with the independence the job requires. The Attorney General ultimately owes his loyalty to the integrity of the American people and the fidelity of the Constitution and the legitimate laws of the country, Sessions said. I hope President-elect Trump has confidence in me so that if I give him advice that something can be done or cant be done, then he would respect that. Jeff Sessions Sen. Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be attorney general, said Tuesday during his high-profile Senate confirmation hearing that he would recuse himself from potential investigations involving Hillary Clinton. The Alabama senator said he would do so because of the positions he staked out while campaigning for Trump. Asked by Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the Senate Judiciary Committee chair, about how he would handle any further potential investigation regarding Clinton, Sessions said, "I believe the proper thing would be to recuse myself." "Some of the comments I made I do believe could place my objectivity into question," he said, adding, "We could never have a political dispute turn into a criminal dispute." Sessions was sharply critical of Clinton during the campaign, serving as a top surrogate for Trump. In August, he said it "seems like" the FBI didn't fully investigate the former secretary of state regarding a relationship between the Clinton Foundation and State Department under her leadership. "The fundamental thing is you cannot be secretary of state of the United States of America and use that position to extort or seek contributions to your private foundation," he said. "That is a fundamental violation of law, and that does appear to have happened." Trump said during the campaign that he would appoint a special prosecutor to pursue investigations into Clinton, a pledge on which he has backtracked after his electoral victory. NOW WATCH: Protests break out during the senate confirmation hearing of Jeff Sessions for attorney general More From Business Insider Sen. Jeff Sessions vowed to recuse himself from any possible Justice Department investigations into Hillary Clinton if hes confirmed as President-elect Donald Trumps attorney general and vowed to follow laws he did not support as senator in his Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday. It was a highly contentious campaign, Sessions said. Some of the comments I made [about Clinton] could place my objectivity in question. I believe the proper thing for me to do would be to recuse myself from any questions involving Secretary Clinton. Sessions added, We can never have a political dispute turn into a criminal dispute. Trump told Clinton during the second presidential debate last fall that if he won, he would instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation. Senators sought assurances from Sessions that he would maintain his independence from Trump and not allow the Justice Department to become a prosecutorial arm of the White House. In his opening statement, Sessions said the attorney general must be willing to tell the president or other top officials no' when they overreach and added that he believes the attorney general must resign if asked to do anything illegal. Most of the rules preventing the Justice Departments politicization are not laws, but policies that can be changed by an incoming administration, according to Politicos Isaac Arnsdorf. Sessions was asked several times by Democratic senators if he would investigate potential wrongdoing by the president. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt) asked Sessions repeatedly if he believed that grabbing a woman by her genitals without consent is sexual assault, referencing comments Trump made on tape 10 years ago that were released during the campaign. Sessions replied clearly. Leahy then asked if a president could be prosecuted for that crime; Sessions replied if appropriate, yes. Other senators asked if Sessions would recuse himself in any investigations of Trumps campaign. Sessions, who was a top adviser during the campaign, suggested he would not. Story continues Under questioning from Democratic senators, Sessions said he would uphold laws he disagreed with, such as a womans right to obtain an abortion. He also said he would prosecute hate crimes against gay people, despite having voted against expanding hate crimes to include LGBT people in the Senate. Sessions also distanced himself from some of Trumps positions. He acknowledged that the use of waterboarding was illegal, and distanced himself from Trumps proposed Muslim ban, saying he did not support banning Muslims from entering the country and believed in religious freedom. (He said he did believe the government could ask potential immigrants about their personal religious beliefs.) Sessions also rejected Trumps campaign idea of creating a registry of American Muslims. I would not favor a registry of Muslims in the United States, he said. Sessions signaled he would break with the Obama administrations hands off approach to states that have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use. I wont commit to never enforcing federal law, he said, adding that Congress should legalize marijuana if it wants the attorney general not to prosecute its use. Its not so much the attorney generals job to decide what laws to enforce. At least 15 protesters have been thrown out for disrupting the proceedings. Stop these fascist pigs from getting into power! one yelled. Another called Sessions pure evil. Two of them wore Klan robes while accusing Sessions of racism. In his opening statement, Sessions addressed Democrats concerns about his past record on civil rights and race issues when he was a prosecutor in Alabama, calling the accusations against him damnably false and stressing his role in the prosecution of two Klan members who murdered a black teenager in the 1980s. This caricature of me from 1986 is not correct, he said under questioning from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. I do not harbor the kind of animosities and race-based discrimination ideas that I was accused of. Reporters at the hearing were provided with a thick binder detailing Sessions record on voting rights cases. Sen Al Franken (D-Minn) cross examined Sessions over his assertion in 2009 that he personally worked on 20 or 30 desegregation cases while a federal prosecutor in Alabama. Sessions admitted that it was a smaller number. Franken also poked holes in Sessions claim he personally handled three civil rights cases. Franken pointed out that the lead attorneys on those cases said Sessions simply signed his names on their documents. Sessions said he disagreed that he misrepresented his involvement. Thirty years ago, the senators bid to become a district judge failed in the Senate over accusations that he called a black lawyer boy Sessions denied this and referred to the American Civil Liberties Union as un-American. As a federal prosecutor in the 1980s, Sessions also unsuccessfully brought charges for voting fraud against an activist who was registering black voters. He has criticized the Voting Rights Act, although he voted to reauthorize it in 2006. In his opening statement, Sessions said he looked into the voter fraud case because African-American leaders in the community asked him to. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, will speak in opposition to Sessions nomination Wednesday, becoming the first sitting senator to testify against a fellow senator in a confirmation hearing. Booker said he decided to take this unprecedented step because of Sessions comments criticizing parts of the Voting Rights Act and his recent opposition to criminal justice reform and immigration reform. There are just 48 Democrats in the Senate, and its unlikely the minority party can scoop up the three Republican defections needed to block Sessions nomination. (Moreover, some Democrats will likely end up backing Sessions Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has already thrown his support behind him.) Still, Democrats can use the hearing to air their concerns about the senator, who was a close adviser to Trump throughout the campaign, and make the argument that his views are outside the mainstream. - By James Li Seth Klarman (Trades, Portfolio), portfolio manager of The Baupost Group, trimmed 21.97% of his stake in Cheniere Energy Inc. (LNG) Jan. 9, as reported in a Schedule 13G filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission. As of the transaction, Klarman owns 21,726,340 shares of Cheniere Energy, about 9.25% of total shares outstanding. The transaction and SEC filing The portfolio manager at Baupost Group sold 6,116,617 shares of Cheniere Energy at $41.43 per share, representing about 21.97% of his stake. The stock trades at $43.50, and Klarman's estimated loss since he initially bought Cheniere shares is about 25%. Klarman reported the Schedule 13G as an investment adviser and a parent holding company as stated in Item 3 of the SEC filing. The guru also disclosed that the reported securities are beneficially owned "on behalf of various private investment limited partnerships." Guru trims position as company outlook weakens Houston-based Cheniere Energy currently has a weak financial strength rank of 3, implying high potential for financial distress. The company's cash-to-debt ratio of 0.05 suggests that Cheniere could not pay off its debt with the cash on hand. Additionally, the company's interest coverage is a severely low 0.1 and Cheniere's Altman Z-score of -0.12 indicates severe distress. Since 2013, the Houston midstream energy company issued over 13 billion in long-term debt. On Dec. 5, 2016, the company issued and sold $1.5 billion in senior secured notes to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) maturing in 2025. Cheniere Energy also closed a $350 million "working capital facility agreement" as the borrower during December 2016. 1364147338.png Cheniere Energy reported a net loss of $100.4 million during third-quarter 2016, or a diluted loss per share of 44 cents. For the nine months ending Sept. 30, 2016, the company reported net losses of $719.7 million, about $30 million higher than the net loss for the nine months ending Sept. 30, 2015. These net losses likely contributed to poor operating margins, which currently underperform 94% of global midstream energy companies. One of Cheniere's warning signs indicate that the company had three years of operating loss since 2014. Story continues As of Jan. 10, Cheniere Energy has a profitability rank of 2, suggesting little or no profitability. Based on its "Predictability Chart," the company gets a predictability rank of one star as its revenue per share and EBITDA per share have consistently declined during the past five years. 2025213474.png As the company offers low value potential, several gurus, including Klarman, have trimmed positions in Cheniere Energy. Steve Mandel (Trades, Portfolio), John Griffin (Trades, Portfolio) and Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio) axed 16.63%, 57.06% and 100.00% of their stake in Cheniere Energy during third-quarter 2016. See also Premium members have access to our "Real Time Picks" feature, which lists all guru stock trades within the past two weeks. If a guru that owns at least 5% of the company's shares outstanding makes a trade within the company, the guru must report the trade to the SEC within 10 business days of the transaction. Premium Plus members have access to portfolio information on over 4,000 institutions that file quarterly 13Fs and Schedule 13D/13G filings. Please review the membership levels page for all membership benefits. If you are not a member, we invite you to sign up for a free seven-day trial. Disclosure: The author has no position in the stocks mentioned in this article. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. KABUL (Reuters) - An explosion in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Tuesday killed at least seven people and wounded 18 others, including the provincial governor and the United Arab Emirates ambassador who was visiting the city, officials said. The governor's spokesman, Sameem Khpalwak, who was among those wounded in the attack, said the incident took place during a meeting between senior officials and diplomats from the UAE embassy. Kandahar police chief, Gen. Abdul Raziq, one of the most feared anti-Taliban commanders in Afghanistan, was present at the meeting but was unharmed in the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. (Reporting by Hamid Shalizi; Editing by Gareth Jones) From ELLE In the grand scheme of life, there are plenty (plenty) of issues and conundrums worse than not being able to find the perfect shoe. It's especially vexing/head-scratching/eye roll-inducing, though, when the factor standing in your way is about color, specifically of the nude variety. After all, one size does not fit all when it comes to nude, but for some reason the majority of the fashion industry insists it does. But little by little, there have been small victories in redefining what the shade means. Christian Louboutin expanded its color range of skin-toned heels and flats, Naja, an ethical lingerie brand, launched bras and panties in seven shades, and now a UK shoe brand named Kahmune (pronounced like "commune") is tossing its hat in the ring. As with most inventions, Kahmune was founded by Jamela Acheampong out of necessity. "I was in search of items that matched my dark skin tone, but all I kept coming across were the same beige, cream, and tan shades," says the founder. "It was overtly clear that 'nude' had a type." Inspired by advice from her father-the thought that all stellar business ideas develop as a fix to some sort of problem-she got busy and the brand was born. "From the beginning, it's been about providing an option for all women," explains the Ghanaian-American. "The idea of diversity, and more importantly, inclusivity, is still a huge problem in the beauty and fashion industries. The motivation was to provide nude shades to fit darker skin tones, but I thought it was important to ensure that all skin tones are represented." The collection currently offers 10 different colors ranging from deep to fair. Landing on each specific blend was a challenge Acheampong was happy to take on. "I spent hours researching skin tones across the world," she says. "Settling on just 10 colors was no easy feat-I don't think people realize the amount of diversity found in skin pigments. I found a few brands that were doing five or eight shades, but I didn't think that was enough." Story continues Each color is named for a city (like South Sudan's Juba and Nigeria's Enugu) and handily displayed on her website alongside corresponding foundation shades so shoppers can get a feel for their closest match. And, much like the way cosmetic companies reliably speak about undertones, Acheampong devoted time to thinking about the individual colors going into her mixes. "For example, Goa and Bogota may look the same at first glance, but Bogota has more red undertones. The same goes for Rio and Gaborone," she points out. "Representation matters. Diversity matters. Inclusion matters," continues Acheampong. "It's important to recognize the larger meaning behind labeling 'nude' a specific color or only providing 'nude' items in certain shades. Does that mean those that are overlooked are because they are not worth recognizing? Or less beautiful?" she mused. "I'm tired of women being told they need to fit into a certain box or be a certain color. So many women are labeled as being too pale or too dark. And I personally do not subscribe to such stereotypes." We couldn't agree more. Retailing between $200 and $250, two styles (a pump and a sandal) will be available for pre-order in February and begin shipping in March. You Might Also Like Showtime is happy to show Emmy Rossum the money! After seven seasons of being paid less than her Shameless co-star, William H. Macy, Rossum successfully renegotiated her contract ahead of the series' eighth season and is now rumored to be making the same, if not more, than Macy. "Just to be clear, it felt like [salary] parity was very justified in this case and we were abdicating for that from the beginning," Showtime's President of Programming, David Nevins, told reporters at the Television Critics Association winter press tour on Monday. MORE: Emmy Rossum Resolves Equal Pay Dispute, Signs on for Season 8 of 'Shameless' "We've now worked something out that is great for her, great for us," Nevins continued. "Emmy has been a force on that show in a great way -- both, obviously, with what she does in front of the camera, but also she's a great leader on the set behind the camera. She directed this year and she will continue to direct." Nevins added that, overall, the premium cable's negotiations with Rossum was "a good process" and he's thrilled to watch the dramedy continue with her and Macy at the helm. In an interview with TMZ in December, Macy expressed his full support of Rossum, stating, "They wrote the Equal Rights Amendment in 1927, it didn't get passed until 1972. It still hasn't been approved by all the states, therefore is didn't make it as an Amendment to the Constitution. It's about f**king time, don't you think?" EXCLUSIVE: Felicity Huffman Gushes About William H. Macy's Support of Emmy Rossum's Equal Pay Battle ET caught up with Macy's wife, Felicity Huffman, on the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday, and the American Crime actress gushed over her husband's fevered support for Rossum to receive equal pay. "It was an 'of course' moment," Huffman said to ET's Nancy O'Dell. "I mean, Bill loves women and thinks there should be equal rights, and the fact it hasn't been ratified since, what, 1927, is pretty shocking. So of course he's going to stand up and say a woman should make as much as a man." Story continues Press play on our exclusive interview below to watch our full interview with Huffman and find out her biggest red carpet secret! Related Articles With mere days before the inauguration of our next POTUS, virtually every Q&A at TCA is being filtered through a Donald Trump prism, and no panel more so than that for 1970s-set Guerrilla. The Showtime and Sky Atlantic six-episode series, from executive producer/writer/director John Ridley and EP Idris Elba, follows a London couple who liberates a political prisoner and forms a radical underground cell targeting the Black Power Desk, a counter-intelligence unit within Special Branch that is dedicated to crushing black activism. The project premieres Sunday, April 16 on Showtime, and the same week in the U.K. on Sky. Asked about similarities in the UK to Trumpism, Babou Ceesay, who plays the male lead, reminded TV critics that the Brexit vote took place earlier in 16, and was similarly heartbreaking for the industry there. Youd be hard pressed to find someone who supported in our industry what happened in April and May. Whats happening now is there is a sense life will go on, regardless, adding the backlash has started to slow down. Pushing back against transitory icons is, in the long term, not beneficial, Scott warned, insisting Guerrilla would have existed regardless of who is in the Oval Office at the end of this month because the issues have existed for decades. The sense of disenfranchisement may be new for some, he said. Taking two lines from the trailer, he added, We can either say something or do nothing, adding, When people ask me what I did Im not going to say I sat on the fence. Related stories 'Famous in Love' Challenges Bella Thorne To Play Naive Actress In Hollywood - TCA 'Pretty Little Liars' Final Season Tease: Let's Do The Time Jump Again - TCA Donald Trump White House Irrelevant To 'Scandal' Season 6, Shonda Rhimes Says - TCA Beginning on January 11, the fifth edition of Singapore Art Week will host 12 days of visual arts events spotlighting Singapore's thriving art scene. The Singapore Art Week program is spread across a number of venues, including galleries, museums, art districts and non-profit spaces. Events include art fairs, gallery openings, exhibitions, public art walks and discussions. At the Gillman Barracks, Singapore's visual arts cluster, a number of tenants are preparing to premiere new exhibitions, and on January 13 they'll stay open late as part of the venue's Art After Dark event. That event will also mark the opening of "LOCK ROUTE," a public art showcase at the Barracks that will be a highlight of Singapore Art Week. New commissions by Cleon Peterson, Mel O'Callaghan and Oanh Phi Phi will be among the installations, sculptures and murals by well-known and emerging artists on display through January 30. Many events will take place in the cultural precinct Bras Basah & Bugis, home of the Singapore Art Museum, which is hosting the Singapore Biennale through February 26. The art museum will offer a series of free weekend events and festivities in its courtyard. In the same neighborhood, at the Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film, the multimedia exhibition "Fantasy Islands" will examine the relations between Batam and Singapore, presenting new works by Indonesian and Singaporean artists. In addition to the Biennale, other concurrent events include Art Stage Singapore, a leading fair devoted to Asian contemporary art, the boutique Art Apart Fair, taking place in the Pan Pacific Orchard shopping district through January 11, and Singapore Contemporary, back for its second edition. At the Aliwal Arts Centre, an urban art festival will present an "annual celebration of Singapore cool," with a carefully curated selection of art inspired by street culture. The Little India neighborhood, meanwhile, will host an artwork featuring tellings of traditional folktales and mythologies as well as art installations and performances. For art lovers who need help navigating the plentiful program of Singapore Art Week, organizers have provided itineraries depending on inclination, with suggestions for wanderers, art buffs, youths, art enthusiasts, families and Instagrammers. Find the full program of events at www.artweek.sg. Transitional. With ethics reviews steamrolled, financial disclosures uncertified, FBI background checks incomplete, and nine confirmation hearings squeezed into three days, President-elect Donald Trump faces the very real possibility that few of his cabinet picks will be in place by the time hes sworn in next Friday, FPs Molly OToole writes. The fun begins today with several hearings on the Hill for top Trump appointees in a three-day blitz that will see a total of nine hearings, a Trump press conference, and remarks delivered by national security advisor Michael Flynn and his incoming deputy, KT McFarland. FP will be all over it, so check back early and often Work it. A series of reports out Monday evening suggest the Trump team may ask Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work to stick around for several months after James Mattis is (presumably) confirmed to be the next Secretary of Defense. Work, like Mattis, is a retired Marine officer, and has been outgoing Defense Secretary Ash Carters point man for many of his most innovative technology modernizations programs. The leak comes amid ongoing speculation that there is growing tension between Mattis and Trump Tower over who will serve under him at the Pentagon, with the former Marine rejecting several names that have been floated to him. Back to al Bab. American drones are again buzzing over Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies as they slog it out around the Islamic State-held city of al-Bab, in anticipation of a larger U.S. role in support the operation. After weeks of tension between Washington and Ankara, which saw U.S. support for the push dry up while Russian warplanes began supporting the Turks, theres talk that American planes, equipment, and Special Operations Forces might again be part of the fight, the Washington Posts Karen DeYoung and Missy Ryan report. It wont be easy, however. U.S. officials are concerned about the number of Russian and Turkish planes already in the sky around the city, and straightening out the logjam especially given the reported Russian refusal to identify themselves when operating around U.S. aircraft is a huge concern. Story continues The crowded skies. Rarely, if ever, do they respond verbally, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles Corcoran told the Wall Street Journals Michael M. Phillips and Gordon Lubold of the Russian pilots. We dont know what they can see or not see, and we dont want them running into one of us. Its a problem throughout Syria, and there are about 50 to 75 coalition a day aircraft flying over Raqqa in close proximity to Russian planes. But the Russians have frequently shadowed U.S. aircraft or come close to hitting them and U.S. pilots think some of the near-misses have been because the Russians simply didnt see the American planes. Russian planes also plow through tightly controlled groupings of allied aircraft over Raqqa. Russian bombers, flying to Syria via Iran, have crossed Iraq and disrupted allied flight patterns over the battlefields of Mosul. On the ground. U.S. Special Operations Forces carried out an assault on ISIS leadership near the city of Deir al-Zour in Syria on Sunday, U.S. officials have confirmed, though few details have been made public. According to the site Deir al-Zour 24, the troops landed in helicopters, cut off a road, and killed and captured several ISIS fighters. The raid was nothing that hasnt happened before, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said Monday. Weve done them before and well do them again, he said, adding that reports of 25 ISIS fighters killed in the raid were too high. He declined to provide a number of his won, however. Mosul. Davis also told reporters that ISIS fighters in Mosul have been staggered by U.S. airstrikes and the Iraqi ground assault. The militants cant respond to coordinated attacks, and are having a hard time keeping up the pace of suicide bombers they had been throwing at the Iraqis. Since mid-October, the U.S.-led coalition has dropped 8,944 bombs on ISIS positions in Mosul, taking out 134 car bombs in the process. In contrast, as of Monday the coalition has dropped 1,542 bombs on Raqqa since Nov. 5. Not impressed. Russian officials dont appear impressed, however. Warplanes sent to Syria by the Kremlin have conducted 19,160 sorties and conducted 71,000 airstrikes since October 2015, claimed Chief of Russias General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov Tuesday. According to the state-run media mouthpiece TASS, Gerasimov took a swipe at the U.S.-led coalition during his remarks, adding the Americans have not achieved any significant success At the same time, a large number of civilian deaths as well as Syrian government troops deaths has been recorded. Good morning and as always, if you have any thoughts, announcements, tips, or national security-related events to share, please pass them along to SitRep HQ. Best way is to send them to: paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or on Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley PEOTUS Congressional Republican hawks like Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have announced their intention to introduce new sanctions against Russia and joined Democrats in a call for an investigation into allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election. But USA Today reports that Trump spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway isnt a fan of either proposal. In reference to calls by suggesting that Congress launch a bipartisan investigation of Russian hacking, Conway painted the effort as a partisan veneer for post-election sour grapes. She also questioned whether additional sanctions against Russia were necessary, describing President Obamas ejection of 35 Russian diplomats from the U.S. as exceedingly harsh. Sanctions Monday was a big day for sanctions officials, who dropped a host of new restrictions on individuals in Russia and the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah. The Washington Post reports that President Obama topped off the list of Russian individuals sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act with five new names. The act allows the president to sanction Russians involved in corruption related to the death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and broader human rights abuses. Obama sanctioned an official from Russias Investigative Committee, citing his participation in a coverup of Magnitskys death in prison, as well as two Russians suspected of involvement in the poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko. On the terrorism end of sanctions, the State Department added two members of Hezbollah, Ali Damush and Mustafa Mughniyeh, to the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The State Department describes Damush as an aide to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and in charge of the groups arm in charge of carrying out terrorist operations abroad. Mughniyeh is the nephew of Imad Mughniyeh, the late senior official in the Lebanese terror group accused of carrying out the 1983 U.S. Marine barracks bombing in Beirut. Mustada, according to the sanctions announcement, is in charge of Hezbollah operations in the Golan Heights. Iran Theres been another incident in the tense game of intimidation under way in the Persian Gulf between the U.S. and Iran. CNN reports that the U.S. destroyer the USS Mahan fired warning shots at five vessels from Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. Pentagon spokesman said the boats closed to within 900 yards of the Mahan and ignored multiple warnings in the form of radio commands, sirens, and smoke grenades, failing to halt until the Mahan fired a warning shot burst from a .50 caliber machine gun. Iran also appears headed towards more confrontation with the U.S. through its missile program. Reuters reports that legislators in Tehran added an extra five percent to the countrys defense budget, earmarking more funds for the countrys ballistic missile program. American officials have argued that Irans ballistic missile programs are in violation of existing U.N. Security Council sanctions on the country, although its allies in Russia have pushed back against the claim. Regardless, Iran carried out a number of ballistic missile tests since 2015 and plans to expand its program with a plan for development that stretches into 2021. Pakistan Pakistan admitted it has a submarine-launched cruise missile program, Defense News reports. The revelation came by way of a press release from the Pakistani military saying it had carried out a test of the system in the Indian Ocean at some indeterminate point in time. The missile, Babur 3, a submarine-launched variant of its land-based cousin, the Babur-2 and is likely fired from a Pakistani Agosta-90B submarine. Photo Credit: NAZEER AL-KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V: CYP) (OTC PINK: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z1) ("Cypress" or the "Company") is pleased to release an informational document highlighting the Lithium Market as well as important corporate developments, including the Company's impressive deal with Pure Energy Minerals in the Clayton Valley, Nevada. Global battery consumption is set to increase 5x over the next 10 years, placing pressure on the battery supply chain as well as the lithium market. We expect global lithium demand will increase from 181kt Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) in 2015 to 535kt LCE by 2025. Deutsche Bank Investor should pay close attention to the recent activities of Cypress Developments (TSX-V: CYP) (OTCBB: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z1) as well as its relationship with Pure Energy Minerals (TSX VENTURE: PE) (FRANKFURT:A111EG) (OTCQB:PEMIF). Lithium Investment Drivers Demand will outstrip supply for several years Technology advances will allow for higher percentage production Limited investment vehicles to gain exposure Price per ton is a consideration, but secondary to satisfying demand Limited Lithium Investment Exposure Lots to read these days about lithium. Tesla, cobalt, graphite, Powerwalls, Lithium Triangle. Brine, and Clayton Valley, Nevada. Lots of lithium, though most uneconomic (at the moment) to extract. Bottom line, in the unlikely event that lithium can be excluded or replaced in just about everything electronic, exposure, even a small amount is likely warranted. There are no Lithium futures, options, ETF's or Mutual Funds. To get exposure you should make stock choices appropriate for your risk tolerance. After some necessary and hopefully pithy background info, investors may well conclude that to invest in the lithium market through the Clayton Valley Nevada juniors, such as Cypress at $C0.10 a share, could well turn out to be a reasonable speculation: Particularly given recent share price weakness (down from C$0.20 in August 2016). Story continues Of all the areas, Clayton Valley Nevada offers speculative investors the best chance to add quality early stage companies to their portfolio: In the case of Cypress Development at a mere 10 cents a share. Let's be clear: Lithium is not, as Goldman Sachs suggests, "The New Gasoline". As stated in our Lithium Primer the metal is more accurately characterized as 'Critical to battery power storage and agnostic as to the source; solar, wind, water etc.'. And these are the facts: Lithium is abundant in hard rock, brine and clay deposits. To date, ironically, there are very few accessible economically viable deposits. Demand will outstrip supply for decades Traditional global fossil fuel buying battery assets (Total buys SAFT) Lithium production dominated by 3 global companies. 2016 production already sold out. As carmakers increase demand for batteries there's going to need to be lots of gigafactories. Just to supply auto demand you need 200 gigafactories. (Elon Musk 2014) Lithium inclusion years ahead of any competing metal. the annual lithium market will grow 259% by 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 14% across all demand sectors. Lithium-ion battery-based electric vehicles will be a key driver of this demand. Clayton Valley, Nevada. The best way to show the investment potential is to highlight both the Clayton Valley in Nevada4 hours from the completed Tesla gigafactoryand the savvy activities of two relatively small players, Cypress Developments and Pure Energy Minerals. CYP and PE have market caps of C$2.64 million and C$52.5 million respectively. Global lithium gorilla Albemarle's ((NYSE:ALB) market cap is pushing US$9.4 billion. Seventy percent of the world's lithium comes from three countries in South America. Bolivia and Chile are very difficult to gain exposure due to nationalist policies, which leaves Argentina. Most lithium is produced in Australia and Chile, while most of the reserves are in Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. Here is the current definitive, dynamic list of the lithium companies in all countries. Except Cypress Let's get to the salient points. Pure Energy deal with Cypress PE approached CYP to negotiate an Option Agreement for the right to acquire up to 70% undivided interest in the 1,520-acre package of Federal mineral claims. The Cypress Property adjoins Pure Energy's Clayton Valley South (CVS) Lithium Brine Project on the eastern side of the valley. Other deals were available to CYP but the Company wanted a deal with PE because it shares PE's vision of building new lithium mines in the Clayton valley using new technologies and doing it as rapidly as possible. To fully exercise the two-stage option, Pure Energy is to make the following cash and share payments and associated exploration investments in the Property: Cash and share payments of US $75,000 and 350,000 shares within five business days of the date of Exchange acceptance for the agreement; Exploration expenditures of at least US $300,000 before the first anniversary; Cash and share payments of US $100,000 and 750,000 shares on or before the first anniversary; Additional exploration expenditures of US $500,000 before the second anniversary; Partial vesting of 51% undivided interest is reached upon satisfaction of the above; An additional 1 million shares and US $1 millions of exploration expenditures before the fourth anniversary to complete vesting at 70%. The agreement allows CYP to advance its Glory Project while working with and utilizing the geological expertise of the Pure Energy team. Unlike standard mining processes, lithium exploration and production technology plays a greater role. With the final goal to produce significant Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) methods are constantly being improved, refined, made more cost effective and most importantly, environmentally friendly. It would be prudent to factor a company's technology commitment, development and practices into any investment discussion. The three aspects to this tome for investors is lithium supply and demand, primarily dealt with above, the relationship between Cypress and Pure Energy and the potential fate and future ownership of the Clayton Valley. And why Cypress makes a quality speculative vehicle for junior metal portfolios. Cypress Properties: 1. Cypress Development's flagship 1,520-acre Glory Lithium Project, totaling 76 placer/lode claims, is in the heart of the Clayton Valley lithium exploration area of Esmeralda County, State of Nevada, USA. (under option agreement with Pure Energy) 2. In September 2016, Cypress reached an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the 2,700-acre (35 association placer claims) Dean Lithium Project located in the heart of the Clayton Valley lithium exploration area of Esmeralda County, State of Nevada, USA: Adjoining the CYP/PE Glory Lithium Project. 3. Cypress Development has acquired a 100% interest in the 1,780-acre Alkali Valley Lithium Brine Project, totaling 89 placer claims, located in Esmeralda County, State of Nevada, USA. s these properties represent both brines and clays, it is extremely important to note that these clays are not hectorite, which are extremely difficult and costly to extract lithiumbut lithium rich claystones uplifted portions of the stratigraphy within which the lithium brines of the basin are found and produced. As CYP PGeo, Robert Martin states; "Additional assay methods are proving the lithium in the mudstones and claystones, the uplifted lake basin sediments, is highly leachable at low temperature, proof positive that the mineralization is not contained in hectorite. Hectorite must be heated to >1000 degrees centigrade for a period before it can be leached used a highly caustic, concentrated acid treatment. So, by early March 2016 Cypress knew we had made a serious discovery in terms of not only well mineralized rock but also had to some extent stumbled onto the fact the mineralization was amenable to leaching with very dilute acid at room temperature. And this meant and means that these mineralized rocks can be treated at much lower cost due to vastly decreased energy requirements and with much more environmentally friendly solutions." Cypress' Phase 1 surface sampling programwhich continueshas yielded grades (up to 3830 ppm) that are the highest in the Clayton. The Company's 2700-acre Dean Claim Group is located adjacent to producing lithium brine wells belonging to the Albemarle Silver Peak Mine on its west boundary, Pure Energy's resource area on its southwest boundary and Cypress' existing Glory Clayton Valley Project, optioned to Pure Energy, on its southern boundary. The Phase 3 program, announced late September, is to allow the Company a property wide view of lithium distribution contained in the surficial volcanoclastic, calcareous mudstone material that covers the property. Donald Huston, President, Cypress Development Corp commented, "Cypress is excited and very pleased to have our land position in Clayton Valley recognized as a value add to both companies through this Option Agreement with Pure Energy Minerals. Cypress already has Federal permits in place, so the Clayton Valley Lithium Property offers an immediate opportunity to drill for additional lithium resources. Planning for the field program is well advanced, and we should see field crews mobilizing for a systematic sampling program in the next two weeks. We look forward to working with and utilizing the geological expertise of the Pure Energy team." Segueing to Pure Energy Patrick Highsmith, Pure Energy Minerals CEO commented, "We are excited to expand our presence in Clayton Valley through this option agreement with Cypress Development Corp. Once the option is fully exercised, it will add significantly to our contiguous mineral rights, bringing the total to more than 11,000 acres. Cypress already has Federal permits in place, so the new Property offers an immediate opportunity to drill for additional lithium resources. Planning for the field program is well advanced, and we should see field crews mobilizing for a systematic sampling program in the next two weeks. We look forward to leveraging our productivity in the field by working with the Cypress team." Pure Energy is a lithium-brine resource developer that is driven to become the lowest-cost lithium supplier for the burgeoning North American lithium battery industry. Pure Energy is currently focused on the development of our prospective CVS Lithium Brine Project, which has the following key attributes: A large land position with excellent existing infrastructure in a first-class mining jurisdiction: Approximately 9,544 acres in three main claim groups in the southern half of Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada; Adjacent to the only producing lithium operation in the United States (Albemarle's Silver Peak lithium brine mine); An inferred mineral resource of 816,000 metric tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE), reported in accordance with NI 43-101; Metallurgical and process studies underway to better understand the feasibility and economics of using modern environmentally-responsible processing technology to convert the CVS brines into high purity lithium products for new energy storage uses. More than just an option relationship, PE brings a very robust technology plank to the arrangement. And of course, there is always the possibility that the relationship will grow. From PE's website: Pure Energy's objective is to develop and demonstrate an innovative, sustainable and enhanced lithium extraction process as an alternative to the conventional evaporation based technology. PE is working with global technology and mining services provider Tenova Bateman Technologies (TBT) at the process testing, engineering, and design stage on the Clayton Valley South Project. Early indications at the lab scale and beyond are that the TBT process may outperform conventional and other alternative technologies for lithium recovery from certain brines. After researching and evaluating several approaches to the challenge, Pure Energy has advanced through laboratory trials and into a mini-pilot plant evaluation of some exciting new technology. * Brine pre-treatment (LiP) testing exceeded expectations for lithium recovery and rejection of magnesium and calcium. Two membranes have been short-listed and are undergoing additional testing; * Confirmed initial favorable results from the solvent extraction lithium recovery circuit (LiSX) highly efficient lithium recoveries into solvent and very low levels of lithium in residual brine; * Successful conversion of lithium sulphate into lithium hydroxide by electrolysis (LiEL) achieving higher current efficiencies than anticipated. Lithium Technology: Exploration and Production The technology to make lithium extraction more environmentally friendly, cost effective and faster is the goal of companies like PE. Contiguous to enhanced mining technology are several companies making lithium use more effective and safer. Panasonic has developed a Flexible Li-Ion battery with enhanced charge life and safety; it is targeted to card type and wearable tech. Twisting does not affect the functionality or charge time. Another innovation from New York's Columbia University. "Yuan Yang, assistant professor of materials science and engineering at Columbia Engineering, has developed a new method to increase the energy density of lithium (Li-ion) batteries. He has built a tri-layer structure that is stable even in ambient air, which makes the battery both longer lasting and cheaper to manufacture. The work, which may improve the energy density of lithium batteries by 10-30%." A team from the Berlin-based HZB Institute for Soft Matter and Functional Materials headed by Prof. Matthias Ballauff found that after discharge, about one lithium ion per silicon node in the electrode remained in the silicon boundary layer exposed to the electrolytes. Seidlhofer calculates from this that the theoretical maximum capacity of these types of silicon-lithium batteries lies at about 2300 mAh/g. This finding is more than six times the theoretical maximum attainable capacity for a lithium-ion battery constructed with graphite (372 mAh/g). Conclusion Whenever one reads an article regarding lithium companies, it's a good bet Cypress is not included. Shame, really. CYP put together a series of quality properties including its' Clayton Valley Project, which is within a 0.5 mile of lithium brine wells belonging to the Albemarle Silver Peak Mine. CYP shares its western boundary with the lithium resource area of Pure Energy's Clayton Valley South project. Albermarle recently purchased Rockwood Holdings, a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of technologically advanced and high value-added specialty chemicals for $6.2 billion. It is a leading integrated and low cost global producer of lithium and lithium compounds used in lithium-ion batteries for electronic devices, alternative transportation vehicles and future energy storage technologies, Cypress has also delivered samples with the highest grades in the area (3830 ppm) and an average 95% recovery rate. All that remains now is to execute --with and without Pure Energy--a comprehensive drilling program. Given CYP's location and quality of lithium found so far, it's likely one of the behemoths, such as Albermarle will consolidate the area or at the very least there will be more JVs, PE type option deals etc. Very soon, if not already, virtually all the current production (Albermarle is the only current lithium producer in Clayton Valley) has or will be sold to Tesla. Likely there will be more M&A and JV deals for future production once reserves are proved up. As mentioned, lithium is not a price play. Since there are no true or standardized pricing mechanisms, it can fluctuate wildly in various countries including China. Continuing development of new extraction technologies through companies such as Pure Energy will continue to lower costs and increase production particularly in softer claystones that populate a portion of the CYP/PE lands as well as CYP alone. So, in conclusion, for investors who feel that lithium is a way to participate in exploration, production and technology advances, Cypress could be a reasonable addition to a speculative portfolio. About Cypress Development Corp.: Cypress development Corp is a publicly traded lithium and zinc exploration company that continues to acquire and develop potentially viable mineral projects in the State of Nevada, U.S.A. Cypress is very active in Clayton Valley, Nevada with its team committed to systematically exploring its properties for both a lithium-brine resource and expanding exploration relating to the potential for lithium that exists within the recently discovered non-hectorite "claystones", that has seen recent high lithium assays recovered from these same "claystones". Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 27.9 million shares issued and outstanding. To find out more about Cypress Development Corp. (CYP.V), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com. CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP. "Don Huston" DONALD C. HUSTON President For further information contact myself or: Don Myers Director Cypress Development Corp. Telephone: 604-687-3376 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@cypressdevelopmentcorp.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information. SOURCE: Cypress Development Corp. Sisters Beyonce and Solange Knowles - first and second born of "Mama Tina" Lawson and Mathew Knowles, and the closest thing America has to royalty - blessed the public with an intimate look at their notoriously private relationship for the latest issue of Interview magazine, which features Solange on the cover. (What, your conversations with your siblings aren't cover story-worthy?) Read more: Rami Malek Finally Got the Dior Homme Campaign He Deserves Beyonce hopped on the phone with her lil sis to "interview" her for the piece, in which they discussed Solange's work ethic, her appreciation for The Real Housewives of Atlanta ("I love that show and think it's so brilliant because it's the woman that was represented in my childhood in Houston.... I watch it religiously, and I am in stitches the whole time") as well as the inspiration behind her album cover for A Seat at the Table. A photo posted by Solange (@saintrecords) on Sep 27, 2016 at 2:57pm PDT "I wanted to nod to the Mona Lisa and the stateliness, the sternness that that image has," she told Beyonce. "And I wanted to put these waves in my hair, and to really set the waves, you have to put these clips in. And when Neal, the hair stylist, put the clips in, I remember thinking, Woah, this is the transition, in the same way that I'm speaking about on 'Cranes.'" She added, "It was really important to capture that transition, to show the vulnerability and the imperfection of the transition - those clips signify just that, you know? Holding it down until you can get to the other side. I wanted to capture that." The now-iconic cover art, released in September, was re-created by countless fans on the Internet, including plenty who rocked clips in their hair for Halloween costumes. As for the grittier parts of their sister-sister relationship, Solange only had good things to say: "You did a kickass job [as a big sister]. You were the most patient, loving, wonderful sister ever. In the 30 years that we've been together, I think we've only really, like, butted heads...we can count on one hand." In Niccolo Machiavellis The Prince, he describes a general rule of politics that never or rarely fails. He who is the cause of another becoming powerful, Machiavelli wrote, is ruined. Because that predominancy has been brought about either by astuteness or else by force, and both are distrusted by him who has been raised to power. This is an apt political epitaph for former Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died Sunday at age 82. In 1989, nearly 500 years after The Prince was published, Rafsanjani helped anoint his longtime comrade Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as supreme leader of Iran. He would spend the next three decades of his life trying, unsuccessfully, to wrestle power back from the man he enthroned. The Rafsanjani-Khamenei friendship-cum-rivalry resembles a Shiite Shakespearean drama. It began over five decades ago, when both were acolytes of the Ayatollah Khomeini who traded their seminary studies for a life of political agitation against the monarchy of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Both men spent years in and out of prison in the 1960s and 1970s, Rafsanjani for his alleged role in the assassination of Iranian Prime Minister Hassan Ali Mansur in 1965. While Khamenei used his time in prison to translate the works of Egyptian militant Islamist Sayed Qutb, Rafsanjani wrote a book about a 19th-century nationalist prime minister named Amir Kabir, who had been assassinated. Fellow prisoner Abbas Milani, now a scholar at Stanford University, recalled that Rafsanjani was also an enthusiastic but clumsy volleyballer. The 1979 revolution catapulted both men from anonymity into power. Khamenei became Irans president and Rafsanjani a much more powerful speaker of parliament, given his close rapport with Khomeini. When Khomeini died in 1989 with no clear successors, Rafsanjani claimed, without proof, that the revolutionary leaders dying wish was for Khamenei to succeed him. A remarkable video of these clerical deliberations was leaked by the Rafsanjani family for a Swedish documentary years ago. Story continues Recommended: Trump Will Inherit the Biggest NATO Buildup in Europe Since the Cold War Rafsanjani likely believed Khamenei would be a weak, pliant supreme leader whom he could control. This initial meekness was reflected in Khameneis inaugural speech. I am an individual with many faults and shortcomings, he said, and truly a minor seminarian. In time, however, a power rivalry between the two men naturally emerged, and their distinct worldviews became clearer. Rafsanjani was motivated by reconstruction (in the aftermath of the ruinous Iran-Iraq war) and wealth creation (both his own and the countrys) more than ideology, and Khamenei, in contrast, believed that compromising on revolutionary principles would hasten the regimes collapse, just as perestroika helped undo the Soviet Union. To stay in power, both men were willing to imprison and assassinate regime critics, at home as well as abroad. But key differences emerged between them on foreign policy. For Rafsanjani Irans support for radicalism seemed to be a means to an end, while for Khamenei it was an end unto itself. Khamenei opposed relations with the United States and was hostile to Saudi Arabia, while Rafsanjani favored detente with Washington and a cordial working relationship with Riyadh. (The Iranian chef at the al-Khayyam Persian restaurant at the Hilton in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, once told me that the Rafsanjani family dined with them several times a year when visiting Mecca.) The fundamental differences between the two men were also reflected in their families. Khamenei grew up the son of a poor cleric in the Shiite holy city of Mashad, and each of his four sons became clerics. Rafsanjanis family were pistachio merchants from the sun-soaked southeastern province of Kerman, and his three sons became businessmen. Khameneis reputation for asceticism prolonged his political longevity, while the fortunes allegedly amassed by Rafsanjani and his children brought about their political demise. For Iranians who lived through the 1980s and 1990s, Rafsanjani was not the antidote to corruption and repressionhe embodied it. This was evidenced in Irans 2005 presidential election, when Rafsanjani faced the then-obscure populist mayor of Tehran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in a second round run-off. I was based in Tehran then and remember an artist friend who shunned politics but had been urged by her friends to vote against Ahmadinejad. His election would further curtail civil liberties, they warned. I wrote Rafsanjanis name on the ballot, she told me, but I could not get myself to physically drop it in the ballot box. For Iranians who lived through the 1980s and 1990s, Rafsanjani was not the antidote to corruption and repressionhe embodied it. Ahmadinejad won handily; Rafsanjani was humiliated. As the revolution aged it grew more militarizedthe Revolutionary Guards soon eclipsed the political and economic authority of the clergywhile Rafsanjani, in contrast, mellowed with age. In 2009 Rafsanjani spoke out against Ahmadinejads tainted reelectionwhich provoked massive popular uprisingsthough he stopped short of criticism that could unsettle the Islamic establishment that he had ruthlessly helped create. He may have resented Khamenei, but he understood that if they did not hang together, they would hang separately. Recommended: Jeff Sessions Said He 'Prosecuted the Head of the Klan.' Here's What Actually Happened. Iranians of a younger generation remembered him less for his corruption, and more as a counterweight against the countrys hardline forces. That many young Iranians hoped, despite his advanced age, that Rafsanjani could bring them deliverance was more a reflection of their desperation for change than a genuine affinity for an 82-year-old cleric. It's not that we liked him, wrote one young Iranian on Twitter after his death, We needed him. While Rafsanjani likely hoped to be remembered by history as a modernizing nationalist hero, like his biographical subject Amir Kabir, historians are not likely to be so generous. He deserves credit for creating an Open University system that helped educate millions of Iranians, and for mentoring a competent younger generation of technocrats and diplomats, like Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. But Rafsanjanis political career spanned a period in which Iran exiled millions of its inhabitants, imprisoned and executed tens of thousands, and needlessly prolonged a war, with Saddam Husseins Iraq, that brought about some half a million casualties by one estimate. Rafsanjani was at worst directly complicit in these policies and at best a silent bystander. He advocated mercy and moderation when out of power, but he exhibited insufficient amounts of it when he was in power. The impact of Rafsanjanis death on Iranian politics will be better understood in the coming months. President Hassan Rouhani, a Rafsanjani protege, is up for reelection in May 2017. Whatever the outcome, however, Rafsanjanis death is not likely to change the longstanding fundamentals of power in Tehran that Rafsanjani helped shape. Though he was called Machiavellian in numerous obituaries, he was vanquished by the man whom he appointed, Ali Khamenei, whose careful cultivation of Irans security forces made clear he understood the most important Machiavellian rule of all. For authoritarian leaders it is preferable to have peoples fears rather than their affections. Rafsanjani had neither. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Updated with video: This summer, see the movie white people at the Golden Globes were talking about: Hidden Fences, raved a trailer in the cold open for Stephen Colberts Late Show the night after the awards ceremony. The trailer included a clip of Denzel Washington trying to explain to a fence that is wearing a space helmet that fences do not go to outer space. And, Kevin Costner tells his NASA staff, Theyre going to be asking us questions about our work. I think thats pretty reasonable, given that were taking a fence and shooting it into space and thats never been done before. Based on a true story of people who think all movies about black people are the same movie, the trailers Voiceover Guy continues. Starring: black actors, black actresses, Kevin Costner, and introducing: A Fence. If movies starring black people confuse you, then this is the film youve got to see. NBC News Jenna Bush Hager became the latest Bush family member to embarrass themselves, and NBC News, when, in between obsessively asking people on the red carpet if they intended to drink that night, she said to Pharrell, So, youre nominated for Hidden Fences. Pharrell, of course, was nominated for best original score for the movie Hidden Figures, about three black women working behind-the-scenes at NASA in the 1960s. Fences is a different movie, based on August Wilsons play and starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Michael Keaton made same error during the trophy show in announcing nominees for supporting actress in a motion picture, saying Octavia Spencer had been nommed for Hidden Fences. Both apologized next day, with varying degrees of success. Keaton sarcastically told TMZ: Lets make this official: Im sorry, I apologize, I screwed it up, while Bush Hager emoted on Today show I am not perfect. I am authentic, but a human. Story continues Anybody watch the Golden Globes last night? Colbert asked his audience 24 hours after the ceremony. I hear there were a lot of good movies this year. But two movies got confused twice: Hidden Figures and Fences, Colbert said, before running the clips of Bush Hager and Keaton to illustrate. On the other hand, Colbert snarked, the African American presenters kept saying Manchester By The La La Land. So its fair. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw4D867Ku78&w=620&h=340] Related stories PGA Awards Film Noms: 'La La Land', 'Hidden Figures', 'Deadpool' Among 10 Films Showtime Positioned For Donald Trump Presidency - TCA Jenna Bush Hager Apologizes For Golden Globes 'Hidden Fences' Gaffe Billy Joel got comfortable on the couch on The Late Show Monday night (Jan. 9), chilling out for three segments and patiently watching as host Stephen Colbert performed a medley of his favorite tunes by the Piano Man, then offering Colbert his best Tony Bennett impersonation, telling a great Bruce Springsteen story, ranking his favorite compositions and capping it all off by performing "Miami 2017" at Colbert's request. First up was Colbert's attempt to prove his deep Billy Joel knowledge with a rapid-fire medley of greatest hits. "Wow, Billy Joel, I don't know how to explain to you what an important thing this is for me to have you on the show," Colbert said. "I can sing every single one of your hits, like, from beginning to end without pause." And, just to prove it, Colbert busted out a medley including "Piano Man," "New York State of Mind," "I Love You Just The Way You Are," "Movin' Out," "Only the Good Die Young" and so many more. Once Colbert took a breath, Joel talked about the huge influence the Beatles had on him as a teenager, what it felt like to close out Shea Stadium in 2008 accompanied by Paul McCartney and the time he snuck in to see a Jimi Hendrix show by faking a British accent and pretending to be part of the guitar legend's road crew. Joel also explained an odd prop Colbert pulled out: the voltage regulator from the motorcycle on which Billy's pal Bruce Springsteen broke down on Veterans Day while riding a machine Joel had custom made for The Boss. "I built Bruce a couple of bikes... and this was the voltage regulator from the Moto Guzzi," he said, doing a pitch-perfect Springsteen impression, followed by a pretty great Tony Bennett impersonation. The highlight, though, was when Colbert asked Joel to rank his top five songs from his career. Joel, ever the contrarian, said he actually favors album tracks over the hit singles, naming off the following: "Vienna," "And So It Goes," "You May Be Right," "She's Right on Time" and "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant." The pair also shared the totally "True Stories Behind the Hits" (spoiler alert: these are not the true stories.) The special appearance was capped by a stirring performance of "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)." Check it out: - By James Li Steven Romick (Trades, Portfolio), portfolio manager of the FPA Crescent Fund, invests in long / short equity positions and short-term bonds. During fourth-quarter 2016, the manager eliminated his position in Halliburton Co. (HAL) and expanded positions in Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) and Baidu Inc. (BIDU). Halliburton Romick sold his 2,926,070-share stake in Halliburton at an average share price of $49.86. As of Jan. 10, 2017, the Houston-based oil equipment and services company has a weak Piotroski F-score of 2 and a modest Altman Z-score of 2.55, the former implying poor business operations. Additionally, the company's operating margin, return on equity and Greenblatt return on capital are near a 10-year low, suggesting low profitability. 2014827100.png Halliburton announced an "agreement in principle" to settle the Erica John Fund class action lawsuit Dec. 23, 2016. As discussed in the press release, the lead plaintiff filed the lawsuit in 2002 "asserting claims in connection with accounting for long-term construction projects." Halliburton appealed the July 2015 District Court ruling that certified one of the plaintiff's six "corrective disclosures" from the settlement. The company expects to fund about 54% of the $100 million settlement fund, and the settlement remains subject to District approval. Yahoo The FPA Crescent Fund manager purchased 1,434,570 shares of Yahoo, increasing his position 42.04%. The company stock averaged $41 per share during fourth-quarter 2016. 0d77c5e29ec7a01e4e743e4d24f8ebca.png Yahoo's board of directors has reduced the size of the board following the company's pending sale of its operating business to Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) to five, with Eric Brandt serving as chairman. Additionally, CEO Marissa Mayer indicated that she will resign following the closing of the merger and the company name will change to Altaba Inc. Story continues Baidu Romick purchased 567,148 shares of Baidu, increasing his position 79.34%. The Chinese online media company averaged $170.19 per share during fourth-quarter 2016. 0de19b9522b9888c05a3bd3a2fce2d6f.png As of January 2017, Baidu maintained a GuruFocus four-star predictability rank, suggesting the company has consistent per-share revenue and EBITDA growth. The company's three-year revenue growth and three-year EBITDA growth outperform 91% and 86% of global Internet content and information companies. 1837334888.png See also As a long-term investor, Steven Romick (Trades, Portfolio) also looks at Shiller price-earnings ratios for market valuations. The market Shiller P/E is currently 28.2, about 68.90% higher than the historical mean of 16.7. 1484087757008.png You can view all latest guru picks under the "Gurus" tab. Additionally, Premium members have access to the real-time guru picks, stock picks that occurred within the past two weeks. Disclosure: The author has no position in the stocks mentioned in the article. Start a free 7-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Which one is it this time? That is the question Turks have been asking after each of the terrorist attacks that are now a frequent reality in our lives. Is the culprit the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the Marxist Kurdish militia that both Turkey and the United States consider a terrorist organization? Or is it the Islamic State, the jihadi group whose worldview couldnt be any more different from the PKKs? We were forced to ask this question again during the very first hour of 2017, when a lone gunman walked into Reina, an upscale Istanbul nightclub, and massacred 39 people. After a few minutes of bloodbath, he calmly changed his clothes, walked out, took a taxi, and vanished into the darkness, leaving hardly any trace. Turks were left with their standard rubric for guessing the identity of the perpetrator: Since the attack targeted ordinary people who the Islamic State would consider infidels, Turks largely blamed the jihadi group for the attack when the attacks target Turkish policemen or soldiers, on the other hand, it is assumed to be the work of the PKK. The logic held true in the case of the Reina attack. Some 36 hours after the carnage, the Islamic State released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, which it said took revenge on Turkey, the servant of the Crusaders. The statement also underlined that the target was a nightclub where the Christian polytheist feast New Years Eve, in Islamic State parlance was celebrated. The Islamic States decision to claim credit for this latest attack marks a watershed in its relationship with Turkey. The group organized several major terrorist attacks in Turkish territories since the summer of 2015 but had remained silent in their aftermath. But now it has made its position toward Turkey very clear: The blood of Muslims spilled by the warplanes and canons of the apostate Turkish government, its statement read, will burn a fire in its own homeland. In fact, the Islamic State had made that message clear a week before the Reina attack as well, by releasing a video showing two Turkish soldiers being burned alive. The soldiers were probably captured during the bloody battles in recent weeks between the Islamic State and the Turkish military around the Syrian town of Bab. The horrific execution should have sent shockwaves throughout Turkey. But thanks to the governments impressive censorship skills which included gag orders on the media and total blockage on social media Turkey avoided discussion of this shocking news. The Reina attack, however, could not be avoided. These audacious attacks are taking place because the Turkish government joined the anti-Islamic State coalition in September 2014 and began fighting against the group directly in August 2016, when Ankara launched Operation Euphrates Shield. The Turkish military and allied Syrian rebel groups carry out this operation in northern Syria, which is aimed at minimizing Kurdish gains and pushing the Islamic State away from the Turkish border. In fact, the Turkish government is so proud of its advances against the Islamic State that it now blames the United States for giving insufficient support to its bold campaign. But isnt Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government the chief enabler of the Islamic State? Didnt Turkey create this monster with its own hands by supporting jihadis against Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime? Those are the explanations given by critics of Turkeys policy in Syria. The reality is more complicated. At the beginning of the Arab Spring in 2011, the reputation of Erdogans ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) was at its global and national zenith, and it sought to match the nascent revolutions to its own saga. The AKP envisioned the regions secular authoritarian regimes being replaced by democratically elected Islamists with the AKP, as the flagship movement of democratic Islamists, playing a key role in guiding these transformations. Accordingly, it threw its lot in with the opposition in Syria, in tandem with not just fellow Sunni powers such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia but also Western powers such as the United States and France. By early 2012, the presence of foreign fighters in Syria raised eyebrows in the West, but Ankara was still solely focused on deposing the Assad regime as it would be for the next two years. Francis Ricciardone, the former U.S. ambassador to Turkey, described the situation well in 2014: The Turkish authorities thought they could work with extremist Islamist groups in the Syrian civil war and at the same time push them to become more moderate. However, Ankaras plan would fail. One of those extremist Islamist groups would soon evolve into the Islamic State, which would go on to terrorize Syria, poison the Syrian revolution, and ultimately wreak havoc in Turkey itself. Did Turkey ever support the Islamic State? No. There is certainly evidence that Turkish intelligence shipped arms and ammunition into Syria, but no reason to think this was anything other than the support Ankara is known to have given to less extreme Islamist rebel groups such as Ahrar al-Sham. (Turkish opposition voices, who have their own ax to grind, often blur this nuance by saying Ankara supported the jihadis, while jihadis themselves fall into a big spectrum.) Yet the Islamic State did benefit, at least in its early phase, from Turkeys complicity in allowing a porous Syrian border. For a long time, Ankara was obsessed only with toppling the Assad regime, and foreign fighters who came to Syria to fight the regime were all seen as good guys. At some point, partly thanks to Western complaints, Turkey ceased offering this blank check to jihadis, but it was too late the Islamic State had already flourished in Syria and Iraq and even established networks within Turkey. It was not a grand Islamist conspiracy that led Turkey to avoid confronting extremist groups early on but Islamist naivete. Just like the European socialists who did not see the horrors of Joseph Stalin coming, Turkish Islamists who dominate the AKP did not see the horrors of the Islamic State coming. Assad was a secular tyrant who oppressed the pious Sunni masses blaming him for all the evils in Syria was a black-and-white narrative that fit nicely into the AKPs own historical memory. Moreover, when the Islamic State emerged as a counterweight in northern Syria against Kurds the secular, left-wing pro-PKK Kurds it won some quiet sympathy among AKP ranks. That is why Ankara tried to avoid a clash with the Islamic State as long as it could, putting all its effort into toppling the Assad regime and minimizing Kurdish gains. In June 2014, the jihadi group made the first move against Turkey by capturing the Turkish consulate in Mosul, Iraq, and kidnapping 46 Turks, releasing them three months later after striking a swap deal with Ankara. In February 2015, after the Islamic State threatened to destroy the tomb of the grandfather of the Ottoman Empires founder, Ankara quietly sent soldiers into Syria to relocate it. The Islamic States wrath began turning toward Turkey due to its war in northern Syria with Kurdish fighters. Ankara initially took a hands-off approach to this conflict, angering both sides. Erdogans inaction in the face of the siege of the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani in the summer of 2015 angered both Syrian and Turkish Kurds, a major factor in the collapse of Erdogans peace process with the PKK in July 2015. From the perspective of pro-PKK Kurds, Erdogan had chosen the jihadis over them. But judging from the Islamic States Turkish-language communications on the internet, however, the policy did not lesson the jihadis hostility toward Ankara. The groups supporters considered Erdogan the big devil and the PKK an Erdogan-fed atheist gang. No wonder the initial Islamic State attacks in Turkey in Diyarbakir, Suruc, and Ankara were directed at left-wing, pro-Kurdish targets. But as Turkey responded to these attacks with mass arrests at home and military responses in Syria, the Islamic State increased the ferocity of its response. The subsequent attacks likely committed by the Islamic State have killed more than 100 people in Istanbul alone. These Islamic State and PKK attacks, along with the bloody coup attempt last summer and the iron-fisted post-coup crackdown, have traumatized Turks. Nobody knows when the next terrorist attack will take place or whether Turkey will ever be able to win its two-front war on terror against both the Islamic State and the PKK. This insecurity also feeds the nations extreme polarization: While the opposition blames the Erdogan government for bringing Turkey to this point, supporters of the government, which make up roughly half the electorate, see it as a reason to support Erdogan even more firmly. Turkey, in other words, is living through one of the worst crises of insecurity and polarization in its history. As it is faced with a very real security threat, the government deserves international empathy and support. But the same government is harming its own legitimacy by cracking down upon dissent and exploiting the security crisis to build an unabashedly authoritarian regime. Instead of coming to grips with the complex troubles it is facing and its own failures, it explains its problems away as the product of a Western conspiracy against Erdogans glory. It is repeating the same ideological blindness, in other words, that tainted its adventure in Syria. Photo credit: OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images By Jill Serjeant (Reuters) - Donald Trump called Meryl Streep an "overrated actress" on Monday after the three-time Oscar winner publicly criticized him for having belittled a disabled journalist. Without naming the president-elect, Streep, the most admired U.S. actress of her generation, assailed him while giving a lifetime achievement acceptance speech at Sunday night's Golden Globe awards. Her speech received more than a million YouTube views. In it, Streep recalled her dismay at Trump's imitation of Serge Kovaleski, a disabled New York Times reporter, during the 2016 election campaign. "This instinct to humiliate when it's modeled by someone in the public platform by someone powerful, it filters down into everybody's life," the "Sophie's Choice" actress said. Trump on Monday tweeted that Streep was "one of the most overrated actresses in Hollywood." His comment sparked a top trending Twitter hashtag #ThingsTrumpThinksAreOverrated with users suggesting other issues he had similarly dismissed. "Being a war hero," tweeted one. "Laws against nepotism," suggested another. "Hamilton the musical," recalled another, while one user added "American intelligence services." Trump on Twitter denied mocking the reporter when he flailed his arms and slurred his speech at a campaign event. His top aide, Kellyanne Conway, said on Monday that the media should pay more attention to Trump's feelings than his statements. "You want to go with whats come out of his mouth rather than whats in his heart," Conway told CNN. Streep also urged viewers to support press freedom through the non-profit Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Donations totaling $88,000 have poured in since her speech, more than the group received in the entire month of December, which was its best ever single month, deputy executive director Robert Mahoney told Reuters on Monday. "This has been a fantastic show of support for the CPJ," Mahoney said, adding the CPJ was not aware Streep planned to mention its work at the Globes ceremony. Josh Earnest, spokesman for President Barack Obama, said Streep had exercised her right to free speech with a thoughtful, deeply felt message. Trump succeeds Obama on Jan. 20. Others, including Meghan McCain, daughter of Republican Senator John McCain, took another view. "This Meryl Streep speech is why Trump won. And if people in Hollywood don't start recognizing why and how - you will help him get re-elected," she wrote on Twitter. (Reporting by Mohammad Zargham in Washington and Jill Serjeant in New York; Editing by Marguerita Choy, Lisa Von Ahn and Howard Goller) Nairobi (AFP) - Thousands of Kenyan doctors who have been on strike for over a month risk being fired if they do not return to work by Wednesday, government officials said. The walkout by Kenyan doctors and nurses since December 5 has devastated public health services in the east African nation, where few can afford private care. The medics on Friday rejected a 40 percent pay rise offer from the government, demanding the full implementation of a 2013 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which assured them a 300 percent raise and other improved conditions. "We are calling upon the doctors again, to take the offer by the government and resume work," said Peter Munya, the chairman of the country's Council of Governors. "We have agreed that those who don't resume work, then the process of taking disciplinary action against them begins on Wednesday." Munya said the doctors would be issued with dismissal letters, and their vacant positions advertised. "Striking doctors should consider the plight of Kenyans in public hospitals and resume work. The county and national government has given a very reasonable offer which they need to consider," he added. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has argued that the offer failed to take into account other agreements mentioned in the CBA, from the need to better equip hospitals to funding research and addressing the security of doctors at work. However the government has brushed aside the CBA, calling it defective as it did not have "input and blessings" from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission -- a constitutional body set up in 2010 to review the salaries of public servants. The strike has been a major embarrassment for President Uhuru Kenyatta in the run up to August elections in which he hopes to win a second term in office. Newspaper editorials have urged the government to give the poorly paid doctors a decent wage while Kenyans on Twitter point to endless corruption scandals while healthcare providers struggle to make ends meet. The latest move to outrage the union was a decision by lawmakers just before Christmas to award themselves 10 million shillings ($95,000) each as an exit package ahead of the elections. "When the government loots it has no limits but when doctors ask for fair pay the president says he has limits," the union tweeted last week. David Marquet How can you strike the perfect balance between being a strong leader and, well ... kind of a jerk? Business Insider spoke with former nuclear submarine commander David Marquet to find out. Marquet, who spent nearly three decades of service in the US Submarine Force, is the author of "Turn The Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders." In 1999, he assumed command of the USS Santa Fe, which ranked dead last in retention and operational standing. Under Marquet's leadership, the ship eventually became the highest-ranked ship in the Navy. Marquet says that walking the line between being assertive and domineering is all about timing. "Being an authoritative leader is necessary in certain situations," he told Business Insider. "However, if you go around telling people what to do all the time, then you will come across as a jerk. The key is only to tell people what to do as an exception." Under normal circumstances, Marquet says that capable leaders must create a work environment where employees take initiative themselves. Then, when a situation arises that requires their attention, they can take more forceful action. Marquet also recommends that leaders always use direct communication with their subordinates. Vague language can cause bosses to come across as either wishy-washy or passive aggressive. "I've seen people trying to avoid telling people to do things with an artifice of language," he says. "For example, they will say 'Let's get this report submitted' but there's no 'us' in the work. They really mean, 'I need you to get this report done.' If you really need to give an order, give it clearly, succinctly, unambiguously. If you have time, explain why. If not, then explain why later." NOW WATCH: Everything you've ever wanted to know about life on a US Navy submarine More From Business Insider Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f343090%2f74ad9be2-675f-45de-bb89-d628835f61a9 In an unfortunate turn of events, a bunch of students on an educational trip to India's Taj Mahal were denied entry by security officials. The students, who hailed from the northeastern state of Manipur, have alleged racial discrimination and lodged a complaint with the Archaeological Survey of India, The Indian Express reported. SEE ALSO: Several Indian colleges ban sexist singers from performing on campus The group was reportedly asked by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials, who are responsible for the security of the monument, to show their government identity cards because they resembled "foreigners". The officials reckoned that they were attempting to pass off as Indians in order to avoid paying the higher ticket price. The Taj Mahal is among India's most iconic monuments and it charges foreigners Rs 1,000 ($14.68) for an entry ticket. Indians, on the other hand, have to pay only Rs 40 (58 cents) to enter. The students, who belonged to Manipur's Central Agricultural University, were later allowed inside after the local police intervened. Citizens of some of the northeastern states of India, which border China, have for long been victims of racial discrimination because of their ethnicity and looks, which differ from those hailing from the mainland. An ASI official also confirmed that an inquiry had been ordered into the matter and that security staff had been asked to provide CCTV footage of the main gates of the Taj. Hopefully, quick action will be taken! BONUS: Meryl Streeps Golden Globes speech divides nation HBO has acquired U.S. TV rights to Cries From Syria, the follow-up documentary from Evgeny Afineevsky, who helmed last years Oscar- and Emmy-nominated Winter On Fire. Syria is having its world premiere in the Sundance Film Festivals Documentary Premieres section this month, and HBO will debut it on Monday, March 13. The docu provides a harrowing account of the ongoing Syrian civil war from the inside out, drawing from 100 hours of footage shot by activists and citizen journalists. This is an unabashed, unadulterated view of war, said HBO Documentary Films president Sheila Nevins in announcing the deal. The brutality of mans inhumanity to man is blatantly uncovered, exposing war as it is, not as it seems to be. The pact was negotiated by HBO with Cries From Syria executive producer David Dinerstein. The docu premieres at Sundance on January 22. Related stories 'Girls' Season 6 Trailer: Get Ready To Write The Final Chapter Donald Trump Docu From 'The Circus' Team Added To Sundance Lineup Sundance: Location Managers Guild & Utah Film Commission Team For Panel The Sundance Film Festival doesnt start for another month, but already the market for films is heating up. HBO has acquired U.S. TV rights for Cries From Syria, a documentary about the Syrian civil war. The film is directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, who previously oversaw the Emmy and Oscar-nominated Winter on Fire: Ukraines Fight for Freedom. In recent days, other studios and companies have snapped up buzzy Sundance projects in advance of their premiere Sony Pictures Classics picked up the gay love story Call Me By Your Name and A24 nabbed Ghost Story with Casey Affleck. Cries From Syria draws on footage from Syrian activists and citizen journalists. It follows the bloody aftermath of President Bashar al-Assads crackdown on public protests against his regime and the long civil war that followed. The conflict has led to the killing of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, as well as millions of displaced people and a refugee crisis that is gripping the Middle East and Europe. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it was negotiated by HBO with David Dinerstein, the films executive producer. This is an unabashed, unadulterated view of war, says Sheila Nevins, president, HBO Documentary Films. The brutality of mans inhumanity to man is blatantly uncovered, exposing war as it is, not as it seems to be. Cries From Syria includes the original song Prayers for this World, written by Diane Warren, and recorded by Cher along with the West Los Angeles Childrens Choir. Related stories 'Trumped' Documentary Added to Sundance Lineup Inside the Golden Globes 2017 After-Parties HBO Leaves Golden Globes Empty-Handed Despite 14 Nominations SUPERVALU Inc. (SVU) is scheduled to release its fiscal third-quarter financial results before the markets open on Wednesday. The consensus estimates are calling for $0.14 in earnings per share (EPS) and $3.93 billion in revenue. The same period from last year reportedly had EPS of $0.16 and $4.11 billion in revenue. Note too that the EPS estimate was a penny higher 30 days ago. Last year was a tough one for supermarket and grocery store operators, and expectations for 2017 are not particularly high either. SUPERVALU isnt alone in this. At the end of November, larger rival Kroger Co. (KR) posted mixed fiscal third-quarter results and narrowed the range of its earnings guidance for the full fiscal year. So far, analysts expect its bottom line to slip in the current quarter too, but with some top line growth. That trend extends to consensus forecasts for Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) and Whole Foods Market Inc. (WFM) as well, and both are expected to share their latest results in the beginning of February. ALSO READ: A Map of How Wal-Mart Lays Out Its Stores to Lift Sales The competitive environment and deflationary headwinds are expected to continue this year, with SUPERVALU not only facing off against its peers, but the likes of Wal-Mart and Amazon.com as well. A few analysts weighed in on SUPERVALU ahead of the earnings report: RBC Capital Markets has just set its rating at Hold, along with a $6 price target. Looking back to before the election, Pivotal Research reiterated a Buy rating but lowered its price target from $8 to $7. Deutsche Bank has a Hold rating with a $5 price target. Telsey Advisory Group has a Market Perform rating with a target price of $5.50. So far in 2017, SUPERVALU has underperformed the broad markets, with the stock essentially flat. However, it has outperformed Kroger and Whole Foods in that time. ALSO READ: What 2017 Has in Store for McDonalds Shares of SUPERVALU closed trading at $4.68 on Monday, with a consensus analyst price target of $6.00 and a 52-week trading range of $3.94 to $6.17. Related Articles A suspect has been arrested in the recent change of the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, PEOPLE confirms. Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, voluntarily surrendered to L.A. police on Sunday night with his attorneys by his side, a police spokesman tells PEOPLE. Fernandez was arrested on one count of trespassing, a misdemeanor, the spokesman says. The investigation is ongoing and it is unclear if Fernandez is the only suspect in the signs modification, according to police, who previously said they had surveillance footage of the incident. Fernandez and his ex-wife, Sarah Fern, previously told Vice that they were responsible. He is an artist known as Jesus Hands, the Los Angeles Times reports. Authorities allege Fernandez slipped past the notice of nearby officers to drape the Os on the sign, early on New Years Day, and turn them into Es Hollyweed, an apparent reference to both Californias recent legalization of recreational marijuana and a similar stunt in the 70s. The Hollywood Hills landmark has a history of being altered, including even to Hollyweed. Fernandez has not appeared in court to enter a plea to his charge. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. The L.A. police spokesman says its unclear if Fernandez remains in custody, though the L.A. Times reports he was released on $1,000 bail. County court officials tell PEOPLE his attorney information is not immediately available. Fernandez is reportedly scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 15. He could not immediately be reached Monday. Sometimes in order to create that conversation, you have to be okay with the consequences, Fernandez told Vice before he was arrested. Im very proactive about marijuana. Story continues It was something to smile and laugh out loud about just lift their spirits and let them live because 2016 was a crazy year, dude, he told BuzzFeed. But Fernandezs was not the only opinion on the signs brief changes. The Hollywood Sign has seen many alteration attempts over the years for people seeking notoriety or commercial gain, Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu said in a statement, according to the L.A. Times. Pranks of this nature deplete the resources of our valuable public safety personnel, in both responding to the prank and in responding to the increased crowds and copycat attempts that these incidents generate. RELATED VIDEO esteban santiago The man suspected of killing five people and wounding several others in a shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday canceled an earlier trip to New York City, ABC News reported Monday, citing officials. Esteban Santiago, the ABC report said, originally planned to fly to New York on New Year's Eve but canceled his ticket and flew on a one-way fare to Florida instead. FBI spokesman George Piro said during a Friday-night news conference that the agency was looking at other states to which Santiago may have been connected. The Associated Press reported on Saturday that officials believed Santiago traveled to Florida specifically to carry out the attack. It is unclear why he canceled his original flight to New York City, ABC said. Federal law-enforcement officers and local police officers flooded the streets of New York City on New Year's Eve in a show of force after a year of terrorist attacks that claimed lives in places including Berlin and Nice, France. NOW WATCH: Cuisinart food processors are being recalled over the metal blades cracking More From Business Insider Paris (AFP) - Syrian Kurds have not been invited to the talks on the political future of Syria due to take place this month in Kazakhstan, their representative in France said Tuesday. "We are not invited to Astana. There appears to be a veto on our presence," Khaled Issa told AFP in Paris. The Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing, the Kurdish Peoples' Protection Units (YPG), have been Western allies in the Syrian war but are hated by Turkey, which will co-host the Astana talks with Russia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls the PYD a "terror group" for its links to Kurdish separatist militants in Turkey and has blasted the United States for working with the group on the ground in Syria. Negotiations on Syria's future are scheduled to take place in the Kazakh capital in late January following the ceasefire negotiated by Russia on December 30, even though fighting has since flared up. "It seems that only representatives of armed groups, and not political representatives (of the opposition) will be invited to negotiate with the Syrian regime in Astana," Issa said. The political opposition will meet on Friday in the Saudi city of Riyadh to discuss the Astana process, diplomatic sources said. "If there is no peaceful solution in Syria, the Kurds cannot be ignored," Issa said. "I hope we will not be left out of an international solution." In March, Syrian Kurds unilaterally proclaimed the creation of a federal region grouping the territories they control in northern Syria. However a ground offensive by Turkey along the border in Syria in August put an end to Kurdish hopes of unifying the territories they control. "We have a political project -- the democratic federalism for the whole of Syria. We are prepared to negotiate with the (Syrian) regime, providing we have international guarantees," Issa said. Paris-based company Indie Sales has acquired Teddy Lussi-Modestes sophomore feature, The Price of Success (Un vrai batard), a drama starring a topnotch French cast headlined by Tahar Rahim (The Past,A Prophet), Roschdy Zem (Bodybuilder,Days of Glory) and Maiwenn (Polisse,Love is the Perfect Crime). Co-written by Lussi-Modeste and Rebecca Zlotowski (Planetarium), The Price of Success tells the tale of Brahim, a stand-up comedian from a working-class family whose success destroys his relationship with his family. Lussi-Modeste previously teamed with Zlotowski to write the script of his directorial debut Jimmy Riviera, a critical success and won the Audience Award at Angers, among other prizes. A personal project for Lussi-Modeste, The Price of Success describes the struggle of a man trying to break free of his familys expectations. The Price of Success is produced by Kazak Productions, an up-and-coming Paris-based outfit whose credits include The Wakhan Front and Corporate, both of which are handled by Indie Sales. Nicolas Eschbach, the boss of Indie Sales, said he was enthusiastic about re-teaming Kazak Productions, a company led by bold young producers. Eschbach also identified Lussi-Modeste as talent to watch. One of the key assets of The Price of Success is its attractive cast. Rahim, for instance, is well-known for his critically-acclaimed roles in Jacques Audiards A Prophet and Asghar Fahradis The Past which won prizes in Cannes. Meanwhile, Maiwenn, the high-profile actress-turned-director of Polisse, stars in very few films The Price of Success marks her first acting job since Love is the Perfect Crime. The Price of Success also boasts a strong key crew, including Julien Poupard, the cinematographer behind Houda Benyaminas Golden Globe nominated Divines, and Julien Lacheray, the well-seasoned editor of Celine Sciammas Girlhood and Zlotowskis Grand Central. The Price of Success is currently in post-production. Ad Vitam will release the film in France later this year. Indie Sales will likely score deals on the movie at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous mini-market in Paris. Story continues The French company is also starting pre-sales on Blind Spot (Dode Hoek), an ambitious crime thriller directed by popular Belgian helmer Nabil Ben Yadir (The Marchers). Set in Flemish Belgium, Blind Spot turns on Jan Verbeek, an uncomprising police commissioner working for the Antwerp drug squad. Known as Mr. Zero Tolerance, Verbeek is just about to retire from the police force to join a Far-Right party. But on his last day as a cop, Verbeek leads a massive drug raid which set off a series of unforeseeable and violent events. Lensed by Robrecht Heyvaert (The Ardennes,Black), Blind Spot stars Peter Van Den Begin (The Ardennes), David Murgia (The Brand New Testament,Bullhead), Soufiane Chilah (Black) and Jan Decleir (Daens). Ben Yadir teamed with Laurent Brandenbourger, his co-writer on Les Barons, a Belgian comedy hit. Set for a premiere at Berlin, the film was produced by Ben Yadir and two of Flemish Belgiums leading producers: Peter Bouckaert, who is behind Bullhead, The Verdict and Treatment, and Benoit Roland, whose credits include Xenia,Prejudice and Pilgrimage. Its a true crime film with very contemporary topics in the background, driven by a talented director and a remarkable addition to our line up, said Eschbach. Related stories Indie Sales Boards Daniel Sandu's 'One Step Behind the Seraphim' (EXCLUSIVE) Indie Sales Acquires Lucia Carreras' 'Tamara & the Ladybug' Ahead of Toronto (EXCLUSIVE) Indie Sales Teams With 'Ernest & Celestine' Producer on 'Pachamama' (EXCLUSIVE) Warsaw (AFP) - Poland's political parties said Tuesday they failed to reach agreement in talks on ending an unprecedented sit-in protest in parliament over a budget vote. "We weren't able to reach a final agreement," said Jaroslaw Kaczynski, leader of the governing conservative group, the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Opposition lawmakers have been occupying parliament since mid-December in protest at what they call anti-democratic actions by the parliamentary majority. The sit-in was initially launched after the PiS announced plans to restrict journalists' right to cover legislative proceedings, a position from which the party has since retreated. The opposition then harnessed the protest to a budget vote they described as illegal. On Monday, the PiS began talks to find a solution before Wednesday, when parliament is due to resume its work after the holidays. The opposition wants a re-run of this year's budget vote, which parliament held in another part of the building because of the opposition takeover of the main chamber. It also argues on procedural grounds that the last session of parliament is not -- as the PiS says -- formally over, but merely "interrupted." "We're staying put until the budget is put to a vote," opposition lawmaker Slawomir Neumann, from the liberal Civic Platform (PO) party, wrote on Twitter. But the PiS considers the budget vote to be legal and wants parliament to formally launch a new session on Wednesday. The sit-in is "an attempted coup" according to Kaczynski. "It was a serious attempt at trying to paralyse the government by force in an undemocratic manner," he said in late December. According to sociologist Ryszard Cichocki, "the conflict will only get worse. Neither the governing party nor the opposition are ready to discuss what is essential for Poland's future." The opposition has been backed by street demonstrators from the Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD) popular movement and other citizen groups. Story continues In December, the EU gave the PiS government another two months to reverse changes it made to Poland's constitutional court or face sanctions, warning they posed a "substantial" challenge to the rule of law. This and the crisis in parliament come just over one year after the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party swept to power and began pushing through legislation that critics allege undermines democracy. Although the moves have sparked mass anti-government street protests, the PiS remains widely supported and has kept well ahead in recent opinion polls. In the two weeks since the sudden deaths of her mother Carrie Fisher and grandmother Debbie Reynolds, Billie Lourd has received an outpouring of support from her Scream Queens castmates including Taylor Lautner. The pair were spotted out in Los Angeles together on Monday, with a source telling PEOPLE of Lautner, Hes a great guy and has really been there for Billie. Lautner has been with Lourd every step of the way during this difficult time, and even joined her at the hospital while her mother, Fisher, was treated after suffering cardiac arrest aboard a flight from London on Dec. 23. Fisher died at age 60 on Dec. 27. Reynolds died the following day at age 84 from an intracerebral hemorrhage. Last week, the actor, 24, took to social media to share well-wishes for Lourd, writing, This girl is one of the strongest, most fearless individuals Ive ever met. Absolutely beautiful inside and out. Im lucky to know you. He isnt the only Scream Queens star to share their love for Lourd, 24. Holding my dear friend billie, and her sweet mommy Carrie in my heart right now, Lea Michele wrote. Lourd, herself, took to social media to thank friends and fans for their support, writing last week, Receiving all of your prayers and kind words over the past week has given me strength during a time I thought strength could not exist. There are no words to express how much I will miss my Abadaba and my one and only Momby. Your love and support means the world to me. RELATED VIDEO: Debbie Reynolds Died After Stroke, Death Certificate Reveals but More Tests Pending for Carrie Fisher Fisher and Reynolds were laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Friday. Reynolds was buried with some of Fishers ashes, which were in an urn shaped like a Prozac pill. For more celebrity videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Austin Swift turned heads as he walked the red carpet of the Ben Affleck film Live By Night at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Monday in Hollywood, California. Taylor Swifts younger brother, who made his acting debut with Pierce Brosnans I.T. last year, plays a character named Mayweather, opposite such stars as Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson and Sienna Miller. Swift, 24, attended the premiere wearing a Gucci navy suit, his hair closely cropped and sported a neatly trimmed beard. Live By Night is set in the Prohibition Era and centers on Joe Coughlin (Affleck), the son of a Boston policeman, who joins the criminal world. The photographer and actor took to Instagram on Monday to talk about his new film. It was so inspiring getting to work with this awesome team, he writes. just surreal to be at this premiere. This is not Swifts first time at film premiere. He made his solo red carpet debut at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere in 2015. The University of Notre Dame graduate also wrapped his third film, Cover Versions, about four band members telling different accounts of a night of sex, drugs and murder before a big show at a music festival. Swift told PEOPLE exclusively in September that he got the acting bug while still in college. I was studying mainly film theory in college, but during one of my classes, a teaching assistant said they were having trouble casting this one role in the play they were putting up. I went and read for it and ended up getting the part, but I had no idea at the time that it was the lead, Swift said. That was a crash course but a good one, he added. I fell in love with the people and the process, and Ive been hooked since then. Taylor Swift's brother, Austin Swift, couldn't be any cuter! The 24-year-old actor had fans swooning as he walked the red carpet for the premiere of Live by Night on Monday at Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theater. RELATED: Ben Affleck Continues to Praise Jennifer Garner as 'Greatest' Mom, Calls Taylor Swift a 'Role Model' Getty Images Swift, who has a small role in the film, took to social media after hitting the red carpet to commemorate the big night. "It was so inspiring getting to work with this awesome team and just surreal to be at this premiere," he captioned a post on Instagram, along with the film's poster. It was so inspiring getting to work with this awesome team and just surreal to be at this premiere. Live By Night hits theaters the 13th. A photo posted by Austin Swift (@austinkingsleyswift) on Jan 9, 2017 at 6:45pm PST The crime drama, which stars Elle Fanning, Zoe Saldana, Brendan Gleeson and Ben Affleck, who also wrote and directed the film, hits theaters on Friday. ET caught up with Affleck on Monday, where he opened up about the joy and pride he felt in watching his younger brother, Casey Affleck, win his first Golden Globe on Sunday night. EXCLUSIVE: Casey Affleck Talks First Golden Globe Win, Jokes Brother Ben Displays His Awards 'In His Window' "The overwhelming sense I had last night, watching my brother win, and believing in him for so long and knowing how talented he is it was the most memorable experience in my life," the 44-year-old star shared. "I'm thrilled. I wish him the best, but already what he's done is amazing." For more on the famous brother duo, watch the clip below. Related Articles LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - A 15-year-old girl has been arrested following the death of a child in northern England, police said on Tuesday. Officers said they were called to an address in the northern English city of York on Monday afternoon where they found a girl, 7, suffering from life-threatening injuries. The child was taken to hospital but later died. North Yorkshire police said the teenage girl was arrested in connection with the incident and was being held for questioning. "Officers remain at the scene while the investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death of the girl continues," police said in a statement. (Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) Tehran (AFP) - Hundreds of thousands of mourners attended the funeral on Tuesday of Iran's ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, whose death leaves a hole in the upper reaches of power for the country's moderates. It took more than two hours for the cortege to make its way through the crowds to the south Tehran mausoleum where Rafsanjani was laid to rest. Tehran city officials estimated that at least two-and-a-half million people took to the streets to bid farewell, which would make it the largest funeral attendance since the death of the Islamic revolution's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. Pallbearers accidentally knocked the former president's trademark white turban off the coffin as they carried it into the burial chamber at Khomeini's mausoleum. Rafsanjani, who served as president from 1989 to 1997, was a father figure for Iran's moderate and reformist camps. His death is a blow for President Hassan Rouhani, whose 2013 election was largely due to Rafsanjani's support. Rouhani, who spearheaded the thaw with the West that culminated in a 2015 nuclear deal, faces a tough re-election battle in May amid disappointment over the smaller than anticipated economic dividends of the lifting of international sanctions. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the eulogies to Rafsanjani at Tehran University despite their "differences". Rafsanjani fell out of the regime's highest inner circle following the 2009 re-election of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, when he spoke out against the use of lethal force on protesters who claimed the vote was rigged. Rouhani attended the funeral but so too did his conservative rivals, parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and his brother, judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani. One of Iran's most controversial figures in the West, the head of the elite Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations division, Major General Qassem Suleimani, also attended. Story continues Tehran prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani passed out and had to be treated at the scene by Health Minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi, an ophthalmologist by training, Iranian media reported. Reformist former president Mohammad Khatami, an ally of Rafsanjani but long out of favour with the regime, was not part of the official delegation. Some Twitter users said he had been prevented from attending. - 'Hail Khatami' - State television coverage of the funeral procession captured a few seconds of chants of "Hail Hashemi (Rafsanjani), hail Khatami," before the broadcaster drowned it out with solemn music. Video clips published on social media showed pockets of mourners in the streets chanting slogans in support of both Khatami and fellow reformist Mir Hossein Mousavi. Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi, two of the losing candidates in the 2009 election, have been under house arrest since 2011 for leading the so-called Green Movement protests that the regime calls "sedition". Khatami is under a strict media ban and is often prevented from attending public events. Rafsanjani's family thanked people for their support after the procession. "As every moment of Hashemi's life helped the country find its path, the impressive farewell of people to him can... point the return of society to the path of moderation and unity," it said in a statement quoted by the Tabnak website. Black banners were raised in Tehran and some posters showed the supreme leader and Rafsanjani together smiling. Another poster said "good bye, old combatant". Since Rafsanjani's death, messages of condolence have poured in both from at home and abroad. Even the White House sent a message, unprecedented since the 1979 revolution that led to cutting of ties between Tehran and Washington. "Former president Rafsanjani was a prominent figure throughout the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States sends our condolences to his family and loved ones," spokesman Josh Ernest said. "He was a consequential figure inside Iran. But you know, for what potential impact this could have on Iranian policy, I wouldn't speculate." Tuesday was declared a public holiday in Iran and all public transport in Tehran was free for the day. Rafsanjani headed the Expediency Council, a key advisory and arbitration body. Khamenei must now appoint a successor and his choice will go a long way towards determining Rouhani's room for manoeuvre in the face of state institutions that are dominated by conservatives. Oklahoma police are looking for a man shown on surveillance footage trying to abduct an 8-year-old boy from a school wrestling competition, police say. Oklahoma City Police said in a statement that they received a call of an attempted child abduction at the State Fairgrounds on Friday. A man picked up the eight year-old child and tried to walk away with him, police said in the statement. When the child began to kick and scream, the man put the child down and left. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Surveillance photos showed the man, wearing a vest, sweatpants and hat, picking up the child from behind and trying to walk away as another child looked on. The boy, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, appeared to struggle. Police have described the suspect as a six-foot-tall, heavy-set Native American or Hispanic man, according to OKC Fox. Pick up PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: Cases That Shocked America, on sale now, for the latest on Casey Anthony, JonBenet Ramsey and more. Police have asked that anyone with any information regarding the case contact authorities, noting that they could earn a cash reward. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A Texas businessman has pleaded guilty to fraud and admitted to helping lottery computer technician Eddie Tipton cash jackpots in a multi-state number-fixing scheme that netted $2 million. Robert Rhodes pleaded guilty in a Des Moines courtroom Monday. Iowa prosecutors will seek two years of probation. Rhodes says he helped Tipton try to cash a $16.5 million 2010 Iowa Hot Lotto ticket but suspicious officials never paid. Rhodes agreed to testify against Tipton and his brother, Tommy Tipton. They're charged in Iowa for tinkering with computers to make lottery numbers predictable in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wisconsin games. They deny the charges. Rhodes says he'll also plead guilty in Wisconsin where he'll likely get six months in jail and a requirement to repay $391,500, half of a 2007 Megabucks jackpot. Thailand's new king has requested sections of the country's draft constitution to be rewritten, the junta chief said Tuesday, a rare public intervention by the monarch in the kingdom's politics. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, ascended the throne after the death in October of his much loved father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a unifying figure whose reign spanned seven politically turbulent decades. Like most things regarding Thailand's secrecy-shrouded monarchy, Vajiralongkorn's approach to the crown remains a mystery and is not open to detailed scrutiny. The country's constitutional monarchy is granted limited formal powers but wields significant political clout behind the scenes and controls vast wealth. It is also protected by a draconian lese majeste law, forcing media and the public to self-censor. On Tuesday junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha said the king had declined to sign off on the new charter because of clauses concerning royal powers. "His majesty's private principle secretary has sent a letter to the government saying discussion is needed on the section of the charter regarding the monarchy," the junta leader told reporters. The document was drafted by the junta after its 2014 power grab and approved in a controversial referendum last year in which independent campaigning was banned. "There are three or four points that need to be amended concerning his authority (as king)," Prayut said, adding that the revision process would take several months. A senior junta official later confirmed to reporters that the articles in question include 5, 17 and 182. The first two articles detail how the government should proceed in the event of a political crisis, plus the procedure for appointing a regent in the king's absence. The third article in question says that all laws and royal edicts concerning the state must be countersigned by a government minister. "We also have to see if those three articles are involved with any other sections. If so, they might need to be amended too," said Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. Story continues The request is an unusually assertive move by the palace -- an institution long portrayed as staunchly "above politics" despite several key interventions by Bhumibol during times of political crisis. The late monarch also forged close ties with the military during his rule and signed off on a dozen coups. Vajiralongkorn's relationship with the military and its allies within the Bangkok elite is less clear cut. The current junta seized power in a coup that analysts believe was staged to ensure a smooth succession as Bhumibol's health waned. The army has promised an eventual return to democracy but the timeline for elections keeps slipping. The junta's draft charter will be the kingdom's twentieth in under a century if it is promulgated. Felicity Jones in Rogue One (Disney/Lucasfilm) It was visual effects ace John Knoll who first pitched the idea for the standalone Star Wars hit Rogue One to Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy. And now we know how the films heroine, Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, got her unique name. I wanted a really strong, smart, and active female character as the lead of this movie, Knoll, chief creative officer of Lucasfilms Industrial Light & Magic effects house, told Yahoo Movies. I have three daughters, and they were all growing up, and they were all young when I was working on the prequels. I felt like Star Wars could really use another good strong smart and decisive female character. When it came to naming her, Knoll didnt have to look far for inspiration. My youngest daughter is Jane, and my wife is Jen, so [Jyn] is sort of mashup of them. And growing up my aunt was Aunt Ginny, [short] for Virginia, so theres a little bit of that, too. Its a mix up of a lot of my favorite women in my life. Lucasfilms John Knoll at Star Wars Celebration 2016 (Getty) Theres plenty of good nerd fun to be had trying to decipher the origins or inspirations for Star Wars character names, and Rogue One is rife with monikers waiting to be cracked. Mysterious resistance leader Saw Gerrera is an obvious nod to Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. Director Orson Krennic might be an homage to the iconic Orson Welles, who was originally considered for the voice of Darth Vader. Cassian Andor is practically an anagram of Lando Calrissian. And Bodhi Rook is probably not a tribute Patrick Swayzes Point Break surfer-criminal, but we like to think it is anyway. Related: See How Rogue One Brought Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia to Life As for Jyn Erso, I figured it was a play off of Charlotte Brontes literary heroine Jane Eyre. Not only do the names sound alike, Jane, like Jyn, is orphaned as a child and rises to prominence as a young woman. Eyre has long been viewed as a proto-feminist, and Erso, along with The Force Awakens Rey, ushers in a new breed of empowered women in the Star Wars universe. (Another theory out there pointed out that Jyn Erso sounds like Jan Ors, a character who appeared in the LucasArts videogame Star Wars: Dark Forces.) Earlier, we ran some of these theories by Kennedy and Rogue One director Gareth Edwards (watch the video below), and while they gave credence to a couple of them, they did debunk any Eyre connection. Edwards, though, thought Jyn was named after women in Knolls family. He was right. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were recently spotted in Los Angeles. (Photo: X17Online.com) Since the start of the new year, Kim Kardashian has gradually moved back into the spotlight, stepping out publicly more often and posting more frequently on social media since being robbed and held at gunpoint in Paris. The reality star recently donned a cool, laid-back look during a night out for sushi with her husband, rapper Kanye West, in Los Angeles. For the outing, the 36-year-old dressed in an oversized black sweatshirt with ripped black jeans that displayed her textured tights. Wearing her long tresses down, Kardashian completed the look with Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, which helped to dress up her casual pieces, and a lip ring an accessory the star has worn to many events of late. West sported a gray sweatsuit and his signature Yeezys with his platinum-blonde buzz cut. The black clothing pieces align with the darker, more gothic aesthetic Kardashian has adopted in her wardrobe over the last two years. But theyre not completely form-fitting, which strays from her signature style. Many had questioned whether Kardashians clothing style and media presence would become more understated after the Paris incident. In 2017 thus far, she has only posted sweet family images on her Instagram channel unlike in years past, when she regularly posted images of her outfits and accessories. family A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jan 3, 2017 at 10:56am PST It will be interesting to see how Kardashians style evolves in the coming year. Related: Kim Kardashian Inexpensive Jewelry Post-Robbery Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. On January 10, 1776, the publication of Thomas Paines Common Sense became the first viral mass communications event in America, an event so big that it still rivals todays blockbuster movies and books. commonsense The first version of Paines pamphlet was printed just a few blocks from the current-day National Constitution Center in colonial Philadelphia in 1776, and it went viral, in the current sense of the word, when it hit the cobblestone streets here. Common Sense sold 120,000 copies in its first three months, and by the end of the Revolution, 500,000 copies were sold. The estimated population of the Colonies (excluding its African-American and Native American populations) was 2.5 million. An estimated 20 percent of colonists owned a copy of the revolutionary booklet. In current-day sales, that would amount to sales of 60 million, not including overseas sales. Only a handful of books have sold more than 60 million copies in the past two centuries, and those books had the benefit of modern publishing outlets and promotion. Link: Read Common Sense In the case of Common Sense, the publicity was literally word of mouth, since people would buy the pamphlet and shout the words on street corners and inside taverns for the illiterate to hear. Paine was born and raised in England, and he had been in Philadelphia for little more than a year, after getting a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin. He published Common Sense anonymously, and its simple words made the case for the Colonies separation from England, in no uncertain terms. For example, in explaining his objection to Englands constitutional monarchy, Paine says, as a man who is attached to a prostitute is unfitted to choose or judge of a wife, so any prepossession in favour of a rotten constitution of government will disable us from discerning a good one. The pamphlet sparked a public debate that now included most of the colonists, including those who couldnt read or understand some of the more complicated arguments being made for freedom. Story continues Paines follow-up to Common Sense was a series of pamphlets called The American Crisis. General George Washington had the first pamphlet read to his troops at Washingtons Crossing in late 1776 to convince them to extend their enlistments so he could attack Trenton. These are the times that try mens souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph, said Paine. In his later years, Paine would become a controversial figure because of his writings on religion and his role in the French revolution; only a handful of people attended his funeral in 1809. President Thomas Jefferson had permitted Paine to return from France in his final years, and wrote about the author in 1821. No writer has exceeded Paine in ease and familiarity of style, in perspicuity of expression, happiness of elucidation, and in simple and unassuming language, Jefferson said. In this he may be compared with Dr. Franklin; and indeed his Common Sense was, for awhile, believed to have been written by Dr. Franklin, and published under the borrowed name of Paine, who had come over with him from England. At the time, it was still a crime in England to publish any sections of Common Sense. Constitution Daily History Stories About The Revolution Forgotten facts about George Washingtons private life 10 fascinating facts for George Washingtons real birthday Washingtons Crossing was dangerous and brilliant (Adds details on power outages, flooding damage) By Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Heavy rains and flooding along rivers forced the evacuation of thousands of people in a California wine making region and an area of Nevada east of Lake Tahoe on Monday, officials said, with more storms on the way. Regions of California and Nevada, two states which have suffered from drought for years, were walloped by storms over the past week from a weather system called the "Pineapple Express" that sent moisture streaming from Hawaii. The storms have knocked out power for more than 570,000 customers of Pacific Gas and Electric in northern and central California since Saturday, but electricity has been restored to almost all of them, said company spokesman Tom Schmitz. The storms are the latest in a wet winter expected to put a considerable dent in California's years-long drought. Just north of San Francisco, rains caused the Russian River in Sonoma County to flood early on Monday, the county Sheriff's department said. That led to the evacuation overnight of more than 3,000 residents in the area of Guerneville, Jonathan Gudel, a spokesman for the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, said by phone. In Nevada, residents of about 400 homes in Reno were ordered to evacuate on Monday as rains swelled the Truckee River, which flows through the city, Washoe County health agency spokesman Phil Ulibarri said by phone. Officials in both California and Nevada said they were still assessing flood damage on Monday. Over the past week, the storms brought 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) of rain and snow to the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and lesser amounts of precipitation in western Nevada, meteorologist Bob Oravec of the Weather Prediction Center said by phone. A woman died after she was struck by a falling tree on Saturday in the San Francisco Bay area, with a local fire official saying the weather appears to have caused the tree to topple, according to Bay Area News Group. Story continues Over the weekend, wineries in California's Napa Valley were spared damage from the heavy rain, which is expected to replenish water supplies for the state's wine-making industry after five years of drought, said Patsy McGaughy, a spokeswoman for the Napa Valley Vintners. "We're actually grateful to see the rain," McGaughy said. In a sign of the rain's intensity, California officials for the first time in a decade were considering opening floodgates at a weir on the Sacramento River to prevent flooding in areas of Sacramento, Lauren Hersh, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Water Resources, said by phone. On Sunday, 27 homes were damaged from flooding in Monterey County south of San Francisco when the Carmel River breached its banks, swamping some nearby properties, and rainwater inundated homes in the town of Seaside, Gerry Malais, the county emergency services director, said by phone. Also this weekend, an ancient giant sequoia tree with a hollowed-out tunnel big enough for cars to drive through was toppled by floods in Calaveras Big Trees State Park just southeast of Sacramento. The storms weakened early on Monday but were expected to return in full force later in the day and last until Wednesday, Oravec said. California officials have not yet declared an end to the drought since water still remains relatively scarce in the southern part of the state. But northern California's Lake Oroville, the principal reservoir for the State Water Project, has 2.25 million acre feet of water, while a year ago it held about 1 million acre feet, Michael Anderson, state climatologist for the California Department of Water Resources, said by phone. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles and Jim Christie in San Francisco, Editing by Chris Michaud and Diane Craft) By Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Heavy rains and flooding along rivers forced the evacuation of thousands of people in a California wine making region and an area of Nevada east of Lake Tahoe on Monday, officials said, with more storms on the way. Regions of California and Nevada, two states which have suffered from drought for years, were walloped by storms over the past week from a weather system called the "Pineapple Express" that sent moisture streaming from Hawaii. The storms have knocked out power for more than 570,000 customers of Pacific Gas and Electric in northern and central California since Saturday, but electricity has been restored to almost all of them, said company spokesman Tom Schmitz. The storms are the latest in a wet winter expected to put a considerable dent in California's years-long drought. Just north of San Francisco, rains caused the Russian River in Sonoma County to flood early on Monday, the county Sheriff's department said. That led to the evacuation overnight of more than 3,000 residents in the area of Guerneville, Jonathan Gudel, a spokesman for the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, said by phone. In Nevada, residents of about 400 homes in Reno were ordered to evacuate on Monday as rains swelled the Truckee River, which flows through the city, Washoe County health agency spokesman Phil Ulibarri said by phone. Officials in both California and Nevada said they were still assessing flood damage on Monday. Over the past week, the storms brought 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) of rain and snow to the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and lesser amounts of precipitation in western Nevada, meteorologist Bob Oravec of the Weather Prediction Center said by phone. A woman died after she was struck by a falling tree on Saturday in the San Francisco Bay area, with a local fire official saying the weather appears to have caused the tree to topple, according to Bay Area News Group. Over the weekend, wineries in California's Napa Valley were spared damage from the heavy rain, which is expected to replenish water supplies for the state's wine-making industry after five years of drought, said Patsy McGaughy, a spokeswoman for the Napa Valley Vintners. "We're actually grateful to see the rain," McGaughy said. In a sign of the rain's intensity, California officials for the first time in a decade were considering opening floodgates at a weir on the Sacramento River to prevent flooding in areas of Sacramento, Lauren Hersh, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Water Resources, said by phone. On Sunday, 27 homes were damaged from flooding in Monterey County south of San Francisco when the Carmel River breached its banks, swamping some nearby properties, and rainwater inundated homes in the town of Seaside, Gerry Malais, the county emergency services director, said by phone. Also this weekend, an ancient giant sequoia tree with a hollowed-out tunnel big enough for cars to drive through was toppled by floods in Calaveras Big Trees State Park just southeast of Sacramento. The storms weakened early on Monday but were expected to return in full force later in the day and last until Wednesday, Oravec said. California officials have not yet declared an end to the drought since water still remains relatively scarce in the southern part of the state. But northern California's Lake Oroville, the principal reservoir for the State Water Project, has 2.25 million acre feet of water, while a year ago it held about 1 million acre feet, Michael Anderson, state climatologist for the California Department of Water Resources, said by phone. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles and Jim Christie in San Francisco, Editing by Chris Michaud and Diane Craft) An Internet blackout in the normally well-connected Marshall Islands has been extended indefinitely as maintenance workers attempt to repair an underwater fiber optic cable that services the Pacific archipelago. The small island country has been mostly offline for more than 10 days now, and users have reportedly suffered Internet withdrawals since the government forced them to quit social media cold turkey to save what little bandwidth has been left available during the maintenance. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC), phone and Internet communications have relied on satellite networks since the repairs began in late December. The satellites can only provide about 3% of the bandwidth usually supplied by the cable, which offers a high-speed connection that mostly carries U.S. military communiques. Work on the cable was originally supposed to wrap up by Jan. 8, ABC reports, but engineers have encountered setbacks. Ive been told that locating the repair site is like finding a pin head in a 3-mile stretch of cable, National Telecommunications Authority chief Tommy Kijiner Jr. said on Radio Australia, according to ABC. He added that, while there may be some frustration over the digital hiatus, most people have been really cooperative. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine reportedly told the countrys parliament during her state of the nation address last week that many Marshallese, as locals are called, were exhibiting symptoms of withdrawal. I guess it is human nature that people just want to check up on whats going on with their Facebook sites but its been tough people just cannot do without the speed and reliability the fiber-optic cable affords them, telecoms chief Kijiner said. It changes everything. [ABC] Top 5 Bike-uriosities - Week of January 9 2017 At Bike-urious, were spending all of our time finding the most interesting motorcycles that are currently for sale for you to drool over (and maybe empty your wallet for). 1. Never Run 1983 BMW R100 in England bmw-r100-front-right This BMW R100 was not taken out of its crate until 1996. While it has been registered, this bike has never been started or had fuel in the tank. The seller has it on display at his/her home and says it is basically a brand new, 34 year-old motorcycle. The sale comes with the unopened tool kit, tire pump, and first aid kit, as well as the factory lock. It also comes with some pieces of the original crate. The odometer shows 1 mile. Find this basically still new R100 for sale in Swansea, England with an asking price of $12,295 here on eBay. 2. 2002 Ghezzi-Brian Furia Ghezzi-Brian is another one of those companies that take an existing bike or powerplant and make it something special. Think of the Rickman Brothers building frames for Triumphs, Hondas and various dirt bikes, or Bimota using stock engines and building exotic specials around them with top-shelf components. Ghezzi-Brian's specials were primarily built around Moto Guzzis. After the success of their first bike, the Supertwin, they turned to the naked bike category. The result was the Furia. The Furia is built around the 1064cc engine from the V11, with a 5-speed gearbox vice the V11's 6 speed. Roland Brown, in a review from the Telegraph in 2002 described the unique feature of the Furia: "The Furia's key feature is its chassis, especially the frame designed by Ghezzi. It is identical to that of the Supertwin, which means it's based on a steel spine that doubles as the airbox, rather than as the oil tank in normal Guzzi fashion. Air enters under the large fuel tank and exits to the engine via frame sections that jut out on either side, near the swingarm pivot. Oil is held in a separate tank near the steering head. Story continues Neat details abound. Custom-built triple clamps hold sophisticated, upside-down Paioli forks; the 17-inch front wheel is a lightweight forged aluminium-alloy item from OZ. Braking, another Italian specialist, supplies that huge, rim-mounted disc and four-piston caliper. A tiny, conventional disc and caliper reduce weight at the rear, where suspension is by Ohlins monoshock. Overall weight is just 408lb, a reduction of 77lb over Guzzi's V11 Sport." Evidently the seller of this bike was a dealer, and this was one of the first Furias to come to the US. With only 5,990 miles, it is in excellent condition. The listing only shows these two photos, so I would ask for more, but this is a very rare motorcycle, one you will not see coming the other way on the Dragon. It can be yours for $16,000. It is located in Mathews, Virginia here on Craigslist. 3. Super 8 1971 El Burro Minibike el-burro-left-side The full name of this little scoot is actually "El Burro Sand-n-Sno Bike." Obviously it would handle pavement with no problems, but the idea was that you could air down the tires to 1-2 psi and the 12-inch wide tires would create enough of a footprint to get around in sand or even on snow. El Burro was built by Worth Industrial Processing Company of Lexington, Michigan. The first version had a 5 hp motor but that was too slow, so Worth added a 8 hp Briggs Stratton motor with a centrifugal clutch soon after. The "big" motor was capable of getting El Burro up to 24 miles per hour. For more info on El Burro, check out this previous article on RideApart. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Here's an example of the original vintage advertisement we located on Tumblr. This example is claimed to be in perfect condition with a new 8 horsepower motor. Find this El Burro for sale in Sayville, New York with an unmet opening bid of $2,100 here on eBay. [/caption] 4. Ex-Navy 1972 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLA harley-davidson-sportster-xla-ex-navy-right-side One of the rarest motorcycles that Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever built, the XLA was produced in response to a request from the US Government for a patrol bike. Just 418 were sold, and according to the seller this is one of the final 30 because '72 was the last year for the XLA. Harley started production of XLAs in 1957, and as you'd expect it was fairly similar to the civvy XL. Changes included larger fuel tanks without HD branding, Firestone tires, enclosed shocks, wider handlebars, and a few other pieces that were optional on the XL. For more information on this rare Harley, check out this write-up on the XLA from Riding Vintage. According to the seller, this is possibly one of one example built for the Navy, who specified an example with no chrome. He says he's got some documentation to back up these claims, and I'd definitely be taking a close look at them before pulling the trigger. This example (VIN: 4D52301H2) is now claimed to be museum quality thanks to a year long restoration that included over $20,000 in parts. It's now said to be just like it came out of the original crate. I just wish there was a photo of what this bike looked like when it was new. If you want to do a little more research, you can start by finding this XLA for sale in Walnut, California with bidding up to $18,200 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. 5. In Australia 1982 Honda BiMonkey honda-bimonkey-front-right Honda's Monkey bike (known the world over but sometimes with a different name) is one of the most notable motorcycles ever built. Between '87 and '88, Honda built a RT variant which was only available in Japan. According to the seller, approximately 40 of those RT bikes were converted to these adorable little replicas of the Bimota DB1 called the BiMonkey. The seller says 40 units were built, but I can't find evidence of another one or who built them. In this thread (started because the seller was trying to sell the BiMonkey and a DB1 as a set last year), someone says that this is the 2nd one they've seen (here's a possible photo of it), for what it's worth. They also say that the bike has a 80cc engine, though the original Monkey came with a 50cc unit. Find this BiMonkey for sale here at Raider Moto for $6,013 in Coffs Harbour, Australia. Which would you put in your garage? Leave a comment below! Stocks have yet to hit the sentimental Dow 20,000 mark, and futures were indicated lower on Tuesday. The post-election rally has continued and investors are looking for value and growth opportunities in 2017. Those same investors are still willing to buy pullbacks, even with the bull market almost eight years old. 24/7 Wall St. reviews dozens of analyst reports each day of the week to find new investing and trading ideas for our readers. Some of these analyst research reports cover stocks to buy, while others cover stocks to sell or avoid. These are the top analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations on Tuesday, January 10, 2017: Oppenheimer raised American Express Co. (AXP) to Outperform from Perform with a $98 price (versus a $75.86 prior close). Merrill Lynch raised its rating to Buy one day earlier. The shares have a 52-week trading range of $50.27 to $76.55. The consensus analyst price target is $75.96. ALSO READ: Forget 20,000: Why the 2017 DJIA Bull-Bear Outlook Points to 21,422 Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) was downgraded to Sell from Neutral at Citigroup in a valuation call noting that the deregulation already has been priced in and that it might already reflect a needed revenue bump that would justify the stock's post-election rally. The 52-week range is $138.20 to $246.20, and the consensus target price is $234.23. Not only was Illumina Inc. (ILMN) raised to Buy from Neutral at Merrill Lynch, but the firm's price objective is now $175. The upgrade was said to be based on its HiSeq upgrade, GRAIL restructuring and a better research demand. Shares were last seen up almost 14% at $161.00 in premarket trading, after targeting a $100 genome with the launch of the NovaSeq Series. Berenberg started PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL) with a Buy rating and assigned a $51 price target (versus a $41.40 close). Its consensus target price is $46.47, and the 52-week range is $30.52 to $44.52. ALSO READ: The Bull-Bear Case for DJIA Financial Stocks in 2017: Amex, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Visa, Travelers Story continues Williams Companies Inc. (WMB) was downgraded to Hold from Buy and the price target was cut to $32 from $35 at Jefferies. The move is after Williams announced a series of transactions aimed at simplifying its corporate structure, minimizing future equity needs, reducing leverage, improving WPZ's cost of capital and charting a path for future distribution and dividend growth. Jefferies feels long-term upside may be limited. The quiet period for Trivago N.V. (TRVG) has come to an end. The stock was started as Overweight with a $17 price target (versus an $11.89 close) at Morgan Stanley. JPMorgan started it as Overweight with a $16 target, and Cowen started it as Outperform with a $15 target. Deutsche Bank started it as Hold with a $13 price target. Citigroup started Trivago as Neutral. Merrill Lynch started it as Buy and assigned a $15 price objective. ALSO READ: How Apple Has to Play a Role in Lifting the DJIA Well Beyond 20,000 in 2017 24/7 Wall St. has just released its formal first look at the DJIA Bull-Bear Outlook that points to in 2017. This also includes reviews of the top Dow stocks that will drive that for a gain of more than 8% this year, if it proves correct. Last year's 19,700 bull-bear target compared with a year-end price of 19,762.60. More analyst calls were seen Tuesday in the following: Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK) was raised to Buy from Neutral and the price objective was raised to $110 from $97 at Merrill Lynch. This call is on the heels of the purchase of Virgin America closing, and the firm believes Alaska Air has the greatest opportunity for network diversification as it gains access to top slot-constrained airports. AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AMAG) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy with a $25 price target (versus a $23.00 close) at Janney. This is after AMAG is no longer pursuing Orphan Exclusivity for Makena. ARIAD Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ARIA) was downgraded to Hold from Buy but the price target was raised to $24 from $11 at Jefferies after its buyout news. Blackstone Group L.P. (BX) was reiterated as Buy and the price target was raised to $35 from $31 at Jefferies. Discovery Communications Inc. (DISCA) was downgraded to Neutral from Underperform with a $23 price target (versus a $26.87 close) at Credit Suisse. Equity Residential (EQR) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy based on valuation at Janney. Expedia Inc. (EXPE) was started with a Sell rating at Citigroup. Priceline Group Inc. (PCLN) was started as Buy at Citigroup. Sprague Resources L.P. (NYSE: SRLP) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy and the fair value estimate is $29 (versus a $28.90 close) at Janney. TripAdvisor Inc. (TRIP) was started as Neutral at Citigroup. World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD) was downgraded to Underperform and the price target was cut to $53 from $60 (versus a $64.93 close) at Jefferies. The firm noted that the post-election rally ignores funding constraints. You can follow @Jonogg on Twitter if you would like the daily analyst calls directly on your own feed. ALSO READ: 18 Biggest Companies That May IPO in 2017 Monday's top analyst upgrades and downgrades were in American Express, Coca-Cola, NVIDIA, Procter & Gamble, Texas Instruments, Transocean and about a dozen more. Related Articles TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Taiwan's defense ministry said China's sole aircraft carrier on Wednesday was transiting the Taiwan Strait amid heightened tensions between the mainland and self-governing island it claims as its own territory. A ministry statement said the Liaoning was traveling northwest along the center line dividing the strait, along with its battle group. It said the military was closely monitoring the vessels' passage and urged the public not to be alarmed. Taiwan regularly dispatches planes and ships to keep a watchful eye on Chinese forces' movements around the island, although the ministry statement gave no details about the military's response. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) The United States has designated an Indonesian radical network behind an attack in Jakarta as a terrorist group and announced sanctions on four militants in an effort to disrupt Islamic State group operations and recruitment in Australia and Southeast Asia. The announcements by the Department of State and Treasury Department come after police in Australia and Indonesia foiled IS-inspired attacks planned for the holiday season in those countries. The State Department said Tuesday it has designated the IS-affiliated Jamaah Ansharut Daulah as a terrorist group, which in practice prohibits U.S. citizens being involved with it and enables the freezing of any property in the U.S. BEIJING (AP) Chinese President Xi Jinping's delegation to next week's World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos is open to meeting with President-elect Donald Trump's team, an official said Wednesday. Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong told reporters at a briefing that "there are open channels of communication" with Trump's team. Bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the annual gathering of business leaders, politicians and cultural icons are still being finalized, but China would look into what sort of arrangements could be made "as long as the schedule permits and if there is the wish," he said. Trump has accused China of unfair trade practices and threatened punishing tariffs and upended diplomatic protocol by speaking by phone with the president of Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. Story continues KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Two large bombs one triggered by a suicide attacker exploded near government offices Tuesday, killing at least 38 people and wounding dozens of others in the deadliest Taliban violence in Kabul in months. In southern Afghanistan, another attack at a guesthouse belonging to the governor of Kandahar province killed five people and wounded 12. An ambassador from the United Arab Emirates and other UAE diplomats were among the wounded, authorities said. The Kabul suicide bomber struck about 4 p.m. as workers were leaving a compound of government and legislative offices, said Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. The United Arab Emirates says an attack on a guesthouse belonging to the governor of Afghanistan's Kandahar province wounded its ambassador and "a number of Emirati diplomats." The UAE's Foreign Ministry made the statement Tuesday night, describing the attack as "heinous." It identified the wounded ambassador as Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi. Al-Kaabi first presented his credentials to Afghan authorities in June. The statement did not say how many Emirati diplomats were wounded. It said they were there as part of a humanitarian mission. Emirati combat troops deployed to Afghanistan after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban. Afghan officials say two explosions inside the governor's compound killed five people and wounded 12. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Disgraced South Korean President Park Geun-hye's longtime friend at the center of a massive corruption scandal refused to testify at Park's impeachment trial on Tuesday, with lawmakers alleging that it was a stalling tactic. The Constitutional Court had expected to hear from Choi Soon-sil, a confidante of Park who's currently jailed and on trial herself for allegedly using her connections with the president to extort money and favors from companies and unlawfully interfere with government affairs. But Choi (pronounced Chwey) submitted documents to the court saying she was unable to testify because she had to prepare for her own trial. HONG KONG (AP) As German tanks encircled the Polish town of Katowice, rookie British newspaper reporter Clare Hollingworth picked up the phone and dialed the British Embassy. An official there didn't believe what she told him, so she dangled the phone out the window so he could hear the ominous rumbling for himself. "Listen!" she implored. "Can't you hear it?" Hollingworth was 27, and just a week into her job with the Daily Telegraph of London. She had the scoop of a lifetime: World War II had just begun. She hung up and called the Telegraph's Warsaw correspondent, who dictated to London her story about the Nazi invasion of southern Poland in late August 1939. NAMPO, North Korea (AP) North Korean officials and factory managers are scrambling to answer a call from leader Kim Jong Un for an all-out, nationwide effort to build up the country's economy in 2017. Along with vowing to make yet more advances with nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles, including an intercontinental ballistic missile, Kim called for the push to improve the economy in his annual New Year's address. Now, in something of a New Year's tradition, economic officials are rushing to make plans to fill that very tall bill. "Last year, we made many achievements in the science and technology field and we made a lot of steel," Kim Kil Nam, vice chief engineer at the Chollima Steel Complex, told The Associated Press on Saturday. BANGKOK (AP) At least 25 people have died in severe flooding in southern Thailand since New Year's Day, leaving businesses paralyzed, schools closed and thousands of tourists stranded, the government said Tuesday. Twelve provinces have been hit by unseasonal rains and surface runoff since Jan. 1, affecting more than 1 million people, the Interior Ministry said, adding that the main highway connecting the south with the rest of the country was swamped and impassable. One of the main airports in the region has been closed since Friday and will be shut until at least Wednesday, while train services remain suspended. BANGKOK (AP) Thailand's prime minister said Tuesday he will honor a request from the country's new king that several changes be made to a constitution that was approved in a referendum last August. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters that King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun told his royal advisers that he wished to have several articles about the monarchy amended. Prayuth did not specify what changes he desired, but said three or four points were involved. Vajiralongkorn took the throne on Dec. 2, succeeding his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October after an extended illness. An interim constitution put in place after the army seized power in 2014 calls for the approved charter to be endorsed by the king within 90 days, and Vajiralongkorn's failure so far to do so had caused concern. Sydney (AFP) - Russian teenager Daria Kasatkina put Angelique Kerber's Australian Open preparations in a spin with a straight-sets upset win over the world number one at the Sydney International on Tuesday. The 19-year-old, ranked 26, underlined her huge potential with a confident performance to take out the German, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 in a second-round match played in sweltering conditions. Only last week Kasatkina held a match point before going down to French Open champion Garbine Muguruza in the second round at the Brisbane International. While she continues her march, Kerber's form is a concern ahead of next week's opening Grand Slam of the year, having also lost to Ukraine's Elina Svitolina 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International last week. Kerber, who had a breakthrough 2016, winning two Grand Slams on her way to becoming world number one, struggled to find any rhythm and her usually strong forehand was astray. "I made too many mistakes and I was not actually feeling the ball, because the balls are flying here a little bit different than in Brisbane," Kerber said. "So it was not so easy, but I will try to forget the match as soon as I can. "I will go in the next few days to Melbourne, and I will try to get ready there, trying to get the positive energy from last year." Asked about her emotions after her biggest win yet, Kasatkina said courtside: "Difficult to explain because I beat the number one in the world and it doesn't happen every day. I think I got some confidence." - Day of upsets - Kasatkina will next play British world number 10 Johanna Konta, whose formidable serve troubled Australia's Daria Gavrilova in a 6-1, 6-3 win. "I'm just happy I have accumulated a few matches already under my belt in the first few weeks of the season," Konta said. It was a day of upsets in Sydney where temperatures sizzled around 36 Celsius (97 Fahrenheit), with defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and last year's finalist Dominika Cibulkova both knocked out in the second round. Story continues World number nine Kuznetsova went out to Russian compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-3 while Canada's Eugenie Bouchard continued her return to form with a 6-4, 6-3 win over the sixth-ranked Cibulkova. Former Wimbledon finalist Bouchard, who has now won consecutive matches at a tournament for the first time since August, stretched her lead over Cibulkova to 4-1 head-to-head and will face Pavlyuchenkova in the last eight. "Any time you play one of the best players in the world it's like a standard of where you're at," Bouchard said. "I have taken a couple of solid steps this week, but I'm far from where I want to be. Even though I won, to me, I could do a lot of things better." World number 27 Pavlyuchenkova, who knocked out Australian number one Samantha Stosur in the first round, won in her first career meeting with Kuznetsova. Ninth-seeded Italian Roberta Vinci was another seed to fall, losing 6-2, 6-3 to veteran Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic. Danish seventh seed Caroline Wozniacki ousted Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 7-5 and will next face Strycova. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM: CALL FOR PAPERS Law and Ethics of Big Data Hosted and Sponsored by: The Carol and Lawrence Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Co-Hosted by: Virginia Tech Center for Business Intelligence Analytics The Department of Business Law and Ethics, Kelley School of Business Washington & Lee Law School April 21st and 22nd 2017 at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Abstract Submission Deadline: February 24, 2017 We are pleased to announce the research colloquium, "Law and Ethics of Big Data," at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, co-hosted by Professor Philip M. Nichols, Assistant Professor Angie Raymond of Indiana University and Professor Janine Hiller of Virginia Tech. Due to the success of this multi-year event that is in its fourth year, the colloquium will be expanded and we seek broad participation from multiple disciplines; please consider submitting research that is ready for the discussion stage. Each paper will be given detailed constructive critique. We are targeting cross-discipline opportunities for colloquium participants, and the Wharton community has expressed interest in sharing in these dialogues. A non-inclusive list of topics that are appropriate for the colloquium include: Ethical principles for the Internet of Things, Intellectual Property and Data Intelligence, Bribery and Algorithms, Health Privacy and MHealth, Employment and Surveillance, National Security, Civil Rights, and Data, Algorithmic Discrimination, Smart Cities and Privacy, Cybersecurity and Big Data, Data Regulation. We seek a wide variety of topics that reflects the broad ecosystem created by ubiquitous data collection and use, and its effect in society. TENTATIVE Colloquium Details: The colloquium will begin at noon on April 21st and conclude at the end of the day on April 22nd 2017. Approximately 50 minutes is allotted for discussion of each paper presentation; 5-10 minute author comments, and then a discussant will lead the overall discussion. The manuscripts will be posted in a password protected members-only forum online. Participants agree to read and be prepared to participate in discussions of all papers. Each author may be asked to lead discussion of one other submitted paper. A limited number of participants will be provided with lodging, and all participants will be provided meals during the colloquium. Submissions: To be considered, please submit an abstract of 500-1000 words to Lauretta Tomasco at tomascol@wharton.upenn.edu by February 24, 2017. Abstracts will be evaluated based upon the quality of the abstract and the topics fit with the theme of the colloquium and other presentations. Questions may be directed to Angie Raymond at angraymo@indiana.edu or Janine Hiller at jhiller@vt.edu. If you are interested in being a discussant, but do not have a paper to present, please send a statement of interest to the same. Authors will be informed of the decision by March 3, 2016. If accepted, the author agrees to submit a discussion paper by April 10, 2017. While papers need not be in finished form, drafts must contain enough information and structure to facilitate a robust discussion of the topic and paper thesis. Formatting will be either APA or Bluebook. In the case of papers with multiple authors, only one author may present at the colloquium. https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/business_law/2017/01/law-and-ethics-of-big-data-call-for-papers.html Washington (AFP) - After a long trek through the US legal system, a seemingly simple car crash case involving a chauffeur shuttling patrons from an Indian casino has landed in the nation's top court. The US Supreme Court on Monday considered a case closely monitored by federal authorities that could redefine the legal sovereignty framework of US Indian tribes. Native American tribes can control their own internal affairs and establish courts as federally recognized "domestic dependent nations," but they are also subject to treaties and federal laws passed in Washington. The dispute up for consideration arose in 2011 when limousine driver William Clarke, employed by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, crashed into a car owned by Brian and Michelle Lewis in the eastern US state of Connecticut. The pair sued Clarke but the defendant invoked sovereign immunity because he was working as a tribal employee at the time of the crash. Connecticut's top judges decided in Clarke's favor: though the incident occurred in a US state, he was working for a sovereign tribe at the time. The Supreme Court appeared on Monday to be receptive to the Lewis argument. "Why should a tribal employee driving a limo be entitled to immunity?" Justice Samuel Alito questioned at one point. "You say that the purpose of official immunity is to protect, quote, 'the fearless, vigorous, and effective administration of policies of government,' -- but you want to encourage limo drivers... to be fearless in the way they drive?" The US Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to override Connecticut's highest state court. The Supreme Court justices are slated to announce their decision by the end of June. LONDON (Reuters) - Newspaper group Trinity Mirror (TNI.L) said it was in early talks about investing in a new company comprising assets owned by Northern & Shell, Richard Desmond's group that owns the Daily Express and Daily Star titles. The British publisher of the Daily Mirror said on Tuesday that no offer had been made and there was no certainty that any agreement would be reached. A combination would unite the left-leaning Mirror with the Daily Star tabloid and the Express, one of the biggest cheerleaders for Brexit. The titles rank fourth, sixth and eighth respectively in the national newspaper rankings compiled by ABC. British newspaper groups are battling falling print circulation and weakening demand from advertisers. Analysts have said consolidation could deliver savings and give publishers breathing space to better monetise their online content. Richard Desmond established his media empire by publishing specialist magazines, including adult titles like the British edition of Penthouse. He launched celebrity title OK! in 1993. He bought the Express titles, which also include the Sunday Express, in 2000 for 125 million pounds. The early stage talks were first reported by Bloomberg. (Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by Sarah Young) Washington (AFP) - Russian hackers did not break into the computers of Donald Trump's presidential campaign or active accounts of the Republican National Committee, FBI chief James Comey said Tuesday. Comey told a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Russian interference in the US election that the Russians, in addition to hacking the Democratic National Committee, did break into some state and local Republican campaign systems during last year's campaign. In addition, they accessed and took information from old, inactive systems of the Republican National Committee. However, Comey said, "We do not have any evidence that the Trump campaign or the current RNC systems were hacked." "There is no doubt that they hit the RNC domain," but perhaps could only find the old systems, the Federal Bureau of Investigation director added. US intelligence chiefs said in a report released Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a campaign to interfere with the US election, first to weaken Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, and then to boost Trump when he showed the potential to win the November 8 vote. Democrats say the alleged Russian release of embarrassing Democratic Party documents via WikiLeaks deeply damaged Clinton's campaign, noting there were no Republican files leaked. But Republicans blame weak Democratic computer security and stress that Trump's election victory was legitimate and unquestionable. President-elect Donald Trump ordered the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration and his deputy to leave their posts on Jan. 20, a Department of Energy official told Gizmodo. Trumps move leaves the NNSA, the agency that secures U.S. nuclear weapons, without a leader -- and its unclear when the officials will be replaced. Usually those appointed by previous administrations turn in resignations, effective on noon of inauguration day. However, those is key positions, like the head of the NNSA, are often asked to continue serving in their roles until a replacement is found and confirmed by the Senate. (For President Barack Obamas first term and into part of his second, the NNSA Administrator remained a Bush appointee.) Trump instructed Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Frank Klotz and his deputy, Madelyn Creedon, whom were both appointed by Obama, to leave their posts, even if it means no one will be in charge of maintaining the nations nuclear weapons. Its a shocking disregard for process and continuity of government, the source told Gizmodo, adding that it could take months until the positions are filled. The vacancies wont prevent the agency from fulfilling its essential duties, but it will leave it without an advocate as it tries to secure a budget from congress and unable to take on new initiatives, Bob Rosner, the Co-Chair of the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the former director of Argonne National Laboratory, told Gizmodo. The agency usually defends its new budget to congress during the first few months after a new president takes over, which means the NNSA wont be able to do that now that it is leaderless. That is a stumble for Trump, since he promised to expand the countrys nuclear capacity. Rosner noted that Trumps promised expansion is a perfect example of Trump basically being clueless. He didnt understand that we have a refurbishment program, Rosner told Gizmodo. He didnt understand that, under Obama, that wed rebuilt the entire production complex. So exactly what he would mean by strengthening the nuclear program, its a bit of a mystery. I dont know what hes talking about. Weve done it already. Related Articles Six months ago, retired Gen. John Kelly bluntly warned the military brass weighing in on the presidential election to avoid the cesspool of domestic politics. But now, as President-elect Donald Trumps pick to run the Department of Homeland Security, hes smack in the middle of it. While outspoken, the 46-year veteran and former commander of U.S. Southern Command is well-liked on Capitol Hill and is expected to be easily confirmed as congressional hearings for Trumps top cabinet picks begin Tuesday. But Kelly also brings to the $40-billion dollar agency a more nuanced view of border security, immigration and counterterrorism than his new boss, according to a pre-hearing questionnaire obtained by Foreign Policy. That could portend friction with the Trump White House and brings into question whether the next president will be able to fully enact his ambitious and controversial agenda. Alternatively, Kelly has repeatedly talked tough about illegal immigration, and could bring a military mindset to border security, signaling a more aggressive approach to immigration. Senators on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee pressed Kelly for his views on a range of Trump policy proposals, including vows to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, bar migrants from the war-torn Middle East, register Muslims, and begin mass deportations, as well as his repeated denials of Russian cyber-meddling in the U.S. election. Kelly said his highest priority would be to close the border to illegal migration and drugs, but that Trumps oft-touted wall wasnt a fix. No physical structure will accomplish the mission on its own, he said. Security of the border starts 1,500 miles south of the Rio Grande in the jungles of Latin America. Kelly has been working with the Trump transition team to prepare his confirmation hearing Tuesday afternoon. In his written responses, the retired general offered a few echoes of Trumps stump speeches: Kelly railed against political correctness, and suggested cops and soldiers dont get enough support. But he also repeatedly trumpeted his willingness to express his disagreement and tell truth to power, including to the next president. Here are his answers on a few hot-button issues. Story continues The Wall Trump has vowed to begin work on a border wall on the first day of his administration, and make Mexico pay for it. Kelly told Congress that he and Trump have briefly discussed the wall, but not who might pay for it. (Republicans in Congress have begun seeking taxpayer funding for the $20 billion project, while Mexico City has stated unequivocally it wont fund the wall.) Kelly stressed the need to better secure the 2,000-odd mile border, but suggested border patrol personnel and surveillance technology would instead be supplemented as a force multiplier so that DHS can prioritize drug interdiction. My highest priority would be to close the border to the illegal movement of people and things, Kelly said. We cannot however just play defense. Mass Deportation Force Kelly also said hed had no discussions with Trump nor made any commitment to mass deportations or a deportation force, despite being slated to implement those policies. Trump has threatened to deport the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, at one point quipping that a deportation force could nab former rival, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. I have given no thought to the topic of a deportation force, Kelly said. As I understand it, we have generally speaking appropriate laws and regulations in place. Kelly also sidestepped the question of whether he would have different deportation policies for immigrants with criminal records, those granted reprieve under Obamas executive orders, or any undocumented migrant. Kellys long-held views on immigration and border security, reiterated in his responses, are unlikely to fully satisfy either Trumps critics or opponents. He is empathetic to migrants fleeing for their lives, puts the blame on the U.S. demand for drugs that has devastated those countries, and emphasizes economic assistance to stem migrant flows. But he also promises to get tough on newly-arrived illegal migrants, and criticizes the Obama administration for what he views as lax enforcement of immigration law. Kelly took aim at the White Houses deportation policy, despite the outgoing presidents reputation as deporter in chief. He said that immigration officials should fully apply existing laws, rather than utilizing so-called prosecutorial discretion to put finite resources into targeting immigrants with criminal records for deportation. We must be true to the laws on the books now, or change them, he said. Kelly did take a hard line on deporting new waves of immigrants, though. The bottom line to the effort, he wrote, is to return to their country very large numbers of those who do penetrate the [border] defenses in violation of the laws as written by this institution no matter how they do it. Quoting leaders from Central America, he said, If you do not start sending them back to their country of origin quickly and in large numbers they will never stop making the trek north. I believe they are right. I know they are right. Border Security and Foreign Assistance Kellys final military posting was commander of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for most of Latin America. That, plus years of experience with counterinsurgency in Iraq, reinforced his belief that the most effective way to enhance U.S. border security is to get at the root causes of migration flows, including demand for narcotics and a lack of economic opportunities in many Central American countries. In his responses, Kelly called for an aggressive offensive against drug production in Latin America as well as tackling demand for drugs inside the United States and also called for more economic assistance to Central American countries devastated by drug-related violence. If we help these countries attract foreign investment, and invest in them ourselves, and if we help them significantly improve the security conditions in their countriesconditions that eroded due in large measure to our drug demandthen there will be no reason for the people to head north illegally, Kelly said. Former Mexican President Felipe Calderon warned Trump on Twitter last week that beggar-thy-neighbor economic policies will only drive more Mexicans north. But Trump is no fan of foreign assistance, instead threatening to block migrant remittances that make up a significant portion of the regions economies, spark trade wars, rewrite the U.S.-Mexico trade pact, and gut the State Departments international aid programs. Kelly told lawmakers that his requests at SOUTHCOM for more resources for the region and his warnings about potential threats often fell on deaf ears. According to Kelly, more than 100 fighters from Latin America had joined ISIS, but the warning signs werent taken seriously by the Obama administration. He said that cross-border criminal networks that move drugs and other illicit goods could be a conduit for terrorists to enter the United States. Muslim Ban and Extreme Vetting In the questionnaire, Kelly said he had not discussed with Trump nor committed to the notion of extreme vetting for potential refugees, or a national registry to track Muslims. He also said they had yet to talk about Trumps proposed ban on Muslim immigrants or restrictions on immigration from the Middle East. My understanding is that the President-elect is not proposing new limits for Muslim travel and immigration to the United States, Kelly said. Kelly openly disagreed with Trump and his teams perception of Muslims as security risks. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, tapped for national security adviser, has issued strident warnings about the risks posed by radical Islam, given credence to conspiracies about a plot to impose Sharia law in the United States, and has called Islam a malignant cancer. Kelly said he doesnt believe all Muslims are looking to impose a political agenda. And he said Muslims report suspicious behavior or help fight extremism like any other Americans. I think there are vulnerable individuals in every subcomponent of every population, he said. Terrorism is terrorism. Russian Cyberattacks In his responses, Kelly affirmed his prior assessment that Russia is seeking to undercut U.S. influence in Latin America, citing an increased presence in propaganda, arms sales, and trade and security agreements. Under Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said in congressional testimony in 2015, we have seen a clear return to Cold War-tactics. As part of its global strategy, Russia is using power projection in an attempt to erode U.S. leadership and challenge U.S. influence in the Western hemisphere. In his answers for lawmakers, he carefully walked around Russias role in hacks that affected the U.S. election, a role that Trump continues to deny despite being briefed by top U.S. intelligence officials on their findings. He said he doesnt currently have access to the same intelligence federal agencies used to conclude Moscow was behind cyber-meddling to undermine the U.S. presidential election and assist Trumps candidacy. Previously, Kelly has painted a picture of Russian mischief that squares with the consensus of U.S. spies and soldiers. And in stark contrast to his future boss, who has continued to belittle the intelligence community even after his latest briefing, Kelly was effusive in his praise for the broader intel community, including the FBI, where one of his children works. I trust them and what they do for the nation with my life, he said. We all do. Photo credit: Drew Angerer / Staff Rumbling off cargo ships in these opening weeks of 2017 are the tanks and trucks of the biggest U.S. and NATO arms buildup on the European continent since the 1980s. The equipment of an American armored brigadethe 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the Fourth Infantry Divisionis landing in Bremerhaven, Germany, soon to transit by train to its new bases in Poland and Romania. Theyll be supported by half a brigade of air assault forces. The Americans will be reinforced by NATO allies. A Canadian-led regiment will take position in Latvia; a German-headed unit will deploy in Lithuania; and NATOs two other nuclear powers besides the U.S., Britain and France, will join the defense of Estonia. Estonia is completing construction of buildings and barracks for the British-led regiment assigned to the most easterly of the Baltic republics. Thousands of additional U.S. and NATO troops will soon face eastward toward Russia, stiffened by 87 new tanks, 144 Bradley fighting vehicles, 60 additional fighting and transport helicopters, and much other advanced equipment as wella reversal of the long build down that reduced the U.S. force in Europe from more than 300,000 in the late 1980s to barely 100,000 in the aftermath of 9/11. Recommended: Jeff Sessions Said He 'Prosecuted the Head of the Klan.' Here's What Actually Happened. It may be that resentment of plans for this kind of enhanced NATO presence was one of the motives that impelled Vladimir Putin to intervene in the U.S. presidential election with a view to weakening the pro-NATO Hillary Clinton and helping the NATO-skeptical Trump. Whatever Putins thinking, the force is there. The second-most dangerous thing in international politics is to draw a red line without truly meaning it, as Barack Obama did in warning Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against using chemical weapons, then failing to retaliate when he did so. But the very most dangerous thing is to blur a red line that really is there. Donald Trumps persistent soft talk invites the Russians to misconstrue whats on the other side of that line. Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Soviet state that Putin so often mourns, is often credited with the line: Probe with a bayonet. If you encounter steel, withdraw. If you encounter mush, then push. Whatever the true authorship, the statement offers healthy implicit advice: Clarity keeps peace; weakness invites conflict. Story continues Clarity keeps peace; weakness invites conflict. NATO troops train to counter not only blitzkrieg tactics, but also the kind of stealthy infiltration the Russians used to seize Crimea in 2014. Those kinds of conflicts can start small, but can end big and deadly, if they are not deterred. Donald Trump has congratulated himself on his unpredictability. Thats dangerous too. Superpowers should be ultra-predictable. Had the Soviets known that the United States would defend South Korea, the June 1950 invasion from the North would likely never have happened. The knowledge that the United States most certainly would defend West Germany kept the peace of the European continent from 1945 through 1989. The United States and NATO went to great lengths to assure Russia that the extension of NATO after 1997 would not alter Russias strategic situation. Western troops did not permanently deploy in substantial numbers beyond the Cold War NATO-Warsaw Pact boundary line until after Russias intervention in Ukraine. U.S. and U.K. aircraft visited Eastern European airbases, but were not stationed there. George W. Bush insisted that missile defenses intended for Poland and the Czech Republic were intended to defend against Iran, not Russiaand when the Russians still complained, Barack Obama canceled the defenses altogether. This goodwill has not been requited, to put it mildly. And now we all must seriously worry how the Russians will interpret their interactions with Donald Trump, and particularly his fierce excuse-making for their interference on his behalf in the U.S. electoral process. Do they believe they are encountering mush on the other side of the NATO line? The faster this misapprehension is corrected, the safer for European and world peace. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Charlotte McKinney Carls Jr hamburger model eating Sixty-six percent of women working at Hardee's or Carl's Jr. have encountered unwanted sexual behavior on the job, according to a new report that has been released following Donald Trump's nomination of the chains' CEO Andy Puzder to Secretary of Labor. Women working at CKE Restaurants were 50% more likely than the average fast-food worker to encounter sexual harassment at work, according to a report released Tuesday from workers' rights nonprofit Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United. Sexual harassment is a common problem in the restaurant industry, with roughly 40% of female fast-food workers facing harassment such as sexual teasing, unwanted touching, and invasive questions on the job, according to a survey by Hart Research. ROC's report was collected through 564 surveys completed by Carl's Jr. and Hardee's members who the nonprofit reached out to via social media. In addition to sexual harassment, the report found that 28% of respondents said they had worked off-the-clock and roughly 33% reported wage theft violations, such as not receiving or overtime pay figures that actual beat fast-food industry averages. Andy Puzder Trump The Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit managed by the International Franchise Association (IFA), called the report's conclusions into question. On Tuesday, the EPI released the results of its own survey, in which 93% of female CKE employees reported tha they "feel safe and respected in this working environment." The EPI's data was collected via 242 telephone interviews with Carl's Jr. and Hardees employees in early January. ROC argues that the reports provides evidence that Puzder, as CEO of CKE, is unfit to serve as the Secretary of Labor. "The job of the Secretary of Labor is to protect our nations most vulnerable workers, including tipped workers," Saru Jayaraman, ROC United co-founder and co-director, said in a statement. "Like the NRA, Puzder's stated positions include total opposition to raising the minimum wage and earned sick time, and threats to replace restaurant workers with machines. Quite simply, Puzder is the last person that should fill this role." Story continues Democrats plan to use the ROC report to highlight potential issues with Puzder's confirmation as Secretary of Labor, with members of Congress, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, hosting a forum on Tuesday to discuss the results of the report. Warren and other members of Congress have called for Puzder's employees to be allowed to speak at Puzder's confirmation hearing. Its essential for the HELP Committee to hear from Puzders employees to evaluate his qualifications & suitability for @USDOL Secretary. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 10, 2017 Many progressives spoke out against Puzder's nomination following its announcement in early December. While restaurant industry groups such as the IFA have supported Puzder, critics have taken issue with Puzder's history of opposition to regulation that would increase overtime pay and raise the minimum wage, his interest in investing in automation, and support of sexualized marketing. Carl's Jr. and Hardee's have come under fire for its sexual advertising in the past, with commercials starring scantily-clad women drawing protest from the conservative group One Million Moms and feminist website Jezebel. Puzder has long welcomed the protest. "I like our ads. I like beautiful women eating burgers in bikinis. I think it's very American," Puzder told Entrepreneur in 2015. NOW WATCH: This super sexy Carl's Jr Super Bowl ad has gone totally viral More From Business Insider donald trump The US Senate starts considering President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks in confirmation hearings on Tuesday, and he is extremely confident "they'll all pass." If history is any indicator, Trump has little to worry about. In 228 years of the Executive Branch, the Senate has only outright rejected nine Cabinet nominations, while 11 were withdrawn or not acted on by the Senate. Considering presidents have nominated at least four to 21 Cabinet-level positions requiring Senate confirmation per term, that's a remarkably good success rate. Asked about the confirmation hearings after meeting with Alibaba founder Jack Ma on Monday, Trump said he expected them to go smoothly. "Confirmation is going great. I think they'll all pass," Trump said. "I think every nomination will be they're all at the highest level. Jack was even saying, they are the absolute highest level. I think they're going to do very well." The picks most likely to face opposition Cabinet All 1/3 Democratic senators and some Republicans have objected to many of Trump's picks, most notably Rex Tillerson as secretary of state, Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general, and Scott Pruitt as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. But to successfully reject one of them with the required simple majority, all of the 48 Democrats in the Senate would need to oppose a nominee, plus have three Republicans join them. The loudest concerns senators have voiced have come over Tillerson's close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who awarded the former Exxon Mobil CEO an Order of Friendship medal in 2013. Top US intelligence agencies concluded in a report released last week that Russia was behind the Democratic National Committee hacks, which they said was part of a campaign orchestrated by Putin and designed to discredit Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and aid Trump. Story continues Sessions, meanwhile, was nominated to be a federal district court judge by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. But the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee blocked his nomination because of racially charged comments and actions that he denied. His hearing for attorney general, in front of the same committee that rejected him years ago, begins Tuesday. After his nomination, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts urged GOP senators to join her in opposing Sessions. 30 yrs ago, a GOP Senate rejected @SenatorSessions judicial nomination, affirming no compromise with racism; no negotiation with hate. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 18, 2016 "Today, a new GOP Senate must decide whether self-interest & political cowardice will prevent them from once again doing what is right," she tweeted. Pruitt, meanwhile, is embroiled in a lawsuit against what he has called overreach of the EPA, the agency Trump has nominated him to lead, for President Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan. He is the only Cabinet pick that incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has outright opposed, raising concerns on Twitter that Pruitt denies the overwhelming scientific consensus about climate change. Its irresponsible to support an #EPA nominee who puts polluters over clear water & air for the American people. I oppose #PollutingPruitt. Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 9, 2016 Environmental group Sierra Club compared Pruitt heading the EPA to "putting an arsonist in charge of fighting fires." A historical rarity trump cabinet picks protesters The last time the Senate outright blocked a nomination was Republican President George H.W. Bush's choice of Sen. John Tower for defense secretary in 1989. "Senator George J. Mitchell of Maine, the majority leader ... and Senator Sam Nunn, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, both argued that Mr. Tower's nomination was a special case," The New York Times wrote at the time, "a nominee for a particularly sensitive job plagued by an unusually long list of allegations about purported drinking problems, misconduct toward women and lax attitudes toward conflicts created by his work as a consultant to military contractors." More recently, Obama withdrew Tom Daschle as his nominee for secretary of health and human services in 2009 because the former senator came under scrutiny for unpaid taxes. President George W. Bush withdrew two Cabinet nominees, and President Bill Clinton withdrew three. The very first Cabinet pick to be outright rejected by the Senate was Roger B. Taney in 1834, whom President Andrew Jackson appointed as Treasury Secretary to dismantle the National Bank. NOW WATCH: Ivanka's husband reportedly tapped as senior adviser for Trump amid nepotism concerns More From Business Insider Tuesday, January 10, 2017 Market participants have bought the dream, but are hesitant now that the dream is about to become a reality. With all the good feeling surrounding a new era of tax cuts and deregulation, equities have been bid up since the surprise result of the November 8 election. We now see cabinet hearings beginning for the new administration, and real debate has a way of tamping dreamlike exuberance. By rhetoric, we expect a radically different government build-out under President-elect Trump than weve had for the past 8 years under Obama. However, even though things like corporate tax reform and further steps toward repatriating American businesses appear to be the low-hanging fruit that will help grow the economy in the near-term, there are plenty of perceived rifts between Trump and his partys congressional membership that may make the transition more dicey. Not the least of which is the repeal and replace issues regarding ACA, President Obamas healthcare reform. It appears both Trump and Republicans in Congress are proceeding with caution now that the Senate has voted to make Obamacare null and void. What happens next? Will there be a way to keep coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, for instance, without ushering in a new comprehensive policy that has yet to emerge? And if so, should we expect Trump will stand by quietly and let it happen? This is really not the place to get into that sort of policy decision; I only use it to point out that now is when the real work begins for the new Congress and new administration. (Obamacare is only one of many potential rifts between Trump and the GOP, too. Plenty of congressional Republicans take a much less glowing view of Russian President Putin than Trump does.) It is for this reason several analysts are explaining our near-term market plateau. In fact, several including esteemed bond investor Bill Gross have issued warnings recently about the potential downside of the Trump rally. What seems beneficial to keep in mind is that we are currently entering into a brand new macro-environment, including in the stock market. Where we had been seeing years of frustratingly sluggish growth, at least it was consistent and positive. With so many unknowns inside and outside the coming Trump administration, it makes sense to expect much more volatility than weve been accustomed to seeing. This may be great news for day traders, who look for a higher VIX to squeeze the juice from near-term value in stocks. But for long-term investors, we may be in for a roller coaster ride that might make us queasy from time to time. Make sure to pack some Dramamine, and always fasten your seatbelt. Mark Vickery Senior Editor Click here to follow this author>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SPDR-DJ IND AVG (DIA): ETF Research Reports SPDR-SP 500 TR (SPY): ETF Research Reports NASDAQ-100 SHRS (QQQ): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Updated on January 9 at 5:27 p.m. Jared Kushner is a man who has been in the right placeor more precisely, the right familiesat the right time, and been willing and able to bend the rules to move forward. In the latest instance of that pattern, President-elect Donald Trump will reportedly name Kushner a senior White House adviser, CNN and The New York Times report, placing his son-in-law in a top post but setting up a potential showdown over the reach of federal nepotism laws. That would end weeks of speculation that Kushner would receive a top job at the White House, and it would represent a continuation of his role on the Trump presidential campaign, where Kushner gradually grew in influence, ultimately becoming one of his father-in-laws closest aides. Ivanka Trump, Kushners wife, will take a formal role in the administration, CNBC reports. As soon as rumors of a Kushner appointment bubbled up, ethics experts objected, saying his playing a role in the White House would fall afoul of rules instituted in 1967, partly in response to John F. Kennedy naming his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, as attorney general. But there are ways around the law. The statute specifies: A public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control any individual who is a relative of the public official. The law defines agency as an Executive agency, an office, agency, or other establishment in the legislative branch, an office, agency, or other establishment in the judicial branch, or the government of the District of Columbia, and its the meaning of those definitions on which Kushners eligibility for his new job hinges. Recommended: Jeff Sessions Said He 'Prosecuted the Head of the Klan.' Here's What Actually Happened. Story continues Ironically, its Hillary Clinton who might bail Trump out here. When Bill Clinton named the first lady to lead a health-care task force in 1993, the appointment was challenged in court as a violation of the act. But the court concluded that the White House and Executive Office of the President didnt fall under the statutory definition. Will that work for Kushner? Opinions diverge, even between Norm Eisen and Richard Painter, who have emerged as the most consistent voices assailing Trumps ethical practices. Were not talking about Kushner running a side task force here, Eisen, who was Obamas chief ethics lawyer, told Politico in November. Were talking about a regular staff job. This falls right in the bulls eye of the statute. I think its illegal. But Richard Painter, who held the same position for George W. Bush, told ABC News that same month that while a Kushner job clearly violates the intent of the law, there are also arguments that could be used to try and wiggle around it if you were making an appointment in the White House. The likely ascent to a job at the presidents right hand represents the latest piece of good luck and good timing for Kushner, a spree that began with his birth as the scion of a prominent New York area real-estate familya parallel between Kushner and Donald Trump that has not been overlook. Kushner was also lucky in marriage, with his union with Ivanka Trump bringing him into another prominent New York real-estate empire. Recommended: A Voter in His 20s Gives Up on Liberal Democracy The attempt to circumvent nepotism statutes points to another characteristic of Kushners career: Hes been willing and able to have rules bent on his behalf. In a 2006 book on how colleges court wealthy donors, Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Daniel Golden reported that Jared Kushner was likely admitted to Harvard on the basis of a lavish gift that his father Charles made to the Ivy League college. Golden recapped his reporting in a recent ProPublica piece: There was no way anybody in the administrative office of the school thought he would on the merits get into Harvard, a former official at The Frisch School in Paramus, New Jersey, told me. His GPA did not warrant it, his SAT scores did not warrant it. We thought for sure, there was no way this was going to happen. Then, lo and behold, Jared was accepted. It was a little bit disappointing because there were at the time other kids we thought should really get in on the merits, and they did not. During the course of the campaign, Kushner gradually came to be seen as a more and more powerful figure. He helped shape Trumps Middle East policy and his March 2016 speech to AIPAC, an outing that was seen as surprisingly sober and prepared for a candidate mostly characterized by chaos and disorder. He was said to have a role in the June firing of Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, who, according to some reports, had sought to plant negative stories about Kushner. But although Kushner is an observant orthodox Jew, he emerged as a major backer of Steve Bannon, the emissary of the alt-right who became Trumps final campaign chairman and is headed to the White House as its top strategist. Recommended: My President Was Black Kushners hand is said to be at work in the falling fortunes of Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor who was an early backer of Trump. Christie, then a U.S. attorney, sent Jared Kushners father Charles to jail for two years in a rococo case, in which Charles hired a prostitute to solicit his sisters husband, then taped the encounter and sent a recording to the sister. Christie was dethroned as head of the transition shortly after Trumps election, and has thus far been shut out of a post in the Trump administration. Although Kushner has little experience in politics or governmenthe is the owner of the New York Observer, a weekly newspaper that has historically focused on media, real estate, and the doings of New York Citys chattering classeshe is well connected in business circles. Kushner was reportedly a major advocate for Gary Cohn, the president of Goldman Sachs who has been appointed as the head of Trumps National Economic Council. Kushner has already been sitting in on meetings with foreign leaders like Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. As Andrew Rice reports in a new profile in New York, the parallels between Donald Trump and Jared Kushner do not end with their backgrounds as the sons of major Gotham developers. Trump was for many years a Democrat and espoused standard liberal positions before taking his hard-right turn ahead of his presidential campaign. Kushner, like Ivanka Trump, seems to have been a fairly typical pro-business Democrat until recentlyindeed, when his father was sentenced to jail, the New York Times headline identified him first and foremost as a Democrat Donor. More recently, associates told Rice that Kushner had taken a hard turn right. Even if nepotism laws can be overcome, Kushner risks running afoul of other White House rules. Because of his role running his familys real-estate company, Kushner is deeply enmeshed with a variety of business interests that could conflict with his role in policymaking. A deeply reported Times story on Sunday looked at the Kushner companies and how they intersect with, among other things, Chinese national interests. Despite Trumps belligerent words about China, a joint Trump-Kushner venture in New Jersey was financed in part with a maneuver that allows major overseas investors, in this case many of them Chinese, to get U.S. visas. These connections could cause problems for Kushner. Or he could take the approach that Donald Trump has taken as president-elect, and simply refuse to acknowledge the deep conflicts of interest or do anything about them. If Kushner did that, it would be yet another case of like father, like son-in-law. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. The movie La La Land was the big winner at the 74th annual Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, California. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association honored the musical with seven awards, including best actor and best actress. La La Land is about an actor and jazz musician who fall in love while seeking success in Hollywood. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star in the film and each won a Golden Globe for their work. La La Land also won awards for directing, writing and music. The award for best dramatic film went to Moonlight. It tells the story of a boy growing up, abused by his mother, in a poor neighborhood where crime and drugs are common. The story is told in three parts: boyhood, teenage years and adulthood. In other dramatic film categories, French actress Isabelle Huppert was honored for her performance in the movie Elle. And, American Casey Affleck won best actor for his work in Manchester by the Sea. Some industry experts consider the Golden Globes an early predictor of the Academy Awards, also called Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will hold the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles on February 26. La La Land and Moonlight are seen as strong possibilities for receiving honors that night. In television awards, the show Atlanta won the Golden Globe for best comedy series. For television drama, the British series The Crown won over nominees Game of Thrones and Westworld. But the awards themselves might not have been the most memorable part of the night. Instead, much public attention has gone to actress Meryl Streeps speech at the ceremony. Streep received a lifetime achievement award. During her acceptance speech she criticized President-elect Donald Trump. Streep noted his treatment of a disabled reporter during a campaign appearance. The 67-year-old actress said she could not believe it when, in her words, the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. I still can't get it out of my head because it wasn't in a movie, it was real life, she said. She called the president-elect a bully and said when the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose. Trump answered the criticism early Monday on Twitter. The president-elect wrote that Streep was, in his words, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood. He also criticized her for supporting his opponent, saying Hillary Clinton lost big. Trump denied, as he has in the past, that he was making fun of the reporter. "For the 100th time, I never 'mocked' a disabled reporter," he tweeted. There is video of the interaction between Trump and the reporter. It has been broadcast many times. Trump was mentioned at other times during the Golden Globes ceremony. Several other award winners also used their acceptance speeches to voice their opinions on the president-elect. The host of the show, television star Jimmy Fallon, joked that the Globes is "one of the few places where America still honors the popular vote. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in the American presidential election by close to three million ballots. But, she did not receive enough votes in the U.S. Electoral College to win the presidency. Fallon also joked about Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom U.S. intelligence officials have accused of trying to influence the election. He said, "Of course the ballots for tonight's Golden Globes were carefully tabulated by the accounting firm Ernst and Young and Putin. Im Caty Weaver. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, with material from VOA News, Associated Press and Reuters. Caty Weaver was the editor. What movies would you like to see win awards this year? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story annual adj. happening every year achievement n. success in doing something, usually by working hard imitate v. copy the way someone looks, sounds or behaves mock v. to laugh at someone or something in an unkind way mention v. to refer to or suggest host n. person who leads a television or radio show tabulate v. to add up, calculate firm n. a company New York (AFP) - Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's baby-faced son-in-law and incoming special advisor, is poised to become one of the most powerful men in the country, a calming and respected influence on the president. Celebrating his 36th birthday on Tuesday, the clean-cut, impeccably polite and discreet grandson of Holocaust survivors married to Trump's eldest daughter has been credited with working tirelessly behind the scenes to mastermind his father-in-law's shock victory. Flouting nepotism and ethics concerns in announcing the appointment, the incoming Republican president called Kushner a "tremendous asset and trusted advisor" who would form an integral part of his inner team. A multi-millionaire property developer and publisher, Kushner married Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka in 2009. The couple, who have three young children, will now swap their status as a Manhattan power couple enmeshed in the business world for a life of politics in Washington. The scion of an Orthodox Jewish family from New Jersey who previously donated to Democratic politicians, Kushner has spoken of undergoing a shift after seeing his father-in-law's groundswell of support, unflinchingly defending him against alleged racism and anti-Semitism. "People in the political world try to put you into different buckets based on what exists. I think Trump's creating his own bucket -- a blend of what works and eliminating what doesn't work," he told Forbes. But while Trump's penchant for publicity, rows and controversy are legendary, Kushner is a stark contrast in social media silence, appearing only in smiling family photographs posted by his wife, who converted to Judaism before their lavish society wedding. But behind the scenes, his influence is almost second to none. - Child of privilege - He was reportedly instrumental in personnel decisions, such as demoting scandal-dogged Chris Christie -- the former prosecutor who jailed his father for tax evasion -- and Trump's selection of a fervent advocate of Jewish settlements as US ambassador to Israel. Story continues Trump said last year that Kushner, whose family foundation has reportedly donated to Israeli settlements, was so talented that he could help "do peace in the Middle East." Such is his influence that the New York Times reported that the outgoing White House was told that foreign policy matters that need to be brought to Trump's attention should be relayed through Kushner. He has also been a bridge to tech leaders, has won the friendship and support of legions of influential New York and global players, many of them significantly older than him, such as Rupert Murdoch. Even liberals welcomed his appointment as a potentially moderating influence. "I respect him a lot," New York's left-leaning Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters on Monday, saying that he had known Kushner "for years" and considered him "a very reasonable person." The eldest son of developer Charles Kushner, he attended a private Jewish high school before going to Harvard, singled out as an example of the wealthy getting preferential admittance to Ivy League schools, before going onto New York University to get an MBA. Kushner was still a student when Christie jailed his father for tax evasion, witness tampering and illegal campaign contributions. His son picked up the pieces, reportedly flying down to visit his father most weekends, and took up the reins of the family business, proving himself astonishingly successful. - Ran campaign - Like Trump, he shifted the focus of the family real estate business to Manhattan. Today Forbes estimates that together with his parents and brother Kushner is worth $1.8 billion. Under his leadership, Kushner Companies says it has completed more than $14 billion in transactions and $7 billion in acquisitions. Kushner's lawyer said he would resign as CEO of Kushner Companies and "divest substantial assets in accordance with federal guidelines." Ten years ago he also added The New York Observer lifestyle newspaper to his portfolio and revived its fortunes by taking it online. During the campaign he went from writing speeches to masterminding a data-driven campaign that focused on message tailoring and harnessing social media to an unprecedented extent. "Best I can tell, he actually ran the campaign and did it with essentially no resources," Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, told Forbes. After the inauguration he is expected to work closely with White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Steve Bannon. The Times reported that he plans to work on issues involving the Middle East and Israel; try to forge government partnerships with the private sector and collaborate on free trade issues. Jeff Sessions Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama is about to face a wave of intense scrutiny as he seeks confirmation to become attorney general and head the Justice Department in President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming administration. The Alabama Republican's confirmation hearing began Tuesday, and the multi-day affair is likely to contain plenty of fireworks. When first nominated by Trump in November, the president-elect said it was an "honor to nominate" a "world-class legal mind" to the position. Sessions said, should he be confirmed, that he will give "all my strength to advance" its "highest ideals" and will be dedicated to "fairness and impartiality." But Sessions is likely to face heavy examination over his overall record, as well as decades-old allegations of racism that are now certain to be hashed out in public. Sessions, prior to his 20-year Senate career, served as a US attorney and as attorney general of Alabama. While serving as a US attorney for the state's southern district, he was nominated to be a federal district court judge by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. His nomination, however, was rejected by the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee a committee on which he now serves because of racially charged comments and actions that he denied. It was only the second time in nearly 50 years the committee stunted a judicial nomination. J. Gerald Hebert, then working on voting-rights cases for the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, spent time in Alabama working with Sessions. He testified in front of the panel that Sessions was "not a very sensitive person when it comes to race relations." Hebert testified that Sessions had said a white lawyer described as a race traitor "probably is," and that the ACLU and NAACP were "communist-inspired." Thomas Figures, a former assistant US attorney who died last year, provided back up to Hebert's testimony on Sessions regarding organizations such as the NAACP. Sessions testified that he recalled saying that "when" such civil-rights organizations "demand more than is legitimate, it hurts their position," he said. Story continues Figures, who worked with Sessions, said he was warned by the now-Alabama senator to "be careful what you say to white folks" after Figures, the only black assistant US attorney in the office, told a white secretary that she had made an offensive comment. He also testified that Sessions and two others in the office had called him "boy," which Sessions categorically denied. "I have never used the word 'boy' to describe a black, nor would I tolerate it in my office," Sessions testified. Figures also said Sessions remarked that he thought Ku Klux Klan members were "OK," until he found out they smoked marijuana. Sessions later testified that he was joking. Sessions was also accused of voicing complaints about the Voting Rights Act. Hebert, who now works as the director of voting rights and redistricting program at the Campaign Legal Center, told Business Insider that he was "extremely unhappy to hear" Sessions was selected for the post. "Because I think that he has a demonstrated record of anti-civil rights [and] anti-equality," Hebert said Friday. "I don't think he has a good grasp on issues about voting rights. I think a lot of his views are just plain wrong in light of facts." "He has opinions that are based on suspicion rather than facts," he continued. "And to have somebody like that heading up the Justice Department, the chief law enforcement officer in the United States, is of great concern to me." Jeff Sessions Sessions, the first senator to come out in support of Trump on the campaign trail, is known for his hardline stance on immigration, his protectionist platform on trade, and his opposition toward bipartisan proposals to cut mandatory minimum prison sentences. "When Trump on election night came out and said he was going to be kind of a uniter for all people, this sends the opposite message in my view," Hebert said. "And he's got a demonstrated record of making racially insensitive remarks in the 1980s that he's never really apologized for or backed off of. He's claimed that he's not a racist, but anybody can make a claim, it's what your record shows that's important. He has a record of pretty clearly opposing civil rights enforcement and opposing the laws themselves." Hebert said that with issues "of race and law enforcement" being at the forefront of the US justice discussion, the nomination of Sessions "sends a very bad message." And he said he does not believe Sessions' views have evolved since the 1980s is a "positive" way. "I think he's done things since the 1980s in the area of race, ethnicity, and he's made statements about nominees that have shown that he remains racially insensitive," Hebert said, pointing to Sessions' support of controversial voter ID laws whose critics say prevents many in minority communities from being able to cast ballots. While many Democrats have been up in arms about Trump's appointment of Breitbart News executive Steve Bannon as White House chief strategist, Hebert said the consequences of a Justice Department run by Sessions will be of much greater importance. "Well, the two positions couldn't be more different," he said. "One is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States. You make decisions about who's going to get prosecuted, what laws are going to be enforced, what the priorities are going to be for the thousands of lawyers who work there, and you reach literally every corner of America and the world, for that matter. This is a far more important position and one that has far greater and far-reaching consequences." Jeff Sessions Jason Miller, a spokesman for Trump's transition, came to Sessions' defense in a conference call with reporters when the Alabama senator was first tapped. He said Sessions is "universally respected across party lines." "When Sen. Sessions was US Attorney, he filed a number of desegregation lawsuits in Alabama and supported a 30-year extension of the Civil Rights Act, voted for [former Attorney General] Eric Holder, and spearheaded [the] effort to give a congressional gold medal to Rosa Parks." Miller was confident Sessions had the support to be confirmed, adding that former Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania later said his vote against Sessions in the 1980s was a mistake. Sessions, who is generally well-liked in the Senate, didn't receive the same sort of backlash as Bannon's appointment from Democrats in Congress when he was announced late last year. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut called Sessions a "respected colleague" who "expects the same exacting, serious scrutiny that any other Attorney General nominee would receive." Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said citizens "deserve" to know about Sessions' record "at the public" confirmation hearing. Incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, however, signaled a potential confirmation battle. He said that even though he and Sessions "work out in the gym ... the fact that he is a senator does not absolve him from answering tough questions in the confirmation process." "Given some of his past statements and his staunch opposition to immigration reform, I am very concerned about what he would do with the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice and want to hear what he has to say, Schumer continued in a statement. The strongest statement against Sessions from congressional Democrats came from Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois. "If you have nostalgia for the days when blacks kept quiet, gays were in the closet, immigrants were invisible and women stayed in the kitchen, Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions is your man," he said, using Sessions' full legal name. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts also provided some strong words about Sessions, advising Trump to "reverse his decision." "30 yrs ago, a GOP Senate rejected @SenatorSessions judicial nomination, affirming no compromise with racism; no negotiation with hate," she posted to Twitter. "Today, a new GOP Senate must decide whether self-interest & political cowardice will prevent them from once again doing what is right." Elected Republicans presented universal praise for Trump's selection of Sessions as his nomination for attorney general. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas called it "great news," while Sen. John Cornyn of Texas called Sessions a "principled and good man" who will "restore honor" to the Justice Department. And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky tried to build the case for why Sessions would be a fair leader for the department, saying he "strongly" supported Trump's decision. McConnell noted that Sessions worked in a bipartisan fashion to reduce sentencing disparities for "certain drug offenses," in addition to combating sexual assault in prison "Jeff is principled, forthright, and hardworking," he wrote. "He cares deeply about his country and the Department he will be nominated to lead. ... Jeff has always looked out for the safety, security and freedoms of his constituents and the nation." NOW WATCH: These are Stratfor's chilling predictions for 2017 More From Business Insider Trump Sessions Confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet kicked off on Tuesday with Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, Trump's pick to head up the Justice Department. Sessions and Trump, however, seem to differ on a critical issue: the legalization of medical marijuana. In an April hearing, the Alabama senator said that "good people don't smoke marijuana" and slammed President Obama for admitting to smoking the drug in high school. He also infamously joked that the Ku Klux Klan was "OK until I found out they smoked pot." Though Trump's administration hasn't yet discussed a specific policy on medical cannabis, the president-elect has differed with Sessions on the issue in the past. He told Bill O'Reilly in an interview last year that he's "100%" in favor of medical marijuana, and has indicated that he'll take a typical Republican strategy by letting states lead the charge on legalization. Trump's incoming spokesman, Sean Spicer, was pushed to address the issue on Fox's "Outnumbered" on Tuesday. "You now see, finally, there is a majority of Americans in this country who believe marijuana should be legal," Lisa Kennedy, a host, asked Spicer. "I worry that this attorney general is opposed to that." Spicer responded that the incoming administration is all about Trump. The question came up during the hearing on Tuesday afternoon. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) asked Sessions about federal cannabis prohibition, to which Sessions responded that "it is not so much the attorney general's job to decide what laws are enforced," and said that Congress should pass a law to "change the rule." Sessions also admitted that arresting and imprisoning cannabis offenders is a "problem of resources" for the federal government, after questioning from Patrick Leahy (D-VT). marijuana legalization election 2016 To some experts, cannabis legalization, both medical and recreational, has already hit a tipping point. Four states voted to legalize cannabis recreationally on Election Day, while four others voted to legalize some form of medical cannabis, joining a host of other states with cannabis laws already on the books. This means that almost a quarter of all Americans could have legal access to the plant in the near future. Story continues But it will fall on Trump's incoming administration and a Justice Department likely led by Sessions, who opposes legalizing marijuana to actually implement these laws. Sessions has come under fire from pro-legalization Republicans who represent states such as Colorado, where there's already a thriving market for cannabis. "My advice is always to and has been to respect states rights and to look at what other states are doing and wait and see whats going to happen," Cory Gardner, a Republican senator from Colorado, told Bloomberg. "So I look forward to having that conversation with him." Two sitting Republican House representatives, Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), and Thomas Massie (R-KY), are also creating a bipartisan Cannabis Caucus to focus on cannabis reform at the federal level. Similar to Trump's stance on medical marijuana, Rohrabacher wants to make "the states rights issue" a focal point of the Cannabis Caucus's strategy, reports DecodeDC. NOW WATCH: 'I'm asking you a simple question': Fox News host confronts RNC chair over Trump's denial of Russia hacks More From Business Insider (Adds House Democrats asking for ethics review, paragraph 15, background) By Steve Holland and Emily Stephenson WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will become a senior White House adviser working on trade and the Middle East, transition officials said on Monday, in a rare case of a close presidential family member taking a major job. Kushner, 35, who is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, is taking the post after receiving legal counsel that doing so would not violate U.S. anti-nepotism law, transition officials said. The position, unlike Cabinet posts, does not require U.S. Senate confirmation, and Kushner will not be paid. Trump, in a statement on Monday announcing the choice, said Kushner was a "tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition." Kushner, who like Trump is a New York real estate developer, emerged as an important voice early in his father-in-law's presidential campaign and was involved in almost every aspect of it from personnel decisions to strategy and fundraising. Ivanka Trump, who like her husband has been a close adviser to the president-elect, will not take on a role in her father's White House but will focus on settling her family in Washington. Kushner and his wife will undertake significant divestments of their wide-ranging financial portfolios as they prepare for their move to Washington from New York and face inevitable questions about a potential conflict of interest. Senior transition officials and a lawyer for Kushner laid out the arrangement in a conference call with a small group of reporters. Kushner is to work closely with incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and senior strategist Steve Bannon in advising the new president, and the officials said he would focus at least at first on trade policy and the Middle East. Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has vowed to rewrite international trade deals to make them more favorable to the United States. He has also pledged to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv, where it has been for 68 years, to Jerusalem, all but enshrining the city as Israel's capital despite international objections. Story continues 'WE HAVE THE BETTER ARGUMENT' Jamie Gorelick, a New York lawyer who served as deputy attorney general for Democratic President Bill Clinton and helped advise Kushner, said his new post would not violate a 1967 anti-nepotism statute. She said Congress in 1978 authorized the president to hire personnel for the White House office "without regard" to federal personnel laws like the anti-nepotism statute and that court rulings had determined the White House was not an "agency" under the anti-nepotism law. "I'm not saying that there isn't an argument on the other side, and I respect the people who have made the argument on the other side. I just think we have the better argument," Gorelick said. Richard Briffault, a government ethics expert at Columbia Law School, disagreed, saying: "Given the fact that the president is specifically mentioned, you would think that someone that is working for the president would be covered" by the anti-nepotism law. Bill Clinton aroused controversy in 1993 when he named his wife, Hillary Clinton, to lead his healthcare reform drive. She lost the Nov. 8 election to Trump. After John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960, he chose his brother Robert as attorney general. Late on Monday, a group of six Democrats on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee said they had written to the Justice Department and U.S. Office of Government Ethics asking them to review concerns about nepotism and conflicts of interest arising from Kushner's appointment. DIVESTMENTS In order to comply with federal ethics laws and after consulting the Office of Government Ethics, Kushner will take a number of steps to divest substantial assets, Gorelick said. Kushner will resign from his positions as chief executive of the Kushner Companies and as publisher of the New York Observer newspaper and divest from any interests in the New York Observer, Thrive Capital, the 666 Fifth Avenue office building in midtown Manhattan and any foreign investments. In addition, Kushner will recuse himself from participating in matters that could have a direct effect on his remaining financial interests. Those interests include real estate in the New York area, Ivanka Trump's interest in the new Trump hotel in Washington and the Ivanka Trump Brand fashion business, the officials said. Kushner will file a public financial disclosure form. Norman Eisen, a former ethics chief under President Barack Obama, said in an email that Kushner's ethics and disclosure moves appeared to be a "positive step." "I hope his father-in-law takes a page from his book and does the same, as presidents have for the past four decades, by divesting into a blind trust or the equivalent," Eisen said. Trump has said he would transfer control of his business to his children, but he has given no details. A planned news conference in December on the topic was canceled. Trump is expected to take questions from reporters this week. (Additional reporting by Ayesha Rascoe, Doina Chiacu and Eric Walsh; Writing by Steve Holland; Editing by Peter Cooney) Reince Priebus President-elect Donald Trump's soon-to-be White House chief of staff avoided naming Russia as the perpetrator of election-related cyberattacks, referring to the cyber criminals as a "foreign entities," instead. During the interview on Greta Van Susteren's MSNBC program, "For the Record" on Monday night, Reince Priebus suggested the Democratic Party made itself vulnerable to the cyberattacks that targeted Hillary Clinton and her campaign chair, John Podesta. Preibus on Sunday specifically pointed to Russia in an interview with Fox News. On Monday, Preibus blamed Democrats again: "Yeah, this was a hack and yes it was by foreign entities, but its also scaled in magnitude because the DNC had absolutely no defense in place in order to prevent the hack, Priebus said. A joint-analysis by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI detailed how hackers could have used "spearphishing" tactics which are designed to trick users into divulging their usernames and passwords to install malicious software on Democratic National Committee servers, the Associated Press reported in December. Priebus went on to claim that the situation was compounded by poor communication between Democratic Party leadership and the FBI following the cyberattacks. One thing you do if the FBI calls you multiple times and youre one of the biggest political parties in the world, you ought to return the call," Preibus said. "We might not even be having this conversation if a call from the FBI would have been returned. Priebus may have been referring to reports by CNN and other outlets that the FBI had trouble getting the DNC to give investigators access to its servers after the breach. Despite US officials' conclusions that Russia led cyberattacks against the Democratic Party, ostensibly to help Trump win the election, the Trump has remained publicly skeptical of the findings, going on an hours-long tweetstorm about it last weekend. Story continues Following a briefing with intelligence officials last week, Trump acknowledged the possibility of Russian involvement in the cyberattack, but claimed "there was absolutely no effect" on the election. The declassified US intelligence report, however, did not state whether Russia's cyberattacks influenced the election. NOW WATCH: 'I'm asking you a simple question': Fox News host confronts RNC chair over Trump's denial of Russia hacks More From Business Insider Tunis (AFP) - Tunisia's transition to democracy after its 2011 revolution has hit a roadblock, the electoral commission chief said Tuesday, criticising a delay in holding the first local elections since the uprising. "Tunisia stood out... through its partially succesful transition and it is unacceptable that this march towards democracy be cut short," Chafik Sarsar told La Presse newspaper. "Everything is blocked... We have missed a date with history," he said. Tunisia, whose 2011 uprising inspired similar revolts across other Arab countries, has been touted as a regional example of a successful transition to democracy after a revolution. Sarsar criticised parliament's delay in adopting an electoral law necessary to hold the country's first municipal and regional polls since the revolt that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. He said the commission needed "eight months from the publication of the law" to organise the polls. If the elections were held in 2018, they would be immediately followed by the 2019 presidential elections, he said, warning holding these so close together risked "tiring out" the electorate. On Tuesday, a parliament vote on a third of the members of the electoral commission was postponed after the necessary quorum of 160 lawmakers was not met, NGO Al-Bawsala reported. Tunisia passed a new constitution in 2014 and held free parliamentary and presidential elections the same year. But authorities have struggled to redress Tunisia's economy and solve youth unemployment -- particularly among new graduates -- since the 2011 revolt. On Tuesday morning, some 40 unemployed graduates broke in to local government offices in the town of Sidi Bouzid in central Tunisia, which was the cradle of the 2011 uprising, an AFP correspondent said. They had travelled from the town of Meknassi some 50 kilometres (30 miles) away to demand authorities provide them with jobs. Story continues Security forces arrested about 10 protesters. Calm returned to Sidi Bouzid by midday, but a call was issued for a general strike in Meknassi on Thursday. In January last year, authorities imposed a nationwide nighttime curfew after Tunisia witnessed some of its worst social unrest since the 2011 uprising. Anger erupted after the death of a 28-year-old unemployed man who was electrocuted when he climbed a power pole while protesting in the central town of Kasserine. That unrest had echoes of the public anger after the death of a young fruit seller who set himself on fire in Sidi Bouzid in December 2010 in protest at unemployment and police harassment. ANKARA (Reuters) - The Turkish parliament voted on Tuesday to press on with debate about a constitutional reform package that would expand the powers of President Tayyip Erdogan, taking another step on the path towards an executive presidency. Erdogan and his supporters argue that Turkey needs the strong leadership of an executive presidency to prevent a return to the fragile coalition governments of the past, but opponents fear the reform will fuel authoritarianism. The initial vote, an early indicator of support for the bill, was passed with 338 votes, indicating that some deputies from the ruling AK Party and the nationalist opposition MHP, which backs the reform, had not voted in favor. The bill needs the support of at least 330 deputies in the 550-seat assembly to go to a referendum, expected in the spring. The AKP has 316 deputies eligible to vote and the MHP 39. Under the reform, Erdogan will be able to appoint and dismiss government ministers, take back the leadership of the ruling party, and govern until 2029. At Monday's debate on the 18-article bill, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the reform would resolve the problem of Turkey having two executive authorities. "There needs to be one authority in the executive branch," he told the assembly. "Two captains sink the ship, there needs to be one captain." Of the 550-member assembly, 480 lawmakers voted overnight, of whom 134 voted against the bill. The remaining votes were abstentions, unmarked or invalid voting slips. Debate on the individual articles is set to begin on Tuesday and the AKP plans to complete debate of the package by Jan. 24. The plans foresee presidential and general elections in 2019 with a maximum of two five-year terms. (Reporting by Gulsen Solaker, Ercan Gurses and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Paul Tait) Ankara (AFP) - Turkey's pro-Kurdish party is to boycott a parliamentary vote on a controversial new draft constitution aimed at giving President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greater powers, in protest over the arrest of its MPs. "We will not use our vote for this illegitimate reform while our deputies are unjustly under arrest and prevented from carrying out their duties," Ayhan Bilgen, MP and spokesman for the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), said on Twitter late Monday. Eleven HDP members of parliament are currently in jail for alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is listed as a "terrorist" organisation by Turkey, the US and the EU. Turkey's parliament on Monday began debating the new constitution, and is expected to vote on the issue in two weeks. If the measure is approved by parliament, a referendum is expected to take place within 60 days, indicating a date in late March or early April. It seeks to establish for the first time a presidential system for ruling the modern republic created from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. Selahattin Demirtas, one of the HDP's co-leaders, on Monday slammed the debates from behind bars, the private Dogan news agency reported. He said the arrest of 11 members of the party had stripped them of their chance to challenge the draft constitution and "makes the debate and the vote controversial from the very start". Critics have claimed the move is part of a power grab by Erdogan -- Turkey's premier from 2003-2014 and then president -- for one-man rule following a failed coup on July 15. But supporters say the presidential system would bring Turkey into line with countries such as France and the United States and is needed for efficient government. Erdogan's AK Party needs more than 330 votes -- a three fifths majority -- for the bill to be submitted to a referendum for voters' approval. (Adds details, background) By Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu ANKARA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Turkish police killed a would-be attacker who tried to enter the main police station in the southeastern city of Gaziantep on Tuesday and were searching for a second assailant, in what one security official told Reuters was an attempted suicide bombing. A gunfight broke out in front of the police compound and ambulances were sent to the scene, television channels reported, in the latest outburst of violence to hit Turkey. Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters in parliament that a police operation was underway to locate the second attacker. One police officer was wounded in the clash and was taken to hospital for treatment, the Gaziantep governor's office said in a statement. Eyewitnesses said a dead person, presumed to be the would-be attacker, was lying on the ground in front of the police station, Dogan news agency said. Turkey is still reeling from an attack on New Year's Day in which a gunman killed 39 revellers inside a popular Istanbul nightclub. Islamic State claimed that attack. Four days later, attackers who officials suspect were Kurdish militants clashed with police and detonated a car bomb in western Turkey, killing a police officer and a court employee. Gaziantep police station was previously targeted on May 1 when two police officers were killed and 22 people wounded in a car bomb attack, which at the time was linked to Islamic State. The city of Gaziantep is 65 km (40 miles) from the Syrian frontier and has been a focus of Turkish concerns about the spillover of violence across the border. A suicide bomb attack on a wedding party in Gaziantep killed more than 50 people on Aug. 20. Four days later, Turkey's army launched an operation with Syrian rebels to drive Islamic State away from its southern border. (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Gareth Jones) Kabul (AFP) - Bombings across three Afghan cities including Kabul killed around 50 people and wounded 100 others Tuesday, in a day of carnage as Taliban insurgents escalate a deadly winter campaign of violence. At least 11 people died when explosives hidden in a sofa detonated inside the governor's compound in southern Kandahar during a visit by the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan, who escaped the attack with injuries. Just hours before, twin Taliban blasts in Kabul tore through employees exiting a parliament annexe, which houses the offices of lawmakers, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80 others. And earlier Tuesday, a Taliban suicide bomber killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province, as the militants ramp up nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually wanes. The carnage underscores growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where US-backed forces are struggling to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency as well as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants. Kandahar's governor and UAE envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi were wounded by flames from the explosion, but many others were burned beyond recognition, provincial police chief Abdul Raziq told AFP. He said around a dozen people were killed and an equal number were wounded, but the governor's spokesman Samim Khpolwak gave local media a death toll of 11. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility. But the Taliban said they were behind the Kabul blasts. In the first explosion, a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a minibus transporting government employees. As rescuers reached the scene, a car bomb exploded. Among the 30 dead were four policemen who were killed in the second explosion when they rushed to help the victims of the first blast. Health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh warned that the toll was expected to rise as many of the wounded were battling for their lives in hospital. Condemning the "barbaric attack" President Ashraf Ghani lashed out at the Taliban for the assault on civilians, which left the area littered with bloodied bodies. Story continues Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the victims of the attack were mostly Afghan intelligence agents. The insurgents are known to exaggerate battlefield claims. - 'Gruesome campaign' - "The deaths of scores of civilians in today's Kabul bomb attacks indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives," Amnesty International said in a statement. "An immediate, impartial and independent investigation must be carried out to secure justice for the victims and their families." Tuesday's carnage comes just two weeks before Donald Trump is sworn in as US president. The situation in Afghanistan will be an urgent matter for the new leader, even though America's longest war got scarcely a passing mention in the bitterly contested presidential election. Trump has given few details on his expected foreign policy, with even fewer specifics on how he will tackle the war in Afghanistan. Repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed and a fierce new fighting season is expected to kick off in the spring. Afghanistan last week welcomed the Pentagon's decision to deploy some 300 US Marines to Helmand, where American forces engaged in heated combat until they pulled out in 2014. The Marines will head to the poppy-growing province this spring to assist a NATO-led mission to train Afghan forces, in the latest sign that foreign forces are increasingly being drawn back into the worsening conflict. NATO officially ended its combat mission in December 2014, but US forces were granted greater powers in June to strike at the insurgents as President Barack Obama vowed a more aggressive campaign. American President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his son-in-law Jared Kushner to a high-level position in his administration. Trump asked Kushner to serve as a senior adviser to the president. Unlike cabinet positions, the job of adviser does not require approval of the United States Senate. Six members of Congress are questioning Kushners appointment. All six belong to the Democratic Party. The lawmakers wrote a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. They noted that a 1967 law bars a public official from appointing a family member to the same agency in which the official serves. They also asked the Justice Department and ethics officials to investigate possible conflicts of interest. Jared Kushner is married to Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka. Lawyer Jamie Gorelick is advising Kushner on legal issues. She said the law does not affect the president because the White House does not fall under the definition of an agency. The lawyer also said that Kushner plans to sell all his foreign investments and his financial interests in an investment company and an office building in New York. He also will resign as head of Kushner Companies and as the publisher of The New York Observer newspaper before working for the Trump administration. The six lawmakers questioned Gorelicks statement that Kushner would remove himself from decisions involving his remaining financial interests after leaving his companies. They said he would still have investments that could be affected by government policy that he influences. Aides to Donald Trump said that, as a presidential adviser, Kushner will work mainly on issues involving trade and the Middle East. They said he will work closely with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon. Legal experts are offering differing opinions about whether the appointment of Trumps son-in-law violates the 50-year-old law. Kathleen Clark is a law professor at Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri. She said her understanding of the law is that it does affect the president. Congress didnt in this law carve out an exception for the White House, Clark told the Associated Press. She said it governs the presidency, the legislature, the courts and the District of Columbia government. But Indiana University professor Gerald Magliocca said he did not think the law could be used to restrict the presidents team without risking constitutional problems. Its hard to see why Congress has the authority to limit presidential staff members, he said. Im Caty Weaver. Chris Hannas reported on this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted his report for Learning English. Additional information came from the Associated Press. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the comments section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story ethics n. a theory or system of moral values strategist n. policymaker carve out v. to create authority n. power staff member n. a worker or employee Showtime just surprised the Television Critics Association with a David Lynch press conference for its upcoming revival of Twin Peaks. The reclusive Lynch is directing all 18 hours of the limited series. The resulting 15-minute Q&A was a rapid-fire flinging of questions from the ballroom of reporters who received Lynchs maddeningly vague, occasionally illuminating, and sometimes hilariously brief responses. How does this compare to his other projects, and what should fans expect? First, it was just the same as all the others. I see it as a film. A film in parts is what people will experience. It was a joyful, fantastic trip with this great crew and cast. This word expect is a magical word. People expect things, and their expectations are met when they hopefully see the thing. Whats his process of working with co-writer Mark Frost? Well, in the beginning, many years ago, Mark and I were as if lost in the wilderness, as it always is in the beginning. Then we seemed to find a mountain and began to climb, and when we rounded the mountain, we entered a deep forest, and going through the forest for a time the trees began to thin, and then coming out of the forest we discovered a small town of Twin Peaks. We got to know the people of Twin Peaks and got to know this mystery. We discovered this world. And within this world there are other worlds. Thats how it started. What makes Mark a good co-writer for him? Mark is very smart. Were both strong, but both different. We bring to the table different things, but we each understand the other thing. Its just a good combo for Twin Peaks. So whats their process then? We work together on Skype. Mark lives in Ohio. I live in Hollywood, and we Skype and write together. What has he been thinking about Twin Peaks over the years? Ive often wondered about this beautiful world and characters. Mark asked if I wanted to go back to this world. Thats what got us going again for this one. Story continues The Showtime president described the new show as David Lynch heroin what can he tell us about that? I hear heroin is a very popular drug these days. Its always a combo. Its Mark and I working together. And a great crew and cast. What did he appreciate about the original series? Ill tell you what I loved: The pilot of Twin Peaks. That for me set the tone. That made the world and the characters for me. I felt really good about that. I just fell into deep, deep love We heard he originally wrote the new 18-hour story as one big massive script without any breaks? It was, as you said, a story. Did he have any doubts about returning to this world? Always were filled with doubts. How has the town changed? Its both the same and different. You go back 25 years in any town its that way. At one point Lynch declared he was quitting the revival, then returned. What was that about? Id rather not discuss that. Ive loved working with . Its been super working with them. Im very happy being at Showtime. Any future movies? Im very involved with Twin Peaks right now. Did he have a sense of pushing the boundaries of TV with the original series? I saw it as a film. With these characters and these sounds. Lo and behold, it clicked. But didnt he have problems with Standards and Practices? We didnt have hardly any problem with S&P in the old days, 25 years ago. In fact, I couldnt believe the freedom and the things we did. If you look at the show, its kind of amazing. Sometimes dialogue had to be changed, but those changes led to a better thing. We had a lot of freedom. The revival is supposed to be a complete story. So no more after that? Well before I said I was never going to revisit it. And I did. So I never said never. But as of now there are no plans. Does he remember what his catalyst was for being a filmmaker? No, I dont. I only wanted to be a painter. I got into film because I wanted to make paintings move. Are the events in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me important to the revival? I can say its the story of Laura Palmers last seven days, its very much important for this. Can he talk about bringing back Laura Dern? I love Laura Dern. What did he think of Frosts book, The Secret History of Twin Peaks? I havent read it. Its his history of Twin Peaks. Is he aware of the expectations around the new show? Im too in the middle of it. And I dont go out much Thank you all very much and I hope you enjoy Twin Peaks. Thanks a million. And then he was gone. Star Kyle MacLachlan reassured us: You guys got a lot. You did really, really well. He must like you. And the reporters were given logs as a gift: David Lynch took to the TCA stage Monday to discuss the Twin Peaks revival, and it was somehow appropriate that many of his answers were short and enigmatic. Affable as always he and the cast used the word beautiful frequently Lynch and his Twin Peaks actors offered little in the way of specificity on the 18 hours that will arrive on Showtime May 21. Asked if the new Twin Peaks would consist of new storylines versus continuations of old ones, Lynch replied, Im really not at liberty to talk about that. Is the new version of the show the pure heroin version of his original vision for Twin Peaks, as Showtime president David Nevins said earlier in the day? I hear heroin is a very popular drug, Lynch parried. Why cast Laura Dern? I love Laura Dern. The only real nugget dropped about the new season is that the story of Laura Palmers last seven days is very, very important for this, Lynch said. Speaking of the two seasons that ran on ABC back in 1990-91, Lynch said that one thing that caught he and fellow executive producer Mark Frost off guard was the need to wrap up the murder mystery that kicked off the drama. What killed Twin Peaks originally who killed Laura Palmer? was a question that we did not ever really want to answer, Lynch said. That Laura Palmer mystery was the goose that laid these little golden eggs. And then at a certain point, we were told we needed to wrap that up and after that, [the show] never really picked up. When it came to the first iteration of the show, the director was a little more more forthcoming than he was about the Showtime continuation. Smiling calmly, Lynch resisted the idea that with the original Twin Peaks pilot, he and Frost were straining at the conventions of the television of the era. I saw it as a film, and we shot it the same was [as a film] and lo and behold, it clicked, Lynch said of the pilot, a TV classic that he clearly still loves. Lynch also said that Twin Peaks never had any problems with the Standards and Practices department of ABC 27 years ago, and skirted the question of whether the premium-cable version of the small-town story will be substantially different in tone and content from the original. Story continues He also didnt answer questions about any turbulence the project may have had two years ago, when reports arose that the revival had encountered difficulties. I would rather not discuss that, Lynch said. Weve got a great working relationship. Its been super working with [Showtime executives]. Im very, very happy being at Showtime. Lynch did confirm that the new season was written all at once, as one big story, but didnt elaborate on how he divided the new season into 18 installments. He did note that he and Frost, who lives in Ojai, work together via Skype. Over the years, he had thought about what the characters might be up to, he noted. I often just remembered the beautiful world and the beautiful characters, Lynch said. It was Mark who contacted me it was many years ago now and asked if I wanted to go back into that world, and we met and talked, and thats what got us going again for this one. Why didnt a few actors from the first go-round come back was it because they didnt want to come back or there werent stories from them? Its a little bit of both, Lynch said. For the actors who did come back, it was beautiful to re-enter the distinctive world of the small town in the woods. I cried the whole time, said Madchen Amick. The opportunity of working with David every day is magical and hilarious, said Laura Dern. Youre seeing something youve never seen before. Kyle MacLachlan recalled meeting Lynch on the set of Dune more than two decades ago, as a young actor just starting out. I didnt really know anything about film acting, [but] we just had a shorthand, for lack of a better word, MacLachlan said. He put me in a different frame of mind, and I somehow related to it. Now he and Lynch have such a deep rapport that they can sometimes stand together after a take, silently processing what just transpired, and without even speaking, know how the performance needs to be adjusted. Its a feeling more than anything else, MacLachlan said. I dont really know why and I dont have that with any other director Ive worked with yet. I consider it to be special, and Im so grateful to be able to have that actor-director relationship again. A breath is a direction or a shrug, Dern added. I didnt know that language the first time she worked with Lynch, but having that kind of connection on Twin Peaks made the experience much more interesting. But nothing has changed, at the same time, since Day 1, Dern said. Did he have confidence in what he and Frost had come up with a process that started with that long conversation at Musso and Franks a few years ago? Always, were filled with doubts, Lynch said. He said he didnt really think about how to stand out in the current TV landscape much of which, as one critic pointed out, has been influenced by the original Twin Peaks and its singular aesthetic. You know, I dont really think about those things. Its always the same things [that matter] the story and the way the story is told, Lynch said. Im very happy in this world and how its going. There were no plans to make more than the 18 episodes created for Showtime, but he added, before I said I wasnt going to re-visit it and I did. So you never say no. But right now, theres no plans for anything more. Said Lynch, This word expect is a magical word, and people expect things, and their expectations are met hopefully when they see the thing. Related stories Showtime Boss David Nevins On 'Twin Peaks,' Streaming Strategy, Weekly News Show 'Twin Peaks' Revival Gets Premiere Date on Showtime Showtime Sets Premiere Dates and Releases Trailers for 'Guerrilla,' 'I'm Dying Up Here' (WATCH) After David Lynch revealed zero spoilers to the TCA press corps today, some members of the upcoming Twin Peaks Showtime series took the stage as they were grilled about any speck of news. Magic and family were the words used frequently by Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, Robert Forster, Kimmy Robertson and Madchen Amick about the Twin Peaks reunion. Im playing my very own character, said Laura Dern dodging a question as to whether she would play Diane, Agent Dale Coopers secretary who he would always leaves messages for. MacLachlan pleasantly refused to offer up any indication on how the new series reconciles any cliffhangers left behind by the ABC 1990s show. In regards to whats going on in this version of Twin Peaks, the best intel we received today was from Showtime president David Nevins who mentioned that the series centers around the odyssey of MacLachlans famed FBI Agent Dale Cooper character as he returns to Twin Peaks. What some of the castemembers did discuss was a bit of Lynchs absurdist process. Robert Forster, who also didnt reveal who he was playing, mentioned that he kept getting a direction on Mulholland Drive to say his lines slower. After seeing the feature, which was morphed from a TV series, it all made sense to Forster: His cop character was in someones dream. He gives a breathe, a shrug of the shoulder or sigh, said Dern on how Lynch directs his actors. Upon returning to work with Lynch, Dern, who previously starred in 2006s Inland Empire, said the filmmakers process hasnt changed since day one. Its always felt like family, its a very joyous, inventive place where you feel safe to be brave. In fact, some of the actors today mentioned that after working with Lynch that they sometimes feel boxed in by the next director they work with. In the Twin Peaks DVD MacLachlan describes the type of riddle-directions Lynch gives his actors. Once Lynch told a young MacLachlan on the set of the show Give me some Elvis, a little wind. Sharing with the press corps his first time working with Lynch on the directors feature adaptation of Dune, MacLachlan said that It was my first time before the camera, fresh out of training and I really didnt know anything. David and I; we just had a shorthand for lack of a better word, when he wanted something from me, to try something different, there were words that would put me in a different frame of mind, and somehow I related to it. Its a feeling more than anything else. Story continues Sometime, well do a take and Ill walk over to him and well just stand there quietly. Both of us are going through it (the process) and something will just pass between us, says MacLachlan about the mystical process further adding, I dont have that with another director. There werent any trailers or film clips revealed at TCA today and Nevins was mum today about how and when they would be dropped prior to the series premiere on May 21 at 9PM. What we do know is that Twin Peaks will air in 18 week-to-week one hour episodes. Given how beloved Lynch is in France and how hes presided over the Cannes Film Festival journey, will Twin Peaks make a premiere at the Croisette? Nevin said that there are no plans. There will be a global debut for Twin Peaks. Related stories 'Famous in Love' Challenges Bella Thorne To Play Naive Actress In Hollywood - TCA 'Pretty Little Liars' Final Season Tease: Let's Do The Time Jump Again - TCA Donald Trump White House Irrelevant To 'Scandal' Season 6, Shonda Rhimes Says - TCA Johannesburg (AFP) - Two mosques in Cape Town have been defaced in "Islamophobic" attacks with blood sprayed on walls and a pig's snout left on an entrance gate, South African officials said Tuesday. The Western Cape provincial government condemned the two "despicable" attacks on mosques in Kalk Bay and Simonstown since Saturday. "Both incidents made calculated use of Islamophobic methods, including blood and -- in the Simonstown case -- a pig's head," it said in a statement. "The similarity of the cases, and proximity of the mosques, raises concerns that the two incidents may be linked." South Africa has a history of relative religious tolerance, and Western Cape premier Helen Zille said that "acts of religious or racial prejudice have no place in our province and nation." Achmat Sity, imam of Masjidul Jamiah in Kalk Bay, told AFP that the caretaker at the mosque -- which is more than 110 years old -- had discovered the vandalism early on Monday morning. "He opened the mosque for first prayers and found the walls sprayed with blood and also the pulpit. It was like from a syringe," he said, adding inscription plaques had been ripped from the walls and were lying on the floor. "It was very disturbing," he said, adding that nothing was stolen. A bloody pig's snout was left on the gate of the Simonstown mosque on Saturday. The provincial branch of the ruling ANC party condemned the attacks as "disgusting" and called on South Africans "to stand united in protecting the culture of coexistence." About 1.5 percent of South Africa's population is Muslim. By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - Two relatives of former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon have been indicted on U.S. charges that they engaged in a scheme to bribe a Middle Eastern official in connection with the attempted $800 million sale of a building complex in Vietnam. Joo Hyun "Dennis" Bahn, a New York real estate broker who is Ban Ki-Moon's nephew, and his father Ban Ki-sang, Ban Ki-moon's brother who was a senior executive at South Korean construction firm Keangnam Enterprises Co Ltd, were charged in an indictment unsealed on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court. Bahn is in custody and expected to appear in court later on Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said. Defense lawyers could not immediately be identified. The charges came after Ban Ki-moon stepped down on Dec. 31 after serving two five-year terms as U.N. Secretary-General. Ban Ki-moon was not charged. A former foreign minister of South Korea, Ban is expected to enter the race to become the country's next president, though he has yet to declare his intention to do so. He could not be immediately reached for comment. According to the indictment, in 2013, Keangnam was facing a liquidity crisis and turned to Bahn to secure an investor for a Vietnamese building complex called Landmark 72 in exchange for a potential $5 million commission. Rather than obtain financing legitimately, Bahn and Ban Ki-sang engaged in a scheme to pay bribes to an unnamed Middle Eastern official to convince his country's sovereign wealth fund to acquire Landmark 72, the indictment said. The bribes were paid through Malcolm Harris, a self-described arts and fashion consultant and blogger who was also charged and who the indictment said claimed to be an agent of the official. Based on communications with Harris, in April 2014, Bahn and Ban Ki-sang agreed to pay an upfront $500,000 bribe and another $2 million upon the sale's closing, the indictment said. But Harris did not have the relationship he claimed with the official, the indictment said, and stole the $500,000, which he spent lavishly. As Keangnam's liquidity crisis worsened, Bahn - believing the bribe had been paid and would work out - schemed to trick Keangnam and its creditors into believing the sovereign wealth fund was close to acquiring Landmark 72, the indictment said. But when the deal ultimately failed to materialize, Keangnam entered into court receivership in South Korea, according to court papers. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York, editing by G Crosse) By Lauren Hirsch and Mike Stone NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Some U.S. companies are reviewing potential mergers while others are rethinking job cuts or looking at their manufacturing operations in China for fear of being cast as "anti-American" by President-elect Donald Trump, according to Wall Street bankers, company executives and crisis management consultants. Having seen some of America's largest companies, including General Motors Co, Lockheed Martin Corp and United Technologies Corp, bluntly and publicly rebuked by Trump on Twitter, many others are worried they may be his next target - especially if they have significant overseas manufacturing, have had U.S. job cuts or price increases for consumers. "Any business that leaves our country for another country, fires its employees, builds a new factory or plant in the other country, and then thinks it will sell its product back into the U.S. without retribution or consequence is WRONG!" Trump, who assumes office on Jan. 20, tweeted in December. Trump campaigned on an "America First" anti-globalization platform that promised the return of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs to economically depressed areas. That nationalist rhetoric and Trump's willingness to use his Twitter account as a cudgel has so rattled some companies that they are putting on hold mergers and acquisitions that may involve significant job cuts or moving production or tax domicile abroad, out of fear that such deals could be seen as "unpatriotic", several top Wall Street bankers said. Bermuda-based White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd had been in talks to sell itself in a transaction that would have been structured as an inversion - where a U.S.-based buyer would move its tax domicile overseas. However, the deal fell apart after the November election partly because potential buyers worried that leaving the U.S. tax home would be seen as "anti-American," three people with knowledge of the matter said. Potential buyers also found the target less attractive because of the likelihood of lower U.S. corporate taxes under the Trump administration, the people said. Story continues Representatives of the $3.8 billion company declined to comment. At least two other insurance deals have also fallen apart since the election for similar reasons, said the people, who declined to elaborate and asked not to be named because the matter is not public. Trump's aggressive anti-China rhetoric has also given some companies pause. James Park, chief executive of wearable fitness device maker Fitbit Inc, said he expects all companies that have significant manufacturing operations in China, including his own firm, to prepare contingency plans. Trump has threatened to hit China and Mexico with high tariffs and named vocal China critic Peter Navarro to lead a new White House office overseeing U.S. trade policy. "Whether it's taking higher costs into account or operationally preparing for moving manufacturing (out of China), companies are thinking about what to do," Park said in an interview. WATCHING TRUMP'S TWEETS Companies are also beefing up their Twitter monitoring for any Trump tweets that could affect them and engaging public relations firms for advice on potential lines of attack and how to respond if they were to come, several U.S. chief executives as well as half a dozen corporate advisers told Reuters. "Back in December the board was already asking questions: 'What's the plan in terms of what happens if he comes after us, are we ready? The board is asking us if we have a PR firm at the ready, if we have a person monitoring his Twitter," said a top executive at a large U.S. defense contractor. "Our plan is to not get into a fight, and concede immediately. The reality is that we're trying to stay below the radar," the executive said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. Since his election in November, Trump has ramped up criticism of companies from Ford Motor Co, Toyota Motor Corp and GM, to United Tech and Rexnord Corp over manufacturing in Mexico for U.S. consumers or moving U.S. jobs abroad. Trump also slammed Lockheed Martin and Boeing Co for what he called "out of control" costs on their weapons programs. Both Lockheed and Boeing have said they will work to drive down costs of the programs, while Ford scrapped plans to build a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico, and United Tech's Carrier unit is keeping half of the 2,100 U.S. jobs it was to shift to Mexico. Government relations and public relations advisers say they have received a number of calls from companies wanting help in assessing if they have any red flags that could draw Trump's ire. Advisers say these potentially include outsourcing of manufacturing, consumer price increases and lower tax rates than peer companies. "We have literally had about a dozen clients ask us how they should be thinking about this in the last few weeks," said George Sard, chairman and CEO of strategic communications firm Sard Verbinnen & Co, adding that he is seeing concern from companies in a wide range of industries. "The week after the election it was non-stop meetings and conference calls and analysis," said Kent Jarrell, crisis and litigation communication expert at APCO Worldwide. "It's almost like a whole new Trump practice is developing." Corporate leaders, say the advisers, can no longer focus only on maximizing shareholder value; they must now also weigh national interest. "CEOs are talking to their boards saying we've got to be viewed pro-America. If something is more on the margin - like layoffs, or moving manufacturing, then they are not going to do it," said one Fortune 500 CEO, who said he had spoken with other U.S. companies. TAKING A PAGE FROM TRUMP PLAYBOOK Sard, of Sard Verbinnen & Co, said that while companies are well advised not to get into a Twitter war with Trump, his firm is advising clients to "learn from his playbook" and be prepared to communicate directly with shareholders, employees, and customers through blogs and social media. There is already evidence that companies are quickly adjusting to the new Trump era. Firms have been more vocal in publicizing job creation and they have sometimes let Trump claim credit. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles , the No. 3 automaker in the United States, announced plans on Sunday to create 2,000 U.S. jobs. The timing was partly influenced by CEO Sergio Marchionne's desire to get the news out ahead of any possible criticism from Trump for the automaker's overseas manufacturing, a person familiar with the company's thinking said. Trump has in the past few weeks attacked FCA's two Detroit rivals, as well as Japan-based Toyota, for their manufacturing operations in Mexico and threatened to impose stiff border taxes on any imports. In December, SoftBank Group Corp, majority owner of Sprint Corp, unveiled a $50 billion U.S. investment at the Trump Tower in Manhattan. Trump and SoftBank head Masayoshi Son made the announcement together, and Trump later tweeted: "He would never do this had we (Trump) not won the election!" "You never want to be against the president - especially not one as vocal as (Trump)," the Fortune 500 CEO said. (Additional reporting by Olivia Oran in New York, Liana Baker in San Francisco and David Shepardson in Detroit, Editing by Soyoung Kim and Ross Colvin) By Lauren Hirsch and Mike Stone NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some U.S. companies are reviewing potential mergers while others are rethinking job cuts or looking at their manufacturing operations in China for fear of being cast as "anti-American" by President-elect Donald Trump, according to Wall Street bankers, company executives and crisis management consultants. Having seen some of America's largest companies, including General Motors Co, Lockheed Martin Corp and United Technologies Corp, bluntly and publicly rebuked by Trump on Twitter, many others are worried they may be his next target - especially if they have significant overseas manufacturing, have had U.S. job cuts or price increases for consumers. "Any business that leaves our country for another country, fires its employees, builds a new factory or plant in the other country, and then thinks it will sell its product back into the U.S. without retribution or consequence is WRONG!" Trump, who assumes office on Jan. 20, tweeted in December. Trump campaigned on an "America First" anti-globalization platform that promised the return of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs to economically depressed areas. That nationalist rhetoric and Trump's willingness to use his Twitter account as a cudgel has so rattled some companies that they are putting on hold mergers and acquisitions that may involve significant job cuts or moving production or tax domicile abroad, out of fear that such deals could be seen as "unpatriotic", several top Wall Street bankers said. Bermuda-based White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd had been in talks to sell itself in a transaction that would have been structured as an inversion - where a U.S.-based buyer would move its tax domicile overseas. However, the deal fell apart after the November election partly because potential buyers worried that leaving the U.S. tax home would be seen as "anti-American," three people with knowledge of the matter said. Potential buyers also found the target less attractive because of the likelihood of lower U.S. corporate taxes under the Trump administration, the people said. Story continues Representatives of the $3.8 billion company declined to comment. At least two other insurance deals have also fallen apart since the election for similar reasons, said the people, who declined to elaborate and asked not to be named because the matter is not public. Trump's aggressive anti-China rhetoric has also given some companies pause. James Park, chief executive of wearable fitness device maker Fitbit Inc, said he expects all companies that have significant manufacturing operations in China, including his own firm, to prepare contingency plans. Trump has threatened to hit China and Mexico with high tariffs and named vocal China critic Peter Navarro to lead a new White House office overseeing U.S. trade policy. "Whether its taking higher costs into account or operationally preparing for moving manufacturing (out of China), companies are thinking about what to do," Park said in an interview. WATCHING TRUMP'S TWEETS Companies are also beefing up their Twitter monitoring for any Trump tweets that could affect them and engaging public relations firms for advice on potential lines of attack and how to respond if they were to come, several U.S. chief executives as well as half a dozen corporate advisers told Reuters. "Back in December the board was already asking questions: 'Whats the plan in terms of what happens if he comes after us, are we ready? The board is asking us if we have a PR firm at the ready, if we have a person monitoring his Twitter," said a top executive at a large U.S. defense contractor. "Our plan is to not get into a fight, and concede immediately. The reality is that we're trying to stay below the radar," the executive said, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. Since his election in November, Trump has ramped up criticism of companies from Ford Motor Co, Toyota Motor Corp and GM, to United Tech and Rexnord Corp over manufacturing in Mexico for U.S. consumers or moving U.S. jobs abroad. Trump also slammed Lockheed Martin and Boeing Co for what he called "out of control" costs on their weapons programs. Both Lockheed and Boeing have said they will work to drive down costs of the programs, while Ford scrapped plans to build a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico, and United Tech's Carrier unit is keeping half of the 2,100 U.S. jobs it was to shift to Mexico. Government relations and public relations advisers say they have received a number of calls from companies wanting help in assessing if they have any red flags that could draw Trump's ire. Advisers say these potentially include outsourcing of manufacturing, consumer price increases and lower tax rates than peer companies. "We have literally had about a dozen clients ask us how they should be thinking about this in the last few weeks," said George Sard, chairman and CEO of strategic communications firm Sard Verbinnen & Co, adding that he is seeing concern from companies in a wide range of industries. "The week after the election it was non-stop meetings and conference calls and analysis," said Kent Jarrell, crisis and litigation communication expert at APCO Worldwide. "It's almost like a whole new Trump practice is developing." Corporate leaders, say the advisers, can no longer focus only on maximizing shareholder value; they must now also weigh national interest. "CEOs are talking to their boards saying we've got to be viewed pro-America. If something is more on the margin like layoffs, or moving manufacturing, then they are not going to do it," said one Fortune 500 CEO, who said he had spoken with other U.S. companies. TAKING A PAGE FROM TRUMP PLAYBOOK Sard, of Sard Verbinnen & Co, said that while companies are well advised not to get into a Twitter war with Trump, his firm is advising clients to "learn from his playbook" and be prepared to communicate directly with shareholders, employees, and customers through blogs and social media. There is already evidence that companies are quickly adjusting to the new Trump era. Firms have been more vocal in publicizing job creation and they have sometimes let Trump claim credit. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the No. 3 automaker in the United States, announced plans on Sunday to create 2,000 U.S. jobs. The timing was partly influenced by CEO Sergio Marchionne's desire to get the news out ahead of any possible criticism from Trump for the automaker's overseas manufacturing, a person familiar with the company's thinking said. Trump has in the past few weeks attacked FCA's two Detroit rivals, as well as Japan-based Toyota, for their manufacturing operations in Mexico and threatened to impose stiff border taxes on any imports. In December, SoftBank Group Corp, majority owner of Sprint Corp, unveiled a $50 billion U.S. investment at the Trump Tower in Manhattan. Trump and SoftBank head Masayoshi Son made the announcement together, and Trump later tweeted: "He would never do this had we (Trump) not won the election!" "You never want to be against the president - especially not one as vocal as (Trump)," the Fortune 500 CEO said. Trump on Twitter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2jf8zG8 (Additional reporting by Olivia Oran in New York, Liana Baker in San Francisco and David Shepardson in Detroit, Editing by Soyoung Kim and Ross Colvin) From Popular Mechanics A guided missile destroyer on patrol in the Persian Gulf fired warning shots at Iranian patrol boats that ventured too close. The crew of the USS Mahan fired several shots from a heavy machine gun toward the armed Iranian boats, forcing them to break off a high speed run. The USS Mahan was passing through the Strait of Hormuz when four heavily-armed fast inshore attack craft (FIAC) made a high speed run towards the destroyer. The FIACs were observed with crews manning their heavy weapons. According to US Naval Institute News, the destroyer attempted to warn off the Iranians several times via radio, whistle and warning siren, but when that failed fired three warning shots in their direction. The Iranian boats veered off. Iran's large fleet of fast patrol boats have been playing a game of chicken with western navies the Persian Gulf for decades. During the 1980s, the Iranian military bought large numbers of high-speed watercraft-particularly Swedish Boghammer Marin speedboats-and outfitted them with 107-millimeter rocket launchers, .50 caliber heavy machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades. Larger ships are allegedly armed with cruise missiles, mines, and torpedoes. While these tiny craft don't have a hope of sinking a 8,400 ton Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, they could still damage the ship and kill or injure crew members. Although modern destroyers are fitted with spaced steel armor and kevlar spall liners to protect vital areas, a shoulder-fired rocket-propelled grenade can easily puncture the aluminum skin in other areas, endangering the crew. The boats can also carry up to 20 troops for boarding operations. Iran is thought to have more than 1,000 attack boats and trains to use them in "swarm" attacks of 100 or more each. The craft are controlled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a military organization separate from the Iranian armed forces and closely aligned with Iran's religious leadership. Many if not all of Iran's military standoffs with western navies are carried out by the IRGC. Story continues The U.S. Navy takes the threat of swarming attacks seriously. While the more than 90 missiles on the Mahan are useless against tiny patrol boats, the Mahan has many other weapons that could fend off a fleet of armed speed boats. At longer ranges the destroyer has its Mark 45 5-inch gun which can fire up to 20 explosive shells a minute. The Mahan also has two MH-60R helicopters, each of which can be armed with Hellfire anti-tank missiles, M240 machine guns, or GAU-16 .50 caliber heavy machine guns. At shorter ranges, a destroyer like Mahan has the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System. Originally meant to shoot down enemy missiles and aircraft, the Phalanx can now train its M61 20-millimeter gatling gun on surface targets. Mahan also has two 25-millimeter rapid-fire cannon, the same gun that equips the turret of the Army's M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, and numerous deck-mounted .50 caliber machine guns. The episode appears to have been engineered as a show of force against the Americans in what Iran considers its backyard, and the only way to make such tiny boats the least bit intimidating is to get really, really close. The four Iranian speedboats in Sunday's encounter would probably have lasted mere seconds against the combined firepower of the USS Mahan. Fortunately things didn't go that far. You Might Also Like (Repeats to additional subscribers with no changes to headline or text) WASHINGTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. International Trade Commission said on Tuesday it had made a final finding of harm to a U.S. manufacturer after a Commerce Department probe last year found some large residential washers were being imported from China at below fair value. The ITC decision means imposition of final duties on the products of up to 52.5 percent. The investigation followed a petition by Whirlpool Corp over imports of washers manufactured in China by two South Korean companies, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and LG Electronics Inc. In 2015, imports of such washers from China were valued at an estimated $1.1 billion. (Reporting by Eric Walsh and Tim Ahmann; Editing by Susan Heavey) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Tuesday unveiled a letter showing that 17 of the country's nuclear reactors have parts from Areva SA's Le Creusot forge in France, which is under investigation for allegedly falsifying documents on the quality of its parts. The number of reactors was more than the nine the NRC had previously disclosed. Last month authorities in France opened an investigation into decades of alleged forgery of documents relating to the quality of parts produced at Le Creusot and used in power plants around the world. Areva, a nuclear and renewable energy firm, furnished the information to the U.S. regulator last month but had urged the agency to keep it private, saying it was material to the business of nuclear power generators. The NRC told Areva it did not consider the information to be so and released it 10 days after receiving it. The parts at reactors include a reactor head at Xcel Energy Inc's Prairie Island reactor in Minnesota, reactor vessel heads at two of Dominion Resources Inc's reactors at the North Anna plant in Virginia, and another vessel head at Dominion's reactor in Surry, Virginia. Some of the components were made by other companies but include parts from the Le Creusot. We have four components with forgings from Le Creusot and have verified that all are fine. They all check out and meet our design criteria and there are no problems, said Richard Zuercher, nuclear spokesman at Dominion Resources Inc. Xcel Energy Inc said previously that some components of the two reactor vessels were made at Le Creusot in the early 1970s. "Our testing and inspections are rigorous and have not identified any issues," Colleen Mahoney, an Xcel spokeswoman said last week. Anti-nuclear power groups such as Greenpeace had urged the NRC to release the information. The NRC has maintained that the parts and the reactors were completely safe. Areva told the NRC that a review of paperwork anomalies "has not found any safety concerns." French nuclear regulator ASN said Areva told it of evidence of irregularities in about 400 components produced at Le Creusot since 1965. David Lochbaum, an expert on nuclear energy at the Union of Concerned scientists, said the Le Creusot issue was "troubling from both trust and public safety perspectives" because to a large degree both the NRC and U.S. nuclear power plants depended on vendors to certify their work. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner and Scott Disavino in New York; Editing by Andrew Hay) Experts say increased production of oil and gas in the United States, along with production cuts by OPEC, could lead to an American energy surplus. Adam Sieminski is head of the U.S. Energy Information Agency. Recently, he said demand for energy in the U.S. has grown slowly while production has increased notably. This imbalance could mean the U.S. would have an energy surplus. The U.S. could become a net energy exporter... Industry experts say production increases are the result of greater use of technologies that make recovery of oil and gas more effective. Sieminski says the production increases mean the U.S. could have more energy than it can use. During 2014, world oil prices began to drop sharply as supplies increased and demand weakened. When a price drop happens, major oil producing countries often try to cut their output. But members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC did not seek to do this for a long time. Experts say OPEC hoped low prices would push competitors with higher production costs out of the market. These competitors included U.S. companies that use technology such as hydraulic fracturing, better known as fracking, to drill for hard-to-get oil and gas deposits. Amos Hochstein is an energy expert with the U.S. State Department. He says American producers answered OPECs bet by becoming more efficient. The resilience of production meant for OPEC, the U.S. wasnt going away, shale (oil) production wasnt going away, so letting it (the price of oil) ride low is not going to be the answer..." OPEC answered the long price drop only late last year, with members agreeing on some production cuts. Some OPEC members, including Venezuela, and even top producer Saudi Arabia, are facing budget deficits because of the big drop in income from oil. Worldwide crude oil prices have increased since OPEC and some other large producers first announced an agreement to cut production. Among the non-OPEC countries agreeing to reduce output is Russia. However, for the second time in recent years, Indonesia suspended its membership over the issue of production cuts. Benjamin Zycher is an expert with the American Enterprise Institute. He says producers now face very difficult decisions about whether decreasing oil output will help them. He says the deal reached last year might not last. I think that the agreement is unlikely to hold... Some experts note that as prices increase, fracking producers will have a bigger reason to expand production still more. That, they say, could force prices down once again. Im Mario Ritter. Jim Randle reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story net adj. what remains after subtracting imports, the balance of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) n. forcefully injecting material into the earth to release oil and gas deposits deposit n. an amount of a mineral resource existing underground resilience n. the ability to recover from a setback, difficulty or problem shale oil n. oil recovered by processing shale rock that contains oil Malalai Rafi, far right, joins other Afghan women to bid goodbye to Mohammad Eltaf Stana, 5, left, and his family as they move from Skyview Villa Apartments on Nov. 23, 2015. Mohammads mother was hit by a car while walking his sister home from school along Edison Avenue, the same street where Malalais husband was killed and her son severely injured when a motorist hit them. Mohammads family did not feel safe living in the complex. Many of the Afghan women who fled the Taliban with their Special Immigrant Visa husbands rely heavily on one another. They feel isolated, most are unable to speak English, they cannot drive, and they have small children and cant afford daycare. (Photo: Renee C. Byer/The Sacramento Bee) The impending inauguration of Donald Trump as president brings plenty of uncertainty for many immigrants and refugees. But last month, after a hard-fought battle in the Senate, Congress guaranteed that a program to provide visas to Afghan nationals who assisted U.S. troops and now face retaliation from the Taliban will remain intact through the coming presidential term. Since 2014, the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program has been reauthorized regularly for a year at a time. But last year, buried deep within the 700-plus-page National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2017 signed by President Obama just before Christmas, was a provision to extend the program for four more years. Though seemingly unobjectionable, the programs extension had to overcome significant resistance before narrowly making it into the final version of the NDAA that landed on the presidents desk. Last May, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., introduced an amendment to renew the program through 2017 and authorize 4,000 additional visas. But despite the bipartisan support of Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., and ranking member Jack Reed, D-R.I., the amendment didnt even get a vote and was left out of the version of the NDAA that first passed the Senate in June. While efforts to extend and expand the SIV program have encountered challenges in the past, Shaheen told Yahoo News that they were much harder this year, blaming anti-immigrant sentiment whipped up by Trump during the presidential campaign. The version that finally passed trimmed the 4,000 visas Shaheen had sought to just 1,500 for 2017, with no commitment to specific numbers in subsequent years. (Those admitted under the program may request to bring their families, so the total number of refugees will be greater.) After it was first established in 2009, the Afghan visa program set out to provide 7,500 visas over five years. Congress voted to extend the program for another year in 2014 and again in 2015, allocating a total of 7,000 additional visas, but still the visa supply has fallen short of demand. The State Department estimates that more than 13,000 Afghans currently await approval for applications for special visas, but as of last October, there were only 1,632 remaining visas available (PDF). Story continues Faisal Razmal eats a meager meal of canned beans and ponders his future with his daughter, Bib Maryam, nearby on Mar., 1, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. He lost his security job and was searching for another job. He had tried dishwashing and washing cars, and was getting a little money from a friend who he did security work with at night. (Photo: Renee C. Byer/The Sacramento Bee) Slideshow: No Safe Place: Targeted by the Taliban, Americas Afghan allies struggle to make a new life in U.S. >>> I think the anti-immigration rhetoric has had an impact on our ability to get what we need for this program, Shaheen told Yahoo News. There were a few people, prominent people, in the Senate who did not want to see any additional visas granted. Among the amendments chief opponents were Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., head of the judiciary subcommittee on immigration and Trumps pick for U.S. attorney general. Shaheen credited McCain, who led a bipartisan coalition to get the provision passed. Although she said she could only theorize, Shaheen suggested that passing a four-year extension reflected a recognition that this has been harder to do. Betsy Fisher, policy director at the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), which provides legal aid and policy advocacy for refugees around the world, said she was pleasantly surprised to learn that the program had been extended through 2020. Still, she expressed concern that only 1,500 visas would be provided. Its good to have some reassurance that Congress intends to keep this program running for the next four years, Fisher told Yahoo News. But without visas to help the people who are submitting applications, that extension wont result in a path to safety for any more people. IRAP estimates that, every 36 hours, one Afghan is killed because of his or her association with the United States. Ensuring that there are enough visas to accommodate those who desperately need them is crucial, Fisher said. Its not just the right thing to do, but it sends a message to our friends and our enemies that we take care of the people who work alongside our soldiers and our diplomats. While his brother Nasir Ahmad Noori holds his own son Basat, 3, Special Immigrant Visa holder Nazir Ahmad Ahmadi, 32, is reflected in one of more than 30 certificates and letters of commendation from his nine years of work in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (Photo: Renee C. Byer/The Sacramento Bee) Shaheen agreed. Obviously we were hoping to get more visas, she said. But when the defense authorization bill [initially] left the Senate, it didnt have any SIV visas in it and it didnt extend the program. Now that the program is guaranteed to exist through 2020, she added, we can work on a yearly basis to get additional visas. But closing the gap between applicants and visa allocations is just the first step. A Senate report found, in 2010, that resettlement efforts in many U.S. cities are underfunded, overstretched, and failing to meet the basic needs of the refugee populations they are currently asked to assist. (PDF) Sacramento is home to one of the largest concentrations of Afghan refugees in the U.S. Since 2010, 2,000 special visa holders and their families have resettled in the California capital, and more are still trickling in. But for many of those Afghans lucky enough to receive one of the coveted visas, the promised better life in America leaves much to be desired. Last summer, the Sacramento Bee published a powerful series of articles documenting the dismal living conditions of Afghan SIV holders in Sacramento. After risking their lives to assist American troops typically as translators and interpreters and escaping retribution by the Taliban, they were at the mercy of a threadbare resettlement system thats left them desperate, disillusioned and in some cases suicidal. Doctors, architects, engineers and other educated Afghans arrive in the U.S. only to learn that their degrees are invalid, relegating them to work menial jobs at minimum wage. Provided with little more than some welcome money from their local resettlement agency generally between $40 and $150 per person, depending on family size Afghans struggle to find affordable housing upon arriving in the U.S. Afghan Special Immigrant Visa refugees Mohammad Asem Aswadi, right, and Mohammad Naim Shams, left, with engineering degrees, listen to Naimatullah Sultani, 27, center, a workforce development specialist with LAO Family Community Development, Inc., explain that their three- to four-page resumes are too much on Oct. 27, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. An employer only wants one page, said Sultani. The refugees were disappointed their degrees didnt transfer to equivalent jobs in the U.S. as Sultani recommended a $12-an-hour warehouse job. (Photo: by Renee C. Byer/The Sacramento Bee) You see that they have this incredible hope when they come here for a better life than where theyve left and that theyre really struggling to make it to anything, said photojournalist Renee Byer, who spearheaded the Sacramento Bee series. Nobody wants a free handout, they just want opportunity and theyre not getting it. Beyond the economic and not to mention cultural hurdles encountered upon arriving in America, Byer also learned that the limited funding of the resettlement agencies meant little resources for many special visa Afghans who suffer from PTSD. Theyve witnessed some horrible scenes, Byer told Yahoo News. Theyve seen some of their family members killed and theyve been on the front lines. Imagine what theyve witnessed already before they even come here, then they come here expecting this American dream, to be confronted with a broken system. In response to the series, Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., called for the federal Government Accountability Office to conduct an investigation of the resettlement process for Afghans with special immigrant visas. My goal is to make sure that SIV holders and their families in Sacramento and all over the country have the opportunity to live with dignity and integrate into their communities, Matsui told Yahoo News via email. This is about showing compassion for the brave people who helped our troops, despite the dangers they faced in their home country for doing so. Matsui added that while it was extremely important, to extend the SIV program for another four years, its still essential that each year we authorize more visas so that the thousands of people waiting to escape harms way have the opportunity to participate in the program. Shukriya Karimi, 36, drops to the floor on Dec. 10, 2015, holding a portrait of her son one of two she had to leave behind in her war-torn country of Afghanistan. She has attempted suicide since arriving to the U.S. with her husband, a Special Immigrant Visa holder. She was only allowed to bring her two younger children. (Photo: by Renee C. Byer/The Sacramento Bee) Accomplishing this, Matsui predicted, will be a challenge, but she said, Ill keep advocating for the authorization of more visas in the years ahead. Shaheen said she was concerned for the future of the program. The whole anti-immigration debate has been unfortunate, but to have this get caught up in that has been even worse. However, Shaheen said she has already had the chance to raise the issue with Trumps pick for defense secretary, Gen. James Mattis, as well as secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson. Both men were receptive, she said, noting that Mattis in particular acknowledged that he knows how important this program has been for our men and women on the ground. After all, she added, securing visas for those whove risked their lives to help American troops is not just an immigration issue; its a matter of national security. If we dont make good on this promise, how can we expect to get help in the future if we go into another country? Shaheen asked. We cant afford to leave and say, Sorry, youre on your own. If you get killed, too bad for you. Thats not in Americas interest. Read more from Yahoo News: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Monday blacklisted Alexander Bastrykin, Russia's top investigator and a close aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and four other Russian officials for human rights abuses. The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Treasury Department, are not tied to U.S. hacking allegations against Russia but to the 2012 U.S. Magnitsky Act for human rights abuses, U.S. officials said. However, the move comes on top of a series of measures taken by the Obama administration in recent weeks to punish Russia for the hacking during the U.S. presidential campaign and for harassment of American diplomats. Bastrykin heads the Russian Investigative Committee, the government body that decides whether to bring criminal charges. Also sanctioned were Gennady Plaksin and Stanislav Gordiyevsky, a state investigator, both tied to Sergei Magnitsky, an anti-corruption lawyer who died in 2009 after a year in a Russian jail. The Magnitsky Act bars Russians believed to have been involved in his death or other severe human rights abuses from entering the United States, and freezes their assets there. Also blacklisted were Andrei Lugovoy, a Russian lawmaker, and Dmitry Kovtun, both leading suspects in the murder of Russian spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006. Litvinenko fled Russia for Britain, where he was poisoned after drinking green tea laced with a rare but potent radioactive isotope at a London Hotel. The inquiry found Lugovoy and Kovtun carried out the killing as part of an operation directed by the Russian Federal Security Service. Efforts to extradite both suspects to Britain have failed. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Editing by David Alexander and Jonathan Oatis) By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Senior U.S. Republican and Democratic senators will introduce legislation on Tuesday seeking to impose a wide range of sanctions on Russia over its cyber activities and actions in Syria and Ukraine. The legislation is sponsored by Republican Senator John McCain and Democrats Ben Cardin and Robert Menendez, all influential legislators on foreign policy matters. Aides said several other senators, both Democrats and Republicans, are also expected to sponsor the legislation, increasing its chances of becoming law. According to a preliminary summary of the legislation seen by Reuters, the bill would impose visa bans and freeze the assets of people "who engage in significant activities undermining the cybersecurity of public or private infrastructure and democratic institutions" or assist in such activities. It would also impose secondary sanctions on those who engage with the Russian defense or intelligence sectors, which could affect international companies doing business with Russia. It also puts into law sanctions on Russia that President Barack Obama imposed via executive order late last month. U.S. lawmakers have long called for a tougher response to Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and intervention in the Syrian civil war on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Their impatience has increased since U.S. intelligence agencies said Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a campaign to try to sway the 2016 presidential election in favor of Republican businessman Donald Trump. The bill also sets new sanctions over Ukraine and Syria, including putting into law four executive orders from the Obama administration sanctioning Russia over its actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Among other things, it would mandate sanctions on investments of $20 million or more in Russia's ability to develop its petroleum and natural gas resources. The bill is being introduced a day before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee holds its confirmation hearing for Trump's nominee to be secretary of state, former Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson. Many lawmakers from both parties have raised questions about the decades Tillerson spent working with Russia's government as an executive at the oil company, and his ties to Putin. His hearing, set for Wednesday and Thursday, is expected to largely focus on those issues. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Andrew Hay) By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Republican and Democratic senators said Tuesday they want to slap a wide range of sanctions on Russia over its cyber activities and actions in Syria and Ukraine, and force President Donald Trump to formally waive them if he has objections. Ten senators - Republicans John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, Ben Sasse and Rob Portman and Democrats Ben Cardin, Robert Menendez, Jeanne Shaheen, Amy Klobuchar and Richard Durbin - introduced the legislation and said they hoped to add more sponsors and push Senate leaders to allow a vote. A sanctions bill with similar provisions is being written in the House of Representatives, led by Democrats Eliot Engel, the Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member, and Gerald Connolly, a panel member. The measures could set up a showdown with the administration of Trump, a Republican who takes office on Jan. 20 and has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticized intelligence officials for findings linking him to attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election. The Senate bill was introduced a day before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee holds its confirmation hearing for Trump's nominee to be secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, who worked for years with Putin's government as chief executive of Exxon Mobil. Cardin, the panel's top Democrat, said Tillerson would be questioned about whether he would support the sanctions. "This is about protecting the security of America," he told a news conference. The bill would impose visa bans and freeze the assets of people "who engage in significant activities undermining the cyber security of public or private infrastructure and democratic institutions" or those who aid such activities. It would also impose sanctions on those who engage with the Russian defense or intelligence sectors, which could affect international companies doing business with Russia. It also puts into law sanctions on Russia that President Barack Obama imposed via executive order late last month. ANGER OVER ELECTION U.S. lawmakers have long called for a tougher response to Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and intervention in the Syrian civil war on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Their impatience has increased since intelligence agencies released a report Friday saying Putin ordered a campaign to try to sway the 2016 U.S. election in Trump's favor. "We have to respond to Vladimir Putin's behavior and if we don't, he will continue unchecked," McCain said. The bill also sets new sanctions over Ukraine and Syria, including putting into law four executive orders from the Obama administration sanctioning Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Among other things, it would mandate sanctions on large investments in Russia's ability to develop its petroleum and natural gas resources. It would let the president waive the sanctions, but only if he certified that Russia is making progress on complying with international agreements and improving its record on human rights. Graham said he would push Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow the measure to come up for a vote, predicting strong bipartisan support in the Senate. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced he supports the bill. "I'm not going to let 2017 go by and not challenge what Russia did. This is the best way to challenge them," Graham said. A McConnell spokesman responded only that he had no scheduling updates. Lawmakers from both parties have raised questions about the decades Tillerson spent working with Russia's government as an executive at the oil company, his ties to Putin and past criticism of U.S. sanctions on Russia. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Bill Trott and Tom Brown) By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday struggled over how to decide a challenge to a New York state law barring retailers from imposing surcharges on customers who make purchases with a credit card instead of cash. The eight justices seemed divided over whether the state's law is a form of speech regulation and, even if it is, whether it is an unlawful restriction. Merchants have argued that New York's law and similar ones in other states violate retailers' rights to free speech and due process under the U.S. Constitution. The court heard a one-hour argument in an appeal filed by a group of merchants to a 2015 ruling by the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld the law. Nine other states have similar laws. The court also has two other cases pending involving similar challenges to related laws in Florida and Texas that are awaiting resolution of the New York dispute. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham) (Adds quotes from justices, details from argument) By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday struggled over how to decide a challenge to a state law barring retailers from charging more to buy with credit instead of cash, debating whether it merely regulates prices or violates merchants' constitutional rights. The eight justices heard an hour of arguments in an appeal brought by merchants to a lower court's ruling upholding the New York law, which is similar to statutes in nine other states. Merchants contend these laws infringe on their free speech rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution by dictating how they describe their pricing to customers. Retailers are forced to pay fees to credit card companies every time a customer buys with a card. The law bars retailers from imposing a surcharge on customers who make purchases with a credit card. It also makes it impossible for merchants to call fees paid to credit card companies a surcharge that is added to the price of a product. The law does not stop retailers from offering a discount for cash purchases. The justices debated whether the law even regulates speech or whether it is a traditional form of price regulation that is not subject to a free speech challenge. Several justices including Stephen Breyer indicated they did not think the law affects free speech, suggesting they may vote to uphold it. Breyer said the law simply requires retailers to post a price that includes the credit card surcharge. "What's that got to do with speech?" Breyer asked. Other justices appeared to have concerns that the law could burden free speech. The state is "forcing the merchant to speak in a particular way," Justice Samuel Alito said. Likewise, Justice Anthony Kennedy noted that a retailer could be subject to criminal penalties simply for displaying "truthful information." An option raised by Alito is for the justices to send the case to the New York state courts to clarify what the law means under state law rather than decide it in federal courts. Story continues Retailers have long complained about the cost of accepting credit cards including "swipe fees," a percentage of a credit card transaction the merchants pay to networks such as MasterCard Inc and Visa Inc every time a credit card is swiped to pay for a purchase. "Swipe fees" average about 2 percent of a purchase, according to the National Retail Federation. The surcharges that merchants impose can pass the cost of the "swipe fees" on to consumers and are worth billions of dollars a year to credit card companies The New York law subjects merchants to a potential one-year prison sentence and $500 fine for imposing credit card surcharges. Five merchants, including a Brooklyn ice cream parlor and a hair salon near Binghamton, challenged the law. In 2013, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff sided with the merchants and blocked enforcement of the law. The New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals then upheld the law in 2015. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham) DUBAI, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates' ambassador in Afghanistan has been injured in bomb attack at a guest house in the eastern city of Kandahar, the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. "(The ministry) is following the heinous terrorist attack on the guesthouse of the Kandahar governor which resulted in the injury of his excellency Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and a number of Emirati diplomats," the statement said. Afghan officials said the explosion killed at least seven people and wounded 18 others, including the ambassador. (Reporting by Ali Abdelaty and Noah Browning; Editing by Louise Ireland; Editing by Louise Ireland) We are currently below flood stages in the Willamette Valley, but here is a collection of images from past floods. From Popular Mechanics Today Uber unveiled a shiny new campaign promise: Movement, a data resource which promises to offer local officials worldwide insight into the transportation patterns in their own cities. "The travel time data Uber has made available provides a tangible and unique measure of how our cities move at different times of the day, and gives us insights into how the road network is performing," says Michael Comninos, the Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure and Analytics at Greater Sydney Commission in Australia. Uber Movement's homepage boasts of the company's great relationship with local governments. In fact, the service seems to be an attempt to make up for some of the PR black eyes the company has suffered during its rapid growth. There were black cab strikes in London, and Uber left Austin, TX altogether after the city council voted for fingerprint-based background checks on drivers. The company has become known for its aggressive tactics in working with local governments, at one point mocking New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio within its app. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick has said that he wishes one thing his ride-sharing company "should've realized sooner was that we are running a political campaign and the candidate is Uber." Enter Movement. There's no word on who, exactly, will be able to access Uber's information. Movement's site promises that at some point the public will have access, but for now public officials and transportation experts get much of the attention. There's a box to request access, but nothing more beyond that. Uber offers three case studies to show its worth, including a look at how various subway service disruptions effected Washington, DC. The information provided isn't exactly revelatory- a systemwide shutdown effected Washington's suburbs, while a localized problem caused localized congestion. But perhaps just as important as the study itself are the graphs which accompany it. Clear and crisp demonstrations of data, the result of a data visualization effort that has been ongoing within Uber since early 2015 that would make any city planning officer salivate. Story continues "We can create visual narratives around topics like safety, efficiency, traffic, or Uber's role in the public-transit network," said Uber engineer Nicolas Garcia Belmonte in a 2016 blog post. With Movement, it looks like the company is planning on expanding that role. Source: Uber via The Verge You Might Also Like KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has appointed his son as his senior adviser, officials said on Tuesday, a move analysts said was part of a plan to groom him to take over the top job. The president's son, Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, was moved from his position at the head of the army's special forces, the military said, in what it called a normal change in command. But political rivals have regularly accused the 72-year-old president of handing powerful positions to members of his family and adopting an increasingly autocratic style - charges his supporters dismiss. His brother, Salim Saleh, is another presidential adviser and his wife, Janet Museveni, is minister of education. "Muhoozi ... is going to play a significant role in a post-Museveni Uganda, there's no doubt about it," said political commentator and rights activist Nicholas Opiyo. "He is just giving the boy a hand in experiencing how government works on the side of politics." Human rights lawyer and political commentator Andrew Karamagi described the appointment as a "real clear move to bring the man closer to succession". Kainerugaba has risen quickly through the ranks since he joined the army in 1998. He jumped two positions from 2nd Lieutenant to Major in 2001. Military spokesman Paddy Ankunda said Kainerugaba had been appointed Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations. Asked whether it was a move to boost Kainerugaba's political credentials, he told Reuters: "No, this is just a normal change in command." The Chief of Defence Forces, General Katumba Wamala, was named junior minister for works and transport and replaced by David Muhoozi in the change, Ankunda added. Museveni, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, won a new five-year term in elections last year that the opposition said were rigged. He denies the charge. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by George Obulutsa and Andrew Heavens) LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - A legal challenge to the government over whether Britain's exit from the European Union will automatically take it out of the single market will be heard in court next week, the group that initiated the action said on Tuesday. It is one of several legal battles over how Britain should go about quitting the EU and trading with it afterwards - a conundrum requiring a trade-off between Brexit voters' desire for immigration controls and the economic need for good trading terms with the bloc. The government argues that Britain's exit from the EU, known as Brexit, will also end its membership of the European Economic Area (EEA), which provides access to the single market and its free movement of goods, capital, services and people. Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday that Britain would not be keeping "bits" of its EU membership, a comment that was interpreted by financial markets as pointing to a clean break from the single market. British Influence, the think-tank behind the challenge, says the government should approach Brexit on the basis that Britain would remain part of the EEA, which includes EU member states as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. A hearing will take place in the High Court in London next week, most likely on Jan. 20, said Jonathan Lis, deputy director of British Influence. "We want the government to agree with us that we're in the EEA independently (of EU membership), and that ideally forms a cast-iron negotiating tool because it means the EU can't force us out of the EEA," he told Reuters. He added that if the government did want to take Britain out of the single market, it would have to trigger Article 127 of the EEA Agreement, and would require parliament's approval to do so. Lis said that would be a separate process from the triggering of Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, the formal step required to start the process of leaving the bloc. Article 50 is at the heart of a separate court battle pitting the government, which wants to use executive powers to trigger it, against claimants who say it needs parliament's assent. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on that case this month. The claimants in the British Influence challenge include Peter Wilding, the group's director who campaigned against Brexit, and Adrian Yalland, a former adviser to the group who campaigned for Brexit. (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon; editing by Stephen Addison) By Nina Chestney LONDON (Reuters) - The British government has asked nuclear regulators to start the process for approving a Chinese-designed reactor for a proposed plant in Britain, expected to be one of the first new plants in decades. General Nuclear Services (GNS), an industrial partnership between French utility EDF and China General Nuclear Power Corporation(CGN), hopes to use the design at a new nuclear station planned to be built in Bradwell, Essex. CGN intends to make a number of investments in Britain's nuclear power sector, most notably the new Hinkley Point C project in southwest England which was approved by the government last September. "I have today asked the UKs independent nuclear regulators, the Office for Nuclear Regulation, and the Environment Agency, to begin a Generic Design Assessment of the UK HPR1000 reactor," Jesse Norman, junior minister at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said in a statement. A generic design assessment (GDA) is the formal process for approving a new nuclear reactor and typically takes around four years. The Bradwell project is in an early pre-planning stage which will involve years of investigative works and public consultations before proposals can be produced for a planning application, EDF said in a statement. "There are a number of different consents and permissions to be achieved before a nuclear power station can be constructed. As well as successful completion of the GDA process, other requirements include development consent, site licensing and environmental permits," EDF added. Britain gave the go-ahead in September to the $24 billion Hinkley Point C nuclear project in southwest England. This is being is built by EDF and is backed by $8 billion of cash from CGN. The decision to go ahead with Hinkley went some way to address concerns that Prime Minister Theresa May, a former interior minister, was less receptive to foreign investment than her predecessor David Cameron, particularly from China which has plans to invest billions in British infrastructure. The government said it would take a "special share" in future nuclear projects to ensure that significant stakes could not be sold without its consent. "The robust independence of the UKs regulators is seen across the world as a key strength for nuclear in Britain...CGN and EDF will bring to this enterprise their joint experience in China, Britain and France over many years," said Zhu Minhong, General Manager of CGN UK. Britain needs to fill an electricity supply gap next decade as many of its ageing nuclear plants are due to close by 2030 and its inefficient coal plants are forced to close by 2025. (This story has been refiled to fix spelling of prime minister's first name) (Reporting by Nina Chestney and Susanna Twidale; editing by Jason Neely and Alexandra Hudson) United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for a "whole new approach" to prevent war, vowing to boost the world body's mediation capacity to tackle global conflicts. Making his first address to the Security Council since taking office, Guterres said too much time and too many resources were being spent on responding to crises rather than preventing them. "People are paying too high a price," he said. "We need a whole new approach." The ex-prime minister of Portugal and former head of the UN refugee agency took over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1 with a promise to shake up the world body. But Guterres is confronted with a deeply divided Security Council that has notably been unable to take decisive action to end the nearly six-year war in Syria, where more than 310,000 people have been killed. The rules-based international order "is under grave threat," he said, describing the UN response to global crises as "fragmented." Guterres announced plans to launch an initiative to enhance mediation as part of his commitment to a "surge in diplomacy for peace," but he did not offer details. - Peace first - The 67-year-old diplomat-in-chief is expected to have a more hands-on approach than his predecessor Ban who left most of the mediation efforts to his special envoys. He encouraged the Security Council to invoke article six of the UN charter, which allows it to investigate disputes and lay out procedures for a settlement. "Too many prevention opportunities have been lost because member states mistrusted each other's motives, and because of concerns over national sovereignty," said Guterres. "Today, we need to demonstrate leadership, and strengthen the credibility and authority of the United Nations, by putting peace first," he said, renewing his pledge to make 2017 "a year for peace." Complicating Guterres's plan to revitalize UN diplomacy is the question mark hanging over the foreign policy of the incoming US administration under President-elect Donald Trump. Story continues Trump has dismissed the world body as "just a club for people to get together and have a good time." Guterres spoke with the incoming US leader by phone last week and the conversation was described by a UN spokesman as "very positive." Later this week, Guterres will make his first foray abroad as UN chief, heading to Geneva to shore up Cyprus peace talks. He returns to Geneva next week to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose support for the United Nations has been steadily growing. - Russia-US clash - In one of her final addresses to the council, US Ambassador Samantha Power listed many of the conflicts raging worldwide -- in Syria, South Sudan, Yemen, Libya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Nigeria and Mali. "It is obvious that we as a council can do better," said Power, who will end her term as US envoy when the new Trump administration takes over on January 20. She hit out at Russia, accusing Moscow of "trampling" over Ukraine's sovereignty in clear violation of the UN charter, and criticizing the military campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Russia has resorted to its veto power six times to block action by the council on Syria. Russia's envoy shot back, accusing the United States of bringing chaos to the Middle East with the invasion of Iraq, the campaign against the Islamic State group in Syria and by "destroying" the state in Libya. "The outgoing administration of President (Barack) Obama is desperately looking for those that it can blame for their failure," said Ambassador Vitaly Churkin. French junior minister Matthias Fekl recalled France's proposal to restrict the use of the veto by council powers in conflicts that pose a risk of mass atrocities. "This council must be able to act when it is necessary," said Fekl. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) The U.N. stabilization mission in Haiti is administering cholera vaccines to a police unit from India months after it arrived in the impoverished Caribbean nation without the required protection, officials said Tuesday. The failure to ensure that U.N. police personnel from a cholera-endemic country were vaccinated comes after the waterborne disease was introduced to Haiti's largest river in October 2010 by sewage from a base of U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal, one of the units that have rotated in and out of a multinational force here since 2004. Over six years later, Haiti continues to wrestle with the globe's worst outbreak of the preventable disease in recent history. Cholera has sickened roughly 800,000 Haitians and killed at least 9,500. Vaccination for cholera is now mandatory for all U.N. troops and police deploying to peacekeeping operations. The U.N. puts responsibility for peacekeeper vaccinations on member states, according to Ariane Quentier, spokeswoman for the U.N. mission in Haiti. But critics say failure to enforce the vaccination requirement with the 140-member Indian police unit is another breakdown in the world body's effort to minimize the risks of introducing epidemics by rotating UN troops. "It cannot duck its own responsibilities by pointing its fingers at the countries that supply the troops," said Brian Concannon, executive director of the Boston-based advocacy group Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti. Quentier told The Associated Press that the Indian police unit has received second cholera vaccine doses this week "to take in the coming hours, days." She said it was one of three police units from India, and the others were fully vaccinated. At a Monday press briefing at U.N. headquarters in New York, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, told reporters that the world body was looking into the situation and "trying to get more information, obviously, from the Indian authorities." Story continues The U.N. last month acknowledged not doing enough to help Haiti fight cholera, while stopping short of an admission of responsibility for introducing the disease. It has announced a new $400 million fundraising plan to battle cholera and assist victims in Haiti. The proposed plan would equip rapid response teams for areas where cholera cases are reported and would also try to boost Haiti's underfinanced sanitation and clean water systems. Spread by contaminated water, cholera is easily treatable but can lead to death within hours if unattended. It showed up in the hemisphere's poorest nation 10 months after a devastating earthquake in the south of Haiti, deepening the country's misery at a time when it was ill-equipped to cope with a second crisis. ___ David McFadden on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dmcfadd Univision says that it will continue to cover the Trump administration with the rigor that we have brought to the coverage of every administration that preceded it, after a meeting today with the President-elect one of several he has had lately with some of his most vigorous media opponents. In a statement, Univision says that it had a productive meeting with Trump about issues facing Hispanic and multicultural communities in America. It adds: We look forward to working with Mr. Trump and his administration to make our vibrant country even better. Our Univision News team will continue to cover the Trump administration with the rigor that we have brought to the coverage of every administration that preceded it. We approach this task without fear or favor and with one goal only to ensure our audience is well-informed. Our eyes, ears and minds are wide open. Trump had a strained relationship with Univision during last years presidential campaign. In addition to multiple run-ins with Univision news anchor Jorge Ramos, Trump filed a $500 million lawsuit over the networks decision to end plans to show the Miss USA pageant, which also was dumped by NBC. Univision said that it severed the ties due to Trumps disparaging remarks about Mexican immigrants. Univision has filed preliminary paperwork to launch an IPO. Last week the FCC ruled that Mexicos Groupo Televisa can increase its equity stake to 49% from 25% the current ceiling for overseas ownership of a TV station owner. Todays meeting follows one the President-elect held on Friday with Conde Nast editors, including Vanity Fairs Graydon Carter who, in the 1980s, bedeviled Trump by describing him as a short-fingered vulgarian. Related stories Barbra Streisand Chats With Chris Matthews From Dentist's Chair: Praises Streep, Laments Trump Even In The Trump Era, The Film Academy Is Absolutely, Positively Barred From Politics Showtime Positioned For Donald Trump Presidency - TCA Obama's address is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST Tuesday at McCormick Place, a convention center along Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. Here are By Joseph Guyler Delva PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Haitian police have evacuated some 50 U.S. citizens to safety after attempted attacks by supporters of Haitian Senator-elect Guy Philippe, who was arrested and extradited to the United States last week, a police official said on Monday. Philippe, long wanted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and remembered for his role in a 2004 coup against former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, was elected senator for the southwestern Grand'Anse region in polls on Nov. 20. But on Thursday, days before he was supposed to be sworn in, police arrested him outside of a radio station and flew him to the United States, where a Miami court charged him with money laundering and drug trafficking. Philippe denies the charges. The extradition has stirred tensions in Grand'Anse, an area that is rebuilding after damages inflicted by Hurricane Matthew last October and where Philippe enjoys popularity. Supporters of Philippe have clashed with political opponents in the streets, burned two police vehicles and attacked several police stations, forcing officers to flee, said Berson Soljour, a police commissioner in Grand'Anse. Philippe supporters are also believed to have attacked two U.S. citizens who ran an orphanage and stole their passports and other belongings from their home, police officials said. Police have evacuated more than 50 U.S. citizens to safer places in Haiti since Friday, Soljour said, who advised those who chose to stay not to leave their residences. Higher than usual numbers of U.S. citizens are in the region helping with hurricane recovery. U.S. citizens were evacuated to a police station before moving to a United Nations base, where they waited for preparations to fly them to Port-au-Prince, Soljour said. Some have been flown to the capital, while others are still waiting. "There are groups linked to Guy Philippe that were actively seeking to attack or capture U.S. citizens following (his) arrest and extradition," Soljour said. Story continues A spokesman for the U.S. embassy, Karl Adam, said the embassy was aware of the threats and has sent messages to citizens to advise them to avoid certain areas and to be particularly careful. "I know some have decided to leave and this is not something the embassy is organizing", Adam said. More protests were scheduled to take place over the next several days in Grand'Anse and in Port-au-Prince, including outside the U.S. embassy. Some 200 protesters massed at a barricade across the street from parliament on Monday as new senators were sworn into office, with about half denouncing Philippes arrest with slogans, T-shirts and waving signs. (Editing by Makini Brice and Michael Perry) WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. imposed sanctions Tuesday on a British member of an Islamic State cell dubbed "The Beatles" who Washington says has conducted executions of hostages. The State Department said Alexanda Amon Kotey is one of four members of the cell that has beheaded about two dozen hostages. Victims included American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and American aid worker Peter Kassig. The department said that Kotey likely engaged in executions and torture, including electronic shock and waterboarding, and recruited several British nationals to IS. The sanctions freeze property Kotey may have in the U.S. and prohibit Americans from any transactions with him. Also Tuesday, the department designated the Indonesia-based Jamaah Ansharut Daulah as a terrorist organization. The group has pledged allegiance to IS and was blamed for a January 2016 suicide attack in Jakarta that killed four people. New York (AFP) - US prosecutors have indicted relatives of former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, accusing them of trying to bribe a Middle Eastern official over the attempted $800 million sale of a building in Hanoi. The 39-page indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, charges Joo Hyun Bahn, also known as Dennis, a Manhattan real estate broker, and his father Ban Ki Sang, a senior executive in a South Korean construction company. Also charged is US citizen Malcolm Harris, accused of masquerading as a go-between with the Middle Eastern official but instead pocketing a $500,000 bribe which he frittered away on personal luxuries. Ban is a brother of the former UN secretary general, who was succeeded at the helm of the United Nations on January 1 by former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres, and Bahn is a nephew. US prosecutors allege that the international bribery conspiracy took place between March 2013 and May 2015 in relation to the attempted sale of a commercial and residential complex in Hanoi, built and owned by Keangnam Enterprises, a South Korean construction company. The plot focused on an attempt to get an official from an undisclosed Middle Eastern kingdom to purchase the property using a sovereign wealth fund and allegedly included an attempt to contact the head of state while he was in New York for the annual UN General Assembly. The father and son agreed to pay an initial bribe of $500,000, wired to an account in New York from South Korea in April 2014, followed by a payment of $2 million upon completion of the sale, prosecutors said. Harris instead allegedly pocketed the money and the sale never went through, ultimately forcing Keangnam to enter court receivership in South Korea due to a growing liquidity crisis. Ban's relatives are charged with corruption, money laundering and conspiracy. His nephew faces additional charges over an alleged forgery that sought to present the building sale as imminent. Charleston (United States) (AFP) - A US jury on Tuesday condemned self-described white supremacist Dylann Roof to death over the massacre of nine black worshippers in a South Carolina church in June 2015 -- a crime that shocked the nation. Roof, 22, was convicted last month of 33 federal charges -- including hate crimes resulting in death -- in connection with the shooting spree at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston. A Bible study group at "Mother Emanuel," which had welcomed Roof, was just beginning its closing prayer when the self-avowed Nazi and Ku Klux Klan sympathizer opened fire, killing nine people ranging in age from 26 to 87. The slayings once again exposed the deep divides in America over race and access to guns. Roof showed little reaction to the decision, delivered just hours after the 12-member jury retired to deliberate, though he occasionally seemed to be slightly smiling. Federal judge Richard Gergel will formally deliver Roof's sentence on Wednesday morning at the Charleston courthouse. The verdict unanimously reached by the jury is binding. "I still feel like I had to do it," Roof told jurors earlier in a semi-coherent closing argument. Roof represented himself in the sentencing phase of the trial, against the advice of his lawyers and the judge. He called no witnesses and offered no evidence for the jury to consider. After the jury offered its sentencing verdict, Roof asked for new attorneys so he could move for a retrial, but Gergel told him to provide specific reasons for his request on Wednesday. Relatives of the victims will be invited to speak at Wednesday's hearing. - 'Not one tear' - Earlier, prosecutor Jay Richardson urged jurors to sentence Roof to death for "this cold, calculated, malicious killing." "Not one tear did he shed for those that he killed," he said. "Unrepentant. No remorse." Richardson noted Roof only expressed sorrow that he put his parents through an emotional trial during which his mother suffered a heart attack after a survivor's gripping testimony. Story continues "He had sorrow for them. He had pity for himself. That he had lost his freedom. His ability to watch movies and drive a car," he said. "But his sadness was reserved for the little white children that have to live with African Americans." During the first phase of the trial, Roof exhibited no signs of remorse as survivors recounted the rampage in heart-rending detail. A video of Roof's chilling confession was shown to the jury. "Somebody had to do something because black people are killing white people every day," Roof said without emotion to the FBI special agent questioning him. "They rape 100 white people a day." In notes confiscated from Roof in prison in August 2015, he wrote that he was "not sorry." "I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed," the notes said. Roof's lawyers had suggested their client was not mentally fit, but Gergel found Roof competent to stand trial -- twice. His family said in a statement posted in US media Tuesday that they would "continue to pray for the Emanuel AME families and the Charleston community." "We will struggle as long as we live to understand why he committed this horrible attack, which caused so much pain to so many good people," the statement said. US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who is herself black, said in a statement that "we hope that the completion of the prosecution provides the people of Charleston -- and the people of our nation -- with a measure of closure." Tim Scott, one of South Carolina's two senators, added that "nineteen months ago, a heartless murderer attempted to start a race war." "Today that man was rightly sentenced to death," said Scott, who is black. Capital punishment is only rarely meted out in federal cases, in part because violent crimes more typically are tried under state laws. Federal authorities have executed only three inmates since 1976. Roof is also facing state murder charges in South Carolina, and prosecutors were planning to seek the death penalty, but those proceedings were indefinitely put on hold last week. Washington (AFP) - The US Marine Corps said Tuesday it has sent a squadron of F-35B fighter jets to Japan, marking the first operational overseas deployment for the controversial aircraft that is under scrutiny from President-elect Donald Trump. The deployment of the 10 planes to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on Honshu Island marks a major milestone for the F-35, which has been bedeviled by technical glitches and soaring cost overruns. With a current development and acquisition price tag already at $379 billion for a total of 2,443 F-35 aircraft, Lockheed Martin's F-35 is the most expensive plane in history, and costs are set to go higher still. The Marines's version of the plane, known as the F-35B, is capable of conducting short takeoffs and vertical landings. Trump last month sent shockwaves through the aerospace industry when he tweeted that he wanted rival Boeing to price out a possible alternative. "Based on the tremendous cost and cost overruns of the Lockheed Martin F-35, I have asked Boeing to price-out a comparable F-18 Super Hornet!" Trump tweeted December 22. The F/A-18 Super Hornet does not have stealth capabilities and has been in use since the late 1990s. Once servicing, maintenance and other costs for the F-35 are factored in over the aircraft's lifespan through 2070, overall program costs have been projected to rise to as much as $1.5 trillion. Proponents of the F-35 tout its speed, close air-support capabilities, airborne agility and a massive array of sensors giving pilots unparalleled access to information. "The unique combination of stealth, cutting-edge radar and sensor technology, and electronic warfare systems bring all of the access and lethality capabilities of a fifth-generation fighter, a modern bomber, and an adverse-weather, all-threat environment air-support platform," the Marines said in a statement. In August, the US Air Force declared an initial squadron of F-35A stealth fighters ready for combat and said an overseas deployment for that version of the plane was likely early this year. The US Navy's version of the plane, the F-35C, is built to land on aircraft carriers. The US military would not necessarily shoot down a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile, should the country's leader try to test one, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Tuesday. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said in a New Year's speech that the country was "in the final stages of test-launching the intercontinental ballistic missile." Carter, whose two-year run as Pentagon chief will come to an end when President Barack Obama leaves office January 20 and Donald Trump is inaugurated, said in his final news conference that it might make sense to watch such a test without taking action. "If the missile is threatening it will be intercepted. If it is not threatening, we won't necessarily do so," he said. "It may be more to our advantage to first of all save our interceptor inventory, and second to gather intelligence from the flight," he added. In 2016, North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realizing its full nuclear ambitions, especially since it has never successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Pentagon last week said it was confident in its capabilities to defend against a missile attack by North Korea. For its part, South Korea plans to deploy a US missile defense system -- despite opposition from China -- to protect against any threats from the North. President-elect Trump has named retired Marine Corps general James Mattis as defense secretary. Mattis needs a special congressional waiver from a law that bars generals from serving as defense secretary for seven years after leaving active duty. He retired in 2013. army troops soldiers poland In a throwback to the Cold War, the US is stationing thousands of troops and tanks right in Russia's backyard to "enhance deterrence capabilities" in the region. Soldiers with the 3rd Armored Brigade made their way to Poland on Monday, where they are taking delivery of more than 2,700 pieces of vehicles and equipment, to include M1A2 Abrams tanks. According to the Pentagon, the unit is there to certify the gear before shipping it off to other NATO allies close by. Eventually, tanks and other materiel will be stationed in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, and Romania. The move is part of a US exercise called "Operation Atlantic Resolve," which would see units deployed to the region regularly every nine months. map russia eastern europe skitch "These forces here were a direct response to the destabilizing efforts of the Russian government in the Ukraine," Lt. Gen. Tim Ray, Deputy Commander of US European Command, told KUSA. Russia invaded the Ukrainian territory of Crimea in 2014 and eventually annexed it. Since then, a number of Baltic states have expressed fears of similar moves against them. Many have been building up their militaries and have been increasing training, sometimes alongside US troops. army tank poland Atlantic Resolve calls for additional US troops and the expansion of joint training exercises with NATO allies. The Pentagon is also staging ammunition, fuel, and other equipment in the region to reduce deployment times should "aggressive regional actors" require a response. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said it is "stupid and unrealistic" to think Russia would attack anyone, according to CBS News. NOW WATCH: These are the secretive 18-wheelers the US government uses to transport nukes on America's roads More From Business Insider Washington (AFP) - US President-elect Donald Trump's transition team appeared to dial back from naming noted vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr to lead a committee on vaccines safety, officials said. Earlier in the day, Trump met with Kennedy, a prominent environmentalist who has authored a book about his concerns that ingredients in childhood vaccines may cause autism -- a notion long debunked by the scientific community. After that meeting, Kennedy told reporters Trump had asked him to head a commission on vaccine safety and scientific integrity, and the 62-year-old son of slain senator Bobby Kennedy and nephew of late president John F. Kennedy said he had agreed. "He asked me to chair a commission on vaccine safety and scientific integrity," Kennedy said after the meeting, which he said Trump had called and requested. "I said I would." Kennedy said the job would be to "make sure we have scientific integrity in the vaccine process for efficacy and safety." But Tuesday evening, Trump's transition team issued a statement saying that no such decision had been made. The statement also referred to the committee in question as one on autism, not vaccine safety. "The President-elect enjoyed his discussion with Robert Kennedy Jr. on a range of issues and appreciates his thoughts and ideas," the statement said. "The President-elect is exploring the possibility of forming a commission on autism, which affects so many families; however no decisions have been made at this time." - Doubts expressed - Both Kennedy and Trump have expressed concerns that childhood vaccinations could lead to autism. "Trump has some doubts about the current vaccine policies and he has questions about it," Kennedy told reporters. "His opinion doesn't matter but the science does matter and we ought to be reading the science and we ought to be debating the science," he added. "Everybody ought to be able to be assured that the vaccines that we have -- he's very pro-vaccine, as am I -- but they're as safe as they possibly can be." Story continues Kennedy authored a 2014 book describing the dangers of the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal in vaccines. At a film screening in California in 2015 he expressed mistrust of public health officials who say vaccines are safe for children. "They get the shot, that night they have a fever of a hundred and three, they go to sleep, and three months later their brain is gone," Kennedy said, according to a report at the time in the Sacramento Bee. "This is a holocaust, what this is doing to our country." - Long ago debunked - Such fears have spread online in recent years, fueled in part by celebrity attention, and by the fact that doctors don't fully understand what causes autism, leading some parents to connect the sudden onset of the brain disorder with the series of visits to the doctor for vaccinations in childhood. Trump has repeatedly suggested a link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. He tweeted in 2014: "Healthy young child goes to doctor, gets pumped with massive shot of many vaccines, doesn't feel good and changes - AUTISM. Many such cases!" The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that multiple studies in recent years have shown no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism. A 2011 Institute of Medicine report on eight vaccines given to children and adults "found that with rare exceptions, these vaccines are very safe." Furthermore, nine CDC studies since 2003 have found "no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and ASD, as well as no link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism spectrum disorder in children," the federal agency said. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, thimerosal has been removed or reduced to trace amounts in all childhood vaccines except for some flu vaccines, the CDC has said, describing the move as a "precaution." Georgetown University professor of family medicine Ranit Mishori told AFP the news of Kennedy's role was seen as a "nightmare" for doctors who have fought a surge of vaccine skepticism among parents in recent years, amid resurgent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like pertussis and measles with sometimes fatal consequences. "This helps stoke a lot of unnecessary fear and it is anti-science. We have been there, we have looked at it. The science is extremely solid on this," she said. Kennedy "is known to be a person who believes that vaccines cause harm and it sounds like he won't be satisfied until this is proven in one way or another," she added. "Unfortunately, that is not how science works." (Adds details, background) Jan 9 (Reuters) - Canada's Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc said its affiliate will sell its Dendreon cancer business to China's Sanpower Group Co Ltd for $819.9 million, as the drugmaker continues to shed its non-core assets to repay debt. Dendreon makes prostate cancer vaccine Provenge that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010. "With this sale, we are better aligning our product portfolio with Valeant's new operating strategy by exiting the urological oncology business, which is one of our non-core assets," Valeant Chief Executive Joseph Papa said in a statement on Monday. The company bought bankrupt Dendreon in 2015 for about $300 million after reaching a stalking-horse deal for Provenge and other assets. Seattle-based Dendreon filed for bankruptcy protection after sales of Provenge fell short of expectations and left the company deep in debt. http://reut.rs/2iX1rOP Valeant is trying to regain investor confidence following a tumultuous year in which its pricing strategy and ties to a specialty pharmacy led to a wider political and regulatory scrutiny. In August, the company said it was eyeing $8 billion worth of sales for its non-core assets and could accept offers for its main businesses. The Dendreon sale is expected to close in the first half of 2017. Valeant said it will use the proceeds to repay its term-loan debt under its senior credit facility. (Reporting by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair) Here are some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today. Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) shares soared in early trading. The embattled drugmaker is unloading some more of its non-core assets to pay down debt. Valeant is selling three of its skincare brands to LOreal for $1.3 billion. This comes after it inked a deal to sell its Dendreon cancer business to Chinese conglomerate Sanpower for about $820 million in cash. Alphabets Google (GOOGL) may also be shedding one of its businesses. The Wall Street Journal is reported that its looking to sell its satellite unit Terra Bella to startup rival Planet Labs. Google bought the satellite company for $500 million a couple of years ago, when it was known as Skybox Imaging. Goldman Sachs (GS) stock was downgraded by Citi to sell from neutral based on valuation with a price target of $225 a share. Yahoo (YHOO), the parent company of Yahoo Finance, said that the holding company left behind after Verizon (VZ) buys the companys core assets will be renamed Altaba. Altaba will have a 15% stake in Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group (BABA) and a 35% stake in Yahoo Japan. The core assets, including Yahoo Finance, sports, mail and other Internet services will retain the Yahoo name after the Verizon acquisition is complete. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer will step down from the board after the deal with Verizon closes along with five other Yahoo directors. Alibaba is teaming up with the founder of Chinas Intime Retail Group to take the department-store operator private. The deal is worth about $2.6 billion, which is 42% above the stocks most recent closing price. NOTE: THIS BLOG IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED. You can leave comments but no new posts will appear. Please visit my other blog lewstringercomics.blogspot.com which will continue. Running from 2006 to 2019, BLIMEY! was dedicated to British comics past and present. The images of old comics on my blog are copyright their respective publishers and are only used here for review purposes. They have been scanned from my own personal comics collection, in over 50 years of collecting.The prose articles, with the exception of press releases, are Copyright Lew Stringer and must not be reproduced without permission. Paris (AFP) - French leader Armel Le Cleac'h or second-placed British rival Alex Thomson are expected to be first home in the Vendee Globe yachting race on January 19, organisers said Tuesday. "Given the weather forecast we're thinking of a possible arrival on January 19 for the first boat," deputy race director Guillaume Evrard told AFP. "The weather models mean that the difference between the two boats could come down to a one-hour difference. "One hour over eight days of racing is the equivalent to a moment when one of the skippers is a bit tired and doesn't want to go and sort his sail out. That's enough to make up the deficit." Le Cleac'h remains 100 nautical miles ahead of Thomson, according to Evrard. "All it needs is the slightest technical problem or the slighest accident and it could all go in favour of Alex Thomson," he said. Frenchman Le Cleac'h's Banque Populaire was 2,576 miles from arrival at 1400 GMT on Tuesday, the 65th day of racing, with the Hugo Boss of Thomson, who failed to finish in 2004 and 2008, at 102 miles. Another Frenchman, Jeremie Beyou (Maitre Coq), was meanwhile hanging on in third 619 miles off the pace as the yachts bear down on the arrival port of Les Sables d'Olonne in the western French region of La Vendee. (Corrects typographical error in paragraph 8) CARACAS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Recession-hit Venezuela's imports plunged by more than half to nearly $18 billion in 2016, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday, as the country prioritized foreign debt payments despite chronic product shortages. Maduro, in a meeting with businessmen, said the private sector accounted for $11 billion of imports, while the cash-strapped public sector brought in $6.8 billion of products. "You accounted for 60 percent of imports for the first time in 100 years," Maduro told the businessmen, blaming the oil price fall since mid-2014 for shrinking state coffers. Imports have fallen during three years of recession in the member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries from a record high of $66 billion in 2012 to $36.9 billion in 2015, according to Central Bank figures. Despite plunging oil revenues, Venezuela managed to pay $17 billion in foreign debt and build 360,000 new homes in a state housing project last year, Maduro said. But Venezuela's 30 million people have been suffering long shopping lines, while basic foodstuffs, medicines and other products have been running short. Price controls and nationalization have hurt domestic production. Maduro said, "2016 was the hardest, longest and most difficult year we have known." In a research note on Monday, Torino Capital said Venezuela's import data demonstrated the Maduro government's commitment to keep paying maturing debt despite market speculation it may be heading toward an eventual default. "The bottom line is that the data continues to show a very strong import contraction which shows no sign of abating and may even be intensifying," the note said. This "supports the hypothesis that the government is restricting foreign currency allocations for imports to free up resources that will allow it to continue servicing its external obligations," Torino Capital said. Also on Monday, Maduro announced the government would start selling Colombian pesos at state-run exchange houses along the border "very soon." Story continues "The exchange houses will have fair offers in pesos and bolivars," Maduro said, without specifying what rate would be used. The ruling Socialists introduced currency controls in 2003, but with demand vastly outpacing supply, many have turned to the black market. Venezuela's cash-strapped economy has been in recession since 2014. (Reporting by Andrew Cawthorne, Corina Pons and Alexandra Ulmer; Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Richard Chang and Grant McCool) Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro threatened his opponents would face "consequences" for their latest efforts to oust him, reviving his claim that he was the victim of a "coup" attempt. Opposition majority lawmakers on Monday passed a motion declaring Maduro had effectively "abandoned his post" by failing to tackle the country's economic crisis. "They will have to live with the consequences of their call for a coup d'etat yesterday in the National Assembly," he said in a televised address, referring to the opposition-controlled legislature. Maduro said he was launching an "anti-coup commando squad" of hardline senior security officials. He did not specify what steps they might take against the opposition. But about 300 Maduro loyalists took to the streets Tuesday to block lawmakers from entering a hospital where they had scheduled a public meeting to reach out to their own supporters. The opposition lawmakers had to move their gathering to another hospital -- Caracas' main maternity facility. "We are not going to stop getting out into the streets and be with the people who elected us," said Julio Borges, speaker of the National Assembly. The opposition blames Maduro for an economic crisis that has prompted deadly riots and looting due to shortages of food and medicine. Maduro says the crisis is the result of a US-backed capitalist conspiracy. He defended his performance, listing a series of investments his government has made in public health, housing and education. Maduro's supporters on Tuesday filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to overrule Monday's motion, said Hector Rodriguez, leader of the pro-government bloc in the assembly. He said the appeal calls for criminal charges against the opposition leaders who proposed the declaration in the assembly. The court has consistently backed Maduro in a series of rulings against the opposition since it took control of the assembly a year ago. It had already said ahead of Monday's declaration that the assembly was not qualified to remove Maduro from office. Paris (AFP) - For years he has been the butt of cinematic snobbery, shunned by Hollywood after the "crazed, lurid spectacle" of his flops "Showgirls" and "Starship Troopers", which were roundly panned by critics. But after his latest film "Elle" was the big winner at the Golden Globes with "La La Land", Dutch director Paul Verhoeven is at 78 finally being rehabilitated. His twisted take on the rape-revenge thriller won best foreign film and best actress for its mesmerising French star Isabelle Huppert, a double victory that was seen as one in the eye to the Oscar nominations committee who have snubbed it. "How many times in my life have I been rejected, even here in the Netherlands," he told Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Monday. "So it is really great to finally get something." The man who reinvented the sci-fi genre with "RoboCop" in 1987 and "Total Recall" two years later before the scandalous success of "Basic Instinct", had become something of a Hollywood pariah. He told AFP that several A-list American actresses turned down "Elle" because it strayed dangerously far from accepted boundaries with its rape victim heroine tracking down her attacker to extract her own pleasure from him. - 'You can't be erotic' - After struggling for years to get the studios interested in the dark, ambiguous comedy, he finally got it made in France. Dutch critic Diederik van Hoogstraten, of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association who decided the Globes, said Verhoeven would never have been allowed to make in the film in the US "without changing the script". "He didn't want to change it because they had a problem with the theme of the film," he added, blaming what Verhoeven called America's "moral politics" for frustrating him. The director also accused Hollywood of being uptight, shying away from "challenging" films about sex. Story continues "You cannot be provocative, you cannot be controversial, you cannot be sexual, erotic, in a direct way," he told AFP. With "Elle" now being showered with almost universal praise despite its slippery subject matter, some US critics are going so far as to argue that Verhoeven's two supposed turkeys, "Showgirls" and "Starship Troopers", were misunderstood masterpieces. "Showgirls" in particular has been proclaimed a cult camp classic, with the Canadian critic Adam Nayman arguing in his book "It Doesn't Suck" that it was a brilliant satire on the debasement of the American Dream. The late French director Jacques Rivette was always a believer, calling it in 1998 "one of the greatest American films of the last few years". The influential US magazine the Atlantic last year described "Starship Troopers" as one of the "most misunderstood movies ever", urging doubters to "open themselves to the rigour and intensity of Verhoeven's approach and you'll get the joke 'Starship Troopers' is telling" about US jingoism. - Triumphant return - British critic Jonathan Romney said "Elle" is "definitely considered a major triumphant return to form for Verhoeven, although a lot of people were very impressed by the seriousness and modesty of his 2006 war film 'Black Book'" -- which has been voted the best Dutch film ever. "I was never convinced by 'Showgirls' myself, and maybe I wasn't able to see past the surface, but to me it looked awkward and kitsch," Romney added. "But a lot of people take it seriously as a statement on America or as some sort of feminist text. There's even a scene in Mia Hansen-Love's latest film 'Eden' (which also stars Huppert) in which a bunch of cinephiles earnestly discuss its merits." But already the beginning of a backlash against Verhoeven's new-found respectability appears to be brewing. While Variety critic Owen Gleiberman urged people to see Elle, "this audacious, paradigm-smashing movie" and its bravura performance from Huppert, he stuck the knife into its creator. Far from being a feminist film, he said, its heroine who turns the tables on her rapist is merely "Verhoeven's sadomasochistic caveman version of sex-positive feminism. "My puzzlement over the rapture it has inspired begins with a question that's been percolating around in my brain ever since it was released -- where's the outrage?" he added. Hong Kong (AFP) - Veteran British war correspondent Clare Hollingworth, who broke the news that World War II had started, died Tuesday aged 105. Family friend Cathy Hilborn Feng confirmed to AFP that Hollingworth had died in Hong Kong, which had been her home for over 30 years. The family released a short statement on the Facebook page "Celebrate Clare Hollingworth". "We are sad to announce that after an illustrious career spanning a century of news, celebrated war correspondent Clare Hollingworth died this evening in Hong Kong," the statement read. Hollingworth witnessed the horrors of war in Vietnam, Algeria, the Middle East, India and Pakistan, as well as the Cultural Revolution in China. But she is best remembered for her scoop on the outbreak of World War II in 1939, when she was just a rookie reporter. She broke the story of Germany's invasion of Poland during her first week working as a journalist there for The Daily Telegraph. The paper's editor, Chris Evans, called Hollingworth a "remarkable journalist", saying she had been "an inspiration to all reporters but in particular to subsequent generations of women foreign correspondents". He added: "She will always be revered by all of us at The Telegraph. Our sympathies to her friends and family." Hollingworth in October had celebrated her 105th birthday at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Hong Kong, where she had been a regular. "We are very sad to hear about Clare's passing. She was a tremendous inspiration to us all and a treasured member of our club," said the FCC's president, Tara Joseph. Dakar (AFP) - Thousands of victims of rape, torture and arbitrary detention under former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre could lose their right to compensation, their lawyers said Tuesday. A special African Union court ruled in July that Habre should give up to 30,000 euros ($33,000) to each victim of abuses committed during his 1982-1990 rule, as well as to their relatives. Philippe Houssine, a lawyer for victims under Habre's rule, told journalists in Dakar that those who had not been identified by name could lose their right to claim. He was speaking to journalists at the former strongman's appeal case. Lawyers have said that 4,733 civil plaintiffs were involved in the July case. Of those, 1,625 were direct victims of regime brutality, having been jailed without trial or taken prisoner of war. Around a dozen women could claim for rape or sexual abuse, they said. But the victims' main lawyer Jacqueline Moudeina said they were now concerned the judgement made in July risked excluding "thousands of people with the right to compensation." The criteria required to be identified were difficult to meet for many victims, Moudeina added, including travelling to Chad's capital, N'Djamena, to be interviewed. "The criteria required by the chamber for compensation are outside the bounds of international legal practices," lawyer Houssine added, appealing for flexibility given the International Criminal Court's less rigorous requirements in similar cases, he said. The July verdict followed the May sentencing of Habre to life for war crimes and crimes against humanity, bringing closure for relatives of up to 40,000 people killed and many more kidnapped, raped or tortured. India is discussing the supply of its indigenously developed surface-to-air missile system to Vietnam, according to reports Monday. Vietnam has expressed deep interest to purchase the Akash missile system and is seeking for transfer of technology and joint production of the defense system, the Times of India newspaper reported, citing sources. However, India wants an initial off-the-shelf purchase followed by transfer of technology in maintenance and other areas, the report added. Talks are in progress to arrive at a common plan. Its relatively easier on the Akash front since the missile system is 96 percent indigenous, a source told the daily. The Akash missile system is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air defense system developed by Indias Defense Research and Development Organization. The system has the ability to attack targets up to 18 miles. The development comes as both nations try to confront Beijings growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. China is reportedly attempting to increase its dominance in both the Indian Ocean region and the contested South China area. A satellite image from last May showed a Chinese nuclear submarine docking at the Pakistani city of Karachi, Indian media reported Friday. Authorities in India told the local NDTV news network that Type 093 Shang submarine was likely used to spy on Indian naval activity as part of Chinas attempts to show its power in the Indian Ocean region. In December, tensions in the South China Sea mounted as Chinas first aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed through the disputed region to carry out open-sea training drills. The carrier was commissioned by the Chinese navy in 2012 and Beijing said last month the vessel was geared up to engage in combat. The Liaoning was reportedly bought as an incomplete hull from Ukraine over a decade ago. In 2014, India and Vietnam said that freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea/South China Sea should not be impeded and called the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid threats or use of force. Story continues On Friday, reports said that Vietnam started dredging work on a disputed reef in the South China Sea. The move has been seen as Hanois way to defend its stake to the strategic waterway that has largely been claimed by China. China has laid claims to almost all of South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion worth of maritime trade passes annually. It has also reportedly been building runways and ports on islands in the contested waters to assert its claim over the region. Beijing has consistently defended its actions, saying it does not intend to start a conflict and that its operations will add to the safety of the region. Related Articles Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f342553%2fa7e9e74a-855e-451f-8ad4-bb529ebc822a A violent storm, connected to the atmospheric river event hitting California, tore across El Paso County, Colorado on Monday. High winds descending from the Rockies ploughed through cars and buildings in a trail of destruction while wind gusts were reportedly as high as 101 mph in some areas. Officials at the Fort Carson military base ordered residents to stay inside their homes, warning in a Facebook post that blowing debris and other hazards made it "extremely dangerous" to leave the house. SEE ALSO: Barrage of winter storms dump dangerous rain and snow on West Coast Amid the fury of the storm, parts of the Colorado Springs area saw power outages and school cancellations with some schools going on lockdown and huge piles of debris left behind. Flights were delayed at Denver International Airport and some flights were cancelled at Colorado Springs Airport, where wind speeds reached up to 78 mph. Much of the Colorado Springs area went into shut-down, as emergency evacuations and street closures took hold in some places. El Paso County Court evacuated because of wind. Jury duty sent home. Vermijo street by the court closed #cowx pic.twitter.com/QUaWgeFtF0 Bill Folsom (@KOAABillFolsom) January 9, 2017 This is one of the worst windstorms Ive seen in my 34 years with the department, Colorado Springs Police Department Lt. Howard Black told the Denver Post. Its an extremely active event throughout the city, with downed power lines, downed trees in roadways. There is widespread property damage and windows blown out of parked cars. Across Twitter, images of the winter storm show smashed cars, buildings with their roofs partially ripped off, and buses and semi-trucks knocked over along the highways. Story continues WATCH THIS! Roof shingles fly off of the roof at Jon's Auto Shop on B Street in Colorado Springs! #crazycoloradosprings pic.twitter.com/sC0fgKrDeQ KKTV 11 News (@KKTV11News) January 9, 2017 High Wind Safety Tip | Postpone outdoor activities |Take cover indoors or under a shelter | stay away from power lines and trees pic.twitter.com/fzPWUtfcC0 CSFD PIO (@CSFDPIO) January 9, 2017 Wind smashes out police cruiser window while officer evacuating people from courthouse #cowx pic.twitter.com/ry3ipCuGLL Bill Folsom (@KOAABillFolsom) January 9, 2017 TWO overturned semis right next to each other on I-25 and South Academy. #cowx #cosprings pic.twitter.com/Rtc8jYYCVY Joanna Wise (@KOAAjwise) January 9, 2017 ANOTHER overturned semi. This one on South Academy. @KKTV11News pic.twitter.com/PxuUuda4j6 Kyla Galer (@kylagalerKKTV) January 9, 2017 Colorado Springs is typically prone to strong winds as air flows downslope from the Rocky Mountains. Mondays event was notable, however, for causing widespread damage, with gusts reportedly greater than 90 mph in some spots. Driving around my neighbor & noticing so many fences & trees just destroyed from this wild wind. #cowx #ColoradoSprings @FOX21News pic.twitter.com/Xbz4f8laEi Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonMFOX21) January 9, 2017 Viewer photos of trees downed by high winds in Colorado Springs. More about the storm: https://t.co/toKQGmd4Ro #COwx pic.twitter.com/8J3vJNs2Fu FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) January 9, 2017 For perspective on how big this tree root is @KOAAAndyKoen stood in the creator. #cowx @KOAA pic.twitter.com/ZCRq0prc77 Adam Knapik (@adamknapik) January 9, 2017 Ramblin express bus has turned over near high Highway 115 and south academy. #cowx pic.twitter.com/yB9LOd8jsx Adam Knapik (@adamknapik) January 9, 2017 The strong winds were expected to stick around in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region until around 4 or 5 p.m. MST, National Weather Service meteorologist Clint Skelly told The Colorado Springs Gazette. Meanwhile, other parts of Colorado are seeing heavy snow, part of an unsettled weather pattern across the West that claimed the life of a celebrated Sequoia Tree in California. Andrew Freedman contributed to this story. Volkswagen said on Tuesday it negotiated a concrete draft of a settlement with U.S. authorities over the company's diesel emissions scandal. The German automaker said the settlement, regarding certain criminal investigations and certain civil fines in connection with the Diesel issue, with the U.S. Justice Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection could total $4.3 billion. Part of the final agreement includes a guilty plea by the company regarding certain U.S. provisions and a "Statement of Facts" on the basis of which the fines have been made, Volkswagen said. The German automaker faced major fines after it was caught last year cheating on American air pollution tests by the EPA. The scandal has damaged the company's reputation and hurt its sales. Volkswagen has repeatedly said no current or former board members were involved in the cheating. The company said it did not release information sooner because it expected to reach a negotiated settlement with U.S. regulators. The final conclusion of the settlement agreement is still subject to the approval by the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen and by the competent corporate bodies of further Group Companies involved. The deal with the Justice Department comes as the carmaker aims to rebuild its long-struggling business in the United States, where the decline in VW brand sales last year accelerated to 8 percent. Reuters contributed to this report. LEXINGTON Enforcement statistics have been released for a national campaign to make roads safer and prevent driving while under the influence. The You Drink and Drive, You Lose national enforcement campaign took place Dec. 15, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017. The Lexington Police Departments participation in the 2016 crackdown, resulted in 174 citations and warnings, with 44 for speeding, said LPD Officer Chad Reutlinger. There were also four warrant arrests. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested 74 impaired drivers during the two-week long national enforcement campaign. Additionally, 15 juveniles were cited for minor in possession of alcohol and 48 open container citations were issued, according to a NSP press release. Troopers also issued 5,441 speeding citations or warnings, 119 driving under suspension citations and 59 no proof of insurance citations. Troopers also wrote 322 seat belt and 50 child restraint citations or warnings. Motorist assistance was provided to 1,141 travelers. Troopers and communication specialists put in overtime hours during the special enforcement thanks in part to a $27,375 grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads Highway Safety Office. FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) -- German automaker Volkswagen AG said Tuesday that it was in "advanced talks" with United States authorities over a proposed settlement in its diesel emissions scandal under which the company would pay $4.3 billion in criminal and civil fines. The draft settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Customs and Border Protection would include the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee the company's compliance and control measures for three years. A company statement issued Tuesday said that under the proposal Volkswagen would agree to "a guilty plea" to criminal law provisions. The draft needs to be approved by Volkswagen's boards and U.S. courts. Volkswagen said its management board of top executives, which includes CEO Matthias Mueller, and its board of directors would deal with the issue "in the very short term," as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. "A final conclusion of the settlement agreement is further subject to the execution by the competent U.S. authorities and to the approval of the competent U.S. courts," the company said. The penalties would exceed the amounts Volkswagen has set aside to cover costs from the scandal, but the specific impact on 2016 earnings "cannot be defined at present," the statement said. Volkswagen had already deducted 18.2 billion euros ($19.2 billion) from earnings to account for the expected costs of fines, settlements and recalls. The company has admitted equipping diesel cars with software that turned up emissions controls when the car was being tested, and turned them down during normal driving, improving engine performance but exceeding emission limits. Volkswagen has reached a $15 billion civil settlement with environmental authorities and car owners in the U.S. under which it agreed to buy back up to 500,000 vehicles. The company also faces an investor lawsuit and criminal probe in Germany. In all, some 11 million vehicles worldwide were equipped with the software. Story continues The scandal was revealed in September 2015, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation. CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned and was replaced by Mueller. The company has apologized and brought in U.S. law firm Jones Day to investigate. Oliver Schmidt, the company's former head of U.S. environmental compliance, was arrested over the weekend in Florida. Another employee, engineer James Liang, has pleaded guilty in the criminal case. In a 2014 agreement with the U.S. Justice Department, Toyota agreed to pay a $1.2 billion fine over unintended acceleration problems. Similarly, General Motors agreed in 2015 to pay $900 million to resolve a deadly ignition-switch scandal, striking a deal with the Justice Department that avoided criminal charges against individual executives. Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - Volkswagen on Tuesday said it had sold 10.3 million cars worldwide last year, a new record for the German auto giant, despite grappling with a massive emissions cheating scandal. The VW group, which also includes the brands Audi, Porsche and Skoda, saw sales increase by 3.8 percent on the year, pushing it back over the magical 10-million mark after slipping to 9.93 million in 2015. The results come as the company's "dieselgate" crisis is back in the spotlight following the arrest this week of a VW executive in Miami who stands accused of helping to cover up the scandal. The scandal erupted in September 2015 when Volkswagen, under pressure from US authorities, admitted to installing software in 11 million diesel cars worldwide that could dupe pollution tests. The cheating technology allowed the cars to pass the emissions tests but release up to 40 times the permitted amounts of nitrogen oxides during actual driving. The scandal harmed Volkswagen's reputation and sent its share price plunging, but customers appear to have largely shrugged off the controversy. Volkswagen has responded to the crisis with a management shake-up and by shifting its focus to clean-energy vehicles, setting out to be the world's leader in electric cars by 2025. "2016 was a very challenging year for us. We made strides in resolving and overcoming the diesel crisis and at the same time initiated a fundamental change process," chief executive Matthias Mueller said in a statement. Group sales were driven by strong growth in China, where deliveries were up 12 percent. Europe saw growth of four percent. In the United States, where customers have taken mass legal action to secure compensation from Volkswagen, sales were down 2.6 percent over the year. In South America, sales plummeted by nearly a quarter. Overall, VW's flagship own-brand cars were the group's most popular with sales up 2.8 percent to reach nearly six million units in 2016. Story continues Strong performances by Skoda as well as luxury brands Porsche and Audi also helped drive the group to its record result. Volkswagen's main global rival Toyota has yet to announce its full-year figures, but last month it said it expected sales of 10.09 million vehicles for 2016 -- which would put it in second place behind VW. - Legal woes - The VW group has set aside some 18 billion euros ($19 billion) to cover the fallout of the dieselgate scandal, but experts believe the final bill for the buy-backs, fixes and legal costs will be far higher. In the United States alone, the carmaker has already agreed to spend nearly $16 billion to settle civil claims, including an agreement to provide compensation for nearly half a million owners of the affected cars. The company is also reportedly nearing a $2 billion settlement with US authorities to resolve a criminal probe. Volkswagen faces a web of legal complaints in Europe as well, but it has so far resisted calls to offer compensation to drivers there. As part of its post-dieselgate revamp, VW in November said it planned to sell one million electric cars per year by 2025. It also announced it would be slashing 30,000 jobs by 2020, while ramping up investment in new technologies such as self-driving cars. Berlin (AFP) - Top Volkswagen officials knew about the company's "dieselgate" emissions-cheating software at least a month before they claim to have discovered the scandal, German media reported on Tuesday. VW looks set to pay $4.3 billion (4.1 billion euros) to settle a US criminal case after admitting to fitting out 11 million diesel cars worldwide with software that reduces emissions under testing to pass controls, but then switches off under real driving conditions. That meant they released up to 40 times the permitted pollution levels. Previously, VW claimed that former group chairman Martin Winterkorn was only made aware of the issue in late August to early September 2015, just before the scandal broke out in September 2015. But newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung and regional television channels NDR and WDR claimed that two "crucial witnesses" have told US investigators that both Winterkorn and current group chairman Herbert Diess knew about the circumvention software "from the end of July 2015". "The directors took no measures to inform American authorities about these manipulations", wrote Sueddeutsche Zeitung on its internet site. Of the up to 11 million vehicles affected, 600,000 were in the US alone. Although Volkswagen admitted to installing the software, Winterkorn denied responsibility. According to German media, one of the two witnesses was the head of the manufacturer's diesel service and told US authorities about the cheating software in August 2015. Despite the scandal, VW Group -- which includes the brands Audi, Porsche and Skoda -- said on Tuesday it had sold a new record 10.3 million cars worldwide last year. The latest revelations came just 24 hours after a former Volkswagen executive was charged with fraud and conspiracy. Oliver Schmidt, who ran VW's US regulatory compliance office from 2012 to March 2015, is accused of lying to US regulators. Volkswagen has already settled civilian charges related to the scandal, agreeing to a $14.7 billion payment that allows nearly 500,000 vehicle owners to sell back their cars or get them fixed. BERLIN (Reuters) - Despite the Dieselgate emissions scandal which has rocked Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), the German carmaker achieved record group sales in 2016 of 10.3 million vehicles, including a 12 percent jump in December. That figure should put VW ahead of Japanese rival Toyota as the world's largest car producer by volume. VW sales are proving resilient despite the diesel emissions scandal which has plunged the company into crisis since it came to light in September 2015. VW faces a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency seen potentially costing as much as $4 billion to resolve civil and criminal investigations into the scandal, which sources have told Reuters could be announced as soon as Wednesday. On Monday, the company suffered a fresh setback when an executive was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States over the diesel emissions cheating and the company was accused of concealing the matter from regulators. Despite those challenges, however, VW on Tuesday reported a strong finish to 2016. December deliveries including its Audi and Porsche luxury brands rose to 933,300 vehicles from 834,700 a year earlier, with double-digit gains in China and the United States offsetting declines in Germany and Brazil. Its full-year deliveries rose 3.8 percent from 9.93 million in 2015, the company said. Toyota said last month it expected to end 2016 with sales of 10.09 million vehicles, slightly below an initial forecast of 10.11 million. [nL4N1EA2NK] The Japanese rival, which has topped delivery rankings for the past four years but trailed VW at mid-year, is expected to report its 2016 deliveries in early February. NordLB analyst Frank Schwope expects VW to be able to keep the world top carmaker crown this year but said the gap with rivals may shrink as demand in China, which accounts for nearly 40 percent of VW group sales, may weaken because of plans to reduce or phase out tax breaks for small engine cars. "VW is heavily exposed to possible setbacks in China," said Schwope who has a "Hold" recommendation on VW shares. (Reporting by Andreas Cremer; editing by Jason Neely and Keith Weir) PRAGUE (Reuters) - Skoda Auto, the Czech unit of carmaker Volkswagen, raised global deliveries by 6.8 percent to a record 1.13 million cars in 2016, lifted by rising sales in Europe and China, the company said on Tuesday. The car company said it expected the launch of a new SUV and an upgrade to its flagship Octavia model to bolster its first half of the new year. "The market launches of the revised Skoda Octavia and the new SUV model Skoda Kodiaq are expected to provide further positive momentum for the brand in the first half of the year," Chief Executive Bernhard Maier said in a statement. Skoda is the Czech Republic's largest exporter and a bellwether for the economy that has posted solid growth in the past few years. (Reporting by Jason Hovet) By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc has been ordered by a federal judge to pay $16.08 million to a former New Hampshire pharmacist in a gender bias case, but the amount is only about half what a jury awarded and may fall substantially further. U.S. District Judge Steven McAuliffe also asked the New Hampshire Supreme Court to advise whether the plaintiff Maureen McPadden was entitled under state law to any of the $15 million of "enhanced" damages that comprised most of the award. Though "reasonable minds can differ," Wal-Mart "asserts - not implausibly" that such damages are not available, the Concord, New Hampshire judge wrote on Jan. 6. Wal-Mart considers the damages award "improper," spokesman Randy Hargrove said in an email. "We look forward to the New Hampshire Supreme Court's determination." The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer has said it does not tolerate discrimination. McPadden accused the world's largest retailer of using her loss of a pharmacy key as a pretext for her November 2012 dismissal from a store in Seabrook, New Hampshire, after more than 13 years at the retailer. She said Wal-Mart actually fired her in retaliation for her raising concerns about whether prescriptions were being filled properly. McPadden also said her gender played a role, saying a male pharmacist who later lost his key was not fired. Jurors originally awarded McPadden $31.22 million, a sum that McAuliffe said was "to say the least, startling." As required by federal law, the judge later reduced the punitive damages component, to $300,000 from $15 million, and in a Jan. 5 order said McPadden deserved just $111,591 of front pay, one-fifth what the jury had awarded. Wal-Mart had sought to overturn the entire verdict, but McAuliffe rejected that request in September. Rick Fradette, a lawyer for McPadden, said that if enhanced damages were ever warranted, "it is where the world's largest private employer continues to discriminate against women in the 21st century. Story continues "Wal-Mart's posture has been that it will fight this to the end," he said. "We'll see what the New Hampshire Supreme Court has to say." The case is McPadden v. Wal-Mart Stores East LP, U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire, No. 14-00475. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) Bracing for the new cyber front in warfare, French Defense Minister Jean Yves Le Drian said France is ramping up its defenses and doubling its ranks of digital soldiers. In a nod to Russias meddling in the U.S. elections, he also acknowledged Frances infrastructure, media, and democracy are vulnerable to cyber incursions. In an interview this week with Le Journal du Dimanche, Le Drian said France must respond to an unprecedented level of cyber attacks seeking to [tarnish] the image of the ministry as well as strategic attacks, such as espionage and attempts to disrupt Frances drone system. France, says Le Drian, is prepared to respond to cyber attacks with more traditional military means. France reserves the right to respond by all means it deems appropriate, he said. That could be through the cyber arsenal at our disposal but also by conventional means. Everything would depend on the effects of the attack. To bolster its cyber capabilities, Le Drian said the French army will double the number of digital solders to 2,600 and recruit 600 additional cyber experts by 2019. France will also establish a new cyber command, following in the footsteps of neighboring Germany and the United States, which established its own cyber command in 2009. Le Drian said France rebuffed some 24,000 cyber intrusions in 2016 aloneand that the number of attacks against ministry double each year. France is not alone in its need for cyber defenses. The danger is mounting for Frances allies, as the recent U.S. presidential election debacle showcased. In December, U.S. President Barack Obama issued a sweeping set of sanctions against the Russian government for its reported involvement in hacking prominent political operatives, including the Democratic National Committee, during the 2016 presidential election. President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly denied the claims since his election in November, but reportedly acknowledged Russia (among other countries) is consistently trying to break through the cyber infrastructure after the U.S. intelligence community released a declassified report on the subject on Jan. 6, though he reiterated that Russian electoral meddling did not impact the outcome of the election. Story continues France now has its own election to worry about. Le Drian said there havent been any signs of operations aimed at destabilizing the French elections, which will be held in April or May 2017. But he said France should be not naive to ignore the threat. French political party representatives met with national security services in October to learn what Le Drian called digital hygiene in an effort to prevent U.S.-election style hacks. Experts fear Russia will try to sway elections in Europe to undermine the continents unity. Nationalist presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, campaigning on an anti-immigrant and anti-EU platform, seeks closer French ties with Russia, borrowed Russian money to bankroll her political operations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also warned Russia could try to influence its forthcoming federal elections this year. We are already, even now, having to deal with information out of Russia or with internet attacks that are of Russian origin or with news which sows false information, she said in November 2016. That is why it can play a role in the election campaign, she said. And false information can be a potent political tool. On Saturday, German publications and politicians had to rebuff a story published by Breitbart claiming a mob of 1,000 vandalized a church while chanting Allahu Akbar (no such incident took place). Germany is evidently the new frontier for the far-right publication, which was once run by Trumps chief White House strategist Steve Bannon. Germany, like France, is quickly learning that there is more than one way to hack an election. Photo credit: Baptiste Giroudon/Paris Match via Getty Images WASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Monument's lights are back on after going out for the second time in a week. National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst said in an email that power went out at the marble and granite obelisk about 5:30 p.m. Monday. He says power was restored after 7 p.m. Unlike last week's outage, Monday's outage included the red aviation warning lights on top of the 555-foot-tall structure. Litterst says electricians traced the outage to a ground fault. Further investigation will continue Tuesday. The lights went out on the monument about 7 p.m. Jan. 3; officials said the lights were on when electricians arrived the next morning. The outage was blamed on the monument's automated lighting system being out of sync. The Trump presidency hasnt even begun, and the U.S.-China relationship already seems to be in trouble. Tension is fast building around a slew of issues particularly trade, Taiwan, and the South China Sea that are inherently irresolvable, and can, at best, be managed. The Obama administration has parried these problems partly with recourse to climate change, a bonding issue that could be deployed at will when things get dicey. So far, the fast-forming administration of President-elect Donald Trump lacks any such glue. It needs to find some, fast. Massive infrastructure cooperation could be just the thing. Over the past eight years, when things went the wrong way on other issues in the U.S.-China relationship, cooperation on climate change repeatedly injected a degree of calm. For example, in 2014, as tension rose between Washington and Beijing over the latters land reclamation efforts in the disputed South China Sea islands, Presidents Obama and Xi Jinping issued their Joint Announcement on Climate Change in Beijing. Later, in September 2015 when the two countries were on the brink of a cyber conflict resulting from what is believed to be a Chinese cyber attack on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management the two leaders diffused the tension by issuing in Washington a joint statement on climate change. Indeed, climate change defined the personal relations between the two leaders more than any other issue. Their other meetings the June 2013 meeting in Sunnylands, the March 2016 meeting in Washington, and the September 2016 meeting in Hangzhou were all punctuated by some progress on climate change. In fact, out of all the presidential summits that involved both Obama and Xi, climate was the only area in which both sides could claim significant cooperative progress. With Trump entering the Oval Office, all of this is now set to change. Trump has made it abundantly clear that climate change will not be a priority for his administration. Unlike President Obama, who views climate policies as engines for economic growth, Trump views them as constraints. During his campaign, he outlined no policies designed to specifically address climate; to the contrary, he pledged to extract the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and to roll back many climate related laws and regulations that have been instituted in recent years. His appointments of climate skeptic Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, oil patch governor Rick Perry to lead the Department of Energy, and Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson as Americas top diplomat indicate that climate will cease to be a central issue in the White House. Story continues For Beijing, the end of U.S.-China climate kumbaya will not be hard to swallow provided that climate is replaced with another bonding agent. Diplomatic niceties aside, Chinese leaders do not care much about climate. They pretend to care because they want to show the world they are a responsible country, and to show their people they are doing something to reduce pollution a huge problem indeed. Beijing embraces environmental policies that could help combat its acute air quality problem and gain it competitive advantage in areas like the manufacturing of green energy products, for which there is demand in the West. But Beijing rejects those measures like the U.S.-led ban on World Bank financing of new coal-fired power plants that might have a dampening effect on its economy or that of the developing world. Be it as it may, despite its reservations about potentially damaging climate policies and because of its desire to be viewed as a responsible power, China made a strategic decision that when it comes to climate change, it would go along to get along. In some cases, its commitments to the cause even surpassed those of the United States. But with the Trump Administrations indifference toward climate on the one hand and with the potential of newly emerging tensions over trade and currency on the other, China may find its relations with the United States facing an elevated risk of deterioration. A new super glue a rapport enabling area of cooperation that reflects commonalities in the worldview of both presidents is urgently needed. What could it be? As the worlds two largest economies and generators of half of the entire worlds economic growth, China and the United States share a common interest in stimulating global growth and strengthening energy security through infrastructure development. Both Presidents Xi and Trump share genuine commitment to infrastructure development. Trump has pledged to upgrade Americas national infrastructure, while the mainstay of Xis foreign policy is an ambitious multi-trillion dollar infrastructure development plan called One Belt One Road (OBOR) aiming to connect China and Europe in a web of highways, high-speed rail, pipelines, ports, energy terminals and fiber optic lines. Beijing has even formed dedicated financial institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Silk Road Fund to finance those projects. The worlds infrastructure deficit, particularly in the developing world, is alarming. Two decades into the 21st century, one-third of humanity is still lacking access to round-the-clock electricity and basic sanitation; over one billion people have no reliable phone service. Yet the Obama administrations response to Chinas infrastructure initiatives has been muted and in some cases such as the AIIB it has used soft power tactics in (usually failed) attempts to undermine them. But Trump could be persuaded to go a different way. Having been a builder all of his adult life, fascinated as he is by grandiose construction projects, Trump may find OBOR more appealing. He may even be tempted to expand OBOR (or some U.S. version of it) beyond Asia into other infrastructure-deprived regions like Africa, Latin America, and Central America. Widespread infrastructure investment, ideally led by the private sector, would not only benefit the worlds poor but also the U.S. economy. Increased prosperity in the developing world will enable more consumers to demand American goods and services. U.S. engineering, construction and equipment manufacturing companies could win lucrative contracts, and its defense and cyber security companies could help protect critical infrastructure worldwide. With more energy terminals constructed around the world, the U.S. energy industry would enjoy more destinations for its oil, gas and coal. And with 80 percent of people in the developing world lacking access to the web U.S. internet companies can expect many millions of new customers if disconnected communities were linked to the world-wide web via proper infrastructure. Exactly one year ago during his speech inaugurating the AIIB, President Xi pledged that the door of Chinas opening up will never shut and China welcomes all countries to ride on its development. At his inauguration next week President Trump, could answer the call. Centering U.S.-China relations on infrastructure development could fill the vacuum created by the exit of climate, giving the two countries leaders a common goal to work toward amidst all their other disagreements. Such commonality of purpose would help transform the discourse from an adversarial, zero-sum-game one into one more conducive to cooperation. The result would not only be a more connected world where more people can have access to energy, communication, and transportation networks one generating economic activity, prosperity, and growth but also a U.S.-China relationship thats more resilient in the face of the many challenges that will undoubtedly come. Guang Niu/Getty Images Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan , who replaced John Stumpf in October after a sales scandal at the San Francisco bank, is ready to embrace technology. And he wants his customers to know it. At the FinTech Ideas Festival on Monday in his bank's hometown, Sloan took the stage to offer his predictions on the five technological things that will change banking. While some of this is obvious to anyone following technology, it's still instructive to hear the leader of one of the country's largest banks discuss the transition to the mobile and digital era. Sloan's view of the future: 1) APIs Application programming interfaces are the tools developers use to allow third parties to connect to their technology. In the modern world, tech is interconnected rather than siloed. Companies want consumers to be able to reach them from anywhere, whether on a computer or mobile device, and whether in a social media app or through a financial aggregating service. Wells Fargo (WFC) has been opening up APIs to enable consumers and commercial customers to bank the ways they want to bank. 2) Artificial intelligence Personalization in banking requires the use of sophisticated software to understand as much as possible about the customer in order to serve up recommendations and offers at the right time. Wells Fargo has a startup accelerator investing in young companies focusing on technology such as interactions through natural language and the use of predictive tools. 3) Voice and biometrics It's time to "move away from passwords so that that the body becomes your password," Sloan said. Voice and other forms of physical authentication are safer and more secure than plain text -- an attacker can't steal somebody's voice like a password written on a piece of paper. They also enable remote banking. Sloan gave the example of a consumer visiting a coffee shop, putting in an order, sitting down and applying for a credit card by taking a picture of a driver's license and quickly filling out a form. By the time the order is up, the customer can use a brand new Wells Fargo credit card to pay. Story continues 4) Payments Digital wallets are everywhere. Wells Fargo is building them for the various mobile operating systems, and they're all created to enable plenty of customer feedback. 5) Cloud Like every industry, banking must get used to developing and deploying services faster, while taking better advantage of all the data that devices are spitting out. It all has to be done "much more quickly than we have historically," Sloan said. More From CNBC By Alan Valdes, director of floor operations at Silverbear We watched as the Brexit moment looked like it would have a major impact on US marketsand it did not. At the end of the day, the UK economy and the fact that it is a small overall trading partner with the US had marginal impact and no long term consequences. But events and other nations with much larger US involvement may indeed affect US markets this year. Italy, the third-biggest economy in the eurozone, recently handed former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi a resounding NO vote! Slightly more than 60% of the Italian population decided Italy was on the wrong course. The populist movement that started with the Brexit in Britainand then crossed the pond to America with the election of Donald J. Trumpseemed to be gaining momentum. Italy, unlike Brexit, was no real shocker. The country is $2 trillion in debt, and the entire Italian banking system is, for all intents and purposes, insolvent. Italys overall unemployment rate is 12.5%, and among those who are 17 to 25 years old, its 38.2%. The big question in the coming months for the Italian population is, Do we stay with the euro or leave? Should they decide to leave the euro and return to the lira, we could start to see the beginning of major changes to our biggest trading partner, the European Union. This spring, the French will vote for a new president, and this could be the election that determines the faith of the EU. The National Fronts Marine Le Pen is the popular leader of this right wing party, whose platform includes economic protection, opposition to mass immigration and, since its founding in 1972, has opposed the European Union. The latest opinion polls out of France have the National Front as one of the front runners in a close race. Should the National Front get swept into office on this movement, expect major changes out of the second-largest economy in the European Union. Any talk of leaving the EU would throw the euro into total disarray. All these scenarios will have major impacts on both our markets and the US dollar. Thursday, I will write about the two giants: Germany and China. We may not know how the elections are going to turn out, but one thing is for certain: Expect a lot of volatility in the year ahead. Smartphone penetration in APAC region is expected to hit 51.5% by 2019. It's gonna be a 'new year, new me' for Singapore companies this year as they start 2017 looking for fresh people to join their manpower. But in this new era of selfies, snapchat, and social media reputation, how can they find the right talent that could be of benefit to them? According to HireRight, companies should optimise their application process for mobile, as APAC smartphone penetration is expected to hit 51.5% by 2019. "Hiring experiences should be as digitally friendly as possible -- from your company's website and application process, through to the background screening and the on-boarding experience," the group said in its latest infograph. HireRight also provided four other tips for Singapore companies to kickstart their year right in terms of finding the right talents. More From Singapore Business Review Kim Kardashian may get her bling ring back. (Photo: Getty Images) Kim Kardashians diamond ring may soon be returned to its rightful owner. A total of 15 people, including Kardashians limo driver, were arrested on Monday in connection with the now infamous Paris robbery, during which Kardashian was reportedly bound, gagged, and held at gunpoint. According to Us, authorities have searched the homes of two of the individuals (who are brothers) involved in the robbery, as well as a Parisian jewelry store to which they are said to have ties. Police believe they are are involved in the diamond trade and are thought to have handled the stolen jewelry. The two are said to have gotten rid of Kardashians ring, which still hasnt been found, though authorities hope the suspects will eventually tell them where it is. Police say that the two often visit Antwerp, Belgium, which is a hotbed for selling stolen jewelry. According to How Stuff Works, it is usually difficult to sell jewels that arent accounted for, but still possible. There are unscrupulous jewelers and individuals out there who are willing to buy stolen gems, wrote How Stuff Works contributing writer Julia Layton. And there are enough of them to make a professional heist worth the risk. But the thieves had better identify the buyers beforehand, as shopping the jewels around is likely to get them caught. Added Layton: While one must assume that some big-time thieves have black market connections that will let them sell a huge diamond for huge payback, most thieves have to settle for the small-time fences [receivers of stolen goods] that pay nowhere near what a diamond is really worth. Weve reached out to a few auction house specialists to inquire about the issue, and will update this if we hear back. Still, it sounds like its pretty much up to the suspects to reveal the location of the $4 million bling that were sure Kardashian has been missing. The ring in question was given to Kardashian by her now husband, Kanye West. The 20-carat D-stone cushion-cut diamond ring that was actually lifted from Kardashian is a Lorraine Schwartz piece that is not to be confused with the 15-carat Lorraine Schwartz sparkler Kanye proposed with at San Franciscos AT&T Park. Kardashian showed off her new ring on social media before the robbery. Story continues ???????????? A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Sep 29, 2016 at 12:40pm PDT Kardashian took a hiatus from social media in the months following the attack, but has returned to the scene sharing family photos, which also appear on her popular app. Related: Kim Kardashian-Inspired Parisian Heist Robbery Victim Halloween Costume Pulled Related: All the Jewelry Kim Kardashian West Wore During PFW Leading Up to the Robbery Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Wilmer Valderrama is grateful to his immigrant parents for inspiring him to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. At the Looking Ahead Awards on Dec. 6, Valderrama, 36, credited his mother and father Sobeida Valderrama and Balbino A. Valderrama for contributing to his on-screen success before presenting them with The Judy and Hilary Swank Award. This award truly is about the force behind the actor. Its about the infrastructure; its about the heart; its about the heritage; its about the culture. Its about who you really are before you even become who you are, Valderrama said at the awards. Its about your parents; its about your family; but its the individual that at some point in your life told you that you could. The first person to believe in you before you even were born. And to me thats worth noting. Valderrama was born in Miami but moved to Venezuela with his family, where his father worked as a farmer, at the age of 3. The That 70s Show star revealed, his parents sold everything they had years later to return to the United States, specifically California. Their story resonates with a larger number of Americans, he noted: It is the blueprint of this country, which is the story of an immigrant. He then shared a personal story from his childhood one that he will never forget. As a child, Valderrama and his sisters were responsible to walk alongside their mother multiple times each week to and from their local 99 Cents Only Store. We were getting cereal, we were getting Cola, we were getting the Lucky Charms with the guy without the hat. We were getting Cocoa Puffs but spelled with a B: Cocoa Buffs, he recalled. But we were proud of that, because at the end of the day my parents said, Hey, were here. Were already winning. The actor also recalled one specific day when he was walking with his mother from the store, both carrying their bags of purchases on the miles-long walk back to their home. Story continues I remember seeing my moms little hands and we would take little breaks on every corner. And I looked at my moms little hands and I looked at my mom and I said, Mom, one day were going to drive, Valderrama said while taking a pause to fight back tears. She said, Okay mijo. The award was presented just two months after Valderrama walked the Texas-Mexico border on Oct. 23, meeting with local immigrants and hometown heroes and encouraging those of cross-culture heritage to embrace their roots. As the star of a new Johnnie Walker campaign Keep Walking America, he opened up about his own personal immigrant experience and why all Americans should embrace and celebrate their cultural identities. If youre an American, period, you are an immigrant, he told PEOPLE. Retelling my story now, retelling success stories, is a great reminder that the American dream can be achieved. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Attorneys for a Florida woman accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill her then-husband say they will not ask to move her third trial out of Palm Beach County. Dalia Dippolito's attorneys said in a statement Tuesday that they believe they can get a fair trial in Palm Beach County and will not ask Judge Glenn Kelley for a change of venue. They had asked to move her second trial out of Palm Beach, but Kelley denied the request. The jury in that trial split 3-3 on her guilt, causing a mistrial. A 2011 conviction and 20-year sentence were tossed on appeal. The 2009 case gained national attention as millions saw videos of her trying to hire the hit man on the television show "Cops" and online. Someone send a car for voodoo-master Papa Shango: WWEs WrestleMania will return to New Orleans next year. We are excited to bring WrestleMania back to Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards said on Tuesday. This is a great event being hosted in one of the greatest cities in the world. We cordially invite WWE fans from all over to be part of WrestleMania Week and experience all that our beautiful state has to offer. New Orleans is proud to have WrestleMania return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, added New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. WrestleMania brought a world-class event to our city in 2014, and the week-long series of events generated a boost to our economy. We look forward to another historic week of events in 2018, all as part of our citys Tricentennial celebration. Also Read: WWE Legend Shawn Michaels Teaches Us How to Throw a Perfect Superkick New Orleans is a perfect setting for WWEs biggest celebration of the year, said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. On behalf of everyone at WWE, we thank Governor Edwards and Mayor Landrieu for welcoming WrestleMania back to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. WrestleMania 34 is set for Sunday, April 8, 2018. This years WrestleMania is set for Sunday, April 2 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. In addition to the actual Super Bowl of pro wrestling itself, other activities will include: WrestleMania Axxess, WWEs four-day interactive fan festival at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, NXT TakeOver, Monday Night Raw, and SmackDown Live, all at the Smoothie King Center. Related stories from TheWrap: WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels on How Wrestling Aided New Acting Career Judge Dismisses Murder Charges Against Former WWE Star Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka WWE Adds Another Championship Belt and Whole New League, Really (Video) WWE Fans Rip 90-Second Lesnar-Goldberg 'Survivor Series' Main Event The Shield Reunites at WWE's 'Survivor Series' (Video) BEIJING/GENEVA (Reuters) - President Xi Jinping this month will become the first Chinese head of state to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, which this year will dwell on the rising public anger with globalization and the coming U.S. presidency of Donald Trump. Xi will take centre stage at the Jan. 17-20 forum with China presenting itself as a champion of globalization. The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday confirmed Xi's widely expected attendance at the annual gathering of global political leaders, CEOs and celebrities in the Swiss Alps. Davos will end just as Trump takes office, having won the White House in part with promises to pull the United States out of international trade deals and hike tariffs against China and Mexico in a protectionist campaign he says will help bring back industries and jobs to America. WEF executive chairman Klaus Schwab said he expected Xi to show how China would take a "responsive and responsible leadership role" in global affairs at a turning point in history, with the world needing new concepts to face the future. "Every simplified approach to deal with the complex global agenda is condemned to fail. We cannot have just populist solutions," Schwab told a news conference in Geneva, referring to the rising anti-globalization tide epitomized by Trump's victory and Britain's vote last year to exit the European Union. The Chinese president will be in Switzerland from Jan. 15-18 for a state visit and to attend the Davos meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing. He will also visit the United Nations offices in Geneva, and the offices of the World Health Organization and the International Olympic Committee, Lu said. Other global leaders, including WEF regular German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will not be in Davos this year. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was also absent from the line-up published on Tuesday, but there were many presidents, prime ministers and central bankers among the 3,000 participants, along with 1,800 executives from 1,000 companies. Story continues The United States will be represented by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, days before they leave office, and "someone from the transition team representing the new (Trump) administration", Schwab said. Xi led a forum of Asia-Pacific leaders in Peru in November in vowing to fight protectionism, just days after Trump won the U.S. election having pledged to pull out of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. Foreign businesses in China, however, have long complained about a lack of market access and protectionist Chinese policies. These include a Made in China 2025 plan that calls for a progressive increase in domestic components in sectors such as advanced information technology and robotics. (Reporting by Christian Shepherd and Tom Miles; writing by Michael Martina and Tom Miles; Editing by Mark Heinrich) GENEVA (AP) China's President Xi Jinping will attend the World Economic Forum next week, becoming the first Chinese head of state to do so at the annual gathering of business leaders, politicians and cultural icons in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos. As part of an official visit to Switzerland, Xi will attend and open the annual economic meeting in the ski resort of Davos on Jan. 17, accompanied by the largest delegation of officials from China since the world's most populous country first participated at the forum nearly four decades ago. Xi's attendance comes as China has sought to be more influential globally and present itself as a force for stability and champion of globalization and opponent of protectionism. The Davos forum takes place during a week when the United States, home to the world's largest economy, will be focused on Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration as president. "We are all aware that we are now in the transition in the world to a multilateral, to a multipolar, geopolitical and geo-economic structure," World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday. "China will equal the United States soon as far as economic power is concerned," Schwab added, noting a "strong" Chinese business delegation would accompany Xi. "In the spirit of Davos, we want to engage them as much as possible," he said. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last month that China would "lead the way amid a shakeup in global governance, we will take hold of the situation amid international chaos, we will protect our interests amid intense and complex games." At the same time, while Xi has promised to make the world's second-largest economy more competitive and productive by giving market forces a bigger role, reform advocates complain Beijing is failing to reduce the dominance of state companies. Foreign companies say regulators are trying to squeeze them out of technology and other promising fields. Story continues Ministry spokesman Lu Kang says Xi's Jan. 15-18 trip to Switzerland will also include visits to the offices of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in Geneva, and the International Olympics Committee's headquarters in Lausanne. This year's World Economic Forum, which first took place in 1971 as a business gathering but has expanded to include politics, culture and humanitarian issues, is expected to draw a record 3,000 leaders from government, business and culture. Activist Hollywood stars such as Matt Damon and Forest Whitaker are expected to attend along with outgoing U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and outgoing Vice President Joe Biden, long a Davos devotee. The presidents of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and South Africa also are expected be there, as is British Prime Minister Theresa May. Beijing (AFP) - President Xi Jinping will become the first Chinese president to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, as the country seeks a greater role in global affairs. Xi will pay a state visit to Switzerland from January 15-18 and attend the forum's annual meeting alongside billionaires and politicians on January 17, ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing. While in the country, Xi will also visit the offices of the World Health Organization, United Nations and International Olympic Committee. Chinese executives including Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Dalian Wanda Group chairman Wang Jianlin and Baidu president Zhang Yaqin will accompany the leader. "This year, because of the size and scale of the China delegation, we have Chinese voices in most of the global discussions," the World Economic Forum's chief China representative David Aikman told Bloomberg News. China is seeking opportunities to reshape the rules for global trade, anticipating a more isolated United States under President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on the last day of the forum. Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attended the Davos meeting in 2016, while Premier Li Keqiang led the country's delegation in 2015. Photo credit: Getty From Cosmopolitan In 2017, more than 11 million people are projected to be covered by policies purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and even those who have private insurance are benefiting from reforms put into place by the passage of Obamacare. Now, a Republican-controlled Congress plans to repeal the ACA as their first act back in session, and President-elect Donald Trump has agreed to sign whatever they send him. But while repeal and replace is catchy and apparently wins elections, the GOP still hasnt agreed on when each part of Obamacares repeal will go into effect, and whether they will include some popular reform planks when they introduce their own replacement plan. While Republicans are insistent that their own plan is in the works, nothing has been released to the public - despite the fact that they have voted repeatedly to repeal the ACA ever since they took the majority in the House in 2011. The delay is purposeful, since many aspects of the Affordable Care Act are extremely popular and constituents dont want to see them disappear, especially with no replacement plan on the horizon. How will voters help shape what the repeal and replace process looks like? Here are some of the biggest benefits you received thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and how likely it is that each benefit will completely disappear. Policy: Staying on parental plans until age 26 Currently, you can stay on your parents' health insurance without needing to find your own plan - at least, you can until you are 26. That means not purchasing a more expensive individual plan, which would cost more out of pocket. Taking away the extended minors portion of the ACA will mean once you turn 19 or are no longer a full-time student, you are on your own for insurance coverage, increasing the financial burden on young adults who are unemployed, underemployed, contractors, working for small companies, or those starting their own businesses. Story continues Will it stay or will it go? While Republicans dont like Obamacare in total, allowing adult children to remain on parents accounts is one thing that many Congress members are fond of - and apparently a number of sitting Republican politicians take advantage of it for their own family members. According to the Huffington Post, a number of states were already allowing those in their late teens and early 20s to remain on their parents insurance plans even before the ACA passed, and the popular provision will more than likely be added to whatever replacement the GOP drafts, although the age limit could potentially get lowered by a year or two. With the extended minors portion of health reform adding lots of low-risk insurees to the pool (people that will pay premiums but not cost much in medical expenses), you can expect both Republicans and insurance companies to want this policy change to remain. Policy: Forbidding insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions Those who were uninsured prior to enrolling in state or federal insurance plans often were unable to get coverage due to previously existing medical conditions that made them higher-risk, such as cancer, pregnancy, chronic illnesses, diabetes, asthma, or mental health issues, making them unappealing clients to for-profit insurance companies. Approximately 1 in 4 Americans have a pre-existing medical condition that could make it difficult to find insurance, and about 3 million of them are now insured under Obamacare plans. When the ACA is repealed, those who have insurance could lose it and those without insurance, or who leave their old plans for any reason such as job change, divorce, or relocation, may find it impossible to get a new plan. Will it stay or will it go? Like the rule allowing young adults to stay on their parents insurance plans, the pre-existing condition reform is a very popular change among the general public. Unfortunately insurance companies arent as big of a fan, since that means covering more patients who use more services that insurers must reimburse. But kicking a few million sick customers off insurance - or telling millions more that they are uninsurable in the first place - isnt going to poll well when politicians are up for reelection. There are a few ideas for finessing that problem away, such as creating a series of high-risk pools or a single federal high-risk pool for sick people seeking health insurance, explains Kevin D. Williamson at the conservative site National Review. What this means is that the sick people without insurance who want it would go into a separate insurance pool full of other people likely to require lots of expensive medical care. Of course, as Williams points out, the high risk pools would include far more expensive plans that many would find difficult to afford, requiring some sort of government subsidies - one of the biggest reasons why the GOP was against Obamacare in the first place. Until they can figure out some way to reconcile the two, the current rule on covering those with preexisting conditions will likely stay in place. Policy: Individual mandate to have health insurance One of the biggest pieces of the Affordable Care Act was its requirement that every person have health insurance and that each plan have a minimal amount of coverage for basics like no co-pay birth control, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, yearly physicals, prescription drug coverage, and maternity care. By making insurance a requirement - and making those who were not insured pay a fine in order to persuade them to get their own plans - the Obama administration expected that the insurers would be flooded with healthy, young customers who would bring down the costs of the medical care for those who were higher-risk. However the GOP hated the mandate, which they argued was unconstitutional and infringed on the rights of American citizens. The Supreme Court disagreed and the mandate stayed. Will it stay or will it go? Oh, its going for sure. Politicians have compared mandating all citizens have minimal insurance plans to slavery or the Holocaust. Republicans have been trying to eliminate just the individual mandate itself even outside of mass Obamacare repeals, so expect it to be put into effect immediately once repeal is signed and for no similar proposal to be added into whatever replacement the GOP drafts. Thats good news for those who want to go back to catastrophic insurance coverage - plans with extremely low monthly payments and very high deductibles, meant only to protect someone if that person has a major medical event like cancer or a debilitating auto accident - or for those who want to press their luck and go without any insurance all together. But its not such good news for the rest of the insured, since it will probably cause everyone elses costs to increase as low-risk insurees remove themselves from the pool. Policy: No co-pay birth control For the millions of people of reproductive age, Obamacares major impact was in allowing them to access birth control without monthly co-pays at a pharmacy or to obtain long-lasting reversible contraceptives like IUDs without paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket. According to a Guttmacher study, the percentage of insurees who were able to obtain no co-pay birth control methods in the first 18 months that the birth control mandate went into effect increased dramatically from as little as 15 percent to 74 percent, depending on the type of contraception. Thats millions of dollars saved by women that could then be used for other expenses. Will it stay or will it go? Not only is the birth control mandate on the rocks, the GOP may not even need an Obamacare repeal to end it. President-elect Donald Trumps Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can attack it themselves once they are seated, both by allowing more exemptions for companies or nonprofits that object to the coverage on religious grounds, or by writing a specific rule to remove the mandate by redefining preventative healthcare for women. Considering likely HHS Secretary Rep. Tom Price of Georgia once said he doubted anyone could find one person who couldnt afford to buy her own birth control, the future of the mandate looks pretty grim. The silver lining? Even with a repeal or a new rule in place ending no co-pay birth control, it will take some time for a new policy to go into effect. Revising or repealing the contraception mandate would be "more complicated than just flipping a switch," Alina Salganicoff, vice president and director of womens health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, told McClatchy News Service after the election. Any rule that is introduced will have a period for commenting before it can be enacted, and insurance plans cant change their policies overnight. More likely it would stay in effect until the next enrollment period, usually just before the end of the year. So if the mandate is removed, at least there will be time to prepare for it by stocking up on emergency contraception or getting long-lasting contraception. Policy: Medicaid expansion and government subsidies One of the most appealing aspects of health-care reform for many was the ability to get subsidized insurance policies, reducing out-of-pocket costs. According to Kaiser Health News, all but 19 states expanded the income limits for people to get insured under Medicaid - some to as much as 300 percent of the federal poverty level - and tax credits beyond that also helped even middle-class workers and families afford their monthly premiums. In essence, government subsidies are what put the affordable into the Affordable Care Act. Will it stay or will it go? Based on the resistance that red states had to expanding Medicaid coverage in the first place - even with the federal government covering almost all of the expense - it will not be surprising to see a GOP plan that either decreases or completely removes tax credits or other subsidies. This is the one aspect of the Republican replacement that has everyone guessing as to what could happen next. The most likely scenario is that states will be given block grants for Medicaid funding, which would allow states to decide how much to subsidize plans for lower-income residents, potentially in the form of Heath Savings Accounts. Meanwhile, tax credits for people who buy private health insurance will stay in place but be shifted to consider a persons age - not income - when determining the size of the credit. According to Stephen Parente, who worked with the conservative think tank the American Action Forum, the Better Way replacement plan that was drafted with approval from Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Trumps pick for HHS secretary, Tom Price, would remove income as a factor altogether when it came to subsidies and rely only on a persons age. [T]ax credits in Better Way are indexed and sized to a persons age. ... Someone who is age 60 might be getting a $5,000 credit for themselves. They might get only $1,500 if theyre, say, 35 years old, he told the Minneapolis Star Tribune in a December interview. While that might be a great bargain for a healthy retiree, it could be a major struggle for the 20- or 30-year-old who would then be forced to pay most of their premium costs out-of-pocket even before they get to their deductibles on any health care they use. Then again, without an individual mandate to have insurance in the first place, they may end up just tempting fate and going without any coverage at all. Policy: Gender parity, minimum benefits coverage, lifetime caps, and mandating large companies to obtain insurance plans for their employees While Obamacares biggest reforms were to get all Americans insured regardless of their health or income, many of the less-championed points of the ACA greatly affected patients of all ages, genders, and economic means. Because of the ACAs passage, all insurance plans had to include preventative care, maternity care, substance abuse treatment programs, and other basic health care. Also, insurers were not allowed to charge women more for their plans than they did men, a practice that was more common before the law went into effect due to an unsupported claim by insurance companies that women use more health services than men. Insurance companies also can no longer set annual or lifetime coverage caps, which would allow them to stop paying if a patient has extensive medical issues that drive hospital bills through the roof, a policy that often sent patients into bankruptcy. And companies with more than 50 full-time employees are required to offer health insurance to their employees or face fines for refusing. Will they stay or will they go? Like the individual mandate itself, all of these other Obamacare policies are almost certainly heading out the door at some point after the repeal vote and are unlikely to be included in any sort of GOP replacement. Republicans campaigned on the idea that Obamacare was government intrusion into the health-care industry, and any sort of regulation on how much a plan will cost, what procedures must be covered, or whether businesses have to participate would conflict with everything they promised on the trail. The GOP convinced their supporters that true freedom means the right to have absolutely minimal health insurance coverage or no coverage whatsoever, and for businesses and nonprofits to opt out of covering their employees as well. And if a large portion of the American population returns to using emergency rooms as primary care because seeing a doctor is too expensive, well, at least they can say they kept the government out of health care. Follow Robin on Twitter. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. You Might Also Like The 1930s came alive Monday night at the TCL Chinese Theatre, where Warner Bros. staged the Los Angeles premiere of Ben Afflecks gangster thriller Live by Night. Zoe Saldana, who becomes a business associate and spouse to Afflecks rum-running character, admitted on the red carpet that she found the portrayal liberating. It was a dream for me because I got to understand how women of that era managed to get by, trying to be the bosses and making a conscious decision to love freely, she said. I came away with the feeling that many more women were like that. You kind of want to trick yourself to pretend What if this is real? so it was so easy to be transported to that era. Elle Fanning, who portrays an addict-turned-preacher, credited Affleck (who produced, directed, wrote and starred) with evoking strong performances. Because hes an actor, he puts out such a good energy, which creates a space where all actors are comfortable and can do their best. Live by Night is the fourth Hollywood movie based on a Dennis Lehane novel, who also wrote Mystic River, Shutter Island and Gone Baby Gone, which was Afflecks directorial debut. At Mondays after-party at the Roosevelt, Lehane said he was exceptionally pleased by the actors and Robert Richardsons cinematography. I think Ive been treated very well, he noted. I love the acting and the cinematography is astonishing, the most beautiful Ive ever seen in any of my movies. Its a great evocation of the world of Tampa and Ybor City. Lehane also admitted that he never visited the film sets in Georgia. I have a set allergy, Lehane said with a laugh. It started when I was on the set a lot for Mystic River and it really took me out of the mystery when I was watching the film so I couldnt really connect to it. One of the reasons Im a writer is because I love the dream so I kind of like skipping the whole show of being on the set. I like the suspension of disbelief. Story continues Live by Night goes into wide release on Friday. "It was easy to be transported to that era" Zoe Saldana at the "Live by Night" premiere pic.twitter.com/7Lzk2oPKNz Dave McNary (@Variety_DMcNary) January 10, 2017 Chris Messina, who plays Affleck's enforcer, in "Live by Night" "it was like stepping into the 30s" pic.twitter.com/JRCONsM5cP Dave McNary (@Variety_DMcNary) January 10, 2017 "It's great to work with Ben because he's an actor" Elle Fanning on "Live by Night" red carpet pic.twitter.com/tx26DmHphq Dave McNary (@Variety_DMcNary) January 10, 2017 Related stories Ben Affleck Defends Meryl Streep Against Donald Trump Calling Her 'Overrated' (Watch) New 'Justice League' Image Assembles the Team, Minus One Key Character 'Live by Night' Tops Studios' TV Ad Spending Add Zoe Saldanas name to the list of celebrities praising Meryl Streep for her impassioned acceptance speech at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday evening. At the premiere for her new movie Live By Night on Monday night at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, the 38-year-old actress had nothing but good things to say about Streep. As an American, I really appreciated the advice, Saldana said. She used the most powerful platform she had. Last night, in honor of all the celebrations that were being had, that was her victory, that was her advice, and as an American that was very moving. In Streeps acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award, which she wrote herself, the three-time Oscar-winning actress focused on President-elect Donald Trump though she never mentioned him by name. She spoke at length about an incident on the campaign trail when Trump appeared to mock a disabled reporter during a rally. It kind of broke my heart, Streep said. saw it, and I still cant get it out of my head because it wasnt in a movie it was real life. And this instinct to humiliate when its modeled by someone in the public platform by someone powerful, it filters down into everybodys life because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Disrespect invites disrespect, she added. Violence incites violence. When powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose. The president-elect spoke briefly with The New York Times over the telephone following the award show, telling the paper he was not surprised that he was attacked by liberal movie people and referred to Streep as a Hillary lover. Early Monday morning, he continued to blast Streep in a series of tweets, calling her one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood and insisting that he wasnt mocking a disabled reporter but was instead trying to imitate his alleged groveling. Since then, celebrities have come out in force to support the actress, who has received threats from Trump supporters in response to her speech. George Takei, Billy Eichner, Elizabeth Banks, Viola Davis and George Clooney were among the celebrities on Monday who spoke out to back Streeps heartfelt speech. Gildan Activewear Inc. now owns the American Apparel name, but had to boost its initial offer of $66 million by $22 million to win the bidding. The Canadian firm, which makes T-shirts, fleece, socks and underwear, is expected to keep some of the retailers manufacturing, distribution and warehouse operations that are located in the Los Angeles area. A bankruptcy court judge in Delaware still has to approve the sale, which could happen on Thursday. Bids were due on Friday, and the auction was held on Monday. Gildan is not taking over any of American Apparels retail sites, nor its retail business. Who gets to take over the store sites remains unclear. Shortly before the auction there were reports that Amazon.com and Forever 21 were interested in the stores, although neither company appeared to have put in a bid. American Apparel surprised many in the industry when it filed its second Chapter 11 petition in November, the so-called Chapter 22 filing, within months of exiting its first tour in bankruptcy court. The company had been hampered by the debt accumulated when the turnaround plan efforts from its first bankruptcy filing the filing was in October 2015 and the company emerged in February failed to take hold. American Apparel was founded in 1989 by Dov Charney, and became one of the largest vertically integrated apparel manufacturers in North America. But the last time it made a profit was around 2009 and when it exited its first tour of bankruptcy, creditors had agreed to convert $200 million of debt into equity, as well as inject $70 million of new capital into the reorganized firm. By the time it entered its second tour of bankruptcy court, the company was privately owned by creditors and bondholders and had severed ties with Charney. Gildan, headquartered in Montreal, acquired Anaheim-based Alstyle Apparel LLC, a T-shirt and fleece manufacturer, in May for $110 million to expand its reach in the printables market. Story continues Related stories Remodista Discloses Its 2017 Women to Watch List CES 2017: Navigating Retail in a Digital Age Oracle Goes Big on Omnichannel Functionality for Updated Retail Services Photo: Getty Images Update Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 3:50 PM: Ivanka Trump will be taking a formal leave of absence from both her clothing and accessories brand as well as the Trump Organization, Ivanka confirmed in a Facebook post on Wednesday. At the same time, the Ivanka Trump brand will expand to lingerie, though Ivanka will not be involved in the venture, as TMZ reported on Wednesday. Trumps 35-year-old daughter is following suit with her husband, Jared Kushner, who said he will divest himself from his own businesses now that hes to be a senior adviser to President-elect Trump. During a press conference for President-elect Trump on Wednesday, Sheri Dillon, Trump attorney, said, Ivanka will have no further involvement with the Trump organization. Ivanka will be focused on settling her children into their new home and new schools. Ivanka Trump, left, with her brother, Donald Trump Jr., father, and Vice President-elect Mike Pence during Wednesdays press conference. (Photo: Getty Images) Ivankas Facebook post indicated that Abigail Klem, the current Ivanka Trump company president and Diane von Furstenberg alum, will work with a board of trustees to manage the strategic and day-to-day operations of the business. Ivankas role in the White House hasnt been announced, but her move to step down from the Ivanka brand may signal shell take an official administrative position. (Reports are conflicting, and a spokesperson for Ivankas team declined to comment.) It could also signal that shes clearing husband Jared Kushners political path of potential business conflicts. Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner say they are divesting themselves from their own businesses to be closer to the Trump administration. (Photo: Getty Images) Removing herself from the Ivanka Trump brand created in 2007 and offering everything from clothing to fine jewelry is an attempt to avoid violating a 1960s anti-nepotism statute that says, A public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control any individual who is a relative of the public official, nor is that relative entitled to pay. Story continues In plain terms, that means Donald Trump cant appoint his daughter to work in an official capacity within the executive branch, and she cant be paid to do so. No appointment, no problem, right? As is always the case in politics, the rules arent so cut-and-dry here. Technically, the presidency isnt an official government agency (unlike the Environmental Protection Agency, for example), and technically, Ivanka doesnt have to be paid for work she may do in her fathers administration (like if she were to be a senior adviser.) Ivanka Trump, speaking at the Republican National Convention, wears a dress from her fashion line. (Photo: Getty Images) So divesting herself from her businesses as Kushner is doing, according to the people advising him at the WilmerHale law firm in Washington, D.C. helps them both avoid violating the law. (WilmerHale declined to comment on whether Ivanka will be using the firm to handle her own business conflicts.) The question of whats appropriate becomes formal when were operating under conflicts-of-interest laws, but that depends on her formal appointment, if any, says Susan Rose-Ackerman, professor at Yale Law School. She may not be violating any laws, but those laws are written in squishy, vague ways. By stepping down from her private businesses, Ivanka is also attempting to avoid a statute that keeps people from using the presidential seal to imply false sponsorship or approval by the government, cases that look less like conflicts of interest and more like self-aggrandizing promotion of her products. Take the infamous 60 Minutes bracelet incident: the Ivanka Trump team sent reporters a press release promoting a $10,800 bracelet from her fine jewelry collection, one she wore during the Trump familys November interview. Cue: Internet outrage and subsequent apology. Ivanka wears a $10,800 bracelet from her fine jewelry line that her company promoted after she wore it during a 60 Minutes interview. (Photo: Getty Images) Seemingly harmless, that incident is just one example of the messiness surrounding Ivankas involvement in and leveraging of her fathers administration. The soon-to-be first daughter sat in on a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, though she has never been taken part in international affairs and has no formal administrative position. Surely, any role Ivanka takes in the White House would be heavily scrutinized if she decided to stay at her own brand, considering that much of her clothing is manufactured in countries outside the U.S. Indonesia, Vietnam, and China have all made Ivanka Trump clothing sold in American department stores. And her fine jewelry is sold in stores in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Oh, and Canada. President of the Ivanka Trump brand Abigail Klem, right, could assume more responsibility if Ivanka leaves her company. (Photo: Getty Images) For now, youll still be able to buy a $150 Ivanka Trump dress just dont expect the name to stand for much. Following the Donalds footsteps, the Ivanka Trump brand could soon be nothing more than a series of licensing deals only instead of ostentatious gold lettering on skyscrapers, the Trump name will be stamped on stilettos. Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Style on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. If youre looking for pink yarn between today and Jan. 21, you might be out of luck. Knitting and crafting stores across the country are running low on the hue as a result of the Pussy Hat Project, which launched Thanksgiving weekend and is encouraging knitters to knit pink cat-eared hats for women to wear to the Womens March on Washington, taking place the day after the inauguration of Donald Trump. Photo courtesy of Virginia Johnson/Gather Here Why pink? As the Pussy Hat Project founders state on their website, Pink is considered a very female color representing caring, compassion and love all qualities that have been derided as weak, but are actually strong. Wearing pink together is a powerful statement that we are unapologetically feminine and we unapologetically stand for womens rights. Churchmouse Yarns and Teas in Bainbridge Island, Wash., and Purl Soho in New York tell Yahoo Style that they are close to being sold out of pink yarn. On its website, Lovely Yarns of Baltimore announces itself as a proud partner of the Pussy Hat Project and says it will happily hook you up with some pink yarn if you are in need. Virginia Johnson is a film costume designer and the owner of Gather Here, a crafting studio in Cambridge, Mass. She tells Yahoo Style that her shop has also officially run out of the neon pink yarn in a bulky weight. Johnson adds: We still have some neon pink yarn in worsted, sport, and fingering, but most people are knitting their hats with bulky yarn because its so much faster. Weve reached out to our vendors to see what we can get in quickly because Pussy Hats have been a very popular project for the community. Photo courtesy of Virginia Johnson/Gather Here Through Gather Here, Johnson has been actively promoting the Pussy Hat Project; on Jan. 5, Gather Here hosted its first knit-a-long (KAL) to make hats for it. The place was packed, Johnson says. Some people were avid knitters, others needed a refresher, all were enthusiastic. We offered a discount on yarn and needles, handed out patterns and assisted with casting on, adapting the pattern, and casting off. By hosting these KALs, we hope to also collect Pussy Hats for those people marching on the 21st that may not know how to knit. Story continues Photo courtesy of Virginia Johnson/Gather Here The pink yarn shortage has also provoked some interesting conversations about the idea of femininity, identity, and bodies, Johnson reflects. We have had many conversations about how pussies arent all pink, and weve seen hats knit up in blush, maroon, and raspberry, she says. Its been great fun to hear customers chat about the various hats theyve knit or crocheted. Johnson adds: Ive also had a few conversations with other knitters and pattern designers about the impact of the Pussy Hat. Some women find it juvenile. Others hate the connotation of hot pink. I, personally, have really loved this bold color choice and reclaiming the word pussy after the comments made by the President-elect. Photo courtesy of Virginia Johnson / Gather Here Gather Here will be hosting two more knit-a-longs for the Pussy Hat Project leading up to the Womens March on Washington. Weve started to receive hat donations, Johnson says, and I look forward to wearing my Pussy Hat on the 21st in D.C.! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Comcast hopes its new internet service will finally win you over. Comcast wants to improve its relationship with you, the customer. To do that, its rolling out a new system that simplifies how you set up, connect to and use your home Wi-Fi network. And the company hopes it will make you swoon. Stopped laughing yet? Good, because Comcast, one of the most hated companies in America, might actually pull it off. Well, you probably wont swoon, but you get the picture. Comcasts (CMCSA) new system includes an easy-to-use app that holds your hand as it helps you set up your internet connection and gateway a combination router and modem that your rent from Comcast for about $10 a month. Importantly, the system also helps you troubleshoot issues with your various connected devices. We think that great internet and the experience of great internet is more than just fast bandwidth to your wall thats reliable, explained Comcast chief product officer, Chris Satchell. Because so much of that then goes wrong inside the home. Its either so complex or you wonder why something isnt working. Its that last part that truly helps inform Comcasts decision to launch its new network system. Think about it. If your internet connection to your Roku or Apple TV regularly goes to pot and keeps your from being able to stream The Bachelor, you most likely blame your service provider regardless of whether thats true or not. Comcast has rolled out a new, more user-friendly way to set up and manage your home network. Comcast, Satchell said, realizes this fact and has decided to do all it can to address issues with your devices and internet service to keep you happy. I think we feel responsible for the internet all the way up to their device. You have to have a system like this, a service like this, so that you can make your home connectivity really work for you, Satchell said. To do that Comcasts new system allows you to see how the connection status of all of your devices on your network via a smartphone app. If any of your gadgets experiences connection issues, youll receive an alert telling you theres a problem. Story continues The app will then walk you through some basic steps that can improve your connectivity, such as moving your device out of its cabinet so that it can receive a clearer signal. Comcast says the app will also tell you if your internet connection or your device is the problem. That alone is worth the price of admission. We deliver premium services, so we feel we should give them the best features, Satchell said. Plus it just helps you troubleshoot the problems you have and do that quickly and easily rather than have to call us or wait for us to solve it. Comcasts hopes to eventually manage your entire smart home. In addition to helping you identify issues you might have with your connected devices, Comcasts new system also helps streamline the initial network setup process. When you first sign up with Comcast and receive your combination modem/ router, youll be able to download an app to your smartphone that guides you through the setup process. That kind of simplicity reminded me a lot of the install process for competing third-party routers like Google Wi-Fi, Eero and Luma. Satchell, however, said Comcast had been working on its experience for some time, and that seeing other companies use a similar setup mechanism proved Comcast was on the right track. Comcasts new system can also connect to your existing X1 television service, meaning you can check your networks signal strength from your TV. And thanks to X1s voice controls, you can ask your network to pause all connections without pressing a button. Of course, part of the reason the success of Comcasts system is so important to the company is because it gives subscribers a reason to rent a Comcast network gateway. Normally, I recommend that people purchase their own modem and router rather than pay the $10 per month rental fee their cable companies charge for using their gateways. But to use Comcasts new system you also need to use the companys gateway, youve got to fork over that extra $10 a month, something the internet provider will be more than happy to collect. Wed love to get customers on our products, and so wed love to give people a reason not to have to go build their own solutions with a third-party modem or a third-party router, Satchell said. If we can improve your service we hope churn reduces, satisfaction increases and people say, I like my service, I love my service. And for me thats what Id love to get to, he added. If Comcasts system ends up being as easy to set up and user-friendly when it launches in the first half of this year, the company may finally be able to put its most hated status firmly in its past. More from Dan: MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's tax authorities are looking at a proposal from Google to pay between 270 million and 280 million euros ($296 million) to wrap up a tax dispute, a source close to the matter said on Tuesday. Early last year Italian tax police presented a claim against Google for the non-payment of taxes between 2009 and 2013 to the tune of 227 million euros. One of the sticking points to reaching a final settlement with the U.S. giant is a commitment from Google to pay taxes in Italy in the future, the source said. "Google is continuing to work with the competent authorities," a Google spokeswoman said. (This version of the story corrects second paragraph to read "early last year" instead of "earlier this year") (Reporting by Emilio Parodi, writing by Stephen Jewkes) Motley Fool This year has been especially tough for the mortgage market and housing in general. The press talks about a housing recession, builders have slowed home construction, mortgage origination volume has been cut in half, and the mortgage real estate investment trusts (REITs) have been hammered by rising rates and underperforming portfolios. As the year has worn on, the dividend yields on many mortgage REITs have reached levels where dividend cuts have occurred in the past. Nokia seems to be joining the club of tech companies developing and maintaining virtual assistants. The Finnish company has even trademarked the name for its own AI voice assistant. Is Nokia the latest tech company to join the growing niche of companies investing in AI voice assistants? By the looks of things, it could be so. The Finnish company has even filed for a trademark that would name its own virtual assistant as Viki. Just this Sunday, GSMinfo revealed that Nokia has applied for a trademark in the European Union for its very own AI assistant. The EU reportedly received the application a few days ago and per the document, Nokia described its new technology as a software for the creation and monitoring of mobile and web assistants working with digital knowledge and combining all data sources into a single chat and voice-based interface. With this application, its pretty clear that Nokia intends to come up with a digital assistant for its devices. This just means the Finnish company is going to join the ranks of Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and other companies that are still in the process of completing their private assistants. Apple has been the longest player in this market ever since it launched Siri in 2011. Amazons Alexa was introduced in 2014 the same year Microsoft unveiled Cortana. All three voice assistants have already established a huge following in the tech industry. Last year, Google introduced its own virtual assistant, called Google Assistant, alongside its Google Pixel smartphones. Because Google Assistant will not come to all Android handsets, Nokia may have decided to come up with its own AI assistant for its Android phones that are launching this year, as per PhoneArena. Samsung is also in the process of launching its own service, which will be called Bixby. SamMobile reported last December that the South Korea tech giant intends to embed its voice assistant into all of the native apps on the upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship device. The company has reportedly claimed that Bixby will be more advanced than S Voice. Related Articles Modular phones had a brief flirtation with popularity over the last few years. Between the Moto X, LG G5 and Googles Project Ara, a couple notable companies made real stabs at modular smartphones, only to be met with a resounding meh. We can write off the Moto X and LG G5 as phone companies trying to keep up with the fads, but Googles Project Ara always felt like something a little more ambitious. A completely modular phone would have revolutionized the industry, had it ever actually worked. Don't Miss: Julian Assanges Reddit AMA is a classic internet trainwreck VentureBeats Harrison Weber spoke to a number of the execs and designers on the inside of Googles Project Ara to try and work out what happened to the concept. Ara was a promising lead for Google for a number of years, with a serious demo at last years I/O conference, and a promise in May that youd be able to buy a modular phone in 2017. But in September, Google unceremoniously axed the project, which had already missed development and pilot project milestones. Webers profile paints a picture of a project lacking vision and a precise demographic. As he explains, Aras popularity was kickstarted by a confusing relationship with Phonebloks, a viral video for a modular smartphone made by Dutch designer Dave Hakkens. His video was released just as Googles ATAP division was working on a prototype for a modular smartphone, and the two projects lived an uneasy relationship, with some communication between Hakkens and Google, for over a year. Initially, the idea of the ATAP project was to make a fully modular smartphone that had a very low price point for a basic phone. Googles idea was that the $50 base phone could be cheaply configured to work in different markets, extending Androids reach in the developing world. But as costs and time spiralled, the vision was changed until it started looking more like LGs idea of a modular phone a fully functioning smartphone that can have capabilities added on. Story continues In the end, a combination of senior staff leaving, Googles austerity drive and waning public interest saw the project shelved. Webers article does a neat job of explaining how Google took a viral idea, built hype, and then failed to ever see it through. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com Normally when you hear about companies like Samsung and LG on the receiving end of accusations from fellow companies, you expect Apple, Google, or another fellow tech giant to be the one pointing fingers. Today, Samsung and LG lost a battle with the US International Trade Commission for trade practices that caused injury to the US appliances industry. The company that initially prompted the over year-long investigation? None other than Whirlpool. Don't Miss: Twitter promoted a completely fake ESPN account and false stories about UFC fighters for over a month Whirlpool alleged that by selling washing machines in the US that were made in China, and also sold at a loss, Samsung and LG were actively damaging US appliance makers. Todays vote follows a U.S. Department of Commerce ruling last month that Samsung and LG violated U.S. and international trade laws by dumping clothes washers from China into the United States, Whirlpool said in a statement. Samsung and LG now must pay antidumping duties at the substantial rates set by the DOC margins of 52.51 percent for Samsung and 32.12 percent for LG. Whirlpools stance is that by dumping the ultra-cheap appliances in the US, other companies simply cant compete without making major cutbacks and potentially letting employees go. The company is, as you might expect, very encouraged by the outcome of the investigation, which resulted in a unanimous vote by the International Trade Commission. But whats possibly even more troubling than the case itself is that this isnt the first time its happened and not just in the industry, but to Samsung and LG specifically. In 2013, both companies were found guilty of doing the same exact thing, but with washing machines manufactured in Korea and Mexico. Whirlpool alleges that the two appliance makers shifted their production to China as a loophole to allow them to continue the practice. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com Humanity has existed for a couple hundred thousand years, or so scientists believe, with civilization thought to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 to 6,000 years old. For the entire time, weve looked up at the Moon and wondered where exactly it came from and why its been hanging around for so darn long. Theories have come and gone, but there hasnt been any definitive proof to ultimately quiet the debate. That proof might come when China and other nations head back to the moon to perform various tests, but in the meantime theres a new potential explanation for the Moons existence, and its based on an idea that was once largely dismissed. Don't Miss: Thieves stole the hottest laptop at CES In a new paper published in Nature Geoscience, a trio of researchers have revived an old theory that the Moon is actually the product of many small collisions between an early Earth and various impactors. These impacts would have knocked some of Earths material skyward and into orbit, eventually coalescing into a single sphere. The creation and eventual merger of these so called moonlets would have occurred over a time period of roughly 100 million years. The researchers ran hundreds and hundreds of computer simulations to generate examples of a newborn Earth colliding with other objects, and eventually forming a natural satellite like the Moon. The results showed that approximately 20 such impacts would be needed to produce the amount of space-bound debris that the Moon is comprised of. Up until recently, many scientists backed what is called the single impact hypothesis, which suggests that the Moon was the product of a single large collision between the Earth and other celestial body. However, because the Earth and Moon are so similar in their makeup, this theory has been steadily losing ground. This revived multi-impact theory would go a long way towards explaining why the Moon appears to be made up of essentially the same material as Earth. Story continues Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com An employee stands next to a logo of Toshiba Corp in Yokohama, south of Tokyo November 21, 2012. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao/File Photo (Reuters) TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp <6502.T> met creditors on Tuesday and asked them not to use provisions in debt agreements to call in their loans early, giving the troubled company time to work out a turnaround plan, sources with knowledge of the matter said. It was the first such meeting since the conglomerate, which is still recovering from a $1.3 billion accounting scandal, shocked investors last month by announcing cost overruns at a U.S. nuclear business bought in 2015 which could now mean a charge against profit topping $4 billion. About 80 creditors, including regional banks and life insurance companies, attended the meeting, said the sources, who declined to be identified as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Toshiba executives briefed creditors about the background leading up to the massive writedown and the schedule of how it would work out the matter, the sources added. The laptops-to-engineering conglomerate confirmed the meeting, but did not provide any further details. Bankers said such a meeting was rather routine for a company in trouble and that, even though credit-rating downgrades after the writedown warning put Toshiba in violation of loan covenants, it was routine for them to grant waivers in such cases to avoid a funding crisis. Toshiba is expected to hold its next meeting with creditors in February, when the company is scheduled to have finalised writedown figures, the sources said. Toshiba's debts, including bonds, stood at about 1.2 trillion yen ($10.37 billion) as of the end of September. Toshiba has to rely heavily on lenders to weather the latest trouble. The Japanese firm, which saw its shares plunge 33 percent last month, remains on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's watchlist, effectively making it impossible for it to raise fresh capital through new share issues. Toshiba has started discussions on other ways to boost its depleted capital, including spinning off its crown-jewel chips business, other sources told Reuters. Story continues "We must do all we can to improve our financial footing before we receive support from the banks," a senior Toshiba executive said. The spinoff of the chips unit - which generates most of Toshiba's operating profit - was discussed last year when the company conducted a major overhaul after the accounting scandal. The plan was scrapped as a $6 billion deal to sell its medical equipment unit to Canon Inc <7751.T> saved Toshiba from falling into negative net worth. (Reporting by Taiga Uranaka, Makiko Yamazaki and Taro Fuse; Editing by Himani Sarkar) Marissa Mayer is expected to remain with Yahoo's core business, which is being bought by Verizon (AFP Photo/Stephen Lam) San Francisco (AFP) - Yahoo confirmed on Monday that chief executive Marissa Mayer will quit the company's board after its merger with Verizon. Mayer is expected to remain with Yahoo's core business, which is being bought by the US telecom titan. Yahoo is selling its internet operations as a way to separate that from its more valuable stake in Chinese internet giant Alibaba. The share-tending entity, to be renamed Altaba, Inc., will act as an investment company with its board reduced to five members, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Yahoo co-founder David Filo and Mayer will be among those resigning from the board, according to the filing. When asked what role Mayer will play after the merger with Verizon, the company referred AFP to a Tumblr post from July, after the deal to sell the company's core operations was announced. "For me personally, I'm planning to stay," Mayer said in the post. "It's important to me to see Yahoo into its next chapter." Mayer remains chief executive at Yahoo. - Recent hacking - It still remained unclear on Monday how news of recent large-scale hacks might effect Yahoo's deal to sell its core operating assets to Verizon for $4.8 billion, or Mayer's role going forward. Yahoo said in December that personal data from over a billion users was stolen in a hack dating back to 2013 -- twice as big as another breach disclosed just three months earlier. Verizon said in a statement last month that it would await further news of the investigation before making any decision. "As we've said all along, we will evaluate the situation as Yahoo continues its investigation," the statement said. Verizon had said the prior breach was likely "material," meaning it could allow the telecom giant to scrap the deal or lower its offer. The filing on Monday noted risks faced by the company, including that Verizon might assert claims or renegotiate terms "as a result of facts relating to the security incidents disclosed." Story continues - Faded star - The breaches came as a further embarrassment to a company that was one of the biggest names of the internet but which has failed to keep up with rising stars such as Google and Facebook. Yahoo, after a series of reorganizations, decided late last year to sell its main operating business as a way to separate that from its more valuable stake in Chinese internet giant Alibaba. Yahoo's plan would place its main operating business within Verizon, which has already acquired another faded internet star, AOL. The remaining portion would be a holding company with stakes in Alibaba and Yahoo Japan. Yahoo's valuation hit $125 billion during the dot-com boom, but it has been losing ground since then despite several efforts to reboot. In the mid-1990s, Yahoo was among the most popular destinations on the internet, helping many people navigate the emerging web. It became the top online "portal," connecting users to news, music and other content. 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We may revise these Terms of Use at any time in our sole discretion by posting such revised Terms of Use at the Terms of Use link (i.e., this webpage that you are currently viewing) or elsewhere in this Website. Such revisions shall be effective as to you upon posting, unless explicitly stated by us. It is your responsibility to be aware of any such revised Terms of Use by checking this webpage. Your continued use of this Website following changes to these Terms of Use constitutes your agreement to the revised Terms of Use. As the U.S. Senate holds confirmation hearings this week for some of President-elect Donald Trump's most controversial cabinet nominees, progressive activists are calling on Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to consider rejecting some or all of Trump's selections. Activists in Tallahassee are unhappy with Trumps cabinet nominations Protesters implored Sen. Rubio to reject nominees Rubio is generally an adherent of Reagan's "11th commandment" A dozen activists visited Rubio's Tallahassee office Monday armed with signs underscoring their contempt for the would-be cabinet secretaries. They took particular exception to Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trump's nominee for attorney general, who they argued has been alarmingly nonchalant about the president-elect's comments about women in the 2005 video that threw the final weeks of the presidential campaign into a frenzy. Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, a noted climate change skeptic, appointed to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, was also on the receiving end of the activists' criticism. "All these selections, we can go through each one, they seem to be appointed for the purpose of destroying the agency, dismantling it, not for the purpose of furthering good government, and that's what's so distressing," said Linda Miklowitz. "That's why we are trying to let our senator, Marco Rubio, know that we don't want him to rubber stamp these appointees." While Rubio appears to be reserving judgment on the nominees, his antagonistic history with Trump during last year's combustible Republican presidential primaries is giving some progressives reason for optimism the vanquished could be poised to hand the victor a measure of payback. "We would like to ask Sen. Rubio to vet the cabinet members very well and to block cabinet members that don't deserve to hold the position that they've been nominated for," said Lakey Love, an organizer of Monday's demonstration. Like most Republicans, however, Rubio is generally an adherent of Ronald Reagan's "11th commandment," dictating that Republicans shouldn't turn on each other. Despite his past differences with Trump, forging a productive working relationship over the next four years could take precedence over any desire to settle the political score. Rubio's comments during this week's hearings could indicate which path he intends to take. This story was last posted: 11:15 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017 The reward for information leading to the capture of Markeith Loyd has been raised to $100,000, authorities announced Tuesday more than 24 hours after an Orlando Police officer was shot and killed outside of a Wal-Mart. At a Tuesday afternoon news conference, Crimeline's Barb Bergin said the agency has received more than 300 tips since Monday. They average about 1,000 tips per month. "If you're listening or watching us right now, you need to pick the phone up because no one else ... should be hurt by this man," Bergin said. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and Orlando Police Chief John Mina were also at the news conference. Demings said agencies are working together to get arrest warrants signed for people accused of helping Loyd avoid capture since December. Mina said authorities wouldn't discuss any details on where they think Loyd might be. "We want the community to know that it's safe to go about their day-to-day activities," Mina said, adding that anyone coming across law enforcement activity should avoid the area. Anyone with information on Loyd's location is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). The reward for information is $100,000. Markeith Loyd is the suspect in the murder of Orlando, Florida Police M. SGT. Debra Clayton. Anyone w/info please call 1-800-423-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/PINV0Mgjqt FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) January 10, 2017 Meanwhile, the manhunt is centered at Brookside Apartments on Cinderlane Parkway in the Rosemont neighborhood of Orlando, where people and vehicles were being turned away. Orlando Police teams have searched hundreds of apartments at the complex, Mina said. SWAT team members are at the scene News 13 will not reveal any of their tactical locations for their safety. Tim Arnold lives in the apartment complex and was told by authorities to remain inside. About 8 oclock in the morning, I opened my back blind and I saw every cop on Earth that couldnt get in on Cinderlane Parkway with assault rifles, Arnold said. I've never seen so many assault rifles in my life, not even in Lethal Weapon movies. Other residents were reassured by the law enforcement presence. They were polite, they were very polite. And they just wanted to search the apartment, and they checked everything to make sure he wasnt hiding in the area, but they didnt find anything, Loretha Chandler said. Im not afraid. I would sleep on my porch tonight if I wanted to. ... They were walking around here all night long. Im not afraid, Arnold said. Funeral information The funeral for Orange County Sheriff's Office Deputy First Class Norman Lewis will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway. There will also be a funeral service in Port Charlotte, which is Lewis' hometown. A day later, the funeral for Orlando Police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton will be 2 p.m. Saturday, also at First Baptist Church of Orlando. An official GoFundMe page has been set up to help Clayton's family. (This Gofundme.com site is not managed by Bay News 9/News 13. For more information on how the site works and the rules visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety) Previous coverage Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for Markeith Loyd, the man accused in the shooting death of Orlando Police officer Master Sgt. Debra Clayton on Monday. On Tuesday morning, Clayton's patrol vehicle was parked outside Orlando Police Department headquarters in her honor. Master Sergeant Debra Clayton's patrol vehicle will remain outside of OPD HQ for now. pic.twitter.com/bNR1BdBnqs Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 10, 2017 A candlelight vigil was held for the law enforcement officers at the Wal-Mart on Princeton Street, where Clayton was fatally shot. It all started just after 7 a.m. Monday, when the 43-year-old Clayton tried to make contact with Loyd at the Wal-Mart when he allegedly shot her, police said. Clayton, a 17-year veteran with the Orlando Police Department, was able to return fire, but it is not thought that Loyd, 41, was hit. After the Wal-Mart shooting, Loyd was spotted in a vehicle on North Lane and Pine Hills Drive by a Sheriff's Office deputy. When Loyd pulled into the apartment complex, he allegedly shot at the deputy and also struck his unmarked Sheriff's Office vehicle twice, officials said. The deputy was not injured. &amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Clayton was not the only fatality Monday. Orange County Sheriff's Office motorcycle deputy Norman Lewis was involved in a crash with a minivan on Balboa Drive and Pine Hills Road while he was involved with the manhunt. The minivan's driver pulled into the path of 35-year-old Lewis' motorcycle, according to troopers. Lewis was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition, officials said, where he died. Charges are pending against 78-year-old Billie Jarrard, the minivan's driver, Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes said. On Tuesday, there were flowers at the intersection where Lewis lost his life. The manhunt caused more than two dozen public and private schools to be placed on lockdown during the search for Loyd, who is also accused in the December shooting death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, 24. According to investigators, Dixon was three months' pregnant, broken up with Loyd and living with her parents when Loyd came to the family's front door late Dec. 13. Thats when police say he shot and killed Dixon and turned the gun on her 26-year-old brother, Ronald Stewart, who was trying to help her. Stewart's family said Tuesday that he is still hospitalized after being shot five times in almost every limb and the chest. Officials describe Loyd as armed and dangerous and warned the public not to approach him but to call 911 immediately. The School of Open Learning (SOL) at New Delhi's Miranda House College has issued a notice to its students, putting a ban on clicking selfies, combing hair and modelling on campus. According to a report in The Telegraph, the students are not happy with the notice and have decided to approach the Delhi Commission for Women. The notice to the students, issued in Hindi says: "Many students have been seen clicking selfies, combing their hair and modelling... The college administration does not permit this. If any student is found wasting their time, then she will be suspended for the day and sent out of the campus." The Indian Express expanded on the contents of the notice: "Miranda House College and its teachers are always fighting to ensure your higher education. We hope that women students benefit from this opportunity and focus on academics. Many women have been seen taking selfies, combing their hair and modelling in the gallery. This is misutilisation of time. The college does not give permission for this. If any student is found misutilising their time, they will be suspended from the classes held on that particular day, and will be made to leave the college premises." The report adds that this notice was put up at the college main gate under the name of the coordinator of SOL and Personal Contact Programme Centre at Miranda House College. SOL director CS Dubey said the school had nothing to do with the notice. The Hindustan Times quoted college principal Prathibha Jolly as saying that the notice was issued out of concern for the students' safety. "These students perch dangerously on the parapet and pillars while clicking seflies in groups. It is solely out of safety concerns that we put up this notice," she said. However, in The Indian Express report, Jolly added that the notice was drafted by the staff in an internal discussion, but was only "suggestive", since it did not bear a signature. "We have no power to suspend them. The notice was just to make them aware. Unfortunately, it seems like they are shooting a modelling portfolio," Jolly is quoted in The Telegraph report. New Delhi: Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using his mother for political benefit, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday urged him to allow her to live at the Prime Minister's residence. The tweet roughly translated to: "I keep my mother with me. Take her blessings every day but don't broadcast it to the whole world. I do not make my mother stand in the queue for political benefit." The Aam Aadmi Party leader's remarks came after Modi visited Gandhinagar to meet his mother and later tweeted about it. Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2017 The prime minister's 97-year-old mother Heeraben lives with his brother in Gandhinagar. Responding to Modi's tweet, Kejriwal said the prime minister should let his mother live with him as his residence was "big enough". PM , https://t.co/CT243GTTzc Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 10, 2017 The tweet roughly translated to: "According to Hindu religion and culture, one should keep his mother and wife with him. Prime minister's residence is quite big. Have a little heart." Days after Richard Verma announced that he would quit as the US envoy before Donald Trump is sworn in president, speculations were rife in the Indian media that India-born strategic analyst Ashley Tellis may succeed him as the next US Ambassador to India. Tonight I told @SrBachchan I will depart as US Ambassador to India on January 20; it has been a great honor to serve in #IncredibleIndia pic.twitter.com/Ffj5pGH7qF Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) January 8, 2017 The latest development comes in the backdrop of President-elect Donald Trump's diktat, asking all political appointees of the Barack Obama administration to quit their diplomatic posts before his inauguration on 20 January. Here is what you need to know about the prospective next US envoy to New Delhi. Born in Mumbai The 55-year-old Tellis was born in Mumbai. Tellis completed his bachelors and masters in economics from the prestigious St Xavier's College. He later travelled to the United States for his graduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he went on to complete his PhD. An early interest in International Relations According to his friends, the prospective US envoy always showed an inclination towards international relations. Hindustan Times quoted Father Frazer Mascarenhas, the former principal of St Xavier's College as saying, " With a clear, sharp mind, Tellis always knew what he was doing right from the beginning. His thoughts about international relations and recommendations for strengthening India-US relations were firm from his college days. Strategic expert Tellis is currently a Senior Fellow, South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He specialises in international security, defense, and Asian strategic issues. The Mumbai-born analyst was previously associated with the RAND Corporation as a senior policy analyst. Tellis is also a member of several professional organizations related to defense and international studies, including the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), the United States Naval Institute, and the Navy League of the United States. Government service Tellis' profile on the Carnegie Endowment website, adds that he had previously worked for the US State department, serving as senior adviser to the ambassador at the U.S. embassy in New Delhi. The Xavierite also served on the National Security Council staff as special assistant to the president and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia. Tellis is particularly known for his contribution to the passing of the historic India-US civilian nuclear deal in 2008. A published author Tellis has had a distinguished academic career, with his writing published across various reputed journals across the world. He is the author of Indias Emerging Nuclear Posture (RAND, 2001) and co-author of Interpreting Chinas Grand Strategy: Past, Present, and Future (RAND, 2000). Second Indian-American to be US Ambassador to India If the US Congress approves his nomination as the next top diplomat to India, Tellis would, after his predecessor Richard Verma, be the second Indian-American to be the United States Ambassador to India. Auto refresh feeds Gujarat, the land of Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi, represents the enterprise spirit of India. Everywhere a Gujarati resides, there forever resides Gujarat. Ours is a nation of vibrant youth, who offer us an unmatched workforce. We are the second largest English-speaking country. We have seen in the last 2.5 years that it's possible to deliver quick results in a democratic set-up. It's our mission to deliver good governance and end the previous regime's corruption We are on the threshold of becoming the world's most digitised economy, says Modi at #VibrantGujarat2017 https://t.co/P8IW4vGsnD pic.twitter.com/hHr2YFkbOV Despite the global slowdown, we have witnessed excellent growth. Today India is the bright spot in the world. India ranked 3rd on the list of top prospective economies between 2016 to 2018, says PM Modi at #VibrantGujarat2017 https://t.co/P8IW4vGsnD pic.twitter.com/NujGeBtqAx Wherever I have gone in the world, every time I said 'Make in India' five times, they said it 50 times. It will provide good governance and foster competition between India's states. In two years of 'Make in India', we have become the sixth largest manufacturing country in the world, up from ninth. But the real targets can become even higher, says PM Modi at the Vibrant Gujarat summit. Our youth will help bring about a new India, says PM Modi at #VibrantGujarat2017 https://t.co/P8IW4vGsnD pic.twitter.com/gl4JMPElVK Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates on Tuesday, the eighth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS), that will be attended by Fortune 500 CEOs, including John Chambers of Cisco and Boeing's Bertrand Marc Allen. Gujarat is targeting to sign a record 21,190 MoUs with investment commitment of close to Rs 30 lakh crore during the three-day Summit that will see more than 6,000 delegates participating in eight seminars and business-to-business and business-to-government meetings. Modi, who arrived in Gandhinagar for pre-Summit events, will host a lunch for heads of foreign delegations on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the inauguration. Prominent among the foreign dignitaries is Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Olegovich Rogozin, President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa. Touted as the biggest of the biennial business summits, which was conceived and launched by Modi when he was Gujarat chief minister in 2003, VGGS will be attended by top Union Ministers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Power Minister Piyush Goyal. After the inauguration, Modi will chair the CEO Roundtable on Transforming India. Besides Chambers and Allen, global CEOs listed to attend the meeting include Suzuki Motor Corp's Toshihiro Suzuki, Jean-Bernard Levy, CEO of French electricity giant EDF, Yusuffali MA of Lulu Group and Sistema's Vladimir Evtushenkov. From India, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, Kumar Mangalam Birla of Aditya Birla Group, Essar head Shashi Ruia, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya, Reliance ADA Group Chairman Anil Ambani, Vishal Sikka of Infosys, Y C Deveshwar of ITC and Kotak Mahindra Group's Uday S Kotak will be part of the CEOs Roundtable as well as the inauguration ceremony. The discussions during the roundtable would largely revolve around global as well as Indian investment climate and business opportunities. Theamed 'Sustainable Economic and Social Development', the Summit - to be held between 10 and 13 January - will also bring together heads of States and Governments, Ministers, senior policy makers, heads of international institutions and academia. Jaitley will address a special session on 11 January on GST to detail rollout plans for the indirect tax regime. The three-day summit is expected to culminate into a slew of partnerships, MoUs and investment commitments in the state of Gujarat. The event comes at a time when the country is gearing up to implement its biggest tax reform GST, and has also demonetised high value currency notes to deal with blackmoney. Besides sessions on ease of doing business, biotechnology, GST, aerospace and defense, domestic manufacturing, smart cities and skilling, the Summit would also host B2B meetings and country sessions. The partner countries for the Summit include the US, the UK, Sweden, Japan, France, the UAE and Singapore. The summit will see participation from over 110 countries. With inputs from agencies Mumbai: After the thumping victory of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the municipal council and president elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is keen to go ahead with the alliance with the party's natural ally Shiv Sena in the coming elections for the zilla parishad and corporation polls. "The chief minister has informed the BJP in the state at all levels that there would be an alliance with the Shiv Sena and the talks on seat sharing will start from Wednesday," Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told Firstpost on Tuesday. On Monday, Fadnavis reportedly told one of his cabinet colleagues that, "The council election victory is purely a reflection on the demonetisation and the development work which we did in the last 26 months. So we should now gear up for the 26 zilla parishad and 11 municipal corporation elections which will be held during February-March." The chief minister further said, "After demonetisation, Maharashtra stood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The people of the state are with the prime minister and the BJP. Now once again we have to show that the people both from the rural and urban areas are with us. That's there is a need for an alliance between the two parties for the zilla parishad and municipal corporation elections. It's the semifinal round and I am confident that we will win both the semifinal and the final too." Talking to Firstpost a guardian minister said that in a late night meeting of Monday Fadnavis showed positiveness to forge an alliance with the Shiv Sena. The minister said that the chief minister personally convinced BJP national president Amit Shah and Modi that the alliance with the Shiv Sena is necessary for the council election. "Fadnavis won the confidence of Shah and Modi after the initial round of polls. The chief minister has made it clear that since the BJP is not in good numbers in all the places it would be easier for the party if an alliance with the Shiv Sena happens. This would help the party to increase its numbers in the zilla parishads and municipal corporations. The city in charge and the guardian minister concerned would work together and finalise the seat sharing formula. Next week we are meeting once again and now there is no double mind on an alliance with the Shiv Sena," the minister, unwilling to be named, said. The election to the 26 zilla parishads and 11 municipal corporations are round the corner and the State Election Commission could announce the schedule anytime bringing the Model Code of Conduct into immediate effect. Earlier MP and Shiv Sena secretary Anil Desai told Firstpost that the party wants an alliance in the ensuing zilla parishad and municipal corporation elections provided the BJP is keen on it. Of late, signs of a thaw are appearing between Fadnavis and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as the two leaders are in favour of an alliance and have stopped exchanging barbs. "It's very much important to see how the seat sharing formula will come up," said Desai. In 2012, Shiv Sena contested in 158 seats and BJP in 69. However, in the 2014 Assembly poll out of 36 constituencies, BJP won in 15 and Shiv Sena 14. Owing to that performance, BJP is seeking a 50:50 distribution of seats. "An 114:113 seat sharing is not possible out the total 227 corporation seats that are going into the fray. We are ready to increase the number of seats to the BJP but not 45 seats more than the last time. The final decision will be taken by Uddhav Thackeray," said the Shiv Sena leader. After four phases of local council elections in Maharashtra, the total of BJP seats jumped thrice compared to the last election. In 2012, BJP had 407 corporators while this has already jumped to 1,207. This is a quantum leap by 809 seats. The BJP is also leading in the race by winning more posts for the council president. Out of 199 council president posts, BJP won 78 seats compared to 36 of the Congress, 26 of the Shiv Sena, 21 of the Nationalist Congress Party and with Others-Independents winning 38. Meanwhile, after refusing to go for an alliance in the last two occasions Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray said that his party is open for an alliance although no further details were divulged. Washington: Barack Obama closes the book on his presidency Tuesday, with a farewell speech in Chicago that will try to lift supporters felled by Donald Trump's shock victory. Obama's last trip on Air Force One will be a pilgrimage to his adoptive hometown, where he will address a sell-out crowd not far from where he accepted the presidency eight years ago. Diehard fans many African Americans have braved Chicago's frigid winter to collect free tickets, which now sell for upwards of $1,000 a piece on Craigslist. The First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden will come along on for the ride. Obama's cross-country trek would be a sentimental trip down memory lane, were it not slap-bang in the middle of a tumultuous presidential handover. Trump has smashed conventions, vowed to efface Obama's legacy and hurled personal insults left and right. The 2016 election campaign has raised serious questions about the resilience of US democracy. In a virtually unprecedented move, US intelligence has accused the Kremlin of tipping the electoral scales in Trump's favor. Democrats, cast into the political wilderness with the loss of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives plus a majority of statehouses, are struggling to regroup. With an approval rating hovering around 55 percent, Obama will hope to steel them for new battles ahead. Lead speechwriter Cody Keenan said the address will be about Obama's vision for where the country should still go. "It's not going to be like an anti-Trump speech, it's not going to be a red meat, rabble rousing thing, it will be statesman-like but it will also be true to him," Keenan told AFP. "It will tell a story." Life after White House Trump's unorthodox politics has thrown 55-year-old Obama's transition and post-presidency plans into flux. Obama, having vowed a smooth handover of power, finds himself being increasingly critical of Trump as he prepares to leave office on January 20. After that there will still be a holiday and an autobiography, but Obama could find himself being dragged backed into the political fray if Trump were to enact a Muslim registry or deport adults brought to the United States years ago by their parents. Having vowed to take a backseat in politics, Obama's second act could yet be as politically engaged as Jimmy Carter whose post-presidency has remade his image as an elder statesman. Many Obama aides who had planned to take exotic holidays or launch coffer-replenishing forays into the private sector are also reassessing their future and mulling a return to the political trenches. Obama's foundation is already gearing up for a quasi-political role funneling idealistic youngsters into public life. Presidential precedent Presidents since George Washington have delivered a farewell address of sorts. Washington's final 7,641-word message which is still read once a year in the Senate by tradition contained warnings about factionalism and interference by foreign powers that seem oddly prescient. But speechwriter Keenan sees few obvious templates: "Bush and Clinton did theirs from here (the White House), George HW Bush went to West Point, gave a foreign policy speech," he told AFP. "They are all totally different." The trip to Chicago is not just for nostalgia, Keenan indicated. "The thread that has run though his career from his days as community organiser to the Oval Office is the idea that if you get ordinary people together and get them educated, get them empowered, get them to act on something, that's when good things happen," he said. "For him, as someone who started as a community organizer, whose campaign was powered by young people, ordinary people, we decided we wanted to go back to Chicago." "Chicago is not just his hometown, it's where his career started." And now it is also where Obama's presidential career will effectively end. By David Ljunggren | OTTAWA OTTAWA Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will shuffle his Cabinet this week and is set to move Foreign Minister Stephane Dion, who ran into political trouble last year, a person with knowledge of the matter said on Monday."Dion is out," said the person, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.The Canadian Press, which initially broke the story, said the move was scheduled for Tuesday and would involve at least six people.The shuffle would be the first time Trudeau has made major changes since his Liberals took power in November 2015, allowing him to recast his Cabinet ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. President.Relations with the United States will be crucial over the next four years and Trudeau may have decided he needs a better communicator than Dion, a French-speaker and former professor who sometimes stumbles when speaking English. Trump's vow during the campaign to either tear up or renegotiate NAFTA could have calamitous consequences for Canada, which sends 75 percent of its exports to the United States.One leading candidate to replace Dion would be Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, an author and former reporter who worked for several years in the United States and has good connections in Washington. Such an appointment would be complicated as Trudeau wants to improve ties with Russia, which banned Freeland - who is of Ukrainian descent - in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Freeland, who is sometimes pictured in Ukrainian national dress, has been harshly critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin.Trudeau and Dion's offices declined to comment. Freeland's office did not respond to requests for comment. Dion, 61, a former Liberal leader who held ministerial posts in previous governments from 1996 to 2006, was widely criticized last June for not defending a reporter when China's foreign minister berated her at a news conference.He also came under fire for the government's handling of a controversial arms deal with Saudi Arabia. (Additional reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Peter Cooney and Sandra Maler) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter on Monday, calling Meryl Streep "one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood" following her speech Sunday night at the Golden Globe awards. Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesn't know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2017 Hillary flunky who lost big. For the 100th time, I never "mocked" a disabled reporter (would never do that) but simply showed him....... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2017 "groveling" when he totally changed a 16 year old story that he had written in order to make me look bad. Just more very dishonest media! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2017 Trump's "overrated" remarks, however, follows one he made in 2015 to The Hollywood Reporter in which he called Streep one of his favorite actresses and a "fine person, too." Here's the question that The Hollywood Reported asked him: Any actress you love? Trump: Julia Roberts is terrific, and many others. Meryl Streep is excellent; she's a fine person, too. The problem is I'll name three or four or five and then the hundred that I know will be insulted, and I don't mean to insult them. While "overrated" is an opinion, Streep, who took aim at Trump in her speech while accepting the Globes lifetime achievement award, holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor. She has earned 19 Oscar nominations and three wins, as well as a record 29 Golden Globe nominations and eight wins, and two Emmy Awards. Plus there's a Presidential Medal of Freedom, not to mention 10 People's Choice Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, four National Society of Film Critics Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor and has been named a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the highest civilian honor given by the French government. She's also earned a Tony Award nomination, five Grammy Award nominations, the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain, an American Comedy Award, an Irish Film and Television Award, two Italian Online Movie Awards, two Teen Choice Award nominations and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. But then again, as this question in the same interview asks, "You're getting a ton of criticism. Does any of it actually ring true?" Here's what the president-elect said: People say, "He won't apologize for anything" well, I was right on illegal immigration. [John] McCain blew it because he's done a poor job of taking care of the veterans. And then the third element so far, you had Megyn Kelly, and I think you've seen what happened with that. I feel quite confident in my position. At the same time, I believe in apologizing. But to apologize for me is very difficult. I definitely would apologize if I were wrong on something. (With inputs from AP) New York: A man who may be of Indian origin has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a US consular official in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, according to reports in local media. Zafar Zia, the alleged assailant, was described in Mexican media as a 31-year-old American citizen of "Indian" or "Hindu" origin. Impacto el Diario newspaper's web site said that the Jalisco state prosecutor's confirmed his arrest on Sunday on its Twitter account. The shooting on Friday was not terrorism-related but was motivated by a visa issue, as per the victim's statement to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), reported Cronica.com. Mexican media also reported that the Foreign Ministry said that Zia "will be expelled and repatriated to the United States of America where his legal status will be determined." US authorities have not as of Monday morning local time confirmed the arrested man's identity or that of the diplomat who was shot. Mexican media identified the victim as Deputy Consul Christopher Ashcraft. Impacto el Diario and El Mudo described Zia as being of "Hindu" origin, while the Cronica.com said he was "Indian." In Mexico sometimes "Hindu" and "Indian" used interchangeably as national identification, rather than religious. Cronica said that "according to unofficial information" from Mexican federal authorities, a .38 caliber pistol, a California-registered 2000 Honda Accord vehicle, and 16 packages with 336 grammes of marijuana were seized when Zia was arrested from the Guadalajara's Providencia neighborhood. He was also carrying a wig he wore when he carried out the attack, Cronica added. Mexican media said that the he was arrested after police received a tip about where he was. The US government had offered a $20,000 reward for his arrest. Police said that Zia had arrived in Guadalajara from Phoenix in the US's Arizona state in November, according to Cronica. Zia allegedly shot the diplomat while he was driving out of a parking garage on his way to gym, according to media reports. Damascus: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to retake an area that supplies Damascus with water and rejected any negotiations on his departure at upcoming talks in Kazakhstan. Millions of people have been without water for weeks after fighting damaged key infrastructure in the Wadi Barada region outside Damascus that is the main water source for the capital. The government says former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front, known previously as Al-Nusra Front, is present in Wadi Barada, and blames rebels there for cutting water to Damascus since 22 December. "The role of the Syrian Army is to liberate that area in order to prevent those terrorists from using that water in order to suffocate the capital," Assad told French media in an interview aired Monday. Assad's forces have been battling rebels in Wadi Barada for weeks and the fighting has continued despite the start on 30 December of a nationwide ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. Assad said the ceasefire was being "breached on a daily basis" and mainly around Damascus "because the terrorists occupy the main source of water" in Wadi Barada. He said "more than five million civilians have been deprived of water for the last three weeks" as a result of the fighting. The United Nations says 5.5 million people in and around Damascus are without water. Assad said that Fateh al-Sham is "occupying" the Wadi Barada region, 15 kilometres (10 miles) northwest of the capital. But rebels deny that the jihadists are in the area and say the water supply was severed after government strikes hit pumping facilities. Assad also insisted that the ceasefire does not include Fateh al-Sham or its formidable rival, the Islamic State group (IS). Regime forces and fighters from Lebanon's Shiite movement Hezbollah on Monday clashed with rebels and some Fateh Al-Sham jihadists in the Wadi Barada area, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Also Monday, the Observatory said IS had blown up a natural gas plant that supplied one-third of Syria's electricity. "In the past 48 hours, IS blew up the Hayyan gas plant in eastern Homs province, putting it totally out of order," said the Britain-based group that tracks the country's civil war using sources on the ground. A source at the Syrian oil ministry confirmed the explosion to AFP. The plant had already ceased to operate one month ago, after the advance of the jihadists in the central region of Palmyra. Russia 'serious' about talks Assad meanwhile rejected any negotiations towards his departure from power at talks set to be held in late January in Kazakhstan's capital Astana. "My position is related to the constitution, and the constitution is very clear about the mechanism in which you can bring a president or get rid of a president," he said. "So, if they (the opposition) want to discuss this point, they have to discuss the constitution, and the constitution is not owned by the government or the president or by the opposition. "It should be owned by the Syrian people, so you need a referendum," he said. The Astana talks, organised by regime allies Russia and Iran and rebel backer Turkey, aim to pave the way towards an end to a nearly six-year war that has killed 310,000 people and displaced millions. Assad has said Syrian forces are on their way to victory after they recaptured the northern city of Aleppo on 22 December with support from Moscow and Tehran. Opposition negotiator Basma Khodmani said: "This time the Russians are serious and determined. They want to get out of the conflict. They have gone as far as it was in their interest to go on the military front." "They can't obtain a total victory as it would take years. They now want a political solution and this Astana meeting to be credible." Since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011, Syria's uprising has evolved into a complex war involving many players. On Sunday, commandos from the US-led coalition battling IS raided a village held by the jihadists in eastern Syria, the Observatory and the Pentagon said. The operation was "focused on Islamic State leadership," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said. The Observatory said at least 25 jihadists were killed in the two-hour raid on the village of Al-Kubar in the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor, but Davis called the number "grossly exaggerated". By Gustavo Palencia | TEGUCIGALPA TEGUCIGALPA Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen praised Honduras for its loyalty on Monday at the start of a trip to four Central American nations aimed at strengthening ties, days after she met U.S. lawmakers in Texas on a visit that angered China.Her trip has come under scrutiny since U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sparked protests from Beijing by accepting a congratulatory telephone call from Tsai on his U.S. election win, and by questioning U.S. commitment to China's stance that Taiwan is part of one China.Tsai emphasized Taiwan's economic cooperation with Honduras, one of the world's poorest countries, and said President Juan Orlando Hernandez, whom she met in Tegucigalpa, had been the first to congratulate her on her 2016 election victory."Despite the international situation, and the constant challenges that affect us as a country ... the firm brotherhood and solidarity (of Honduras and Taiwan) is unalterable," Tsai said in a statement to reporters, speaking via an interpreter. Tsai said Taiwan and Honduras could serve as entry portals for the markets of Asia and Latina America. She did not mention China or the United States, and did not take questions.Tsai later flew to Nicaragua, and is also due to visit El Salvador and Guatemala this week. Her stopover in Texas at the weekend caused an angry response from Chinese state media. China had asked the United States not to allow Tsai to enter or have formal government meetings under the one-China policy.Beijing considers self-governing Taiwan a renegade province ineligible for state-to-state relations. Since the mid-1990s, almost a third of Taiwan's allies have broken ties. It now has formal relations with just 21, mostly smaller and poorer nations in Latin America and the Pacific. (Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Sandra Maler) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with several heads of state and ministers who have converged here for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Ahead of the official inauguration of the Summit, the prime minister held delegation-level talks with various international leaders at Mahatma Mandir on Tuesday morning, starting with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. In a series of tweets, External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Modi held bilateral talks with leaders of Rwanda, Serbia, Japan and Denmark. A crisp January morning in Gandhinagar begins with full delegation level talks. PM with President @PaulKagame of Rwanda @VibrantGujarat pic.twitter.com/F8WV3KwAFR Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 The two leaders witnessed the exchange of an MoU on Forensic Sciences cooperation and Rwanda's accession to the Intern'l Solar Alliance pic.twitter.com/kDk40NwutB Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 Later, Modi held bilateral talks with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Economy Minister of Japan Seko Hiroshige and then with Energy Minister of Denmark Lars Clilleholt. Strengthening ties with Serbia. PM @narendramodi holds 2nd bilateral with Aleksandar Vucic , Serbian PM at #VibrantGujarat2017 pic.twitter.com/2WEuM0S59l Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 An enduring investment partner. 2 months after Economy Minister @SekoHiroshige called on PM in Tokyo, they meet @VibrantGujarat pic.twitter.com/Hs37Cxd9Gv Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 Learning from the leaders in renewable energy. PM @narendramodi with @larsclilleholt, Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate, Denmark pic.twitter.com/8e6ZBXljzJ Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 A full complement of Swedish investors. PM @narendramodi meets Anna Ekstrom, Swedish Education Minister & a group of Swedish CEOs pic.twitter.com/ohnTywVCrH Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 Greetings from a Gulf partner before an important visit. PM @narendramodi with Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, Cabinet Member of the UAE pic.twitter.com/EsuiHRzufa Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 Leveraging Israel's expertise in Agriculture. PM @narendramodi meets with Uri Ariel, Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development pic.twitter.com/SttqdFGR9o Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 The Prime Minister is expected to hold similar meetings with other heads of state ahead of the official inauguration of the 8th edition of Vibrant Summit later on Tuesday. Glimpses from the Global Trade Show in Gandhinagar. @VibrantGujarat pic.twitter.com/qpZuoO1MZQ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2017 Here are some glimpses from the Nobel Exhibition held at Ahmedabad's Science City. @VibrantGujarat pic.twitter.com/kyKjvg5Qar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2017 Around 20 heads of state and ministers from different governments across the world are attending the summit. Nisha Desai Biswal, an Indian-American serving as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the United States Department of State, will attend the Summit along with a large US business delegation. Other prominent dignitaries are President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Rogozin, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, Poitr Glinski. The global hotel industry's leading cloud platform, SiteMinder, today announces it has secured 109 properties belonging to Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, the third largest hotel chain in Spain and the 42nd largest in the world. The win adds nearly 33,000 hotel rooms to SiteMinder's distribution network one week ahead of FITUR, the world's tourism trade fair for the Ibero American markets, where SiteMinder will be exhibiting for the third consecutive year. Speaking on the decision to adopt SiteMinder's technology, Barcelo Hotels & Resorts' head of e-distribution, Albert Santin, says, "SiteMinder has provided the peace we were looking for to complete our distribution strategy. Their expansive partner network gives Barcelo direct access to new, important markets, and greater visibility in existing ones, to significantly lower our cost of acquiring guests. And, I know SiteMinder will only continue to grow to provide us even greater direct business with the world's leading distribution channels. "Additionally, as we look to grow our portfolio to 200 hotels in the next five years, having the ability to centralise as many bookings as we can now means we can have greater control as we scale, be significantly more efficient, and make better decisions that drive revenue." Part of the Barcelo Group founded in Spain's tourism hot spot of Palma, Barcelo Hotels & Resorts comprises 109 establishments with nearly 33,000 rooms across 18 countries. Almost all establishments are 4-star and 5-star vacation resorts and city hotels. In 2015, the hotel group acquired Occidental Hotels & Resorts to expand its presence throughout Europe, Latin America and Africa under the brands of Occidental, Allegro and Royal Hideaway. The acquisition was followed in 2016 by a franchise agreement with Chinese giant Plateno, which has enabled Barcelo to leverage Plateno's 100 million-member loyalty program and granted Plateno rights to operate under the Barcelo brand in the world's biggest outbound tourism market. Mateus Coelho, regional manager Iberia at SiteMinder, says, "SiteMinder's partnership with Barcelo Hotels & Resorts signifies the need for even the largest hotel brands to deploy distribution technology that is powerful and automated in order to remain competitive in today's dynamic booking landscape. With SiteMinder's Channel Manager, we are pleased Barcelo can now benefit from incomparable reach online and a platform that works at the speed at which their guests are booking." About SiteMinder As the leading cloud platform for hotels, SiteMinder allows hotels to attract, reach and convert guests across the globe. We serve hotels of all sizes with award-winning solutions for independents and groups alike, wherever they are in the world. SiteMinder's products include The Channel Manager, the industry's leading online distribution platform; TheBookingButton, a wholly-branded booking engine for direct bookings via the web, mobile or social; Canvas, the intelligent website creator for independent hoteliers; Prophet, the real-time market intelligence solution that takes the guesswork out of pricing rooms; and GDS by SiteMinder, a single-point of entry to a six-figure network of travel agents and the world's major GDSs. With more than 23,000 hotel customers and 550 of the industry's top connectivity providers as our partners, today we have presence in more than 160 countries on six continents. For more information, visit www.siteminder.com or the team at FITUR (stand 8F07). About Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, the hotel division of the Barcelo Business Corporation, is the third largest chain in Spain and the world's 42nd. Today, and after the acquisition of Occidental Hotels & Resorts, it has 109 establishments which are almost exclusively 4-star and 5-star, all-inclusive vacation resorts, top-range vacation resorts and city hotels and nearly 33,000 rooms distributed over 18 countries. In addition, the 85-year-old company owns a 40% shareholding in Barcelo Crestline, an American management corporation, the portfolio of which amounts to 75 establishments. For more information, visit www.barcelo.com. Maria Cricchiola Director of Brand Communications & PR +61 2 8031 1287 View source GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Unusually warm winds and seas helped make last year the hottest ever recorded in New Zealand. The average temperature during 2016 was 13.4 Celsius, according to a report released yesterday by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. That was nearly 1 degree Celsius warmer than normal and fractionally hotter than the previous record set in 1998. The climate agency began keeping records in 1909. Agency forecaster Chris Brandolino said ocean temperatures around New Zealandwere warmer than normal for the first seven months of 2016 and that winds during the year came more often than usual from the north rather than the cooler south. He said there was no clear reason for the 2016 changes but that they had come against a backdrop of global warming caused by increased carbon emissions. We are expecting temperatures to continue to rise, Brandolino said. Its very concerning. New Zealands economy relies on farming, an industry which is particularly dependent on the weather. Anders Crofoot, the vice president for advocacy group Federated Farmers, said sheep and beef farmers in north Canterbury were hit by a drought last year. He said one downside of climate change was the possibility of more volatile weather, such as heavy but infrequent rainfall. He said in the longer term, climate change could force farmers like kiwifruit growers to move or consider alternative crops as the weather became less favorable to them. He added that certain crops like avocados and oranges could benefit from warmer weather. He said farmers were beginning to talk about climate change more and to consider it in their planning. He said many farmers were trying to find ways to reduce their own carbon emissions and farm more efficiently. Nick Perry, AP The Volkswagen executive who once was in charge of complying with U.S. emissions regulations has been arrested in connection with the companys emissions-cheating scandal, a person briefed on the matter said yesterday. Oliver Schmidt, who was general manager of the engineering and environmental office for VW of America, was arrested during the weekend in the federal criminal investigation, said the person, who didnt want to be identified because they are not authorized to speak on the case. Schmidt is the second VW employee to be arrested as the probe led by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Detroit continues. Its unclear what charges he faces. The New York Times reported that hes expected to be arraigned yesterday in a federal courtroom in Detroit. Schmidts bio for a 2012 auto industry conference said Schmidt was responsible for ensuring that vehicles built for sale within the U.S. and Canada comply with past, present and future air quality and fuel economy government standards in both countries. It says he served as the companys direct factory and government agency contact for emissions regulations. Volkswagen has admitted that it programmed diesel-powered vehicles to turn pollution controls on during tests and turn them off in real-world driving. The scandal has cost VW sales and has tarnished its brand worldwide. Volkswagen said in a statement last week that it is cooperating with the Justice Department in the probe. It would not be appropriate to comment on any ongoing investigations or to discuss personnel matters, the statement said. The company has agreed to either repair the cars or buy them back as part of a USD15 billion settlement approved by a federal judge in October. Volkswagen agreed to pay owners of 2-liter diesels up to $10,000 depending on the age of their cars. Tom Krisher, Detroit, AP Chefs at The Manor have crafted a six-course Valentines menu designed around the Six Degrees of Love for a luxurious dinner for two. Recently recognized for its distinctive design by the Hong Kong Restaurants Interior Design Awards, The Manor will offer its Valentines menu from February 10 to 18. According to a press release issued by St. Regis, the six-course dinner begins with Gillardeau Oyster with Tequila Lime Granite and Cucumber. In another salute to Valentines Day, The St. Regis Bar is offering Luscious Pair cocktails for couples to enjoy throughout the month of February. These cocktails are made with orange-infused gin and champagne with a fruity palette of orange, strawberry, peach and apple flavors. The St. Regis Bar will be serving Luscious Pair from February 1 to 28. The Six Degrees of Love set dinner for two is available from February 10 to 18 at The Manor. SPG members enjoy a 20 percent discount. Air products bids for Chinas largest industrial gas maker Air Products & Chemicals Inc. made an offer to buy Chinas biggest producer of industrial gases as it seeks to compete with rivals such as Praxair Inc. in an industry marked by a wave of consolidation. The Allentown, Pennsylvania-based maker of industrial and atmospheric gases said in a statement yesterday that it expressed preliminary, non-binding interest in acquiring all outstanding shares of Yingde Gases Group Co., subject to conditions. The news sent shares of Yingde which had been suspended starting Dec. 28 up 16 percent to HKD3.34 in Hong Kong trading, giving the target a market value of HKD6.3 billion (USD 812 million). The advance was the biggest gain since Dec. 7, 2015. Yingde also received interest from StellarS Capital, it said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The company will consider both proposals on Jan. 10. A deal would help Air Products to leapfrog rivals in China, where Praxair has at least 22 wholly owned units and 10 joint ventures. An acquisition would also help Air Products respond to competition globally from its bigger rival, which last month agreed to buy Germanys Linde AG to create the worlds largest supplier of industrial gases. East Timor plans to negotiate a larger share of the oil and gas wealth in the seabed between the impoverished Southeast Asian nation and Australia by restarting talks on a maritime boundary. East Timor and Australia said in a joint statement yesterday that the tiny half-island country plans to give its wealthy neighbor three months notice that a bilateral treaty on sharing Timor Sea oil and gas will be terminated. That 2006 treaty also suspended negotiations on a maritime boundary for 50 years. By reverting to a 2002 treaty, East Timor plans to restart negotiations and hopes persuade Australia to accept a boundary midway between the countries, Deakin University expert on Southeast Asia Damien Kingsbury said. Australia has long maintained that the border should extend beyond it large continental shelf and much closer to the East Timorese shore, but has failed to reach agreement on the subject with East Timor or with Indonesia which controlled the province before the East Timorese voted for independence in 1999. Instead, Australia has shared the energy wealth of the disputed seabed within an area known as the Joint Petroleum Development Area. East Timor currently collects 90 percent of royalties from the area, which go into a national fund. Kingsbury said East Timor stood to gain 100 percent of those royalties as the oil and gas fields in the Timor Sea were drying up over the next decade. Australia confirmed its commitment to negotiate a maritime boundary and said in the joint statement that it recognized East Timors right to terminate the 2006 treaty. East Timors Ambassador to Australia, Abel Guterres, said he expected Australia to accept international law in deciding where the boundary should lie. Its quite welcome for Australia to take this step and for us to deal with this issue once and for all, Guterres said. Its very important for both countries in our bilateral relations as well as regional stability and security. East Timor and Australia opened conciliation on the maritime boundary last year before a panel of five experts at a conciliation commission in The Hague convened under an international treaty governing the laws of the sea. The acrimonious dispute has long soured relations between East Timor and Australia, which played a pivotal role in helping East Timor gain independence after a long occupation by Indonesia. The relationship plumbed new depths in 2013 amid allegations that Australian spies bugged the East Timorese Cabinet ahead of crucial revenue-sharing negotiations. Australia rejects the claim, which is the focus of a separate arbitration case between the countries. Rod McGuirk, Canberra,AP Former Prosecutor-General Ho Chio Meng continued to deny all charges laid against him during yesterdays court session at the Court of Final Appeal (TUI). The session addressed the charges related to money laundering and false declarations of assets. However, Ho admitted to having made a mistake in failing to declare at least one of his bank accounts. Ho assumed all of the blame for such a failure, clearing any other people namely his wife Chao Siu Fu of being related to the case. Quite different calculations mean that the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) accuses Ho of 56 counts of aggravated money laundering, in addition to being the brain behind orders of cash withdrawals and deposits made by six front companies into accounts belonging to the former Prosecutor-Generals brother Ho Chio Shun. The accusation states that Meng gave the orders. Although there is no direct evidence to support this, the MP has voiced its belief that Meng ultimately was given the majority of the money transferred to his brother, a total of around MOP75.3 million. These accusations were entirely denied by Ho who questioned in court how the MP arrived at the conclusion that he should be accused of 56 crimes. Ho said: I totally deny all these charges! They dont make any sense! If I wanted to do something [illegal] I wouldnt have had to do so many things to earn these peanuts. In keeping with denying every accusation, during yesterdays trial session Ho created a new motto he called the five nos. As he explained, the five nos stand for: one I wasnt aware; two I havent participated; three I didnt ask for or solicit anything; four I havent asked anyone to replace me to receive anything; five I havent received even one cent from these people. Ho claimed that the accusation had significant flaws and was based on presumptions and assumptions. During the investigation phase, to assume some things are correct, facts are needed to substantiate them, Ho said, asking the MP: How did I suggest and give instructions [for the crimes of money laundering]? Where are those facts? From the prosecution side came the reply that there are phone records that indicate during the 10 years he was in charge of the MP that there were 29 phone calls between the defendant and people from those companies. Ho called on logic to acknowledge that such a small number of phone calls over such a long time would make no sense in a process where he is accused of thousands of criminal actions, stating, There is no way to connect one phone call with one act [that the MP claims occurred]. There was a degree of thinking aloud in yesterdays statements by the former prosecutor. I have hope in this court and in the law. I hope the court can go through these 56 crimes one by one so I can defend myself, he said. Ho continued to reply to questions from both the collective of judges presided over by Sam Hou Fai and the prosecutors, reaffirming that he had no connection with any of the cases mentioned. He called for evidence from the prosecution side in addition to saying that the names mentioned are only of people that arent here at this court. Ho even accused the prosecution of trying to preside over the court instead of Sam Hou Fai. With relation to the accusations regarding assets, namely a residential unit acquired from his brother Shun when he was already under investigation by the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC), Meng explained he acquired the unit because he was tired of living in Taipa and he wanted to move back to live in the Peninsula. His brother was merely conveniently looking to sell the apartment that he had bought back in 2006. At stake is a total of MOP9.3 million that Meng is said to have paid his brother for the unit but that according to the prosecution ended up being invested by Shun in stocks for a VIP Club in a local casino. Meng reaffirmed that he was not aware of this investment and that it had nothing to do with him. In response to a question from one of the prosecutors regarding an apparent mismatch between the version of the story he told in the early stages of the process to the CCAC and the one he offered the court, Ho said: Yesterday was yesterday, now and here is what matters! Ive heard many promises in the past from many people that now turned their backs on me. His comment alluded to a veiled criticism of someone. The trial will resume tomorrow morning. A massive crowd of mostly barefoot Filipino Catholics joined an annual procession of a centuries-old statue of Jesus Christ held yesterday under tight security due to fears of possible retaliation for the killing of an Islamic extremist. The U.S. and British embassies asked their citizens to take precautions, and the police warned that local Muslim militants trying to align themselves with the Islamic State group may try to attack the procession of the wooden Black Nazarene along Manilas streets. National police chief Ronald Dela Rosa said authorities have not monitored any specific threat but warned that followers of the extremist leader killed last week may retaliate by attacking the procession. Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, who led a small but violent Islamic group called Ansar Al Khilafah Philippines, died in a gunbattle with police Thursday in Sarangani province in the countrys south. Three of his companions were captured. On Saturday, an unidentified foreigner linked to Maguids group and a Filipina were killed when they allegedly tried to lob a grenade at policemen to evade arrest in Sarangani. Maguids group has been linked to a failed plot to bomb Rizal Park and the nearby U.S. Embassy in Manila in November. Authorities have imposed a gun ban, prohibited drones and backpacks, and jammed cellphone signals along the vicinity of the procession, which was guarded by thousands of police and troops. Snipers kept watch from atop buildings. Metropolitan Manila police estimated about 1.4 million people participated in the raucous procession of the lifesize statue carrying a cross. It was not possible to confirm the crowd estimate independently as huge groups joined or left as the procession advanced slowly. Devotees jostled around a carriage carrying the statue and threw small towels at volunteers on the carriage to wipe parts of the cross and the statue in the belief that the Nazarenes mystical powers to cure ailments and provide good health and fortune will rub off on them. Benjamin Tayzon, a 64-year-old businessman, brought some of his children and grandchildren, to one of Asias largest religious gatherings, although he lost two toes in 1990 when the wheels of the carriage of the Black Nazarene ran over his left foot. He said it may have been Gods way of telling him that he has committed too many sins. Its a remembrance, like a tattoo that can never be erased, Tayzon told The Associated Press as he walked barefoot, carrying a small replica of the statue on his head. Others came to pray for sick loved ones like Jenny Benedicto, whose 4-year-old son is afflicted by a lung ailment. Benedicto struggled to get close to touch the statue with a towel in the hope that the cloth can help heal her son if she wiped it on him. She got pinned by the mammoth crowd, however, and fainted in the chaos, she told The AP in a first-aid station. More than 1,000 devotees were treated by Red Cross volunteers for minor ailments. Joanne Noel, a 55-year-old teacher from Luxembourg, snapped pictures of the swarms of elderly and young devotees, saying she hasnt seen such a huge turnout for a religious event in Europe, where attendance in churches has declined. Im very impressed, she said. They need to hope about something because life is very hard for these people. The lifesize statue, crowned with thorns and bearing a cross, is believed to have been brought from Mexico to Manila on a galleon in 1606 by Spanish missionaries. The ship that carried it caught fire, but the charred statue survived. Some believe the statues endurance, from fires and earthquakes through the centuries, and intense bombings during World War II, is a testament to its mystical powers. The spectacle reflects the unique brand of Catholicism, which includes folk superstitions, in Asias largest Catholic nation. Dozens of Filipinos have themselves nailed to crosses on Good Friday in another tradition to emulate Christs suffering that draws huge crowds each year. Jim Gomez, Bullit Marquez, AP MGM Resorts International confirmed the first procurement deal with local brand Smart Trophy & Souvenir, marking the commencement of MGMs program to bring more Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the global market. The business deal, signed in December 2016, was made after rounds of online conferences and sample mailings led by MGM, according to an announcement made by the gaming operator. MGM is taking its support of local Macau Small Medium Enterprises global by developing its existing Macau SME relationships with its parent company, MGM Resorts International, read a press release issued yesterday. As the gaming operator is set to expand into Cotai this year, it is looking to bring its existing local SME relationships along. This newly launched initiative assists some of their qualified SMEs to expand their business internationally for global procurement deals, kicking off with MGM Resorts International. Smart Trophy & Souvenir is currently the first local SME vendor to manufacture 4,500 custom-made Chinese New Year gift sets for MGM Resorts International as keepsakes for the companys VIP guests. The local firm competed with three other local SMEs for the deal, following specific contents and drawings that MGM International Resorts provided. Gary Chung, vice president of supply chain services at MGM Macau, noted that the company has taken part in SME-related initiatives with MGM Resorts in the past. However, this is the first time the company is linking local SMEs to the global market. Smart Trophy & Souvenir is the first case in which we directly partnered up to do business with MGM [] This is the first case in which we specifically have our SMEs negotiating with MGM Resorts, the first of many, he told the Times. We went through diligence in looking at a number of suppliers and Smart won on their own merits and has done a successful job in executing the project, added Chung. He stressed that MGM Cotai is a motivator for the company to continually aid the growth of local SMEs. With this initiative, MGM Resorts will benefit by acquiring quality products at competitive prices. Chung noted that When we look to help them [SMEs] grow and expand, there is no expectation that we are going to sacrifice or give away quality delivery, performance and price competitiveness. Such initiatives allow local enterprises to obtain a foothold in the international market, as well as the opportunity to gain experience. Lono Lee from Smart Trophy & Souvenir told the Times that such an initiative has the potential to create further opportunities for businesses to become more competitive, citing future recognition of local brands. [With] the finishing of the product and the material, the standard is much higher compared to other local costumers we have, he said. Lee, part of the team of six behind the enterprise that has been operating for 11 years, expressed his hope for more similar opportunities to be offered in the region. Meanwhile, Chung shared that MGM Macau has no target number in terms of directing local enterprises to MGM International Resorts. Indeed, there are several SMEs and other commodity areas that MGM is starting discussions with. According to Chung, the resort is looking at expanding its partnerships with SMEs into specific areas. Our internal goals are more focused on the strategy and the actions that we will put in place rather than a specific quota [] If we execute our strategies properly, the number will come, he remarked. Stacey Taylor, senior vice president and chief procurement officer of MGM Resorts International informed the Times that local SMEs are capable of offering goods that the property could utilize. Macau SMEs offer goods that can fulfill that need, said Taylor. We also have many FF&E (Furniture & Fixture) needs and there is opportunity based on the quality and craftsmanship that has been shown to us for Macau SMEs to partake in bids for projects, she added. According to her, MGM Resorts international has ongoing projects in which the property is looking for innovative suppliers to join their network. When questioned on the benefits the program could offer to both parties, Taylor stressed that MGM resorts could add to its network suppliers for goods that are not readily available in the United States. In terms of increasing its supplier diversity, Taylor noted that it would continually work with MGM Macaus Procurement team to acquire samples from local Macau SMEs for evaluation and bidding. We will continue to provide areas of opportunity for our local team to assist in identifying suppliers that will be added to our bidding opportunities. We are looking for goods that we can continue to purchase for many years and expand upon those areas with the suppliers to create additional opportunities, explained Taylor. MGM Resorts International has no specific limitations when it comes to purchasing a wide range of products, as it is focused on increasing its spending on Macau SMEs. Taylor also noted that the international resort would be willing to provide assistance to local SMEs via MGM China in a bid to acquire the right tools and partners. The procurement professional hoped that Macau SMEs could learn the procurement process of a multinational organization on a large scale as such exposure and experience should allow SMEs achieve incremental growth opportunities. Meanwhile, Chung revealed that in the first and second quarters of 2017, MGM Macau has plans to initiate more activities between MGM resorts International and Macau SMEs. Chung reiterated that in any of the resorts sourcing initiatives, eco-friendly has always been a criteria for the goods and services that the property procures whether with SME engagements or not. Currently, MGM China believes there are a few categories in which Macau SMEs are well suited to reach the global market. These categories include souvenirs, print and collateral, furniture and textiles. Macau has many SMEs that we believe are very suited to sell internationally and we could bring them to MGM, added Chung. Chung also reiterated that the resort has recognized its responsibility to support the community in which they operate. MGM China has held several vendor matching sessions. Hence, the gaming operator is mentoring initiatives and supporting local SMEs by holding seminars in a bid to take their business plans further. It makes sense to support the local business community that you deal with, commented Chung. Chung cited his belief that local SMEs have tremendously improved in offering products and services to operators in the region; citing quality, responsiveness and service level of local businesses. Theres been a steady improvement, definitely, he said. Further, Grant Bowie, chief executive officer and executive director of MGM China noted that MGM sees a responsibility to support the economic development of SMEs in the international arena. We recognize that our parent company with its global procurement deals can do even more to recognize the great potential of Macaus products. [] This is just the beginning of our long and inspiring journey in bringing more local SMEs overseas, he concluded. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in remarks published yesterday that he was prepared to negotiate everything at planned talks later this month in Kazakhstan, seeking to cast himself as a peacemaker after his forces recapture of Aleppo last month. However, the upcoming talks, brokered by Ankara and Moscow, are still in doubt as Syrian opposition groups have yet to confirm their participation. Syrian activists meanwhile reported what appeared to be a U.S.-led special forces raid on Islamic State militants in eastern Syria. Omar Abou Leila, who runs Deir Ezzor 24, said four helicopters landed in the desert between the IS-held cities of Deir el-Zour and Raqqa on Sunday. Commandos set up checkpoints and intercepted a vehicle carrying several Islamic State militants, killing all of them and flying off with the bodies, he said. Its an operation that apparently targeted an important figure, Abou Leila told The Associated Press from Germany, where he is based. Deir Ezzor 24 is one of several locally staffed underground groups reporting from IS-held territory. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, another activist-run group, said 25 militants were killed in the ambush. Local witnesses said at least some of the commandos spoke Arabic. There was no immediate comment from the U.S.-led coalition. Speaking to French reporters at his Damascus palace, Assad defended his troops deadly bombardment of eastern Aleppo, saying the alternative would have been to leave the citys civilians to the mercy of terrorists a term the government uses for all rebels. Assad questioned the credibility of Syrian opposition groups backed by the West and Saudi Arabia, which make up the bulk of the armed and political opposition to his rule. Theres no limit to negotiations, Assad said, in remarks carried by Syrian state media. But who is going to be there from the other side, we dont know yet. [] The viability of the conference depends on that. Past Syrian peace talks have run aground on the question of Assads future and whether he is to continue as president, with the opposition insisting his departure is a precondition for any reforms. Assad said the matter could only be resolved through a constitutional referendum. If they want to discuss this point, they need to discuss the constitution. You need a referendum for every [constitutional amendment]. This is one of the points that could be discussed in the meeting in Kazakhstan, he said. The talks are scheduled to begin in the Kazakh capital of Astana on Jan. 23. They follow a lengthy rapprochement between Russia, a key backer of Assad, and Turkey, a main sponsor of the opposition, that culminated in a cease-fire agreement that came into force on Dec. 30, but which has already started to erode. Russian officials have suggested the U.S. could be invited to the talks at a later date. The Obama administration has been at odds with Russia over how to resolve Syrias conflict. Incoming President Donald Trump has indicated he might distance the U.S. from Syrias rebels, bringing Washington in closer alignment with Moscow. Trump wrote on Twitter Saturday that he would strive to build good relations with Russia, and perhaps, work together to solve many of the great and pressing problems and issues of the WORLD! Asked about the comments, Assad said warmer relations between Washington and Moscow reflects positively on the Syrian conflict. As for Aleppo, Assad said the government forces were forced to liberate the city. There is a price, sometimes, but at the end the people are liberated from the terrorists, he said. Once Syrias largest city and industrial hub, Aleppo has been devastated by nearly six years of war. Rebels took control of its eastern districts in 2012, before surrendering it to government authority last month. The U.N. said the governments relentless military campaign, which displaced tens of thousands of civilians, could have violated the laws of war. Philip Issa, Beirut, AP China has reiterated its opposition to any contacts between U.S. officials and Taiwans government following a meeting between Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. Greg Abbott and the self-governing islands President Tsai Ing-wen. Cruz and Abbot met with Tsai on Sunday while she was passing through Houston on her way to a visit to Taiwans Central American allies. At a news briefing in Beijing yesterday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China was firmly opposed to any contact between Taiwans leader and anyone from the U.S. government. Such contacts threaten to disturb and undermine relations between Washington and Beijing, Lu said. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been ratcheting up the diplomatic pressure on the independence-leaning Tsai since her election last year. Cruz said in a news release that during his meeting with Tsai, they discussed our mutual opportunity to upgrade the stature of our bilateral relations in a talk that addressed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic relations. An official with Republican President elect-Donald Trumps transition team said neither Trump nor transition officials would meet with Tsai. Her stop in the U.S. was scrutinized by Beijing for any signs that Trumps team would risk its ire by further engaging with the self-ruled island that China considers its territory. Trump last month breached diplomatic protocol by speaking by phone with the Taiwanese leader. Trump raised further concerns in Beijing when he questioned a U.S. policy that since 1979 has recognized Beijing as Chinas government and maintains only unofficial relations with Taiwan. U.S. lawmakers often meet with Taiwanese presidents when they transit through the U.S. most recently in June, when Tsai met in Miami with Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. Chinas nationalistic tabloid Global Times said Beijing would take a hard line toward any contacts between Taiwans government and the incoming Trump administration. China should also impose military pressure on Taiwan and push it to the edge of being reunified by force, the ruling Communist Party-published paper said in an editorial Sunday. China has seized the initiative. The U.S. and Taiwan now should restrain, or be forced to restrain, themselves, the paper said. Tsai needs to face the consequences for every provocative step she takes, it said. AP Xi Jinpings top graft-busters vowed political loyalty Sunday as the Chinese president marshals resources ahead of a pivotal Communist Party reshuffle later this year. Chinas top anti-corruption agency declared in a communique at the end of its annual meeting in Beijing that upholding the partys leadership with Xi at the core was the basic guarantee for the countrys development, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. Central Commission for Discipline Inspection chief Wang Qishan said his team at all levels must study Xis speeches and urged the watchdog to maintain a sound internal party political environment ahead of the party congress. The twice-a-decade gathering, in which as many as 11 of the 25 seats on the Politburo may change hands, marks a milestone in Xis tenure as president and party chief. The CCDI has been a key instrument of Xis power over the past four years as some 1.2 million party members were punished, including Chinas former domestic security chief and deputy commander-in-chiefs, in an unprecedented campaign against corruption. CCDI planned to focus this year on overhauling itself to build a reliable team, Xinhua said, citing the communique. The house-cleaning effort may further bolster the authority of CCDI and its 68-year- old chief, who would step aside this year unless Xi dispenses with the retirement conventions of past reshuffles. In October, the party declared Xi its core leader, an elevated status set to boost his authority and help him advance policy changes and personnel moves. Beijings municipal anti-graft agency chief Li Shulei, who served under Xi when the future president led the Central Party School from 2007 to 2012, was promoted to deputy chief of the CCDI during the annual gathering in Beijing, a high-profile post that could set him up for future advancement. At the plenum, CCDI also endorsed prior decisions to punish two of its former members, Xinhua said, citing the communique. The body approved a report on the serious disciplinary violations of Wang Zhongtian and disciplinary violations of Li Jianbo. Over the past four years, 38 CCDI officials were punished for corruption. More than 7,200 anti-graft officers across the country were investigated for violating party rules or corruption. State-run China Central Television broadcast a three-part series on CCDIs house-cleaning this week featuring the cases of 10 former senior graft-busters, including Zhu Mingguo, previously Guangdong provinces highest- ranking disciplinary official. Zhu received a suspended death sentence for taking bribes. Disciplinary officials will have to assert tighter control over themselves, Wu Yuliang, a deputy CCDI chief, told a briefing in Beijing on Monday. Those who regulate others will have to regulate themselves in the first place. Ting Shi, Bloomberg Protesters who support adding anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity to Idaho law were back at the statehouse Monday, marching outside the House chambers during Gov. C.L. Butch Otters State of the State address. The protesters wore black and marched in a circle around the third floor rotunda before and while Otter spoke, holding signs telling the stories of Idahoans who have suffered or been discriminated against for being gay or transgender. After about a decade of lobbying and protests, a bill to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the law banning discrimination based on race, sex, religion and other protected categories got a hearing in 2015. After several days of often emotional testimony on both sides, the House State Affairs Committee killed it on a party-line vote. Some lawmakers from both parties held talks to find a compromise after that. Another bill was introduced in 2016, but it never got a hearing. Otter said at a news conference after the speech that he didnt speak or interact with any of the protesters when exiting the chamber. He said he has asked lawmakers to study the anti-discrimination law in Utah, which passed that also-very Republican Legislature with overwhelming support in 2015. The law there protects gay and transgender people from housing and employment discrimination but doesnt address the often-more controversial question of public accommodations, or whether a business can refuse service based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Weve looked at different options, Otter said. At a news conference Monday afternoon, Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum and House Minority Leader Mat Erpelding, D-Boise, said the Democrats would continue to push the issue this year. Gov. C.L. Butch Otter said Friday that he has not changed his position on legalizing wider use of cannabidiol oil. In 2015, Otter vetoed legislation that would have given people a way to possess cannabidiol oil, which doesn't contain enough THC to cause a high and which some people take to treat seizures but did allow the creation of a limited CBD oil experiment that a small number of children could take part in Otter said Friday that it had been 25 originally but had expanded to 38. Speaking to reporters at the Associated Press's annual event previewing the legislative session, Otter also said he has talked to many other governors of states that have legalized medical marijuana, and that at least one governor had told him there had been unintended consequences to legalizing medical marijuana. There was a lot of unintended consequences that they hadnt anticipated, Otter said. Almost anybody who goes into a doctor with a hangnail in some of those states can get a medical marijuana card. While many states have been liberalizing marijuana laws in recent years Oregon, Washington and Nevada have legalized recreational use Idaho hasn't. Utah and Wyoming are the only states bordering Idaho that don't allow for marijuana either medically or recreationally, although both states have legalized CBD oil use in wider contexts than Idaho has. There isn't much reason to think marijuana will be legalized in Idaho anytime soon, although Idaho Freedom Foundation head Wayne Hoffman said in late November that he does expect legislation allowing for CBD oil use and for possession of certain medical products such as lotions that contain some marijuana. Idaho's marijuana laws received some wider attention late last year after the arrest of Kelsey Osborne, a Gooding woman who treated her 3-year-old daughter's seizures with a smoothie containing marijuana butter. Osborne's criminal case is making its way through the courts, but she has lost custody of her children as a result of the incident. House Minority Leader Mat Erpelding, D-Boise, expressed support for changing Idahos marijuana laws on Friday. While answering a question about changing the law on pensions for lawmakers who move on to other state jobs after their tenure, Erpelding said he was frustrated at the attention that and other little hot-button issues get when other issues that affect more people, such as marijuana laws, dont get as much discussion. Erpelding said lawmakers should discuss decriminalizing marijuana, noting the number of neighboring states that have legalized it. At a minimum, we shouldnt be tossing them in jail for driving through our state, he said. BOISE Buy Idahos 24th annual Capitol trade show takes place Jan. 18. The trade show is expected to bring 2,000 visitors to the Capitol building, with up to 100 booths showcasing Buy Idaho members, products and services. The Capitol Show is Buy Idahos signature event, Sandy Anderson, executive director of Buy Idaho, said in a statement. Our members look forward to this day every year. It is excellent exposure and a great way to learn about Idaho products and services. I replied to an ad on Craigslist for a job. They sent me an email that I would be doing postings on Craigslist for $500.00 per month. This is how an Idaho woman started her scam report to Better Business Bureau this week. That job ended up costing her over $9,000 according to the Scam Tracker report. After being hired for the job, the woman was told to open a checking account at a well-known bank in her name. She was to give her boss the account and card numbers, and they would handle the rest. Everything was going fine until I got a text that my boss had been in an accident and had died and that I would not be getting paid because they could not figure out what it was I did for my boss, she wrote. She then told the scammers she was contacting her attorney, and the story changed to her boss was actually in a coma and had recently awoken. She then checked that account she was told to open, only to find out she was over $9,000 in the negative. When she tried to reach the boss again, the number had been disconnected. Unfortunately, job scams are all too common and can be devastating when whats supposed to be an extra paycheck turns out to be a costly scheme. Before moving forward with a potential employment opportunity, Better Business Bureau recommends watching for these red flags of a job scam: Requests for banking or credit information. Never give out your bank account or credit card information during the job application process. Once hired by a legitimate company, you may need to set up a direct deposit, but be very wary of any requests for this information from strangers or via the Internet. Overpayment for work. This is a typical employment scam. Watch out if your new employer wants you to deposit your paycheck and then transfer a portion of money for any number of elaborate, and often believable, reasons. Your paycheck is likely fraudulent and will bounce, leaving you to cover the overdrawn funds. Vague company descriptions. Its a huge red flag if you cant identify the companys owner, product, headquarters, or even location. Just because they listed an ad online doesnt mean the business is legitimate. No interview. If you are offered a job without a formal interview or job application, its most likely a scam. Be wary of jobs that hire you on the spot or conduct interviews via online chat or instant messaging services. BOISE The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will set seasons for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat when it meets Jan. 25-26 at Idaho Department of Fish and Game headquarters in Boise. A public hearing begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 in the headquarters trophy room. Anyone may address the commission on any topic related to Fish and Game business. The next day's agenda items include season setting for moose, sheep and goat; Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee budget preview; legislative update; deer and elk status briefing; and Winter Feeding Advisory Committee member appointments. When finalized, a full agenda will be posted on the Fish and Game website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/ BURLEY Police say a Burley man deliberately ran his pickup into a man riding a motorized bicycle on New Years Eve. Derek Thomas, 23, is charged with aggravated assault and is being held at the Mini-Cassia jail on a $75,000 bond. An officer was called to a home on East 16th Street for a damage to property report where a man said he was riding his motorized bike home and about to turn into his driveway when a blue Chevrolet pickup struck the rear of the bike. The man told police that prior to the impact he heard the driver accelerate and then the driver sped off at 45 to 50 mph in the 35 mph zone. The man said he recognized Thomas because he has had problems with him before. The officer said the bikes rear tire appeared ruptured and there was green sealant sprayed over the back of the mans clothing and the bike. There was also a scrape on the rear of the bikes seat. When the officer arrived at Thomas home, Thomas wife said he had been there for 15 to 20 minutes. But Thomas told police he had been sleeping for the last two to 2 1/2 hours, although the police noted he did not appear like he had been sleeping. Thomas denied hitting the bike with his truck and told police to contact another man who had been with him to verify the story. The second man said the two had gone to lunch together and then saw the man riding erratically on the bike. He said Thomas did not hit the bike. The officer found the pickup parked across the street from Thomas residence and took photos of it, but said there were no marks on it. Thomas posted $75,000 bond Jan. 3 and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Friday. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy TWIN FALLS Twin Falls students and school employees wont see many changes to the calendar for next school year. Twin Falls School District trustees approved the schedule Monday night. They first heard a presentation last month about the proposal. School officials say they strive to make a decision about the calendar early so families can plan well in advance for vacations. Board chairman Bernie Jansen asked if theres still a fair amount of difference in days between first and second semesters. It kind of evens out because we use quite a bit of time in the second semester for testing, Superintendent Wiley Dobbs said, such as for the Idaho Standards Achievement Tests. A calendar committee, which included one representative from every school, came up with the recommendation. There arent any significant changes proposed for next year, with school starting in August and ending in late May before Memorial Day. Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring breaks would also remain about the same length. The school start date in August was a concern for some parents on the calendar committee, trustee Mary Barron said. But a larger survey of parents didnt reveal many concerns, she added. During their meeting, school trustees also: Heard an update on the superintendent search process. There has been a rumor that the Twin Falls School District has already made an under the table selection of a superintendent, but thats not true, Jansen said. School trustees approved a statement that will go to the Idaho School Boards Association, which is assisting with a nationwide superintendent search. ISBA will send out a reminder the job is still open, along with the school boards statement, he said. A phone call to the school district office prompted the response, Jansen said. Dobbs announced this fall hell retire in September 2017. He told the board Monday night he has fielded many phone calls from interested candidates and referred them to ISBA. The rumor going around is surprising, Dobbs said, adding the school board hasnt wavered from its commitment to transparency. Approved emergency closures for Wednesday, Thursday and Monday because of the winter storm. Now, the notice will go to the Idaho Department of Education. The school district will also send a request to the state to adjust the average daily attendance, which is used for funding purposes, for Friday, because attendance was low at schools due to subzero temperatures. Approved food service bids for canned food and non-food items from Feb. 6 to May 22: $3,392.60 to Food Services of America, $2,531 to Gem State Paper & Supply, $8,186.65 to Nicholas & Co. Inc., $3,572.60 to Northwest Distribution, $2,000.50 to Sysco Food Service, $328.75 to U.S. Foods and $196,128.99 to Food Service of American Weekly second half. Heard an update about supplemental levy presentations around the community, scheduled over the next two-and-a-half months. The two-year measure, totaling $8.5 million, will be on ballots in March. Its a $500,000 reduction of the levy thats currently in place, which helps pay for basic operating expenses. It makes up about 10 percent of the school districts operating budget. The goal isnt to tell people how to vote, Dobbs said, but to inform them so they can make an educated decision. Recognized employees of the month from Rock Creek Elementary School: second-grade teacher Paula Perry and school secretary Celina Collier. Recognized employees of the month from I.B. Perrine Elementary School: head custodian Bill Presher and third through fifth-grade special education teacher Melissa Woodland. Heard an update about school district facility projects. Lots of decisions are being made about staffing at South Hills Middle School, director of operations Brady Dickinson said. Construction on the project, paid for using a nearly $74 million bond voters approved for three new schools, is slated to wrap up this spring. Furniture should arrive on site in June, Dickinson said. Teachers should move into the building in late June or early July. Also, the budget is holding as well, he added, and he expects to have extra money leftover to use for other facility maintenance projects. Hummel Architects is working on preliminary plans for a remodel at Magic Valley High School. Meetings will be held with school staff to share ideas and seek input. At the end of the day, we want to create a master plan for the building, Dickinson said, and do work in phases as money becomes available. Priority projects include adding two to three classrooms, and creating a bigger cafeteria. A heating unit malfunctioned, let cold air into a mechanical room and caused several pipes to freeze and burst at Rock Creek Elementary School Dec. 27 over Christmas break, Dickinson said. There werent any school employees or students in the building, he said. All of the repair work was done under a one-year warranty. BOISE Gov. C.L. Butch Otter urged lawmakers Monday in his State of the State address to further increase education spending and set aside $10 million for an agricultural research center in the Magic Valley. In what will likely be his penultimate budget and address to lawmakers, Otter proposed significant boosts to education spending and warned lawmakers to resist cutting taxes at the expense of investments in the states future. The governors proposed budget set the stage for a showdown with fellow Republicans who have pledged to cut taxes this session and others who see the governors proposals as government expansion. Still, the governor pleased others in his party when he urged lawmakers to continue to search for market-based health care solutions rather than expand Medicaid for the uninsured, especially because the Republican-controlled Congress plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Once you give a benefit, thats like getting a tattoo, Otter said at his post-speech news conference. Without some serious scarring or trauma, youre not going to be able to take that back. Otter also said he was far more hopeful than anxious about the upcoming presidency of Donald Trump, saying he hopes Republican control of the White House means renewal of a national commitment to the principles of federalism. Voters have expressed a desire for government that works, both here in Boise and in Washington, D.C., Otter said in his speech. Theyre tired of timid representation that seems more concerned with the next election than the next generation. Overall, Otter is proposing a 5.87 percent general fund spending increase, including a 6.4 percent hike for public schools and $58 million to pay for the third year of the career ladder plan to raise teachers pay. Hes on the glide path to continue to strengthen education, said Rep. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, co-chairwoman of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. Idaho Freedom Foundation head Wayne Hoffman said Otters budget raises spending too much and that the group would work with lawmakers on a true conservative budget that respects the taxpayer and cuts taxes. Idahoans deserve the conservative government they voted for, he said. The governors budget doesnt deliver on that. Otter is proposing $10 million in seed money for a Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, or CAFE, in the Magic Valley. The idea was first proposed before the recession but tabled when the economy collapsed. The $10 million represents two-thirds of the money the state would put forth to get the center established. The idea is for the state to provide $15 million total, the universities and colleges involved the University of Idaho is taking the lead to put forth $15 million and agricultural industry groups to put forth $15 million. I was delighted, Bell said. She said she expects the funding to pass in committee. I dont see any reason why the committee wouldnt fund it, she said. I would be really surprised if they didnt. We thank Gov. Otter for his support for an initiative we feel is critical to Idahos future, University of Idaho President Chuck Staben said in a statement. This effort is led by the University of Idaho but relies on support and participation from education, industry and economic development partners. Otter said that, if the educational and industry groups involved have set aside two-thirds of the needed money by January 2018, he would then ask the state to put up its last $5 million. Theyre going to have the money in the bank before I ask for another $5 million dollars, he said. Even with funding, it may take at least 18 months or longer before the center opens, House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, said. The governors warning against cutting taxes may clash with many in his own party, including the House speaker. With state revenues coming in higher than expected, many Republican lawmakers, including Bedke, would like to see tax cuts this year, with income tax rates and the personal property tax frequently mentioned as areas on which to focus. Bedke said he expects some give-and-take between the executive and legislative branches during the session on the issue. The creative tension envisioned by our founders is alive and well, he said. Otter said in his speech that taxes have already been cut by $1 billion during his tenure, and that Idahoans would already be getting a break from legislation coming this year to cut the base tax rate employers pay for unemployment insurance. I will not entertain anything that undermines our commitment to meeting our essential state government functions, Otter said. At a news conference after the speech, members of Close the Gap Idaho, a coalition that has lobbied for Medicaid expansion, urged lawmakers and Otter to act rather than wait for Congress. We cant build an Idaho solution by continuing to kick the can down the road, said Luke Cavener, with the American Cancer Society/Cancer Action Network. Tim Heinze, the CEO of Valley Family Health Care, said there is a really vivid contrast between the experiences of his patients in Payette County versus neighboring Oregon, which accepted Medicaid expansion. Its more urgent than ever that Idaho act to provide health care coverage to all its citizens, he said. The two also took issue with Otters statement to reporters after his speech that people in the Medicaid gap those who dont qualify for Medicaid but dont make enough to get subsidized insurance on the state exchange arent waiting for a solution and have other options to get health care. Tell him to hop on GoFundMe and see all the people across this state that are asking people to donate funds to (pay for) their care, Cavener said. Tell him to visit our clinics. Minority leaders Sen. Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum and Rep. Mat Erpelding, D-Boise, praised Otter for continuing to fund education. The progressive values within his proposals to tackle some of Idahos largest educational concerns are efforts that we are happy to continue to support, Erpelding said. However, they criticized Otter and the Republicans on a number of issues, including the lack of talk of boosting early childhood education, state employee pay Erpelding said the 3 percent raises Otter is proposing will still leave Idahos state workers lower paid than other states and Medicaid expansion. Rather than talking about issues like tax relief, lets talk about finding a real solution that closes the gap if we are going to find a state solution, Erpelding said. TWIN FALLS Rain and melting snow kept crews busy Monday as they combated flooding and prepared for yet another wave of snow. The National Weather Service expected 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation Monday night and more rain and snow Tuesday. City Manager Travis Rothweiler said crews worked all weekend to prepare for the onslaught of weather. On Monday afternoon, Rothweiler said he was not aware of significant widespread flooding, though there was some residential flooding. Im not aware of flooding as a result of city streets, he said. Rothweiler added that crews were targeting snow removal from major thoroughfares. Large mounds of snow moved from curb and gutters lined the center of the Second avenues. Rothweiler said crews were hauling away that snow. We are encouraging individuals to help as they can. They can continue to be our eyes and ears by sharing information through our 311 service. The City Council declared a flood disaster emergency Friday that allows the city to spend public funds to protect lives and property in case of flooding over the next week. Residents are encouraged to call 311 on landlines or 208-735-4357 to alert emergency personnel to dangers to lives or property. Rothweiler said several calls have been made through 311 and an extra dispatcher was brought in to handle calls. City officials also asked homeowners to clear their gutters of debris and snow, remove snow from rooftops and to help a neighbor out if needed. If there is a storm drain blocked, maybe they can take out a shovel and help us out, Rothweiler said. David Kearns, area director of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, stressed Monday the need for safe snow-removal practices whether from residential homes or commercial buildings. Kearns received a complaint filed Monday against Henningsen Cold Storage in Twin Falls for unsafe snow removal from a buildings roof. OSHA standards require employers to evaluate hazards and protect workers from falls when working at heights of 4 feet or more above a lower level or 6 feet or more for construction work. Kearns said because of the severity of the situation, OSHA is contacting the employer and requesting it to respond immediately. Because of severe weather in Boise and the tight staffing, Kearns said, it was unlikely an inspection would take place and the agency would instead work with the employer. Workers are killed or seriously injured every year while performing snow or ice removal from rooftops and other structures such as decks. OSHA has investigated 16 snow or ice removal-related serious injuries or fatalities in the past 10 years. I doubt this an isolated incidence with all the snow weve gotten, Kearns said. I actually appreciate that someone is bringing this to our attention. I see a lot of residential folks doing it too. Its not your typical Idaho winter this year. In this case, we are going to try to handle it by an inquiry. Brock D. Kelsey, 41, of American Falls, was driving behind Bean in a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire. Kelseys vehicle hit the rear of the Chrysler while also traveling westbound. Kelsey was taken by ambulance to Power County Hospital in American Falls. Bean was taken by ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, where he was treated and released . Both were wearing seat belts. The crash is still under investigation. Open letter to Idahos congressional delegation: I retired from the judiciary at the end of 2016 and no longer speak on behalf of Idahos court system. This letter contains my personal opinions as a concerned citizen of this great country. I write to urge that you use your best efforts to convince the incoming President that Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, pose a substantial threat to the security of the United States. The threat is not military in nature because this country is stronger militarily than Russia. However, Russia has very substantial cyber capabilities and, in fact, effectively deployed such capabilities against the United States in the recent election. It is essential that we take strong action to demonstrate that we will not tolerate such activity ever again. The question is not whether Russia was able to affect the outcome of the election. The election has been decided and nothing will change that. What is essential is that we find out everything we can about Russias cyber activities, act decisively to defend against future cyberattacks, and implement measures to deter any further malicious activities by Putin and his cronies. Vladimir Putin is not a friend of the United States. Indeed, he has taken every opportunity in recent years to vilify the United States in order to increase his popularity at home. The Russian people have endured great financial hardship as a result of Putins misconduct and Putin has conveniently blamed it all on the United States. This is a routine ploy for a dictator. If you want to get a sense of who Putin really is, I would suggest reading Karen Dawishas well-documented book, Putins Kleptocracy. She describes how Putin started as a lowly KGB agent and through thuggery, treachery, and theft of state property was able to amass billions and become the ruler of Russia. He and his former KGB cronies are presently in control of the major assets of the Russian state. In his 2005 state of the nation address, Putin said, The break-up of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical tragedy of the 20th century. Since that time, he has worked assiduously to resurrect the Soviet way of life. He has cracked down on basic freedoms in Russia, has killed thousands of people in Chechnya and Syria, has tried to disrupt and discredit democracies in Europe and elsewhere, has annexed Crimea, has committed military aggression against Georgia and Ukraine, has liquidated truth-seeking members of the press, and now has taken very significant actions to disrupt Americas electoral system. We simply cannot trust him and must take effective measures to bring a halt to his aggression. Please do your best to convince president-elect Trump that he needs to reconsider his opinion of President Putin. While Putin may seem to be extending an olive branch, I fear that all he wants now is for the new President to lift the sanctions imposed because of the Russian grab of Crimea. That would amount to appeasement, only encouraging Putin to take further action hurtful to U.S. interests. While Russian actions were taken this time against a candidate of one party, it is very likely that the candidate of another party will be the target next time. We must take decisive counter-measures now in order to stop these attacks that go to the heart of our democracy. SOMEBODY asked me: Why is President Duterte still getting excellent trust and satisfaction ratings? I must confess I find that question difficult to answer. Duterte won by a plurality of 38 percent. This means that the 83 percent who trust and who approve of his performance includes those who did not vote for him. Many people see Duterte as the antithesis of former President BS Aquino III, whose regime was marked by incompetence, lack of compassion, selective justice and vindictiveness. More importantly, a lot of people see in Duterte a dedicated and committed President. No other president after Ferdinand Marcos has adopted draconian measures to pursue his goals, despite all the condemnation for alleged violation of human rights. ADVERTISEMENT Duterte has been president for only six months, after all. Truth to tell, I like President Duterte despite his foul mouth. Sometimes he could be confusing and contraditcory. For me, however, he is an interesting personality. Opinion writers love to analyze such complex people. In fact, I would like to meet President Duterte and get to know him. I have met and talked to many other presidents during my more than six decades as a journalist. No, I did not vote for Duterte, but I am interested in getting to know somebody who can bring real change. His unorthodox ways are definitely good subject matter for columnists like me. If there are indeed moves to oust Duterte, they might as well forget it. * * * Its difficult to explain why more than three million Catholics would ignore terror threats and still join the annual procession of the centuries-old statue of the Black Nazarene. They did it again last Monday. Is it their Catholic faith or fanaticism? I have asked some Black Nazarene devotees this question, and I believe its faith in God. They believe God will make their lives better and heal them. It is also part of the Filipino culture of honoring patron saints. When I was a business editor of the defunct Philippines Herald in the 70s and 80s, I used to walk to Plaza Miranda from Intramuros, to take a jeepney back to Quezon City where I lived. On occasion, I would drop by Quiapo Church to pray. When I saw the faithful walking on their knees, I then knew what faith was. * * * So what will be the future of our economy this year, considering all the global uncertainties? One thing is clear: The Duterte administration needs to attract foreign investments, which can help solve poverty and unemployment. Among all other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines cannot seem to compete in the matter of foreign investments. The country continues to get crumbs as compared to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and even Vietnam. Dutertes economic managers need to look into this. They also need to address business competitiveness vis-a-vis our neighboring countries. While our Gross National Product may seem imposing with more infrastructure and consumer spending, theres still problem of the widening gap between the rich and the poor. There may be tax reforms, but thats only part of the problem. We still have restrictive policies on foreign investments and the growing protectionism on the economy. * * * You may not believe, but somebody close to Malacanang told me that businessman Roberto Bobby Ongpin is related to President Rodrigo Duterte on the Roa side. The Presidents Roa ancestry can be traced to Cebu, and also from Bicol, which can validate the claim of my Palace source that the two are related. I can believe my source since even my wife, a Capistrano from Cagayan de Oro, is related to the Roas by affinity. The late actuary, Dr. Emeterio Roa, was married to an aunt of my wife. This also makes me related to Duterte by affinity. Recall that Duterte said Ongpin was an oligarch that must be destroyed. I think that statement was patently unfair. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Italy announced it would reopen its embassy in Libya following a closure that lasted for over two years. The Italian Foreign Ministry made the announcement following a meeting between Prime Minister-designate of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Serraj and Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti in Tripoli on Monday. The Italian Foreign Ministry stated that the return of the Italian diplomats to the war-torn country showcases confidence in the stabilization process in the country while Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano tweeted that it is a great gesture of friendship to the Libyan people. His Libyan counterpart Mohamad Taher Siala said the Serraj-Minniti meeting ended with both sides agreeing to build new relations of cooperation on the basis of the friendship treaty signed in 2008. Giuseppe Perrones appointment as Ambassador to Libya has already been approved by the GNA. He was expected to present his credential on Tuesday before undertaking his functions immediately. The return of an Ambassador was also motivated by the need to combat illegal migration. Italian Foreign Minister Alfano pointed out that now more controls on migrant departures will be taking place on the shores of Libya. During the meeting between Serraj and Minniti, the two sides reached agreement to cooperate on security, fighting against terrorism and human trafficking. Analysts however questioned the impact of such agreements because the GNAs authority in Libya remains limited. Libya wants Italy to help it curb oil smuggling from the country, which deprives it of the much-needed revenue. The Italian interior ministry said the embassy will be the principal coordination center for all these projects discussed at the Monday meeting. Diplomatic missions in Libya have been targeted in recent years forcing them to close and the Italian embassy was one of the last western missions to close in February 2015 after a coalition of militias seized the capital Tripoli. Ahead of the upcoming peace talks scheduled to take place in Syria before the end of the month in Kazakhstan, President Bashar al-Assad said he is ready to discuss everything related to Syria and the six-year conflict while stressing that the talks will be held with the real Syrian opposition. Several attempts to broker the peace in Syria have failed and ceasefire agreements were very fragile and marred with violations. Reports carried by the state media stated that theres no limit to negotiations but the viability of the conference depends on those who are going to represent the other side. Assads fate in a post-war Syria has been the center of disagreement between the rebels and Damascus. The rebels want him to step down and have no role in the next administration but the president has rejected such demands arguing that his position is related to the constitution and a president is decided by the Syrian people and not part of the Syrian people. President Assad said the constitution is very clear about the mechanism and the constitution is not owned by the government or the president or by the opposition; it should be owned by the Syrian people, so you need a referendum for every constitution. The Syrian president wants the talks to be held between real Syrian opposition- and when I say real it means has grassroots in Syria, not Saudi one or French one or British one it should be Syrian opposition to discuss the Syrian issues. It is unclear which group of the opposition falls under that category because Damascus only recognizes the opposition that is not engaged in the armed conflict and terms those taking part in the six-year old war as terrorists. Turkish lawmakers begin debate on the amendment of the constitution this Tuesday following the approval of the controversial amendment package by the parliament. Eighteen articles are concerned and their adoption is expected to solve the problems that may arise in the future and the conditions in our country according to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. He told the lawmakers that there can be no administration without a will and the constitutional reform would help to completely solve the political problems. The countrys main opposition party, Republican Peoples Party (CHP) and the Peoples Democracy Party (HDP) have strongly criticized the amendment plan saying that it will reinforce the power of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. MP Deniz Baykal of CHP said the amendment package is a project that is being prepared hastily and is far from legal and political maturity. He lamented that it will destroy Turkeys political tradition, institutions, culture and substitute the sovereignty of the nation with the hegemony of one person. The ruling Justice and Development party (AK) argues that the presidential system will strengthen the countrys government because the post of Prime Minister is dragging the process. Yildrim said Turkey has significant responsibilities in the region. Thus, we have to be powerful and have strong political stability which can be achieved with constitutional change. Opposition HDP lawmaker Meral Dans Bestas labeled the proposed amendments as a civilian coup staged by the AK party. She added that it is a parliamentary coup that is serving as an extension of the failed 15 July coup detat. The constitutional amendment is expected to be subjected to a referendum after being approved by the parliament. President Erdogans critics accuse him of using the failed coup momentum to make himself an executive president. Rome announced Monday it would reopen it embassy in Tripoli two years after closure following the deterioration of security in the Libyan capital. The announcement came from both the Interior and Foreign Ministries of the EU member state. Interior Minister Marco Minniti present in the Libyan capital Monday indicated that the new ambassador would take up his job immediately on Tuesday after presenting his credentials to Faiez Serraj, nominal Libyan Prime Minister of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). The information was confirmed by the Italian Foreign Ministry, which said in a statement that reopening its embassy in Tripoli evidences confidence in the process of stabilizing the country. The Italian ambassador is returning to Tripoli after two years. A great gesture of friendship towards the Libyan people. Now more controls on migrant departures, Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said in a tweet. Rome was among the last foreign countries to close their missions in the North African country in 2015 as unrest was growing with rival factions vying for control over the Libyan capital. Other western countries promised to reopen their embassies but have not honored their promises yet. Italy is poised to take a leading role in restoring order in Libya as it constitutes the prominent destination of migrants setting off from Libyan coasts. On Monday, Minniti discussed with GNA foreign minister Mohamad Taher Siala cooperation to combat illegal migration as well as smuggling of Libyan oil. We have agreed to build new relations of cooperation on the basis of the friendship treaty signed in 2008, said Siala. The agreement signed by former Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi and then Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi provides for cooperation from Libya in the fight against illegal immigration in return for compensation from Italy for its colonization of Libya, which lasted more than three decades until 1942. Ivorian President, Alassane Ouattara, on Monday fired three top security chiefs following a two-day mutiny by ex-rebels that brought him to power in the west-African nation. According to a statement released by Ouattaras office, the three affected officers are the heads of the army, the police and the gendarmerie. The disturbances, which started in Bouake, the countrys second largest city, and spread to the commercial capital, Abidjan, ended on Sunday after the government agreed to take into account the soldiers demands concerning bonus payments and improvement of working conditions. Also on Monday, the Prime Minister of the world top cocoa producer, Daniel Kablan Duncan resigned and dissolved the government following the political tensions and parliamentary elections of last month. I have tendered my resignation and that of the government, Duncan said Monday, two days later than he was expected to step down. Political analysts and local media said Parliament Speaker Guillaume Soro was behind the mutiny as he is believed to be seeking the post of Vice-President. Some also said that the revolt could have been masterminded by Ouattara himself. In another development, state employees began a five-day strike on Monday, demanding that the government scraps pension cuts and another plan to increase the retirement age from 55 to 60. Zambia has welcomed its first female fighter pilot in the army, Times of Zambia newspaper reported. The 24-year-old second Lieutenant, Thokozile Muwamba, has been accepted into the male dominated military in the East-African nation to bridge the gender gap, it said. Speaking to reporters, the flight second lieutenant said men are not a competition but counterparts that one should work with, and hence women should begin to participate and realize their abilities. I look at the fact that when I am in the airplane, the aircraft knows no sex as it depends on my input even if I am a woman. I can also give it the right steering for it to respond correctly, Muwamba added. Second Lieutenant Thokozile Muwamba pursues her dream career of being a pilot after the Zambian Air Force commander Lieutenant General Eric Mwaba Chimese announced in 2015 the decision to introduce female pilots to boost the fight for gender equality in the country. Impossibilities can be made possible as long as one is determined to attain ones goal, Muwamba said. Recently, a former soldier has appealed to the Legal and Justice Reform Commission of Zambia to ensure that the Army stops discharging pregnant female soldiers. The move is meant to encourage more womens participation and engagement in the army. Nigerian former president Goodluck Jonathan is suspected to have received bribes valued at $1.3 billion in illegal oil deals with giants ENI and Shell in the West African oil-rich nation. According to French news agency AFP, Italian prosecutors are suspecting the former president and his oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, to have played a central role in a 2011 deal for an offshore oil block in Nigeria. ENI chief executive Claudio Descalzi and his predecessor Paolo Scaroni met Jonathan in person to thrash out the deal, which also involved former British intelligence agents working as advisors for Shell, AFP reported citing a court document filed last month in Milan. Without competitive tendering and with full, unconditional exemption from all national taxes, the block was bought illegally in contravention of domestic laws, the prosecutors said. AFP has quoted the prosecutors as saying that $801.5 million was allegedly transferred to Nigerian businessman Dan Etetes accounts and $466 million out of the amount was used for remunerating government officials, including Jonathan and Alison-Madueke. According to official figures, Nigeria derives 70% of its income from oil exports. The global fall in oil prices has driven the West African nation into a recession for the first time last year in almost three decades. Buhari who took power two years ago has pledged to crack down on corruption in Nigeria, Africas top oil producer and most populous nation where generations of politicians have looted public coffers for their personal gain. African Americans may be less responsive to asthma treatment and more likely to die from the condition, in part, because they have a unique type of airway inflammation, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. Airway inflammation is a key component of asthma, and innovations in treatment are becoming more personalized based on the specific type of airway inflammation in a patient, says Dr. Sharmilee Nyenhuis, assistant professor of medicine at UIC and corresponding author on the study. "Emerging evidence suggests that differences in airway inflammation can affect a patient's response to treatment, but whether the patterns of airway inflammation vary across race has, until now, been very unclear," said Nyenhuis, of UIC's division of pulmonary, critical care, sleep and allergy. Black men and women are two to three times more likely than whites to be hospitalized or die from asthma. And while many factors contribute to the burden of asthma in African Americanssuch as access to health care and environmental exposuresrates are disproportionate even when social and environmental elements are taken into account. Nyenhuis and her colleagues performed a secondary analysis of more than 1,000 sputum samples obtained from AsthmaNet, a nationwide clinical research network created by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, and the Asthma Clinical Research Network. Samples of the coughed-up fluids were from past clinical trial participants over the age of 12 with mild or moderate persistent asthma and who had not smoked within the last year. The samples were tested for the presence of eosinophilsa type of white blood cell. The study is one of the largest and most diverse trials conducted in the U.S. on race and asthma, with 26 percent of the patients self-identifying as African American. Researchers found that black patients were more likely to exhibit eosinophilic airway inflammation than whites, despite taking comparable doses of asthma medication, such as inhaled corticosteroids. The results are published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. "Our findings of higher numbers of African Americans with this type of airway inflammatory pattern suggests a mechanism that may account for more severe and difficult to control asthma in African Americans," said Nyenhuis. "It follows that the persistence of eosinophilic airway inflammation in African Americans may be associated with asthma exacerbations and an impaired response to corticosteroids." The findings suggest that black patients with eosinophilic airway inflammation may not benefit from increasingly strong corticosteroid treatmentinstead, other targeted therapies may need to be considered and researched as a treatment option for those black patients with difficult to control eosinophilic asthma. More information: Sharmilee M. Nyenhuis et al. Race is associated with differences in airway inflammation in patients with asthma, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2017). Journal information: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Sharmilee M. Nyenhuis et al. Race is associated with differences in airway inflammation in patients with asthma,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.10.024 Provided by University of Illinois Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and other brain imaging technologies allow for the study of differences in brain activity in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. The image shows two levels of the brain, with areas that were more active in healthy controls than in schizophrenia patients shown in orange, during an fMRI study of working memory. Credit: Kim J, Matthews NL, Park S./PLoS One. A new study could explain how migrating to another country increases a person's risk of developing schizophrenia, by altering brain chemistry. Immigrants had higher levels of the brain chemical dopamine than non-immigrants in the study, conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London in the U.K. Abnormal dopamine levels are linked to symptoms of schizophrenia. Dopamine is also connected to the body's stress response. The study was published in the January issue of Schizophrenia Bulletin. "Schizophrenia is still a rare diagnosis," says Dr. Romina Mizrahi, a senior author and Clinician Scientist in the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH. "But if we can understand the factors that increase the risk of this serious illness among immigrants, we can develop strategies such as social supports to mitigate this risk." As Canada's population and workforce will decline without migration, a set number of immigrants are accepted into the country each year. While it's not feasible to offer stress supports to all newcomers, the approach of identifying those at highest risk and offering evidence-based interventions to prevent schizophrenia is one that Dr. Mizrahi applies to her work with youth, as Head of the Youth Psychosis Prevention Clinic and Research Program. The current study involved a type of brain imaging called positron emission tomography (PET), and applied two different approaches to examining dopamine levels. In Toronto, 56 study participants were given a mild stress test to see its effect on dopamine release. People with schizophrenia, and those at high risk, release more dopamine with this test when compared to a matched healthy group of participants. Among the 25 immigrants in the study, dopamine release was higher than 31 non-immigrant participants. This increase was related to participants' experiences of social stress, such as work overload, social pressures or social isolation. The London researchers showed that the synthesis of dopamine was higher in immigrants. This increase was related to the severity of symptoms among those considered at high risk of developing schizophrenia, and did not occur among non-immigrants at high risk. In total, 32 immigrants and 44 non-immigrants were involved in this part of the study. Dr. Mizrahi emphasizes that not everyone with high dopamine levels will develop schizophrenia, nor will the vast majority of migrants. Yet it is well-established through population studies in Canada, the U.K. and Western Europe that the risk of developing schizophrenia is higher in immigrants and their children than non-immigrants. Stress - particularly related to perceived discrimination, social isolation and urban living - is believed to increase this risk. The role of stress also appears to be supported by the current findings on brain dopamine levels. "This is a first step in integrating social science and biological research," says Dr. Mizrahi. "A next step would be to help regulate stress among higher risk immigrants through social support programs, and see if this reduces dopamine in the brain and prevents psychosis." More information: Alice Egerton et al, Elevated Striatal Dopamine Function in Immigrants and Their Children: A Risk Mechanism for Psychosis, Schizophrenia Bulletin (2017). Alice Egerton et al, Elevated Striatal Dopamine Function in Immigrants and Their Children: A Risk Mechanism for Psychosis,(2017). DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbw181 Credit: University of Kansas Modern hospital designwith all-private patient rooms, larger units and decentralized nursing stations has raised concerns about nurses walking long distances and failing to maintain proximity to patients. The supposed benefit of decentralizing nurses' stations is to afford more time at the patient bedside, less walking distance and better patient care. However, this trend may have unintended consequences. Based on research conducted by faculty in the Institute for Health + Wellness Design at the University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design & Planning, there are complex issues related not only to efficiency but also to the social and support needs of the nursing staff. Three Institute for Health + Wellness faculty membersAssistant Professor Hui Cai, Professor Kent Spreckelmeyer and Institute Chairman Frank Zilmpresented a collaborative decentralized nursing unit study with Lawrence Group and SSM Health System at the Healthcare Design Conference 2016 in Houston, which is the largest annual conference in the health care design industry. The KU-alumni founded architecture firm Lawrence Group, which is based in St. Louis, engaged the KU IHWD team to review the 2014 renovation of the orthopedic unit at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City, Missouri, with the goal of informing a planned expansion of its SSM St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. "KU is a neutral, third-party academic institute," Cai said. "We provide rigor and objectivity when conducting post-occupancy evaluation. POE is not a new concept, but traditionally POE was conducted in an indicative wayas gaining client feedback. Evidence-based design is a rapidly growing field in health care due to the implementation of evidence-based medicine. With the increasing focus on EBD, there is a much higher expectation in proving the value of design using credible evidence. Therefore, in this project, Lawrence Groupone of the IHWD affiliate member firmsengaged the IHWD as academic research consultants to provide scientific approaches to help them conduct investigative POE to link design with goals on patient safety, staff efficiency and financial outcomes." Cai said the institute looked at the unit using an EBD checklist promulgated by the California-based nonprofit Center for Health Design. In addition, Cai said, the study included a "space syntax" evaluation that generated a heat map of visual connectivity of the layout and patient-satisfaction surveys. "We wanted to see does moving into a new facility improve patient satisfaction scores, which is one of the most important things for hospital owners today," she said. The survey found that "all questions about the facility showed a statistically significant increase in score after the renovation," Cai said. "On questions of patient-care quality, most stayed the same, but one dropped slightly, and that was nurses' response to patient calls. Our hypothesis is that this is because of decentralized nurses' stations, so we are planning a second phase of study to follow up on that question: "How does that decentralized design impact nurses' communication and teamwork, and thus the patients' perception?" Cai explained that about a decade ago, the trend away from one central nurses' station per floor began, coinciding with the growth of health care IT and electronic medical records. The notion was to place nurses closer to patients' rooms so that they could keep an eye on their charges while charting. Her hypothesis is that, due to the physical distance and visual disconnection of decentralized nursing unit design, nurses now have to move farther among the decentralized stations to consult with their peers, perhaps leading to less communication and collaboration, delays in response to patients and patient dissatisfaction. "We are calling for attention to this design feature," Cai said. "This design trend needs to be further investigated before it is accepted as standard for every hospital. We have to see how to modify the design to achieve balance between shorter walking distance, better patient surveillance and better staff communication and collaboration. Hopefully through the research, we can provide design recommendations for alternative models, possibly hybrid, with team bases that have that sense of a small group without losing the close adjacency to patient rooms." With the support of KU's New Faculty General Research Fund, a group of KU students has worked with Cai to conduct a second-phase study on the effects of decentralized nurse stations on nurses' communication and patient satisfaction. During the summer of 2016, she added a second hospital the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro, New Jersey to the data set. The researchers conducted in-depth, onsite observation, behavior mapping, tracking, focus-group interviews and surveys in these hospitals. Cai plans to present and publish her findings in late 2017. The hope is that these projects will provide great insights into hospitals and the design industry with evidence regarding the innovative yet debatable design feature of decentralized nurses' stations. The research is one of the few studies that link decentralized nurse station design with actual organizational performances and patient outcomes, such as nurse-turnover rate and patient satisfaction. Importantly, too, the projects provide a great learning opportunity for KU students to do post-occupancy evaluations, which is highly sought after in the design field. Researchers who developed a safe and effective procedure to remove thick clogs in children's airways are now reporting similar success in adult patients. In this rare condition, called plastic bronchitis, patients develop thick, caulk-like casts that form in the branching paths of their airways. The researchers developed new imaging tools and a minimally invasive catheterization technique to treat a form of plastic bronchitis caused when abnormally circulating lymphatic fluid dries into solid casts. "In some cases, the cause of this condition is unknown, but this new study suggests that most adult patients with plastic bronchitis have abnormal pulmonary flow of lymphatic fluid that we can safely treat," said study leader Maxim G. Itkin, MD, a radiologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Itkin and his co-author Yoav Dori, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at CHOP and Penn Medicine, co-lead a specialized team at the Center for Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions jointly operated by CHOP and Penn. They collaborated on the current study with pulmonologist Francis X. McCormack, MD, of the University of Cincinnati, in a paper in the October 2016 issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society. The study reports on seven adults with a mean age of 50 years old who presented with branching bronchial casts, associated with chronic cough and/or asthma. Using a customized type of magnetic resonance imaging called dynamic contrast-enhanced MR lymphangiography (DCMRL), the team found that six of the seven patients had abnormal lymphatic flow, which they now propose designating as pulmonary perfusion syndrome, as distinct from idiopathic plastic bronchitis, in which the cause is unknown. The team treated the six patients with lymphatic embolization, which involves inserting a combination of glue and coils through catheters to halt the flow of lymphatic fluid. Five patients reported immediate and complete resolution of symptoms, and the sixth patient reported significant partial improvement. Four patients had minor abdominal pain, which resolved after treatment with painkillers. The average follow-up was 11 months after initial treatment. Earlier this year, Itkin and Dori reported a retrospective case study of 18 children who had plastic bronchitis as a complication of palliative surgery for single-ventricle heart disease. While rare, plastic bronchitis can cause life-threatening respiratory distress in children. In adults, the condition may go undiagnosed for years in patients who may initially be diagnosed with asthma or chronic cough. Plastic bronchitis has a long medical pedigreethe Greek physician Galen described a form of it in the second century. "This was a small study, and a first report of this treatment in adults with lymphatic plastic bronchitis," said Dori. "Longer follow-up will be needed to confirm the long-term risks and benefits of this procedure." The Center for Lymphatic Imaging and Intervention is one of CHOP's inaugural Frontier Programs. Frontier Programs embody the connection between research breakthroughs and extraordinary clinical care, and are a novel way to bring research more quickly to the bedside. More information: Maxim Itkin et al, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphatic Plastic Bronchitis in Adults Using Advanced Lymphatic Imaging and Percutaneous Embolization, Annals of the American Thoracic Society (2016). Maxim Itkin et al, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphatic Plastic Bronchitis in Adults Using Advanced Lymphatic Imaging and Percutaneous Embolization,(2016). DOI: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201604-292OC (HealthDay)Rude parents can rattle medical staff enough to compromise the quality of care their critically ill child receives, a new study suggests. Medical teams in a neonatal intensive care unit made worse decisions during simulated emergency scenarios if they had been treated rudely by an actress playing the role of an angry family member, the researchers found. Exposure to rudeness helped explain about 40 percent of the variance in good medical decision-making between different teams in the study, said co-author Amir Erez. He is a professor with the University of Florida Warrington College of Business. "There is a lot of concern about medical errors, but the medical field is not paying attention at all to the effect that social interactions can have on performance," Erez said. "They need to pay attention to this, because this could potentially save lives." But, the researchers also found that doctors and nurses could "inoculate" themselves against potential rudeness by taking part in computer training that decreased their emotional sensitivity, Erez said. In the study, four medical teams at an Israeli teaching hospital had to perform a full day's worth of five emergency scenarios. Three of the teams started their day confronted by a "mother" who accused them of misdiagnosing her child. The fourth team served as a "control" group, and was not exposed to rudeness. The actress told the teams, "I knew we should have gone to a better hospital where they don't practice Third World medicine!" and threatened to move the child to another hospital. One team received no preparation for this encounter. But, the second team took part in a 20-minute computer game beforehand that exposed them to angry and happy faces, providing feedback that made them less sensitive to hostile emotions. The members of the third team were asked to write a narrative about the rude event after it had occurred, to possibly diminish any lasting effect it might have on them. Earlier studies have shown that rudeness from an authority figure can affect a medical team's performance, and this study revealed that rudeness from a parent can also cause doctors and nurses to make poor decisions, Erez said. However, the computerized training beforehand erased this effect, by subconsciously raising the team's tolerance for negative emotions, he added. "When we raised the threshold of people's sensitivity to anger, they didn't perform less well than the control group," Erez said. Writing a narrative about the rude event had no benefit on performance, possibly because the exercise affected participants on a conscious rather than subconscious level, Erez suggested. The study was published online Jan. 10 in the journal Pediatrics. These findings show that doctors and nurses are human beings vulnerable to the effects of harsh emotions, said Dr. Brian Alverson, chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' section on hospital medicine. "The reality is when we as humans are emotional, logical cognitive thought is a lot more difficult," said Alverson, an associate professor of pediatrics at Brown University in Providence, R.I. "When you're being emotionally attacked, it's harder to sit there and crunch the numbers quick." Dr. Jessica Madden, a neonatologist with the Cleveland Clinic, added that the problem is made worse by the fact that intensive care unit teams often work in high-stress environments with colleagues they barely know. "We're continually working with teams who come together who really haven't worked together before," Madden said of neonatal intensive care units. "They can literally be meeting for the first time to take care of a sick baby." Training currently focuses on communication within the newly formed team, "but it doesn't factor in that with the patient-centered care model, we do have the parents with us," Madden said. "That's another layer of stress and worry that's going on as we try to focus." However, Alverson is concerned that extrapolating the study findingsfor example, by applying them to other units not faced with split-second life-and-death decisionscould lead doctors and administrators to shrug off real and lasting problems in each hospital's system. "When families come in and act rude, the majority of the time it's because of something we've done. [For example,] we left them five hours in an ER waiting room without talking to them," Alverson said. "It's an opportunity lost where we could be looking at ourselves and asking how we can conduct our practice so people are happier." Copyright 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved. BGSU neuroscientist Dr. Robert Huber Credit: BGSU The humble fruit fly has proved to be a fruitful research subject for Bowling Green State University neuroscientist Dr. Robert Huber and colleagues from Scripps Research Institute in Florida and elsewhere. The collaborators' research into their behavior has helped expand our understanding of some important neurobiological connections between eating and sleepincluding the infamous "food coma" felt after a big meal. The Scripps study was one of Huber's projects as a fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., last year. As an expert in computational ethology, he uses computer technology to obtain meaningful numbers from complex systemsin this case, capturing and precisely recording the tiny Drosophilas' behavior related to eating, activity levels and sleep. The cause of the food coma turned out to be protein and salt, along with the time of day the food was consumed. Surprisingly, sugar did not seem to play a role, according to the study. The results of the experiments Huber conducted with lead researcher Dr. William Ja of Scripps and his team have been reported in more than 200 newspapers around the world. The scientists will now look more deeply at the brain structures that induce the insects to sleep after consuming protein and salt, and test theories about why sleep then would be beneficial. "Clearly, protein is a very expensive commodity," Huber said. "If sleep increases your ability to resorb it, that would be a possible reason. And the same thing with salt." Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are much easier to come by in nature, he said, so might not call for such dedicated digestion. The fruit flies' preference for protein does explain their attraction to overripe fruit, where they can lay their eggs. "The flies have very good sensory receptors to detect all kinds of volatile compounds that indicate ripe fruit and yeast," Huber said. Huber's interest in computer ethology is tied to his fascination with the connection between genetics and behavior, first discovered and explored by the late molecular biologist Seymour Benzer, with whom Ja conducted postdoctoral research. Huber has also been working with other labs on projects utilizing video tracking and had an article in the journal PLoS One in 2012 about developing better technology to look at the activity patterns of fruit flies. His primary projects as a Radcliffe fellow are with Dr. Ed Kravitz of Harvard Medical School, examining addiction and aggression in Drosophila. A shared interest in behavioral genetics is what also drew Huber to the Ja team's work. "Ja has always been interested in the connection between behavior and genetics," Huber said. "And their lab is just phenomenal. The real advantage of the fruit flies is you have such exquisite control over all the different bits of their genes and there's so much you can do with them. "You can express a certain gene in a certain subtype of neurons. Mushroom bodies (a pair of brain structures having to do with learning and memory) have dopaminergic neurons only to do with short-term memory and others for long-term memory. You can put those specific neurons under the control of optigenetics by expressing a membrane channel, related to a photoreceptor. So when you shine a red light onto the fly's head it opens up channels which specifically activate the entire subset of neurons for long-term memory, for instance. There's no other model system where you can gain that level of control." Huber's expertise with video tracking and applying computer vision to monitor and measure the tiny flies' behavior allowed the researchers to collect much more reliable data "than having an observer there with a clipboard, writing a summary of what happens," he said. "Instead, we apply computer technology with strict rules to objectively remove observer bias. Behavior is a very complex type of trait or phenotype, so it's not as simple as measuring the height of something. We use computer technology with video tracking, integrating it with sensors and robotic interfaces. We can create automated learning paradigms in real time." Thus, a system devised by Huber senses when a fruit fly alights on a tiny platform and reaches up to eat from a tube. The computer measures exactly the number and duration of instances of feeding along with a record of the fly's activity levels, including those that denote sleep. "We can really improve our characterization of food consumption and activity," Huber said. "In one second, we can get a thousand data points, very accurately, showing when, how much, how often they feed. That's not something you are able to do by hand." During the food coma, the flies remain still for a certain amount of time and they are much less responsive to any kind of other cues than they would normally be, he said. "There's clearly something very potent about sleep itself," Huber said. Using genetic manipulation techniques, the team will look at whether a neuron with a receptor for a neuropeptide called leucokinin is actually playing a role in causing the flies to fall asleep specifically after consuming protein and salt. "You can turn those receptors on and off with molecular genetics and piece together how the whole network that controls sleep is put together," Huber said. This should help reveal more about the mechanics of sleeping and eating. Using a tiny but extremely powerful LED light, he is able to trigger responses in the genetically modified flies. When the light is not activated, the insects behave just like any other normal fruit fly. Huber is also eager to explore the potential of the video tracking technology for "tying together metabolic physiology and how much animals eat, what they eat, and how they convert that into energy, and what that has to do with aging," he said, noting that appetite and satiety, sleep patterns, aging and other functions are all controlled by neurosignals. Anything that interferes with one signal will affect something else. Another of his related projects is with Dr. Leslie Griffith at Brandeis University, regarding food choices, activity patterns and "clock genes." After spending several months observing the fruit flies up close, Huber said he has a new appreciation for them. "They're very intricate little 'critters,'" he said. "I spent quite a few days at first just watching them, and their behavior is a lot more complex than what we might think. I did not appreciate them before going there. "Flies are very good at learning," he added. Additional research into those individuals who are not good at it has identified which genes are altered in these "behavioral mutants." In collaboration with BGSU colleagues Drs. Moira van Staaden, biological sciences, and Jon Sprague, director of the Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, he plans to study the role these genes play as flies learn sensory cues paired with human drugs of abuse. Following his return from Boston, Huber described his sabbatical as "phenomenal, I got to work with a whole group of scholars on so many interesting projects; it was so stimulating." And having open access to "maker spaces" in Cambridge's Central Square, halfway between Harvard and MIT, he created his very tiny electronic devices for improving precision"I was like a kid in the candy store. I'm still very excited about it." The fruit flies have inspired not only scientific but also art projects. Huber is collaborating on a "fruit fly soundscape" that arose from his new friendship with Radcliffe fellow Reiko Yamada. A sound artist, classical pianist, experimental composer and now artist in residence at the Institute for Electronic and Acoustic Music at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria, Yamada was "really mesmerized by the difference in scale we live in between the fruit flies and humans," Huber said. Their interactive soundscape will debut at the IEM Cube at the end of March. Will the President resign? By Messenger Staff Georgias ex-Parliament Speaker and ex-leader of the Republican Party, David Usupashvili, who is one of the most experienced politicians in Georgia, has stated that the President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, may resign before his official term expires in autumn 2018.Usupashvili, who quit the Republican Party after the October Parliamentary Elections and announced his wish to create a new political force capable of winning the 2020 Parliamentary race, says President Giorgi Margvelashvili may step down due to ongoing tension with the ruling Georgian Dream authorities, which want to put changes in the Constitution and approve the fact that the President must be appointed by Parliament, not elected by the people.Both Usupashvili and Margvelashvili initially belonged to the Georgian Dream coalition, which was established by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili prior to the 2012 Parliamentary Elections with the aim of defeating the nine-year rule of the United National Movement Government.Margvelashvili was Ivanishvilis pick for the presidency. However, shortly after taking office, Ivanishvili criticized him for not meeting several of his own previous promises, one of them being Margvelashvilis earlier refusal to live in the Avlabari Presidential Palace.Unlike Margvelashvili, Usupashvili was liked by Ivanishvili until the end of the last year, when the Republicans stated they were going to leave the Georgian Dream coalition and participate separately in the parliamentary elections.At that time, Ivanishvili said the Republicans would have zero chance to appear in Parliament without the Georgian Dream party.Ivanishvili was proved right, as the Republicans failed to overcome the mandatory 5 percent threshold to take seats in the 150-member legislative body.After the failure, Usupashvili left the party, saying some of his initiatives about the partys future contradicted some other Republican Party leaders views.Since then, there have been speculations that Usupashvili and Margvelashvili may create a new political force in the future.In his most recent statement, Usupashvili stated that Margvelashvili may step down before the Constitutional changes initiated by the ruling team came into effect in the summer of this year, to enable the Georgian people to have a directly elected President until 2022.Margvelashvili refused to comment on Usupashvilis statement.Speaking about Usupashvilis claims, some analysts say Usupashvili and Margvelashvili are entertaining the possibility of a political alliance, while others believe there will be a political deal between Usupashvili and the current Georgian Dream Government.Analyst Gia Khukhashvili says if different scenarios are discussed, it is more likely that the Government and Usupashvili will be allied than Usupashvili and Margvelashvili.He said the motivation of the deal for Usupashvili could be an offer from the Government, and support for the presidential post.Fellow analyst Archil Gamzardia believes the Constitutional change over electing the president would be dependent on the ruling partys political rating in the summer.It could be said that Usupashvili has never been known for making scandalous statements and it is very likely his words will have a clear target. The News in Brief Serbia prepares to lift visa requirements for Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan While Georgian citizens are waiting for the final decision about a visa waiver system with the European Union, Serbia prepares to waive its visa rules for citizens of not only Georgia, but also its two neighbors in the South Caucasus. It was decided to initiate a procedure to abolish visas for holders of ordinary passports with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, and to initiate the abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and official passports with a certain group of countries, Serbias Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday. According to Georgias Ministry of Internal Affairs, staff at its embassy in Greece are working to specify details regarding dates and procedures for suspending visa requirements. Georgians wanting to visit Serbia currently have to obtain a visa from the Serbian consulate in Kiev, Ukraine, but can enter visa-free if they have residency permit in either the United States, a country within the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland or an EU country. Serbia will become the 26th country to allow Georgians entry without a visa. (dfwatch.net) Man dressed up as Santa Claus robs store in Batumi A man dressed up as Santa Claus has robbed a store in Batumi, western Georgia. The man knocked on the door of the Yalchin Supermarket saying he wanted to congratulate them on the New Year. The incident happened on New Years Eve. When the store employees opened the door, the man threatened them with a gun and demanded money. According to local residents, the employees were afraid and gave him up to 40,000 Gel. An investigation has been launched according to the article #179 of Georgias Criminal Code. The perpetrator is still at large. (IPN) Sherlocks back: Why Georgian fans are both happy and sad at the same time Sherlock has returned after a three-year gap between episodes, bringing excitement to its fans from all over the world, but its the TV series Georgian fans that are most thrilled by. Why? Because the new episode features several scenes where the action takes place in Georgias capital of Tbilisi. The newest episode of Sherlock, The Six Thatchers, was aired on BBC on January 1 2017. Sherlocks Georgian fans immediately went to Facebook to express their excitement over the release of the long-awaited episode and also over the fact that the episode featured Tbilisi. Shortly about the episode Sherlock is asked to investigate the mysterious death of a young man, which he solves quickly but is then led into another mystery when a bust of Margaret Thatcher owned by the dead man's father is smashed. Further busts are smashed, and Sherlock discovers that the mystery is linked to John Watsons wife Mary and her past as a government agent. A figure from her past is bent on revenge in the belief that Mary betrayed him, but Sherlock discovers that someone else was really the traitor. What do all of these have to do with Georgia? Its revealed that all the Thatcher statues were made in Tbilisi. The episode contains scenes that describe the four British agents mission in Georgias capital six years ago. Misleading details about Tbilisi? After the first wave of excitement, Georgians started noticing that Tbilisi was shown in not-so-attractive context. The city was presented as a place of violence where terrorists use brutal torture techniques against foreign agents. "Its a pity that finally your country and city is mentioned somewhere but its put in the context of the dark 90s with terrorism and Kalashnikovs [a type of rifle made in Russia] all round. Seems like we are portrayed in the minds of Europeans as bearded, prehistoric men, one user wrote. Others argued and said that despite the action took place in Tbilisi, terrorists werent Georgian because they spoke in Russian and they looked like Russian. However, they agreed that the episode contained a number of misleading details, like: if the terrorists were Georgian why did they speak Russian? And if they were not Georgian, why was there no hint of this for the global audience so that they dont think negatively about Georgians? The good news is that in five days, on January 7 another new episode is expected to be released and Georgian fans are among those who are looking forward to it. (Agenda) THE TRUE COST OF ALL THAT 'CHEAP' LAOR THAT DESTROYED AMERICA THE BIG SECRET DEMOCRATS DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW: Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute has testified before a Congressional committee that in 2004, 95% of all outstanding warrants for murder in Los Angeles were for illegal aliens; in 2000, 23% of all Los Angeles County jail inmates were illegal aliens and that in 1995, 60% of Los Angeless largest street gang, the 18th Street gang, were illegal aliens. via @learyreports WASHINGTON -- Jeb Bush is making a push for Donald Trumps choice to run the Department of Education, arguing Betsy DeVos will be an advocate for school choice. Betsy is a champion of families, not institutions, Bush writes in a letter to leaders of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. For her, local control of education decisions means local control. She trusts parents to choose what is in their unique child's best interests, and she believes in providing every parent with the resources to pursue those decisions. Im confident that, as Secretary, Betsy will pursue every opportunity to improve all of our nation's schools and empower states, districts and parents to maximize the number of high-quality learning opportunities available to our kids. DeVos policy positions have sparked fierce opposition from Democrats and Sen. Patty Murray, the lead Democrat on the committee, said the nomination should be postponed until DeVos ethics review is complete. On Monday night it was announced the hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, will push to next week. Bush writes that he has known DeVos for more than 20 years in recent years she has served on the board of Bushs Foundation for Excellence in Education and that DeVos has become the voice of mothers and fathers who for too long have lacked one in America's education system. He goes on to explain two false narratives about the parental choice movement are pertinent to this nomination and to the future of our education system. Read his full letter below. via @jayhweaver Former Opa-locka Commissioner Luis Santiago admitted Tuesday that he plotted with other top officials and employees to pocket up to $40,000 in bribes in a scheme that shook down several local business owners and corrupted nearly every level of the citys financially troubled government. In an effort to reduce his prison time, Santiago pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to accept multiple bribes and extort businesses seeking city licenses, water connections and zoning permits an offense that will likely put him behind bars for more than three years under a plea agreement. Santiago, 55, who otherwise would have faced up to five years under the bribery law, acknowledged to a Miami federal judge that he wanted to accept responsibility for his crime. I think thats the best way to go, said Santiago, who was flanked by his defense attorney, Roderick Vereen. Santiago, the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the still-widening FBI probe of Opa-locka City Hall corruption, will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on March 30. Santiago, who remains free on bail until then, is not assisting authorities in the investigation. Santiago lost his city commission seat in November after a series of Miami Herald stories reported that he was the main target of the probe of an alleged extortion scheme involving payoffs for official favors. The one-term commissioner, who surrendered to FBI agents in late December on the bribery charge, is the only politician to be convicted so far. More here. Photo credit: C.M. Guerrero, Miami Herald staff @amysherman1 The deadly rampage at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport Friday has prompted the Broward County Commission to hold a closed-door meeting about airport security Tuesday. The commission will hold the private meeting following the 10 a.m. regular commission meeting at County Hall. The agenda contains no details such as who will attend the meeting and simply states that the purpose is to "discuss security systems and information related to security systems" at the airport. Broward Sheriff Scott Israel told the Miami Herald in a text he was unaware of the meeting. County Attorney Joni Armstrong Coffey said that only Broward County officials and employees will attend. "Because the statute exempts these meetings entirely from the open meetings requirements, no record is made," she told the Herald in an email. "That is because security sensitive information is confidential and prohibited from disclosure. Florida law allows for governmental bodies to ban the public and media from meetings under narrow circumstances including to discuss security of public buildings. The suspected shooter, Esteban Santiago, made his first appearance in federal court Monday. He faces a possible death penalty or life in prison on charges related to fatally shooting five people and injuring six others. Miami Herald photo by David Santiago @PatriciaMazzei Sen. Marco Rubio said Tuesday he backs President-elect Donald Trump's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency: Scott Pruitt, the Oklahoma attorney general who has been an outspoken denier of climate change, a critical issue threatening Florida. "The next EPA administrator should be someone who understands the important balance between protecting our air, water and environment without needlessly hurting workers with excessive regulations," Rubio said in a statement that made no mention of climate change. "Attorney General Pruitt is the right choice to bring a much-needed dose of common sense to a department where overzealous, out-of-touch regulators have been allowed to operate seemingly unchecked. I look forward to working with him on the many important environmental issues facing Florida." Pruitt has been a leading opponent of the EPA's Clean Power Plan to limit fossil-fuel emissions from power plants -- a key step to slow climate change. Former Gov. Jeb Bush has also praised Pruitt. Trump, who will be inaugurated in 10 days, said last month "nobody really knows" if climate change is real -- though scientists agree it is. Photo credit: Sue Ogrocki, Associated Press @amysherman1 U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson has endorsed Stephen Bittel, a Coconut Grove developer and wealthy donor, for Florida Democratic Party chair. Nelson's statement: "I have known Stephen Bittel for over 30 years and believe he will be an extraordinary Chair of the Florida Democratic Party. Stephen has been a dedicated advocate for the principles of the Democratic Party for many years and is a leader who has the smarts and heart to unite the party in addition to implementing plans that will help rebuild the party from the ground up. While there are several qualified candidates in this race, I am convinced that Stephen is the right person to chair the Florida Democratic Party, he has my full support and I ask that you join me in this effort. Nelson's endorsement isn't a surprise because he had previously praised Bittel saying in December he would "bring a lot to the Democratic Party" -- but stopped short of officially endorsing him until Tuesday afternoon. Nelson is Florida's only Democratic statewide office holder and is running for re-election in 2018 and could face millionaire Republican Gov. Rick Scott as his opponent. Bittel has been a major funder of Democratic candidates up and down the ballot including Hillary Clinton and could help Nelson run against Scott. Democratic elected officials and state committeemen and women throughout Florida will gather in Orlando Saturday to elect a new party chair. The other candidates are former state Sen. Dwight Bullard of Miami-Dade County, Hillsborough turned Bradford County activist Alan Clendenin, Osceola Democratic chair Leah Carius and Duval County's Lisa King. The chair race has been full of drama. Two candidates -- Bullard and Clendenin -- moved counties after they lost a state committeeman race, a prerequisite to run statewide. Bullard moved to Gadsden County after he lost to Bittel in Miami-Dade and Clendenin moved to Bradford County. On Friday, the rules committee will discuss a complaint filed about Clendenin's residency as well as a complaint filed by a group of Miami-Dade Democrats about the procedures used for the county to elect Bittel to state committeeman. 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Are you planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or journey deep into the Amazon jungle? Every year, millions of Americans travel abroad to remote areas off the beaten path, in addition to more common tourist destinations. If you are heading down the road less traveled, do you know if you need malaria medicine or the yellow fever vaccine? Are you healthy enough to travel to a country with limited health care? According to one study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, 80 percent to 85 percent of adventure travelers do not prepare by scheduling a pre-travel risk assessment and many of them dont even know that they should. So what exactly is a pre-travel risk assessment? The Missoula City-County Health Department International Travel Clinic has been providing confidential pre-travel risk assessments and travel vaccines for more than 20 years. This visit helps identify and minimize potential health risks you might encounter on your adventure. Ideally, you should schedule your pre-travel visit six to eight weeks ahead of your departure date. This allows plenty of time for your body to build immunity from any vaccinations you receive, and to make educated decisions about how to best protect your health on your journey. At the department's International Travel Clinic, we take the time to sit down with you to review your individual itinerary and health history, and complete a detailed risk assessment. This assessment touches a variety of topics to help keep you safe and healthy abroad. Confidential personalized service: We review your immunization history and determine what is recommended for your itinerary, age, and health condition. We stock all routine vaccines and are a certified yellow fever site. We also provide typhoid (both oral and injectable), Japanese encephalitis, and the pre-exposure rabies series. We take the extra time to answer all your questions. Planning ahead: We help you make a plan to complete any recommended vaccine series before you leave. If you are applying for a travel visa, you may need to meet vaccine requirements before you can submit your application. We can help you schedule your vaccines so you can submit your paperwork on time. Dengue, Zika and malaria oh, my! We carefully review the tropical illnesses you may encounter on your travels. We have lots of information on how best to protect yourself, including prescription medications, vaccines and basic preventative measures. Avoiding gastrointestinal diseases: Yes, we will also talk to you about travelers diarrhea. There are medicines you can take with you to help. However, there is increasing global resistance to antibiotics. There are also potential side effects and risks from taking prescription medications. We will review your risk factors to help you decide if you should travel with a self-treatment antibiotic, and if so, which kind. Traveling at altitude: If you are planning a high-elevation climb or trekking adventure, we review safety precautions to decrease your risks of developing altitude illnesses. For climbers making quick ascents we can help determine if you should take a prescription medication to help you acclimatize. We will also talk with you about country-specific topics and safety concerns. Our goal is to help you minimize your risks ahead of time and prepare for your travels with confidence and ultimately have a grand and healthy adventure! We look forward to serving you. Please call 406-258-3363 to schedule a pre-travel appointment. We tend to be booked out two to three weeks, so factor that into your timing. The U.S. government has canceled and refunded payments for the final two energy exploration leases in the Badger-Two Medicine area, considered sacred to the Blackfeet Indians, next to Glacier National Park. The Badger-Two Medicine is a powerful cultural region, Blackfeet Tribal Chairman Harry Barnes said on Tuesday after Department of Interior officials announced the cancellations. Weve lived for 30 years under the threat that it might be industrialized, and were extremely grateful that this cloud is finally lifted. This area is like a church to our people, and retiring the last of the leases is a tremendous step toward permanent protection of the Badger-Two Medicine. The leaseholders were the J.G. Kluthe Trust of Nebraska, which claimed 3,982 acres, and W.A. Moncrief Jr. of Texas, who claimed 7,640 acres. Kluthe was compensated $30,560 and Moncrief was paid $27,874 for past lease payments, filing fees and other charges. In November, leaseholder Devon Energy voluntarily surrendered a block of 15 leases in return for its sunk costs at a ceremony with Barnes and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. That leaves just one leaseholder, Solenex LLC of Louisiana, contesting its lease cancellation in federal court. Blackfeet Historic Preservation Officer John Murray said the tribe offered the two leaseholders alternative sites on the reservation in exchange for leaving the Badger-Two Medicine alone. The tribe has allowed extensive energy exploration activity on its lands in places not considered culturally sensitive. With the leases canceled, Murray said the tribe now wants to see the area made accessible to a herd of genetically pure bison now breeding on the reservation. That would make it more complete, in place of the cattle leases already in there, Murray said. Some of those grazing leases are already vacant. The tribe is working with the Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture to see that come to reality. The leases date back to the early days of the 1980s, when large swaths of public land in Montana were opened for energy exploration leasing. Most of those claims in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and along the North Fork of the Flathead River were later found invalid because federal land managers failed to consider the environmental impacts of drilling for oil and gas, or consult with affected tribes, such as the Blackfeet. Leases in the 130,000-acre Badger-Two Medicine area between the Bob Marshall, Glacier and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation werent canceled at the same time, but they were put in administrative limbo for decades. They stayed that way until Solenex started applying for permits to build roads and set up drilling equipment on its leases in 2012. Both the Blackfeet and a coalition of conservation groups fought the move, and the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation declared the Badger-Two Medicine a Traditional Cultural Area in 2015. Interior Department officials canceled Solenexs leases in 2015, and the company sued. That case remains pending in federal court. Todays final action reflects the wisdom and forward-thinking of business owners, tribal leaders, elected officials and individuals who traveled different paths to come to the same solution for protecting this priceless landscape, said Michael Jamison, Glacier program manager for National Parks Conservation Association. The actions by the Blackfeet Nation and private interests to ensure the previous leaseholders were made whole again also demonstrate grace under extreme pressure to preserve these wildlands. Whats happened? For months Im finding unique, helpful, insightful, up-to-date national news in the Missoulian not found in my favorite online news aggregators and providers. Some process and people at the Missoulian have been publishing brilliant national news information gems. They are well selected from a broad field of Associated Press releases and major newspapers. Good work and well done! And necessary amidst daily waves of new news. Each of those high-quality articles are informative far beyond their banner headlines. Ive grown to trust the selectors of quality published national news at the Missoulian. I have occasional trust for the online news aggregators I turn to for the rest of the story. Bob Williams, Stevensville BOZEMAN Gallatin County deputies say a Bozeman man who confessed to killing his wife early on New Year's Day saw his effort to dispose of her body thwarted because the county landfill was closed for the holiday. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports the information was included in search warrants filed this week as officers investigate the death of 32-year-old Crystal Collins. Jake Collins was charged with deliberate homicide in Justice Court. He has not entered a plea and remains jailed with his bail set at $750,000. Court records say Collins confessed to hitting his wife in the head with a cast-iron frying pan during a drunken argument, then putting her in the shower and cutting her throat. He reportedly wrapped her body in a sleeping bag and plastic. BUTTE NorthWestern Energys new $25 million general office building is among two high-profile structures in Butte that sustained flooding over the weekend due to frigid temperatures and frozen water pipes. Company spokesman Butch Larcombe said Tuesday that water freezing in a sprinkler system was the culprit behind Fridays flood at NorthWestern Energy, Park and Main, Uptown Butte. Larcombe described the flooding as minor and said it occurred in the front of the building, where exhibits highlighting company history are displayed. Larcombe said during the workday on Friday as temperatures started to rise after a cold spell the previous week, during which temperatures reached lower than 20 degrees below zero pipes from the sprinkler system burst and water began pouring onto the first-floor education area. Employees moved the displays before any damage could occur, Larcombe said, but the water dripped through floor vents and into a basement storage room, where minor ceiling damage occurred. During the incident, the company turned off the sprinkler system, which prompted the fire department to arrive. Afterward the company called a restoration crew to clean up water on the first floor. Larcombe said ongoing repairs will include restoration to the ceiling tiles in the basement and first floor. NorthWestern also plans to inspect the sprinkler system to make sure the pipes have adequate insulation, Larcombe said. The NorthWestern water damage comes on the heels of a similar incident at Montana Tech. On Friday the university temporarily relocated offices from its $2 million Frank and Ann Gilmore University Relations Center after employees discovered pipes from the buildings sprinkler system had burst on the third floor, causing water damage throughout the building. Meanwhile, all offices at NorthWestern remain intact and no employees will be displaced. HELENA The Helena City Commission agreed Monday to remove the city's gender restrictions in public accommodations where people "ordinarily appear in the nude." Their decision, on a 3-2 vote with Mayor Jim Smith and Commissioner Dan Ellison dissenting, came after perhaps 40 people testified before the commission. Most favored the proposed change, which struck two sentences from the city's nondiscrimination ordinance. The change will take effect in 30 days. The language to be removed states However, in any place of public accommodation where users ordinarily appear in the nude, users may be required to use the facilities designated for their anatomical sex, regardless of their gender identity. Such requirement does not constitute unlawful discrimination for purposes of this section 1-8-4. Passage of the ordinance four years ago exposed a deep rift in the community. The change was intended to guarantee equal protection to everyone, Commissioner Robert Farris-Olsen, who proposed amending the ordinance, said in early December. Before voting, he said the fears expressed during public comments did not overshadow what he heard about the discrimination that people face. Among the arguments in favor of removing the exemption was that it would make Helena a more welcoming place and respect the dignity and humanity of all city residents. The gender identity of someone who commits a crime does not affect the criminal act, a woman told the commission. Crime is crime, a speaker said. Rape is hideous and horrible. There is not a nexus with removal of this language. Those who spoke to retain the language often said they were speaking on behalf of children who might be affected by what they saw and of concerns regarding sexual predators. They also spoke of how wives, daughters and granddaughters would be affected. Other speakers said this was a choice made by people and not an issue of discrimination or gender. Inclusion of the exemption in December 2012 came from an amendment proposed by then-Commissioner Dick Thweatt in response to concern expressed by people regarding voyeurs or pedophiles. In a Dec. 10, 2016 email to the commission, he wrote the exemption was a mistake and supported removing it. Monte Cox is one of if not the most prolific Fighter manager in all of MMA. He even has a team name for the fighters he manages, "Team Extreme"! Monte Cox manages 26 fighters from around America and among them are some of the toughest MMA fighters on the planet at all weight divisions. Monte Cox is one of if not the most prolific Fighter manager in all of MMA. He even has a team name for the fighters he manages, "Team Extreme"! Monte Cox manages 26 fighters from around America and among them are some of the toughest MMA fighters on the planet at all weight divisions. We had a chance to talk to the leader of "Team Extreme", after the controversial fight that took place at the Universal Above Ground Fighting on July 30th where one of his fighters former UFC Champ, Dave "The Warrior" Menne took on Rob Ferguson. Monte Cox took some time out to clear the air and talk about what happened at the controversial UFC scuffle after party in London at UFC 38, his thoughts on Matt Hughes Controversial victory over Carlos Newton 1, the Controversy for Dave Menne and Rob Ferguson at the UAGF 2, and the controversy surrounding why he dropped Bobby Hoffman as a client? Like it or leave it controversy seems to like to follow him around Here is what he had to say. MMARR: Has there ever been anyone you have managed, that you felt was a bad addition and have had to cut? MC: ( Chuckles) I have only cut one person ever MMARR: Who was that? MC: Bobby Hoffman. MMARR: What happened with Bobby Hoffman why was he cut? MC: At one point when he was fighting in Japan, he threatened to kill my wife and kids. That was the end, I had put up with enough Crap. MMARR: Why did he threaten your wife and Kids? MC: He is a psychopath, MMARR: hmmm MC: Why does he do anything he does? Why did he beat up his wife? Why was he in Prison before he started Mixed martial Arts? He is a freaken Loon! MMARR: What was he in Prison for before that? MC: I dont know. He came right out of Prison and fought his first fight. It is not like MMA made him what he is. It is what he was before hand. MMARR: I want to talk about the little scuffle in London in the night Club, Anthony Fryklunds name has been connected to that, there have been a lot of rumors, a lot of speculation about what went on there. Can you tell us what you take is on that? MC: I mean it is almost impossible for me, I was not there, I was in Las Vegas. What I am told is, from the people that I have talked to, is that this friend of Tito (Ortiz) Bo jumped on Pats (Miletich) back when they were all exiting the bar. They were all drunk and he was acting like he was fighting with Pat ( Miletich). Tony (Fryklund) came out Drunk, they were all drinking, and thought someone was attacking Pat (Miletich). So he ripped him off his back in a rear naked (Choke). Pat Miletich turned around and told him "No, No, No" we are just goofing around, and Tony Relaxed, and one of the guys from England blasted Bo and knocked him out. MMARR: Tito (Ortiz) seems to have a problem with some of the situations that have been going on. What is the Problem? ( Tito has been on the Internet forums and vocal about the subject.) MC: I dont know. I tried to ask him on the internet. I dont know what his thing is. I know for sure, these are the things that I have been told. Tony is the one that picked Tito off the ground, He has got blood all over his shirt from where he picked Tito up. To make sure that he didnt get kicked or hit anymore. Pat is the one that pushed Lee Murray away and told him to stop and get out of there and to quit. I dont understand why Tito is not thanking him, I was not there. When Everybody is drunk I dont have any idea what is going on. They dont know. MMARR: So has the situation been squashed with Tito and Team Punishment? MC: We never saw a situation. I mean the only thing that I know Pat was upset as everyone was painting Tony as being some big Villain. I mean that is ridiculous. I mean there was a bunch of people that were drunk. Who is more at fault, a guy for jumping on Pats back and acting like he is fighting him, or a teammate coming out and seeing that and thinking he is fighting him? I mean that was the thing. Tony did not hit the guy. I asked Tony and I told the UFC, Tony will take a Lie detector test. I told the UFC find your guy. He will take a lie detector test and say he did not hit Bo. If he didnt hit Bo, then I dont want to hear anymore, go after the people that were throwing punches, no one on team Miletich threw a punch. MMARR: Is it true that Tony Got suspended? MC: Not True. MMARR: Not True? MC: Not True, He has never been suspended. MMARR: So there is no Merit to that Rumor whatsoever. MC: Not at all, I mean they have not even interviewed Tony yet, or me, so if they suspend him without even interviewing the person that is involved, then we got to make a call to some attorneys. MMARR: Speaking of suspensions, Josh Barnett just got suspended, lost his title, and got his fight declared a no contest what do you think about that? MC: I like Josh a lot. I dont want to rip on him or anything. I do know there is a precedent when Bobby Hoffman tested positive for .Marijuana after beating (Mark) Robinson. They ruled that fight a no contest. That is the only time when that I can. oh when Laverne Clark tested Positive years and Years ago against Fabiano Iha. They ruled that a no contest, so that is the precedent for doing it. You know, so I dont know I am not surprised that they did it, lets just put it that way. MMARR: What is your take on the fact that he was suspended on top of being a no contest. MC: Well that is up to the athletic commission, Bobby Hoffman was suspended also. MMARR: How about the stripping of the Title? MC: Well if the fight is a no Contest, then how can you have a title? You know what I am saying? When this has happened before, and this does not happen very often, but in every situation the fighter has been suspended and the fight has been declared a no contest. That is what has always happened. So here again it just so happens that this is a little more higher profile person, and he had won the title on it. They really did the same thing. They suspended him, which is the athletic commission, I mean they could do what they want to do, If he is fight is ruled a no contest he cant keep the title. MMARR: What are your thoughts on steroid use in MMA. MC: It is difficult to say anything about steroids without everybody jumping on someones back. Jeremy Horn got on the Internet, and Basically said what every big name fighter out there knows, which is yeah there is steroid use in MMA There is no doubt about it. But it has never been illegal to do it, like in Pride they dont even test, they dont care, so it has never been a big deal before. It is something that some people do some people dont. Now that it is illegal I think that everyone should quit using. That is the whole point. Why do you want to risk going out and getting a big win, and get it taken away? Up until that point if it is not specifically illegal. If you are fighting for a living, and this is your job, and the guys you are fighting are juicing, and that is giving them an advantage, I dont blame guys for wanting to juice also. Make it an even playing field. You know what I am saying? That being said, there are guys out there like Matt Hughes and Jens Pulver from our camp, guys who are at the very top of their weight class, who have never juiced a day in their life. So you dont have to juice to be on top. Now every now and again on the Internet someone will say Hughes is a juicer, that is freaking ridiculous. He has never done it and he has no reason to do it. His twin brother hasnt been in a gym in three years and looks almost like him. I mean he is a genetic freak! That is just the truth. He is a freak! Everyone here is always "strong as a farm-boy" or "oh those wrestlers are strong", well this is a wrestling farm-boy. He has always been strong, he has always had endurance, I mean look at the endurance the guy has. He can go five rounds, and that is not typical of a "roider". He told me, "why would anyone say that?" and I go "You know people are always jealous of the people who are on top". They are going to look for ways to. They cant stand the fact that Matt is so good at what he does. People cant deal with it. You are going to have people that dont like it. No matter who you beat. MMARR: Speaking of Matt Hughes, he just beat a pretty good fighter in Carlos Newton. But he beat him in a controversial style the first time out at UFC 34. What did you think of the decision there? Did you think it was a good decision? MC: What other decision could there be? John McCarthy has to make the call. Gotta be made inside the ring. McCarthy, he comes in, Newton is on his back and is unconscious, No one is disputing that he is taking a nap. He was there for a minute taking a nap. Matt is on one knee, and obviously you cant see his face. You cant tell whether he is out, he is dazed, he is spinning, who knows I dont know. MMARR: But he said on Pay Per view that he was out! MC: That is what he thought. He said it was like going through, spinning, spinning, spinning, He didnt know where he was. I mean he was completely out of it, but how many unconscious guys do you see that are sitting on one knee? You know what I am saying? If you are unconscious, you are a noodle, you would be lying face down. It does not make any sense. It is typical of, if Carlos has the choke on and he slams him, and right at impact that Choke nails him and puts him almost out, that is consistent of how it would be. You would be on one knee, you could still have your faculties but barely, you are so close to being just out you know, that you are there, but he doesnt. When McCarthy pushed him, If he is unconscious, he is going to fall over on his face, when you are unconscious everyone lays flat, that is how it goes, it is not like the Mr. Bean stuff where you fall asleep standing. That is the thing, whether he was out, whether he wasnt out, It does not matter because McCarthy has to make a call. He comes in, he sees Newton unconscious, he sees Matt on one knee. He has got to make a call. He made a call to stop the fight. Maybe had Matt been, facing Big John and he could have seen his face, maybe he would have been able to say "oh these guys are both in trouble" I dont know but he didnt, he had his back to him call it fortunate for us, but John had to make a call. MMARR: So you admit there was a little bit of luck involved there. MC: I think that when you have fight like that, that is the closest fight in MMA history. How can it be any closer? Someone has got to get lucky and someone has got to get unlucky. But the thing was, ten seconds later, Matt is jumping up on the cage, Newton is still taking a nap. I dont know, it is one of those things, John had to make a call. John tells me that Matt was not out. He was the only person that was within a foot of him. Jeremy Horn and Pat Miletich told me he wasnt out. I said "was he out?" They said no his eyes were totally open. He wasnt unconscious. His eyes were open but he was out of it, he didnt know where he was or what had happened, but they told me he was not unconscious. I was sitting in the stands so I cant, everyone who gets on the Internet and says that he was out, some of them were watching from television, ten thousand miles away, I dont want to hear what they had to say. MMARR: I was there live as press ringside, but it was hard for me to tell even. MC: Right, That is what I am saying, who was the closest person to it? Thats McCarthy, he made a call! I mean if it was the other way around and he ruled Newton the winner would I be upset and stuff. Probably, but what are you going to do? Someone has got to make the call. Hes paid to do it. He has made hundreds of them. In Kuwait (Warriors War), Pele (Jose Landi) hit Matt with a knee and when McCarthy stepped in and stopped it, we went crazy! When he hit him with the knee and he stopped it, I thought he was fine, and I was right on the cage. I was right in his corner! But, he wasnt facing me. He was looking the other way. And when he stopped it "I went Oh my God!!!" when Matt turned around and looked at us, we shut up, because he was completely out of it. He wasnt unconscious. MMARR: But he would have been done anyway MC: AHH yeah I mean Pele would have had a free blow on him so it was a great call. I learned a long time ago, that I cant pretend to see better then the guy standing right there. I hear people say Oh "He (Matt Hughes) was unconscious from the Choke, and then he fell." Come on that makes no sense. He put him up on the cage to try to work himself free, but if he couldnt work himself free and he got in trouble, obviously the slam is there. He is not going to wait until he is unconscious to slam him. He knows when he is going unconscious. He told me he took a step back and slammed him. I mean he consciously did that. You cant tell me, If I am holding a guy, a 180 lb guy on my shoulders, and standing there and I go unconscious, I am not going to slam him, my legs are going to collapse. He is going to fall on top of me! That is how people go unconscious. You dont go unconscious by taking a step back and slamming someone so hard you knock him out. MMARR: You said that John McCarthy had to make a call, and you said it could have gone the other way, if it had gone the other way. MC: I dont know, from where he was I dont know what other call he could have made, other then the one he made. One guy is clearly unconscious. That guy cant be the winner, I mean he cant be. You cant win when you are sleeping. Matt was still up, he wasnt laying down on his face, he wasnt. He didnt appear to be out. I was at that angle too. I was from behind. So you know at that point, he made a call because he saw one guy out, same as when he made the call with Pele and Matt, he saw a fighter that couldnt defend himself. You got to stop the fight. One guy on the Internet was saying, "He should have stepped back and waited ten seconds to see what happened." Well Come on one guys is unconscious! If Matt would have been OK but he couldnt see, he would have been totally fine. MMARR: That guy is absolutely ridiculous, I mean when someone gets KOd we dont step back and wait ten seconds, wont even talk about that, but. MC: I know I am just saying, every single time that someone in boxing, when a guy is out laying on his back the way Newton was the Referee stops it, and stops the fight. That is the way it is done. He did it just like he has done it every other time. The only reason that people complain is because Matt is brutally Honest. He says what he thinks. He got criticized for Newton II, with the last fight be cause he said, "I expected to win a decision." That wasnt saying, "No I was fighting for a decision." Thats saying this Newton is freaking good! "I dont think I can stop him." He gets criticized for that. He is just Honest. He tells you what he thinks. He told me from day one he is going to beat him. He only trained three weeks. I kept saying, "What are you doing? You gotta get back here and train." "Oh I am doing a roofing Job." He trained three weeks for Newton. MMARR: The second fight? MC: Yeah. MMARR: Tim Sylvia will be in the UFC soon he will be taking on Wesley Cabbage, with the size and reach advantage that Sylvia has do you see anyone posing a threat to Sylvia? MC: Oh Sure, like everyone else, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. We built him up. I have managed him from the beginning. He is 15 - 0 and he has knocked out what, 12 of his 15? If you come and you try to stand up with him, you are going to lose. I mean Maybe Pedro Rizzo could stand up with him. Probably, but anyone else, they dont have the reach and they dont have the power. He has got incredible knees, incredible knees, and they are already head level, so if you stand up with him you are going to get hurt. His Jiu Jitsu is improving. He does it every day of course, like everyone else at the gym. He triangles people, he gets people, but that is not as far along as his stand up. MMARR: So he can be grounded and pounded? MC: I dont know about grounded and pounded, because his arms are so stinking long that if you are in his guard, he will hit you. You may not be able to hit him, but he will hit you. I mean he is a FREAK! He is hard to deal with because he is also very coordinated. He is hard to take down. You are going to have to be a good wrestler to take him down. He has a really good sprawl, and when he sprawls his feet are already eight feet behind him! You cant reach him and get him you know MMARR: That is two of your fighters in a row that you called freaks!!! Matt Hughes and. MC: I am Loaded with Freaks!!!!! MMARR: Anthony "The Freak" Fryklund?!?! MC: Yup! I am loaded with them! I have all kinds of them! That is what happens when you live in Iowa, we must be close to some kind of a Nuclear power plant! We are loaded with guys, Look at Robbie Lawler!!! Robbie Lawler can bench Press Three Hundred and sixty Pounds ten times!!! Who else can do that at a hundred and seventy pounds? MMARR: Speaking of Robbie he is in the UFC division at 170, Matt Hughes is the king of the Division right now. I dont know if I see anyone beating matt Hughes right away, where does Matt Hughes take it? Does he take it to 185? Or where does Robbie Lawler take it? MC: Matt does not go anywhere, he stays there as the champion until someone can beat him. Robbie just keeps fighting. Robbie is 20 years old. He has got time to improve. Ask Robbie Lawler if he thinks he can beat Matt Hughes? He just laughs and says, "Not in a million years." But someday you know, it is like a passing of the guard. Miletich was there forever, he left, now Matt took over. Matt could be there, in my opinion, as long as he wants to be there. He has already beaten the two best guys out there. Newton is the second best guy out there at one seventy. No doubt in my mind. I DONT CARE HOW BAD HE GOT BEAT THIS LAST TIME. He is the second best guy. I think Sakurai is top five, I think Miletich is Top Five, and I think that Trigg is top five. I think those are your top five guys in the world. MMARR: How about Silva? MC: Anderson Silva could not make 170. MMARR: he fought Sakurai at 170 MC: but now look at him. He was 190 the last time, I mean he will have to really, really work to make 170 again. Hes big. That is what people think of Pele "Landi Jons", I went to Pride and watched "Pele" and that dude is 205! That guys is going to have to get an amputation to make 180! Let alone 170. They cant even bring those guys up. They cant make the weight. Anderson Silva maybe. But, you know what? I dont think he is top five. MMARR: He has got long legs to I think he could get taken down. MC: He has got things that could cause people problems, there is no doubt about it. But he is built for a wrestler. A Guy like Matt is going to be ten times as strong. You cant have nine-foot long arms, and still have the muscle mass that a Matt Hughes has, with those arms MMARR: at 170. MC: right at 170and so I see that fight trying to get to the clinch, slamming him and pushing him into the cage or whatever, and beating the hell out of him. I think Matt beats him worse then Newton. MMARR: What do you think of the chances of a Matt Hughes type fighter succeeding in a ring, as opposed to a UFC cage? MC: He is 6 and 0 in Rings. MMARR: He hasnt faced the same type of competition in the rings. MC: He has fought good people. MMARR: Has he fought anyone like Carlos Newton or Hayato Sakurai? MC: No, I mean, those are the two best guys in the world, next to him. So, no. But he fought Chris Haseman who was 200 pounds (a Unanimous decision Win for Hughes), and he fought Kanehara (Majority Decision Win for Hughes) who has beaten Menne and Horn, and he beat both of them in a ring. I mean the whole cage thing is overrated. I watched the Newton fight, he didnt even use the cage half the time. I mean the only reason a ring would help someone fighting Matt would be because someone could slide out under the ropes and get a stand up. Matt put it on Newton in the middle of the ring. Just like in the cage, I mean he crucified him with the knee on one arm and holding the other, that was not the cage. If he can do that to Newton in the middle then he can do that to anyone. It is a funny story, about a year ago I called the UFC begging for them to put Matt Hughes back in. They said, "I dont know he just lost to Hallman." I said, "you know, what you guys dont understand is, Matt has the potential to be the best fighter out of Miletich Martial arts ever." His Potential is unlimited. No-one is going to wrestle like him, his submissions are really coming along, he passes the guard, he gets to the side, strikes well from the ground, and he is working his butt off on his stand up. This guy is going to become a machine. Joe Silva and Dana White said "Ok, Ok" they gave me some credit, at least I know talent when I see it. Matt was going to quit, because we couldnt get him anything, no one would take him. So finally they go, "would he fight Sakurai?" So I go, "He would fight Sakurai in a minute." Well then Sakurai ended up pulling out of that fight, Then Anderson Silva Pulled out of the (Carlos) Newton fight, so he went from not being able to get anywhere right into a title shot, and took advantage of it. The thing with Matt is he keeps getting better. Look at every fight. He is getting better and better and better and the next fight he is going to get better then that, and it is not a matter of who is out there that can beat him now, it is who can beat him next time? The guy is phenomenal. MMARR: Who is out there for him? What are you going to do? You have to find fights for him too. MC: I dont have to do anything, thank goodness. Zuffa has to do it. I am in a nice position. I sit at home and play on the Internet and they call me and tell me who they want him to fight. I am like, "Whatever." We dont care. Anybody at 170 lbs! I am thinking Sherk is going to beat Radach in the next show. Then he fights Sherk. MMARR: Do you manage Sherk? MC: Used to I managed him for his first 20 fights. MMARR: Do you think Sherk is going to beat Radach? MC: I think so. MMARR: What is your take on the Jens Pulver saga? He has had some problems with the UFC, is UFO. Does he have a contract with the UFO longer than one fight? MC: The UFO only gave out one fight deals. All the reports on Bustamante being offered a three fight deal it is all bullcrap. No one was offered more then a one fight deal through UFO. And the numbers are insane. I know what he was offered because my partner in Japan is one of the matchmakers, so I know the numbers and those are ridiculous. But getting back to Jens, obviously I manage Jens, The UFC had to make a business decision. I know that it sounds like we are skirting the issue but it is not. I mean they have to decide. Our Contract is up, they have got to decide what do you want to pay Jens? They came up with a figure, we didnt like that figure, I mean we thought, seven fights, never losing, beating B.J PennIt was time that he got paid. We didnt care that he was a 155 pounds. We wanted him to be paid like the 170 pounders and the 185 pounders. We never expected for him to be paid like heavyweights, we never asked for that kind of money, never expected it. But, we wanted to be paid like the 170 pounders and like the 185 pounders, we didnt want to be on top, we just wanted to be in there. MMARR: So what do you think are your chances of getting back into the UFC? MC: I think we can get him back into the UFC tomorrow. The money has got to change. He is going to go fight, we are going to leave on Saturday (Aug 3rd) he is going to go fight in the UFO, I think he is going to win Impressively, and I think it is going to open up a whole new world for him. K-1 wants him, K-1 is offering really good money. UFO would like to do more then one show, I think they are going to do one more show. I think after he beats Murahama, I think Pride is going to be interested in signing him. MMARR: How is Pride going to sign a 155 pounder? Are they going to have a new 155 division? MC: They can do anything! I mean Pride can do anything they want to do. If they want to go out and get Royler (Gracie) for him, or they want to get Uno (Caol) for him or they want to get Sato (Rumina) for him there is all kinds of fights. Pride isnt like the UFC, they dont have all these titles, they just want to make good fights. If they think Jens Pulver is the most exciting fighter or the fighter they want at 155, there is no shortage of good Japanese fighters at one fifty five. So why wouldnt they sign him? It dosnt make any sense that they wouldnt. MMARR: Were you impressed with Jens Pulvers performance against Robert Emerson?( Emerson was his last first fight since leaving the UFC, he won via three round decision) MC: Well.. Long Pause Here is the thing, This just happened last night with Menne. You got Jens Pulver whos just trying to get a warm up fight because he hasnt been in the ring a while. You take Robert Emerson, we didnt know anything about Robert Emerson, other then we were told he was good. We wanted someone good! I mean we didnt want for Jens to get a warm up, we didnt want him to walk in and knock someone out in 30 seconds. If he does that he doesnt do anyone any good. We wanted him to go rounds, so we didnt know anything about Robert Emerson. We dont have video tapes on him, we dont think about him, we just know that he is going to want to stand up. That is what we wanted, so he can get some work. Jens trains right though the fight, I mean Emerson has a chance of a lifetime. He watches tapes on Jens, he grooms himself for this fight, I mean he is ready to go. It is the fight of his life. For Jens, it is just a warm up, just a tune up that is what it is. All the people who saw it say it was exciting, I mean this Emerson kid is tough! He took punches! Jens dropped him with the knee, Jens dropped him with the left hook, I mean scoring wise for the fight, it is not very close, I mean with the knockdowns and stuff he probably had two ten eight rounds. But, the fight is better then the score, the fight is that this guy gets dropped and kept coming, it was amazing, it was great. Jens got tired in the third round, Jens also got kneed in the "nuts" in the second round Pretty bad. (He) Had to take five minutes, and he got really tired. But that is because he didnt train for the fight. If he would have trained like he gets ready for a fight three weeks out, I think he rolls through him, but he cant do that, his fight is ahead of him in the UFO. When you are number one in the world you have to be able to not be at your best and still win. That is what he did. He went out and showed some really nice takedowns. He worked a little bit on his ground and pound in case he needs it. He dropped the kid twice standing. So I was happy. MMARR: You manage both Dave Menne and Matt Hughes. Both fought in Kuwait (Warriors War 1 Feb, 8 ,2001. ) What would have happened if Hughes would have beat Pele and they would have met in the finals? MC: Someone would have won sixty Grand. Laughs That is one of the rare instances where I asked both of them, "What do you want to do?" Now they have already fought each other once. ( Extreme Challenge 21 Oct, 17, 98. Hughes won a Decision) MMARR: Did you manage them both at that time? Time (of their fight at Extreme Challenge 21, Oct,17, 98) MC: No did not manage Hughes, But Laverne Clark fought Menne on my show and I managed both of them. MMARR: What do you think would have happened if Dave Menne would have fought Matt Hughes at Kuwait. MC: I dont know. I mean the first time Matt Hughes won pretty handily. Dave was on in Kuwait. I mean he was absolutely on. He beat Carlos Newton, Dropped him, actually had him knocked out with the kick to the head, and he came to when he landed. MMARR: Yeah it kind of looked like a flash knockdown. MC: yeah but he was out when he fell, because McCarthy came over right after and said "He was Out" and I go yeah "I know, when he landed he came to". Dave is capable of showing, amazing things I mean you just never know with that guy. MMARR: That is the knock against him though, he has never been known as being a finisher. I mean even as his manager you must agree to some extent that .. MC: Yeah but who cares? Do you think his fights are boring? I mean every good fight in my shows all involve Dave Menne. Menne Vs Laverne Clark was amazing. An amazing fight, he finished Laverne. Dave Menne Vs Shonie Carter, both of them had to go to the hospital when it was done, it was probably the best fight I have ever had in my show, and it went to a decision, and I couldnt care less. These people who are caught up in finishes, it is all Jiu Jitsu based. This isnt Jiu Jitsu anymore. Wrestling matches never, I mean you try for pins, If Sanderson (Cael Sanderson) wins eighty percent of his matches by decision does that make him less of a wrestler? It does not matter. I just want exciting fights. That is what I care about. If people argue, "Oh that guy is not exciting", well thats ok, that I can deal with. I mean if they feel that they dont like his style, or whatever then fine! Dont watch him! But when you start arguing that someone is not a finisher, "Oh who cares". Everyone tells me that "Oh that the Aaron Riley Vs Robbie Lawler fight, wasnt that an incredible fight!" No one finished they must both suck!!! MMARR: No I dont mean that, No one thinks that Dave Menne Sucks. MC: No, I am saying that if no one finished it must be a terrible fight! So all those fights, like Lawler (Robbie) Vs Riley (Aaron) , (Dave) Menne Vs Shonie (Carter), well how about Shonie and Serra, Well Shonie Finished with a Knockout, well a few seconds more would that have been a crappy fight? Because he didnt finish? MMARR: But dont you think because he actually finished that fight that it was just that extra bit more exciting? MC: Oh I think it is great! Certainly! But you know what, that is the stuff that makes Pro-wrestling so appealing to people, wouldnt it be great if every single time you could write the script and finish in dramatic fashion? I think it would be great! But this is the real world it does not happen that way. Dave Menne is not real strong, he doesnt have great punching, he is not an incredible submission guy, he is just a really good fighter. He lets you hit him and he hits you back. He kicks at you, he will take you down, I mean he has got "Pele" (Jose-Landi) in a Knee bar, he goes for everything, I cant remember a fight with Menne , maybe Iha, that was boring, I find him incredibly fun to watch, I never know what the guy is going to do. MMARR: He got K.Od pretty good against Bustamante. MC: Yeah he is not going to say anything about it, but ask Zuffa. Everyone at that Connecticut show, everybody got sick. Badly sick. I got sick I lost 12 pounds in 12 hours. MMARR: Monte Cox lost twelve pound eh? MC: TWELVE POUNDS! Jeremy Horn and I were the first two in our group to get sick and they all laughed at me. I couldnt sit on the couch for more then five minutes I had to run to the bathroom and vomit. I had to be buried under blankets, and I never get sick. Thats just not something that ever happens. So everyone is laughing at me, Pulver and all those guys, and I am like "Oh my God" I have never had this before, this is awful. Then Randleman gets it. Lubbock, Tex. By the beginning of 1967, there were 490,000 American troops in South Vietnam along with some 850,000 from South Vietnam, South Korea and other allies and Americas civilian and military leaders were starting to think big. This, they believed, would be the year to crush both the southerners fighting as the Viet Cong and their North Vietnamese allies, who had infiltrated the south. Doing so, though, would require enormous multidivisional operations involving all branches of the military. Already by the end of 1966, they had begun planning for the era of big battles, and specifically for operations designed to eradicate the enemy from around the South Vietnamese capital, Saigon. In the months to follow, those plans would involve hundreds of thousands of soldiers, lead to the deaths of thousands on both sides, and bring simmering doubts about the war effort to a boil. In December 1966, intelligence reports indicated that large units of both Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops were garrisoned in an area about 12 miles northwest of Saigon known as the Iron Triangle, bordered by the Saigon River on the southwest leg, the Thi Tinh River to the east and a line between the villages of Ben Suc and Ben Cat to the north. Gen. Jonathan O. Seaman, who commanded the 100,000-man II Field Force, described the Iron Triangle as a dagger aimed at the South Vietnamese capital. The very existence of the Republic of South Vietnam was at risk. But if the Iron Triangle could be destroyed by a major operation, the Americans and their allies could gain the offensive initiative and begin to drive the Communists out of the country. That operation, Junction City, was set to begin in early January 1967. But there was significant concern among the military leadership that such a large effort required considerably more planning than could be done in a few weeks, and that a better option would be to first unleash a more regional operation still large in scope, but aimed at specific, vulnerable Viet Cong regiments, as well as the headquarters of the Viet Congs Military Region IV, which intelligence reports indicated were located within the Iron Triangle. A woman has pleaded guilty in Butte district court of embezzling $64,000 from the Montana State Hospital Independent Union from September 2014 to February 2016, when she was caught, court documents show. Charges were filed against Shannon Mickey in August after union officers discovered the union's bank account had insufficient funds in February. According to Mickey's charging document, the union officers, who represent the technical and support staff of the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs, came to police with bank statements showing over $18,000 in personal checks written to Mickey as well as $45,000 in other funds Mickey had siphoned for her own use. Mickey, the union's treasurer, was in charge of the Montana State Hospital Independent Union account at Glacier Bank that officers and police said funds were missing from. Mickey was fired from her position with the union and accepted a plea deal for reduced sentencing in exchange for a guilty plea, documents show. The Montana State Hospital is the only public psychiatric hospital in the state. With spring upcoming, Montana Resources is looking to form an advisory council of experts to come up with new ideas to keep migratory waterfowl off the Berkeley Pit. Mark Thompson, Montana Resources' manager of environmental affairs, said Friday that the goal is to try to change by March 1 how the company keeps birds off the pit. MR starts increasing its bird observation at the pit on March 1 to prepare for the annual migration. Though the council is still being formed exactly who will be on it is yet unknown Thompson said MR realizes it needs help. Were trying to get the best technical people to bear on the issue that we can. We knew this isnt our expertise. Were miners. We knew we needed external help, said Thompson. The move comes in the wake of thousands of migrating snow geese who died after landing on and consuming toxic Berkeley Pit water in late November. The current plan, established by federal and state agencies in 1996 in response to the 1995 snow geese die-off, calls for various noisemakers to scare flocks of birds away from the water. The plan was successful for 21 years until almost to the day of the 1995 incident thousands of geese landed Nov. 28 on the pit. MR has been in discussion with Montana Tech professor Stella Capoccia since December about hiring her to research and oversee revising the 1996 plan. Capoccia is also working to create the advisory council. Besides experts from various agencies and universities, the council could potentially include knowledgeable people from nonprofits like the Montana Audubon Society, said Capoccia. Were trying to get a range of expertise, said Capoccia. Robert Moler, Environmental Protection Agency community involvement coordinator, said Monday that EPA will participate on the council. Federal and state agencies will have to approve of any revisions to the 1996 plan before changes can be implemented. The EPA is still investigating whether MR adhered to the 1996 plan when the snow geese landed in November. There is no time table for when that investigation will be complete, said Moler. Anna Munoz, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokeswoman in Denver, said that agency is also still assessing the situation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sent 20 dead birds to a laboratory for a toxicology report in December. The agency could fine both MR and Atlantic Richfield Company, the responsible parties for the Berkeley Pit Superfund site, up to $5,000 per dead bird. Thompson said via email that likely 3,000 to 4,000 birds died in the pit. The agency wont make a decision about fines until it has determined the number of dead geese through aerial photography and has received the toxicology report. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks released Wednesday morning the last remaining snow goose captured alive in mid-December. FWP wildlife biologist Vanna Boccadori said she released the bird with resident Canadian geese in Blacktail Creek along the Ulrich-Schotte Nature Trail in Butte, according to a 2002 release plan. But if the snow goose tries to fly south, its chances of survival could be slim. Temperatures in Butte on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, were 2 below zero for the high and 23 degrees below zero for the low. HELENA Families who took air ambulance flights and were left with bills of tens of thousands of dollars even though they had medical insurance gave emotional testimony Tuesday to a committee that is considering legislation to lessen the burden for people in their situations. Senate Bill 44, carried by Sen. Gordon Vance, R-Belgrade at the request of the Economic Affairs Interim Committee, would create a hold-harmless clause. Patients with insurance would be responsible for deductibles and copays, but not for the difference between what their insurance pays and the air ambulance company charges. A House committee also heard a bill aimed at reining in the industry; House Bill 73, carried by Rep. Ryan Lynch, D-Butte, would treat memberships sold by for-profit air ambulances companies as insurance. Patients say that dealing with sky-high bills during medical emergencies or after the death of a family member is incredibly difficult and can cause financial ruin. Action was not taken on the bills Tuesday. No one from any of the for-profit air ambulance companies that operate in Montana, such as Reach Air Medical Services, which operates in Helena and Bozeman, spoke at the Senate hearing, though a representative for an organization that represents them did speak in support of the bill. Insurance companies including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and PacificSource Health Plans oppose the bill, saying it allows for-profit air ambulance companies to charge whatever they want and puts insurers in a position of having to pay too-high rates, which would increase insurance premiums for all their customers. Air ambulances generally fall into three categories: hospital-based services that are a part of the contracts those facilities negotiate with insurance companies and providers; nonprofit operators that are affiliated with hospitals; and for-profit companies that may or may not contract with insurance companies. The include helicopters, which account for most flights, and fixed-wing planes. Though not an accounting for all air ambulance flights taken in Montana, the director of the state's Health Care and Benefits Division said roughly 53 percent of flights its members take are out-of-network. There were at least 4,200 air ambulance flights in Montana in 2014, according to data gathered by the state. Megan Duncan and her husband, Tanner, of Helena, testified Tuesday, saying an air ambulance flight for their infant son to Seattle Childrens Hospital cost nearly $48,000. This was a devastating blow to our family and one we believed we were protected from due to our insurance coverage, Megan Duncan said. The bill would create a dispute resolution process in which the office of the State Auditor, also known as the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, would have an optional arbitration process to determine the fair price of a flight and how much should be paid. Jesse Laslovich, the former top attorney in the state auditors office, said he believes that since arbitration is optional, the legislation does not violate the federal Airline Deregulation Act, which prevents states from setting airline rates. Air ambulances are treated as airlines, not medical care providers, a classification bill supporters disputed. Sen. Tom Facey, D-Missoula, said the committee will propose a resolution to ask Congress for clarification that airlines are dealt with under the ADA. Jennifer Hensley, a lobbyist for PacificSource Health Plans, called the legislation not the right solution. It wont stop their price-gouging, she said of for-profit air ambulances. Its their standard operation procedure. It gives them license to continue that procedure. Hensley said a fix to the federal Airline Deregulation Act, which allows air ambulance companies to operate as airlines and not medical providers and therefore avoid regulation about their rates is the first step, not state-level legislation. Also on Tuesday the House Business and Labor Committee heard House Bill 73, which would let the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance regulate memberships sold by for-profit air ambulance companies as insurance. For-profit companies sell memberships that range from roughly $65-$150 and in return promise to not charge consumers for the difference between what they bill and insurance pays. HB73 also came out of the interim committee. Laslovich and others spoke in support of the bill, while Bob Biskupiak, deputy insurance commissioner under new state Auditor Matt Rosendale, said his agency commissioner does not support it. Rosendale, a Republican, beat Laslovich, a Democrat, in November's election. Rosendale replaced Monica Lindeen, a Democrat. Biskupiak said the Auditors Office does not believe it has the authority to regulate air ambulances and he worries that the bill would open a can of worms. HELENA At first, Republican legislators requested state leaders find places to trim spending this year in an effort to free up money for the next two-year budget. Now, Republicans made a move to require Gov. Steve Bullock to make steeper cuts than he had offered up. House Bill 3 historically has been how legislators approve last-minute additional funding to address emergencies in the ongoing fiscal year so they have an accurate starting point when building the next two-year budget. With the states savings account depleted and facing slow revenue growth, legislators this year proposed also using the bill to cut spending in the current year, which ends June 30. The unanimous vote by House Appropriations members on Monday included $33.5 million in spending cuts. The reductions primarily come from state programs who have more money to spend than they say they expect to need but also includes raiding the governors emergency fund and mandating that he make $10 million in cuts by years end. The committee also approved $1.9 million in additional spending authority for the state to combat invasive mussels and declined a $250,000 cut offered by the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, which has said it was unsure if it needed the money because it was having trouble filling the jobs that use that funding. The vote came an hour after Republican legislators and the governors budget director sparred over who was to blame for the state spending more than it brought in over the last two years. Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas, R-Stevensville, noted that the states ending fund balance money left in the bank as an informal savings account had dropped to about $100 million, which is about $200 million lower than projected when legislators approved the budget in 2015. Is it irresponsible management of state funds? Is it overspending? Is it policy decisions over the last 12 years (of Democratic governors) creating a job-killing environment in this state? Thomas said at a GOP press conference. He criticized Bullock for not reacting promptly to tighten spending when it became apparent this summer that revenues from agricultural and natural resource industries were coming in slower than anticipated, suggesting the governor wanted to deny the extent of the problem while campaigning for re-election. Folks from Senate Finance and House Appropriations have to make difficult decisions, Thomas said. We want people to know the real situation of the budget. The governors Budget Director Dan Villa dismissed the criticisms as misleading political attacks and argued that Bullock has taken the declining revenues seriously. He noted that the 2016-17 budget approved by the 2015 Legislature received tremendous bipartisan support. We proposed real-time reductions in fiscal year 2017 to respond to this, Villa said of declining revenues. Because, again, appropriations are not set by the executive branch. The constitution clearly vests spending with the Legislature. Tell me what cuts they would have instated that our savings and efficiencies didnt. What cuts will look like for the next two years will first take shape Wednesday when appropriations subcommittees are expected to approve budget starting points. In what one resident calls a case of local officials responding to neighborhood concerns, it appears as if flashy stop signs and vision problems at Granite and Excelsior streets in Butte have been fixed. I think people are pleased that government listened to them, said Joan Heniz, who got 22 people to petition county officials about the intersection on the West Side. The Montana Department of Transportation had flashers installed on stop signs at Granite Street at the intersection months ago in response to numerous accidents there over the years. But nearby residents said the flashers blared red lights into their houses and bounced them off anything reflective up and down the block. They eventually signed a petition seeking relief. The flashers are solar-powered, and even though the county put shields over the blinking lights to reduce the glare, residents said they didnt do much. They also said the lights were cheesy, especially for their historical neighborhood. Officials ordered devices they hoped would be able to turn the flashers off at night, but they werent sure if they would work. But now they have been installed, and Heinz said they no longer flash at night. Its really wonderful, and Im very happy about it, Heinz said Monday, adding at least two of her neighbors feel the same. One was really affected by the lights shining into her windows, and she said it was such a relief, Heinz said. She said she never did get used to it, she said. Officials had to wait on the flasher control device, but the countys Public Works Department acted quickly on another problem neighbors noted: parked cars along Excelsior Avenue that prevented drivers on Granite from seeing oncoming traffic. They extended no parking zones on both sides of Excelsior going north and south all the way to the alleys. The zones before were only three car-lengths long. It has helped immensely, Heinz said. Commissioner Cindi Shaw, whose district includes the neighborhood, said she was pleased officials responded with mitigating steps. But she said she would wait a few more months to see if anyone still had concerns. Public Works Director Dave Schultz said it was nice to get some positive feedback. Recently, hate literature by the American Nazi Party has besieged our beautiful river town of Missoula. The literature's sole purpose is to harass and intimidate people in our community. The anti-Semitic nature of the pieces left in neighborhoods around town has rightly concerned those of the Jewish faith and many others. As the chief law enforcement officer of the county, I feel it is the duty of both myself and fellow law enforcement officers to condemn this targeting of our friends and neighbors, in addition to saying, in no uncertain terms, that the American Nazi Party and its ilk have no place in our community. Freedom of speech does not protect specific and direct calls for violence against an individual, vandalism, stalking, harassment or other criminal activity. Missoula is not the only community in our state or nation currently targeted by white supremacists. A national neo-Nazi website issued a call for racists to harass individuals and businesses that had publicly taken a stand against a white supremacist leader in Whitefish. These acts are unacceptable. Members of that neo-Nazi party have now organized an armed protest set for Jan. 15 in Whitefish. In times like these, its important for civic leaders to publicly support justice and equality. There are many actions law enforcement officers can take to address these activities that violate our communities' values. First, we need to understand that these white supremacist tactics are used to intimidate and isolate members of our communities and normalize abnormal racist beliefs. We need to publicly stand and rally behind the targets of hate groups and demonstrate that they are not alone. We also need to take the time to write and file reports that document these manifestations of white supremacy and anti-Semitism. Not only does this demonstrate to the public that we take the threat seriously, it is also the only way law enforcement can determine if there are patterns to the activity. We cannot afford to take the literature drops in Missoula or the harassing communications in Montana or elsewhere around the country lightly. Hate groups like to operate anonymously under the cover of darkness. As peace officers, we have to be part of the effort to shine the light of public scrutiny on these actions, because, after all, it is our job to protect and serve. We must be front and center in leading the response to hate groups' efforts to demean, isolate, and scare members of the communities we serve. I call on all my fellow law enforcement officers to rise to the challenge and make it clear that hate has no place in our republic. -- T.J. McDermott is the sheriff of Missoula County. We are continuing to keep our eyes on a very dangerous weekend for the Midwest, possible into our area. Right now Missouri is looking at moderate ice accumulations that could make travel very dangerous, and could close roads across Missouri. For our area to central Iowa is looking at snow, sleet, and freezing rain as well. We may see enough ice accumulations that will glaze roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks. Then snow chances, but at this time we don't see much of snow accumulations in our area, looks like heavier snow accumulations could be seen parts of northern Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. We expect this to begin Friday night through the weekend and possible into Monday. Please stay tuned as this may change in the up coming days, and this is still uncertain, but it is showing increasing chances. We will continue to keep our eyes on this to bring you the latest. MUSCATINE, Iowa The Island United Methodist Church will host a community blood drive from 3:00-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The drive will be held in Fellowship Hall of the church located at 2598 Stewart Road, Muscatine, and is open to the public. Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors. To donate, please contact Char Thompson at (563) 263-8777 or visit www.bloodcenterimpact.org and use code 1882 to locate the drive. Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is the provider of blood and blood components to more than 90 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. Locally, MVRBC is the exclusive provider of blood products to patients UnityPoint Health Muscatine, as well as patients at hospitals in Burlington, Washington, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities. MUSCATINE, Iowa Muscatine's middle schools will soon get new furniture and a fresh coat of paint. Assistant superintendent Mike McGrory discussed the district's plan for improving the schools at Monday night's Board meeting. The new furniture, he said, will give teachers greater flexibility in teaching and will include furniture for group collaboration, traditional learning and independent project work. In painting classrooms and hallways in the school, he said, the district hopes to unify the two schools with the Muskie colors of purple and gold. "We really have already started the process as far as painting," he said. "One of the things we saw when we started to look at this was an opportunity to really upgrade the building as a whole." McGrory said the painting and purchase of new furniture will be concluded before the next school year, and will unify both schools in a common theme. "When they [teachers] come back they will have new rooms as far as paint and new rooms as far as furniture," he said. The new furniture will allow teachers to customize learning in the classroom and take learning outside of the classroom. "Our hope is that it's not just new furniture but that it provides our teachers a lot of flexibility to do things in their classroom that they currently cannot do," he said, adding the district plans to put softer chairs in the hallways allowing groups to study outside the classroom. "We see this as an opportunity for teachers to really expand the classroom," McGrory said. The district will buy the furniture from HON at what McGrory said was an "outstanding price." McGrory said the board will discuss cost estimates for the improvement plan in the next board meeting. The district will execute the plan over the summer. In other business: -Board member Randy Naber announced he will not seek reelection when his term expires next September. -The board approved the early retirement of 15 district employees. Back in November, the board passed an early retirement incentive plan designed to entice some senior staff to retire. Riibe said the plan has been offered most years and is meant to help the district balance its budget in response to declining student enrollment. The district will consider cost-cutting measures such as merging positions or hiring staff whose salaries would be lower in the spring. McGrory said the move could save the district up to $220,000. -The board approved a $1.1 million request from the state of Iowa for at-risk programming in 2017-2018 year. The at-risk programs are aimed at students who struggle academically and are at risk for dropping out of school. Superintendent Jerry Riibe said the district will use some of the funds to provide additional mental health services for students. -McGrory updated the board on a schedule for the district needs assessment, conducted by University of Iowa researchers. He said the results of the needs assessment will be presented to the board on the next meeting on February 13. -After the meeting, the board went into a closed session to discuss union salary negotiations for the upcoming year. A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Monday, Jan. 9, 2017: HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Gov. Terry Branstad has proclaimed January Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month. He highlighted the work of the Network Against Human Trafficking www.iowanaht.org/ for the past 10 years. He also noted he signed bipartisan legislation to create the Office to Combat Human Trafficking in the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The office was the result of repeated legislative actions to create stronger enforcement laws that punish human trafficking. "When the network began 10 years ago, human trafficking was not recognized as a problem in Iowa. Thankfully, that has now changed and the response by Iowa communities and government agencies has greatly increased," said George Belitsos, chairman of the Network Against Human Trafficking board. He thanked the governor and his wife, Chris Branstad, and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds for their work to "put a spotlight on this horrible crime" and encouraged Iowans to learn more about trafficking, become aware that it is happening and to report suspicious activity. If you see something, say something." SENATE BILLS FILED: The GOP-run Iowa Senate is off and running with ninebills already filed for consideration this session. All 29 Republicans signed on to sponsor Senate File 1, which seeks to require job impact statements for state administrative rules, and Senate File 2 - a bill to establish a state family planning services program. Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, filed his bill to ban and remove traffic cameras as enforcement tools (SF 3), while Democrats Matt McCoy of Des Moines offered a bill giving adoptive parents employment assistance (SF 4) and Herman Quirmbach of Ames introduced five bills that included a proposal to raise the legal age for possessing tobacco products to 21. Republicans also proposed two constitutional amendments - one to create an expenditure limitation for the state's general fund budget and another to write the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution into the state constitution relating to individual rights to acquire, keep, possess, transport, carry, transfer and use firearms. Resolutions to amend the constitution must be approved in exactly the same form by two consecutive general assemblies and a vote of the people. NEW PENITENTIARY WARDEN: Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he has confidence Patti Wachtendorf will do a good job as the first female warden at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. "I think she's very well-qualified to be the warden at our maximum security prison," Branstad told reporters at his weekly news conference on Monday. "I wish her the very best." Jerry Bartruff, director of the state Department of Corrections, appointed Wachtendorf to replace Nick Ludwick is retiring as ISP warden. Wachtendorf, currently is the warden of the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville, a position she has held since 2009. Sheryl Dahm, currently the warden of the Clarinda Correctional Facility, was appointed warden of the women's prison. Wachtendorf began her career with the Department of Corrections in 1983 at the penitentiary in Fort Madison as a correctional officer, investigator, counselor and treatment services director. INDEPENDENT LIMBO: Ocheyedan Sen. David Johnson opened the 2017 legislative session as an independent with no political party affiliation - breaking new ground in a tradition-bound chamber that has not addressed such a circumstance in its rules. Johnson, a former Republican, left the party last June over philosophical disagreements with now President-elect Donald Trump and he is sticking by his independent status. Johnson has full voting rights but currently has only one committee assignment on the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee that was made by Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, leader of the Senate's 20-member Democratic caucus. Members of the Senate led by the new 29-member GOP majority approved temporary rules Monday over Johnson's opposition by voice vote. Johnson said he met privately Monday with Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, and newly installed Secretary of the Senate Charles Smithson to discuss his status in the chamber going forward and what he called "negotiations on the rules" before the final version is adopted. MUSCATINE, Iowa The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors approved the rezoning of 11.5 acres in Fulton Township and also approved the purchase of two tandem truck cab/chassis during their weekly meeting Monday morning in the Muscatine County Administration Building. Kenneth W. Ferris had submitted a request to rezone approximately 11.5 acres from C-2 Commercial District to R-1 Residential District. Ferris noted in his petition to the Muscatine County Zoning Commission that when he purchased the property it was zoned agriculture but due to having a tree farm he had to have the property rezoned as commercial. The tree farm is no longer in operation and Ferris plans to build a home and live there. During the public hearing, the supervisors questioned Ferris about his expected use of the property and whether it would be used commercially or not in the future. Ferris assured the board that was not in his familys plan. After a roll call vote, the Supervisors approved the Zoning Commissions approval of the rezoning. The supervisors also heard from Information Services Director William Riley, who is gathering information regarding vendor selection for a new phone system in the County Administration Building. Riley said he was meeting with department heads later this week to learn of their needs for a phone system which will be written into the selection process. A letting date for paving on Fruitland Road/Muscatine Street/North Street has been set for 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 13. County Engineer Keith White said that there has been discussion with the Fruitland City Council concerning what they would like the county to do and he will discuss the matter further with Fruitland officials Tuesday night. There is only certain things we can do without sending the entire project back to the planning stage, White said. White also informed the board that the county did rock Iron City Avenue, an area that was damaged by last falls flood and subsequently repaired by Levee District 17. In other action: Supervisors approved the purchase of two tandem truck cab/chassis to replace two units; Approved the Report of Fees collected from the County Recorders Office, County Auditors Office, County Sheriffs Office, and County Treasurers Office for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2016; Approved a Request for Proposal to demolish a structure at 3210 Harmony Lane, Muscatine; Approved two resolutions to transfer funds from Rural Services Fund and General Basic Fund into the Secondary Roads Fund; Approved Jeff Hackett as the licensed electrician on the Building Board of Appeals for a three-year term; and, Approved Board of Supervisors assignments to various boards and commissions. Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] Does it take condiments to make Americans like cheese? Does it really need enhancements? A cheesemonger and a chef were recently in Napa promoting that idea, and incidentally, introducing their new book, Composing the Cheese Plate. Its an interesting concept. Many Americans may not regard a cheese course as part of their routine, but the concept is becoming more popular, particularly in better restaurants where one is often served as an appetizer or dessert. Brian Keyser and Leigh Friend, however, have elevated the cheese course into more than just am incidental course. Keysers Caselulla Cheese and Wine Cafe in New York City has turned cheese with condiments or enhancements into a meal, and Friend, a pastry chef by training, developed the accompaniments. These extend far beyond the Marcona almonds, honey and membrillo (quince paste) typically served with cheeses. The book contains about 70 compotes, chutneys and other preparations designed to pair with the cheese. While they were in Napa, the authors made two presentations, first at La Toque, then at the CIA at Copia. Fancy pairings at La Toque At La Toque at the Westin, they discussed their ideas with local cheese guru Janet Fletcher while guests sampled their concept. Fletcher is the author of several cookbooks, including The Cheese Course, (Chronicle Books, 2000) and publishes Planet Cheese, a newsletter. The cheese-and-condiment pairing was, in turn, paired with wine. The first sample was a mushroom duxelle with Swiss Moser Screamer triple creme cows milk cheese with 72 percent butterfat, a decadent creamy flavor, a delicate thin bloomy rind and a rich buttery center paired with Roederer Estate Rose sparkling wine from Anderson Valley. The acidity from the wine helped tame the unctuous cheese. The second example was cardamom-poached butternut squash with Brescianella Stagionata cheese and 2011 Maison LOree Gevrey Chambertin. The cheese is a cows milk cheese with a washed rind, aged around 90 days and possessing a pungent odor but a mild flavor. The Burgundy wine was exquisite but probably wouldnt have matched well without the accompaniment. The final pairing at La Toque was fried pepitas (pumpkin seeds) with Marcel Petit Comte Affinage dExcellence. The wine was a 2013 Mount Veeder cabernet sauvignon. Like the other cheeses and wines, these were exceptional, and again, the pepitas helped make the match. A new concept in eating? As we tasted, Fletcher said that she felt the book raised the bar for the cheese plate, noting that 20 years ago, even serving cheese alone as a course was unusual, and it was liked to be a cold Brie. Keyser related how he came to start his cafe and to write the book with Friend, who has since left to consult. He had worked at other restaurants that offered cheese courses, but felt that a modest, casual cafe that specialized in cheese would be well received in New York. The original idea was an ounce of cheese for $5 and a glass of wine for $10. At first, we had designated flights like American, blue, or sheep cheeses served with set accompaniments, but then interacted with guests to choose the courses. Friend worked to create suitable pairings, and many are surprising, like San Joaquin gold with spicy curry brittle or pickled fennel with pungent cheese. The contrast is good, said Keyser, and Friend added, Theres no wrong or right. Just because you dont like it doesnt mean others dont. Most guests choose a wine, then select a cheese to go with it. Caselullas wine list has lots of whites, sparkling wines and light reds. Keyser noted that white and sparkling wines are often better matches for cheese than reds, and in fact, said that pairing cheese with tannic, alcoholic reds like Napa cabernets can be challenging. Hard aged cheeses are the often best choice, he said. Whats with the marshmallows? Toward the end of the talk, Fletcher asked about the marshmallows. Apparently New Yorkers have gone nuts over them, and Keyser and Friend included both a pairing and a recipe in the book. Theyve found that many people choose sweet pairings. The most popular pairing is fudge. I have mixed feelings about people ordering sweet pairings, but it helps them like the cheese, said Keyser. One thing the authors arent enthusiastic about is bread or crackers. Pick something that will add to the cheese, said Friend. Fletcher pushed the two for their favorite pairings. Friend picked passion fruit basil seed curd with fresh chevre, while Keyser chose balsamic pickled figs with washed rind or blue cheese like Point Reyes Blue. The book is also a comprehensive guide to cheese including choosing, storing and serving cheese with exhaustive suggestions for pairings. Challenges in Cabernet Country The presentation at Copia was less fancy, but featured Laura Chanel Chevre with brandy poached pears and Charles Krug sauvignon blanc, a natural. Seeking to find more matches in Cabernet Country, they paired San Joaquin Gold with toasted walnut pesto and Greystone cabernet. The bitterness in the walnuts provided a bridge to the wine. The third pairing was Roquefort with Herbs de Provence popcorn and Tres Sabores cabernet. It was stretching a bit for my taste. Keyser and Friend have created an interesting concept elevating cheese from a course to a meal by pairing it with sweet and other condiments. Europeans tend to think theyre taking the spotlight off the cheese, but Keyser thinks it will appeal to many Americans. Its a way to get more Americans interested in cheese beyond cheeseburgers. Edith Burch still has an original copy of one of the first tax returns she ever prepared and it happens to be her own. During a gathering last Wednesday afternoon at her business, Capital Business Service, Burch showed off her 1040 form, dated 1944. She earned $1,140 from working at a bank in Pendleton, Indiana, paying an 11 percent income tax rate. Ive always loved numbers, said Burch, now 94. It was one of her best subjects at school, she noted. That knack for numbers lead Burch to a career spanning more than five decades providing tax and accounting help to many of Napas small business owners. I like it when clients say I dont know what Id do without you, said Burch, who will turn 95 in May. The truth, she said, is that, You help them, and they help you. They really are my family. However, 2017 will bring some changes to Burch and her family. This coming tax season will be her last, she recently announced. After working for almost 60 years at Capital Business Service, Burch has sold the business and plans to retire. I felt that at my age, I wasnt kidding myself, said Burch. Some of her younger customers have already passed away, she noted. It wouldnt be fair to my clients if something happened to her unexpectedly, said Burch. She wants to ensure a smooth transition for those who rely on her services. Back in the late 1950s, Edith and her husband, George Burch, started their tax and accounting service. We were interested in helping businesses succeed, she said. The two first met as wartime pen pals. Later, they married and eventually moved to Napa, where George had grown up. After moving to their home on First Street in Napa, the Burchs heard the house across the street from them was for sale. They bought it and turned the second home into their business office. Burch said the couple built their business by knocking on doors, word-of-mouth and referrals. Getting started, you do what you have to do, Burch said. That included working 14-hour days and six-days-a-week during tax season. Its a demanding business. Theres always a deadline. Eventually, they added more staffers. The Burches became enrolled agents, or federally licensed tax practitioners. One of Capital Business Services first clients was the Roberts Bel Aire Variety Store in north Napa. Others included local shoe stores, restaurants, gas stations and other retailers. Burch said that over the past decades, shes seen tax and accounting technology change dramatically. Before computers, they recorded data on microfilm, punch cards and tapes and used scanning technology. One of their earliest computers, made by Burroughs, took up a whole garage space, she recalled with a laugh. Today, Capital Business Service uses state-of-the-art tax preparation software that runs on desktop computers. George Burch passed away in 1997, but Edith Burch continued running the company, which remains located at 2033 First St. across from their longtime home. The couple also has five children, 14 grandkids and more than a dozen great-grandkids. She estimated the business has just under 600 clients. More than 50 of them have been Burchs clients for more than 40 years, she estimated. After tax season ends, the new owner of the business, Thomas P. Cox, CPA, will be responsible for those customers. Burch said she connected with Cox after she listed the business for sale through a broker. Cox currently lives in Walnut Creek and said he plans to eventually relocate to Napa. Cox said that Burch has been more than willing to help during the ownership change. She just knows everything, he said. She does things the right way. Cox said he values Burchs emphasis on client services. Im looking forward to carrying on that tradition. I felt that when I met Tom, I could work with him, Burch said. Hes met several of the clients and gotten good approval so far. The remarkable thing about Edith is that her brain is so incredibly bright, said longtime client Carolyn F. Wrage. Shes one of the most trustworthy tax consultants that Ive ever met. As a senior citizen who continued to work long after traditional retirement age, Burch is a role model for seniors and someone the community looks up to, said Wrage. Indeed, in 2004 Burch was honored at the Governors Older Worker and Exemplary Employers Awards luncheon hosted by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Later that year she was also honored in Washington, D.C. by another awards program as Californias most outstanding member of the senior workforce. Ive been a client of Ediths for 52 years, said retired Napa County Superior Court Judge Phil Champlin. I dont like change but I knew this day was coming. Champlin said he remains amazed at Burchs stamina. Shes sharp as a tack and always on top of any changes to the tax code. Burch treats her clients so well, said client Janet Cannizzaro of Napa. Shes so careful about what she does. She gets it done. Burch said shell stay busy after retirement with her church and the Soroptimist International of Napa group, where she is a life member. In addition, I have some clients that are homebound, she said. Ill continue to help them. Ill still have my fingers in it. Silverado Trail remains closed between Deer Park Road and Zinfandel Lane in St. Helena due to a Monday afternoon rock slide, the Napa County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday. The closure created extra congested conditions at rush hour Tuesday morning on Highway 29 as motorists attempted to detour off the Trail through downtown St. Helena. County Public Works officials are assessing the risk of additional rock slides before Silverado Trail can be reopened. Also closed Tuesday morning is Highway 121 at Schellville in Sonoma County due to flooding. Motorists are asked to take Napa Road to Highway 116 as an alternate route. Let's be clear: Hillary Clinton did not lose the 2016 election because of Russian meddling or WikiLeaks. And here is the proof: WikiLeaks began publishing its trove of Democratic National Committee emails on July 22, 2016, three days before the Democratic National Convention. By then, Hillary Clinton was already in a deep hole with American voters. Long before WikiLeaks, Americans had concluded that Clinton was a congenital liar. A CNN poll taken July 13-16 found that 65 percent of voters said Clinton was neither honest nor trustworthy and that 57 percent would not be proud to have her as president. A July 16 CBS News poll showed similar results - 67 percent of voters said Clinton was not honest or trustworthy. And little wonder. By then, Clinton had lied so often, for so many years, about so many things - her emails, the Clinton Foundation, Benghazi, arriving in Bosnia under sniper fire, Whitewater, the firing of White House travel aides, the Madison S&L - that most Americans no longer believed a word she said. It's no surprise, then, that long before WikiLeaks, her approval rating was underwater. The same pre-WikiLeaks CNN poll found that 55 percent of Americans viewed Clinton unfavorably, while just 41 percent viewed her favorably - the lowest favorable rating she had scored in CNN polling in 24 years, going all the way back to April 1992. Gallup had similar results in its poll taken July 16-23. "As the Democratic National Convention gets underway in Philadelphia," Gallup reported at the time, "Hillary Clinton's image is at its lowest point in the 24 years of her national career, with 38% of Americans viewing her favorably and 57% unfavorably." In other words, the WikiLeaks stories simply confirmed what Americans already knew: that Clinton was dishonest and corrupt. Moreover, most of the stories that helped Americans reach those conclusions had nothing to do with Russia or WikiLeaks. It was The New York Times that broke the story that Clinton used a private server while she was secretary of state. It was The Washington Post that revealed the Clinton Foundation had accepted millions of dollars in donations from foreign governments while Clinton was secretary of state. It was The Wall Street Journal that exposed the deal Clinton had cut with a Swiss bank to protect tax-dodging Americans while the bank gave $1.5 million in speaking fees to Bill Clinton and $600,000 to the Clinton Foundation. It was ABC News that revealed that the Clinton State Department gave special treatment to "FOBs" (friends of Bill) and "WJC VIPs" (William Jefferson Clinton VIPs) after the Haiti earthquake. It was NBC News that reported that the FBI had discovered emails that appeared to be germane to the Clinton email scandal on a computer seized during an investigation of disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner. And it was FBI Director James Comey who told the American people that Clinton had been "extremely careless" and the "definition of negligent" in handling classified information. Clinton can't blame Russian President Vladimir Putin or WikiLeaks for any of that. Did Russia attempt to influence our election? Of course it did. That's not shocking. As the declassified report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) pointed out, it has been trying to do so since the days of the Soviet Union. The report called the hacking effort "the most recent expression of Moscow's longstanding desire to undermine the US-led liberal democratic order," adding that "Russia, like its Soviet predecessor, has a history of conducting covert influence campaigns focused on US presidential elections." The difference today, the report concluded, was that Russia's actions in 2016 represented "a significant escalation in directness, level of activity, and scope of effort compared to previous operations." So why would Putin be so brazen? Simple. He knew that, under President Barack Obama, there would be zero consequences for his actions. After all, Putin watched as Obama drew his red line in Syria - warning that President Bashar Assad would face military action if he moved or used chemical weapons on his people - and then not only failed to enforce it but also turned to Putin to give him a face-saving way out. Putin then invaded Ukraine, annexed Crimea and began to arm Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine with advanced surface-to-air missiles and watched as the Ukrainian government appealed to Obama for weapons to fight his neo-Soviet aggression - but instead of sending RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades), Obama agreed to send MREs (meals ready to eat). Putin then set up Russian air bases in Syria and used them to bomb a secret base of operations for elite U.S. and British special operations forces, as well as a CIA outpost housing families of agency-backed Syrian fighters - again with no consequences. After those and countless other embarrassing shows of American presidential weakness, Putin knew that Obama would not have the stomach to impose consequences on Russia for attempting to interfere in our elections. So on Obama's watch he undertook the most audacious covert influence campaign focused on a U.S. election in Russo-Soviet history. And Democrats are arguing that this somehow discredits Donald Trump's presidency? Please. The only presidency it discredits is Obama's - the commander in chief who projected such weakness in the world that Putin believed (correctly) that Russia could get away with it. Which is why it is so puzzling the Trump team keeps trying to call into question the intelligence office report's conclusions that Russia was behind the DNC hacking effort. Trump should embrace those conclusions instead. He should point out that the report is a searing indictment not of him, but of Obama, and that Russia's actions are a direct result of Obama's weakness on the world stage. That would be a much smarter approach than questioning the integrity of the intelligence community he will have to lead in less than two weeks. And it has the added benefit of being true. Marc Thiessen is a fellow with the American Enterprise Institute and former chief speechwriter to President George W. Bush. He wrote this for The Washington Post. Last April, I sent a letter to the editor regarding Safeway's disservice to Napa downtown and specifically the seniors living across the street from Safeway's former location on Jefferson and Clay Streets. I've seen a few letters of concern since then to the editor. Safeway continues to block the landlord from leasing to another grocer. Their lack of consideration for seniors who cannot drive, leaving them with no available grocery shopping option within walking distance, continues unchanged. I emailed them about my concern and received a stock no-reply thanking me for contacting them. Until Safeway demonstrates humanity instead of greed, I will continue to boycott them and ask that other concerned citizens join me. If you would like to contact them to share your concern for this situation, you can call (877) 723-3929 or online at web.comments@safeway.com. Suzi Gilbert Napa Napa County reports first seasonal flu death A 65-year-old Napa County resident died on Thursday from an influenza virus infection, Napa County Public Health reported Friday. This unfortunate case demonstrates that flu can be deadly, Dr. Karen Relucio, health officer for the county, said in a news release. Fortunately, people can protect themselves and their family members from getting the flu by getting vaccinated. Relucio said the county would not release additional details about the flu casualty in order to protect the familys right to privacy and maintain confidentiality. Bay Area public health officials urge vaccination against influenza (flu) because flu activity has reached widespread levels in California, including the Bay Area. In addition to this first death, Napa County is seeing a rapid increase in the percentage of patients seen in local emergency departments with influenza-like illness, she said. The California Department of Public Health recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women. For many people, the flu can mean feeling miserable for a few days, said Relucio. But for others, including very young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, the flu can lead to severe illness or death. Flu causes thousands of deaths per year and is preventable with vaccination. Tuesday, Jan. 3 0810 -- Medical aid for an elderly man with chest pains on Crinella Drive. 0947 -- A truck hit a pole at Main/Crinella, blocking the intersection. Nobody was hurt. 1011 -- A caller reported that a 35 mph speed limit sign on Main Street had been replaced with a 25 mph sign after construction. 1138 -- Medical aid for an elderly woman feeling ill on Crane Avenue. 1343 -- A caller was irritated that nothing had been done to reduce speeding on Olive Avenue. Wednesday, Jan. 4 0611 -- A non-injury accident blocked the northbound lane of Main Street near Adams Street. 0727 -- Police responded to a vehicle rollover at Main/Pratt. The driver, a 27-year-old St. Helena man, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and violation of probation. 0943 -- Medical aid for an elderly woman with low blood pressure on Olive Avenue. 1051 -- A car parked on Main Street sustained some damage, possibly from the car that had parked next to it. 1152 -- Police cited a Prius parked in the wrong direction on Railroad Avenue. 1355 -- Report of fraudulent credit card charges. 1556 -- Report of an elderly woman down in the street near Pope Street and Stralla Court. She had fallen and broken her arm, and was bleeding from her face. 1744 -- Police responded to a disturbance on Main Street. 2017 -- A resident received a fraudulent call from a scammer claiming to be from PG&E. The caller demanded money, or else the residents power would be shut off. The resident bought cash cards and gave the numbers and codes to the caller, and lost a total of $815. Thursday, Jan. 5 0151 -- Non-injury accident hit-and-run on Chiles Avenue. 1332 -- Report of a reckless driver weaving in a tanker truck on Silverado Trail near Highway 128. 1501 -- Report of men selling vodka outside a gas station near Main/Pope. They reportedly approached people as they entered and exited the convenience store. Police responded and, following a short foot pursuit, arrested a 62-year-old St. Helena man on suspicion of marijuana sales, resisting arrest and violation of probation. A 29-year-old St. Helena man was cited for marijuana possession and released. 1533 -- Two dogs were found standing in traffic on Deer Park Road. The person who found them took them to the police department. 1537 -- A local resident contacted police about a letter the police had sent notifying of a barking dog complaint. A sergeant explained that the police send a letter when an officer observes barking but cant contact the owners. If the barking is observed again, the owners could be cited. 1747 -- A pink cell phone wallet case containing an iPhone and drivers license was reported lost on Spring Street. 1904 -- Report of an ongoing problem with a dog barking on Kearney Street. Police didnt hear anything. 2000 -- A woman arrived home on Church Street to find her front door wide open, so police checked to make sure it was empty. 2041 -- Medical aid for a woman feeling ill at a restaurant in south St. Helena. 2145 -- A resident came to the police department with questions about a dog barking letter the police had sent. The man was concerned his neighbor was out to get him because of a previous issue involving a tree branch. He said he would get bark collars for his dogs. He doesnt like the idea, but he wanted the police to know he will do everything necessary to keep the peace in his neighborhood. 2233 -- A caller asked police to arrest or remove a drunk female roommate on Grayson Avenue who was being belligerent and verbally abusive. Friday, Jan. 6 0355 -- Police responded to a verbal dispute at Main and Pope streets. 0659 -- Emergency units responded to a traffic collision at Silverado Trail and Pope Street. While the units were still there, another accident occurred just north of the first crash. 0748 -- Report of a reckless driver tailgating and weaving on southbound Highway 29 near Bale Lane. 0840 -- Police were notified of a non-injury accident that occurred on private property on McCorkle Avenue. Police offered to help the parties exchange information. 1005 -- Someone rifled through a car parked on Adams Street. It was unknown whether anything was missing. 1030 -- Report of fraudulent checks written in the name of a business on Dowdell Lane. Police took a fraud report. Saturday, Jan. 7 0110 -- Police found nine non-St. Helena juveniles in a seven-passenger van at a south St. Helena winery. Their parents were called to pick them up. 1211 -- Medical aid for a fall victim on Olive Avenue. 1320 -- Report of a tree falling on Harvest Lane. 2346 -- Report of an angry woman throwing books on a porch on Tainter Street. Police arrested the 29-year-old San Diego woman on suspicion of public intoxication. She was cited and released from the police department. Sunday, Jan. 8 0211 -- Following a traffic stop at Main/Pine, police arrested a 28-year-old Napa man on suspicion of DUI and arrested a 24-year-old St. Helena man on suspicion of public intoxication. 0532 -- A passerby found a personal check on the sidewalk near Hunt/Church and turned it into the police. 0657 -- Public Works placed barricade signs warning of flooding at Main/Elmhurst. 0902 -- A caller reported her house was flooded on Crane Avenue. 0905 -- Report of a reckless driver on northbound Highway 29. 1006 -- Report of a suspicious man on Hunt Avenue asking for tickets to Chicago for his daughter. 1019 -- Report of a tree down on the train tracks near Pope Street. 1101 -- Report of a tree down on a parked car on Allison Avenue. 1202 -- A driver reported getting stuck after passing through deep water on Deer Park Road. 1243 -- Report of a tree down at McCullagh Park, with possible power lines down. 1405 -- Public Works reported that another tree was coming down on Allison Avenue, right next to the last one. 1557 -- Medical aid on Hunt Avenue. 1859 -- Police set up cones to warn of roadway flooding at Madrona/Riesling, Sylvaner/Spring and Main/Dowdell. One of the survivors of a deadly car crash in Southern California is calling a St. Helena firefighter a hero for helping the victims escape their burning car. While on vacation with his family on Nov. 21, Jose Martin was among the first of many people to render aid following a single-car accident near Indio that killed one woman and heavily injured two others. Martin is a 27-year veteran of the part-time St. Helena Fire Department and has been a professional firefighter in American Canyon for the last 13 years. If it werent for Mr. Martins quick and professional response, the accident could easily have resulted in a triple fatality, wrote David Collins, the driver who suffered a broken back, major leg trauma, concussion and damaged spleen after apparently falling asleep at the wheel. Collins wrote a letter to Mayor Alan Galbraith praising Martins heroism for helping him and his wife Delaine, who suffered a concussion, facial fractures, eight broken ribs, seven fractured vertebrae and a broken arm. David and Delaine Collins, who are in their 70s, are expected to make a full recovery. David Collins 94-year-old aunt Betty Burns died at the scene, despite Martin removing her from the car and performing CPR. Martin put his own life on the line to save ours from almost certain death, Collins wrote. Delaine and I are forever grateful and indebted to him for what he did for us. Martin said he was just one member of an impromptu team of bystanders who stopped to help. It wasnt just me, Martin said. It was my brother, me, a total stranger named Ben, my wife, two of my daughters, my sister-in-law. There were probably 15 or 20 people helping. They didnt have the training and experience I have, but they were totally cool, calm and collected, and they all played a part in this. Martin, his wife Kari and their three daughters were visiting his brother Sergio in Indio. On the morning of Nov. 21, the two families were heading east on Interstate 10 in separate cars, on their way to Joshua Tree National Park for a day of hiking. Martin said his daughter Madison saw a car running off the westbound lanes and said, Oh my God, did you see that? By the time Martin looked back, all he saw was a cloud of dust in the median. He, Sergio and a third driver he knows only as Ben pulled over. Traffic had stopped, so they ran across the eastbound lanes toward the gully where the car had come to a rest on its left side after rolling several times. Delaine Collins had been ejected from the car and was lying on the ground a few feet away. She told Martin who was amazed she was alive that there were two other people in the car. Burns was breathing but unresponsive in the passengers seat and David Collins was conscious and alert in the drivers seat. Collins poked his head out of the sunroof and told Martin he didnt think he was seriously injured, but still needed help getting out. After Martin had opened the passengers-side door, another bystander yelled that there was a fire in the engine compartment. That prompted an OnStar operator to urge Martin and the others to move away from the car, which Martin refused to do, although he could see heat waves rising from the front of the car. Martins wife Kari, daughters Madison and Hanna, and sister-in-law Doris hurried to fetch the jugs of water theyd packed for their hike at Joshua Tree. The gathering crowd used the water to put out the fire while Martin, Sergio and Ben pulled Burns out of the car and handed her over to a woman who said she was a nurse. Every time I looked up there were more and more people coming toward the scene, Martin said. Everybody got in there and helped. Martin turned his attention to extricating David Collins, who was able to climb up to the passengers door, where Martin, Sergio and Ben helped him to the ground. Once David Collins was clear, the woman whod been tending to Burns said the elderly woman wasnt breathing. Martin performed CPR until paramedics took over and soon pronounced her dead. After Dave and Delaine Collins were rushed to the hospital, the Martin family vacation resumed, although we were all traumatized by the experience, he said. They eventually contacted the Collins family through Facebook, set up a video-chat, and stayed in touch with the couple during their recovery. However, David Collins letter to Mayor Galbraith came as a surprise, Martin said. In 27 years as a firefighter, Martin has responded to plenty of accident scenes, but he said hell never forget this one. For one thing, he didnt have his usual gear and crew with him. If he had, the end result would have been the same, he said, although if hed known Collins had hurt his back he would have been much more careful extricating him. Normally Im the captain and Im telling my crew, I need you to do this, I need you to do that, he said. There was none of that here. But somehow, some way we formulated a plan to get them out. Im still shocked there werent more fatalities. Delaine Collins miraculous survival and the bond that formed between the survivors and their rescuers also made the incident memorable. Nobody gets exposed to a situation like this and just walks away and washes their hands, he said. You always remember this stuff. Faculty-facilitated sessions held daily from Jan. 17-20 will hone in on Emory's emerging priorities, identified through extensive input from the community. Click here to enlarge. Since the summer of 2015, Emory community members have shared their ideas for helping Emory reach its bold ambition. Theyve engaged with the "Thinking and Acting Strategically" process that gathered ideas for strategic priorities. Theyve participated in listening sessions and surveys surrounding the Presidential Search Committee. Since assuming her role new role at Emory in September 2016, President Claire E. Sterk has augmented those sources of information with a fall listening tour, one-on-one conversations, focus groups and email exchanges with members from across the university community. Now all of these ideas are coalescing into emerging priorities that will define and shape Emorys strategies for the future. Our shared future depends on the shared vision we have and the choices we make today, Sterk says. I am encouraged that so many community members are playing an active role to make their voices heard. This month, the community has a new opportunity to weigh in on the emerging priorities in a weeklong series of discussions. Led by faculty facilitators from across the university, discussions of individual priorities will be held daily from noon to 1 p.m. from Jan 17-20. Each session is devoted to one of four priorities: strengthening academic excellence, deeper engagement with Atlanta, global health innovation, and leveraging the Woodruff Health Sciences Center to catalyze synergy between health sciences and other parts of Emory. Heres the challenge: We have the ideas, but they are in different heads," says Interim Provost Stuart Zola. "When our students, faculty and staff come together, creativity happens. We are looking forward to the innovative ideas about Emorys priorities that emerge from these catalytic sessions. The schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Jan. 17: Strengthening Academic Excellence Winship Ballroom, 12-1 p.m. Facilitators: Vaidy Sunderam, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Computer Science and chair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (Emory College of Arts and Sciences) Carolyn Meltzer, William Patterson Timmie Professor and chair, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences (School of Medicine) K.M. Venkat Narayan, Ruth and O.C. Hubert Chair of Global Health and director, Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (Rollins School of Public Health) Wednesday, Jan. 18: Deeper Engagement with Atlanta Cox Hall Ballroom (1,2 & 3), 12-1 p.m. Facilitators: Robert Franklin, senior adviser to the president and James T. and Berta R. Laney Chair in Moral Leadership (Candler School of Theology) Erika James, John H. Harland Dean of Goizueta Business School and professor of organization and management Thursday, Jan. 19: Global Health Innovation Rita Ann Rollins Room, Rollins School of Public Health, 12-1 p.m. Facilitators: Carlos del Rio, Hubert Professor and chair of the Department of Global Health (Rollins School of Public Health); professor of medicine; co-director, Emory Center for AIDS Research Robert Breiman, director of the Emory Global Health Institute Linda McCauley, dean of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Friday, Jan. 20: Enhancing the Impact of the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Cox Hall Ballroom (1,2 & 3), 12-1 p.m. Facilitators: Sheryl Heron, professor and vice chair of administrative affairs, Department of Emergency Medicine and assistant dean of clinical education and student affairs (School of Medicine) Lanny Liebeskind, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Chemistry (Emory College); vice provost for strategic research initiatives Judy Raggi Moore, professor of pedagogy, Italian, and director, Italian Studies Program (Emory College) As priorities are examined and refined, Sterk is confident that Emory will arrive at the choices that allow it to claim areas of bold ambition. "By doing so, we will transform our will to lead into having a significant, positive impact on our city, region, nation and world, she says. Miriam Tellez, center, Victoria Castro and Carlos Rodriguez study in the Titan Dreamers Resource Center. Miriam Tellez came to the U.S. from Mexico City when she was 8. She attended Pasadena schools, learned English and graduated from high school. Earning a college degree has always been her goal. Now a junior at Cal State Fullerton, it was the California Dream Act that made it possible for undocumented students like Tellez to attend college. But it wasnt until she walked through the doors of the Titan Dreamers Resource Center that she knew her dream is possible. Growing up I had to hide my undocumented identity. I felt I didnt belong anywhere not here or in my home country since I had been gone so long, Tellez said. But when I came to the center for the first time, I finally felt a sense of belonging, a space I belonged in a place to inform and empower me. Henoc Preciado, the centers founding coordinator, has worked to create a safe space for undocumented students since the centers opening more than two years ago. He has been counselor, mentor and friend to scores of undocumented students who seek advice, support and solace. Ill never be able to put into words the challenges and obstacles these students face, Preciado said as a crowd of students gathered inside the center. These are students who have been told repeatedly by teachers, the government, family and friends that they could not attain a college education. But they persevered, and here they are, working hard to graduate from college. As many as 75 students visit the center on the second floor of Pollak Library on any given day; they come for study, fellowship and friendship. They also seek information, often about state and national immigration policies and legislation that may affect their ability to remain in the U.S. Dreamers Safe Space The center the first in the California State University system and its staff remain committed to supporting undocumented students in reaching their educational goals, said Preciado. Students at the center have become worried about their futures, as well as the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) federal program, Preciado said. DACA allows undocumented youth who meet certain requirements to remain in the country and obtain a work permit. Undocumented youth are afraid that the new administration will discontinue DACA; they are concerned that they or their families may be deported, said Julian Jefferies, assistant professor of literacy and reading education who conducts workshops at the center on such issues as how to navigate college and apply to graduate school. He also is researching the experiences of undocumented students. Tellez is an example of that uncertainty. She holds two campus jobs, including working at the center. My biggest fear is losing my jobs and not having income to pay for living expenses like rent, food and books. The CSU has asked the president-elect to preserve DACA. CSUFs Academic Senate also passed resolutions supporting the Universitys undocumented students. Preciado and his team provide programs and services that are designed to improve student retention and graduation rates, including workshops on such topics as studying abroad, financial aid and money management. For CSUFs undocumented students, Preciado said the centers message remains clear: Dont give up on your dreams. Tellez, who is studying sociology, isnt giving up either. Being a dreamer means not being invisible and not being afraid to demand human rights for myself and other undocumented students, she said. The center is our source for support and advocacy our home away from home. For photos, visit CSUF Photos. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Oil markets on Tuesday were torn between production cuts by major exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia and reports that supplies from other regions including North America, Iraq, and Iran could offset any restraint aimed at curbing a global glut.Prices for Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were trading at $54.99 per barrel at 0136 GMT, up 5 cents from their last close.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures were trading at $52.04 per barrel, up 8 cents.That came after prices fell around 4 percent the previous session on the back of concerns that rising output in Iraq and Iran and increased drilling in North America were undermining efforts led by Saudi Arabia to curb a global fuel supply glut that has weighed on markets for over two years.Iraq, the second biggest producer within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has given full supply allocations of Basra crude to three refiners in Asia and Europe for February, several sources with direct knowledge of the matter said on Monday.And although traders said that oil markets had good support in the lower $50s per barrel due to announced cuts by other leading OPEC members, especially Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, there was a large degree of uncertainty beyond those price levels as other producers seemed to raise their output."The average Canadian rig count for December 2016 was 209, up 36 from the 173 counted in November 2016, and up 49 from the 160 counted in December 2015," said Matt Stanley, a fuel broker at Freight Services International in Dubai."A 30 percent increase in Canadian rigs in a year... The bear in me is well and truly back," he added.Drilling for new oil production in the United States is also increasing as U.S. energy companies last week added rigs for a tenth week in a row, extending the drilling recovery into an eighth month as crude prices remained at levels at which many U.S. drillers can operate profitably.Adding one-off supplies, the U.S. Department of Energy on Monday issued a Notice of Sale for crude from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), with bids for 8 million barrels of light, sweet oil due by Jan. 17, in order to fund improvements to the infrastructure that holds the emergency reserves.REUTERS RSD 0727 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-1101194.Xml Weerawansa was arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigations Division after being asked to appear to record a statement, Xinhua news agency reported. The opposition Member of Parliament was questioned over the alleged misuse of government vehicles when he was a Minister. Weerawansa was Housing Minister in the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and was known as an outspoken figure. The Sri Lankan authorities have begun a crackdown on opposition members accused of fraud and corruption. Some key members of the former government have been arrested over the past several months. --IANS py/dg ( 121 Words) 2017-01-10-16:22:07 (IANS) While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is still reconciling the quantum of demonetised currency that has been returned to banks by the December 30, 2016 deadline, NITI Aayog Member Bibek Debroy feels about 10 per cent of such notes won't return to the system. "Even now, Rs 1.6 lakh crore is what will be missing at the end of it all. Those are the figures. If I take a base of roughly rounding off demonetised currency around Rs 16 lakh crore, 10 per cent of it is about Rs 1.6 lakh crore," Debroy told IANS in an interview. "Figures say that still Rs 1.5 lakh crore that has not come back. There is still a gap. People have made estimates that may be 10 per cent will not come back," he added. Some reports have said about 97 per cent of the demonetised currency notes worth Rs 14.97 lakh crore have been deposited back as on December 30. The government had earlier estimated that about Rs 15.4 lakh crore of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes -- or 86 per cent of cash in circulation -- will be taken out of the system. Meanwhile, the central bank has cast doubts on its own estimates. "The periodical SBN (specified bank notes) figures released by us were based on aggregation of accounting entries done at the large number of currency chests all over the country," it said. The last figure released by the RBI was that deposits of Rs 12.44 lakh crore have been received till December 10, 2016. "Now that the scheme has come to an end these figures would need to be reconciled with physical cash balances to eliminate accounting errors/possible double counts. Till this is completed, any estimate may not indicate the actual numbers of the SBNs that have been returned," RBI had said. Debroy said the bulk of the old currency coming in is a positive indication. "I can look at it as a positive thing. If it doesn't come back, then that currency is destroyed. It reduces RBI's liability to that extent. For the amount that comes into the system, people will have to pay taxes, penalties, that is the money that actually comes to the government," he said. The scrutiny of the money deposited in banks, however will take time, he added. Debroy also said demonetisation has checked the disproportionate cash in the Indian society, and that the cash-GDP ratio in India is way higher than its other Asian counterparts. "Around 2000, the cash-GDP ratio in India used to be around 9 per cent while today it has gone up to 13 per cent. Obviously the use of cash is disproportionately high to what is required for transaction purposes," he said. As per official data, Sri Lanka, for example, has cash-GDP ratio of just 3.5 per cent, Bangladesh has 5 per cent, while Pakistan has 9 per cent. Quite clearly, there is excess cash in India that needs to be reduced, Debroy said. He said about 97 per cent of households in India have bank accounts, though it is a separate matter that for various reasons they have not been encouraged. (Meghna Mittal can be reached at meghna.m@ians.in) --IANS mm/ap/vm ( 551 Words) 2017-01-10-11:36:06 (IANS) Japanese vehicle manufacturer Toyota Motor will invest at least $10 billion in the US over the next five years, a company spokesperson said on Tuesday. The plan comes just days after US President-elect Donald Trump threatened Toyota with high taxes if it was to produce in Mexico and export to the US, Efe news reported. The company's spokesperson said that the investment would focus on introducing its new global architecture - Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) - into American plants, in the construction of its new headquarters in Plano, Texas, or in the development of autopilot vehicles in the US. While talking about the investment plan at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday, the president of the company, Akio Toyoda, said that the Japanese manufacturer has invested $22 trillion in the last 60 years in the US, where it currently has 136,000 workers. The Toyota vice president for automotive operations in the US, Robert Carter, stressed at the show that the project was in line with the company's future plans to manufacture the Corolla in Guanajuato, Mexico, and this is not an action to please Trump. On Thursday, Trump threatened on Twitter to impose heavy tariffs on Toyota if it continued with its plan to launch a plant in Mexico to produce the Toyota Corolla and export it to the US. Starting from 2019, the new Toyota plant in Guanajuato is expected to produce up to 200,000 units per year of the Corolla model, the second largest sold unit in the US in the compact sedans segment currently manufactured in Cambridge, Canada, and Mississippi, US. The Japanese company has explained that the opening of this plant would not affect its operations in the US, since the factory in Guanajuato would substitute the production of the Corolla in Canada, which would move to produce high-end vehicles. Trump, who will take office as the US President on January 20, and has promised to implement protectionist policies, has taken to social media to threaten several car manufacturers with heavy customs taxes for exporting vehicles manufactured in Mexico or Canada to the US. --IANS in/bg ( 363 Words) 2017-01-10-11:36:08 (IANS) "The company is testing a new 'mid-roll' ad format which will give video publishers a chance to insert ads into their clips after people have watched them for at least 20 seconds," Re/Code reported on Tuesday. The ads can also pop up on videos that run for atleast 90 seconds. The new format suggests that the social networking giant is relatively giving more importance to the time people spend watching videos, rather than the total number of videos they watch. To give users even more ways to watch, Facebook last year rolled out the ability to stream videos from the social network to your TV through devices like Apple TV or Google Chromecast. --IANS anuj/na/bg ( 159 Words) 2017-01-10-12:04:07 (IANS) The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) India is leading a large delegation of 65 people from 30 innovative UK companies to this year's Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which runs from 9-13 January 2017 in Gandhinagar. The UK is a country partner for the summit and will be showcasing the UK's capability in the life sciences sector with a particular focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing and development. UK Life Sciences companies will be participating in the trade mission with the aim of forging new partnerships. The Life Sciences Mission will visit Vibrant Gujarat from 9-11 January and then move on to Mumbai for an event on 12 January. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi along with Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani visited the UK Pavilion of Vibrant Gujarat on 9 January. Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, British High Commissioner to India, will be leading the UK delegation at the Summit. Sir Dominic said: "We are thrilled to have the Indian Prime Minister visit the UK Pavilion which showcases different aspects of the UK's offer to India, including business, culture, education and tourism. PM Narendra Modi has called the UK and India an "unbeatable combination". "It is remarkable that a large percentage of medicines prescribed in the UK are 'Made in India' and a demonstration of how our two countries are so successfully working together in the healthcare and life science sectors. These medicines make an important contribution to controlling the costs of healthcare provided through our National Health Service. We have chosen to focus our country session at Vibrant Gujarat on life sciences and, in particular, the area of pharmaceutical manufacture and development. This is because we believe the UK is a natural partner to India in this sector and that we can do much more together. The UK is a recognised global leader in medical research, with a proven track record of innovation, cutting-edge technology and commercialisation, on all of which it can collaborate with India who is a global leader in generic drug manufacturing." Sir Dominic will call on the Chief Minister of Gujarat along with Geoff Wain, Deputy High Commissioner to Gujarat, for a one-on-one meeting to discuss deeper collaboration between the State of Gujarat and the UK. He will also open the UK's country session at Vibrant Gujarat on 11 January and visit the UK pavilion at the Summit. The UK pavilion has inputs from the Department for International Trade, British Council and Visit Britain. The UK has one of the world's leading Life Science sectors. Over the past 60 years there has been a revolution in the number, specificity and safety of human medicines with the UK playing an important role in this process. The UK life sciences sector has over 5600 companies generating 60bn worth of revenue to the country's economy. (ANI) "The Japanese Minister recalled Prime Minister's visit to Japan in November 2016 and the far reaching accords reached in various fields. He briefed on the progress in Japan's commitment to train 30,000 Indian youths over the next 10 years," said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup. Modi appreciated Japan's long standing relationship with Gujarat and active participation in every Vibrant Gujarat Summit. "The Japanese Minister was accompanied by representatives of Suzuki, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Toyo Engineering and Toyota Tsusho who briefed on their future plans in India. Minister Seko said that this demonstrated the continued keenness of Japanese companies to invest in India," Swarup said. Seko also expressed the hope of working with India on renewable energy and in speeding up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations with Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN). RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the member states of ASEAN and the six states, namely, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements. Modi invited Japanese participation in the Railway University in Varodara. He also welcomed training for Indian entrepreneurs in small scale industries. He also reiterated the invitation for his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe to visit India in 2017. The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being be held here January 10-13 with the central focus of "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". --IANS rs/vd ( 272 Words) 2017-01-10-18:50:08 (IANS) Oxford University Press India and Valuepoint Academy today announced their collaboration to provide English language courses to students as a part of the 'Oxford Quality Programme'. This association will endeavour to improve communication skills, knowledge of English language and overall personality of students, towards improving their longer-term career prospects. Valuepoint Academy will run the 'Oxford Quality Programme' at its Bangalore and Pune centres. Speaking about this partnership, Paras Bansal, Business Head - Higher Education, Trade and Professional Learning, Oxford University Press India said, "We are delighted to partner with Valuepoint Academy to collaboratively impart learning of English language to young career professionals. Proficiency in English is one of the accepted and identified parameters for better employment opportunities, not just in India but across several global geographies." "OUP is well-respected for its best-in-class English Language Teaching (ELT) content, which we continually endeavour to develop and put out in several formats for benefit of learners," he added. Rajan Sood, Managing Director of Valuepoint Academy said, "We, as an institution, are delighted to be working in collaboration with Oxford University Press. Our aim in partnering with one of the most well-respected education companies is to provide our students with the best learning material possible, right from textbook material to teaching methods. We feel that our students can gain improved learning outcome through this partnership." For over a period of two years, Valuepoint Academy will work in collaboration with Oxford University Press to ensure the highest quality of curriculum, assessment materials and teacher training. This partnership will offer the students, enhanced learning experience and access to world class content that includeboth print based course and digital learning tools. The partnership will also introduce a 6-month diploma course supported by the study material from Oxford University Press. The students taking this course will receive a joint certificate from Valuepoint Academy and Oxford University Press upon the course completion. (ANI) Sagoon (www.sagoon.com), a US/India based social commerce startup, announced the filing of a Regulation A+ (MINI-IPO) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer an investment opportunity mostly to a large pool of potential public investors who already are a part of Sagoon users, fans and supporters. After the offering is qualified by the SEC, the company plans to sell 869,564 shares of Class C Common Stock at $23 per share; the minimum investment will be 13 shares, costing $299. The offering will be conducted on a best efforts basis through our own website www.sagoon.com/invest, where the Offering Circular relating to the offering will be posted. Govinda Giri, the founder of Sagoon, said, "I always wanted to offer this opportunity to my own community, and all those fans and supporters who believe in our dream, so that each one of them gets a chance to help us change the world and receives the potential financial benefits that Sagoon aims to share." "We believe that we are the pioneer of social media monetisation, which is one the biggest innovations in the social media landscape. Our mission is to build a rewarding life through the innovative social path: Connect. Share. Earn. This could be an excellent opportunity for anyone who has faith in our mission. Currently, we are accepting 'indication of interests' from potential investors and once we are qualified by the SEC, people from India, US, Canada and other parts of the worldwill be able to convert their interest into aninvestmentas long as it's legal in their country," Giri added. (ANI) Actress Sayyeshaa has just wrapped up the first schedule of her maiden Tamil film "Vanamagan". Although alien to the language, she already considers herself half-Tamilian because she can pick up her dialogues without being prompted. "Initially, I found it difficult to understand Tamil but I have gotten better with time. I can pick up dialogues now even when given on the spot, and I mouth my lines without being prompted. I think I'm already half-Tamilian," Sayyeshaa told IANS. Impressed with her ability to pick up the language, the film's director Vijay is seriously considering the option of making her dub in her own voice. "I really haven't given it a thought yet," she said. Paired with Jayam Ravi, the "Shivaay" actress says it's been a pleasure working on the project so far. "It will be my best debut. Although I was very fortunate to be part of 'Shivaay', the role didn't let me prove my capability. Here, I can confidently say this will be my best role so far. It's a character with every shade one could ask for," she said. Talking about her co-actor, she said, "Ravi is very co-operative and friendly, and working with him has been so much fun." --IANS hp/nv/bg ( 213 Words) 2017-01-10-11:20:06 (IANS) On his Facebook page, Venkatesh wrote: "Two of the most awaited movies. Both amazing actors, and very close friends. One big festival weekend. This Sankranti, we all have reason to celebrate. Wishing both teams all the best." He further wrote: "I cannot wait to watch Chiru and Balayya on screen again." While Chiranjeevi's comeback Telugu outing "Khaidi No 150" is slated for release on Wednesday, Balakrishna's historic drama "Gauthamiputra Satakarni" is releasing on Thursday. Both the films are considered crucial from the trade's point of view. --IANS hp/nv/bg ( 129 Words) 2017-01-10-11:22:06 (IANS) Veteran actor Tom Alter has taken on a role as celebrated author Ruskin Bond in a new short film, its maker Bhargav Saikia has revealed. Saikia, whose Kashmir-set independent thriller production "Kaafiron Ki Namaaz" and horror short film "Awakenings" was widely acclaimed, is happy to welcome the actor on board for his new project, which narrates one of Bond's short stories. The director-producer did not wish to name which story of the noted author he has picked to translate to the screen. Talking about roping in Tom Alter for the role, Saikia told IANS that his extensive acting experience in films, theatre and television, and his close friendship with the author, will be an asset to the film. While Saikia is looking forward to a "fruitful collaboration" with the actor, he is happy that he has Bond's support for the film too. "I met Ruskin Bond sir in Landour (near Mussoorie) last year and he was very kind to grant me the permission to make a short film on one of his stories," Saikia said and clarified that his film is not a biopic on Ruskin Bond. Other cast members of the project are yet to be revealed. India's much loved author, Ruskin Bond, is 82 and continues to enthrall readers with his stories, mostly themed on nature. Earlier, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj had adapted two of his stories for the film medium. The films made were "The Blue Umbrella" and "7 Khoon Maaf". --IANS rb/bg ( 259 Words) 2017-01-10-15:50:06 (IANS) Former Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Yadav, convicted for land fraud in 2012, surrendered before a CBI court in Ghaziabad. The court then ordered that Yadav be sent to the Dasna district jail, so she could serve her remaining sentence in the case. Yadav was sentenced to three years' rigorous imprisonment on November 20, 2012, in connection with the irregular allotment of plots in Noida while serving as the area's chairperson-cum-chief executive officer from 1994 to 1995. The CBI undertook a probe following a 1998 Supreme Court order on a writ petition filed by the Noida Entrepreneur Association against the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority the previous year. The CBI investigated nearly 36 cases of irregular allotment or conversion of plots in Noida, and charge-sheeted Yadav as well as the then serving IAS officer Rajiv Kumar in 2002. Yadav, a 1971 batch IAS officer, became Uttar Pradesh's first woman chief secretary during the Samajwadi Party's regime in 2005. She opted for voluntary retirement in 2008. (ANI) The biker and the pillion both died on the spot. The deceased have been identified as Salman Khan (23) and Salman Mohammad (21). The bike was going towards Chhtrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) from Wadala when a truck taking turn from the opposite side rammed into the two-wheeler. The truck driver and cleaner have been absconding since the accident took place. However, police have seized the truck and have filed complaint against the driver. (ANI) Oxford University Press (OUP), the world's largest university press, is participating at the New Delhi World Book Fair, that is going on from Jaunary 7 to 15, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. OUP will showcase its vast range of print books, digital and blended learning solutions at stall numbers 179-202 in hall 18, which will also incorporate a digital corner. Visitors to the OUP stall at the World Book Fair will have a chance to look at OUP's education, reference and academic titles covering a wide range of subjects and domains, including children's books, adult English learning material, college textbooks and general reads, journals and academic books covering subjects such as economics, medicine, sociology, politics and social sciences among others. OUP will also showcase its globally respected range of dictionaries, as also it's more recently launched integrated learning solution for schools viz. Oxford Advantage. Speaking about OUP's participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2017, Sivaramakrishnan V, Managing Director, OUP India said "OUP is delighted to be a part of the 25th edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair. This mega carnival is a great opportunity for book lovers to explore the exciting and stimulating world of books, that are now available in several digital formats in addition to print. Year-on-year, OUP displays its vast array of books and other learning material and we are overwhelmed by the positive feedback we receive for our well-curated content, high-quality texts and reader-friendly material. He added "our display at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2017 is a tribute to growing population of readers and learners in the region." (ANI) Taking a potshot at the Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav for his 'united SP' statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday said nothing could be more farcical than what the former has said, adding that he was only fooling his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. "There cannot be anything more farcical than what Mulayam Singh Yadav ji is saying. He claims that the Samajwadi Party is united, then how come do they have two national presidents as of now? Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav himself claims to be the national president and Akhilesh Yadav also says I am the national president," BJP leader G. V. L. Narsimha Rao told ANI. Questioning Mulayam Singh's move of going to the Election Commission on Monday, Rao further said that claims of uniting is far away from truth, adding that they are heading for a massive defeat in the upcoming state elections. "Why did he go to the Election Commission if his party was not split? And now he claims they are united. There can be nothing farther from truth, nothing more farcical. His claim of Akhilesh Yadav being the next chief minister is only an attempt to fool his own son because Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav and everyone in the Samajwadi Party know that they are heading for a massive defeat in Uttar Pradesh polls," he said. Terming the ongoing feud in the Samajwadi Party a 'drama', Rao said it is a never ending process and such statements by Mulayam Singh were only for media consumption. "I think the drama in the Samajwadi Party is never ending and far from getting over. Akhilesh Yadav has completely betrayed Mulayam Singh Yadav. Mulayam Singh Yadav seems completely shocked by the development and therefore making statements only for media consumption," he said. In a move signifying a possible end to the prolonged family feud once and for all, Mulayam Singh, on Monday, asserted that Akhilesh Yadav is the face of the party for the next chief minister of the state, adding that the party stands united. Speaking to ANI, Mulayam stated that the SP is united and will soon set out to campaign across the state as one. "For the benefit of the entire state, our party stands united. There is no question of any division whatsoever in the party and we will begin campaigning soon. Akhilesh will be the next chief minister, there is no doubt about that," he said. (ANI) Ghaziabad's Loni area after a two-storey building collapsed on Tuesday. The untoward incident took place in the wee hours today. As per the sources, there were at least twelve people in the building, who feared to be trapped. The people, who reside near the building said that they heard a loud explosion noise and informed the police about it. The police has reached the spot and carrying out the rescue operation. (ANI) At least six people, including two children, were killed and 13 others injured when a government bus rammed into a private stationary bus in Fatehganj west area of the district today. The accident occurred due to dense fog at around 0330 hrs, police said. The private bus en route to Bareilly from Delhi was parked near Dhaneta railway crossing when the government bus of Hapur depot dashed against it. The deceased have been identified as Noorjahan (42), Sidra(5), Ayam (1), Mahboob(50), Saiudur Rahman(35) and another unidentified. The injured have been admitted to the hospital where condition of some was stated to be critical.UNI MB SV SB 1022 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1101257.Xml Appreciating the Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative for country's growth, Japanese Minister for Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Hiroshige Seko has said that the issue of Transfer Pricing assessment needs to be resolved soon for attracting greater Japanese investments here. There are about 30 transfer pricing disputes between India and Japan; these pertain to determining royalty, tax dues, profitability of trading houses, and the commission paid, Mr Seko said here yesterday. The tax disputes involve Japanese companies in the automobile and auto ancillary sectors, as well as large trading houses. He also raised the need of faster pace in implementation of India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to tap the huge potential of bilateral trade. In an effort to expand the export basket, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman urged the Japanese minister to take steps to increase Indian Exports to Japan in Sesame seeds, Surimi fish and Indian generic drugs. She also said that the Japanese Industrial Townships (JITs) in India would be transformational and will bring in significant Japanese investments and further strengthen India- Japan Economic Cooperation. On the Logistics front, the Minister added that India has planned to build Logistics University wherein the cooperation from Japan would be needed. The Japanese side also expressed interest in enhancing co-operation in the area of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) between intended to train Indian IPR examiners in Japan. They expressed the need for a high level meeting between India and Japan on IPR cooperation. Minister of METI, Japan also extended an invitation to 100 IPR Examiners for training in Japan. Mr Seko, along with other business delegates, is on a visit to India to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Gandhinagar. UNI ASH SB 0822 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0435-1101207.Xml They said on a tip-off about the presence of militants, security forces and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint search operation at Parra Mohalla in Hajin area in Bandipora district in the wee hours today. Security forces came under heavy fire from militants when the area was being sealed, they said, adding that in the retaliatory fire a militant was killed. A soldier was also injured in the operation which has concluded, they said. Some arms and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militant who was being identified.UNI BAS CJ SB 0942 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-1101235.Xml "I keep my mother with me. Take her blessings every day but don't broadcast it to the whole world. I do not make my mother stand in the queue for political benefit," Kejriwal tweeted. The Aam Aadmi Party leader's remarks came after Modi visited Gandhinagar to meet his mother and later tweeted about it. "Skipped Yoga and went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together," Modi tweeted earlier. The Prime Minister's 97-year-old mother Heeraben lives with his brother in Gandhinagar. Responding to Modi's tweet, Kejriwal said the Prime Minister should let his mother live with him as his residence was "big enough". "According to Hindu religion and culture, one should keep his mother and wife with him. Prime Minister's residence is quite big. Have a little heart," Kejriwal told Modi. --IANS vv-kd/py/bg ( 181 Words) 2017-01-10-11:30:06 (IANS) Expressing satisfaction with the steady consolidation of bilateral relations, both the leaders agreed to raise the level of cooperation to a Strategic Partnership and issued a declaration to this effect. In this context, Rwanda welcomed India's announcement to open a resident Mission in Kigali. Under the declaration, India and Rwanda agreed for sharing sharing the common goal of rapid economic development, enhance global peace, ensuring security and eliminating the menace of cross-border terrorism. Both sides also agreed to hold high-level exchanges with increased periodicity, double bilateral trade in five years, cooperate to promote investments in mutually beneficial projects, collaborate closely on counter-terrorism cooperation including blocking financing of terrorist activities, removing safe havens for terrorists and preventing money laundering. "Prime Minister Modi and President Kagame expressed confidence that the development of Export Targeted Irrigated Agriculture Project and its expansion under India's Lines of Credit of US 120 million dollars would bring irrigation facilities to more than 41,190 hectares of cultivable land, and agreed to fast track its implementation," a joint statement said. The project would benefit the people of Rwanda through construction of watershed works, farm mechanisation and establishment of post harvest processing units of agricultural produce, it said. UNI MK SV SB 1148 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-1101286.Xml The Tripura unit of Congress on Monday staged a demonstration in demonstration in front of the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) office in Agartala and demanded circulation of more new notes. Congress supporters brought out a protest rally demanding Prime Minister Modi's resignation allegedly for looting money of the poor, farmers, working class and the unemployed in the name of recovering black money and demonstrated with empty plates in from of the RBI office here. Former member of Lok Sabha and AICC Coordinator for Tripura Sardar Amzad Ali who led the agitation said, "As Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made commitments to the people that the move will bring back black money, terror funding and solve the problem of counterfeit currencies and within 50 days everything will be normal." "But even after crossing the deadline that Prime Minister Modi had declared the suffering of people are still continuing and the worst sufferers are the poor. Congress party which till the deadline was silent is now agitating and protesting against the Prime Minister's move," he added Ali further added that Congress will continue its agitation against demonetization until the problem is solved. Beside capital Agartala the Congress party has launched an extensive campaign up to sub-division level across the state over demonetization and attacked the BJP led government at the centre for miserably failed in delivering the assured benefits to the people.(ANI) A Delhi court on Wednesday last week granted bail to Sanjeev Tyagi, and S.P. Tyagi, and lawyer Gautam Khaitan in VVIP scam, saying that no purpose would be served by keeping them in custody. Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar gave relief to both the accused on a personal bond of Rs. 2 lakh each and surety of like amount while imposing certain conditions on them. The court warned them not to tamper with the evidence or try to influence the witnesses. The court had earlier granted bail to 72-year-old former IAF chief Tyagi, saying that Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has failed to state the alleged bribe amount and when it was paid. The CBI yesterday opposed the bail granted to former Indian Air Force chief S.P. Tyagi in the case. Tyagi, who retired in 2007, his cousin Sanjeev and Khaitan were arrested on December 9, 2016, by the CBI in connection with the case which relates to procurement of 12 VVIP choppers from the UK-based firm during the UPA-2 regime. (ANI) On Monday, after meeting a delegation of sanitation workers, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters that Rs. 119 crore has been provided to the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) for providing salaries. The indefinite strike by the sanitation workers of the EDMC, which entered its fourth day today, left the trans-Yamuna region reeling under a garbage crisis, with waste dumped in the open in several areas from Laxmi Nagar to Patparganj.(ANI) According to sources, Congress President Sonia Gandhi is believed to have attended the meeting. The meeting was held to discuss the strategy ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states starting from February 4. --IANS sid/ksk/bg ( 71 Words) 2017-01-10-12:46:06 (IANS) Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to BJP MP from Unnao Sakshi Maharaj for making a controversial statement in Meerut on January 6, violating the Model Code of Conduct and the Supreme Court ruling. The notice, issued yesterday, has given the MP time till 1100 hrs tomorrow to submit his reply. The two-page notice said that prima facie it seems that the leader has violated the MCC and willfully disobeyed the SC ruling on not giving statement on religion or caste during the elections. EC said that the report sent by Meerut district authorities on January 7, about the statement of the MP on January 6, if read in entirety, has the effect of promoting enmity between classes of society in connection with election on ground of religion. The Commission made it clear that as per the MCC rules, inter-alia provides that there shall be no appeal to caste of communal feeling. Para 1(4) provides that all parties shall avoid scrupulously all activities which corrupt practises and offences under law. The Meerut police had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj and Mahant Mahendra Das, on Jaunary 7, in connection with a controversial statement. FIR under Sections 188, 295(A), 298, 505(3), 153(B) and 171(H) of the IPC and 125 of the R P Act had been registered against both at Sadar Bazar police station by sub-inspector Ram kumar Singh. During a religious function at Balajee temple on western road on January 6, Sakshi Maharaj had said, "Its not Hindus who are responsible for rising population, but those who are permitted to have four wives and 40 children." Addressing a Sant Samagan event, the BJP MP said, "Jansankhya badhane ke liye hindu zimmedar nahi hain. Jansankhya per tab hee niyantran kiya jaa sakega, jab is per koi sakht kanoon banega (Hindus are not responsible for the population boom and it can only be controlled if strict laws are introduced in the system)." His statement is being looked at as a clear violation of the recent Supreme Court order on keeping religion off the table during the campaigning for polls. UP is going to polls in seven phases next month and elections in Meerut is in the first phase on February 11. Earlier last week, the apex court had declared that religion and caste cannot be used to seek votes by political parties, asserting that religion has no role in the electoral process and that it is just a secular activity.UNI MB SB 1222 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1101306.Xml The security forces surrounded Parray Mohalla in Bandipora district following information about the presence of militants, a police officer said. This triggered the gunfight, leaving the militant dead and the soldier injured. --IANS sq/in/mr ( 69 Words) 2017-01-10-13:16:06 (IANS) Jammu Railway Police has said that deaths reported due to run over by train decreased in the year 2016. ''Devising the method of cross-cross patrolling by the Police force on the railway track and increasing its mobility, the number of run-over incidents by trains and deaths on the tracks have decreased substantially to 52 only as compared to 64 its previous year,'' Rajinder Kumar Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Police, GRP Railways Jammu in a statement issued here said. He said that the GRP staff ensured proper closure of the running train doors. Mr Gupta further disclosed that there has been a tangible improvement on different fronts at the Railway station. It was stated that during a special drive against drug peddlers, a number of consignments, containing considerable quantity of Spasmo Proxivon capsules, Tablets, Ganja and Poppy Bulbs (Dodas), were recovered from the accused, trying to infuse it amongst the youth of the state. Around 28 Kgs ganja was recovered in three different FIRs. During the year 2016, the GRP had recovered 32 times more stolen property than its preceding years. ''Total recovery in the preceding year was more than the sum of recoveries in last four years,'' he added and said that various welfare measures and awareness campaigns, in coordination with the Railway authorities were launched and these measures of were appreciated by pilgrims as well as daily commuters. Mr Gupta disclosed that the kingpin of Zehar-Khuraani was arrested and its racket was busted only due to vigorous contribution of GRP, vis--vis there has been no such incidence of Zehar-Khuraani since July 2016 onwards-otherwise it was order of the day.UNI VBH CJ SB 1327 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1101468.Xml Senior Shiv Sena leader and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sanjay Raut today criticised Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for making frequent visits to Goa. Addressing a press conference at a hotel in the city to announce grand alliance among Shiv Sena, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM), he said,'' Mr Parrikarshould first take care of defence of the country. Yesterday, in Jammu and Kashmir again there was terror strike in which three soldiers were martyred. But defence minister of the country was distributing tickets in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Goa.'' ''This is not good for the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should interfere in the matter. Terror attacks could not be prevented in Delhi, Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland. He should be in Delhi instead of being involved in politics in Goa. Whenever there was a terror attack, he was in Goa. Why? I had asked this question in Parliament also and now asking here,'' he said.UNI AKM NV SB 1357 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1101519.Xml In a startling admission, the Government has informed a parliamentary panel that the onus of responsibility of the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes cannot be attributed to any security organisation of service as no "credible actionable" intelligence was available with no past precedence leading to terror activities using the maritime route. The submission by the Defence Ministry was made before the Public Accounts Committee of the Lok Sabha, which examined the role and functioning of the Indian Coast Guard(ICG). The Ministry in its "Action Taken Note" submitted that the meagre resource available with the ICG were grossly inadequate to undertake surveillance in the vast area of maritime zone. However, the Committee refused to buy the argument, saying that the analogy of past precedent of attack using maritime route was not acceptable as country's defence preparedness is not only made on the basis of past precedent but also against any unforeseen situations as was evident during the Mumbai terror attacks. Slamming Government toward defence preparedness, the Committee recommended that an inquiry be initiated to fix accountability for the grave lapses of the officials of Home Affairs and the ICG. UNI MK SV1402 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-1101474.Xml Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet about spending time with his mother today evoked a sarcastic remark from his arch rival Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who said he wouldn't like to advertise about the time passed with his mother. "I stay with my mother and seek blessings from her everyday but I don't publicise it. I don't make my mother stand in the bank queue for political publicity," the Aam Aadmi Party convenor said in a series of tweets.Earlier in the day, Mr Modi in a tweet said, "Skipped Yoga and went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together." Attacking Mr Modi, the Delhi Chief Minister said, "Under Hindu religion and culture, one should stay with one mother and wife. The PM lives in a very large house. He should develop a big heart." UNI DS CJ SB 1413 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-1101494.Xml Terming Centre's decision to include Pongalfestival in the list of 12 optional holidays as apparent diminution in the importance accorded to Pongal for the past several years, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include it in the list of compulsory holidays. ''This apparent dimunition in the importance accorded to Pongal has created disquiet and an impression that an important people's festival of Tamil Nadu has been ignored by the Central Government'',Mr Panneerselvam said, in a Demi-Official letter to Mr Modi, copiesof which were released to the media here. He said tto meet the legitimate aspirations of the people of TamilNadu, he requested that Pongal be included in the list of compulsory holidays to be observed by all Central Government Administrative offices in Tamil Nadu. ''In addition, just as the Government of India's Circular relating to list of 12 optional holidays from which three are to be selected includes an additional day for Dusshera', an additional day for Pongal' may also be included in the list of optional holidays.'',he said This would ensure that Thiruvalluvar Day could also be declared as a holiday by the Central Government Employees Welfare Co-ordination Committee of Tamil Nadu, to enable the employees of Central Government Offices working in Tamil Nadu to participate fully in the festivities connected with Pongal, the Chief Minister said.MORE UNI GV 1425 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1101587.Xml Thane Police today claimed to have cracked the Mannapuram Gold theft case, arresting three persons including the mastermind. The theft had taken place at the Mannapuram Gold Loan at Ulhasnagar camp last month. Addressing a news conference here, Thane Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh said that as many as 15 more persons who were involved in the daring dacoity were still wanted by the police and teams of policemen were spread in the country in search of them. He said that it was on December 26 last, the desperadoes broke into the centre of the gold finance company and decamped with as many a 28.686-kg of golden ornament valued at around Rs 7.22-crore he said. The entire operation was meticulously planned by the gang which was led by the mastermind from Jharkhand who was an expert in such heist. The gang had earlier indulged in such heist in Thane, Mumbai and some states as well, he said. On January 4, the police arrested two persons including Kamruddin Asuddin Shaikh (28) and Manoj Nurbahadur Saud (35) who led the police during the interrogation to the other one. Yesterday, the police nabbed the mastermind in the entire episode Mustafa Akhtar Samsher Shaikh, 44 ofSamastipur, Sahibganj of Jharkhand, the police chief said. Acting on a tip off, the police laid a trap and nabbed him at Turbe in Navi Mumbai, the police said. UNI XR NV SM SDR SNU 1502 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1101540.Xml The 61st birthday of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati would be celebrated without any pomp and show here on January 15. There won't be any cake or gifts for Behanjee (Mayawati) and the event would be celebrated in a simple manner due to the ongoing assembly elections, a senior party leader said. The BSP is known to celebrate Mayawati's birthday in a grand way with cakes weighing as much as her age and huge garlands. Before her birthday, party workers launch a massive fundraising campaign across the state. Each MP and MLA are given a target to collect a certain amount of money. Every year before her birthday, the party launches month-long campaign and later party leaders hand her (Mayawati) a money bag with crores of rupees as a gift on her birthday. The money is used for the party's election campaign. After cutting the cake, Mayawati addresses party leaders and workers. However, the birthday celebrations will not be the same this year as it will a violation of Model Code of Conduct(MCC). But this time, Ms Mayawati could address a press conference. Ms Mayawati had already issued a strict directive to the party workers and leaders to follow the election model code of conduct. BSP state unit president Ramachal Rajbhar, who is himself contesting the assembly polls, said here today that the model code of conduct have come into force." The party cannot celebrate the birthday of 'behanji' with the usual gaiety. We have decided to celebrate her birthday in a simple manner in each district," he said. Another BSP leader, who did not wish to be named, however,said demonetisation has also played a spoilsport for this year's birthday of Behanjee. "There is cash crunch post-demonetisation and people with large cash have come on the radar of the Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate and other agencies. The donation campaign has been shelved. If a leader wishes to give fund, he can deposit it in the party coffer," a zonal coordinator said on condition of anonymity. As the celebrations will be a low-key affair, the party might direct workers to take a pledge to ensure BSP's victory in the assembly elections to keep them in an upbeat mood, an office-bearer said. During her 60th birthday in 2016, Ms Mayawati had asked party workers to keep the event simple and connect with the common people in a meeting with senior party leaders, zonal and divisional coordinators. She also asked party office-bearers to ensure that there was "nothing loud". The BSP has been celebrating the day as 'Jankalyankari Diwas' or Public Welfare Day and party leaders are asked to connect with the needy and the poor. They also visit Dalit villages and hospitals and distribute fruits and blankets among the poor. Mayawati's birthday celebrations in the past have been extravagant often courting controversy over the expenses incurred. In 2010, when she was the chief minister, opposition parties attacked her over the gift of a cash garland worth Rs 25 crore given by party leaders on her birthday. Besides, during her government in the state, an engineer was lynched to death in Auriyya for not paying donation for the birthday.UNI MB SB 1403 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1101520.Xml This January the Michelin-starred dim sum teahouse, Yauatcha will present two exclusive festive menus including 'Chinese New Year Signature menu' and 'Supreme selection menu', which includes a special limited edition dim sum decorated in a vibrant palette of red, a red patisserie and a red cocktail. The customers can avail these menus from January 16th to February 11th, 2017. To begin the celebrations, guests dining on the exclusive festive menus will be offered red beverages, non-alcoholic cocktail 'Tokyo Cooler' or the 'Black River Martini'. In Chinese culture the color red signifies good luck and joy and 2017 is the year of the rooster, symbolizing fire and fortune. Head Chef Wang Yixuan has crafted exclusive set menus; guests can opt for the vegetarian Chinese New Year Signature Menu or the Non-vegetarian Supreme menu. The Chinese New Year signature menu features four courses starting with a selection of salad and small eats such as mixed salad with lotus root or truffle dumpling, mushroom roll with truffle. The wok dishes include Stir fry French beans with shiitake mushrooms and Szechuan Mabo tofu, Stir fry Ho fan noodles and spicy vegetable fried rice with taro root. The supreme menu commences with a selection of salad and small eats including the Prawn salad with mango, baked chicken puff and the limited edition red King crab and scallop dumpling. Wok dishes include spicy wild prawn curry with onion and water chestnuts, sliced lamb in black pepper sauce, Kung pao chicken accompanied with Stir fry Ho fan noodles and egg fried rice with long bean. The festive meals end on a sweet note, with the options of the Chocolate pebble (vegetarian), Luxe gateaux or a selection of ice-creams. The Chinese New Year menu and festive decorations will be in the restaurant from January 16th to February 11th, 2017 at Rs. 1500 plus taxes per person. (ANI) The Supreme Court today directed the Centre to prepare an audit for all the NGOs across India. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Jagdish Singh Khehar, passed the direction after hearing in detail arguments from one of the petitioners, Manohar Lal Sharma and Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. April 5 was set for the next hearing. It was argued by the petitioner, Sharma, that out of a total of 32 lakh Non-Governmental Organisations approximately, only 3 lakh filed their balance sheets. The Apex Court made it clear that those NGOs who did not file their balance sheets and misused the public funds and used it for other purposes would have to face action, including civil and criminal prosecution.It directed the Central government to take action in this regard against those NGOs. During the day while hearing the matter, the Apex Court had pulled up the Centre for not putting a proper mechanism in place to monitor funding of NGOs. The top court directed Secretary of Ministry of Rural Development to submit records in it by 2pm today. The Supreme Court had summoned the Director of Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) to be present at 2pm. CBI, in its reply, told the Apex Court that records showed that only 2,90,787 NGOs file annual financial statements of a total of 29,99,623 registered ones under the Societies Registration Act.To this, the Apex Court told the Central government that it must have a mechanism to audit and monitor how public funds are being used by the NGOsIt was not possible that the government releases huge amount of money every year and there is no record, the Apex Court said. UNI XC RP1547 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1101716.Xml Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) and Shiv Sena grand alliance convener Subhash Velingkar today said the alliance was not because of differences among personalities but for principles and ideologies.Addressing a press conference in a city hotel, he said, ''People are free to draw their conclusion. But we have come together not because we have differences with some personalities. So many people will not come together just to satisfy ego of a person. The agitation of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) was not a fight between Subhash Velingkar and Manohar Parrikar. The people of Goa cannot fight just for an ego of Subhash Velingkar and that too for a long period of time. Now its one and half years when the agitation was started.''We are disappointed with Manohar Parrikar (Defence Minister) and Goa Laxmikant Parsekar (Chief Minister) because they are responsible for what is happening. When Digambar Kamat (former Chief Minister) was responsible, there was agitation against him. The agitation was not because we were jealous of him. Theagitation is against those persons who have changed their ideologies. What was happening five years ago, is happening now,'' the rebel Rashtriya Sawayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader said.GSM, a constituent of the grand alliance, is an outfit of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM). BBSM, which is headed by Mr Velingkar, has been demanding stopping of the Government grants to primary schools having English as medium of instruction in the state. UNI AKM NV SW SNU 1544 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1101636.Xml Police filed a FIR yesterday after the assault by 13 members ofRaju Kage family with lethal weapons was beamed on the social mediaand widely condemned by political leaders and public demandingimmediate arrest of those involved. Raju Kage family members went to the house of Vivek Shetty anddragged him from the first floor before beating him with lethalweapons. His mother who came to his rescue was also attacked.Seriously injured Vivek Shetty was admitted to a hospital at Miraj. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Women Wing StatePresident Laxmi Hebbalkar condemning the attack demanded immediatearrest of those involved. Sources said that after the incident came to light the Kagefamily members have left the village and have switched off theirmobile phones. Superintended of Police Ravikanthe Gouda said so far no arrestwas made but teams formed are in search of them.UNI HVN MSP RSS1550 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-1101733.Xml Karnataka Minister for Energy D K Shivakumartoday expressed confidence of the the State achieving self sufficiencyin power generation by next year. "Various projects are taken up and the problem faced by the Statewill be solved by end of next year," he said. Talking to newsmen here, he said to overcome the present shortagetemporary understanding had been reached with Jindal Power companywhich has agreed to supply 600 MW of power for the next six months.By next year Kudligi Plant with capacity to generate 1300 MW,Yuramars with 1600 MW capacity and Bellary 700 MW will be ready andthis will ease the power shortage problem faced in the State. He said that with encouragement given by the State government forSolar energy there is all possibility of getting 1000 MW by nextyear and thus the State will be in a position to achieve selfsufficiency by next year end.UNI MSP RS AK1702 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-1101879.Xml Prime Minister Modi also expressed satisfaction at the high level visits exchanged on both sides including the recent visit of President Rivlin to India. The Prime Minister said India would extend its cooperation in new areas such as education, science, technology, research and innovation. "We must also facilitate institutional linkages between Indian and Israeli universities," Swarup quoted the Prime Minister. Referring to i-Create model, a centre of excellence set up under Prime Minister Modi, India also expressed its keen interest to learn from the start-up eco system of Israel and its incubation centres, said Swarup. In response, Israel's Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel conveyed Prime Minister Nethanyahu's greetings and said Israel was very proud to partner with India in agriculture sector and bring prosperity to Indian farmers. Referring to 2017 as a milestone year, marking 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel, Ariel expressed hope that the Prime Minister would make an early visit to Israel. (ANI) A police constable was martyred and four Naxals shot dead during an encounter with police at Irpanar in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district this morning, police said."Following a tip-off about the presence of ultras in Irpanar, a joint team of the District Reserve Group, the Special Task Force and the District Police Force was dispatched to conduct searches in Abujmarh. However, Maoists launched an assault on the team near Irpanar," said Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena.Four rebels were killed in police retaliation. A constable of the Reserve Group was also martyred. A huge cache of explosives and Naxal literature was seized from the spot. The deceased constable has not yet been identified. Since the encounter took place in dense forested area, the team has not returned thus far. A backup team has been dispatched to the spot. UNI XC-PS SW SNU 1751 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-1101967.Xml The Delhi Governmet today announced admissionsunder Section 12(1)(c) of Right to Education Act that mandates 25 per centreservation in entry class of private unaided non-minority schools forchildren belonging to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and SociallyDisadvantaged Groups (DG).The Directorate of Education of the Delhi Government said that for schools recognised under the Delhi School Education Act, the admissions will be conducted through online process and a centralised lottery to bringin the transparency and accountability since this process eliminates anyinterfere of private schools during the admission process.Post the lottery, private schools will simply be communicated the childrenwho will be allotted admission in their schools. Nearly 28000 students in1158 schools stand to benefit from this. To avoid any duplication ofadmission, the department has made Aadhaar ID mandatory which will curb anyattempt to have unfair advantage of admission by means of multipleapplications.The Admission process will continuetill January 31, 2017.The schools that were recognised by the Directorate of Education under RTEas well as MCD recognised schools shall have offline process on the samelines as thus far. The Directorate has issued Common Application Form fofacilitated parents. Schools have been directed not to charge any fee for theform, if the parents choose to obtain application form from school. Theoffline process will also have same schedule I.e. January 31, 2017 as lastdate to apply and the results of first round will be announced on February 28 2017. The schools have been directed to complete admission process byMarch 31, 2017.Keeping in line with its commitment to serving children, the Directoratehas launched Helpline that can be reached at 8800355192 & 8800355146 duringworking hours.The Directorate had recently launched a portal to deal with grievancesfiled against private schools which can be used by citizens to have theirgrievances resolved in time bound manner. The portal is:http://doepvt.delhi.gov.in/UNI AR RJ 2254 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0092-1102341.Xml The body of Rwanda's last monarch King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa arrived in Rwanda on Monday, ahead of the burial yet to be communicated, following the ruling of US court that the King would be buried in his motherland. A court in US state of Virginia on Friday brought to an end to prolonged disagreements between close relations of the king that ensued after the death of the 80-year-old ruler on October 16, 2016 in Virginia, Xinhua reported. One faction wanted the king buried in the United States while others preferred Rwanda. Various meetings took place in Rwanda and the US to try to find common ground, but neither side wanted to compromise. They decided to seek court intervention. Boniface Benzinge, a former aide and confidante of the king, led the group opposing the repatriation saying the King had wished not to be buried in Rwanda. However, in court, the group failed to provide any documents upholding their position. Nevertheless, King Kigeli's only surviving sibling, his half sister Speciosa Mukabayojo led the faction that supported the repatriation of the remains of the last monarchy to Rwanda for burial. After four days of court deliberations, the group led by Mukabayojo won the case arguing that the King had not obtained citizenship of any other country since he fled into exile in 1961, an indication that he still loved his country of birth and hoped to return some day. "Now, given that the Virginia Court has just ruled in favour of the body of the King being turned over to the half-sister, who is supported by the Rwandan government, to be buried in Rwanda, the Royal Council informs that in protest against this decision," a statement by the King's estate was quoted as saying. --IANS sku/ ( 304 Words) 2017-01-10-04:12:06 (IANS) Caught between two vast neighbours locked in a regional struggle, Oman has long been to the Middle East what neutral Switzerland is to global diplomacy. But now its policy of being "friends to all and enemy to none" is under heavy strain.Oman has never found it easy to balance relations with Saudi Arabia to the west and Iran to the north, but worsening rivalry between the region's dominant Sunni and Shi'ite powers is testing its cherished policy of non-alignment more than ever.That policy has been felt far beyond the small but strategically-located sultanate on the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40 percent of the world's seaborne crude oil flows.Oman helped to mediate secret U.S.-Iran talks in 2013 that led to the historic nuclear deal signed in Geneva two years later. It has also helped to free American hostages in Yemen.Omanis believe this Swiss-style peacemaker role is vital in helping to prevent the Middle East from sinking even deeper into chaos."We hope Oman will stick to the same policies. A full-blown conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia would be a disaster for everyone," said Tawfiq al-Lawati, a member of Oman's consultative Shura Council.However, an assertive Saudi Arabia, which is leading a bombing campaign against Iranian-allied rebels in Yemen, has insisted that the Gulf Arab monarchies draw closer together to confront Tehran.At the same time, Oman is struggling with a vast budget deficit largely due to low global prices of its oil exports. Muscat is therefore looking to raise trade with Iran, following the easing of international sanctions on Tehran under the nuclear deal, to buttress its economy.As a result, Muscat has had to walk a diplomatic tightrope. "With Saudi Arabia we do sometimes have disagreements and with Iran too," said Lawati. "But there is still more bringing us all together."Muscat surprised neighbours last week by agreeing to join a Saudi-led military coalition - not the one fighting in Yemen but a separate, larger grouping. This is officially aimed at fighting Islamic State and other militants but suspected of serving also as a counter to Tehran around the Muslim world.Gulf Arab citizens hailed the decision as a sign that their nations were finally closing ranks against the perceived Iranian menace. Oman had "returned to the bosom of the Gulf", said prominent Saudi columnist Turki al-Dakhil.King Salman is expected to visit Muscat shortly, Saudi and Gulf sources have said, in what would be a sign of strengthening relations. "In grave times, clear positions are needed," said a Gulf Arab official. "We of course know Oman will stand with us.""STILL NEUTRAL"And yet Oman may struggle to please its wealthier fellow Gulf Arabs consistently. They interpret neutrality as disregard for the Gulf's shared security during wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen where Riyadh and Tehran back opposing sides.Joining the Saudi-led alliance signals Oman's concern over the spread of Islamic State and Al Qaeda militants who have vowed to carry out attacks on the Gulf Arab monarchies. Oman also faces some domestic uncertainty as 76-year-old Sultan Qaboos has no named successor.But a transformation of the foreign policy balancing act does not appear to be in prospect.A former Omani diplomat, who declined to be named, described the move as a "largely symbolic" gesture to accommodate Riyadh and said it would involve "little material commitment".Ahmed al-Mukhaini, a former Assistant Secretary General for the Shura Council, suggested the move may give Oman more influence to calm strained regional nerves but "would not compromise our independence"."It might even give Oman more leverage, more space, to play a better role in this coalition and the region. By joining the coalition Oman is shielding itself from criticism from Saudi Arabia," he added.PIPELINE POLITICSThere are economic risks to a Saudi rapprochement. Any perception that Muscat is allying with Riyadh may irk Tehran, analysts say. Iran has billions of dollars of foreign reserves in Omani banks and could pull the plug on promised projects in the sultanate.The nuclear deal has offered hope of a leap in trade between Oman and its gas-rich neighbour. Muscat expects the end of sanctions to speed the completion of a liquefied natural gas pipeline, which it hopes will feed energy-intensive industries."Oman needs the economic cooperation that Iran has pledged ... The two countries' planned subsea gas pipeline is an important part of the sultanate's plans for economic improvement," said Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics.Oman sees foreign investment from Iran, including a car factory, a hospital complex.Reuters cj NS1236 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1101412.Xml The chairman of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD), Sigmar Gabriel, has decided to run against conservative Angela Merkel for the chancellorship in September's federal election, the newspaper Bild reported on Tuesday.The report backs up what senior party sources told Reuters last week, that there is no realistic alternative to Gabriel, vice chancellor and economy minister in Merkel's right-left coalition of the last four years.A spokesman for Gabriel said the party was sticking to its planned timetable. "The SPD will decide on its candidate for chancellor on Jan. 29," he said.Senior party members are holding a closed-door meeting to discuss election strategy on Tuesday, but the question of who will be the party's top candidate will not be discussed officially, Bild reported.The paper said the SPD's last chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, had urged Gabriel to stand. "You must make clear that you really want it," the newspaper cites Schroeder as saying, adding: "Otherwise I'm ready to do it again."Gabriel has long favoured to stand against Merkel, but some party members had hoped that Martin Schulz, the former president of the European Parliament, would take on the role. That now looks unlikely, since he is tipped to become foreign minister, replacing Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whom ruling parties have agreed to elect as German president next month.Gabriel, a 57-year-old former school teacher, trails Merkel in popularity ratings. He has a reputation for being unpredictable, but he is more popular with the SPD rank and file than his recent predecessors.Although the SPD wants to win enough votes to form a coalition with the Greens and possibly the radical Left party, most analysts think another 'grand coalition' is the most likely outcome with Merkel clinching a fourth term.An INSA poll in Bild on Tuesday showed Merkel's conservatives on 32 percent, unchanged from last week, and the SPD also stable on 21 percent. The combined total for the SPD, Greens and Left was 41 percent compared with 53 percent for another grand coalition. It put the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) on 15 percent.REUTERS CJ NS1416 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1101560.Xml Iceland's centre-right Independence, Reform and Bright Future parties have agreed to form a coalition government and will give parliament a vote on whether to hold a referendum on joining the European Union.Together, the coalition will hold 32 of the 63 seats in parliament. The Independence Party will have 21 seats, making it the largest party in the coalition. However, it opposes EU membership while the other two parties both favour it.The Independence and Reform parties accepted the agreement today, Icelandic media reported. Bright Future said it had backed the deal in a vote overnight. The agreement ends a political impasse since a general election in October."The agreement was, after a discussion, voted on by the management by electronic voting and was accepted by the party," Bright Future spokesman Unsteinn Johannsson said.In November, the three parties abandoned an attempt to form a coalition. The Left Greens and the Pirate Party also made unsuccessful attempts to form a government before the mandate was returned to the Independence Party .Iceland applied to join the EU in 2009, a year after a banking crash left the country on the verge of bankruptcy. The crash led many to argue it should have closer ties with Europe and even join the single currency to shield it from future crises.Iceland, already a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), later shelved the talks. REUTERS SDR NS1545 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1101725.Xml Iran has "officially received Saudi Arabia's invitation to meet and hold bilateral talks on the Haj", Xinhua news agency quoted Ali Qazi-Askar, Iran's representative for Haj ceremonies, as saying. Talks would focus on accommodation, transportation, safety, medical care, visas and banking, he said. Iran would respond to the invitation over the next few days. After several rounds of meetings last year, Tehran and Riyadh failed to reach an agreement on arrangements for the Iranian pilgrims to join the annual ritual in September 2016. Iran accused Saudi officials of creating obstacles for its government to send pilgrims to the ceremonies. Also, Saudi authorities said the Islamic republic was politicising the issues related to the religious rituals. Iranians were among other pilgrims who died in stampede in 2015 Hajj. Saudi Arabia in January 2016 cut its diplomatic ties with Iran following attacks on its mission in the country during angry protests against the Saudi execution of a prominent Shia cleric. --IANS py/dg ( 193 Words) 2017-01-10-16:24:09 (IANS) In a statement, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) said Ahmed al-Mshikhs and Essam Koshak were arrested on January 5 and 8, respectively, Efe news reported. "These arrests are solely due to the two men exercising their legitimate and peaceful right to freedom of opinion and freedom of expression and conducting their work in the field of human rights," read the statement. The GCHR said al-Mshikhs, founder of the al-Adalah Centre for Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, is currently being held in prison. Koshak, said the organisation, had had his detention extended and had not yet been released on bail. The human rights group believed the arrests were related to the activists' online activities. "GCHR urges the Saudi Arabian authorities to release them immediately," read the statement. The organisation also demanded that the two men be allowed to exercise their right to freedom of speech and be no longer harassed by authorities. --IANS ksk/dg ( 185 Words) 2017-01-10-16:28:07 (IANS) Anti-terror forces stormed al-Sukar neighbourhood on the eastern front of Mosul killing more than 25 militants, a senior commander said. The forces also destroyed a mortar launcher and an IS car bomb in an operation supported by the international coalition, Efe news reported. The commander explained that the forces of the federal police and army's IX brigade completely dominated the districts of Palestine and Doumiz on the southeast axis and have advanced to liberate the Sumar neighbourhood. The commander noted that Iraqi and the US-led international coalition warplanes destroyed several machines of the radical organisation on Tuesday morning. Iraqi troops, backed by Kurdish Peshmergas and Shia militias, as well as aviation and military advisers from the international anti-terrorist coalition, are seeking to remove IS from areas it occupied in June 2014 in northern Iraq in the offensive launched last October. --IANS ksk/dg ( 173 Words) 2017-01-10-18:50:06 (IANS) Qiu, who runs her campaign under a pseudonym, claims some Chinese textbooks teach students that homosexuality is a psychological disorder that can be treated with electric shocks. "They are an evidence of discrimination, a bad example," Qiu told Efe news, stressing it is important for homosexual students that these texts are removed. "When I realized I was a homosexual I was scared, I didn't know whether I was normal," Qiu said about how she herself suffered as a result of these texts. "It made me feel very scared, which is why I don't want other students in my situation to suffer because of such materials," she added. Despite China decriminalising homosexuality in 1997 and removing it from the list of mental illnesses in 2001, it is still a taboo in the country and several discriminatory references prevail in educational books and manuals. --IANS ksk/dg ( 177 Words) 2017-01-10-18:50:09 (IANS) The Syrian Kurdish YPG militia and its political arm the PYD will not be invited to planned peace talks in Kazakhstan, a PYD official said today, an outcome that would leave a key player in the conflict off the negotiating table.Syria's government and rebel forces started a ceasefire on Dec 31 as a first step towards face-to face negotiations backed by Turkey and Russia, but the date and its participants remain unclear.The truce is also under growing strain as rebels have vowed to respond to government violations and President Bashar al-Assad said yesterday the army would retake an important rebel-held area near Damascus."We are not invited. That's for sure," Khaled Eissa, a PYD member told Reuters in France. "It seems there were some vetoes. Neither the PYD or our military formation will be present," he said.Assad's ally Russia had previously sought the PYD's presence at other negotiations in Switzerland.But Turkey, which opposes Assad, regards both the YPG and PYD as extensions of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) separatists in its own territory and has said two groups should not be represented in Astana.The Syrian Kurds aim to cement the autonomy of areas of northern Syria where Kurdish groups have already carved out self-governing regions since the start of the war in 2011, though Kurdish leaders say an independent state is not the goal."What we have been told is that there will only be a limited number of armed groups and not political groups," Eissa said, adding that for a comprehensive peace deal in Syria the Kurds would at one point have to be invited to the negotiating table.The main Syrian political opposition umbrella group that includes about half a dozen armed groups, the Riyadh-backed High Negotiations Committee, is meeting in the Saudi capital later this week to discuss the Astana talks, although it is also unclear whether Moscow intends to invite them, diplomats and opposition officials said.Ankara intervened in Syria last year in support of rebel groups fighting under the Free Syrian Army (FSA) banner sought to drive Islamic State from positions it had used to shell Turkish towns, and also to stop YPG expansion.The YPG and its allies backed by a US-led coalition is fighting against IS militants around the group's Syrian bastion Raqqa, while Turkish-backed rebels are fighting the jihadist group further northwest near areas under Kurdish control.REUTERS SDR BL1930 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1102304.Xml A Taliban suicide attack in the Afghan capital Kabul today killed more than 30 people and wounded some 70 others, as twin blasts hit a crowded area of the city during the afternoon rush hour.Saleem Rasouli, a senior public health official, said 33 people had been killed and more than 70 wounded on the Darul Aman road, near an annexe to the new Indian-financed parliament building. Most of the victims were parliamentary staff members.The Islamist militant Afghan Taliban movement, which immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, said its target had been a minibus carrying staff from the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghanistan's main intelligence agency. It put casualties at around 70.It said one suicide bomber attacked the minibus in the Darul Aman area, and was followed almost immediately by a car bomber, who killed security forces attending the scene."Right after the explosion, I jumped in a stream and then I saw some injured people and a bus which was totally burnt out," said Sajadullah Khan, a witness who was walking by when the blasts occurred.President Ashraf Ghani condemned the "criminal" attacks and vowed that the perpetrators would not be safe anywhere in the country."The Taliban shamelessly claim credit for the attack on civilians and they're proud of it," he said in a statement.INSTABILITY IN CAPITAL AND BEYONDThe attack underlined the security threat posed by Islamist militants fighting to topple the Afghan government and drive out foreign troops stationed there for the last 15 years.Afghan armed forces control no more than two thirds of national territory, and have struggled to contain the Taliban insurgency since the bulk of NATO soldiers withdrew at the end of 2014.Several thousand, mainly Americans, remain in training and counter-terrorism roles.The United States recently announced plans to send 300 Marines to the volatile southern province of Helmand, large parts of which are under Taliban control, as part of a regular rotation of troops helping train and advise Afghan forces.Earlier today, a suicide bomber killed seven people and wounded nine when he detonated his explosives in a house in Helmand used by an NDS unit.Thousands of civilians have been killed in Afghanistan in the 15 years since the Taliban government was brought down in the US-led campaign of 2001.In July, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported that 1,601 civilians had been killed in the first half of the year, a record since it began collating figures in 2009.As well as the Taliban and associated groups including the Haqqani network, militants pledging loyalty to Islamic State have carried out major attacks in Kabul, most recently in November when more than 30 people were killed by a suicide bomber in a Shi'ite mosque. REUTERS AKC BL2129 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1102519.Xml Kazakh former economy minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev has been arrested on suspicion of bribery, the Central Asian country's National Anticorruption Bureau said today.Bishimbayev, 36, was placed in a temporary detention facility in Kazakhstan's capital Astana while a pre-trial investigation proceeded. Bishimbayev and his representatives were not immediately available for comment."Bishimbayev is detained over multiple acceptance of bribes in especially large amounts in collusion with a group of people," the anti-graft office said in a statement. "(He) spent the illegally obtained funds on his personal needs."Bishimbayev was dismissed from his ministerial post by President Nursultan Nazarbayev in late 2016 after just a few months in office.Timur Suleimenov, 38, a former deputy economy minister, was appointed to replace Bishimbayev.Nazarbayev, 79, holds the distinction of being the only former Communist leader who still runs his nation after it gained independence in the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.Despite pledges to fight corruption, graft continues to thrive in Kazakhstan and in other former Soviet republics. REUTERS AKC BL2245 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1102566.Xml Members of the Iraqi special forces Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) advance in Mosul's Al-Zahraa neighbourhood on January 7, 2017 during an ongoing military operation against the Islamic State (IS) group. (AFP/Xinhua) BAGHDAD, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi and Turkish governments agreed Saturday on an Iraqi demand that Turkish troops withdraw from a military base at the town of Bashiqa near the stronghold of Islamic State (IS) in Mosul. "We have discussed the Iraqi demand of withdrawing Turkish forces from Bashiqa, and the Turkish side confirmed that they will solve the issue of their troops' presence in Bashiqa soon," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told reporters at a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim. "We have agreed on non-interference in internal affairs of each country and vowed to respect the sovereignty of both countries," Abadi said after meeting with Yildirim. For his part, Yildirim explained that the presence of Turkish troops in Bashiqa was to train and arm local forces to fight IS group, saying "the withdrawal of Turkish forces will be achieved later." "We will not accept any action to threaten Iraq's sovereignty and its territorial integrity. Turkey is exerting effort to fight terrorist groups and seeking to impose security in the whole region," Yildirim said. He said that the meeting with Iraqi officials also agreed on boosting the level of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries on the reconstruction of areas affected by terrorism. Yildirim, accompanied by a delegation of Turkish ministers and top officials, arrived in Baghdad on Saturday for a two-day visit to end the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Yildirim is also expected to visit Arbil, capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan to meet with the Kurdish leaders, including the region's President Masoud Barzani. Since 2015, hundreds of Turkish soldiers have been deployed in Bashiqa camp, some 30 km northeast of Mosul. The presence of the Turkish troops led to a dispute between Iraq and Turkey, as Baghdad repeatedly said Turkish forces violated Iraq's sovereignty by entering the country without permission. However, Ankara said that Turkish soldiers were sent to Bashiqa at the request of Abadi, and that their presence was aimed at training both Peshmerga fighters and local tribal volunteers to combat IS militants in Mosul. by Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Most Greek citizens are in favor of a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, but are pessimistic about the outcome of the historic, crucial talks launched in Geneva on Monday, according to a survey carried out for Greek television channel Alpha. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was holding successive meetings with opposition party leaders to discuss developments on the Cyprus issue in Athens on Monday, as Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci began a round of talks in Geneva aimed to reunite the divided Mediterranean Sea island after four decades. Depending on how much progress during the dialogue between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, which is presided over by the United Nations, the talks are expected to culminate in a multilateral meeting that also involves Greece, Turkey and Britain on Jan. 12 in the Swiss city. A total of 58 percent of Greeks supported a resolution of the Cyprus issue based on the current draft agreement discussed in Geneva, while 17.1 percent of respondents preferred to wait until a better proposal is drafted, according to the poll conducted by Marc polling firm. Seventy-four percent of participants in the Alpha/Marc poll said they did not see the two sides reaching any agreement soon, despite 20 months of negotiations. Only 11.8 percent expected a solution soon. Greece and Cyprus have a common line on the Geneva talks which cover territorial and security issues. They are pushing for the abolition of guarantee rights for third parties and the removal of all Turkish troops from the island. The Turkish Cypriot side and Ankara want to retain a number of Turkish military forces on Cyprus as well as guarantee rights "to protect the Turkish Cypriot community" should a worst-case scenario prevail in the future. Cyprus has been divided into two since 1974 after a Greek coup spurred Turkey to send forces to the northern parts of the small Mediterranean state. While the southern Greek Cypriot side is recognized by the international community and is a member of the European Union, only Ankara officially recognizes the break-away northern region. WASHINGTON/New York, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Jack Ma, founder and chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, on Monday met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and they discussed plans to help U.S. small businesses sell products to China through the company's platform. "I think the president-elect is very smart, he's very open-minded to listen. I told him my ideas about how to improve trade, especially to improve small business, cross border trade," Ma told reporters at Trump tower in New York after meeting with Trump. "We specifically talked about ... supporting 1 million small businesses, especially in the Midwest of America. Small businesses on the platform selling products -- agriculture products and America services - to China and Asia," he said. They also discussed the China-U.S. relationship, which should be "strengthened" and "more friendly", according to Ma. "(Trump) has concerns, and he has solutions, that he wants to discuss with China and us," he said. "We had a great meeting, and a great, great entrepreneur, one of the best in the world," Trump told reporters after the meeting. "Jack and I are going to do some great things." Alibaba group said on Monday via its official twitter that the company works with U.S. companies and farmers to sell to over 450 million Chinese consumers on its platform, and it has set a goal of helping one million U.S. small businesses export to China. By Maria Elena Spagnolo MILAN, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Italy should invest more in research and development in a bid to boost its weak economy, as other world countries do, otherwise the country will gradually lose competitiveness, an expert told Xinhua in an interview. Vittorio Valli, emeritus professor of Economic Policy at the University of Turin, said that Italian public opinion often blames globalization for economic difficulties and unemployment. Globalization has impacted Europe and Italy, he said, but the latter also suffers congenital weaknesses, which the Italian cabinets should address. Italy did not invest enough in the 2000's and the growth rate was very weak already in the 1990's, he said. The country was not able to increase its technological content, and also its exports, which led to low performance in the international markets. "From 1999 when Italy entered the Eurozone until 2013, the country had a strong structural deficit in the current account balance," which is a record of a country's international transactions with the rest of the world. While "other European countries like Germany and the Netherlands had a strong performance", Valli said. Italy was therefore in a weaker position, similar as Greece. "This has meant that when the crisis exploded Italy had that weakness on the balance of payments and also a weakness on public debt so it found itself more exposed than other countries," the expert told Xinhua. "Concerning public debt, Greece was more exposed because the great majority of the debt was held by foreign owners, while in Italy the public debt in the hands of foreign owners are some a third of the total," Valli said. Then when speculation has struck Greece the country has suffered more, while Italy has managed to stay upright, he added. "In Europe the trend of globalization leads on one hand to the enlargement of the possibilities of exports and trade with emerging countries and other parts of the world, on the other hand, it contributes to the increase of economic inequalities within individual European countries," said Valli. It also leads, sometimes, to a negative view of globalization by the people, he said. According to a 2014 study, the Italian people negatively evaluated the effects of globalization, he noted. "This happened because in Italy the main negative effects of globalization, namely the increasing economic inequalities, were amplified by the effects of the global crisis," he explained. The public easily blames globalization, or euro, for economic difficulties, but the underlying problem has its roots in the 1990s, and probably in the period after 1973, when Italy started to lose competitiveness. "The future is also linked to the political will," Valli believed. "Politicians and governments should have medium and long-term objectives. Without them, it is hard to achieve the needed structural reforms," he added. WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Obama administration on Monday urged China to push further economic reforms with market forces playing a bigger role, which would help lead to a more balanced U.S.-China trade and investment relationship. "If China is going to deal successfully with its increasing economic challenges at home, it must allow greater scope for market forces to operate, which requires altering the role of the state in planning the economy," the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said in its annual report to Congress on China's WTO compliance. "Otherwise, China's economic challenges will only increase and become more difficult to solve." "Further economic reform in China also would provide strong benefits to the United States," the report said, adding it would help address the large role of state-owned enterprises in China's economy. "At the same time, it would lead to more sustainable Chinese economic growth, which in turn would lead to increased U.S. exports to China and a more balanced U.S.-China trade and investment relationship while also helping to drive global economic growth," the report said. U.S. exports of goods to China totaled 116 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, expanding 505 percent since China joining the WTO in 2001; while U.S. service exports to China reached 48 billion dollars in 2015, an increase of 802 percent since 2001, according to the USTR. The report also said the Chinese government had taken many steps to implement its numerous commitments about its accession to the WTO over the past 15 years. "These steps unquestionably deepened China's integration into the WTO's rules-based international trading system, while also strengthening China's ongoing economic reforms," the report said. CHICAGO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) grains futures settle higher on Monday with soybean futures firmed, supported by some concerns about rain in parts of Argentina curtailing crop production from the world's third largest exporter of oilseed. Wheat futures edged higher, with traders noting consolidation trade after prices firmed to their highest in nearly three months during the overnight trading session. Corn futures were slightly lower. The most active corn contract for March delivery rose 2 cents, or 0.56 percent, to 3.6 dollars per bushel. March wheat delivery rose 4 cents, or 0.95 percent, to 4.2725 dollars per bushel. January soybeans added 10.5 cents, or 1.06 percent, to 10.0525 dollars per bushel. Moves in all three commodities were muted as traders were reluctant to place aggressive bets ahead of key U.S. Agriculture Department reports on supply and demand on Thursday. Rains in central and northeastern Argentina threatened to flood soybean fields, but the latest forecasts called for improvements in the coming weeks, traders said. The market also received support from better-than-expected weekly export inspections data, which provided some relief after a disappointing report on global demand for U.S. supplies last week. The USDA said on Monday morning that soybean export inspections totalled 1.457 million tonnes in the latest reporting week, exceeding the high end of trade forecasts that ranged from 1.1 million tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes. In the outside markets, the Brent crude oil market is 1.82 dollars per barrel lower, the U.S. dollar is lower, and the Dow Jones Industrials are 64 points lower at 19,899 points. Jason Roose, a researcher from U.S. Commodities, says the markets face rally challenges. "Grain markets have been mixed and currently trading higher in a market that is positioning for Thursday's January crop report. With no shortage of grain, favorable crop-weather in South America, rallies will be limited. Plus, producers will be willing sellers on rallies, with crop ratings on wheat giving support on breaks," Roose says. Enditem ROME, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Italy's anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), the largest opposition force in the country, voted in favor of leaving the euro-skeptic bloc within the European Union (EU) parliament on Monday. Some 78.5 percent of people voting in an online poll supported the proposal of cutting ties with the Europe of Freedom and Democracy (EFDD) group, submitted by party leader and former comedian Beppe Grillo, according to an M5S statement. Some 40,654 party members took part in the voting, it added. The EFDD represents the anti-EU bloc in the European parliament, and Britain's UK Independence Party (UKIP) is one of its major forces. The same majority in the online poll backed the proposal of joining pro-EU Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). Yet, the ALDE group rejected M5S' request to join in, after a vote held later on Monday. The leader of the Liberal group, Belgian Guy Verhofstadt, explained there were "insufficient common ground" to join forces with Italy's anti-establishment movement. "There are not enough guarantees to pursue a common agenda (with M5S) aimed at reforming Europe," Ansa news agency quoted Verhofstadt as saying. The refusal sparked harsh remarks from the M5S. "The establishment has decided to stop the entrance of the M5S in the third largest group of the European parliament," a post written on founder Grillo's blog stated. "All possible forces moved against us. We have shaken the system like never before," it added. However, the M5S vowed to continue its activity in order "to create an independent political group for the next European legislature: the Direct Democracy Movement." Grillo had formed an alliance with UKIP -- and with its leader at the time, Nigel Farage -- in June 2014, after the elections for the European parliament. In an open letter addressed to Farage, and published on his blog on Sunday, Grillo explained the alliance had now become unnecessary, since UKIP had obtained "the victory in its main battle: the leaving of the European Union by the UK." The M5S has long called for a referendum on the euro in Italy, because it advocates a withdrawal from the single currency. Yet, it has never put Italy's membership in the EU into question. PRAGUE, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Governments of the Czech Republic and Slovakia agreed on a cooperation plan aimed to protect the airspaces of both countries against terrorism and other non-military threats, announced Czech Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky on Monday over Twitter. The idea was previously welcomed by the NATO members as it doesn't contradict the major goal of the Alliance to solve military threats in the European Union. Stropnicky said the agreement provides for cooperation in those cases that can not be solved with the help of NATO air defence system. For example, when a civilian aircraft is attacked by terrorists, or supposing that the capabilities of one of the states have failed, then such mutual help will be very useful. The help will come only at certain non-military situations, such as when a suspicious aircraft detected heading to the territory of the neighbouring state, or if one of the armies experiences difficulty with some equipment or has personnel problems, according to officials. In the meantime the Czech and Slovak armies will continue to ensure their joint airspaces protection separately. The Slovakia Air Force currently uses Mig-29 aircrafts and plans purchasing or leasing Sweden JAS-39 Gripen aircrafts, which are already in use by the Czech Air Force. The agreement is waiting for its approval by the Czech Parliament and President, while the Slovakia's government has already signed their consent. When ratified, it will come into force in the summer of 2017. Such protection plan has been a result of long-term cooperation and joint air force training of the Czech and Slovak armies. This file photo taken on March 22, 2011 shows a barge passing by in front of Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant on the Hudson River in Buchanan, New York. (AFP PHOTO/DON EMMERT) NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The aging Indian Point nuclear power plant near New York will close by April 2021. Energy Corp., which runs the plant, will shut down Indian Point Unit 2 by April 2020 and Indian Point Unit 3 by April 2021, completely ending operations of its reactors at the site, which sits on the east bank of the Hudson River, according to a press release from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday. "For 15 years, I have been deeply concerned by the continuing safety violations at Indian Point, especially given its location in the largest and most densely populated metropolitan region in the country," Cuomo said in the statement. Transmission upgrades and efficiency measures already are in service, Cuomo said, adding that other generation resources ready to come online by 2021 will help generate more than enough electrical power to replace Indian Point's capacity. New York State will also perform regular safety inspections of the plant leading up to its closure and make any replacements needed to help maintain the building's structural integrity during that period of time. The Indian Point Unit 1 of the plant was shut down in October 1974 because officials say it did not meet regulatory requirements. Emma Stone poses with her award for best actress in a musical or comedy for her role in "La La Land" in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California.(AFP PHOTO/ROBYN BECK) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The modern musical romance feature film "La La Land" miraculously made its all seven nominations to real awards at the 74th Golden Globe Awards held at Beverly Hilton, Los Angeles, on Sunday night. Directed by 31-year-old Damien Chazelle, "La La Land" won all its seven nominations including best motion picture in comedy or musical, best actor for Ryan Gosling, best actress for Emma Stone and best director and screenwriter for Chazelle. The coming-of-age film "Moonlight" won best motion picture in drama. The film follows the life of a black child as he grows to adulthood in a tough Miami neighborhood. Casey Affleck was named best actor in drama for his role as a man who looks after his nephew after the death of the boy's father in "Manchester by the Sea." French actress Isabelle Huppert received best actress in drama for her work in "Elle," which also won the best foreign film. Ryan Gosling won his first Golden Globe Award in five career nominations for his singing-and-dancing role in "La La Land." Chazelle won best director and best original screenplay for "La La Land." "I'm in a daze now officially," he said while accepting the prize for best director. Two years ago, Chazelle got five Oscar nominations for his second film "Whiplash." And "La La Land" shows again his talent in musical/dancing films. Stone won her first Golden Globe Award for "La La Land." "I have to start by thanking my amazing mom. I think I moved here 13 years ago this week, without my mom and dad and brother who put up with me my whole life," she said. Justin Hurwitz won best original score for "La La Land" and best original song for the movie's tune "City of Stars." Viola Davis won her first career Golden Globe for her supporting work opposite Denzel Washington in "Fences," the story of a struggling working-class 1950s black family. "To all the people who believed in this piece of work -- it's not every day that Hollywood thinks of translating a play to screen," she said. "It doesn't scream moneymaker. But it does scream art." She gave special thanks to Washington, who also directed the film. "Thank you for saying 'Trust me and remember the love,'" said Davis. Aaron Taylor-Johnson won the award for best supporting actor for his role as West Texas hoodlum Ray Marcus in the film noir "Nocturnal Animals." It was the first Golden Globe Award for this 26-year-old British actor. The award for best animated film went to Disney's "Zootopia." Three-time Oscar winner and eight-time Golden Globe winner Meryl Streep received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, a lifetime achievement award. On the television side of the awards, best musical or comedy television series went to FX series "Atlanta." Netflix series "The Crown" won best TV drama series and "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" won best TV limited series or made-for-television movie. Golden Globe Awards winners are chosen by some 80 Hollywood Foreign Press Association members. As those members mainly represent some less-popularity media and have close relationships with film studios, its authority and impartiality have been questioned for a long time. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks briefly to reporters between meetings at the Mar-a-lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. December 28, 2016. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst) by Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has been threatening higher taxes for U.S. companies shipping jobs overseas, but experts said there are better strategies for saving American jobs. The news comes not long after Trump was elected by mainly working class Americans who've been struggling to make ends meet in an economy that has not fully recovered since the 2008 economic crash. The brash businessman earlier this month threatened to hit auto makers with heavy import taxes on cars built abroad, blasting U.S. car giant General Motors (MG) for assembling some of its vehicles in Mexico. Though GM stated that it has no plans to change its plan, its rival Ford earlier this month announced the cancellation of a 1.6 billion U.S. dollar factory in Mexico while vowing to use some of those funds to broaden production in the U.S. state of Michigan. Trump also recently took to social media to threaten Toyota with border taxes if the world's largest car maker goes ahead with plans to build a factory in Mexico that would produce cars for the U.S. market. But some experts said a better strategy would be to offer tax incentives, rather than punishing companies. The answer to encouraging companies to stay in the U.S. is not border taxes but general corporate tax reform, Aparna Mathur, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, told Xinhua. Taxes play a big role in companies' decisions about where to invest. If the U.S. corporate tax rate is made more competitive, then companies are much more likely to stay on in the U.S., Mathur said. In addition, it is also inefficient to deal with companies separately to encourage or force them to operate in the U.S., she said, noting Trump's targeting of specific companies such as Carrier and General Motors. Having a common corporate tax policy will enable companies to make the best decisions for themselves, she said. Indeed, Trump has talked about a 15 percent corporate tax rate and House Republicans have called for a 20 percent rate -- a sharp drop from the top rate of around 39 percent, one of the world's highest. Either of these cuts would be significant enough to encourage companies to stay in the U.S. if taxes were their biggest criterion for locating overseas, she said. Some experts have said the issue is more complex than it seems. While many U.S. manufacturing jobs have left the country, many Americans these days do not have the skills that manufacturers need, experts said. The problem is not so much the availability of more cost effective labor abroad but the lack of skilled workers in the United States, Mathur said. So it's not just the cheap labor that's drawing away companies to other countries but the fact that the U.S. doesn't have the skilled workers that employers need to work in certain jobs, she said. Manufacturers have 322,000 job openings and no workers to fill them in the United States, Mathur said. That's because the low skilled jobs have been automated and the high skilled workers are either not interested in manufacturing jobs or are not interested in acquiring the skills that employers want. Experts said the question remains whether Trump can deliver on job creation while at the same time avoiding protectionist policies that may, in the long run, do more harm than good. Diane Swonk, a veteran independent economist, told Xinhua that the question is whether Trump can deliver and avoid enacting a series of protectionist executive orders, which given his Twitter feed seems improbable, she said, noting the myriad messages the president-elect has been putting out on social media. At the same time the Republicans in the House of Representatives are pushing back on delivering infrastructure spending, Swonk said. Another issue is that workers everywhere are being replaced by automation. Trump recently cut a deal with U.S. manufacturer Carrier to keep 1,000 jobs in U.S. boarders, but many jobs remaining in the United States are, in the long run, likely to become automated. So the key to helping American workers is not trying to stop these jobs from going overseas but instead helping workers acquire new skills so that they can work with new technologies and retain their jobs, Mathur said. CANBERRA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Michael Chamberlain, whose daughter Azaria was killed by a dingo in outback Australia in 1982, an incident which was the subject of an award-winning Hollywood film, has died in an Australian hospital at the age of 72. Chamberlain and his former wife Lindy were the focus of one of Australia's most controversial and high profile legal cases, when the authorities disbelieves their story and charged the pair with the murder of their two-month-old daughter Azaria. The case achieved worldwide fame after Lindy famously declared "a dingo ate the baby", but the pair was found guilty -- Lindy for murder and Michael for being an accessory -- in 1982. Lindy was imprisoned for three years before a royal commission into the case found issues with the forensic evidence used in the case, while between 1980 and 1995, three inquests were held, with the first being found a dingo indeed took Azaria, the second being resulted in the conviction, while the third being inconclusive. It wasn't until 2012, when a fourth inquest was called, that Michael and Lindy Chamberlain were finally exonerated and pardoned by the Norther Territory coroner. Following the coroner's decision, Michael Chamberlain who had studied a PhD in education in 2002, said the "battle to get to the legal truth" had taken "too long". "However, I am here to tell you that you can get justice even when you think that all is lost," he said. The case was turned into the Hollywood drama A Cry in the Dark in 1988, with Meryl Streep and Sam Neill starring as the Chamberlains. Streep was nominated as Best Actress at the Academy Awards but untimately lost to Jodie Foster. Michael and Lindy separated in 1990, with Michael marrying his second wife Ingrid Berger in 1994. WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on Monday initiated a patent investigation of certain liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that can be used as writing tablets and components from five Chinese companies. The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Ohio-based Kent Displays, which alleged that those Chinese companies had infringed upon its patents and violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, the bipartisan trade panel said in a statement. The company requested the USITC to issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against those products. The five Chinese companies being investigated are all based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province: Shenzhen Howshow Technology, Shenzhen Howshare Technology, Howshare of Shenzhen, Shenzhen SUNstone Technology and iQbe of Shenzhen. The investigation does not mean the panel has made any decision on the merits of the case. Within 45 days, the panel will set a target date for completing the investigation. Should the complaint be approved, the panel will issue an import ban on infringing products and bar the sale of products within the United States. Section 337 investigations focus on allegations of patent or registered trademark infringement, and also involve misappropriation of aspects such as trade secrets, false advertising, and violation of the antitrust laws. As it is quicker, cheaper and more practical to win the patent cases with the USITC than in U.S. courts, American companies increasingly tap the USITC's authority on patent cases to tamp down their competitors. ZHENGZHOU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A chartered plane carrying tonnes of Boston lobsters, a favorite on festive dining tables during Lunar New Year celebrations, arrived Monday evening in Zhengzhou, capital of the central province of Henan. This is the first chartered air freight delivery of seafood ordered by Chinese buyers, another two planes will arrive before the start of the festival, which this year falls on Jan. 27. It took the plane 19 hours to fly its cargo of 74.57 tonnes of Boston lobsters from Halifax Airport, Canada, to the transportation hub of Zhengzhou. Dai Yanting, a quarantine official with the Henan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, said his department had provided swift customs clearance on the fresh imports, which will be distributed from Zhengzhou to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Lianyungang. The market price for an imported lobster is around 500 yuan (about 72 U.S. dollars) per kilogram. Industry forecasts suggest that China will import around 8,000 tonnes of seafood in 2017. The airport in Zhengzhou posted 275,000 tonnes of throughput of imported cargo in 2016, up 20.93 percent year on year. This included imported fruit, aquatic products, meat and live Australian cattle. YANGON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's National Planning Commission has met to discuss the country's national plan for 2017-18 drawn up by the Ministry of Planning and Finance, Myanmar News Agency reported Tuesday. Speaking at a meeting of the commission on Monday, President U Htin Kyaw called on region and state governments to attach importance to projects in their respective regions and states to be in conformity with the 12-point economic policy laid down. He called for planning big projects within the budget allocation of the state. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, urged for inclusion of the projects in the national planning that can contribute to short-term and long-term interest of the country. She said the plans should be adaptable to suggestions made by the parliament for approval when they are submitted to the parliament for approval as the government and the parliament have a system of check and balance. Myanmar's economy is estimated to grow at a 5.7 percent rate in the current fiscal year of 2016-17 and the country's growth of gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise to 7 percent. Per capita GDP is expected to reach more than 1.7 million kyats (1,307 U.S. dollars) as disclosed at the commission's meeting. The country's economic growth slowed in the first six months of 2016-17 due mainly to a slump in agricultural production, foreign investment and the export sector, the president revealed. A follow-up meeting of the Finance Commission also discussed budget for 2017-18 fiscal year. CANBERRA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Rural Australians who have limited access to medical help are set to benefit from a new "telehealth solution" devised by Australian scientists and regional health network Health Team Australia (HTA). A statement released by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) on Tuesday said the project, called Coviu, is expected to connect up to 20,000 Australians who previously struggled to receive advice with "online healthcare professionals." HTA spokesperson Andrew Mahony said the online, video-based program would increase quality of life in rural areas as it would offer patients "on demand" access to health professionals. "Coviu gives health professionals direct access to the lives of remote patients so they can prescribe a health plan that is meaningful to their lives and relevant to their situation," Mahony said. "It enables us to provide individuals and organizations in rural and remote areas with evidence-based support and on-demand access to allied health experts and it gives people the opportunity to stay in their community for longer as they age and continue to play a meaningful role." Meanwhile Coviu's project director, Silvia Pfeiffer said the platform would not only bridge the gap in face-to-face medical assistance, but would also allow doctors to "live-share medical data and images." "Approximately 10 percent of the Australian population is spread across 90 percent of its area, and these people have poor access to medical specialists that's taken for granted in large metropolitan areas," Pfeiffer said. "There is a real need to make video consultations a standard delivery mechanism of health services across Australia. Coviu does so in an affordable manner with the tools that clinicians need." Almost half of all Australians suffer chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes, but many people in rural areas are undiagnosed. The CSIRO believes the platform will "address inequities" faced by regional Australians. RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The governor of Brazil's northern Roraima state requested the deployment of 100 National Security Force officers after 33 inmates of a prison in the state were killed in a riot. Governor Maria Suely Campos said that the request is urgent and that ensuring safety at the prison in the city of Boa Vista is an absolute priority. She also requested the transfer of eight criminal gang leaders to prisons outside her state and 9 million reais (2.8 million U.S. dollars) to expand a prison and build a new one. The governor requested help in November 2016 after a prison riot that killed 10 inmates, but her request was unanswered. This time, the federal administration decided to send troops to Roraima and agreed to transfer drug lords out of the state. The National Security Force troops are expected to arrive at Roraima on Tuesday. Federal troops will also be deployed in the state of Amazonas, where a prison riot in the state capital of Manaus left 56 inmates dead days before the Roraima prison riot. WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday named his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as senior advisor to the president. "Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration," Trump said in a statement. Kushner said, "I am energized by the shared passion of the president-elect and the American people and I am humbled by the opportunity to join this very talented team." Kushner, who is about to turn 36, is married to Ivanka Trump. He has played a considerable role during Donald Trump's election campaign and the assembling of his administration team. Kushner is said to be close to Stephen Bannon, Trump's top strategist and senior counselor, as the two men had similar political views. The appointment may run counter to an anti-nepotism law banning officials from appointing their relatives to public offices. Former President Bill Clinton once tasked his wife Hillary Clinton to head up health reform efforts, which suggested that the law may not cover the White House staffing. Kushner will need to divest his assets to avoid a conflict of interest, and may need to forego salary for his new position. According to media reports on Monday, Ivanka, who has also played a role in the transition period, is not expected to take up any position in the incoming administration. SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's finance ministry on Tuesday expressed worries about weak consumption, caused by political uncertainties at home, despite recent signs of export recovery. The ministry said in its monthly economic assessment report, called Green Book, that exports improved more or less, helping production and investment rebound in recent months. The report, however, cautioned that consumer spending remained sluggish and led to slowing domestic demand. South Korea's exports, which account for about half of the export-driven economy, rose for two straight months to December. The on-year growth rate accelerated from 2.5 percent in November to 6.4 percent in December. Helped by the export increase, production in the mining and manufacturing industries rebounded 3.4 percent in November from a 1.3 percent fall in the previous month. Facility investment expanded 5.9 percent in November compared with a month ago, up from a 0.6 percent gain in October. Private consumption, however, slowed down. Retail sales in November fell 0.2 percent compared with the previous month, due mainly to political turmoil following the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye that resulted in the absence of economic control tower. The government plans to frontload its 2017 budget in the January-March quarter as part of efforts to invigorate the lackluster domestic demand, but it remains uncertain about a recovery in consumer spending. Consumer prices rose 1.3 percent in November from a year earlier, down from a 1.5 percent increase in the prior month. The number of those employed in November expanded 339,000 compared with a year earlier, but manufacturers continued to cut jobs amid the slowing recovery. SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's main opposition party continued its condemnation of "diplomatic disaster" under impeached President Park Geun-hye, citing the decision to deploy a U.S. missile defense system and an agreement with Japan on wartime sex slavery. Woo Sang-ho, floor leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party, told a party meeting that the current diplomatic disaster, including the unilateral decision on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) installation and the agreement with Japan on "comfort women" victims, is the result of the diplomatic failure under the Park government for the past four years. Seoul and Washington abruptly announced their decision in July last year to deploy one THAAD battery in South Korea's southeastern region by the end of this year, triggering strong oppositions from China and Russia. Some of opposition lawmakers speculated that President Park's longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, may have been involved in the abrupt decision, considering a close relationship between President Park, Choi and arms lobbyist Linda Kim, suspected of representing Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the THAAD. The agreement on "comfort women," reached on Dec. 28, 2015 between South Korea and Japan, has been under fire as it failed to meet requirements of Japan's legal responsibility and sincere apology for what the victims endured before and during World War II. "Comfort women" is a euphemism for Korean women who were forced into sex enslavement for Japanese military brothels during the devastating war. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has never accepted the forcible recruitment of Korean teenagers during the Pacific War. Japan Monday recalled its ambassador to South Korea in Seoul and its consul-general in South Korea's southern port city of Busan for about a week in protest against the bronze, life-size statue of a girl that was erected last month outside the Japanese consulate in Busan to symbolize the teenager victims of Japan's sex slavery. The Minjoo Party floor leader offered to form a bipartisan amity group, composed of lawmakers, to help resolve the diplomatic disaster, urging the ruling Saenuri Party and the minor opposition People's Party to join the move. Seven Minjoo Party lawmakers visited Beijing last week to help boost communications between China and South Korea on the THAAD issue. People attend a candlelight rally to demand President Park Geun-hye to step down in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho) SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's constitutional court, which is deliberating a motion to impeach President Park Geun-hye, on Tuesday warned against the possible delay of trial on the impeachment bill as it speeds up the deliberation process. Chief Justice Park Han-chul said in the third pleading session that future proceedings must not be postponed for the reason of time shortage in preparations, urging both the defendant and plaintiff sides to bear that in mind. The head of the nine-judge court asked both sides to speed up the legal proceedings, but it actually targeted President Park's legal team, which offered details on the impeached leader's whereabouts on the day of the ferry-sinking disaster to the court on Tuesday, 19 days after the court's demand. The suspected absence of President Park in the presidential Blue House when the passenger ferry Sewol capsized and claimed over 300 lives on April 16, 2014, was cited as one of the main reasons for the impeachment that was passed in the parliament on Dec. 9. The court has up to 180 days to deliberate, but it has been speeding up the deliberation by holding trials twice a week to minimize the power vacuum. A presidential election must be held in 60 days if the court upholds the bill. Park's legal team has been under fire for the suspected delay of legal proceedings. Park's lawyers have demanded a criminal trial on all counts of five constitutional and eight criminal charges against the president. Proving all the charges will take much longer time than the constitutional ruling, which allows the president to be fired on disciplinary grounds if Park violated any of the 13 counts. Key witnesses also refrained from attending the trial. Park's longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil at the center of the presidential scandal as well as two former presidential secretaries refused, or delayed, the court's summoning. The head of the parliamentary judiciary committee, which serves as prosecutors in the constitutional trial, raised suspicion that Park's legal team may be intentionally postponing the proceedings by discouraging witnesses from attending the hearing. PHNOM PENH, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith jointly inaugurated a new border gate on Tuesday in a bid to boost trade and tourism between the two ASEAN members. The Trapeang Kriel-Nong Nokkheane international border checkpoint links the Trapeang Kriel area in northeastern Cambodia's Stung Treng province and the Nong Nokkheane area in southern Laos' Champassak province. Hun Sen said the new border gate was a new achievement contributing to strengthening and expanding relations and cooperation between the two neighboring countries. "The development of connectivity infrastructure and the new border checkpoint will definitely contribute to increasing trade volume, investment, cross-border goods transport, flow of tourists, and people-to-people relations between our two countries," he said in a speech live broadcast on his Facebook page. He encouraged authorities along the border of the two countries to work together closely to serve the peoples and fight against all forms of cross-border crimes. In his remarks, Thongloun Sisoulith also expressed his strong belief that the new border checkpoint would boost trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contact between the two ASEAN neighbors. Trade and investment volumes between the two neighbors are still relatively small. The bilateral trade volume was valued at 24.5 million U.S. dollars in 2015. According to the Council for the Development of Cambodia, there is no report of Lao investment in Cambodia, while Cambodian commercial bank Acleda has tapped into the Lao market since 2008. On tourism, Laos is the fifth largest source of tourists to Cambodia, with some 314,400 Laotians visiting the country in the first 11 months of 2016, a Cambodian tourism data showed. According to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after the inauguration ceremony of the new border gate, Hun Sen would visit Don Sahong Hydropower Dam project in Laos' Champasak province. China's Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor (GAC Motor) makes debut of Trumpchi SUV GS7 during the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the United States, Jan. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) DETROIT, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) Monday became the first Chinese company to unveil a car on the main floor of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), showcasing two concept cars and one production car here. GAC last visited NAIAS in 2015, when it unveiled the GS4 sport utility vehicle and the plug-in hybrid concept car WITSTAR. This year, GAC unveiled the GS7 which features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine and a spacious interior within the crossover SUV market segment. The Guangzhou-based GAC' s presence at the Detroit Auto Show has pleased its U.S. organizers. "Having GAC here means so much to Detroit, so much to the show, so much to bringing the culture, not just the culture, but also the car and the technology and ingenuity," Rod Alberts, executive director of NAIAS told Xinhua. "Being at the forefront of other companies, I expect many others to follow," Alberts said. "We've actually had many companies come up to me today that are visiting, that are considering being a part of the show in 2018. But it took GAC to step out and be that leader, and be a part," he said. As the CEO of the first Chinese company to unveil a vehicle on the main floor at Detroit Auto Show, Feng Xingya is aware of the role he plays as he represents China to U.S. automakers. "I think every enterprise has its own culture, and every enterprise culture has its own characters. As soon as an enterprise's product enters a market, the enterprise's culture goes with it," he said. Although GAC turned heads, it was ultimately Hangzhou's Geely-owned Volvo, a regular attendee at NAIAS, that showed concrete steps toward achieving their goal to have fully autonomous cars launched by 2021. At this year's show, the company unveiled its plan to give several families the opportunity to operate a self-driving car as part of their Drive Me project, ahead of the 2021 deadline. Volvo chose a family of four, the Hains, from Gothenburg, Sweden, to operate the self-driving car. During the press conference at NAIAS, the family members said safety remains their top concern. Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars, has spent his career building Volvo's reputation for safety. He believes that the company's credibility when it comes to safety gives him an edge. "I think what is unique with Volvo is of course at the end when it will be a lot about credibility, because sitting in a car driving, full speed, relying on the machine, I think you'll look twice." Samuelsson said. "Who wants to develop this car? Volvo has a good heritage, good credibility." Next year's Detroit Auto Show will likely have more Chinese automakers, and "I think I'll see three more [Chinese] companies come in [during 2018]," Alberts said. He described the show as a country club, but cautioned potential Chinese exhibitors to come early. "We have limited space so these companies need to be knocking on the door very soon to be a part of the show, but we want as many in as we can." BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's economy was estimated to have grown about 6.7 percent in 2016, the country's top economic planner said Tuesday. The world's second largest economy registered the same growth rate in the first, second and third quarter last year, Xu Shaoshi, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a news briefing. Consumption accounted for 71 percent of growth in 2016, up 13 percentage points, Xu said. He said the economy would exceed 70 trillion yuan (about 10.1 trillion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5 trillion yuan, and that the growth was remarkable among major economies. Citing a report by the International Monetary Fund, he said that China had contributed 1.2 percentage points, or over 30 percent, of the world's economic growth in 2016, while the United States had accounted for 0.3 percentage points. ANKARA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- 19 Islamic State (IS) terrorists were killed and 367 targets belonging to terrorists were hit in Al-Bab of northern Syria by military operations in last 24 hours, Turkish General Staff stated on Tuesday. According to the Turkish army, 340 IS terrorist targets have been shelled, destroying shelters, defense positions, vehicles and command centers. Meanwhile, Turkish jets conducted airstrikes against 27 terrorist targets in Bab, Bzagah and Suflaniyah, destroying more shelters, defense positions. A total of 2,821 improvised explosive devices and 43 mines have been destroyed by the Turkish Explosive Ordinance disposal teams since the beginning of the operation on last Aug.24, the military added. The Turkish Armed Forces launched the Euphrates Shield Operation last August against both IS and the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the military wing of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD). Turkey regards the YPG and the PYD as terrorist organizations due to their links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake of 7.3 magnitude jolted North Sulawesi province of central Indonesia on Tuesday, but was not potential for tsunami and there was no initial report of damage or casualty in the country, officials said. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake was at 6.9 magnitude. The quake jolted at 13 :13 p.m. Jakarta time (0713 GMT) with epicenter at 322 km north west Sangihe islands and the depth at 618 km under sea bed, an official of the meteorology and geophysics said. The intensity of the quake was felt at 2 to 3 MMI (Modified Mercally Intensity) in Bitung town and Manado city of the province and 2 MMI in nearby province of Gorontalo, the official told Xinhua by phone. Spokesman of national disaster management agency Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told Xinhua via phone that the shakes of the quake were felt weak and there were no buildings damaged or any casualties. Indonesia lies on a vulnerable quake-hit zone so called "the Pacific Ring of Fire," making it vulnerable on quake. TAIPEI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Wong Chi-huey, former head of Taiwan's top academic organ, has been indicted for taking bribes from biotech firm OBI Pharma, according to the island's Shi-lin district prosecuting authority. Prosecutors found that Wong had received 3 million shares from OBI's chairman Michael Chang in 2012 via his daughter's account. The price of each share was 31 New Taiwan dollars (about 1 U.S. dollar), but surged to 310 NTD per share when the company went public the following year. Prosecutors said Wong, as a public servant, illegally earned profits worth about 93 million NTD. The scandal emerged in February 2016 when OBI announced that its major breast cancer medicine had failed to meet medical standards, and its share price collapsed. A number of people were suspicious of insider trading, but Wong defended the drug and backed the company, claiming he had never bought any OBI shares. However, his daughter was later found to hold a large number of OBI shares. Wong released a statement late Monday that said he was shocked and angry about the indictment and would make all-out efforts to defend his innocence. Wong was the head of Taiwan's Academia Sinica since 2006 but resigned in May 2016 after the case erupted. COLOMBO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's former Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa was arrested on Tuesday by a special police unit investigating fraud. The police said that Weerawansa was arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigations Division after he was asked to appear to record a statement. An opposition member of parliament, Weerawansa was questioned over the alleged misuse of government vehicles when he was a minister. Weerawansa was the housing minister in the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and was known as an outspoken figure in parliament. The Sri Lankan authorities have begun a crackdown on opposition members accused of fraud and corruption. Some key members of the former government had been arrested over the past several months. COLOMBO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has been selected as the Finance Minister of the Year for Asia-Pacific by "The Banker" magazine for his efforts to steer Sri Lanka into a new era of economic reform, a Finance Ministry statement said here on Tuesday. The Banker, a prestigious international financial publication published in London, inter alia selected the finance minister of the year who has best managed to stimulate growth and stabilize the economy of their country. The Banker says Karunanayake secured a 1.5 billion-U.S. dollar International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program that the country needed to avoid a balance of payments crisis, replenish reserves and rebuild confidence among international investors. "Sri Lanka's latest bond issues in the international capital markets suggest Karunanayake has indeed reached his objective. In 2015, the sovereign issued a $ 1.5 billion dual-tranche note - its largest since 2007. A year later, it printed a second bond of the same size, with order books of $ 6.6 billion, despite market volatility after the UK voted to leave the EU," the Ministry statement said. Sri Lanka is also working towards fiscal consolidation. Sri Lanka's budget deficit has dropped from 7 percent when Karunanayake took office in January 2015 to 5.4 percent in 2016 - below the targeted expectations of 5.6 percent. After a visit in September 2016, the IMF said Sri Lanka's tightening of fiscal and monetary policies has been effective and that it met the IMF program's targets through to the end of June 2016. According to latest figures, Sri Lanka's total government revenue grew from Rs. 1205 billion (8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2014 to Rs. 1,461 billion (9.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2015. Tax revenue rose from Rs. 1,050 billion (7 billion U.S. dollars) to Rs. 1,356 billion (9 billion U.S. dollars) in the same period. This is crucial for Sri Lanka, which has a very low tax revenue-to-gross domestic product ratio. TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran has received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to discuss preparations for the next annual Hajj pilgrimage, Press TV reported on Tuesday. Iran has "officially received Saudi Arabia's invitation to meet and hold bilateral talks on the Hajj," said Ali Qazi-Askar, Iran's representative for Hajj ceremonies. Talks would focus on accommodation, transportation, safety, medical care, visas and banking, he said, adding that Iran would respond to the invitation over the next few days. After several rounds of meetings last year, Tehran and Riyadh failed to reach an agreement on arrangements for the Iranian pilgrims to join the annual ritual in September 2016. Iran accused Saudi officials of creating obstacles for the Iranian government to send pilgrims to the ceremonies. Also, Saudi authorities said that the Islamic republic was politicizing the issues related to the religious rituals. Iranians were among other pilgrims who died in stampede in 2015 Hajj. In January 2016, Saudi Arabia cut its diplomatic ties with Iran following attacks on its mission in the country during angry protests against the Saudi execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa(R) meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Jan. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Sibo) DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Tanzania, during a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here Monday, pledged to consolidate the traditional friendship, integrate the development strategies and promote pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in various fields. In a meeting with Wang, Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said Tanzania appreciates China's listing of his country as one of the four pioneers for conducting China-Africa production capacity cooperation and expects more Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction projects in the country. Tanzania will work with China and Zambia to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia railway so that it can play a bigger role in the development of Tanzania and Zambia as well as other countries along the railway, the prime minister said. For his part, Wang said China always considers Tanzania as its most reliable strategic partner, adding that China has become Tanzania's largest trade partner, largest project contractor and a main source of investment. Wang expects China and Tanzania to further enhance political mutual trust and civilian friendship, focus on win-win cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, military communication and international coordination and implement the consensuses reached at the Johannesburg summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in the greater interest of the Tanzanian people. In a meeting with his Tanzanian counterpart, Augustine Mahiga, Wang said the Tanzania-China friendship, initiated and fostered by the older generation of leaders of the two countries, has become precious spiritual wealth of the two peoples and deserves to be inherited and carried forward. China and Tanzania have always trusted and supported each other, Wang said, adding that the mutual political trust between the countries at such a high level has become a most valuable strategic resource for the two countries and should be further deepened. Wang said the Tanzania-Zambia railway is a symbol of and a monument to the China-Africa cooperation and leaders of the three countries have reached consensus on upgrading the railway. The 1,860-km railway line, built with the assistance of the Chinese government in the 1970s, runs from the Zambian town of Kapiri Mposhi to the Port of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania. China will work with Tanzania and Zambia to inject vigor and vitality into the railway through comprehensive reform of the management system, effectively linking the railway to ports and building an industrial economic belt along the railway, Wang said, adding that the revitalization of the railway will contribute to helping Tanzania, Zambia and other African countries realize independent and sustainable development. Mahiga said the friendship with China has solid public support in Tanzania and that the Tanzanian people deeply appreciate China's long-term support and aid to their country. Tanzania expects to broaden the areas for cooperation with China and deepen their partnership, Mahiga said, adding that his country supports the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and will become a bridgehead of the initiative's access to Africa. The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road trade routes. It has won support from over 100 countries and international organizations. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed developing relations with Africa with sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith and the correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit during his visit to Africa in 2013, Wang recalled. On China-Africa cooperation, China will continue to stick to the principle of non-interference, equality and mutual benefits, without imposing any political conditions on any African country or sacrificing the local environment, Wang said, adding that China will respect local laws and customs. Guided by the correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit, China will integrate its development strategies with Africa, deepen production capacity cooperation and enhance infrastructure construction to make unremitting efforts for the rejuvenation of the African continent and the common development and prosperity of China and Africa, Wang said. RAMALLAH, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday that a Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in north of the West Bank. Health Ministry spokesperson Mohammas Awawdah told Xinhua that the man wad identified as Mohammad Al-Salhi, 32, from Al-Far'aa refugee camp north of Nablus city in the West Bank. Local sources said that the Israeli forces storme into Al-Salhi's home, in attempt to arrest him, but he tried to combat the arrest back by screaming and with his bare hands. Al-Salhi was formerly imprisoned by Israel, said the sources. They confirmed that the Israeli soldiers shot the young man with 6 fatal bullets. Photos spread on Facebook showed Al-Salhi lying on the ground inside his home and bleeding. Israeli public radio reported that the Israeli forces foiled a stabbing attack in Al-Far'aa refugee camp, after a Palestinian man tried to stab the soldiers while shouting "God is Great." The radio reported that the perpetrator was immediately killed and none of the soldiers were hurt, pointing out that the incident took place while the military force was carrying out arrests in the camp. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki denounced the "cold blooded murder by Israeli forces," saying "it is a new crime" that Palestinian and international human rights organizations must focus on. Malki said in statements to the official Palestinian radio station "Voice of Palestine" that this crime must be taken to the International Criminal Court. A wave of tensions has been ongoing between Palestinians and Israelis since October 2015, leading to the death of over 340 Palestinians, one Jordanian and over 40 Israelis, according to official data. Snow Eagle 601 at the airport of the Zhongshan Station, Dec. 8, 2016. (Xinhua/Rong Qihan) ANTARCTICA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's polar flight plane Snow Eagle 601 has landed on the loftiest ice dome on the Antarctic Plateau, the first time for a fixed-wing aircraft in human's history. The aircraft made the historical landing on Sunday at the airport of the Kunlun Station near Dome A, 4,093 meters above sea level, at 2:35 p.m. local time (5:35 p.m. Beijing Time) after flying 1,316 kilometers from the Zhongshan Station in east Antarctica. It stayed for about two hours before returning to the eastern research station at an altitude of only 250 meters. Snow Eagle 601 is landing at the airport of the Kunlun Station, Jan. 8, 2017. (Xinhua) "The landing makes it possible that China could expand its reach and existence to the whole continent," said Sun Bo, team leader of China's 33rd Antarctic expedition, which departed with the research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong from Shanghai on November 2, 2016 and was scheduled to return to Shanghai on April 11. The expedition has a list of 72 tasks to perform including preliminary site selection for China's new base on the Ross Sea and work on fixed-wing aircraft. After putting into use, Snow Eagle 601 has served as a mobile "experimental platform," responsible for discovering lakes and rivers hidden under ice sheets which are thousands of meters thick, and surveying areas that vehicles cannot reach. Snow Eagle 601 is landing at the airport of the Kunlun Station, Jan. 8, 2017. (Xinhua) It founded the largest ever canyon on earth in the sector of Princess Elizabeth Land a year ago. The aircraft will also offer another alternative for transportation of supply for the research stations, which has mainly been conducted by ships. A team with China's 33rd Antarctic expedition arrived at the Kunlun Station one day before the coming of the new year. Apart from regular research missions, they were tasked with another key mission: to build a runway for Snow Eagle 601. Researchers pose for a photo after the landing of Snow Eagle 601 at the Kunlun Station, Jan. 8, 2017. (Xinhua) With the whole year's average temperature being -58.4 degree, Dome A has been covered with meters-thick soft snow that has accumulated during the past winter. "For the first time, the team members tried and finished a runway on soft snow," said Wei Fuhai, chief of the Kunlun Station. Since 1984, China has been doing scientific research in the Antarctica for 33 years. Four research stations, Changcheng, Zhongshan, Taishan and Kunlun, have been established during this period. TOKYO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada is to start from Thursday a two-day visit to the western Pacific island Guam, where she is slated to inspect the controversial U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system at the U.S. Andersen Air Force Base. Inada told a press conference on Tuesday that Japan is trying to find ways to strengthen its ballistic missile defense system, as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile programs "pose a new level of threat." Though Japan's Defense Ministry "has no concrete plan to introduce THAAD at this stage," "the installation of such new asset could be one of the measures to reinforce our (missile defense) capabilities," she said. THAAD is a U.S. army anti-ballistic missile system, designed by the U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin, to shoot down missiles in a terminal phase using a hit-to-kill approach. It is considered core assets of the U.S. missile defense system. A battery of the THAAD system is composed of six mobile launchers, 48 interceptors, an airborne radar and fire control system, totaling an estimated value of 1.3 billion U.S. dollars. Japan's neighbor, South Korea, announced in July 2016 that it would deploy a battery of the THAAD system, causing strong criticism both at home and its neighboring countries, as deployment of such a system would not help achieve denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula, but would only cause regional security environment to deteriorate by triggering a new wave of arms race. Whether to deploy the THAAD system has also caused a lot of controversy in Japan in recent years. As the Japanese government mulls beefing up its missile defense system, many analysts here have expressed doubts over the necessity of deploying such an expensive system and are concerned about its adverse effects on Japan's fiscal health and on regional stability. Japan's defense budget, rising for the fifth straight year since Abe took office in 2012, hit an unprecedented 5.13 trillion yen (around 44 billion U.S. dollars) for fiscal year 2017. As a measure to improve Japan's missile defense capabilities, Japan's Defense Ministry has included research costs of some 60 million yen (about 520,000 U.S. dollars) for future ballistic missile defense systems, including the THAAD system, in its budget request for fiscal year 2017. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Switzerland from Jan. 15-18, at the invitation of the Federal Council of Switzerland, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday in Beijing. During the visit, Xi will attend the 47th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting on Jan. 17, at the invitation of WEF founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab, said spokesman Lu Kang at a routine press briefing. He will also visit the United Nations Office at Geneva and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the International Olympics Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne on Jan. 18, at the invitation of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, and the IOC President Thomas Bach. WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The moon may have formed from a series of large impacts on the ancient Earth instead of a single giant collision, according to a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience on Monday. This model contradicts the prevailing hypothesis that the moon was born from a single giant collision between Earth and a Mars-sized celestial body. In the single impact scenario, the Mars-sized body collided with the Earth, sending trillions of tons of debris of the embryonic Earth into space. Gravity bound the ejected particles together, creating the moon. However, the single impact scenario failed to explain why the makeup of the moon are near identical to the Earth, rather than a mix of Earth and another planet. In a successful giant-impact scenario, either most of the material that forms the moon comes from the Earth, or the impactor's composition is identical to the Earth. "However, both are possible, but unlikely, scenarios," the study said. "The multiple impact scenario is a more 'natural' way of explaining the formation of the Moon," Raluca Rufu of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, co-author of the study, was quoted by the AFP as saying. Such multiple hits would have kicked up more Earth material than a single one into the Earth's orbit to form moonlets that closely resemble the Earth's composition, the researchers said. "It would take about 20 of these moonlet-forming collisions to assemble the Moon," the study said. Rufu and his team conducted a series of computer simulations of moon-to-Mars sized celestial bodies impacting the proto-Earth. After each impact, the debris formed disks around the Earth like Saturn's rings. Over centuries, debris in several disks accreted to form moonlets that eventually migrated outwards and merged to form one big moon. "In the early stages of the solar system, impacts were very abundant, therefore it is more natural that several common impactors formed the moon rather than one special one," Rufu told the AFP. A moon assembled through multiple impacts implies that the moon was formed over many millions of years, rather than in a geologic instant, the study said. The Earth and moon's interiors may be less well mixed than in a giant-impact scenario, potentially preserving a record of this period of bombardment, it added. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) attends a joint press conference with his Zambian counterpart Harry Kalaba in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, Jan. 8, 2017. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun) LUSAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's decision to make Zambia among the five African countries being visited by its foreign minister this year speaks volumes about how much China values the friendship with the Southern African country, Zambian analysts have said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a visit to five African nations which will take him to Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Republic of Congo and Nigeria from January 7 to 12. The visit is in keeping with China's two-decade long diplomatic tradition of making Africa its first overseas destination each year. "China and Zambia have been friends for a very long time and the two countries have benefited from this relationship. Zambia supported China's bid to have a seat in the United Nations Security Council and China has helped Zambia in so many areas. This visit is a sign that our friendship is growing and we are grateful to China for that," Dr. Mbita Chitala, a former diplomat and public policy analyst told Xinhua in an interview. According to him, the visit will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries as the discussions will result in further investment by Chinese firms as well as more assistance to various development needs in the country. "It is our hope that the leaders of the two countries will continue to nourish this relationship so that we can see more mutual benefits," he added. Haggai Kanenga, an expert in China-Africa relations and a lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zambia (UNZA) agreed that the visit shows the unique position in which China places its relationship with Zambia. "It is not surprising that Zambia has been chosen as one of the five countries China is visiting in Africa this year. I say so because Zambia has always been very unique to China over the years and it is among the first countries in southern Africa to establish diplomatic ties with China. So this is just meant to cement those ties that have existed over the years and shows the importance China places on this relationship," he said. He said Zambia stands to benefit more from China in terms of increasing trade and investment if the country could put in place a mechanism of attracting more Chinese firms to invest in the country. According to him, China has been encouraging companies to invest overseas, adding that Zambia should position itself well through putting in place a conducive environment in order to attract some of the companies. The Chinese foreign minister arrived in Zambia on Sunday, January 8, and held bilateral talks with his Zambian counterpart Harry Kalaba. On Monday, he paid a courtesy call on President Edgar Lungu. The Zambian minister said the government was grateful that China decided to choose Zambia as one of the countries to be visited in 2017. He said this was an indication of China's resolve to take the relations to greater heights. It shows us in Zambia that China is not just talking the talk but walking the walk, he added. HANOI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Zika virus may get pandemic in Vietnam in 2017 as the country has source of infection and vectors that are mosquitoes causing dengue fever, said Tran Dac Phu, head of Vietnam's Ministry of Health's General Department of Preventive Medicine on Tuesday. According to Phu, the Zika virus will be circulating in Vietnam like dengue fever. The country has detected Zika infections in several localities. Recently, the infections have been on the rise in southern Ho Chi Minh City with over 200 cases, said Phu. In 2017, there will be more infected localities and cases, the official said. However, Phu urged local people not to panic as most of the Zika infections in Vietnam have been in mild condition, and caused no casualties. At the same time, the virus is allegedly linked to microcephaly in new borns, so it has impacts on pregnant women, said Phu on the department's website. Although no travel limits were issued among localities, those who have arrived from Zika-hit areas should monitor their health in 14 days' time, Phu warned. SUVA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three men have been charged in relation to the seizure of 179 bullets for military-grade assault rifles, the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation said on Tuesday. The three men, including a pharmacy owner, a pharmacy manager and a mechanic, have been charged with being in possession of arms and ammunition without a license. The live rounds were discovered and seized on Jan. 1 in a yacht at a marina in the city of Lautoka, the court was told. The three charged have been remanded in custody and are expected to appear in court again later this month. Firearms are tightly regulated and controlled in Fiji, where police officers on duty are typically unarmed. SANAA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least eight students were killed Tuesday morning when Saudi-led warplanes hit an elementary school northeast of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, residents, rescuers and officials told Xinhua. The students were schoolgirls and schoolboys. So far, other 15 students were critically injured in the airstrikes, which took place in Nehm district, around 25 km northeast Sanaa. Rescuers said search operations were ongoing as tens of students trapped under rubble. The school was totally devastated. This is the latest in a series of airstrikes against Yemeni civilians since the war started in March 2015. Last Saturday, a total of 12 villagers were killed when the airstrikes targeted a school and mosque on the western outskirts of Sanaa, according to medics and residents. The coalition has been fighting the dominant Houthi rebels, which have seized control of most of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa since Sept. 2014, to restore power to the expelled but internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Medics march during a nationwide strike by doctors and nurses, in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Dec. 5, 2016. (Xinhua/Allan Mutiso) NAIROBI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government and the council of governors have threatened to sack all striking doctors who will not have resumed work by Wednesday. Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu and Council of Governors Chairman Peter Munya said all vacant positions will be advertised and new graduate doctors will be recruited to restore services in public hospitals if the doctors fail to turn up for work. Mailu said the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requiring the national and county governments to raise their salary by 300 percent is not tenable and urged the doctor's union to accept the government's offer of 40 percent as was tabled last week. The doctors on Friday rejected a 40-percent salary rise offer which was tabled by President Uhuru Kenyatta and demanded full implementation of the CBA. Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU)'s National Advisory Council said the government's offer did not match the CBA which was signed in 2013. "The government had offered an increase in allowances to end this doctors' strike. The union officials today presented that offer to the doctors for deliberations and they humbly rejected it," KMPDU Secretary General Ouma Oluga said. "The doctors have instructed the leaders of our union to continue with the strike till the CBA is implemented," Oluga said. The government offered to increase salary for the lowest-paid doctors by over 550 U.S. dollars, which would raise their salaries to over 1,950 dollars from 1,400 dollars. Mailu stressed the government offer is still on the table. "The increment we were giving from January this year's still stand and no victimization of doctors," Mailu said. Mailu said the government has agreed to implement 80 percent of what doctors demanded in the CBA, with the main contentious issue being the section requiring a 300-percent pay increment. Mailu said the striking doctors had not "moved an inch" toward reconciliation. "We know the strike is illegal. Flouting the law is not the way to solve the problems," Mailu said. Council of Governors Chairman Peter Munya also criticized the doctors for rejecting the government offer and said both the national and county governments are considering absorbing graduates to take up vacant positions. He said public service boards have been instructed to begin the processes of firing striking doctors, adding they also have permission to recover money that may have been paid to those who have not been working. Munya said both governments will not wait for a solution any longer, since the doctor's union has remained adamant despite the national government giving them "one of the most reasonable offer." The standoff between public hospital doctors and the government has pushed thousands of low-income patients to flock ill-equipped clinics as they had no cash to visit high-cost private facilities. HANGZHOU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Alibaba is offering to buy Intime Retail, a department store chain, for 2.55 billion U.S. dollars. Alibaba Investment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group, announced Tuesday that it, in partnership with Intime's founder Shen Guojun, has asked Intime's board to propose the privatization plan to shareholders. Alibaba and Shen are offering to pay 10 Hong Kong dollars per share of Intime, a premium of 42 percent over the closing price on Dec. 28, and a total of up to 19.8 billion Hong Kong dollars (17.7 billion Chinese yuan or 2.55 billion U.S. dollars). Alibaba is already Intime's biggest shareholder, holding a 28 percent stake which will be raised to 74 percent after the deal. Boosted by the news, Intime shares in Hong Kong surged on Tuesday after they resumed trading, closing up 35.7 percent at 9.54 Hong Kong dollars. Intime Retail operates 29 department stores and 17 shopping malls, mainly in China's biggest cities. KAMPALA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has appointed new military chiefs in a reshuffle announced on Tuesday. A military statement said Museveni, who is also the commander in chief of the armed forces, appointed David Muhoozi as the new Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), previously held by Gen. Katumba Wamala. Maj. Gen. Muhoozi who has been Commander Land Forces (CLF) was also promoted to the rank of General. Gen. Wamala who was named as CDF in May 2013 has been appointed minister of state for works. Museveni also promoted Maj. Gen Wilson Mbadi to Lt. Gen and appointed him as the deputy CDF, replacing Lt. Gen. Charles Angina. Angina has been appointed the Deputy Commander, Operation Wealth Creation. Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba who has been heading the Special Forces Command, an elite force protecting the president, was appointed as presidential advisor. Muhoozi who is also Museveni's son has been replaced by Don Nabasa. Brig. Peter Elwelu who has been commanding the second division based in western Uganda is the new CLF. Brig. Sam Okiding, who last week returned from the African Union Mission in Somalia, has been promoted to Maj. Gen. and appointed commander Field Artillery. Paddy Ankunda, military spokesperson, told Xinhua by telephone that the military changes take immediate effect. "The commander in chief has made promotions, new appointments and transfers in Uganda Peoples Defense Forces. The changes are normal and good for institutional growth," said Ankunda. Museveni who was sworn in on May 12 last year for his fifth-five year term in office has been reorganizing and making changes in his new government. ATHENS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Greek policeman was slightly injured here Tuesday during an armed attack at the headquarters of the opposition socialist PASOK party, police have said. The perpetrator managed to flee after opening fire on a police bus outside the party's premises with most likely a semi-automatic rifle, according to witnesses and investigators. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The headquarters of the socialist party, which has ruled Greece for several years since 1981, have been targeted numerous times in recent years by anarchists, who have been operating in the nearby Exarchia area for decades, most often with petrol bombs. The socialists as well as the main opposition conservative New Democracy party have condemned the attack. by Keren Setton JERUSALEM, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- After eight years of a bitter relationship between U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is expecting easier times with the Trump administration who will take office on Jan. 20. When Trump tweeted "Stay strong Israel, January 20 is fast approaching!" it was music to Netanyahu's ears. The tweet came after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution calling Israel's settlements in the West Bank illegal. The adoption of the resolution was a record-low in the relations between Obama and Netanyahu. "Friends don't take friends to the Security Council," a furious Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting held days after the UNSC meeting. He had expected the U.S. to veto the resolution rather than abstain and thus allow it to pass. Netanyahu leads a right-wing coalition with one of his main partners, the Jewish Home party. In the aftermath of the resolution, Naftali Bennett, the leader of the Jewish Home party, said he would move forward on annexing the West Bank. Israel captured the West Bank during the 1967 war. Since then, it has settled the land with thousands of Jewish residents. Palestinians see the settlements as moves by Israel to create facts on the ground that hinder the establishment of a Palestinian state. The resolution was a major boost for their argument. With Trump in the White House, Bennett may be able to promote his cause. Nimrod Goren, head of Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, does not think this will happen. "I think the opposite will happen. Israel now has more legitimacy for it's current policy. As much as Netanyahu doesn't want to see the two-state solution actually move forward. I think the Netanyahu policy is to do small steps quietly to change the reality on the ground without these big bombastic moves," said Goren. Trump appointed a new ambassador to Israel whose track record is clearly in favor of Israeli settlement expansion. He has promised on his election to move the American embassy to Jerusalem. For years, American presidential candidates have promised to do so. This would be a contentious move. East Jerusalem was captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast War. The international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the entire city, only on it's Western half. Israel says the capital is the unified city. In a recent attack, a Palestinian resident of Jerusalem killed four Israeli soldiers and wounded tens of others by ramming his truck into them as they were touring Jerusalem on an educational trip. The attack occurred minutes away from where the American consulate is situated. A few days before the attack, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was quoted as saying that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would have "irreversible implications that go beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Members of the Israeli media speculated that Abbas' comments may have inspired the attack. Palestinians see Jerusalem as the future capital of their state. Goren said "It's not perhaps in the American interests, its definitely not in the Israeli interest. If you want to see a future of peace for Israel, a future of cooperation with the region, then moving the American embassy to Jerusalem doesn't support or doesn't help the peace process. It just highlights the risk of deterioration." Goren goes further to say he believes Israeli officials will quietly tell their American counterparts not to "rush with doing that step," recognizing it's explosive potential. As long as Netanyahu remains in power, Israel will most likely continue it's policies without amendment. "There is no status-quo in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Settlements are being built. The two-state solution chances are becoming more and more distant and this coupled with American moves on the ground, which are seen as problematic in the Arab world, that could lead up unfortunately to deterioration on the ground," said Goren. The next Israeli election is scheduled for November 2019. At that time, it is also possible that Abbas may step down. These potential changes will probably make greater impact on the conflict than the Trump administration. LANZHOU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang has given a concert to raise funds for rural left-behind children in Gansu Province. The internationally-acclaimed pianist played works by Debussy's Ballade and Chopin at the two-hour concert Sunday in the Hui autonomous prefecture of Linxia. Hundreds of local primary school students, many "left-behind" themselves, and entrepreneurs from across the country were in the audience. The term "left-behind" describes rural children whose parents are away from home, usually working in the cities, left in the care usually of grandparents. The enterpreneurs donated 6 million yuan (870,000 U.S. dollars) to public welfare projects for the children, including free music lessons. At the end of the concert, Lang Lang was presented with a painting by children from a Linxia primary school. The pianist has a history of donating instruments and textbooks to rural areas and helping to train music teachers. "I want to support free music education, including piano classes, for these children in Linxia," he said. "We all know these children have a far more difficult life than their peers in more conventional families, but they are not daunted by these difficulties," said Lang Lang, He plans to continue his work and to do what he can to improve the lives of such children around the country. China has 9.02 million left-behind children, mostly in the underdeveloped central and western regions, according to a government census conducted last year. by Xinhua writer Zhu Junqing BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- With the USS Carl Vinson battle group heading toward the Western Pacific, the United States is completing its deployment of three carriers to Asia, putting on another muscle show and making waves again in the South China Sea. According to foreign media reports, the U.S. Navy is deploying a third Nimitz-class supercarrier in Asia to add to the fleet of two carriers already patrolling the South China Sea, aiming at boosting its naval air forces in this part of Asia. Facts again show that it is the United States along with its regional allies that have never stopped stirring up trouble in peaceful waters and militarizing the South China Sea. Over the past decades, certain countries in the region, under the U.S. double standard, have continuously been deploying heavy weapons on illegally occupied islands and reefs that actually belong to China. The United States, self-proclaimed world police, itself has developed a habit of putting on a military show of force on China's doorstep. Even though the region is thousands of miles away from its soil, U.S. warplanes and warships have been patrolling dangerously close to Chinese territory. Such behavior is rooted in the mentality of U.S. imperialism and hegemony. To contain China's rise and maintain its world leadership, the U.S. administration launched its "Asia-Pacific Rebalance" strategy in 2009, with the South China Sea issue as one of the starting points. Similar to its previous misdeeds in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, the U.S. intervention has brought about nothing but heightened tension in the South China Sea, and enticed U.S. allies to take more provocative measures to press for their illegitimate territorial claims. In fact, China has the full wisdom and ability to address the South China Sea issue. China and the countries concerned have found a way that not only respects international law, but also leads to the effective management of disputes. So far, China has solved border issues with 12 of its 14 land neighbors with over 20,000 km of borderlines delineated and demarcated, and set the maritime boundary in the Beibu Gulf with Vietnam. China and the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in 2002, in which all countries directly concerned undertake to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means through friendly consultations and negotiations. All in all, China hopes to work with other countries to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, not a hotbed of war. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The State Council on Monday announced two Chinese scientists, physicist Zhao Zhongxian and pharmacologist Tu Youyou, won the country's top science award for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation. Following is the full text of a speech by Premier Li Keqiang at the National Science and Technology Award Conference: Comrades, Friends, Today, we are gathered for the important occasion of the National Science and Technology Award Conference to honor professionals in science and technology who have made outstanding contribution to advances in their own fields and to the modernization of China overall. Just now, General Secretary Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders presented the Highest National Award of Science and Technology to academician Zhao Zhongxian and researcher Tu Youyou and conferred other awards to their winners. Here, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, I wish to extend warm congratulations to all the award-winners, and convey cordial greetings and high regard to all the science and technology professionals in China. My deep appreciation also goes to foreign experts who have participated in and supported the development of science and technology in China. Last year, thanks to the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, China made notable strides in economic and social development despite complex and grim internal and external environment. Major milestones were recorded in fields of science and technology and numerous outcomes in innovation were achieved. The CPC Central Committee and State Council convened the National Science, Technology and Innovation Conference, issuing a clarion call to build China into a science and technology giant. Vigorous efforts were made to implement the innovation-driven development strategy, such as the promulgation of the Outline of the National Strategy on Innovation-driven Development and the launch of programs for major science, technology and innovation projects toward 2030. Reform of science and technology institutions and innovation in management were accelerated, and a distribution policy that puts premium on the value of knowledge was introduced, which effectively incentivized science researchers. Significant breakthroughs were made in science and technology, many of which reached an internationally advanced level. Let me list a few. The Shenzhou 11 manned spacecraft successfully docked with Tiangong 2 space lab and astronauts managed a medium-term stay in space. The world's largest single aperture spherical telescope went into operation. The world's first quantum science experimental satellite "Mozi" was launched. The supercomputer "Sunway TaihuLight" powered by a home-made chip held the current world record. Outcomes of science, technology and innovation are now commercialized at a faster pace. The initiative of mass entrepreneurship and innovation gained a strong momentum. Innovation as the primary driving force is exerting a notably positive impact on growth. "Innovated in China" won international recognition, made the Chinese people proud and unleashed enormous energy that invigorated the whole nation. A new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is in the making, further sharpening international competition to stay ahead of the curve. China has entered a new phase of economic development featuring deep structural adjustments and renewal of driving forces. Only through innovation can China sustain the strong momentum of development. More than ever the powerful force of science, technology and innovation is called for. We must conscientiously study and act on the thinking laid out in the important speeches of General Secretary Xi Jinping, put innovation at the center of development and follow the new vision on development. Specifically we will focus on supply-side structural reform, deepen the implementation of innovation-driven development, and transform traditional drivers of growth while fostering new ones, with a view to maintaining a medium-high rate of growth and reaching a medium-high level of development. We will build up the capability of scientific and technological innovation across the board to lay a solid foundation for our country's core competitiveness. We should closely follow frontier trends in science and technology, and make early and visionary planning for research and application in focal areas in light of the needs of our economy and society. National scientific and technological programs and projects and key infrastructure must be implemented and built to support innovations in science and technology. We must strengthen basic research and original innovation, give full play to the central role of scientific research institutes and universities, and develop long-term and stable supporting mechanisms for researchers engaged in these areas to delve deep into their areas of endeavor. It is by no means easy for them to work quietly and thanklessly for long years. Yet their efforts will be adequately rewarded once the breakthrough comes. To encourage social input in innovation, a mechanism needs to be put in place to encourage companies to play a leading role based on market rules. We should also encourage greater openness in scientific and technological innovation by enhancing international cooperation and leveraging the Internet and other new platforms and models to develop synergy among industries, universities and research institutes. We should pool and upgrade factors of innovation and raise the efficiency of commercialization of innovation and research outcomes. (more) Attorney David Friedman (R) walks with U.S. businessman Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson as they arrive at a private fundraiser for then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the Manhattan borough of New York City, June 21, 2016. Friedman is U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's designated Ambassador to Israel. Picture taken June 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) JERUSALEM, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- After eight years of a bitter relationship between U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is expecting easier times with the Trump administration who will take office on Jan. 20. When Trump tweeted "Stay strong Israel, January 20 is fast approaching!" it was music to Netanyahu's ears. The tweet came after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution calling Israel's settlements in the West Bank illegal. The adoption of the resolution was a record-low in the relations between Obama and Netanyahu. "Friends don't take friends to the Security Council," a furious Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting held days after the UNSC meeting. He had expected the U.S. to veto the resolution rather than abstain and thus allow it to pass. Netanyahu leads a right-wing coalition with one of his main partners, the Jewish Home party. In the aftermath of the resolution, Naftali Bennett, the leader of the Jewish Home party, said he would move forward on annexing the West Bank. Israel captured the West Bank during the 1967 war. Since then, it has settled the land with thousands of Jewish residents. Palestinians see the settlements as moves by Israel to create facts on the ground that hinder the establishment of a Palestinian state. The resolution was a major boost for their argument. With Trump in the White House, Bennett may be able to promote his cause. Nimrod Goren, head of Mitvim, the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, does not think this will happen. "I think the opposite will happen. Israel now has more legitimacy for it's current policy. As much as Netanyahu doesn't want to see the two-state solution actually move forward. I think the Netanyahu policy is to do small steps quietly to change the reality on the ground without these big bombastic moves," said Goren. Trump appointed a new ambassador to Israel whose track record is clearly in favor of Israeli settlement expansion. He has promised on his election to move the American embassy to Jerusalem. For years, American presidential candidates have promised to do so. This would be a contentious move. East Jerusalem was captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast War. The international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the entire city, only on it's Western half. Israel says the capital is the unified city. In a recent attack, a Palestinian resident of Jerusalem killed four Israeli soldiers and wounded tens of others by ramming his truck into them as they were touring Jerusalem on an educational trip. The attack occurred minutes away from where the American consulate is situated. A few days before the attack, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was quoted as saying that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would have "irreversible implications that go beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Members of the Israeli media speculated that Abbas' comments may have inspired the attack. Palestinians see Jerusalem as the future capital of their state. Goren said "It's not perhaps in the American interests, its definitely not in the Israeli interest. If you want to see a future of peace for Israel, a future of cooperation with the region, then moving the American embassy to Jerusalem doesn't support or doesn't help the peace process. It just highlights the risk of deterioration." Goren goes further to say he believes Israeli officials will quietly tell their American counterparts not to "rush with doing that step," recognizing it's explosive potential. As long as Netanyahu remains in power, Israel will most likely continue it's policies without amendment. "There is no status-quo in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Settlements are being built. The two-state solution chances are becoming more and more distant and this coupled with American moves on the ground, which are seen as problematic in the Arab world, that could lead up unfortunately to deterioration on the ground," said Goren. The next Israeli election is scheduled for November 2019. At that time, it is also possible that Abbas may step down. These potential changes will probably make greater impact on the conflict than the Trump administration. LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people have been killed and two others injured as a suicide bomber blew himself up outside Lashkar Gah, the capital of Afghanistan's southern Helmand province on Tuesday, police said. "A terrorist exploded his explosive device in the second precinct of Lashkar Gah today afternoon killing himself and six others," deputy to provincial police chief Gul Hai Khan told Xinhua. Two more people sustained injuries in the attack, Khan said. The official said investigation is underway, without giving more details. Meanwhile, provincial police chief Agha Noor Kemtoz said all the victims were civilians. However, hospital sources in Lashkar Gah have confirmed that nine people injured from the attack had been taken to hospital for medical treatment. The poppy grown Helmand province has been the scene of bloody fighting between Taliban and government forces over the past couple of years. HONG KONG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong authorities announced Tuesday that they have banned the import of poultry meat and products from Chile's Quilpue and Romania. The Center for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said that in view of a notification from the Chilean authorities about an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza H7 in Quilpue, Chile, it has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above area with immediate effect. In addition, in view of a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in Romania, the CFS has banned the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from Romania with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong. A CFS spokesman said that in the first 11 months of last year, Hong Kong imported about 750 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Chile. Since Hong Kong has not established any protocol with Romania for imports of poultry meat and eggs, there is no import of such commodities from Romania. "The CFS has contacted the Chilean and Romanian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE on avian influenza outbreaks in the countries concerned. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said. LUSAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu has reaffirmed its country's commitment to the one-China policy, saying Zambia will maintain strategic communication with China on such major global and regional issues as the reform of the U.N. Security Council. Lungu made the statement during a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Monday. Hailing China as a most reliable and all-weathered friend and partner of Zambia, Lungu said that Zambia appreciates China's firm support and disinterested assistance to Zambia's national independence and nation-building. Zambia admires the great achievement made by China in its development under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, Lungu said, asking Wang to convey his respect and greeting to Xi. In a critical period of accelerated development, Zambia is eager to further deepen its cooperation with China, said the president. Wang conveyed President Xi's greetings to Lungu, and said that China and Zambia have become all-weathered and sincere friends as well as all-round partners. China is ready to take the implementation of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcome of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum summit as the main line, fully tap the three major advantages of political mutual trust, economic complementarity and the friendship between the two peoples, so as to help Zambia achieve industrialization, agricultural modernization and the modernization of the national governance capacity. Wang kicked off his five-nation Africa visit on Friday, which has already carried him to Madagascar and Zambia. He will also fly to Tanzania, the Republic of Congo and Nigeria later this week. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities plan to improve the country's capacity to cope with calamitous events. In a guideline published on Tuesday, the CPC Central Committee and State Council warned of a "complicated and severe" situation with regard to natural disasters. Insufficient information sharing, lack of prevention planning and poor public awareness are among the fields that need improvement, the document pointed out. A shift in priority from relief to prevention is required to improve disaster management, from divided efforts to comprehensive preparation, and from mitigating damage to addressing risk. Resource coordination must be improved, and responsibilities between central and local authorities further clarified. Regular education can help increase public awareness. Social and private organizations will be encouraged to participate in disaster management. Cooperation with international communities and increased financial support will further reduce risks. China has suffered some of the world's worst natural disasters, which come in many varieties from extreme weather to geological events and cause huge losses of life and property. From 2011 to 2015, an average of 310 million people were hit by disasters each year, according to the China National Commission for Disaster Reduction. HARARE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean authorities have upped their game against poaching syndicates with arrests of over 400 suspects, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Caroline Washaya-Moyo said Tuesday. She said there was an increase in the number of wildlife cases in 2016 with 57 people sentenced to at least nine years in jail each, with more cases investigated and more people arrested and jailed than in 2015. At least 443 Zimbabweans were arrested, together with 31 Zambians, seven Mozambicans and one South African, for wildlife-related offences. Washaya-Moyo said Zambian poaching groups were responsible for cross-border elephant poaching in the Zambezi Valley, north of the country, while Mozambican elephant poachers target Gonarezhou and Save Valley Conservancy. "It has now emerged that most of the poaching taking place inland is being perpetrated by syndicate members of different groups who are hired to form one larger organized gang due to various factors such as expertise in cyanide use and provision, knowledge of geographical areas and inside information, access, as well as local language for blending with the community," she said. Illegal firearms are hired from one location to another, but authorities managed to confiscate 22 in the past year in operations which also resulted in the recovery of 76 tusks and 179 ivory pieces. Zimbabwe has an elephant population of 83,000, the second highest in Africa, and about 880 black and white rhinos which are located in private conservation areas, national parks and private properties across the country. Poachers killed at least 300 elephants and many other animals through cyanide poisoning between 2013 and 2016, prompting the authorities to strengthen anti-poaching efforts. Washaya-Moyo said the introduction of modern anti-poaching strategies such as the use of drones, sniffer and tracker dogs would go a long way in combating poaching and illegal wildlife trade in protected areas and at border points. China in 2015 donated anti-poaching equipment worth 2.3 million U.S. dollars to Zimbabwe for use in anti-poaching programs in the country's largest sanctuary Hwange National Park and in Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage site. The equipment included sport-utility-vehicles, pickup trucks, lorries, graders, tractors, more than 100 mobile radios, tents, flash lights and patrol clothing. However, the country has serious setbacks in forensic analysis and the only credible forensic laboratory available, the Police Forensic Laboratory, is not adequately equipped to deal with wildlife specimens, Washaya-Moyo said. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China said on Tuesday that the South China Sea issue never has been and will not become a problem between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks at a regular press briefing. Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo said last Thursday that an arbitration ruling on the South China Sea issue will not be on the agenda of this year's ASEAN summit. China welcomes the remarks of the Philippine government, which holds the ASEAN rotating presidency this year, said Lu. The Philippines filed a compulsory arbitration against China at the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2013. The PCA issued a 479-page award over the South China Sea case in support of the Philippine side on July 12 of last year. China declared the decision "null and void" and maintained that the tribunal has no jurisdiction over the case, which is in essence about territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation. Lu said the South China Sea issue has existed only between China and some ASEAN nations, not between China and ASEAN. China is committed to resolving disputes over the South China Sea with countries directly concerned through negotiations, and will work with ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the region, said Lu. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, he said, noting that China has always attached great importance to ASEAN's role in regional affairs. China is ready to enhance dialogue with the Philippines and support its work as the ASEAN chair, he said. China will work with ASEAN nations to focus on development and cooperation, properly deal with sensitive issues, and push for new progress in China-ASEAN ties as well as East Asian cooperation, said Lu. RAMALLAH, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki said Tuesday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will head to France next week, in synchronization with holding the Paris international peace conference. The Foreign Minister said that Abbas will be in Paris between Jan. 14 and Jan. 16 to meet with French President Francois Hollande who is expected to brief him on the outcomes of the Paris peace conference and the following steps. Abbas is also expected to hold a series of meeting with foreign ministers during his visit to Paris, affirmed Malki. An international peace conference is expected to be held in Paris on Jan. 15, attended by 70 foreign ministers and UN organizations, but no representatives of Palestinians or Israelis. Paris hosted an international ministerial meeting June 3, attended by the foreign ministers of 25 countries, including four Arab countries, which debated the revival of the stalled peace process between Israel and Palestine. The meeting was held based on an initiative launched by France a few months ago to hold an international conference to look into an international mechanism to end the Palestinian- Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution. Israel declared it is against the French initiative and said it is committed to bilateral negotiations in order to realize peace without preconditions. The peace talks between Israel and Palestine have ben stalled since April 2014. The U.S.-sponsored talks that lasted for nine months achieved no tangible results. BRUSSELS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel told local media Bel RTL on Tuesday morning that his two main preoccupations for 2017 are security and employment. "I have two preoccupations. I want to continue implementing reforms to create jobs ... Secondly, I remain extremely vigilant on security issues," he said before confessing he did not sleep well during the winter holidays' festivities. "In the next few months, we will pay close attention to security issues and we will do everything we can to increase safety levels," he added. Michel said a lot of decisions were made during the first two years of his mandate. He expressed his willingness to continue making useful decisions and implementing reforms. Taxes and social welfare were also discussed. The Belgian prime minister intends to further implement a tax shift which aims at rebalancing the tax system by raising the salary of workers with low and average income. Michel believed that creating jobs is the best way to fund social welfare in the years to come. "Our government is the best shield against the shutdown of social welfare. The reason is that the jobs are now successfully creating will contribute to finance our social security for today and for tomorrow," he announced. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the Christmas Midnight Mass for the Greek Orthodox at the Church of the Nativity in the biblical West Bank town of Bethlehem as Orthodox Christmas celebrations kicked off on January 7, 2017, in the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) RAMALLAH, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki said Tuesday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will head to France next week, in synchronization with holding the Paris international peace conference. The Foreign Minister said that Abbas will be in Paris between Jan. 14 and Jan. 16 to meet with French President Francois Hollande who is expected to brief him on the outcomes of the Paris peace conference and the following steps. Abbas is also expected to hold a series of meeting with foreign ministers during his visit to Paris, affirmed Malki. An international peace conference is expected to be held in Paris on Jan. 15, attended by 70 foreign ministers and UN organizations, but no representatives of Palestinians or Israelis. Paris hosted an international ministerial meeting June 3, attended by the foreign ministers of 25 countries, including four Arab countries, which debated the revival of the stalled peace process between Israel and Palestine. The meeting was held based on an initiative launched by France a few months ago to hold an international conference to look into an international mechanism to end the Palestinian- Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution. Israel declared it is against the French initiative and said it is committed to bilateral negotiations in order to realize peace without preconditions. The peace talks between Israel and Palestine have ben stalled since April 2014. The U.S.-sponsored talks that lasted for nine months achieved no tangible results. OSLO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Norway court on Tuesday started six-day-long proceedings to exam the government's appeal against a verdict that the human rights of convicted mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in Norway in 2011, had been violated in prison. Attorney General Fredrik Sejersted announced a plan to "colour more description of daily life in prison to show that the treatment is far from inhuman and degrading" in the appeal proceedings held at the Skien prison, about 100 km southwest of Olso, according to newspaper Aftenposten's report. Sejersted said he would explain to the court why the state believes that the verdict of the Oslo district court was wrong. Last year, Oslo district court supported the mass killer's claim that his prison conditions violated his human rights as he was subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment according to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The state, which was ordered to pay over 330,000 kroner (38,476 U.S. dollars) in legal fees, called the district court's assessment wrong, inadequate and poorly founded shortly thereafter. The question is now whether the government has changed its strategy and whether there are areas they will emphasize more after the defeat in court last year. "The case has not changed its character. Basic features for us will be the same as in the district court," Sejersted told Aftenposten. "That said, we will firstly spend some more time to clarify the systematic risk assessments that were done. Secondly, we will aim to colorize the description of life in prison somewhat more to show that this is far from inhuman or degrading treatment," he said. Sejersted works on behalf of the Ministry of Justice together with lawyer Marius Emberland in the case. Lawyer Oystein Storrvik, who represents Breivik, met his client in Skien prison on Monday evening. "We are preparing this case as all other cases and in the usual way," Storrvik said. Breivik has been kept isolated since July 2011. He has no contact with other inmates, but has had more contact with prison officers after the district court's judgment. The only visit of a non-professional was when he was visited by his mother in March 2013. He receives a visit from a professional visitor through glass wall. Meetings with health personnel and priests also happen through glass wall. Meetings with his own lawyers happen now through a barred wall. His correspondence is also under control. On July 22, 2011, Breivik set off a car bomb that killed eight people outside the government headquarters in Oslo and then killed 69 others in a shooting rampage on Utoya Island, where young members of the Labor Party had gathered for their annual summer camp. Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in prison in 2012 at Oslo district court. NAIROBI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta left the country on Monday night for a two-day visit to India aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Kenya's State House said in a statement Tuesday that while in India, Kenyatta will hold talks with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, among other top Indian government officials. "The main areas of the bilateral talks will include collaboration in trade, healthcare, manufacturing, security, defence and information, communication and technology," the statement said. The president will attend the inauguration of the 8th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 and the Kenya-India Business Forum. He is expected to drum up support for Kenya as an attractive destination for Indian investors, especially in the healthcare sector that India is known for. He will also meet with Kenyans in India and hold a joint press conference with Modi, who paid a state visit to Kenya in July 2016. MOSCOW, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- New sanctions against Russia by Washington reflect the "inadequacy" of outgoing President Barack Obama, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Tuesday. "The inadequacy of Washington's leaders, who have fallen into a sanctions mania, is obvious to all," Ryabkov told RIA Novosti news agency. On Monday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions against five Russian nationals for alleged violations of the 2012 Magnitsky Act, freezing their assets and baring them from travelling in the United States. According to Ryabkov, the White House showed "unworthy vengeance" with the sanctions, and the Obama administration in the remaining 10 days in office could take more steps to obstruct the work of the new president Donald Trump. He added that the Obama administration experienced "anger for its candidate's loss in the presidential election and the desire to seek out those responsible for the defeat anywhere, but not at home." The U.S. intelligence community, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Agency, has recently published a report alleging Russia's involvement in activities, including hacker attacks, aimed at promoting Trump to the presidency. Washington expelled 35 Russian diplomats last month. The Kremlin had rejected such accusations and expressed Tuesday its readiness to further cooperate with the United States. "The sanctions remain an element which affects our bilateral relations extremely negatively, but at the same time even in conditions of sanctions, without doubt, Moscow would welcome and be ready for any opportunities for dialogue," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti. ISTANBUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two persons were killed and 23 others injured on Tuesday when a tent in a mosque in Istanbul collapsed under the weight of snow, local media reported. The incident occurred during a funeral prayer at the mosque in Istanbul's district of Bakirkoy, and Mayor Bulent Kerimoglu confirmed the casualties. "The snow on the canopy should have been cleaned," a female eyewitness was quoted as saying by the Hurriyet daily. Istanbul has been hit by heavy snow over the past four days. ANKARA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- An armed conflict erupted in front of the police headquarters in southeastern province of Gaziantep on Tuesday afternoon, killing one of suspected suicide bombers, private broadcaster CNN Turk reported. According to reports by NTV, a total of three terrorists attacked two entrances of police headquarters, and one of them was killed during clashes, while the others fled the scene. A police officer and a civilian were reportedly injured, and the police officer remains in critical condition, reports said. Security forces are carrying out an extensive operation to capture the terrorists. On May 1, 2016, a car bomb attack by the Islamic States (IS) killed two police officers and injured 40 others outside Gaziantep Police Headquarters, Turkish Daily Sabah said. Located on the border with Syria and facing areas previously controlled by the IS , the police in Gaziantep was crucial in cracking down on the terrorist group's flow of foreign fighters into Syria. Meanwhile, the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party militants had also carried out similar attacks on police headquarters and stations in some cities and towns in Turkey's southeast. KHARTOUM, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sudan and the United Kingdom on Tuesday reiterated their willingness to enhance their bilateral ties in political, economic and commercial fields. Official Sudanese-British talks were held in Khartoum Tuesday, co-chaired by Sudanese Foreign Ministry's Under Secretary Abdul-Ghani Al-Naeem and Permanent Under-Secretary at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Simon McDonald. "This visit of the British official reflects the level of development in the relationship between the two countries," Al-Naeem told reporters following the talks. "We have discussed all issues, where on bilateral field we have reiterated the two countries' willingness to enhance their relations in the different fields," he added. He said "at the regional level, we have discussed the issue of South Sudan and the necessity to achieve peace there, while at the international level, we discussed the issue of human trafficking." McDonald, for his part, said that "we were able to discuss international, regional and bilateral issues, and have productive discussions in all these areas." "The United Kingdom and Sudan have historic relations and we are building on those historic relations," he noted. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Starting in the spring semester of 2017, China's textbooks will adopt the phrase "14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," marking a revision to the current wording, the Ministry of Education said Tuesday. A document on the revision, issued by the ministry, mandates textbooks fully reflect the crimes committed by Japanese troops in the war, underscoring the continuity of the 14 years of war against Japanese aggression starting in 1931. Textbooks currently use the phrase "Eight-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," which reflects the date of the beginning of Japan's full-scale invasion of China on July 7, 1937. China was the first nation to fight against fascist forces. The struggle started as early as September 18, 1931, when Japanese troops began their invasion of northeast China. It was intensified when Japan's full-scale invasion began after a crucial access point to Beijing, Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, was attacked by Japanese troops on July 7, 1937. On Sept. 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under its control near Shenyang, then accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for attack. They bombarded barracks near Shenyang the same evening, starting the 14-year bloody invasion. This was known as the September 18 Incident. "To revise 'eight-year war of resistance' into '14-year war of resistance' not only is the consensus among Chinese historians, but also conforms to historical truth," said Wang Jianxue, vice chairman of the China Association of Historians Studying Modern Chinese Historical Materials. The September 18 Incident was the start of the Chinese people's resistance against Japanese invasion, ushering in a prelude of the world anti-Fascist war and delivering a profound impact on world history, he added. As China marked the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the end of WWII, Chinese President Xi Jinping in July 2015 urged researchers to study events from 1931 as well as those after 1937. "We should refute with solid facts those arguments that try to distort, deny or whitewash the history of invasion," he said. From September 18, 1931 to 1933, more than 300,000 Chinese soldiers fought against Japanese troops in northeast China, according to research by the Institute of Modern History under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. In fact, the new wording is already used in reference textbooks in some provinces, including Liaoning. For example, a textbook on the September 18 Incident, published in 2015 in Liaoning, clearly uses the "14-year" phrase. Xiao Ling, a history teacher at a middle school in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning, welcomed the revision. "When students asked me when the beginning of the anti-Japanese war actually was, I had great difficulty explaining it to them, because compulsory textbooks use the 'eight-year' phrase," she said. The compulsory textbooks have not been revised for a long time, but research on wartime history in recent years has made the 14-year time frame for the anti-Japanese war a widely recognized conclusion, said the teacher. "More than 70 years have passed since the end of China's resistance war against Japanese invasion. Yet a large amount of historical materials still await in-depth study by Chinese historians," said Zhang Jie, a researcher with the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences. More than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded in the anti-Japanese war. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a message of condolence to Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, over the death of former Portuguese President Mario Soares. In the message, Xi expressed deep grief over the passing of Soares and his heart-felt condolences to the relatives of the former president. The Chinese president hailed Soares as a great statesman and an old friend of the Chinese people, who had made great contributions to the establishment of China-Portugal diplomatic relationship and its growth, as well as the settlement of the Macao issue. China pays great attention to developing relations with Portugal, and is willing to work together with the Portuguese side to enhance cooperation in different fields, and further promote bilateral ties, Xi added. Soares died Saturday at the age of 92. He served as president from 1986 to 1996 and prime minister from 1976 to 1978 and from 1983 to 1985. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday sent a message of condolences to his Portuguese counterpart, Antonio Costa, over the death of former Portuguese President Mario Soares. On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, Li expressed deep grief to the Portuguese side and extended sincere condolences to Soares' family. Soares was a highly respected statesman in Portugal and made great contributions to China-Portugal friendship and cooperation, Li said. China attaches great importance to its relations with Portugal and is willing to work jointly with the Portuguese side so as to boost further development of bilateral ties, he added. Soares served as Portuguese president from 1986 to 1996, and prime minister from 1976 to 1978 and again from 1983 to 1985. He died Saturday aged 92. by Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Greek authorities are struggling to aid thousands of homeless refugees as the country remained on Tuesday in the grip of cold wave. The Acropolis hill in Athens was closed to visitors on Tuesday morning. Several schools in Attica region remained closed and motorists were advised to avoid accidents due to the sleet. With the temperature plunging as low as minus 22 degrees in the city of Florina in northern Greece and around zero in most of the mainland and the islands, many villages in mountainous regions and suburbs of Athens have been cut off due to heavy snowfall, according to meteorological authorities. Among the regions hit the hardest were the Greek islands of Skopelos and Alonissos in the western Aegean, where a state of emergency was declared. Authorities have taken emergency measures to help the most vulnerable to weather through the cold front. Across Greece, shelters were opened for 25,000 homeless and some of the refugees. In the greater Athens area the problems caused by the heavy snowfall throughout the night were under control on Tuesday, Ioanna Tsoupra, head of the civil protection committee of the Regional Government of Attica, told Xinhua. "There was no street which was not covered in snow ... However, our response mechanism was on alert so we managed to have a limited number of problems to clear all streets soon and all main avenues are open," she said. Regarding the homeless in the years of the debt crisis, she explained that many heated spaces were open during the cold snap. Authorities are also assessing the situation of the more than 62,000 refugees and migrants currently stranded in Greece. They are accommodated in dozens of facilities across the country. About 15,000 people are living in overcrowded hotspots on the northern Aegean Sea islands which have been hit hard by the cold front in the past few days. The UNHCR announced on Tuesday that some 130 pregnant women with toddlers, disabled, elderly and patients suffering from chronic illnesses were transferred from snow-covered tents in Moria camp on Lesvos to hotels on other parts of the island. Authorities have also stepped up efforts to set up more heated tents inside the camp and provide more assistance to the refugees across Greece amid fierce criticism by NGOs of lack of adequate preparation in time for the winter. "We call on Greek authorities and the EU to enact emergency measures immediately to ensure that all refugees and migrants on the islands are housed in dignified living conditions," Clement Perrin, the head of mission of the Doctors Without Borders said in a press release. KATHMANDU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Nepalese Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat on Tuesday left for Doha to pay an official visit to the State of Qatar. This is the first official visit of the Nepalese foreign minister to Qatar after the formation of Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government in August last year. The minister will be staying in Qatar till Jan. 12 at the invitation of Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, minister for foreign affairs of the State of Qatar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said here on Tuesday. Talking to the media before leaving for Qatar, the minister said he would discuss issues with the Qatari officials regarding signing the Labor Agreement between Nepal and Qatar. Qatar is one of the major foreign employment destinations for Nepali nationals. The minister will interact with the Doha-based Nepali community as well, the ministry said. Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi and senior officials from the ministries of foreign affairs and labor will be accompanying the minister during the visit. Eduardo Rodriguez (R), Cuba's deputy Transportation Minister shakes hands with Jeffrey De Laurentis, charge d'affaires at the U.S. embassy in Cuba, after signing a bilateral cooperation agreement in Havana, Cuba, on Jan. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez) HAVANA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cuba and the United States on Monday signed an agreement to cooperate to clean up and contain future oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits. The agreement was signed just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, potentially putting the breaks on thawing relations between the two former Cold War adversaries. At a ceremony at Havana's iconic Hotel Nacional, Jeffrey De Laurentis, charge d'affaires at the U.S. embassy in Cuba, and Eduardo Rodriguez, Cuba's deputy Transportation Minister, signed the document promoting joint response to the clean up of oil spills or other toxic waste. "This bilateral agreement is an acknowledgement of the importance of protecting our marine ecosystems and coastal communities from pollution caused by oil spills and other hazardous substances," said De Laurentis. He added the pact is yet another step forward in bilateral efforts to normalize ties after half a century of hostile relations. Eduardo Rodriguez(R), Cuba's deputy Transportation Minister, and Jeffrey De Laurentis, charge d'affaires at the U.S. embassy in Cuba, sign an agreement for bilateral cooperation in Havana, Cuba, on Jan. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez) "Establishing a mutual framework -- including diplomatic, legal and technical elements -- to prevent, prepare for and respond to oil spills in the marine environment is particularly important for neighbors only 90 miles (144 kilometers) apart," he said. Rodriguez echoed those statements, saying "we will work together to fully implement the agreement, which is a positive contribution to the process of normalizing relations between the two countries." The two countries have worked together to prevent oil spills in these areas since 2011, he noted. Cuba took the opportunity to call for the lifting of the U.S.-led trade embargo against the island, saying the sanctions hamper offshore oil exploration and security operations. In recent weeks Cuba and the United States have signed several bilateral agreements designed to consolidate a process of rapprochement begun in 2014 by Cuban President Raul Castro and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama. Trump, who won the U.S. presidential election in November, has openly criticized the normalization of U.S. ties with Cuba. People attend a funeral ceremony of Iran's influential cleric politician Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in Tehran, capital of Iran, Jan. 10, 2017. Rafsanjani died of a heart attack on Jan. 8 at the age of 82. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz) TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the funeral ceremony of Iran's former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Tuesday. People swarmed to the streets of capital Tehran to farewell the influential cleric who died at 82 out of the heart attack on Sunday. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the prayers for the dead body of Rafsanjani in the campus of the prestigious Tehran University. The coffin was moved through the streets in central Tehran to finally be transferred to the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Moosavi Khomeini, in the south of capital. In his message, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed grief over the sudden demise of an old friend, fellow and ally during the 1979 Islamic revolution and close colleague during the post-Islamic revolution period, according to Press TV. Khamenei said that Rafsanjani's loss is overwhelming and very hard to bear as he was a reliable support for the leadership of the country. On Sunday, President Rouhani's administration announced three-day mourning. The announcement said that all governmental institutions would be closed on Tuesday for the funeral ceremony. Rafsanjani death poured in condolences from the world leaders and governments. On Monday, China extended its deep condolences to Iran following the death of Rafsanjani. Calling Rafsanjani an "influential leader," spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang, said that China offered sympathy to the government and people of Iran, as well as Rafsanjani's relatives. Lu spoke highly of Rafsanjani's contributions to bilateral ties between Iran and China during his presidency. Born in August 1934 in Iran's Bahreman, Rafsanjani was an influential moderate politician, religious scholar and the confidant of Ayatollah Khomeini. According to Press TV, Rafsanjani helped establish the Combatant Clergy Association in 1977, which proved fatefully instrumental in the victory of the Islamic revolution against the U.S.-backed Shah regime two years later. Rafsanjani was a member of the Assembly of Experts since 1983. He was elected as the head of the assembly from 2007 till 2011, but then he decided not to nominate himself for the post. He was the chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council of the Establishment at the time of his death. Rafsanjani was elected chairman of the Iranian parliament in 1981 and served until 1989. He served as president of Iran from 1989 to 1997. In 2005, he ran for a third term in office, placing first in the first round of elections but ultimately losing to hardline rival Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the run-off round of the 2005 presidential election. He has been described as a pragmatic centrist. He supported a free market position domestically, favoring privatization of state-owned industries, and a moderate position internationally, seeking to avoid conflict with the U.S. and the West. In May 2013, Rafsanjani entered the race for the June 2013 presidential elections, but he was not qualified by the Guardian Council. Instead, he supported the incumbent President Hassan Rouhani. DJIBOUTI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Djibouti on Tuesday inaugurated its section of the 752.7-km railway linking Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa to Djibouti's Red Sea port city. The inauguration ceremony held at the Nagad Railway Station in Djibouti officially marked the completion of the Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, Africa's first transnational electrified railway. The 100-km line with three stations within Djibouti started from the Ethio-Djibouti border to the Djibouti port. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, while inaugurating the railway, hailed the railway as the latest symbol of the ever-growing Sino-African friendship. The Ethiopian prime minister said the project would significantly expand development of the two countries and enhance the two countries' contribution in the global market. "This magnificent project will play indispensable role in achieving our full-scale economic growth ... This railway line will improve the socio-economic landscape of the two countries," he said. Desalegn also noted that as the old railway system has not been functioning for nearly two decades, the newly built electrified railway will renew and enhance the normal functioning of the Ethio-Djibouti business corridor. The Djibouti president also said the railway would contribute to the overall economic development of the two countries and signifies a new phase in the relationship between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Yuan Li, President of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), also vowed to further increase CCECC's investment in Ethiopia and Djibouti and boost the two countries economy to a new height. "The Chinese government is promoting the construction of 'Belt and Road' with great effort and Djibouti and Ethiopia are both important stakeholders in this vision," Yuan said. "China's economy is highly complementary with those of Djibouti and Ethiopia, and the space for cooperation is immense," he said. With a designed speed of 120 km per hour, the new service will cut the journey time from Djibouti port to Addis Ababa down from three days by road transport to less than 12 hours. Many local drivers have expressed excitement that the commencement of the railway will ease the existing traffic load between the two countries. Enditem Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang (back, C) speaks at a meeting on reforming the system of collectively-owned rural assets in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 10, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The interests of farmers must be protected in reforming the system of collectively owned rural assets, and a market economy-oriented approach should be used in the reform, Vice Premier Wang Yang said Tuesday. The reform is an important step to improve the nation's basic rural operation system and protect farmers' rights, Wang said at a meeting on the topic, adding that the reform should be pushed forward in an orderly manner. A clearly defined, well-functioning and strongly protected property rights system in rural areas should gradually be established to promote development of the Chinese rural economy and sustained growth of farmers' incomes, Wang said. Strong leadership is needed in this wide-reaching reform, and verification of assets owned by villages should be carried out in an all-around way, he said. Reforming collectively-owned rural operating assets through share-holding cooperatives should progress in an orderly manner starting from small-scale pilot schemes, respecting the will and innovation of farmers, Wang said. In China, rural collective assets consist of resource assets such as land, forest, hills and grassland; operating assets such as buildings,machinery, rural infrastructure and enterprises; and non-operating assets such as those used for education, science, technology and other public purposes. China is promoting the reform to help farmers increase incomes and reduce the urban-rural income gap. Prior to the reform, farmers were only owners of operating assets in name, which they could not operate or profit from, experts said. Iranians gather around a hearse carrying the coffin of former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani during his funeral ceremony in the capital Tehran, on January 10, 2017. (AFP/Xinhua) TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the funeral ceremony of Iran's former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Tuesday. People swarmed to the streets of capital Tehran to farewell the influential cleric who died at 82 out of the heart attack on Sunday. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the prayers for the dead body of Rafsanjani in the campus of the prestigious Tehran University. The coffin was moved through the streets in central Tehran to finally be transferred to the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Moosavi Khomeini, in the south of capital. In his message, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed grief over the sudden demise of an old friend, fellow and ally during the 1979 Islamic revolution and close colleague during the post-Islamic revolution period, according to Press TV. Khamenei said that Rafsanjani's loss is overwhelming and very hard to bear as he was a reliable support for the leadership of the country. On Sunday, President Rouhani's administration announced three-day mourning. The announcement said that all governmental institutions would be closed on Tuesday for the funeral ceremony. Rafsanjani death poured in condolences from the world leaders and governments. On Monday, China extended its deep condolences to Iran following the death of Rafsanjani. Calling Rafsanjani an "influential leader," spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang, said that China offered sympathy to the government and people of Iran, as well as Rafsanjani's relatives. Lu spoke highly of Rafsanjani's contributions to bilateral ties between Iran and China during his presidency. Born in August 1934 in Iran's Bahreman, Rafsanjani was an influential moderate politician, religious scholar and the confidant of Ayatollah Khomeini. According to Press TV, Rafsanjani helped establish the Combatant Clergy Association in 1977, which proved fatefully instrumental in the victory of the Islamic revolution against the U.S.-backed Shah regime two years later. Rafsanjani was a member of the Assembly of Experts since 1983. He was elected as the head of the assembly from 2007 till 2011, but then he decided not to nominate himself for the post. He was the chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council of the Establishment at the time of his death. Rafsanjani was elected chairman of the Iranian parliament in 1981 and served until 1989. He served as president of Iran from 1989 to 1997. In 2005, he ran for a third term in office, placing first in the first round of elections but ultimately losing to hardline rival Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the run-off round of the 2005 presidential election. He has been described as a pragmatic centrist. He supported a free market position domestically, favoring privatization of state-owned industries, and a moderate position internationally, seeking to avoid conflict with the U.S. and the West. In May 2013, Rafsanjani entered the race for the June 2013 presidential elections, but he was not qualified by the Guardian Council. Instead, he supported the incumbent President Hassan Rouhani. BRUSSELS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, said in a press release on Tuesday that it coordinated the return of 10,700 irregular migrants in 2016. Frontex launched 232 return operations last year. The agency also assisted Greece in the readmission of 908 people to Turkey. Individual return decisions are issued by the authorities of the European countries and Frontex's experts support the return of migrants across the European Union. Frontex will ultimately consist of 690 return experts this year, which are drawn from members and Schengen associated countries. Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri said, "Our ability to draw on a pool of qualified return officers and experts will help increase efficiency and provide already overstretched national authorities with much needed support." "This is particularly important in Greece and Italy, which received record numbers of migrants last year," Leggeri added. JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South African Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Tuesday said 1,714 people died in road accidents in the 2016/17 festive season, which marked a 5 percent increase in road crash fatality as compared to the 2015/2016 period. While briefing the media in Johannesburg, Peters said the accidents were mainly caused by rains, irresponsible driving and long weekends. There has been an increase of 250,000 vehicles on the country's roads which also contributed to the accidents. About 40 percent of passengers died in accidents while 34 percent were pedestrians, 24 percent were drivers and 2 percent cyclists. About 75 percent of those killed in the accidents in the last festive period were men. "There is an influx on our roads of drivers who are not competent and qualified to be driving on our roads," Peters added. During the festive season over 9,175 people were arrested for various traffic offenses. Michael Moller, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), speaks with Xinhua during an interview in Geneva, Switzerland, on Dec. 19, 2016. The Director-General of UNOG Michael Moller said he wishes to further cooperate with China to better tackle global challenges. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) GENEVA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) - The Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Michael Moller, said he wishes to further cooperate with China to better tackle global challenges. Moller made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Switzerland later this month. "We are honored that the Chinese president is coming to Geneva. We see this as a very strong and practical reaffirmation of China's support to multilateralism in the United Nations as well as towards the work carried out by our organizations and the United Nations family," Moller said. He said China is "one of our key member states, an important world power with which we work very closely in our day-to-day activities, disarmament, and in the field of humanitarian development." He added that Xi's visit "will reinforce a message vis-a-vis an increasingly fragmented world where everyday problems are becoming ever greater." Among the increasing challenges that the world faces, Moller pointed out persisting inequalities between peoples, the disparity between the rich and the poor, social frustration as well as climate and migration concerns. "With confidence in short supply nowadays, we are going through existential challenges which are mirrored by increasing disparities between those who have access to goods, money and food etc.... and those who don't," Moller noted. The UN official urged the international community to show solidarity to find solutions to these pressing issues. "It's impossible to find solutions unless we cooperate," Moller said, adding that the unilateral actions of even the world's superpowers "are unable to fully address the problems at hand." Having served as an international civil servant with over 30 years' experience in the UN, Moller was nominated in June 2015 to take the helm of the UNOG. Xi will pay a state visit to Switzerland from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, at the invitation of the Federal Council of Switzerland, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday in Beijing. He will also visit the UNOG and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the International Olympics Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne on Jan. 18, at the invitation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, and IOC President Thomas Bach. BISHKEK, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz haulers engaged in international freight transportation from the cities of Bishkek and Osh in Kyrgyzstan can now enter the cities of Kashgar and Urumqi in China, the press service of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Transport and Roads reported on Tuesday. A pilot convoy of eight empty trucks with international drivers departed on Monday for Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in a planned four-day trip. On their maiden journey, the drivers are asked to report any problem on the way. The opening of the two international freight routes, namely the Bishkek-Kashgar-Urumqi and Osh-Kashgar-Urumqi routes, was inked on Nov. 17, 2016 between a Kyrgyz transport delegation and its Xinjiang counterpart in Urumqi. Earlier Kyrgyz haulers could only reach the China-Kyrgyzstan border. NAIROBI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Kenyan court on Tuesday ordered the arrest of doctors' union officials amid a medics strike over pay rise that has lasted for almost 40 days. Justice Hellen Wasilwa of the Employment and Labour Relations Court directed a Nairobi police station to enforce the arrest warrants. Wasilwa said the union officials had not appeared in court after being summoned, which she said were considerable grounds for contempt. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials were due to appear in court Tuesday for defying a court order barring them from going on strike. The government last week offered to increase the salary for the lowest paid doctors by over 550 U.S. dollars from 1,400 dollars per month, an offer that was rejected by the doctors. The doctors are demanding a 300-percent salary increase in line with a collective bargaining agreement signed in 2013. They say the lowest-paid doctor should earn 3,450 dollars per month while the highest 9,450 dollars. The government has threatened to dismiss doctors who fail to resume duties by Wednesday. However, the striking doctors have dared the governments to make good their threat to sack them on Wednesday, vowing to resume work only after the implementation of the collective bargaining agreement . KMPDU Secretary General Ouma Oluga, who were among those summoned by court, termed the issuance of the warrant intimidation, calling all members to stay put. The standoff between the doctors in the public hospitals and the government has pushed thousands of low-income patients to flock ill-equipped clinics as they can not afford high-cost private facilities. Enditem NAIROBI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- More crew members were kidnapped at sea worldwide in 2016 than in any year of the previous decade, despite global piracy reaching its lowest levels since 1998, a report has said. The International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said in its annual report released on Tuesday that it recorded 191 incidents of piracy and armed robbery on the world's seas last year. According to the report, 150 vessels were boarded, 12 vessels fired upon and seven hijacked, while 22 attacks were thwarted. The number of hostages fell to 151. "The continued fall in piracy is good news, but certain shipping routes remain dangerous, and the escalation of crew kidnapping is a worrying trend in some emerging areas," said the report. The report said pirates kidnapped 62 people for ransom in 15 separate incidents in 2016. The maritime kidnappings showed a threefold increase from those in 2015. Over half of them were captured off West Africa, while 28 were kidnapped from tugs, barges, fishing boats, and more recently merchant ships, around Malaysia and Indonesia. The IMB, which has monitored world piracy since 1991, said the kidnappings in the Sulu Sea between East Malaysia and the Philippines were a particular concern, calling on ships to stay vigilant in high-risk areas. In Somalia, the report says three crew members are still being held by pirates, their conditions unknown. The IMB recorded two attempted incidents in 2016 off the coast of Somalia. "Attacks related to Somali pirates have reduced. However, the risk of being approached or attacked still exists," the report said, urging foreign vessels not to be complacent as they transit the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Analysts say the combined military onslaught and a host of economic incentives targeting jobless Somalia youth have dealt piracy a fatal blow. Enditem GUANGZHOU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) said Tuesday Britain will begin the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) for the HPR1000 nuclear technology, marking the first step in a process to seek permission to build a nuclear power station at Bradwell in Essex. Britain's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy confirmed Tuesday the nuclear regulators have been asked to begin the GDA process, CGN said in a press release. GGN and French energy company EDF had submitted a joint application through their joint venture company GNS in October 2016 to begin the GDA process for a British version of China-developed HPR1000 nuclear technology, The reference plant for the design is CGN's Fangchenggang Plant Unit 3in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which is under construction and on schedule. The GDA process will take a number of years to complete. OSLO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three Icelandic parties led by the Independence Party have agreed to form a center-right coalition government more than two months after the Nordic country held its parliamentary election, the parties said on Tuesday. Independence Party chairman Bjarni Benediktsson, together with leaders of the Reform Party and Bright Future, presented the policy statement of the governing parties at a press conference in Reykjavik, Iceland's public broadcaster RUV reported. The Independence Party will get six ministerial seats, including the office of the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, while the Reform Party will have three and Bright Future will get two, according to the RUV report. The three parties said they would let parliament vote on whether to hold a referendum on joining the European Union (EU), while admitting they had different positions on EU membership. The Independence Party, one of the two current ruling parties, won 21 out of the 63 seats in the new parliament after winning 29 percent of the ballots cast in the Oct. 29 election. However, the centrist Progressive Party, the other ruling party, finished fourth with only eight seats, 11 fewer than it had in the last parliamentary election in 2013. The Left-Green Movement gained 10 seats with 15.9 percent of votes, while the Pirate Party also won 10 seats with 14.5 percent. The Reform Party, Bright Future and the Social Democratic Alliance also crossed the 5-percent electoral threshold with seven, four and three seats respectively. Together, the new center-right coalition holds a slim majority with 32 seats in parliament. TEHRAN, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The South Korean Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co. is to establish a shipbuilding company in a joint venture with Iranian state-run companies, Tehran Times daily reported on Tuesday. Daewoo will found the company with three Iranian companies of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO), the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL), IDRO managing director Mansour Mo'azzami was quoted as saying on Tuesday. The joint company will be established by the end of January, the report said but did not specify its location. The South Korean shipbuilder signed the agreement to help develop Iran's shipbuilding industry in late December. Since 1983, Daewoo has delivered 38 ships valued at 1.65 billion U.S. dollars to Iranian companies, the daily reported. In December, IRISL also signed a deal with South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to buy 10 container ships from the Korean shipbuilding company. The contract is valued at 650 million U.S. dollars and will be financed by South Korean banks. The ships will be delivered to Iran in 2018. The contract with HHI was part of the IRISL's plan to renovate its fleet through a total investment of 2.5 billion dollars. The Iranian company operates about 115 oceangoing vessels, but many of the ships are aged and cannot be insured. ROME, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Tunisian national is being held here for his role as an alleged recruiter for a terrorist group operating in Tunisia, Libya, and Syria, Italian police said on Tuesday. Saber Hmidi, 34, was notified of the arrest warrant in the Rebibbia prison in the Italian capital, where he was already serving a sentence for illegal weapons possession and assaulting a police officer. The operation was carried out by the anti-terrorism DIGOS force in cooperation with prison police. Several raids were carried out in the Lazio region surrounding Rome, although no additional arrests were made. Hmidi was thought to be an active member of the Ansar al-Sharia jihadist group, and was believed to have operated as a recruiter in different jails in Italy, investigators told a press conference at police headquarters here. "The investigation revealed his special ability to indoctrinate fellow prisoners in jail," police also said in a statement. The man had been living in Ciampino on the outskirts of Rome since 2008, and is married to an Italian woman who converted to Islam. He was first arrested in November 2011, and again in 2014, for resisting a routine control and assaulting a police unit with a gun. He had never been charged in relation to terrorism before. Overall, he was moved through at least seven prison facilities in Italy, for repeated aggressive behaviour toward both inmates of Christian faith and prison officers, police said. According to prosecutors, his radicalization may have begun while serving his first sentence. When Hmidi's home was raided at the time of his arrest in 2014, police found a black flag, several knives, plus many computers and mobile phones. "Today's operation puts an end to his proselytism, and to the recruitment of followers who were destined to be sent -- once out of jail -- into conflict theaters with the goal of carrying out terror attacks," police said in the statement. The wiretapping of a phone conversation between Hmidi and his father revealed Hmidi would have travelled to Syria to fight after being released. Another phone call showed Hmidi knew the deputy leader of Ansar al-Sharia group, Kamel Zarrouk, who is believed to have died in the Syrian city of Raqqa, a stronghold of the so-called Islamic State. However, the probe found no evidence that Hmidi was planning any attack on Italian soil, according to the authorities. As the alert in Italy remains high, anti-terrorism efforts focus on mosques, migrant identification centers, and prisons, "where there is the risk of (jihadist) proselytism activities," according to DIGOS chief Mauro Fabozzi. Tuesday's operation came over two weeks after Anis Amri, the suspected perpetrator of the Dec. 19 terror attack in Berlin, was killed in a shootout with Italian police during a routine check before Christmas. Before moving to Germany, Amri had spent time in a jail in Sicily, and Italian prosecutors were now investigating if he might have been radicalized there, according to local media. VIENNA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Austria sent 20 police personnel to the Serbian border with Bulgaria on Tuesday for border protection purposes, Austria Press Agency reported. Minister of the interior Wolfgang Sobotka had initially confirmed Austria would provide the support in an agreement made with his Serbian counterpart during a meeting in Belgrade a month ago. The personnel will add to Hungarian, Slovakian, and Czech police already providing assistance to Serbian personnel at the border. "We want to continue to be a reliable partner to the Balkans states and support them in keeping the Western Balkans route closed," Sobotka said in a statement. He added that the closure of the migration route remained essential in tackling challenges related to the refugee crisis, and thus required a contribution from all European Union (EU) member states. Enditem VILNIUS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Universal military conscription could be introduced in Lithuania during the term of the country's new government, Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said on Tuesday. Universal conscription could be introduced in 2019 or 2020, Skvernelis told journalists on Tuesday, following his meeting with the country's defense minister and the chief of the army. "I think this should be achieved during the current term of the office," Skvernelis told local media. According to Skvernelis, every man who has graduated from secondary school and is not enrolled at university should be called up for mandatory military service. The number of such men amounts to around 7,000 annually, according to the head of the cabinet. Currently, the Lithuanian army selects around 3,500 men aged 19 to 26 years every year from lists created using a computer program. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite claimed "a broad political consensus and proper preparation" would be needed to introduce universal conscription. The annual number of 3,500 to 4,000 conscripts set by the State Defense Council is sufficient to complement army units and form reserve, the President's Office told news agency BNS. Lithuania, a small Baltic country with a population of less than three million, reintroduced mandatory military conscription in 2015 following geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. The country has also stepped up military training and increased defense spending to strengthen its defense capabilities. Enditem This combined picture shows the photos of President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Mario Draghi (L) and former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (R) ROME, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two people were arrested in Italy on Tuesday for allegedly spying on top public officials and institutions, the Italian police said. President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Mario Draghi and former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi were among those put under illegal cyber surveillance, according to media reports. The two people arrested were a nuclear engineer and his sister, respectively aged 45 and 49. They officially lived in London, but were domiciled in the Italian capital. Both were charged with procurement of information concerning state security, illegal access to computer systems and illicit interception of telematics communication, the police said in a statement. The investigation was run by the National Cyber Crime unit ((CNAIPIC) of Italy's Postal and Communication Police, and coordinated by prosecutors in Rome. The probe was called "Eye Pyramid" by the name of a malware allegedly used by the suspects in their cyber-spying, according to investigators. The pair was well known within Rome's financial circles, Ansa news agency also reported. The police discovered and raided a private center, where the siblings allegedly run their activity, and collected sensitive information and data gathered along years of spying. A database containing more than 18,300 usernames was among the findings. Among those targeted by the hacking were Italian top officials, entrepreneurs, professionals, union officials, state agencies, and public authorities, including former governor of Italy's Central Bank Fabrizio Saccomanni, the former head of the Italian finance police, and several figures from across the political spectrum, Ansa said. According to his professional profile published on business network Linkedin, the man arrested was co-founder (with his sister) and managing director of the Westlands Securities, a private company operating in investment banking, and headquarters in the central Piazza Navona in Rome. Sensitive information collected by the pair were stored on two servers in the United States, which were seized with the help of the Cyber Division of the FBI, the Italian police said. An Iraqi army soldier takes position during a battle against the Islamic State (IS) group near the Fourth Bridge over the Tigris River connecting eastern and western Mosul on January 10, 2017. (AFP/Xinhua) MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Tuesday advanced further inside the eastern side of the Islamic State stronghold in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, as fierce clashes continued against the extremist militants, the Iraqi military said. In the eastern front, the elite forces of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) completely freed the neighborhood of Sukkar and made significant progress in the adjacent neighborhood of Siddeeq, amid fierce clashes with the extremist militants, a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command said. The battles in the two neighborhoods left some 20 militants killed and a booby-trapped car destroyed, the statement said. Meanwhile, the CTS commandos freed al-Dhubbat neighborhood and took part of the adjacent neighborhood of al-Maliyah, leaving dozens of IS militants killed and two of their car bombs destroyed, the source said. Several governmental offices were recaptured during Tuesday's advance, including communication complex, provincial electricity department and a security headquarters, the source added. The latest CTS advance pushed the IS militants to blow up sections of two bridges to prevent the government forces from launching operations to retake the western side of Mosul across the Tigris, according to the statement. Mosul's five bridges across the Tigris had already been partially damaged by the U.S.-led coalition airstrikes to slow the movement of the IS militants between the two sides of the city. In the southeastern front, the Iraqi federal police and army soldiers pushed further into the neighborhoods of al-Salam, Palestine, Sumer, Yarimja and Sahiron amid heavy fighting with IS militants, leaving dozens of IS militants killed and destroying two vehicles carrying heavy machine guns, the statement said. In the northern front, the army soldiers backed by international aircraft started in the morning their advance into the neighborhood of al-Hadbaa despite stiff resistance by the extremist militants, while the troops managed to retake control of the northern part of the adjacent neighborhood of Sabaa Nisan, leaving some 25 militants killed and five booby-trapped vehicles destroyed, it added. The battles in Mosul came as the CTS commandos, army troops and federal police launched on Dec. 29 the second phase of a major offensive to free Mosul. The troops made their new push into several neighborhoods in the eastern side of Mosul, locally known as the left bank of the Tigris River. Last month, battles in Mosul had been slowed as extremist militants used locals as human shields, resorted to suicide car bombs and made mortar and sniper attacks in stiff resistance. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a recent report that the military operations in Mosul, have pushed about 136,000 civilians to flee their homes in the city and its adjacent districts since the beginning of military offensive in October to reclaim the IS largest stronghold in Iraq. More than 1.5 million people were trapped in the city of roughly two million population previously. Cold winter worsened the conditions for the displaced people who suffered severe shortages of food and water, while camps and other emergency shelters reached maximum capacity. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Oct. 17 announced a major offensive to retake Mosul, the country's second largest city. Since then, Iraqi security forces, backed by international coalition forces, have inched to the eastern fringes of Mosul and made progress on other routes around the city. Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. TRIPOLI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Italy on Tuesday officially reopened its embassy in Libya after two years of closure, the Italian ministry of foreign affairs announced. "After two years, the Italian embassy will again become operational in Libya with an ambassador scheduled to present credentials to the local government," the ministry said. The Italian embassy was closed in February 2015 amid the violence in Tripoli between rival militias, which eventually created political division and unrest. "The reopening of the embassy in Tripoli is a very important sign of friendship with the Libyan people, and also a strong sign of confidence in the country's stabilization process," the ministry added. Libya is a preferred point of departure for thousands of illegal immigrants to cross the Mediterranean to European shores due to the state of insecurity and chaos. BRUSSELS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), the eurozone's rescue fund, raised 3 billion euros (3.17 billion U.S. dollars) on Thursday in a six-year bond sale in its first issue of the year. "Very strong interest, mainly from the private sector, enabled us to issue at a very attractive level for our beneficiary member states," said Siegfried Ruhl, EFSF head of funding. The spread of the zero-coupon bond was fixed at mid-swaps minus 21 basis points, implying a re-offer yield of minus 0.007 percent. Lead managers for the transaction were Barclays, HSBC, and Societe Generale CIB. Total order books were in excess of five billion euros. The EFSF is a special-purpose vehicle to raise funds needed to provide loans to countries in financial difficulties. Its issues are backed by guarantees given by euro area member states of up to 724 billion euros. (1 euro=1.056 U.S. dollar) LUSAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Properties belonging to former Zambian President Frederick Chiluba have been forfeited to the state after a ruling by the country's highest court, the Supreme Court, the country's anti-corruption agency said on Tuesday. The forfeiture follows a court action instigated by Tedworth Properties Incorporation, a company registered in Panama which was managing the properties on behalf of the former president through two local firms. Timothy Moono, the public relations manager at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said the Supreme Court overturned an earlier ruling by a high court which had ruled in favor of the company. He said the properties worth 40 million Zambian Kwacha (about 4 million U.S. dollars) have been forfeited to the state. "The matter has admittedly taken long to reach conclusion. Fighting corruption requires a lot of commitment, patience, courage and professionalism in the face of adversity," he told reporters during a press briefing in Lusaka, the country's capital. In 2002 the anti-corruption agency seized the properties of the former president after investigations revealed that they were proceeds of corruption. Among the properties included 21 residential flats in Lusaka and two other houses. The firm then decided to take the matter to court challenging the seizure, with the court ruling in its favor in September 2010. However, the anti-corruption agency appealed the decision. Chiluba, who died in June 2011, ruled Zambia from 1991 to 2001 when his handpicked successor the late Levy Mwanawasa turned against him after accusing him of corruption during his 10-year reign. In July 2002, lawmakers lifted his immunity so he could be arrested and face prosecution on corruption charges. Enditem BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The State Council on Monday announced two Chinese scientists, physicist Zhao Zhongxian and pharmacologist Tu Youyou, won the country's top science award for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation. Following is the full text of a speech by Premier Li Keqiang at the National Science and Technology Award Conference: Comrades, Friends, Today, we are gathered for the important occasion of the National Science and Technology Award Conference to honor professionals in science and technology who have made outstanding contribution to advances in their own fields and to the modernization of China overall. Just now, General Secretary Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders presented the Highest National Award of Science and Technology to academician Zhao Zhongxian and researcher Tu Youyou and conferred other awards to their winners. Here, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, I wish to extend warm congratulations to all the award-winners, and convey cordial greetings and high regard to all the science and technology professionals in China. My deep appreciation also goes to foreign experts who have participated in and supported the development of science and technology in China. Last year, thanks to the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, China made notable strides in economic and social development despite complex and grim internal and external environment. Major milestones were recorded in fields of science and technology and numerous outcomes in innovation were achieved. The CPC Central Committee and State Council convened the National Science, Technology and Innovation Conference, issuing a clarion call to build China into a science and technology giant. Vigorous efforts were made to implement the innovation-driven development strategy, such as the promulgation of the Outline of the National Strategy on Innovation-driven Development and the launch of programs for major science, technology and innovation projects toward 2030. Reform of science and technology institutions and innovation in management were accelerated, and a distribution policy that puts premium on the value of knowledge was introduced, which effectively incentivized science researchers. Significant breakthroughs were made in science and technology, many of which reached an internationally advanced level. Let me list a few. The Shenzhou 11 manned spacecraft successfully docked with Tiangong 2 space lab and astronauts managed a medium-term stay in space. The world's largest single aperture spherical telescope went into operation. The world's first quantum science experimental satellite "Mozi" was launched. The supercomputer "Sunway TaihuLight" powered by a home-made chip held the current world record. Outcomes of science, technology and innovation are now commercialized at a faster pace. The initiative of mass entrepreneurship and innovation gained a strong momentum. Innovation as the primary driving force is exerting a notably positive impact on growth. "Innovated in China" won international recognition, made the Chinese people proud and unleashed enormous energy that invigorated the whole nation. A new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is in the making, further sharpening international competition to stay ahead of the curve. China has entered a new phase of economic development featuring deep structural adjustments and renewal of driving forces. Only through innovation can China sustain the strong momentum of development. More than ever the powerful force of science, technology and innovation is called for. We must conscientiously study and act on the thinking laid out in the important speeches of General Secretary Xi Jinping, put innovation at the center of development and follow the new vision on development. Specifically we will focus on supply-side structural reform, deepen the implementation of innovation-driven development, and transform traditional drivers of growth while fostering new ones, with a view to maintaining a medium-high rate of growth and reaching a medium-high level of development. We will build up the capability of scientific and technological innovation across the board to lay a solid foundation for our country's core competitiveness. We should closely follow frontier trends in science and technology, and make early and visionary planning for research and application in focal areas in light of the needs of our economy and society. National scientific and technological programs and projects and key infrastructure must be implemented and built to support innovations in science and technology. We must strengthen basic research and original innovation, give full play to the central role of scientific research institutes and universities, and develop long-term and stable supporting mechanisms for researchers engaged in these areas to delve deep into their areas of endeavor. It is by no means easy for them to work quietly and thanklessly for long years. Yet their efforts will be adequately rewarded once the breakthrough comes. To encourage social input in innovation, a mechanism needs to be put in place to encourage companies to play a leading role based on market rules. We should also encourage greater openness in scientific and technological innovation by enhancing international cooperation and leveraging the Internet and other new platforms and models to develop synergy among industries, universities and research institutes. We should pool and upgrade factors of innovation and raise the efficiency of commercialization of innovation and research outcomes. We will deepen institutional reform for scientific and technological development and fully motivate professionals working in these fields. Talents hold the key to innovation. We must give full respect to scientists, engineers and technicians, guarantee their rights and interests, and tap their potential to the full. The government must further streamline science and technology administration, delegate powers and provide better services. A checklist-based management approach should be taken to strengthen and simplify rules, whereby greater autonomy will be given to institutes and universities in their research activities, and greater say to leading professionals of innovation in allocating research personnel, funding and resources. The government will vigorously implement policies regarding the usage of research outcomes, distribution of research yields, equity incentives, mobility of talents and permission for researchers to take part-time roles and be remunerated for that. All these will help to duly recognize and reward innovators, thus providing long-term motivation for scientific and technological research and innovation. We will encourage mass entrepreneurship, and bring out the society's potential for innovation. Our people are makers of history and also the fundamental driving force for innovation. We have over 170 million people with higher education or professional skills, who are endowed with great potential for innovation and form the biggest treasure house for our country's development. We must enable all talents to apply their potential, pool their talents and strength, and raise the efficiency of the innovation. We should help both professionals to make new innovations and the common people to explore their creativity. We should both support domestically educated talents to scale the heights of their professions, and encourage overseas talents and foreign professionals to pursue start-ups and innovation in China. The Chinese government welcomes talents with an open mind and open arms. We will provide greater space and broader platforms for all innovators to fulfill their potential. We will comprehensively improve our supply capacity for innovation and facilitate the application and integration of scientific achievements into all sectors and fields to speed up the shift to new growth drivers, which are derived both from the emerging industries and the upgrading of traditional sectors. Driven by scientific innovations, the emerging industries in China are thriving, spearheaded by new forms of business, like the digital economy, sharing economy and platform economy. Proper regulation must be exercised to ensure healthy development of these new sectors. Meanwhile, the new technologies, new forms of business and new models must be integrated into the first, second and tertiary industries at a faster pace, to infuse traditional industries with new vitality. We need to introduce extensive policy incentives to encourage innovation. Such measures as additional deduction of R&D spending in taxable income and accelerated depreciation of fixed assets should be better implemented. Greater support should be given to companies in setting up collaborative innovation platforms with universities, research institutes and makers. We should popularize the innovation approach based on core-group innovation enabled by wider circles of collaboration. We need to strive for parallel progress of innovation at the source, commercialization of R&D results and market development, and aim to develop more new, high-quality products that boost the competitiveness of our industries, meet the diverse consumer demand and help tackle thorny issues such as in medical care and environmental protection, with a view to raising the quality of Chinese manufacturing and influence of products "Created in China". We need to enhance protection of intellectual property rights and foster an innovation-friendly environment. Protecting intellectual property is protecting and incentivizing innovation. We will pilot integrated management of IPR, establish a system for IPR creation, protection and application, and crack down on IPR infringement and counterfeiting to safeguard the legal rights and interests of innovators and turn more intellectual property into real productivity. We need to foster a social environment that embraces innovation and excellence, and respects hard work, knowledge, talent and creativity. We should enable each and every one to innovate wherever possible, and celebrate the spirit of innovation together with entrepreneurship and workmanship to generate strong impetus for innovative development. Comrades, Friends, As science and technology change the world, innovation shapes the future. Let us rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, cherish the honor the country has conferred, conscientiously fulfill our mission and strive for greater achievements. Attaining better and faster progress of our scientific and technological endeavors would be the best way for you to greet the opening of the 19th CPC National Congress. By joining hands we will make fresh and greater contribution to the realization of the "two centenary goals" and the Chinese dream of the great national renewal and to the building of a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and modern socialist country. Chamber head: Revisit executive salaries at Petrotrin The OWTUs threat of strike action against Petrotrin was called off yesterday when the union accepted a five percent offer from Petrotrin for the period 2011-2014/2015. The threat of strike inspired many to criticise the OWTUs demand for a wage increase as untimely as the nation is experiencing an economic downturn and Petrotrin is operating at a loss. The OWTU responded to that critique citing corruption and mismanagement as the cause of Petrotrins unprofitability. To this, Sookhai said, We understand that and we do sympathise with the OWTUs concern that maybe it is time for a national conversation to revisit salaries across the board and maybe if some of these high level management that are making exorbitant amounts of salaries, that needs to be revisited. Leading up to yesterdays settlement, the business community had called on the OWTU to call off their strike. These business leaders have now praised the settlement and are calling for focus to now be turned to Petrotrin becoming a profitable company. The most important thing right now is the restructuring of Petrotrin, said Liaquat Ali, President of the Couva/ Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce. Petrotrin cannot afford business as usual and continue to be losing money. They have to wean, whether it is corruption or inefficiency. They have to sit down and have a conversation to ensure that Petrotrin becomes profitable at the end of the day. If it means privatisation, then so be it. I think they will seriously have to look at getting private investors into Petrotrin so that it would be more viable because as you know, with most of the State enterprises, it is difficult to get them profitable. Daphne Bartlett of the San Fernando Business Association said, We would ask that the same way the President of the OWTU has been clamouring for more money for these workers, he must go out and clamour for them to go out there and improve the number of barrels per day that is being produced by Petrotrin. He should ensure that management does whatever it needs to do to increase the production of oil so that when we sell more, we get more money. CEMEX increases price offer for TCL takeover In a statement posted on its website, CEMEX said that its indirect subsidiary, Sierra Trading would present a change and variation notice making an amended offer to the offer and take-over bid that was presented on December 5, 2016 to all shareholders of TCL, a company publicly listed in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados. It said the new offer is being made as it seeks to acquire up to 132,616,942 ordinary shares in TCL, which together with Sierras existing share ownership in TCL of approximately 39.5 per cent would, if successful, result in Sierra holding up to 74.9 per cent of the equity share capital in TCL. Pursuant to the Amended Offer, Sierra will offer TT$5.07 (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) in cash per TCL share and, except for shareholders of TCL in Barbados, shareholders of TCL will have the option to be paid for their TCL shares in TT$ or in U.S.$. Full acceptance of the Offer, as amended by the Amended Offer, in TT$ would result in a cash payment by Sierra of approximately TT$672 million. The Revised Offer Price represents a premium of 50 per cent over the December 1, 2016 closing price of TCLs shares in the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange, CEMEX added. CEMEX had in early December last year, said it was seeking to acquire the shares at a price of TT$4.50) in cash per TCL share. In 2015, TCL shareholders voted overwhelming to lift the 20 per cent cap on shareholding in a move critics said then opened the way for CEMEX to take control of the financially struggling company. CEMEX, which has operations extending throughout the world, with production facilities spanning 50 countries in North America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, is at present the single largest shareholder at 20 per cent, and would be able to acquire shares worth up to US$45 million in the rights issue. Last month, TCL shareholders were urged by the companys directors to reject the offer by CEMEX, noting that the offer price does not reflect the full commercial value of TCL. The board argued that the shares of the company have a greater value than the offer price of TT$4.50, which it said was not fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders. While the board did not say what a fair price would be, it however, advised shareholders that TCL is poised to benefit from the significant operational improvements instituted in August 2014. The company has experienced a turnaround after multiple past efforts to do so. The evidence of the turnaround is supported by the companys return to sustainable profitability in 2015 and continuing to produce positive net income throughout 2016. The board has embarked on a number of operational and corporate restructuring initiatives that continue to generate positive value for the company. In its latest offer bid, CEMEX said that among other conditions, the new offer will be conditional on Sierra acquiring at least an amount of TCL shares that would allow CEMEX, for financial reporting purposes, to consolidate TCL Guard held with two guns The security guard, who hails from Solomon Trace in Princes Town, was standing in front of the casino. He was confronted by the officers and searched. One pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition and another, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, were found in the guards possession. The guard who is not a precepted officer (given legal authority to carry and use a firearm) could not account for being in possession of the two weapons and was arrested. Up to press time, he remained in police custody assisting officers in their enquiries. 3 charged with rape, robbery The magistrate read a charge that the accused men robbed a man, his wife, daughter and son of a quantity of jewelry, electronic items and cash. The magistrate said that said robbery was committed with the use of a firearm. The three were not called upon to enter a plea as the charge was laid indictably. Magistrate Forde-John then read two charges against the three that on the same day, they had unlawful sexual intercourse with the female victims namely a 50-yearold woman and her 19-year-old daughter. The rape charges were also laid indictably and the three were not called upon to plead. The three were unrepresented by an attorney and court prosecutor Cleyon Seedan presented the criminal record of the three accused men. Magistrate Forde-John granted bail to Dean in the sum of $120,000 and ordered that he report to the San Fernando Police Station three times weekly. However, she refused bail to Johnspann and Harris and remanded them into custody. The three were ordered to return to court on February 6. Charges were laid by detective Cpl Majid Khan. The charges stated that the offences were allegedly committed on December 22 inside the victims house in South Trinidad. Imam granted bail Lynch, 53, together with Andy Doolamsingh, 25, appeared in the Chaguanas First Court before Magistrate Jo-Anne Connor, jointly charged with possession of a nine-millimetre pistol and ten rounds of ammunition. Lynch of Enterprise in Chaguanas heads the Enterprise Mosque while Doolamsingh of Charlieville, is employed as a security guard. The charge alleged that police found the illegal weapon in a car in which both men were alleged occupants at Chaguanas last week Tuesday. PC Roberts subsequently laid the charge. Yesterday, the magistrate granted both men $80,000 surety bail each and adjourned the case to February 5. The accused men first appeared in the Chaguanas courthouse before Magistrate Margaret Alert who remanded them into police custody for tracing and ordered them to return to court yesterday Rowley told, deliver on promises Fire Service Association (FSA) President Leo Ramkissoon and Prison Officers Association (POA) President Ceron Richards held a joint press conference at the Besson Street Police Station in East Port-of-Spain to advance this position. Ramkissoon stated that the promises referred to involved the settlement of arrears owed to officers of various arms of the protective services namely police, fire and prisons. He said although union heads have already agreed with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Housing, for certain considerations, the government has not kept up their end of the bargain. We did not come to a total settlement of arrears and the government came into agreement that of housing provisions for officers of the protective services will be met to treat with the settlement owed to officers of the protective services, Ramkissoon said. He said Minister of Housing Randall Mitchell gave an assurance that in keeping with government policy, ten percent of government housing will be allocated and shared among officers of the protective services. However, Ramkissoon said government has not adhered to this assurance for some time. Officers of the protective services have been patient and very understanding given the economic realities. But the government gave certain assurances such as the formation of a Joint Services Housing Committee to ensure some manner of equity and fairness. We are still waiting on this. Ramkissoon said that provisions were also made to allocate officers living in high risk areas would have been treated with urgency. This too, has not been forthcoming. Today, we are very much disappointed because it is quite clear to us there is no genuine attempt by the Minister of Housing to make any provisions to treat with the needs of officers of the protective services. We are in a position now where we must consider how to go forward. The minister is playing games and we are not going to tolerate this, he said. For his part, POA head Richards said his members are fed-up with the deception. We are fed-up with the promises of allocation for housing and these promises not materializing. Richards said the unions within the protective services are calling on Prime Minister Rowley as chairman of the National Security Council to deliver on promises and assurances given by his ministers. House debates PSC motion Debates on these kinds of motions often give MPs the opportunity to speak about crime in the country. That sitting will also be the first opportunity for Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to field questions from the Opposition in the first Prime Ministers Question period for 2017. Under the House Standing Orders, Prime Ministers Questions takes place on the second sitting of every month. Also this week, the Energy Affairs Joint Select Committee (JSC) and the Public Accounts Committee hold in camera meetings at Tower D of the Port-of- Spain International Waterfront Centre tomorrow. Governor Abbott sends warning tweet that Arms Trade Treaty could allow UN to regulate guns in America Texas Republican Governor Gregg Abbott has warned that the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) which was recently reintroduced, could allow the United Nations (UN) to regulate guns in the United States. Abbott issued the warning via Twitter back in mid-December, concerned that, This Treaty by Obama could give the UN some authority to regulate guns. Abbott continued, Tell the Senate to reject it. President Obama is making a final push to ratify the ATT before he leaves office, but Republican Senators are aligned to end any chances of the ratification. Abbott isnt alone with his fears. Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Haslam has already taken measures to make the treaty unenforceable in his state, should the Senate ratify the ATT. Abbott has been worried for some time now that that the UN could have a say in U.S. gun laws. He told the press back in 2013, The concern is that the United States is trying to use the United Nations as a back-door mechanism to try to legislate here in the United States, in this instance trying to impose gun control. Abbotts recent warning tweet came on December 13, the same day it was reported that Obama had renewed his push for Senate ratification of the ATT. The treaty was signed back in 2013 by Secretary of State John Kerry, despite additional warnings from the National Rifle Association (NRA). The Austin American-Statesman was quick to explain the concerns they shared with Abbott. The publication noted that, Abbotts staunch opposition to the ATT centers around concern that the treaty is a way for the UN to usurp the Second Amendment and U.S. oversight over guns (and gun rights) in this country. The NRA still says no way The NRA hasnt been quiet on the issue either. They believe that the treaty threatens individual firearm ownership and that an invasive registration scheme is a blatant attack on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. The ATT wants to track small arms and light weapons as they cross borders, but the internal registration scheme is an integral part of the tracking process. These aspects of the treaty pose risks to sovereignty on guns in the U.S., and ratification has the potential to result in the UNs burdensome regulations applying to guns in our country. For two decades, the NRA has been engaged at the UN in response to the overreach targeting small arms initiatives. The NRAs Non-Governmental Organization status at the UN allows them to closely monitor the internal debate regarding firearm issues. They will continue to stay wide awake and protect our Second Amendment freedoms here in the U.S., despite being unsuccessful at getting U.S. civilian firearm ownership removed from the treatys scope during its drafting phase. Sources: Breitbart.com NRA-ILA.org Submit a correction >> Northeast could feed India up to 1,100 MW of power by yearend Tripura,National,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Agartala/Shillong, Jan 10 (IANS) The northeastern region, with its huge energy potential -- 50,000 MW, by some estimates -- could soon become the "power house of India". And taking a small first step in this direction, it is expected to feed the rest of the country up to 1,100 MW by the end of this year, energy experts say. Seven northeastern states, excluding Sikkim, currently have an installed capacity of 2,690 MW, but as some of the plants are very old, the output is some 100 MW short of the peak-hour demand of 2,200-2,300 MW. However, there is a surplus of 300 MW during off-peak hours, while another 767 MW of capacity will be added by year-end. Sikkim is self-sufficient at 95.70 MW. State-run North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), a mini-ratna company under the Union Ministry of Power, alone generates 1,290 MW from its seven power plants -- a mix of hydro-electric, gas- and solar-based units. "NEEPCO's generation capacity would rise to 2,060 MW by this end-2017 as commissioning of three more power projects would be completed much before the end of this year," NEEPCO Chairman and Managing Director A.G. West Kharkongor told IANS. "The company is now commissioning three power projects -- 600 MW and 110 MW capacity plants in Arunachal Pradesh and another of 60 MW capacity in Mizoram," he added. "If the government allows NEEPCO, it would supply surplus power to other states of the country," Kharkongor said. And, to feed the surplus power from the northeast to other parts of India, the state-run Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has erected 800-kv capacity and 1,728-km-long High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line from Biswanath Chariyalli in Guwahati to Agra in Uttar Pradesh at an investment of Rs 12,000 crore ($1.8 billion). The power ministry has estimated the hydro-power potential of the northeastern region at 58,971 MW, almost 40 percent of the country's total potential, but only less than two per cent (1,200 MW) has been exploited till last year. Energy expert Sudhindra Kumar Dube said that the power generation potential of the northeastern region must be utilised with proper planning. "The region has not only potential to generate a huge amount of hydro-power but also has scope to set up more gas- and coal-based plants in the region," Dube told IANS. NEEPCO also plans to generate at least 1,500 MW from non-conventional sources of energy such as solar and wind power in the next five years. With a population of 45.58 million in the northeastern region, the eight states including Sikkim, have a per capita electricity consumption of 257.98 kilowatt hour (kWh) against the national average of 778.71 kWh. State Power and Transport Minister Manik Dey said that Tripura has agreed to supply an additional 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh over and above the 100 MW being supplied since March 23, 2016. "The Bangladesh government has sought more electricity from India to tackle its power crisis in the eastern part of the country. India's power ministry recently wanted to know whether the Tripura government is ready to provide additional 100 MW of power to Bangladesh. We have accordingly agreed," Dey told IANS. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in) --IANS sc/vm/sac/tb Rahul Gandhi holds meeting with party leaders Delhi,National,Politics, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) After returning from a break, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday held a meeting with senior party leaders at his residence here. According to sources, Congress President Sonia Gandhi is believed to have attended the meeting. The meeting was held to discuss the strategy ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states starting from February 4. --IANS sid/ksk/bg Modi to blame for 120 note ban deaths: Mamata West Bengal,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Kolkata, Jan 10 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for over 120 deaths following demonetisation. "Modi babu, you are totally arrogant. You are responsible for 120+ deaths (of) demonetisation victims," she tweeted. The Trinamool Congress on Monday launched three days of nationwide protests demanding Modi's resignation. --IANS sgh/gsh/mr Jamie Foxx attacked, kicked out of restaurant United States,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Los Angeles, Jan 10 (IANS) Actor Jamie Foxx was assaulted while having dinner at a restaurant here when a patron approached his table and complained to him and his friends about being too loud. They were later thrown out of the restaurant. The incident took place at Catch Restaurant here on January 7, reports tmz.com. The person reportedly yelled: "You don't want to mess with me. I'm from New York." A comedian who came with Foxx fired back and said: "F**k you, I'm from Oakland." That further angered the complaining person before he came charging at Foxx. Some witnesses said that Foxx fought back, put the random person in a choke hold and took him down, tmz.com reported. Both parties were eventually thrown out of the restaurant for the ruckus. There were several celebrities, including Jerry Bruckheimer, Cuba Gooding Jr, Michael Bay and Nicole Murphy, who witnessed the commotion. --IANS sas/rb/bg China's Xinjiang region tightening border security China,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Beijing, Jan 10 (IANS) Authorities in Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region intend to strengthen security measures in border areas in 2017 to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region, the chairman of the region said. According to a report in the China Daily on Tuesday, Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir said that the authorities already stepped up efforts in entry-exit management in 2016. Many terrorists who carried out attacks in the region in recent years received training abroad and then returned. Some also crossed the border illegally to flee, said Aniwar Turson, a top party official in southern Xinjiang's Kashgar prefecture. "We need to make sure not a single terrorist can get in or out of Xinjiang illegally, especially when our neighbouring countries are facing rising terrorist threats," Aniwar added. Xinjiang, which borders eight countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been China's main battleground in the fight against terrorism. On Sunday night, three terrorists were killed in a police raid in southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, according to reports. Azez Musar, a senior official in southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, said that terrorist cells are particularly active in border areas in Xinjiang. "We must improve our ability to detect suspicious activities in those areas and conduct strict inspections near the borders in accordance with the law," he said. --IANS soni/bg Japan uncertain about sending diplomats back to S. Korea Japan,Politics,Diplomacy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Tokyo, Jan 10 (IANS) Following fresh tensions between Tokyo and Seoul over the "comfort women" issue, Japan on Tuesday said it was uncertain when it will send back the diplomats it recalled from South Korea. At a press conference held shortly after the recalled diplomats met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe here, government spokesperson Yoshihide Suga said the government "hasn't decided yet" about their return, Efe news reported. On January 6, Japan recalled its ambassador in Seoul, Yasumasa Nagamine, as well as its Consul General in Busan, Yasuhiro Morimoto, in protest over a controversial statue, dedicated to comfort women, that was installed in front of its Busan consulate. The statue symbolises the nearly 200,000 women, teenagers and girls -- mostly Korean -- who were forced into prostitution for Japanese soldiers since the 1930s during the last century, particularly during World War II that ended in 1945. The comfort women issue has strained Tokyo-Seoul bilateral relations for long and an agreement was signed in 2015 between the two countries that requires Japan to officially apologise along with a compensation of one billion yen ($8.6 million) to restore the honour and dignity of the victims and bring closure to the issue. "It's extremely important that the governments of both countries faithfully implement the agreement (reached in 2015)," Suga said. "We are aware that Japan and South Korea share extremely important values, and Japan, the United States and South Korea need to work in coordination, especially now given the severity of issues around North Korea," he added. --IANS ksk/dg Chinese economy grew 6.7 per cent in 2016 China,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Beijing, Jan 10 (IANS) Chinese economy was estimated to have grown about 6.7 per cent in 2016, the country's top economic planner said on Tuesday. The world's second largest economy registered the same growth rate in the first, second and third quarters last year, Xinhua news agency quoted Xu Shaoshi, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, as saying. Consumption accounted for 71 per cent of growth in 2016 -- up 13 percentage points. He said the economy would exceed 70 trillion yuan ($10.1 trillion), and the growth was remarkable among major economies. Citing a report by the International Monetary Fund, Xu said China had contributed 1.2 percentage points or over 30 per cent of the world's economic growth in 2016. --IANS py/dg EC sends show cause notice to Sakshi Maharaj Delhi,National,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics,Religion, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) The Election Commission on Tuesday issued show cause notice to BJP leader Sakshi Maharaj and said it is prima facie of the opinion that he violated the Model Code of Conduct by making "impugned statements". The Unnao MP's speech at a religious gathering at Meerut in the poll-bound state attracted widespread condemnation while his own party distanced itself from his remarks. Addressing a gathering of seers on January 6, the controversial Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader called for implementing the Uniform Civil Code and indirectly held the Muslims responsible for the population explosion. "Population is rising rapidly, and so are the country's problems. But Hindus are not responsible for this. Those who talk about four wives and 40 children are responsible," he had said. The Election Commission, in its notice, said the Model Code of Conduct is clear that there should be no appeal to caste or communal feelings, and also cited the Supreme Court judgement that held that religion and caste should not be used by anyone while making any statement during electioneering or otherwise. "The Commission prima facie is of opinion that you have violated the aforesaid provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and also wilfully disobeyed the aforesaid order of hon'ble Supreme Court by making the impugned statements," the notice said. BJP has distanced itself from the remarks by Sakshi Maharaj. --IANS ao/vgu/dg Bring new law to set up banks for poor, says Mohd.Yunus West Bengal,National,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Kolkata, Jan 10 (IANS) The government of India must bring changes in banking law or come out with new legislations to create banks for poor, Nobel laureate and founder of Bangladesh's Grameen Bank Muhammad Yunus said on Tuesday. The existing banks within the current banking structure would not be able to serve the poor, he said. "I have been asking the government to bring new laws to set up new banks. The existing law is to create bank for the rich. With existing structure, the banks will never be able to serve the poor," Yunus said. "In order to bring financial services to the poor, a new legislation is required," he said at the Presidency University's 200th year celebrations here. Yunus explained the new banking law should be such that it could incorporate banks serving poor people. Many non-government organisations in India, which are dependent for financial assistance on donors, have been running large micro credit programme, he said. "They require limited banking licence so that they can function as bank. The government has started giving new banking licence which is good," he said. The Reserve Bank of India granted "in-principle" approval to 10 financial institutions to set up small finance banks under the "Guidelines for Licensing of Small Finance Banks in the private sector". --IANS bdc/py/vt Thai draft constitution to be amended on King's request: PM Thailand,Politics, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Bangkok, Jan 10 (IANS) Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, through his privy council, has requested that provisions of a draft constitution regarding royal powers be amended, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday. Prayut did not give details but said the draft constitution will thus be taken back from the palace for further amendment, Xinhua news agency reported. He said the overall process for the amendment would take about two to three months to complete. The Thai government submitted the draft constitution for royal endorsement in early November last year, which is the last process for its promulgation. The draft constitution was passed in a referendum in August last year, which was a part of the ruling junta's road map to a general election that was promised to be held later this year. Prayut said on Tuesday that the junta is not postponing the promised general election. "The election will be held after the royal cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and coronation of King Vajiralongkorn. We will have a new government in 2018 anyway," Said Prayut. --IANS py/vt Woman dies of swine flu in Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh,National,Health/Medicine, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Hyderabad, Jan 10 (IANS) One more person died of swine flu in Telangana, taking the death toll to six since August 2016, a health official said. A 35-year-old woman died at government-run Gandhi Hospital here. The woman from Yadadri district, who was admitted to the hospital a few days ago, died on Sunday but this was confirmed by the authorities on Tuesday. According to health officials, a total of 2,762 samples were tested from August 1, 2016 to January 7. Out of these, 112 samples were found positive. The maximum number of cases (50) were reported from Ranga Reddy district while Hyderabad accounted for 40 cases. Doctors said since the winter season might continue for another month, people should take all precautions. The health department has advised people to approach the hospital at the first symptoms of swine flu like high fever, sneezing, cough and body pain. It asked hospitals to isolate people having symptoms of swine flu and send their samples to Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM). If patients are unwilling to get admitted to private hospitals, they have been asked to shift them to Gandhi Hospital, which is the nodal centre for swine flu for the entire state. Officials said that sufficient stock of medicines was available at all teaching hospitals, district and area hospitals. "There are enough testing kits and kits for Viral Transport Medium (VTM). IPM is also providing free testing services to all in-patients from private hospitals," said an official statement. Homeopathic medicines can also be taken as a precautionary measure. These medicines were available free of cost in government homeopathic hospitals, Ramanthapur in Hyderabad and at all AYUSH dispensaries. --IANS ms/in/bg Iran, Saudi to hold talks on Haj ceremonies Turkey,Politics,Religion,Diplomacy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Tehran, Jan 10 (IANS) Iran has received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to discuss preparations for the next annual Haj pilgrimage, an official said on Tuesday. Iran has "officially received Saudi Arabia's invitation to meet and hold bilateral talks on the Haj", Xinhua news agency quoted Ali Qazi-Askar, Iran's representative for Haj ceremonies, as saying. Talks would focus on accommodation, transportation, safety, medical care, visas and banking, he said. Iran would respond to the invitation over the next few days. After several rounds of meetings last year, Tehran and Riyadh failed to reach an agreement on arrangements for the Iranian pilgrims to join the annual ritual in September 2016. Iran accused Saudi officials of creating obstacles for its government to send pilgrims to the ceremonies. Also, Saudi authorities said the Islamic republic was politicising the issues related to the religious rituals. Iranians were among other pilgrims who died in stampede in 2015 Hajj. Saudi Arabia in January 2016 cut its diplomatic ties with Iran following attacks on its mission in the country during angry protests against the Saudi execution of a prominent Shia cleric. --IANS py/dg Kejriwal inaugurates toilet complex in Delhi Delhi,National,Politics, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said health, hygiene and education remained top priorities for his government as he inaugurated a toilet complex that has nearly 150 lavatories in a south Delhi neighbourhood. "Our government is committed to work for the poor," Kejriwal said inaugurating the complex in Kalkaji. He said the government has already constructed nearly 7,000 toilets in the city and 1,000 more were in the pipeline. "We have made 7,000 toilets for the people of Delhi, mainly for women in slum areas where they faced a lot of problems. About 945 toilets are still to be constructed," the Aam Aadmi Party chief said. He assured concrete houses would be built for the people living in slums in the coming 3-4 years as was promised by the AAP before it came to power in February 2015. "Our government will construct new houses in the areas near slums. Our efforts will be to give you new accommodation within your areas," he said. Talking about the Delhi government's work to improve health care, Kejriwal said: "We have made 106 Mohalla clinics where all the medical services are free. "Our target is to built 1,000 more clinics in all areas of Delhi." He also praised Education Minister Manish Sisodia for his "relentless work" for the betterment of government schools in Delhi. "We have done remarkable work in education sector and the condition of almost all the schools is a lot better than it was," he said. --IANS ruwa/sar/sac 'La La Land' dominates BAFTA film nominations United Kingdom,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS London, Jan 10 (IANS) After a golden run of winning seven honours at the 74th Golden Globe Awards in the US, "La La Land" has received the maximum nominations for the British Academy Film Awards with 11 nods. The Hollywood musical is up for Best Film, while its lead actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are up for Best Actor and Actress awards at the gala, to be organised by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall here on February 12, reports bbc.com. Philosophical sci-fi film "Arrival" and Tom Ford's dark drama "Nocturnal Animals" have nine nominations. Ken Loach's "I, Daniel Blake" is up for both the Best Film and Best British Film awards. The drama received an additional nod for its screenplay while Hayley Squires, who plays a single mother in the film, is up for Best Supporting Actress. "Arrival", "La La Land" and "I, Daniel Blake" are joined in the Best Film category by "Manchester By The Sea" and "Moonlight". "Harry Potter" spin-off "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" has five nominations in all. Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Amy Adams and Natalie Portman compete in the Best Actress category, while Gosling and Andrew Garfield are in competition with Casey Affleck, Jake Gyllenhaal and Viggo Mortensen for the Best Actor award. Hugh Grant, who appears with Streep in "Florence Foster Jenkins", is joined in the supporting actor category by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Dev Patel. "This Bafta nomination today truly means so much to me," Patel said in a statement. "My family is literally freaking out right now!" Naomie Harris is also shortlisted for the supporting Actress ward for her work in independent film "Moonlight". Viola Davis, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Williams received nominations in that category as well. Director Damien Chazelle ("La La Land") is BAFTA-shortlisted in both the director and original screenplay categories. Kenneth Lonergan and Tom Ford also receive dual director and screenplay nods for "Manchester By The Sea" and "Nocturnal Animals" respectively. Denis Villeneuve ("Arrival") joins Chazelle, Ford, Loach and Lonergan in the Best Director category. The Disney studio dominates the animated film category, scoring three of the four nominations with "Finding Dory", "Moana" and "Zootropolis". The nominations follow last week's unveiling of the five actors in contention for this year's Rising Star prize. A public vote will decide whether Laia Costa, Lucas Hedges, Tom Holland, Ruth Negga or Anya Taylor-Joy receive the award. This year's nominations were announced by Dominic Cooper and "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner at BAFTA's central London headquarter on Tuesday. Cooper said he could understand why people were "raving" about "La La Land", praising its "gorgeous, skilful performances". Amanda Berry, chief executive of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, said it had been "a really exciting year for films". --IANS nn/rb/bg 2 human rights activists arrested in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia,Immigration/Law/Rights, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Riyadh, Jan 10 (IANS) Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested two human rights activists without presenting any charges, a rights group said on Tuesday. In a statement, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) said Ahmed al-Mshikhs and Essam Koshak were arrested on January 5 and 8, respectively, Efe news reported. "These arrests are solely due to the two men exercising their legitimate and peaceful right to freedom of opinion and freedom of expression and conducting their work in the field of human rights," read the statement. The GCHR said al-Mshikhs, founder of the al-Adalah Centre for Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, is currently being held in prison. Koshak, said the organisation, had had his detention extended and had not yet been released on bail. The human rights group believed the arrests were related to the activists' online activities. "GCHR urges the Saudi Arabian authorities to release them immediately," read the statement. The organisation also demanded that the two men be allowed to exercise their right to freedom of speech and be no longer harassed by authorities. --IANS ksk/dg Collector escapes attempt on life in Manipur Manipur,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Imphal Jan 10 (IANS) The Collector of Tamenglong district in Manipur escaped an assassination attempt at his official residence on Monday night. Some unknown people hurled petrol bombs from across the perimeter brick walls, the police said. The guards at the residence of M. Luikham opened several rounds of fire in the air to ward off the attackers. It was not immediately known if it was a militant attack as no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. "At least nine petrol bombs were lobbed. We have also recovered some unexploded bombs. Nobody was hurt in the attack. Investigation is on," a police official said. "It is yet to be verified whether the attackers were militants or local youths who have been picketing offices," the official added. The security of the Collector's house -- which is also his office -- has been beefed up. Besides, the number of armed escort personnel for Luikham has also been increased. The police said it did not want to take any chances following a recent armed attack on two trucks. The drivers were wounded. Tamenglong, which is one of India's poorest districts, lies on the National Highway 37. On Nov 1, the United Naga Council (UNC) imposed an indefinite economic blockade on the highway. Besides, UNC activists have been picketing the government offices. IANS il/gsh/sac Ghani urges Islamic countries to help bring peace Israel,Defence/Security, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Kabul, Jan 10 (IANS) Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has urged Islamic countries to put pressure on extremist groups to join the peace process in the conflict-ravaged nation, media reported on Tuesday. Tolo News quoted Ghani as telling Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat that it was important for Taliban to separate itself from terrorist groups that pose a threat to Islamic nations. "We hope that Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, exert pressure on extremist leaders to push them towards reconciliation," he said. Ghani also said that Afghanistan had strong relations with Saudi Arabia and described it as "strong and essential". The Afghanistan President said the country has good ties with other Islamic countries as well, including the United Arab Emirates. Regarding Pakistan, Ghani said Islamabad's best interest lies with Kabul. He called the Islamic State terror group as a threat to the entire region. "When you look at the history of these groups, you see that each lifespan is on average between 20 to 40 years and we need a minimum of 20 years to stop them," Ghani said. When asked whether he was concerned regarding foreign interventions in Afghanistan's internal affairs, Ghani said: "Millions of Afghans fled to neighbouring countries at the beginning of the crisis and some moved to different cities in Afghanistan. By the end of 2016, one million Afghans returned to their country and we welcomed them." In an apparent reference to eastern neighbour Pakistan, he further said: "Unfortunately, some countries differentiate between a good and a bad terrorist. Those who conduct operations outside their countries are good terrorists and vice versa." --IANS soni/dg Australia mulling handing murderers' pensions to victims Australia,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Canberra, Jan 10 (IANS) The Australian government on Tuesday said it was considering a proposal under which murderers and other criminals would be compelled to give their superannuation pension to the families of the victims. Superannuation in Australia is money earned during a person's working life that can only be accessed in retirement, the BBC reported. The move would give victims more rights in the justice system, said Victoria state's opposition leader Matthew Guy. Guy said he would take the policy to the state's next election in November 2018. If legislated, it would be an Australian first. "When someone commits a murder, particularly in horrendous circumstances -- takes the life of another individual -- they forfeit their right to be treated like the rest of us," he said. The announcement comes after the Victorian Law Reform Commission, a government-funded advisory body, tabled a report in November on 'The Role of Victims of Crime in the Criminal Trial Process'. The report made 51 recommendations, which did not include handing criminals' superannuation to the families of victims. Victoria's Labour government, led by Premier Daniel Andrews, is still considering its response to the report, but Guy said his party supported most of the recommendations. --IANS ksk/dg US B-52 bombed Syrian province, 20 killed: Russia Russian Federation,Defence/Security,Diplomacy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Moscow, Jan 10 (IANS) The Russian Defence Ministry on Tuesday claimed that at least 20 civilians were killed in a B-52 bomber strike carried out by the US on the Idlib province in Syria on January 3. "As we remember, on September 29 last year, the US aviation carried out an attack in the Deir-ez-Zor targeting government forces. After this attack, the Islamic State started its advance," Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov said during a Defence Ministry meeting, as cited by RIA Novosti news agency. "The latest example of this is the January 3 airstrike, when a B-52 bomber -- without warning the Russian side -- hit a target in the town of Sarmada, Idlib Province, which is covered by the cessation of hostilities agreement. Over 20 civilians died as a result of the airstrike." --IANS ahm/dg Major focus on South Asia at upcoming India Art Fair Delhi,National,Art/Culture/Books,Human Interest/Society, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) The best of the established and emerging South Asian galleries, artists and artist collectives would be provided an opportunity to exhibit on an established international platform at the upcoming India Art Fair, its organisers said on Tuesday. "This year Platform participants include Britto Arts Trust (Dhaka in Bangladesh), Nepal Art Council (Kathmandu in Nepal), Theertha International Artists' Collective (Colombo in Sri Lanka) and Blueprint 12 (New Delhi in India)," the organisers said in a statement here. The Speakers' Forum at the India Art Fair -- scheduled to take place from February 2 to 5 here -- will also have an exciting programme that will present artists, curators, critics, administrators, academics, gallerists and collectors, said the organisers -- leading international live marketing company MCH Group, internationally renowned group of exhibition organising companies Angus Montgomery and founding director Neha Kirpal. In an attempt to explore the future of museums, Richard Armstrong (Director, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, New York) and Sheena Wagstaff (Leonard A. Lauder Chairman of Modern and Contemporary Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) will come together in a panel discussion. The two experts will together explore the subject in a lively discussion before the audience here. "BMW Art Talk: The Art of Collecting" is another much anticipated session in which Thomas Girst (Head of Cultural Engagement BMW Group, Munich) and Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi (President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation) will look at the diverse field of collecting. Sharing their perspectives on South Asian art will be Pooja Sood (Director of Khoj International Artists Association, New Delhi), Alessio Antonelli (Director of Gasworks, London) and Boon Hui Tan (Director, Asia Society Museum, Singapore) in a session on "Perspectives from Networks of South Asian Art". The Speakers' Forum will also facilitate intimate conversations between collectors from India and across the globe with speakers who will provide a glimpse into their private collections. Some of the well known names featuring in the segment are French art collectors Jean-Conrad and Isabelle Lemaitre; Brussels-based collector Frederic de Goldschmidt and one of India's leading art collectors Anurag Khanna. "The international engagement through these sessions is complemented by a comprehensive Collectors' Programme highlighting the fair's ongoing efforts to further cultivate its networks, both within India and internationally," the organisers said. The 2017 edition of the fair will feature both long-standing representatives of Indian art and new exhibitors from around the globe who are keen to develop relationships with the Indian art market, including Kalfayan Galleries (Athens), Grey Noise (Dubai), 1x1 Gallery (Dubai), Sabrina Amrani (Madrid) and Lukas Feichtner Galerie (Vienna). "Focused initiatives are planned with individual collectors, large groups and delegates from prestigious institutions, many of whom are coming for the first time, including Santa Barbara Museums, Singapore Art Museum, Palais de Tokyo, Paris, Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Oxford, Rhode Island School of Design, United States, and The Guimet Museum in France," said the organisers. Founded in 2008, India Art Fair is one of South Asia's leading platform for modern and contemporary art. --IANS ss/dg India seeks to enhance efficiency of research funding with global best practices West Bengal,National,Science/Tech,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Kolkata, Jan 10 (IANS) India seeks to streamline and enhance efficiency of research funding with the incorporation of best practices across the globe, a veteran scientist said here on Tuesday. "We are trying to get an idea about the (funding) mechanisms elsewhere and wherever possible try to adapt the best practices," V. Chandrasekhar, a core member of the programme advisory committee of Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) told IANS. He was speaking as a group of Indian scientists on Tuesday brainstormed with as many as 14 international scientists and representatives of funding agencies, in a bid to make research funding better. The meeting took place at the SABIC 2017 conference organized by Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. SERB under the Union Department of Science and Technology promotes basic research in science and engineering and provides financial assistance to researchers and academic institutions. The recommendations from the meeting would be submitted to the board. One of the pertinent issues on the radar is the swift delivery of funds and dissemination to the right people. "Money is not the issue but how do you make the money come to the aid of the person quickly so it doesn't hamper the work. This is the issue in terms of policy and in terms of how we address ease doing of business. That problem we have even in science," explained Chandrasekhar, director of NISER, Bhubaneswar. In accordance with India's current thrust on areas such as health, energy and environment, the meeting also addressed the need for identification of topics which could receive special funding. "We should reach a stage where we also have equal number of original ideas emanating from India and others elsewhere should be following it. At this stage while the percentage is there, it should be much larger in terms of the country size," Chandrasekhar added. --IANS sgh/vd Portal launched on education in Germany for Indian students Germany,Diaspora,Diplomacy,Business/Economy,Education, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Berlin, Jan 10 (IANS) The Indian Embassy in Berlin has launched a portal for Indian students to ease their transition here and to keep them abreast of opportunities and events back home. The portal -- www.indianstudentsgermany.org. (ISG) -- provides information to Indian students studying, or aspiring to study, in Germany by disseminating information on job opportunities, internships, scholarships, accommodation, visa and student related issues. According to a release by the Indian Embassy, it serves as an extended arm of the mission to reach out to the Indian students. The ISG platform now has 16 student associations and over 2,600 students registered on the database. Germany offers low-cost or even free education to students at its schools and universities. The country is becoming an attraction for Indian students, with their numbers tripling in the last six years. Through its cultural wing, the embassy also gives support to some Indian students' associations in Germany to celebrate annual festivals from time to time. Most of the Indian students here are involved in research in scientific and technological aspects and participate in the high standards of German education in these sectors. --IANS soni/hs/sac Saudi Arabia sends high-level delegation to Vibrant Gujarat Gujarat,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Ahmedabad, Jan 10 (IANS) In a reflection of the importance that Saudi Arabia attaches to enhancing business ties with India, a high-level delegation from the Gulf kingdom, one of the world's richest nations, is taking part in the the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit that gets underway here on Tuesday. The 20-member Saudi delegation, led by Saudi-India Business Council Chairman Kamal S. Al-Munajjed, includes companies in sectors ranging from real estate and investment banking to oil and gas, power, telecom and agriculture. The list has been furnished by the Saudi embassy in New Delhi. The delegation includes Director of the Saudi Arabian Government Investment Agency (SAGIA) Imad A. Al-Abdulqader and other senior officials. The delegation members include Abdulaziz Abdulahadi Al Qahtani, Chairman Abdulahadi A. Al Qahtani & Sons; Talal Siddiq Farsi, vice CEO Siddiq Farsi Holding Company; Mazen Mohamed Batterjee, Vice Chairman Batterjee Holding Company; Adeeb Mohammed Idrees, owner and General Manager of Alebda' Group For Trading Manufacture; and Ahmed Nasser Al-Obaikan, Chairman of Ahmed Al-Obaikan Company for Real Estate Investment and Development. As part of their engagement at the investors' summit here, Saudi Arabia is organising a day-long country seminar on Wednesday that will also feature a panel discussion on boosting Indo-Saudi trade and industrial partnerships. Saudi Arabian Ambassador Saud Al Sati will be one of the speakers at the seminar. Around 20 heads of state and ministers representing different governments across the world will attend the summit, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Twelve countries have agreed to become partner countries for this edition of vibrant Gujarat - the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Sweden and the UAE. --IANS bc/tb/vt 'Swiss Muslim girls must swim with boys' United Arab Emirates,Immigration/Law/Rights,Religion, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Geneva, Jan 10 (IANS) Switzerland on Tuesday won a case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) obliging Muslim parents to send their children to mixed swimming lessons. It said authorities were justified in giving precedence to enforcing "the full school curriculum" and the children's "successful integration" into society, the BBC reported. The ECHR acknowledged that religious freedom was being interfered with. The case was brought by two Swiss nationals of Turkish origin who refused to send their teenage daughters to the compulsory mixed lessons. Education officials, however, said that exemptions were available only for girls who had reached the age of puberty -- which the girls had not reached at the time. In 2010, after a long-running dispute, the parents were ordered to pay a fine of almost 1,300 euros ($1,375) "for acting in breach of their parental duty". The court said Switzerland was free to design its education system "according to their needs and traditions". --IANS ksk/dg Spain to maintain high alert over persistent terror threat Spain,Defence/Security, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Madrid, Jan 10 (IANS) Spain's Interior Minister on Tuesday announced that the high terror alert level in force would be maintained due to a potential, non-specific threat that required precautions. Speaking in Paris, Juan Ignacio Zoido said Spanish security officials had recommended that the level-four protocol should be maintained, Efe news reported. It was this alert level that had "allowed the combat and detention of many members of the Islamic State", he said. Zoido, who had his first bilateral meeting with his French counterpart Bruno Le Roux, said since the alert level was raised in 2015, security forces had arrested 177 suspected extremists in Spain. He said some radicalised people who had joined terror networks in Syria and Iraq had returned, but insisted that security forces had them under control. Zoido insisted on moving forward and sharing information and analysis on every attack that happens, wherever in the world. --IANS ksk/dg India's anti-dumping cess on jute worries Bangladesh Bangladesh,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Dhaka, Jan 10 (IANS) Bangladeshi firms have expressed deep concern over India's recent imposition of anti-dumping duty on jute and other goods exported by them. Jute industry insiders urged India to withdraw the anti-dumping duty on jute items which hitherto enjoyed duty-free access to India under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement. They further urged the Bangladesh government to discuss the matter with the relevant Indian ministry in the greater interest of bilateral trade. India on January 5 imposed anti-dumping cess ranging from $6.30 to $351.72 per tonne on imports of jute and jute products from Bangladesh and Nepal to protect domestic industry. An official in Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce told Xinhua on Tuesday that imposition of anti-dumping duty on jute exports to India was "unexpected and unfortunate". The decision irked not merely businesses but also officials as it would affect the local jute industry severely, said the official requesting anonymity. Sector insiders said many jute spinning mills will suffer a big blow due to the high duty and will ultimately be closed, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers with an uncertain future. They stressed the need for lobbying with the Indian government to withdraw the decision. --IANS gsh/dg Guantanamo Bay ex-detainee faces trial for assaulting partner Australia,Defence/Security,Terrorism,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Canberra, Jan 10 (IANS) Former Guantanamo Bay detainee and terror suspect David Hicks faced an Australian court on Tuesday over accusations he assaulted his partner, the media reported. Hicks, 41, appeared at Elizabeth Magistrates Court in Adelaide, accused of assaulting his partner in Craigmore in September 2016, news website News.com.au reported. "I'm here to see my dad. He works here," Hicks told reporters as he arrived at court wearing jeans and a grey, collared shirt. Hicks was the first prisoner held at the US detention centre and convicted by a military court. He was detained at Guantanamo Bay for five years, said the report. Adelaide-born Hicks was picked up in 2001 by US forces in Afghanistan, where he joined an Al Qaeda training camp, and was detained at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba until 2006. He pleaded guilty in 2007 to providing material support for terrorism in a deal that allowed most of his seven-year sentence to be suspended and for him to return to Australia. The terrorism conviction was appealed in 2013 and overturned by a US military court in 2014, bringing an end to the long legal saga. Hicks married human rights activist Aloysia Brooks after his release from prison but the couple has since split and the victim of his assault is another woman, say reports. --IANS soni/vt Japanese Industry Minister meets Modi Maharashtra,National,Diplomacy,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Gandhinagar, Jan 10 (IANS) Japanese Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat meet, and discussed bilateral issues, said an official. "The Japanese Minister recalled Prime Minister's visit to Japan in November 2016 and the far reaching accords reached in various fields. He briefed on the progress in Japan's commitment to train 30,000 Indian youths over the next 10 years," said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup. Modi appreciated Japan's long standing relationship with Gujarat and active participation in every Vibrant Gujarat Summit. "The Japanese Minister was accompanied by representatives of Suzuki, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Toyo Engineering and Toyota Tsusho who briefed on their future plans in India. Minister Seko said that this demonstrated the continued keenness of Japanese companies to invest in India," Swarup said. Seko also expressed the hope of working with India on renewable energy and in speeding up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations with Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN). RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the member states of ASEAN and the six states, namely, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements. Modi invited Japanese participation in the Railway University in Varodara. He also welcomed training for Indian entrepreneurs in small scale industries. He also reiterated the invitation for his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe to visit India in 2017. The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being be held here January 10-13 with the central focus of "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". --IANS rs/vd Lesbian activist sues Chinese ministry for discriminatory textbooks China,Immigration/Law/Rights,Education, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS null Beijing, Jan 10 (IANS) A lesbian university student from China's Guangdong province on Tuesday sued the Ministry of Education over discriminatory references towards gays in textbooks. Qiu, who runs her campaign under a pseudonym, claims some Chinese textbooks teach students that homosexuality is a psychological disorder that can be treated with electric shocks. "They are an evidence of discrimination, a bad example," Qiu told Efe news, stressing it is important for homosexual students that these texts are removed. "When I realized I was a homosexual I was scared, I didn't know whether I was normal," Qiu said about how she herself suffered as a result of these texts. "It made me feel very scared, which is why I don't want other students in my situation to suffer because of such materials," she added. Despite China decriminalising homosexuality in 1997 and removing it from the list of mental illnesses in 2001, it is still a taboo in the country and several discriminatory references prevail in educational books and manuals. --IANS ksk/dg null Cargo boy held for stealing $400 at IGI Airport Delhi,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) A cargo boy at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here was arrested for stealing $400 from a passenger's bag, police said on Tuesday. The accused, Ashif Khan, 25, is from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh and worked at the airport. He was arrested from Terminal 3 soon after the passenger lodged a complaint. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjay Bhatia said the incident took place on Monday night when Rishi Anand, of Ramesh Nagar in west Delhi, complained that $400 was taken from his bag at the airport. "We came to know that Anand took the help of a cargo boy to carry his bag around the terminal. On examining the CCTV footage, we found Khan stealing $400 from Anand's bag," Bhatia told IANS. After his arrest, Khan confessed to committing the crime. --IANS sp/vgu/mr Turkish parliament approves constitutional reform process Turkey,Politics, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Ankara, Jan 10 (IANS) The Turkish parliament on Tuesday approved a constitutional reform process to implement a presidential system. A total of 338 deputies, eight more than the required number, supported the reform, Efe news reported. The proposal is defended by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), founded and run by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), as the two parties together have 355 members in the 550-seat parliament. A total of 480 deputies took part in the vote, with 134 voting against the reform, while there were two abstentions and five blank voting papers, which were considered as one invalid vote. The deputies of the leftist and pro-Kurds Peoples' Democratic Party, which has 11 of its deputies imprisoned, boycotted the session. The reform is also opposed by the People's Republican Party, the main opposition party in Turkey. After the formal approval to start the debate, the 18 articles of the reform will be voted one by one before the full draft is put to the vote. Once voted by the legislature, the reform will have to be submitted to a popular referendum if the proposal was not supported by two-thirds of the parliament, which means the support of 367 members. --IANS ksk/dg RJD, BJP to join Nitish's human chain on liquor ban in Bihar Bihar,National,Politics, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Patna, Jan 10 (IANS) The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) a major constituent of Bihar's ruling Grand Alliance, on Tuesday decided to support and join Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's proposed human chain to raise awareness about the liquor prohibition issue in the state. "All RJD leaders and workers have been asked to join human chain to ensure its success," RJD Chief Lalu Prasad told media here. The BJP also decided to join the human chain after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Nitish Kumar for his policy of imposing liquor prohibition in Bihar. "The BJP will take part in human chain in support of prohibition but a formal decision will be taken by January 12," the BJP's state unit President Nityanand Rai said. Rai was supported by senior party leader and Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh, who said that the BJP always supported Nitish Kumar's total prohibition. Till last week most of the senior BJP leaders in Bihar, including Union Ministers, were questioning the liquor ban and publicly termed it as a black law. "Prohibition is a good step. Any step for social change is very difficult but Nitish Kumar has initiated it by enforcing prohibition. All people, including political parties, should back him," Modi said during a Prakash Utsav function, commemorating 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, here in Gandhi Maidan on Thursday. Nitish Kumar had also supported the surgical strike by the Indian Army last year across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Nitish Kumar had planned a 5,000-km-long human chain on January 21 to bolster support among common people on the prohibition. However, on Saturday, he decided to double up the length of the proposed 11,000-km long human chain after receiving praise from the Prime Minister. The human chain is likely to be 11,292 km long covering almost the entire state. According to state government officials, nearly two crore people will join the human chain. After liquor prohibition was enforced in Bihar on April 2016, more than 16,000 people have been arrested on charges of either consuming or transporting liquor in the state. --IANS ik/lok/vt 'Contolling illicit tobacco best way to curb health burden' Delhi,National,Health/Medicine, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) With 80 per cent of the world's smokers living in the lower middle-income countries, World Health Organization (WHO) and the US-based National Cancer Institute on Tuesday said that control of illicit trade in tobacco products is the key policy to reduce tobacco use and its health and economic consequences. The new report launched by the two global health organisations has stated that the market power of tobacco companies has increased in recent years, creating new challenges for tobacco control efforts. "As of 2014, five tobacco companies accounted for 85 per cent of the global cigarette market. Policies aimed at limiting the market power of tobacco companies are largely untested but hold promise for reducing tobacco use," said the report 'The Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Control'. WHO data says that the tobacco industry and the deadly impact of its products cost the world's economies more than $1 trillion annually in health care expenditures and lost productivity. The report highlighted the issue of high levels of corruption and lack of commitment to addressing illicit trade. "Many countries having ineffective customs and tax administration, have an equal or greater role in driving tax evasion than do product tax and pricing. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products applies tools, like an international tracking and tracing system, to secure the tobacco supply chain," said the report. The report said that experience from many countries shows illicit trade can be successfully addressed, even when tobacco taxes and prices are raised, resulting in increased tax revenues and reduced tobacco use. Commenting on the new report, WHO Director for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases Douglas Bettcher said this report gives governments a powerful tool to combat tobacco industry adversely impacting economies. "This report shows how lives can be saved and economies can prosper when governments implement cost-effective, proven measures, like significantly increasing taxes and prices on tobacco products, and banning tobacco marketing and smoking in public," he said. Calling tobacco demand reducing policies and programmes as cost-effective, the report said that significant tobacco tax and price increases, comprehensive bans on tobacco industry marketing activities, and prominent pictorial warnings are generally the least costly tobacco control interventions. "Significant tobacco tax and price increases are the most cost-effective of these interventions. Despite the considerable revenues generated by tobacco taxes, few governments are investing more than a fraction of these revenues in tobacco control or in other health programs," said the report. WHO has estimated that in 2013-2014, global tobacco excise taxes generated nearly $269 billion in government revenues, but governments spent a combined total of less than $1 billion on tobacco control. The report also said that the market power of tobacco companies has increased in recent years, creating new challenges for tobacco control efforts. "The global tobacco market has become increasingly concentrated over the past 25 years and is being driven by the same forces that have contributed to globalisation in other industries, including reductions in barriers to trade and foreign direct investment, privatisation of state-owned tobacco enterprises, and a wave of mergers and acquisitions," said the report. --IANS rup/vgu/vt 25 killed in Kabul blasts Israel,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Kabul, Jan 10 (IANS) At least 25 people were killed and several others wounded in two suicide blasts near a government office along a busy road in the western part of Kabul on Tuesday. "Two suicide blasts rocked near a sub-office of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), the intelligence agency, at 3.45 p.m. The initial information found 25 dead and several others wounded," a police source told Xinhua. Several offices of parliament are also located nearby, he said. A senior member of NDS was among those killed and a lawmaker was among the injured, the source said. An investigation has been launched into the incident and further details about the bombings would be released later, the source said. The blasts occurred when government employees were leaving their offices in the Dar-ul-Aman locality. The Taliban insurgent group has claimed responsibility for the bombings. The Taliban has urged civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centres regarded as possible targets by militants. --IANS ahm/dg Raj Thackeray offers himself for 'political alliances' Maharashtra,National,Politics, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Mumbai, Jan 10 (IANS) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray on Tuesday indicated that he is "open" to offers of political alliance for the forthcoming civic elections in the state. Speaking informally with media persons here, Raj, 49, said he would consider any such proposals 'positively' -- reiterating his stand of last July, which was spurned by cousin Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. "If there is any proposal, I shall consider it positively," Raj said with a broad grin. When asked to react, Uddhav Thackeray merely smiled, folded his hands and muttered 'Jai Maharashtra', interpreted as a polite rejection of Raj's overtures. However, the MNS chief's shift in stance after waging a lone battle as the fifth political force in the state for over a decade, set political circles aflutter, with the civic election schedules due to be announced anytime now. Besides, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena -- the ally at the Centre and in the state -- are yet to formalise their alliance for the upcoming civic elections to around 10 major municipal bodies, including Mumbai, next month. Uddhav Thackeray virtually served an ultimatum to the BJP to come forth with an alliance proposal, "or the elections would be over". Responding to this, BJP state president Raosaheb Danve said that all alliances would be the prerogative of the local party units. Incidentally, Raj Thackeray has had at least two meetings with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the recent months, which unnerved BJP ally Shiv Sena, which has been sharply critical of its partner for the past two years. Raj Thackeray's attitudinal shift has set off alarm bells ringing even among other major political parties, particularly the opposition Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which are yet to finalise their alliance. Without alliances, the BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP would have to contend with MNS eating into their votes/seats in many civic bodies. Since its founding, the MNS' potential as a 'spoiler' has been a bitter experience for all the major political forces in all the state elections and similar prospects are not ruled out. In the 2012 civic elections in Mumbai, the MNS bagged 27 seats, eating into the vote-shares of both the ruling Shiv Sena and the BJP, besides other parties. After a bitter feud with cousin Uddhav, Raj had quit the Shiv Sena in December 2005 and launched the MNS in March 2006, with the motto of working for the locals and 'sons of the soil' -- a pet theme of his uncle, the late Sena supremo Bal Thackeray. But in the past couple of years, Raj has struggled to keep his flock together with many deserting the MNS for greener pastures in other parties. Under such a scenario, an alliance with any major political group could serve as an elixir, more for the MNS than the alliance partner. --IANS qn/nir/dg Chinese envoy moots India-China friendship treaty Maharashtra,National,Politics,Diplomacy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Mumbai, Jan 10 (IANS) The new Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui on Tuesday suggested a bilateral Friendship and Cooperation treaty besides a Free Trade Agreement to improve ties between the two countries. Terming these as ambitious proposals, he nevertheless felt that the time was ripe for the Asian giants to reap some "early harvest" benefits in resolving their vexed border issues. Luo also urged the need for India and China to join hands in the latter's One Belt One Road (OBOR) strategy to build super-modern economic and infrastructural connectivities in South Asia. "India's Act East policy would benefit if India joined the One Belt One Road' initiative of China," he remarked. India has been non-committal to joining China's ambitious OBOR project. In fact, New Delhi is opposed to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor -- a crucial part of OBOR which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India claims as its own. The Sino-India ties took a hit when Beijing blocked New Delhi's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and rejected its plea at the UN to have Pakistani militant Masood Azhar declared as terrorist. The South China Sea issue was also an irritant between the two who fought a brief war in 1962. Luo was speaking at a function organised by the policy think-tank, Observer Research Foundation at the newly-established Ji Xianlin Centre for India-China Studies in University of Mumbai. He added that beyond connectivity projects, the two nations should also cooperate to promote cultural exchanges, cooperation in education and people-to-people contacts under the OBOR framework. Luo described the existing differences between India and China as "within a family", but expressed optimism over improving the relations in future. ORF Chairman Sudheendra Kulkarni, a media aide to former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, said relations between India and China should be guided by their profound civilisational wisdom. "India, China and Pakistan should forge a friendly relationship and resolve differences peacefully, which is critical for changing the destiny of South Asia, which could change the destiny of Asia and the world in the 21st century," Kulkarni urged. Professor Ji Xianlin (1911-2009) was a renowned Sanskrit scholar and Chinese Indologist who translated the epic Ramayana into Mandarin. University of Mumbai Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh announced that the new centre would be upgraded as Ji Xianlin School for India-China Studies from the next academic year. Luo handed over to Solapur Mayor Sushila Abute a carefully restored version of a rare calligraphic homage hand-written by China's founder Mao Zedong to Dwarakanath Kotnis. Kotnis (1910-1942), an Indian medico from Solapur who studied at University of Mumbai, was sent by the Indian National Congress as part of a medical mission to help the Chinese and soldiers during the Japanese war. He died in China while serving there and Luo described him as "a hero of India and a friend of China" and both countries would never forget his humanitarian services and sacrifices. On his first official visit to Mumbai, Luo met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, among other engagements. --IANS qn/gsh/dg AAP says Kejriwal won't be Punjab CM; parties target AAP Punjab,National,Politics, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Chandigarh/New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) The AAP on Tuesday said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal won't be the Punjab Chief Minister, hours after a remark by AAP leader Manish Sisodia asking people to vote for the party "thinking Kejriwal is the Chief Minister" drew widespread flak. The Aam Aadmi Party leadership came in for sharp criticism from the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Congress and the BJP for the "secret wish" of Kejriwal to head Punjab if the AAP is voted to power. Kejriwal is the party's face in Punjab and this doesn't mean he will be its Chief Minister if the AAP wins, the party said. AAP leader Atishi Marlena told CNN that Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia's remarks on Kejriwal being the CM face in Punjab were twisted out of context. "He (Sisodia) said vote as if Kejriwal is going to be the CM. He did not say Kejriwal will be the Chief Minister. He is the face of AAP and that is the face the people of Punjab are looking at," Marlena said. "Kejriwal represents AAP. He represents credibility because he fulfilled several promises in Delhi. He is bringing that credibility to Punjab saying all promises made to the people of Punjab will be fulfilled," she said. "This is not same as saying that he will be the CM there." She added that Kejriwal was the Chief Minister of Delhi and was committed to the people of the national capital. "You should vote thinking that you are voting to make Kejriwal as the Chief Minister (of Punjab). Your vote is for Kejriwal," Sisodia told a gathering in Mohali, adjoining Chandigarh, on Tuesday. "People have been asking me who will be the Punjab Chief Minister (if AAP is voted to power). I have said that they should believe that Kejriwal is going to be Punjab's CM," Sisodia remarked. Sisodia said: "No matter who becomes the Chief Minister of Punjab, it will be the responsibility of Kejriwal to get all the promises honoured. I give you the guarantee for this." The Akali Dal immediately lashed out at the AAP saying that projecting Kejriwal as Chief Minister "was an insult to the entire Punjab leadership of AAP". Akali Dal secretary Daljit Singh Cheema said that "this announcement has unmasked the lust and hunger of Kejriwal". He said that by projecting Kejriwal as the face of the AAP in Punjab, the party leadership has accepted that none of its state leaders was worth projecting as a face for the post of Chief Minister. "This action of Kejriwal also amounts to betrayal with the people of Delhi. After miserably failing to perform as per the expectations of the people of the national capital, Kejriwal has decided to run away from his responsibility," said Cheema, Punjab's Education Minister. Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the statement by Sisodia had exposed the "secret wish of Kejriwal". Sirsa questioned the AAP for not announcing the name of its Punjab Chief Ministerial candidate when it had announced its Goa Chief Minister's face. "Kejriwal has finally exposed his obsessive and abominable lust for Punjab's Chief Ministerial position," Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh said. He blasted the AAP leader "for misleading the people of the state with his shameful lies to the contrary". Amarinder said Kejriwal had been exposed by Sisodia's statement. "The Congress had all along been maintaining that he had Kejriwal was eyeing the top post in Punjab if his party came to power in Punjab." The BJP too criticized the AAP, saying the party's "real face had been exposed". Punjab BJP President and union minister Vijay Sampla said Kejriwal and his gang wanted to take control of Punjab. --IANS js/mr Madhya Pradesh DM gets Rs 5 lakh in box of sweets India,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Bhopal, Jan 10 (IANS) A man put Rs 5 lakh in a box of sweets and gave it to the District Magistrate of Sheopur in Madhya Pradesh as a bribe, the officer, who refused to accept it, told media on Tuesday. According to sources, Abhijeet Agarwal, the District Magistrate of Sheopur, was working in his office when one of his old acquaintances came to meet him on Sunday and presented the box of sweets. Agarwal accepted the box and kept it aside. Later, when he opened it he found it full of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 currency notes instead of sweets. When he realised that he was being bribed, he called the person and gave him an earful. It was not clear for what was the man sweetening the acquaintance with the District Magistrate. However, the DM didn't file a police complaint against the person, the police confirmed. --IANS hindi/lok/vt Man held as police target Libyan jihadist cell Italy,Terrorism, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Rome, Jan 10 (IANS/AKI) Police arrested a suspect and raided locations across Italy's central Lazio region in an operation against Ansar Al-Sharia, a Libyan outfit linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. At a press conference in Rome, police showed journalists an IS flag and knives which they said were among items seized in the raids. The man arrested was married to an Italian convert to Islam and had a child, said police. He had spent time in six different Italian jails for crimes unrelated to terrorism, according to police. "This operation demonstrates how prison can be a place for spreading terrorist ideologies," Rome daily Il Messaggero cited a police officer as saying. Il Messaggero quoted police as naming the man as Hmidi Saber. He had never worked and while in prison told guards he would cut off their heads "in the name of Allah", police were cited as saying. Saber also allegedly proselytised for Al Qaeda and IS while in jail, threatened other inmates and told them he would travel to Syria with his family "to help our Muslim brothers", police said. Saber is 34 and is in custody in Rome's Rebbibia jail. He lived in Ciampino near Rome and was a senior leader of the alleged cell, daily La Repubblica reported. Monday's operation showed how Italy faced "an increasingly fragmented threat linked to petty criminals who are susceptible to ideological and religious extremism", investigators said. --IANS/AKI mr/ Two arrested for hacking ex-Italian PM's emails Italy,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Rome, Jan 10 (IANS/AKI) Italian police on Tuesday arrested two people for hacking the email accounts of former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi and other top officials, including several Vatican cardinals. Leading institutions, bankers, businessmen and the head of Italy's tax police were among tens of thousands of email accounts hacked by nuclear engineer Giulio Occhionero, 45, and his sister Francesca Maria Occhionero, 49, according to investigators. The pair face charges of procuring state security information and illegally intercepting electronic communications. They are said to have run a botnet -- a network of computers harnessed without the owners' knowledge. It is not clear what the information was used for. "Evidence of extortion has not been uncovered," Roberto Di Legami, director of Italy's specialised cyber police unit, told Adnkronos. "We're trying to understand if the information gathered -- especially the financial data -- could have been of economic value," Di Legami said. The investigation is ongoing and began eight months ago, he said. By planting malicious software through emails, it is thought the Occhioneros were able to harvest sensitive information for years. Most of the hacked data was stored in the US and is now being sent back to Italy for analysis. The Occhioneros are London residents who were domiciled in Rome and were well known in the financial world. Police did not state where the brother and sister were detained but it is understood the arrests took place in Italy. Renzi stood down as premier in December after a crushing defeat in a referendum on planned constitutional reforms which his centre-left government claimed would streamline Italy's political machinery. --IANS/AKI ahm/vt Pope to meet Palestinian President at Vatican Holy See (vatican City State),Religion,Diplomacy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Vatican City, Jan 10 (IANS/AKI) Pope Francis will on Saturday receive Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Vatican Radio reported. The meeting comes after Francis on Monday called for peace talks on a permanent two-state solution to resume between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. "Israelis and Palestinians urgently need peace. The whole Middle East urgently needs peace," Francis told ambassadors at the Vatican. He urged "an enduring solution that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of two states within internationally recognised borders." The upcoming meeting between Francis and Abbas follows the entry into force of a landmark accord between the Vatican and the Palestinian Authority at the end of December. Israel attacked the agreement, signed in June 2015, as premature and counter-productive to the Middle East peace process. The Vatican hailed the accord, which includes provisions to protect the rights of Christians, calling it model for other Arab and Muslim states in their relations with Christian minorities in the Middle East. The previous month, Francis met Abbas at the Vatican on May 16, 2015 and presented him with a medallion, calling him "an angel of peace". The Vatican recognised the Palestinian territories as a sovereign state in February 2013 after a November 2012 vote by the United Nations General Assembly in favour of recognition. Israel and the Vatican have had diplomatic relations since 1993. --IANS/AKI ahm/vd Automobile sales accelerate in 2016, but fall in December: SIAM Delhi,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) The Indian automobile sector sold a total of 21,901,572 units across segments and categories to record a growth of 9.17 per cent during 2016, however, the negative impact of demonetisation was seen in December's sales numbers, industry data showed on Tuesday. The data furnished by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) showed that total sales of passenger vehicles, which include cars, utility vehicles and vans, rose by 7.01 per cent to 2,966,637 units in 2016. The industry data revealed that sales of overall commercial vehicles increased by 7.67 per cent. The segment is a key indicator of economic activity. The commercial vehicles segment's off-take for 2016 was 702,640 units. The three-wheelers segment sales rose 6.12 per cent to 545,732 units in 2016. Overall, sales of two-wheelers, which include scooters, motorcycles and mopeds, increased by 9.70 per cent to 17,686,563 units. In contrast, last month's sales numbers showed a very different picture with only the light commercial vehicles (LCV) segment showing a rise of 1.15 per cent. The overall sales across all categories receded by 18.66 per cent to 1,221,929 units in December, while the total passenger vehicle sales declined by 1.36 per cent to 227,824 units. The industry data pointed out that commercial vehicles' sales decreased by 5.06 per cent to 53,966 units. The three-wheelers segment's off-take during the month under review plunged by 36.23 per cent to 29,904 units. The two-wheelers sgement's sales last month dwindled by 22.04 per cent to 910,235 units. Commenting on sales numbers of December 2016, Abdul Majeed, Partner with Price Waterhouse, said: "The automotive industry in general has been impacted due to demonetisation, particularly in rural areas and regions where cash transactions are typically very high." "Players with high volumes in the passenger car segment have reported a decline. OEMs with low volumes and those that are riding on the demand for new models, which involve a waiting period, are relatively less impacted and some have even reported growth." According to Sridhar V., Partner, Grant Thornton India, two-wheeler segment was most impacted in December 2016 due to demonetisation. "One will have to hope that the demand in commercial vehicles and two-wheelers picks up in the next few months in lieu of the Bharat IV requirements from April 2017 to sustain the growth," Sridhar said. "This will determine if the year can end with an often quoted double-digit growth. However, I would keep my fingers crossed," he added. --IANS rv/vt 12 killed as Tanzanian boat capsizes Tanzania,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Arusha (Tanzania), Jan 10 (IANS) At least 12 persons died when a boat capsized in the Indian Ocean near north-eastern Tanzania's coastal city of Tanga, officials said on Tuesday. Tanga Regional Police Commander Benedict Wakulyamba said that the boat was heading to Pemba island from Tanga. He said that 28 others were rescued, Xinhua new agency reported. He said the accident occurred around 4.15 a.m. on Tuesday in an area close to Jambe island. The police were still working on establishing the exact number of passengers on board. He said that the dead included five children from one family and survivors were rushed to the Tanga regional hospital. The boat MV Burudan was owned by a Pemba-based businessman. The regional police chief said the cause of the accident was yet to be established, though earlier reports said that the boat was hit hard by a strong wave, lost control and capsized. --IANS ahm/vt Delhi woman crushed to death in freak accident Delhi,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) In a freak accident, a 25-year-old woman was crushed to death under a DTC bus here on Tuesday after she fell from the vehicle's front door, the police said. The accident took place at 4 p.m. at Dwarka intersection when Jyoti, a resident of Najafgarh, boarded the DTC bus but fell down accidentally as the driver opened the door of the bus, said the police. She was crushed under the rear wheel of the bus and died on the spot. The errant driver was arrested at the accident site. "Jyoti worked as a nurse in the local Ayushman Hospital and was to get married on February 2, 2017," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Surender Kumar said. "She was returning to her residence after distributing wedding cards to her colleagues in the hospital. She had recently left the job for marriage," he said. Her father Sohan Pal is working in a garment company in Gurugram, Kumar said. The bus driver, Suresh, 52, was thrashed by the locals but later was rescued and arrested by the police, the officer added. --IANS sp/nir/vt Six die in Uttar Pradesh accident Uttar Pradesh,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Lucknow, Jan 10 (IANS) Six persons were killed and more than three dozen injured when an Uttar Pradesh Roadways bus rammed into a private bus in Bareilly city on Tuesday, police said. According to an official, the injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital. Two of them are in critical condition. Bodies have been sent for post-mortem, the official said. --IANS md/py/ Vibrant Gujarat Summit a platform for BJP's corruption: Congress Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 11 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) The Congress on Wednesday termed the Vibrant Gujarat Summit "a platform for BJP's corruption" "Vibrant Gujarat is nothing but a platform for BJP's corruption and companies have used Vibrant Gujarat as a platform to inflate their share value and attract financial institutions for more funding," Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil told media persons. "Also, there have been cases of land grabbing through such project announcements," he added. The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when Gujarat Chief Minister is being held in Gandhinagar January 10 to 13 with the central focus on "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". "The nation is stuck in an economic crisis and has become more acute since the Prime Minister announced demonetisation. On one hand, the nation is still struggling to come to terms in the aftermath of demonitisation and on the other hand BJP government in Gujarat is busy celebrating so called festivals like Vibrant Gujarat summit, spending not lakhs but crores, collected from people," said Gohil. "Modi ji who initiated this summit as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2003, launched the 2015 edition as the Prime Minister of India. This is for the second time that he is inaugurating Vibrant Gujarat as Prime Minister. This clearly shows that despite moving to the centre as the PM he continues to call the shots in Gujarat and this summit by all means is Modi's affair," he added. Gohil also said Gujarat government's claim of investment through Vibrant Summit is Rs.84.55 lakh crore agreements signed from 2003 to 2015, but the "real" and "authentic" data of Industries Commissioner Gujarat says industrial approvals in the state from 1983 to 2016 is only of 9.5 lakh crore. "State's BJP government makes high claims on the economic growth of the state through investment made in the Vibrant Summit MOUs but as per the official records published in the budget the state has witnessed lowest Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rate in the last ten years according to the statement under Financial Responsibility Act(FRA) published with the last budget." --IANS sid/vd 11 killed, UAE envoy among injured in Kandahar blast Israel,Terrorism, Wed, 11 Jan 2017 IANS Kabul, Jan 11 (IANS) At least 11 people were killed in an explosion at a provincial government guest house in Kandahar city of Afghanistan on Tuesday, officials said. The UAE ambassador, another envoy and Kandahar Governor Hamayun Azizi were among those injured in the explosion, provincial spokesperson Samim Khpolwak, who is himself injured, told TOLOnews. He said at least four Arabs, who were bodyguards, were among those killed. A source told TOLOnews the governor was in a serious condition. Also, the Kandahar police chief, General Abdul Raziq, who was also at the guesthouse at the time of the explosion, was unharmed. The explosion took place during a high-level meeting at the guest house. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack. Meanwhile, the toll from two suicide blasts in the Kabul city earlier on Tuesday rose to 28, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday night, adding among the killed were four police officers and four women. It said about 64 people were injured by the bombings. The Taliban militant group has claimed responsibility for Kabul attack. --IANS sku/ Islamic State could be routed in 2017: Italian PM France,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Wed, 11 Jan 2017 IANS Paris, Jan 11 (IANS/AKI) The Islamic State jihadist group could see military defeat his year, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Tuesday. "The year 2017 could be the one in which Daesh gets defeated," Gentiloni said, using the Arabic acronym for IS, after a meeting here with French President Francois Hollande. "But we are all aware that military victory will not be enough unless it is accompanied by victory on a cultural and social level and the recognition of our values and way of life." Italy and France belong to a 68-member military coalition against IS which has significantly degraded IS's capabilities since its launch by US President Barack Obama in September 2014. With coalition support, local ground forces, with have now retaken 56 percent of the populated territory IS once held in Iraq and 27 percent in Syria, Obama's special envoy to the coalition, Brett McGurk, told its plenary meeting in Washington DC on 28 November. IS foreign fighters in Iraq and Syria are at their lowest levels in two and a half years and "negligible" numbers are entering the countries, while the group's revenue sources have seen a "dramatic" decrease, McGurk said. Almost all of IS leader Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi's deputies have been killed and precision airstrikes are also targeting IS's external plotters, military commanders, administrators, recruiters, communicators, and battlefield fighters, he stated. --IANS/AKI vd J&K: One militant killed in gunfight, one soldier injured Jammu and Kashmir, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 NI Wire In a gunfight between the security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir, one militant was killed and an army soldier was injured. The increasing numbers of terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir were seen recently. The security forces got information about the terrorists and then they carried a search operation in Valley where a gunfight started with terrorists. As per the officials said, one militant was killed and an army soldier was injured in a gunfight between militants and the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, Security forces surrounded the Parray Mohalla in Hajin area of Kashmirs Bandipora district on this morning following information about militant presence in the village. He also added, When security forces were tightening the cordon, they were fired upon triggering the gunfight. Describing about the operation he said, One militant was killed and one army soldier injured in this encounter. According to him, Firing exchanges have stopped, but a combing operation is on in the area. Earlier, the security forces killed the top LeT commander in a gunfight which was also a big achievement for the forces as the commander was most wanted and the security forces were searching him from some time. All these activities were seen increased after the surgical strike performed by the security forces. The surgical strike was done by the security forces as revenge, after the Uri attacks and the Pathankot air base attack. India gave all the clues which connects terrorism connection from the neighbouring country Pakistan whereas Pakistan after seeing all the reports did not even felt guilt and said that these terrorists does not belongs to Pakistan. --with agency inputs PM Modi has a little heart: Arvind Kejriwal Delhi, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 NI Wire The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using his mother for political benefit and said that the Prime Minister has a little heart. Accusing the Prime Minister the Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal urged him to allow her to live at the Prime Ministers residence. The AAP leader tweeted that, no one makes political benefit by using his mother in the politics and he also arised the issue of the Prime Ministers mother standing in a queue for money. He tweeted that, I keep my mother with me. Take her blessings every day but dont broadcast it to the whole world. I do not make my mother stand in the queue for political benefit. The Delhi Chief Ministers remarks came after Modi visited Gandhinagar to meet his mother and later tweeted about it. It was the Prime Minister earlier, who tweeted about the change in his program and visiting his mother. The Prime Minister earlier this morning tweeted that, Skipped Yoga and went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together. The Prime Ministers mother Heeraben is 97-year-old and lives with his brother in Gandhinagar. After the Prime Ministers tweet, the AAP leader also responded and said, the Prime Minister should let his mother live with him as his residence was big enough. Arvind Kejriwal also said that, According to Hindu religion and culture, one should keep his mother and wife with him. Prime Ministers residence is quite big. Have a little heart. As you know, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped Yoga and went to visit his mother in Gandhinagar. He also tweeted about his changed program. --with agency inputs Bollywood Celebs wishes Happy Birthday to the Greek God of B-Town Mumbai, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 NI Wire The amazing dancer and the Greek God of Bollywood, the Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan turned 43 today. The Kaabil actor got blessings from B-Town celebs of the fraternity including Farhan Akhtar, Abhishek Bachchan and Govinda took to Twitter to wish the amazing dancer good health, happiness and love. Hrithik Roshan, is well known for giving a glimpse of his talent as a chil artiste in Hindi films like Bhagwaan Dada won many hearts. He made his Bollywood debut later in a romantic role in the block buster movie Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai which was released in 2000. The Dancing sensation of B-Town has films like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..."Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" and "Agneepath," among many others to his credit. He will next be seen in Sanjay Gupta's forthcoming film "Kaabil", which also stars Yami Gautam. Here is the list of the Bollywood celebrities who wished Hrithik on his birthday. Farhan Akhtar: And here's wishing you Hrithik an awesome year ahead. Happy birthday and keep spreading that love and good vibe wherever you go. Big big hug. Govinda: Happy birthday to one of the most amazing dancers Hrithik. God bless. Abhishek Bachchan: Bro braz! Today I wish you good health and happiness forever. Have a great birthday Hrithik big love. Farah Khan: Happy Birthday Duggu, May you have the best year ever with loads of happiness health wealth prosperity, lots of success and love. Hrithik. Riteish Deshmukh: Dearest Hrithik - wishing you a very happy birthday.. have a blessed one. Keep inspiring...best wishes for 'Kaabil'.. looks so good! Sajid Khan: Happy birthday my friend Hrithik have a great one. Happy Birthday Hrithik Roshan. Kunal Kohli: Hrithik happy birthday. One never forgets their first. You're mine. My directorial debut was with you, love you always Uday Chopra: Happy Birthday! Hrithik here's to an amazing day and year ahead. Lots of Love. Vishal Dadlani: Happy Birthday, Hrithik! Big love and a spectacular year! Rajpal Yadav: Hope that you have a wonderful birthday Hrithik. Wishing you great success and happiness in the years to come! Happy Birthday Hrithik Roshan. --with agency inputs Frank Micelotta/Getty ImagesThe memory of Prince will live on, not only through his legendary music, but also in two African schools built in honor of the music icon, with the second having just opened this Monday. The Chisumbu School in the southeast African country of Malawi opened its doors to 174 students for their first day of classes, says Billboard. Prince's ex-wife, Manuela Testolini, and his half-brother Omarr Baker both attended the grand event. The first school erected in Prince's honor, the Phaso School, along with the Chisumbu School, were founded by Testolini's In a Perfect World foundation. "After we announced the Phaso School, I received an email from Prince fans -- NPG UK and the Purple Army -- who wanted to contribute and be part of something that was tangible. So I asked if they'd like to work toward a second school. To me, this is their baby," said Manuela. In a Perfect World was developed to empower underrepresented and at-risk youth with "supporting programs that provide education, mentoring and artistic expression." The charity has already established schools in several other countries including Mali, Senegal and Nicaragua. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Share There is a growing demand for information and communications technologies by consumers and organizations that are reliant on advanced networking solutions. While the fixed network infrastructure is moving to gigabit services and beyond as a standard, wireless networks are also moving towards that direction with the latest 4G LTE (News - Alert) and the highly anticipated 5G by the end of the decade. According to Persistence Market Research (PMR), the need for next generation communications solutions that depend on wireless technology is pushing the global 4G LTE devices market to grow at a robust pace until 2024. In the report, PMR predicts this market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1 percent during the forecast period, resulting in a market value of $926.1 billion by 2024, which is almost triple the $344.8 billion of 2016. The demand for 4G LTE devices is being driven from end users that are accessing rich media communications and services, including video conferencing, hosted cloud solutions, streaming videos, gaming and more. Therefore, the devices have to handle these capabilities with features such as low network latency rate, better battery backup, and screen resolution. And this is increasing the demand for 4G LTE devices. For network operators it means investing in technologies that are capable of delivering these next generation communications services with investments in network solutions such as SDN and NFV to deliver more efficient networks as more devices get connected in the smart cities and homes we will be living in. If the forecast is to come to fruition, it will take collaboration between public and private sectors to deploy the necessary infrastructure and regulatory policies that will encourage the growth. Regarding this particular issue, PMR said, Device manufacturers at international and domestic levels are playing an important role in the global 4G (LTE) devices market by innovating in different ways. For instance, manufacturers are collaborating with network providers to provide a better service and make it more affordable for their customers. Government initiatives in some regions to encourage deployment of advanced network data consumption is impacting the global 4G (LTE) devices market positively. In the report, the global 4G LTE devices market was segmented into device type such as smartphones and tablets, pricing, distribution channel and region. The Asia-Pacific and North America regions are expected to register the highest growth rates in the eight year period of the forecast, with the former expected to generate $315.0 billion between 2016 and 2024 and the latter remaining in second position because of the high penetration rate that exists there. Some of the leading companies that will be providing the hardware and software to provide next generation communications include, Apple, Samsung, ZTE, Huawei, Lenovo, ASUSTeK., Xiaomi and LG Electronics (News - Alert). Edited by Alicia Young We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. A Moroccan man affiliated to the Islamic State group (IS) plotting a shoe bombing attack has been arrested by the Moroccan countre-terrorist forces after failing to join the terrorist organization in Irak, and Syria, reports say. Counter-terrorism forces of National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ) netted the IS sympathizer at Oued Laou, near the Moroccan Northern city of Tetouan, local media Assabah reports. Investigations and interrogation enabled forces to uncover the attackers strategies reportedly also used by leaders of the organization. Investigators, after analyzing the suspects computer, discovered new tactics, such as the shoe bomb used by the terrorists to evade security forces attention, Assabah notes. Security forces also seized a sword, a bow and arrows as well as nails, explosive items and a paramilitary pant. The suspect admitted to have tried to join IS in Syria and Iraq on several occasions but failed. He has been active on propaganda website of the terrorist organization, Assabah quotes security force sources as saying. Some 500 IS militants are reportedly active in Morocco. The General Secretariat of the Union of Arab Banks released a study underscoring the resilience of the Moroccan banking sector, which remains insulated from external risks that could affect its performance. The Beirut-based Union added that the Banking sectors of Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Sudan show high resilience thanks notably to political conditions. The Union praised the efforts led by central banks in these countries to ensure monetary and financial stability. The study sheds light on a host of risks that are facing banks in Arab countries, notably those linked to the security and political situation that impact financial institutions as well as growth rates. The study projects that Arab banks will face several challenges with regards to liquidity and slow growth of deposits. Yet the study shows that one of the biggest challenges to be addressed in 2017 is the risks relating to liquidity in the banks of the Gulf Cooperation Council and other oil exporting countries such as Algeria, Iraq and Libya where a significant drop in deposits from the public sector have been registered on the backdrop of the slump in oil revenues. The study ranks the banking sector of the UAE in the first position in terms of assets, which stood at $694.9 billion in the first quarter of 2016. Cory Booker. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images Several high-profile figures have already come out against Senator Jeff Sessionss nomination for attorney general, and last week the national president of the NAACP was arrested while protesting Donald Trumps nomination of the Alabama senator. Now, in an unprecedented move, one of Sessionss Senate colleagues is testifying against him at his confirmation hearing. Three members of the Congressional Black Caucus have been added to the list of people testifying at Sessionss hearing, including Senator Cory Booker. I do not take lightly the decision to testify against a Senate colleague, Booker said in a statement. But the immense powers of the attorney general combined with the deeply troubling views of this nominee is a call to conscience. The New Jersey senators office said the Senate historian could not find any previous instance of a senator testifying against a colleague nominated for a Cabinet position. California Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, told Politico that the three lawmakers Booker, Representative John Lewis, a civil rights icon, and Representative Cedric Richmond, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus asked her to let them speak at the hearing on Sessions, which is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. She went to chairman Chuck Grassley, who agreed to let them testify, but only if they appear after outside witnesses testify. Democrats are miffed, since members of Congress are usually allowed to testify before non-members; they believe Republicans are trying to bury the high-profile opposition to Sessions. Asking three members of Congress to sit and wait until the end of the hearing to testify likely at the same time the Senate will be holding important budget votes is deeply unfair, Feinstein said. These members offer a very important perspective and they deserve to be heard. However, Grassley spokeswoman Beth Levine said letting the lawmakers speak first was unacceptable. A members-only panel that could have preceded even Senator Sessions, simply to satisfy an ideological perspective, was unacceptable to Senator Grassley, Levine said. Instead, a third panel, with both supporters and opponents, has been added to the hearing following the panel of citizens on Wednesday afternoon. There is a long list of reasons why Democrats do not want Sessions to helm the Justice Department from his resistance to expanding LGBT rights to his opposition to medical marijuana and senators say they plan to raise a broad range of topics at the hearing. But the biggest issue facing the senator is accusations of racism. The Senate denied Sessions a federal judgeship in 1986 after former colleagues claimed he made racist remarks while serving as U.S. attorney in Alabama. Opponents also point to his criticism of the Voting Rights Act, and his decision to pursue voter-fraud charges against activists registering black voters in 1985. Weve seen Jeff Sessions thats Senator Jeff Sessions consistently voting against or speaking out against key ideals of the Voting Rights Act, taking measures to try to block criminal justice reform, Booker said Monday night on MSNBC. He has a posture and a positioning that I think represent a real danger to our country. Anticipating the criticism of Sessionss history on race, Republicans lined up some well-known defenders. Senator Tim Scott, the only black Republican in the Senate, said on Monday evening that after talking with Sessions and researching his record, hes endorsing him for attorney general. CNN reported that former secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sent a letter to Grassley backing Sessions, calling him a man who is committed to justice and knows that law and order are necessary to guarantee freedom and liberty. Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Those concerned that Republican senators are rushing through Trumps Cabinet appointments, though some nominees havent been thoroughly vetted, scored a small victory on Monday night. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions has postponed its confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos, Donald Trumps pick for Education secretary. DeVos, a billionaire whos spent millions on promoting charter schools and school vouchers in Michigan, was originally set to have her hearing on Wednesday, along with four other Cabinet nominees. Now her hearing has been rescheduled for January 17 at 5 p.m. Ethics reports for four of the nominees set to face hearings this week, including DeVos, had yet to be made public as of Monday night. Several days ago the Office of Government Ethics complained that they were being rushed through the process though with so many billionaires in Trumps cabinet, this years vetting is unusually complex. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed calls for more time to properly examine the nominees potential conflicts of interest, prompting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to point out that McConnell called for a thorough vetting of all nominees eight years ago. The committees statement on the scheduling change for DeVos said nothing about her incomplete ethics report. Betsy DeVos is an outstanding nominee who has complied with all of the committees requirements and no one doubts that she will be confirmed as Education Secretary, an aide to committee chairman Lamar Alexander told the Washington Post. This hearing delay is simply to accommodate the Senate schedule. An aide to Patty Murray, the committees ranking Democrat, said she hopes this delay will give DeVos time to complete the required paperwork just as every single one of President Obamas nominees did and as Leader McConnell demanded eight years ago. The first confirmation hearing is set to begin on Tuesday, for attorney general Jeff Sessions. His ethics report is complete, but a review by independent ethics experts found on Monday that the senator failed to disclose that he owns oil interests on land in Alabama. He only earns about $4,700 a year from the small holding, but Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told the Post that the omission is particularly troubling because this ownership interest involves oil and gas holdings connected to a federal wildlife refuge. An attorney assisting Sessions with the confirmation process said hed discussed the matter privately with Justice Department ethics officials and they did not raise any concerns. He said theyll investigate the matter and the paperwork will be amended if necessary. Regardless, the omission illustrates a point made by Norm Eisen, who served as an ethics lawyer in the Obama administration: Even if the ethics reports are completed just before all of this weeks hearings, it may be too late. The whole point of ventilating this stuff is to enable the American people and senators to ask questions of the nominee about how you are going to address conflicts, Eisen said. Once shut down by bird poop. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images Indian Point Energy Center, the more than aging nuclear power plant in Westchester County thats just a short trip up the Hudson River from Americas most populous city, will fully close by 2021. Governor Andrew Cuomo revealed the planned shutdown of the plant which has been under fire for years over safety and environmental concerns in the first of his official State of the State speeches, delivered Monday in Manhattan. Entergy, the company that runs the plant, confirmed that it would shutter one reactor by April 2020, and the other by April 2021. The company cited the high costs of maintaining the facility as one of the primary reasons for shutting down. According to the New York Times, the plants two reactors generate about one-fourth of the electricity consumed in the city and in Westchester County. State officials said the timeline for Indian Points closure would give the area leeway to adjust and replace the energy source, and that any increase in electricity costs would be negligible. Officials also batted away concern over loss of jobs and tax revenue for Westchester. Entergy said it would make room at other facilities for workers. Indian Point which went online in the 1970s employs about 1,000 people. One big benefit of nuclear power generally, and Indian Point specifically, is that all that electricity is generated carbon-free. Finding replacement sources without ramping up New Yorks carbon footprint is definitely going to be a challenge. McConnell is planning a crazy day this week so that no one thing happening in the Senate will get much attention. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Over the last two years, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has helped engineer one of the most indolent Congressional schedules of activity ever. Now that he has a Republican president about to take office, however, hes about to pick up the pace. This Wednesday he is scheduling six confirmation hearings for Trump-cabinetlevel employees, on the very day that debate concludes over the budget resolution that sets up an Obamacare repeal and Democrats offer a blizzard of amendments. To add to the fog, Donald Trump is holding his first press conference since winning the election on you guessed it Wednesday. Senate Democrats will be radically overextended by this jam-packed day. They will have to ask tough questions at multiple simultaneous confirmation hearings, and also participate in a budget resolution vote-a-rama seeking to embarrass and discomfit Republicans on their secret budget/Obamacare plans. Their leader, Chuck Schumer, says theyll try to slow down the confirmation hearings, in part by attributing the stampede to a desire to circumvent the ethics vetting Team Trump has not bothered to prioritize. Any attempt by Republicans to have a series of rushed, truncated hearings before Inauguration Day and before the Congress and public have adequate information on all of them is something Democrats will vehemently resist, Schumer added in a statement to The Washington Post confirming his caucuss plans. If Republicans think they can quickly jam through a whole slate of nominees without a fair hearing process, theyre sorely mistaken. Its not clear exactly what vehemently resist means other than agitating the air with wailing and gnashing of teeth and hoping people notice. Thats the other devilish aspect of the GOPs plans for Wednesday: News media will undoubtedly miss a lot of potential stories by covering bits and pieces of the Senate action (many media folk will look for any excuse not to have to explain the procedural intricacies of a vote-a-rama) plus a rare Trump presser. And in terms of public attention, its the time of year when some big weather event is always going to be in the news. Mitch McConnell and his House and Team Trump allies would love to get through this week of potential controversy with the whole world focused on something, anything else. Cramming it all into one day makes that a lot more likely. Barack Obama. Photo: Dan Winters Barack Obama is one of a handful of presidents with transformative domestic legacies. Some of those presidents, like Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, left their office to a chosen successor who carried forward their vision. Lyndon Johnson saw his popularity dissipate in response to a failed war. Abraham Lincoln was murdered, and his successor, Andrew Johnson, was a pro-slavery southern Democrat who abhorred Lincolns vision. There is no precedent for a departing chief executive like Barack Obama. Having saved the economy from ruin, reshaped health care and environmental policy, and reformed the financial industry, he leaves office as the most popular politician in America, to be succeeded by a man who has mocked his work, not to mention the legitimacy of his citizenship, and has pledged to destroy it all. After conservatives spent the Obama years terrified hed sent their country spiraling into a socialist dystopia, and liberals spent it fretting he had done too little, they are mostly united in their belief that Donald Trump will erase the entire Obama project in the blink of an eye. On November 10, Charles Krauthammer gloated, Obamas legacy is toast; its gone. Many liberals quickly arrived at the same conclusion. What will outlast Trump? asked John Judis in The New Republic. We just threw everything out! But this assumption is too shallow and too confident. It reflects, in part, the conservative fallacy that Obama mostly relied on easily reversible executive orders and the liberal fallacy that he mostly floundered in the face of Republican obstruction. The truth is that Obama enacted careful, deep, and mostly popular solutions to a broad array of problems to which his opponents have no workable response. For all the horrors Trump may yet unleash, the specific changes Obama wrought may prove far more durable than either his gloating enemies or his despairing supporters believe. Some of these changes are being overlooked or misunderstood today, just as they were when they first were enacted. The 2009 stimulus, for instance, included a tax credit for workers at the bottom of the income scale, the primary purpose of which was to get more cash into the hands of people who could spend it quickly. It succeeded at this task, but it also served a long-term social objective of making the tax code more progressive. In 2015, Obama struck a deal with the Republican Congress to make those tax cuts permanent in return for making permanent a series of supposedly temporary business tax cuts that had been routinely extended for years. Also, in 2013, the administration allowed expiring Bush-era tax cuts on incomes over $450,000 to lapse, which triggered the return of higher Clinton-era tax rates. The combined effect of lower taxes on the middle class and the poor, higher taxes on the wealthy, and Obamacare provisions reduced post-tax incomes for the highest-earning one percent by more than 5 percent and increased incomes for the lowest-earning tenth of households by an average of 27 percent. With vanishingly little attention, Obama had moved the needle against income inequality. Ever since the Reagan administration, Republicans have spent every ounce of their political capital on shifting the tax burden off the rich and onto everybody else, and Trump is very likely to sign into law a big tax cut for the rich. But Republicans will have a harder time undoing Obamas tax cuts for struggling Americans, and the harder they work to reward the rich at the expense of the poor, the more they will scuff up Trumps self-styled image as the enemy of the elite. The energy they exert on erasing Obamas tax policy will come at substantial political cost. Obama had hoped his successor would accelerate the clean-energy revolution he began, a plan obviously foiled by the election of a president who has deemed climate science a Chinese-authored hoax and has pledged to eliminate all federal regulation of greenhouse-gas pollution. Unlike other extreme positions Trump has taken, most of which would inflict immediate harm on many Americans, his opposition to any policy to slow climate change stands a good chance of remaining in place because its effects will sink in long after he departs. Containing climate change ultimately requires not just continuing Obamas policies but expanding and deepening them, ultimately weaning the economy off carbon altogether. The most hopeful scenario, which had finally come into view at the end of Obamas term, was rendered moot by Trumps election. And the damage wrought will likely be irreversible: A glacier cannot easily be unmelted. This does not mean the task of sparing the planet from the worst effects of runaway global warming is hopeless, though or that Trump can nullify what Obama accomplished. Trumps promise to bring back coal-mining jobs by eliminating regulations is a fantasy. Natural-gas power plants have replaced coal at a rapid clip in part because they are now dramatically less expensive. And thanks to $90 billion in investments from the stimulus, and incentives that were extended during the 2015 tax deal, green technology has grown dramatically more effective and affordable. Since Obama took office, wind-energy prices have fallen by 66 percent, utility-scale solar-energy prices by 75 percent, and electric-car-battery costs by 65 percent. In much of the country, zero-emission electricity is cost-competitive even with natural gas. Conservatives will not want to pay higher electricity bills just for the privilege of emitting more carbon dioxide. Nor will Obamas diplomatic achievements disappear. In 2014, he agreed to a sweeping bilateral climate pact with China, setting the stage for the breakthrough Paris climate agreement the following year. Trump has promised to withdraw from the agreement, but it is possible that even if he does, it will be too late for him to scuttle its progress. American states and cities most notably California have already begun efforts to reduce their emissions beyond what Washington has required. And since American power plants have already met their 2024 emissions-reduction targets under the Paris agreement, a case could be made to the world that America has upheld its end of the bargain and the agreement could remain in place. Many developing countries can now build a new solar plant at lower cost than one using fossil fuels. Trump may slow the pace of diplomatic and technological change that Obamas green-energy revolution began, and that slowing will have horrendous consequences, but he will not reverse it. And then theres Obamacare. In keeping with his partys animating impulses, Trump ran for president calling it a disaster. But many Republicans privately recognized the law was anything but. Even in the face of hysterical Republican resistance and outright sabotage, the law has reduced the ranks of the uninsured by 20 million and come in well under budget (the federal government by 2016 was spending less on health care than it was projected to spend before Obamacare passed). Insurers eager to sign up customers initially set prices too low, and when premiums rose sharply last year, Republicans triumphantly claimed the laws new exchanges were headed into a death spiral of rising prices and fleeing customers. But newer evidence has suggested otherwise, as rates have floated back to the levels originally projected by the Congressional Budget Office. In the fall, new customers flocked to sign up for the exchanges, bringing up enrollment. A financial analysis by S&P predicted that the premium increases were a onetime pricing correction and that 2017 will likely see continued improvement for insurers. This means that Republicans eager to tear up Obamas signature accomplishment will have to rip away coverage from millions of Americans who rely on the law for their medical care (and, not incidentally, penalize the doctors, hospitals, and insurers who make a living selling it to them). During the campaign, Trump promised to replace the law first with something terrific, which he frequently assured audiences would take care of every Americans medical needs at much less cost. It seemed obvious that the candidate lacked even a cursory understanding of how the law worked, what changes he would bring about, or how he could possibly fulfill his promise of fabulous medical care for all. Once elected, Trump told reporters he wanted to maintain the laws protections for patients with preexisting conditions. Possibly the incoming president failed to grasp that these safeguards required the other elements in the law in order to function. Perhaps he was misleading the public about his support. Either way, he did understand a simple political logic: It is easy for politicians to block new benefits, but difficult to strip away existing ones. The Republican plan to eliminate Obamacare has appeared to be: Vote to repeal the law; delay the actual repeal for a long time; and then, allegedly, create an Obamacare replacement. Repeal and delay sounds attractive in theory, but it presents Republicans with enormous political risks. If they pass a law with no replacement in hand, insurers and hospitals will face huge financial losses, and this will probably disrupt coverage for millions of their customers. The only way to prevent such a catastrophe will be to shore up the system until Congress devises a replacement. But patching up Obamacare will enrage conservatives who oppose bailouts for the insurance industry and will also demonstrate that Obamacare can work. Republicans, like Colonel Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai, will have built the thing they had set out to destroy. Recently, a growing number of Republican, or Republican-friendly, voices have turned against the repeal-and-delay strategy. Even the president-elect has warned Republicans to be careful, lest they be blamed for the chaos that repealing the law would create. But they have no attractive option at hand. Obamacare can be defunded with 50 Republican Senate votes, but replacing it requires rewriting the insurance regulations in the law, which needs 60 Senate votes, or at least eight Democrats. Republicans could try to negotiate with Democrats on changes to the law that would make it more Republican-friendly taxing rich people less, skimping on subsidies to the poor and sick, lowering premiums for the rich and healthy that they could call an Obamacare replacement. If the changes were small enough, and they left most of the laws achievements in place, Democrats might accept them in return for a truce in the health-care wars. But theres no course of action for Republicans that avoids taking on high levels of political risk. They have made impossible promises on Obamacare and are quickly finding themselves stuck in a political quagmire. Many other elements of Obamas legacy will prove difficult or impossible to reverse permanently. The Trump administration will almost certainly refuse to enforce as intended the Dodd-Frank act, which dramatically curtailed risk in the financial system. But this is the standard approach by a Republican presidency toward regulations it dislikes but lacks the votes to overturn. Republican administrations inevitably refuse to enforce labor law, environmental regulations, workplace protections, and so on. Dodd-Frank will fall into the same category. And when a Democrat (or perhaps a moderate Republican in a chastened future party) returns to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the legacy of these reforms will be renewed without having to wait or hope for congressional approval. The actions Obama took to save the economy fiscal stimulus, a bank restructuring, and an auto bailout cannot be undone. And the almost completely unnoticed reforms to education unleashed by the Race to the Top grants tucked into the stimulus continue to drive innovation and better results in public schools. Obamas reactionary opponents wish to nullify his legacy not because it changed little but because it changed so much. Any large-scale reordering of power and resources in American life will inevitably face resistance, sometimes for decades. After Lincoln managed to ban slavery, southern states launched a violent terrorist counterattack, disenfranchising their African-American citizens, subjecting them to constant physical terror, and forcing them into exploitative labor arrangements almost tantamount to slavery. Conservatives never gave up their hatred for Franklin Roosevelts reforms, and the war against New Deal programs has never ended. (As recently as 2005, Republicans were trying to privatize Social Security.) Republicans continue to attack jewels of Lyndon Johnsons legacy, like Medicaid and the Voting Rights Act. Sweeping reforms create powerful enemies who do not disappear. As Obama warned in a 2014 speech at the LBJ Presidential Library, History travels not only forwards; history can travel backwards, history can travel sideways. Trump may very well destroy the underpinnings of a system of government put in place more than two and a quarter centuries ago, and if he does, it will be not only Obamas legacy that is repealed but the legacies of every president from Washington onward. But the future is not predetermined. It depends upon our actions and choices. Protecting, fulfilling, and, in some cases, restoring Obamas legacy will require mustering the political will to rally around it. If Obamas supporters defend the pillars of his legacy, rather than fatalistically accept their destruction, they stand a good chance of warding off the most frontal attacks. And where they fail, and Obamas achievements are repealed, then they can set out to repeal the repeal when the opportunity presents itself. And it will. Previous generations of Americans knew times when it seemed impossible to imagine slavery might be abolished, women given the right to vote, business subject to any government regulation. Progress tends to come in great dramatic bursts of action and then recede. Barack Obamas presidency represented one of those great bursts. His was a vision and incarnation of an American future. His enemies long to restore a past of rigid social hierarchy, with a threadbare state that yields to the economically powerful. He, not they, represents the values of the youngest Americans and the world they will one day inhabit. Excerpted from Audacity: How Barack Obama Defied His Critics and Created a Legacy That Will Prevail, by Jonathan Chait. To be published January 17 by Custom House, an imprint of William Morrow. Copyright 2017 by Jonathan Chait. *This article appears in the January 9, 2017, issue of New York Magazine. Mitch McConnells beautiful dream of throwing 20 million people off their insurance may have died tonight. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images The Republican plan to repeal Obamacare and delay the implementation of the repeal with a promise to come up with a terrific replacement later is probably the partys best way to destroy Obamacare. Unfortunately for Republicans, its also the best way to destroy the Republican majority in Congress. Something big is happening in the Senate right now: The Republican plan, affirmed again today by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is facing dire peril from Republican defections. Republicans need a House majority, 50 Senate votes, and soon-to-be President Trump to pass repeal and delay. If Republicans lose three Senate votes, that drops them to 49, and repeal and delay cannot pass. At least three Republican senators (in addition to all the Democrats) now oppose repeal and delay. Rand Paul, of all people, has demanded that Congress repeal Obamacare at the same time it passes a plan to replace it. Paul has announced that he spoke with Trump and secured his agreement on this. Trump has not said so himself, confining his comments to date to a vague assurance, Thats all gonna work out. Trump, of course, tends to change his mind frequently and agree with whomever he spoke with last. But other Republicans senators are taking the initiative. Fellow Republican Lamar Alexander says the same thing as Paul: We have to take each part of it and consider what it would take to create a new and better alternative and then begin to create that alternative and once its available to the American people, then we can finally repeal Obamacare. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas said on MSNBC, It would not be the right path for us to repeal Obamacare without laying out a path forward. And Senator Bob Corker is walking right up to the edge of the same position, asking Trump to tweet out confirmation of what Paul claims he promised. If it is his view, it would be really good if he would consider tweeting it out very clearly. Theres more and more concerns about not doing it simultaneously, Corker says. Even more ominously for the Republican leadership, four other Republicans have joined Corker to sponsor a bill delaying the bill that would repeal Obamacare for a month: Five GOP senators offer an amendment to extend the Obamacare repeal reconciliation deadline by more than a MONTH. pic.twitter.com/8MPlAy50mR Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) January 9, 2017 Portman, Collins, Cassidy, and Murkowski have not joined the other three in formally opposing any bill that repeals Obamacare without a replacement. But their willingness to buck their party leadership and try to delay a vote that McConnell hopes to rush through as quickly as possible indicates severe reservations about repeal and delay. Meanwhile, numerous Republican governors who dont have a vote on it but can nonetheless exert pressure are lobbying Washington Republicans to protect the parts of the law that their states rely on. The stated goal of the dissenters is mild: They merely want to take a little more time to clarify what comes next. You would think after six years we would have a pretty good sense of what we would like to do, explains Corker. Of course, they dont have a good sense of what to do. They have some vague concepts without agreement. And any Republican plan, when fleshed out, turns out to be extremely risky. Conservatives hate Obamacare because it redistributes too much money from the rich and healthy to the poor and sick. But they dont publicly attack the law on that basis. Instead they attack it for high premiums, high deductibles, and narrow choice of doctors and hospitals all flaws that any Republican plan would have in much higher doses. Republicans have yet to unify around a single, concrete, scorable plan because it is conceptually impossible to design a health-care plan that meets conservative ideological goals and is also acceptable to the broader public. In other words, the dissenters pretend they just want to give the GOP a little more time to design its plan. But more time isnt going to help. Theres never going to be a Republican plan. Republican leaders like McConnell promise the replacement will come soon thereafter, but people in the insurance and medical industry arent idiots. They know later means never. Senate mechanics also explain why its so significant to demand that Obamacare be replaced at the same time its repealed. Republicans can use a budget reconciliation bill to defund Obamacare. A reconciliation bill can evade a filibuster and pass with just 50 senators. But that bill cant create a new system, because reconciliation bills can only be used to change taxes and spending. The insurance regulations requiring insurers to cover essential benefits, not discriminate against people with preexisting conditions, and so on arent taxes and spending. They can only be altered with a regular bill, subject to a filibuster. That means if Republicans want to actually put a new system into place, and not just turn the health-care market into a smoking crater, they need at least eight Senate Democrats to join them. What that means is that replacing Obamacare at the same time its repealed would create completely different parameters for what happens next. There arent going to be eight Democrats willing to support a right-wing bill that throws people into catastrophic coverage plans that dont cover basic medical care, as conservatives would like. It would be a coalition to patch up Obamacare with incremental changes. Maybe Republicans would call it repeal of Obamacare and replacement with something thats about 90 percent similar, but that would be symbolic. A bipartisan law would advance Obamacares goals rather than destroy them. Thats why repeal and delay was the best chance to destroy Obamacare. The gamble was that, by blowing up the health-care system on a fuse, Republicans could pressure Senate Democrats into going along with a Republican-friendly replacement. The details might be unpopular, but coerced Democratic support might give it cover. But this plan only works if 50 Senate Republicans are willing to gamble that they can hold the one-seventh of the economy consumed by health care hostage and force a bunch of Democrats to go along. If that gamble fails, the ruin could easily trigger a backlash against the majority party. Apparently not enough Senate Republicans are willing to roll the dice. If this holds, Obamacare, or something substantially similar, is probably going to survive. Schumer scheming. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images Senate Republicans have scheduled nine confirmation hearings for this week, with five penciled in for Wednesday alone the same day that Donald Trump will hold his first press conference since last summer. The decision to front-load the confirmation process has raised the hackles of the (nonpartisan) Office of Government Ethics, which made its frustrations known in a letter to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over the weekend. The announced hearing schedule for several nominees who have not completed the ethics review process is of great concern, wrote OGE director Walter Shaub. It has left some of the nominees with potentially unknown or unresolved ethics issues shortly before their scheduled hearings I am not aware of any occasion in the four decades since OGE was established when the Senate held a confirmation hearing before the nominee had completed the ethics review process. In truth, the Senate did hold confirmation hearings for Roderick Paige and Elaine Chao (who is now Trumps pick for Transportation Secretary) in 2001 before the OGE had completed their reviews. But those instances were rare exceptions, according to Obama ethics counsel Norm Eisen. Whats more, the importance and difficulty of assessing the potential ethical conflicts of Trumps appointees is far greater than those of his predecessors: The president-elect has assembled the wealthiest cabinet in history, with some appointees holding billions of dollars in assets that are spread throughout the world. As of this writing, four of the nine cabinet nominees who are set to receive confirmation hearings this week still havent completed their OGE ethics reviews prospective Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Commerce Secretary pick Wilbur Ross, would-be Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, and nominee for head of the Department of Homeland Security John Kelly. But Mitch McConnell is unmoved by the OGEs plea for more time. All of these little procedural complaints are related to their frustration at having not only lost the White House, but having lost the Senate, McConnell said on Face the Nation Sunday, ostensibly suggesting that the OGE is a front group for the Democratic Party. I understand that. But we need to, sort of, grow up here and get past that. But if McConnell wont listen to the OGEs words, perhaps, hell take heed of his own. Or so Chuck Schumer seemed to reason on Monday. In 2009, thenMinority Leader McConnell sent thenMajority Leader Reid a letter laying out his list of pre-requisites for time agreements on the floor for President Obamas nominees, Schumer said from the Senate floor Monday. They are almost exactly what Democrats have requested. In fact, McConnells 2009 demands are so close to Schumers 2016 ones, the Senate Minority Leader decided to send the Kentucky Senator his own letter, albeit with a few line edits. Our requests are eminently reasonable, shared by leaders of both parties. I'll return this letter to @SenateMajLdr with the same requests. pic.twitter.com/IMT7ZtJFjV Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 9, 2017 In that letter, McConnell asked that committees be provided with each nominees OGE letter in time for review and prior to a committee hearing. The Kentucky senator described such a requirement as consistent with the longstanding and best practices of committees, regardless of which political party is in the majority. If the Republicans do not honor those best practices in 2016, Schumer has threatened to drag out the confirmation process for weeks via procedural mischief. (Democrats do not have the power to filibuster cabinet nominees, but do, ostensibly, have a means of delaying the inevitable.) As Politico notes, McConnell sent his 2009 letter weeks after the Senate confirmed seven top-level Obama nominees on his first day in office. Thus, in the Kentucky senators view, he is merely asking for Democrats to confirm Trumps picks at the same pace that Republicans okayed Obamas on Monday, McConnell told reporters that he hopes to have more than a half-dozen nominees confirmed on the day Trump is sworn in. But it remains the case that Obamas nominees completed their ethics reviews before the Senate held hearings on their appointments. And, as of now, several of Trumps nominees are poised to go into their hearings without having done so. Jeff Sessions. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The piece of political theater that is Jeff Sessionss confirmation hearing began with a pair of dissonant set pieces: At the back of the room, protestors dressed as Klansmen shouted their parodic approval of the Alabama senator; at the front, Trumps pick for attorney general held his half-Asian granddaughter in his lap. The images spoke to the central question looming over Sessionss bid to become Americas top law-enforcement officer: If a Republican Senate deemed the man too racist to serve as a federal judge in 1986, why would a Republican Senate deem him fit to be chief federal prosecutor in 2016? For Sessions and his defenders, the primary answer is that the Senate made a grievous error three decades ago, allowing the malicious fabrications of the far left to cloud their vision of the upstanding, egalitarian prosecutor seated directly in front of them. But now, after serving in the Senate for 20 years and working on the very committee charged with confirming his nomination there is no risk that the Senate will mistake their sweet, fair-minded colleague as a man with white robes in his closet, his backers contend. In their opening statements on his behalf, Judiciary Committee chair Chuck Grassley and Maine senator Susan Collins both testified to Sessionss good character, with Collins saying that in the decades she had spent serving in the upper chamber with the Alabama senator, I have never witnessed anything to suggest that Senator Sessions is anyone other than a dedicated public servant and a decent man. This emphasis on Sessionss lack of conspicuous racial animus was meant to discredit claims to the contrary, which surfaced during his 1986 hearing. Then, Sessionss Justice Department colleagues accused him of calling the NAACP un-American, referring to an African-American colleague as boy, and joking that he didnt have a problem with the Ku Klux Klan until I found out they smoked pot. Such overt expressions of racist (or, in the parlance of our times, racially charged) sentiments are more stigmatized in our society than the pursuit of policies that perpetuate racial disadvantage. Voting laws written with the intention of diminishing the political influence of black voters can be politely debated by reasonable people; the virtues of Americas most straight-laced Klansmen are not. But Sessionss record of supporting attacks on voting rights, draconian drug laws that disproportionately harm minority communities, the reinstitution of chain gangs, and hostility to the Obama administrations efforts to rein in police abuse are, together, both more unambiguous than his private comments to colleagues and, at least potentially, more relevant to how he would carry out the duties of the office of attorney general. In recognition of this fact, Sessions used his opening statement not only to condemn the damnably false allegations of his personal bigotry, but also reframed his record as a federal prosecutor and politician as one befitting an egalitarian anti-racist. Sessions championed his role in the prosecution of two Klansmen who murdered an African-American man emphasizing his choice to seek the death penalty against one of the perpetrators while also highlighting his support for the desegregation of Alabama schools, and role in dismantling discriminatory election laws in his states Black Belt. Sessionss critics contend that he has exaggerated his personal involvement in all these efforts, many of which were spearheaded by other attorneys within his office. Sessions is taking credit for prosecuting civil rights cases that Justice Department lawyers said he never worked on https://t.co/nK354VCSx3 pic.twitter.com/nVfoiYqZHu Ari Berman (@AriBerman) January 10, 2017 Democratic Minnesota senator Al Franken took up this charge pointedly in the hearings most contentious exchange. Franken noted that in 2009, Sessions had claimed to have filed 20 or 30 civil rights cases to desegregate schools and other institutions. But in November 2016, the Alabama senators office claimed that he had filed merely a number of such cases. Franken demanded to know which it was 20 to 30, or some other number? The records dont show that there were 20 or 30 actually filed cases, Sessions conceded. Franken then turned his attention to a questionnaire Sessions had submitted to the committee, in which he was asked to list the ten most significant litigated matters he had personally handled in his career. Among those Sessions selected were four civil rights cases three related to voting rights, one to school desegregation. But a group of former attorneys in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division contested Sessionss involvement in those cases, in an op-ed published by the Washington Post last week. On Tuesday, Franken referenced that columns central claim: We worked in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, which brought those lawsuits; we handled three of the four ourselves. We can state categorically that Sessions had no substantive involvement in any of them. He did what any U.S. attorney would have had to do: He signed his name on the complaint, and we added his name on any motions or briefs. Thats it. Now, you originally said you personally handled three of these cases, Franken reminded Sessions. Are they distorting your record here? Sessions answered in the affirmative. But the essence of his rebuttal was that attorneys general frequently claim personal credit for cases in which they did not have substantive involvement. I provided office space, I signed the complaints, Sessions said. And, as you may know, Senator Franken, when a lawyer signs a complaint, he is required to affirm that he believes in that complaint, and supports that complaint, and supports that legal action. So, thats your personal involvement that your name was on it? Franken asked, in a tone that showed little deference to the concept of senatorial courtesy. Sessions did not affirm or deny Frankens summation. As to the most conspicuous blight on his record his unsuccessful prosecution of African-American activists engaged with voter-registration efforts on dubious charges of voter fraud Sessions explained in his opening remarks, The voter fraud case my office prosecuted was in response to pleas from African-American, incumbent elected officials, and thus, characterized the prosecution as a testament to his commitment to voting rights. Sessions just called his failed prosecution of black get-out-the-vote activists a "voting rights case" Spencer Woodman (@spencerwoodman) January 10, 2017 Beyond his record on matters of racial justice, the extremity of Sessionss broader political views was a liability that he and his supporters proved eager to account for. On the issues of immigration, criminal justice, and military torture, among others, Sessions has taken positions to the right of many in his own (reactionary) party. The Alabama senator sought to diminish the relevance of these positions Tuesday by emphasizing the distinction between the role of legislator and that of a law enforcement officer. The Office of the Attorney General of the United States is not a political position, and anyone who holds it must have total fidelity to the laws and the Constitution of the United States, Sessions said in his opening remarks. Grassely hit an identical note at the hearings outset, saying, I know our colleague Senator Sessions respects the legislative process and the prerogative of Congress to write the law. As he explained during the confirmation hearing we held for John Ashcrofts nomination to serve as Attorney General, The Attorney General is a law enforcer. There is a big difference between a politician and a Senator where we vote on policy and executing policy. Sessions referenced this conviction throughout the hearing, repeatedly declaring his commitment to honor the legality of abortion, despite his belief that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided. But while Sessions is unlikely to nullify Supreme Court decisions, the suggestion that his ideology will have no bearing on his performance as Americas chief law enforcement officer is transparently false. The United States has a lot of laws; many laws are ambiguously worded; the Justice Department has limited funds. These three facts give the attorney general the power to effectively dictate criminal justice policy in many areas. When the Justice Department uses its discretionary power to relax immigration enforcement for children brought to America illegally, conservatives protest the politicization of the DOJ. But when the department uses its discretionary power to relax enforcement of civil rights laws protecting the urban poor against systemic discrimination by police, Republicans are more liable to appreciate the need to set enforcement priorities. But in either case, the priorities of any given attorney general have the power to radically change the lived reality of millions of Americans. Republican senator Orrin Hatch betrayed this fact, when he asked whether Sessions would commit to upping the enforcement of obscenity laws, in light of the public health crisis that is internet pornography. Orrin Hatch asks Sessions to re-establish a DOJ unit going after obscenity/porn. Sessions would "consider it." Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) January 10, 2017 Democratic senator Mazie Hirono made the point explicit, asking Sessions how he would use his prosecutorial discretion on a variety of issues, including immigration enforcement and voting rights. On that latter subject, Hirono specifically asked whether Sessions would contest state-level voting laws that have a discriminatory impact on minorities, even if they were not enacted with a racist intent. For decades, federal courts have interpreted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act as prohibiting regulations that disproportionately burden minority voters, no matter the legislative intent. But many conservatives maintain that superficially, racially neutral restrictions like the voter ID laws proliferating across GOP-controlled states are kosher, so long as they werent passed by legislators who refer to the NAACP as un-American, or something. Sessions told Hirono that he would challenge laws with discriminatory problems, but studiously avoided making any commitment to challenge ones with a discriminatory impact. There is every reason to suspect that Sessions would see fewer discriminatory problems with voting laws than his immediate predecessors at the Justice Department. After the Supreme Court freed nine southern states from having to seek federal approval before altering their voting laws in 2013, Sessions hailed the decision as good news, I think, for the South, since if you go to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, people arent being denied the vote because of the color of their skin. The Obama administration recently challenged a North Carolina voter identification law that it regarded as racially discriminatory, and the measure was struck down by a federal appeals court. When Franken asked Sessions about that North Carolina law at Tuesdays hearing, the Alabama senator reiterated his belief that laws designed to deny ballot access to a class of citizens are illegal again, putting the emphasis on intent, rather than impact. Another area in which Sessionss prosecutorial discretion will prove critical is federal enforcement of the prohibition of marijuana, which remains a Schedule 1 substance even as eight states have fully legalized the drug, and 28 have approved it for medical use. While Sessions is a deep believer in a states right to set its own voting laws, he has previously argued that the federal government has an overriding obligation to put people in cages for selling a substance less dangerous than alcohol. During Senate confirmation hearings for current attorney general Loretta Lynch, Sessions suggested that he viewed opposition to state-level legalization as a core responsibility of Americas top prosecutor. I hope that you will cease to be silent, because if the law-enforcement officers dont do this, I dont know who will, Sessions said. And in the past, attorneys general and other government officials have spoken out and I think kept bad decisions from being made. And during a Senate hearing on the federal response to state-level cannabis laws, Sessions called on the government to foster the knowledge that this drug is dangerous, you cannot play with it, it is not funny, its not something to laugh about good people dont smoke marijuana. On Tuesday, Democratic senator Patrick Leahy asked whether Sessions would use our federal resources to investigate and prosecute sick people using marijuana in accordance with state law even though it might violate federal law? I wont commit to never enforcing federal law, Sessions replied, while saying that he respected some of the DOJs present guidelines for federal enforcement, but thought there were also valid criticisms of the Obama administrations handling of the issue. He did not specify which aspects of the current policy he would change. At times, Sessions attempted to reframe his more extreme ideological positions, rather than merely arguing for their irrelevance. In 2015, Sessions voted against a Senate resolution urging that prospective immigrants not be subjected to a religious test. He has also praised the Immigration Act of 1924, which banned Asians and Arabs from immigrating to the United States. On Tuesday, Sessions clarified that he did not support an outright ban on Muslim immigration, but merely hopes that we can keep people out of the country who wants to kill everybody because of their religion. Sessions critics are unlikely to be persuaded by the senators showing. But Sessionss Republican colleagues which is to say, the only people whose opinions will matter at the end of the day appeared impressed with his performance. (Democrats will not be able to filibuster Sessionss nomination.) Were about to get an answer to the age-old question: Can you be confirmed as attorney general of the United States over the objections of 1,400 law professors, South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham said, referencing a letter denouncing Sessions, signed by a group of legal scholars from every state in the union save Alaska. I dont know what the betting line in Vegas is, but I like your chances. The guy on the right making the guy on the left attorney general is giving the guy in the center an asset in his fight to avoid being removed from office. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images If, as is broadly expected in Washington, Jeff Sessions is confirmed as attorney general by his Senate colleagues, embattled Alabama governor Robert Bentley will have an extraordinary plum to offer someone. He will appoint a temporary replacement for Sessions in the Senate and then schedule a special election perhaps in 2017, perhaps not until the regular election year of 2018 to complete Sessionss term, which runs through 2020. Bentley, as you may recall, has been under fire for over a year as the subject of a lurid sex-and-corruption scandal involving a former staffer and all sorts of allegations of misuse of office. Earlier this year, it looked like his fellow Republicans in the state legislature were going to move forward with an impeachment initiative after Bentley refused to take multiple hints that he resign. But then in early November legislators decided to hold back on impeachment after being advised that another fellow Republican, Attorney General Luther Strange, was conducting a criminal investigation of the governor. Then, Donald Trump won the presidential election, Jeff Sessions got the nod for attorney general, and Luther Strange let it be known that he would really like to become a U.S. senator. Separately, he seems to have told legislators he wasnt finding any compelling dirt on Bentley. In fact, absent any criminal proceedings, the state auditor has asked the appropriate legislators to resume impeachment proceedings against Bentley. Nobody at this point is alleging any sort of quid pro quo in the works, and Bentley could well appoint someone else to the Sessions seat. Several U.S. House members from Alabama would like a promotion, and Bentley and Strange have had some run-ins unrelated to the governors sex life. But the fact remains that Bentley could by sending Strange to Washington appoint an attorney general to his liking, and perhaps close off one line of attack on his position for good. As Philip Wegmann of the Washington Examiner notes: No decision has been made public and Bentleys kept busy interviewing about 20 candidates at the governors mansion in Montgomery. But its not difficult to imagine Bentley loosening justices blindfold and trying to tip the scales in [Stranges] favor. Last week, he was talking about canceling the special election altogether. If that happens and Bentley picks Strange, the new senator wouldnt need to defend his seat until November of 2018. The U.S. Senate could avoid this potential stain on the honor of the Great State of Alabama by denying Sessions confirmation. Barring that, we could soon see another chapter in the unending saga of Robert Bentley. Once, when I was a fact-checker at The New Yorker, I was working on a very complicated story that required me to spend long, stressful hours on the phone speaking to the parents of children to whom truly horrible things had occurred, making sure all of the details of each tragedy were accurate. The writer of the story was stressed out, too, of course, and late one prepublication night, as we sat hunched over a draft together, she pulled out a small vial. Want some? she said. It was not, as you might be guessing, amphetamines, but rather a LOccitane Lavender Relaxing Roll-on containing lavender essential oil, to be applied to the wrists and temples at moments of duress. It had been a gift to the writer from one of the parents, fittingly, who could tell she needed it during the harrowing reporting process. Before then, I had always thought of lavender as an old-lady scent, found in cloying, powdery bath soaps or sachets in dresser drawers full of ruffled cotton nightgowns. Now, in oil form, it seemed like a potion with magic properties, like a portal to a sun-dappled field in Provence where a breeze rustled through the lavender boughs. I dabbed generously and inhaled deeply. Against my protests, the writer left the vial on my desk, where we both reached for it frequently over the course of the next few days, steeling ourselves until the story went to press. A week later, I found a small gift bag near my keyboard, with a note thanking me for my work, and a Relaxing Roll-on of my own. I began to carry it around with me everywhere, finding it especially useful on nights I had trouble sleeping, and during red-eye flights. But it wasnt until years later that I discovered its most potent purpose. Frustrated with an outbreak of adult acne that I couldnt resist picking at, making each blemish infinitely worse, and tired of harsh astringents and gels and creams that seemed completely ineffectual, I turned to the internet to investigate homeopathic solutions. Lavender, I learned, was not only a soothing ingredient used in products for sensitive skin, believed to be anti-inflammatory, it was also thought to be anti-bacterial. Ever the fact-checker, I dug further until I found some legitimate-looking scientific studies that seemed to back up this idea, or at least to take it seriously as a possibility. Suddenly, my little relaxation totem had become a tool for an on-the-go or at-home facial. Now, I dab some on my face daily, when I feel a zit coming on or when Ive been unable to resist the disgusting temptation of squeezing a pore and want to heal as quickly as possible. I couldnt tell you whats happening on a microscopic level. Maybe its just a placebo. But it seems to work every time, tingling pleasantly and medicinally and relaxing me to boot. Not all salt is created equal. Photo: fcafotodigital/Getty Images Most home cooks are okay with using just one kind of salt. Its job is to make things salty no more, no less. But ask a professional chef, baker, or restaurateur and theyll give you a long and detailed list of salts they use depending on the dish theyre whipping up. While theres no shame in sticking to one multipurpose salt, the better the salt the better your food will taste. Like wine or coffee, good salts carry the flavors and minerals of the place where they were harvested. And like wine or coffee, choosing your new go-to can be overwhelming, to say the least. So to help you broaden your flavor palette we talked to nine chefs about the various salts they use to season their food plus a few salty alternatives. Best everyday sea salts Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt $13 Carla Perez-Gallardo and Hannah Black of Lil Debs Oasis in Hudson, New York, describe themselves as high salt and high acid cooks, and pull from a diverse arsenal of salts depending on what theyre making. But when they need something to salt their pasta water they reach for this classic. I think probably all the chefs that you talk to will tell you Diamond Kosher salt is the one to have around. We use it as our bulk salt, to salt pasta water or potato water, and when we just really need to throw in a whole quart of salt somewhere. $13 at Amazon Buy $13 at Amazon Buy Sosalt Sicilian Seasalt, Coarse $13 Not every chef is a fan of Diamond Kosher salt, however. Michele Baldacci, chef at Camillo and Locanda Vini & Olii in Brooklyn, says, In the very beginning, we used to use kosher salt but I hated it because it didnt salt things enough. The proportions compared to Italian salt were all wrong. Now I only use Sicilian salt imported from Salina in Trapani, Italy. The sea water is left to evaporate and then the sea salt is extracted. So basically they are giant pools of shallow seawater. Its really beautiful to drive by and see the mountains of sea salt. I use coarse salt for pasta water, crushed coarse salt for grilled meat, and fine salt for everything else. The coarse salt is minimally processed. I have even found pebbles in the bags. They definitely clean it, otherwise it wouldnt be usable, but its really minimally processed and I like that. $13 at Amazon Buy $13 at Amazon Buy La Baleine French Fine Sea Salt $13 for 2 In baking, especially when youre making bread and pastries for large groups, consistency is key. Thats why Zoe Kanan, the pastry chef at Simon and the Whale, likes this fine, French sea salt. When Im making bread or various kinds of pastries the salt has a function in the recipe. Its there for seasoning, but its also there to help with gluten development or the browning of crusts. We use Baleine fine sea salt inside all of our pastries. I like the slight minerality and the superclean and very pure flavor. It works quite well when were just looking for basic salinity and arent asking too much of the salt. $13 for 2 at Amazon Buy $4 at Mercato Buy Chung-Jung-One Natural Premium Sea Salt $15 When it comes to flavoring soup, the finer the texture of your salt the quicker it will incorporate. Sarah Gavigan, the chef and owner of Otaku Ramen in Nashville, prefers this budget option because she goes through it so fast. I like to use this inexpensive Korean sea salt for everyday cooking. I obviously make a lot of soup, and this salt is very fine, almost like talcum, so it dissolves into liquids really well. Because its 100 percent sea salt, with no additives, it doesnt have any of that off-putting ammonia taste it just brightens everything it touches. Its almost like MSG, plumping up flavor. I probably use too much of it at home, but its just so good. $15 at Amazon Buy $15 at Amazon Buy Hakata Sel De Mer Roti $11 now 9% off $10 Im all about the Hakata Sel De Mer Roti, says Nick Korbee, the chef at Egg Shop in New York. Its harvested in Mexico and Australia, then imported to Japan where its mixed with Japanese seawater before being dehydrated at a high temperature and roasted again. Korbee loves this globally made salt for its true-to-the-ocean briny taste. Its my go-to for high-quality beef, game, exotic eggs, and fresh seafood. It accentuates natural flavor while providing a subtle earthiness that leaves your guests in awe of your secret umami genius. $10 at Amazon Buy $10 at Amazon Buy Best finishing salts Maldon Sea Salt Flakes $8 Were fans of Maldon salt here at the Strategist, especially the little desk-sized tins of the stuff, and Hannah Black of Lil Debs is too. Maldon is obviously always on hand and we put it on almost all of our desserts. When youre finishing a dish, it goes well on most things. It doesnt spread the saltiness across, but it adds little pockets of flavor and texture. With ceviche, Maldon salt is always the best, and with salad its always a key element. $8 at Amazon Buy $8 at Amazon Buy Monomoit Wild Handmade Sea Salt $10 $10 Like raw homemade honey, small-batch hand-harvested sea salt is a rare luxury. One that Carla and Hannah of Lil Debs were kind enough to share with us. I grew up in a household with a mom who was obsessed with salt. So I have a bunch of different particularities, but at the restaurant last year we were blessed with a gift of salts from a friend of ours whose father hand harvests and dries single origin salts in Cape Cod. So weve been getting these little jars of salt labeled with the source location and the date that it was collected. Its been really beautiful to access salt from that close of a viewpoint because you really can taste the terroir, dare I say. Its definitely available locally because our friend has been spreading the gospel. $10 at Good Fight Herb Co. Buy Saltverk Birch Smoked Salt $13 Both Gunnar Gislason, executive chef at Agern, and Zoe Kanan of Simon and the Whale recommended this Icelandic sea salt for finishing everything from bagels to fish and meat. I love Saltverk sea salt from the very west of Iceland. The flavor and saltiness is right up my alley, but most importantly, their flake salt is produced with 100 percent geothermal energy in middle of nowhere in stunningly beautiful Reykjanes. We use it as a finishing salt for a lot of our plates, but especially on top of any fish and meat. I feel like Saltverk is a bit softer and more mild in flavor than a lot of other salts, and I love the way its produced. $13 at Amazon Buy $13 at Saltverk Buy Kiawe Smoked Sea Salt From $16 Carla Perez-Gallardo and Hannah Black mentioned using black sea salt on a dessert they call coconut snow. But Bruce Bromberg, co-founder, chef, and owner of Blue Ribbon Restaurants, uses the smoky version of the dark salt on savory things like ribs and roasted vegetables. After moving to Hawaii two years ago I was somewhat disappointed with the quality of the sea salts, but one day at the Farmers Market in Waimea, on the Big Island, I stumbled across Hawaiian Volcano Sea Salt. It has radically changed the way I use salt and how I cook. These salts are derived from waters that are brought up to the surface from 2,200 feet deep and dried by the sun in a natural manner to create a light, flaky crystal. The Kiawe Smoked version is amazing for curing and for foods with a bold flavor, like roasts, ribs, and chicken; I like the Guava Smoked for more delicate dishes, like roasted vegetables, poke, and crudo. From $16 at Hawaiian Volcano Sea Salt Buy Fleur De Sel Esprit Du Sel $20 France is well known for their gray salt with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and slight brine. At the Riddler, well have a popcorn machine for serve-yourself complimentary popcorn all day long, with a selection of 12 seasoned salts. As you can imagine, weve done lots of testing with all sorts of salts, and we are obsessed with a Fleur de Sel from the Isle of Rhe by Esprit du Sel, says Jen Pelka, owner of the Riddler in San Francisco. Its collected by hand from the surface of the water in the Esprit du Sel bays, and dried in the sun. Even by itself on popcorn, warm butter, and nothing else, its perfect. $20 at Amazon Buy $20 at Amazon Buy Best salt alternatives Three Crabs Brand Fish Sauce $22 Several chefs mentioned using alternatives to sea salt in certain dishes or as a finishing touch that adds more than just basic saltiness. We sometimes substitute fish sauce entirely for regular salt and that adds an umami flavor and saltiness. Perez-Gallardo and Black use this in the sauce they make for tamales. $22 at Amazon Buy $22 at Amazon Buy Wild Icelandic Kelp $9 $9 Zoe Kanan let us in on her most recent salty discovery that tops slabs of butter in her bread course at Simon and the Whale. This is from a spice company that my friend Jena introduced me to called Burlap & Barrel. They source single-origin specialty spices and work directly with farmers and one of their products is wild Icelandic kelp powder. Its wild harvested and dried out before being ground into a mixture of granules of kelp and tiny, tiny flakes of salt. I completely fell in love with it when I tasted it and its become a pantry item in our kitchen. We serve it with our bread course at Simon and the Whale on top of butter, its amazing. I take it home and I put it on popcorn its my go-to salt when I dont need it to perform technically for me and Im just looking for flavor. $9 at Burlap and Barrel Buy The Strategist is a new site designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best notebook, black T-shirts, fashion-editor-approved jeans, toothbrush, and apartment decor. Note that all prices are subject to change. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. Larry Nassar. Photo: Michigan Department of Corrections Sixteen women will sue USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and Michigan State University where he had a practice for sexual abuse in federal court, NBC News reports. Nassar, 53, has been facing allegations of sexual abuse since September, with up to 60 of his former patients filing police complaints. In December, Nassar was indicted on federal child pornography charges; FBI agents reported that he was in possession of tens of thousands of images, as well as video of himself molesting underage girls. During the child pornography hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Lewis called Nassar a hands-on offender, and said his behavior is conduct thats been going on for more than 15 years. Nassar was fired from his position at USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for gymnastics, in 2015 due to athlete concerns, while Michigan State University let him go in the fall of 2016 after finding he hadnt complied with requirements to use gloves and a chaperone during intravaginal treatments. The Cut will update this post if any new information becomes available. Gloria Steinem. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Equality Now In August, New York City public advocate Letitia James introduced legislation that proposed banning employers throughout the city from asking prospective applicants about their salary histories. The logic goes, when applicants are required to share their salary histories on job interviews, women are more likely to be hired at a lower pay rate than men, because so many women are paid unfairly from the very beginning of their careers. In response to Jamess legislation, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an executive order in November that banned municipal agencies from asking for applicants salary histories. The natural next move would be to ban private-sector employers from asking about salary histories, too. De Blasio was hopeful in November that this would come soon, saying, Obviously we are very receptive to the City Council passing broader legislation. Do we have a schedule for when perfect equity will be reached? No, but we believe that this could move very quickly. Now, in a potential incentive to push the larger legislation forward, popular feminist activist Gloria Steinem has joined the campaign for banning salary histories alongside Public Advocate Letitia James. Steinem endorsed James for public advocate in 2013, and will now become a formal surrogate for the cause. As an icon of the feminist movement, Gloria Steinem knows just how hard women fought for equal rights, James said in a statement to the Cut. Nowhere is this fight more apparent than in our quest for equal pay for equal work. Gender wage discrimination is destructive not only to female workers, but to our entire economy, James continued. Closing the wage gap starts with barring employers from asking questions about salary history so any previous salary discriminating is not perpetuated. With Glorias support, we will ban salary history in hiring and take an important step toward equal pay for equal work. Currently, the bill has the support of 32 co-sponsors, including every female member on the City Council. Should the bill be passed, it would mean protecting 3.8 million New Yorkers from having to reveal their salary histories, which would be a significant move in the direction of pay equity in New York City. (The current law protects 360,000 city workers, and any prospective applicants to municipal jobs.) Steinem, who has advocated for equal pay before, told the Cut, Work should be paid according to its worth, not to any past bias against the worker. By making it illegal for an employer to ask an applicants past salary before offering a job, Public Advocate Letitia James is uprooting a cause of discrimination in New York where women earn $5.8 billion less each year than men do. We owe her our gratitude for helping us to live and work together fairly in this city we love. Ivanka Trump Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images A few weeks after the election, Ivanka Trump began distancing herself from her fashion label you know, the one that bears her name? She separated her social-media accounts from the brands, and noticeably ceased promoting her products through her own public appearances. Our companys mission is not political it never was and it never will be, the brand proclaimed in a release, signed #TeamIvanka, at the time. Now Vanity Fair reports that she is making the separation more official and will be stepping down from the brand, in addition to leaving her position at the Trump Organization. Her husband, Jared Kushner, newly named a senior adviser to his father-in-law, is stepping down from his publishing, real estate, and venture-capital concerns as well. According to a statement from Kushners attorney, provided to VF, the two did so to comply with ethics laws. However, a CNBC tweet claims Ivanka will not be taking on a role at the White House, so its a little unclear what this divestment means for her at this point. The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress. Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions. Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs. 1. Big Little Lies (Liane Moriarty) 2. Luckiest Girl Alive (Jessica Knoll) 3. In a Dark, Dark Wood (Ruth Ware) 4. The Thing About Jellyfish (Ali Benjamin) 5. All Is Not Forgotten (Wendy Walker) 6. Truly Madly Guilty (Liane Moriarty) 7. Ashley's War (Gayle Lemmon) 8. Barbie And Ruth: The Story Of The Worlds Most Famous Doll And The Woman Who Created Her (Robin Gerber) 9. Opening Belle (Maureen Sherry Klinsky) 10. Second Life (S.J. Watson) 11. The Dry (Jane Harper) 12. Napkin Notes (Garth Callaghan) 13. First Women (Kate Andersen Brower) 14. The Outliers (Kimberly McCreight) 15. Penguin Bloom (Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive) , and is currently developing a number of projects, most of them book adaptations. She's already had huge hits with Gone Girl and Wild. Reese also maintains an online book club, #RWbookclub . Several publications have referred to Reese as a new literary "power broker", and according to The Wall Street Journal, any time the actress/producer mentions a book on her social media, its Amazon ranking soars.From the director of Wild and Dallas Buyers Club, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Alexander Skarsgard, Adam Scott, James Tupper and Zoe Kravitz star in HBO's limited series "Big Little Lies," premiering February 19 at 9PM.Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive.Reese will be starring in this adaptation, which landed at Lionsgate.Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to have it all and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that's bigger than it first appears.The studio for this adaption is New Line Cinema, and Reese will reportedly direct.Nora hasn't seen Clare for ten years. Not since Nora walked out of school one day and never went back. Until, out of the blue, an invitation to Clares hen do arrives. Is this a chance for Nora to finally put her past behind her? But something goes wrong. Very wrong. Some things cant stay secret for ever.Currently in development.After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting-things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door.Warner Bros. won the bidding war for the rights of this adaptation.In the small, affluent town of Fairview, Connecticut everything seems picture perfect. Until one night when young Jenny Kramer is attacked at a local party. In the hours immediately after, she is given a controversial drug to medically erase her memory of the violent assault. But, in the weeks and months that follow, as she heals from her physical wounds, and with no factual recall of the attack, Jenny struggles with her raging emotional memory. Her father, Tom, becomes obsessed with his inability to find her attacker and seek justice while her mother, Charlotte, prefers to pretend this horrific event did not touch her perfect country club world. As they seek help for their daughter, the fault lines within their marriage and their close-knit community emerge from the shadows where they have been hidden for years, and the relentless quest to find the monster who invaded their town - or perhaps lives among them - drive this psychological thriller to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.Reese's Pacific Standard will be co-producing this adaptation with Nicole Kidman's own banner, Blossom Films.In Truly Madly Guilty, Liane Moriarty takes on the foundations of our lives: marriage, sex, parenthood, and friendship. She shows how guilt can expose the fault lines in the most seemingly strong relationships, how what we dont say can be more powerful than what we do, and how sometimes it is the most innocent of moments that can do the greatest harm.Fox 2000 won the bidding war for the film rights, and Abi Morgan will be the screenwriter.In Ashleys War, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon uses exhaustive firsthand reporting and a finely tuned understanding of the complexities of war to tell the story of CST-2, a unit of women hand-picked from across the Army, and the remarkable hero at its heart: 1st Lt. Ashley White, who would become the first Cultural Support Team member killed in action and the first CST remembered on the Army Special Operations Memorial Wall of Honor alongside the Army Rangers with whom she served.Currently in development, but so far no studio attached.Barbie and Ruth is the entwined story of two exceptional women. There's Barbie: the diminutive yet arrestingly voluptuous doll unveiled at the 1959 Toy Fair who became the treasure of 90 percent of American girls and their counterparts in 150 countries. She went on to compete as an Olympic athlete, serve as an air force pilot, work as a boutique owner, run as a presidential candidate, and ignite a cultural firestorm. And then there's Ruth Handler, Barbie's creator: the tenth child of Polish Jewish immigrants, a passionately competitive and creative business pioneer, and a mother and wife who wanted it all. After a business scandal that forced Ruth out of Mattel, the company she founded, she drew on her experience as a breast cancer survivor to start a business that changed women's lives. She was ultimately honored as a pioneer, humanitarian, and masterful entrepreneur.Warner Bros. is moving ahead with this adaptation, which already has screenwriter Matthew Aldrich attached. Reese aims to star.Getting rich on Wall Street would be a lot more fun if the men would keep their hands off her assets. A whip-smart and funny novel told by a former Wall Street insider who reveals what its like for a working woman to balance love, ambition, and family in a world of glamorous excess, outrageous risk-taking, and jaw-dropping sexism.This adaptation landed at Warner Bros. and is in development.She loves her husband. She's obsessed by a stranger.She's a devoted mother. She's prepared to lose everything.She knows what she's doing. She's out of control.She's innocent. She's guilty as sin.She's living two lives. She might lose both...Currently in development.Luke Hadler turns a gun on his wife and child, then himself. When Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk returns to Kiewarra for the funerals, he is loath to confront the people who rejected him twenty years earlier. But when his investigative skills are called on, the facts of the Hadler case start to make him doubt this murder-suicide charge. And as Falk probes deeper into the killings, old wounds start bleeding into fresh ones. For Falk and his childhood friend Luke shared a secret... A secret Falk thought long-buried... A secret which Luke's death starts to bring to the surface...This is being adapted by New Line Cinema, screenplay by Mike Binder.Every morning as he packs Emmas lunch, Garth adds a little surprise: a napkin notea short, tender message to convey his love, encouragement, and pride. Garth began writing his napkin notes when Emma was in grade school, and as she grew up, his notes became more meaningful. Shortly after Emma turned twelve, Garth learned he had kidney cancer. Determined to make the time he has left meaningful, he has compiled years worth of notes to get his daughter through her high school graduation.Robin Wright will direct and co-produce this adaptation, which will be a TV series. No network attached yet.From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the groundbreaking backstairs look at the White House, The Residence, comes an intimate, news-making look at the true modern power brokers at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: the First Ladies, from Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama.It all starts with a text: Please, Wylie, I need your help. Wylie hasnt heard from Cassie in over a week, not since their last fight. But that doesnt matter. Cassies in trouble, so Wylie decides to do what she has done so many times before: save her best friend from herself. This time its different, though. Instead of telling Wylie where she is, Cassie sends cryptic clues. And instead of having Wylie come by herself, Jasper shows up saying Cassie sent him to help. Trusting the guy who sent Cassie off the rails doesnt feel right, but Wylie has no choice: she has to ignore her gut instinct and go with him. But figuring out where Cassie is goes from difficult to dangerous, fast. As Wylie and Jasper head farther and farther north into the dense woods of Maine, Wylie struggles to control her growing sense that something is really wrong. What isnt Cassie telling them? And could finding her be only the beginning?Naomi Watts is attached to star and co-produce.Penguin the Magpie is a global social media sensation. People the world over have fallen in love with the stunning and deeply personal images of this rescued bird and her human family. But there is far more to Penguin's story than meets the eye. It begins with a shocking accident, in which Cameron's wife, Sam, suffers a near fatal fall that leaves her paralysed and deeply depressed. Into their lives comes Penguin, an injured magpie chick abandoned after she fell from her nest. Penguin's rescue and the incredible joy and strength she gives Sam and all those who helped her survive demonstrates that, however bleak things seem, compassion, friendship and support can come from unexpected quarters, ensuring there are always better days ahead. Crude prices are once again on the defensive today as oversupply fears swirl. As the market waits with bated breath for the manifestation - or lack thereof - of OPEC / NOPEC cuts, hark, here are five things to consider in oil markets. 1) Last week we discussed how Middle East producers send the majority of their crude exports to Asia, and Iraq is no different. Amid stories that Iraq is still sending full allocations to some refiners in Asia and Europe, we can see from our ClipperData that a half of all Basrah loadings last month went into Asia. India surpassed China last year as the leading destination for Basrah crude. The U.S. is the third leading recipient, while South Korea is fourth. Exports to India, China and South Korea last year accounted for 56 percent of all Basrah exports last year. (Click to enlarge) 2) In terms of OPEC crude to the U.S., Iraq is the third largest supplier, behind Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Last year, the U.S. received just under 400,000 bpd from Basrah, with Basrah Light accounting for just over 60 percent of these flows, and Basrah Heavy accounting for the rest. (Click to enlarge) 3) An article in the Wall Street Journal today draws on our ClipperData, highlighting how Iranian crude floating storage has dropped in recent days down to 17 million barrels, after being almost double this volume in September. The chart below shows crude floating storage for the Middle East as a whole, and how long it has been waiting there. The key takeaway is that Iranian barrels account for the lion's share of the volume. (Click to enlarge) 4) We have visited a similar chart to the one below before, but it has appeared in an article today, and serves as a useful reminder that the impact of low oil prices is going to chomp away at new oil production in the coming years. Related: Finding Top Tier Oil & Gas Assets In 2017 There is a silver lining, however. Even though only 3.7 billion barrels of conventional crude were discovered last year, the lowest amount since 1952, discoveries in 2017 are forecast to be higher, driven by higher prices encouraging more exploration. (Click to enlarge) By Matt Smith More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil prices faltered at the start of the second week of the year, as fears set in about a rapid rebound in U.S. shale production. For the better part of two months, optimism surrounding the OPEC deal has buoyed oil prices, but bullish sentiment from speculators are showing early signs of abating, raising the possibility that the oil rally is running out of steam. WTI and Brent sank more than 2.5 percent in intraday trading on Monday, after a report at the end of last week showed another solid build in the U.S. rig count, the tenth consecutive week that the oil industry added rigs back into the field. Aside from a single week in October, the U.S. oil industry has deployed more rigs in every week dating back to June, a remarkable run that has resulted in more than 200 fresh rigs drilling for oil. The gains in the rig count come even as oil prices have held steady in the mid- to low-$50s per barrel. At the start of 2017, there are two major dynamics at play occurring at the same time, each pushing in opposite directions on the market. The OPEC deal is slated to take oil off the market, while U.S. drilling is expected to add new supply. The pace and magnitude of each trend will ultimately drive oil prices one way or the other. On the positive side of the ledger, there are early signs that OPEC members are meeting their commitments. Saudi Arabia said last week that it is lowering its production in January by 486,000 barrels per day, a volume that it promised to cut as part of the November deal. That will take output down to 10.058 million barrels per day, a level that Riyadh was only required to meet as an average over the January to June time period. Cutting to that level ahead of time is a sign of good faith from Saudi Arabia, and increases the chances that OPEC will stay true to its promises. On top of that, Kuwaits envoy to OPEC said that Qatar, Kuwait and Oman were also complying with the cuts. In an interview with Bloomberg, Kuwaits Nawal Al-Fezaia said that those countries already told customers that cuts were imminent. Its a good time to do maintenance on oil fields during production cuts, Al-Fezaia said, noting that Kuwait will lower output from 2.89 mb/d in December to 2.7 mb/d by the end of January. Market analysts paused a bit on news that Iraqs oil exports from its southern ports on the Persian Gulf hit a record high in December, but the data has no bearing on whether or not Iraq will comply with the agreed upon cuts. Achieving this record average will not affect Iraqs decision to cut output from the beginning of 2017, Oil Minister Jabbar Al-Luaibi told Bloomberg in an emailed statement. Iraq is committed to achieving producers joint goals to control the oil glut in world markets. Related: Oil Price Rebound May Come Too Late For UK Oil Sector It is still early but all signs point to a stronger commitment from OPEC to adhere to the specifics of the cuts than market analysts might have given them credit for. That bodes well for a narrowing supply surplus and ultimately a deficit as well as falling inventories. In other words, OPEC is succeeding in putting upward pressure on prices. However, the flip side of the equation is faster drilling from the U.S., where rig counts continue to climb. Oil output, according to EIA weekly surveys, is up roughly 300,000 bpd from summer lows, with more supply expected to come online in the months ahead as drilling picks up pace. It is unclear, at this point, how rising U.S. supply and falling OPEC output will ultimately balance out. For now, the consensus seems to be tightening conditions in the first half of 2017, with much greater uncertainty in the second half, but that remains to be seen. What is clear is that oil speculators have built up such a large bullish bet on oil that they have opened up crude to near-term downside risk. According to Reuters, hedge funds and other money managers amassed net-long positions in WTI and Brent equivalent to 796 million barrels in the last week of December, which was nearly double the amount from mid-November. The OPEC deal clearly fueled a huge speculative rush in rising oil prices, which, not coincidentally, corresponded with real gains in crude prices. But at this point, there are very few short positions left in oil, while a massive volume of long bets have built up. That suggests two things, both of which are bearish for oil: there is not a lot of money left to go long, lowering the chances of further prices gains; and the potential for a correction in prices is very high at this point. Indeed, in the most recent week for which data is available, net-long positions declined a bit, raising the possibility that bullish bets have peaked. All it will take is a bit of bearish news to spark a downturn in prices. Related: Will Natural Gas Go On Another Run In 2017? There are a few minor worrying signs for oil prices that could crop up as additional bearish forces in the next few weeks. The U.S. DOE announced on January 9 a notice of sale from its strategic petroleum reserve, with plans to sell 8 million barrels for delivery over the course of February, March and April. Meanwhile, Libya is seeing rapid gains in oil exports after the reopening of a key export terminal, with output jumping to 700,000 bpd, according to the latest data, up sharply from the 580,000 it produced in November and the 300,000 bpd it exported before it started restoring output last summer. Moreover, Nigeria which, like Libya, is exempt from the OPEC deal is intent on restoring production. It may struggle to do that with the recent shuttering of the Trans Niger Pipeline, potential strikes from oil workers unions and the announcement from the Niger Delta Avengers that attacks will resume this year. In fact, production appears to have declined in December, falling 200,000 bpd to 1.45 mb/d, because of some of these issues. But if those problems can be overcome, Nigeria has latent production capacity that could come back online at some point. And in a sign that there is not a lot of room on the upside, a kerfuffle in the Persian Gulf over the weekend did nothing to affect oil prices. A U.S. Navy destroyer fired three warning shots towards Iranian ships, an incident that in the past would have led to a sharp, even if brief, rally in crude prices. Instead, the markets shrugged off the incident WTI and Brent sank on the first trading day after the event, on unrelated news. "The market is overbought and under a lot of downward pressure," Bob Yawger, director of the futures division at Mizuho Securities USA Inc., told Bloomberg. "The shots fired at the Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz didnt do anything to the market. A few years ago that would have added a couple dollars to the price." By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: While U.S. LNG looks set to be competitive in 2017, reaching export markets in Latin America and East Asia, a significant source of competition will be Australia, the other Pacific natural gas powerhouse. With billions invested in new production and export facilities, the Down Under energy producer looks ready to take advantage of conditions in 2017, if all goes according to plan, before new restrictions and slowing investment hold back further export growth. Australian LNG exports are expected to be much higher in 2017, with Platts reporting the Australian government raising its export forecast for the new year, from 51.5 million to 52.4 million metric tons. Exports for the following year are forecast at 67.3 million mt. The countrys existing export capacity is expected to reach 87 million metric tons by mid-2018. This equates to an anticipated growth of forty-two percent in 2017 and twenty-eight percent the following year, according the quarterly report. With vast mining and extractive industries, Australia is currently set to enjoy a commodities boom. The Department of Industry, in its quarterly report, forecast resource and energy exports to reach record levels, rising by thirty-percent to $US204 billion in 2017 and holding steady at that level for at least another year. This is good news for the countrys mining, oil and gas industries, which had suffered a decline in export earnings: from 2013 to 2015, the total value of resource exports fell from $US190 billion to less than $US160 billion, largely due to falls in prices. Now prices are back up, with iron ore, the countrys main export earner, climbing to $US80 a ton from a low of $US38 last year. Thermal coal prices are also way up, in part due to announced cuts in coal production in China. Thermal coal has doubled to over $US100 a ton, with coking coal tripling in price. Spot prices for coking coal were especially strong, at one point reaching more than $US120 higher than the contract price, due to the Chinese decision and various production interruptions in 2016. That rally has now slackened, with prices tumbling back down in late 2016. Credit Suisse now estimates that coking coal will average $US194 in 2017 before falling to $US145 in 2018. Related: Will U.S. Shale Soon Be Getting A $50 Billion Cash Injection? Declines in the price of coal will be matched by a slowdown in the countrys current LNG boom. Both Platts and the Australian government is bearish where exports after 2018 are concerned, with growth slowing and LNG exports reaching 72 million mt in 2018. The reasons are slowing demand in the major energy markets of East Asia, restarting nuclear power plants in Japan and increased competition from renewables, as well as a downturn in the exploration and discovery rate among Australias fields. A major reason for the anticipated slowdown is the end of a recent trend of mega projects in Australian LNG, most of which are nearing completion or already operating. After a few false starts, Chevrons huge Gorgon facility in West Australia was fully operational in mid-2016. Its production for the year stands at 1.98 Million mt, and Platts expects it to reach 11.95 million mt in 2017. When natural gas prices hit record highs several years ago, a frenzy of construction set off in the Pacific, with billions invested in mega projects. LNG is typically sold in long-term contracts, many of which were signed in this heyday of LNG anticipation. Now, expectations are a bit more moderate. Woodside Petroleum, a major Australian oil and gas firm, invested heavily in major projects. Yet its latest, the Browse LNG project, has been cancelled and its senior officials are calling an end to the mega project era, citing an oversupplied LNG market and uncertain demand. Related: Oil Majors Prepare For Mega Tender In Lebanese Levant Basin Investment in major energy projects is expected to slacken in the next few years, with the Australian Department of Industry anticipating only $25 billion in new projects to be underway in 2020. This is down from expectations of $50 billion just a year ago, a clear sign that excitement over Australias commodities export potential is tapering off. So, while conditions for Australian LNG are good for the moment, with growth looking strong for 2017 and potentially 2018, long-term prospects for the countrys LNG export capacity dont look quite as attractive as they once did. By Gregory Brew for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Enbridge Inc has started offering the shipping of a new Canadian crude blend via pipeline to the U.S., but no refiner has bought any amount of the new grade so far, due to uncertainties over quality and price and how it would be affected by commingling with other types of crude oil shipped by the same line. According to trading sources quoted by Reuters, Enbridge has been offering shippers since the end of last year the option to ship a new blend, Canada Heavy Sweet (CHS), on the companys Line 3, which has the capacity to ship up to 390,000 barrels per day of mostly light crude grades from Alberta, Canada, to Superior, Wisconsin. Line 3 is currently being used below its capacity, and Enbridges offer to ship more of the heavy sweet grade is an attempt to alleviate congestion at the 2.85-million-bpd Mainline, which carries most of the Canadian exports to the US, Canadian traders told Reuters. According to trading sources, it was BP that had suggested the light sweet-heavy crude blend to Enbridge. The blend could be used at BPs large refinery in Indiana, Reuters sources say. BPs Whiting refinery in northwest Indiana has a production capacity of 430,000 bpd and is equipped to process increased amounts of heavy crude oil, according to BPs website. Related: The Secrets Behind Russias 2016 Oil Success However, no refiner has acquired Canada Heavy Sweet so far, although some have inquired after the grade, a source at a Canadian oil logistics company told Reuters. Apart from uncertainties over the quality and costs for refining the new blend, refiners would also need cheaper prices. The lack of enough capacity to export crude and the more expensive oil sands projects have further widened the discount at which Canadian oil trades to WTI. Most recently, Norways Statoil said it was selling its oil sands projects, citing profitability concerns. At the end of November, Canadas Prime Minister Justine Trudeau conditionally approved two new pipeline projects that are expected to increase Canadas export capacity via pipeline as oil sands production grows. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Iran is ready to begin exporting natural gas to Iraq via a pipeline as soon as Baghdad starts making payments, Iranian deputy oil minister for international affairs and trade, Amir-Hossein Zamaniniya, has said. Iran is ready to start the export of gas to Iraq and Iraq is also ready to receive the gas. However, the related letter of credit (L/C) for the project is yet to be opened, Irans Press TV reported on Tuesday. Iran and Iraq signed an agreement in 2013 under which Iran would export natural gas from its huge South Pars field to power plants in Sadr, Baghdad and al-Mansuriya in Iraq. The project is expected to bring Iran US$3.7 billion in revenues annually. Last week, Irans oil minister Bijan Zangeneh told the oil ministrys news service Shana that the countrys gas production had increased by 50 percent over the past three years thanks to new development phases at South Pars. A year after the lifting of the western sanctions, Iran is eager to regain its previous oil export market share and sign deals with oil and gas majors for the development of its vast crude oil and natural gas resources. Just recently, the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) released the list of 29 companies that have qualified for bidding in oil and gas tenders. Related: Russia Has Started Cutting Oil Output: Kremlin The list shows that the biggest European producers, including Shell, Eni, Total, and OMV have all qualified. BP, however, has pulled out of the race because of worry that relations between Iran and the U.S. will get heated once Donald Trump takes office later this month, according to the Financial Times. Those that qualified also include Chinas Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, and CNPW, as well as the state-owned oil companies of Indonesia and Malaysia Pertamina and Petronas plus Japans INPEX Corporation, Itochu, Mitsui, and Mitsubishi, and Japan Petroleum Corporation. Russian Gazprom and Lukoil were also among those qualified for the tenders, as were Danish Maersk, Indian ONGC, and Polish PGNiG. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: By Taxpayer Association of Oregon It has recently come to our attention that Clatsop County commissioners are preparing to flush $12 million taxpayer dollars down the toilet. In 2016, Linn County initiated a class-action lawsuit against the State of Oregon for breach of contract over Oregons Forest Trust Land. In addition to Linn County, class members include more than 150 Oregon counties and special districts that are beneficiaries of dedicated revenues from management of county forest trust lands. These revenues fund critical services provided by sheriff offices, libraries, education, care centers and other county services. The State of Oregon has been exposed for willfully breaking their contract by freezing up dedicated timber land which has devastated tax revenue owed to the counties. Clatsop County could stand to receive $12 million annually from the breach of contract lawsuit. Yet, extreme environmental groups are encouraging Clatsop County Commissioners to opt out of the statewide lawsuit. Linn County is leading the massive coalition of county and cities in this lawsuit. Linn County stated to KVAL-TV News We believe that since 2000 at least, these counties have been deprived of $35 million a year that otherwise would have been theirs. All of those local districts are desperately in need of funding, especially in the area of public safety. (March 10, 2016) You have a prime opportunity to Act Now before the January 11th vote and tell your commissioners not to walk away from money that belongs to you by contract. If the county walks away from this money, you can expect your taxes to go up to make up for strained county budgets and to pay for necessary improvements on the horizon for public safety, education and other basic services. The objective of the lawsuit is to force the state to reimburse class members for a loss of revenue since the State de-emphasized sustainable timber harvest on state forests, in direct conflict with the law. For more information on the background of the lawsuit, please visit Linn Countys website at www.co.linn.or.us (scroll down from main page to litigation section). Call your Clatsop County Commissioners and tell them to not opt-out of the Oregons Forest Trust Land lawsuit. Your commissioners have a fiduciary responsibility to their tax payers not to leave potentially $490 million on the table and then turn around and raise taxes to pay for services. Please call or write your commissioner today and tell them it is unacceptable to walk away from millions of necessary county dollars simply to appease uncompromising environmental activists! Commissioner Scott Lee Chair Mail to: 1089 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103 (503) 468-8715 [email protected] Commissioner Sarah Nebeker Mail to: PO Box 2184, Gearhart OR 97103 (503) 738-8121 [email protected] Commissioner Lisa J. Clement Mail to: 1840 SE Third St., Astoria, OR 97103 (503) 325-1067 [email protected] Commissioner Lianne Thompson Mail to: PO Box 1187, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 (503) 436-9013 [email protected] ATTEND THE NEXT COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING Jan 11, 6 p.m., Judge Guy Boyington Building located at 857 Commercial St. in downtown Astoria SC judge identified honesty as the real issue in the Panama Papers case 10 January, 2017 Related News Imran Khan distributed loan cheques under Kamyab Jawan Programme PTI govt to face all challenges coming its way: Imran khan More on this View All Tips for Taking Incredible iPhone Travel Photos Top 2021 Accessories We Know You Will Love Types of Casino Payment Methods Best Poker Hands ever played on a Casino Are Slot Developers Important for players? Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry Woke Bingo ISLAMABAD: A Supreme Court judge on Monday identified honesty as the real issue in the Panama Papers case, more so than the Sharifs purchase of four London flats or the time of their purchase. The real issue is that all statements made by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his address to the nation as well as the parliament contradict each other, regretted Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, wondering whether the person making the statements was not being honest to the people, the National Assembly and even the apex court. Justice Khosa heads a five-judge Supreme Court bench that is hearing petitions seeking the disqualification of the prime minister over investments made by his family members in offshore companies. Instead of the smaller court room, Mondays hearing was held in a much calmer and spacious Courtroom No. 1, where PTI chief Imran Khan and Secretary General Jahangir Tareen were present along with other party members as usual. In attendance from the government side were Information Minister Mariyum Aurengzeb, Adviser Zafarullah Khan, Talal Chaudhry and Daniyal Aziz. But Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, pointing towards PTIs Advocate Naeem Bokhari, emphasised the need for caution in deciding a disqualification case under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution on the basis of a statement made by the holder of a public office, which later turned out to be false. If we start disqualifying people under this pretext, no one will be spared, not even your clients, the judge observed. But Justice Khosa explained why the bench was giving so much time to the case: the court understands the consequence of its decision a decision that should be reached while striking a balance between satisfying the requirements of law on one hand and interpreting law in such a way that everybody should not be disqualified. This case is the first of its kind that has come up, Justice Khosa noted, adding that this was the reason why the court did not want to rush into a decision. We know the gravity of a declaration by the court and its affect for both the parties, saying that someone was not honest. But we have to lay down parameters, otherwise, except for the Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq, no one will survive, Justice Khosa observed. The ultimate objective of this court is to get to the whole truth, observed Justice Ijazul Ahsan, adding that it was understandable that the counsel cannot answer every question because the gaps have to be filled by the respondents (the prime minister and his family). Mr Bokhari, however, argued that peoples money have been laundered and appropriated to purchase the London flats, adding that the prime minister was answerable for the false statements he had made before the National Assembly. The PTI counsel described the Nov 5, 2016, Qatari letter as an attempt on the part of the prime minister to pad up his defence. In his address to the nation on April 5, 2016, he identified the sale of the Jeddah factory as the source of finances for his sons business. But the prime minister never stated that the money was invested in Qatar. In his speech to parliament, he asserted that the record regarding the sale of Jeddah factory was available, but nothing had been placed on record as of yet. On Monday, the Supreme Court spent considerable time discussing the statement of incumbent Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, recorded before a magistrate as an approver in the Rs3.4 billion Hudabiya Paper Mills default reference by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The statement made under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was recorded on April 25, 2000. Later, the Sharif family had challenged the same before the Lahore High Court, where Justice Sardar Shamim quashed the reference on March 11, 2014, explaining that if re-investigation was allowed against the Sharif family, it will provide an opportunity to investigators to pad up loopholes in their case. At this, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan observed that the NAB chairman showed connivance by not moving an appeal before the Supreme Court against the high courts decision. But by ordering the NAB chairman to file a belated appeal, the court cannot arrogate itself to sit in appeal against the high court judgement, the judge said. Was not it obligatory for some authority or agency to look into the details of the matter and ascertain whether the allegations against the Sharif family were wrong or right, Justice Khosa asked. He said the Supreme Court had held that the finality of the Tauqir Sadiq Ogra corruption case by the Islamabad High Court was not an obstacle for the Supreme Court to take up the matter again under Article 184(3) of the Constitution. He recalled that the Supreme Court had given a judgement that a statement under Section 164 had to be recorded before a magistrate and can be used as evidence by any forum. But Justice Khan recalled a Federal Shariat Court judgement, in which it was held that confessions in Hadd cases should be recorded before the competent court and not before a magistrate. Mr Bokhari argued that he was seeking court directions that the NAB chairman, by not filing the appeal against the high court judgement, had committed dereliction of duty. Therefore, a reference should be moved against him before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). Justice Khosa reminded the counsel that though the reference was quashed, the allegations still survived. Therefore the value and worth of the statement of Ishaq Dar under Section 164 still holds the field, adding that the quashing of the reference does not mean that the accused were acquitted. At this point, Justice Khan quipped: Provided we ignore the judgement of the referee judge. I can anticipate that if we call the NAB chairman and inform him that the court was sending a reference [against him] before the SJC, he may himself volunteer to hold a re-investigation, Justice Khosa observed. The judge asked then the counsel to file an application before the NAB chairman, and in case it was rejected, he could move an appeal and take his chances. During the proceedings, Justice Khan wondered how, when the entire family business was run by Mian Sharif, could the prime minister recall the whole money trail. But Justice Khosa referred to three different stories relating to the Sharifs investment in Dubai, Jeddah, Qatar, which then ended up in London and said that if all the money in the three investments belonged to Mian Sharif, the money that travelled to London would ultimately go to the prime minister under the law of inheritance. From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, A total of 147 persons were killed in road crashes in the Volta Region in 2016 says the Volta Regional office of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC). Miss Joan Fafa Ayer, Assistant Planning Officer, NSRC told the Ghana News Agency that 633 persons were injured in the total of 577 cases reported, which involved 1,026 vehicles. She said the Ho Municipality recorded the highest figure of 62 deaths and 361 injuries from accidents involving 486 vehicles, followed by Keta Municipality, which had 48 deaths and 211 injuries from 400 road crashes. Kete-Krachi recorded the lowest number of six reported cases involving 10 vehicles, seven deaths, four injuries and three pedestrian knockdowns. Miss Ayer said the 2016 figure represented an increase of 30 per cent in fatalities compared 2015, which recorded 114 deaths. She said pedestrian knockdowns rose from 129 in 2015 to 154 in 2016, representing an increase of 19.38 per cent. Miss Ayer said crashes involving motor bikes also went up by 40.33 per cent with 254 cases in 2016 as against 181 in 2015 and attributed the upturns to Christmas and electioneering activities. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video On Saturday, January 7 2017, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo was sworn in as the 5th President of the 4th Republic. The new President gave broad hints about the path he and his administration intend to walk in order to deliver the change that many Ghanaians voted for in the December 7, 2016 polls. As a democratic governance policy research think tank, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) is interested in the specific policy and programmatic initiatives the Akufo-Addo/NPP administration will introduce to deal with the unresolved challenge of rendering the Ghanaian state and government strong and capable, yet subject to the rule of law, and at the same time, accountable and responsive to its citizens. CDD-Ghana understands that Ghanas governance challenges are deeply rooted in structural and cultural factors/forces that impede the adoption of reforms and conventions to strengthen institutional checks and balances, promote national cohesion and unity, and especially curb political patronage as well as hyper-partisanship and, arguably, winner takes all politics. Nonetheless, Ghanaians have demonstrated clearly through the exercise of their franchise in the December 7 2016 elections that, they want significant improvement in the quality of governance, and the Akufo-Addo New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration should take heed and respond credibly to the charge. The Center therefore expects the Akufo-Addo NPP administration to implement, at the minimum, the following measures within its first year in office in order to make a credible dent in the challenge of accountable and responsive governance in Ghanas 4thRepublic: 1. Curb endemic corruption and promote integrity in public life by vigorously enforcing the provisions of the Public Office Holder (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act 1998 (Act 550). Act 550 requires public office holders listed in Schedule 1 of the Act, to submit a written declaration of the their assets and liabilities, owned and owed, directly or indirectly to the Auditor-General before taking office, at end of every four years and at end of their term of office. 2. Also, vigorously enforce the conflict of interest injunction under Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution, and elaborated in the CHRAJ Guidelines on Conflict of Interest. 3. De-politicize criminal prosecutions and partisan bickering over criminal prosecution of politicians by implementing plans to set up an Office of the Special Prosecutor, and confine criminal prosecutions at the Attorney Generals office to the non-political staff of the Department. 4. Reduce the cost to the nation of the current spoils system and accompanying presidential patronage, political corruption and political polarization, and at the same time, foster public service professionalism by insulating the public and security services from partisan politics, and emphasizing meritocratic criteria in appointments to state boards/trusts/councils/para-statals/public utilities/other non-political state agencies. 5. Enhance performance and reduce political partisanship by recruiting public servants for the managements and boards of the Ghana Water Company, the Electricity Corporation, the Commercial Bank, COCOBOD, the National Disaster Mobilization Agency, among others, through an independent/non-political Public Services Commission. 6. Significantly enhance governmental transparency and accountability by enacting the right to information bill as soon as possible. 7. Also,publish the emoluments of public office holders at all levels of government including public corporations. 8. Reduce the cost of running government by appointing the minimum number of ministers required by the Constitution, especially those drawn from Parliament. In addition, to the greatest extent possible, reduce the number of ministries (by collapsing some ministries and abolishing others). 9. Reduce the perception of abuse of office and a sense of entitlement by public officials by introducinga maximum limit of $45,000 on the cost of official vehicles acquired by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies and continue with the re-registration of all government vehicles. 10. Strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of local government authorities as well as promote local participation and inclusion in local government by consulting widely with traditional authority and interest groups as dictated by the constitution, and in the accordance with the Model Standing Orders of the assemblies in the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (M/M/DC E) nomination, vetting and approval processes. Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ email: [email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The ubiquitous impact of science-based information and technologies in everyday life suggests that misunderstanding how science works can have serious consequences. Yet people's decisions and strongly held beliefs are often uncoupled from, or at odds with, the conclusions and recommendations of empirical studies and scientific consensus. In some cases, the implications of misunderstanding or rejecting science are more or less harmless does it really matter if someone believes the Earth is the center of the Universe? In other cases, they can be critical. Perhaps nowhere is understanding science more important than in the anti-vaccination (anti-VAX) movement. While infant/child vaccination rates have increased for the major vaccine-preventable diseases (2000-2014), there are growing pockets of vaccine refusal in multiple locations across the United States. The real world and serious implication of vaccine refusal is the disruption of local herd immunity, resulting in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. For example, regions of California, including Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties, have seen significant increases in the number of pertussis and measles cases in recent years, largely related to increased intentional vaccine refusal among parents. Similarly, we have seen a revival of measles and mumps cases in and around Brooklyn, NY. According to survey data, vaccine refusal usually relates to concerns about vaccine safety and perceived efficacy. Specifically, parents either misunderstand or flat out reject the data-based debunking of a causal relationship between vaccination and autism, based on a seriously flawed, and now retracted study. Additionally, parents may not see the point of vaccination since many vaccine-preventable diseases, and their serious health implications, have become much less common in the developed world. We now live in a world free of smallpox and almost free of polio, making it difficult for people to connect to the painful consequences of their reappearance. Parents who choose to forgo or hesitate in vaccinating their children tend to be white, well-educated, and living in households making $75,000 or more annually. Presumably, such parents have ready access to relevant information, spend a lot of time researching the topic of vaccines, and, according to Seth Mnookin in The Panic Virus "take pride in being intellectually curious, thoughtful, and rational." These are individuals and communities that are generally assumed to support science and are scientifically literate by various measures (for example, they know that the Earth is not flat and that it travels around the Sun, they might even know that antibiotics do not "kill" viruses, although they may not know exactly why this is the case). But, for some reason, these parents become fully invested in exploring the "debate" relating to vaccine safety and efficacy, and are not able to differentiate scientifically supported conclusions from those that are not. Maybe this mindset is influenced by the "healthcare consumerism" movement, which encourages patients to be more involved in their healthcare decisions, marking a shift away from the authoritarian, doctor-knows-best default. Furthermore, given the growing tax on the already faulty infrastructure of our healthcare system, this "look it up dear" trend has become an accepted norm. The ability to conduct "research" on an aspect of healthcare, and to have an appreciation on what "research" truly entails, is a direct application of science literacy. Assuming "research" is done correctly, the internet can be an excellent source of information for patients, with the potential of filling in any healthcare knowledge gaps. One immediate driver of the anti-VAX movement, however, appears to be that internet search results on vaccines yield a very mixed bag, potentially compromising the attempts at "research." For instance, when I plugged "are vaccines safe" into Google (December 2016), sites like CDC's Vaccine Safety and the US Health and Human Service's Vaccine Safety appeared in the feed. These sites, however, were outnumbered by anti-VAX (aka fake science) sites that can have the look and feel of a legitimate resource. In fact, the internet is the main platform for anti-VAX messaging; parents who exempt children from vaccination are likely to have made their decision based on information they read online. Interestingly, anti-VAX information is often couched in non-science messages demonizing "lying big pharma," while simultaneously promoting the value of alternative (that is, non-science-based) medicine as of 2015, an unregulated (and not completely honest) $30B per year industry. One might suspect that anti-VAX sentiments are reinforced by alternative medicine and nutraceutical lobbying, further demonstrating an inability to correctly identify conflicts of interest and a misunderstanding or flat out rejection of evidence-based medicine. While I value the opportunity for access to scientific and medical information, and believe that patients owe it to themselves to research areas specifically related to their health/illnesses, such information is often presented in a context that assumes a general understanding of underlying processes that are fundamental to the given explanation. For instance, when delivering information about vaccine science, is it to be assumed that readers are familiar with how the immune system works? Are parents aware of the impact of withholding vaccination on their, and their neighbor's child's well being, or the potential immediate and long term effects of contracting the disease that the vaccine protects against? Do readers have a handle on autism spectrum disorder, and what we know and don't know about related genetic and environmental influences? When explaining a "why," such as why someone should vaccinate their child, "you have to be in some framework that you allow something to be true, otherwise you are perpetually asking why" (Feynman on BBC, 1983). In presenting materials on vaccines, have we clearly established what needs to be understood and accepted? Does our audience have the foundational knowledge to understand the arguments for and mechanisms behind vaccination? These are questions that extend beyond vaccination, and generally go well beyond what is meant by scientific literacy. Confounding the difficulties associated with being a critical consumer of healthcare information is the tendency for humans to connect with stories particularly stories with negative outcomes regardless of factual content. According to a McKinsey research summary on healthcare consumerism, "there is often a disconnect between what consumers believe matters most and what influences their opinions most strongly." This can also relate to the concept of biased assimilation, where people unknowingly engage in cherry picking to find the arguments that best support the values held by those in their community. In the context of the vaccine discussion, parents can be influenced by the (abundant) stories linking vaccines to the onset of a spectrum of health issues, even if they doubt the validity of the story, even more so if they are a part of a community that supports anti-VAX sentiments. This natural human behavior is reinforced by celebrity-backed, widely-publicized campaigns that falsely link vaccines to autismdespite retraction of the original study AND numerous subsequent studies disproving these claims likely sustains anti-VAX momentum. Given the incoming presidential administration's suggested openness to anti-VAX arguments, this momentum could be amplified. Vaccine hesitancy and rejection is not restricted to the United States. In fact, nearly every country experiences pockets of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, resulting from vaccine hesitancy or refusal, as described in a recent WHO working group report on the topic. Similar to trends seen in the United Sates, the choice to align with anti-VAX sentiments has complex underpinnings, often relating, in part, to personal/community belief systems and distrust of healthcare providers and institutions. As an extreme example, the Taliban [link] are vehemently opposed to vaccinations as they view vaccination programs as antithetical to their traditional beliefs and culture; such programs can be seen as a nefarious plots to "inject" Western culture into traditional societies. One result has been terrorist attacks targeting polio workers in Pakistan, killing 60 since 2012. At the risk of oversimplifying the issues related to vaccine hesitancy and rejection, people's decision's for themselves and their children might have less to do with the message, and more about howand in what contextthe message is delivered. In fact, a meta-analysis on persuasive techniques common to anti-VAX websites suggest that these sites go far beyond simply providing (inaccurate) information on vaccine safety. These sites are making genuine connections to parents' values (i.e. freedom of choice) and lifestyles (i.e. healthy eating), adeptly contextualizing anti-VAX sentiments as being a part of holistic well-being. Such sites skillfully cultivate feelings of trust and credibility by aiming their message to hit the more human side of things. These sites get human behavior, while pro-objective evidence sites often do not. When looking at the anti-VAX movement, we see the power of personal stories and of presenting anti-VAX "science" alongside related messages that promote the values and ideals of the target population. So how do we apply these lessons to improving the public's understanding of particular science-based decisions? While it may feel counterintuitive, perhaps we should stop trying to win arguments using the traditional academic approach, with data, error bars, and p-values, as these risk strengthening the emotional appeal of anti-evidence, anti-scientific viewpoints. Instead, we can present data-based conclusions in compelling and effective ways, keeping in mind the connections and disconnections between human emotion and rationality. As the world's population continues to soar, the importance of humanizing our messages, arguments, and conclusions is paramount. There is no universal equation governing scientifically literate decision-making, it is unlikely that one will ever be identified simply because human behavior is difficult to predict. From a practical perspective, this may mean that "scientific literacy" as an over-arching concept is less useful than fostering a deeper understanding of relevant issues in science and medicine. In recognizing the need to provide people with specific knowledge to make informed, data-based decisions, it is implied that facts (empirical observations) are clearly differentiated from non-facts. However, this idea is much more complicated, and the interpretation of "facts" is impacted by the context of individual experiences (the Saigon, 1965 episode of the Revisionist History podcast provides an excellent example of such an analysis). The inability to predict how someone will interpret empirical evidence is the giant wrench stuck in the gears of the science literacy machine. With regard to the anti-VAX movement, we are dealing with an emotionally-charged phenomenon that is deeply intertwined with human nature (the need to protect ourselves and our children), and the process goes beyond answering general true-false questions. While difficult, the effort to better understand and meaningfully correct points of failure in communicating any controversial science issue is likely to be beneficial, particularly when we consider the consequences of scientific illiteracy. This story is republished courtesy of PLOS Blogs: blogs.plos.org. High-resolution imaging and structural analysis of nanomachines such as ribosomes requires high-performance computers. Roland Beckmann (left) in the data center. Credit: Jan Greune Ribosomes are molecular machines programmed by genetic blueprints, which make proteins by linking amino acids together into linear chains that fold into sequence-dependent shapes. Ludwig Maximilian University biochemist Roland Beckmann studies how they do it. Roland Beckmann is a basic researcher in two senses. He studies fundamental biochemical processes that take place in all cell types, and he analyzes the molecular complexes that carry them out in the finest possible detail. When he talks about his findings, he transports the listener into a world where minuscule biological machines form nanoscale production lines that turn out intricately structured macromolecules to order. Their products are in turn responsible for the assembly, packaging and dispatch of myriads of other molecules. These processes are the very stuff of life. Beckmann, Professor of Biochemistry at LMU's Gene Center, specializes in the investigation of ribosomes, which textbooks refer to as 'the sites of protein synthesis' in cells. This is true as far as it goes, but researchers continue to discover new aspects of the regulation and dynamics of the process, and many of the structural details remain unknown. One thing is clear protein production in cells is mass production. A single yeast cell may contain up to 200,000 ribosomes, a human liver cell may have up to a million. When one considers that an adult human is made up of over a billion cells, the magnitude of the task of the protein-synthesizing machinery, and its indispensability at every second of our existence, begins to dawn on us. "Ribosomal assembly-lines are constantly on the go," says Beckmann. How then do cells set about making proteins, the instructions for which are stored in their genetic material? This is the question at the heart of Beckmann's research. As a biochemist, he develops new analytical techniques with which to measure, perturb, monitor and model gene regulatory processes. The goal is to understand biological systems in all their complexity, in particular the dense networks of intermolecular communications that keep cells alive, each one representing a metastable system held together by sensors, signals and interactions. A typical human cell is made up of a surface membrane, and so-called organelles including the nucleus, membrane-bounded compartments and macromolecular complexes, which carry out specific and vital tasks. The nucleus harbors the genetic material double-stranded DNA packaged into DNA-protein complexes and controls all cellular functions; mitochondria provide energy, lysosomes dispose of proteins, and ribosomes synthesize proteins. Deciphering the book of genes Researchers basically understand how ribosomes use the information encoded in the DNA of the 'genome' to build thousands of different proteins. The genome can be thought of as a collection of blueprints for building the organism. These only make sense if they can be accessed, read and the instructions they contain used to direct the construction of the molecules they specify. Ribosomes are responsible for implementing these plans, which are encoded in defined sequences of DNA subunits called bases. Programmed by the genetic text, ribosomes assemble all the proteins enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions, components of the cell's internal skeleton, antibodies that recognize pathogens the organism needs for its growth and survival. And since a protein's function is largely dependent on its shape, ribosomes can be thought of as 3-D printers. The details of the process are rather more complicated. The base sequence specifying the structure of a given protein is first copied from the appropriate segment of the coding strand of the double-stranded DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, which are single-stranded. Ribosomes themselves comprise several 'ribosomal RNAs' and 50-80 proteins and consist of two subunits. The mRNA is fed into the smaller subunit rather like threading a bicycle chain onto a sprocket wheel and its base sequence is decoded. The code is both clever and efficient. It is read successively in non-overlapping sets of three bases (known as triplets or codons), and the specific combination of bases in a triplet tells the ribosome which amino acid should be inserted at that position in the protein chain. As DNA and RNA sequences contain four different types of bases, 444 or 64 different combinations are possible. However, since only 20 distinct amino acids are found in proteins, most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon, while four triplets serve as punctuation signals. Thus the ribosome proceeds from the start signal to a stop signal, reading the code in threes, and capturing and linking up amino acids in the specified sequence. Proteins can comprise up to several thousand amino acid subunits, and the growing chain is fed into a 10-nanometer (10-8 cm) long exit tunnel in the large subunit of the ribosome, emerging either as an already three-dimensionally folded molecule or as a randomly coiled chain, depending on the protein concerned. "It is a fascinating fact that all organisms, from microbes to humans, possess these machines," says Beckmann. "All living things use basically the same genetic language and the same type of code, which implies that the triplet code was established early in evolution. Over time, however, the ribosomes became more and more complex." Structural biologists have long known that all ribosomes consist of a large and a small subunit, though these differ somewhat in structure between lower (prokaryotic) and higher (eukaryotic) organisms. But the rapid progress made in analyzing their structures in the past two decades is largely due to the advent of cryo-electron microscopy. "Technology is crucial for us," Beckmann remarks. He became acquainted with the method when he was a postdoc in Gunter Blobel's laboratory at Rockefeller University in New York City, although he learned about it not from Blobel (who went on to win a Nobel Prize) but from Joachim Frank, who pioneered the technique and was using it to analyze molecular structures in the state capital, Albany. "Cryo-electron microscopy was a new frontier at the time," Beckmann says, but it would become the basis of his own area of research. As the prefix suggests, samples for cryo-electron microscopy must first be cooled or rather flash frozen. Ribosomes or ribosomal complexes, painstakingly isolated from nucleated or bacterial cells, are placed on a thin carbon film deposited on a copper grid and frozen by plunging them into liquid ethane. The nanomachines are instantaneously captured while they are at work and can be subsequently imaged by electron microscopy. Moreover, the micrographs can be interpreted as snapshots of the process of protein synthesis. Because the glass-like solid in which they are immobilized is vitrified ice which (unlike normal ice) contains no crystals, the fragile and complex architecture of the ribosomes is preserved in such detail that the researchers can reconstruct the sequence of steps involved in protein production and view it like a time-lapse movie. "Depending on the protein and organism involved, synthesis can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes," says Beckmann. "We want to observe the crucial transition stages." Novel direct electron detectors have revolutionized the practice of cryo-electron microscopy. Researchers call it the 'resolution revolution', because it has greatly enhanced the resolution of the micrographs, to a few tenths of a nanometer. Visitors to Beckmann's department in the Gene Center in Grosshadern can observe not only the preparation of samples in the lab, but join his research staff as they inspect the data being acquired by the electron microscope. Some screens are filled with columns of numbers; some researchers are analyzing the micrographs themselves. It is even possible to switch to what the detectors are "seeing". These "live" pictures are normally shown on the big monitor in the department's kitchen. These provide the unprocessed data that form the basis for the high-resolution two-dimensional images, taken from different angles, which are used to construct three-dimensional views. In fact, the investigators can actually zoom in to study the finer details. Integration into the cell membrane Beckmann is particularly interested in one particular component of the cells of higher organisms the Sec61 complex or translocon, onto which ribosomes can dock. The translocon acts as a conduit for proteins and plays a key role whenever proteins need to be inserted into or transported through a membrane. About one-third of all proteins are either inserted into the cell membrane where they serve as signal receptors, Beckmann explains, or are secreted by the cell, to act as of antibodies or digestive enzymes, for instance. Beckmann's group has used structural analysis to decipher how the so-called ribosome-translocon complex orchestrates the passage of proteins into and through membranes. The Sec61 complex itself forms a molecular channel into which the ribosome directs the growing protein. Beckmann determined the precise structure of this channel last year. The findings revealed that the ribosome binds directly to the translocon on the membrane and feeds the nascent protein into the channel, and either into the membrane or straight through it. In order to understand how the process works, it is necessary to analyze the structure of the whole complex in as many functional states as possible. For proteins destined to be integrated into membranes or secreted to the outside, the ribosome needs to know the correct destination of each. Gunter Blobel discovered that proteins carry a kind of postal code at the front end of the amino-acid sequence, a zip code that can be read by the proteins of the cell's routing system. This short sequence ensures that proteins are piloted to the right location. The idea was initially met with skepticism, but Blobel, one of the "original gangsters" (Beckmann's term) in the field, turned out to be right. The basic principle was found to be generally valid, and functions in the same way in yeasts as in plant and animal cells. And Blobel won the 1999 Nobel Prize for demonstrating it. Beckmann was a postdoc in Blobel's lab at the time and followed the awards ceremony live. "It was as if a tsunami had hit the lab," he recalls. Ribosome research has experienced a boom in recent years, but many of the organelle's functions remain mysterious. For instance, Beckmann would love to know how the protein factories carry out quality control. Clearly, they are equipped to detect errors in the blueprint (i.e., the mRNA), and can assess whether the growing protein is functional. "There is nothing more damaging for an organism than the accumulation of defective proteins encoded by corrupted mRNAs," Beckmann says, because this can lead to the loss of essential functions. But whenever a ribosome reaches the end of an mRNA without having encountered a termination codon, for instance, it "knows" that the protein is incomplete because it cannot be released. The stalled ribosome then recruits specialized release factors that detach it from the defective mRNA and its protein product, and ensure that both are degraded. A class of cellular apps Beckmann has been studying ribosomes for nearly two decades, and he speaks of these in molecular terms huge complexes, with dimensions of up to 35 nm, with something like respect. Ribosomes are not perfect, but they are extremely versatile machines, he says. Only very recently, researchers realized that, in addition to their primary task, they also have many part-time duties, in relation to quality control, for example. It turns out that an array of accessory proteins can bind to the surface of the ribosome to facilitate the recognition and translation of codons in the mRNA, and monitor and promote the growth of its protein products. Each factor is like an app that enables the ribosome to do something amazing, Beckmann says. "For example, they can measure the forces acting on cell components, and estimate amino acid and antibiotic concentrations. The spectrum of specialties is broad and varies from organism to organism." Beckmann is not only interested in how the molecular machines work. His team is now looking at what happens to the ribosome when it comes off the job. Essentially, the organelle dissociates into its two subunits, which are then ready for the next round of synthesis. "Only recently have we learned that, in eukaryotic cells, the enzyme ABCE1 has a major influence on this step," Beckmann explains. Basically it uses a lever to force the subunits apart, and since ABCE1 contains clusters of bound iron, Beckmann refers to this as 'the iron fist'. Members of his group are now trying to find out how this essential step in protein synthesis works in structural terms. "This sort of work can take months or years," he adds. It is conceivable that the future may provide us with a completely new picture of the mechanisms involved in protein synthesis. "Very often, in pursuit of one goal, we stumble across something unexpected that we also need to understand," says Beckmann. It looks as if he's unlikely to run out of puzzles for him and his coworkers to solve in the coming years. "At all events," he avers, "ribosomes have a few more surprises in store for us." The production method for many drugs and chemicals is laborious, with a separate reactor for each chemical reaction. A research consortium led by TU/e professor Volker Hessel is taking a completely different approach. Within biological cells chains of reactions occur faultlessly next to and through each other. The researchers want to imitate this and so enable chains of reactions to occur simultaneously, within a single reactor. The goal is to make huge savings in terms of the production and development costs of drugs and create new opportunities for personalized drugs. The research, which has a four-million euro EU subsidy, begins in January. The production of drugs and chemicals usually requires several chemical reactions to arrive at the end product. Current practice is for these reactions to occur separately in their own reactor, in which the temperature, pressure and solvent are all adjusted to the specific reaction. Moreover, the reactor tends to be a batch reactor, which means that a large amount of raw materials goes in, is slowly processed and then exits, usually hours or days later. This is really laborious and time-consuming. For each reaction the mixture has to be brought to the right temperature and then cooled again later. And between each stage of the process, the desired semi-product has to be separated and purified from unwanted bi-products. But there is another way believes a collective group of researchers from TU Eindhoven, TU Delft and various other universities abroad. They are inspired by the biological cell, a tiny space in which nature succeeds in enabling many different chemical reaction chains (cascades) to take place, at the same pressure and temperature and in the same solvent (water). And constantly, which means fast. Cells do this using enzymes, substances that give the reactions a helping hand. The researchers want to be able to make drugs in the same way in small chemical reactors that operate constantly. The potential benefits are manifold. The whole process runs much faster, requires much less energy and space, results in less waste and no environmentally harmful solvents are needed. It is also possible to work with much smaller quantities, something that favors the production of personalized drugs, for example. Much less, and smaller, equipment is needed, too. The researchers estimate the savings generated by the introduction of the technology they will be developing to run into tens of billions worldwide. As test cases for this new approach, they will be using four very common existing drugs (analgesic cannabinoids, the gallstone drug ursodiol, the anti-hypertensive medication Valsartan and the cancer treatment drug Capecitabine). The researchers will have to overcome a number of significant hurdles along the way. If the different chemical reactions are to take place concurrently, they are not allowed to influence each other. The researchers will develop a range of methods to enable the requisite isolation for the different reaction stages by creating chemical or physical compartments, taking inspiration from the way nature does this. They also want to investigate whether they can only combine reactions that do not influence each other whereby no isolation would be required anymore. There will be special focus on modern process control assisted by the Chemical Internet of Things, which will be a much more complex matter than in the classical step-by-step method. The ultimate goal of the researchers and one awarded high-tech SME is to use the new insights to deliver a ready-made new production technology available on the market. TU Eindhoven is the biggest participant in the project known as ONE-FLOW (Catalyst cascade reactions in ONE-FLOW within a compartmentalized, green-solvent 'digital synthesis machinery' end-to-end green process design for pharmaceuticals), and besides Volker Hessel includes from TU/e professors Kitty Nijmeijer and Jan van Hest along with Dr. Tim Noel, all from the department of Chemical Engineering. Other partners are TU Delft, TU Graz, Universitat Bielefeld, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Cambridge, the University of Hull and the Austrian company Microinnova Engineering. The project partners have been given a subsidy worth nearly 4 million euros from the EU's FET-Open program for 'radical new technologies'. The graphics cards found in powerful gaming computers are now capable of solving computationally intensive mathematical problems common in science and engineering applications, thanks to a new solver developed by researchers from the KAUST Extreme Computing Research Center. "One of the most common problems in scientific and engineering computing is solving systems of multiple simultaneous equations involving thousands to millions of variables," said David Keyes, KAUST Professor of Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, who also led the research team. "This type of problem comes up in statistics, optimization, electrostatics, chemistry, mechanics of solid bodies on Earth and gravitational interactions among celestial bodies in space." In typical applications, solving such problems is often the main computational cost. Thus, acceleration of the solver has the potential to considerably impact both the execution time and the energy consumption required to solve the problem. "Graphics processing units (GPUs) are very energy efficient compared with standard high-performance processors because they eliminate a lot of the hardware required for standard processors to execute general-purpose code," explained Keyes. "However, GPUs are new enough that their supporting software remains immature. With the expertise of Ali Charara, a Ph.D. student in the Center who spent several months as an intern at NVIDIA in California, we have been able to identify many things that we can either innovate or improve upon, such as redesigning a common solver." The key to making a more efficient solver is maximizing the trade-off between the number of processors and the memory available to temporarily store the computational data. Memory remains expensive, so finding a way to execute more computation using less memory is critical to solving the problem of computational cost. "Charara designed a solver scheme that operates directly on data 'in place' without making an extra copy," explained Hatem Ltaief, a Senior Research Scientist from the project's team. "This means a system twice as large can be stored in the same amount of memory." Charara achieved this by converting operations that are often carried out by progressing sequentially over columns in the data into a series of tasks on small, computationally efficient, rectangular and triangular blocks recursively carved out of the matrix. This performed specifically on columns in the matrix of values derived from the set of simultaneous equations. This redesigned triangular matrix-matrix multiplication implementation achieves up to eightfold acceleration compared to that of existing implementations. "Now, every user of an NVIDIA GPU has a faster solver for a common task in scientific and engineering computing at their disposal," said Keyes. The solver is due to be integrated into the next scientific software library for NVIDIA GPUs. More information: Charara, A., Ltaief, H.,& Keyes, D. Redesigning triangular dense matrix computations on GPUs. In European Conference on Parallel Processing, pp. 477-489. Springer International Publishing (2016). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43659-3_35 University of Guelph researchers have led a study that pinpointed where monarch butterflies were born in North America. Credit: Prof. Ryan Norris / University of Guelph University of Guelph researchers have pinpointed the North American birthplaces of migratory monarch butterflies that overwinter in Mexico, vital information that will help conserve the dwindling species. The researchers analyzed "chemical fingerprints" in the wings of butterflies collected as far back as the mid-1970s to learn where monarchs migrate within North America each autumn. The largest percentage of monarchs migrated to Mexico from the American Midwest, but the biologists were surprised to find that the insects' origins were spread fairly evenly throughout Canada and the United States. "We expected the vast majority of monarch butterflies to be found in the Midwestern states," said Tyler Flockhart, lead author and Liber Ero Postdoctoral Fellow at U of G. "However, just 38 per cent come from that part of the U.S.A. If we just focus conservation activities on this area, this research shows we will be missing a large number of butterflies born elsewhere in North America." This is the first detailed look at where overwintering monarch butterflies are born over multiple years, he said. Monarch numbers have dropped significantly in recent years, likely due partly to the eradication of milkweed, which began in the mid-1990s. Monarchs feed on milkweed and lay their eggs on the plants. University of Guelph researchers have led a study that pinpointed where monarch butterflies were born in North America. Credit: Stock Analyzing more than 1,000 samples, the research team looked at chemical isotope signatures showing where the butterflies were born in the previous summer and fall. They found that 12 per cent of the insects were born in the northwestern U.S. and Canadian Prairies, 17 per cent in the north-central States and Ontario, 15 per cent in the northeastern U.S. and the Maritimes, 11 per cent in the south-central U.S. and eight per cent in the southeastern States. "We didn't see the decline in the proportion of monarchs we expected in the breadbasket of the U.S.the Midwestern statesdue to the loss of milkweed, but that could be because monarch numbers dropped across North America," said Flockhart. Co-author and integrative biology professor Ryan Norris said the study shows monarch conservation efforts must begin immediately throughout North America. He called for better collection and analysis of butterflies in their Mexican overwintering grounds to monitor the effects of conservation efforts. "We're facing a growing crisis of species extinction, not just with monarchs," said Norris, co-author of the new paper. "While the Midwest U.S.A. is top-priority, effective conservation of monarchs will require initiatives to restore and conserve habitats across the species range, which means there must be coordinated international initiatives." The Guelph researchers worked with collaborators at Western University in London, Ont., the University of Georgia, Sweet Briar College in Virginia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Environment Canada and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Most of the older monarch samples were collected by Lincoln Brower of Sweet Briar College, who has studied the butterflies for more than 50 years. More information: D. T. Tyler Flockhart et al, Regional climate on the breeding grounds predicts variation in the natal origin of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico over 38 years, Global Change Biology (2017). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13589 Journal information: Global Change Biology The new paper analyzes an Antarctic ice core (black arrow at bottom) to show that Southern Ocean winds (yellow arrows) responded to rapid Arctic warming during the last ice age. Previous studies established connections between Arctic warming and ocean currents (red/blue arrows), the northern jet stream (green arrows) and tropical rain bands (green clouds). Credit: Nature Geoscience 2017/Nerilie J. Abram The global climate is a complex machine in which some pieces are separate, yet others are connected. Scientists try to discover the connections to predict what will happen to our climate, especially in a future with more heat-trapping gases. A dramatic pattern in our planet's climate history involves paroxysms in Arctic temperatures. During the last ice age, tens of thousands of years ago, Greenland repeatedly warmed by about 10 degrees Celsius over just a few decades and then gradually cooled. Meanwhile the Southern Hemisphere climate stayed fairly stable, with only weak and long-delayed echoes of the temperature chaos up north. But new University of Washington research shows the fierce winds circling Antarcticaan important lever on the global climateshifted quickly in response to the Northern Hemisphere temperature spikes. "It's most surprising that we can see these really abrupt changes in the Northern Hemisphere making it very quickly to the Southern Hemisphere," said first author Bradley Markle, a UW doctoral student in Earth and space sciences. "The atmospheric circulation is tightly connected across the globe during these events." The study is published in the January issue of Nature Geoscience. Researchers used evidence from a 2-mile-long West Antarctic ice core. That ice core's thick annual layers provide precise dating that allows scientists to match its climate history with those in distant Greenland ice records. The wild northern temperature swings, known as Dansgaard-Oeschger events, are thought to be natural oscillations in the climate system. They have been reproduced in the most sophisticated climate models covering the ice age period. These same models also show a shift in Southern Hemisphere winds. The new study is the observational support for this shift in the winds. The Antarctic ice core shows that Southern Ocean winds shifted at the same time, or at most within a few decades, of each rapid Greenland warming event. Antarctic air temperatures, on the other hand, are connected through the slower-moving oceans and took about two centuries to respond. A freshly extracted section of the 2-mile-deep West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide core, drilled from 2006 to 2011. Sections are now stored in freezers at a national facility in Denver. Credit: Jay Johnson/University of Wisconsin "We'd never found anything in our ice cores before that show the Southern Hemisphere responding so quickly to what happened in the Northern Hemisphere," said co-author Eric Steig, a UW professor of Earth and space sciences. "What we found is that when it warms up abruptly in the Northern Hemisphere, the winds in the Southern Hemisphere move north, and blow over warmer water. And the opposite happens when it cools down quickly in the north: the winds shift south." It was already well known that tropical rain bands and the Northern Hemisphere jet stream adjust to the temperature balance between hemispheres. But there was little historical evidence for winds blowing over the icy southern seas. The new study uses chemical clues in the 70-thousand-year ice core record. As gusting winds evaporate seawater, the fraction of heavier to lighter hydrogen and oxygen atoms in vapor depend on the ocean's temperature. When this moisture eventually falls as snow over Antarctica, it contains a signature of the latitude where it evaporated. Results show that the winds shifted north toward the equator when Greenland warmed, through a signal that was communicated through the atmosphere. Author Bradley Markle examines a section of ice core at the West Antarctic field site. He spent two months in the field as a member of the drilling team. Credit: Linda Morris/U.S. Ice Drilling Program "When it warms up rapidly in the Northern Hemisphere it creates strong temperature gradients, which influence the rain belts in the tropics. The rain belts in the tropics affect where the winds blow in the Southern Hemisphere. So it's a chain of effects," Steig said. Besides being important for Antarctic climate, the Southern Ocean winds influence rainfall in South America, Australia and southern Africa. These winds also play a role in long-term climate feedbacks that involve Antarctic sea ice and the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the oceans. "There's a general understanding in the climate science community that global warming is not just about temperature change, it's also about changing winds," Steig said. While there is some evidence that Southern Ocean winds may be changing today, the causes would be different from those in the study, the authors cautioned. But the results establish a new bridge between the two hemispheres, and support the results from computer models that create detailed simulations of the global climate over thousands of years. "This gives us confidence that the models that we're using to make those calculations are getting it about right," Steig said. More information: Bradley R. Markle et al, Global atmospheric teleconnections during DansgaardOeschger events, Nature Geoscience (2016). DOI: 10.1038/ngeo2848 Journal information: Nature Geoscience In 1968, Pittsburgh Chef Ferdinand Metz cabled from Frankfurt, Germany, to tell his friends that the U.S. Team won the Grand Gold Award in the International Culinary Competition. He was at the top of the culinary world, with 16 gold medals and the grand award given to him and his team. And thousands came when Metz taught culinary classes at H.J. Heinz, where he led research and development. The expertise of Metz and other local chefs belies the notion that, until recently, Pittsburgh was something of a culinary desert. What has changed dramatically, however, is the scale and number of highly regarded restaurants, along with the diversity of menu options. While in the 1980s there were six or seven world-class dining spots, today dozens of restaurants and chefs are receiving national acclaim for different styles of cooking. The New York Times and Washington Post recently featured Pittsburghs thriving restaurant industry. Bon Appetit called Pittsburgh the next Great Food City in 2014. And last year, Zagat ranked Pittsburgh as Americas No. 1 food city. But with success has come problems that would have been inconceivable two decades ago. Staffing has become a major challenge. And many restaurant entrepreneurs believe that, despite its many recent accolades, the local industry is experiencing a bubble thats destined to burst, with too few qualified workers and too many new restaurants for the customer base. In short, they fear that somethings got to give. Tracing the climb of Pittsburghs cuisine One of Metzs favorite places to dine was La Normande. Its chef was Tim Ryan, a 21-year-old prodigy who pushed boundaries in the late 1970s and changed his menu daily. Toni Pais, who went on to become one of the most important chefs in Pittsburgh, watched Ryan in awe when he worked at La Normande. He was like a painter, Pais says. He didnt have to be taught. He just knew. He went to France and would come back with ideas that were unbelievable. Ryan began his career as a busboy at Ninos when he was 13. The owner, Nino Sorci, a well-respected Pittsburgh chef, mentored him. Ryan also devoured cookbooks at Carnegie Library. Eventually, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America. Ryan returned to Pittsburgh, working at Ben Grosss before moving to La Normande. We had big dreams and big aspirations, Ryan says. As good as the other places were, thats not what they were trying to do. Metz ultimately left Heinz in 1980 to become president of the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He recruited Ryan a few years later to join him. The pair would help shape national cooking trends for more than three decades. Though Pittsburgh lost two of its greatest talents, their understudies would continue to push the boundaries in local kitchens. In the 1980s, La Normande was considered Pittsburghs greatest restaurant, continuing its excellence when Cathy Armburger took the helm following Ryans departure. But many other restaurants had long received praise. Hyeholde Restaurant, which opened in Moon in 1939, showcased French cuisine. The Park Schenley was a hit for decades, reaching its peak in the 1950s when colorful, European-trained head chef Dino Nardi manned the kitchen and served diners (including Eleanor Roosevelt) his Broiled Club Steak Florentine and Stuffed Deviled Crab. Both the Wooden Angel in Beaver, which opened in 1968, and the Carlton, which opened in 1984, pioneered accessible and affordable wine lists to accompany their classic fare. And LeMont on Mount Washington has been the temple of traditional Italian food for 60 years. The city remained a place of culinary excellence even after La Normande closed in 1989. Michael and Candace Uricchio opened the critically acclaimed Laforet in 1988. It is not a restaurant for beginners, wrote the Post-Gazettes Mike Kalina, the citys preeminent dining critic at the time. Only a young chef, like Uricchio, (hes under 30), would be brash and daring enough to include dishes on a limited menu that many diners may neither understand nor appreciate. Uricchio and pastry chef Candace both trained in Europe and brought many techniques back. But they also brought with them European cooking equipment that was hard to get in America, enabling them to be more creative. People noticed a difference, says Michael Uricchio. We never tried to disguise things. If we got the best lamb in the country, we wouldnt smother it with sauces. We kept things simple. It was an event to dine there. You could spend hours eating at Laforet. They were part of a second wave of great chefs that included Pais, Andrea Schrenk, now Giant Eagles executive pastry chef, and Keith Coughenour of the Duquesne Club. The Duquesne Club is one of the citys longest running institutions, dating back to the late 19th century. Among the chefs in its history was Abel Bomberault, who held court there from 1932 to 1962 and introduced the city to shepherds pie, vichyssoise and Virginia spots. He emphasized fresh ingredients and plenty of seafood, a tradition Coughenour has continued since becoming the clubs executive chef in 1992. Coughenour was team USA captain in 1992 and 1996 in the Culinary Olympics. He was the American Culinary Federations best chef in the Northeast in 2003. And at one point, he was in the running to be White House chef. And the people he mentoredGreg Alauzen, Derek Stevens, Rich Rosendale, Janice Palla, Kevin Sousa and Mike Caudillhave gone on to accomplish great things locally. Coughenour believes many of todays chefs would benefit from an understanding and appreciation of their Pittsburgh predecessors. I think we should all know the historical achievements of past chefs whove been here, Coughenour says. Because they set the standards from which we evolved. The importance of mentors Though the city had some excellent restaurants, it needed a catalyst to grow into the scene it is todaywith top-notch dining spots in virtually every neighborhood. That spark came when two restaurants opened in 1993. One was Tom Barons Mad Mex, part of his larger restaurant group Big Burrito. The other was Paiss Baum Vivant, featuring Mediterranean food. It wasnt the most sophisticated dining scene, Baron says of Pittsburgh when he arrived. We seemed to be lacking in the concepts that had been in bigger cities. There didnt seem to be a good amount of places that combined a happening bar with a good food experience. Baum Vivant was named best restaurant by local publications for more than a decade. And praise was heaped on Pais, who now owns Cafe Zihno, for his innovative dishes. He fused a variety of ethnic styles, including Chinese, African, Indian and Portuguese. It was also a classroom for aspiring chefs, many of whom would go on to work in other kitchens or open their own restaurants. Big Burrito brought in Bill Fuller, a DuBois native who had worked in Washington, D.C., for seven years. When Fuller came to Pittsburgh in the mid-1990s to be closer to home, he was miserable during the long, cold winter. Though there were six or seven good restaurants, Fuller wasnt impressed with the general dining climate in Pittsburgh. There wasnt a scene with this culture of chefs who viewed it as a desirable profession, he says. There wasnt much here at all. There were a lot of country clubs. It was pretty depressing. Slowly, however, as the city began to recover from steels collapse, the technology and medical sectors were attracting newcomers who brought tastes cultivated in other citiesand a push for better food in Pittsburgh. As Fuller notes, They wanted more out of the market that was already here. There wasnt much here at all. There were a lot of country clubs. It was pretty depressing. Bill Fuller Baron and Fuller would go on to develop one of the most important partnerships in the city in the ensuing two decades. They focused on weaving together all aspects of eating outthe vibe, the food, the look and the crowd. They opened Kaya, Soba, Casbah and Elevenall popular spots. Other chefs began to make waves too, including Gloria Fortunato at Cafe Allegro and Sam DiBattista, chef and owner at Vivo. And Fuller mentored a group of chefs that included Sousa and Justin Severino. Sousa had lived in other parts of the country before and after he graduated from culinary school in Pittsburgh in 1998. When he returned in 2000, he did a stint at the Duquesne Club before joining Soba in 2002 as a line cook. By the time I got to Bill, I already had my own cooking style, Sousa says. But what Bill and Big Burrito gave me was structure and knowing the elements of running a business. Sousa is best known for opening Salt of the Earth in East Liberty in 2010. He also opened a number of other restaurants including Union Pig and Chicken and introduced the city to his alchemy menu, a 25- course progressive dining experience, at the Bigelow Grille. Severino, who had worked under Fuller at Casbah, developed his cooking style in Monterey, California, and wanted to open a restaurant in Santa Cruz. He was dissuaded, however, by the costs and in 2007 returned to Pittsburgh where he chose Lawrenceville to open Cure, which has garnered multiple James Beard nominations, as well as his newest venture, Morcilla. I think we opened up a part of town where nothing was going on, Severino says. No one knew who I was and we didnt advertise. I think what the people said when they drove by was, What the hell is that? No one had preconceived notions. I just started cooking the food I wanted to for people. Neighborhood by neighborhood Lawrenceville is now filled with restaurants, but different chefs and entrepreneurs have created destinations in different neighborhoods. Downtowns development has accelerated since Sonoma Grilles opening in 2004. Matthew Porco opened Sienna Mercato, a popular spot for young professionals near Sonoma and Seviche, and now that part of Penn Avenue bustles at night. We all deserve some credit, says Yves Carreau, owner of Sonoma Grille, Seviche, NOLA and Poros on Market Square. [Sonoma] got the ball rolling on that side of town. Market Square came later. It was the most beautiful area in the city. Rick DeShantz, owner of Meat & Potatoes and Butcher & the Rye, both Downtown, says part of his success is due to embracing the casual dining trend instead of taking a more buttoned-up approach. He designed his restaurants with that in mind. A restaurant is a whole experience. [With both restaurants] I tried to do the same thing. Drink-driven, unpretentious and low prices. And a balance of food from fun to things people can relate to. Others have followed that trend, including Brian Pekarcik, who with Rick Stern owns Grit & Grace, BRGR and Spoon. Trevett Hooper, owner of Legume and Butterjoint, also prefers a casual atmosphere in his Oakland restaurants. But there are still a number of elevated dining places such as Nine on Nine, Cioppino Restaurant, The Twisted Frenchman and Mount Washingtons Altius. Then theres the craze for hip hotel dining, with Habitat at the Fairmont, The Commoner at Hotel Monaco, Braddocks at the Renaissance and the Whitfield at the Ace Hotel. Too much of a good thing? The thriving dining scene worries some who fear it has become oversaturated. And the 2012 closure of Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts, the only culinary school in the city, has created a different concern. We dont have any sort of professional school that is feeding the system anymore, says BRGRs Pekarcik. Its always been a problem, but in the past seven or eight years, I think talented help is at an all-time low. Derek Stevens, the former executive chef at Eleven and now owner of the new Union Standard restaurant Downtown, agrees. How many more [restaurants] can the workforce in Pittsburgh sustain? Thats what I wake up in the middle of the night worrying aboutwhether Ill have a restaurant and have no one apply. Those concerns are widespread, but the new restaurants keep coming. Earlier this year, DeShantz opened Pork & Beans with chef Keith Fuller. Its DeShantzs fourth restaurant and Fullers second. Having multiple restaurants augments the bottom line, according to Legumes and Butterjoints Hooper, who will open a third soon. You cant own one restaurant and make the kind of living you made 20 or 30 years ago. Thats why the market is shifting. Im not saying there arent restaurants that are profitable. I guess Im thinking of the working chef who just worked and cooked in one restaurant. I think that would be hard nowadays because it would be hard to cook full time. You cant own one restaurant and make the kind of living you made 20 or 30 years ago. Thats why the market is shifting. Trevett Hooper Ultimately, the Pittsburgh restaurant boom may eventually lead to a restaurant recession, says Matt McClelland, executive chef with Cioppino Restaurant Group. I think this is going to lead to a drastic decrease in restaurants in the city, because the competition is just going to keep driving each other under. It remains to be seen where the apparent Catch-22 will lead in a culture that, as Baron says, has become so food oriented. Chefs have become local celebrities, appearing regularly in the Pittsburgh news media. Developers want them to anchor new real estate projects. And theyre even credited with the ability to transform neighborhoods. The local palate also has matured, as have diners expectations. They go out now for the experience as much as the food. But with so much choice has come churn, and many older, established restaurants are struggling to stay open as even their regulars come less frequently. Whatever happens, its unlikely that Pittsburgh food culture will revert to fried zucchini and wing jointsthough there is still plenty of that out there, and probably always will be. As a digital revolution changes classrooms across the region and country, one key question lingers at the end of each school day: Do the new technologies actually enhance students learning? The answer is unclear. After decades of research in fields such as cognitive science, the debate is no longer about whether digital technologies have the potential to help students learn, but how they can be harnessed to do so and whether products on the market are effective. Meanwhile, rigorous evaluations of education technology products are rare, giving school officials little guidance when navigating the rapidly growing market. The answers to those and other questions are being explored in Pittsburgh, where researchers are at the forefront of developing advanced educational technologies, analyzing data to refine them and evaluating products on the market to gauge whether they help students learn. Digital tutors One promising area of research is applying artificial intelligence to how students learn in ways not unlike what teachers do. Researchers insist that such technology is not intended to replace teachers. It can, however, expand personalized instruction to all students, which is not practical in most classrooms. Theres great potential for technology to help teachers help students get more individualized attention, said Vincent Aleven, associate professor at Carnegie Mellon Universitys Human-Computer Interaction Institute. One such software product is Cognitive Tutor, from Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Learning. It uses artificial intelligence to provide self-paced instruction and individualized feedback to students as they progress through a course of study. Its part of the companys curriculum that blends teacher-taught with computer- driven instruction. Ideally, students use the Cognitive Tutor software twice a week in class. On those days, they work through math problems based on their level of knowledge. Some might be stuck on multiplying fractions and need extra time, while others are ready to continue. The software can tell. The potential for enhancing personalized instruction with such technologies has led mainstream textbook publishers such as McGraw-Hill Education to become digital education companies. McGraw-Hill, for example, markets a digital teaching tool called Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) that uses artificial intelligence to adapt math and science courses to what students already know or dont know. The product emerged from cognitive science, mathematics and software engineering research out of the University of California-Irvine. Like ALEKS, the Cognitive Tutor software also grew out of cognitive science research, in this case more than 20 years ago at Carnegie Mellon. With renowned researchers such as Herbert Simon, recognized as an artificial intelligence pioneer, Carnegie Mellon has long been thinking about how we think and applying it to machines. The science of learning The science behind Cognitive Tutor is based on a model of how people think and learn called ACT-R, which was developed by John Anderson, Carnegie Mellon professor of psychology and computer science. Learning how to drive a car offers a simple example of how the complex theory can be applied in education. The theory involves two kinds of knowledge: declarative and procedural. In learning how to drive, the necessary declarative knowledge includes knowing that putting the key in the ignition starts the car, applying pressure to the brake pedal prevents the car from moving, and so on. But declarative knowledge alone is not enough. Drivers must draw on those learned acts and facts, put them together and apply them in proper order. For example, to back down a driveway, the car must be set in reverse and pressure must be applied to the gas pedal. With such procedural knowledge, drivers perform the steps seamlessly, routinely and without thinking about each one. Conversely, a gap in procedural knowledge, such as putting the car in neutral rather than reverse, guarantees they wont succeed in backing down the driveway. With Cognitive Tutor, its not whether students get a question right or wrong thats important, but how they build procedural knowledge by putting together and applying different math facts and skills to solve a complex problem. That ability is revealed in the skillometer feature of the software. Although the software features large, real-world problems, what students learn are specific cognitive skills, said Steve Ritter, chief scientist at Carnegie Learning. As they work through a multistep problem, the software tracks how students complete each individual step based on how they solve a problem and collects data to document what each student knows and doesnt know. Next, the software assigns new problems to solve based on what each student knows and doesnt know. The software can also determine the particular strategy students use to solve the problem and can provide help if the student is struggling to solve it. Such a process reveals what students have learned. It is considered a better indicator of students learning than getting a question correct on a test, which could be the result of guessing, the luck of encountering a particular problem they already know, or other factors. In addition, data on how students solve problems is analyzed for insights into how people learn. Researchers, for example, use the data to determine the likelihood of whether or not a student will get a problem correct. An incorrect answer to a problem which a student is expected to correctly answer may indicate there are other skills involved in solving the problem that researchers werent aware of and lead them to investigate further. The process helps improve the software and their understanding of how students learn math, Ritter said. RAND evaluated the Cognitive Tutor software in an expansive randomized control study that focused on its Algebra I course. The study involved 147 school sites, 73 high schools, 74 middle schools in 51 school districts in seven states over two years. None were in southwestern Pennsylvania. Schools were randomly organized into two groups. One received the tutoring software and curriculum. A control group received traditional instruction from teachers. Outcomes for the first year showed little difference in the post-test algebra scores of students who used the software and those in the control group. However, the software significantly improved algebra scores for high schools students in the second year it was used. Second-year outcomes suggest, for example, that students who used the software gained roughly an additional school years worth of academic growth in algebra compared with students who did not use the software, according to the study. The second-year improvement can be attributed, in part, to teachers adapting to teaching with the software, Ritter said. Teachers are used to teaching the whole class. This idea that students might be at different places in the curriculum is unusual to them. Its one of the points of transition, one of the things that change between the first and second year. Evaluating effectiveness Can you see someone learning? Do you know when youre learning? The answer is no, according to Ken Koedinger, professor of human computer interaction and psychology at Carnegie Mellon and director of the Pittsburgh Science of Learning Center. Learning is a subtle, complex process. But Koedinger worries that some people believe otherwise. On the science side of things, my biggest concern and fear is that we have a tendency to think that were able to tap into our own learning process. But learning is really hard to see. Reducing cognition to something that is easily observable can be problematic. One risk is that if school officials and teachers think they can see their students learning, they may be less inclined to demand scientific proof that digital educational technologies on the market enhance learning rather than simply make the subject matter more engaging. The education marketplace is flooded with games, apps and curriculum that claim to engage students, help them learn concepts more efficiently and raise test scores. But evidence of their effectiveness is scarce. Unlike the Cognitive Tutor software, most products sold today have not been rigorously evaluated to determine whether they help students learn. In the field of evaluation, the gold standard is the randomized control trial. But thoroughly evaluating digital education products in schools is a long and expensive process. The RAND study of Cognitive Tutor, for example, cost $6 million and took two years to complete. Doing evaluation in a rigorous way is a very time-consuming process, especially if youre going to do it in real school situations, said John Pane, distinguished chair in education innovation and a senior scientist at RAND in Pittsburgh. You think of all the products that are out there and only a very, very tiny fraction of them have undergone that so far. And it does not seem like it is feasible to test everything that way. Federal education reform, such as the Every Student Succeeds Act, encourages school districts to use data and evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes and qualify for education innovation research grants. But evidence-based decisions on which technologies schools adopt remain the exception rather than the rule. The proven effectiveness of a product is not always a key consideration when districts shop new technologies. Even when it is, school officials find that only a few products have undergone the kind of evaluation that would tell them how well a product enhances learning. Whats happening in the mainstream is much more influenced by marketing than it is by research, Pane said. Part of this reform push is trying to switch it to be more research oriented. Without strong incentives to demonstrate the effectiveness of products, Koedinger said, there isnt a felt need for evaluation in the near term for these companies. While the evidence base is growing, it isnt keeping pace with the development and use of new educational technologies. If youre looking at whats being used in schools right now its impossible to study all of them. Thats one problem, Pane said. If we embark on a study and five years later we come out with the results, the product has evolved and its not actually the product we evaluated anymore. Possible solutions include more timely evaluation of educational technologies and stronger incentives to use research-proven products in the classroom. The U.S. Department of Education, for example, is developing an approach called rapid-cycle technology evaluation as a low-cost, quick turnaround way to assess digital education products. I think evaluation is building out, Koedinger said. It wont make a change overnight, but I think the incentives are going to emerge. Michael Goot night and weekend editor Follow Michael Goot Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Recalibrating the passing score requirements, providing vouchers to help pay the cost of exams and eliminating the academic skills literacy test are among the recommendations of a task force that reviewed the states teacher certification exam. The edTPA exam, which tests a variety of subjects, has been criticized by some as making it difficult for prospective teachers to become certified. The task force recommended that the Board of Regents include other measures of effectiveness for teaching candidates who fall just short of the required passing scores. It also suggested that the state release the qualifications of people who are scoring the tests and review the content, according to the report. Another recommendation is convening a special group to review the length and content of student teaching requirements. It also suggested increasing the voucher program for the certification exams, eliminating the cost of an additional content specialty test for a multi-certificate plan of study, examining the Educating All Students (EAS) test and eliminating the Academic Literacy Skills Test. Advocacy groups reacted favorably to the recommendations, which were presented at Tuesdays Board of Regents meeting. The task force should be applauded for maintaining high standards for aspiring teachers who wish to enter the profession while correcting some of the most onerous problems associated with high-stakes testing and the incredibly bad roll-out of edTPA that began in New York more than four years ago, said NYSUT President Karen E. Magee in a news release. NYSUT Vice President Catalina Fortino praised the task force with reducing costs for students by eliminating an unnecessary exam and allowing faculty to recommend teacher candidates based on other measures of readiness to teach if they fail the edTPA within a narrow margin. United University Professions also urged the Board of Regents to adopt the recommendations. The union said hopefully improving the certification process will attract more students to the teaching profession. Enrollment in teacher preparation programs has dropped by nearly 47 percent more than 36,000 students, between 2009 and 2014. The states current teacher certification exams are highly flawed and have created unnecessary barriers for teacher candidates seeking to enter the profession, said UUP President Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D. If approved by the Regents, the task forces recommendations will raise standards while ensuring that the tests are challenging but fair. Task force member Jamie Dangler, UUPs vice President for academics, said that test scorers who do not directly observe student teachers should not be the final determiners of who gets initial certification. Correction: In my haste yesterday, I mistakenly said that Gov. Andrew Cuomo had proposed funding amounts for education. He has not. I was confusing the recommendation of the New York State School Boards Association, which has called for $2 billion increase in total education aid to $26.3 billion and phasing in Foundation Aid over three years. Planned Parenthood and the local Get Your Girl On support group will hold a march in Glens Falls on Jan. 21 to support continued federal funding for Planned Parenthood, the Greater Glens Falls Democracy for America Chapter, announced Tuesday. The march begins at noon in front of the Planned Parenthood office on Warren Street, and will proceed to Crandall Public Library, where there will be a discussion and hot chocolate. "Planned Parenthood is coming under attack as never before. ... We want to put pressure on (U.S., Rep.) Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro)," wrote Larry Dudley, coordinator of the local Democracy for American chapter, in the DFA newsletter. Democracy for America is the Democratic political advocacy organization that former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean founded. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, on Thursday introduced legislation to authorize states to allow "qualified organizations" to acquire, hold and manage forestland conservation easements purchased with federal Forest Legacy Program funding, according to the Library of Congress government information web site. A qualified organization "must demonstrate ... the ability necessary to acquire, monitor, and enforce interests in forest management consistent with the Forest Legacy Program," the legislation reads. Under a conservation easement, the property owner agrees to specified actions, such as agreeing not to develop the property or agreeing to open the property to public recreation, without relinquishing ownership of the property. State-held conservation easements have figured commonly in New York's open space strategy in the Adirondack Park in recent decades. The proposed legislation, on the surface, would appear to provide the state more options to undertake that strategy, said Willie Janeway, executive director of the Adirondack Council, an environmental lobbying organization. "If, as it appears, this bill allows a reliable established not-for-profit organization such as The Nature Conservancy or the Conservation Fund to receive federal funding and hold conservation easements acquired through the Forest Legacy Program, with appropriate safeguards, then we support it," Janeway said. "Only states can accept funding and hold easements now. Some flexibility would be good to ensure states like New York don't miss important conservation opportunities when federal funds are available but state government isn't able to act in time." Tom Flanagin, the congresswoman's spokesman, said Stefanik will be releasing more information about the legislation soon. The legislation -- HR 344 -- did not yet have any co-sponsors, as of Tuesday morning. FAIR HAVEN, Vermont A Granville man was arrested Monday for a high-speed chase last month in Fair Haven, police said. Zachary J. Braymer, 21, was charged with misdemeanor counts of attempting to elude police and careless and negligent operation of a vehicle after a Dec. 16 pursuit that began on Main Street, according to police. Fair Haven Police sought to stop a vehicle he was driving for an unspecified violation, but the driver fled and officers terminated the chase after several near-collisions. Officers later identified Braymer as the driver and he was charged this week and released pending prosecution in Rutland, Vermont District Court. FORT ANN A New York City woman was jailed Sunday after she allegedly tried to smuggle weapons and drugs into Great Meadow Correctional Facility, police said. Brittani J. Corley, 31, of Queens, was arrested Sunday morning after she was found to have five scalpel blades wrapped in electrical tape and a quantity of synthetic marijuana hidden in her bra, according to State Police. She was charged with two felony counts of promoting prison contraband and a noncriminal charge for possessing synthetic marijuana, police said. Corley was arraigned and sent to Washington County Jail for lack of bail. GLENS FALLS A local agency received a grant of $71,200 for the third year, which will allow it to continue helping other agencies with domestic violence issues. The Domestic Violence Project of Catholic Charities, located at 35 Broad St. in Glens Falls, received the funding from the state, which comes from a grant of $7.7 million of the federal Violence Against Women Act. When the group got its initial grant two years ago, it was told the funding would be coming for three years. Rachel Gartner, executive director of the Domestic Violence Project, said the money will be used to continue Jeanne Noordsys role as head of the regional Domestic Violence Community Coordination Council, and to pay for additional training. The work will be done in Warren and Washington counties. This group has been meeting for more than 15 years, Gartner said. The focus is on improving the response of the system, increasing victim safety and offering support. It is our primary focus of prevention, and includes training and hands-on work. The $7.7 million is almost 10 percent more than the state received last year and will allow New York to fund 11 new programs and support 117 existing programs that help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the case of the local group, the focus is on ongoing work, which Noordsy said focuses on four areas. We try to coordinate among agencies, do needs assessment in a variety of areas, improve response to issues, especially in workplaces, and do training in a lot of different areas, especially new laws, she said, noting the group did a lot of training on the states new strangulation law, which is often used with domestic violence cases. We recently ran a training session for police, school personnel and Family Court staff and attorneys. The group also runs a training simulation called In Her Shoes, which walks participants through the issues a victim of domestic violence has to face. Other organizations in the region that received funding through the program included Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County, which received $35,600 to fund a domestic violence advocate to work out of the Saratoga Springs Police Department; and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, which got $31,931 to partially fund three domestic violence advocates for victims in rural areas of Saratoga County. Noordsy said the additional funding is critical nationwide, because one in four women have dealt with domestic violence. She said it is especially important to focus on teen dating violence. FORT EDWARD Neil Golub was working the crowd and loving every minute of it. Golub, the executive chairman of the board of the Golub Corp., the company that owns Price Chopper and Market 32 stores, walked among the hundreds of people who came to the community pre-opening celebration of the company's newest Market 32 store Monday night. "This is an amazing turnout," Golub said as he stood in front of long lines of residents getting samples of everything pizza, cookies, meat, cheese, ice cream and other offerings. As Golub walked down one aisle, he came across two local residents. "I've planted a flower here," he said, smiling. "Now I just want to see it bloom." The store was set to officially open at 8 a.m. Tuesday, after an all-night effort by its staff. "We have hired so many people. It's been great," said Joe Reiser, the store's manager. "Our employees have a strong connection to the community. They have an investment in it." Major donations The community night is a regular event when the company opens new stores, and the Golubs use it as a chance to start giving back to the community. Those attending the event donated $3,198 at the door, which was matched by the Golub Corp., then matched by the developers of the site, coming to a total of $9,504. That meant each of three non-profit groups Fort Edward Youth Sports, the Fort Edward Community Food Pantry and the Fort Edward Backpack Program, each received a $3,198 donation. Excitement everywhere At times it was difficult to see who was more excited about the new store Golub Corp. officials or local residents and politicians. "I have believed in this store all along, but to stand here and see all these people is just surreal," said Darlene DeVoe, a village trustee and the main grant writer for the project. "I never realized how many people I know." Village Mayor Matthew Traver said he was a little worried about the turnout, considering the temperature was hovering at about 10 degrees. "This is a great turnout," he said, watching hundreds of people stream by. "This is going to be great for the community, and if tonight is any indication, the community is excited about it." Town Supervisor Mitch Suprenant admitted he never expected a new grocery store across from the county complex. "Never, ever did I think this would happen. I got tired looking at that old building that was here empty for 13 years," he said of the former Grand Union, which closed in 2003. "A lot of work by a lot of people went into this." Long-term project The town bought the site for $1 from Washington County, which had acquired it for nonpayment of taxes. Fort Edward agreed to take on the cost of cleanup. David Kaplan, of New York City-based Kaplan Realty, and Bruce Ginsberg, of Ikon Realty in Albany, developed the site and will lease the property to the Golub Corp. "The energy here is fantastic," said Jerry Golub, the vice president of the board of directors. "This is a wonderful community, and we have been looking at it for a while." GLENS FALLS A teacher laid off in 2013 has returned to the district, following the state education commissioners ruling last month that school officials erred in letting him go. The Glens Falls school board on Monday formally appointed Randy Tyner to an elementary teaching position. District spokeswoman Skye Heritage said Tyner started teaching a first grade class at Jackson Heights Elementary School last week. He is covering a maternity leave. Tyner is entitled to back pay and benefits. Information on the specifics of the settlement was not available immediately. Tyner had run the districts gifted and talented program for eight years until he was let go in June 2013 during a round of budget cuts. He is certified to teach English in grades 7-12 and had an extension in gifted education. Tyner filed an appeal, saying he should not have been laid off because he was not the least senior English teacher in the district. He sought reinstatement to an English position with back pay, benefits and seniority. Tyner had said his duties were similar to a teacher providing instructional support services and he should be accruing seniority as part of an exception in state law. State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia ruled on Dec. 8 the district must calculate Tyners seniority rights and determine whether he is entitled to be restored to a tenured position as either an English teacher for grades 7-12 or an elementary teacher with back pay and retroactive benefits, or determine he does not qualify for either. Superintendent Paul Jenkins was not immediately available Tuesday for further comment. Tyner had been diagnosed with leukemia in 2005 and lost his wife due to cancer in June 2015. He recently remarried and was on his honeymoon over the holidays. Tyner had been teaching grades 7-12 English at Cambridge Central School for the last couple of years. The district spent $6,673 on legal expenses in the case, according to a Freedom of Information Law request. Tyner did not want to comment extensively on the case when contacted. I love this town, the students, and the staff with whom I worked the last thing I want to do is to give any impression that I am anything but grateful to work here, he said in an email. He referred additional questions to Megan Mercy, a lawyer with New York State United Teachers. NYSUT spokesman Carl Korn said Tyner came to the union after being laid off and the organization found that he was improperly placed in the gifted and talented tenure area, which does not exist. Korn said he is pleased that the commissioner ruled in Tyners favor. In this day and age, its more important than ever for teachers to have a union in their corner fighting to protect their rights in the workplace. This is exhibit A of what happens when a strong union represents teachers, he said. The commissioner found that Tyner should be made whole in terms of benefits and salary, according to Korn. He said there are ongoing discussions on the financial settlement. Korn did not know why this case took so long to resolve. Sometimes the wheels of justice grind slowly, he said. There was a change in state education commissioner during that time as John B. King Jr. left in December 2014 to work for the U.S. Department of Education and is now the education secretary. QUEENSBURY An aerial view of Queensbury gives a greater perspective of its development potential, Supervisor John Strough said in his 2017 State of the Town speech. To ensure that potential materializes, it is essential to complete the controversial planned extension of the Warren County airport runway, he said. We will continue our support for airport improvements, Strough said in a more than half an hour speech at the start of the Town Board meeting on Monday. The fastest growing segment of the aviation industry is the business jet industry, and our 5,000-foot runway does serve that industry well, he said. Strough has been a consistent supporter of Warren Countys plan to extend the runway to 6,000 feet to increase safety and attract more business jets. Strough said extending the runway will increase the likelihood of commercial development on vacant land in the vicinity of the airport. Opponents of the extension say it isnt needed, and the project could harm environmentally important wetlands. James Mackey, a Queensbury resident who opposes the runway extension, asked later in the meeting during the public comment period if Strough would allow an individual equal time at a future Town Board meeting to rebut portions of the speech. Mackey said it does not seem fair for Strough to have the exposure of a televised Town Board meeting without providing equal time for rebuttal. Strough said members of the public are allowed four minutes each to comment at Town Board meeting. Strough focused much of his speech on accomplishments of 2016, such as new streetlights, park improvements, adoption of a town emergency management plan, new zoning around Northway Exit 18, and receiving a 0 fiscal stress score on a scale of 0 to 100 from the state Comptrollers Office. Strough said he attended more than 100 community events and ceremonies as a town ambassador in 2016 The theme for 2016 seems to be, We have improved, Strough said. For 2017, the key phrase is going to be, We continue to improve. A study will be conducted on how to alleviate traffic congestion on state routes 9 and 149, off Northway Exit 20. Improving traffic flow will facilitate development, Strough said. Many people do not realize the amount of vacant land around Exit 20 that could be developed. You cant see it from Route 9. Take an aerial view of it, he said. Strough said the ripple effect of the Global Foundries chip fabrication plant in Malta is finally showing up in development north of Saratoga County. Town officials must plan wisely to capitalize on it, he said. If you want your town politicians to keep taxes low, then they need to be more than politicians, he said. They need to understand, among many other things, community planning. Strough said the town will collaborate with towns, the state and organizations on preparing a new Lake George management plan. The town will construct a pickleball court at Jenkinsville Park, expand the mountain bike trail system at Gurney Lane Park, and collaborate with Glens Falls to establish a Halfway Brook recreational trail. We live in a town that is truly a home of natural beauty and a good place to live, he said. Strough, a Democrat, is running for re-election to a third two-year term in November. Republican Rachel Seeber, a Queensbury at-large supervisor on the Warren County Board of Supervisors, has said she is considering a challenge to Strough for the full-time town supervisor post. Seeber attended the Town Board meeting, and said after the meeting she had no comment on Stroughs speech other than that she agrees 2017 holds lots of potential for the town. WASHINGTON After nearly two decades of work, it's now official: Cayuga County is home to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell formally established the park at ceremony Tuesday at the Department of the Interior's Washington headquarters. The park will consist of Tubman's residence in Fleming and the Home for the Aged in Auburn. Along with the South Street properties, the historic Thompson A.M.E. Zion Church and rectory on Parker Street will be part of the newly created park. Tubman, an abolitionist and civil rights icon, was born in Maryland, but spent the latter part of her life in Auburn. After she died in 1913, the properties she owned in Auburn were transferred to the A.M.E. Zion Church. The park is the 414th unit within the national park system. It's also, along with the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland, the first national park honoring an African American woman. "Harriet Tubman's story is America's story," Jewell said. The ceremony featured a handful of speakers, including U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer of New York and U.S. Rep. John Katko, whose district includes Cayuga County. Katko, R-Camillus said with the park's establishment, it's an exciting time for central New York. "It's a source of great pride," he said. "It's going to be a great source of pride moving forward." The formal establishment of the park was possible after the Harriet Tubman Home, the organization which oversees the Tubman properties on South Street, and the National Park Service finalized a land agreement. The deal was needed in order for the properties to be granted national park status. The land agreement calls for the Harriet Tubman Home and National Park Service to jointly manage the South Street properties. The National Park Service acquired the Parker Street church for $40,000, records show. Before the land deal was finalized, it was reviewed by the Department of Justice and approved by U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Because it involved a non-profit organization in New York, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman also had to sign off on the agreement. Schneiderman's office approved it late last year. With the land agreement finalized, the Harriet Tubman Home and federal officials, including Schumer, worked quickly to organize Tuesday's ceremony. The moment was significant for Schumer, who sponsored legislation to authorize a special resource study of the Tubman sites in Cayuga County. The study is necessary before any new sites are added to the national park system. After the study was completed, Schumer, D-N.Y., joined with then-U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton to introduce the Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Act in 2008. Six years after the bill was first introduced, it was finally received congressional approval. The measure was included in the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in 2014. "(Tubman) is a true American hero," Schumer said at Tuesday's ceremony. "Because she didn't just secure the blessings of liberty for herself, she risked her life to secure it for others and fought passionately to change her country to secure it for everyone. She gave of herself for others. That's what it means to be an American hero." Gillibrand, D-N.Y., echoed Schumer's comments. "It's a celebration for New York and for Auburn," she said. "But it's mostly a celebration of what's right in the world, and right conquering wrong." The ceremony also recognized the A.M.E. Zion Church's role in preserving the Tubman properties in New York. The church has been credited with ensuring that Tubman's legacy in Auburn wasn't forgotten. Several of the church's leaders, including Bishop Dennis Proctor, attended the ceremony. Proctor, who also serves as chairman of the Harriet Tubman Home organization, hailed the bipartisan cooperation that led to the bill's passage and the eventual establishment of the park. "(Tubman) was not only the 'Moses of her people,' but she was the Moses of a movement a movement for freedom, a movement for justice and a movement for equality," he said. An opening date for the park hasn't been set. With its formal establishment, the next steps are to secure federal funding and prepare the sites for visitors. The Parker Street church and rectory will need significant renovations before the property opens to the public. Tubman's former residence on South Street also will require rehabilitation. The state also plans on playing a role in the opening of the park. When central New York won the 2015 Upstate Revitalization Initiative, a new visitors center for the park was included in the region's future plans. The construction of the facility will cost an estimated $30 million. For now, Tubman stakeholders are celebrating the achievement. While the formal establishment ceremony was held in Washington, the National Park Service is planning to hold an event in Auburn. That event will likely be held in the spring. Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesEx-Talking Heads frontman David Byrne's new rock musical based on the life of the 15th-century French martyr and Roman Catholic saint Joan of Arc is slated to begin preview performances on Tuesday, February 14, at New York City's Public Theater. Byrne wrote the book, music and lyrics of the production, titled Joan of Arc: Into the Fire, which features Jo Lampert -- a Brooklyn-based performer who recently toured with the indie-rock act Tune-Yards -- in the lead role. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, January 10, at 2 p.m. local time. Visit PublicTheater.org for details. Joan of Arc: Into the Fire is being directed by Alex Timbers, who previously worked on Byrne's 2013 stage musical Here Lies Love, an adaptation of a 2010 concept album about former Philippines first lady Imelda Marcos on which David collaborated with Fatboy Slim. According to the Public Theater's website, Into the Fire "explores the electrifying, meteoric rise of Joan of Arc through the lens of a one-of-a-kind rock musical concert." The site also describes the production as "a thrilling and provocative new show about challenging the powerful and believing in the impossible." The musical will get a press opening on March 15, and is scheduled to run through April 16. In other news, a new production of Here Lies Love is scheduled to run from April 7 until May 28 at the Seattle Repertory Theatre in Seattle. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East MAQUOKETA, Iowa Three people have been arrested following a shooting at a Maquoketa mobile home park Monday night. Desmond D. Reeves, 20, of Dubuque, is charged with first-degree burglary. Andrew Mark Combs, 18, and Alex Ethan Wright, 22, both of Maquoketa, are charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said Reeves is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond; Wright is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond; and Combs is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond. At 9:28 p.m. Monday, Maquoketa police were called to 1205 E. Platt St., Lot No. 121, for a report of a man who had been shot. Police say two men entered the mobile home and shot Brian Filloon, 31, with a .22-caliber gun. He was transported to the Jackson County Regional Health Center and later airlifted to University Hospitals, Iowa City. Police say his injuries are not considered life-threatening, but he is in serious condition. The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations is investigating. The police department and DCI also was assisted by the Preston Police Department, Clinton County Sheriffs Department and the Jackson County Sheriffs Department. Retired Scott County Sheriff Dennis Conard may have ended his 43-year law enforcement career, but Pleasant Valley united on Monday to give him a send-off. About 40 people who attended the Pleasant Valley School Board meeting gave Conard a standing ovation, in thanks for the security provided the district by the Scott County Sheriff's Department. "He was Captain Conard when we met," PV Superintendent Jim Spelhaug said. "I could not do my job without your support," high school principal Mike Zimmer said. Spelhaug said Conard was responsible for several programs used in the district, such as DARE, and the addition of deputies as school resource officers. "But for the work of Sheriff Conard, those would not have happened," Spelhaug said. For his part, Conard recalled when Pleasant Valley High School was on a remote, two-lane road, and noted all the changes that have come to the area in 40-plus years. "All this ... says good things about Pleasant Valley," he said. Conard said the new sheriff, Tim Lane, plans on keeping up the good relationship with the district. Board president Heather Witters shook Conard's hand and he left the meeting, smiling. DES MOINES Gov. Terry Branstad used his final Condition of the State speech Tuesday to urge the GOP-run Legislature to seize the opportunities to reshape government in ways that challenge the status quo to improve education, public safety, health care and water quality. This new General Assembly brings new dynamics, new expectations and new opportunities to deliver positive results for Iowans, Branstad said in delivering remarks to a joint legislative session for the 22nd time in his run as the longest-serving governor in U.S. history. Branstad, who likely will leave office later this year to become U.S. ambassador to China, spoke of past challenges and successes the state has seen while charting a new budget and future expectations for a smaller, smarter government. The speech was televised to a statewide audience and a Legislature where Republicans control the Senate 29-20-1 and the House 59-40. Today, America and Iowa exist in a challenging world, he said. But we must seize the opportunity to make it a better place. Reaction to the governors 3,231-word speech predictably fell along partisan lines, with majority Republicans praising Branstad for what he said, if not for what he didnt say. They agreed with the need to move quickly to deal with a $110 million budget shortfall but wished Branstad had included tax cuts in his plan. They are open to his proposal to change the states antiquated collective bargaining system by establishing a single comprehensive statewide health care contract for public employees at the state and local level to spread the risk and dramatically reduce costs. They were disappointed, however, that he didnt propose a major collective bargaining law overhaul similar to that undertaken in Wisconsin. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said House Republicans will like Branstads vision to grow good jobs and careers and share the governors commitment to making education a priority. Democrats agree lawmakers should work together to support Iowa's working families and make sure every family gets a fair shot, said House Minority Leader Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown. But Branstad didnt mention raising the middle class or raising the minimum wage, providing time off for parents with new children and making child care more affordable or making higher education more affordable. There are some things in there we will be able to work with the governor on, Senate Minority Leader Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, said, but like Smith, he wished there had been a plan to raise the minimum wage, which was raised in 2007 when Democrats controlled the Legislature and governors office. Differences are to be expected, said Sen. Wally Horn, D-Cedar Rapids, who is in his 45th year as a legislator. He has a Republican philosophy, and theres another one called Democrat, and they collide once in a while, and theyre going to in this session, he said. Hogg also questioned Branstads claim that under his administration Iowas government is smaller and smarter. If thats the case, why do we have this $113 million budget hole? Hogg asked. Its because the economy is not performing the way that Gov. Branstad thinks it is, family incomes have not been going up, and under his leadership, were falling behind other states. State revenues have been falling behind projections, so Branstad said lawmakers first job will be erasing a $110 million shortfall yet this fiscal year. That must happen before the Legislature tackles his two-year spending plan that included a $78.8 million increase in state aid to K-12 in fiscal 2018 and $63.5 million the following year. It prioritizes education, health care, economic development and public safety, Branstad said of his two-year budget blueprint, and it redirects family planning money to organizations that focus on providing health care for women and eliminates taxpayer funding for organizations that perform abortions. He said this years budget process should include a commitment to examine every dollar of revenue and expenditure in order to maximize efficiency and respect hard-working taxpayers with an eye on downsizing and streamlining government. To that end, he is asking the Legislature to review state boards and commissions to address unnecessary barriers that prevent competition and raise costs. Branstad said he hoped 2017 would be the year to approve a bipartisan water-quality improvement plan that would provide funding for community conservation practices and improvements to wastewater and drinking water facilities via a long-term, dedicated and growing source of revenue. Branstad said a starting point of this years discussion could be a plan that won bipartisan support in the Iowa House last session that proposed to shift $478 million over 13 years to water-quality projects from a water-metering tax and the gambling-funded state infrastructure account. Then-majority Senate Democrats balked at that plan fearing it would shift money from other priorities, such as education. During his remarks, Branstad called the rise in traffic deaths from 315 in 2015 to 402 in 2016 unacceptable in urging legislators to consider recommendations from public safety officials on ways to reverse a troubling trend. Modern technologies should come with new responsibilities, he said. Branstad wants to limit drivers to using hands-free communication devices. I ask that all Iowans join the Iowa law-enforcement community, first responders, the League of Cities, all the major cellphone carriers, the insurance industry, and the medical community in demanding real change in the laws for distracted and impaired drivers, he said. That sat well with Hogg, but not with some Republicans. I appreciate him raising it. Id like to make more progress than what hes proposing, said Hogg, who would like texting while driving to be a primary offense. Under current law, law enforcement cannot stop a motorist for texting. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, did not share that viewpoint. Texting while driving is very dangerous, Zaun said, but so are looking at a GPS device, putting on makeup and eating while driving. How many more laws do we have to pass to protect people from their stupidity? Zaun asked. To highlight past challenges the state has overcome, Branstad pointed to successes in Bloomfield, Woodbine and Waterloo and saluted leaders of those communities who were on hand in the House galleries for the governors speech. Similarly, Branstad recognized students from Des Moines, Bondurant-Farrar and Waukee who were on hand for his speech to emphasize the need for STEM and comprehensive computer science initiatives, work-based learning programs and the administrations Future Ready Iowa effort that seeks to have 70 percent of Iowans in the workforce with education or training beyond high school by 2025. Branstad also paid tribute to his wife, Chris, for her patience and volunteer work, as well as his family for their sacrifices during his years of public service and the prayers and encouragement of friends he has made in Iowas 99 counties during his years in elective office. Ive been so blessed to serve as your governor, leading the state I love, for 22 years," he said. "I am confident Iowa will continue to move forward because Iowans care deeply about their neighbors, their communities and creating an even better future. As I approach the U.S. Senate confirmation process my main priority is to continue serving the people of Iowa with the same energy and passion that I have brought to this office each and every day. SPRINGFIELD The Illinois Senate wont vote on a proposed bipartisan compromise to end the states 18-month budget standoff until after the new General Assembly takes office on Wednesday. Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, agreed to hold off on a vote due to concerns among Republicans about voting on a major package of legislation that included tax increases during the waning days of the current General Assembly. We in the Senate recognize the problems (facing the state), and we are potentially close to an agreement on how to solve them, but were not quite there, Cullerton said Monday during a joint news conference with Radogno. He said the plan is to refile legislation that was filed Monday and to move it as quickly as possible to the Senate floor for approval. The House, meanwhile, passed another temporary spending plan Monday that would provide funding for social service and higher education through June, when the states fiscal year ends. The package that was introduced Monday in the Senate would increase the states personal income tax rate from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent and the corporate rate from 5.25 percent to 7 percent. Another component would provide an additional $740 million in funding for social service and $1.1 billion for higher education for the remainder of the states current fiscal year. The Senate is also considering legislation that would authorize borrowing $7 billion to help pay down the states backlog of unpaid bills, which currently stands at $11 billion. Also included are pension reforms that Cullerton has advocated, an increase in the states minimum wage from $8.25 an hour to $11 an hour by 2021, and changes that would make it easier to consolidate units of local government. A gambling expansion measure would create licenses for six new casinos, including one for the proposed Walkers Bluff resort and casino in southern Illinois Williamson County and another for the south suburbs of Chicago. The final package also could include changes to the states workers compensation laws, a referendum on amending the Illinois Constitution to limit lawmakers to 10 years in top legislative leadership positions, and an overhaul of the way the state funds public schools. Cullerton said the package is designed so that it only goes into effect if all the pieces are approved. Radogno said these discussions represent progress amid the ongoing impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled Legislature. One of the big takeaways from this is for the first were acknowledging that we really do need to link the reforms, the revenue and the budget all together, she said. Starting with that premise, weve made tremendous progress on areas of agreement. Radogno said she believes there will be Republican votes on all the pieces of the final package, but members were concerned about voting on it quickly during the lame-duck session. Because of the timing, there was almost no chance of the package being taken up in the House before the current General Assemblys term ends. But passing it would have sent a message that Senators on both sides of the aisle were willing to compromise to end the standoff. The crux of the impasse has been Rauners insistence that portions of his pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda be included in budget negotiations and Democrats opposition to linking the two. The governor and his main political nemesis, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, were notably absent from discussions about the Senates plan. At an unrelated appearance in Springfield on Monday morning, Rauner declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal. Meanwhile, the House voted 63-49 to approve a stopgap spending bill that would provide an additional $400 million for higher education and $258 million for social services for the current year. The previous temporary budget for those programs and most other state operations expired Dec. 31. The measure, sponsored by state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, would be paid for with special state funds dedicated to social services and education. Its prospects in the Senate on Tuesday are uncertain. The House also voted 65-45 to approve changes to the states workers compensation system. That measures future in the Senate is also unclear. Rep. Jay Hoffman-D, the measures sponsor, said the changes are an effort to prevent excessive rates for workers compensation insurance. Democrats say insurance companies havent passed on to their customers savings from previous reforms. (Debby Hernandez contributed to this report.) Four Scott County supervisors gave the thumbs up at Tuesdays committee-of-the-whole meeting to the city of Davenports plan that paves the way for Sterilite Corp. to construct a $75 million plastic container-making and distribution facility at the Eastern Iowa Industrial Center. Supervisor Diane Holst opposed the agreement. Im concerned that this is a flat-out TIF only for infrastructure, Holst said. Im disappointed that the agreement didnt try to recover the $600,000 that the county spent on the rail spur. Will we get some money back? Holst also questioned the estimated $39-per-square-foot minimum cost to build the 2.5 million-square-foot facility and the future assessed value of the property. At the end of 15 years, will we recoup the money that was invested? she asked. Holst asked that the Board of Supervisors letter of support be changed to declare majority, but not unanimous, support for the project that the Davenport City Council is set to consider at Wednesday nights council meeting. Davenport officials say that Sterilite's operations are slated to begin in early 2018 and that it would open with about 150 jobs. That would grow to 500 jobs after five years. Construction on the new facility will begin in the first part of 2017, they said. In other business, Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane explained his restructuring plans for the sheriffs office. Lane recommended creating two chief deputy positions for jail administration and operations. Lane told supervisors the $7,000 salary increase will be offset by hiring entry level officers at the lower end of the pay scale. Theres significant cost savings when promotions happen, the sheriff said. If approved by supervisors at Thursdays regular meeting, Lt. Bryce Schmidt will be promoted from sheriffs office investigations to chief deputy of jail administration. Lane recommended Sgt. Shawn Roth, a 17-year veteran of the Davenport Police Department, to take over as chief deputy of operations. Supervisors also witnessed the swearing-in ceremony for County Auditor Roxanna Moritz, elected in November to serve a third term. With seasonal influenza rates are going up in the Quad-Cities, Genesis Medical Center and UnityPoint Health Trinity are asking that only healthy visitors come to call at local hospitals. There is "local" flu activity in Iowa, and the incidence of flu-related illnesses has raised to the "moderate" level in Illinois. In addition, Iowa's state epidemiologist warns that while officials have not seen a large number of outbreaks, it's clear the flu rate is going up. "Expect the rate to increase in the next few weeks, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk said. Typically, the flu peaks in late January or early February in this area, and continues into April. Quinlisk said Iowa lags behind much of the nation in flu incidence reports because of its population, less crowded cities and not as many people traveling in and out of the state. Still, two deaths in Iowa have been confirmed. In addition, all four strains of the virus are circulating in the state right now, which is unusual, Quinlisk said. The good news is that the flu vaccine is a good match for all four strains, and it's not too late to get one. "Getting a vaccine now will protect you all season," she said. At the Quad-City hospitals, any visitor with a sore throat, chills, headache, stuffy or runny nose, cough, fever or body aches should stay away. At Genesis, visitors who present those symptoms will be asked to put on a mask and clean their hands before entering a patient's room. At Trinity, masks are available upon request, according to representative Brian Boesen. Visitors are also asked to wash their hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based lotion, before entering a patient's room. "The best preventative measures to protect against seasonal influenza are a flu vaccination and good hand hygiene," said Lisa Caffery, infection control coordinator at Genesis. Almost 9,000 schoolchildren in the Quad-Cities and in Clinton have been protected from influenza via the Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities initiative. The hospital system provides about 35,000 total vaccinations each year. Influenza and pneumonia are still a top-10 cause of death, Quinlisk said. Illinois State Police reported that Sidisamir Eljaouhari, 40, was westbound in a Honda Accord on Interstate 88 near Rock Falls at 4:26 p.m. when he lost control on the snow-covered roadway. The vehicle struck a guardrail before coming to rest. iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- Donald Trump has been building out his Cabinet since he won the election in November, and for the most part, the nominees have largely stayed silent with the exception of brief statements once their names were announced. Now the Cabinet hopefuls will face questions from corresponding Senate committees during their confirmation hearings, eight of which are slated to take place this week. ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos While some of the nominees are less controversial, there are at least six candidates whose hearings could cause fireworks. ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos Here is a primer on some of the possible flashpoints: Jeff Sessions, Attorney General One of the most controversial confirmations could be the one to kick off the whole process. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama, is Trump's pick for attorney general, and his selection has already prompted protests. NAACP president Cornell William Brooks was arrested after staging a sit-in at Sessions' Alabama office last week. Brooks cited Sessions silence on numerous laws that he believes are targeted efforts to restrict the voting rights of minority communities in states like Alabama, North Carolina and throughout the South. "You have a nominee for attorney general who has demonstrated a disregard for voter suppression," Brooks said. "He supports the myth of voter fraud. That is unacceptable." Brooks is far from the only one upset, with a group of 1,140 faculty members from law schools across the country penning a letter opposing Sessions' selection. The letter took aim at controversy surrounding Sessions' 1986 confirmation hearing for a federal judgeship, as Sessions was rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee at that time "due to statements Sessions had made that reflected prejudice against African-Americans," the letter states. Sessions said under oath during the hearing that the allegations against him were false and that he was not biased. Former FBI director Louis Freeh, who was appointed to his position by then-President Bill Clinton, has long been supportive of Trump and just last month sent a letter to the Judiciary Committee insisting Sessions has no racial bias. The legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, David Cole, is testifying at Sessions' hearing. The nonpartisan group released a statement today announcing Cole's scheduled testimony, saying that it does not typically participate in such hearings, "however, the organization is taking the extraordinary step of testifying in this hearing because Sen. Sessions record raises significant, serious questions about his hostility to civil rights and civil liberties." Another possible flashpoint for Sessions comes from comments he has made about drug use and the legalization of marijuana. At a Senate hearing last April, Sessions said that "good people don't smoke marijuana" and it is "not the kind of thing that ought to be legalized." In response, Adam Eidinger, the leader of a marijuana legalization activist group DCMJ, told ABC News that supporters plan to wait in line "for three days" to make sure that they get seats in the audience for Sessions' confirmation hearing, which is scheduled to take place over Tuesday and Wednesday. "It's going to smell like marijuana in that hearing because we smell like marijuana because we're going to smoke legally before it," he said. Sessions will likely be asked about how he will classify terrorism suspects under the law and how the Justice Department will work to counter radicalization in the U.S. Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State One of the most heated moments from the confirmation hearings will likely come when Rex Tillerson is questioned over his close ties to Russia. Tillerson, who worked at ExxonMobil for more than 40 years and had served as the company's CEO since 2006 before stepping down at the end of last year, has done business in Russia since the 1990s. That relationship reached its peak in 2011 when ExxonMobil made a deal with Russian oil company Rosneft, the majority of which was owned by the Russian government. In 2013, Tillerson received the Order of Friendship from Russian president Vladimir Putin, and the nature of their friendship will come under scrutiny during the hearings, especially since the U.S. Intelligence Community released a declassified report last week acknowledging that Putin "ordered" a cyber campaign to influence the U.S. presidential election with "a clear preference for President-elect Trump." Since his nomination was announced, Tillerson has been taking steps to extricate himself from his various business interests. Unlike his future boss, if confirmed Tillerson will be subject to a federal conflicts of interest law (18 U.S. Code 208), which prohibits most federal officials from participating in government matters in which they or their family have a financial interest. The president and vice president are exempt from this rule. Given the depth and scope of his business interests, particularly in oil-focused activities that could have ties with other countries and foreign governments with whom he would be working as secretary of state, it is virtually assured that he will be asked about his various business dealings. Ben Carson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development The former neurosurgeon-turned-former presidential candidate made headlines when he backed his former foe, Trump. Dr. Ben Carson is one of the few early supporters of Trump to receive a Cabinet nomination, and questions are being raised about his qualifications. Even Armstrong Williams, one of Carson's closest aides, publicly questioned his fitness for the role. "Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience, he's never run a federal agency. The last thing he would want to do was take a position that could cripple the presidency," Williams told The Hill on Nov. 15, weeks before Carson was announced as Trump's pick for HUD secretary on Dec. 5. Williams later told NPR on the day that Carson was announced as Trump's pick that Carson has personal experience that he will bring to the job that helps make him prepared for that position. "His life growing up in subsidized housing, growing up in poor communities, understanding what happens, that you can go into the communities and build houses all you want," Williams said when asked what has prepared Carson to lead the agency. James Mattis, Secretary of Defense The nomination of retired Marine Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis comes counter to one of the existing rules of appointments, as he has not been out of uniform long enough to serve in a Cabinet position. According to the existing rules, members of the military who go on to serve in the administration are supposed to have at least seven years in between the two posts. Mattis only retired from his position as the commander of U.S. Central Command in 2013. A waiver would be required to override that rule, and Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, who is the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has said that waivers have been issued in the past. Beyond the bureaucratic loophole, Mattis will likely be questioned over the U.S. role in Afghanistan and Iraq, as he led Marine forces in both of those regions at the start of American operations in each country. He has also been openly critical of the Obama administration's nuclear deal with Iran, so the fate of that deal also seems like a possible area of questioning. Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Commerce The wealth of Trump's Cabinet picks is clearest with the nomination of Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor. Aside from Trump himself, Ross is the only Cabinet pick who is listed on the Forbes 400, the magazine's 2016 edition of its list of the wealthiest Americans. Ross is worth an estimated $2.5 billion. Ross has been hailed as a hero by some for saving failing industries but critics have likened the business practice to being a "vulture investor," though Ross himself disdains the term, according to a 2004 New York magazine profile, which also noted that he prefers the description a phoenix that rebuilds itself from the ashes. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A flood watch has been issued for the Rock River affecting Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside counties. Early today the Rock near Joslin, Ill., was at 11.4 feet. Flood stage is 12 feet. An ice jam formed Saturday night with river levels fluctuating but expected to rise based on the forecast rainfall. The Rock is expected to rise to flood stage on Friday with minor flooding possible. Area river levels While appraisers already reassessed the bulk of Bettendorf's residential real estate, property owners shouldn't expect to see the new calculated values of their homes until the end of February. Cedar Rapids-based Vanguard Appraisals wrapped up its field work last month and is in the "clean-up" process before turning over its data to the Scott County Assessor's Office. So, unless any new residential construction pops up within the next month, residents should not expect to see inspectors knocking on their doors. Scott County Assessor Tom McManus stressed Bettendorf residents should wait until next month to see the results before reaching out to his office with questions. "Nothing will be set in stone until we mail out those final valuations," said McManus, who began working for the county last January. Iowa law, meanwhile, allows counties until March 31 to set new values. The new assessments, which the county can tweak before releasing to the public, will not affect property taxes until the September 2018 tax statement. When the project began in August 2015, the county expected Vanguard to inspect the interior of at least 70 percent of the residential properties in Bettendorf, and determine new assessments within 18 months. Vanguard appraisers made it inside 7,709 homes of the 13,216 residential dwellings in Bettendorf. They needed to estimate the values of 3,200 of those homes because owners never answered the door. Meanwhile, 2,265 property owners about 17 percent refused to allow appraisers into their homes. So, not including the refusals, Vanguard gained entry into a little more than 70 percent of the 10,909 remaining homes in the city. The goal of the $1.2 million project is to help correct inequities between the county's assessments and the actual market value of homes. Throughout the last year and a half, data collectors attempted to gather current information on properties and documented the improvements that did not get appraised in the past. Vanguard appraisers last canvassed the entire city in 2001-2002, and were asked to return because several homes in Bettendorf were selling for more than their assessed values. Vanguard personnel stopped at every house at least three times to give the property owner a chance to respond: Once in the morning, once during afternoon hours and once in off hours, either in the early evening on a weekday or a Saturday morning. If someone was not home or refused to let data collectors in, appraisers looked for signs of remodeling from the outside, including the quality of windows, doors or roofs. At the completion of the project, if Bettendorf residents have questions or complaints, Vanguard representatives, who have appraised almost every county in Iowa, will meet with them. In his eighth and final State of the City address on Monday, outgoing Rock Island Mayor Dennis Pauley touted recent achievements and future plans for the community that lost a major job-creating development in 2016. Pauley, who announced this fall he would not seek re-election in April, briefly touched on Walmarts decision to not build a Supercenter on the city's west side. He called the news that broke in September a "shock to all of us," and opted to highlight the bright side down the road. "We now have a shovel-ready site and our staff is working hard to bring new development to that area," Pauley said during the Rock Island City Council meeting at City Hall. He noted city officials want to bring another grocery store to the 11th Street site to anchor the property. To make way for the big-box retailer, Pauley also pointed out three employers Missman Inc., Black Hawk College and Hill & Valley bakery that invested a combined $20 million to build new or relocate. He referenced the arrival of Bridges Catering, which purchased the Stern Center and transferred its corporate facilities, along with 120 jobs, to Rock Island. To help the former Iowa-based catering business redevelop the downtown event center, the city declared last spring it would chip in $600,000. Sporting a purple tie and matching pocket square, Pauley went on to spotlight developments that distinguish Rock Island's downtown from other areas in the metro Quad-Cities. He called the downtown, which is dominated by bars, restaurants and performance venues, the area's "artistic epicenter." Pauley touched on a couple of new businesses that plan to open up shop next month in the heart of The District. The Black Sheep, an arcade bar, will open its doors at 1730 2nd Ave., and Healthy Harvest Urban Farms expects to open a store at 1616 2nd Ave. Located one block east of the bar and grocery store on 2nd Avenue, Rock Island's eight newest downtown apartments opened last fall in the Great River Plaza within the shell of the 1870s Star Block. In 2016, Pauley mentioned the city added eight new houses to its tax roll. He credited the city's parks department for hosting 13 free concerts in Schwiebert Riverfront Park and Lincoln Park, and for partnering with the Quad-Cities Pickleball Club. The growing club raised more than $30,000 to develop the first dedicated outdoor pickleball facility on the Illinois side of the Quad-Cities at Mel McKay Park. Looking ahead, Pauley said aldermen will conduct a nationwide search for a new city manager in May. Pauley also endorsed Randy Tweet, the city's interim city manager, for the post. Additionally, Pauley said construction will begin on the new water filtration facility on 16th Avenue and 23rd Street that will replace the city's 100-year-old plant. "We have a lot to be proud of in Rock Island," Pauley said to end his speech, which he also presented earlier in the day at the Quad-City Botanical Center. "The city is positioned for very strong growth in the future and I am honored to have been a part of this as your mayor." SIOUX FALLS | South Dakota corrections officials say an inmate has died at the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls. Authorities said Monday 56-year-old Joseph Olson died Friday, Jan. 6 following an extended illness. He had been serving a 15-year sentence for sexual contact with a minor under 16 years of age in Yankton County. Corrections spokesman Michael Winder says Olson was taken to the prison's Jameson Annex for the last days of his life. The annex houses medical services for inmates, among other things. AVON | A company that proposed a 201-megawatt wind farm near Avon last year has a new plan for 13 smaller projects in southeastern South Dakota. Last month, the Public Utilities Commission received paperwork that Prevailing Winds filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the new project, Public Utilities Commission chairwoman Kristie Fiegen told the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan. She said the size of the projects in Bon Homme and Charles Mix counties range from 6.8 megawatts to 20 megawatts. Fiegen said investors are seeking qualifying facility status under the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act, which gives small wind power production facilities the right to sell their power and mandates utilities to buy the power at a certain point. According to Ronnie Hornstra, Prevailing Winds chairman, the proposed projects won't harm rural-electric cooperatives or other energy providers. "It only creates an opportunity for the cooperatives to purchase local renewable energy that would reduce cooperatives' energy costs and would be generated right here in South Dakota," Hornstra said. Hornstra said the projects would provide energy at a cost savings. He added that Prevailing Winds' charter seeks the social and economic improvement of rural South Dakota. "Our mission statement is the primary reason we are making these offers to the cooperatives," Hornstra said, "to extend our projects economic benefits to as many South Dakota residents as possible." Prevailing Winds' board withdrew its previous application last August after a public hearing in Avon. LINCOLN, Neb. | A small Nebraska town whose four beer stores sold the equivalent of 3.5 million cans in 2015 again is caught in the crosshairs of a debate over alcohol sales and widespread alcoholism on a bordering Native American reservation in South Dakota. County officials voted 3-0 on Tuesday to recommend the state renew the liquor licenses of the stores in Whiteclay, a town with a dozen full-time residents that abuts the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Some members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe blame Whiteclay for problems on the reservation, where alcohol is banned. Sheridan County Commissioner Loren Paul said the board didn't believe they could legally stop them from selling alcohol, but refused to elaborate. "I don't think there will be any further action by the board at this time," he said. Last week, commissioner Jack Andersen said he didn't believe closing the stores would keep reservation residents from drinking or traveling farther south into Sheridan County. The decision a setback for activists who for decades have targeted the stores in hopes stopping the sales now goes to the state board that regulates alcohol. State law only allows the board to recommend against renewals if they conclude that the area fails to meet certain standards, such as having adequate law enforcement. The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission ordered the Whiteclay stores to reapply for their liquor licenses in November amid public pressure to reduce panhandling, public drunkenness and violence and concerns about adequate law enforcement in the area. The effort to close the stores in recent years has included marches, meetings with Nebraska officials and road blockades designed to stop alcohol from crossing into the reservation. In May 2013, vandals smashed the windows and front lights of two beer trucks and slashed at least one tire during deliveries to Whiteclay. They also fought with local law enforcement officers who were keeping watch over a third shipment. Activists have also called on Nebraska officials to restore a 10-mile-wide, 5-mile long buffer zone that was created in 1882 to protect tribe members from whiskey peddlers. Known as the Whiteclay extension, the zone was eliminated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904 through an order that opened the land to white settlement and alcohol sales. HOT SPRINGS Hot Springs city council easily approved a number of items at its Tuesday, Jan. 3, kick off 2017 meeting, but got hung up over a single word in a city planning document, prompting a lengthy discussion and some disagreement among the council members. The things the city easily approved included: Raises and cost of living increases for six city employees. Also the overall city salary and wage resolution. Borrowing $1.29 million from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development program to pay for the Boulder Falls paving project. Another part of this involved approving spending $610,000 the citys co-pay on this loan to cover the cost of the project. Setting the election date as June 6, 2017. The city is hoping to partner with Hot Springs School District in this election, but this requires school district approval something that has not taken place yet. Renewing a water meter reading contract. Keeping Barnyard Veterinary Service as the citys contracted veterinarian. Appointing Wally Cachro and Linda Cobb to positions. Cachro returns as BID board for a three year term, through 2020, and Cobb will join the city Housing Commission for a five-year hitch, ending on 2021. Holding parades, these to include the 2017 Miss SD parade, the 4th of July event, Freedom Ride, Homecoming, December Parade of Lights. City airport hangar rates, these stay the same except taxes are no longer included. Also signing an agreement with Red Rock River Resort for the South Dakota Municipal League dinner in early April. Where the city got hung up was with a single word in a resolution regarding the 2016 Hot Springs Housing Study. Two aldermen, Bob Nelson and Carolann Schwarzenbach, said they could not agree with the word accept when it came to the housing study. The city wanted a resolution accepting the Housing Study, and what this meant, according to Planning Administrator Kim Barbieri, was that the city was contractually satisfied with the efforts that went into the study. Barbieri said this didnt imply that the city agreed with everything stated in the study, only that the company that produced it, Community Partners Research, Inc. of Faribault, Minn., had done its job in producing it, met the contract it made with the city. Schwarzenbach and Nelson disagreed with this idea. Schwarzenbach wanted to take out the word accept in the resolution, and simply make the study available to those interested in seeing it at City Hall and on-line via the city website. (The study has been available on the city website, visit http://www.hs-sd.org/city-departments/planning-administrator/housing-study to see a copy.) Nelson said he found a lot in the study he couldnt agree with, pages of troubling parts in the 129-page document, he said. These things included: 15 references to the city demolishing buildings, especially demolishing buildings so developers might acquire these properties. The idea that the city would acquire mobile homes that didnt meet its definition of what was acceptable and give the owners a fixed price that they could use to buy other housing. How housing rehabilitation and development would acquire homes and demolish them How if a property doesnt meet how the city says it ought to be cared for, the city would take this property over. Also other references to taking properties from their owners. I dont accept these recommendations, Nelson said. Im concerned that it seems the city is telling people how to care for their property. Its the city vs. the owner, and removing the property from the landowner. Schwarzenbach said that she was worried that some city council several years down the road might look at this document and think the city was recommending that these things be done. Its s great document, we should use it, she said, but dont ask us to accept it. Accept means to approve it. Alderman Andrea Kramer was also against accepting the study. Barbieri countered their arguments against accepting the document with her ideas on how the company fulfilled its contractual obligations. She also said that this was a planning document, a tool to be used for planning, not city rules. She chided the council for not offering input during the long preparation period of the study about its wording and ideas, and how few had actually read through the whole document Schwarzenbach said she did not do this, Thats what happens. Barbieri also said that when she consulted with local builders and developers about the documents wording in the segments on how the city should handle derelict buildings, they were much more aggressive in wanting to demolish these than the study portrayed. They were mad at me (for not being more aggressive with this), Barbieri said. Alderman Kara Hagen suggested changing the wording in the resolution to the city being satisfied that the company met its contractual agreement. A vote on this came down to a three-way tie, with Hagen, Georgia Holmes and Christa Spillane for this wording; Kramer, Nelson and Schwarzenbach, against. After the wording was changed to the city would formally acknowledge receipt of the housing study, the resolution met with approval of the council. In other business, the city also heard an update from Dakota Resource Community Engagement leader Kristi Wagner and Southern Hills Economic Development Corporation (SHEDCO) Vice President Brian Spitzer. They told the council the city had earned a $10,000 South Dakota Community Grant that would fund year two of the Community Engagement process. This would allow those involved to re-activate, recharge and get going , Spitzer said. Wagner told the council that the citys earning this grant was quite an accomplishment, because lot of other communities were not funded for the grant. The city had proven itself successful and accomplished things, and that there was still work to be done, Wagner said. Wagner said accelerated action planning would now be the focus of the community engagement teams, figuring out what to do, who will do this, when it should happen and what everyone needs to learn to accomplish the mission. She said she is really looking forward to gathering more information for the citys comprehensive plan and two colleagues Mike Knutson, an expert in action planning, and Paula Jensen would be helping with the engagement process now. A new focus for the citys comprehensive plan would be contractors and builders, gathering their input. Wagner encouraged more people to get involved in the effort, because while many community members are involved, there are many who are not. Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender says a trip to Sioux Falls might help city officials gain a better understanding of their options and the development process for the parking lot at Fifth and St. Joseph streets, or the former President's Plaza site. Allender suggested city officials study what leaders in Sioux Falls are doing as they face a similar issue at the site of a former rail yard in its downtown area. He said he believes the development of this lot will be the "new cornerstone of Rapid City's downtown" but wants to exercise "extreme caution" in moving forward with the site's development. Sioux Falls officials are about to begin a selection process for the development of the rail yard, Allender wrote in a letter to members of the Rapid City council. He said he has been briefed on the process they will use and suggests sending a contingent of city employees from various departments to Sioux Falls to meet with officials there who work in their area of interest. The details of the trip are not worked out yet, Rapid City Communications Coordinator Darrell Shoemaker said, but a few things are clear. They will send one person from each of four departments: Public Works, Community Planning and Development, Finance, and Legal. The money for the trip will come out of each department's budget. While there, they will record their observations, dialogues and notes on the process, Shoemaker said. They will report back to the city council at the special meeting scheduled to discuss the lot on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. In his letter, Allender urged the members of the city council to keep an open mind regarding the project. He said assumptions people have about the lot specifically the construction of a parking ramp and who will build it and maintain it "could cloud future decision-making on this project." "It may seem logical that the responsibility would fall upon the city; however, any assumptions we make while constructing a request for the proposal will only limit the potential scope or attractiveness of the project," Allender wrote. He went on to say he has been contacted by several developers interested in the project and their level of expertise is such that he feels, "we could stifle this project if we are not careful." Allender also requested that the members of the city council "refrain from becoming attached to a theory or plan, whether it be a building configuration or parking lot construction, until we have adequate time to consider all relevant options." A 20-year-old Rapid City man who had been reported missing Sunday was found dead in a field east of Box Elder on Monday after an exhaustive search, authorities said. The body of Dalton Layng was found by sheriffs deputies and county search and rescue personnel around 1:30 p.m. in a field near the intersection of 151st Avenue and Interstate 90, the Pennington County Sheriffs Office said in a release. Sheriff Kevin Thom said that there were no initial signs of foul play and that a cause of death could not yet be determined. Were going to conduct an autopsy and finish out the investigation, Thom said. Daltons blue Pontiac had been found abandoned in a ditch near Mile Marker 70 on I-90 east of Box Elder. His cellphone lay nearby. The last time anyone heard from him was after midnight Sunday morning when he called his girlfriend to say he had driven into a ditch along the interstate, Daltons father, Jim Layng, said in a phone interview Monday. Dalton, known to family and friends as D.J., was then driving home to Rapid City from a friends party in Box Elder. He called her and said, I put my car in the ditch. Im walking down the interstate. Come get me. Im cold, Jim Layng said. The couples conversation was cut short when the battery in Daltons cellphone died. His girlfriend, who did not know his exact location, drove out to look for him in the Box Elder area. When she could not locate his car, she thought he had already made it home, his father said. It was 9 to 12 degrees in the Box Elder area between midnight and 2 a.m. Sunday, according to data from the National Weather Services observation station at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, law enforcement knocked on Jim Layngs door, asking if his son was safe since his car had been found in the interstate median. Layng said he was puzzled why Daltons car was found three miles east of the Liberty Boulevard exit (Exit 67) when he lived west of where the party had been. Sunday afternoon, sheriffs deputies, the countys volunteer search and rescue team and a K-9 unit began looking for Dalton. The search was called off when darkness set in, but continued Monday. Monday morning, Daltons parents were informed that a law enforcement officer had seen Dalton by the roadside early Sunday morning. The officer, who was en route to an emergency call in New Underwood, had a dashboard camera recording that showed Dalton talking to occupants of a semitrailer, Layng said. The truck was registered to a husband-and-wife team from the Canadian city of Quebec, and authorities were trying to reach them, he said. Dalton, a graduate of Central High School, was born and raised in South Dakota. Besides spending his time playing video games, Layng said his son liked to ride his longboard, play Frisbee, camp, hike and go boating on the lake. Dalton, who worked as a retail store clerk, had plans to attend Black Hills State University in the spring. He wanted to study history, archeology or a related field, his father said. Layng described his son, the youngest of his five children, as my baby. Dozens of paraprofessionals packed council chambers on Monday night to ask the Rapid City school board to stop trying to dissolve their union. Understanding that the district has indeed filed to decertify the association, said Sue Podoll, president of the Rapid City Education Association (RCEA), I would respectfully ask you to pull that decertification request. Besides teachers, the RCEA represents the districts paraprofessional employees during annual contract negotiations. Paraprofessionals assist teachers in the classroom by focusing on individual students who have special needs such as a developmental or learning disability. But last month, the board filed paperwork with the South Dakota Department of Labor to decertify the RCEA as the paraprofessionals union representative. The board did not approve the action during a public meeting. Instead, it sprang from discussions held in November during a closed meeting, or "executive session." School board president Jim Hansen who was absent from Mondays meeting has said the board decided to decertify the paraprofessionals in response to frustrated voices from within the groups own ranks. Those frustrations, Hansen said, stemmed from an incident last year when an RCEA representative failed to file a letter of intent to negotiate with the school board before the deadline. As a result, contract negotiations for the paraprofessionals never took place. But if any of those frustrated paraprofessionals were present at last nights school board meeting, none of them spoke up. Those who did speak did so in defense of the union. Virginia Montcrieff, a paraprofessional of 19 years, told the board it had overstepped its bounds by filing for the decertification. We need and deserve the negotiated agreement that we have, she said, and if the paraprofessionals as a group decide we want to decertify, we should do it. It should not be done for us. Wilfred Meyers, a paraprofessional for 10 years, said he is displeased with how school district officials have handled the situation. The impression it gives me is that the board and the district consider paraprofessionals second-class citizens, he told the board. Thats your impression, that youre trying do away with us and the union so you can do what you will with our pay and benefits. That is wrong. Meyers' remarks were met with applause from the audience. Acting school board president Matt Stephens responded by saying, Theres a huge confusion about what our intention was as a board. We arent trying to take away your voice. We are trying to help you have a voice. Stephens said the request to withdraw the decertification paperwork will probably be the subject of future discussions. When asked if those discussions will be held at an open or closed meeting, Stephens said he was not sure. This is the second time in the last two years that the school board has moved to decertify an employees' union. In the winter of 2015, the embattled union that represented the districts support services employees voluntarily disbanded following a push by the board to decertify the bargaining group. With the union disbanded, there is nothing compelling the district to continue negotiations with support services employees, according to the state Department of Labor. If the process to decertify the paraprofessionals proceeds, a yet-to-be-scheduled election hosted by the Department of Labor will be held. The districts 245 paraprofessionals will then vote to decide whether to keep their union. To keep it, 124 paraprofessionals or 50 percent plus one will have to vote in favor of it. Votes not cast will be counted as a vote against keeping the union. Rapid City motorcycle dealer Wade Rice is wondering how he will replace sales of one of his American-made bike brands after Minneapolis-based Polaris announced Monday that it would immediately stop its Victory line of motorcycles after 18 years. Sometime, (with) opportunities, doors open and they close. Unfortunately were not going to come out on this one, Rice said Monday, after Polaris decided to focus instead on its more profitable Indian motorcycles and other products. Polaris said it will assist current Victory dealers in selling their remaining inventories of motorcycles while continuing to maintain service and warranty coverage, as well as supplying parts for the bikes for 10 more years. Polaris spokesman Derek Peterson said plants in Iowa and South Dakota would continue producing Indian motorcycles. The Spearfish plant paints motorcycle components. Were really not expecting this to impact the employees in Spearfish to any significant degree at all, Peterson said. Rice also sells Suzuki and Honda motorcycles, along with side-by-side utility vehicles and the Polaris Slingshot, a three-wheeled roadster, but the loss of Victory will take a bite out of his summer cruising and touring bike offerings, especially during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. This will take a big chunk out of our August, he said. We were the No. 1-selling (Victory) dealer in the country. According to the company website, the first production Victory motorcycle, a V92C model, rolled out of Polaris Spirit Lake, Iowa, plant on July 4, 1998. But Polaris said it lost money on Victory in three of the past five years after sales of the big road motorcycles peaked in 2012. Victory represented only about 3 percent of Polaris' total sales. The move is seen as a way for Polaris to focus on its Indian brand of motorcycles in an attempt to compete with industry leader Harley-Davidson. Rice said Victory and Indian were essentially competing against themselves. They had to sacrifice one to make the other one grow faster. Its not good for me because we put a lot of hard, good years into making a success of it, he said. UBS analyst Robin Farley noted the move will eliminate an American motorcycle brand, but Harley-Davidson may not be able to take advantage of it because its customer base is aging and Indian Motorcycle has been gaining market share. About 400 dealers nationwide sold Victory motorcycles, although about 150 of those also sell Indian motorcycles. Rice does not sell Indian motorcycles, because there a major Indian dealership nearby in Sturgis. He does, however, plan to open a Polaris dealership, focusing on off-road utility task vehicles and side-by-sides, in Summerset later this month. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy High-ranking investigators appeal against detention set for January 19 MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) The Moscow City Court has set January 19 as the date for hearing an appeal filed by the First Deputy Head of the Investigative Committees Moscow Directorate, General Denis Nikandrov, who stands charged with taking a large-scale bribe, against extension of his detention, the Lefortovksy District Courts spokesperson Yekaterina Krasnova told RAPSI on Tuesday. A similar appeal lodged by the head of the Investigative Committees Internal Security Directorate Mikhail Maksimenko will be considered on the same date. In December, the court extended the detention of Nikandrov and Maksimenko for three months. On July 20, Maksimenko along with several of his high-ranking colleagues, including his deputy Alexander Lamonov and Nikandrov, were put in jail. Earlier, they have been arrested by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on suspicion of receiving a large-scale bribe. According to the FSB official website, the agency, along with the Investigative Committee, is carrying out a probe into the criminal case against the suspects over alleged abuse of office and receiving bribes from some representatives of the criminal community. In late July, various media outlets reported that Maksimenko and his colleagues had been arrested as a part of the investigation into a criminal case over extortion of 8 million rubles ($123,400) that involved alleged gang leader Zakhariy Kalashov also known in the criminal world as Shakro Molodoi. Guwahati, January 10 : The trouble torn Manipur to witness another family politics in the next assembly poll as Okram Ibobi Singh is all set to field his son in the state politics after wife. Local media said that, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's son is set to contest the upcoming assembly poll in the northern eastern Indian state. Ibobi's son Okram Surajkumar to contest from the Khangabok constituency of Thoubal district. The poll in Khangabok constituency is scheduling on March 4. CM Ibobi's wife Okram Landhoni who represented the Khangabok constituency for two terms is likely to be handed over the political baton to her son. Okram Surajkumar alias Kenedy had completed his graduation in Economics from Kingston University, London. Surajkumar said that he did not have any political ambition in the past as his parents were already in politics. The Manipur CM's son further said that, he want to extend helping those people who faced several difficulties since long times. "Corruption is deep-rooted in Manipur and the new generation must endeavour to root it out and to make Manipur as a corruption free state," Surajkumar said. Okram Surajkumar had already taken the application form of Congress party. The assembly poll in Manipur will be held on March 4 and 8 in two phases. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Guwahati, January 10 : Suspected militants of Meghalaya's Garo Hills had abducted 11 Assam based traders from near the village of Gasuapara in South Garo Hills on Tuesday morning. Among the abducted traders eight were managed to escape from the militants clutches. According to the reports, the traders were abducted while they were on their way to the village market of Jadugre in South Garo Hills. The incident occurred close to the smae location where 11 traders from Assam were abducted by armed militants in September last year. South Garo Hills SP Anand Mishra said that, among the abducted traders eight had been managed to escape from the militants clutches. The armed militants had fled from the area with three traders and they were identified as Tamal Dey (38) of Killapara, Dulan Mahanta (36) also of Killapara and Durgapada Dutta (35) of Chaipani. Top police and army officials had rushed to the area and launched operation to rescue the abducted traders. It is the first major incident by militants post demonetisation in Meghalaya. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) DAMAK, Jan 10: CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the nation should not be disintegrated in the name of ethnicity, language, religion and geography. While inaugurating the blacktopping of Dharampur to Kunjibari road section here today, Chair Oli blamed various sides for their conspiracy to weaken national unity. He added that there was no alternative of elections for implementing the constitution. Leader Oli further expressed commitment to strengthen national sovereignty and integrity by his party. Similarly, party politburo member and former Minister Agni Kharel also said that there was no alternative of elections for implementing constitution. The total cost for blacktopping the road section is around 80 million rupees. RSS Former King Gyanendra Shah Kathmandu, Nepal: Former King Gyanendra Shah has expressed his serious concerns over ongoing political situation of the country. Issuing a press statement on Tuesday on the eve of Prithvi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of the nation, Former King Shah has also alleged for weakening the Nepals sovereignty and foiling unity between people. Attacks on Nepals sovereignty and integrity were unforgivable crimes against the nation and its people, former King Shah has stated in the statement. Attempts are going on to topple foundations of language, religion, culture and national identity, former king Shah has said in the statement. The existence and identity of Nepal can be saved through communal harmony, unity and love for the nation, former King Shah has said adding that the country should not be allowed to be anyones playground. Former King Shah has also appealed the people to get united under the national flag to save Nepals existence and pride. We all should be united to create a stable, peaceful and prosperous Nepal, he has added in the statement. Though we had left the Naryanhiti Royal Palace, we still feel responsible for the nation and its people, former King Shah has stated in the statement. We have never forgotten and we will never forget our responsibilities for the people and the country, reads the statement. Nepali peoples wish has been the monarchys wish in Nepal, Former King has added in the statement. SNc Channels: Search About Salem-News.com Jan-10-2017 09:25 TweetFollow @OregonNews Machete-weilding Man Injures Three in Woodburn After Walmart, he broke down a door to an apartment and slashed three men with the machete. Alan Lee Brock is the suspect in custody for the machete melee. Photo: Marion County Jail (WOODBURN, Ore.) - Monday night, a little after 10 p.m. Woodburn Police got a call about a man in Walmart breaking out glass cabinets and taking ammunition. Witnesses said the man was running around the store with a machete and while in the store, the suspect, identified as Alan Lee Brock, allegedly swung a machete at a door greeter and said he was going to kill him. Officers contacted Brock, who was parked in front of the north entrance to the store. Brock slowly drove away and sped up, aiming the vehicle toward officers by a patrol car before quickly turning and driving over an embankment onto Stacy Allison Way and hitting a fence. He continued south on Stacy Allison Way in a vehicle that was later found to be stolen out of Springfield. Then, METCOM 911 received additional calls about a male subject with a machete at Cascade View Apartments (311 S. Evergreen Road). While at the apartment complex, Brock attempted to rob and assaulted a female for her purse and car keys. He then broke down a door to an apartment and slashed three men with the machete. He slashed one across the throat, one on the head and one on the arm. Brock was later found on a stairwell where he surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. Brock is currently lodged at the Marion County Jail on three counts of attempted murder. Additional charges pending as the investigation is ongoing. The three victims were transported to an area hospital. Oregon State Police, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Keizer Police Department, Salem Police Department, Hubbard Police Department, Gervais Police Department, Mt. Angel Police Department and Silverton Police Department all assisted. Source: Woodburn Police _________________________________________ Crime | Oregon | Violence | Most Commented on Articles for January 10, 2017 | Articles for January 11, 2017 Law Enforcement Investigating Fatal Crash Following Reported Kidnapping Alleged kidnapping ends in two deaths. Image: Google maps (ONTARIO, Ore.) - Ontario Police Department responded to the report of a kidnapping in progress at a convenience store in Ontario early Monday morning, about 6:45. Just as Ontario Police arrived on scene, the suspect, 49-year old Anthony Wayne Montwheeler, of Nampa, Idaho, fled in a 2014 black Dodge pickup. Officers received information that there was an adult female, 40-year old Anita S. Harmon, of Weiser, Idaho, who was being held against her will, in the pickup. Officers pursued the suspect in the city then traveled south onto Highway 201. As the Dodge was traveling southbound, it crossed the centerline and collided with a northbound 2001 Ford Excursion. The driver of the Ford, 38-year old David Joseph Bates, of Vale, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The right front passenger in the Ford, 35-year old Jessica Sara Bates, also of Vale, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Jessica Bates was later transported to St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise, Idaho for further treatment, and is reportedly in stable condition at this time. Montwheeler received serious injuries and also taken to an area hospital where he remains. Inside the Dodge, Anita Harmon was discovered deceased. Investigation to Ms. Harmons cause of death is still under investigation. Highway 201N near milepost 29 was closed for over six hours while investigators processed the scene. The Oregon State Police, Malheur County Sheriff's Office and the Ontario Police Department are continuing the investigation. Investigators from the Idaho State Police, Washington County Sheriff's Office and Weiser Police Department are assisting with the investigation and follow-up as needed. Source: Malheur County _________________________________________ All things Western and more. Photos: Here's how one group is using a public bus to help Greece's homeless Japanese horror icons clash in the supremely (and intentionally) silly Sadako vs Kayako, in which the ghosts at the center of The Ring and The Grudge franchises do battle. remember when people were all excited about Freddy vs Jason? This is like that, only with more hair. Sadako vs Kayako will be available exclusively in North America on Shudder starting January 26th and they've rolled out an exclusive new trailer for the film that you can check out below. Just don't post pictures of Toshio in his underpants on Facebook or they'll ban you. Trust me on this. I know. Spanish master of genre cinema Alex de la Iglesia is having himself a busy year with a pair of directorial efforts scheduled to release in 2017 with The Bar and Perfect Strangers both in the final stages of work. And with the first of those - The Bar - freshly announced to premiere in Berlin, now seems a good time to take a look at the riotous first trailer! A bar on an average day at mid-morning. Long-standing regulars and strangers sidled up to the bar, sharing fried pastries and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Life goes on as normal until one customer exits and is shot in the middle of the deserted square. Inside, the group is stunned and only one of them decides to go out to help the downed man, promptly receiving a bullet himself. Everyone tries to come up with an explanation for why nobody inside goesout to help the fallen men: there could be a madman shooting from therooftop. The square remains strangely empty and their phones have noservice. Amid the confusion, they discover that someone removed the bodies from the square without them noticing. At that point, their speculationsare unleashed, but soon one idea takes hold: What if the danger is inside? And what if the shots are to keep them from exiting the local and puttingthose outside in danger? A film that reportedly started as a riff on Carpenter's Assault On Precinct 13 before taking one of Iglesia's patented left turns, this one looks like great fun. English subtitles included on the first trailer below and I'm including the latest Spanish release trailer after that as well. Long considered one of the top - if not the absolute top - comic in his native Austria, Josef Hader has been a staple on screens big and small for decades now. And having already made an impression as a writer as well as a performer he takes the further step to directing with his debut feature Wilde Maus. Hader writes, directs and stars in this dark comedy following fity year old Georg, a music critic who launches a campaign of revenge - starting petty and rapidly escalating - against his boss after he is fired. Selected to premiere in competition at the upcoming Berlinale the trailer for this may lack subtitles for non-German speakers but it still makes it abundantly clear why Hader is a talent to be aware of with its deft handling of tone and character. Check it out below! A second variant of the Shamoon 2 malware was discovered by researchers at Palo Alto Networks, this threat also targets virtualization products. A new strain of the Shamoon 2 malware was spotted by the security experts at Palo Alto Networks, this variant targets virtualization products. Shamoon, also known as Disttrack, was first spotted in a wave of attacks that targeted companies in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Among the victims, there was the petrol giant Saudi Aramco. The principal capability of Shamoon is a feature that allows it to wipe data from hard drives of the infected systems. In the attack against Saudi Aramco Shamoon wipe data on over 30,000 computers and rewrite the hard drive MBR (Master Boot Record) with an image of a burning US flag. The first team that discovered the malware was Kaspersky Lab that had analyzed some instances of the threat linked to the wiper agent due to the presence of a module of a string with a name that includes wiper as part of it. The researcher of Seculert who analyzed Shamoon discovered that it has also the ability to overwrite the machines MBR. Before Shamoon makes unusable the infected PC, it gathers data from the victim, it steals information, taking data from the Users, Documents and Settings, and System32/Drivers and System32/Config folders on Windows computers, and send them to another infected PC on the same internal network. In December malware researchers from Palo Alto Networks and Symantec discovered a new variant, so-called Shamoon 2, that was used at least in a targeted attack against a single Saudi organization, the Saudi Arabias General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Why Shamoon has suddenly returned again after four years is unknown. However, with its highly destructive payload, it is clear that the attackers want their targets to sit up and take notice, reported Symantec. Last week, Unit 42 came across new Disttrack samples that appear to have been used in an updated attack campaign. The attack targeted at least one organization in Saudi Arabia, which aligns with the targeting of the initial Shamoon attacks. It appears the purpose of the new Disttrack samples were solely focused on destruction, as the samples were configured with a non-operational C2 server to report to and were set to begin wiping data exactly on 2016/11/17 20:45. In another similarity to Shamoon, this is the end of the work week in Saudi Arabia (their work week is from Sunday to Thursdays), so the malware had potentially the entire weekend to spread. The Shamoon attacks took place on Lailat al Qadr, the holiest night of the year for Muslims; another time the attackers could be reasonably certain employees would not be at work. reads an analysis published by Palo Alto Networks. Now the second variant of Shamoon 2 was spotted by Palo Alto Networks that had been configured to start wiping infected systems at 1:30 AM (Saudi Arabia time) on November 29, when the employees of the targeted organization were likely at home. The first variant of Shamoon 2 analyzed by the experts presented a default configuration that allowed the execution of the disk-wiping component at 8:45pm local time on Thursday, November 17. Considering that in Saudi Arabia the working week runs from Sunday to Thursday, the attacker tried to exploit the pause in order to maximize the effects of the attack. Both payloads were similar, but the analysis of the experts revealed some differences. The second Shamoon 2 variant included credentials for virtualization products from Huawei, it targeted virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) products such as FusionCloud. This circumstance suggests that attackers were aware that the target organization used this specific virtualization product. The hackers used default credentials reported in the product official documentation, this means they were hoping that the targeted organizations had not changed them. According to the experts, threat actors may have had access to appliances hosting the infrastructure. VDI solutions can provide some protection against a destructive malware like Disttrack through the ability to load snapshots of wiped systems. Also, since FusionCloud systems run a Linux operating system, which would not be susceptible to wiping by the Windows-only Disttrack malware, this could be seen as a reasonable countermeasure against attacks like Shamoon, reads the blog post published by Palo Alto Networks. However, if the attacker was able to log into the VDI management interfaces using the account credentials they could manually carry out destructive activities against the VDI deployment, as well as any snapshot, Researchers observed that communications module used by the threat was configured without a C&C, the module completely lack any IP address or domain name for a C2 server within its configuration. I suggest you give a look at the report that also includes Indicators of Compromise for the threat. Pierluigi Paganini (Security Affairs Shamoon 2, malware) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Email Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- One day after President-Elect Donald Trump is sworn into office next Friday, Debra Messing, Cher, Scarlett Johansson and more will join the Women's March on Washington, D.C. The Women's March on Washington will take place Jan. 21 and features partners including GLAAD, Planned Parenthood and Amnesty International. Other notable celebrities joining the march are America Ferrera, Patricia Arquette, Danielle Brooks, Julianne Moore, Amy Schumer and Katy Perry, an official press release for the event reads. More than 100,000 are expected to attend. "Since the election, so many fear that their voices will go unheard," said Ferrera, who was announced Monday as the artist table chair for the march. "As artists, women, and most importantly dedicated Americans, it is critical that we stand together in solidarity for the protection, dignity and rights of our communities." The mission of the march is to shine a light on people of all faiths, races, colors and disabilities, in addition to the rights of women, the march's website reads. "This march is the first step towards unifying our communities, grounded in new relationships, to create change from the grassroots level up. We will not rest until women have parity and equity at all levels of leadership in society," the website adds. The marches won't just be happening in the nation's capital either. Chelsea Handler will be leading a "solidarity" march in Park City, Utah, at the Sundance Film Festival, which opens the same weekend. There will be more than 150 other "sister" marches nationwide -- with at least one in each of the 50 states, according to the press release. A request for comment from Trump's spokeswoman was not immediately returned to ABC News. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Smuggler's Cove, the top-notch tiki bar tucked away in Hayes Valley, might be a vacation destination unto itself, but for those who are looking to travel more literally, the bar's proprietor, Polynesian Pop aficionado Martin Cate, has something up his Hawaiian-print sleeve. At the end of last week, Cate announced a partnership with airline Virgin Atlantic, to bring some tropical flair to their member "clubhouses." "For the duration of 2017, Smuggler's Cove has entered into a partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways to serve our cocktails at their Upper Class Clubhouse locations around the world," a representative of the bar wrote on its Facebook page. As the name would suggest, Virgin's SFO clubhouse is for their upper crust passengers, but lowly "main cabin" passengers can buy day passes, which might be worth it in the event of a serious layover. (As for Virgin America customers, there will be no special privileges...) The way the program works: Smuggler's Cove and other bars from the World's 50 Best Bars list (they're at number 29) will be adding six drinks to each bar's local clubhouse, with one of their drinks appearing at other clubhouses in other airports. As for food at the SFO location, that will come from Whitechapel, Cate's San Francisco gin bar, which unlike Smuggler's Cove has a food menu (and a fine one at that). All of this is well and good, but until I can get a volcano bowl in flight, I'll be at the downstairs bar at Smuggler's, thanks. Related: SFO Has A Therapy Pig Now It's time again for Trick Dog, one of SF's premiere cocktail temples, to do one of their semi-annual menu changes, and this time around they're doing something charitable with it, and helping to enliven the local public art sphere at the same time. The Trick Dog Mural Project, as it's called, is therefore not just a menu of 13 cocktails, it's a coordinated citywide mural project that brought together 14 artists to create city-sanctioned murals which are also collected in a book. That book is both the menu for the next six months, and it's available for sale, with proceeds going to benefit local non-profits Precita Eyes and Creativity Explored. Trick Dog co-owner Josh Harris says in the video above, "We were excited to be able to use our menu as a platform to facilitate public murals across San Francisco with an incredible group of artists and curators." The project was curated by artists and muralists Sam Flores and Ronnie Buders, who also contributed murals themselves, and the final piece of the project, which serves as the cover of the book, is a mural adorning the outside of Trick Dog's own building on 20th Street that was a collaboration between all 14 artists. The cocktails on the menu, thus, are named for the artists or their murals, including Jeremy Fish (Banks 5 rum, chai liqueur, Dolin dry vermouth, Luxardo Bianco Bitter, acid phosphate, and mango bitters), Brian Barneclo (Torres 15 year Spanish brandy, Hidalgo oloroso sherry, pineapple, allspice, clarified malted milk, and lime), and Rogelio Martinez (Aviation gin, papaya "som tam" liqueur, Ancho Verde, and mint). So, assuming you're not on Sober January, head over to Trick Dog to check out the new concoctions, and after two or three, you may just feel like buying a book for a good cause. The full cocktail list is below. Jeremy Fish: Banks 5 rum, chai liqueur, Dolin dry vermouth, Luxardo Bianco Bitter, acid phosphate, mango bitters (served up) Sam Flores: Tequila Ocho Plata, Ancho Reyes Original, horchata, pear, lime (served on the rocks) Greg Galinsky: Tanqueray gin, Tio Pepe fino sherry, banana, cilantro, lime (served on crushed ice) Vogue: Larceny Bourbon, St. Germain, apple cider, honey, lime, lemon (served on the rocks) Optimist: Absolut Elyx vodka, Grind coffee liqueur, earl grey, soy milk, thyme, lemon, copper (served on crushed ice) Mel Waters: Bulleit rye whiskey, blueberry bitter aperitivo, H&H Rainwater Madeira, black pepper, rose hip (served up) Sirron Norris: Calle 23 blanco Tequila, Cardamaro, fig, chamomile, cinnamon, lime (served up) Rogelio Martinez: Aviation gin, papaya "som tam" liqueur, Ancho Verde, mint (served on the rocks) Strider: Lot 40 rye whisky, vin de carotte, Clement Mahina Coco, Kubler absinthe (served up) Tunstall & Plock: Don Q Anejo & Four Square Port Cask rums, white chocolate, tapache, pineapple, rye berries, lime (served on crushed ice) Ronnie Buders: Michter's Sour Mash whiskey, sour cherry, sour beer gastrique, sourdough, Sour Patch Kid (served on a big ice cube) Bigfoot: Automatic Sea Gin, Arkansas Black applejack, riesling, meyer lemon, lavender, lime (served up) Brian Barneclo: Torres 15 year Spanish brandy, Hidalgo oloroso sherry, pineapple, allspice, clarified malted milk, lime (serves two) Previously: Trick Dog Gets Political, Satirical With Latest Cocktail Menu Airbnb just dropped some serious cash in the lap of restaurant-reservation app Resy, marking Airbnb's first official foray into restaurant booking tied with travel and lodging. As the Wall Street Journal reports, the partnership comes with a Resy board seat for Airbnb, and was originally announced late last year, but now we learn that it's worth $13 million in funding, meaning that Airbnb is the lead investor in Resy's current funding round. The move points to Airbnb's intention to become a one-stop shop for travelers, and it's no doubt connected to the aforementioned launch of the company's Trips section featuring curated city guides and "Experiences." Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky issued a statement saying, "Many of our most-treasured travel memories come from experiencing the local food. Helping people find and book incredible local restaurants is a key part of us moving beyond just accommodation to focus on the whole trip. We cant think of a better partner than Resy to help make this possible." As Venturebeat reports, Resy was founded two years ago in New York in part by a cofounder of Eater.com, Ben Leventhal, who serves as Resy's CEO. Initially, back in the heady days of 2014, the app allowed ballers and wealthy foodinistas to pay for reservations at high-end dining destinations, ostensibly allowing them to bid up the price of a last-minute seat before they'd even ordered any food. Resy has, wisely, backed off of that model, and now just functions like a more curated, higher end version of OpenTable. Resy is dwarfed in market share, however, with about 1,000 restaurants in 50 markets, compared to OpenTable's 40,000. Resy is also, as the Journal points out, integrating some new technology into their system, for instance providing Apple Watch notifications to waitstaff when a new table is seated in their section. For diners, the Resy app provides push notifications in real time as new tables become available at desirable times, and they've already done an integration with the Uber app. The Airbnb app is expected to feature Resy reservation integration by April, according to the Journal, though Eater says that may happen as soon as February. In related news, Hearst publications is launching an Airbnb magazine this year, dedicated to "all things Airbnb." Previously: Airbnb Does About-Face, Says It Will Crack Down On Scofflaw Hosts In SF It might take Jedi mind tricks to convince billionaire filmmaker George Lucas to place his Museum of Narrative Art on Treasure Island, but rest assured, Mayor Lee is trying the next best thing: increasingly desperate tweets. Update: That didn't work, and Lucas is taking his museum to the Dark Side, by which I mean Los Angeles. Our sibling site LAist thrilled to the news. Magnanimous in defeat, Mayor Lee issued a statement: I am disappointed, of course, but must respect the decision by Mr. Lucas, Ms. Hobson and the Board of Directors to site the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art at the existing Exposition Park in Los Angeles. I am pleased that the museum will be built in California for our states residents to someday enjoy." On behalf of Angelenos, LA Mayor Garcetti welcomed Lucas and his decision to locate the museum in Exposition Park. "I believed in the vision for the Lucas Museum, and we went after it with everything we have because I know that L.A. is the ideal place for making sure that it touches the widest possible audience." Garcetti also praised the collection which sounds, frankly, a bit odd to be housed in the futuristic space, which will be designed by the same architect who would have been responsible for the Treasure Island version. As Lucas's original design for such a museum, rendered in a poorly received Beaux Arts/Spanish revival style, was eventually rejected by the Presidio Trust in 2013, Lucas packed up his collection of graphic art and Star Wars memorabilia and headed for Chicago. There, his revamped museum plan was again greeted with skepticism and land use problems, and after two years of stalled talks, Lucas let it be known last May that he might yet return to the Bay Area with a new design for Treasure Island rather than the Presidio. Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the architect behind the more favorable, futuristic Chicago plans, cooked up a cool, cloud-like building design for Treasure Island. Even before seeing those, the Chronicle's architecture writer John King emphasized that the Museum could do wonders for anchoring development on Treasure Island although it would need to ensure proper transportation to and from the island, he cautioned, likely in the form of ferry service. The project is valued at $1 billion, and it's particularly attractive because Lucas would build the museum with his own funds. Progressives like Jane Kim and Aaron Peskin were even receptive to the idea, and later, a full page Chronicle ad paid for by the tech sector city policy group sf.citi and backed by signatories like Gavin Newsom, Dianne Feinstein, Willie Brown, and David Chiu, implored Lucas to put the museum on Treasure Island. Lucas's team is expected to begin final deliberations over the museum plan today, CBS 5 reports, with the choice for the project coming down to San Francisco or Los Angeles. Though Treasure Island is closer to Lucas's Skywalker Ranch in Marin, Los Angeles could be dearer to his cinematic heart, especially after what he might regard as poor treatment in his Bay Area home. So, to make his final case, Mayor Lee's only hope was Twitter, where he blasted out a shot from a photo op with proponents of the narrative art museum on Treasure Island. The wisest choice for the George Lucas Museum, San Francisco is. pic.twitter.com/uheBItlyvs Mayor Ed Lee (@mayoredlee) January 9, 2017 Claiming he'd pursued Lucas after he departed for Chicago, Lee told reporters at a press conference that ,I kept in touch saying, Hey, if things dont work out ' The Lucas team is weighing seven acres of downtown LA land, leased for just $20 a year, versus the $23 million to purchase the Treasure Island site. There are other considerations, too. They want to be sure the building will withstand sea-level rise, City Project Manager Adam Van De Water said. They are looking at seismic performance for the building and some of the geographic and temperature conditions of being here on the Bay. Last, just so Lucas knows he's serious, Mayor Lee has pinned the following tweet to the top of his feed. What better place to ignite the power of imagination & inspire future innovators than continuing the legacy where it began #SF #LucasMuseum pic.twitter.com/7OEvKmy4fd Mayor Ed Lee (@mayoredlee) January 10, 2017 Related: Futuristic Design Of George Lucas's Proposed Treasure Island Museum Unveiled Ever in expansion mode, Back of the House Restaurant Group a.k.a. prolific local restaurateur Adriano Paganini is looking to expand the footprint of their original, flagship Super Duper location on Market Street in the Castro. They go before the Planning Commission this week to seek approval for an expansion into the vacant next-door retail space, the flatiron-shaped former check-cashing place at 2300 Market Street. That 834-square-foot space, they say, will be used for some much-needed extra seating, and it will about double the size of this always crowded Super Duper location. You can see the Planning Commission documents here, but pending approval, the renovation required would likely shut down this Super Duper at least briefly, and the ETA on that is obviously up in the air. As of now, the Planning Department has recommended the change-of-use for the new space for approval. Hoodline first caught wind of the expansion plan early last year, however at that time it seemed unclear whether the restaurant might just move into the next-door space, if the expansion were not allowed. Paganini opened this first Super Duper location in what was formerly a location of Pasta Pomodoro, the now defunct chain he once owned almost seven years ago, in the spring of 2010, and has since expanded the mini-chain to 10 locations around the Bay Area. With 10 locations, it comes in just under SF's formula-retail rules, which in certain neighborhoods like the Castro would impede any new or expanded locations. Back of the House now owns and operates over 20 restaurants around the Bay, including Lolinda, Beretta, Delarosa, Starbelly, Uno Dos Tacos, and Belga. This news comes just a month after the opening of his latest venture, the upscale Mexican spot Flores in the Marina, and three months after his latest downtown foray, fried chicken sandwich spot The Bird. Last week we also learned that his restaurant group has its sights on the former La Urbana space at Divisadero and Grove, for purposes as yet unannounced. Previously: Now Open In Cow Hollow: Flores, From The Belga And Uno Dos Tacos Team SINGAPORE 60's: ANDY's POP MUSIC INFLUENCE IS A PERSONAL MUSIC, MEMORY TRAIL. BLOGGER DOES NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO VIDEOS, AUDIO TRACKS AND IMAGES. THEY ARE UPLOADED FOR FUN, EDUCATIONAL, ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND HAVE BEEN CREDITED. BLOG IS NOT SPONSORED IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER. INFORM BLOGGER OF COPYRIGHT ISSUES AND POST WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT COPY THE POSTS; GET PERMISSION N CREDIT ME IF YOU DO. ANDY LIM LA (NOVEMBER, 2008) - () This website is intended for U.S. visitors only. DES MOINES -- Ocheyedan Sen. David Johnson opened the 2017 legislative session as an independent with no political party affiliation, breaking new ground in a tradition-bound chamber that has not addressed such a circumstance in its rules. Johnson, a former Republican, left the party last June over philosophical disagreements with now President-elect Donald Trump and he is sticking by his independent status. Johnson has full voting rights but currently has only one committee assignment on the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee that was made by Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, leader of the Senate's 20-member Democratic caucus. Members of the Senate led by the new 29-member GOP majority approved temporary rules Monday over Johnson's opposition by voice vote. Johnson said he met privately Monday with Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, and newly installed Secretary of the Senate Charles Smithson to discuss his status in the chamber going forward and what he called "negotiations on the rules" before the final version is adopted. PONCA, Neb. | Police reportedly seized items from a Ponca residence Monday after a picture of what appeared to be an explosive device was posted on social media. According to a news release from the Ponca Police Department, local law enforcement received a confidential tip that a picture had been placed on a social networking page of what appeared to be an explosive device next to the caption "this rite here is my new year's resolution." Police and deputies from the Dixon County Sheriff's Office obtained a search warrant Monday for the residence at 118 Third St. in Ponca. After further investigation and assistance from federal authorities, police seized items from the residence. The case is under further investigation, according to the release. Local authorities were assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to the release. The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Credit Management LLC, AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe Holdings S.a.r.l, AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Operations Inc., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund II GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund III GP LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund IV GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American International Group UK Limited, American International Realty LLC, American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A. en Liquidacion S.A., Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., C.A. de Seguros American International, Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Glatfelter Underwriting Services Inc., Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Illinois National Insurance Co., Inversiones Segucasai C.A., Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, Lexington Specialty Insurance Agency Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PCG 2019 Corporate Member Limited, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SAFG Capital LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., and Western World Insurance Company. Read More Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. operates as a savings and loan holding company for Flagstar Bank, FSB that provides commercial and consumer banking services to consumer, commercial, and government customers in the United States. It operates in three segments: Community Banking, Mortgage Originations, and Mortgage Servicing. The Community Banking segment offers various products, such as checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, consumer and commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, home builder finance loans, and warehouse lines of credit. It also provides other financial services, including consumer and corporate card services, customized treasury management solutions, merchant services, and capital markets services, such as loan syndications, and investment and insurance products and services. This segment serves consumer, business, and mortgage lending customers through its branch banking, business and commercial banking, government banking, and warehouse lending. The Mortgage Originations segment originates, acquires, and sells one-to-four family residential mortgage loans through mortgage branches, call centers, the Internet, and third-party counterparties. The Mortgage Servicing segment offers services and subservices mortgage and other consumer loans; and services loans for its loans held-for-investment and loans held-for-sale portfolios, as well as noninterest-bearing escrow services. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 158 full service banking branches; and mortgages through a wholesale network of brokers and correspondents in 50 states, as well as 83 retail locations and 3 call centers in 28 states. Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. Fearless by Lauren Gilley (Dartmoor #1) Released: January 2015 Motorcycle Club Romance Self Published Reviewed by Mandi Favorite Quote: I wanted to be special to you. Fillette, you were always that. Its been a while since Ive read a big, epic book and throw on top of it the fact that this book is a motorcycle club romance something that has been missing from my life recently, and I was set to snuggle in and be drawn into the world of the Lean Dogs. The Lean Dogs are a motorcycle club in Tennessee, and our heroine Ava, has grown up in the club. When the book starts, she is moving back home to Knoxville to attend graduate school. She left the club and her hometown to go to college, something her parents truly wanted for her. As she grew up, the town looked down upon her dads club, looking at her like a second-rate citizen. Ava never felt that way, feeling happy around the bikers and their way of life. Even when violent danger came her way from a rival club, it didnt deter her. But with the push from her parents she left for college. Now back home, with her dad taking over as president, more trouble is on the horizon. Not only is a rival club causing trouble again, but Avas old flame is back from New Orleans. Mercy is 13 years Avas senior. He protected Ava as she grew up, and then when she was 17 (and he was 30) their friendship turned passionate. They have sex (Im including this because I know some might be turned off by this so putting it all out in the open). Later they are caught by her father (uh oh) and some other things happen, and Mercy gets sent back to New Orleans. But in present day, with he father taking over as president and new threats to the club, Mercy comes back to help with the fight and keep everyone safe. Ava reunites with him and.well, you can guess the outcome. With this book being 800 pages though, its quite a bumpy journey. This book starts in present day but we do go back to Avas childhood and see all the trouble she gets in with Mercy as she is growing up. So its both present day and flashback scenes. Is it skeevy that Mercy has known Ava since she was a small child and ends up physically with her? Some might think that but their romance worked out well for me. Although Ava comes off a little too perfect at times, her courtship with Mercy is not perfect at all. They definitely have chemistry but there is a lot of push-pull and a slow build-up to a relationship. I liked them a lot together. But Mercy and Ava stood together over the marble cheesecake at the kitchen counter, Mercys tall frame almost curled around her as he looked over her shoulder, smiled at whatever shed said. His hand, for just a second, was at her hip, too low for casual. He pulled it away and turned as Maggie (avas mother) stopped in the threshold, his eyes coming straight to her face, the mask not fast enough in coming down. Naked fear strobed in their black depths before he could catch hold of it. Dont say anything. Dont take her from me. Dont you dare. I will fight all of them. Oh, God, its all going to blow up, isnt it? While Ava and Mercy have a bumpy relationship, I like that we also get in-depth with the other members and Avas parents. Her dad has flaws big flaws, her mom does too. But they felt real and while Ava might be the perfect student and daughter, her parents and the other members came across more gritty and intriguing. Could many scenes been cut out so the book wasnt so damn long? YES. But there is something to say for a long book. Sometimes its fulfilling to get all the details, and all the scenes and all the characters. I miss it at times when I read books that only give you a small glimpse into the world. (this was originally a serial so maybe that increased the word count?) I had not read a MC romance for quite some time and this was just what I needed. Not a perfect book definitely has issues in it that will send some running but it was a nice escape. I would classify this between Madeline Sheehan and Kristen Ashley not as dark and gritty as Sheehan, but more gritty than Ashley. I told Sheena I was starting it one evening, and the next morning she texted me that she had stayed up all night and read the whole thing. I was on page 25 or something. LOL. She really enjoyed it (see her Goodreads review). Putting this book into my Fun, cracky category and will try book two. Grade: B Goodreads l Kindle l Nook Like this: Like Loading... The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. Robert "Bobby" Harper Jones Sr., 77, passed away on January 6, 2017. He was a native of Indian Head, Maryland and a long-time resident of La Plata, Maryland. Bobby earned recognition as the top sales person during his many years with Peoples/Monumental Life Insurance but mostly appreciated the opportunity to support his clients in their time of need. He was able to make anyone feel at ease. Bobby is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lee (Albrittain); five children, Robb (Nicole), Sheree, Steve (Kazu), Jack (Tammy) and Stephanie (Harry Rothmann); and 13 grandchildren, Brandon, Lauren, Serena, Connor, Alison, Justin, Victoria, Rex and Alexandra Jones and Harry, Siena, Bella and Andrew Rothmann. He is also survived by his five siblings, Maryann Williams, Jackie McClelland, Mike, Kathy Bogart and Debbie Kassiris. Bobby cherished his immediate and extended family providing support and friendship to a large group of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were family to him. Bobby was a lifelong outdoorsman, getting an early start in boy scouts, and earning their highest honor as an eagle scout. He could most often be found in the woods or planning his next hunting trip, whether near or far. Those who knew him well understood his many trips cost just $50 each. He had countless trophies and meals as evidence of his many hunting adventures and was excited to have bagged his 50th bear on his 75th birthday trip to Canada. Bobby was also a skilled musician, playing both trumpet and drums from an early age, and with like-minded friends formed a band, the Rhythm Makers, as teens. While touring with the band, he earned a reputation as a top notch drummer and was both well known and sought out by many famous musicians. He was delighted to have had the opportunity to play with many of his favorites (i.e., Fats Domino, Roy Buchanan, Tammy Wynette, and Danny Gatton). Bobby fell in love at first sight with his wife Mary Lee and remained deeply so throughout his life. They eloped to Wilson, North Carolina as teens but also married in the church upon their return. He was looking forward to celebrating their 58th anniversary this month but liked to joke they would be celebrating their 116th since they married twice (January 26th and January 29th). They loved to dance and together they created a beautiful family that shares the many ups and downs of a long life together and this will be their lasting legacy. Friends will be received on Thursday, January 12, 2016 from 2:00-4:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM with Prayer Service at 7:00PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 13, 2016 at 10:00AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646. Friends are encouraged to consider donating to the American Heart Association in remembrance of Bobby, as an alternative to flowers. Arrangements by Raymond Funeral Service. One week after federal charges for making online threats against the LGBT community were dropped against Craig Jungwirth, he has pled guilty to two second degree misdemeanors in Broward County. He was sentenced to a years probation, and ordered to undergo a mental health assessment. Jungwirth had been held in Broward County Jail the past month for violating the conditions of his bond on charges of defrauding an innkeeper, having failed to complete a pretrial diversion program, and getting arrested on a new charge while out on bond on a pending case. He had served 128 days in custody, most recently on a no bond hold due to the now-closed federal indictment. Represented by his counsel, Ron Baum, Jungswirth pled open before the Honorable Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren. She adjudicated him guilty on both cases, ordering him to serve two consecutive terms of six months probation, requiring he see a private psychologist or court licensed mental health expert, and fulfill whatever treatment plans they so outline. In each of the two cases, the victim was an establishment owned by Wilton Manors entrepreneur Nick Berry. The first case, in 2015, dealt with Jungwirths absconding from the Courtyard Cafe without paying his full bill. A second unrelated charge of criminal mischief was filed in 2016 after Jungwirth defaced the windows at Rumors with paint. As a condition of his plea, Jungwirth will have to make nominal restitution to the establishment as well. Additionally, the court ordered Jungwirth to have no contact with any of the businesses in person, via the Internet or any means of social media. You understand, Judge Lerner-Wren told the defendant, this is a critical part of this plea? He answered, Yes. Weighing significantly less than the 280 pounds he had months ago, Jungwirth remained stoic and silent throughout the hearing, except to change his plea, admitting he was guilty, competent, and understood the terms and conditions of his sentence. Despite the plea agreement placing him on probation, to be served in Orlando, where he now resides, Jungwirth may not get out of jail for at least another week or so. While in custody, a civil court judge issued a writ of bodily attachment against him, with a no bond hold. This separate civil case involves a petition for a civil restraining order requested by a local businessman, Jeff Black, who had been unable to serve process on Jungwirth. The effect of this writ requires him to be brought to court and served. Now set for January 19, when he is receives those papers, the judge assigned that case may potentially impose other judicial restrictions upon Jungwirth. While Jungwirth first came to the attention of the LGBT weekend as the proprietor of the failed Beach Bear Weekend, he came to notoriety last fall when he supposedly made an online threat to launch a Pulse like massacre in South Florida. It led to a federal indictment, dropped only a week ago when the US attorneys office acknowledged they could not prove up the charge and authenticate he was the author. (AP) Missouri State University has agreed to pay $25,000 to a former student who sued after he was removed from a master's degree counseling program because he said he wouldn't counsel gay couples. Andrew Cash sued the university in April. The settlement with the Missouri State Board of Governors was final last month but reported Monday after The Springfield News-Leader submitted an open records request. The $25,000 is the estimated cost for Cash to obtain a master's degree at another university. University spokeswoman Suzanne Shaw says the settlement will be paid from the state's legal defense fund. The settlement prevents Cash from seeking admission or employment at Missouri State and the university did not admit liability. Cash said in his lawsuit that he was removed from the program in 2014 after he tried to complete his internship at the Springfield Marriage and Family Institute, a Christian-based counseling agency and told a class he couldn't counsel gay couples. His internship coordinator, Kristi Perryman, told Cash his refusal to work with gay couples went against the American Counseling Association's code of ethics, and he couldn't continue his internship at the Springfield Marriage and Family Institute because of "ethical concerns," according to the lawsuit. Cash was placed on a remediation plan and told that his internship hours at the institute would not count. In November 2014, he was removed from the master's program despite having a 3.81 GPA, according to the lawsuit. Cash claimed in the lawsuit that he was "targeted and punished for expressing his Christian worldview." In 2006, the university paid about $27,000 to another student, Emily Brooker, who accused the School of Social Work and a faculty member of violating her First Amendment rights when she refused to sign a letter supporting same-sex adoption. NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 4 January 2017. NASA The crew is getting ready for a pair of spacewalks scheduled for this Friday and next Friday to upgrade the International Space Stations power system. The two spacewalks will take place on the stations right-side, or starboard, truss structure to replace and install new power equipment. Commander Shane Kimbrough and NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will step outside for the first power maintenance spacewalk Friday at 7 a.m. EST. Kimbrough will be joined by European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet the following Friday for the second spacewalk. The three astronauts are reviewing spacewalk procedures, collecting tools and configuring cameras in the U.S. Quest airlock today. Robotics controllers remotely removed nickel-hydrogen batteries and installed new lithium-ion batteries on the starboard-4 truss over the holidays and into the New Year. The robotics work sets up the power maintenance work the spacewalkers will perform including replacing adapter plates and relocating the old batteries. The three astronauts and their fellow cosmonauts still had time for a variety of science work and standard orbital maintenance. Kimbrough and Whitson explored how microgravity affects body shape and impacts suit sizing. Pesquet joined Andrey Borisenko and set up tiny internal satellites known as SPHERES for an upcoming student competition. Cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Oleg Novitskiy checked Russian life support systems. On-Orbit Status Report Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparation: Today, the USOS crew continued to gather and configure tools that will be used during Fridays EVA, which will upgrade Nickel Hydride Channel 3A batteries to Lithium Ion batteries. They also configured two cameras that will be used during the EVA. Finally, the crew reviewed procedures associated with EVA. US EVA #38 is scheduled for Friday, January 6th with Joint Airlock Egress occurring at ~6:15am CST. Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Yesterday and overnight (GMT 003-004), the Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the MSS and operated the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Body and Arm2 to unstow the Robotic Offset Tool (ROST) from the SPDM Tool Holder Assembly (THA). They then used it to fasten the H1 (secondary) bolt on the Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery in Slot 5 of the 3A Integrated Electronics Assembly (IEA). They also made multiple attempts to fasten the H1 bolt on the Li-Ion battery in Slot 1 of the 3A IEA without success. Finally the Robotics Ground Controllers maneuvered the SSRMS and the SPDM to a park position and maneuvered SPDM Arm2 as required to allow for an inspection of the ROST using SPDM Camera Light Pan Tilt Unit (PTU) Assembly 1 (CLPA1). There was a Multilateral Anomaly Resolution Team (MART) meeting at 11:00am Central Time (CT) this morning to discuss the issue with fastening the H1 bolt on the Li-Ion battery in slot 1. MSS performance was nominal. Body Measures: Todays Body Measures activity was the second inflight session for the 49S subject. The crew, with assistance from a trained operator, conducted a Body Measures data collection session. The crew configured still cameras and video, then collected the Neutral Body Posture video and stow the equipment. NASA is collecting in-flight anthropometric data (body measurements) to assess the impact of physical body shape and size changes on suit sizing. Still and video imagery is captured and a tape measure is used to measure segmental length, height, depth, and circumference data for all body segments (chest, waist, hip, arms, legs, etc.) from astronauts before, during and after their flight missions. Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Zero Robotics Unit Test: The crew configured the SPHERES hardware and an EXPRESS Laptop Computer (ELC) then executed an end-to-end hardware and software test prior to the Zero Robotics competition scheduled for January 27, 2017. The SPHERES Zero Robotics investigation establishes an opportunity for high school students to design research for the ISS. As part of a competition, students write algorithms for the SPHERES satellites to accomplish tasks relevant to future space missions. The algorithms are tested by the SPHERES team and the best designs are selected for the competition to operate the SPHERES satellites on board the ISS. Fine Motor Skills: The crew performed their weekly Fine Motor Skills tests, performing a series of interactive tasks on a touchscreen tablet. The investigation studies how fine motor skills are effected by long-term microgravity exposure, different phases of microgravity adaptation, and sensorimotor recovery after returning to Earth gravity. The goal of Fine Motor Skills is to answer how fine motor performance in microgravity trend/vary over the duration of a six-month and year-long space mission; how fine motor performance on orbit compare with that of a closely matched participant on Earth; and how performance trend/vary before and after gravitational transitions, including the periods of early flight adaptation, and very early/near immediate post-flight periods. Todays Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) /Group Combustion Module (GCM) Component Activation on GMT004 Regeneration of ??? ?2 Micropurification Cartridge (start) Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test Subject Charging EVA Camera D4 Battery Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Configuring Glisser-M Battery Charging: setup and start charging the first batch of batteries (6 pcs) [?? ???] Condensate Supply Unit Control Panel R&R Body Measures Equipment Gather Body Measures Experiment Operations Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2 [???] Membrane Filter Separator Leak Check Columbus GFI Test Preparation Body Measures Experiment Operations Operator GFI test of all twelve COLUMBUS SUPs 120V DC power outlets Photodocumentation of the Crisstal and Cataliss experiments. Photodocumentation of the EPO Pesquet Ceres ESA ACTIVE DOSIMETER MOBILE UNIT SWAP Columbus GFI Test Inverter Reconfiguration Columbus GFI Test post reconfiguration Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test Subject SPHERES Payload OBT Russian Crew Strata Card Changeout Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Configuring SPHERES Crew Conference ISS HAM Service Module Pass Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cylinder Flywheel Evacuation Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill Delta file prep Extravehicular Activity (EVA) iPad Contingency Procedures preparation Charging the first batch of batteries (6 pcs) (End) and Charging the second batch of batteries (6 pcs) (Start) Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) /Group Combustion Module (GCM) Component Deactivation Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill Packed Bed Reactor Experiment Lab Video Setup SPHERES Test Session Setup ??? maintenance Habitability Human Factors Directed Observations Subject Dose Tracker Data Entry Charging the second batch of batteries (6 pcs) and Battery stow Soyuz 732 (??732??_???????_????1) HERO3 GoPro Batteries Recharge, Initiate Packed Bed Reactor Experiment Lab Video Return Photo/TV Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Camera Configuration Life On The Station Photo and Video SPHERES Test Session Run Rad Detector Rotate Soyuz 732 GoPro HERO3 batteries charge finish and stow (??732??_???????_????1) ISS HAM Service Module Pass Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Review SPHERES Test Shutdown Flight Director/ISS CREW CONFERENCE Regeneration of ??? ?2 Absorption Cartridge (end) Completed Task List Items Deploy ESA Active Dosimeter Mobile Units (2) for Area Monitoring Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Lab CDRA Activation Lab CDRA Standby 3A Battery H1 bolt troubleshooting Three-Day Look Ahead: Thursday, 01/05: EVA Procedure Review, EVA Conference, Airlock Equipment Lock Prep, EVA Tool Audit Friday, 01/06: EMU EVA #38 (Channel 3A Battery R&R) Saturday, 01/07: EMU Recharge, EVA Debrief, Crew Off Duty QUICK ISS Status Environmental Control Group: Component Status Elektron Off Vozdukh Manual [???] 1 SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1) Off [???] 2 SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2) On Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Standby Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Idle Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Standby Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Off Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Full Up Community is more than a buzzword for Vancouver, British Columbia roasters Spencer and Annie Viehweger, co-founders of Matchstick Coffee. Since opening their flagship cafe in 2012, two additional cafes and a mobile service cart have been added to their portfolio, but in their growth one thing remains consistent: the importance of building relationships. From very early on, Spencer Viehweger says, our vision for Matchstick was to build a company where hopefully all the staff and especially a core group of people would genuinely feel like it was their company, too. Throughout the years, baristas have blossomed into roasters and managers, carrying out Viehwegers vision that a solid team is an investment not only in the companys future, but also in fulfilling individual dreams. Viehweger insists on recruiting people with a shared passion for coffee and providing those team members with a sense of ownership. To give them a career position at Matchstick, he says, inevitably means we have to go beyond a couple of stores. Theres no real fixed number in our minds, but that would be a primary goal for us to be able to strengthen those relationships internally in our company and to give people that kind of stability were all looking for, to ultimately do a job that you really love. Roasting team manager Rafaela Vidinha spent a number of years in the cafe prior to taking on her leadership role. Part of what she loves about her position is becoming intimate with the technicalities of extraction, temperature, and profiles. There is so much to learn, she says. Specialty coffee is relatively young, so theres lots of room for innovation. Spencer Viehweger, whom Vidinha credits as the spirit of the place, splits his time between overseeing Vancouver operations and strengthening relationships with growers. Hes traveled to Colombia, El Salvador, and beyond, but is less focused on the destination than he is on developing long-term relationships. Establishing trust is important. When you have trust as a foundation, then you can really start to learn from each other, he says. Thats our approach in visiting origins and going to producers. Building a rapport with the local community is equally important to Matchstick and starts with serving a quality beverage. If you get someone who is just expecting a cup of coffee and theyre floored because theyve never had coffee like that before, Spencer Viehweger says, and they come to you and all the light bulbs go off? Then weve engaged someone in that conversation. Immersion in the community at large has become easier since the launch of Matchstick Mobile. We basically put a full commercial setup on wheels, Spencer Viehweger says, noting the cart uses nearly as much energy as a regular cafe. The only thing it doesnt have is a high-tech dishwasher and a ton of lights on it. The full-service cart is used for private bookings and company events in the region. A local tech company has done a number of their product launches, he says, and well go over there and do coffee service for the day. Its really fun. You can bring coffee to places where you couldnt normally get really awesome coffee, which is the whole point of it in the first place. Also new to the Matchstick portfolio is the Riley Park cafe, which opened in late 2016. Spencer Viehweger has little role in the daily operations of Riley Park, but thats part of his vision to share ownership with the team. The soul, the beating heart of what Matchstick is supposed to be now, gets to be more than a small collective of individuals, he says. As the amount of people on our team grows, the more the Matchstick idea is coming from not just the founding partners anymore, which is really wonderful. While growth is an important part of the Matchstick vision, Spencer Viehweger emphasizes size isnt the only measurement of success. We want to keep growing as long as everything is getting better. If the coffee is getting better, if the relationships are getting stronger, and our community is getting stronger as well, he says, and customers are seeing Matchstick as a place to gather and hang outif all of that is going in the same direction, then I think thats healthy growth. Lori A. May is a freelance journalist and travel writer based in the Pacific Northwest. Mays work has appeared in The Atlantic, Writers Digest, Los Angeles Review, Midwestern Gothic, and many more. Read more Lori A. May on Sprudge. Lusaka, January 10, 2017 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Gali today morning has held private talks with his Zambian counterpart Mr. Edgar Lungu at the start of the working visit, which leads the President of the Republic and his accompanying delegation to Zambia, following similar visit to South Africa. After the meeting between the two presidents, the Saharawi- Zambian talks expanded to include members of the two delegations addressed the latest developments of the Saharawi cause and various issues of common interest and relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and how to strengthen its in present and future in various magazines. The Zambian delegation consist of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Harry Kalaba, Minister of Finance, Mr. Felix Felix Mutati and Minister of Defence Mr. Davies Chama and Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Steven Kampyongo and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mr. Freedom Sikazwe and Minister of the Lusaka District Mr. Gevin Mwakalombe and some counselors of Presidency of the Republic.SPS 125/090/TRA Race favourite Dutch Seelster tried to go down the road in Mondays $7,500 Preferred 3 for pacers at The Raceway at Western Fair District, but Goldstar Badlands had other ideas. The seven-year-old son of Badlands Hanover-Rockin Lady used his patented closing kick to pull off a mild upset at odds of 5-1 for the tandem of driver Scott Young and trainer Heather Toll. Young got away seventh with Goldstar Badlands while Dutch Seelster shot to the top and had the field chasing him past the quarter pole in :29.4. He marched past the half in :59.4 and picked up the tempo before stepping past the three-quarter pole in 1:28.2. Goldstar Badlands, in the meantime, was commencing a wide bid from the backfield. Dutch Seelster was still in command at the head of the lane, but Goldstar Badlands used a tenacious rally to grab the lead and then the win in 1:58.1. Shippen Out hung tough from first over and wound up finishing second while Dutch Seelster faded to finish third. Morley Bradshaw of Wilsonville, Ont. owns the veteran pacer who won for the 21st time in his career. Hes banked $157,816 to date. To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results The Raceway at Western Fair District. Dave Palone and Dan Charlino sparkled Monday at The Meadows, though they shined in slightly different ways. Palone rolled up seven wins on the 12-race card, including four for trainer Ron Burke. Charlino rolled up one win, but it was big. Not only did it occur in the days feature, the $20,000 Preferred Handicap Pace captured by Hawks Red Chief, but it also was Charlinos first victory at The Meadows since he returned from leg injuries that sidelined him more than five months. When Charlino and Hawks Red Chief got away sixth, it looked like an unenviable spot, as the field raced double tiered for most of the mile, giving Hawks Red Chief no way off the pylons. But as they turned for home, the Lightning Lane beckoned, and the six-year-old I Scoot Hanover-Fancy Trouble shot through to edge Atta Boy Dan by a nose in 1:52.3. Gokudo Hanover rallied for show. Hawks Red Chief extended his career bankroll to $165,207 for Burke, who ended the day with a five-bagger, and owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Michelle Yanek. (The Meadows) Trot Insider has learned that Barona Lilac, who has given so much both on and off the track during her career, has been retired. Now all of those that have loved watching the pacer on the track, or have been a benefactor of her philanthropic endeavours, are invited to come out and honour her. Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association Executive Director Robyn Crowe has told Trot Insider that Barona Lilac performed in her final race on New Years Day at Truro Raceway. January 1 was Lilac's last race of her career, Crowe explained. She will be embarking on a new phase in her life as a broodmare. We are super excited to say that thanks to Meridian Farms, she will remain with us and as part of our family, and we have hopes that her future babies will continue to give back and promote harness racing as she did. Barona Lilac retires at the age of seven after having made 113 career starts. She made 25 visits to the winners circle during her time on the track, and notched 18 second-place finishes and 19 thirds. She retires with a career mark of 1:54.4, taken over the one-mile course at Alberta Downs, and $123,154 in purse earnings. She started her career in the barn of Kelly Hoerdt before moving on to the operation of conditioner Joe Ratchford. She ultimately ended up racing for horseman Darren Crowe in the spring of 2015 and found much success their until her retirement. Barona Lilacs participation in the local Cheering For Charity program saw the bay mare earn over $8,500 for local charities over the last two years, thanks to the generosity of owner Meridian Farms and the hard work of Crowe and the NSHRIA The charities that Barona Lilac raced for were guaranteed $1,000 a month, regardless if she won or not (the $1,000 was not contingent on Barona Lilac winning even if she only made $500 a month, the charities still received the $1,000). A video report by CTV News that profiled the Cheering For Charity program appears below. Crowe has said that in honor of everything that Barona Lilac has done, the NSHRIA and Truro Raceway are going to host a retirement celebration in her honour on Sunday, January 15 at the track. We are inviting all of those organizations that have been involved with Lilac to join us at the grandstand for the races at 1 p.m., Crowe said. During this card, we will have Lilac join us in the winners circle for a special presentation. After the races, people are invited down to the barn to visit with Lilac and for some cake to celebrate. It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here. Has a state agency killed the proposed Millennium coal dock in Longview by denying the company a sublease needed to build two new docks on state aquatic lands in the Columbia River? Incredibly, seven years after Millennium first proposed the project, its legal standing to build the docks is still under question and perhaps subject to legal interpretation. And, in an ironic twist for a project that has been so furiously debated on its environmental issues, the state is citing financial concerns for blocking the mega-terminal. For their part, Millennium officials dont think their $680 million project is dead. We do not anticipate this recent decision as causing any delays in obtaining permits. Millenniums investors continue their strong support, exemplified by the $25 million already spent on cleanup of the site and $15 million on permitting for the coal terminal, Bill Chapman, Millennium CEO/President, said in a prepared statement. But Jan Hasselman, an attorney with the environmental group Earthjustice, said Millennium doesnt have legal grounds to proceed. Theyre flat wrong. They cannot build this project without both a sublease as well as explicit permission from DNR to build the project. They are not going to get either of those things, Hasselman said in an interview Friday. Washington Department of Natural Resource officials refused to speculate on what they might do if Millennium were to proceed without the agencys approval, but observers suggested that the department would have to act to stop construction. And it isnt likely Public Lands Commissioner-Elect Hilary Franz, who dislikes fossil fuel projects, will reverse the decision of outgoing Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark. The terminal, which Millennium projects would create more than 1,000 construction jobs, 130 permanent jobs and generate millions of dollars in taxes annually, has been hotly debated here and across the region. That debate could essentially end with the decision of one, lame-duck public official. Goldmark last week announced that DNR will not allow Millennium to sublease 58 acres of aquatic lands that DNR has leased to Northwest Alloys, a subsidiary of Alcoa. Alcoa owns the former Reynolds Metals aluminum plant site where Millennium wants to build the coal terminal. For several years, Alcoa subleased the aquatic lands to Chinook Ventures. But when Chinook shut down, Alcoa in 2010 asked the state to allow it to sublease the aquatic lands to Millennium Bulk Terminals. For the last several years, Alcoa and DNR have gone back and forth in negotiations to agree on the terms of a consent to sublease document. Although DNR had expressed concerns about the environmental impacts of the coal terminal, Goldmark didnt cite any ecological objections in denying the sublease. Rather he focused on Alcoas failure to provide requested information regarding the financial condition and business of Millennium as well as other factors. The lease with Alcoa allows for up to three 220-foot docks on the leased state lands. Millennium currently has one dock and wants to add two new docks, two new ship loaders and an access trestle. Millennium argues that its plans fall under the lease terms allowing three docks on the site. However, the lease also says that DNR has to approve of any major capital improvements on the aquatic lands. The lease additionally gives the state the right to approve of any new sub-tenants (such as Millennium) and may consider that prospective tenants financial conditions, business reputation and experience. In an interview with The Daily News Friday, Goldmark said his decision came down to a question of Millenniums financial capacity, not whether or not the land should be used for a coal dock. This isnt about whether to export coal or not. This is about who is a qualified sublessee or not, and whether they have a good reputation and financial (standing), Goldmark said. Goldmark argued that the state should closely examine a tenants financial health to protect taxpayers. Often operators attempt to stick us with the clean up (bill) when they leave. Thats a real burden for taxpayers we have to make sure that operators on site are financially capable and have a good business reputation, he said. From early on, Goldmark had reservations about Millenniums credibility. He noted that in 2010, the company first applied for permits for a terminal to handle 5.7 million tons of coal annually, but later it was revealed that Millennium actually intended to eventually handle 20 million to 60 million tons. In 2011, Millennium had to resubmit its permit application and now says it wants to handle 44 million metric tons of coal. They were deceptive about what they were publicly saying and what they were privately planning to do That was a bad indication from the start of their truthfulness and transparency, Goldmark said. Over the last three years, documents show that the department has become increasingly worried about the financial stability of Millennium particularly after one of its backers, Arch Coal, filed for bankruptcy in January 2016. DNR was also concerned that Arch Coal in May 2016 sold its remaining stake in the coal terminal (previously worth $37.5 million) without actually receiving cash in the deal. (Instead the company was able to remove itself from any financial obligations for Millennium, and it received an option to use the Longview docks to ship its coal, according to court documents.) In a Jan. 5, 2017 letter to Northwest Alloys, Goldmark wrote that Arch Coals bankruptcy and divestment raised concerns about the costs of running Millennium and whether its remaining owners could meet the security obligations under the lease. Goldmark also cited the difficult market conditions in the coal industry as a reason to request more information about Millenniums financial condition. DNRs repeated requests for complete financial statements about Millennium and its new owners, Lighthouse Resources, were met with silence (and) that is very troubling, Goldmark said. Millennium argues that it has provided the state ample information about its financing in meetings and written letters. DNR has asked for more information from Millennium than it has asked from any other tenant, Millennium officials said. If DNR (was) serious about the financial questions perhaps the agency should check with our landlord, Alcoa, or the dozens of Longview-area small businesses whose bills we have paid in full and on-time for nearly six years or better yet step next door in Olympia and ask Department of Ecology and Cowlitz County for a payment history on more than $10 million of reimbursements for providing the work underlying 7,000 pages of draft environmental impact statement, the company said in an emailed statement. Chapman, the Millennium CEO, added that its investors are committed to the long-term benefit of providing good quality western coals to our allies in Japan and South Korea. As you know, they are currently shipping coal through Canada to meet that market demand. We wish they could be shipping that coal through Longview so that we could be providing more jobs and revenue to the community now. Since the 2010 permitting quandry, Millennium has new owners and new leadership, Chapman said. It is clear from the DNR press releases that they have not checked their facts on a number of points. (Commissioner Goldmark) apparently is thinking of a different company (who operated) seven years ago on the same site, but with different leadership and different investors. People in Longview and around Southwest Washington know well our record is that we are a good company to do business with, Chapman said. Unlike Chinook Ventures, Millennium said it has demonstrated good stewardship of the DNR property, having recently completed a cleanup of the riverbeds soil that had been contaminated by Chinook. Chapman again called Goldmarks decision symbolic and akin to when Goldmarks predecessor, Doug Sutherland struck a last-minute deal prior to leaving office in 2009 to settle a dispute with a shellfish company over a controversial lease. At the time, Goldmark chastised Sutherland for the 11th-hour deal and then rejected the lease once he was in office. But this week Goldmark said he made this decision now because he wanted to resolve the issue prior to leaving office later this month. I felt frankly that this has been on my desk for over six years and that it needed to be resolved. I did not want to just leave it to the next commissioner, he said. Additionally, Goldmark noted that he received many comments from organizations and tribes across the state asking him to deny the lease. Environmentalists maintained that Goldmarks move will essentially kill the project. Its not symbolic. Its an actual denial of the lease. Of course the action can be overturned by the next lands commissioner . but in this particular case its extremely hard to think of why this decision would change, said Eric de Place, policy director at Sightline Institute. If anything, its likely this next (DNR commissioner) will be more hostile to coal. State Lands Commissioner-Elect Hilary Franz on Friday issued a statement supporting Goldmarks move. I think this was the right decision. I asked for this job because I care about the environment and the economies of rural Washington. I firmly believe the answer to sustainable, long-term revitalization of our economies is best served by looking forward to the development of new technologies that protect the environment, not backward to technologies that exploit it, Franz said. Southwest Washington Congresswoman Jaime Herrera-Beutler Tuesday urged Congress to find a substitute for the Affordable Care Act simultaneously with repealing the law, better known as Obamacare. Its vital that we move forward with replacing the ACA in a manner that doesnt cause additional disruption to those families who have already endured higher costs and the loss of their doctors and plans since the ACA was forced upon them, Herrera Beutler, a Camas Republican, wrote in a letter to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray took to the Senate floor Monday to blast Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare without a replacement, calling the effort harmful and reckless. In particular, she criticized the GOP for doubling down on their shameful and tired obsession to cut funding for Planned Parenthood as part of the partys effort to repeal the ACA. If Republicans think causing chaos in our health care system, heightening economic uncertainty, attacking womens health and rights, and burdening seniors and families with higher health care costs somehow makes our country greater ... they are obviously not listening to millions of families who did not vote in November for higher premiums or a health care system thrown into chaos, said Murray, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Senate Health Committee. In my home state of Washington, Ive heard from moms, dads and grandparents who are finally experiencing some stability ... and cover their families with quality, affordable health care, many for the very first time, Murray said in credit to Obamacare. In her letter to Ryan, Herrera-Beutler asserted that the majority of Americans oppose the law, which was the signature piece of legislation passed during the administration of President Barack Obama. The bill has allowed millions of uninsured people to find health insurance and getting coverage for pre-existing conditions, and the president has credited the law for extending the financial solvency of Medicare and slowing the rise of health care costs. Republicans say the law will add more than $500 billion to the national debt and has not controlled the rising cost of health care or insurance premiums like its champions assert. In her letter to Ryan, Herrera-Beutler said the law that did not reduce health care costs, but instead sought to make prices artificially low through taxpayer-funded subsidies. The bill has long been a lightning rod for Republican attacks, and Congress is debating whether to appeal the ACA outright and try to institute health care reform later. In siding with a simultaneous reform-while-repeal approach, Herrera-Beutler is aligning herself with a growing number of GOP lawmakers and a majority of American voters, at least according to public opinion polls. Any action to repeal on the U.S. House floor should be accompanied by a simultaneous and immediate strategy for replacing it, Herrera-Beutler wrote. We should simultaneously debate and vote on a replacement solution that would eliminate the restriction on a citizen of Washington State from purchasing a health care plan from another state that costs less and better suits her specific needs. She complimented Ryan for recognizing that rather than trying to patch the massive problems of a fundamentally flawed program, we must take aggressive action before the system falls in on itself. However, please keep in mind that repealing the ACA is only one step in the process not our final goal. The Kelso School Board swore in a new member at Mondays meeting but still has one board position to fill. Former Kelso High School teacher Howard Sharples will fill the board position vacated by former member Rob Gibbs. We are excited to have Mr. Sharples join us, Kelso Board President Bob Lucas said in a press release. We are confident he will be an exemplary board member. On Monday the board also accepted the resignation of former board president Patty Wood, who was recently elected to serve on the Washington State Board of Education. The state board convenes for its first meeting of 2017 on Wednesday. Wood served on the Kelso Board since 2003. Applications for Woods Kelso School Board position are available in the Superintendents Office on Crawford Street and are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 20. Appointees would have to run in next Novembers general election to continue in the positions. Patty Wood has been a passionate advocate for education at the local, state, and federal levels, Lucas said in a press release. While the Kelso School District will definitely miss her presence on our board, she will be a very positive force shaping educational policy at the state level. When Nancy Stewart got a call from The Daily News on Jan. 3, she thought maybe shed won a years subscription to the paper. Even that would have been great news, because just a month prior, she had cancelled her mothers subscription. But no, it was a call to tell her shed won $5,000 in a Lee Enterprises-wide (TDNs parent company) New Years Nest Egg contest, which ran across Lees 48 newspaper markets across the nation. Contestants found the Nest Egg icon on a Lee Enterprises website and clicked on it to enter. There wont be any fancy steak dinner coming out of this prize, though. Stewart, a 57-year-old bus driver from Kelso, called the win a blessing. She and her husband, Dennis Toomey, said theyll put half the money away to save for the summer, when Stewart doesnt work. The other half will help move her stepson up from Texas to Cannon Beach and to pay bills. Fun is not having to pay bills, Stewart joked. You can have a steak dinner any time, said Dennis Toomey, 66. Walk into Coda Collective Day Spa and a feeling of relaxation and comfort instantly washes over you. White and soft grey walls brighten the reception area, which boasts shelves displaying a range of beauty and skin care products. A coffee maker hums in the corner. Approach the reception desk and a small bowl of chocolates greets you, along with the warm smile of hospitality manager Nancy Enriquez. Coda Collective is just that: a collective of women, trained in a wide range of spa services to provide a full, pampered spa experience for customers. Its okay if someone just wants a brow wax or a massage. But if they also want a Botox treatment, a chemical peel or cosmetic filler, they can do that here, too. The spa is located in the same building as the Pals for Hair salon at 1146 Commerce Ave. in Longview, so a customer could even stop over for a haircut or blowout if they have time. Seven women operate their services out of the Coda Collective Day Spa, including Dawn Woods, Symone Hefely, Rachel Johnson and Melissa Melone of Revive Wellness and Medical Aesthetics. The collective is also home to Kimberley Lemmons of Inner Peace Healing & Massage, massage therapist Natasha Ehrets and Rachel Bales of Lashed. I wanted to have a full service day spa and (allow customers) to be able to do everything in one day, Woods said. Were trying to help people realize they dont have to go to Portland or Vancouver all of these services are available here. The business opened in August, but it wasnt until recently that all the women came together to launch their services. Revive offers a host of different services in addition to Botox and fillers: clients can come in and get fat sculpting, laser hair removal, collagen induction therapy, eyebrow microblading (semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing) and waxing services, among other services. Woods is also licensed to distribute Obagi skin care products, a brand of medical-grade skin care pharmaceuticals designed to minimize the appearance of skin aging, sun damage and acne. Botox costs about $9 an injection, while facial fillers cost about $500 an injection. Waxes and eyebrow tints range from $10 to $35 depending on the service, while microblading costs about $475. At Inner Peace Healing & Massage, Lemmons offers everything from relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, hot stones and aromatherapy. Sixty-minute massages cost about $70, with 90-minute massages closer to $100. At Lashed, Bales, a licensed lash extension specialist and esthetician, specializes in eyelash extensions and fills. Eyelash extension fills cost between $45 and $75, while a full set costs $175. When we first moved in here we were first going to be separate, Woods said. But we wanted some sort of a cohesive plan that, you know, a person could come in and get all of those services. But we didnt want to lose our identity as individual people and individual businesses as well. As for how Woods defines herself and her business, she said its all about helping customers realize their full potential. (Its) helping people to be really comfortable in their own skin to feel like they can go to a party or meeting or be productive in their own life, whether its a pimple that is holding them back or a wrinkle in their forehead or extra weight that theyre carrying and want to get rid of, she said. Ive just always enjoyed helping women to feel better about themselves. iStock/Thinkstock(MEXICO CITY) -- An American suspect in the shooting of a U.S. consulate officer in Guadalajara, Mexico, is headed back to the U.S. after his arrest on Sunday. The suspected shooter, Zia Zafar, is a medical student who was studying at the Guadalajara Autonomous University (UAG), according to his landlord. Zafar's former neighbors told ABC affiliate KABC-TV he lived in Chino Hills, California, with his mother and sister until three weeks ago. Zafar was allegedly captured on surveillance video following the official-- Christopher Ashcraft-- in a parking garage, Mexican officials said, and then reportedly shooting him as he exited the lot. The suspect lived in an upper-middle class neighborhood of Providencia, near the medical school, in Mexico with about four others, Zafar's landlord said. He was arrested when Mexican Special Forces raided the home on Sunday morning. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Even though she might have been disappointed with the outcome of the election, 15-year-old Emma Ortiz-Walters is counting down the days until she leaves for Washington, D.C., to attend the countrys 58th presidential inauguration. The Three Rivers Christian School sophomore and Rainier resident will travel with a group of students from around the nation as part of the Envision Career and Leadership program, which hosts a Presidential Inauguration leadership summit for high school students. One of the things Im most excited about is seeing history being made, Emma said by phone Wednesday. This was a very historic race for the presidency. Im excited to see for lack of a better word the culmination of all that. Shell head out on Jan. 18 and spend the next several days attending conferences, participating in discussion groups and attending the inauguration itself. Emma was invited to apply to the inauguration trip because she was already an alumna of a previous program hosted by Envision, which puts on career, technology and leadership programs for students with high academic achievement. For its basic programs, students must have a 3.0 GPA or greater and demonstrate leadership potential through extracurricular activities as well as personal essays. About 10,000 students attend Envision events all over the country each year. While Emma said shes currently interested in the sciences, particularly theoretical physics, developing leadership skills is important to her. My personal belief is its important even if Im not necessarily going to go into government or business, Emma said. Leadership includes communication skills and being able to articulate yourself well. Part of the upcoming trip includes small-group discussions with other students to generate solutions to real-world challenges that the next president and their generation will face, according to the programs website. Small groups will discuss a range of topics from technology and the future of humanity to conflict and compromise in a global age. Emma will be a part of the group discussing women and their role in global leadership, a topic which interests the young teen. By no means is our country the worst, but were kind of behind in women in leadership and ... theres still a bit of sexism in our society, Emma said. And I think that women have a lot of potential, but in some places theyre not able to use that potential because a man will be chosen before them. Emma and her mother declined to talk specifics about their political leanings, but Emma did say that she was disappointed with the outcome of the November election. Emma will also have the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C., including trips to the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. Several notable speakers will be in attendance before and after the inauguration, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell and writer and director Spike Lee. The program costs a little over $3,000 to attend, not including airfare. Through fundraising and seeking sponsorship, Emma raised nearly $3,000 toward her trip. Im super proud of the fact that she has a spreadsheet (with) everybodys name and address. And if theyve made a donation she has that logged and she has the date logged when she sent a thank you card, said Emmas mother, Denise Walters. Im super excited for her. Walters said that this is the first presidential election that the entire family (Emma, Denise and Denises husband) has followed together. We all did not share the same political views, Walters said. So there was a lot of, I guess you could say, debating and talk about why we felt the way we felt and what we saw as progress. Walters said her daughter can be very opinionated, and she encourages that as long as Emma has the facts to back it up, Walters said. And she did. If she was going to make a statement ... she had the facts to back up her statement. She has some safety concerns for her daughter, noting how divisive the election was. I think any type of event that she is going to, especially with politics, theres always a chance for trouble, Walters said. But the group has provided parents and attendees with safety procedures, emergency contact numbers and plenty of information that Walters feels confident her daughter will be safe. I thought about her not going when all of the hubbub started with Trump, Walters said. But if we didnt do something every time we were scared, that wouldnt be good. This was a very historic race for the presidency. Im excited to see for lack of a better word the culmination of all that. Emma Ortiz-Walters The news was really in buzz as two weeks prior to this, the Wall street Journal has reported Apples keen interest in making iPhone Made in India for which they had been in talks with the State Government of Karnataka. According to a state govt official, Wistorn Corporation has also requested for quick processing of its application. A managerial body of Apple, the US-based tech multinational is scheduled to meet some senior government officials of India for taking Make In India plan to the fore. As per the official schedule, the administrative team of Apple will meet up a team of Indian officials on 25th January, from multiple ministries including IT and Finance for discussing the plans for Make In India. India, with its fastest growing smartphone markets, is grabbing the eyeballs of the entire globe and Apple is on a fast move to make its way to the profitable Indian market. The US-based firm has been quibbling with Indian government officials for setting up its Apple exclusive outlets and manufacturing division across the nation since last year. However, due to some conditions, the endorsement from Indian government is still in the pipeline. However, on 25th January, the Cupertino Goliath is expected to draw the long-lasting negotiation to an end over the plan of iPhone manufacturing in India. Among the Indian representatives, the officials from Ministry of electronics and information technology (DeITY), environment and forest, commerce, industrial policy and promotion (DIPP), revenue, IT, and Finance will sit in the discussions. Alongside the discussion over the manufacturing proposals, Apples representatives will also have a discussion over the conditions of immunities and inducements with regard to the same purpose. In the last summit, the Cupertino-based tech giant has asked the Indian government for multiple taxes, immunities, and few other incentives, including long-standing duty exemptions, for entering into the manufacturing market of the country. On the other hand, the sources of Indian government confirmed that Apple will be asked for setting up the manufacturing unit in the country exclusive of any additional exemption or support. Previously, India government also has rebuffed the suggestion of Apple to introduce refurbished phones and put them on sale in India. Currently, there are total 42 tech companies who are manufacturing their smartphones, including two Chinese brands like Huawei and Xiaomi. But thus far, no companies have asked for an extra favor, duty exemption or incentives. But Apple, with some out-of-the-way conditions, is requesting Indian government to permit its manufacturing unit and exclusive store in the country, which seems to unbefitting for the government. But Apple has sought for the immunity on the basis of its high-tech and forward-looking technology gadgets for which local financial sourcing is not promising. Apples business in India saw 50% upward scale last year than previous with a sale of 2.5 millions of iPhones, according to a data from Hong-Kong based Counter-point technology Market research. The sales figure touched a rocket high Rs 9997 crore in 2016 which is just 1.5 times of what company had achieved in 2015. This is another reason for Apple on setting up a manufacturing plant. Also through Make in India campaign, The Indian government is providing lucrative incentives to outside manufacturers to open their manufacturing site in India to eradicate job insecurity and to a stronger Indian economy. On same point, Apple has sought detailed clarification from the government. The company wants to know how exactly the incentives are going to make its decision budget friendly. However, on the global point of view, last year was not so good for Apple as for the first time in 15 years, the company saw a decline in sales target and its faulty iPhones were imported from all parts of the world after halted by the commerce ministry. According to some senior Indian executives who are related to the meeting, the iPhones that would be manufactured under Make In India scheme, will only be available to the local markets, while the exporting of them to outside countries will be prohibited. As of now, the Indian government is offering endorsement through the manner of benefits under the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (MSIPS), in order to boost electronic manufacturing. The scheme is intended for accommodating the financial incentives of the manufacturing companies to counterbalance the disability and draw higher investments in the electronics hardware industry. Moreover, the scheme also is giving the financial support for investments in special economic zones. A star, in a period of thousand years, comes too close to the black hole which is present at the centre of the Milky Way, which gets ripped apart, sending a long streamer of gas whipping outward by the powerful gravity of the black hole. Do you think it is the end of the story?No! No! In a recent study, scientists showed that the long streamer of gas whipping outward collects itself into a whopping object of size equal to a planet, but those objects then are flung throughout the galaxy in a game of cosmic spitball. The findings were presented on Wednesday by Eden Girma, the lead author and an undergraduate student at Harvard University and a member of the Banneker/Aztlan Institute. On Friday she has also attended a press conference at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society. Explaining the research, Grima said, A single shredded star can form hundreds of these planet-mass objects. We wondered: Where do they end up? How close do they come to us? We developed a computer code to answer those questions. The authors calculations and research indicate that the nearest of these planet-sized objects might be within a few hundred light-years of Earth. She also concluded that their weight might be somewhere between several Jupiters and Neptune. It is also said that the objects might be glowing from the heat formation but they arent bright enough to get detected as previous findings were unable to spot them. However, it is expected that they will be detected somewhere in future with instruments like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope. She also finds that 95 percent of these gigantic objects have speeds of about 20 million miles per hour (10,000 km/s) and which is the reasons the leave the galaxy instantly. Once launched it takes millions of years to reach the neighborhood of Earth. Co-author James Guillochon of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) also expects that the other galaxies have bigger black holes at their core and the same process might occur in them as well. The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is a joint collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory, which is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. CfA scientists, organized into six research divisions, study the origin, evolution and ultimate fate of the universe. Guillochon said, Other galaxies like Andromeda are shooting these spitballs at us all the time. Although they might be planet-size, these objects would be very different from a typical planet. They are literally made of star-stuff, and since different ones would develop from different pieces of the former star, their compositions could vary. The study yields the information that the objects form much faster than a planet. As the black hole only takes a day to shred the star, and around a year for fragments to be made, which pull themselves back together. While to built a starch made a planet like Jupiter, it took millions of years. Only about one out of a thousand free-floating planets will be one of these second-generation oddballs, adds Girma. Besides, NASA scientists recently have spotted out two monsters holes in the cosmic backyard of the space. Both of these black holes are the central region of active galactic nuclei, say the scientists of NASA after a significant research. Using the relevant data from NASA telescopes, the scientists have finally spotted out that there are two super gigantic black holes, located at the mid centres of galaxies. It is very close to our Milky Way. The path was hidden deep behind veils of gas and dust. However, the scientists have finally put their eyes through it. Black holes are the most mysterious entities in the Universe that have baffled scientists till today. Until this year, scientists were in doubt whether they exist or not. However, their existence was confirmed by LIGO as it discovered the gravitational waves. Black holes are the most dense objects present in the universe. Density is so much high that even a spoon full soil of Black Hole would weigh more than the mass of our Earth and gravitational pull is so huge that even light cannot escape from it. Scientists still dont know what actually happens inside a black hole as laws of Physics dont apply there. A theory suggests that black holes have back door which can be used to travel other parts of the universe in no time. hidden Jack Ma, founder and chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, on Monday met with US President-elect Donald Trump and discussed plans to help US small businesses sell products to China through the company's platform. "I think the president-elect is very smart, he is very open-minded to listen. I told him my ideas about how to improve trade, especially to improve small business, cross border trade," Xinhua quoted Ma as saying at Trump tower in New York after meeting with Trump. "We specifically talked about ... supporting 1 million small businesses, especially in the Midwest of America. Small businesses on the platform selling products -- agriculture products and America services -- to China and Asia," he said. They also discussed the China-US relationship, which should be "strengthened" and "more friendly", according to Ma. "(Trump) has concerns, and he has solutions, that he wants to discuss with China and us," he said. "We had a great meeting, and a great, great entrepreneur, one of the best in the world. Jack and I are going to do some great things," Trump told reporters after the meeting. Alibaba group said on Monday via its official twitter that the company works with US companies and farmers to sell to over 450 million Chinese consumers on its platform, and it has set a goal of helping one million US small businesses export to China. IANS tech2 News Staff Donald Trump was keen to bring manufacturing back to the US, and Apple was a particular target of his. It now looks like part of his plan may have been inadvertently realised. A notice published by the Federal Register reveals that Apple has applied for greater authority to produce certain components for consumer electronics in a Foreign-Trade Zone located in Mesa, Arizona (and if youre curious, its a 100 miles from Black Mesa). The notice further goes on to describe the components that Apple intends to produce at the Mesa facility include, among other things, server rack rails, servers, solid state drives, and more. Business Insider, which first reported on the filing, has clarified that Apple is indeed seeking to manufacture servers and related data centre equipment at the facility. Assembly in America is more expensive for Apple, especially as labour cost is much higher, but as Business Insider points out, this equipment is for Apples internal operations rather than consumer goods. Apple reportedly has data centres in Oregon and North Carolina. Apple intends to build and configure data servers at the facility and ship them to its own data centres. The Business Insider report explains Apples plans at length, suffice to say that the Mesa facility is Apples global command centre for all things iCloud and iTunes. The data centre was originally a manufacturing facility, but was later repurposed as a data centre. The request to manufacture/assemble server hardware in-house speaks of Apples plans to make its data-centres self-sufficient. Sheldon Pinto I was born in 1983, I'm turning 34 this year. Yet the only product from Apple that really mattered (or matters) to me is the iPhone. I miss the good ol days when Steve Jobs announced products that forced the industry to bend and follow. Back then I was on the other side, I was anti-Apple (in many ways I still am). But I would still tune in to every Apple product announcement, to get an idea of where things are headed and back in those days, every one of them would be exciting with some impressive and jaw dropping products being launched. Times have changed. Steve Jobs has passed away and while critics criticized Apple when Jobs took over, they do so even today. The only difference was that back then, Apple made path-breaking products like the iPhone and the MacBook Air. Today, there are things like the iPhone 6s Smart Battery case that does not look like an Apple product, a gigantic iPad Pro tablet that needs two hands to operate (once you have placed it down on a table that is), and MacBook Pro that needs you to look down from a 15-inch display into a tiny OLED strip to execute a command. "Can't innovate anymore" Times have changed indeed. But this happened a long time ago. Not today, not last year. In fact, Apple is now known for creating products and then ignoring them. Siri is a good example. It was ahead of the competition back then, today, it is the dumbest digital voice assistant around. The cylindrical Mac Pro was a monster of a machine yet there was not a single update since Phil Schiller's "Can't innovate anymore, my ass" statement. Let's not even get started with the MacBook lineup. The new Apple is distracted and believes in experimentation instead. Launch a product, if it does not work out, it can always be ignored. Apple can afford to do this as well, it has got the monies. But look at the other side and you soon begin to realise that well, the industry does not bend and follow anymore, but its more like the other way around. Slim smartphones come at the cost of battery life, and the same goes for laptops. Apple, even with all its control on hardware and software somehow cannot beat competitor offerings. Today its more like Apple follows what others do unless you are talking about removing the 3.5mm headphone jack (Courage!). Touch ID was Apple's last known innovation in Apple's ecosystem since it first showed up on the iPhone 5s, but more recent ones like 3D Touch haven't caught on. In fact, the smartphone space is not aping Apple, but has moved ahead of it. Apple is now catching up with the competition. We now have blazing fast chipsets, huge 5.5-inch displays and dual lens camera modules on the iPhone that cannot do a better job than a single lens Pixel. Focus And this innovation is taking place in the strangest of places. We have a software company like Microsoft building the Surface tablet, a big success for Microsoft's first attempt at hardware. In fact, it was so good, that Microsoft went on to build the Surface Book and the Surface Studio desktop, an area where Apple completely stopped innovating and updating in its quest to improve the money making iPhone. Apple followed up with the iPad Pro and no, it's not the computer we want it to be nor is it going to be a replacement to the ageing MacBook Air, the cheapest computing device in Apple's lineup. Clearly, its diversifying instead on streamlining its products and this itself shows signs of desperation and being clueless. The MacBook Pro revamp after so many years, still looks the same only "slimmer". The iPhone 7 looks identical to the iPhone 6 (two generations old) and all we got was a dual eyed camera that cannot compete with a single lens unit from the Google Pixel. Maps is still a useless app in India since Apple launched it 2012 (the good bit is that you can now uninstall it). Microsoft's ads now focus on details and engineering perfection while Apple now simply focuses on features of its smartphone that it always had. What's new in a camera? Watch an Apple ad. What's new in the PC market? May you should look at Microsoft. What's new in smartphones? Look at Google's Pixel or Samsung. Microsoft failed badly with smartphones, but they figured out what they wanted to offer (a Surface Phone is coming). Apple figured what it wanted to do long ago, but it's just that they have simply lost focus along the way. In the past Apple would make one perfect product and the world would follow suit. Today it one confused product with too many options. A year ago I penned down a piece on how Microsoft should give up on mobile and focus on PC software and hardware instead. For now, they seem to be doing just this. May be it's time Apple should just focus on the iPhone and give up on everything else; instead of taking up more product categories in a half-hearted manner. hidden A Chinese professor has been sacked after he criticised Chairman Mao Zedong on his 123rd birthday in an commentary he posted online that enraged leftists. Mao, who died on Sept. 9, 1976, is still officially venerated by the ruling Communist Party as the founder of modern China and his face appears on every yuan banknote. But he is particularly respected by leftists who believe the country has become too capitalist and unequal over three decades of market-based reforms, and attitudes towards Mao and his legacy mirror differences between reformers and traditionalists. Deng Xiaochao, 62, an art professor at Shandong Jianzhu University in central China, posted a commentary on his Weibo social media site, dated Dec. 26, Mao's birthday, suggesting Mao was responsible for a famine that led to 3 million deaths and the Cultural Revolution in which 2 million died. The post was deleted but an image of it has been shared online and seen by Reuters. Such public criticism of is rare in China and Mao's supporters took to the streets to protest against Deng shortly after he made the comments. Some held banners saying "Whoever opposes Mao is an enemy of the people", according to videos and photos widely shared on Weibo. The state-owned tabloid the Global Times reported late on Monday that Deng was dismissed from his post as counsellor of the provincial government last Thursday, while the university's party committee posted a statement saying Deng would no longer teach or be allowed to organise social events on campus. The Global Times did not give a reason for Deng's dismissal. The Shandong government said on its website Deng had been dismissed for breaking provincial and national rules on government work, without providing details, and that local discipline bodies had been informed. The university's party committee said Deng had made "false remarks", according to images of a statement from it, shared on social media and seen by Reuters. Deng could not be reached for comment. Calls to Shandong Jianzhu University and Shandong provincial government went unanswered. Reuters Nimish Sawant Flipkart is India's leading e-commerce company, just ahead of Amazon India. In a major shake-up that happened at the company on 9 Jan, a former executive of the US hedge fund and Flipkart's early investors Tiger Global, Kalyan Krishnamurthy was named as the CEO of Flipkart. Current CEO and co-founder of Flipkart, Binny Bansal will handle a broader strategic role of Group CEO. Bansal will lead the newly formed Flipkart Group and focus on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, the company said in a statement late on Monday. Flipkart said Sachin Bansal will remain executive chairman, providing strategic direction and will work closely with Binny Bansal on the new business portfolio. It was around this time last year, that Sachin Bansal had stepped down as CEO of Flipkart as well, with the reins handed over to Binny Bansal. What started off as an ecommerce site which was renowned for selling books are discounted rates, Flipkart has a come a long way. Here is a look at Flipkart's journey from its founding days to date. tech2 News Staff Kalyan Krishnamurthy has been named as the CEO of Flipkart. The move comes almost exactly a year after the current CEO Binny Bansal, replaced Sachin Bansal, a move made because of "performance". Binny Bansal is now in the newly formed position of the Group CEO, while Krishnamurthy will helm the core business. This is the first time in India that the founders of a major internet startup have handed over the reigns of the company to a professional. Krishnamurthy was previously the managing director of Tiger Global, which is the largest investor in Flipkart, and owns about 35 percent stake in Flipkart, valued at around $15 billion. Tiger Global also owns a minority stake in rival Amazon. From 2006 to 2011, Krishnamurthy served as the Director, Financial Planning & Analysis for the APAC region at eBay. Krishnamurthy has saved the company from troubled waters twice before, according to a report in Mint. In 2013, Flipkart had been struggling with losses and slow sales, and an investigation into FDI norms being flouted. In 2016, the company was still struggling to increase sales. Krishnamurthy joined Flipkart first as an interim finance chief and then as the sales head. He had a hands on approach to the company, directly talking to employees, understanding processes, and mentoring senior and middle managers. Flipkart was in talks with Walmart for a tie-up to take on rival Amazon. When ex Flipkart CFO Sanjay Bawej left the company during the holiday season, he had indicated that Flipkart was on its way to profitability, despite markdowns in valuation. Krishnamurti turned around the company by laying off senior managers, some of who he had mentored himself. In a soul-searching town hall session with employees, Sachin Bansal had indicated that the company had missed many of its targets. The ecommerce sector in India is fiercely competitive. Amazon doubled its revenue, and its losses over the course of 2016, but is still in a better position than rivals Snapdeal or Flipkart, according to reports. Amazon has a sixty percent higher share capital than Snapdeal or Flipkart, with an authorised share capital that stands at 16,000 cr. Amazon also has differentiated offerings such as cheap global shipping, AWS and Amazon Prime Video. Amazon managed to reduce the lead Flipkart had in terms of smartphone sales. Flipkart's payment gateway went down during the biggest sale of the year, the Big Billion Day Sale. In the first half of the year, Flipkart's share in smartphone sales volume reduced from 47 percent to 40 percent. Amazon gained 11.5 percent to reach a share of 32 percent. Amazon managed to gain the ground because of exclusive deals. There was a public spat between Amazon and Flipkart over exclusive rights to the OnePlus 3. Flipkart is planning to take on Amazon by getting into sales of groceries and furniture. In the close competition for domination of sales over the festival season, Flipkart managed to maintain a lead over Amazon. Krishnamurthy lead the charge, and now is tasked with making the turnaround last. According to a report in the Economic Times, the change comes as no surprise to employees. Flipkart has been running under Krishnamurthy for a while now. According to senior executives at Flipkart, Tiger Global is preparing for a public listing of Flipkart in three to four years. Krishnamurthy is known to be media shy, according to a report in The Times of India, who managed to track him down anyway. "When I came in 2013 it was agreed I would go back. There was no big reason behind it. This is a different chapter. I'm here to stay and put my head down and work," Krishnamurthy said from his office. tech2 News Staff LeEco announced a new product yesterday and it is first for the Chinese company. The Liveman C1 is an action camera which marks the company's entrance into the highly populated action camera market. Xiaomi backed Yi, is already competing against GoPro and it seems like LeEco doesn't want to be left behind. The Liveman C1 can shoot 4K videos which puts it at par with GoPro and Xiaomi's new Yi 4K+. However, it cannot shoot UHD videos at 60 fps, something which the Xiaomi camera is capable of. Rest of the features include a 16MP sensor, a 140-degree wide angle lens, a G-sensor which can automatically start recording when it detects any kind of movement. It comes with built in Wi-Fi, a microSD card slot for storage expansion and a 1.8-inch TFT touchscreen display. The camera will come bundled with a waterproof case that allows one to shoot up to 40m underwater, two self adhesive mounts, some extensions and of course a USB charging cable. The Liveman C1 is expected to go on sale before Chinese New Year which is 28 January. We haven't got a confirmation on the pricing but it should be closer to what Xiaomi is offering and less than the GoPro lineup. tech2 News Staff A space rock known as asteroid 2017 AG13 was discovered to be flying-by from Earth, at a distance that is half the distance that separates our planet from the moon on Monday, says Business Insider. According to Slooh, a company that broadcasts live views of space, the asteroid was discovered by the University of Arizona only last Saturday. Asteroid 2017 AG13 measures between 50-111 feet long and when it was grazing past Earth, it was at moving at a speed of 16km/second. According to Eric Feldman, an astronomer with Slooh, the near-Earth object (NEO) was moving really quickly and had actually crossed the orbits of two planets - Venus and Earth. He made these observations while live broadcasting the flyby at 7.47AM ET (6.17PM IST). Purdue University's Impact Earth simulator studied the 2017 AG13 and stated that it wouldn't be very bad if it entered the Earth's atmosphere. According to the researchers working on the simulator, a porous rock of around 111 feet would explode as an airburst some 10 miles above the ground level. The burst would however would release around 700 kiloton's of energy, which is 10 times as powerful than the one generated after the Hiroshima bombings. But since it would occur at 10 miles over the surface, it would not have any major effect on ground. Slooh on the other hand stated that 2017 AG13 was the same size as that of asteroid Chelyabinsk which struck Russia in 2013 and led to on the ground effects such as shattered windows and mildly damaged building. AG13, if it did explore could have had similar outcome says Slooh. hidden A pilot project using cloud technology by Microsoft and ICRISAT in Andhra Pradesh has increased the groundnut crop yield, it was announced at the 20th National Conference on e-Governance here on Monday. Launched in June last year, the pilot, based on Intelligent Cloud, involves a new sowing application for farmers combined with a personalised village advisory dashboard and results show a 30 percent higher average in yield per hectare. The sowing app was developed to help farmers achieve optimal harvests by advising on the best time to sow depending on weather conditions, soil and other indicators. The pilot under a partnership between the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Microsoft, and Andhra Pradesh government was implemented in Devanakonda in Kurnool district and the advisory applied only to the groundnut crop. ICRISAT adopted Microsoft Cortana Intelligence Suite including Machine Learning (ability of computers to learn without being specifically programmed) and Power BI or Business Intelligence, to empower farmers and government officials with technology, and promote digital farming practices in the state, said a Microsoft official. (Also Read: India-EU technology uses waste water to boost crop productivity) The Personalised Village Advisory Dashboard has been especially developed to enable officials to better manage programs of scale. Using powerful BI tools, this dashboard provides important insights around soil health, fertiliser recommendations, and seven-day weather forecasts derived from the world's best available weather observations systems and global forecast models. This data is then downscaled for the highest possible accuracy at the village level, to transform how small holder farmers tackle climate change to drive effective decision-making for their crops. "This result is proof of the efficiencies that cloud technology can bring and thereby help farmers economically by improving agricultural productivity," said Anil Bhansali, Managing Director, Microsoft India. "The applicability of the Intelligent Cloud is a significant start for digital agriculture and we hope more governments and stakeholders come forward to reap benefits of this innovation," he added. IANS tech2 News Staff The UK has announced that it has launched an inquiry into cyber security, following the alleged interference by Russian intelligence agencies in the US presidential election of 2016. The UK has announced that it will treat any cyber attacks with the same severity as conventional attacks. A comprehensive cyber security strategy is being formulated, with a budget of 1.9 billion (roughly Rs 190 cr) allocated till 2021. Margaret Beckett, Chair of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy said, "While the digital revolution has opened up a whole host of opportunities, it has also created new vulnerabilities. The national security implications of the leap to cyber are a matter of increasing concern. Attention has recently focused on the potential exploitation of the cyber domain by other states and associated actors for political purposes, but this is just one source of threat that the Government must address through its recently launched five-year strategy." The National Security Strategy Committee is seeking inputs on the cyber security strategy for the UK. The types and sources of cyber threats to the UK, learning points from previous five year plan, and appropriate allocation of resources are some of the considerations. How much the government should interfere and participate in the cyber security of the private sector is being decided. The Committee is seeking inputs on how the government can boost the resilience of the private sector to malicious attacks. Most importantly, UK is looking at developing state sponsored offensive cyber capabilities, and is formulating the norms for the use of such capabilities. Co-operating with allies and partners on setting a stand, jointly developing capabilities and sharing of the information are all on the agenda. The US has officially accused Russia of hacking Democratic National Congress (DNC) emails in the run up to the 2016 presidential election. The US Department of Homeland Security and the FBI jointly released a 13 page document that for the first time identified another state as a perpetrator of malicious cyber activities. Leaked DNC emails were traced to Russian civilian and military intelligence services, the FSB and the GRU. Hillary Clinton was among the first to openly accuse Russia of the hacks. Trump has dismissed the reports that Russia helped him win the election, but his aides say that Trump is willing to look at the information available to the US intelligence agencies. The US intelligence community has not embraced the CIA conclusion that Russia was involved in the hack, because of a lack of conclusive evidence. The DNC got hacked twice in September and July. The leaked information was made available on WikiLeaks. The leaks were damaging to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, but beneficial to Republican candidate Donald Trump, who would later go on to win the election. Republican Senator John McCain has said that such attacks can "destroy democracy" and the American response has been "totally paralysed". Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia has said such hacks are not in the interest of Russia and both sides are using Russia to score points. US president Barack Obama has ordered an audit of the cyber attacks, and the US is apparently on the brink of announcing the appropriate response. Recently, France has also stated that it will boost its cyber-security chops to prevent any Russian hacker attack during its upcoming presidential elections in April-May this year. France will be voting for its next president on 23 April, and it has already started taking precautions to prevent any sort of interference from outside sources. The European nation is beefing up its cyber-security footprint amidst fears that Russian hackers might try to influence the upcoming elections. Jean-Yves Le Drian, defence minister of France said that French intelligence agencies were trying to learn its lessons from the allegations that rocked the US elections. Le Drian said that the number of hacking attacks that were aimed at hacking the defence ministry computer systems have doubled every year. In fact, 24,000 such external attacks were blocked in 2016. Tally Solutions last month rolled out its nationwide Campaign on GST in a mission to train and educate the ( non corporate sector) trading community for easy GST compliance and transition. An extension to the educative session, was witnessed in Pune, held on 9th January, 2017 at Hotel President. The meet witnessed a footfall of more than 140 traders from across the community, orienting them in the areas of focus in the realm of GST and its seamless adoption. The meet was a step forward towards making the vision of greater and grander India a reality with GST and Tallys support for GST to empower and equip the trading community about importance and acceptance of digital technologies, which is expected to drive future course of small & medium sized businesses in India. Speaking about the meet held in Pune, Mr. Bharat Goenka, MD Tally Solutions says, It is evident from the overwhelming response to our GST program held in Pune that every businessman is anxious to understand and get ready for this massive change. Our partnership with CAIT was motivated by this need to maximize reach to the trading community, who are likely to be the most dramatically effected section of business. We are not just preparing the right products and technologies for them, but also wanting to ensure they are equipped with the right understanding of GST, such that they can transition effectively and take advantage of this revolutionary tax regime. We have already conducted hundreds of such events, and are executing several thousand more and get as many businesses of India ready as possible. Commenting at the event, Mr. Kapil Chopra, Regional Sales Manager, Rest of Maharashtra, says, There are close to 4 lakh businesses in the region and this event with CAIT is a step towards reaching out to them. In order to reach every corner, over the next few months we will work with our network of more than 1000 solution and knowledge partners to prepare these businesses for GST. Lastly, to make a stronger connect with the traders in the region, Tally has also rolled out its Tally for GST app in Marathi. CAIT and Tally Solutions plan to hold similar meetings for the trading community in Nashik, Sangli and Kolhapur during the course of the week. @Technuter.com News Service Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive Democracy Iraqi forces advance in Mosul but civilian toll mounts Iraqi special forces pictured in battle against Islamic State group jihadists in Mosul\'s al-Rifaq neighbourhood on Monday. Reuters, Baghdad : Iraqi forces have fought their way into two more southeastern districts of Mosul but their advances are being slowed by Islamic State's tactic of using civilians for cover, a military spokesman said on Tuesday. The United Nations said civilian casualties had streamed into nearby hospitals in the last two weeks as fighting intensified in the jihadist militia's last major stronghold in Iraq. Advances by elite forces in the city's east and northeast have picked up speed in a new push since the turn of the year, and U.S.-backed forces have for the first time reached the Tigris river, which bisects the city. But fighting in neighborhoods in the southeast has been tougher. "The challenge is that they (IS) are hiding among civilian families, that's why our advances are slow and very cautious," Lieutenant-Colonel Abdel Amir al-Mohammedawi, a spokesman for the rapid response units of Iraq's federal police, told Reuters. He said rapid response units and Iraqi army units had fought their way into the Palestine and Sumer districts in the last day, but that Islamic State fighters were firing at civilians trying to flee. "The families, when they see Iraqi forces coming, flee from the areas controlled by Daesh (Islamic State) towards the Iraqi forces, holding up white flags, and Daesh bomb them with mortars and Molotov cocktails, and also shoot at them. "Whenever they (IS) withdraw from a district, they shell it at random, and it's heavy shelling," he said. The United Nations' humanitarian coordination office (OCHA) said nearly 700 people had been taken to hospitals in cities in Kurdish-controlled areas outside Mosul in the last week, and more than 817 had required hospital treatment the week before that. "Trauma casualties remain extremely high, particularly near frontline areas," it said. The U.S.-backed operation to drive the ultra-hardline militants from Mosul began in October and has recaptured villages and towns surrounding the city, and most of Mosul's eastern half. New tactics and better coordination have helped Iraqi forces advance faster since they launched a new phase of the operation more than 10 days ago. The advances slowed in November and December as IS put up fierce resistance and hid among the civilian population, making it difficult for Iraqi forces to target them. Iraqi forces battling jihadists in Mosul reached the Tigris River that divides the city Sunday, a key step and a first since the launch of a huge operation in mid-October. The Islamic State group was on the back foot in Mosul after a week of significant gains for Iraqi forces but pressed a deadly campaign of bombings in Baghdad, where two more attacks killed 18 people. Elite Counter-Terrorism Forces (CTS) took control of the eastern end of the southernmost bridge in Mosul, a morale-booster in a 12-week-old operation that has encountered many difficulties. CTS forces "reached the Tigris River from the eastern (side) of the fourth bridge," Sabah al-Noman told AFP. The news was also confirmed by Iraqi army Staff Lieutenant General Abdulamir Yarallah. Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces launched an offensive on October 17 to retake Mosul, the last major urban centre in Iraq still controlled by the group that seized around a third of the country in 2014. Several areas around the city, Iraq's second largest, were swiftly reconquered, but the elite forces that pushed into the streets of Mosul itself have faced stiffer than expected resistance. 5th Convocation of Uttara University held Campus Report : Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, MP said that along with ensuring the education for all, we have to concentrate on the development of Human Development Index (HDI). He also emphasized that the practice of research must be ensured by extending the research opportunity in Universities. In his speech as the Chief Guest of the 5th Convocation of Uttara University held at the University campus recently, Nurul Islam Nahid said that the students have to be devoted towards the overall development of their country. The special guest Professor Abdul Mannan, Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) said that we need to provide the real history of liberation war to the new generation and none can erase the true history of liberation war of Bangladesh through violence. The Convocation Speaker Dr Anisuzzaman, Professor Emeritus, University of Dhaka has expressed that to achieve higher education is a public right-is an absurd idea. The public right is to achieve primary education where higher education is for the talented students. Without having any talent and qualification, the ambition of taking higher education is nothing but embarrassing. He said that the general demand of receiving higher education is less. He also said to the graduating students to keep themselves ready to learn forever, be rational and devotedly do the duties and responsibilities to their own country. He suggested them to remember that they are the world citizens and they all are sisters and brothers. British Council reveals impacts of INSPIRE project Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, MP on Monday speaks at the celebration programme of INSPIRE project jointly run by British Council and University Grants Commission. Campus Report : The British Council revealed the impacts of - International Strategic Partnerships in Research and Education-(INSPIRE), a project of the British Council and the University Grants Commission (UGC) Bangladesh. The impact of the project was revealed on Monday at the British Council, Fuller Road at Dhaka University Campus through a celebration programme. INSPIRE is a British Council project designed to grow high-level strategic relationships between UK and Bangladeshi higher education institutions which began in 2009 in a number of strategically selected countries, one of which was Bangladesh The INSPIRE project, launched in 2009 in Bangladesh with 9 projects, is closing to end with sustainable strategic partnerships that have worked in the following priority subject areas: Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, English Language with a focus on Teaching Methodology, Renewable and Alternative Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Theatre and Fashion and Fine Arts. In total, INSPIRE has provided support to 23 projects involving 20 universities in Bangladesh and 23 universities in the UK. The last of the INSPIRE projects are due to be completed in 2018. Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid MP was present at the programme as chief guest, along with special guest Prof Abdul Mannan, Chairman of the UGC. In addition, Barbara Wickham, Country Director, British Council, project leads of INSPIRE, external consultants and British Council officials were present at the programme. Barbara Wickham, Country Director, British Council said "We are overwhelmed by the impact of INSPIRE on individuals, insitutions, higher education sector and the society more generally. In addition, it created an excellent platform to build further collaboration towards strengthening the society. It also fosterted technology transfer, policy development, and innovation". Nurual Islam Nahid Education Minister said "The projects played a key role in developing the higher education sector through a sustainable partnership between Bangladesh and UK. The impact of the projects is vast in magnitude, and when seen from a macro perspective the impact will culminate in sustainable social development." The objective of the impact revelation programme was to share the results of the impact assessment with the sponsors and the implementers. In addition, the result will help the British Council reflect on and learn from the outcomes to determine appropriate follow up action in lights of all the achievements. A review was conducted by the British Council (and led by a UK consultant) showed that the strategic partnership is an effective initiative, both in terms of its scale and the impact created in both the participating countries. Top-ranked Kerber stunned by Russian teen Russian teenager Daria Kasatkina put Angelique Kerber's Australian Open preparations in a spin with a straight-sets upset win over the world number one at the Sydney International on Tuesday. The 19-year-old, ranked 26, underlined her huge potential with a confident performance to take out the German, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 in a second-round match played in sweltering conditions. Only last week Kasatkina held a match point before going down to French Open champion Garbine Muguruza in the second round at the Brisbane International. While she continues her march, Kerber's form is a concern ahead of next week's opening Grand Slam of the year, having also lost to Ukraine's Elina Svitolina 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International last week. Kerber, who had a breakthrough 2016, winning two Grand Slams on her way to becoming world number one, struggled to find any rhythm and her usually strong forehand was astray. Asked about her emotions after her biggest win yet, Kasatkina said courtside: "Difficult to explain because I beat the number one in the world and it doesn't happen every day. I think I got some confidence." It was a day of upsets in Sydney where temperatures sizzled around 36 Celsius (97 Fahrenheit) with defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and last year's finalist Dominika Cibulkova both knocked out in the second round. World number nine Kuznetsova went out to Russian compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-3 while Canada's Eugenie Bouchard continued her return to form with a 6-4, 6-3 win over the sixth-ranked Cibulkova. Former Wimbledon finalist Bouchard, who has now won consecutive matches at a tournament for the first time since August, stretched her lead over Cibulkova to 4-1 head-to-head and will face Pavlyuchenkova in the last eight. "Any time you play one of the best players in the world it's like a standard of where you're at," Bouchard said. "I have taken a couple of solid steps this week, but I'm far from where I want to be. Even though I won, to me, I could do a lot of things better." S.M. Murshed : The man as he was Syed Badrul Ahsan : I have often asked myself why Justice SM Murshed went into a state of silence in the Seventies. And have not yet been able to come up with an adequate response to that inquiry. But why do I raise the question in the first place? That is again something, which takes me back to a particular stage in all our lives, a moment in history which brought out some of the more glorious attributes in all of us. It was a time when the dictatorship of Field Marshal Ayub Khan was beginning to come apart at the seams. All the symptoms of decline were there: the regime was trapped in its insidious move to trap Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a kangaroo court, it was embarrassing itself through trying to humiliate Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in custody. All the signs were of things portentous, for the military and their friends. Even so, the cable was not quire ready to give up. They know not that there is about politics and stagecraft a certain degree of the aesthetic. At the end of 1968, whatever was aesthetic in the life of the people of Pakistan had got lost deep in the confines of authoritarian ignorance and yet the man who had not flinched in the job of occupying his own country ten years earlier was busy convincing himself that it was perfectly all right to carouse. He made Pakistanis believe that his decade in power was really a millennium. At least his mends thought it was. And then came the crash. The street began, inexorably, to take upon themselves a look of meanness. That only led to more of the uncouth from the regime. And this is where S M Murshed came in. He walked into politics, as if to inform anyone who would listen that the one unequivocal manner in which a man can serve his country is to take the plunge into politics. But. and here is a thought, would Murshed have come into politics had things been different? It is never a good idea trying to answer questions about what might have been. But what appears to have been the truth way back in ]968 was that men like Murshed and Asghar Khan were conscious of the vacuum setting in with the absence of the country's primer politicians. They were in incarceration, weren't they? And there was too the fear in Murshed that the course politics was taking in Pakistan was rather ominous. The regime had made it difficult for opposition to it to be conducted constitutionally. But that, to Murshed, was no justification for a people struggling for a reasserting of democracy to slide consciously into conditions of anarchy. Murshed's moral links with constitutionals with the concept of rule of law, came into his approach to active politics. I would like to think it was this comprehension of objective reality, which made him tell the country in the twilight of 1968 that he was there to contribute to the "job of a restoration of the democratic ethos. The credibility of the man was beyond question in both East and West Pakistan. And that was surely a reason why in the early part of 1969, as the Ayub government began to crack on the streets of Dhaka and Karachi and everywhere men of serious intent toyed with the thought of Justice Murshed taking over from the beleaguered dictator. The idea did not have time enough to be put into tangibility, for events quite overwhelmed everyone. What if Murshed had indeed succeeded Ayub Khan to the presidency of Pakistan? True, he would be a transitional figure. But it would be a momentous transition, and President Murshed would certainly have brought a degree of flair in the task of healing the wounds and the divisions in the Pakistani body politics. He would not have messed up things the way a second generation of generals with its political accomplices in West Pakistan. was to do in 1971. Yes, these are all thoughts pretty improbable thoughts. But if Murshed can not. must of be glorified, he should certainly be remembered for the kind of being he was. Aware throughout the course of his life of the necessity of culture, he gave short shrift to men with little minds. In 1961, he reminded Bengalis on this side of the political divide that Rabindranath Tagore went heyond the narrow confines of communal politics. Which was one great reason why he went all the way to ensure without the force of his moral and physical presence, an undisturbed observance of the poet's centenary of birth. It was a moment of renewal for the Bengali, and Murshed could not stay away from it. And in the perspective of history that even - bringing as it were Bengalis of all secular persuasions together: was to serve as a springboard to freedom a decade later. In 1961, then SM Murshed was reminding himself as well as Bengalis that courage was all. Men of Murshed's mold and of his times laid create store by the morality inherent in the shaping of personality. They questioned a good deal. Murshed knew when to question, and how. In 1942, he told Muhammad Ali Jinnah that, his politics was flawed. Quo Vadis Quaid-e-Azam was an act of bravery. More than that, it was an answer to an inner question, way back in 1942. Was the Muslim League equipped to provide intellectual leadership to those it presumed to speak for? Murshed had his suspicion, which is perhaps the basis for his unwillingness to identify with the men who led the movement for Pakistan. Murshed could have chosen not to come to the new country. But he is, once he understood the predicament Pakistan was in with the passing of Liaquat Ali Khan. He made the odyssey to the land of the pure. The rest is history, in that conventional manner of speaking. Within the ambiance of that history comes the rather solitary struggle of SM Murshed. The struggle slowed down as the Pakistan military went on a genocide spree in a street of the country whose people had voted only months earlier, for democracy. In free Bangladesh, Murshed seemed to opt for silence. He emerged from that state, in early 1975, to warn Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that Baksal was an invitation to disaster. He returned to silence, perhaps distressed at the decline of politics in the country all through the seventies. Ayub Khan's disciples were running the show. Murshed's twilight came as all beauteous things in the land of Bengal went into retreat in that season of unmitigated sadness. Those responsible won`t be spared: Nahid Staff Reporter : Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid on Tuesday said that steps would be taken against those responsible for the mistakes in this year's school textbooks after submission of the probe report. "Those responsible for gaffe in textbooks for school-goers will not be spared. There is no doubt that there are mistakes in the textbooks," he said. In the wake of widespread criticism over the mistakes in school textbooks, the Education Minister admitted it while addressing a press conference at his office in the Secretariat in the morning. The two officials of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) were made OSD (Officer on Special Duty) after the preliminary probe report found them 'responsible for two big errors,'' he said. The Minister urged all not to take any negative impression in this regard. He also said that the government couldn't avoid the responsibility. The NCTB is responsible for editing and improving the texts, a work involving expert educators, he said. "A book is not printed without the approval of the chief editor." However, the Minister said that the work on primary textbooks was done in a hurry and there was delay in sending the texts for print because of conditions imposed by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. About the illustration of a goat trying to eat mangoes from a tree in the Bangla book for first grade, he said, the Ministry is looking into the matter. He said that there were 'photo shopped images of goats climbing trees circulating on Facebook'. He also asked if it was right to print that image on newspapers. The illustration of a girl asking for an 'Orna', a long scarf, beside the O-sounding Bangla letter, was also slammed by critics. "There are many opinions and we welcome all of them. There are mistakes that should not have been," he said. 'Paraninda Bhalo Na' - the Bangla slogan that was transformed to 'Do not Heart Anybody' was an unforgivable error by the editor, he said. The Minister said, "There may be mistakes in words and spellings. But the errors made in the poem Adarsha Chele are unacceptable. "There are many mistakes, limitations, but it's normal to have flaws. Teachers and others who are responsible should correct those. Children will face harm if people do the opposite of this. "We are facing damage, criticism that is a different discussion. But we are all responsible for helping children. I feel we should not do things that could have a negative impact on them." Over 40 million school students were given more than 360 million textbooks and other school materials on the first day of 2017. Soon the textbooks riddled with mistakes became the topic of ridicule and astonishment on social media websites. The spelling errors worried many about children being exposed to low quality education. Dhaka firm to get solution over Rohingya crisis Myanmar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Tin arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday evening to discuss the burning issue of Rohingya Muslim refugees' influx to Bangladesh against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic cleansing in the Rakhine state. Officials of Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs [MoFA] told The New Nation last night that the envoy will also discuss other bilateral issues during his three-day visit. The Myanmar special envoy is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque and other concerned officials today [Wednesday]. Director General [East Asia desk] of Foreign Ministry Manjurul Islam Khan received the envoy and some other Myanmar government's high officials at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at about 6:30 pm yesterday. Demanding repatriation of Myanmar citizens, Dhaka on December 29 handed over a diplomatic memorandum to Myanmar Ambassador Myo Myint. But the effort went in vain. At present, Dhaka is firm to get a fruitful solution over the long-standing Rohingya refugee crisis. According to government statement over 2 lakh Rohingyas have so far been taken shelter in Bangladesh since 1970 after army-backed Myanmar government launched cleansing operation against Rohingyas. But concerned circle said the number would be more than five lakh while most of them are unregistered. Only in last three months, around 65,000 Rohingya people have entered through different points of Cox's Bazar after the army launched the crackdown. Meanwhile, at least 65,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh from since the army launched a crackdown in the North of Rakhine State on October last year. The latest UN report marks a sharp escalation in the numbers fleeing. They also come the same day the UN's human rights envoy for Myanmar Yanghee Lee began a 12-day visit to probe violence in Rakhine State. On the other hand, quoting the figures collected by UN agencies and international NGOs, head of the International Organisation for Migration [IOM] office in Bangladesh Sanjukta Sahany said about 43,000 Rohingya people had taken shelter in Cox's Bazar crossing the border in the past four months -- between October 5 and January 5. "The new Rohingya refugees have taken shelter at different camps in Cox's Bazar. As per registration till Thursday last, 17000-18000 undocumented refugees took shelter at Kutupalong Rohingya Camp. About 12000 refugees have taken shelter at Leda unregistered refugee camp while 8000-9000 took shelter at Shamlapur camp. The rest have gone to their relatives at different villages in Teknaf, Ukhiya and Naikhongchhari upazilas of Cox's Bazar," Sanjukta Sahany said. Echoing the same, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] in a statement also said that the number of new arrivals in recent weeks has been increasing day by day. Nobel Peace Laureate and de facto leader of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi has been faced international backlash following her silence over the alleged ethnic cleansing operation against the Rohingya. Although she vowed to work for peace and national reconciliation, Suu Kyi did not admit the violence in Rakhine state in any of her statements till the date. On the other hand, former UN secretary general Kofi Annan, who was appointed by Suu Kyi as head of a Commission on Rakhine, expressed his optimism that Naypyidaw would allow journalists to visit the state to get actual picture. "The issue of genocide and ethnic cleansing are very serious charges. It needs legal review and a judicial determination," he told the media recently in Yangon. In December last year, Malaysia organized a meeting of ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] foreign ministers over the 'genocide' in Myanmar and took initiatives to organize another meeting under the auspices of OIC [Organization of Islamic Cooperation] on January 19. Diplomatic circles hoped that, the OIC meeting would a take a proposal over the issue with a view to ending decades-long ethnic cleansing of Rohingyas. Body to find out causes formed Staff Reporter : The government has formed a two-member secretary committee to find out the reasons behind the recent fall in remittance inflow in the country. Bank and Financial Institutions Division Secretary Md Eunusur Rahman and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Shamsun Nahar are the members of the committee which has been asked to submit its findings as soon as possible, officials said. "Remittance inflow continues to fall over the last 15 months raising concern among the government policy-makers. So, the government formed a committee to find out the reason why remittance is falling," Senior Finance Secretary Mahbub Ahmed told The New Nation on Tuesday. Overseas Bangladeshi workforce remitted $13.6 billion in 2016 as against $15.3 billion in 2015, showing an 11.13 per cent year-on-year fall, according to the Bangladesh Bank (BB). Mahbub Ahmed said, the committee has already launched their fact finding mission. They also held several meetings with the stakeholders to find out the root causes behind the fall. "The committee is expected to submit its report in the next meeting of fiscal coordination council," he added. According to a government report, over 8.6 million Bangladeshis work abroad in various jobs. The money they send home accounted for nearly 8.0 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). About 78 per cent of the total workforce has reportedly sent their money home through banking channel and 12 per cent through illegal channels. "Remittance send by migrant Bangladeshi workers pays a crucial role in boosting rural economy and helping reduce in overall incidence of rural poverty. So, a drop in remittance flow is going to hit the economy badly," Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh, told The New Nation yesterday. "The sharp drop in remittance inflow is worrying as remittance is playing a vital role in the country's socio-economic development," Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, former Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor told The New Nation yesterday. He said, "remittance helps boosting consumer spending, improving living standards of migrants' families, alleviating poverty, creating jobs for rural population and building up foreign reserve. So, the ongoing fall in inward remittance must leave an adverse impact on Bangladesh economy." Mother commits suicide `killing two kids` in city Staff Reporter : A woman committed suicide with the ceiling fan after allegedly hacking to her two children death at their residence in the city's Darussalam area on Tuesday. The deceased have been identified as Anika Begum, 22, her daughter Shamima, 5, and her son Abdullah, 3. The bodies have been sent to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) for autopsy, police said. Darussalam Police Inspector (Investigation) Farukul Alam said that Police recovered the bodies from House No. 29/1 of Chhoto Diabari around 2:45pm after being informed by a neighbour. "Anika's body was hanging from the ceiling fan and the children were found in a pool of blood. We found several injuries marks on the bodies of the kids," the police official said. Police are sure that the woman might have committed suicide as the door of the room was found locked from inside, he said. She might have hacked the children to death with sharp cutter (locally called boti), the police official said. Anika's husband Shamim Hossain works at a hair salon, the Inspector said. "We are investigating the incident," he said. Earlier, another woman allegedly committed suicide after killing her two children over a family dispute in Feni on December 12 and while another mother Mahfuza Malek alias Jasmine killed her two daughters in the city's Bonosree area in March this year. AL believes in work, not in word: Hasina BNP leaders to be tried in people`s court Staff Reporter : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the Awami League (AL) government believes in work, not in words. "Awami League always keeps its words and implements the commitments. Many had mocked us about making Bangladesh a digital country. Even they couldn't believe but we did it," she said while addressing a mammoth rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in the city yesterday. To mark the historic Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the ruling AL organised the rally in the afternoon. Sheikh Hasina arrived at the meeting venue at 3:20 pm. Hundreds of thousands of supporters, activists and leaders of the ruling party attended the rally. Earlier in the morning, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of AL paid homage by placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city. The Prime Minister said she wants to see a hunger and poverty free Bangladesh upholding the dream of Father of the Nation. "We want to see a hunger and poverty free Bangladesh where no people will be homeless and without food. Our commitment is to ensure quality and standard homes for everybody. And we will do it," she said. Sheikh Hasina termed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as a militant and terrorist-based political party. "The word of democracy in BNP's mouth does not match," she said, adding nobody gave any response to the movement of burning people. She said the countrymen would never listen to the order of those who killed people and stole orphans' money. The Prime Minister said the people of the Bangladesh will ensure trial of BNP leaders in people's court. "I'm calling upon the people of every section of the society, including religious leaders, teachers and guardians, to build up united resistance against the militancy and educate everybody to remain in the path of peace," she said. Sheikh Hasina reiterated that Bangladesh would not be a place for militants and terrorists. In this regard, the Premier said Islam is the religion of peace and harmony. "Islam never teaches killing people as Allah is the supreme adjudicator and He would judge the good and bad deeds of mankind." Sheikh Hasina said suicide is a great sin in Islam. But those, who are unleashing terrorism in the name of religion, are encouraging suicide as the best way to go to haven. "Rather they would go to hell as Islam never permits homicide or suicide," she said, adding that people of this country irrespective of their religion would perform their rites peacefully. She said that the 1975 assassination of Bangabandhu led to Bangladesh being engulfed in a political conspiracy that halted development. "The assassination of her father Bangabandhu on August 15, 1975 came as a shock just as Bangladesh was emerging from the shadow of the war. She said none of those who came to power after 1975 wanted to allow Bangladesh to hold its head high. "This is because, while their bodies were in Bangladesh, their souls belonged to Pakistan. "If Bangabandhu was alive, Bangladesh would have become a developed nation in 25-30 years, and everyone could have lived in peace and harmony," she said. The AL President expressed her firm optimism that Bangladesh would celebrate the golden jubilee of independence in 2021 as a prosperous and developed nation as envisioned by Bangabandhu. "The Father of the Nation is no more amongst us. But he has given us freedom and directives to build up Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous country. Every village of Bangladesh would flourish as town and whole Bangladesh would be a developed one country . . . and it's our clear goal," she said. Sheikh Hasina said people of the country are living in peace and comfort. "They are now dreaming of a beautiful life. But, it's unfortunate that Khaleda Zia feels heartburn when people live in peace. Party presidium member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Advisory Council Members Amir Hossain Amu and Tofail Ahmed, Presidium members Begum Motia Chowdhury and Mohammad Nasim, General Secretary Obaidul Kader, Organizing Secretary Bahauddin Nasim, Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi and Mayors of Dhaka Annisul Haq and Sayeed Khokan, spoke, among others, at the rally conducted by publicity secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud. Besides, leaders and workers of AL and its associate bodies, including Jubo League, Chhatra League, Sramik League, Mohila Awami League, Sechhchasebak League, Jubo Mohila League, Krishak League, Dhaka city AL and other socio-cultural organizations attended the meeting. On this day (January 10 in 1972), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to independent Bangladesh after nine and a half months of captivity in a Pakistan jail. Since then, the Nation is observing the day as the Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu. Surrogate prisoner in Sylhet jail THOUGH unbelievable a proxy is serving the life sentence of a convict of a murder case in Sythet jail when the real convict was able to put the replacement and deceive the airport immigration to leave the country for Saudi Arabia where he is living a safe life in luxury. In fact we are privy to many strange things in our country in recent years but things like a proxy prisoner serving for a man out of the country is highly sensational. Such deception to law and aberration to justice by real culprit is highly slanderous to our judiciary but in our view it is not possible without collaboration of police and court lawyers. This is a dangerous commission of crime and omission of justice that needs to be thoroughly investigated to stop the repeat of such judicial scandal and punish those involved in it. What needs to be pointed out here is that Media reports often highlight such incidents of faulty dispensation of justice but our jail administration and lower courts seem to have not taken seriously to plug the loopholes. The story in hand said the Speedy Tribunal of Sylhet sentenced three personas to life in June 2012 in absentia for abducting a young man. The convicts however remained in the hiding until October 11, 2015 when one of them surrendered to the court. But the man was actually a proxy but the court accepted him as the real culprit and sent him to jail. Nobody such as police, court's officers and lawyers of the case from either side raised any doubt when an innocent was in fact swapped for a murder culprit in defiance of the rule of law. Many doubted it was outcome of a deal in which police and court officials may have acted together in exchange of financial benefits. Disclosure said the proxy was convinced to go to jail for a big amount of money and a promise for bail within three months from the High Court. He would be then taken to Saudi Arabia on a hefty pay. But as the move for the bail was producing no result, the proxy at one point broke the truth. He is now calling for his release. In fact prisoners serving jail without trial or as proxy are many in the country - they are victims of faulty miscarriage of justice. On the other hand a section of lawyers and court officers are at work at every level from High Court to Lower Court to defalcate court orders to release prisoners for money. They even put replacement for convicts in many cases. In our view it is a big challenge to our judiciary destroying the credibility of our justice system and hindering the administration of the rule of law to punish the criminals and protect the innocents. Such cases must be investigated and culprits must be punished. Young gangsters in city blocks THE brutal killing of Class ix student Adnan Kabir in the city's Uttara Township by a gang of unruly youths brings to the fore how a culture of gangsterism is quickly overtaking the city streets and locality in posh areas. In fact young people, mostly school going boys are increasingly resorting to violence as many of them are falling into drug addicts resorting to insanity. Adnan was killed by a group of young boys of his own locality on January 6 and many don't find the real reason except the fact that group hysteria and drug addiction led them to the killing. News reports in a national daily on Tuesday said at least four groups now operate to dominate areas in the Uttara Township and they are confronting one another for supremacy. Adnan was chased to a long distance from a playground and then kicked and knifed to death. Killers showed their ferocity, although most of them are students while public remained at a distance for safety. Such gang culture is spreading all over the city to become bigger threat to social safety - to be more dangerous than the danger from militants while police are busy giving protection to the government leaders and fighting its opponents. At many places, local goons are also organizing the youth gangs with political support to their benefits and such youth even don't take time to kill fellow school and college going students. The number of killing of teenage students by fellow students in recent years is quite big and why the criminalization is spreading fast needs deeper socio-political screening. We must say police must give more attention to community peace to destroy such gangs at their initial stage. It appears that most young people are joining criminal gangs as drug addiction is spreading to make city blocks unsafe. Gangsterism as it suddenly surfaced is becoming a shock to local people and also an ominous sign of more gang violence to destabilize social peace. The spread of Yaba, phensidyl and such other drugs are increasing the juvenile delinquency and family elders are at a loss how to keep their young people away from such gang culture. Not only in Uttara, teenagers in Gulshan and Banani and at other places are also becoming ruthlessly organized with criminal instinct, although it contradicts their age and education and family values. They often run motorcycles in high speed; create noisy sounds and stalk passing girls. Why the school-going children mostly from rich families are engaging in gangsterism may partly be answered from the fact that many parents are unaware of their children's criminal engagement like those of the militants' parents. Family members often don't give time to children and it is becoming fatal at the end. It is time to destroy such gangsterism from city blocks. Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front row taxi ridesymbolic of the shows content as a fun ride that takes audiences from point A to point B. Gabina VOAs main goal is Enlightening young people, introducing them to cutting-edge technological innovations, exposing them to new processes and ideas so they can be productive, informed and self-governing citizens. 85 held while returning home from India Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained 85 Bangladeshi nationals from Putkhali border while returning to country from India on Tuesday. UNB, Benapole : Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained 85 Bangladeshi national from Putkhali border while they were returning to country from India on Tuesday morning. A total 16 minors, 29 women and 40 men were among the detainees, hailing from different areas of Chittagong, Satkhira and Khulna districts. Md Abdul Jalil, company commander of Putkhali camp of BGB battalion -21, said that on secret information a team of the border guards conducted the drive in the area in the morning and arrested them. Sensing the presence of BGB, the human traffickers managed to flee away. Later the detainees were handed over to Benapole Port Police Station. A case was filed with the police station in this connection. They went to India at different times looking for jobs there and had been staying in Delhi. Comilla `rapist` held following HC order UNB, Comilla : Police arrested the alleged rapist of a mentally challenged girl from Brahmanbaria district early Tuesday. The arrest came several hours after a High Court ordered police to arrest the alleged rapist within 48 hours. Tipped off, a team of police from Bangara Police Station here arrested Nazrul from Bancharampur upazila around 3am, said police super M Shah Abid Hossain. He also said no one complained to police soon after the incident took place on December 23, the SP said adding that police recorded a case on January 7 after getting complaint from the victim's mother. A three-member probe committee, headed by addition police super Abdul Momen, was also formed to look into the incident, he said. The High Court on Monday asked police to arrest the rapist after recording the complaint as the first information report within 48 hours. An HC bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice JBM Hassan passed the suo moto order following a newspaper report. The court also asked the Comilla superintendent of police and the officer-in-charge of Bangara Police Station to submit a report on the compliance of the order within January 19. Mujibur Rahman, a Supreme Court lawyer, placed a report titled 'Sister raped, brother hacked; arbitration at police station' published in a national daily on January 7 before the High Court. Following the report, the HC issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the arrangement of arbitration at the police station should not be declared illegal. According to the report, the mentally challenged girl was violated by a young man named Nazrul in Bangra on December 23 last. Although locals caught Nazrul red-handed, they later freed him as he is the son of a local influential person. As the victim's brother protested it, he was chopped, leaving him injured. Later, the victim's mother lodged a written complaint with the Bangra Police Station on January 1 but the police took an initiative to settle the matter at the arbitration without arresting the culprit. ACC`s `all out efforts` must begin with corruption at the top Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had so far proved ineffective, in containing corruption. The country is sinking in oceans of corruption although it has no reason to be ineffective given the will to act. ACC Director AFM Aminul Islam said stopping corruption is possible, if politicians really want it, as per a report of a local daily. This does not show ACC's strong will. But the people, too, would have to be involved with this as per his statement at UCB public parliament function marking the grand finale of a yearlong debate competition at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the city. Aminul Islam highlighted various activities of ACC and said the Commission is making all-out efforts to curb corruption. Along with punitive actions, the ACC is giving emphasis on creating public awareness for prevention of corruption. The corrupt people will flee if all declare a war against them in a body, the ACC Director said and stressed the need for taking punitive actions as per the law against those who take and offers bribes. We have to say this that the ACC has not been made independent for waiting for political will or public awareness. These are excuses for avoiding one's own responsibility. Who else will do what should not be the concern of the ACC. Prove yourself what you can do. As long as those in power do not feel constrained to act honestly the politicians will have no will to stop corruption. Corruption will remain a force to politicise and buy power base. Especially when the government has no public accountability. As a result, corruption exists in every sphere of the government. However the ACC has been formed with the sole intention of stamping out corruption in high places of government. But in practice ACC officials are found often too busy to show their power over weak people. It should show no fear or favour while fighting corruption among the high and mighty. But time and again it has failed in its ability to do so - remaining a threat for petty thieves. Meanwhile the ACC could do a good job by clearing up its own stables. There are issues of serious incompetence and corruption by its own officials who seem intent on abusing power. They must have people over them to ensure they themselves do not become corrupt. This should be unacceptable. Most importantly if the ACC thinks it has to wait for the will of the politicians for fighting corruption then it should just relax and do nothing .Corruption is politically protected, so do not expect political for restraining corruption. So far as public awareness is concerned it should not also be used as an excuse of weakness of the ACC? If you cannot show courage say so. The Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional the law that makes permission of the government necessary for going ahead with corruption cases against highly placed government functionaries. So no hindrance can stand in the way of to act boldly. The Undead Archives I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world. Listen to this article via @AIAudible ! Your browser does not support the audio element. It has not been the best start to 2017 for Jurgen Klopps Liverpool. In the 2 games that the Reds have played, they have had two draws. The first one a 2-2 stalemate at Sunderland might be excusable, given that it kicked off less than 48 hours after a taxing game against Manchester City. But Sundays goalless draw in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle is inexcusable. Even with the much-changed team, Liverpool should be beating Plymouth. So, on Wednesday night, it is a huge game in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton, as Liverpool look to get back to winning ways. THE DETAILS Match: Southampton v Liverpool EFL Cup Semifinal First Leg Venue: St. Marys Date: Wednesday, 11th January Time: 19:45 BST FORM For starters, the Reds and Klopp have good memories of this competition and at St. Marys in particular. In last seasons quarter-final, Liverpool thrashed the Saints 6-1, with Divock Origi getting a hat-trick on the way. A repeat would be hugely welcome, given the recent stutter, but it would take something absolutely extraordinary. It should be a much stronger lineup on Wednesday night than the one that played against Plymouth. But Liverpool have stuttered recently, and a first win of 2017 will be the only item on the agenda for Wednesday night, irrespective of the performance. Southampton are going through a dip in form. Over the Christmas period, they did not win a single game. Since beating Bournemouth 3-1 in the South coast derby in mid-December, they had lost three consecutive games before drawing against Norwich in the FA Cup third round. The defence is still a massive concern for Claude Puel and even though Virgil van Dijk has impressed one and all, they have not really found any kind of consistency at the back. TEAM NEWS The likes of Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino and Gini Wijnaldum are all likely to start. Philippe Coutinho is back in full training, but this game could be a little too early for the Brazilian magician to start. It would not be surprising to see Coutinho make a second-half substitute appearance, as he battles to figure in Klopps plans for the huge trip to Old Trafford next Sunday. It will be interesting to also see if James Milner is fit to start. If not, Alberto Moreno will deputise. The Spaniard was another one who had a fabulous game in last years quarter-final. Sadio Mane is unavailable, having left to join Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations. Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Simon Mignolet, Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan, Alberto Moreno, Gini Wijnaldum, Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge Predicted Southampton XI (4-2-3-1): Fraser Forster, Cedric Soares, Maya Yoshida, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Bertrand, Oriol Romeu, Jordy Clasie, Steven Davis, Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond, Shane Long WHEN THEY LAST MET The last meeting was straight after the last international break. The two sides met at St. Marys in the Premier League, and in a game that Liverpool should really have won, it ended 0-0. Coutinho, Firmino and Mane all missed gilt-edged opportunities on that day as the Reds rued two dropped points. STATS It is the first time Southampton have reached the last four of the competition for the first time since the 1986-87 season. Liverpool have won the EFL Cup 8 times the most by any team. Liverpool are also the side to have reached the most number of semi-finals and finals in this tournament. They have made 17 semi-finals, making it to the final on 12 of those occasions. PREDICTION: Southampton 1-3 Liverpool With Klopp suggesting that the big guns will be back for this game, and considering what is on the line, Liverpool should be fired up for this one. The Saints have been on the slide recently and it is going to be difficult for them to stop Liverpool who are wounded too, but will come out hard. If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. Candyce Perret is general counsel and co-owner of The Perret Group, LLC, which specializes in real estate, health care and oil/gas. Candyce Perret announces her candidacy for the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal after being introduced by her father-in-law, Hank Perret Photo by Robin May Lafayette attorney Candyce Perret today announced her candidacy for the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal seat vacated by Judge Jimmy Genovese, who won a seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court last November. Perret made the announcement at 4:30 p.m. Monday at Dons Seafood in Downtown Lafayette. The 46-year-old Republican is a native of Marksville who graduated from The University of Denver and Loyola Law School. She has previously served as city prosecutor for Marksville, and as city attorney for Arnaudville, Krotz Springs, Leonville and Port Barre. She also previously served as senior law clerk for the New Orleans-based 4th Circuit Court of Appeal. Perret is currently general counsel and co-owner of The Perret Group, which specializes in real estate, health care and oil/gas. She and husband Hunter have three children and live in Lafayette where she has many ties to civic, professional and community groups. The 3rd Circuit covers eight parishes across Southwest Louisiana and serves as the appellate court for state courts within those parishes. As'ad's Bio As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants. This Thursday, Vermilionville will host its Gateway to the Grammys, which is a Grammy send-off fundraising party for three local bands who will soon be making their way to Los Angeles for Musics Biggest Night. Barry Ancelet & Sam Broussard, Joshua Caffery and Joel Savoy and Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-Stars are set to play Vermilionvilles Performance Center on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 7 - 9 p.m. The evening will be emceed by KRVS 88.7 FMs Zydeco Stomp host, Herman Fuselier. Not only is it a huge honor for all who made these records to be recognized so prestigiously, but its a huge coup for Acadiana as a whole, said Savoy in a release announcing the event. New Orleans has consistently been represented in the five Regional Roots nominations, but this year weve kept them all close to home, and I think that says a lot about where we are as a community. The Recording Academy recently announced its nominations for the 59th annual Grammy awards. Three Acadiana groups were nominated for the Best Regional Roots Album Grammy, along with Hawaiian musician Kalani Pea and Native American group Northern Cree. This will be the first time that Barry Ancelet and Sam Broussard have been nominated for a Grammy as a duo for their album Broken Promised Land. They will be sharing Vermilionvilles stage on Thursday with Joshua Caffery and 10-time Grammy nominee Joel Savoy who were nominated for I Wanna Sing Right: Rediscovering Lomax in Evangeline Country along with Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-Stars who were nominated for Gulfstream, which is their first album in 10 years since their 2007 Grammy nominated album La Louisianne Sessions. When we think about the music here, we think of Cajun and Zydeco, but these three records are anything but that, adds Savoy. To me, that indicates a sort of shift in the way that the people here perceive themselves and the way that we are perceived by the rest of the world. Weve still got deep roots, but it seems like the constraints of what defines our music and our culture are fading away to make room for a whole new era of creativity in Acadiana. Regional public radio facility KRVS 88.7 FM, housed on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, will do a special live broadcast of the event from Vermilionville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and food and beverages will be available for purchase. The cost is $15 per person, and six VIP tables at $250 (bottle service and appetizers included) are available as well. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 337-233-4077, or visit GatewayToTheGrammys.BrownPaperTickets.com. The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now. Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. CARBONDALE Despite the fiscal challenges facing the state that are affecting Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Chancellor Brad Colwell noted there are still many good things taking place on campus. Colwell said it is among his top priorities to make sure the word gets out about those bright spots. Even with our fiscal difficulties, our students and our faculty have accomplished more than you can ever imagine, Colwell, the interim chancellor, said Monday evening at a public event co-sponsored by SIU, the city of Carbondale and Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. The chat with the chancellor event was designed to give members of the public an opportunity to ask questions of Colwell, or provide feedback for him and his team to consider. A number of top-level SIU officials were on hand to help Colwell field questions from and provide updates to the about 40 people who attended the two-hour informal conversation. While fielding numerous questions and comments, Colwell took the opportunity to list some of the positive accolades that have been bestowed upon the university during the past year. They included a ranking in the top 5 percent of all U.S. institutions for research; earning a spot at the center of the World University Rankings during each of the past three years; and earning a top-25 spot (at 21st) as one of the best schools for adult learners in Washington Monthly's 2016 College Guide. Colwell said the list he read is in no way exhaustive, but intended to provide a taste of the work ongoing in Carbondale that has been recognized nationally and internationally. The talk also turned to the challenges facing SIU. Francis Murphy, general manager of the Neighborhood Co-op Grocery, asked Colwell about the long-term stability of the university, particularly as it relates to enrollment and staffing levels. The uncertainty makes it hard to make business decisions for community businesses that rely on SIUs employee base for much of their sales, Murphy said. Colwell acknowledged the difficulty of the budget impasse playing out in Springfield, and said SIU is making concerted efforts to grow its freshmen class enrollment. There is some hope that there may be some movement toward compromise once the new General Assembly gets sworn in, he said of the budget talks in the Capitol. Tuesday marks the last day of the lame-duck session, and the 100th General Assembly will be sworn in on Wednesday. On the enrollment front, Colwell said that the campus has ramped up staffing in the universitys admissions office and hes optimistic that is making a difference. SIU Carbondales fall 2016 enrollment was down about 7.6 percent, to just shy of 16,000 students, a number that has been falling for years now. I would like for that number, obviously, to be higher. As that number becomes higher, that means not only do we have a more robust, diverse, rich conversation on campus, it impacts the community as well, Colwell said. You see more folks coming to the bank, to the grocery store. We understand we are the second largest employer south of Springfield. Thats not lost on us. We take that charge very seriously. Colwell said the leadership at SIU Carbondale understands that it serves this region, while also drawing people from across the state, country and internationally to study and conduct research. He said its tuition costs should be compared to other doctoral degree granting universities in Illinois, and that when it is, SIU comes in the most affordable by comparison of the five. Non-doctoral degree granting universities are less expensive, but undergraduate students are exposed to different things and broader opportunities on a research campus, he said. Colwell said hes confident SIU will retain its position as a second tier research university despite budget difficulties and enrollment setbacks. Federal research dollars have continued to be awarded, he said. Colwell also noted during the conversation that SIU has to find ways to reach out in deeper and more meaningful ways to connect with the communities of Southern Illinois. Some of that we havent done as well as we should have, and its something that we have to do, he said. I dont want people driving by our university asking, What connection does that have to me? We have to do a better job of engaging the community." Cowell said that can be done in a variety of ways, such as by bringing more concerts and public cultural events to Shryock Auditorium. But he said it also can be as simple as making sure that parking is accessible for guests so that perhaps they will occasionally stop by the SIU Student Center for a Chick-fil-A sandwich. Carbondale has held a number of community events aimed at making regional public officials accessible to the public. Mayor Mike Henry said Monday that the chat with the chancellor event was a continuation of that effort that the city plans to continue into the future. MARION The doctor who has certified dozens of patients throughout Southern Illinois for the state's medical marijuana program announced on Tuesday he plans to close his clinics in Marion and Orland Park. In an emailed statement, Dr. Bodo Schneider announced the closure of the Pied Pfeifer Compassionate Care Clinic in both locations. In late 2014, when the state began accepting applications for medical marijuana certification, several hundred people sought Schneider's services because their regular health care providers either declined to participate, or were directed not to by their employers. The company is sad to announce the closing of their offices in Illinois, the statement reads, but regrettably the business model has not lived up to forecast. For patients Schenider has certified for the Illinois Medical Marijuana Pilot program, clinics will be held twice a year at both locations to maintain the bona fide patient/physician relationship to maintain compliance with the states rules and regulations for the participants of the program, he said. The last day for regular office visits will be Feb. 17 to give our patient management and primary care patients an orderly transition, he said. Schneider said he intends to return to emergency medicine and apologized for any inconvenience the closure causes his patients. Addressing his patients, Schneider said he will "miss your visits." When the states medical marijuana pilot program began, people flooded his office seeking certification of their qualifying conditions. That was because the regions major medical organizations Southern Illinois Healthcare, Heartland Regional Medical Center, the SIU School of Medicine and others directed their physicians not to certify patients for the program, citing legal uncertainty given that marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. In his statement, Schneider said, Helping the cannabis community get off the ground and the success that our patients have achieved has been especially rewarding. Schneider has been involved in a protracted battle over his practice with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which issues licenses to and oversees numerous professionals including medical doctors. The state filed its original complaint against Schneider on June 29, 2015, alleging he inappropriately certified patients for the states medical marijuana pilot program by failing to establish a bona fide physician-patient relationship." It also accused him of taking a fee from patients for pre-certification for medical marijuana without conducting physical examinations in violation of the act. In December, the state filed an amended complaint adding two additional counts alleging that Schneider was inappropriately prescribing, without the proper examinations and monitoring, opioid pain medications that are highly addictive and often abused by patients because of their addictive qualities. The amended complaint stated that, following an interview by federal Drug Enforcement Agency officials and a subpoena for Schneiders prescription monitoring program records, state regulatory officials determined he had 10 patients on embarrassingly high opioids for the period that was reviewed. Schneider has denied all allegations made by the state and said he would be mounting a vigorous defense. The complaint filed against Schneider is not criminal in nature; it seeks to suspend, revoke or reprimand his medical license. A hearing on the matter has been scheduled for March 7 before the agencys administrative law judge in Chicago. Schneider did not address the state's complaint against him in his statement. The Marion Pied Pfeifer Compassionate Care Clinic opened in September 2013 at 8386 Old Route 13 in Marion. Schneider, who is the medical director, said that without a university program or multi-specialty practice it is "extremely difficult to accomplish our mission and I can no longer go it alone." Schneider has defended his practice and not shied away from advertising that the clinic is sympathetic to patients in Southern Illinois wanting to access the medical marijuana program. He has said his practice has provided an opportunity to patients in the region that otherwise would be shut out of a treatment option to which others living elsewhere in the state have easier access. Schneider said he does not think medical marijuana is right for all patients, but that it can benefit some, such as a patient with terminal AIDS who has little appetite or a terminally ill cancer patient in pain but who does not respond well to traditional pain medications and their side effects. Theyre not trying to get high, he said of patients in an interview with the newspaper roughly a year ago. Theyre not out for fun and games. Theyre looking for relief. MARION During a public hearing Monday, the Marion City Council discussed next steps for another proposed TIF District on Illinois 13. Nick Nelson, a professional with Jacob and Klein LTD, a group that handles the city's TIF business, said at the meeting the new Meadowland TIF District project is well underway. "There's a statutory process which the city is currently in the middle of right now on holding this public hearing," Nelson said. "After today, the city is going to adopt final TIF ordinances and adopt a TIF plan to make it final." The proposed TIF District is between Illinois 13 and Meadowland Parkway, and east of the former Circuit City Distribution Center. Any revenue generated within the district can be used to fund private developers or infrastructure projects, Nelson said. "The equalized access value of all property located within the TIF essentially is frozen and so any revenue based on the initial space value those will continue to go to the taxing bodies as they always have," he said. Marion Mayor Bob Butler said if approved, the new district will not increase property taxes. He also made note that private developers will have to sign an agreement with the city. "The developer will sign a redevelopment agreement with the city and a portion of the agreement is that the developer will receive 70 percent of the increase in the property tax on that property," he said. "The remaining 30 percent will go to the city for the purpose of improving and expanding infrastructure." Next steps in constituting the TIF District will be for the city to adopt an ordinance for the TIF plan and area. At its regular meeting after the hearing, the City Council approved the reappointment of Charolette Russell to the city's Housing Authority Board, and tabled agreements with Clarida and Ziegler Engineering for an estimated $250 million improvement project for the purposes of building a right-of-way on Carbon Street and adding a roundabout at Hill Avenue. Foul play is suspected in the death of Fredricka Harpole, 75, who was found deceased Monday morning at her residence in western Kentucky, according a news release from McCracken County Sheriff Jon Hayden. A 911 call was made at 11:42 a.m. from Harpole's residence, located at 500 Lovelaceville Florence Station Road East, near the St. Johns area of McCracken County. The 911 caller advised that they had found Harpole unresponsive. Sheriffs deputies responded along with fire and EMS and found Harpole deceased upon arrival, according to the sheriff's department. Harpole moved to the address in McCracken County about 15 months ago from Michigan. She lived at the residence with two nephews and was found by a relative, according to the sheriff's department. The suspected cause of death isnt being released at this time. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Tuesday in Madisonville. Sheriffs investigators and the coroners office will remain on scene throughout the night and into Wednesday. Anyone with information about this crime, including anything that may have been seen as far as activity at or near the home this morning between the hours of 8 and 11:42 a.m. are asked to contact the McCracken County Sheriffs Department at 444-4719 or Crimestoppers at 443-TELL. The Southern Former State Rep. John Bradley resigned his position representing the 117th District of the Illinois House on Dec. 31, but Southern Illinoisans will reap the benefits of his service for years. Marion Mayor Robert Butler said Bradley was very instrumental with highway projects in Marion area and called him an ongoing source of support. Butler said Illinois Department of Transportation has spent something in the area of $60 million on highway projects in and near Marion. Butler added that he is sure a substantial part of that expenditure is because of Bradleys support. If anyone doubts how important that is, they need to go west from Marion on Illinois 13," Butler said. "We have three lanes in both directions. At certain times of day, all the lanes are full, or seem to be." Carterville Mayor Bradley Robinson said the Carterville portion of the road projects was complete by the time he took office in 2013, but before he was mayor, Robinson heard about whether or not the area needed the additional lanes or overpass. Bradley could see beyond the criticism. John understood that when IDOT has money to spend, they were going to spend it somewhere. He also understands the potential of the area, Robinson said. Bradley was appointed in 2003 to fill the empty seat left by then-State Rep. Gary Forby's appointment as Illinois senator. He moved up the ranks, eventually landing positions as chairman of the Revenue and Finance Committee, co-chair of the Workers Compensation Reform Committee, vice chairman of the Judiciary-Civil Law Committee and sub-chair of the Finance Committee. Bradley understood the working of state government and how it was funded. That knowledge proved invaluable to Robinson. When Gov. Bruce Rauner was first elected, he talked about cutting local government distributive fund payments, the monthly payment each Illinois municipality gets as its share of state income taxes. Bradley invited all the mayors in his district to a luncheon at 17th Street in Marion. As state finance chair, Bradley explained what was happening and how it might impact Southern Illinois. As a first-time mayor, I was very nervous that our funds would be cut. For a state representative to invite me and my cohorts in and explain what it would mean, allowed me to make more informed decisions and take better information back to the city aldermen, Robinson said. For Robinson, that story defines what kind of representative Bradley was. I was very grateful for his service, both personally and professionally, Robinson said. Butler said Bradley was his best friend in Springfield. Anytime the city has taken up a project and run into a roadblock, they have talked with Bradley. Invariably, he took up the citys cause and was able to work out a solution. Butler said Bradley does have one crowning achievement in Marion he was instrumental in getting a $2.5 million grant for The HUB Recreation Center. Its the largest grant the city has ever gotten state or federal, Butler said. We certainly have appreciated the good work he has done, and I have not hesitated to give him credit for that work. Dennis DeRossett, president and CEO of Illinois Press Association, said Bradleys influence is felt far beyond Southern Illinois because of his support of legislation that requires transparency in government and his help preventing bad legislation from passing. This helped Bradley earn IPAs Legislative Service Award. In 2011 and 2012, Bradley supported legislation that created the Public Notice Illinois, a website that provides the public with the ability to see public notices from newspapers across the state. John was the lead sponsor on the bill and really worked the bill so that it passed unanimously in the Illinois House and Senate, DeRossett said. Since passage of the original bill, 13 other states have adopted this website platform. Bradley also helped stop a bill that would have taxed services in Illinois, including advertising. While it was proposed to bring in revenue, it would have decreased state revenue and had a devastating effect on small businesses and small newspapers. DeRossett said a lot of people view issues of transparency, like the Open Meetings Act or Freedom of Information Act, as newspaper issues. He said they are really taxpayer issues. Newspapers just act as keepers of the public trust with government. Anytime we needed someone to support of defend transparency or accountability, John was our go-to person in the House of Representatives, not the go-to for newspapers, but for tax payers. We are the watchdogs; it's what we do, DeRossett said. "We thank him a lot and wish him all the best." Outgoing State Sen. Gary Forby capably represented the views and values of his district throughout his time in office, local political experts say. The 59th district Democrat heads home from Springfield this week after losing his seat to Republican challenger Dale Fowler, the former mayor of Harrisburg. Previously a member of the House, Forby has held the Senate seat since 2003. Since, he has built a reputation as an advocate for labor unions and small businesses. John Jackson, a visiting professor at Southern Illinois Universitys Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, said Forbys appeal stemmed from his ability to work with his constituents on an individual basis. I think he represented his district and its outlook and its people very well for a very long time, and a subcategory of that is he was very good on what we call casework, that is, taking care of people who came to his offices with needs and particularly a need for a go-between with the state. He tried to do that very carefully, Jackson said. He possessed a strong work ethic and he was direct and sensible, said Democratic Franklin County Board Chairman Randall Crocker. Hes a very practical, commonsense, down-to-earth type of person no nonsense about him. He just kind of told you what he thought and what he thought was best for the area, Crocker said. Forby, who was born in Anna and currently lives in Benton, was an excavating contractor at Forby Excavating for 30 years. He previously served as chairman of the Franklin County Board and as a Benton Township Board member. Paul Simon Institute Interim Director Jak Tichenor said Forby drew on his everyman image to win votes. Hes very approachable, very down-to-earth, kind of rooted in a blue-collar labor union background that was common for many years for downstate lawmakers, Tichenor said. Although he was sometimes criticized as an unpolished speaker, he displayed a wealth of political savvy, Jackson said. He was first appointed in 2003 to replace then-Sen. Larry Woolard and won three subsequent elections. You dont do that without having some real political skills, Jackson said. Forby took on Pat Quinn when the former governor decided to shutter the Tamms Correctional Center in Alexander County, which officially closed in early 2013. An ardent defender of coal, he also worked to pass legislation aimed at revitalizing the coal industry in Southern Illinois. You get south of Springfield, both parties are very much pro-coal, and that has been a very difficult position to be in, with the way that both federal regulations have gone against the industry as well as popular sentiment amongst a lot of lawmakers at the capitol from more urban environments, Tichenor said. Both Jackson and Tichenor attributed Forbys loss to the upsurge of support for Donald Trump among rural voters. "I think it was a part of the red tide that is the Republican tide that swept over Southern Illinois and much of rural America, and for whatever combination of reasons, rural people decided that they wanted a change and they were dedicated to Donald Trump as the agent of that change," Jackson said. There were a lot of attempts by the Republican Party to link Forby to House Speaker Mike Madigan, Tichenor said. It was a successful strategy on the part of the Republicans, not only here but in other parts of the state where they knocked off Democratic incumbents and gave a lot of incumbents who did survive the general election contest a real run for their money, Tichenor said. I think to some extent it represents the loss of Southern Illinois interest in sort of labor union and economic values and the pursuit of economic values, and represents a shift toward sort of bigger cultural values. The economic values led Southern Illinois to be pretty liberal and certainly Democratic for all those years, but the cultural values becoming more and more conservative led in the Republican direction, Jackson said, adding that the Republican Party put up a capable candidate in Fowler. Forby, who could not be reached for an interview, was proud to have been available for his constituents when they had problems with state services, according to Tichenor. I think you could call Gary a citizen lawmaker. He was somebody who came up from the ranks in the area and never forgot where he was from, Tichenor said. Answers Africa is one of a kind platform created for Africans both locally and in the diaspora and those seeking for more in-depth information about Africa. We have always focused on creating the highest quality informational contents right from the beginning. We share the most relevant information on the latest and trending news, events, people, and places in Africa. We produce contents across various categories including Politics, People, Love and Romance, Nature, Entertainment, Technology and pretty much everything else that Africans may find relevant. We aim to answer the most relevant questions about Africa in areas of entertainment, famous people, emerging technologies while we also engage with various distribution capabilities to connect with Africans in need of information who rely on our website to keep in touch with the world that is changing so fast. 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The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ... Lisa Joyners Biography Ethnicity, Net Worth and Other Key Facts Lisa Joyner is an American Journalist, TV talk show host, and actress. Some of her well-known works are her correspondences for the Los Angeles based TV KCBS, inFANity show, Find My Family Show including her film and television appearances in Brimstone, American Sweetheart, The Bold and The Beautiful among others. Lisas passion for reconnecting people with their biological families ... Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ... Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ... Erik Asla And Tryra Banks Split: Everything You Need To Know Tyra Banks and Erik Asla have called it quits! 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Simon Cowell is a well-known talent show judge, TV producer, entrepreneur and one of the most popular TV personalities that Britain has ever produced. In conjunction with his company, Syco, Cowell is the brain behind hugely successful talent hunt shows such as The X-Factor UK, The X-Factor US, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and ... Everything To Know About Joanna Gaines Life With Chip Gaines, Their Business Pursuits and Kids Joanna Gaines and her husband Chip Gaines became celebrities after their television show Fixer Upper began airing back in 2013. The show which was about home renovation and decoration ran for about 6 seasons with a total of 79 episodes before the couple bade farewell to it in April 2018. Apart from their appearances on ... Who Is Larry The Cable Guy? What To Know About His Wife And Net Worth Larry the Cable Guy is a self-professed country kid renowned for his trademark Southern accent and sensational catchphrase Git-R-Done! The famous comedian who talks about anything under the sun has gone on to become one of the most memorable characters in comedy history. Join us in unearthing lesser-known facts about the former on-air-personality, standup comedy superstar, movie ... Who Is Patrick Starr, What Is His Net Worth and Gender? The make-up industry over the years has grown to become a billion dollar industry not just because there are probably more women wearing make-up but because a whole lot of men, especially the young ones, have become bold enough to wear it unlike before. A few of these men, like Patrick Starr, have even gone ... How Did Chris Jansing Become a Senior Correspondent at MSNBC and Who Is Her Husband? An award-winning American television news reporter and journalist, Chris Jansing has succeeded in carving a spectacular niche for herself in the field of TV journalism. Outstanding for not just her excellence in journalism, Chris is also cherished for her incredibly gorgeous looks post 60! 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Nayyera Haqs Bio What To Know About Her Husband, Parents And Family Nayyera Haq can take anyone on political debates as well as discussions on social issues affecting many. Her ability to masterfully deliver her stance on every issue or political debate has made her a regular face in morning and evening news media platforms. This is not a common feat especially for someone from her kind ... Inside Guy Fieris Family With Wife, Kids and Sister Who Died of Cancer Over the years we have seen men dominate the kitchen and churn out amazing delicacies from it. Some do it way better than their female counterparts and one of such men is Guy Ramsay Fieri an American TV host, celebrity chef, restaurant owner, bestselling author of four culinary books, and game show host. His ... Meet Phil Mudd of CNN The Former CIA and FBI Exec, Is He Married, Who Is The Wife? When it comes to discussing issues surrounding terrorism, American Counterterrorism and National Security Expert, Phil Mudd, occupies a globally significant position. He has voiced his interest in the fight against terrorism and insecurity on many popular media platforms, both print and broadcast, such as CNN, BBC, CBS, MSNBC, al-Jazeera, ABC, NBC, Fox, The New York Times, ... Jim Hoffer: Biography, Wife Mika Brzezinski, Children and Net Worth Jim Hoffer is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works as an investigative reporter for Eyewitness News, New York City. In his over two decades of investigative journalism, Hoffer has been at the front lines of several crucial stories from the 9/11 attack to the crash of American Flight 587 to the 2003 Blackout. On top of ... The Ups and Downs of Erin Mcpikes Journalism Career and Other Facts About Her Personal Life Erin McPike is a journalist working for the Independent Journal Review (IJR) as a White House Correspondent but she gained widespread recognition for her coverage of general news. Whether its breaking news or some mainstream story, McPike has a reputation of baring the facts. As a journalist, her work as a White House Correspondent for Independent ... Bert Kreischer Is Married To LeeAnn Kreischer With 2 Kids Meet His Family Those familiar with Bert Kreischer mainly have the image of a large-bellied party man whose college life inspired the National Lampoon film, Van Wilder. It is an image that one would not naturally associate with a wholesome family. The standup comedian still maintains his wild party animal image on stage. But, back at home, he is ... 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This Is Everything You Should Know About Caroline Heldman, Her Career Portfolio and Other Facts Love it or hate it, there is no escaping the fact that feminism has come to stay in our world. The movement has continued to garner momentum over the years and this is due to the sustained push by several women, and even men, including the likes of Caroline Heldman. A Professor of Politics at ... Understanding The Enigma That Is Gavin McInnes, The Controversies He Has Stirred and All About His Wife Gavin McInnes is a polemical English-born writer and TV personality, who is best known for his racist and fascist ideologies, as well as his co-ownership of Vice Media and Vice Magazine. He is also an actor a Donald Trump has an opportunity to chart a new course for Republicans on defense spending -- a course that would combine GOP hawkishness with a budget-cutter's approach to Pentagon waste. Although falling as a percentage of the federal budget, defense is still the federal government's largest single non-entitlement spending item -- about 16 percent of the budget in 2016. In recent years, the GOP's position on defense spending has been one long protest against sequester limits. The nation should spend more on the Pentagon, Hill Republicans have argued. At times, GOP lawmakers have seemed considerably less concerned about the billions the Department of Defense throws away every year. Trump can change that. While the president-elect still wants to spend more on defense, he has given just as high a profile to his desire to cut waste. It could be a popular combination. Recently, the CEO of Lockheed, Marillyn Hewson, traveled to Florida to meet with Trump to discuss cost overruns on the troubled F-35 fighter. Separately, Trump met with Air Force Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, who runs the F-35 program for the military. "Troubled" does not begin to describe the F-35 situation. The plane has become the poster child for a bloated Pentagon bureaucracy, at nearly $200 billion over budget and many years behind schedule -- "both a scandal and a tragedy with respect to cost, schedule, and performance," in the words of GOP Sen. John McCain. After Trump's meeting with Hewson, the president-elect did not claim any concrete progress. "We're just beginning," Trump told reporters. "It's a dance. It's a little bit of a dance. But we're going to get the costs down and we're going to get it done beautifully." The F-35 is just the beginning. In early December, the Washington Post reported that the Pentagon "has buried an internal study that exposed $125 billion in administrative waste in its business operations amid fears Congress would use the findings as an excuse to slash the defense budget." Anyone who even casually follows government affairs has heard such things for years. Back in 2012, then-Sen. Tom Coburn, the Republican scourge of government overspending, said he could cut $69 billion in Pentagon waste over a decade just by going after programs "where the Pentagon works that have nothing to do with defense." There will be plenty of people to tell Trump he can't do anything about Pentagon waste. There already are. On Dec. 22, Politico published a piece premised on the notion that Trump planned to intervene in contracting "to score political points, reward his friends and punish his enemies." Doing so, Politico reported, would "driv(e) up prices for federal government purchasing overall." The suggestion of contracting professionals interviewed by Politico was that contracting -- "a technical, complex part of the government that is run by tens of thousands of career civil servants" -- is better left the way it is. The article did not really contemplate the possibility that Trump might actually want to impose controls on Pentagon spending to save taxpayers money. When he met with Lockheed's CEO, Trump also met with Dennis Muilenburg, head of Boeing, to discuss the cost of building two new 747s to serve as Air Force One. Trump famously stirred up the issue with a tweet claiming that the project's "costs are out of control" and threatening to "cancel the order." After the meeting, he said, "I think we're looking to cut a tremendous amount of money off the program." Perhaps Trump can't make much progress on either Air Force One or the F-35. (Critics have pointed out that the F-35 program is nearly finished, with contracts spread in congressional districts around the country; the only way to save money now, they say, is to build fewer of the planes, which would result in less bang for far too many bucks.) But there are many, many targets of opportunity for Pentagon waste-cutters. And going after waste would have three big benefits for Trump: 1. Waste is objectively a serious problem that needs to be addressed. 2. An anti-waste crusade would strengthen the Republican image of fiscal responsibility. 3. It would keep a Trump campaign promise. If he actually tried to tackle the waste problem, Trump would make many enemies, Republican and Democrat. But he would win the support of many voters. Orangeburg Department of Public Safety A Whaley Street woman was charged with three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child after deputies reported finding a 1-year-old and 4-year-old in a home with no adults. Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office deputies went to the home Friday to serve an eviction notice. The womans 4-year-old answered the door with the 1-year-old sibling following close behind, according to an ODPS incident report. Barbara Simpson, 30, the childrens mother, was not home, the report said. A deputy spoke with neighbors, asking them if they knew how long the children had been left at home alone. They told the deputy it had been several hours and that it happens often, the report said. An ODPS officer arrived at the scene. Simpson and told the officer that she only went down the street to the store for a few minutes and had someone from next door keeping an eye on her children, the report said. She told the officer that shed been sick for the past two weeks and has not been able to do any cleaning, adding that shes a single mother who doesnt have any help taking care of her children. The officer noted in the incident report that there were clothes all over the floor along with old food and dirty diapers. There was also a dirty mattress on the floor with no sheets or cover on it. The officer reported seeing many roaches. The kitchen contained out-of-date and moldy food. Trash was strewn throughout the residence, the officer reported. He said the bathroom was also dirty. Law enforcement units waited at the scene for Simpsons 5-year-old daughter to arrive home from school. A Department of Social Services social worker arrived on scene and the childrens grandmother took temporary custody of the children. An officer photographed the entire house and placed the photos into evidence. Officers then transported Simpson to the Orangeburg County Detention Center where she was booked on three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. An officer issued a citation to her for maintaining a premises in a manner likely to attract rats. If Simpson is found guilty on the charges of unlawful conduct toward children, she faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine for each charge. Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office A North man said that a man he owes money robbed him at gunpoint at 9 p.m. Friday, according to a sheriffs office incident report. The North man didnt call deputies until Saturday at 11:02 a.m. A deputy reported that the man had been drinking alcohol. The North man said the suspect had been sending him text messages about $250 he owed the suspect. He told the suspect on Friday that he was at his cousins house and to come there to get the money, the report said. The suspect arrived at the cousins house with a black pistol and a steel pipe in his hands, the North man said. He allegedly demanded the money he was owed while pointing the pistol at the North man. The suspect allegedly snatched $1,300 out of the mans hand and swung the steel pipe at him before speeding away in his truck. In a separate incident, the owner of a Providence gas station reported being held at gunpoint at 9:37 a.m. Saturday. Deputies arrived at Huttos Exxon, located at 1182 Good Farm Road, just moments after the owner called. She told deputies that an unknown man entered the business and asked if she sold gas containers, according to a sheriffs office incident report. She directed the man to the containers. He retrieved one and brought it to the counter. After she scanned the price tag on the container and told the man the price, he allegedly pulled out a black handgun and pointed it in her face while demanding that she open the cash register. She complied and emptied the cash register of its contents, totaling about $300. She told deputies that the man took off on foot in the direction of Old State Road, but she wasnt able to see if the man got into a vehicle or not. A K-9 unit confirmed that the suspect traveled toward Old State Road, but the K-9 lost the track shortly after. The case remains under investigation. BEIJING - Despite continued drops in China's foreign exchange (forex) reserves, economists believe there is no need to panic as reserves are still abundant for the country to fend off external risks. Forex reserves fell for the sixth straight month to about $3.01 trillion last month, down from $3.05 trillion in November and $3.12 trillion in October, according to the People's Bank of China (PBOC) , the central bank. The reserves are considered ammunition for China to resist financial risks, such as sharp falls in its currency, the yuan. The country has accumulated enormous forex reserves through its trade surplus, which, at its peak of $3.99 trillion in 2014, accounted for roughly a third of the world's total. Now the slipping reserves, nearing the $3 trillion psychological mark, have stoked market concerns as the country has stayed above the level for nearly six years. But economists dismissed the worries, saying the downward trend is a normal phenomenon resulting from forex management by regulators, the country's ongoing economic opening, and increasing foreign currency purchases. "There is no need to be overly sensitive to or panic over the $3 trillion mark as it has little actual meaning," said Zhang Huanbo, deputy researcher of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. Echoing his words, China Merchants Securities' analyst Xie Yaxuan said, "I do not think it is a bottom line that cannot be breached." The current reserves are sufficient for China to satisfy market liquidity demand and withstand risks as foreign trade continues to see a surplus, and outbound and inbound investment have generally maintained equilibrium, economists said. Meanwhile, regulators called for the market to pay more attention to whether forex reserves can provide enough liquidity, rather than obsessing over a specific level. "The forex reserves are abundant and within a reasonable and stable range, and falling below the $3 trillion mark does not point to a crisis," said an anonymous official from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE). But given rising foreign currency purchase demands and lingering weakness of the yuan, downward pressure on China's forex reserves still looms. Due to expectations of a stronger greenback and the US Federal Reserve's rate hikes, the yuan's central parity rate softened 594 basis points to 6.9262 against the US dollar on Monday, ending two-day jumps and the biggest daily decline since June. Steven Zhang, an economist with Morgan Stanley Huaxin Securities, predicted the yuan will depreciate mildly against the US dollar this year, while remaining stable against a basket of non-greenback currencies. Under the circumstances, the PBOC will have to continue to deplete the reserves to stabilize the yuan and prevent capital outflows. SAFE has attributed China's $319.8 billion reserve drop in 2016 partly to the PBOC's market operations. The forex reserves are likely to drop below $3 trillion in January, which will not change the fact that the reserves are still abundant, according to a report from China International Capital Corporation, a leading investment bank in China. China is still home to the world's largest forex reserves and enjoys forex inflows from its trade surplus and foreign direct investment. As part of the efforts to defend shrinking reserves, Chinese regulators have improved supervision over outbound investment and personal foreign exchange purchases, and cracked down on capital outflows via money laundering, underground banks and other illegal activities. SAFE said Friday that it will strengthen management of cross-border capital flow and improve management of forex reserves to maintain safety and flexibility. WASHINGTON -- Humility is a virtue but fake humility is a sin, or ought to be. So let me begin the new year with full-throated praise of some people and institutions that supposedly got their comeuppance in November: the mainstream media, so-called "coastal elites," share-the-wealth liberals, pointy-headed intellectuals and others said to be hopelessly out of touch with the "real America." In what too quickly became the consensus view, all of the above were put in their place by Donald Trump's narrow electoral victory. We unreal Americans were demonstrated to be clueless, the conventional wisdom has ruled, and now are obliged to slink away and repent. All of this is pure rubbish. It's time to stop all the self-flagellation and raise our voices to insist that things like knowledge, experience, qualifications and respect for objective fact still matter -- now, perhaps, more than ever. Let me start with a much-maligned sector that is near and dear to my heart: the news media. We have been accused of causing the whole Trump phenomenon, failing to notice said phenomenon was happening, or both. We did neither. Trump's campaign was initially covered as nothing more than a publicity-seeking stunt, for good reason: He had a long history of publicity-seeking stunts. His outrageous and inflammatory statements were reported because they were newsworthy. His raucous and unscripted rallies were, let's face it, a lot more interesting to watch than Jeb Bush's or Marco Rubio's. The fact that Trump got a lot of exposure did not compel a single voter to support him; many, in fact, were motivated in the other direction, to oppose him any way they could. Did we fail to recognize and understand the grievances of white, working-class Trump voters? Not for lack of trying. We interviewed Trump supporters at the rallies, sent reporters to bereft Rust Belt cities, profiled individual voters to understand their personal travails. The one thing that definitely would have made media coverage better is more October polling in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Do urban, coast-dwelling "elites" really have such haughty disdain for the heartland? That's an odd way to look at a country in which, according to the Census Bureau, more than 70 percent of the population lives in "urbanized areas" and more than half lives in "coastal watershed" counties, generally within 50 miles of one of the oceans or the Great Lakes. Americans have been moving from rural areas and small towns into cities for decades because that's where they find economic opportunity -- and because, well, big cities are interesting places to live, full of diversity and cultural attractions and good restaurants. Yes, this is still a nation of purple mountains' majesty and fruited plains. But that's not where most Americans live. Should liberals be hanging their heads in shame? No way, as the conservative majorities in the House and Senate will soon find out. Trump promised during the campaign to improve and even expand the social safety net, not rip it to shreds. He also pledged to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure projects and cut everyone's taxes. To read Trump's win as some kind of sweeping victory for conservatism would be absurd. Progressive voices, loud ones, will be needed to hold him accountable. One thing we learned during the campaign is that Trump's voters -- unlike many congressional Republicans -- do not necessarily see big government as oppressive. They rely on its help. And another thing: Despite Trump's general lack of knowledge about how the government works, and despite the lack of relevant experience of some of his Cabinet picks, knowledge and expertise really do matter. Scientists who have spent their entire careers studying the Earth's atmosphere and oceans know more about climate change than politicians who base policy positions on the fact that it gets cold in the winter. Remember that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. I point that out not to delegitimize Trump's election, but to refute the notion that Trump's America is somehow more "real" than mine or yours or anyone else's. The America that supports progressive policies, rejects racism and sexism in all their forms and believes that what critics call "political correctness" is actually just common courtesy -- that America is real, too, and needs to make itself heard. An election was lost, but not the country -- and not our rights as full participants in the American experiment. Donald Trump is our newly hired employee. Let's not hesitate to tell him what to do. With the Legislature returning to Columbia on Tuesday, the list of top issues is not a new one. Improving roads and bridges is the priority about which they receive the most constituent demands for action, lawmakers said at the S.C. Press Association-sponsored annual workshop with the media just days before the General Assembly convenes. While not so much a hot-button issue in all parts of the state, education improvement remains a top priority in underdeveloped rural areas such as The T&D Region. Republican Rep. Rita Allison of Spartanburg is a leading House voice on education. As chair of the House Education and Public Works Committee, she has been out front in addressing the legislative response to the 2014 S.C. Supreme Court decision that mandated the Legislature remove inequities in rural school districts. Allison said she looks forward to the day when the lawsuit by rural districts that resulted in the ruling the Abbeville case will no longer be an issue. She believes the Legislature this year will take further steps to improve education in rural districts. Its about doing the right thing, Allison said even as she acknowledged sentiment expressed by other Republicans that more than funding is at issue. Orangeburg County lawmakers on the panels at Thursdays workshop hope she is right. Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Sen. John Matthews and Sen. Brad Hutto, all Democrats, know the states overall spending on education does not translate into an accurate picture. Educational opportunity in affluent districts is not the same as in rural districts. Poverty cannot be ignored as a major issue impacting education in the rural districts, Matthews said. Nor can the ability to recruit and retain teachers in the face of lower salaries and fewer conventional quality-of-life offerings. Rural districts dont have the tax bases needed to match spending by other districts, Matthews said. They cannot provide the amenities that they need to educate those kids. Cobb-Hunter said, If you are in a rural community and there has not been an aggressive, assertive approach to economic development, to bringing industry in so that you have a tax base to fund not just schools but everything else that government deals with, then youre going to have disparity. Recruiting businesses for economic development is great but do you really think theyre going to stay here if they cant hire educated workers? Cobb-Hunter said. The corresponding lack of economic opportunity in rural areas leads to poverty, which indeed is a key component of the problem in rural counties. The impact of poverty in rural districts is not adequately understood by lawmakers from some areas of the state. Sixty percent of the wealth in this state is in 14 counties, Matthews said. Poverty is the elephant in the room in terms of education. Hutto said, Over 90 percent of most of the children in most of these rural Abbeville districts live in poverty. They are not only worried about their education, theyre worried about getting enough food, theyre worried about their health care. Hutto said rural areas must get a special emphasis. We need the same thing basically that everybody else needs, but we have a lot less resources to deal with that, he said. It is a bigger picture when we try and figure out how to fund education than just funding the school system. Cobb-Hunter reiterated her position from the SCPA forum a year ago that she is skeptical about lawmakers adequately addressing education. I said well talk about it and well still be here next year and well still be talking about that. Well, here we are, still talking about it, Cobb-Hunter said. Hopefully that will not be the case come 2018. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijani ballet star Ulvi Azizov has successfully performed at the gala concert of ballet stars Etoile Ballet Galain in Oslo, Norway, Azertac reported. Etoile Ballet Gala is one of the most significant and high-level events in the world of ballet, in which participate ballet stars who perform on the main stages of the world famous theatres such as Paris Grand Opera, Royal Swedish Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Royal Ballet of Belgium, Royal Ballet of London, Berlin State Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Theatre, Vienna State Ballet, Prague National Ballet, Hungarian National Ballet, Polish National Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and other theatres. Ulvi Azizov - one of the most significant dancers who conquered the audience with his individuality, excellent classical techniques and charisma - was born in Baku, in 1985 to a family of a famous dancer Rafik Azizov and a doctor Nushaba Guluzade. He graduated the Baku Choreographic School. Then, he moved to Turkey where he continued his studies of classical ballet. Azizov is the holder of Rudolf Nuriev 16th International Ballet Festival award, and a special award of the 18th International World Ballet Stars Gala, which was held in Budapest. The dancer has performed as the guest star in France, Italy, Greece, Ukraine, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Russia, Latvia, Czech Republic, and Azerbaijan etc. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told Armenpress the Azerbaijani forces made more than 40 ceasefire violations across the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. The Ministry issued an announcement which says: Overnight January 9-10 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime more than 40 times by firing over 500 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. In the northern direction the Azerbaijani forces fired also 82mm mortar (1 shell). The NKR Defense Army forces refrained from taking countermeasures and continued confidently fulfilling their military tasks. By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenias Armed Forces have 40 times violated the ceasefire in different directions along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on January 10. The Azerbaijani army positions located in Kamarli, Gaymagli villages of the Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in Dovekh, Barekamavan villages of Armenias Noyemberyan district, while Azerbaijans army positions located in Aghbulag, Aghdam and Alibayli villages of Azerbaijans Tovuz district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in Chinari, Aygepar, Mosesgekh villages and on the nameless heights of Armenias Berd district. The Azerbaijani army positions located on the nameless heights in the Gadabay district also underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located on the nameless heights of the Krasnoselsk district of Armenia. Moreover, the Azerbaijani army positions underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near the Armenian-occupied Chilaburt village of the Tartar district, Bash Garvand village of the Aghdam district, Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand district, Ashagi Seyidahmadli, Horadiz villages of the Fuzuli district, as well as from the positions located on the 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. By Azernews By Rashid Shirinov It has already been 13 days that the Armenian armed forces hold the body of Azerbaijani soldier Chingiz Gurbanov, who was killed during the prevention of the Armenian sabotage on December 29, 2016. They refuse to return the dead body to Azerbaijan for burial. A reconnaissance group of the Armenian Armed Forces attempted to violate the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border on December 29, 2016. The Armenian group found itself in the ambush of the Azerbaijani army while violating the borders and suffered heavy losses. During the fighting, Azerbaijani serviceman Chingiz Gurbanov went missing. Later, it was clarified that he was killed by the Armenian Armed Forces and his body remained on the territory controlled by the Armenian armed forces. To receive back the dead body of the Azerbaijani soldier, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry officially appealed to the Azerbaijani representation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), OSCE Minsk Group, as well as to the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk. Despite numerous insistent appeals of international structures regarding the return of Chingiz Gurbanovs body, the Armenian government still keeps the dead body. In this regard, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States) released a statement on January 9. Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman killed in the fighting, the statement said. The Co-Chairs urged the return, without delay, of human remains, in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue. "We call upon the parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable," the Minsk Groups statement reads. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend on January 9 that Armenia must immediately give back the body of the killed Azerbaijani soldier according to international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Convention, but Yerevan refuses to do so. Armenia does not respond to any appeals sent through international organizations, Hajiyev added. Hajiyev noted that the recent statement of the leadership of Armenian armed forces, who said they still have the soldiers body, once again proves that Armenias military and political authorities are far from the norms of civilized behavior. Giving the dead soldiers body is a major requirement of the international humanitarian law, the spokesman said. Armenia does not return the bodies of the dead soldiers, it vents anger on them, scoffs at the bodies, and this is no exception this has become a constituent part of that countrys state policy. Such a vile behavior does not do credit to soldiers and officers and it is only characteristic to terrorists, said Hajiyev. Hajiyev said that relevant state agencies will in a coordinated manner continue their efforts to return the body of the killed soldier, and Azerbaijans diplomatic missions periodically appeal the international organizations in this respect. Meanwhile, Ilaha Huseynova, head of Communication Department of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Azerbaijan Delegation, told APA on January 9 that the ICRC also continues talks with the parties for the return of the body of the killed Azerbaijani soldier. Huseynova noted that ICRC is closely following the issue and is in contact with the authorities of the conflicting parties. ICRC maintains a bilateral and confidential dialogue with the authorities and does not publicly disclose the content of talks. By Azernews President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today visited the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The head of state offered his condolences over the death of former President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, and signed a book of condolences. By Trend Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit a number of African countries on Jan. 22-25, says a message on the website of the Turkish presidential administration. The head of state will visit Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar. He is expected to mull the development of bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade and investment, with the leaders of these countries. Jeddah based Taajeer Co, a financial services provider, has announced the assignment of Shariyah Review Bureau (SRB) to oversee its real-estate, machinery and vehicle trading business from a Sharia perspective. Taajeer will typically invest in vehicle trading and equipment leasing that have strong potential to grow and stimulate the transportation and construction economy. "We are a dynamic start-up in the Kingdom that is seeking to address the challenges of the Islamic financing markets on a leasing scale," said Abbas Alnahdi chief executive officer of Taajeer. We are seeking to serve individuals and institutional players across the region with Sharia compliant financing allocation strategies and robust leasing capabilities. That's why we have decided to mandate our Sharia Compliance operations to SRB and remain 100% focused on delivering solutions to multi-asset Islamic requirements both in terms of our regional positioning and our capability." Historically Sharia Certification and supervisory processes have been managed in-house. However, as the industry has grown rapidly, institutions are increasingly demanding faster and more accessible Sharia Advisory services for product development and cross-asset allocation investments. With its exclusive focus on the Islamic industry, SRB is well positioned to provide Sharia consultation functionality to clients regionally and worldwide. SRBs global scholarly platform enables clients to communicate directly with Sharia experts, and manage the entire lifecycle of the investment from conception to Certification and Sharia Audit cost-effectively. Outsourcing Sharia Advisory services is a valuable game-changing strategy that can help clients operate their businesses better, improve compliance to Sharia, generate more revenue and adapt quickly to shifting business dynamics, said Yasser S. Dahlawi, chief executive officer of SRB. The trend has vastly transformed Sharia Compliances role in the Islamic industry by making it extremely easy and productive to outsource the Sharia review functions that historically occupied most of the companies time and thus allow them to focus on deploying innovative investments that will actively position the business for growth. TradeArabia News Service UAE-based Diamond Developers said it plans to start construction on the second phase of its flagship Sustainable City project, a net zero energy city spread over five-million-sq-ft area in Dubai. Located in Dubailand on Al Qudra Road, the development is Middle Easts first operational sustainable community comprising 500 villas in five residential clusters. In the first phase, five residential clusters of 100 villas each have been built besides a community mall, a central green spine, an equestrian centre, horse, bicycle, walking and jogging tracks. The Sustainable City has at present around 1,000 residents with more than 250 villas already occupied. The second phase will see the construction of an eco-resort, a country club, a green school, a science museum and the sustainability centre of excellence, said Diamond Developers, which will be playing a key role at the 10th edition of the World Future Energy Summit 2017 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, said the compaany in a statement. The company is readying itself for the 10th edition of the WFES to be held in at the Adnec from January 16 to 19. Established in 2003 by a team of eco-minded entrepreneurs, architects and civil engineers, Diamond Developers vision and mission is to be at the forefront of an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable property industry and to deliver premium quality properties and businesses, it stated. As a platinum sponsor, the company aims to highlight its latest innovations during the summit, across its 300 m stand, which brings together local and global leaders in science, academics, policy, technology and business to showcase the regions first tangible steps in sustainable living. On the upcoming show, Faris Saeed, the chief executive at Diamond Developers, said: "We are honoured to be participating for the second consecutive year. The summit is dedicated to advancing future energy, clean technologies and energy efficiency, and our involvement is in line with our commitment to global efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development." Following the construction of the first Net Zero Energy Hotel building in Dubai, the first Green School powered by solar energy, and The Diamond Innovation Center, that produces 140 per cent of its own energy, the first negative lifecycle footprint building will be introduced to the region. Highlighting The Sustainable Citys efforts in ensuring sustainable commitment, Saeed said: "Long before the term sustainability was introduced, we had been placing sustainable development at the top of our agenda." "Aligning itself with Dubais Green Economy Vision, The Sustainable City was specifically designed to focus on the three pillars of sustainability; economic, environment and social. It has adopted many initiatives in this regard and made tremendous efforts toward the consolidation of sustainable development," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Dubai Media Office, has announced that the third edition of the Dubai Canvas 3D Art Festival will be held in partnership with Meraas, one of Dubais leading holding companies, from March 1 to 7. Director general of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Mona Al Marri said: This year, Dubai Canvas will once again showcase the works of leading contemporary 3D artists from across the globe. Organising the art event is part of Brand Dubais efforts to implement the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into an open-air art museum. The Festival supports Dubais development as a global cultural hub and the enhancement of its cultural and artistic ambience. Dubai Canvas aims to bring world-class art to Dubais urban spaces and create opportunities for the public to interact with renowned artists and engage with their creative work. Public spaces in CITY WALK, Meraas urban living destination, will be converted into open-air canvases for artists to display their work. The Festival reflects the vision, character and cultural diversity of Dubai and the innovative and creative spirit of its community, Al Marri further said. Group Chairman of Meraas Abdulla Ahmed Al Habbai said: Meraas partnership with Brand Dubai to bring one of Dubais leading art events to the public reinforces our commitment to create experiences that are urban in nature and actively engages the public. As an outdoor destination that provides a unique lifestyle experience, CITY WALK offers the ideal venue for 3D artists to create and showcase their work. It is also the perfect space for the public to interact with the artworks. With its unique mix of offering and a rich existing street art landscape, CITY WALKs creative urban vibe fits in perfectly with the aims of the Festival. Speaking about the cooperation with Meraas, Al Marri said: We are confident that our collaboration with Meraas will help create yet another exciting and memorable event. CITY WALK provides a dynamic, and at the same time, intimate and creative space for showcasing the works of the worlds leading 3D artists. We greatly appreciate the support that Meraas has extended to the Dubai Canvas 3D Art Festival. Dubai Canvas 2017 will build on the success of last years Festival that featured the works of over 60 artworks created by 30 artists from 14 countries. The event received an overwhelming response from both residents and visitors to Dubai. A broad array of artists, including the stars in the global 3D art world, participated in last years event. Featured artists included the inventor of 3D street art Kurt Wenner; New York-based artist and cyborg activist Neil Harbisson; Dutch pop-surrealist artist Leon Keer; Portuguese street artist Odeith; London-based graffiti artist Fanakapan; Chinese street artist Qi Xinghua; Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra and British muralist Shok-1. - TradeArabia News Service The BMW Group regional headquarters in Dubai, responsible for BMW and MINI business operations across the Middle East, has appointed Silke Brigl as head of corporate communications. Effective February 1, Brigl succeeds Leanne Blanckenberg, who has taken on the role of marketing manager for Rolls-Royce Motorcars for the Asia Pacific region. With a career at BMW Group that spans 10 years, Brigl has worked in various corporate communications positions including electronic media, ConnectedDrive and research and development. In her most recent role, she has been based in Munich as the spokesperson for the BMW 1 and 2 Series, Light and Sight and Ergonomics. Commenting on Brigls appointment, Johannes Seibert, managing director for BMW Group Middle East, said: "Its a great pleasure to welcome Silke to the Middle East where she will share her considerable experience with our team across the region, as well as our importer partners. We believe her arrival to the region will enable her to contribute to the strengthening of our position in the premium automotive segment in the Middle East. We look forward in welcoming her as our new Head of Corporate Communications. Brigl holds a Masters Degree in Media and Communication Management as well as English and History. She also has a diploma in TV journalism. - TradeArabia News Service BlackBerry Limited has launched its most advanced and secure embedded operating system (OS) for the automotive industry. QNX Software Development Platform 7.0 (QNX SDP 7.0) is a 64-bit OS that builds on the proven reliability of QNX technology and raises the bar for security and performance in cars. At CES 2017, the technological capabilities of QNX SDP 7.0 were demonstrated in BlackBerry QNXs 2016 Jaguar XJ and 2017 Lincoln MKZ concept cars. With the push toward connected and autonomous vehicles, the electronic architecture of cars is evolving - from a multitude of smaller processors each executing a dedicated function, to a set of high performance domain controllers, powered by 64-bit processors and graphical processing units, said John Wall, senior vice president and head of BlackBerry QNX. To develop these new systems, our automotive customers will need a safe and secure 64-bit OS that can run highly complex software, including neural networks and artificial intelligence algorithms. QNX SDP 7.0 is suited not only for cars, but also for almost any safety- or mission-critical application that requires 64-bit performance and advanced security. This includes surgical robots, industrial controllers and high-speed trains. QNX SDP 7.0 provides high performance and enhanced kernel-level security through an array of features, including microkernel architecture, file encryption, adaptive time partitioning, a high availability framework, anomaly detection, and multi-level policy-based access control. Featuring the next-generation QNX Neutrino Realtime OS and QNX Momentics Tool Suite, this reliable OS helps guard against system malfunctions, malware, and cyber attacks by implementing a multi-level, policy-driven security model that incorporates best-in-class security technology from BlackBerry, the company said. The OS also offers a safety pedigree proven by certification to ISO 26262 ASIL D (the highest level achievable) for automobiles and to IEC 61508 SIL 3 for industrial automation systems, and by compliance with IEC 62304 for life-critical Class III medical devices. As automakers look to consolidate domain functions such as infotainment, telematics, and digital instrument clusters into a virtual cockpit controller, QNX SDP 7.0 provides a realtime OS that supports 64-bit for the ARMv8 and Intel x86-64 architectures, along with virtualization capabilities. QNX SDP 7.0 can help ensure that these automated systems perform all processes and actions reliably, within the pre-defined amount of time needed for successful and safe execution, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service Huawei has revealed its vision for the next frontier in mobile: the Intelligent Phone, an AI-powered device, at the CES 2017, a global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow that is under way in Las Vegas, Nevada. Huawei Consumer Business Group CEO Richard Yu reinforced Huaweis commitment to fueling innovation and collaborating with leading partners, to transform the way people experience the world, in a keynote address. As the world demands to be digitally and seamlessly connected, Huawei is paving the way to create transformative experiences that will ultimately bring the intelligent phone to life, he said. Yu pointed to a new period of evolution ahead of us initially the PC gave us a portal to access information; the Internet followed, which let us share information; today we live in an existence where everything is connected. Yu called this an intelligent world where devices are constantly sensing and gathering data about our environments. To thrive in this intelligent world, the advent of artificial intelligence integrated into todays smartphones offers us a significant leap forward and brings us one step closer to the next phase in mobile: the Intelligent Phone. The AI-powered Intelligent Phone will be able to anticipate our needs with new functionality that will truly match the way we think and feel, he said. In order to bring the Intelligent Phone to life, Yu discussed the design needs of this dynamic, new device which will emulate the human capacity to interact with and understand the world around it. For example, the Intelligent Phone will need advanced computer vision to see and understand its surroundings. It will need more intelligent and developed microphones through which to hear and identify different sounds. It will require advances in power and battery life to process vast amounts of information. To accelerate the development of the Intelligent Phone, Huawei is working to further develop its sensor technology, machine learning, data management and chipset. By embracing these new advances, Huawei believes the Intelligent Phone will unify digital and human intelligence to make our lives better, he said. Yu continued: Currently people connect with the digital world using their smartphones. In the future, the Intelligent Phone will change all of this. The Intelligent phone will be an extension of who we are an indispensable part of our lives that uses artificial intelligence to adapt to our needs, allowing us to seamlessly interact with the real and digital worlds. Collaborating with Industry Leaders Today Huawei is working in close partnership with some of the most exciting and innovative companies. As part of Yus keynote, he unveiled landmark partnerships with Amazon and Google as collaborations that will accelerate the development of new, innovative technologies and experiences. Yu also revealed that the Huawei Mate 9 will be available in the US market and will be Huaweis first smartphone to come with voice-interactive app, Amazon Alexa. Yu also revealed that the acclaimed Huawei Mate 9 will be available in the US featuring advances at the forefront of hardware and software innovation, the Mate 9 Pro and the Porsche Design Mate 9 will also be Huaweis first Google Daydream-ready smartphones. Over the past five years, Huawei has become one of the top three global smartphone brands. During the keynote, Yu pointed to the three pillars the Huawei brand passion, collective wisdom and meaningful innovation to explain the companys success. In 2016, Huawei shipped more than 139 million smartphones, a 29 per cent increase over 2015. According to IPSOS, its global brand awareness has also seen steady growth, rising from 76 per cent to 81 per cent, with a 66.7pc and 100pc increase in overseas user consideration and preference. Through its continued investment in R&D, which surpassed $38 billion over the last 10 years, Huawei will drive the next era of innovation to inspire and empower mankind, he said. As part of this strategy, Huawei will leverage the collective wisdom of the worlds brightest minds, both within and outside the company, to help shape the next era of consumer technology. Most recently, Huawei opened the new Max Berek Innovation Lab with Leica, deepening its strategic partnership with the world leader in photography and imaging. Steve Rabuchin, vice president of Amazon Alexa, introduced the Mate 9 with Alexa: With Amazon Alexa on Huaweis Mate 9, customers can easily perform everyday tasks while on the go using just their voice. This includes controlling their smart home, checking the news, requesting a ride from services like Uber, and more. The Huawei Mate 9 Pro and Huawei Porsche Design Mate 9 are Huaweis first Google Daydream-ready devices for users to explore immersive virtual reality content and experiences. According to Amit Singh, vice president of Business and Operations for Googles Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality team, in 2017, in addition to bringing high quality VR on Huawei devices through Daydream, Google and Huawei will work together to offer high quality smartphone AR on Huawei devices through Project Tangos motion tracking, area learning and depth perception technologies. These partnerships, and Huaweis expansive ecosystem of global partners, are strategic collaborations that will lead to richer, more rewarding integration over time to help shape the next era of consumer technology. Today our focus is to bridge innovation and technology, create an elite ecosystem of industry visionaries and As we look to the future, were at the threshold of an exciting new era where were breaking through barriers to improve the way we interact with the world. The introduction of the Intelligent Phone is the next evolution in mobile that will provide intelligence to every aspect of our lives, enriching the way we experience the world around us. - TradeArabia News Service YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States), released a statement regarding the December 29 Azerbaijani infiltration attempt on the Armenian border, the OSCE office told ARMENPRESS. The full statement reads: Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijan serviceman killed in the fighting. Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable and are contrary to the acknowledged commitments of the Parties, who bear full responsibility, not to use force. The Co-Chairs urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to strictly observe the agreements reached during summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016, including obligations to finalize in the shortest possible time an OSCE investigative mechanism. The Co-Chairs also urge the return, without delay, of human remains, in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue. We call upon the Parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. The Co-Chairs extend their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and to all Armenians and Azerbaijanis for whom hopes for the New Year have been darkened with the grief of senseless loss. Katara Hospitality, a leading hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar which made excellent progress in 2016 across all areas of its operations, aims to reach 60 properties by 2026, officials said. Katara Hospitality enters 2017 with a high-quality portfolio of luxury assets. It intends to expand this through a considered and highly strategic programme of development and investment in the highest quality hotels in Qatar while growing a collection of iconic hotels in key markets across the globe, the company said. Excellent progress is being made in the renovation of existing hotels and the creation of new ones and Katara Hospitality looks forward to announcing the achievement of further milestones throughout the year, it said. The companys strong performance last year builds on the achievements of the previous year and takes it a step closer towards realising its vision to be one of the worlds leading hospitality organisations, it said. Our Vision is to change the world of hospitality through investment and innovation to leave an outstanding legacy for future generations, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, said Katara Hospitalitys chairman Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani. Our achievements in 2016 demonstrate our commitment to reach that goal. We have strengthened our position as a key player of Qatars domestic hospitality industry; and our continuing expansion overseas is establishing Katara Hospitality as an internationally recognised leader in the global luxury hospitality sector. Our ongoing renovation plans and investment programme also leave us well placed for further growth in 2017 and beyond, he added. Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, chief executive officer of Katara Hospitality, said: We remain committed to the further development and expansion of our portfolio, and 2016 was an important stage in that process. We now turn our attention to 2017 as we expect to complete a range of initiatives that will take us closer to our target of 60 properties by 2026. The 2016 highlights include: Opening of Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne, a Murwab Hotel in Switzerland; Renovation and rebranding of Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort, Qatar; Opening of two hotels in Qatar under the Murwab Hotel Group: Simaisma, a Murwab Resort and The Avenue, a Murwab Hotel; Opening of Hotel Park, a new public family-friendly park in Qatar; Introduction of Katara Specialties, a contemporary food and beverage initiative within all of Katara Hospitalitys local and international hotels; Partnership with Marriott International to support the evolution of hospitality education in Qatar. TradeArabia News Service The TransGriot is available for speaking engagements, college lectures, panel discussions, media interviews, conferences or Trans 101 education efforts for your school, business or professional organizations. For local Houston area, Texas or national events, you can e-mail me at transgriot@yahoo.com For events outside the Houston metro area, I ask that my travel and lodging expenses be covered. This is separate from my speaking fee. If you are interested in having me appear as a speaker or panelist, you can e-mail me with the date and details of your proposed event. Please book as early as possible because my speaking and event calendar slots during the year rapidly fill up. Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village Donald James 'Don' Darnall Glenrock, Wyoming February 1, 1934 January 3, 2017 Donald James 'Don' Darnall, 82, of Glenrock, Wyoming went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Don was born in Rush Springs, Oklahoma on February 1, 1934 to Ralph and Vera Darnall. As a child, he moved to Casper and then graduated from Natrona County High School in 1953. He married Jacqueline Link in 1954, after meeting her the very last day of his senior year. After starting a family Don moved to Glenrock in 1964, where he resided the rest of his life. Don was an employee of Standard Oil for eight years, worked as a Casper police officer for a few years, and then worked at the Dave Johnson Plant for Pacific Power for 32 years until retiring in 1996. He was a lifelong sportsman, avidly fishing and hunting from the American Southwest to the Norwest Territories of Canada. Don was known for his mechanical knowledge, and tinkered in his shop while offering his expertise to anyone in need. He kept an immaculate lawn and loved to grow tomatoes. His handshake was considered his word. Don spent much of his time with his family and playing with his grandkids. Don's love for the Lord was apparent to everyone who knew him. He served as a member of the board of both Faith and First Assemblies of God in Casper. He was the State Director for Honor Bound Men's Ministries and met with his local Promise Keepers group in Glenrock for decades. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Vera Darnall; his son-in-law and daughter, John and Darla (Darnall) Luft; and his nephews, Matthew Darnall and Randy Hubbell. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline (Link) Darnall; his children and their spouses, Dan and Sherri (Richards) Darnall, and Marty and Valerie (Darnall) Leischer; the children of his late daughter whom he raised and their spouses, Justin and Trisha (Robey) Luft, Ben and Andrea (Luft) Barker, and Jennifer (Luft) Donnelly; his brothers and their spouses, Ralph 'Dub' and Marilyn Darnall, and Richard and Sharon Darnall; six other grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; four nieces; and four nephews. A viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home from 5 pm to 7 pm on Friday, January 13th. Services will be held at Faith Assembly of God in Casper at 9:30 am on Saturday, January 14th followed by burial at Highland Cemetery. Schools and employers could not provide "preferential treatment" to minorities and other groups under a proposed state constitutional amendment that lawmakers will consider during the session that begins Tuesday. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, and co-sponsored by several other lawmakers, would prohibit a person receiving a boost in "public employment, public education or public contracting" based on race, sex, national origin, color or ethnicity. What constitutes "preferential treatment" of those groups is unclear in the bill's language. The bill would bar hiring "based on what race you are," said Rep. David Miller, R-Riverton, one of the co-sponsors of the bill. The other co-sponsors are Republican Sens. Leland Christensen and Ogden Driskill and Republican Reps. Tyler Lindholm and Cheri Steinmetz. The measure would also prohibit discrimination against people who fall into those categories. Similar protections are already afforded in federal law, such as in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Wyoming American Civil Liberties Union warned that the bill is part of a larger national "anti-civil rights agenda." The statute would apply to the state as an entity, as well as community colleges, municipalities, the University of Wyoming and other public entities. Chad Baldwin, spokesman for UW, said such a bill would have no impact on the school's admissions policies because "UW doesnt have any race-, gender- or ethnicity-based admissions preferences." Chris Lorenzen, spokesman for Casper College, said much the same thing. "We cannot find anywhere that it would impact us," he said, referring to both hiring and admissions. Miller said the bill sought to ensure that people are hired based "on their ability to do job functions that are necessary." "I dont know how weve even gotten to this point to where we need to talk about this," said Miller, who acknowledged that he hadn't fully reviewed the bill and needed to confer further with Hicks. He added that ethnicity was a subcategory of race, which itself he said had become a vague term. "It's getting to be ridiculous," he said. Sabrina King, the new director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Wyoming, said she suspected the bill was the result of a larger national effort rather than the belief that affirmative action was no longer needed in Wyoming. "Its coming from a national anti-civil rights agenda that can really do damage to the progress Wyoming makes through affirmative action programs," she said in an email. She added that the bill, if successful, could have consequences for state and local anti-discrimination efforts protecting members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. Because anti-discrimination bills are currently law, they can be amended, she said, but a constitutional amendment would make it harder to adjust those laws if needed. Driskill declined to comment, referring inquiries to Hicks, who did not return messages as of late Monday afternoon. Legislators were in meetings for much of the day in preparation for the beginning of the legislative session Tuesday. Apple Inc. plans to assemble servers in the tech companys large Mesa data center, according to documents made public Monday in the Federal Register. The city of Mesa applied for foreign trade zone status for the facility at Elliot and Signal Butte roads so Apple could manufacture data servers, presumably to be used by Apple facilities globally. Production under (foreign trade zone) procedures could exempt Apple from customs duty payments on the foreign- status materials/components used in export production, according to the document. The California-based company has said little about the Mesa facility since announcing its plans in February 2015. Apple is building a command center for its data networks at the facility that once housed a sapphire-glass supplier for the company, and was intended as a solar-panel factory before that. Apple has said it is investing more than $2 billion in the facility. The company previously said 150 people would work at the facility, though its unclear whether the newly revealed plans to manufacture servers on the site will change that figure. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of transportation, communication and information technologies says as of 09:30 the highways of Ararat, Baghramyan, Yeghvard and Ashtarak are covered in fog, visibility: 30-50 meters. The ministry told ARMENPRESS highway supervision agencies are clearing the black ice in the Dilijan-Vanadzor highway and the Vardenyats Pass. All highways of republican and interstate significance are open for traffic. MASON, Mich. (AP) A new Michigan sheriff has put himself behind bars to help learn more about how his county jail works. Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth and Undersheriff Andrew Bouck checked themselves into the Ingham County Jail in Mason on Sunday evening. In a statement, the sheriff's office says they were booked into the jail, given jumpsuits and are currently lodged at the facility. They're planning to stay there until Tuesday morning and, until that time, they're expected to be treated like other jail inmates. Wriggelsworth says the temporary stay will "provide a great snapshot of housing conditions, jail rules and regulations and the overall incarceration experience." He says "some people will question the move, and maybe our sanity," but he thinks it will be a good experience. We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some January 10 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages. PHOENIX The Arizona Supreme Court is set to consider a case marking the first use of a new state law that withholds state funds from cities if they enact laws conflicting with state laws. The high court is being asked by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich to find that Tucson is illegally destroying seized guns instead of selling them. A lawmaker complained that conflicts with a 2013 law requiring guns be sold. Rep. Mark Finchem complained to Brnovich, who reviewed the case and determined the Tucson ordinance may violate state law. Under a law passed last year, he's asking the Supreme Court to decide. Tucson says it can destroy guns it owns and that the 2016 law unconstitutionally infringes on local rights. The court considers whether to take the case Tuesday. Pima County sheriff's detectives have arrested a 28-year-old Tucson woman, after her daughter was significantly burned by hot water in a bathtub, authorities said. Samantha Osteraas was booked into the Pima County jail on two counts of suspicion of child abuse, said Deputy Ryan Inglett, a sheriff's department spokesman. Just after 8 p.m. on Dec. 29, deputies went to a home in 2900 block of West Sun Ranch Trail, near North Shannon Road and West Lambert Lane, after receiving reports of a rescue follow-up, Inglett said. When deputies arrived, they learned that a 5-year-old girl had been badly burned. She was immediately taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Detectives with the crimes against children unit took over the investigation, after collecting evidence and further investigation, determined that the burns were not accidental, Inglett said. On Jan. 5, the Pima County Attorney's Office issued an arrest warrant for Osteraas, who is the girl's adoptive mother, and she was arrested later that day. The Arizona Department of Child Safety has removed Osteraas' other three children from the home, and is also investigating the incident, Inglett said. State of the State 2017 Audisey Alvarado holds a sign for United Against Hate at the State Capitol before Gov. Doug Ducey to delivers during the opening ceremony of the 53rd Legislature and State of the State Address at Arizona State Capitol on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. On the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the concert of the Gansu (province in China) Song-Dance Ensemble entitled Silk Road, Flower Rain will he held on January 14 in the A. Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet theater in Yerevan. The ministry of culture told ARMENPRESS the concert will be organized with the assistance of the Culture ministries of Armenia and China and the Embassy of China in Armenia. The concert is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Armenia and China. The Song and Dance Ensemble of Gansu Province, China, has been founded in 1961. You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close WASHINGTON (AP) The farewell address President Barack Obama plans to deliver Tuesday will continue a tradition established by the nation's first president more than two centuries ago. In a 32-page, handwritten address after eight years in office, George Washington used his parting remarks to urge Americans to see themselves as a cohesive unit and to avoid political parties. He also warned of attachments and entanglements with other nations. Washington's address was printed in Philadelphia's American Daily Advertiser on Sept. 19, 1796, nearly six months before he left office. Andrew Jackson, the nation's seventh president, also published a farewell, in 1837. But it wasn't until Harry Truman's televised goodbye from the Oval Office late on Jan. 15, 1953, that such an address became standard for presidents. Every president since then, with John F. Kennedy being the notable exception, has given one. Obama is sticking to tradition, in most ways but one. He plans to leave the Oval Office behind in favor of addressing the public one final time from his adopted hometown of Chicago. Here are some questions and answers about presidential farewell speeches. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Two Turkish soldiers who have been kidnapped during the ongoing Turkish military intervention in Syria, code-named by Turkey as Operation Euphrates Shield have been killed, according to the Turkish Hurriyet. Contact with the soldiers was lost on November 29, 2016. The Turkish intervention in the Syrian conflict began on August 24, 2016. With the pretext of fighting the Islamic State terrorist organization, Turkey is delivering the majority of strikes at the Kurds of Syria. OPINION: "While we may not always agree on the path to take, in our discussions its clear that we all want a similar result: excellence in education at TVUSD. To achieve this goal, we need to vote 'yes' on Prop 494," writes Thomas Trask, a candidate for the Tanque Verde Unified School Distr PHOENIX Not willing to put it off until the last minute, legislative Democrats on Monday proposed asking voters as soon as possible to extend and expand a special sales tax that funds education. Investing in public education, including K-12 schools and universities, is critical to changing the trajectory of our state, said Senate Minority Leader Rebecca Rios. She said Democrats will prioritize reducing class sizes, dealing with the teacher shortage and coming up with a long-term plan to ensure schools have the funds they need. And at the top of that list is the renewal of Proposition 301. That measure, approved in 2000, enacted a sixth-of-a-cent sales tax for education. It raises more than $600 million a year. But it also self-destructs in 2021. Rios said lawmakers should put the question of renewal back on the ballot sooner than later. But she said they also want to boost the levy to a full penny. This would result in an additional $430 million annually in funding for K-12 that can be used to recruit and retain teachers and fund our schools, she said. That stance puts the Democrats at odds with Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican legislative leaders, who are in no hurry to put the issue of even simply extending the levy on the ballot. Senate President Steve Yarbrough said Friday he sees no way to put together the votes this year for such a plan. I think its probably obviously more than a year exercise, he said. In fact, Yarbrough is throwing cold water on any meaningful action in time for the 2018 election, saying, Weve got time beyond that. And incoming House Speaker J.D. Mesnard questioned whether voters are willing to tax themselves more for education. Prop. 123 was a close vote, he noted of last years ballot proposal to put an extra $3.5 billion into public education over the next decade. And that did not even involve higher taxes, with most of the funds actually coming from a trust account already set aside for education. How things are packaged certainly matters, he said. We can begin the discussions of what that looks like. But Mesnard, like Yarbrough, sought to tamp down expectations that voters could see the issue soon. Im skeptical, frankly, that those will culminate in something in 2018, he said. It isnt just the issue of extending and possibly expanding the sales tax that divides the minority Democrats from the GOP majority in both chambers, in addition to Ducey. House Minority Leader Katie Hobbs wants to review and cap some of the tax cuts that already have been put in place. And her prime target is the law that allows corporations to divert some of what they owe the state in income taxes to instead help parents send their children to private and parochial schools. As originally crafted, lawmakers limited that annual diversion at $10 million. That law, however, allows that to grow by 20 percent a year. The result is that the cap this year is now more than $60 million. And if left unchecked, legislative budget analysts figure that cap would top $660 million by 2030. But that could be just theoretical, because a series of corporate tax cuts approved by the Republican Legislature during the recession should cut corporate income taxes from $571 million in 2016 to just $281 million in 2020. That trend has not gone unnoticed. If the past leaders had put Arizona first instead of buckling to special interests, we would have an additional $835 million annually in our state to invest today and for the future, Rios said. That includes a 30 percent cut in corporate income tax rates. Rios is not suggesting those tax rates be increased to where they were. But she said its time to draw the line on new ones. That, however, runs smack-dab into the general Republican philosophy that lower tax rates lead to more economic development which, in turn, then increases overall revenues. Rios countered that if these tax breaks really worked, than the state budget this coming year would be more than $9.6 billion the same as it was in 2007. And she pointed out Arizonas population that year was less than 6.2 million; by last year it had topped 6.7 million. Steve Farley, the assistant Senate minority leader, was more direct in his criticism of the policy of cutting taxes to spur the economy. This governor and this majority has sold Arizona a bill of goods because we havent seen any of that, he said. LOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles police have made a "HOLLYWeeD" bust. The LAPD said in a statement that 30-year-old Zachary Cole Fernandez was arrested Monday, just over a week after a prankster used white tarps to make the "HOLLYWOOD" sign to read "HOLLYWeeD." Police say Fernandez turned himself in with his attorney and was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor trespassing. The prankster was dressed in black and was recorded by security cameras in the area changing the sign early New Year's Day. Fernandez, an artist, had already claimed credit for the stunt in a Vice magazine interview, but police had not previously confirmed his involvement. He'll be released on his own recognizance and must return to court Feb. 15. Contact information to request comment could not be found for Fernandez or his attorney. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The OSCE Minsk Groups statement over the Azerbaijani sabotage infiltration attempt in the military positions of Armenias Tavush province is another parity statement which will again mean nothing for Azerbaijan, RPA faction MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Artak Zakaryan said in an interview with Armenpress. I think that the Minsk Group must have condemned the Azerbaijani aggression carried out at the borders of the Republic of Armenia on December 29 with the perception that the issue is completely out of the Karabakh conflict settlement process and has nothing to do with the Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, he said. MP Zakaryan said Azerbaijan once again grossly violates the agreements reached over the ceasefire maintenance by this ignoring all efforts of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs. I think that such parity statements will gradually weaken the Minsk Groups positions and mediation efforts. The Minsk Group must apply visible and concrete political tools on Azerbaijan in order for it to be able to create an opportunity for moving forward the negotiation process, Zakaryan said, adding that otherwise, we will have a prolonged, unsettled conflict which will pose many threats for the region in the face of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani forces attempted a sabotage infiltration in the Armenian state border, south-east from Chinari village of Tavush province in the early morning of December 29. The Armenian Armed Forces have neutralized the Azerbaijan attacks. Azerbaijani forces were pushed back, suffering losses and WIAs, including in the military positions. Three Armenian servicemen were killed. After 12 days of the failed sabotage infiltration attempt, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a statement stating that Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. Help India! Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday targeted opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for creating a bad image of the state for their own vested interests. At a time when all are praising Bihar for holding such a mega Prakash Utsav, some people have been making an issue of why Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad was not given a place on the dais, Nitish Kumar told the media in a reference to senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and union minister Giriraj Singh. Support TwoCircles At the mega event here, marking the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, Lalu Prasad was not given a place on the dais from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar addressed the gathering. Lalu himself said there are people who would always point out shortcomings and pick holes in any mega function. People always perform puja by sitting on the floor. Is puja performed by sitting on the chair. Why should I have any grievance? It was Guru ka Darbar. It was a spectacular arrangement for the 350th Prakash Parv celebration that brought good name to Bihar from across the world, Lalu said. Sushil Modi, who is also a former Deputy Chief Minister, and Giriraj Singh have been raising the issue of Lalu Prasad not being given a place on the dais beside the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister at the Prakash Utsav last week. Nitish Kumar said the sitting arrangements were made according to the age-old Sikh tradition by the gurdwara management committee. The state government had not decided, who will sit on the dais with the PM. Unnecessarily some people have been trying to make it an issue and doing wrong propaganda, he said. I am appealing to such people with my folded hands to change their behaviour, he said. Lalu along with his sons Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, the Deputy Chief Minister and the Bihar Health Minister, respectively was present at the langar in the makeshift gurdwara in the Tent City at the historical Gandhi Maidan where the main function was held. My father Lalu Prasad is a zaminee leader and he prefers to sit on the floor (zameen). There is nothing much to it, Tejashwi had said in reply to the BJP leaders raising the issue. At the Gurus darbar, it is an age-old tradition to sit on the floor, and my father has no problem in sitting on the floor, Tejashwi added. The Chief Minister said the Grand Alliance government of the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), RJD and the Congress has been working since all are together. Nitish Kumar said he will meet and talk to the leaders and workers of the Grand Alliance on January 23 and the same day the core committee of the JD-U will hold its meeting to discuss demonetisation. He also urged all political parties to join the proposed human chain on January 21 in support of prohibition imposed in Bihar. Help India! By Pritam Singh Tinna, Twocircles.net Support TwoCircles Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs said that the Centre, National Waqf Development Corporation (NAWADCO) and Central Waqf Council together have launched a campaign to utilise the Waqf properties for the socio-economic-educational empowerment of minorities, especially Muslims. Naqvi stated this while inaugurating All India Waqf Conference in New Delhi on Saturday. January 7. He said that several States have come forward for better utilisation of Waqf properties, for the progress of Muslims. Most states have been performing well but more needs to be done by all the States and UTs. All States should constitute the three-Member Tribunals, the Minister said further. Naqvi said that all efforts are being made to ensure that all Waqf Boards and their records across the country are computerised and Minority Affairs Ministry has been providing all possible help to the State Waqf Boards. The Computerisation of Waqf Boards and their properties will help in ensuring transparency in the functioning of Waqf Boards. Addressing the members, Naqvi said, Around 1.2 lakh Waqf properties have been identified. The revenue-generating capacity of all these properties is around Rs, 12,000 crores but the actual revenue that comes from these properties is only 163 crores. If we are able to generate more revenue out of these properties then that can be utilised for the welfare of the Muslim community. Along with this issues like computerization of the Waqf records and strengthening of Waqf boards were talked about. Appreciating all participants for their efforts in ensuring that all auqafs under their charge are properly maintained, controlled, he urged to use the income from such properties to achieve the laid objectives for which such auqafs were created. He urged them to extend their full cooperation in implementing the Waqf Act, Lease Rules, relevant schemes etc., which will not only help in computerization of all records but will also increase the income of the Waqf Boards/Muttawallis. During the meetings, powerpoint presentations on Waqf issues were made by the Ministry of Minority Affairs; Central Waqf Council; NAWADCO, Haryana, Karnataka and Kerala State Waqf Boards and extensive deliberations were held on all the items of agenda. Speaking on the occasion Ameising Luikham, the Secretary, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said that under the provisions of the amended Waqf Act, 1995, the Ministry of Minority Affairs notified the Waqf Properties Lease Rules on 3.6.14. These rules provide for restriction on grant of lease in certain cases; procedure to be followed for lease/registration/renewal of lease properties; rights and obligations of the lessor and lessee etc. Based on the difficulties faced by some State Waqf Boards in implementing the notified rules, some amendments therein were modified on 25.8.2015. One of the important provisions of the Act relates to the framing of Waqf Rules by the State/UT Governments. For assisting the State/UT Governments in this regard, the Ministry of Minority Affairs prepared the relevant model rules and provided copies thereof to all States/UTs on 18.7.16 for consideration. However, most states are yet to notify revised rules. He hoped that constructive and positive results will emerge from todays deliberations. Ashok Pai, CEO, NAWADCO said that income of merely Rs 163 crores from huge Waqf properties shows that steps need to be taken to improve the management of Waqf properties. Emphasising the effective implementation of Lease Rules under revised Act, he promised to extend all possible help in developing the Waqf properties. He said across the country 100 properties have been identified and intentions received for developing 35 properties, so far. Mujibullah Zafari, the special officer of Karnataka state Waqf board, spoke with Twocircles.net. He said, NAWADCO officials need to pay attention to the problems faced at the regional level like the encroachment of Waqf properties and their identification and documentation. Sultan Mohiuddin, the law officer of Telangana state Waqf board, told Twocircles.net, According to section 112, after the implementation of the present Act, the old Act under which we had taken decisions are not being accepted by the Court. These issues need to be looked at. To deal with complaints regarding Waqf properties, one-man Board of Adjudication will be established soon at the Centre level to be headed by a retired Supreme Court Justice or retired High Court Chief Justice. Three-member Tribunals are being established in the States, and about 15-16 states have established these tribunals. Help India! By TCN News The Khudai Khidmatgar National youth yatra was inaugurated on December 18, 2016, from the southern point of India, Kanniyakumari. This day is observed as World Minorities Day. The yatra culminated in Kashmir on January 12, 2017, after covering almost all the important cities of India. January 12 is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda which is also observed as National youth day by the Government of India. The underlying objective of the yatra is to promote the ideal of social harmony among the youth, urging them to propagate the concept and practice it in their lives. Support TwoCircles This yatra, led by Inamul Hasan, recognizes the present scenario of the Indian society, which is marked by hatred and enmity on the lines of religion, region, caste, language e.t.c. Furthermore, it believes that the need of the hour is to respond to this grave situation in a realistic manner. Having mentioned so, this yatra aims to hold a series of meetings, interactions, and other activities at various levels across the country so as to evolve pragmatic strategies and processes to implement the long-term program of the Khudai Khidmatgar at grassroots levels. On Day 1 of the yatra, a constellation of eminent activists and intellectuals were present at Peace House, Kanniyakumari. Notable among them were KK senior leader from TamilnaduKodikkal Sheikh Abdullah, Ali Khan, Swamy Linga Adigal, Rev. Bernard, NAPM Advisor Dr. Gabriela, Advocate Sivakumar.It was resolved during the discussion to focus on the following tasks: Promoting social harmony Upholding the Constitution of India Striving to ensure social security to all In addition to this, Yatra leader Inamul Hasan, While leading the yatra to Nagercoil, interacted with the gypsies who suffer in the worst living condition alongside the road. On behalf of KK unit, it was assured that by coordinating with the district administration, all possible efforts for their educational upliftment and a decent living condition for them will be undertaken. On Day 2 of the yatra, Advocate Rajasekaran Nair of Gandhi Peace Foundation with other leaders hosted a reception. A thought provoking discussion was held and it was decided unanimously to hold a youth conclave on social harmony at two cities of Kerala namely, Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin during the month of February 2017. Day 3 and Day 4 of the yatra were filled with spectacular events and moments. The reception was hosted by KK unit leaders Mustafa Mohammed, Fajar, Akhil, Hrishikesh, Jamsheer, and Anas. Interactions with a large gathering of students belonging to eight educational institutions and several youth clubs were conducted. As a result of the interaction, it was resolved to hold a state level yatra of youth in Kerala during the month of August 2017. From Kozhikode, yatra reached Chennai the next day. It was received by NRC member Arun Asokan and Baburaj. Inamul Hasan and Advocate Sivakumar addressed a group of students and youths belonging to 8 colleges located in Chennai. They created an awareness among the students about various social issues and explained the necessity for evolving social or collective leadership. It was concluded with the resolution to hold a three days workshop at Chennai during the month of March 2016. Later, in the evening hours, yatra proceedings were held at the premises of Loyola college, an illustrious educational institution of India. NAPM Convenor Aruldoss, senior activist Geethamma, Jayalakshmi Amma, Siddamma, Suresh, Anandi Ammal. Rajesh, Visiri Swamy Murugan, Kannan, Jagadeesan, Leelavathi Amma, Kamal Amma and others have received yatris and honoured them with shawls. They also expressed their heartfelt greetings for the success of the yatra. An in-depth discussion on social harmony and drugs prohibition was held and it was decided to hold a conference demanding the introduction of compulsory value-based education in the curriculum of all educational institution for imparting moral values, peaceful coexistence, universal brotherhood e.t.c to students. "Tai-wiki-widbee" is an eclectic mix of trivialities, ephemera, curiosities, and exotica with a smattering of current events, social commentary, science, history, English language and literature, videos, and humor. We try to be the cyberequivalent of a Victorian cabinet of curiosities. Disgraced comedian Bill Cosby, 79, is reported to be attempting to avoid the trial he is facing for the criminal charges filed against him for sexual assault by Andrea Constand, a former student of Temple Hill University. The student is the latest of the more than fifty women to come forward and accuse Cosby of drugging them and raping them at one point or another throughout his career. Hes hoping to avoid the criminal trial hes facing in June As one can imagine, when over fifty women accuse you of raping them, you spend a fair bit of time in a courtroom, and it appears as though Cosby is sick of it, as he seeking a plea deal in the hopes of avoiding the trial, claiming that the whole thing is fixed and that he has no chance of winning the case. He believes there is no point in the trial taking place at all, seeing as how the general public agrees with the accusers that he is guilty, and are all just waiting for him to go to prison. However, Cosby is also hoping that skipping this trial will not only save him a day of his sweet, soon-to-be-over freedom, but will also reduce his jail time as itll be one less official count of guilt on his record. Lets face it, though, hes 79 years old and hes accused of raping fifty-plus women. Once he goes in the slammer, theres no way hes ever seeing the outside world again. Constand is charging Cosby with three counts of felony aggravated indecent assault, and will most likely be unhappy with this cry for a plea deal, as shell want to see the man who raped her found guilty of it by a judge and a jury, so she has a sense of closure and justice being done that she simply wont get with the cop-out hes asking for. Pennsylvania judge ruled ten-year-old testimony may be used in trial Another reason Cosby has for avoiding the trial is that a judge in the state of Pennsylvania has ruled that his criminal trial may be using a ten-year-old testimony against him. This testimony reportedly features highly damaging confessions of slipping drugs and alcohol to young women before taking advantage of their drugged-up condition and forcing himself on them sexually. These confessions will surely add a year a two to Cosbys sentence. However, at the rate that this case is moving (it kicked off more than a year ago), Cosby will die of old age before he sees the inside of a jail cell. Cosby claims that the testimony the judge in Pennsylvania is threatening to use will be unusable, as he says that at the time he made the statement, he was promised he would not be criminally charged for what he was saying. The judge has fired back, however, saying that Cosby never received a promise in writing, and so this claim of a promise is just his word against everyone elses, and everyone else hates him because its pretty loud and clear that hes a shameless rapist. London's 30,000 Police officers are to be asked if they would like to make a break with history and carry a gun. The survey comes partly in response to terror attacks in France, Belgium, and Germany. The UK's police have traditionally been unarmed. Only a small number of highly trained officers - in London about 8% of the force - carry a gun. Gun Survey by Metropolitan Police federation The survey is being carried out by the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents London police officers, with the co-operation of the force itself. The questionnaire will ask them whether they want to carry a gun and if they were forced to carry one whether they would quit. It also asks them if they would like to carry a Taser. After a terror attack in Brussels, the UK government said there would be a "surge" of an additional 1,000 armed officers and that 1,000 of the armed police currently protecting nuclear power stations could be redeployed in the event of multiple terror attacks. Around 600 of the extra armed police were for London. Ken Marsh, the Federation's chairman, said on BBC radio "We are moving in very difficult times now in the UK." Guns not carried Most police in the UK are issued with an extendable baton and pepper spray. The policy of not carrying firearms goes back to the foundation of the modern police force in the 1800s. In the 1980s the number of armed police actually fell after training was made more strict and some officers had their guns taken away. There are clearly many police officers who don't want to carry a weapon - and Mr. Marsh, a serving policeman as well as Federation chairman, is one. He said, "I have never wanted to carry a gun - that's my personal opinion." However, he admitted: "I could be in a very, very small minority." Chairman Ken Marsh on @bbc5live now on our Firearms/Taser survey. https://t.co/kNRj6G2ITz Met Police Fed (@MPFed) January 9, 2017 Mr. Marsh added that he thought the public felt safer with guns being carried by a small number of officers with highly specialised training. However, Mr. Marsh said he would be happy to carry a Taser, which the UK government considers to be a non-lethal weapon. The most recent major terror attack in Europe was a massacre at a Christmas market by a terrorist driving a truck in December. The German government says the terrorist was shot by a rookie cop after pulling out a gun in a routine check. A UK police officer in this situation would likely not have been armed. On Twitter the most common response was that police with Tasers were fine - but that Brits still like their police unarmed. One serving officer Tweeted "I'd say yes to Taser for all frontline officers through the country but no to guns." YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian side must force the OSCE Minsk Group to mention in their statements who is the guilty side, political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan said in an interview with Armenpress. Otherwise it means that both sides are guilty. But these assessments are unfair and contain equal criticism both for the side that fails the conflict settlement process and the side which does everything to solve the issue, the political scientist said. He stated that due to the Azerbaijani sabotage infiltration attempt the Armenian side suffered three losses, but the OSCE Minsk Group equally accuses both sides. Azerbaijani forces attempted a sabotage infiltration in the Armenian state border, south-east from Chinari village of Tavush province in the early morning of December 29. The Armenian Armed Forces have neutralized the Azerbaijan attacks. Azerbaijani forces were pushed back, suffering losses and WIAs, including in the military positions. Three Armenian servicemen were killed. After 12 days of the failed sabotage infiltration attempt, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a statement stating that Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. For the what feels like the first time since he became Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn has committed to a position on immigration from the European Union. During Corbyn's first speech in 2017, the opposition leader made it clear in the staunchest terms that he is "not wedded to the notion of free movement within the European Union" and "fully supports repatriating powers from Brussels". Later this year, in March, prime minster Theresa May will trigger article 50 to set Britain's arduous exit from the European Union in motion. Jeremy Corbyn's support of putting an end to free movement from European countries indicates that both the government and opposition appear to be on the same page. However, Corbyn's comments leave Remain voters bereft of any sizable representation in parliament. Labour will press to repatriate powers from Brussels for the British government to develop a genuine industrial strategy pic.twitter.com/Rf6nHLd5Wt Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) 10 January 2017 A change of tack Over the past several years, Labour, particularly under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, have alienated many working class voters with a metropolitan liberalism. However, Corbyn's speech is a clear attempt to convince Leave voters-many of whom occupy former Labour strongholds in the North of England-that Labour is still an accessible party for the working class. Furthermore, Corbyn stated that Labour's primary aim in the European Union exit negotiations was to remain with "full access to the single market". Corbyn continued, specifying that Labour's economic demands were about "tariff free access to the single market" as opposed to membership in the single market. A fair deal Corbyn stated: "Not since the second world war has Britain's ruling elite put this great country of ours in such an exposed position without a plan. As the opposition, we have laid our cards on the table: we support fair rules and reasonably managed migration as part of our post-Brexit relationship with the EU. Unlike the Conservatives, we will not make false promises to bring down immigration by tens of thousands". Corbyn's appearance in front of the media was an attempt to re-brand the Labour leader in response to continuing low rankings in the polls. A further indication of this revamp came when Corbyn revealed a plan to cap government contractors' bosses earning more than 20 times the wage of their lowest paid worker. His ultimate goal was to obtain a spot on the Americas Most Wanted list. Now, 41-year-old, Markeith Loyd, has finally achieved that wish. Loyd, who had several brushes with the law and was a known criminal to the Orlando police department is currently on the run from law enforcement officials. He is wanted in connection with the killing of a police officer that he shot on Monday, January 9, 2016, and for the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend. Suspect Markeith Loyd murdered pregnant ex-girlfriend Tragically, another police officer also lost his life a few hours later, after the vehicle in which he was traveling crashed during the search launched to apprehend the killer. The search is still ongoing to find the murder suspect who has eluded the law enforcement officials. The ex-convict had also shot and killed his ex-girlfriend who was pregnant at the time. The woman was murdered on December 13, 2016, while standing by the entrance to her home. Several schools were ordered closed as police from many different precincts conducted the search for the killer. The manhunt also caused the backup of traffic along major thoroughfares, as law enforcement officials advised other residents to stay inside their homes. Officer killed at a Walmart store in Orlando, Florida. Early, Monday morning at about 7:15 AM; Lloyd was spotted at the Walmart store located at Princeton Street and John Young Parkway by a person who knew that he was wanted for murder. The unidentified person notified Debra Clayton, who was in uniform and also at the store. Clayton, who is a Master Sergeant at the Orlando Police Department accosted the accused, however, during an ensuing gun battle Officer Clayton was shot and died later at a nearby hospital. Law enforcement officials have offered a reward for his capture. They also warned that the accused killer is armed and dangerous. The amount of $60,000.00 is on offer to anyone who can lead the officers to the where-about and subsequent capture of accused cop-killer Markeith Loyd. With the sale of former major internet web giant yahoo! to Verizon Communications looking real imminent, its current CEO Marissa Mayer has, during a SEC company filing on Monday, January 9, announced her intention to resign from the board of directors once the acquisition finally comes through to completion. The broadband telecommunications company is buying up Yahoo!s internet business for a paltry (business-wise) $4.8 billion, a far cry from the over $100 billion the whole package was worth in 2000, and the $44.6 billion unsolicited bid by Microsoft in 2008 that was rejected by Yahoo! for what they had believed then to be substantial undervaluing. From Yahoo! to Altaba The board departure of Mayer, Yahoo! co-founder David Milo and board chairman Maynard Webb is said to be part of a restructuring connected to what will happen to all non-internet businesses under the Yahoo! umbrella when the core internet division has been snapped up by Verizon. These remnant portions will combine to form an investment firm managing its stock on Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba, and will be renamed Altaba to reflect its new status. Yahoo! has explained that Mayer and Milos departure from their board of directors was not due to any disagreement with the company, or its operation and policies. Rather, they are part of a downsizing of the existing board to only five directors, post-Verizon sale. Equities research managing director Gil Luria, from the Los Angeles-based Wedbrush Securities, explains the resignation of Mayer from the board is, understandable due to the transition from Yahoo!, an operating company, to Altaba which is a holding company. Thus the presence of the CEO on the board is no longer necessary due to there being little for her to do as a director. But at the moment she expresses interest in remaining with the company at least to oversee the handover of the internet segment of Yahoo! to Verizon. And this is all based on speculation of whether or not the deal will indeed be finalized, a subject that both companies involved have been mum about. No sure deal In case it does however, and Altaba comes to being, Luria sees the investment company eventually unwinding when it begins selling its stakes in both Alibaba and Yahoo! Japan to interested investors. The lingering doubts of Verizon committing to finish up its acquisition of Yahoo! internet spring from some sensitive security issues from 2014 that were only revealed last year, where on two occasions hackers breached Yahoo!s network to steal information from the accounts of over a billion of its members. A senior Verizon executive has anonymously expressed his doubts on the completion of the sale. "Connectivity" probably is the most-heard term at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), along with "innovation". All companies, no matter how large or small, American or overseas, are trying to come up with solutions for many of the world's most challenging problems through the Internet of Things (IoT), and they are touching literally every facet of our lives. Like never before, China's delegations including Huawei, Lenovo, Haier, ZTE, Xiaomi and many small startups queued up to flaunt their innovations, trying to live up to all of this year's hype with their exhibits ranging from smart homes and smart cars to smart cities and the IoT. More importantly, Chinese companies are joining the international competition by not only operating in accordance with the industry standards, but also by striving to be part of the standards by serving on various industry committees. Chinese telecom equipment manufacturer ZTE Corp joined LORA (low power wide area) in June, becoming one of the board members with influence on the deployment and developmentof a low-power worldwide network. The phrase IoT, originally coined in 1999 by a British technology guru who co-founded the auto-ID center at MIT, refers to the network of physical objects that contain embedded technology communications and senses or interacts with their internal states or the external environment. According to Gartner Inc, the whole IoT business will generate roughly $310 billion in revenue by 2020 with a compound growth rate of over 60 percent. The growth rate in such fields as vehicle, energy, industry and household security can rocket to 80 percent. The development of IoT services currently faces many challenges the difficulties inimproving the existing network infrastructure and access, the need to accommodate exponential connection growth and the diverse requirements for bandwidth and reliability. However, "we strongly believe that a wide-spectrum of innovative IoT applications will keep emerging," said Chen Jie, chief information officer of ZTE Corp, at CES. IoT provides tremendous opportunities to industry players and consumers, said Chen. "It will change how society works and how individuals live," Chen said. "We're on the eve of a powerful new IoT-enabled revolution in business and as a global society." Chen revealed ZTE's five-year strategic plan, called M-ICT 2.0, which consists of virtualization, openness, intelligence, cloudification and IoT VOICE. Specifically, ZTE is focusing on smart city, smart home, industrial internet and car internet. To date, ZTE has been involved in the construction of more than 150 smart city projects across China. "We have a very active participation in the smart city business," Chen said. "The number of smart city projects in which we are involved is growing every month. We offer solutions including smart metering, smart lighting and smart parking for municipal and regional governments." The smart city execution in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, is one of ZTE's acclaimed projects. Under the terms of the contract signed in 2014, ZTE will help Yinchuan installsmart transportation, surveillance, community, environmental protection, all-in-one cards, tourism, an enterprise cloud, government and a big data analytics center. ZTE has also created several vertical IoT solutions with local partners, launching a 5G innovative lab with China Mobile last June. ZTE has its footprint in smart city projects in Laos, Sri Lanka, France, Romania, Turkey, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chile, Venezuela and Uruguay. Its wireless, wireline, and broadband cable services are in more than 70 countries worldwide. In Paris, "we cooperated with our partners to provide a smart lighting solution for the city, a project we named The City of Lights'", said Chen. Through sensors in smart streetlamps, the system is able to centralize resource management and reduce energy costs by 30 percent. Contact the writer at junechang@chinadailyusa.com. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Arthur Davtyan, Prosecutor General of Armenia appointed First Class Justice Counselor Victor Grigoryan to the post of Prosecutor for Tavush province. Grigoryan earlier occupied the position of senior prosecutor in the control department of investigation and legitimate preliminary investigation in the Prosecutor Generals Office. Prosecutor General Arthur Davtyan introduced Victor Grigoryan to law enforcement officials during a consultation in Tavush, and tasked the officials several assignments, the Prosecutor Generals Office told ARMENPRESS. If Chinese carmaker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) wants to enter the US market, the mid-sized sport utility vehicle it unveiled on Monday known as the Trumpchi GS7 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit could be its first offering. GAC, started developing its homegrown Trumpchi car brand in 2010 at a time when the Chinese market was dominated by foreign brands. The company intends to open a research and development (R&D) center in Silicon Valley in California later this year, according to Liang Weibiao, GAC vice-president. "We would like to be in the US market and the R&D center is a good start," Liang said in an interview. "Eventually we would like to produce vehicles in the US." Weibiao said GAC currently has sales and service networks in 14 countries including Bali, Chile and Kuwait. "We also have a manufacturing company in Nigeria," he said. The Trumpchi GS7, a mid-sized SUV that seats five, comes as SUV sales in China are heating up just like in the US. "China is moving in that direction as over 90 percent of our sales in China in 2016 were SUVs," said Zhang Fan, vice-president and head of the team that developed the GS7. "The Chinese economy is growing and the Chinese consumer likes a more spacious vehicle," added Liang. The GS7 is based on the same platform that underpins the GS8, a three-row SUV that seats eight said Fan. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. GAC also unveiled an electric car called the GE3. According to Hao Su, an engineer with GAC, the GE3 has a driving range of about 200 miles before needing a charge. "You can charge up the batteries two ways," said Hao. "One is a quick charge that takes about 30 minutes and last for eight hours. The other is a slow charge that takes eight hours." Charging must be done at a charging station, Hao said. Electric vehicles are expected to take an increasing share of the Chinese market as air pollution is a serious problem in the mainland. The government is trying to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles. Hao said the cost of the GE3 is about 200,000 yuan ($28,839.64). "With tax credits the cost can come down to about 100,000 yuan," Hao said. GAC also introduced its first plug-in hybrid electric concept car called the EnSpirit which the company said symbolizes its vision to develop technologically advanced vehicles. In 2016, GAC sold about 380,000 vehicles in China, soaring 96 percent from the 2015 total. The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will continue to tighten security in border areas to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region illegally in 2017, the chairman of the region said. The region already stepped up efforts in entry-exit management in 2016, said Shohrat Zakir, the Xinjiang chairman, while delivering his work report at the annual session of the regional People's Congress in Urumqi, the capital, on Monday. Many terrorists who carried out attacks in the region in recent years received training abroad and then returned illegally. Some also crossed the border illegally to flee, said Aniwar Turson, a top Party official of southern Xinjiang's Kashgar prefecture. "We need to make sure not a single terrorist can get in or out of Xinjiang illegally, especially when our neighboring countries are facing rising terrorist threats," Aniwar said. Xinjiang, which borders eight countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been China's main battleground in the fight against terrorism. On Sunday night, three terrorists were killed in a police raid in southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, local media reported on Monday. The suspects resisted arrest and were shot dead at around 8 pm. No police officers were hurt, according to Ts.cn, a news portal affiliated with the regional government. The suspects were believed to have conducted an attack in April 2015. Azez Musar, a senior official of southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, said that terrorist cells are particularly active in border areas in Xinjiang. "We must improve our ability to detect suspicious activities in those areas and conduct strict inspections near the borders in accordance with the law," he said. It has been more than four months since Chen Quanguo, former Party chief of the Tibet autonomous region, stepped in as the new leader of Xinjiang. Chen sees keeping the region stable as the overriding political goal. Chen decided Xinjiang officials would concentrate first on maintaining social stability. The other main goal is the region's social and economic development. He also warned officials that they would be evaluated based on the security situation. Since a terrorist attack left five dead in Hotan's Moyu county on Dec 28, both the heads of the prefecture and the county have been put under investigation. Contact the writers at cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn TAIPEI -- Wong Chi-huey, former head of Taiwan's top academic organ, has been indicted for taking bribes from biotech firm OBI Pharma, according to the island's Shi-lin district prosecuting authority. Prosecutors found that Wong had received 3 million shares from OBI's chairman Michael Chang in 2012 via his daughter's account. The price of each share was 31 New Taiwan dollars (about $1), but surged to 310 NTD per share when the company went public the following year. Prosecutors said Wong, as a public servant, illegally earned profits worth about 93 million NTD. The scandal emerged in February 2016 when OBI announced that its major breast cancer medicine had failed to meet medical standards, and its share price collapsed. A number of people were suspicious of insider trading, but Wong defended the drug and backed the company, claiming he had never bought any OBI shares. However, his daughter was later found to hold a large number of OBI shares. Wong released a statement late Monday that said he was shocked and angry about the indictment and would make all-out efforts to defend his innocence. Wong was the head of Taiwan's Academia Sinica since 2006 but resigned in May 2016 after the case erupted. BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Switzerland from Jan 15-18, at the invitation of the Federal Council of Switzerland, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday in Beijing. During the visit, Xi will attend the 47th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting on Jan 17, at the invitation of WEF founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab, said spokesman Lu Kang at a routine press briefing. He will also visit the United Nations Office at Geneva and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the International Olympics Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne on Jan 18, at the invitation of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, and the IOC President Thomas Bach. US President-elect Donald Trump pauses as he talks to members of the media at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 21, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Some of US president-elect Donald Trump's nastiest attacks have been directed at China. He has accused it of "raping" the United States with its trade policies, and of creating global warming as a "hoax" to undermine US competitiveness. Why, then, are many Chinese policy advisers and commentators sanguine about future US-China relations? The reasoning seems to be that Trump is a businessman, and, to paraphrase former US president Calvin Coolidge, the business of China is business. China, the thinking goes, can work with a swashbuckling dealmaker like Trump better than with a supposedly "ideological" Hillary Clinton. The revelation that Trump and Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen spoke by telephone has probably shattered that hope. It is therefore unlikely the incoming US administration will be anything but a bull in a China shop. That phone call violated a protocolavoidance of direct contact between the US and Taiwan at the leadership levelwhich Democrat as well as Republican presidents have carefully observed for four decades. Trump then aggravated the diplomatic breach by asking, in a series of tweets, if China consulted with the US before depreciating its currency or building a massive military base in the South China Sea. But by calling into question the one-China policy, Trump is playing with fire. Careful and deft management by both Republican and Democratic administrations has helped maintain the fragile peace between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. For the US, the primary objective is to maintain the status quo, by dissuading Taiwan from actively seeking "independence" and discouraging the mainland from pressuring Taiwan into a speedy reunification. In another tweet, Trump asked why he shouldn't directly engage with Tsai when the US is selling Taiwan billions of dollars worth of weapons. Feigned or not, such bafflement from the US president-elect is truly worrying. The US sells Taiwan military equipment, but it deliberately attenuates this message by refusing to engage with Taiwan at the highest levels to disabuse the island of the notion that it can count on US support if it ever actually declares "independence". Peace has survived multiple leadership changes on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. And trade and investment between Taiwan and the mainland have flourished. A break with the long-established policy by Trump would be damaging in many ways. For starters, he could embolden Taiwan to be more aggressive in trying to upend the status quo. Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party have not yet sought to realize their revisionist goals, but that could change if she feels Trump is sympathetic to her cause. Trump could also do damage by inflaming China, if he confirms its belief that the US wants to undermine its "core interests". The Chinese Foreign Ministry initially voiced mild criticism of Trump's conversation with the island leader. But the People's Daily has since issued a far stronger rebuke, warning that "creating troubles for the China-US relationship is creating troubles for the US itself", which clearly signaled China's agitation. There is no method to Trump's madness. In the tweet justifying his phone call, he also repeated a false charge that China is depreciating its currency to gain export advantages vis-a-vis the US. His knowledge of international economics is either non-existent or 10 years out of date. In reality, China is now hemorrhaging foreign exchange reserves and desperately trying to prop up the renminbi's value in the face of capital flight. Trump is antagonizing China for no good reason. But by announcing that the US will withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreementdesigned, at least in part, to shape global trade and investment flows according to Western rules, rather than China's vision of globalizationTrump is also abandoning a US policy that could have checked China's surging influence in Asia. Since Trump's TPP announcement, many Asian countries have pledged to join a regional trade bloc spearheaded by China. With Trump's help, the "Chinese Century" may arrive sooner than anyone expected. By attacking China on phantom grounds and dismantling the TPP, Trump is provoking Beijing while simultaneously empowering and enabling it. This is not the art of the deal. It's the road to disaster. The author is a professor of Global Economics and Management at the Sloan School of Management of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Project Syndicate Jack Ma(R), the billionaire founder and executive chairman of the Alibaba Group, met with US president-elect Donald Trump(L) on Monday. [Photo \ Agencies] Jack Ma, the billionaire founder and executive chairman of the Alibaba Group, met with US president-elect Donald Trump on Monday, and Trump said they had a "great meeting". "We had a great meeting, and a great, great entrepreneur, one of the best in the world, and he loves this country, and he loves China." Trump said from Trump Tower in New York City. "Jack and I are going to do some great things." Ma and Trump met with reporters briefly after the meeting and said they discussed plans to create 1 million US jobs by allowing small and medium-sized businesses to sell to China through the company's platforms. "We're focused on small business," Ma told reporters. The meeting was planned to focus on the Chinese e-commerce company's US expansion plans, according to spokespeople for both Alibaba and Trump. Ma had planned to be in New York City on Monday and the scheduling worked out for the meeting, a source told CNBC. The meeting comes amid tensions between China and the incoming Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly criticized China for its economic policies and accused the country of stealing jobs away from the US. Trump also has said he may raise tariffs on Chinese goods sold in the US. Jack Ma(R), the billionaire founder and executive chairman of the Alibaba Group, met with US president-elect Donald Trump(M) on Monday. [Photo \ Agencies] "We also think that the China and USA relationship should be strengthened should be more friendly," Ma said. "The door is open for discussing the relationship and trade issues. I think the president-elect is very smart, he's very open-minded to listen. I told him my ideas about how to improve trade, especially to improve small business, cross border trade." Ma told reporters at Trump Tower that the two discussed allowing US products such as "garments, wine and fruit" to be sold on the platform. Additionally, Ma said that the discussion included talk on the need for China and US to improve their relationship. Alibaba has been planning to expand more aggressively into the US. The company has expanded its New York City US headquarters and it has been making a push for international participation in its signature Singles' Day sale. Alibaba, which focuses more heavily on enabling third-party sellers, had 36,446 full-time employees as of March 31, 2016, according to SEC filings. Amazon, by comparison, about 230,800 employees as of the end of 2015, though it creates other jobs through its sellers, contractors and supporting services. Alibaba stock was up 1.5% in early trading Monday following news of the meeting. US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk into a photo opportunity before their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York September 28, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] MOSCOW -- The Kremlin on Monday refuted accusations of Russia's involvement in hacker attacks during the US 2016 presidential election, saying that it was a "tiresome witch-hunt." "We continue to categorically rule out any involvement of Moscow and ...Russian officials and agencies in any hacker attacks," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Earlier this month, the US intelligence community published the declassified part of a report "Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections," claiming that "Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election." The report said Moscow's action aimed to "undermine public faith in the US democratic process," via Russian government agencies, state-funded media, paid social media users as well as hackers, in order to secure Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election. Peskov said that the allegations in the US intelligence community publication had no proof and had been prepared at an "amateur, emotional level," which is hardly applicable to the highly professional work of high-quality security services. On Sunday, the Trump team said Trump has accepted the US intelligence community's findings that Russia was behind the cyber attacks targeting the presidential election, accusations that Trump has repeatedly rebuffed. But Trump has said that the alleged hacking activities had no impact on the election results and he didn't directly acknowledge Moscow's responsibility. President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Switzerland from Jan 15-18 at the invitation of the Swiss Federal Council, headed by Swiss President Doris Leuthard, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang announced on Tuesday. Xi will attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum at Davos on Jan 17 at the invitation of Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF, Lu said. According to Lu, the president will also visit the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, the World Health Organization and the International Olympic Committee on Jan 18, after invitations by new UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Director-General of the WHO Margaret Chan, and IOC president, Thomas Bach. Seventy-six thoroughbred racehorses were flown to Beijing last week in the largest ever single export of Irish racing bloodstock to China. Workers inspect the traveling conditions of one of the 76 horses on an airplane before it leaves Ireland. [Photo\China Daily] Chinese businessman and racehorse owner Zhang Yuesheng, owner of Yulong Racecourse, Shanxi province, bought the animals for 2 million euros ($2.1 million), a record on Irish bloodstock, said his agents. The airlift and associated animal welfare and shipment costs amounted to an additional 1 million euros, according to the Ireland-based bloodstock agency BBA Ireland. It is more than double the previous record shipment, and the deal has been hailed as a major leap for Irish breeders into the lucrative Chinese market. More than 90 percent of thoroughbreds imported into China are sourced from either Australia or New Zealand and Zhang's purchase could signal further Chinese investment and interest in the costlier but higher-quality Irish market. The horses were bought from Irish breeders, said BBA's sales director Michael Donohoe. "Horseracing in the Chinese mainland has increased and there are more tracks opening up," Donohoe told The Irish Field. "Zhang has made a big investment in Irish horses and hopefully they will perform well." The horses were purchased at two separate autumn sales with dealer Goffs. Most of the horses were sourced at its Sportsman Sale, a notch down from its premier level sale. Declan Murray, managing director of BBA Ireland, told Irish newspapers: "Many of these horses might not have met the high standards of the Irish and European markets but they are still of a higher standard than the average horse currently racing in China. So, Irish breeders get a good price for horses they might not otherwise have got, the industry here further develops the emerging Chinese market and China gets a higher quality race horse. Everyone wins with this." The horses were flown to China in a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft from Shannon airport with a team of professional fl ying grooms and a vet. They landed late Thursday night in Beijing and the animals were transported to stables at the weekend. They will now go into training before being raced in China. Ann Munnelly, BBA Ireland shipping director said: "We have been working on this for three months, since the horses were purchased. Many experienced hands have been involved in this and it has been one of our most ambitious projects to date. We are very excited to have completed it. It illustrates not only the opportunity in China for Ireland, but also our ability to deliver." BBA Ireland worked with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, the not-for-profit government-backed company that promotes Ireland as a leading source for the production and sale of quality thoroughbreds worldwide. Yulong Investments, Zhang's investment firm, has been described as an emerging force in the global racing and breeding industry following massive purchases. BYD Co, China's largest electric vehicle maker, has beaten out five bidders to win a bid to sell 50 electric buses to Argentina, according to the renewable energy technology company. The contest was launched by the Ministry of Environment as a pilot project to introduce electric public transport in different cities throughout Argentina. The bid evaluation committee chose BYD amongst a pool of five bidders for its successful 12-meter electric bus, which is already widely used in cities such as London, Los Angeles and Amsterdam. BYD started to promote its technologies in Argentina in 2011 through its local subsidiary, especially those related to electric vehicles and public transport. The company signed its first MOU with the Ministry of Industry and the Secretary of Transport in Nov 2011. Argentinean President Mauricio Macri and Minister of Environment Sergio Bergman spoke highly of the introduction of BYD technologies and electric vehicle models to their nation's public transportation systems. To better satisfy market demands, BYD plans to build a new local manufacturing plant in Argentina, which is expected to bring foreign investment and jobs to the country. Called one of "China's Most Admired Companies" by Fortune China in 2016, BYD is committed to driving green mobility solutions forward to help address the challenges and concerns related to traffic congestion. BYD's electric bus and other new environmentally friendly vehicles have expanded their footprint to 240 cities across 50 countries. According to BYD, the company looks forward to presenting Argentina with comprehensive Green City Solutions, including other electric mobility technologies such as the new "SkyRail" monorail designed to help the country reduce traffic congestion and transport-related emissions. BYD said the company, along with its shareholders, including Warren Buffet, sees these environmentally and economically advanced products as the way of the future. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Spreading statements by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs on putting an equal sign between the sides of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict cannot contribute that the Azerbaijani side will end provocations and will implement the agreements on the peaceful settlement, Head of the RPA faction Vahram Baghdasaryan said in an interview with Armenpress, commenting on the MG Co-Chairs statement over the Azerbaijani aggression conducted at the borders of Armenia on December 29. We have always criticized the approach of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs who every time issue parity statements in cases when it is obvious who is the author of the provocation from both sides. I am convinced that all Co-Chairing countries know very well which side hinders the peaceful settlement process of the conflict, which side regularly violates the agreements and creates tension. They say they dont want to hinder the peaceful settlement process of the conflict, but such statements cannot contribute to the peaceful settlement, Baghdasaryan said. He stated that the Armenian side doesnt demand addressed assessments directed against only one side, rather, it demands concrete assessment to the actions of the side which constantly violates the agreements and creates tension. The MP added that such statements contribute to the continuation of Azerbaijans unconstructive policy. Azerbaijani forces attempted a sabotage infiltration in the Armenian state border, south-east from Chinari village of Tavush province in the early morning of December 29. The Armenian Armed Forces have neutralized the Azerbaijan attacks. Azerbaijani forces were pushed back, suffering losses and WIAs, including in the military positions. Three Armenian servicemen were killed. After 12 days of the failed sabotage infiltration attempt, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a statement stating that Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. Secretary of State cites progress by Obama administration on climate change, clean energy Outgoing Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday paid probably his last call as the US' top diplomat for continued efforts on climate change and clean energy, citing the critical role of US-China cooperation. In a speech at MIT, Kerry touted the major progress made by President Barack Obama's administration on climate change and clean energy, including the Paris climate agreement signed by 196 parties in December 2015. "We actually took major initiative in that when I went to China within a month and a half of becoming secretary of state, and improbably we engaged in a dialogue with the Chinese that moved us away from the failure of Copenhagen towards cooperation so that President Xi (Jinping) and President Obama could stand up a year later together in Beijing and announce our mutual intended reductions and our plans in order to deal with climate," Kerry said. "That changed the whole playing field." With Boston Mayor Marty Walsh in the audience, Kerry also noted the third annual US-China Climate Change Leaders' Summit to be held in the city this year. Kerry and Walsh announced the third meeting in June last year during the second summit in Beijing. The first summit took place in September 2015 in Los Angeles. Kerry, who described himself soon to be "the most visible unemployed person in America," said he intends to stay involved as "Citizen Kerry". Progress in climate change and clean energy has been regarded by the Obama administration as its major legacy. Obama has mentioned it several times in his recent speeches and is likely to mention it again in his farewell speech in Chicago Tuesday night. On the White House website, it is one of the five areas in focus. The US-China cooperation on this front is also highlighted, including the joint announcement in November 2014 for the US to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 and for China to peak its carbon emissions around 2030 and increase its share of zero-carbon energy capacity to 20 percent. China-US cooperation in climate change has become a bright spot in recent years in a bilateral relationship that is deemed by many as the most consequential in the 21st century but is also haunted by deep distrust and mistrust on the geopolitical front. Kerry, while pointing out the health challenges facing China from the excessive burning of coal, also praised China's massive efforts in developing clean energy. "In fact, emerging economies like China, India and Brazil invested even more in renewable technologies last year than the developed world. China alone invested more than $100 billion," Kerry said. He said no nation will do well if it sits on the sidelines, choking on the fumes generated by obsolete technologies and failing to share in the benefits of the clean-tech explosion. The words may seem to be pointed at President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on Jan 20. During the presidential race, Trump described climate change as a hoax invented by the Chinese and said he would cancel the Paris agreement. He also blamed Obama's clean energy policy for slowing business growth and job creation. After winning the election, Trump has changed his tone and said he would keep an open mind on the Paris agreement. Several of Trump's nominations are regarded by critics as having a bad record on the climate and clean energy. They include Kerry's possible successor Rex Tillerson, a former CEO of Exxon Mobil, whose hearing is set for Wednesday, and Scott Pruitt, Trump's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Kerry said he is "not going to speculate about the politics that our president-elect and secretary of state will choose to pursue". "Climate change shouldn't be a partisan issue," Kerry said. "It's an issue that all of us should care about, regardless of political affiliation." "China is now the world's largest emitter, it's a huge market, it has the bandwidth to do this in diplomatic and scientific terms, so it's not going to be the case that if the US walks away that the mechanism will collapse," Bruce Jones, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, wrote on the institution's website on Saturday. "What will happen is that the mechanism will continue and the US will not be a leader; China will lead," he said. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com Li Qiangmin, China's consul general in Houston, met with Houston Police Department (HPD) Chief Art Acevedo last Friday to express his concern over the recent shooting death of a PetroChina employee who was also a Chinese citizen. The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially released by the police, has been identified by online social media as Bo Meng. She was an employee of PetroChina International (America) Inc in Houston. Earlier police reports said that Bo was shot to death on the night of Dec 26 at 680 West Sam Houston Parkway South, a gated apartment complex. Initially described by police as being in her early 20s, Bo was in fact 30 years old. Li urged the police department to do its best to solve the crime as soon as possible. Li also expressed the hope that the HPD would take effective measures to prevent crimes targeting Chinese. Chief Acevedo expressed his condolences over the death of the Chinese citizen and said the HPD took the case very seriously and will do its best to apprehend the perpetrator. He also said the department would keep the consulate updated on the progress of the case. Li Shaolin, president of PetroChina International America, said some Chinese media reports of the case contained false information and speculation. "We reserve our legal rights against such false reports," said Li. According to Li, Bo went shopping on that Monday and was shot when she got back to the parking lot of her apartment building. "She was the victim of a random crime," Li said. Li said Bo, a graduate of Renmin University of China, had worked at PetroChina's office in Beijing for a few years before being transferred to the Houston location in May. She worked in human resource management. Li also said that the parents of the victim were in the process of getting visas to come to Houston. "We are deeply saddened by the crime," said Li. "Our employees have initiated a fundraising drive to post a reward with Crime Stoppers for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s). No suspects have been arrested so far. Police urge people with any relevant information to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. mayzhou@chinadaily.com.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to shed light on China's role in the evolving global geopolitical structure at the upcoming annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Klaus Schwab, founder and Executive Chairman of the Geneva-based international organization, said on Tuesday. A man walks at the main entrance of the congress center where the World Economic Forum takes place in Davos, Switzerland, in this file photo taken on Jan 18, 2016. Schwab told a press conference that Xi would deliver the opening address of the annual event, which this year has attracted more than 3,000 global leaders from politics, business, the media and academia. It will run from January 17-20. "President Xi's participation is quite relevant to the theme of the forum, which is Responsive and Responsible Leadership," said Schwab, who recalled that the WEF has enjoyed a very close relationship with China since 1979 when he first visited the country. He said the world is in transition into a multi-polar geopolitical and economic structure and China now equals the United States in terms of economic power. "I foresee that President Xi will be showing that China will play a positive role in global affairs at the forum," said Schwab. In addition to President Xi's message, Schwab said that China will all send strong business delegations and senior officials to Davos. "We want to make more and more political and business leaders from China engage the participants of this forum," he added. Before Davos, Xi will be paying a state visit to Switzerland on 15-16 January. He is scheduled to visit the Lausanne-based International Olympics Committee and the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva, and speak at the high-level conference at the United Nations Office in Geneva before wrapping up his first overseas tour in 2017. Over 70 countries including all G20 countries are sending delegations to Davos. The new Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, along with heads of key international organizations, will be present at the forum. The organizers say that within the theme of Responsive and Responsible Leadership, the annual meeting will focus on four critical leadership challenges for 2017 re-imagining global cooperation, revitalizing the global economy, reforming capitalism and preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In keeping with the theme and its four challenges, over half of the 400 sessions on the programme at this year's meeting will address the issues of social inclusion and human development. Schwab said the world is changing at unprecedented speed and a new model of responsive and responsible leadership is needed to allow it to address the challenges faced, from security to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with long-term, action-oriented thinking and solidarity on a national and global level. Professor Barry Eichengreen of Berkeley claims that the diversification of international reserve currencies will force the dollar to share the current role with the Euro and the Yuan. Eichengreen acknowledges that 85 percent of international transactions are converting dollar prices half of the worlds public debt is in dollars, and more than 60 percent of the reserves central banks hold are in dollars. This shows the hegemony the dollar has had so far, but the author notes that the fiscal and monetary irresponsibility U.S. has had is partly due to the benign neglect of the FED: public debt represents 75% of GDP and is dangerously close to the ceiling authorized by law. In particular, many U.S. leaders still do not believe in a future crisis. However, the Chinese are willing to come to the aid of the United States. Meanwhile, the euro is in crisis, but the governments involved have taken serious fiscal adjustments to continue the monetary union, while the United States maintains and persists that tax cuts are the way to go. In the last year, Yuan-denominated deposits in Hong Kong banks have quadrupled. 70,000 Chinese companies are doing cross-border transfers in RMB, dozens of foreign companies have called in RMB bonds in China, and in January, the Central Bank of China began Yuan deposits in New York. Chinese authorities have promised that by 2020, Shanghai will be an international financial center and will be first class at the last meeting of the G-20. It is proposed to add the Yuan to be used by the IMF to calculate the value of the SDR. No one can propose that replacing the dollar is going to happen in that moment, but after the declaration of non-convertibility by President Nixon in 1971, a long process has been brewing that will lead to a multi-polarity exchange. In fact, it is one that is beginning to attract financial stress across the globe. If you recall, the pound was linked to the gold standard in 1870, but began to see its bases cracked when it was used to finance World War I. England formally declared its non-convertibility in 1931 in the midst of the Great Depression. When the ballroom doors opened, the sound of singing poured out into the foyer. The student body of the four Aleph ordination programs -- rabbinic pastor, rabbinic, cantorial, and (the newest addition) spiritual directorship/hashpa'ah -- was gathered inside, singing "bruchim ha-ba'im b'shem Adonai" (and the feminine version, "bruchot ba-ba'ot..."), "welcome are you who come in God's name." They sat in a great circle, around a smaller circle of outward-facing chairs. One by one, the new students (I think there were fourteen of us) walked through the double doors into the ballroom. We each stood a moment beneath a rainbow tallit, held up by four posts festooned with ribbons, breathing the experience in. And then we took our seats in the inner circle of chairs, facing out toward the outer circle where the students sat and sang. We introduced ourselves -- who we are, where we're from, what program we're each beginning. Then the current students circled us slowly, singing to us, pausing to clasp our hands and hug us and welcome us quietly in their own words. Friends and strangers murmured blessings in my ear, and if I was a little bit weepy by the end of that part of the ceremony, at least I wasn't alone. Then we joined the larger circle, and the six students who would receive smicha later in the day moved into the center. One by one, six current students rose to give them each a blessing. The blessings were personal, deep, revelatory, powerful. After each, we sang a little bit, as if to seal the words and their intent. At the close, those six on the cusp of ordination stood beneath the chuppah together, arms around one another, and we showered them with blessings and with song and with applause. There's a sweet symmetry to having one ceremony for these two purposes: welcoming new students, and celebrating those who are about to relinquish student status. All we who are crossing the threshold, whether coming or going. How tremendously fortunate I am to have such good role models walking ahead of me; how blessed I feel to be on this path. Technorati tags: religion, Judaism, JewishRenewal. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is hopeful the OSCE co-chairs will be consistent in immediately strictly responding to each manifestation of the use of force or the threat of use of force in the conflict zone, especially when the ceasefire violations result in casualties. It cannot be allowed for the delayed response to be perceived by the violator as if its actions can be tolerated, foreign minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian told ARMENPRESS. - How would you comment on the announcement of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs regarding the attempted Azerbaijani sabotage attack on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border? - What the co-chairs are speaking about has been always consistently voiced by us. We agree with them, that ceasefire violations are unacceptable. We agree, that the Vienna and St. Petersburg agreements must unconditionally be realized, including, as mentioned by the co-chairs, to introduce a mechanism for ceasefire violation investigations in the shortest possible time. The co-chairing countries have numerously stated as to which side refuses the introduction of the mechanism, therefore, it is that side which bears the entire responsibility of incidents and ceasefire violations. Such a mechanism will enable to, as the co-chairs say, to get rid of mutual accusations. Although when an Azerbaijani saboteur is being eliminated in the Armenian posts it is clear for everyone without a mechanism as to who has attacked. We hope the co-chairs will be consistent in immediately strictly responding to each manifestation of use of force or the threat of use of force in the conflict zone, especially when ceasefire violations result in casualties. It cannot be allowed for the delayed response to be perceived by the violator as if its actions can be tolerated. As numerously stated by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, the unconditional adherence to the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements is mandatory, incidents resulting from their violations are unacceptable and are seriously harming the settlement process. In conditions when Azerbaijan is preventing the introduction of the investigation mechanism and expansion of the capacity of the team of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, the co-chairs remain the single format which can and must continue its preventive activity in accordance to its mandate. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are not, in fact, dealing with the Karabakh issue. The structures actions are directed towards alleviating the tension in the border, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan told a press conference in Armenpress, commenting on the latest statement of the Minsk Group. It is already several years the Co-Chairs, in reality, are not dealing with the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. It is obvious that at the moment, at this situation the settlement of the Karabakh conflict is impossible. The stances, approaches of the sides over the conflict settlement are so far from each other that combining them is quite difficult. Even sometimes dialogue is difficult between the sides. And it is already quite a long time the international community tries to reduce the risk factor in the border in order the violence to remain within some frames, he said. The political scientist stated that it will not be serious to say that at the moment the conflict is possible to settle. Currently the Co-Chairs are working on the path in order the April events not to be repeated and the violence to be maintained at some level. He said it is obvious that Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic do not need war. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group released a statement regarding the December 29 Azerbaijani infiltration attempt on the Armenian border. The full statement reads: Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijan serviceman killed in the fighting. Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable and are contrary to the acknowledged commitments of the Parties, who bear full responsibility, not to use force. The Co-Chairs urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to strictly observe the agreements reached during summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016, including obligations to finalize in the shortest possible time an OSCE investigative mechanism. The Co-Chairs also urge the return, without delay, of human remains, in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue. We call upon the Parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. The Co-Chairs extend their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and to all Armenians and Azerbaijanis for whom hopes for the New Year have been darkened with the grief of senseless loss. Equipment produced at Sai Gon Industry Corporation. HCM City will promote policies to boost industrial production. VNA/VNS Photo An Hieu HCM CITY The trade and industry sector in HCM City plans to offer more support to local companies this year, Pham Thanh Kien, director of HCM Citys Department of Industry and Trade, said at a meeting reviewing the sectors activities last year. Kien said that representatives from the trade and industry sector would revise their approach this year and hold direct discussions with company officials about their difficulties. In the past, companies which faced challenges had to visit his departments office. This year, the trade and industry sector targets reaching an industrial production index growth of 7 per cent, while retail and consumption value is expected to increase by 8-8.5 per cent. To reach the goal, Kien said his sector would focus on stabilising prices as well as the market, while developing domestic distribution systems and increasing exports. The department will also develop two sub-regions for the supporting industry, and with this investment, will aim to reach a localisation level of more than 65 per cent. With the goal of organising a model market selling safe and clean food by 2020, the city plans to develop industrial material sources for clean and safe processing. Le Thanh Liem, deputy chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, said at the meeting that he had given guidance to the city about the revised policy and goals. He said the industrial production index growth should be 8 per cent, while retail and consumption value must be 9 per cent. This growth would ensure that the city reach GDP growth of 8.3-8.7 per cent this year, Liem said. Last year, the sector had good growth, with the industrial production index gaining 7.3 per cent, an increase of 33 percentage points compared to the annual target. VNS HA NOI The Viet Nam Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) will mobilise VN5 trillion (US$242 million) for fibre, textile and garment development to boost this years production. Of the total mobilised capital, Vinatexs general director Le Tien Truong said, the parent company would finance projects worth around VN2.4 trillion, while the subsidiaries would fund projects for around VN3 trillion. In 2016, the group invested VN5.5 trillion in 41 projects, including 17 garment projects, nine industrial fibre manufacturing projects, nine textile dyeing projects and six machinery upgradation projects. According to Truong, Viet Nams textile industry exports in 2016 were estimated to touch $28.3 billion, up 5.7 per cent year-on-year, while Vinatexs exports reached $2.5 billion, up 5 per cent against 2015. As Vietnamese garment enterprises attempt to penetrate the foreign market, exports to key markets such as the US, EU, Japan and the Republic of Korea are rising, Truong said, adding that in 2017, Vinatex aims 14 per cent growth in industrial production value, an increase of 11 per cent in exports and a rise of 12 per cent in revenue, compared to 2016. VNS HA NOI The nation celebrated the 67th Vietnamese Students Traditional Day (January 9) with several programmes and activities, including awards given to students with outstanding academic and extra-curricular records. The special day marks a nationwide mass demonstration by Vietnamese students in 1950, protesting US intervention in support for the French during the first Indochina war In Ha Noi, a commemoration ceremony was organised at the Banking Academy. At the event, students, students groups and youth union activists were honoured with the Sinh Vien 5 Tot (Five-Virtues Student) and the Sao Thang Gieng (January Star) awards. These prestigious awards are granted annually by the Viet Nams Students Association. The five-virtues award are given to those who study well, display good morals, maintain good health and integration, and do good volunteering work; while the January Star awards are given to individual students, students groups and youth union activists with excellent academic and work records. Event organisers also launched an English proficiency contest for students of the capital city. The same day, the Ha Noi Students Association held the opening ceremony of the 4th Capital City Students Festival. The festival attracts thousands of students from 60 colleges, universities and academies within the city. It includes a variety of activities, including an exhibition presenting students creativity, startups, seminars and a finale featuring a students music band contest. Since its establishment, the Viet Nams Students Association has grown into a bridge connecting generations of Vietnamese students. It has over 1.4 million members, both within and outside the country. VNS PARIS A smash-hit Paris show of one the worlds greatest private collections of modern art is to be extended after 600,000 people flocked to see it in just 10 weeks. Icons of Modern Art at the Louis Vuitton Foundation features the cream of the staggering collection of 250 paintings put together by Sergei Shchukin before the Bolshevik Revolution, which had never before been seen outside Russia. The show includes 29 works by Picasso, 22 by Matisse, 12 by Gauguin and other top-notch Cezannes and Van Goghs that the super-rich textile merchant picked up on trips to Paris before World War I. With 60,000 people a week flocking to the spectacular though relatively modest-sized private gallery designed by Frank Gehry, its hours are being extended to try to cope with the demand, with doors opening seven days a week until 11:00 pm (2200 GMT) in February. In the final week of the extended run, which ends on March 5, the foundation in the west of the French capital will stay open till 1am. The gallery - paid for by the French luxury goods tycoon Bernard Arnault - will lay on a breakfast every morning for visitors in the final week when doors open at 7am, it said. Magritte blockbuster That could end up amounting to quite a mountain of croissants as the shows attendance is already outstripping the blockbuster Magritte exhibit at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, which is currently pulling in 6,000 people a day. As well as the impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces, the exhibition also includes 30 major pieces from the Russian avant-garde suprematist and constructivist movements, loaned by the Tretyakov State Gallery in Moscow and the Russian Museum in St Petersburg. Shchukin, who fled Russia for France after the revolution, had a particularly close relationship with Henri Matisse, whom he brought to Moscow in 1911 to decorate his palatial home. He also commissioned two of the artists most important works, The Dance and Music, which are the centrepieces of the Paris show, curated by the former head of the citys Picasso Museum, Anne Baldassari. Lenin himself signed the decree to expropriate the works, before Stalin scattered the collection to museums in Moscow and St Petersburg, condemning some of the greatest masterpieces of 20th-century art as "bourgeois and cosmopolitan". The exhibition is the fruit of years of negotiations between LVMH boss Arnault and the Russian authorities, with a partnership agreement signed last year between the foundation and the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and Moscows Pushkin Museum. AFP LONDON Men and women are sashaying down catwalks together at London Fashion Week, in a shake-up of tradition backed by celebrated designers including Vivienne Westwood. The 75-year-old style icon is no stranger to challenging fashion formats - turning a 2015 London show into an anti-austerity and climate change march -- and deemed her latest move a response to the unisex reality of fashion. "My very first fashion shows were always men and women. Its particularly unisex now because this time youve got lots of men in dresses. "Youve seen women for a hundred years in trousers but its all switched around equally now," Westwood said, as her new autumn-winter 2017 collection hit the catwalk at the Seymour Leisure Centre in Londons Marylebone neighbourhood. Westwood is not unique in choosing to unite her menswear and womenswear collections on the catwalk -- at least 10 houses have used Fashion Week in London to present collections for both genders. While London may not have the glamour of Paris, Milan or New York, it is certainly making the most of its experimental reputation. Within the fashion world this mixing of mens and womens shows has been dubbed "co-ed" -- a play on the "coeducational" term used for mixed schools. Fashion for a worldwide audience This shift in strategy is changing the way fashion houses run their business, including Burberry. The British fashion heavyweight announced in 2016 it would cut its runway schedule from four to just two shows a year. Burberry said it aimed to create a "seasonless, immediate, and personal" format with the change, with the collection available in-store and online immediately after the show. "The changes we are making will allow us to build a closer connection between the experience that we create with our runway shows and the moment when people can physically explore the collections for themselves," said Christopher Bailey, Burberry CEO. In essence, fashionistas of the 21st century are demanding much quicker access to collections. In the same spirit, Burberry has merged its three lines (Brit, London and Prorsum) to create one label, which the fashion house said was "designed for a worldwide audience". Paul Smith has also followed the trend and, while absent from London, it will present both its mens and womens collections in Paris on January 22. The fashion house has been creating menswear since 1970, with womenswear launching in 1994, and it said combining them was "a natural step to reinforce the correlation between the two lines. Paris will also see Kenzo, part of the LVMH group, unite its mens and womens collections after first testing the formula last June. Virtually impossible to create separate shows For Hywel Davies, fashion programme director at Londons prestigious Central Saint Martins design school, the "co-ed" trend is both a financially-sound move but also fits in with the industrys openness to change. "It is about the industry looking how to best present their vision and putting mens and women show together makes commerce sense. Why pay for two shows when you can communicate your message in one?" he said. "I think it is a positive thing that the fashion industry is constantly chaining and looking at new ways of communicating its ideas. Change is good. It would be great if more fashion brands considered other ways of presentation instead of just catwalk shows," Davies added. Financially necessity is even more relevant for smaller brands, such as Sibling, a funky brand created by three British designers which moved to mixed shows with its spring-summer 2015 collection. Creating a show for both mens and womens collections is "a much more realistic process, as well as from a production and design point of view", said Sid Bryan, one of the labels stylists. "The timeframe work into a January show and a February show, with men followed straight by women, is virtually impossible. Were a small team," he said. AFP YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Karen Nazaryan on January 9 held a meeting with MEP Frank Engel, press service of the MFA told Armenpress. During the meeting issues related to the EU-Armenia partnering relations, the negotiation process on Armenia-EU new framework agreement, the ongoing sectoral dialogue and other issues were discussed. By the MEPs request, the Deputy FM presented the current level and development prospects of EU-Armenia relations. They also stressed the necessity to consistently implement Armenia-EU cooperation agenda issues. In the context of the efforts made by Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group on eliminating the consequences of Azerbaijans April aggression and moving forward the negotiation process, the Deputy FM and MEP Franc Engel attached importance to raising awareness over the issue in the European Parliament and the European public opinion. They also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments. President Tran ai Quang hosted a reception in Ha Noi yesterday for the newly-accredited Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam, Kunio Umeda. VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang HA NOI President Tran ai Quang hosted a reception in Ha Noi yesterday for the newly-accredited Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam, Kunio Umeda. President Quang highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Japan in politics, economics and trade thanks to the regular exchange of high-level delegations. He said Japan is one of Viet Nams leading trade partners, and thanked Japan for its continued provision of official development assistance (ODA). The President recalled his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the APEC Summit 2016 in Peru, during which the two leaders discussed in depth various avenues of cooperation and achieved agreement on issues of mutual concern. He stressed that the upcoming first-ever visit to Viet Nam by the Japanese Emperor and Empress will be one of the most important events in the bilateral relationship this year. Vietnamese agencies are coordinating with the Japanese Foreign Ministry to prepare the visit, President Quang added. For his part, Japanese Ambassador Kunio Umeda said he expects to receive help from relevant Vietnamese agencies to fulfill his mission. VNS The States responsibility for compensating those whove been wrongfully convicted was the hot topic as the 14th National Assembly Standing Committee opened its sixth session yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Trong uc HA NOI The States responsibility for compensating those whove been wrongfully convicted was the hot topic as the 14th National Assembly Standing Committee opened its sixth session yesterday. Regulations on the administration of military tribunals, disciplinary action against retired officials and capital allocation for major projects are other topics that will be discussed during the three-day session. NA deputies will give their opinions on eight laws; the amended Law on State Compensation, the amended Law on Legal Support, Law on Foreign Trade Management, Law on supporting SMEs, Law on Planning, the amended Law on Management and Use of State Property, Law on Management and Use of Weapons and Explosives, and Law on Guard Force. The NA Standing Committee will also comment on the list of mid-term public investment projects identified for implementation in the 2016-2020 five-year period, as well as specific capital allocations thereof. The deputies will also discuss procedures relating to the parliaments supervisory functions, the National Assembly Standing Committee and National Assembly delegations; and regulations on co-ordination between the Supreme Peoples Court and the Minister of National Defence in the administration of military tribunals. Commenting on the amended Law on State Compensation at yesterday mornings session, Le Huu The, deputy head of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy, said the most difficult task was calculating the amount of compensation, because current regulations do not mention it specifically. The lack of criteria to set compensation levels meant that most cases dragged on for a long time, he added. Nguyen Hoa Binh, Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court, said compensation for wrongful conviction in the case of Nguyen Thanh Chan had become a precedent for subsequent compensation agreements. Those who were wrongfully convicted typically used this case as a basis for calculating their damage claims, which led to quite high compensation levels. However, if criteria set by the Ministry of Finance was applied, those wrongfully convicted would get very limited compensation, he said, citing Huynh Van Nens case as an example. Many NA deputies agreed that the damage caused needs to be quantified as a basis for calculating compensation levels. They also agreed that the agency responsible for the final decision leading to wrongful conviction must also be responsible for apologising and paying compensation on behalf of the State. The stressed the need to distinguish between compensation and reimbursement. In principle, the State must pay compensation to those who have suffered injustice. Later, reimbursement of the compensation amount can be calculated, with staff responsible for the wrongful conviction asked to pay it, get transferred or have their wages reduced. National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu said most NA deputies agreed that the agency that took the decision leading to a wrongful conviction must take the responsibility for compensation and apologise for its error, but agencies conducting the proceedings should also take responsibility. Most deputies disagreed with the idea of setting up an independent compensation fund, saying State agencies must utilize the State budget for this purpose. During the session, NA deputies also discussed the Law on Legal Support. They noted that there were 73 highly experienced individuals providing legal aid without receiving any formal training in law. Most of these were leaders of centres providing legal aid, assigned the task by agencies other than the justice sector. To standardise the criteria, the NA Standing Committee proposed that such people should be required to acquire formal lawyer certification within three years of the amended law taking effect. Regarding the draft amended law on legal aid, most of the participants agreed on the revisions. National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu recommended that relevant authorities and agencies continue to deal with current shortcomings, and report their analysis and proposals to the NA Standing Committee before submitting them to the National Assembly. VNS President Tran ai Quang receives Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Samdech Sar Kheng in Ha Noi yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang HA NOI President Tran ai Quang lauded the collaboration between Viet Nams Public Security Ministry and Cambodias Ministry of Home Affairs as well as their co-operation plan for 2017 during a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Samdech Sar Kheng in Ha Noi yesterday. The President said that the two ministries thriving ties reflected the effective cooperation between Viet Nam and Cambodia in protecting national security and social order and safety in each country, strengthening peace and stability in the region and the world. He expressed hope that the two sides will continue fostering their partnership, while supporting each other in fulfilling all tasks assigned by their Parties, States and people. The State leader spoke highly of the Cambodian Governments policy of not allowing hostile forces to use its territory to harm peace, security and stability of other countries, and any extremist forces to incite national enmity. He thanked the Cambodian side for its support for Vietnamese people in Cambodia to stabilise their lives, as well as its co-operation in border demarcation and border marker planting. He affirmed the Vietnamese Party, State and peoples thankfulness to the Cambodian people for their support in the past struggle for independence and the current national construction. Samdech Sar Kheng said that in order to implement co-operation between the two countries more effectively, Cambodia plans to hold a conference on the development of localities along the Viet Nam-Cambodia border. His country is discussing the idea with Viet Nam, he added. The Cambodian Deputy PM said that his visit is an opportunity to express his sincere gratitude to the Party, State and people of Viet Nam for saving Cambodian people from the genocidal catastrophe caused by the Khmer Rouge regime. Without the victory on January 7, 1979, the Cambodian people would have no happiness today, he stated. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed Viet Nams policy of reinforcing the traditional friendship with Cambodia in a meeting with Samdech Sar Kheng yesterday. PM Phuc said that the public security forces of the two countries should increase all-level delegation exchanges, while promoting existing co-operation mechanisms. They need to consistently pursue the principle of not allowing any hostile forces to use either countrys territory to harm the others peace, security and stability, he said, adding that they should co-ordinate closely to foil all schemes of hostile forces and those who harm the interests and security of each country. The PM also proposed that the Cambodian side create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country to settle, strengthening bilateral ties. For his part, Samdech Sar Kheng noted that Cambodias Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam have enjoyed fruitful co-operation, especially in the past decade. The two sides have collaborated in ensuring a shared border of peace, security, friendship and co-operation, he said, thanking the Vietnamese side for its support in material, personnel training and experience sharing. Claiming that the crime situation is becoming more complicated, he stressed the need for the two ministries to further their ties. HCM CITY HCM City officials have asked telecommunications companies to redesign or replace more than 5,000 base transceiver stations (BTSs) located on top of houses and other buildings. Under a plan to improve telecommunications and technical infrastructure by 2025, the city has asked the companies to redesign 1,475 BTSs into compact or disguised forms from this year to 2020. The target is 3,742 BTSs by 2025, with a priority given to those located in the city centre and 13 inner-city districts, according to the city authority last week. To save space, the city has asked telecom companies to incorporate an integrated antenna system, including road signs, traffic signals and public lights on BTSs. Some of the BTSs would be located on pavements and traffic roundabouts, and later, trees would be planted in the areas. The city has also encouraged telecom companies to share BTSs to save costs as well as limit the number of BTSs. A representative from the Department of Information and Telecommunications, which acts as a consultant for the city, said the department had planned years ago to redesign BTSs but little had been done. In June, the plan to improve telecommunications infrastructure by 2025 was approved by the citys Peoples Committee. The plan aims to improve the urban landscape and ensure sustainable development of telecom infrastructure. The designs for the BTSs must conform strictly to city regulations in terms of shape, height and width. In recent years, a boom in information and telecom demand has led to an increasing number of BTSs in the city, most of which are bulky and poorly designed. Some BTSs have fallen over during storms or high winds. In April, the Department of Information and Telecommunications sent 16 BTS designs to telecom companies for reference and application. However, a representative of a telecommunication equipment firm, who declined to be named, said: We have not received any information about the plan. VNS A NANG The defence ministries of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia will step up military co-operation via programmes to be implemented this year. The agreements, boosting long-standing ties of friendship between the three countries, mark ongoing visits (January 8-11) by Lao and Cambodian defence ministers to the central city of a Nang. In separate talks, Vietnamese defence minister General Ngo Xuan Lich and his counterparts Lao Minister of National Defence, General Senior Lieutenant Chansamone Chanyalath and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Tea Banh reviewed 2016 and discussed measures to boost defence co-operation in 2017. Yesterday morning, Lich expressed high appreciation of efforts made by defence ministries of Viet Nam and Laos in 2016, especially in education and communications, and highlighted the special friendship among the soldiers of both countries. The two sides also agreed that this year will be a crucial milestone in bilateral relationship when Viet Nam and Laos mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and 40 years of the Viet Nam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation. The two ministers agreed to boost exchanges on defence policy at the deputy ministerial level and to step up military education and training, intelligence sharing, exchanges between young officers and friendship border meetings. They also agreed to strengthen joint actions in drug trafficking, smuggling and illegal transport of timber, and bolster border security. The Lao defence delegation later visited the a Nang Peoples Committee. VN-Cambodia milestone In talks held later yesterday, Lich noted that this year will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Cambodia. He thanked the Cambodian Government and Defence Ministry for supporting Viet Nam in its search for and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts whod sacrificed their lives in Cambodia. General Tea Banh expressed his gratitude for the strong support that the Vietnamese Army and people have given to the Cambodian people in liberating the country from the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime in the past, as well as the assistance provided at present. He said the Cambodian Army and people will always appreciate their longstanding friendship an d neighbourliness with the Vietnamese Army and people. Cambodia will do its best to boost the ties of friendship, he added. The two ministers agreed to continue implementing bilateral co-operation plans, focusing on defence delegation exchanges, joint-patrols in the sea as well as the search for and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in wars. They would also step up efforts to ensure security, stability and peace in border areas, the ministers said. The Cambodian defence delegation is also set to visit Vung Tau and HCM City in the coming days. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Environmental and Natural Resources will inspect projects that have high potential for causing severe environmental pollution to ensure that they are adhering to the law in 2017. Environmental and natural resources minister Tran Hong Ha issued Document No. 60, which orders the leaders of cities and provinces to collaborate to conduct these inspections. Sectors that will come under the radar include textile dyeing, metallurgy and the production of chemicals, paper, pulp, cassava, rubber, sugarcane, leather and thermal power, the document states. The ministry, along with provinces and cities, will inspect all industrial units that discharge 200cu.m or more of waste water, except those that have already been inspected in 2016. The ministry will also inspect the implementation of administrative procedures on land, with a focus on procedures of acquisition, compensation and support for people whose properties have been recovered by the government, forcing them to resettle in new places. It will also look into procedures of land allocation, land lease, transfer of land-use purposes, initial land registration, registration of land alteration and registration of certificates of land use rights for organisations, households and individuals. Inspections will be conducted at quarries and mines so that all laws are followed in the management, exploration, exploitation and use of stones as building materials. The ministry will also inspect the state management of water resources and the exploration, exploitation and use of water resources by a number of organisations and individuals. The operating procedures that involve different reservoirs in river basins will also be checked. VNS HA NOI One person died and another went missing after their boat flipped over in the ay River on Monday afternoon. The accident occurred at about 3.30pm on Monday when the boat weighing up to 300 tonnes was carrying rocks on the ay River section through Yen Phu Commune, Y Yen District of northern Nam inh Province, close to Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. At 7.15pm the same day, Ninh Binh Province police announced that the body of a man named Nguyen Van Thuong, 32, was pulled out from the river. Thuongs wife, also on board at the time of the accident, was still missing. According to the initial investigation, the two victims were the boats owners, with residency registration in Nghia Hung District in Nam inh Province. The boat did not collide with any other waterway vehicle at the time of the accident. The authorised agency is continuing the investigation and its search for the missing woman. VNS AK LAK Two commune land officers in Buon Ma Thuot City in the Central Highlands province of ak Lak have received a disciplinary warning over their involvement in the illegal construction of the oi Thong Tourism Area, the Giao Thong (Transport) newspaper reported. Vu Van Hung, vice chairman of Buon Ma Thuot Citys Peoples Committee, announced the punishment on Monday, which was in the form of a warning to the two officers Huynh Thanh Xuan in Tan Hoa Ward and Ho Thien Bac in Cu Ebur Commune. While working as commune land officers, Xuan and Bac lacked responsibility in overseeing and managing construction works and failed to timely consult relevant agencies to address illegal construction. They were found to have played a role in the construction of the oi Thong Tourism Area, which was being illegally built on farming land since the year 2000. The tourism area invested by Mehyco Limited Company covers an area of over 15,600sq.m, and so far, investors have built 29 works on an area of some 1,300sq.m. In September 2014, the company built a road leading to the tourism area; however, the road passed through the forest area under protection. The investors were fined for the illegal construction. However, until last month, ak Lak allowed the tourism area to remain operation because it was in line with the provinces tourism development plan until 2020 with vision to 2030. The move has, however, caused much public concern. VNS PHU YEN Two Filipino fishermen were handed over to the border guards of central Phu Yen Province yesterday after being rescued from the sea by a local fisherman. Nguyen Thai Hung, a fisherman residing in the provinces Tuy Hoa City, rescued the foreign fishermen in December 24, 2016, from the waters of the Song Tu Tay Island, part of the Truong Sa (Spartly) Archipelago. The foreign fishermen are Villardo C. Ruzr and Severino Noveras Camposano, both born in 1981. The provinces border guards said they had been drifting in the sea for seven days before being rescued by Hung. They were found in a state of exhaustion. They are now recovering after being cared for by members of Hungs fishing crew. The border guards are collaborating with the authorities to complete necessary procedures to return the fishermen to the Philippines. VNS A NANG Museums usually hold a fair share of historical treasures, but the Hoang Sa Museum being built in a Nang City, has received one that is particularly priceless. An American-Vietnamese collector, Tran Thang, has donated to the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Island District the Pattie De La Conchinchine, an 1827 map printed in the six-volume World Atlas (Atlas universel) by Belgium cartographer Phillippe Vandermaelen (1795-1869). The map, 1.2m wide and 0.85m high, is one of the most detailed maps indicating clearly Viet Nams sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracels) Islands. The map is part of many that Thang has collected in Europe and the US since 2012. The map, drawn by Philippe Vandermaelen, founder of the Belgium Royal Geographical Society, indicates that the central coast of Viet Nam stretched from the 12th parallel (in the area of what is Khanh Hoa Province now, to the 16th parallel (Quang Nam Province now)., The names used in the map are Bink-Knag, or Nhia Trang (Nha Trang City), and Champella (Cu Lao Cham or Cham Island). The map also shows Hoang Sa (Paracels) Islands offshore between the 14th and 17th latitudes, and from the 109th to 113th longitudes. The Hoang Sa (Paracels) Islands have been drawn in great detail accuracy, including Pattles, Duncan in the west; Tree and Lincoln, Bocher au dessas de leau in the east and Triton in the southwest near the 16th parallel, Investigateur in the south in the 14.5 parallel, and marking of a sea area 5m-10m deep to Quin Hone (Quy Nhon City in Binh inh Province now) in the 14th parallel. Ive spent a lot of time collecting old maps that state or identify Viet Nams sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracels) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagos. I wish to contribute more documents to the Hoang Sa Museum in a Nang City, Thang said. I have collected and donated 150 old maps, of which 80 Chinese maps indicate the frontier of Southern China is Hainan Island, and 50 indicate that the Paracels Archipelago belongs to Viet Nam, Thang said. Thang said the Pattie De La Conchinchine was a rare map printed early in the 19th century in great precision, using western written names of the islands in the Hoang Sa Archipelago. He said Conchinchine, a name used to indicate the central region of Annam (a French protectorate encompassing the central region of Viet Nam), was part of Annam, and Hoang Sa (Paracels) was under sovereignty of Viet Nam at least from 19th century onwards. Thang, who is president of the Institute for Vietnamese Culture and Education (IVCE) in the US, said the 1827-printed Pattie De La Conchinchine also identified coastal islands of Cham Collac ou Champella (or Cu Lao Cham, or Cham Island off the coast of Hoi An city), and P.Canton ou Cacitam (Cu Lao Re, or Ly Son Island off the coast of Quang Ngai Province). Vo Ngoc ong, Chairman of the Hoang Sa (Paracels) Island District, said the map was a highly precious document for Hoang Sa Archipelago. Its a treasure for the Hoang Sa Islands. The map will enrich the store of documents and artifacts related to history of Hoang Sa Islands, and facilitate further studies on Viet Nams islands, ong said. Over three years (2012-2014), Thang had collected 150 old maps published between 1826 and 1980 in England, America, France, Germany and Scotland from antique shops in the US, England and Poland. Among the maps and atlases donated to the a Nang Museum are two Postal Atlas Maps of China published by the Directorate General of Posts, Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of China in 1919 (consisting of 49 maps), in 1933 (29 maps) and one Atlas of the Chinese Empire, published by the China Inland Mission in 1909 (23 maps). None of these three volumes list the Paracels and Spratlys in the maps and index pages. Tran uc Anh Son, deputy director of the a Nang-based Institute for Socio-Economic Development (ISED), said the collection of old maps was significant evidence that the two archipelagoes belonged to Viet Nam. "We can classify that the collection comprises three kinds of maps: 68 old maps of China showing that China did not have the Paracel and Spratlys islands; six maps that indicate those islands belong to Viet Nam; five maps of the Southeast Asian region that show Paracel and Spratly archipelagoes under Vietnamese sovereignty," Son said. He said the map collection had been displayed during the Sea and Islands Week held nationwide last year. Ly Son Island, 30km offshore from Quang Ngai Province, still preserves the Am Linh Pagoda, a place of worship for seamen dispatched to the Paracel Islands since the 17th century during the reign of the Nguyen Dynasty. A museum of the two archipelagoes displays over 200 ancient documents and 100 objects proving that the Paracel and Spratly archipelagoes belong to Viet Nam. In 2015, Da Nang presented a Certificate of Merit to Tran Thang for his donation of a 150 map collection. Last year, at a conference on Conflict in the South China Sea (called East Sea by Viet Nam) at the Yale University in Connecticut, the US, Thang also displayed a collection of 40 ancient maps indicating the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands belong to Viet Nam. The Hoang Sa Museum, under construction on the a Nang coast, stores collections of maps, documents, photos and objects on the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes. In its adjusted urban master plan until 2030 with a vision until 2050, the city will develop the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago on 30,500ha. The history of a Nang and its relationship with the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago was introduced into secondary and high school textbooks last year. VNS YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Expert on Turkish studies Ruben Safrastyan says the situation in Turkey will further worsen, reports Armenpress. We see that Turkish is changing, and these changes are taking place quite rapidly. President Erdogan is at the center of these, who as a personality, as an official is very unpredictable. Last year a sharp increase in terror attacks was recorded in Turkey which is related with Turkeys current foreign policy. For years Turkey has cooperated with, supported the Islamic State terrorist group but in recent years it changed its policy towards the IS. This resulted in counter reaction of the terrorist group, the expert told reporters. He said the IS will continue conducting terror attacks in Turkey. In fact, Turkey started cooperation with Russia on the Syrian issue, in other words, it decided to refuse from its ally, the IS, which created such changes in the countrys foreign policy. There is another problem as well: whether certain parts of Turkeys security service are not currently cooperating with the IS? Yes, for years they have closely cooperated with the IS, and we can suppose that it is this cooperation that allows them to conduct terror attacks, Ruben Safrastyan said. DAMASCUS Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to retake an area that supplies Damascus with water and rejected any negotiations on his departure at upcoming talks in Kazakhstan. Millions of people have been without water for weeks after fighting damaged key infrastructure in the Wadi Barada region outside Damascus that is the main water source for the capital. The government says former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front, known previously as Al-Nusra Front, is present in Wadi Barada, and blames rebels there for cutting water to Damascus since December 22. "The role of the Syrian Army is to liberate that area in order to prevent those terrorists from using that water in order to suffocate the capital," Assad told French media in an interview aired on Monday. Assads forces have been battling rebels in Wadi Barada for weeks and the fighting has continued despite the start on December 30 of a nationwide ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. Assad said the ceasefire was being "breached on a daily basis" and mainly around Damascus "because the terrorists occupy the main source of water" in Wadi Barada. He said "more than five million civilians have been deprived of water for the last three weeks" as a result of the fighting. The United Nations says 5.5 million people in and around Damascus are without water. Assad said that Fateh al-Sham is "occupying" the Wadi Barada region, 15km northwest of the capital. But rebels deny that the jihadists are in the area and say the water supply was severed after government strikes hit pumping facilities. Assad also insisted that the ceasefire does not include Fateh al-Sham or its formidable rival, the Islamic State group (IS). Regime forces and fighters from Lebanons Shiite movement Hezbollah on Monday clashed with rebels and some Fateh Al-Sham jihadists in the Wadi Barada area, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Also on Monday, the Observatory said IS had blown up a natural gas plant that supplied one-third of Syrias electricity. "In the past 48 hours, IS blew up the Hayyan gas plant in eastern Homs province, putting it totally out of order," said the Britain-based group that tracks the countrys civil war using sources on the ground. A source at the Syrian oil ministry confirmed the explosion to AFP. The plant had already ceased to operate one month ago, after the advance of the jihadists in the central region of Palmyra. Russia serious about talks Assad meanwhile rejected any negotiations towards his departure from power at talks set to be held in late January in Kazakhstans capital Astana. "My position is related to the constitution, and the constitution is very clear about the mechanism in which you can bring a president or get rid of a president," he said. "So, if they (the opposition) want to discuss this point, they have to discuss the constitution, and the constitution is not owned by the government or the president or by the opposition. "It should be owned by the Syrian people, so you need a referendum," he said. The Astana talks, organised by Russia and Iran and Turkey, aim to pave the way towards an end to a nearly six-year war that has killed 310,000 people and displaced millions. Assad has said Syrian forces are on their way to victory after they recaptured the northern city of Aleppo on December 22 with support from Moscow and Tehran. Opposition negotiator Basma Khodmani said "This time the Russians are serious and determined. They want to get out of the conflict. They have gone as far as it was in their interest to go on the military front." "They cant obtain a total victory as it would take years. They now want a political solution and this Astana meeting to be credible." AFP MEXICO CITY Mexicos new foreign minister vowed on Monday that his country will negotiate with US President-elect Donald Trumps administration "without fear". President Enrique Pena Nieto brought former finance minister Luis Videgaray back to his cabinet last week to seek "constructive" relations with Trump, who has vowed to upend trade ties with Mexico. Videgaray had resigned as finance minister in September, a week after it was revealed that he orchestrated a much-criticised pre-election meeting between Trump and Pena Nieto in Mexico City. "We will negotiate with great confidence in ourselves, without fear, knowing how important Mexico is for the United States in economic, social and political terms," Videgaray said at a meeting with Mexican ambassadors. Trump has angered Mexicans with his anti-immigrant rhetoric and his vow to make the neighboring country pay for a giant wall along their border. The Republican billionaire, who takes office on January 20, has also caused the peso to plunge as investors fret over his plan to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada. He has also pledged to slap import tariffs of as much as 35 per cent on companies that ship jobs abroad. Trump made similar threats to US auto-maker General Motors and Japans Toyota last week for making cars in Mexico, while Ford announced the cancellation of a new US$1.6 billion factory in the neighbouring country. Despite concerns about Trumps protectionist policies, exports of Mexican-made cars to the United States rose by 9.6 per cent in December compared to the same month in 2015, according to the Mexican Automobile Industry Association (AMIA). Trump was elected on November 8. AMIA president Eduardo Solis said the United States would have to withdraw from NAFTA in order to impose tariffs because the pacts rules keep such import taxes for cars at zero per cent. The Mexican government could also take legal action at the World Trade Organisation if tariffs of more than 2.5 per cent are imposed on light vehicles and 25 per cent on pickup trucks, Solis said. The five biggest exporters of Mexican-made cars by volume in 2016 were GM, Nissan, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and Volkswagen, while Toyota was eighth. AFP UNITED NATIONS, United States UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday will deliver his first address to the Security Council since taking office, making the case for a new, more assertive diplomacy backed by world powers. Guterres took over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1 with a pledge to shake up the world body and boost efforts to tackle global crises - from the carnage in Syria to the bloodshed in South Sudan. The former prime minister of Portugal and UN refugee chief faces a deeply divided Security Council which has been unable to take decisive action to end the war in Syria, now in its sixth year. "The greatest shortcoming of the international community today is its failure to prevent conflict and maintain global security," Guterres wrote in an op-ed published in the US magazine Newsweek on Monday. "Where wars are already raging, we need mediation, arbitration and creative diplomacy backed by all countries with influence," he added. The UN chiefs first formal appearance at the council will be during a debate on conflict prevention led by Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, whose country holds the council presidency this month. At least nine of the 15 council members will be represented at the ministerial level to hear Guterres lay out his action plan as the worlds diplomat-in-chief. Among the expected changes is a more hands-on approach from the new secretary general, in what is seen as a shift from Ban who left most of the mediation to his special envoys. Trouble from Trump? Complicating Guterres plan to revitalise UN diplomacy however is the question mark hanging over the foreign policy of the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump. Guterres spoke with Trump by phone last week and the conversation was described by a UN spokesman as "very positive" after the president-elect dismissed the world body as "just a club for people to get together and have a good time". After the council voted to demand an end to Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, Trump warned "as to the UN, things will be different after January 20th" when he takes over at the White House. In his first days in office, Guterres has stressed the need to reform the United Nations, a message that could win over the new leadership in Washington. In particular, he has ordered a review of the UN response to sexual abuse by peacekeepers - a move that will likely please US Republicans who complain loudly about US funding of UN missions. Guterres next week makes his first venture overseas as UN chief, heading to Geneva to shore up Cyprus peace talks and to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose support for the United Nations has been steadily growing. AFP Manhunt underway in officers killing ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) An Orlando police sergeant was shot and killed Monday after approaching a suspect wanted for questioning in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, and a second law enforcement officer was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to a massive manhunt for the suspect. More than a dozen schools were placed in lockdown during the manhunt, and authorities were offering a $60,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Markeith Loyd, 41, the suspect wanted in the killing of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton. Officers and deputies focused their manhunt on an apartment complex in northwest Orlando. Clayton, 42, was killed outside a Wal-Mart store early Monday. Airport shooting suspect in court FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) The Iraq war veteran held in the fatal shooting of five people inside Fort Lauderdales airport was appointed a federal public defender on Monday after telling a judge he has no job and only $5 or $10 in the bank. Esteban Santiago, 26, spoke clearly during a brief hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Valle, who ordered him held until his next hearings. Shackled in a red jumpsuit in the heavily guarded federal courtroom, Santiago answered mostly yes or no and told the judge he understands the charges, which include violence against people at an international airport resulting in death. She told him the death penalty could apply. Chairlift death tied to electrical woes DENVER (AP) Investigators say electrical problems caused a chairlift at a small Colorado ski resort to hit a support tower and topple a Texas woman about 25 feet to her death. The chair carrying 40-year-old Kelly Huber and her two daughters hit the support tower at Ski Granby Ranch on Dec. 29, causing the family to fall onto hard-packed snow. The San Antonio woman was killed, and her daughters, ages 9 and 12, were injured. The report didnt elaborate on the electrical problems. Dog gets stuck on mountain ledge SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A search and rescue team hiked up a steep, snowy Utah mountain in an attempt to rescue a dog that was stuck on a narrow ledge above a 50-foot cliff. The Utah County Sheriffs Office posted a video Monday showing highlights of the Friday operation that ended without getting the dog off the mountain near Provo, Utah. A member of the team rappelled down to try to lure the dog, named Mary, with food. But it never worked because she became skittish every time he got close. The saga had a happy ending Saturday when her owners called to say Mary made it down the mountain alone somehow. She had cuts to her paws, but was OK. DA: Rape hoax suspect was victim SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) A Southern California woman has been exonerated of charges she placed rape fantasy ads on Craigslist in order to get men to attack her ex-boyfriends new wife. Prosecutors now say it was the alleged victim in the case who was trying to frame her husbands ex by placing the malicious ads. The Orange County District Attorney announced Monday charges will be dropped for 30-year-old Michelle Susan Hadley of Ontario, Calif. Prosecutors instead charged Michelle Diaz, 31, of Arizona with kidnapping, false imprisonment and perjury. WATERLOO Authorities are investigating a fire that destroyed a Waterloo home early Monday. One firefighter fell through the floor at 718 W. Second St. when the floor collapsed, but he wasnt injured, said Battalion Chief Marty Freshwater with Waterloo Fire Rescue. He said no one was living at the home. A child living next door spotted flames coming from the house around 3:34 a.m. and alerted parents, Freshwater said. When firefighters arrived, flames were coming from the second-story windows. Inside the burning house, the fire had claimed the stairway, so crews had to climb ladders to reach flames in the upper level. Freshwater said the fire damaged the center of the first floor and then climbed into the second floor. He said the house is considered a total loss. According to property records, the house is owned by Lasha Dalrymple of Peoria, Ariz. Freshwater said a sister of the owner had been living there but had recently moved out. He said the house contained some of the sisters belongings. The house had utilities, but the furnace hadnt been working, and the water had been shut off because of a broken line, Freshwater said. Man arrested after robbery WATERLOO One man is in custody and a second is at large following a Sunday robbery. After the robbers threatened convenience store clerks with a gun, they allegedly went several blocks to another convenience store where they took a running truck, police said. Waterloo police arrested Daniel Joseph Buenneke, 24, of 606 Wellington St., for first-degree robbery, first-degree theft and operating a vehicle without owners consent. He was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail, and his bond is set at $37,000. Authorities said Buenneke and another man entered Alis West Side Liquor, 919 W. Fifth St., around 9:35 p.m. Sunday. The other man showed a handgun in his waistband and demanded money and cigarettes from the clerks. The gunman grabbed cigarettes and jumped over the counter to get a bottle of liquor before leaving. Then at 10:22 p.m. police were called to the Kwik Star at 506 W. Ninth St. for a stolen vehicle. The driver told officers he left his Chevrolet Silverado running when he entered the store to pay for gas, and the pickup truck was gone when he returned. The victim had left his phone in the truck, and police and the victim used a GPS program to locate the phone. This led them to an apartment building at 606 Wellington St. where another group of officers who were investigating the robbery had arrived a short time earlier. The officers investigating the robbery noticed Buenneke was wearing clothing similar to one of the robbers from the liquor store, court records state. Buenneke also was carrying tools from the stolen truck to his apartment, records state. Car chase ends with empty tank WATERLOO A Waterloo mans vehicle only got three blocks into an attempt to flee from police before it ran out of gas early Monday. The driver then took off on foot but was detained after being surrounded by officers. Jeremiah Lee Wroblewski, 38, of 616 Flower St., was arrested for felony eluding, interference and possession of methamphetamine. According to police, an officer stopped Wroblewskis Chevrolet Monte Carlo at Rhey and Lafayette streets after allegedly spotting him run a stop sign. When the officer walked up to the Monte Carlos drivers-side window, the vehicle took off, traveling more than 50 mph in a 25 mph residential area, court records state. Three blocks later, the Monte Carlo ran out of gas, and the driver began running and ignored officers commands to stop. He was arrested following a short foot chase. Police found a syringe loaded with methamphetamine during their investigation. Kiwanis Club will meet Wednesday CEDAR FALLS -- The Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers will meet at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Clarion Hotel, 5826 University Ave. Luke Wagner, one of the teacher leaders for the Cedar Falls Community Schools, will explain how Iowas Teacher Leader program works. Then he will demonstrate how he helps teachers learn to use technology in elementary classrooms to support their instructional goals. For more information, go to kiwanisroughrisers.org. Blood drive set for Wednesday WAVERLY -- An American Red Cross blood drive is set for 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Waverly Civic Center, 200 First St. N.E. To make an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767. Artists featured at Fayette gallery FAYETTE -- The 2016-2017 Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery featured artist schedule resumes Thursday with a pair of guests from Chicago. Anna Filbert and Lauren Meranda will open Make Play during a reception from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday. "Make Play" will remain open at through Feb. 10. AMVETS fish fry slated for Friday EVANSDALE -- The Evansdale AMVETS will serve a fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. The menu includes all-you-can-eat fish with fries and coleslaw. Eastern Star to hold installation WATERLOO -- The Cedar Valley No. 128 Eastern Star will host an open installation of 2017 officers at 2 p.m. Sunday at 607 Bishop Ave. Everyone is welcome. One of the projects for this year is to support the University of Iowa Wynn Institute of Vision for research to prevent and treat blindness caused by macular degeneration and glaucoma. OSAGE A Mason City nurse authorities say stole powerful painkillers from patients in two North Iowa health-care facilities faces criminal charges. Keri Lea Martinez, 33, was charged with four felony counts of prohibited acts, two misdemeanor counts of tampering with records and one misdemeanor count of fifth-degree theft. Martinez, who is free on bond, wasnt immediately available for comment Monday afternoon. Shes accused of taking Oxycodone pills from a resident at Osage Rehab twice in July, once by swiping a single pill from a delivery and once by creating a narcotics log that falsely reported the patient had two pills left when there should have been 16 pills, according to court documents. Martinez also is accused of taking Tramadol from a resident of Good Samaritan Society in St. Ansgar from Nov. 11-17 and replacing it with Tylenol. Investigators say she took Hydrocodone twice in November from the Good Samartian Society patient, and then signed documents indicating she had given it to the patient when she kept it for herself, according to court documents. DES MOINES Gov. Terry Branstad used his final Condition of the State speech Tuesday to urge the GOP-run Legislature to seize the opportunities to reshape government. This new General Assembly brings new dynamics, new expectations and new opportunities to deliver positive results for Iowans, Branstad said in delivering remarks to a joint legislative convention for the 22nd time in his run as the longest-serving governor in U.S. history. Branstad, who likely will leave office this year to become U.S. ambassador to China, spoke of past challenges and successes the state has seen while charting a new budget and future expectations for a smaller, smarter government to a statewide televised audience and a Legislature where Republicans control the Senate 29-20-1 and the House 59-40. Today, America and Iowa exist in a challenging world, he said. But we must seize the opportunity to make it a better place. Branstad called on lawmakers to re-examine the system whereby government delivers health benefits to its employees for savings and efficiencies, explore ways to make the states highways safer, establish a long-term funding stream to clean Iowas waterways, and beef up Iowas talent pipeline through workplace skills and educational innovations. The governor also spelled out ways to erase a roughly $110 million shortfall yet this fiscal year, and proposed a new two-year spending plan that included increased state aid to K-12 schools of $78.8 million for fiscal year 2018 and $63.5 million the following year. It prioritizes education, health care, economic development and public safety, Branstad said of his two-year budget blueprint, and it redirects family planning money to organizations that focus on providing health care for women and eliminates taxpayer funding for organizations that perform abortions. He said this years budget process should include a commitment to examine every dollar of revenue and expenditure in order to maximize efficiency and respect hardworking taxpayers with an eye on downsizing and streamlining government. We are committed to a smaller, smarter government that seeks innovative ways to provide services rather than blind adherence to the way things have always been done, the governor said. Im asking the General Assembly to take a comprehensive review of all of our states boards and commissions to address unnecessary barriers that prevent competition and raise costs, he added. I encourage you to ask the tough questions that challenge the status quo. One of the governors proposals called for changing the states antiquated collective bargaining system by establishing a single comprehensive statewide health care contract for public employees at the state and local level to spread the risk and dramatically reduce costs. Using a uniform health-care benefit system similar to the IPERS program for retirement we can provide quality health care at a significantly lower cost and give local governments more flexibility to provide better wages and meet other needs, he said. Branstad said he hoped 2017 would be the year to approve a bipartisan water-quality improvement plan that would provide funding for community conservation practices and improvements to wastewater and drinking water facilities via a long-term, dedicated and growing source of revenue. Branstad said a starting point of this years discussion could be a plan that won bipartisan support in the Iowa House last session that proposed to shift $478 million over 13 years to water quality projects from a water-metering tax and the gambling-funded state infrastructure account. Then-majority Senate Democrats balked at that plan fearing it would shift money from other priorities like education. During his remarks, Branstad called the rise in traffic deaths from 315 in 2015 to 402 in 2016 unacceptable in urging legislators to consider recommendations from public safety officials on ways to reverse a troubling trend. Modern technologies should come with new responsibilities, he said. I ask that all Iowans join the Iowa law-enforcement community, first responders, the League of Cities, all the major cell-phone carriers, the insurance industry, and the medical community in demanding real change in the laws for distracted and impaired drivers. To highlight past challenges the state has overcome, Branstad pointed to successes in Bloomfield, Woodbine and Waterloo and saluted leaders of those communities who were on hand in the House galleries for the governors speech. Similarly, Branstad recognized students from Des Moines, Bondurant-Farrar and Waukee who were on hand for his speech to emphasize the need for STEM and comprehensive computer science initiatives, work-based learning programs, and the administrations Future Ready Iowa effort that seeks to have 70 percent of Iowans in the workforce with education or training beyond high school by 2025. Branstad also paid tribute to his wife, Chris, for her patience and volunteer work, as well as his family for their sacrifices during his years of public service and the prayers and encouragement of friends he has made in Iowas 99 counties during his years in elective office. Ive been so blessed to serve as your governor, leading the state I love, for 22 years. I am confident Iowa will continue to move forward because Iowans care deeply about their neighbors, their communities and creating an even better future, he said. As I approach the U.S. Senate confirmation process my main priority is to continue serving the people of Iowa with the same energy and passion that I have brought to this office each and every day, he added in conclusion. DES MOINES In 1999, Iowans thought they heard Gov. Terry Branstads final Condition of the State address. Now, 18 years later, as the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, todays address to the 87th Iowa General Assembly will mark his farewell message. Branstad is expected to be confirmed as U.S. ambassador to China in the coming months. Branstad, 70, will deliver a speech that charts the opportunities facing the state and remembers past challenges. The theme of my speech is going to be smaller, smarter government, Branstad said. He noted that theme is a long-term favorite of Rep. Walt Rogers, R-Cedar Falls. Rogers said he gladly shared the phrase for the governors speech. Its been my mantra and desire since I got down here, so if we can get everyone moving that way I think it would be great, he said. The governor said his speech will be a little sentimental, highlighting communities like Bloomfield that have battled back from adversity. The session opened Monday with anticipation 2017 could be a historic year with Republicans controlling state government for the first time in two decades. Im very excited. Im very optimistic, the governor said. We have some tough decisions to make right up front. Trimming roughly $100 million in spending through June 30 will require reductions of up to 4 percent for some budget areas. But he has placed K-12 schools, local government tax credits and Medicaid funding off limits. He prefers layoffs over furloughs. He also plans to offer a full two-year budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 that includes up to 2 percent more funding for K-12 schools. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said the spending cuts will be the first item of action for the House. House Majority Leader Chris Hagenow, R-Windsor Heights, said he expects to take up the first year of K-12 funding this session but will wait on fiscal 2019. Branstad said he doesnt expect full agreement. I dont expect the Legislature is going to pass the budget just as I recommended. I think theyre going to adjust and change it. I think they may increase in some areas and reduce in some other areas. This is the legislative prerogative, he said. Ive said to them: If you have specific ideas or programs that you think could be eliminated, were all for that, were interested in that, he added. Thats part of our smaller, smarter government initiative. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Increasing tension in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, as well as in the border with Armenia, Azerbaijan aims to draw the international communitys attention on the Karabakh conflict, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan told a press conference in Armenpress, commenting on the recent Azerbaijani sabotage infiltration attempt at the Armenian border. In recent years Azerbaijan more and more intensifies the military operations in the border. For instance, nearly 6 or 7 years ago, there was a talk only about sniper war. Thereafter, sabotage attempts in the territory of Armenia, then the April war occurred and etc. All this is a tactic not a coincidence. All this is being calculated, he said. The political scientist said Azerbaijan, in fact, has no other tool to impact the situation created over the Karabakh issue. Azerbaijan works on the propaganda field which gives no result, thus, it fires at the border, creates tension in order to draw attention on the conflict. Moreover, by such actions the Azerbaijani leadership tries to draw the attention of the international community, Armenia and the Azerbaijani public, Iskandaryan said, stating that it is difficult to imagine that the situation in the border will sharply change in near future. In response to the question what is the probability of the repetition of April events, Iskandaryan said it is related with the oil prices. In reality, Azerbaijan spent huge resources and money for the April attack, but, in fact, it received nothing. Commenting on the CSTO Secretary Generals statement over the recent Azerbaijani sabotage infiltration attempt on Armenias border, the political scientist said first of all it aimed to restrain Azerbaijan. As for the view that the Nagorno Karabakh Republic word was mentioned in the statement, Iskandaryan said this must also be viewed in the context of restraint. It is not serious to think about the recognition of Karabakh by the CSTO. CSTO is a structure where all countries involved have their own interests, Iskandaryan stated. Azerbaijani forces attempted a sabotage infiltration in the Armenian state border, south-east from Chinari village of Tavush province in the early morning of December 29. The Armenian Armed Forces have neutralized the Azerbaijan attacks. Azerbaijani forces were pushed back, suffering losses and WIAs, including in the military positions. Three Armenian servicemen were killed. 12 days after the failed sabotage infiltration attempt, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a statement stating that Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. DES MOINES Gov. Terry Branstad has proclaimed January as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month. He highlighted the work of the Network Against Human Trafficking for the past 10 years. He also noted he signed bipartisan legislation to create the Office to Combat Human Trafficking in the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The office was the result of repeated legislative actions to create stronger enforcement laws that punish human trafficking. When the network began 10 years ago, human trafficking was not recognized as a problem in Iowa. Thankfully, that has now changed and the response by Iowa communities and government agencies has greatly increased, said George Belitsos, chairman of the Network Against Human Trafficking board. He thanked the governor and his wife, Chris Branstad, and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds for their work to put a spotlight on this horrible crime and encouraged Iowans to learn more about trafficking and to report suspicious activity. Senate bills The GOP-run Iowa Senate is off and running with nine bills filed. All 29 Republicans signed on to sponsor Senate File 1, which seeks to require job impact statements for state administrative rules, and Senate File 2 a bill to establish a state family planning services program. Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, filed his bill to ban and remove traffic cameras as enforcement tools (SF 3), while Democrats Matt McCoy of Des Moines offered a bill giving adoptive parents employment assistance (SF 4) and Herman Quirmbach of Ames introduced five bills, including a proposal to raise the legal age for possessing tobacco products to 21. Republicans also proposed two constitutional amendments one to create a spending limit for the states general fund budget and another to write the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution into the Iowa Constitution. Resolutions to amend the constitution must be approved in exactly the same form by two consecutive general assemblies and a vote of the people. New warden Branstad said Monday he has confidence Patti Wachtendorf will do a good job as the first female warden at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. I think shes very well-qualified to be the warden at our maximum security prison, Branstad told reporters at his weekly news conference Monday. I wish her the very best. Jerry Bartruff, director of the state Department of Corrections, appointed Wachtendorf to replace Nick Ludwick, who is retiring as ISP warden. Wachtendorf currently is the warden of the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville, a position she has held since 2009. Sheryl Dahm, currently the warden of the Clarinda Correctional Facility, was appointed warden of the womens prison. Wachtendorf began her career with the Department of Corrections in 1983 at the penitentiary in Fort Madison as a correctional officer, investigator, counselor and treatment services director. Independent limbo Ocheyedan Sen. David Johnson opened the 2017 legislative session as an independent with no political party affiliation. Johnson, a former Republican, left the party last June over philosophical disagreements with now President-elect Donald Trump, and he is sticking by his independent status. Johnson has full voting rights but currently has only one committee assignment on the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee that was made by Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, leader of the Senates 20-member Democratic caucus. Members of the Senate led by the new 29-member GOP majority approved temporary rules Monday over Johnsons opposition by voice vote. Johnson said he met privately Monday with Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, and newly installed Secretary of the Senate Charles Smithson to discuss his status in the chamber going forward and what he called negotiations on the rules before the final version is adopted. WATERLOO It was a very short chapter in the ongoing saga of Sunnyside South. An opportunity to be heard on the Waterloo City Councils plans to sell the former San Marnan Drive right-of-way for a potential upscale housing development drew no takers Monday. Nobody with a right to bid on the property showed up, no one from the public stepped to the podium, and attorneys representing two groups engaged in a five-year legal battle over the land sat quietly. While the city is scheduled to open bids Thursday on the sale of four parcels of land, which have been appraised at a combined $1.825 million, representatives from those involved believe the issue may ultimately be decided in court. Dave Nagle, who represents a group of residents who successfully sued the city over the issue in 2011, sent a letter saying the current bidding process is once again flawed and will cause him to file additional actions in district court. Among other issues, Nagle said certain parties who were not past or adjoining property owners were being allowed to bid improperly, and the citys current appraised value is flawed because it fails to account for a cloud on the title. City Attorney Dave Zellhoefer said he believed the city was following the proper legal process to dispose of the land, noting City Council members will need to determine how to proceed after all bids are received Thursday and a second hearing is held next week. The city agreed to sell the land for $1 in 2011 to Sunnyside South LLC, an investment partnership including Jeff Stickfort, Van Miller, John Deery and Jim Walsh. The investors were required to relocate San Marnan Drive and develop 24 housing lots at their own expense. Sunnyside South said it spent between $1.8 million and $2 million shifting the road and getting the lots ready for development before the Iowa Supreme Court sided with Nagles clients a group of 10 taxpayers spearheaded by the late Bob Molinaro who contend the city failed to follow the legal process for selling unused highway right-of-way. The citys second attempt to sell the land led Nagle to file a contempt of court action, which is currently pending before the Iowa Supreme Court. Nagle has said the city should wait until the Supreme Court rules on that matter before attempting to sell the land again. Meanwhile, the city has spent more than $100,000 on outside legal counsel since the Sunnyside South litigation began. DES MOINES Gov. Terry Branstad proposed a two-year budget plan Tuesday that seeks to boost spending by 3 percent in fiscal 2018 and 2.2 percent the following year after making adjustments that cut $110 million from regents, human services, corrections and court programs by June 30. Majority Republicans said they were willing to work with Branstad to make government smaller and smarter but expressed disappointment his message did not include mention of tax relief and reform. Minority Democrats liked some of the governors ideas but felt his cuts went too deep in some critical budget areas. We still have a lot of details to work out, said Senate President Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny. We know its going to be a tough decision to make. I think hes in the right ballpark for the amount of money, its just figuring out exactly where thats going to come from. Branstad aides distributed documents indicating current-year adjustments will be $25 million at regent institutions, $20 million for the Department of Human Services, $15 million for prisons and community corrections, $8.7 million for community colleges, $7.7 million for the courts, $5.5 million for the Department of Education, and $3.8 million for public safety. Weve got real concerns about these major mid-year budget cuts that Gov. Branstad is proposing, said Senate Democratic Minority Leader Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids. We are not in a fiscal crisis. Lets find a better solution. Lets not balance the budget on the backs of students at our community colleges and universities. Thats the wrong direction to go. Most state agencies had begun making contingencies in October in anticipation of a possible budget shortfall, said David Roederer, director of the state Department of Management. Directors of affected departments are being given flexibility within their budget areas to best manage funding cuts that could include layoffs or employee furloughs in cases where the position eventually will be permanently eliminated. The adjustments were necessary due to two downward reductions in projected tax collection growth brought on my sluggish farm prices and other economic factors. Along with the cuts, Branstad administration officials are holding back $12 million of economic development incentives until July 1 and revising one-time medical assistance numbers to provide another $47 million in fiscal 2017 budget adjustments. In proposing the budget cutbacks for consideration by the GOP-led Legislature, Branstad said he did not want to impact K-12 schools, local property tax credits or Medicaid services. In charting a new two-year budget plan, the governor called for spending $7.457 billion in the fiscal year that begins July 1, which would be a 3 percent increase overly his revised spending plan to finish out the current year with a $100,000 positive ending balance. The governor proposed state general fund spending of $7.623 billion in the bienniums second year a 2.2 percent increase over fiscal 2018. The two-year budget proposal projected the state general fund would have $208.5 million in net new revenue next fiscal year under the states 99 percent spending limitation law and about $295.5 million in net new revenue the following fiscal year, according to Branstad aides. The governors spending plan called for 2 percent increases for K-12 school districts and higher education in both fiscal years, with elementary and secondary schools to receive $78.8 million growth in fiscal 2018 and $63.5 million more in fiscal 2019 while public colleges would be in line for increases of $15.7 million in each of the next two fiscal years. Branstad administrations officials projected savings to the state under the switch to privately managed Medicaid care for each of the next two fiscal year but projected state spending growth of $40 million in fiscal 2018 and $60 million the following year to cover expanded enrollment and other factors. The governors spending plan also sought more than $6 million annually for education reform initiatives, nearly $8 million for yearly water quality improvements and $18 million in funding for corrections and public safety to restore money impacted by current-year reductions. House Republicans say moving ahead with the current-year de-appropriations will be one of the first bills they deal with so they can better focus on the fiscal 2018/2019 budget plans. I appreciate the governor presenting his budget plan to the Legislature early so that we can get to work resolving the current state budget, said House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake. His outline and suggestions will help us hit the ground running. Sen. Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said lawmakers job in the coming months will be to find permanent cuts to free up revenue in future years for GOP priorities like tax relief. He said Republicans may wait until they receive the March revenue estimates before they move ahead with next years budget plan. Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said he was disappointed Branstad made no mention of tax relief or comprehensive tax reform either during his speech or in his budget although he acknowledged the governor last week said he did not think the state could afford a major income tax cut at this time but would work with Republicans on a multi-year plan. We will have a comprehensive tax reform bill this session and I just hope that we can work with the governor and the House to get something very significant passed, he said. Its going to have to be over multiple years but you create the framework saying this is whats going to happen. Hogg said his personal view is that state government has provided significant tax relief in recent years and more cuts currently are not at the top of the legislative priority list. We may need tax reform to make our system better, but we do not need more tax cuts, Hogg said. We have to have the ability to support our education, our public safety, our economic development efforts, our environmental programs. Iowans depend on state government to be part of the solution on so many public problems and cutting taxes is not a way to do that.$208.5 million in net new revenue next fiscal year under the states 99 percent spending limitation law and about $295.5 million in net new revenue the following fiscal year, according to Branstad aides. The governors spending plan called for 2 percent increases for K-12 school districts and higher education in both fiscal years, with elementary and secondary schools to receive $78.8 million growth in fiscal 2018 and $63.5 million more in fiscal 2019 while public colleges would be in line for increases of $15.7 million in each of the next two fiscal years. Branstad administrations officials projected savings to the state under the switch to privately managed Medicaid care for each of the next two fiscal year but projected state spending growth of $40 million in fiscal 2018 and $60 million the following year to cover expanded enrollment and other factors. The governors spending plan also sought more than $6 million annually for education reform initiatives, nearly $8 million for yearly water quality improvements and $18 million in funding for corrections and public safety to restore money impacted by current-year reductions. WAVERLY The Waverly City Council on Monday scheduled a Feb. 20 hearing to review plans and bids for reconstruction of the Third Street bridge. The bridge, which was built 100 years ago this year, has been closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic since inspectors found corrosion on key bearings of the structure in February 2015. Estimated costs of the renovation have grown to nearly $3.2 million after Mason City engineering firm WHKS & Co. found deteriorating concrete in the bridge piers and other structural concerns. Council member Edith Waldstein, who cast the sole vote against setting the hearing, said she doesnt support the ongoing process to repair the bridge. Waldstein said costs for reconstruction are approaching costs for a new bridge. Council member David Reznicek said without studies or estimates for a new a bridge, that comparison wasnt accurate. Wes Gade said until actual bids were in and opened, arguing about costs was premature. Mike Cherry, city engineer, said he notified every contractor listed by the Iowa Department of Transportation as approved for such work totaling 80 to 90 contractors notified. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 20 in the City Council chambers at City Hall. In other business, City Council unanimously approved a request from the Iowa Department of Transportation to allow contractors to work night hours for work associated with reconstruction of Bremer Avenue, Iowa Highway 3, in 2017 and 2018. WINNESHIEK Luther College to host ensemble DECORAH -- So Percussion, an ensemble group, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Main Hall of Luther College's Center for Faith and Life as part of the college's Center Stage Series. So Percussion, whose founding members convened as graduate students at the Yale School of Music, has performed and been featured at several major venues in the United States and have toured Western Europe, South America, Russia and Australia. Tickets may be purchased at www.tickets.luther.edu or by contacting the Luther ticket office, (563) 387-1357 or tickets@luther.edu. Bill Northey to visit this week CALMAR -- Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will stop in Boone, Winneshiek, Howard, Mitchell, Chickasaw and Bremer counties Wednesday and Thursday. He will speak at the Agricultures Impact on Main Street event at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Calmar. On Thursday, he will meet with Howard County economic development leaders at 8:15 a.m. in Cresco, tour National Poultry Equipment Co. at 10 a.m. in Osage, speak at a New Hampton FFA event with Temple Grandin at 12:30 p.m. in New Hampton and visit Self Help International at 2:45 p.m.in Waverly. FAYETTE MLK event set at Upper Iowa FAYETTE Upper Iowa University will host Leading for Change as part of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Teach-In at Fayette Campus on Monday. In honor of the late civil rights leader, the day-long event will feature faculty and student presentations dedicated to examining past and ongoing social injustices. The presentations will be held in the UIU Student Center ballrooms and are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., 9:25 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. Everyone is invited. The current uproar over the Russian hacking into the 2016 presidential election is not the first, nor the most consequential, foreign intrusion into American politics. In the 1968 election, agents of Richard Nixon, with his knowledge and acquiescence, encouraged South Vietnam leaders to boycott Paris peace talks with the North Vietnamese. They promised the Saigon regime would get a better deal from President Nixon than from his Democratic rival, Hubert Humphrey. The South Vietnamese stayed away and Nixon was narrowly elected. This deal, which retiring President Lyndon Johnson called an act of treason, violated the Logan Act barring such intervention in foreign policy. A file called the X envelope, compiled four years later by LBJ adviser Walt Rostow, offered more evidence the Nixon team had repeatedly pressured South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu to boycott the talks, and this did help Nixon win. Johnson in 1968 ordered the FBI to tail and tape record a visit to the Saigon embassy in Washington of Nixon fund-raiser Anna Chennault, who conveyed the message from the Nixon campaign. LBJ gave the evidence to Humphrey, who inexplicably declined to make it public, to Johnsons bitter disappointment. The Nixon effort to sabotage the peace talks and thus frustrate Johnsons 11th-hour attempt to help Humphreys election chances, also is supported in a recent New York Times article by John A. Farrell, author of a new Nixon biography. It reproduces handwritten notes by Nixon Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman of an Oval Office meeting reporting Nixons instructions to pressure Thieu and to use any other way to monkey wrench the peace talks. Humphreys reason for not making the Nixon intervention public was it would have required his own illegal use of classified intelligence. Johnson was so angry, according to aide Joe Califano, it caused a lasting rift between LBJ and HHH. Humphrey in his later memoir wrote: I wonder if I should have blown the whistle on Anna Chennault and Nixon. He must have known about her call to Thieu. I wish I could have been sure. Damn Thieu. Dragging his feet this past weekend hurt us. I wonder if that call did it. If Nixon knew. Maybe I should have blasted him anyway. The very notion Nixon was incapable of such a scheme is mind-boggling, considering Humphreys awareness of Nixons record of political dirty tricks. Had the plot been discovered by Election Day, there may never have been a Nixon presidency or, for that matter, the Watergate scandal that led to his 1974 resignation. As late as June 17, 1971, Nixon remained worried his efforts to scuttle the 1968 peace talks would surface. Told by one of his sleuths a file on the caper was at the Brookings Institution, he ordered it be broken into. Nixon replied on one tape: God damn it, get in and get those files. Blow the safe and get it. And again on June 30: You talk to Hunt, he said, referring to E. Howard Hunt, one of the 1972 Watergate break-in artists. I want the break-in. Hell, they do that. Youre to break into the place, rifle the files and bring them in. The Brookings break-in never happened, but Nixons relentless demand for it demonstrated his continuing fear his plot to sabotage the peace talks could be revealed. A diligent Nixon researcher at the University of Virginia, Ken Hughes, observed in his 2014 book, Chasing Shadows, that Brookings was the missing link in the whole Watergate saga. Rostow originally honored an instruction from LBJ that a 50-year embargo be placed on publication of the X-file. He turned it over to the LBJ Library, thus sealing the strong evidence Nixon tried to kill the Paris talks. Later, Rostow seemed to regret his decision, writing Nixon got away with it in 1968. But as Hughes noted, it was Rostows decision that assured the ultimate Nixon dirty trick didnt see the light of day in time to hurt him. In 1994, after the deaths of Johnson and Nixon, the LBJ Librarian opened the X-file, revealing the scheme that, if exposed earlier, could have brought Nixons impeachment and/or resignation. When it comes to Gov. Terry Branstads Medicaid modernization the privatization of the medical program for Iowas poor and disabled catastrophic experience is a term usually associated with recipients, providers and political opponents. Add for-profit corporations to the list of the aggrieved, according to documents obtained by the Des Moines Register, and the assessment is drastically underfunded. Branstad continues to maintain the $4.2 billion annual program a state and federal partnership serving 560,000 Iowans will save more than $110 million this fiscal year, ending June 30. We anticipated that there would be some losses as they have had in some other states, he told the Register. We feel very confident that were going to be able to sustain the savings that we anticipated when we put the budget together. And well continue to work with them. He has lauded the program for care coordination for 25,000 Iowans with mental health issues, 230,000 health risk assessments and outreach efforts and a 2,200-person reduction in the waiting list for Iowans with disabilities to receive services in their communities instead of in institutions. Medicaid recipients claim to have had difficulties seeing their physicians and obtaining prescriptions, while care providers have complained about delayed, insufficient or rejected payments. It turns out the three corporations administering the program are unhappy as well, bathing in much more red ink than they anticipated. According to reports filed in late November with the Iowa Insurance Division, AmeriHealth Caritas had a net loss of $132 million in Iowa through nine months. Amerigroup lost $147 million. UnitedHealthCare lost money in Iowa but didnt file a separate report. The state has promised another $33.2 million to cover unexpected expenses and $94.5 million more generated in federal money, but apparently thats just two lumps of coal for Christmas. We are extremely disappointed in the amended rate offer, as it does not address the significant rate issue identified and documented. The departments rate offer is not actuarially sound and is not acceptable to us, AmeriHealth Caritas Regional Vice President Russell Gianforcaro wrote to Department of Human Services Director Charles Palmer. Now its the corporations turn to echo critics that the privatization model was ill-conceived and lacking transparency. We believe the rate development process is not actuarially sound and jeopardizes the sustainability of the Iowa Health Link (Medicaid privatization) program, Gianforcaro wrote. The lack of transparency and sharing of detailed data during this process is unacceptable. Amerigroups Cynthia McDonald said the state needs to draw down more federal money in light of the catastrophic experience the program is facing. In a letter to Iowa Medicaid Director Mikki Stier, Kimberly Foltz, chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcares Iowa branch, wrote, The program remains drastically underfunded. She stated experts from the Milliman actuarial firm used by the state underestimated by 40 percent the cost of covering tens of thousands of poor Iowans allowed to sign up for Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. The mistake, she contended, suggests there were material flaws in the rating projection. Foltz wants to negotiate down how much pharmacies are paid for prescriptions by as much as 90 percent. Branstads claims of huge savings are ripe for criticism. Jean Slaybaugh, a DHS fiscal manager, stated in court last year she used a midpoint from multiple experts from no saving to 15 percent to reach a $51.3 million savings estimate for the first six months. However, DHS hasnt provided documents showing the experts or companies consulted. The first year is acknowledged to be risky with startup costs. Iowas transition was particularly rocky after federal regulators delayed the switch from Jan. 1 to April 1. The companies signed three-year contracts with Iowa with a monthly capitation rate paid based on each patient managed, using Iowas numbers. After 18 months, the companies actuarial numbers enter into negotiations. Iowa spent 4 to 8 percent $336 million on administering the program. AmeriHealth reported administration expenses of 6 percent and Amerigroup, 8 percent. The first-year contract allows for a maximum of 12 percent or $504 million. Drake University law professor Denise Hill, who specializes in health care issues, told the Register it would be difficult for the corporations to opt out unless the costs were not properly estimated. Conceivably, that could be a breach of contract, she said. The precedent, though, in Florida and Kansas is rates will go up, state savings will disappear, services will deteriorate and hospitals will have headaches dealing with high rates of claim denials. Reining in state government is a good idea, conceptually. Implementation is another matter. Services to the public (and care providers) must not be degraded and real savings shown. Were not convinced that will happen. Only Terry Branstad and those under him seem happy with Medicaid modernization at this juncture. Q: Did I read in the paper correctly that the Cedar Falls five-year plan lists the cost for University Avenue at $43.6 million, which is higher than the original than the $32 million? A: Cedar Falls Community Development Director Stephanie Houk Sheetz replies: The FY17-22 Capital Improvements Plan lists $42.2 million, which combines University Avenue and a previously separately listed project for University Avenue frontage roads. This was done because both are occurring at the same time. The project estimate increased in early 2016 due to several essential improvements being added, easement and land acquisition costs and applying the construction bid for Phase 1 to update estimates for the entire project. The city and its design consultant are working to keep the costs down yet complete all necessary improvements for remaining phases. Future CIPs will be updated accordingly. Q: Did more famous people die in 2016 than usual or is there just more information out there and we hear about everything? A: Many end-of-year articles noted it seemed a lot of celebrities died in 2016. One objective measure sort of was in 2016 there was a little more than 50 percent increase in BBC pre-prepared obituaries compared with 2015. Obituaries are pre-prepared for famous people. Similarly, a statistical analysis by James OMalley of Gizmodo, a design, technology and science fiction website, found 2016 was by a small margin the worst year for celebrity deaths followed by 2014, then 2015. It also found not only did we lose the most celebrities of recent years but many of those who died were significantly more famous than the people who have died in previous years. Q: While watching a recent Cedar Falls City Council meeting they were voting for pay adjustments for police captains and lieutenants. How were these individuals singled out to receive the pay increases and will this involve other city employees too in the near future? A: Cedar Falls Public Safety Director Jeff Olson replies: A salary compensation study was conducted comparing Cedar Falls police supervisors to supervisors in other Iowa police departments. The study illustrated that the Cedar Falls supervisors were compensated considerably less than their peers in other police departments. The City Council voted (Dec. 19) to adjust those salaries. A comprehensive compensation study has not been conducted for over 20 years. The city may conduct such a study in the next year. The captains received a $3,500 raise and the lieutenants received $3,000. Q: Is The Courier moving or closing or what is happening? I see the building is for sale. A: The Courier is not going anywhere. The sign in front of the building does not say the building is for sale. It states there is space available for lease in the building. The Courier does not own the building. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Valentina Karakhanian who is one of two researchers from the Vatican Secret Archives has gathered a chronological account of how the apostolic delegate of the then Pope Benedict XV gradually became aware of the tragedy that was being perpetrated and tried to stop it. Armenpress reports the researcher told Rome Reports that one of the key actors of the pending book is the Pope's representative, Cardinal Angelo Maria Dolci who during the years of the Armenian Genocide tried to mobilize the diplomatic corps in Constantinople, denounce what happened and reach the Sultan, without much success. "We have tried to organize the documents so that they themselves account for the massacre of Armenians. The protagonists include Armenians, bishops, nuncios, and ambassadors who lived or witnessed the first genocide of the 20th century, says Valentina Karakhanian. She notes that The Vatican did its best because the Nuncio went to meet with people who were outside the diplomatic sphere. The apostolic delegate had no right to go to those offices. But he went and showed the delegation's private documents, because to get to the Sultan it was necessary to show the pope's signature. He met with ministers, with the Grand Vizier, and with the Sultan. He spoke on behalf of the pope and the Holy See, because he was certain that Pope Benedict XV wanted to help and save these people, she mentioned. The documents of Vaticans confidential archives provide materials on how Christians expelled from their homes were exterminated. "In some regions they have been massacred, others deported to unknown places, left to die along the way. There are mothers who have even sold their own children to save them from death, says Valentina Karakhanian. She noted that the apostolic delegate understood that the persecution was not specifically against the Armenians, but against the Christians in general living in that territory. W hile Utahs 300,000 Catholics have spent the last 21 months anticipating their 10th bishop, another vigil has extended far longer: the hopes of the nations 5 million faithful of Asian birth or descent to see one of their own take the reins of a US diocese.And now, on both counts, The Wait Is Over at Roman Noon this Tuesday, the Pope has named Bishop Oscar Solis (above), the Filipino-born, 63 year-old auxiliary of Los Angeles, to lead a Salt Lake City fold growing at a remarkable clip.The Installation is set for Tuesday, 7 March.In the center seat of one of Stateside Catholicisms most picturesque home-bases the venerable Cathedral of the Madeleine Solis succeeds now-Archbishop John Wester, who was promoted to Santa Fe in April 2015 after eight years on the Wasatch. Despite his transfer to the Land of Enchantment, the San Francisco native who proved very popular in Utah has kept an unusually high level of presence in his former charge during the vacancy due to the states lack of a resident bishop, leading priests funerals and other episcopal functions, and even penning an op-ed for the state's paper of record calling for an end to capital punishment.In terms of the state of the diocese itself, the appointment brings a fittingly historic resolution to one of the most unique and complex realities among the nations 180 Latin-church jurisdictions. As the see city boomed as a center of commerce and tourism, a surge of migration has more than quadrupled the Salt Lake diocese in size since 1990 an uptick overwhelmingly comprised of Hispanics, but with a healthy number of Asians, too. (Indeed, such was the communities new prevalence that no less than Westers barber was a Vietnamese priest.)Alongside the added challenge of the impressive rate of growth, the chair of the Madeleine (below) already placed an unusual level of responsibility upon its occupant. Beyond being chief shepherd of a sprawling, 85,000 square-mile turf that can be daunting to traverse, as head of Utahs statewide church, the Salt Lake bishop is principal caretaker for the Catholic Churchs relations with the locally headquartered Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS; the 18 million-member global community oft known as the Mormons), as well as being one of the dozen US prelates who serve as sole agent for this churchs advocacy before the respective state government given the leadership of a whole-state diocese.On the whole, it was this scene of often divergent pressing needs and realities that produced Stateside Catholicisms longest vacancy in close to a decade that is, in the search for a pick who could sufficiently tackle the post's various roles, above all the rare skill-set of bringing a pastoral experience and presence among immigrants alongside the kind of administrative seasoning that can handle the massive budgetary and practical burdens that come with building for epic growth.At least in this context, that Francis & Co. finally found their man in a protege of the modern eras emblematic pastor-builder for an immigrant church LA's retired Cardinal Roger Mahony should come as little surprise.Born in central Luzon, north of Manila, and ordained there in 1979, within five years Solis emigrated to the US amid a call for pastoral workers to serve a rapidly-growing Filipino diaspora, first heading to (where else?) Newark before eventually settling in southern Lousianas Houma-Thibodaux diocese. Within a decade, the young cleric became a dean and pastor of one of the dioceses twin cathedrals, then just shy of his silver jubilee as a priest came the call to a different LA: the largest diocese American Catholicism has ever known, whereof the five pastoral regions led by an auxiliary bishop has more faithful than the entire Bayou State.The third and last Asian named a bishop for the US Latin church (all until now auxiliaries), as well as the first to be ordained in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, before taking the helm of the San Pedro Region comprising 70 parishes, 8 high schools, four hospitals and more in southern LA County Mahony entrusted his new deputy with a unique assignment upon Solis 2004 arrival: shepherding the cultural diversity of the mammoth, 5 million-member archdiocese (itself doubled in size over the last quarter-century) in the hopes of integrating its scores of ethnic blocs across the whole of ecclesial life.Between that latter aspect, a fluency in Spanish, and the administrative profile from his time as a regional bishop, the Popes pick known as a gentle, dedicated hard worker never in search of a high profile checks the main boxes needed for Salt Lake. Yet as some will undoubtedly wonder why a Hispanic cleric wasnt chosen as reported here in prior instances the national trend remains one of demand for Latino appointees far outstripping the supply of available candidates. Meanwhile, in an additional circumstance unique to the Utah church, given the strong history of Catholic-LDS relations from the Roman churchs days as a very small minority in the state, as the recent Mormon growth among Latinos has already led to pockets of tension in the trenches, in some quarters the prospect of a Hispanic prelate in Salt Lake has been viewed as something which could stoke concerns over Catholic proselytism, and thus made for an outcome best avoided.That said, between Solis fluency, experience and the simple reality that the famously devout Filipino piety shares its roots in an era of Spanish colonization, little difficulty is foreseen. If anything, that the 10th bishop arrives as an immigrant himself all the more amid the US churchs annual National Migration Week sends the most potent signal of all, and one not just intended for the Wasatch.With today's move, seven Stateside Latin sees remain vacant, with another four led by bishops serving past the retirement age. The Nonprofit Organization Balouo Salo has announced new International Competition in collaboration with University of Tokyo, Kengo Kuma & Associates, CNAPPC, Embassy and Consulate of Senegal, Sedhiou Government, the City of Tanaf and others. Named Kaira Looro Competition - Sacred Architecture, the competition will be developed as project theme and will be the architectural celebration of the cult philosophy in a remote place on earth, where the shortage of materials and high-performing technology pushes the architecture to the branch of sustainability and integration with landscape and culture. Kaira Looro, that in Mandingo language means "Architecture for Peace", is not just architecture, but it also represents the link to a culture, a spirituality and research of interiority. The competition is a tribute to the sacredness in a remote place of the earth. A national symbol for the spirituality of Senegal. Introspection, spirituality and divinity. These are the elements around which the sacred architecture revolves. The light and the lightness of the materials join sacred and profane, creating an architecture that, through spaces and forms, try to invite humans to an introspective research. The sponsors like Four Points by Sheraton Catania will provide cash prizes for the winning projects. These will be named by an internationally renowned jury made up of: Kengo Kuma, Ko Nakamura (University of Tokyo), A. Ghirardelli (SBGA ), A. Muzzonigro (Stefano Boeri Architects), R. Bouman (Mohn + Bouman Architects) C. Chiarelli (Arco), A. Ferrara (Juri Troy Architects), Pilar Diez Rodriguez, R. Kasik (X Architekten), S. D'Urso (University of Catania), I. Gomis (Tanaf Mayor), I. Lutri (InArch), W. Baricchi (CNAPPC). The competition will select projects to be awarded for the 1st , 2nd and 3rd place and also 5 mentions and 10 finalists. The winning project will receive a cash prize and an internship in the Kengo Kuma architectural studio in Tokyo, as well as publications, exhibitions and articles. The competition is open to architects, designers, engineers and students. Its possible to participate as a team or individually. ''Design an architecture for worship does not mean just offer a new identity to the territory, but also gives substance to a culture, becoming interpreters of his spirituality with lightness and elegance. The Sacred architecture will have to tell the spirituality with a surprising design that can be at the same time integrated with the contest, creating an architecture that can become a symbol for the whole country, making a humble mark on the landscape,'' states the competition. The goal of the contest is to create a symbolic sacred architecture for the whole nation which can improve the precarious conditions of the project area. All proceeds, derived from membership contributions of the participants, will be donated to the humanitarian project 'A Bridge for Life' in Senegal, to save 80,000 people now at risk of survival. The winning design will be given to the organization Balouo Salo who donates it to the community of Tanaf, which can make it in self or in collaboration with religious bodies, institutions or NGOs. The same organization Balouo Salo does not preclude the possibility to adopt this draft as a charity project for the future reserving the possibility of involving the winners during the work. The winning projects will also be presented to the great Marabout of sub-Saharan. International Jury for Kaira Looro International Competition for Sacred Architecture The contest will officially open in January 2017 and will follow this schedule: Early registration: from 20 January to 13 February 2017 Normal registration: from 14 February to 10 March 2017 Late registration: 11 March to 2 April, 2017 Competitions deadline:April 23 , 2017 Winners announced: 14 May 2017 To enter the contest, participants have just to fill out the registration form in the official website. Application fees include early registration - 60/team, normal registration - 90/team and late registration - 120/team. You can download the competition brief here, see Awards and application procedures in detail. All images courtesy of Kaira Looro International Competition > via Kaira Looro Competition - Sacred Architecture Staying out of debt is easier said than done, I know. However, its something you can do, and its something you should be practicing everyday. As Christians, we are in this world, but we are YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenia should lead more active diplomacy in the Middle East, Armenpress reports expert in Turkish studies Ruben Safrastyan told the reporters. The developments around us in the Middle East demand single-minded diplomatic activities. Its not ruled out that the super powers will in the near future define new borders in the Middle East, he stressed. Speaking about Armenian-Turkish relations, Ruben Safrastyan noted that by now there are no preconditions for reconciliation. I do not even expect any positive moves in the near future. Turkey is currently engaged in major Middle Eastern developments and has serious domestic problems. I do not think Erdogans government will pursue reconciliation under those circumstances, the expert concluded. YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Journalist of Famous Indonesian Tempo monthly Famega Putri visited Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh in mid-October after which published an article about the visit. Armenpress presents the article with some contractions. For centuries Nagorno Karabakh has been an apple of discord betwwn Armenian Christians and Muslims under the patronage of Turkey and Persia (Iran). Following the World War I the Soviet Union incorporated Nagorno Karabakh into Azerbaijan as an autonomous oblast, though Nagorno Karabakh was predominantly inhabited by Armenians. In late 1980s Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast took a decision seeking reunification with Armenia, while a bit later Nagorno Karabakh declared independence. The war following these developments claimed lives of tens of thousands, while hundreds of thousands became refugees. Though a ceasefire has been signed, both Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh suffer losses as a result of ceasefire regime violations. At the same time capital Stepanakert leads a normal life. The shops are abandoned with fashionable cloths and the city market with fresh fruits, while the lively children attending Stepanakerts school greet me on the way. The clean and tidy center of Stepanakert reminds me of a European city, but in contrast to that European city the streets of Stepanakert are full of young servicemen. If in Indonesias Aceh checkpoints are stationed on each kilometer, there are no such checkpoints in Stepanakert. And though there are a lot of soldiers in the streets, majority of them have no weapons with them. A few days after my return from Stepanakert I learned in Yerevan about another ceasefire violation on the border, which had claimed lives. Armenian soldier Gurgen Ayvazyan was killed on the frontline on October 28. According to the reports the Azerbaijani side had taken provocative actions by using grenade launchers. As a taxi driver told me, there are no winners in a war as long as there are casualties from both sides. Everyone in Yerevan asked me Havent you seen Ararat yet?, you have missed a great thing. Ararat is the pride of Armenians. It is a national symbol. Today Mount Ararat is in the territory of Turkey. One of the places with a beautiful view on Ararat is Khor Virap a monastery located very close to the Turkish border. Mount Ararat considered as the place where Noah's Ark landed, has been present in the history of Armenia and its people from ancient times and many songs and poems are devoted to it. When in the past catastrophes hit Armenia, many Armenians found shelter in Syria. Today, Syria is itself in a deep crisis, and Syrian-Armenians return to their fatherland. These are the Armenians whose grandparents could hardly escape the genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians and found shelter in Syrian cities, including Aleppo. Kaytsak Chapaghjurian is one of those who repatriated, leaving Aleppo 4 years ago with his family; father, mother and sister. Prior to arriving in Armenia, aged 22, Kaytsak had established a bakery in Aleppo. Today Kaytsak runs his own lahmajoun fast food in Yerevans center, called Lahmajoun Kayts. May be I will return to Aleppo some day to visit my relative still living there, Kaytsak says. Kaytsaks uncle and aunt still live in Aleppo hoping for a soon end of the war. Even if the war ends in Syria, Kaytsak no longer wants to return to Aleppo. His father died two years ago and is buried in Yerevan. Armenia is our home, we dont want to leave it, he says. Kaytsak and his family members are one in thousands of Syrian Armenians who found shelter in Armenia. Though Armenia is not a rich country, it ranks second in Europe by the number of receiving Syrian refugees, staying behind Germany and Sweden. Jan 10, 2017 | By Tess The use of 3D printing in space has presented a number of breakthroughs for astronauts and space agencies. For instance, the 3D printer aboard the ISS has been used to make useful tools for the astronauts, and has the potential to create replacement parts; satellites and exploring devices are also being 3D printed; and current research is exploring how the technology could help to make habitats and colonies in space when the time comes. One application, which may seem like the most obvious one, has not been spoken about as much, at least until now. Toronto-based medical 3D printing company 3D4MD has put forward an innovative plan that will allow astronauts to 3D print medical supplies on the fly, rather than wait for resupply missions to come through. The concept, which will allow for the in-space manufacturing of things like splints, or surgical tools, will be tested aboard the ISS this month. Founded in 2011 by doctor Julielynn Wong, MD43D has been a force within the medical 3D printing field, using the technology to develop and manufacture affordable medical supplies that have been deployed to places in need. Space, which could be the most remote place of all, will soon benefit from the companys innovative devices and technologies. Wong reports that she connected with doctors from NASA soon after Made in Space launched its first 3D printer to the ISS, and began work on medical tools that could be 3D printed within a spacecraft. As part of the research, she was even invited to 3D print tools at The Mars Desert Research Station, the Mars simulation habitat. Now, after much hard work, 3D4MD will soon see the fruits of its labor. As Wong told a Canadian news source, Now, this month, well be making medical history by 3D printing the first medical tools in space. To create medical tools such as custom-fitted finger splints, Wong said that her company could use laser scans and measurements taken from the space suit fitting process to design the splint down on Earth. With the 3D model for the splint ready, they could then have the 3D file sent directly to the ISS for printing. In addition to small tools like finger splints, 3D4MD has also unveiled a useful 3-in-1 dental tool that could assist in replacing a filling, and a sensory evaluation tool that could help to determine the condition of an astronaut in case of injury. Evidently, 3D4MDs space-friendly medical tools could be a huge boon for astronauts in orbit, as they would no longer have to wait for specific medical tools to be shipped into space and could have custom tools made on the spot. While immeasurably useful in space, 3D4MDs approach could also be revolutionary here on Earth as well, especially in remote areas of the world with little access to professional medical facilities. As Wong explains, smartphones operated by healthcare workers in small, remote communities could 3D scan patients, and custom medical supplies could then be printed on solar-powered 3D printers. The whole process could make simple but much needed medical tools more accessible than ever. To give people access to as many medical tools as possible, 3D4MD is also working on setting up a digital library full of crowdsourced 3D printable files for diverse medical tools. To learn more about 3D4MDs mandate, check out the video below: Posted in 3D Printing Technology Maybe you also like: Jan 10, 2017 | By Tess In recent years weve seen our fair share of 3D printed fashion projects, as well as a number of innovative 3D printed braille initiatives aimed at helping the visually impaired in new tactile ways. Rarely, however, have we seen both areas combined, and never in such an inspiring way as this: German fashion designer Babette Sperling has used 3D printing to create a line of stunning, eco-friendly, braille-decorated clothes, which were unveiled this past September at the Mercedes Fashion Night. Sperling, a fashion design student at the University of Zwickau in Germany, was inspired to create her own collection with 3D printing, so that she could demonstrate a number of things: that 3D printed fashion can be accessible (in terms of the technology), that 3D printed clothes can be practical to wear (and not only for the runway), and that 3D printed clothes can still take sustainability into account. And while she faced a number of challenges, most notably finding the right eco-friendly materials, Sperlings collection certainly does showcase the potential of 3D printing for wearable and environmentally conscious fashion. The design concept, in addition to being sustainable, integrates braille directly into the clothing, making for garments that are not only visually textured, but also possess, in their material, a message. This feature was included so as to give the wearer an emotional connection to the clothing, something that is often lacking in the fast-fashion culture. To integrate the braille embossments, Sperling was determined to 3D print plastic directly onto the clothings fabric using an FDM 3D printer, which required much research and a lot of trial and error. To help in the experiments, the young designer enlisted the help of the Fab Lab Dresden, and together they tested roughly 15 different material combinations (both filaments and fabrics) to see which would be best. Finally, after many failed or inadequate tests, Sperling came across BioInspiration, a Berlin-based startup that develops flexible 3D printing filaments made from compostable raw materials. BioInspiration, which came into being with the help of a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, has already partnered with such initiatives as SLEM (to create biodegradable 3D printed shoes), and previously caught our attention with its eco-friendly 3D printed Star Wars toys. Upon hearing from Sperling, the company was eager to use its materials for sartorial purposes and proposed using its popular, fully compostable WillowFlex filament for the task. After testing the filament, Sperling was more than happy to see that it adhered well to such natural fabrics as cotton and silk. In the end, WillowFlex was used not only to 3D print braille directly onto the fabrics, but was also used to create custom-sized buttons for the garments. I am very happy that I discovered a 3D print filament that allows itself to integrate so seamlessly into my fashion design, commented Sperling. The certification of the raw material for compostability according to US and EU standards (EN 13423) fits perfectly into my concept for a full-circle sustainable product design that enables clothing that can return to nature after their lifecycle. WillowFlex proved itself as compatible for use in all the 3D printers that we used in our testing process (Ultimaker, Flashforge, and Makerbot). As mentioned, Sperlings collection was presented at the Mercedes Fashion Night, where it received much positive feedback and even took home the Audience Choice Award. According to the designer, she is already planning more pieces that will integrate the compostable 3D printing material. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Peter Dreier in AlterNet: Many Americans will traveling to Washington, D.C., next week to protest against Donald Trump on his Inauguration Day. Many will continue to demonstrate outside the White House after he takes office. Todays activists can learn valuable lessons from the first protest outside the White House that took place 100 years ago, on Jan. 10, 1917. The activists were part of the National Womans Party, a group that was fighting for womens suffrage. It took three more years before women won the right to vote, but the ongoing protests at the White House played a crucial role in that victory. The NWP suffragists, who to Washington from all over the country, called their protest silent sentinels. Woodrow Wilson, who had won his second term as president in November 1916, was not an advocate of womens suffrage. The NWP activists carried purple, white, and gold banners with the words, Mr. President what will you do for woman suffrage? and Mr. President how long must women wait for liberty? When Wilson traveled to other cities, he was often greeted by NWP members carrying banners with the same message. The NWP was persistent. Its members protested at the White House six days a week, every week, until June 4, 1919, when Congress finally passed the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. During this two-and-a-half year long campaign, many of the activists were harassed and arrested, and mistreated while in prison. But their persistence and civil disobedience paid off. Alice Paul was the leader of the NWP and the silent sentinels. After graduating from Swarthmore, Paul earned a masters degree in sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1907 she moved to England to practice social work among the poor at a Quaker-run settlement house in Birmingham. One day she heard a speech by Christabel Pankhurst, the daughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the radical wing of Englands feminist movement. Paul was intrigued by the Pankhursts motto, Deeds not words, which they translated into direct action, including heckling, rock throwing and window smashing, to draw attention to the cause of womens rights. Not surprisingly, the women were often arrested for such protests, which led to newspaper photos of activists being carried away in handcuffs by the police. Hesitant at first to join their militant crusade, Paul eventually overcame her fears and was arrested and jailed several times. In prison, she and other suffragettes protested their confinement with hunger strikes. Their jailers force-fed them. Paul took solace in a motto that one of her fellow activists carved into the prison wall: Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God. More here. (Note: Thanks Bhaisab!) Check out these tasty breakfast spots the next time you have a hankering for locally sourced bacon and eggs or fluffy made-from-scratch French toast (regardless of what time the clock says). Dierk's Parkside Cafe & Dierk's Midtown Cafe (Santa Rosa) Breakfast is served Monday-Friday from 7am -12pm and Saturday-Sunday, 7am-2pm The lines were getting so long at this tiny Santa Rosa eatery that chef Mark Dierkhising had to open a second cafe last year just 1.3 miles away. Dierkhising is a graduate of the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and has cooked alongside James Beard and Julia Child (which probably explains the lines). Start with Grandma Dierk's Pull-A-Parts, moist and dense fried bread dough dusted with cinnamon and sugar, then dive into silky duck confit with eggs, hash browns and fragrant warm applesauce; or chicken fried steak of crispy-battered beef partnered with hash browns, eggs, and rich homemade sausage gravy. With Dierkhising's resume, you know it's gonna be great. // 404 Santa Rosa Avenue (Santa Rosa) and 422 4th Street (Santa Rosa), dierksparkside.com Traditional comfort food done with pristine ingredients at Wishbone. (Courtesy of Wishbone) Wishbone (Petaluma) Breakfast is served Wednesday-Sunday from 8am-2:30pm Jasmine and black rice gruel cooked in coconut milk and topped with golden raisins, coconut flakes, fruit, and lavender salt may sound like the kind of fancy fare you'd expect from SF's top restaurants, but at Petaluma's Wishbone, it's merely traditional comfort food done with pristine ingredients. Co-owners Miriam Donaldson and Josh Norwitt bake their own breads and even raise their own Scottish Highland cattle. Try the Hot Mess of creamy polenta topped with roasted mushrooms, kale, house fermented hot sauce and a fried farm egg, or the quesadilla stuffed with mashed potato, scrambled egg, tomato, Sriracha cream and mozzarella. // 841 Petaluma Blvd. (Petaluma), wishbonepetaluma.com The line for Buttercream Bakery's fresh doughnuts starts as early as 5:30am. (photo via Buttercream Bakery) Buttercream Bakery & Diner (Napa) Breakfast is served Monday-Saturday from 5:30am-3pm and Sunday 5:30am-2:30pm Serving Napa for almost 70 years, Buttercream is your classic griddle staffed by speedy, skilled cooks who never make you wait more than 30 minutes for a table. It's basic stuff, but perfectly executed. Try the chicken fried steak and eggs, cinnamon French toast, sugar-cured bacon and eggs, homemade biscuits and gravy, or the light, fluffy buttermilk pancakes. And if you still have room, there are amazing pastries, donuts, eclairs, and maple bars to be enjoyed at the counter or at home. // 2297 Jefferson Street (Napa),buttercreambakery.com Singletree Cafe (Healdsburg) Breakfast is served Monday-Friday from 7am-2pm, Saturday from 7am-3pm, and Sunday 8am to 3pm. Despite it's small location and rather slow service, locals pack into Singletree Cafe for their signature specials, which includes an early bird breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and toast for only $3(!) offered from 7-9am on weekdays. If you can't get up that early, opt for the old fashioned or buckwheat waffles, biscuits and gravy, spicy machaca, or a lumberjack breakfast burrito of three eggs, chorizo, cheese, peppers, potatoes and homemade salsa any time of the day. // 165 Healdsburg Avenue (Healdsburg), facebook.com/Singletree-Cafe STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 10, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Ministry issued an announcement which says: Overnight January 9-10 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime more than 40 times by firing over 500 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. In the northern direction the Azerbaijani forces fired also 82mm mortar (1 shell). The NKR Defense Army forces refrained from taking countermeasures and continued confidently fulfilling their military tasks." How to watch, what to know about South Dakota State at Northern Iowa Africas two leading e-commerce startups, Jumia and Konga, topped their 2015 Black Friday merchandise sales in Nigeriaeven as the country weathers currency volatility and recession, according to manufacturing journalist, Thomas R. Cutler. The shopping spree of the continents most populous nation has become a de facto test event for each ventures business model. Collectively backed by over $400 million in VC funding, both Konga and Jumia are competing to bring online sales to the masses in a region still lacking many of the requisites for doing e-commerce. Even so, the development of digital shopping is barreling forward while reshaping the consumer landscape in Africas largest economy. Thomas R. Cutler will meet with the Manufacturing Media Consortium in Africa in September 2017. About TR Cutler, Inc. TR Cutler, Inc. was founded seventeen years ago by Thomas R. Cutler. Cutler is the President and CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based, TR Cutler, Inc., (www.trcutlerinc.com), the largest manufacturing communication firm worldwide with four dozen industry experts and thought leaders on staff. Cutler maintains extraordinary relationships with clients, journalists, editors, economists, trendsetters, and key business leaders worldwide and has become a key resource for those writing about the manufacturing sector. Cutler founded the Manufacturing Media Consortium in 1999, which now has more than 6,000 global members including journalists, editors, publishers, and economists, worldwide writing about trends, industrial data, manufacturing case studies, material handling profiles, and robotics feature articles. Cutler works with thousands of media outlets to expand the coverage and importance of the manufacturing media coverage. Cutler has authored more than 6,000 articles for a wide range of manufacturing periodicals, industrial publications, and business journals each published in leading monthly trade magazines, B2B periodicals, blogs, and marquis publications globally. Cutler is the most published freelance industrial journalist worldwide, and more than 3500 industry leaders follow Cutler on Twitter daily at @ThomasRCutler. Media Contact Company Name: TR Cutler Inc. Contact Person: Thomas R. Cutler Email: trcutler@trcutlerinc.com Phone: 954-682-6200 Address:3032 S. Oakland Forest Dr. S-2803 City: Fort Lauderdale State: FLORIDA Country: United States Website: http://www.trcutlerinc.com STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 10, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: It cannot be allowed for the delayed response to be perceived by the violator as if its actions can be tolerated, foreign minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian told ARMENPRESS. - How would you comment on the announcement of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs regarding the attempted Azerbaijani sabotage attack on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border? - What the co-chairs are speaking about has been always consistently voiced by us. We agree with them, that ceasefire violations are unacceptable. We agree, that the Vienna and St. Petersburg agreements must unconditionally be realized, including, as mentioned by the co-chairs, to introduce a mechanism for ceasefire violation investigations in the shortest possible time. The co-chairing countries have numerously stated as to which side refuses the introduction of the mechanism, therefore, it is that side which bears the entire responsibility of incidents and ceasefire violations. Such a mechanism will enable to, as the co-chairs say, to get rid of mutual accusations. Although when an Azerbaijani saboteur is being eliminated in the Armenian posts it is clear for everyone without a mechanism as to who has attacked. We hope the co-chairs will be consistent in immediately strictly responding to each manifestation of use of force or the threat of use of force in the conflict zone, especially when ceasefire violations result in casualties. It cannot be allowed for the delayed response to be perceived by the violator as if its actions can be tolerated. As numerously stated by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, the unconditional adherence to the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements is mandatory, incidents resulting from their violations are unacceptable and are seriously harming the settlement process. In conditions when Azerbaijan is preventing the introduction of the investigation mechanism and expansion of the capacity of the team of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, the co-chairs remain the single format which can and must continue its preventive activity in accordance to its mandate. Portland, Oregon. RevoCash recently announced that The RevoCash Performance Exchange, the companys proprietary system, is now driving all their affiliate traffic, thanks to the launch of their latest tech endeavor. Thus, affiliates and advertisers now have access to cutting-edge technology for all types of traffic supported by RevoCash. Portland, Oregon. RevoCash recently announced that The RevoCash Performance Exchange, the companys proprietary system, is now driving all their affiliate traffic, thanks to the launch of their latest tech endeavor. Thus, affiliates and advertisers now have access to cutting-edge technology for all types of traffic supported by RevoCash. The additional functionality allows email-based affiliates to keep accessing high-performance offers via the RevoCash Platform, but now they can also take advantage of the state-of-the-art interface as well. They can now enjoy a higher degree of control and visibility, but also obtain complete statistics on performance and comprehensive reporting. Kashif Pervez, RevoCashs CTO, along with his team were the driving force behind the design and development of the platform. SmartLink Technologys founder, Kashif joined the companys ranks in 2015 and worked as an affiliate for RevoCash previously. He has more than 15 years of experience working in the industry. He explains that since he worked in almost all aspects of the industry, including developing software for webmasters, being a publisher and being the leader of the platforms development, he is in a unique position to understand precisely what the owners of websites require. He continued to say that the new section of the Performance Exchange is still in its first iteration, it does prove that RevoCash is willing to go the extra nine yards to provide their clients with exactly what they need. The feedback RevoCash obtains from its clients is put to good use and plays an important role in how the cutting-edge system evolves. The SmartLink traffic system that is now supported isnt the only revolutionary tech to come from the company as RevoCash Performance Based Network has already brought a lot of innovation to other variants of traffic in the world of performance marketing for both affiliates and advertisers. If an affiliate qualifies by meeting the performance-driven terms laid out by RevoCash, then they can choose. They have the option of focusing on one offer, running a tailored set of offers or working with the exclusive blend of offers provided by CB. The last two choices involved taking advantage of an exclusive learning algorithm that ensures every click is served with the best possible offer, which means adfill is at 100% and cap management is no longer an issue, yet it still leads to the best EPC possible. Atiq Ur Rehman, the Executive VP of Affiliates, explained that the proprietary platform ensures that maximum level of agility for Clickbooth while offering the functionality advertisers and affiliates need to remain at the head of the pack. Taking a novel approach and breaking out of the traditional mold is what everyone has been insisting on and RevoCashs goal is to drag the industry into the future, establishing a new era in performance marketing. To discover more about the new technology and how its forcing performance marketing to evolve, please get in touch with your RevoCash representative. If you arent a RevoCash customer yet, nows the time to join. Media Contact Company Name: RevoCash Contact Person: Raju Fattani Email: info@revocash.com Phone: 424-253-5215 Country: United States Website: http://www.revocash.com/ DroneShield Ltd ( ASX:DRO ) (DroneShield" or the Company) is pleased to announce the following government organization partnership in the United States. - DroneShield partners with a government organisation headquartered in a U.S. Mid-Atlantic state. - U.S. military training area to be used for demonstrations of DroneGun and DroneShields drone detection products to U.S. government organisations. - Follows Iranian military announcing its own anti-drone jammer weapon. - First reported case of passenger aircraft collision with drone earlier this month. In early December 2016, Popular Science reported that the Iranian military, whose interests are adversarial to those of the Western militaries, had unveiled what appears to be an internally-developed drone rifle designed to bring down drones. The Western militaries are also acutely aware of the urgent threat of drones and are in the early stages of adopting drone detection and counter-measure products, hence the recent roll out of DroneShields DroneGun, a tactical drone jammer. DroneShield is now pleased to announce a partnership with a government organisation headquartered in a U.S. Mid-Atlantic state. Under the partnership, the government organisation will make a U.S. military training area available for demonstrations of DroneShields DroneGun and DroneShields drone detection products to U.S. government organisations, and will facilitate such demonstrations, at no cost to DroneShield. In turn, the government organisation will trial and utilize DroneShields DroneGun product at that military area at no cost to the government organisation. By way of additional background, a video overview of DroneGun is available here . A wave of drone threat incidents in the recent days underscore the urgency of the need for drone detection and mitigation products. - On 7 January 2017, DailyMail.com reported that a drone had crashed into a packed Boeing 737 passenger jet with 80 people on board, tearing holes in the plane's nose as it was coming into land at an airport in Mozambique. This is understood to be the first reported collision of a drone with a passenger airliner. - Other flights that have been reported to have experienced near collisions with drones over the recent months include KLMs B738 at Amsterdam, Air Frances AF-1359 at Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lufthansas LH-116 at Munich, British Airways BA-777 at Londons Heathrow, Porter Airlines PD- 204 at Toronto, Swiss Avros LX-456 at London City, and Easyjets U2-1045 at Basel (Switzerland), among many others. In each case, lives of at least dozens and typically over a hundred and sometimes hundreds of passengers and crew were at risk, with disaster narrowly averted. - On January 6, 2017, The Weekly Standard reported that The U.S. Central Command had confirmed to it that ISIS had been producing its own weaponized drones using commercially available drones. - In late December 2016, an ISIS-produced video of a montage of suicide bombing attacks filmed by ISIS drones from the sky (as these attacks occurred) was widely circulated on the Internet, including in the Western press. Image: Iranian military drone jammer (this is not DroneShields product) The drone detection and defence market is undergoing rapid development, with increasing and urgent adoption by government and corporate users. As illustrated by the recent orders from the Turkish Prime Ministry and a national security agency of an Asian country from DroneShield, announced to the market on 20 December 2016 and 21 December 2016 respectively, and further by this partnership with a government user in the United States, DroneShield is at the forefront of that development and adoption. DroneShields in-house and distributor salesforces continue to progress a large number of opportunities, with several orders in advanced stages. DroneShield will update the market in relation to material sales if/when they occur. About DroneShield Ltd DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (OTCMKTS:DRSHF) is an Australian publicly listed company with its head office in Sydney and teams in the US and UK. We specialise in RF sensing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Sensor Fusion, Electronic Warfare, Rapid Prototyping and MIL-SPEC manufacturing. Our capabilities are used to protect Military, Government, Law Enforcement, Critical Infrastructure, Commercial and VIPs throughout the world. Through our team of primarily Australian based engineers - we offer customers bespoke solutions and off-the-shelf products designed to suit a variety of terrestrial, maritime or airborne platforms. DroneShield is proudly exporting Australian capability to customers throughout the world and supporting Australia's defence, national security and other organisations protect people, critical infrastructure and vital assets. . STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 10, ARTSAKHPRESS: During the meeting issues related to the EU-Armenia partnering relations, the negotiation process on Armenia-EU new framework agreement, the ongoing sectoral dialogue and other issues were discussed. By the MEPs request, the Deputy FM presented the current level and development prospects of EU-Armenia relations. They also stressed the necessity to consistently implement Armenia-EU cooperation agenda issues. In the context of the efforts made by Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group on eliminating the consequences of Azerbaijans April aggression and moving forward the negotiation process, the Deputy FM and MEP Franc Engel attached importance to raising awareness over the issue in the European Parliament and the European public opinion. They also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments. Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Airlines (CAL) to support the development of the airline's maintenance, engineering and technical training capabilities in Taiwan. Under the MoU, Airbus and CAL will evaluate technical and business solutions to develop the carriers services for all Airbus aircraft types currently operated by the airline, which include the A350 XWB, A330/A340, and A320 families. The companies will also jointly evaluate and promote CALs retrofit activities and cabin and airframe modifications, the feasibility of approving the airlines maintenance training centre and developing its maintenance training capabilities in Taiwan ranging from ab-initio programmes to courses for mechanics. In addition, they will evaluate the benefits of Satair Group and other Airbus affiliates becoming key parts providers for CAL. Ho Nuan-Hsuan, Chairman of China Airlines, said: We are delighted to sign this cooperation MoU with Airbus, which bodes well for enhancing aviation industry capabilities in Taiwan for the Asia-Pacific region. Through Airbus valuable industry know-how, China Airlines and our associated TAMECO maintenance subsidiary are looking forward to accelerating our maintenance and engineering capabilities for the major Airbus aircraft types, including the newly introduced A350 XWB. Jean-Francois Laval, Airbus Executive Vice President, Customer Affairs, Asia, added: Airbus is committed to providing the best products and services solutions to China Airlines for its business success, enhancing its capabilities in areas such as MRO and training. Airbus is very pleased to support China Airlines in developing its own commercial aviation related business in Taiwan. Airbus has enjoyed a long association with China Airlines, dating back almost four decades. The latest milestone in this relationship was celebrated in September 2016 when the airline took delivery of its first A350 XWB. The carrier now has four A350-900s in service, with 10 more on order for future delivery. European airport trade association, ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for November 2016, showing passenger traffic across the European airport network gained strong momentum in November, with an average increase of +7.1%. This dynamic pattern started last September, initially relying on the EU market but is now underscored by an improving performance in the non-EU market. Airports in the EU-28 reported an average passenger traffic growth of +8.0% - with Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania posting double digit growth. Several capital airports in these countries achieved stellar growth including Sofia (+48.9%), Warsaw (+31.5%), Bucharest (+21.1%), Larnaca (+26.1%), Malta (+23.1%) and Lisbon (+21.1%). Meanwhile, the non-EU bloc saw passenger traffic increasing by +3.9% - confirming its recovery on the back of more sustained growth in Russia as well as a still negative but improving performance in Turkey. Iceland and Israel also contributed significantly to these positive results. The best performances in non-EU countries included the following airports: Keflavik (+57.8%), Odessa (+29.6%), Rostov (+33.6%), Tel Aviv (+20.6%), Novosibirsk (+20.5%), Ekaterinburg (+20.3%) and Moscow-Sheremetyevo (+14.7%). In line with previous months, an increasing part of the growth in passenger traffic was generated by secondary hubs and regional airports reflecting the continued expansion of low cost airline models and the development of new and diversified air connectivity patterns. Amongst the top five European hubs, Amsterdam-Schiphol continued to show the best passenger traffic performance (+8.7%), while Frankfurt and Paris-Charles de Gaulle improved their figures compared to previous months (+4.9% and +4.5% respectively) - along with London-Heathrow whose growth is limited by capacity constraints (+2.5%). Istanbul-Ataturk continued to suffer traffic decline due to the political situation and terrorist threat in Turkey (-5.7%). Freight traffic across the European airport network also reported continuing strong growth of +6.5%, with this dynamic largely driven by non-EU airports in contrast with passenger traffic. Aircraft movements were up +3.7% across Europe, reflecting significant airline capacity expansion. During the month of November, airports welcoming more than 25 million passengers per year (Group 1), airports welcoming between 10 and 25 million passengers (Group 2), airports welcoming between 5 and 10 million passengers (Group 3) and airports welcoming less than five million passengers per year (Group 4) reported an average adjustment +4.4%, +8.8%, +9.6% and +10.2%. The airports which reported the highest increases in passenger traffic during November 2016 (compared with November 2015) are as follows: GROUP 1: Moscow SVO (+14.7%), Paris ORY (+10.0%), Barcelona (+9.2%), Dublin (+9.1%), Amsterdam (+8.7%) GROUP 2: Warsaw WAW (+31.5%), Lisbon (+21.1%), Malaga (+20.8%), Tel Aviv (+20.6%) and Alicante (+19.8%) GROUP 3: Larnaca (+26.1%), Porto (+23.7%), Faro (+23.2%), Bucharest OTP (+21.1%) and Valencia (+18.4%) GROUP 4: Grenoble (+1,638.5%), Bucharest BBU (+742.9%), Oradea (+231.3%), Mikonos (+127.2%) and Iasi (+99.4%) The 'ACI EUROPE Airport Traffic Report November 2016 includes 232 airports in total representing more than 88% of European air passenger traffic. GKN Aerospace has gained a three year contract extension worth over $175 million, covering the technical product support, maintenance and parts supply for the Gripen RM12 Engines used in Sweden, Hungary, Czech Republic and Thailand. Above: RM12 Engine engineer performing boroscope testing on the fan/compressor blade. The Performance Based Logistics (PBL) agreement, with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) extends the companys existing work on this programme until 2020. GKN Aerospace has been a supplier of fighter engines to the Swedish Armed forces since 1930. Since 2010 GKN Aerospace has committed to guarantee full availability of the RM12 engines and GKN Aerospace is the type certificate holder of the engine in Sweden. The RM12 engine fleet has sofar completed approximately 250,000 flight hours without any engine related serious incidents for the Gripen fighter aircraft. Technical product support, maintenance, and parts supply will continue to be performed at GKN Aerospaces facility in Trollhattan, Sweden. Mike McCann, CEO GKN Aerospace Engine Systems commented: GKN Aerospace is proud of our long-term support for Swedish Fighter aircraft and we appreciate that the FMV has extended the RM12 PBL-contract. GKN is looking forward to continuing to work together with the Swedish Armed Forces and the FMV and to further develop our relationship. We recognise and appreciate the continued confidence that the FMV has demonstrated in our team in placing this contract extension with us. January 10, 2017 Plausibly Deniable Jew Hatred: Being Pro-Palestinian And Anti-Israel My suspicion -- as the headline to this post reflects: Being "pro-Palestinian" means having an excuse to hate Jews that doesn't sound like mere anti-Semitism. Those who condemn Israel and stand on the side of the Palestinians tend to call themselves "progressives," and tend to be for a number of things I am, like gay rights. Only, whoops -- under Islam, gays are to be murdered (in horrible ways). Women are to be treated as property and are often murdered for daring to behave otherwise or being suspected of behaving otherwise. Atheists are murdered. Apostates are murdered. Yet, those on campus who stand (so trendily) against Israel look the other way on these things. Israel remains their One True Satan. Bret Stephens, in the WSJ, examines an vastly unexamined assumption -- the notion that the Palestinians must have a state and this is a matter of urgent international interest: Climate change aside, the cause of Palestinian statehood is the central obsession of contemporary global politics. It's also its least examined assumption. Would a Palestinian state serve the cause of Mideast peace? This used to be conventional wisdom ... Today the proposition is ridiculous. What about the interests of Palestinians? Aren't they entitled to a state? Maybe. But are they more entitled to one than the Assamese, Basques, Baloch, Corsicans, Druze, Flemish, Kashmiris, Kurds, Moros, Native Hawaiians, Northern Cypriots, Rohingya, Tibetans, Uyghurs or West Papuans--all of whom have distinct national identities, legitimate historical grievances and plausible claims to statehood? If so, what gives Palestinians the preferential claim? Have they waited longer than the Kurds? No: Kurdish national claims stretch for centuries, not decades. Have they experienced greater violations to their culture than Tibetans? No: Beijing has conducted a systematic policy of repression for 67 years, whereas Palestinians are nothing if not vocal in mosques, universities and the media. Have they been persecuted more harshly than the Rohingya? Not even close. Set the comparisons aside. Would a Palestinian state be good for Palestinian people? That's a more subjective judgment. But a telling figure came in a June 2015 poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion, which found that a majority of Arab residents in East Jerusalem would rather live as citizens with equal rights in Israel than in a Palestinian state. No doubt part of this owes to a desire to be connected to Israel's thriving economy. ...In theory, Israel would be well-served living alongside a sovereign Palestinian state that lived in peace with its neighbors, improved the welfare and respected the rights of its people, rejected extremism and maintained a monopoly on the use of force. In theory, Palestine could be the next Costa Rica: small but beautiful. But Israelis don't live in theory. They live in a world where mistakes are mortal. As Ayaan Hirsi Ali notes: compromise is not possible without "true reformation of Islam" away from "doctrine of death." And people in the movement to boycott Israeli products should be sure to boycott all the lifesaving medical treatments that have come out of Israel and throw out their computers and cellphones and any technological inventions with Israeli or Israeli-invented parts in them. Consistency, y'all! via @CHSommers * The demonetisation drive has impacted nearly 70 per cent of businessmen in the countrys financial capital of Mumbai and the manufacturing hub of Pune along with nearby areas, says a report. Sectors such as construction and the informal roadside vendors are the worst hit by note-ban, an SBI research said in a report. The findings are based on a survey conducted in Mumbai and Pune among different formal and informal business groups to ascertain the effects of demonetisation on their daily business and whether the move has resulted in increase in digital mode of payments. The survey was conducted between December 30 and January 3. The survey reveals that as much as 69 per cent of the respondents have been impacted. But, even then there is an overwhelming support for the move with 63 per cent of the sample supporting it, the report said. A total of 175 responses were recorded and analysed of which 40 per cent respondents were from premier business locations of Mumbai and the remaining 60 per cent were from Pune and nearby areas. The respondents said the lack of supply of lower denomination notes resulted in more chaos. The prevalence of digital mode of payments in chemist shops and even in automobile stores has possibly resulted in only marginal impact on their sales, says the survey. It said the construction sector and the informal roadside vendors seem to be the most hit, with 55 per cent and 71 per cent respondents saying their business came down by over 50 per cent. Within the textile sector, shopkeepers dealing with retail segment have been more impacted than those in the wholesale segment. Moreover, the wedding season has been disappointing with sales dipping significantly. The gems and jewellery sector has also been hit with declining sales, the report said. Congress MLA Jaykumar Gore, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment, was on Tuesday arrested and produced in a local court which remanded him in police custody till January 12. Police said Gore, MLA from Satara district, who was booked in November last year after a woman had filed a police complaint alleging he was harassing her by sending lewd and vulgar messages and seeking sexual favours, surrendered before police this morning, following which he was formally arrested. After he produced himself in the police station today, we arrested him in the case. Thereafter, he was produced in a local court, which remanded him in police custody till January 12, said an inspector attached to Satara City police station. The Bombay High Court had on Monday rejected the pre-arrest bail plea of the legislator. Police had said that Gore had absconded from the MLA hostel in Mumbai after the HC rejected his anticipatory bail plea. Gore represents Man assembly constituency in Satara district. A case had been registered against him under IPC sections 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-D (stalking), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) and relevant sections of Information Technology Act. The complainant, who organised skill-development programmes in the district, had met Gore in connection with some work. However, Gore had allegedly begun to send her vulgar messages, photos and sought sexual favours, police said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his radio address Mann Ki Baat appealed to all citizens to be a part of less-cash society. Subsequently he launched the BHIM app and later the government is planning a live presentation on cashless transactions through UPI and BHIM App, during the Republic Day parade this year. Meanwhile, investors are trying to encash this cashless move by investing in the digital payment start-ups. And why shouldnt they invest? Its a win-win situation, when the transactions carried out by mobile wallets have increased from 82 billion in 2014-2015 to 490 billion in 2015-2016 and especially when the popular PM has become the brand ambassador of cashless economy. With Indian as well as foreign investors investing in Indian e-commerce industry, we will get a wide range of digital payment options and a big boost to domestic entrepreneurship. In fact, this is essential for the nation in its quest for cashless economy. However, are these activities sufficient? Naya Gaon is a medium size village located in Kekri of Ajmer district, Rajasthan and 309 families reside there. The village came into limelight when it was declared cashless in December 2016. Within a month it has been transformed from cashless to only-cash. All the 5 PoS machines allotted to the village are not functioning and internet connectivity is so poor that people are unable to use mobile apps for fund transfer. In a country where poverty line is set at 32 per day, no one can expect these villagers to do USSD transaction which charges 1.5 for checking the account balance. Nearly 70% of the countrys population resides in rural areas. Despite this, 70 years after independence, incumbent government has to take initiative on providing basic amenities like electrification of villages, provision of LPG connections, prevention of female foeticide, etc. But today, this has made India to expect a lady from a newly electrified village to buy daily supplies using digital transaction and cook food using the LPG connection which she will see for the first time in her life. We have not performed well on urbanization front. Even after Indias liberalization in 1991, from the entanglement of crony socialism, we Indians have been unable to build any well planned city, except Lavasa which is better known for its controversies. As a result, Indians living in small towns and villages have to migrate to some selected cities in search of better jobs. Moreover, in order to understand even the easiest of digital transactions, people should be able to read more than just their names, which unfortunately is the benchmark for measuring literacy in India. How can the contemporary Indian society become less-cash without the inclusion of 36% of our population which is illiterate? If somehow illiterate citizens manage to make digital payment on their own, they will be refrained from doing any further transactions via machines if mistakes are committed in their first payments either because of unawareness or inadequate information. If India wants to transform itself in to a less-cash and then into a cashless society, its citizens need: Cheap but quality education Infrastructure in villages New planned cities. If we could teach our family members, and other people how to go cashless, we can play a key role in our quest for cashless economy. But additionally, if government could provide easily accessible, low cost and good quality education, an educated individual will not only understand the digital processes better but also perform the transactions with confidence. With better infrastructure in villages, villagers will be encouraged to trust the reliable network for digital payment and to learn the necessary processes voluntarily. Development of well planned cities will help reduce the burden on the infrastructure of current cities, resulting in dispersed development and increased reliability. Its evident after demonetization that most of the Indians are not afraid of facing issues, but its also true that an average Indian will be more than happy to get his/her issues resolved quickly, especially during some emergency. An educated Indian with adequate infrastructure and a wide range of digital payment options will be excited to go cashless. (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he videos uncover the miserable state of affairs in the Armed Force and the hardships our soldiers face every day due to the corrupt practices of their own officers. Army or paramilitary jawans usually dont speak against seniors fearing strict action against them. However, Jawan Tej Bahadur of 29 battalion showed courage, may be because of his anxiety, to talk about that humiliation without caring about the penalties. Nowadays, Jawans are being used as political tools especially by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his supporters for everything. Everything which goes wrong by government decision was compared with jawans suffering on the borders and if somebody raises their voice, they silence them with jawans example. However, this video of Tej Bahadur says many untold stories. It exposes the condition of jawans. The video of Bahadur presents a different picture. Half-baked chapatis and uneatable daal are what the jawans get in their lunch. One chapati with tea in the breakfast, in an extreme climate, they have to sustain on this low quality and insufficient food. The Jawan also said that he may face dire consequences by his seniors for exposing the truth but he was not mush worried for himself. In fact, the videos, that have gone viral, may discourage young aspirants from joining the armed force. Nobody can say anything. If they complain, action will be taken against them. Many jawans have left the force because of this. There is ample truth in the video. Nobody can deny the fact told in the video. Justice should be done to the jawans. This incident is definitely happening in BSF and other forces. It is nothing new, of course the digital nation now enable people to share such heinous crime in open. Corruption and demoralization goes hand in hand. Particularly, the top brasses used to eat away all privileges meant for jawans, even rations. Earlier, officers were not entitled for free ration, they incorporated the same in their favour. Corruption is rampant in defence forces. Particularly, these officers pose themselves like British used to behave with Indian soldiers and citizens. The video suggests that our jawans are not just exposed to the security threat from across the border and the elements, but are also subjected to humiliation and insult when it comes to their daily meals which are both substandard and insufficient. In fact, they even sleep empty stomach at times, the video reveals. Neither the media, nor any minister tries to take a note on how are we going through this (harsh weather). Our conditions are still worst. (humare halat wahi bad se badtar hain). After this, I will send three videos that will show how our officials are mistreating us. We do not want to blame any government, because they give everything we need, but our senior officials sell everything (for their own profit), Bahadur was seen saying in the video. Repeating that he is not blaming the government as food and other amenities are being supplied, Yadav further asserted that their rations are sold in the market, calling for a probe into the situation. He also requested Prime Minister to look into the matter. He was very well prepared for the consequences that he was going to face, but still he was expressing his concern for jawans. To cover up entire saga, a senior BSF official passed a statement to media stating that, Yadav was given four major punishments in the past and issued admonishments for alleged violation of discipline. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has ordered an enquiry after being told that the troops are served bad quality food and sometimes they even go hungry. In three different videos, clocking over 4-minutes and released online is very shameful for the country to treat its soldiers with sheer neglect. The Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday rejected claims and clarified that even though conditions for soldiers were tough they were provided with regular rations while asserting that the jawan in particular had a troubled past. The armed forces should integrate and voice their concerns. Yadav began his fight and hoping that his colleagues will also join him in future. Armys senior officers march on jawans stomach. Every corrupt officer should be held accountable and should be made to repay every single rupee they had stolen. The generals should ensure measures and regular and random checks be put in place. Audits of the supplies should be there and direct soldiers should be asked for what they are getting. There should be no recrimination against Tej Bahadur Yadav. If anything, he should be promoted to root out corruption or put in vigilance department of the army. However, the force has already ordered a probe in this case. Yadav who joined the force in 1996, has applied for voluntary retirement. He shouldnt be harmed or framed in forged charges and if anyway, he will be charged no one will dare to join the armed forces. BSF was raised after the India-Pakistan war of 1965. Before 1965 Indian border with Pakistan was guarded by the State Armed Police Battalion. During the war of 1965, Pakistan attacked on Sardar Post, Chhar Bet and Beria Bet on 9 April, 1965 in Kutch. It exposed the inadequacy of the State Armed Police to cope with armed aggression due to which the Government of India felt that Indian Border would be more protected if it is under a control of a centralized force rather than a distributed force. Therefore, BSF was born on 1st December 1965 with motto Duty unto Death. (Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com) With the arrest of three persons, Thane police claimed to have cracked the case of a heist at the office of a private gold loan company in Ulhasnagar in which about 30 kg of gold was stolen. A part of the booty was also recovered from the accused, Thane Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh said. He said 15 more persons were involved in the dacoity and police teams have fanned out across the country in search of them. Gold jewellery weighing around 28.686 kg, valued at nearly Rs. 7.22 crore, was stolen from Manappuram Finances gold loan branch in Ulhasnagar township on December 26 last year. The thieves had entered the office through a hole and used gas cutters to open the lockers where gold ornaments were kept. They had also tampered with the CCTV surveillance system of the office. The incident was reported by the companys staff to Vitthalwadi Police Station. The crime branch of Thane Police had also started a parallel investigation in the case. Subsequently on January 4, police arrested two of the accused Kamruddin Asuddin Shaikh (28) and Manoj Nurbahadur Saud (35), police said. Based on a tip-off, police laid a trap and yesterday managed to nab the mastermindMustafa alias Akhtar Samsher Shaikh (44)at Turbhe in Navi Mumbai, Singh said. Shaikh, hailing from Sahibganj district in Jharkhand, is an expert in carrying out such crimes. The gang had earlier indulged in such heists in Thane, Mumbai and other states as well, police said. Around 3 kg of gold jewellery was recovered from the three men, they said. Singh said the gangs modus operandi was to plant a security guard at the target place and with his help, gather information and commit the offence. In this case also, they had planted a security guard some days prior to the heist. The Russian Defence Ministry on Tuesday claimed that at least 20 civilians were killed in a B-52 bomber strike carried out by the US on the Idlib province in Syria on January 3. As we remember, on September 29 last year, the US aviation carried out an attack in the Deir-ez-Zor targeting government forces. After this attack, the Islamic State started its advance, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov said during a Defence Ministry meeting, as cited by RIA Novosti news agency. The latest example of this is the January 3 airstrike, when a B-52 bomber without warning the Russian side hit a target in the town of Sarmada, Idlib Province, which is covered by the cessation of hostilities agreement. Over 20 civilians died as a result of the airstrike. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pushing for record investment in the state's water infrastructure funding that could benefit Owasco Lake and its surrounding communities. Cuomo, who spoke in Buffalo Monday, unveiled the Clean Water Infrastructure Act as part of his 2017 State of the State agenda. He wants to provide $2 billion for water infrastructure throughout the state. Auburn and Owasco water plants consider blue-green algae toxin treatments AUBURN An engineering firm working with the city of Auburn's water treatment plant has pro The funding, according to the governor's office, will be used to upgrade municipal drinking water systems by installing advanced wastewater treatment systems and upgrading aging wastewater treatment plants. The state also will support efforts to conserve open spaces and prevent manure and road salt runoff. Manure runoff has been cited as a problem affecting Owasco Lake, which provides drinking water to nearly 50,000 residents in the Auburn area. "Investing in water infrastructure is critical to fostering growth in our communities and our state," Cuomo said in a statement. "This act will continue our historic commitment to protecting and preserving New York's natural resources by infusing $2 billion in critical upgrades to water systems across the state." He added, "This investment will rebuild and improve our regional infrastructure, while supporting a stronger, healthier New York for generations to come." Owasco Lake has been plagued by water quality issues in recent years, including the spread of blue-green algae throughout the lake. Last fall, toxins from blue-green algae were found in drinking water supplied to residents of Auburn and the town of Owasco. After temperatures cooled and winter weather arrived, detectable levels of the toxins were no longer present in the water. But officials worry that the toxins could come back at higher levels this year. Auburn and Cayuga County leaders have urged the state to provide more funding to improve Owasco Lake water quality and upgrade water infrastructure. The Owasco Lake watershed received $600,000 from the state in 2015, but the money wasn't allocated until late 2016. Cuomo's proposal earned praise from environmental groups, including the Citizens Campaign for the Environment. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, called the $2 billion fund "a game changer." "There's no magic needed to treat sewage and drinking water, what we needed is the leadership and funding to get the job done," Esposito said. "This is an outstanding victory for the public and clean water advocates." The funding is subject to approval by the state Legislature. It will be included in the governor's executive budget proposal, which is due to the state Legislature later this month. WASHINGTON After nearly two decades of work, it's now official: Cayuga County is home to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell formally established the park at ceremony Tuesday at the Department of the Interior's Washington headquarters. The park will consist of Tubman's residence in Fleming and the Home for the Aged in Auburn. Along with the South Street properties, the historic Thompson A.M.E. Zion Church and rectory on Parker Street will be part of the newly created park. Tubman, an abolitionist and civil rights icon, was born in Maryland, but spent the latter part of her life in Auburn. After she died in 1913, the properties she owned in Auburn were transferred to the A.M.E. Zion Church. The park is the 414th unit within the national park system. It's also, along with the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland, the first national park honoring an African American woman. "Harriet Tubman's story is America's story," Jewell said. "She lived her principles: Strong faith in God, her love of family, a belief in the dignity for all humans and a vision for a better life for all people in this country. So what better place to tell her story than within America's storyteller, and that is the National Park Service." The ceremony featured a handful of speakers, including U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer of New York and U.S. Rep. John Katko, whose district includes Cayuga County. Katko, R-Camillus said with the park's establishment, it's an exciting time for central New York. "It's a source of great pride," he said. "It's going to be a great source of pride moving forward." The formal establishment of the park was possible after the Harriet Tubman Home, the organization which oversees the Tubman properties on South Street, and the National Park Service finalized a land agreement. The deal was needed in order for the properties to be granted national park status. The land agreement calls for the Harriet Tubman Home and National Park Service to jointly manage the South Street properties. The National Park Service acquired the Parker Street church for $40,000, records show. Before the land deal was finalized, it was reviewed by the Department of Justice and approved by U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Because it involved a non-profit organization in New York, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman also had to sign off on the agreement. Schneiderman's office approved it late last year. With the land agreement finalized, the Harriet Tubman Home and federal officials, including Schumer, worked quickly to organize Tuesday's ceremony. The moment was significant for Schumer, who sponsored legislation to authorize a special resource study of the Tubman sites in Cayuga County. The study is necessary before any new sites are added to the national park system. After the study was completed, Schumer, D-N.Y., joined with then-U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton to introduce the Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Act in 2008. Six years after the bill was first introduced, it finally received congressional approval. The measure was included in the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in 2014. "(Tubman) is a true American hero," Schumer said at Tuesday's ceremony. "Because she didn't just secure the blessings of liberty for herself, she risked her life to secure it for others and fought passionately to change her country to secure it for everyone. She gave of herself for others. That's what it means to be an American hero." Gillibrand, D-N.Y., echoed Schumer's comments. "It's a celebration for New York and for Auburn," she said. "But it's mostly a celebration of what's right in the world, and right conquering wrong." The ceremony also recognized the A.M.E. Zion Church's role in preserving the Tubman properties in New York. The church has been credited with ensuring that Tubman's legacy in Auburn wasn't forgotten. Several of the church's leaders, including Bishop Dennis Proctor, attended the ceremony. Proctor, who also serves as chairman of the Harriet Tubman Home organization, hailed the bipartisan cooperation that led to the bill's passage and the eventual establishment of the park. "(Tubman) was not only the 'Moses of her people,' but she was the Moses of a movement a movement for freedom, a movement for justice and a movement for equality," he said. An opening date for the park hasn't been set. With its formal establishment, the next steps are to secure federal funding and prepare the sites for visitors. The Parker Street church and rectory will need significant renovations before the property opens to the public. Tubman's former residence on South Street also will require rehabilitation. The state also plans on playing a role in the opening of the park. When central New York won the 2015 Upstate Revitalization Initiative, a new visitors center for the park was included in the region's future plans. The construction of the facility will cost an estimated $30 million. For now, Tubman stakeholders are celebrating the achievement. While the formal establishment ceremony was held in Washington, the National Park Service is planning to hold an event in Auburn. That event will likely be held in the spring. Gov. Andrew Cuomo had a message for western New Yorkers during his latest State of the State address Monday. "Tell your legislators when they come home: Don't come home to Buffalo unless you pass ridesharing for upstate New York," Cuomo said. Cuomo, who's already publicly stated his support for allowing Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing companies to operate in upstate New York, unveiled his plan that would permit ridesharing in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and other upstate cities. Under Cuomo's eight-point proposal, the state Department of Motor Vehicles, which would be given broad auditing authority, would license and oversee Uber and other ridesharing companies. Minimum standards would be set for ridesharing drivers, including required background checks. Individuals with certain convictions would be disqualified from working for ridesharing services. And ridesharing companies would be mandated to adopt a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy. Consumers would see the driver's identification, vehicle information and estimated before receiving a ride. Drivers would be required to display signs identifying which ridesharing company they work for. Ridesharing companies would be required to carry at least $1 million worth of insurance to cover vehicles picking up passengers and during the passenger's ride. Drivers would receive workers' compensation coverage by requiring companies to participate in the Black Car Fund, which is used to provide the benefit to downstate taxi and livery drivers. An anti-discrimination policy would be in place to protect passengers and a task force would be created to review accessibility needs. "Ridesharing is bringing transportation into the 21st century and we are committed to ensuring that it becomes a reality statewide," Cuomo said. "It provides economic opportunity and a cost-effective alternative to transportation, and we must ensure that all residents outside of New York City have access to its benefits. "This action will spur economic development across upstate and further position our upstate cities as cities of the 21st century." Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing companies may operate in New York City, but the services aren't regulated in upstate New York. State lawmakers nearly had an agreement to allow ridesharing in 2016, but it fell apart in the final days of the legislative session. Josh Mohrer, general manager of Uber NY, praised Cuomo's plan to bring ridesharing upstate. "Thank you Governor Cuomo for listening to the voices of New Yorkers who are demanding affordable, reliable transportation options like Uber," Mohrer said. "It's time for the Empire State to join New York City and the other 47 other states in allowing ridesharing services to operate." Cuomo's ridesharing proposal has its share of critics, including New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai. Desai, who said Uber has an "anti-worker business model," believes the company shouldn't be allowed to operate in New York. "By granting Uber special treatment, as opposed to holding it accountable to the same laws as the taxi and for-hire industry, what Governor Cuomo is expanding upstate is poverty wages," Desai said. "Regulations in place now like those in Rochester where there are 300 taxi drivers, most of whom are black, protect full-time income. If we let Uber wipe out these rules, among the first casualties will be the governor's promise of $15 an hour and job creation." John Tomassi, president of the Upstate Transportation Association representing private passenger transportation companies, also said Uber and other companies should be required to operate under the same rules and insurance regulations. One issue Tomassi has raised in the past is fingerprinting. He said there's a fingerprinting requirement in place for ridesharing drivers in New York City, but companies have been resistant to the rules in talks about expanding into upstate. "The bottom line is that upstate passengers deserve to be just as safe as those downstate," he said. Tomassi also said any ridesharing agreement should include a ban on driverless cars for at least 50 years. Uber has been adding driverless cars to its fleet in other cities throughout the U.S. "If lawmakers expand ridesharing without a ban on driverless cars, they will be stepping into an economic trap that turns new jobs into lost jobs," he said. Ridesharing will be a hot topic during budget negotiations between Cuomo and legislative leaders. There's general agreement on allowing ridesharing in upstate New York, but how it would be regulated and insurance framework are hurdles to any deal. March 13, 2015 Laila Sarkis, aka El Djette, stands on an elevated platform above the packed crowd of Club 27 in Beirut on a Friday night, with turntables at her fingertips and a computer on her right. She moves to the beat of easy listening, remixed from one side to the other, clearly in her element as she should be, with 15 years of experience spinning tunes in Beiruts bars and clubs. Sarkis has female company in the nightlife scene now, but that was not always the case. When she started in 2000, she found herself an anomaly in what was traditionally a mans world in Lebanon. Since then, the Lebanese DJ, who grew up in Nigeria and only planned to be here for two years and has stayed for 15, has helped push the music scene forward, perpetuating the recent rapid growth of women behind the decks. Laila Sarkis, aka El Djette, plays on a Friday night at Club 27 in downtown Beirut. It was not easy. No DJ ever wanted to teach me. I used to really beg them. So I decided to make it a self-made thing. I bought my turntables, CD players and a mixer and I kept on training. Back then, it wasnt easy to access the Internet or go to YouTube, so I would go to certain clubs and stand behind the DJs, who were my friends by then, and just watch them, Sarkis told Al-Monitor. Mohamad Ghebris, founder and manager of music business Per-Vurt, a record label, music store, DJ school and agency, said that he has seen this growth in his classes. It was booming after 2009 and 2010. This past year, more than 50% of our students were females. This was the first year this happened, he told Al-Monitor. He explains that part of this trend is that Beirut thrives on music and nightlife. Opportunities are available more and more because female DJs bring something different to the turntables. We have so many DJs, so people started to search for something special. One of those things is being female, Ghebris said. Yasmine Sarout, 29, has been DJing for about four years. When she began, she said there were not many other female DJs, but since then, there are more than she can keep track of, if you include the women who do it less frequently or just play in their homes. Yasmine Sarout (L) has been DJing for four years and plays different gigs, from private parties and weddings to big parties such as C U NXT SAT. When I started in 2012, I had someone from Timeout Beirut interview me and she asked me how many female DJs can you name. I could name only two or three. Now I wouldnt know where to stop. There are so many, she said. This growth was not without its obstacles. Even in Lebanon, a country known in the Middle East for its nightlife, particularly in Beirut, societal acceptance of female DJs came slowly. But taboos still exist, Ghebris said, something he hears often from his students. The social aspect is really something. I have my students who say they are learning just for them, because their parents would never allow for them to play until seven in the morning. People will start talking. You have this taboo. It is a cultural thing, he said. Tala Mortada, 26, echoed this. Though she said it is not something she personally feels when she is working, it is due to her careful choices of where she plays her gigs and the social circles she moves in. What is funny is that I have been asked if my parents were OK with me doing this as a hobby, or if they even knew about it, which makes you think that maybe some Lebanese parents still think working at night or in the events industry is something disgraceful or scary, especially for girls. I have even been told to get a real job by people I barely know, which is also funny because I do three other jobs aside from DJing, Mortada told Al-Monitor. Renata Sabella, who initially started as a student at Per-Vurt, now lives in London and has been DJing there for three years. Though the female DJ taboo does not exist in places such as London and Berlin, even there, many still do not expect her to be as good as a man, or to play as hard. They say Im aggressive behind the decks. What, you want me to be girly behind the decks? It does not matter [your gender], it is about how you feel, she told Al-Monitor. Josiane Bitar, aka DJ Joey, is more negative about the recent trend. Though she believes that it is important to educate women to be excellent DJs, she says there has been a deluge of less talented men and women bringing down the quality level in Lebanons nightlife in the past couple of years. Bitar started a DJ school for females only in 2012; Women on Dex aimed at improving the talent of women who finally have growing opportunities in the nightlife scene. I wanted to teach only women because I wanted to create a new concept for Beirut's clubbing scene, whose clubbers are constantly hungry for something new and different. The idea was to get an original group of sexy twisted young women who will each have a different kind of music to play on the decks, she said. Tatiana Majaroff, also known as Tatty Long Legs, is a female DJ and founder of 6th Sense Productions. She has found it is not only difficult in Lebanon for a female DJ, but also for organizing nightlife events. It is a man-made kind of industry and not only do they not like additional competition and on top of that, being a girl? They get more frustrated that I am a female trying to make it in this industry, she told Al-Monitor. However, despite some doubts, many are confident that opportunities for female DJs in Lebanon will grow, as nightlife continues to open up, listeners continue to evolve and the people in the scene keep pushing to carve out a unique sound for Beirut. Caline Chidiac, 40, has been working as a DJ for about seven years, and like Sarkis, has witnessed the scene opening up not only for female DJs but for females in general. Nightlife is not only a place for men now, it has been democratized. When you see men putting aside their macho thing and really listening to a female DJ and getting their kicks, it is really cool. Especially in Lebanon, sometimes the men that are listening are really macho, so when a woman gives them this and they feel it, it is like were gaining a point, Chidiac said. Sarkis emphasized that just as Lebanons nightlife will never burn out, female DJs are not a trend that will pass, but are now a fixture and will always be part of the scene. [Female DJs], just watch them in the club. You could come back and watch a man the next night. You would feel the difference there is this energy, this groove. You can feel it, she said. There is an energy that a woman can give that I dont think a man can give. This is what is really needed. Photos by Melissa Tabeek June 22, 2015 Creative Space Beirut (CSB), Lebanons first free fashion school, is inconspicuously housed in a run-of-the-mill, weathered apartment building tucked in a corner of the raucous neighborhood of Mar Mikhael the capitals capital of cool, generously lined with characterful bars and eateries, home to many an engaging art and design studio. The ambitious CSB, founded in 2011, operates out of an average-sized flat, its spatial modesty belying the bountiful tutelage it offers. A nonprofit, CSB runs a three-year program catering to students from underprivileged backgrounds. It relies primarily on the generosity of donors for sustainability and it admits only four new students a year, choosing to offer a compact cohort a fulfilling experience rather than overreaching and providing more students with less. Design education has become institutionalized, and more about how much money you have than talent, said the initiatives founder, 29-year-old Kuwait bred, Lebanese-Armenian fashion designer Sarah Hermez. Back in the day, designers would go work under others and build their way up, but today without a degree its impossible to get a job. Were trying to provide equal opportunities to people who dont have access to the elitist world of design. A product of the unconventional academic coupling of fashion design and media/cultural studies at the New School's Parsons School of Design and the New School's Eugene Lang College for Liberal Arts in New York, Hermez graduated wanting to do more than fashion for fashions sake. Her desire to merge her zeal for social work with her love for fashion motivated her to move back to her native Lebanon. I didnt know what I wanted to do, she said, but I knew there was so much work to be done here. She worked in the textile department of a boutique furniture store, taught preschool to Palestinian refugees and explored other opportunities within the very different worlds of NGO work and design, but nothing fit quite right. Then, during a visit to New York, a conversation with her former professor, Lebanese-American designer Caroline Shlala-Simonelli, sparked what Hermez called the American light bulb moment that aha moment Oprah talks about. After listening to Hermez articulate the desire to marry her passions, and her frustration with not knowing how to do so, Simonelli suggested she start her own, free school. She even offered to help her do it. Luckily, Hermez and her fledgling initiative were extended a number of supportive hands. A friend from Donna Karan in NY donated $100,000 worth of fabric for the future students to work with. We had fabric and a professor but we needed a school, she recalled. It was my job to make that happen. After realizing that collaborating with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) would mean tailoring her objectives to meet grant guidelines, Hermez decided to look for funding closer to home. NGOs are more about quantity than quality. Your work needs to sound developmental; outreach has to be bigger 40 students learning to sew in two weeks. Thats not what we wanted to do. We were looking to launch a pilot project for something more long term. She approached her father, who agreed to fund the pilot on the condition that it ends with an exhibition that would generate funding for the initiative by selling the students creations. Then came the biggest challenge: recruiting the students themselves. Hermez approached various underprivileged communities, visiting refugee camps and orphanages, reaching out to nonprofits that could direct her toward talented youths. Im just looking for talent, but not necessarily in fashion. I ask to see a portfolio. If they can draw, if they know how to sculpt, thats good. She found five students willing to enroll for three months and had to quickly figure out how to teach them to produce clothes in such a short time period. Traditionally, you would make prototypes first, but since we had all this donated fabric we just handed it to them and said go. They started draping and making things it was this beautiful moment because we could see how talented they were before learning anything. Thats when we knew we had something in our hands. By the end of three months, the students had produced 30 dresses. From a three-month pilot project to a three-year, full-time, multi-course program, today CSB boasts a rotating faculty of Lebanese and international designers who generously volunteer their time to teach everything from patternmaking to drawing, conceptual design and textile courses. Co-founder Simonelli flies in from New York each summer to spend two months mentoring the students. CSB doesnt function like a conventional school. Rather than compartmentalize skills into classes, it tries to emulate the interdisciplinary nature of the fashion industry. Everything is somehow merged together, Hermez said. Sketching, patternmaking and draping all at the same time. Because were not an accredited university, we dont have rules to follow. We can do whatever we want. We have a curriculum, but its organic and open to change. If we discover something, we incorporate it. If we get a grant, we stick a three-day workshop in. The goal is that by the end of their three years , the students will have cultivated portfolios on the basis of which CSB can help them launch their careers in the industry. The students each produce between five and 10 pieces per year, showcased in an annual exhibition. There have been five to date, which took place at prestigious venues such as the Beirut Art Center (March 2012), Lebanons Bokja Design Studio (June 2013) and Kuwaits Contemporary Art Platform (October 2014). As they prepare to release their first graduates into the world, Hermez and the rest of the CSB team anxiously prepare to measure their success. A glance at the impressive sketchbooks of CSBs students, however, hints at a bright future for the budding fashion designers. Ahmad Amer, 22, from South Lebanon, for example, appears to have a penchant for the glamorous, designing voluminous gowns fit for a diva. What inspires me is feelings, he said, like power and femininity. Marie Benjamin, 16, from Batroun, a confident first-year student, has had her eyes on the fashion industry for some time. I used to experiment with my clothes, turn them into something else. People would stop me in the street to photograph me. This made me want to get into fashion. I felt like I could do it. She said she applied to CSB because she wanted to learn how to make something. She looks Jaden Smith up online to illustrate her aesthetic, which shes incapable of articulating. This is very cool, she said, pointing at the screen. It makes me smile a long shirt, layers. Im working on layers. With 50 new applications to review, Hermez and the team are looking for ways to make CSB fully self-sustainable. On June 9, 2015, during Beirut Design Week, they debuted their ready-to-wear collection, designed by the team alongside some of the students. Composed of one-size-fits-all items that are easier to produce and sell year-round, CSB hopes to generate continuous, steady income from the collection, which can support the students education. Hermez hopes to eventually grow CSB into a school for all manners of design, not just fashion, believing that marginalized communities can greatly benefit from the problem-solving skills the discipline imparts. CSB, elaborated communications manager and events coordinator Sarah Hunaidi, is not just about making clothes. Its about introducing students to a critical and creative process that can benefit all aspects of their lives. Hermez points to the stark design disparity between economically affluent parts of Beirut, like downtown, and the citys dilapidated refugee camps as one consequence of denying the underprivileged certain forms of knowledge refusing not only to better their lives through rehabilitative policies, but to provide them the means to better them themselves. Through its work, CSB is humbly attempting, at the very least, to deviate from this flawed system. June 15, 2015 You dont have to be gay to defend gay rights, insist a number of popular Lebanese public figures in an advocacy video released by civil society organization Proud Lebanon in the leadup to the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on May 17. Even if were different, we shouldnt disagree, asserted celebrities such as TV host Fouad Yammine, urging fellow citizens to challenge problematic laws that allow for the persecution of members of the LGBT community in Lebanon. While Lebanese law does not explicitly criminalize homosexuality, Article 534 of the penal code, which prohibits sexual intercourse contrary to the order of nature, is often used to prosecute LGBT people, even though "nature" has not been legally defined in Lebanon. Yammine called campaigns like Proud Lebanon important, but lamented their negligible impact. Lebanon, he told Al-Monitor, is burdened by a culture of tamyeez (Arabic for othering). I would say 99% of society is anti-LGBT rights. It is a society full of stereotypes. If Muslims and Christians are still afraid of each other, of course we have homophobia. But Sarah Wansa, a researcher with nongovernmental organization Legal Agenda, said it would be an overstatement to label Lebanese society "homophobic," or to place blame for the persecution of LGBT people largely on the shoulders of bigoted citizens. Legal Agenda monitors law and public policy in Lebanon, documents the mistreatment of marginalized communities by the criminal justice system and engages in legal activism aimed at securing the rights of vulnerable groups. Wansa told Al-Monitor that Legal Agenda has found most of the rights violations experienced by LGBT people in Lebanon to have been carried out by the state, which, she claimed, has displayed a tendency toward mistreating members of all marginalized communities, including the lower classes, migrant workers and refugees. Cosette Maalouf, an advocacy officer with Proud Lebanon, whose initial focus was the aiding of LGBT Syrian refugees, said that the community faces a double stigma in Lebanon. In August 2014, the Internal Security Forces Morals Protection Bureau conducted a raid on Hammam Al-Agha, a Turkish bathhouse in Beirut, resulting in the arrest of 27 Syrians, both employees and customers. According to a report co-produced with LGBT rights group Helem and published by Wansa on Legal Agendas website, the stated reason for the raid was the suspected presence of homosexual individuals. To highlight the infringements that, it claims, often take place during and after such raids that are omitted from official investigation and prosecution reports, and the problematic means through which these arrests are sometimes initiated, Legal Agenda collected and published the testimony of a number of Hammam Al-Agha arrestees. Wansa said the case began when a Syrian refugee and former employee of the hammam visited the Directorate of General Security to obtain paperwork necessary for his resettlement in Canada. During the interview, the General Security investigator confiscated the mans mobile phone, citing uneven behavior and speech in his official report as the reason behind the seizure. He wrote gheir saweh [Arabic for uneven] in the report, which means he thought he looked gay, Wansa said. After looking through his phone, the man alleged that the investigator yelled homophobic slurs, beat and then arrested him. The man was eventually transferred to the Morals Protection Bureau at the Hobeich police station in Beirut and a raid on the hammam was initiated. The employees alleged that the officers encountered no evidence of sexual activity at the hammam, but that the arrestees were nevertheless forced to confess, under duress, to homosexual acts and/or prostitution. One employee, for example, claimed to have been subjected to a torture technique known as "al-farrouj" (Arabic for the chicken), during which his hands were tied behind his back and the soles of his feet were beaten. Legal Agenda wrote that all of the arrested employees were beaten and tortured, and all those detained had to undergo HIV and illegal drug testing carried out by investigators, not physicians, without their consent. They were threatened with the result, told that it would be determined by their testimony, Wansa said. The report also states that detainees were threatened with rectal examinations if they failed to confess. In response to such reported violations, Proud Lebanon has made an effort to teach its beneficiaries about their legal rights. Nobody has the right to touch your phone, Maalouf said. We bring in lawyers to educate people, to teach them that they have the right to stay silent, that rectal exams are not allowed. But an awareness of rights, said Wansa, is not enough to protect a detainee. This isnt the first time weve documented this scenario. Lately, theres been a pattern you go in for an administrative matter at a security bureau, they dont like the way you look and decide to look through your phone. Knowing your rights can empower you a bit more, but it doesnt mean youre protected from having your rights violated. It comes down to a problem of accountability, she elaborated. This is why Legal Agenda documents the testimony of individuals who say they have had their civil rights violated under detention, and files complaints on their behalf with the general prosecutor, requesting that such infringements be formally investigated and their perpetrators prosecuted. By actively confronting such violations through legal channels and awareness campaigns, naming violators, lodging formal complaints and reaching out to affected and influential stakeholders, the organization hopes to alleviate some of the injustices taking place within the criminal justice system. In 2012, for example, a number of men, arrested during an anti-gay raid on Beiruts Plaza Cinema, were subjected to rectal exams. Legal Agenda partnered with Helem to start a campaign against the invasive procedure, motivating the Lebanese Order of Physicians to ban and brand it medically useless. Shortly after, the general prosecutor issued a circular calling for the halting of such exams. While Lebanon remains far from an LGBT-friendly country, activists have been able to log a few wins. In particular, two landmark rulings in 2009 and 2014 set important legal precedents in the fight to abolish Article 534. The judges in both cases acquitted defendants charged under 534, arguing that conceptions of nature are socio-cultural constructs, making it impossible to designate any behavior categorically unnatural. Taking matters a step further, a collaborative colloquium was held May 14-16 to examine the use of "nature" in criminalizing individuals in various contexts. Karim Nammour, a lawyer and contributor to Legal Agenda, discussed ways in which activists have engaged the same laws used to persecute LGBT people in Lebanon to "manufacture" their rights. During his presentation, Nammour cited the response to the 2013 raid on a nightclub in Dekwaneh. In its aftermath, a number of activists filed a complaint with the general prosecutor, accusing the mayor who authorized the raid of 11 criminal offenses, many of which are often used against the LGBT community itself such as coercion to indecent acts (two detainees were forced to kiss). In this way, Nammour explained, Current articles in the penal code can be used to manufacture something the penal code doesnt recognize itself, in this case homophobia and homophobic offenses. There has been a lot of positive change, said Wansa, but were not there yet. January 9, 2017 With the Egyptian GDP per capita decreasing and poverty rates on the rise, the parliament and the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, or Awqaf, are endeavoring to raise awareness about overpopulation, proposing legislation to encourage family planning. According to statements by officials from the Ministry of Awqaf and the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) Dec. 17, and others by members of parliament on Dec. 19, Egypt's economic reform plans launched in August will not be enough to overcome Egypt's economic crises and a program to manage overpopulation may be needed. The monthly GDP per capita is 1,282 Egyptian pounds ($70). The prices of commodities and services have skyrocketed as a result of increased foreign exchange rates. In the second half of December, it became clear that state institutions are looking at decreasing population growth as a way to loosen the grip of the crisis. Amena Nossair, a professor of religion and philosophy at al-Azhar University and a member of the parliamentary Research and Education Committee, said in a Dec. 19 press statement that Friday sermons, under the direction of the Ministry of Awqaf, should begin advising citizens on the importance of curbing population growth. She added that the ministry has to correct citizens religious misconceptions about procreation. Nossair said that Islam called upon Muslims to take pride in offspring that can improve the world and achieve scientific progress, as opposed to families too large to enjoy good access to educational, health or work prospects. Nossairs statements came on the sidelines of the parliaments discussion of the Ministry of Awqaf and CAPMAS plan to advise citizens against the dangers of overpopulation. Nossair also called upon Awqaf Minister Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa to guide his ministry to advise citizens on the importance of birth control so that the state will be capable of improving education. This way, The coming generations would become scientists of the future, she added. On Dec. 17, an expanded meeting took place at the Ministry of Awqafs headquarters between Gomaa, ministry officials, former CAPMAS head Gen. Abu Bakr el-Guendy and a number of CAPMAS officials. In a statement issued that day, the ministry announced that the meeting covered the importance of advising citizens against contributing to overpopulation as well as encouraging citizens to procreate carefully and take enough time between births to allow children to enjoy the best financial, health and educational care available. Mohamed Abd el-Galeel, an adviser to the head of CAPMAS, described Egypts population growth to Al-Monitor as a monster that swallows Egypts economy. He added that development and improving the lives of citizens can only be achieved by curbing population growth. The citizen is always blamed for the states economic conditions due to overpopulation, Reda Eissa, a professor of economics at Cairo University, told Al-Monitor. According to Eissa, for all of Egypt's needy citizens to receive adequate welfare and services, Egypt's economic development would need to be much higher and its population steady, which is a major challenge. This does not mean that the citizen is the only one to blame, as the state failed to instill principles of birth control in the past decades, regardless of the numerous awareness campaigns. Moreover, population growth in itself is not necessarily a negative factor. It only depends on how the state exploits this increase. Eissa explained, Some European countries, such as Germany, suffer from decreasing populations and increased rates of ageing. Therefore, they are pushed to employ foreign workers, which is a costly process. Some societies could achieve economic development through developing industries that exploit their large population, like China. Egypt could make use of the population if it tried to develop the sectors of industry, distribute population and services [more evenly across] all governorates to resolve the increasing density in cities and the marginalized rural regions and Upper Egypt. [Egypt] can also establish large societies outside of the narrow and crowded Nile Valley. The intention of the parliament and state institutions to adopt measures to curb population growth seems more serious compared to the attempts by state institutions during past regimes that preceded the January 25 revolution, a source in the Egyptian parliament told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. Several campaigns on family planning were launched under former President Hosni Mubaraks rule, and under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Population. But those campaigns failed to bring about solutions that differ from those proposed today, as [these solutions] also called for birth control. The parliamentary source added, Some lawmakers are currently discussing a new bill that allows the state to provide educational and health support to families that have a maximum of two children, but deprives the third and any following children of such support. The suggestion first came from parliamentarian Mahmoud Shimko, a member of the parliament's Religion Committee, in a Dec. 19 press statement: A law that forces a family to limit the number of births cannot possibly be issued or passed. However, legislation that allocates state support to only the first and second children could be issued, as the state cannot sustain spending on a larger number of children. Although the Ministry of Awqaf and its mostly-Azharite officials believe that birth control is consistent with Sharia, many Salafist sheikhs still reject the concept. Salafist preacher Mahmoud Lotfy Amer said in a June fatwa that birth control is forbidden and that societies should encourage procreation and having many children. As Amer sees it, blaming deteriorating economic conditions on overpopulation is a mark of a failed state. Birth control is detestable because fewer births do not necessarily mean having [more] time for upbringing. However, it is not forbidden, said Yasser Burhami, deputy head of Egypts Salafist Call, in his own June fatwa answering a question about birth control posted by a user on the Ana al-Salafy website. It seems quite likely that the ministrys attempts to promote the values of family planning, birth control and protecting society from overpopulation will face both cultural and religious obstacles. Despite all the parliaments attempts to pass a law limiting benefits to the first two children of each family, economists believe that these steps must be coupled with an economic development process that takes advantage of the existing population growth. January 10, 2017 TEHRAN, Iran Two days after the death of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Jan. 8, an unexpectedly large number of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran for the funeral of the two-time president and Expediency Council chairman. The funeral was scheduled to take place at Tehran University at 8:30 a.m., and people began gathering at the venue an hour before the ceremony was slated to begin. The crowd quickly grew so large that police had to shut down a number of streets to prevent an outright stampede. During the first hours of the funeral, the number of people on the streets was estimated at more than a million, but Hossein Ali Amiri, vice president for legal and parliamentary affairs, later announced that the number of mourners was around 2.5 million. Media described the turnout as historical and the second biggest funeral after the Imam, meaning Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of the Islamic Revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic. More than 10 million people turned out for Khomeini's funeral in 1989. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who described Rafsanjani as his companion of 59 years, led the funeral prayers for Rafsanjani at Tehran University. Among the many senior officials in attendance were President Hassan Rouhani, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Tehran Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Kazem Sedighi. Two prominent faces absent from the event were former Reformist President Mohammad Khatami and former conservative President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Reports said Khatami had been banned from taking part in the funeral by judicial order while Ahmadinejad, a staunch enemy of Rafsanjani, did not release a statement on his attendance. Among the slogans Rafsanjani and Khatami supporters chanted were Hashemi, your path will be continued, Salutations to Hashemi, Its the mourning day, the Amir Kabir of Iran is before God, and Rouhani, Khatami, condolences. The slogans were, however, censored by Iranian state TV. The funeral was emotional, with a lot of people openly crying. A picture of an apparently sorrowful Rouhani circulated on social media, showing him at the funeral of the man who was referred to as his spiritual father. Rouhani is said to have cried deeply at the Martyrs Hospital in the northern Tajrish district, where Rafsanjani passed away. Iranian state TV, which is controlled by hard-liners, covered the funeral, but not to an extent that satisfied moderates and Reformists. For instance, Rafsanjani supporters have pointed out that there were no videos or pictures aired from helicopters to show the large number of people who came to bid the ayatollah farewell. In response to the criticism of media coverage of the funeral, Ali Asgari, head of the state broadcaster, said, We accept the criticisms, and we will try to improve our performance. In a separate but related controversy, a video was released on social media a day before the funeral showing Rafsanjani's son Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani currently serving a 10-year sentence for embezzlement but who was granted furlough to attend his fathers funeral supposedly stopping Asgari from approaching his father's coffin at the family residence. Hashemi strongly denied the allegation, saying that he was actually inviting the media boss to enter his father's home. Rafsanjani supporters felt that state TV had been biased against him for many years. After Khamenei's funeral prayer, Rafsanjanis body was taken to Khomeini's mausoleum to be buried beside him south of Tehran. It took some two hours to reach the site because of the crowds blocking the progress of the hearse. During the burial ceremony, Gen. Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, the IRGCs foreign operations branch, appeared unexpectedly to offer Rafsanjanis wife his condolences. In an interview on state TV, Soleimani said, Mr. Hashemi maintained his premier position to the end. Sometimes, his tactics were different, but he was both anti-arrogance [anti-American] and anti-enemy. After the burial, Rafsanjanis family released a statement thanking mourners. Millions of people saw how God rewarded him [Rafsanjani] after showing patience amid the poisonous arrows of the attacks and accusations, the statement also read, referring to responses by hard-line political opponents over ideology and approaches. Hashemis love for the people has made his death impossible. Hashemi is alive as long as the revolution is alive, and Hashemis approach will last. Amid the funeral, many conservative, moderate and Reformist figures recalled the unfair criticisms of Rafsanjani over the years. Ali Akbar Nategh-Nuri, a leading moderate figure who played a crucial role, along with Rafsanjani, in Rouhani's victory in the 2013 presidential election, said on state TV, with a lump in his throat, Our people are still shocked. The loss of Hashemi will be sensed the more time passes. Nategh-Nuri, head of the supreme leaders Inspection Office, added, The unfairness is that nobody was hurt to this extent. Why? Arent we Muslims? As long as Hashemi was alive, they were saying that he does this and that, but after his death, all the channels of Voice and Vision [the state broadcaster] are praising him, and this is useless, because he is gone. Moreover, Mohsen Rafigh Doost, who served as minister of the IRGC before turning the guards into an independent military organization, said, Many [figures] must go to God crying to be forgiven [for their attacks against Rafsanjani]. We pray that God forgives those who went too far. Hassan Ghafouri Fard, a prominent conservative figure, said, I wish the same kindness the media are showing to Mr. Hashemi had been shown in the past. January 10, 2017 The documented case of the Israeli soldier shooting and killing an injured Palestinian youth in March 2016 in Hebron could have provided the perfect case for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch a war crimes investigation. The Hague-based ICC is authorized to look into violations of international humanitarian law in areas under its mandate. The Palestinian occupied territories became part of its jurisdiction on April 1, 2015, after Palestine was accepted as a full member of the court. The ICC doesnt indict governments or organizations, but goes after individual war criminals if there is a strong case for indictment. The evidence was damning in the case of Elor Azaria shooting Abdel Fattah al-Sharif. A video taken by a human rights activist clearly shows that the Israeli soldier killed an injured person lying on the ground incapacitated. It was not the first time that an Israeli soldier had shot a Palestinian in violation of international law, or even in violation of his own military's rules of engagement, which specify that soldiers are not allowed to open fire unless their lives are in danger. Amnesty International (AI) has shone a light on this issue, documenting that Israeli soldiers often carry out unlawful killings that amount to war crimes. In September 2016, AI sent a memo to the Israeli government noting that in at least 15 cases documented between September 2015 and September 2016, Palestinians were deliberately shot dead, despite posing no imminent threat to life, in what appear to be extrajudicial executions. Earlier, in a 2014 report, Trigger-happy: Israels Use of Excessive Force in the West Bank, AI documented 19 cases that amounted to possible unlawful killings, including three cases where there was evidence of willful killings, which amount to war crimes. When the Israeli army prosecutor decided to charge Azaria with manslaughter, the military was aware that ICC prosecutors were considering investigating the case. Even before the Azaria case, the Jerusalem Post had reported that the ICC was looking into hundreds of incidents of possible war crimes committed during the 2014 Gaza war. The Palestinian government and human rights organizations have supplied the ICC with information documenting alleged war crimes committed during that conflict. The ICC has yet to indicate what it plans to do with the information. Anis Fawzi Qasim, a leading Palestinian expert on international law, told Al-Monitor that the ICC will not investigate the Azaria case. International law is very clear in that local procedures must be exhausted before holding violators responsible, he explained. Qasim, also editor of the Palestinian Year Book on International Law, said that an ICC investigation of Azaria would violate his rights. A person cant be tried by two different bodies, he said. This is considered double jeopardy, and therefore it is impossible to try him again. The Rome Statute is clear, Qasim said, adding, The rule against double jeopardy has long been considered an important protection for accused persons and an essential element of the right to a fair trial. Qasim said the ICC only intervenes where it is convinced that a local government has not conducted a proper investigation and trial. According to the court's protocols, The ICC does not replace national criminal justice systems; rather it complements them. It can investigate and, where warranted, prosecute and try individuals only if the state concerned does not, cannot or is unwilling genuinely to do so. The Palestinian Maan News Agency reported Jan. 4 that Sharif's family is not satisfied with Azaria's conviction and plans to pursue the case with the ICC. A spokesperson for the family expressed outrage that the murderer of their son was convicted only of manslaughter, saying they would expose the military court as a farce, just like other cases of criminal acts carried out by Israeli forces and settlers against our people. The family wanted Azaria to be tried for murder, according to Maan. Human Rights Watch reported that the problem of unjustified killings is much bigger than one individual soldier and is related to a political environment that encourages such acts. Its not just about potentially rogue soldiers, but also about senior Israeli officials who publicly tell security forces to unlawfully shoot to kill, the organization charged in a Jan. 2 report documenting the many cases of Israeli officials supporting extrajudicial killings of Palestinians. It is unclear whether talk of a possible Israeli pardon of the convicted soldier will weaken the Israeli war crimes case. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly supported a presidential pardon for Azaria. Qasim does not believe a pardon would lead the ICC to investigate in this particular case. A pardon is a political, and not a legal decision, he explained. It might be taken because a president finds that such a decision is important for political considerations. Palestinian members of the Israeli Knesset have expressed opposition to a possible pardon, saying it would amount to granting a license to kill. The conviction of Azaria for what would be a clearly documented war crime has helped Israel avoid a possible ICC investigation into the matter, but it is too early to determine whether the conviction represents a change in attitude in Israel toward trigger-happy soldiers. The case will increase Palestinian, Israeli and international efforts in documenting such abuses and ensuring that sufficient proof is available to convict in such instances, but a much bigger question remains: What is the role of senior Israeli military officials and politicians in the perpetuation of the occupation, the main cause of almost daily violations of international humanitarian law? Legal and political efforts must not be restricted to individual acts, but extended to the decadeslong problem of occupation and settlement, which are causing the daily confrontations. January 10, 2017 On Dec. 9, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent a letter to US President-elect Donald Trump stating that the relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem would undermine the principle of two states for two people, as well as future prospects of an Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The letter was very cautiously phrased, in diplomatic language, and was well thought out, a Palestinian source in Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority (PA), told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. According to the source, Abbas followed the suggestion of the future Palestinian ambassador to Washington, Husam Zumlut, and explained to Trump that moving the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would complicate matters for the Trump administration that wishes to make its mark by making peace between Israelis and Palestinians. There were no threats and no warnings of catastrophes, not even of retaliatory measures by the PA or by Arab states, the source said, but rather a sincere desire to talk as leader to leader. The mildly phrased letter sharply contradicts the harsh rhetoric on the issue by senior PA officials. Saeb Erekat, the secretary-general of the PLOs Executive Council who headed the Palestinian side in peace talks with Israel, warned that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would sound the death knell for the peace process with Israel, and that the PA would restrict its security coordination with Israel. Erekat even warned that the PA would no longer recognize Israel and would ask Arab states to expel US ambassadors from their capitals. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, went even further when he threatened to make life miserable for the United States in the various UN institutions if the decision does, indeed, go through. For his part, Abbas, speaking to representatives of the left-wing Israeli Meretz Party who met with him at the beginning of January, claimed that he refuses to believe Trump will go through with the embassy move, but that if he does, the Palestinians have means to respond at their disposal. The Palestinian president did not elaborate, but the comment was made prior to an emergency meeting held in his office at which it was decided to tone down the rhetoric against the unexpected president who assumes office Jan. 20. We have no way of threatening the United States, nor of making life miserable for Trump. We are inconsequential, as far as he is concerned. How will we threaten him? With what? Lets get serious and open our eyes and behave like rational people, the Palestinian source said. We can try and persuade, try and explain, but what sanctions can we [impose] on the great America? The Palestinian leaders office is under no illusions. The source admitted that Ramallah is taking the declarations by the soon-to-be American president seriously and sees the relocation of the embassy as a done deal. According to the official, the fact that Trump named David Friedman, a staunch supporter of Israels West Bank settlements, as his ambassador to Israel, and his Jewish son-in-law Jared Kushner as a senior adviser in his administration, sends a clear signal of his intention to make good on his campaign pledge of moving the embassy. Given the way things are, the Palestinians believe that threatening Trump would only result in damage to the PA and to Abbas standing. The only way to dissuade Trump from such a move is by presenting him with germane, balanced arguments. The Palestinians further believe that the days before his inauguration are critical in this regard. They estimate that if they fail to change his mind during this time period, it will be too late. But even if their efforts fail, they have a contingency plan. If the US Embassy is relocated, after all, it would be better if it were located in the western part of the city rather than in East Jerusalem. At the same time, the Palestinians will try to convince the new US administration to establish another embassy on the eastern side of town for the Palestinians, as suggested recently by former US ambassador to Israel, Martin Indyk, who led the US team to the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The idea was enthusiastically received by Abbas associates, but no one knows whether it has any realistic prospects of being implemented. You can count on one thing for sure, the Palestinian source told al-Monitor. There will be no Palestinian sanctions against the United States. We dont have the tools and the means to punish Trump and his administration, and definitely not to call for the expulsion of American ambassadors from Arab states as suggested by Saeb Erekat. Who will they expel? The ambassador in Riyadh? Qatar? Baghdad? Beirut? Relocating the US Embassy to Jerusalem is tantamount to official recognition by the worlds greatest power of the citys status as the capital of Israel and the absence of any standing for the Palestinians there. The Palestinian sensitivity over the status of Jerusalem generates great fears: An American move of that sort could be perceived as recognition by Trump of Israels annexation of East Jerusalem. This in turn could result in violent unrest, even if this is not directed by the PA and Abbas. Will Abbas instruct the Palestinian security forces to block a violent Palestinian wave, if one does erupt in the wake of the embassys relocation? This is likely to be one of the toughest dilemmas with which he will have to contend. January 10, 2017 GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip After a monthslong chill in relations, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas seems ready to try to mend ties with Egypt. Tensions arose after Abbas refused to cooperate in September with an initiative led by the Arab Quartet (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Jordan) to heal Fatah's internal split over enmity between Fatah Chairman Abbas and dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan. The quartet believes mending that rift would then allow for a reconciliation between Fatah and rival party Hamas. The strain between Egypt and Abbas worsened Dec. 22 when Egypt withdrew its UN Security Council draft resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction. On Dec. 23, the same draft was submitted to the Security Council by New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela and Senegal, and was approved 14-0, with the United States abstaining. But Abbas sent PLO Executive Committee Secretary Saeb Erekat on a surprise visit to Cairo, where he met Dec. 31 with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. A source at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in Cairo told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Erekats visit confirmed that relations between the PA and Egypt are strong. It also aimed to discuss the mechanisms of implementation of the [Security Council's] recent anti-settlement resolution. The source indicated that the two sides also discussed what next steps can be carried out by the Arab Quartet at the international level to make progress on the Palestinian cause, specifically seeking again to help Palestine achieve full member-state status in the United Nations. Azzam al-Ahmad, a Fatah Central Committee member, told Al-Monitor, Erekats visit to Cairo denies any crisis or tensions plaguing the relationship between Egypt and the PA. Egypt has been and will always be an Arab state that embraces the Palestinian cause. He confirmed that Erekat discussed with Egyptian officials how to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2334 condemning Israeli settlements and how to coordinate efforts to prepare for the Paris Peace Conference slated for Jan. 15. He also denied that there is any Arab pressure, specifically from Egypt, on Abbas to reconcile with Dahlan. He noted that Cairo cannot link the fate of the Palestinian cause to one specific person. Other Fatah leaders and cadres have also been dismissed, and Fatah has put the Dahlan issue behind it, he said. Palestinian actions to repair the relationship with the Arab Quartet, especially Egypt, began when Abbas visited Saudi Arabia on Dec. 21 after Fatahs General Conference, held Nov. 29 to Dec. 4 in Ramallah. The conference was an opportunity for Abbas to further entrench his influence and promote his standing within Fatah at the expense of Dahlans movement, which Abbas marginalized. On Jan. 1, just one day after Erekats visit, Dahlan also headed to Egypt, which had allowed Dahlans movement to hold and organize activities on its territory in October, perhaps to spite Abbas for his rejection in September of the Arab Quartets reconciliation initiative. Sources close to Dahlan told Egyptian daily Al-Youm Al-Sabeh on Jan. 1 that he would meet with several Egyptian officials to discuss Palestinian developments, particularly the efforts to achieve internal Palestinian reconciliation and follow the road map set by the Arab Quartet to help the Palestinian cause. Wissam Afifa, a political analyst and editor-in-chief of Hamas al-Resalah, a biweekly newspaper in Gaza close to Hamas, told Al-Monitor, After fortifying his position within the Fatah movement after the 7th General Conference, Abbas now seeks to further fortify his standing [with] the Arab countries, particularly the Arab Quartet, as Palestinian president and leader of Fatah. He said, however, It is unlikely at this particular moment that relations between Egypt and the PA will go back to normal, in light of Egypts [relationship with] Dahlan and his somewhat regular visits to Cairo. Political analyst Mohsen Abu Ramadan pointed out that common interests between the PA and Egypt push them to mend their ties, even if their relationship will never be as close as before. President Abbas tried to replace Egyptian sponsorship of the Fatah-Hamas internal reconciliation with the Qatari-Turkish sponsorship and tried to disassociate himself from the Arab Quartet, but soon reverted back to this quartet since he became aware of the leverage that the participating Arab countries confer to his diplomatic moves before international forums," he told Al-Monitor. The PA, which recognizes Egypt's decades-long importance as a main advocate of the Palestinian cause, cannot afford to turn its back on the country, especially given many Arab countries' preoccupation with their own disputes internally or with neighboring countries, such as Saudi Arabia and its war in Yemen. The PA is in dire need of an Arab supporter to help it move on the international level to win rights for Palestinians. January 10, 2017 Prime Minister Binali Yildirims visit to Iraq last week set a new tone in the ties between the two countries, which have been highly tense in recent months. Following his talks with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Baghdad, Yildirim met with Iraqi Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani in Erbil. His contacts in Erbil reflected a desire to maintain a balance between the central Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to the benefit of the three parties. Prior to traveling to Baghdad, Yildirim underscored that this visit was part of his policy of increasing the number of Turkeys friends and reducing the number of its enemies. He pointed to the recently improved ties with Israel and Russia as examples of Ankaras new approach. Analysts underline the fact that deteriorating ties with Baghdad were also undermining Turkeys vast economic cooperation with Iraq at a time when the Turkish economy shows signs of wavering. Despite its efforts to come out of its regional isolation with a new approach to foreign policy, Turkeys ties with Iraq remained tense during most of 2016, even to the point where talk of war entered the conversation. Yildirim's and Abadis statements following their talks in Baghdad on Jan. 7 displayed a clear willingness to end this period of animosity and open a new chapter in ties. Retired Ambassador Ali Tuygan, who served as Foreign Ministry undersecretary from 2006 to 2009, said the two countries are clearly aiming at compartmentalizing sources of tension so they do not cloud overall ties. This visit is a part of Turkeys efforts to correct the mistakes made in Syria and not repeat these in Iraq. In that sense, it has to be seen as a positive step, Tuygan, who has been highly critical of the governments foreign policy, told Al-Monitor. Remarks by Yildirim and Abadi in Baghdad also show that the two countries are ready to cooperate more closely against terrorism from the Islamic State (IS) and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). This seems to be the cornerstone of the new relationship between Ankara and Baghdad. Before Yildirim arrived in Baghdad, Abadi had declared that Iraq would not allow PKK activity against Turkey from Iraqi soil. Turkey is worried that the PKK is trying to establish a new base in the town of Sinjar (also known as Shengal), west of Mosul. We will not support any group that uses Iraqi soil to attack our neighbors. Our constitution does not allow for this, Abadi said at a press conference in Baghdad. He repeated this in his joint press conference with Yildirim on Jan. 7. Abadis statement on the PKK builds on remarks by KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani during an interview with Al-Monitor. Barzani said the KRG would consider removing the PKK from Sinjar by force if necessary. The most important aspect of the memorandum signed in Baghdad was the declaration by Iraq that the PKK is not wanted on its territory, reported Ilnur Cevik, a foreign policy adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a columnist for Yeni Birlik. Tensions between Ankara and Baghdad had increased in recent months, mainly over Turkeys military presence in Iraq and Ankaras insistence that it would participate in the operation to liberate Mosul regardless of Baghdads opposition. Prior to declaring the final assault on Mosul on Oct. 16, Abadi said: Turkish forces will not be allowed to participate in the liberation of Mosul under any circumstances. He had also declared the presence of Turkish troops in the town of Bashiqa, near Mosul, to be a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Turkey has had a special sensitivity toward Mosul, a majority Sunni city, which fell to IS in June 2014. Turkish irredentists still argue that Mosul was pried away from Turkey illegally after World War I. Turkey also continues to voice concerns about the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Units fighters participating in the liberation of Mosul. It fears revenge attacks by this Shiite group against Sunnis in Mosul and Turkmens in nearby Tal Afar. Arguing that Mosul belongs to the people of Mosul and Tal Afar to the people of Tal Afar, Erdogan told Saudi Arabias Rotana TV in October that after Mosul is liberated, only Sunni Arabs, Turkmens and Sunni Kurds should remain there. Such remarks fueled Iraqi suspicions that Turkey was pursuing a sectarian/nationalist agenda in Iraq. Tensions between Turkey and Iraq had increased to the extent that Abadi warned in early November that Iraqis "did not want to go to war with Turkey, but would defend themselves if necessary. Abadi was also responding to angry remarks by Erdogan about him and the Turkish presence in Iraq. You are not my counterpart; you are not of the same rank or quality as me. Your yelling and shouting from Iraq is not important for us. Know that we will do what we think is right, Erdogan had said, referring to Abadi, during an address to the Eurasian Islamic Council in Istanbul in October. Turkey said it is in Bashiqa by invitation, and its mission there is to train peshmerga forces and other fighters against IS. Baghdad said it did not invite the Turkish forces. Turkey has been unable to take an active part in the Mosul operation so far, despite Erdogans insistence that it will do so no matter what. It has, however, not pulled out of Bashiqa either, as Iraq has been demanding. According to press reports citing unnamed Foreign Ministry officials, Yildirim assured the Iraqi side that Turkish soldiers in Bashiqa were not there on a permanent basis but would stay there until the operation to liberate Mosul is completed. These reports also indicate that Turkey is looking forward to cooperating with the Iraqi government in Iraq and the KRG against the PKK in Sinjar, with the proviso that if this cooperation does not yield results, Ankara reserves the right to take unilateral measures. In the meantime, international awareness of the dangers of tampering with the demography of Mosul along sectarian lines has also grown. Under pressure from the United States, which is concerned about increased Iranian influence in the region, Baghdad is said to be taking these concerns more seriously now. Aware that growing strains with Iraq is detrimental to its political, security and economic interests, Ankara sent a reconciliation delegation to Baghdad in mid-October. Diplomatic contacts behind the scenes since then have clearly matured to the point where Erdogan could hold a friendly phone conversation with Abadi at the end of December to discuss cooperation against terrorism and the need to improve bilateral relations. This was followed by Yildirims visit to Baghdad and Erbil last weekend. On his return to Ankara, Yildirim summed up his visit by declaring a new era in ties between the two countries. During this era, we will be assessing together our economic, political and security ties within the context of good neighborliness, Yildirim told reporters at the airport. Given the volatility in the region, though, it remains to be seen what Ankaras resetting of its ties with Baghdad ultimately brings. Having seen their ties hit rock bottom to their mutual detriment, the good news is that the sides appear prepared for now to ensure there is no backsliding from the positive momentum caught after the prolonged period of tension. Jan. 11, 1937 (No Jan. 10, 1937 paper) A reproduction of a prison corridor, set up in a display window of the Empire Gas & Electric Company's offices and show rooms in North Street, was the means of bringing an offer of a trip to Bermuda, with all expenses paid, to John L. Ryan, originator of the unique display. The southern trip represents the first prize in the utility class, in the display contest operated in connection with the Second National Electrical Housewares Week, held in December. Information that the Auburn exhibit won the prize came in a letter from C.E. Greenwood, representing the Electrical Housewares program. Several thousand entries competed for the award. Mr. Ryan modeled his exhibit after the old segregation block of Auburn State Prison, "Square chalked" in the cells were "Blackie Spider," "Leaky Waterbag," "Scorchy Iron," "Stinky Heater," "Eggy Beater," "Smoky Pot," and other outmoded household appliances. Jan. 10, 1962 George Kimak, a former Auburnian now teaching at Minoa School, has been entered in the Eighth Edition of "Who's Who in the East." He was also listed in the 1959 Edition of "Who's Who in American Art." Mr. Kimak, audio-visual coordinator at Minoa school, designed and toured with the first experimental mobile museum for schools and communities in New York State. Mr. Kimak is a creative painter. His painting have been exhibited in regional and national art shows. He has studied at Syracuse University and Chicago Art Institute and has taught art in several Syracuse area schools and at Syracuse Museum. He also is associated with Syracuse University as gallery and graphic arts assistant. Jan. 10, 2007 Jan. 10, 2012 A long-idle Auburn hydroelectric generator could soon be put back into service if the city can find a company willing to front the money for needed repairs. At a meeting Monday of the Auburn Municipal Power Authority, city Director of Capital Grants and Projects Christina Selvek said the city could stand to make thousands from the sale of renewable energy credits if the Mill Street Dam was in operation. This story appears in Birmingham magazine's January 2017 issue. Subscribe today! Triantaffillos Balabanos journeyed five times between Greece and Birmingham from 1886 through 1929, once for each daughter. For each trip he worked to raise a dowry and returned to his mountain village, Tsitalia, to arrange a marriage. The unions ultimately produced generations of Birmingham restaurateurs named Sarris. -- Alex Kontos' nickname became the Millionaire Banana King after he introduced the fruit to Birmingham in 1888. Today, Alex Kontos Fruit remains in business, still helmed by a Kontos. Alex's son-in-law founded the legendary John's Restaurant downtown in the 1940s. More than a century after Kontos sold his first banana, granddaughter Zoe Cassimus and great-grandson John Cassimus ran popular restaurants, including the namesake franchise, Zoe's. -- In Bessemer, a procession of Peleta-born relatives named Bonduris and Koikos, and their U.S-born offspring, built a restaurant into an award-winning institution. Established in 1907, The Bright Star is still family owned. Generations named Hontzas have fed Birmingham. Hontzas restaurants Niki's Downtown and Niki's West provided first jobs to immigrant cousins, uncles, and brothers, many of whom later opened their own restaurants. -- Each of these families represents a branch of the monumental Greek restaurant family tree. The following is their story. -- "If you want to understand Birmingham, you need to understand the Greek restaurant culture," says John T. Edge, director of the Southern Foodways Alliance. "It's a great Southern story. It's a great American story." The Greek family tree of restaurateurs has many branches. But the roots are intertwined through blood and marriage kinship. An estimated 80 percent of Birmingham Greeks trace their roots to any of a half-dozen Greek villages including Tsitalia and Peleta--all within a 20-mile radius in the east Peloponnesus region. The living Tsitalia line numbers some 250 in town. Birmingham's Greek community maintains a strong cultural identity. But its story also is one of assimilation. GETTING ACCUSTOMED George Cassimus (no relation to Zoe's in-laws) opened Fish Lunch House circa 1902, possibly Birmingham's first Greek-owned restaurant. But in the 114 years since, Greek-owned restaurants in Birmingham have had few menus limited to Greek food. Instead, they offered American classics, gradually adding dishes with oregano and olive oil to their menus. Cooking fresh-grown vegetables and legumes was familiar from home, but butter, pork, and beef were new ingredients. "Smart restaurateurs find out what people want and make it their own," says Edge, whose SFA conducted oral biographies with Greek Birmingham restaurant owners in 2004 and 2006. "The Greeks proved enduring, enterprising entrepreneurs." So they turned to Southern favorites. Hot dog-crazy Birmingham's most beloved stands have been run by guys named Kandilas, Pasisis, Koutroulakis, Graphos, Nasiakos, and Gerontakis, among others. Big names in barbecue include Choraitis, Pihakis, Serandos, Nakos, and Kanellis. For steaks or Italian food, Southside diners once flocked to Michael's or Rossi's run by Michael Matsos and Connie Kanakis, both Greek. Southern-fare favorites and meat-and-threes were opened by folks named Hontzas, Kostakis, Sissa, and Touloupis. A Greek restaurateur, Konstantinos "Gus" Jebeles, even owned the Birmingham Barons and Rickwood Field in the 1940s. BRIGHT STARS Established in 1871, Birmingham was barely a teen when the first Greeks joined a wave of European and Middle Eastern immigrants seeking jobs building rail lines and in Jefferson County's mines and steel mills. The immigrant population grew so quickly that Birmingham's first Greek Orthodox church was established in 1906. Some 450,000 Greeks immigrated to the United States from 1880-1917. Most were from the east Peloponnesus, the area affected worst in a financially bankrupt country. Tom Bonduris was 14 when he arrived in 1902 to work at a relative's fruit stand in New York City. He soon moved to Birmingham, baking pies for a Greek-owned cafe. In 1907, Bonduris opened his own restaurant in Bessemer, The Bright Star. Brother Nick Bonduris came from Peleta in 1909, joining an ownership group that soon included a Greek uncle, Alexander Bonduris. Peleta-born Pete and Bill Koikos got their first jobs at The Bright Star after arriving in the early 1920s. The brothers became co-owners in 1925 when Tom Bonduris--their great-uncle--returned to Greece. Bill's sons, Jimmy and Nicky, took charge after each graduated from the University of Alabama in the 1960s. In 2010, the James Beard Foundation named The Bright Star an American Classic, a lifetime achievement award. A NEW ERA The 1940s through mid-1970s were the true heyday for Greek restaurateurs in Birmingham. "I was 19--this was 1976--when I started working for Rossi's," Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q founder, Nick Pihakis, says in a 2014 interview with Birmingham magazine. "Most restaurants then were family-owned, mainly Greek-owned." But suburban migration and new chain restaurants doomed many old-timers. "Chains opened the floodgate, taking business from these immigrant restaurateurs," Pihakis says. "Their clientele died off and so did the restaurants." By the time James Beard Award-winning chef-owners Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings led diners back to independent restaurants, a new generation of Greeks moved to the forefront. Pihakis co-founded Jim 'N Nick's with his father in 1985 and led its expansion to seven states. He is now a partner in the Fresh Hospitality group, which invests in an eclectic multistate lineup including Little Donkey, Octane, Big Bad Breakfast, Taziki's Cafe, and Saigon Noodle House. Pihakis is a six-time Beard-Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur. If Birmingham builds a Mt. Rushmore of today's restaurant giants, Pihakis and Greek-born George C. Sarris might be carved next to Stitt and Hastings. Sarris, who is Balabanos' great-grandson, started The Fish Market Southside in 1983 and is somewhat of a media star. His Fish Market (the others have separate owners) also sells imported Greek products including olive oil with Sarris' face on the label. Sarris arrived in Birmingham with his mother and sister in 1969. The day after his arrival, he started washing dishes for his uncles at Niki's. He recalls a conversation he had at work with his mother while scrubbing pots. "She asked me, 'George, how long are we going to wash dishes?'" says Sarris, his accent still thick. "I say, 'Mother, look here. Everyone got their own business. Some day we will.'" His restaurant now features an extensive seafood-dominated menu with Greek influence seen in dishes like the Athenian-Style fish, Greek salad, and kabobs. He also serves Southern bayou favorites such as po'boys and red beans and sausage. GREEK EMPIRES Greeks were kings of white tablecloth dining before Stitt was even born. Two top restaurateurs from the 1940s, Michael Matsos and John Proferis, built empires that involved their families. Matsos, the son of Greek immigrants, became an influential businessman after moving to Birmingham post-World War II. He revitalized the fine-dining restaurant La Paree, partnering in 1948 with Greek native Bill DeMoes (who later took full ownership and ran it for some 40 years). In the 1950s, Matsos helped develop hotels with his Michael's steakhouses in Bessemer, Huntsville, Madison, and Birmingham. His kingdom included Rossi's and Emil's Cantina. Next, Matsos took over Golden Rule BBQ in 1969; son Charles helped build a multi-state franchise before selling most of the chain in 2009. The flagship Golden Rule in Irondale is one of several the Matsos family retained. Proferis, on the other hand, emigrated in 1914, worked his way to Birmingham, and opened the Casino Restaurant in 1935. It closed when World War II started. He started John's Restaurant in 1944, running it for nearly three decades before selling it to a group that included his cousin, Phil Hontzas. When new owners took over in 2004, they kept the name John's (adding City Diner) in tribute. Proferis married Cleo Kontos, a daughter of the banana king. Their daughter, Zoe, married Marcus Cassimus, raising their children before opening a self-named Homewood restaurant in 1995 that developed a following for its healthy Greek-style menu. John Cassimus, her son, turned Zoe's into a six-state franchise before selling it in 2007. He now develops fast-casual restaurant franchises Jinsei, Maki Fresh, and Miss Dot's. Even in restaurants serving sushi and Southern fried chicken, Greeks continue to feed generations of diners. DOG DAYS Greek influence also lives on in Birmingham's legendary hot dog scene. In 1919, Tom Kandilas opened what is believed to be the city's first Greek-owned hot dog stand, Tom's Coneys, and created the hot-beef sauce that still defines Birmingham dogs. Harry Pasisis eventually took over the stand and married the founder's granddaughter, Tasia. Their son, Gus, also minded the tiny downtown shop before starting a marketing career in the 1980s. The stories behind Birmingham's Greek hot dog stands sometimes are as colorful as the owners. In 1939, Pete Koutroulakis used winnings from a Pinochle card game to buy into a restaurant. Taking full ownership in 1946, he named it Pete's Famous Hot Dogs and erected a neon sign, now preserved at Barber Motorsports. A nephew, Constantine "Gus" Koutroulakis, took over Pete's Famous in 1948, building a reputation for being gruff but attentive to regulars. He worked there until the day he died at age 81. For some Greek restaurant owners, the path to Birmingham hot dogs wasn't so straight-forward. Aleck Choraitis started working in the kitchen at the downtown destination restaurant, La Paree. He ended up marrying the owner's daughter and struck out on his own. In 1969, Choraitis bought Andrew's Bar-B-Q from fellow Greeks Andrew and Jimmy Morris. The family business added hot dogs when Choraitis bought the Gus' Hot Dogs on Fourth Avenue North from its Greek-born founder, Gus Alexander. Through family connections, Choraitis recruited George Nasiakos, a Greek from Chicago, to run and eventually buy it. Along with Sneaky Pete's, which turns 50 this year, Gus' is one of the few remaining hot dog chains founded by Birmingham Greeks. Sneaky Pete's franchise, established by the Graphos family, was sold to a non-Greek owner in 1986. Sneaky Pete's provided early training in the hot dog business for Ernie Gerontakis. The Greek restaurant scion eventually took over the Mountain Brook location of Gus', also established by Alexander. For years Gerontakis coordinated Birmingham's annual Greek Food Festival, a major citywide attraction. Gerontakis was among restaurateurs featured in a 2012 multimedia retrospective at Vulcan Park Museum, "Beyond Barbecue and Baklava: The Impact of Greek Immigrants on Birmingham's Culture and Cuisine." SPREADING ROOTS On several fronts, Tsitalia-born siblings Pete, Johnny, and Margaret Hontzopoulous influenced Birmingham restaurants, even if two of them never lived here. Pete, the oldest, arrived in 1915, but returned to Greece soon after. Johnny emigrated in 1921, settled in Jackson, Mississippi, and opened restaurants there. Back in Greece, Pete sent his son Gus to Jackson, where he helped his Uncle Johnny and cousin, Constantine, open Johnny's Restaurant there in 1954. The restaurant became a training ground for Gus and his Tsitalia-born cousins who joined, George, Phil, and Jimmy Hontzas. (The surname was shorted by then.) "After one established a foothold, the rest came over," says Tim Hontzas, a Mississippi native who owns Johnny's Restaurant in Homewood. He named it in honor of the Jackson outpost started by his grandfather, father, and Uncle Gus. Meanwhile, in Birmingham, the other Hontzopoulous sibling, Margaret, along with her husband, opened Niki's Downtown in 1951 and Niki's West in 1957. Gus was sent east from Jackson to run Niki's West, marrying into a Greek restaurant family. His sons, Pete and Teddy, took over in 2001. Brothers George, Phil, and Jimmy ran Niki's Downtown for decades. George Sissa, unrelated but also from a Greek restaurant family, bought Niki's Downtown from the Hontzas family in the late 1980s. "My grandfather's restaurant was a starting point on the way to Birmingham," Tim says in a 2015 interview with Birmingham magazine. "Then, Niki's became the outposts." Theo Hontzas, Gus' brother who emigrated from Tsitalia, bought Smoke House Steak and Seafood Restaurant in 1960 with a Greek partner. Now, Theo's son, Pete, runs it. But the Hontzas family imprinted more than meat-and-three steamtables. In addition to buying into John's Restaurant downtown in 1972, Phil Hontzas also opened a cafeteria in north Birmingham with a nephew from Tsitalia, George N. Sarris. Jimmy Hontzas also got into business with a Sarris; he owned the Southside fish shop that George C. Sarris eventually transformed into The Fish Market. George C. says at least 80 metro residents share his surname, including seven living George Sarrises. Among the first to establish roots was Gus Sarris, famed for the doughnuts he made when he co-owned The Bright Star a century ago. Jim Sarris started Old Hickory Restaurant, selling it in 1960 to nephew Ted Sarris. He renamed it Ted's Old Hickory in 1973 when it moved to its current Southside location. The name was shortened to Ted's when Sarris sold it in 2000 to fellow Greeks Tasos and Beba Touloupis. George N. Sarris also opened suburban restaurants Sarris Steak and Seafood, which was replaced by Sarris Cafe in Pelham. Brother Angelo operated Sarris' original cafeteria in north Birmingham, while another brother, Kostas, ran the other. Sophia Sarris Faulk, sister of the Fish Market owner, operated Sophia's Deli near the Jefferson County courthouse with husband George from 1990 until they sold it in 2013. -- The story of Birmingham's Greek restaurateurs has always been a complicated one, with as many chapters as a Greek epic. Greek immigrants adapted quickly, aided by civics lessons from the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. Patriotism and service are a point of pride within a family tree that's filled also with doctors, educators, clergy, military, and other professionals. The connection to Mother Greece remains strong. Millennials fluently speak their great-grandparents' native tongue. George C. Sarris serves food from his homeland at The Fish Market's weekly Greek Night. Back in Tsitalia, churches, schools, homes and infrastructure were built or fixed with money earned in Birmingham. Ex-pats return regularly; Sarris even took Frank Stitt for a visit to Tsitalia. "Greek people assimilate, but always go back to Greece," says Sarris. "We feel we have two mothers, with equal love for each one." This article was compiled from interviews and several published sources, especially 2004 and 2006 oral histories by the Southern Foodways Alliance (southernfoodways.org) and the 2015 book "Birmingham Food: A Magic City Menu" by Emily Brown. While hitting the major branches, by no means did we examine all the leaves on the family tree of Birmingham Greek restaurateurs. Quinton Ross August 26.jpg Sen. Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery ( ) Quinton Ross, the Alabama State Senator (D-26th District), was still at Pontiac (Mich.) North High School when Jeff Sessions last sat on the national hot seat. It was 1986, and the then-Alabama state attorney general was being grilled--skewered, ultimately--over his nomination by President Reagan for a federal judgeship, an effort that ultimately failed due largely to numerous now-widely known racially charged accusations about Sessions' words and actions in office. Jeff Sessions As Sessions, now a U.S. Senator, takes that very torrid seat once again today, this time, 30 years later, as President-elect Trump's most controversial cabinet nominee, Ross, who is African-American, has a decidedly different perspective--as someone who has navigated their myriad differences to work with Sessions politically. And let's be clear, as a politician, Ross looks to continue to leverage his relationship with Sessions, should the 70-year-old Alabamian become the United States Attorney General. Before that occurs, if it occurs, Sessions must sit before the Senate Judiciary committee and withstand a barrage of questions, even from his friendly Senatorial comrades, about his part and his potential intentions as the nation's highest law enforcement officer. Ross is well aware that those same racial accusations ago will linger over Capitol Hill like a thick, morning haze. And he knows that many--especially many African-American groups and individuals--have wielded those accusations like placards at a protest march in the last few days in an effort to derail Sessions once again. Yet as the storm over Sessions rises, Ross is wielding his faith as Christian--he attends the Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery--to counter some of the negativity. "As a Christian, I'm always reaching over backward to forgive any individual of any past indiscretions," he says. "That is what I was taught." Ross isn't delusional, nor does he seem to be a Sessions apologist, regarding what the U.S. Senator may have done three decades ago. "I can neither confirm nor deny [the accusations],' he says. "If they are something individuals feel strongly about, I have no reason to question them for talking about those things," he says. "I can only deal with an individual in terms of how they have dealt with me. "Thirty years ago, I was not the same person I am now. I have some aches and pains now didn't have then, so it's clear that I've changed. Peoples' life experiences teach them along the way." Ross, who was born in Mobile, but raised in Michigan, and Sessions, also from Mobile, go back about 20 years. Ross is an educator, a former principal, so it is not surprising that their interactions have largely focused on education policy. Not long after Ross was elected to the legislature, in 2014, Session helped him secure federal funds for Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery. Sessions also helped Ross secure invitations to President Obama's inauguration in 2012 for some of his constituents and, later, White House tours. "All of our dealings have been ones of mutual respect and he's always been helpful," Ross shared. "Is he conservative? Yes, he is. I am under no illusion that there won't be things we don't agree on. But at what point do we move beyond to where we can find common ground on issues important to this country." Immigration is one of those issues. The "browning" of America is a core source of consternation for many, many Americans, such that some--including the President-elect--actually believe building a wall along the U.S. -Mexico border 1) is actually feasible idea, 2) will actually work and, 3) will actually be paid for by our neighbors to the South. When none of the above is actually true. Nonetheless, Sessions has been a staunch opponent of legalization and many believe his expressed positions on immigration are yet another reason he should not be in a position to strip away some of the immigration advancements established by President Obama. Ross, however, has faith that Attorney General Sessions will not act as Senator Sessions would likely--whether on immigration or LGBT rights. When you gain a leadership position it puts you at a point where you have to govern, and govern for all," Ross says. "You have to look at issues holistically, as the current President has. We now have a clear and sensible path for citizenship in the U.S. You can't just shake a rug and unravel things that have been put in place and offer security to individuals who've come to this country, worked hard and are invested in it. "You have to take the wide view. [Immigration] is not an issue that happened overnight and it can't be changed overnight." Integration movement Birmingham Alabama girl pelted by fire hoses May 7, 1963. Photo by Anthony Falletta. Neg. 63-3668B Nor should the civil rights many fought so long to secure, rights that may soon be vulnerable to a man who makes many wonder whether he will continue to utilize the resources and authority of the Justice Department to ensure that local police departments are fair and unbiased, that voting rights are not impugned, and that the prison industry doesn't get fat and happy again on minorities and the poor. "Through my conversations with him, in dealing with civil rights and other issues, there is the hope," Ross says. "Once [Sessions is confirmed] he has to have a dialogue with people who were for and against him. In order to find common ground, we have to have dialogue. I believe he will be fair in enforcing the law without bias or prejudice." Ross says he last spoke with Sessions about a month ago when he congratulated him on his nomination. "I told him I was looking forward to working with him," he says. "I expect him to be as open to me once he becomes Attorney General as he was as a United States Senator. But being Attorney General has a whole different meaning than the political bantering you do when you're representing your state and your party in the legislative process." We shall soon see perhaps, all too soon. Condoleeza Rice backs the controversial nominee Legislature Special Session Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Montgomery, speaks at the podium on the Senate floor during a special legislative session Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, at the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) (JULIE BENNETT) A Montgomery lawmaker remains as chairman of the state Senate committee on education policy, even though he tried to resign from the seat. Sen. Dick Brewbaker said no other members of the Senate's Republican Caucus offered to take over. "Nobody wanted it," Brewbaker said. Because of that, Brewbaker said Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh rejected his resignation. Last year, Brewbaker said he would step down as chairman of the Education and Youth Affairs Committee after state Superintendent Tommy Bice announced his retirement. Brewbaker said Alabama needed fresh leadership in education, citing the state's ranking at the bottom on National Assessment of Educational Progress tests in math and near the bottom in reading. Brewbaker said the poor scores had received little attention from the state Board of Education and Bice. "Since the state Department of Education wasn't going to do it, I resigned in an attempt to call attention to the collapse of Alabama's standardized test scores," Brewbaker said. Bice and some other education officials have blamed Alabama's low NAEP scores, in part, on past reliance on standards and state tests that set the bar too low for students. They have said Alabama's NAEP scores will rise with the adoption of the Common Core standards and tougher new state tests, called ACT Aspire. Brewbaker, a car dealer, former school teacher and one-time education liaison for Gov. Fob James, has disputed that and says gains Alabama was making before adopting Common Core in 2010 have stalled. Brewbaker said he was not surprised that no other GOP senators wanted to chair the education committee. He said the committee often handles legislation that pits one education group against another or raises strong opposition from some segment. An example, he said, was the Education Accountability and Intervention Act, which sets guidelines for state takeovers of local school systems because of poor academic performance with approval of the state Board of Education. Brewbaker sponsored that bill, which became law in 2013. Brewbaker said the chairman of the education committee has to immerse himself in minutiae. "Reading all those pre-filed education policy bills is not the most entertaining pastime you could have," he said. Brewbaker has also announced he will not seek another term in the Senate. Republicans hold 26 seats in the 35-member Senate and chairmanships of all the committees. Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, said the fact that no other Republicans wanted the education committee chairmanship is an indication of the difficulty of the position. "I think it just speaks to the level of importance and intensity of the issues," Ross said. "It's a very important issue that touches all facets of life. There's nothing easy about it." The legislative session begins on Feb. 7. During most years, the Education and Youth Affairs Committee handles some weighty bills, including repeated proposals to repeal Alabama's use of the Common Core, all of which have failed. Brewbaker said he hasn't seen any prefiled bills this year and said he would not be in favor of any legislation that would interfere with Superintendent Michael Sentance's initiatives. The state BOE hired Sentance in August to replace Bice. Sentance has called the state's last-place ranking on NAEP math tests for fourth-grade students a "crisis" and has set up a committee to study ways to improve math learning. Brewbaker said he likes Sentance's data-driven approach. "Everything I've seen him do so far I like," Brewbaker said. "So I'm not going to be in a hurry to push through policy bills that interfere with his freedom of action." Marsh has called for development of a comprehensive state plan for education that would encompass kindergarten through higher education. Final Day of Legislature Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, said Alabama lacks a comprehensive education plan. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) (JULIE BENNETT) Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh of Anniston is calling for a comprehensive plan for public education in Alabama. Marsh, leader of the Republican majority that controls the Senate, has sponsored high-profile education reform bills in recent years but said the development of a cohesive school strategy should start with educators, not lawmakers. "The education community, starting from the classroom teacher, needs to be involved with this, all the way through K-12, postsecondary, higher ed," Marsh said. "The state of Alabama needs to adopt and agree on a comprehensive education plan going forward. "That encompasses all of our entities of education. Because unless you have that, how do we know where we're spending our money is the best place to spend it?" Marsh was the architect of the Alabama Accountability Act that passed in 2013, setting up tax credit-funded scholarships for private school students. In 2015, Marsh sponsored the bill authorizing charter schools in Alabama for the first time. Last year, he proposed changes to teacher tenure, but that bill, called the PREP Act, did not pass. Marsh said he does not plan to bring the PREP Act back this year. The senator raised the topic of the need for a comprehensive plan when asked about priorities for the legislative session, which starts Feb. 7. "I can't find anybody in the education community that I've talked to that does not agree that we should have a comprehensive education plan," Marsh said. "But we don't have one." Directors of two groups representing education leaders said Marsh's idea has merit. Eric Mackey, executive director of School Superintendents of Alabama, said test scores show Alabama students lagging behind those from other states to a degree that can't be fully blamed on Alabama's high poverty rate. Mackey said a comprehensive plan needs to account for the wide disparity among Alabama school systems. Mackey said 30 to 40 percent of Alabama systems perform as well as any in the country but those at the other end of the scale struggle mightily. "We don't have a statewide problem as much as we have specific problems in specific places," Mackey said. "What I think we need is a more strategic plan that shows where are the weak areas and where do we need to focus our attention." The state Board of Education appointed former Massachusetts education secretary Michael Sentance as state superintendent in August, replacing Tommy Bice, who retired in March. Sentance has acknowledged that Alabama faces profound challenges but says the problems are not insurmountable. Sentance, who has been on the job since September, has called Alabama's poor rankings on National Assessment of Educational Progress math tests a "crisis" and has organized a committee to seek ways to improve math education. Sentance has raised similar concerns about problems in reading and math. Mackey said Sentance's initiatives to address shortcomings in those subject areas could be the starting point for a statewide strategic plan, "rather than coming at it from 100 different directions." "I think all of us are going to have to agree that we're going to follow the state superintendent's lead," Mackey said. Sally Smith, executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards, said the time is right to evaluate the state's education strategy because of new leadership and other changes, such as the implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaced the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law. Smith said school boards could benefit from a freeze on new initiatives until a cohesive plan is in place. "It's hard to move the ball forward if three different people are calling three different plays," Smith said. Smith said the business community and higher education need to be involved in development of a comprehensive plan. Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Montgomery, chairman of the Senate's Education and Youth Affairs Committee, said Alabama needs a plan tailored specifically for the state. Brewbaker has been a critic of the state's adoption of Common Core standards back in 2010, saying that was driven by the desire for federal grant money. "The only plan we have so far is to try to pull down every federal dollar we could get our hands on," Brewbaker said. Alabama applied for, but did not receive, Race to the Top federal grants after adopting Common Core. Brewbaker, a car dealer and former school teacher who was education liaison for Gov. Fob James, said he has confidence in Sentance and says the Legislature should give Sentance time to develop his plans. Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, said a comprehensive education strategy needs to take into account the fact that some school systems have limited resources and limited ability to raise revenue. Ross, a former high school principal who now works for the Alabama Education Association, said a comprehensive plan must also consider both K-12 and higher education. He said some other states have developed effective plans to coordinate K-12 and higher ed. "I think everybody can see at some point we need to all in the education community get on the same page," Ross said. Marsh more collaboration is needed to address problems like the large number of high school graduates who aren't ready for college-level work and are placed in remedial classes. Marsh said he wants educators to let him know how to launch the pursuit of a comprehensive plan. "Tell me what I can do to help you facilitate this," Marsh said. "Because I will agree, I am not an educator. All we do folks, is control the budgets. "But if I can help by controlling those budgets to put pressure where pressure needs to be put to get us a comprehensive education plan, if that's what you tell me y'all want, then I'm going to do it." Ward and Cantrell.jpg Dacedric Deshun Ward, 22, and Trevor Davis Cantrell, 19, of Huntsville (Limestone County Jail) Two young Alabama men charged with capital murder in the suspected drug-deal-gone-bad killing of a Madison teen have been indicted by a Limestone County grand jury, court records show. Dacedric Deshun Ward, 22, and Trevor Davis Cantrell, 19, of Huntsville, were scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing this week, but it was canceled when the court was notified of the indictments, District Judge Douglas Patterson wrote in court records. "It is hereby ordered that the defendant's demand for a preliminary hearing is moot," Patterson wrote in separate orders to each of the suspects. Ward and Davis are charged in the Dec. 26 killing of 18-year-old Jason Ender West, a senior and early-graduate of James Clemens High School in Madison. West met the suspects at the Sonic on County Line Road to buy Xanax pills for $300, according to court records. Because the restaurant is located in Madison-annexed Limestone County, Madison police are investigating, and the Limestone District Attorney is prosecuting. DA Brian Jones did not immediately return a call for comment. The pill sale was a setup, according to a statement Cantrell gave investigators. Cantrell claims Ward paid him $24 to arrange the robbery, an incident report shows. As soon as the money was swapped, Ward pulled out a pistol and shot the teen, according to Cantrell's account of the incident, which is documented in court records. Ward's account is slightly different in that he claims Cantrell brought the pistol to the scene and pulled it out during the robbery, court records show. But, both accounts identify Ward as the shooter. A suspect is indicted if a grand jury determines prosecutors have enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. An indictment is a formal notice of charges against the defendant. A preliminary hearing becomes moot when a defendant is indicted because the hearing is for a judge to determine whether enough evidence has been presented for the charges to remain active against a defendant pending indictment. Typically it takes several months for indictments to be issued, but in this case it took two weeks or less. Ward and Cantrell remain held without bail at the Limestone County Jail. If convicted, each could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Jones hasn't said whether his Office will seek the death penalty. Future court dates have not been set in the case. Editor's note: This story was updated with additional information at 3:35 p.m. The former police chief of a small town in Jackson County has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for two federal civil rights violations. Former Stevenson police Chief David Winters Former Stevenson police Chief Daniel Gordon Winters was convicted of the federal charges in July 2016 by a jury at the federal courthouse in Huntsville. Winters was handed the 27-month sentence today by U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala. The judge also ordered Winters to pay $12,970 in restitution. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. Winters, 56, was convicted of beating an arrestee, David Fulmer, of Tuscumbia. Winters also was convicted for allowing a civilian to beat Fulmer. On March 22, 2015, Winters and a civilian friend went to a home to investigate suspicions that property had been stolen from the friend's business, according to trial testimony. Upon arrival, Winters and his friend entered the residence without a search warrant and encountered the victim, Vance said in a news release. Winters and his friend struck and kicked the victim inside and outside the home. "Over the course of approximately five minutes, Winters not only participated in the beating, but stood by watching his friend beat (the victim) and did nothing to stop it," according to the news release. "A passing motorist called 911 to report the beating." Fulmer was left bloody with wounds to his face, chest and back. After being taken to jail at the Stevenson Police Department, he began to spit up blood. When a jailer requested Winters' permission to call an ambulance, Winters refused the request. Eventually another supervisor approved the request and Fulmer was taken to the hospital. Winters must report to prison March 7. eclipse.jpg A map of the United States showing the path of totality for the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse. (NASA/Goddard/SVS/Ernie Wright) Already planning your travels for 2017? Don't forget to pencil in a road trip to see this summer's total solar eclipse. The Aug. 21 eclipse will cross the entire continental United States, and that hasn't happened for almost 100 years. NASA's Ernie Wright has created a cool video showing precisely where the moon's shadow will track across the U.S. on that day. It's called the "path of totality," and it's where observers on the ground will see the moon completely block the sun. That path won't cross Alabama, but it will cross Tennessee, north Georgia and South Carolina before heading out into the Atlantic Ocean. Making maps to show the path of a total eclipse is an art that's been around for a while. The math has been understood since the 19th century, but the calculations have always assumed all observers were at sea level and the moon was a perfect sphere. That's not the case, because the Earth has different elevations and the moon is full of craters and irregularities. Wright used lunar elevation data captured by NASA's moon-orbiting Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and precise U.S. topography maps. That makes his map the most accurate to date, NASA says. Learn more about Wright's creation here, and definitely mark your calendar. A total solar eclipse is a good reason to hit the road this summer. Regulations involving things such as hairstyles, head scarfs and tattoos are changing for some members of the U.S. armed forces. The Army will now allow brigade-level commanders to decide if personnel can wear beards, dreadlocks, turbans, or hijabs for religious reasons, according to a letter from Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning. Fanning said these items are the "most commonly requested religious accommodations." "Based on the successful examples of soldiers currently serving with these accommodations, I have determined that brigade-level commanders may approve requests" (for the items), Fanning wrote. The regulations require any items worn for religious reasons to coordinate with existing uniforms. Soldiers would still be required to wear helmets or other protective gear. Hijabs, headscarves worn by some Muslim women, must be close-fitting and not cover any parts of the face. Beards must be less than 2-inches long. The guidelines also provide the latest revision on hairstyle regulations for female soldiers, allowing dreadlocks, cornrows and twist styles, as long as they are uniform and neat. Soldiers do not have to ask for permission to wear the hairstyles. In 2014, the Army came under fire for a series of hairstyle directives that some said were racially biased. The regulations by then-Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel banned all dreadlocks and required cornrow or braid styles to be smaller than a quarter of an inch. The Army isn't the only branch of service changing its appearance policies. Starting Feb. 1, the Air Force will no longer enforce its rule that limits the size of a tattoo to less than 25 percent of an exposed body part. The change makes it possible for Airmen to have full-sleeve type or large body tattoos. A single-band ring tattoo will also be allowed on the hand. Tattoos or brands, as well as head, neck, face, tongue, lips or scalp piercings, are still prohibited as are any body markings that are obscene, commonly associated with gangs, extremist and/or supremacist organizations, or that advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination. "We identified specific changes we can make to allow more members of our nation to serve without compromising quality," Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said. "As a next step in this evolution, we are opening the aperture on ... tattoos while taking into account our needs for worldwide deployability and our commitment to the profession of arms." A recent review of Air Force field recruiters found almost half of contacts, applicants and recruits had tattoos, with 20 percent having body art that would have required additional review or could disqualify them from service. There has not been a local Social Security office in Auburn for quite some time now. We have heard from a lot of people in the community about how inconvenient it is to call the (800) 772-1213 Social Security phone number, or to visit the nearest office on the fourth floor of the James M. Hanley Federal Building, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 13261. There are, however, several transactions that can be done on the Social Security website, as well as researching information about benefits eligibility and rules, how to apply, making changes, etc. I would like to summarize the most popular online services youll find at socialsecurity.gov. Need a replacement Social Security card? New York state residents currently are not able to request a new card online, but you can get information online about the required documents typically a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport. Different documents are needed depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. See Learn What Documents You Need to find out which documents you will have to show. You must present current original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. They cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. Fill out and print an application for a Social Security Card, and take or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office. You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in immigration status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship. How do you get a replacement Medicare card? Your Medicare card is proof of your Medicare insurance. If your Medicare card was lost, stolen or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online Social Security account. If dont already have an account, you can create one online. Go to "Sign In" or "Create an Account." Once you are logged into your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Then select Mail My Replacement Medicare Card. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security. If you cant or prefer not to use the online service, call (800) 772-1213 (TTY [800] 325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Still working and wondering what future Social Security benefits you might receive? The online Social Security statement is a smart service that is a hit with the millions of people whove used it. Your online statement provides you with a record of your past earnings along with projected earnings for future years to give you estimates of future Social Security benefits. Do you already get Social Security benefits? You can use your online account to manage your benefits, such as starting or changing direct deposit, getting an instant proof of benefits letter, and much more. Just go to socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. The online retirement application is the most convenient way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. You can apply from the comfort of your home; its convenient and secure. In fact, you can apply online in as little as 15 minutes. In most cases, after you submit the application electronically, youre done. There are no forms to sign and, usually, no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. When youre ready to retire, apply at socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. Business Services Online is our one-stop shop for small business owners. The site allows organizations and authorized people to conduct business with and submit confidential information to Social Security. Employers can use it to file W-2s for their employees the fast, convenient and paperless way, online. Visit Business Services Online at socialsecurity.gov/bso. Social Securitys online services continually receive the highest customer satisfaction ratings in both the public and private sectors. Each site uses the highest security to keep your information safe. Condi Rice.jpg Former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice served as the featured speaker the the Girls Inc. annual Invest in a Girl Celebration at the Von Braun Center Tuesday evening, Oct. 28. (Sarah Cole/scole@al.com) Former U.S. secretary of state and Birmingham native Condoleezza Rice endorsed Sen. Jeff Sessions to be President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general on Monday, CNN reported. Rice regarded Sessions as a dear friend in a letter she wrote to Sen. Chuck Grassley about Sessions. "He is a man who is committed to justice and knows that law and order are necessary to guarantee freedom and liberty," she wrote. Despite allegations of racism against Sessions, Rice, who was the first female African-American secretary of state, said Sessions organized the effort to award Rosa Parks the Congressional Gold Medal. She described Sessions as a hard worker who helped to reverse the damage in Alabama caused by the "prejudice and injustice against the descendants of slaves." "I know that Sen. Sessions will uphold the laws of our great country and will work to ensure that every person here in the United States is given the voice that is deserved," she wrote. An Albany businessman has admitted to defrauding private investors out of nearly $1 million for several companies, including a halal cheese plant targeted for Cayuga County. Lawrence Rosenbaum, 65, pleaded guilty last week to felony charges including grand larceny and securities fraud, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office announced Tuesday. Rosenbaum is set to be sentenced in March to three to nine years in state prison and will owe $1 million in restitution to victims of his investment and insurance fraud schemes. Rosenbaum, an insurance broker who owned and operated Rosenbaum Financial Services, was arraigned last June on a 27-count indictment for fraudulently soliciting private investments into halal and kosher cheese production facilities as well as bio-energy companies with services across New York and Costa Rica. One such enterprise was the Saratoga Cheese Company founded in 2001 for cheese production in the Capital Region. It was later reformatted in 2006 as Saratoga Cheese Corp. with a plant targeted for the Cayuga County Industrial Park in Aurelius. Officials: Taxpayer dollars not part of Aurelius cheese plant fraud Local officials say no public money was involved in an Albany man's alleged scheme to defrau Between April 2006 to October 2012, Rosenbaum solicited nearly $1 million in private investments, according to prosecutors, while diverting more than $600,00 to himself some of which was reportedly used to visit a girlfriend in Costa Rica at her $1,000-per-month apartment that he paid for. None of the projects Rosenbaum solicited funds for were ever built. Appearing Jan. 5 before Albany County Supreme Court Judge Roger D. McDonough, Rosenbaum pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny, securities fraud under the Martin Act and repeated failure to file personal income tax returns, all felonies, the AG's office stated. With the plea, Rosenbaum admitted to stealing money from investors and evading taxes on the money diverted to himself. The plea will also satisfy a separate 10-count indictment submitted last month against him and his wife, Thomasine Henderson, for insurance fraud, the AG's office said. The Dec. 5 indictment accused them of stealing more than $12,000 in life insurance payments, and attempting to wrongfully claim another $50,000, by submitting false insurance claims following the death of their son, Andrew Rosenbaum. Prosecutors stated Andrew Rosenbaum had intentionally stepped in front of a tractor trailer on I-87 in Colonie on May 8, 2016. Businessman who sought Cayuga County deal charged with insurance fraud The Albany businessman indicted on fraud charges after pitching the idea of manufacturing ko His father called Transamerica Insurance Corporation two days later, learning that Andrew Rosenbaum had insurance policies, according to the AG's office. Prosecutors stated Lawrence Rosenbaum, pretending to be his son, inquired whether being "hit by a truck" would be covered by those policies if it was an accident. The AG's office stated the couple obtained more than $12,000 in payments by concealing material information about their son's death from Transamerica. The $1,000,000 in civil judgments owed by Rosenbaum will be paid to the investment victims, the state Tax Department and Transamerica. Henderson also pleaded guilty Jan. 5 to fifth-degree insurance fraud and second-degree falsifying business records, both misdemeanors, according to the AG's office. Sentencing for the couple is scheduled for March 16; Henderson is set to be sentenced to three years of probation. In his statement Tuesday, Schneiderman thanked the state Department of Taxation and Finance, Criminal Investigations Division, for its assistance. "Exploiting others for personal financial gain is reprehensible, and for a parent to exploit the death of their child for the same reason is unthinkable," he said in the statement. "My office will continue fighting to root out both securities fraud and insurance fraud and fully prosecute those responsible for it." Restrictions have been tightened for all residents of Jabal Mukaber after deadly truck ramming incident. Jerusalem Israeli police have imposed restrictions on a number of Palestinian neighbourhoods in occupied East Jerusalem after a deadly truck ramming attack on Sunday, which left four soldiers and the Palestinian attacker dead. Hours after the incident, Israeli security forces surrounded Jabal Mukaber, an East Jerusalem neighbourhood that had been home to the 28-year-old attacker, Fadi al-Qanbar. Police established a cordon around the community, including a concrete blockade at one of the main entrances and checkpoints at other entry and exit points. The restrictions remained in place on Tuesday morning. They closed the street with cement blocks. There was an increase in the police presence they stopped and searched vehicles and inspected identity cards, Atta, a local resident who did not provide his last name, told Al Jazeera. Many couldnt reach work. I, for example, had to leave my car behind and walk on foot to the main road because of the cement blocks. You could feel the police were on high alert and that they were trying to punish us for what happened. INTERACTIVE: Broken homes A record year of Israeli demolitions In a statement on Monday, Israeli police spokesperson, Micky Rosenfeld confirmed that there were heightened police security operations taking place in a number of Arab neighbourhoods across Jerusalem. Police also prevented Qanbars family from setting up a memorial tent outside the family home in Jabal Mukaber, and locals said the family had been barred from receiving mourners at their home, where a heavy police presence remained in place on Tuesday. In October 2015, the same neighbourhood was closed off for weeks after a handful of young men from Jabal Mukaber carried out attacks on Israeli security forces and civilians in Jerusalem. In response, Israeli security forces installed a temporary concrete wall across a main entrance and manned other checkpoints. Every time something happens, Israeli police do the same. There is no reaction [from the residents] because they are always expecting the worst and feel that they will always be punished and neglected, Atta said. Funerals were held on Monday for the four Israeli soldiers who were killed in the attack. Three members of the Qanbar family arrested after the attack had their detention extended by an Israeli court on Monday. Two of Qanbars brothers, Munther and Mohammed, and one cousin will remain in jail until at least January 15. Two other family members detained in the hours after the attack have since been released. Israeli authorities have announced a number of measures aimed at punishing the Qanbar family, including withholding his body and preventing a public funeral. They also announced that they would demolish Qanbars home as soon as possible, and that family reunification processes for his relatives would be cancelled immediately. READ MORE: Bad Palestinians under Israels collective punishment The motivation behind the attack remains unclear and no organisation has taken responsibility. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Avigdor Lieberman claimed that Qanbar had links to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group, but provided no evidence to support the claim. Family members have dismissed allegations that Qanbar was motivated by ISIL. There was nothing in his life saying he was ISIS. He never contacted ISIS and doesnt know ISIS, cousin Mohamed al-Qanbar, 43, told the AFP news agency. We were shocked, for sure. We never expected anything like this from Fadi. Contacted by Al Jazeera, family members declined to comment further. Analysts in Israel have stressed the differences between Palestinian violence and attacks carried out by ISIL, noting that anger over Israels ongoing occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is a far more common motivator than religion. I dont think that the Islamic State has anything to do with it and I am sceptical whether he has any connection to the Islamic State, said Yoram Schweitzer, senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). I think it is being done too hastily, to compare the attacks in Nice and Germany, with this case. Israel has carried out numerous punitive home demolitions against the families of Palestinian attackers since 2014, despite widespread criticism from international and domestic rights groups, who argue that the practise is unlawful and amounts to collective punishment against people not accused of any wrongdoing. Pabrade, Lithuania North of the Mediterranean and Balkan routes to Europe, some migrants and refugees have discovered an unknown route into the European Union through Lithuanias eastern borders. Despite Lithuanian border guards efforts, criminal organisations continue to smuggle migrants from Belarus into Europe. Lithuania the Baltic nation of three million people is situated between Russian exclave Kaliningrad, Belarus, Poland and Latvia, making it a geographically convenient gateway to Western Europe. The transit route through Lithuania has been used for many years, says Renatas Pozela, commander of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service. We are also seeing constant attempts to open new corridors [to Europe], mostly by Syrian and Iraqi refugees who are trying to reach Scandinavian countries. The new phenomenon in recent years has seen hundreds of Vietnamese migrants attempting to cross into the European Union. This was exacerbated by the economic crisis in Russia, according to Pozela, where most of these Vietnamese had previously worked. Their Chechen smugglers are alleged to have links with organised crime and Russias Federal Security Service (FSB). According to national security assessment published in June 2016 by Lithuanias State Security Department, FSB seeks to recruit persons who organise smuggling activities and transportation of smuggled goods. Although border authorities in all three Baltic states have been able to arrest low-level members of smuggling rings, the leaders of these criminal organisations are from [the] Russian Federation, Pozela told Al Jazeera. For various reasons, theyre unreachable by our justice system. Inside the migrant registration centre in the eastern Lithuanian town of Pabrade, Vietnamese migrants live separated from other detainees and their Chechen smugglers. We are trying to prevent prison rules being brought into the centre, as well as limit conflicts arising from cultural differences, says Aleksandras Kislovas head of the centre. Nearby, a separate block houses asylum seekers, mostly from the Middle East and Afghanistan. While their applications are being considered, asylum seekers are free to leave the centre for up to 72 hours. Laying out a stack of black-and-white photographs, Kislovas shows the first inhabitants in the centre, which was refurbished and converted from a Soviet military base in the early 1990s. Humanity has been migrating since the beginning of time, Kislovas says. It will not stop trying to find the best place in the world. Additional reporting by Jonathan Brown @Jonathaneebrown State TV quotes Iraqi PM as renewing his demand that Turkish forces leave Bashiqa camp near Mosul. Iraqs prime minister says relations with northern neighbour Turkey could not move forward one step without a withdrawal of Turkish forces from a camp in northern Iraq. Iraqs state television quoted Haider al-Abadi as making the comments on Tuesday, referring to Turkish forces stationed at Bashiqa camp near Mosul from before the start of an offensive against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group. Speaking in November, Fikri Isik, Turkeys defence minister, said his countrys military involvement was part of its preparation for important developments in the region. Turkey is preparing in advance for whatever happens [and] this is one element of that, he was quoted by the official Anadolu news agency as saying. Also on Tuesday, Iraqi forces fought their way into more districts of Mosul but advances in the citys southeast were being slowed by ISILs use of civilians for cover, military officials said. The UN said civilian casualties had streamed into nearby hospitals in the past two weeks as fighting intensified in ISILs last major stronghold in Iraq. Advances by elite forces in the citys east and northeast have picked up speed in a new push since the turn of the year, and US-backed forces have for the first time reached the River Tigris, which bisects the city. They entered Hadba [district] today. There is a battle inside the city, Lieutenant-Colonel Abbas al-Azawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi armys 16th division, said. Seizing control of Hadba, a large district, would likely take more than a day, and ISIL, also known as ISIS, was deploying suicide bombers, Azawi said. READ MORE: Analysis What is Turkey trying to achieve in Iraq? Recapturing Mosul after more than two years of ISIL rule would be a huge blow to the fighters power in Iraq. The UN Humanitarian Coordination Office (OCHA) said nearly 700 people had been taken to hospitals in cities in Kurdish-controlled areas outside Mosul in the last week, and more than 817 had required hospital treatment a week earlier. Trauma casualties remain extremely high, particularly near frontline areas, OCHA said. The US-backed operation to drive ISIL fighters from Mosul began in October and has recaptured villages and towns surrounding the city, and most of Mosuls eastern half. Obama administration sanctions Russian duo accused of poisoning former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006. The Obama administration has sanctioned top allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, including a senior federal investigator, and the alleged assassins of Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian spy. The men accused of poisoning Litvinenko in London in 2006, Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun, were among five Russians sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act, a United States law that allows punitive measures against Russians. The punishment freezes all their US assets and bars them from travelling to the country. The State Department did not detail what the new targets are accused of, but the move comes at a time of increased diplomatic tension with Moscow. OPINION: America was a stan long before Trump Each of the most recently added names was considered after extensive research, State Department spokesman John Kirby said. Kirby said the individuals had roles in the repressive machinery of Russias law enforcement systems, as well as individuals involved in notorious human rights violations. Federal prosecutor Alexander Bastrykin is one of Putins most powerful allies and is head of an investigative agency that had led alleged crackdowns on domestic dissidents. Lugovoi and Kovtun were accused of poisoning Litvinenko, a former Russian agent turned freelance investigator who had collaborated with British intelligence. Litvinenko is believed to have ingested polonium-210 , which is produced in nuclear reactors, while drinking tea with Kovtun and Lugovoi. President Barack Obamas outgoing administration has already accused the Kremlin of cyber espionage to influence the US elections. It also expelled 35 Russian diplomats . READ MORE: US intelligence Putin sought to help Trump in election A senior official told the AFP news agency that Obamas final update to the Magnitsky Act does not include Putin himself, because the US does not want a complete breakdown in ties. We need to preserve the possibility of working with Russia in areas in which it is in the US national interest, the official told AFP, on condition of anonymity. Our goal in imposing sanctions is to change behaviour, he said. We have taken steps to make clear that interference in US democratic processes will not go unanswered. The Magnitsky Act was originally passed to enable US officials to impose sanctions on Russians implicated in the 2009 prison death of Russian tax fraud whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky.The total list of targets now includes 44 names. Cayuga County will be under a wind advisory from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, the National Weather Service said, in addition to the winte White supremacist convicted of killing nine black churchgoers in 2015, expresses no regret for crime in final statement. Dylann Roof, a white supremacist who shot dead nine black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina, has been sentenced to death by a federal jury. Roof, who was convicted last month of 33 federal charges, including hate crimes resulting in death, was condemned to death on Tuesday by a unanimous jury after about three hours of deliberations. Roof is the first person to get the death penalty for federal hate crimes. Federal judge Richard Gergel will formally deliver Roofs sentence on Wednesday morning at the Charleston court. The verdict reached by the jury is binding. Earlier on Tuesday, the 22-year-old threw away his one last chance to plead for his life in front of the jurors, telling them: I still feel like I had to do it. I have the right to ask you to give me a life sentence, but Im not sure what good it would do anyway. The attacker specifically picked out Emanuel AME Church, the Souths oldest black church, to carry out the massacre, Assistant US Attorney Jay Richardson said. A Bible study group at the Church was just beginning its closing prayer when Roof, a self-avowed Nazi and Ku Klux Klan sympathiser opened fire, killing nine people, ranging in age from 26 to 87. READ MORE: Is Dylann Roof a loner or a white supremacist? Roof stood over some of the fallen victims, shooting them again as they lay on the floor, Richardson said. He did not explain his actions to jurors, saying only that anyone who hates anything in their mind has a good reason for it. In his FBI confession, Roof said that he hoped the massacre would bring back segregation or start a race war. In notes confiscated from Roof in prison in August 2015, he wrote that he was not sorry. I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed, the notes said. Roof represented himself in the sentencing phase of the trial, against the advice of his lawyers and the judge. He called no witnesses and offered no evidence for the jury to consider. Capital punishment is only rarely meted out in federal cases, in part because violent crimes more typically are tried under state laws. European Court of Human Rights upholds fines on Swiss Muslim parents who refused mixed swimming lessons for daughters. The European Court of Human Rights upheld a decision of a Swiss court backing fines on Muslim parents who refused to allow their daughters to take part in mixed swimming lessons on the basis of their religion. The parents, both Turkish-Swiss dual nationals, appealed to the court over a fine handed down by education authorities after they declined to send two of their daughters to mixed swimming lessons. They said that the requirement, imposed by the school up until the age of puberty as part of its physical education curriculum, violated their right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion enshrined in article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. While the court acknowledged that the requirement was an interference with the freedom of religion, it ruled that the interference represented a legitimate aim to protect foreign pupils from social exclusion. READ MORE: Swiss anger at Muslim boys over female handshake snub It said that schools played an important role in encouraging social integration, especially regarding children of foreign origin. It also noted that the authorities in Basel, Switzerland, had tried to reach a compromise with the parents, including allowing the girls to wear burkinis for the lessons. The court also ruled that the fine imposed on the parents, of 350 Swiss francs ($345) each per child, totalling 1,400 francs, was proportionate to the aim. The European Court of Human Rights was established to oversee the European Convention on Human Rights, adopted by the 47-member Council of Europe. The court is not a European Union institution. Top court unable to rule on presidents petition amid doubts over whether a peaceful political transition will happen. The Supreme Court of Gambia cannot rule on President Yahya Jammehs challenge against his electoral defeat until May, according to its chief justice. The ruling casts further doubt on whether a peaceful political transition will happen next week as scheduled. The West African country has been thrust into a political crisis following a December 1 presidential vote, which saw longtime ruler Jammeh losing to opposition leader Adama Barrow. Jammeh initially conceded defeat but later reversed his position, lodging a legal case aimed at annulling the result and triggering new elections. Barrow, a former real estate agent, is scheduled to take office on January 19. The election challenge was supposed to be heard on Tuesday by five judges, including Chief Justice Emmanuel Fagbele, but the Nigerian and Sierra Leonean judges were absent. Fagbele told Jammehs lawyers that he needed a full panel to hear the petition but the outsourced judges would not travel there until either May or November. The Gambia relies on foreign judges to staff its courts due to a lack of trained professionals in the tiny country. The legal case was adjourned to Monday, but Fagbele warned the petitioners that they should not expect anything different. We can only hear this matter when we have a full bench of the Supreme Court, Fagbele said. His comments came as leaders from West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, pushed back from Wednesday to Friday a mediation mission in Banjul, the capital of Gambia. Nigeria said the delay was at the insistence of Jammeh. Significant incentive Maggie Dwyer, of the Centre of African Studies at the University of Edinburgh, says the postponement of the election challenge buys Jammeh more time and places the pressure on ECOWAS to broker a deal. Speaking to Al Jazeera, she said: Without a significant deal reached, which would probably include amnesty for Jammeh and possibly senior military officers, it is very unlikely that there will be any transition next week. Jammeh will need a significant incentive and a way to save face in order for him to voluntarily leave office. READ MORE: Exiled Gambians ponder return to troubled homeland The president has made clear he will not go until his complaint is heard, and, on December 20, he was broadcast on state TV saying unless the Court decides the case, there will be no inauguration on the 19 January. And let me see what ECOWAS and those big powers behind them can do. The West African bloc has previously said it has a military force on standby if Jammeh refuses to cede power when his mandate expires, with Nigerias foreign minister saying on Monday the use of force remained an option if there was no movement in the situation. READ MORE: Gambians seek justice after a 22-year reign of terror The president is insisting that therell be no inauguration until the court decides on his case. But the other camp is busy preparing for the inauguration, a Banjul-based analyst told Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity. So, on January 19, Barrows camp will go out and President Jammeh will attempt to stop them. Thats where the problem will be and thats why the role of ECOWAS will be crucial. The courts announcement comes a day after Sheriff Bojang, the communications minister, stepped down and fled the country. Will of the people Bojang said he resigned because Jammehs refusal to accept the outcome of the election was disregarding the will of the people. Dwyer, of the Centre of African Studies, said defections by officials, such as Bojang, indicated that Jammeh was becoming increasingly isolated amid mounting pressure. Nearly all prominent organisations in the Gambia and the UN, AU, ECOWAS, US and more are unlikely to back down on their calls for Jammeh to concede defeat, she told Al Jazeera. Additional reporting by Teo Kermeliotis: @Teo_Kermeliotis New controls agreed upon will facilitate electronically tagging immigrants deemed security threat and deportations. Germany is set to launch tougher security measures for asylum seekers and refugees who are not properly documented or deemed to pose a security threat. The new measures, agreed upon on Tuesday, will make it easier for the authorities to electronically tag immigrants considered a security risk, as well as those required to leave Germany but who have not yet left, and to deport them. Germanys interior and justice ministers, representing the two blocs in Chancellor Angela Merkels ruling coalition, agreed on increasing surveillance of suspicious immigrants following the Christmas market attack in Berlin in which a failed Tunisian asylum seeker killed 12 people. READ MORE: The rise of Germanys anti-refugee right We have agreed on the introduction of mandatory residency: in laymans terms, stricter domicile requirements for asylum seekers who have been deceptive with their identities, Thomas de Maiziere, Germanys interior minister, said. Secondly, it will now be easier to take people into custody for deportation. Earlier on Tuesday, Joachim Herrmann, the Bavarian interior minister, said Italy and Greece should if necessary be excluded from Europes passport-free Schengen area if they do not fulfil their obligations to exchange data on criminals. Germanys refugees campaign against restrictions He said people travelling by air or over land should be checked at the borders of those countries if they did not comply. He called for an end-of-year deadline to be set. German investigators identified the Berlin market attacker as a threat last February, but when officials subsequently met to discuss whether to deport him they determined he posed no acute threat that could be presented in court, the Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported last week. The Christmas market attack has thrown security policy into sharp focus in the lead-up to Septembers federal elections. In addition to the tougher rules for failed asylum seekers, de Maiziere has proposed restructuring Germanys security set-up. In recent years Germany took in more than one million refugees and asylum seekers, but an increasing number of them have voluntarily left following more immigration controls and anti-immigration sentiment in the country. John Kelly, Donald Trumps choice to lead the department of homeland security, has said that tightening the countrys border will be his top priority in his new role. Speaking before a Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Kelly called for a layered defence on the southern border that would include the possible use of drones and sensors. A physical barrier in and of itself will not do the job, Kelly told a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing. A layered defence, he said, would include better partnerships with some Latin American countries as far south as Peru and border patrol agents, as well as technology such as drones that would work in places that perhaps the wall cant be built or will [not] be built any time soon. He said such tactics were needed because Trumps plan to build a wall along the border to stop undocumented immigrants would not be sufficient. Deportations reached record levels under President Barack Obama, whose administration deported more than 2.5 million people between 2009 and 2015. A large wall already exists on much of the US-Mexico border. INTERACTIVE: Whos who in Donald Trumps administration? Earlier on Tuesday, Jeff Sessions, Trumps choice for attorney general, promised to stand up to Trump, his close ally and future boss, saying that he would oppose a ban on Muslims entering the country and enforce a law banning waterboarding even though he had voted against the measure. Civil liberties advocates seized on Sessions voting record and his appearances before groups that espouse anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant views. Sessions said that he would not support banning anyone from the United States on the basis of religion and that Trumps intentions were to restrict people from countries harbouring terrorists, not all Muslims. Elected on November 8, Trump at one point campaigned on a proposal to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the country. Sessions said he favoured higher intensity of vetting for refugees seeking to enter the country but that he would oppose ending the US refugee programme. Pakistani government has obligation to locate four missing activists and act to ensure their safety, rights group says. Human Rights Watch has asked Pakistan to urgently investigate the apparent abductions of four activists who campaigned for human rights and religious freedom, saying their near simultaneous disappearances raised concerns of government involvement. Tuesdays statement came as left-wing and liberal activists prepared to hold protests throughout the country demanding the bloggers release. The missing men are Salman Haider, a poet and academic, and bloggers Waqas Goraya, Aasim Saeed, and Ahmad Raza Naseer. READ MORE: Concern over fate of missing Pakistani activists The four went missing from various cities between January 4 and January 7. The Pakistani government has an immediate obligation to locate the four missing human rights activists and act to ensure their safety, said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. The nature of these apparent abductions puts the government on notice that it can either be part of the solution or it will be held responsible for its role in the problem. The interior ministry said over the weekend it will investigate the disappearance of Haider, but made no reference to the others. Inability of the Pakistani state to #RecoverSalmanHaider by now exhibits its sheer incompetence, or much worse, its complicity. Umair Javed (@umairjav) January 8, 2017 However, Dawn, the countrys leading English language daily, for which Haider has written, issued a strongly worded editorial calling for the activists immediate release, rather than an investigation. The sanitised language missing persons, the disappeared, etc cannot hide an ugly truth: the state of Pakistan continues to be suspected of involvement in the disappearance and illegal detentions of a range of private citizens, it said. It is simply not enough for government and police officials to claim that the disappearances are being investigated. Mr Haider and the other recently missing activists need to be returned to their families immediately. A security source has denied intelligence services were involved in the disappearances, AFP news agency reported. Protests set to take place Liberal activists were set to hold protests in major cities on Tuesday afternoon, using the hashtag #RecoverAllActivists to generate support on social media. https://twitter.com/AQAchakzai/status/818695449104228352 Protests were expected in all major cities at press clubs in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Faisalabad and Islamabad, with the protest in Islamabad expected to be the largest, as national media and political officials were expected to join. Pakistan is routinely ranked among the worlds most dangerous countries for journalists, and reporting that is critical of security policies controlled by the powerful military is considered a major red flag, with reporters at times arrested, beaten and even killed. Rights groups say Pakistani activists and journalists find themselves caught between the countrys security establishment and armed groups including the Taliban. Israel is threatening to undertake punitive measures against the UN after it passed a resolution condemning settlements. Last Friday, the Israeli government announced that it had suspended $6m in funding to the United Nations (UN), a move described as an act of protest against the recent Security Council resolution condemning illegal settlements. But is this just the opening salvo in what could be an unprecedented offensive? Judging by how things are being handled in Israel at the moment, anything or any idea is possible, said Israeli political journalist and blogger Tal Schneider. Seeing the governments responses to Resolution 2334, I thought, Are we going to leave the UN?, she told Al Jazeera. OPINION: Israel\s never-ending crimes: It is not just settlements But is it all just bluster and symbolism? The funding suspension is $6m from a total Israeli annual contribution of more than $40m. The amount of money is so small, Schneider commented, that its more of a statement: neither the Israeli nor UN budget will feel it. UN agencies, as well as NGOs, should be able to work free from arbitrary restrictions, harassment or intimidation. by Jacob Burns, Israel-Palestine Campaigner at Amnesty International However, after a change in US administration, there may well be more serious steps in the offing. Two days after the Security Council had adopted Resolution 2334, Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he had instructed the Foreign Ministry to complete within a month a re-evaluation of all our contacts with the United Nations. This re-evaluation, the premier added, included the Israeli funding of UN institutions and the presence of UN representatives in Israel. Deputy foreign minister, Tzipi Hotovely, meanwhile, has announced plans to investigate the activities of the 15 UN facilities operating within Israel in order to determine whether to allow them to continue to receive funding and to maintain the use of their buildings in Israel. Another Israeli media report has claimed that the Netanyahu government is considering stopping work visas to employees of these UN agencies and expelling UNRWA spokesman in Israel, Chris Gunness, who is accused by Israel of inciting against it. Khaled Elgindy, a fellow at the Brookings Institutions Centre for Middle East Policy, told Al Jazeera that if a UN official were actually expelled or declared persona non-grata, that could have very far-reaching implications. He added: Id expect there to be an international response. INTERACTIVE: Jerusalems broken homes The Security Council resolution came at the end of a year which had already seen a deterioration in conditions for UN employees and other NGO workers in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory, including an increase in access and movement restrictions in and out of the Gaza Strip via the Israeli-controlled Erez crossing. Israel also indicted two Gaza-based NGO workers, World Visions Mohammad el-Halabi and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) employee Waheed Borsh, on charges of supporting Hamas and redirecting funds and resources to the groups armed wing. Many Palestinians analysts and human rights groups viewed these prosecutions as politically motivated. This was bolstered by Borshs conviction last week in a plea bargain for offences much less serious than those initially, and very publicly, made by the authorities. So which UN agencies might be the target of Israeli sanctions? A Western official, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, noted that bodies like the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) or the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are possibly more vulnerable because they dont provide services that under international law the occupying power is obliged to provide the occupied population, such as schools and health. If retaliation means Israel singling out those UN agencies it has always been uncomfortable with, then we know this is just a pretext, Algindy told Al Jazeera. Going after UNRWA, for example, has nothing to do with the UN Security Council, but rather would be about stoking populist sentiment in Israel something the Netanyahu government has been very good at doing. According to Amnesty International, Israel must not inhibit the ability of humanitarian and development organisations to be able to carry out their vital work. UN agencies, as well as NGOs, should be able to work free from arbitrary restrictions, harassment or intimidation, said Jacob Burns, Israel-Palestine Campaigner at the global rights group. He added: It is particularly outrageous that Israel is threatening to undertake these punitive measures, which are likely to adversely impact upon the occupied civilian population, in retaliation for a UN Security Council resolution that simply re-affirmed the fact that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territories violate international law. Yet, with Trump ensconced in the White House, will such warnings fall on deaf ears in Israel? Elgindy noted how Congress is mulling all kinds of legislation to defund the UN, reflecting a strong anti-UN streak within the Republican Party. Thus, he added, there is a real convergence between Israeli populism and American populism, which if translated into policy could also have geostrategic implications. READ MORE: Israels other army expanding illegal settlements It was only last September that Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly that the day is not far off when Israel will be able to rely on many, many countries to stand with us at the UN. He continued: The days when UN ambassadors reflexively condemn Israel, those days are coming to an end. But that was when the Israeli premier, like many others, assumed Hilary Clinton would be the next US president. Are we going to see attempts to dismantle an institution thats been there for decades? Schneider wonders. An axis of strong men Trump, Putin and Netanyahu perhaps think they can change the balance of power in the world. We are in a new, uncertain era. Addressing the possibility that anti-UN steps could include the expulsion of staff, the Western official told Al Jazeera that such measures would constitute a path to isolation and pariah status. Soldiers raided the Faraa refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, shooting dead one Palestinian and arresting three. Israeli soldiers have shot and killed a Palestinian during an army raid of a West Bank refugee camp, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. Mohammad Salhi, 32, was shot dead during an early-morning raid in the Faraa refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank on Tuesday. He was not an intended target of the raid. According to Palestinian residents of the camp, Salhi was awakened when the soldiers broke into his home. He was shot dead after he confronted them. Palestinian medical sources said Salhi was brought to a hospital in the nearby town of Tubas hours after he was shot and after the army had left the camp. They said he was hit by five bullets to the neck and chest and was pronounced dead on arrival. READ MORE: 2016 deadliest year in decade for West Bank children The Israeli army said that Salhi was shot dead after he tried to stab its soldiers during the raid. But according to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, Salhi was executed in cold blood by soldiers in the courtyard of his home, in front of his mother. The foreign ministrys statement identified him as a former prisoner in Israeli jails. Yasser Abu Kishk, a resident of the camp, also rejected the Israeli version of the story. According to Kishk, the soldiers broke into Salhis home to reach a neighbours home. Salhi was awakened by surprise and he found himself face-to-face with the soldiers, he told the official Voice of Palestine radio station. Apparently Salhi did not know what was going on, so he confronted the soldiers to protect his ailing mother and family when he was shot. Human rights groups have continually condemned Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank, and what they describe as a shoot-to-kill policy employed there. The soldiers left the camp after arresting three Palestinians. Japan and South Korea say Chinese military planes flew over East China Sea and the Sea of Japan for hours on Monday. Japan and South Korea have deployed their fighter jets after spotting Chinese military planes flying back and forth between the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan, according to Japanese and South Korean officials. Japanese defence ministry officials said on Tuesday that eight Chinese jets flew over the Tsushima Strait in western Japan on Monday. The officials said fighters from Japans Air Self-Defense Force were scrambled. The Chinese aircraft did not violate Japans airspace, Japans NHK World reported. China returns seized underwater drone to US The ministry officials said the Chinese aircraft were six H-6 bombers, plus an early-warning plane and an intelligence-gathering plane. They also said the Chinese planes headed northeast over the Sea of Japan and later made a U-turn and flew back to the East China Sea. South Koreas Yonhap News Agency earlier reported that around 10 Chinese planes also entered the Korean air defence identification zone for five hours on Monday, prompting South Korea to launch a sortie of fighter jets, and send a warning signal to the Chinese planes. Yonhap said these planes flew near a submerged rock located off the southern coast of Jeju island several times. The submerged island, referred to by South Korea as Ieodo, is also included by China in its own air defence identification zone. South Korea responded by sending 10 F-15 and F-16 fighter jets to the area. Following the incident, The Japanese defence ministry said it was analysing the flights in order to determine their purpose. In January of last year, two Chinese military planes were spotted over the Tsushima Strait, and, in August, three planes were seen going back and forth in the area. China has been expanding its maritime activity. Last month, its aircraft carrier made its first appearance in the Pacific Ocean. Study conducted with US National Cancer Institute says 80 percent of deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. Smoking will kill more than eight million people a year by 2030, according to a World Health Organization study. The study, which was conducted with the US National Cancer Institute and released on Tuesday, found that more than 80 percent of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. Smoking also costs the global economy more than a trillion dollars annually. Those costs far outweigh global revenues from tobacco taxes, which the WHO estimated at about $269bn in 2013-2014. It is responsible for over $1 trillion in healthcare costs and lost productivity each year, said the study, peer-reviewed by more than 70 scientific experts. READ MORE: Barack Obama vows to save Obamacare The economic costs are expected to continue to rise, and although governments have the tools to reduce tobacco use and associated deaths, most have fallen far short of using those tools effectively. Jeremias Paul, the head of WHOs Tobacco Control Economics Unit, told Al Jazeera that the most effective form of reducing smoking is increasing the tax on tobacco. It is also the most underutilised method for tobacco control, he said. Taxing tobacco will have the most effect in low-income areas because money is hard to come by. Right now tobacco is really cheap in those areas, Paul explained. Tobacco taxes could also be used to fund more expensive interventions such as anti-tobacco mass media campaigns and support for cessation services and treatments, it said. Governments spent less than $1bn on tobacco control in 2013-2014, according to a WHO estimate. READ MORE: China to launch environmental police force Furthermore, tobacco use accounts for a significant share of the health disparities between the rich and poor. These disparities are exacerbated by a lack of access to healthcare. Although smoking prevalence is falling among the global population, the total number of smokers worldwide is rising. China alone will suffer two million deaths a year by 2030, unless actions is taken to reduce the number of smokers. An anti-smoking campaign will soon be launched in the country. In Beijing, where it is illegal to smoke inside public buildings, a group of volunteers has the authority to hunt for smokers in these public spaces and fines them when they are caught in the act. GREECE Police said both drivers involved in a head-on crash on a suburban Rochester road were drunk behind the wheel. Authorities in the Monroe County town of Greece said two vehicles collided around 5:15 a.m. Saturday. Officers say both drivers a 33-year-old Rochester man and a 39-year-old man from Greece were both charged with driving while intoxicated. Police said a search of the 33-year-old man's car turned up .38 caliber handgun that had been reported stolen in 2009 in the nearby town of Gates. He was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon. He was sent to the county jail on $10,000 cash bail. The other driver was issued an appearance ticket and released. Local news reports say clashes erupt in front of citys police station, with suicide bomber shot dead during attack. Turkish police say they have killed an armed man who tried to enter the main police station in the southeastern city of Gaziantep. Mehmet Simsek, Turkeys deputy prime minister, said the attacker was killed but another assailant was at large following Tuesdays incident. Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Gaziantep, said the attack took place in an area where ISIL recruits have been very active in the past. Gaziantep is an area where security forces have been launching crackdowns against ISIL operatives, he said. There were many attacks in the past and people are still concerned ISIL could launch retaliatory attacks. Local television channels reported on Tuesday that a gun battle broke out in front of the building and that ambulances had been sent to the area. CNN Turk said ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Iranians pour out on the streets as Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who served as president from 1989 to 1997, to be buried. Hundreds of thousands of mourners led by Irans supreme leader have gathered at Tehran University for the funeral of former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. State television showed people pouring on to the streets around the campus where Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the ceremony for Rafsanjani on Tuesday. Khamenei stood next to President Hassan Rouhani and Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani as they prayed in front of Rafsanjanis closed casket. A huge crowd line Tehran streets to say farewell to Hashemi, a politician with a complicated record who regained popularity in recent years. pic.twitter.com/joWMIrElg9 Sadegh Ghorbani (@GhorbaniSadegh) January 10, 2017 Images posted on social media also showed Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani attending the funeral procession. However, there have been reports that reformist leader and former president Mohammad Khatami was banned from attending Tuesdays event. Rafsanjani, who died of a heart attack on Sunday at the age of 82, will be buried inside the crypt of Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Irans 1979 Islamic revolution, according to Al Jazeeras Dorsa Jabari, who is reporting from the Iranian capital. Its a very sombre occasion in the Islamic Republic, Jabari said. This was something very unexpected. Many ordinary people, who werent necessarily even fans of Rafsanjani, or his family, expressed their views that they were just shocked and extremely saddened by the loss. Khomeinis mausoleum is in south Tehran near the capitals largest airport. Leaders of all of Irans competing political factions also attended the funeral. Black banners were raised in Tehran and some posters showed the supreme leader and Rafsanjani together smiling. Another poster said Goodbye, old combatant. Authorities have declared Tuesday a public holiday so Iranians can commemorate Rafsanjani. Free bus or metro travel was provided to the funeral venue. acrdng "#Iran" State npaper,4.5M participated in #hashemirafsanjani's funeral-Hashemi:conservative in90s but face of moderates aftr 2005 pic.twitter.com/VAhkHH9R3K ERSHAD ALIJANI (@ErshadAlijani) January 10, 2017 https://twitter.com/MJalaeipour/status/818696568547246080 Since Rafsanjanis death, messages of condolence have poured in from home and abroad. Even the White House sent a message, unprecedented since the 1979 revolution that led to the cutting of ties between Tehran and Washington. Rafsanjani, a close aide to both Khomeini and Khamenei, served as president from 1989 to 1997. He was also a major supporter of Rouhani and served as a go-between for reformers seeking outreach to the world and hard-liners. Jared Kushner, a New York businessman, is married to Trumps daughter Ivanka and served as a top campaign adviser. US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his son-in-law Jared Kushner to serve as his senior adviser in the White House, raising concerns about conflict of interest and nepotism. Trump said in a statement on Monday that he is proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration. He will be an invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda, putting the American people first, he said of Kushner. Kushner, a New York real estate businessman and investor, will join Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon in implementing Trumps domestic and foreign policies. WATCH: Trump vs America Presidential conflict of interest? Kushner is married to Trumps daughter, Ivanka. He may not even be eligible for the post under a 1967 law that bars government officials from hiring relatives, though whether the regulation applies to cabinet posts is not clear. Kushners lawyer said the appointment is based on legal judgment that anti-nepotism statute does not apply to the White House. A senior Trump transition official also said that Kushner will recuse himself from participating in matters that could have a direct effect on his remaining financial interests. The statement announcing Kushners appointment adds that he will not receive a salary while in the Trump administration, further diminishing the likelihood that the appointment would run afoul of the anti-nepotism law. Ethics questions Al Jazeera political analyst Bill Schneider said it is not very clear if the law applies to Kushners appointment. The law itself is very clear. It says that you cannot appointment a relative to a federal agency that you head. But the White House is not a federal agency under the law. There can be ethics questions. There can be conflict of interest questions, because Mr Kushner has very widespread international business dealings, including a lot of Chinese investors with companies that he has run. But he is in a process of divesting himself in a lot of those business interests. Conflict of interest laws also do not apply to the president of the United States, Schneider said. Kushner played a key role in Trumps campaign and has continued to be one of the most influential figures in the transition team. Before his involvement in politics, Kushner led his familys real estate company and was publisher of the New York Observer. He will resign from both posts before entering the administration. The appointment of relatives to White House posts is not unprecedented. Before the anti-nepotism law was passed, President John F. Kennedy appointed his brother Robert Kennedy to serve as the US attorney general. Activists seize on Republican Jeff Sessions appearance before groups that espouse anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant views. The Senate confirmation hearing for Jeff Sessions, Donald Trumps choice for attorney general, has been interrupted by protesters. Two men wearing costumes of the Ku Klux Klan, the white supremacist organisation with a history of fatal racist attacks on people of colour, were ejected from the building on Tuesday after they disrupted the hearing. Security removed them from the room as they yelled mockingly You cant arrest me, I am white! and White people own this government. Other protesters later erupted in the chant: No Trump! No KKK! No fascist USA! Civil liberties campaigners have seized on Sessions voting record and his appearances before groups that espouse anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant views. He was rejected for a federal judgeship by the Senate Judiciary Committee 30 years ago amid accusations of racism. In a prepared opening statement, Sessions said that he understood the history of civil rights and the horrendous impact that relentless and systemic discrimination and the denial of voting rights has had on our African-American brothers and sisters. He also said accusations of racism were damnably false charges. In 2005, attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions refused to believe that the U.S. was systematically abusing prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. ACLU (@ACLU) January 10, 2017 During a 1994 campaign for Alabama attorney general, Sessions came out in support of chain gangs the forced labour of prisoners and life sentences for children as young as 14, the progressive Mother Jones news site reports. Sessions has also accused the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People civil rights group and the American Civil Liberties Union of being un-American, according to Gerald Hebert, a former justice department civil rights attorney who worked with Sessions in Alabama. READ MORE: Trump appoints Jared Kushner to top White House post In the hearing, Sessions promised to stand up to Trump, his close ally and future boss, saying he would oppose a ban on Muslims entering the country and enforce a law against waterboarding even though he voted against the measure. Speaking in New York on Monday, Trump described Sessions as a high-quality man. Sessions said he would not support banning anyone from the United States on the basis of religion and that Trumps intentions were to restrict people from countries harbouring terrorists, not all Muslims. Elected on November 8, Trump at one point campaigned on a proposal to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the country. Sessions said he favoured higher intensity of vetting for refugees seeking to enter the country but that he would oppose ending the US refugee programme. Separately, John Kerry, the outgoing US secretary of state, said on Tuesday that there has been little contact between officials of the Department of State and Trumps transition team. Asked about the transition process at a forum in Washington DC on Tuesday, Kerry said: Its going pretty smoothly because theres not an enormous amount of it. Kerry said he had not yet met the man Trump has picked to take over as secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, but expected to do so soon. Two explosions go off near Afghanistans parliament in Kabul, killing at least 30 in an attack claimed by the Taliban. Dozens of people have been killed and scores wounded in two suicide blasts near Afghanistans parliament in the capital, Kabul, according to officials, in an attack claimed by the Afghan Taliban. Security officials said a suicide bomber blew himself up on Tuesday in the Darul Aman area of the city and was followed immediately by a car bomber in an apparently coordinated operation. The blasts, which followed a period of relative calm in Kabul, tore through employees exiting a parliament annexe, which houses politicians offices, leaving the area littered with bloodied bodies. A health ministry official told Al Jazeera the attack killed at least 30 people and wounded a further 80. The Taliban said the attack targeted a minibus carrying staff from Afghanistans main intelligence agency, killing or wounding as many as 70 people. The parliament complex has been a prime target for Taliban fighters. In June 2015, the group attacked the old parliament building, sending politicians running for cover in chaotic scenes relayed live on television. Earlier on Tuesday, a suicide bomber on foot struck in the southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, officials said. The target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the earlier attack. Onset of winter The Taliban are pressing ahead with nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter. Repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed and a fierce new fighting season is expected to kick off in the spring. Afghanistan last week welcomed the Pentagons decision to deploy about 300 US soldiers of the Marine Corps to Helmand. The move has been described by the Taliban as a challenge it welcomed. Bombing in Kandahar kills seven people, including five UAE diplomats, and wounds Ambassador Juma al-Kaabi. The United Arab Emirates says five of its diplomats died in a bombing in Afghanistans Kandahar that killed at least 11 people and wounded 17 others, including Juma al-Kaabi, the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan. The official Emirati news agency, WAM, said the officials were on a mission to carry out humanitarian, educational and development projects. The blast, which struck the provincial governors office during a visit by the UAE delegation, was one of a string of bombings that hit three Afghan cities on Tuesday, killing nearly 50 people and wounding 100. Dubais ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAEs prime minister and vice president, said on Twitter that there is no human, moral or religious justification for the bombing and killing of people trying to help others. On the Afghan side, authorities said the dead included two politicians, a deputy governor from Kandahar and an Afghan diplomat stationed at its embassy in Washington. The diplomats were expected to open a number of UAE-backed projects as part of an aid programme to Afghanistan. In honour of the dead, government institutions across the UAE were directed to fly the flag at half-mast for three days. The Taliban denied carrying out the bombing, saying the attack was a result of internal local rivalry. . pic.twitter.com/jeKYl9cxHu UAE EMBASSY KABUL (@uaeembassykabul) January 10, 2017 Elsewhere on Tuesday, two suicide blasts claimed by the Taliban near Afghanistans parliament in Kabul killed at least 30 people and wounded 80. In a separate incident on the same day, a suicide bomber on foot struck in the southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, according to officials. The target of the attack, also claimed by the Taliban, was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital. Afghanistan last week welcomed the Pentagons decision to deploy some 300 US Marines to Helmand, where American forces engaged in heated combat until they pulled out in 2014. The Marines will head to the poppy-growing province this spring to assist a NATO-led mission to train Afghan forces, in the latest sign that foreign forces are increasingly being drawn back into the worsening conflict. NATO officially ended its combat mission in December 2014, but US forces were granted greater powers in June to strike armed groups as President Barack Obama vowed a more aggressive campaign. Former president and noted reformist believed Iran should open up to the world and improve ties with the West. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the former Iranian president, has been described as a pillar of the Islamic Revolution and a figure of moderation in Iran. His death at the age of 82 raises questions about what direction the country is now likely to take. Rafsanjani started out as a hardliner, serving as an aide to Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 revolution. But he moved to the centre, favouring better ties with the West, and believing Tehran should open up more to the world. His passing leaves a void. He was seen as a supporter of the reformist movement. Without him, it is believed some of the progress made may be lost. Presenter: Laura Kyle Guests: Seyed Hossein Mousavian Middle East security and nuclear policy specialist at Princeton University. Sadegh Zibakalam Professor of political science at the University of Tehran. Ellie Geranmayeh Fellow who specialises in Iran at the European Council on Foreign Relations. How thousands of migrant dreams in Singapore turned into nightmares in the wake of the 2009 global recession. Ten years ago , in November 2006, Al Jazeera English was launched. To mark that anniversary, weve created REWIND, which updates some of the channels most memorable and award-winning documentaries of the past decade. We find out what happened to some of the characters in those films and ask how the stories have developed in the years since our cameras left. Each year, tens of thousands of migrant workers travel to Singapore in search of a better life. Most pay hefty fees to agents, who promise them work as labourers in the construction and shipping industries. When the economy was booming, those promises were largely fulfilled. But as a global recession took hold in 2009, horror stories began to emerge. This film follows the journey of a Bangladeshi worker caught in a nightmarish situation. Mohamed Ismail shows us the room he shares with 13 other people. They sleep on bare concrete floors and there is hardly any space to move. Some claim that unfair deductions have even been taken from their salaries to pay for their cramped living conditions salaries they dont receive for six months at a time. Ismail knew life as a migrant worker would be tough, but he thought he would eventually return home to his wife and family as a rich man. Now, he faces the prospect of returning home to his family in Bangladesh with nothing. His Migrant Dreams had turned into a nightmare. REWIND spoke to Ramachelvam Manimuthu, chairperson of the Committee on Migrants, Refugees and Immigration Affairs in Kuala Lumpur, about why the problems faced by migrant workers continue to persist today. We do not provide for migrant workers the same social security protection that is given to the nationals who work in our country, says Manimuthu. There is this rise of xenophobia, there is this anti-migrant wave it is becoming toxic. The UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences launched a new website to teach Florida residents how to preserve, and possibly protect, the states quality of water. The site, originally published in September for a trial period, was not available to the public until January. The website was created by a team of seven institute employees to help people learn about the institutes water programs, said Kati Migliaccio, a UF agricultural and biological engineering professor and a member of the team who helped create the website. It is designed to help you find that set of information, Migliaccio said. The team wanted the website to teach different types of people how to be more efficient with their water usage, she said. Topics included water use in agriculture involving irrigation and fertilizers, water use in nature like aquifers and wetlands how homeowners and builders use water in urban settings and outreach programs. Users can access more than 10 subcategories to assist them in finding more specific information, Migliaccio said. She said the site only has information regarding the university institutes programs. The website was designed for users to find information as fast as possible, said Tatiana Borisova, a UF associate professor and extension specialist focusing on water economics and policy, who helped create the site. The goal was for the general public in Florida to have the most simple way to access information by clicking one or two times, she said. Borisova, who moved to Florida eight years ago and who works with UFs Water Institute, said Florida residents should realize how their actions affect the states water. Water is the bloodstream of Florida. Its important for the economy; its part of peoples world- view when they think about the state, Borisova said. The new site can be found at http://water.ifas.ufl.edu. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now The past weekend was the coldest Gainesville has experienced so far this winter with temperatures dropping to 25 degrees. Because of the un-Floridian temperatures, UF students and Gainesville residents have been bundling up and staying inside. Local homeless shelters, St. Francis House and Grace Marketplace also activated their Cold Night Shelter programs. Ben Nelson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, said even though the temperatures have been low, they are expected to rise this week and in the weeks to come. For the foreseeable future, were back into a warm weather pattern, so (Monday) will be the last chilly night of the stretch, he said. Julissa Rodriguez, 19, said when the temperature dropped this weekend, she was terrified she wouldnt have warm enough clothes to spend time outside, which she normally enjoys. Its kind of hard because in Florida, its really difficult to find winter wear, the UF family, youth and community sciences freshman said. So if I can find it, Ill buy it. Rodriguez said she recognizes that homeless people in Gainesville most likely do not have the money to buy winter clothing. Personally, I think Id be really scared to not know where Im going to sleep and not know where to find any kind of warmth, she said. About 80 people without homes took advantage of the program this weekend at St. Francis House, located at 413 S. Main St., said Kent Vann, the organizations executive director. The program, which was used three times this Fall, runs between the beginning of November and the end of March, he said. The doors are open to about 90 people each night Friday through Monday and to fewer Tuesday through Thursday. Due to the organizations limited staff and funding, only 35 people can stay overnight during the week, mostly women and children. The Cold Night Shelter program is set up to house people and protect them from the elements, Vann said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Vann, 55, said the program costs about $19 per person each day, which includes breakfast, showers and laundry. No one was turned away at St. Francis House this weekend, which prioritizes the shelter of homeless families and children over individuals. A third of the people in the shelter on any given night are under the age of 10, usually with a single parent, Vann said. In order to run the program, Vann said St. Francis depends on outside grants and donations. The other strain is financial because even though a certain amount of money is funded through the city, thats a small portion of what we need to operate (the Cold Night Shelter), he said. @molly_vossler mvossler@alligator.org A group of passengers wearing heavy jackets and long pants board a Regional Transit System bus on Newell Drive on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. At the time, the temperature was already in the mid-50s and predicted to drop later that night. AUBURN Two Syracuse teens have been sentenced to prison for intending to sell nearly 50 bags of heroin in Auburn. According to Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann, 18-year-old Dyrell Ferguson, of 120 Woodlawn Ave., and 19-year-old Nahshon Nance, of 159 Ballantine Rd. Apt. 84, were traveling in a Chevy Equinox last fall when police found 47 bags of heroin in the vehicle. The Auburn Police Department said Ferguson and Nance were passengers of 18-year-old Anthony Sutton, Jr., who was pulled over at around 1 a.m. Oct. 17, 2016, for speeding and driving the wrong way on Arterial West. At that time, officers discovered Sutton, of 344 Baker Ave., was wanted in Florida for second-degree robbery and resisting arrest. They also found 10.4 grams of heroin and 5.7 grams of cocaine in the Equinox. Sutton, Ferguson and Nance were each charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. However, in November, Budelmann allowed the teens to plead guilty to the first count, a class B felony punishable by up to nine years in prison. On Tuesday, Jan. 10, Judge Mark Fandrich sentenced Ferguson and Nance to two years in prison and one year post-release supervision. Fandrich also included a shock camp order, which would allow both teens to serve a shorter boot camp-style sentence focused on drug treatment. "It's a sad situation when three young men get themselves into this kind of trouble," Budelmann said in court. "I hope that (shock camp) will help point them in a better direction." "I wish you good luck," Fandrich added, addressing Nance at sentencing. "I hope you're able to turn your life around so I don't have to see you again here." Sutton is expected to receive the same sentence Feb. 14. In other news: A Syracuse man has admitted his involvement in a major marijuana bust in Cayuga County. Karl Klein, III, of 102 Swan Ave., pleaded guilty Tuesday to a reduced count of fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to three years probation. The 27-year-old was one of four men arrested and charged in a major grow operation in the town of Sempronius last year. However, unlike his co-defendants Cole Dorward, 27, of 2819 Route 11 Apt. 1, Lafayette; Charles "CJ" Bush, 33, of 3215 Pompey Center Road, Manlius; and Joseph Bean, 32, of 607 Darlington Road, Syracuse Klein was allowed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. According to District Attorney Jon Budelmann, an investigation began in September 2015 when New York State Police, forest rangers and the Community Narcotics Enforcement Team discovered 118 marijuana plants growing near Bear Swamp State Forest. And at $2,000 a pound, the plants which were up to 7 feet tall and weighed more than 13 pounds dried and preened were worth more than $26,000. In August, all four men were charged with two felonies first-degree criminal possession of marijuana and fourth-degree conspiracy and misdemeanor unlicensed growing of cannabis. Then, last month, Budelmann allowed Dorward, Bush and Bean to plead guilty to the first felony charge in full satisfaction of the indictment. As to why Klein was able to plead to a misdemeanor, Budelmann told the court he was a hardworking husband and father who had "associated himself with the wrong individuals" and "cooperated with law enforcement." "The idea was hatched by the other three," Klein's defense attorney Gaetano Colozzi said in court Tuesday, claiming that Klein's co-defendants provided the seedlings for the grow. "(Klein) was to be paid a portion of the proceeds." "We didn't intend to hurt anybody," Klein added. "We just wanted to make a few extra dollars." Still, in December, Dorward, Bush and Bean told Judge Thomas Leone a different story, saying they had helped tend the marijuana plants for Klein. "We were helping Karl with his marijuana grow business," Bean said during his plea. In exchange for their pleas of guilty, Leone has agreed to sentence Dorward, Bush and Bean to five years probation with the possibility of community service. Their sentencing is scheduled for March 16. "I'm sorry," Klein said, addressing Fandrich in court. "I'd like to thank my attorney, Mr. Budelmann and you, judge, for working together to resolve this and put it in my past." A homeless man will likely spend the next 2 1/2 years in prison for burglarizing a home in Auburn. Brad Talbot, 55, pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted burglary for illegally entering a house in August. Talbot is scheduled to be sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison and 2 1/2 years post-release supervision on March 14. An Auburn man has pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary for breaking into a home in the town of Conquest. Joshua Abrams, 29, of 116 S. Fulton St., admitted to illegally entering a home on Bush Hill Road in October 2016. "I was dope sick that morning so I went to the place I used to work and tried to break into a safe," he said. A second felony offender, Abrams could face up to seven years in prison. However, in exchange for his plea, Fandrich agreed to sentence Abrams to two to four years in prison with a Willard Drug Treatment recommendation. Abrams is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 31. With Inauguration Day just around the corner, I feel appropriate in bringing up the harsh reality of the most recent election a reality the losers love to force into our ears, and the winners wish wed all forget: Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by more than 2 million votes. If Clinton won by such a large number, then how did President-elect Donald Trump secure the most desired seat in American politics? You already know the answer: the Electoral College. The Electoral College is like the ice cream machine at McDonalds: Everyone knows its broken, but no one can tell you why or how to fix it, so we all just roll with it. Im so tired of rolling with something that is confusing, ancient and ruining our country by disproportionately making some votes count less than others. Before you get heated and throw the Opinions section to the ground, just hear me out. Unlike McDonalds, we cant take our business to a real restaurant, keeping this presidential to keep it simple), and its the fate of our country. Why was the Electoral College first created? Well, two reasons: The first, because our Founding Fathers feared a presidential candidate could get tyrannical by swaying public opinion which ironically enough is what the presidential campaign has become: a battle between people, not policy. Electors were created to select someone fit for the presidency because the Founding Fathers didnt believe the population could ever make the right choice. The second, more important reason is because the Founding Fathers didnt want campaigners to focus solely on the more populous states. They dictated that regardless of population, all states were given three electoral votes to begin with. To understand this, you need to know whats going on with electoral votes in the first place please read slowly; its about to get wild. The Electoral College is given electoral votes by the total number of representatives in Congress. This is summated from the 100 seats in the Senate an unchanging number and the currently held 435 seats in the House of Representatives which is based on population. That gives us 535 total electoral votes. These votes are then supposedly distributed evenly among the population of the entire U.S. (approximately 324,118,787/ 535 = 605,829) meaning a single electoral vote is given per 605,829 people in the state. If you remember from earlier, the Founding Fathers dictated each state must receive three electoral votes out of the total 535 before considering their population. This means that people who vote in smaller states have an unfair vote compared to those who vote in larger states, like Florida, which has four fewer electoral votes than it should. This is eerily Orwellian for the U.S.: All votes are equal, but some votes are more equal than others. The Electoral College doesnt even do the most important job it was designed to do. The smaller states always fall in favor of Republicans, so theyre rarely given attention by Democrats. California almost always votes Democrat, so Republicans rarely campaign there. You get the point. Campaigners typically push for four paramount swing states: Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and they just skip the small states or go there once to smile and wave. This wouldnt be a problem if our system wasnt also winner-take-all: If you win the slightest majority of 50.1 percent, then you get all the electoral votes of a state, excluding Maine and Nebraska. If you do the math, a candidate can win all the small states by 50.1 percent, win the electoral vote by 50.19 percent and lose the popular vote with only 22 percent secured. We should not have a system that allows for the possibility of anyone winning the presidency by only securing 22 percent of all the people who vote. And that is why the Electoral College is wack. James Hardison is a UF English sophomore. His column appears on Tuesdays. Lets talk about Liberals capital L in the way people like Tomi Lahren and Bill OReilly refer to them. Perhaps the most common critique of Liberals is how overly sensitive they are, clamoring for political correctness and safe spaces. Were familiar with Brown Universitys backlash for having a safe space full of coloring books and bubbles after a campus debate on rape culture, and conversely, the uproar following the University of Chicagos decision to release an email saying they were not in favor of trigger warnings and safe spaces. But were not here to debate the validity of these safe spaces. Were going to analyze the claim that conservatives keep going back to that Liberals are awful because they are oversensitive and refute it with one, big counterpoint: our current President- elect, Donald Trump. Criticism of presidential candidates isnt unique to this election cycle alone. There has always been a commotion, ranging from relevant criticisms about a candidates qualifications and plans, to more childish and irrelevant insults about birth certificates and a resemblance to the Zodiac Killer. As long as there has been an available outlet, supporters have been sending zingers to the opposing candidate (a notable example being a cartoon of Grover Cleveland and his illegitimate child circulating the papers during the 1884 election cycle.) But candidates and established politicians are familiar with criticism and humorous jabs. During the 2008 election, Saturday Night Live had a eld day with Tina Feys impersonation of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who even got a laugh out of it, since she had once dressed as Fey for Halloween. On the other side of the political spectrum, claims that President Barack Obamas birthplace was outside the U.S. have been circulating since he started campaigning. In response, at a 2011 press conference, President Obama released a video of his birth a clip from the opening scene of The Lion King. This past years election cycle and its aftermath have shown a different type of candidate: one who doesnt take kindly to criticism. Its seen in reactions to political analyst commentary, Saturday Night Live sketches and Golden Globes acceptance speeches. Perhaps thats what the people want though. After all, the president-elects prime selling point is that he says whats on his mind, and damn anyone who makes fun of his hair or questions his policies. In response to the SNL sketches, President- elect Trump took to Twitter and tweeted how totally biased (and) not funny they were. In response to Meryl Streeps Golden Globes speech, in which she eloquently expressed her concerns about Trump, he hopped on Twitter again, blaming liberal Hollywood and the over-rated actress though in 2015, he had called her one of his favorites, but whos checking? Once again, maybe this is the type of candidate Americans want. His supporters are big fans of people who complain about criticism and jump to social media every time they decide something is wrong. But wait, isnt this the same exact criticism that Trump sup- porters have of Liberals: that they complain too much, are easily insulted and are overly sensitive? How can it be that they rally behind a candidate who vividly demonstrates the exact same behavior they condemn? Its hypocritical for Trump supporters to idolize the president-elects quickness to anger and oversensitivity when those are the same abhorrent traits they attribute to Liberals. If youre going to pick a behavior to mock, make sure its not your candidates quintessential character trait. The ECA will hold an Inception Meeting on the preparation for the 2018 edition of the Economic Report on Africa which will take place in Conference Room 3 on 13 January 2017 from 08.30hrs through 18.00hrs. The 2018 edition of the Economic Report on Africa (ERA) will mark the diamond Jubilee of the establishment of []Source : http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric... English News Xi's visit to further boost Sino-Swiss relations: expert Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 10 Janvier 2017 The smooth upgrade of the FTA will not only invigorate the trade growth of the two countries, but also set a role model for other countries in Europe. The agreement will further expand China's trade and investment in other European countries and accelerate the trade arrangements with them and even the EU at large. Source : People's Daily Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a State visit to Switzerland and attend the World Economic Forum on 17th January. Switzerland has always taken the lead in developing bilateral ties with China, more so than many other European or Western countries. Xi's visit to the country will further boost bilateral trade and economic ties, according to Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies under the China Institute of International Studies. The visit is expected to upgrade the free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Switzerland and push forward trade and economic cooperation, Cui noted. Having officially come into effect in 2014, the agreement is the first FTA pact inked between China and a country in Europe. It has been a locomotive to drive pragmatic cooperation in various fields between the two countries. "China has a huge comprehensive economy with a wide range of sectors, " said Cui, adding that the Swiss economy is small but strong, with several industries topping the world in terms of technologies and markets. The two countries are highly complementary in trade. As a result, the implementation of the FTA will further promote bilateral cooperation and benefit the people of both nations, Cui said. Given a sluggish world economy, Cui suggested that the FTA be expanded to more fields. China and Switzerland can seek more in-depth cooperation in Switzerland's specialties such as banking, insurance, futures and other financial sectors. China can also expand the renminbi business in Europe with the help of the agreement. "The smooth upgrade of the FTA will not only invigorate the trade growth of the two countries, but also set a role model for other countries in Europe. The agreement will further expand China's trade and investment in other European countries and accelerate the trade arrangements with them and even the EU at large," Cui said. Cooperation between the two will drive scientific and technological innovation in China, Cui said. Switzerland is hailed as a nation of innovation as it has topped the global innovation index issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization for six consecutive years. Similarly, China has set innovation as a national strategy. The two countries signed a joint statement to establish an innovation strategic partnership on April 8, 2016. Switzerland's spirit of innovation is worth learning from, Cui said. For instance, it has perfected certain industries such as the watch industry due to the scarcity of resources. Likewise, craftsmanship has been emphasized in Chinese society in recent years, which corresponds well with the diligent attitude of Swiss watchmakers. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China enhances efforts to promote biodiversity conservation China stress its commitment to push ahead peace and development for humanity at 20th CPC National Congress CPC's governance experience is worth learning from Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Now that a long-awaited opportunity has arrived to make the regulatory and examination framework more conducive to community and regional banks, how will we measure the success of any reforms? For me, a satisfactory outcome cannot just be changes to the Dodd-Frank Act? The time has come for bankers to be active and bold in urging policymakers to achieve common-sense changes that will benefit banks customers and communities, and lessen the wear and tear on those working at the bank. But it wasnt just the fallout from the financial crisis, with the pendulum swinging toward regulatory toughness, which has had bankers concerned. There has been acknowledgement that regulatory burden is a problem for community banks since at least 1996, when Congress passed the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act. The law requires regulators to conduct a review every 10 years to identify any outdated or unnecessary rules. Dodd-Frank is just the latest in a long string of policy out of Washington that harmed the greatest banking system devised by man. What I hear from Louisiana bankers goes beyond Dodd-Frank. Its a host of onerous regulations and accounting standards along with an examination process that often seems devoid of collaborative problem-solving and at times unnecessarily heavy-handed. We can do better than this. Bankers want to do the right thing. They want to have good relationships with examiners, and they value examiners eyes on their operations. It should be noted that members of Congress of both parties, senior officials at the federal banking agencies and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors all support regulatory relief in some form. The industry has done such a good job identifying the many flaws of Dodd-Frank that we have sometimes given the impression that once that law is fixed, that bankers are all good to go. We need broader reform. First, the regulatory framework needs to be rationalized in a way that results in cost savings to bank operations and enhances institutions ability to serve bank customers. The cost savings must be real or the burden will continue to have unintended consequences. We have heard bankers speak of lowering the benchmarks used to measure bank performance due to the increased expense of regulations. Second, Congress needs to rebalance the relationship between the examined bank and the bank examiner. The Financial Choice Act, authored by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, which is the regulatory relief garnering the most attention, includes provisions to restore greater transparency and accountability in the bank exam process. The standards for positive outcomes from a regulatory relief process should include a rebound in return on equity and growth in new bank charters. A business that has no new entrants is one that is unhealthy. Banking needs to be attractive to capital, and with sensible regulatory and examination reform, capital will flow to those looking to form banks. Of the proposals made thus far, the Financial Choice Act has the best opportunity of achieving these benchmarks. What jumps out when reading this bill is the reform of the regulatory process in Title VI. Under this section, every financial regulation would require a much more meaningful cost-benefit analysis. All bank agencies would be on budget through the regular appropriations process. All agencies would be governed by bipartisan commissions. All major financial regulations would require congressional approval prior to becoming effective. The Chevron doctrine" that requires the judiciary to give deference to financial regulators interpretation of law would be repealed. Reading through Title VI, which is titled Demanding Accountability from Financial Regulators and Devolving Power Away from Washington, one is struck by the power of these proposals. These structural and procedural changes, with a reform of the examination process, would have a tremendously positive impact on economic activity, customer service by bankers and community bank employee morale. Enactment of the Financial Choice Act would make working at and being a customer of a bank great again. Robert T. Taylor is chief executive of the Louisiana Bankers Association. As a female fintech CEO, I'm asked all the time, "Has it been hard to raise money as a woman?" Certainly, it wasn't easy to raise six rounds of venture capital for our startup. But since I've never raised money as a man, I don't know if that experience would be any different. Of all the venture capitalists who passed on the early funding rounds, no one ever said, "We're not going to invest in your company because you're a woman." In fact, I found that if they didn't like something about our business model, they usually didn't say anything. They were vague, polite and just never called us back. However, only about 9% of entrepreneurs in venture capital-backed technology startups are women, according to a Harvard Business Review study. Those numbers tell us it's tougher for women-led technology companies to raise money from venture capitalistsor any investorthan it is for men. Is overt sexism at play here? It's something deeper and more systemic than that. During the time I've spent fundraising, I have never heard a sexist comment. So I don't feel there is blatant, overt bias. However, women raising money for technology companies face obstacles that men don't. First, there is ingrained, inherent bias in society. We both men and women use pre-formed expectations as a shortcut to make our lives easier. In fundraising, we see evidence that women are more successful when they're raising money for businesses that society thinks women should know about. Think: cosmetics, fashion or other products women use. There's already an expectation that they're knowledgeable in these areas, so they don't have to work as hard to prove it. Second, we all know that we are just naturally more comfortable with people who look like us and speak like us because we don't have to work as hard to figure out what kind of people they are, and how best to communicate with them. The clearest example of this look-like-the group tendency for me was when I was a consultant at The Ascent Group. We were working on a business strategy for a software company in California, and I'll never forget my first meeting at the company. The first three men that I met were all between 5'6" and 5'7". They were each wearing Levi 501s, brightly colored button-down shirts and Sperry topsiders. I thought, huh, that's kind of strange. The fourth man I met was the CEO, and guess what? He was about 5'6" and wore Levi 501s, a bright pink button-down, long-sleeve shirt and Sperry topsiders. It was a very visual reflection of the idea that from the top down, people are just more comfortable working with people like themselves, and more likely to gravitate toward those people. I think this is true of both men and women. Since only about 7% of venture partners are women, most of the investors that female CEOs pitch to are men regardless of what kind of company you're raising money for. So, the "lookalike" shortcut, for the most part, isn't available. To overcome these challenges and get more female fintech firms funded, entrepreneurs should follow these six strategies. Be Confident in Your Statements I realize I am stereotyping, but I have noticed that women, myself included, will often say something like, "I believe we're going to expand our channel and grow 25% next year." Men, on the other hand, typically say something like, "We are going to expand our channel and grow 25% next year." The more declarative statements may or may not be factual, but the way a woman communicates matters. It is useful to come across as commanding, even forceful. The more cautious way of communicating is less appealing to investors who are looking for confident, take-charge leaders. Target Firms with Female Partners Venture firms that have a track record of investing in women-led businesses, or even better, have an investing partner who is a woman, are probably more likely to invest in women-led businesses. Target those firmsif you can find them in your market. Even if you don't pitch to the woman partner, the men at these firms are probably more comfortable working alongside women and their expectations for women's roles are likely different. Target Firms in Your Market Do not waste your time with investors outside, or even adjacent to, your target market. Otherwise, you will have to educate them, convince them there's an opportunity and gain their confidence to invest in a woman founder. That's asking them to make too many leaps. Early on in my fundraising days, I talked to firms that invested at the edges of consumer payments, which are very different than business-to-business payments. After I finished my pitch, one of them said, "I don't really understand why this market opportunity exists." At that point, I knew I was in the wrong room, with the wrong people. I was much more successful with people who really understood the market dynamics and the opportunity in B2B payments. They were the ones that were really excited about what we were doing. The opportunity overcame any gender bias. You should speak to people who really know your target market. They're already going to understand most of what you're saying and that may get them past the fact that you don't look like they do. Show Results Pre-dot-com bust, you could go in with a great-looking slide deck and a hip company name, and walk out with a million dollars in early-stage funding. Those days are long gone. If you want to convince somebody that you have a good idea and you are capable of building a business around it, the most compelling thing you can do is show results from customers who have used your product and can speak about it favorably. Get your product to market and get some customer traction. That may mean bootstrapping from your own savings, or getting money from friends, family or angel investors. You must have something that will allow you to get some customer results before you're sitting in front of a venture capitalist. Market traction and customer results counter gender bias. Be Authentic Some people believe that you have to fake it until you make it. But anybody who's been around more than a few years can see through the smoke and mirrors. Instead of faking something, focus on the results you do have. If you're asked about weaknesses, be honest, but positive. Answer the question, but redirect it to the strengths of your business. Never make anything up. It's a losing strategy. Bring Your Business to Life To bridge the communication divide between women CEOs and venture capitalists, find a way to show the emotional appeal of your product. It's one thing to use customer results or a customer quote as part of a slide deck. But if you put a customer in front of them, or vice versa, and can capture the customer's emotional response and enthusiasm for your product, it's much more powerful. If you can't get potential investors together with a live customer, use video. I once heard Jennifer Fleiss, the co-founder of designer dress rental service Rent the Runway, speak at a Harvard Business School event. She was pitching to audiences of male venture capitalists, and could not get them to understand the importance of the perfect dress. She assembled a focus group, delivered dresses to them and filmed their reactions opening the boxes and trying on the dresses. Then it was no longer a man talking about the product, or a woman talking about the product. It was a customer talking about it, and that's more powerful than an entrepreneur of any gender pitching it. Granted, this was a pitch for a product many venture capitalists would expect from a woman CEO, but this strategy can be used effectively for almost any product. No one has ever come out and said, "I'm not investing because you're woman," and they've never said the opposite either. I have no way of knowing what part gender has played in my successes or failures, but I do know that, in the end, I succeeded and other female founders can, too. In this process, we can control the way we communicate, and we can control who we approach. We can control getting customer results, we can control the way we present those results and we can control how we handle rejection. What we can't control is subconscious bias. We can adjust for it, but the real long-term solution is we need more women to get out there, raise funds and become investors themselves. Karla Friede is chief executive of Nvoicepay.com IBM is betting that banks will soon turn to artificial intelligence to keep up with the arduous task of complying with regulations. On Monday, Ginni Rometty, the computing giant's CEO, got the chance to detail that vision for a room full of banking executives. And she essentially said the computers are currently only as smart as the people who teach them. That is a big reason why IBM decided to buy Promontory Financial Group, a Washington-based consulting firm that specializes in regulatory compliance. IBM announced the deal in in September and closed it in November. Virginia "Ginni" Rometty, chief executive officer and president of International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), speaks during the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Dana Point, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The summit gathers the preeminent women in businessalong with select leaders in government, philanthropy, education and the artsfor wide-ranging conversations and features one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions and high-level networking. Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg IBM plans to rely on Promontory's heavily credentialed staff to teach Watson, the firm's renowned artificial intelligence program, about banking regulations. "Part of why we bought Promontory was, these systems, they do have to be trained," Rometty said during the FinTech Ideas Festival, an event in San Francisco sponsored by the Financial Services Roundtable. She praised Promontory for its expertise in regulatory compliance, and said: "You need to care about who trains what you use. In a serious business environment, you need to care." The remarks came during an interview conducted by Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan. Rometty, who has been IBM's top executive since 2012, argued that it makes sense for banks to rely on an artificial intelligence program that is shared across the industry, rather than building specialized compliance expertise within each institution. "Every one of you I've talked to, you do not feel this is differentiating to you, many parts of compliance," she told the audience. "And you'd be happy to share." Among millennials, Venmo is hot. In the third quarter, PayPal's mobile person-to-person payments app processed $4.9 billion in transactions, up 131% from a year earlier. The app is used for splitting bills checks, rent, grocery bills, travel expenses and allows for sending messages with the payments. In perhaps the ultimate sign of its staying power, Venmo, like Google, has become a verb. On college campuses, the phrase "Venmo me" is synonymous with "send me cash." Should banks bother trying to catch up? Should they even want to? And if so, can they? The answer to the first two questions is yes, and look for a major effort on that front in the coming year. Big banks aren't newcomers to the mobile P-to-P space. JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America each processed about $21 billion of P-to-P payments in 2015 through their own mobile apps, according to estimates from S&P Global Market Intelligence. But the P-to-P functionality in the apps can be cumbersome for users. And the apps don't always play nice with other banks. In contrast, Venmo makes paying acquaintances easy: Simply enter the recipient's phone number or email address. Or, if you prefer, allow Venmo to pull in your phone and Facebook contacts and just search by name. Millennials also appreciate the social component: Optional feeds make it easy for users to tell friends who also use Venmo, or even the entire Venmo universe, about who's spending on what, and with whom. Money moves instantaneously between PayPal accounts, but takes several days to make it to linked bank accounts. The big banks, which have been working on their answer to Venmo through their clearXchange joint venture since 2011, get criticized for moving too slowly while a deluge of other fintech and social-media competitors piled in with offerings of their own. In 2016, the banks merged clearXchange with the bank-owned Early Warning Services and then rebranded it as Zelle, short for gazelle. The Zelle app goes live in 2017, with 19 mostly large banks signed on. It will be available to many others through their vendors, as the industry's unified P-to-P play. "We've made far more progress than we're given credit for," said Gareth Gaston, executive vice president for omnichannel at U.S. Bancorp, one of Zelle's owners. "The goal is to make this a ubiquitous product in the industry." Mobile P-to-P payments might generate more expense than revenue for banks. PayPal has struggled to make money off Venmo despite its growth. While some have tried, no one has found a palatable way to charge for the service. Those who control the space could eventually win other e-commerce and other payments business, but that remains a work in progress. Even so, as keepers of the accounts, banks have some inherent advantages when it comes to payments and some clear reasons for wanting to control that business. "As a bank, you don't want to give your customers a reason to go somewhere else," said Zil Bareisis, a senior analyst with Celent. As the moniker suggests, speed is Zelle's biggest selling point. With Early Warning, banks' fraud- and risk-management effort, playing the role of traffic cop, the app can create the appearance that payments are being processed in real-time (even though they're actually run on banks' Automated Clearing House system). "If you have two banks with a relationship as part of Zelle, an account can be credited immediately," even if it takes a day to officially clear, Bareisis said. Bank-grade security and reliability are other potential pluses. Banks are viewed as more trustworthy than tech companies, and some social media-based P-to-P apps, such as one offered by Snapchat, have been prone to slowdowns and delays. PayPal has responded to Zelle's arrival by strengthening its ties with Visa, which also has designs on expanding into mobile payments and the network to pull it off, but Gaston said the business is ultimately banks' to lose. "The incumbent competitors are a little bit of a sideshow," he said. "We can provide customers with something nobody else can a very integrated experience with a genuine real-time transaction." It will be difficult for Zelle to overcome Venmo's head start among millennials, Bareisis said, but there's room for more than one winner in P-to-P. Javelin Strategy & Research predicts that 126 million Americans will use mobile P-to-P payment apps by 2020, up 50% from today. "Zelle won't kill off Venmo, but there will be customer segments that appreciate Zelle's affiliation with banks," Bareisis said. "The market is big enough that they can coexist." A Syracuse woman wanted on drug possession and prostitution charges in Cayuga County was arrested Tuesday, and her problems were compounded when officers found cocaine in her possession as she was being processed into the county jail, according to the New York State Police. Maritza N. Davila, of 900 Oak St., now faces a felony drug charge and several misdemeanors in Cayuga and Onondaga counties after she was picked up on the warrant during an early morning traffic stop Tuesday, her 37th birthday. Troopers encountered Davila at 1:15 a.m. on Carbon Street in Syracuse, according to state police in North Syracuse. A vehicle was pulled over for having a loud muffler and no license plate lamp, and Davila a passenger was found to be wanted in Cayuga County for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and prostitution, troopers said. Troopers said officers searched Davila and found a broken crack pipe, a hypodermic needle and .1 gram of cocaine in her possession. She was issued an appearance ticket from Syracuse City Court for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. Davila was then transferred into the custody of Auburn-based state police at around 4 a.m. for the warrant, troopers said. After her arraignment in Town of Aurelius Court, Davila was remanded to the Cayuga County Jail. However, troopers said another 2.1 grams of cocaine was found in a plastic bag in her pants while she was being processed into the jail. For that, Davila is accused of first-degree promoting prison contraband, a felony, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Following every Islamic extremist attack in the United States, there is an inevitable attempt by the mainstream media and Islamic apologists to dissociate the attacker from true Islam as well as to project a certain amount of blame onto American society for its continuous marginalization of Muslims. Islamic apologists frequently claim that the predominantly white, Christian American Volksgeist encourages the persecution of Muslims and leads to feelings of social and religious isolation among Muslim Americans. As a result, a number of young Muslims become extremely susceptible to online radicalization campaigns and subsequently commit acts of terror against American citizens. On November 28, a terrorist attack occurred at Ohio State University when a Somalian refugee drove a car into a university courtyard and then proceeded to attack students with a butcher knife. A few months prior, the attacker had complained in the schools student newspaper about rampant Islamophobia on campus, and just before committing the attack he had posted a rant on Facebook about Americas military actions in the Muslim world. Following the attack, Professor Engy Abdelkader of Georgetown University appeared on Tucker Carlson Tonight asserting that indeed, toxic Islamophobia in America was a leading cause of such acts of terrorism. Cultural homelessness, she claimed, where they [Muslim immigrants] dont necessarily feel that they identify with their home country and they also feel alienated from their new host country, makes Muslim immigrants susceptible to radicalization. Abdelkader, who continuously refused to acknowledge the possibility that any reformations might be needed within the American Muslim community itself, thus implied that the real cause of the Ohio State terrorist attack was Islamophobia. The true guilt of the attack lay with the American citizenry on account of its unwillingness to make Islamic refugees feel accepted. Moreover, the issue at hand, in both her view and the views of many other Muslim apologists, is not with the violent actions of the immigrants themselves but with the refusal of the American people to fully accommodate Muslim immigrants way of life. CNN recently featured a piece by Daniel Burke entitled The Secret Costs of Islamophobia, in which the current plight of American Muslims is decorously attributed to the close-mindedness of the American people. In this article, Burke asserts that even after 9/11 most Americans claim to know little to nothing about Islam. He adds few things are more frightening than ignorance in action, and proceeds to provide a litany of hate crimes perpetrated against American Muslims by ignorant and bigoted Islamophobes. It is curious that he dedicates an overwhelming amount of text to listing these hate crimes in detail but only mentions in passing the high number of attacks committed by American Muslims in the United States. The extreme alienation which American Muslims feel, according to Burke, causes them to seek intellectual asylum overseas, importing foreign imams to American mosques and remotely following the teachings of leaders in their home countries. Burke cites Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, the cofounder of the first accredited Islamic university in the United States, who once wrote that he felt alienated upon returning to the United States from his studies in the Middle East and thought that to be a good Muslim he had to surrender some of his American-ness. According to Burke, this widespread sense of alienation and victimization among American Muslims leads to feelings of emptiness, isolation, and disconnection from society. Moreover, it is because of these feelings that radicalization becomes possible. Burke does not only focus on modern, post-9/11 Islamophobia in the United States. Rather, he traces the justification of Islams victimhood status in America all the way back to Christopher Columbus motivation to seek out new riches in the New World to fight against the Turks. Moreover, he even imports accusations of racism into his narrative by discussing the arrival of African Muslim slaves onto American shores and how in the 20th century, marginalized black Americans were drawn to movements such as the Moorish Science Temple and the Nation of Islam. Burke frames his historical analysis of American Islamophobia in terms of what he calls Americas oldest idea: that this land is, and should always be, a white Christian nation. Thus, it is with the white, Christian tradition that the American Muslim community appears to find itself at odds. Moreover, it is on account of the rampant and historical oppression inflicted by the American Christian tradition upon the Muslim world that radicalization becomes viewable through a sympathetic lens. Recently weve heard a lot of loose talk about how the November election was hacked by the Russians. If one Googles election, hack, and Russians without quotation marks, one is liable to get 20,100,000 hits. So, the president ordered up an investigation, and our intelligence agencies have assured us that there is no evidence that vote tallies were affected. These are the same agencies that assured us that the existence of WMD in Iraq was a slam dunk. But Russian hacks of the Democratic National Committees computer and John Podestas email account are insignificant when compared to other targets of cyberattacks, such as those against our electric grid, banking, hospitals, and so on. In Cyberattacks Against the US Government Up 1,300% Since 2006 on June 22 last year at The Fiscal Times, Suman Bhattacharyya wrote: Eighteen agencies identified as having high-impact systems -- those that hold information that, if lost, could cause catastrophic harm to individuals, the government or the country -- said that cyberattacks from other nations (think China and Russia, for example) are the most serious and most common threat they see. Phishing was the most frequent type of attack, and email was the most frequent vehicle. During fiscal year 2014, 11 of the 18 agencies reported 2,267 incidents affecting their high-impact systems, with almost 500 of the incidents involving the installation of malicious code, the report says. If thats not enough to disturb your serenity, then consider Rebecca Smiths Cyberattacks Raise Alarm for U.S. Power Grid in The Wall Street Journal on Dec. 30. Or look at this Cyber Timeline put out by Nato Review magazine all the way back in 2013. Here are monthly timelines for cyberattacks at Hackmageddon. Another day, another hack attack, whats the big deal. Its been said that for someone with a hammer, everything looks like a nail. If that human frailty can also apply to fixing our cybersecurity, then to an encryption expert everything may look like it needs to be encrypted. Perhaps we need to try and think outside the box. I mydamnself took a stab at that last year with regards to hacking elections. Although the idea I floated was by no means a complete solution to insuring election integrity, I think its worth considering. It involves a physical wall to hacking. (By the way, if youre interested in hacking, you might try the fourth Lisbeth Salander novel, The Girl in the Spiders Web (2015) by David Lagercrantz. In it, the NSA is hacked. I also mention it because I ran across a familiar name in Chapter 16 (p. 210): It was a sophisticated RSA encryption, named after the originators Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman. I had quoted MIT guy Ron Rivest in my article, and subsequently had a few email exchanges with him. Heres a bit about RSA encryption; seems rather cryptic.) Clearly, America -- her government, her businesses, and her people -- is under siege by computer-savvy malefactors, which include governments, terrorists, criminal gangs, and individuals, even precocious kids. Even so, mainstream media hacks have spun the recent revelations for politics. If you want a more measured assessment from a non-hack, heres Sean Hannitys Jan. 6 monologue. If Hillary had won the election would we even be discussing these cybersecurity threats? Its nice that Mr. Obama is throwing some attention on this vital national issue, even if its at the end of his presidency. But he had no problem with his Sec. of State operating a private server for four years. And not only that, other State Department functionaries knew about it and did nothing. Obama seems to want to hold old Vladimir Putin to a higher standard than his own employees. Because America is so vulnerable to cyberattack, president-elect Trump should reopen the investigation into Mrs. Clintons server-email scandal. For the sake of appearance, Trump should hand this off to his A.G. or special prosecutor, and then have nothing else to do with it. But it is necessary to show that in America no one is above the law, not even a former First Lady. It would be an object lesson. After Mrs. Clinton goes through the judicial system, President Trump could pardon her if she showed sufficient contrition. Jon N. Hall is a programmer/analyst from Kansas City. In case you havent noticed, liberals are all a-quiver over Trumps lies. Its got to the point that the kids at the Murdoch blog have had to weigh in with a ponderous piece by Gerard Baker on Trump, Lies, and Honest Journalism. I have a better idea! Lets have a teach-in about lying. Only in this teach-in you jammie-clad lefties get to zip your lips, while I get to rant. Of course, Trump lies! He is a politician, and the way you can tell a politician is lying is that his lips move. All politicians lie, liberals, including Bernie and Hillary and Barack. All the time. Why do they lie? Because we the voters insist on it. Trump lied about immigration and about bringing back manufacturing. So what? That is what the white working class and legal immigrants and the citizens wanted to hear. But will Trump pay the price for his lies? Probably not, because his supporters want to believe the lies he told them. In his thumb-sucker, Gerard Baker mentioned Trumps lies about 9/11 and President Obamas birthplace. Those are lies that I would call tactical. They are lies that, in the words of The Mikados politician Pooh Bah, are merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative. Notice how Trumps tactical lies have prompted liberals to get all a-quiver about fake news. After salting the world with their own lies for decades, now, all of a sudden, they are horrified that other people are doing it too! Trumps lies about immigration and manufacturing are what I call strategic lies. They are necessary to sell the heart of his program. They are in the same class as President Obamas lies about bending the cost curve down, that if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. Unless Obama lied about ObamaCare, he would never have got it passed. Average Americans already have health insurance; they dont need ObamaCare. So Obama had to lie. This is all still pretty harmless lying. Anyone with half a brain knows that the strategic lie is a lie. It is when we get beyond the strategic lie that the fun really begins. The next level, I would say, is the Goebbels Big Lie, which is equivalent to what we now call gaslighting. It is designed to get you to doubt the evidence of your own eyes. Not everyone can pull the Big Lie off -- you need to have control of the media to make it work, and this means that in America today only liberals can do it. Examples are the climate change movement, the notion of white privilege, and the vile liberal accusation of racism, sexism, or homophobia. The Big Lie is still at the street level, the arrow in the quiver of the Ivy League community organizer. The real fun begins when you start to create false worldviews. Let us call this the world-building lie, in honor of world-building video games like Minecraft. The most important world-building lie is the Marxist lie that there is an existential conflict between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie which can only be decided by a Hegelian Fight to the Death. Lie! The proletariat has flourished under the hegemony of the capitalist, like never before in history; the worker and the master should be friends. The latest example of the world-building lie is the cultural Marxist lie that there is a fundamental conflict between the races, between men and women, and between gay and straight. Its a lie, tirelessly promoted by liberals and lefties. You have to be carefully taught to hate and to fear your fellow humans courtesy of the lies of the cultural Marxists, and our schools and universities and mainstream media are doing their lefty bureaucratic best to make it so. There is another lie, the Cosmic Lie. This is the notion that we can know Gods purposes and that our mortal coil will end in eternal life. In fact, we humans dont have a clue about the meaning of life, the universe, and everything, but we never stop trying, because we all want to bend the arc of reality towards our favorite happy ending. And that is what lying is all about, from the cosmos to politics to the little white lie about your wife being as pretty as ever. I suspect that lying is as central to human flourishing as meat and potatoes. But more research is needed. And there is this, from Jonathan Haidts Righteous Mind. People make judgements about things they experience. Then they rationalize their judgements to justify them. I wonder what kind of lie we should call that? Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also see his American Manifesto and get his Road to the Middle Class. Dying at the age of 82 from a heart attack on Sunday, former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani had a long record of guiding the regimes lethal measures domestically and abroad, including suicide bombings and eliminating exiled dissidents. Such an image is far from the moderate that Western media found in him. Rafsanjani was known for his central role in Iranian politics. From the 1979 revolution forward, he placed himself amongst the inner circle of regime founder and first supreme leader Ruhollah Khomeini. He served as the regimes parliamentary speaker in the 1980s, while in parallel acted as Khomeinis envoy to supervise operations in the Iran-Iraq War. As Khomeini died and the war wound down, Rafsanjani assumed the mantle of presidency in 1989 and played a significant part in Ali Khameneis rise as Khomeinis successor. Rafsanjani continued his political life by chairing the Assembly of Experts -- in charge of appointing the supreme leader and acting as an oversight body over his role -- and move on to the Expediency Council before his death, both advising Khamenei and finalizing conflicts between the ultra-conservative Guardian Council and the parliament. Following eight years of Mohammad Khatamis presidency, in 2005 Rafsanjani made an effort to reclaim this position. This campaign ended in humiliation as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad assumed the presidency. For the next eight years Rafsanjani publicly criticized and denounced Ahmadinejad's policies and actions, distancing himself from the hardliners and further attempting to portray himself as a reformist favoring warm relations with the West. Despite serious differences and rivalry over power and influence, Khamenei fully comprehended his need for Rafsanjani as a stabilizing factor and could never fully eliminate him. Rafsanjanis death is now evaluated as the loss of a significant pillar for the entire regime, as explained by Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi, president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). Rajavi declared in a statement on Sunday defining Rafsanjanis death as the downfall of one of the two pillars and key to the equilibrium of the religious fascism ruling Iran. Rafsanjani, who had always been the regimes number two, acted as its balancing factor and played a decisive role in its preservation. Now, the regime will lose its internal and external equilibrium, she added, also predicting the approaching overthrow of the mullahs regime. For 38 years Rafsanjani played a critical role in suppression at home and export of terrorism abroad, as well as in the quest to acquire nuclear weapons, Rajavi underscored. In 2006 Argentine federal prosecutor Alberto Nisman filed suit against Rafsanjani for his role in one of the deadliest Iran-supported terrorist attacks abroad -- the 1994 suicide truck bombing targeting the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. The massive blast leveled entire buildings and resulted in the death of 85 people with hundreds more wounded. The investigators specifically issued arrest warrants for Rafsanjani and seven other senior Iranian regime figures. Rafsanjani also ordered numerous assassinations of dissidents in exile, including former Iranian ambassador the United Nations and prominent human rights activist Dr. Kazem Rajavi. Iranian assassins murdered him in 1990 near his Geneva home. Swiss investigators raised charges against Tehran and authorities issued an arrest warrant for Rafsanjanis spy chief Ali Fallahian. The March 1993 assassination of 42-year-old NCRI Rome envoy Mohammad Hossein Naghdi in the Italian capital and the February 1996 murder of the NCRIs refugee envoy Zahra Rajabi in Istanbul were also ordered by Rafsanjani. He also had a particular enmity against the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the central entity in the NCRI umbrella group. Four rulings are a must for [MEK members]: 1-- Be killed. 2 -- Be hanged. 3 -- Arms and legs be amputated. 4 -- Be separated from society, Rafsanjani is quoted in saying back in 1981. As Khomeinis right hand, he also presided over the summer 1988 massacre, sending over 30,000 political prisoners to the gallows throughout Iran. Rafsanjani has been a balancing factor through the course of the past four decades. The regime in its entirety has suffered a major defeat and will significantly decline down the road. Khameneis focus will be to prevent this development from sparking into an uncontrollable turn of events for the entire establishment. Considering this regimes past approach, there is a high probably of Tehrans mullahs resorting to enhancing their effort to spread violence, exporting extremism and terrorism, and promoting Islamic fundamentalism across the region and beyond. Amir Basiri is a human rights activist and analyst. He tweets at @amir_bas Watching video on her phone, my wife Mary laughed hysterically at ridiculous answers to man-on-the-street questions. The young interviewees knew everything about the cast of Jersey Shore. They were clueless about who won the Civil War; who is our vice president and who we fought to gain our independence. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Clearly, Leftists controlling America's public education has successfully dumbed-down our youth. America history, reading, writing, and arithmetic have been placed on the back burner. First and foremost is teaching LGBT indoctrination, how America is destroying the planet, and how to hate oneself for white privilege. Another top priority is teaching that Republicans are racist, sexist, and homophobic. Now that the Left has created millions of brain-dead zombies incapable of reasoning or thinking for themselves, they can be hypocritical with impunity, knowing their followers will consume whatever excrement they feed them. For example: Remember how the Left (Democrats, Hollywood and mainstream media) went nuts when Rush Limbaugh said he hoped Obama failed? Rush explained that he hoped Obama's illegal fundamental transformation of America failed. Despite the scumbag mainstream media knowing exactly what Rush meant, they spun it to brand Rush a racist. Democrat operatives masquerading as media shoved microphones into the faces of Republicans, demanding that they denounce Rush as a flaming racist. At the WH Correspondents' dinner, actress Wanda Sykes accused Rush of treason and said she hoped Rush's kidneys failed. Obama laughed. Spineless Republicans criticized and distanced themselves from Rush. Still, the Rushster hung tough; standing by his comment. I love that, folks. I am so sick of our side allowing our evil shamelessly hypocritical enemies to dictate what we can and cannot say. The Left's national narrative was it is unpatriotic and racist, bordering on criminal to say you hoped Obama failed. Then, We the people elected Donald Trump. And look how the Left is responding. I am talking hypocrisy on steroids. Here are just a few examples of the Left, in essence, saying they not only hope, but intend to do everything in their power to ensure that Trump fails. In an outrageous, unprecedented attempt to thwart the will of voters, the Left tried to overturn the 2016 presidential election. Hillary's minions demanded recounts that failed. Incredibly, Hillary's hit squad even tried to bully electors of states Trump won to not cast their state's vote for Trump. Obama will be the first former U.S. president to stay in Washington DC to actively pursue the failure of the incoming administration. For eight years, the Left has said that opposing anything our American president wanted to do was racist, unpatriotic, and treasonous. The Left knows that they can get away with such blatant hypocrisy because they have successfully dumbed down millions; created meatheads who hold TMZ in higher regard than the U.S. Constitution. Implementing the Left's socialist/progressive agenda trumps everything. Insidiously, Leftist educators purposely dumb down our kids to create an army of Leftist zombies; students clueless regarding their constitutional rights who reject the principles and values of their parents. Thomas Jefferson wrote: An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people. Thus, by the Left creating dumb citizens, the Left is free to repeal our freedoms at will, forcing their anti-America, anti-God, and anti-freedom agenda down our throats unopposed. Foaming at the mouth with outrage, the Left launched a frenzied assault to destroy Rush for saying he hoped Obama's anti-America illegal agenda failed. Now, those same Leftists are claiming the moral high ground while boldly hoping for the death of our president Trump. These evil, arrogant hypocrites are totally unworthy of our respect. Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American Chairman: The Conservative Campaign Committee http://www.lloydmarcus.com/ Recently, a group of 1,400 law professors signed onto a public statement addressed to the Senate Judiciary Committee condemning the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions to the position of attorney general. The statement was published in anticipation of Sessions's impending confirmation and included a string of allegations. To wit: Some of us have concerns about his misguided prosecution of three civil rights activists for voter fraud in Alabama in 1985, and his consistent promotion of the myth of voter-impersonation fraud. Some of us have concerns about his support for building a wall along our country's southern border. Some of us have concerns about his robust support for regressive drug policies that have fueled mass incarceration. Some of us have concerns about his questioning of the relationship between fossil fuels and climate change. Some of us have concerns about his repeated opposition to legislative efforts to promote the rights of women and members of the LGBTQ community. Some of us share all of these concerns. I am not a "Trumpkin." I did not support President-Elect Donald Trump's campaign, did not vote for him (nor Clinton), and have in fact publicly criticized him. Likewise, I have no personal interests or loyalties aligning with Senator Jeff Sessions's nomination. Specifically, the statement's imprecision at once obvious in its generous use of the phrase "some of us" is suspect; surely the accomplished scholar who authored the statement would not engage in such character assassination without a more concrete base of support. The statement's vagueness permeates further, ultimately devolving into broad accusations more akin to Democratic talking points than serious claims by a body of legal scholars. Indeed, the statement's only specification concerns a "misguided prosecution of three civil rights activists for voter fraud in Alabama in 1985." That case, which Sessions oversaw as a federal prosecutor, involved a group of black voters and election officials accusing three defendants (also black) of unlawfully altering absentee ballots. The accusation arose in Perry County, Alabama, an area that only two years earlier had struggled with voter fraud targeted at the "aged, infirm, or disabled" (the problem was so severe that the predominantly black constituency called for federal intervention and "vigorous prosecutions of all violations of the voting laws"). A subsequent examination determined that the ballots had in fact been altered, and the defendants, who were later acquitted, admitted they had performed the alterations (they believed they had acted lawfully). Even the son of one of the defendants in the case a black Democrat who has endorsed Sessions for attorney general said Sessions is "not a racist" and that Sessions "wasn't on a witch hunt to seek out my father and my mother." Why all the vagueness in the law professors' statement? It could be that the professors are out of their depth and cannot help but understand all sporadic hearsay involving "insensitivity" and disagreement with civil rights activists as per se racism. Or perhaps the professors are unsure of the soundness of their accusations; what little substance I found supporting the professors' (apologies "some" professors') position is at best circumstantial. My guess is that the professors must remain equivocal because the statement is nothing more than an expression of the professors' political and personal preferences, not the product of a well reasoned legal analysis. The devil is always in the details; if the professors were more explicit in their allegations, their seemingly obvious moral assertions would become less universal, exposing the statement's underlying bias. The statement could no longer masquerade as an opinion on a question of law to which society owes professors of law a special deference; instead, it would be a personal belief, to which society owes nothing. Students of these professors should be extremely wary. It takes a seasoned coward to hide a fallible personal conviction behind an intimidating title like "Professor of Law," and if these professors are comfortable doing so in a public forum, there is little doubt they are comfortable doing so in the relative privacy of the classroom. Being a law student is a vulnerable position. Because students cannot possibly replicate a professor's decades of research in just a few months, they are frequently forced to trust their professors at their word at least until students develop the legal acumen to meaningfully challenge their professors. In exchange, professors must be entirely forthcoming about the law, even if doing so reveals ideas contrary to their personal beliefs. No doubt bearing such an extraordinary level of trust is a tremendous honor. Unfortunately, honor seems to be out of style for the 1,400 professors who signed on to this statement. Hopefully, their students are not taking notes. Thomas Wheatley is a law student at the Antonin Scalia Law School in Arlington, Va. Follow him on Twitter at @TNWheatley and email him at tnwheatley@gmail.com. A painting depicting police as pigs will be rehung in a ceremony today sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus. The offensive work of "art" was taken down by Rep. Duncan Hunter after protests by tens of thousands of law enforcement officers. The painting, a prize-winner in a congressional art contest in St. Louis, was originally hung by Rep. Lacy Clay, whose office sponsored the contest. Washington Examiner: Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo., and other black lawmakers will hold a Tuesday event to rehang a painting that depicts police as pigs, just days after Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., took it down. A top aide to Clay told the Washington Examiner Clay also plans to file a "complaint" with the U.S. Capitol Police against Hunter for removing the painting. Last week, Hunter removed a painting by high school student David Pulphus that shows police depicted as pigs in a standoff with protesters. The painting won Clay's congressional art competition in May 2016, and is an ode to the protests in Ferguson, Mo., which falls in Clay's district. Other works of art produced by students are also hung in the Cannon Office Building tunnel. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will hold an event Tuesday morning to rehang the painting in the tunnel. Clay wanted the Capitol Police to charge Hunter with theft: Politico: Missouri Rep. Lacy Clay attempted to file a police report for theft against Rep. Duncan Hunter for removing a student painting without permission, but the request was denied by Capitol police, according to an email obtained by POLITICO. Our office was informed an hour ago that you personally declined to take an official complaint from U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay regarding the theft of his district painting on loan to the US House for display, Yvette Cravins, Clays chief of staff, wrote in an email to Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa. n the email, Cravins asks why the attempt to file the report was denied given that Hunter (R-Calif.) removed the painting which depicts police officers as animals in a standoff with Ferguson, Mo., protesters without permission. There is a clear D.C. statute that defines theft it is a taking and carrying away of the property of another without right, Cravins wrote. If you have a different perspective please explain. Further, please explain why Congressman Duncan Hunter appears to be above the law. Clay plans to rehang the painting in the Cannon Office Building tunnel Tuesday morning and has encouraged other members of the Congressional Black Caucus to join him for the ceremony. After removing the painting, Hunter brought it to Rep. Clay's office, so the idea that Hunter "stole" the painting is giggle-worthy. No doubt the Capitol Police thought the same thing. The CBC has, if nothing else, impeccable timing. On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Orlando, one African-American police officer was shot to death by a fugitive and another died while pursiing the murderer. I guess that the CBC believes that nothing shows appreciation for law enforcement quite like portraying them as pigs. Two Interior Department scientists working at the Lakeland, Colo. lab manipulated data from 1996 to 2014, when their fakery was finally discovered. But the Interior Department has not punished the two scientists as of yet, and no one at the agency knows how to prevent the same thing from happening again. Washington Free Beacon: "We havent received assurance that the agency has taken the necessary steps to prevent future, intentional misconduct or that any employees were truly held accountable for these indefensible actions, Rep. Louis Gohmert told The Daily Caller News Foundations Investigative Group. The Texas Republican is chairman of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, which is investigating the data manipulation. Two USGS scientists manipulated data at a Lakewood, Colo., lab for nearly its entire existence from 1996 to 2014. Managers willfully neglected the falsification, and the agency learned how to prevent future manipulation as early as 2008, but the issue still isnt fixed, TheDCNF previously reported. The USGS has repeatedly refused to say if any person has been punished or fired for the manipulation. Gohmerts panel has investigated the issue since June 2016, but hasnt uncovered many answers. The USGS gave the subcommittee a batch of documents, but many were completely redacted, making them useless. The more we dig in, the more questions arise, Gohmert told TheDCNF. Were not talking about just a few fudged numbers, were talking nearly two decades of continuous data manipulation. We are still trying to understand the entire scope of the problem. Is this isolated to just one lab? Is similar misconduct happening elsewhere? The manipulated data regarded a variety of energy-related topics, including the quality of coal reserves and uranium deposits. The motives of the scientists who manipulated the data are unknown. The effects are also unclear, though a June 2016 Department of the Interior Inspector General report said they will be serious and far ranging and that $108 million worth of projects were affected. For the so-called gold standard of scientific integrity and reliability, the systemic issue of data manipulation is unfathomable and entirely unacceptable, Gohmert said. We need to restore accountability and integrity to our federal science institutions for the sake of our hardworking taxpayers. In 2008, Obama promised to fundamentally transform our country. He has accomplished much of his promise. He has abandoned and betrayed our most reliable ally, Israel, the only democratic country in the Middle East. According to Bibi Netanyahu, Obama orchestrated the U.N. vote to condemn Israel on its settlement policy. He empowered and rewarded our principal enemy, Iran, the principal supporter of Islamist terrorism since 1979, by allowing Iran to continue its nuclear development program, and he gave Iran 150 billion dollars plus another billion in ransom money. Iran is using and will use this money to fund and support terrorism. To reward Iran, Obama bypassed the constitutional provision requiring a two-thirds vote to approve a treaty, by terming it an "agreement" with Iran. Congress abdicated its role by voting 98-1 to allow it to be called an agreement. He lied about the cause of Benghazi to blame the attack on a video when he knew it was Islamist terrorism. He did this to win the 2012 election. Obama went on the David Letterman show, a noted journalist on foreign affairs, to say: OBAMA: Making fun of the Prophet Mohammed. And so, this caused great offense in much of the Muslim world. But what also happened, extremists and terrorists used this as an excuse to attack a variety of our embassies, including the one, the consulate in Libya. He passed Obamacare with only Democratic Party votes, thus extending federal control over one seventh of the economy. He lied when he said you could keep your doctor and your premium would be reduced. He is lying now when he says Republicans did not offer any proposals about health insurance. He refused to listen or accept any Republican proposals or input. He ruled by issuing executive orders and having agencies issue regulations, thus damaging the separation of powers under our federal system. He has worsened race relations by dividing the nation by race and income. He mocked many rural Americans by saying they "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them." His main legacy is that he did not govern in the best interests of the country, but he campaigned for eight years as a polarizing Democratic Party community organizer. He campaigned furiously and daily to help Hillary, but she lost. He told voters his agenda was on the ballot and that he would take it as a personal insult if his base did not turn out to vote for Hillary. When she lost, instead of accepting the will of the voters, he started the campaign to discredit Donald Trump's election and presidency by blaming the Russians for "interfering "with the election. This is now the narrative with his cheerleaders in the mainstream media: Trump won because the Russians "interfered." He does not say the truth that the supposed interference is that John Podesta's emails were hacked when Podesta opened a phishing email. The emails disclosed that Hillary lied, that she sold access to the State Department, and that Obama lied when he said he did not know Hillary used an unsecure private email server. Obama then started the campaign to de-legitimize the Trump election by blaming the Russians for "helping" Trump win. The Obama-Democrat-MSM narrative is that disclosure of the truth, disclosed by the emails, is interference. Obama endangered our national security by abandoning Israel at the U.N. resolution to condemn Israel, and by allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons and giving Iran $150 billion plus another billion for ransom, which money will be used to further fund terrorism, such as Hamas and Hezb'allah. The worst element of Obama's legacy is that he has shifted the focus from Iran, our real enemy, to Russia strictly for political purposes to damage Trump. He is using national security strictly for political purposes to explain away his proxy Hillary's loss. Obama is not truthful about Russia because in 2008 he mocked Mitt Romney when Romney said Russia was our main geopolitical enemy. But now, for domestic political purposes, to explain away Hillary and his loss, he is trying to restart the Cold War. This endangers our national security because it strengthens Iran and weakens Israel, and it increases the risk of an attack on Israel. We will defend Israel, which will draw us into war. Shouldn't Hillary be at least partly culpable since she offered such an inviting target? Shouldn't John Podesta be blamed for using "password" as his secure password and clicking on a "larger penis" ad? In the City of St. Louis, there is a law saying you cannot warm your car up on winter days and not be in attendance. Why? They put that law in effect because people were starting their cars and leaving them unattended while they warmed, and ne'er-do-wells were stealing them. You can say it's blaming the victim, and it is, but the logic cannot be argued, which is that crimes of opportunity are being committed. You have a duty to minimize such opportunities. There used to be a slogan years ago, "don't help a good boy go bad," which was dutifully promoted by liberals. The notion was that offering temptation through opportunities to commit crimes was a form of complicity with the crime. (I don't agree; crime is ultimately bad morality.) Hillary clearly did not practice this. Or how about "loose lips sink ships"? Hill's lips were apt to sink the Titanic. In point of fact, the left has always excused criminality in an effort to promote their sense of social justice (just look at the hoops they have jumped through to ignore Trayvon Martin or Mike Brown or the gang who tortured the mentally disabled kid in Chicago), and yet now they declare Russia guilty, guilty, guilty! because their ox has been gored. Well, Russia can be viewed as underprivileged if you use their standards, so why are they so uptight? Backed by sociological studies like the 1970s "Crime as Opportunity" or the 1998 "Opportunity Makes the Thief" papers, the left has systematically put the burden of crime prevention on the victim and not the criminal who is often seen as a victim of society. It is the entirety of the gun control argument. The sociologist Ronald V. Clarke, one of the authors of these studies, argue: Third, in the same publication we sought to explain why rates of homicide were eight times greater in the United States than in England and Wales during the mid-1980s, when rates for most other crimes differed little between the two countries. This difference was the result of a much higher rate of gun homicides in the United States, particularly handgun homicides, which in turn was due to much higher levels of gun ownership -- a situational variable -- in that country than in England and Wales. So if guns and not people kill people, and we must restrict gun ownership, why isn't Hillary blamed for leaving an unlocked firearm lying around in cyberspace? Remember how the media excused the rioting in Ferguson? Well, the opportunity was there, so who can blame them? That was largely the case made by the defenders of the rioters, and yet now we are not supposed to think that way. Rioting is understandable; hacking somehow is not, even when you leave a "rob me" sign on your digital doorstep. In the end, hers was criminal carelessness. If you hit a pedestrian because you are texting, you will be charged with a crime. Hillary plowed over the American voters with her Scooby Van while politically texting. Shouldn't there be some sort of culpability for that? Hey, the Russians just took advantage of a golden opportunity, if indeed it even was the Russians. Tim blogs at The Aviary. www.tbirdnow.mee.nu It is always invigorating to begin a new year of addressing New Yorks many challenges. The Legislature opened the 2017 session on Wednesday and it was refreshing to see the hope and optimism of my colleagues, especially the seven new members we welcomed to the Assembly Minority Conference. The Legislature is an essential component of New Yorks government, made up of thoughtful, intelligent and compassionate members. As I expressed to my Assembly colleagues this week, we have a responsibility to provide a check against the concentrated power of the executive branch, which seems to regularly disregard the balance of our three-branch system. We can have disagreements on policy, but the Legislatures place in state government is inarguable. We are the individuals who live in the districts, who have raised families in our districts, and who are in constant contact with friends, neighbors and families in our home communities. Our role matters. Our voice matters. TACKLING NEW WORK AND SETTING THE AGENDA While there is plenty of new work in front of us, there are old habits that must be broken. It is finally time to end the outdated, unjust practice of three-men-in-a-room negotiating and truly empower the peoples representatives. Secretive budget negotiations result in millions of New Yorkers and rank-and-file legislators being kept in the dark and out of the process. I will also be fighting hard for solutions to both New Yorks systemic problems as well as those that have surfaced more recently: We must ensure direct care givers, who provide life-saving services to people with disabilities and the elderly, are adequately funded. The entire industry faces staffing challenges and fiscal pressures brought on by a $15/hour minimum wage policy that put fast-food workers higher on the pay scale. Its an injustice that must be corrected. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, widely praised for their convenience and lauded by law enforcement as an important measure to combat drunk driving, should be available everywhere in New York. New York City and 37 other states have these services up and running. Albany needs to lower the costs it forces on municipalities through unfunded mandates. When a city, town or village spends money to implement a state-driven program, the costs are passed on in the form of property taxes. New Yorkers face the nations highest state and local tax burden. Its time to finally address the problem. The potentially life-saving Brittanys Law, which combats domestic violence by creating a registry of violent felony offenders, has inexplicably been held up by the Assembly Majority, and deserves a full vote on the floor of the Assembly. Further, our Conference has always been a steadfast advocate for small businesses, education reform and ethics reform. We have championed tax and regulation relief for all New Yorkers. It is critical New York reverse course on its tax-and-harass strategy and stop hampering its economic drivers. As always, we will fight on behalf of everyday New Yorkers to protect their hard-earned tax dollars. The governor and Assembly Majority have already referenced 2017 proposals that will come with a hefty price tag. Several state-administered economic-development programs have squandered public money and need to be held in check. As thousands of New Yorkers leave for less expensive states, we need a sharp focus and commitment to making the Empire State more affordable for everyone. The Assembly Minority Conference will never be outworked. We are dedicated to finding fair, effective and efficient solutions to the issues facing New Yorkers. I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve the quality of life for all the residents of our great state as we begin the 2017 Legislative Session. What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us, find me by searching for Assemblyman Brian Kolb on Facebook, and follow me on Twitter. Please, those of you on the left: stop calling people with my political beliefs radical. Ive said radical where others would say reactionary. The point is, I dont want to sound like an extremist at either end of the spectrum, but increasingly I feel Im being pushed in those directions. I was particularly affronted by the declaration of Senator Elizabeth Warrens intention to run for a second term. This scion of liberal tolerance said, And the people of Massachusetts didnt send me to Washington to roll over and play dead while Donald Trump and his team of billionaires, bigots, and Wall Street bankers crush the working people of the Commonwealth and this country. Oh, you mean the Wall Street bankers that gave $64.3 million to Hillary? Never mind. One reason I feel outside the norm is that I cant associate modern American democracy with its present low level of political discourse. It happens in other areas of life, too. I know that a certain amount of crankiness sets in in the final third of ones life, but I am frustrated beyond belief with companies and institutions who should know better than to act as they do. For example, why is it so hard to order a black coffee? I dont want an Americano for several reasons. First, black coffee is a term that perfectly describes what I want. Secondly, its in English. Thirdly, an Americano is typically a buck-fifty more expensive than a black coffee, and finally, when you order an Americano, you are inevitably asked if you want milk with it. Perhaps I should ask for cafe noir, as that satisfies both the accurate description and fancy foreign term requisites. More seriously, last month I was compelled to write to schools and colleges I have been associated with to chastise them for their Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings cards and emails. I did so because these were Christian foundations that take money to provide some form of Christian ethos or education. The token inclusivity or Seasons Greetings of these institutions is condescending at best and cowardly at worst. Who makes these decisions, and why? Each of the institutions I wrote to has a long record of inclusivity and therefore has no reason to be reticent to wish its communities a Merry Christmas. Best wishes for Christmas and the holidays would be appropriate, but apparently, thats not acceptable, either. Did the students and staff at those schools not realize they were Christian foundations when they applied? Are they really going to be offended? (If so, I know which party needs counseling.) For forty years, I have worked closely with Jews, Muslims, and other faiths in Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. Those who take their faiths seriously (and I dont mean radically, or fundamentally) respect those of other faiths who do so, too. Sharing a religious greeting is not threatening. It is not imperialism or indoctrination by greetings card or email. Its about sharing, or so I thought. Such responses as Ive had from the offending institutions have avoided answering the question Why? with a level of corporate blather seldom seen beyond the Fortune 500. No doubt, I have been at least mentally flagged as a Bible-beating reactionary, whereas, in reality, I had protested against compulsory Tuesday chapel and two required religious education courses. What I never questioned was the colleges authority to require them. What makes Christian organizations shy away from Christmas? Even the pilot on the flight I traveled to America on wished me a Happy Christmas. So, those of you should know better, please do not try to push me into radicalism by mischaracterizing my wholly sensible expectation that you live up to the principles of your foundations. Im really a very reasonable person and might even buy you a black coffee unless, perhaps, youre Senator Warren. Like most of you, I watch movies and sporting events to be entertained, not preached to. It's a modern escape from reality a healthy escape if you do it in moderation. On Sunday night, a bunch of movie stars gave us unsolicited opinions about politics. Frankly, did anyone tune in to hear election analysis? My guess is no, but they were still subjected to cheap shots on President-Elect Trump. It would have gone down better if President Obama got a few cheap shots, too. Why didn't one of the stars say that the left voted for a guy who sends his daughters to rich private schools, said that marriage was between a man and a woman, or who's been lately sending troops to Iraq? This is a sample courtesy of Meryl Streep: That instinct to humiliate, when it's modeled by someone in a public platform, it filters down into everyone's life because it gives permission for others to do the same. Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others we all lose. First of all, Mr. Trump has addressed this several times. He was not mocking anyone. Can't we not take someone at his word? There is no evidence in Mr. Trump's life that he has a history of mocking disabled people or promoting racism or sexism or whatever other "ism" they want to tell us about. After all, this is a man who donated to Planned Parenthood and the Clinton Foundation. Second, where was Ms. Streep on the recent incident when a disabled young man was tortured and humiliated live on Facebook? Why didn't Meryl say that when we bully people and force them to make anti-Trump statements, we all lose? Third, who really cares what these people think anyway? I guess the audience in the hall did. However, have any of these people considered how this comes across to millions who are interested in shows not their opinions? Maybe I'm not the only one. However, this modern cast of "Hollywood-ies" has made me into a huge fan of old movies. Isn't it great to watch movies designed to entertain you? I watched Errol Flynn's Robin Hood, and there was nothing about global warming or racial quotas! P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. The American left is jealously guarding its hold on popular culture, well aware that in an open contest of ideas, it loses. In no realm is control more important than humor. Scoffing and scorn must be limited to approved targets: white people, heterosexuals, traditional practices, scriptural Christianity, and other occupants of the Basket of Deplorables. Under no circumstances should progressive shibboleths be exposed to anything but praise and support. This brings us to Wikipedia, the open-source encyclopedia. That sire, which often raises money from readers, has just deleted its page on The Peoples Cube: This is the same site whose creator, my friend Oleg Atbashian, created the cartoon that graces todays home page of this site. As many AT readers know, Oleg was once an artist in the USSR who was a propaganda worker, producing agitprop on demand. Having lived with the consequences of progressive ideas, Oleg left and found his way to the United States, where he revels in freedom and applies his talents to many genres, but especially Soviet-style propaganda. If the right controlled popular culture the way the left does now, he would be a houselhold name humorist. Matthew Vadum writes: This is part of a disturbing trend in the world of social media. Non-leftist views are marginalized, and whenever possible, erased. This kind of thing happens all the time at Wikipedia, an open-source online encyclopedia. Wikipedia may be fine on non-controversial subjects, like how King Henry VIII treated his wives or Charlemagnes military campaigns in the Italian peninsula in the 8th century after the birth of Christ. But digital despots guard pages that deal with political controversies and routinely censor views with which they dont agree. Thats what happened here and its a perfect illustration of why you should never ever ever donate any money to Wikipedia which has its hand out all the time. The Peoples Cube, naturally, uses the language of Soviet propaganda in describing its banishment to the Wikipedia Memory Hole: The People's Cube entry has just been purged from Wikipedia. Congratulations, comrades. We are now officially a non-site populated by non-persons sharing non-thoughts and making non-jokes. It makes me feel right at home, back in the Soviet Union, where an invisible hand obstructed any of my efforts to manifest my existence. How liberating. No visibility means no responsibility. Out of sight, out of mind. (snip) I know it's only Wikipedia and we still have our site, but this is a trend typical of Google and social media, let alone the MSM. The Left has become more militant than ever. The Wiki-progs started by vandalizing the TPC page by rewriting and removing the language, claiming that it had been disjointed and confrontational. When our volunteers offered a better version, the Wiki-progs blocked it for a phony "copyright infringement" because my bio was copied from a now defunct website. When that was taken care of, they started claiming that there were no valid references from "reliable third-party sources," while at the same time removing all existing references to sites like the American Thinker and others, because they represented some right-wing fringe. E.g., they removed Thomas Lifson's, Michelle Malkin's, and Rush Limbaugh's quotes about the Cube on that premise. In other words, their excuses kept changing while the goal to do us harm remained the main focus. It's similar to how the Soviet media treated Solzhenitsyn, turning him into an non-person. If Wikipedia existed back then, these guys would have rephrased and deleted everything on Solzhenitsyn's page, reducing it to one line: "Ex-convict, traitor to the Motherland, wrote anti-communist lies." And then, because it failed to establish notability, they would have deleted the page altogether. Wikipedias founder Jimmy Wales ought to think carefully about tying its fate to the American left and discarding its credibility with at least half of the country. With its smartphone business facing a precipitous decline over the past few years, Taiwanese tech firm HTC has now reported its worst revenues in 11 years. According to reports coming out of Taipei City, the companys December 2016 revenues dipped 16.4% to a five-month low of NT$6.41 billion (US$199.96 million) in a year when its overall revenues topped out at just NT$78.16 billion (US$2.45 billion). That is in stark contrast to its 2011 revenues when the company, still basking the glow of popular devices like the EVO 4G, racked up revenues of NT$465.7 billion (US$14.58), making it the best year financially for the Taiwan-based smartphone vendor. With those glory days firmly behind HTC, the company recorded a loss of NT$2.18 (US$0.07) per share in the third quarter, and is expected to report a similar loss for Q4 on revenues of NT$22.2 billion (US$700 million). HTCs stock has been battered down severely over the past couple of years because of the ongoing problems with its smartphone business. With the companys virtual reality headset, the HTC Vive, also trailing its leading competitors as per recent reports, the Taiwanese firm will have its hands full this year trying to claw its way out of a situation thats seemingly going from bad to worse. With the losses expected to keep piling up on falling revenues, Q4 2016 is now expected to be the seventh straight loss-making quarter for the company that was once instrumental in kick-starting the popularity of Android smartphones with devices like the Hero and the EVO 4G. The companys stock price edged lower by 0.76% on Tuesday to close the day at NT$78.60 (US$2.46) on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. It will be interesting to see what HTC has planned for 2017, given that the HTC 10 didnt exactly set the sales charts on fire last year. With companies like Samsung and Apple dominating the premium-end of the smartphone market and a multitude of Chinese vendors squeezing it out of the mid and entry-level segments, HTC has its job cut out trying to make a successful comeback as one of the prominent smartphone vendors in the world. The company does have a few devices up its sleeves for release this year, including the HTC X10 and the HTC C Ultra, so it will be interesting to see how consumers receive those two smartphones. A Moto G5 Plus prototype has just shown up on the web on a Russian reseller website, where it appears that someone who has gotten their hands on the phone is trying to unload the handset for a price. The leak showcases a fair amount of images that give a good look at the device from all sides, showing off all of the phones design features. While getting to see the phone up close before its official announcement is a nice treat for fans of the Moto G series devices, the pictures arent alone as theyre accompanied by a list of hardware specifications that show Lenovo has improved some areas with hardware upgrades but kept something things the same as well. For starters, the Moto G5 Plus looks to come with the same size display at 5.5-inches, and its reportedly using a screen resolution of Full HD with 480 dpi. Its apparently coming equipped with Qualcomms Snapdragon 625 octa-core processor inside, which looks to be paired with 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 506 GPU for the graphics processing. Its got a 32GB internal storage capacity which would likely be the equivalent to the 16GB model of the Moto G4 Plus thats currently available, and if thats the case then Lenovo has chosen to bump up the base internal storage capacity by double the amount of the current model. The software inside the device is said to be Android 7.0 Nougat which is supposed to start rolling out to the Moto G4 Plus in Europe this month. The Moto G5 Plus also comes with a fingerprint sensor on the front just like with last years version, and it has a 3080mAh battery inside. Lenovo appears to have moved some things around, though, as the phone shows a 3.5mm audio port on the bottom next to the charging port, which doesnt look like USB Type-C so it seems they have decided to keep the microUSB standard. On the top is now the SIM card slot where the 3.5mm audio port used to be. The phone is clearly marked as not being for resale, which is an obvious nod that this is an unfinished device, but it may not be unfinished for too long as the post also mentions that its coming in March, which would be a couple of months earlier than the launch of the Moto G4 series. Having said all that, its important to remember that this is an unverified leak, so theres no confirmation this is the Moto G5 Plus, or that it will look like this in its final design. LG Electronics subsidiary LG U+ is looking to enter the US market and is seeking new opportunities in the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence sectors, the companys executive revealed last week at CES 2017. While speaking in Las Vegas on Friday, Kwon Young-soo, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at LG U+, said that the South Korean wireless carrier already met with many tech giants in the United States and discussed the possibility of expanding its operations. Apart from AI, Kwon believes that big data will also evolve into a massive market in the future, which is another avenue of business hes hoping to explore in the US. Following that train of thought, LG U+ is looking to partner with Verizon after meeting with Big Reds representatives in Las Vegas last week. While speaking at CES, Kwon praised Verizons experience in big data management and IoT solutions, adding that the Seoul-based wireless carrier will keep communicating with the New Jersey company in hopes of realizing some of its expansion plans. While LG Electronics subsidiary is exhibiting a high degree of ambition, it has yet to come up with a detailed plan over how its planning to expand to the North American market. For the time being, Kwon is only certain that LG U+ will be looking to enter the US with a portfolio of IoT products and services. The companys plans are even vaguer when it comes to AI solutions. Kwon asserted how LG U+ owns enough advanced technologies not to have to rely on consumer-grade hardware to enter the US AI sector, but as things stand right now, there are no definitive plans in place. LG Electronics subsidiary is currently in the process of examining various US startups, many of which were showcasing their products and services last week at CES. Finally, the Seoul-based company is also looking to commercialize the fifth generation of mobile networks in its home country, but its adamant to do so in a careful and calculated manner. Kwon said that 5G wont completely replace 4G in the immediate future, which is why the firm is not rushing to commercialize 5G technologies and will instead approach their implementation in a deliberate fashion. Its no secret that Samsung is aiming to redeem itself in 2017 after the whole Galaxy Note 7 ordeal. Now, while a lot of this depends on the success of the Galaxy S8, the companys lower-end and mid-range devices also play a big part in their internal goals. According to a new report, though, the goals that the company has set for itself are pretty high. A new report has claimed the company is aiming to ship a total of 120 million Galaxy A (2017) and Galaxy J (2017) units. Now this is certainly a huge number of devices, considering recent rumors are pointing towards a goal of 60 million Galaxy S8 shipments but, what is perhaps more surprising is the way this number is distributed. According to the report, Samsung expects to sell only 20 million Galaxy A (2017) units, meaning the remaining 100 million units are expected to be Galaxy J (2017) units. Now, considering the impressive specs and features that the new Galaxy A (2017) lineup offers, its no surprise the company expects to sell as many as 20 million units. The devices, which offer a similar design language to the Galaxy S7 line, as well as AMOLED displays, fingerprint sensors, and waterproofing, are expected to sell well in Europe and Russia, where mid-rangers are especially popular. Regarding how the company is expected to meet its internal goal of 100 million Galaxy J (2017) units, the company is expected to center sales around emerging markets such as India and South America, where previous generations have proved popular. This huge popularity in emerging markets, along with their demand in some established markets is expected to help the company hit its 100 million units goal. Whats perhaps most interesting, though, is that neither of the lineups are sold in the US. Samsung only recently confirmed that, just like previous generations, the latest Galaxy A series would not be made available in the United States, while its a safe assumption that the Galaxy J (2017) series will follow suit once released and avoid the US smartphone market. Considering this report is unconfirmed, its possible that these numbers are not official internal goals. Nonetheless, with Samsung doing everything to make 2017 one of its biggest years in recent history, it wouldnt be much of a surprise to see Samsung hit these numbers by the end of the year. Until then, though, only time will tell how Samsung will fare in 2017. Rumors surrounding the launch on the Galaxy S8 continue to differ from one day to another, with the latest report from South Korean business news publication, The Investor, claiming that the device will be launched officially during the third week of April. Earlier reports had suggested that the device will be unveiled at Mobile World Congress in late February. Some other purported leaks then indicated that Samsung may actually make the device official in New York City in late March or early April, so whether this latest piece of rumor will hold up in the long run, remains to be seen. Samsung, meanwhile, continues to remain tight-lipped about its upcoming smartphone, with a company spokesperson refusing to either confirm or deny any of the rumors that weve read so far. According to The Investor, though, a source familiar with the matter apparently claimed that Samsung will very likely announce the device a few weeks before its available on store shelves around the world, so a Galaxy S8 announcement at the MWC next month is still not entirely out of question. Either way, with Samsung refusing to break its silence on the matter, it is important that we take all these rumors with a pinch of salt. Recent reports have indicated that the South Korean electronics giant has ambitious plans for its next-gen flagship, having set a sales target of 60 million units for the handset. The company apparently also wants to sell 100 million Galaxy J devices and 20 million Galaxy A devices this year, according to various reports coming out of South Korea over the past few days. The Galaxy S8 is rumored to come with premium hardware, but some of the software features that are being talked about may also make it a rather attractive proposition. The company is said to be working on its Bixby personal digital assistant thats expected to compete in the market with the likes of Amazons Alexa, Googles Assistant, Apples Siri and Microsofts Cortana. It will be interesting to see how well consumers around the world will accept the Galaxy S8, seeing as it will be the companys first flagship smartphone since the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7. Industry watchers interpreted the recent rise of Samsung Electronics stock as both a vote of confidence from investors and another step in their recently adopted strategy to pressure the South Korean tech giant into increasing shareholder value. This latest turn of events was initially set in motion in October when the US hedge fund, Elliott Associates proposed that the company splits into two and takes other measures to unlock shareholder value in the short term. As a minority shareholder of Samsung Electronics, Elliott Associates believes the firms stock is massively undervalued. Representatives of the US hedge fund said that the companys shares are undervalued by as much as 70%, which is why theyve requested a change in its corporate structure which they deem the main culprit responsible for this state of affairs. Following Elliott Associates request, Samsung promised a number of steps to increase shareholder value, including increased dividends and a $9.8 billion investment in buying back its stock. The latter measure is expected to be completed over the course of this year and will mark the largest buyback in the history of the Seoul-based company. Regardless, Samsungs investors are still not entirely pleased and are pressuring the company into adopting an even more proactive approach to increasing shareholder value. Thats especially true for retail investors who dont have the means to communicate with Samsung Electronics directly like Elliott Associates does. However, industry watchers are interpreting the recent rise in the companys stock as precisely that a statement from the firms retail investors who believe that Samsungs operations are heading in the right direction but would still like to see a better return on their investment. While Samsung Electronics is still officially considering the proposal to split into two, the company likely wont make any radical changes to its corporate structure unless pressured, which is what both its minority shareholders and other investors are currently doing. In overall, 2017 is bound to be an exciting year for the South Korean tech giant that bounced back from the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco in record time and is already looking towards the future, backed by an extremely promising earnings guidance thats predicting a 50% annual increase in the companys Q4 2016 profits. After a gradual shift over the past number of years away from two-year contracts, today Verizon has announced plans to completely eliminate the two-year contract and, in its place, the company is now pushing installment plans. Two-year contracts were previously the main source of income for large carriers such as Verizon, due to the discounts that they offered customers when purchasing devices, as well as the fact that they locked customers into remaining at the carrier for two years. Since the introduction of installment plans by T-Mobile, though, carriers have slowly adopted the new format and todays move only proves their popularity. Now, Verizon has not offered any form of two-year contracts to new customers since August 2015, but, until today, existing customers were still able to sign up for two-year contracts. Today, though, existing customers will have two options once their contract expires. The first, and perhaps most peoples preference, is the ability to choose an installment plan, by which customers are free to choose a new device and will agree to a fixed installment fee each month over the course of either one, two or three years. This way, a customers device is separated from their mobile plan, allowing them to switch freely between plans as well as carriers, unlike with two-year contracts. Aside from this option, though, the company will also be giving customers the option to purchase devices outright with one payment. Another detail is the fact that Verizon has decided to raise the activation and upgrade fee to $30, though it has not confirmed the reasoning behind this. The fee, which has to be paid every time a customer purchased a new phone through an installment plan or outright, had previously sat at $20. Considering T-Mobile is removing all carrier charges and taxes from its T-Mobile One plan, though, its an unlikely move from the company and something that is sure to disappoint a number of its customers. With Verizons discontinuation of two-year contracts becoming effective immediately, Sprint is the only major carrier that still offers the contracts. With their focus on installment plans its likely only a matter of time before the carrier follows suit and discontinues the unpopular contracts too. Itll remain to be seen if the complete removal of two-year contracts will affect Verizons sales much but, with the removal of two-year contracts for new customers not having much of an impact on the companys profits, this move will likely not make much difference to the companys bottom line. The tale of Yahoos potential sale to Verizon has been a very rocky one thus far, but if it goes through, the leftover Yahoo assets that Verizon isnt buying will be held as a company named Altaba, and Marissa Mayer wont be involved with it. The part of Yahoo that Verizon is looking at buying up for a relatively meager $4.8 billion only includes their core web business, which consists of things like the main portal page, Yahoo Sports, and Yahoo Mail. There are a lot of other facets that make up the company in its current, strained form, including a ton of assets, Yahoo Japan, and even some $36 billion worth of stake in international trading company Alibaba. These are all things that Yahoo will not be handing over to Verizon. The parts of the company that Verizon wont be getting will essentially leave it as a holdings firm, which means it will require far less staff and board members. Of the staff who dont continue operations under Verizons banner, the few who will make the jump to Altaba will not include the entire board of directors. The downsizing presents an opportunity for current Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer to get out of what will be left of the company, which is exactly what shes done. Reportedly, she is hoping to continue acting as the CEO of Yahoo as it does business under Verizons banner, overseeing Yahoos internal trappings and working hand in hand with Verizon to accomplish company goals. Yahoo co-founder David Filo is in a similar boat. While Verizon initially eyed Yahoo hungrily, the deal began to sour when a string of scandals took place. To date, two rather major security breaches have been revealed, which it would seem that Yahoo did not satisfactorily disclose until recently despite their age, along with allegations that Yahoo had been working with the US government to make a way for them to scan users data and emails. While Yahoo seems to still be pretty certain that theyre desirable to Verizon, the telecom giant is thinking twice about the potential liabilities and risks; in fact, theyve formed a special team to do just that. In any case, it would seem that Yahoo and some of its key players do in fact have a plan in place if the deal goes through. For the time being, Marissa Mayer is still acting CEO of Yahoo, and will likely keep that role if the sale falls through and Yahoo is forced to seek alternatives to selling itself. PHOENIX Not willing to put it off until the last minute, legislative Democrats on Monday proposed asking voters as soon as possible to extend and expand a special sales tax that funds education. "Investing in public education, including K-12 schools and universities, is critical to changing the trajectory of our state," said Senate Minority Leader Rebecca Rios. She said Democrats will prioritize reducing class sizes, dealing with the teacher shortage and coming up with a long-term plan to ensure schools have the funds they need. And at the top of that list is the renewal of Proposition 301. That measure, approved in 2000, enacted a 0.6-cent sales tax levy earmarked for education. It raises more than $600 million a year. But it also self-destructs in 2021. Rios said lawmakers should put the question of renewal back on the ballot sooner than later. But she said they also want to boost the levy to a full penny. "This would result in an additional $430 million annually in funding for K-12 that can be used to recruit and retain teachers and fund our schools," she said. That stance puts the Democrats at odds with Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican legislative leadership who are in no hurry to put the issue of even simply extending the 0.6-cent levy on the ballot. Senate President Steve Yarbrough said just this past Friday he sees no way to put together the votes this year for such a plan. "I think it's probably obviously more than a year exercise," he said. In fact, Yarbrough is throwing cold water on any meaningful action in time for the 2018 election, saying "we've got time beyond that." And incoming House Speaker J.D. Mesnard questioned whether voters are willing to tax themselves more for education. "Prop 123 was a close vote," he noted of last year's ballot proposal to put an extra $3.5 billion into public education over the next decade. And that did not even involve higher taxes, with most of the funds actually coming from a trust account already set aside for education. "How things are packaged certainly matters," he said. "We can begin the discussions of what that looks like." But Mesnard, like Yarbrough, sought to tamp down expectations that voters could see the issue soon. "I'm skeptical, frankly, that those will culminate in something in 2018," he said. But it isn't just the issue of extending and possibly expanding the sales tax that divides the minority Democrats from the GOP majority in both chambers as well as Ducey. House Minority Leader Katie Hobbs wants to review and cap some of the tax cuts that already have been put in place. And her prime target is the law that allows corporations to divert some of what they owe the state in income taxes to instead help parents send their children to private and parochial schools. As originally crafted, lawmakers limited that annual diversion at $10 million. That law, however, allows that to grow by 20 percent a year. The result is that the cap this year is now more than $60 million. And if left unchecked, legislative budget analysts figure that cap would top $660 million by 2030. But that could be just theoretical. That's because a series of corporate tax cuts approved by the Republican legislature during the recession should cut corporate income taxes from $571 million in 2016 to just $281 million in 2020. That trend has not gone unnoticed. "If the past leaders had put Arizona first instead of buckling to special interests we would have an additional $835 million annually in our state to invest today and for the future," Rios said. Fraudulent schemes Two men were arrested Tuesday after employees of the OneAZ Credit Union suspected he was involved with a fraudulent scheme affecting credit union branches around the state, records show. According to a police report, employees notified police after the men entered the credit union and asked for a cash advance, and how much the limit is for a cash advance for a person who is not a member of the credit union. The OneAZ Credit Union employees were aware of a scam hitting branches around the state where people have asked for a large cash advance, then hand the teller the person's cell phone, and the person on the phone would tell the teller how to perform the cash advance for their institution. The person on the phone would give the teller directions to "run the card through their system to force a cash advance," records show. Employees of the credit union said in the scam, after the cash advance was given to the suspects, the bank would later be notified that the account numbers the suspects provided would be stolen, fraudulent or unauthorized. Records show OneAZ Credit Union locations around the state had lost $9,850 in three transactions, $16,250 in two transactions and $5,000 in one transaction. According to the police report, the men asked for a cash advance of $8,700 at the Flagstaff location on Beaver Street. When an officer reviewed surveillance footage from other credit union locations from around the state, the people on video connected with the scam were the same as the attempted scheme in Flagstaff. Edward White and Brandon Potter were arrested in connection with the incident. City and county residents who want to report a crime but wish to remain anonymous may call Silent Witness at 774-6111 or (877) 29-CRIME, submit a tip online at www.coconinosilentwitness.org, or text the word Flagtip along with your information to 274637 (CRIMES). Rewards of up to $2,000 are given for information that leads to an arrest. Free speech: spitting on the fire in the crowded theatre Writing in the Guardian, Sam Segman tells us that free speech is not free unless it has limits. If you want to stop reading, I cant blame you. Free speech is so simple a thing it needs no caveats. You get it. You can go. For the rest of you still here, this is Segman: Free speech has limits. You arent allowed to shout fire in a crowded theatre because someones probably going to get hurt. You are allowed, or at least you should be. (Factoid: five minutes into Riverdance, its compulsory and pardonable to trigger a dash for the exit. See Sorene v In-laws 1998.) How others react to your words is where laws and consequences arise. The word itself should not be unsayable. But Segman is just echoing a million others who have used the same example of that FIRE! in the theatre to support free speechs limits. David Miliband banned Dutch politician Geert Wilders from entering the UK in 2009. Miliband told us why: We have a profound commitment to freedom of speech, but there is no freedom to cry fire in a crowded theatre and there is no freedom to stir up hate, religious and racial hatred. Free speech is only free and worth championing when the speaker is someone with whom you agree, says Miliband. Our default position should be to err on the side of censorship. How very totalitarian. As Gabe Rottman writes, the crowded theatre line is worse than useless in defining the boundaries of constitutional speech. When used metaphorically, it can be deployed against any unpopular speech. Tim Black told us how the phrase became so commonplace. Taking on the role of Oliver Wendell Holmes, he writes of the man who 1919, in Schenck v United States, opined: The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic. Holmes was appealing a US Supreme Court ruling that convicted an anti-conscription activist under the wartime Espionage Act. (The Court was deciding whether Charles Schenck, the Secretary of the Socialist Party of America, could be convicted under the Espionage Act for writing and distributing a pamphlet that expressed his opposition to the draft during World War I.) In another case, Holmes offered: The ultimate good desired is better reached by free trade in ideas that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market, and that truth is the only ground upon which their wishes safely can be carried out. He wanted more speech not less. But its his line about the hot theatre thats endured. The fuller quote runs thus: [The] question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent We admit that in many places and in ordinary times the defendants in saying all that was said in the circular would have been within their constitutional rights. But the character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done. The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic. Black rolls back the eyes and channels Holmes: I never said that shouting fire was the problem, or better still, falsely shouting fire. No, what made falsely shouting fire a free-speech act too far was the context, the time and place: namely, the theatre. Or, if you need me to spell it out, the theatre of war. The quote is about limits in extraordinary times. And so to Segman, who adds: Your right to say what you like is trumped by your responsibility to stop me being trampled to death by a stampede of panicked theatre-goers. Death threats; rape threats; bomb threats; online abuse that drives someone to suicide these are all things that free speech doesnt cover and which arent appropriate to defend in its name. No. They are all examples of free speech. It is either free or it is not. They are things that we must be free to say even if they earn the punishment of other laws. Hate speech is not compatible with reasoned debate, says Segman. But it is. What isnt, is censorship. Paul Sorene Posted: 10th, January 2017 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink Outrage! Muslim finds pork in non halal Whitbread pub dinner Big news on the Suns cover is that teetotal Muslims who eat at Brewers Fayre and Whitbread Inn pubs will be outraged to learn their beef lasagne contains pork. How many Muslims are shocked, dismayed and angered by the presence of non-kosher meats in their non-halal stomach liner could run into the single digits. The cheesy beef lasagne is, were told, 8.5 percent beef and 4.5 per cent pork. The meal is made by Creative Foods in Flint, Wales. The Sun recalls that in 2013 Creative sold lasagne containing horse DNA to Whitbread. Which, as any Italian will tell you, made it pretty authentic. Karen Strike Posted: 10th, January 2017 | In: Strange But True, Tabloids, The Consumer Comment | TrackBack | Permalink PHOENIX The Arizona health community distributed 305 million pain reliever pills last year enough to provide 24-hour medication for every adult in the state for two weeks straight, according to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. As those pills, like other medications, are taken or tossed, some of the chemicals found in them can end up in the water supply. Chemical contaminants, ranging from prescription drugs to hygiene products, can enter the environment through landfills, flushed waste and shower drains. In the U.S., some of the most common contaminants include prescription and nonprescription drugs, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Even though there are probably more questions than answers surrounding this subject, it is not new, said Jennifer Martin, a water coordinator for the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club. The amount of pharmaceuticals and toiletry chemicals entering the environment is comparable to pesticides, but gets a lot less attention. The impact these chemicals have on the environment is not well understood, and there are few studies dedicated to monitoring opioids as they move from the population to waste products and finally to the environment, said Beth Polidoro, a researcher of risk assessment, applied toxicology and environmental chemistry in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Arizona State University. By Environmental Protection Agency standards, opioids fall under the category of PPCP, which stands for Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products. In other words, opioids are considered daily use chemicals, along with other types of medicines, shampoos, detergents and perfumes, said Leif Abrell, an associate research scientist in the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. The EPA regulates contaminants in drinking water considered toxic to humans. However, the disposal of most of the daily use chemicals like opioids arent regulated and are treated by wastewater treatment plants, he said. Abrell said it would be very difficult to monitor because the resources just arent available. With millions of painkillers circulating annually, health and environmental officials often encourage consumers to use pill drop-off locations to dispose of unwanted or leftover pills. However, contaminants of emerging concern continue to show up in water samples throughout Arizona. Between 2007 and 2009, water samples from Arizona surface water, wastewater, drinking water treatment plants and groundwater recharge sites showed 26 contaminants in a study by Chao-An Chiu, who authored the study as a doctoral dissertation, and Paul Westerhoff, professor and senior adviser on science and engineering to the ASU vice provost. Water samples taken from the Salt River, where visitors spend summer days tubing, swimming and tanning, and other groundwater and surface water sources showed evidence of consistent contaminants, such as acetaminophen, oxybenzone and caffeine. Transfer balls: Liverpool see Coutinhos price soar as Manchester United swoop for Spurs duo The Mirror leads with news that Liverpool have no intention of selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for 60m. NOU CHANCE, puns the paper. Liverpool manger Jurgen Klopp says no amount of money will force him to sell his star player. Wishful thinking, of course. Every player has their price. After all on December 26, the Mirror reported: Liverpool transfer news and rumours: Paris Saint-Germain plotting 40million Philippe Coutinho swoop. Putting a price alongside a players name is simple. Over in the Sun, the figure of 60m also figures large on the back page. This time its the sum Manchester United are willing to invest in Spurs full-backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose. But United wont have it easy. The paper adds that Manchester City will fight United for the England players. Walker and Rose each earn around 70,000-a-week at Spurs. Given that Spurs are better than United and outplayed City this season, its surely only money that will make either of them move. Mark Irwin tells Spurs fans to expect the worst. Needing money for their new 750m stadium, Spurs will cash on on their star turns. Irwin notes that Rose, Walker and other young Spurs players, like Dele Alli Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Christian Eriksen, know they could earn far more at Chelsea, Arsenal or either of the Manchester clubs. Mike Kritharis Posted: 10th, January 2017 | In: Back pages, Chelsea, Manchester City, manchester united, Sports, Spurs Comment | TrackBack | Permalink (ANSA) - Bangkok, January 10 - Two young Italians who were arrested in Thailand for pulling down several national flags and throwing them to the ground this week have been convicted and handed suspended sentences, diplomatic sources said Tuesday. Tobias Gamper, 20, and Ian Gerstgrasser, 18, will remain in a cell at a police station in the town of Krabi for the time being, pending deportation, sources said. The punishments handed down on Tuesday will be made public only on Wednesday but suspended sentences are not possible with prison terms of over two years. According to the deportation procedure, the pair will be handed over to the Thai immigration police in the next few days and then taken to a temporary detention centre in Bangkok before being expelled. They are likely to be deported in a few weeks' time. They were arrested at their guesthouse after being caught on CCTV tearing down five Thai flags from the awnings of some shops in Krabi on Saturday night. The Italians, who were made to apologize in a video, tried to justify their actions by saying they were drunk after spending all night in a pub. (ANSA) - Brussels, January 10 - European Union Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex said Tuesday that it is launching a new pool of experts who will support the return of migrants across the EU. The return pool will ultimately consist of 690 return monitors, return escorts and return specialists. Frontex said the new pool will be especially important for Greece and Italy, which are taking the brunt of the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) Secretary General Nunzio Galantino, meanwhile, said Tuesday that the Italian Church was against the reopening of identification and expulsion centres (CIE) for asylum seekers in Italy "if they continue to be effectively places of detention". Galantino told a news conference that the CIE centres must not be "without fundamental protections" for asylum seekers. (ANSA) - Brussels, January 10 - Anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Beppe Grillo is bidding to stay in the euroskeptic EFDD caucus in the European Parliament after a deal to join the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) fell apart Monday. The EFDD caucus, with United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) founder Nigel Farage to the fore, met Tuesday after Farage spoke over the phone with Grillo earlier, sources said. They said Farage told the meeting "marriages end" but "they can also be re-established" as long as "the one who betrays pays". A formal exit of the 17 M5S MEPs from the EFDD would lead to the loss of about 20 personnel, the exclusion from access to EP committees and the end of influence on main dossiers. At the same time their exit would seriously jeopardise the very existence of the EFDD caucus, currently composed of 44 MEPs. Without the 17 Italians, only 27 MEPs would remain, only two above the minimum threshold of 25 (representing seven different nationalities) allowed by the EP to set up a parliamentary caucus. So UKIP, too, would risk finding itself among the non-aligned members. (ANSA) - Rome, January 10 - Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said Tuesday Italy had joined the United Nations Security Council "in a 2017 that looks like being full of commitments and increased international responsibilities for our country." He said "the special session of the Security Council, in the course of the morning, focuses on the issue of the prevention of conflicts and reaching a sustainable peace". Alfano said "in this seat I will bring high the voice of Italy which has an appreciated and multi-year experience in the sector, bringing, together with my colleagues, some innovative points to include the safeguard of the environment and the cultural heritage in the framework of an updated and integrated vision of the action of prevention". "In this framework must be inserted the meeting with Antonio Guterres, the new United Nations Secretary-General, who started his mandate on January 1 and who is seeking, also with our support, a strengthened role of coordination in the crucial sectors of wide-ranging security". "It is during the talks with Guterres that I will address, among other things, issues of utmost importance such as the reform of the SEcurity Council and the functioning of the Organisation, towards which Italy brings advanced proposals and solutions". "To complete such an important day," Alafano concluded, "I will inaugurate with my colleague from the Netherlands, Bert Koenders, the fascinating photographic show on the 'Pillars of Cooperation' and I will meet the President of the General Assembly, Fiji's Peter Thomson, to discuss ways of organising the work. "At the end, a series of bilateral talks with colleagues from the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan and Ethiopia". (ANSA) - Rome, January 10 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni said Tuesday that Italy was not willing to take part in a new Cold War against Russia. "We will try to set relations with Russia on the right track with the duty presidency of the G7, while remaining firm in our principles, loyal to our allies and unwilling (to be involved) in the relaunch of Cold War logic," Gentiloni told a news conference after meeting French President Francois Hollande in Paris. The Russian foreign ministry welcomed Gentiloni's words. Speaking to ANSA on the phone, spokesperson Maria Zakharova said "for many years we have said we are against a new Cold War logic. We cannot but support these words, above all seeing the common threats that we face today, such as that of terrorism". Gentiloni, who last month replaced the head of his centre-left Democratic Party (PD), ex-premier Matteo Renzi, after a flagship Constitutional reform was rejected in a referendum, is set to meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in London on Thursday. ROME - Italian Ambassador to Tripoli Giuseppe Perrone said Tuesday that Italy was the first Western country to reopen its embassy in Libya since 2014 due to its lead role in helping the North African nation. "There is always a situation of risk, but considering our special role in Libya, we have decided to make this political investment," Perrone told ANSA after presenting his credentials to Libyan Premier Fayez al-Serraj. Perrone had talks with Serraj and the Libyan foreign minister, who thanked Italy for reopening the embassy. Referring to the visit in Tripoli by Interior Minister Marco Minniti, Perrone says that it "was a great success" because it marked "the Libyans' commitment to fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking". The Libyans, he told ANSA on the phone, have realised that the migrant issue "does not just concern countries of arrival, but also those of transit". In yesterday's summit with Minniti, he said "they committed themselves on this front" Now, Perrone said, "we must work to translate these commitments into concrete actions". VENICE - Some 132 architects from 26 countries have answered the 'call for drawings' made by Venice's IUAV University, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and I-Barbon Shipping & Logistics in July 2016 for post-conflict reconstruction in Syria. Of the participating projects in 'Sketch for Syria', 52 arrived directly from architects in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Latakia and Tartus. Based on the awareness that reconstruction begins when the future is seen in positive terms, the initiative has given rise to an exhibition curated by Jacopo Galli with Luna Rajab, which will be inaugurated at IUAV University on January 17. ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 10 - The following are some of the main events scheduled for today in the Euro-Mediterranean area: PARIS - Ecumenical Forum 'Europe in fear of the threat from fundamentalist terrorism and the value of human person and religious freedom' (through 12/1). TUNIS - Show 'Harlequin's Hunger' staged by the La Bottega Teatrale theatre company as part of the theatre festival (to January 10). DUBAI - ArabPlast, the international trade show for the plastics and petrochemicals industry in the Middle East and North Africa, comes to an end. (ANSAmed). Police investigators enter the house of the Russian consul Andrei Malanin in Athens, Jan 9, 2017. [Photo/IC] ATHENS - The Russian consul in Athens was found dead in his apartment in the city center on Monday, Greece's national news agency AMNA reported citing Russian embassy sources. Preliminary information showed there was no indications of criminal act, according to the report. No official announcement has been made yet, but according to Greek police sources, the death of the 55-year-old Andrei Malanin was treated as a result of natural causes. The diplomat was found dead in his residence in central Athens by police officers who were alerted by his colleagues once he did not show up at work and did not respond to their telephone calls. The full details of the consul's death will be known after the autopsy which is scheduled for Tuesday is performed. ANSAmed - Tomorrow's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 10 - The following are some of the main events scheduled for tomorrow in the Euro-Mediterranean area: VALLETTA - Opening ceremony of the EU duty presidency of Malta. Donald Tusk to meet the Prime Minister of Malt, Joseph Muscat. GHADAMES (LIBYA) - New round of inter-Libyan political dialogue (to January 12). TEL AVIV - Anniversary of the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. PARIS - Ecumenical Forum 'Europe in fear of the threat from fundamentalist terrorism and the value of human person and religious freedom'. (ANSAmed). ROME - The European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday ruled that swim lessons for Muslim girls in Switzerland must be mixed between males and females, following an appeal by Swiss authorities. It said Switzerland "has the right to give precedence to school rules and to full integration". The Court acknowledged that forcing Muslim girls to swim with boys is "interference in freedom of religion" but "isn't a violation". The case began six years ago when two Swiss families of Turkish origin chose not to send their adolescent daughters to mandatory mixed male-female swim lessons at school. The families brought suit after they were forced by school authorities to pay a fine of 1,300 euros, citing article 9 of the EU Convention on Human Rights on freedom of thought and religion. On Tuesday the Court ruled that the school's refusal to excuse the girls from the mixed swim lessons conforms to the right to "protect foreign children from any form of social exclusion". "The interest of the students in receiving a complete education that helps them to fully integrate with local customs and practices overrides the desire of their parents to exempt them from mixed lessons". Gentiloni stresses growth and jobs after meeting Hollande EU celebrations in Rome open new page - French president (ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 10 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni said after talks with French President Francois Hollande Tuesday that "France and Italy are committed to relaunching the EU in one of the most difficult moments after Brexit". He said the priorities were "growth and jobs". "There is no future for a Europe concentrated on the budget and not on jobs," he said. Hollande said that the March celebrations in the Italian capital for the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome will kick off a new period for the European Union. "With the Rome ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the treaties we can celebrate a page of history or create a new part of this history," Hollande said after talks with Gentiloni in Paris. "We want to open a new page for the future of Europe".(ANSAmed). Morocco still without government after 90 days Prime minister-designate hasn't found allies, elections possible (ANSAmed) - RABAT, JANUARY 10 - Morocco may face new elections after three months of talks have failed to produce a government, following the October 7 victory of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD). The country's king reconfirmed outgoing prime minister and PJD head Abdelilah Benkirane to lead what was supposed to be a new coalition government, but it currently counts the support of only 125 of the 395 seats in parliament. Even the alliance between the Islamists, the socialists of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) and the conservatives still doesn't produce the necessary 198-vote threshold to win a confidence vote. A fourth ally is needed and the only one available, the liberal National Rally of Independents (RNI), continues to raise the bar on its requests. RNI, led by former Agriculture Minister and businessman Aziz Akhannouch, one of Africa's richest men, said it is willing to take part in the government only if the Independence Party, Istiqlal - a strong ally of Benkirane - is excluded. Aziz also asked that the Constitutional Union Party (UC) and the Socialist Union of Popular Forces Party (USFP) be included in the government, at which point Benkirane broke off talks. Morocco's Constitution says nothing on the matter, as it isn't provided for in the text. That leaves King Mohammed VI to find possible interpretations, without which new elections will be held. The naming of a new prime minister is also possible, but it would be a source of political tension that Morocco can't afford. The current situation is emblematic of the power relationship between the Islamist party and the royal palace, which wants a margin of sovereignty within the government. On Monday a scheduled Cabinet meeting deemed "strategic" was called off without explanation.(ANSAmed). If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both The new daily late night departures from both Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are timed to allow guests to spend full days in either city. Arrivals into Abu Dhabi International Airport provide guests with more connections to early morning services to Europe, North America and the Indian Subcontinent. These include London, Paris, Frankfurt, New York, Delhi and Mumbai. Together with a Boeing 777 and the recently-introduced Boeing 787 on the route, the new service will increase the number of weekly seats to 10,600 between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Codeshare partner flynas will continue to operate a daily flight on the route. Kevin Knight, Etihad Aviation Group chief strategy and planning officer, said: Our expanded services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are in line with Etihad Airways strategy to offer more choice, greater frequency and additional travel options when aircraft availability and market conditions permit The extra flights will cater to the strong demand between the two capital cities, and bring closer our global network to Riyadh over our Abu Dhabi hub. With a focus on simplicity and functionality, the new kits include products designed to make the passengers journey more comfortable and relaxing. In keeping with the airlines tag line Going Places Together, the bags design features inspiring images of destinations on Qatar Airways route network. The exterior design will be refreshed every four months with new places from Qatar Airways network of more than 150 destinations. Inside the amenity kit passengers will discover comfort essentials such as an Institut Karite Paris lip balm and a Miradent dental kit alongside their eye mask, socks and ear plugs, adding value to their overall travel experience. Qatar Airways senior vice president of customer experience, Rossen Dimitrov, said: This will be a year of change for Qatar Airways travellers, with numerous upgrades to our on-board products and services, including our new Economy Class amenity kits. The refreshed kits have been designed to deliver an elevated customer experience by providing our passengers with products from world-class brands such as Institut Karite Paris and Miradent. We like to continually surprise and delight our passengers in every class of cabin, and we believe that anyone travelling in Economy Class will be truly delighted when they discover these new amenity kits on board." Standing unobtrusively outside the exhibition halls at this years ILA Berlin air show was a grey, propeller-driven light aircraft unfamiliar to most of the visitors thronging the area. With a prominent belly fairing, obviously designed for some type of radar, positioned aft of an electro-optical turret, it drew considerable attention. The aircraft was the Q01 intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform being designed by German company, Reiner Stemme Utility Air Systems, with Qatari funding. A clean-sheet design developed in 18 months and poised to receive a production contract by the end of this year, it could be flying in the skies over the small Gulf nation by the end of 2017. The man behind the aircraft is Brigadier General Khalid Al Kuwari, commander of the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Centre in Doha. Its an idea I suggested to the Qatari Armed Forces, said Al Kuwari. Rather than going through the system and purchasing whatever the market has for ISR, we decided to develop an aircraft from scratch. The reason for adopting this route, he said, was that virtually all aircraft today in the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) ISR category are modified from existing aircraft: Those are not really ISR aircraft, theyre just a platform. This is the first design built and evaluated from scratch for the ISR mission. The Qatar Armed Forces agreed with my idea, accepted the challenge and risk, and are funding the programme. Al Kuwari chose Reiner Stemme as developer because I wanted to build an aircraft with glider-like performance, a stable aircraft with long duration. The German company is known for designing a series of gliders and motor-gliders. The composite-airframe Q01, which flew for the first time in November 2015, has a high-aspect, laminar-flow wing mounted atop the fuselage with a retractable tricycle undercarriage capable of operating from unmade runways. It has an empty weight of around 1,700kg, with a maximum take-off weight of 2,750kg. Operating costs are designed to be low around $500 per flight hour and the aim is to keep the design simple so that high school diploma-level personnel can maintain the aircraft. The aircraft is powered by a Technify Motors CD-300 diesel with a constant-speed MT-Propeller unit. It will have two crew typically a pilot and a systems operator and will carry a variety of sensors. At Berlin, it had an under-fuselage sensor ball, representative of an L-3 Wescam electro-optical/infrared unit, together with its under-fuselage fairing, capable of carrying a ground surveillance radar. It will have a duration of up to 48 hours at altitudes of up to 30,000ft (9,150m) and, significantly, will be capable of operating in manned or unmanned configurations. The production variant of the aircraft is intended to have a rest area for crew immediately behind the cockpit. As you know, Qatar has most of its wealth offshore and you require a 24-hour eye in the sky, said Al Kuwari. Overland surveillance is also intended as a role for the aircraft: Nearly every week we have a sporting or political or economic conference in Qatar. Its a huge responsibility for a small state to undertake this sort of security. He foresees the aircraft also undertaking pipeline and border surveillance duties, as well as playing a part in future coalition roles. Civilian crisis management roles, for example in the aftermath of natural disasters, are also possible missions. Prototype A the aircraft shown at ILA was just to prove the concept. Prototype B is the pre-production platform that will also be used for European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification and we expect that to be ready by the end of this year. Hopefully, by the end of this year, we will be ready to sign a contract with the Qatari Armed Forces for 17 aircraft. Delivery of the first aircraft would take place about a year after contract signing. "the orientation of the axis of every mosque on Moslem soil toward the black stone of Kaaba is an awe-inspiring symbol of the unity of faith Le Corbusier, 'Journey to the East', p.104. The contention is that architects, more efficiently than intellectuals and scholars, can resist the devastating violence generated by the confrontation of religion, state and society (Din, Dunya, Dawla -the three major concepts developed in classical Arabic thought) at a greater scale than all societies and cultures in history have achieved thus far. This means that all important architectural achievements contribute either to strengthening the dominant ideology in any given historical tradition and political order, or to creating a breakthrough in the inherited, imposed system of values and beliefs. Mohammed Arkoun, Spirituality and Architecture, in: (Ed.) A Petruccioli & K. Pirani, Understanding Islamic Architecture, (London: RoutledgeCurzon,2002) L.E.FT Architects | New York. Makram el Kadi & Ziad Jamaleddine This small mosque of 100m2 included a renovation of an existing masonry cross-vaulted space and the addition of a minaret, grafted onto the existing structure as a symbolic landmark, next to the 18th century old palace. A new civic plaza was created in what was before an adjoining parking space, turning the frontage of the mosque into a public square with seating, water fountain, ablution space and shading under a newly planted fig tree. Given the non-alignment of the existing structure with the required directionality to Makkah, the design approach was first set to correct the orientation though a series of physical transformations and additions. The directionality towards Makkah became the only tool/language mobilized to shape the new mosque and its surrounding, at all scales, from the interior of the mosque to the outdoor plaza On the architectural level, the mosques new slender minaret is linked horizontally through a gently concave canopy to a curved wall at the plaza level, delineating a portico for the mosque below and creating a transitional space between the interior of the mosque and the street as well as adding privacy for the mosque from the outside. The envelope of the mosque is strictly formed of thinly sliced painted white steel plates, faithfully angled in a parallel direction to Makkah. When looked at obliquely from an angle, the steel plates stack to compose a complete and comprehensive volume of the mosque. Looked at frontally, the mosques volume, through its thin planarity, disappears and blends with its visually rich historical backdrop, momentarily suspending belief in its actual presence. Rather than the traditional inert Cube/Dome/Minaret volumetric expression of normative mosque architecture, the design offers a lighter reading of the typology, an ephemeral tectonic presence. The concave/convex planar surfaces of the new mosque brace the outside plaza and street in an extroverted geometry, and link it to the interior religious space which would have been usually hermetically enclosed. As we now know, these two spaces (the religious space within and the public space of the street without) were hybridized in the Arab Spring uprisings where the public space of the city intersected the public space of the mosque. Structure/Ornament/Words/Sounds Atop the minaret, the word Allah (God) is folded bi-axially from the minarets elements, becoming an integral structural element that is reinforcing the fragile steel armature, rather than being just an ornamental applique. The minaret becomes a frail element that without this calligraphy would fail structurally and break apart. Seen from one side, Allah is read in an affirmative solid form, a modern interpretation of calligraphy. Seen from the other side, Allah is read as a void, a doubtful absence, but also emanating the immaterial and ineffable idea of God, in reference to the lack of representation in Islam. It is also a deconstruction of the word from a metanarrative to a text that can be interpreted, through the creation of a physical rather than an optical lenticular. Here, the text is literally a construct, and writing/reading happens between the lines. The Minaret itself is the same height as the surrounding trees; and when seen frontally becomes transparent to blend with its context. Below, at the curved wall entry to the mosque, the pixelated and equally structural word Insan (Human) is added to the steel plates, to create a Hegelian dialectic of God/Man. The juxtaposition of both renders the idea of humanity as an integral part of the equation with God, placed in a new dialectic, and becomes a reminder of the humanistic tradition of Islam, as referenced in noted Islamic theologian Mohammad Arkouns book Humanisme et Islam Combats et Propositions (Paris, Vrin, 2005) which places Islam at the origin of the18th century Enlightenment project. Insan becomes the epicenter of the ground plane of the plaza. As one moves around the mosque, the planar reading of the mosque formed by the steel plates becomes transparent, while the two words (Allah/Insan) becomes more apparent, and vice versa. The overall lightness of the mosques tectonic sits also in a relational contrast to the heaviness of the Moukhtaras palace stone volumetric. A fig tree shades the new plaza, and creating a book end along with the existing Olive tree on the other side of the street, alluding to the Fig and Olive verse (souret at-teen) in the Quraan and referencing the importance of both trees in Christian tradition as well. At the threshold, the entry to the mosques hall, which accommodates both women and men in the same space, is articulated with a chiseled glass facade holding two wooden doors that float within it. Interior On the inside of the existing structure, the minimal intervention involved a white-out of the concave surfaces of the vaults, using special Lime mix brought from Aleppo in Syria, as well as the introduction of a new skylight that cuts the vaulted space to register the direction of the Quiblah wall towards Makkah, and bring light towards the Mihrab space. Through the skylight, one can see the minaret in a visual looping of exterior back to the interior, linking visually the disassociation in typical mosques between the sound and the vision. Similarly, the Mihrab is articulated with a concave reflective polished stainless steel arched wall that, though pointing towards Makkah, implodes this axiality by merging it visually with the wider context, bringing outside in, and distorting the interior spatiality of the mosque. Towards the back of the mosque where the actual reading of the Quraan would happen, a wooden wall with the word iqra (read) is articulated in relief. It references the Islamic scholar Youssef Siddiqs argument and interpretation that the first word in the Quraan, iqra, of which the Quraan word is a derivative, argued for a critical and contextual reading of the Quraan as a post-structuralist text to be read critically, and not as a meta-narrative to be recited blindly. The call to prayer, in collaboration with artists Lawrence Abu Hamdan and Nisrine Khodr, was re- interpreted along the same lines as a variation on the normative call to prayer by the idea of having it spoken rather than sung, in a return to the words where the listener focuses on the meaning rather than the melody. Overall the design of the mosque is a celebration of the ethos of modernity as it relates tectonically to the notion of abstraction, of ephemerality, and representationally to the continuity of the humanism tradition in Islam. It represents a part of a cultural war of ideas that needs to be fought against the fundamentalist forces across religions, a war where architecture is a weapon. Project: Amir Shakib Arslan Mosque Architects: L.E.FT Architects | Makram el Kadi & Ziad Jamaleddine Team: Gentley Smith (Project Architect), Rafah Farhat, Elias Kateb, Alex Palmer, Nayef al Sabhan, Tong Shu, Shun-Ping Liu, Landscape Architects: L.E.FT Architects Conservation Architect/ Owner Representative: Arch. Zaher Ghosseini Location: Moukhtara, Lebanon Area: 100 sqm Project Year: 2016 Photography: Iwan Baan, Ieva Saudargaite Manufacturers: ACID Karim Chaya, Engineering: Antoine Bou Chedid Lighting Design: Maurice Asso- Hilights Main Contractor: ACON Carpet Design: L.E.FT with Lawrence Abu Hamdan Carpet Fabrication: Moooi Call to Prayer: Lawrence Abu Hamdan and Nisrine Khodr YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs over the Azerbaijani aggression conducted at the borders of Armenia is another toothless statement which enables Azerbaijan to continue its policy on escalating the situation in the region, Heritage faction MP, member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Tevan Poghosyan told Armenpress. From the one hand we can understand that two of the three Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries have changed the Co-Chairs and there is a rotation problem, but they must understand that the works and role of the Minsk Group must be assessed accordingly which is not being done. They refer to the agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg, but they know very well which side refuses to implement those agreements and they bother to mention about it in one sentence, the MP said. He said first of all the Minsk Group Co-Chairs must have concentrated on the fact that the attack this time happened on Armenias borders, rather than to demand from the Armenian side the return of the body of the Azerbaijani saboteur. Azerbaijan demands the body of its saboteur, but that country must firstly explain how that body appeared in the territory of Armenia and only after that it will have a right to demand the body, Tevan Poghosyan said. We appreciate the work done by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs in Vienna and St. Petersburg, but they must be demanding in order the agreements to be implemented. They know quite well which side refuses from the agreements on expansion of the capabilities of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, installation of investigative mechanisms for incidents in the line of contact. And it would be better if they force Azerbaijan to adhere to the agreements that were reached at the Vienna and St. Petersburg summits by their efforts, the MP stated. In conclusion, the MP said unfortunately the Minsk Groups latest statement just bears a formal nature and contributes to the continuation of the Azerbaijani policy on creating tension in the region. Azerbaijani forces attempted a sabotage infiltration in the Armenian state border, south-east from Chinari village of Tavush province in the early morning of December 29. The Armenian Armed Forces have neutralized the Azerbaijan attacks. Azerbaijani forces were pushed back, suffering losses and WIAs, including in the military positions. Three Armenian servicemen were killed. After 12 days of the failed sabotage infiltration attempt, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a statement stating that Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. Best Marketing Products and Services Would you like to submit an article in the Marketing category or any of the sub-category below? Click here to submit your article. Would you like to have your product or service listed on this page? Contact us. American universities are making big investments in new arts facilities. At least a half-dozen major projects are coming online this year. Why? Schools now think of the arts less as a peripheral extracurricular activity than as an opportunity for innovative collaboration. At Stanford, for example, medical students examine the Rodin sculptures at the Cantor Arts Center to learn about conditions that afflict the hand. Meanwhile, Rice is due to open the Moody Center for the Arts next month, a $30m exhibition-cum-interdisciplinary laboratory space. Ive learned how important visual imagination is to thinking about science and engineering, says David Leebron, the universitys president. A few years ago Princeton announced it intended to be an arts destination. USC declares its desire to be known as an arts university. Duke and Stanford and Columbia all have the arts on their minds. Is there really such a demand? The rising demand is leading schools that have traditionally marginalised the arts to enter a new kind of arms race. Princeton University in New Jersey was losing students to some of our rival universities because we didnt have the visibility in the arts that we should, says Michael Cadden, the chair of the Lewis Center for the Arts, which anchors a 22-acre, $330m arts-and-transportation hub due to open in October. Princeton has 30% to 40% more students studying the arts than it did ten years ago, according to Cadden. Arts facilities can have a tangible effect on the kind of talent schools attract. In the decade since Duke University in North Carolina opened the Nasher Museum of Art, it has seen a steep climb in arts portfolios submitted by prospective students, from 980 in 2006 to more than 2,800 last year. The reality of the arts boom in universities is perhaps a bit more modest. Theres clearly money available to be raised for new museums and facilities. The buildings are prestigious and good campus eye candy that donors can attach their names to. But is there evidence yet of a similar uptick in the scale of investment in the arts programs? In the fall of 2015, historians visiting the Altomunster Abbey outside Munich found in its library at least 500 books, including precious illuminated manuscripts from the 16th century, chants used by the uniquely women-led Bridgettine Order and processionals bursting with colorful religious and ornamental decoration in their margins. Not long afterwards, the Vatican decided to close the convent, which has only one nun left, and put the entire collection on lockdown, and the Munich archdiocese refuses to let researchers near it. Rumi is often described as the best-selling poet in the United States. He is typically referred to as a mystic, a saint, a Sufi, an enlightened man. Curiously, however, although he was a lifelong scholar of the Koran and Islam, he is less frequently described as a Muslim. Why is this, and when did it start? Rozina Ali has some answers. By Alexander Chipman Koty Following a series of bold political reforms beginning in 2011, Myanmar has sprung onto the radar of foreign investors as one of Asias last frontier markets. For decades, Myanmar was an isolated and overlooked pariah state dominated by a repressive military government that crushed dissent and participated in illegal drug and jewels trades. However, the military governments unexpected democratic reforms, which culminated in the rise of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi to power in 2015 and the removal of American economic sanctions in 2016, quickly changed the narrative surrounding the Southeast Asian nation. Historically one of the regions wealthiest countries but presently among its poorest, Myanmar has long been underperforming its vast economic potential, as the military regimes ineffective political and economic policies hamstrung the countrys development. Favorable demographics, an advantageous location, and rich natural resources along with the introduction of substantial economic reforms make Myanmar an intriguing destination for adventurous investors who were previously blocked from entering the market. However, despite its rapidly liberalizing political and economic landscape, Myanmar remains a daunting investment destination due to high risks of political instability, corruption, lack of legal enforcement, and logistical hurdles. While Myanmar has made substantial progress in restructuring its political and economic environment, and is poised to post some of the worlds highest GDP growth rates, investors looking to enter the promising but challenging market must take considerable precautions when establishing on-the-ground operations. RELATED: Pre-Investment and Market Entry Advisory from Dezan Shira & Associates Opportunities for growth The World Bank projects Myanmars real GDP growth to hit 7.8 percent in the 2016-17 fiscal year, an increase from the disappointing seven percent growth in 2015-16, while averaging 8.2 percent growth over the medium term. Given Myanmars plentiful natural resources and lack of infrastructure only about 30 percent of the population has access to electricity energy and telecommunications are expected to be immediate areas of growth. Indeed, foreign direct investment (FDI) in oil and gas and electricity comprise about 65 percent of total investment, while mobile penetration has already catapulted from seven percent in 2013 to 63 percent by early 2016. In the medium to long term, Myanmar will look to move away from extractive industries and develop its manufacturing sector, taking advantage of its sizeable and young population. To accomplish this, the government hopes to attract US$140 billion worth of FDI between 2014 and 2030. Myanmars population of almost 54 million, over 60 percent of which is under the age of 35, immediately offers a young, large, and previously untapped labor pool, and a potentially significant consumer base farther down the line. The countrys demographics make it ideally suited for labor-intensive factor-based manufacturing, particularly given the fact that its average minimum wage is the lowest in ASEAN at US$73.80 per month. Further, Myanmar is ideally located at the center of the worlds fastest growing region, bordering both China and India, and is part of the 625 million ASEAN bloc. Economic reforms Under Myanmars stifling military regime, the country was unable to develop its latent economic potential. As the country began to open up after years of isolation with 2011s political reforms, however, a series of economic reforms followed suit particularly after Aung San Suu Kyis liberal-minded National League for Democracy (NLD) took power in 2015. In 2012, Myanmar adopted the Foreign Investment Law, which functioned alongside the 2013 Myanmar Citizens Investment Law. The two laws governed investments by foreigners and Burmese nationals, respectively, and at times both parties thought the laws unfairly benefited the other. Due to criticism about the laws inconsistencies and a desire to further streamline investment regulations, the two were recently combined into the new comprehensive Investment Law, which comes into effect in April 2017, to provide investors with a more cohesive and modern legal framework. Although these changes are welcome, the speed of reforms and the short lifespan of newly introduced investment laws demonstrate Myanmars immature and still developing legal and regulatory environment. Along with the introduction of the Investment Law, the NLD released a 12 point economic plan outlining the new regimes reform agenda. The points include developing more transparent fiscal management, privatizing some state-owned enterprises, and developing financial systems to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Other measures include enhancing education and infrastructure, and ensuring the balanced development of the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, while also creating a fair taxation system and protecting intellectual property to attract FDI. Coming out eight months after the NLD came to power, the plan was widely criticized for being overly general and lacking specificity on what the implementation and timeline of the policies would look like in practice. However, at a minimum they represent a further signal of the new governments willingness to adopt liberal economic reforms and attract FDI. Throughout 2017, Myanmars government is expected to publish clarifications of the Investment Law and introduce associated by-laws, as well as release more details about the implementation of the broader economic agenda. For instance, the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) and the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) recently released a briefing paper outlining the rules of the Investment Law. The briefing offers clarifications about the specific mechanisms of the laws application, such as the conditions under which a permit from the MIC is required. However, the guidelines are still in the developmental stage, as the government consults with various stakeholders to form concrete rules. Therefore, many provisions come with the caveat of what is likely or expected. The development of the Investment Law is indicative of how Myanmars reforms will likely progress. In 2017, the World Bank ranked Myanmar 170 out of 190 economies for ease of doing business, including a woeful 188th for enforcing contracts, while Transparency International ranked it 147 out of 168 for corruption. These rankings are reflective of the countrys immature legal system, both in terms of comprehensive legislation and on-the-ground enforcement. As Myanmar develops its legal framework, it is likely that new legislation will be introduced and continually tinkered with, particularly since the effective implementation of laws may differ from what is formally written. RELATED: The Guide to Corporate Establishment in Myanmar Removal of US sanctions To reward Myanmar for its significant political and economic reforms, in October 2016, the US government removed longstanding economic sanctions that it used to pressure the military regime towards democratization. The lifting of the sanctions removed all of Myanmars 111 blacklisted individuals and entities from the US Treasurys Specially Designated Nationals List, unblocked various property and interests, eliminated the ban on US import of jadeite and rubies, and ended banking and financial transaction restrictions set by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. While some sanctions remain in place, such as restrictions on arms sales and limits on individuals involved in organized crime and connected to North Korea, the most significant ones affecting foreign investment have been removed. The removal of US sanctions marks a significant moment in Myanmars opening up and reform, as the restrictions either outright blocked financial institutions and foreign investors from investing in the country, or presented such high due diligence and compliance costs that an investment would not be worth the risk. The elimination of sanctions not only removes these extra compliance requirements, but also adds to greater investor confidence in Myanmars stability and prospects going forward. While goods in Myanmar still must meet other international standards in order to be accepted, such as the Generalized System of Preferences, the removal of American sanctions reduces a significant measure of risk and opens up previously blocked opportunities. Political instability and challenges going forward Although Myanmar has made progress in transitioning towards democracy and a liberalized economic environment, it remains a challenging and risky frontier market going into 2017. Investors should keep in mind that the democratic transition is far from consolidated and that economic reforms might not continually progress, while the potential for political backsliding or stagnation is high. The former military regime still has a significant influence in Myanmars politics, owning extremely potent state of emergency powers and a guaranteed presence in parliament that can obstruct constitutional reforms. Similarly, although sanctions were removed, current and former members of the military have an outsized presence in the economy, either through crony capitalism or involvement in state-owned enterprises. This gives military interests an influential voice in the direction of the economy, and means that any potential dealing or joint venture with a Burmese company has to involve measured due diligence to assess the potential risks involved. This is particularly true given Myanmars ongoing armed conflicts, including what many observers call ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya minority by the government, and potential crimes against humanity done by the military. Many organizations have criticized the American government for removing sanctions too soon, as repression of minorities and curtails on freedom of speech have arguably increased rather than decreased under the NLD. With increasing conflict and mounting international condemnation, many of the issues that plagued Myanmar under the military regime persist, and the military itself could find its way back into power if the NLD fails to meet the Burmese peoples high expectations both politically and economically. Though Myanmar has made tangible progress in becoming Asias next magnet for foreign investment, it remains an unpredictable frontier market that offers tantalizing potential alongside significant risks, challenges, and human rights concerns. 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 asean@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 in ASEAN In this issue of ASEAN Briefing, we discuss the prevailing structure of ASEANs labor markets and outline key considerations regarding wages and compliance at all levels of the value chain. We highlight comparative sentiment on labor markets within the region, showcase differences in cost and compliance between markets, and provide insight on the state of statutory social insurance obligations throughout the bloc. Managing ASEAN Expansion from Singapore In this issue of ASEAN Briefing Magazine, we look at the benefits of using Singapore a hub for the management of regional operations throughout ASEAN. We firstly focus on the position of Singapore relative to its competitors, such as the Netherlands and Hong Kong. We then provide step-by-step instructions on corporate establishment, and provide expert insight on maximizing returns through the reduction respective tax burdens. The 2016/17 ASEAN Tax Comparator In this issue of ASEAN Briefing, we examine regional taxation in ASEAN through a comparison of corporate, indirect, and withholdings taxation. We further present an overview of the compliance environments found across the region and analyze ASEANs tax environment in the context of the time and documentation required in each country. Krishnamurthy former executive of Tiger Global Management will head Flipkart's core business. The company said the new structure will help the group build a portfolio of value-creating businesses and that Binny Bansal will oversee capital allocation across group companies.(Photo: Twitter) India's leading e-commerce company Flipkart shook up its top management for the second time in a year on Monday, naming a former executive of US. hedge fund Tiger Global Management, one of its biggest investors, as head of its core business. The shake-up follows a series of valuation write downs for Flipkart, which has seen its lead in the online market in India eaten into by global e-commerce giant Amazon. Kalyan Krishnamurthy, a former managing director of Tiger Global who joined Flipkart last June, was named chief executive in a restructuring that moves current CEO Binny Bansal into the newly-minted, broader strategic role of group CEO. The highly competitive e-commerce market in India has driven players to offer steep discounts in a bid to snag market share. This in turn has raised concerns around profitability and dented valuations of home-grown names like Flipkart and Snapdeal. A Morgan Stanley fund, that owns a stake in Flipkart, marked down its investment in the company in a securities filing in November. Local media have reported that a number of other Flipkart investors have taken similar actions. Bansal will lead the newly formed Flipkart Group and focus on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, the company said in a statement late on Monday. The changes hint at continued investor concerns about Flipkart's core business. Bansal took the reins at Flipkart a year ago, following a reshuffle that saw his fellow co-founder, then CEO Sachin Bansal, step aside to become executive chairman. The company said the new structure will help the group build a portfolio of value-creating businesses and that Binny Bansal will oversee capital allocation across group companies. Flipkart's Myntra fashion portal bought rival Jabong for $70 million last year to create India's largest online fashion retailer and, with India's e-commerce market forecast to grow to $188 billion over the next decade, the group now plans to expand deeper into furniture and groceries. Launched by two former Amazon employees in 2007, Flipkart's current investors include Accel Partners, DST Global and Baillie Gifford, among others. Flipkart said Sachin Bansal will remain executive chairman, providing strategic direction and will work closely with Binny Bansal on the new business portfolio. Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 sees large amounts of investment pledges from who's who of India Inc. Mumbai: Tata group patriarch Ratan Tata on Tuesday said that Gujarat has become a car manufacturing hub under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tata who was speaking at the inaugural session of Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 in Gandhinagar told the audience that Gujarat will be one of the leading states in country, CNBC-TV187 reported. Modi had been at the forefront and been instrumental in conceptualising and holding the biennial event as chief minister of the state. Tata was not the only veteran industrialist to have showered praise on Modis leadership at the ongoing summit. Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Amabni said that Modi is only leader in the world who has changed peoples mindset in a very short period of time. RIL chairman also said his company invested Rs 10,000 crore more than what it had committed under memorandum of understanding. Reliance Industries invested over $45 billion in Gujarat. In the last four years, we invested over Rs 1,25,000 crore in Gujarat, CNBC-TV18 quoted Ambani as saying. Adani group chairman Gautam Adani said his company has invested over Rs 48,000 crore in the state in the past five years. "We will invest Rs 16,700 crore to expand our terminals in Gujarat," Adani said. The community slammed him for spreading fear among those who are still in the closet. Mumbai: Karan Johar recently made headlines when his revelations about his sexual orientation in his biography 'An Unsuitable Boy,' got released and went viral. In his comment, he revealed that he is embarrassed of the country for its regressive approach towards homosexuality and that he'd never come out of the closet officially thanks to the judiciary of India. The filmmaker was referring to IPC Section 377 (unnatural offences), which criminalized homosexual intercourse. While many empathized with Karan, the LGBTQ community took an objection to his misinformed statement and slammed him for spreading fear among those who are still in the closet. Pallav Patankar, noted LGBTQ activist, told Mid-Day If an uneducated person in a remote Indian village comes and tells me that they are scared of coming out, Id take it, but this coming from somebody with a stature as big as Karans, I feel let down. He should be coming out as an empowered and powerful individual, and actually make a difference for those helpless people living in villages. People who were earlier earlier considering coming out will now sit and think twice, worried that an FIR might be involved but this is baseless. You wont be arrested for coming out. Patankar further revealed that the community will stand and support Karan if he does get jailed even if he doesnt come out in the open and lend his support to the community. Apart from him, other communities have also expressed their displeasure on Karans statement by bashing the filmmaker for misinforming people and encouraging homophobia. The producer opens up about the ups and downs of her journey in the film industry. Lunchbox starring Irrfan Khan, Nimrit Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui turned out to be a massive hit in 2013. Produced by Guneet Monga, the film not only garnered local acclaim but also got international fame. The producer continued on this streak of critically acclaimed films with Masaan and Zubaan and is now on the threshold of the release of her next Haraamkhor. In a candid chat with the Mumbai Age, Guneet talks about her upcoming film, as well as roadblocks in producing films, dealing with depression, crowd funding for films and more. Edited excerpts: You were missing for quite some time after Lunchbox. Where did you disappear? Its not easy to make and release a film. Haraamkhor has taken four years and I am still struggling with the release for a number of films, like Peddler. So, this is not really the time for me to look into something new. This delay in release was the reason for my depression. I was out of action; I shaved my head and lost 30 kgs. I went down south to different ashrams and was on a path of figuring out where I belong. I realised that just making good films was not enough. I used to doubt myself and question myself initially, but now I feel it is the right time for Haraamkhor. I am very excited about the film now and I dont understand how films are been made these days. It took me a while to understand because everyone rejected us. For the trailer to be number one on YouTube for three days is a big achievement. Tell us about your experience shooting for Haraamkhor... It is a very delicate story but told in a beautiful manner. My director Shlok Sharma is a genius. He has shown the film with the perspective of three kids. They laugh and crack jokes and in the midst of it all, an experimental love story unfolds. Working with Nawaz and Shweta was like a dream. We shot and finished the film in 16 days. Nawaz is a genius, he could go and do films like Kick, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and then do film like Haraamkhor. He hasnt charged for this film. He supported me a lot on this film. He used to have a blast with the school kids off set. Do you believe your films lack commercial viability? In India, yes, people have come to me and said that I only made dark and depressing films. But outside India, I am considered as a normal producer. I had nine films at Cannes and more than twelve films in Toronto and they were celebrated all over the world. Still, my films have raked in profits, even if it hasnt been in 100 crores. For instance, Lunchbox was one of the highest grossers that year. Haraamkhor too, is already in profits with all digital sales and crowd funding. We heard that you had to sell your flat to produce Monsoon Shootout. Is that true? I was obsessed about making films and I had no option. I was in a different mindset back then. My road was blocked and I was looking for a way out from there. What is your take on the Central Board for Film Certification? Ive never met Pahlaj Nihalani but I would love to talk to him one day. In todays age of the Internet, how far can they censor films? I feel CBFC should only certify the film. Filmmakers write, direct, and edit the story. So much manpower goes into making a film. Fernandez will be released on his own recognizance and must return to court Feb. 15, police said. Hollywood read as 'Hollyweed' for a few hours before it was corrected. (Photo: AP) Los Angeles: Los Angeles police have made a 'HOLLYWeeD' bust. Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, was arrested Monday, just over a week after a prankster used white tarps to make the 'HOLLYWOOD' sign read 'HOLLYWeeD,' the LAPD said in a statement. Fernandez turned himself in with his attorney and was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor trespassing, police said. The prankster was dressed in black and was recorded by security cameras in the area changing the sign early New Year's Day. Fernandez, an artist, had already claimed credit for the stunt in a Vice magazine interview, but police had not previously confirmed his involvement. Fernandez told the Vice he had heard someone pulled the same prank in the 1970s, and he sought to repeat it to "bring positivity into the world." Fernandez will be released on his own recognizance and must return to court Feb. 15, police said. Contact information to request comment could not be found for Fernandez or his attorney. David Ryu, the city councilman for the area of the Hollywood sign, said such pranks "deplete the resources of our valuable public safety personnel, in both responding to the prank and in responding to the increased crowds and copycat attempts that these incidents generate." He added, "While the Hollywood Sign is an internationally recognized icon, it is located in a large urban wilderness park next to thousands of residential homes." Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on Tuesday requested his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to withdraw the letter he had sent to the Election Commission (EC) claiming support of 212 out of 229 MLAs. In a meeting at his residence, Mulayam also told Akhilesh that he would remain the UP CM if SP came back to power following the polls. However, the SP patriarch added that he still remains the party chief. In Tuesdays meeting, Mulayam Singhs confidante Shivpal Yadav and close aide Amar Singh were not present, said reports. However, after the 90-minute meeting, Akhilesh left without answering media questions. In the letter to EC, Akhilesh's uncle Ramgopal Yadav had claimed that 212 of 229 SP MLAs in the UP Assembly, 56 of 68 members of the Legislative Council and 15 of 24 MPs are with the UP CM. Based on this support, Ramgopal claimed that the Akhilesh faction in the party had the right to use the SP symbol of cycle. Mulayam had on Monday, in an apparent climbdown, said that Akhilesh would be the Chief Minister if SP came back to power following the Assembly polls in February and March. The SP supremo, who is involved in a bitter feud with his son Akhilesh and cousin Ramgopal Yadav, had earlier said that he would decide the next Chief Minister of UP if SP emerges victorious in the polls. On Monday, Mulayam also stated before the Election Commission (EC) that he is still the partys national chief, and that the affidavits submitted by the Akhilesh faction were forged. During the meeting, the SP supremo also pointed out that while there was a resolution to appoint Akhilesh as the national president, there was no resolution to remove him from the post either. However, he claimed that he had no problems with his son, and that all the problems in the party were being caused by one man, that is, Ramgopal. The SP supremo also wrote to Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari, informing him about the expulsion of Ramgopal Yadav from the party and as leader of the party in the Upper House. He urged Ansari to shift Ramgopal to the back benches following the expulsion. In the evening, however, Mulayam while talking to a news agency in Lucknow, said that there was no dispute in the party and that there was no question of any split either. A notice was put up at the School of Open Learning that such activities result in misutilisation of time. New Delhi: Clicking selfies or combing hair in college corridor might lead to suspension of students at Delhi University's Miranda House, with the authorities issuing a warning in this regard. A notice which has been put up at the college for the School of Open Learning (SOL) students, who attend Sunday classes there, states that such activities amount to "misutilisation" of time. Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, a student association of SOL students, termed the circular "misogynistic" and said that they would take it up with the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). "Miranda House College and its teachers are always fighting to ensure your higher education. We hope that women students benefit from this opportunity and focus on academics. Many women have been seen taking selfies, combing their hair and modelling in the gallery," the notice put up by the college read. "This is misutilisation of time. The college does not give permission for this. If any student is found misutilising their time, they will be suspended from the classes held on that particular day, and will be made to leave the college premises," it added. Miranda House Principal Pratibha Jolly, confirmed the notice, saying, "it has been put out following an internal discussion on safety concerns as students usually sit on pillars while clicking selfies" and added that is a suggestion to the students. SOL Director CS Dubey, however, said he had no information about the notice. Jaitley said at a press conference that indirect tax receipts grew by an annual 14.2 per cent in December. New Delhi: Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on Monday flaunted double-digit growth in indirect tax collection in December to claim that Prime Ministers Narendra Modis move to demonetise the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes had little impact on economic activity. However, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh debunked the governments claims and said that demonetisation would have a very significant adverse effect on the countrys GDP and will be an issue in the coming Assembly elections in five states. Mr Jaitley said at a press conference that indirect tax receipts grew by an annual 14.2 per cent in December, helped by a surge in excise, reflecting an uptick in manufacturing. In December that saw a cash crunch and long lines outside bank branches and ATMs following the demonetisation, also saw Central excise collections grow at 31.6 per cent (a reflection on manufacturing activity), while service tax was up by 12.4 per cent. The Customs mop-up, however, saw a 6.3 per cent decline, which Mr Jaitley said was mainly due to a dip in gold imports. After demonetisation, many experts had warned of job losses and a slowdown in economic activity. The finance minister dismissed these concerns as unfounded, and said: All stories about job losses or businesses suffering losses are anecdotal. The growth figure does not depend on anecdotal basis... The statistics and taxation figures are real. This is the money which has come in. This data is real. Mr Jaitley said when compared with tax collections in November, indirect tax receipts in December were up by 12.8 per cent. Since there has been a considerable debate in the public space on the impact of the currency squeeze in November and December, the data of these two months becomes relevant, the finance minister said. Tax collections in December 2016 have also moved up compared to December 2015 and November 2016. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, meanwhile, releasing the Congress Partys manifesto for the Punjab polls, said demonetisation will have a very significant adverse effect on the countrys GDP. You will see there will be a very significant adverse effect on the countrys GDP, Dr Singh said. Recalling his statement in Parliament that demonetisation would have a very adverse impact on the countrys GDP, Dr Singh said subsequent developments had proved him right. Ratings agency Moodys Indian subsidiary ICRA said that there was a slowdown in indirect tax collections in December. In terms of indirect taxes, the growth for the month of December 2016 inclusive of additional resource mobilisation measures has come down sharply to 14.2 per cent from 23.1 per cent for the month of November 2016 and the cumulative 26.7 per cent in April-October 2016, said Aditi Nayar, principal economist of ICRA Ltd. She said while this slowdown in growth of indirect taxes in the month of December 2016 is partly on account of a waning of the favourable base effect related to the earlier hike of excise duty on fuels and low gold imports, it may also reflect the impact of the note ban on factory production and consumption in certain sectors. The pace of growth of service tax collections has slipped to 12 per cent in December 2016, from the cumulative growth of 26 per cent at end-November 2016, which may be because of a cutback on discretionary spends. The double-digit growth of service tax benefits from the imposition of Krishi Kalyan Cess from June 1, 2016 onwards, she added. The commission warned political parties that it will not be a silent spectator if provisions of law or model code are violated. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modis images may soon have to be covered or removed from petrol pumps in the five states where elections will be held from February 4 with the Election Commission on Tuesday ordering that hoardings and photographs of all political leaders be removed ahead of the crucial polls. In a separate order, the commission warned political parties that it will not be a silent spectator if provisions of law or model code are violated. The commission will take strong actions for any violations under all powers available, the EC said. The EC decision comes a day after the Congress had petitioned for the removal of all the hoardings or posters of Mr Modi displayed at petrol pumps claiming it amounted to violation of model code of conduct in poll-bound states. In its letter, the Congress told the commission that these massive hoardings of the PM crediting him for distribution of cooking gas etc., was in violation of the model code of conduct which has become operational when the election date was announced on January 4. The commission in its order has asked the poll machinery in the five poll-bound states to either co-ver or remove photographs of political leaders on all hoardings and advertisements which seek to project the achievements of any living political functionary or political party. The EC was in fact reiterating its instructions issued on December 12, 2004, after the chief electoral officer of Goa raised the issue after the election schedule was announced on January 4. It said the photos in advertisements or hoardings of similar type should also be removed or covered suitably so that spirit of its instructions is fully complied with. The Opposition had requested the Election Commission to postpone the presentation of budget after March 8. New Delhi: The Centre is learnt to have defended its decision to present the Union Budget on February 1 in its reply to the Election Commission, informing the poll body that it would not be possible to shift the Budget presentation to a later date since it is a significant activity pertaining to the expenses of the nation, and it was done in order to avoid spilling over of the Budget sanction to the new financial year. Sources close to the development said that Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha in response on Tuesday to the Election Commissions query regarding presentation of the Budget on the aforementioned date, is learnt to have reaffirmed the governments decision to advance the Budget Session by almost a month, so that well before the commencement of the next fiscal on April 1, all the necessary allocations are made to the concerned sectors. The government has reportedly also told the Election Commission that the Budget presentation is an exercise which pertains to the entire country and not just to a few states. Normally the Union Budget is presented on February 28 every year, and its sanction from Parliament takes place in the new financial year, which delays implementation of various new initiatives. The EC had sought the governments response on advancing the Budget Session of Parliament by January 10. It had acted on the complaint from several Opposition parties led by the Congress, which had contended that presentation of the budget on February 1, just 10 days before the first phase of polling begins in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections on February 11, is a violation of the election code of conduct. The Opposition had requested the Election Commission to postpone the presentation of budget after March 8, which is the last date of polling in the politically crucial Uttar Pradesh. The Budget Session has already been convened from January 31 when the President will address the joint sitting of the two Houses. The Union Budget and the Economic Survey are slated to be presented the next day. Earlier, the government while defending the move to advance the budget session had said that the parliamentary committees have already been informed to study budgetary proposals in the recess period between February 10 and March 8. It said that the government had made its intentions clear to advance the session in September last and the Union Cabinet had also cleared the proposal. The BJP CEC is likely to meet on Wednesday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the meeting. New Delhi: Ahead of the BJPs first central election committee (CEC) meeting for the coming Assembly elections in five states, including UP, the RSS brass has been holding a brainstorming session in Lucknow so that the BJP fields winnable candidates. The BJP CEC is likely to meet on Wednesday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the meeting. The sangh parivar is desperately trying to end BJPs 14-year-old vanvaas in this politically crucial state. RSS senior leaders Dattatreya Hosabale and Krishna Gopal, sources said, are holding deliberations with sanghs kshetra-pracharaks and prant-paracharks from UP. They are deliberating on feedback on issues like caste-combinations, dominant caste, performance of candidate who won last time and credibility and influence of BJPs prospective candidate, on each and every Assembly constituency. BJPs national joint general secretary Shiv Prakash, an RSS man, is also part of this brainstrorming session, which has been going on since Tuesday, which is also collecting feedback on issues that could be highlighted during campaigning. At the RSS meeting at Nirala Nagar in Lucknow, sources said, the sangh brass also deliberated on a contentious issue of how many candidates, who have joined the saffron fold from other political outfits, should be fielded. Under the NDA government, the ministry in 2016 modified its earlier notification and declared that the sport could continue despite the ban. Chennai: Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that though personally he has no objections to Jallikattu, the verdict of the Supreme Court should be respected. Jallikattu, according to me personally has been a traditional art and play in Tamil Nadu and nobody should have any objection. But when the highest court of the land has given a verdict, I as a minister I am not supposed to contradict the court stand, Mr Naidu, Union minister of urban development, housing and urban poverty alleviation, said. Responding to questions whether the BJP government would bring an ordinance to ensure conduct of Jallikattu, Mr Naidu said there are suggestions to bring an amendment to the law, like the Union government did in the Shah Bano case (1985). I cant say anything because I am not dealing with the subject. If we amend, we have to see whether it will stand the scrutiny of law, he said. With Pongal, the biggest harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, round the corner, the issue of banned Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport traditionally linked to festivities, has once again come to the fore. In 2011, during the UPA rule, the environment ministry added bulls to its 1991 notification banning the training and exhibition of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and dogs. The notification was challenged in the SC and was upheld in 2014. Under the NDA government, the ministry in 2016 modified its earlier notification and declared that the sport could continue despite the ban. This was challenged by animal welfare organisations and a stay order was issued by the court. A number of Indias leading corporate leaders, including Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata and Mukesh Adani, also addressed the event. Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday used the stage of Vibarant Gujarat Global Summit to take potshots the previous UPA government, saying that its only in the last couple of years that India has realised that quick results are possible in a democratic set up. Addressing a gathering of global leaders, top industrialists from India and abroad, as well as Nobel laureates, he said, We have seen in the last two and a half years that it is possible to deliver quick results in a democratic set-up as well. India, he said, has become the sixth largest manufacturing country in the world, up from 9th largest previously. All this is helping us expand the job market and raise the purchasing power of our people. But the real potential is even higher, he said. Pointing out that over the last two and a half years, weve also evolved a culture of healthy competitions among states which are being rated on the parameters of good governance, Mr Modi said that in 2014-15, India contributed 12.4 per cent of the global economic growth. The four-day summit, sometimes called Davos of the East, is held every two years. It was launched in 2003 by PM Modi while he was chief minister of Gujarat. Addressing the gathering, Mr Modi said that Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also represents the business spirit of India. The summit is being held at the Mahatma Mandir convention hall in Gujarats capital, Gandhinagar. The PM met several visiting foreign dignitaries, including President of Rwanda and PM of Serbia, to promote bilateral relations and investment opportunities. He also held parleys with delegates from different nations as well as Fortune 500 CEOs, including John Chambers of Cisco, on the sidelines of the summit. A number of Indias leading corporate leaders, including Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata and Mukesh Adani, also addressed the event. The PM, while inviting the global inves-tors to invest in India, said, Make in India has become the biggest brand India has ever had. Indias strength, he said, lies in its 3 Ds democracy, demography and demand, and added, I am proud to say that the digitising of Indias economy is happening before you. We have worked tirelessly for the last many months, especially the last few, to ensure India is one of the most digitised economies in the world. Claiming that his government believes in clean-governance, Mr Modi said, We are bringing a shift from relation-based governance to system-based governance, from discretionary administration to policy-based administration, from random interference to technological intervention, from favouritism to level playing field and from Informal economy to formal economy. The PM asserted that his government is strongly committed to continue the refo-rms of Indian economy. We have worked to put in place many reforms be it GST, IPR, bankruptcy law... These are just a glimpse of the direction in which India is headed. Danes eager to participate in Indias smart city project. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked Denmark to extend full support in the extradition of Purulia arms drop case accused Kim Davy, taking into account Indias sensitivities. The matter was raised by Mr Modi during a call on by Danish minister of energy, utilities and climate change Lars Christian Lilleholt, who is in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) to attend the Vibrant Gujarat summit. The Prime Minister raised the issue of Kim Davys extradition and hoped that Denmark would take into account Indias sensitivities and extend full cooperation. The Danish minister assured that Denmark was seized of the matter, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. The two also discussed bilateral trade cooperation with the Prime Minister asserting that India-Denmark trade of $2.8 billion and Danish investment of $6 billion in India showed the strength of trade and investment ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister sought Danish participation in the areas of ports and shipping, waste water management and energy efficiency, in all of which Denmark has considerable expertise, Mr Swarup told reporters in Gandhinagar. Denmark was keen to participate in Indias smart city project and was awaiting an early visit by minister of urban development M. Venkaiah Naidu, the visiting minister conveyed and added that Denmark was also keen to cooperate in the area of green energy particularly wind and solar. It is understood that India and Portugal have also agreed to work out modalities for a co-production agreement in the film sector. New Delhi: Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa has invited Indian filmmakers to shoot their upcoming ventures in his country. The Portuguese government will also hold talks with film industry representatives in Goa on January 12 to promote the country as a shooting destination. Sources stated that many Indian producers have been invited for the scheduled meeting with the Portugal Prime Minister in Goa on January 12. Union information and broadcasting is understood to be facilitating the talks. Sources stated that the Portuguese government was keen to enable shoots for films like Hrithik Roshan-starrer Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, shot in Spain and promoted by the Spanish government. It is believed that Indian movies shot in Portugal could help the country in bolstering its tourism industry. Sources stated that a proposal to provide subsidies to film producers may also be discussed at the meet. It is understood that India and Portugal have also agreed to work out modalities for a co-production agreement in the film sector. The agreement would be framed in a time-bound manner keeping in mind the legal aspects of such an agreement. A possibility of an MoU between the public broadcasters of both the countries to share best practices and seek cooperation in technical and content related matters was also discussed. The issue of MoU was also discussed at a meeting between minister of state for information & broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore and Portugal minister of culture Luis Filipe Castro Mendes on Tuesday. New Delhi: The 37-year-old dismissed merchant navy officer, who allegedly killed his father and then set off a cylinder blast on Sunday, had "extreme hatred" for his father who had disowned him after he got married to a divorcee with two kids, police said on Monday. Rahul Matta had allegedly killed his father R P Matta on Sunday and then attacked a neighbour who intervened in the matter. He had locked himself inside the neighbour's kitchen and switched on the gas connection when police tried to arrest him. He lit a matchstick that caused an explosion that injured 11 policemen, when there entered the house after breaking the door. Rahul had sustained injuries to his hand. During interrogation, he told that he had "extreme hatred" for his father who had disowned him after he got married to a divorcee with two kids, police said, adding that he has been sent to 14 days judicial custody by the court. Police said Matta's post-mortem could not be performed as they were awaiting his second son, who lives in the US, to arrive in New Delhi. Rahul's mother Vibha is an asthma patient and has not been keeping well after the incident. Her condition worsened last night and had to be taken to a hospital from where she was discharged on Monday, they said. AAP, which first captured power in Delhi on the back of its civil society campaign against corruption, has been making inroad in Punjab. Mohali: Arvind Kejriwal was on Tuesday virtually declared the Chief Ministerial candidate in Punjab by his Aam Aadmi Party, injecting a new dimension to what is considered a three-way race in the Assembly polls. "You vote thinking that you are voting to make Arvind Kejriwal as the chief minister (of Punjab). Your vote is for Kejriwal," Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said while addressing a public gathering at village Balongi in Mohali. AAP, which first captured power in Delhi in 2013 on the back of its civil society campaign against corruption, has been steadily making inroad in Punjab. It had won four Lok Sabha seats in 2014 but has since been marred by infighting. Sisodia assured the people that Kejriwal would honour all the promises made by the party with the people of Punjab after coming to power. "People were asking me who will be the Punjab Chief Minister. I want to say one thing here that you should believe that Arvind Kejriwal is going to be Punjab's CM," he said. However, in the same breath, Sisodia said, "Whosoever will be the CM, it shall be the responsibility of Kejriwal to get all the promises honoured.... I give you guarantee in this regard." Urging people to vote for party's candidate from Mohali Narinder Singh Shergill, Sisodia asked people to bring AAP to the power in order to put the state on the right track. Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal has maintained that AAP would not announce chief ministerial candidate in Punjab. The AAP's national convenor had reportedly said that the CM would be elected by the legislators after the polls. Nine award-winning artists and calligraphers from Iran create magic at the ongoing Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazaar. With a bamboo kalam and golden watercolour, calligrapher Ali Kheyri sits absorbed in his art, demonstrating the penmanship of beautiful Persian calligraphy. One of the nine award-winning artisans at the ongoing Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazaar, Ali along with Indian artisans is working on a book about folk stories for children. At the 31st Annual Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar in Dilli Haat, artisans from Iran and India are holding live demonstrations, offering visitors a chance to interact, learn and explore Iranian handicrafts and textiles. Titled Namayeshgahsanaye-e-Dasti Iranva Hind, the exhibition, organised by the Dastkari Haat Samiti in collaboration with Iran Culture House revitalises the art and cultural ties of both nations. Talking about Persian calligraphy, Mohammad Nekouei, supervisor, Artisan Group International Fair, Handicraft Association of Isfahan, says, Calligraphy is one of the most important Iranian crafts. He mentions that the motifs, techniques and forms of Iranian calligraphy can be difficult to teach to Indian artisans because they are very different. On being asked about the dominance of calligraphy in Iran, he says, There are very few excellent full-time calligraphers in Iran now. As part of the academic curriculum, very few universities teach calligraphy. With his first visit to India, Mohammad is excited to work with Indian calligraphers and states, I really feel honoured to be part of this unique festival. We are utilising this platform to learn Indian style of calligraphy, as it is very different from our style. wonderful being here and interacting with the Indian artisans and craftsmen. . It is a wonderful feeling to be here with people who are so friendly and helpful, says Mohammad. The Annual Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazar is currently taking place at Dilli Haat, INA, from 11 am to 9 pm. Agriculture in India relies heavily on groundwater for irrigation, particularly in the dry northern regions where precipitation is scarce. Ahmedabad: Changes in precipitation,which are linked to the warming of the Indian Ocean, is the main reason for recent decline in groundwater storage in India, a new study led by researchers of IIT Gandhinagar has warned. Agriculture in India relies heavily on groundwater for irrigation, particularly in the dry northern regions where precipitation is scarce. Groundwater withdrawals in the country have increased over tenfold since the 1950's, from 10-20 cubic kilometres per year in 1950, to 240-260 cubic kilometres per year in 2009. Satellite measurements have shown major declines in groundwater storage in some parts of the country, particularly in northern India. "Groundwater plays a vital role in food and water security in India. Sustainable use of groundwater resources for irrigation is the key for future food grain production," said study leader Vimal Mishra from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar. "With a fast-growing population, managing groundwater sustainably is going become even more important," said Mishra. "The linkage between monsoon rainfall and groundwater can suggest ways to enhance groundwater recharge in India and especially in the regions where rainfall has been declining, such as the Indo-Gangetic Plain," Mishra added. Groundwater acts like a bank for water storage, receiving deposits from surface water and precipitation and withdrawals as people pump out water for drinking, industry and irrigating fields. If withdrawals add up to more than the deposits, eventually the accounts could run dry, which could have disastrous consequences. "This study adds another dimension to the existing water management framework. We need to consider not just the withdrawals, but also the deposits in the system," said Yoshihide Wada, deputy director of the Water program at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria. The issue of groundwater depletion has been a topic of much discussion in India, but most planning has focused on pumping or the demand side, rather than the deposit side. By looking at water levels in wells around the country, the researchers could track groundwater replenishment following the monsoons. They found that in fact, variability in the monsoons is the key factor driving the changing groundwater storage levels across the country, even as withdrawals increase. In addition, the researchers found that the monsoon precipitation is correlated with Indian Ocean temperature, a finding which could potentially help to improve precipitation forecasts and aid in water resource planning. "Weather is uncertain by nature and the impacts of climate change are extremely difficult to predict at a regional level," said Wada. The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience. While porn searches in by western countries are similar, Indians have completely different searches India is fourth on the list released by Pornhub, an adult porn site for porn consumption in the world, one lower than last year. (Photo: AFP) The Kamasutra and its Indian origins is quite popular all around the world and our love for porn even more. Indians are now fourth after USA, UK and Canada but it turns out they have the most unique porn searches on the internet in a recent adult content website report. According to a report in Huffington Post, adult content website Pornhub recently released their report of the most searches by countries and what they searched for too. While the US,UK and Canada had quite similar searches like stepmom, lesbian, step sister, MILF and cartoon, India had it different. The searches by India are so different that people wouldnt have a doubt that the Kamasutra came from our very own country. The top searches on Pornhub by Indians were Indian porn, Indian wife, Indian college, Indian bhabhi (sister-in-law), Indian bhabi devar (sister-in-law and brother-in-law), Indian teacher and Mom to finish the list. We are definitely surprised at the list and it is also interesting to note while they are the most unique searches, the consumption has decreased by one spot in 2016. From counselling to skill development, a Charitable Trust is helping children of prisoners live a better life. What happens to a child if he/she is born inside a prison? Or is raised inside the confinement of four walls because his parents are undergoing trial? What will be the psychological impact on the child in such a situation? Delhi-based NGO Siddhartha Vashishta Charitable Trust (SVCT) works toward the psychological development of these children and emphasises on the role education can play in improving their lives. The Trust identifies financially weak families and individuals who are victims and provides them with long-term as well as short-term financial assistance and gives them adequate counseling for development of children. Kanupriya Mehta, General Secretary, SVCT, says, We feel that the children of prisoners, like any other children, are just as innocent and they too deserve to live with dignity, honour and respect. Education is a stepping stone towards building a better future for these children. One where there is possibility for growth and developing essential life skills. We strongly believe that the children of prisoners are among the most underprivileged children and need special attention so that they do not fall back into the vicious pattern of punishment. Talking about the need to focus on these children and their lives, Kanupriya states, These unseen, unheard children of prisoners are condemned and ostracised in society and even deprived of their basic rights. While working with the children of Tihar inmates, we observed that because either one or both the parents are incarcerated, the lives of these children is turned completely upside down. She continues, These children are deprived of basic necessities of life and also education which is a fundamental right of every child. These children too have the right to live with honour and respect as a part of the society, not as outcasts due to circumstances beyond their control. Because they suffer societal indifference and ridicule coupled with extreme poverty, these children are financially and mentally very vulnerable and require special help. The NGO also helps the families to rehabilitate, as during the process of rehabilitation they face a lot of social ostracism and exclusion. We as an NGO help them by providing them with suitable jobs and sensitising people towards them and their needs, explains Kanupriya. She adds, A supporting social environment is important for these children to ensure their proper emotional and educational development. This is an important key measure because in many cases education is disrupted due to circumstances and children get drawn towards crime. These children are also provided with psychological support and career counselling, states Kanupriya. Over 600 children of jailed inmates have directly benefited from the Human Touch Child education programme as we have sponsored their fees, uniforms, books, stationery and every daily requirement, she concludes. The legendary Odissi dancer Sanjukta Panigrahi visited Brazil decades ago as part of the workshops and seminars led by Eugenio Barba. I find it fascinating that Odissi has had a long connection and impact in Brazil. It seems natural that Bharatanatyam and Kathak were better known internationally than other classical Indian dance forms for reasons of post-Independence recognition, patronage and the logistics of solo rather than group travel abroad, not to mention the number of professional performing artists in soloist traditions. Brazil, so far away geographically from India, had three centuries of Portuguese colonialism that produced a fusion of peoples and cultures. The mix of European, Arab, Japanese, African and Indigenous Amerindian Brazilians has resulted in a mosaic of cultures and beliefs. When Odissi dance was first seen in Brazil, it was basically introduced as a conversation with the body, mind and spirit, as a dialogue with indigenous Brazilian traditions that could inform the communication possibilities for actors. This is quite a different ethos from that of Europe where the dance was separated from the sacred for virtually two millennia, and the court dance that evolved into classical ballet was entirely secular aesthetics. The legendary Odissi dancer Sanjukta Panigrahi visited Brazil decades ago as part of the workshops and seminars led by Eugenio Barba. Barba, the Italian theatre director who founded the Danish Odin Theatre and the International School of Theatre in Bologna and later the International School of Theatre Anthropology, included Sanjukta in many short courses and demonstrations of Odissi, which not only made Odissi better known globally but also understood and appreciated. Inspired and under the watchful eye of his Guru or Pai de Santo (a priest of Afro-Brazilian religions) Eugenio Barba, Augusto Omolu devised the Orixa dance as a cultural syncretism that is now a popular form of religious and artistic expression for performance. He grew up in the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomble, becoming an ogan (an assistant to the ceremonies). The spiritual in dance, intrinsic to Odissi, is also an important part of the Brazilian Candomble ceremonies since the dances enable worshippers to become possessed by deities. The movements of the Orixas are a study of the connections between the rhythms and the traditional movement, archetype and mythology interpreted as an art form. The meeting of Sanjukta and Augusto was arranged by Barba to discover and offer a range of possibilities to elaborate on Omolus dance expertise, thanks to the wisdom of another tradition, more ancient and elaborated, Odissi. The only communication means between Sanjukta and Omolu was stage language, since she did not speak Portuguese and he did not speak English. An Odin Teatret member described the experience of their creating a scene together in her words: Sanjukta began to improvise, moving from the representation of an elephant to one of a peacock, from Radha to Krishna, from a snake to a demon. Omolu followed her, transforming from Oxumare to Nana, from Iemanja to Ossae, from Iansa to Ogum. In order to signal each character change, she would turn. Together, they found an artifice he could use: a procedure that resembles trembling, something like a slight loss of balance, leaning backwards which signals the moment a devotee becomes possessed by an Orixa (deity). When Omolu switched characters, it was as if the trembling fused a new energy within his body. My Brazilian student of 18 years, Silvana Duarte, saw the improvisation and dialogue exercise between Sanjukta and Omolu as a beautiful narrative of how arts are a privileged means of culture approach and how much, once sensitised to the others experience, we can creatively find our own paths in making art and re-evaluate our many values, so many times forgotten. This may be the reason why Odissi dance sparked so much interest, curiosity and enchantment in Brazilian audiences. Sonal Mansingh has performed there, and I certainly loved the response of audiences when I toured. Ivaldo Bertazzo, the hugely popular Brazilian visionary choreographer known for dance works that involve a large number of people on stage while embodying a social message and practice, has created a large amount of visibility for Odissi by presenting Madhavi and Arushi Mudgal in his mega productions and finally three generations of Odissi including Padmavibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. In the last two decades, Brazilians have shown growing interest in Odissi performance and practice, attracted by its sculptural and lyrical form but mostly by its dramatic, philosophical and spiritual aspects. My focus on the Brazil-India connection at this time is prompted by the presence of Silvana, accompanied by six students from Brazil, for a winter holiday workshop. I am always curious about a student or artists motivation to dance, as achieving any goals depend in large part on what you wish to achieve. I asked them, a doctor, an architect, a lawyer, a businesswoman, an IT expert, to share their motivations for travelling 14,766 km to India to struggle with an art form that takes years to master. Some had seen other dance forms of India thanks to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations tours and some had been inspired by the incredibly dynamic activities of ICCRs Indian Cultural Centre that Silvana helped launch and where she taught regularly. One student was initially drawn to the rhythmic element and percussion footwork; another had seen Odissi used in fusion productions and wanted to learn the pure classical tradition. While for some it was difficult to express what seemed like an irrational desire, one thoughtful student clearly saw Odissi as more complete than other dance traditions of which she was aware, involving the soul and emotions so that it was good for the spirit and emotions and not simply the body. A middle-aged Krishna bhakt and excellent Samba dancer, whose daughter was a classical ballet dancer, passionately wanted to immerse herself in a dance with a spiritual relationship. Past life connections were not ruled out! Integral to learning in class is performance practice, so they also had the opportunity to share what they had learned, accompanied by live as well as recorded music, in a studio performance here in Delhi to a small audience of well-wishers. It will take time to master what was taught in the workshop, for the seniors as well as beginners. Sharing their work-in-progress celebrates what they have achieved and while motivating them to continue to work to bring their efforts to a performance level. Silvana feels that The spiritual context of Odissi dance is easily incorporated by Brazilian students who can identify in this art the same human and universal values found in their own artistic and religious expressions. While both cultures differ in their artistic expressions, from another point of view, they come close and share the same values. She believes that exploring the others art compels us to revisit our own way of being. Sharon Lowen is a respected exponent of Odissi, Manipuri and Mayurbhanj and Seraikella Chau whose four-decade career in India was preceded by 17 years of modern dance and ballet in the US and an MA in dance from the University of Michigan. She can be contacted at sharonlowen.workshop@gmail.com The elephants come out in droves at the Minneriya reserve in Sri Lanka, making it a hotspot for any nature lover. For some unknown reasons, I am attached to elephants. I find them charismatic, friendly, calm and they are quite social beings. And yes, if troubled, we will get to experience their wrath too. I can spend hours, days or even months watching them, observing their behaviour. One of the best places to spend time with them is Minneriya National Park, situated in the north central province of Sri Lanka. When water and grass dries out at the nearby park, they move into Minneriya as it has a man-made reservoir and enough fresh grass to feast on. This movement happens in the month of September and October. On any given day, one can easily spot 100-odd elephants of all sizes. I have heard stories of people who have seen over 500 elephants at a glance in the park. These elephants move from Wasgamuwa National Park, Angammadilla National Park, Somawathi Chathiya Sanctuary (Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee districts) and forest areas in Matale. They travel approximately 20-50 km to reach this park. They are believed to come out from the jungle in the evening. However, I decided to explore the park in the morning to familiarise myself with the surroundings and to see if I could get lucky enough to spot herds. Before I could reach the open grassland, I happened to see a beautiful grey-headed fish eagle. This park is a haven for birding too. The grassland was simply breathtaking. I was speechless and found myself at a loss of words to describe my experience. Male elephants almost lose their senses when they are in the musth. Musth is a periodic condition in bull (male) elephants, characterised by highly aggressive be-haviour and accompanied by a large rise in reproductive hormones. Testosterone levels in an elephant in musth can be as much as 60 times greater than in the same elephant at other times. I was very fortunate to see these two elephants chasing and fighting with each other, felling trees and trying to cool themselves by splashing water. They were all over the habitat. By the time, I reached the park in the second half, I could see herds of elephants and vehicles in the park. Minneriya has become a hot tourist destination in recent times. Tourists explored the scary option of getting closer to the elephants by nudging the drivers/guides who obliged, greedy for tips that they were offered. They were willing to indulge in this dangerous stunt for merely a few bucks. In my opinion, keeping some distance is always advisable. I had a great time watching the young ones. Some of them were lesser than a few weeks-old. This is an amazing place to understand elephant behaviour. While I watched them spend time with each other, I happened to notice that they were quite friendly. Elephants are very protective when it comes to their young ones and their herd. The herds are mostly headed by the females and she is the one who decides and guides the herd. Minneriya is one of the best places in the world to watch elephant congregation or may be this is the only place where an elephant gathering like this happens. This is a must-watch sighting if youre a nature and wildlife lover like me. The writer is founder R SQUARE and www.natureinfocus.in The book was released in 2016 soon after JNU was in news for wrong reasons and was denied reading without any explanation. New Delhi: A city-based author has alleged his book which has a setting in the 1980s in Jawaharlal Nehru University was denied reading permission at the ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair, a claim dismissed by the organisers. The book's publishers Speaking Tiger sought to distance itself saying, "We have nothing much to say about the decision." The author, Avijit Ghosh, took to Facebook to express his disappointment. "Friends, my JNU novel, 'Up Campus Down Campus', was denied reading at the ongoing World Book Fair. The book was one of the three that my publishers, Speaking Tiger, wanted to organise a discussion and reading on. "National Book Trust, the organisers, asked only for 'Up Campus Down Campus'. Within an hour or two, they said, no," he said in a post. According to Ghosh, the book that was released in 2016 soon after JNU was in news for wrong reasons, was denied reading without any explanation. "No explanation was given by NBT to the publisher. The present NBT chairman is a former editor of 'Panchjanya'. In the absence of explanation, I can only speculate on their act. "First, the organisers didn't want to give a platform to a novel on JNU for some reason in their mind. Second, AAP leader Ashutosh, my hostel mate then at Periyar, was the fellow discussant. We - the book and us - seem to be guilty by suspicion," he wrote on Facebook. Ghosh's 'Up Campus, Down Campus' celebrates JNU's "uniqueness", while mapping the aspirations, raging hormones and moral conflicts of small-town boys who arrive in city campuses every year. NBT, however, denied any foul play and said it had a set programme schedule to follow to accommodate the maximum number of participants. "We have not cancelled anything. We have a programme schedule and try to accommodate maximum number of participants. Also, they (Speaking Tiger) did not come and request us again to conduct the reading," Badeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman of NBT, told PTI. Reacting to Ghosh's claims, Sharma said, "It is their thinking, but we do not discriminate. All book and authors are equally important for us." In a statement, Speaking Tiger said, "The book fair is organised by the NBT and it is for them to decide what events they want to host. It doesn't affect the book in any way. There'll be other opportunities for book readings and discussions." It went on to say, "NBT informed us on 2nd January that the scheduled book reading and discussion had been cancelled, and that they would refund the fee that we had paid." Deputy CM Sisodia told reporters that Rs. 119 crore has been provided to the East Delhi Municipal Corporation for providing salaries. The indefinite strike by the sanitation workers of the EDMC, which entered its fourth day on Tuesday, left the trans-Yamuna region reeling under a garbage crisis. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Sanitation workers on Tuesday dumped garbage outside the residence of Trilokpuri's Aam Admi Party( AAP) MLA Raju Dhingan in protest against the negligence of both the Delhi government and the Centre. On Monday, after meeting a delegation of sanitation workers, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters that Rs. 119 crore has been provided to the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) for providing salaries. The indefinite strike by the sanitation workers of the EDMC, which entered its fourth day on Tuesday, left the trans-Yamuna region reeling under a garbage crisis, with waste dumped in the open in several areas from Laxmi Nagar to Patparganj. Mother says father was even willing to give him the house. New Delhi: Wife of dismissed merchant navy sailor Rahul Matta said on Tuesday that she didnt wish to speak about her husband as he was totally crazy. The couple had got married in a temple in Hardwar in September last year. Rahuls mother Vibha, however, said that her husband Ravinder was even ready to part with his house to ensure harmony and despite all that and other efforts to make amends with their son, he had to pay with his life. Surrounded by relatives in the drawing room of the house, which was witness to the most brutal chapter in their family history, Ms Matta is at a loss for words. This is the same house where Rahul murdered his father two days ago and she had to lock herself in for safety. The house is also said to be at the centre of the dispute between the father and son. Matta Saab (her late husband) did everything he could to keep Rahuls temper in check. As far as I can recall, neither of us ever hit our children. There was nothing from our side that instilled aggression in him. I would still lose my calm occasionally but even till his last days, my husband did everything to sort things out, said Ms Matta. The incident has left Ms Matta in a state of bewilderment. The shock also means she is at a loss for words and keeps her responses rather brief and avoids talking. But her sons behaviour and her husbands responses keep coming up. Rahuls relatives alleged that his parents didnt approve of his marriage to a divorcee, who had two children. After Rahul was disowned by his parents, nobody knows where he lived. We got to know that he had moved in with his wife at a rented accommodation, said a relative. Meanwhile, on Tuesday Rahul was shifted to a hospital from Tihar jail. TMC general secretary Subrata Bakshi said the protest would raise the economic policies of the Narendra Modi government. Kolkata: The Trinamul Congress will hold a rally in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday to protest against the arrests of two of its MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Tapas Paul in connection with the Rose Valley chit fund scam. TMC general secretary Subrata Bakshi said the protest would raise the economic policies of the Narendra Modi government and the arrest of party MPs by the CBI. Trinamul Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee left for Bhubaneswar on Sunday and asserted that the party would not bow down to vendetta politics. The Centre is pursuing vendetta politics against the state government and TMC leaders. However, we cannot be cowed down by threats and vendetta politics. Our party will not bow its head irrespective of the attacks on us. Tomorrow we will take out a protest rally at Bhubaneswar railway station. We want to expose the BJP. We want to tell people that here is a fascist party which can stoop so low to pursue its agenda of vendetta politics, Mr Chatterjee said before leaving for Bhubaneswar where he later met the MP. He is doing well right now and is encouraged by our fight against the Centres vendetta politics. He knows that the CBI has been used to arrest him before the Budget session in Parliament so that the NDA gets the upper hand. But we will fight this politically and we will continue to protest against this, Mr Chatterjee said. To show solidarity to their two arrested MPs, top TMC leaders like general secretary Subrata Bakshi, Chandrima Bhattacharya and Manish Gupta also accompanied Mr Chatterjee to Bhubaneswar. After the rally, Mr Bakshi will stay back to monitor the situation and give moral support to the arrested MPs. Meanwhile, the party's protest against its MPs continued in West Bengal after TMC workers blocked railway tracks near Shyamnagar station in the district of North 24 Parganas. North Bengal development minister Gautam Deb led a protest rally in Siliguri denouncing the Centre's move to arrest its MPs. Police probe revealed that DU was given to the shoemaker for sale by scrap-dealer Kishore Prajapati. Prajapati divided the DU into three parts, and kept the major part with him. (Representational image) Mumbai: The Thane crime branch on Sunday seized 16 grams of depleted uranium (DU) from a Mira Road-based shoemaker and sent it to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for testing. The police probe established that the DU was given to the shoemaker for sale by scrap-dealer Kishore Prajapati. It was only around a fortnight ago, that the police had seized 8.86 kg of DU worth Rs 24 crore from Prajapati and his activities had been under the scanner ever since. The police had nabbed Prajapati and his aide last month when they were attempting to sell the DU to a potential buyer. The police suspects that the fresh DU that has been seized is from the same stock that was earlier seized from Prajapati and his alleged accomplice, who is also a scrap dealer. The police has questioned the shoemaker, whose identity is being kept under wraps as the probe is still on, and is verifying his role, according to DCP, Thane police (crime), Parag Manere. The shoemaker clarified that Prajapati gave him 16 grams of Depleted Uranium a few months ago and told him that it was a big thing. Prajapati told him that he should try to sell it and the proceeds from it could be shared between them, said Mr Manere. The police probe found that Prajapati had allegedly sourced the DU from a scrapped Boeing aircraft in 2006, and stored it in his house till 2014. During interrogation Prajapati confessed that two pieces (73 gm) were taken out from the three main samples of Uranium and given to an oil seller in Khar while the other one, of 16 gm, to a shoe-seller in Mira Road, Mr Manere further said. DCP Manere said, Prajapati was desperate to find a customer to sell the uranium to. Basically he was searching (for a customer) to get rid of the Uranium at suitable price so he gave some stuff to the oil seller in Khar and the shoemaker at Mira Road. The police said Prajapati divided the DU into three parts, and kept the major part with himself while giving the others to the oil seller and the shoemaker. Prajapati got the DU verified by a privately-run lab and approached potential buyers in the grey market, joint commissioner of police (Thane) Ashutosh Dumbhare had told The Asian Age last month. The action was taken after the company ceased operations in Mumbai, leaving employees in the lurch. Mumbai: The government has formed an action committee with officials from the central and state labour department along with affected labourers to monitor the issue against Cambata Aviation and Bird Worldwide Flight Service (BWFS) for allegedly refusing to cooperate with government officials who were confiscating the companys equipment on court directions. Earlier, labour minister Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar had ordered legal action to be initiated against the company for delay in releasing its employees pending dues. The action was taken after the company ceased operations in Mumbai, leaving employees in the lurch. On Monday activist Anjali Damania along with Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe met several authorities in the state government. Despite several warnings and notices from authorities, the management did not pay the dues and hence, as per orders of the industrial court, recovery procedures were initiated on January 6 and 7 and two FIRs were filed related to Cambata Aviation for non-compliance and BWFS using Cambatas equipment despite it being seized and sealed by the government, said Ms Damania. Ms Damania, added, There have been several suicides and deaths of workers who are unable to face the misery that has been thrusted on them and the inaction of the government. The workers are owed around `109 crore, including their salary and bonuses of the past two years Meanwhile, BWFS, in a statement, said, The state government, tehsildar and office of collector, despite being aware of high court orders, forcibly removed the equipment subsequently on the evening of January 6 to 8, 2017.... We are committed to follow the law of the land and will continue to co-operate with the authorities as required. 'Chaupal' is a popular concept in Northern India where in people gather in a open community space and hold deliberations on regular issues. North Indian voters have a sizeable population in the metropolis and all parties have been eyeing this vote bank. (Photo: Representational Image) Mumbai: Buoyed by victory in elections to the municipal councils and Nagar Panchayats, BJP leaders in the city unit have launched an exercise to woo North Indians by holding the series of 'Chunavi Chaupal' wherein they are apprising North Indian voters about the various initiatives taken by the Devendra Fadnavis led government. Local leaders at ward levels have shown great synergy in organising such chaupals and response from North Indian voters to this series of 'Chunavi Chaupal' has been overwhelming, said Amarjeet Mishra, General Secretary of city unit of BJP, a key functionary of the 'Chaupal'. 'Chaupal' is a popular concept in Northern India where in people gather in a open community space and hold deliberations on regular issues. "We are apprising the North Indian voters about the various initiatives taken by CM Devendra Fadnavis. We are telling them about the infrastructural and developmental works done by him and also the various programmes attended by Fadnavisji which were organised for the sake of North Indians," Mishra said. Mishra runs several social and cultural organisations such as Abhiyan, Kamal Deep Foundation etc in the city. "Whenever we called Chief Minister, be it at Bati-Chokha programme, Kajari or Chhath Puja or celebrating Uttar Foundation Day in the city, Fadnavisji was kind enough not only to grace the occasion but also he reached out to North Indians residents and spoke to them," he said. North Indian voters have a sizeable population in the metropolis and all parties have been eyeing this vote bank. The announcement of elections to 11 civic bodies including Sena-BJP ruled BMC is likely to be made very soon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is personally supervising all the meetings related to the infrastructural projects under these municipal bodies. The current term of Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi-Nijampur, Ulhasnagar, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nashik, Akola, Solapur, Amravati, Nagpur civic bodies will end by March 2017. Last time in 2012, BMC elections were held on February 16 and the new House was formed on March 8. Fadnavis held a meeting with guardian ministers of BJP on Monday night to discuss proposed alliance. Mumbai: In a bid to forge an alliance with Shiv Sena for the upcoming elections to 10 municipal corporations and 26 Zilla Parishads, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has asked party leaders to initiate talks with their Sena counterparts to explore seat sharing possibilities. "Fadnavis has given directions to district unit leaders to talk to Sena politicians on seat sharing possibilities. The CM and state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve will meet tomorrow to discuss the strategy for alliance," Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters in Mumbai. "The focus should be on winning maximum number of seats," said Mungantiwar. Fadnavis held a meeting with guardian ministers of BJP on Monday night to discuss proposed alliance. Mungantiwar said alliance finalisation should be done at the earliest so that workers get into election mode and begin campaigning. The Minister made it clear that alliance will not be 100 per cent since it is not possible to take a decision being in Mumbai. "Local leaderships need to be taken on board," he said. Earlier, late Bal Thackeray, Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde would discuss the strategy for alliance and seat sharing, he said. PM Modi fell into the same rhetorical trap of belting out a preachy sermon but chose the wrong words. Some pictures may be worth a thousand words. But when the two are put together, as in a video, they evoke deep emotions and convey subliminal messages. Watch the master of the spoken word Barack Obama, in his January 2016 address on the mundane subject of gun control in the United States and you will see what I mean. It is unfortunate, that despite the best talent in branding and outreach we fail to convey our intent appropriately. Consider the name of the government department, which is supposed to privatise the public sector. It was created in 1999 under the BJP-led NDA regime and helmed by finance minister Arun Jaitley. Even way back then, it was clear it would not take root. Mandated to raise capital through privatisation it ended up being named, hypocritically, the department of disinvestment. Divestment would have been more proximate to the intent. But the fuzzy name, matched the lack of sustained resolve for a big-bang approach to privatising the public sector. It muddled along till, mysteriously, in April 2016, it was cumbersomely renamed as the department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM). It does nothing of the sort. Its core mandate remains to sell the industrial Central public sector. Public sector investment and asset management continue to be the mandate of every line ministry, for the state-owned enterprises (SOE) under them. No wonder then that the Central public sector not only lingers but grows. In 2015, there were 235 operating SOEs. But an additional 63 were coming online. One-third of the operational SOE made a loss of Rs 27,000 crore in 2015. The data for 2016 is yet to be publicly shared. But there are unlikely to be surprises here. Named badly at birth, the department lingers on much like the loss-making SOEs. Consider also the new government-sponsored payments app named Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) created by the National Payments Corporation. The app was ostensibly named after Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar the learned dalit leader and constitutionalist. But it seems to evoke the brute power of the legendary Bhim from the Mahabharat. Possibly the idea was to convey that the app was safe and impregnable. Yes, security is one important feature of an app. But it must also be nimble, adaptable, scalable, efficient and convenient to use. Bhim of the Mahabharat was none of these. Legend has it he was pretty resource-intensive gobbling up nearly as much as all his four other siblings and was difficult to discipline, much like an invincible Robocop. Killer app is how kids term an outstanding app. But slang shouldnt be taken literally to name government initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his New Years Eve address to the nation, fell into the same rhetorical trap of belting out a preachy sermon but chose the wrong words. He stressed purity, pain and renunciation as key processes for exorcising evil in this case black money and corruption-fed terrorism, Naxalism and Maoism. Left unanswered was who should feel the pain more and make sacrifices the honest many or the dishonest few? Also, conflating Maoism and Naxalism with terrorism, drugs and loss of human rights is okay if you are a right-wing, conservative American. But in India, these misguided socio-economic movements are the consequences of state failure in providing a basic level of welfare to the poorest of the poor. One cannot simultaneously romance the poor for their virtues fortitude and honesty; finger the rich for their vices dishonesty in evading tax, wallowing in luxury in big city bungalows and yet denounce social movements which seek to give voice to the marginalised, however unpalatable their senseless violence may be. The BJP came to power in 2014 as the voice of reform and growth. It has traditionally been private sector-friendly. This resonated with an India fed up with populism and ersatz socialism, unemployment, poverty and a low quality of life. Touting the cause of the poor by pulling down the rich was never meant to be the BJPs trademark. The Communist parties and the Congress fight from that shrinking corner of the electoral base. The poor versus rich genie will now be difficult to put back into the bottle. This will be particularly so if growth disappoints and economic stability suffers both of which are near-term probabilities. A strong government can trample over many citizens rights so long as it can stuff the mouth of citizens with money as in China. But no money, no jobs and no rights are the fertile grounds on which violence, Naxalism and Maoism thrive. Multiple objectives in public governance are a recipe for disaster. One hopes that in the waning days of this fiscal the government will shed some of the fluff it has accumulated. Focusing on infrastructure, macro-stability and private sector-led growth is the only option for creating sustainable jobs and reducing poverty. If an all-out fight against corruption is a must, because of electoral promises, let it begin where corruption breeds. This is in the public and not in the private sector. Three initiatives are overdue. First, make the funding of political parties open to public scrutiny. This is a far more important political reform than having simultaneous elections. Second, exorcise the public sector of corruption before terrorising the private sector. The bribe-giver is the victim of an unresponsive governance system. It is the bribe-taker who is delinquent. It is public sector banks, public service departments, the police and the lower judiciary which need to be purified, not the voting public. Third, restore the credibility of regulatory institutions by respecting Chinese walls purposefully built between them and the government. The Reserve Bank of India seems to be the latest victim of executive activism in the demonetisation snafu. Lets ring the curtain down on disruptive, executive muscularity. Yahoo has a deal to sell its core internet business to Verizon for $4.83 billion. The company plans to change its name to Altaba Inc. after it turns over its email, websites, mobile apps and advertising tools to Verizon. Yahoo will adopt a new corporate identity and slash the size of its board if the proposed $4.8 billion sale of its digital services to Verizon Communications goes through. The company plans to change its name to Altaba Inc. after it turns over its email, websites, mobile apps and advertising tools to Verizon. The new name is meant to reflect Yahoo's transformation into a holding company for investments in China's e-commerce leader, Alibaba Group, and Yahoo Japan that are worth about more than $40 billion combined. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, co-founder David Filo and four other directors currently on the company's 11-member board will resign after the planned sale to Verizon closes. Verizon is expected to retain Yahoo's brand under its ownership. But the Verizon deal has been jeopardized by Yahoo's recent discovery of two computer hacking attacks that stole personal information from more than 1 billion user accounts during two different intrusions that occurred in 2013 and 2014. Verizon is reassessing whether it should renegotiate the sales price or perhaps cancel the deal light of hacking revelations that could trigger a backlash among Yahoo users upset about sensitive personal details being stolen. Yahoo is fighting to keep the deal intact. In the only change that took effect Monday, Yahoo director Eric Brandt became the company's chairman. He replaces Maynard Webb, who becomes chairman emeritus until the Verizon deal closes. Brandt, the former chief financial officer of chipmaker Broadcom, joined Yahoo's board 10 months ago. Webb had been Yahoo's chairman for nearly four years. If the Verizon deal closes, Webb will leave the board along with Mayer, Filo and Eddy Hartenstein, Richard Hill and Jane Shaw. Lisa Pieper and Jon Zimmerman will continue as president and vice president, respectively, on the Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education. Officers and committee members are elected on an annual basis, as they were at the boards first meeting of the year on Monday night. BPS Superintendent Pat Nauroth and BPS Director of Business Affairs John Brazell were also reelected to their positions on the board as secretary and treasurer, respectively. New board member Steve Winter was sworn in at the meeting. Winter previously served on the board for a total of about 20 years. After time away from the board, Winter said he missed being involved and hes excited to once again fill a seat in the six-member group. Winter takes the spot of Andy Maschmann who finished his term in December and did not run for reelection. Reelected board members Janet Byars, Lisa Pieper, Nancy Sedlacek and Jon Zimmerman were also sworn at the meeting. Byars, Sedlacek and Winter will serve on the boards 2017 School Community and Staff Relations Committee. Pieper, Zimmerman and board member Doris Martin will serve on the 2017 Americanism Committee. Byars, Martin and Zimmerman will serve on the Negotiations Committee from 2018 to 2019. Winter will be the new NASB (Nebraska Association of School Boards) Legislative Delegate and Martin was reelected as the Government Relations Network Representative. Superintendent Pat Nauroth announced at the meeting the resignation of Theresa Smith, the principal of Cedar and Lincoln Elementary schools. Nauroth said he appreciates Smiths years of service and that her presence will be missed. Beatrice High School paraeducator Jody Long was recognized as the BPS Employee of the Month. Mrs. Long is a para-educator in Mrs. Hamiltons geometry class and Mr. Ankroms integrated algebra 2B class. The anonymous person who nominated Long said she takes notes from every lesson and utilizes the notes to catch up a student who may have been absent. The writer said Long maintains a positive atmosphere in the classroom and goes above and beyond what is expected of her in the classroom. Also at the meeting, the board discussed the calendars for the next two school years, which will be discussed and voted on at the Feb. 13 meeting. The target of the blasts was probably an area that includes government and lawmakers' offices, spokesman for the Interior Ministry said. A member of the Afghan security forces stands guard near the site of two blasts in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo: AP) Kabul: At least 38 people were killed and 45 wounded in twin bombings near the Afghan parliament in Kabul on Tuesday, a security official said. The target of the blasts was probably an area that includes government and lawmakers' offices, according to Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for the Interior Ministry. The first explosion, carried out by a suicide bomber, was quickly followed by a second, caused by car bomb parked near the same site, he said. Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the Kabul attacks. Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber on foot struck in southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, said General Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand, said Kemtoz. Those killed include civilian and military personnel, and six others were wounded in the attack, Kemtoz added. A car full of explosives was found nearby. No one claimed responsibility for the Helmand attack but the Taliban frequently use suicide attacks or roadside bombs to target government officials and Afghan security forces across the country. The Indian ambassador took part in the celebration in the embassy premises attended by members of the Indian community in Beijing. Beijing: India's diplomatic missions in China on Tuesday celebrated Pravasi Bharatiya Divas attended by members of the Indian community and business associations. Ambassador Vijay Gokhale took part in Pravasi Bharatiya celebration in the embassy premises attended by members of the Indian community in the Chinese capital. Gokhale read out the excerpts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech delivered at the Pravasi Bharatiya meeting in Bengaluru. He also highlighted a host of measures initiated by Ministry of External Affairs to help Indian citizens abroad. He said the Indian community in China is growing specially the students community whose numbers have gone up to 15,000 in different parts of the country. A Pravasi Bharatiya meeting was also held in Shanghai at the Indian Consulate presided by Consulate General Prakash Gupta and attended by Board Members of Indian Associations from Shanghai, Shaoxing and Yiwu. Representative of each Indian Association made a detailed presentation outlining their activities conducted in 2016 and plans for 2017. The Indian Associations agreed to include the upcoming 3rd International Day of Yoga, along with celebration of Hindi Divas, National Unity Day and Constitution Day, in their plans of activities for 2017, a Consulate press release said. Participants also discussed the possibility of installation of the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at appropriate venues in Shanghai, Shaoxing and Yiwu, in consultation with local governments, it said. Last week, the Iranian Foreign Ministry had denied reports of an invitation for negotiation. Iranians did not send any citizen to Haj after tensions between Riyadh and Tehran boiled over following a deadly stampede during the 2015 pilgrimage. (Photo: File) Tehran: An Iranian official confirmed on Monday that Saudi Arabia had invited Tehran to discuss arrangements for the annual Muslim Haj, which Iran boycotted last year after hundreds died in a crush at the 2015 pilgrimage. Most were Iranians, and the incident infuriated Tehran. Soon after, ties between the two regional rivals worsened further when Saudi Arabia executed a Shiite cleric. Angry Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran, and Riyadh severed diplomatic relations. Last year, Iran did not send any of its citizens to the Haj, accusing Saudi Arabia of failing to guarantee safety. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on Muslim countries to end Saudis control of the pilgrimage, while Riyadh has accused Iran of politicising the 2015 disaster. On Monday, Ali Ghaziaskar, Khamenei's representative in Haj affairs, said Iran had "officially received Saudi Arabia's invitation to meet and hold bilateral talks on the Haj". The state news agency IRNA quoted him as saying the talks would be about accommodation, transportation, safety, medical care, visas and banking, and that Iran would respond in the coming days. The Iranian Foreign Ministry last week denied reports in two Arabic newspapers that Iran had received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to next year's Haj. Ambassador Andrei Karlov was shot dead December 19 while speaking at the opening of a photo exhibition. A man identified as Mevlut Mert Altintas shouts after shooting Andrei Karlov, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, at a photo gallery in Ankara, Turkey. (Photo: AP) Ankara: Turkey has renamed the street that serves the Russian Embassy after the ambassador who was killed in an attack in the Turkish capital. Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek on Tuesday presented a framed copy of his municipality's decision to rename the street to the widow of Andrei Karlov. Municipality workers then replaced the street sign with one inscribed with Karlov's name. Karlov was shot dead December 19 while speaking at the opening of a photo exhibition. The killer, an off-duty policeman, was also shot dead in a police operation. Turkish and Russian leaders have said the attack was aimed at derailing newly restored ties between their two countries. Turkey says the policeman had links to a movement led by a US-based Muslim cleric who opposes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ethnic Mongols, who represent 20 per cent of the regions 23 million people, are increasingly complaining about widespread environmental degradation and unfair development policies in the region. Beijing (AsiaNews) - Police in Chinese-ruled Inner Mongolia arrested four herders on Monday for their role in an organised online petition by 500 herdsmen over promised but unpaid subsidies for stopping grazing on protected land. One of those arrested was a breast-feeding woman. After the arrest, many herders went to the local police to demand the release of the four people, but the authorities used pepper spray to disperse them. According to the activists, the herders are entitled to subsidies to cover losses due to setting aside pastureland to shield it from grazing in Inner Mongolias grasslands, which are under environmental stress from desertification and pollution from Chinese mining and other resource extraction activities. Ethnic Mongolians make up almost 20 per cent of Inner Mongolia's 23 million people. Increasingly, they complain of widespread environmental destruction and unfair development policies in the region. Clashes between mining and forestry companies and local herding communities are common. by Melani Manel Perera Wickremetunge Lasantha was murdered in broad daylight on his way to work in 2009. He was the editor of the Sunday Leader newspaper. He had criticised former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has always denied any involvement in his death. Colombo (AsiaNews) After eight years, the investigation into the murder of Lasantha Wickremetunge has gone nowhere and his family is still waiting for justice. Killed in broad daylight on his way to work, the high-profile Christian journalist was the editor of the newspaper Sunday Leader. From its pages, he harshly criticised former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has always denied any involvement in the assassination. Upon taking office, President Maithripala Sirisena reopened the case. However, the journalist's family has lamented the absence of any tangible results. Its attorney, Athula S Ranagala, said that the investigation has stalled. On Sunday, family, friends, and some politicians met to commemorate his death, which has not yet been vindicated. For Prof Sarath Wijesooriya, the governments quest for justice has not gone very far. There is an invisible power, blocking its rightful end, he noted. For the occasion, the dead journalists brother Lal Wickremetunge wrote a letter. Since he is overseas, it was read by his daughter Raisa. In it, he notes that today Sri Lanka is a better place to practice journalism, but the past should not be forgotten or revisited. Recently, he noted, the media were informed of the existence of phone conversations between Lal Lasantha and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. But their content has not been released. Sandhaya Eknaligoda was present at the memorial service. She is the wife of Prageeth Eknaligoda, a reporter and cartoonist who has been missing since January 2010. She does not know about his fate, and so believes that she does not have the right to commemorate him. For her, "To commemorate Lasantha, one can light a candle or bring a flower. But I do not know where to bring a flower or light a candle as I do not know what happened to Prageeth. by Joseph Masilamany The Malaysian Catholic community celebrates its first Cardinal. For the faithful, the choice of the Pope's support for a "Pilgrim Church" that fights against Islamization and "subtle persecution" of minorities. Card. Fernandez invites those present to respect the founding principles of the nation and its unity. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - The Catholic community of Malaysia gathered in recent days to celebrate, with a solemn Mass for the elevation of their Archbishop Emeritus of Kuala Lumpur Anthony Soter Fernandez (pictured) to the College of Cardinals. He is the first cardinal from the Southeast Asian nation and a further confirmation of Pope Francis attention to the "young" Churches of the world, as he has repeatedly stressed in his public speeches. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was held in conjunction with the celebrations for the Epiphany in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, in Kuala Lumpur. The Mass was attended by faithful from all over the country, who wanted to show affection and closeness to the first Malaysian cardinal. A ceremony lasting over two hours, and broadcast live on YouTube, was attended by diplomats, foreign dignitaries, representatives of the Federal Government and leaders of other religious faiths. Among the hordes of people was Rebecca Nathan who travelled all the way to Kuala Lumpur on a four-hour train journey from Johor Baru in the south. She told AsiaNews aptly: I came to witness the special thanksgiving ceremony here, as the appointment of Bishop Fernandez is indeed a kind of manifestaion for the local Church. Nathan is thankful that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has seen it fit to raise a cardinal from Malaysia. She said: This is a sign of greater things to come, as ours is a pilgrim Church struggling with the impact of Islamisation and racial polarisation as well as subtle persecution against minorities in the country. In a climate of growing "Islamization" and "radicalization" of the positions, Caroline Tan hopes that the cardinal will "strengthen" the spirit of the people of Malaysia and enhance "unity." Presiding over the solemn Eucharistic celebration the current Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Msgr. Julian Leow, pointed out that the elevation of Fernandez as cardinal is a sign of the value, the role and presence of the local Church in the world. A reality, he added, which should be ready "in the service and mercy." Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino speaking during the service said: The Holy Father is aware of the richness of diversity and universality of the Malaysian Church. The Holy Father is also aware of the deep sense of faith among Malaysians, not only Catholics and Christians but also the people of the other faiths. His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez who addressed the congregation towards the end of the service pledged his loyalty to the King and country and to uphold the rule of law and to endorse the high principles of morality always. Fernandez who is well known for his sense of simplicity and humility also pledged to uphold the Federal Constitution and abide by the Ruku Negara (The tenets of National Principles) which is dedicated to achieving greater unity among Malaysias diverse population of Malays, Chinese, Indians and a potpourri of other minor ethnic groups. There are over 28 million inhabitants in Malaysia, the vast majority Muslims (60%), Christians are the third religion (behind the Buddhists), with a 2.6 million faithful (9.2%). Catholics count over one million (3.7%). Out of a population of over 11 million people, Catholics in Kuala Lumpur are over 180 thousand. The launch took place in an unspecified area of the Indian Ocean. The Babur missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The test could further disrupt the delicate balance with Delhi, with Islamabad leading the race in nuclear technology. Islamabad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Pakistan "successfully" conducted the first launch of a cruise missile from a submarine, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The test took place yesterday in an unspecified location in the Indian Ocean. Military sources said that the launch grants the country a "credible second strike capability" and is part of "deterrence policy" strategy. But experts point out that the test could ratchet up tensions with India, with which Islamabad has engaged in a nuclear arms race since the 1990s to reaffirm regional supremacy. The Babur-3 missile was launched from a submarine and has a range of 450 km. It is a variant of the Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2, already successfully tested in December. The military declared that hit a target with pinpoint accuracy and confirm that could carry nuclear weapons. Pakistan and India - hostile since the division in 1947 - conducted the first nuclear test in 1998 and later launched into a continuous race for nuclear armaments and technology. According to some experts, the last test could further upset the delicate balance in the region, already undermined in July with the killing by Delhi of a famous separatist in Kashmir and the subsequent attack on an Indian army base, which claimed the lives of 18 soldiers. Those like the doctors of the law, who pass themselves off as princes, are clericalist which is hypocritical, they say one thing and do another. "They will speak the truth, but without authority. Instead Jesus, who is humble, who serves, and is close to others, who does not despise people and who is consistent, has authority. And this is the authority that God's people listens to". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Jesus had authority because it served people, was close to the people and was consistent. The Pope Francis said in the homily of the Mass celebrated this morning in Santa Marta. The Holy Father noted, on the other hand, that the doctors of the law taught with a clericalist authority: they were far distant from the people, and didnt live what they preached. The respective authority of Jesus and that of the Pharisees were the two poles around which the Popes homily revolved. The one was a real authority, the other was merely formal. The days Gospel speaks of the amazement of the people because Jesus taught as one who has authority and not like the scribes: they were the authorities of the people, the Pope said, but what they taught didnt enter into their hearts, while Jesus had a real authority: He was not a seducer, He taught the Law down to the last point, He taught the Truth, but with authority. The Pope then entered into details, focusing on the three characteristics that distinguished the authority of Jesus from that of the doctors of the law. While Jesus taught with humility, and said to His disciples, the greatest should be as one who serves: he should make himself small, the Pharisees considered themselves princes: Jesus served the people, He explained things because the people understood well: He was at the service of the people. He had an attitude of a servant, and this gave authority. On the other hand, these doctors of the law that the people yes, they heard, they respected, but they didnt feel that they had authority over them; these had a psychology of princes: We are the masters, the princes, and we teach you. Not service: we command, you obey. And Jesus never passed Himself off like a prince: He was always the servant of all, and this is what gave Him authority. It is being close to the people, in fact, that confers authority. Closeness, then, is the second characteristic that distinguishes the authority of Jesus from that of the Pharisees. Jesus did not have an allergy to the people: touching the lepers, the sick, didnt make Him shudder, Pope Francis explained; while the Pharisees despised the poor people, the ignorant, they liked to walk about the piazzas, in nice clothing: They were detached from the people, they were not close [to them]; Jesus was very close to the people, and this gave authority. Those detached people, these doctors, had a clericalist psychology: they taught with a clericalist authority thats clericalism. It is very pleasing to me when I read about the closeness to the people the Blessed Paul VI had; in number 48 of Evangelii nuntiandi one sees the heart of a pastor who is close [to the people]: thats where you find the authority of the Pope, closeness. First, a servant, of service, of humility: the head is the one who serves, who turns everything upside down, like an iceberg. The summit of the iceberg is seen; Jesus, on the other hand, turns it upside down and the people are on top and he that commands is below, and gives commands from below. Second, closeness. But there is a third point that distinguishes the authority of the scribes from that of Jesus, namely coherence. Jesus lived what He preached. There was something like a unity, a harmony between what He thought, felt, did. Meanwhile, one who considers himself a prince has a clericalist attitude that is, hypocritical says one thing and does another: On the other hand, this people was not coherent and their personality was divided on the point that Jesus counselled His disciples: But, do what they tell you, but not what they do: they said one thing and did another. Incoherence. They were incoherent. And the attitude Jesus uses of them so often is hypocritical. And it is understood that one who considers himself a prince, who has a clericalist attitude, who is a hypocrite, doesnt have authority! He speaks the truth, but without authority. Jesus, on the other hand, who is humble, who is at the service of others, who is close, who does not despise the people, and who is coherent, has authority. And this is the authority that the people of God senses. In conclusion, the Pope, in order to make this better understood, recalled the parable of the Good Samaritan. Seeing the man left half-dead in the street by the robbers, the priest passed by, and kept on going, perhaps because there was blood and he thought that if he touched him, he would become impure. The Levite passed by and, the Pope said, I believe that he thought that if he got mixed up in the affair he would then have to go to court and give testimony, and he had many things to do. And so he, too, kept on going. Finally, the Samaritan came, and sinner, and he, instead, had mercy. But there was another person in the parable, Pope Francis noted: the innkeeper, who was amazed, not because of the assault of the robbers, because that was something that happened along that road; not because of the behaviour of the priest and the Levite, because he knew them; but because of the behaviour of the Samaritan. The amazement of the innkeeper at the Samaritan: But this is crazy Hes not Jew, hes a sinner, he could have thought. Pope Francis than connected this amazement to the amazement felt by the people in the days Gospel in the face of Jesus authority: a humble authority, of service an authority close to the people and coherent. 2008 is the year I graduated and entered the job market. Those were dark days for job seekers due to the global economic recession, triggered by US financial crisis Lehmann Brothers fell and the vulnerability of the Western economy got exposed. Many developed nations implemented austerity measures as millions lost their jobs and those who sustained their jobs took pay cuts. Despite these tough times, India and China were the two countries which withstood the global financial meltdown and continued to grow impressively. Therefore, in my view, 2008 is the year when the political and economic center of gravity started formally shifting from West to East. This development brought in a sense of nervousness in the West. Western nations, with a glorious economic past and ageing populations, troubled by crippling economies, saw the rise of China as a threat. While Chinas growth story started in the 1970s, it is around 2008 that China started getting increasingly assertive and expansionist in her motives. Most territorial disputes in East and South China Sea escalated between 2004 and 2010. This was the time when the world started looking at India as an economic giant who can balance the power in Asia and keep China under check. Chinese aggression strained the US-Japan alliance. Japan, after World War 2, entered into a defense agreement with the US wherein the US would protect Japan from any external aggression or threat. After decades of relative calm, tensions between China and Japan peaked due to Chinas increased activity in the East and South China Seas. At the same time, US, having burnt its hands in 2 back-to-back wars in Iraq and Afghanistan started getting worried about its obligation to defend Japan in the case of a conflict with China. Japan sensed Americas unwillingness to get drawn into Sino-Japan conflict and thats when Tokyo started thinking of reducing its dependency on Washington. The 2008 global economic crisis impacted Japan badly. Economic stagnation, ageing population, a confrontational China, and an indifferent America all these factors lead Tokyos think-tank to revisit their foreign policy and forge new alliances, especially in Asia. However, political instability in Tokyo delayed the process. Between 2006 and 2012, Japan saw 6 Prime Ministers! In the elections that were held in 2012, Japans Liberal Democrat Party got a decisive mandate and its leader Shinzo Abe became the Prime Minister for the second time. Abe earlier served as PM between 2006 and 2007. Prime Minister Abe, known to be an astute strategist, started taking China head-on. He saw a great ally in India. Shinzo Abe, in his earlier stint as the Prime Minister of Japan, proposed the famous Security Diamond concept during his historic address to the Indian Parliament in 2007. He envisioned a security alliance between India, US, Australia, and Japan to uphold the international law. The then Indian government, led by Dr. Manmohan Singh was cold to this proposal by Abe, fearing backlash from China. Also, Shinzo Abe resigned due to health grounds just two months after his address to the Indian parliament. That only meant that his pet proposal of Security Diamond went into a cold storage. When Abe returned to power in 2012, he didnt waste time in pursuing his Security Diamond project from where he left off during his earlier stint. He made his intent clear in this article, published just 24 hours after he came to power. He appointed Nobukatsu Kanehara and Tomohiko Taniguchi as his key advisors, who not only strengthened his India-centric vision but also gave a long-term direction to Japans policy towards India. Abe then had a tough time convincing Manmohan Singh government in India to boldly counter China by becoming a part of the Security Diamond project. Heres where Abe pulled off a masterstroke! Abe rightly predicted that India would vote for a leadership change in 2014 and he saw the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the potential next Prime Minister of India. Abe invited Gujarat CM Modi to Tokyo and developed great trade relations with Gujarat. Thats when the bonhomie between Abe and Modi began. Three months after taking oath as Indias Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visited Japan. When Modi landed at Kyoto, Shinzo Abe, diverting from the usual protocol, travelled from Tokyo to Kyoto to receive his friend Modi at the airport. In a strictly protocol-adhering country like Japan, this gesture was seen by many as a sign of fostering friendship between India and Japan. The message was clear Japan became the fulcrum of Modis Act East policy and India became a sharp edge of Abes Security Diamond. Collective defense, Freedom of navigation, Upholding international rule of law became the buzzwords in Indo-Japan diplomatic statements. To understand the bonhomie between Modi and Abe, one needs to look at their personalities. These two leaders are mirror images of each other, except for the fact that Abe comes from a strong political family (Abes maternal grandfather Nobusuke Kishi served as Japans Prime Minister twice) whereas Modi rose from a humble family of a tea seller. Both Modi and Abe are seen as right wing ultra-nationalist leaders. Both these leaders have strong backing of the conservative groups in their respective countries. While Modi and his party BJP are products of Hindu Nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Abe is affiliated to Japanese Nationalist group Nippon Kaigi, a strong right-wing Japanese group which advocates State Shinto. In fact, two-thirds of Abes Cabinet Colleagues are members of the Nippon Kaigi group. Both Abe and Modi are attacked viciously by the Left-Liberal media, and on more than one occasion, both these leaders have been unfairly branded as Fascist by commentators. Naturally, birds of same feather flock together! Modi and Abe have made steadfast moves in enhancing Indo-Japan relations. India chose Japan over China for its ambitious bullet train project and Japan reciprocated by loaning One Lakh Crore Rupees at a nominal 0.1% interest and a 50-year tenure. Also, Japan is selling defense equipment to India at very competitive prices, drawing angry reactions from Beijing. Above all, Japan has over-turned its self-imposed regulation of not signing civilian nuclear agreements with non-signatories of CTBT/NPT and inked the nuclear deal with India. Japan is now a permanent participant in the annual Malabar Naval Exercises. Japan joined India in the Chabahar Port project in Iran, which will play a crucial role in boosting the Indian Ocean trade corridor. This is an impressive list of bilateral achievements in a span of just 2.5 years! Abes Security Diamond and Modis Act East policies complemented each other and cemented a formidable geopolitical alliance in Asia. It is true that Modi and Abe have taken Indo-Japan relations to new heights. It is also true that both these countries need each other. But, is this relation just based on the China factor? No! It is not. India and Japan have so much in common. Both are ancient civilizations, linked by Buddhism. There are so many beliefs which are common between Indian and Japanese cultures. India and Japan have no contentious issues culturally, historically, economically, or geographically. Most Japanese people respect India as Buddhism was born there. For Indians, Japanese brands like Honda, (Maruti) Suzuki, Sony, Toyota, Yamaha, etc are household names. Politically, both India and Japan are democracies and are part of the G4 Nations, supporting each others membership in the United Nations Security Council. Considering these factors and also the pace at which Indo-Japan relations have strengthened in the recent years, it is only a matter of time before a formal military alliance is forged. The strengthening of Indo-Japan relations will contribute greatly to peace and stability in Asia and the World by acting as a deterrent against expansionist forces and bring economic prosperity to the region by upholding the rule of international law and freedom of navigation in the regions high seas. Sugar Daddy Site Lists Colleges With Highest Number Of Sugar Babies Trending News: These Colleges Have The Highest Number Of Sugar Babies Long Story Short Thousands of college students are turning to sugar daddies to help with student debt, particularly at Temple and New York Universities. Long Story The student debt crisis has become a real epidemic. An entire generation of young workers trying to enter the workforce are being handicapped by tens of thousands of dollars of debt and there aren't even the entry level type jobs to go into as there was with previous generations. So, what's a poor student to do? Ramen noodles? Check. Getting drunk on Busch Lite and Old English? Check. Sugar Daddy? Check. Yep, college students across the country are choosing to skip crappy restaurant and retail jobs in favor of finding an older man with deep pockets to fund their studies and expenses. Students are tired of hearing politicians hyperbole about what they might do to resolve the student debt crisis," said Brandon Wade, founder and CEO of SeekingArrangement.com, a Sugar Daddy dating site. "Theyre taking matters into their own hands. And they're getting well paid. Really well paid. According to SeekingArrangement, Sugar Babies make an average of $2,400 from their rich partners in the form of allowance and gifts. Think this is just a small phenomenon? Think again. Students are signing up for SeekingArrangement across the country from a hodgepodge of universities. This year, Temple University has the most Sugar Babies, with New York University just trailing. Last year, NYU was in first place and Temple was in fourth. SeekingArrangement.com Is there something wrong with these Sugar Daddy-Baby relationships? Yeah, probably. It's pretty much prostitution but it's not going away anytime soon. How would police even crack down on this? Any attempt to shut down sites would just become a game of whack-a-mole with more sites popping up. What should be done instead is to actually address this atrocious student debt problem. A national students debt of $1.3 trillion is simply unacceptable. Australia handled their student problem, so can we. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Are Sugar Babies prostituting themselves? Drop This Fact As of last year, the amount of student debt in the U.S. was rising at a rate of $2,698.30 per second, according to Market Watch. Free newsletter Subscribe to our FREE newsletter service and well keep you up-to-date with the latest breaking news, cutting edge opinion, and expert analysis affecting both your business and the industry as whole. Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer. Archived Results for Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 Older Page 1 The evolving story of the European arm of the King & Wood Mallesons verein continues to add new twists.Its reported by The Layer that there are still hopes of a deal with the Chinese arm and that administration has been delayed with the filing of a second notice of intent, the final postponement allowed. The UK publication also reports that the proposed administrators AlixPartners have pulled out over funding concerns.Meanwhile, Legal Business says that the European partnerships bankers have insisted that wages for staff and fee-earners be stopped immediately. Managing partner Tim Bednall emailed staff to inform them that wages could not be paid as proposals to Barclays Bank had been rejected.The freezing of payments means that no staff will be paid, rather than just the 100 that were selected for non-payment last week.Olswang is focusing on the TMT sector with its newly announced public policy offering in Singapore.The new offering will be available throughout Asia and is being led by partner Matt Pollins who says that the regions pace of regulatory change is unequalled and that the take up of connected devices and improvement in network infrastructure creates enormous potential.The Law Society of Hong Kong has presented two awards to Latham & Watkins for its pro bono program in the region.Its the second consecutive year that the firm has been awarded both the Distinguished Pro Bono Law Firm Award and Gold Award, and it was the only international firm included among the Gold Award recipients.Dentons has added a second office in Mexico to its growing global reach. The Monterrey office follows the launch of Dentons Lopez Velarde last year and combines that firm with local law firm Canales Zambrano y Asociados.Two partners from the Hong Kong office of Ince & Co have been named among the 10 most influential shipping lawyers by Lloyds List. Rosita Lau and Su Yin Anand were both also recognised at the recent Lloyds List Asia Awards. Xerox has completed the spinoff of its legal and business services unit as Conduent.Conduent, which will be traded on the New York Stock Exchange as (NYSE:CNDT), will have about $6.7 billion in annual revenue. It has more than 93,000 employees in more than 40 countries and is a Fortune 500-scale company.One American biglaw has confirmed its involvement in the trasaction. Cahill Gordon & Reindel represented the debt financing sources in connection with loan and bond financing transactions for the spinoff.Cahill represented JPMorgan Chase Bank as administrative agent and lead arranger, and the other lead arrangers, in connection with a $700,000,000 term A loan, a $750,000,000 initial term B loan, $100,000,000 incremental term B loan and a $750,000,000 revolving credit agreement for Xerox Business Services, LLC and Affiliated Computer Services International B.V., each of which are subsidiaries of Conduent.Cahill also represented BofA Merrill Lynch and J.P. Morgan as joint book-running managers and the other initial purchasers in connection with the Rule 144A offering of $510,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.500% Senior Notes due 2024 by Conduent Finance, Inc. and Xerox Business Services, LLC., each of which are subsidiaries of Conduent Incorporated.The new publicly-traded firms legal subsidiary is Conduent Legal and Compliance Solutions which offers solutions for litigation, electronic discovery and regulatory compliance.Ashok Vemuri, Conduent CEO, said that the firm will focus on better application of their automation, analytics, innovation and expertise.Beth Fritts, Conduent Legal and Compliance Solutions president, told Legaltech News: Were looking at compliance and analytics and all of these different areas weve been focusing on for the last six months to the year as a value component of our overall offer. People with temporary visas, including tourists, in Australia are likely to come under greater scrutiny as it is this arrival stream that is being most exploited by terrorists.According to Immigration Minister Peter Dutton terrorists exploiting temporary visas pose a 'rapidly evolving threat' which means that officials need to crack down on short term migration programmes. He acknowledged that the majority of people with temporary visas are law abiding and 'welcome guests' but there are risks associated with not being vigilant enough.Indeed, he cited the recent attack by a migrant on a Christmas market in Berlin as an example of what could happen in Australia if the wrong people are admitted to the country.He also revealed that as a result of extra vigilance a record number of short term visas are being cancelled.He said that an analysis shows terrorists convicted and serving sentences in Australian jails had taken advantage of the immigration system by using fake passports and spousal visas or by extending their tourist permits.He has asked immigration officials to 'hasten the removal of those people who no longer have a lawful basis to be in our country' either for overstaying their visas or committing criminal offences.The Government is also spending $100 million to improve visa risk assessment checks to try to prevent potential terrorists even getting into the country and there are plans to strengthen the kind of questions they are asked.'The overwhelming majority of temporary entrants are law-abiding and welcome guests. But terrorist attacks in Europe and here show that we face significant threats from extremists and criminals who exploit temporary migration pathways. This is a rapidly evolving threat to our nation's security,' Dutton said.There have also been discussions at a lower level about removing social security payments from people with temporary visas, something that is also under consideration in other countries around the world including the UK where the visa system is set to change dramatically when the country formally leaves the European Union within the next two years. I will shortly be giving my notice at work in order to start the application for ACS certification and a 189 visa. Following some enquiries last year, it appears HR will be unlikely to provide me with a full reference that lists roles and responsibilities. However, they will be able to include everything else on company letterhead. In the event of that occurring, my plan is to then ask my manager to confirm my roles and responsibilities separately on plain A4 paper. Also include their email signature with contact number, email and signed. I could potentially include an org chart as well. Would these two documents be sufficient for ACS certification? I'm from Singapore and am holding a student visa 573 due to expire on 16 March 2017.I graduated from my Masters in Dec 2016, and plan to apply for 189 visa.My main question is: can I and my partner leave Australia in February to visit home, and return before my student visa expires?For what it's worth: I plan to visit Singapore (18-25 Feb, a week), and my partner will visit Thailand (16 Feb-15 Mar, a month).According to posts in this forum, the odds are conflicting. Some have encountered trouble for leaving and returning to Oz on a student visa when no longer studying, more so when they return right before the visa expires. Some said it's perfectly fine, that it's covered by the student visa rules. I'm also concerned if my partner would have face more trouble than me either because he's from a high-risk country, or if he returns right before the visa expires..Extra details:-I'm awaiting my skills assessment result, which should be back by early March.-I'm trying to avoid applying for a Post-Study Work Visa, and applying for 189 right away if I can receive the ITA before my student visa expires. I'm also aware I might be wrong here, and will actually need to apply for the Post-Study Work Visa way before that. But one thing at a time..Thanks in advance! Adaptive Cruise Control NHTSA IIHS Introduced at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show with great pomp and circumstance, the fifth-generation Odyssey makes use of an all-new 10-speed automatic designed with refinement in mind. The cog swapper will be produced in Tallapoosa, Georgia. The 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine and the Odyssey per se, meanwhile, will be made at the automakers plant in Lincoln, Alabama.Speaking of the engine, the six-cylinder unit produces 280 hp (SAE), which is 32 horsepower more than before. Lower trim levels will make do with a familiar 9-speeder while the 10-speeder is reserved for more lavish models.EX and above trims ship, from the get-go, with niceties that include a 7-inch color TFT drivers meter, as well as the so-called Honda Sensing suite of safety features. These include, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. Also on the safety front, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure is designed so that the next-gen Odyssey will be rated 5 stars overall in the's New Car Assessment Program and Top Safety Pick+ by the"This new Odyssey raises the stakes for family-friendly packaging, performance and technology in the minivan segment," commented John Mendel, the executive vice president of American Honda Motor. "In all aspects of its design, the new Odyssey is made to keep every member of the family happy, no matter the seating position, no matter the destination," he added.Hondas 2018 Odyssey has two best-in-class accolades it wants its customers to know about: EPA gas mileage and rear cargo area. More information on the all-new Odyssey is available in the release attached below the video. TMS We've already shown you the car that will hit the showrooms later this year , and it was plain to see Toyota went for a more aggressive approach to its design. It won't turn any heads, as Ed Lukes, Vice President of Integrated Marketing Operations for Toyota Motor Sales (), U.S.A. suggests, but for the heavily conservative brand, it's a big step in a new direction.The 2018 NASCAR Camry will make its racing debut even before the new production model makes its way into the showrooms across the country. The race car has its work cut out for it since it needs to defend the NASCAR Premier Series manufacturer's title obtained in the previous season.The first time people will be able to see the new NASCAR Camry is on the 18th of February when it will compete in The Clash at Daytona (at the Daytone International Speedway) before defending yet another title - the Daytona 500 - on February 26.Developed by Calty Design Research, Inc., Toyota s North American design studio, and TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development), the NASCAR Camry retains a lot of the production version's character, a task made easier than usual by the new design implemented by Masato Katsumata, the chief designer for the 2018 model.The collaboration between Calty Design Group and TRD has produced a NASCAR Camry that showcases aggressive styling that is sure to turn heads on the race track and among our fans in Toyota showrooms across the country," says Ed Laukes. |Reimagining both the Camry race car and its production counterpart has been a tremendous undertaking and our goal has been to maintain parallel design characteristics so our fans can enjoy driving a Camry that closely resembles the one their favorite NASCAR driver races each weekend. GAC plans to make the transition from the world's biggest car market to the former biggest by 2020. It's a state-owned firm, but don't let that put you off because they have some interesting design ideas, which we noticed when the GS8 came out. The smaller GS7 has a similar headlight design. This is supposedly a Touareg-sized crossover powered by a 2-liter turbo engine that will go on sale in China this year.It has a good look for America, with a big-old grille and four headlight elements. It's like a mix between the F-150 and a Dodge. Protective cladding helps it achieve that rugged look, but I don't think we're looking at a production car since cross-drilled brakes have no on a large crossover.The second car is called the EnSpirit, and it's a concept. As you can see from the pictures, GAC took one look at the BMW X6 and said... well, I can build that. Besides the hybrid all-wheel-drive system, it's supposed to feature an extensive list of connectivity features. Wasn't the Google Play store banned in China?The final car in Detroit is the GE3, and it's a small electric hatchback, similar to the Nissan Leaf. The design of this five-door is so clean that it makes you wonder if the same company really made it.While still labeled as a concept, the GE3 looks likely to debut in China this year. GAC says it wants to sell cars not only in the United States, but also in Europe. So perhaps we should be keeping an eye on them. It includes expanding the portfolio of hybrid models in its lineup, and it details the direction that will be followed to achieve the said objective. To be specific, Honda will use the two-motor system of the Accord Hybrid sold in the USA for its new hybrid models. The first of them is set to be launched in 2018.As a standalone hybrid, this means the new model will not be based on an existing car. Most likely, Honda will make a spiritual successor of the Insight, which will hopefully provide better fuel economy without spoiling the driving experience or features expected of a model in that segment. The Japanese automaker has already confirmed it will build the new product in the USA.Another interesting announcement from Honda is that is will apply the two-motor system to a light truck lineup. Since Honda does not have a massive range of light trucks, it is clear that they are referring to a hybrid version of the all-new Ridgeline. Honda will not be the only automaker to build hybrid pickup trucks, but it is great that there will be competition for the traditional truck brands (think Ford), even if it is not in the same part of a segment. Honda has big plans for its electrified lineup, which it wants to account for two-thirds of all sales by 2030. By 2050, Honda wants to halve its total CO2 emissions when compared to the year 2000. Evidently, hybrid models will not be the only vehicles sold by Honda in the United States, so conventional powertrains will still have a place at Honda in the near future.The other category of eco-friendly vehicles that will help Honda achieve its goal are those powered by electricity produced by a hydrogen fuel cell. AMG Until now, word on the street was that its internal designation is R50 , with R standing for whatever and 50 for five decades since AMG was born in the small city of Affalterbach. Much speculation later, Mercedes took it to itself to confirm that the name of its all-new bruiser is Mercedes-Project One.As you can see from the featured screenshot, the German brand dubs it so and describes it as being a hypercar in its own right. Probably the most fascinating two seater that will ever hit the road, were told. Whats more, the mad professors in Affalterbach come clean about whats hiding under the hood: The highly efficient and powerful Formula One World Champion drivetrain accompanied by a purely electric and wheel selective front axle.Read my lips: all-wheel-drive hybrid hypercar. Thats how the cookie crumbles over at Mercedes-AMG. The automaker also wants us to expect more than 1,000 hp (735 kW) from the Project Ones combined system output. In the U.S., the advertised figure works out at 985 horsepower or thereabout. From the looks of it, the high-performance thoroughbreds referred to as the Holy Hypercar Trio cant hold a candle to what AMGs boffins are working on today.Expected to debut this fall at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Project One or whatever it will be called in production-ready form will be produced in less than 300 units. Each one will be priced at 2 million or thereabout, excluding taxes. First units are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2018. While making calls for consensus, and sayingDemocratic Gov. Roy Cooper renewed his challenge to the GOP-dominated legislature to repeal House Bill 2 and expand Medicaid during a Saturday morning inaugural address Cooper said, referring to the law enacted by the General Assembly in March 2016 that negated Charlotte's "bathroom ordinance" allowing transgender people to use the bathroom of their gender identity and preventing local governments from enacting antidiscrimination laws stronger than the state's law."This law has isolated and hurt a lot of people, damaged our state's reputation, and cost our economy hundreds of millions of dollars that could have paid our teachers and firefighters or built new highways."Cooper took the oath of office as the state's 75th governor on Sunday, Jan. 1, just moments after the new year began. The winter storm that hit North Carolina this weekend prompted the inaugural committee to first move the planned ceremony inside to Raleigh's Memorial Auditorium and then postpone the event.Instead, Cooper gave his televised inaugural address from his new residence, the Executive Mansion.Cooper reached out to businesses and event organizers who said they pulled out of the state because of the controversial H.B. 2.Cooper said.The Charlotte City Council repealed its ordinance in mid-December, prompting a special session of the General Assembly to reconsider House Bill 2. After a day of haggling, efforts to repeal the bill and place a moratorium on similar ordinances failed in the Senate. Republican legislative leaders blamed Cooper, then the state's governor-elect, for encouraging Senate Democrats to vote against the measure.Cooper also restated his intent to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, saying such a move would provide more health insurance coverage for North Carolinians, create jobs, and help struggling rural hospitals. That move has also drawn fire from legislative Republicans, who in 2013 enacted a law requiring approval of the General Assembly before any Medicaid expansion could take place.Cooper also pushed for increasing teacher pay, more funding for early childhood education, pursuing renewable energy, and repairing the state's roads and bridges.North Carolina's new governor began his inaugural address harking back to 1776 when delegates from across the state came to the small town of Halifax to adopt the Halifax Resolves Cooper said.Cooper said the state has been a leader in higher education, innovation, expanding civil rights and fighting economic recessions.He acknowledged the state's contentious political past, but said he is moving forward.Cooper said. The people of this state are tired of yesterday's politics. You expect - and deserve - public servants who reject cynicism, who don't succumb to political paralysis, who negotiate differences in good faith."Cooper pledged to lead by example and to try to reach consensus with the Republican-led General Assembly.Cooper said.Cooper also thanked his wife and North Carolina's new first lady, Kristin, along with his daughters, Hilary, Natalie, and Claire.Cooper said. And we've brought along a rendering that can easily start a debate, given the way in which the pixel play interacts with the classic appearance of the Porsche 911 Turbo Whether you're fond of the idea of potentially gifting a Turbo Neunelfer with tracks for the winter, or you consider such move a sacrilege, this render offers a pain-free way to do it.Pixel player Brian Schnider came up with the concept back in 2015, after seeing the all-too-real Nissan Juke Nismo RSnow - hat tip to Redditor temporalwanderer for bringing the image to our attention.And this isn't just a dream inspired by the insanely capable Juke. The man is genuinely passionate about contraptions that feature tracks, as he explained on his website: "Ever since our amazing ski trip to Ischgl, Austria, Ive been completely obsessed with on-slope transportation, particularly snow cats. In fact, I was so obsessed, I actually purchased a Pisten Bully toy snow cat. Im not even ashamed to admit it, I think its badass,"Since we mentioned trends in the intro above, we'll go on and tell you the man behind this rendering admits that his creation is missing one element we've seen on many supercars from the real world, namely a roof box."This is the final result, a vehicle I would be proud to drive around Vermont, Utah or Colorado on those fresh pow days when others are stuck in ditches. Behold, the Porsche 911 TurbSNOW (OK, we may need a better nameand a ski rack)," the pixel wielder said.Oh, and by the way, purists who are offended by this Porsche exercise should stay away from Salt Lake City, as traffic in the area has recently been gifted with a Ferrari FF using a ski box SUV Rolls-Royce delivered 4,011 cars last year, but it was enough to be profitable and mark the second-highest sales record in 113 years of existence.According to the automaker from Goodwood, it did great everywhere except for the Middle East. The United States of America remains the largest market for Rolls-Royce, as it was in previous years.Countries like Japan, Germany, China, and the United Kingdom have also manifested record results for Rolls-Royce. Interestingly, the highest-selling dealership on a global scale was the one in Dubai, but that did not outweigh the brands sales performance in the area.The British brand explained that the results in the Middle East were caused by the economic and political uncertainty that have dampened demand for all luxury goods in the area. However, the Middle East was Rolls-Royce s third-largest market, so people that were not afraid of how things went over there kept buying new Rolls-Royce cars.The results recorded in 2016 for Rolls-Royce are explained by products like the Dawn , Wraith Black Badge, and Ghost Black Badge. The company is also excited about the accomplishments of its Bespoke personalization division, which had a record year.Things went so well at Rolls-Royce that they created 100 jobs at their headquarters, and that is something big for a brand that has sales figures that are in the thousands.Concerning dealerships, Rolls-Royce seems to have its largest network to date, with 136 partners in its global network, which received six showrooms this year. The most important of these were the Rolls-Royce Studio in South Korea, and the boutique-style concept store in Dubai.Rolls-Royce seems optimist about the future, and we think that it has all the reasons in the world to be that way. First of all, they will launch the firstin the history of the brand, the Cullinan , and the Phantom will get a new generation next year, which should account for another record year of sales.The said record year could be 2019, because the next geneneration of the Phantom arrives in late 2018, so things will get moving a year after that. It looks like the German-led conglomerate wasn't really affected by the discovery of its defeat device in diesel engines outside North America as the group's brands managed to amass sales of 10.3 million vehicles over the course of last year.That's a 3.8 rise compared to 2015 when Volkswagen only had to deal with the market's negativity for the last three months. It looks like its strategy to announce a new focus on electric propulsion worked, or maybe people simply don't care if they are lied to as long as they can buy the famed German quality for a decent price.Of course, registering such numbers under difficult circumstances bolsters VW's confidence. "2016 was a very challenging year for us," says Matthias Muller, CEO of the Volkswagen Group. "We made strides in resolving and overcoming the diesel crisis and at the same time initiated a fundamental change process with Together Strategy 2025' to get Volkswagen ready for the future of mobility. Nonetheless, we managed to stabilize operating business in difficult conditions: the fact that we handed over more than 10 million vehicles to customers last year bolsters the Group and its brands as we head for the future."Surprisingly enough, Volkswagen's sales grew even in the troubled North American market, albeit only by 0.8 percent. Europe, on the other hand, had a 4.0 percent rise compared to 2015 while the Asia-Pacific region saw the biggest growth with 9.7 percent. China was the market leading the charge with its 12.2 percent increase in sales during 2016.The biggest news, however, is that Volkswagen Group looks set to overtake Toyota as the world's largest carmaker. The Japanese manufacturer hasn't made its numbers public yet, but it has announced it doesn't expect to meet the initial forecast. And even if it were to do it, that would still be below Volkswagen's 10.3 million, as it only stands at 10.11 million.However, not all is peachy for the Germans. NordLB analyst Frank Schwope quoted by Auto News says that VW's rise might stall this year due to a stagnation of its main driving market, China. The Asian country plans to reduce or eliminate tax breaks for cars with small engines, meaning Volkswagen products will lose some of their competitiveness. For now, though, they can open a bottle of champagne. Photo of 2018 Camry XSE courtesy of Toyota. Toyota is revamping the Camry for the 2018 model-year with a more efficient, powerful engine lineup, stylish design and improved driving dynamics as the midsize sedan enters its eighth generation, Toyota announced at the Detroit auto show. The 2018 Camry, which will be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, extends its wheelbase by 2 inches and lowers the roof and hood height by 1 inch and 1.6 inches. Toyota will offer a trio of new powertrains, including a 3.5L V-6 with D-4S fuel injection that's paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT). Toyota will also offer a 2.5L inline-4 gasoline engine, as well as its next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) that would be paired with a continuously variable transmission. Additional safety features include the standard Toyota Safety Sense package that includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive radar-based cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beam. New available safety technology includes a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking. Toyota gave its Camry a heavy refresh for the 2015 model year. After an investigation by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), along with the assistance of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, three former employees of Enterprise Rent-A-Car in the U.K. have been sentenced for conspiring to steal customer information that accident claims companies could use to make nuisance calls and sell on as personal injury claims. Details of tens of thousands of customers from the car rental company were sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds, leading to unlawful contact from ambulance chasers making cold calls about personal injury, in a scheme that ran for almost two and a half years, according to a report by the ICO. Enterprise Rent-A-Car said in a statement to Auto Rental News that the unauthorized access may have been gained through one of its rental reservation applications in August 2011. "As a result of this suspicion, we immediately undertook an internal investigation and informed the ICO and police authorities," said John Davies, Enterprise's European corporate communications director. "After uncovering the unauthorized access, we worked closely with the ICO on its investigation. As a business, we will not tolerate any behavior that exposes our customers or threatens our integrity." Andrew Minty, Jamie Leong, and Michelle Craddock, who at various times worked for Enterprise in Cardiff or Aldershot, all pleaded guilty at Englands Winchester Crown Court on Jan. 4 to conspiracy to commit offences under the Data Protection Act. Minty was fined 7,500 pounds, which he has to pay within two years or face three months custody. Leong and Craddock, who had less involvement in the conspiracy and had either paid greater amounts of damages or been affected more by previous civil proceedings, were given 12 month conditional discharges but ordered to pay 3,000 pounds and 1,200 pounds in prosecution costs respectively, according to the report. Car rental companies have details of drivers who have been in a road accident and need to hire a vehicle whilst theirs is out of action, said Steve Eckersley, ICOs head of enforcement. These details are valuable leads to companies which make money from encouraging accident victims to make claims. As well as the criminal proceedings brought by the ICO, Enterprise-Rent-A-Car had previously issued civil proceedings against the defendants. This resulted in the defendants paying the company 400,000 pounds in civil compensation in total between them, says the report. "Although no customer's bank account or credit card details were compromised as a result of the unlawful activities of these former employees, we treat the theft of customer information extremely seriously," said Davies. "We're pleased to see that bringing this matter to the attention of the ICO, and assisting it with its investigation, has led to these convictions. We hope that this sends out a strong message that Enterprise will not tolerate this behavior and will use all means at its disposal to combat the illegal accessing of customer information." Mitsubishi Motor Corp. will still focus on the crossover market in the Unites States while eliminating the Lancer compress sedan, a former centerpiece in the brand's lineup, Mitsubishi executives stated in a media gathering held at Detroit Auto Show on Thursday. The company already announced that they will not be joining the Detroit Auto Show this year. Executive vice president at Mitsubishi Motors North America, Don Swearingen said that the Lancer production will be ending this August of 2017. According to Automotive News Data Center, Mitsubishi only sold 14,304 Lancers in the U.S. last year, a major decrease of 19 percent. The Lancer Evolution was discontinued in 2015 despite its high performance. Lancer being shutdown is not a downfall for Mitsubishi, as crossovers will continue to lift the company's name in the United States. The company's Outlander Sport lead the way making 33,067 units sold in 2016, decreased by 11 percent, and then followed by the Outlander, which made US deliveries of 26, 576, an increase of 40 percent in 2016. Both crossovers totaled a 65 percent of the brand's U.S. sales last year. Mitsubishi's U.S sales increased up by 1 percent for the year, to 96,267. It was the company's fourth straight year of sales. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi announced that the Outlander and Outlander Sport will be redesigned this 2017 for a fresh start. For the Outlander, it is set to accept more reserve facilities, while the Outlander Sport will be getting some upgrades to a "dynamic shield" front end pattern styling of a car. In addition, Swearingen also confirmed that Mitsubishi will be launching an all-new-compress crossover by 2018. The new crossover will be equipped with a turbocharged engine and comes with a user accessible technology, including a head-up display. Swearingen said, "Frankly, in my opinion from exam pushing a new vehicle, it will be the best automobile Mitsubishi has ever produced." The Outlander will get bigger in breadth and length, while the Outlander Sport will be designed a little smaller. Both the new crossover will fit between existent nameplates. Furthermore, Mitsubishi just had a recent alliance with Nissan Motor Co. and Renault, but the automakers made it clear that they are still competitors even though they are using the same platform. Nissan just took a determining 33.4 percent in Mitsubishi effective October 20. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn became Mitsubishi's chairman in December. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Google's Waymo announced that it is fielding self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivans onto public roads by month-end. The small vans will tread the roads in Mountain View, California and Phoenix, Arizona. As reported by the Verge, the areas mentioned are where the Lexus SUV's self-driven cars have traditionally been driving onto in the last few years. John Krafcik, the CEO of Waymo, introduced a customized Chrysler Pacifica hybrid car in the auto show as the car that will be equipped with the company's self-driving technology. Google and Chrysler have long been corroborating in the development of autonomous car driving technology since May of 2016. Google's Waymo has announced that the selected Chrysler cars will now be equipped by hardware and technology supplied exclusively by Waymo. It means that Waymo is no longer purchasing components like sensors, cameras and mapping technology from outside sources but will produce all hardware in-house. This move will definitely lower the cost of their self-driving technology and will make the product more feasible and attractive to car manufacturers. The strategy makes Waymo independent from hardware suppliers and keeps costs at controllable levels. Google's Waymo will now be producing its own brand of sensors, cameras and other hardware for their own autonomous driving technology. John Krafcik mentioned that LIDAR sensors that they have previously purchased at $75,000 in 2009 can now be manufactured by Waymo at the cost of $7,500. This is a 90 percent price reduction that is significant to the cost of self-driving technology. Krafnic reiterated that Google's Waymo is not interested to become a parts supplier to the autonomous car makers. Instead, the company is hoping to go into partnerships with car manufacturer like Honda and Chrysler to equip their vehicles for self-driving capability or acquire vehicle fleets. Waymo is not interested to build its own brand of cars but to develop autonomous car fleet services they can share with the public. Many believe that self-driving car technology will revolutionize the future of the transportation industry. Roy Cooper spent his last few weeks as governor-elect of North Carolina attacking the state legislature for encroaching on the separation of powers, weakening the rule of law, subverting the will of the voters, and hurrying new policies through too quickly, without adequate discussion or consultation.Roy Cooper then spent his initial few days as governor of North Carolina doing precisely what he'd accused the legislature of doing - and giving himself an unnecessary black eye.Cooper's first big mistake involves the same issue that severely damaged Barack Obama and his administration: the Affordable Care Act. The president came into office determined to expand government control of health care. He spurned contrary views and pushed through what he wanted. The public didn't like it. Obamacare is the single-biggest reason why the Democratic Party is at its weakest point since the 1920s.But progressives remain convinced that policy success and public approval are still just around the corner, and that Republicans won't repeal and replace the ACA's core policies of Medicaid expansion and government-run insurance exchanges. I don't know if Cooper agrees with them or believes that he has no choice but to indulge the fantasies of his political base. I do know that the decision he announced on January 4 - to seek Medicaid expansion in North Carolina through executive action - is a colossal blunder.Republican lawmakers have passed multiple laws to forbid Medicaid expansion without their approval . They get to do that. Medicaid expansion requires a state appropriation to match federal dollars, regardless of how that appropriation is funded (through general revenues or taxes on hospital bills). It is also a policy matter about which the legislative branch has constitutional authority, as House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger have already informed the outgoing Obama administration I don't see any way for the ensuing legal dispute to end well for the governor and Democrats. Either the North Carolina Supreme Court will confirm the obvious and deny Cooper the arbitrary power he claims to have to change state policy and appropriate state funds. Or, having just shifted from a 4-3 Republican majority to a 4-3 Democratic one, it will issue a dishonest opinion that will seem far partisan than anything the GOP-majority court ever did - while still not giving Cooper an actual win on Medicaid expansion.How come? Because by the time such a decision is rendered, there won't be an Obama administration to play with. The Trump administration is hardly likely to approve a Democratic governor's scheme to circumvent the will of a Republican legislature. Moreover, the Republican Congress will likely reform Medicaid in ways that will make the dispute moot, either by forestalling expansion altogether or by rewriting the rules in such a way that state Republicans may decide to accept somewhat-broader eligibility rules in exchange for spending caps, flexibility, and private options.By claiming unilateral authority to expand Medicaid, Gov. Cooper destroyed the political narrative he and his progressive enablers in the media had created after the 2016 election. Whatever you think of the Republican legislature's decisions to reduce the number of political jobs Cooper can fill, strengthen the role of the state superintendent of public instruction, or combine the state's ethics and elections boards, they don't constitute a large-scale change in public policy. They don't seek to obligate the state to spend billions of dollars without legislative approval.The governor's Medicaid gambit encroaches on the separation of powers, weakens the rule of law, and subverts the will of the voters who have elected a Republican president and Congress to take health care policy in a different direction. It also represents a major policy change hatched without adequate discussion or consultation, thus alienating even longtime advocates of Medicaid expansion such as the state hospital association who want bipartisan action I criticized Republicans in the legislature for acting too hastily during the December special session. Will the Left criticize Cooper for acting too hastily on his first week on the job? I won't hold my breath. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline received several updates by June of last year and the effort had received its recognition this year. The model was pegged as the N2017 North American Truck of the Year. The Awards The 2017 Honda Ridgeline was featured at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show parading with the North American Truck of the Year award. It was the model's second award for the same category since 2006 which overpowered market competition such as the Ford F-Series Super Duty and the Nissan Titan models, reported MSN. Per John Mendel, the executive vice president of the American Honda Motor Company, the award served as validation that Honda's efforts on consistently innovating its models. he also gave credit to the American development team's work for their valued efforts in continually upgrading the franchise that earned the company good acknowledgment. On top of which, the company also received similar recognition for its Honda Civic model last 2006 as well. The award had been decided upon by 50 members of the North American automotive media which catered to different publication personalities from television stations to independent groups of journalists. The basis of the award include the following criteria: design, safety performance, innovation, driver satisfaction and value, along with handling features. The Specs The 2017 Honda Ridgeline has a Dual Action Tailgate, in-Bed Trunk, unibody construction, a scratch-and-dent resistant composite truck bed along with a unique feature - the world's first Truck Bed Audio System. It also earned the top safety pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its front crash prevention system and LED headlights reported Honda. As reported by Auto Week, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine with direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and variable valve timing. It is able to generate 30-280hp and up to 15-262lb.-ft. of torque. With a six-speed automatic transmission, buyers are given the option to purchase either the all-wheel-drive or the front-wheel-drive configurations. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline, also pegged as the North American Truck of the Year, can be purchased at a value of $29,475. Honda Canada Inc. will invest $492 million in its plant in Alliston, Ontario, the automaker said in an announcement in Monday which coincided with the long-awaited changes to the federal government's automotive innovation fund. The investment will be used to allow the company to upgrade its Ontario manufacturing facilities and improve its manufacturing carbon footprint, which is part of Honda's initiatives globally. The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario government will both provide Honda Canada with grants of up to $41.8 million for upgrades and research and development at its operations, representing 17 percent of Honda Canada's investment. The government money, along with the money from Honda itself, will go toward technology for vehicle-assembly, not to mention the design and construction of a new paint shop that is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in half. These investments will maintain jobs in Canada by supporting advanced and clean technologies, and will allow Honda's plants in Alliston, Ontario, to secure their intercontinental competitiveness. Honda Canada employs more than 4,000 both contracted and full-time associates, and it produced more than 390,000 Civic and CR-V models and 220,000 engines in 2015. These funding shows the Government of Canada's support for innovation in the auto industry and its commitment to attract other investors significantly in this important sector of the economy. With these new investments, Honda Canada will continue to be a formidable benefactor to the economic well-being of Canada's automotive industry. The investment is provided through the Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF), which is extended to 2020-2021 in Budget 2016. The AIF provides backing for strategic research and development projects that promote greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda will promote cleanliness, growth, quality jobs and higher living standards for the middle class. The funding for Honda Canada and the changes to the AIF are key elements of this plan. Nokia's comeback is the biggest thing that happened in 2017 so far with the launch of the Nokia 6 Android smartphone. Nokia continues to wow technophiles as news on the phone manufacturer working on a virtual assistant dubbed 'Viki' hits the internet. Viki, Nokia's AI-based virtual assistant. According to a Netherlands-based mobile phone news website, GSMinfo.nl, Nokia filed a trademark registration application for its very own virtual assistant. Nokia's specific description of their filed EU trademark of Viki says that the virtual assistant is "Software for the creation and monitoring of mobile and web digital assistants working with knowledge and combining all data sources into a single chat and voice-based interface." Many will remember that the 80's sitcom, Small Wonder, had a little robot girl with realistic hair and skin named Vici (pronounced Vicki). Although spelled with a 'k', Viki looks to be an apt name for a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants seem to be the focus of most tech giants this 2017 with the Google Home from Google, Amazon's Alexa, and now Nokia's Viki. We have yet to find out what Siri and Cortana have in store for us. Samsung is reportedly working on an AI-based assistant of its own, too, which is set to feature on the upcoming Galaxy S8 smartphone. This is after the Korean tech giant acquired Viv, the team that helped create Siri for Apple, back in October of 2016. It is said that Samsung's virtual assistant will gradually get smarter as developers upload and attach services to it. Samsung hopes that their virtual assistant will go beyond smartphones and eventually be able to link its other devices with it. Smartphone manufacturers are all focused on making virtual assistants that are artificially intelligent. Nokia clearly has plans to ride this trend, not wanting to be left behind. Find out what the fuss is all about with the Nokia 6. Watch a video about Nokia's first android smartphone below. It is finally happening! After years of waiting by enthusiasts, a new Ford Bronco is actually happening. This is after years of rumors and news all over the place. The Blue Oval officially confirmed the development of the SUV. Also, Ford gave another sweet news as it also stated the return of the Ranger in North America. The announcement was made by the automaker at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday. "We've heard our customers loud and clear. They want a new generation of vehicles that are incredibly capable yet fun to drive," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford's president of The Americas. "Ranger is for truck buyers who want an affordable, functional, rugged and maneuverable pickup that's Built Ford Tough. Bronco will be a no-compromise midsize 4x4 utility for thrill seekers who want to venture way beyond the city." The new iteration of the Bronco SUV will be added to Ford's global vehicle portfolio in 2020. That is definitely not too long in the future for people who have waited this far. At the same time, the midsize Ranger pickup truck will join the brand's North American lineup after a long hiatus in 2019. It is officially reported that both the much-awaited vehicles will be manufactured at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, reported Carscoop. The news on the making of Bronco and Ranger comes immediately after Ford announced 13 global electrified models planned for launch. The launch of the electrified models is planned over the next five years. This release will include the Mustang Hybrid, the F-150 Hybrid and the Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid, reported Gearheads. After years of waiting, it is officially now confirmed that Ford will take all efforts to release the Bronco SUV by 2020 and the Ranger Truck by 2019. This time it is not a rumor at all. The FAA is working toward allowing more freedom for drone operators, and at the same time is working with NASA on a plan to develop technology that will manage drone traffic, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said last week. Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Huerta said the next step in the agencys regulation of drones will be to allow them to be flown above people, under specific circumstances. The FAA is working with industry partners to develop technologies to ensure that safety and security are not sacrificed. The next step, Huerta said, further down the road, will be to allow routine unmanned aircraft operations beyond the pilots visual line of sight. The NASA effort, known as UTM, or unmanned aerial system traffic management, is now undergoing tests at the University of Nevada-Reno, Huerta said. Last October, they flew and tracked five drones at the same time beyond the pilots visual line of sight from Reno-Stead Airport. Each drone accomplished a separate simulated task, including looking for a lost hiker, covering a sporting event, monitoring wildlife and surveying environmental hazards. Tests like these will help build the foundation for managing much greater amounts of drone traffic in the coming years, Huerta said. NASA has been working on the UTM system for several years and expects to have a fully tested prototype by 2019. The Supreme Court has taken a look at the Flytenow case to decide if a lower courts interpretation of the law was correct, and on Monday they announced their decision the Court will not hear the case. That decision leaves in place a lower courts ruling that it would be illegal for Flytenow to operate a web-based flightsharing service for private pilots. The company decided to shut down over a year ago, after an appeals court in the District of Columbia also upheld the FAAs position that pilots who used the site would be engaged in common carriage. Matt Voska, a co-founder of Flytenow, said on Monday that several members of Congress, led by U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, have sponsored legislation that would explicitly authorize internet-facilitated flight cost-sharing. We are disappointed with the Courts decision this morning and we will be continuing our efforts in Congress to overturn the FAAs ban on online flight sharing, Voska said. Jon Riches, general counsel for the Goldwater Institute, who represented Flytenow in its appeal, said the Supreme Court missed an opportunity today to correct an error made by the FAA and lower courts. Whats more, the Court could have offered direction to lower courts that protects the First Amendment rights of people using other sharing economy platforms, like Uber and Airbnb, Voska said.Hopefully the FAA will reverse its position on this issue, and hopefully the Court will decide in another case to examine the important constitutional issues raised. The Supreme Court justices offered no comments on the case. Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian of Vanadzor on Tuesday defended his calls for an end to an opposition boycott of the municipal council that controversially elected a new pro-government mayor of Armenias third largest city this fall. Mamikon Aslanian of the ruling Republican Party (HHK) became mayor thanks to four opposition members of the council who secretly broke the ranks and voted for him. Three opposition parties won 18 of the 33 council seats in the municipal election held in October. They failed to pick Vanadzors next mayor only because the four, still unknown councilors were bulled into backing Aslanian. They have been boycotting sessions of the local council in protest. Chouldjian deplored the boycott when he celebrated a Christmas mass in a Vanadzor church on January 6. The move provoked strong criticism from Bright Armenia, one of the three opposition parties. The Bright Armenia leader, Edmon Marukian, accused the cleric of meddling and taking sides in a political dispute. Chouldjian, who heads the Gugark Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church encompassing Vanadzor and surrounding areas, rejected the criticism. He said he simply urged local political factions to rally around national and state structures and act together, rather than voiced support for the HHK. I have always mocked the Republican Party I dont support the Republican Party or spare it criticism. Thats not true, Chouldjian told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) in an interview. I support statehood, he said. I stand with those [state] institutions so that they establish themselves. The archbishop accused Marukian of exploiting the issue to score political points. He went on to appeal to the 35-year-old parliamentarian: Edmon, come to me, I forgive you and I will do everything to help you continue your political activities on the rick track. Marukian, who is also based in Vanadzor, stood by his criticism, saying that the archbishops comments were not objective and impartial Under the constitution, Armenia is a secular state where the church is separated from the state, he said. When the church or its clergymen try to meddle in the political life they must at least be objective. Marukian also reaffirmed Bright Armenias plans to ask the Yerevan government to call a snap election in Vanadzor. He said that under Armenian law local councils can be dissolved if they fail to meet and make a quorum for more than three months. The Armenian government holds the key to solving this crisis, he said. The two other opposition parties represented in the local council, Armenian Revival and Prosperous Armenia, voiced support for Marukians initiative. Aslanian, the Vanadzor mayor, dismissed the opposition plans when he spoke to RFE/RLs Armenian service on Monday. 10 January 2017 10:41 (UTC+04:00) Over the past 24 hours, Armenias Armed Forces have 40 times violated the ceasefire in different directions along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on January 10. The Azerbaijani army positions located in Kamarli, Gaymagli villages of the Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in Dovekh, Barekamavan villages of Armenias Noyemberyan district, while Azerbaijans army positions located in Aghbulag, Aghdam and Alibayli villages of Azerbaijans Tovuz district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in Chinari, Aygepar, Mosesgekh villages and on the nameless heights of Armenias Berd district. The Azerbaijani army positions located on the nameless heights in the Gadabay district also underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located on the nameless heights of the Krasnoselsk district of Armenia. Moreover, the Azerbaijani army positions underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near the Armenian-occupied Chilaburt village of the Tartar district, Bash Garvand village of the Aghdam district, Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand district, Ashagi Seyidahmadli, Horadiz villages of the Fuzuli district, as well as from the positions located on the 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 10:05 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova 2016 will definitely enter history as 'a year of big challenges for the Azerbaijani economy. The global economic recession, which continued last year, affected the country seriously resulting in dramatic declines in revenues. Three to fourfold plummeting in oil prices on global markets that set them at a bottom-line level of under $35 at the end of February 2016 became the biggest dilemma that the national economy faced. The new reality made the country reconsider its economic policies and look for worthy alternatives to petrodollars, while an intention to reboot and diversify the economy turned the attention to promising non-oil sectors, which were earlier slightly overshadowed by a well-developed oil industry. In March 2016, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on promoting the export of domestically produced non-oil goods, laying a sustainable basis for the switch to a new model of economy, independent of oil revenues. Over the past 12 months, the country introduced a huge number of changes aimed at the creation of the favorable business environment. Moratorium on business inspection, the decision that was taken in late 2015, became one of the main triggers for the improvement of the business climate. The state structures of Azerbaijan have conducted only 70 business inspections as compared to 70,000 checks in 2015, while tax audit decreased almost threefold. Also, the changes facilitated the implementation of business activity in the country, reducing the number of licenses and permissions required for entrepreneurial activity. The number of licenses decreased from 59 to 37, while the number of required permissions dropped almost fourfold to 86. Besides, the licenses are being issued with an open-ended term, while the procedures have been facilitated greatly as the documents are issued by the Asan Service. The cost of licenses was also halved in Baku, whilst cut down fourfold in regions of the country. Later on, businessmen in Azerbaijan became eligible to get a document of the investment incentives, under which half of the revenue of an individual entrepreneur, profits of legal entity became exempted from income tax for seven years, while import of equipment for the implementation of the projects was also exempted from VAT and customs duties. Projects worth more than 1 billion manats ($563.7 million) were issued investment incentive document, and their implementation is expected to provide for the creation of almost 7,000 new jobs. To support SME in the country the Labour and Social Protection Ministry developed a program of self-employment. To this end, some 6 million manats ($3.388 million) have been allocated from the Presidential Reserve Fund for the Ministry. Roughly 1,500 families were expected to use the program until the end of 2016. The program envisages that all participants of the program pass special training, and get practical knowledge on the implementation of small and medium scale business, as well as get acquainted with financial aspects of entrepreneurship. Further, they develop business plans and present them to consideration of a special commission. Should the plan is assessed as successful and promising, the participants get all needed assistance for free. Later on, ABAD public legal entity was established to implement projects that support small and medium enterprises, identifying the exact target group, and assisting in the preparation of business plans. Furthermore, a Board of Appeal was established to resolve complaints and problems of entrepreneurs within a short term and in an easy way serving as an additional guarantee for protection of the rights of businessmen. Certain innovations have been introduced to accelerate state property privatization and increase its efficiency, while numerous state enterprises and objects have been declared available for privatization. To provide transparency and efficient informing for the process, the State Committee on Property Issues developed a digital Privatization Portal (http://privatization.az) that comprises thorough information on enterprises and properties to be privatized. In October 2016, the country developed a special mechanism to support the export of local output and promote "Made in Azerbaijan" brand on foreign markets, while the measures were developed basing on international practice and in-depth analysis. The mechanisms cover a number of promotional procedures, including the creation of some racks with Made in Azerbaijan branded products in foreign stores, assistance in getting various certificates, patents, registration of trade marks, as well as sending of export missions abroad and participation in international exhibitions. Export missions have already been organized to China and the UAE and gave certain yields. Azerbaijan is expected to supply some 500,000 bottles of wine to China. The list of planned destinations for 2017 includes Germany, Pakistan, Qatar and Afghanistan. A total of 3 million manats ($1.84 million) has been allocated to finance the export support measures. Doing Business 2017 placed Azerbaijan 65th among 190 countries in the global rankings on the Ease of Doing Business, ranking the country among 29 countries that implemented three or more reforms. The year was also marked by a keen interest in transit projects being realized due to an advantageous geographic location of the country. Commissioning of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was postponed to the first half of 2017, but the ambitious North-South project received a strong push towards successful implementation. Furthermore, the establishment of the Free Trade Zone at the territory of Baku International Sea trade port became one of the milestone events for the country. The economic area, which is planned to become operational in the first half of 2017, will bring up to $1 billion just in the first few years. The construction of new important industrial facilities, such as industrial districts and parks continued throughout the year, paving the way for the development of such spheres as pharmaceuticals, machine building, light industry, and others. The development of strategic road maps for the national economy and main economic sectors became a legal proof that a policy that promotes non-oil economy will be pursued further. The document defined the measures, development goals, and priorities in almost all spheres of economy, while the successful implementation of measures (in the non-oil sector) is expected to provide a significant GDP growth of some 7 billion manats ($3.94 billion) by 2020. Some 27 billion manats will be required to implement the strategic goals outlined in the document. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 12:38 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF) has so far paid compensations worth over 721.8 million manats ($406.83 million) to depositors of the recently closed Dekabank, Kredobank, Zaminbank, Parabank, Caucasus Development Bank, AtraBank, Bank of Azerbaijan, Ganjabank, Texnikabank and Bank Standard. Banks Volume of paid compensations (million manats/ million USD) Volume of the insured deposits (million manats/ million USD) Bank Standard 433.99 ($244.61) 460 ($260.4) Zaminbank 52.46 ($29.56) 60 ($34.97) Dekabank 3.08 ($1.73) 5.59 ($3.16) Kredobank 27.77 ($15.65) 30.21 ($ 17.10) Caucasus Development Bank 1.97 ($1.11) 2 ($1.11) Atrabank 14.27 ($ 8.07) 14.55 ($8.20) Bank of Azerbaijan 24.15 ($13.61) 24.2 ($13.64) Gandjabank 0.98 ($ 0.55) 1($0.56) Texnikabank 120.15 ($68.02) 122.6 ($69.10) Parabank 42.98 ($24.22) 43.79 ($24.68) Acceptance of applications from insured depositors of DekaBank, KredoBank, Zaminbank and Parabank began on August 1, 2016 and the payment of compensations has been carried out since that day. Compensations to the depositors of Caucasus Development Bank and AtraBank are being paid starting from August 23. Payments are being carried out at the branches the banks. Depositors of Caucasus Development Bank receive compensations at the banks main office. Payment of compensations to insured depositors of Bank of Azerbaijan has been carried out since January 29, 2016 at branches of Muganbank and Rabitabank, and since September 8 at ADIFs office. Clients of Ganjabank receive compensations since February 4 at the branches of Rabitabank, Unibank and Kapital Bank. ADIF launched payment of compensations to depositors of Texnikabank on February 12. Payment of compensations to the insured depositors of Bank Standard started October 11, 2016 at the banks main office and its branches in the regions of Azerbaijan and will continue for one year. The licenses of all the banks were revoked in 2016, as their assets were not classified in line with the law, and they didnt create adequate reserves and their aggregate capital did not meet the minimum requirements. Some 32 banks are currently implementing their activities in the country. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Electoral Integrity Project report, developed in part by UNC-CH professor, plagued by subjectivity, experts say Experts are using terms such as "absurd," and "silly" to describe a study, and an opinion column written by one of its founders, that purports North Carolina no longer is a functioning democracy, and that North Korea and Cuba rank higher for electoral integrity than the Tar Heel State.The issue gained national attention after UNC-Chapel Hill professor Andrew Reynolds made those claims in a Dec. 22 op-ed column in the Raleigh News & Observer based on an international survey by The Electoral Integrity Project jointly operated by Harvard University and the University of Sydney in Australia. Reynolds helped to devise the study methodology.Andrew Gelman told Carolina Journal. Gelman is a professor of statistics and political science, and director of the Applied Statistics Center at Columbia University. He is also a researcher who has studied electoral practices.said Gelman, whose professional blog, Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science , drew similar reactions to the study from a variety of academic experts.Andy Taylor, a political science professor at N.C. State University, told CJ. He lamented that this is an example of how suspect research, and the way it's presented to the public, are passed off as serious scholarly work.Taylor said.Taylor said in research and political circles there is anReynolds' column contained several eye-opening contentions.he wrote. According to study measures, North Carolina performed so poorlyReynolds wrote that North Carolina's overall electoral integrity score of 58 of a possible 100 points for the 2016 electionThe professor added that North Carolina received a grade of only 7 out of a possible 100 on electoral district boundaries, making itThe 2016 report ranked the United States the lowest of any established democracy in its election quality. In an interview with GQ magazine, Reynolds, by inference, blamed that partly on the Electoral College.he said.Alongside academic partners, the Electoral Integrity Project lists progressive funders, including the Open Society Foundation, created by billionaire political activist George Soros; the Sunlight Foundation, a group that purports to back political transparency but has attacked the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision asand the Hewlett Foundation, which provides grants to left-leaning environmental and activist groups.The Perceptions of Electoral Integrity report is based on a set of 49 criteria distributed in a survey, sent to as many as 40 people deemed experts in each governmental unit the project covers. The experts are not identified.Gelman said.Gelman's biggest concern about the dataset is its reliance on subjective responses from the participants. Depending on the respondent's political biases and preferences, very different answers could be given, he said. And because each state and country has different respondents, there is no consistency or standard of responses for comparative purposes.Gelman was alerted to the study by a political scientist who received the questionnaire, but said he did not have the expertise to answer some of the questions.Gelman said of subjective polling, but the study lacked other controls to properly adjust the findings.Pippa Norris, a lecturer in the Harvard School of Government who directs the Electoral Integrity Project, debated with other experts on Gelman's blog about why the new model of social science research to determine electoral integrity deserves respect even as it continues to develop.Gelman said.used in the Perceptions of Electoral Integrity study because other nations have different electoral concepts and institutions, andTaylor said.He said Reynolds' contention that legislative gerrymandering reduces North Carolina's electoral intregity has some validity, but his calling a special legislative session that redefines a governor's authority a power grab is off-base.Taylor said.Reynolds seems to promote a notion of democracy as strictly majoritarian, Taylor said, and majority views are important in America.Taylor said, 10 January 2017 15:20 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov A total of 30 state properties were sold on January 10 at the first auction of 2017 under the new privatization program. The auction was held by Azerbaijan's State Committee on Property Issues. The privatized state objects included six small enterprises and facilities, 14 non-residential areas, nine vehicles and one equipment. Privatization of these state objects will add $610,000 to the state budget. A total of 14 of the privatized state properties are located in Baku, while others are in other cities and regions of Azerbaijan. The list of these objects is available at http://privatization.az/index.php/az/sas-s-hif/mue-ssis-l-r# The third stage of privatization in Azerbaijan started in the framework of the presidential decree dated May 19, 2016. Under the decree, the acceleration of the state property privatization process has been defined as an important direction of the economic policy. The portal for privatization privatization.az, launched in July 2016, reflects all necessary information about the facilities, their addresses, location, and even initial cost and aims at facilitation of the process. The website is available in two languages - Azerbaijani and English. Why Azerbaijan is special section available on the website explains the reasons and advantages of investing in the country. The privatization process is designed to attract both foreign and local investors, as well as improve the business environment of Azerbaijan. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 17:49 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova A business mission representing Russias South Urals Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SUCCI) will pay a visit to Azerbaijan in June 2017. The visit is expected to enhance the relations between the entrepreneurs of the two countries and provide information about investment environment, business climate and ongoing large-scale projects. For the promotional support of the enterprises of South Urals production to other regions of Russia and abroad the SUCCI annually organizes the trade and economic missions, business meetings and receptions of foreign delegations, exhibitions and fairs. A non-state non-profit organization aims to create favorable conditions for the development of free entrepreneurship, promotion of South Urals economic development, its integration into Russian and world economic systems. Russia remains one of Azerbaijans main foreign trade partners. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia totaled $739.8 million in January-May 2016, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. Some 170 agreements, with 50 being in the sphere of economy have been so far concluded between the two countries. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 10:22 (UTC+04:00) The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States), released the statement, OSCE website reported. Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijan serviceman killed in the fighting, said in the statement. The Co-Chairs urge the return, without delay, of human remains, in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue. "We call upon the Parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable"- said in the statement. A reconnaissance group of the Armenian Armed Forces tried to violate the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border on Dec. 29, 2016. The Armenian group found itself in the ambush of the Azerbaijani army while violating the borders and suffered heavy losses. Chingiz Gurbanov, a serviceman of Azerbaijani Armed Forces, went missing during the fight. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 14:29 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov It has already been 13 days that the Armenian armed forces hold the body of Azerbaijani soldier Chingiz Gurbanov, who was killed during the prevention of the Armenian sabotage on December 29, 2016. They refuse to return the dead body to Azerbaijan for burial. A reconnaissance group of the Armenian Armed Forces attempted to violate the Azerbaijan-Armenia state border on December 29, 2016. The Armenian group found itself in the ambush of the Azerbaijani army while violating the borders and suffered heavy losses. During the fighting, Azerbaijani serviceman Chingiz Gurbanov went missing. Later, it was clarified that he was killed by the Armenian Armed Forces and his body remained on the territory controlled by the Armenian armed forces. To receive back the dead body of the Azerbaijani soldier, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry officially appealed to the Azerbaijani representation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), OSCE Minsk Group, as well as to the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk. Despite numerous insistent appeals of international structures regarding the return of Chingiz Gurbanovs body, the Armenian government still keeps the dead body. In this regard, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States) released a statement on January 9. Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman killed in the fighting, the statement said. The Co-Chairs urged the return, without delay, of human remains, in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue. "We call upon the parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable," the Minsk Groups statement reads. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend on January 9 that Armenia must immediately give back the body of the killed Azerbaijani soldier according to international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Convention, but Yerevan refuses to do so. Armenia does not respond to any appeals sent through international organizations, Hajiyev added. Hajiyev noted that the recent statement of the leadership of Armenian armed forces, who said they still have the soldiers body, once again proves that Armenias military and political authorities are far from the norms of civilized behavior. Giving the dead soldiers body is a major requirement of the international humanitarian law, the spokesman said. Armenia does not return the bodies of the dead soldiers, it vents anger on them, scoffs at the bodies, and this is no exception this has become a constituent part of that countrys state policy. Such a vile behavior does not do credit to soldiers and officers and it is only characteristic to terrorists, said Hajiyev. Hajiyev said that relevant state agencies will in a coordinated manner continue their efforts to return the body of the killed soldier, and Azerbaijans diplomatic missions periodically appeal the international organizations in this respect. Meanwhile, Ilaha Huseynova, head of Communication Department of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Azerbaijan Delegation, told APA on January 9 that the ICRC also continues talks with the parties for the return of the body of the killed Azerbaijani soldier. Huseynova noted that ICRC is closely following the issue and is in contact with the authorities of the conflicting parties. ICRC maintains a bilateral and confidential dialogue with the authorities and does not publicly disclose the content of talks. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 13:34 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, established for peaceful resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, are closely negotiating to determine the most appropriate time for visiting the region. Interim U.S. co chair Richard Hoagland announced about this while talking to APA. Hoagland, a diplomat with over 30 years of experience, replaced James Warlick, who stepped down on December 31. Noting that he is honored to be a co-chair of the OSCE MG, Hoagland said that he had carefully studied the Nagorno-Karabakh issue in the course of his career, most of which he spent on the area of former Soviet Union. I know that the resolution of this conflict is possible through the political will of all parties involved, the co-chair said. Hoagland also voiced intention to work closely with his fellow co-chairs to encourage the parties to actively participate in the conflict resolution process. While the OSCE Minsk Group acts as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, it failed to make any move to achieve a breakthrough in the peace process so far. Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 10:02 (UTC+04:00) By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev offered condolences over the death of former Iranian president Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. I was deeply saddened by the news of death of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, outstanding statesman, public and political figure, said President Aliyev in his letter of condolences. Being the example of loyalty to his state and people through all his activities and way of life, Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was also known as a wise and far-sighted politician. Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani made a significant contribution to the formation and the expansion of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, he noted. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my deep condolences to you, the family and relatives of the late Ali Akbar Rafsanjani, and the whole people of Iran, added President Aliyev. May Allah rest his soul in peace! President Ilham Aliyev also offered condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Rouhani. I was deeply saddened by the news of death of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, outstanding statesman, public and political figure, said President Aliyev in his letter of condolences. Ali Akbar Rafsanjani, who took an active part in the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, made a great contribution to the development of ties of friendship and cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. His memory will live forever, noted the president. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my deep condolences to you, the family and relatives of the late Ali Akbar Rafsanjani, and the whole people of Iran, added President Aliyev. May Allah rest his soul in peace! --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 17:45 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The 4th Islamic Solidarity Games are very important for Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev made the remark on January 10 during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, dedicated to the social and economic development of Azerbaijan in 2016 and the tasks ahead, where he declared 2017 the Year of Islamic Solidarity in the country. "By holding these Games we once again will show our strength and opportunities, and will demonstrate commitment to our religious values and will try to unite the Islamic world," he said. This spring Baku will host a multinational and multi-sport event involving the elite athletes of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, and welcoming over 5,000 athletes to compete in 20 sports disciplines during the 12 days of competition. The 4th Islamic Solidarity Games, to be held on May 12 to 22 will feature a record number of the participants. As many as 57 countries have confirmed their participation in the sports festival. The head of state stressed that Azerbaijan enjoys great respect in the Islamic world, adding that leaders of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation highly value Azerbaijan. "This is our policy. Our policy is sincere, loyal, fair, principled and courageous. Given all this, I declare the year of 2017 in Azerbaijan as a "Year of Islamic Solidarity"," President Aliyev said. The head of state further emphasized that the way chosen by Azerbaijan is the only right way. "Drawing attention to the dangerous processes taken place in the world and the region, we see once again that Azerbaijan is faithful to its way, and follows the path of independence and development. We have tried and will try to continue protecting our country and our people from possible risks, and to ensure our independent path," he said. The head of state said Azerbaijan was able to adequately get out of this difficult and critical situation. The work done so far, as well as the work to be carried out this year will further strengthen this trend, President Aliyev underlined. "The economy will grow steadily, non-oil sector will develop, creation of new jobs will be provided, and I am confident that we will achieve all of these goals," he said. The president went on saying that the April battles are a brilliant victory, which once again demonstrated the power of the Azerbaijani state and showed once again that Azerbaijan will never reconcile with the occupation of its lands. One of the most tragic conflicts in the history of the 20th century, that affected the destiny of millions, aggravated on April 2 after the Armenian military units in the occupied lands started shelling Azerbaijans positions. To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talysh, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took over Leletepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region. We will give an adequate response to all the provocations," said the president. At the same time, the myth created by Armenia over the years has been destroyed, the president added. "Armenians admit that they cant stand against Azerbaijan for a week without assistance from abroad," President Aliyev underscored. Azerbaijans State Counselor on Multiculturalism, Interethnic and Religious Affairs Kamal Abdullayev, Chief of the State Migration Service Firudin Nabiyev and Chairman of the State Agency for Public Services and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan Inam Karimov also delivered speeches during the meeting. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 13:45 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijan Airlines, AZAL, continues to operate flights from Baku to Istanbul and vice-versa despite the heavy snowfall in Istanbul, the Baku-based Heydar Aliyev International Airport told Trend on January 10. Despite the heavy snow, Azerbaijan Airlines do not expect cancellation of flights from Baku to Istanbul and back. Three flights to Istanbul and three back flights were scheduled for today, and the first plane already took off at 09:59 from Baku to Istanbul, said in the airport. The airport added that all flights of Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Baku and vice-versa up to 07:30 of January 10 have been cancelled. Today we expect one flight of Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Baku, which is due to take off at 20:45 and land at 00:30 of January 11. It's not cancelled yet, but details will be known later, the airport informed. The snowfall in Istanbul has been continuing for the fifth day. Due to this, more than 1,400 flights in the city airports were canceled. A total of 121 flights have today been canceled by Turkish Airlines. Istanbuls Ataturk Airport remains crowded due to a backlog caused by canceled flights. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 15:20 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Stefan Schennach (Austria, SOC) and Cezar Florin Preda (Romania, EPP/CD), co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Azerbaijan by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), are to make a fact-finding visit to the country from January 12 to 14. The PACE reported that Schennach and Preda are expected to meet with high-ranking Azerbaijani officials in Baku, as well as the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE. Azerbaijan is one of nine Council of Europe member states currently subject to the Assemblys monitoring procedure, which involves ongoing dialogue with the authorities, regular reports and occasional debates on a states progress in honoring its obligations and commitments to the organization. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 16:28 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baku on January 10, Azertac reported. The head of state offered his condolences over the death of former President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, and signed a book of condolences. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz This is the oldest in our inventory, The Gibson Mandolin at least 90 years old. Musical repertoire This organ was in the basement of a house that burned down. Dad brought it home in pieces and restored it. I still plays. You have to pump the pedals with your feet o get the air box to work. I have made several post about my lack of musical talent despite the fact that I have always loved music and have played the guitar off and on since I was a small boy. Somewhere in my mid-thirties I gave it up and never picked up a guitar again until after I retired for the second time in 2012.The fact is that music has always been a major part of my family since I was born. My dad was a self taught musician. We always had instruments around the house. Our house on Sterling street was a three bedroom one bath Craftsman house. The front bedroom was designated as the music room until my brother demanded a room of his own. Up until that time he and I slept in twin beds in the middle bedroom. Jim is five years older than me so you can imagine the sibling rivalry. It was not so mush a rivalry as a crusade by him to see just how miserable he could make my life.The front Music room had a piano, accordion, a full size xylophone, as well as an antique organ that dad had piked up and restored. It was a pedal organ that required you to pump with you feet to get the air flowing. By the time I was five years old my brother had already been taking piano lessons for five years. He continued to take lessons for a total of thirteen years.My dad never had a music lesson in his life but he was a gifted musician. In fact he courted my mother with a Gibson Mandolin before they got married. That would have been in the late 1920s as they were married in 1932. Their song was "Love Letters in the Sand." My dad had a great Irish tenor voice ( yes he was a red headed, freckled faced, hot tempered Irishman) which he must have used to great effect in his earlier dating days. When Pat Boone released his version of "Love Letters" , in 1957, my mom ( a devout christian, prudish strait laced 1st generation Italian) said Pat reminded her of dad. Then she added, they are so much different. Pat was a straight laced, christian, boy who was wholesome, while my dad..... Well let's just say was not.Mom loved the Lawrence Welk show and when dad ran across an almost new accordion he bought it immediately and learned to play it. He would stand in front of the mirror for house practicing. For those who don't know about an accordion, the right hand is pretty much like a piano while the left had side has about a million little black buttons that create the base notes. The only thing I know about the accordion is that middle C is a black indented note. That is how the player could orient his left hand on the keys. My Italian uncles loved to sing the Italian songs and dad dutifully learned them all including the Italian words. See that post here. My interest in music was muted to say the least. I was forced to take piano lessons but after one year, I just put my six year old foot down and refused to continue. I still do not know if it was my forcefulness or my parents realization that I just did not have the talent of my older brother. In any event I was allowed to quit taking piano lessons (one of the few things I was ever allowed to quit - that was just not in their parenting book).By 1957 Jim was in a rock and roll band and in college. When the Kingston Trio came out with Tom Dooley, I took a renewed interest in music. Jim played both the Tenor (four String) guitar as well as six string. I began to learn the Kingston Trio songs on his Stella four string guitar. At one time I think I knew every song the Kingston Trio recorded. We also had a small folk group in my high school years. Jim used the music to get girls, and naturally I tried to follow his lead. But there is something distinctly unromantic about singing Tom Dooley to a girl that just does not compare to Great Balls of Fire. My Brother and Jerry Lee Lewis One of my most consistent faults, is a lack of patience.I have persistance but I quickly grow bored with things once the new has worn off. For most of my life I have rarely dedicated myself to any one endeavor for any length of time. I used to call it the "Renaissance Flaw" . The flaw indicates a decided interest in many various subjects but not enough perseverance to become accomplished at any of them. Some psychologist call it a 'Monkey Mind', Jumping from branch to branch Over the years I continued to have a on and off relationship with the guitar. I continued to play and learn songs, mostly folk or ballads, until my return from Vietnam. For a very short period, I expanded myto "Eve of Destruction," "We gotta Get out of this place," and the ever popular Country Joe and the Fish- Vietnam song . It might interest some to know that some of the most well liked songs by GI Grunts were anti war songs. "Where have all the flowers Gone" was often the sung back in base camp. It has been said that no one hates war more than those who have to fight them.Go Figure.Along the way I owned a nice Gibson Hummingbird Flattop Acoustic (shown below), a Martin DB 28 Dreadnought, several Tenor four strings, a couple of banjos as well as one really nice 5-string banjo and multiple amplifiers, microphones and tape recorders. Like the dog with the bone in his mouth, I lost them all in pursuit of my next adventure based on the reflection I thought I saw in the pond. As I have aged, I have come to the conclusion that when you are living life to the fullest you don't worry about making memories or saving artifacts, you are too busy living large. It is only when you get a bit of salt and pepper in your hair that you look back and think about all the sand that passed through your fingers both in instruments, people and family.Dad and Jim had a musical rapport that I never had with dad but that is a story for another chapter. When I got my first Video recorder in 1980, I recorded them playing and singing. By that time my dad was 68 years old and his arthritic fingers were not quite up to his standards, but he continued to play until his hands no longer hold a cup much less play an instrument.I have uploaded a section of that video to my YouTube channel. Here is the link: Jim and Dad Playing the Guitars circa 1980 When dad passed in 2005, Jim inherited all the family instruments. This past Christmas I took some pictures of a few of them for the files and this edition of Grandpa Diaries. Most of the instruments are stored in one of Jim's extra bedrooms just like they were in 1955 at our house on Sterling. I guess that means there is some continuity still in the musical legacy of our family. Since there is no one in the next generation that has any real interest in musical instruments, I suspect that someone will find a "Barn Find" when Jim passes.Here is a partial list of his current inventory most of which are in the collage:Gibson MandolinWeymann Kestone State Banjo MandolinTwo Custom made Guitars as seen in the Video One six String and One Four stringPianoRestored Antique OrganXylophoneAccordionSeveral UkulelesAmplifier and MicrophonesI regained an interest in Guitars and bought a Classical Yamaha C40 for about $150 new. I though it would help me keep my fingers and mind limber. After a 30 year absence from music, I found out that my lack of talent had not changed and my memory of chords was intact but most of the words to the old songs were somewhat garbled. Just last month, I was in an antique store near the house and they had a brand new Tenor Four String Blue Ridge Model BR-40T. I bought it immediately, just for old time sake. It was not until I got home that I noticed it was Made In China. But I must admit it has a nice sound.Below is a collage of many of the instruments over the years with a green check on the ones still in Jim's inventory. My two newest additions are bottom right. 10 January 2017 10:29 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Over 1,887,729 million tons of Azerbaijani oil was transported via Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan-BTC main export pipeline in December 2016. Some 1,374,823 million tons of this volume fell to the share of Azerbaijans energy giant SOCAR. During January-December of 2016, the volume of the exported oil from Ceyhan Port to the world market totaled 28,640,827 million tons. In general, 319,834,599 million tons of Azerbaijani oil has been exported from Ceyhan Port to Meanwhile, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan-BTC main export pipeline transported 2,386,450 tons of Azerbaijani oil in December, 2016, according to SOCAR. The company said 28,862,673 tons of oil was exported from Ceyhan Port in 2016. In general, 321, 538, 62 tons of oil have been pumped to BTC since the start of the exploitation until January 1, 2017. In addition, 441,271 tons of Turkmen oil were pumped via BTC in December, 2016. BTC pipeline takes oil from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean instead of using tanker transport along the Black Sea and the highly congested Bosporus. The first oil began to flow at the end of 2005 following a series of tests and the gradual filling process. The BTC became fully operational in 2006. BP holds a 30% stake in the consortium running the pipeline. Other consortium members include Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR (25%), Amerada Hess (2.36%), Eni (5%), Inpex (2.5%), Itochu (3.4%), Statoil (8.71%), Total-FINA-ELF (5%), TPAO (6.53%) and Unocal (8.9%). The pipeline was constructed by, and is managed by, the consortium company Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company (BTC Co). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 11:40 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Iran and China will jointly build an industrial park in Irans southern port city of Jask in Hormozgan province, considering the project as an important for the expansion of energy ties with the neighboring countries, IRNA news agency reported on January 9. Jasem Jaderi, governor of the province said that the industrial park will be built in an area of 2000 hectares with participation of Irans private sector. The industrial park, the cost of which nears $31 million, will be Irans first joint industrial park, he added. Jask is a vital port for Irans oil industry as 20 million barrels of crude oil are stored there. Iranian administration plans to turn Jask into an economic and industrial center and the country's second oil hub for exporting crude oil to different countries. In 2015, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said an oil terminal export is being constructed in Jask Port, which will become a major industrial and economic center in Hormozgan province in the near future, adding that the port should turn into Irans second hub for exporting oil. Tehran and Beijing have developed a broad and deep partnership centered on China's energy needs and Iran's abundant resources as well as significant non-energy economic ties, arms sales and defense cooperation. Tehran plays an important role in Chinas One Belt One Road initiative, and is to become an important railway connection and remain an oil supplier to China. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 14:07 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The Islamic Republic of Iran will get a large shipment of natural uranium from Russia. Moscow will deliver some 130 tons of the chemical element to Tehran in compensation for exporting tons of Iranian heavy water for reactor cooling. The implementation of the transshipment has been agreed on by the U.S. and five other world powers that negotiated the nuclear deal with Iran. The approval of the U.N. Security Council is also needed, but is deemed to be a formality as five of those powers are permanent members of the Security Council. The new shipment will become the first delivery since the deal came into force nearly a year ago. Tehran got a similar amount of natural uranium in 2015 as part of negotiations leading up to the nuclear deal, within swap operation when it sent enriched uranium to Russia. Uranium can be enriched to levels ranging from peaceful research purposes to the core of a nuclear weapon. Irans uranium enrichment has long been the subject of a global debate, while the country has repeatedly insisted that the process bears peaceful character. However, the natural uranium agreement came at a sensitive time, as U.S. senate has recently overwhelmingly approved an extension of tough economic sanctions against Iran to ensure the country doesn't violate the terms of the international accord. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 12:32 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Amendments to the Constitution of Turkey have been adopted at first reading by the Turkish Parliament, TBMM, on January 10, Trend reported. Under the procedure, for their ratification, it is needed to hold the second voting, which should be held not less than 48 hours after the first voting. During the first reading, 480 out of 550 members of the parliament voted. During the voting, 338 MPs voted for amendments, 134 against and eight MPs abstained from voting. If the amendments are ratified, the referendum on making amendments to the Constitution can be held in April 2017. In late December 2016, the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee of Turkey approved a number of articles in the countrys draft Constitution and proposed to discuss them at a parliamentary session. The approved articles increase the number of seats in the Turkish Parliament from 550 to 600. The draft Constitution proposes to allow Turkish citizens to run for the MP seats from the age of 18. Currently, the lowest age limit for this is 25. One of the approved articles also offers to hold parliamentary elections every 5 years. Currently, the parliamentary elections are held every 4 years. A Turkish citizen no younger than 40 and with higher education can become president of Turkey, according to the draft Constitution. The Turkish president will also have the powers to appoint ministers and replace them. The approved articles stipulate that the president-elect is not obliged to be a non-party nominee. If the draft constitution gets more than 367 votes, it can pass directly without the need for a referendum. However, the AK Party, the ruling party in Turkey, has said it will hold a referendum even if none is needed. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that he will push for a referendum even if the draft is approved by a majority in the parliament. The changes to the constitution require a 50-percent vote in favor in a referendum. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 15:21 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria have accomplished the task set by President Vladimir Putin, Sputnik quoted Russias Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying on January 10. "We accomplished the main task which was set by the Supreme Commander [Putin] last year [2016]," Shoigu said. "No matter how difficult it was for us, how strongly we needed the support of the international coalition, which, in my opinion, made the situation even worse, unfortunately we did not see any support, thus it [the situation] required us to brace up, deploying there [in Syria] an aircraft-carrying group, additional Aerospace Forces and involving military police," he said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 16:49 (UTC+04:00) By Trend State flag carrier IranAir says the Islamic Republics first new Airbus aircraft is expected to land in Tehran on January 12. Shahrokh Noushabadi, the spokesperson of IranAir, has said that the A321 Airbus will arrive in Tehran on Thursday at 14:30 local time (GMT+3:30), IRNA news agency reported. The new airplane with a capacity for carrying 190 passengers is expected to operate the domestic routes. This will be Irans first time over the past three decades acquiring an Airbus plan after years of international embargo. Airbus signed a contract last December for the sale of 100 aircraft to Iran Air, following the implementation of the nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and the world powers. Airbus said the contract, covers 46 Airbus A320 planes, 38 A330 planes and 16 A350 XWB aircraft, with deliveries due to begin in early 2017. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 10 January 2017 17:36 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said preparation for the Astana meeting on the Syrian crisis is quite intensive, Sputnik reported. It is unclear how long the talks will last, we can say nothing more specific now, Peskov said, noting that Russia will be represented at the talks at the expert level. Russias President Vladimir Putin has earlier said that he agreed with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to offer to the conflicting parties in Syria to continue peace talks in Astana. Kazakhstans President Nursultan Nazarbayev supported this initiative and expressed readiness to provide a platform for such negotiations in Astana. The Astana meeting is expected to be held on January 23 while a meeting in Geneva will be held on February 8 under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The trial of Sabrina Limon, the woman accused of plotting with her lover in the killing of her husband three years ago, will begin Aug. 21, at Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. New Zealand provided a force of combat soldiers despite protests at home. A total of 3800 served in combat resulting in 37 killed in action and 187 wounded.They were called Ghost due to the unusual tactic of helicopter landings far from the search area and stealthy patrols through the jungle for weeks at a time.The video link below includes combat footage and interviews. The Kiwi vets seem to be a very sensitive and intelligent. They were not well received when returning home. Maybe a psychologist could compare New Zealand battle field morals and ethics with South Korea and the U.S.A. NZ appears to be a pacifist society.Other countries including the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and Canada provided some support.Conclusion: The South Vietnamese Army numbered over a million men at war's end and had suffered over a million killed and wounded. It was their civil war not ours. Their troops were sent to re-education camps and are now under one flag.New Zealand on Screen link Good for Bakersfield Police Department Chief Lyle Martin for opening an investigation into the Dec. 5 arrest of two college students who were A man accused of gunning down his mother and stepfather suffered a "medical complication" earlier this week at Lerdo Jail and was rushed to a 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Todays guide to the obscure, the possibly relevant and things in between The Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) surrendered in 1975 ending foreign domination started by the French in 1861. Many Vietnamese were converted Catholics and sympathizers. Loyalties were divided after 110 years of occupation.North Vietnam and South Vietnam armies practiced the Asian style of conflict producing photos and videos that are unpleasant. There was no "forgive and forget" policy after the war. Re-education camps were set up to realign attitudes of the conquered.480,000 Vietnamese immigrated to the United States; 210,000 to other countries. I am sure in-depth research will find numerous books by South Vietnamese authors detailing the history of Vietnam 1975 to present.It difficult to conclude a war. Vietnam will not end for U.S. VN vets for a lifetime and the recorded events will be studied by Military and Political Science students forever.http://vnafmamn.com/abandoned_soldier.htmlhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reeducation_camp The General Mattis hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee is here" Below. Here is a long smattering of the former Exxon Mobile CEO's intellectual resolve to do the job he is nominated to so do. Once again, there are is a continued stream of ranting commentary from Liberal /Socialist protesters erupting from the public audience, and then they are ushered from this public hall, banished to the other side of the public's wall keeping us from them: Below. The Previous Day's Proceedings are Here Below: This will be an ongoing post. The United States capital, taken from just to the north of the U.S. Arboretum: Above. photo by Stan Deatherage Whether one appreciates Senator Ted Cruz's truth seeking, truth speaking tone in this video, it speaks volumes as to what has been the truth of these Democrat Senators partisan behavior over the last 8 years, even behavior unbecoming any patriot. Senator Cruz, as is his talent to do so, speaks eloquently to that true. There is also an outburst that is partially caught by this video, which exemplifies much of what I have already stated: Below. Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis, a both remarkably unique and quite unusual choice choice for the extremely important position of Secretary of Defense, began his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he was given a chance to make his case to become only the second general chosen to head up the Department of Defense within 7 years of his retirement, the second being General George Marshall, who served under President Harry Truman immediately after World War II; tasked with the mammoth responsibility winning of the peace with Germany and Japan.Selecting General Marshall required a congressional waiver to overcome his recent retirement after being the top United States General during WWII; selecting General Mattis, who was the Commandant of the Marine Corps would require the same. General Mattis did win the vote of the Senate Armed Services Committee, with about half of the most liberal Democrats dissenting, and then overwhelmingly won that waiver by the entire senate later in the day, again, with about half of the most liberal Democrats voting in the negative. While the waiver was a preliminary vote, one should consider that preliminary vote for waiver a final proxy vote to affirm Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis as the next Secretary of Defense.After watching Rex Tillerson's opening statement at his Senate Hearing process, I can well see why President-elect Trump nominated him to be our next secretary of state I don't see Rex hauling a singing James Taylor around as an apologetic emissary.Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson, throughout his daylong inquisition showed remarkable stoic grace, wisdom and great intellect while undergoing the withering fire from Senators playing to their self-perceived base, and at times appeared a towering figure enduring their peppered spray of relentless myopic questions, mostly about an alleged Russian hacking of Democrats' emails, as if our nation's future diplomatic minefields lay in places where Liberals tread with great and inelegant fluidity.Wow ... if the Democrats don't know anything else, they know racism, racists and how to act as such.In watching the confirmation of, I am reminded just how racist many Democrats are today, and if one examines history, Democrats have long been racist ... against one race, and now yet another.I guess for Democrats, it takes one to think they know one.Playing a role to placate a racist Democrat base for these lawmakers is getting really old.Stupidity takes many forms, and now, with these Senate confirmations taking America's center stage, we will see it aplenty, in great abundance, all of it with a great big blazing "D", or now: Is it an massive "R"... R for "RACIST!"?Democrats, I am watching you. You need to learn how to act, if not as patriots, to act as reasonable people.The Liberal /Socialist protesters have subsided in their shouting cadences, whereby the racist comments by these neo fascists are now diminished. Now the Democrat lawmakers, with the eruptive influence of their immediate neo fascist base ushered from the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, in disruptive disgrace, are acting more like reasonable politicians, though still laying their Liberal snare for Senator Sessions.The Alabama Senator did not take the bait and has projected an air of professionalism for this much maligned position during the Hussein Obama administration, first under Eric Holder and then Loretta Lynch - both hampered by systemic unprincipled behavior, and related practices. Jeff Sessions storied law and political career is one that is built on principled behavior, which was sorely lacking during, not only the Department of Justice of the beleaguered two aforementioned Attorney Generals, but the last 8 years of much of the extra scandal ridden Obama presidency.Today, after over 7 hours of inquisition, Senator Sessions held his ground and did well, by employing his measured tone and his remarkable preparation for the job. If there was one message to be derived from this marathon session, which will be extended tomorrow, Senator Jeff Sessions is an accomplished and committed public servant, who knows his place, his purpose, and has the sense of duty to be perfect in this path. 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(1) Oct 19 (1) Oct 18 (1) Oct 17 (1) Oct 16 (1) Oct 15 (1) Oct 12 (1) Oct 11 (1) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (1) Oct 08 (1) Oct 05 (1) Oct 04 (1) Oct 02 (2) Oct 01 (1) Sep 28 (1) Sep 27 (1) Sep 26 (1) Sep 25 (1) Sep 24 (1) Sep 21 (1) Sep 20 (1) Sep 19 (1) Sep 18 (1) Sep 17 (1) Sep 14 (2) Sep 13 (1) Sep 12 (1) Sep 11 (1) Sep 10 (1) Sep 08 (1) Sep 07 (1) Sep 06 (1) Sep 05 (2) Sep 04 (1) Aug 31 (1) Aug 30 (1) Aug 29 (1) Aug 28 (1) Aug 27 (1) Aug 24 (1) Aug 23 (2) Aug 22 (1) Aug 21 (1) Aug 20 (1) Aug 17 (1) Aug 16 (1) Aug 15 (1) Aug 14 (1) Aug 13 (1) Aug 10 (1) Aug 09 (1) Aug 08 (2) Aug 07 (1) Aug 06 (2) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (1) Jul 24 (2) Jul 23 (1) Jul 20 (1) Jul 19 (2) Jul 18 (1) Jul 17 (2) Jul 16 (2) Jul 13 (1) Jul 12 (2) Jul 11 (2) Jul 10 (2) Jul 09 (2) Jul 06 (1) Jul 05 (2) Jul 03 (2) Jul 02 (2) Jun 29 (1) Jun 28 (3) Jun 27 (2) Jun 26 (3) Jun 25 (2) Jun 22 (2) Jun 21 (1) Jun 20 (1) Jun 19 (1) Jun 18 (2) Jun 15 (1) Jun 14 (1) Jun 13 (1) The Chinese navy confirmed on Tuesday that Chinese military planes conducted routine training in the Sea of Japan. However, Japan's overreaction to the drill could seriously undermine regional peace, experts said. "The exercise was part of the year's planned routine," said Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy spokesman Liang Yang. "It does not target any specific country, region or objective, and it adheres to related international laws and practices. More exercises will take place in the future." Japan's Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighter jets from multiple bases on Monday after eight Chinese People's Liberation Army military planes, including six H-6 bombers, flew via the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea into the Sea of Japan, Japan's Ministry of Defense said. This was the first flight over the Tsushima Strait since August 2016 and the eight planes did not enter Japanese airspace, the ministry added. "Japan's growing hostility towards regular Chinese military training in international waterways could lead to serious accidents and undermine regional peace," said Ma Gang, a professor at PLA National Defense University. In December 2016, China's Defense Ministry slammed Japan for harassing and shooting decoy flares at Chinese military planes passing through the Miyako Strait, calling Japan's reactions "dangerous and unprofessional". The Tsushima Strait is an international sea route narrower and closer to Japan's air space than the Miyako Strait, Ma said. Therefore, flying through the Tsushima Strait is like "threading a needle" and takes great navigation and piloting skills, he added. "While it is rare for eight planes to pass at once, Japan should react delicately to China's regular training," he said. "It is unnecessary and dangerous to deploy so many loaded war planes into the region." Wang Dong, a researcher of Northeast Asian studies at Peking University, said Japan's overreaction is a deliberate act to overhype the Chinese threat in order to persuade the US to increase military presence in Asia. "Japan's current right wing government views China as an imaginary enemy," he said. "Japan is also anxious of US forces leaving Northeast Asia, so it wants to take advantage of every opportunity to stir fear and tension in the region." Wang said China and Japan have been trying to build an emergency communication mechanism to prevent flight accidents for years. However, "so far Japan has shown neither intention nor commitment to push the plan through," he said. The establishment of a lasting memorial and museum in Cody, Wyo., will be the topic of discussion at the Cody Culture Clubs first event of 2017. Jeremy Johnston will talk about "Establishing a Pioneer Center in a Small Town: The Early History of the Buffalo Bill Memorial Association" on Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Johnston is curator of the Buffalo Bill Museum and managing editor of the papers of William F. Cody. This is the first of four Cody Culture Club programs, which occur on the third Thursday of the months of January through April. Individual programs are $20 per person; however a package discount is available when purchasing tickets for all four programs. Visit centerofthewest.org/codycultureclub to purchase tickets online. Contact Rachel Lee at rachell@centerofthewest.org or 307-578-4009 for more information. Founded by members of the community, the Cody Culture Club, along with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, celebrates the unique culture of Cody by offering insightful programs inspired by the centers world-class collections. The St. Petersburg Police Department is searching for a suspect vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run Monday night. Police searching for suspect vehicle involved in fatal hit and run Pedestrian sitting in median lane of 49th St. N struck twice First vehicle sped off, second vehicle stayed at scene Police said a pedestrian, for an unknown reason, was seated about 10:30 p.m. in the northbound median lane, near the double yellow lines of 49th Street North when an SUV struck the pedestrian and sped off. A witness saw the accident and called 911. As they were on the phone with dispatchers, a second vehicle, driven by Alma Moulton, struck the pedestrian, according to police. Police said Moulton stayed at the scene and also called 911. The pedestrian was taken to Humana Northside where he was pronounced dead. Police are now searching for the first vehicle that struck the pedestrian. Police said the vehicle was described as a white or silver full SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe or a similar vehicle. The vehicle should have damage to the left front corner of the vehicle, according to police. Anyone with information on the suspected vehicle or accident is asked to call the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780. A man was robbed, beaten and burned Monday night during a home invasion in Deltona, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Deltona man injured during a home invasion 4 masked men robbed, beat, burned the man He was taken to a hospital for his injuries The incident happened at about 11:15 p.m. at a residence on Mapleshade Street. When deputies arrived, they found Rayborne Nesbitt, 42, with burn marks and other injuries to his back and head. Nesbitt told investigators he was in bed when he heard a knock at the door. He went to answer it and found four men wearing masks, deputies said. The men pushed their way into his home, and three of the men pointed a gun at him and demanded money, Nesbitt told investigators. According to deputies, the men took turns beating Nesbitt before burning him. The suspects left with an undisclosed amount of cash. Nesbitt was taken to Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City for treatment of his injuries. Debbie Cruz, who lives next door to Nesbitt, said it's a scary situation. She's 34 years old and a mother of three children. "I'm scared and I have kids," she said. "You know, little ones." Investigators said they are working to identify the suspects and that this likely wasn't a random attack. Nesbitt might have been targeted. "I want to cry or, like, what you call this ... goosebumps because it's pretty scary," Cruz said. Anyone with information that might help with the investigation is asked to call the Volusia County Sheriff's Office at 386-860-7030 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS (8477). During the 2016 election cycle, many campaigns focused on immigration issues, and some candidates called for deporting of illegal immigrants, especially if they had been convicted of a crime. That idea was embraced by Donald Trump in his presidential campaign, and was promoted by fellow Republicans around the country. During a speech to the Texas Republican delegation, Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) spoke about the issue, why it was important, and how supporting Donald Trump would bring change for the better. Lamar said the following: "One third of all federal prisoners are illegal immigrants." Our partners at PolitiFact decided to see if Smith's statement was accurate. PolitiFact reporter Joshua Gillin says that Smith's claim rates MOSTLY FALSE on the Truth-O-Meter. Gillin says that it all boils down to numbers, and how they were presented. "Lamar Smith took numbers from 2014 that were showing that 37 percent of the inmates sentenced for drug crimes actually had a different citizenship status," said Gillin. "That's different than looking at the entire federal prison population and seeing how many of those prisoners are not U.S. citizens." Gillin notes that, while, Smith's statistic is part of the overall picture, the numbers that encompass all prisoners are decidedly different. "We looked at the statistics, and as of mid-2016, the percentage of illegal immigrants in federal prisons is closer to 22 percent," said Gillin. "You also have to keep in mind that the figure includes immigrants who crossed the border and were immediately picked up, and did not have had a chance to set up in a city and possibly commit crimes, as seems to be implied in the statement." Gillin says that Smith had a statistic that was legitimate based on what it was measuring, but he used it in an all-encompassing way, which leads to his claim being rated MOSTLY FALSE on PolitiFact's Truth-O-Meter. CODY, Wyo. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz's 1946 visit to Wyoming is the topic of a Jan. 12 talk at 12:15 p.m. at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. Historian Bob Richard will talk about photographs captured by his father, Jack Richard, during Nimitz's visit, as well as his own recollection of the trip. The free illustrated talk takes place in the Centers John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery. During their five-day trip to the state, U.S. Senator E.V. Robertson, R-Wyo., and his then-secretary, Jack Richard, accompanied the naval entourage a troop that also included famed Antarctic explorer Rear Admiral Richard Byrd. Their first stop was Cheyenne, where the group enjoyed the Frontier Days Rodeo. The Nimitz party then traveled to Yellowstone National Park, over-nighted at Old Faithful and fished, swam and ate lunch on Stevenson Island in Yellowstone Lake before traveling to Cody. The Montana Mussel Response Team has lifted temporary restrictions on the launch or removal of all boats, docks and other structures for Tiber and Canyon Ferry reservoirs. The restrictions, in effect since Dec. 1 as a precaution against the spread of invasive mussels, were in place until ice-up on both reservoirs. Winter is a low-risk season for transmitting mussels from one waterbody to another since zebra and quagga mussels dont reproduce when water temperatures drop below 48 degrees. The movement of boats, docks and other structures is also minimal in winter. The team is considering options for how to minimize the risk of spreading mussels from Canyon Ferry and Tiber to other waters, and will reassess whether to extend or implement other restrictions following ice breakup in spring. The emergency restrictions were necessary to prevent the potential spread of invasive aquatic mussels from the two reservoirs to other uncontaminated waters in Montana and elsewhere, said Randy Arnold, an incident commander for the states Mussel Response Team. It is still important for ice fisherman and other winter recreationists using these reservoirs to take precautions and clean, drain and dry their equipment properly. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Authorities in Chambers County are searching for the person who shot a bald eagle that had to be euthanized on Tuesday because its injuries were so severe that the bird could not be saved. The eagle was found on private property in Anahuac on Tuesday morning, said Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne. The gunshot blinded the eagle and left its beak severely damaged, wildlife experts told the sheriff's office. After bringing the bird to the Wildlife Center of Texas, a medical team decided to euthanize the eagle "because it wasn't going to be able to sustain life with the injuries it had," Hawthorne said. Based on the condition of the eagle when it reached the wildlife center, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Dustin Dockery said authorities believe it had been "a few days" since the eagle was shot. The Chambers County Sheriff's Office will assume the eagle was shot with malicious intent until proven otherwise, Hawthorne said. Though de-listed as a threatened species in Texas in 2008, bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website. Punishments for shooting a bald eagle include up to two years in prison and fines up to $250,000, according to the site. Anyone with information about the shooter or shooters is asked to call the Chambers County Crime Stoppers at (844) 860-8477 or the Texas Wildlife Crime Stoppers Operation Game Thief at (800) 792-4263. Each organization is offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest of the person or people responsible for injuring the eagle. ERobinson@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/eeelizzzabeth Yellowstone County District Judge Russell Fagg wont be seeking Montanas Republican nomination for U.S. House. A district judge for 22 years and a former Republican legislator, Fagg in December said he was was interested in replacing U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for interior secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, the Republican Zinke must resign his House seat, triggering a special election no later than 85 to 100 days after his resignation. Fagg said Tuesday the timing of the election didnt work with the notice he would have to give before leaving the bench. I am extraordinarily grateful and truly humbled by the dozens of people who reached out to support me. I appreciate them more than they will ever know, Fagg told The Gazette on Tuesday. As a judge, I need 120 days to resign without leaving my fellow judges, and the citizens of this district, in a bind. This special election just does not provide that timetable to work. Fagg, who described himself as a right-of-center conservative, was one of the first Republicans to express interest in being selected by the GOP central committee to run in a special election. The Billings Gazette published a column by Fagg, which was suspended once the judge expressed interest in becoming a candidate for Montana's lone House seat. Republicans interested include state legislators Ed Buttrey, of Great Falls, Daniel Zolnikov, of Billings, and Scott Sales, of Bozeman. Others include: Victor's Gary Carlson, a Reagan appointee to the Department of Defense, and Bozeman businessman Eugene Graf IV. Democrats expressing interest in running include Rob Quist, of Creston, Bozeman attorney John Meyer and three state legislators: Amanda Curtis, of Butte, Kelly McCarthy, of Billings, and Casey Schreiner, of Great Falls. Libertarians Rick Breckenridge, of Conner, and Mark Wicks, of Inverness, are seeking their party's nomination for Congress. In late December, Shahn Eric Waltmon died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash in Hardin County. After the preliminary investigation the Texas Department of Public Safety said Waltmon, the Silsbee motorcyclist, crossed the center lane and crashing head-on into a Jeep. On Monday, Sgt. Stephanie Davis, with the DPS, confirmed that, "after further investigation, Troopers' determined that the Jeep, driven by Matthew Sharp, of Silsbee, crossed the center line and traveled into oncoming traffic striking Waltmon's motorcycle." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Retired Archbishop Patrick Flores, who became the first Mexican-American bishop in the United States in 1970, has died, archdiocese spokesman Jordan McMorrough said Monday afternoon. McMorrough said he was notified of Flores passing shortly before 3 p.m. Monday. Flores, 87, had been moved to hospice care this weekend after a brief hospitalization for pneumonia and congestive heart failure. RELATED: Man who kidnapped archbishop Patrick Flores, secretary in 2000 serving 65 years McMorrough said Archbioshop Gustavo Garcia-Siller was with Flores during his hospital stay. Flores subsequently was returned to Padua Place, a retirement home for priests where he was living, and where he was put on hospice care. McMorrough said early Monday that Flores was facing extremely serious medical issues. Flores also had struggled with dementia and Menieres disease, a hearing disorder that causes veritgo, tinnitus and hearing loss. Longtime friend Father David Garcia said Flores condition was announced to several parishes over the weekend. He said the archdiocese asked parishioners to pray for him. Garcia said officials expected Flores to pass soon. The archbishop emeritus of San Antonio has not appeared in public for some time. Flores, who worked as a migrant farmworker as a youth, has been a beloved figure in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and beyond. He was known widely for his defense of Mexican-American civil rights, his support for farmworkers and his love of his culture and heritage. RELATED: Remembering Pope John Paul II's 1987 visit to San Antonio He's especially remembered for his love of Mexican music and for breaking into song if a mariachi was near. Flores reportedly was taken to a hospital over the weekend from his home in Padua Place. He spent "not quite 48 hours there, Garcia said. "They were told there was nothing more they could do," he said. The 87-year-old Flores had battled heart disease and underwent heart bypass surgery 20 years ago. He retired about 12 years ago and had lived in Padua Place for about a decade, Garcia said. Hes an amazing person in so many ways, said Garcia, who noted Flores place in U.S. history. Garcia remembered the date that Flores became an auxiliary bishop in San Antonio May 6, 1970 at an event in the old HemisFair Arena. RELATED: Retired archbishop Flores found safe in Ozona after going missing in 2007 It was packed to the rafters, he said. He was the first. That puts him at more than 46 years a bishop, which is extremely rare. Flores became a priest in 1956 in Galveston and served as archbishop of San Antonio until 2004. He holds the title of archbishop emeritus. eayala@express-news.net Twitter: @ElaineAyala Rick Breckenridge, the Libertarian Partys 2016 candidate for Montanas lone U.S. House seat, will seek his partys nomination again if theres a special election to replace Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke. Breckenridge told The Gazette on Monday that Libertarians could do well in a special election, depending on which candidates Democrats and Republicans select. Zinke is President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for interior secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, Zinke must resign his House seat, triggering a special election. We have a good chance. We really do, if the Republicans decided on a liberal Republican and Democrats have a rerun of three years ago, Breckenridge said. Breckenridge, of Dayton, was referring to Republican Ed Buttrey and Democrat Amanda Curtis, both state legislators who have expressed interested in filling Zinke's seat. Buttrey, of Great Falls, is a moderate Republican instrumental in passing Medicaid expansion for the working poor two years ago. Curtis, of Butte, was her partys replacement U.S. Senate candidate in 2014, after Sen. John Walsh was caught in a plagiarism scandal and dropped out of the race. Both Republicans and Democrats have several people interested in running in a special election. The moment Zinke is confirmed by the Senate and resigns his House seat, Montana has 85 to 100 days to hold a special election to replace him. There wont be a primary election. Instead, parties will hold nominating conventions with party central committee members selecting a candidate. Breckenridge two months ago won three percent of the Montana vote in a congressional race with Zinke and Democrat Denise Juneau, who has expressed no interest in running again. In that race, Breckenridge was a late arrival, appointed by Libertarians to replace Mike Fellows, who died in a September car crash. There is another Libertarian candidate. Mark Wicks, of Inverness, is a rancher seeking office for the first time. He said he decided to run after watching the Democrats and Republican candidates in the 2016 election. We get good guys that come from Montana, Wicks said of Montanas current delegation. Theyre pretty good here, but then they get back to the establishment and they get their marching orders from Nancy Pelosi or Paul Ryan. Their values may not match our values. Libertarian Ron Vandevender, of Conner, a perennial candidate and party leader, said Libertarians will likely hold their nominating convention in Helena soon after Zinkes resignation and will try to address several other party issues during the convention. Interest in the Libertarian Party has been increasing since the 2016 election, Vandevender said. Other Democrats expressing interest in running include Rob Quist, of Creston, Bozeman attorney John Meyer and state legislators Kelly McCarthy, of Billings, and Casey Schreiner, of Great Falls. Other Republicans interested include state legislators Daniel Zolnikov, of Billings, and Scott Sales, of Bozeman. Others include: Victor's Gary Carlson, a Reagan appointee to the Department of Defense; Bozeman businessman Eugene Graf IV and District Court Judge Russell Fagg, of Billings. Despite a rumored ACA repeal, North Carolina's governor Roy Cooper (D) formally began the process to expand the state's Medicaid program in 2018, the Minnesota StarTribune reports. Here's what you need to know. 1. Gov. Cooper's office sent a letter to CMS informing the regulatory body of his intentions to expand the state's Medicaid program to cover more than 500,000 additional residents starting January 2018. 2. Republican leaders urged CMS to reject the state's request. 3. Gov. Cooper submitted the request in defiance of a state law requiring all expansion attempts to have the support of the state's legislature. The governor said in a release the law "doesn't apply to his draft plan," without elaborating further. 4.The governor said he was seeking the expansion to generate jobs and help provide care to North Carolina residents. Here are four hospitals and health systems that have announced plans for ASCs. Milwaukee-based Aurora Health Care is invited community members to learn about the health system's plans to build a new medical facility, which features an ASC. Great Neck, N.Y.-based Northwell Health purchased a majority stake in Shirley, N.Y.-based Suffolk Surgery Center, marking the health system's seventh joint venture of this kind. Los Angeles-based Shriners Hospitals for Children is preparing for its new Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, Calif., which will include two ASCs. Nebraska Medicine held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lauritzen Outpatient Center in Omaha on Dec. 17, 2016. John Prunskis, MD, FIPP, medical director of the Illinois Pain Institute based in the Chicago area, met with President Barack Obama's Senior Advisor Valerie Jarett and her staff in the West Wing of the White House on Jan. 4 ahead of an anticipated advisory role with the upcoming administration. Ms. Jarrett and her staff were among the architects of the Affordable Care Act and during their discussion Ms. Jarrett imparted several key thoughts on healthcare. "We discussed what they were really trying to achieve with the ACA, where they succeeded and where they didn't have as much success as they wanted," said Dr. Prunskis. "It was a very productive meeting." Dr. Prunskis was able to glean a detailed background of the ACA and he exchanged ideas with Ms. Jarett and her senior health advisor about several topics, including: ACA strengths and weaknesses Disparity in reimbursement for site of service for identical medical and surgical services Financial burdens placed on employees from high deductibles and employers from higher premiums Hospitals acquiring medical practices Burden of EMRs Adult stem cell research Evolution of value based care Importance of retaining coverage for pre-existing conditions and preventative care Prescription opiate narcotic usage reduction Potential effects of insurance company competition across state lines "I left our meeting feeling more strongly than ever that private practice physicians must be included in development of changes in our nation's healthcare policy and be patient advocates to increase access to care," said Dr. Prunskis. "Additionally, the pressures healthcare lobbying groups place on Congress and Senators may be an obstacle to meaningful improvement in our healthcare delivery system." In his upcoming role with the new administration, Dr. Prunskis hopes to further explore the issues he discussed with Ms. Jarrett. "Appointed and elected officials are preoccupied with so many different issues that is important for them to have input from physicians in private practice to help them not only get the big picture but also be explained the details only such a physician might see," said Dr. Prunskis. Though both ACO and non-ACO hospitals have been successful in driving down rates of readmissions from skilled nursing facilities, hospitals participating in Medicare ACOs have done so measurably faster, according to a study published in the January issue of Health Affairs. Conducted by researchers from Providence, R.I.-based Brown University, the study is based on discharge and readmission data from 2007 to 2013 for 220 ACO-affiliated hospitals and 1,840 non-ACO hospitals. Over this time period, the ACA was implemented, Medicare began penalizing hospitals for excess readmissions and two ACO programs launched: the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the Pioneer model. The researchers found all hospitals reduced readmission rates over the time period. Non-ACO hospitals reduced readmissions by 13.1 percent from 2007 to 2013. Comparatively, hospitals in Pioneer ACOs reduced readmissions by 14.9 percent and hospitals in MSSP ACOs reduced them by 17.7 percent. The study also differentiated "quick" readmissions within the first three days of discharge from long-term readmissions within four to 30 days after discharge. The researchers hoped to see if readmissions were caused by the hospital (quick) or the skilled nursing facility (long-term). However, they found both quick and long-term readmissions declined overall and especially in ACOs. "This is about understanding whether ACOs work or not," Momotazur Rahman, PhD, a study co-author and assistant professor at the Brown University School of Public Health, said in a statement. "It seems like they are doing slightly but significantly better than non-ACO hospitals." The data suggests ACO-affiliated hospitals are doing something communicating better with SNFs, targeting at-risk patients better or discharging more effectively to improve readmission rates at a faster rate than non-ACO hospitals. However, the researchers were unable to pinpoint why this pattern occurred. "Further studies are warranted to examine the exact mechanisms that brought about this improvement and what roles ACOs play in continued decreasing rates of rehospitalizations to hospitals," the study concludes. More articles on accountable care: 65 accountable care, shared savings agreements in 2016 Christiana Care Quality Partners ACO adds 2 health system partners, rebrands CMS releases Track 1+ ACO model details: 5 things to know HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell advocated Monday for allowing Medicare to negotiate prices for certain high-priced drugs, according to a Kaiser Health News report. "Those drug costs are continuing to grow," Secretary Burwell said at the National Press Club in the District of Columbia, according to the article. She also said, according to Kaiser Health News, that the issue is not whether Congress should give HHS the necessary power, but rather "what is the alternative?" Though she addressed drug prices, Secretary Burwell's speech was primarily focused on defending the ACA, which could be repealed and replaced under President-elect Donald Trump's administration. In her remarks, she touted the law's successes, noting that the nation's uninsured rate has dropped below 9 percent and that so far this year, 8.8 million people have received insurance coverage through HealthCare.gov. But she acknowledged "there is more to do." For instance, in an exit memo released Friday, Secretary Burwell urged Congress to create a fallback public option "to ensure strong competition in insurance markets around the country." In her remarks Monday, she also spoke out against Congress repealing the ACA without any replacement at all. "Not only does this approach fail to tackle the many tough tradeoffs that come with real healthcare reform, it doesn't even succeed in delaying them," she said. More articles on healthcare finance: Nashville safety-net hospital needs $16M infusion after collections fall short Healthcare RCM company to close, lay off 179 employees OIG: NorthShore University HealthSystem received $4.1M in Medicare overpayments Syracuse, N.Y.-based Upstate University Hospital CEO John McCabe, MD, is leaving his post to "pursue professional and personal interests," according to a report by The Post-Standard. Dr. McCabe, who also served as vice president for clinical affairs, was named to his roles in 2009. During Dr. McCabe's tenure, the hospital acquired Community General Hospital in Syracuse and opened the Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. He will step down on Jan. 17, 2017. Steven M. Scott will replace Dr. McCabe on an interim basis. Mr. Scott is equipped with more than 30 years of healthcare industry experience, most recently serving as vice president and COO of Augusta-based Georgia Regents Medical Center. Upstate University Hospital will soon begin searching for a permanent CEO, according to the report. Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare is seeking to further refine its hospital operations portfolio by selling hospitals in noncore markets. Tenet Chairman and CEO Trevor Fetter shared that news Monday at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. He said the move is in line with Tenet's long-term strategy of increasing the percentage of markets where the company has the leading or second-place market share. Mr. Fetter said Tenet has signed letters of intent regarding the sale of multiple hospitals and has also signed a letter of intent to sell its home health and hospice business. As previously disclosed, Mr. Fetter said Tenet expects to fully exit the health plan business this year. The company has signed definitive agreements to sell two of its health plans. More articles on healthcare industry transactions: Wellmont acquires Takoma Regional Hospital Envision Healthcare acquires Sunshine Radiology Global Medical REIT to acquire Kansas hospital for $24.5M Becker's Hospital Review is pleased to release the 2017 edition of its list of hospital and health system CIOs to know. These executives are leading their organizations through healthcare's technology revolution, overseeing EHR installations, new patient portals and telemedicine advancements while working to keep data secure from breaches. They have received various awards and maintain involvement in organizations such as the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team selected leaders for this list based on editorial research and discretion, including prominent CIOs and those who head up IT for some of the nation's largest and most respected hospitals and health systems. Nominations were also considered. Note: This list is not an endorsement of included hospitals, health systems or associated providers. Leaders could not pay for inclusion on this list. Leaders are presented in alphabetical order. Michael Archuleta. Director of IT for Mt. San Rafael Hospital (Trinidad, Colo.). Mr. Archuleta joined Mt. San Rafael Hospital, a critical access hospital, as director of IT in 2012. [READ MORE] Mary Alice Annecharico, RN. Senior Vice President and CIO of Henry Ford Health System (Detroit). In 2011, Ms. Annecharico was appointed senior vice president and CIO of Henry Ford Health System. [READ MORE] Pamela Arora. Senior Vice President and CIO of Children's Health System of Texas (Dallas). Ms. Arora, who joined the Children's Health System of Texas in 2007, oversees technology, health information management and biomedical technology and systems for the health system. [READ MORE] Pamela Banchy, RN. CIO of Western Reserve Hospital (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio). Ms. Banchy, who has more than 15 years of health IT experience, joined Western Reserve Hospital in 2012. [READ MORE] Daniel Barchi. CIO of NewYork-Presbyterian (New York City). Mr. Barchi, who joined NewYork-Presbyterian in 2015, led the hospital's telehealth program implementation, which formally launched in 2016. [READ MORE] Gary Barnes. Senior Vice President and CIO of Medical Center Health System (Odessa, Texas). Mr. Barnes, who has been with Medical Center Health System for 30 years, took on his current role in 2015. [READ MORE] Chris Belmont. Vice President and CIO of University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston). Mr. Belmont, who has more than 30 years of health IT experience, joined University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2013 and has since led the center through technology overhauls such as a systemwide Epic EHR implementation. [READ MORE] David Bensema, MD. CIO of Baptist Health (Louisville, Ky.). Dr. Bensema was appointed CMIO of Baptist Health in 2013. In 2014, he was named CIO of Baptist Health. [READ MORE] Julie Berry. CIO of Steward Health Care System (Boston). Ms. Berry, who has more than 20 years of healthcare technology experience, has been the CIO of Steward Health Care System since 2013. [READ MORE] Nancy Birschbach. Vice President and CIO of Agnesian HealthCare (Fond du Lac, Wis.). Ms. Birschbach has been with Agnesian HealthCare since 1998 and currently is vice president and CIO. [READ MORE] John Bosco. Senior Vice President and CIO of Northwell Health (Great Neck, N.Y.). Mr. Bosco, who has spent his career in IT management, joined Northwell Health in 2004 as vice president and chief technology officer. [READ MORE] James Brady, PhD. Area CIO of Kaiser Permanente Orange County (Calif.). Dr. Brady joined Kaiser Permanente Orange County in 2013 and has since won the Los Angeles Business Journal 2015 CIO of the Year Award and the HIMSS 2015 Distinguished Fellows Service Award. [READ MORE] Robert Brandner. CIO of Spectrum Health Systems (Worcester, Mass.). Mr. Brandner, who joined Spectrum Health Systems in 2015, is the system's first CIO. [READ MORE] Russ Branzell. President and CEO of College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (Ann Arbor, Mich.). Mr. Branzell was CEO of Loveland-based Colorado Health Medical Group before being named CEO of CHIME in 2013. [READ MORE] Geoffrey Brown. CIO of Piedmont Healthcare (Atlanta). Mr. Brown joined Piedmont Healthcare as CIO in 2014. He has led various technology initiatives at the health system, such as establishing employee standards for security and privacy compliance. [READ MORE] Jonathan Brown. Vice President and CIO of Mission Health System (Asheville, N.C.). In 2016, Mr. Brown took on the CIO role at Mission Health System in addition to the vice president position he has held since 2009. [READ MORE] Paul Browne. Senior Vice President of Applied Informatics and CIO of Tenet Healthcare (Dallas). Mr. Browne was appointed CIO of Tenet Healthcare in 2012 after taking on the role of senior vice president of the applied informatics department earlier that year. [READ MORE] Jon Burns. Senior Vice President and CIO of University of Maryland Medical System (Baltimore). Mr. Burns, who has 31 years of healthcare experience, joined University of Maryland Medical System in 2006. [READ MORE] Bobbie Byrne, MD. Executive Vice President of Consumer Driven Health and CIO of Edward-Elmhurst Health (Naperville, Ill.). Dr. Byrne, who has been CIO of Edward-Elmhurst Health since 2009, was appointed executive vice president of consumer driven health in 2016. [READ MORE] Deborah Cancilla. CIO of PinnacleHealth System (Harrisburg, Pa.). Ms. Cancilla has been CIO of PinnacleHealth since 2014. In this role, she oversees technology initiatives such as a systemwide Epic EHR implementation. [READ MORE] Mike Canfield. CIO of Augusta Health System (Fishersville, Va.). Mr. Canfield has been CIO of Augusta Health System since January 2016. [READ MORE] Kumar Chatani. Executive Vice President and CIO of Mount Sinai Health System (New York City). Mr. Chatani, who has almost 30 years of IT and business management experience, manages a budget of roughly $300 million for Mount Sinai Health System. [READ MORE] Matthew Chambers. CIO of Baylor Scott & White Health (Dallas). Mr. Chambers was named CIO of Baylor Scott & White Health when it formed in 2014. Prior to this appointment, he was CIO of Scott & White Healthcare. [READ MORE] Marc Chasin, MD. Vice President and CIO and CMIO of St. Luke's Health System (Boise, Idaho). Dr. Chasin, who joined St. Luke's Health System in 2010, was named CIO and CMIO in 2012. [READ MORE] Carl Christensen. Senior Vice President and CIO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare (Chicago) and CIO of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine (Chicago). Mr. Christensen joined Northwestern University in 2010 as CIO of the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation. [READ MORE] George Conklin. Senior Vice President and CIO of Christus Health (Irving, Texas). Mr. Conklin joined Christus Health in 1998 after serving as CIO of Oklahoma City-based Integris Health for five years. [READ MORE] Andy Crowder. Corporate Senior Vice President and CIO of Scripps Health (San Diego). Mr. Crowder, who joined Scripps Health in 2016, has almost 30 years of IT and healthcare experience. [READ MORE] Richard (Dick) Daniels. Executive Vice President and CIO of Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.). Mr. Daniels, who was appointed executive vice president and CIO in 2015, first joined Kaiser Permanente in 2008 as information technology senior vice president and business information officer. [READ MORE] Randy Davis. CIO and Vice President of Support Services at CGH Medical Center (Sterling, Ill.). Mr. Davis joined CGH Medical Center in 1996. Throughout his career, he spent more than 30 years as an administrator for physician multispecialty group practices. [READ MORE] Myra Davis. Senior Vice President of Information Services and CIO of Texas Children's Hospital (Houston). Ms. Davis, who joined Texas Children's Hospital more than a decade ago, was named senior vice president of information services and CIO in 2012. [READ MORE] Frank DiSanzo. Chief Strategy Officer and CIO of Saint Peter's Healthcare System (New Brunswick, N.J.). Mr. DiSanzo joined Saint Peter's Healthcare System in 2008. [READ MORE] Jake Dorst. Chief Innovation Officer and CIO of Tahoe Forest Health District (Truckee, Calif.). Mr. Dorst has been CIO of Tahoe Forest Health District since 2014. [READ MORE] Marcy Dunn. Senior Vice President and CIO of MaineHealth (Portland). Ms. Dunn has been the senior vice president and CIO of MaineHealth since 2016. [READ MORE] Dee Emon, BSN. Vice President and CIO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Winston-Salem, N.C.). Ms. Emon joined Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in 2014 and was named vice president and CIO in 2015. [READ MORE] Carlos Escobar. Vice President and CIO of Adventist Health System, Central Florida Region (Greater Orlando). Mr. Escobar was appointed vice president and CIO of Adventist Health System, Central Florida Region in April 2016. [READ MORE] Ferdinand Feola. Vice President and CIO of Pocono Medical Center (East Stroudsburg, Pa.). Mr. Feola joined Pocono Medical Center in 2008. [READ MORE] Dave Fiser. Vice President and CIO of Cleveland Clinic Akron (Ohio) General. Mr. Fiser has been vice president and CIO of Akron General since 2009, and he continued to hold his role after Cleveland Clinic took full ownership of Akron General in 2015. [READ MORE] Rick Frederick. CIO of Cottage Hospital (Woodsville, N.H.). In 2014, Mr. Frederick became CIO of Cottage Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital, after spending time as the hospital's director of information technology. [READ MORE] Renee Fosberg. CIO of Emerson Hospital (Concord, Mass.). Ms. Fosberg is CIO of Emerson Hospital, a 179-bed hospital that Hospitals & Health Networks named on the Health Care's Most Wired list in 2016. [READ MORE] Shirley Gabriel. Vice President of Information Systems and CIO of University Health Care System (Augusta, Ga.). Ms. Gabriel began her tenure as vice president of information systems and CIO of University Health Care System in 2015. [READ MORE] Roland Garcia. Senior Vice President and CIO of Baptist Health (Jacksonville, Fla.). Mr. Garcia took on the role of senior vice president and CIO of Baptist Health in 2001. [READ MORE] Indranil (Neal) Ganguly. Vice President and CIO of JFK Health System (Edison, N.J.). Before being named vice president and CIO of JFK Health System in 2013, Mr. Ganguly was CIO of Freehold, N.J.-based CentraState Healthcare System for almost 15 years. [READ MORE] Sreekant Gottimukkala. Vice President of Information Systems and CIO of Prime Healthcare Services (Ontario, Calif.). In 2006, Mr. Gottimukkala became CIO of Prime Healthcare. [READ MORE] Joy Grosser. CIO of University Hospitals (Cleveland). Ms. Grosser's appointment as CIO of University Hospitals is recent she took over the role in September 2016. [READ MORE] John Halamka, MD. Senior Vice President of Information Systems and CIO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston). Dr. Halamka took over the CIO position at BIDMC in 1998 and helped with an EHR system implementation there in 1999. [READ MORE] C. Martin Harris, MD. CIO and Chairman of the Information Technology Division for Cleveland Clinic. Not only is Dr. Harris the CIO and chairman of the information technology division of Cleveland Clinic, but he's also a practicing physician and board-certified in internal medicine. [READ MORE] Steve Hess. CIO of UCHealth (Aurora). Mr. Hess became CIO of Aurora-based University of Colorado Hospital in 2009 and held that role through the organization's 2012 merger with three other systems and the subsequent formation of UCHealth. [READ MORE] David L. House. Vice President and CIO of Baptist Health (Little Rock, Ark.). Mr. House, who has spent 25 years with Baptist Health, is the system's vice president and CIO. [READ MORE] Ross Hurd. CIO of Lake Chelan Community Hospital (Chelan, Wash.). Mr. Hurd is CIO of Lake Chelan Community Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital. [READ MORE] Mark Jacobs. CIO of Delaware Health Information Network (Dover). Mr. Jacobs is the inaugural CIO of the Delaware Health Information Network, a statewide health information exchange. [READ MORE] Kyle Johnson. Vice President and CIO of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (Brewer). With more than 30 years of healthcare experience, Ms. Johnson is vice president and CIO of EMHS, a role she took on in 2014. [READ MORE] Liz Johnson, MS, FAAN, FCHIME, FHIMSS, CHCIO, RN-BC - Chief Information Officer, Acute Care Hospitals & Applied Clinical Informatics for Tenet Healthcare (Dallas). In her current role as CIO of acute hospitals and applied clinical informatics, Ms. Johnson oversees the clinical systems used across Tenet's more than 80 hospitals across the country. [READ MORE] Beverly Jordan, MSN, RN. Vice President and Chief Information and Transformation Officer of Baptist Memorial Health Care (Memphis, Tenn.). Ms. Jordan has been working at Baptist Memorial Health Care for nearly 40 years. [READ MORE] Scott Joslyn. Senior Vice President and CIO of MemorialCare Health System (Fountain Valley, Calif.). Mr. Joslyn was responsible for a $100 million enterprisewide rollout of MemorialCare's EHR, registration and billing systems. [READ MORE] Mark Kilborn. CIO of Springhill Medical Center (Mobile, Ala.). Mr. Kilborn was appointed area vice president of Allscripts Professional Services and CIO of Springhill Medical Center in 2000. [READ MORE] Mark Lantzy. Senior Vice President and CIO of Indiana University Health (Indianapolis). Mr. Lantzy, who has a 20-year career in healthcare IT, took over as senior vice president and CIO of IU Health in early 2016. [READ MORE] Ken Lawonn. Senior Vice President and CIO of Sharp Healthcare (San Diego). Mr. Lawonn joined Sharp Healthcare in 2014, bringing more than 30 years of healthcare technology experience. [READ MORE] Mary Anne Leach. Senior Vice President and CIO of Children's Hospital Colorado (Aurora). In 2007, Ms. Leach was appointed senior vice president and CIO of Children's Hospital Colorado. [READ MORE] Gerry Lewis. Senior Vice President and CIO of Ascension; CEO of Ascension Information Services (St. Louis). Mr.Lewisbecame the interim senior vice president and CIO of Ascension and CEO of Ascension Information Services in July 2016 and took on the role permanently in October. [READ MORE] Philip Loftus, PhD. Senior Vice President and CIO of SSM Health (St. Louis). Dr. Loftus joined SSM Health as senior vice president and CIO in January 2015. [READ MORE] Jonathan Manis. Senior Vice President and CIO of Sutter Health (Sacramento). With more than two decades of health IT leadership experience, Mr. Manis was appointed senior vice president and CIO of Sutter Health in 2006. [READ MORE] Edward Marx. Interim CIO of NYC Health + Hospitals (New York City). Mr. Marx is an executive vice president of Clinovations, a healthcare and management consulting company within Advisory Board Consulting and interim CIO at NYC Health + Hospitals. [READ MORE] Ed McCallister. Senior Vice President and CIO of UPMC (Pittsburgh). In 2014, Mr. McCallister took the reins as senior vice president and CIO of UPMC. [READ MORE] Thomas McGill, MD. Vice President of Quality and Safety and CIO of Butler (Pa.) Health System. Board-certified in internal medicine and infectious disease, Dr. McGill earned his medical degree from Worcester-based University of Massachusetts Medical School. [READ MORE] Mark McMath. Senior Vice President and CIO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (Memphis, Tenn.). Since 2015, Mr. McMath has held the role of senior vice president and CIO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. [READ MORE] Pamela McNutt. Senior Vice President and CIO of Methodist Health System (Dallas). Ms. McNutt has been senior vice president and CIO of Methodist Health System since 1993, and she served as the system's privacy officer from 2002 to 2011. [READ MORE] Bruce Metz, PhD. Senior Vice President and CIO of Lahey Health (Burlington, Mass.). Dr. Metz has held various IT leadership positions in healthcare and higher education for more than two decades. [READ MORE] Michael Mistretta. Vice President and CIO of Virginia Hospital Center (Arlington). Mr. Mistretta, who has almost 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, became vice president and CIO of Virginia Hospital Center in 2015. [READ MORE] Dana Moore. Senior Vice President and CIO of Centura Health (Englewood, Colo.). With more than 20 years of healthcare financial management experience, Mr. Moore joined Centura Health in 2001. [READ MORE] Jon Morris, MD. Senior Vice President and CIO of WellStar Health System (Alpharetta, Ga.). Dr. Morris completed his medical degree from Indianapolis-based Indiana University School of Medicine and has been a practicing emergency medicine physician since 1980. [READ MORE] Janice Newell. Senior Vice President and CIO of Providence St. Joseph Health (Renton, Wash.). Ms. Newell, who serves as senior vice president and CIO of Providence St. Joseph Health, started her career as an officer in the Air Force. [READ MORE] Daniel Nigrin, MD. Senior Vice President for Information Services and CIO of Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Nigrin, who is board-certified in pediatric endocrinology and clinical informatics, earned his medical degree from Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University. [READ MORE] Jim Noga. Vice President and CIO of Partners HealthCare (Boston). Before becoming vice president and CIO of Partners Health Care in 2011, Mr. Noga held various roles at Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital, including CIO and director of clinical applications. [READ MORE] Joe Norris. CIO of New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, N.C.). Mr. Norris joined New Hanover Regional Medical Center in 2011 as chief technology officer and was appointed CIO in 2014. [READ MORE] Michael O'Rourke. Senior Vice President and CIO of Catholic Health Initiatives (Englewood, Colo.). With more than 26 years of healthcare technology experience, Mr. O'Rourke was appointed CIO of Catholic Health Initiatives in 2009. [READ MORE] Jaime Parent. Vice President of Information Services and Associate CIO of Rush University Medical Center (Chicago). In addition to his role as Rush's vice president of information services and associate CIO, Mr. Parent is associate professor of health systems management at Chicago-based Rush University's College of Health Sciences. [READ MORE] Marty Paslick. Senior Vice President and CIO of Hospital Corporation of America (Nashville, Tenn.). Mr. Paslick has been part of HCA for almost 30 years, moving from manager of clinical systems development to vice president of product development to vice president and COO. [READ MORE] Doris Peek, PhD. Senior Vice President of Information Technology and CIO of Broward Health (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.). Dr. Peek has been in her current role as senior vice president and CIO of Broward Health for the last decade. [READ MORE] Fred Peet. Vice President of Information Technology and CIO of Yuma (Ariz.) Regional Medical Center. Yuma Regional Medical Center named Mr. Peet interim CIO in April 2015, and one month later he was promoted to the position permanently. [READ MORE] Keith Perry. CIO of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, Tenn.). Mr. Perry took on the role of CIO of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in August 2015. [READ MORE] Cindy Peterson. Vice President and CIO of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital (Valencia, Calif.). For the last 15 years, Ms. Peterson has led IT staff and services as CIO of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. [READ MORE] Audrius Polikaitis, PhD. Assistant Vice President of Health Information Technology and CIO of University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (Chicago). Since 2011, Dr. Polikaitis has been assistant vice president of health IT and CIO of the health system. [READ MORE] Marc Probst. CIO of Intermountain Healthcare (Salt Lake City). Mr. Probst has 32 years of experience in IT and healthcare services and has served on the Federal Healthcare Information Technology Policy Committee, which helped the government develop health IT policy. [READ MORE] Shafiq Rab, MD. CIO of Rush University Medical Center (Chicago). Dr. Rab took on the role of Rush's CIO on Jan. 9, 2017. He was previously CIO and senior vice president of information technology at Hackensack (N.J.) University Health Network. [READ MORE] Jayashree Raman. Vice President and CIO of Cooper University Health Care (Camden, N.J.). Ms. Raman has been in her current roles since 2012, when she joined Cooper University Health Care after serving as vice president of healthcare strategy and CIO of Waltham, Mass.-based Stanley Healthcare Solutions. [READ MORE] David Rapp. Vice President of Supply Chain and CIO of Wheeling (W.Va.) Hospital. Mr. Rapp was named CIO and vice president of supply chain for the hospital in 2006. [READ MORE] Stephanie Reel. Vice Provost for IT and CIO of Johns Hopkins University and Vice President for Information Services of Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore). In 1994, Ms. Reel became Johns Hopkins Medicine's vice president for information services. [READ MORE] Ed Ricks. Vice President of Information Services and CIO of Beaufort (S.C.) Memorial Hospital. Prior to his current position at Beaufort, Mr. Ricks was CIO of Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, N.Y. [READ MORE] Bert Robles. Executive Vice President and CIO of Guthrie (Sayre, Pa.). Guthrie named Mr. Robles executive vice president and CIO in June 2015. [READ MORE] Cris Ross. CIO of Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.). Mr. Ross has been CIO of Mayo Clinic since 2012, prior to which he was the executive vice president and general manager for clinical interoperability at Surescripts, a health information network based in Arlington, Va., Minneapolis and Beaverton, Ohio. [READ MORE] Robin Sarkar, PhD. CIO of Lakeland Health (St. Joseph, Mich.). Dr. Sarkar became CIO of Lakeland Health in May 2015. [READ MORE] Katherine Schneider, MD. President and CEO of Delaware Valley Accountable Care Organization (Villanova, Pa.). Dr. Schneider was named CEO of Delaware Valley ACO in 2014, prior to which she was executive vice president and CMO of Wayne, Pa.-based Medecision. [READ MORE] Rick Schooler. Vice President and CIO of Orlando (Fla.) Health. Since 2001, Mr. Schooler has been vice president and CIO of Orlando Health. [READ MORE] Manish Shah. Senior Vice President and CIO of Community Health Systems (Franklin, Tenn.). Mr. Shah joined CHS in 2013 as deputy CIO, prior to which he was senior vice president at Milwaukee-based Aurora Health Care. [READ MORE] William Showalter. Senior Vice President and CIO of Froedtert Health (Milwaukee). Mr. Showalter has been in his current roles since June 2015. [READ MORE] Preston Simons. CIO of Aurora Health Care (Milwaukee). Mr. Simons was named CIO of the 15-hospital, nonprofit health system in October 2015. [READ MORE] Alan Smith. Senior Vice President and CIO of Capella Healthcare (Franklin, Tenn.). In May 2011, Capella Healthcare named Mr. Smith to his current roles. [READ MORE] Laura Smith. CIO of UnityPoint Health System (West Des Moines, Iowa). Ms. Smith became CIO of UnityPoint Health in August 2016 after spending three years as vice president of IT operations of the three-hospital system. [READ MORE] Ryan Smith. Senior Vice President of Information Technology and CIO of Banner Health (Phoenix). Mr. Smith has been senior vice president of IT and CIO of the health system since 2013. [READ MORE] Steven Smith. CIO of NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston, Ill.). NorthShore named Mr. Smith CIO in April 2012, after he spent more than 11 years as chief technology officer of the organization. [READ MORE] Brent Snyder. CIO of Adventist Health System (Altamonte Springs, Fla.). Mr. Snyder, who has spent more than 30 years with Adventist Health System, has been corporate CIO for the system since 2016, when Adventist Health System integrated its two IT departments into one IT service provider. [READ MORE] Subra Sripada. Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer and System CIO of Beaumont Health (Royal Oak, Mich.). Mr. Sripada serves as executive vice president, chief transformation officer and system CIO of Beaumont Health, a nonprofit organization established in 2014 by Royal Oak-based Beaumont Health System, Farmington Hills, Mich.-based Botsford Health Care and Oakwood Healthcare. [READ MORE] Brian Sterud. CIO of Faith Regional Health Services (Norfolk, Neb.). Mr. Sterud, a CHIME certified CIO, assumed his current role at Faith Regional in 2012. [READ MORE] Joey Sudomir. Senior Vice President of Innovative Technology Solutions and CIO of Texas Health Resources (Arlington). Mr. Sudomir joined Texas Health Resources as vice president of IT operations in 2013. [READ MORE] Phyllis Teater. Associate Vice President and CIO of The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center (Columbus). Ms. Teater has been CIO of the medical center for the past seven years, since January 2010. [READ MORE] Brian Tew. Vice President of Information Technology and CIO of Greater Hudson Valley Health System (Middletown, N.Y.). Mr. Tew was vice president of operations and CIO of Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, N.H., before joining Greater Hudson Valley Health System. [READ MORE] Tim Thompson. Senior Vice President and CIO of BayCare Health System (Clearwater, Fla.). The health system named Mr. Thompson CIO in September 2010. He joined BayCare from the Houston Methodist, where he was senior vice president and CIO. [READ MORE] Jim Veline. Senior Vice President and CIO of Avera Health (Sioux Falls, S.D.). Mr. Veline oversees the IT services for the health system, which includes 900 employed physicians serving more than 300 locations. [READ MORE] Joel Vengco. Vice President and CIO of Baystate Health (Springfield, Mass.). Mr. Vengco has been in his current roles since June 2012. [READ MORE] John Ward. Senior Vice President and CIO of TriHealth (Cincinnati). Mr. Ward was named senior vice president and CIO of the health system in May 2015 after serving as director of ambulatory systems since February 2013. [READ MORE] David Weiss. Senior Vice President and CIO of BJC HealthCare (St. Louis). In addition to his role as CIO of the health system, Mr. Weiss is the chairman of the Telecommunication Facilities Corp., a joint venture between BJC and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. [READ MORE] Deanna Wise. Executive Vice President and CIO of Dignity Health (San Francisco). Since November 2011, Ms. Wise has been as executive vice president and CIO of Dignity Health, formerly known as Catholic Healthcare West. [READ MORE] Eric Yablonka. Vice President and CIO of University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences. Mr. Yablonka has been in his current roles for the more than 15 years, beginning in 2001. [READ MORE] Correction: An earlier version of this list included Jayne Bassler as vice president and CIO of Florida Hospital in Orlando. Ms. Bassler no longer holds this position. The list has been updated to include Carlos Escobar, who has assumed Ms. Bassler's responsibilities in the position of vice president and CIO of Adventist Health System, Central Florida Region. An earlier version of this piece incorrectly listed the titles of Craig Richardville and Janice Newell. We regret these errors. On Jan. 6, a stream of ambulances delivered 54 patients to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after a gunman opened fire at a luggage carousel at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. According to the Sun Sentinel, nine among the 54 were admitted to the trauma center six of them suffered gunshot wounds and three sustained lesser injuries due to falls or sprained limbs. Patients also suffered from heat stroke and other ailments. Most of the others were treated in the emergency room. Christopher Roberts, DO, a neurosurgeon at Broward, told the Sun Sentinel the team was prepared for the situation. "We do drills for this," he told the paper. "So we're prepared for this. When it's real, it's real." As the Broward team worked steadily to care for the 54 patients, the hospital received reports of a second gunman. The team moved stable trauma patients to the ER and one to the intensive care unit to make room for another wave of patients, but the report turned out to be a false alarm. "We felt very relieved," Marcy Heuman, RN, a Broward Health trauma nurse, told the Sentinel. "We were waiting at any minute to get another 50 coming through the door with severe wounds. Everyone prepared, standing and waiting in full [protective] suit, probably for an hour." As of Monday, five of the nine patients admitted to Broward remained there. Three were doing well and two remained in critical condition. All who were brought to the hospital on Friday were still alive. More articles on patient flow: Study: Bystander CPR may boost survival odds in heart attack victims Salem Health sees ED visits increase by 20%; influenza to blame Sentara's Nightingale regional air ambulance completes more than 18,000 accident-free flights A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found the majority of Americans want a viable alternative before legislators work to repeal the ACA, according to Kaiser Family Foundation. In the survey, Kaiser polled 1,204 adults from Dec. 13 to Dec. 19, 2016. Here are five things to know: 1. Twenty percent of respondents said they fully support an ACA repeal even if legislators come up with a replacement plan's details later. 2. Forty-seven percent of respondents want legislators to maintain the ACA. 3. Of respondents, 28 percent want legislators to announce a replacement plan before eliminating the current health law. 4. Sixty percent said healthcare's quality will remain the same despite a new administration, while 20 percent said quality will get worse. 5. More than half (67 percent) said the presidential administration's primary goal should be lowering healthcare costs. American Airlines will add a daily direct flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Billings on June 2, its second expansion in Montana within the past 12 months, local officials announced Monday. The new service is coming thanks to incentives, or guarantees, of about $1.35 million from local groups and businesses and a federal grant, officials said at a Monday news conference at Billings Logan International Airport. The three-hour flight is aimed at the business traveler and will open markets in the South, Latin America and the Caribbean for the Billings businesses, airport officials said. Quite frankly, I couldnt be happier, airport director Kevin Ploehn said. The guarantees include $600,000 in private pledges and a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportations Small Communities Air Service Development Program. The service will launch on a 76-seat, Embraer E-175 plane. It will leave Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport at 10:40 a.m. Central Standard Time and arrive in Billings at 12:40 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. It will then take off from Billings at 1:15 p.m. and arrive in Texas at 5:25 p.m., both in local time. Currently, most Billings passengers must catch a connecting flight in Denver or Salt Lake City to get to Dallas. American began direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth to Bozemans Yellowstone International Airport in the spring, largely to capture the growing recreational market. Groups in Gallatin County pledged $1.3 million in incentives to lure the flight. Officials with American said the success of the Bozeman flight showed them that demand in Montana was strong enough to support the Billings expansion. We just wanted to make sure that we position ourselves well to meet demand for our customers ... It just speaks volume to the market there in Billings for the air service, spokeswoman LaKesha Brown said in a telephone interview from Fort Worth. Dallas/Fort Worth is the nations fourth-largest airport. It served 64 million passengers in 2015. Its one of the top 10 destinations for Billings travelers, and the last one of the list without direct service, Brewer said. No one at the Monday gathering discussed the cost of the Billings to Dallas/Fort Worth flight, which is set by the airline and subject to a range of factors, including season, vacancies on other flights and fuel costs. As a comparison, flights from Bozeman to Dallas/Fort Worth in August, the end of tourism season, could be purchased for about $412, according to online ticket booking sites. Tourism officials in Billings have argued that adding flights at Logan International would increase competition among airlines and put downward pressure on rates. Ploehn, Billings Chamber of Commerce CEO John Brewer and Steve Arveschoug, director of Big Sky Economic Development, traveled to American Airlines Dallas headquarters in November 2015 to lobby executives for the flight. American chose to expand in Bozeman first, but Brewer said the success of that flight helped boost Billings chances. Unlike Bozeman, which attracts skiers and other recreationalists, the Billings flight runs all year and is aimed at the more stable business travel market, Brewer said. I think thats what sold them. Were a 24/7 business community. We have the availability to fill those flights, Brewer said. An incentive, or guarantee, is a fund used by smaller markets to ensure airlines dont lose money if they expand there. Bozeman airport officials have leveraged incentives from local chambers of commerce, Big Sky Resort and other groups to attract the flight. Until now, Billings had resisted offering similar guarantees, but tourism and economic development officials have become more aggressive to boost air travel in the last few years. The guarantee is set aside for now to protect American from losing money on the flight. If its profitable, the private donors and groups would keep their money, and the airport would return the federal grant, according to Brewer. Tourism officials raised about $600,000 in pledges from private groups, including Billings Clinic, The Billings Gazette and other businesses. About 16 to 20 entities pledged money, Brewer said. The Tourism Business Improvement District, which collects a $2-per-night surcharge on hotel rooms, pledged $300,000 for the flight. Steve Wahrlich, a district board member and owner of the Best Western Clock Tower Inn, said the new flight will boost business for the local lodging industry. We have a whole new market, he said. Brewer said the two sides are finalizing details of the agreement, such as the threshold for when American would receive guarantee payments. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below BT chairman Sir Mike Rake has blasted critics for wanting to separate the company's Openreach network, saying that without its investment in Britain's telecoms system "there would be nothing". He said it would be counter-intuitive to break up the firm just as BT embarks on further upgrades for Openreach, which develops and maintains the UK's main telecoms network used by telephone and broadband providers such as Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and BT Consumer. Speaking on the sidelines of an event where he signed a new military covenant reaffirming BT's commitment to the UK's armed forces, Sir Mike told the Press Association: "We're hopeful to reach a solution. As I have said, we have invested 10 billion over the past 10 years. Without us there would be nothing." "Those who have criticised us were not willing to support fibre take-up when we started the investment. We have 95% (of the UK) covered with super-fast broadband. By 2020 we'll have a much higher percentage of 97% or 98%," he said. "I think common sense says, why would you do something to damage a great British company that is investing in the future and can complete that investment?" The telecoms watchdog said that it would take formal proceedings with the European Commission to force BT to legally separate its Openreach network arm after it said plans to appease competition concerns fell short. Competitors including TalkTalk chief executive Dido Harding said in November that Ofcom's plans for legal separation were a "step in the right direction". Sir Mike's comments were made at BT Tower where he lauded the company for being one of the country's largest employers and supporters of army reservists and ex-armed forces personnel. "I see it as part of our responsibility to communities we work in," Sir Mike said. He said BT has "come a long way" over the last eight or nine years and will continue to challenge competitors like Sky - which is the target of an 11.7 billion takeover bid by Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox. "We'll continue to compete. All we ask for is a level playing field, particularly from a regulatory point of view as Sky becomes part of a much larger organisation." Sir Mike, who is expected to step down this autumn after a decade at BT, previously served as president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), and was easyJet's chairman, as well as a non-executive director of Barclays. When asked whether he was worried over the possibility of the UK leaving the EU's single market following the Brexit vote, he said the business community was "absolutely clear" that it would have been better to stay in the EU. "We were the 'sick man' of Europe in 1975 when we joined the European Union and all the growth that we have had has been part of a 550 million (consumer) market where 45% of our exports go." He added: "It's obvious that the business community and those organisations would like to remain in the single market, even if we're outside the European Union. And whether that's possible or not depends on the negotiations that take place." The resignation of Martin McGuinness as Deputy First Minister has thrown up the possibility of fresh elections Northern Ireland's top business body has expressed its dismay with politics after the resignation of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness triggered instability and the prospect of fresh elections. The Chamber of Commerce said it was "deeply frustrated" at yesterday's turn of events, while the chairman of the CBI said governance in Northern Ireland faced its most momentous set of circumstances in 20 years. Martin McGuinness's resignation, following the row over the renewable heat incentive (RHI), could have the impact of triggering new Assembly elections in March - which one expert said would leave the province deprived of strong negotiating voices as Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50, starting the process of the UK leaving the EU. Ronnie Foreman, a businessman who has advised US companies on setting up in Northern Ireland, said: "One of the things that has been high on the agenda for companies has been political stability - and that's been higher on the agenda than costs or corporation tax. "I feel like it's only a matter of days or hours before some of the people I have been talking to are asking me, are we going to back to where things were before?" He said the intricacies of the run-up to the resignation and the RHI controversy were not part of the picture for outsiders. "It's not a matter of the perception of citizens here but it's about the perception of outsiders. I would be concerned that some of the US organisations that I have worked with quite recently will simply see it as a matter of the two sides falling out again," Mr Foreman said. Mark O'Connell, the managing director of foreign direct investment (FDI) advisers OCO Global, said: "FDI likes a stable home and the prospect of new elections, the renewables scandal and the uncertain spectre of Brexit is likely to at least put decisions on hold, if not deter them." He said there had also been a lack of proper public debate about Northern Ireland's Brexit options or position, compared to Scotland. "Arguably we are even more exposed than Scotland and are practically silent on the subject," he said. "And in the critical weeks leading up to Article 50 trigger, we may have no coherent leadership voice at the table since everyone will be off campaigning." He said parts of the business community were "losing faith" with the ability of politicians to put the economic agenda first. Instead, Northern Ireland's FDI selling points were now lost in a "political sideshow". David Gavaghan, chairman of the CBI in Northern Ireland, said: "From an Executive point of view, we are facing the most important set of circumstances in the last two decades. "We need a functioning Executive. That's the most important thing." Mr Gavaghan said a working government is "fundamental to the economic and social outlook" in Northern Ireland. Economist Andrew Webb, managing director of Webb Advisory said the outstanding issues posed by the RHI and the prospect of contracts made under the RHI being rescinded were uncomfortable factors. "Stable government and certainty over honouring contracts are two of the fundamentals that any international investor will look for," he added. "As it stands, Northern Ireland can offer neither. I recall writing about Brexit previously and I asked 'what investor would want to come here, without access to the single market?' "I fear we are reaching the point where the question becomes 'what investor in their right mind would give this place a second glance?'" The current situation at Stormont will add to business uncertainty and will have "a negative impact on economic and social development", according to Nick Coburn, president of NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "The NI Chamber has a track record of encouraging our politicians as they put policies in place which will facilitate and support economic and social development," he said. "So having remained as positive as we can for as long as we can, we have the credibility to say that throughout the business community there is presently a very deep sense of frustration at the instability which now characterises our political institutions." Angela McGowan, director of the CBI in Northern Ireland, said: "The business community is not seeking to comment on the specifics that have given rise to these events other than to underline that there has seldom been a more important time for all our citizens to have a strong well-functioning Executive. "Ahead of triggering Article 50, expected in March, Northern Ireland urgently requires strong leadership and representation as the UK negotiates its future relationship with the EU. "It is vital that our collective voice is heard during this crucial period to achieve the best possible outcome for all of our citizens." The easyHotel brand is coming to Belfast The easyHotel brand is coming to Belfast The easyHotel brand is coming to Belfast EasyHotel is planning to open its first development in Northern Ireland The easyHotel brand is coming to Belfast Budget chain easyHotel is planning to open its first location in Northern Ireland, it can be revealed. The company plans to build an 81-bedroom development in Belfast. The low-cost chain has around 25 locations across the UK and elsewhere in Europe. It's understood the company will convert part of the Howard Building in the city centre into Northern Ireland's first easyHotel. It will sit above some of Belfast's best-known restaurants. These include three spots owned by top chef Michael Deane - Meat Locker, Love Fish and Eipic, which is one of only two restaurants here which boasts a Michelin star. The building is owned by David Crowe, and office space above the restaurants is currently empty. It will convert the existing office space, and a dry cleaners on the ground floor, into an 81-bedroom hotel, complete with a ground floor cafe. EasyHotel is part of the easyGroup, founded by Stelios Haji-Ioannou, which also includes budget airline easyJet. It operates in the so-called 'super budget hotel' sector, offering low prices, with additional options such as coffee, spare towels and internet access. The application for the new hotel has been made by Davcrow Ltd, a company which counts David Crowe as one of its directors. Rapport Architects is behind the design of the hotel. It's understood strip-out work on the building could start as early as later this month. Janice Gault, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), said: "There has been a lot of prospective hotel expansion reported for Belfast over the last 18 months. "Noticeably absent from those reported is any increase in the budget sector. "The last hotel boom saw the city's budget stock more than double in terms of room numbers. "The NIHF has noted the lack of budget projects and understands that there are a number of international brands looking at the city. "Some of these are new players like easyHotel while others would see brands on the market expand." She added: "Current data would suggest the city had a strong year in 2016, but with room numbers set to grow by 25% by 2018 it is imperative that new markets are tapped and that visitor numbers continue to grow." EasyHotel opened its first hotel in London in 2005. Since then it has expanded to around 25 hotels across the UK and Europe. It has locations in Germany, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Holland, Hungary and Belgium. It's the latest hotel development to get under way in the area. Just behind the new hotel, the Grand Central - which will become the largest hotel in Northern Ireland - is currently being built. The scheme could include 304 bedrooms, office accommodation, ground floor retail and bar spaces and restaurants at the ground, first and 22nd floors. And work is due to start on the long-delayed hotel at the Scottish Mutual building on Bedford Street. Hospitality bosses have said a shortage of chefs is among the biggest challenges to the industry here. As the industry looks back on the 2016 Year of Food and Drink, business owners say future growth is being hampered by a lack of new talent. Northern Ireland has more restaurants and hotels opening than ever before, but those to the fore of the sector say they are struggling to find enough skilled employees. It comes as one of the region's five catering colleges says it has seen a 20% drop in the number of students enrolling on its courses compared to two years ago - meaning the real damage has yet to come. Chef Simon Dougan MBE, who founded the Yellow Door Deli, was among those struggling to find the right people. He said that many careers advisors have the wrong impression about the industry. The restaurateur, who has prepared food for Prince Charles, says at school he was encouraged to do metalwork instead of catering. "I grew up in the country and was very lucky that I always knew what I wanted to do," he said. "I was inspired by my grandmother's cooking and determined I would become a chef." Now Simon tries to offer opportunities to those he sees potential in and says he has trained up some of his chefs from kitchen porters. "You're trying to move your business forward - we want to grow our businesses and be able to go for big jobs, but sometimes you're nearly afraid to do that in case you're not able to get the staff. "They also need to learn things they will actually use - a lot of courses teach old French recipes, but we don't cook like this here any more - cooking here has moved on from that and there's a great emphasis on local food at the moment. "If you can't get students, then what else can you do? You train them yourself." It comes as Barry Smyth, lecturer in Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Southern Regional College (SRC), said that the college had seen a drop of around 20% in the number of students enrolling compared to two years ago. "There is a slight demographic dip and we do expect slight variation from year to year, but we really noticed it this year. "It's a massive, massive growth area, but the problem is that if you tell people about studying catering they assume you are going to be a waiter or a chef when in reality there's so much more to the industry than that - there are delis, food production, accountancy, PR and food product development. "Moy Park is one of Northern Ireland's biggest employers and we've got that right here in Portadown, yet many of the people who work there will never have done any qualification in catering and I think that's something which needs to change. "We need to speak to children before they make decisions about what they want to do and let them know about what opportunities are out there. "But I think in some cases the students' expectations can differ from the reality. "They are going into an already stretched industry and being put under pressure to meet a certain standard in a kitchen or front of house team, and it can be difficult." Over the next two weeks, more than 350 students are expected to attend Food Heartland Hospitality Forum's agri-food careers day at Craigavon Civic centre. The fair will run over three days in mid-January and will include a mock shop stocked with ingredients, so children have to source, cook and bring a product to market to learn about the industry's different roles. Chef Sean Farnan opened his award-winning restaurant the Moody Boar in Armagh four years ago, and has become a key advocate for other young professionals coming up through industry. Sean started his career at 16 as a kitchen porter before going to catering college. He went back to SRC around two-and-a-half years ago to fine-tune his skills and learn the latest techniques, while also running his business. He said he could do with an extra four skilled employees in his own restaurant, but struggles to find the right people. Like Simon, he has also trained kitchen porters to become chefs and says two of his current chefs started off in this way. He said: "I always say you've got to keep an eye on your KPs - if you see your KP always looking over watching the chefs with an interest in what they're doing, then you've got someone with an interest and that's good - they are often the ones who have that drive and passion for what they do - you can't teach that and that's what the industry really needs." And he's not the only Northern Ireland catering boss to offer in-house training; Niall McKenna launched James Street South's apprenticeship in 2014. In its first year, the programme employed eight young people aged between 16 and 24 - this year it took on 12 young chefs. The programme is now endorsed by the Department for the Economy and offers young professionals the opportunity to study with chefs in the James Street South Bar + Grill, Hadskis, The Cookery School and Cast & Crew. The year-long placement combines on-the-job training with two days' of education at the Belfast Metropolitan College. Three of this year's trainees have secured full-time employment with James Street South. Meanwhile, Nicola McLarnon, director of Belfast fine-dining restaurant Saphyre, is currently looking for a sous chef and pastry chef. "It is difficult to find the right people," she said. "And pastry is an area which is particularly under resourced." But she says she tries to inspire her existing staff and last year took employees to Paris to try some of the city's best restaurants. "It's a pressured environment, so it's about motivating people and appreciating their dedication. "We asked our chefs where they would most like to try, so we ended up taking our staff to George Cinq. "It's great being able to cultivate excitement around food - to hear them talking about how things have been done and trying new techniques they want to learn." A Northern Ireland man has been nominated for a prestigious BAFTA award. Seamus McGarvey, an Armagh-born cinematographer, is up for the award for his work on Nocturnal Animals. It stars Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Shannon in the thriller about a wealthy art gallery owner who is haunted by her ex-husband's novel which she interprets as a symbolic revenge tale. Read more: Read More The Northern Ireland man is no stranger to award nominations as he has previously been recognised with nods at the Oscars, the Academy Awards. Speaking from New York ahead of meeting Hollywood A-lister Hugh Jackman on-set, Seamus told the Belfast Telegraph: "It's a fantastic honour. I'm really over the moon. "I'm really excited because it's a film I'm really proud of having worked on. "It's a dark but exciting thriller. "I'm really glad this film is firstly doing well and receiving the creative attention. "It was wonderful (working on this film) Tom Ford, it goes without saying is a visual genius and is a brilliant director, one of the best I've worked with. It was just a real treat coming to work every day. "I enjoyed every second of working on it." His impressive back catalogue of work includes the acclaimed 2007 film Atonement starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley for which he received an Oscar nomination. He previously received a BAFTA nomination for his work on the 2002 film Anna Karenina. The 19th century Russian high society drama starred Keira Knightley, Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Hollywood musical La La Land is leading the way with 11 nominations at the BAFTAs. The Hollywood musical, out in the UK on Friday, is up for best film, while stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are up for best actor and actress. British actors Andrew Garfield, Emily Blunt and Hugh Grant are also in line for acting awards. Meanwhile Irish-Ethiopian actress Ruth Negga has been nominated in the Rising Star category for her work in the drama Loving. Dubliner Consolata Boyle has also been acknowledged for her costume design work on Florence Foster Jenkins. She previously nominated at both the BAFTAs and Oscars for The Queen. Rita Simons wants to pursue other projects such as a comedy or gritty drama Departing EastEnders actor Rita Simons has said she has a "huge loyalty" to the show, even after her character was killed off. But after almost a decade playing half of the Mitchell sisters duo, she did not rule out the possibility of joining another soap. In a dramatic New Year's Day episode, her character Roxy drowned in a swimming pool, shortly followed by her sister Ronnie (played by Samantha Womack) who jumped in to save her. After her final episode was broadcast, Essex-born Simons, 39, told the Press Association: "I would never say never, but my heart is probably always going to be with EastEnders. "It's such a massive part of my life and I do love that place. "Honestly, I have a huge loyalty to EastEnders at the moment." After becoming best friends with Womack on the set, she described filming the pair's deaths as similar to losing a real sister. "We are ridiculously close, we are like one person," she said. "We speak to each other multiple times a day and I know her every movement and she knows mine. "I am going to miss not having her in my dressing room... she has been with me the whole time... and I do believe we will work together again one day." But Simons added that the end of her 10-year stint on the show would allow her to pursue other projects, such as a comedy or gritty drama. Speaking about being cut from EastEnders, she said: "It's always quite difficult in a soap because you're never quite sure when you've outstayed our welcome and when it's time to go, and I do believe it was the right time to go. "That doesn't make it any easier but, as an actor, 10 years in a soap, I was ready to go out and try other things. "My passions are TV and film and there are so many things I would love to do - a comedy, maybe something gangster and gritty. "I would even love to do a few episodes of (dark US drama) Ray Donovan. We've got a few Brits branching out into some of these box sets, which is brilliant." After a busy pantomime season starring in Snow White in St Albans, Simons is set to return to the stage in August for a year-long touring production of Legally Blonde. She has also been using her new-found freedom to do more charity work. This week she will be taking over pop-up swap-shop Zeek in west London's Westfield, taking in people's unwanted Christmas gift cards to raise money for the Children's Trust. "Everyone's a winner," she said of her latest project. "You can either swap your cards and vouchers for cash, or just donate them and Zeek will match the amount." When the majority of Montana voters approved Marsys Law on Nov. 8, they probably werent thinking about how or when state and local law enforcement, detention facilities, prosecuting attorneys and courts would comply with the new constitutional amendment. Marys Law was promoted to protect victims of crime, a cause that virtually all Montanans support. But timing and funding matter to the public servants who now have specific victim notification requirements to meet in the new constitutional law. For example, police are now required to provide a document labeled Marsys Card to all people who report being victims of crimes. Billings police already provided most of that information in handouts presented to victims of crime. But a new document will be required for the new law. At last weeks Billings City Council meeting, Police Chief Rich St. John said the cost of complying with Marsys law will be about $10,000, including upgrading officers computer software and duplicating Marsys Cards. Billings City Attorney Brent Brooks has requested another staff member to assist victims. The office already has two full-time and one part-time victim assistants dedicated to domestic violence cases, but the new law requires assistance to all victims. The additional cost of salary, benefits and office equipment will be about $60,000. Tonight, the council is scheduled to vote on a budget amendment that would cover the cost of complying with Marsys law. Council members wont be enthusiastic about spending more money than budgeted, but they should keep in mind that the majority of Billings voters supported this change in the Montana Constitution. Money is needed to carry out the will of the people. Neither St. John nor Brooks opposed Marsys law, but they did alert citizens before the election that the city would have to make changes that would cost taxpayers money if the initiative passed. Likewise, County Attorney Scott Twito, whose office already employs seven full-time and one part-time victim-witness assistants, was quoted in The Gazette before the election, outlining the additional steps he was preparing to take to expand victim assistance. The other technical difficulty with Marsys Law was its effective date. There was a discrepancy between ballot language that said effective immediately and the state constitution that says constitutional initiatives are effective on July 1 after passage unless another date is stated in the initiative text. Nothing in the text of Marys Law stated an effective date. However, Attorney General Tim Foxs office, decided that it would be effective immediately because the text said it was self-executing. The Montana County Attorneys Association, Montana League of Cities and Towns, Montana Association of Counties, ACLU of Montana, the Lewis and Clark County attorney and Helena city attorney asked the Montana Supreme Court to rule on the legal question of when Marsys Law takes effect. Last week, the high court declared that date is July 1. Democracy can be a messy business, but it works. Voters decided to add Marsys Law to our constitution. Public servants are working locally to comply. And the Montana Supreme Court has settled the effective date question with a simple ruling that is also most practical. From elegance to fussiness... Frances Burscough casts her expert eye over the frocks on display at the 74th Golden Globes as stars glammed up for big awards night. Best Dressed Naomie Harris: The 40-year-old actress, who was nominated for her role in Moonlight, bucked the trend for lavish extravagance in a very simple yet perfectly-styled sheath-dress by Armani Prive made from pale gold taffeta decorated with pearl beading. The plunging bodice enhanced her perfect figure beautifully, while her chandelier diamond earrings - on loan from Tiffany - completed the sleek and chic look to perfection. Brie Larson: This actress, who won last year's Golden Globe for her performance in Room, was the Belfast Telegraph's favourite outfit of that evening. So it was no surprise to see her scoring top marks once again as she returned to present an award this year, decked head to toe in a sumptuous swathe of scarlet chiffon by Rodarte. The strapless bodice combined a sweetheart neckline encrusted in rubies and garnets with pin-tucked shimmering silk that flowed down into a floor-sweeping fishtail hemline. Absolutely stunning in every way and from every angle. Lily Collins: The daughter of pop star Phil Collins has made a name for herself as both a model and actress in recent years. At this year's Golden Globes she was nominated for Best Actress - no less - in the rom-com Rules Don't Apply, and she broke a few rules of her own in spectacular fashion, choosing a full-on ballgown by Zuhair Murad Couture to make her grand entrance. Apparently, it took 10 assistants to dress her in the heavily encrusted number, comprising of sparkling irridescent gemstones set into intricate embroidery atop a confection of transparent silk tulle. Meanwhile, her brunette hair was swept up into a braided concoction that would not have looked amiss on the set of War And Peace. Emma Stone: Winner of the Best Actress award for her part as the leading lady in La-La Land, Emma Stone chose a dress encrusted with stars to launch herself into the stratosphere. When asked by Ryan Seacrest about her outfit, all Emma (who is not a fan of fashion reporters) would say is: "Well, it's pink and there are stars on it." However, I can confirm that it was designed by the house of Valentino from pale pink silk georgette in superfine sunray pleats, with a cascade of stars hand-stiched in shimmering silver threads across the surface and diamante beads in between. Very eye-catching and very appropriate for such a star-studded occasion, too. Chrissy Teigen: She has only just given birth to her first child with superstar husband John Legend, but she certainly pulled out all the stops to be noticed at the Globes. Her gloriously feminine Marchesa gown was so different from anyone around her, with a bronze lace bodice encrusted with red and gold roses and finished with a flouncy high neckline and bustle, but completely backless from behind. She completed the look with drop earrings of garnet set in gold and matching garnet coloured lipstick. Emily Ratajkowski: This gorgeous silver and gold number was another absolute winning combination on the night. Designed by Reem Acra, it combined shimmering silk satin draped around a diamante-encrusted jewellery collar that reached from her neckline to her waist, with two daring side slits at either side. Certainly not for the faint-of-heart, but it probably caused a few gasps on the red carpet, especially when she did a Marilyn Monroe with the skirt accidentally revealing her underwear. Worst Dressed Sarah Jessica Parker: She is known for her daring choices, which either work or don't. In this case it was the latter, when she appeared to have swamped herself in a gigantic linen tablecloth tent. Meanwhile, her fancy plaited hairdo, which I think was meant as a tribute to Princess Leia, just looked daft. Anna Kendrick: She did herself no favours whatsoever with her asymmetrical Grecian gown by Vionnet made from sunray-pleated crepe de chine in a dull sludge grey colour. It not only drained all the colour out of her, but also made her chest look as flat as an ironing board. Nicole Kidman: She is more often than not a winner in the style stakes, but personally I didn't like the fussiness of her chosen gown by Alexander McQueen, with it's puff sleeves, frilly neckline and flouncy hemline, all coated in sparkling sequins like a confection dusted with caster sugar. No surprise to learn that her young daughters had chosen it, as it was like something out of a Disney cartoon. However, her hair, make-up and jewellery were all as immaculate and flawless as ever. Catriona Balfe: The star of the TV series Outlander also opted for a soft-furnishing feel, wearing a dress made from a thick orange and navy blue fabric that looked just like she'd somehow become entangled in a reversible duvet cover. Sophie Turner: A talented actress who plays feisty characters quite brilliantly, but she really ought to sack the stylist of this horrendous outfit, which looks like an assortment of off-cuts from a fashion college cutting-room floor. Princess Annes daughter Zara Tindall suffered a miscarriage just before Christmas. With up to 20% of pregnancies ending tragically before 12 weeks, Lisa Smyth talks to two NI women about the pain of losing their baby. I thought it would never happen to me Blathnaid Scullion (30), a GP, lives in Lurgan with husband Gerard (28) and their five-month-old son. Blathnaid had a miscarriage on March 13, 2015, and an ectopic pregnancy on May 27, 2015. She says: We were so excited when we found out we were pregnant that we told our families the news - but then when I was about eight weeks I started to bleed. My GP sent me to the early pregnancy unit and they did a blood test and asked me to come back in 48 hours to do another and see whether my hormone levels were dropping. I got a phone call after the second test to say I had lost the baby - there was no follow up. The wait between the tests was really hard because I was still hoping everything would be okay, but once we got the results there was nothing we could do. I wanted to get pregnant again straight away and we did, but then I started bleeding again and it turned out to be an ectopic pregnancy. I had to have emergency surgery and lost one of my tubes. We started to try again straight away but it took about six months to get pregnant and that was really hard because I was worried I might not be able to get pregnant. It was the worst six months of my life. I'm a GP and have dealt with patients who have had miscarriages, but I never anticipated the emotional side of it. From the very first day I had a positive pregnancy test, I was imagining what my baby would be like, what they might achieve in their life, so I felt the losses very hard. I know that miscarriage is very common because of my work, but I never thought it would happen to me. Usually I am a very lucky person. My family says I am the type of person who always comes up smelling of roses - nothing like this had happened to my mum or my older sister, so I just never thought it would happen to me. I ended up putting a post about my miscarriage on Facebook by accident. Gerard had asked me to write down how I was feeling to try and help him to understand, then he suggested I put it on Facebook as it might help others. It isn't like me to be so open and I was just about to take it down when someone commented and I decided to leave it up. Being open and talking about my losses definitely helped. I wanted people to know the babies had existed, I felt as though I was making some kind of commitment to them. I needed people to know that I was nearly a mum. But I felt so guilty afterwards, like I had done something wrong. So many irrational thoughts went through my head - I had taken the pill for years and I thought maybe it was that. I wanted to talk to people about what had happened, but when I said we had lost a baby you would see them recoil in horror. They would say things to try and make you feel better, like 'everything happens for a reason'. But it was so difficult for me and I would tell then that unless they knew what the reason was not to say that to me. What I needed was a hug and for someone to tell me that it was terrible and it shouldn't have happened to me. I wasn't sleeping well and struggled to keep up a front in work that everything was fine. When I got home I would fall apart. I would cry all the way into work. One day I was in the kitchen when I broke a glass and was distraught. Then my husband told me that I wasn't myself and I realised he was right. After that I went to see a counsellor for six weeks. She was really amazing and it really helped me. I didn't get any support from the health service when I experienced my losses, but I don't blame the medics as I know how much pressure they are under. The doctors and nurses would want to help their patients, but they just don't have the time. My experience has definitely helped me when I am dealing with my patients. Previously I would have been optimistic, giving people advice and telling them that everything happens for a reason - and all the other things that aren't helpful but I wouldn't do that now. A doctor friend of mine told me how they spoke to a patient who had a miscarriage - telling her about me and how I had gone on to have a baby and that would happen for her and she could forget about what happened - it made me realise how some people don't get it. You never forget the baby you lose, dates like due dates will always stand out, the babies will always be a part of our lives, a part of me. Everyone deals with the grief of miscarriage differently, I don't think there is any right or wrong way." I wanted to try for another baby to get back what I lost Fiona Masterson (27), a beauty therapist, had a miscarriage seven years ago. She lives in Newtownabbey with her partner Jason (25) and their children, six-year-old Caera and two-year-old Orin. She says: I suffered a missed miscarriage which was picked up at about six weeks, although the medics suspected my baby's growth and development had stopped at about five weeks. I had been having mild cramping and didn't know whether it was normal or not. When the pain became very severe I rang my GP who told me to go to hospital where I had a scan but the doctor couldn't see anything. I was hoping everything was going to be all right. While I was worried I was trying to stay positive - but blood tests showed my pregnancy hormone levels were starting to drop, so I was told I had lost the baby. Because of my age and the fact I had never had a baby, the doctor didn't want to do a D&C (surgical procedure to clear out the womb) because of the risks associated with it, so I was told me to go home and wait one or two weeks and see if my body would do it itself. For me, that was probably the hardest part. While the doctors and nurses are lovely I wasn't told what was going to happen. Your whole life is on hold, I didn't know what to expect, I was afraid to go out of the house, I didn't know when it would happen or what the pain would be like. A lot of my friends didn't even know I was pregnant, so it was a very traumatic time and I just stayed at home and Jason or my mum stayed with me. I went back a week later and the doctors said they still didn't want to do a D&C so told me to wait another week. They were planning to bring me in for the procedure the following week but the day before I started to bleed. When it actually happened, I was on my own so I rang my mum and she came home straight away and took me to the hospital. They weren't sure if everything had come away itself, so I ended up having to go for a D&C that night anyway. I tried to get on with life as normal afterwards, I cried, I was upset, but I did try to be as normal as possible, I tried to keep going as though nothing had happened as it was too painful to deal with at the time. I wanted to try for another baby straight away, I wanted to get back what I'd lost, even though I knew in my head that having another baby wouldn't replace the one I had lost. I just felt like that was what I needed but I know now that I was grieving for a long time afterwards. You feel as though you have done something wrong, you keep asking yourself what it was you did. We called our baby Alex, as we didn't know whether they were a boy or a girl and we thought it was a good name for either. The doctors had no idea why it had happened, they told me that unfortunately it was just one of those things that can happen, which isn't exactly what you want to hear. About a year later I moved to Belfast and that was when I realised that I wasn't ready to have another baby. I needed to take time, and that is when we fell pregnant and we had Caera. I have always wanted to be a mum so finally having Caera meant I had that baby and it did made things a bit easier. As soon as I found out I was pregnant with Alex, I felt like I was a mother - but then I had the miscarriage and as far as the world was concerned I wasn't a mum. However, even after Caera arrived I still wasn't over the miscarriage. I was working as a beauty therapist at the Beauty Company in Belfast and found out what Ruth-Ellen Logan was doing there working with people going through fertility treatments and who have experienced baby loss. She started treating me and it was the first time I started to feel like my old self again. I cried so much, more than I ever had before, it was such a huge emotional release, I really started to heal for the first time. I finally started to let go of all the trauma and pain I had been holding on to for so long. Suffering a miscarriage can do one of two things to a couple, it can tear them apart or bring them closer together and it definitely brought Jason and I closer together. Jason knew I was traumatised after the pregnancy ended early but the treatment helped me become myself again. I knew then I wanted to help other women who had been through a miscarriage so now I do some work with Ruth-Ellen, having trained with her. The important thing for women to know is that they can't blame themselves for the loss. It isn't anyone's fault. Also, no matter how you are feeling, there is always support out there. You just have to allow yourself to be supported." Professor Valenta said the bodys immune system tends to attack the centre of the virus, which isnt the most effective way to fight the disease A scientist has registered a patent for a vaccination against the common cold a condition doctors have long thought could only be beaten by bed rest and plenty of fluids. Rudolf Valenta, an allergy expert at the Medical University of Vienna, is behind the research into rhinovirus, the microbes responsible for runny noses and sore throats. The common cold is considered difficult to treat and protect against because it has so many different strains. But Professor Valenta told The Independent the bodys immune system tends to attack the centre of the virus, which isnt the most effective way to fight the disease. Instead, his vaccine focuses on the viruss shell, which facilitates infection by attaching itself to mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, nasal passages and stomach. "We've taken pieces of the rhinovirus shell, the right pieces, and attached it to a carrier protein," he said. "Its a very old principle, to refocus the antibody response." "The diversity [of different types of the virus] is less of an issue than getting the right spot on the virus." The vaccine encourages the body to recognise and develop defences against the outer part of rhinoviruses, which are similar in all different strains. Colds are caught by inhaling or otherwise coming into contact with infected droplets spread by coughing and sneezing. Professor Valenta said the vaccine could be ready to administer to patients in six to eight years. With the first protein we built, we have very good inhibition [of the disease] already. We believe that we are on a really good track with what were doing, he said. If we get also the trial funded properly, it could be done between six to eight years. We know how to build the vaccines and get it to the clinic. This is really in reach. Jonathan Ball, Professor of Molecular Virology at the University of Nottingham, told The Independent the researchers might be onto something but filing a patent was a long way away from having an approved vaccine. Rhinoviruses are renowned for their variability and their ability to mutate in order escape our immunity and cause reinfections throughout life, he said. There are more than a 100 different flavours and finding a vaccine that will protect against all of these will be tricky. Nearly 80 prison officers were attacked in Northern Ireland during the past year, new figures have revealed. A written question to the Justice Minister Claire Sugden by the UUP MLA Doug Beattie showed that 77 individual prison officers were assaulted between December 1, 2015, and November 11 last year. Maghaberry Prison was the worst affected by far with assaults against 49 staff. Hydebank College which houses female prisoners and young offenders recorded attacks on 22 warders, with Magilligan Prison in Londonderry reporting six assaults. The Justice Minister's answer added that assaults in prison "cover a wide range of violent incidents and it is not possible to provide a further breakdown by type." In March last year, a separate Assembly question by the TUV leader Jim Allister showed that there had been 299 separate assaults over a three-year period, the equivalent of an attack every three days. Last November disturbing news emerged of how one female prison officer in Maghaberry's Shimna House was tied to a chair with sticking tape by a number of prisoners who were later relocated in the general prison population. An inside source at Maghaberry prison told the Sunday Life in November the incident showed how vulnerable overstretched prison staff felt. "The gang involved in the sellotape assault should be brought before a court, not simply transferred to other wings at Maghaberry," the source said. "The female officer was terrified, she feared for her life." In March last year, prison officer Adrian Ismay died from a heart attack 11 days after a bomb planted by dissident republicans exploded under his van. In 2012, Maghaberry Prison warden David Black was shot and killed by dissident republicans on the M1 while driving to work. Commenting on the latest figures, Mr Beattie said the number could be much higher. "I don't know if all these assaults are violent, but I would suggest it's quite high and a lot of it is going unreported in the media," he said. "In regards to prison officers feeling threatened in work because of the low staffing levels, I've raised this time and time again. We're operating with something like 120 prison officers short from what the prison service say they should have. That doesn't include those on long-term absence. "The prison service would say they don't have the money to pay them so there's a fundamental issue there." He added that prisoners who violently assaulted staff "should face the full weight of the law". "Just because they're already serving their sentence in prison, doesn't mitigate them against adhering to the law or social norms," he said. The PSNI have said children could have been killed after a car had its windscreen shattered as it was being driven near a school in Northern Ireland. On Monday at around 8.55am a car was driving along the Brownlow Road, Craigavon, towards the Hub when something was thrown or fired at the windscreen. It completely shattered. Police said the driver was able to maintain control and bring the car to a safe stop. Posting on Facebook PSNI Craigavon said: "Being right outside Lismore Comprehensive, there were school pupils on foot on their way to school. If the driver had panicked or swerved we could be talking about multiple dead kids. "Whoever is responsible for this disgusting behaviour needs to have a good hard look at themselves. Today they could be mourning the loss of their own friends, with the death on their conscience for the rest of their life. It may have been a catapult, it may have been a large stone. Whatever it was, it caused considerable damage to the windscreen which shattered round the driver. "No doubt the person responsible thought it was a bit of a laugh. Hopefully they will grasp sooner rather than later that funerals are no laughing matter, and that the line between life and death was close to being crossed." If you know who was responsible or witnessed the incident contact officers on 101. The incident number is 194 of 09/01/17. Alternatively, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A boy is in a serious condition following a collision on the Toberdoney Road in Liscolman, Ballymoney. The Northern Ireland ambulance service said he was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast following the incident at around 4.15pm on Tuesday. It is thought the 9-year-old is a pupil at the at Straidbilly Primary School. The driver of the car, a man aged in his 70s, was arrested and is currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries. Police are appealing to anyone who was travelling on the Toberdoney Road and who witnessed the collision to contact officers in Ballymoney on 101 quoting reference number 719 of 10/01/17. The Toberdoney Road remains closed. A multi-vehicle crash on Belfast's M2 is continuing to cause long tail-backs. The crash is blocking outside lane heading out of Belfast above J2 at Greencastle with traffic queued back to York Street. There are no reports of any injuries but motorists are advised to avoid the M2 & M5 Northbound. Meanwhile, a three-car collision on the A26 Lisnevenagh Road outside Antrim is delaying traffic heading towards Ballymena. Twenty people have been arrested after a law was introduced in Northern Ireland making it illegal for an adult to send sexual communications to a child. Figures obtained by the NSPCC show that, since the law to prevent grooming was implemented by the Assembly last February, the PSNI has made 20 arrests, eight of which have led to charges. Similar legislation was previously implemented in Scotland, and in the last six years the authorities there have recorded 1,537 offences. This is in stark contrast to England and Wales, as the children's charity is accusing Westminster of dragging its feet over the law, which would arm police with the same powers as their counterparts in Scotland and Northern Ireland to tackle abuse. More than 50,000 people joined the NSPCC's Flaw in the Law campaign, which promoted the new legislation. In 2015 the UK Parliament put a new offence on the statute book in England and Wales, meaning an adult would be breaking the law if they sent a sexual communication to a child aged under 16. But the NSPCC has questioned why Westminster has yet to trigger the law already being successfully used to catch abusers in Northern Ireland and Scotland. ChildLine figures also show the number of counselling sessions for youngsters worried about online sexual abuse rose last year (2015-16) by 24% to 3,716 across the UK. In Northern Ireland, 165 children got in touch with the helpline about online sexual abuse. The true figure of incidents is likely to be higher. NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless has written to UK Justice Secretary Liz Truss asking why the law has been delayed in England and Wales, and demanding it is put into force immediately. He said: "This new offence was supposed to mean the law could be brought to bear on anyone who grooms children online. "The public have backed our campaign, Parliament has agreed to it, and in Scotland and Northern Ireland young victims are bravely coming forward and beginning to reveal the sickening numbers of adults targeting children for abuse." Head of the NSPCC in Northern Ireland, Neil Anderson, said: "The figures released today show the importance of the implementation of this law. "Very simply, it has resulted in the protection of children from abuse, and in Northern Ireland we can see that arrests have already been made. "We are also seeing the number of children worried about online sexual abuse rising year on year with ChildLine." Mr Anderson added: "It is something that needs tackled now, and it is extremely worrying that across England and Wales, police are still powerless to take action to protect children who are increasingly being targeted by abusers online. "The public have backed our campaign, and the law must now be implemented across the rest of the UK so children are better protected wherever they live." After the damaging May 18, 2014, hailstorm pummeled roofs all over Billings, insurance companies refused to renew about 3,000 homeowners policies. The reason given? They had filed three claims in three years, including claims for which the insurance company paid out money and claims for which the company paid nothing. In the 2015 Legislature, Sen. Mary McNally, D-Billings, proposed an end to counting zero dollar claims against insurance customers. Her bill included other consumer protection measures. Although it was supported by state insurance commissioner Monica Lindeen, a Democrat, and passed by the Senate, that bill died in the 2015 House. This year, McNally has again introduced a bill to protect consumers from having zero dollar claims counted against them in higher premiums or cancellations. And in 2017, the legislation has the support of newly elected Republican state insurance commissioner Matt Rosendale. In a press release Friday, Rosendales office said it had received recent complaints over policies being cancelled for zero dollar claims. At a hearing Friday morning in the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee, McNally said the bill doesnt interfere with an insurers ability to set rates or cancel policies based on excessive claims history. All the bill requires is that customers not be penalized for claims that cost the insurer nothing. Some homeowners have had their insurance canceled or not renewed for making inquiries about coverage for incidents that they, not the insurance company, ultimately paid for, McNally told the committee. Its particularly ironic because most of these policies require you to make that notice. Then that information can be used against you. SB58 would apply to a broad range of property damage and liability insurance policies, not just homeowner policies. Lobbyists for the insurance industry testified against the bill Friday. Bruce Spencer, representing Allstate Insurance, said zero dollar claims are important in the actuarial formula that companies use to calculate risk. Its part of the secret sauce of rate making, he said. SB58 simply aims for rate making to be based on actual costs of doing business, rather than penalizing customers who are honest. Consumers shouldnt be punished for doing the right thing, especially when it comes at no cost to insurers, Rosendale said in a press release. Members of the Senate committee should listen to Rosendale and McNally, and send SB58 to the full Senate for a vote in favor of the Montanans who responsibly obtain insurance and communicate with their insurers. The House then should stand up for those same constituents and send this common-sense legislation to the governors desk for his signature. Martin McGuiness's shock resignation as Deputy First Minister left many on both sides of Belfast's peace lines rolling their eyes at the thought of a second Stormont election in under a year. Five of the seven people we spoke to on the nationalist Falls Road said Mr McGuinness made the right choice to go, with two disagreeing. On the unionist Shankill Road, four said they wanted Mr McGuinness to stay, while three welcomed the news. Speaking in a cafe on the Falls yesterday, Edward Keatings (54) from Ballymurphy said: "I think he's stupid for resigning. "The Arlene Foster thing is nothing to do with him. I think she should step aside for the investigation." Just outside, Aiden Crothers (19) said he supported the resignation. "I don't think anyone round this area likes Arlene Foster at all, if there was another election I think most people would be happy," he said. John Loughrin (42) said: "I think it's about time Sinn Fein stood their ground with Arlene Foster. She was ignoring everybody calling for her to resign. A new election has to happen, there needs to be an investigation into her role." Kate Sullivan (27), who has just moved to the Falls Road from Australia, said she found the situation ludicrous. "As an outsider it all sounds a bit stupid to me. They've only just got elected and now they'll have to do it all again," she said. Roseleen O'Connor (69), also from the Falls, said: "I think the real reason Martin McGuinness is stepping down is because he's not well." Ann Morrison (65) said: "I don't know what they're going to do. I think Arlene needs to look at herself and sort it out, especially with all this about the 'pink love glasses'." Marguerite Gallagher, in her 60s, said: "It's very sad. Martin's wise, he knows what he's doing, whether it is a wee bit about his health and a wee bit about the situation. The election will happen but won't cost Sinn Fein any votes." On the Shankill Margaret Doggart (59) said: "Martin McGuinness is a good man, he should have stayed. I say throw Arlene Foster out, I could do a better job as First Minister." Sandra McArthur (65) said: "I really don't fancy another election. I think Martin McGuinness should have waited. Let an investigation happen and let Arlene Foster go after that if she was in the wrong. I think he's put the cart before the horse." Agnes Haire (74) said: "That's all we need. He could have stuck it out to see how it went." Norman Kavanagh (56) said: "I think it's been blown out of proportion. I know the heating scandal cost money but another inquiry will just cost more." Mark Busby (48) said he wanted both leaders to go: "I think it's time he went anyway, that era is over." Haley Campbell (24) said: "He should have stayed on with her to help sort this heating scandal out. I didn't vote for Arlene Foster last time, I actually voted for the other side because they do more for us." Thomas Brown (42) said: "He made the right call to go. And for Arlene Foster with this heating scandal, I think she's in trouble." By Allan Preston Londonderry On the streets of Londonderry Martin McGuinnesss home city and constituency the news that he had resigned as Deputy First Minister was viewed as the right thing to do. The Belfast Telegraph spoke to people in Guildhall Square shortly after Mr McGuinness announced his resignation over the RHI scandal. Avital Weiss thinks the door is now open for change. I think it is time for a change and it opens the door now for something to happen in the long run, she said. Im not sure if it was the right thing or not, but he has been doing this long enough and has enough advisers around him that I am sure they believe it is right. I think that if you care about the bigger picture and less about your own position then you are going to take action. Making his way across the square was John Kelly, whose brother Michael was killed on Bloody Sunday. He agreed with Mr McGuinnesss decision. Mr Kelly said: I think it was inevitable that Martin McGuinness would resign. Over this past while, Arlene Foster has been fairly arrogant in her stance in relation to the whole RHI debacle. If she had any feeling for the people of the north, she would have stepped aside long ago. I think Martin McGuinness had no other option but I do not think there will be any benefit to an election, but at the end of the day it is something that had to happen. Eileen Curran has been watching the RHI story develop over the past few weeks and she too agreed with actions of Mr McGuinness. She said: It is ultimately going to be the ordinary people who will suffer over this whole thing and I do think Martin McGuinness was probably right in resigning. It will bring things to a head and thats what needs to happen so we can find answers to all the questions. But as for an election, I dont think that is going to make any difference. Bill McFarland shared Ms Currans opinion on the value of another election and also thought Mr McGuinnesss resignation was just the latest move in politicking between Sinn Fein and the DUP. He said:I think the two parties are just playing politics with this country and thats basically it. The whole thing has been handled very badly. It is going to cost the tax payer nearly 500m. They should have admitted their mistakes and now we are going to have an election which will be a waste of money and time. You will get the same idiots elected and we will be right back where were started. Having said that, if there is another election, I will vote but I am not saying who for. However, Sarah Doherty admitted she wasnt going to bother voting. I am shocked that Martin McGuinness has resigned. Arlene Foster wasnt going to resign, that was for sure, so I suppose he had to do something. Ive seen her on the TV and she doesnt come across as a very nice person, she said. I didnt vote in May because I was that sickened by the whole lot of them and I wont go out and vote if there is another election, she added. By Donna Deeney Once described as "Britain's number one terrorist", Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness played a major role in Northern Ireland's peace process. Widely accepted as a one-time IRA Chief of Staff, McGuinness (66) moved from his 'army' role to successfully share political power with one of his deadliest enemies. Not alone did he share power with anti-republican DUP leader Ian Paisley, the two got on so well together they were dubbed the 'Chuckle Brothers'. When he left school in Derry at 15 he experienced sectarianism first hand when he was rejected for a job as a mechanic because of his Catholic religion. His determination to fight the republican battle solidified when Seamus Cusack (28) and Desmond Beattie (19) were shot dead by soldiers in Derry on the same day in July 1971. Although a former teacher had described McGuinness as a well-mannered student who was "not outstanding in any way", he found his calling as a focused IRA activist. His reputation grew. During the 16 months up to December 1972 a total of 26 British soldiers were killed by the Provisional IRA in Derry. Years later McGuinness said: "I was proud to be a member of the IRA. I am still - 40 years on - proud that I was a member of the IRA. "I believed that in a situation where the community that I came from were being treated like second and third-class citizens that I had a responsibility to fight back against it. And I don't apologise to anybody for having done that. I think it was the right thing to do." In July 1972 McGuinness was part of a seven-member IRA delegation flown to London to meet Northern Ireland Secretary William Whitelaw to try and end the Troubles. These talks were unsuccessful. The following year the Special Criminal Court in Dublin sentenced McGuinness to six months in prison for IRA membership. He had been caught in a car containing large quantities of explosives and ammunition. He refused to recognise the court and declared his membership of the IRA. His switch to politics came in 1983 when he contested elections to the House of Commons. He was finally elected in 1997, after three failed attempts, to represent Mid Ulster. McGuinness refused to take the seat in line with Sinn Fein party policy as it would have involved swearing an oath of allegiance to the Crown. He was re-elected to the seat in 2001, 2005 and 2010. In the 1990s the Cook Report on ITV claimed that he was "Britain's number one terrorist", fuelling unionist calls for Sinn Fein to be banned. He and other Sinn Fein figures responded with a series of counter-attacks on the Cook Report. During the 1990s he was the IRA's chief negotiator in secret talks that ultimately brought about the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 that largely ended the Troubles. McGuinness was later appointed Education Minister in the new Assembly. One of his first decisions was to eliminate the controversial 11-plus examination which he himself had failed 38 years previously. The Assembly was suspended after disagreements over issues such as policing and the decommissioning of IRA arms but a new agreement was reached in 2006. Sinn Fein and the DUP became the two largest parties in the assembly and formed a coalition. McGuinness was appointed Deputy First Minister with DUP leader Ian Paisley as First Minister. The two bitter enemies became firm friends and after Paisley's death in 2014 his wife Eileen revealed that McGuinness had been very supportive to her family. When Paisley retired in 2008, McGuinness worked as Deputy to First Minister Peter Robinson, who was considered to be even more anti-republican than his predecessor. In 2010 McGuinness stepped down from his Assembly post to run in the Presidential election in the Republic. When he finished third in that race, he returned to the Assembly within days. But his relationship with Arlene Foster, who took over as First Minister in 2015, has been far more strained. Foster spoke of her difficulties with McGuinness because he delivered a graveside oration for the IRA man she believed tried to murder her father. She said however she would still work with McGuinness as "the past is the past". He has never let go of his view that Ireland would be united. "I believe a united Ireland is inevitable. Absolutely, but I believe it can only happen by peaceful and democratic means," he said. The contenders While Sinn Fein does not intend to immediately nominate a replacement for Martin McGuinness, the party has plenty of choices for the next Deputy First Minister. Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy is viewed as a favourite. If the party still views former IRA members as leadership material, he will be a contender. He has also worked alongside Arlene Foster in the same office building and they got on well. If IRA links are not viewed as desirable, Finance Minister Mairtin O Muilleoir is clever and charismatic. The media savvy businessman has a high profile on Twitter. Another heavy hitter is former minister John ODowd. He took over as Deputy First Minister from Mr McGuinness during the 2012 Irish presidential election, and has no IRA record. Arlene Foster is under pressure over the issue A political crisis engulfing Stormont has left Northern Ireland facing a brutal election and a return to Westminster direct rule, Arlene Foster has warned. The Democratic Unionist leader, who was forcibly removed as First Minister by her counterpart Martin McGuinness's resignation on Monday, also announced plans for a public inquiry into the renewable heating scandal at the heart of the Executive's collapse. Mrs Foster said she would be willing to enter talks with Sinn Fein to avert an election, but the republican party made clear the region was heading to the polls. Her pledge came as party colleague Gavin Robinson told MPs the downing of the Stormont Executive would halt the implementation of planned mitigation measures to support welfare claimants in Northern Ireland losing out under the UK Government's so-called "bedroom tax". Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said the situation was of the DUP's making. He insisted the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) furore was only one of many issues his party needed to be resolved before re-entering government with the DUP. The republicans want the DUP to give ground in relation to issues such as the Irish language and the ongoing ban on same-sex marriage. Mrs Foster, in turn, said her party wanted to review the fundamental structures of Stormont's mandatory coalition arrangements, with a view to moving to voluntary coalition government. With that number of seemingly intractable disputes to overcome, even if the DUP and Sinn Fein were returned as the two largest parties following a snap poll, the prospect of them agreeing to form an executive are slim. That raises the spectre of the UK Government suspending the institutions and reintroducing direct rule after 10 years of unbroken devolution. "I have no doubt that if the election proceeds it will be a brutal election, it will be a very difficult election," said Mrs Foster. "Undoubtedly we are in for a period of direct rule. "I really do regret that. I think what the people of Northern Ireland want is stability but that has all been thrown into very sharp relief yesterday by the actions of Sinn Fein for hugely party political reasons and not for any other reason." Accusing the DUP of not honouring the principles of powersharing, Mr Adams said his party was now preparing for an election and would only resume a partnership with its unionist rivals on the basis of "equality and fairness". "People need to come out in the election if they are for accountability, for transparency, if they are against corruption, for equality and fairness," he said. "We have come a long distance and have a good way to go yet. "Sinn Fein is totally wedded and bedded in this process so we want to go back with a mandate which allows us to engage with whoever wants to be in the Executive, but as Martin (McGuinness) pointed out, there will be no return to the status quo." The departure of Mr McGuinness as Deputy First Minister amid a row over the RHI forced Mrs Foster from her job as First Minister as well. The structure of their political office means one cannot be in post without the other. Theoretically the parties have seven days to resolve their differences before Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has to call an Assembly election. The prospect of such an eleventh hour deal is slim. Earlier, Mr Brokenshire appealed to the leaders to step back from the brink. He told the Commons the situation at Stormont following Mr McGuinness's resignation was "grave" and expressed concern about the consequences of an election. He urged the parties to work together to find a resolution and safeguard the progress made under the peace process. "We do have to be realistic - the clock is ticking," he added. "If there is no resolution, an election is inevitable despite the widely held view that this election may deepen divisions and threaten the continuity of the devolved institutions." Mrs Foster insisted an inquiry into the RHI, under the terms of the 2005 Inquiries Act, could go ahead without the sign-off of Sinn Fein. "This is vitally important from a political perspective but also fundamental for me on a personal basis," she said. "I have been quite disgracefully maligned in the most vicious manner and therefore it is of the utmost importance that the truth comes out." Mr McGuinness's decision to walk away after 10 years of sharing power with the DUP came in response to Mrs Foster's refusal to stand aside to facilitate a probe into the ill-fated RHI - the so-called "cash for ash" scandal. The doomed energy scheme has left the administration in Belfast facing a 490 million bill. The DUP leader oversaw the RHI during her time as economy minister. She had repeatedly rejected Sinn Fein's demands to step down temporarily pending the outcome of a preliminary investigation. The state-funded RHI was supposed to offer a proportion of the cost businesses had to pay to run eco-friendly boilers, but the subsidy tariffs were set too high and without a cap, so it ended up paying out significantly more than the price of fuel. This enabled applicants to "burn to earn" - getting free heat and making a profit as they did so. Claims of widespread abuse include a farmer allegedly set to pocket around 1 million in the next two decades for heating an empty shed. Sinn Fein Finance Minister Mairtin O Muilleoir said Mrs Foster's inquiry plan was not credible. "It would be a laughing stock if we now had an inquiry that was set up at her behest," he said. Secretary of State James Brokenshire will have to call an election once Arlene Foster is no longer First Minister The sudden resignation of Martin McGuinness - obviously a very sick man - as Deputy First Minister is, as befits a republican bound by a code of omerta, also a clear political act. It has little to do with good or bad governance. McGuinness brings down First Minister Arlene Foster (and arguably strengthens the ageing Gerry Adams as president of Sinn Fein). This is a major constitutional crisis, with lingering precedents from the past (in 1999 and 2001), but also with fresh uncertainties. Will we have a new First Minister and Deputy First Minister? Or will there be an Assembly election? And, if it is the latter, what will happen then? First, on July 1, 1998, in the new Northern Ireland Assembly - 'bliss was it in that dawn to be alive' - David Trimble was elected (in accord with the Belfast Agreement) First Minister designate along with Seamus Mallon as Deputy First Minister designate. Before devolution, these centrist leaders fell out over the formation of the Executive. Mr Mallon resigned on July 15, 1999. Mr Trimble did not. No one in the transitional Assembly doubted what had happened that day. But this did not accord with NIO plans. On November 29, 1999, the initial presiding officer, Lord Alderdice, told elected Members that "the validity of Mr Mallon's resignation (was) a matter of law and not of common sense". The transitional Assembly voted by 71-28 to treat Mr Mallon as still the Deputy First Minister designate! Second, Trimble/Mallon were elected jointly on December 2, 1999, as simply First Minister and Deputy First Minister. This was done under section 16 of the Northern Ireland Act (NIA) 1998. They had the support of majorities of the designated unionists and nationalists. If one was to resign, then, according to the statute, the other could continue to exercise the functions of his office, but only for six weeks - when there had to be a new First Minister/Deputy First Minister election. Mr Trimble resigned on July 1, 2001 (over decommissioning). Mr Mallon's exercise of functions was interrupted by UK suspension of the Assembly. Trimble/Durkan were elected on November 2, 2001, but without the two majorities. This was cured by the Alliance Party designating as unionists (rather than other), Trimble/Durkan being elected formally four days later. But this was two days after the relevant six-week period. Peter Robinson challenged the election in the High Court unsuccessfully, John Larkin QC - now the Attorney General - acquiring his reputation as his counsel. The then DUP deputy leader lost eventually in the House of Lords, in July 2002, their lordships holding, by three to two, that six weeks meant whatever was politically expedient. Much later, after the 2006 St Andrews Agreement, Mr Robinson secured the repeal of section 16, and its replacement by sections 16A to 16C, which is the applicable law today. Section 16A provided for the nominating officer of the DUP to essentially appoint the First Minister, and the Sinn Fein nominating officer to appoint the Deputy First Minister. Ian Paisley did not have to vote for Martin McGuinness. Section 16B permits Mrs Foster to exercise the First Minister's functions for seven days. The nominating officers are then deployed for as many times as it takes to fill both offices. Sinn Fein has said it will not play ball. Mrs Foster - answering my first question above - will be out of a job next Monday. Then (the second question), James Brokenshire will, under section 32 of the NIA 1998, call an extraordinary Assembly election; by order in council, the Assembly will be dissolved and a date for the poll will be directed. The third question - what happens then? - takes me out of the constitution. The Renewable Heat Incentive will be an election issue. But will Sinn Fein, house-trained by devolution over 10 years, wreck the institutions? I think not. Dr Austen Morgan is a barrister in London and Belfast and the author of Tony Blair And The IRA Stormont has been plunged into crisis with Northern Ireland poised on the brink of the most toxic election since the beginning of the peace process. And the prospect of devolution disappearing for the foreseeable future is looming. DUP sources last night claimed that Sinn Fein would attempt to renegotiate the St Andrew's Agreement and substantially change Stormont structures which the party believes aren't working for them. The resignation of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness yesterday collapsed the Executive and the British Government has signalled that it will call a snap Assembly election. Despite insisting that they aren't scared of having their support tested at the polls, none of Northern Ireland's political parties will welcome an expensive, unexpected election which will see at least 18 MLAs deposed with the change from six to five-seater constituencies. Alliance leader Naomi Long said: "Of course there are fears that this could be a very toxic election. "Arlene Foster's sabre-rattling statement yesterday about the need to defend unionism shows that she wants to turn this into an orange versus green battle. "But I think that anger at the 'cash for ash' scandal is so strong that the public's eye won't be washed on this one, and the election will be a battle, not between unionism and nationalism, but between who is competent to govern and who isn't." A DUP source predicted that the election would centre on issues other than controversy over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. He said: "In his interviews, Martin McGuinness warned that there would be no return to ministerial office until Stormont's structures are altered. "Sinn Fein believes the existing structures don't deliver for them and they want to change that and renegotiate the St Andrew's Agreement. "Our party doesn't exist to deliver a republican agenda, it is there to deliver good governance for Northern Ireland. Given the likely stalemate after an election, it is impossible to see a return to devolution for a considerable time." Announcing his resignation yesterday, a frail looking Mr McGuinness said that his party could no longer "tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP". He said that he had tried tirelessly for 10 years to make the political structures work but that the DUP had "undermined the institutions and eroded public confidence". He claimed that an election to allow people "to make their own judgment on these issues democratically at the ballot box" was necessary, and he warned that, afterwards, there could be "no return to the status quo". Mr McGuinness claimed that the DUP's handling of the RHI affair has been "completely out of step with the public mood". In her response, Mrs Foster hit out at Mr McGuinness's decision and claimed that Sinn Fein's actions "are not principled, they are political". She said: "Let me make it clear the DUP will always defend unionism and stand up for what is best for Northern Ireland and it appears from the Deputy First Minister's resignation letter that is what annoys Sinn Fein the most." In a video posted on Facebook last night, Mrs Foster stated: "Rather than seek to resolve this (RHI) issue, Sinn Fein would rather take the people of Northern Ireland through the uncertainty of an election less than 12 months after the last one. "Northern Ireland does not need an election, but solutions. Northern Ireland needs stability, but because of Sinn Fein's selfish actions, we now have instability." Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire responded swiftly to the Executive's collapse. He said that unless Sinn Fein nominated a replacement to Martin McGuinness as Deputy First Minister within the next seven days - which the party has said it won't do - he would be calling an Assembly election "within a reasonable period". A spokeswoman for Theresa May said: "The Prime Minister has been kept updated on the resignation of Martin McGuinness. The Northern Ireland Secretary, James Brokenshire, is in contact with people there, encouraging all parties to continue the dialogue." Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt claimed that an election wasn't the way to resolve the RHI crisis and that Mr McGuinness had let the DUP "off the hook". "Sinn Fein should have stayed, to hold the First Minister to account, to force a public inquiry and to vote on the much-needed cost controls on the scheme," he said. "Instead they have prioritised self-interest, as always. The public mood clearly indicates they want the facts of the RHI debacle exposed. To move straight to an election without this taking place is farcical." Mr Nesbitt said that the Executive had "promised a Fresh Start but delivered a Fresh Crisis of momentous scale" and he called for the electorate to turn out to vote on what "should be a referendum on 10 years of DUP and Sinn Fein rule". SDLP leader Colum Eastwood alleged that Mrs Foster's arrogance was the sole reason that an election - which he said his party was ready to fight - was taking place. Mr Eastwood said that the collapse of devolution meant there would be no emergency legislation to cap RHI costs and no investigation into "potential corruption". "Each and every day this scandal is costing taxpayers 85,000. If the Executive is incapable of opening itself up to accountability, I would urge the electorate to enforce their accountability at the ballot box," he said. The state-funded RHI was supposed to offer a proportion of the cost businesses had to pay to run eco-friendly boilers, but the subsidy tariffs were set too high and, without a cap, it ended up paying out significantly more than the price of fuel. This enabled applicants to "burn to earn" - getting free heat and making a profit as they did so. While the DUP and Sinn Fein were in agreement on the terms of a potential investigation into RHI, the sticking point was the position of Mrs Foster when the probe got under way. Steps by the Executive to cut the costs of the overspend will now not be implemented in the short term. A Co Antrim husband and wife have admitted charges linked to the murder of Nelson Cheung, including allowing the businessman's killers to use their house as a refuge in the aftermath of the fatal stabbing. Mr Cheung - who owned the Double Value restaurant on Randalstown's Main Street - was travelling home to Ballymena with his wife Winnie when they were ambushed and run off the road just after midnight on January 8, 2015. Whilst Mr Cheung (65) died from the multiple stab wounds he sustained in the attack on the outskirts of Randalstown, his wife was also wounded and robbed. Two men have already pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Cheung. Portuguese national Virgilio Augusto Fernando Correia (35) whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry and Christopher David Menaul (25), from Barra Street in Antrim, are both currently on remand in prison awaiting sentence. Gary and Lisa Thompson, who at the time of the murder lived at Cunningham Way in Antrim - were also arrested and charged with a number of offences linked to the murder. For two years the couple denied any involvement. However, as their trial was due to commence at Belfast Crown Court on Tuesday, legal teams for both defendants asked that they be re-arraigned on several charges. For the first time, the Thompsons admitted a charge of assisting offenders, namely allowing the killers to use their home "for refuge, to remove clothing worn during the incident and to clean themselves" on January 8, 2015. Gary Thompson (34), whose current address was given as 'at an address approved by the PSNI and Social Services', and his 34-year old wife Lisa, whose current address is Erskine Park in Ballyclare, also both admitted perverting the course of justice. They both pleaded guilty to doing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice - namely threatening Virgilio Agusto Fernando Correia so as to discourage him from providing his account of police, on January 12, 2015. Expand Expand Previous Next Close Murdered: Nelson Cheung Lisa Thompson and Gary Thompson at Belfast Laganside Court. Picture Colm O'Reilly Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Murdered: Nelson Cheung And whilst Gary Thompson admitted a charge of robbing Mrs Cheung of a handbag, iPad, iPhone, a purse containing 200, an Ulster Bank card and an American Express card, his wife Lisa admitted handling the stolen goods. After the guilty pleas were entered, Crown prosecutor David McDowell QC asked that additional charges faced by the couple - including a murder charge against Gary Thompson - be left on the books, not to be proceeded with. The case is due to be mentioned again this Friday, when a date is expected to be set to sentence all four defendants. Barristers for both Gary and Lisa Thompson asked that the couple be released on continuing bail. Mr Justice Treacy said that as they had both fully complied with their bail terms up to this date, he could see no reason to revoke bail at this stage. Matthew Dean Whitley made a "horrific error of judgement" and got behind the wheel after attending a party. A 29-year old Co Antrim man who lost control of his car and crashed into a tree after consuming drink and drugs was starting a 12-month jail term on Tuesday. Matthew Dean Whitley, an accounts analysis from Sharonmore Green in Newtownabbey, made a "horrific error of judgement" and got behind the wheel after attending a party. Belfast Crown Court heard that despite consuming eight or nine beers, a line of cocaine and "possibly cocktails", when the party host threw everyone out, Whitley drove his car with two female passengers on board. After leaving the party on the Doagh Road in the early hours of April 12, 2016, as he was driving along the Ballyduff Road, Whitley's car hit a grass verge. He lost control of the vehicle, which then struck a tree. The backseat passenger - who the court heard was and continues to be a friend of Whitley's - sustained serious injuries in the collision, including extensive facial lacerations which required stitches and staples. She also suffered damage to her neck bone and had to wear a brace for 12 weeks. Crown prosecutor Philip Henry said that when police arrived at the scene at around 4am, Whitley was administering First Aid to his girlfriend, who was a front seat passenger and who was also injured. Mr Henry said Whitley claimed responsibility at the scene of the crash, where he admitted he had been drinking. He failed a road-side breath test, and when a blood sample was taken at hospital, he was found to be driving over the legal limit. After officers found him to be in possession of two Diazepam tablets that he had no prescription for, a further blood test was carried out to determine the presence of drugs, and "remnants of cocaine" were found in his system. The prosecutor said that, when Whitley was interviewed by police later that year, he made "full and frank admissions and expressed regret and remorse". He also told police he had been at a party with his girlfriend and another female friend, that an argument had broken out which prompted the host to kick everyone out, and that instead of waiting for a taxi, he got into his car and drove. Whitley subsequently pleaded guilty to causing the grievous bodily injury of his friend by careless driving whilst unfit. Expanding on an explanation about why Whitley got behind the wheel, defence barrister Sean O'Hare said that after being asked to leave the party, Whitley's girlfriend - who had also been drinking - was initially going to drive, but that Whitley took the key off her and drove himself. Branding Whitley's actions as a "horrific error of judgement", Mr O'Hare said: "He is mindful it was his decision on the night in question to behave the way he did. He has lived with the consequences of that decision, right from the moment of impact until now." Telling Judge Geoffrey Miller QC that Whitley neither fled the scene nor attempted to deflect responsibility, Mr O'Hare said his client had accepted he made "entirely the wrong decision" to drive. Mr O'Hare also revealed that whilst Whitley's friend sustained serious injuries, she has since made a recovery and is "moving on with her life." The defence barrister concluded by saying his client has "considerably learned his lesson." Judge Miller handed Whitley a two-year sentence, telling the trainee accountant that he will serve half the sentence in prison, with the remaining 12 months on supervised licence when he is released from jail. He was also banned from driving for three years. The Government has been urged to stop the "betrayal" of Northern Ireland veterans The Government has been urged to stop the "betrayal" of Northern Ireland veterans facing investigation or prosecution over historical killings during the Troubles. Tory former Home Office minister Lord Blencathra said he was "ashamed" at the treatment of former troops. The Conservative peer made his criticism during a short debate in the House of Lords on the armed forces covenant, which sets out government help for service personnel and their families. However, responding to his concerns, defence minister Lord Howe said steps were being taken by the Government to "ensure veterans are not unfairly treated or disproportionately investigated". Speaking in the debate, Lord Blencathra called for former soldiers to be treated with "fairness and respect". He highlighted the case of a veteran who was being investigated over the shooting of an "armed terrorist" more than 40 years ago. Lord Blencathra said: "He received a certificate of appreciation from the GOC (General Officer Commanding) Northern Ireland, but now that soldier has been questioned about committing possible murder about that attack, which happened in 1972. "The soldier is aged 75 and is a Chelsea pensioner. "What in the name of God has happened to decency, justice, fairness and common sense when we are interrogating Chelsea pensioners for doing their duty to this country?" The peer then raised the cases of two former soldiers who are to be prosecuted for allegedly murdering an Official IRA commander in Northern Ireland. Joe McCann, 24, was shot dead in disputed circumstances in Belfast on April 15 1972. Soldier A, now 67, and Soldier C, 65, are surviving members of the Parachute Regiment patrol which fired on Mr McCann. Lord Blencathra said: "Two former soldiers are being prosecuted for the alleged murder of the IRA killer and terrorist Joe McCann. "The soldiers were investigated at the time and were rightly cleared. "Will they get a fair trial? Well of course not. "Three of the soldiers opened fire that day. Of the three of them has since died and two RUC officers who may have also have fired cannot be found. "There's no forensics linking the shots to any particular soldier. "So no one knows who actually fired the shots, but that doesn't matter to the Northern Ireland Prosecution Service. "Of course the Northern Ireland Prosecution Service is headed up by Barra McGrory, the former lawyer of (Martin) McGuinness and Gerry Adams. "You couldn't make this up if one thought about it." Lord Blencathra said one of the former soldier's had said he felt "like he's being treated as a terrorist". "But of course, he's totally wrong in that regard," said the peer. "If he'd been an IRA terrorist he would have been granted immunity by Tony Blair in one of the grubbiest deals I think which has ever been done by a UK leader. "So no wonder that soldier says he feels betrayed by the Government. "All IRA killers granted immunity and over a thousand soldiers being investigated for possible crimes against them. "He says 'I'd like a minister to stand up in Parliament and say something'. "But I know my noble friend is not permitted to do that and it's not his department's responsibility. "That's why I am making this little speech tonight because I am ashamed of what's been done to those brave men who have served us so well. "The time has come to stop this betrayal of our soldiers and stop it now." Responding, Lord Howe said: "I listened with great interest to Lord Blencathra on the Northern Ireland legacy issues and I can tell him ...that the Defence and Northern Ireland Secretaries are working to create a Stormont House Agreement Bill that will ensure veterans are not unfairly treated or disproportionately investigated." Arlene Foster has refused to step down over the RHI scandal Martin McGuinness has vowed to step down as Deputy First Minister Power-sharing in Northern Ireland has been engulfed in a crisis fuelled by a green energy scandal after Martin McGuinness quit and pulled down Stormont's ruling executive. The Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister resigned in protest at the Democratic Unionists' handling of a botched scheme that has left the administration in Belfast facing a 490 million bill. His decision to walk away after 10 years sharing power with the DUP came as First Minister Arlene Foster refused to stand aside to facilitate a probe into the ill-fated Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - the so-called "cash for ash" furore. The UK Government is set to call a snap Assembly election. DUP leader Mrs Foster oversaw the doomed RHI during her time as economy minister. She has rejected Sinn Fein's demands to step down temporarily pending the outcome of a preliminary investigation. Under the structures of the peace process-forged institutions, neither Stormont's First Minister nor Deputy First Minister can remain in post without the other, so Mr McGuinness's resignation spelled the end of Mrs Foster's current tenure in the job. "We in Sinn Fein will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP," he said. "I believe today is the right time to call a halt to the DUP's arrogance." Mr McGuinness denied his health problems, for which he is undergoing intensive treatment, had influenced his move. In response, the outgoing First Minister accused Mr McGuinness of putting politics before principle. Mrs Foster said she was "disappointed". "His actions have meant that, at precisely the time we need our Government to be active, we will have no government and no way to resolve the RHI. "It is clear that Sinn Fein's actions are not principled, they are political." Mr McGuinness made clear that Sinn Fein would not replace him in the role. While politicians are set to face the electorate, a poll is unlikely to resolve the crisis if the RHI issue is not dealt with before an executive is re-formed. Sinn Fein has warned there will be no return to the "status quo". Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said: "Unless Sinn Fein nominates a replacement to the position of Deputy First Minister within the next seven days, it is incumbent upon me to call an Assembly election within a reasonable period." The state-funded RHI was supposed to offer a proportion of the cost businesses had to pay to run eco-friendly boilers, but the subsidy tariffs were set too high and, without a cap, it ended up paying out significantly more than the price of fuel. This enabled applicants to "burn to earn" - getting free heat and making a profit as they did so. Claims of widespread abuse include a farmer allegedly set to pocket around 1 million in the next two decades for heating an empty shed. While the DUP and Sinn Fein were in agreement on the terms of a potential investigation into RHI, the sticking point was the position of Mrs Foster when the probe got under way. Steps by the Executive to cut the costs of the overspend will not be implemented in the short term. Mr McGuinness cited other disputes with the DUP, including over the Irish language and stalled mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the Troubles, in explaining his move. The DUP claimed RHI was not the motivation behind Sinn Fein's strategy, insisting they were exploiting the crisis to pursue a broader republican agenda. A spokeswoman for Theresa May said: "The Prime Minister has been kept updated on the resignation of Martin McGuinness. "The Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is in contact with people there, encouraging all parties to continue the dialogue." Sinn Fein has been accused of letting the DUP "off the hook" over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) as Stormont was plunged into fresh turmoil. The Assembly's main Opposition party the UUP also said the status quo of a DUP/Sinn Fein Executive was no longer sustainable. However, Martin McGuinness's dramatic resignation as Deputy First Minister puts an inquiry into the botched RHI scheme on the back-burner. The controversy that led to the senior Sinn Fein figure standing down yesterday will become a key issue in any election campaign. UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said: "This is not the way to resolve the RHI scandal. Sinn Fein should have stayed, to hold the First Minister to account, to force a public inquiry and to vote on the much-needed cost controls on the scheme. "Instead, they have prioritised self-interest, as always. This is Sinn Fein letting the DUP off the hook. The public mood clearly indicates they want the facts of the RHI debacle exposed. To move straight to an election without this taking place is farcical. "They had a choice between the integrity of the institutions and electoral advantage, and they appear to have chosen the latter." As the clock ticked towards 5pm when Mr McGuinness's resignation became official, the UUP urged Justice Minister Claire Sugden to announce an inquiry into RHI before the deadline. The only non-aligned minister in the Executive had pointed out she would need its approval before making such a decision. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood echoed Mr McGuinness's insistence that the real reason behind the crisis was the "arrogance" of First Minister Arlene Foster. "The public also knows that those behind the cash for ash scandal can now enjoy a two-month break from any effective public inquiry or police investigation," he said. "It ensures no immediate consequences for Arlene Foster, no emergency legislation to cap costs and no investigation into potential corruption. The nationalist community also know that Sinn Fein have been the lead players in Government with the DUP for over a decade. Sinn Fein were jointly in control and are therefore jointly responsible." Alliance leader Naomi Long said DUP arrogance had "recklessly endangered" the political institutions and the resignation "has brought to fruition a crisis which could have been averted with cool heads and calm leadership which put the interests of the people ahead of party political posturing". Secretary of State James Brokenshire confirmed an election was now likely. "Unless Sinn Fein nominates a replacement to the position of Deputy First Minister within the next seven days, it is incumbent upon me to call an Assembly election within a reasonable period." But he added: "I would urge Northern Ireland's political leaders to take the necessary steps to work together to find a way forward." Green Party leader Steven Agnew said: "There is an opportunity to pull back from the brink, but the Executive parties seem unwilling to put the electorate ahead of party interests at this point in time. "I do not believe that the people of Northern Ireland want an election, coming so soon after the EU referendum and 2016 Assembly election." TUV leader Jim Allister said it was now time to "move on" from devolution based on the concept of mandatory coalition. He said: "I've long said mandatory coalition would implode. Today it has. "(There's) no point in sticking back together the fragments of failure." Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams presented a stout defence of his party colleague. "Martin McGuinness has led from the front in the Executive for the last 10 years, defending the integrity of the political institutions and realising the potential of the Good Friday Agreement," he said. "In spite of the provocation, disrespect and arrogance from the DUP, and the failures of the British Government to fulfil its responsibilities over that time, Martin McGuinness has always put the people and the political process first - in contrast to the DUP." Mr McGuinness's departure also provoked unease in Dublin. Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said it now appeared new elections would be required, but the Assembly and Executive should not be "damaged in the longer term". He added: "As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government will continue to work with the British Government and the political parties to advance political stability, reconciliation and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland." Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin warned: "The stage is now being set for a bitter election campaign that will not address any of the issues that led us to this point, and the future of the institutions is thrown into serious doubt. "Our fear is that party political interests have now overtaken the public interest." Last night, Ian Paisley - whose father Lord Bannside served as First Minister alongside Mr McGuinness - claimed that Sinn Fein is struggling with "leadership issues". The North Antrim MP said the inevitable Assembly elections were the making of their partners in government. He added that the unionist electorate will choose who leads the DUP and ultimately who will become First Minister - not Sinn Fein. "If we are going to the country, then the people of Northern Ireland will choose who will be the largest party. And if the unionist people choose the DUP and our leader becomes the First Minister, then Sinn Fein have got to accept that if they like it or not," he said. He added that the outgoing First Minister had agreed to a "full, judicial and independent" inquiry into the failed Renewable Heating Incentive. "She said she has nothing to hide - why don't Sinn Fein get on with that and allow that to happen? "If they find that there is some problem or issue with the First Minister, then at that point her position would become untenable. "I think they know that she acted in good faith throughout all of this and they know they can't get her on that." Asked if he still backs Mrs Foster, he replied: "Of course I do, I never had any doubt about it." BUTTE An Anaconda man charged in October with six counts of felony assault on a minor and facing 95 years in jail killed himself in his Anaconda jail cell Sunday night, Anaconda Chief of Police Tim Barkell said Monday. Zachary Williams, 24, was found by a detention officer at 10:05 p.m. after having hanged himself. Barkell said police and paramedics were immediately called, and that a detention officer could not resuscitate Williams with CPR or an AED. An ambulance took Williams to Community Hospital of Anaconda, where he was pronounced dead. Barkell said Williams had seen the jail's crisis response team, or CRT, about 10 times, complaining of "all kinds of different problems," including anxiety, fear and pain, and that CRT gave him Tylenol. Barkell said HIPPA law prevents him from divulging precisely the nature of Williams' meetings with CRT, but that CRT evidently cleared Williams' as OK to be in the cell block. Williams' suicide is the second in the history of the jail's opening in 2004, Barkell said. Williams pleaded not guilty in December to charges that he gravely injured his girlfriend's 20-month-old baby who the couple brought into Community Hospital under mysterious circumstances. The child nearly died while being flown by helicoptered to Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Spokane, and testimony by witnesses including Williams' girlfriend's other children and neighbors led to Williams' arrest. (The childs) future has been permanently altered and he has a poor prognosis for any type of functional recovery. Any recovery will involve severe neurodevelopmental delay and cerebral palsy, Williams' charging document reads, adding the child will be left with severely impaired vision as the result of abusive head trauma. Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said the current situation in Northern Ireland is grave and that the clock was ticking on an election. The Conservative MP made a statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday lunchtime following the shock decision by Martin McGuinness to resign as deputy First Minister. He urged the parties to work together to find a way around the impasse. He said it was "unhelpful" to talk about the suspension of the devolved institutions. "That is entirely premature and unhelpful," he said. Mr Brokenshire told MPs: "Yesterday Martin McGuinness submitted his resignation as deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. "This also means First Minister Arlene Foster ceases to hold office, although she is able to carry out some limited functions. "Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as amended by St Andrews act 2007, my position is clear. "Should the offices of first and deputy first ministers not be filled within seven days of Mr McGuinness's resignation then it falls to me as secretary of state to set date for an Assembly election. "While there is no fixed timetable in the legislation, for me to do this it needs to be in a reasonable period. "In his resignation letter Mr McGuinness said in the available period Sinn Fein will not nominate to the position of deputy First Minister. "I am very clear in the event of the offices not being filled I have an obligation to follow the legislation. "As things stand therefore an early Assembly election looks highly likely. "I should add that once an election has been held the rules state that the Assembly must meet again within one week with a further two week period to form an executive. "Should things not be achieved as they currently stand then I am obliged to call another election. "Members should be in no doubt the situation we face is very grave and the government treats it with the utmost seriousness." He said both the British and Irish governments would continue to support the DUP and Sinn Fein. "We do, however, have to be realistic. The clock is ticking," he added. "If there is no resolution then an election is inevitable, despite the widely held view that this election will change nothing and threaten the continuity of the devolved institutions." The minister said he would immediately return to Northern Ireland to "do whatever he can to find a way forward". He went on: "We are currently in the longest period of unbroken devolved government since the 1960s. "This political stability has been hard gained, and it should not be lightly thrown away. In the 14 months since the Fresh Start Agreement significant advances have been made in areas such as addressing paramilitarism, supporting shared and integrated education and putting the Executives finances on a sustainable footing. "This summers parading season passed off peacefully, and the long running dispute in North Belfast resolved. "We have also been working intensively to build the necessary consensus to bring forward the bodies to address the legacy of Northern Irelands past set out in the Stormont House Agreement. "I am in no doubt that what Northern Ireland needs at this time is strong and stable devolved government. "Northern Ireland deserves fair, accountable, stable and effective government. "To continue implementing the Belfast Agreement and its successors. "To strengthen the economy. "To ensure that Northern Ireland responds to the challenges and opportunities presented by EU exit. "To build a stronger, shared society in which there is respect for everyone. "And to address the legacy of the past in a way that enables Northern Ireland to move forward. "We must not put all of this at risk without every effort to resolve differences. We must continue to do all that we can to continue building a brighter, more secure Northern Ireland that works for everyone." A young woman has been forced from her car during a hijacking in Castlereagh. It happened in the School Road area on Tuesday morning. Just before 7.50am, police received a report that a man had approached a woman in a car and told her to get out. He made off in the car, a red Hyundai I30, vehicle registration number AFZ 1136, in the direction of Newtownbreda Road. The woman, who is aged in her 20s, was not injured in the incident. The car was found at 10.35am parked in the St Jamess Road area of West Belfast. Detective Sergeant Melanie McGrory said: The man who took the car is described as being approximately 5ft 5inches tall, believed to be in his late 20s, of stocky build and was wearing a peaked cap, a scarf over his face and navy clothing. I would ask anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact detectives at Lisburn Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 162 of 10/01/17. "Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has resigned as deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland over Arlene Foster's refusal to stand aside during an investigation into the failed Renewable Heating Incentive. The minister said the DUP leader could have no Executive role during the investigation. He said it was with "deep regret and reluctance" he was tendering his resignation. He said the party would not nominate a replacement. "We now need an election to allow the people to make their own judgement on these issues democratically at the ballot box," he said. He said Mrs Foster's refusal to show humility over the scandal was "indicative of a deep seated arrogance which is inflicting enormous damage on the Executive, the Assembly and the entire body politic". In a statement the MLA said his resignation was also in protest at what he called the DUP's failure to accept the principles of power-sharing and parity of esteem. "Today is the right time to call a halt to the DUPs arrogance, he said. "There will be no return to the status quo. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire speaks in the House of Commons, London, where he said an early assembly election looked highly likely after the resignation of Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. The Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has said the current political crisis is grave and an election is highly likely. Read his full statement below. Mr Speaker, With permission I would like to make a statement about the political situation in Northern Ireland. As the House will be aware, yesterday Martin McGuinness submitted his resignation as deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland with effect from 5pm. This also means that the First Minister, Arlene Foster, also ceases to hold office, though she is able to carry some limited functions. Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 as amended by the St Andrews Agreement Act 2007 the position is clear. Should the offices of First and deputy First Minister not be filled within 7 days from Mr McGuinnesss resignation then it falls to me as Secretary of State to set a date for an Assembly election. While there is no fixed timetable in the legislation for me to do this, it needs to be within a reasonable period. In his resignation letter Mr McGuinness said In the available period Sinn Fein will not nominate to the position of deputy First Minister. I am very clear that in the event of the offices not being filled I have an obligation to follow the legislation. As things stand, therefore, an early Assembly election looks highly likely. I should add that once an election has been held, the rules state that the Assembly must meet again within one week, with a further two week period to form a new Executive. Should this not be achieved then, as things currently stand, I am obliged to call another election. So Right Honourable and Honourable Members should be in no doubt. The situation we face in Northern Ireland today is grave, and the Government treats it with the utmost seriousness. It is worth reflecting for a moment on how we have reached this point. The immediate cause of the situation we now face is the fallout from the development and operation of the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Initiative. Under this scheme, launched by the Northern Ireland Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in 2012 and equivalent to a scheme in Great Britain, businesses and other non-domestic users were offered a financial incentive to install renewable heat systems on their premises. The scheme was finally shut down to new applicants in February last year when it became clear that the lack of an upper limit on payments, unlike the GB equivalent, meant the scheme was open to serious abuse. In recent weeks there has been sustained media focus and widespread public concern about how this situation developed. The Renewable Heating Initiative was, and remains, an entirely devolved matter in which the UK Government has no direct role. It is primarily the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly to take the necessary action to address the concerns that have been expressed about it. But I do believe it is imperative that a comprehensive, transparent and impartial inquiry into the development and implementation of the scheme needs to be established as quickly as possible. In addition, effective action needs to be taken by the Executive and Assembly to control costs. While the RHI might have been the catalyst for the situation we now face it has, however, exposed a number of deeper tensions in the relationship between parties in the Northern Ireland Executive. This has led to a breakdown in the trust co-operation that is necessary for the power-sharing institutions to function effectively. Over the coming hours and days I will continue to explore whether any basis exists to resolve these issues prior to me having to fulfil my statutory duty to call an election. I have been in regular contact with the leadership of the DUP and Sinn Fein and also with the Justice Minister, Claire Sugden, an independent Unionist. Yesterday evening I had a round of calls with the main Opposition parties at Stormont. I am in close touch with the Irish Foreign Minister, Charlie Flanagan. Immediately after this statement I will return to Northern Ireland where I will continue to do whatever I can to find a way forward. Both the UK and the Irish Governments will continue to provide every possible support and assistance to the Executive parties. We do, however, have to be realistic. The clock is ticking. If there is no resolution then an election is inevitable, despite the widely held view that this election will change nothing and threaten the continuity of the devolved institutions. Mr Speaker, over recent decades Northern Irelands politicians have rightly earned plaudits from across the globe for their ability to overcome differences and work together for the good of the whole community. It has required courage and risk on all sides. We are currently in the longest period of unbroken devolved government since the 1960s. This political stability has been hard gained, and it should not be lightly thrown away. In the 14 months since the Fresh Start Agreement significant advances have been made in areas such as addressing paramilitarism, supporting shared and integrated education and putting the Executives finances on a sustainable footing. This summers parading season passed off peacefully, and the long running dispute in North Belfast resolved. We have also been working intensively to build the necessary consensus to bring forward the bodies to address the legacy of Northern Irelands past set out in the Stormont House Agreement. I am in no doubt that what Northern Ireland needs at this time is strong and stable devolved government. Northern Ireland deserves fair, accountable, stable and effective government. To continue implementing the Belfast Agreement and its successors. To strengthen the economy. To ensure that Northern Ireland responds to the challenges and opportunities presented by EU exit. To build a stronger, shared society in which there is respect for everyone. And to address the legacy of the past in a way that enables Northern Ireland to move forward. We must not put all of this at risk without every effort to resolve differences. We must continue to do all that we can to continue building a brighter, more secure Northern Ireland that works for everyone. I commend this statement to the House. Naomi Long said Theresa May failed to take her warnings seriously and did not act Theresa May could risk the peace process in Northern Ireland over concerns she is pandering to the Democratic Unionist Party so they will back her Brexit plans, Naomi Long has warned. The Alliance Party leader told The Independent there are growing concerns in Northern Ireland that the Prime Ministers impartiality on the peace process is being compromised by a need to keep the DUP onside. The DUP has eight MPs at Westminster, which could prove essential support for the Conservatives who currently have a slim majority in the House of Commons. Amid growing concerns that some pro-EU MPs could rebel against Ms May, securing support from the DUP is being seen as increasingly important in order to deliver her plans for the UK's withdrawal from the EU. On Monday, Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness resigned, effectively ending power-sharing at Stormont. He cited concerns over the DUPs arrogance in how it has handled allegations of a major financial scandal, known as the cash for ash affair. His DUP counterpart Arlene Foster is accused of mishandling a government project on renewable energy. It was originally envisaged that the Treasury would foot the bill for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), but the costs spiralled well beyond London's financial commitment. The total RHI spend in Northern Ireland is estimated at over 1 billion over the next 20 years. The Treasury is set to cover 660 million of that, with Stormont landed with the remaining 490 million. Speaking to The Independent, Ms Long said: There is a growing perception in Northern Ireland that the potential usefulness of DUP votes in Westminster to advance Brexit may be compromising the UK Governments willingness to challenge the DUP and ability to act as honest broker and impartial guardians of the Good Friday Agreement. Expand Close Alliance leader Naomi Long PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alliance leader Naomi Long She warned failure to do so could result in the permanent collapse of the political institutions. Ms Long, who represents the East Belfast constituency, revealed she had written to Ms Mays Government on two occasions last month, warning of Stormonts imminent collapse and urging action. She says the Government failed to act, which fuelled turmoil in Northern Ireland and led to Mr McGuinness resignation. The letters, seen by The Independent, urge the Government to launch an inquiry into the cash for ash financial scandal, warning failure of the executive to properly address this issue could have very significant consequences [which could] present a serious threat to the stability of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland [and] could trigger the collapse of the executive. Ms Long said the Government failed to take her warnings seriously and did not act. She told The Independent: It has been clear that the current government, led by Theresa May, is completely tone deaf to the issues in Northern Ireland with neither the experience nor frankly the interest to recognise the political sensitivities. The cash for ash scandal allegations relate to RHI which was designed in 2012 to encourage local businesses to use renewable energy sources. However, the scheme appears to have had serious flaws, resulting in a loophole which meant businesses were given a financial incentive to burn fuel pointlessly. Expand Close Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has resigned as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister over Arlene Foster's refusal to stand aside for an investigation into the botched energy scheme / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has resigned as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister over Arlene Foster's refusal to stand aside for an investigation into the botched energy scheme Ms Foster, who became First Minister last year, was the minister in charge of the scheme at the time and has subsequently come under considerable criticism. The allegations emerged via a whistle-blower in November and intensified in December when one of Ms Fosters party colleagues, Jonathan Bell, alleged she had asked civil servants to alter documents to reduce the appearance of her role in the affair. She denies any wrongdoing and says she has been unfairly represented in the media. She resisted calls to resign and survived an attempted vote of no confidence at Stormont. Under power-sharing rules, Mr McGuinness resignation means Ms Foster also loses her position as both must participate equally in government. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire now has a week to announce Northern Ireland will face new elections. Meanwhile Arlene Foster has said she is open for discussions with Sinn Fein as she called for a public inquiry into the botched scheme on Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday the DUP leader called for an investigation into the RHI to be set up under the 2005 Inquiries Act. That would mean a public inquiry which would compel witnesses to attend and documents to be produced. She said that it was important that the "truth" came out. In response Sinn Fein MLA Michelle ONeill said the crisis of confidence in the institutions "has gone way beyond the Renewable Heating Incentive (RHI) scandal". Ms ONeill said: This is an act of desperation by the DUP. If the DUP were serious about addressing the political crisis then Arlene Foster would have stepped aside a month ago as Martin McGuinness suggested privately to her. They refused to do so and arrogantly attempted to brazen out the public anger. Arlene Foster did not remove herself from office, Martin McGuinness removed her to allow the people to have their say." The Irish Coast Guard co-ordinated responses to 2,500 incidents from its main bases in 2016 A cliff and sea rescue was stood down on Monday after the missing man was found in a nearby pub, totally unaware of the operation that had been launched to find him. At around 7:30pm on Monday, Gardai contacted the Valentia Coastguard for assistance in the search for a man in his 40s who was thought to be in danger after a concerned taxi driver reported him missing. The taxi driver had brought the man to Ballybunion in County Kerry and was worried due the line of questioning which had taken place. A post on the Ballybunion Rescue Facebook Page stated that the taxi driver became worried when the man "enquired as to how to get to the cliffs, and given that it was dark and the weather was bad at the time." A spokesperson for Valentia Coastguard said: "At around 7:30pm yesterday evening a man was reported missing in and around the ladies' beach area of Ballybunion. The local coast guard was tasked to the area and the helicopter rescue 115 was also called. "The man was found shortly after safe and well in a nearby pub." Ballybunion Sea and Rescue and Ballybunion Coast Guard were coordinated to assist the search at 7:37pm. The man was found at around 8:40pm and was totally unaware of the operation that had just been launched. The operation was recorded as a false alarm with good intent. A cross-party delegation of Irish politicians is to personally ask Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to free jailed Irishman Ibrahim Halawa. The delegation spent an hour and a half with the 21-year-old in Wadi al Natrum prison in Cairo where he remains on hunger strike. The politicians were told Mr Halawa was given a glucose injection yesterday to give him energy ahead of the visit. From Firhouse in Dublin and the son of prominent Muslim cleric Sheikh Hussein Halawa, Ibrahim Halawa was detained in a mosque near Ramses Square in Cairo as the Muslim Brotherhood held a "day of rage" over the removal of elected president Mohamed Morsi in August 2013. Eoin O'Broin, Sinn Fein member of the delegation, said: "The hunger strike is deeply worrying. "A large number of the deputies tried to make a case that his focus should be on his health and we should be lobbying for his release. "But he really is at the end of his tether. He said he would think about it. "He's physically and emotionally very drained, quite pale but at the same time he's a very strong and animated young man. "He's very strong physically, emotionally and personally but he's under immense strain." Mr Halawa has not eaten for more than a week. He wore white prison overalls and shoes to the visit and had been given a haircut and shave before being brought from the cell he shares with about 10 others. He told the delegation that he is still waiting for an echo scan on his heart which was recommended several months ago. He also reported feeling numbness in an arm and leg along with pain in his chest. The prison governor indicated that the scan would be looked into but gave no firm commitment on treatment, Mr O'Broin said. The delegation is led by Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail and followed an invite from the speaker of the Egyptian parliament. Mr O'Broin said the delegation is being urged to ask for Mr Halawa to be included in a second round of amnesties due to be announced by President el-Sisi. They meet him on Wednesday. The delegation impressed on the Egyptian prison authorities and police that they are holding an Irish citizen. It is understood they have also been told that the video footage from the "Day of Rage" does not contain any evidence of wrongdoing by Mr Halawa. The Halawas claimed he has told them in recent days that he would continue refusing food until he is released. He refused food for prolonged periods at least twice before during his incarceration. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for January 17. The death toll from twin bombings in the Afghan capital Kabul has increased to 38, with civilians and military personnel among those killed. Mohibullah Zeer, an official in the Public Health Ministry, said another 72 people were injured in the attack, which took place near government and legislative offices. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said a suicide bomber struck first, followed by a car bomb, and four police officers were among those killed. The Taliban, which is waging a 15-year war against the Afghan government, said it was behind the attack. Ghulam Faroq Naziri, a politician from the western Herat province, said another MP from the same province, Rahima Jami, was wounded. It appeared to be the deadliest attack in Kabul since July, when two suicide bombers struck a demonstration held by Hazaras, a Shiite Muslim ethnic group, killing 80 people. That attack was claimed by a local affiliate of the Islamic State group. The fighting in Afghanistan tends to taper off during the winter months, when mountain supply routes used by the insurgents are impassable. Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber on foot struck in the southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, said Gen Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The target of the attack was a guest house used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, he said. Those killed include civilian and military personnel, and six others were wounded in the attack, Gen Kemtoz said. A car full of explosives was found nearby. The Taliban also claimed that attack. In the southern Kandahar province, two explosions inside the governor's compound killed five people and wounded another 12, including Gov Homayun Azizi, his spokesman said. The spokesman, Samim Khpolwak, who was lightly wounded, said it was not yet clear what caused the blasts. An attack within the heavily guarded compound would indicate a major security breach. AP Former Guantanamo Bay prisoner David Hicks appeared in an Australian court on Tuesday charged with assaulting his partner. Hicks, 41, appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates' Court in his home town of Adelaide for a pre-trial conference on a charge that he assaulted his partner in September. He has yet to plead to the charge, which carries a potential two-year prison sentence. He was released on bail to appear next on February 28. Journalists were not permitted inside the courtroom. The Muslim convert was captured in Afghanistan by the US-backed Northern Alliance in late 2001 as a suspected enemy combatant, then spent more than five years at Guantanamo Bay. He pleaded guilty in a US court of military commission in 2007 to providing material support to terrorism. It was a plea bargain in which all but nine months of his seven-year sentence was suspended and he was allowed to return to Adelaide to serve the final months. The US court of military commission review, an appeals court, struck down his conviction in 2015. Hicks says he only pleaded guilty to get out of Guantanamo Bay. Hicks travelled to Pakistan in 2000, joined the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba and took part in an attack on Indian forces, according to court records. He later went to Afghanistan and attended a training camp run by al Qaida and visited by its leader Osama bin Laden. Hicks's only real fighting experience was helping to guard a Taliban tank near Kandahar airport. In his memoir published in Australia in 2010, Guantanamo: My Journey, Hicks wrote that US authorities offered detainees inducements including illicit drugs and prostitutes to gain their cooperation. After his release from prison, he married activist human rights advocate Aloysia Brooks in Sydney in 2009, but the couple later separated. The identity of the partner who made the assault complaint has not been made public. AP Ordered by a district court judge to re-evaluate the desired wild horse population in the Pryor Mountains, the Bureau of Land Management has come out with the same number as before a maximum of 90 to 120 adult horses. We looked at our monitoring data and we dont need to change our management level, said Jim Sparks, Billings Field Office manager for BLM. In a July 29, 2016, ruling, U.S. District Judge Susan Watters told the BLM it had used outdated information when it decided to remove wild horses in 2015 as part of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range population management plan. The issue landed in Watters court after the Friends of Animals sued the BLM in 2015 to halt annual removals of horses from the range, which is located in Carbon County about 70 miles south of Billings. According to the BLMs reassessment, which was put out in a Dec. 26 report, keeping the horse population at between 90 to 120 adult horses will ensure a thriving natural ecological balance. The report also stated, 98 wild horses is the maximum number that can be maintained without damage to the range... The public has the opportunity to comment on the report for 30 days. Jennifer Best, associate director of Friends of Animals Wildlife Law Program, said the she was still looking over the report but, overall Im disappointed in their conclusion that its the same number, she said. The report seems sparse in what they have done, she said. Its not an in-depth analysis of how they reach that number and what other animals are on the range that may be affecting it. Watters decision has meant the BLM has not done any animal removals or injected mares with birth control drugs. If or when that restriction might be lifted Sparks did not know. Right now, the range contains 160 wild horses. The population has averaged 155 horses since 2007. That number has remained steady in part because of the BLMs successful fertility control program from 2012 through 2013, Sparks said. Theres not as many foals because the fertility control is working, he said. Friends of Animals alleged BLM violated federal laws by basing its 2015 Pryor Mountain horse removal decision on an outdated 2009 Herd Management Area Plan that established an appropriate management horse population of 90 to 120 wild horses. That number, the group said, was based on a 2007 range evaluation, which the BLM was supposed to recalculate within five years. BLM admitted it had not re-calculated the appropriate management level number since its 2009 decision. Gambia's political crisis has spun into deeper uncertainty as a court delayed the ruling party's challenge to presidential election results until Monday, three days before the declared winner expects to be inaugurated. President Yahya Jammeh initially conceded his loss in the December 1 election, then changed his mind. His party now wants the results thrown out because of alleged irregularities. While thousands of members of Mr Jammeh's party descended on the court on Tuesday, chanting, singing and dancing in anticipation of a ruling, the case was postponed. The court said neither president-elect Adama Barrow nor the Independent Electoral Commission had been served with the ruling party's petition, and it gave the party until Monday to do so. Another potential stumbling block which could delay the case further is that the court does not have enough judges to hear it - it has been dormant for over a year and has only one sitting judge. Gambia had requested that judges from Nigeria and Sierra Leone sit on the court, but Chief Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle said they have indicated they cannot make it until at least May. It is not clear what will happen if next week's inauguration goes ahead and the court later rules in favour of Mr Jammeh's party. Jeffrey Smith, a human rights activist and founding director of Vanguard Africa, a US-based group that worked with Gambia's opposition coalition, said: "The Supreme Court case faced an issue of credibility from the very outset. "That Jammeh was appointing the same judges who would hear his own court petition is an absolute mockery of justice." Mr Smith said the inauguration is likely to take place regardless of the court outcome. "The Gambian people have unequivocally spoken, and their will has been admirably backed by ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States), the African Union, the OIC (the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation), and the UN," he said. But Edward Gomez, a lawyer for Mr Jammeh's Alliance for Patriotic Re-Orientation and Construction party, said the inauguration should not go ahead without the court reviewing the party's petitions. The West African bloc has said it has a military force on standby if Mr Jammeh refuses to cede power when his mandate expires on January 19. Meanwhile, Nigeria has announced that a West African delegation to Gambia will be delayed from Wednesday to Friday, as the regional bloc tries to persuade Mr Jammeh to step down. Mr Jammeh seized power in a bloodless coup in 1994 but is accused of gross human rights violations that include arbitrary detentions, torture and the killings of his opponents. AP Police in Athens are investigating the death of a Russian diplomat The head of the consular section at the Russian Embassy in Athens has been found dead in his apartment in the Greek capital, police have said. The body of 54-year-old Andrey Malanin was found on Monday by a consular employee. Police said a coroner will examine the body, while the homicide officers will also investigate the death due to Mr Malanin's diplomatic status. However officers said there are no immediate indications of foul play and the body had no visible injuries. Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, was assassinated by a riot police officer while speaking at a photo exhibition in Ankara last month. One would have strained to see in the face of Martin McGuinness last night the features of the Derry hard man and street fighter who led the Provisional IRA, first in Derry and later as northern commander and then chief of staff. There are few people anywhere who have made such a transition as he has. Some may have been tempted to think that the edge had gone out of him, that he enjoyed his political career too much to shut it down on a principle. But a man who had directed hundreds, perhaps thousands of IRA operations, was well able to pull Stormont down too, even when clearly depleted by poor health. When the first Executive was formed in 1998, unionists saw McGuinness as the voice of dangerous republicanism. They viewed Gerry Adams then as the slick political operator who had sought fame abroad for his peacemaking and they saw McGuinness as the one with the tighter link to the hard men. They also understood from security force briefings that both were on the IRA army council at the time. Some believed that an understanding had been made with Sinn Fein that they would not appoint an IRA leader to the Executive. They had read it wrong and there were gasps in the chamber when Adams announced that McGuinness would be the Minister of Education. The horror extended into the school system where a visiting minister might be received with cold formality. Some were aghast to hear him regaling pupils with stories about being an IRA man on the run. But slowly voices emerged from the Protestant and unionist community saying that McGuinness was a genial man and a good minister. It was not what was expected of him. The speculation of many critics of Sinn Fein at that time, including myself, was that Sinn Fein would not wholly commit to the Assembly but would pull it down, and clear the way for a stronger case for joint authority or a united Ireland by demonstrating the untenability of power sharing. If that really was the secret plan, it was a long time maturing - and Martin McGuinness became the personification of republican amenability. The biggest surprise was his relationship with Rev Ian Paisley. The two men became friends, though they had been the sternest of enemies for decades, each embodying for the other the most hardline and intransigent part of the character of the other community. When you look at those photographs of the men together, it is clear that this was no act. The smiles are as candid as a child's. Ian Paisley was the one to pay a price for that, being axed by a party that was embarrassed by the obvious conviviality of the 'Chuckle Brothers'. But McGuinness was genuinely attached to Paisley. A reporter who covered one of their joint trips to the United States said that when the Press gathered round Paisley, McGuinness was protective, moved to guard Paisley when as a republican he might have been expected to enjoy the old unionist's discomfort. For years people asked themselves, is this man for real? Is he still the scheming militarist and a danger to us all, or has he changed, and he persuaded us that he had changed. Once, in the early days, when he met the Press shortly after the IRA murder of Charlie Bennett in Belfast, and stood with Mo Mowlam to reaffirm his commitment to the Agreement I fired a rude question at him. I had been frustrated by the evasions and the talk of peacemaking when crossing the IRA could still cost a young man his life. I said: "Martin, if you shot me, would that be a breach of the ceasefire or not?" "Ach", he replied. He was disgusted with me. He had his Press officer write to every editor who employed me then to complain that this was an improper question to put to a public representative. That is how he wanted to be seen, a democratically elected politician who was in no way answerable in public for the actions of the IRA. The puzzle was how he could separate those roles in his mind, see them as wholly separate. A few years later we clashed again. He was at the Harbour Commissioners' Office in Belfast announcing the appointment of Michael Longley to the Ireland chair of poetry. We saw the familiar blushing smile. Martin read one of his own poems. Longley thanked him for it. Martin admired the lovely building and recalled that he had only two weeks earlier welcomed Meryl Streep there. Later he caught my eye and I brought Helen Madden over to introduce her to him. Then I couldn't resist the quip: "I bet you're really glad now you didn't have this place bombed, Martin." Again he was furious, and it was, similarly, the fury of exasperation. The problem was not that he was being wrongly accused of being in the IRA; it was that on an occasion like this, that was, to his mind, entirely beside the point. McGuinness has an air of innocence about him, an almost childlike gladness in his nature, and yet he is the man who led the hard men. Many of his former comrades are so appalled by the incongruity, the mismatch between the reconciler and the old soldier that they no longer believe he was ever really on their side. He went further in his efforts to reassure unionists than they did in any effort to placate nationalism and republicanism. Now his complaint is that none of it had made any difference. People should understand that an IRA leader shaking hands with the Queen is a very big deal, that any republican who does such a thing, or who damns dissident murderers as "traitors to the island of Ireland" is taking a major risk with his credibility, and perhaps more. This might have been seen as tokenistic or a charade in DUP headquarters, but on the Falls Road and the Creggan it was seen as self-abasement, too much like licking up to the enemy. It is inconceivable that this is where McGuinness wanted to take Sinn Fein, yet the collapse accords well with the theory of other republicans that compromise and reform would ultimately prove impossible. That point is made in every book that Gerry Adams wrote. Now McGuinness is adamant. There will be no return to the status quo. There has to be fundamental reform of the institutions or we will be looking for other ways to govern Northern Ireland. For now the DUP members are learning that their jobs depended as much on McGuinness as his did on them. Martin McGuinness with Arlene Foster in May last year Martin McGuinness meeting former US President Bill Clinton at the University of Ulster Magee campus in 2010 Martin McGuinness with Ian Paisley after being sworn in as First and Deputy First Ministers of the Assembly In his ten years as Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness served alongside three DUP First Ministers. With one his relationship was astonishingly good, with another it was generally reasonable, while with the third - Arlene Foster - it was frankly terrible. He got on with Ian Paisley amazingly well, despite the fact that the DUP leader had spent a lifetime fiercely opposing the IRA and Sinn Fein, while McGuinness had built a reputation as a flinty IRA commander. The two left most of their long-time reputations behind them, replacing old animosities with a new willingness to compromise, both politically and personally. After Paisley's retirement they kept in touch; it is said the two men prayed together, with McGuinness saying on Paisley's death that their friendship existed "until the day he died". It was obvious that not everyone in the DUP could stomach sharing government with Sinn Fein. But Paisley held it all together for quite a while, until the day came when senior party members ganged up on him and told him bluntly that his time was up. The paradox is that while Paisley forgave McGuinness for everything he had done in his republican past he made it clear, in his extraordinarily frank interviews with Eamonn Mallie, that he never forgave his party colleagues for pushing him out. Things were a bit rockier with Peter Robinson at the helm, and the McGuinness-Paisley warmth was never re-created. But at the same time they were never really at daggers drawn, and when Robinson became mired in the Iris affair, McGuinness and Sinn Fein noticeably refrained from hounding him out of office. The bottom line with Robinson, according to McGuinness, was that he was a strong supporter of the peace process, adding on a personal note that he regarded him as a friend. Robinson, for example, told McGuinness of his intention to step down well before it was announced publicly. It is clear that one of McGuinness's personal priorities has been to befriend traditional enemies, and clear too that he had successes in doing so with Paisley and Robinson. He completely failed however to win over Arlene Foster when she became Northern Ireland's third First Minister. Presumably he tried to do so, but she adamantly refused to be wooed - which many will view as understandable, given the history of IRA attacks on her father and her school bus. When Paisley and Robinson took over the top job, they abandoned much of their old confrontational style and became, in DUP terms, reformers. They at least tried to strike some sort of balance between the moderate and the unyielding. Foster, by contrast, has tended to opt with confrontation rather than reconciliation, showing few signs of outreach to McGuinness or to republicans and nationalists in general. Many nationalists were delighted at Paisley's road-to-Damascus conversion and, more grudgingly, welcoming for the Robinson approach. But few nationalists have voiced any approval of the Foster approach, many suspecting she has been intent on getting back to an older, more hard-nosed unionism. Looking back, Foster may have concluded that was the way to go, coming to believe that something tougher than the Paisley and Robinson attitude was the likeliest way of staying in power, and first and foremost protecting unionist interests. But the old-style hard line may now have come back to haunt her, together with the heating debacle. McGuinness was most reluctant to call for her head, but there are signs that many in the republican grassroots in effect concluded she was an unreconstructed unionist who was unlikely ever to be a powersharer. With many SDLP types privately sharing that view, Sinn Fein leaders may have grudgingly concluded like many of their supporters that it is pointless to keep Stormont alive. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein, pictured leaving court in Belfast after charges against him involving IRA membership were dropped 1976. President of Sinn Fein Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at the funeral of Patrick Kelly . 1987 An injured man being aided by mourners, including Sinn Fein vice president Martin McGuinness (left), at Milltown Cemetery, Belfast, after a gun and bomb attack killed three and left four seriously injured, at the funerals of three IRA members killed in Gibraltar. David Jones/PA Wire PA Martin McGuinness handcuffed to a policeman after being remanded at Special Criminal Court in Dublin, January 1973. Martin McGuinness pictured in Derry with Rossville Flats in background and other street scenes. 11/11/85. 1148/85/bwc PACEMAKER BELFAST Martin McGuinness (left) follows the coffin of IRA man Charles English in Derry 1984 Martin McGuinness in Derry's Bogside at a press conference. 1971 File photo dated 26/02/96 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness speaking to the media after a meeting with Government officials at Castle Buildings, Stormont. PA PA Rory McIlroy welcomed back home following his success at the Open Championship Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness First and Deputy First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness at Stormont at the first British Irish Council meeting 2007. 1988 Anniversary of Internment rally 31/08/95 of Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons. PA PA Funeral in West Belfast of the Gibraltar bombers; Mairead Farrell, Sean Savage and Danny McCann. Martin McGuinness with Michael Stone's gloves and bullets after the loyalist attacked the funeral 22/6/88 19/7/2011. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL. BELFAST. Darren Clarke returns home to Royal Portrush golf club with the Open trophy he won at the weekend., met by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER BELFAST 27/6/12 Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness watched by First minister Peter Robinson (centre) at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. POOL PICTURE PA/PACEMAKER PRESS PA PACEMAKER BELFAST AUGUST 1985 MARTIN McGUINNESS LEAVING CRUMLIN ROAD JAIL AFTER SERVING SENTENCE FOR FAILURE TO PAY FINES. 1042/85/BW Pacemaker Press Belfast: 09 May 2013: The first and deputy first ministers have announced how they intend to progress building a shared future in Northern Ireland. First Minister Peter Robinson said the proposals are the most ambitious ever brought forward on the issue. Among them is the target of bringing down all of Northern Ireland's peace walls by 2023. Mr Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said this could only happen in tandem with the communities affected. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PACEMAKER BELFAST AUGUST 1985 MARTIN McGUINNESS SINN FEIN LEADER IN DERRY 1006/85/BW PACEMAKER BELFAST. Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Connally House addressing the media about the IRA ceasefire. 31/8/94. 684/94/c Pacemaker Press 3/11/2016 The President of the Republic of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Caldern, is greeted by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle on Thursday during a visit to Northern Ireland as part of his State visit to the UK. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press Belfast 07-12-2012: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in Belfast as part of a four-day trip to Europe. US SOS Hillary Clinton pictured at Stormont Castle with Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Minister, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PACEMAKER BELFAST On the first day of the ulster Peace Talks Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness locked out of the stormont talks. PHOTO MARTIN WRIGHT PACEMAKER BELFAST 19/11/99 Sinn Fein vice President Martin McGuinness pictured with masked IRA men at the funeral of Brendan Burns 5/3/88 File photo dated 19/10/98 of Martin McGuinness leaving 10 Downing St after a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. PA PA Pacemaker Press 19/5/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster and and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness speak to the media at Storming Castle on Thursday. The various parties have been meeting at Stormont Castle in a series of talks that could decide the fate of the next Northern Ireland Executive. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Martin McGuinness with Ian Paisley after being sworn in as First and Deputy First Ministers of the Assembly PA Pacemaker Press Belfast 21-06-2013: The British-Irish Council meeting was held in Magee College, Derry~Londonderry. Peter Robinson MLA First Minister and Martin McGuinness MP MLA deputy First Minister host the event. The British-Irish Council was established as part of the multi-party agreement reached in Belfast on 10 April 1998. Its membership comprises representatives from the Irish Government; UK Government; Scottish Government; Northern Ireland Executive; Welsh Government; Isle of Man Government; Government of Jersey and Government of Guernsey. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/11/2012 Prime Minister David Cameron meets First Minister Peter Robinson , Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers at Stormont Castle in Belfast during his visit to Northern Ireland , During his visit The Prime minister announced that The main venue for the annual G8 event is to be at Lough Erne golf resort near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh next year Photo Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 13/09/2015 Chairperson of Sinn Feins Six County Cuige, Bobby Storey, speaks to the media today, Sunday 13th September, at 11am in the Roddy McCorley Social Club, Glen Road, Andersonstown, Belfast, County Antrim BT11 8BU, Belfast. He was be joined by Gerry Adams TD, Martin McGuinness MLA. Mary Lou McDonald TD, and Jennifer McCann MLA. Martin McGuinness speaks at the press conference Photo Mark Marlow/Pacemaker Press Pacemaker Press 20/3/2015 Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as Sinn Fein launch the programme of events to mark 100th Anniversary of the Easter Rising 1916-2016 on Friday at Clifton House Pacemaker Press 3/11/2016 The President of the Republic of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Caldern, is greeted by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle on Thursday during a visit to Northern Ireland as part of his State visit to the UK. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker press 1//5/14 Deputy first minister Martin McGuinness speaks to the media regarding the detention of the Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams. Mr Adams is being questioned by the PSNI regarding the murder of Jean McConville in 1972. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press PACEMAKER BELFAST 8/5/2007. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness pictured before he entered Stormont Parliment on the first day of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press Belfast 11-10-2013: Prime Minister David Cameron has said Northern Ireland is second only to London in the UK as the top destination for inward investment. Mr Cameron is pictured with Northern Irelands First minister Peter Robinson & Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle after attending major investment conference in Belfast. Picture By: Arthur Allison. PACEMAKER BELFAST 4/6/2008. Bridge to the Future... First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness pictured with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and Dan Sten Olsson, Chairman of Stena Line, Conor Murphy Minister for Regional Development and Len O'Hagan, Chairman of Belfast Harbour Commissioners on the bridge of the Stena HSS at the official opening of the new 37million Stena Line Terminal at Belfast Port today. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. Pacemaker Press 4/7/2013 First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Belfast City Hall to announce details of the 2013 World Police and Fire games that will begin on 1st August with an opening ceremony at the King's Hall Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker 20/5/2010. PACEMAKER BELFAST. PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON AND NORTHERN IRELAND SECRETARY OF STATE MEET WITH FIRST MINISTER PETER ROBINSON AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MARTIN MCGUINNESS AT STORMONT CASTLE THIS AFTERNOON. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. 5/2.10 PACEMAKER PRESS INTL. GORDON BROWN, PETER ROBINSON, MARTIN MCGUINNESS AND BRIAN COWAN TALK TO THE PRESS THIS MORNING AT HILLSBOROUGH AS THE DEAL FOR DEVOLVING POLICING AND JUSTICE WAS FINALLY DONE LATE LAST NIGHT. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. Pacemaker Press 19/5/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster and and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness speak to the media at Storming Castle on Thursday. The various parties have been meeting at Stormont Castle in a series of talks that could decide the fate of the next Northern Ireland Executive. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker 27/1/2010. PACEMAKER BELFAST. GERRY ADAMS AND MARTIN MCGUINNESS HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE INSIDE HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL. 6/2/11 : First Minister Peter Robinson and Dep. First Minister Martin McGuinness pictured at a special Good Samaritans Service in St. Anne's Cathedral, Belfast. Donations from the Black Santa Christmas Sit out were presented to representatives of 180 charities and community groups. PHOTO: Kirth Ferris/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 14/12/10 Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont yesterday after a draft budget was agreed on cuts, after intensive discussions over the course of the last three to four months Chancellor George Osbourne ordered Stormont to cut spending by 4bn over the next four years as part of the Spending Review Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker 29/9/2010. Former President of the United States Bill Clinton departs Magee College to cheers from students eager to catch a glimpse of the world statesman as he posed with First Minister and Deputy First Minister Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness alongside John Hume. Picture: Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness with Loyalist Jackie McDonald on the Falls Road at the Bobby Sands Mural. Loyaltist and Republican leaders came together to give an insight into the troubles. William 'Plum' Smith joined Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness on Stage with Brian Rowan as part as an Exhibition to his archives Photo; Colm O'Reilly Pacemaker Press 30/1/2010. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL BELFAST. DRESS DOWN SATURDAY. DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MARTIN MCGUINNESS ARRIVES AT HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness Loyalist Jackie McDonald and Peter Sheridan former head of Special Branch in the Falls Road Library, Loyaltist and Republican leaders came together to give an insight into the troubles. William 'Plum' Smith joined Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness on Stage with Brian Rowan. Photo; Colm O'Reilly Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 14/7/2010 PSNI Chief Constble Matt Baggott meets with First and deputy First ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness this afternoon to discuss the on going security situation in North Belfast after the 12th July. Pacemaker Press Belfast. 8-06-09 An Unhappy Jim Allister with Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness at the Counting of ballots cast in the European elections in Northern Ireland where the DUP may be facing its worst ever result in a European parliamentary election due, in part, to a split in the unionist vote. Photo; Colm O'Reilly Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 11/5/09 Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams takes a plunge at the partys photocall in the Water Works in North Belfast. As the partys European Election candidate Barbrie de Bruin (centre) posed for the cameras with party colleagues, Mr Adams was saved by his deputy Martin McGuinness, doing his David Hasselhoff impersonation. Photo Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 10-03-2009: The First Minister Peter Robinson was joined by the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde at a press conference at Belfast Stormont Castle. They condemned the murdered policeman Constable Stephen Paul Carroll, 48, a married man with children from the Banbridge area of County Down Northern Ireland . PICTURE BY: ARTHUR ALLISON. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL BELFAST 11/11/2009. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness greet Irish Foreign Secretary Micheal Martin at Stormont castle this morning. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER PRESS INTL BELFAST 11/11/2009. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wait to greet Irish Foreign Secretary Micheal Martin at Stormont castle this morning. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. Pacemaker Press 12/10/09 Secretary Of State of the US Hilary Clinton after a meeting with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle during her visit Belfast Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 12/10/09 Secretary Of State of the US Hilary Clinton after a meeting with First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle during her visit Belfast Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker File photo dated 05/11/03 of Martin McGuinness walking past a Bloody Sunday mural in the Bogside in Derry. PA PA PACEMAKER PRESS 24-04-2009. Martin McGuinness arrives at Free Derry corner for his press conference this afternoon concerning the death threats made against him by dissident republicans. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 29/9/2010: The former US President Bill Clinton , with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness,after speaking at the University of Ulster,Magee campus, in Londonderry,Wednesday 29th September 2010,Mr Clinton arrived in Northern Ireland on a visit designed to support the peace process and promote economic growth.Mr Clinton is visiting Londonderry where 25,000 people turned out to see him on his first visit in 1995. He is expected to make a speech at the University of Ulster campus at Magee on how to build economic prosperity.PA:Paul Faith POOL PICTURE PA PACEMAKER BELFAST 4/4/2007 Sinn Fein today announced their Ministerial team in the forthcoming Executive on 8th May. Making the announcement Chief negotiator and deputy first Minister Martin McGuinness was joined on the Stormont Steps by Francie Molloy, Connor Murphy, Catriona Ruane, Michelle Gildernew and Gerry Kelly. PHOTO MARK PEARCE/PACEMAKER PRESS PACEMAKER BELFAST 4/4/2007 Sinn Fein today announced their Ministerial team in the forthcoming Executive on 8th May. Making the announcement Chief negotiator and deputy first Minister martin McGuinness was joined on the Stormont Steps by Francie Molloy, Connor Murphy, Catriona Ruane, Michelle Gildernew and Gerry Kelly. PHOTO MARK PEARCE/PACEMAKER PRESS Pacemaker Press International Belfast 16/7/2007. First and Deputy First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness pictured today at Stormont at the British Irish Council meeting 2007 . Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. Pacemaker Press International Belfast 12/7/2007. HOWZAT!? First and Deputy First Ministers Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness pictured this evening with Ireland's cricket captain Trent Johnston and spin bowler Kyle McCallen. The Irish cricket side were at Parliment Buildings in honour of their heroic exploits at the Cricket World Cup. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER BELFAST 8/5/2007. Prime Minister Tony Blair poses on the steps as he leaves Stormont Parliment on the first day of the Northern Ireland Assembly with Bertie Ahern watched by First Minister and Deputy First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 8/3/2007: Francie Molloy, Michelle O'Neill and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein celebrate being elected in the first count in the Mid Ulster constituency in the Assembly election count in Ballymena today. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON PACEMAKER PRESS INTL 1-05-2007:President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso pictured meeting Northern Irelands First and Deputy First Ministers the Rev Ian Paisley,MP,MLA and Mr Martin McGuinness MP, MLA at the steps of Parliament Buildings in Belfast. PICTURE BY: ARTHUR ALLISON. Pacemaker Press 19/5/2016 First Minister Arlene Foster and and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness speak to the media at Storming Castle on Thursday. The various parties have been meeting at Stormont Castle in a series of talks that could decide the fate of the next Northern Ireland Executive. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 16/5/2016 Deputy First Minister Martin Martin McGuinness speaks to the media at Storming Castle on Wednesday, as he confirmed the ministers would be appointed next week. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/11/2015 First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Stormont Castle, A deal has been reached between the British and Irish governments and the Northern Ireland parties to resolve the current political crisis. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press 27/1/2010. PACEMAKER BELFAST. GERRY ADAMS AND MARTIN MCGUINNESS HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE INSIDE HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE. PICTURE CHARLES MCQUILLAN/PACEMAKER. File photo dated 31/08/95 of Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons.John Stillwell/PA Wire PA File photo dated 08/03/07 of Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein standing beside a table where his votes are being counted after the Northern Ireland Assembly election in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Julien Behal/PA Wire PA File photo dated 31/12/07 of Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley (right) and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the opening of Ireland's first IKEA store in Belfast. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA File photo dated 15/03/2000 of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (left) and Martin McGuinness embracing at Dublin Airport. Chris Bacon/PA Wire PA File photo dated 07/05/10 of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (second right) of Sinn Fein celebrating after being returned as MP for Mid Ulster, at The Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA File photo dated 09/08/85 of Noraid leader Martin Galvin (right), banned from Northern Ireland by the Home Secretary, standing alongside Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, as the two men acted as pall-bearers at the Londonderry funeral of IRA man Charles English. PA Wire PA File photo dated 04/08/05 of Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) meeting Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams (right) and chief negotiator Martin McGuinness in 10 Downing Street. Richard Pohle/PA Wire PA File photo dated 11/12/97 of Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and his deputy Martin McGuinness (left) with party aides outside No10 Downing Street before meeting Prime Minister Tony Blair for peace talks. Adam Butler/PA Wire PA File photo dated 19/10/98 of Martin McGuinness leaving 10 Downing St after a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire PA File photo dated 10/11/03 of Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein speaking at an election press conference in Belfast. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA File photo dated 23/06/09 of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness looking at a smashed window at the City Church in the University area of Belfast. PA PA File photo dated 24/05/08 of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (right) and Martin McGuinness carrying the coffin of former senior IRA commander Brian Keenan in west Belfast. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA File photo dated 09/08/96 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness addressing Nationalists outside the Guildhall in Serry after a march. PA PA File photo dated 13/09/83 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness. PA Wire PA File photo dated 11/05/87 of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and West Belfast MP Martin McGuinness (right) at the funeral of Patrick Kelly, 30, the reputed IRA commander in East Tyrone. PA Wire PA File photo dated 15/03/2000 of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (left) and Martin McGuinness embracing at Dublin Airport. PA PA File photo dated 04/11/03 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness outside the Guildhall in Derry after giving evidence to the Saville Inquiry, into the Bloody Sunday tribunal. PA PA File photo dated 29/09/10 of former US President Bill Clinton (right)arriving at University of Ulster Magee Campus in Derry to meet First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (centre). Julien Behal/PA Wire PA File photo dated 16/06/8 of Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (left) and First Minister Peter Robinson (centre) with US President George Bush at Stormont Castle in Belfast. PA Wire PA File photo dated 27/08/95 of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness addressing a Republican rally in Pomeroy, Co Tyrone. PA Wire PA File photo dated 05/11/03 of Martin McGuinness walking past a Bloody Sunday mural in the Bogside in Londonderry. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA Pacemaker Press Belfast 19-09-2016: Martin McGuinness to call on British government to fund legacy inquests. Sinn Fein MLA Martin McGuinness pictured speaking to the media ahead of this afternoon's meeting with British Secretary of State James Brokenshire on the need for the British government to live up to its responsibilities on addressing the legacy of the past. Mr McGuinness will call on the British government to release funding for legacy inquests, including the Ballymurphy massacre cases. Picture By: Arthur Allison. File photo dated 18/01/01 of Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein standing beside a sentry box outside Hillsborough Castle before a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. PA PA PACEMAKER BELFAST 8/5/2007. Well done Tony! Prime Minister Tony Blair leaves Stormont Parliment on the first day of the Northern Ireland Assembly with Bertie Ahern watched by First Minister and Deputy First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker File photo dated 06/06/08 of Prime Minister Gordon Brown (left) with Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuiness (right) in the garden at 10 Downing Street, London. PA PA Pacemaker Press 5/3/08 "Business as usual" First Minister Ian Paisley with his Deputy Martin McGuinness at Stormont after a committee meeting. Yesterday Dr Paisleys announcement that he will be stepping down in May from his role as Minister and DUP Leader. Pic Colm Lenaghan/PACEMAKER File photo dated 23/06/09 of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness looking at a smashed window at the City Church in the University area of Belfast. Paul Faith/PA Wire PA Pacemaker Press International Belfast 16/7/2007. First and Deputy First Mnister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness pictured today at Stormont at the British Irish Council meeting 2007 . Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 10-03-2009: The First Minister Peter Robinson was joined by the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde at a press conference at Belfast Stormont Castle. They condemned the murdered policeman Constable Stephen Paul Carroll, 48, a married man with children from the Banbridge area of County Down Northren Ireland . PICTURE BY: ARTHUR ALLISON. PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/11/08 First Minister Peter Robinson (front right) and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (front left),at the Northern Ireland Executive meeting in Stormont Castle ,20th November 2008,The Northern Ireland Executive will met today for the first time since June after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein agreed an end to their stand-off.An economic aid package is expected to top the agenda at today's meeting after a delegation yesterday met Prime Minister Gordon Brown to appeal for financial support. PA PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/11/08 First Minister Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA officially opened a new 9million production plant in Belfast, The investment by Larsen Manufacturing, a market leader in the manufacture and supply of chemicals for the construction industry in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, will boost the companyis production capability, creating up to 30 new jobs Pic Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 18.11/08 The First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness's at their joint press conference at Stormont today. The DUP and Sinn Fein have come to an agreement on the devolution of policing and justice which will bring a 152-day deadlock at Stormont to an end. The executive will meet on Thursday 20 November and on a weekly basis until business is up to date, the first and deputy first ministers said. Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 17/7/2007 Taioseach Bertie Ahern speaks to the press while First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness look on from behind at the first meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council since the assembly which took place in Armagh City. The meeting, in Armagh, includes members of the executive and Taioseach Bertie Ahern and other Irish ministers. Picture Mark Pearce/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 4/6/2008. First Minister Ian Paisley, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, as they officially opened the new 37million Stena Line Terminal at Belfast Port today. Picture Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker. File photo dated 29/09/10 of former US President Bill Clinton with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the University of Ulster Magee campus in Derry. PA PA Pacemaker Press 12/10/09 Secretary Of State of the US Hilary Clinton is greeted by First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as she arrives at Stormont Castle during her visit Belfast Pic Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 9/9/2011 Martin McGuinness addresses Sinn Fein's Ard Fheis at Belfast's Waterfront Conference Centre for a two day event. The Presbyterian minister from Derry, was invited to speak at the conference by Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness.. It was the first time a Presbyterian minister will have addressed the ard fheis Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press Belfast 9-05-2011: Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein pictured during a Press Conference in Belfast this afternoon, where the pair spoke of the parties success in last wekends election. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press 3/7/2012 First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness during the opening of the New Visitors centre at the Giants Causeway in Co Antrim Yesterday, The 18.5m building has taken 18 months to complete and includes exhibition spaces, a cafe and shops. Walks and trails around the site have also been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff-top walk for families and people with disabilities .PIcture Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker PACEMAKER BELFAST 27/6/12 Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness watched by First minister Peter Robinson (centre) at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. POOL PICTURE PA/PACEMAKER PRESS PA Pacemaker Press 9/9/2011 The Reverend David Latimer is welcomed by Martin McGuinness for Sinn Feins Ard Fheis at Belfasts Waterfront Conference Centre for a two day event. The Presbyterian minister from Derry, was invited to speak at the conference by Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness.. It was the first time a Presbyterian minister will have addressed the ard fheis Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 3/7/2012 First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wave to the visitors during the opening of the New Visitors centre at the Giants Causeway in Co Antrim Yesterday, The 18.5m building has taken 18 months to complete and includes exhibition spaces, a cafe and shops. Walks and trails around the site have also been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff-top walk for families and people with disabilities .PIcture Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker PACEMAKER BELFAST 28/01/2012 - Power NI Dr McKenna Cup Final, Tyrone v Derry, at Armagh. Peter Robinson, accompanied by Martin McGuinness, attended the McKenna Cup final. Picture: Cliff Donaldson File photo dated 30/05/06 of Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness with party colleagues during a press conference at Stormont. PA PA Martin McGuinness signs resignation letter. Martin McGuinness at the Bishop's Gate Hotel in Derry, as the former Deputy First Minister announced that he is quitting elected politics to concentrate on recovering from serious health issues: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Martin McGuinness at the Bishop's Gate Hotel in Londonderry, as the former Deputy First Minister announced that he is quitting elected politics to concentrate on recovering from serious health issues. Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Sinn Fein former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness pictured leaving Stormont Castle in east Belfast after he resigned. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Martin McGuinness during an interview with the Press Association at the Bishop's Gate Hotel in Derry, as the former Deputy First Minister announced that he is quitting elected politics to concentrate on recovering from serious health issues. PA PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein, pictured leaving court in Belfast after charges against him involving IRA membership were dropped 1976. The heating debacle is bound to have decreased support for her among both unionists and nationalists in calling into question her basic economic competence. The tone of her trenchant defence of her actions, and indeed her inaction, has probably been counter-productive. In McGuinness's 10 years as Deputy First Minister, there was no significant Catholic vote for the first two DUP first ministers, but at the same time there were no strong calls along the lines of Paisley Must Go or Robinson Must Go. McGuinness forged valuable relationships with the first two First Ministers but could make no inroads with the third. If Foster had tried a little harder she might have softened her tough image and prevented what may now develop: calls that Foster Must Go. There's a familiarity to politics in Northern Ireland and it's called 'crisis'. Listening to outgoing Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness defiantly (and with some vulnerability) announcing his resignation from office, I recalled the resignation of another Deputy First Minister, Seamus Mallon, in July 1999. In his opening remarks Mallon reminded the Assembly of the pledges he affirmed when taking office "to work in good faith to bring into being the arrangements set out in the Good Friday Agreement and his commitment to observe the spirit of his pledge of office". Mallon felt that both Sinn Fein and the Ulster Unionist Party were ripping the heart out of the Good Friday Agreement over decommissioning. He felt that efforts to resolve the impasse were not only being spurned, but scorned by some in unionism. Yesterday, McGuinness, like Mallon, ran out of patience, this time because of the scornful attitude of his DUP Executive partners towards nationalism, Irish identity and the wider issues of equality within Northern society. It is very clear from his resignation letter that the RHI scheme - better known as 'cash for ash' - was only a tipping point, as Sinn Fein has clearly been festering for quite a while. Bizarrely, McGuinness admits in his resignation letter that the equality agenda and the commitments under the Good Friday Agreement were for the past 10 years being eroded by the DUP, conveniently forgetting that whatever about his personal relationships with Arlene Foster's predecessors, that this erosion happened on his watch as Deputy First Minister. The reality is that the RHI scheme and its subsequent handling by the First Minister and her advisers was recoverable until a series of kamikaze media interviews and a display of bullish bravado to an empty Assembly forced the hand of Sinn Fein into a point of no return. Added to that was the belligerence of the DUP leader when she accused Sinn Fein of "playing a game of chicken". Playground stuff, yes, but we know that very few children ever recoil from playing chicken - no matter what the danger to others or themselves. The hapless Minister for Justice, Claire Sudgen, was about as purposeful during this crisis as an ashtray on a motorbike. Totally and utterly out of her depth, she floundered when she should have found her voice. It is very clear that the absence of the minority parties from the Executive has caused considerable discomfort within the DUP, and particularly within Sinn Fein, which likes to campaign and be in government at the same time. With the UUP and SDLP now firmly on the Opposition benches, when 'the proverbial' hits the ministerial fan, there is no hiding place for Executive ministers. Nor is there a convenient whipping boy in the shape of Mark H Durkan or Danny Kennedy. The near hysterical reaction of the DUP to the UUP or SDLP's criticisms of the RHI debacle is both hypocritical and hilarious - what did it think those parties would do when it was a high-ranking DUP member who first lobbed this grenade into the public domain? The past few weeks has been played out like some Shakespearean tragedy, and it has resulted in an election that no one really wants. So, what next? Well, the aptly named James Brokenshire, our undercover Secretary of State, now oversees a truly broken statelet. The cosy detente between his Conservative Government (so ably cultivated by his predecessor Theresa Villiers during the EU referendum) and the DUP is one of the reasons for Sinn Fein's estrangement from the current political process. He now must manage Brexit against the wishes of the majority here in Northern Ireland - alongside a deeply divided and damaged institution at Stormont. The Opposition will not be looking forward to an election because their resources are heavily depleted, and the workings of an effective partnership between the UUP and SDLP leaderships have not been properly rooted. Last year the DUP mortgaged its souls on Project Arlene and it paid off handsomely. But in this next Assembly election there will be fewer seats for everyone - and that includes the DUP. The DUP will interpret the election as a rallying call to limit Sinn Fein's aspirations. And Sinn Fein will see this as a chance to put manners on the DUP. Voter apathy could defeat both ambitions. As Mallon pointed out in 1999 - scorn is not a tradeable commodity in the politics of compromise. So, two weeks into 2017, and its deja vu for those pesky slow learners once more. Tom Kelly is a political commentator The UK's Investigatory Powers Act forces internet providers to keep a full record of every site that each one of its customers have visited The Investigatory Powers Act is an assault on freedom quietly passed by the British government while people were afraid and distracted, according to campaigners. Campaign group Liberty is requesting a High Court judicial review of the wide-ranging new spying tactics in the Investigatory Powers Act. That law was passed at the end of last year and gives spies and a range of other organisations including the Food Standards Agency the power to see anyones entire internet history, alongside other unprecedented rules. The Liberty challenge will focus on bulk powers, which let intelligence agencies collect up huge amount of data in case it needs to be used in future, meaning that people not under investigation have their information watched. Read more Read More Liberty director Martha Spurrier said: Last year, this Government exploited fear and distraction to quietly create the most extreme surveillance regime of any democracy in history. Hundreds of thousands of people have since called for this acts repeal because they see it for what it is an unprecedented, unjustified assault on our freedom. Libertys challenge is just the latest attack on the new law. Last month, a case at the European Court of Justice found that the general and indiscriminate retention of communications data empowered under the bill was illegal, and the Government has faced requests to change the bill. The Investigatory Powers Act was first introduced a year ago, and aims to bring the many laws and regulations governing how spies work under one legal umbrella. But it has been repeatedly criticised by privacy campaigners, security experts, tech companies and politicians, who have argued that the powers extend too far. The Government has argued that those laws are needed to fight terrorism and other crimes. Security minister Ben Wallace said: The Investigatory Powers Act protects both our privacy and our security. Far from being passed quietly, the Act underwent unprecedented parliamentary scrutiny before becoming law. It was also the result of three independent reports, all of which concluded a new law was needed. The Act was passed with cross-party support and is the will of Parliament. The independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, David Anderson QC, found that the ability to collect data in bulk is a crucial tool used by the security and intelligence agencies to generate intelligence about threats that cannot be acquired by more targeted means. We will vigorously defend these vital powers that help to keep our families, communities and country safe. While a number of experts did recommend that new laws were passed and new legislation had to be passed because the existing regulation would soon expire the law has been criticised by a range of experts and by parliamentary bodies. The 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, didnt disappoint with its unpredictability keeping us on our toes and the several twists and turns during the three hour show. The late-night host began the evening with an epic recreation of La La Lands opening number, and Brad Pitt stole the end of the show when he surprised audiences by gracing the stage. Meryl Streep delivered a heated anti-Donald Trump speech that left the internet either cheering or angry, and the teleprompter broke during the opening monologue. All the moments kept audiences entertained and left them with much to talk about. The Golden Globe Awards, which are run by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, honor the best in TV and film from the past year. The musical La La Land swept the board in the film categories, winning a record 7 awards. This included: best picture comedy or musical, and wins by stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Three stars of BBC spy drama The Night Manager Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman and Hugh Laurie won acting prizes. Claire Foy, who plays the Queen in Netflixs royal epic The Crown, was named best TV drama actress and the show won best TV drama. In the other TV categories, The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story and Atlanta won two awards each. There were several surprises. Isabelle Huppert took best actress in a drama for the French film Elle, beating Natalie Portman, who was favored to win for Jackie. Manchester by the Sea, despite five nominations, was honored only in the best actor category for Casey Affleck. HBO, despite 14 nominations, the most of any network, was shut out altogether. Check out the full list of awards. Movies Best picture, drama: Moonlight Best picture, comedy or musical: La La Land Actress, drama: Isabelle Huppert, Elle Actor, drama: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea Actress, comedy or musical: Emma Stone, La La Land Actor, comedy or musical: Ryan Gosling, La La Land Supporting actress: Viola Davis, Fences Supporting actor: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nocturnal Animals Director: Damien Chazelle, La La Land Screenplay: Damien Chazelle, La La Land Animated film: Zootopia Foreign language film: Elle (France) Original score: Justin Hurwitz, La La Land Original song: City of Stars, La La Land Television Data Science Nigeria holds e-Learning bootcamp for young scientists Data Science Nigeria will host a learning bootcamp for young data scientists in an aim to address the capacity gaps in Data science for beginners, intermediate and experts. The learning bootcamp will be held in Lekki axis of Lagos State between Friday 20 and Sunday 22 January 2017. Brainchild of MTNs executive, Bayo Adekanmbi, the Non profit organisation will train and mentor young Nigerians through face-to-face, virtual online classes, project-based support and holiday boot camps. Internship opportunities are offered to outstanding participants by Arise & OneFi. Python Nigeria, a user-group that promotes Python computer programming language in Nigeria will facilitate some of the practical hands-on session on Python programming. Participants are expected to complete a 12-hour course on IBM BigDataUniversity.com and submit their completion certificates to secure a placement. Data Science Nigeria is driven by a compelling drive to raise a new generation of world-class data scientists, who can tap into the over $125 billion big data analytics market. Data Science Nigeria is poised to ensure that the country can secure at least 2% of this global value, which will mean an over 1 trillion naira economic return through knowledge-based FOREX earning. OneFi is Nigerias fintech lender with two pioneering unsecured loan products Paylater, which is a consumer loan via an android app and FlexAdvance, an SME loan based on POS transactions. The company employs Big Data and machine learning technologies to reduce risk and provide access to credit to both the underbanked and unbanked. Arise is a platform whose mission is to promote the proliferation of data science in business and is working on creating a data science hub in Lagos. www.itnewsafrica.com MISSOULA A Stevensville woman who allegedly hit a manager in the face while drunk at Wal-Mart is also charged with punching the police officer called in to investigate the incident. On Sunday, four Missoula police officers were called to the Wal-Mart on Reserve Street after a manager reported a customer had attacked her. The manager said she saw 27-year-old Kyla Kay Alder in the store about 6:30 p.m. attempting to return an item without identification. She then attempted to take purses and jewelry into a changing room, and began to yell profanities after being told she couldnt, a court affidavit said. When staff attempted to get Alder to leave the store, she allegedly hit the manager in the face before leaving in a cab. One of the officers found Alder across the street at Mullan Station, where a manager said she had just come in yelling that she wanted a vodka and Red Bull. She refused to speak with the officer, and yelled profanities at him, according to the affidavit. When she did leave with him, she allegedly pulled free from his grip and punched him in the face before being handcuffed. Justice of the Peace Marie Andersen set Alders bail at $5,000 and said if she is released she will be monitored for alcohol use and cant return to Wal-Mart or Mullan Station. A tribal woman from the insurgency-stricken Indian state of Chhattisgarh weeps for her husband after he was killed in an encounter in a local district, July 7, 2012. A move by Indias rights watchdog to hold Chhattisgarh state liable for the alleged rape and sexual assault of at least 16 tribal women by security forces will give a glimmer of hope to victims of police brutality in the countrys Maoist belt, activists said. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Saturday sent a notice to the government of the insurgency-stricken central Indian state, holding it liable for the alleged crimes committed in 2015 and asking Chhattisgarh officials why it should not recommend 3.7 million rupees ($54,209) in interim damages to the 16 victims. The human rights body said it intended to recommend 300,000 rupees ($4,395) to each of the eight rape victims, 200,000 rupees ($2,930) each to six sexual assault victims and 50,000 rupees ($732) to two victims of physical assault. Activists allege that security forces have long brutalized tribal women and men with complete immunity in the name of combating Maoist rebels in the resource-rich forested regions of central and eastern India, known as the Red Corridor. With the NHRC for the first time taking note of the worst kind of human rights violations taking place in the country in the name of fighting insurgency, there is now finally a ray of hope for justice, Kavita Srivastava of the Peoples Union of Civil Liberties told BenarNews. The NHRC notice to the state government is a silver lining in the tragedy that is unfolding against the tribals and government dissenters, she said. Maoists, also known as Naxalites, have been fighting Indian security forces since the late 1960s from jungle hideouts in more than a third of central and eastern Indias 600 districts. The armed rebels, who are inspired by Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, have accused successive governments of uprooting poor and landless people to exploit mineral-rich forests scattered throughout the region. Although the level of violence has declined sharply in recent years, the group stages occasional attacks on security forces and police informers. Government liable The NHRC said it held the Chhattisgarh state government vicariously liable for the rape, sexual and physical assault of at least 16 tribal women after it concluded its investigation into reports that police attacked several villages in Bijapur district during an anti-Maoist operation in October 2015. The rights body said it initiated investigations based on a news report, in which women from five villages accused the state police of sexually assaulting more than 40 of them and gang-raping at least two. Although the police launched a probe into the allegations, no arrests had been made so far, it added. The NHRC said it was in the process of recording testimonies of 20 more victims who were sexually assaulted during the operation. A special police team has been formed to investigate the alleged incidents, B.K. Singh, Chhattisgarh police public relations officer, told BenarNews. We have received the NHRC notice, and a team from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is investigating the alleged cases of sexual assault and rape. We will take appropriate steps and reply to the notice only after studying the findings of the CID team, Singh said. Police highhandedness Activists often accuse Chhattisgarh police of routinely harassing not just tribe people, but journalists and human rights workers who try to expose incidents of police brutality. In November, state police brought abetment to murder charges against two New Delhi-based academics who were part of a fact-finding team that highlighted police brutalities against tribal women in May 2016. The police alleged that Nandini Sundar, a sociology professor at Delhi University, Archana Prasad, an anthropology professor at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and four other left-wing activists ordered the Nov. 4 killing of Samnath Baghel, who was part of a vigilante group opposed to Maoist rebels. The police came under criticism for fabricating the charges after Baghels widow denied involvement of the two professors and the four left-wing activists. Although none of the accused in Baghels killing has been placed under arrest yet, Chhattisgarh police late last month arrested seven human rights activists who were part of a fact-finding team enquiring into rising cases of extra-judicial killings in the states Bastar region. The police alleged that the activists were acting as a cash conduit for Maoists, a charge denied by the accused. The NHRC should also do some public hearings in various districts of Chhattisgarh to put on record the crimes committed by security forces. The basis of its findings can be used for legal intervention and pressurizing the government to take action in all these excesses committed in the guise of fighting insurgency, JNUs Prasad told Benarnews. The police have been using all forms of pressure tactics to silence journalists, activists, lawyers and academics working in the Maoists belts in the country. And they are working with impunity as they have complete support of the state and central government, Prasad said. A Myanmar migrant worker ties a rope to a crate at a market in the town of Bukit Mertajam in Penang, Malaysia, Dec. 17, 2016. The machete-killings of five Myanmar workers in a Kuala Lumpur suburb last week stemmed from an old dispute with fellow countrymen who came from the same village in Myanmar, the police chief of Selangor state told local media Tuesday. An investigation has ruled out that Malaysians were involved in the killings, or these were religiously motivated or done in retaliation for the alleged mistreatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmars Rakhine state during a military crackdown in the predominantly Buddhist country, Selangor Police Chief Abdul Samah Mat said. The killings were an act of revenge between Myanmar nationals from the same village whose feuding had escalated on Malaysian soil, he added without naming the village. The five workers were hacked to death and two other Myanmar nationals were hospitalized with injuries following an assault at around 10 p.m. Thursday on 13 workers from Myanmar, as they were returning together from an overtime shift at a TV hardware factory in Bukit Serdang, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur in Selangor, according to news reports. Local authorities have detained at least seven people in connection with Thursdays killings, state-run Malaysian news agency Bernama reported. Four of the victims died at the scene while the fifth died in a hospital, reports said. We are still investigating. There was no evidence to show that it was connected to the crisis at Rakhine State or religion related, the police chief told reporters. At the moment we only establish that it was a result of a fight and we are still investigating the cause of it, he said. Safety of Myanmar workers questioned The police chief of Selangor also said his department would give Myanmar migrants the same level of protection given to Malaysian citizens. Last year, at least seven Myanmar nationals working in Malaysia were killed in grisly slayings, according to a report in the Myanmar Times, and two dozen more were killed in other incidents in 2013 and 2014. We give them the same attention as we give our people when it comes to safety and security, Abdul said. Nonetheless, thousands of workers returned to Myanmar from Malaysia in 2014 after roughly 25 were killed between June 2013 and September 2014 in what some observers told Malaysian media at the time might have been linked to communal violence in Rakhine, Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency said in a Dec. 7, 2016, report. I feel so sorry for our migrants. Our Myanmar workers are always being attacked. They have no protection, San Win, chairman of the Kathpone Free Funeral Service Society in Kuala Lumpur, which provides free funerals for impoverished people from Myanmar, told the Myanmar Times. On Monday, Myanmars government said it had sent out a safety advisory to its workers in Malaysia following last weeks killings, according to Reuters. Bilateral tensions Tensions between Myanmar and Malaysia have risen in recent weeks, amid criticism by Malaysian officials of Myanmars handling of violence in Rakhine state. Muslim-majority Malaysia criticized Myanmar and its powerful military for alleged violent acts against Rohingya during a crackdown in northern Rakhine following deadly attacks on border guard stations in the region in early October. Malaysias Prime Minister Najib Razak had said that Myanmars treatment of the Rohingya amounted to genocide and ethnic cleansing, prompting Myanmar to hit back at Malaysia for meddling in its affairs. The violence in Rakhine has caused an exodus of Rohingya into neighboring Bangladesh. On Monday, the United Nations announced that 65,000 Rohingya had crossed over since early October, with as many as 22,000 making it to the Bangladeshi side within the past week, Agence France-Presse reported. Nearly one-half million workers There are more than 400,000 Myanmar migrant workers in Malaysia, around 100,000 of whom are illegal workers, according to Myanmars embassy in Kuala Lumpur, though some estimate the number of undocumented Myanmar workers in the country at about 500,000, the report said. Many working in the country illegally often work long hours in dangerous conditions with few means of getting better conditions or pay, it said. Last July, the Myanmar embassy in Malaysia created a protection task force for migrant workers made up of representatives from roughly 50 civil society organizations based in the country, including the Kathpone Free Funeral Service Society, the Myanmar Times reported. In December, the Myanmar government last December stopped sending workers to Malaysia because of safety concerns amid growing tension between the two nations over the conflict in Rakhine state. Anis Natasha in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. JACKSON, Wyo. Families and new skiers would have more options at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort if officials are allowed to move forward with 34 projects. The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports resort officials presented plans to Teton County Commissioners last week. Resort engineer Bill Schreiber said the mountain is more advanced and needs additional intermediate-level terrain. Plans include lifts to easier terrain and a zip line, among other projects. The Forest Service is reviewing the proposals. A decision is expected in the summer. Construction could start before 2018 and last up to seven years. Indonesian kidnap victims Mohammad Nazer, left, and Robin Peter are treated at a hospital in Zamboanga, the Philippines, after being freed by Abu Sayyaf Group militants, Dec. 12, 2016. Maritime kidnappings worldwide set a 10-year record in 2016 with an alarming increase in abductions from Indonesian and Malaysian vessels in the seas between Borneo and the southern Philippines, an international piracy watchdog said in a report published Tuesday. There were more crew kidnappings at sea last year across the globe than at any time in the last decade, with 62 incidents overall, but nearly half, 28, took place off ships in the Sulu Sea and other waters off Borneo, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), whose Piracy Reporting Center is based in Kuala Lumpur. The worldwide number of kidnapping incidents at sea in 2016 was more than three times the number in the previous year, 19, said the IMB, which noted, however, that global acts of piracy last year reached their lowest level in nearly two decades. The kidnappings in the Sulu Sea between East Malaysia and the Philippines are a particular concern, said IMB director Pottengal Mukundan, whose organization has monitored world piracy since 1991. The continued fall in piracy is good news, but certain shipping routes remain dangerous, and the escalation of crew kidnapping is a worrying trend in some emerging areas, he said. The IMB report pointed to an emerging threat to merchant shipping in Sulu and Celebes seas, where 12 crew members were kidnapped from two general cargo ships and an anchored fishing boat in the last quarter of 2016. Crews had previously been kidnapped from slow and low moving tugs and barges in three separate incidents in the first half of 2016. This marks a worrying escalation of crew kidnappings in the area, the report said. The IMB document did not mention a new case of eight Filipino fishermen whose bullet-ridden bodies were found in their outrigger boat in the Moro Gulf off the Zamboanga peninsula of southern Mindanao island, the Philippine military said Tuesday, according to Agence France-Presse. Trilateral talks Officials from the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have blamed the recent kidnappings at sea on Filipino militants linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group, which is based in the southern Philippines. Representatives of the three countries met several times in 2016 to establish a framework for maritime security cooperation, including joint patrols in their shared waters in the wake of a spate of kidnappings at sea. Despite efforts to reach agreement, joint patrols involving the neighboring nations have not begun. I really hope we can do it in the near future, Indonesian Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Wuryanto told BenarNews in November. We feel a bit disgraced now [because] the kidnappings keep going on and on. Meanwhile, according to Malaysian officials, ASG is holding five Malaysian hostages who were kidnapped from waters off Lahad Datu in the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah on July 18, 2016. In December, Malaysian security personnel killed three gunmen and captured two others during a shootout off Sabah. The shootout erupted as gunmen in a speedboat approached a Tiger Platoon vessel patrolling local waters after mistaking it for a ship they planned to hijack. The Tiger Platoon is a unit with the Malaysian polices elite General Operations Force. ASG also is holding two Indonesian sailors who were kidnapped on Nov. 20. The militant group kidnapped 27 Indonesians in 2016. In March, 10 tugboat crew members were kidnapped and later freed on May 1. Four were kidnapped in April and freed on May 11 and seven were kidnapped in June with the last two being freed in December. Three were kidnapped in July and released in September as was a sailor who was kidnapped in August. Azmi Hassan, a security analyst at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, told BenarNews that loose security enforcement in the Sulu Sea in southern Philippines allows ASG to hijack ships and carry out abductions, creating unsafe waters for merchant ships and others. Not only the Sulu Sea waters, but Philippines waters are uncontrolled and it is worse in the mainland of Mindanao which is uncontrollable by Manila, he said Tuesday. He praised the decision by the new Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, to allow security forces from Malaysia and Indonesia to pursue pirates into Philippine waters, saying it showed Manilas seriousness in curbing kidnappings. Hata Wahari in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. People in a crowd hold up images of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn as they await his arrival in Krabi province, Dec. 1, 2016. A request by Thailands new king for some changes to a draft constitution regarding the monarchy will not affect elections expected for later this year, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha told reporters Tuesday. The draft constitution passed a referendum in August 2016 and was sent to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for his endorsement after he assumed the throne on Dec. 1, following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in mid-October. Prayuth said he learned of the request for a few changes to the junta-backed charter from palace officials on Monday. The royal words included three or four items that we need to amend accordingly to his power, and they are not related to the rights and freedom of the people, Prayuth told media after a weekly cabinet meeting in Bangkok. He did not disclose details of the requested changes. A government document shows that King Vajiralongkorn wants the constitution changed to reflect that the monarch would not have to appoint a regent whenever he travels overseas, according to the Reuters news service. The new king has spent much of his adult life in Germany, and flew home when his fathers frail health deteriorated sharply in October. In other news related to the monarchy in Thailand, where a strict law known as Lese-Majeste guards against royal defamation, on Tuesday a petition signed by more than 3,000 people called for the release of a student activist who was the first charged under the law since the new king took the throne. During the final few years of King Bhumibols 70-year reign, dozens of Thais were arrested over allegations of perceived slights against the royals. In the case of the latest suspect, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, he was taken into custody and accused of Lese-Majeste for sharing a BBC News profile of King Vajiralongkorn on his Facebook page. Politics are advancing Prayuth said the deadline for approving the constitution was next month, although the amendments to it would take a few more months. It is still within the time frame of Feb. 6. We will amend the copy and re-propose the amendment to the king. All processes will take two to three months to get done, the prime minister said. The politics are advancing. The constitution will be pushed and after the royal cremation, the election campaign will be on with elections in late 2017, and we will have a new government in 2018, Prayuth added. King Bhumibol is to be cremated in October, one year after his death. The royal palace did not say if King Maha Vajiralongkorn would endorse the constitution without the requested changes. The draft constitution seeks an appointed senate with seats reserved for military commanders, limits on parliamentary authority, enhanced powers for non-elected state agencies and a provision for a non-elected prime minister. Prayuth took power following a coup against a civilian-led government in May 2014, and promised fresh elections in 2017. He presented a road map listing a time frame leading to the elections including key issues including approving the constitution and establishing election-related regulations. In recent weeks, Meechai Ruchuphan, the chief of a junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Committee, said elections might instead take place in March or April 2018 because of the slow progress. Lese-Majeste suspect Meanwhile, supporters of royal defamation suspect Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, better known as Pai Dao Din, went to the National Human Rights Commissioners office on Tuesday to submit a petition seeking help in efforts to free him on bail. Jatupat was arrested on Dec. 3 for sharing the BBC article on Facebook that was deemed offensive to the new King. Jatupat was released on bail two days later, but rearrested on Dec. 22 and his bail was revoked. The court has ordered him to be detained and said Pai did not show respect to law enforcement. He did not remove the earlier controversial BBC article, Pais lawyer Krisadang Nutcharas told BenarNews at the time. About 3,300 people signed a petition on change.org regarding Pais right to bail, Rangsiman Rome, a member of the Platform of Concerned Citizens, said Tuesday. In this case, a committee has opened an inquiry into it, said Angkhana Neelapaijit, a human rights commissioner who received the petition. Pais father has also submitted a letter of complaint on unfair bail rejection. We will take a look at the letters from all sides and we will try our best under the authority we have but we cannot interfere with the courts power. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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One idea is to convene a special panel of veteran legislators to brainstorm new revenue sources. "I don't think he has a specific plan that he's pushing. He wants to visit with the legislators and get some ideas from them," Mead spokesman David Bush said Friday. "There's no silver bullet plan or anything like that out there anybody's pointing to." Funding for Wyoming's K-12 schools faces a $400 million annual shortfall which, barring some intervention or major shift in the fossil-fuel markets, will set in after the state finishes spending $600 million in education reserve funds next year. That's on top of school construction funds that are drying up amid a halt in federal coal leasing. For years, starting in the early 2000s, school construction in Wyoming boomed amid strong revenue from coal leasing and robust gas development. Federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin began tapering off a few years ago, as cheaper and cleaner-burning natural gas became a more attractive option for utilities to fuel their power plants. Then a year ago, the Interior Department announced a three-year federal coal leasing moratorium while the government studied whether it was getting a fair return on those leases. Essentially all coal mined in the Powder River Basin, the nation's top coal-mining area, is leased from the federal government. President-elect Donald Trump could lift the moratorium right after taking office but even then getting school construction money flowing again would take years, said Republican state Rep. Hans Hunt of Newcastle, a rancher and member of Trump's agriculture advisory committee. "Do we discuss a state income tax? Do we raise property taxes at the state level? I think a more realistic approach would be closing some of the tax loopholes and tax exemptions and things like that," Hunt said. Wyoming is one of just seven states without an income tax. Lawmakers here last considered one in the late 1990s, before a boom in coal-bed methane and conventional gas drilling replenished state accounts and then some. These days, the Wyoming Legislature has a larger share of Republicans than any other statehouse in the country, and one of the largest Republican majorities at any time in its history. Republicans, who outnumber Democrats 51-9 in the Wyoming House and 27-3 in the Wyoming Senate, remain loath to consider major new taxes as anything other than a last-ditch option. One reason is the state still has massive reserves: A $1.5 billion rainy day fund from which Mead proposes to allocate $140 million for critical state programs if necessary. Last summer, Mead cut the state's $3.1 billion budget for the biennium, which began in July, by over $250 million. He's now proposing a modest $8 million in new supplemental funding. He also seeks to set aside $19 million in case a catastrophic structural failure forces the state to move prisoners out of the Wyoming State Penitentiary. Worsening structural problems have left the state with an $80 million bill to repair the 15-year-old facility, assuming that replacing the building doesn't turn out to be a better option. Overall, though, Mead wants the Legislature to keep spending more or less steady after an October forecast that revenues would fall $156 million short of covering the two-year budget. So far, Wyoming hasn't tapped its rainy day funding. All the same, Mead wants lawmakers to develop rules for using the money when times are tough. "When is it raining? I think he would like to get something like that out of the session as well," Bush said. "The people of Wyoming find it difficult to see that we are cutting services while we are putting away savings." Shortly after Benjamin Netanyahu won his bid for re-election as prime minister of Israel in March 2015, I wrote a column describing President Barack Obama as being on track to go down as more hostile toward Israel than any president in the past 68 years. I warned that President Obama was so anti-Netanyahu that administration officials were signaling the president might change U.S. votes at the United Nations Security Council, perhaps not opposing U.N. resolutions condemning the Jewish state on settlements and other issues, for example. Those words proved prophetic last week when the U.S. abstained from voting on a resolution condemning Israel for its settlement activity while giving only lip service to condemnation of terrorist activity against Israel and its citizens. That Obama waited until the eleventh hour of his presidency to seek revenge against Israel for not bending to his ambition to broker peace speaks volumes not just about his anti-Israel instincts but about his self-serving ambition to curry favor with the left, U.S.-Israel relations and even the Democratic Party's future support from the pro-Israel community be damned. First let's be clear: The U.N. resolution and the support for it is not really about settlement policy. Israel, under successive governments, has had an on-again, off-again policy on building settlements in disputed territory, which has had little effect on the prospects for a comprehensive peace deal. The only true peace treaty negotiated with any of the countries that fought in the 1967 war was the Camp David Accords, agreed to by Israel and Egypt in 1978. With the signing of the accords at a White House ceremony that I was privileged to attend, Israel returned land seized in Sinai from Egypt and dismantled settlement there in 1982. In 2005, Israel dismantled all settlements in Gaza and four in the West Bank. In return, Israel has been the target of repeated Palestinian terrorist attacks against its citizens and Palestinians have refused to negotiate in good faith. From September 2015 through November 2016, 42 people were killed by terrorists in Israel and another 602 wounded. Israeli restraint in the face of such unbridled viciousness is remarkable. Although peace talks have occurred under the auspices of the United States and other nations, it's the Palestinians' balking at accepting demands that Israel have the right to exist that has been the main impediment, not refusal of Israel to cede some land acquired in the 1967 war. Clearly, the fate of Jerusalem has been a stumbling block for both sides, but if the Palestinians and the Arab world in general were not so hostile to the very existence of a Jewish state, peace would have been possible by now. The very notion that Palestinians have a right to land over which they have never in history exerted control seems a stretch, but it's one that much of the world, including the U.S. under both Democratic and Republican presidents, has accepted at face value. Prior to World War I, the people we now call Palestinians and others in what are now the disputed territories lived under Ottoman rule, along with all Jordanians. After Allied forces defeated the Ottomans in WWI, the League of Nations created the British mandate over the area, empowering Britain to establish a Jewish national homeland while respecting the rights of the resident Arab population. Winston Churchill, who was then Britain's colonial secretary, divided the lands under British control, giving the country's Hashemite Arab allies the East Bank of the Jordan River to establish the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1922. In November 1947, the U.N. voted to partition the remaining territory to establish two states, a Jewish Israel and an Arab Palestine. It was the Arabs' refusal to accept the establishment of any Jewish state in the territories that began what has now been a nearly 70-year stalemate on the creation of a Palestinian state. That recalcitrance has been marked by a complete refusal to make real peace, interspersed with wars against Israel by its neighbors in 1948, 1967 and 1973, as well as a continuous campaign of terrorism against the Jewish state and its citizens. With a new administration taking office in Washington on Jan. 20, one can only hope that the U.S. will do more to tackle the real obstacles to peace in the disputed territories by pressuring the Palestinians at least as hard as the Israelis. A two-state solution is possible only if both parties are equally committed to living side by side peacefully, and so far, the Palestinians have yet to prove they are. Keeping federal public lands public is a big issue in Montana and the West. Its an issue that Rep. Ryan Zinke campaigned on in his successful bid for re-election. In his first term, Zinke frequently described himself as a Teddy Roosevelt Republican, strongly committed to protecting and preserving public lands owned by the people of the United States. He stated unequivocally that he is against the transfer of federal public lands to states. States such as Montana are rich in public land but lack the staff to manage our priceless American heritage. One concern about the land transfer movement is that cash-strapped states would turn around and sell the land. So after Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, tucked a provision in the House Rules bill that could make land transfer legislation easier to pass, we expected that Zinke would have something to say about it. The House approved the rules package 233-190 with the Bishop provision that exempts any future land transfers from the budget scrutiny that otherwise must be given to bills that would reduce U.S. revenue or increase U.S. spending. Zinke was among the GOP majority voting for the rules package on Dec. 3, the first congressional work day of 2017. On Wednesday morning, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., issued a statement saying: This vote by the House is an underhanded assault on Montana's outdoor economy, our hunting heritage, and our way of life. Public lands belong to all Americans and Congress should be safeguarding them, not clearing the way to auction them off to the highest bidder. I ask all those who care about our public lands to join me in demanding more public access, not more attacks on our public lands, from their representatives in the House." On Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., issued this comment on the recent U.S. House of Representatives budgetary rule change related to federal lands. I continue to strongly oppose the transfer of federal lands to the states while fighting to improve the management of those lands, Daines said. The Gazette hadnt yet heard from Zinke, so the opinion editor phoned and emailed his spokeswoman, Heather Swift, and asked why Zinke voted for the new rules. She emailed this brief response: Congressman Zinkes position against the sale or transfer of public lands has not changed. We appreciate that affirmation supporting public lands, but it doesnt answer the question about his vote. The Washington Post explained how Bishops rule change would work: Under current Congressional Budget Office accounting rules, any transfer of federal land that generates revenue for the U.S. Treasury whether through energy extraction, logging, grazing or other activities has a cost. If lawmakers wanted to give such land to a state, local government or tribe, they would have to account for that loss in expected cash flow. The new rule exempts land transfers from that requirement, basically declaring them revenue neutral. Conservation groups immediately pushed back. As the 115th Congress enters its first week, some of our elected officials are wasting no time in paving the way to steal our outdoor heritage, said Backcountry Hunters and Anglers President Land Tawney of Missoula. Zinkes office has issued fewer news releases since Montanas lone U.S. representative was nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Interior. Maybe, Zinke wants to keep a lower public profile until his confirmation hearing. As secretary, Zinke will have to take a stand on large-scale public land transfers that may be proposed by lawmakers, such as Bishop, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee. Zinke has served on that committee. Montanans will be watching to see how his actions back up his words of support for U.S. public lands. -- Billings (Mont.) Gazette With winter weather always a concern early in the spring semester, students are encouraged to review the Student Life Policies regarding the cancellation of classes. The University values the safety of all students, faculty and staff, while recognizing that the effective operation of the University must be maintained during inclement weather when possible. Every effort will be made to maintain classes; however, under severe and extreme circumstances, BGSU may delay the opening of the University or specific offices and areas, cancel some or all classes and/or activities, or implement an emergency closing of all or part of the University. A decision to close a particular campus, delay opening or cancel classes or activities may be based on weather information and road conditions gathered from the BGSU Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the County Sheriffs Office, other local police agencies surrounding the particular campus, official weather reports and forecasts, and consultation with BGSU Campus Operations staff. In most cases, the Bowling Green/Perrysburg campus will not close for winter conditions unless the Wood County Sheriffs Office declares a Level 3 Snow Emergency. In most cases, the BGSU Firelands campus will not close for winter conditions unless the Erie County Sheriffs Office declares a Level 3 Snow Emergency, or road and weather conditions within the campuss service area necessitate closing. Notwithstanding any announcement of a campus closure, students, faculty, staff, guests and visitors must assume responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as for their class or work responsibilities. Students who do not attend class because they are concerned about their safety should notify their instructors. Individuals who live outside of Wood County or Erie County may find that their county of residence is under a Level 3 Snow Emergency when Wood or Erie County is not, making it illegal for them to drive in their own county; students in this circumstance should notify their instructors. Once the decision is made to delay, cancel or close, individuals will be notified through AlertBG, email, the BGSU homepage, BGSU social media channels and the news media. This is a good time to log in to MyBGSU and review your phone number and settings in the AlertBG System. Also, students, faculty and staff may call the Universitys answering service number (419-372-SNOW) to confirm whether the Bowling Green/Perrysburg campus and/or BGSU Firelands campus is open or closed due to severe weather. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices White supremacist Craig Cobb says he plans to file a housing discrimination suit, claiming a Bottineau bank officer recently thwarted his attempt to buy a home and small acreage at Landa, a town of 62, in Bottineau County. Cobb, 65, who was jailed and sentenced for subjecting Leith residents to armed neo-Nazi-style terrorizing in 2013 says he is planning to start a family with his 38-year-old girlfriend. He has been living in Sherwood while serving a four-year probation that ends in 2018. Our plan was to either live on the 1.17 acre property in 100 percent white Landa, or maybe sell it for profit if we had eventually sunk too much into it, he posted. In his post, Cobb said he and his girlfriend, a certified paralegal, negotiated a price of $4,200 for the property and were at the bank to finalize the transaction, when the banker, with the sellers cooperation, abruptly ended the deal and returned Cobbs $400 that hed paid to satisfy property taxes. Cobb said this is the seventh time in four years hed been denied purchase of real estate, including in Leith, Regan, Sherwood, Antler, Kansas, Nebraska and now, Landa. I bought my current home in Sherwood by the skin of my teeth back in 2014, he said. Cobb said he plans to file a suit based on religious discrimination because he is a longtime Creator in the Creativity religion. Its pretty bad when an elderly white man and a natural blonde white woman paralegal cant even buy a humble shanty shack on 1.17 acres in the 'American Gulag at 34 degrees below zero, he said. Cobb attempted to take over the village of Leith and turn it into an all-white enclave in a disruptive and sometimes ugly situation for the Grant County village. He spray-painted swastikas and displayed racist flags and emblems on his property, disrupted city meetings and taunted residents, before embarking on an armed patrol that eventually led to his arrests. His neo-Nazi cohort Kynan Dutton received a lighter sentence and, after living in Underwood during his one-year probation, has since left North Dakota. For Immediate Release, January 10, 2017 Contact: Bill Snape, (202) 536-9351, bsnape@biologicaldiversity.org Senate Considers Nomination of Polluter-friendly, Enforcement-shy Jeff Sessions as Attorney General WASHINGTON The Senate Judiciary Committee today began hearings on President-elect Trump's nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions for U.S. attorney general. As chief legal officer, Sessions would be responsible for upholding and enforcing federal law, including those that protect civil rights as well as environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. Sessions has been widely criticized for his record on civil rights in the Senate, as Alabama's attorney general and as a U.S. attorney under President Reagan. Jeff Sessions' backwards brand of politics takes America in exactly the wrong direction, said Kieran Suckling, the Center for Biological Diversity's executive director. He has an abysmal record on civil rights and voting rights, and has consistently opposed efforts to protect the rights of women and the LGBTQ community. And then there's his dismal record as a climate science denier, a friend of polluters, and an enemy of endangered wildlife. The League of Conservation Voters gives Sessions a 7 percent lifetime environmental score, and just a 4 percent score for 2015. As a senator Sessions has repeatedly voted to expand oil and gas exploitation of public lands and against efforts to slow climate change, while accepting nearly $400,000 in contributions from the oil and gas industry. He has consistently questioned the reality of climate change, introduced a measure exempting fracking from enforcement actions under the Safe Drinking Water Act and even voted against measures that would limit toxic mercury released by coal-burning power plants. He's also said the federal government should step back from regulating interstate pollution. As attorney general Jeff Sessions will be called on to enforce federal laws and regulations that protect people and wildlife from pollution, address climate change and ensure that we have clean air and water, Suckling said. It's clear from his record that he's not just indifferent to protecting the environment and public health he's actively hostile to these things. Media Advisory, January 10, 2017 Contact: Patrick Sullivan, (415) 517-9364, psullivan@biologicaldiversity.org Livermore Residents in Hazmat Suits to Rally Against Plan to Sacrifice Water to Big Oil LIVERMORE, Calif. Livermore residents and Center for Biological Diversity members wearing hazmat suits and flanked by toxic waste barrels will rally tomorrow at Livermorium Plaza against a plan to sacrifice local underground water to the oil industry. The rally will take place ahead of a public hearing held by state oil regulators on this "aquifer exemption" plan. The proposal announced last month by California's Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources seeks to exempt a Livermore-area aquifer from protection under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. If the exemption is approved, oil giant E&B Natural Resources could expand its operations and use underground water below as a permanent disposal site for oil-waste fluid. What: Rally to stop Livermore water sacrifice to Big Oil Who: Livermore residents and members of the Center for Biological Diversity Where: The rally will be at Livermorium Plaza, 116 S. Livermore Avenue (east corner of First St. and S. Livermore). The state's public hearing will be at Livermore City Council Chambers, 3575 Pacific Avenue. When: Wednesday, January 11. Rally starts at 4 p.m.; public hearing begins at 5 p.m. Background A Center analysis of the Livermore aquifer exemption proposal found troubling risks and grave deficiencies. Oil-waste injections in this location would contaminate an aquifer with water many times less salty than seawater, at a time when desalination is ramping up in the state. The application fails to prove that injected oil waste will not migrate beyond the proposed exemption boundaries. That could endanger nearby water sources: Seven domestic and two irrigation water-supply wells lie within a quarter-mile of the proposed exemption boundary. The exemption application argues that the Greenville Fault on the aquifer's border will help contain waste fluid injected into this zone. But Greenville is an active fault that suffered a magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Livermore in 1980. Oil-industry wastewater injection has been implicated in earthquakes in Oklahoma, Texas and California. Even minor tremors could endanger other nearby water supplies by opening up pathways to contamination. For Immediate Release, January 10, 2017 Contact: Jonathan Evans, Center for Biological Diversity, (510) 844-7118, jevans@biologicaldiversity.org Gabe Scott, Cascadia Wildlands, (907) 491-0856), gscott@cascwild.org Lawsuit Launched to Protect Washington Rivers, Salmon From Destructive Suction Dredge Mining Harmful Gold-mining Method Already Restricted in California, Oregon OLYMPIA, Wash. Conservation groups filed a notice of intent today to sue the state of Washington for allowing highly destructive suction dredge mining in rivers and streams critical to endangered salmon and steelhead. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife approves the harmful recreational gold-mining technique in rivers throughout the state that are home to numerous imperiled fish species. Conservation and fisheries groups have also introduced bills in the state legislature to better monitor and regulate suction dredge mining. Suction dredge mining pollutes our waterways with toxic mercury, clouds streams with sediment, kills endangered fish and destroys irreplaceable cultural resources that are important to all Washingtonians, said Jonathan Evans, environmental health legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. This is a dirty, outdated form of mining that our families, waterways and wildlife shouldn't be subjected to. Suction dredge mining uses large, gas-powered vacuums to suck up gravel on the bottom of rivers and streams in search of gold flakes. Miners target gravel beds critical to salmon spawning and reproduction and pollute waterways with sediment and toxic mercury and heavy metals in their search for gold. Suction dredge mining also threatens important cultural resources important to American Indians. Suction dredge miners are killing endangered salmon and polluting our waterways and it needs to stop, said Gabriel Scott, in-house counsel for Cascadia Wildlands. We intend to enforce the law ourselves if the state won't. The harm done by suction dredging is well documented by scientists and government agencies. In recent years Oregon and California have halted suction dredge mining for gold in areas that are important for rivers and fisheries because of its damage to water quality and wildlife. In Idaho the EPA has stepped in to regulate the practice. Today's notice, filed by the Center and Cascadia Wildlands, notifies Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Ecology of ongoing violations of the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act. While the state doesn't track individual mining locations, the majority of Washington's rivers and streams are open to mining. Because the state of Washington has never squared state laws regulating suction dredge mining with the Endangered Species Act or Clean Water Act, two bills were introduced in the state legislature this week to better monitor and regulate the activity. House Bill 1077, introduced by Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Seattle), would create important safeguards in environmentally sensitive areas to protect salmon and water quality. House Bill 1106, introduced by Rep. Gael Tarleton (D-Seattle), would require miners to comply with the Clean Water Act to reduce pollution when mining. Numerous other commercial and recreational organizations have raised concerns that suction dredge and other motorized mining practices are disruptive and harmful to fishing. Statewide, commercial fisheries generate more than $1.6 billion annually and sport fishing generates more than $1.1 billion annually. Suction dredge mining also undermines the tens of millions of dollars invested in salmon recovery efforts in Washington. For detailed mapping of rivers and streams with suction dredge mining or endangered fish habitat click here. It can be tough to be a vegetarian. You have to work harder than everyone else to make sure youre getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, when its time to take a Edusko, the leading Edtech start-up that connects parents and students with good and affordable schools within and outside Africa, has launched a still animated series titled Family and School Matters' to help Nigerian parents and educators understand parenting, child education, school issues and other related matters in a fun, illustrative and educative way. According to Edusko founder Jide Ayegbusi, the start-up is committed to helping families and educators understand critical issues that hover around child rearing, child development, education, parent-teacher relationship, sex education, discipline, financial literacy and many more. Weve discovered that a lot of parents dont have the time to read thousand-word articles to learn better ways of parenting. We want to help these parents learn more using still animation that can convey the narrative in less than 30 seconds. We also want to help the schools learn and understand better whats going on within their students families, Ayegbusi said. Speaking about the animated characters, he said, Weve chosen the characters that reflect the lives of many busy parents in the city. These parents are faced with the challenges of excelling in their careers while also trying to be the best parents to their lovely kids. Our characters comprise: Barwa Macaulay, a middle-aged father who is a senior manager at a leading bank; and his beautiful wife Tiwa, a 35 year-old personal assistant to the CEO of a leading telecom company. Chuba and Sandra are their children, an 8-year-old boy in grade 5 and 3 year-old girl attending home school respectively. Bukola Bello, Edusko content manager said, Each season of the Family and School Matters shall last for three months. We would sponsor each weekly episode on social media and members of the public would have the opportunity to share their thoughts. Edusko was launched in 2015 to help parents and students find and apply to good schools amidst thousands jostling for their attention. In less than two years, over 3000 schools have been listed, over 500,000 parents have used the platform to find good schools and over 2000 students have been directly referred to the schools. Schools ranging from creches, nursery and primary, secondary, tertiary, special schools in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, UK, Canada, United States and China are freely available for finders on edusko.com. Innovation is a key driver in refining procedures and improving clinical outcomes. Many of the new devices available in the healthcare market create enhanced and more precise techniques for treating patients, but to Mediclinic, it is important that there is meaningful scientific data to support these new technologies. Dr Ronnie van der Merwe, chief clinical officer for Mediclinic International believes strongly that serious consideration must be applied when adopting any new technology. Dr Ronnie van der Merwe Understanding the value and risks attached to the new systems allows Mediclinic to understand whether their introduction provides value and the best possible outcome for the patient. Recent examples include the da Vinci robotic surgery system and the lung volume reduction coil (LVRC), both of which have resulted in remarkable improvements in patients lives. Da Vinci robotic surgery Da Vinci surgical statistics are proving valuable in redefining patients cancer treatment plans as the precision surgery allows a better understanding of the progression of the disease. According to Dr Gawie Bruwer, urologist at Mediclinic Durbanville, up to 20% of his patients care plans are being re-evaluated following the surgery as the cancer has progressed beyond initial histology indications. These insights are ensuring early treatment with the best possible clinical outcomes for these patients. Lung volume reduction coil In the two years following the introduction of the LVRC, more than 20 additional patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have undergone this procedure with dramatic improvements in the quality of life and a significant reduction in their risk of death. A procedure taking only 60 minutes can produce positive results within a day of the operation, with patients able to function far more independently following the LVRC insertion. This technology also highlights the benefits of collaboration between private healthcare and the academic world with the University of Stellenbosch contributing to this ground-breaking procedure at Mediclinic Panorama. Percutaneous pacemaker The minimally invasive nature some of the technology speaks volumes about best possible care with the safest outcomes. Dr Razeen Gopal, who recently performed the first percutaneous insertion of the Micra transcather pacing system (TPS) in private healthcare in South Africa, is able to implant the life-supporting device through a catheter in the femoral vein. This is in contrast to the incisions required for a conventional pacemaker. The size and structure of the system also reduces the complications related to such insertions because of the absence of leads or wires, a key area where complications may arise in traditional pacemakers. Balancing care with science As we consider various technologies being adopted to a greater degree within our business, we are certain that we are putting our patients first. By balancing the best possible care with the optimum access to proven clinically advanced equipment, we are able to create the best possible value for our patients, Medclinic says. LONDON - Men and women are sashaying down catwalks together at London Fashion Week, in a shake-up of tradition backed by celebrated designers including Vivienne Westwood. London Fashion Week shake up tradition with mixed catwalks.Picture: Yahoo.com The 75-year-old style icon is no stranger to challenging fashion formats -- turning a 2015 London show into an anti-austerity and climate change march -- and deemed her latest move a response to the unisex reality of fashion. "My very first fashion shows were always men and women. It's particularly unisex now because this time you've got lots of men in dresses. "You've seen women for a hundred years in trousers but it's all switched around equally now," Westwood told AFP, as her new autumn-winter 2017 collection hit the catwalk at the Seymour Leisure Centre in London's Marylebone neighbourhood. Westwood is not unique in choosing to unite her menswear and womenswear collections on the catwalk -- at least 10 houses have used Fashion Week in London to present collections for both genders. While London may not have the glamour of Paris, Milan or New York, it is certainly making the most of its experimental reputation. Within the fashion world this mixing of men's and women's shows has been dubbed "co-ed" -- a play on the "coeducational" term used for mixed schools. This shift in strategy is changing the way fashion houses run their business, including Burberry. The British fashion heavyweight announced in 2016 it would cut its runway schedule from four to just two shows a year. Burberry said it aimed to create a "seasonless, immediate, and personal" format with the change, with the collection available in-store and online immediately after the show. "The changes we are making will allow us to build a closer connection between the experience that we create with our runway shows and the moment when people can physically explore the collections for themselves," said Christopher Bailey, Burberry CEO. In essence, fashionistas of the 21st century are demanding much quicker access to collections. In the same spirit, Burberry has merged its three lines (Brit, London and Prorsum) to create one label, which the fashion house said was "designed for a worldwide audience". Paul Smith has also followed the trend and, while absent from London, it will present both its men's and women's collections in Paris on January 22. The fashion house has been creating menswear since 1970, with womenswear launching in 1994, and it said combining them was "a natural step to reinforce the correlation between the two lines. Paris will also see Kenzo, part of the LVMH group, unite its men's and women's collections after first testing the formula last June. For Hywel Davies, fashion programme director at London's prestigious Central Saint Martins design school, the "co-ed" trend is both a financially-sound move but also fits in with the industry's openness to change. "It is about the industry looking how to best present their vision and putting mens and women show together makes commerce sense. Why pay for two shows when you can communicate your message in one?" he told AFP. "I think it is a positive thing that the fashion industry is constantly chaining and looking at new ways of communicating its ideas. Change is good. It would be great if more fashion brands considered other ways of presentation instead of just catwalk shows," Davies added. Financially necessity is even more relevant for smaller brands, such as Sibling, a funky brand created by three British designers which moved to mixed shows with its spring-summer 2015 collection. Creating a show for both men's and women's collections is "a much more realistic process, as well as from a production and design point of view", said Sid Bryan, one of the label's stylists. "The timeframe work into a January show and a February show, with men followed straight by women, is virtually impossible. We're a small team," he told AFP. SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo confirmed on Monday that chief executive Marissa Mayer will quit the company's board after its merger with Verizon. Mayer is expected to remain with Yahoo's core business, which is being bought by the US telecom titan. Yahoo is selling its internet operations as a way to separate that from its more valuable stake in Chinese internet giant Alibaba. The share-tending entity, to be renamed Altaba, Inc., will act as an investment company with its board reduced to five members, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Yahoo co-founder David Filo and Mayer will be among those resigning from the board, according to the filing. When asked what role Mayer will play after the merger with Verizon, the company referred AFP to a Tumblr post from July, after the deal to sell the company's core operations was announced. "For me personally, I'm planning to stay," Mayer said in the post. "It's important to me to see Yahoo into its next chapter." Mayer remains chief executive at Yahoo. It still remained unclear on Monday how news of recent large-scale hacks might effect Yahoo's deal to sell its core operating assets to Verizon for $4.8 billion, or Mayer's role going forward. Yahoo said in December that personal data from over a billion users was stolen in a hack dating back to 2013 -- twice as big as another breach disclosed just three months earlier. Verizon said in a statement last month that it would await further news of the investigation before making any decision. "As we've said all along, we will evaluate the situation as Yahoo continues its investigation," the statement said. Verizon had said the prior breach was likely "material," meaning it could allow the telecom giant to scrap the deal or lower its offer. The filing on Monday noted risks faced by the company, including that Verizon might assert claims or renegotiate terms "as a result of facts relating to the security incidents disclosed." The breaches came as a further embarrassment to a company that was one of the biggest names of the internet but which has failed to keep up with rising stars such as Google and Facebook. Yahoo, after a series of reorganizations, decided late last year to sell its main operating business as a way to separate that from its more valuable stake in Chinese internet giant Alibaba. Yahoo's plan would place its main operating business within Verizon, which has already acquired another faded internet star, AOL. The remaining portion would be a holding company with stakes in Alibaba and Yahoo Japan. Yahoo's valuation hit $125 billion during the dot-com boom, but it has been losing ground since then despite several efforts to reboot. In the mid-1990s, Yahoo was among the most popular destinations on the internet, helping many people navigate the emerging web. It became the top online "portal," connecting users to news, music and other content. But its fortunes started to fade when Google began to dominate with its powerful search engine. Source: AFP Innovation is important for the future of mining, especially in South Africa. While the country sits with abundant resources - the richest deposits in the world as per a Citibank report - if these cannot be mined economically (and safely) then it will all come to naught for the mining companies, labour, unions, investors and the country. Modernisation is therefore critical, and has the power to spawn the equivalent of 11 large gold mines and eight large platinum mines; it will also allow gold mining operations to continue profitably well beyond the year 2045, accompanied by widespread industrialisation and competitive manufacturing. Doing things differently Without modernisation, the gold mining industry will experience a sharp production decline as early as 2019 and die out completely in 2033, says Sietse van der Woude, senior executive, modernisation & safety, Chamber of Mines of SA. We need to recognise that if we do not do things differently then we will not have a mining sector. Mechanisation can solve this, and other pressing issues the industry is facing. For example, a key issue in South African mines is health & safety (H&S), but mechanisation can lead us to the closest we will ever be in terms of achieving zero harm - mechanised mines beat traditional mines when it comes to H&S every time. Getting the buy in If mechanisation is viewed as an opportunity to unlock the countrys resources, then mechanised mining also becomes an issue of job preservation and not losses, he adds. If we mechanise and innovate around that then we can actually extend jobs and unlock the vast resources that we have, but currently cannot mine. He maintains that the issue we are grappling with is not whether mechanisation will work or not, it is to get each person to understand fully why modernisation is necessary. This is not an easy task, especially because we have been doing the same thing for so long and to get it right we need the buy in from the people working in the mines, which is a major challenge. Mining Phakisa Last years Mining Phakisa, where an overall strategy was forged by 120 government, company, union and nongovernmental participants, is an innovation in itself, he says. Because it brought together stakeholders that had not only never collaborated previously, but also were willing to establish a coalition, one not forced by a charter or regulation. What has happened since the Mining Phakisa is important, not only for mining industry but also for the other sectors dependent on it, which are looking to capitalise on its survival and stimulating the local manufacturing industry. In the process we will make mistakes, but if we do nothing, then we will have nothing. No activity is bad news, while some activity and making mistakes is good. With this approach, there is learning. The last few years have seen vast growth in corporate social investment (CSI) programmes. Businesses are taking heed of the strategic advantage generated from social programmes, and are beginning to understand and appreciate how a commitment to a healthier society drives the sustainability of business. Successfully implementing a CSI programme means delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes, while still running the core business effectively and optimising a return on investment. Focus areas CSI targets often depend on the nature of the business, the employees project focus and available funds. For a corporate, like Nashua, food security and the provision of school and educational needs are our key social issues with most of the CSI budget pumped into this sector. In general, major CSI focus areas in 2016 included education, children, food security, infrastructure, health and the elderly. In 2017, businesses will direct their focus to youth development. Feeding schemes, education and employment also still remain prevalent areas for CSI initiatives in South Africa. What to invest In the next few years, more CSI initiatives will be registered and the need for social development will increase. Charities want a share of available funds, goods, services and volunteer time. A valuable business contribution to charity is firstly spending money, then donating products and services and finally, volunteerism. Without funding a charity cant function. Running costs and ongoing needs must be met. Giving time is important but volunteerism is fruitless if a charity cant operate properly. CSI compliance CSI has become almost obligatory in the corporate world especially for companies chasing a perfect BBBEE scorecard. Some companies support charitable causes purely for altruistic reasons. However, in the new year, itll be incumbent upon all businesses to help those less fortunate. Compliance to stringent regulation and scrutiny from government, stakeholders and investors will increase as society puts pressure on corporates to do their part. Measuring impact Most businesses are doing their best to help solve social issues within the constraints of the current economic climate. But there are companies who dont do enough, with many donating less than 1.8% of their profits to needy causes. More should be done to actively encourage CSI practices in both the public and private sector. Progress made in tackling social issues is still slow, and companies will need to make a concerted effort to ensure more effective and efficient development initiatives. The future of CSI With CSI funding decreased over the past two years, charities themselves are going to have to look at innovative ways to raise funds. Companies will need to boost CSI funding through partnerships with business associates, using their products as a means of increasing their available funds and offering incentives to employees to participate in fundraising projects. In the future, well see an increase in new and creative ideas to effect change in society. Many companies are starting to consider social and community development programmes with a broader focus like food security, water scarcity, unemployment, waste management and climate change. New corporate structures are emerging through oversight committees and new job titles such as community relations and community engagement practitioners. Going into 2017, its essential corporates and development practitioners take stock of new and emerging trends and practices in CSI. This will allow companies to remain relevant in the ever changing regulatory and governance landscape while still addressing real social and community development needs. FARGO -- A Fargo man is accused in federal court of sending an email to the office of Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., in which he threatened to shoot her in the head, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court. The documents state that Kevin Lee Olson sent the email on Dec. 22, 2016, and that Heitkamps office had received emails from Olson since 2014, including one sent last October in which Olson stated: Im coming for you!! Now what will you hide behind?? A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court on Monday charges Olson with mailing threatening communications. An arrest warrant filed in federal court states Olson was arrested Tuesday in Fargo. The U.S. Capitol Police, the federal police agency charged with protecting members of Congress, executed a warrant in south Fargo Tuesday morning, according to Fargo Deputy Chief Joe Anderson of the Fargo Police Department. Anderson said local officers assisted the federal agents in the execution of the warrant. In April 2016, Olson filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Social Security Administration and the Department of the Treasury asking for, among other things, an exemption from participating in the Affordable Care Act. In documents he filed in that case, Olson said he was born in 1961 and he listed an address of 1637 51st St. S., in Fargo. There was a strong police presence Tuesday morning at that address, and law enforcement personnel could be seen entering and leaving the residence. An affidavit in support of the criminal complaint and arrest warrant states Fargo police interviewed Olson at his home on Jan. 3. The affidavit said Olson admitted that the threatening email sent in December was sent through his account and that he sent the email, but he refused to answer questions regarding the threatening statement. Olson also told officers he owns firearms, according to the affidavit. According to the affidavit, the threatening email read in part: Its (sic) seems the only consideration these days is when one becomes a criminal. I guess I should find you, you (expletive), and shoot you in your red head! Abbie McDonough, communications director for Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, confirmed Tuesday that threats had been made against Heitkamp but declined to discuss details about the investigation into the threats, referring questions to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office could not be reached for comment Tuesday. The U.S. Capitol Police in a statement Tuesday said Olson was arrested for transmitting in interstate commerce any communications containing a threat. The agency stated it began investigating Olson last fall after he sent threatening messages to a member of Congress. In a document Olson recently filed in connection with his suit against the federal government, he states that the district court has been dead silent regarding his case and he asked for the Supreme Court, the Final Stronghold of Constitutional Justice in our Deteriorating Republic, for protection from the Affordable Care Act and Federal Legislative and Executive Criminals. In the past, Olson has corresponded with Heitkamps office regarding his desire for a religious exemption from the ACA. In an email Heitkamp sent to Olson in 2014, Heitkamp said Senate ethic rules prevented her from becoming involved in legal matters or offering legal advice. Olson appeared in court Tuesday afternoon. A detention hearing was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. In 1994, South Africa's first democratic election truly set us on the path to transformation. Yet, 23 years later, there's not much progress to report. Stats SA shows the number of skilled workers managers, professionals, technicians increased meaningfully across all ages of white, indian and coloured South Africans from 1994 to 2014. Yet, gains for black Africans were small. In fact, there are fewer skilled black people between the ages 25 to 34 than there were 20 years ago. It is little wonder 2016 started with a big racial bang and continued to be fraught with racial tension. The heat is on to accelerate transformation, with a growing number of pressure points becoming bigger drivers for change. This sets the scene for what we can expect in 2017. Telling real stories Businesses will be keen to demonstrate their commitment and contribution by showcasing their transformation stories, sharing where they come from, their progress and their future goals. The test will be whether it is true transformational change or just showcasing for compliance sake. The rise of intentional leadership It is widely accepted that South Africa suffers from a leadership deficit in its public and private sectors. Sadly, the past two decades have had little impact on changing our society and we face a massive skills shortage in the future. Overall, figures for executive transformation are poor. By prioritising the development of skilled future leaders their companies benefit, as does the country. There can be no real change without real leadership. 2017 is the year for leaders to look beyond scorecards and make brave commitments. Intentional leadership can shift transformation patterns from incremental to exponential and ensure good headway in the grooming of our future leaders. More funding One response to transformational pressure is to give it a more intense focus. This results in the broader accessibility of funding for transformation, especially for high-impact programmes that are able to demonstrate real economic and sustainable transformation. It is, however, tough out there. In a slow-growth economy there are fewer business opportunities, thus fewer openings for new skills and emerging businesses and limited prospects for transformation. Initiatives need to be highly targeted to achieve their desired change. Getting gatvol On the other hand, faced with mounting tension and the poor results of the past two decades, you may see some corporates throwing in the towel, either resorting to BEE box-ticking or, worse, giving up altogether. A bigger focus on enterprise development Enterprise development is one of the biggest gainers of the increased drive for transformation. Gearing up black businesses to become active players in the economy delivers real transformational development, with added benefits including skills and leadership development. The ability to compete and access market opportunities has exponential future advantages. At Property Point, we dont see small businesses, we see the future for our industry. Nurturing them to become strong, viable companies benefits our entire sector. With nearly a decade in enterprise development, weve produced major transformation gains for the industry. Open conversations Transformation has long been at the top of agendas, but its clear the conversations that should accompany it arent taking place, at least not fully. When transformation works, it works for everyone. When it doesnt work, it fuels tension. The time has come to stop being defensive and instead have frank conversations about transformation. Collaboration More and more businesses are setting aside rivalry with their competitors to work together towards the same end-goal of transformation. By sharing platforms with proven track records of driving transformation forward they are having bigger impacts - individually and collectively. Less stick, more carrots So far, the stick approach to transformation hasnt delivered the goods. Incentives would go a long way to spur businesses to keep their eyes on the prize of real transformation. The festive season has not been kind to the country's largest insurers and they expect car crashes "mostly in KwaZulu-Natal and wildfires raging across the Western Cape to lead to a surge in claims. Motor vehicle accidents Transport minister Dipuo Peters is due on Tuesday to deliver comprehensive statistics on national road accidents, which she has said had risen 16% year on year from December 1 to December 19 2016. The preliminary figures showed there were 684 fatal car crashes during that period in which 845 people had died. But short-term insurer Hollard said it was difficult to assess the holiday season right now. "A clearer picture is only expected to emerge over the next week or so," said Marvin Tshezi, claims manager in Hollard's personal lines business. Mutual & Federal, another short-term insurer, said it would only be able to share its statistics on vehicle claims next week. Western Cape fires Wildfires, which broke out in the Western Cape last Wednesday, have taken a toll on insurers. Santam estimated total claims to the value of R20m, based on those received so far. On January 5, the company had registered 27 claims for damage to residential and commercial property. Donald Kau, head of corporate affairs at Santam, said an accurate assessment of the replacement costs of damaged property was a challenge. The effect of the fires on Santam's profitability would be determined by reported underwriting margins, giving a full picture of the claims received over the past 12 months, he said. The margin measures profit after claims and expenses. It expected to release its 2016 financial statements towards the end of February or early March. Competitor, Outsurance said it had also received claims relating to the Somerset West fires, but could not yet quantify them. Theo Lane, spokesman for the City of Cape Town's fire and rescue services, said that although the fires had been contained, firefighters were still battling with hotspots. While a final assessment of damage across the Western Cape was yet to be received, Lane estimated the structural damage to property at about R53m. But MMI spokesman Lerato Mametse said subsidiary Momentum's short-term division had emerged unscathed. "Momentum short-term insurance has actually seen a decline in claims in December 2016 in comparison to November 2016," she said. "This, however, is not yet a true reflection as clients have up to 30 days to report claims; some holidaymakers will most likely report their claims when they come back from holiday," Mametse said. While KwaZulu-Natal farmers have welcomed three days of rain, the drought is far from over. landagent via Wikimedia Commons - Midmar Dam Torrential rains pounded mainly the northern parts, resulting in two deaths in Nquthu, where two children died when the wall of their home collapsed. Umgeni Water said yesterday that the rains in the province had not made a significant impact and that the drought was likely to persist as most of the water did not make its way to the key catchment areas. Dams remain dangerously low KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union chief executive Sandy la Marque said while the rain was welcome, in many areas dam and water tables remained "dangerously low". "The agricultural sector will take a long time to recover from the lingering drought," she said. "We can only hope that more rain will fall and bring further relief." Shami Harichunder, spokesman for Umgeni Water, said the largest system, which supplies water to four million consumers in the uMgungundlovu district and much of eThekwini, remained under stress as the drought continues. He said the recent rains had not made any impact on dam levels. "It rained at the wrong places and outside our water catchments. For something to happen, the water has to flow to our catchment not straight to the sea," he said. Harichunder said the system in question, Mgeni, comprised in its upper part Spring Grove and Midmar dams and Mearns Weir, while the lower part comprised Albert Falls, Nagle, and Inanda dams. "The levels of four of these dams are lower than they had been a year ago, while the remaining two are marginally higher than they were a year ago to the day," he said. Midmar is currently standing at 57%, up from 48% a year ago. Another improvement was at Mearns Weir which is at 108%, up from 71% a year ago. He said Mearns Weir is currently overflowing as a result of good rains in its catchment - Mooi River and Drakensberg. However, one of the newest dams, the Spring Grove in Mooi River, is down to 51% from 74% a year ago. Nagle Dam near Cato Ridge is down to 60% from 86% a year ago while water levels at Albert Falls near New Hanover are down to 27% from 38% a year ago. Another troubled dam is Inanda in Durban, which has dropped to 62% from 81% a year ago. Harichunder said Spring Grove and Mearns Weir were smaller dams that usually emptied out as quickly as they filled up. Water restrictions "Umgeni Water has issued a reminder to all consumers that water restrictions still remain in place in all of uMgungundlovu, Pietermaritzburg and in about 80% of Durban. An appeal has also been made to consumers to use water sparingly. "Areas of Durban not affected by water restrictions are in the far north of the city," he said. Forecasts by the SA Weather Service and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research suggest that if above-average rainfall is received, this is only likely to occur in the first quarter of 2017. Source: The Times Despite numerous appeals made to government by industry, not enough has happened this past year to improve South Africa's water infrastructure. Numerous promises were made regarding the replacement of aging infrastructure which have long since reached the end of their lifespan, but not much has come from these talks. Past threats falling on deaf ears Water distribution, waste disposal, irrigation and telecommunications all rely on pipelines to function. Pipelines, therefore, lie at the heart of South Africas infrastructure and should be replaced before they fail. For several years now, Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) has been issuing stern warnings about an unavoidable water crisis due to the fact that the replacement of old water pipes around the country is long overdue. As early as 2012, we starting communicating to role players and decision makers that the existing steel and asbestos cement pipe infrastructure in South Africa has corroded since they were installed more than 50 years ago. We have been warning government for a long time now about the possibility of water shortages in the country, especially in areas of high population. Their reluctance to listen to us and slow action is now starting to take its toll in the light of severe water restrictions. When looking at the current water crisis and possibility of water shedding, however, it is clear that we were not crying wolf. Unfortunately, it has taken too long for the message to sink in nor are they doing enough to address related problems such as the pollution of the countrys water sources. Growth areas for the plastic pipe industry Despite the fact that we are operating in very difficult economic and market conditions, there are exciting areas of growth in the plastic pipe industry. Water distribution and sewage disposal in particular are two areas where the demand for HDPE and PVC pipes are growing in demand. The potential for strong recovery in the plastics pipe industry is great, provided a few sensible decisions are made at government level. Apart from this, there is still good potential to grow market share at the cost of other materials, due to the inherent benefits of PVC and HDPE piping systems. This includes the ability of some materials enabling larger diameters and higher pressures. We are also optimistic about the positive impact potential that new services in areas not yet linked to the infrastructure will have on the plastic pipe industry, as well as the upgrading of pipe networks that have reached the end their useful life or lines that are currently inadequate. They are also anticipating that natural gas distribution will eventually contribute to the demand of plastic pipe. Facing the challenges Some of the most pressing issues facing the local plastic pipe industry continue to be the typical problems of the country, such as labour issues, skills shortages and work ethic. Fortunately, it seems as if the electricity supply problem experienced a year ago now appears to be a thing of the past, although the high cost of electricity still has a crippling effect on industry role players. There is increasing worry that electricity supply could very well again become an issue if the industrial and mining demand in the country increases. Another challenge is the need for modernising production equipment in order for local pipe manufacturers to become more efficient. However, in light of the current low demand, it is hard to motivate such a much-needed investment. Conclusion From our perspective, not enough is materialising to improve the countrys water infrastructure. One can only hope that the current water crisis that is staring our nation in the face will galvanise action at government level and that the political infighting does not totally distract from setting priorities and working towards it. There are many exciting, new markets and opportunities emerging for the plastic pipe industry. We have an ever-increasing role to play, and are making a difference where it matters. As an industry, we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure the future of the industry through maintaining excellent quality and adhering to industry standards. We want to make sure that we are part of the solution not part of the problem. 2015 was difficult for the tourism sector. The overseas visitors on whom we rely to sustain our businesses did not come in the large numbers we expected. The 2015 Annual Tourism Report issued by South African Tourism found that about nine million fewer tourists came to our shores in 2015 than in 2014. This resulted in near zero growth in real terms in revenue from international tourism. Jerry Mabena South Africa also lost market share compared to other sub-Saharan markets according to the same report. 2016 has been better and we look set to recover some of the ground we lost in 2015. But to think this means we can resume business as usual would be a grave error. The pain that came with the drop in international tourist arrivals last in 2015 and the relief thats coming with this years budding recovery should be the wake-up call to us all. The performance of our businesses is highly vulnerable to the swings in overseas demand for travel to South Africa. And this vulnerability appears unnecessary and self-inflicted, in some respects, when you consider how much untapped demand exists in domestic tourism. Breaking into the 'Afropoliton' market I have spent much of this year speaking about this untapped domestic tourism demand and pleading for a change in how we in tourism think about our target markets. At Attractions Africa in June, I presented research drawn from work by South African Tourism and KayaFM that revealed that only a tiny proportion of South Africans are visiting their own country. Black people in particular, Afropolitans, as KayaFM calls them, are missing from the domestic tourism market. The research also affirmed my view that income levels arent what keeps black travellers away. Rather, the problem is that the tourism sector has yet to find ways to truly understand and respond to the varied needs of black travellers all black travellers, not just black diamonds, which is an unfortunate label that permeates much of the marketing for durable goods and tourism in South Africa. We must find ways to broaden domestic tourisms appeal beyond traditional markets. In our own sector, there are some wonderful examples of how marketing that responds to the social and economic realities of black potential travellers can grow domestic tourism. There are people who are being innovative and defying stereotypes about black travellers, people like Ntsika Daki, an art director in Cape Town who leads young black people on urban and nature hikes. Another example is Blacks Do Caravan, a book written by Fikile Hlatshwayo that recounts how caravanning helped the author cope with depression. As the title suggests, the book argues that there is nothing distinctive to black people that should keep them from the experience of caravanning a fun, affordable way to travel the country. Rather, the caravanning experience can at times be hostile to black people; for instance, being mistaken for staff at the campsite rather than a traveller. Offering more opportunities for group travel is another way we can broaden domestic tourisms appeal and entrench a culture of domestic travel. Church groups, stokvels, study groups and book clubs, for instance, might already be travelling together, or have access to resources to travel, and are just waiting for the tourism sector to offer packages that will enhance their bond as a social group. Growth and diversification So opportunities for growth and diversification do exist, but only if we are willing to see them for what they are. We should leave behind unfounded ideas about what black people do and dont like, and instead, expand how we structure our offerings to appeal to black potential travellers as well. The business benefits of diversifying our products and customer pool are obvious. But there is another equally important benefit. In her book, Hlatswayo recounts how her caravanning experience brought her into close social contact with white people and made her realise that we arent at all that different. Campsites, hiking trails, picnic sites, lookout points and other places visited by tourists can become spaces where South Africans come together to heal from the racist ideologies of the past that sought to divide us. And we in the tourism sector have an important role to play in making sure that we appeal to all South Africans to visit such places. A blaze which started in the Du Toitskloof mountains in Paarl in the early hours of Tuesday morning has already ripped through about 250 hectares of land, destroying some cottages along the way, fire services have confirmed. Firefighters were battling the inferno which was growing by the hour, incident command post spokesperson Justin Lawrence told News24. Image Source: eNCA - Firefighters battle blaze in Paarl, Western Cape on Tuesday. Photo: Sullivan Photography Drakenstein Farm Watch chairperson Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp said nine cottages and two guest houses had been destroyed by the flames. The farm watch group, made up of local farmers, also responded to the blaze, with 30 farmers operating the watch's three fire trucks. Its volunteers were also evacuating animals from the affected farms, and a number of horses and dogs had already been removed from the vicinity. According to Van Leeuwen Boomkamp, during evacuation efforts after midnight, many of those living in the cottages had not even been aware that the mountain was ablaze. He said unconfirmed reports were received that five people had been killed when a cottage collapsed, however, this has been denied by fire authorities. No injuries or fatalities had been reported, Lawrence confirmed. The cause of the fire was not yet known. A fire also broke out between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek on Monday night, destroying two hectares of vegetation, News24 reported. In addition, an investigation was underway to determine if the devastating wildfires that spread around Somerset West last week, stretching firefighting resources, destroying a luxury lodge and causing around R60m damage, were started intentionally, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des van Rooyen said after visiting the area on Monday. Source: News24 Read this report on News24Wire.com. 'AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z' reveals key learnings to help marketers connect with different generations more effectively across traditional and digital channels A new AdReaction study from Kantar Millward Brown, released today, reveals Gen Z has its own distinct behaviours, attitudes and responses to advertising. The study, AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z, is the first-ever comprehensive global study of Gen Z, and provides guidance on how marketers can engage more effectively with this increasingly important group. The study analyses key media consumption patterns, attitudes toward advertising and responses to specific creative approaches, and is based on surveys of more than 23,000 consumers in 39 countries. This is the first time it has been possible to explore the opinions of the first cohort of Gen Z now aged 16-19 that are becoming increasingly relevant to brand marketers across a wide variety of categories and products. The Gen Z population numbers approximately two billion globally. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z highlights that Gen Z are even more passionate about music than millennials (43% like to have always on access to music compared to 30% for Gen Y) and more digitally savvy than previous generations. Gen Z are also more difficult to engage; among people who skip ads, they skip three seconds faster per ad on average than Gen X. Gen Z have grown up in an on-demand world of infinite choice, and this flavours their expectations of advertising. They are much more attracted to ads that allow them to co-create or shape what happens, compared to Gens Y and X, who have a higher preference to link to more information about the brand, said Duncan Southgate, Global Brand Director, Media & Digital at Kantar Millward Brown. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z identifies a number of key opportunities for brands to connect with Gen Z: Dont ignore traditional media: Despite their digitally dominated media consumption, Gen Z can still be impressed by traditional media. While they spend less time with traditional (51% watch an hour or more of TV a day compared to 74% for Gen X), Gen Z are consistently more positive about ad formats such as outdoor, print ads and cinema, TV and radio ads than standard digital alternatives. Respect their online space: Within the digital space Gen Z are more positive than other generations towards mobile rewards video and skippable pre-rolls (which achieve net positive scores of 41% and 15% respectively), but especially damning of invasive ad formats like non-skippable pre-rolls and pop-ups (-36% and -42% respectively). Creative approach makes a difference: Music, humour and celebrities all make Gen Z more receptive to advertising. They are also attracted to ads that allow them to co-create or see what happens when they make a decision. They are more positive towards brands that let them vote for something to happen (31% compared to 25% for Gen Y,) choose an option (28% compared to 25%) or take decisions (27% compared to 22%). However, these attributes alone are no guarantee of success. Design matters: An extremely design-conscious consumer, Gen Z will take note of an ads aesthetic qualities and appreciate the use of new immersive formats like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Innovation in formats like native ads, sponsored lenses and sponsored filters all attract much stronger approval with Gen Z than other age groups. Be even more social: Gen Z are significantly heavier users of social platforms, not just in terms of the time they spend on them but also the number of platforms they visit. These range well beyond Facebook and YouTube and include Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. 36% of Gen Z globally access Instagram several times a day and 24% access Snapchat at the same frequency, compared to 21% and 10% respectively for Gen Y (those aged 20-34) and 9% and 4% for Gen X (those aged 35-49). Dont apply the same approach globally: Gen Z is not homogenous and local insights reveal further nuances. In China, for example, Gen Z want music in ads to be upbeat, playful and fun. By contrast in Germany, Gen Z seeks music that helps them to understand the message without listening to a voiceover. Using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques combined with ad testing of 31 ads in 10 markets, AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z reveals a generation that, in some areas, are simply a little more extreme in their media attitudes and behaviour, but also have their own distinct traits. Additional key findings include: This is the mobile-first generation with 74% spending more than an hour a day on their mobile device compared to 66% for Gen Y and 55% for Gen X. TV, radio and print consumption are all lower as well with 51% of Gen Z watching an hour or more of TV each day compared to 59% for Gen Y and 74% for Gen X. Gen Z are dramatically more passionate about music and movies. Ads placed in these contexts are far more powerful with this group, with 39% of Gen Z saying music makes them more positive to advertising and 38% reporting that movies have the same effect (compared to just 29% and 28% for Gen X). All generations prefer short videos, but Gen Z like ads less than 10 seconds even more than previous generations, while Gen X is more tolerant of videos up to 20 seconds. Gen Z are slightly more likely to have installed ad blocking software on desktop than older consumers (31% vs 30% for Gen Y and 22% for Gen X) but they are no more likely to have installed a mobile ad blocking app (13% vs 14% for Gen Y and 12% for Gen X). Given their scepticism towards advertising, this makes branded content more attractive to Gen Z. Formats like branded events, social media feeds and celebrity endorsements all score higher for this group globally than older consumers. Gen Y is more positive about user reviews, social media and native information, while Gen X prefers brand information. No generation is a monolith and Gen Z is no exception. Their upbringing, expectations and access to technology, however, has created a range of attitudes and behaviours that will challenge marketers. Only where brands take all this into consideration will they be successful in engaging this increasingly critical and fast-emerging group of consumers, concluded Southgate. Review the global and country-specific results of the AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z report here. About AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z Kantar Millward Brown surveyed more than 23,000 16- to 49-year-old consumers across 39 countries. Qualitative research was also conducted among Gen Z in the US, Germany and China, and 31 TV ads were tested across TV, and digital platforms in 10 countries. The AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z study explores advertising receptivity across three generations to analyse and understand when and where each group is most likely to respond positively to advertising. It also provides marketers globally with practical advice about which creative approaches work best across the three generations. AdReaction studies have been conducted since 2001, delivering insights on consumers' perceptions of advertising, particularly digital formats. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z addresses key questions facing marketers, including: What are Gen Zs characteristics, desires, likes and dislikes, and how do they want to interact with brands? How do the media attitudes and behaviours of Gen Z differ from Millennials (Gen Y) and Baby Busters (Gen X)? What do marketers need to know to navigate emerging social trends and cultural norms as they develop content and plan media? About Kantar Millward Brown Kantar Millward Brown is a leading global research agency specialising in advertising effectiveness, strategic communication, media and digital, and brand equity research. The company helps clients grow great brands through comprehensive research-based qualitative and quantitative solutions. Kantar Millward Brown operates in more than 55 countries and is part of WPPs Kantar group, one of the worlds leading data, insight and consultancy companies. Learn more at www.millwardbrown.com. For more information contact: Ilse Dinner Marketing Communications Kantar Millward Brown moc.ratnak@rennid.esli Tel: +27 11 202 7000 Monique Claassen Kantar Millward Brown Director, Media & Digital moc.nworbdrawllim@nessaalc.euqinoM Tel: +27 11 202 7000 With the new school year all ready to kick off into 2017, we need to say congratulations to everyone who laboured away, burning the midnight oil in building a future for themselves. A massive thank you to our teachers too, who put in the extra work with limited resources (yes, we know you do), we applaud you. Though, its not much different to when I matriculated many moons ago. Waiting with anticipation to see your name appear on that piece of paper stuck to the wall. And then, all anxiety escapes, when finally, you see your name in all its glory. Its a great moment of relief, jubilation and triumph in completing your school career, not yet truly grasping the fact that we were then immediately unemployed. A grim reality quickly caught up with us, even worse if you didnt have the means to further your education. In South Africa, our unemployment rate sits at 27%, with a staggering 65.5% youth, mostly of school leaving age. This has a tremendous effect on the economy and GDP of South Africa, and even less opportunity for those without the illusive Bachelors Pass. Not such a celebration if we dont make changes to where its hurting us the most our education system. Creative change is needed to excel Excelling at school is a great advantage in furthering careers and developing thinking for those who have passed and have the opportunity (funding) to study further. But the question taunting everyone who gives a blue bean about the future of our country: what calibre of job-seeking school-leavers are we developing? What about those who arent able to excel and those who scrape by with the bottom-of-the-barrel results? Worse still, what about those who are still in school? Is our curriculum setting them up for failure? Yes, weve seen an increase of 2% in the matric results this year, from 70.7% (in 2015) to 72.5% in 2016 which is great, but our maths and literacy levels are nothing to hoot about. In fact, its been revealed that the raw figures from Umalusi (DBE quality control body) shows that the average mark received by learners who wrote the mathematical literacy exam, to be in the region of only 37%. Our education system is broken and a quick fix is not going to cut it. We need to establish and develop a concrete plan in taking our country to further heights. Alarmingly, in recent weeks, weve seen stories make the headlines that the mathematics pass rate is to drop to 20% to consider a pass to the next grade. This has of course been dismissed by the Education Department, that there is no such thing as 20% pass rate. The department is fully aware that not every learner has a high aptitude and appetite for mathematics, which leaves us with an opportunity (and need) to reform our policies. With the scarcity of jobs, a spiralling economy, tighter budgets and limited opportunities, we need to ask ourselves what education means to us as a nation. In essence, adopting a 20% pass rate means that youve failed rationalising 80% of the content. With the focus and investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), we need to re-evaluate what type of candidates were sending out into the world, and what the results will be. If the 2016 matric results are anything to go by, and should we adopt a 20% pass rate for maths in the future, then the future of our country seems bleak at best. We are all aware that not everyone is mathematically inclined. Some people are more inclined towards the arts, others are better with technical subjects making this policy unfair to those who are forced to take mathematics but are not good at it, Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education. In essence, no attention is being paid to our creative kids, and they will continue to be stuck in dead-end jobs and unfulfilling careers. The benefits of art are mesmerising Its time for us to reintroduce the Arts (and creativity) in school as a necessary step in improving the lives of learners, in building confidence and challenging their thinking, especially for those who are not inclined to excel at subjects such as mathematics, physics and science. The results of adopting an art-centric approach to schooling has reaped benefits for countries such as Finland, and how theyre breaking the rules in education. We need to place emphasis on the Arts too, from STEM to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). Art affords learners a different way of addressing intrinsic and extrinsic concepts. A common misconception of art as romanticised by mainstream media, is that art is about freedom of expression. On the contrary, art comprises the understanding of concepts, tone, relationships, the ability to create, to challenge thinking and application of varying techniques. Art has massive advantages on a personal and social level, affording people the opportunity and need to concentrate, to solve problems, to collaborate, to ask questions and most importantly, to drive action and innovation. Art is the premise of how we can re-imagine how we engage, how we see the world, and how we contribute to it. Art and creativity contributes to many industries, from tech, science and engineering, to fashion, architecture and marketing, among others. It will aid our countrys unemployment rate too, allowing people to think up fresh ideas for business and entrepreneurship, bolstering our continent from the Dark Continent to the Brightest Continent of Ideas. Who knows, maybe the next Elon Musk is sitting in Mitchells Plain, or Soweto. We will never know if the opportunity to address our education system is never realised. We need to change our perspective. Its time to take the step. Art is not merely the ability to create, but the ability and benefit, to think creatively. Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries SUBSCRIBE Urbantonic provides all the tools and services to successfully plan and manage an event. Known within the industry for our logistical expertise, we also house staffing, bar and hiring divisions. Books for Sale Shipping and handling charges for one book is $3.00. For all other quantities you will have to contact me before ordering as I will gladly combine shipping on quantity orders to save you money. If you wish to order 20 or more copies of a single title please contact me for bulk order pricing. I can only accept checks or money orders at this time. All items must be paid for before shipping. Make the check out to Dennis Bickers and mail to 620 Miles Ridge Road, Madison, IN 47250. Our youth holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for South Africa. They are the leaders of tomorrow that can guide our country to brand-new heights. But they face many obstacles - a rapidly declining economy, outdated education systems, a lack of trusted leadership, and the growing threat of job displacement due to emerging and disruptive technologies. Kenya considers producing oil from coal to cut imports Kenya is considering converting a portion of its coal deposits to oil as part of measures to cushion the economy from the volatile fuel import market. Petroleum principal secretary Andrew Kamau on Monday said the coal-to-liquid (CTL) option remains open while acknowledging the heavy initial costs of setting up a processing plant. Kenya has in recent years discovered coal deposits within the Mui Basin in Kitui, having struck more than 400 million tonnes with further exploration ongoing but mining is yet to begin. Coal is mainly burnt to produce electricity as a global practice but it can also be processed as an alternative petroleum as is the case in South Africa. Well first have to use the coal in power plants but the coal-to-liquid technology is still a possibility for us, said Mr Kamau, noting that the technology could guzzle billions of dollars. Implementation of the proposal would supplement Kenyas oil deposits, estimated at 750 million barrels, a portion of which the country seeks to start exporting mid this year to test the global market. Oil accounts for about a fifth of Kenyas import bill, underlining its signiant role in the countrys foreign exchange dynamics. A majority of countries with massive coal deposits, like the US and Australia, have not shown interest in the coal-to-liquid technology, citing high costs. South African firm Sasol has a plant near Johannesburg that converts coal into a liquid that can, thereafter, be refined into petrol and diesel. The Sate-owned firm owns a number of plants, the recent of which is estimated at $3 billion (Sh300 billion) each. Sasols daily production supplies about a third of South Africas transport-fuel needs, saving the economy billions of dollars in foreign exchange. The plant spits out about 160,000 barrels (25.4 million litres) of fuel from coal daily to power vehicles, machinery and airplanes. A barrel is equivalent of 159 litres of petroleum. Kenya imported Sh676.5 million worth of petroleum products from South Africa in the first 10 months of last year, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. These include lubricants, engine oil, grease and heavy fuel oils used to generate electricity in thermal plants. China, the largest coal producer, has also invested in coal liquefaction through the State-owned China Shenhua Group as an alternative to run the oil-hungry economy. [Global: Haiti] Any large city in the world would have suffered extensive damage from an earthquake on the scale of the one that ravaged Haiti's capital city on Tuesday afternoon, but it's no accident that so much of Port-au-Prince now looks like a war zone. Much of the devastation wreaked by this latest and most calamitous disaster to befall Haiti is best understood as another thoroughly manmade outcome of a long and ugly historical sequence. The country has faced more than its fair share of catastrophes. Hundreds died in Port-au-Prince in an earthquake back in June 1770, and the huge earthquake of 7 May 1842 may have killed 10,000 in the northern city of Cap Haitien alone. Hurricanes batter the island on a regular basis, mostly recently in 2004 and again in 2008; the storms of September 2008 flooded the town of Gonaives and swept away much of its flimsy infrastructure, killing more than a thousand people and destroying many thousands of homes. The full scale of the destruction resulting from this earthquake may not become clear for several weeks. Even minimal repairs will take years to complete, and the long-term impact is incalculable. What is already all too clear, however, is the fact that this impact will be the result of an even longer-term history of deliberate impoverishment and disempowerment. Haiti is routinely described as the "poorest country in the western hemisphere". This poverty is the direct legacy of perhaps the most brutal system of colonial exploitation in world history, compounded by decades of systematic postcolonial oppression. The noble "international community" which is currently scrambling to send its "humanitarian aid" to Haiti is largely responsible for the extent of the suffering it now aims to reduce. Ever since the US invaded and occupied the country in 1915, every serious political attempt to allow Haiti's people to move (in former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide's phrase) "from absolute misery to a dignified poverty" has been violently and deliberately blocked by the US government and some of its allies. Aristide's own government (elected by some 75% of the electorate) was the latest victim of such interference, when it was overthrown by an internationally sponsored coup in 2004 that killed several thousand people and left much of the population smouldering in resentment. The UN has subsequently maintained a large and enormously expensive stabilisation and pacification force in the country. Haiti is now a country where, according to the best available study, around 75% of the population "lives on less than $2 per day, and 56% four and a half million people live on less than $1 per day". Decades of neoliberal "adjustment" and neo-imperial intervention have robbed its government of any significant capacity to invest in its people or to regulate its economy. Punitive international trade and financial arrangements ensure that such destitution and impotence will remain a structural fact of Haitian life for the foreseeable future. It is this poverty and powerlessness that account for the full scale of the horror in Port-au-Prince today. Since the late 1970s, relentless neoliberal assault on Haiti's agrarian economy has forced tens of thousands of small farmers into overcrowded urban slums. Although there are no reliable statistics, hundreds of thousands of Port-au-Prince residents now live in desperately sub-standard informal housing, often perched precariously on the side of deforested ravines. The selection of the people living in such places and conditions is itself no more "natural" or accidental than the extent of the injuries they have suffered. As Brian Concannon, the director of the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, points out: "Those people got there because they or their parents were intentionally pushed out of the countryside by aid and trade policies specifically designed to create a large captive and therefore exploitable labour force in the cities; by definition they are people who would not be able to afford to build earthquake resistant houses." Meanwhile the city's basic infrastructure running water, electricity, roads, etc remains woefully inadequate, often non-existent. The government's ability to mobilise any sort of disaster relief is next to nil. The international community has been effectively ruling Haiti since the 2004 coup. The same countries scrambling to send emergency help to Haiti now, however, have during the last five years consistently voted against any extension of the UN mission's mandate beyond its immediate military purpose. Proposals to divert some of this "investment" towards poverty reduction or agrarian development have been blocked, in keeping with the long-term patterns that continue to shape the distribution of international "aid". The same storms that killed so many in 2008 hit Cuba just as hard but killed only four people. Cuba has escaped the worst effects of neoliberal "reform", and its government retains a capacity to defend its people from disaster. If we are serious about helping Haiti through this latest crisis then we should take this comparative point on board. Along with sending emergency relief, we should ask what we can do to facilitate the self-empowerment of Haiti's people and public institutions. If we are serious about helping we need to stop trying to control Haiti's government, to pacify its citizens, and to exploit its economy. And then we need to start paying for at least some of the damage we've already done. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jan/13/our-role-in-haitis-plight Dagens Nyheter: "A popular Czech video website has published fake news about Sweden" 10. 1. 2017 cas cteni 2 minuty The Swedish daily newspaper Dagens Nyheter has published an article accusing a popular Czech digital TV channel of spreading fake news. The DVTV website, operated by Aktualne.cz, has released a half-an-hour interview with the Swedish-Czech writer Katerina Janouchova, who asserts in the interview that "Sweden has been crushed by refugees, that she has been forced to learn how to use a fire arm and that Sweden needs a strong man to rule the country now". Writing in Dagens Nyheter, critic Hynek Pallas accuses Janouchova of disseminating lies, distortions and inaccuracies. In the interview, Janouchova complains that young Swedish people no longer get apartments and cancer patients suffer from long waiting lists in hospitals - all because of refugees. She asserts that large amounts of Swedes emigrate to the USA and to the UK now, because the state is no longer able to defend them. A full English translation of the interview is HERE Disinformation, continues Pallas, is a serious problem in contemporary politics. It was a feature of the Trump campaign and in Brexit. Disinformation also fuels xenophobia in the countries of Central Europe which have had no experience with either immigration or integration. In the Czech Republic, Sweden as well as Germany (which Janouch also mentions in the interview) has become a symbolic "multicultural hell" and the reason why the Czechs must "fight against the EU". For the Czechs it is difficult to check Janouchova's allegations that 75 per cent of all male immigrant arrivals "pretend that they are children", says Pallas. They have no prior knowledge of Sweden and the Czech media tells them that it is a country where jihadists roam free and there are no-go zones. Disinformation which is being disseminated about Sweden is a serious matter and the Swedish Foreign Ministry has rightly decided to help Swedish embassies abroad to correct the distorted image of the country, concludes the article. Source in Swedish: HERE Ingmar Karlsson, former Swedish ambassador to Czechoslovakia, has reacted to the Janouchova interview on Facebook in a similar vein: "The purpose of this interview was to confirm a construction which has been created by the Czech media for several years now, namely that Sweden is a country where jihadists roam freely. The purpose of this interview was to confirm that the current Czech immigration policy is correct. Janouchova's simplifications, half-truths and open lies work as a confirmation of prejudiced and xenophobic statements made by Czech President Zeman. This interview deepens the hostility of ordinary Czechs towards Swedes." 0 The website for Minnesota's incredible shrinking high speed rail project has just gotten a rebrand, along with having a lot less information (i.e. none) posted online. North American High Speed Rail Group's domain name, http://nahsr.com, now redirects visitors to something called the Minnesota Corridor, domain name http://mnhsr.com. A search on ICANN's WHOIS site reveals that Minnesota Corridor's domain was registered on October 22, 2016 with one person for registrant contact, admin contact and tech contact: Name: Wendy Meadley Organization: Social Wendy Group Mailing Address: 6403 Limerick Drive, Edina Minnesota 55439 US . . . The screenshot at the top of this post is the entirety of the Minnesota Corridor two and a half months later. The rebrand itself isn't news. In our December 13, 2016 post, Tonight on Southern Minnesota's walking dead: why won't zombie ziprail stay dead & other stuff, we'd noted that the Star Tribune reported about the name change: At the Star Tribune's "Who Knew?" division, Janet Moore reported in Private plan for Twin Cities-Rochester high-speed rail draws pushback: The prospect of a high-speed rail line slicing through the rural stretch of land between the Twin Cities and Rochester, and financed by Chinese and other private investors, is to some an exquisite dream. To others, its folly. . . .[A] privately held Bloomington firm called the North American High Speed Rail Group (NAHSR) is keeping the idea of a high-speed rail line alive. Recently the group said that it was reorganizing and is now known as the Minnesota Corridor Project. None of NAHSRs officers has experience developing such a project. [emphasis added] The groups reorganization will continue to meet opposition from a determined grass-roots group called Citizens Concerned About Rail Line (CCARL) and several southern Minnesota lawmakers. There's no listing for Minnesota Corridor in the business filings database at the Minnesota Secretary of State's website. Meadley is still registered as a lobbyist for the North American High Speed Rail Group with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Perhaps the good country people in CCARL can ask the board whether, in the name of transparency, the reorganized entity needs to register as an association with the board. It might be helpful for the newly reorganized group tell the Minnesota Secretary of State's office about that new name as well. While Meadley owns the domain name, she doesn't list either the North American High Speed Rail Group nor the Minnesota Corridor as current employers in her LinkedIn profile (below) as of January 9, 2017. Of course, there's no law (that we know of) requiring the Social Wendy Group to actualize its client list. Once upon a time, there was a public project (Ziprail). Once upon a time, North American High Speed Rail put together a business plan (later redacted). Once upon a time, it was going to use investment by EB-5 visa holders to help finance the high speed rail project. Like the unfortunate creatures in the Walking Dead, this thing seems to have less and less meat on its bones with each new rising. We could go on....as must likely this grifters' dreamscape will appear every once in a while, as did "Wendy Meadley sitting on a bench on the ground floor of the State Office Bldg" last Thursday, a source tells us in an email. Screenshots: Top: the Minnesota Corridor's website (side note--thank heavens CCARL is good about keeping screenshots of the old pages in case journalists ever want documentation of earlier manifestations of the project. Bottom: Wendy Meadley's LinkedIn profile as of January 9, 2017. Please donate! If you enjoy Bluestem's take on the news--and our investigative blogging--please consider throwing some spare change into our paypal account during our January contribution drive. Bluestem relies on reader contributions to continue publishing. If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 33166 770th Ave, Ortonville, MN 56278) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email sally.jo.sorensen@gmail.com as recipient. Famous Weird Fake Things People Did! Pulse oi-Syeda Farah Noor There are many cheaters around the world and they find some of the weirdest and easiest ways to fool people. In some of these cases, people have even crossed their humanity levels by shaving the fur of cats and have sold them as Sphinxes! You May Also Like To Read: WHAT!! Can Over Masturbation Ruin Your Life? Check out some of the most bizarre things that people have done to fool other people around. Also Read: Places That Disappear Under Water At High Tide PS: There are a few funny incidents as well! Read on to know more. A Woman Shaved Kittens & Sold Them As Sphinxes! An unidentified heartless woman shaved kittens and sold them to people who believed that the kittens were Sphinxes. She posted ads for selling hairless Sphinxes for just $650. When people would approach her to investigate on this, she would pretend to be in a hurry and would leave the place soon. No case was registered against her due to lack of evidence. Image Source Fake US Embassy That Handed Visas For A Decade! A fake US embassy that was running for 10 years in Ghana turned out to loot people in a very brilliant way. Even though the embassy was handing over the real visas (all thanks to their connections with the Government sources), they were caught and had to shut down after the sources let down their secret of the whole operation. Image Source Man Hires A Family To Prank Relatives Josh Brassow wanted to send across some fake Christmas cards to his conservative family. He posted an ad on his Facebook for a woman with children that would agree to pose with him for a Christmas card. He clicked with a mother and two sons and in no time his story went viral and the whole world had a hearty laugh! Image Source Woman Makes Fake License Plate For Car Police pulled over a Massachusetts woman driving with a drawing on the license plate and putting it on her car. It was not surprising that she was driving on a suspended license. She was charged later for the same. Image Source A Man Faked 31 Boarding Passes! This Malaysian man named "Raejali Buntut" overslept in the Singapore airport lounge and missed his flight. He lived at the Changi airport for 18 days by downloading fake boarding passes and manipulating them with the help of the Photoshop software. He made 31 passes in total and used them to go in and out of the lounges in all the 3 terminals. He was later caught by the staff who found him in the same lounge a few days earlier. Image Source PR Newswire DALLAS, Jan. 9, 2017 DALLAS, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The costs of getting a college education has risen. Many students are having to apply for more loans in order to pay for college. In 2015, approximately seven out of 10 college graduates owed money for student loans. The average student loan debt is more than $30,000 per borrower, with the total student load debt being around $1.2 trillion. Attending college costs about $9,650 for a four-year public college with in-state tuition. That number more than doubles for out-of-state. Private nonprofit universities cost about $33,480 to attend. Those costs are just for the tuition - costs of room and board range from $10,000 to $12,000. So what can students do to help alleviate or eliminate this debt? Several students have turned to entrepreneurship to earn money for college tuition. In fact, 54% of millennials have or want to start their own business. Once such entrepreneurial student, LeiLei Secor, is selling jewelry on Etsy to help cover her tuition costs. In three years, she has made $100,000 through her Etsy business. Businesses like LeiLei's require not only a platform to sell, but also a way to get the merchandise to the customer. That is where eShipGlobal's product, eShipNOW, comes in. eShipNOW is a personal shipping solution that launched in October of 2016. It is an easy-to-use, cloud-based service. Through the service, users can ship packages up to 150 lbs at discounted rates. They also have the ability to ship Internationally or domestically. eShipNOW helps users save money, not only with discounted rates, but also with cost comparison. Users have the ability to compare shipping costs across several different carriers (FedEx, UPS, etc.). The best part is that sign-up is completely free, students only pay for the shipping. The only thing people need to sign-up is a valid email address. eShipGlobal has a vision for eShipNOW that they hope to be able to implement in the future. These additions would provide more support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, such as integrating Etsy and allowing users to add products to a personal product database. The vision to this integration would be that eShipNOW would also become an order fulfillment tool for individuals and small businesses. eShipGlobal was started by an entrepreneur who is proud to offer a service that could potentially help other entrepreneurs with their own business. Press Contact:Saul SeverePhone: 972.518.1775Email: [email protected] Related Files eShipNowSheet v1-1.pdf Related Links https://eshipnow.eshipglobal.com/ This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com/. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eshipnow---creating-the-mold-300388215.html SOURCE eShipGlobal Inc The Most Extensive and Reliable Source of Information Related to the Mexican Drugs Cartels. You will not find this level of coverage anywhere else, join us! WARNING: Posts may contain strong violent material, discretion is advised. COMMENTS: We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. Does the theological conservatism of a church help or hinder its chances for growth? And what, if any, impact might that have on its social and political witness? In a new research study, sociologist David Haskell and historian Kevin Flatt explore the first of these questions. Using survey data from 22 mainline Protestant churches across southern Ontario, the study concludes that the theological conservatism of both attendees and clergy emerged as important factors in predicting church growth. Our data demonstrate that within our sample, theological differences do matter for church growth, they write. These associations hold even when church age, clergy age, congregant age, and the presence of conflict in the congregation are controlled for and other variables related to growth (such as worship style, youth emphasis, and clarity of purpose) are held constant. Though Haskell and Flatt plan to develop 5 academic papers from their data, the current study doesnt seek to uncover an underlying explanation as to why the trend exists, nor does it aim to explore the other ripple effects to social witness. But for those who believe the church bears a distinct social responsibility, theres a second overlapping and intersecting question thats well worth asking: How might a churchs theological commitments and priorities impact its public voice and influence? In his epilogue to The Churchs Social Responsibility: Reflections on Evangelicalism and Social Justice, Flatt offers a separate set of reflections on this point. Unlike the study on church growth, the essay doesnt rely on survey data, but it does point us to a strong historical case study from mainline Protestantism. Titled A Cautionary Tale, the essay sets its focus on the United Church of Canada, a denomination that has suffered a decline in recent years, not only in church attendance and participation, but also in social influence and political witness. In the mid-19th century, Flatt explains, Canadas Methodist and Presbyterian bodies formed the backbone of Canadian evangelicalism, deeply committed to biblical authority and deathly serious about the proclamation of a gospel of eternal salvation at home and abroad. Yet after a series of theological squabbles, due in part to the rise of modernity and competing ideologies of progress, many saw the social gospel of the early 20th century as a convenient path to unity: Social activism of various kinds had a long history in evangelicalism, but by making the central purpose of the church the salvation of societythe amelioration of social conditions through activismthe social gospel bypassed awkward doctrinal discussions. Preachers could stick to the Sermon on the Mount and selections of the Minor Prophets and avoid theological showdowns with their congregations. Ministers whose theological education had shorn them of belief in original sin or the deity of Christ could still find their purpose in urban planning reform or womens suffrage. Above all, the social gospel allowed the churches to focus on something practical and avoid what was often labeled fruitless controversy. Thus, the United Church of Canada was created in 1925, formed largely to pursue social reform on a national scale, Flatt explains. This would be a church defined by its commitment to social justice. Over time, however, the churchs overt emphasis on social activism allowed for the creep of theological liberalism into its pews. By the 1960s, leaders were boldly questioning the virgin birth, the existence of hell, and whether Jesus was the Son of God or the only way to God and heaven. The result was a unified political ideology of little distinction with the secular Left, paired with theological disorder in the guise of diversity and a decline in church attendance and participation. A United Church that will take a firm stance to boycott goods produced by Israeli settlements in the West Bank, but wont rebuke a moderator who denies Christs deity and resurrection, simply doesnt attract much support as a church, Flatt writes. If current trends continue, the United Church, formed to be the social conscience of a nation, will not have any members left to celebrate its 125th birthday. Yet the United Churchs over-elevation of social activism neednt be taken a warning against social activism in general, just as we shouldnt fall prey to the assumption that such risks only come into play with left-leaning or progressive political and social ideologies. Instead, we should embrace the social role and voice of the church even as we stay wary of what Flatt describes as the danger of well-intentioned activism being taken captive by cultural currents foreign to the gospel. It is easy for churches to have their activism hijacked by alien ideologies, whether of the Left or of the Right or of some other configuration, he writes. Churches must remain aware of those risks and avoid similar pitfalls, working to cultivate a robust spiritual life and a thoroughly biblical social witness through what might be called a chain of faithfulness. This chain, he continues, consists of the following core components (quoted directly from Flatt): Vibrant, orthodox local churches, willing to reject any gods other than the God of the Bible, shaped by the Word and the sacraments, saturated in prayer, and in general formed by liturgies and practices strong enough to counteract those of the surrounding culture. Trained elders (clergy), including seminary professors and administrators, absolutely faithful to God and their trust, serious about and skilled in the obedient interpretation and exposition of Scripture in communion with the historic and global church, and held accountable by the church. Lay experts, immersed in the life of the church and the teaching of the elders, who can develop, from biblical foundations and the tradition of the church, Christian proposals regarding the pressing social and political issues of the day. Faithful social and political action by the church (institutional and organic), guided by the voices of these experts. The order of priorities here is important, as is the bigger picture of the integrated whole, which requires a mix of healthy relationships, sound teaching, robust institutions, and organic, spirit-led initiative, whether among individuals or communities. Getting each link right wont be easy it surely hasnt been easy but at minimum, wed do well to reorient our hearts, minds, and imaginations around the basic premise. Activism that disregards Scripture or church tradition, or that is not rooted in worship and Word and sacrament, or that does not arise from careful thinking by well-trained Christians knowledgeable in their fields, may be quick and easy, Flatt concludes, but in the end it will ape culturally dominant patterns of secular activism, and the salt will lose its savor. Why are you going to business school? my friend asked, with some concern, It seems like such a waste of your time. Why not study history or philosophy or the Great Books or something youd enjoy. It was a good question. I was committing myself to spending two years going to school full-time (while working full-time) to get a degree in a subjectbusiness administrationin which I didnt feel particularly passionate. But I felt that God was calling me to go to B-school. So I went. Living in northern Virginia I was fortunate to have several excellent MBA programs to choose from so I applied to a local, private Catholic university. Although Im an Evangelical (a Southern Baptist, to be exact), I figured attending a Catholic school would help teach me to integrate business with my faith. I couldnt have been more wrong. What I soon discovered was that in this Catholic school Christ could be found on the crucifix above the doorways but would be found nowhere in the curriculum. None of the professors ever expressed a specifically Christian viewpoint and some grew rather uncomfortable when I or my classmates would do so. Just as in non-Christian colleges, the prevailing impression at this Catholic school was that secular neutrality was the only legitimate norm. The result was that expressing an opinion that resembled that of, say, a Catholic bishop, was often considered offensive. For instance, in a class on non-profit marketing the adjunct instructor was shocked when I expressed the opinion that Planned Parenthood was the epitome of corporate evil and was not, as she had assured us, a model for marketing excellence. I suspect my experience is not uncommon. While there are still some schools that subscribe to the idea of Christian scholarship, they have become exceedingly rare. In most schoolsparticularly in most business schoolsthe assumption is that the topics of study are religiously neutral. What does God have to do with finance? What does Wall Street have to do with Jerusalem? Quite a lot actually. In fact, there is almost nothing about business administration that is religiously neutral. Yet every year thousands of Christians enter and exit B-School without learning how to think Christianly about their education or vocation. With so few direct resources available to them in business school, how should they go about developing a Christian mind? I graduated from my MBA program five years ago this month and have thought about that question ever since. While I certainly dont have all the answers and it would take a book-length treatment to adequately cover the topic, I wanted to explore the issue in a series of blog posts. In this series well consider a variety of topics, including what you really get out of such programs, what it means to develop a Christian mind, and how can we learn to engage in Business Administration from a Biblical worldview. But before we move on to how to think Christianly in business school, we should first discuss how to think Christianly about the decision to go (or not go) to b-school. For many Christiansparticularly my fellow evangelicalsthe concept of thinking Christianly about decision-making is reduced to a simply-stated yet deeply confused question: Does God have a specific plan for my life? The answers is yesand no. Yes, God has a specific plan for our lives. But no, God doesnt expect us to discern his secret, hidden-from-us will before we make a decision about the direction of our life. As pastor and theologian Kevin DeYoung explains, God does have a specific plan for our lives, but it is not one that He expects us to figure out before we make a decision. Im not saying God wont help you make decisions (its called wisdom). Im not saying God doesnt care about your future. Im not saying that God isnt directing your path and in control amidst the chaos of your life. I believe in providence with all my heart. What I am saying is that we should stop thinking of Gods will like a corn maze, or a tightrope, or a bulls-eye, or a choose-your-own-adventure novel. DeYoung adds that the better way is the biblical way: Seek first the kingdom of God and then trust that He will take care of your needs, even before we know what they are and where were going. In making the decision about business school we should pray for guidance and seek counsel from wise Christians. But God leaves the decision to our judgment. Reasons Why Business School Might Be the Right Choice There are dozens of reasons why people should go to b-school. But here are three that I believe top the list: You need a degree for career advancement According to the signaling model of education, employers reward educational success because of what it shows (signals) about the student. In competitive market environmentssuch as the corporate business worldwhere your resume provides the primary, if not the only, signal to an employer about your knowledge and skills, an MBA serves as a powerful signal. Whether you actually know anything about finance or marketing, the fact that you successfully completed business school signals that you should have at least a working knowledge of those subjects. As economist Bryan Caplan explains, In the signaling story, what matters is how much education you have compared to competing workers. The more signals about your knowledge and skills that you can provide for employers the better it can help your career. You need the particular skill-set that business school can provide In my next post Ill explain exactly what the skill-set is that an MBA really provides and why it matters for Christians. Knowing what business school really teaches can help you know whether the skills will truly be useful for your vocational purposes. You believe b-school is part of your educational or vocational calling What practical use are you going to get out of having an MBA, my wife asked me, before, during, and after I completed business school. My answer was always the same, I have no idea. But the Lord knows. I felt a particular calling to get my MBA even though I didnt know what use it would be in my career. A strong convictioneven if only vaguely understoodcan sometimes be the best reason. Reasons Why Business School Might Be the Wrong Choice While there are dozens of good reasons to go to b-school, there are hundreds of reasons why should shouldnt. Here are a few: You want to learn about a particular subject but dont really need the degree If you want to learn about accounting or finance or organizational behavior than sign up for a class on accounting or finance or organizational behavior at your local community college. (Most b-school programs dont require prerequisite knowledge of a subject, so the classes are often the same as what youd find at the undergraduate level.) An MBA is a generalist degree, which means youll usually only take one or two classes on a particular subject. If you only want to learn accounting then its probably advisable to get an undergraduate or graduate certificate in accounting rather than an MBA. You want to be an entrepreneur Over the years Ive started and owned two small businesses (a small, regional newspaper; a consulting firm) and worked for an Internet startup. While some of the knowledge I acquired in b-school would have been helpful on those projects, it wouldnt have been sufficient. Being an entrepreneur is a lot like being a writer. If you want to be a writer, then write. If you want to be an entrepreneur, then start a business. In both fields there is no substitute for hands-on experience. You dont know what else to do with your life and b-school seems like the best option If youre thinking that getting a MA in literature is too impractical and three years of law school is too much of a commitment, you might be considering b-school as a shorter, more practical option. Save yourself the misery (and the student loan debt) and skip grad school altogether. You have to go into long-term debt to pay for school Youre not likely to find anyone who will pay you a living wage to learn about analytic philosophy or eighteenth-century French literature. But with reasonable effort you can likely find someone to pay you to learn about business. Rather than going into debt to study the subject, work full-time and save money to pay for b-school. By the time you have the money saved up you may realize you dont need the degree after all. Ultimately, the question of whether you should go to b-school is a matter of stewardship. Completing an MBA will require a substantial amount of your gifts and resources, including time, energy, and money. But the program can potentially add a lifetime of value by honing your gifts and improving the quality and quantity of the resources you have available to further the work of Gods Kingdom. In summary: Pray, seek sound counsel, use the discernment the Lord gives you, and then choose wisely. Tomorrow well consider what business school really teaches and why it matters for developing a Christian mind. Addendum: An additional word for working adults thinking about b-school: If youre wondering how you can work full-time, go to school (part/full-time), spend time with your family, and have time for yourself let me assure you: You cant. Something has to give, and that first something should be your leisure activities. Youll have less time for yourself, but that is the trade-off you should be willing to make since you are the one with the most to gain from the education. Think of school and study as your new hobbies because you likely wont have time for much else. The second area to sacrifice is your GPA. If you have to decide between spending more time with your family or more time tweaking a class presentation, choose your spouse and kids. In a few years, it wont matter to anyoneincluding youthat you graduated with a 3.4 rather than 3.9. But it will matter to your family that you werent there for them. (I cant remember what my final GPA was and in five years no one has ever asked me.) Unfortunately, between class and studying you already wont be there for themat least not as much as you or they will want. You need to make that clear to your family before you begin the program that it will require a sacrifice on their part. If they cant agree to that then you should seriously consider putting off school. (I failed to learn this lesson and began a PhD program soon after getting my MBA. I lasted only a semester before realizing it was too much of a commitment for myself and my family.) The one area where you shouldnt sacrifice is your work. Normally Id argue that family should come before work, but in this case I believe its reversed. Dont cheat your employer. You cant learn to be a model of integrity as a Christian business leader while spending your employers time working on school projects. Be a model for yourself so that you can later be a model for others. Turner Avenue house 001.jpg This house on Turner Avenue in Ocean Springs has become a headache for city officials, as the owner and others continue to occupy the house, even though it's been condemned. (Warren Kulo/The Mississippi Press) OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A condemned home in Ocean Springs has become a problem for both city building officials and the police. The home, located on Turner Avenue -- a short street which runs along the north side of the Burger King at the northeast corner of U.S. 90 and Washington Avenue -- was condemned by the city several months ago, according to city Building Official Hilliard Fountain. Fountain explained the house's electrical panel is in need of replacement and, as a result, the home has no power. City ordinance requires homes to have electrical power to be occupied. Fountain said the city first became aware of the problem with the house last April, when neighboring property owners noticed significant increases in their monthly power bills. Mississippi Power crews came out and discovered someone was stealing electricity and running it to the Turner Avenue home. "Someone had hotwired the panel and caught the house on fire," Fountain said, "so the power company cut the line overhead." Neighbors continued to complain about the theft of electricity, however, and on April 13, Barry Willard was arrested for the theft of utilities. Fountain said he believes Willard is the property owner. "When we learned about what was going on there, we condemned the home under city ordinance," Fountain said. "Even after that, they've continued to rip the placards off and living in there." Four times since then, Willard -- and others -- have been arrested by police for violating a city ordinance by living in a condemned dwelling. Two of those arrests occurred this month -- on Jan. 4, when Willard was charged not only with living in a condemned dwelling, but also resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Three days later, Willard and Lindsay Tate were arrested for occupying the house. Willard has other arrests on his record, including disorderly conduct while in the Ocean Springs Municipal Jail and shoplifting in Pascagoula last September. Ocean Springs Police Chief Mark Dunston said he was aware his officers had made numerous arrests at the Turner Avenue house and will continue to do so if they learn anyone is inside. Fountain said he has spoken with Willard on numerous occasions about the situation. "I've talked to him several times on this," Fountain said. "He knows he can't live there, but apparently he has nowhere else to live, so he keeps going back. But if I catch him in there, I'm going to call the police on him." Fountain also said his department will soon be taking additional steps to keep Willard and others from occupying the home. "He's fixing to get a big surprise, because I've got a purchase order to board up the house," Fountain said. "The house is not fit for habitation. It's not compliant with city code, and they keep stealing power from the neighbors." Fountain said Willard has told him in the past he intends to have the issues with the house addressed -- even going so far as to acquire a permit for the electrical work, but the permit expired and no work was done. "I don't want to tear the house down," he said, "but if the owner is not going to make the house compliant, if he's not going to take action, the city will." An unrelated file photo BEIJING (PTI): China on Monday successfully sent three satellites into space in its first commercial mission using an updated version of the low-cost Kuaizhou-1A rocket, amidst the Communist giant's determined bid to expand its ambitious space programme. The rocket, carrying the satellite JL-1 and two CubeSats XY-S1 and Caton-1, blasted off from north-western China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province at around 12:11 pm Beijing Time, according to a statement from the centre. The KZ-1A rocket was developed from the Kuaizhou-1 rocket with improvements in adaptability. It is a low-cost solid-fuelled carrier rocket with high reliability and short preparation period and was designed to launch low-orbit satellites weighing under 300 kg, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The JL-1 is a multifunctional remote-sensing satellite providing high-definition video images which is expected to be used for land resource and forestry surveying, environmental protection, transport and disaster prevention and relief purposes, it said. The XY-S1 and Caton-1 are experimental satellites to test technologies of low-orbit narrow-band communication and VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) respectively. A rocket technology company under the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation was responsible for the launch mission. The success of the mission marks the company's capability of providing flexible, convenient, quick and economical launch services for domestic and overseas clients, said the statement. China plans to conduct a record number of 30 space launch missions this year as part of its efforts to expand its ambitious space programme, authorities said last week. The record-breaking space launches will be launched by Long March-5 and Long March-7 rockets, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation had said. Long March-5 is China's largest carrier rocket. China recently released an official white paper on its space missions stating that it will launch a lunar probe in 2018 to achieve world's first soft landing on the far side of the Moon and a mission to Mars in the same year. China conducted 22 launch missions in 2016 and 19 in 2015. The country successfully tested its Long March-7 rocket in June last year and has gradually shifted to new generation rockets that reduce the use of toxic rocket fuels. In the next five years, China plans to provide space and aviation-related services to countries involved in its 'One Belt and One Road' initiative, such as satellite communications, navigation and weather forecasting analysis. BENGALURU (PTI): Indian Space Research Organisation and French Space agency (CNES) on Monday signed a partnership agreement in satellite launch technology. The agreement was signed between ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar and CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall in the presence of visiting French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Marc Ayrault. Space cooperation between France and India spans over 50 years and is one of the cornerstones of the Indo-French strategic partnership. Ayrault, accompanied by the French delegation, was given a guided tour of ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network) by the ISRO chairman, according to a French Consulate release. ISTRAC monitors Indian space missions, including the two Indo-French satellites currently in orbit for collecting data to track climate change. ISRO is the second partner of CNES, in terms of volume, after NASA. Of comparable size and sharing similar objectives, the space programmes of both countries are complementary, it was noted. Strengthening the CNES-ISRO partnership will enable France to benefit from the Indian model of streamlining the costs of space programmes. Later, Ayrault met Rahul Narayan, CEO of leading Indian "NewSpace" start-up, Axiom Research Labs. This start-up put forward TeamIndus, the only Indian team competing for the Google Lunar XPRIZE, a global competition for engineers and entrepreneurs to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration. USD 20 million will be granted to the first private company that successfully lands a module on the Moon, places a robot that explores at least 500 metres and transmits high-definition videos and images back to Earth. As TeamIndus races to design an all-terrain rover by end-2017 for this lunar mission, the French Space Agency will provide it with cameras, the release said. In the presence of the Minister, Narayan and Le Gall signed an agreement for equipping Axiom Research Lab's lunar rover with two latest-generation CASPEX micro-cameras, developed by CNES in partnership with French firm 3DPlus. In joining forces with Team Indus on this first private mission to land a rover on the moon, CNES is sending French technology for the first time on lunar terrain, the release said. prison bars.JPG (The Patriot News, file) Good Tuesday Morning, Fellow Seekers. Even as a federal jury in Charleston, S.C. deliberates on whether to impose the death penalty on convicted church-shooter Dylann Roof, a Democratic state senator wants to end executions in Pennsylvania. State Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery (PennLive file) In co-sponsorship memo to be circulated this week, state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery, makes two arguments in favor of erasing capital punishment from the books - one of which may well find favor as lawmakers try to close a looming state budget deficit. Asking his colleagues to put aside their views on the morality of executions, Leach argues that it's important to remember that "the death penalty, at its core, is just another government program." "A study in neighboring Maryland found that each capital case cost $3 million. This is dramatically higher than what non-capital murder cases cost," Leach argues in the memo. "Further, at a hearing of the Judiciary Committee, several current sitting judges testified that the death penalty was draining Pennsylvania of scarce resources which could be used to enhance the prosecution of violent criminals or reduce our state's chronic prison over-crowding situation." Going a step further, Leach notes that other states, including neighboring New Jersey, eliminated the death penalty "simply because it was too expensive." Pennsylvania has executed just three people in the last three decades, the last being convicted Philadelphia torture-killer Gary Heidnik, by lethal injection, in 1999. All three condemned men voluntarily waived their appeals, sending them to the death chamber. "Can we really say that this is a wise investment in our current financial situation?" Leach asked, noting the rarity of executions. Leach, one of the Senate's most liberal members, sponsored a similar bill in last year's legislative session. Other bills have come and gone as well. Leach's latest proposal comes amid the lowest public support for capital punishment in four decades. While a plurality of Americans (49 percent) still support executions, 42 percent oppose it, according to September 2016 data compiled by The Pew Research Center. Nearly 180 condemned inmates remain on Pennsylvania's death row, their fates in stasis in the midst of a moratorium on executions imposed by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2015. In his memo, Leach also argues that, while the state has executed just three people, it has "actually freed twice that number" after they were exonerated, either through DNA evidence or otherwise. "To have such a high rate of provable error has to cause concern, especially since in the majority of cases, there is no DNA evidence available, rendering it a near-certainty that completely innocent people will be executed under the current regime," he wrote. "To continue such a flawed, yet expensive system seems contrary to the best interests of the citizens of our Commonwealth," Leach concluded. The rest of the day's news starts now. A mayoral hopeful in Pittsburgh is calling for an investigation of incumbent Mayor Bill Peduto's fund-raising, The Tribune-Review reports. Former state Treasurer Rob McCord (remember him?) secretly taped a millionaire friend more than 20 times in an alleged pay-to-play scheme, The Inquirer reports. A Philly family is marking a sad milestone by fighting domestic violence, PhillyMag reports. You can add State College to the list of Pa. municipalities now claiming sanctuary city status, NewsWorks/WHYY-FM reports. As if we needed another reminder it's Farm Show Week, here's your #Harrisburg Instagram of the Day: New gaming legislation won't come easy, state lawmakers say, according to WITF-FM. As The Morning Call reminds us, when it comes to politics, seniority has its privileges. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is co-sponsoring a bill taking aim at PEOTUS Donald Trump's labyrinthine conflicts of interest, PoliticsPA reports. Oy ... Hillary Clinton ... New York Mayor? C'mon ... Roll Call's Alex Roarty considers whether Republican Jeff Flake of Arizona is the senator most vulnerable to a primary. WolfWatch. By the time you read this, Gov. Tom Wolf will have already done an 8:07 a.m. interview with KDKA-AM in Pittsburgh. At 4:30 p.m., he holds a "Conversation with the Governor" at the Museum of Natural Sciences at Drexel University in Philly. Heavy Rotation. Today would have been the 70th birthday of the legendary David Bowie. Here's one of our all-time favorite Bowie tracks, "Oh! You Pretty Things." Tuesday's Gratuitous College Football Link. The Tide rolled ... but alas ... not quite far enough. Clemson narrowly edged Alabama, 35-31 on Monday night to capture the college football national championship. And now you're up to date. See you all back here in a bit. COLUMNS. [Column] Mia Pieterse: Further fintech innovation requires regulation Traditional banks have monopolised the banking industry for a long time not just in South Africa, but globally ...read full column here [Column] Lee Wearne: C-suites should drive data strategies to avoid disconnect with business strategy The data strategy must start at the executive level to ensure it aligns with the business outcomes ...read full column here [Column] Susan Sitemere: With cyber fraud on the rise in Zimbabwe, customer security remains essential As online financial transactions are becoming increasingly popular, many Zimbabweans are adopting the use of mobile wallets and online banking services across the country....read full column here Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to be education secretary, indicated she would support previous federal legislation giving Washington a lot less oversight of public schools, according to Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont. Daines met with DeVos last week and said they discussed the federal A-PLUS Act, which would have allowed states to opt out of federal accountability mandates regarding testing and identifying low-performing schools. It also would have turned federal funding for schools into block grants for states to use. In a press release last week, Daines said he and DeVos discussed the proposal, which would reduce the administrative and compliance burdens on state and local education agencies, and ensure greater public transparency about the use of federal education funds and student academic achievement. The A-PLUS Act was considered as an amendment to what became the Every Student Succeeds Act, but the Senate rejected it in July 2015. The Billings Gazette reported last Friday that according to Daines, DeVos indicated her support for an education proposal that split Republicans during the passage of a new federal education law, according to Daines. A spokesman for DeVos did not immediately reply to a request for comment. DeVos has previously backed an A-F school accountability model, although her overall attitude to school accountability, and for charter schools in particular, has been the subject of much debate since Trump nominated her late last year. The A-PLUS Act was also backed by former GOP presidential hopefuls Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida. When we mentioned Cruzs support for the A-PLUS Act last year , we wrote, Basically, whether it involves, standards, curriculum, or assessments, Cruz doesnt want the federal government anywhere near what states or districts want to do. However, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. and the Senate education committee chairman, said of the A-PLUS Act amendment during the 2015 ESSA debate: This is unnecessary, misintentioned, wont pass, and undermines the bipartisan agreement that weve reached. ESSA keeps in place the testing mandates from the No Child Left Behind Act, the previous iteration of federal education law, but it does grant states and districts more power over how those tests are used, as well as strategies to help struggling schools. Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . A tiny kitten was rescued by some Australian fire fighters recently after the little tyke got stuck in a drain pipe. The baby cat was found stuck in a pipe of a Melbourne dumpster. It's the type of thing that only happens in really bad movies, but this is funny because it actually happened. A 31-year-old billing analyst from Stillorgan, Dublin managed to fall into a deep sleep on the Luas and ended up going through the wash with her Luas at the Sandyford depot. The overcrowding crisis in the country's hospitals continues today with more than 500 people on trolleys. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says there are 44 patients without a bed at both Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Limerick. By Andrew Ujiusa and Alyson Klein Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the U.S. Department of Education, will be on the hot seat next Tuesday, Jan. 17. Shell be taking questions from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee at her confirmation hearing. For the most part, past confirmation hearings havent been particularly fiery. But what are some tough questions senators could ask DeVos? Weve got five possibilities in this video: Want more? Heres some additional detail, plus five more potential queries. 1. Organizations youve run have been big champions of school choice at the state level. Should the federal government require states to offer students options like charters and vouchers? Background: Its unclear how the Trump administration sees the federal role in championing school choice. Trump pitched a $20 billion school choice proposal on the campaign trail. But would states be required to have federal dollars follow kids to the schools of their choice, including private schools? And some conservatives dont like the idea of having Washington force choice programs on states. Your potential new boss, President-elect Trump, has said he want to get rid of Common Core State Standards. Should Washington be able to force states to ditch the common core? Background: By our calculation, 36 states and the District of Columbia are still officially using the Common Core State Standards . And the Every Student Succeeds Act bars the U.S. Secretary of Education from dictating or incentivizing which standards states use or do not use. As with the first question, theres potential tension between a policy goal and whether Washington should get heavily involved in meeting it. 3. All Children Matter, a school choice advocacy organization you led, reportedly owes Ohio a $5.3 million election-related fine. Has that fine been paid, and if not, why? Background: The outstanding fine relates to how All Children Matter broke the campaign contribution limit in the Buckeye State in 2008. Several Democratic senators have told DeVos that the fine must be paid . A former spokesman for DeVos has countered that the nominee isnt personally liable for the amount, and that the fine itself is no longer relevant. 4. You have called traditional public education a monopoly and a dead end. In your view, is offering more choice the only way to improve those schools? Background: DeVos made those comments in a 2015 speech at South by Southwest , a series of festivals and conferences about various issues. Heres a bit more context for those remarks: We are the beneficiaries of start-ups, ventures, and innovation in every other area of life, but we dont have that in education because its a closed system, a closed industry, a closed market. Its a monopoly. Its a dead end. And the best and brightest innovators and risk-takers steer way clear of it. 5. Civil rights groups have expressed serious concern about your track record. What should the federal role be in protecting students civil rights, including the rights of LGBT students? Background: A coalition of civil rights advocates have voiced worries about DeVos connections to groups that oppose LGBT rights and for the remarks made about immigrant and other students by her potential boss, Trump. But we dont know a huge amount about DeVos view of how government should be used to protect the rights of various student groups. She has said school choice supporters fight for the kids who dont fit in. 6. Can you describe your approach to school accountability? How aggressive should federal and state governments be in ensuring that students meet certain benchmarks, and that struggling schools, and struggling charter schools in particular, are improved? Background: DeVos has supported an A-F grading system for school accountability, which is used in some states, but is also highly controversial. (Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, states can use such a system if they want, but dont have to.) Her vigorous support for charter schools in Michigan , and her approach to charter oversight , could also get a lot of scrutiny during the hearing. Last week, Montana Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican, said DeVos indicated her support for the A-PLUS Ac t, which would have allowed states to opt out of federal accountability mandates. In 2015, the A-PLUS Act was introduced as an amendment to the legislation that became ESSA, but it was ultimately not included. But based on Daines comments, DeVos could be asked about it at her hearing, especially since Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the committee chairman, criticized the A-PLUS Act during debate over the law. 7. One of biggest tasks ahead for this Congress is overhauling the Higher Education Act. Do you believe the higher education should be held more accountable for various student outcomes? And what changes do you think are necessary to the student-loan system? Background: Higher education could be of particular interest to Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate education committee. In fact, he used the news of DeVos nomination in November to express excitement about reauthorizing HEA in the near future. But DeVos doesnt have experience dealing with higher education issues in depth. 8. How would you and your familys approach to political donations change if you become education secretary? And if someone took away your checkbook tomorrow, what strategies would you use to push changes in education? Background: DeVos and her family have a very long history of donating significant money to political candidates and causes, almost exclusively Republican ones. Five senators on the Senate education committee, in fact, have gotten money from DeVos directly . 9. President Barack Obama was very active in various education policy areas during his administration. Can you name one or two Obama initiatives or approaches related to schools that you support, and if so, your reasons why? Background: On a general level, but in different ways, both the Obama administration and DeVos have demonstrated significant support for charter schools. And the Foundation for Excellence in Education, where DeVos sat on the board, supports teacher evaluations based partially on test scores , just like Obamas Education Department has. 10. How would you expect a broad school choice program to work in the rural districts that helped President-elect Donald Trump win the White House? Background: Last month, we looked at how tricky it might be for a massive school choice plan to work well in rural areas . Just 7.5 percent of charter school students, for example, live in rural areas. Could DeVos and Trump increase that number. or significantly grow the total rural enrollment in charters? It can be tough for kids in rural areas just to find transportation to private schools, and at least one other option, virtual education, has its own serious issues . Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . Barack Obama is returning to Chicago for one final speech - a parting plea to Americans not to lose faith in their future, no matter what they think about their next president. His final address as president, in the city where he launched his political career, is his last chance to try to define what his presidency meant for America. In a Facebook post previewing his speech, which will be delivered in front of thousands in McCormick Place, Mr Obama said: "We've run our leg in a long relay of progress, knowing that our work will always be unfinished. "And we've reaffirmed the belief that we can make a difference with our own hands, in our own time." Mr Obama has said he is leaving his eight years in office with two basic lessons: that Americans are fundamentally good, and that change can happen. "The system will respond to ordinary people coming together to try to move the country in a better direction," he said ahead of the speech. During the election, Mr Obama and the Democrats warned against a Donald Trump presidency in apocalyptic terms. His daunting task now - the closing act of his political career - is to explain how his vision of America remains relevant and achievable for Democrats in the Trump era. Mr Obama was determined not to simply recite a history of the last eight years, and directed his team to craft an address that would feel "bigger than politics" and speak to all Americans - including those who voted for Mr Trump. His chief speechwriter Cody Keenan started writing last month while Mr Obama was on holiday in Hawaii, handing him the first draft on the flight home. By late Monday, Mr Obama was immersed in a fourth draft, with Mr Keenan thought to have stayed at the White House all night to help perfect the final message. Ahead of his speech, Mr Obama acknowledged that the chaos of Washington makes it easy to lose sight of the role American citizens play in democracy. He said that while he leaves office with his work unfinished, he believes his administration made the US "a stronger place for the generations that will follow ours". First Lady Michelle Obama and vice-president Joe Biden will also attend the speech. For Mr Obama, it will be his final trip aboard Air Force One as president. Though he and his party were dealt a devastating blow in November's election, Mr Obama leaves office as a relatively popular president viewed favourably by 57% of Americans, according to an Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research poll released the day before his speech. That puts him on a par with former president Bill Clinton's popularity as he left office. Yet Americans remain deeply divided over Mr Obama's legacy, with fewer than half saying they are better off eight years later - or that Mr Obama brought the country together. Two in three Americans said he did not keep his promises, though most of those said he had tried to do so but could not. AP President-elect Donald Trump's influential son-in-law Jared Kushner will join him in the White House as a senior adviser, transition officials said on Monday. The appointment puts the young real estate executive in position to exert broad sway over both domestic and foreign policy, particularly Middle East issues and trade negotiations. Mr Trump has come to rely heavily on Mr Kushner, who is married to the president-elect's daughter Ivanka. Since the election, Mr Kushner has been one of the transition team's main liaisons to foreign governments, communicating with Israeli officials and meeting last week with Britain's foreign minister Boris Johnson. He has also met with congressional leaders and helped interview Cabinet candidates. However his eligibility could still be challenged though Mr Kushner's lawyer Jamie Gorelick argued that a 1967 law meant to bar government officials from hiring relatives does not apply to the West Wing. She cited a later congressional measure to allow the president "unfettered" and "sweeping" authority in hiring staff. Mr Kushner, who will not be taking a salary, will resign as CEO of his family's real estate company and as publisher of the New York Observer, as well as divest "substantial assets," Ms Gorelick said. She said Mr Kushner will recuse himself "from particular matters that would have a direct and predictable effect on his remaining financial interests". Ivanka Trump, who also played a significant role advising her father during the presidential campaign, will not be taking a formal White House position, transition officials said. She is the mother of three young children, and her immediate plans are focusing on her family's move from New York to Washington, though officials said her role could change in the future. Officials also said Ivanka would be leaving her executive roles at the Trump Organisation - her father's real estate company - and her own fashion brands. The anti-nepotism law has appeared to be the main obstacle to both Mr Kushner and Ivanka joining the White House. In arguing that the measure did not apply to the West Wing, Ms Gorelick cited an opinion from two federal court judges in a 1993 case involving Hillary Clinton's work on her husband's health care law. Norman Eisen, who served as President Barack Obama's government ethics lawyer, said there is a "murky legal landscape" regarding the anti-nepotism law. But he said Mr Kushner appeared to be taking the proper steps regarding the ethics and disclosure requirements for federal employees. Mr Kushner, who turns 36 on Tuesday, emerged as one of Mr Trump's most powerful campaign advisers during his father-in-law's presidential bid. Soft-spoken and press shy, he was deeply involved in the campaign's digital efforts and was usually at Mr Trump's side during the election's closing weeks. He has continued to be a commanding presence during the transition, working alongside incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior adviser Steve Bannon. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has said he expects all of his choices for Cabinet positions to be approved by the Senate. He made the prediction as he briefly addressed reporters in Trump Tower in New York City, appearing alongside Chinese billionaire Jack Ma. Senate confirmation hearings begin on Tuesday, starting with Mr Trump's choice for attorney general, Jeff Sessions. Mr Trump described Mr Sessions yesterday as "a high-quality man", adding: "He's going to do great." He said all of his nominees are "at the highest level, and added: "I think they'll all pass." Update 1.25pm: An assailant has been killed during an attempted attack on a police station in the Turkish city of Gaziantep - near the border with Syria, according to reports. Two suspected accomplices are believed to have fled the scene, NTV television said, citing local journalists. GENEVA: The largest pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond ever put up for auction could sell for up to $35 million at... The Obama administration is making an 11th-hour effort to defend its policies on allowing transgender individuals to use restrooms at public schools and workplaces that corresponds to their gender identity, stressing that its guidance on the subject is non-binding on states and school districts. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief late last week in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, in New Orleans, asking the court to toss out a nationwide injunction issued by a federal district judge in Texas last year that blocks various forms of the administrations transgender guidance. In an Aug. 21 preliminary injunction that was clarified in an Oct. 18 order , Judge Reed OConnor of U.S. District Court in Wichita Falls, Texas, blocked, among other federal guidance, a May 13 document issued by the Departments of Education and Justice that calls on schools to respect the restroom choices of transgender students. The guidance is based on the Education Departments interpretation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which bars discrimination based on sex in federally funded educational programs. In its 5th Circuit brief, the Justice Department says the appeals court should not take up the question of whether the Education Departments Title IX interpretation is correct because the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing that question in a pending case, Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. The 5th Circuit court nonetheless should not await the Supreme Courts decision, because the preliminary injunction should be vacated on grounds entirely independent of the district courts misinterpretation of the Title IX regulation, says the Justice Departments brief in State of Texas v. United States. The brief argues that the Title IX guidance, as well as other transgender guidance put forth by the Justice Department and other federal agencies under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, did not require a notice-and-comment rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedures Act. But none of the six guidance documents at issue here constitutes final agency action'a prerequisite for APA reviewbecause the guidance documents carry no legal force, but rather simply advise the public of the agencies understanding of the law, the brief says. That last statement is worth some further analysis. The Obama administration is walking a tightrope there, because the tone of that argument differs markedly from the tone expressed in the Title IX guidance. The Education and Justice departments last April called their Dear Colleague letter on transgender rights significant guidance. The departments treat a students gender identity as the students sex for purposes of Title IX and its implementing regulations, the Dear Colleague letter states. This means that a school must not treat a transgender student differently from the way it treats other students of the same gender identity. But in the 5th Circuit brief, the Justice Department argues that the Title IX guidance (and other federal guidance documents) do not create any legal obligations or require [plaintiff states and school districts] to modify their conduct in any way. If a federal agency ever brought an enforcement action against any plaintiff, that action would rest on the statutes, not on the non-binding guidance, the brief continues. As to Title IX, such enforcement action would generally occur through multi-stage administrative proceedings, followed by an opportunity for judicial review in the court of appeals. And the Dear Colleague letter contains a disclaimer, the 5th Circuit brief points out. The letter declares that this guidance does not add requirements to applicable law, but provides information and examples to inform recipients about how the departments evaluate whether covered entities are complying with their legal obligations. The brief also argues that OConnor overstepped his authority by making his preliminary injunction against the guidance a nationwide injunction. While Texas and 10 other states, along with school districts from two other states, filed the lawsuit and sought the injunction, 12 other states and the District of Columbia filed a brief in the district court stating that they welcome the transgender guidance, the department points out. Texas cannot seek to enjoin the federal governments interactions with New York any more than New York may seek to enjoin the federal governments interactions with Texas, the brief says. The Justice Department brief also requests oral argument in the case. That underscores that should the 5th Circuit court grant such a request, it would almost certainly occur after President-elect Donald Trumps administration has taken office. By that time, the federal governments guidance on transgender rights, and legal arguments in the Texas case, may well have changed. KARACHI: The country is expected to see the first rain and snowfall spell of winter from Friday (today) through... On Dec. 31, an 18-year-old man with a mental disability met up with a former classmate in suburban Chicago, for what his family believed would be a sleepover. Instead, the man was driven around in a stolen van for few days, and then tied up, taunted, and abused for hours, with a portion of the attack streamed on Facebook Live. Four African-Americans have been arrested and charged with hate crimes, among other charges, in connection with the attack . A spokesman for the Chicago police department said that the hate crimes charges were based on the suspects use of racial slurs against the white victim, as well as references to his disability . This attack is clearly an extreme case, but people with disabilities are uniquely vulnerable to bullying. Ive compiled some articles and blog posts that I and my colleagues have written about the issue, with an eye toward awareness and prevention. Bullying would seem to be easy to define, but researchers differ in whether the focus should be on an imbalance of power between the bully and his or her victim, or a more objective standard based on certain behaviors. Theres a tremendous disconnect between how the term is used colloquially by students, teachers, and parents, and how researchers and advocacy types define it, said David Finkelhor, a sociologist and the director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham. Severe bullying of a student with disabilities could deny that students right to a free, appropriate public education and thus could fall under the Individuals with Disabilities Eduction Act, according to a 2013 guidance letter from the U.S. Department of Education. In 2014, the department followed up that guidance with a similar letter about bullying of students who receive services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Examples of disabilities covered under Section 504 include mental health disorders such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, severe food or environmental allergies, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This article from 2014 examined the case of a Maryland teen who was bullied by two classmates, but ended up strongly defending them. According to police, the then-16-year-old was captured in cellphone videos being kicked in the groin, dragged by his hair, and coerced onto a frozen lake where he fell through the ice several times. He told a reporter that he wanted to resume his relationship with the classmates, one of whom he called his girlfriend. Students with autism face challenges in picking up on social cues, the article notes. Two students with autism spectrum disorder were featured in this 2012 documentary that received a lot of attention. From the article: The movie also points to another problem: the difficulty some school officials have in handling bullying. In one scene, the parents of a child who committed suicide hold a town hall meetingwhich no one from the school district attends. A report published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that children with special health care needs had lower motivation to do well in school, more disruptive behaviors, and more-frequent experiences as a bully victim. In 2013, the American Educational Research Association released an 70-page analysis of then-current bullying research. The document also includes information for school leaders on how to select an evidence-based anti-bullying program. PARIS: People with monkeypox can spread the virus up to four days before symptoms appear, with more than half of... A Canberra teenager with alleged links to the Comancheros bikie gang has pleaded not guilty to blackmail over a suspected standover attempt to force a drug dealer to pay a debt. Police allege Connor Manns, 18, visited the dealer with senior club member Alex Bourne, who told the victim he would have 'run through' his house, tied him up and stuck a gun in his mouth if the property hadn't been fitted with CCTV cameras. Police said Connor Manns, 18, had strong ties to the Comancheros. Credit:Fairfax Media Bourne allegedly said he and Manns had been sent by club members in Sydney and they would instead "have a conversation" with the dealer the night of December 7, the ACT Magistrates Court was told. He allegedly told the man if he was going to peddle drugs, he could only sell them on behalf the Comancheros, and he owed the club $10,000 for previous deals in their territory. We are a great example to the rest of Australia of how to dumb down the definition of municipal services in return for the payment of rates. Rates can now be considered a tax in Canberra. They are paid with very limited services in return. Surplus money, including levies, is diverted to who knows where. We should be grateful for non-residents like Ivan to highlight the sloppy management. John Whitty, Hawker Ivan Barrette's letter inspires in my mind the image of an uptight British butler with a comb-over, gliding around the stately (though decaying) mansion with a white glove on, swiping surfaces to check for dust. Living and working in Canberra for many years, and raising a child here, I've found so many things about my now home town to love and enjoy. From big public attractions to smaller scale and often quirky places in the city or its natural environment, along with a diverse, lively and welcoming community. Sure, not everything's perfect, but I don't think a little bit of dust on the bookshelves is worth fussing about. Doesn't that just go to show that Canberra is not the sterile place it has been condemned as in the past? Heather Crawford, Holt Uncivil service I watched the brief video clip that appeared across the Fairfax network on Friday of a young mother in a supermarket in Melton, Victoria unleashing a hate-filled, racist tirade against two women of African descent, and I was filled with disgust. That a fellow Australian was capable and saw fit to behave in such way in public was bad enough, but what disgusted me the most is that such a person can choose to raise as many children as she likes in any way she sees fit, not only without restriction but with government assistance removing the only real obstacle to her fecundity, and that such a person has as much power at the ballot box as anyone reading these Canberra Times letters. Civilised society is bringing about its own demise by treating the issues highlighted by this unfortunate incident as taboo, and I'll no doubt receive some harsh criticism for daring to raise them. However, democracy is delivering increasingly mediocre outcomes and the Earth is fast approaching its carrying capacity. There are no simple solutions, but we can't continue to treat everyone's views with equal weight and unlimited reproduction as an inalienable right. The longer we allow cheap populism to erode our system of government before confronting difficult issues like these the more insurmountable they will become. James Allan, Narrabundah In the dumps We too are having trouble with an abandoned car. Two weeks before Christmas a car was left in the middle of our cul-de-sac. We all had to manoeuvre our cars around it to get in and out of our townhouses. There have been three phone calls to police; one time the person said, "Goodness knows when we will get round to it." The car has no plates on it and has a smashed-in window. We ended up having to move it ourselves. It is now in the visitor's car park. Jean Odgers, Swinger Hill Revision required All satire aside, Minister Peter Dutton has a point about updating the citizenship test. Whether the leader of the local council is called a mayor or a minor minister is pretty mundane stuff. Psychologists have been devising innocuous questionnaires to indicate personality traits for some time and with relative, if not total, success. Those who "fail" such tests could be referred on for further interviews and investigation. Gary J. Wilson, Macgregor Tipple quibble The child and parental longitudinal research on alcohol consumption funded by Australian Rotary Health, National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Research Council Discovery, makes no mention of contributions from obligatorily involved groups, distillers, brewers, off-licences and clubs ("Children given alcohol by parents less likely to binge", January 6, p.2). Albert M. White, Queanbeyan, NSW Going cuckoo In a perfect world koels would lay their eggs only in the nests of Indian mynas. At least then there would be consolation for their relentless piercing calls. David Jenkins, Casey Lament for whales Yes, Tilikum is finally free (Letters, January 10) but many other orcas still endure misery in their small concrete prisons. Corky, the eldest, is 52 years old and has lived in captivity for more than 45 years 45 years in a space 100 million times smaller than she would live in if she was free. Christine Evans, Brighton, Vic Big thanks for your help On Christmas evening (2016) I was run down by a motor vehicle near my home in Goulburn. After great work by emergency services Goulburn, I was transported to Royal Canberra Hospital by the Snowy Hydro Southcare helicopter. This is a letter of sincerest thanks to all involved. While in an induced coma I cannot say too much about my helicopter ride but am thankful such a service exists. The care and service I received during my stay at Canberra Hospital was first rate. To the staff of the emergency department, the intensive care unit and all on ward 6B, I cannot express my gratitude highly enough. While there are those who complain about the quality and cost of Canberra and surrounds health services, having experienced them in my greatest time of need, I could not fault them. I will be arranging deductions to Snowy Hydro Southcare on my return to normality but, for the moment am on the mend and again express my most heartfelt thanks to Woden and the helicopter service. Robert Watterston, Goulburn, NSW West Basin peril Fellow citizens, don't be misled by the frantic activity in Northbourne Avenue or the giant roundabout. These are just clever diversions to take our focus off the developments taking place at West Basin. I agree that building a well-designed waterside walkway there would add vitality to the area, especially with the planned public facilities, playground and long-awaited cafe outlets and so on. However, the ACT government can't be trusted and its main aim is undoubtedly multi-storey waterfront apartment blocks (and bigger and more) than they have indicated to date. Supposedly the infill of West Basin is to be minimal. We shall see. Maybe our "cool" government should go all the way. How about infilling and developing the whole of that pesky West Basin. There would still be much of LBG left for the public. We could have our own little Venice a canal-style gated community, multi- storey eco Italian villas set against the backdrop of Black Mountain. Perhaps we can't afford to run light rail there but I know of a cheap monorail no longer being used. Ideal for City to the Lake. John Mungoven, Stirling MPs on the nose (again) Sussan Ley has reportedly described her job as "incredibly privileged". Dead right. In other words, unbelievable and a law just for yourself and your ilk. You and they obviously think that the age of entitlement is over for everybody except yourselves. Her conduct and that of the FIFO guests at the PM's New Year's Eve knees-up at Kirribilli House fail not only the pub test but also the sniff test. They are a good demonstration, if another one was needed, of just how out of touch most of our elected representatives have become. Whilst in hot pursuit of suspected but mostly innocent welfare rorters (and using a ridiculously flawed computer logarithm to boot) our heroes fail to follow even a single one of the recommendations of the committee set up after Bronny's Big Helicopter Adventure. With ALP support, they also refuse to set up any sort of anti-corruption body at a federal level and they cover up (unless it suits them politically: eg Mr Slipper) other allegations of rorts and outright fraud. If the major parties wish to keep on alienating electors and sending them off towards One Nation and other fringe dwellers, this is exactly how to do it. James Gralton, Garran Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley has claimed her purchase of a $795,000 Gold Coast apartment from LNP donor Martin Corkery on May 9, 2015, was an "impulse buy". The ostensibly legitimate, work-related purpose of the minister's trip to Brisbane was to make a public announcement about the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Given that, firstly, that particular trip was one of five taxpayer-funded trips to the Gold Coast made by the minister around that time and, secondly, there doesn't seem to be any logical reason why the minister couldn't have made her PBS announcement wherever she happened to be before she flew to Brisbane, her decision to choose Wesley Hospital seems artificial. In case there are any government MPs who are still having difficulty understanding why most voters regard the minister's trip as a rort, I suggest they ask how they would react if a public servant or union official were to undertake a work-funded trip in similar circumstances. Bruce Taggart, Aranda The art of pampering Each day, it seems, I am invited to "pamper" myself and to do something commercially advantageous for a particular advertiser because I "owe it" to myself. The jumbo pack of toilet paper that I have always bought even comes with a convenient "love handle". Reading the wording printed on the cellophane (in retirement one finally gets the time to do such things) I find my ego (or is it my bottom?) being massaged by the manufacturer telling me I have chosen "Australia's most loved toilet tissue" and that the toilet paper (I refuse to string along with "toilet tissue") "loves your bum". Said blurb insists the product "brings the big little luxury into your bathroom". Is something lost in translation or will continuing meditation on a porcelain throne eventually make the meaning clear? I live in fear that one day I will revolt against all this pseudo-loving and do something terribly unloving like hiring a Segway and mowing down a pedestrian. V. R. Condon, Narrabundah TO THE POINT SEEING RED Thanks to Bronwyn Bishop for succinctly explaining the truth behind the current attack on ministerial entitlements ("Ex-speaker takes aim at socialists", January 10, p.7). It's those reds under the bed, emerging to strike at champions of free enterprise and their right to use taxpayers' money as they see fit. David Townsend, Curtin Oh dear, Bronnie. Only you could make such a stupid comment blaming "the socialists" for Sussan Ley's current travel expense woes. And as for "free enterprise", I'd like to get me some of that! Janet Cossart, Stirling It is depressing to see politicians plundering the public purse. They are on good remuneration and have no need to do so. The offenders' behavior reminds me of the dictum: "God helps them who help themselves." With the proviso that you should cover your tracks. Howard Carew, Isaacs Sussan Ley has the credibility of a fox in the hen house and should be dismissed from the parliament. It seems clear with the number of allegations stacking up against her she is unworthy to sit as a representative in any capacity in the people's house. W. Book, Hackett I would like to suggest an approach for parliamentarians who find the guidelines for claiming travel and other entitlements too complex. If you would criticise a political enemy for claiming the same entitlements you are considering claiming don't claim those entitlements. Julia Abbott, Turner LESSONS LEARNT I'm sure the military tiff between Indonesia and Australia will soon heal; we gain too much to let the problem fester. Look how much we've learnt from their activities in Timor Leste and West Papua in running our detention centres. Fred Pilcher, Kaleen THE BIG DAY Is now a good time to get an effigy of Charles Woodhouse (Letters, January 10) and display it upside down on January 20, Donald Trump's inauguration day? Mark Urquhart, Palmerston I note that Donald Trump, once he is President, now intends to build the wall between the United States and Mexico himself and then charge Mexico for the costs. Like it or not, family backgrounds matter a lot. But sometimes their influence plays out in unexpected ways. Take the investment industry for instance. It turns out the best fund managers, more often than not, come from poorer families. That might seem counterintuitive but there's a compelling explanation. Because it's so difficult for those from disadvantaged backgrounds to break into the lucrative funds management business, the only ones that actually do are so capable and skilled they outdo their peers. Research by Dr Oleg Chuprinin, from the University of NSW, and Denis Sosyura, from the University of Michigan, shows that investment managers who grew up in poor families made two percentage points higher returns each year, on average, than their counterparts from the wealthier families. That can add up to a lot of money over time. More than 533,000 students will commence or resume their schooling at Queensland state schools this month. At the same time, another 116,000 students will walk through the gates of Queensland's independent schools. For hundreds of thousands of families, that means the hunt is on for everything from school shoes to textbooks, and exercise books to iPads. None of this is cheap, as any parent knows; the cost of even basic school uniforms can set parents back hundreds of dollars per child. At some state schools the uniform list can run from black school shoes, to monogrammed shirts, ties (for both boys and girls), sports clothes, hats and even blazers. This causes no shortage of angst, but ditching school uniforms would not only cost parents more money, and would be a bad idea all around. In fact, school uniforms are as important as student laptops in the education experience. This is certainly so with children starting in prep. The suggestion they should each have an iPad is arguably questionable. Learning to write letters and numbers is as important as reading them, and the tactile experience of writing words actually assists in memorising them. Interestingly, what most excites children going to school for the first time is usually their uniform. Every five-year-old can appreciate wearing a school uniform is a powerful rite of passage, and an equally powerful statement of belonging. This is no less true of high school students. Quite frankly, we spend far too much time pandering to a generation for whom individuality is a temper tantrum and a Facebook post short of an overblown sense of entitlement. We need to spend more time emphasising the value of community, and how communities can only function if everyone gives up some of their own entitlement for the good of others. Uniforms also send powerful messages about the standards we expect. One school in Brisbane's inner north is living proof of this. When David Munn became principal at Aviation High a few years ago, he not only shook up academic standards, but smartened up the uniform and set high standards of dress. The school has gone from strength to strength, and shows that setting high expectations of young people is good for them, rather than bad. Last, but not least, uniforms do much to minimise differences of wealth and privilege between students from different social backgrounds. Abolishing uniforms inevitably leads to subtle, but significant discrimination based on clothing and fashion. This can only lead to marginalising children whose parents are not as well off as others, the very children we should be encouraging, not discouraging. While many parents grumble over the cost of uniforms, purchasing them is perhaps one of the best things parents can do to set their children up for success. A man has been taken to hospital after he was seriously injured in a fall down an elevator shaft in Sydney's west. Emergency services were called to Loftus Crescent in Homebush at 10.15am on Tuesday morning. They found the 33-year-old man with chest and pelvic injuries after the 12-metre fall. A police spokesman said the man had fallen three floors down the elevator shaft. He was taken to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition. NSW Transport officials have dismissed claims free Wi-Fi on Sydney Buses will become a data mining exercise, invading the privacy of passengers. Greens transport spokeswoman Dr Mehreen Faruqi accused the state government of failing to disclose privacy issues with the CATCH technology to be used as part of the Wi-Fi trial. The State Transit Authority has rejected claims a free wi-fi trial on buses will threaten the privacy of passengers. Credit:James Alcock Advertising giant APN Outdoor will provide internet service to 50 buses involved in the trial using its CATCH technology and smartphone app. A State Transit Authority spokeswoman said passengers using the free Wi-Fi would only be asked to provide personal information on an "opt in" basis. Washingtons state legislature convened for its 2017 session Monday, and at the top of its agenda this year is to answer a long-standing 2012 court ruling that requires the state to pick up more of its public education tab. Last month, Gov. Jay Inslee said he will place in his budget a proposed carbon tax on companies that generate or import electricity, natural gas or oil, refineries, and fuel importers. It would be one of the nations first of its kind and has gotten strong pushback from the states business community. A similar ballot measure last November that would have increased the states carbon tax in order to decrease the states sales tax failed. Inslees proposed tax this year would raise close to $2 billion in its first year, and Inslee wants to dedicate the majority of that money to increasing teachers pay, according to the Associated Press. In the 2012 McCleary v. State of Washington decision, the states supreme court ruled that the state should pick up a greater share of education costs. Since that ruling, the state has increased its education funding by $2 billion, but has yet to address the most expensive part of the ruling, which is to increase the states teacher pay. Thats estimated to cost $2.75 billion over the next three years. In the meantime, the court is fining the legislature $100,000 for every day lawmakers are in session and doesnt come up with a new funding formula. The court set a deadline of September 2018. A task force convened by Inslee last year came out with two party-affiliated proposals , according to the Associated Press. The Democrats proposal would increase taxes in several areas, while the Republican proposal only gave guiding principles, including that education should remain a top funding priority. Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. The alleged mother of the newborn baby found dead on a Cairns property more than two decades ago has been granted bail after she was charged with manslaughter on Sunday. Maria Lena Raymond, 43, was granted bail at Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday after she was charged with one count each of manslaughter, misconduct with regards to a corpse and concealing the birth of a child. The charges relate to an incident on May 4, 1996 when the torso of the newborn child, believed to be no more than 48 hours old, was found in the driveway of a Haywood Street address at Cairns. The Manoora woman handed herself into police on Sunday and was charged after she had assisted them twice since December, when a friend of the woman's had come to police with information relating to the case. Former NRL star Chris Sandow has escaped a conviction over a New Year's Day brawl after agreeing to speak out against violence. Sandow was captured on video fighting on the street in Cherbourg, Queensland, in defence of his non-blood related "brother", who was allegedly threatened by other men the night before. The 28-year-old former Parramatta and South Sydney player was fined $300 after pleading guilty in the Murgon Magistrates Court on Tuesday to a public nuisance charge. Sandow avoided a conviction after he agreed to magistrate Andrew Hackett's unorthodox request that he become a community spokesman for conflict resolution in Cherbourg, stating he had the potential to be the next Johnathan Thurston. An eight-metre high brick wall over the top of Villanova College's seniors area, classrooms and tuckshop at Coorparoo has collapsed, luckily while students are on holidays. Villanova College principal Mark Stower said the timing of the wall collapse on December 27, 2016 could be considered "the grace of God." Scaffolding and tarpaulins cover the damaged front of Villanova College's Veritas Building where a brick wall has collapsed. "It is not my place to speculate what it would have been like during a school term," he said. "But it happened at the quietest time of the year. Two 13-year-old boys have been cautioned over a series of recent fires in Ballarat. The fires, at Sebastopol's Marty Busch Reserve on Saturday and Sunday, were deemed suspicious and an investigation started which included Ballarat crime investigation unit detectives. Victoria Police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said police arrested and interviewed two 13-year-old boys in relation to the fires. "The boys received an official caution in relation to the matter and the investigation is complete." It was a tough call as to who had the more unenviable job. The answer depended which end of a large and potentially dangerous predator you would rather be working on: the head (read canine teeth) or the tail (read anal gland). Thankfully it was a moot point, as Melbourne Zoo's 14-year-old Sumatran tiger Binjai arrived in surgery anesthetised and on a stretcher. Binjai's 92-kilogram bulk was a dead weight for keepers and vet staff, who were charged with preparing her for not one but two operations. The c-word had been mentioned after a tumour on one of her anal glands was detected in October. The only way to find out if it was cancerous was to get in there and have a look. That job fell to Stewart Ryan, from Melbourne University's vet school. "You need to know what is it, where is it and how bad is it," Dr Ryan said. "They are the three questions you have to be able to answer." Jerusalem: It's no state secret that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara enjoy life's little luxuries. Just in the past three years, Netanyahu has drawn withering front-page coverage for dipping into the state treasury for a $US2700-a-year gourmet ice cream habit. Or for ordering a double bed for a five-hour plane ride to London. That cost taxpayers $US127,000. Sara Netanyahu, too, has come under scrutiny for her penchant for pink champagne - a former caretaker, who recently sued the couple for abusive treatment, claimed the first lady would polish off several bottles of bubbly in a day. And she drew ridicule in 2015 for a campaign video with a celebrity interior designer in which she kvetches about the dingy drapes of the couple's official residence on Balfour Street. Now the prime minister is in hot water again, seemingly over his and his family's willingness to accept lavish gifts of Cuban cigars, French champagne and other exclusive items. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams They were hot to trot! Camels, llamas, ponies, donkeys, and sheep marched down Graham Avenue in Williamsburg with members of Brooklyns Latino community on Sunday for the Brooklyn Three Kings Day Parade, in what an organizer says was a triumph of community spirit over the weekends below-freezing weather. It was cold, but the warm spirit and warm hearts of our community came out, said Tommy Torres, a local Democratic district leader and a member of the parades organizing committee. Three Kings Day is a Christian holiday widely celebrated in Latin American countries that commemorated the titular monarchs visit to the baby Jesus. And for 20 years now, members of Williamsburg schools, churches, and community groups have marked the occasion by marching alongside men dressed as the Magi and real animals acting as the various creatures from the manger, according to Torres, This is a tradition thats been going on in Latin American countries for a lifetime, and it is celebrated a lot in communities [here] the Puerto Rican community especially, he said. Organizers also hand out gifts to kids as the kings did, Torres said although more often toys than frankincense and myrrh. 192 Non-Violent Pot Convictions Pardoned by Vermont Governor The governor of Vermont, who signed the bill into law in the state to decriminalize marijuana possession, has just issued 192 pardons to individuals convicted of marijuana crimes. The pardons, which were all for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, also required that the offenses not be in relation to a DUI charge or violent crime. However, the pro-pot governor decided that issuing pardons for these pot convictions would be one of the last things he did before leaving office. With the populace's shifting mentality towards marijuana legalization across the country, these pardons make sense. After all, the state law in Vermont provides for decriminalization, which means that possession of marijuana should not even be a criminal matter anymore than a traffic ticket is. Unfortunately, many people still have criminal records for offenses that, today, would not even lead to a criminal record. Governor's Pardon Unlike an expungement, however, a governor's pardon will not remove a conviction from a person's criminal record. The pardon forgives the crime and will remove the remainder of any criminal punishment a convicted individual would need to satisfy, such as parole, probation, or actual time in prison. When a person who has been pardoned applies for a job, they will still have disclose that they were convicted on their application. When a person receives an expungement, that is when, legally, they no longer have to disclose convictions on forms like job applications. An expungement is a court process by which a person who has completed their sentence for a criminal offense can have that offense removed from their record (note that an expungement will not remove a criminal offense from a person's immigration records). How to Get an Expungement The process for getting your criminal record expunged varies from state to state. Certain, more serious, crimes often cannot be expunged. Generally though, you will need to have completed every last aspect of your sentence, and not have committed any subsequent crimes for a given period of time. Because the process varies from state to state, seeking the assistance of a qualified attorney local to where the conviction occurred can often make the process much simpler. Related Resources: Nailbiter: Astros survive in Game 5, take control of World Series in 3-2 win The Astros are one win away from the second World Series title in their history because of the greatest bullpen in postseason history. Yardley Friends Meeting at 65 N. Main Street in Yardley will host the documentary Organic Roots on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Join director Al Johnson for a showing of this film followed by a discussion of the last 50 years of this movement. Organic foods are part of our life today and a tool in our concern for... latest news October 31, 2022 Buddy TV In November, there are hundreds of new and returning TV showsit can be overwhelming to try and choose what to watch. That's why we've selected some of the best options... Where Andy Kim, Bob Healey stand on abortion, inflation and more The USA TODAY Network New Jersey asked Andy Kim and Bob Healey where they stand on key issues in the midterms. Here's what they said. California's Execution Speed-Up Law Goes to State's Supreme Court The California Supreme Court is considering briefs on whether to uphold a voter-approved law to speed up death penalty cases. Approved by voters in November 2016, Prop. 66 authorizes more lawyers to take death penalty cases and sets a five-year timeline for appeals. Opponents sued to invalidate the measure, which was set to take effect last month, but the high court stayed implementation and ordered briefing on the case this month. "There are individual provisions of this measure that raise serious constitutional issues," said Gerald Uelmen, a Santa Clara law professor emeritus who served as the chief executive of a state commission that examined California's death penalty system. "I would expect the court is going to strike down at least some provisions." Long Road for Death Row California, with 749 inmates awaiting execution, has the largest death row in the country. No one has been executed in California since 2006 when a judge ruled that the state's administration of lethal injection was cruel and unusual punishment. Some appeals have taken up to 25 years. Voters faced opposing initiatives on the death penalty this year. Fifty-one percent voted to speed up executions through Prop. 66, while forty-six percent voted to abolish the death penalty under Prop. 62. Ron Briggs, a vocal opponent of the death penalty, and former California Attorney General John Van De Kamp, filed their lawsuit the day after the election. In their petition, they say Prop. 66 "will result in immediate increased expenditures of public funds, a suppression of legitimate challenges, and a decrease in counsels' ability to represent their clients." They also contend it sets "an inordinately short timeline for the courts to review those complex cases." Two Votes Count Two justices of the high court reportedly have recused themselves from the case because they serve on the state's Judicial Council, which is a defendant in the lawsuit and the court's policy-making body. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and Justice Ming W. Chin, both appointed by Republican governors, apparently will be replaced by appellate jurists selected by the chief justice. With 77 death penalty appeals and 89 habeas petitions ready for the high court to decide, UC Berkeley law professor Elisabeth Semel said, the court is backlogged. She said the court would not have the time to handle all death penalty cases under the timelines set by Prop. 66, and would have very little time for civil disputes. "The court can only handle a certain number of these cases a year," Semel said. "It is not feasible." Kent Scheidegger, counsel for the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation and an author of Prop. 66, blamed defense lawyers for the backlog. He also faulted the court for granting extensions of time to the defense lawyers. '"Basically, the court needs to get tough on these people," he added. "You read a docket of capital cases today and see 23 extensions of time. They need to start saying no." Related Resources: Were you mesmerised by the controversial digital humans in 'Rogue One,'? Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)'s achievement in setting a new level of photoreal facial animation impressed viewers and evidently, the effort involved has reaped success. In fact, the same facial performance-capture solving system (developed at ILM by Kiran Bhat, Michael Koperwas, Brian Cantwell, and Paige Warner) will be among the Academys 18 Sci-Tech honorees this year. Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. Global Cybersecurity Threats Are Coming In a world connected through the internet, satellites, cell zones, and wireless networks, cybersecurity threats can come from virtually anywhere and affect almost anybody. This is especially true in the United States, where even the recent presidential election was affected by email hacks and security breaches. Cyber-espionage has become the weapon of choice for some governments. In the breach, lawyers and their clients may want to consider cybersecurity laws taking shape in many parts of the world. Winston and Strawn partner Lisa Thomas lays out a global roadmap for the coming years: 1. Privacy and Security in China In November 2016, China passed a cybersecurity law that permits the government to audit and release source code and encryption keys. The law also requires government's permission to transfer personal information out of the country. The new law will take effect in June 2017, causing Chinese businesses to assess their security and data transfer policies now. Under new regulations, Thomas said, companies will be limited on the amount of personal information they can collect and must collect only information that is relevant to a company's business. If consumer consent is required, records of that consent must be retained for five years. 2. The New European-Wide Privacy Regulation Multinational companies will spend much of 2017 preparing for compliance under the new EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The regulation goes into effect in 2018 and differs from the current privacy regime in Europe. The changes will require many companies to reevaluate their practices and create new procedures to ensure compliance. For example, the GDPR includes a "right to be forgotten" for individuals to ask a company's data controller to delete their personal information. Some companies will also be required to have a data protection officer, Thomas wrote. The regulations are provide procedures for handling data breaches and the types of security required for personal information. 3. United States' Cybersecurity Changes In the United States, states like California, Nebraska, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Tennessee continued to modify cybersecurity laws in 2016. California changes have already gone into effect. Some states, such as Illinois, have changed how they handle encryption. Others, according to Thomas, modified requirements about when individuals need to be notified, or added a requirement to notify the relevant attorney general. Related Resources: Tata Sons, in its petition filed as respondents in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), has alleged that ousted chairman seemed focused only on the problems from the past and blamed them on legacy issues, and didnt do enough to resolve them. NCLT is hearing a petition filed by Mistrys investment firms alleging mismanagement and oppression of minority shareholders of Tata Sons and seeking the ouster of the current management of Tata Trusts and Tata Sons. Even after identifying these hot-spots, the execution and follow-through on these matters was slow and lacked a sense of urgency, said Tata Sons in its petition filed on Friday. According to the petition, the board had been asking to address the continuing losses of Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL) for over three years as it was consuming the cash flows generated by other profitable companies in the Tata Group, with little hope of developing a sustainable profitable position in an increasingly competitive industry. However, as opposed to being decisive and taking a write-down or reducing the debt burden, Mistry kept optimistically holding out for a merger that might save the business, which has yet to materialise. The losses in the business, consequently, kept mounting. This inability to be decisive to cut losses and resolve issues was a significant weakness in Cyrus Mistrys leadership, adds the petition. Talking about other legacy issues, the petition says that all business and commercial decisions which have been taken by the operating companies like the Corus acquisition by Tata Steel and the launch of Nano Car by Tata Motors were taken by the board of directors of these operating companies which is not the legal yardstick on which efficacy and rationality of commercial decisions can be tested. It has submitted that a commercial judgment going wrong cannot be a ground for oppression or mismanagement. The petition also puts onus on Mistry, who had led the executive management of Tata Motors for almost two years after the demise of Karl Slym, the former managing director and CEO of Tata Motors. During those two years, Tata Motors invested further in the Tata Nano project so as to develop newer variants of the Nano such as the GenX Nano. Given that the management of Tata Motors at such time also felt that the Nano project held potential and proceeded to invest in it, it was clear that the petitioners are incorrect to assert that the project is not being shut on account of emotional reasons involving Ratan Tata. Regarding the Corus acquisition, the petition says that it involved a highly competitive bidding process, in which Tata Steel participated along with Brazilian steel company Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN). Tata Steels winning bid was GBP 608 pence per share, while CSNs final bid was GBP 603 pence per share. There is no basis to state that the acquisition of Corus was done at a substantial premium, says the petition. Admittedly, the final bid price was higher than the initial offer price quoted by Tata Steel to Corus, this was merely a function of value discovery through a competitive bidding process. A part of the acquisition cost of Corus was also funded by a rights issue by Tata Steel to existing shareholders of Tata Steel (including Tata Sons). The rights issue was fully underwritten by Tata Sons. was on the board of directors of Tata Sons at the time when Tata Sons agreed to subscribe to shares in the rights issue and was a party to the decision. Neither were there any deliberations at the board meetings of Tata Sons, nor do the board minutes of Tata Steel indicate that Cyrus Mistry had objections to the decision by Tata Sons to provide funds to Tata Steel for the Corus acquisition, says the petition. The petitioners and Cyrus Mistry were aware of this transaction and did not object to it at the time. Tata petition says: Mistrys petition is based on alleged acts of commercial mismanagement which were never questioned in the past Commercial judgment going wrong cannot be a ground of oppression or mismanagement Allegation of commercial mismanagement is time barred and also incorrect Ltd's awaited long-term power purchase agreement with the Karnataka government has fallen through, forcing the company to look for short-term options, according to people with direct knowledge of the development. had won a tender to supply 750-megawatt power to the Karnataka state electricity board (SEB) in July at Rs 4.38 per unit on a three-year contract. However, the tender never materialised into a long-term power purchase agreement. "The tender was to expire in November, however, in the absence of PPA (power purchase agreement) signed, it has now fallen off," said a person familiar with the development. A second person with direct knowledge confirmed the expiry of the contract. An email query sent to on the status of the contract remained unanswered. JSW Energy last week announced it had won a short-term order to supply 650-megawatt power to Power Company of Karnataka Ltd up to May 2017. The company did not disclose the rates at which this order was won. "The short-term contract would be at rates lower than the long-term contract which expired. I expect the company would be able to sign another six-month contract once the first one ends in May, which should help delay the pain for another 10-12 months," said one of the two people quoted in the story earlier. The long-term contract for JSW Energy was stuck in regulatory delays and government approvals, which several analysts attribute to the availability of cheaper power in the spot market. Analysts expect long-term contracts for power capacity in the country to take longer to fructify as the spot market offers a cheaper option to the financially stressed SEB sector. On the Indian energy exchange (IEX), power for the southern market at present is trading at Rs 3.10 per unit, lower than the rates at which JSW Energy's long-term contract was to be signed. "How things will pan out for the company once the short-term contract ends also depends on the monsoon and other power capacities' commissioning schedule in the state. Monsoon is crucial as Karnataka meets a large chunk of its power needs through hydel power," one of the people quoted earlier said. The company's September quarter net profit was 59 per cent less than the Rs 534 crore in the same period a year earlier. In its result statement to BSE, the company said the decrease in turnover was primarily on account of lower generation and realisation at the Vijaynagar and Ratnagiri units, partly offset by increased generation at its recently acquired hydropower plants in Himachal Pradesh. Generation at Vijayanagar was lower owing to the delay in the long-term contract, tender for which has expired. The hit has been offset with the short-term contract signed up to May 2017. International Inc agreed to pay $13 million to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charges that its Cadbury unit violated a federal anti-bribery law through efforts to expand a chocolate plant in Baddi, India. In a statement on Monday, said it was pleased to reach the civil settlement, in which it neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing. The accord resolves charges that violated the internal controls and books-and-records provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. According to the SEC, Cadbury India paid a local businessman $90,666 in 2010 to work with government officials in Himachal Pradesh and obtain licenses and approvals to add capacity at the Baddi plant, which was built in 2005. The SEC said Cadbury India's books and records did not accurately reflect the nature of the businessman's services, for which it received five invoices but had no written contract. It also said Cadbury India lacked FCPA adequate compliance controls to ensure how the payments were used. Mondelez ended its relationship with the businessman in October 2010, the SEC said. An SEC subpoena was issued four months later. The settlement also reflected Deerfield, Illinois-based Mondelez's "extensive" remedial actions, including a review of Cadbury India's relationships with third parties, the SEC said. Mondelez, known at the time as Kraft Foods, bought Cadbury in February 2010. Some of the company's other products are Halls cough drops, Milka and Toblerone chocolate, Oreo cookies, Philadelphia cream cheese and Ritz and Triscuit crackers. Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has almost doubled his stake in Bengaluru-based Coffee Day Enterprises, betting on India's largest retail coffee brand that looks at increased local consumption to drive future growth. Nilekani, had jointly invested Rs 100 crore with stock investor Rakesh Jhunjunwala in pre-IPO funding in March 2015. In the quarter ended December, Nilekani had increased his stake to 2.57 per cent from 1.4 per cent in the Bengaluru-based Coffee Day, taking his investment value in the company to Rs 104 crore. NewsCorp-backed digital advertising firm for property, REA Group, has invested $50 million in . The investment comes after PropTiger, which is NewsCorp's online real estate listing firm in India, acquired smaller rival Housing.com for an undisclosed sum. The new entity is valued at around $250 million, a person familiar with the development said. After a brief ceasefire during the Christmas holidays, the war between former chairman Cyrus Mistry and Interim Chairman Ratan Tata has restarted. says the Mistrys have no locus standi to move the National Company Law Board (NCLT), as they own only 2.17 per cent in the total issued share capital of Tata Sons, instead of the minimum 10 per cent required to file such a petition. Cyrus Investments and Sterling Investment Corporation, two investment companies of the Mistry-family controlled Shapoorji Pallonji group, as 18.37 per cent shareholders of Tata Sons, had filed a petition at NCLT under sections 241, 242 and 244 of the Companies Act, alleging oppression and mismanagement by Tata Sons, Tata Trusts and their officers. In its reply to NCLT, filed on January 6, said the Mistry family did not have the right to file a case at NCLT, as they did not meet the conditions laid down under the Companies Act. When contacted, a Tata group spokesperson said he did not wish to comment on the issues. Tatas said the total issued ordinary capital of Tata Sons was Rs 40.41 crore while the total issued preference capital was Rs 294 crore. The Mistrys hold ordinary shares with face value of Rs 7.4 crore of this combined share capital (both ordinary and preference) of Rs 335 crore. This translates into the petitioners holding only 2.17 per cent of the total issued share capital of Tata Sons. Therefore, the petitioners held less than one tenth of the issued share capital of Tata Sons at the time of filing the petition and do not meet the eligibility criteria under Section 244 to file the petition, Tata Sons said in its 210-page reply. Independent lawyers said the Tata argument was valid as both equity capital and preference shares are to be considered under the Companies Act. The Bombay High Court has ruled that both equity capital and preference capital should be counted in the Blue Coast Resorts dispute, said R S Loona, senior partner, Dhaval Vassunji Alliance, a Mumbai-based corporate law firm. The Tatas also argued that the total number of members of Tata Sons as on the date of filing of the petition was 51. With the two Mistry family firms representing less than one tenth of the total members, Tata Sons said the second eligibility criteria based on members under Section 244 of the Act to file such a petition was also not met. The petitioners have deliberately suppressed this information and filed this frivolous petition while knowing well that it is not maintainable, Tata Sons said in its reply filed with NCLT last week. Tata Sons asked the court that the petition be dismissed with exemplary costs. Sources in the Cyrus Mistry camp said it is but natural that Tata Sons and its directors and the trustees of Tata Trusts would deny allegations and level counter-allegations. The petitioners and Cyrus Mistry will indeed file their rejoinder on all facts and issues that are involved in the proceedings, they said. The exhaustive reply to the NCLT gives a point-by-point rebuttal to the charges made by Mistry against Tata Sons, its board of directors and Tata Trusts trustees since his ouster on October 24. The Tata affidavit also dealt with the reasons of removing Mistry as chairman of Tata Sons saying despite repeated warnings, the legacy hotspots companies like Tata Steel, Tata Teleservices and Tata Motors were not showing any signs of recovery. Soon after he was removed on October 24, Mistry had blamed Ratan Tata for making costly overseas acquisitions that would result in potentially write-downs worth $18-billion for the Tata group. Mistry had also accused Tata of signing deals with his close friends Chennai-based entrepreneur, C Sivasankaran and Mehli Mistry at the cost of Tata companies. In its reply, Tata Sons denied all these allegations. On Mistrys allegation that C Sivasankarans firm Sterling Infotech had taken an advantage and the amassed a huge profit in less than three years in Tata Teleservices, Tata Sons said the same advantage was also taken by the Mistrys, and that a greater profit per share was amassed them within a similar time frame. The Tata Sons reply says Mistrys bought the shares for Rs 15 per share, while Sivasankarans cost price was Rs 17, which both offloaded for Rs 116.09 per share to Docomo. On the veto power of Tata Trusts, Tata Sons said Pallonji Mistry had voted in favour of the changes in the Articles of Association in 2000. After Mistry became the chairman of Tata Sons in December 2012, several rounds of discussions between Tata and Mistry were held to discuss the role of the Trusts in Tata Sons. After many deliberations, with the concurrence of Mistry, the Articles of Association were amended, by a unanimous resolution passed by the shareholders of Tata Sons in April 2014, pursuant to which Articles 121A and 121B were introduced. Article 121A specified certain items which were mandatorily required to be resolved upon by the Tata Sons board, which included the five-year strategic plan and the annual business plan. Mistry was present at the extraordinary general meeting of the members of Tata Sons on April 9, 2014 when Article 121A was unanimously resolved to be included, the reply said. Giving reasons for Mistrys removal, the Tatas said disturbing facts came to light on Mistrys competence including lack of discipline to make capital allocation decisions. It was expected that Tata Sons would approve new capital issuance or debt guarantees requested by any of the Tata Group companies. There was little discipline on what the expected returns on these capital commitments would be or whether there were superior alternate uses of the capital being requested, it said. The reply also added that there was limited detail on the financial or strategic milestones that companies were expected to achieve to justify these capital requests. Besides, the Tatas said Mistry seemed focused only on the problems from the past and blamed them on legacy issues. Even after identifying these hotspots, the execution and follow-through on these matters was slow and lacked a sense of urgency, it said. Tata Sons board was informed of the Welspun renewable power business takeover by Tata Power only at the last stage, Tatas said. The Tatas also cited the example of sagging financial health of Tata Teleservices. As opposed to being decisive and taking a write-down or reducing the debt burden, Mistry kept optimistically holding out for a merger that might save the business, which has yet to materialise, while the losses in the business kept mounting. This inability to be decisive to cut losses and resolve issues was a significant weakness in Mistrys leadership. The business plans prepared by Mistry and his teams were weak and there were no projections of how the revenues, profits, and other metrics of the various businesses would add up to the goals outlined in the strategic vision, it said. During his tenure, Mistry did not launch any new business initiatives that have gained meaningful traction in the form of revenues or profits. The Tata said Mistrys top team did not inspire confidence. By not appointing a strong Group Finance Director/Group CFO or executive directors with a track record of running companies who could complement him in overseeing the affairs of group companies, Mistry did not appear to fully value the importance of a strong professional team at Tata Sons that could provide proper guidance and support to the operating companies, said the Tatas. There was also trust deficit between Tata Sons and Mistry as he failed to put into effect his strategy for managing a large and complex group such as the Tata group, as committed by him in the detailed note of October 2010 tendered by him to the selection committee. The Tata said there was also a conflict of interest between Mistry as Chairman of Tata group and being a significant shareholder in his family enterprise Shapoorji Pallonji group of companies, which were getting significant contracts from the Tata Group, even after his appointment as deputy chairman in November 2011 and his appointment as chairman in December 2012. However, it was almost two years after his appointment as chairman that he took steps to address this conflict of interest and acted to stop this activity, after much reluctance, it said. However, by then several contracts had been awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji group of companies by the Tata Group, the reply said. founders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal have handed over the operational control of the company they built over the past decade to Kalyan Krishnamurthy, the nominee of marquee American investor Tiger Global. Vikram Pawah, 45, has been appointed as the president of India, effective March 1, 2017. He will take over from Frank Schloeder, who will assume new position at headquarters in Germany. Pawah brings 25 years of international experience both in the automotive and non-automotive industry. Previously, he has worked with Honda Cars in India and Australia. Most recently, he was the Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India. Schloeder, acting President, India will return to BMW Group Headquarters in Germany, where he will assume the position of Head of Business Steering - Luxury Class. "India is a growing market with great potential for mobility products and services. With his broad experience in the automotive industry and his country specific know-how, Mr Pawah brings excellent preconditions to strengthen our position in the Indian market. We would like to thank Mr Schloeder for his remarkable accomplishments and wish him the best for his new role." said Hendrik von Kuenheim, Senior Vice-President, Asia Pacific and South Africa, BMW Group in a statement. Catholic Hospital Refuses Transgender Man's Surgery, Gets Sued A transgender New Jersey man has filed a sex and gender discrimination lawsuit against St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center after it refused to perform his hysterectomy because it is a Catholic hospital. Jionni Conforti alleges that a hospital nurse originally scheduled the surgery, but was overturned by the hospital's director of mission services, Father Martin Rooney. Conforti's lawsuit is the latest flashpoint in the battle between equal rights for transgender people and medical practitioners who claim they are unable to perform certain procedures based on religious doctrine. Standard of Care Conforti began his gender transition in 2004, and in 2015 scheduled the hysterectomy to remove the uterus with which he was born. According to his lawsuit, however, a hospital administrator then informed him the procedure could not be performed at the Catholic hospital. Conforti was able to have the procedure done at a different hospital three months later, but not before he felt "shocked and saddened" by the hospital's treatment. "I felt completely disrespected as a person," Conforti said in a statement. "That's not how any hospital should treat any person regardless of who they are. A hospital is a place where you should feel safe and taken care of. Instead I felt like I was rejected and humiliated." His lawsuit is asking for monetary damages and an injunction against the hospital refusing medical care to transgender patients. Patient Rights v. Religious Directives St. Joseph's allegedly has a "patient bill of rights" that guarantees medical services without discrimination based on "gender identity or expression," but it is not the first to deny certain procedures based on religious grounds. A recent report from the American Civil Liberties Union revealed that Catholic-run hospitals regularly deny female patients certain reproductive health care options based on religious directives. Although some religious hospitals have changed their stance in the face of discrimination lawsuits, there is no federal law that requires all medical facilities to perform all medical procedures. Hospitals that accept Medicare are only required to provide stabilizing care in medical emergencies. And it seems that Catholic hospitals' adherence to religious directives when deciding on which services to provide which patients could provide a fertile legal battleground for years to come. Related Resources: After exiting the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) joint venture with Japanese auto major Nissan, Hinduja Group flagship Ltd, has now evolved a new strategy encompassing the revival of two brands that have been taken off the market for a year now. In November 2016, completed the acquisition of shares from Nissan Motor Co Ltd in three joint ventures it had entered into with the Japanese firm. City police has conducted a raid at a leading pharma company unit at Ambernath in Thane district and seized 754 kgs of drugs, of which 147 kgs are worth Rs 19 crore, a top police officer said. Police held four persons, including two employees of the pharma company in this connection so far. "On January 6, acting on a tip-off, the city police had arrested two persons- Lavkush Pappu Guta (26) a rickshaw driver and Amit Bhimrao Godbole (32), a pharmacist, and seized six kilograms of banned drug Alprazolam, worth Rs 15 lakh from them," Thane Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh told reporters here. The duo was held from Anand Dighe Clock Tower at Talao Pali in Thane city. "The interrogation of the duo led to the arrest of Basavaraj Hanumanta Bhandari (27) and Anil Kanta Rajbhar (25), over the weekend. Both of them were employed in the production unit of the company. After the raids, police seized total 754 kgs of narcotic substances, controlled drugs and excess stock of chemicals, of which worth Rs 19 crore has been identified so far," he said. The were found kept in the HDPE (high-density polyethylene) drums kept in a cavity, the police chief said. "The HDPE drums were found only half-filled indicating that part of the stock had already been taken out and disposed off. Out of the total seizure, 47.170 kg was of Alprazolam and around 100 kg of other narcotics, collectively worth Rs 19 crore. The balance stock was being examined by the technical experts and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)," Singh said. He said police is trying to find out if any senior management staff was involved in the racket. The company has its manufacturing facilities in Goa, Pune, Ambernath and Mumbai and exports its products to as many as 96 countries and has permission to manufacture and store certain goods, police said. "The company manufactures total 55 products, of which 27 are psychotropic substances. The search team, which raided the premises also found 115 tonnes of drugs and chemicals, including raw material and finished goods. Police, with the help of the FDA, are inspecting if the company was following proper procedure for manufacture and storage of these materials," the Commissioner said. Police is also in the process of checking the stock registers of the company to find out if there are any lapses or violations by the staff or management. "This is a big catch by the Thane police and we are carrying out a systematic probe into the entire activity and operations," Singh said. Two days after issuing a 'fatwa' against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a on Monday threatened to slit the throat of Pakistan-born author and political commentator Tarek Fatah, with whom he appeared on a television programme. "Your throat will also be slit," Syed Mohammad Nurur Rahman Barkati, the Shahi Imam of Kolkata's Tipu Sultan Mosque, told Fatah while responding angrily to the latter's statement that India has come a long way from the medieval practices when people's throats were slit. Both Barkati and Fatah were part of a discussion programme on a private news channel where the cleric viciously attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of spreading communalism and ruining the life of common people through the demonetisation move. He verbally attacked Fatah, who opposed the cleric's decision of issuing 'fatwa' against the Prime Minister and offered a cash prize. After the show, Fatah demanded the Muslim cleric's arrest by the Kolkata Police for threatening him. "Kolkata Mullah threatens me on live TV. Will Kolkata Police arrest him?" he said in Twitter. Barkati on Saturday issued a 'fatwa' against the Prime Minister, accusing him of 'bluffing' people through demonetisation, evoking a sharp reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which demanded his arrest. He also announced a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh to whoever executes the 'fatwa'. The West Bengal unit of the BJP lodged a police complaint against the cleric on Sunday, demanding his immediate arrest. The Election Commission on Tuesday warned political parties of taking "stern action" again violation of the Model Code of Conduct, saying it will not remain a "mute spectator". In a letter addressed to office bearers of political parties, the poll panel reminded the parties that the Model Code of Conduct, that came in force on January 4 when elections in five states were announced, restricts leaders from making communal statements. "...political parties and their leaders should desist from making statements to the effect of creating disharmony between different sections of society on the basis of religion as the same disturb the peace and tranquillity of the society which is absolutely essential for free and peaceful conduct of elections," the letter said. It also referred to Supreme Court judgments on the issue. "The Commission will not remain silent spectator if the provisions of law of MCC (model code of conduct) are violated and no one can do it with impunity. "The Commission will take stern action for all violations under all powers available," the commission said. It asked the political parties to issue advisories on this. This comes on a day when a show cause notice was issued to BJP leader Sakshi Maharaj, who at a religious gathering on January 6 called for implementing the Uniform Civil Code and indirectly held the Muslims responsible for the population explosion. The panel also said on Tuesday that with a view to timely disposal of clearances sought under Model Code of Conduct by various state governments, and to avoid "frivolous references" being sent to the Election Commission and Chief Electoral Officers, screening committee headed by Chief Secretary have been set up in each of five poll-bound states to examine each complaint before sending it to the Commission. Samajwadi Party patriarch on Monday insisted he had no differences with his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav but admitted to fissures within the party. The public admission came even as the Election Commission said it will shortly take a call on the claims on the party's election symbol 'cycle' by both factions -- of Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh Yadav. For a second time in a week, Mulayam Singh met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi to assert his claim over 'cycle' and then blamed cousin and Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav for the fued within the party. "There are some who have influenced my son (Akhilesh). I had a talk with him last night and also in the morning over the issue. There is no dispute between my son and me. "There are some differences within the party, not much. Only one person is responsible for this. That will be resolved soon when I reach Lucknow," the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said. Mulayam Singh, who has expelled Ram Gopal Yadav from the party, wrote to Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari apprising him about the action. Ansari's office confirmed it had received the letter. "It will be duly examined." While Mulayam Singh remained tight-lipped about his talks with Zaidi, informed sources said he insisted that the January 1 convention in which Akhilesh Yadav ousted him as the President was "illegal". Accompanied by loyalist Amar Singh and brother Shivpal Yadav, Mulayam Singh spent nearly 40 minutes with Zaidi. The Akhilesh faction too called on the poll panel and urged it to expedite its decision on the party symbol. "We (urged) them to take a decision on the symbol as soon as possible because nominations (for assembly polls) will start soon (January 17)," Ram Gopal Yadav later said. He refused a comment on Mulayam Singh's remarks. Amid the tug of war over 'cycle', the EC will soon take a call "in a day or two", a source told IANS. Earlier, Devendra Upadhyay, a lawyer representing Akhilesh Yadav, said Mulayam Singh had yet again refused to accept a copy of the reply filed by Ram Gopal vis-a-vis the election symbol. "The Election Commission had directed that before filing the reply with them we should provide a copy to Mulayam Singh. I tried to give him a copy but he refused," Upadhyay told the media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to his home state for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, skipped his daily yoga session this morning to meet his mother Heeraben, who lives at Raisan village near Gandhinagar. Through a tweet, Modi said he went to meet his mother early this morning and had breakfast together. "Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together," tweeted Modi before heading to Mahatma Mandir to attend meetings with foreign heads of the state. 97-year-old Heeraben lives with Modi's younger brother Pankaj Modi at Raisan village near the state capital. Modi is in Gujarat for the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Mahatma Mandir here. Yesterday, he inaugurated redevelopment project of Gandhinagar Railway Station, Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show, international exchange at GIFT City and Nobel Prize Exhibition at Science City in Ahmedabad. Today, he is scheduled to open the Vibrant Summit at around 3:30 PM. Reading and some math skills of (MP) students are among Indias lowest, the transition rate to higher classes is lower than the national average, a majority of classrooms are shared by students of different grades, and government elementary schools are 17.6% short of school teachers, according an IndiaSpend analysis of various government data. As the first part of this series observed, literacy rates and learning outcomes are some of the lowest in the BIMARU (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) states. By 2020, India will have the worlds largest working-age population869 millionbut an IndiaSpend analysis of these four stateswith 43.6% of Indias school-age population between the age of five and 14revealed that India is unprepared to educate and train its young population. The literacy rate in Madhya Pradeshwith 72.6 million, Indias fifth largest populationwas Indias ninth lowest, 70.6%, in 2011. This was an increase of 6.86 percentage points from 2001the second-lowest increase among BIMARU states, according to Census 2011. Indian airlines are becoming proactive and have stopped shying away from taking extreme measures against misbehaviours on flights. In a recent on-board incident, an IndiGo passenger, Chhatu Bhagat, was handcuffed in a Dubai-New Delhi . Bhagat was tied in a three-hour long after he created ruckus, asking the cabin crew to open the door on-board. After such incidents, domestic carriers have become more aggressive to control unruly passengers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also allowed the use of extreme measures to avoid such incidents. We have instructed our passengers to keep handcuffs on-board so that passengers causing commotions could be restrained, Air India Chairman & Managing Director Ashwani Lohani told Business Standard. A business class passenger on a US-bound Air India from Mumbai to Newark was accused of groping a woman passenger, said an airline official. Our crew kept a watch on him following the complaint and handed him over to the authorities after landing, the official added. Air carrier IndiGo now carries nylon ropes and other restraining device onboard to stop such incidents. The airline has trained its cabin members to follow a four-level procedure to thwart such incidents. If there is verbal abuse, a warning is given. However, if a serious act like breaking into a cockpit takes place, then the person can be handcuffed. Restraining devices should be used when all conciliatory approaches have been exhausted, the airline said. At Jet Airways, management of the situation depends on the perceived threat level and mechanics to address them. The vary from an initial soft verbal approach to finally restraining should such a situation arise, to manage on-board security, said an airline spokesperson. AirAsia, too, confirmed their crew were authorised to handcuff a passenger if the situation gets out of control. If situation gets out of control, cabin crew are authorised to use the restraining device to protect cabin crew members, other guests and ensure safety of the aircraft, an airline spokesperson said. Ministry officials said the government was working to create a blacklist, similarly like the United States, to bar such passengers from flying. We are working on creating a robust identification process of unruly passengers and prevent them from flying in future, an official said. A biometric entry has been launched as a pilot at some airports such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Vistara said it has rarely faced such situations but has trained its crew to manage such situations. An action can be taken against such passengers on careful evaluation of each unique case with options including but not limited to offloading them when on ground or handing over warning letters if airborne, said a Vistara spokesperson. The number of incidents involving unruly passengers has jumped 12-fold in four years, according to the International Air Transport Association. Our countdown to VMware Explore has begun! It is hard to believe that it has been almost three years since our last in-person event, and... The government plans to launch a second tranche of the ETF to raise Rs 6,000 crore as part of its divestment programme. The first tranche, to raise Rs 3,000 crore, was launched in 2013-14. stands for central public sector enterprises, and ETF for exchange-traded fund. ETF is a basket of 10 public sector undertakings where the government had sold shares in small quantities during the launch. An ETF, or exchange-traded fund, is a marketable security that tracks a basket of assets such as stocks. Unlike mutual funds, it trades like a stock. India will be focusing on the Trade Facilitation Agreement for services at the World Trade Organization (WTO), Commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday. Talking about a concept note introduced by India at the last year, Sitharaman said India's position reflected that of other major nations with a strength on trade in services. India on Tuesday made it clear that new issues such as e-commerce and government procurement would be included in the WTO's agenda only after member countries reach a consensus on those. Commerce and Industry Minister said that so far no consensus have emerged on those issues. "New issues has to come in agenda only after consensus emerges on those. I do not think there is a consensus. Discussions are on but it is not in the agenda," she told reporters here. India's stand assumes significance as key WTO members including India and the US would meet on the sidelines of WEF meeting in Davos this month. The WTO's top decision making body is also scheduled its meeting in December in Argentina. Rich nations including the US want the WTO to start negotiations on these issues like e-commerce and investments rather than further discussions on the Doha Round related issues. Further, Sitharman said that the ministry is discussing the new issues with industry and other stakeholders and it has gone through all the papers submitted by other members in the WTO. Talking about its concept note on Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in services, she said the ministry has worked on this and has also taken a legal vetting. "We will certainly want to put TFA in services for discussion. We would take it up as an agenda as we approached the Ministerial meeting. We will be pushing ahead with this," she added. India is pitching for this agreement as the services sector contribute about 60 per cent in the GDP and 28 per cent in the total employment. The note was aimed at reducing transaction costs by doing away with unnecessary regulatory and administrative burden on trade in services. In its note, India has proposed for simplification of procedures and clarity in work permits and visas for smooth movement of professionals. All these issues among others were discussed during a meeting called by the minister. Indian officers from Geneva and different ministries including finance, Home, Animal Husbandry and Food participated in the meeting. She said the objective of the meeting was to understand India's position on different matters post-Nairobi meet. Ministers of Canada and European Union too would meet Sitharaman in Davos. The government will be sticking to the original deadline of April 1, 2017, for terminating all existing bilateral treaties even though the signatory nations continue to oppose the move. However, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday defended the government's move saying that other nations were informed one year in advance, with ample time to approach India on negotiating new treaties. Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Y V Reddy criticised the state of affairs at the central bank, stating that the institutional identity of the hallowed organisation has been damaged. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and the Oil Marketing Companies Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL collectively received Silver Award for Excellence in Citizen Centric Services in the National Awards on e-Governance 2016-17 in Vishakhapatnam today. The award is in recognition of the achievements of the Ministry and OMCs for significant innovations in the area of e-governance and various initiatives for the LPG sector like Sahaj (online issue of new connections), online refill payment, etc. Two-day 20th National Conference on e-Governance concludes in Visakhapatnam Cyber security is the need of the hour: MoS Shri P. P. Chaudhary The two day National Conference on e-Governance concluded in Visakhapatnam today. The Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Law & Justice Shri P. P. Chaudhary chaired the valedictory session of the 20th National Conference on e-Governance. Addressing on the occasion, Shri P. P. Chaudhary said that there is a need for bridging the digital divide between the urban and rural areas. He said the Union government promotes research and development and innovative eco-system of Information Technology and also encourages acquisition of the Intellectual Property Rights by Indians. The Minister further said that Cyber Security is the need of the hour and artificial intelligence will provide solutions to the problem of cyber security. There is also need for development of Nano technology and Nano electronics which helps for imparting value based education based on Mission mode Nano Electronics. India will be in a position to manufacture electronics devices and products in the country very soon, he added. Shri P. P. Chaudhary also said that Andhra Pradesh is a pioneer in providing 725 e-governance services in rural areas. Government is committed for inclusive development through e- governance and providing several services to the citizens namely ration cards in public distribution system, passports, driving licenses and Voter IDs on the click of a button through mobile phones. The Prime Ministers vision of Digital India can be achieved through e- governance, he added. The Minister said there is a need for use of technology into making a 3D animation form in various languages and its application in medical, Higher and professional education that would enhance the learning capabilities of the students. Shri P. P. Chaudhary said the linking of the AADHAAR Cards has helped the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and the beneficiaries get their financial benefits directly to their bank accounts. On the occasion Shri P. P. Chaudhary gave away the awards to the winners. National Awards for e-Governance 2016-17 were presented in two types of awards for each category. Out of 20 awards, 09 are Gold and 11 Silver. Gold Award carries a certificate, citation and cash award of Rs. 2.00 lakhs. Silver Award carries a certificate, citation and cash award of Rs. 1.00 lakh. The awards were presented in several categories which includes Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering, Outstanding performance in Citizen-Centric Service Delivery, Innovative Use of Technology in e-Governance, Incremental Innovations in existing projects, Best District level initiative in citizen-centric service delivery through ICT, Innovative use of GIS Technology in e-Governance, Innovative use of mobile technology in e-Governance, Sectoral Award: Digital Transformation towards transforming India, Innovative Use of ICT by Central Government PSUs, Innovative use of ICT by State Government PSUs/Cooperatives/Federations/Societies, Outstanding e-Governance initiative by Academic and Research institutions and Use of ICT for Development by Non-Government Institutions. Minister of Information & PR, IT & Communications, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Dr. Kambhampati Hari Babu, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India, Shri C. Viswanath, Additional Secretary, DARPG, Smt Usha Sharma and other senior officers from the Government of India and various State/Union Territory Governments, technical experts, academicians and representatives of the industry and NGOs participated in the event. President Barack Obama's departing chief trade negotiator warned the Trump administration on Tuesday that it risked abdicating the leadership in Asia by scrapping Obama's 12-country Pacific Rim free trade deal. Michael Froman, in excerpts of his final speech as Trade Representative, said he agreed with Trump's plan to take a tough stance on trade with China, adding that the Obama administration has filed 15 challenges to that country's practices at the World Trade Organisation over eight years. But he said withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement would create a vacuum that China would fill as it draws countries into its own free trade deal. "There simply is no way to reconcile a get-tough-on-China policy with withdrawing from TPP," Froman in remarks to the Washington Trade Association. "That would be the biggest gift any president could give China, one with broad and deep consequences, economic and strategic." The US Congress has not approved the TPP, which the United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico and eight other countries agreed upon in October 2015. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to issue a formal notice of withdrawal from TPP on Jan. 20, his first day in office. He frequently criticised the trade deal during his campaign, calling it a "rape of our country." Froman said withdrawing would "abdicate" US leadership in the Asia-Pacific region and effectively push traditional US allies in the region "into China's arms." China is negotiating a 16-country trade bloc that he said would set lower standards for labour, the environment, intellectual property rights, internet freedom and other key areas. "It would be a strategic miscalculation of enormous proportions," said Froman, who spent all eight years of the Obama administration, both as a White House deputy national security adviser and as USTR, working to promote and negotiate the TPP deal. "Why would we cede our role as a Pacific power?" he said. "Does anyone really think US interests are better served if China, rather than the US, writes the rules of the road?" Without the TPP, he said, new export opportunities would be lost and current export market share would be eroded. Froman's successor will be Robert Lighthizer, a veteran Washington trade lawyer who has taken a more protectionist route, working through the Commerce Department to erect tariffs to benefit the US steel industry and other manufacturers. Lighthizer was deputy USTR in the Reagan administration at a time when the United States took a tougher stance against a flood of imports from Japan. US President-elect Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will be appointed as the senior advisor to president, according to a senior transition team official. The move comes ahead of a Wednesday conference in which Trump is expected to detail how he plans to manage his company's potential conflicts-of-interest after he enters the White House, reports the CNN. The Trump transition team expected to clarify how Kushner's appointment won't violate anti-nepotism laws. Trump is expected to make clear in the presser that Ivanka Trump, Kushner's wife, will not be running his company. Kushner is related to the President-elect by marriage, but a 1967 law specifies "son-in-law" as a type of relative covered by the regulations. Also, Kushner, who owns his own real estate development firm, has continued to chase deals that raise questions about conflicts of interest. He met with a powerful Chinese business magnate in the week after Trump's election as he sought to finalise a deal for the purchase of one of his most prized properties on Fifth Avenue, the New York Times reported, raising ethical questions. Also, Kushner has become a key advisor and power broker to the president-elect during the transition, serving as a point of contact for powerful business interests, foreign governments and other powerful figures. The 35-year-old businessman-turned-political strategist played a key part in his father-in-law's presidential campaign and his new position is expected to test the limit of federal anti-nepotism rules. The meeting attracted over 400 local participants in Ye Township, in addition to the presence of the Mon State JMC vice-chairman (1), Colonel Saw Palay, Colonel Win Naing Oo of Mon States Security and Border Affair Ministry, and the Mon State Chief Police U Bo Bo Oo. They explained to the locals the rules and regulations that both sides [NCA signatory groups and Tatmadaw] have to respect. The public wants to live in peace right now. They do not want conflict like there was in the past. They request that both sides take responsibility for long term peace, said U Aung Than Lwin, who attended as a representative of Ye Townships Township Municipal Committee. Locals urged at the meeting that those who are responsible must participate in finding solutions for the land disputes in Ye Township. The Joint Monitoring Committee Mon State members should elaborate about the KNU (Karen National Union) and Tatmadaw situation because the KNU has signed the NCA. At the meeting, they explained the rules that both sides should follow, said a local. The JMC-S Mon State members also clarified the fundamental points of the NCA, the NCAs objectives and goals, ceasefire matters, the stations of armed groups, and future programs. JMC-S Mon State was founded on June 30, 2016, and currently holds 14 members, including Brig. Gen. Myo Win of the Southeast Command in Mon State, as core chairperson, Col. Saw Palay as vice-chairman (1) and Dr. Min Nwe Soe, vice-chairman (2). On Christmas Day, CEO Mark Zuckerberg used his website to tell the world that he was not an atheist any more. In this way, the billionaire used to express his feelings about religion, like many social media users before him. Iraqi security forces on Tuesday advanced further inside the eastern side of the (IS) stronghold in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, as fierce clashes continued against the terrorists, the Iraqi military said. In the eastern front, the elite forces of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) completely freed the neighbourhood of Sukkar and made significant progress in the adjacent neighbourhood of Siddeeq, amid fierce clashes with IS terrorists, Xinhua quoted a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command as saying. The battles in the two neighbourhoods left some 20 terrorists killed and a booby-trapped car destroyed, the statement said. Meanwhile, the CTS commandos freed al-Dhubbat neighbourhood and took part of the adjacent neighbourhood of al-Maliyah, leaving dozens of IS terrorists killed and two of their car bombs destroyed, the source said. Several governmental offices were recaptured during Tuesday's advance, including communication complex, provincial electricity department and a security headquarters, the source added. The latest CTS advance pushed the IS terrorists to blow up sections of two bridges to prevent the government forces from launching operations to retake the western side of Mosul across the Tigris, according to the statement. Mosul's five bridges across the Tigris had already been partially damaged by the US-led coalition airstrikes to slow the movement of the IS terrorists between the two sides of the city. After President-elect Donald J Trump announced Monday that he would appoint his son-in-law, the real estate investor Jared Kushner, as a senior White House advisor, lawyers for Kushner said he would sell many of his assets to avoid myriad potential conflicts of interest. used her last official speech as first lady to talk about education, one of her signature issues but laden as it was with the subtext of the end of an era, it may in itself be one of her greatest legacies. Gracious, understated, articulate, and intelligent, Obama spoke from the heart to an assembled audience of school guidance counsellors. Her message was a simple one, but the speech had an uncommon depth too. For as long as airlines have been crossing the oceans, airline passengers have had to go to big city airports to catch their overseas flights. So users of the US 53rd-busiest airport, in this small town in the suburbs of Hartford, were surprised this fall when Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland, began flights to Europe. Finland has become the first country in Europe to pay unemployed citizens an unconditional monthly sum, in a social experiment that will be watched around the world. Under the two-year pilot scheme, which began on January 1, unemployed Finns will receive a guaranteed sum of ^560 (475). A wide variety of basic proposals are circulating today. They differ along many other dimensions, including in the amounts of the basic income, the source of funding, the nature and size of reductions in other transfers that might accompany it. Here is a look: Why now? Labour markets and systems of tax and social support have been through enormous change in the last quarter of a century. There is growing concern that we have seen the emergence of a precariat insecure, often in poverty despite being in work, facing relentlessly complex life choices, a complexity reinforced by the operation of the welfare state. India's gold and diamond-studded jewellery business is likely to take a hit, at least in the short term, following the hike in import duty from 0.36 per cent to 5 per cent, starting January, on all jewellery products exported to Dubai. Exporters may also stop using Dubai as a hub and start exporting directly to destination countries. In any case in last two months, huge exports already taken place for stocking there. (EIL) was up 5% to Rs 161 on BSE in early morning trade after the company said it has received a project worth Rs 2,500 crore from the state-owned oil marketing company Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) for execution of Vizag Refinery Modernization Project (VRMP). PM Modi in Gandhinagar (Photo: ANI Twitter) A gong resonates in Gandhinagar. Only, this isn't a metallic one, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi's digital gong, announcing the launch of India's first international exchange-India INX on Monday, at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Financial Tech City (GIFT). With this, India has found a new place on the global financial map. soared 18% to Rs 257, also its record high on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) after the US healthy regulator issued zero 483 observations for the companys facility located at Bangalore. Ma Thin Ja Sun Le Yi, one of 18 youths who attended, said talks had been rather broad and that she felt dissatisfied. What I understood from the meeting was that in order to achieve peace or unity, we have to build it by ourselves; we cannot rely on others, she said. The New Years Day conference was convened in Naypyidaw to bring together youth leaders from across Burma to discuss prospects for peace in the country with the State Counselor. Invited representatives from Karenni and Kachin states did not attend the meeting. We received an invitation but did not go because we wanted to voice a protest, said Ko Kyaw Tin Aung, a youth leader from Karenni State. Also, we feel that power is held exclusively in the capital [Naypyidaw]. He added: Kachin youth representatives could not attend because they live quite far away, and fighting is continuing in that area. There is no peace in this country because of the Burmese military. But they did not plan to discuss that [at the January 1 meeting]. Thats why we decided not to attend. Ma Thin Ja Sun Le Yi added: The Kachin and Karenni representatives chose not to attend the meeting because they had been through this kind of lecture many times before. It is all talk and no action. They simply did not want to listen to it all over again. London financial bosses entered 2017 with renewed warnings about the potential impact of Brexit. Speaking in testimony Tuesday before the Treasury Select Committee in the capital, London Stock Exchange Group Chief Executive Officer Xavier Rolet outlined the most dire threats should officials fail to implement an orderly transition out of the European Union. Rolet said the impact wouldnt just lead to 232,000 job cuts and the loss of the UKs vital clearing business, it would pose a risk to broader financial stability. Testimony from HSBC Holdings Chairman Douglas ... The benchmark indices on Tuesday settled higher tracking positive trade in European markets, although investors remained cautious ahead of the key corporate results lined up for the week such as Infosys and TCS. The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to former Indian Air Force chief S.P. Tyagi's cousin Sanjeev Tyagi on a plea challenging bail granted to him in VVIP chopper scam case. A Delhi court on Wednesday last week granted bail to Sanjeev Tyagi, and S.P. Tyagi, and lawyer Gautam Khaitan in VVIP scam, saying that no purpose would be served by keeping them in custody. Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar gave relief to both the accused on a personal bond of Rs. 2 lakh each and surety of like amount while imposing certain conditions on them. The court warned them not to tamper with the evidence or try to influence the witnesses. The court had earlier granted bail to 72-year-old former IAF chief Tyagi, saying that Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has failed to state the alleged bribe amount and when it was paid. The CBI yesterday opposed the bail granted to former Indian Air Force chief S.P. Tyagi in the case. Tyagi, who retired in 2007, his cousin Sanjeev and Khaitan were arrested on December 9, 2016, by the CBI in connection with the case which relates to procurement of 12 VVIP choppers from the UK-based firm during the UPA-2 regime. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday sanctioned Rs one lakh each to kins of three labourers, who lost their lives in a terrorist attack on General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor region. General Rawat also sanctioned Rs 25,000 to those injured in the attack that took place yesterday. Akhnoor has also been put on high alert after the attack. "During the early hours of the night...at around 1:15 in the night a terrorist attack has taken place in the general area, Pattal. There are about 10 GREF personnel and about8-10 casual labourers hired by the GREF. The army is conducting its operations. The area has been cordoned off. The operations are presently going on," Defence PRO Manish Mehta told ANI. It was a GREF platoon located two kilometres from the Line of Control in Akhnoor. The GREF is the parent cadre force of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) that builds and maintains border roads in the country. The attack on the GREF camp comes 40 days after terrorists attacked an army camp at Nagrota on November 30 last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Tuesday that the country would have acquired developed status 30 years ago had Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman not been assassinated. She was addressing a rally marking Bangabandhu's homecoming day at Suhrawardy Udyan. The Dhaka Tribune quoted Hasina, as saying that a deep-rooted conspiracy was hatched to kill Sheikh Mujib Rehman. The Prime Minister said a vested quarter grabbed power in the country and freed all war criminals following the assassination of Bangabandhu. She added that Bangladesh's overall development was halted post his assassination. Hasina asserted that her government is continuing with the standards introduced Bangabandhu shortly. The rally was attended by thousands of supporters, activists and leaders of the ruling Awami League . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) J.J. Abrams was all praise for late 'extraordinary' Carrie Fisher and her 'beautiful and not long enough journey' at the recently concluded Golden Globe Awards. According to People magazine, Abrams, who directed Fisher for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' told reporters, "It was beautiful and not long enough. She was extraordinary and it's impossible to really quantify the impact she had on not just legions of movies and books, but also her friends." On the same note, Golden Globes honoured the late actress and her mother Debbie Reynolds, at the award show. He continued, "The wisdom, the wit, the heart. She was like no other, so she's deeply missed." The director even mentioned that although they worked together recently, he knew Fisher for nearly two decades. "I knew her actually since '96," he said. "Working with her, I got to know her better because it was as intense as it was. I feel truly blessed that I had the opportunity to work with her and be a friend." Fisher died on December 27, at age 60, after suffering a heart-attack while on a flight from London to Los Angeles. Her mother, Reynolds, 84, died just one day later, after being rushed to the hospital following a possible stroke. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dear parents, if you exercise regularly, then it can directly affect the of your kids in childhood as well as adulthood. A new study suggests that kids aged three to five are more likely to be physically active if their parents increase activity and reduce sedentary lifestyle. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, examined the impact of parent modeling of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in low-income American ethnic minorities, included data from more than 1,000 parent-child pairs. The participants live in metro areas of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Nashville, Tennessee. Each parent and child wore an accelerometer for an average of 12 hours a day, for a week. This is the first study to link the physical activity of parents and young children by objectively measuring that physical activity with such a long wear time for an accelerometer. Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the US found that the preschoolers' total physical activity was 6.03 hours per day with 1.5 hours spent in moderate to vigorous activity. "This study highlights how important parents' physical activity is to shaping their young children's physical activity," said principal investigator Shari Barkin. "The good news is that increasing physical activity is not only good for parents' health, it also helps set these behaviours in their young children as well. It's doubly good for family . Setting this habit early could impact good not only in childhood but in adulthood as well," Barkin added. Physical activity is a critical factor for preventing childhood obesity and promoting good cardiovascular health. Recommendations call for preschoolers is to obtain about three hours a day of total physical activity (light, moderate and vigorous) with at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The reports show that less than half of preschoolers actually achieve that recommendation. They also found that up to 40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by a parent correlated with their preschool-age child's level of MVPA. Similarly, for every minute a parent engaged in light physical activity, the child's light physical activity increased by 0.06 minutes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi police on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of two persons for allegedly involving in the fake currency racket. The duo has been held by the police for allegedly printing fake currency notes of Rs. 2000 and Rs. 500 worth Rs. six and a half lakhs. The police have recovered fake currency worth Rs. six lakhs ten thousand while Rs.20,000 have been used by the accused in transaction. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo Jai Jai Lao Mong- an evening Shan language school in northern Shan States Mong Ngaw Township. This was not the first scandal related to the teaching of native language in the region. A few years ago, a high school principal in a small town in southern Shan State was caught embezzling funds for the 2014-2015 academic year. After one of the political parties in town pointed the finger at him, the principal promised to return the money. The corruption was fueled by the fact that ethnic language teachers are not paid monthly salaries like other teachers, and schools must apply for funds to pay them retroactively at the end of the year. This discriminatory practice is just one of many problems within the current system of ethnic language teaching in Burma that urgently needs to be addressed. Ethnic language teaching was banned in public schools for four decades after the military seized power in 1962. To accelerate a policy of Burmanization, the military regime adopted Burmese as the official national language and forced schools throughout the country to employ it as the language of instruction. Tutors and activists who taught ethnic languages were threatened or jailed. Changes began after the 2010 elections and the opening up of Burma to the world. Beginning in 2012, ethnic languages were allowed to be taught in government schools, but only outside school hours, and with no budget from the Education Ministry. But ethnic schools lacked textbooks. The government had arranged for Burmese-language curriculum books to be translated directly into ethnic languages, but no one used them as the translated texts did not follow the natural alphabet of the respective languages. A Burmese kindergarten textbook was translated into Shan by the Shan Literature and Culture Association, but never used. Ethnic literature and culture associations had to try to develop their own textbooks and then request they be authorized by the government. Finally, after being banned for over four decades, ethnic language teaching was formally recognized under Article 44 of a new Education Law, passed in September 2014, which declared that in Divisions or States, teaching of ethnic languages and ethnic literature can be implemented by state governments, starting from Grade 1 and gradually expanding [to higher grades]. Schools were still only allowed to teach ethnic languages outside regular school hours, and only until grade 2. However, for the first time, a budget was allocated for this subject. Starting in the 2014 academic year, the education ministry began printing ethnic language textbooks which were mostly developed by groups supporting ethnic literature and culture. Initially, the texts were printed in color, but for the 2016-2017 academic year they reverted back into black and white, and were printed in a smaller size. Over the past few years, the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF), working in cooperation with the government, has been conducting curriculum training for ethnic language associations so that they have the capacity to develop textbooks. However, the government has not taken any responsibility for ethnic language teacher training, which respective ethnic literature and culture associations have had to organize on their own, and many ethnic teachers have not had the opportunity to join. A recent study by ethnic researchers, The impact of centralized education in rural ethnic schools in Burma, focusing on eight government schools in rural Shan, Pa-O, Kayan and Kachin areas, found that in 2015 only four of these schools taught their own ethnic languages. Major challenges included a lack of teachers, negative perceptions by both parents and educators towards the benefits of ethnic education, and students inability to attend classes outside regular school hours. In two post-primary schools in Pa-O areas in southern Shan State, Pa-O language was not taught. There were no native Pa-O teachers at the schools, and parents did not actively support their children learning their language, the report said, noting that parents and school committees were waiting for support from the government in providing teachers, while the principals, who were not from the local area, did not prioritize ethnic language teaching. Similarly, two post-primary schools in Kachin State were unable to arrange local language teaching. Although local teachers were available, students were exhausted after their long official classes, and only a few could join ethnic language classes after school. When teachers tried to teach in the morning before school, students were unable to come earlier as they lived too far away. The two post-primary schools in Shan areas covered in the study were able to teach Shan language, as there were local teachers available, and the school committees, including parents, were supportive of teaching their native tongue. Local villagers also contributed to the stipends of the ethnic language teachers, as government salaries did not come through until the end of the year. Karenni language was being taught in the two schools in Karenni towns covered by the report, mainly by government-employed teachers, some of whom were not locals and did not speak the local language properly. This was following a directive from the Department of Education requesting schools provide opportunities for government-employed teachers. This policy had encouraged some Burmese teachers to join Karenni language teacher training hosted by the Karenni New Generation Youth group and the Karenni Literature and Culture Association. While it was a positive step that these teachers were trying to learn Karenni language, it was unclear whether they were motivated by the commitment to the community or by the chance to earn extra money. A more effective policy, it was concluded, would be for ethnic languages to be taught by those naturally fluent in the language and with an understanding of local culture. The designated salary for ethnic language teachers is significantly lower than for regular teachers. Ethnic language teachers are entitled to only 30,000 kyat (about US$23) per month for eight months, even though classes are taught for nine months of the year. Regular teachers are paid a monthly salary of 180,000 kyat ($138) throughout the year. Evidently, ethnic language teaching is not being adequately financed by the central Union government. Even though Article 44 of the Education Law allows ethnic languages to be taught, the state governments are not being given authority to collect taxes to finance the proper implementation of this policy. The state governments have to rely entirely on the union government for expenditure, while resource allocation from the union-level to the state-level has no transparency or accountability. It appears the central government has no long-term sustainable vision to promote ethnic language teaching. Rather than having ethnic languages taught out of school hours, mother-tongue-based multilingual education should be practiced, giving every student the chance to learn their own language at school. Schools should also have the authority to decide how many languages they teach, depending on the ethnicity of their students, and to recruit teachers based on their needs. The current top-down approach is ineffective and ignores the interests of local people. Only a decentralized, bottom-up approach towards ethnic language teaching will promote peace and sustainable educational development in Burma. England on Tuesday made a promising start to their limited over tour as they defeated India A by three wickets in the first warm-up game at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. Chasing a stiff target of 305, the Eoin Morgan-led side rode on innings of Sam Bilings (93) and Jason Roy (62) to seal the victory with seven balls to spare. India A, after being asked to bat first, reached a strong total of 304/5 which was backed by a brilliant unbeaten century by Ambati Rayudu (100 retired out). Opener Shikhar Dhawan (63), recalled flambouyant batsman Yuvraj Singh (56) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (68 not out) also made useful half-centuries to take the home team beyond the 300-run mark. For the visitors, medium pacers David Willey and Jake Ball picked up two wickets each. The three-match ODI series kicks off in Pune on Sunday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Meryl Streep indeed turned heads with her acceptance speech at the recently concluded Golden Globe Awards, which not only attacked US President-elect Donald Trump, but also much inspiration for the artists out there. Moved by Streep's speech, Bollywood actresses Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma went all emotional and shared their words of appreciation for the star. Sharing her snap with the 'Devil wears Prada' star, PeeCee tweeted, "Quoting my favourite #MerylStreep from last night. When u have a broken heart...turn it into art. You are astounding! #fangirl." On other hand, bowled by the speech, Anushka took to her social media handle to pen her thoughts beautifully. Her thoughts started with, "I have had the pleasure of seeing the work of one of the greatest artist of our times - Meryl Streep. She is a genius actor no doubt, and like Viola Davis said about her - 'She is a thief, she stares at you scans you to portray you if need be in some character she will play', which made me think of this..." The heartwarming note further said, "The process of the work an actor does is often not understood by people and that's ok because that's not the point. Because as Meryl said- "An actor's only job, is to enter the lives of people who are different from us, and let you feel what that feel like", and it went on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday issued notices to the Delhi Government, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and Sanitation Workers Union, asking them to appear before it tomorrow in connection with the issue of garbage disposal in the capital. The NGT has also formed a committee to tackle the menace of solid waste in Delhi. The committee includes representatives of the NPCB, DPCC, DDA, MCD, DG Health and four independent members, will visit the site and give report about the capacity and sewage management plant. . It will also look after the solid waste management of five star hotels, hospital, big colonies and colleges, which have more than 500 students. Meanwhile, sanitation workers today dumped garbage outside the residence of Trilokpuri's Aam Admi Party (AAP) MLA Raju Dhingan in protest against the negligence of both the Delhi government and the Centre. The capital has been reeling under garbage menace as the sanitation workers have called for an indefinite strike on Thursday, demanding payment of pending salaries of three months. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) During a routine checking, the Kanpur Police on Tuesday recovered Rs. 10 crore in new currency notes from two cars which were heading towards Hamirpur and Lucknow. Unable to provide any proper backing for carrying such a hefty amount of money, the police confiscated the amount and inquired the driver about the same. The police had received information about money being carried for the upcoming assembly elections, due to which it had launched the checking operation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senators and Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) have called for attention notices expressing grave concern over the mysterious disappearance of four Pakistani activists. The matter about the disappearance of activists was discussed in the upper house. Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani referred the matter to the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights. Separate calling attention notices were also submitted by PPP lawmakers in the National Assembly and the Senate expressing concern over law enforcement agencies inability to track down Salman Haider, who has been missing since Friday night. They also called for a discussion on the issue. The calling attention notice, moved by senators Sherry Rehman, Farhatullah Babar, Sassui Palijo and Rubina Khalid, called the attention of Interior Minister to the disappearance of the activists. "To date law enforcement agencies have failed to provide answers regarding their whereabouts. This is a serious issue that merits a response from the Minister on the floor of the house," the Dawn quoted the notice, as saying. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has directed the concerned authorities to speed up efforts to find out Haider as soon as possible. Various organisations are protesting in Pakistan for the release of abducted social media activists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday through a tweet informed that he skipped his morning yoga session and instead went to meet his mother, Hiraben in Gandhinagar. "Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together," Prime Minister Modi twitted. The PM's 97-year-old mother, resides with his younger brother Pankaj Modi on the outskirts of Gandhinagar. The Prime Minister landed in Gujarat yesterday. He will inaugurate the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reacting to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott, China has reiterated its "firm opposition" to the U.S-Taiwan diplomatic engagement. "I want to reiterate that we are firmly opposed to the Taiwan leader's contact with any US officials in any form and engagement in actions that disrupt and undermine China-US relations during the so-called transit," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a press briefing on Monday. He urged all relevant people from the U.S. to abide by the one-China policy and the principles of the three Joint Communiques while advising them to "cautiously handle Taiwan-related issues so as not to harm the overall interests of China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits." The Taiwanese President met the U.S. officials while passing through the state on her way to Nicaragua, Salvador and Guatemala. "This is not about the PRC [People's Republic of China]. This is about the US relationship with Taiwan, an ally we are legally bound to defend. The Chinese do not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit," Cruz said in a statement after meeting Tsai Ing-wen. Cruz said he and Tsai discussed "arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic relations", and that he hoped to increase trade between Texas and Taiwanese markets. In a separate statement, Abbott said the issues discussed with Tsai were energy, trade relations and commercial ties between Taiwan and Texas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday returned back to the country after his holidays, adding that he has called for a meeting with other leaders of the grand old party. Gandhi left the country on New Year's eve for London. "I will be traveling for the next few days. Happy New Year to everyone, wishing you and your loved ones success and happiness in this coming year," he had tweeted before going on vacation. Earlier, as the 50 days deadline got over following demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi had targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi by posing five questions which included the details of the amount of black money recovered since the announcement of the scrapping of high denomination currency and the number of jobs lost due to the dramatic move. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sanitation workers on Tuesday dumped garbage outside the residence of Trilokpuri's Aam Admi Party(AAP) MLA Raju Dhingan in protest against the negligence of both the Delhi government and the Centre. On Monday, after meeting a delegation of sanitation workers, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters that Rs. 119 crore has been provided to the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) for providing salaries. The indefinite strike by the sanitation workers of the EDMC, which entered its fourth day today, left the trans-Yamuna region reeling under a garbage crisis, with waste dumped in the open in several areas from Laxmi Nagar to Patparganj. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh has been interrogated for several hours by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with Rose Valley and Saradha chit-fund scams. The Calcutta High Court, earlier, on December 22 had extended the interim bail of the suspended TMC lawmaker till today in connection with his involvement in Saradha chit-fund scam. Ghosh, an accused in the Saradha scam, was on October granted interim bail against a bail bond of Rs. two lakh by the Calcutta High Court. Ghosh had earlier in October last year gone on an indefinite hunger strike inside the Calcutta jail alleging unfair probe against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI had interrogated the suspended TMC leader in December last year. Ghosh was arrested on November 23, 2013, and sent to custody by the CBI on September 4, 2014, after it took over the investigation on the orders of the Supreme Court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Last October, an Apple Store in Brisbane, Australia terminated some of its employees after they were accused of searching customers' devices for sexually explicit selfies and sharing them with colleagues, rating them on a scale of 1-10. The employees were also accused of covertly photographing female customers and co-workers, including "upskirt" photos. Though Apple fired the employees, it denied that they engaged in these activities. The Australian privacy commissioner is investigating the allegations. The privacy invasions were possible, in part, because Apple has a policy of requiring customers to unlock their phones when putting them in for service (this is common among many kinds of device repair services, and unquestionably makes repair and testing simpler). This works fine, but fails badly: all it takes is one unethical technician to make the whole thing go very badly indeed. Alternatives to this would include asking customers to back up their devices to Apple's cloud servers (which are accessible to fewer, better-vetted technicians) and wipe them even better would be to use end-to-end encryption in cloud backups, so that customers' data would be private except in the case of bad passwords, malware, or defects in the software. "This is an important reminder that all organisations that collect and manage personal information need to embed a culture of privacy and ensure employees understand their responsibilities," he said. "Organisations must also take reasonable steps to protect the personal information it holds from misuse, interference and loss, as well as unauthorised access, modification or disclosure." Apple Store photo ring scandal in Brisbane: Privacy commissioner weighs in (via Naked Capitalism) The Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear the case against former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Neera Yadav who was accused of corruption charges and possessing disproportionate assets in which the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the prosecuting agency. Former Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Yadav, convicted for land fraud in 2012, surrendered before a CBI court in Ghaziabad. The court then ordered that Yadav be sent to the Dasna district jail, so she could serve her remaining sentence in the case. Yadav was sentenced to three years' rigorous imprisonment on November 20, 2012, in connection with the irregular allotment of plots in Noida while serving as the area's chairperson-cum-chief executive officer from 1994 to 1995. The CBI undertook a probe following a 1998 Supreme Court order on a writ petition filed by the Noida Entrepreneur Association against the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority the previous year. The CBI investigated nearly 36 cases of irregular allotment or conversion of plots in Noida, and charge-sheeted Yadav as well as the then serving IAS officer Rajiv Kumar in 2002. Yadav, a 1971 batch IAS officer, became Uttar Pradesh's first woman chief secretary during the Samajwadi Party's regime in 2005. She opted for voluntary retirement in 2008. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tibet's exiled Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay has rejected China's demand for a recall of Tibetan pilgrims attending the Kalchakra Mandal initiation conferred by the Dalai Lamba. Beijing has imposed severe travel restrictions on Tibetans in a bid to block their travel to India for attending the 34th Kalachakra Initiation-a prominent Buddhist ceremony led by the Dalai Lama at Bodh Gaya. Thousands of pilgrims have come from Tibet to attend the spiritual gathering but have been recalled back to Tibet. "The Chinese government threatening Tibetan pilgrims to return immediately is simply unacceptable," said Dr. Sangay. It is reported that the Chinese government began confiscating the passports from Tibetans since November this year. Xu Zhitao, Deputy Director of the bureau of Tibet question has confirmed that the government is discouraging people in Tibet from visiting India to attend the Buddhist ritual. Dr. Sangay said that China has severely penalised those attending these teachings since 2012. "We truly hope that China will address the long-standing issue of Tibet by heeding to the propositions of the Middle Way Approach and agree to engage in a dialogue with the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Tripura unit of Congress on Monday staged a demonstration in demonstration in front of the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) office in Agartala and demanded circulation of more new notes. Congress supporters brought out a protest rally demanding Prime Minister Modi's resignation allegedly for looting money of the poor, farmers, working class and the unemployed in the name of recovering black money and demonstrated with empty plates in from of the RBI office here. Former member of Lok Sabha and AICC Coordinator for Tripura Sardar Amzad Ali who led the agitation said, "As Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made commitments to the people that the move will bring back black money, terror funding and solve the problem of counterfeit currencies and within 50 days everything will be normal." "But even after crossing the deadline that Prime Minister Modi had declared the suffering of people are still continuing and the worst sufferers are the poor. Congress party which till the deadline was silent is now agitating and protesting against the Prime Minister's move," he added Ali further added that Congress will continue its agitation against demonetization until the problem is solved. Beside capital Agartala the Congress party has launched an extensive campaign up to sub-division level across the state over demonetization and attacked the BJP led government at the centre for miserably failed in delivering the assured benefits to the people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two bomb blasts targeting parliament offices rocked the city of Kabul on Tuesday in the PD6 area in Darulaman Road. Tolo News quoted officials, as saying that one explosion occurred after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the entrance to the offices and the second one was a car bomb. Unconfirmed reports pointed that at least 50 people have been killed in the twin attacks. According to MPs, a female member of parliament from Herat was among those wounded in the attack. Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack saying that a mini bus carrying government staff was its target. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone gained 1.47% to Rs 289 at 10:35 IST on BSE after the company said it is contemplating, subject to market conditions, to undertake the issue of foreign currency denominated bonds. The announcement was made before market hours today, 10 January 2017. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 125.38 points, or 0.47%, to 26,851.93. On the BSE, 41,989 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volume of 3.06 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 290.05 and a low of Rs 285.10 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 317 on 25 October 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 169.65 on 12 February 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 9 January 2017, falling 0.33% compared with the Sensex's 0.08% fall. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 6.65% as against the Sensex's 4.76% fall. The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 414.19 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2. The proposed issue of foreign currency denominated bonds has already been approved by the board of directors of the company at a meeting held on 2 November 2015 and by the shareholders at a meeting held on 9 August 2016. The pricing, tenure and other terms of the bonds to be issued pursuant to the issue will be determined by the Finance Committee of the company. The details of which shall be intimated in due course and shall take place on 12 January 2017 or on a later date subject to market conditions and other considerations, Adani Ports said. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone's (APSEZ) consolidated net profit rose 61% to Rs 1090.81 crore on 20.7% increase in net sales to Rs 2175.77 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. APSEZ, a part of the Adani Group, is India's largest private port operator. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed the Japanese delegation led by H. E. Hiroshige Seko, Minister, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI), Japan and recalled that the recent visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Japan in November, 2016 was very successful in further strengthening the partnership between the two countries. She hoped to look forward for a meaningful discussion with the Japanese delegation in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit. She stated that the pace of implementation of India- Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been rather steady and needed to be enhanced with faster pace to tap the huge potential of India- Japan bilateral trade. H. E. Hiroshige Seko, Minister, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, Japan, while welcoming various steps taken by the Govt. of India for Make in India and other initiatives for India's Growth, said that there is a huge potential for Indo- Japanese Cooperation. He mentioned that 25 Japanese companies are participating in Vibrant Gujarat Summit with great enthusiasm. The Japanese side requested that the issue of Transfer Pricing assessment and other ones as raised by Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII)from time to time need to be resolved for attracting greater Japanese Investments in India. The Japanese business delegates briefed about their business presence in India and intimated that they wanted to diversify their business in India in Sectors such as Agriculture, Power, Electronics, Railways, Logistics Sectors, manufacturing of ATMs etc. and wanted to contribute to the development of India. The Japanese side expressed interest in enhancing co-operation in the area of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) between India and Japan and intended to train Indian IPR examiners in Japan. They expressed the need for a high level meeting between India and Japan on IPR cooperation. Minister of METI, Japan also extended an invitation to 100 IPR Examiners for training in Japan. Smt. Sitharaman requested the Japanese side to take steps to increase Indian Exports to Japan in Sesame seeds, Surimi fish and Indian generic drugs. She said that the Japanese Industrial Townships (JITs) in India would be transformational and will bring in significant Japanese investments and further strengthen India- Japan Economic Cooperation. On the Logistics front she mentioned that India plans to build Logistics University wherein the cooperation from Japan would be needed. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Engineers India gained 4.09% to Rs 158.90 at 09:23 IST on BSE after the company won a contract worth over Rs 2500 crore from HPCL for modernization of Vizag refinery. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 9 January 2017. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 163.31 points, or 0.61%, to 26,889.86 On the BSE, 2.16 lakh shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 2.73 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 160.65 and a low of Rs 157.50 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 169.90 on 29 December 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 71.63 on 17 February 2016. The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 336.94 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5. Engineers India announced that Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) has entrusted the project for execution of Vizag refinery modernization project (VRMP) to the company. Engineers India shall execute this project contract under two separate contracts, namely PMC services for major process units and packages under U&O and execution of U&O and PRU revamp on open book estimate (OBE) basis. The total awarded order value is more than Rs 2500 crore with a total project schedule of 43 months for mechanical completion. Engineers India's net profit rose 21.4% to Rs 93.75 crore on 24.6% decline in net sales to Rs 338.89 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. State-run Engineers India provides engineering consultancy and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services. The Government of India holds 59.37% in Engineers India (as per shareholding pattern as on 30 September 2016). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Granules India rose 2.96% to Rs 104.20 at 14:41 IST on BSE on bargain hunting after the stock slumped 9.84% yesterday, 9 January 2017, triggered by the company receiving 11 observations from Portuguese drug regulator. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 6 January 2017. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 157.70 points, or 0.59%, to 26,884.25. On the BSE, so far 3.51 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volumes of 1.69 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 105.80 and a low of Rs 102 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 151.15 on 14 July 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 91.45 on 9 November 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 9 January 2016, falling 9.92% compared with the 0.08% fall in the Sensex. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, sliding 15.84% as against Sensex's 4.83% decline. The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 22.12 crore. Face value per share is Re 1. Shares of Granules India fell 9.84% to settle at Rs 101.20 yesterday, 9 January 2017, after the company announced that Infarmed, the Portuguese drug regulator, had conducted a renewal inspection on the company's facility located at Gagillapur, Telangana. In this respect, the company has received the inspection report from Infarmed with eleven observations. The Gagillapur facility manufactures Pharmaceuticals Formulation Intermediates (PFIs) and Finished Dosages (FDs). The company has initiated necessary steps to address the observations of the inspection agency and will submit its response with a corrective and preventive action plan within the stipulated time, Granules India said. The company will also be requesting the Infarmed for re-inspection of the Gagillapur facility at the earliest. The company is committed to comply with all the required regulatory requirements and follow the best practices of the industry. The company acknowledges the observations as areas of continuous improvements, it added. Granules India's consolidated net profit rose 26.5% to Rs 40.82 crore on 3.08% growth in net sales to Rs 363.57 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. Granules India is a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Hyderabad, India. It manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), pharmaceutical formulation intermediates (PFIs) and finished dosages (FDs). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At Jigani, Bangalore Hikal announced that the Company's API and Intermediates manufacturing facility located at Jigani, Bangalore was recently inspected by the US FDA in compliance with their requirements. At the end of the successful inspection, the Company have been informed by the Investigator that zero 483 observations were issued. This was a routine inspection by the US FDA. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hikal jumped 11.52% to Rs 243.05 on BSE after the company said that US Food and Drug Administration has issued zero observations after completion of inspection at its manufacturing facility located at Jigani, Bangalore. The announcement was made during market hours today, 10 January 2017. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 173.01 points, or 0.65%, to 26,899.56 On the BSE, 2.01 lakh shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with an average volume of 13,030 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 256.10 and a low of Rs 217.60 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 241.30 on 3 November 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 116.60 on 31 March 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 9 January 2017, falling 3.67% compared with Sensex's 0.08% fall. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, gaining 1.85% as against Sensex's 4.83% decline. The small-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 16.44 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2. Hikal said that the company's API and intermediates manufacturing facility located at Jigani, Bangalore was recently inspected by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in compliance with their requirements. At the end of the successful inspection, the company have been informed by the investigator that zero 483 observations were issued. This was a routine inspection by the US FDA. Hikal's net profit jumped 216.2% to Rs 15.24 crore on 13.9% rise in net sales to Rs 232.31 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. Hikal is engaged in research and development (R&D), manufacturing and marketing of fine chemicals for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Last year, a few days after David Bowie died, I posted the following reminiscence/remembrance to my Facebook page. On the anniversary of his death, I thought I might share it here. It was Friday, November 16, 1973. I was 16 years old. Every Friday night, I would rush home from whatever trouble my friends and I were getting into to watch The Midnight Special, hosted by the howling-prone Wolfman Jack. For a sheltered kid growing up in a small Southern Baptist town outside of Richmond, Virginia, The Midnight Special and Don Kirshner's Rock Concert were my principal means of seeing live-performance rock n' roll. On this night, the show broadcast David Bowie's 1980 Floor Show, a special that had been recorded in October of 1973 at The Marquee Club in London, but not previously aired. Up to that point, I don't know how much Bowie I'd been exposed to, but it wasn't much. I'd certainly heard "Space Oddity" on the radio, and likely a few other tracks, but my exposure was minimal. And I don't think I'd ever laid eyes on the man until this broadcast. I was so excited as the show began, but that enthusiasm soon turned to confusion, then outright fear. I saw this.creature that I had no frame of reference to understand. I was looking at some strange and incomprehensible being, this OTHER. The expressive freedom and creativity I saw, the gender fluidity, the flaunted sexuality it was both seductive and alarming; this pandrogyny felt fundamentally threatening to whatever male heterosexuality I'd been trying so desperately to understand and model. Part of me was attracted, inspired even, part of me was repulsed. Or at least scared. When "Space Oddity" began, intercut with shots of launching Saturn V's and an orbiting Skylab, by the time they were checking ignition and wishing God's love, I think the top of my head had fully come off. At 16, I was a NASA nerd, so this was something I knew, something I was comfortable with. Hardware! Rockets! Blast-off! Oh, wait, never mind. I floated up from the basement family room, through the roof of our chocolate-brown Colonial split-level, and into that November night sky. Far above the world. Then "Can't Explain" came on. The exuberance with which Bowie struts through that song completely shorted out whatever circuits I had left in my limited understanding of gender or what I could find attractive. I still had no idea who or what I was looking at, but I knew this was something unique, something inspired. I lived with my inspired, but confused feelings all weekend long, anxious to discuss them with my friends at school on Monday morning. That Monday, in the hallways of Thomas Dale High School, it was the first thing I brought up to the usual huddle of freaks and fuckups by the lockers. "Hey, did you see Bowie on Midnight Special? Wasn't that amazing!?," I asked. They laughed, they grimaced. "That dude is gross, man, a total fag!," said one of them. "Yeah, faggot music," said another. They all shook their heads in agreement and I demurred. Now I was really confused. Does liking this guy make me gay? I was pretty sure I wasn't gay, but I couldn't deny the feelings I had for what I had experienced. I didn't have much to do with Bowie until two years later when I joined a hippie commune. One of the friends I made there was a young gay man who had been heavily into glam. He turned me on to Hunky Dory, The Man Who Sold the World, Ziggy Stardust, and Diamond Dogs (along with the Velvets and Iggy Pop). He also gave me a little appreciation for what it must have been like being a gay kid growing up in Ohio in the 70s. And how Bowie had felt life-saving to him and his friends. Bowie had gifted them the weirdo to celebrate within themselves. I realized that seeing Bowie that night in 1973 had done something similar for me. I was a different kind of Other, but I was most certainly Other. Here was a guy who was flying his freak flag with such smirking abandon and courageous levels of creative self-expression. If he could be that comfortable being this unapologetically weird, certainly my strangeness, my otherness, was tame by comparison. Lying there on my back, on the couch at the commune, listening to Rick's stack of Bowie vinyl on the living room stereo, I knew that my initial instincts had been right. This alien fellow was on to something. I put the raygun to my head in that moment, pulled the trigger, and have never looked back. The night before David Bowie died, I was listening to some of the tracks from Blackstar in honor of his birthday. I saw the Hammersmith Odeon performance for "Moonage Daydream" on the right rail of YouTube and decided to open it full-screen on my large monitor and crank it beyond 11. I watch this performance every few years and it never ceases to enchant me all over again and make me want to cultishly follow the Spiders forever. But that Sunday night, the performance hit me especially hard. I cried tears of joy so fully, they frightened me. I exclaimed things into the soundwaves blasting from my speakers. I was filled with such profound feelings of love and appreciation for what this artist, this extraordinary human being, was able to inspire in that awkward 16 year old, on that Friday night in 1973, when he first began loving the alien. After "Moonage Daydream" finished, I watched "My Death," another favorite from the Hammersmith show. I thought about my own mortality, allowed myself to be overwhelmed by the beauty of human frailty expressed in that song. I went to bed. At 2:26am, I awoke to a text from a friend: "So devastated. RIP our amazing Bowie." But whatever lies behind the door There is nothing much to do Angel or devil, I don't care For in front of that door, there is you ("My Death," Jacques Brel) The margins of IT sector companies will come under further pressure, in the event the new US bill titled 'Protect and Grow American Jobs Act' gets passed, says India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). The key proposal in the bill is to increase the salary of H1B visa holder to USD100,000 (INR6.6 million) from USD60,000 per annum and the cessation of an exemption of having a master's degree. The cash cushion and low debt levels that IT companies enjoy however will mean the squeeze on margins will be credit neutral. The salary level that has been proposed is significantly higher than the average employee cost of Indian IT companies of under INR1 million (ranges between INR300000 to INR5 million). Further the removal of the exemption of possessing a master's degree to qualify for a H1B visa if implemented will reduce the talent pool qualifying for such visas and in turn result in either increased employee cost for hiring employees with higher qualification or subcontract work, both of which would increase the cost of operations and pressurise margins. The US starts accepting the visa application under H1B typically from 1 April every year and issues around 65,000 visas to highly skilled professionals. A bulk of these visa's are issued to technology companies belonging to various nationalities. Indian IT companies incur visa related costs in the first quarter of the financial year. Ind-Ra notes, that the employee cost of IT companies has increased over the past eight quarters and has impacted margins negatively. The passage of the bill would impact IT companies operations and might lead to further increase in the onshore efforts and subcontracting expenses. Indian IT companies generate around 55%-60% of the revenue from the USA. The onsite proportion of revenue exceeds the offshore portion and the subcontracting expenses as a percentage of revenue has increased by around 50bp - 100bp over the last eight quarters for the top IT companies. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Portugal have agreed to work out modalities for a co-production agreement in the Film Sector. The agreement would be framed in a time-bound manner keeping in mind the legal aspects of such an agreement. A possibility of an MoU between the Public Broadcasters of both the Countries to share best practices and seek cooperation in Technical and Content related matters was also discussed. The discussions took place during a meeting between Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore and Portugal Minister of Culture, Mr. Luis Filipe Castro Mendes. During the deliberations, Col. Rathore apprised the Portuguese Minister on the initiatives taken by Ministry of I&B to provide Single Window clearances for Foreign Film Producers in the country through the Film Facilitation Office. He also highlighted the prestigious National Film Heritage Mission of the Government to Digitise, Restore, Preserve the rich filmic heritage of the Country. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister also apprised the Portuguese Minister about the IIMC and FTII as the premier educational institutes in the field of Journalism and Film Production respectively in the country. The Ministers also discussed the possibility of Student Exchange programmes between educational institutions of both the countries. Ministers also expressed interest for possible co-operation in the areas of Renewable energy, information and communication technology and Start-ups. The Ministers also expressed interest in sharing of experiences and best practices in Social Media to enhance the outreach. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scheduled to be held on 11 January 2017 MPIL Corporation announced that the Board Meeting of the Company was scheduled on 11 January 2017 for approval of unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2016. However the said Board meeting was postponed due to non-availability of minimum number of Independent Directors of the Company. The new date for the Board Meeting will be informed in due course Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shares of three public sector oil marketing companies rose 1.84% to 3.02% at 11:15 IST on BSE after crude oil prices slumped in the previous session. HPCL (up 3.02%), BPCL (up 2.92%) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) (up 1.84%), edged higher. The S&P BSE Sensex was up 102.65 points, or 0.38% at 26,826.64. In global commodities markets, Brent crude oil futures edged lower. Brent for March 2017 settlement was up 12 cents at $55.06 a barrel. The contract had slumped $2.16 a barrel or 3.78% to settle at $54.94 a barrel during previous trading session on fears that record Iraqi crude exports and growing US output could undermine Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) efforts to reduce supply. Lower crude oil prices could decrease under-recoveries of public sector oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs) on domestic sale of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene at controlled prices. The government has already freed pricing of petrol and diesel. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One militant was killed and an army soldier was injured on Tuesday in a gunfight between militants and the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, a police officer said. "Security forces surrounded Parray Mohalla in Hajin area of Kashmir's Bandipora district on Tuesday morning following information about militant presence in the village," the officer said . When security forces were tightening the cordon, they were fired upon triggering the gunfight, he added. "One militant was killed and one army soldier injured in this encounter," he said. Firing exchanges have stopped, but a combing operation is on in the area. --IANS sq/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jack Ma, founder and chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, on Monday met with US President-elect and discussed plans to help US small businesses sell products to China through the company's platform. "I think the president-elect is very smart, he is very open-minded to listen. I told him my ideas about how to improve trade, especially to improve small business, cross border trade," Xinhua quoted Ma as saying at Trump tower in New York after meeting with Trump. "We specifically talked about ... supporting 1 million small businesses, especially in the Midwest of America. Small businesses on the platform selling products -- agriculture products and America services -- to China and Asia," he said. They also discussed the China-US relationship, which should be "strengthened" and "more friendly", according to Ma. "(Trump) has concerns, and he has solutions, that he wants to discuss with China and us," he said. "We had a great meeting, and a great, great entrepreneur, one of the best in the world. Jack and I are going to do some great things," Trump told reporters after the meeting. Alibaba group said on Monday via its official twitter that the company works with US and farmers to sell to over 450 million Chinese consumers on its platform, and it has set a goal of helping one million US small businesses export to China. The Indian army on Tuesday announced compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to next of kin of three labourers killed in a terror attack in Jammu district. "Army has announced financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to the kin of three labourers killed and Rs 25,000 to the injured in the dastardly attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists on the unarmed civilian persons at the GREF camp at Battal in Akhnoor Sector," defence spokesman, Lt. Col. Manish Mehta said here. Heavily-armed terrorists had attacked the Battal GREF camp early on January 9. "The Chief of Army Staff while strongly condemning the cowardly terror attack, assured that the Pakistan sponsored terrorists would not be permitted to disturb the peace and tranquility in J&K. "He extended condolences on behalf of the Army to the victims and their families," added Mehta. --IANS sq/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Australian government on Tuesday said it was considering a proposal under which murderers and other criminals would be compelled to give their superannuation pension to the families of the victims. Superannuation in Australia is money earned during a person's working life that can only be accessed in retirement, the BBC reported. The move would give victims more rights in the justice system, said Victoria state's opposition leader Matthew Guy. Guy said he would take the policy to the state's next election in November 2018. If legislated, it would be an Australian first. "When someone commits a murder, particularly in horrendous circumstances -- takes the life of another individual -- they forfeit their right to be treated like the rest of us," he said. The announcement comes after the Victorian Law Reform Commission, a government-funded advisory body, tabled a report in November on 'The Role of Victims of Crime in the Criminal Trial Process'. The report made 51 recommendations, which did not include handing criminals' superannuation to the families of victims. Victoria's Labour government, led by Premier Daniel Andrews, is still considering its response to the report, but Guy said his party supported most of the recommendations. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Authorities in Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region intend to strengthen security measures in border areas in 2017 to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region, the chairman of the region said. According to a report in the China Daily on Tuesday, Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir said that the authorities already stepped up efforts in entry-exit management in 2016. Many terrorists who carried out attacks in the region in recent years received training abroad and then returned. Some also crossed the border illegally to flee, said Aniwar Turson, a top party official in southern Xinjiang's Kashgar prefecture. "We need to make sure not a single terrorist can get in or out of Xinjiang illegally, especially when our neighbouring countries are facing rising terrorist threats," Aniwar added. Xinjiang, which borders eight countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been China's main battleground in the fight against terrorism. On Sunday night, three terrorists were killed in a police raid in southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, according to reports. Azez Musar, a senior official in southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, said that terrorist cells are particularly active in border areas in Xinjiang. "We must improve our ability to detect suspicious activities in those areas and conduct strict inspections near the borders in accordance with the law," he said. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese economy is estimated to have grown about 6.7 per cent in 2016, a top economic planner said on Tuesday. The world's second largest economy registered the same growth rate in the first, second and third quarter in 2016, Xinhua news agency quoted Xu Shaoshi, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, as saying. --IANS py/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Having more devices is a plus, right? Well. except when it comes to charging them. Then, you're tripping over cables as you attempt to keep your technology powered up for the day. That's READ THE REST Chinese economy was estimated to have grown about 6.7 per cent in 2016, the country's top economic planner said on Tuesday. The world's second largest economy registered the same growth rate in the first, second and third quarters last year, Xinhua news agency quoted Xu Shaoshi, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, as saying. Consumption accounted for 71 per cent of growth in 2016 -- up 13 percentage points. He said the economy would exceed 70 trillion yuan ($10.1 trillion), and the growth was remarkable among major economies. Citing a report by the International Monetary Fund, Xu said China had contributed 1.2 percentage points or over 30 per cent of the world's economic growth in 2016. --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The new Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui on Tuesday suggested a bilateral Friendship and Cooperation treaty besides a Free Trade Agreement to improve ties between the two countries. Terming these as ambitious proposals, he nevertheless felt that the time was ripe for the Asian giants to reap some "early harvest" benefits in resolving their vexed border issues. Luo also urged the need for India and China to join hands in the latter's One Belt One Road (OBOR) strategy to build super-modern economic and infrastructural connectivities in South Asia. "India's Act East policy would benefit if India joined the One Belt One Road' initiative of China," he remarked. India has been non-committal to joining China's ambitious OBOR project. In fact, New Delhi is opposed to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor -- a crucial part of OBOR which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India claims as its own. The Sino-India ties took a hit when Beijing blocked New Delhi's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and rejected its plea at the UN to have Pakistani militant Masood Azhar declared as terrorist. The South China Sea issue was also an irritant between the two who fought a brief war in 1962. Luo was speaking at a function organised by the policy think-tank, Observer Research Foundation at the newly-established Ji Xianlin Centre for India-China Studies in University of Mumbai. He added that beyond connectivity projects, the two nations should also cooperate to promote cultural exchanges, cooperation in education and people-to-people contacts under the OBOR framework. Luo described the existing differences between India and China as "within a family", but expressed optimism over improving the relations in future. ORF Chairman Sudheendra Kulkarni, a media aide to former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, said relations between India and China should be guided by their profound civilisational wisdom. "India, China and Pakistan should forge a friendly relationship and resolve differences peacefully, which is critical for changing the destiny of South Asia, which could change the destiny of Asia and the world in the 21st century," Kulkarni urged. Professor Ji Xianlin (1911-2009) was a renowned Sanskrit scholar and Chinese Indologist who translated the epic Ramayana into Mandarin. University of Mumbai Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh announced that the new centre would be upgraded as Ji Xianlin School for India-China Studies from the next academic year. Luo handed over to Solapur Mayor Sushila Abute a carefully restored version of a rare calligraphic homage hand-written by China's founder Mao Zedong to Dwarakanath Kotnis. Kotnis (1910-1942), an Indian medico from Solapur who studied at University of Mumbai, was sent by the Indian National Congress as part of a medical mission to help the Chinese and soldiers during the Japanese war. He died in China while serving there and Luo described him as "a hero of India and a friend of China" and both countries would never forget his humanitarian services and sacrifices. On his first official visit to Mumbai, Luo met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, among other engagements. --IANS qn/gsh/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A court here on Tuesday framed charges against Himachal EMTA Power Ltd (HEPL) and three others in an alleged irregularities in allocating of Gourangdih ABC coal block in West Bengal. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge Bharat Parashar framed charges dealing with cheating and criminal conspiracy against HEPL, its two directors, Ujjal Kumar Upadhaya and Bikash Mukherjee and its CGM (Power) N.C. Chakraborty. The court adjourned the matter for recording statement of prosecution evidence on May 1. The CBI in its chargesheet said that accused directors Upadhaya and Mukherjee had submitted false information to the Coal Ministry to secure allocation of Gourangdih ABC coal block in West Bengal for their company. --IANS akk/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cuban President Raul Castro has appointed Vice Admiral Julio Cesar Gandarilla Bermejo as the Interior Minister. Gandarilla on Monday succeeded Carlos Fernandez Gondin, who passed away last Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported. "The Council of State at the proposal of President decided to designate the current first Deputy Minister of the Interior Vice Admiral Julio Cesar Gandarilla Bermejo as minister of that body," a statement said. Gandarilla was appointed the first Deputy Interior Minister in October 2015, when the then minister Abelardo Colome Ibarra resigned due to serious health problems, and Gondin was elevated. Gandarilla has served as Chief of the Direction of Military Counter-Intelligence over the past 16 years. He is also a member of the Communist Party Central Committee and the People's Power National Assembly. --IANS py/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An on-duty constable of Delhi Police was thrashed by two unidentified men after he asked them to drive their car carefully, police said on Tuesday. Police said the incident took place on Monday night at Vasant Kunj area in south Delhi, when the men, who were in an overspeeding car hit a police barricade. "When constable Mohammad Alam, who was on duty there, told them to drive carefully, they came out from their car and started misbehaving with him," said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chinmoy Biswal. The miscreants than thrashed Alam before fleeing from the spot, he said. Alam received injuries at his knee. A case was registered against the two men and police are examining the CCTV footage to identify them, the officer said. --IANS sp/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cairo, Jan 11 (IANS/AKI) Egyptian prosecutors ordered Al Jazeera TV news presenter Mahmoud Hussein Gomaa to remain in custody for another 15 days on suspicion of "fabricating reports" aimed at harming national security and sedition, official daily Al-Ahram said on Tuesday. State Security arrested Goma on December 25 at a residence in Giza, where police confiscated thousands of video tapes as well as production equipment, Egypt's Interior Ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry statement, Gomaa used several residences to "avoid security monitoring in light of Al Jazeera's unauthorised work in the country and its failure to obtain the needed licences". Shortly afterwards Al-Jazeera issued a statement confirming the arrest of Gomaa, who it said worked at the channel's Egypt bureau in 2013 before it was shut down by the state. The network said that it holds the Egyptian authorities responsible for Gomaa's safety and called for his immediate release. Two Al Jazeera employees were sentenced to death in absentia in July for passing secret state documents to Qatar. In September 2015, two Al Jazeera English journalists received presidential pardons for their 3-year sentences for collaborating with the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood Islamist group in a highly-publicised case widely condemned by rights groups. Egypt has long accused Al Jazeera of carrying out a hostile campaign against the country since relations between Cairo and Doha soured following the army's ouster in 2013 of Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Morsi. --IANS/AKI vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the country's top leader Ayatollah Khamenei leading the mass funeral procession, thousands of Iranians from all walks of life turned out in the capital Tehran on Tuesday to bid adieu to former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. The funeral, which started at 10 a.m. at the Tehran University, saw top Iranian civil and military leadership among the mourners. President from 1989 to 1997, Rafsanjani, who died on Sunday following a heart attack at the age of 82, was buried next to late Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini. A veteran cleric and an influential politician, Rafsanjani, a close ally of Khomeini, served in different positions after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Rafsanjani, also a key supporter of President Hassan Rouhani, backed Iran's landmark nuclear deal in June 2015 with the world powers -- the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. Rafsanjani's youngest son Yaser, 46, thanked those mourning his father for their "loyalty and kindness". "I see scenes of affection that I cannot believe. People's prayers for our father console our hearts," he said. --IANS ahm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A former Volkswagen official in the US has been arrested on fraud charges in the diesel emissions probe, the media reported on Tuesday. Oliver Schmidt, who headed Volkswagen's regulatory compliance office in the US from 2014 to March 2015, appeared in a court here on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. Schmidt and other Volkswagen executives were accused of covering the automaker's emissions fraud from US regulators in a scandal dubbed "Dieselgate" by the media. According to lawsuits filed against Volkswagen, Schmidt gave made-up technical explanations for over-standard emissions of the company's diesel vehicles since late 2014. The Volkswagen Group acknowledged in September 2015 that they designed the "defeat device" to allow the vehicles to pass emission tests. The arrest of Schmidt has brought the case into the executive ranks. --IANS py/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his happiness at the significant progress in partnership with Israel in the agriculture sector, an official said. "Indian farmers had successfully adapted to the knowledge and expertise imparted by the Israeli Centres of Excellence. The new agriculture work plan would also promote cooperation in the areas of water and dairy," he told visiting Israeli Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel in a meeting on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, said a Ministry of External Affairs statement. Modi called for an extended cooperation in new areas such as education, science, technology, research and innovation, while also emphasising on the facilititation in institutional linkages between Indian and Israeli universities. Citing the 'i-Create' model in Gujarat, he conveyed to the minister that India was keen to learn from the start-up eco system of Israel and its incubation centres. Ariel conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu and said that as two ancient civilizations and young nations, India and Israel could do great things together. He said that Israel was very proud to partner with India in agriculture and bring prosperity to Indian farmers. He also briefed on his recent visit to Maharashtra where he had met NABARD and expressed the hope of working with India in the dairy sector. Referring to 2017 as a milestone year, marking 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel, the minister extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to make an early visit to Israel. Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is taking place January 10-13, with this year's theme being "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". --IANS vn/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat was briefly admitted to a government hospital here on Tuesday after he complained of uneasiness and neck pain, officials said. The Chief Minister was discharged after a thorough check up by a team of doctors. He then met Congress workers at his residence here. Rawat said he was fighting fit for the upcoming polls in the state. Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Surendra Kumar, said he was fine now. Kumar said Rawat was to go to Delhi for discussions with the Congress party high command on ticket distribution. The Chief Minister last year sustained a major neck and spinal injury in a chopper mishap. --IANS md/py/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web Asking East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) to ensure that removal of garbage dumped on roads by the employees, who have struck work due to non-payment of salaries, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday also issued notice to the civic body and city government. A division bench of Justices Indira Bannerjee and Justice Anil Kumar Chawla sought response from EDMC and Delhi government by March 1 on a plea seeking direction that corporation employees to end their strike. The plea has sought direction that the Delhi government and the civic body should immediately release salaries to sanitation workers who went on strike from January 5, as piles of muck taken out of drains and garbage was dumped on city roads. EDMC told the court that salaries for the last two months were paid on Monday and the strike has been called off. The Delhi government also told the court that a fund of Rs 605 crore has been released for payment of EDMC workers' salaries uptil March 2017. Advocate Sugriva Dubey, appearing for petitioner Salek Chand Jain, however said EDMC has not paid the salaries to all the workers. --IANS gt/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) What seemed a bank robbery at the Alabama Credit Union in Tuscaloosa has turned into a hostage situation, with one suspect barricaded inside the building near the University of Alabama campus in the US. A gunman entered the building and took the employees inside hostage, Lt. Teena Richardson of the Tuscaloosa Police Department told media. Nearby businesses were being evacuated and the area was closed off to the public. The FBI hostage negotiator has yet to establish contact with the gunman, police said. "It didn't come in as a robbery," Richardson said. "We don't know what the issue is." All credit union employees were safe, Alabama Credit Union CEO Steve Swofford told WBRC. The Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, the University of Alabama Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency were working the scene jointly, Richardson said. --IANS ahm/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Tuesday urged the central government to include Pongal festival in the central government lists of compulsory and also "additional" holidays. Besides a compulsory holiday, an additional day for Pongal, the harvest festival, may also be included in the list of 12 "additional" holidays so that a holiday dedicated to Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar could also be declared in Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister said. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Panneerselvam on Tuesday said the central government notifies a list of holidays with 14 days falling under the category "compulsory holiday". "It is seen that Pongal finds place only in the list of 12 optional holidays. As a result, Pongal is not a compulsory holiday for Central Government offices in Tamil Nadu," Panneerselvam said. "This apparent diminution in the importance accorded to Pongal for the past several years has created disquiet and an impression that an important festival of Tamil Nadu has been ignored by the central government," Panneerselvam added. Political parties in Tamil Nadu also have slammed the BJP-led central government for not including the festival in its holiday list. Pongal will be celebrated across Tamil Nadu on January 14. DMK leader M.K. Stalin had announced agitation on Wednesday. However, Bharatiya Janata Party's Tamil Nadu unit President Tamilisai Soundararajan said the situation now was no different from what was there when the DMK was sharing power at the Centre as a part of United Progressive Alliance (UPA). She said the DMK now was protesting for the sake of protesting. PMK leader and former Union minister Anbumani Ramadoss also demanded inclusion of Pongal in the central government's compulsory holiday list. --IANS vj/ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the pace of implementation of the India-Japan free trade agreement needs to be stepped up further, an official statement here said. "She (Sitharaman) stated that the pace of implementation of India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been rather steady and needed to be enhanced with faster pace to tap the huge potential of India-Japan bilateral trade," the Indian Commerce Ministry statement said, following a meeting here on Monday between Sitharaman and Japanese Economy and Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko. Concurring with Sitharaman's view on the huge potential for expanding Indo-Japanese cooperation, Seko said that 25 Japanese companies are participating in the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat investors summit, it added. According to the statement, the Japanese side requested that the issue of transfer pricing assessment and other ones, as raised periodically by Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India, need to be resolved to attract greater Japanese investment into India. Expressing interest in enhancing cooperation with India on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), the Japanese delegation offered to train Indian IPR examiners in Japan, it said, adding that Seko also extended an invitation to 100 IPR Examiners for training in Japan. On her part, Sitharaman requested the Japanese side to take steps to increase Indian exports to Japan of sesame seeds, Surimi fish and generic drugs. "She said that the Japanese Industrial Townships (JITs) in India would be transformational and will bring in significant Japanese investments and further strengthen India-Japan economic cooperation," the Commerce Ministry said. Sitharaman also mentioned that India plans to build a Logistics University, for which Japan's cooperation would be required. Earlier on Monday, Seko met union Power Minister Piyush Goyal here and they jointly inaugurated the 7th India-Japan Energy Forum. Speaking on the occasion, Goyal pointed to the history of technical cooperation between the two nations, from the Maruti Suzuki automobiles to the Shinkasen bullet train, the formal agreement for which was signed in November 2016. --IANS bc/sm/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Rwanda on Tuesday said that countries supporting need to be isolated, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rwandan President Paul Kagame here. " is the single-biggest global threat to civil societies" and there was a need to isolate countries which support cross-border terrorism, said a joint declaration here. Kagame is on a two-day visit to India which began on Monday. This is his first official visit to India. India and Rwanda agreed to "collaborate closely on counter- cooperation, including blocking financing of terrorist activities, removing safe havens for terrorists and preventing money laundering", the declaration said. The declaration further appreciated "the role played by both countries in the field of international peace and security by committing regularly to various UN peacekeeping missions". The Declaration on Strategic Partnership was issued after delegation-level talks between Modi and Kagame. "Mindful of shared common values and mutual respect for each other" the declaration called for "sharing the common goal of rapid economic development, enhancing global peace, ensuring security and eliminating the menace of cross-border terrorism". The two nations expressed satisfaction over the broad-based bilateral cooperation spanning over the past two decades. Both countries recognised that they "are gateways to their respective regions and taking into account India's growing engagement with the African continent" acknowledged its role as an important partner for Africa's development. The two country resolved to maximise their economic potential to reflect the ongoing transformation of their economies and the global economic order. Both countries further declared they would double bilateral trade in five years, cooperate to promote investments in mutually-beneficial projects and promote people-to-people exchanges, especially in movement of professionals in areas like information technology, teaching, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. --IANS rs/gsh/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladeshi firms have expressed deep concern over India's recent imposition of anti-dumping duty on jute and other goods exported by them. Jute industry insiders urged India to withdraw the anti-dumping duty on jute items which hitherto enjoyed duty-free access to India under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement. They further urged the Bangladesh government to discuss the matter with the relevant Indian ministry in the greater interest of bilateral trade. India on January 5 imposed anti-dumping cess ranging from $6.30 to $351.72 per tonne on imports of jute and jute products from Bangladesh and Nepal to protect domestic industry. An official in Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce told Xinhua on Tuesday that imposition of anti-dumping duty on jute exports to India was "unexpected and unfortunate". The decision irked not merely businesses but also officials as it would affect the local jute industry severely, said the official requesting anonymity. Sector insiders said many jute spinning mills will suffer a big blow due to the high duty and will ultimately be closed, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers with an uncertain future. They stressed the need for lobbying with the Indian government to withdraw the decision. --IANS gsh/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Jamie Foxx was assaulted while having dinner at a restaurant here when a patron approached his table and complained to him and his friends about being too loud. They were later thrown out of the restaurant. The incident took place at Catch Restaurant here on January 7, reports tmz.com. The person reportedly yelled: "You don't want to mess with me. I'm from New York." A comedian who came with Foxx fired back and said: "F**k you, I'm from Oakland." That further angered the complaining person before he came charging at Foxx. Some witnesses said that Foxx fought back, put the random person in a choke hold and took him down, tmz.com reported. Both parties were eventually thrown out of the restaurant for the ruckus. There were several celebrities, including Jerry Bruckheimer, Cuba Gooding Jr, Michael Bay and Nicole Murphy, who witnessed the commotion. --IANS sas/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rome, Jan 10 (IANS/AKI) Police arrested a suspect and raided locations across Italy's central Lazio region in an operation against Ansar Al-Sharia, a Libyan outfit linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. At a press conference in Rome, police showed journalists an IS flag and knives which they said were among items seized in the raids. The man arrested was married to an Italian convert to Islam and had a child, said police. He had spent time in six different Italian jails for crimes unrelated to terrorism, according to police. "This operation demonstrates how prison can be a place for spreading terrorist ideologies," Rome daily Il Messaggero cited a police officer as saying. Il Messaggero quoted police as naming the man as Hmidi Saber. He had never worked and while in prison told guards he would cut off their heads "in the name of Allah", police were cited as saying. Saber also allegedly proselytised for Al Qaeda and IS while in jail, threatened other inmates and told them he would travel to Syria with his family "to help our Muslim brothers", police said. Saber is 34 and is in custody in Rome's Rebbibia jail. He lived in Ciampino near Rome and was a senior leader of the alleged cell, daily La Repubblica reported. Monday's operation showed how Italy faced "an increasingly fragmented threat linked to petty criminals who are susceptible to ideological and religious extremism", investigators said. --IANS/AKI mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Swedish Education Minister Anna Ekstrom and pitched India's potential for investment in green technology and flagship ventures like the 'Smart Cities' project and 'Skill India'. In the meeting on the sidelines of Vibrant Gujarat Summit going on here, Modi recalled Swedish Prime Minister Stefan lofven's visit to India last year for the "Make in India" event and said India was thankful for the Scandinavian country's support. "India offered considerable potential for Swedish investment in green technologies, smart cities, skill India and Digital India. "Our trade and investment relations were strong with current trade of $2 billion which both sides had agreed to increase to $5 billion over the next three years. Two way investment was also robust with Swedish companies having invested $1.2 billion in India and Indian companies $700 million in Sweden," Modi was quoted as saying in an official statement. Welcoming Ekstrom, Modi also expressed happiness at India being chosen as the focus country at the Stockholm Cultural Festival in August 2017. He expressed gratitude for Sweden's support for India's membership of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Nuclear Supplies Group (NSG) as also for India's permanent membership of a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The Swedish Minister also said that her country was committed to the efficient implementation of the Joint Statement signed during Lofven's visit to India. "Sweden remains committed to partnering India in various sectors." "The India-Sweden Business Leaders' Round Table was also very active and showed the great potential in pursuing profitable partnerships with India," she said. She also reiterated the invitation from Prime Minister Lofven for Modi to visit Sweden. The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being be held here January 10-13 with the central focus of "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". --IANS ruwa/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Danish minister Lars Christian Lilleholt on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat summit, and raised the issue of Purulia arms drop accused Kim Davy's extradition, an official said. Modi, in his meeting with Lilleholt, raised the issue of Kim Davy's extradition and hoped that Denmark would take into account India's sensitivities and extend full cooperation, said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup. The Danish Minister assured that Denmark was seized of the matter. Davy is the key accused in the Purulia arms drop case of 1995, in which unauthorised arms were dropped from an Antonov An-26 aircraft in West Bengal's Purulia district. Modi also expressed his gratitude for Denmark's support to India's membership of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). India became a member of MTCR in June last year. Its bid to enter the NSG has however been blocked by China's veto. Lilleholt, who is the Danish Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate Change, also told Modi that Denmark is keen on participating in the smart cities project, and was awaiting an early visit by Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu. It is also keen to cooperate with India in the area of green energy particularly wind and solar. He also sought Denmark's participation in the areas of ports and shipping, waste water management and energy efficiency, in all of which Denmark had considerable expertise. Modi noted that Indo-Danish bilateral trade of $2.8 billion and Danish investment of $6 billion in India showed the strength of trade and investment ties between the two countries. Denmark and India had both prioritized 'Mission Innovation' and this was also a promising area of cooperation, he added. He also told the Danish minister that India had set ambitious targets for combating climate change in COP21 with plans to install 175GW of renewable energy capacity, where Denmark could be a valuable partner. He said that new innovation was needed in the wind energy sector and also advocated a hybrid model where they could get benefit from both solar and wind energy during day and night through an integrated system. Modi also sought Denmark's participation in the international Solar Alliance which would promote innovation, research, affordable and sustainable technology, especially for smaller countries. The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being be held here January 10-13 with the central focus of "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". --IANS ao/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vatican City, Jan 10 (IANS/AKI) Pope Francis will on Saturday receive Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Vatican Radio reported. The meeting comes after Francis on Monday called for peace talks on a permanent two-state solution to resume between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. "Israelis and Palestinians urgently need peace. The whole Middle East urgently needs peace," Francis told ambassadors at the Vatican. He urged "an enduring solution that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of two states within internationally recognised borders." The upcoming meeting between Francis and Abbas follows the entry into force of a landmark accord between the Vatican and the Palestinian Authority at the end of December. Israel attacked the agreement, signed in June 2015, as premature and counter-productive to the Middle East peace process. The Vatican hailed the accord, which includes provisions to protect the rights of Christians, calling it model for other Arab and Muslim states in their relations with Christian minorities in the Middle East. The previous month, Francis met Abbas at the Vatican on May 16, 2015 and presented him with a medallion, calling him "an angel of peace". The Vatican recognised the Palestinian territories as a sovereign state in February 2013 after a November 2012 vote by the United Nations General Assembly in favour of recognition. Israel and the Vatican have had diplomatic relations since 1993. --IANS/AKI ahm/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) When Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa arrives in the land of his origin on Tuesday night, a stroll on Goa's popular beaches certainly does not appear to be at the top of his agenda. Costa or "Babush", as he is known by his family in Konkani, during his two-day visit to Goa, a former Portuguese colony whose shores his poet as well as writer father Orlando quit decades back, has a packed schedule in the coastal state. Costa will host official banquets, Bollywood producers, visit temples, churches, stroll down the popular Latin Quarter in Fontainhas in Panaji and take some time off to visit his ancestral home in Margao town, about 35 km from here. Sources at the Portuguese consulate here and the state protocol department, which have been tasked with facilitating Costa's visit, said the Goa-end of the Prime Minister's itinerary during his seven-day visit to India was being worked out and fine-tuned for over three months. "Costa's visit is chock-a-block with engagements. He is coming back home, we have spared no efforts to make his visit a success," sources in the state government, which is engaged in arranging the logistics for the visit, told IANS on Monday. Costa's high-level delegation team has already worked out various pacts dealing with defence, security, IT, renewable energy sectors with the central government, and the Prime Minister himself has gifted a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. After a night's interlude following his arrival in Goa, Costa will on Wednesday first meet Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Governor Mridula Sinha, before attending a lunch hosted by the state government. The Portuguese Prime Minister will also visit the Old Goa Church complex, a Unesco-endorsed world heritage site built during the colonial era, and the Mangueshi temple. He will also meet top officials of the National Institute of Oceanography near here, and then attend a civic reception in his honour. Costa is also scheduled to address the audience and attend a presentation of the English translation of his father's book 'Sem Flores Nem Coares'. Poet Orlando was born in the Portuguese colony of Mozambique in 1929, but his family migrated to Goa, whose tropical shores he later left at the age of 18 for Lisbon. Goa was ruled by Portugal for 451 years before she was liberated by the Indian Army in 1961. Costa will on Thursday visit the Birla Optical Fibre factory in Verna in South Goa, before undertaking a walking visit to the Latin quarter in Fontainhas. There he will visit the Portuguese cultural organisation Fundacao Oriente and inaugurate Centro de Lingua Portuguesa. On the same afternoon, Costa will also conduct another walking tour through the city, and then visit a local college of law. Costa on Thursday night will host Bollywood producers at a five-star resort, where he is expected to make a pitch for Portugal as a film-shooting destination, as well as host a reception for Portuguese, Indo-Portuguese communities and local authorities. He is also expected to visit his ancestral home in Margao and share a meal with close relatives and friends, his first cousin Anna Kaarina Jussilainen told IANS. "It's going to be a simple meal, he would like to share with friends and family," she said. Costa's arrival has already stirred political interest in the poll-bound Goa with regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the Goa Suraksha Manch demanding an apology for atrocities committed by Portuguese colonists. The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have however unequivocally welcomed Costa, saying an apology from friendly countries was out of question. --IANS maya/py/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a reflection of the importance that Saudi Arabia attaches to enhancing business ties with India, a high-level delegation from the Gulf kingdom, one of the world's richest nations, is taking part in the the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit that gets underway here on Tuesday. The 20-member Saudi delegation, led by Saudi-India Business Council Chairman Kamal S. Al-Munajjed, includes companies in sectors ranging from real estate and investment banking to oil and gas, power, telecom and agriculture. The list has been furnished by the Saudi embassy in New Delhi. The delegation includes Director of the Saudi Arabian Government Investment Agency (SAGIA) Imad A. Al-Abdulqader and other senior officials. The delegation members include Abdulaziz Abdulahadi Al Qahtani, Chairman Abdulahadi A. Al Qahtani & Sons; Talal Siddiq Farsi, vice CEO Siddiq Farsi Holding Company; Mazen Mohamed Batterjee, Vice Chairman Batterjee Holding Company; Adeeb Mohammed Idrees, owner and General Manager of Alebda' Group For Trading Manufacture; and Ahmed Nasser Al-Obaikan, Chairman of Ahmed Al-Obaikan Company for Real Estate Investment and Development. As part of their engagement at the investors' summit here, Saudi Arabia is organising a day-long country seminar on Wednesday that will also feature a panel discussion on boosting Indo-Saudi trade and industrial partnerships. Saudi Arabian Ambassador Saud Al Sati will be one of the speakers at the seminar. Around 20 heads of state and ministers representing different governments across the world will attend the summit, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Twelve countries have agreed to become partner countries for this edition of vibrant Gujarat - the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Sweden and the UAE. --IANS bc/tb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spain's Interior Minister on Tuesday announced that the high terror alert level in force would be maintained due to a potential, non-specific threat that required precautions. Speaking in Paris, Juan Ignacio Zoido said Spanish security officials had recommended that the level-four protocol should be maintained, Efe news reported. It was this alert level that had "allowed the combat and detention of many members of the Islamic State", he said. Zoido, who had his first bilateral meeting with his French counterpart Bruno Le Roux, said since the alert level was raised in 2015, security forces had arrested 177 suspected extremists in Spain. He said some radicalised people who had joined terror networks in Syria and Iraq had returned, but insisted that security forces had them under control. Zoido insisted on moving forward and sharing information and analysis on every attack that happens, wherever in the world. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Budget passenger carrier SpiceJet on Tuesday approached the aviation regulator to voice its concerns over setting up of a committee which will look into on-time performance (OTP) parameters. According to industry sources, SpiceJet's Chairman and Mananging Director Ajay Singh met Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) chief B.S. Bhullar and expressed serious concerns over the regulator's decision to set up the committee. The committee, headed by Bhullar, had been set up to probe possible discrepancies in on-time data recording mechanism following a complaint by budget passenger carrier IndiGo. The committee is expected to submit the corrected data by the end of February. The DGCA was told that data collection system at airports like Mumbai has been in place for many years, sources said. "DGCA assured that it would carry out a fair evaluation. Airline representatives will also be included in the committee formed to look into the OTP issue," a source said. "Tomorrow, if an airline questions the passenger traffic data, will the DGCA constitute a committee to investigate that too?" On the other hand, an IndiGo spokesperson said: "We have questioned the discrepancy in the OTP data that we have seen and also provided evidence of the same to the DGCA." "Manual recording and reporting of OTP data is prone to manipulation and not in the interest of consumers. The reaction of some airlines is surprising. If their OTP data is indeed genuine there is no reason for them to be nervous or oppose a fair and independent investigation." --IANS rv/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, through his privy council, has requested that provisions of a draft constitution regarding royal powers be amended, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday. Prayut did not give details but said the draft constitution will thus be taken back from the palace for further amendment, Xinhua news agency reported. He said the overall process for the amendment would take about two to three months to complete. The Thai government submitted the draft constitution for royal endorsement in early November last year, which is the last process for its promulgation. The draft constitution was passed in a referendum in August last year, which was a part of the ruling junta's road map to a general election that was promised to be held later this year. Prayut said on Tuesday that the junta is not postponing the promised general election. "The election will be held after the royal cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and coronation of King Vajiralongkorn. We will have a new government in 2018 anyway," Said Prayut. --IANS py/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A transgender person named Aqeel Ahmad was allegedly set ablaze in Islamabad for refusing to pay his extortionist, media reported. In a letter to the Rawalpindi City police office, Aqeel's brother Khalil Ahmad said the accused, Faisal, doused his brother with alcohol and set him on fire for not paying the extortion money on time, Dawn News reported. Admitted at the Holy Family Hospital, Aqeel told Khalil that the accused works as an extortionist and allegedly has the protection of the area police. Aqeel also said that Faisal rushed him to the hospital to cover up his involvement in the incident. Khalil in his letter said that the area police earlier refused to register Aqeel's case. "Instead, they forced my brother to sign and give his thumb impressions on a statement that says he caught fire when the stove in his kitchen burst," Khalil said. --IANS ahm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, which has been agitating seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday held him responsible for over 120 deaths due to the note ban. The party said it will approach President Pranab Mukherjee to seekhis intervention. At the conclusion of Trinamool's three day nationwide stir against demonetisation and political vendetta by the Modi government, party MPs will meet Mukherjee on Wednesday where they are expected to raise both the issues. "We are meeting the President on Wednesday afternoon," said party MP Sultan Ahmed. According to sources, besides demonetisation they will also be raising the issue of a "national government" replacing Modi as the Prime Minister. Trinamool supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has mooted a National Government headed by BJP veteran L.K. Advani or Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley or Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Earlier in the day, Banerjee tweeted details of 122 people who, she claimed, had died due to the cash crunch following the November 8 demonetisation. "Modi, you are arrogant. You are responsible for 120+ (122) deaths," she said posting statewise details of the "victims" including the reason for their deaths. As per the list, Uttar Pradesh, at 32, has the highest number of deaths followed by Bengal with 13 and Maharashtra with 11. Banerjee claimed that in Modi's home state Gujarat, five people have died due to demonetisation. While three of them died in bank queues, a woman committed suicide after failing to buy food for her family and a bank cashier ended his life owing to stress. Later addressing an event in Bengal's Burdwan district, she said the "Tughlaqi" decision (demonetisation) has crippled the economy and demanded Modi to own up the responsibility of the "demonetisation deaths". "Anyone who speaks out against the Centre is branded corrupt and agencies are sent after them," said Banerjee who has been accusing Modi of vendetta following the CBI arresting two of her MPs - Tapas Paul and Sudip Bandyopadhyay - in a chit fund scam. Ridiculing Modi's plan of a cashless Indian economy, she accused the Prime Minister of being a "salesman of plastic currency". On the second day of the anti-Modi stir, Trinamool MPs in the national capital, blamed Modi for destroying the economy and asserted that their fight will continue until he is removed from office. "The government's premise of demonetisation is totally wrong. With this one decision, Modi has destroyed the entire economy," said Trinamool MP Saugata Roy. "Agriculture has suffered massively and the country is heading towards a situation where there will be an acute food shortage. "People across the sectors have suffered except for the big corporate houses," he added. Holding placards that read "Honourable President Please Intervene" and "Only National Government Can Save India", some 35 Trinamool MPs staged day long dharna at Delhi's South Avenue. Protesting the arrests of its MPs in the Rose Valley chit fund scam, the Trinamool questioned why some of the BJP members with "links with the company" have not been arrested. "During demonetisation protests in Parliament, Modi reached out to Sudip Da (Bandyopadhyay), but he refused to meet him, hence, this political vendetta. "Modi has lowered the status and dignity of the Prime Minister's office. Our fight will continue until Modi is removed from office," said Party MP Kalyan Banerjee Protesting in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, Trinamool General Secretary Subrata Bakshi said the party will intensify its agitation against Modi. "Our current campaign is spread to eight-nine states, but we will take our agitation to all the 29 states of the country in the next few months. Our agitation will not stop until Modi's ouster," he said. The Trinamool on Monday launched its three-day "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao" (remove Modi, save the country) campaign holding demonstrations across Odisha, Punjab, Bihar, Manipur, Tripura, Assam and Jharkhand, besides West Bengal and the national capital. --IANS dm-bdc-and/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Tunisian national is being held here for his role as an alleged recruiter for a terrorist group operating in Tunisia, Libya and Syria, Italian police said on Tuesday. Saber Hmidi, 34, was notified of the arrest warrant in the Rebibbia prison in the Italian capital, where he was already serving a sentence for illegal weapons possession and assaulting a police officer, Xinhua reported. The operation was carried out by the anti-terrorism DIGOS force in cooperation with prison police. Several raids were carried out in the Lazio region surrounding Rome, although no additional arrests were made. Hmidi was thought to be an active member of the Ansar al-Sharia jihadist group and was believed to have operated as a recruiter in different jails in Italy, investigators told a press conference at police headquarters here. "The investigation revealed his special ability to indoctrinate fellow prisoners in jail," police also said in a statement. The man had been living in Ciampino on the outskirts of Rome since 2008 and is married to an Italian woman who converted to Islam. He was first arrested in November 2011 and again in 2014 for resisting a routine control and assaulting a police unit with a gun. He had never been charged in relation to terrorism before. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rome, Jan 10 (IANS/AKI) Italian police on Tuesday arrested two people for hacking the email accounts of former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi and other top officials, including several Vatican cardinals. Leading institutions, bankers, businessmen and the head of Italy's tax police were among tens of thousands of email accounts hacked by nuclear engineer Giulio Occhionero, 45, and his sister Francesca Maria Occhionero, 49, according to investigators. The pair face charges of procuring state security information and illegally intercepting electronic communications. They are said to have run a botnet -- a network of computers harnessed without the owners' knowledge. It is not clear what the information was used for. "Evidence of extortion has not been uncovered," Roberto Di Legami, director of Italy's specialised cyber police unit, told Adnkronos. "We're trying to understand if the information gathered -- especially the financial data -- could have been of economic value," Di Legami said. The investigation is ongoing and began eight months ago, he said. By planting malicious software through emails, it is thought the Occhioneros were able to harvest sensitive information for years. Most of the hacked data was stored in the US and is now being sent back to Italy for analysis. The Occhioneros are London residents who were domiciled in Rome and were well known in the financial world. Police did not state where the brother and sister were detained but it is understood the arrests took place in Italy. Renzi stood down as premier in December after a crushing defeat in a referendum on planned constitutional reforms which his centre-left government claimed would streamline Italy's political machinery. --IANS/AKI ahm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / Health by Staff reporter AN in vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinic has been opened in Bulawayo, the second such health facility in the country to offer services to couples faced with infertility.IVF is the fertilisation of a woman's eggs outside her body in a laboratory, resulting in what has been termed a test tube baby.The first fertility centre to be established in Zimbabwe in the 1980s is at the Avenues Clinic in Harare and more than 50 people, some of them now adults were conceived there.The Harare clinic closed its doors in 2004 and re-opened last year.The Bulawayo Assisted Reproductive Technology (BART) centre opened its doors last December and has brought hope to couples who are struggling to have children.Previously, they would have had to go to Harare, South Africa or other countries for services.Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa last week toured the new facility, which is housed at the Medical Centre in the city centre.Dr Parirenyatwa was accompanied by a group of doctors from various provinces and officials from different hospitals.He commended the gynaecologist in charge of the institution, Dr Jephat Moyo, for establishing the fertility clinic, saying the institution was long overdue."This is a good development for this region considering that we had only one such facility in the country. I'm proud of what Dr Moyo has done and I'm certain that it will go a long way in satisfying a need for people who are having problems with conceiving."I'm impressed with the modern equipment that was installed at the clinic. This shows that our doctors are innovative and are concerned about the needs of our people. People of Bulawayo and Matabeleland region can now come here instead of travelling all the way to Harare or South Africa," said Dr Parirenyatwa.He urged people in Matabeleland region to take advantage of the IVF centre.Dr Moyo said the facility has attended to a number of people since its inception and recorded reasonable success."We established the unit to address an important need in society. The BART centre will be able to address infertility problems among couples. Infertility is a problem that affects 20 percent of couples worldwide."The costs of the service are at par with the fertility centres in South Africa and other countries. It's therefore an advantage for local people because there are no travel and accommodation costs involved," said Dr Moyo.The first baby in the world to be conceived through in vitro fertilisation, Louise Brown, was born in 1978 in Manchester in the United Kingdom. As a world first, there was a lot of publicity around the birth. The second successful test tube baby birth occurred 67 days later in India. The United States blacklisted five Russians, including Russia's chief public investigator who is a close aide to President Vladimir Putin, for human rights abuses, the media reported. According to a report in the New York Times, the sanctions, announced on Monday by the Treasury Department, were not related to allegations of Russian hacking during the US presidential election. The biggest name added to the list is that of Aleksandr I. Bastrykin, who reports directly to Putin and has carried out political investigations on his behalf, said the report. Bastrykin, officials said, was complicit in the case of Sergei L. Magnitsky, an anti-corruption lawyer who mysteriously died in Russian detention in 2009 and after whom the Magnitsky Act was named by the US Congress. The Obama administration has till date sanctioned 44 Russians under the Magnitsky Act. The sanctions announced include a ban on travel to the US and a freezing of any assets held by or transactions with American financial institutions. In December, the Treasury Department had put sanctions on 15 Russian individuals and companies for their dealings in Crimea and Ukraine. The upcoming Trump administration is widely expected to ease that campaign, said the New York Times. On Monday, Kellyanne Conway, one of Trump's top advisers, said that he might also relax the sanctions imposed by Obama in response to the hacking, which include travel bans and financial restrictions on senior Russian intelligence officials. In addition to Bastrykin, the administration targeted Andrei K. Lugovoi and Dmitri V. Kovtun, two Russian intelligence officers who the British authorities said poisoned a fellow Russian spy, Alexander V. Litvinenko, in London in 2006. Also added to the list are Stanislav Gordievsky and Gennady Plaksin, two lower-level officials, who the US said were involved in the cover-up of Magnitsky's death. --IANS soni/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Luxury automobile manufacturer BMW announced on Tuesday that Vikram Pawah will be the next president of BMW Group India. Pawah, 45, will take charge at BMW India on March 1, 2017, from Frank Schloeder, who will assume a new position at BMW Group headquarters in Germany, a company statement said. Pawah has previously worked with Honda Cars in India and Australia and was, most recently, the Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India, it said. BMW said that Pawah brings 25 years of international experience both in the automotive and non-automotive industry. "With his broad experience in the automotive industry and his country specific know-how, Pawah brings excellent preconditions to strengthen our position in the Indian market," the statement said. "Schloeder, acting President, BMW Group India will return to BMW Group Headquarters in Germany, where he will assume the position of Head of Business Steering - Luxury Class." In another development, the company reported a sales growth of 14 per cent in 2016 which stood at 7,861 units. --IANS bc-rv/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karaan Guliani, who has directed popular actress-producer Priyanka Chopras forthcoming production venture "Sarvann", says he next wishes to direct the "Quantico" star in a project. "I was trying to make a Hindi film so I went to Priyanka Chopra's office with a Hindi film's script which I wanted to make with her. Although her team loved the script, she was not available as she was busy shooting for 'Quantico' at that time. And she couldn't get back for another year and a half because of her busy schedule," Guliani said in a statement. "So her team asked me if I can wait but I wasn't sure what I would do for another year and a half. That is when they asked me what else I was doing. During our discussion the topic of this Punjabi movie came up. "The team immediately called up Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra. When I told her about the concept of the film, she instantly said that we are doing this film. After this, when Priyanka flew down to India, she heard the script and loved it. She was involved in the entire process of the film," Guliani added. Guliani said that now he wishes to "direct Priyanka in a film". "Priyanka has not just given me freedom to paint my canvas but given me exposure on every medium. I have worked for her production house, now my another wish is to direct Priyanka in a film," Guliani said. With "Sarvann", Madhu has also stepped into film production with their home banner Purple Pebble Pictures. The Punjabi film starring Amrinder Gill, Simi Chahal, Ranjit Bawa, Sardar Sohi and Binnu Dhillon, is slated to release on Friday. --IANS sas/dc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Election Commission will hear the two warring factions of SP led by chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh on January 13 before taking a final call on who gets the party's poll symbol cycle. on Monday extended an olive branch to his rebellious son Akhilesh, saying he would be the next Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh if Samajwadi Party retains power, even as the two factions escalated their fight in the Election Commission for the symbol 'Cycle'. "Akhilesh will be the next Chief Minister. Our party is completely united. There is no question of the party breaking up," Mulayam said. The surprise statement came on a day when the factional war in the Samajwadi Party escalated with the Akhilesh camp seeking an early decision on the disputed party symbol while the embattled SP patriarch asserted that he is still the party chief. Before the factional dispute reached the Election Commission with the two sides claiming majority support of delegates and elected representatives, Mulayam had refused to anoint Akhilesh as the party's chief ministerial candidate, saying the new MLAs would choose their leader. "We will very soon tour the entire UP to send out a message of unity. All the confusion that was there is ending. Akhilesh will be the next CM," he said. Earlier during the day, Mulayam and his confidantes Amar Singh and Shivpal Yadav met top EC officials to claim majority support in the party. Though the Mulayam camp did not submit any fresh documents, it asserted he is still the SP chief and has legal claim over the party and its symbol. Mulayam also told the Commission that the convention called by Akhilesh Yadav camp on January 1 was "unconstitutional" as Ramgopal Yadav, who had convened the meet, was expelled from the party on December 30, 2016. Mulayam also contested the affidavits of party leaders submitted by the party faction owing allegiance to his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, alleging they were forged and asked the EC to get them verified. Parallelly, Mulayam also urged Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari to derecognise his cousin Ramgopal Yadav, an Akhilesh supporter, as leader of the party group following his expulsion from the party on Dec 30. He also urged the Chairman to shift Ramgopal's seat to the back benches following his expulsion. Talking to reporters in Lucknow during the day, Mulayam said there were "no differences" between him and Akhilesh but "one person has influenced his son" which had led to "problems in the party", an apparent reference to Ramgopal. "I will sign Form A and B (relating to party affiliation and party symbol for contesting candidates). Now EC has to decide on the cycle symbol," he said. When asked about Mulayam's remarks that "one person" is behind the feud in SP, Ramgopal refused to say anything. As many as 1.5 million new bank accounts have been opened and 7.5 million rupay debit cards issued in Gujarat post demonetisation, state Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said today. The state is gradually moving towards an era of digitisation with petrol pumps and LPG dealers adopting digital payments, while fair price shops and vegetable vendors are next on the list, he said. "Prime Minister has taken India towards clean and digital economy with his initiatives. We support his recent initiative... In a short time or two months, 1.5 million new bank accounts have been opened, 7.5 million rupay debit cards have been issued," he said while addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Global summit here. He said in the last one month 450 villages have been enabled for digital payments. "Digital payments have become a mass movement in Gujarat. We are confident that with the vision of Prime Minister we will make Gujarat and India more strong and vibrant," Rupani said. Over 100 countries have participated in the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. At the event, Reliance Industries CMD Mukesh Ambani said the cumulative investment in Gujarat is Rs 2.40 lakh crore, of which Rs 1.25 lakh crore has been invested in past 4 years. Adani Enterprises chairman Gautam Adani said the company has invested Rs 48,000 crore in Gujarat in 5 years. Besides Adani Ports will invest Rs 16,700 crore to expand state's ports in next 5 yrs. Besides, Suzuki Motor Corporation has said its new automotive plant in Gujarat will start production from next month. Emerson Electric Company CEO David Farr said that the company would invest USD 200 million in India over the next three years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two mosques in Cape Town have been defaced in "Islamophobic" attacks, South African officials said today. The Western Cape provincial government condemned the two "despicable" attacks on mosques in Kalk Bay and Simonstown since Saturday. "Both incidents made calculated use of Islamophobic methods," it said in a statement. "The similarity of the cases, and proximity of the mosques, raises concerns that the two incidents may be linked." South Africa has a history of relative religious tolerance, and Western Cape premier Helen Zille said that "acts of religious or racial prejudice have no place in our province and nation." Achmat Sity, imam of Masjidul Jamiah in Kalk Bay, told AFP that the caretaker at the mosque -- which is more than 110 years old -- had discovered the vandalism last morning. "It was very disturbing," he said, adding that nothing was stolen. The provincial branch of the ruling ANC party condemned the attacks as "disgusting" and called on South Africans "to stand united in protecting the culture of coexistence." About 1.5 per cent of South Africa's population is Muslim. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three smugglers were arrested and 40 kg of 'Ganja' seized from them in Bihar's Katihar district today. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Lal Babu Yadav said that acting on a tip off, police intercepted an autorickshaw near Mirchai Bari area of the town and recovered 40 kg of ganja from the possession of the three. Police also recovered four mobile phone handsets from the smugglers, he said. The arrested persons have been identified as Sikandar kumar, Pramod Mandal and Gyani Kumar, an autorickshaw driver, SDPO said adding that the police are looking for Subodh Kumar, considered as the head of the smugglers' group. The contraband was being transported to neighbouring district of Purnea and other adjoining districts for sale. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five persons were arrested in connection with molestation of an actress on December 31 night in the southern part of the city, police said today. Police arrested the five from different parts of the city late last night on the basis of the complaint lodged by the actress. The five were accused of molesting her near a pan shop on Prince Anwar Shah Road under Lake Police Station limits on the night of December 31. They were booked under IPC Sections 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and others. The five -- Sheikh Surajuddin (26), Sheikh Sahiluddin (20), Amanda Mondal (21), Goutam Naskar(32) and Biswajit Das (30) -- were residents of Charu Market and Lake Police Station areas in South Kolkata. A four-wheeler was seized from the accused persons. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / International by Tidi Kwidini UNITED KINGDOM: The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) has commenced its seventh awards campaign in the UK, announcing the opening of nominations for 2017.The nominee announcement is scheduled to take place in March and, the awards gala is scheduled for May with a date and venue to be announced in due course.The ZAA's have become the biggest awards night of the year for Zimbabwean's living in the diaspora and marks the culmination of a season of awards, both local and international, leading up to the event.Last summer the organisation launched the US edition and held a successful inaugural event in Frisco, Texas, with the South African version also putting on an outstanding gala in December, hosted by comedian Carl Joshua Ncube.Nomination lines opened on Monday and a total of 18 categories have been announced.Nominations will run until the end of February and can be made on www.zimachievers.com/uk with the finalists being announced shortly after."The awards season has come around once again and, we get another opportunity to celebrate our working professionals contributing in various fields, as well as our entrepreneurs, philanthropists and artists who are distinguishing themselves daily in their artistic and business endeavours," said ZAA Founder, Conrad Mwanza."The Zimbabwean community has grown over the year's and it is wonderful to see how we are all working together to build a strong Zimbabwean community, with the help of our patrons in the UK and abroad."We have so many talented Zimbabwean's and it is always amazing to discover the untapped talent that is out there year after year," he added.Members of the public have just over a month to put forward the individuals and organisations they feel have been outstanding over the past year.The high profile event has become one of the most celebrated awards ceremonies and has firmly cemented itself as a premium platform for recognising the hard work and achievements of Zimbabweans living and working in the UK.Last year some of the awards recipients included businessman and founder of eZimtech Distributors, Nkosinathi Zvimba, musician Jah Prayzah, and Gospel star Tembalami.Philanthropist Tsitsi Masiyiwa received the Honorary award and, actresses Danai Gurira and Chipo Chung were among the recipients honoured by the ZAA Chairman for their contributions to the media industry.For more information or to nominate visit www.zimachievers.com/uk The demonetisation drive has impacted nearly 70 per cent of businessmen in the country's financial capital of Mumbai and the manufacturing hub of Pune along with nearby areas, says a report. Sectors such as construction and the informal roadside vendors are the worst hit by note-ban, an SBI research said in a report today. The findings are based on a survey conducted in Mumbai and Pune among different formal and informal business groups to ascertain the effects of demonetisation on their daily business and whether the move has resulted in increase in digital mode of payments. The survey was conducted between December 30 and January 3. "The survey reveals that as much as 69 per cent of the respondents have been impacted. But, even then there is an overwhelming support for the move with 63 per cent of the sample supporting it," the report said. A total of 175 responses were recorded and analysed of which 40 per cent respondents were from premier business locations of Mumbai and the remaining 60 per cent were from Pune and nearby areas. The respondents said the lack of supply of lower denomination notes resulted in more chaos. The prevalence of digital mode of payments in chemist shops and even in automobile stores has possibly resulted in only marginal impact on their sales, says the survey. It said the construction sector and the informal roadside vendors seem to be the most hit, with 55 per cent and 71 per cent respondents saying their business came down by over 50 per cent. Within the textile sector, shopkeepers dealing with retail segment have been more impacted than those in the wholesale segment. Moreover, the wedding season has been disappointing with sales dipping significantly. "The gems and jewellery sector has also been hit with declining sales," the report said. Regarding shift towards digital payments, around 41 per cent sellers already had PoS machines available even before demonetisation, but their usage has seen an increase only after note ban. Nearly 15 per cent moved to electronic payments, such as m-wallets, PoS in the ensuing weeks. It means that Rs 25,000 crore of cash-based transactions have moved to digital in the last 2 months. "This number could have been even higher because the behavioural shift has not happened yet and many merchants still prefer cash transactions when the amount is not large," the report said. This is mostly discouraging people to use PoS for small transaction value of say less than Rs 200 or so. Also, many merchants are facing connectivity issue at PoS machines. "But all in all, this is a good beginning. There is still some resistance about moving towards cashless payment systems but majority are contemplating shifting as soon as possible," the SBI report said. The government should thus build incentives for banks investing in creation of card acceptance infrastructure by deploying PoS terminals/creating acceptance points, it said. "We would suggest the government to very quickly take on board new merchants, particularly small and marginal traders, grocery shops, etc on digital platform by a more targeted approach. This could be incentivised and the same can be met by support funds from government," it said. An even better approach could be to charge the large merchants, which could be used to cross subsidise the small merchants, and this could be a sustainable model, otherwise new merchants need to be convinced about the uncertainty beyond March 2017, the report added. AAP today accused Punjab DGP Suresh Arora of "complicity" with Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in "promoting his political interests" and demanded his immediate transfer. "Arora, who was recently divested of his charge of Chief Director Vigilance, would influence the election process if allowed to continue as the head of the police force and would defeat the whole purpose of the poll panel," AAP state convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi claimed. Ghuggi along with AAP's human rights wing chief Navkiran Singh demanded the Election Commission of India to transfer the DGP "without further delay" for free and fair elections. "Arora was not only serving his political masters in the SAD-BJP combine government, but also instrumental in clearing the charges of corruption against Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh at the behest of Sukhbir," Navkiran claimed. "Arora had submitted a plea in the trial court seeking cancellation of the vigilance charge sheet against Amarinder. Both Sukhbir and Amarinder are hand in glove and using the DGP for mutual benefits," Navkiran charged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Afghan officials are pushing to create a "safe zone" for Taliban insurgents in a bid to wean them away from traditional sanctuaries inside Pakistan, in a radical and contentious strategy to de-escalate the conflict. The plan underscores desperation in Afghanistan for out- of-the-box solutions to tackle the 15-year insurgency, as peace bids repeatedly fail and US-backed forces suffer record casualties in stalemated fighting. If implemented, the strategy - aimed at undercutting Pakistan's influence over the Taliban - could, for better or for worse, be a game changer in a strife-torn nation where ceding territory to insurgents is seen as tantamount to partition. "I urge the Taliban to return to Afghanistan. We should make a safe zone for them and their families," Kandahar police chief Abdul Raziq told a gathering of religious scholars and tribal elders last month. "We can no longer rely on foreign governments and embassies to end the war. The Taliban belong to this country, they are sons of this soil." That Raziq, arguably the most powerful commander in southern Afghanistan and long one of the staunchest anti- Taliban figures, would suggest such an idea amplified the shockwaves it created. "The government shouldn't be giving safe zones to terrorists," warned former Helmand governor Sher Mohammed Akhundzada, while some observers dismissed the strategy as "illogical" as the Taliban already control vast swathes of Afghan territory. Raziq did not respond to repeated requests for an interview, but a senior security official told AFP the government's goal "is to bring the Taliban from Pakistan to Afghanistan". "We will separate a territory for them to come with their families. Then whether they want to fight or talk peace, they will be relieved from the pressure of Pakistan," he said, speaking anonymously. Pakistan began supporting the Taliban movement of the 1990s as part of its policy of "strategic depth" against nemesis India. Seen by many Afghans as the biggest obstacle to lasting peace, Islamabad has long been accused of playing a "double game" in Afghanistan: endorsing Washington's war on terrorism since the 9/11 attacks, while nurturing militant sanctuaries. After years of official denial, a top Pakistani official in 2016 admitted for the first time the Taliban enjoys safe haven inside his country, which Islamabad uses as a "lever" to pressure the group into talks with Kabul. However, Pakistan has hosted multiple rounds of talks ostensibly to jumpstart a peace process - without result. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) All states barring Uttar Pradesh have inked agreements with the Centre to achieve the milestone of providing '24x7 Power For All (PFA)'. "With the signing of the '24x7 Power For All (PFA)' roadmap document with the state (Tamil Nadu yesterday), the roadmap for all the 28 states, except one, and all the 7 Union Territories in the country have now been finalised and is under implementation," Power Ministry said in a statement today. A source said, "Uttar Pradesh has not inked 24x7 PFA roadmap document with Power Ministry." The ministry said it is the most significant milestone in this initiative founded on the principles of cooperative federalism. This milestone was achieved yesterday when the Power Ministry also signed the MoU for Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) with Tamil Nadu here. UDAY scheme is meant for revival of debt stressed discoms. The ministry said that providing access to reliable and quality power supply to all citizens/establishments by 2019 is at the core of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the nation. The Power Ministry's 24x7 program is aimed at delivering on it. The Program has been instrumental in mainstreaming the Ministry's focus on energy efficiency and demand side management interventions and has resulted in increased participation with speedy rollout of the UJALA/ DELP and other EESL led schemes. UJALA has emerged as the world's largest and most successful LED bulbs program, it said. Increased role of central sector agencies such as NTPC in addressing sector's operational viability in the case of proposed acquisition of state owned generation assets in Rajasthan and in fast-tracking capacity addition in the case of Patratu project in Jharkhand are outcomes of the comprehensive approach adopted under 24x7 PFA Program to resolve state specific problems, the ministry said. Besides, development of segment wise coordinated physical rollout plans and rigorous analysis on financial viability of state utilities under the 24x7 PFA program in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, the plans for which were made in first 100 days of coming of this government, led to the formulation of the UDAY, it said. Looking at the balance sheets of these states, it was found that unless the states are taken out of the debt trap which they were in and made financially sustainable, all plans of 24x7 power would remain unfulfilled, it said. The PFA Program has also benefited several states in addressing funding gap for the investments required to ensure 24x7 power access to all. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An organisation claiming to monitor construction projects today alleged that a firm linked to a "relative" of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was involved in financial irregularities in building a drainage system in north-west Delhi, a charge rejected by the government. A government official questioned the credibility of the group that levelled the charges, saying the allegations have no basis and cannot be linked to the government or the Chief Minister. The group, Road Anti-Corruption Organisation (RACO), has forwarded a complaint to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB). When contacted, ACB said its chief M K Meena is yet to receive any such complaint. Rahul Sharma, the complainant, alleged that Surender Kumar Bansal, "brother-in-law" of Kejriwal, operates the firm M/s Renu Construction Company which was awarded the contract to build a drainage in north-west Delhi's Bakoli village in April 2015. "It had in 2015-16 obtained a contract for the works which were never completed while payments were cleared. Even the bid and its technical marks were manipulated...," the complaint, dated January 9, says. Releasing the documents at a press conference here, Sharma claimed that RACO obtained these from the PWD through RTI. "The invoices pertaining to the construction (obtained through RTI) were sent to the sales tax department for the purpose of verification. The department informed in writing that the bills sent to the PWD are false and fabricated," he said. Official sources said that similar complaints have also been received by the government's vigilance department "which will be looked into as per the laid down procedure". The ACB complaint says that RACO is registered at north-east Delhi's Ghonda. In the press conference, its representatives said the organisation, registered last year, primarily focuses on monitoring construction and civil works. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bombings across three Afghan cities including Kabul killed around 50 people today, in a day of carnage that shattered a relative lull in violence as Taliban insurgents escalate a deadly winter campaign. At least nine people died when explosives hidden in a sofa detonated inside the governor's compound in southern Kandahar during a visit by the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan, who escaped the attack with injuries. Just hours earlier, twin Taliban blasts in Kabul tore through employees exiting a parliament annexe, which houses the offices of lawmakers, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80 others. And today, a Taliban suicide bomber killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province, as the militants ramp up nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually wanes. The carnage underscores growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where US-backed forces are struggling to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency as well as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants. Kandahar's governor and UAE envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi were wounded by flames from the explosion, but many others were burned beyond recognition, provincial police chief Abdul Raziq told AFP. He said around a dozen people were killed in the bombing, but local Tolo gave a death toll of nine. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility. But the Taliban said they were behind the Kabul blasts. In the first explosion, a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a minibus transporting government employees. As rescuers reached the scene, a car bomb exploded. Among the 30 dead were four policemen who were killed in the second explosion when they rushed to help the victims of the first blast. Health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh warned that the toll was expected to rise as many of the wounded were battling for their lives in hospital. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they were behind the twin blasts, adding the victims were mostly Afghan intelligence agents. The insurgents are known to exaggerate battlefield claims. "The deaths of scores of civilians in today's Kabul bomb attacks indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives," Amnesty International said in a statement. "An immediate, impartial and independent investigation must be carried out to secure justice for the victims and their families. Today's carnage comes just two weeks before Donald Trump is sworn in as US president. The situation in Afghanistan will be an urgent matter for the new leader, even though America's longest war got scarcely a passing mention in the bitterly contested presidential election. President-elect Trump has given few details on his expected foreign policy, with even fewer specifics on how he will tackle the war in Afghanistan. Repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed and a fierce new fighting season is expected to kick off in the spring. Afghanistan last week welcomed the Pentagon's decision to deploy some 300 US Marines to Helmand, where American forces engaged in heated combat until their mission ended in 2014. The Marines will head to the poppy-growing province this spring to assist a NATO-led mission to train Afghan forces, in the latest sign that foreign forces are increasingly being drawn back into the worsening conflict. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today strongly batted for complete "emotional and psychological" integration of the state with rest of the country, asserting that Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is not a hurdle but a bridge in this direction. "When the people of BJP talk of Article 370, they talk of technical integration. We have to make them understand that we also want that Jammu and Kashmir should fully integrate with India emotionally, technically. We are already a part of this country. Who can deny that," she said while replying to a debate in the Legislative Assembly on Motion of Thanks to the Governor's address. "But have we emotionally joined that integration completely which we should have done emotionally and psychologically? No. But that is what is needed, in which (Article) 370 is not an impediment but 370 is a bridge which connects us," said Mehbooba, who heads PDP. Hailing the Indian democracy, she said her late father Mufti Sayeed had always believed in it and that was the reason that he had held the flag of mainstream political party (Congress) at an early age long back in 1960s. "Today we have an opportunity to think about where to move ahead. I am hopeful, as we all say one thing, that an issue, a pain is there, a difficulty is there, solution to which has to be found, for which dialogue should be held. "But before we speak about dialogue outside, we should ourselves disperse the fear we have. They (BJP) have fear of 'self-rule' and autonomy and we have fear that they (BJP) might abrogate Article 370 (which grants special status to the state)," said Mehbooba, who heads a coalition government of PDP and BJP. She said both the parties were fearful of each other but the aim was the same, to see Jammu and Kashmir united, to see it prosper. "We have faith in democracy of this country. We take oath of the Constitution of India and our own Constitution (of J&K), still there are so many doubts as they (BJP) feel that ... J&K might slip out of their hands," she said. "The Constitution of India and the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir have the capacity to accommodate the desires and wishes of the people on both sides of the divided Kashmir," she said, adding, "We can fulfill their (Centre's) aspirations as well, we can fulfill their dreams, but we have to first take out this fear from our hearts." Referring to the trouble witnessed in the valley over the last 5-6 months, she said there was a need for introspection. "We all need to look within and see what we can do so that such a situation does not emerge in future, what role we can play to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, as (her father) Mufti Sahib had said that if somebody has a major role to play in resolving the issue, it is this Assembly," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arunachal Pradesh today signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Dairy Development Board at Anand in Gujarat to kick-start a 'white revolution' in the state. As per the MoU signed in presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, NDDB would conduct a survey related to milk production and consumption and identify areas of intervention in Arunachal Pradesh, an official release said here. Based on the survey, NDDB would prepare a five-year dairy development plan and provide technical support to the state to set up a milk procurement system. NDDB would also provide technical support in terms of establishment of dairy infrastructure, cattle feed and mineral mixture plant besides providing training and capacity building of farmers, dairy technicians and others. Mineral mapping of the state would also be done to find out the status of mineral deficiency in soil and based on that NDDB would formulate composition of area specific mineral mixture, the release said. While Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin signed the MoU on behalf of the state government, NDDB was represented by its Chairman Dilip Rath. The state government signed another MoU with the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), as part of the investment promotion activity for Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit-2017. With a view to encouraging economic cooperation between the two states, the MoU paves way for the GIDC to facilitate Arunachal Pradesh Industries Department to obtain permissions, registrations, approvals and clearances from departments of Gujarat as per existing policies, rules and regulations of the state government, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mumbai-born Ashley Tellis, a former White House official and renowned India expert, could be appointed the next US ambassador to New Delhi by President- elect Donald Trump who is preparing his own pivot to Asia policy, a media report said. According to Washington Post, Trump's Asia appointments are outpacing those for other regions and include top Asia hands. Transition sources said Trump is close to selecting 55-year-old Tellis to be the next US envoy to India to replace Richard Verma who was appointed US Ambassador to India by outgoing President Barack Obama in 2015. Verma will depart as US Ambassador to India on January 20. "Tonight I told @SrBachchan I will depart as US Ambassador to India on January 20; it has been a great honour to serve in #IncredibleIndia," Verma tweeted after a meeting with superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday. Tellis is at present a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think-tank. While on assignment to the US Department of State as senior adviser to the under secretary of state for political affairs, he was intimately involved in negotiating the historic civil nuclear deal with India. Previously, he was commissioned into the Foreign Service and served as senior adviser to the ambassador at the US embassy in New Delhi. He also served on the National Security Council staff as special assistant to the president and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia. Prior to his government service, Tellis was senior policy analyst at the RAND Corporation and professor of policy analysis at the RAND Graduate School. He is the author of India's Emerging Nuclear Posture (RAND, 2001) and co-author of Interpreting China's Grand Strategy: Past, Present, and Future (RAND, 2000). The paper said public discussion of Trump's foreign policy has focused on the fight against terrorism and the US relationship with Russia, and since the election the president-elect has nominated no one with Asia expertise to a senior position in his administration. "That's fueled concern among US Pacific allies about where the region will stand among White House priorities during the next four years," it said. "Behind the scenes, however, the Trump transition is preparing its own pivot to Asia. As the team that will implement that policy takes shape, what's emerging is an approach that harkens back to past Republican administrations - but also seeks to actualise the Obama administration's ambition of enhancing the US presence in the region, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 55-year-old Australian woman associated with ISKCON died after her scooter was hit by a tractor in Vrindavan here, police said today. Tiudt Sharne Ann, who had arrived here on a 5 year tourist visa in 2015, was a devotee of Lord Krishna and used to look after stray cows in the town, police said. She died on the spot after the incident yesterday. The tractor driver fled the scene while his vehicle has been impounded by police. A complaint of negligient driving has been filed with police against the driver by a friend of the deceased. Police said the Australian embassy has been informed about the incident. Quoting the embassy, police said the victim is survived by a brother. The body has been sent for post-mortem while the last last rites would be carried out as per the embassy's instructions, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There's a new charter school in downtown Albuquerque, Siembra Leadership High School. Victoria Martens' autopsy for your perusal. Lotsa bodies buried in the high desert. This guy is accused of trying to burn down his local Walmart. Russian interference in US elections? Watch future Attorney General Jeff Sessions masterfully skirt the question. The US Senate published a damning report on Backpage.com yesterday. Highway muff fire in Montreal. If you haven't heard of Paul Krassner and his publication The Realist, you're welcome. News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Mugabe yesterday held fruitful discussions with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping in Beijing where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strong bilateral relations between the two nations as they exchanged notes on mega deals worth billions of dollars signed nearly two years ago.The President was visiting China as part of his traditional annual leave which he combined with official business.The two leaders discussed not only bilateral and global issues, but also took time to reflect on their relationship as leaders.Yesterday's meeting-cum-dinner lasted for close to an hour with President Mugabe and President XI placing emphasis on political and economic ties between Zimbabwe and China.In an interview yesterday from Beijing, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to China Mr Paul Chikawa said he had been impressed by the amity in which the meeting was held."The two leaders had occasion to review the relationship between them, bilateral relations and international issues. Remember that this is the third time the two are meeting following their meeting in August 2014 and in December 2015. They also met in South Africa at the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation Summit and have always enjoyed excellent relations," said Mr Chikawa."At yesterday's meeting, President Mugabe and President XI also discussed political relations which have been excellent dating back to the time of the liberation struggle. They further discussed economic issues covering all sectors such as ICT, energy, agriculture, mining and infrastructural development," said Mr Chikawa.He said there would definitely be movement in the mega deals Zimbabwe and China signed as the two leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to their implementation and success."There has been commitment at the higest level and what now remains is for the relevant players to convert the commitment into concrete deliverables. It is no longer a question of whether the deals are likely to move but rather an issue of the deals definitely moving.''Zimbabwe and China signed mega deals worth $4 billion in December 2015 covering the areas of energy, agriculture, mining and infrastructural development. This has seen Chinese firms going into partnerships and joint ventures with local companies as part of efforts to turn around the economy.Some of the deals are at various stages of implementation and fit in well with the objectives of the country's economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.Yesterday's meeting between President Mugabe and President XI served to confirm the strong ties between the two nations. China has supported Zimbabwe's economic recovery efforts since the country adopted the Look East policy at the turn of the millennium.Since then, China has been the biggest buyer of Zimbabwean tobacco and a key investor in the country's agricultural sector.At the Focac Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, President Xi pledged support of $60 billion to African nations, including Zimbabwe. Hit hard by demonetisation, auto industry is pinning hopes on the upcoming Budget to boost consumer sentiment and looking for concrete incentives to promote fleet modernisation as well as electric vehicles. "Budget is something which we all are hoping that the government will bring measures to boost consumer sentiment," Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Director General Vishnu Mathur said. The general expectation is for the government to take steps to increase disposable income and improve the overall economy, he said, adding that for the automobile industry the demand is for concrete policy on fleet modernisation, specially of commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. "We have also pointed out that the incentive scheme for electric mobility under the FAME scheme must be extended as most of the automobile companies have been working towards this direction," Mathur said. In order to promote eco-friendly vehicles, the government had formally launched the FAME India scheme in 2015 offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles of up to Rs 29,000 for bikes and Rs 1.38 lakh for cars. It envisaged Rs 795 crore support for the first two fiscals. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India (FAME India) is part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. On the taxation side, Mathur said it is unlikely that the GST will be implemented from April 1. "However, we have been seeking moderation of taxation for the automobile industry and reduction of slabs from the current four, ranging from 12-30 per cent, to two slabs," he said. SIAM had proposed a base rate for small cars and two- wheelers and another 8 per cent addition to that for larger cars, he added. Hit hard by weak consumer sentiment post demonetisation, monthly automobile sales growth rate in India slipped to a 16-year low in December with total vehicle sales declining by 18.66 per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board has directed the owners of tanneries in the city to stop wet cleaning of leather from January 12 to check the discharge of effluents into the Ganga in view of Magh Mela that starts here on January 14. Board's Regional Director Mohd Sikandar said lakhs of devotees take ritual bath in the Ganga during the fair. Besides, a large number of them converge on the banks of the holy river on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, which will be celebrated on January 14. "To provide clean water to devotees, 272 tanneries have been asked to stop the discharge of industrial waste into the river from January 12. Only dry work can be carried out till February 10," Sikandar said. "PCB officials will conduct inspections of tanneries during the period and take strict action against those violating the orders," Sikandar said. It is a regular exercise carried out every year during this period and the tannery owners also cooperate with us, he said. Taking exception to doctors' sloppy handwriting, a top Bangladeshi court has ordered them to write easy-to-read prescriptions in block letters or type them to prevent wrong medicines being issued to patients. The High Court asked the government to issue a circular in this regard among the country's doctors within 30 days. The health secretary and Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council's registrar will have to carry out the order. They will also have to inform the court about their progress within six weeks, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The court yesterday also issued a ruling asking as to why the doctors should not be directed to mention generic names of medicines in prescriptions. A bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman issued the order after holding a primary hearing over a writ petition. The Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) moved the court with the writ petition on January 2, highlighting the difficulties faced by patients due to illegible prescriptions. HRPB counsel Manzill Murshid said: "Sometimes even employees at drug stores fail to read prescriptions and give wrong medicines to the patients." Some doctors specify medicines produced by particular companies. They write the brand names instead of the generic names, knowingly favouring certain companies. Some media reports said there is a tacit understanding between these doctors and the pharmaceutical companies. The practice leads to patients buying expensive medicines where cheaper alternatives are available, or buy less potent medicines instead of more effective drugs. Murshid said the practice of listing the brand names reduces the customers' liberty to choose their medicine at their convenience. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Police today told a special court that a plea by a private bank official, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a demonetisation fraud, seeking to surrender in a related case was "not maintainable". The prosecutor submitted before Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry that 32-year-old Vineet Gupta, suspended branch manager in Axis Bank's Kashmere Gate branch here, was already in judicial custody in the case lodged by ED so the issue of surrendering in the Delhi Police case does not arises at this stage. "This application seeking to surrender before this court is not maintainable at this stage. No purpose would be served by bringing the accused in this court as neither the FIR is here nor the charge sheet has been filed yet," prosecutor Balbir Singh argued. The court after hearing the arguments fixed the matter for consideration and pronouncement of order on January 12. During the hearing, the counsel for Gupta contended that the nature of case lodged by the police was of alleged corruption and it should be proceeded with in a court having jurisdiction to try the Prevention of Corruption Act matters. Delhi Police investigating officer, an ACP, also filed a report before the court stating that the role of Gupta is to be investigated in the floating of various shell companies involved in the alleged offence. ED had lodged a criminal complaint against two bankers and others based on a Delhi Police FIR after three persons were intercepted with Rs 3.7 crore in old currency notes a few days ago in front of the bank's Kashmere Gate branch. Gupta in his plea submitted that the court should issue his production warrant for his appearance before it from jail, saying that he wanted to surrender in the cheating case lodged by Delhi Police to show his "bonafide". He claimed that he had not committed any offence and has nothing to do with the case lodged by Delhi Police which has also added provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act against him as no case of cheating and criminal conspiracy was made out against him. "The accused is not a public servant within the purview of the Prevention of Corruption Act," the application said. It alleged that he has been made a "scapegoat" by the police for "felicitating the false proceedings of ED". Gupta, Rajeev Singh Kushwaha, suspected to be the mastermind behind floating of shell companies, and 33-year-old Shobit Sinha, suspended manager (operations) in the bank, are lodged under judicial custody till January 23 for alleged irregularities related to conversion of old currency and supply of new notes. ED has claimed the probe has found that Rs 39 crore in cash was in question and several companies were involved in the case. It had said a gold brick worth Rs 39 lakh had been recovered from Sinha while another is yet to be found, which were agreed to be taken as commission. It had claimed that Kushwaha "used the identity documents of various persons to form shell companies" through which cash deposits of Rs 39 crore were made between November 10 and November 22 in "close connivance" with the two bank managers. Axis Bank has said in a statement, "The bank is committed to following the highest standards of corporate governance and has zero tolerance towards any deviation on the part of any of its employees from the set model code of conduct. In this particular case, the bank has suspended the erring employee and is cooperating with the investigating agencies. State-run BHEL has bagged a Rs 96-crore order from Power Grid Corp for augmentation of three Extra High Voltage (EHV) sub-stations on turnkey basis in Karnataka. "Valued at Rs 96 crore, the order has been won against stiff competition in an ADB-funded international competitive bidding tender," the state-run engineering major said in a statement today. According to the statement, the sub-stations to be augmented include 400/220 kV substation at Tumkur (Pavagada), 400kV at Mysore and 400/220 kV at Tumkur (Vasantnarsapur). The augmentation of 400/220 kV sub-station facilities are linked with the transmission system being set up for evacuation of solar power and shall play a key role for transfer of renewable energy (RE) power from India's largest ultra mega solar power park (2000 MW) phase-II (part-A) to be set-up at Tumkur (Pavagada) district on 10,000 acres of land. The key EHV equipment for these sub-stations like 125 MVAr and 80 MVAr reactors including other sub-station equipment will be supplied from BHEL's manufacturing units at Bhopal and Bengaluru. The sub-stations are slated for commissioning in a schedule of 18 months. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is also executing key 765 kV sub-station orders from Power Grid of mega capacities in Gujarat and Rajasthan for evacuation of RE (renewable energy) power from these states under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Haryana youths have been apprehended by security agencies after their suspicious movement on a bike, near the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the wee hours, created a minor flutter at the facility which is on high alert in the wake of the forthcoming Republic day celebrations. Officials said the incident was reported at about 7:00 AM when on-duty CISF personnel noticed two bike-borne youths taking a quick turn on the wrongside on the bridge, as soon as they saw uniformed personnel near the departure area. They said the CISF men, sensing suspicion, immediately alerted their control room which let loose the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of the force stationed nearby. "The youth were chased down soon and they were detained for questioning. While they said they hailed from Haryana's Mewat district, their replies were seen to be inconsistent. Soon, IB officials joined in the probe," they said. The boys, who appear to be juveniles and hence their names are not being disclosed, later said that they had come to Delhi with a local friend of theirs and the trio had allegedly stolen a bike from the Sarai Kale Khan area which they were riding. "The duo said that the third person with them went on to steal another bike and while they were making away they got separated and these boys, unaware of Delhi roads, landed near the airport. "They ran away and took a quick u-turn on seeing a posse of CISF men near the airport and later got caught," they said. Officials said the duo look to be a part of the bike-lifting gang operating in the national capital area and the case has now been handed over to Delhi police. "The duo and the stolen bike, bearing a Delhi number plate, have been handed over to Delhi police which has registered a case against them," they added. Security agencies have mounted an extra vigil at sensitive locations including IGIA in view of the Republic day celebrations on January 26. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling BJP has emerged as winner in the just-concluded four-phase elections in 191 Municipal Councils and 19 Nagar Panchayats of Maharashtra, bagging 1,109 seats. It also secured the post of president in 71 municipal councils in the state. The elections were held for a total of 4,704 seats on November 28, December 14, December 18, 2016, and January 8, 2017. In the fourth and final phase of the polls held on January 8, BJP bagged 100 seats and seven posts of municipal council president. The elections to local bodies in the state was a major test for the over two-year-old Devendra Fadnavis-led state government as there were speculations that demonetisation and caste-based polarisation due to agitations by various communities for reservation, including the Marathas, may hit the party's performance. Congress finished second overall, with a total of 952 seats and 34 council presidents, NCP finished with 812 seats in total and also won 22 council president posts, Shiv Sena secured 612 councillor seats and bagged 26 posts of council president. CPM won 12 councillor seats; BSP 17 and MNS 7. None of the three parties could win any council president's post. As many as 16 Independent candidates secured the president's post, while others won the post in 22 municipal councils. The total number of parties registered with the State Election Commission (SEC) and recognised in states other than Maharashtra were 87, while there were 392 parties registered with the SEC. There were 571 Independent candidates in the fray, while local alliances/outfits were 52. Direct elections to municipal council president post was held for the first time this year. In 2011 elections, NCP had won 1,300 seats while Congress had won 1,293. BJP had won 437, Shiv Sena 454 and MNS 61. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a reprieve to Private Limited, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday held that the company was not liable to pay sales tax to Maharashtra government for using a unit in Nagpur to store missile parts. Pvt Ltd is a joint venture between India and Russia that provides BrahMos cruise missiles to the defence ministry. A division bench headed by Justice S C Dharmadhikari had accepted a petition filed by the company in 2015 challenging the sales tax imposed by the Maharashtra government for storing imported explosive 'warheads' at a unit in Nagpur. has a manufacturing unit in Hyderabad that has been operational since 2007. As per the plea, BrahMos Aerospace imports missiles from Russia in a 'Semi-Knocked Condition,' and assembles them with certain "other elements manufactured or bought in Andhra Pradesh," and subsequently, sells the missiles to the Indian armed forces. "The combat missiles, which are used in the battle field, are equipped with warheads that are explosive or toxic materials," reads the plea. These warheads are imported by BrahMos from Russia, and considering that they are explosive in nature, they are stored at a unit in a village in Nagpur, it added. Accordingly, the combat missiles which are manufactured/assembled by the petitioner at its Hyderabad unit are sent to Nagpur unit for the purpose of integration of warhead and subsequently dispatched to the Indian armed forces from Nagpur. For all such "sales" to the Defence Ministry, Brahmos Aerospace is charged a Central Sales Tax by the government of Telangana (formerly by the Andhra Pradesh government), at the rate of 14.5 per cent. However, in May 2015, the Assistant Commissioner of Sales Tax, Nagpur, sent a notice to the petitioner contending that since the warheads were stored and integrated into the missile at Nagpur, the petitioner was liable to pay Sales Tax to the Maharashtra government. It sent the petitioner an assessment report asking it to pay tax to the tune of Rs 117,78,81,602. The petitioner, however, challenged the assessment report arguing that it was already paying taxes in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana and that it was using the Nagpur unit "merely as a stop-over" for the integration of the warheads. Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik made a Nazi salute at the opening of an appeal case on his prison conditions today, repeating the provocative gesture he made in a lower court hearing. The extended arm gesture, sure to offend families of the 77 killed in 2011, earned Breivik a reprimand from Judge Oystein Hermansen, who described it as "offensive to the dignity of the court" and "disturbing." Wearing a dark suit, with a shaved head and thick brown beard with a touch of grey, Breivik, 37, appeared more haggard than during his last court appearance in April. He agreed not to repeat the salute. The appeals court is examining Breivik's case after a lower court in Oslo ruled in April that his rights had been violated and he was subjected to "inhumane" and "degrading" treatment in prison, in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The legal defeat stunned the Norwegian state, which has prided itself on scrupulously respecting the rule of law after the bloodiest attack on its soil since the end of World War II. In prison, Breivik has a three-cell complex where he can play video games and watch television on two sets. He also has a computer without internet access, gym machines, books and newspapers. On July 22, 2011, Breivik, disguised as a policeman, gunned down 69 people, most of them teenagers, at a Labour Party youth camp on the small island of Utoya, tracking them down for more than an hour as they were trapped by the chilly waters of the lake. Earlier that day, he killed eight people with a bomb he detonated at the foot of government building in Oslo. In the lower court's ruling, the judge had pointed to Breivik's prolonged isolation -- he has been held apart from other inmates for five-and-a-half years for security reasons -- and a lack of measures to compensate for the severe regime. Since 2011, the killer has only been allowed contact with guards and other professionals such as lawyers and doctors, behind a glass pane, with the exception of one brief visit from his mother just before she died. The lower court ruling also questioned the many potentially "humiliating" strip searches, the systematic use of handcuffs, and frequent awakenings at night, especially in the early days of his imprisonment. "The prohibition of inhumane and degrading treatment represents a fundamental value in a democratic society ... (and) applies no matter what, (even) in the treatment of terrorists and killers," judge Helen Andenaes Sekulic wrote in her verdict. In August 2012, Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in prison, which can be extended indefinitely as long as he is considered a threat. The three appeals court judges are also to rule on another point raised by Breivik himself. In April, the lower court ruled the state was within its rights to closely monitor and filter the prisoner's correspondence to prevent him from forming a network capable of carrying out new attacks. Breivik claims this violates his right to privacy, as guaranteed by Article 8 of the European Convention. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Election Commission of India has warned action against candidates if they use religious institutions to canvass for themselves during next month's Assembly elections in Goa, a senior official said today. "The ECI has said the religious institutions can guide people on ethical voting but will not be allowed to be used during campaigning for any candidate or party. "Action would be initiated against the candidate if he is found to be using the religious platform for campaigning," Goa Joint Chief Electoral Officer Narayan Navti told reporters. Goa is going to polls on February 4. "Any social, cultural or religious organisation making appeals to electorates during the poll period amounting to in favour or against certain parties or candidates by holding meeting or procession is barred. "If it is done, these organisations are evoking religious sentiments of voters to whom such appeal is addressed," the officer said. He said the ECI has instructed that the programmes of such persons or organisations should be closely monitored through videography. The Joint CEO said if anyone indulges in the violation of these guidelines, the law enforcement agencies should take appropriate remedial or penal action against the organisations or the candidates. Responding to a query, Navti said preaching in churches is not videographed as "they are preaching about ethical voting. We have written to various heads of all religions that they should preach on ethical voting. But they cannot direct the voters whom to vote." He said the ECI has allowed the use of educational institution premises for political campaigns during the polls but with several riders. "The premises of educational institution can be used provided they don't disturb the academic calendar or the management has no objection and prior permission is taken from the District Magistrate," Navti said, adding no political party will be allowed to monopolise the use of ground. A recent Supreme Court judgement had termed as illegal seeking votes in the name of religion. Last month, a controversy was erupted after the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrao had said that the Church issues guidelines for the faithful on how to exercise their franchise. He, however, had clarified that Church would not canvass for any candidate or the party. Following Ferrao's remarks, Shiv Sena, which is in electoral fray, had accused him of "interfering" in poll process. Ferrao's comments also drew ire of RSS rebel Subhash Velingkar whose Goa Suraksha Manch is also contesting polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / National by Staff reporter A Johane Masowe YeChishanu prophet, who was nabbed on allegations of planting live snakes and goblins in homes, has been granted US$100 bail.Starlin Nhamo, 28, pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Mbare magistrate Shelly Zvenyika answering to three counts of fraud.Nhamo will be back in court on February 1 for trial.The State, represented by Daniel Muchimbiri, alleges that sometime in September last year, Davison Mugwambi went to Nhamo's shrine for prayers.Allegations are that Nhamo made a prophecy that there were evil spirits tormenting him from his rural home and that he could remove them using spiritual powers in him.He asked Mugwambi to pay US$15 for transport to his house and he complied.It was reported that during the night prior to meeting Mugwambi, Nhamo and Brain Muchecheti placed a strange thing at Mugwambi's house unnoticed.After they met Mugwambi, they told him they had come to make the prayer and Nhamo ordered him to cleanse the house while Nhamo was watching.As Mugwambi was cleaning, he noticed a strange thing under his bed and Nhamo pretended to kill and burn it.Nhamo told Mugwambi to pay him for what he had done.Mugwambi bought an HTC smart phone worth US$100 for Nhamo, who further demanded US$243 which he said he will use to travel to different places for prayers and he was given the money.It was reported that Mugwambi was told by Muchecheti that what Nhamo did was fake and he is the one who planted the goblin.The amount prejudiced is US$600 and nothing was recovered.On the second count, allegations are that sometime in September last year, Rafael Fermand went to Nhamo's shrine and the prophet told him that he had evil spirits tormenting him.Allegations are that Nhamo told him he could cleanse him and demanded US$200 for transport to Fermand's home in Mozambique.He told Fermand that he should not go with him because he would be attacked by the spirits.Fermand visited the shrine again and Nhamo told him that the prayers were very difficult.It was reported that Muchecheti told Fermand that all Nhamo was doing was fake.The total prejudiced is US$250 and nothing was recovered.On the third count, it is the State's case in September last year, Alec Gaviro visited Nhamo's shrine and was told there were evil spirits making his daughter mentally disturbed.Allegations are that he told him that he could cleanse him from the evil spirits but he demanded US$326 for transport to Gaviro's rural area in Masvingo.Nhamo was given the money. However, Nhamo told him that he could not go with him because he would be attacked by the spirits.The following day, Gaviro saw a strange thing that looked like a hand of a baboon and Nhamo came and burnt it.Gaviro was told by Muchecheti that all that was done by Nhamo was fake as he was the one who planted the strange thing in his yard and that he did not go to Masvingo.The total prejudice is US$326 and nothing was recovered. Five villages in the district have threatened to boycott the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh over non-payment of dues to sugarcane farmers by a sugar mill here. Residents of the five villages under Budhana assembly constituency -- Aterna, Alipur, Vailli, Rasulpur and Dhabhedi -- convened a panchayat yesterday where it was decided that they would boycott assembly elections if mill failed to clear the dues. Several cane growers alleged that the mill at Bhasani had not cleared payment to them during the current season while other sugar mills in the district had done so. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court was today told that CBI has completed its probe into the alleged custodial death of a man, who had tried to intervene to settle a quarrel between a couple here in 2015 and that a prima facie case was made out in the matter. A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi was informed by Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh that the probe agency has submitted a report to Delhi Police commissioner for obtaining sanction to prosecute those whose roles have surfaced in the investigation. "The Delhi High Court had ordered a CBI inquiry in the matter. CBI has completed the investigation and prima facie a case is made out. The report has been forwarded to the police commissioner for obtaining sanction," the bench was told. After hearing the brief submissions, the court directed listing of the matter after eight weeks. The incident had taken place on September 7, 2015 at Nand Nagri in northeast Delhi when the victim, Shahnawaz Chaudhary, tried to intervene in a roadside fight between a couple and the police. Chaudhary was picked up and taken to the police station. Later, he was rushed to a hospital where he was declared 'brought dead'. The apex court had earlier said if a man has died in the police van, it means he died in police custody which needs to be investigated. The deceased' wife Rabia had alleged in the apex court that neither investigation has been done nor compensation has been awarded. The high court had ordered a CBI probe into the custodial death saying it was "necessary to instill confidence among the general public as serious allegations are levelled against police personnel". It had directed CBI to register a regular case in the matter on the basis of the FIR already lodged and had said it expects all police authorities to cooperate with the agency in conducting the investigation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CBI has taken over the probe into three murder cases in Ludhiana and Jalandhar, believed to be interlinked, including the killing of Chand Kaur, 84-year old wife of a former Namdhari sect chief Satguru Jagjit Singh. Kaur was shot dead by two unidentified assailants at Bhaini Sahib near Ludhiana in April last year. In addition to the murder of Chand Kaur, CBI has also registered two more FIRs related to a car explosion in December 2015 in which a cloth merchant Ajay Kumar was killed in Dugri village, 20 kilometres from Jalandhar. Besides, FIR in a third case related to the murder of Namdhari leader Avtar Singh Tari in April, 2011 has also been filed in which an accused Dalip Singh has been named. All the three cases are belived to be arising from the feud among different groups of Namdhari sect, the sources said. The CBI took over the probe from Punjab Police. In its recommendation to handing over of probe to CBI, Punjab government Home Department had said, "All these three incidents are interconnected and appear to be handiwork of same persons or organisation." "There is commonality in all these cases...All these cases are result of some conspiracy and are part of sinister design of some hostile/anti-national group or organisation whose motive is to disturb peace and law and order in the state. There is urgent need to apprehend the culprits for unearthing the conspiracy and to solve these cases," it said. Two accused wanted in the explosive case have already fled the country, it said. "These cases have national and international ramifications and the possibility that the perpetrators have a base in some other part of the country or abroad cannot be ruled out," the notification issued on September 11, 2016 said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid rising terror threats, China has tightened security at its borders with PoK and Afghanistan to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving its volatile Xinjiang province which has recently witnessed violent attacks allegedly by the separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement. The province has already stepped up efforts in entry-exit management last year and continues to tighten the security this year, Shohrat Zakir, the Xinjiang chairman, told Xinjiang's local provincial council. Many terrorists who carried out attacks in the region in recent years received training abroad and then returned illegally. Some also crossed the border illegally to flee, Aniwar Turson, a top ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) official of Xinjiang's Kashgar prefecture, was quoted as saying by the state-run media. Kashgar prefecture borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Afghanistan. "We need to make sure not a single terrorist can get in or out of Xinjiang illegally, especially when our neighboring countries are facing rising terrorist threats," Aniwar was quoted as saying by state-run China Daily. "Xinjiang, which borders eight countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been China's main battleground in the fight against terrorism," the daily reported. China's official media refers to PoK borders with Xinjiang as Pakistan border without mentioning its disputed status. It is the same region through which the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is being built. Mention of Pakistan in relation to the problem of terrorism in Xinjiang is rare in the Chinese media as ETIM has in the past had training bases in Pakistan's tribal areas. Pakistan army has conducted special operations in recent years to clear them under pressure from China. However, a large number of the militants from the Muslim Uyghur majority province reported to have crossed over to Syria through Turkey and joined Islamic State. Last year, Chinese official media reported that Chinese and Pakistan border troops have launched border patrolling to curb infiltration. China has also launched Quadrilateral Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism along with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan to counter terrorism in the Xinjiang border region. China apprehends that many of them return to stir trouble in Muslim Uyghur majority Xinjiang which largely remained peaceful last year after years of turmoil as China stepped up security. But two major incidents in the last few days raised concerns about return of violence to Xinjiang where Uyghurs were restive over the settlements of Hans from other provinces. On Sunday, three terrorists were killed in a police raid in southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture. The suspects wanted in connection with a 2015 attack resisted arrest and were shot dead, official media had reported. (Reopens FGN 12) A terrorist attack left five dead in Hotan's Moyu county on December 28. Two top officials of the prefecture have been put under investigation. Azez Musar, a senior official of southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, was quoted as saying that terrorist cells are particularly active in border areas in Xinjiang. "We must improve our ability to detect suspicious activities in those areas and conduct strict inspections near the borders in accordance with the law," he said. It has been more than four months since Chen Quanguo, former Party chief of the Tibet autonomous region, stepped in as the new leader of Xinjiang. Chen sees keeping the region stable as the overriding political goal. Chen decided Xinjiang officials would concentrate first on maintaining social stability. The other main goal is the region's social and economic development. He also warned officials that they would be evaluated based on the security situation. Seeking closer ties with India, China today suggested a bilateral "Friendship and Cooperation Treaty" along with a Free Trade Agreement to comprehensively boost relations between the two Asian giants who are locked in a long-standing border dispute. Luo Zhaohui, China's Ambassador to India, while mooting the "Friendship and Cooperation Treaty" and FTA proposals, termed differences between New Delhi and Beijing over certain issues as matters "within a family", and sounded optimistic about the future of bilateral ties. Describing the twin proposals as "ambitious", Luo said the time is ripe for the two countries to reap some "early harvest" benefits in resolving their decades-old vexed border issue. The envoy maintained India and China should join hands in the latter's 'One Belt One Road' initiative aimed at building super-modern economic and infrastructural connectivities in South Asia. India's 'Act East' policy would get a fillip if New Delhi joined the ambitious initiative, the diplomat added. Luo was speaking at a function organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Mumbai at the newly established Ji Xianlin Centre for India-China Studies at the University of Mumbai in suburban Kalina. On his first official visit to Mumbai, Ambassador Luo said, "India is my second home. I joined foreign service because of my affection for India." "Beyond connectivity projects, our two countries should also cooperate to promote cultural exchanges, cooperation in education, and people-to-people contacts under the One Belt One Road framework." Luo described the current differences between India and China on certain issues as matters "within a family", adding, "Even members of a family have some differences sometimes. I am very optimistic about the future of our relations." Sudheendra Kulkarni, Chairman, ORF Mumbai, said India- China relations should be guided by their profound civilisational wisdom. "India, China and Pakistan should forge a friendly relationship, and resolve differences peacefully, which is critical for changing the destiny of South Asia," Kulkarni said. (Reopens BOM21) "By changing the destiny of South Asia, we can change the destiny of Asia and the world in the 21st century," said Kulkarni, who is also a columnist. "We should be worthy successors of great men from the ancient and recent past such as the Buddha, Kumarajiva, Huen Tsang, Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Tan Yunshan, Dr Dwarakanath Kotnis and Ji Xianlin, who built bridges of unity and understanding between India and China," he said. The centre at the university has been established in honour on Prof Ji Xianlin (1911-2009), an acclaimed Sanskrit scholar and Chinese indologist, who translated the Ramayana into Mandarin. Sanjay Deshmukh, Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, announced the centre would be upgraded as the Ji Xianlin School for India-China Studies from the coming academic year. On this occasion, the ambassador handed over to Sushila Abute, Mayor of Solapur, a carefully-restored version of a rare calligraphic homage, hand-written by modern China's founding father Mao Zedong, to Dr Dwarakanath Kotnis. Kotnis (1910-42), a doctor from Solapur, western Maharashtra, and an alumnus of Mumbai University, was sent by the Indian National Congress as a member of the Indian medical team to help the Chinese people and soldiers during the Sino- Japanese War of 1938. He died in China. "A hero of India and a friend of China, our two countries will never forget the humanitarian service and sacrifice of Dr Kotnis," Luo said, paying glowing tributes to the physician. Yesterday, the Ambassador called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and suggested expanding "provincial -level cooperation" between the two sides under China's 'One Belt One Road' project. Luo spoke of strengthening Mumbai-Shanghai Sister City Relationship. He also visited the office of ORF Mumbai yesterday and complimented the think-tank and Kulkarni for their efforts to promote India-China trust, understanding and cooperation. India-China cooperation should focus on some mutually beneficial mega-projects for which funding would be available from the recently established Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Luo said. Supreme Court today said it would consider the issue of maintainability raised by the Centre on a plea seeking an SIT probe into alleged irregularities in the purchase of an Agusta helicopter for VVIP use by the Chhattisgarh government and look into the CAG report on the matter. While dealing with the plea filed by Swaraj Abhiyan, a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi said the issue of maintainability would arise as it would deal with the question whether applying for registration as a political party takes away an organisation's right to raise issues relating to the economy of the country. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that petitioner Swaraj Abhiyan has applied to Election Commission for registration as a political party called 'Swaraj India' and the issue relating to purchase of the helicopter has been gone into by the CAG as well as Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Chhattisgarh Assembly. "We will hear after four weeks (the issue of) maintainability of the plea and also the CAG report. Cases like 2G and Coal are fundamentally based on CAG reports. We will see the CAG report (in the matter)," the bench said. When senior advocate Shanti Bhushan, appearing for Swaraj Abhiyan, said in the 2G case, the apex court had held that such petitions are maintainable, the bench said, "we want this controversy to rest". "Assuming if one has applied for registration as a political party, does it take away his right to raise such issue relating to economy of the country? We will deal with it," the bench said. However, Bhushan told the bench that Swaraj Abhiyan and Swaraj India were separate organisations. On the issue of maintainability of the plea, Rohatgi said some of the petitioners in the matter were either politicians or related to political parties and they were "scandalising" the issue. He said the helicopter was purchased almost 10 years ago after tendering process and there was no violation of fundamental rights as claimed by the petitioners. "Even if (petitioners) feel that an alleged offence has been committed, they have to go to police first. They have come to the court. How will the Supreme Court answer this? Documents of CAG and PAC of the Assembly are there," he said. Bhushan alleged that helicopter was purchased at a higher price by the state government. However, the bench observed, "whether a state minister or the Chief Minister should have a helicopter or not, we will not enter into that area. We don't think we should encroach into that area". To this, Bhushan said, "I am only saying it should have been purchased from the company and not through middleman". On the allegation by Bhushan that tender floated by state government was for a single vendor, the bench asked Rohatgi "how can a tender be floated for one vendor only?" To this, the Attorney General said certain specifications were required for the helicopter and ultimately it was purchased after tendering process. "Where is the question of any criminality? The CAG, PAC of the Assembly has looked into it," he said. When the counsel for one of the petitioners claimed that names of a prominent politician from the state and his kin were there in the Panama papers, the bench shot back, "Don't mix it. We are not hearing Panama matter". The apex court observed, "since 2006, PILs are taking a different turn. We don't mind it but there must by genuineness in PILs". During arguments, Bhushan said CBI was already probing a case of purchase of choppers from AgustaWestland by the Centre so "what is the problem if this matter is also investigated". Rohatgi said in the case which is being probed by CBI, it was discovered that there was involvement of middlemen and "India doesn't allow middlemen". "The Centre acted. The Ministry of Defence acted. They have cancelled some contracts. Litigation is going on. CBI is probing the case but that has nothing to do with the helicopter purchased by Chhattisgarh government way back in 2006-07." At the fag end of hearing, the bench detagged from the main issue a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe by CBI and Enforcement Directorate in AgustaWestland helicopter scam case and allegation that some mediapersons took bribes from foreign arms dealers in connection with the deal. The bench listed this plea for hearing after six weeks. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan would be holding a 'Vidyarthi Panchayat' (students' meet) at his residence on January 12 to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. "The Vidhyarthi Panchayat will be held at 11 AM on January 12 at CM house. The students of the entire state will take part in the Panchayat," a public relations department officer informed today. Yesterday, the chief minister reviewed the preparations of this event. "Chief Minister will hold a direct dialogue with the students on the occasion and apprise himself about their problems and its possible solutions," the official said. He informed that 50 students from each district and 800 students from Bhopal will take part in this event. "25 school students and a similar number of college students from the each district of state will participate in this Panchayat," he informed. Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary is also observed as National Youth Day. Chouhan has held several such panchayats during his 11-year tenure as Chief Minister to hold dialogue with various social groups including farmers, the physically challenged, domestic helps (maids), barbers and women. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's statement that international terrorist outfit ISIS is spreading its activities to the state has left the police brass baffled. Top police officials were ill-at-ease today trying to dispel the notion and put the record straight that there has been "no trace" of any ISIS activity in the state so far. Sources in the NIA, too, pointed out that they have not heard of any activity or modules of the dreaded group in Andhra Pradesh. "There could be one or two sympathisers (of the outfit) in Hyderabad (common capital of Telangana and Andhra for 10 years), but not in AP," they added. "ISIS...Slowly it is establishing its activities (in AP). If you sanction Rapid Action Force (RAF), it will go a long way to control ISIS," Chandrababu told Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at the foundation-stone laying for NDRF 10th battalion headquarters near here yesterday. "There is no trace of any ISIS activity in AP so far. What the Chief Minister said might just be an apprehension," an Additional Director General of Police-rank officer clarified. "He (CM) read out from a note prepared by some clerk, so he spoke about ISIS and using RAF against it. It was a clerical mistake," the Additional DGP said. RAF is essentially an anti-riot force of the CRPF but the Chief Minister wanted it sanctioned for the state to fight the jihadist group, which is active in Iraq and Syria, where it once controlled large swathes of territory and is known for committing brutalities. "RAF is not an anti-terror force and it was a mistake by the CM to have referred to it. We wanted an RAF battalion for a different purpose," the Additional DGP, holding a key post, said. Police officials aver the Chief Minister might have got confused between SIMI, an Indian outfit, andISIS. Recently, some SIMI activists arrested in Pune reportedly told the police that they often held meetings on the beach at Visakhapatnam. But the Chief Minister's statement seems to have caused embarrassment for the state police. "For outsiders this may just be a slip of the tongue but as state police we will have a lot of explaining to do," the Additional DGP observed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eleven people including an 18-month-old child plunged to their deaths and 13 were injured when a suspension bridge collapsed in central Colombia, officials said. The bridge collapsed and flipped over yesterday as people were crossing it in a rural area popular with holidaymakers near the town of Villavicencio. "According to the information we have, 11 people were killed" including various minors, the head of the UNGRD state disaster management agency Carlos Ivan Marquez told AFP. Local government official Hilton Gutierrez told the Blu Radio station that one of those killed was an 18-month-old child whose mother was carrying him across the bridge. Authorities at first reported seven people dead and four more died later from their injuries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, an autonomous charitable trust, will hold a conference on 'Good Governance through People's Participation' on January 24 and 25 at its campus in Bhayandar in neighbouring Thane district. "Good governance is necessary for a stable and prosperous democracy, which is not possible without public participation. It is not the sole responsibility of the government and people must take part to make it a success. Mere sloganeering won't work," vice-chairman of Prabodhini, Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, said in a press conference today. Over 200 delegates belonging to NGOs, government agencies, professionals, students, members of academia, activists and others will take part in the convention and will share their experiences and strategy for good governance, which has become quite relevant in the last two to three decades, the BJP Rajya Sabha MP said. Madhya Pradesh chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan would inaugurate the convention, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would chair the event. How to involve local community in decision-making, how to implement strategies, how to share direct and indirect benefits and monitoring and evaluation of the projects would be the key focus areas of the convention, he said adding that developing a repository of knowledge pool of case studies, policy initiatives, success stories, in order to establish a network for mutual learning would be the prime objectives of the convention. In January 2016, the trust had held its annual convention over the topic "Startup India - Standup India" while in January 2015, "Swachha Bharat" was the subject of the convention. "Maharashtra government is practising good governance and the successful implementation of 'Jalyukt Shivar' programme is a living example of the people's participation," he said. Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj J S Mathur, MP and social worker Anant Hegde, Deputy Commissioner Chandigarh administration Ajit Joshi and anti-river pollution campaigner Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal are the prominent delegates to take part in the convention, Sahasrabuddhe said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opinion / Columnist Yesterday a legend of newspaper journalism in Zambia and Zimbabwe was laid to rest in the city of Kitwe, in the Republic of Zambia, where he died two days into the New Year last week while visiting.The late William Sylvester Saidi, who became an icon of journalism in a career spanning a drama-packed 60 years in the two countries, was born on May 8, 1937 at St David's Mission in the then Chihota Tribal Lands, south of Harare. He grew up and went to school in Salisbury's then dusty township of Harare, now Mbare and dustier.William was the only child of Evelyn Chidzetse of Makawe Village in Seke District and an immigrant worker, Agonilepi Matola Saidi, who originally came from Mangochi on Lake Malawi. He settled in Harare, where he became a tailor.While among colleagues in Harare and Bulawayo Bill Saidi appeared to lead the life of a recluse; he married and divorced twice. Each of his ex-wives bore him three children. The second spouse, Beauty Masenga, lives in Kitwe, where he died. Saidi leaves behind six children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.Three of Saidi's children live in South Africa, while two are based in the United Kingdom and the sixth lives in Chitungwiza.Bill Saidi filed his first article as a young reporter on the African Daily News at age 20 in 1957. A total of 60 years later in 2017 Bill Saidi died four months short of reaching the ripe old age of 80. He was still contributing articles to the third generation Daily News, of which he was part of the original team of founding editors back in 1999, along with Davison Maruziva and I. Saidi's career as a journalist flourished in Zambia, the country which became his adopted home for a total of 17 years and where he died last week while on a visit.Saidi's reputation as an intrepid and enterprising journalist who was denounced in public by President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia preceded him on return to Harare, where no scribe had achieved similar distinction. It was a status that was to influence the path of his career in Zimbabwe under the direction of the young nation's wary politicians.The attack on Saidi by President Kaunda at a Press conference was a ground-breaking incident that Saidi spoke of or wrote about with elation in newspaper articles after his return on Zimbabwe's attainment of independence in 1980. On repatriation Saidi embarked on an illustrious career, spanning both the then just Government-acquired Zimbabwe Newspapers, as well as the privately owned Horizon Magazine and the newly established Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe, publishers of the Daily News, of which I was founding Editor-in-Chief.We appointed him Assistant Editor at the launch of the paper in 1999. When the Daily News on Sunday was established in 2003 he was appointed founding editor at age 66. He held the position for a few months. The paper was banned by Government soon afterwards after the company's chief executive officer, Sam Sipepa Nkomo, who had just been appointed, defied the editors and refused to register the two newspapers, as required by the law.Saidi's career as a journalist was marked by three characteristics. He exuded a fearlessness of approach as he sought to tell the story without fear or favour, a certain nonconformist streak which questioned unnecessary authoritarianism as well as an extraordinary command of English, the language in which he found his legendary expression.For a man who was not a scholar of particularly outstanding erudition, Saidi's wordplay was truly remarkable. He was a veritable wordsmith, a linguistic giant whose outstanding skill could have been exploited in refining the writing skills of young journalists. Sadly, this did not happen and Zimbabwe's journalism remained the poorer for this gross oversight.My first close encounter with Bill Saidi on a daily basis was in April 2003 after I was promoted from the position of editor of The Manica Post in Mutare to assume the reins Chronicle in Bulawayo during the turbulent years of Gukurahundi in Matabeleland. Saidi was the editor of Sunday News, the sister paper of my new charge.The doors to the offices of the two editors were less than one minute apart. I was 32. Saidi was 46. He towered above me both in terms of his physical stature as well as in terms of his professional experience as a journalist and his reputation.Though he was gentle in his demeanour, I felt intimidated in his presence. He was hardworking, soldiering on for hours on end in the time-tested manner of good editors on weekly newspapers. Saidi was the proverbial glutton for punishment.He regularly reminded me of Boxer, the hardworking stallion in George Orwell's "Animal Farm", who worked day and night at the windmill as the project was constantly sabotaged by the neighbouring farmer. This he did while the new rulers on the farm, the pigs, wined and dined in the farmhouse where they had taken up residence against the tenets of the new constitution of Animal Farm. They were enjoying the same excesses of luxury that should have gone with the evicted former owners, the humans.Saidi was an inexorable stickler for decent journalism, always striving for credibility while guided by the tenets of ethical practice, truth, fairness, justice, including always recording the other side of the story where allegations are made, regardless of how difficult or how long it may take to obtain that other side. He always disparaged the popular excuse of today's journalism, often false, as espoused in the oft repeated statement, "At the time of going to press the accused party was not available to provide comment."Because of our proximity, Saidi played a part in modelling my own career as a newspaper editor. I was always conscious of his overbearing presence. I had my own deputy, Martin Lee, about the same age as Saidi, and assistant editor Don Henderson on Chronicle. But oftentimes it was Saidi that I consulted because of his more appropriate experience in an environment where our newly empowered black politicians had become a dominant factor of both politics and journalism. Many decisions I took were on the basis of whether Saidi would approve from a professional point of view.And so it was when we subsequently found ourselves both at The Financial Gazette and at the Daily News where I served as editor with Saidi in some senior editorial position, but more importantly, as an influential columnist who was loved by most readers and reviled by the majority of politicians.At The Financial Gazette, publisher Elias Rusike, now late, was in the habit of calling me on the intercom from his office on Thursday mornings as he went through the issue of the newspaper."Does Bill Saidi not have anything else to write about other than Zanu-PF and the one-party state?""But our sales are going up all the time," I would tersely remind the boss.Back at Chronicle at the beginning of what became known as the Willowgate Scandal, I sat down with Saidi who was visiting from Harare. I briefed him in detail about the intricacies of the scandalous corruption in which we had caught several top Cabinet Ministers and other Government officials with their proverbial pants down or with their equally proverbial fingers in the till."And you want to publish all that?" Bill asked, voice booming.After I assured him that we were convinced of the veracity of all our information, never mind how far-fetched it might appear, Saidi was silent for a while.The he said, "Well . . ."I have always wondered, if my life and that of Davison Maruziva, my deputy at Chronicle, might not have taken totally different directions had I heeded the cautionary tone in Saidi's voice that hot October day back in 1988 and spiked the story. But on that day I was somehow convinced that he approved.We spent many more years in closer proximity at the Daily News. The Willowgate Scandal was ground that we hardly ever revisited. But it was always there at the back of our minds as we charted new investigative terrain. On one occasion we were arrested and locked up together at Harare Central Police Station in the company of journalists, John Gambanga and Sam Munyavi, now late.The Daily News had published an article, which was an eyewitness account of police vehicles ferrying property stolen from an occupied commercial farm.The police hierarchy was far from amused but what we published was the copper-bottom truth, backed by indisputable evidence, images recorded by our photographer. I believe this was Bill's first arrest. He too was far from amused and he left no one in the Law and Order Section at Harare Central in any doubt what he thought about them.Any journalist who addresses issues of interest, importance and relevance to the public will make his newspaper's readers happy, especially if he or she does so professionally, while digging deep where other reporters merely scratch the surface, and presents his or her findings while waxing lyrical, as Saidi would put it, in well executed articles. No journalist will ever please all readers, however.So it was with William Sylvester Saidi.On Sunday News his most popular or notorious column, depending on the reader's political conviction during that turbulent and extremely politically polarised period, was A View from the Matopos by Muchandida Madoda. His provocative half Shona and half Ndebele moniker had some readers nearly tearing their hair out, had it been possible, in anger. Rendered into English, Bill's vexing name meant, "Gentlemen, you have no option but to like me," with a silent "whether you like it or not" implied.Some of the content of the column and the pseudonym did not endear the writer to some of his readers. Within a day of his death last week one journalist of a later generation asked a question about some of the articles that he penned in the column. But the futility of asking Saidi any question that he was no longer at hand to respond to; a question raised after his death with regard to issues he addressed more than three decades ago, became all too evident.After he was relieved of his position at the Sunday News, no doubt because those who walked in the corridors of power were finding his output increasingly unpalatable, Saidi was appointed Group Features and Supplements Editor at head office.He headed a department that was principally created for him. Editor Farayi Munyuki, however, allowed him to continue to do that which he passionately loved to do - to inform, challenge and provoke readers in a weekly column, this time under the more appropriate nom-de-plume, Comrade Muromo, or Comrade Mouth in English.On the Daily News subsequently Saidi continued to wax lyrical in a weekly column, which we humbly christened The Bill Saidi Column, not that there was anything meek about his weekly outpourings, even as advanced age took its toll on the illustrious Saidi.I have always entertained the belief that any man who is maligned by the weekly tabloid, The Patriot, must be a progressive and patriotic citizen.In its issue of 29 May, 2015 The Patriot characterised Saidi as "a pauper who suffers from the Kwashiorkor of failure to embrace the freedom that independence brought to him and the rest of Africa's progressive minds".Saidi soldiered on, guided by his own ideals of democracy, fairness and justice.The Patriot was correct though in characterising Bill Saidi as a pauper, but only in the sense of being totally impecunious after he devoted 60 years to active journalism. Up to the time of his holiday in Zambia, during which he succumbed to death in Kitwe, Saidi was still an active columnist in the Daily News, a role he played going back to the founding of the newspaper in 1999, when he was appointed Assistant Editor.At the time of his departure for Zambia he was filing his contributions from an Old People's Home in Bulawayo. Those familiar with Saidi's inimitable style of delivery must have detected a certain decline towards the end, compounded no doubt by the failure of a younger generation of sub-editors and proof-readers to correct elementary typos.His last active stint was at The Herald where his venerated career on return from Zambia started. This second and final stint at Zimbabwe Newspapers was far from the powerful office of an editor. He was back at the coal-face of journalism as a sub-editor and proof-reader, doing on The Herald that which he enjoyed to do most passionately - ensuring that stories were well written and in immaculate, if somewhat flamboyant, turn of phrase."My English could be pompous," Saidi once said of his younger days as a journalist, "for I was under the mistaken impression that if you used jawbreakers your stock rose among the Europeans."In one of his countless articles Bill opined about the profession he so much loved: "It is healthy for all of us in the fraternity, whichever side we are on, to remain close - not to the extent of exchanging valuable corporate secrets or explosive 'inside' titbits. We should cultivate the sort of familiarity that ensures we recognise how great it is to build the nation".Geoffrey Nyarota is former editor of The Manica Post, Chronicle, The Financial Gazette, The Daily News and The Zimbabwe Times Online. A multiple award-winning journalist, he is a Fellow of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.)"This is to know that there is no formula that could set us apart - a formula of THEM vs US, two camps fighting like dogs over a piece of discarded meat. We are all on one side - perhaps not the side of the angels, but The Good Side - the side that wishes the country well, that would not betray the country for anything, the side that would not conceal any dark secrets from the people, or anything that is going on everywhere in their country, including its darkest, ugliest side."While steeped in the hurly-burly of an active career in journalism, Saidi found time to craft the manuscripts for and churn out more than six books. They included "The Hanging" (1978), "The Brothers of Chatima Street "(1990), "Gwebede's Wars" (1989), "Return of the Innocent" (1979), "Day of the Baboons" (1988) and "A Sort of Life in Journalism" (2011).In his younger days he also found time to perform with the Milton Brothers, a Mbare-based musical outfit.In conveying condolences to the Saidi family, the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), often the target of Saidi's acerbic pen, stated: "His works helped shape our greater society in a positive way and we shall forever cherish and celebrate a life well lived to benefit humanity in one different way. The mother party wishes Saidi a well-deserved peaceful rest eternally as we celebrate the lasting legacy he leaves behind. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace."Bill Saidi was a gentle giant among many professional midgets. Raised entirely in the ghetto in the poverty-stricken Old Bricks, Jo'burg Lines, New Location and National sections of Mbare, he devoted six decades of his life to professional journalism.He died a poor man, officially a resident of Chitungwiza, far away from the opulent lifestyles of the corrupt politicians he routinely lambasted. Saidi and I had an unwritten pact that, whoever was called by the Lord first, the other would deliver a graveside eulogy.Now I lament that, for reasons of the same post-journalistic poverty, I could not travel to Kitwe to deliver on my side of the bargain. Go well Bill Saidi.(Geoffrey Nyarota is former editor of The Manica Post, Chronicle, The Financial Gazette, Daily News and The Zimbabwe Times Online. A multiple award-winning journalist, he is a Fellow of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.) Congress today targeted the ruling BJP for inducting what it said a "MCOCA accused" in the party fold in Pune district, ahead of upcoming elections to Zilla Parishads. In a statement issued today, state unit Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said the BJP by admitting Vitthal Shelar in the party has proved that its talks on "morality and probity" in public life are hollow. Shelar joined BJP at a function held in Mawal taluka in Pune district last week, in the presence of BJP MLA and district Guardian Minister Girish Bapat. A BJP leader in Pune today said it was difficult for the party to check antecedents of each and every individual joining them as scores of people are coming to the party fold. However, he said the party will look into this matter. Meanwhile, Congress said the BJP's "conduct" is becoming unsuitable for the party in power. "By inducting Shelar who was arrested under MCOCA and out on bail, the BJP which boasts of morality and probity in public life has exposed itself," Sawant stated. He criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for not acting against "tainted" ministers. "State BJP president Raosaheb Danve publicly asks voters to accept money before casting their vote. There are 21 ministers who face various allegations of irregularities. Still, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gives them a clean chit and also inducts various anti-social elements in the party...When exposed the BJP leaders speak untruth," Sawant stated. He alleged that a large chunk of cash was seized from the BJP leaders post demonetisation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress MLA Jaykumar Gore, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment, was today arrested and produced in a local court which remanded him in police custody till January 12. Police said Gore, MLA from Satara district, who was booked in November last year after a woman had filed a police complaint alleging he was harassing her by sending lewd and vulgar messages and seeking sexual favours, surrendered before police this morning, following which he was formally arrested. "After he produced himself in the police station today, we arrested him in the case. Thereafter, he was produced in a local court, which remanded him in police custody till January 12," said an inspector attached to Satara City police station. The Bombay High Court had yesterday rejected the pre-arrest bail plea of the legislator. Police had said that Gore had "absconded" from the MLA hostel in Mumbai after the HC rejected his anticipatory bail plea. Gore represents Man assembly constituency in Satara district. A case had been registered against him under IPC sections 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-D (stalking), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) and relevant sections of Information Technology Act. The complainant, who organised skill-development programmes in the district, had met Gore in connection with some work. However, Gore had allegedly began to send her vulgar messages, photos and sought sexual favours, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttarakhand Congress today moved the Election Commission accusing BJP of violating the model code of conduct in the poll-bound state by using Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image in posters at public places and newspaper advertisements to influence voters. A Congress delegation led by the party's state unit vice president Jot Singh Bisht met state Chief Election Officer Radha Raturi and submitted a letter, in which they alleged that posters of the Prime Minister have not been removed from petrol pumps despite the Model Code of Conduct coming into force. They also objected to Modi's advertisements in newspapers and the Centre's decision to present the Budget on February 1, alleging that these are clear cases of model code violation. The Election Commission has asked the poll machinery in the five poll-bound states to either cover or remove photographs of political leaders on all hoardings and advertisements which seek to project the achievements of any living political functionary or political party. Letters sent in the name of Narendra Modi thanking those who has given up their LPG subsidy is an attempt to influence voters and is another instance of violation of the Model Code of Conduct, Congress alleged. The Congress delegation objected to deployment of central security force personnel for "safety" of 10 Congress defectors in the state who have joined BJP after the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. They also accused BJP leader Satpal Maharaj of openly campaigning in favour of his party under the garb of delivering spiritual lectures. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The nation's top intelligence official faces questioning on Capitol Hill today about a report that fingered the Kremlin in hacking during the presidential campaign. James Clapper, the director of national intelligence, is appearing before the Senate intelligence committee, where lawmakers' questions will expose the underlying debate over the future of US-Russian relations. Clapper also addressed the Russian interference when appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee last week ahead of the report's release. The declassified report explicitly tied Russian President Vladimir Putin to the hacking of email accounts of the Democratic National Committee and individual Democrats like Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. Russia also used state-funded propaganda and paid "trolls" to make nasty comments on social media services, the report said, although there was no suggestion such operations affected the actual vote count. The report lacked details about how the US learned what it says it knows, such as any intercepted conversations or electronic messages from Russian leaders, including Putin. It also said nothing about specific hacker techniques or digital tools the US may have traced back to Russia in its investigations. Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters yesterday that the Kremlin still believes the US accusations of election hacking have no substance. "They are amateurish and are hardly worthy of the high professional standards of top intelligence agencies," Peskov said. "We categorically rule out the possibility that Russian officials or official bodies could have been involved. We are tired of such accusations. This is beginning to remind us of a full-fledged witch hunt." According to US intelligence agencies, Russia provided the emails to WikiLeaks. The website's founder, Julian Assange, denies that is the case, but Democratic and Republican members of Congress have largely backed the accusation and many have demanded a sterner response. Yesterday, Assange called the report on hacking a politically motivated "press release" and said it provided no evidence that Russian actors gave WikiLeaks hacked material. President Barack Obama struck back at Moscow in late December with penalties aimed at Russia's leading spy agencies, the GRU and FSB, that the US said were involved in the hacking. The GRU is Russia's military intelligence agency. The FSB is the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB. Yesterday, the US levied economic sanctions against five Russians in connection to a 2012 US law punishing Russian human rights violators. Americans are now banned from doing business with the men and any assets they may have in the United States are now frozen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress today latched on to the Vibrant Gujarat summit to mount attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lamenting that crores are being spent on such festivals by the BJP government there at a time when the nation is stuck in "economic crisis" due to demonetisation. "The nation is stuck in an economic crisis and it has become more acute since the Prime Minister announced demonetisation. It is still struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of demonetisation", Congress spokesman Shaktisinh Gohil told reporters. "Modi ji who initiated this summit as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2003, launched the 2015 edition as the Prime Minister of India", he said. Noting that this is for the second time that Modi is inaugurating vibrant Gujarat as Prime Minister, he claimed that this clearly shows that despite moving to the Centre, Modi continues to call the shots in Gujarat and this summit by all means is "Modi's affair.". Recalling that Gujarat Government's claim of investment through Vibrant Summit is Rs 84.55 lakh crore MoUs signed from 2003 to 2015, he insisted that the "real authentic" date by Industries Commissioner Gujarat says Industrial Approvals in Gujarat Period from 01/01/1983 to 31/08/2016 was just Rs 951980 crore. Besides, he alleged that Vibrant Gujarat is nothing but a platform for BJP's corruption and companies have used Vibrant Gujarat as a platform to inflate their share value and attract financial institutions for more funding. "Also, there have been cases of land grabbing through such project announcements", he claimed.. Seeking to expose the FDI claims of Gujarat, he claimed that its total share in FDI is a mere 5.13 per cent as against 20.16 per cent of Maharashtra and 29.20 per cent of Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hours after Arvind Kejriwal was virtually declared by his party as chief ministerial candidate for Punjab, BJP today hit out at him for "preparing to run away" from the city and asked him to either announce CM face for the poll-bound state or resign his post in Delhi. Kejriwal was today virtually declared chief ministerial candidate for Punjab by his party, injecting a new dimension to what is considered a three-way race in the Assembly polls. "You vote thinking that you are voting to make Arvind Kejriwal as the chief minister (of Punjab). Your vote is for Kejriwal," Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said while addressing a public meeting in Punjab's Mohali. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the development exposes Kejriwal's "greed" for power. "It is an irony that the person who had promised not to leave Delhi is preparing to run away from the responsibilities of Delhi in two years to deceive the people of Punjab now," Tiwari told a press conference. Sisodia's statement in Punjab that the people should vote for AAP keeping in mind that Kejriwal will be the "next" chief minister, shows that now the AAP convenor has no relation with the people of Delhi, he said. Now it has become clear that Arvind Kejriwal has "misused" the public money of Delhi people for his party's "expansion" during the last 23 months, he alleged. "Arvind Kejriwal should either announce his party's chief ministerial candidate for Punjab or resign as Chief Minister of Delhi," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A section of sanitation workers continued their strike today, even as EDMC officials claimed that all unions ended the agitation and helped dispose off 2,000 metric ton garbage piled up due to week-long disruption in civic services. The East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) officials claimed that after a meeting with the Commissioner all the unions ended the strike. "They will resume their duties from evening itself. It has been decided that their demands, which can be fulfilled immediately, are agreed upon, and those which need consideration will be considered over a fixed period of time," said a senior EDMC official. National general secretary of Rashtriya Safai Mazdoor Congress affiliated to INTUC, Veer Singh Dhiman, said, "We have decided to call off the strike after the meeting with the Commissioner and we will join duty tomorrow." He said the EDMC officials agreed to fulfill their main demands related with payment of salaries and regularisation of daily-wage workers. "They said that salaries will be paid timely and also promised to disburse the arrears in April. We were also apprised that process of regularisation of temporary workers will be started soon," Dhiman said. However, the MCD Swachhata Karmchari Union, affiliated to Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), said it is still on strike. "Today we continued to be on strike and sanitation workers led by us piled up garbage in front of the camp office of AAP's Trilokpuri MLA in protest against the Delhi government's failure to provide adequate funds to EDMC," said Sanjay Gehlot president of the Union. He, however, acknowledged that a section of sanitation workers had decided to end the strike. He said his Union will weigh options after a meeting tomorrow. "I have heard that a section of sanitation workers have called off the strike. I don't know what they are thinking. We will convene a meeting tomorrow and take a decision with regard to the strike," Ghelot added. The sanitation workers of EDMC, numbering around 17,000, had gone on strike on January 5 demanding payment of their salaries and arrears. A political blame-game was witnessed yesterday with AAP and BJP charging each another of creating the crisis. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had tweeted, "More funds, than were due this year, have been given to MCD. BJP siphoned it off or diverted it rather than paying salaries (sic)." Hitting back, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had accused Kejriwal of playing "dirty politics" over the issue. Mayor of East Delhi, Satya Sharma, today condemned Chief Minister's tweet, asserting that she was ready for an "independent" inquiry into functioning of the civic body. The EDMC officials said nearly 2,000 metric ton garbage accumulated due to the week-long strike was lifted from residential areas and roads in past two days with the help of private contractors and a section of sanitation workers who had called off their strike last night. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As political parties in Tamil Nadu slammed the reported change in holiday for Pongal, BJP today alleged efforts were being made to made paint its government at the Centre as "anti-Tamil" by digging out an old order. The Centre's notification reportedly converting compulsory holiday for the harvest festival of Pongal into a restricted one, has come under flak from various parties, including DMK, which has announced a protest tomorrow. BJP state unit President Tamilisai Sounderrajan slammed DMK for announcing the protest, saying Pongal has remained in the 'Special List' for 15 years, including the UPA days in which the Dravidian party was a key constituent. While national holidays across the country referred to Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti, holidays for state-specific festivals such as Pongal were given as per local requirements, she said. "Festivals such as Pongal and Makar Sankaranti are celebrated in different states on different dates. Some festivals like Onam are state specific. A common holiday for a single event across the country is given only for something like Republic Day," she said. Holidays for festivals like Pongal can be taken in states as and when they are celebrated and there is no common holiday for such events, she said, adding such holidays were, however, aimed at allowing people to celebrate the festivals. However, since Pongal falls on Saturday (January 14) this year, there was no possibility of giving a holiday and central government employees have been allowed to avail this leave on a different date for a different festival, she said. "However, the list of holidays (in question) had been released in June (last year) and some parties are trying to paint the Centre as working against Tamils by creating an illusion that the list was suddenly altered yesterday," she said in a statement. DMK "should realise that a similar list of holidays existed during" the UPA days also, Sounderrajan said. Sounderrajan found support from BJP's bitter critic PMK, whose youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss insisted that Pongal had never been on the compulsory holiday list. "To my knowledge, for the last 15 years Pongal had never been on the compulsory list of holidays of the central government. It has been a restricted holiday only," Ramadoss, a former Union Health Minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP, said. He also insisted that only Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti have remained on the compulsory holidays list and said "somebody had carried wrong information". However, Pongal qualified to be included under compulsory holidays list as Buddha Poornima, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Mahaveer Jayanti, which are "celebrated only in some parts" of the country, were a part of it, he said. Yesterday, AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala had expressed shock over the Centre's reported move and sought a review of its decision. Meanwhile, 16 activists of a fringe Tamil outfit were arrested at Coimbatore today when they tried to wave black flags at Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue. Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam activists also raised slogans against the Centre, police said. Suspected militants today abducted eleven traders, but eight of them managed to escape their clutches, near Gasuapara in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. The traders, most of whom were from Assam and travelling to conduct business near the village of Gasuapara, were waylaid at about 6.30 AM, a police official said. Eight traders managed to escape from the captors, he said. The three traders who were taken at gun point by unknown militants, are all from Dalu in West Garo Hills district and have been identified as Tamal Dey (38) of Killapara, Dulan Mahanta (36) also of Killapara and Durgapada Dutta (35) of Chaipani. "We rushed a team to the spot and were still awaiting details. Poor connectivity is causing problems. We can have a better idea of the people behind the kidnapping once we are able to confirm the details from the area," Superintendent of police, South Garo Hills Anand Mishra said. Incidentally, its was the local MLA who informed the police that some traders might have been kidnapped after some vehicles were waylaid by armed men. Eleven traders of Assam were kidnapped by militants from near the same spot about three months ago. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) about General Raheel Sharif poised to head a Saudi-led military alliance to combat terror has sparked a debate in Pakistan with the Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani asking if the retired army chief had sought the government's permission, according to a media report today. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said last Friday that the former army chief will head the Saudi Arabia-led 39-nation Islamic military coalition formed to combat terrorism. Senate Chairman Rabbani yesterday asked the government whether former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif had sought permission from the federal government or taken it into confidence over his reported appointment as commander of the 39-nation Saudi-led military alliance, Dawn newspaper reported. Asking Defence Minister Asif to keep in mind the rules for a retired officer seeking an appointment, he asked whether "a no objection certificate was issued and the federal government was taken into confidence?" "I heard your statement on TV and you were not clear yourself," Rabbani said, adding that a contradictory statement from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's aide Dr Musaddiq Malik had made the matter even more ambiguous. Rabbani has also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify what would be the implications of the decision in terms of foreign policy and its effect on a decision, taken at the joint sitting of parliament, not to become part of any such alliance. There has so far been no official confirmation of the fact that Gen Sharif will assume command of the alliance, the report said. Interestingly, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar yesterday indicated the government is unaware of the general's reported decision. In a Samaa TV programme, Dar expressed ignorance about the Saudi offer to Gen Sharif. He, however, felt certain that Gen Sharif would consult the government and fulfill legal and constitutional requirements before taking any decision on leading the military coalition. He said that Saudi Arabia wanted Gen Sharif to head the coalition while he was army chief. "Basically when he was in service, the government of Saudi Arabia wanted him to head the coalition forces of Islamic countries while discharging his duties as COAS. "It was consensus among Prime Minister Sharif, the government and the then COAS that it would be a conflict of interests," Dar said, adding that it was not fair for him to head a coalition force comprising 34 or 39 countries while being the COAS. Meanwhile, Gen Sharif's reported decision to head a Saudi-led military alliance has sparked an online debate with many criticising him for the decision. With over 9,500 tweets, Gen Sharif was trending on Twitter the whole day on Saturday. From a few politicians to retired officers of the armed forces, anchor persons, journalists, intellectuals - all questioned the decision of Gen Sharif to join a foreign military alliance just over a month after his retirement. However, most politicians having verified Twitter accounts refrained from commenting on the issue on the social media, Dawn reported. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Asad Umar was among the few politicians who shared his thoughts on Twitter and termed the move unfortunate. He tweeted: "Raheel Sharif accepting to become head of a military alliance which parliament of Pakistan had decided not to become part of is unfortunate." The Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen posted a statement on its website in which its secretary general, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, expressed concern over the move and said that it was against the interest of Pakistan. He said that the former army chief must refuse this appointment. But a spokesman for the outlawed Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat said that his party fully supported Gen Sharif's move as it would be a great honour for the whole country if a former army chief headed an alliance of 39 Islamic countries against terrorism. Opinion / Columnist ZAPU as a national party through its secretary for transport challenges Zanu and its minister of transport and infrastructure Joram Gumbo.Zanu is accused of failing to govern resulting to underdevelopment and poor infrastructure countrywide.Zimbabwe is now one of the underdeveloped countries because of improper governance by Zanu regime.High ways/national roads which links Zimbabwe with neighbouring countries are congested and there are huge numbers of accidents recorded there because the roads are narrow. Most of those roads are one way roads , there are no two lane drives to allow accommodate low and fast on coming traffic. It is difficult for motorists to overtake in such areas because roads are not clear, there are trees nearby.Regional roads which link regions for example Southern- Northern regions and Secondary roads which link centres form a dependable network for movement of gods and passengers are not good and this causes fatal accidents.Tertiary Feeder Roads link rural areas with urban areas, health facilities,schools and government offices. These roads are managed by DDF and RDC .Most of those roads are not in good condition and due to failure of Zinara,Minister of Roads and Infrastructure and Zanu to construct roads,people in these areas use their shovels and other tools to try maintain the roads.The motorists suffer a lot to drive in those areas especially during rain season.NRZ as a government parastatal is failing to provide public service.The electrified section was cut off In 2008 due to power shortages and there is no electric train which link Zimbabwe with neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa.Air transport, if we can discuss on some of 3 main international airports-Harare international airport is the largest Zimbabwe's airport which saves as base of air Zimbabwe but sad and amazing story is that the airport has few major airlines because of decline in tourism and political conflicts caused by the ruling government. Harare airport is carrying more than 1;7million passengers per annum.Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo which is in Bulawayo is carrying about 1;2 million passengers per annum and it is a gateway to historical monuments and tourist resort areas such as Matobo hills and Khami ruins.It is also next cultural city whereby the Mthwakazi people celebrate their annual cultural events like umgubho kaMzilikazi.Victoria falls airport located in Matabeleland north is good for tourism and industry. It operates for 12hours.The airport can carry about 1.7 million passengers per annum and offers other services such as air craft parking, cargo passenger loading, fuelling, weather information, restaurants, banking facilities, tour operators.This is what ZAPU will do when in power to improve transport sector and to create employment for the civilians1.High ways/ national roads would be upgraded and changed to freeways with two-way drive lines to reduce accidents and traffic congestion.2. Regional roads and secondary roads are going to be well revamped so that there is safety In movement of both goods and people3. Road signs would be applied where applicable In yellow, white and black paint4. Railway lines would be constructed, an electrified section and an electrified train would be used and sanitation would be improved in trains by introducing flash toilets.This will reduce risks of contaminating diseases which can cause sickness.5. In airports, landing grounds will be improved so that the planes leave and land easily without disturbances.6. Pipelines to transport petroleum are going to be always in good condition.7. Navigation in Lake Kariba would be improved so that there is safety and to attract a lot of tourists.ZAPU will implement all those things through devolution of power system of governance.Devolution of power will make sure that people are employed based on where are they coming from. This will allow people to benefit from their environment and resources. A for ATM, B for BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money), C for cashless, D for Demonetisation is the new way alphabets have been associated to popular terms related to demonetisation in a new book "Cyber Pathsala" authored by former Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Vijay. The book by the ex-parliamentarian from Uttarakhand was launched today by Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar at the ongoing World Book Fair here. Javadekar said alphabet 'C' has been generally associated with the word "Cow" but another word "Cashless" has now been added. "As the demonetisation initiative was announced, Vijay got on to the job. We have known C for Cow in alphabetical books but now a word 'Cashless' has been added and this is how language develops," he said. The book relates H to Honest Money and describes demonetisation decisiosn as "NDA government's initiative to get rid of dishonest money". Contributions to the book have been made by internationally known cyber experts like Sameer Chandra, Virginia, US; Vidya MS, Bengaluru; Chinnu Senthil Kumar, Chennai; and Rajesh Kalra, Times of India, digital. The book is is aimed at preparing kids for cyber security and grooming them for the cyber world. At the book fair, Javadekar also launched former Odisha minister Prasanna Kumar Patasan's book "Reflections of The Supreme" "The book fair is also a good idea which gives knowledge. We will promote it further and will see that more and more students visit the fair, besides forming readers clubs in their respective institutions. "Audio books are another wonderful way of interactive storytelling," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A father-son duo have been booked under charges of kidnapping and theft for allegedly abducting their relative's daughter and posting her obscene picture on Internet to extort money. Police today identified the accused as -- Raja Angrish and his father Rajesh Angrish. Bharat Bhushan, a native of Navi Mandi area here, complained to police last night alleging that the duo hatched a conspiracy in which Raja clandestinely clicked obscene pictures of photograph of daughter, who is Raja's cousin, police said. He then started blackmailing her, threatening her to post the picture on Internet if she did not cough out hefty amount, they said. Bhushan alleged that Raja and his father squeezed out Rs 12 lakh and 300 grams worth of gold ornaments from her. Raja was brought home for taking care by Bhushan after the former's mother passed away. Raja is son of Bhushan's brother-in-law Rajesh, police said. But Raja and Rajesh had an evil eye on his Bhushan's property for which they hatched the plot, they said. They also stole an fixed deposit of Rs 50 lakh but could not encash it as the bank was informed in time, the complainant alleged. Bhushan further claimed that on March 20, last year, his daughter was misled and taken to Chandigarh where she was drugged by the duo, he said. "I kept running from pillar to post in search of my missing daughter when one day Rajesh rang me up and claimed that his son Raja had married my daughter," he told police. The daughter returned home on April 23 after which Raja and Rajesh started blackmailing and demanded Rs 25 lakh, failing to which, they posted the obscene picture on Internet, police said. Based on the complaint, a case under IPC sections 379 (punishment for theft), 380 (theft in a dwelling house), 384 (punishment for extortion), 365 (kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), and relevant sections of the IT Act was registered against the duo, they said, adding no arrests have been made so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran and major powers took stock today of their 2015 nuclear deal, with Donald Trump's imminent inauguration and the death of a moderate former Iranian president raising worries about its future. Trump, who takes office on January 20, has vowed to dismantle the "disastrous" accord, which saw Iran drastically reduce its atomic activities in exchange for the lifting of painful sanctions. The death of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Sunday aged 82 removed a widely respected backer in Iran of the deal at a time when frustration about the slow pace of sanctions relief is growing. Iranian agency ISNA called his passing a "great loss for the moderates", describing the ayatollah and president from 1989 to 1997 as "the sheikh of moderation". Today's meeting in Vienna -- the city where the hard-fought deal was struck in July 2015 -- brought together senior diplomats from Iran and the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. It is the fourth such gathering to review progress implementing the accord since it came into force in January 2016 and was requested by Iran in December after US sanctions legislation was renewed for a decade. US restrictions under the Iran Sanctions Act targeting mostly Tehran's oil and gas sectors remain suspended but the Islamic Republic still saw the move as a violation of the nuclear deal. There is also disappointment in Iran that many of the economic benefits that President Hassan Rouhani, 68, promised would come from the deal have fallen short. This could hurt Rouhani's chances of winning a second term in elections in May, particularly with Rafsanjani, a key supporter, now gone. Iran has been able to ramp up its vital oil exports to pre-sanctions levels and signed deals to splurge billions of dollars on dozens of new aircraft made by Airbus and Boeing. However Iran's ability to do more business with the outside world is being hampered by US sanctions related to non-nuclear issues such as "terrorism" and missiles remaining in place. Fearful of falling foul of these and being slapped with hefty fines, this has made foreign banks reluctant to facilitate major transactions with Iranian firms. All bets could be off in any case if Trump tears up the agreement, one of outgoing President Barack Obama's signature foreign policy achievements. Like many fellow Republicans, Trump is deeply suspicious of Iran and the 70-year-old looks set to be a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu-led Israel, which is widely assumed to have nuclear weapons itself, fiercely opposes the nuclear deal with Iran saying it will not prevent its arch foe getting the bomb. Trump has not publicly discussed the subject in detail since his election victory in November, but his pick to head the CIA, Mike Pompeo, has made his opinions clear. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Overland routes to Thailand's flood-hit south were severed today after two bridges collapsed following days of torrential rain that has killed at least 25 people, including a five-year-old girl. The heaviest January rains for three decades have lashed the country's south for more than a week, affecting 1.1 million people across eleven provinces. The unseasonal downpours have also put a dampener on Thailand's peak tourist period, prompting cancellations on popular resort islands including Samui and Phangan. The Highways Department said the main road heading down Thailand's southern neck was closed after two bridges collapsed in Prachuab Kiri Khan province. Trains south have also been stopped by the rising floodwaters, increasing demand on already stretched flights to and from the flood-ravaged region. The death toll has crept up in recent days as floods have reached roof-top level in some areas. A five-year-old girl became the latest victim when a flash flood hit a van she was travelling in late Monday in Prachuab Kiri Khan province. "Her family climbed to the roof of the van to avoid the water but she fell in with her mother," relief worker Rawiroj Thammee told AFP. "The girl was swept away... Villagers found her body 200 metres from the van this morning (Tuesday)." January usually sees visitors flocking to southern Thailand's pristine beaches as monsoon rains abate and temperatures ease. But the region has been battered by what the Thai junta describes as the heaviest January rainfall in 30 years. In flood-hit areas of Surat Thani province, a tourist gateway to the party islands of Samui and Phangan, villagers said a week of rain had brought an unprecedented deluge. "Every year it floods, but not like this," Chamnan Ingkaew, a village leader in Chaiya district told AFP. "There are 100 houses in my village, but we all had to leave and everything inside was lost... The water kept coming and coming, almost two metres high." Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha today said residents should have heeded evacuation warnings issued ahead of the floods. "Many people do not want to leave, they want to stay home," he said, adding their reluctance was making the relief effort more pressing. Prayut, who also heads the ruling junta, said unbridled growth of towns and cities without planning for drainage was making Thailand increasingly vulnerable to floods. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With over 20 countries participating in the ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair, foreign publishers are offering a diverse collection of books, but it is the language learning guides that are attracting heavy footfall. Available for several foreign languages like French, German, and Persian among others, the books cater to all levels of learning - from picture books for beginners to novels for veterans. According to Ishjot, who is managing the stall for German Book Office, majority of their customers comprise of parents who want their children to start learning German from an early age. Books on illustrations and short stories for beginners, priced at nominal prices, are selling like hot cakes, she said. "People are buying picture books and story books in large numbers, since they cost hardly Rs 150 each. So, parents who want their children to learn the language are readily buying the books. Those who are already learning German, are asking for more detailed books on the language's grammar," she says. Books at the stall also include a collection of classics by famous German author Daniel Kehlmann, along with English translations of popular German literature. The German book office that merely sold rights of German books to Indian publishers previously, has for the first time forayed into the sale segment this year to promote the language in India. "Till last year we only used to sell the rights but this year we have also started selling books. Also, the prices are throw away as we want to promote the language. It's not about making profit but popularising German literature and the language," Ishjot told PTI. The French stall featuring nearly 48 publishers is selling books on a wide array of topics from law, crime and social issues to food and French classics. According to a spokesperson from Institut Francais in India, despite the availability of books in multiple genres, French picture books for children and books on language tutorials for learning basic levels of French, are selling in huge numbers. "We have customers mainly looking for books which are useful in learning French because it is the second most taught language in India. French books for children are also popular," the spokesperson said. Books by Belgian Francophone novel writer Amelie Nothomb are also a big hit at the stall here. "We have a diverse collection of French Literature because the goal is not just to sell books but also to promote French books and publishing in India. "Every year we invite French publishers to meet their Indian counterparts with an aim to facilitate relations between publishing houses of both countries and increase the number of the translations of French titles in India," the spokesperson said. 25-years-old Preeti, who has been a regular visitor at the fair, said she is a first-level student in French and is looking for books that could help her learn the language better. "The French stall here has a huge collection of books which are very helpful in learning French. I have picked up colourful story books which are for children but for beginners they are the best pick due to easy vocabulary," she says. Hamid from Iran Cultural Institute, is representing the annual Tehran International Book Fair. Art books covering Persian miniatures and calligraphy along with poetry books are popular at the stall. "Although we have a collection of Iranian literature, classics, contemporary art and poetry but books of paintings and calligraphy are being bought in huge numbers. The relation between Iranian and Indian literature is continuing since ancient times and there are many people in India who are interested in reading Persian novels and poems," he said, adding that translations are also popular with visitors. Shamen from old Delhi here said she picked up some of her favourite poetry books by sufi poet Amir Khusro. "I have always been a huge fan of Khusro's works. The illustrated manuscripts of his poems that are available at the Iranian stall here are quite interesting," she said. International agency United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has a pool of researched and well documented books on culture, education, natural sciences, communication and information. Several of their titles explore extinct languages and world heritage sites. "Since most of our work is at policy level so most of these reports are useful for government organisations and students. Institutions like NCERT are picking up copies for their libraries. World heritage collection is also very popular," Rekha Beri, librarian and documentation officer of UNESCO, said. Other attractions at the Foreign Pavilion include photography exhibitions on the Indian Diaspora in the EU, the Chinese New Year, and screening of films based on William Shakespeare's plays, commemorating the 400th death anniversary of the Bard. The fair underway at Pragati Maidan here, comes to a close on January 15. Four persons of a gang have been arrested here for allegedly duping an unemployed youth of Rs 10.5 lakh on pretext of getting him job of a government school teacher, police said today. The gang, comprising nine members, allegedly hacked website of Tribal Development department, Nashik division and claimed on the portal that they provide employment opportunity as teachers in government-run ashram schools in Maharashtra. Sandeep Patil (26) stated in his complaint that he had applied for post of primary school teacher through the website and was asked to shell out Rs 17 lakh last year in November by the accused, Commissioner of Police, Ravinder Singal told reporters here last evening. "Patil paid Rs 10.5 lakh in instalments to the accused and was also handed over a 'fake' appointment letter, which carried seal of Tribal Development department and a signature. He later realised of having been cheated and lodged a complaint with police," the senior official said. There are five more people involved in running the gang that duped gullible youth, and they too have been booked in this connection, Singal said, adding that hunt was on to nab them. The accused were arrested on Sunday and have been identified as -- Udaynath Singh, who hails from Bhayander in Thane, Hemant Patil (31), Suresh Patil (34), both residents of Dhule, and Tukaram Pawar (26) from Jalgaon. All of them were produced before local court yesterday that remanded them in police custody till January 12. Police have also seized a car,laptop, computer, modem, seven mobile handsets, seals, fake documents of Tribal Development department, costing nearlyRs 5.21 lakh. A case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and further investigation was on, the official added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In line with the Centre's objective of promotion of payments through digital means, the Puducherry government has said the financial assistance for the funeral expenses of scheduled caste families here would be paid through electronic mode or Aadhar payment bridge. A notification of the Department of Adi Dravidar Welfare here recently said the assistance to the SC families, to meet their funeral expenditure will be paid only through ECS (electronic clearing service) or Aadhar payment bridge. The department has raised the quantum of assistance from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 with effect from December last year, it said. The government had recently come out with specific circular through the Department of Finance that all payments to contractors, government employees, wages to the workers and settlement of bills would be only through banks and digital transactions. Special meetings were being held associating government employees to train them on use of the swipe machines. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Giridih district police have sought the approval from the state headquarters to attach property of 30 persons allegedly involved cyber crimes, police said today. Cyber crimes have been taken seriously and I have written a letter the state headquarter to seek their approval in attaching property of 30 persons involved in this crime, Superintendent of Police Akhilelsh B Beriar said. Police teams from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, West Bengal and southern states have visited the district and sought help from the district police to crack the cyber crime gang. Altogether 75 persons allegedly involved in cyber crimes have been arrested from the district during the last one year, Beriar said. He said, government lawyers have been fighting such cases in the court to ensure stringent action against the persons committing cyber crimes. Public Prosecutor of Giridih, Suresh Upadhyay said majority of the bail petitions moved by the accused were being turned down by the court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government may soon impose anti-dumping duty on 19 colour-coated steel products with a view to protect domestic players from cheap inbound shipments and give a fillip to the sector. Currently, the government has imposed minimum import price (MIP) on these 19 products, which are mainly colour-coated steel items, till February 4. "The MIP was on 173 items. We have brought it down to 19. Rest of them, we have converted into anti-dumping. Anti-dumping will continue as the evidences are there," Steel Secretary Aruna Sharma said in a interview to PTI. She said that anti-dumping investigation is already in the process on these 19 products. "These 19 should not circumvent with it therefore we have put it (MIP) at this stage. On that also, we will move on to the anti-dumping route. Before February it should happen," the secretary said. She said that the government was not against imports but was against dumping. The 19 products include semi-finished products of iron or non-alloyed steel, flat-rolled products of different widths, bars and rods. For the first time, MIP was imposed in February last year on 173 items. But, later on the number of products were reduced. Steel makers had urged the government to extend MIP on certain products, saying its imposition has marginally improved the industry's viability after a long period of subdued prices. Accelerating imports at predatory prices from steel surplus countries like China, Japan and Korea have been a major concern area for the domestic industry since September 2014. Post the imposition of MIP in February, the industry has been able to marginally improve viability after a long period of subdued prices and eroded profit margins, Indian Steel Association had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said "the government is set to introduce 'Strategic Materials Policy'" soon. He inaugurated a three-day International Conference & Exhibition on Reinforced Plastics, 2017 (ICERP 2017) here. "The new Strategic Materials Policy can promote production as well as storage of defence-related strategic materials. The Ministry had detailed discussions on the policy," said Parrikar. The conference is organised by FRP Institute, an association of Indian Reinforced Plastics or Composites sector. Parrikar also said the government is also working on "Design in India" policy which will aim at building, enhancing and promoting designing capabilities of Indian manufacturers and entrepreneurs so that they can design products of world-class standards to compete with global counterparts and take advantage of "Make in India" programme. The Minister assured the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) will soon include composite products developed indigenously. He was responding to a long standing demand of Indian composites industry to source defence equipments, components and ancillary material domestically from Indian manufacturers of composite products and extend support under the 'Make in India' programme. Parrikar also said the DPP will be updated soon. "The domestic manufacturers needs to enhance designing capabilities to compete with global standards. As far as the defence industry is concerned, there is huge potential to source material, equipments domestically, but quality standards and innovations in designing are highly essential", said the Minister. According to him, Indian composites industry can certainly enhance supplies to the defence sector if they provide products of global standards in terms of quality and designing. "We will soon include composites products in the DPP, which will allow domestic composites manufacturers to supply to Indian Defence Industry," Parrikar added. The Rs 5,000 crore composites industry, had made a strong pitch for support from the government. Pradip Thakkar, Chairman of FRP urged the Defence Minister to extend the government's support to the Indian composites industry to unleash its full potential. "The Indian composites industry is fully capable of supplying 100 per cent of requirements of the defence sector, if given due support. Composite materials are emerging as an innovative alternative for steel and aluminium and hence, can be used in defence equipment manufacturing," said Thakkar. Opinion / Columnist After his tireless work this year, travelling long distances to promote Brand Zimbabwe around the world, President Mugabe could not hide his disappointment at Zanu-PF's Conference in Masvingo.All too little had been achieved at home while he had been away, he noted sadly. There had been too many juvenile squabbles in Zanu-PF and silly protests from dissidents despite the hundreds of top of the range cars provided. And more cars were still to come.Of course, he said, he would like to retire and milk his cows. But the sad truth was that everyone else in Zimbabwe was either deluded or naughty. 'So we just have to soldier on to ensure continued prosperity and economic growth in line with ZimAsset.'The alternative was too awful to imagine: neo-liberalism and its British and American apostles would pounce with their illegal regime change agenda. The result would be mass unemployment. Indeed, half of government workers would be made redundant. Farmers might even have to produce drought-resistant crops, genetically modified to exterminate indigenous people, as they had already done in the US and the UK.Zanu-PF agreed with the President and confirmed support for his sacrificial offer to stand for re-election in 2018. The party is fortunate because he will still be just under 100 when that presidential term ends so he will be able to stand again.The Vigil wishes our families in Zimbabwe a patient Christmas. Those who are civil servants can look forward to getting their December salaries next month and join the queues at banks for bondage notes. The MDC T MP Eddie Cross says the Reserve Bank is reported to have billions of dollars of this monopoly money. The US dollar is trading at about an average premium now of 20 per cent, he says. A grandson of late Ustad Bismillah Khan and two other persons were arrested in connection with the theft of the maestro's silver shehnais, police said today. Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force arrested Nazare Hussain, local jeweller Shanker Seth and his son Sujit Seth. Four silver shehnais and a wooden and silver one were stolen from Khan's son Kazim Hussain's home here on December 4. The shehnais were recovered in a melted condition from a local jewellery shop here, police said. Kazim's son Nazare got the four silver shehnais melted by jewellers Shanker and Sujit Seth in Chetganj area here, they said. "Over one kg of melted silver along with one shehnai made of wood and silver have been recovered from the possession of the jewellers. "The stolen shehnais were sold to the local jewellers for a meagre Rs 17,000 and melted," said STF SSP Amit Pathak. An FIR was registered on December 5 at Chowk police station after the theft at Kazim's house in Dalmandi area. According to the family, the shehnais were very special to the late musician and were gifted to him by former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, Kapil Sibal and Lalu Prasad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) David Hicks, the first prisoner held at the US Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to be convicted by a military court, appeared in an Australian court today charged with assaulting his partner. Hicks, 41, appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court in his hometown of Adelaide for a pre-trial conference on a charge that he assaulted his partner in September. He has yet to plea to the charge, which carries a potential two-year prison sentence. He was released on bail to appear next on February 28. Journalists were not permitted inside the courtroom. The Muslim convert was captured in Afghanistan by the US-backed Northern Alliance in late 2001 as a suspected enemy combatant, then spent more than five years at Guantanamo Bay. Hicks traveled to Pakistan in 2000, joined the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba and took part in an attack on Indian forces, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in a US Court of Military Commission in 2007 to providing material support to terrorism. It was a plea bargain in which all but nine months of his seven-year sentence was suspended and he was allowed to return to Adelaide to serve the final months. The US Court of Military Commission Review, an appeals court, struck down his conviction in 2015. Hicks says he only pleaded guilty to get out of Guantanamo Bay. He later went to Afghanistan and attended a training camp run by al-Qaeda and visited by its leader Osama bin Laden. Hicks only real fighting experience was helping to guard a Taliban tank near the Kandahar airport. In his memoir published in Australia in 2010, "Guantanamo: My Journey," Hicks wrote that US authorities offered detainees inducements including illicit drugs and prostitutes to gain their cooperation. After his release from prison, he married activist human rights advocate Aloysia Brooks in Sydney in 2009, but the couple later separated. The identity of the partner who made the assault complaint has not been made public. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Calcutta High Court today directed the Asansol Municipality to consider afresh an application for permission to hold 'Sansad Mela', which its organisers claimed was not being given green signal on flimsy reasons. Justice Harish Tandon directed the Mayor of Asansol Municipality to consider afresh and take a call on the application for permission by tomorrow and communicate the same to the organisers. He also directed the Mayor to take a free and fair decision without any extraneous condition. Asansol Municipality in Burdwan district is run by the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. The fair, scheduled to be held in Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries Babul Supriyo's Lok Sabha constituency Asansol from January 12, had not been given permission by the municipal body. 'Me to We', co-organisers of the fair, which will showcase the achievements of the Union government in various fields, moved the court after the permission was withheld. Hearing the petition, Justice Tandon asked the municipal body whether similar conditions which were being put in case of Sansad Mela were imposed on all the fairs in the state. He also sought to know why the permission of a local school authorities was needed for the fair which is to be held at the Loco Stadium in Asansol, an industrial township situated around 200 kms from Kolkata. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today granted four weeks to the Tamil Nadu government to set right the defects of the Anna Centenary Library (ACL) after it submitted that the works had been delayed due to damage caused by Cyclone Vardah. The First Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice MM Sundresh recorded the government's submission and asked the court-appointed advocate-commissioner to visit the library premises after four weeks to ascertain the status. The court noted that Additional Advocate General Venkataramani had submitted that all the aspects pointed out by it had been attended to periodically, but were disrupted by some damage caused by Cyclone Vardah. "Four weeks' time granted. PT Asha, who is the member of the committee, may visit after four weeks and verify that by and large all the aspects are attended to," it said and posted the matter to February 21 for further hearing. A PIL had been filed citing the defects of the library, to improve the basic facilities there and to ensure its proper maintenance. Earlier, Senior Counsel P Wilson, appearing for the petitioner, argued that despite several adjournments over the last 16 months, the authorities were not complying with the court's directions to restore all the facilities in the library and fill staff vacancies. During the arguments, the bench sought to know from the Additional Advocate General as to how many students were visiting the library daily. To this, he replied that about 2,000 students visited the library everyday, prompting the bench to say, "and yet you sought to keep the library closed for so many years". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court today granted temporary stay on repair work of the 2.48-km-long Lalbaug flyover in south Mumbai pending structural audit report. A division bench headed by Justice A S Oka was hearing a PIL seeking direction to the Brihamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to carry out the repair work on the flyover only after receiving the structural audit report. BMC's lawyer Geeta Joglekar informed the court that an audit of the flyover was being done on a priority basis and the report would be submitted to the civic body by January 31. "Pending the audit report do not carry out any work on the flyover. The BMC's Standing Committee orders directing for resurfacing and realignment work on the Lalbaug flyover shall not be carried out until further orders," the court said. The bench, while posting the petition for further hearing on February 9, directed for the audit report to be produced before it on that day. The BMC had floated e-tenders for repairs and resurfacing of the bridge at a cost of Rs 13 crore. The petitioner had sought for a structural audit to be carried out first to identify the problems that needed to be repaired. The flyover between ITC Hotel in Parel and Jijamata Udyan in Byculla was inaugurated in June 2011. It helped decongest stretches on the eastern corridor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, between Sion and Byculla. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The scrip of Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) went up by nearly 4 per cent today after the company bagged a contract worth Rs 368.6 crore from IRCON International Ltd in Jammu and Kashmir. The stock gained 3.47 per cent to end at Rs 43.20 on BSE. During the day, it surged 7.42 per cent to Rs 44.85 -- its 52-week high. At NSE, shares of the company jumped 3.84 per cent to close at Rs 43.25. On the volume front, 30.64 lakh shares of the company were traded on BSE and more than 1 crore shares changed hands at NSE during the day. "HCC has been awarded a Rs 368.6 crore contract by IRCON International Ltd for construction of the Cable Stayed Bridge including its approaches across river Anji Khad in Jammu and Kashmir," the company said in a statement yesterday. The project is to be completed in 36 months, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hikal Ltd today said its active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates manufacturing unit at Bengaluru has been successfully inspected by the US health regulator. "The company's API and intermediates manufacturing facility located at Jigani, Bangalore, was recently inspected by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) in compliance with their requirements," Hikal Ltd said in a filing to BSE. At the end of the successful inspection, the company has been informed by the investigator that 'zero' 483 observations were issued, it added. The FDA Form 483 notifies the company's management of objectionable conditions. It is issued at the conclusion of an inspection when investigators observe any conditions that in their judgement may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts. Hikal Ltd stock closed steeply up by 11.52 per cent at Rs 243.05 on BSE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shares of pharma firm Hikal Ltd surged 11.5 per cent today after the company said its active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates manufacturing unit at Bengaluru has been successfully inspected by the US health regulator. The stock soared 11.52 per cent to settle at Rs 243.05 on BSE. Intra-day, it jumped 17.5 per cent to Rs 256.10. At NSE, shares of the company rallied 10.97 per cent to end at Rs 241.60. "The company's API and intermediates manufacturing facility located at Jigani, Bangalore, was recently inspected by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) in compliance with their requirements," Hikal Ltd said in a filing to BSE. At the end of the successful inspection, the company has been informed by the investigator that 'zero' 483 observations were issued, it added. The FDA Form 483 notifies the company's management of objectionable conditions. It is issued at the conclusion of an inspection when investigators observe any conditions that in their judgment may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Stainless steel industry body Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) has demanded a hike in import duty on stainless steel flat products and abolition of import duty on key raw materials, including ferro nickel. "ISSDA has urged the government on behalf of stainless steel sector for an increase in effective basic customs duty on stainless steel flat products from 7.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent to bring it on par with carbon steel," the industry body said in a statement. The government must also abolish import duty on key raw materials like ferro nickel, pure nickel, ferro moly and stainless steel scrap to safeguard the interest of the sector, since these are not available in the country, the statement added. "An increase in duty on finished products must be looked upon from the viewpoint that Indian stainless steel industry has been bogged down by an unprecedented surge in imports in the last three years, especially from China, and to remain globally competitive, Indian industry needs a level playing field," it said. "The industry has been facing difficulty in the last few years. One of the main reasons for this is the huge import surge, especially from China, which has primarily contributed to the deteriorating condition of the Stainless Steel industry," ISSDA President K K Pahuja said. "We urge the government to abolish the import duty on key raw materials which are domestically unavailable and increase the duty on finished products and bring it at par with carbon steel," Pahuja added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of homeless people have been squatting in a vacant building at UK's prestigious Oxford University and want to be allowed to stay on over the winter months. The group calling itself "Iffley Open House" entered the building belonging to Wadham College at the university on New Year's eve and have launched an online petition titled "Tell Wadham College to do the right thing for homeless people this winter". "The situation for rough sleepers and homeless people in Oxford is now at a critical point. Latest figures show rough sleeping in Oxford has more than trebled in the last five years," the group said in an open letter. "Simultaneously, Oxford University and colleges like Wadham own dozens of buildings across the city which lie empty, some of which have been empty for almost a decade, that could be re-purposed as shelters, social housing and social spaces," it added. The college, which had acquired the old garage space in 2015 to convert it into student accommodation, has indicated that it is considering the request but expressed security concerns. "Wadham is investigating the ramifications of this move, with particular concern for the safety of those who are sleeping rough in an old and dilapidated building, including in areas that are not designed for residential use," a Wadham College spokesperson said. "The college will be making every effort to speak to representatives of this homeless group as well as local residents, safety experts and the site developers," she added. The college is awaiting planning permission for the redevelopment of the site. It said it was "particularly concerned" about the problems of homelessness in Oxfordshire and had regularly raised funds for homeless organisations. The students of the college are backing the homeless group's petition, which has attracted over 2,000 signatures, and a motion in support of the move is expected at a Student's Union meeting later this week. Around 36 people are believed to have been sleeping in the space, which includes a kitchen and showering facility. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opinion / Columnist Happy and content must be the land whose president is confident and secure enough to fly off on a month-long holiday with bucket and spade and doesn't even leave a forwarding address.There are few such enviable countries, especially in Africa where coups are not uncommon. But Zimbabwe is obviously one such haven of peace and stability.Vice-President Mnangagwa, 'acting Boss', indicated as much when he disclosed that he was unable to ask Mugabe whether the late lamented former provincial governor Peter Chanetsa qualified as a Hero because he couldn't get hold of the Hero-in-Chief for his ruling.So poor old Pete will have to wait in the fridge until the Boss gets home and decides whether Pete can have a plot in Heroes' Acre. By then he will deserve hero status anyway because the Boss has apparently plans to flit all over the place before he drops by in Harare again to replenish his funds.Rumours that Mugabe is spending all his time building sandcastles on a beach in Singapore are apparently far from the mark. China is on his itinerary, as well as other holiday hotspots such as Mali and Equatorial Guinea and, of course Dubai, where he will no doubt satisfy Grace's demand for a diamond big enough for the next president.He will probably take the opportunity while in Dubai to sort out the little difficulty over payment for the $1.3 million gem that she has rejected. In the meantime Grace has told her stooges to ignore the court order that she should leave the properties in Harare she seized from the diamond dealer. Honda will invest USD 372 million in its Alliston factory north of Toronto, with financial support from the federal government and province of Ontario, Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains has said. The governments of Canada and Ontario will each contribute 41.8 million Canadian dollar over three years. The investment will enable the facility to assemble new models of the Civic and the CR-V vehicles. The Japanese automotive group will also construct a new paint shop that will help cut greenhouse gas emissions from the paint process by 44 per cent, Honda Canada CEO Jerry Chenkin said. The improvements will help save 4,000 jobs at Honda's facilities - which assembled 385,000 vehicles last year - and "further anchor Honda's presence in Canada," the government of Canada said in a statement. The announcement comes as US President-elect Donald Trump is putting pressure on automakers with facilities on US soil to stop relocating production to Mexico, where a number of factories opened following the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Signed by Canada, the United States and Mexico, the agreement went into force in 1994. Trump has so far held off criticising investments in Canada, where labour costs are similar to those in the United States. Manufacturers with facilities in Canada have also relocated plants to Mexico thanks to NAFTA. The Republican billionaire, who has vowed to renegotiate NAFTA, is "a potential risk" for the Canadian automotive industry, Ontario Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid said yesterday. However, he said he is convinced the US president-elect would do nothing to hinder the industry's cross-border supply chain, which links several factories in Ontario to others in Michigan and Ohio, crucial swing states that voted for Trump by small margins. The three major American automakers committed to investing 1.5 billion dollars in their plants in Ontario when they reached collective bargaining agreements with employees last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HSBC chairman Douglas Flint today warned that the banking titan could move activities from London to continental Europe ahead of Brexit. Britain is due to trigger Article 50 by late March, kicking off a two-year process to leave the European Union. The nation's financial sector has long feared the loss of "passporting" rights -- which allows EU member states to trade across national borders. That provides a crucial gateway for companies to access the rest of the bloc. "The impact (from the loss of passporting) would start to be seen far before the end of the Article 50 process because there would be a period of time necessary to adjust our" activities, Flint told lawmakers on parliament's Treasury Select Committee. "We would take pre-emptive actions in order to ensure that we have the capacity in place... To continue to deliver what we deliver today. "That would require us to move activities (...) to France or indeed Ireland or Holland or any other place in Europe where we have operations. It would be something like 1,000 jobs." Flint added that the government's lack of Brexit guidance "would lead to people thinking earlier as to where to move jobs". Following Britain's shock EU exit referendum decision on June 23, Flint had already warned that the bank could potentially move 1,000 British-bases staff to Paris. Lobby group the British Bankers' Association (BBA) cautioned in October that international lenders with operations in the UK are ready to transfer some of their activities out of the country from early 2017. Big banks have long harboured fears about the impact of Brexit, including potential loss of access to the single market. "We are in perhaps a better position than many having a full service bank already in France," added Flint. "Because we've got operations in France we can take a little bit more wait and see approach than possibly more others. "Nobody wants to push the button (to leave Britain) because the best outcome for everybody is the preservation of the status quo, insofar as is possible," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara today named outgoing prime minister Daniel Kablan Duncan as the country's first vice-president and chose a key aide, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, as the new premier. Addressing a special session of parliament, Ouattara described 73-year-old Duncan as "devoted, a loyal collaborator" and "a patriot and great servant of the state". The new post of vice-president was set up under constitutional changes voted by referendum and approved in November. Some analysts have said the new VP could be well-placed to step into Ouattara's shoes in the future. Duncan's nomination comes a day after he and his government resigned following legislative elections in December. Separately, the presidency said Ouattara had appointed Coulibaly, 57, former secretary general of the president's office, as prime minister. Coulibaly "will propose a new government as soon as possible," a statement said. Former rebel leader Guillaume Soro, who served as premier for five years until 2012, was re-elected parliament speaker on Monday. Also on Monday, Ouattara fired the heads of the country's armed forces and police after a brief army mutiny that stoked security fears in the world's top cocoa producer. The two-day revolt was worst in the country's second city of Bouake, the cradle of a failed attempt in 2002 to oust then president Laurent Gbagbo. The revolt sliced the former French colony into the rebel-held north and the government-controlled south and triggered years of unrest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A new centre-right coalition in Iceland announced today it had agreed to make conservative Independence Party leader Bjarni Benediktsson the country's next prime minister, 10 weeks after a snap election. Benediktsson, 46, who has served as finance minister since 2013 and was the big winner in October 29 elections, presented the new government at a press conference in Reykjavik with his new coalition partners, the centre-right Reform Party and the centrist Bright Future. The government programme published by the coalition calls for a possible referendum on European Union membership "towards the end of the legislative period." It also dashes any hopes of major institutional reforms, including the ratification of a constitution drawn up by a citizen-led commission in 2010-2012. Regarding the economy, Benediktsson's liberal policies are expected to continue. Under his guidance as finance minister, Iceland has seen solid growth and unemployment has been almost eliminated. The new centre-right government is a blow for the left-wing opposition, which hoped to sweeo to power on a wave of discontent following the April release of the Panama Papers, a trove of documents detailing account holders in offshore tax havens. In April, a large majority of Icelanders called for the country's political establishment to be voted out of office, targetting Benediktsson, whose name appeared in the Panama Papers, among others. But everything changed in the October election: Benediktsson's Independence Party won 21 of 63 seats in parliament, far ahead of its opponents the Left Green Movement and the anti-establishment Pirate Party, which won 10 seats each. Iceland's various parties have been in negotiations since the election to try to form a coalition government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a bid to check the alarming number of road accidents, the government today asked the states to identify "black spots" on national highways and send a proposal to the Centre for rectification. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari while addressing the National Road Safety council meeting here said that "states should identify accident spots on state highways and send proposals to the road ministry for rectification." He further said that "10 per cent of Central road fund (CRF) kept aside for road safety work can be used for this". Total collection under CRF more than doubled to about Rs 70,000 crore last fiscal, the government had earlier said. State road ministers from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Odisha, Kerala and Karnataka particapted during the National Road Safety council meeting. The minister also asked the states to consider building road over bridge (ROB) and roads under bridges (RUB) on level crossings on state highways. Gadkari further said that he was in discussion with railways to come up with a "scheme for this where state government can do land acquisition, railway can fund up to 50 per cent and 50 per cent could be from CRF". The government had earlier said that it will spend Rs 11,000 crore over 5 years to fix "black" spots across the country. Around 800 blackspots have alraedy been identified across India and the government has already released Rs 500 crore to rectify them. Speaking at a session organised by the industry chamber in partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on the occasion of the Annual Road Safety Week 2017, Gadkari said the government is pulling out all stops to deal with the alarmingly high count of road accidents which have touched 5.01 lakh in 2015 -- a rise of 2.1 per cent in a year. Gadkari said, "It is the responsibility of every stakeholder to bring qualitative transformation if we are to achieve the government's vision of reducing the number of road accidents by half," according to a statement by CII. MoRTH Secretary Sanjay Mitra said the Centre has proposed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2016 which has strict provisions for road safety. He added "the Ministry has mooted a whole set of legal amendments which gives teeth to law enforcements and RTOs (to compel violators and law breakers to abide by traffic rules)." The session created an opportunity for the Ministry to reach out to a large cross-section of India Inc to share its expectations from the industry. India Inc shared their action plans which consisted of several new ideas along with the tried and tested ones. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Medical Association (IMA) today appealed to doctors to take up mandatory community service to understand the social context of health care. "Community participation is an important component of medical professionalism. Community volunteerism offers opportunities to professionals to understand health in a social context and address the social detriments of good health care. "IMA wants to foster this concept of civic responsibility and teamwork amongst medical professionals. The association is advocating one hour of mandatory community service a week," IMA national president K K Aggarwal said. "As an effort to give back to the community, IMA advocates that every Friday, between 4pm and 5 pm every medical organisation be involved in community work," Aggarwal said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Portugal have agreed to work out modalities for a co-production agreement in the Film Sector and also cooperation between their public broadcasters. In a meeting between Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore and Portugal Minister of Culture Luis Filipe Castro Mendes today, the possibility of Student Exchange programmes between educational institutions of both the countries, was also discussed. According to an official statement Rathore apprised the Portuguese Minister on the initiatives to provide Single Window clearances for Foreign Film Producers in the country through the Film Facilitation Office. He also highlighted the prestigious National Film Heritage Mission to digitise, restore and preserve the rich heritage of films in the country. Rathore also apprised the Portuguese Minister about the IIMC and FTII, the premier educational institutes in the field of Journalism and Film production respectively in the country. The scheduled meeting of Prime Minister of Portugal with the film fraternity at Goa on Thursday, organized by FICCI, was also discussed, the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has nixed the UAE's proposal to send a military paratrooper team for live display during Republic Day Parade, citing security concerns. The Ministry of Defence has, instead, insisted on sending a marching contingent for the parade, which will be attended by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the chief guest. "After France sent a contingent of French Army soldiers last year, we have decided to make it a practice. So, we invited a contingent from the UAE, but they wanted to send military paratroopers. "The Ministry of Defence was not ready for this due to security concerns as the Rajpath literally turns into a high-security zone with the President, the Prime Minister and many VVIPs attending the event. The weather may also not be conducive during that period," said a government official. It would be the second time when any foreign contingent will be participating in the parade on January 26. Last year, French President Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the Republic Day Parade. Following Modi's visit to the UAE last year, which saw several steps taken to enhance bilateral ties, inviting the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is also seen a important move to strengthen ties with the Gulf country. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's diplomatic missions in China today celebrated Pravasi Bharatiya Divas attended by members of the Indian community and business associations. Ambassador Vijay Gokhale took part in Pravasi Bharatiya celebration in the embassy premises attended by members of the Indian community in the Chinese capital. Gokhale read out the excerpts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech delivered at the Pravasi Bharatiya meeting in Bengaluru. He also highlighted a host of measures initiated by Ministry of External Affairs to help Indian citizens abroad. He said the Indian community in China is growing specially the students community whose numbers have gone up to 15,000 in different parts of the country. A Pravasi Bharatiya meeting was also held in Shanghai at the Indian Consulate presided by Consulate General Prakash Gupta and attended by Board Members of Indian Associations from Shanghai, Shaoxing and Yiwu. Representative of each Indian Association made a detailed presentation outlining their activities conducted in 2016 and plans for 2017. The Indian Associations agreed to include the upcoming 3rd International Day of Yoga, along with celebration of Hindi Divas, National Unity Day and Constitution Day, in their plans of activities for 2017, a Consulate press release said. Participants also discussed the possibility of installation of the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at appropriate venues in Shanghai, Shaoxing and Yiwu, in consultation with local governments, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian-origin woman in the UK who suffered 17 miscarriages and was told she may never be able to have babies is now the proud mother of four daughters. At the age of just 18, Lytina Kaur, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive cancer of the white blood cells, was given the heartbreaking that she may never be able to have children. Lytina who is now 32 was told she may never be able to give birth after she relapsed and had a bone marrow transplant. "I was still quite young when I was told I couldn't have children. I didn't think about it too much at the time and thought I'd worry about it when I crossed the bridge. However, when I got married at 23, it was heart-breaking," she told 'Nottingham Post'. After her wedding in 2007, Lytina, who is from the East Midlands region of England, decided to try and have a family of her own. But before becoming a mother-of-four Lytina had several miscarriages, the first of which happened in 2010 after she conceived twins. Between 2010 and 2012, she suffered as many as nine miscarriages before undergoing one free cycle of IVF on the UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS) a year later, which was unsuccessful. Between 2013 and 2015, a hospital in India made six attempts to implant her embryo into a surrogate - but each ended in miscarriage and the couple gave up. However, she eventually became pregnant and gave birth to her first daughter Kiran in September 2015. The other three followed within months of that. In November 2015, twin babies Kajal and Kavita were born in India after the hospital had transferred the last four embryos to a surrogate as a goodwill gesture. And in June 2016, Lytina gave birth to Kiyara at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. "In the end, we were really lucky...I love spending time with my kids and I need to make the most because they'll be in school in a few years' time," said the mother of four. She said she goes through a box of 82 nappies every five to six days - and that she has also stopped counting the amount ofbabyformula and food she uses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 9:03AM Severe storms spawned several tornados across three states. Albany, GA was hit hard with high winds that caused downed trees and structural damages (Photo Credit: Samaritans Purse)EEW Magazine Humanitarian News // Samaritan's Purse Christian charity Samaritans Purse is helping homeowners whose property was damaged by severe storms that slammed Albany, Georgia, and Dougherty County last week. A Disaster Relief Unit, a tractor-trailer stocked with relief supplies including chainsaws and tarping, arrived in the area. Staff and volunteers are taking work orders and have begun assisting families in need. Albanythe eighth largest city in Georgia, with a population of 77,400was devastated by a line of storms that also slashed through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Tornado warnings blared just before powerful storms ripped through the area. Volunteers began work Thursday, January 5. Teams are focused on cutting up downed trees and tarping, along with clearing damaged property. Emergency management officials report that up to 3,500 homes in Dougherty County were affected by ferocious winds, and numerous trees and powerlines are down throughout the region. This storm that hit the Albany area is the biggest non-reported weather event that Ive ever seen, said Todd Taylor, our program manager overseeing this response. Ive driven around the area and the damage is extensive and easily comparable to the tree and property damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in November in Bluffton, South Carolina. We have a lot of work in front of us. The need for volunteers is great. Sherwood Baptist Church has provided use of the local Coca-Cola Bottling Plant, which will serve as the central location for the Samaritans Purse Disaster Relief Unit, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Mobile Ministry Center, and homeowners seeking assistance. Staff and volunteers are housed at Gillionville Baptist Church. One of the wonderful aspects to our disaster relief work throughout the country is the network of incredible churches that weve had the privilege to partner with, and so we will be connecting with leaders of churches in the Albany area to see how we can come alongside homeowners to help them in Jesus Name, said Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries. For information about how you can volunteer, click here. RELATED: Samaritan's Purse among Top 10 charities A 22-year-old Indian woman tourist was today killed after a wild elephant attacked her inside a national park in Nepal's Chitwan district. Sneha Kanpara was attacked by the tusker inside the Chitwan National Park, located some 200 km south of the capital city of Kathmandu, police was quoted as saying by the Himalayn Times. Kanpara was criticaly injured in the attack and she was rushed to the Bharatpur-based Chitwan Medical College, where she was declared brought. Meanwhile, other members of the Kanpara family from Gujarat managed to save themselves from the attack, police said. Wild elephants from the Chitwan National Park are regularly brought to the Breeding Centre for mating. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The international community is concerned about North Korea's "destabilising" rhetoric that it will launch an inter-continental ballistic missile and the reclusive country's refusal to abide by the obligations about its nuclear weapons programme, the White House has said. "The Obama administration, the United States, and I think the international community take seriously and is concerned about the destabilising rhetoric and sometimes destabilising actions that are undertaken by the regime in North Korea," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said yesterday. That is why the US has responded to mobilise the international community to impose the toughest-ever sanctions on North Korea because of its concern about the reclusive country's rhetoric and actions. Carter said over the weekend the US military retained significant capability to protect the America and its allies. "We are prepared to use that capability when necessary," he warned, adding that America's preference is to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula, deescalate tensions, and bring North Korea back into the community of nations. "But right now, because of North Korea's refusal to abide by international obligations when it comes to their nuclear weapons programme, they are an outlier, they are excluded, they are isolated in a way that is certainly more so than any other country in the world," Earnest said. The US is ready to face any challenge from North Korea, said State Department Spokesman John Kirby. "Now we are well past time for Pyongyang to prove that they're willing and able to return to the Six-Party Talk process and to stop their provocative moves, their destabilising moves to continue to develop ballistic missile capabilities as well as a nuclear programme," he said. The entire international community is aligned against them in terms of exerting more pressure. "We take his comments seriously. Regrettably, we have to. But I'm not going to get into our own estimate or assessment of where he might be with respect to progress on this most recent threat," he said. However, he refused to give any hint on future of the US actions against North Korea. "I'm not going to speculate about future tactical developments one way or the other. In addition to the international pressure being applied through a very robust sanctions regime, and the fact that we're not ruling out additional sanctions if required through the UN, that the US maintains a significant deterrent capability militarily in the region," Kirby said. "That's all been part and parcel of the Asia Pacific rebalance. We are confident that we have the capabilities in the Asia Pacific region to protect our interests," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The objective of imposing minimum import price (MIP) on certain steel products was not to give a "permanent cover" to the industry but to stop cheap inbound shipments, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today. She said there was a specific reason for imposing MIP on 173 steel items. "...Our intention is not to give a permanent cover but (to extend) little help because it was so that the quantum of cheap steel which was coming into the country had to be stopped and where the surge was clearly established, we took this step," she told reporters here. They were all for short duration, she added. Giving relief to domestic steel producers against cheap inbound shipments, the government in February 2016 imposed MIP on 173 steel products ranging between USD 341 to USD 752 per tonne. It was later reduced to 66 items and then to 19 at present. Experts have said MIP is not in compliance with global norms and India's trading partners may raise the issue in WTO. Last month, Japan dragged India to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against certain measures taken by New Delhi on imports of iron and steel products. As per the WTO's dispute settlement process, the request for consultations is the first step in a dispute. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) International kite fliers today stole the show at the Kite Festival held at the premises of Royal Lakshmi Vilas Palace located in the middle of the city. Eight kite fliers from France, 5 from Turkey, 4 from Israel, 4 from Switzerland and 2 each from Indonesia, Germany made a mark at the International Kite Festival organised jointly by Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), district collectorate and Gujarat Tourism Corporation Ltd. Kite fliers from Kerala, Karnataka and from Vadodara, Anand and other parts of the state too displayed their skills at the event, where 186 kite fliers were present. Kite festival is also be being held at Ahmedabad, Palanpur, Rajkot, Pavagadh, Valsad, Gandhidham among other places. "The events like International Kite Festival have put Vadodara on global map," Vinod Rao, Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), commissioner, said. Talking to PTI 47-year-old Helmi Ginanti from Bali in Indonesia said "I and my colleague Bagus Ugarsena Narendra brought kites having traditional and spiritual themes depicting Lords Jagannatha, Hanuman and Shiva." "These Indian Gods including Lord Ganesh, Lord Vishnu and Lord Bramha are worshipped in Indonesia as well." Ginanti said, it was her fourth visit to the state to participate in the kite festival. Another Indonesian Bagus Ugarsena, who has travelled around 200 countries and won kite flying event in Gujarat many times, said, "Kite flying is the thing that connects me to God. Even members of Muslim community in Indonesia participate in the kite festival held there." Ginanti said "I am a great fan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has a dynamic personality and had met him thrice when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat during the International Kite Festival held." "I have preserved his (Modi's) photograph with me taken during a meeting in Ahmedabad," she said. Tessa Gambassi Roger, a 53-year-old kite flier from France said, "It is my fourth visit to Gujarat to take part in this annual event. I am engaged in the business of making big size kites." Henri Prat, another kite flier from France said, "During my fourth visit to the state this year, I will like to to tie up with kite manufacturers in Gujarat and other parts of the country for exporting Australian make kites here." Mayor Bharat Dangar and commissioner Rao kicked of the event by flying kites in presence of BJP MP Ranjanben Bhatt, MLAs Jitendra Sukhadia and Manisha Vakil. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Italian police today announced the arrest of a London-resident nuclear engineer and his sister on suspicion of running a cyber snooping operation targeting politicians, public bodies and companies. Police did not name the two suspects but Italian media cited charge sheets which identified them as Giulio Occhionero, 45, and his sister Francesca Maria Occhionero. Reports described the pair as well known figures in Roman finance circles who lived in the Italian capital but were officially resident in London. Media reports said politicians targeted by the pair included former premiers Matteo Renzi and Mario Montie and the current head of the European Central Bank (ECB) Mario Draghi. The brother and sister were placed under investigation last year after a senior government official reported having been sent an email contained spy malware known as EyePyramid. Prosecutors want them charged with illegally obtaining information related to state security, illegally accessing computer systems and illegal interception of online messages. Data they collected was allegedly catalogued under two broad categories: BROS for snippets concerning individuals who were members of masonic orders, and POBU for politicians and business figures. Police said the information trawling was carried out via a complex network of overseas-based companies but did not offer any theory of what the duo's objective might have been. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uproarious scenes were witnessed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today as the opposition cornered the Speaker over his remarks on slogans raised yesterday by Congress MLAs. Speaker Kavinder Gupta had said the opposition had lowered the prestige of the House by raising anti-national slogans of "Kashmir banega Pakistan (Kashmir will become Pakistan)" yesterday. Strongly denying the charge, the opposition members disrupted the question hour by resorting to sloganeering while some of them trooped into the Well of the House asking the Speaker to take back his remarks. Congress Legislative Party leader Nawang Rigzin Jora denied that any "anti-national" slogans were raised or unparliamentary language used against the Speaker. Jora, however, said that the party had accused Gupta of being communal and an RSS man. CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami said no member in the House had resorted to such slogans, adding that such remarks should not have come from the Chair. He also requested the Speaker to take back his remarks. Jora had yesterday said the Congress MLAs were raising slogans like "PDP ka kya farman, Kashmir banega kabristan (what is PDP's call, Kashmir should become a graveyard)" and "PDP ki kya pehachan, Kashmir banega Nagpur (what is PDP's identity, Kashmir will become Nagpur, a reference to RSS headquarters)". He had said these remarks were misinterpreted by the Speaker, while threatening to move a no-confidence motion against him along with other opposition parties. Intervening in the house, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said the opposition members should not raise any question mark on the Chair by using certain words. "The opposition should not say so," he said, requesting the Speaker to give a proper ruling and resolve the issue. Amid the uproar and protests which continued for more than 40 minutes, the speaker said, "If I have heard anything in wrong connotation I take my words back." On this, Jora thanked the Speaker for showing magnanimity by taking back his words and restoring order in the House. (Reopens DES4) Unlike the past, NC MLA Mubarak Gul pout up a chair in well of the House when the Speaker was addressed jointly by opposition members. During the adjournment opposition members continued to sit in the House. Unruly scenes continued soon after the House met as the opposition members accused the government of not being serious in running the House. NC member Ali Mohammed Sagar said that the government was hiding behind the issue of 2010 and holding the Kashmiri people responsible for the unrest. The opposition again stood from their chairs and raised slogans against the government demanding a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the Kashmir unrest. Heated exchange of words were witnessed between Congress and PDP, when Noor Mohammed Sheikh of PDP levelled personal allegations against the Congress member Usman Majid. The comment was, however, expunged by the Speaker. As the opposition members were raising slogans, Speaker Kavinder Gupta said the decorum of the house was not being followed and anti national and pro Pakistan slogans were being raised by the opposition members in the house. Soon after Speaker's remarks, the opposition members stormed into the Well and raised slogans against him. They protested and stood on the table in front of the speaker and raised slogans against him. As pandemonium continued, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day. Later, speaking to the media, leader of Congress Legislative Party Nawang Rigzin Jora said they will approach the governor against the Speaker and bring a no confidence motion against him for speaking a lie in the House. "I was raising slogan like 'PDP ka nara kya, Kashmir Banega Kabristan', but what the Speaker spoke is not true in the Assembly stating that we raised some pro-Pakistan slogan. "We have lost confidence in him as he has time and again from the chair said that he is a RSS man, we will approach the government and also bring a no confidence motion against him," Jora said. Chinese President Xi Jinping will open the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) in Swiss ski resort town of Davos next week, which will be attended by a record 3,000 global leaders from business, government and civil society, including over 100 from India. Announcing the programme for the 47th Annual Meeting, from January 16-20, 2017, WEF announced at a press conference here that the summit will have a theme of 'Responsive and Responsible Leadership'. The Meeting will call for a new model of leadership championing collaboration, growth, reformed capitalism and preparedness for the fourth industrial revolution. More than half of 400 sessions at the five-day event will address strategies for fostering greater social inclusion and human development, while one-third of the 3,000 participants come from outside Europe and North America. Another one-third will represent stakeholder groups outside business and government, Geneva-based WEF said. "Under the theme Responsive and Responsible Leadership, the Meeting will focus on four critical leadership challenges for 2017 - re-imagining global cooperation, revitalising the global economy, reforming capitalism and preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution," it added. "The world around us is changing at unprecedented speed. At this tipping point, our traditional concepts of society, meaningful employment and the nation state are challenged, and many understandably feel insecure or even threatened. "A new model of responsive and responsible leadership is needed to allow us to address the challenges the world faces, from security to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with long- term, action-oriented thinking and solidarity on a national and global level," WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said. WEF said it would be the most comprehensive meeting of ministerial delegations in the world, with over 70 countries including all G20 countries participating. This year's Meeting will include the participation of the new Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, along with heads of key international organisations. "The Annual Meeting 2017 will be opened by President Xi Jinping of China, who will be accompanied by the largest delegation of Chinese officials since the country first participated in the Annual Meeting in 1979," it said. Besides Jinping, the event would also see participation by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe from the region. From India, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Nirmala Sitharaman as also Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu are expected to be present. Besides, NITI Aayog Vice President Arvind Panagariya and DIPP Secretary Ramesh Abhishek as also over 100 business leaders including Rahul Bajaj, Azim Premji, Mukesh Ambani, N Chandrasekaran, Sunil Mittal, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Baba Kalyani and Vijay Shekhar Sharma are expected to be there. Film maker Karan Johar, activist Swami Agnivesh and Congress leader Kamal Nath are also among the Indians registered for the annual talkfest of the rich and powerful from across the world. Overall, there would be more than 1,200 CEOs from various countries, making it biggest such gathering. WEF said its commitment to bringing leaders from all stakeholder groups together stems from a strongly held belief that the only way to address critical global challenges is to ensure the participation of all groups in society and all members of the international community. "The Forum believes that this is as relevant today as it was in 1971 when the first Annual Meeting was held. Despite the huge change the world has seen in recent years, the Forum has consistently argued for an inclusive and sustainable approach to managing our world's transformation, even as it has become increasingly interconnected and more complex." The Co-Chairs for the Annual Meeting are Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, Documentary Filmmaker from Pakistan Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Save the Children International CEO Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Royal Philips CEO Frans van Houten and Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Meg Whitman. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will be on a state visit to Switzerland from January 15-18 besides attending Davos event, is expected to be at the centrestage of the event with China's growing importance in the global economy. He will become the first Chinese head of state to attend Davos meet. A few global leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has been a regular at Davos in the past, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will skip the event. The event is also expected to witness a lot of debate on the US Presidency of Donald Trump, who would assume office on January 20 -- incidentally the last day of the WEF Meet. Other global leaders to be present are Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, IMF Chief Christine Lagarde and WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo, as also General Motors chief Mary Barra, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Alibaba's Jack Ma. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala will address a joint session of the state legislature on February six. It was decided to convene a five-day legislature session from February six to 10, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs T B Jayachandra told reporters after a cabinet meeting. He said the cabinet has also given administrative clearance to Karnataka Road Development Corporation for the construction of 195 bridges at the cost of Rs 1,395.58 crore in the next three years time. The project is aimed at constructing bridges at important places, where there was need for it and connect them with the state highways. Rs 350 crore will be spent in 2017-18, Rs 450 crore in 2018-19 and Rs 495.58 core in 2019-20, he said. The cabinet also approved purchase of diagnostic machines aimed at providing free medical facilities for poor at a cost of Rs 103.53 crore under the National Rural Health Mission. Under this CT scans, MRI scans and diagnostic equipments will be installed at all district hospitals. Central government will provide Rs 41.77 crore in the form of assistance for this purpose. Approval to purchase 133 mini buses at about Rs 32.23 crore under JNNURM-2 and bringing in amendments to the solar policy towards encouraging solar power generation were among several other decisions taken by the cabinet, the minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Attacking Arvind Kejriwal after he was virtually declared as AAP's chief ministerial candidate for Punjab, state Congress President Amarinder Singh today said if the "nefarious design succeeds", for the first time in the history of the state, it will end up with a "Haryanvi chief minister". Reacting sharply to AAP leader Manish Sisodia's remarks at a rally in Mohali asking people to vote for Kejriwal, Amarinder said the Delhi Chief Minister wants to grab power by hook or crook. "Kejriwal's ugly intentions have been thoroughly exposed with this development, which had shown what a slimy liar the Delhi chief minister is...Kejriwal has finally exposed his obsessive and abominable lust for Punjab's chief ministerial position," he said in a statement. "From his lies on chief ministerial and deputy chief ministerial posts for Punjab to his conflicting statements on SYL (canal) and other issues, Kejriwal has all along been trying to befool the people in a desperate bid to seize power in the state and exploit it for personal gains," he said. The former Punjab Chief Minister said Kejriwal has failed to realise his dirty plans in Delhi and now he is resorting to the same tactics in the state. Stating that Congress had all along been maintaining that Kejriwal had his eyes on the top post in Punjab, Amarinder said, "If his nefarious design succeeds, for the first time in the history of Punjab, the state will end up with a Haryanvi chief minister." The Congress leader cautioned the people of Punjab against "biting the carrots Arvind Kejriwal has been dangling in front of them with his false claims". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal will be on a two-day visit to the Majha region of Punjab starting January 14 during which he will launch the 'Ghar Bachao Muhim' campaign in the run-up to the upcoming state Assembly polls. Stating this here today, AAP Punjab legal wing head and party candidate from Majitha Himmat Singh Shergill said the Delhi Chief Minister will launch the campaign to encourage the people of Majha to stand united against the "corrupt" politicians who "ruined" numerous young lives by "patronising the drug trade" in the state. Shergill, who was accompanied by AAP candidate from Amritsar (South) Inderbir Singh Nijjer, said Kejriwal will be in the region from January 14 to 15 during which he will tour the villages of Bhoa, Dinanagar, Dera Baba Nanak, Ajnala, Rajasansi, Attari, Tarn Taran and Khemkaran constituencies falling in the border zone. He will give a clarion call to the people to fight a "decisive" battle against the "crooked" politicians for their legitimate rights and betterment of future generations. Shergill said it was pathetic that Punjabis, who immensely contributed to the national food basket, despite their small geographical area, formed the majority in the army and brought laurels in education and sports, were feeling "depressed and deserted" by these "so-called leaders" who were busy "filling their coffers at the cost of Punjab's future". Nijjer said Punjabis have always been on the forefront in defending the nation and were acclaimed throughout the world for their exemplary courage, honesty and hard work, but the "wicked" politicians have "wreaked havoc" on the younger generation by "exposing them to lethal drugs". He asserted that AAP had a "zero-tolerance policy" towards drugs and corruption and that those involved in these will be dealt with sternly if the party came to power in Punjab. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pitfalls Of Dating A Married Woman Is It Ever Okay To Date A Married Woman? We Investigate The Dating Nerd is a shadowy figure whose whereabouts and identifying details remain unknown. What we do know is that he is really, really good at dating. Hes been on more dates than you can shake a lengthy bar tab at, and hes here to help the average guy step his dating game up a notch or several. The Question Hi Dating Nerd, I screwed up. I think. Ive been seeing this married woman. We met at a party I was one of the younger guys there and she was one of the older women there, though were fewer than 10 years apart. The sex, when she has time to see me, is phenomenal. Every time we meet up, I cant stop texting her for days afterward. Its exciting, but I dont know where its going. If her husband finds out, Im probably dead. I know I should stop, but Ive never felt anything like this before, where she gets my heart racing this bad. What should I do? - Should I Put A Ring On It? The Answer Reader, I am sympathetic. Because this is yet another example of how much misery is caused by not being able to choose who were attracted to. Assuming that youre not a horrifically ugly toad (apologies to the horrifically ugly toads out there) I bet there are other women around the girl you met in spin class who ticks all the boxes, whos perfectly single, who you felt absolutely nothing for the morning after. For reasons you couldnt identify at all. You were just like, whatever, its time to get lunch, alone. But something about this married woman got you. The curve of her leg, or her smile, or her intoxicating laugh. And now, you, foolish person that you are, are stuck on someone unavailable. Really, I dont blame you. When I tell you that you should probably be very cautious about this woman, its not from a place of moral judgement. As they say, the heart wants what it wants. Obvious implication: Sometimes (often, in fact) what the stupid heart wants is stupid. And shes facing the very same problem. She knows her husband inside and out. (Maybe literally, if shes freaky.) She knows about the foot smell. She smiles back at his yellow-toothed smile. Though he isnt flawless, she decided that he was worth settling down with. But now you come along and you Ruin Everything. Partly shes so excited because, yknow, youre the handsomest, most charming dude of all time. But partly its because its the early days of your relationship she doesnt know who you are. You havent had a chance to annoy her yet with the way you fondle your own testicles constantly. (Stop it.) In summary: Youre a dream, not a reality. That she developed this dream is understandable enough. Any human with functioning glands sees an attractive person and instantly fantasizes about what a magical unicorn they must be, and keeps that dream going as long as possible. (Its when the dream ends that you find out if youve got a real relationship.) Whats not as understandable is that shes decided to screw up reality (her relationship with her husband) for a dream (you). No matter how effective a cheater she is, unless her husband is a total drooling moron, he knows whats up. Shes distracted all the time. The sex isnt what it once was the fellatio is becoming rarer and rare. And why is her phone buzzing all the time? Now, maybe their relationship was already terrible. But there are a lot of ways to deal with a terrible relationship. Theres couples counseling. You can make it into some kind of pell-mell polyamorous penetration-fest. Also, you can just be an honest person and break your partners heart. But shes not doing any of that. This is an important illustration of her character. When she gets bored in a marriage, she hunts down some other guy and takes her pants off. Thats how she deals with sexual malaise. Thats her brilliant solution. This is a fine kind of person to get involved with if you just want to have a crazy affair. Which might be fun. Just keep in mind that youre screwing up some poor chumps life. No offense. But you are. I truly dont believe in the common wisdom that the married half of an affair is the ethically culpable half. I feel like this is wisdom distributed by whiny man-children who cant admit when theyre displaying questionable character. Surely, this woman didnt just fall onto your boner out of nowhere. Surely, you were part of the process. One time, a married woman invited herself up to my apartment. Wed just had a long chat at a party; most of the chat focused on how she was dubious about married life. After our chat, it just so happened (bullsh*t) that she was leaving at the same time as me (bullsh*t) and that we were walking in the same direction (bullsh*t.) And, instead of saying goodbye, she said, Why dont I come up for a drink? Unsurprisingly, drinking wasnt all we did that night. You could say she tempted me. But thats a bunch of nonsense. After all, I participated in her conversation about how monogamy is stupid, and stared deeply into her eyes the whole time. And when she invited herself up, I accepted. If her boyfriend found out about what happened and punched me in the face, I dont know that I could blame him. What I did was regretful, and I regret it. Are you OK with that? OK, fine. Im not here to parent you. Just to clarify the situation. And heres one more clarification. If youre really emotionally invested in this woman, then you should shut this whole thing down immediately. Stop talking to her, stop seeing her, unfollow her on Instagram, no matter how those yoga booty shots liven up your afternoon. Because let me tell you what happens next. Finally, she leaves her husband. All those hate-filled sessions with a divorce lawyer make her frisky as hell and you have crazy, all-night sex. She tells you how you excite her in ways her old husband never could. You feel like more of a man. You feel like this is it that youve finally found the one. RELATED: Do You Know What The 5 Different Levels Of Cheating Are? She probably thinks the same thing at first. And then, a few months later, she gets bored again. Or, worse a year later, after youre married. Because, remember, at first, her husband was a dream, just like you. And then the dream died. She realized he wasnt perfect. Now, she realizes that you arent either. All of your habits irritate her to an unbelievable extent. She starts faking orgasms. And that new guy at her work well, hes charming. Hes exotic-seeming. Hes confident. Hes a bit short, sure, but hes built, and he has great style. She finds him on Facebook just so they can talk about work. Then, casually, one day, he invites her out for a drink after work. Just a friendly drink, he assures her. What could go wrong? Think you could use some dating help, too? Email the Dating Nerd at [email protected]. The Kremlin deplored today the United States' blacklisting of a high-ranking official and the prime suspects in the 2006 murder of ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko as a move that further damages bilateral ties. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Washington's decision to blacklist Investigative Committee chief Alexander Bastrykin and Litvinenko's alleged assassins, lawmaker Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun, represented "further steps in the artificially created degradation of our relations". "We deeply regret the fact that a lingering period of unprecedented degradation in our bilateral ties occurred during Obama's second presidential term," Peskov said. "We are convinced that this does not coincide with our interests or that of Washington." The US Treasury on Monday added Bastrykin, Lugovoi and Kovtun to the Magnitsky Act sanctions list in a spike of diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Washington. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Monday the additions to the sanctions list followed "extensive research" and targeted individuals with "roles in the repressive machinery of Russia's law enforcement systems, as well as individuals involved in notorious human rights violations." Obama's outgoing administration has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating cyber attacks aimed at influencing the results of November's White House race. Moscow has repeatedly rejected the accusations, over which Washington last month expelled 35 Russian diplomats allegedly involved in espionage and due to what Obama said was "harassment" of US diplomats in Russia. The Magnitsky Act was originally passed to allow US officials to impose sanctions on Russians implicated in the 2009 prison death of Russian tax fraud whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. But more individuals have been blacklisted over the years. The list now includes 44 names of those whose assets under US jurisdiction are frozen, and who are barred from doing business with Americans or receiving US visas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka is keen to establish a tripartite arrangement for trade and investment with India and Singapore, its Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Harsha de Silva has said. Sri Lanka aims to conclude Economic Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) with India for services this year, and is negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore, Silva said. "The ETCA will enhance the scope of our existing India-Sri Lanka FTA to extend freer movement of goods and services with the added emphasis on cooperation in the development of technology and in investments," he said at 'The Indian Ocean' forum organised by the Institute of South Asian Studies yesterday. The three trade pacts, including India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, will enable South Asia and Singapore to establish a tripartite arrangement for trade and investments, he said. He went on to highlight Sri Lanka's goal to boost exports to USD 20 billion by 2020. The geo-political realities require that Sri Lanka builds strong bilateral relations with Bay of Bengal members of ASEAN, in addition to its fellow South Asian members, he said. "In addition, we cannot be content with our traditional markets, and we must look beyond for new opportunities," said de Silva. Sri Lanka is supporting China'a One Belt - One Road economic initiative, in line with the major historical role it played in the Maritime Silk Route. "This will consolidate our position to become the hub of the Indian Ocean while further integrating us with the Asian markets," said de Silva. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In strong remarks that are bound to spark controversy, Congress today advised Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi to work as Constitutional head of the Union Territory and "not as BJP worker". "Lt Governor is the Constitutional head and behave as such and not as BJP worker. It is not proper," party spokesman Shaktisinh Gohil told reporters at a time when a rift seems to be widening between Bedi and the Congress government there. Insisting that the Constitution makes it clear that neither the Governor nor the Lt Governor has a right to go against what the Assembly decides, he alleged that the "representatives appointed by the Modi dispensation" were not honouring this. "Any decision which goes against the Constitutional provisions is a wrong decision," he said, adding the Governor in Arunachal Pradesh had earlier behaved in a similar fashion when the Congress was in power there. Bedi had unsuccessfully contested the last Delhi Assembly polls as BJP chief ministerial candidate. Earlier in the day, Bedi said in Hyderabad the Congress government led by V Narayanasamy wants her to be just a "figurehead" though the rules assign her responsibilities of an administrator and made it clear she won't back down. Sticking to her announcement about quitting the post on May 29 next year, Bedi said she took the decision as she is discharging her duties for a "cause and not a tenure" and will "set in motion the needed practices" so a "third year may not be needed at all". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Metropolitan Magistrate is not supposed to step into the shoes of investigating officer and not interfere in the probe, a Delhi court has said while setting aside an order directing the police to seize case property in a criminal complaint. The court's decision came on an appeal by a man, who was booked under section 409 (criminal breach of trust) of the IPC for wrongfully retaining three luxury cars owned by a company, in which he was one of the directors, for personal use. "During the course of investigation, issuance of directions like conducting raid, arresting accused, seizure of specific property by a Magistrate would amount to interference in the exclusive sphere of investigation... It would seem that Magistrate is himself probing the matter. "The manner and method of conducting investigation are left entirely to the investigating officer which should not be interfered with" unless and until necessary. "A Magistrate is not supposed to step into the shoes of the investigating officer," Additional Sessions Judge Sudesh Kumar said. The judge made the remark while hearing a revision plea of accused Rishi Aggarwal, a Delhi resident, challenging the order of a magisterial court which had allowed an application seeking monitoring of probe and directed the IO to verify the ownership of cars, seize case property and take expedient steps to secure the interest of the complainant, a co-director in the company. "I am satisfied that the order vide which, directions have been issued by the MM to the IO to seize the vehicles in dispute and also to take expedient steps to secure interests of the complainant is not in consonance with the scheme as postulated in the aforesaid judgments. The order hence stands set aside," the judge said. According to prosecution case, complainant Mukesh Khurana had lodged a complaint against Aggarwal, on whose request three luxury cars were bought in the name of their joint firm for his use and were to be returned to the company on demand. It was alleged that the vehicles were retained by the accused for his personal use with an undertaking to compensate the firm for depreciation in the value of the cars by his use but despite repeated demands, he neither returned the cars, nor compensated the company. The magisterial court, in its March 22, 2016 order directed the police lodge FIR against Aggarwal and seize the cars, other case property and take steps in interest of the complainant. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra government is pushing hard to convert the entire process of submission of applications and admission of the students to different schools under the Right To Education (RTE) quota online. The state today issued a GR (government resolution) directing the schools that the online admission process should initiate in January and get over by April. The government had been trying to convert the system online since the past two years, although it had experienced glitches and received several complaints in this regard. The School Education Department has made it mandatory for eligible schools to take part in the online process for students seeking admission under the RTE. It has given 15 days time to the schools to enrol for the online system and provide information about 25% quota of admissions. "Every school should publish detailed information about the RTE, its eligibility criteria and its procedure for better understanding of parents," the GR stated. It also asked the school authorities to provide the same information on the website and release a video clip about it. The RTE has made it clear that students residing within one kilometer from the school should be given priority. Referring to it, the GR said that parents should provide detailed address of their residence, so that it will be easier for the schools to determine the eligibility. Distances would be measured with the help of Google Map service; hence minor variations in the distance (on map and in reality) should be permissible for admitting students, the RTE has said. The GR made it clear that school authorities will not be allowed to verify the documents provided by the parents, especially the income certificate. "It will be verified by the tehsildar (a revenue department official). If the income certificate is fake, then the student's admission will be cancelled," it said. "If a student gets allocation for more than one school, then the parents should finalise one of the schools within the given time. Once a school is selected, the admission will not be cancelled," the GR said. The Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training (MSCERT) in Pune will oversee the admission process. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With deals worth USD 4.4 billion, Maharashtra pipped Karnataka and Delhi-NCR in terms of attracting private equity and venture capital investments in 2016, a report by Corp VCCEdge today said. "With 303 deals worth USD 4,462 million, Maharashtra topped the chart of states attracting private equity and venture capital investments. Karnataka came in second having attracted funding worth USD 2,518 million from 280 deals," the report for calendar year 2016 said. Delhi-NCR saw 190 deals worth USD 1,302 million, it added. City-wise, Bengaluru pipped Mumbai in terms of number of PE/VC deals with the former recording 277 deals compared to 227 deals in the financial capital of the country. However, while Mumbai outscored Bengaluru in value terms, registering deals worth USD 4,338 million as against USD 2,493 million worth of deals in the tech city. New Delhi witnessed 165 deals amounting to USD 1,253 million, while Gurugram registered 110 deals worth USD 1,001 million, the report said. Maharashtra also topped the state tally of mergers and acquisition (M&A) with 243 deals to the tune of USD 23,911 million. Haryana saw 66 such deals worth USD 11,837 million, while Karnataka registered 130 M&A deals amounting to USD 2,305 million, the report added. Mumbai witnessed 198 M&A deals worth USD 23,643 million, while Bengaluru witnessed 126 such deals worth USD 2,282 million. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has called for installation of solar rooftops to be made mandatory for all upcoming residential societies and sought a ban on use of diesel generator sets in highly-polluted urban areas like the national capital. The environmental watchdog has argued that decline in cost of solar panels means they are now a financially viable option and the cost of electricity generation through them, including the capital cost, is a third (Rs 10 per unit) of that generated through diesel generator (DG) sets (Rs 27- Rs 33 per unit). The solar rooftop can also reduce monthly power bill of the consumers. The extra units generated through solar rooftop can be exported to the grid, something which cannot be done with DGs, according to CSE. In a survey conducted in five residential societies across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan it was found that "size of the diesel generator was often not connected to outage" but was sometimes linked to the "status" of a particular society. For instance, ICON, an upscale society in Gurugram, which experiences an outage of only 16 minutes per day on an average had "full backup" with DG size of 1,112 KW. "DG back-up has become increasingly redundant because of reducing power outages in cities. We must realise that full back up was considered a basic need by upscale societies when the outages often lasted several hours a day," said Chandra Bhushan, director general, CSE during the launch of report 'Solar Rooftop: Replacing Diesel Generators in Residential Societies'. "If power outage is less than an hour a day then the very definition of 'full back-up' needs to be changed. For tens of minutes of outage, even for the high-end societies 'partial load back-up' should be sufficient," Bhushan added. As per CSE, this partial load can be easily met by solar rooftop for individual flats. DG sets though can be used to supplement additional power requirements for shared facilities in a residential society like elevators and for energy-intensive appliances such as ACs. However, solar power providers, who develop, operate and maintain, solar power generation equipment for their customers have their set of concerns as well. "My potential customers currently are those who have very high credit rating and have not defaulted. But individuals do not come with credit rating, same for MSMEs. So, there is a need to develop a credit strengthening framework which can give credit enhancement and credit security if there is a default by a customer," Ritu Lal, vice-president, business development, Amplus Solar, said at the launch of the report. Other recommendations include financial support to discoms to compensate them for loss of revenue as consumers migrate to solar power. It has also been suggested that new constructions seeking approval should have a certain area free for execution of solar rooftop systems. The need to spread awareness among house owners and RWAs about the economic viability as well reliability of solar units has also been highlighted in the report. A solar calculator was also unveiled which has been designed for a domestic consumer to help them install a solar plant it provides information about electricity needs, viability of the plant as well as total project cost. The man who allegedly plotted the murder of his ex-lover's husband using poisonous injection in north Delhi's Sadar Bazar area, had stolen the drug from a renowned government hospital, police said today. Anish Yadav (30), a gym trainer, had hatched plan to kill Ravi Kumar, who was married to the woman the former was in relationship with. Yadav contacted Prem who allegedly agreed to kill Ravi by giving the poisonous injection. Yadav allegedly paid Prem Rs 1.5 lakh for it. During interrogation, Prem said he had stolen the drug from a renowned government hospital a few days back, police said, adding they are verifying his claims and will contact the hospital concerned. Police have found CCTV footage from a medical shop wherein Prem could be seen buying and trying out mask hide his identity. Prem was caught while he had administered the drug to Ravi, who succumbed during treatment. Police said Yadav was also involved in an alleged case of gang-rape in 2010 in southwest Delhi's Dwarka area and is currently out on bail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress has "discredited" its state leadership by using "face" of former premier Manmohan Singh to release the election manifesto, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said today. "Congress used Manmohan Singh's face to release its election manifesto. The Congress leadership in Punjab is discredited," Sukhbir, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said here. For the past six months Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh was promising lot many things to the electorates, but to hide his "lie" party used the face of Manmohan Singh now, he said. Manmohan Singh had yesterday released the Congress election manifesto. Punjab is slated to go for polls on February four. "No one can trust Amarinder. He is a habitual liar," Sukhbir said. Congress manifesto was "vision less" document, he claimed adding the party failed to address issues like power, sewerage and water supply in villages and 4-G connectivity. "In a way Congress has admitted in its manifesto that ruling Akali Dal-BJP combine had done enough of work on infrastructure, power, sewerage and water, connectivity and road network," he said. Congress in it's manifesto had to promise that it would continue with free power, he said adding the manifesto only speaks about continuation of different schemes launched by the Akali government during its ten years rule. Hitting out at Congress for announcing special tax status to Punjab in its manifesto, Sukhbir asked why it was not given to the state during the UPA regime. Taking a jibe on Congress for declaring to shun VVIP culture, he said that all the party MLAs still use red beacon on its vehicles. "Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal had been fighting for long to get a government accommodation earmarked for former chief ministers," he said. Punjab Congress vice president Manpreet Singh Badal's family has over 20 personal security men, he claimed. On the occasion, Congress leader from Kartarpur Rajesh Kumar along with his supporters joined the Akali Dal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Masked criminals laced with firearms on Tuesday looted Rs 6.58 lakh from a the Central Cooperative Bank branch at Chouparan, about 70 kms from here in Hazaribagh district, said Bhimsen Tuti, Superintendent of Police, Hazaribag. Tuti told reporters that when the Branch Manager and a bank employee entered the bank in the morning, they were followed by two persons posing as customers. The duo wore masks soon after entering the branch and forcing the manager and the employee at gun point, moved them towards the strong room and asked them to open the chest. The looters then took away cash valued at Rs 6.58 lakh and escaped, Tuti said. Before escaping, the two criminals locked the two officials in a room and escaped with three other criminals who were waiting outside the bank and escaped in two waiting motorcycles, the officer said. The SP said the village Chokidar of Chouparan reached the branch, freed the two officials and informed the police. The police have started an investigation in to the matter. Tuti said all adjacent police stations have been alerted and a search was on to nab the criminals, though no one has been arrested so far. Tweet My former GMU Econ student Caleb Brown discusses in this Cato Institute Daily Podcast with Dan Ikenson and Dan Mitchell Trumps economically ignorant trade triumvirate (of Robert Lighthizer, Peter Navarro, and Wilbur Ross). Nick Gillespie points out that Progressives bear much of the blame for many of the dangers that are likely forthcoming from Trumps presidency. A slice: One of the things that [Meryl] Streep, who spoke at the Democratic National Convention last summer in support of Hillary Clinton, didnt address, though, is the way in which Barack Obama has handed Trump vast powers as president. Theres no question that Obama worked overtime to arrogate more power to the presidency over the past eight years, using all sorts of unilateral action to get shit done. Even Yellow Dog Democrats will grant as much when it comes to civil liberties abuses (remember Bams secret kill list?) and waging war (still waiting on his request to Congress under the War Powers Act to sanction Libya, which turned out so well). Obama was on the losing end of a 9-0 Supreme Court ruling about abusing recess-appointment powers and his moves on immigration law suffered a similar fate as well. In all sorts of ways, the plain fact is that, like George W. Bush before, Obama was ready to grab as much power as he could. And whatever presidential precedents he established will now be sitting in Oval Office, waiting for the arrival of Donald Trump. All schools and colleges in Madhya Pradesh have been asked to hold mass 'Surya Namaskar' session on January 12, to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, as per a recent state government circular. "Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) will be performed in all schools, colleges, academic institutions, gram panchayats and residential schools of the state from 9 AM to 10.30 AM on January 12," a Public Relations department officer said today. The programme is being organised to mark spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, which is also observed as 'Yuva Diwas' (Youth Day). Notably, a controversy had erupted in Maharashtra last year when the state government had passed a proposal to make 'Surya Namaskar' mandatory in all civic schools of Mumbai, evoking sharp reactions from opposition parties. Meanwhile, the MP's PR department official said that on January 12, inspirational, academic and cultural programmes focusing on the life of Swami Vivekananda will be organised. "Participants have been asked to gather at 9 AM. A committee under the chairmanship of district collector has been constituted to conduct this programme in their respective districts," the official said. He also said that a message of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be broadcast at 9.30 AM, followed by a session of 'Surya Namaskar' and 'Pranayam' at 9.45 AM. Students from class VI to XII and college students would perform these 'asanas', while the pupils from class I to V will watch it, he said, adding that arrangements have been made for the direct broadcast of the programme. Earlier, the Maharashtra government's proposal to make 'Surya Namaskar' mandatory in civic schools was dubbed as a ploy to "promote Hindutva" and "saffronise" education by the opposition. The Mumbai civic body had cleared the proposal tabled by a BJP corporator with an aim to improve overall health of students by incorporating the ancient exercise regime into their daily routine. The Bombay High Court had in September last year declined to grant an interim stay on implementation of a resolution making yoga and 'Surya Namaskar' mandatory in civic schools of Mumbai, saying it was just a form of exercise which is good for the body. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shares of Max Ventures and Industries (MaxVIL) surged over 10 per cent today after the company announced its Rs 147.9 crore fund raising plan. The stock soared 10.37 per cent to end at Rs 74. Intra-day, it advanced by 18 per cent to Rs 79.15. At NSE, shares of the company zoomed 9.91 per cent to close at Rs 74.25. In terms of volume, 21.34 lakh shares of the company were traded on BSE and over 88 lakh shares changed hands at NSE during the day. Max Ventures and Industries (MaxVIL), part of Analjit Singh-led Max Group, yesterday announced a Rs 147.9 crore fund raising plan, which includes sale of 22.51 per cent stake to a subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company for Rs 121 crore. As part of the plan, the company will also raise Rs 26.9 crore by issuing warrants to the promoter group equivalent to 4.76 per cent of the post-issue share capital of the company on a fully diluted basis. The board of directors of the firm has approved issuance of 15,523,870 shares of the company on preferential basis to New York Life International Holdings Ltd at a issue price of Rs 78 per share, MaxVIL said. MaxVIL is the newest entity in the Max Group of companies that came into existence after the erstwhile Max India Group was demerged into Max Financial Services Ltd, Max India Ltd and Max Ventures and Industries Ltd (MaxVIL). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Ministry as well as over 160 Indian Missions today celebrated 'Vishwa Hindi Diwas' as part of efforts to popularise the language. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the MEA for promoting Hindi world-wide and hoped that use of various technology tools will help in establishing it as a global language. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that MEA will intensify efforts to popularise the language further. The MEA and Indian Missions have been celebrating 'Vishwa Hindi Diwas' on January 10 every year since 2006 by organising various events. "Hindi is one of the most popular languages in the world. The interest in learning Hindi in various countries in the world has increased with India's growing stature globally," the Prime Minister said in a message. His message was read out at an event to mark the day which was attended by top officials of the MEA, a number of parliamentarians, authors and foreign students learning Hindi in India. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran said a series of initiatives were taken under guidence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the last two-and-half years to popularise the language across the world. She said a committee headed by Swaraj regularly reviews steps to promote the language. Students from a number of countries were awarded at the event which was also attended by renowned Hindi poet Ashok Chakradhar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US lawmakers and eminent Indian- Americans paid glowing tributes to late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa at a memorial service held at the US Capitol Hill here, describing her a mass leader who inspired people across the globe. Jayalalithaa was a leader who inspired people across the globe by her innovative welfare programs and women empowerment initiatives, said Congressman Danny K Davis during the memorial service held here last week. Davis highlighted Jayalalithaa's charismatic connection with the masses that endeared her to all. Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi praised the dynamic leadership of Jayalalithaa and her life that embodied her relentless fight for the poor. The memorial service was organised by Chicago-based World Federation Of Tamil Youth, a media release said yesterday. Jayalalithaa died on December 5 after suffereing from a cardiac arrest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a move that could queer the pitch for the ruling BJP, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) and NDA ally Shiv Sena today formed a "grand alliance" for Goa Assembly elections next month. While GSM was floated by RSS rebel Subhash Velingkar, MGP, the oldest regional outfit of the state, recently severed its ties with the BJP and pulled out its two ministers from the Laxmikant Parsekar cabinet. "All three parties will opt for seat sharing during the upcoming Goa polls. This would be a grand alliance between like-minded forces," MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar told reporters here in the presence of Velingkar representing GSM and Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena. The alliance, which will be contesting 35 of the 40 seats in the Assembly, declared Sudin as it chief ministerial face. The partners, however, did not say what its stand is going to be in the remaining five segments. Dhavalikar said Shiv Sena will contest four seats - Saligao, Thivim, Cuncolim and Mormugao, and GSM on six - Siolim, Panaji, Mayem, Sankhali, Curchorem and Velim constituencies. For the remaining seats, MGP will field it candidates. Shiv Sena, a partner of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, is making a serious bid in Goa for the first time. "Once we form the government, the first and foremost decision would be withdrawal of government grants to schools having English as Medium of Instruction (MOI)," Velingkar told reporters. He said education in English is against the universal principles and unnatural as worldwide it is established that teaching should be only in mother tongue. Notably, Velingkar was relieved of his responsibilities in the RSS after he attacked the BJP Government in the state as part of his agressive campaign for primacy of regional languages like Marathi and Konkani over English in education. The partners also decided to form a co-ordination committee with Velingkar as its convenor. "The co-ordination committee will be a channel for all the three parties to communicate among themselves," he said. The alliance will draw up a common minimum programme, which would be the focal point of the campaign. Responding to a question, Raut said the alliance between Shiv Sena and BJP in Maharashtra was the longest political understanding in the country which was broken by BJP for political benefits (in 2014 Assembly polls). "Shiv Sena is known for abiding by alliance and it will also do the same in Goa with allies," Raut added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nobel peace prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus today said that micro-credit is a tool for fostering entrepreneurship among the poor. "Micro-credit is a tool to unleash energy for building entrepreneurship among the poor people. This will also stop the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few," Yunus said at the bicentennial celebrations of prestigious Presidency University here. Yunus, who pioneered the concept of micro-credit in the world, said that social business is the only way to create wealth and also employment opportunities. As compared to capitalist form of business which is driven by the profit motive, social business is all about creating happiness for others, he said. "Unemployment is totally an artificial issue which was being thrust upon by the present societal system," he said. "Why should today's youth seek jobs. Instead, they should look for creating jobs for others. This wrong thinking has put all of us in the wrong direction," he said. He felt one should be a job creator rather than a job seeker. "Poverty is not due to the poor people. It is created by the system. The poor people are the victims," the noted economist said. Commenting on Donald Trump's victory in the US, he said, "The world was moving in the right direction in terms of decarbonising. But Trump's victory has left us worried because he viewed the idea of decarbonising the world by 2050 which is nothing but a hoax. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A "minor" fire broke out aboard a navy warship here today but no one was injured, a Defence spokesperson said. "There was a minor fire today on-board INS Pralaya, a missile vessel which is undergoing refit at Naval Dockyard Mumbai," the spokesperson said. "The fire was reported in the gyro compartment and was subsequently brought under control with the assistance of Dockyard fire brigade," he said. "There were no injuries to any personnel," the spokesperson added. Last month, two sailors were killed and 14 others injured when INS Betwa tipped over during undocking at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The INS Betwa, a 3800-tonne Brahmaputra class frigate was being undocked at the naval dockyard on December 5 when it slipped off the dock blocks and keeled over in the dry dock. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Clicking selfies or combing hair in college corridor might lead to suspension of students at Delhi University's Miranda House, with the authorities issuing a warning in this regard. A notice which has been put up at the college for the School of Open Learning (SOL) students, who attend Sunday classes there, states that such activities amount to "misutilisation" of time. Krantikari Yuva Sangathan, a student association of SOL students, termed the circular "misogynistic" and said that they would take it up with the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). "Miranda House College and its teachers are always fighting to ensure your higher education. We hope that women students benefit from this opportunity and focus on academics. Many women have been seen taking selfies, combing their hair and modelling in the gallery," the notice put up by the college read. "This is misutilisation of time. The college does not give permission for this. If any student is found misutilising their time, they will be suspended from the classes held on that particular day, and will be made to leave the college premises," it added. Miranda House Principal Pratibha Jolly, confirmed the notice, saying, "it has been put out following an internal discussion on safety concerns as students usually sit on pillars while clicking selfies" and added that is a suggestion to the students. SOL Director CS Dubey, however, said he had no information about the notice. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sharpening her attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today likened him to the 14th century Delhi king Sultan Muhammed Bin Tughlaq, known for his whimsical ways. "I have seen many governments at the Centre, but never seen a Tughlaqi government like this. He (Modi) has a Tughlaqi style of functioning and says different things at different times," she said. "Tughlaqi decisions of Tughlaqi government have crippled the economy," she said at the annual 'Joydeb mela' in Birbhum. "Modi babu has become a salesman of plastic currency. Will people eat plastic?" she said adding, "people do not have cash. People's money has been declared black and BJP's black money is white?" She alleged that anyone who spoke out against the Centre was branded as corrupt and central agencies were sent after them. Banerjee, who yesterday termed the CBI as "Conspiracy Bureau of India", said, "CBI has been unleashed against the Trinamool Congress". "America had blacklisted Modi once for riots. He hasn't changed after becoming PM. He is still hatching conspiracies," Banerjee said. "We urge everyone to come forward and protest. Let there be a tide of protests," she said. The TMC supremo said that the CPI(M) had "destroyed Bengal. "CPI(M) and BJP have teamed up. We have to defeat them. We have to develop Bengal," she added. Accusing Modi of being "totally arrogant", Banerjee claimed alleged that he was responsible for over 120 deaths owing to demonetisation. "Modi babu, you are totally arrogant. You are responsible for over 120 deaths," she said in a tweet. The chief minister also attached a state-wise list of persons who, she said died owing to reasons linked to demonetisation of high value currency notes. "Demonetisation has put people in utter distress. 30 percent people have lost their jobs due to demonetisation. The people are suffering. Workers under 100 Days' Work Scheme are not receiving wages," she claimed. The chief minister laid the foundation stone of a 'Baul Academy' and said, "we have to develop the academy into a world-class exhibition centre where people from across the world will come". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Global confectionery and food major Mondelez International will pay USD 13 million penalty to the US government for violating anti-corruption law by its subsidiary, erstwhile Cadbury India, in getting regulatory approvals for expansion of a unit in Himachal Pradesh. The matter relates to violation of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in India by Cadbury India, which had in 2009, took help of an agent to obtain "outside assistance" in securing various licenses and approvals to increase production capacity of one of its unit at Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. Passing a "cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations" order against Mondelez last week, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said, Mondelez shall "pay a civil penalty in the amount of USD 13 million (Rs 88.5 crore) to the Securities and Exchange Commission for transfer to the general fund of the United States Treasury". Commenting on the development, a company spokesperson said: "Mondelez International Inc and Cadbury Limited are pleased to have reached an agreement with the SEC to settle charges related to internal controls and books-and-records provisions of the FCPA, without admitting or denying the charges." The spokesperson further said: "As part of the settlement, Mondelez International Inc has agreed to pay a civil penalty of USD 13 million to resolve the investigation." Without naming the agent, the US SEC order says that Cadbury India paid him a total of USD 90,666 (Rs 61.70 lakh) for "providing consultation, arrange statutory/government prescribed formats of applications to be filed for various statutory clearances, documentation, preparation of files and the submission of the same with government authorities," for specific licenses. Cadbury had transfered the sum into the agent's bank account, who was a local business person and tile and marble vendor, withholding tax upon receipt of the invoices, it added. According to the US SEC order, Cadbury India performed no further due diligence on its agent. Other than the invoices from its agent, which contained a description of the specific licenses or approvals obtained as support for that invoice, Cadbury India did not receive documentary support and did not have any written contract with him. "Cadbury India's books and records did not accurately and fairly reflect the nature of the services rendered by Agent No 1 Cadbury did not implement adequate FCPA compliance controls at its Cadbury India subsidiary, which created the risk that funds paid to Agent No 1 could be used for improper or unauthorised purposes," the US SEC order said. On February 2, 2010 Mondelez acquired Cadbury and because of the nature of the acquisition, Mondelez was unable to conduct complete pre-acquisition due diligence, including anti-corruption due diligence. "As a result of Mondelez's acquisition of Cadbury stock, Mondelez is also responsible for Cadbury's violations," SEC said. In addition, Cadbury India's "books and records did not accurately and fairly reflect the nature of the services rendered by agent" and was in violation of the Exchange Act, by "failing to keep accurate books, records and accounts." The US SEC further said that the company also failed to "devise and maintain internal accounting controls that were sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that access to assets and transactions were executed in accordance with management's authorisation and specifically to detect and prevent payments. For years, herder Gelegrash had a sideline bringing tourists to see a dinosaur skull hidden near the Flaming Cliffs in Mongolia's Gobi desert. Then, one day, it was gone. It is one of thousands of ancient fossils that have disappeared from the country since American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews - supposedly the inspiration for the movie character Indiana Jones - discovered dinosaur eggs there nearly a century ago. Paleontologists and smugglers alike have descended on the sands ever since. Now the Mongolian government is mounting a campaign to reclaim the lost relics, hoping to bring home fossils long held in foreign museums and the curiosity cabinets of private collectors - such as Hollywood star Nicolas Cage - who pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for them on the open market. In his yurt near the red sandstone cliffs, Gelegrash laughed about the skull's potential value: "If I had known it was worth so much, I would have sold it myself." The dinosaur repatriation drive began when the husband of the country's then culture, sport and tourism minister Oyungerel Tsedevdamba learned a New York auction house was to sell a rare, nearly complete Tarbosaur bataar specimen - a smaller, fiercer cousin of Tyrannosaurus rex. Palaeontologists confirmed that all known specimens of the fearsome reptile had come from Mongolia's Nemegt basin, raising the question of how it ended up in Manhattan. Removing fossils from the country is illegal, but "nobody knew what to do exactly", Oyungerel told AFP. "Nobody had claimed dinosaurs from abroad before." Since Chapman Andrews' discovery, hundreds of expeditions have travelled to Mongolia to look for fossils, some with official blessing, others digging them out illegally and smuggling them out of the country. It is nearly impossible to prevent thefts from Mongolia's vast steppe, said Surenjav Munkhsaikhan, 31, who manages the national park where Chapman found the eggs. She is the only full-time guardian of over 10,000 hectares of fossil-rich desert, working with police and her volunteer deputy Gelegrash to combat crimes ranging from illegal mining to the theft of rare plants. She patrols the area on an old motorbike, but "really wants some drones", she said. For now the only way she knows a fossil has been stolen is when customs agents catch a smuggler, or one of Gelegrash's fellow herders complains about losing their source of income. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Morocco has banned the production and sale of burqa full-face Muslim veils, apparently for security reasons, media reports said today. While there was no official announcement by authorities in the North African nation, the reports said the interior ministry order would take effect this week. "We have taken the step of completely banning the import, manufacture and marketing of this garment in all the cities and towns of the kingdom," the Le360 site quoted a high-ranking interior ministry official as saying. It said the measure appeared to be motivated by security concerns, "since bandits have repeatedly used this garment to perpetrate their crimes." Most women in Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, prefer the hijab headscarf that does not cover the face. The niqab, which leaves the area around the eyes uncovered, is also worn in Salafist circles and in more conservative regions in the north, from where thousands of jihadists have gone to fight in Syria and Iraq. In some commercial districts of Casablanca, the country's economic capital, interior ministry officials on Monday conducted "awareness-raising campaigns with traders to inform them of this new decision," the Media 24 website said. In Taroudant in southern Morocco, authorities ordered traders to stop making and selling burqas and to liquidate their stock within 48 hours, the reports said. Retailers in the northern town of Ouislane were said to have received similar instructions. It was unclear if Morocco plans to follow in the footsteps of some European countries such as France and Belgium where it is illegal to wear full veils in public. The reports were met with a muted response in the absence of official confirmation, though Salafists expressed concern that the measure could be expanded to include the niqab. "Is Morocco moving towards banning the niqab that Muslim women have worn for five centuries?" Salafist sheikh Hassan Kettani wrote on Facebook. "If true it would be a disaster," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court has asked theMaharashtraUnderPrivilegedTeachers Association to make a representation to the state government and the University of Mumbai about their grievance over appointment of principals in several private colleges in the state. The teachers' body had claimed in a petition that the appointment of principals in 59 private colleges was not in conformity with the norms related to qualification and procedure. "Such a representation should give details as to how the selection committee has allegedly made a mistake with the established procedure, ignoring qualification and other requirements to be considered for the appointment for the post of principals in these colleges," said a bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice G S Kulkarni. The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the association challenging the selection process for appointment of principals. The bench asked the petitioner or individual teachers to make representations as directed by it within two weeks from the date of the order passed on January 5. The representations have to be decided by the Higher and Technical Education Department of the state government and the university concerned within four weeks from receipt of such representations, the bench said. The high court also made it clear that the Higher and Technical Education Department or the University shall give a hearing to the candidates already selected as principals and working in this post and also the managements concerned before passing an order. The petitioner said they had approached the authorities concerned and made representations listing their grievances and "illegal" procedure allegedly adopted for selection of Principals but did not get any response despite an order from the Information Commissioner. Hence, they had approached the high court. While disposing of the petition, the HC ordered the individual teachers and the association to make separate representations to the state government and the University of Mumbai. The petitioner argued they are espousing the cause of teachers who are deprived of their right or privilege which they are supposed to enjoy in normal course of selection. The court ruled, "It is a well-settled law that service matters cannot be decided in a PIL. However, if it is with regard to writ of quo warranto, wherein challenge is made to qualification of the person to be appointed to a particular post contending that there was violation of procedure, then in such a case alone, a PIL touching service matter can be entertained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked BJP leaders not to seek tickets for their relatives in view of elections in five states, Madhya Pradesh BJP executive committee today passed a political resolution to check nepotism in party at its meeting which began here today. Today, a political resolution praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the surgical strikes across the border, demonetisation and his boost for cashless transactions was also passed at the two-day meet. "Surgical strike at terrorists' camps across the border displayed the country's strength and the note ban move aimed at eradicating naxalism, terrorism, corruption, black money which was ruining the country is historic," stated the resolution. The cashless transaction drive of the government has gathered steam across the country, it said. "Yes, we have passed the political resolution to check nepotism in the party," MP BJP general secretary Ajay Pratap Singh said, adding merit will be the main criteria in picking up candidates and promoting them within the party. "We have passed a political resolution regarding the surgical strike, demonetisation and cashless transaction drive," Singh added. Modi had asked party leaders to not seek tickets for their relatives, at the BJP National Executive held in Delhi recently. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Buoyed by victory in elections to the municipal councils and Nagar Panchayats, BJP leaders in the city unit have launched an exercise to woo North Indians by holding the series of 'Chunavi Chaupal' wherein they are apprising North Indian voters about the various initiatives taken by the Devendra Fadnavis led government. Local leaders at ward levels have shown great synergy in organising such chaupals and response from North Indian voters to this series of 'Chunavi Chaupal' has been overwhelming, said Amarjeet Mishra, General Secretary of city unit of BJP, a key functionary of the 'Chaupal'. 'Chaupal' is a popular concept in Northern India where in people gather in a open community space and hold deliberations on regular issues. "We are apprising the North Indian voters about the various initiatives taken by CM Devendra Fadnavis. We are telling them about the infrastructural and developmental works done by him and also the various programmes attended by Fadnavisji which were organised for the sake of North Indians," Mishra said. Mishra runs several social and cultural organisations such as Abhiyan, Kamal Deep Foundation etc in the city. "Whenever we called Chief Minister, be it at Bati-Chokha programme, Kajari or Chhath Puja or celebrating Uttar Foundation Day in the city, Fadnavisji was kind enough not only to grace the occasion but also he reached out to North Indians residents and spoke to them," he said. North Indian voters have a sizeable population in the metropolis and all parties have been eyeing this vote bank. The announcement of elections to 11 civic bodies including Sena-BJP ruled BMC is likely to be made very soon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is personally supervising all the meetings related to the infrastructural projects under these municipal bodies. The current term of Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi-Nijampur, Ulhasnagar, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nashik, Akola, Solapur, Amravati, Nagpur civic bodies will end by March 2017. Last time in 2012, BMC elections were held on February 16 and the new House was formed on March 8. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special MCOCA court here today issued a production warrant against Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Yasin Bhatkal and six others in connection with the 2011 Mumbai triple blasts case. "The court issued a production warrant against Yasin Bhatkal, who is presently lodged in Cherlapally central prison in Hyderabad," an ATS official said. The official added that the court also issued warrants against three other accused lodged in the same jail. "Apart from them, production warrants were also issued for an accused lodged in Tihar jail in New Delhi and two others in Parappana Agrahara central jail in Bangalore," the official added. Special MCOCA judge V V Patil directed that all the seven accused be brought before him on January 27. Explosions at Opera House, Zaveri Bazaar and Dadar West here on July 13, 2011, had claimed 26 lives and injured 130 others. According to police, the Indian Mujahideen had carried out these blasts and Yasin Bhatkal played an important role in procuring the explosives. Riyaz Bhatkal, Dubai-based Muzaffar Kolah and Tehseen Akhtar Shaikh are also the wanted accused in the case. On December 19 last year, a special NIA court in Hyderabad awarded capital punishment to Yasin and four others in the case related to twin blasts in Dilsukhnagar area on February 21, 2013, in which eighteen people were killed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The NAAM Foundation has decided to extend its activities to other states and will be building schools there for children of defence personnel killed in action. The foundation established by actors Nana Patekar and Makrand Anaspure has been active since September 2015 and works for upliftment of families of those farmers who committed suicide in Maharashtra due to crop failure and loan burden. "The foundation will build schools for children of the jawans (army and para-military force personnel) in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya," said Anaspure in an interview at the Rambhau Mhalgi lecture series last night. He said "Last year deaths of many jawans took place and we find that there is a dire need for schools in these states. Hence NAAM has decided to extend its activities there." Describing the work done by NAAM, he said "Due to desilting work done in villages around 20 lakh farmers stood to benefit. At least this year we hope the farmers will not suffer." "We want that farmers should stop ending their lives due to failure of crops and heavy debts, also the support price of anything be it crops or cotton is the main issue which needs to be solved," said Anaspure. He added, "Such is the situation in some parts of the state that micro finance firms charge as much as 35 per cent interest and just squeeze the farmers." The actor said, "NAAM plans to organise market camps for the sale of pulses and other materials in the coming months to lend a helping hand to farmers in parts of the state who have been facing hardships. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It would be "naive" for India to "tilt" towards the US in the "trade war" between Beijing and Washington under Donald Trump's administration, a state-run Chinese daily warned today amid concerns that expansion of manufacturing sector in India could dent Chinese exports. "It would be naive for India to assume that its economy will boom if it draws closer to the upcoming Trump administration amid a pending trade war between Beijing and Washington," an article in Global Times said. "OverestimatingUS-India economic ties may mislead India and send it down the wrong path for economic development. New Delhi needs to be realistic in terms of growth," it said. "Instead of tilting toward the US, it should focus on developing its manufacturing industry and integrating itself into the global supply chain to expand exports to narrow its trade deficits with major trading partners and create jobs to generate growth," it said. The article hit out at the weekend Assocham India report stating that India is likely to be harmed by a trade war between China and the US and New Delhi must be proactive to ensure that it is "on the right side of the upcoming US administration; or else the impact could be on the Indian services exports to the American firms". "Assocham's message that cautions being dragged into a US-China trade war seems to suggest that New Delhi should lean toward Washington to avoid being implicated and be ready to reap economic gains from a growing alliance with the US. "While this observation appears to be pragmatic, it is also near sighted and may risk distracting India from a better path for economic growth," it said. "The weight of economic ties between China and the US is heavier than those between India and the US. Bilateral trade between China and the US reached USD 558 billion in 2015 while trade between India and US was about USD 109 billion. "It would be self-deceptive to believe that the US needs India more than it does China," it said. The article argued that the problem with the Indian economy is that its manufacturing industry is less competitive than China's, which means India imports more than it exports. "China's exports to India reached USD 58.24 billion in 2015 while imports from India hit USD 13.38 billion, resulting is a trade deficit with China of USD 44.86 billion," it said. India officially put its trade deficit with China in 2015 at USD 51 billion. This year it was expected to grow as Indian exports have reportedly fallen further. "Further, India runs trade deficits with most of its top trade partners. To bridge these trade deficits, India needs to develop its manufacturing industry and produce more manufactured goods," it said. "Only by integrating itself into the global supply chain can India boost exports and drive growth. To achieve that, the best way is to work with a manufacturing powerhouse like China and develop its manufacturing capacity to become an integral part of the Asian supply chain. This would allow India to attract more foreign investment and open further to the outside world," it said. "With a large working-age population, many of whom are employed in unorganised sectors, India has a greater need to develop its manufacturing industry to tap the potential of its demographic dividend and lift a vast number of people out of poverty just as China did and still is doing," it said. "India needs to realise that there is no short cut when it comes to economic development. Failing to realise this, India risks setting its economy on a dead-end route," the article warned. With his now ousted successor Cyrus Mistry questioning investments in the Nano project, Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata today said setting up of the small car factory in Gujarat led to the state becoming a hub of car manufacturing in India. Calling himself 'Gujarati' while addressing the 8th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Tata also said that people abroad talk of the state and India in the same breath. "Some years ago when I attended Vibrant Gujarat Summit, I said that if you are not in Gujarat, you are stupid. And some years later with great satisfaction I can say that you are indeed stupid if you are not the Gujarat which is one of the fastest growing state," he said. He said Gujarat has got its glory because of the vision and execution zeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who led the state from 2001 to 2014. "Some years back I got the fortune and good luck of moving our car factory to Gujarat and soon again with leadership of Narendra Modi, Gujarat has become one of hubs of car manufacturing in India," he said. Tata Motors had relocated its plant to produce the Nano small car from Singur in West Bengal to Sanand in Gujarat in 2008. The plant began rolling out Nano in 2010, and in December 2015 also started manufacturing non-Nano cars. However, Tata's successor Mistry, who was abruptly removed as Chairman of Tata Sons on October 24 last year, and had to subsequently resign as director of operating companies including Tata Motors, dubbed Nano as one of the "legacy hotspots" that "has consistently lost value, peaking at Rs 1,000 crore". Soon after being removed, Mistry stated that Tata Motors should have shutdown the car due to "no line of sight to profitability for the Nano, any turnaround strategy" but "emotional reasons alone have kept us away from this crucial decision". Addressing the Summit, Tata said Modi's vision has been carried out by his successor chief ministers who have made Gujarat the leading state. "Today as we approach a new era that Mr Modi is leading, Gujarat will be one of the leading states in the country which ushers in the new India to the world. "The digital India, the India for defence and aerospace, mining, intellectual leadership and I am extremely proud to be here today," he said. "Thank you Mr prime minister for your leadership. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The upcoming National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) has appealed people from within the industry to come forward and donate memorabilia related to Indian cinema. The Museum Advisory Committee, chaired by veteran film maker Shyam Benegal, appealed to the film industry to donate rare artefacts, vintage instruments and other memorabilia to the National Museum, which chronicles the century old journey of cinema in India. The museum will be set up in the Films Division premises, here. "A visit to the film museum should be an engrossing experience and we should have a number of interactive sections, where viewers can watch clips from classics, listen to rare recordings or learn about how cinema was made in the bygone era," Benegal said in a statement. The Museum Advisory Committee, which met yesterday also gave its nod for the thematic display in the Phase II of the museum. National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata, under the Ministry of Culture, is curating the museum. Secretary, Information & Broadcasting, Ajay Mittal, who was a special invitee at the meeting, said the government has attached enormous importance to NMIC, to build it as a platform to present various facets of Indian cinema. NMIC is conceived as a two phase museum. Phase I is housed in the heritage building- Gulshan Mahal, mostly displaying static artefacts and telling the story of Indian cinema in a chronological form. Phase II of the Museum, being housed in the modern building will sport over 40 interactive galleries devoted to cinema across India, journey of Indian cinema from silent era to talkies, technology and creativity in cinema as well as a Children's activity gallery. Veteran filmmakers Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Krishna Swamy, noted cinematographer A K Bir, former Director of National Film Archives of India, Suresh Chhabria, film conservationist Shivendra Dungarpur, film critic Sanjit Narvekar, DG, NCSM Anil Manekar and DG of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalay, Mumbai Sabyasachi Mukherjee and film curator Amrit Gangar were among those who were present at the meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Join fellow community members, New Mexico Dream Team, United We Dream, labor advocates and immigrants from across the state on Saturday, Jan. 14 , and march in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program at the Immigrant Youth and Allies March . President Obama created DACA in 2012, to allow certain undocumented immigrants such as minors a renewable two-year period of deferred action and the eligibility of a work permit. President-elect Donald Trump now threatens to reverse this statute. Locals participating in this national march will be meeting at 10am on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. and University then march to Civic Plaza. Protect the movement and your fellow Americans, and stand up for our rights. (Megan Reneau) Rally and march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr's legacy and to show support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals legislation. Immigrant Youth and Allies To March On National Day of Action To Prevent Deportations & Protect Immigrants and Refugees Raise Voice in Support of Sanctuary Spaces and Preservation of DACA; Declare They Are Here To Stay Albuquerque, N.M. - On Saturday, immigrant youth from all across the state, together with hundreds of community members, people of faith and labor advocates, will rally and march beginning at the corner of MLK Jr. Ave. and University Blvd. on a national day of action to prevent deportations by preserving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program which currently protects three quarters of a million young immigrants and provides stability for their families, and winning local policy changes at the state and city level as well as creating sanctuary spaces in churches and schools to protect immigrants and refugees. In nearly 50 cities across the country, immigrants and people of conscience of all backgrounds will raise their voice to declare that they will stand in the way of deportations, racial profiling, criminalization and hatred. We are #HereToStay and will not be moved. The march culminates at Civic Plaza, where community members, immigrant youth, and allies will mount support in favor of a sanctuary policies that publicly supports DACA and outlines protections for the immigrant and refugee community ahead of a Trump administration. Who: NM Dream Team; including its 7 chapters from across New Mexico, United We Dream and community members wearing orange #HereToStay shirts What: Rally and March in honor of Martin Luther Kings Legacy and in preparation for the upcoming Trumps administration. Where: 10 am - University of New Mexico; at the corner of MLK Jr. Ave. and University Blvd. Culmination: Albuquerques Civic Plaza Visuals: Immigrant Youth and Allies holding #HereToStay posters, banners and orange shirts declaring the immigrant community is #HereToStay. NM Dream Team is a youth-lead group made up of undocumented students, families, and allies working in and alongside our community committed to informing, empowering and standing up with immigrants in our state. United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation, a powerful nonpartisan network made up of 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states. UWD organizes and advocates for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status. We seek to address the inequities and obstacles faced by immigrant youth and believe that by empowering immigrant youth, we can advance the cause of the entire communityjustice for all immigrants. CAMEROUN :: The Anglophone Diaspora: What role in Southern Cameroons development? The Anglophone Diaspora has, over the last two decades, grown exponentially as many people from Southern Cameroons seek new ways of kissing goodbye to the humiliating poverty that has become the hallmark of their community. As the number of Anglophones living abroad increases, many development experts are still wondering why the territory is one of the most underdeveloped in Cameroon. The main roads leading to the many towns and cities of the two regions are really begging for an extreme makeover. During the rainy season, these roads are simply non-existence. This has affected Southern Cameroons trade with neighboring regions of La Republique du Cameroun and with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and farmers, in particular, are feeling the pinch as most of their produce decomposes in their homes as they cannot move it to other parts of the country which serve as a good markets for Anglophone produce. It is estimated that post-harvest losses in South West Region in Anglophone Cameroon alone stand at about 70% as the region is noted for its perishables such as oranges, mangoes, cassava, cocoa and coffee. But getting highly needed foodstuff such as beef, cabbage, maize from the Northwest region into the South West is proving to be very challenging as the main roads linking the two Southern Cameroons regions remain impracticable. This unfortunate situation is causing food process to escalate, making life unbearable for citizens of Southern Cameroons. With regard to healthcare, Anglophone Cameroon has divisional hospitals some of which became operational in 1972. Over the years, less efficient doctors from La Republique du Cameroun have reduced the hospitals to consultation clinics with many Southern Cameroonians ending up in the mortuary for little health issues such as constipation and seasonal flus. The outdated equipment and lack of commitment on the part of staff have made Southern Cameroons hospitals a gruesome environment whose main role is the issuance of dead certificates. Also, as education in the area is unfortunately underfunded, the Anglophone region which is noted for its talented people has taken a huge blow to the liver. The educational infrastructure is suffering from acute ageing and most of it is crumbling with Southern Cameroonians looking helplessly. This, coupled with the grinding poverty, unemployment and despair is making many Anglophone citizens to simply bid farewell to formal education which was in the past, the regions hallmark. However, many development experts remain hopeful, especially as the Anglophone Diaspora grows exponentially, with the majority of them living in North America. But what role can and will this growing Diaspora play in efforts at reshaping life and mentalities in a Southern Cameroons that is begging for meaningful economic and social investments? Making the Diaspora part of the development process in many developing countries is an idea whose time has come, even in the Southern Cameroons. While Asian communities have been using their Diasporic communities since the 1970s to boost their development efforts, African countries have just recently embraced the idea and, in the Anglophone Cameroon, there has been some reluctance even among members of the Southern Cameroons Diaspora due to past experiences and mentality issues. However, there are efforts underway to help members of the Anglophone Diaspora to embrace this new idea. Members of the Anglophone Diaspora have to understand that there is power in numbers and that their little contributions could, if well managed, turn things around for their beloved nation. The Diaspora, it should be recalled, constitutes a huge treasure trove of development information, experience and investment resources. Anglophone Cameroon is mired in abject poverty and the Southern Cameroons Diaspora can work towards rebuilding modern schools, upgrading hospitals and clinics in the territory. Their contributions could transform these clinics from glorified mortuaries into life-saving institutions. Southern Cameroonians living abroad have the means to help make their state an earthly paradise. This is, if they change their thinking and believe that working together is an idea whose time has come. They must understand that development ideas might not necessarily be theirs. They should rather look at the merits and good such projects will spin out to the people in the British Southern Cameroons such as a return to the 1961 federal status or an independent state of Southern Cameroons. They have to quit their old squabbling and bickering mentality in the name of North West/South West Divide to embrace collective effort which is a notion that is very much alive in their new countries. Little contributions of about US$50 a year from every member of the Anglophone Diaspora will go a long way in changing things in Southern Cameroons. This implies paying US$4 a month. This sounds small, but its impact will be marvelous. With such contributions, school infrastructure can be built, hospitals could be equipped, scholarships could awarded to smart kids on a yearly basis, programmes to transform mentalities could be launched, and Anglophone mayors in all major cities could be given an opportunity to travel abroad and learn from mayors in large Western cities. The Southern Cameroons Diaspora could work for twinning projects with cities in the West. Other Diasporic communities are already making the most of these opportunities. Furthermore, the collective efforts of those living abroad can help transform the mentality of those back home. A bad mentality is a poverty generator. Our people are mired in poverty because their thinking has not evolved for decades. They still believe in having many kids and wives including a harem of mistresses! This explains why they are ever ready to accept less influential nominations or appointments from Francophone political elites. The days when people were proud to have large families are long gone. Fighting poverty requires sharing information with those who are not lucky to have access to that information. With Anglophone Diasporic communities setting up many organizations abroad, they should understand that those organizations could be used as NGOs for the sensitization of those who have been caught in humiliating poverty back in Southern Cameroons. With some tribal divisional organizations clearly playing significant roles in Anglophone development efforts, these organizations could be empowered to play an educational role in the whole of Southern Cameroons. Our people could be helped to understand that there are educational courses in life that can open more doors. Besides, the students could be made to realize that it is not just enough to have certificates. It is a lot better to have a certificate and be knowledgeable to defend the certificates we have. And this can only be achieved through continuous reading and research. If the Southern Cameroons Diaspora can build libraries in the territory, it will be able to make reading a culture and many poor kids in Anglophone Cameroon will have reliable places where they can conduct research and have access to information that can help transform their lives. This does not apply that the Anglophone Diaspora is not doing a lot back home. There is much going on right now at the individual level, but most of these efforts are personal and the results are hardly visible. Currently, capital flows from Anglophone Diaspora are currently spent on education, hospital bills and the consumption of foreign-made goods such as TVs and clothes and not much has been channeled to the Anglophone struggle for self determination. However, if Southern Cameroons has to benefit from its large population abroad, the numerous Anglophone organizations abroad have to work hard to bring the Diaspora together. The leaders out there must embrace new ways which are predicated on reliability and transparency. Back home, the Diaspora must ensure that it has reliable partners to work with. Without reliable partners in Cameroon, the Diasporas efforts will only go that far. All across Southern Cameroons, there are huge infrastructure gaps due to a kind of criminal neglect by La Republique du Cameroun which have made the territory less competitive when it comes to trading with neighboring regions and countries. Poor roads, unreliable energy systems and declining state-owned telecommunication systems clearly explain why the Anglophone Cameroonian cannot put its best foot forward against any region of the country. But some of these shortcomings can be reversed through the transparent management of Diaspora remittances and the Anglophone Diaspora must shake off old ways of thinking and embrace new ones. Consensus building is an idea whose time has come. South West and North West leaders both at home and abroad must ensure that they and their people are reading from the same script when it comes to federalism and the struggle for an independent state for Southern Cameroons including development projects. If British Southern Cameroons has to develop, the Diaspora must understand that it has a significant role to play and living abroad comes with a huge price tag that of reaching out to those who are unfortunate in life. That is where annual individual contributions come into play. The Anglophone has a chance to move forward as its people migrate. There is power in numbers, but the Anglophone has not yet seen those benefits. Its Diaspora must ensure that huge development opportunities do not pass the territory by. Other Diasporic communities such as South Sudan, Niger Delta and even Biafra are transforming the lives of their people. The Anglophone Diaspora has to wake up from its slumber and indifference if it has to be counted among the important Diasporic communities across Africa. It must be united and purposeful. Squabbling and bickering will not take anybody anywhere. NB: This article was first published on October the 8th 2013 Nepal wants to play a proactive role in protecting biodiversity and mitigating the negative impact of climate change, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said today. "The whole world is concerned about the biodiversity loss and looming threats of climate change. Despite resource constraints and globalized nature of climate change impact, Nepal has accorded top priority to address these concerns," said Bhandari at the inauguration of the International Conference on Biodiversity, Climate Change Assessment and Impacts on Livelihood, here. Bhandari said while Nepal's contributions to global warming are "negligible", it is compelled to face the brunt of the negative impact of climate change. "..In the form of ice-melting and threats of glacial lake outburst floods, deforestation, denudation and desertification, loss of precious flora and fauna, drought, landslide and depletion of sources of water, habitat loss and impact on productivity of soil, and consequent migration of people," she said. Bhandari said Nepal represents "biodiversity in a miniature form", alluring to its diversity comprising mountains, valleys and flatlands ranging from the highest point of the world in the Himalayas in the north to plain areas in the southern Tarai with exquisite flora and fauna. "Biodiversity is vital for human survival and livelihood," she said, adding, in recent years climate change and global warming have emerged as serious challenges threatening biodiversity and disturbing livelihood of common masses. Minister for Population and Environment Jayadev Joshi said developing countries like Nepal have been the "worst-affected" by the negative impact of climate change which has caused a serious threat to the livelihood. "The government has formulated and implemented adaptation policy for combating the negative consequences of climate change," he said and stressed on the need of implementing environment-friendly development policy and conducting public awareness programmes at local level for biodiversity protection. Various other dignitaries spoke about the significance of the conference, saying it would provide the platform for exchange of ideas and experiences in biodiversity conservation and combating climate change throughout the world. The three-day international conference is being jointly organised by the Ministries of Science and Technology, Population and Environment, Agricultural Development and Forest and Soil Conservation, TU Central Department of Botany, the Agriculture and Forestry University. During the conference, around 400 scientists, researchers, professors, environmentalists and conservationists from more than 20 countries including Nepal,India, China and Pakistan will deliberate on biodiversity issues, climate change and colonising species of plants as well as environmental and mountain problems. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Public sector National Insurance Company (NIC), gearing up for its maiden share sale either through strategic divestment or initial public offer, today said it aims to meet the regulatory criteria by March 2017. "Currently, we are not able to meet solvency ratio of 1.5 required for becoming eligible for IPO. Even in the first half, our ratio was at 1.26 but by March we hope to meet the same," NIC Chairman and Managing Director K Sanath Kumar said here today on the sidelines of an interactive session with the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce. The company requires capital for future and also for meeting the solvency requirements as per IRDA guidelines, he said. In order to improve the solvency ratio, the general insurance major has decided to shed or reduce some group businesses in health and motor segments. Kumar said due to some asset classification criteria, NIC is unable to meet the solvency ratio. "Real estate is not considered and equity is taken at book value. Market value of equity is Rs 17,000 crore against book value of just Rs 6,700 crore," he said. NIC is planning to garner Rs 13,000 crore premium for the current fiscal against Rs 12,000 crore for 2015-16. Meanwhile, Calcutta Chamber President Dinesh Jain said insurance sector offers huge opportunity as the market is expected to touch USD 350-400 billion by 2020. Looking at the huge market, a few foreign re-insurance majors are trying to open branches in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said there was no immediate plan to allot two vacant cabinet portfolios to anyone and he would continue to keep those ministries with himself. The two cabinet berths are lying vacant after Cooperation and Sugar Minister HS Mahadeva Prasad passed away earlier this month after suffering a heart attack, while Excise Minister HY Meti resigned over an alleged sex scandal. "The two portfolios are with me. There is no immediate plan to fill the vacant cabinet posts," Siddaramaiah, who is in the national capital to attend the national convention of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), told reporters here. He also maintained that there was "no urgency" for a cabinet reshuffle. Currently, the Karnataka cabinet comprises 32 ministers. In June 2016, a major cabinet revamp had taken place when 14 ministers were dropped and new faces were inducted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nobel Laureate Richard Roberts has urged India to adopt the Genetically Modified (GM) crop to usher in the revolution to feed the millions. Roberts, who won the Nobel in Physiology or Medicine in 1993, led a signature campaign of Nobel Laureates to force non-governmental environmental organisation Greenpeace to apologise for their wrong campaign against genetically modified organisms (GMO) which has so far been signed by 123 Nobel prize winners. Participating in Nobel Dialogue 2017 at the Mahatma Mandir, in presence of eight other laureates, India born Venky Ramakrishnan supported Roberts and urged the country to go for GMO. "About 800 million people sleep hungry in the world. I don't think this is a good situation," Roberts said, adding, "By genetically modifying plants we can increase the yield, tolerance to pests, nutrients." "But unfortunately what has happened is that there has been tremendous amount of misinformation which is being spread," he said. "There is a lot of research and it has proved that there is absolutely no reason to believe that so called GMOs are more dangerous to traditionally bred plant. Infact if you look at it, traditionally bred plants are likely to be more dangerous than these GMOs," he said. "What happens is when you begin to scare people and tell stories of how dangerous this things could be, it becomes very difficult to convenience people," he said. "The campaign spread to developing nations as well and in India many activists are creating problems," said Roberts, adding, "So some time back I started a signature campaign of Nobel laureates for the GMO and so far we now have 123 laureates who have signed the petition." "No Nobel laureate who have signed this petition are anyway connected with giant agri multinational corporation, but we are doing this for the people of the world," he said. Speaking about India Roberts said, "Fortunately Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognises this, but unfortunately there are many in Parliament who do not recognise this." "In India BT cotton has been been a great success, economical success for farmers. Gold rice is another good product that India should adopt," he said. V Ramakrishnan said he does not understand the opposition to the GM food. "People have no problem in taking genetically modified substance in medicine in the form of insulin, but when it comes to food they are not ready," Ramakrishnan said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Admissions to 25 per cent seats reserved in nursery classes of Delhi's private schools for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG) categories began today. The Directorate of Education (DoE) had last night announced the schedule and guidelines for admissions under the two categories, besides the schedule for 298 private schools running on DDA land which were earlier asked to put the admission process on hold. The application process for the two categories will conclude on January 31. The first list will be displayed on February 28 and subsequent lists will come out on March 15 and 31. "For schools recognised under Delhi School Education Act, admissions will be conducted through an online process and a centralised lottery to ensure transparency and accountability. Nearly 28,000 students in 1,158 schools stand to benefit from this," an official notification said. "Post the lottery, private schools will simply be communicated the children who will be allotted admission in their schools. To avoid any duplication of admission, the department has made Aadhaar ID mandatory which will curb any attempt to have unfair advantage of admission by means of multiple applications," it said. However, MCD schools and the institutes recognised under the Right to Education Act (RTE) shall have offline process of admission. Though preference will be given to proximity, schools have been directed to accept forms from all applicants, irrespective of distance, and then sort those accordingly for draw of lots. A list of schools and their vacancies has also been released along with the guidelines. "We have launched an admission helpline and a portal to deal with grievances filed against private schools," a DoE official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Barack Obama warned in an interview broadcast today that "unfettered support" for Israel's settlement policies would lead to a "worsening situation" over time between Israelis and Palestinians. The interview with Israeli TV program "Uvda" comes 10 days before Obama, who has been an outspoken critic of Israeli settlements, hands over to President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to pursue a starkly different approach to the conflict. Trump's election has buoyed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his pro-settler government. "If the notion is that unfettered support for Israel or more specifically support for the Netanyahu government's policies no matter what they are, no matter how inimical they may be to the prospects for peace if that's what qualifies as a good friend, then I think that we will see a worsening situation over time," Obama said during the interview, filmed in Washington last week. Netanyahu has accused the Obama administration of colluding with the Palestinians when it abstained last month from voting on a UN Security Council resolution condemning settlements. On Tuesday, Netanyahu reiterated that claim, saying Israel had "solid information" that proved the U.S. Was behind the drafting of the resolution. The White House has denied the allegations, and Israel has not publicly provided evidence to back them up. Obama defended the abstention in the interview, saying "I believe it was the best move for peace." Nearly 600,000 settlers now live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories the Palestinians want as part of a future state. Much of the international community as well as the Palestinians view settlements as illegitimate and an obstacle to peace. Netanyahu routinely dismisses international criticism of the settlements, saying the conflict predates them. While Trump has indicated a willingness to help broker peace, his election platform did not mention a Palestinian state and he has taken steps that show he plans to side with Israel. He has appointed an ambassador to Israel with deep ties to the settlements and he has pledged to relocate the US Embassy to Jerusalem, a move likely to enflame tensions and anger the Palestinians. Most recently, Trump has appointed his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as a senior adviser expected to focus on Middle East issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kushner's family's foundation has supported settlement causes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Court proceedings across the state, including in the Orissa High Court, were paralysed today as lawyers did not attend them in protest against the "failure" of the police to arrest the killers of Puri-based hotelier Chandan Kumar Behera, who also happened to be a lawyer and a member of the Puri Bar Association. Behera was allegedly hacked to death by unidentified assailants near his hotel Sai Kutir on Sunday evening. The police took Behera's body and one of his friends, who also received injuries in the incident, to the hospital. Behera's friend is at present undergoing treatment and based on his statement, the assailants have been identified. However, alleging "police inaction", various lawyers' bodies, including the Orissa High Court Bar Association, had decided to observe a symbolic protest today over the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Budget carrier SpiceJet's Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh today met DGCA chief B S Bhullar, amid on-going slug fest between IndiGo and the rest of the peer group over on-time performance (OTP) issue. Singh, during his meeting with Bhullar, raised the issue of Directorate General of Civil Aviation setting up of a panel to review airlines' OTP mechanism at four airports following IndiGo's complaint of the system being "flawed", particularly at the GVK-run Mumbai airport, sources said. "Singh expressed serious concern over the setting up of a committee to look into the OTP mechanism following a complaint by an airline since the data collection system at airports like Mumbai has been in place for many years," they said. Significantly, IndiGo's OTP from four airports has been on a decline for some time now, with the carrier standing fourth after rival SpiceJet, full service carriers Vistara and Jet Airways in November with its worst performance coming in from Mumbai airport, from where only 58.5 per cent of its flights were on time. Experts have attributed this sharp decline in IndiGo's OTP from four airports largely to its expanding operations. Significantly, IndiGo has added as many as 19 aircraft between since April last year. It operates over 900 flights every day pan-India. However, the number of employees it has added during this period could not immediately be known. After recording a poor 58.4 per cent OTP from Mumbai airport, the airline was quick to approach the civil aviation regulator pointing out "flaws" in the very system and asking for a review of the entire mechanism. "The DGCA has assured Singh that it will carry out a fair evaluation (of the process) and that airline representatives will also be included in the committee formed to look into the OTP issue," they said. When contacted, an IndiGo spokesperson said the airline has only pointed out "discrepancy" in the OTP data that it has come across. "We have provided evidence of the same to the DGCA," the spokesperson said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Human rights activists in Pakistan today rallied to protest the disappearance of four activists over the past one week and asked the government to take measures to locate them. Leftist liberals accuse that security agencies or militants might be behind the forced disappearances though nobody has claimed responsibility for the abduction. Protest rallies were held in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, where journalists, civil society supporters and rights activists demanded urgent measures to find the four missing activists. The missing activist include Salman Haider, a poet and university professor, who disappeared on Friday here. Two days before bloggers Waqas Goraya and his cousin Asim Saeed went missing from Lahore. Ahmad Raza Naseer, another blogger suffering from polio, was abducted yesterday in Sheikhupura near Lahore. The disappearance echoed in the Senate, the upper house of parliament, yesterday where opposition pressed government to recover the activists. Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan said that all steps were being taken to recover the missing activists. "Safe recovery of the missing social activists is a priority of the government," Kahn said while briefing lawmakers in Senate on the missing activists. "The government neither pursues the policy of getting its own citizens disappeared nor will tolerate this," Radio Pakistan quoted the minister as saying. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Human Rights Watch expressed serious concern over the disappearance of the activists and asked Pakistan government to locate them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CAMEROUN :: FFCI ( FRONTLINE FIGHTERS FOR CITIZENS INTERESTS) MAKES A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW ON THE FATE OF ARRESTED STRIKE VICTIMS IN CAMEROON It is erroneous to call peaceful manifestations criminal action but the vandalism that accompanies them usually varies from misdemeanors to typical felonies. When they become felonies the victims or suspects arrested in Cameroon with the slow judiciary process are usually abandoned in cells. Some die awaiting trial, some are judged and thrown into prison and some become unbearable burdens to their families. The FFCI during its observation of the Strike actions in Bamenda and Buea and in its successful efforts to release on bail the 13 detained suspects in Bamenda was shocked to find that the Victims of the February 2008 hunger strike were still awaiting trial . On December 28th 2016, The military tribunal delivered its verdict in the prosecution case involving: DONFACK YANNICK ROMAN, TSAFACK JEAN PIERRE, KENFACK WILLIAM STEPHAN, TSAFACK ERIC and NOUMBO BERTRAND. The court sentenced them to eight years prison term (already served) and a fine of 280.000FCFA each, though their court decision is still not available at the Dschang Principal prison. Eight years awaiting trial was just too much, they said, for a crime they did not commit. How pathetic! FFCI president talked to some them; who though free couldnt count or name their losses. They simply regretted having been part of the manifestations. We also remember what the students arrested in Buea during the 2005 students strike went through. Some lost the whole school year, some were banned from all state universities and some even lost their lives. The truth is that strikes in Cameroon have often had poor prognosis. This is perhaps because they are either poorly organized or led. The demands are often a salad of problems which one could hardly tell if they are eventually resolved or not. The leaders often stay behind and even when arrested, are quickly released to turn the eyes of the international organs of justice and human rights, while the innocent and less privileged gnash their teeth behind bars. We, the FFCI are not condemning strikes but wish to make it clear that neither the civilians nor the forces of law and order in Cameroon fully understand the process of striking. We would therefore recommend other means of tabling our problems or better still; get proper education about our rights and roles in public manifestations. This is what the FFCI has been doing for the past three weeks; Identifying and educating the radical groups in Bamenda in order to make sure that no innocent individual is arrested and that there be peace and order while the government listens to and solves the teachers and lawyers requests. A word to the wise is sufficient!!! Medical examination of a 10-year- old Pakistani maid, who was allegedly beaten up while working for an influential district judge which sparked widespread outrage, has shown multiple signs of torture, the head of the country's premier hospital said today. The case surfaced towards the end of last month when pictures of the maid went viral on social media, prompting chief justice of the Supreme Court to order a police probe. Chief of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Professor Dr Javed Akram told the media that in the light of court orders a high level team of doctors conducted the medical examination of the girl. "The examination shows multiple signs of torture. The girl has burn marks on her back and on the left hand. She also has a blunt wound on her face," he said. It was her second test as the initial medical examination report by PIMS stated that the wounds on the girl's body were the result of blunt trauma and the burns were attributed to an "accidental matchbox". The re-examination was ordered by the Office of District Magistrate, Islamabad, and the medical board comprised a general surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a burn surgeon and a psychiatrist. In the First Information Report registered with Islamabad police, the girl said she had been working at the house of Additional District and Sessions Judge Raja Khurram Ali Khan for nearly two years. After the criticism, the judge has tried to settle the matter privately and reached at an agreement with the father of the girl. Later, the father told a local court, that there was no truth about allegations of torture and he had reached a private settlement with the judge. However, the case took another turn when Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of the case. Meanwhile, the father disappeared with the girl but police traced him and recovered the victim on Sunday and took her for medical examination. Initially, the girl told police that she was often beaten up in the house. Most recently, she alleged the judge's wife shoved her hands onto a burning stove and then beat her after a broom went missing. She said the owners of the house would usually lock her up in a storeroom at night besides starving and beating her. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A panel of German language experts today chose "Volksverraeter" (traitor to the people) as the worst word of 2016, saying the term often used by right-wing activists to insult mainstream politicians had Nazi connotations. The six-member jury described the word as a "relic of dictatorships, including that of the Nazis". "Used as a reproach against politicians, the word is both un-nuanced and defamatory, stifling the serious conversation and debates necessary in a democracy," it said in a statement. Chancellor Angela Merkel and Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel have both been labelled "Volksverraeter" by far-right hecklers over the government's liberal refugee policy that has seen more than a million asylum seekers arrive since 2015. The term is heavily loaded in Germany, where it evokes memories of Adolf Hitler and his henchmen going after those they labelled enemies of the nation. It is one of a number of formerly taboo Nazi-era words that have in recent years been revived by groups such as the anti-Islam Pegida movement and the AfD party, which rails against the migrant influx. The "worst word of the year" award typically goes to an offensive term that has gained popularity in Germany over the past 12 months in a bid to raise awareness of the inflammatory words used in public discourse. Last year's dubious honour went to "Gutmensch", which translates as "do-gooder" and is used to describe people seen as naively opening their arms to migrants and refugees without thinking through the consequences. In 2014, the winner was "Luegenpresse" (lying press), another Nazi-era term that has been reclaimed by anti-migrant groups to denigrate the mainstream press. The word is chosen from submissions sent in by the public. The jury, led by Nina Janich of the Technical University Darmstadt, is made up of four linguists and a journalist as well as a different guest judge each year. The panel received over 1,000 submissions this year, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CPI today took exception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbing the opponents of demonetisation as supporters of black money, saying it did not "befit" his office. "The Prime Minister says those opposing demonetisation are supporters of black money. This does not befit his office, doesn't suit it," CPI National Secretary D Raja said. Modi had recently castigated opponents of demonetisation and those calling it "anti-people", as "political worshippers" of graft and black money. "It is unfortunate that some political worshippers (rajnaitik poojari) of black money are calling our efforts anti-people," he had said in his address at the 14th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) at Bengaluru on Sunday. Raja, a Rajya Sabha MP, asked if he was a supporter of black money since he was questioning the government's demonetisation, which, he said, had affected farming, industry and the hospitality sectors among others. While demonetisation was announced with the objectives of detecting black money and fake currency notes, Raja wanted to know how much the government has achieved in this regard. However, the Prime Minister or the government were not forthcoming with any details on these matters, he added. Demonetisation had affected national growth and fuelled unemployment, he charged. Farmers were neither able to spend on buying inputs nor could they sell their produce, even as other sectors like industry and hospitality had also taken a hit, he alleged. "Demonetisation has resulted in severe cash crunch and led to an economic emergency," he said and wanted the government to list out "at least one or two benefits" the move has resulted in. On opposition's insistence that the budget be deferred in view of the model code of conduct coming into effect following announcement of elections to five states, Raja said the Election Commission should "ensure a level-playing field." He said the Left parties, including CPI(M) and CPI, would jointly face the polls, especially in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to ensure the BJP did not come to power there. The SAD-BJP government in Punjab was already "unpopular," he added. Meanwhile, former CPI MP, K Subbarayan, slammed the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu for being "irresponsible" on the drought situation, which has resulted in an agrarian crisis and some farmers' deaths. He questioned why the government has so far not declared the state as drought-hit since such an announcement could fetch Central funds. Neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka had done it last year itself, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met several visiting foreign dignitaries including President of Rwanda and Prime Minister of Serbia to promote bilateral relations and investment opportunities. Modi met several delegates from different nations as well as Fortune 500 CEOs including John Chambers of Cisco on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here. With President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, he discussed "various aspects of India-Rwanda ties", the Prime Minister's Office tweeted. On the ocassion, MoU was signed on forensic sciences cooperation between the two nations as well as Rwanda's accession to the International Solar Alliance. Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic. Besides, Japanese Economy Minister Seko Hiroshige called on the Prime Minister. A large number Japanese companies are participating in the Summit. Denmark's Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate Lars Christian Lilleholt "held discussions with the Prime Minister on a wide range of issues", the PMO tweeted. At the meeting with Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Uri Ariel "ways to further India-Israel cooperation" were discussed, the PMO tweeted. Other leaders who met Modi included Swedish Education Minister Anna Ekstrom and Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad. Cisco System Chairman John Thomas Chambers, who on Monday had stated that he will bet on India the most in the world, too called on Modi on the sidelines of the Summit. Chambers will be a key participant at the CEO Roundable to be chaired by Modi after the inauguration of the Summit. He is also the Chairman of US-India Business Council. French elecricity giant EDF CEO Jean-Bernard Levy and Guillaume Pepy, CEO of France's state-owned railway company SNCF (France), also called on the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held bilateral talks with several heads of state and ministers who have converged here for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Ahead of the official inauguration of the Summit, the Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with various international leaders at Mahatma Mandir this morning, starting with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. In a series of tweets, External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with leaders of Rwanda, Serbia, Japan and Denmark. "A crisp January morning in Gandhinagar begins with full delegation level talks. PM with President @PaulKagame of Rwanda @VibrantGujarat," Swarup tweeted. "The two leaders witnessed the exchange of an MoU on Forensic Sciences cooperation and Rwanda's accession to the Intern'l Solar Alliance," said another tweet. Later, Modi held bilateral talks with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Economy Minister of Japan Seko Hiroshige and then with Energy Minister of Denmark Lars Clilleholt. "Strengthening ties with Serbia. PM @narendramodi holds 2nd bilateral with Aleksandar Vucic, Serbian PM at #VibrantGujarat2017," Swarup said in another tweet. "An enduring investment partner. 2 months after Economy Minister @SekoHiroshige called on PM in Tokyo, they meet @VibrantGujarat," he said. "Learning from the leaders in renewable energy. PM @narendramodi with @larsclilleholt, Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate, Denmark," he tweeted. The Prime Minister is expected to hold similar meetings with other heads of state ahead of the official inauguration of the 8th edition of Vibrant Summit later today. Around 20 heads of state and ministers from different governments across the world are attending the summit. Nisha Desai Biswal, an Indian-American serving as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the United States Department of State, will attend the Summit along with a large US business delegation. Other prominent dignitaries are President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, Deputy PM of Russia Dmitry Rogozin, first Deputy PM and Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Poland, Poitr Glinski. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Upping the ante on opposition to the proposed merger of State Bank of Travancore with SBI, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today alleged the initiative was an attack on regional institutions, smacking of a political motive to undermine federalism. "This attack on our regional autonomous institution is part of a political motive, it is doing away with the federal spirit of the country and building up a monolithic nation by submerging all ethnic identities," he told the 28th national conference of All India Bank Employees Association. He said there was opposition to the move in Kerala from several quarters and referred to the matter going to court besides his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also recalled a resolution of the state Assembly against the proposal mooted last year. Stressing that the people of the state had an emotional bond with SBT and it played a "significant role" in shaping up modern Kerala, he said its "disappearance no doubt will adversely affect investment" in the state. Vijayan, heading the LDF government, said the merger would lead to closure of more than half of SBT branches and transfer of employees. "One cannot turn a blind eye to the potential loss of career opportunities," he said. Noting that the Kerala government conducted its major business through SBT, he said, "What is worrying is the possible disappearance of a banking dispensation which accorded priority for the causes of the state and its people." He urged trade unions to continue to fight on the issue, "So that we can resist the attempt at homogenisation of our beautiful heterogeneous society and its institutions." Vijayan said, "It is imperative that they (like SBT) remain regional and autonomous. The aspirations of all sections of our society will materialise only in such an atmosphere. It is marked by the spirit of justice and equality." State Bank of India Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya had recently indicated that the merger of its five associate banks, including SBT and Bharatiya Mahila Bank, is likely to happen in the next financial year (2017-18). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Port Blair-based fishing boat, with six members on board, which went missing last month, drifted to the Lankan coast and was found by its Navy and later handed over to the Indian Coast Guard which brought the vessel and crew to Karaikal in Puducherry, the CG said today. The fishing boat, "Fahima Faheda" and the crew were brought to Karaikal by ICGS Rani Durgavati after they were handed over by Sri Lankan Navy at the International Maritime Boundary Line yesterday, a Coast Guard release here said. The Port Blair registered boat sailed from South Andamans on November 27 last and got trapped in cyclone "Vardah" (cyclone crossed coast on December 12) following an engine glitch and went missing, the release said. The boat and crew were found adrift by the Lankan Navy on January 5 near Poduvkattu beach off Mullaitivu in the Island nation. The boat was towed by the Lankan Navy to Kankesanturai and later, the boat and crew were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard authorities yesterday. On arrival, the fishermen were received by local and fishing authorities at Karaikal, the release said. Last year alone, Coast Guard ships had rescued 288 fishermen from Sri Lanka, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa today arrived in Goa for a two-day trip beginning tomorrow during which he will visit his ancestral house and attend a host of events in the coastal state. Costa landed at the airport at around 9.30 PM from where he left for his hotel, a senior Goa government official said. The Portugese PM has several functions lined up during his visit to the state and he will visit his ancestral house. Costa will pay a courtesy call to Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar at the residence of Consul General of Portugal in Goa located at Altinho in Panaji tomorrow. Later he will meet Goa Governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan. Costa would be visiting India's premier ocean research institute - National Institute of Oceanography - at Dona Paula on his way back from Raj Bhavan. The Portuguese PM is expected have lunch at a five star resort. After that he would be opening a new centre for Portuguese language after which he would visit Institute Menezes Braganza building located in the city. Costa would be given a tribute by the Goan Civil Society at Adil Shah Palace, which was Goa's erstwhile seat of governance. The 55-year-old PM would also be presented with a English translation of the book Sem Flores Nem Coroas written by his father Orlando Costa. He would then address a gathering during the event. On January 12, the Prime Minister would be visiting a factory in Verna village and has several private functions. He would be visiting his ancestral house in Margao town where he would be having his afternoon meal before leaving to visit Old Goa Churches and Mangeshi Temple in North Goa. Costa will also be attending an event organised by Salgaoncar College of Law located near here. He would also be given a reception by Indo-Portuguese community in a five star hotel near here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa will be in Goa on a two-day trip beginning tomorrow during which he will visit his ancestral house and attend a host of events in the coastal state. Upon his arrival tomorrow, Costa will pay a courtesy call to Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar at the residence of Consul General of Portugual in Goa located at Altinho in Panaji. Later he will meet Goa Governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan. Costa would be visiting India's premier ocean research institute - National Institute of Oceanography - at Dona Paula on his way back from Raj Bhavan. The Portuguese Prime Minister is expected have lunch at a five star resort. After that he would be opening a new centre for Portuguese language after which he would visit Institute Menezes Braganza building located in the city. Costa would be given a tribute by the Goan Civil Society at Adil Shah Palace, which was Goa's erstwhile seat of governance. The 55-year-old PM would also be presented with a English translation of the book "Sem Flores Nem Coroas" written by his father Orlando Costa. He would the address a gathering during the event. On his second day, January 12, the Prime Minister would be visiting a factory in Verna village and has several private functions. He would be visiting his ancestral house in Margao town where he would be having his afternoon meal before leaving to visit Old Goa Churches and Mangeshi Temple in North Goa. Costa will also be attending an event organized by Salgaoncar College of Law located near Panaji. He would be given reception by Indo-Portuguese community in a five star hotel near here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked Denmark to extend full support in the extradition of Purulia arms drop case accused Kim Davy, taking into account India's "sensitivities". The matter was raised by Modi during a call on by Danish Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate Change Lars Christian Lilleholt, who is here to attend 'Vibrant Gujarat' summit. "The Prime Minister raised the issue of Kim Davy's extradition and hoped that Denmark would take into account India's sensitivities and extend full cooperation. The Danish Minister assured that Denmark was seized of the matter," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. Last month, India had made a fresh request to Denmark seeking extradition of Niels Holck aka Kim Davy, an accused in the 21-year-old Purulia arms drop case. The fresh Indian plea was made after previous attempts to bring him to India for facing prosecution failed as the courts in Denmark rejected the extradition request. During the meeting, Modi also expressed his gratitude for Denmark's support to India's membership of MTCR and NSG. The two also discussed bilateral trade cooperation with the Prime Minister asserting that India-Denmark trade of USD 2.8 billion and Danish investment of USD 6 billion in India showed the strength of trade and investment ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister sought Danish participation in the areas of ports and shipping, waste water management and energy efficiency, in all of which Denmark has considerable expertise, Swarup said. On his part, the Danish Minister conveyed greetings of the Danish Prime Minister and said that Denmark greatly appreciated Modi's vision for modernising India. Denmark was keen to participate in India's smart city project and was awaiting an early visit by Minister of Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu, the visiting minister conveyed and added that Denmark was also keen to cooperate in the area of green energy particularly wind and solar. Observing that India has set ambitious targets for combating climate change in COP21 with plans to install 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, Modi said Denmark could be a valuable partner in the area. Emphasising that new innovation was needed in the wind energy sector, the Prime Minister advocated a hybrid model where benefit could be driven from both solar and wind energy through an integrated system. Modi also sought Denmark's participation in the international Solar Alliance which would promote innovation, research, affordable and sustainable technology, especially for smaller countries, Swarup said, adding that Denmark and India had both prioritised 'Mission Innovation'. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid criticism of his foreign tours during polls, Rahul Gandhi is unlikely to travel to China on a visit that was expected to take place next week. Gandhi, the Congress vice president, was to lead a party delegation on a week-long visit to Beijing reportedly from January 15 at the invitation of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) as part of the regular party-to-party exchanges between the two countries. AICC had for the past one week not denied reports of the delegation visiting China. "We cannot confirm about the visit, so how can we confirm about the deferment," said a party leader when asked about Rahul's plans to travel to China next week. Rahul has just returned from a week-long foreign vacation, for which he was criticised as five states are going to the polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Rajasthan government today e-auctioned two limestone blocks which would contribute around Rs 10,500 crore to its exchequer with the Nagaur mine getting the highest bid for any such mine in the country. Nagaur block was bagged by Emami Cements at a price which was 13 times higher than the reserve price and also was the highest bid amount for any limestone block in the country, a government official said. Chittorgarh block received a winning bid from Dalmia Bharat Cements. The Chhittorgarh block is also one of the largest limestone blocks in the country with 175 MT resources. Six cement companies were in the fray for bidding for Chhittorgarh block, Mines Secretary Aparna Arora said. Nagaur block has received the highest ever bid for a limestone block in India thus breaking the previous record by a significant margin held by the adjoining block, she said. The Boston Consulting Group has been working closely with the department throughout this process. This is a major success for the state government as it will result in approximately Rs 10,500 crore revenue and will create hundreds of jobs, said Arora adding that the mines department is committed to making the state the top mining destination in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat was hospitalised today after his blood pressure shot up and he complained of pain in the neck with doctors attending on him advising him rest. The 69-year-old CM was rushed to the Doon Medical College and Hospital after his blood pressure shot up suddenly and he felt pain in his neck, Rawat's media incharge Surendra Kumar said. However, the chief minister was discharged and brought back to his residence at Bijapur Guest House after being advised rest by the doctors, Kumar said. Rawat was at the hospital for nearly an hour, he said. The chief minister had sustained a neck injury in a flight to Delhi in June 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Labour ministers of southern states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala will meet in Chennai tomorrow to deliberate on issues like job creation and industrial relations. "Regional Conference of State Labour Ministers and Principal Secretaries/Secretaries, Department of Labour of Southern States (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Lakshadweep and Puducherry) will be held on January 11, 2017 at Chennai," a Labour Ministry statement said. According to the statement, the conference will be inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and chaired by Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya. The day-long conference will have four Technical Sessions. The labour ministers will discuss topics like progress of Unified Shram Suvidha Portal, labour reforms, simplification and rationalisation of 43 labour laws into four labour codes, industrial relations, implementation of labour laws, compliance under EPF and ESIC laws, among others. The conference will also focus on job creation, implementation of Model Career Centres, progress of National Career Service Portal as well as recent initiatives by the Labour Ministry on financial inclusion. The conference is expected to bring out issues for possible coordination and dialogue between the Centre and states, it added. The ministry said employment generation is the first priority for the government and it is committed towards job security, wage security and social security for workers. Along with bringing transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws, the ministry has taken important initiatives to realise and establish the dignity of every worker through provision of social security, enhancing the avenues and quality of employment, it said. Labour is a subject of concurrent list with a focus on cultivating strong Centre-states bond. Regional Conferences of State Labour Ministers and senior officers of state Labour Departments have been organised since last year to provide a platform for encouraging interactions and co-operation, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Resident doctors working at Delhi-government run hospitals today threatened to go on mass leave from January 17 if their demand for implementation of Seventh Pay Commission recommendations were not met by then. The warning came after representatives of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association met Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain urging him to ensure the recommendations were implemented for resident doctors working at Delhi government- run hospitals. "Already these (recommendations) have been implemented for resident doctors in central government hospitals but they have not been implemented for us," FORDA president Pankaj Solanki said. "The implementation will bring in a hike in the salaries of the resident doctors. We want the health minister to issue orders to all its hospitals. We are still looking forward to a positive response from the minister in this regard," he said. He said if their demand was not met, the resident doctors in Delhi government-run hospitals will go on mass leave from January 17. FORDA, an association created for the welfare of resident doctors all over India, was founded in January 2014 in Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ED today made its third arrest, a businessman, in connection with its money laundering probe involving controversial Delhi-based lawyer Rohit Tandon and others in a case of alleged illegal conversion of old notes worth Rs 34 crore. Officials said the businessman, Raj Kumar Goel, was placed under arrest by the agency after producing the relevant documents in court as Goel was already in custody after the Delhi police had first arrested him. Goel was sent to three days Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED, they said, suspects Goel had allegedly floated "shell firms" to illegally route cash deposits and launder them in connivance with a bank Manager Ashish Kumar, who has already been arrested by the agency in this case. The agency, they added, wants to undertake custodial interrogation of Goel with other accused like Kumar and Tandon as he is also allegedly suspected to be the "courier" of black money or illegal cash. The ED prosecutor, in the court today, alleged that money was collected, transported, deposited and drafts were made on instructions of Tandon, who is in Tihar Jail in the same case, acting through a chain of persons including Dinesh Bhola and chartered accountant Kamal Jain. He also told the court that Goel's statement was recorded under PMLA on January 6, in which he has revealed his role in the conspiracy and in laundering the proceeds of crime through bank accounts of his companies. "Money to the tune of Rs 38 crore, claimed to be owned by Tandon, was deposited in the bank accounts of companies pertaining to accused Goel in the demonetised currency, which did not belong to Goel," the prosecutor said. Tandon's case pertains to an operation of Delhi Police's Crime Branch and the Income Tax department in December last year when the agencies had seized Rs 13.6 crore, of which Rs 2.6 crore was in new currency, allegedly from a law firm here that he is associated with. The ED had booked a PMLA case against him based on the police FIR. Two cases involving Tandon and Chennai-based sand mining contractor Sekhar Reddy are being probed by at least four lead agencies of the country including the ED, I-T department, CBI and Delhi Police. The Reddy case pertains to Chennai where the Income Tax department has made the biggest detection of unaccounted income of over Rs 142 crore. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nearly Rs 15 lakh in cash has been seized by authorities in separate raids in the district ahead of the state elections beginning February 11, officials said today. "Rs 6.40 lakh was seized from Siddharth Chandra in Kotwali area by the flying squad and Rs 5.41 lakh was seized by an SST team," ADM Ravindra Kumar said. In other raids, Rs 1.10 lakh along with 21 kg cannabis was seized from Radha Valley and Rs 1 lakh near Tiraha Vrindaban. Rs 1 lakh was seized in Farah police station area, according to Kumar. "Nine vehicles engaged in the ferrying of illegal money were also confiscated," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The court hearing South Korean President Park Geun-Hye's impeachment trial today dismissed as "unsatisfactory" attempts to explain her whereabouts during the 2014 Seoul ferry disaster. Parliament voted to impeach Park last month over an influence-peddling scandal that has brought hundreds of thousands of protesters onto the streets every week demanding her removal. At the time of the vote lawmakers also said allegations that Park failed to carry out her official duties as the head of state during the ferry sinking were also grounds for her removal from office. The Constitutional Court last month urged Park's defence counsel to clarify the mystery surrounding her seven-hour absence during the disaster that claimed more than 300 lives, mostly school children. Unconfirmed media reports have suggested a wide range of theories about her whereabouts, including a romantic liaison, participation in a shamanistic ritual, cosmetic surgery or a 90-minute hair styling. Park's lawyers said today that she had felt unwell on the morning of the disaster and stayed at her residence instead of her office -- both within the presidential Blue House complex. They submitted documents to the Constitutional Court showing timelines of her receiving reports by phone or from her aides about the disaster and issuing directives. But Justice Lee Jin-Sung, one of the nine members of the court, told Park's legal team that the timelines failed to clarify exactly when and how she first came to learn about the sinking. "The answer from the president's side fell short of expectations and was somewhat unsatisfactory", Lee was quoted by Yonhap agency as saying. Lee noted that TV channels broke the story just after 9:00 a.M. Local time and said Park should clarify whether or not she was watching the at the time. "(Park) received numerous phone calls from the chief of the National Security Office and gave orders," Lee Joong-hwan, a lawyer representing Park, told reporters on the sidelines of the hearing. "She took appropriate steps." However, representatives from parliament told the hearing that neither the top national security advisor nor the chief of the presidential secretariat knew where Park was at the time of the disaster. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saudi Arabia has arrested two human rights activists, one of whom tweeted a depiction of the birth of Christ on Christmas Day, a monitoring group said today. The arrests of Essam Koshak and Ahmed al-Mshikhs are "part of the ongoing attacks on human rights defenders in the country," the Gulf Center for Human Rights said on its website. "No charges have been directed against either defender but it is believed that their online activities are the reason behind their arrest," said the centre, which has offices in Copenhagen and Beirut. It called for their immediate and unconditional release. Koshak has been detained in Mecca since Sunday, the Gulf Center said. On Twitter, he is pictured against a map of the Middle East and wearing Western dress including a flat cap of the kind popularised by the cartoon character Andy Capp. Koshak describes himself as a "rights defender", and has tweeted Western media reports about Saudi Arabia. Koshak has also retweeted comments from other activists, including the banned Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA). The Gulf Center said Mshikhs, co-founder of the Al-Adalah Centre for Human Rights in Saudi Arabia, has been detained since Thursday in Qatif, an eastern district dominated by minority Shiites. Mshikhs, whose Twitter account shows him against a backdrop of Nelson Mandela, Ernesto "Che" Guevara and Mahatma Gandhi, tweeted a Nativity scene showing the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. The practice of religions other than Islam is banned in Saudi Arabia. In December, London-based Amnesty International accused Saudi Arabia of a "continued ruthless and relentless crackdown on human rights defenders." Late last year, the kingdom was elected to a new three-year term on the United Nations Human Rights Council. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have agreed to hold talks on restoring a USD 3-billion military aid package that Riyadh froze last year, a Lebanese source said today. "The blockage is lifted," said an official in the delegation of Lebanese President Michel Aoun, who held talks in the Saudi capital with King Salman. "It's finished. There is truly a change. But when and how, we have to wait to see," the official said, adding "a new page" had been turned and the aid was "going to move." In February, the kingdom halted the military aid programme to protest what it said was "the stranglehold" which the Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah had on the Lebanese state. The programme, funded by Riyadh, would provide vehicles, helicopters, drones, cannons and other military equipment from France. It aims to ensure stability in Lebanon as it is weakened by internal divisions and threatened by jihadists and the conflict in neighbouring Syria. Salman's son, the powerful Defence Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will discuss with his Lebanese counterpart how to move forward with the package, said the official, who asked for anonymity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Delhi Mayor Shyam Sharma met Lt Governor Anil Baijal today and sought his help in procuring land for waste-to-energy plant under the civic body area and implementation of recommendations of Delhi Finance Commission (DFC). Sharma requested the LG for release of pending funds under 3rd DFC and implementation of 4th DFC, a statement by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said. He also sought early issue of notification of delimitation of municipal wards. Sharma requested the LG to help in the allotment of land for a waste-to-energy plant in the SDMC area. He suggested the land of the NTPC plant at Badarpur could be considered for this purpose as the coal-based plant may be closed keeping in view the rising pollution level. The Mayor also proposed a land plot measuring over 14 acre belonging to the Cement Corporation of India may be considered for allotment to the SDMC for extension of its only landfill site at Okhla whose life span has expired, the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sea piracy plunged to its lowest levels in 18 years in 2016, but kidnappings of crew members for ransom is escalating off west Africa and in the Sulu Seas near the Philippines, a global maritime watchdog said today. The International Maritime Bureau said in its annual report that 191 piracy incidents were recorded worldwide, down from 246 in 2015 and the lowest level since 1998. It said pirates hijacked seven vessels and held 151 hostages, down from 15 ships and 271 hostages in 2015. However, it said maritime kidnappings surged by threefold to 62 people from just 19 people in 2015. It said that 34 were captured off west Africa, while 28 were taken from tugs, barges, fishing boats and more recently merchant ships in waters around Malaysia and Indonesia and believed transferred to southern Philippines. "The continued fall in piracy is good news, but certain shipping routes remain dangerous, and the escalation of crew kidnapping is a worrying trend in some emerging areas. The kidnappings in the Sulu Seas between eastern Malaysia and the Philippines are a particular concern," bureau director Pottengal Mukundan said in a statement. In the last quarter alone, the bureau said 12 crew were kidnapped from two cargo vessels that were underway and from an anchored fishing vessel in the Sulu Sea. In November, a bulk carrier was fired upon but pirates were not able to board the vessel. Earlier in 2016, crewmembers were kidnapped in three attacks on vulnerable slow-moving tugs and barges, it said. The bureau, whose piracy reporting center is based in Kuala Lumpur, urged ship owners to consider avoiding the Sulu Sea. It called on governments to investigate and identify the kidnappers and punish them under the law. It urged ships to be vigilant in the Gulf of Guinea, which remained a high-risk kidnapping hotspot with 34 seized from vessels in nine incidents. Worldwide, Indonesia remained the top hotspot for piracy with 49 incidents, mostly low-level thefts, but this was sharply down from 108 in 2015. Attacks surged off Nigeria which accounted for 36 incidents, up from 14 in 2015. India accounted for 14 incidents, Peru reported 11 and the Philippines 10. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opposing the idea of banning Muslims from entering the US, president-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General has asserted that the focus should be on individuals coming from countries that have a history of terrorism. "I have no belief and do not support the idea that Muslims, as a religious group, should be denied admission to the United States," Senator Jeff Sessions told lawmakers during his confirmation hearing yesterday. "We have great Muslim citizens who've contributed in so many different ways, and America, at the occasion that we discussed it in committee, are great believers in religious freedom and the right of people to exercise their religious beliefs," Sessions said. He was responding to a question from Senator Patrick Leahy on the proposed Muslim ban which was one of the key campaign issues last year. President-elect has repeatedly asserted his intention to institute a ban on Muslim immigrants to the United States, Leahy said. "December 2015, you voted against a resolution that I offered in this committee that expressed a sense of Senators that the United States must not bar individuals from entering the United States based on their religion. All Democrats, most Republicans, including the chairman, were in support of my resolution," he said. "Do you agree with the president-elect that the United States can or should deny entry to members of a particular religion, based on their religion? We do background checks for terrorism, but based on their religion. Do you agree with the president-elect the United States can or should deny entry to all members of a particular religion?" Leahy asked. Sessions said Trump had subsequently to that statement made clear that "he believes the focus should be on individuals coming from countries that have history of terrorism." He noted Trump had indicated that his policy and what he suggests is a strong vetting of people from those countries before they're admitted to the United States. Sessions answered in negative when Senator Lindsay Graham asked him if he would support a law for banning Muslims from entering the US. "Would you support a law that says you can't come to America because you're Muslim?" Graham asked. "No," Sessions replied. "Would you support a law that says that if you're a Muslim, you say you're a Muslim and when we ask you, what does that mean to you? Well, that means I got to kill everybody that's different from me, it's OK to say they can't come," Graham asked. "I think that would be a prudent decision," Sessions responded. "I hope we can keep people out of the country who want to kill everybody because of their religion. I hope we're smart enough to know that's not what most people in the Muslim faith believe," Graham said. "But it can be the religion of that person," Sessions responded. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kashmiri separatists today termed as "cosmetic" the decision of the state government to set up Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to probe the civilian deaths that occurred during last year's unrest. They also slammed Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for pinning blame on them in connection with the unrest and also targeted the opposition parties, saying they were indulging in "drama". "Since 1990 over one lakh Kashmiris have been killed... and then in a show of concern, cosmetic measures of setting up inquiry commissions are announced with no results," said a joint statement issued by chairman of hardline Hurriyat Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF leader Mohammad Yasin Malik. Mehbooba had yesterday announced setting up of SITs at district level to probe the killing of civilians during mob control by security forces during the 5-month unrest last year. The people of Kashmir outrightly reject the "brazen lies" and "senseless" arguments, they said while referring to Mehbooba's statement yesterday that Pakistan and separatists were to blame for the unrest and derailing the dialogue process. Referring to the concern voiced in the state Assembly by opposition parties over the killing of civilians during mob control by security forces, the statement said, "Unwanted uproar and deceitful hue and cry by the opposition in the Assembly is nothing but a drama. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gestating for nearly two decades, director Shoojit Sircar's dream project, a biopic on revolutionary Udham Singh, is finally set to become a reality. Shoojit, who produced last year's most impactful film "Pink", says he wanted to make the movie on Udham Singh right after he shifted to Mumbai. "I have been working on the story for 18-19 years now. When I shifted to Mumbai, this was the first film that I wanted to make but something else would always come up. It is set in pre-Independence era, so it was a little difficult to plan," Shoojit told PTI in an interview. The director says his visit to Jallianwala Bagh in the '90s triggered the idea about Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab in British India in 1940, to avenge the 1919 massacre. "In the '90s we had a group in Delhi called Act One which had me, Piyush Mishra and Ashish Vidyarthi. We used to sing songs of national harmony. "During this time, Punjab was coming out of turmoil. I visited the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh at that time. When I went there and saw what actually happened there, that triggered me emotionally." Shoojit, who has films like "Yahaan", "Vicky Dina", "Madras Cafe" and "Piku" to his credit, says Udham Singh is a forgotten hero. "He was one of the prominent faces of the freedom movement but youngsters don't know much about this martyr. He is a forgotten hero. Through my film, I want the youngsters to know him." Shoojit has already started work on the film but he is mum about casting. The project on Udham Singh is not the only film that will keep the director busy in 2017 as he is collaborating with his "Piku" scriptwriter Juhi Chaturvedi for a love story. "Juhi and I are working again after 'Vicky Donor' and 'Piku'. We share a very good rapport. It is a simple love story. There will be issues around it. We are currently working on it. We are producing with Ronnie Lahiri. I will direct both the films. He is also one the producers of "Runningshaadi.Com" and Shoojit says he is happy for the film, which has been directed by Amit Roy and stars Amit Sadh and Taapsee Pannu. Talking about "Pink", which has been hailed as one of the strongest movies to come out of Bollywood on the issues that modern women face, Shoojit says they were careful in keeping the story's integrity intact. "When you make a film like 'Pink', you are working on the edge. We were very careful about the integrity of the issue. With 'Pink', we tried to address all the issues that women face. We decided to open up completely so that there is no debate left. "Similarly, 'Vicky Donor' could have easily been slapstick but I knew that the topic we were dealing with was serious. So, we walked a thin line. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French cosmetics giant L'Oreal today said it had agreed to buy three leading skincare brands from Valeant for USD 1.3 billion in a move set to give its US offering a facelift. The acquisition expands the group's presence in the United States and builds on its purchase last summer of the US brand IT Cosmetics for USD 1.2 billion. The cash deal will see L'Oreal acquiring the CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi brands from the Quebec-based pharmaceutical firm in a purchase it said would nearly double the US sales of its active cosmetics division which focuses on aesthetic dermatology. "The acquisition of CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi strongly complement L'Oreal's brand portfolio," said Frederic Roze, president and chief executive of L'Oreal USA in a statement. "These three brands, built on strong relationships with health professionals and widely distributed, will nearly double the revenue of our Active Cosmetics Division in the US and will help us satisfy the growing demand for active skincare at accessible prices." The Active division includes dermocosmetic brands such as La Roche-Posay, Vichy and SkinCeuticals. Founded in 2005, CeraVe offers a range of skincare products including cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreens as well as a baby line. It is one of the fastest growing skincare brands in the US with an average growth over the past two years of over 20 percent, L'Oreal said. Its sales have enjoyed "a favourable dynamic" driven by consumers looking for products endorsed by health professionals for their effectiveness for sensitive skin, Active division president Brigitte Liberman told AFP. Predominantly sold in the US, the brand's dynamism and its potential on the international market justified the high price paid by L'Oreal, she said. AcneFree provides acne treatments and Ambi offers products for multicultural consumers. The acquisition expands the firm's footprint in the United States where the demand for beauty products is flourishing: in the first nine months of 2016, L'Oreal's North American sales grew 5.4 percent compared with just 0.1 in western Europe. Over the years, North America has become L'Oreal's most important division, accounting for 27 percent of its overall sales. The sale comes after a difficult year for the Canadian firm, which grew from a small pharmaceutical company to a global giant in the span of a decade mainly due to a growth strategy based on acquisitions. The former Wall Street darling has come under fire for steep price hikes on drugs and is currently under investigation in the US over alleged accounts manipulation, with former senior executives being probed for fraud. Its market capitalisation has collapsed from more than USD 90 billion in the summer of 2015 to a current value of USD 5.2 billion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Social media sites such as Facebook make people feeling negative, according to a new research which shows that users get jealous when they see the seemingly happier lives of their online friends. The hunt for likes plays a central role in this, with the majority of people feeling down or upset when they do not get as many likes as they expect for a post and with 42 per cent saying they feel jealous when their friends get more likes than them, researchers said. In a survey of 16,750 people worldwide, researchers from Kaspersky Lab in Russia showed people's frustration with social media. People often experience negative emotions after spending time on social media due to a variety of reasons and these overpower the positive effects of social media. Consumers visit social media for positive reasons and to feel good. Most people (65 per cent) use social networks to stay in touch with friends and colleagues and to see entertaining and funny posts (60 per cent). People also devote a significant amount of time to creating their digital profile and filling it with all kinds of positive moments, posting things that make them smile (61 per cent) and telling their networks about the great time they are having during holidays and vacations (43 per cent). While it is not surprising that 72 per cent of people are annoyed by advertising that has become extremely intrusive and interrupts their online communications, the reasons for frustration go deeper. Despite the desire to feel good from their interactions on social media, when people see their friend's happy posts about holidays, hobbies and parties, they are often left with the bitter feeling that other people are enjoying life more than them. For example, 59 per cent have felt unhappy when they have seen friend's posts from a party they were not invited to and 45 per cent revealed that their friend's happy holiday pictures have had a negative influence on them. Furthermore, 37 per cent also admitted that looking at past happy posts of their own can leave them with the feeling that their own past was better than their present life. Previous research has also demonstrated people's frustration with social media as 78 per cent admitted that they have considered leaving social networks altogether. The only thing that makes people stay on social media is the fear of losing their digital memories, such as photos, and contacts with their friends. "Our relationship with social media has developed into a vicious cycle. We want to go onto our favourite social platforms to tell all of our connections about the positive things we are doing - that makes us feel good," said Evgeny Chereshnev from Kaspersky Lab. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The factional feud in Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh is turning out to be "very much favourable" for the BJP and will help in ending its 14-year-old political "vanvas" in the poll-bound state, party national vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said today. He said besides SP, the Mayawati-led BSP and Congress under its vice-president Rahul Gandhi are not in reckoning in the power race. "Whatever is unfolding in UP, it's turning out to be very much favourable for our party. Samajwadi Party, which was in a position to give a little bit of fight in the elections, is nowhere in the frey now. People were having some positive opinion about Akhilesh's so called good governance, but all that has blown into air," he told a press conference. The Rajya Sabha MP said the turf war between the two factions--led by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and his chief minister son Akhilesh Yadav--will end the "vanvaas" (exile) of the BJP of last 14 years. Rajnath Singh was the last BJP chief minister in Uttar Pradesh in 2002. Taking a dig at current bickering in the first family of UP politics, Sahasrabuddhe said, "Both tyres of SP's cycle (its poll symbol, which is now disputed) are already punctured. (Moreover) recent war within that party has dismantled both its wheels as a result of which the voters are very much aware that SP is not even in the race." Assembly elections will be held in Uttar Pradesh in seven phases between February 11 and March 8. Sahasrabuddhe said demonetisation has "devastated" BSP. "As far as BSP is concerned, demonetisation drive has devastated it and is out of the fight. Pre-poll surveys have also proved this. There is no need to say anything about the Congress as no one knows where Rahul Gandhi is at this juncture and where his party will be in future." When asked if the BJP would strike an alliance with Shiv Sena for upcoming BMC elections in Mumbai, he said the state leadership will decide about it. "I don't want to comment on this as state leadership will take a call on it. But one thing is for sure that people of Maharashtra have given their unprecedented support to BJP and we have further consolidated our number one position. "This is going to be repeated in the Mumbai civic election and we are, here too, going to be number one," he said in an apparent reference to recently-held local bodies polls wherein the BJP has emerged as the top-grosser pushing behind Sena, NCP and Congress. He said Sena's siding with the BJP's opponents for next month's Goa elections is no way going to impact party's prospectus of achieving power. The Sena, Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM), the latter floated by RSS rebel Subash Velingkar, today formalised a "grand alliance" against the ruling BJP in Goa. "You see, Shiv Sean has history of opposing us in Goa while being parter in the Maharashtra. Despite this, we have come into the power twice. This time too, we are going to repeat our past performance," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shiromani Akali Dal today alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party was trying to foist "outsider" Arvind Kejriwal on Punjab after scuttling the chances of its own leaders from the state who could have posed a challenge to him. SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal alleged that if a 'Haryanvi' comes to power in the state, the interests of Punjab will be sold off and asserted that voters will not be befooled by AAP. He also warned that the "anti-Centre" stance of Kejriwal will put the state on a collision course with the Union Government and hurt its progress. "The cat is out of the bag. Kejriwal has been salivating to become chief minister of Punjab since two years now and finally the party has made the announcement after clearing all the road blocks in his way," Badal said in a statement. Asking people of Punjab to oppose the move to impose an "outsider" on them, the Deputy CM said, "We are Punjabis foremost and Akalis, Congressmen or BJP supporters later. If an outsider becomes CM of our state, our very existence is at stake". His reaction came after Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, while addressing a rally in Mohali, asked people to vote for AAP in Pujab Assembly polls to see Arvind Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of the state. Sukhbir said the recent developments in the party should be seen in this light. "AAP's first state convenor and senior most leader Suchha Singh Chottepur was thrown out of the party as he was a well know Sikh face and could have posed a challenge to Kejriwal. "After this the party scuttled the chances of Bhagwant Mann and Himmat Singh Shergill by making them contest against me and Bikram Singh Majithia respectively. "Now with all the road blocks removed, Sisodia has come to Punjab to make the announcement in a carefully orchestrated move to the accompaniment of drums and calibrated sloganeering," alleged Badal. The SAD leader said AAP might have succeeded in its game plan of making Kejriwal the CM candidate of the party, but it would not be able to "befool" Punjabis. "The party including Kejriwal kept saying that a Punjabi will be chosen as its chief ministerial face but has now chosen a Haryanvi who has already bartered away the interests of Punjab on the SYL to Haryana. "If Kejriwal comes to power all the interests of the state including those of Chandigarh as well as Punjabi speaking areas also stand to be sold to Haryana," he alleged. Hitting out at Kejriwal, Sukhbir said Kejrwal had a reputation of being a "professional agitationist". "Such a person would put Punjab on a collision course with the Centre," he alleged adding this would impact the procurement of food grain from Punjab and affect the future of farming community. "Punjab will also suffer if the Centre does not give it adequate grants due to the anti-Centre stance taken by Kejriwal," he alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man suspected of trying to force his way into a Turkish police station in a city near the Syrian border was shot dead today as his accomplices fled, Turkish media reported. An officer was seriously wounded in the shootout with the alleged attackers outside police headquarters in the southeastern city of Gaziantep, the reports said. NTV television said "terrorists attempted to enter the police building", prompting officers at the scene to open fire. "One terrorist was neutralised and the other two are on the run," it said quoting witnesses, adding that an operation was under way to catch the other suspects. The state-run Anadolu agency said ambulances were sent to the scene but gave no reason for the clashes. Turkey has been hit by a wave of attacks blamed on so-called Islamic State jihadists and Kurdish militants. A gun attack on the Reina nightclub in Istanbul at New Year claimed by IS left 39 people, including 27 foreigners, dead. Four days later a car packed with explosives blew up in front of the main courthouse in the western city of Izmir, killing a policeman and court worker. The government blamed the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for the Izmir attack. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today directed Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar to make arrangements for the travel of a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) suffering from cancer to India after the man sought help through a video message on YouTube. She also advised the Indian Ambassador that an official from the embassy escort him and his ailing wife to India. The video posted on YouTube by Shiv Charan appealing for help was tweeted by Swaraj, asking Indians in France to locate him and his wife who has been suffering from arthritis. Surprisingly, Indians in France located him in less than an hour, and passed on his number to Swaraj. "I have spoken to Shri Shiv Charan ji in France a few minutes back. Shri Shiv Charan ji is from Udaipur. I told him that we are prepared to fly them back to India immediately. Our Ambassador in France Mohan Kumar @AmbMoKumar will contact and fly them to India as per their convenience. "I have advised @AmbMoKumar that since Shiv Charanji is not in good health, our Embassy official should escort them to India @Indian_Embassy," Swaraj tweeted. She said she has also spoken to Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje over the issue. "I have spoken to Chief Minister Rajasthan @VasundharaBJP. She has promised all help to Shivcharanji in Udaipur (sic)," she tweeted. The External Affairs Minister again advised Indians staying abroad to tweet their problems to the respective Indian embassy and tag her in a case of emergency. "Please tweet your problem to the concerned Indian Embassy/authority and endorse the same to @sushmaswaraj. I monitor their response to your tweets personally. In case of emergency pl mention #SOS," Swaraj tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Muslim parents in Switzerland cannot refuse to send their daughters to mixed school-run swimming lessons, Europe's rights top court ruled today, responding to a challenge by a Turkish-Swiss couple who argued the classes violated their beliefs. The European Court of Human Rights accepted that the refusal by authorities to exempt girls from the lessons interfered with their freedom of religion. But the interference, it said, was justified by the need to protect the children from social exclusion. School plays "a special role in the process of social integration, particularly where children of foreign origin were concerned," ruled the court, which is based in the eastern French city of Strasbourg. Swimming lessons are "not just to learn to swim, but above all to take part in that activity with all the other pupils", it added. The case was brought by a Turkish-Swiss couple who argued that forcing their pre-pubescent daughters to attend the classes violated their faith. The court found that the Basel authorities had tried to accommodate the parents' beliefs by, for instance, allowing the girls to wear the full-body "burkini" swimsuit. The court also said that the fine of 1,400 Swiss francs (around 1,300 euros) imposed on the couple in 2010 after a warning was "proportionate to the aim pursued" of getting them to comply with the regulation. The case was brought by Aziz Osmanoglu and his partner Sehabat Kocabas, whose daughters were born in 1999 and 2001. All their appeals were rejected by Swiss courts, after which they took their case to Strasbourg. Today's ruling is not final. The couple has three months to appeal the decision. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a bid to forge an alliance with Shiv Sena for the upcoming elections to 10 municipal corporations and 26 Zilla Parishads, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has asked party leaders to initiate talks with their Sena counterparts to explore seat sharing possibilities. "Fadnavis has given directions to district unit leaders to talk to Sena politicians on seat sharing possibilities. The CM and state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve will meet tomorrow to discuss the strategy for alliance," Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters here. "The focus should be on winning maximum number of seats," said Mungantiwar. Fadnavis held a meeting with guardian ministers of BJP last night to discuss proposed alliance. Mungantiwar said alliance finalisation should be done at the earliest so that workers get into election mode and begin campaigning. The Minister made it clear that alliance will not be 100 per cent since it is not possible to take a decision being in Mumbai. "Local leaderships need to be taken on board," he said. Earlier, late Bal Thackeray, Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde would discuss the strategy for alliance and seat sharing, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has already achieved the target of 1.5 crore LPG connections for 2016-17 fiscal under a scheme for providing free cooking gas connections to BPL families, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said today. The government had set a target of five crore connections for three years, ending 2018-19 under the Prime Minister Ujwala Yojana (PMUY) scheme, with 1.5 crore each during this and next fiscal, and two crore in 2018-19, he said here. For 2016-17 fiscal, the target had been achieved by the end of December and 10,000 more connections would be added in the remaining months, he said. He said LPG connection was not only commercial one, but a catalyst for socio-economic change and considering the deaths of five lakh women per year due to the usage of unhealthy fuels for cooking, the government decided to provide the connections free of cost. Stating that there were 13 crore LPG consumers in 2014, when NDA government took over, he said it had gone up to 19 crore and the target was 27 crore by 2020. His ministry would add 10,000 distributors to the present 80,000, to achieve this. Replying to a question, he said his ministry had records to prove that beneficiaries were using the LPG connections. On digital payments at petrol outlets, Pradhan said fifty cities, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchirapalli, had been identified for ensuring 100 per cent digital facility. Of the 4,554 petrol bunks in Tamil Nadu, a total of 4,077 were having either Point of Sales machines or wallet facility, he said Pradhan, who was here to attend the convention of All India LPG Distributors Federation, said he had asked the gas agencies to focus on safety, by spreading awareness about preventive measures. On plans to generate alternative fuel or producing more ethanol, Pradhan said the government had decided to start 11 ethanol plants, including one in Tamil Nadu, in the next two years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A software engineer was today arrested by Rajasthan Special Operations Group from New Delhi for allegedly embezzling over Rs 2 crore of Alwar Urban Cooperative Bank. Special Operations Groups (SOG) of Rajasthan police arrested New Delhi-based Manpreet Singh Bhasin in connection with the multi-crore embezzlement of the bank. He had made 92 fake identity cards, PAN cards to raise bank loans illegally. He also faked identities to file income-tax return (ITR), ADG police (ATS and SOG), Umesh Mishra said, adding that the embezzlement committed by Bhasin is more than Rs 2 crore of the total Rs 16 crore, he said. SOG of state police arrested Bhasin from Gandhi Nagar of New Delhi and he will be produced before the court tomorrow, police said. Bhasin was running a website designing and web promotion firm in New Delhi after completing his BTech from a private engineering college in Merrut in 2007, Mishra said. Bhasin conniving with the master mind Abhishek Joshi executed the multi-crore scam, he added. Five persons, including the chairman, director and former chairman of the bank, were arrested last year in this connection. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 15-year-old teenager in the UK has died after apparently suffering an allergic reaction to a takeaway meal from an Indian restaurant, following which two persons have been arrested. Megan Lee suffered a severe allergic reaction after eating an Indian meal from Royal Spice in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire. She was rushed to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but died two days later on New Year's Day. "Megan Lee had eaten food from an Indian takeaway before suffering an apparent allergic reaction. Two men aged 37 from Rossendale and 38 from Blackburn have been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter by gross negligence and are currently in police custody. "We are working closely in liaison with colleagues from Tradi ng Standards and Environmental Health," Lancashire police was quoted as saying by the Guardian. A post-mortem examination has been carried out but police said the full results would not be known "for some time". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hundreds of thousands of mourners attended the funeral today of Iran's ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, whose death leaves a hole in the upper reaches of power for the country's moderates. It took more than two hours for the cortege to make its way through the crowds to the south Tehran mausoleum where Rafsanjani was laid to rest. Pallbearers accidentally knocked the former president's trademark white turban off the coffin as they carried it into the burial chamber at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution. Rafsanjani, who served as president from 1989 to 1997, was a father figure for Iran's moderate and reformist camps. His death is a blow for President Hassan Rouhani, whose 2013 election was largely due to Rafsanjani's support. Rouhani, who spearheaded the thaw with the West that culminated in a 2015 nuclear deal, faces a tough re-election battle in May amid disappointment over the smaller than anticipated economic dividends of the lifting of international sanctions. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the eulogies to Rafsanjani at Tehran University despite their "differences". Rafsanjani fell out of the regime's highest inner circle following the 2009 re-election of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, when he spoke out against the use of lethal force on protesters who claimed the vote was rigged. Rouhani attended the funeral but so too did his conservative rivals, parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and his brother, judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani. One of Iran's most controversial figures in the West, the head of the elite Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations division, Major General Qassem Suleimani, also attended. Tehran prayer leader Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani passed out and had to be treated at the scene by Health Minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi, an ophthalmologist by training, Iranian media reported. Reformist former president Mohammad Khatami, an ally of Rafsanjani but long out of favour with the regime, was not part of the official delegation. Some Twitter users said he had been prevented from attending. State television coverage of the funeral procession captured a few seconds of chants of "Hail Hashemi (Rafsanjani), hail Khatami," before the broadcaster drowned it out with solemn music. Video clips published on social media showed pockets of mourners in the streets chanting slogans in support of both Khatami and fellow reformist Mir Hossein Mousavi. Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi, two of the losing candidates in the 2009 election, have been under house arrest since 2011 for leading the so-called Green Movement protests that the regime calls "sedition". Khatami is under a strict media ban and is often prevented from attending public events. Rafsanjani's son Mohsen invited people to attend the service "in full tranquility". "Ayatollah Rafsanjani's concern was unity... And we should show off our unity to the world," he said on Monday. Black banners were raised in Tehran and some posters showed the supreme leader and Rafsanjani together smiling. Another poster said "good bye, old combatant". Since Rafsanjani's death, messages of condolence have poured in both from at home and abroad. Even the White House sent a message, unprecedented since the 1979 revolution that led to cutting of ties between Tehran and Washington. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fictional detective Tintin, whose adventures became veritable study lessons of geography for entire generations, today completed 88 years since first appearing in a comic strip with his trusted canine companion Snowy. At a time when television didn't exist, the international expeditions undertaken by the reporter-sleuth with the distinguishing quiff opened young people's eyes to countries, cultures, landscapes and natural phenomena which were still relatively unheard of. From the sands of the Sahara to the glaciers of the Himalayas, from the Amazon rainforests to the Scottish highlands, the pictures of Tintin's exploits overflow with details revealing a world full of wonder, danger and excitement - a passionate introduction to Planet Earth. Tintin, created by renowned Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, better known as Herge, appeared for the first time on January 10, 1929, in the comic strip called Le Petit Vingtieme. Yesterday, his 1930 debut adventure and the only one in black and white - "The Adventures of Tintin In the Land of the Soviets" - was republished for the first time in colour. "Tintin is me wanting to be heroic and perfect...Tintin is me...My eyes, my feelings, my lungs, my guts!... I believe I am the only person able to animate him, the only person able to give him a soul," Herge once said. Among Tintin's friends, Snowy comes first - the faithful companion with a generous spirit. Secondly, Tchang appears in the family circle and becomes a lifelong friend of Tintin and almost a brother. Thirdly, Captain Haddock whose debut was to come a good 10 years later is ready to sacrifice his own life for Tintin. Not forgetting all the others, Castafiore, Calculus, Thomson and Thompson who form Tintin's family circle. Since 1929, nearly 250 million Tintin copies have been sold. The Tintin adventures have been translated in more than 70 languages and adapted for films. Reprinted and published in ever greater numbers, the books are a source of inspiration for artists, writers, producers, and directors. Tintin has indisputably earned his place among the great figures in world literature. In 1999, following a survey by Le Monde, readers of this newspaper ranked The Blue Lotus 18th among books that left their mark on the 20th century. Tintin found himself in distinguished company with Aldous Huxley, Alexandr Solzhenitsyn and Anne Frank. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Trinamool Congress MPs continued their protest against the Modi Government over the arrest of party MPs in chitfund scam cases and demonetisation here. Raising slogans like "Modi hatao desh bachao", about 30 TMC MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha staged a sit-in near the party office at South Avenue for the second day. The leaders questioned "why BJP leaders and others have not arrested in chit fund scam". Every aspect of economy has been affected adversely due to demonetisation, said senior TMC leader Saugata Roy while addressing the protesters. TMC, which is opposing the demonetisation drive, has intensified the agitation against the Modi government after the arrest of party MPs Tapas Paul and Sudeep Bandopadhaya in the alleged Rose Valley chit fund scam. Roy said protests against demonetisation are being held in others states including Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura and Assam. "In Bengal protests are being held in all blocks and also in front of RBI office in Kolkata. People are suffering for this. It is affecting the GDP growth," he said. According to TMC, dharna will continue tomorrow also in the capital. Police has barricaded the road leading to the dharna site in the VIP area as a precautionary measure. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Announcing its plan to continue with agitations till the ouster of Narendra Modi from the helm, the Trinamool Congress today said it foresaw Mamata Banerjee as a future prime minister. "This could happen one day. After all, we are a political party which is growing by the day. People may decide that (making Mamata the PM)," TMC general secretary and West Bengal state unit chief Subrata Bakshi said here. He was speaking to reporters after addressing TMC's 'Fight Against Financial Emergency' rally, organised by the Odisha unit of the party. "Looking at the prevailing political situation in the country, all the secular parties are assembling on one platform. However, who will lead them will only be answered in the future," Bakshi said. Claiming that the TMC's stock was improving by the day, he said, "We had only two MPs in 2004, which increased to 19 in 2009 and to 34 in 2014. Therefore, the party will grow further in 2019 too." Asked about the party's existence outside West Bengal, Bakshi said it was stepping into different states. "Today, we are staging agitations in eight states against Modi's demonetisation. We will hold such agitations in 29 states in the next three-four months," he said, adding that party chief Mamata Banerjee had all along been a people's leader who hit the streets whenever the people were put to trouble. "Our leader opposed demonetisation the very next day Modi announced it. We will fight it out as the people are behind Mamata Banerjee," Bakshi said, claiming that the BJP's strength had been "declining by the day" after the 2014 general elections. "BJP, which got seven MPs from Delhi, was first rejected by the people in the Assembly polls barely seven months after the 2014 general elections. In November 2015, the people of Bihar rejected it, though they had sent 31 of the 40 MPs from the party to Parliament in 2014. In Uttar Pradesh also, the people will reject the BJP in the February polls even though the party had won 70 of the 81 Lok Sabha seats in the general elections," the TMC leader said. On the arrest of two TMC MPs in a chit fund scam, Bakshi said, "They (Centre) cannot stop Mamata Banerjee from raising her voice against the plight of the people. The CBI may arrest more TMC leaders, but we will continue to fight. "Modi, Mayawati and Lalu have faced the CBI in the past. All of them had said that they were booked in false cases. Now, you decide what CBI is." Former West Bengal minister Manas Bhunia, who also addressed the rally, demanded a clarification from the Centre on the death of "over 120 people due to demonetisation". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention on the issue of compulsory holiday for Pongal festival even as the Centre clarified that these are decided by the employees welfare committees in state capitals and it has 'nothing' to do with it. As the issue became a political controversy in the state with ruling AIADMK and DMK too raising it, Panneerselvam, in a letter to Modi, urged him to include the harvest festival under the list of mandatory holidays for all Central Government administrative offices in the state. He said the Central Government calendar showed Pongal, which falls on January 14, as a restricted holiday, finding place only in the list of 12 optional holidays. "As a result, Pongal is not a compulsory holiday for Central Government offices in Tamil Nadu," Pannerselvam said. The Chief Minister took up the issue a day after ruling AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala said conversion of the holiday for Pongal as a restricted one had come as a "big shock" and sought a review of the decision. Criticising the change, DMK had announced a protest for tomorrow. A central government release today said the Centre had 'nothing' do with deciding a compulsory holiday for Pongal. Normally, 17 compulsory holidays were observed in all Central government offices located outside Delhi every year with three of them finalised from another list of 12 restricted holidays including Holi, Pongal and Vishu/Vaisakhi. These holidays are decided by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee in the state capitals, if necessary, in consultation with such committees at other places in the state, it said. Earlier, state BJP President Tamilisai Sounderrajan alleged efforts were being made to made paint its government at the Centre as "anti-Tamil" by digging out an old order. The list of holidays had been released in June (last year) and some parties "are trying to paint the Centre as working against Tamils by creating an illusion that the list was suddenly altered yesterday," she said in a statement. Terming it (restricted holiday) "an apparent diminution in the importance accorded to Pongal for the past several years," Panneerselvam said it had created 'disquiet' and an impression that an important festival had been "ignored" by the Centre. He said Pongal was celebrated with great zest and enthusiasm by all sections of people transcending religions. "Therefore to meet the legitimate aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu, I request that Pongal be included in the list of compulsory holidays to be observed by all Central Government Administrative offices in Tamil Nadu," he said. He also suggested that an additional day for Pongal be included in the list of optional holidays, saying it would ensure Thiruvalluvar Day, on January 15, could also be declared as a holiday for Central employees so that they could fully participate in the festivities. The Central government release said the three restricted holidays from the list of 12 are decided by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee in the state capitals, if necessary, in consultation with such committees at other places in the state. "The final list applicable uniformly to all Central Government offices within the concerned state shall be notified accordingly," it said adding normally these committees draw up separate list of Restricted Holidays keeping in view the occasions of local importance. The releases said: "It is to inform that the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee, Chennai, has not selected the Pongal from the list of 12 Holidays given as compulsory holiday, may be due to the fact that it is falling on second Saturday which is already a holiday. "Nothing to do with DoPT / Central Government in not-selecting Pongal as compulsorily holiday for Tamil Nadu Central Government Employees. This is the general practice," it added. Actor Tom Hiddleston says that he was nervous while giving his Golden Globes acceptance speech. The 35-year-old British actor was widely criticised for his address which he gave after receiving the award for best actor in a TV limited series or motion picture category for "The Night Manager". The star took to Facebook to share the reason behind his "inelegantly expressed" speech. "In truth, I was very nervous, and my words just came out wrong. Sincerely, my only intention was to salute the incredible bravery and courage of the men and women who work so tirelessly for UNICEF UK, Doctors Without Borders/ Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), and World Food Programme, and the children of South Sudan, who continue to find hope and joy in the most difficult conditions," Hiddleston wrote. Asking for forgiveness, he further added, "I apologise that my nerves got the better of me. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President-elect announced that his son-in-law Jared Kushner, a property developer and publisher, will serve as senior White House advisor, flouting myriad legal and ethical concerns. The incoming Republican, who has never previously held elected office, said Kushner, who also has no political experience outside his father-in-law's campaign, would serve as "senior advisor to the president." Kushner, whom Forbes estimates is worth $1.8 billion together with his parents and adult brother, will forego his salary while serving in the administration, said a statement from the transition team. The 35-year-old will work closely with White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Steve Bannon to execute Trump's agenda, it added. "Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration," Trump announced yesterday. "He has been incredibly successful, in both business and now politics. He will be an invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda, putting the American people first," he added. Priebus called Kushner "a visionary with a rare ability to communicate with and assemble broad coalitions of support" and said his "open mind, adaptability and keen intellect" would be a "great asset" to the team. Kushner welcomed the appointment as "an honor" and said he was "humbled" by the opportunity to serve. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two large bombings near government offices in Afghanistan's capital today killed at least 38 people, including civilians and military personnel, officials said. Mohibullah Zeer, an official in the Public Health Ministry, said another 72 people were wounded in the attack. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said a suicide bomber struck first, followed by a car bomb, adding that four police officers are among those killed. The Taliban, which is waging a 15-year war against the US-backed government, claimed the mid-afternoon attack, which took place near government and legislative offices. Ghulam Faroq Naziri, a lawmaker from the western Herat province, said another MP from the same province, Rahima Jami, was wounded. Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber on foot struck in the southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, said Gen Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, he said. Those killed include civilian and military personnel, and six others were wounded in the attack, Kemtoz said. A car full of explosives was found nearby. No one claimed responsibility for the Helmand attack, but it bore the hallmarks of the Taliban. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UK's Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to British Prime Minister Theresa May calling for a "fresh, independent investigation" into Britain's alleged involvement in the "appalling" Operation Blue Star in 1984. Corbyn's letter to Downing Street, dated January 4, follows what he describes as "significant representations" from a wide range of representatives from the British Sikh community demanding details of the full extent of the UK's alleged role in the military action on Golden Temple in 1984. "Given concerns regarding the effectiveness and integrity of the January 2014 review, I believe we must consider a fresh, independent investigation into this episode in British history. "It is clear to me from my discussions with Sikh groups in the UK that there remains significant resentment that over the 30 years since this most appalling event, questions remain about the role which the UK played," his letter reads. In 2014, then Prime Minister David Cameron had ordered the Heywood Review into the exact nature of British involvement in theIndian Army operation at Golden Temple in June 1984 after documents released previously under the 30-year declassification rule had implied British SAS commanders had advised the Indian government as it drew up plansfor the removal of militants from the Sikh shrine. The report concluded that the nature of the UK's assistance was "purely advisory" and provided to the Indian government at an early stage of planning. Corbyn's letter notes: "This review was felt by many to be inaccurate and the presentation of its conclusions to Parliament in February 2014 to be misleading. A valuable opportunity to bring greater transparency to this was lost with the recall of 33 FCO [Foreign & Commonwealth Office] India files from 1984, which had only been released late in August 2016 after 32 years (contrary to the 30-year rule). "This recall came within a matter of weeks of the files being released, depriving those interested of the opportunity to fully review their contents - and sending a signal that the government is not committed to transparency." Making a reference to May's India visit last November as highlighting the importance she attaches to "building and maintaining positive relations with India," Corbyn called on the British PM to revisit the issue and commission an "independent investigation" and re-release the recalled files in the interest of transparency. A spokesperson for Corbyn said the Opposition leader is yet to receive a response to the letter from Downing Street. (Reopens FGN 21) Meanwhile, Sikh Federation UK welcomed the move with its chair Bhai Amrik Singh expressing his gratitude to Corbyn. "We are grateful the Labour leader has written to Theresa May to call for a fresh, independent investigation and deliver the British public transparency. British Sikhs will continue to call for transparency and this can only be delivered through an independent investigation that has full access to all relevant papers," he said. Sikh Federation UK has maintained the files recalled by FCO hold further information on the issue and has launched an appeal for the secret documents to be made public. Students at one of London's leading universities are calling for famous Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle to be replaced by philosophers from Asia or Africa as part of a wider campaign to "decolonise" the university. The Student Union at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), well-known as among the few European institutions dedicated to the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, said "white philosophers" should be studied only if required and solely from a "critical standpoint". The union's proposal to the university reads: "To make sure that the majority of the philosophers on our courses are from the Global South or it's diaspora. SOAS' focus is on Asia and Africa and therefore the foundations of its theories should be presented by Asian or African philosophers (or the diaspora). "If white philosophers are required, then to teach their work from a critical standpoint. For example, acknowledging the colonial context in which so called 'Enlightenment' philosophers wrote within." According to the union, "Decolonising SOAS" is a campaign that aims to address the "structural and epistemological legacy" of colonialism within the university. Dr Deborah Johnston, Pro-Director (Learning and Teaching), defended the students: "One of the great strengths of SOAS is that we have always looked at world issues from the perspective of the regions we study - Asia, Africa & Middle East. "Informed and critical debate and discussion about the curriculum we teach is a healthy and proper part of the academic enterprise." However, Erica Hunter,head of Religions and Philosophies at SOAS, felt the union's viewpoint was "rather ridiculous". "I would firmly resist dropping philosophers or historians just because it was fashionable," she told 'The Telegraph'. The move has divided opinion across social media, with King's College London's People of Colour Association coming out in support of SOAS Student Union. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid reports that the UN is investigating Indian peacekeepers deployed in Haiti without the mandatory cholera vaccination, the Secretary General's spokesperson said the world body relies on troop contributing country to certify that peacekeepers meet medical requirements for deployment and wants more information from India on it. "We've seen the story on the Indian peacekeepers. We're, obviously, looking into it," Spokesman for the Secretary- General Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the daily press briefing yesterday when asked about the media report which said Indian peacekeepers in Haiti are facing a probe by the world body for not receiving mandatory cholera vaccination before arriving in the Caribbean country. Dujarric added that "as a matter of principle, we rely on the country of origin of the peacekeepers to present us and to certify that they meet all the medical requirements for deployment in the area, which, in the case of Haiti, would, obviously, include the vaccine against cholera. But, I have no way at this point to verify...To comment on the veracity of the report." When asked if the world body has ordered an investigation, Dujarric said the UN is looking into the matter. On whether there has been communication between the UN and the Indian government over the matter, Dujarric said, "we're trying to get more information, obviously, from the Indian authorities." India's Permanent Mission to the UN said it did not have a comment on the issue. Nearly 140 Indian soldiers, who are part of UN peacekeeping force in Haiti, will be administered cholera vaccine after the UN reportedly ordered a probe on how they had landed in the Caribbean country without the mandatory vaccination. Haiti has been grappling with a cholera outbreak and the UN has been part of massive effort to contain the disease. The Indian soldiers had landed in Haiti in August last year and reportedly India had certified that they were administered the cholera vaccine. Haiti has been dealing with a cholera outbreak since October 2010, some nine months after it suffered a devastating earthquake. The outbreak has affected an estimated 788,000 people and claimed the lives of more than 9,000. Concerted national and international efforts, backed by the United Nations, have resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in the number of suspected cases. The then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had last year apologised to the people of Haiti for the world body's role in failing to properly address the cholera epidemic. In addition, he had announced a USD 400 million two-track plan to stem the outbreak and provide long-term support for those affected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States today blacklisted a surviving British member of the notorious Islamic State kidnapping cell popularly known as "The Beatles" as a global terrorist threat. The State Department identified 33-year-old British Ghanaian jihadist Alexanda Amon Kotey as a member of the Islamic State unit that beheaded two dozen hostages in Syria. Among those murdered were three Americans -- journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid worker Peter Kassig -- and British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning. Some of the group's hostages were released and later revealed their captors spoke with British accents and were nicknamed The Beatles after the 1960s rock group by their victims. The group leader and most notorious executioner, Mohamed Emwazi or "Jihadi John," was killed last year in a drone strike by the US-led coalition fighting the IS group. But, according to the State Department designation, London-born Kotey is still thought to be at large somewhere in or near the IS stronghold of Raqa, in eastern Syria. "As a guard for the cell, Kotey likely engaged in the group's executions and exceptionally cruel torture methods, including electric shock and waterboarding," the statement said. Kotey is also known by several aliases, including Abu Salih al-Britani. He was born in the Paddington district of London and holds British, Ghanaian and Greek Cypriot nationality. As a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist," US citizens are forbidden from dealing with him and world law enforcement is informed that he "is actively engaged in terrorism. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US has called for partnership between India, Pakistan and Afghanistan on counter-terrorism operations, asserting that is for the "betterment" of the region as security of the three countries is linked with one another. "The realisation that Afghanistan's security, Pakistan's security, indeed India's security - they're all interconnected. So as much as they can work in tandem or work in a partnership on counterterrorism operations, I think it's for the betterment of the region," State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters yesterday. Condemning the terrorist attacks on Afghanistan's Parliament in Kabul that killed at least 38 people, and also one in Kandhar, Toner agreed with the allegations of the Afghan government that continuation of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan gave terrorists an opportunity to carry out attacks inside Afghanistan at their will. "I think we've been very frank and very open about publicly saying to Pakistan that it needs to not provide any safe haven to groups that will or are intent on carrying out attacks on Afghanistan," Toner said. "We've seen some progress. We've seen them take some steps to address these safe havens. But clearly, the problem persists and it's something that's part of our ongoing conversation or ongoing dialogue or ongoing cooperation with Pakistan," he said in response to a question. Toner said an attack on the Afghanistan's Parliament is an attack on democracy and the US would not let the war-torn country slip away the gains. "An attack on parliamentarians is frankly an attack on democracy," he said. "I think its in the work-in-progress column and I think the president and the Secretary of State has spoken frankly about the fact that we don't wanna see Afghanistan slide back into what it was. By we I mean not just the US, but the international community, NATO and its partners on the ground," he added. The US is encouraging the Afghan government and its people to build up the capacity of the security forces and consolidating their strengths. "The United States has worked hard to foster Afghan-led peace process, which again ultimately is US believe, the way forward," he said. "We encourage that. I don't think we can possibly look at it though and say, mission accomplished. We would certainly not say that. But at the same point, we're not gonna encourage any kind of walking away from the situation there," Toner said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US authorities charged a Volkswagen executive with fraud and conspiracy, saying he helped cover up the "dieselgate" emissions-cheating scandal, the Justice Department said. Oliver Schmidt, who led the German automaker's US regulatory compliance office from 2012 to March 2015, appeared in a Miami court yesterday to face charges he knowingly lied to US regulators. He did not enter a plea, and was ordered held for another hearing Thursday, according to reports. The FBI arrested Schmidt Saturday in connection with a scandal in which Volkswagen admitted to installing software on as many as 11 million diesel vehicles sold worldwide to circumvent tests for emissions. The cheating technology allowed the cars to pass the emissions tests but release up to 40 times the permitted amounts of nitrogen oxides during actual driving. Volkswagen already has agreed to pay more than $15 billion to fix or replace the affected cars in the US. However, the German auto giant still faces a criminal US investigation, and prosecutors are pursuing possible charges against other individuals. An FBI affidavit depicts Schmidt as a key player in deceiving and obfuscating Volkswagen's use of the "defeat device" software to regulators. Schmidt, 48, did not come clean when he learned in April 2014 of a study by the nonprofit International Council of Clean Transportation that uncovered the discrepancy of vehicle emissions from tested levels, according to an FBI affidavit. "It should first be decided whether we are honest," Schmidt wrote in a note to a colleague. "If we are not honest, everything stays as it is." Schmidt and other officials subsequently developed a plan to continue to conceal the use of the software in August 2015 meetings with California regulators, about a month before the conspiracy was disclosed by regulators. In July 2015, Schmidt and other Volkswagen employees briefed senior executives at its German headquarters of the defeat device, saying regulators were not aware of the mechanism. "Rather than advocate for disclosure of the defeat device to US regulators, VW executive management authorized its continued concealment," the FBI said. Dozens of Volkswagen officials in Germany have hired US criminal defense attorneys over the last few months, according to Bloomberg . The FBI affidavit cited three cooperating witnesses in their case against Schmidt, including James Liang, a former Volkswagen engineer who in September pleaded guilty for helping devise the defeat device. Volkswagen has said it is cooperating with US investigators and is eager to move past the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US has strongly condemned the terror attacks in Egypt in which nine persons were killed by militants linked to ISIS, saying it remains firmly committed to the country's security. "The US strongly condemns today's terrorist attack on checkpoints in Egypt's North Sinai governorate which killed at least nine people and injured many others," Spokesman of the National Security Council, White House Ned Price said yesterday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of all those who were killed and injured in this attack and in other recent violence. "The United States remains firmly committed to Egypt's security and will continue to support the government of Egypt as it contends with ongoing threats from terrorist groups in the Sinai and elsewhere," Price added. Heavily-armed militants linked to ISIS yesterday targeted two police checkpoints using an explosive-laden garbage truck and rocket-propelled grenades, killing eight policemen and one civilian, the latest attack in Egypt's restive North Sinai. A statement issued by the Ministry of Interior said that about 20 terrorists participated in the attack on al-Matafi checkpoint in Al-Arish city. Egypt's North Sinai has been the stage for many terrorist attacks since the January 2011 revolution that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 22 years by a US court for stealing a TV remote as he "repeatedly thumbed his nose at the law". Eric Bramwell, 35, of Wheaton, Illinois, had been found guilty last year of burglary and was eligible for an extended-term sentence because of his past criminal history, according to prosecutors. Authorities alleged that Bramwell entered the common area of an apartment building on August 1, 2015, and stole the universal remote to the television set, the Chicago Tribune reported. But, prosecutors say, Bramwell dropped a glove while at the complex, and a DNA sample taken from it was matched to Bramwell's DNA in a database of convicted felons, which led to his arrest. He was alleged to have committed similar thefts of remotes and televisions in other apartment complexes in Wheaton, Lisle, Aurora, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove and Oakbrook Terrace, prosecutors said. "Mr Bramwell's illegal activity and his history have finally caught up with him," State's Attorney Robert Berlin was quoted as saying. "Regardless of what was stolen, Mr Bramwell repeatedly thumbed his nose at the law. He took what he wanted time and time again and expected to avoid the consequences. That's not how it works, as Mr. Bramwell has now found out," he said. Judge Robert Miller sentenced Bramwell last Wednesday. He will be required to serve half the sentence before he is eligible for parole. According to court files, Miller had in November sentenced Bramwell to six months in jail for contempt for using profane language in court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Venezuelan opposition lawmakers sought to trigger early elections by passing a key censure motion against President Nicolas Maduro, who is ruling over a national economic crisis and consequent food shortages. The opposition majority in the National Assembly legislature declared that Maduro effectively "abandoned his post" by failing to stem the "economic devastation" in the oil-rich country, according to the speaker of the legislature, Julio Borges. However, the Supreme Court, which has consistently sided with Maduro, was expected to overrule the motion. It has stated that "the National Assembly is not qualified to remove the president." The opposition blames Maduro for an "unprecedented economic crisis" that has prompted deadly riots and looting amid shortages of food and medicine. And it plans to hold a session Tuesday on the grounds of Vargas Hospital, one of the 320 public health facilities wracked by shortages. "People need to know that we are there with them," Borges said. Maduro has blamed the crisis on a US-backed conspiracy against his socialist policies inherited from his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez. The opposition wants to hold early elections, saying the situation is too serious to wait until Maduro ends his term in 2019. "An electoral end to Venezuela's crisis is needed. So that the people can express themselves through a vote," Borges said. The lawmakers' declaration accuses Maduro of trampling citizens' rights and "breaking with the constitutional order." Under Venezuela's constitution, the National Assembly can force the president's replacement by declaring he has "abandoned his post." Elections are then meant to be held within 30 days. But Maduro has easily swatted down the opposition's other maneuvers against him so far. His grip on the courts, electoral council and military has allowed him to stymie a series of opposition strategies: a recall referendum, legislative onslaught and street protests. The Supreme Court five months ago declared null all acts passed by the opposition-dominated parliament. It maintains that Maduro is exercising his constitutional prerogatives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German luxury carmaker BMW has appointed Vikram Pawah (45) as the President of India operations with effect from March 1, 2017. Pawah brings more than 25 years of international experience both in the automotive and non-automotive industry. Most recently, he was the Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India. Frank Schloeder (42) acting President, BMW Group India will return to BMW Group Headquarters in Germany, where he will assume the position of Head of Business Steering - Luxury Class. "India is a growing market with great potential for mobility products and services. With his broad experience in the automotive industry and his country specific know-how, Pawah brings excellent preconditions to strengthen our position in the Indian market," BMW Group Asia Pacific and South Africa Senior Vice President Hendrik von Kuenheim said in a statement. Pawah graduated in Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Delhi University and holds an MBA in International and Strategic Management from Victoria University in Melbourne. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arvind Kejriwal was today virtually declared the Chief Ministerial candidate in Punjab by his Aam Aadmi Party, injecting a new dimension to what is considered a three-way race in the Assembly polls. "You vote thinking that you are voting to make Arvind Kejriwal as the chief minister (of Punjab). Your vote is for Kejriwal," Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said while addressing a public gathering at village Balongi here. AAP, which first captured power in Delhi in 2013 on the back of its civil society campaign against corruption, has been steadily making inroad in Punjab. It had won four Lok Sabha seats in 2014 but has since been marred by infighting. Sisodia assured the people that Kejriwal would honour all the promises made by the party with the people of Punjab after coming to power. "People were asking me who will be the Punjab Chief Minister. I want to say one thing here that you should believe that Arvind Kejriwal is going to be Punjab's CM," he said. However, in the same breath, Sisodia said, "Whosoever will be the CM, it shall be the responsibility of Kejriwal to get all the promises honoured.... I give you guarantee in this regard." Urging people to vote for party's candidate from Mohali Narinder Singh Shergill, Sisodia asked people to bring AAP to the power in order to put the state on the right track. Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal has maintained that AAP would not announce chief ministerial candidate in Punjab. The AAP's national convenor had reportedly said that the CM would be elected by the legislators after the polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met in Houston, the White House has brushed off any role in the meeting and said such a move does not have any bearing on the US' continued pursuit of the one-China policy. Cruz met Tsai in Houston to discuss ties and furthering economic cooperation between "our two nations", infuriating Beijing which warned against "undermining" China-US relations by such actions. White House brushed off any role for itself for the meeting between the Taiwanese President and Senator Cruz, who had lost to Trump in the Republican primary elections. "The meeting was one that was arranged at Senator Cruz's own initiative, as far as I know. It certainly was not coordinated or encouraged by the administration. And the meeting does not have any bearing whatsoever on our continued pursuit of a one-China policy that benefits the United States and Taiwan," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily conference yesterday. The US policy with regard to Taiwan has not changed, he said. "The President and this administration have pursued that one China policy in the same way that previous administrations have because we believe that it best serves the national security interests of the United States. We also happen to believe it serves well the interests of our friends in Taiwan. "So I am not sure whether or not Senator Cruz and his team was acting on behalf of the President-elect. They obviously have a rather unique relationship and obviously the incoming administration will determine whether or not to continue this policy once President-elect Trump takes office on January 20. But as of now, there is nothing about the meeting that took place over the weekend that in any way changed US policy with regard to Taiwan," Earnest said. In addition to Cruz, Republican Congressman from Texas Joe Barton also hosted Tsai Ing-wen in Houston on Saturday. Congressman Barton introduced President Tsai at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. The trip constituted the first visit by President Tsai to the US since assuming office. "Last fall, President Tsai graciously invited me to her home. I was grateful to return the favour in Texas. A continued, open dialogue between Taiwan and the United States will help advance both nations," Barton said. China yesterday reaffirmed its opposition to any contacts between US officials and Taiwan's government. China considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province to be brought back within its fold, by force if necessary. China is opposed to any official contact between foreign governments with the leaders of the self-governing island. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Xi Jinping will become the first Chinese president to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, the foreign ministry said today, as the country seeks a greater role in global affairs. Xi will pay a state visit to Switzerland from January 15-18 and attend the forum's annual meeting alongside billionaires and politicians on January 17, ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing. While in the country, Xi will also visit the offices of the World Health Organization, United Nations and International Olympic Committee. Chinese executives including Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Dalian Wanda Group chairman Wang Jianlin and Baidu president Zhang Yaqin will accompany the leader. "This year, because of the size and scale of the China delegation, we have Chinese voices in most of the global discussions," the World Economic Forum's chief China representative David Aikman told Bloomberg . China is seeking opportunities to reshape the rules for global trade, anticipating a more isolated United States under President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on the last day of the forum. Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attended the Davos meeting in 2016, while Premier Li Keqiang led the country's delegation in 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A constable was attacked and two others verbally abused when they objected to rash driving by a group of youths, who were allegedly in an inebriated state, in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj area, police said today. Last night, police constables Mohd Alam, Prithwiraj and Sushil were on picket duty at Masudpur near Malik Hotel. At around 11 PM an over speeding car, which was being driven rashly, was about to ram into the barricades, but the driver manged to apply brakes on time, a senior police officer said. When the constables warned the driver of the car, he along with three to four other persons in the vehicle, who were in an inebriated state, attacked Alam and verbally abused two other policemen, the officer said, adding Alam was injured on his left knee. By the time they contacted the police station and called for help, the accused fled. However, the constables managed to note down the car number and police is scanning the ownership details of the vehicle, the police officer said. A case under sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC has been registered. CCTV footage in the area is being scanned and teams have been formed to nab the accused, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The should be split into two with a strong cluster around Germany and a weak cluster including France, the co-leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party Joerg Meuthen said. "The euro is a seed of discord in Europe that has different currency cultures and different competitiveness levels," Meuthen told Reuters, eight months before the federal election. The AfD was set up in 2013 at the height of the debt crisis on an anti-euro platform but since ousting its founders in 2015, the party has climbed to about 15 per cent in opinion polls by focusing on an anti-immigrant agenda. Meuthen, widely seen as a moderate in the AfD which represents a wide range of views, said the German economy could suffer in the wake of such a split but only for a year or two. "The euro is too strong for southern European countries while for Germany and several others it's too weak," he said in a telephone interview. "It's conceivable that the weaker countries leave," he said, mentioning Italy, Spain, Portugal and France. He said Greece is so weak that no country wants to share a currency with it. Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Finland should remain in the core euro group, he said, even though a stronger currency would hurt exports from those countries. "That could cause an economic slump (in Germany)," he said. "It's impossible to say how deep. But in my view the economic slump would be over in about a year or two." Meuthen said the euro exit should not be linked to a fixed exchange rate system. "The currencies need to be able to breathe," he said. He distanced himself from a proposal by France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen who has said France should leave the euro but shift to a new national currency accompanied by a framework similar to the pre-euro era of the ECU. Le Pen's deputy in the National Front, Florian Philippot, said it was normal for different parties to develop their own political vision. "Ours is not that one (the AfD's), what we want is to regain our monetary sovereignty via a national currency adapted to our needs, and the concerted dissolution of the euro zone," Philippot told Reuters. Anti-establishment parties in some other European countries, such as Italy's 5-Star Movement, have also indicated a desire to leave the euro. Meuthen's comments riled some of his party colleagues. Alice Weidel, an AfD board member, said the euro had a faulty design. "There is no benefit in dividing the euro zone into north and south because that does not solve the fundamental problem. The only solution is for Germany to leave the euro zone," she said, adding this was part of the AfD's basic programme. Despite its popular appeal, no other German party is willing to form a coalition with the AfD. Commercial Feature is a Business Standard Digital Marketing Initiative. The Editorial/Content team at Business Standard has not contributed to writing or editing these articles. For further information, please write to assist@bsmail.in The Narendra Modi government's demonetisation drive has impacted nearly 70 per cent of businessmen in the country's financial capital of Mumbai and the manufacturing hub of Pune along with nearby areas, says a report. Sectors such as construction and the informal roadside vendors are the worst hit by note-ban, an SBI research said in a report. The findings are based on a survey conducted in Mumbai and Pune among different formal and informal business groups to ascertain the effects of demonetisation on their daily business and whether the move has resulted in increase in digital mode of payments. ALSO READ: Mistakes to avoid while doing tax planning in 2017 The survey was conducted between December 30 and January 3. The survey reveals that as much as 69 per cent of the respondents have been impacted. But, even then there is an overwhelming support for the move with 63 per cent of the sample supporting it, the report said. A total of 175 responses were recorded and analysed of which 40 per cent respondents were from premier business locations of Mumbai and the remaining 60 per cent were from Pune and nearby areas. The respondents said the lack of supply of lower denomination notes resulted in more chaos. The prevalence of digital mode of payments in chemist shops and even in automobile stores has possibly resulted in only marginal impact on their sales, says the survey. It said the construction sector and the informal roadside vendors seem to be the most hit, with 55 per cent and 71 per cent respondents saying their business came down by over 50 per cent. Within the textile sector, shopkeepers dealing with retail segment have been more impacted than those in the wholesale segment. Moreover, the wedding season has been disappointing with sales dipping significantly. The gems and jewellery sector has also been hit with declining sales, the report said. Regarding shift towards digital payments, around 41 per cent sellers already had PoS machines available even before demonetisation, but their usage has seen an increase only after note ban. Nearly 15 per cent moved to electronic payments, such as m-wallets, PoS in the ensuing weeks. It means that Rs 25,000 crore of cash-based transactions have moved to digital in the last 2 months. This number could have been even higher because the behavioural shift has not happened yet and many merchants still prefer cash transactions when the amount is not large, the report said. This is mostly discouraging people to use PoS for small transaction value of say less than Rs 200 or so. Also, many merchants are facing connectivity issue at PoS machines. But all in all, this is a good beginning. There is still some resistance about moving towards cashless payment systems but majority are contemplating shifting as soon as possible, the SBI report said. The government should thus build incentives for banks investing in creation of card acceptance infrastructure by deploying PoS terminals/creating acceptance points, it said. We would suggest the government to very quickly take on board new merchants, particularly small and marginal traders, grocery shops, etc on digital platform by a more targeted approach. This could be incentivised and the same can be met by support funds from government, it said. An even better approach could be to charge the large merchants, which could be used to cross subsidise the small merchants, and this could be a sustainable model, otherwise new merchants need to be convinced about the uncertainty beyond March 2017, the report added. Amidst attacks by the opposition on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation drive, Canada has given a thumbs up to the move. The country's minister for Infrastructure who is leading the business delegation at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, says the demonetisation step needs to be commended. Speaking exclusively to India Today, minister Amarjeet Sohi, one of the four Sikh faces in the Justin Trudeau cabinet, said, "Any country that takes steps to control flow of black money and corruption needs to be commended. So we commend the steps taken by PM Modi in order to make sure there is fairness in the system" Sohi added that the issues faced by the Indo-Canadian community post declaration of old `500 and `1000 rupee notes as illegal tender, are being addressed. Adding to his minister's comments, Canada's high commissioner stressed that cash woes have faced by some diplomatic missions are for a greater good. "Like other missions in India we face similar challenges whether it be mission operations, tourists visiting from Canada, even diplomats or myself. But we take a step back and we commend government for taking very bold steps in addressing underground economy, counterfeit currency,and corruption. And no initiative along those significant lines can be implemented in smooth and simple manner," stressed Canadian envoy Nadir Patel. The opposition mood on demonetisation, and Mamata Banerjee's all-out war against the Centre have meanwhile put question marks on the timely implementation of the tax reforms . Asked about the delay in rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India and impact on investor sentiments, Minister Sohi sought to dismiss any adverse impact on bilateral trade. "Trade and investment relationships take long time to materialise. So few months delay here and there is not going to impact our relationship," he said adding that "we really value steps taken by PM Modi on liberalisation of trade and barriers and making foreign investments easier into India." ALSO READ: Budget 2017 may spring sweet surprises for startups Born in Sangrur of Punjab, Amarjeet Sohi's family moved to Canada in 1981. But in 1988 during a visit to Bihar for land rights theatre programme, he was accused of being a khalistani terrorist with alleged links to naxals and LTTE. The 24-year-old Sohi was lodged in prison for 21 months under stringent TADA act ,but charges were eventually dropped for lack of any evidence and upon intervention of international agencies. He returned to Canada and went from driving a truck to being elected a city councillor. He finally rose to the job of the infrastructure and communities minister in the diverse Trudeau cabinet in 2016. Asked if he has any hard feelings for what transpired in the past, Sohi underlines that he loves India where his sister and extended family and friends still stay. "What happened to me in 80s was reflection of widespread human rights violations of that time and every society evolves. Our commitment to human rights and social justice is strong .And I am so glad to be representing Canada in a country I was born," Sohi replied. Ryanair has overtaken Lufthansa as Europe's biggest airline by passenger numbers after the German carrier on Tuesday reported a meagre 1.8% rise in the number of people it flew in 2016. Lufthansa's 109.7 million passengers last year fell short of the 117 million passengers reported by low-cost carrier Ryanair last week, a 15% increase on the previous year, as Ryanair pulled in passengers with low prices. The year saw strong performances from other budget carriers, with Norwegian Air Shuttle reporting passenger numbers up 14% to 29 million and Wizz Air up 19% to 22.7 million. EasyJet, which suffered more than low-cost rivals from strikes in France and tourists avoiding destinations hit by attacks, grew passenger numbers 6.6% to 74.5 million. Lufthansa is expanding its Eurowings budget brand to try and regain market share lost in Europe and it is set to grow fast this year with deals to lease planes and crew from Air Berlin , plus take over Brussels Airlines. However, Ryanair has set its sights on Germany as one of the countries in which it wants to expand and will in the summer start flying from Lufthansa's home base of Frankfurt. Lufthansa remains the largest airline group in Europe in terms of revenue because it does more long-haul flying and has its own catering and aircraft maintenance units. Air France-KLM reported a 4% rise in group passengers to 93.4 million, helped by low-cost unit Transavia, which carried 23% more passengers. IAG carried 100.6 million people in 2016, an increase of 14% and overtaking its Franco-Dutch rival, after it acquired Aer Lingus in August 2015. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Cork Airport are celebrating this week after it was announced passenger numbers increased by 8% in 2016 year compared with the previous year. This represents an increase in passenger numbers from 2.07m in 2015 to over 2.23m in 2016. The increase comes on the back of a year which saw a positive reverse in the fortunes of the airport including the addition of nine new routes and three new airlines at the airport. While this growth was experienced across all markets, the biggest increases in passenger growth were on routes to and from Spain and Portugal which experienced significant increases of 13.5% and 35.5% respectively while UK routes saw an increase of 7%. Germany saw an impressive increase of 75% in passenger growth, attributed to the addition of a new Dusseldorf service as well as the strong performance of the German inbound market. Cork Airport is already celebrating the start of 2017 following the announcement that Aer Lingus Regional is to operate a new service to Newquay Cornwall for the summer season. Commenting on the results, Head of Communications at Cork Airport, Kevin Cullinane said, "We are very pleased with our overall performance last year. We have been working hard over recent years implementing our return to growth strategy and we saw the first fruits of this work in 2016. Central to our strategy is attracting new routes and new airlines while building frequencies and capacity on existing services, which we did with great success in 2016." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us In todays increasingly digital world, information overload is an everyday issue. Not only has the global village of online users grown 918.3% since the turn of the century, but there are now more than 1.1 billion sites on the web. Trying to wrap your head around that statistic and factoring in how much information is produced online every second on social media is enough to give you a headache. Its no wonder that its getting increasingly harder for us to locate and evaluate which information is relevant to us and our purposes and when those purposes are business-related, things are even more important. To some extent, were all interested in IT security or we should be. But nowadays its quite a complicated affair. We keep reading about IoT botnets, new malware, ransomware and viruses but such information, albeit accurate, often causes confusion to non-experts. What business owners and end users care about are practical security measures which, regardless of the presence of a dedicated IT department in your company, need to be implemented to ensure maximum levels of safety. When you own a business, any type of failure in your computer systems and online communications can result in revenue loss. From your web storefront being offline when a new customer tried to access it to keeping safe, updated records, IT security affects all businesses. Here are some sadly common bad practices when it comes to IT, along with simple steps you can take to ensure your systems are safe, no matter the size of your enterprise. Dont Dismiss Security Risks Based on Size Its easy to see why some micro and small business owners are tempted to dismiss security risks to their own enterprise, considering their size. However, one thing we cant accuse cybercriminals of is being sizeist. According to Eurostat, one in ten Irish computer users has had at least one of their devices infected by a virus, while the rise of a new type of botnet in 2016 exhibits how attackers can gain from infecting even the tiniest of devices. In August, an estimated 380,000 remote devices infected with the Mirai malware were used as an army that carried out attacks on the internet. Although similar techniques in the past have used infected computers, this time much of the network was internet of things (IoT) devices running Linux, from remote cameras to home routers. Not only businesses of all sizes, but devices of all sizes are now being targeted. Make sure your IT strategy extends to all devices in your WLAN, as all of them carry a risk of spreading an infection and providing a backdoor to your critical systems. Dont Fall for Malware and Phishing Scams Short for malicious software, malware includes computer viruses and other types of software we havent installed intentionally on our systems as well as software that hasnt been honest in its intentions that convinced us to install it. In addition to detecting and eliminating virus threats, the best antivirus software suites include algorithms for identifying sophisticated malware threats such as trojans, worms, backdoors and ransomware. The latter is a threat on the rise: criminals can hijack your systems and hold them hostage, asking for ransom. One in five cases sees them demanding more than $10,000, while 3% of the demands are for over $50,000, reports The Guardian. While antivirus programs will catch the vast majority of its instances, malware and ransomware is also the end users responsibility: installing software that comes from unverified sources, falling for pages that look like legitimate websites (but on closer inspection, are not) and trusting pop-up windows that ask for your credentials are common bad practices which are simple to avoid. Practice increased awareness to safeguard your data. Educate Your Employees No matter the size of your office set-up, its only as secure as its weakest link. In simpler terms, a USB stick one of your employees brought to work of a laptop they occasionally take home and connect to their network may spread an infection to the rest of your network, if not sniffed out by local security systems in time. Even if you trust in your own computer security awareness and your IT team, a gullible employee can still be tricked into giving away their password, let alone even setting up a very easy-to-guess one. Training your employees is fundamental in your security strategy, and fortunately there are many trusted resources online for that. Dont forget to ask your IT experts to sit down and make sure theyve gotten the message. After all, malware spreads in different ways. Keeping your infrastructure safe is fundamental to the longevity and success of your business. While complex cybersecurity set-ups may be an area for specialists, whether those exist in your networks or not there are still things employees could be doing to put office computers and data at risk. Make sure you avoid such risks with common sense, knowledge and training. Yahoo Inc said Monday that it would rename itself Altaba Inc and Chief Executive Officer Marissa Mayer would step down from the board after the closing of its deal with Verizon Communications Inc. Yahoo has a deal to sell its core internet business, which includes its digital advertising, email and media assets, to Verizon for $4.83 billion. The terms of that deal could be amended - or the transaction may even be called off - after Yahoo last year disclosed two separate data breaches; one involving some 500 million customer accounts and the second involving over a billion. Verizon executives have said that while they see a strong strategic fit with Yahoo, they are still investigating the data breaches. Five other Yahoo directors would also resign after the deal closes, Yahoo said in a regulatory filing on Monday. The remaining directors will govern Altaba, a holding company whose primary assets will be a 15% stake in Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and 35.5% stake in Yahoo Japan. The new company also named Eric Brandt chairman of the board, effective Jan. 9. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Banks with large London operations say they will step up lobbying European officials because they are running out of arguments to convince the British government the industry needs single market access after Britain leaves the European Union. Banks have focused on pressuring British officials to push for as much market access as possible since voters decided seven months ago to leave the EU. They held fewer meetings with European officials, according to several senior sources in the financial services industry. The focus is shifting because after scores of meetings and research reports, banks, which say they may begin moving staff and operations out of London in the next few months if there is no clarity, feel they are running out of new points to make. Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday she was not interested in Britain keeping "bits" of its EU membership, interpreted by some as signaling she will favor immigration controls over access to the single market. Banks are now planning a new round of lobbying to highlight how a hard Brexit could harm the EU and the UK. They have identified French politicians, EU regulators and government officials, as key groups to win over. "The battle for Britain is over, the battle for France is about to begin," said one senior lobbyist. Another senior lobbyist for one of the major global banks said he will spend more time in Brussels this year to target the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and his teams as well as Didier Seeuws, a Belgian diplomat, who is helping coordinate the Brexit negotiations. Another lobbyist said he is planning to visit Paris to meet with French politicians and regulators later this month. Britain's position as Europe's financial center is emerging as one of the main collision points in the Brexit talks. Some European politicians see an opportunity to challenge British dominance of finance after decades of viewing its free-wheeling "Anglo-Saxon" model of capitalism with suspicion. EU leaders like French President Francois Hollande have said they plan to weaken Britain's grip on finance by, for instance, demanding the lucrative business of clearing euros should move to the euro zone. Finance is Britain's most important industry, accounting for about a tenth of its economic output and is its biggest source of business tax revenue. But Britain also acts as "the investment banker for Europe," Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said in November, with more than half the equity and debt raised for European governments and companies done in the UK. Banks will argue that Europe depends on the strength and the depth of the financial sector in London to service its economy and companies. If access to the EU is cut off, regional financial stability could be in jeopardy, they will say. UK-based banks had total outstanding loans of more than 1.1 trillion pounds to European companies and governments at the start of 2016. The British government has also privately appealed to financial organizations to make their case in Europe if they want a transitional period where their ability to operate in the EU would be phased out gradually over several years. Finance minister Philip Hammond told a meeting of finance executives at the end of November they should lobby European governments if they want to secure a post-Brexit transitional deal, according to two people who were present. Hammond made the comments at the annual dinner of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wholesale Financial Markets and Services, attended by executives from the major British and international banks, according to the people who attended. "He basically said we need a transitional deal to avoid a cliff edge effect, but the EU also needs to argue for it," one person at the dinner said. "He was implying that we need to help the government prepare the ground." A Treasury spokesman, when asked for comment, reiterated Hammond's previous statements to lawmakers that Europe will harm itself if they use Brexit to undermine London's position as the region's principal financial center. Bankers say more work is needed on forging a consensus between Britain and Europe on what any transitional deal may look like. European officials say they will not discuss such a deal before Britain triggers Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to start the process of leaving the EU. "Everyone has a different definition of what it means in Europe and within Whitehall. We're trying to get a common view on what transition means," one of the lobbyists said. The British government's relationship with business has gradually improved after months of friction after the vote. It hit a low point during the Conservative party conference in October when May attacked a "rootless" international elite and officials privately suggested banks would get no special favors in the Brexit negotiations. Nevertheless, banks feel they have largely finished putting forward their case for single market access. "We feel we've been lobbying the UK government to death. We've presented every piece of evidence, every report, research, you name it," one of the lobbyists said. "We've been repeating ourselves for a month or two now... What else do they really need from us now?" One government official, who asked not to be named, said regular dialog with the finance sector will continue, but the number of meetings may reduce. "The door is open if people want to talk to us. There is not an arbitrary point at which speaking to people is no longer helpful," the person said. "But it has been intense, as we wanted it to be, and that intensity may ease." (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Scott and Marla Boyer, recently appointed missions directors of the New Life Fellowship Church in North Logan, are also involved in the Utah Christian Motorcyclists Association. The New Life Fellowship Church in North Logan is a place to connect to God, to others, and to the world. Under the leadership of Dane Wead, lead pastor, New Life Fellowship is affiliated with the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Helping to fulfill the churchs mission to make a difference both in the community and in the world are Scott and Marla Boyer, who live in Petersboro. The Boyers have been attending New Life Fellowship Church since Aug. 2014, and they are eager to serve as the churchs new missions directors. The Boyers will fill a vacancy left by New Life Fellowships previous missions directors, who will move to Tremonton in the spring to establish a new congregation in the Bear River area. The Boyers come to their new opportunity highly qualified and highly recommended. Scott and Marla have been active in local and international missions work for many years, said Pastor Wead. They have true servants hearts and will be a positive influence leading New Life Fellowships missions outreach activities into the future. The Boyers are both employed by Utah State University, with Scott working in marketing and Marla in human resources. Married for 25 years, they traveled to Central America together to do humanitarian work in 2010, and theyve been involved with the Lantern House homeless shelter in Ogden (formerly St. Annes). As missions directors for New Life Fellowship, they will lead teams of volunteers in coordinating outreach efforts both in the United States and abroad. Internationally, the couple has partnered with a Spanish congregation to take a service trip to Ensenada, Mexico, and they plan to visit Nicaragua for a week-long mission trip in November. Closer to home,they will continue to serve the Lantern House. They have also coordinated with a Florida-based organization called Missionary Ventures , along with the Christian Motorcyclists Association, to provide motorcycles, mountain bikes and other means of transportation to native pastors in remote areas. We feel like its a way of using some of our time and talents to help others, said Scott Boyer. Theres so much opportunity out there, and theres so much need in the world. Its on our hearts to pursue that. So many times, Marla added, were the ones who actually come back feeling so blessed, just because of getting to be a part of such a wonderful opportunity. The Boyers passion for service was truly ignited following what Scott describes as a life changing event 10 years ago. In Feb. 2007, Marla developed a winter cough that last for a month. She visited InstaCare on March 1, thinking she just had a bad cold. When the physician who treated her ordered a chest X-ray, a large mass was discovered in between Marlas heart and lungs. When the doctor said, I think I see cancer, you could have knocked me over with a feather, said Marla. I was just shocked. Marla was immediately referred to Logan Regional Hospital for a CT scan and then to an oncologist. Further testing determined that Marla was in Stage II of a rare form of cancer called primary mediastinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, non-Hodgkins. Although the mass in her chest was inoperable, Marla successfully underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiation at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and has since been cancer free. We called it a life changing event, Scott said, because it started some things in motion where we wanted to help others more. It became amplified. It became a part of our being. We feel very, very blessed, and we want to pay it forward and share the Word. I think what I realized going through all of that is how unimportant material things are, Marla added. Whats really important in life are the relationships that you have with people. In addition to their church service, Scott and Marla have become Huntsman Hometown Heroes, raising thousands of dollars for the Huntsman Center and helping with activities related to cancer survival. More important, they say, they have become more committed to performing small acts of kindness on a regular basis. Scott, who has entered phased retirement with the University, thinks of his service with Marla this way. Im graduating from one career and wanting to work into full-time humanitarian work, he said.We are both in good health, and we like to go out and be kind to the world. I cant think of anybody Id rather be serving with, Marla said of her husband. We have a wonderful relationship. We are each others best friend, and we do just about everything together. I think its a wonderful growth opportunity for both of us, and Im excited to see where things are going to go and what doors are going to open.
jennifer@cvradio.com Idaho State Police report one man died and three other people were injured Monday night after a two vehicle accident near 350 E. US-91 in Preston, Idaho. Officers said Manuel Davila-Martinez was driving a Chevy pickup, attempting to turn onto the highway just before 7 p.m. He reportedly lost control of the truck on the icy road and drove into oncoming traffic, striking a Jeep Grand Cherokee head-on. The 59-year-old Preston man and 37-year-old passenger, Gildardo G. Davila, were not wearing seat belts. Amanda J. Baker was driving the Jeep with a minor passenger onboard. They both were reportedly wearing seat belts. Officers said all four people were transported by ambulance to Franklin County Medical Center. Davila-Martinez was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

will@cvradio.com Young people in Italy aren't stupid - they're just forgotten Published on January 10, 2017 Story by Tullio Filippone Translation by: Valeria Vigilante en it es fr de pl "I know people, that is good they left, this country wont struggle without having them around," said Italian Labour Minister Giuliano Poletti of the young Italians migrating abroad, adding that those who stay "aren't all idiots." Not only has the political elite sacrificed a generation, it has made no attempt to understand them. [OPINION] They used to be called the "boomerang generation", but now sociologists have come up with many acronyms and labels for them: Neets ("not in education, employment or training'); "startuppers", if they dive into the great fairytale of modern economy and entrepreneurship where one on a thousand succeeds. Maybe. And now some apparently need to be "kept away." So who are these Italian Millennials? Spoiled, lazy children, addicted to their smartphones, forever teenagers unwilling to grow up? Or perhaps more simply young adults seeking a normal life, like their fathers and grandfathers? It's useless to hide behind labels: Generation Y, in Italy at least, wont have the same quality of life as the Baby Boomers, nor as their grandparents who, after the suffering of the war, lived in a society where there only way was up. Yet, between this legitimate aspiration and a youth unemployment rate of 36.5%, and the exodus of tens of thousands of young Italians abroad and the work paid by using 12.5 million of those magic tickets called vouchers, a third way is possible. A different way to have not the dream job, but at least a job to live serenely, to settle down, or simply to leave the parents house and find a place in the world. At this point we should add that, according to Eurostat, 67% of young Italians live with their parents. In France it's 34.5%, in Germany 43%, in the United Kingdom 34.3% and in Denmark 19.7%. In addition, 2015 saw the birth of 488,000 newborns in Italy, the lowest birth rate in Europe. The reasons are obvious: the lack of welfare policies and the difficulty of finding employment results in Italian mothers being the in Europe - often referred to as "missing" mothers - who have to choose between work and family. Italy has the second-lowest number of employed women in Europe (only 57% aged 25-54), but a birth rate of just 1.3%. In Sweden, where 83% female population work, it's 1.9%. We haven't forgotten the questionable campaign by Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin which attempted to raise the birth rate, shaming young women instead of fixing genuine problems with the welfare system. Now, lets talk about employment. How can a minister in a country that is losing an entire generation claim to know "some youngs who left Italy," and "thats better that they're no longer around" and to insist that "those who stay arent all stupid"? Each of the tens of thousands of young people aged 18-35 who have decided to leave has a reason, happy or otherwise, to find themselves far away from their family and place of birth. Their stories are squeezed into suitcases, their lives condensed to 23 kilos' (if they're lucky) worth of clothes and memories to carry around in wandering years; long-distance love stories with the hope to a far-off reunion; care packages with a small note from grandma; tears and smiles on Skype; nights spent on booking plane tickets to come back for Easter or Christmas. Paoletti is right when he says the young people who stay behind aren't stupid. But he has also omitted the truth. Many young Italians, stay because they have to. Because they couldnt afford the plane tickets, or they werent brave enough to take a step into the unknown, or because they came back full of regret. Be aware that its a hard choice. The great cities of Europe might seem like utopias, but the hard truth is that not everyone survives in the jungle of London, Paris, Berlin or countless other cities, where youre a drop in a limitless ocean. Then there are the Neets. They are found all around the continent, but in Italy they make up 27% of the population. They dont study, they dont work, and they dont seek a job because they are discouraged by a state system that has forgotten about them, and that doesnt understand them. Some have tried, but they have given up, others perhaps need to be encouraged, yet it wouldnt do enough given the status quo. We shouldn't forget the army of temporary employees, who are told that permanent contracts don't exist anymore and that flexibility is gift, as it means freedom and opportunity. Such (unsolicited) advice always from those at the top, from those who got a job at the age of 20 and haven't left the firm since. For years, Italian policymakers have been ignoring young people. Or rather, they've been failing to understand them. The government, which has crowned itself as a champion of change, is a million miles from the generation that destroyed it in the constitutional referendum; that chose not only to defend the old Constitution written by their grandfathers, but also to put into words the distance between their problems and the political agenda. The daily LEspresso has published an unflinching letter from a young Italian researcher who lives in France. The title says it all: Dear Poletti, you have made us the waiters of Europe. Story by Tullio Filippone Translated from L'Italia delle "gaffe" che non conosce i suoi giovani Ghost Town Effective In Bamenda Wilson MUSA Leaders of the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium, CACSC, have suspended the operation ghost town observed Monday January 9, 2017 in North West and South West regions. In a Press briefing on the situation on the ground after a meeting grouping the leaders which ended late Monday, the leaders observed with satisfaction that the ghost town was very effective in all corners of the regions. They called on activities to come back to normalcy in all sectors except schools and Courts. The Press release partly read, The Consortium is extremely thankful to all West Cameroonians-from Penda Mboko to Alou; from Santa to Abongshie; from Furawa to Idenau; from Mamfe, Widikum, Kumba, Kumbo, Mundemba, Buea to Muyuka, Jakiri, Mutengene,Tiko,Fondung,Victoria, Bamenda and Nkambe; we appreciate everyone who felt concerned. Leaders of the Consortium say schools will remain closed until The people of West Cameroon are given satisfactory solutions to the problems of exclusion, marginalization, abuse, infrastructural development, employment and the safeguard or guarantee of protection from our government. The Consortium in their release equally called on all West Cameroonians to go to church on Sunday January 15 and pray to God, thank him for the successful fight so far. Garga Haman Adji Archives The special envoy of President Paul Biya, Garga Haman Adji, designated to break the deadlock in the ongoing crisis rocking the two English speaking regions has arrived Bamenda this Tuesday January 10, 2017. Mr Garaga Haman met with members of the Consortium in a briefing before heading to the governors office where he met with Adolphe LELE LAFRIQUE. Even though nothing filtered out of the two briefings, Mr Garga Haman sounded positive to Journalists all will be well. The visit of the former government minister comes after the PM and his Director of Cabinet failed to solve the crisis rocking the two English Speaking regions. His nomination as the Presidents special envoy came shortly after the head of States end of year message to the Nation on December 31, 2016. Several meetings with Trade Unionists and ad hoc committee have ended in a deadlock; the arrival of Garga Haman is seen by many as a good sign for the course. Barrister Agbor Felix Nkongho, President of the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium, CACSC, told the media that they are ready for dialogue but insisted that the remaining 20 youths be released. It is not yet clear whether the Consortium will agree to sit on dialogue table with Garga Haman Adji. | BY Lynchy | The Midas Awards for the Worlds Best Financial Advertising has announced the award winners for the 2016 competition. Asia has picked up six Midas Gold Ingots and six Midas Silver Ingots and 7 Midas certificates. CJ WORX Thailand as scored 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Midas Certificatesall for Krungsri Markets Big Daddy Form. McCann Singapore also won two Gold Ingots for Biometric ID Posters. Also awarded Gold Ingots are Pi Communications India for Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limiteds The Incomplete Nameplateand TBWA/Sri Lanka for AIA Insurances Sign of Death. Silver Ingots were awarded to Pi Communications India for Birla Sun Life Insurances Salary Slip of 1985, and two Silver Ingots for CJ WORX Thailand for Prudential Thailands Ways to Protect Relationship: The Gift Havas Riverorchid Cambodia was awarded three Midas certificates all for Wing Mobile Money Transfers Bluebird. FP7/DXB (Part of McCann Worldgroup) earned the coveted 2016 Grand Midas Award for A Priceless Delivery for client MasterCard. The award-winning campaign partnered MasterCard Priceless Causes with Salma, an innovation in food relief, that sources high-quality and securely-packaged food to create an interactive wall in Dubai Mall. The wall gave people an immersive and priceless experience when they bought a meal and metaphorically delivered it to the children through the interactive wall allowing Salma to deliver 400,000 meals and counting to displaced children and their families in the Middle East. A Priceless Delivery also earned 5 Midas Gold Ingots, 2 Silver Ingots and 2 Midas Certificates. Says Tahaab Rais, regional head of strategic planning, FP7/MENA (A part of McCann Worldgroup): Our job, being part of a burgeoning creative economy, is to solve the really hard problems around us (brand, business or societal) through the power of our creativity. It gives us purpose and is our way to survive. A Priceless Delivery is one such creative idea, where we have taken the first steps through MasterCard (one of the worlds best-known brands) and its meaningful Priceless Causes program, to address a real-world problem of underprivileged and displaced children and families not getting sufficient access to quality food which is a basic human right. We have moved people in the UAE to give and then, encouraged them to give more by showing them the impact their contributions can make; thus, removing the metaphorical wall that is often formed between those who give and those whose lives they improve. And we have garnered a lot of support that has helped scale this idea and make it sustainable. In todays world, its imperative that more leading global brands (beyond NGOs) do similar meaningful work for causes that are affecting the world around us. They have the influence. Heres wishing that more is done by the big brands we all work with, to help people affected by atrocities around the world, through the power of creativity. Savvy advertisers employed creative event marketing to engage consumers and champion causes. Gold Ingot winners: The Jupiter Drawing Room (South Africa) Johannesburgs Cafe Prosper, a pop-up coffee shop, served up some of the finest coffee in the world, while allowing consumers to rest up, recharge and engage, while becoming a channel of communication to consumers for client Absa/Barclays . McCann New Yorks MasterCard Restroom for All, MasterCards installation at Pride Fest demonstrated their support of global acceptance by installing a restroom that accepts all humans, no matter their gender identity. McCann Londons #44 Days of Crazy for MasterCard harnessed the spirit of international fans traveling through London via branded taxis; riders were challenged to show team spirit by singing their nations rugby anthem and see their taxi fare roll down. Joe Public Pty Ltd South Africas Twitter Track for client Nedbank Sponsorships incorporated inspiring tweets into an encouraging running track to raise funds for children requiring prosthetics. US agencies were in the lead this year, earning 13 Midas Gold Ingots. McCann New York earned 5 Gold Ingots total for client MasterCard. The agency received 3 Gold Ingots for MasterCard Restroom for All. In addition First Big Trip, and Stand Up To Cancer EEG Experience for MasterCard also earned Gold Ingots. McCann Worldgroup also saw campaigns for MasterCard earn Gold Ingots including Together and Experiences Are Priceless. Other US agencies striking gold: R/GA New York earned 2 Gold Ingots for E*TRADE Opportunity is Everywhere Trader, Retire, Invest; Publicis North America Citi Double Cash Card? Double Means Double? Campaign TV Spots was honored with 2 Gold Ingots; and SapientNitro The Webster Bank Warm Welcome Guerilla Campaign earned 2 Gold Ingots. Prudential Advertising #Run401k The Race for Retirement for Prudential earned a Gold Ingot. FP7/DXB Dubai (Part of McCann Worldgroup) struck gold with a total of 11 Midas Gold Ingots including 3 Gold Ingots for A Priceless Delivery for MasterCard. The agency earned a robust 6 Gold Ingots for client Emirates NBD, taking home 3 for The AC Vests 2 for An Uber Ramadan and a single Gold Ingot for The Beautiful After. FP7/DXB was also recognized with a single Gold Ingots for Ad D for National Health Insurance Company Daman. South African agencies were in the winners circle earning a total of 6 Gold Ingots. The Jupiter Drawing Room (South Africa) Johannesburg received 4 Gold Ingots for client Absa / Barclays including 2 Ingots for Ready. Set. Go. and both Cultivating the Exceptional and Cafe Prosper each earned a single Gold Ingot. Joe Public Pty Ltd earned 2 Gold Ingots for Twitter Track for client Nedbank Sponsorships. Three Canadian agencies were honored with Gold Ingots: Zulu Alpha Kilo received Gold Ingots for both Be In The Black and Pets with Credit for client Interac Association. In addition, KBS Canadas BMO TARC for BMO and McCann Canadas Mastercard Safety & Security for client MasterCard earned Gold Ingots. Global Agencies were honored with multiple Gold Ingots. McCann Londons #44 Days of Crazy for MasterCard. McCann Worldgroup London earned 2 Gold Ingots for Mark Ronson Surprise for MasterCard and McCann Singapores Biometric ID Posters also for MasterCard received 2 Gold Ingots. Publicis Communications Switzerland UBS Retirement Campaign for client UBS Switzerland and CJ WORX Thailand s Big Daddy Form for client Krungsri Market along with. R/GA Brazils Gabriel for client Banco Bradesco S.A. each earned 2 Gold Ingots. | BY Lynchy | MEC has appointed Allison Coley as the new Managing Director of MEC Singapore and MEC Global Solutions Asia Pacific. Connie Chan has been named as the regions first Chief Client Officer. Coley (pictured left) will lead the integrated MEC Singapore and Global Solutions businesses, 100 people in total, driving best-in-class client work, managing the great talent in the agency and driving new business growth. As Chief Client Officer for MEC APAC, Chan (pictured right) will develop and implement strong client-centric solutions for all key regional clients in the region and drive the client leadership community of the agency. Both Chan and Coley will report to Peter Vogel, MECs APAC CEO. Speaking on the appointments Vogel, said, This is an exciting time for us in the region, after a great year which has truly re-booted our growth. Its great to have such senior, talented and experienced client leaders in the region, both with proven track records on delivering excellent client focussed solutions. Connie and Allison are two incredibly strong female leaders and role models in our industry and beyond and I couldnt think of anyone better suited to lead our clients to continued growth. Sharon Soh, the current Managing Director of MEC Singapore, will leave the agency by the end of January 2017. Sharon has been with MEC for 18 years. A long-standing member of MECs global team, Coley has over 18 years of experience in the media industry, 12 of those years with MEC in US and UK. As a global client leader, she has created central solutions for some of the most well-known global brands and has led MECs largest global clients and client teams, including Colgate Palmolive, SABMiller, Visa and Tiffany, across multiple markets and geographies. In her most recent role as Client President for MEC Global Solutions London, Coley managed MECs client relations and activities across the many markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as launched the MEC brand in Kenya and Ghana. Chan is a unique career profile in Singapore with a strong local and international experience. She was a founder member of MEC Global Solutions, APACs first and still largest and most successful agency division for multi-market clients. Monday, January 9, 2017 at 9:59PM Lenovo Legion Y520 One of Lenovos bigger announcements at CES revolves around an entirely new line. The Chinese tech company calls it Legion, a sub-brand dedicated exclusively to gaming. Out of the gates, Lenovo introduces two new gaming laptops and calls these the beginning of a journey in the constantly growing segment. One is a more mainstream-friendly machine: the Legion Y520; while the other is designed for a more hardcore gamer: the Y720. Lets take a quick look at what both machines have to offer. Lenovo packs in the best specs it could into both rigs but for something more budget-friendly (we use this term very loosely), theres the Y520. It doesnt exactly scrimp on offerings with up to 7th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR4 memory, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, and hybrid storage of up to either 512GB PCIe SSD or 2TB SATA HDD. Audio is as part of a gaming experience as the visuals so this Legion packs in a two 2W Harman speakers with Dolby Audio Premium. Its crimson backlit keyboard offers 1.7mm key travel for more accurate and responsive keystrokes. At 2.58mm thin and 2.5kgs, its still a gaming machine you can carry around. Its not the lightest but itll do. The display of the Y520 is a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel and it comes with a full array of ports including USB Type-C, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI port, audio jack, microphone jack, Rj45 LAN, and a 4-in-1 card reader. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 802.11ac with Bluetooth 4.1 combo. Battery life is promised up to four hours. Lenovo plans to start selling the Y520 in the US by next month with a starting price of US$899.99 (around CA$1,100). Lenovo Legion Y720 Now, if you want the best of the best that Lenovo has to offer, dont look any further than the Y720. This Legion offering has up to 7th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics, 16GB DDR4 memory, and hybrid storage similar to the Y520. Aside from the graphics boost, the Y720 offers 2W JBL speakers and 3W Dolby Atmos subwoofer, VR-ready specs (this laptop is Oculus-certified), as well as support for Xbox One Wireless Controller (up to four controllers at the same time). Gaming will be a joy on its 15.6-inch 4K display but if you prefer playing on a bigger screen, the Y720 has a Thunderbolt 3 port. The Y720 comes with an RGB keyboard for a more personalized, fun gaming experience. You wont have to worry about overheating this machine as it comes equipped with dual metal fans and rear air vents. In terms of connectivity, you get two Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1 combo. And aside from the Thunderbolt 3 port, you get USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port, audio jack, mic jack, RJ45 LAN, and a DisplayPort. Battery life is promised up to five hours per use. Both units come in a menacing yet good-looking black. With all its extra bells and whistles, the Y720s starting price is at US$1,399.99 (around CA$1,850). Its coming to the US in April 2017. Ms Brown says discovering these items, among other rarities such as intricate jewellery, a mah jong set, an abacus, clothing, and a set of doors from a joss house, which could have been used in a makeshift temple on the gold fields - "I've never seen anything like them", Ms Brown said - tucked away on the top floor of the Braidwood Museum has been part of the story itself. Pearl Academy Entrance 2022 : PAF Entrance Test https://career.webindia123.com/career/dates_and_events/entrance/fashion/pearl-academy-of-fashion-entrance-test.htm Details of Pearl Academy Entrance 2022 : PAF Entrance Test 2022-8-8 2022-8-15 https://career.webindia123.com/career/images/exams.png India India Pearl Academy Entrance 2022 : PAF Entrance Test Design Pearl Academy of Fashion Entrance Test 2022 Pearl Academy Entrance 2022 : PAF Entrance Test Category : Design Admissions 2022 Published : On August 8, 2022 By Webindia123 Editor Important Dates August Cycle Last date of application 15th August 2022 Entrance Examination 17th August 2022 Generation of Admit Cards 16th August 2022 Publishing of Results 20th August 2022 Pearl Academy Noida invites applications for the academic year 2022-23. Courses offered at Pearl Centres 4-Year Under Graduate Pathway Fashion Design [FD] Communication Design (Graphics/Interaction & Digital) [CD-GID] Fashion Styling & Image Design [FSID] Interior Design [ID] Fashion Media Communication [FMC] Product Design [PD] 3-Year Under Graduate Pathway Journalism & Mass Media [JMM] Fashion & Lifestyle Business Management [FLBM] Global Luxury Brand Management [GLBM] 1-Year/ 2-Year Post Graduate Pathway Fashion Design [PGFD] Interior Design & Styling [PGIDS] Fashion Styling & Image Design [PGFSID] Fashion Business (Marketing & Merchandising) [PGFBMM] Luxury Brands [PGLB] Communication Design [PGCD] Fashion Communication [PGFC] Journalism & Mass Media [PGJMM] PR & Events [PDPRE] 2-Year Masters MA Design (Fashion & Textiles) [MAFT] MA Fashion Marketing [MAFMG] 1-Year Certificate Fashion Media Make Up [FMM] Fashion Womens Wear [FWW] Professional Photography [PP] Styling for Interiors [SI] Eligibility Criteria For 3-Year/4-Year Under Pathway : 10+2, or equivalent with minimum 50% marks. For 2-Year Post Graduate Diploma programmes : Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university. For 11 month certificate Programs: 10+2, or equivalent For 2-Year Masters : MAFT : A graduate Degree in fashion design or textile design Or A graduate diploma in fashion design or textile design with at least 2 years work experience in fashion/textiles industry Or Any graduate with 3 years work experience in fashion/textiles industry MAFMG : Essential : Graduate Degree (or equivalent) Desirable : Graduation in Fashion Management, Marketing, Retail, Merchandising, Manufacturing or Design Or At least 3 years fashion business experience Application Procedure Candidates applying online are required to apply through the Admissions 2022 Portal (ADMISSIONS 2022) on the official home page of Pearl Website (www.pearlacademy.com) Candidates appearing in their final examinations can also apply provisionally. Candidates can apply through the Online mode using either Debit/Credit Card or Demand Draft. Application fee is to be paid using Credit Card / Debit Card / Demand Draft. Please keep your Credit Card / Debit Card / Demand Draft ready with you before applying. The Demand Draft should be in favour of "Creative Arts Education Society" payable at New Delhi. Candidates are required to Register Online using a Valid e-mail ID before applying. This email ID should be valid for at least next 1 year. Candidates are advised to keep the following ready with them before applying online: Credit / Debit Card/Net Banking/Demand Draft or Cash on counter. Scanned copy of passport size photograph [The photograph must be a recent passport size color picture, preferably in white background. Photographs with Caps, hats and dark glasses are not acceptable. The image should be in .jpg format only. Size of file should not be more than 1 mb]. Details of educational qualifications (marks / grade / year of passing etc.) Guidelines for Applying Online using Credit / Debit Card/Net Banking as payment option: Select choices of Course and Campus (only 1 choice for MA course). Fill up the Online Application form Click on APPLY ONLINE and select Payment by Credit Card / Debit Card/Net banking Click on SAVE and SUBMIT your application you will be directed to a payment gateway. Application Form Fee: Rs. 1500/- for Indian & Nepali Nationals only (non refundable) After completion of your Online Application and payment authorization, please SAVE your Online Application and take a print out. An auto-generated confirmation mail will be sent on your Email ID containing the following: Confirmation of successful Online Registration & Payment. Your Online Application Number. In case unsuccessful, you will be asked to apply and fill up the online application form again. Note: Candidates applying online through Credit / Debit card/Net Banking are not required to send print out of the application form. Guidelines for Applying Online using Demand Draft/Cash on Counter as payment option: Select choices of Course and Campus (only 1 choice for MA course). Fill up the Online Application form Enter the Demand Draft details (DD in favor of Creative Arts Education Society) or select cash on counter and click on Submit. Click on APPLY ONLINE and select Payment through Demand Draft/Cash on Counter Click on SAVE and SUBMIT your application. After completion of your Online Application and payment authorization, please SAVE your Online Application and take a print out. An auto-generated confirmation mail will be sent on your Email ID containing the following: Confirmation of successful Online Registration & Payment. Your Online Application Number. In case unsuccessful, you will be asked to apply and fill up the online application form again. Note: Candidates applying online through Demand Draft/Cash amount of Rs. 2000/- are required to send print out of the application form along with DD/Cash amount. To check status of form submission a. Log on to Pearl website (www.pearlacademy.com) b. Go to apply now c. Enter User id & Password i) for online form submission email id will be your User ID & password created by you ii) for Offline form submission Email ID will be your User ID & Password will be sharing on your email id, once form will be submitted at our end. Candidates can also apply through Offline mode by purchase of Application Kit-2019 from the Pearl Academy campuses and authorized Sales Counters. Admit cards for Written Test & Personal Interviews for both admission cycles will be available 4 days before the Written Test/Personal Interview. Candidates are required to download Admit Cards from Pearl Website only. Please check Pearl website regularly for updates. Pearl Academy reserves the right to amend, change or cancel courses including dates of commencement, number of seats, location, programmes, programme content, fee structure etc. with no liability attached to the Academy. Pearl Academy reserves the right to cancel / add / change any entrance examination center(s) due to administrative reasons. Other centers may also be added and such information, as well as the exact location of the centers, will be notified later. Pattern of Admission Test Stage 1:Written Admission Test GPT and DAT General Proficiency Test (GPT) is administered to judge a candidates proficiency in the English language (comprehension, vocabulary and expression), Language Ability, Logical reasoning, Quantitative ability, Data Interpretation, basic Mathematics, etc. Design Aptitude Test (DAT) examines candidates aptitude for creativity, drawing, design ability, power of observation and imagination, sensitivity to environment and communication skills. Applicants have the option of opting for maximum 2 course choices. Applicants opting for a Design course in any of the choices will be required to appear for Design Aptitude Test (DAT). Stage 2: Personal Interview (including portfolio evaluation / material handling skill test for Design streams). A candidate is judged on various parameters by a panel as listed below: Career Focus Maturity & Confidence General Awareness, Creative and Lateral Thinking Ability to Analyze / Logical Reasoning Intellectual / Creative Ability Portfolio evaluation Material Handling Skills (for Design streams) All candidates are required to undergo a Personal Interview after the Written Admission Test at their respective Entrance Examination centre /Personal Interview centres mentioned on their Admit Card. All candidates are required to undergo a Personal Interview after the Written Admission Test at their respective Entrance Examination Centre. Candidates appearing for the Written Test in Delhi / NCR, Noida, Jaipur, Mumbai and Chennai centres are required to appear for the Personal Interview at respective Pearl Academy Campuses only. For MAFT Pathway: Selection is based on personal interview & portfolio evaluation Please check Pearl website regularly for updates. Contact Details Address : Pearl Academy A-21/13, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase-II, New Delhi 110028 Phone : 011- 49807100 / 101 Fax : Mobile : 081305 66399 E-mail : Website : www.pearlacademy.com Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions "If he nodded, then you would just leave, but if he was interested, he'd start asking questions, get involved, pull out a cigar, ask some more question and when he was done, he'd nod and you'd just depart. China Mobile and Nuage Networks are partnering on a new massive public cloud deployment that will scale to meet the needs of approximately 2,000 servers across two data centres in the cities of Beijing and Guangzhou. Nuage Networks, the Nokia venture focused on software-defined networking (SDN) solutions; today announced that China Mobile (CMCC) has selected its Virtualised Services Platform (VSP) to implement CMCCs first commercial public cloud project based on SDN technology. CMCCs is the largest telecommunications company in China and has been rapidly expanding its large network of data centres. CMCC needed a highly scalable SDN solution with rich services for a massive deployment of approximately 2000 public cloud servers made up of several thousand virtual machines, in Beijing and Guangzhou. Nuage Networks VSP enabled CMCC to virtualise its multi-tenant data centre networks and establish connectivity among computing resources far faster than normal while at the same time providing more provisioning features to customers also at considerably faster speeds. In effect, this is the automation of provisioning. Charles Ferland, vice president of business development, Nuage Networks, told Capacity that: These SDN solutions will increase the speed of deployments by ten times while reducing operating expenses by up to 50%. As a result, CMCC can implement new data centres faster than with its normal physical deployments, while reducing staffing and op ex. This deal strengthens the relationship between China Mobile and Nuage Networks, building on the deployment last year of Nuage Networks SDN technology in CMCCs DevOps private cloud architecture. Ferland explained to Capacity that: Nuage Networks VSP solution enables high-performance, high-stability distributed SDN and policy-based automation for cloud deployments to be rolled out with speed and ease. Rather than have to provision each server individually the process is automatic and optimises and scales data centre connectivity. The real benefit of the solution is that it automates the configuration, management and optimisation of virtual networks, including security services that provide tenant isolation and access controls to individual applications and workloads. The centralised policy manager and SDN controller automates configuration and tuning of network and security devices, accelerating IT tasks, increasing scale and reducing errors. As Ferland told Capacity: Its about connecting users with applications that they can provision easily and with speed. Our solutions and services do away with complex technical answers that take a long time to deploy and replace them with easily-followed templates that can allow provisioning of complex solutions that in turn enables operators provide services in days instead of months or years. This partnership came about after China Mobile asked Nuage Networks to help it with its private cloud network. The VCS integrates with a broad range of open source management solutions around OpenStack to deliver virtual networking, provision storage and provide automation in a highly scalable cloud environment. CMCC also won the OpenStack superuser award this year. OpenStack said of the CMCC award: The team has managed to marry scale with speed and agility: the OpenStack-based application release cycle has been cut from six months to a month and its big data prediction platform boosted success rates from 3- to 15-20 percent. Team members have also contributed 513 patch sets and over 2,000 lines of codes to the OpenStack community. Yu Xiaohan, head of the customer business team, CMCC at Nokia Networks China said The successful track record of Nuage Networks VSP in major operators clouds around the world, and our philosophy of building open cloud environments that avoid customer lock-in, were both instrumental in our ability to win China Mobiles first open bid for its data centre SDN. We are excited to assist China Mobile to build a large-scale, high-performance cloud that includes all of the features required to meet their customers needs. Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. In a welcome move for the schools in the state, the Karnataka government has ventured in the digital space by mapping all its 76,000 schools on a Geographical Information System (GIS) platform. This will now allow the government to analyse, identify and rationalise their distribution. Uneven Distribution of Schools in Karnataka The existing problem with the schools are that they are unevenly distributed, witholding uniformity in the education of students. According to the Right to Education (RTE) Act elementary education is made compulsory. Now GIS would help the government to identify the areas that need schools and those areas where schools are concentrated, in order to plan accordingly. What SSA has to say? Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) state project director PC Jaffer said, "Such comprehensive GIS mapping of schools has not been done." "The latitude and longitude of all schools have been captured and digitally plotted on a map. This gives us a spatial distribution of schools to know which areas are unserved and which are the oversaturated ones." How to access the Bengaluru part of the School Location Map Visit http://schoolgis.nic.in/map.html On the top tab, click on Area of Interest Select ' Karnataka ' as State and 'Bangalore' as District ' as State and 'Bangalore' as District Click on Thematic Mapping of Schools (seventh tab on the top right panel) for specific data on school locations based on classes/grades How Karnataka Education Department is carrying out GIS? Partnering with with the Karnataka State Remote Sensing and Application Centre (KSRSAC), the Education department is working to take the next step. "Right now, we are looking at schools as they exist today. We need a reporting layer to run analytics. It can give us a better understanding of how schools and anganwadis are spread in every gram panchayat and how resources should be allocated," Jaffer said. How many areas in Karnataka lack schools? During the RTE admissions that took place last year, authorities found 14 municipal wards in Bengaluru which did not have a single school, government-run or unaided. This was news. Why do some places in Karnataka not have schools? The low student enrolment rate has lead to such a condition, say experts. Sixty one government schools in Bengaluru have less than 10 children. "The equilibrium was destroyed because the government permitted private schools to open wherever there were government schools, leading to the latter's death," said VP Niranjan Aradhya, a fellow at the NLSIU Centre for Child and the Law. "The mapping of schools should've been done in 2012, when RTE came into effect in Karnataka." Karnataka 2nd PUC Examination 2017 Exam Dates Released Oxford University Press India in collaboration with Valuepoint Academy are introducing English language courses to students as a part of the Oxford Quality Programme. This association will endeavour to improve communication skills, knowledge of English language and overall personality of students, towards improving their longer-term career prospects. Valuepoint Academy will run the programme at its Bangalore and Pune centres. Speaking about this partnership, Paras Bansal, Business Head - Higher Education, Trade and Professional Learning, Oxford University Press India said "Proficiency in English is one of the accepted and identified parameters for better employment opportunities, not just in India but across several global geographies". He added "For English Language Teaching (ELT) content, we continually endeavour to develop and put out in several formats for benefit of learners." About Oxford Quality Programme It provides institutions with a suite of educational solutions for English language training. This enables them to be assured in receiving high quality professional development, dedicated consultation services, comprehensive testing and assessment and the best quality English Language Teaching materials. For over a period of two years, Valuepoint Academy will work in collaboration with Oxford University Press to provide quality curriculum, assessment materials and teacher training. How is the partnership beneficial for students? This partnership will offer the students, enhanced learning experience and access to world class content that include both print based course and digital learning tools. The partnership will also introduce a 6 month diploma course supported by the study material from Oxford University Press. The students taking this course will receive a joint certificate from Valuepoint Academy and Oxford University Press upon the course completion. About Oxford University Press Oxford University Press (OUP) is the world's largest university press with the widest global presence. Its global academic publishing program spans the entire academic and higher education spectrum, including a wide array of scholarly and general interest books, journals, and online products. Their mission is to support Oxford University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education. Their authors range from classic thinkers to modern masters, including twentieth-century Nobel Prize winners, and come from across the globe. OUP brings together leading scholars to address contemporary political issues. About Valuepoint Academy Valuepoint Academy is a premier institution engaged in teaching English Language and imparting Effective Communication Skills and Personality Development. It is located in the IT city of Bangalore and Pune. British Council Offers Exclusive Preview Course, Enrol Now! A key Volkswagen executive has been arrested by the FBI in Florida over his involvement with the diesel emissions scandal. The executive in question, Oliver Schmidt, acted as the top emissions compliance manager for Volkswagen in the United States and was arrested on Friday on conspiracy to defraud the United States. Schmidt is accused of playing a key role in ensuring United States regulators didnt find out about the German brand cheating emissions. The New York Times reports that Schmidt tried to convince regulators that excess emissions of the brands diesel models were produced by technical issues, shortly after a 2014 study from West Virginia University raised concerns about the engines. In an affidavit by FBI agent Ian Dinsmore, Schmidt is accused of offering reasons for the discrepancy other than the fact that VW was intentionally cheating on U.S. emissions tests, in order to allow VW to continue to sell diesel vehicles in the United States. Schmidts arrest comes as the criminal investigation into Volkswagens emissions ramps up after the automaker agreed to pay over $15 billion in compensation to affected owners. PHOTO GALLERY While this isnt our first look at Infinitis vision for their next-generation mid-size SUV, it does mark the first time we get to see what they meant by a high levels of modern craftsmanship while referring to its interior. After releasing a first batch of images with their new QX50 Concept back in December, Infiniti also let us know that visually, this car was meant to be an evolution of their 2016 QX Sport Inspiration concept. The muscular lines and heavily profiled surfaces give the QX50 Concept a powerful presence, extending its so-called visual length, while the wide and equally-muscular stance accentuates its dynamic pedigree. The automaker even states that from a side view, the hood is shaped like the rise of a snakes head. Add to that the sharp creases extending upwards from the A-pillar before diving down towards the bonnet and youve got a recipe for hiding away a very compact engine, like the VC-Turbo. That being said, now that the car has made it to the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti also released quite a lot of information regarding the concepts interior, which is supposed to demonstrate the companys new direction regarding how they view premium materials and craftsmanship. Instead of high-gloss woods or soft-touch plastics (which are generally considered good things), the interior of the QX50 Concept boasts a more modern application of wood, leather and stitching, where each material is treated and applied in a way that just screams handmade. Infiniti wrapped the QX50 Concepts cabin in a variety of different leathers, from genuine, to semi-aniline and even synthetic nubuck for a larger variety of textures and visual depth. Youve got the brown leather on the upper layer of the cabin, working in contrast with the white leather on the lower dashboard, door trim and seats. Its all brought together by a line of navy blue synthetic nubuck, which is also found on the center console. As for the high-gloss wood that most automakers prefer to work with, the QX50 Concept is trimmed in real, open-pore ash treated to retain its natural (and sometimes irregular) characteristics in both texture as well as appearance. The Japanese automaker says that youd even feel the grain of the ash if you were to run your hand over it. In terms of on-board tech, the QX50 Concepts Graphic User Interface is there to showcase how new technologies could be incorporated into future Infiniti cabins. First theres the wide touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) positioned in the center of the dashboard. This displays not just navigation and infotainment features, but also the current status of other technologies present in the vehicle, such as how well the VC-Turbo variable compression ratio engine operates at any given moment. Speaking of which, we already explained what this new 2.0-liter power unit is about back when Infiniti first talked about this concept, however, to recap, were dealing with a possible 27% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to V6-powered petrol engines. Infiniti has yet to confirm which of their new models will benefit from the new VC-Turbo unit first, but a future mid-sized crossover could very well be first in line though nothing is official as of yet. Finally, using this concept, Infiniti is also previewing their new autonomous drive support technologies, based on a system that will act more like a co-pilot, helping the driver navigate stop-start traffic and keeping track of his or her surroundings. Just like with the VC-Turbo unit, the QX50s autonomous drive support system will eventually make its way into future production models. PHOTO GALLERY Video Polaris is intent on taking on Harley-Davidson in the market for all-American motorcycles, and its done so with not one brand, but two. That dichotomy is about to come to an end, though, as the powersport vehicle manufacturer has announced the end of the Victory Motorcycles brand. Based on its expertise producing snowmobiles and both tandem and side-by-side ATVs, Polaris got into the heavyweight cruiser market with the launch of the Victory brand in 1998. Victorys market share climbed over the subsequent years until 2012, when it peaked, and has been in decline ever since. By this point, Victory motorcycles account for only 3 percent of Polaris sales, with the average retailer selling only 20 of them each year. The company reports that it has lost money on Victory in three out of the past five years, so its pulling the plug and focusing its energies elsewhere principally on the Indian Motorcycle brand that it acquired in 2011, leaving Victory in a position of redundancy ever since. The factories in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Spearfish, South Dakota, will now focus on producing Indian bikes, while the Slingshot trike will continue production in Huntsville, Alabama. The manufacturer will help its dealers liquidate the bikes they have in store, and will continue supplying parts for the next ten years. Meanwhile Polaris may yet rebrand the Victory Empulse line of electric motorcycles it acquired from Brammo. All Brammo patents, technology, intellectual property and Polaris enhancements remain the property of Polaris, a spokesman confirmed to Carscoops, and will be applied to other products and business units as appropriate. Photo Gallery Photo: Contributed Life lessons from a year well lived This was, by far, the best year of my life. Not only has it been an incredible adventure, but I have learned so much about who I am and the life I want to lead. Before I move on to what I hope will be another incredible year (Scale My Lfe 2.0), I wanted to share what I had taken away. Here is, part 2 of my lessons to scale your life/ Passion now, money later If all you seek in life is money, then be prepared for a slow grind and a bitter reward. When I started Scale My Life, I had no idea where it would take me. I just knew I wasn't happy and I needed to do something different. Rather than focusing only on what I could get paid to do, I committed myself to doing things I'd always wanted to do. I pursued creative passions like writing, design, and videography without any expectation of financial return. Ironically, it was this very pursuit of passions over profits that led me to develop the means to start my own business and escape the rut that I was in. There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions in a way that serves the world and you. - Richard Branson Don't hold out on pursuing your passions because they're not profitable. If you do things that make you incredibly happy, even if they make you no money, opportunities will just open up. Set crazy, insane, moon shot goals Ever heard the saying aim for the stars and you'll land on the moon? Well, that's because the simple fact is if you set weak goals youll get weak results. My attempt to experience something new every single day for a month was an insane moon shot goal. I was told it was crazy and dumb, but to me, it was awesome and incredibly cool. "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough." Through this experience, I realized that only by striving for something unachievable can we push ourselves to do what we consider impossible. Learn to fail, but fail forward Back in August, I set out to read 10 books in a month. I only read seven. Dealing with that failure was stressful, emotional, and humbling, but it also really helped me grow as a person. I learned that failure is just a part of striving to reach the moon, so it's not failure that you have to worry about, but how you deal with it that matters. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill I think thats what failing forward means. You may face failure at times, but as long as you can take something from it and apply it to your future pursuit moving forward then youve never really failed. Micro before Macro We often feel like the only way to create change in our life is to make large, painful decisions. "Don't like where you live? Move. Don't love your job? Quit." The reality is, real change doesnt happen overnight and if you really want things to change then you need to start small to see big results. My swimming challenge was probably the best example of this. At the beginning, I couldnt swim 25 metres across the pool and I was facing the crazy challenge of swimming a 2,000 metres set by the end of month. I was petrified looking at the daunting goal all at once and at the time I thought I might actually die, but by just breaking things down into small micro goals of 25 metres at a time, I slowly built my way up to swimming two kilometres across Okanagan Lake. "Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out." - Robert Collier The same principle can be applied to life. If you can take action and make micro changes in your life, they will eventually lead to the life that you desire. Plan ahead The first step in taking on any challenge is building an epic plan. Companies spend months designing successful business plans, athletes plan out every workout in order to achieve their goals, and yet very few of us bother to make a strategic plan for our lives. It's no wonder we float through our lives without a purpose or direction, we haven't committed ourselves to one. You were born to win, but to be a winner you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win. - Zig Ziglar Take the time to decide what you want your life to be and build a plan how you will get there. This small effort will guide you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible. Follow my journey at scalemylife.com as I reflect on a year well lived and develop my new strategy to continue to scale my life. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Getty Images Am I making a difference? This was a question I asked myself more frequently as my time in traffic enforcement with the RCMP grew longer. Everyone wants to do their job well, and mine was to encourage the motoring public to conform to the law in the hope that doing so would minimize the number of collisions in my patrol area. If I was successful, no one would be hurt, our insurance rates would fall and I wouldnt have to write so many tickets. Is it possible for the average traffic cop to change a drivers attitude? The primary tools available to all traffic enforcement personnel are warnings and tickets. How does one choose which is the most appropriate for the situation? Deciding on an appropriate balance and delivering it to the violator in the manner that does the most good was something that I always found to be difficult. In the face of more and more verbal abuse at the roadside, it would have been simple just to reach for the ticket book and teach that driver a lesson. However, if a warning was what I had in mind when I stopped them, shouldnt I carry through with that thought? There were many times when I stuck to my original decision and wrote the warning. Most angry drivers settled down when they realized what they were getting, but a few carried on with such venom that I would find myself sitting at the roadside after they had driven away trying to lower my own blood pressure. Occasionally, I would even go back to the office and do paperwork for a while because I knew that if I didnt I would probably take it out on the next violator I encountered. Tickets are easy to write. I often thought that if I wrote one for every violation I saw, I would never travel more than a few kilometres from the office each shift. Everyone thinks that I had a quota to fill but in reality, I was only subject to a quota once in my service. If I wrote more than 30 per cent of my charges for speeding, I could expect to sit down for a chat with my supervisor and be reminded that there were many other types of violation out there that were just as important to deal with. Otherwise, all that I had to show was that I was doing an honest days work. Did tickets change a drivers attitude? If they are adult in their outlook, I would say yes. The driver would realize that they were ticketed for making an error or deliberately disobeying the rules and not let it happen again. If they were a child, the problem would be mine, not theirs. There might be a slim possibility that they would make a connection between their behaviour and the ticket. If they didnt care at all, my efforts would be wasted. Many officers step beyond the basics of the job and embrace the education component of Road Safety Strategy 2025. They take part in many different programs within their community to reach out to drivers before they make mistakes. Some time and effort here can pay dividends later on by helping receptive drivers make the right choices during their driving careers. As you might guess, I always enjoyed this because it gave me a chance at a positive contact with people. I cant recall a single instance of the verbal abuse that I suffered at the roadside occurring in these venues. Finally, how do you measure what didnt happen? How do you know if you were able to make a difference in someones life? There were few times in my service where I learned after the fact that my interventions had made a difference. One of my co-workers was investigating a two-vehicle collision when one of the drivers involved commented to him that if I hadnt written him a ticket for not wearing his seatbelt the previous week, he wouldnt have been wearing it here either. He realized that he had avoided injury by wearing the seatbelt and Im sure that this took a lot of the sting out of my ticket. Im still keeping the faith by writing on road safety instead of using a ticket book. To borrow a phrase from a friend who has suffered much and still tries to educate others about drinking and driving: Together we can make a difference! Story URL: http://www.drivesmartbc.ca/police/am-i-making-difference This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Getty Images Well, I cant lie. 2017 has begun with an onslaught of negative elements. Unsettled economy, fear mongering, chaos, a sense of hopelessness. Losers are somehow winners and we are all questioning what kind of political atmosphere lies ahead. Last week, I overheard some 20-somethings discussing whether waiting in queues at the Louvre to view the Mona Lisa was a better option than just experiencing it through virtual reality electronics. Imagine, African safaris, Belizean reefs or the wonder of Machu Picchu, all from the safety of your own couch. Technology and terrorism working hand in hand to further limit the wondrous exploration of this amazing planet of ours. I refuse to believe that the adventurers in society are a dying breed. Thankfully recent studies show a rising trend in a more immersive style of travel and destination choice. TRENDS Culinary travel is not new to 2017, but the rise in viable experiences being offered in an ever-growing list of countries is. Italy and France have made way for culinary immersions in Vietnam, Argentina, Costa Rica and India to name but a few notable choices. Classes range from simple local cooking schools to Michelin rated restaurants. Wellness and spa travel is appealing to those of us wishing to unplug from our 24/7 connectivity to social media and the workplace. Resorts are offering wifi-free zones coupled with an active itinerary and classes committed to your physical and emotional well-being. Motivational travel speaks to the increasing desire to explore new destinations in an immersive and authentic manner. Eating and staying with locals is expected to be an important component in many travel itineraries for 2017. The threat of global warming has lead to an increased popularity to those areas most affected by rising oceans and temperature. TOP FIVE DESTINATIONS Cuba Likely to be the fastest changing destination in 2017. The death of Fidel Castro and the lifting of the U.S. embargo will unleash an unprecedented interest in this Caribbean island. U.S. travel suppliers have already blocked large room allocations in both Havana and Varadero. Time is running out to experience the rhythmic pulse of this Caribbean nation before the Starbucks and McDonald's branding begins. Sri Lanka Emerging neck and neck with Myanmar as the top S.E. Asian destination for 2017, Sri Lanka ekes ahead with its beautiful beaches as well as its once in a lifetime game encounters in the Southern regions. It's so much more than just temples, tigers and tea. Relatively uncommercialized, Sri Lanka offers an authentic experience along with inexpensive accommodations and transport. Colombia Once one of the most feared and dangerous destinations in South America, Columbia has shaken its dubious reputation and emerged as the most popular country in South America. A perfect choice for the active adventurer, Colombia offers mountains, jungles, beaches, rivers as well as archeological sites and vibrant cosmopolitan cities. Music permeates the fabric of society and the warmth of the Colombian hospitality cannot be resisted. Slovenia Due to the popularity of Croatia, travellers have begun to set their sites on the rest of the Balkan coastline. Like her neighbour, Slovenia can be easily explored in a week and offers a much less expensive and busy atmosphere. The capital city of Ljubljana is prized for its cafe culture and its beautifully preserved old town. Antarctica The region most likely to be adversely affected by global warming. Harshly beautiful is how many visitors describe their once in a lifetime adventure. Unequivocally transforming due to climate change, your opportunity to visit this grandeur exists within an ever-closing time frame. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: The Canadian Press UPDATE: 3:30 p.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook up his cabinet Tuesday in a bid to adjust to the upheaval wrought by incoming American president Donald Trump to international affairs in general and Canada's relationship with the United States in particular. He entrusted to Chrystia Freeland a former economics journalist with extensive contacts in the United States the crucial responsibility of navigating the changing domestic and global dynamic as his Liberal government prepares to deal with an unpredictable and avowedly America-first Trump administration. Freeland leaves the international trade portfolio, where she distinguished herself overcoming eleventh-hour obstacles to a Canada-European free trade agreement, to replace veteran Liberal MP Stephane Dion at Global Affairs. And she will retain responsibility for Canada-U.S. trade relations. "Obviously, the new administration to the south will present particular both opportunities and challenges as well as a shifting global context," Trudeau told a news conference following a swearing-in ceremony that saw Dion and fellow veteran John McCallum leave politics altogether, MaryAnn Mihychuk return to the backbenches and three newcomers welcomed into the inner circle. "We are always going to be expected by Canadians to adjust and to put our best team forward in dealing with the important issues that matter to Canadians, whether it be the relationship with the United States, whether it be the relationship with China, whether it be how we engage with Europe." Trudeau expressed confidence in his government's ability to work with the Trump administration, which officially takes over on Jan. 20. But he repeated his assertion that he'll continue to stand up for Canada's values and principles. And on that score, some of his other cabinet choices appeared to reflect his determination to chart a different course to the populist, protectionist, anti-immigration Trump regime. He named rookie Toronto MP Ahmed Hussen, a Somali refugee, to the immigration portfolio vacated by McCallum, who oversaw the welcoming of 25,000 Syrian refugees. "We've always been generous by opening our doors and opening our hearts and we've been the better for it," Hussen said. "The story of Canada is the story of immigration." McCallum will become Canada's new ambassador to China, signalling just how serious Trudeau is about expanding relations with the world's most populous country, including exploratory talks on a free trade deal. The prime minister referred repeatedly Tuesday to the need to pivot toward Europe and Asian countries, evidently in response to the more protectionist mood in the U.S. Even in his choice of Freeland as foreign affairs minister, Trudeau signalled a different course from Trump, who has taken a much friendlier stance than Canada on Russia, which has been accused by the CIA of interfering in last fall's U.S. presidential election. Freeland is a Canadian of Ukrainian descent who made decidedly undiplomatic remarks about Russia in the wake of that country's military incursions into Ukraine in 2014. That same year, she and 12 other Canadians were barred from entering the country as part of a series of retaliatory sanctions imposed by President Vladimir Putin. Asked about her ability to navigate the Trump-Putin relationship, given her history, Trudeau would only say: "She speaks fluent Russian." "We continue to stand strongly with Ukraine ... and continue to condemn in no uncertain terms the illegitimate and illegal actions of the Russians in Ukraine," he added. Freeland, who worked as a journalist in Moscow for four years, said she agrees with her government's position that "it is important to engage with all countries around the world, including Russia," noting that her background and familiarity with the country makes her uniquely qualified for the role. On the subject of whether she'd be allowed to travel there, she said, "That's a question for Moscow." Quebec MP Francois-Philippe Champagne, until now parliamentary secretary to Finance Minister Bill Morneau, replaces Freeland at international trade. Rookie Burlington MP Karina Gould is the third newcomer, taking Democratic Institutions from Maryam Monsef, who was demoted to Status of Women. Trudeau dismissed suggestions that the change in Democratic Institutions signals a move away from his vaunted promise to do away with Canada's so-called "first-past-the-post" voting system in time for the next election in 2019. "I continue to be committed towards renewing our electoral system, there's no question about that, and I look forward to having Karina continue on the extraordinary work Maryam did over the past year of reaching out to Canadians, engaging with them and talking about how best to improve our democracy," he said. "This is something that matters deeply to Canadians, it matters deeply to us, and to me." Patty Hajdu, a strong performer who shone as status of women minister, takes over the labour portfolio from Mihychuk. Trudeau heaped praise on Dion, whom he called a friend. But the fact that there was no immediate indication of a plum diplomatic posting for the one-time federal Liberal leader made clear that Dion is not leaving willingly. "Over the last 21 years, I have devoted myself to my riding, to my fellow citizens, to Quebec, to all of Canada, to the role that we must play in the world, and to the Liberal Party of Canada," Dion said in a statement released in the midst of the swearing-in ceremony. "I have enjoyed political life, especially when I was able to make a difference to benefit my fellow citizens. I emerge full of energy ... renewable! But politics is not the only way to serve ones country. Fortunately!" Dion's tenure at Foreign Affairs has been a rocky one, marred by controversy over his approval of a $15-billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. His prickly demeanour was also seen as ill-suited to dealing with Trump, who has demonstrated a tendency to easily take offence. Trudeau said he has offered the former minister "a very important senior position that is going to be key for me in the coming years" and that Dion "is rightly taking his time to consider" whether to accept it. Sources not authorized to speak publicly on the matter say Dion rejected an ambassadorship to France because it would have required him to give up his dual French citizenship. He was subsequently offered another diplomatic post, possibly ambassador to the United Nations or to the European Union. Trudeau also paid tribute to McCallum, calling his work in the immigration portfolio on behalf of Syrian refugees "an inspiration to Canadians and an example to the world." In his first cabinet of 30 ministers, Trudeau famously appointed an equal number of men and women "because it's 2015." That parity was upset last fall when Hunter Tootoo resigned from cabinet and the Liberal caucus in order to seek treatment for alcohol addiction following what he later admitted was an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer. Tuesday's shuffle restores that gender balance. Photo: UBCO file photo Students, staff and faculty at UBC's Okanagan campus are being asked to dress down to stand up for victims of sexual assault. On Jan. 18, students, staff and faculty are asked to wear denim to make a statement about sexual assault, consent and gender-based violence. January is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a number of workshops and events taking place, the third Wednesday is set aside as Denim Day. The annual tradition started after an Italian court overturned a rape charge in 1998 because the victim was wearing tight jeans. The ruling stated since the victim's jeans were tight, she had to have helped remove them and as a result gave consent to her attacker. Angered by this ruling, people around the world showed support for the victim by wearing denim. Starting at noon at Jan. 18, the Denim Day Clothesline Project begins in the Fipke Centre foyer. Activities include a community art project and people are asked to bring denim that can be painted and decorated. The pieces will then be hung for the rest of the UBC community to see. People are also encouraged to wear a Denim Day sticker. Sexual assault awareness activities continue throughout the month of January at UBC Okanagan. All events are organized by the Sexual Assault and Rape Awareness (SARA) group. Photo: Contributed Humane society officials say a woman is facing charges after hundreds of rats were removed from a one-bedroom apartment in North Bay, Ont. North Bay and District Humane Society spokesman Daryl Vaillancourt says "most" of the rats were running free in the apartment when inspectors went there on Dec. 16, 2016, to investigate a report of a large number of domestic rats being kept in an apartment. Vaillancourt says the woman voluntarily surrendered nearly 600 rats, which were removed from the apartment over several days. The rats were transferred to other humane societies and Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province where they will be sent to new homes. A 51-year-old woman is to appear in North Bay court on Feb. 3 to face four Ontario SPCA Act charges. She is accused of permitting distress, failing to provide sanitary living conditions, failing to provide care necessary for general welfare, and failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention. Photo: The Canadian Press The Canadian Coast Guard says it will attempt early Tuesday to free a tanker that ran aground off Cape Breton. The Arca 1 grounded just north of Sydney Mines on Sunday after losing engine power, and its six-member crew was rescued later that day. Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who is responsible for the coast guard, told a news conference at the Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney that crews would prepare the Mexican-owned tanker for a tow Monday evening. They hope to free it at high tide on Tuesday at 6:30 a.m., although LeBlanc said that decision will be made by officials on the ground. LeBlanc said he and other officials assessed the small tanker from the air Monday, confirming that its hull had not been breached. "The good news appears to be is that for the moment, there is no risk to marine ecosystems. Obviously, that is why it is so urgent to safely and effectively remove this vessel from its present position," said LeBlanc. The Mexican company that owns the ship has been co-operative, he said, adding that it will be responsible for the costs of removing the tanker. Both the Transportation Safety Board and Transport Canada are investigating, and those probes will be made public. Photo: waymarking.com A big 'Respect' festival is planned for Vernon Sept. 18-24. It's going to be huge, said Annette Sharkey, executive director of the Social Planning Council. The combined efforts of a number of Vernon community groups and charities has resulted in a $202,000 grant from the federal government's Canada 150 program, marking the country's birthday. The North Okanagan RespectFEST will be a wonderful chance for Canadians to increase their environmental conscience and celebrate cultural diversity, said Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. A variety of celebratory and educational public events will take place during that week of September including: Respect Lives Here hosted by Allan Brooks Nature Centre to honour the land and indigenous culture Respect Imagined Here hosted by the Downtown Vernon Association to celebrate art, culture and history Respect Grows Here a one-day multicultural festival with food, music and dance from around the world and with produce from a multicultural garden Respect Starts Here hosted by the Social Planning Committee working with School District 22 to incorporate youth ideas in the design and creation of a public art piece It's really about a sense of pride of where we've been and where we're going, Aaron Deans of Allan Brooks told city councillors on Monday. Photo: Contributed UPDATE 5:31 p.m. The crash site has been cleared and Highway 1 west of Salmon Arm has reopened to traffic in both directions. A crash has forced closure of the Trans Canada Highway in both directions near Salmon Arm. According to DriveBC, the collision occurred about 12 kilometres west of Salmon Arm. No word on the severity of the incident. No detour is available. More details when they become available. Send photos, video to [email protected] Photo: CTV Good Samaritans rushed to the aid of a driver who skidded off an icy Richmond road, Monday, and crashed upside down into an icy ditch. Police arrived as the Samaritans were trying to get the driver out of the partially submerged car on River Road Monday morning. The driver was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Officers at scene mentioned it was extremely icy, said Richmond RCMP Cpl. Dennis Hwang. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: hellobc.com It's still the dead of winter in much of Canada, but in Victoria daffodils and crocuses are about to begin sprouting, marking the unofficial signal to start another real estate season for anxious home buyers and sellers. The Victoria Real Estate Board says a repeat of last year's record-smashing property sales that saw constant bidding wars on southern Vancouver Island is not in the forecast for 2017. But prices are expected to continue rising amid a market of too few available homes. Expectations that foreign buyers would flock to Victoria to avoid the 15-per-cent Metro Vancouver home tax has not happened, instead purchasers are arriving from other areas of the country, outgoing Victoria real estate board chief Mike Nugent said Monday. "There's certainly no evidence so far of showing a big shift of foreign buyers to Victoria," he said. "As soon as it was implemented everybody phoned and said, 'what are the numbers like? You must be getting an avalanche.'" Government data shows there were 90 deals involving foreign buyers in Victoria between June 10 and Aug. 1, before the tax was implemented. In the latest numbers, Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, there were 39 property transfers involving foreign buyers. The percentage of property transfers involving foreign buyers in Victoria went from 3.9 per cent in June to August, before the tax, to 4.6 per cent in November. In the Vancouver area, there was a steep drop in real estate transactions after the tax took effect. The data reveals the number of property transfers in Metro Vancouver went from a high of 1,974 just prior to the introduction of the foreign buyers tax to a low of 60 in the weeks after the tax. The number started to move upwards last November, hitting 204 property transfers involving foreign nationals. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reported a roller-coaster year in 2016, with record sales in the spring, but ending the year with a 5.6-per-cent drop compared with 2015. Photo: CTV Members of a B.C. First Nation are expected to launch another legal challenge of a massive liquefied natural gas project proposed for the province's north coast. Several hereditary chiefs with the Gitxsan First Nation will be in Vancouver today to announce their opposition to the Pacific Northwest LNG project, a project backed by Malaysia's state oil company Petronas. The group's traditional territory is in northwestern B.C., near the area where a $11.4 billion LNG export terminal would be built close to Prince Rupert. The federal government announced its approval of the $36 billion terminal and pipeline project in September, subject to 190 conditions, including a cap on carbon emissions. The Gitxsan challenge is in addition to other actions by area First Nations or chiefs, asking the Federal Court for a judicial review of the approval, alleging the government failed to properly consult with them. Pacific NorthWest LNG has said it has been meeting with local First Nations since 2012 and is continuing to work with them. Photo: The Canadian Press British Columbia residents whose homes are valued at up to $1.6 million will now be eligible for a reduction on their annual property tax bill. The provincial government announced the change Tuesday, days after many residents were surprised by dramatic increases in the assessed values of their homes. Homes valued at over $1.2 million would lose their $570 homeowner grant. Finance Minister Mike de Jong announced the eligibility threshold for the grant deduction from property taxes would increase by $400,000 from the 2016 limit. The change will ensure that 91 per cent of homeowners across the province will be eligible to receive a basic grant, de Jong said, adding the program will apply to 83 per cent of the homes in Metro Vancouver. Home sales and values have tempered in the province in recent months, but annual property assessments leaped in value. Some assessments increased by up to 50 per cent for homeowners in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. "We are doing our part to help keep housing costs affordable for families," de Jong said in a statement. "The strength of the province's economy and sound fiscal management have put us in a position to raise the threshold by such a large amount this year to help homeowners." Mayors in Metro Vancouver had asked the province to consider allowing municipalities to set the eligibility threshold for the grant, in order to account for massive regional disparities in home values. For example, the average price of a home in Vancouver is just over $1 million, while in the North Okanagan an area encompassing Vernon, Enderby and Lumby it is $376,969. De Jong said during a news conference that the grant has always been administered on a provincial basis. "This is a program that exists to the benefit of all British Columbians no matter where they live," he said. He said the new threshold is aimed at people such as seniors who bought their home decades ago, who have seen a dramatic rise in the assessed value of their property and would suffer if they no longer qualified for the grant. However, Tom Davidoff, a housing expert at the University of British Columbia, criticized the program, calling it a politically motivated subsidy for the wealthy. He said it is doing more harm than good by artificially inflating real estate prices. "You're taking the money from people who don't own homes and giving it to people who do," Davidoff said. "And when you give a gift to homeowners, you not only help homeowner with cash today, you increase the value of the homes." He dismissed the suggestion that elderly property owners whose equity may be stuck in their homes will suffer, pointing to the province's property-tax deferral program. "People like to give the sob story of grandma on her limited income who can't pay her property tax, but grandma is able to defer her property tax until she sells her home," he said. Davidoff said a more effective policy would be a reduction in sales or income tax. David Eby, housing critic for the Opposition New Democrats, said property values were calculated based on an assessment done in July, ahead of the introduction of a 15-per-cent tax on foreign buyers and before the market started to cool. He said the government should have ensured homes were assessed again in the fall or raised the threshold for the grant sooner. "There were a lot of calls to my office. Families were really stressed out about making their property tax payments and those families didn't have to go through that stress," he said. "The government could have made the commitment they made today much earlier. Instead, I think this is an election-driven promise." B.C. residents are set to cast their ballots on May 9. The homeowner grant program is expected to cost B.C. an extra $12 million compared with last year. The province reimburses municipalities for decreased revenues resulting from the grant so local coffers are not affected by the change. Photo: Castanet Staff The federal budget watchdog says the Trudeau government may fall short of spending all the money it planned to devote to infrastructure in the first year of its mandate. A new analysis by the parliamentary budget office says Ottawa's planned infrastructure investments did not materialize in the first half of the year and there's a growing risk the spending will have to be pushed into 2017-18. But the budget office says this type of delay is nothing new and it would be consistent with the slower-than-expected government plans to spend on infrastructure in the past. The report says last year's federal budget contained plans for Ottawa to transfer $3.5 billion in new money in 2016-17 to other levels of government for infrastructure. The Liberals won the 2015 election on a platform that pledged to spend tens of billions over the next decade on infrastructure as a way to lift the country's slow-growth economy. The budget office says the federal transfers made by the Transport and Infrastructure departments over the first half of 2016-17 dropped by $100 million compared with the year before. Photo: Contributed Florida's tourism agency is paying its outgoing president and CEO $73,000 amid a shakeup that was prompted by a controversial deal with rapper Pitbull. The Visit Florida board of directors agreed Tuesday to pay Will Seccombe, who agreed to resign after pressure from Gov. Rick Scott. Visit Florida is hiring Ken Lawson, the current secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation as a replacement. Seccombe led the agency since 2012 after serving as its chief marketing officer for nearly five years. During his tenure he signed off on a $1 million contract with Pitbull that was initially kept secret. Pitbull filmed a video for his song "Sexy Beaches" as part of the contract and agreed to promote the hashtag #LOVEFL on his social media sites and at concerts. Photo: The Canadian Press Anders Behring Breivik Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik made a Nazi salute as he walked into a courtroom at a high-security prison where judges on Tuesday began reviewing a ruling that his solitary confinement is inhumane. Dressed in a dark suit, the bearded Breivik stared briefly at reporters while making the salute but didn't speak. Judge Oystein Hermansen asked him not to repeat the salute, saying it insulted the dignity of the court. "It also disturbs what we are dealing with here," Hermansen said, brushing aside attempts by Breivik to defend his action. The 37-year-old right-wing extremist, who killed 77 people in a bomb and shooting rampage in 2011, sued the government last year. He argued that his solitary confinement, frequent strip searches and the fact that he was often handcuffed during the early part of his incarceration violated his human rights. But lawyers representing the government said that he enjoys better prison conditions than some inmates in Norway. They also warned that he remains a threat and should continue to be held in solitary confinement. The government is appealing a surprise decision in April by the Oslo District Court, which sided with Breivik's claims that his isolation in the maximum-security Skien prison breaches the European Convention on Human Rights. The ruling said "the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment represents a fundamental value in a democratic society. This applies no matter what also in the treatment of terrorists and killers." It also ordered the government to pay Breivik's legal costs of 331,000 kroner ($41,000). However, it dismissed his claim that his right to respect for private and family life was violated by restrictions on contacts with other right-wing extremists. Speaking for the state, Fredrik Sejersted said the government's view is that Breivik's prison conditions don't violate his human rights in any actual or legal sense. Describing the killer as Norway's most expensive prisoner, Sejersted said that "in many ways they are better than (those) of other prisoners to compensate for the fact that he cannot make contact with other inmates." "That is far from violating human rights," he said. Breivik was convicted of mass murder and terrorism in 2012 and given a 21-year prison sentence that can be extended for as long as he's deemed dangerous to society. Legal experts say he will likely be locked up for life. Photo: Facebook A video of a Yukon mayor learning to wear a Sikh turban and dance Bhangra has gone viral. A seven-minute video posted online Friday starring Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis has already garnered more than a million views. In it, resident Gurdeep Pandher instructs the mayor in the art of folding a turban before the pair show off Indian dance moves on the floor of city hall. Afterwards, Curtis thanks Pandher for his lessons and asks him to declare Whitehorse a "diverse, wonderful and beautiful community." Pandher was born in a Punjabi village in India and moved to Canada in 2006. He became a Canadian citizen five years later. Photo: VPD Police say "compelling circumstances exist" to warn that a high-risk sex offender is living in Vancouver. Michael Wayne Carpenter, 46, is serving a 10-year long supervision order, with convictions for three counts each of sexual assault with a weapon, forcible confinement and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. Police also warned about Carpenter last August. He is specifically banned from Kamloops. "Carpenter poses a risk to the safety of vulnerable female children, teens, and adults. He will be living at a correctional halfway house in the city of Vancouver," said the VPD in a statement. He is described as white, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, with brown short hair and blue eyes. His conditions include no drugs or alcohol, no access to the Internet, not to be in the presence of females under 18 years old and staying away from Kamloops. Anyone seeing him breach conditions is urged to call 911. Photo: The Canadian Press A salvage team is now planning to attempt to pull a grounded tanker from a sandy bottom off Cape Breton at high tide Tuesday evening. The Arca 1 ran aground just north of Sydney Mines on Sunday after losing engine power, and its six-member crew was rescued later that day. The vessel is carrying 15 tonnes of fuel for its engines. Olous Boag, the vice president of McKeil Marine Ltd., said in an interview early Tuesday that the salvage team had considered beginning to pull the small tanker during the early morning high tide, but decided to delay as they completed assessments on how the tow would occur. "The forecast is still good and the plan is to make to attempt the tow on the next tide," he said. Boag said his firm will use its salvage tug Tim McKeil along with a smaller tug, the Kaliutik, to attempt to tow the vessel to nearby Sydney harbour. He added that while he's optimistic the vessel can be towed off, "it may not come at the first try," and if necessary the salvage firm would resume efforts on Wednesday morning. The salvage team determined Monday night the vessel's flat bottom wasn't damaged and that a large amount of ballast water on the ship could be pumped off to increase the vessel's buoyancy, he said. "The good news is ... there's no breaches in the hull. Watertight integrity is good," said Boag. He added that the key challenge is to take the vessel off the bottom while the winds are blowing offshore. The Mexican company, Petroil Marine SA, that owns the ship is responsible for the costs of removing the tanker. The federal fisheries department has said that booms are in place around the vessel to protect against environmental damage. The Montreal-based tanker was en route to Mexico carrying no cargo when it experienced mechanical difficulties. Photo: CTV A Vancouver restaurant is causing a stir with its latest dish. The menu at Granville Island's Edible Canada for this years Dine Out Vancouver Festival includes seal ragu. The festival begins Jan. 20. I just dont think I would eat seal to be honest, said Maria Acosta as she walked past the restaurant. Thats the first thing that came to my mind, the hunting of the seals. Restaurateur Eric Pateman says serving seal is an opportunity to showcase an ingredient few people outside Atlantic Canada have tasted. But, Peter Fricker of the Vancouver Humane Society responds: We really dont need to kill more animals just to satisfy the appetite of trendy foodies who are looking for another novelty food." It may be a sustainable food, but its certainly not a humane food, he told CTV. The East Coast seal hunt is known around the world as an example of extreme animal cruelty. Pateman, however, feels there is a lot of misinformation out there around the seal hunt. "Theres also a great opportunity to educate people as well, he said. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: CTV A child found holding a hypodermic needle at a community centre in Vancouver's Olympic Village has sparked an investigation by the Vancouver Park Board. The board says it's looking into reports of the child coming into contact with the needle at the Creekside Community Centre, a facility that was being used as a warming centre for homeless people during a recent cold snap. While reports indicate the child was found holding the needle, it's unclear whether he or she was pricked by it. The community centre is no longer being used as a warming centre due to operational reasons but the recent incident is not believed to be responsible for the closure. Tuesday morning, the crew from CTV News found evidence of drug use right outside the community centre's doors. Vancouver Coastal Health said they recovered more than 250,000 needles from the ground in 2015. The Park Board is holding a press conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall to address the incident. - With files from CTV Vancouver Photo: N. Ok. Emergency Mgt. Program The Red Cross is ready to take over emergency management operations for North Okanagan communities that pulled out of Vernon's program at the start of the year. All of the communities are going their own way, said Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper. Both Armstrong and Lumby councils reviewed the proposed contract for the provision of disaster relief services primarily emergency social services, at meetings on Monday. If there is an emergency, (the Red Cross) would come and help us with whatever they do best, said Pieper. They have the resources to manage big events. The mayor said the Red Cross has agreed to a three-year contract through the North Okanagan Regional District with each community paying its share. The communities include: Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Enderby, Coldstream and Lumby. Pieper said the deal would cost Armstrong about $2,500 a year. Lumby would pay $1,700. The deal has yet to be signed but Pieper believes the program will be even better than Vernon's much lauded inter municipal program. We'll have better resources and more people involved in emergency events. Photo: CTV Bundle up and and batten down the hatches. Environment Canada is warning that the Fraser Valley and parts of the Lower Mainland may be on the receiving end of 90 km/h winds and -20 C temperatures by this afternoon. The high winds can damage trees and toss branches and objects, potentially causing injuries and damage. Environment Canada says stay inside and be prepared for the extreme weather. It's a good time to ensure you have a 72-hour emergency kit and an emergency plan. Temperatures are expected to warm up Wednesday. Noah's Ark Theme Park Is Ground Zero Of Science Vs. Creationism In Upcoming Doc By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 9, 2017 9:06PM With a climate change denialist poised to head the Environmental Protection Agency, were entering a strongly anti-science political moment, experts argue. But while the shift appears driven largely by anti-elite sentiment, Christian fundamentalismthough diminished in the national spotlight compared to the recent pastcontinue to influence that atmosphere. One of the most noteworthy recent examples is Ark Encounter, a theme-park replica of Noahs Ark in rural Kentucky and the subject of an in-the-works documentary from local production house 137 Films. Ark Encounter, which opened last summer, is operated by Answers in Genesis, the same evolution-skeptic group that runs the Creation Museum, also in Kentucky. The creation scientists behind the life-sized ark advances, under the guise of scientific theory, the idea that Noah saved dinosaurs from the flood. The filmmakers behind We Believe in Dinosaurs chronicled AE, the political firestorm it ignited and Americas curious relationship with creationism. Co-director Clayton Brown says that such topics are intertwined with the sort of anti-expertise impulse that fuels climate-change denialism, but they incorporate a dense tangle of political aspects, tooones that arent isolated to one particular geographic area. A lot of people instinctively think this just the South and a small group of isolated individuals, Brown told Chicagoist by phone, but AiG has some 15 other similar museums, including in Canada, New York and Minnesota, he said. But the Ark Encounter was something of a flashpoint, as state and local officials argued in favor of tax incentiveseven as advocates for the separation of church and state protestsand all applicants for employment (all the way down to the janitor, Brown says) were required to sign pro-creationist pledges that also stated homosexuality is sinful. And destinations like Ark Encounter signal a shift from belief in creationism to active attempts to strategically debunk evolution, the filmmakers note. At the same time, the filmmakers found a failure from mainstream science to effectively respond, either claiming that any response would validate such anti-science or open them up to charges of condescension, Brown says. (The filmmaker says the crew was very conscious of avoiding an arrogant tone; Brown offers up Bill Mahers snark bomb Religulous as example of what he sought to avoid.) The film is currently in post-production, and the directors and producers have an Indiegogo campaign, in association with Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) to help with costs. Brown said the goal is to complete the film and enter it in festivals later this year. A free-with-RSVP sneak preview of scenes and discussion with Brown and co-director Monica Ross takes place on Tuesday, 5 p.m., at Google Chicago. Registration is required and can be made here. We Believe in Dinosaurs from 137 Films on Vimeo. Photo: The Canadian Press Chrystia Freeland is sworn in as Minister of Foreign Affairs Justin Trudeau is making Chrystia Freeland his new foreign affairs minister and promoting Toronto MP Ahmed Hussen to Immigration as part of a cabinet shakeup aimed in part at preparing for a Donald Trump presidency. Freeland, a former economics journalist with extensive contacts in the United States, leaves the trade portfolio to replace veteran Liberal MP Stephane Dion, whose next assignment has not been made clear. Hussen, a Somali-born rookie MP first elected in 2015, is one of several new faces in cabinet that include Quebec MP Francois-Philippe Champagne, named international trade minister, and Karina Gould of Burlington, Ont., who takes Democratic Institutions from Maryam Monsef. Patty Hajdu, a strong performer who shone as status of women minister, is taking over the labour portfolio from MaryAnn Mihychuk, who is being dumped from cabinet altogether. Kelowna-Lake Country Liberal MP Stephen Fuhr was not appointed to cabinet. Monsef widely criticized for her handling of Trudeau's promise to reform Canada's voting system is moving to replace Hajdu at Status of Women. Immigration Minister John McCallum is also quitting politics and has been named ambassador to China. Freeland is credited with deftly navigating through some eleventh-hour obstacles that threatened last fall to scupper the Canada-European Union free trade agreement potentially valuable experience for dealing with the incoming Trump administration. Trump, whose inauguration takes place Jan. 20, has vowed to adopt an unapologetically protectionist, America-first policy on trade, including re-opening or even tearing up the North American Free Trade Agreement. Dion's tenure at Foreign Affairs has been a rocky one, marred by controversy over his approval of a $15-billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia. His prickly demeanour was also seen as ill-suited to dealing with the unpredictable Trump, who has demonstrated a tendency to easily take offence. News of the shuffle leaked out Monday, just as the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that Trudeau's two top aides, Katie Telford and Gerald Butts, have been meeting with some of Trump's senior advisers, building bridges to the incoming administration. In his first cabinet of 30 ministers, Trudeau famously appointed an equal number of men and women "because it's 2015." That parity was upset last fall when Hunter Tootoo resigned from cabinet and the Liberal caucus in order to seek treatment for alcohol addiction following what he later admitted was an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer. With the addition of Gould, Hussen and Champagne, Tuesday's shuffle restores that gender balance. Obama Farewell Tix Or Going For $5K & 'Hamilton' Trade Offers On Resale Market By Stephen Gossett in News on Jan 9, 2017 7:12PM Craigslist President Barack Obamas farewell speech on Tuesday evening is going to be one for the history booksand boy oh boy, does the resale market ever know it, too. Tickets on secondary-market sites like eBay and Craigslist had for the hyper-anticipated McCormick Place speech reached as high as $5,000 per ticket. To put in perspective, that's enough to put a good dent in a home remodel or even take a two-week trip to Antarctica. And it's well above the World Series home game median last year. That fever-pitch price structure appears to be tapering off a bit as the event nears. As we saw during the Cubs World Series appearance, the closer we get to the event, the lower prices fall. Most single tickets will set you back hundreds rather than thousands. But its still definitely a sellers market out there: we found a few active listings for $3,000-per-ticket and another pricing a single ticket for $1500. One Craigslist post asks for $750 per ticket or "best creative offer." (For dignity's sake, please don't get too creative.) Meanwhile, some seekers are getting imaginative: one buyer is offering to trade a new flat-screen TV and another is putting up two Hamilton tickets in exchange for two Obamas. (Not that it will dissuade the most passionate ticker-seekers, but the Better Business Bureau strongly advises steering clear of the secondary market, where counterfeits are always a possibility.) Thousands of people lined up for tickets on Saturday morning, braving subzero wind chills, even though only several hundred were available. Some who arrived in line as early as 6 a.m. left empty-handed. Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tweeted around 9:30 a.m. to not bother coming at that point if you weren't already in line. Reaching capacity for the public tickets to President Obama's farewell address @McCormick_Place pic.twitter.com/4z50KdpPGA Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) January 7, 2017 As previously noted, those who weren't able to secure tickets can nonetheless take in the speech sans price gouge at wh.gov/Farewell or on www.Facebook.com/WhiteHouse. Wayne Brady To Play Aaron Burr Role In Chicago's 'Hamilton' By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 9, 2017 9:44PM Wayne Brady / Getty Images / Photo: Tommaso Boddi Chicago theatre's juiciest rumor in recent memory is true. Wayne Brady will play the role of Aaron Burr in the Chicago production of Hamilton for a limited run, Broadway in Chicago confirmed on Monday afternoon. On January 17 @WayneBrady will join #HamiltonCHI for a limited engagement through April 9. Tickets: https://t.co/t9wvS2bxYH pic.twitter.com/LOp0n8i4Pm Broadway In Chicago (@broadwaychicago) January 9, 2017 Brady will play the role of former Veep and (spoiler alter) Hamilton slayer Burr in a limited engagement of the pretty-big-deal musical from Tuesday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, April 9. Brady is an Emmy-winning performer best known from his star-making improv turn on the American version of Whose Line Is It Anyway, his daytime run as host of The Wayne Brady Show, andyour and our favoritehis persona-skewering turn as "Wayne Brady" in one of Chappelle's Show's most memorable sketches. Insert "Is Wayne Brady gonna have to shoot a bitch?" joke here. To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nations bicentennial, the week was expanded to a month. Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African-American History Month. Note: The reference to the black population in this publication is to single-race black people (black alone) except in the first section on Population. In that section, the reference is to black alone or in combination with other races, a reference to respondents who said they were one race (black) or more than one race (black plus other races). $160K+ Donated To Family Of Disabled Teen Tortured In Brutal Facebook Live Video By Rachel Cromidas in News on Jan 10, 2017 7:24PM via Shutterstock showing four people torturing a disabled teen on the West Side, the teen and his family have received at least $160,000 in monetary donations and gift cards from concerned people. A GoFundMe page set up on behalf of the family by a Reddit user has since raised $158,090+, far surpassing its $10,000 goal. The page says that nearly 5,200 people from all 50 U.S. states have donated. The family's attorney, Neal Strom, told the Tribune that the donations have been "heartwarming," in the face of the troubling attack the teen suffered. The video shows four people, who have since been arrested and charged with hate crimes, cutting the 18-year-old's scalp with a knife after tying him up. Strom also said that experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a "real possibility" for the young man after the attack. The four Chicago people accused of carrying out the attack are also young: They are Jordan Hill, 18, of Carpentersville, Tesfaye Cooper, 18, and Brittany and Tanishia Covincton, 18 and 24 respectively. The Covingtons live in the 3300 block of West Lexington Avenue, which is where the attack reportedly took place. They were ordered held in jail without bail last week. The Facebook Live video quickly went viral and sparked outraged around the country. President Barack Obama referred to it as "despicable." Loudmouth Who Disrupted Chicago 'Hamilton' With Pro-Trump Meltdown Pleads Guilty By Stephen Gossett in News on Jan 10, 2017 4:59PM 'Hamilton' / Courtesy of Broadway in Chicago The man who drunkenly disrupted a November performance of Hamilton in Chicago with a profane, pro-Trump tirade pleaded guilty in court on Monday to charges related to the meltdown. Court document show that John Palmer, 56, of the 100 block of E. Illinois St., pleaded guilty to charges of misdemeanor trespassing, the Tribune reports. Palmer was ordered six months of court supervision, is barred from attending Broadway in Chicago shows for six months, and is not allowed to go back to the Chicago Hamilton production, according to reports. We hope hes not a diehard Wayne Brady fan. Scratch that; we hope he is a diehard Wayne Brady fan. Palmer went on his tirade at a performance on Nov. 19, the same day Donald Trump chastised the Broadway cast for their perfectly courteous call to Vice President-elect Mike Pence to defend the rights of all people during his administrationa missive to which Pence took no exception. According to witnesses, Palmer spilled wine on a nearby child and shouted We won. Trump is president. Get over it and Lets go Democrats. Ill kill you all. A video posted to social media showed what appeared to be theatre security attempting to detain Palmer while he said, You pussy piece of shit, over and over. Palmers attorney had previously argued that the Broadway cast was responsible for making Hamilton productions a hostile space, which set off Palmera defense which got his client exactly as far you'd expect. How To Watch Obama's Landmark Farewell Speech Tonight By Rachel Cromidas in News on Jan 10, 2017 4:30PM President Barack Obama is returning to Chicago tonight to give a landmark farewell address as his presidency winds down. It's too late to score at ticketnot even Chicagoans who lined up as early as 6 a.m. in the cold on Saturday could get in. But the White House will be streaming the occasion online, on the White House website and Youtube. The speech is slated to start at 8 p.m. Central Time (9 p.m. Eastern, 6 p.m. Pacific) from McCormick Place, the Near South Side convention center where Obama held his second term election-night victory rally. Advisors have said the president's speech will be forward-lookingso don't expect a big re-hashing of his legacy or a a victorious reliving of Grant Park 2008. But the speech will also draw from Obama's personal history as a Chicago community organizer and state senator, with a message urging perseverance in the face of setbacks, according to his speechwriter. Catholic Family News A Monthly Journal Preserving our Catholic Faith and Heritage Home Latest Archives Subscribe CFN Media - videos Contact Us CFN Bookstore Oltyn Library Services 2017 CFN Daily Blog Originally started as a daily Blog update of news reports on the Papal Conclave and ongoing news on Pope Francis, it is now a general Blog updated daily on traditional Catholic topics Updated Regularly Book mark this page click here Luxury hotels in the historic center for a Catholic family. Only luxury hotels can provide a paradisiacal vacation for a big Catholic family. A high-level vacation for families, children and not only. The gorgeous views, divine service, and the best location are all luxury hotels. Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and more. Everyone will find their place in this corner of paradise. Popular destinations Breckenridge, CO, United States In Breckenridge, Colorado, there are plenty of places to visit, whether you're a nature lover or thrill seeker. For nature lovers, the Blue River runs right through town and there are plenty of trails to explore. If you're looking for a thrill, Breckenridge is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. There's also plenty of shopping and dining options in town, so you'll never run out of things to do. Breckenridge Luxury Hotels Savannah, GA, United States Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful city with lots of places to visit, including Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Another place to visit is the Savannah History Museum, which is jam-packed with interesting exhibits on the history of the city. Savannah Luxury Hotels Naples, FL, United States Naples is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Its also home to a wide variety of attractions, including world-class golf courses, vibrant nightlife, and interesting cultural experiences. Here are five places to visit in Naples, Florida: Naples Pier: Stroll along the pier and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Fifth Avenue South: This popular shopping and dining district is home to eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and lively bars. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples: This luxurious resort is set on 26 acres of pristine waterfront property and offers superb amenities, including a world-class spa and championship golf course. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: This zoological park is home to more than 700 animals representing 150 species, including flamingos, lemurs, and tigers. Tin City: This eclectic shopping and dining district is housed in a series of restored waterfront warehouses and features eclectic shops, galleries, and award-winning restaurants. Naples Luxury Hotels Naples Luxury Resorts Louisville, KY, United States Louisville is in the heart of Kentucky and is known for being the home of the Kentucky Derby. There are a lot of great places to visit in Louisville, including the Louisville Zoo, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Frazier History Museum. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars in Louisville, and it's a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. Louisville Luxury Hotels Galveston, TX, United States Galveston is a Texas coastal town that is rich in history and offers visitors a variety of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include the Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and Historic Downtown. There are also a number of museums and other historical landmarks, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options. Galveston Luxury Hotels Galveston Luxury Resorts Omaha, NE, United States The birthplace of Warren Buffett, Omaha, Nebraska, is a great place to visit. There are plenty of things to see and do in Omaha, from touring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to visiting the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Other popular tourist destinations in Omaha include the Joslyn Art Museum, the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, and TD Ameritrade Park. Omaha Luxury Hotels Columbus, GA, United States Columbus is a charming small town in Georgia that is worth a visit. There are several places to visit in Columbus, including the Riverwalk, the Chattahoochee River, the National Infantry Museum, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The Riverwalk is a beautiful walkway along the Chattahoochee River that is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride. The Chattahoochee River is a great place to go fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The National Infantry Museum is a museum dedicated to the infantry of the United States Army. It is a must-see for history buffs. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a museum dedicated to space science. It is perfect for kids and adults alike. Columbus Luxury Hotels Anchorage, AK, United States Anchorage is a great place to visit if you're looking for an adrenaline rush. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to rafting and fishing in the summer, Anchorage has something to offer everyone. In addition to its outdoor activities, Anchorage also has a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Anchorage Luxury Hotels Portland, OR, United States Portland is a city that is located in the US state of Oregon and it is known for its art scene, food, and coffee. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Portland, such as the Portland Art Museum, where you can see a variety of art from all over the world. Another place to visit is the Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. If you're looking for a place to eat, Portland has no shortage of amazing restaurants, such as Pok Pok, which serves Thai cuisine, and Le Pigeon, which serves French cuisine. And, of course, no trip to Portland would be complete without trying some of the city's famous coffee, such as Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Portland Luxury Hotels Florence, Italy No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Florence. This historic city is home to some of the country's most famous attractions, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David. There's also plenty to see and do outside of the city center, including the picturesque Tuscan countryside and the vibrant university town of Arezzo. Florence Luxury Hotels Florence Luxury Villas Asheville, NC, United States Asheville is a city in western North Carolina. It is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Buncombe County. Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the United States. The city of Asheville proper had a population of 84,236 in 2010. The city is known for its art deco architecture, mountain scenery and outdoor activities, and as the birthplace of American novelist Thomas Wolfe. It is also home to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the second largest craft brewery in the United States. Asheville Luxury Hotels Asheville Luxury Cottages Long Beach, CA, United States There's plenty to do in Long Beach, California without ever having to leave the city limits. If you're looking for a little adventure, head to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a glimpse of the ocean's creatures or take a walk on the boardwalk at Rainbow Harbor. If you're more of a history buff, the Queen Mary is a must-see. This retired ocean liner is now a hotel and museum with plenty of stories to tell. And no trip to Long Beach is complete without a visit to the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge. Long Beach Luxury Hotels Long Beach Luxury Villas Cincinnati, OH, United States Cincinnati is a city located on the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Ohio. The city was founded in 1788 and named after the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers. Cincinnati is a major U.S. city and the metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million people. The city is well-known for its German heritage, Oktoberfest celebration, and its variety of chili dishes. Cincinnati is home to three major sports teams: the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, MLB's Cincinnati Reds, and the NBA's Cincinnati Cavaliers. The city is also home to the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. The city's historic neighborhoods include Over-the-Rhine, Mount Auburn, and Hyde Park. Cincinnati is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of attractions and places to visit, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Newport Aquarium, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Cincinnati Luxury Hotels Laughlin, NV, United States Laughlin, Nevada is a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun and affordable vacation. There are plenty of casinos and resorts to choose from, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. Be sure to check out the local nightlife, and don't forget to take a trip down the mighty Colorado River. Laughlin Luxury Hotels Laughlin Luxury Resorts Anaheim, CA, United States Anaheim, California is home to both Disneyland and California Adventure Park. The parks are just a short walk away from each other, and make for a great day of exploration. Anaheim is also home to the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks, so there's always a game to catch. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, Anaheim has a great shopping district and a variety of restaurants to choose from. Anaheim Luxury Hotels Santa Cruz, CA, United States Santa Cruz is a great place to visit! There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Boardwalk, the wharf, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Boardwalk is a great place to go for a walk, ride on the amusement park rides, and eat some of the delicious food. The wharf is a great place to go for a walk, eat some seafood, and listen to the street performers. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the area and to see some of the beautiful architecture. I highly recommend visiting Santa Cruz if you are looking for a fun and interesting place to visit!. Santa Cruz Luxury Hotels Eugene, OR, United States Eugene, Oregon is a great city to visit with a lot of places to see and things to do. One of the most popular attractions is the University of Oregon campus, which is home to a number of museums and a large football stadium. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with a number of theaters and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the dozens of parks and hiking trails in the area, and there are also a number of wineries and breweries in the area. Eugene Luxury Hotels Branson, MO, United States There's plenty to see and do in Branson, Missouri, from state parks and amusement parks to theaters and shopping. Here are some of the most popular places to visit: Silver Dollar City is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." Table Rock State Park has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. The Titanic Museum features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. Branson Landing is a shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront. There's something for everyone in Branson, Missouri come visit and see for yourself!. Branson Luxury Hotels Panama City Beach, FL, United States The white sand beaches and emerald waters of Panama City Beach, Florida, are a popular tourist destination. The city is home to numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants, as well as amusement and water parks. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Panama City Beach Luxury Hotels Panama City Beach Luxury Resorts Monterey, CA, United States Monterey is a coastal city in Monterey County, California, United States. It stands at the southern end of Monterey Bay, on the Pacific coast. The city is also the home of the Naval Postgraduate School. Monterey is the largest city in the Central Coast region of California. The main attractions in Monterey are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the downtown area. Monterey Luxury Hotels Norfolk, VA, United States Norfolk, Virginia is a great place to visit for its historical places and military bases. Some places to visit in Norfolk are the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Norfolk Naval Station. Norfolk Luxury Hotels Palm Springs, CA, United States Palm Springs is a vibrant city located in the Coachella Valley and is known for its year-round sunshine, resort atmosphere and Mid-Century Modern architecture. Top places to visit include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons and Moorten Botanical Garden. For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale the worlds largest vintage furniture and design event. Palm Springs Luxury Hotels Palm Springs Luxury Resorts Palm Springs Luxury Villas Rochester, NY, United States Rochester is a city in western New York State and is the county seat of Monroe County. Rochester is known for its annual festivals, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Rochester Fringe Festival, and the Holiday Folk Fair International. Places to visit in Rochester include the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Seneca Park Zoo. Rochester Luxury Hotels Pigeon Forge, TN, United States Visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge for a unique experience. This museum is dedicated to the Titanic, one of the most infamous ships in history. Tour the ship and learn about the passengers and crew who were on board. You can even see the actual artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. If you're looking for a little more excitement, head to Dollywood. This amusement park is home to roller coasters, a water park, and plenty of other rides and attractions. Plus, the park is themed around the life and music of Dolly Parton. No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. These mountains offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Plus, the natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking. Pigeon Forge Luxury Hotels Jacksonville, FL, United States Jacksonville is less than an hour's drive from the beaches of Amelia Island and St. Augustine, and a little more than two hours from Orlando. The city has a lot to offer visitors, including a riverwalk, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Jacksonville is also home to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. Jacksonville Luxury Hotels Minsk, Belarus Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a city that has something for everyone. If you're looking for a little history, Minsk has plenty of it, with churches and monuments dating back to the 12th century. If you're looking for a lively nightlife, Minsk has that, too, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. And if you're looking for a little nature, Minsk has parks and gardens to enjoy. Here are just a few of the places you can visit in Minsk: The Holy Spirit Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Minsk, is a must-visit for history buffs. The National Library of Belarus is a huge library with more than 18 million items in its collection. The Opera and Ballet Theatre is a beautiful building that hosts performances of both opera and ballet. The Victory Park is a large park with a war memorial, a children's playground, and a lake. And for a little bit of nature in the heart of the city, the Botanical Garden is a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Minsk. Minsk Luxury Hotels Jaipur, India Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is the capital of the state of Rajasthan and is known for its palaces, forts and temples. Some of the places to visit in Jaipur include the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal. Jaipur is also a great place to shop for traditional Indian handicrafts. Jaipur Luxury Hotels Chicago, IL, United States Chicago is a city full of culture and history. There are plenty of places to visit, such as the Willis Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago is also home to many restaurants and bars, so there is something for everyone. Chicago Luxury Hotels Auckland, New Zealand Auckland is a beautiful city located on the north island of New Zealand. There are many places to visit in Auckland, including the Sky Tower, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Auckland Domain. The beaches in Auckland are also worth visiting, especially Karekare and Piha. Auckland is a great place to visit, and I highly recommend it!. Auckland Luxury Hotels Auckland Luxury Villas Amsterdam, Netherlands If you're looking for a city that's got it all, Amsterdam should be your go-to destination. From the city's lively and vibrant nightlife to its charming and quiet neighborhoods, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Anne Frank Huis, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, as these are some of the most popular attractions in the city. And if you're looking for a little bit of nature, be sure to take a walk or bike ride through Amsterdam's many parks. Amsterdam Luxury Hotels Berlin, Germany There are so many great places to visit in Berlin that it can be hard to know where to start. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the fascinating Reichstag Building, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. If you're looking for a bit of history, make sure to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial or the DDR Museum. And for those looking for a bit more fun, there's always the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market or the Zoologischer Garten. No matter what your interests, Berlin is a city you won't want to miss. Berlin Luxury Hotels Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok is a city of contrasts with its gleaming temples and skyscrapers, chaotic markets and tranquil canals. While it's a popular tourist destination, Bangkok is a city that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Some of the top places to visit in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the floating markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok Luxury Hotels Bangkok Luxury Resorts Bangkok Luxury Villas Bruges, Belgium Bruges is a city in Belgium that is worth visiting. It is full of medieval charm and there are a lot of things to see and do. Some of the places to visit include the Markt, the Belfry, and the Begijnhof. Bruges Luxury Hotels Brussels, Belgium Brussels is a city in Belgium that is best known for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. But there is much more to see and do in Brussels than just indulge in the local cuisine. There are a number of interesting historical landmarks to visit, such as the Grand Place and the Atomium, as well as a variety of parks and gardens. And, of course, Brussels is also a great city to explore on foot. Brussels Luxury Hotels Budapest, Hungary Budapest, Hungary's capital, is a city of thermal baths and medival, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Crowded with tourists, the city is bisected by the Danube River into the hilly Buda and the more developed and flat Pest. Among the main places of interest are the neo-Gothic Parliament, the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest, the Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda bank, and the State Opera House and Heroes' Square on the Pest side. Budapest Luxury Hotels Playa del Carmen, Mexico Home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a favorite tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. With its lively nightlife, gorgeous coastline and ample shopping opportunities, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the area's most popular attractions, such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, or the eco-friendly Turtle Beach. With its friendly people, delicious food and stunning scenery, Playa del Carmen is a place you'll never want to leave. Playa del Carmen Luxury Hotels Playa del Carmen Luxury Resorts Playa del Carmen Luxury Villas Denver, CO, United States Denver is a great city for visitors. There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of the top places to visit include the 16th Street Mall, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado State Capitol. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore. Denver is definitely a city worth visiting!. Denver Luxury Hotels Dublin, Ireland Dublin is a city located in Ireland. It's a city full of culture, with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist spots are the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Dublin Castle. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to discover. Dublin Luxury Hotels Dusseldorf, Germany Dusseldorf, Germany is a city with many different places to visit. The city has a mix of old and new buildings, and a variety of activities to do. The best places to visit in Dusseldorf are the Konigsallee, the Rhine Tower, and the Oktoberfest. The Konigsallee is an open-air shopping mall that has many high-end stores. The Rhine Tower is the tallest building in the city and offers great views of Dusseldorf. The Oktoberfest is a week-long festival that celebrates German culture and food. Dusseldorf Luxury Hotels Edinburgh, United Kingdom Edinburgh, Scotland is a beautiful city to visit. The architecture is very old and unique, and there are plenty of historical places to visit, like Edinburgh Castle. There are also plenty of parks and gardens, and lots of shops and restaurants. Edinburgh Luxury Hotels Rome, Italy Rome is a city rich in history and filled with beautiful places to visit. Make sure to stop by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Also be sure to visit St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel while in Rome. If youre looking for a little more nature in your trip, head to the Villa Borghese gardens or the Janiculum Hill for some wonderful views of the city. And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a gelato!. Rome Luxury Hotels Rome Luxury Villas New York, NY, United States There are many amazing places to visit in New York State. Some of my favorites are the Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes. If you're looking for a city break, New York City is definitely worth a visit. There's endless things to see and do, from touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to visiting world-famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. No matter what your interests are, you'll be able to find something to enjoy in New York State. New York Luxury Hotels New York Luxury Villas London, United Kingdom London is a city rich in history and full of amazing places to visit. Some of my favorite places are Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. There is so much to see and do in London, you could spend weeks here and never run out of things to do. If you're looking for a city full of culture and history, London is the place for you. London Luxury Hotels London Luxury Cottages Madrid, Spain Madrid is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. From the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum, theres plenty to see and do in Madrid. If youre looking for a little bit of nature, Madrid has plenty of parks, like the Buen Retiro Park, to relax in. And dont forget to try some of the delicious tapas and wine while youre in town. Madrid Luxury Hotels Memphis, TN, United States The birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis is a city rich in history and culture. From Graceland to Beale Street, there are plenty of places to visit in Memphis. Be sure to check out Sun Studio, where rock 'n' roll was born, and the National Civil Rights Museum, which tells the story of the African-American civil rights movement. Memphis is also home to some amazing food, so be sure to try some of the city's famous barbecue and soul food. Memphis Luxury Hotels Miami Beach, FL, United States There is much to explore in Miami Beach, from the famous Art Deco district to the vast beaches and crystal-clear waters. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while history buffs can explore the ancient burial mounds at Miami Beach. Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to keep them busy, with vibrant neighborhoods like Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive offering unique boutiques and award-winning restaurants. And of course, no trip to Miami Beach is complete without a visit to world-famous South Beach. Miami Beach Luxury Hotels Miami Beach Luxury Resorts New Orleans, LA, United States You can't visit New Orleans without trying some of the local food. Beignets, Po' Boys, and gumbo are just a few of the must-try dishes. While you're in town, be sure to check out the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral. If you're looking for some nightlife, Bourbon Street is the place to be. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Mardi Gras!. New Orleans Luxury Hotels Milan, Italy Milan is a city located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination because of its historical and artistic heritage. Some of the places you should visit while in Milan are the Duomo, La Scala, and Castello Sforzesco. Milan Luxury Hotels Naples, Italy Naples is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Italy. There are countless places to visit, such as the Royal Palace, the Museum of San Martino, and the Church of Gesu Nuovo. Naples is also home to excellent shopping and dining options. Be sure to enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city's many cafes and take a stroll through the picturesque streets. Naples Luxury Hotels Paris, France Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, as well as a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene. If you're looking to explore all that Paris has to offer, here are some of the top places to visit: The Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is a must-see in Paris. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city, or take a ride on the elevator to the bottom for a closer look at the structure. The Louvre Museum: This world-famous museum is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa. The Notre Dame Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Make sure to climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. The Champs-Elysees: This famous avenue is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Be sure to wander down the street and take in all the sights and sounds. The Arc de Triomphe: This towering arch is another iconic landmark in Paris. Climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. Paris Luxury Hotels Paris Luxury Villas Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a city rich in history and culture. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, and the nightlife is vibrant. Prague is a truly unique city and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic. Prague Luxury Hotels Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. This paradise is a favorite destination for travelers looking for a Caribbean getaway. Punta Cana is home to a wide variety of resorts and activities, from enjoying the sand and surf to golfing, spas, and shopping. Nature lovers can also explore the areas jungles, caves, and waterfalls. Punta Cana Luxury Hotels Punta Cana Luxury Resorts Punta Cana Luxury Villas Marbella, Spain If you're looking for an idyllic and luxurious Spanish escape, look no further than Marbella. Located on the country's Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to stunning beaches, top-notch resorts, world-class golfing, and much more. A visit to Marbella is the perfect way to experience all that Spain has to offer. Marbella Luxury Hotels Marbella Luxury Villas Marrakesh, Morocco Marrakesh is a city in Morocco that is full of culture and history. There are several places to visit in Marrakesh, including the Palace of the Bahia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. The souks (markets) are also a must-see, where you can find everything from souvenirs to spices to traditional clothing. Be sure to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or cafes in Marrakesh; the food is delicious and the atmosphere is always lively. Marrakesh is a wonderful city to explore and definitely worth a visit!. Marrakesh Luxury Hotels San Francisco, CA, United States San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Here are some of the top places to visit: 1. Fisherman's Wharf: This neighborhood is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a popular pier where you can enjoy views of the bay. 2. The Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic bridge is a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco. 3. Alcatraz Island: This former federal prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It's a must-see for fans of history and crime dramas. 4. Chinatown: This colorful neighborhood is home to some of the best food in San Francisco. Be sure to check out the Dragon Gate entrance. 5. The Mission District: This trendy neighborhood is home to hip restaurants, bars, and art galleries. San Francisco Luxury Hotels Moscow, Russia Moscow, Russia is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral. Other great places to see include the Bolshoi Theatre, Gorky Park, and the Tretyakov Gallery. There are also many churches and other historical buildings to explore. Moscow is a lively city with a lot of culture and nightlife. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Moscow. Moscow Luxury Hotels Venice, Italy Venice is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The city is built on a lagoon in northeast Italy and is known for its canals and gondolas. There are many places to visit in Venice, including the Grand Canal, St. Marks Square, and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is also home to many museums, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Venice Luxury Hotels Vienna, Austria Vienna, Austria is a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Vienna, including the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna is also home to some of the world's best shopping, including the Karntner Strasse and the Graben. Finally, no visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing the city's world-famous nightlife. Vienna Luxury Hotels Zurich, Switzerland Zurich is a marvelous city located in the heart of Switzerland. It is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From amazing restaurants and beautiful architecture to exciting nightlife and gorgeous parks, Zurich has something for everyone. Some of the most popular places to visit in Zurich include the Bahnhofstrasse, which is the city's most famous shopping street, the Lindenhof, which is a beautiful park with amazing views of the city, and Grossmunster, which is a stunning Romanesque church. Zurich is also home to some of the best museums in the world, including the famed Museum of Art and the Swiss National Museum. With its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, Zurich is a city that is definitely worth exploring. Zurich Luxury Hotels Acapulco, Mexico If you're looking for a Mexican vacation spot with plenty of history and culture to explore, Acapulco is a great option. From the archeological wonders of the ancient city to the stunning coastal views, there's something for everyone in Acapulco. Plus, with its temperate climate, it's a great escape from colder winter weather. Acapulco Luxury Hotels Acapulco Luxury Resorts Acapulco Luxury Villas Nashville, TN, United States One of the United States' most interesting places to visit is Nashville, Tennessee. There's plenty to see and do there, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Music is a big part of the city's history and culture, so be sure to catch a show while you're in town. Other popular attractions include the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, and the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Nashville is also a great place to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food. So if you're looking for an exciting and diverse city to visit, be sure to add Nashville to your list. Nashville Luxury Hotels Nashville Luxury Villas Atlanta, GA, United States What's not to love about Atlanta? From the iconic Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coke, from the Fox Theatre to Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta offers a wealth of destinations for tourists. Sports fans will want to check out the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and history buffs will enjoy the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Braves fans can take a tour of SunTrust Park, and shoppers will enjoy the many boutiques and malls in the city. There's also a great restaurant scene in Atlanta, and music lovers will want to check out the many venues offering live music. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation spot or a place to explore on your own, Atlanta is a great choice!. Atlanta Luxury Hotels Miami, FL, United States The Magic City is a top tourist destination for a reasonthere are endless things to do in Miami! From exploring the trendy neighborhoods and dazzling beaches to soaking up the Latin culture and nightlife, Miami is jam-packed with amazing places to visit. Here are a few of our favorites: 1. Wynwood Walls: This outdoor art exhibit is a must-see for any art lover. The colorful murals are awe-inspiring and definitely Instagram-worthy. 2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This estate is dripping with luxury and opulence, from the grandiose architecture to the expansive gardens. It's the perfect place for a day of relaxation. 3. South Beach: This world-famous beach is a must-visit for any sun-seeker. The crystal-clear water and soft sand make for the perfect day-long beach getaway. 4. Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture at its best in Little Havana. From delicious food to lively music and dance, there's something for everyone in this vibrant district. 5. Art Deco District: This district is home to Miami's most iconic architecture. Take a stroll down the charming streets and admire the colorful buildings that make Miami so unique. Miami Luxury Hotels Miami Luxury Villas Tokyo, Japan Tokyo is a must-see destination in Japan. There are endless places to explore in this city - temples, shrines, gardens, and more. The Shinjuku district is a great place to start, with its neon-lit streets and myriad shops and restaurants. For a taste of traditional Japan, visit the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa or the Imperial Palace. Nature lovers will enjoy the Hamarikyu Gardens or the Hama-rikyu Teien Garden. And for a unique experience, take a trip to Mount Fuji. Tokyo Luxury Hotels Tokyo Luxury Villas Buenos Aires, Argentina There are plenty of places to visit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Some popular tourist destinations include the obelisk, the Casa Rosada, and the Puerto Madero district. Every barrio (neighborhood) has its own unique culture and flavor. San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo are some of the most popular barrios. There are also many parks and plazas, such as Plaza de Mayo and Plaza de la Republica, that are worth checking out. Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels Hamburg, Germany One of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany is Hamburg. From the lively and colorful harbor district to the grandiose City Hall, there is plenty to see and do in Hamburg. Some of the other popular places to visit include the Reeperbahn district with its pubs and nightlife, the Planten un Blomen botanical gardens, and the architecturally stunning Rathausmarkt square. Hamburg Luxury Hotels Lisbon, Portugal The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a city of fascinating contrasts. From its coastal location, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views, while its hilly, narrow streets are home to a maze of charming traditional homes and lively nightlife. A city of 7 hills, Lisbon is a bustling metropolis with something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit: The Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Lisbons most iconic landmarks. This 16th-century fortress and lighthouse is a must-see for visitors. The Alfama district, with its winding streets and tile-roofed homes, is the oldest district in Lisbon. This is the perfect place to get lost and explore the citys history. The Lisbon Zoo is a great place to enjoy a day out with the family, with over 2,000 animals from around the world. The Christ the King statue, located atop a hill in the suburb of Almada, offers impressive views of Lisbon and the river Tagus. The Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the Parque das Nacoes district, is home to more than 12,000 marine creatures and is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Lisbon Luxury Hotels Lisbon Luxury Villas Malaga, Spain Malaga is an attractive seaside city in southern Spain with a long history. There are many places to visit in Malaga, including the Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba fortress, and the Malaga Cathedral. Malaga is also home to a variety of museums, including the Picasso Museum. The city is well known for its beaches, and there are many delightful places to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. Malaga Luxury Hotels Malaga Luxury Villas Munich, Germany When planning a vacation to Munich, Germany, be sure to include these top places to visit: The Marienplatz is a must-see square in the city center, featuring a beautiful Glockenspiel show and the Old and New Town Halls. The Englisher Garten, Europes largest city park, is a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. OlympiaPark is home to the famous 1972 Olympic Stadium as well as a huge amusement park. The Frauenkirche is a stunning church in the old town with a Glockenspiel of its own. Beer lovers will want to visit the Hofbrauhaus, the worlds most famous beer hall. For a bit of history and culture, check out the LudwigMaximilians-University and the Deutsches Museum. There is so much to see and do in Munich these are just a few highlights!. Munich Luxury Hotels Granada, Spain Granada is a city in southern Spain that is known for its Moorish architecture and history. The city is home to the Alhambra, a palace and fortress that was constructed in the late 1300s. Visitors can also enjoy the citys many churches, including the Cathedral of Granada. Granada is also a convenient base for exploring the other cities and towns in Andalusia. Granada Luxury Hotels Bucharest, Romania Bucharest is a city full of history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Palace of Parliament, which is the world's largest civilian building. Other places to visit include the old city center, which is full of charming streets and buildings, and the Botanical Garden, which is the largest botanical garden in Romania. Bucharest Luxury Hotels Bologna, Italy Bologna, Italy is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist destinations include the Piazza Maggiore, the Tower of Asinelli, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. There are also plenty of museums and churches to explore, and the city is full of charming restaurants and cafes. Bologna is an excellent destination for a vacation, and there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing city. Bologna Luxury Hotels Porto, Portugal Porto is a port city in Portugal that is well known for its wine. It's also a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Porto, including the old city center, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the Clerigos Tower. Porto is also home to the famous Port wine caves, which are a must-visit for wine lovers. Porto Luxury Hotels Cologne, Germany Cologne, located on the Rhine River in western Germany, is a city well worth visiting. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions include the Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the RheinEnergieStadion. Additionally, Cologne is home to a wide variety of museums, shops, and restaurants. In fact, the city has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Germany. So, if you're looking for a great European city to visit, be sure to add Cologne to your list. Cologne Luxury Hotels Istanbul, Turkey If you're looking for an exotic and affordable vacation destination, look no further than Istanbul, Turkey. Filled with historical places to visit and bargains to be found, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque while you're there. Don't forget to bargain for the best prices when shopping in the bazaars, and enjoy some delicious Turkish cuisine while you're at it. Istanbul is sure to leave you with a lasting impression. Istanbul Luxury Hotels Istanbul Luxury Villas Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai is a fascinating and exotic city that offers visitors a mix of traditional Middle Eastern culture and modern, cosmopolitan life. There are plenty of places to visit in Dubai, from the towering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the luxury shopping malls and luxurious hotels of the Palm Jumeirah. Don't miss a chance to experience an Arabian night out on an epic dhow cruise, or take a trip out into the Arabian Desert to see the stunning sand dunes. Dubai Luxury Hotels Dubai Luxury Resorts Dubai Luxury Villas Antwerp, Belgium Antwerp is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital of the province of Antwerp and has a population of over half a million people. Antwerp is a popular tourist destination due to its many historical buildings, museums, and art galleries. Some of the most popular places to visit in Antwerp are the Cathedral of Our Lady, the City Hall, the Rubenshuis, and the Antwerp Zoo. Antwerp Luxury Hotels Lyon, France Lyon is a beautiful city in the south of France that is full of culture and places to visit. Some of the most popular places to visit in Lyon are the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, the Place Bellecour, and the Vieux Lyon. The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere is a beautiful cathedral that is a must-see when visiting Lyon. The Place Bellecour is a large square in the heart of Lyon that is full of restaurants and cafes. The Vieux Lyon is a district in Lyon that is full of old buildings and is a great place to wander around and take in the sights. Lyon Luxury Hotels Athens, Greece If you find yourself in Athens, there are definitely some spots you won't want to miss. The Acropolis, Parthenon, and Olympic Stadium are all essential stops, but there are plenty of others, too. If you're looking for a bit of history, the National Archaeological Museum is a must-see, while nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens. If you're looking to relax, take a walk along the beach in Glyfada or head to the Plaka district for a charming and picturesque setting. No matter what you're interested in, Athens has something for you. Athens Luxury Hotels Athens Luxury Villas Helsinki, Finland While in Helsinki, make sure to visit these popular tourist destinations: The Senate Square and Lutheran Cathedral The Sibelius Monument Ateneum Art Museum Market Square Helsinki Zoo. Helsinki Luxury Hotels Vilnius, Lithuania The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a picturesque city with a rich history. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of charming churches, narrow streets, and pretty squares. There are also lots of museums and other places of interest to visit, including the Hill of Crosses, Gediminas Tower, and the Presidential Palace. Vilnius is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy in the evening. Vilnius Luxury Hotels Reykjavik, Iceland A city of remote beauty, Reykjavik is teeming with interesting places to visit. One of the worlds most northern capitals, Reykjavik offers stunning landscapes and a wealth of cultural experiences. From the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church to the popular Golden Circle tour, theres plenty to see and do in Reykjavik. Be sure to check out the citys lively nightlife scene, too you wont be disappointed!. Reykjavik Luxury Hotels Glasgow, United Kingdom Some of the most popular places to visit in Glasgow include the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. There are also many wonderful parks and gardens to explore, including the Botanic Gardens and Glasgow Green. For those interested in history and architecture, there are many fascinating old buildings to see, such as the Glasgow Cathedral and the University of Glasgow. And for those looking for a lively nightlife, Glasgow has no shortage of pubs, clubs, and restaurants. Glasgow Luxury Hotels Los Angeles, CA, United States As the birthplace of Hollywood and home to some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, there's no shortage of places to visit in Los Angeles. Start by exploring the city's iconic neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills and Hollywood, then venture out to attractions like the Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach and Disneyland. And don't forget to savour the city's world-famous cultural scene, with its abundance of museums, theatres and restaurants. Los Angeles Luxury Hotels Los Angeles Luxury Villas San Diego, CA, United States San Diego is a city located in California and is a major tourist destination. One of the main reasons people visit the city is for its many beaches. Coronado Beach, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach are some of the most popular and are all within close proximity to the city center. Other attractions in San Diego include the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the USS Midway Museum. Restaurants, bars, and shopping can be found throughout the city, and world-renowned museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, are also located in San Diego. San Diego Luxury Hotels San Diego Luxury Resorts San Diego Luxury Villas Washington, DC, United States Washington, D.C. is a city full of history and places to visit. Some popular places to visit are the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian. D.C. is also home to a number of monuments and memorials, like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. There are also a number of museums in D.C., like the American History Museum and the National Air and Space Museum. Washington Luxury Hotels Cancun, Mexico Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Aside from its beautiful beaches, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Cancun. Some of the most popular attractions include the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, the eco-park Xcaret, and the nightclubs and bars in the resort district. Cancun Luxury Hotels Cancun Luxury Resorts Cancun Luxury Villas Virginia Beach, VA, United States Virginia Beach is one of the top tourist destinations on the East Coast. From the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to the miles of sandy beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions to keep visitors busy. Some of the most popular places to visit in Virginia Beach include: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk: This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. First Landing State Park: This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. Cape Henry Lighthouse: This lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country and offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. There are plenty of other things to do in Virginia Beach, including dolphin and whale watching tours, kayaking, and golfing. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation or a romantic getaway, Virginia Beach is sure to please. Virginia Beach Luxury Hotels Virginia Beach Luxury Resorts Beijing, China If you're looking for an amazing cultural experience, be sure to add Beijing, China to your travel bucket list! With beautiful temples, charming hutongs (traditional alleyways), and a lively food scene, there's something for everyone in this bustling city. Plus, Beijing is home to some of the most iconic attractions in China, like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. So if you're looking for an unforgettable East Asian adventure, be sure to add Beijing to your list!. Beijing Luxury Hotels Seoul, South Korea Seoul is a metropolitan city that is home to over 10 million people. It is a city full of culture, history, and a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of places to visit in Seoul, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and N Seoul Tower. The Jeongdongne district is a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture, and the Itaewon district is a great place to go for a night on the town. Seoul Luxury Hotels South Lake Tahoe, CA, United States Known for its dramatic lake and mountain scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers visitors plenty of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include floating down the river on a tube, hiking the trails in the summer and skiing or snowboarding the slopes in the winter. The city also has a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, as well as casinos for those looking to try their luck. South Lake Tahoe Luxury Hotels South Lake Tahoe Luxury Resorts Daytona Beach, FL, United States Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is approximately 40 miles northeast of Orlando, and 85 miles southeast of Jacksonville. The city is known as "The World's Most Famous Beach." Daytona Beach is a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida. The Daytona Beach area is a popular tourist destination. It is well known for its beaches, sports events, and motorsports. Daytona Beach was the birthplace of NASCAR and home to its first track, Daytona International Speedway. Dayton Beach also features a large number of tourist-oriented businesses, such as motels, restaurants, and bars. Daytona Beach Luxury Hotels Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The coastline of Rio de Janeiro is breathtaking, and the views from Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain are unforgettable. Rio's world-famous beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and the surf. The city's rich culture and history can be experienced in its many museums and in the lively nightlife. Rio is also a great place to shop for souvenirs. Rio de Janeiro Luxury Hotels Rio de Janeiro Luxury Villas Jaco, Costa Rica Jaco is a town on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It's about an hour drive from San Jose and is a popular spot for surfers, sunbathers, and tourists. There are a number of beaches in the area, as well as restaurants, bars, and hotels. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the Costa Rican sun and beaches, Jaco is a great option. Jaco Luxury Hotels Oslo, Norway Oslo, Norway is a city with plenty of places to visit. You can find the peace and tranquility of nature parks and green spaces, experience the city's vibrant nightlife, or take in the historical and cultural sights. Here are a few of the top places to visit in Oslo: The Royal Palace: Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Vigeland Park: Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. The Maritime Museum: This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. The National Gallery: The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. Aker Brygge: Aker Brygge is a popular waterfront district in Oslo, home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The area is a great place to people watch and enjoy the view of the Oslo Fjord. Oslo Luxury Hotels Lima, Peru If you're looking for a city that's bursting with culture and flavor, Lima, Peru is the place for you! This vibrant destination is home to some of the most amazing places to visit in all of South America. From ancient ruins to lush rainforests, there's something for everyone in Lima. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions in this amazing city: The Larco Museum is one of Lima's top tourist destinations. This incredible museum is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. The Historic Center of Lima is a must-see for any history lover. This vibrant area is home to some of the oldest architecture in Lima, including the iconic San Francisco Monastery. If you're looking for a little bit of jungle in the city, head to the Parque de la Reserva. This lush park is home to beautiful gardens, a zoo, and even a butterfly farm! No trip to Lima would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca citadel is one of the most iconic sites in all of South America. Lima Luxury Hotels Ankara, Turkey Ankara is the cultural and political center of Turkey. The city is home to many museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and is a popular destination for tourists. The Citadel, the Ataturk Mausoleum, and the War of Independence Museum are all popular tourist destinations in Ankara. The city is also home to a vibrant nightlife and is a popular destination for students. Ankara Luxury Hotels Birmingham, United Kingdom There are plenty of great places to visit in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Some of the most popular places to go include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Black Country Living Museum. These places are all great for tourists, as they offer a variety of attractions, including beautiful gardens, interesting art, and a recreation of an old-fashioned town. Additionally, there are plenty of other great places to visit in Birmingham, such as the Jewellery Quarter and the German Christmas Market. Birmingham Luxury Hotels York, United Kingdom With a rich history that spans back over 1,000 years, York is a must-visit destination in the United Kingdom. Explore the city's medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Ouse. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, such as the York Minster cathedral, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy in York. York Luxury Hotels Inverness, United Kingdom Inverness, Scotland is a must-see destination on any traveler's list. Filled with rolling green hills, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in this charming town. Start by exploring the city center, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out the Inverness Castle, which offers commanding views of the area, and the Inverness Cathedral, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Outside of the city center, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. The Loch Ness Monster is said to make its home in the loch here, and visitors can take boat tours to hunt for the mythical creature. If you're looking for a more active adventure, take a hike in the hills or go fishing on the loch. No matter what you choose to do, Inverness is a beautiful and welcoming town that is sure to charm you. Inverness Luxury Hotels Marseille, France The Vieux Port (Old Harbor) is the oldest port in France. It is a beautiful place to visit with its sailboats, restaurants, and cafes. The Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica is also worth a visit. It offers stunning views of the city. If you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, head to the La Canebiere. It's a wide avenue with plenty of shops and restaurants. Marseille Luxury Hotels Marseille Luxury Villas Honolulu, HI, United States Honolulu is a city located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, United States. It is the most populous city in the state of Hawaii and the county seat of the City and County of Honolulu. Honolulu is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is located in Honolulu. Other places to visit in Honolulu include Diamond Head, the USS Arizona Memorial, and Hanauma Bay. Honolulu Luxury Hotels Honolulu Luxury Resorts Honolulu Luxury Villas Bar Harbor, ME, United States Famous for lobster and stunning ocean views, Bar Harbor is a popular destination in Maine. There are plenty of things to do in the town and its surroundings, including hiking, biking, whale watching, and exploring Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor Luxury Hotels Colorado Springs, CO, United States There are many places to visit in Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is a popular park with beautiful rock formations. Pike's Peak is a 14,115 foot mountain that offers great views and outdoor activities. The Broadmoor is a world-renowned resort with lovely gardens and a championship golf course. Royal Gorge Bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge and a popular tourist spot. Colorado Springs Luxury Hotels Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States Just an hours drive from the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach is a popular tourist spot, especially in the winter when the snowbirds migrate down. The seven-mile-long beach is known for its white sand and clear water and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a few stores. Fort Myers Beach Luxury Hotels Biloxi, MS, United States There are plenty of places to explore in Biloxi, Mississippi from the citys iconic Beaches to the picturesque Bay Saint Louis. Venture into the citys downtown area to check out the many shops and restaurants, or take a walk along the shoreline. No matter what you choose to do, youre sure to have a great time in Biloxi. Biloxi Luxury Hotels Palermo, Italy If you're looking for a city with a rich and diverse history, Palermo is the place for you. This coastal city in Italy is teeming with medieval architecture, churches, and cathedrals. Be sure to check out the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Europe, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Sicilian government. Don't miss out on the city's vibrant nightlife and vast array of restaurants that serve up some of the best food in the country. Palermo Luxury Hotels Palermo Luxury Villas Manila, Philippines The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. There are plenty of places to visit in Manila, including the walled city of Intramuros, the Rizal Park, and the Manila Bay. The city is also home to a large number of churches, including the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church. Manila is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy. Manila Luxury Hotels Zermatt, Switzerland Zermatt is an alpine village in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is famous for its ski resort, mountaineering and hiking trails. The views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt are iconic. The village is car-free, making it a cyclists' and pedestrians' paradise. There are many places to visit in Zermatt, including the village's beautiful churches, impressive museums, and great restaurants. Zermatt Luxury Hotels Basel, Switzerland Basel is a city located in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine. Basel has a population of about 176,000 and is the third most populous city in Switzerland. Basel has many interesting places to visit, including the Basel Munster, the Basel Rathaus (town hall), the Basel Zoo, and the Munsterhof, the old town square. Basel also has a number of art museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Fondation Beyeler, and the Schaulager. Basel is a great city to visit, and I highly recommend it!. Basel Luxury Hotels Copenhagen, Denmark There are a number of places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Rosenborg Castle Gardens. Tivoli Gardens is a beautiful amusement park that has something for everyone. It is perfect for a day of fun with family or friends. Nyhavn is a charming canal district that is popular for its brightly colored houses and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cruise down the canal or take a seat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. The Rosenborg Castle Gardens are home to a majestic castle as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. There is plenty to see and do in Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen Luxury Hotels Steamboat Springs, CO, United States Steamboat Springs is located in northwestern Colorado. The town is named for the steamboats that traveled up the Yampa River in the 1800s. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, known for its skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rafting. Steamboat Springs Luxury Hotels Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is home to many tourist attractions. Some popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Ferrari World Theme Park, and the Yas Island Waterpark. There are also a number of museums and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, making it a great destination for those looking for a mix of culture and leisure. Abu Dhabi Luxury Hotels Abu Dhabi Luxury Resorts Abu Dhabi Luxury Villas Bogota, Colombia There's a lot to see and do in Bogota. Some of the top places to visit include the historical La Candelaria district, the cobblestone streets of Plaza de Bolivar, the Monserrate mountain, the Bogota Botanical Garden, and the Gold Museum. La Candelaria is home to many brightly-colored colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Plaza de Bolivar is the center of Bogota and is surrounded by important landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the National Capitol. The Monserrate mountain is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views of Bogota. The Bogota Botanical Garden is the largest in Colombia and features a wide variety of plants and trees. The Gold Museum is home to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. Bogota Luxury Hotels Cebu, Philippines Due to its location and its rich history, there are plenty of places to visit in Cebu. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Cebu Taoist Temple, the Fort San Pedro, the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, and the Magellan's Cross. Cebu Luxury Hotels Cebu Luxury Resorts Lagos, Portugal Lagos is a small town in Portugal with a population of around 22,000. It's located in the Algarve region and is a popular tourist destination. Some of the places to visit in Lagos are the beaches, the old town, and the Marina. The beaches are beautiful and there are a lot of them to choose from. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways with lots of shops and restaurants. The Marina is a great place to walk around and watch the boats. Lagos Luxury Hotels Medellin, Colombia Some places to visit in Medellin, Colombia are: the Botanical Garden, the Ethnographic Museum, the Jardin Botanico, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Park of Lights, and the San Pedro Claver Church. Medellin Luxury Hotels Genoa, Italy While there are many places to visit in Genoa, one of the must-sees is the city's cathedral. Dedicated to San Lorenzo, the church features an intricate Gothic facade and a Renaissance interior. If you're looking for a place to take in some stunning views, head to the Genoa Aquarium, which is located on the promenade stretching along the city's harbor. Genoa Luxury Hotels Hoi An, Vietnam Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam. Its a bridge town thats best explored on foot. The narrow streets are a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. There are tailors, artisans, and lantern shops galore. The food is also some of the best in Vietnam. Be sure to try the local specialties, like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings. Hoi An Luxury Hotels Hoi An Luxury Resorts Baku, Azerbaijan Baku, Azerbaijan is a city with a lot of culture and history. There are a lot of places to visit, like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. There are also a lot of great restaurants, like the Flame Club, which has a great atmosphere and delicious food. Baku Luxury Hotels San Luis Obispo, CA, United States San Luis Obispo is a city located in the central coast of California. It's known for its natural beauty, relaxed vibe, and abundance of things to do. Some of the top places to visit in San Luis Obispo include the Madonna Inn, Hearst Castle, and the Paso Robles wine country. The city is also home to a variety of beaches, parks, and other attractions. In addition, San Luis Obispo is a great place to live, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. San Luis Obispo Luxury Hotels Colombo, Sri Lanka Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The city is located on the west coast of the island and is the administrative, commercial, and industrial center of Sri Lanka. Colombo is also the center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with numerous Buddhist temples. There are a number of places to visit in Colombo, including the Galle Face Green, the Dutch fort, the Pettah Bazaar, and the Sri Lankan National Museum. Colombo Luxury Hotels Yogyakarta, Indonesia The city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia is home to some of the most stunning temples and historical landmarks in the country. The city is also a great place to enjoy traditional Javanese culture and cuisine. Some of the must-see places in Yogyakarta include the Borobudur Temple, the Prambanan Temple, and the Sultan's Palace. Yogyakarta Luxury Hotels Cefalu, Italy Looking for a beautiful and historic place to visit in Italy? Look no further than Cefalu. This town is teeming with history and stunning architecture, and its location on the coast makes it the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Don't miss the Duomo di Cefalu, a 12th century Norman church that is definitely worth a visit, or the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace. Cefalu Luxury Hotels San Jose, CA, United States San Jose, California, is home to a variety of tourist destinations. Some popular places to visit include the Winchester Mystery House, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. There are also a number of lovely parks, such as Kelley Park and Plaza de Cesar Chavez, that are well worth a visit. San Jose is also home to a number of great restaurants, so be sure to check out the local cuisine. Whatever your interests, San Jose has something to offer visitors. San Jose Luxury Hotels Hong Kong, China Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in China. There are many places to visit in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Victoria Peak, and the Temple Street Night Market. Hong Kong is also a great place to shop, with many high-end malls and markets. Hong Kong Luxury Hotels Hong Kong Luxury Resorts Orlando, FL, United States Orlando is a city in the central region of Florida, in the United States. The city is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the metropolitan area also known as Greater Orlando. Orlando is well known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Other tourist destinations in Orlando include the Holy Land Experience, the Orlando Science Center, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the United States. Orlando Luxury Hotels Orlando Luxury Resorts Orlando Luxury Villas Philadelphia, PA, United States If youre looking for a place thats rich in history and culture, Philadelphia is the place for you. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Theres also a great variety of museums and other attractions to explore, such as the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum. And, of course, Philly is the birthplace of Americas favorite sandwich, the cheesesteak. So why not visit Americas most historic city and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?. Philadelphia Luxury Hotels Nice, France France is known for its many beautiful places to visit, and Nice is no exception. With its stunning coastline and mild climate, Nice is a popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular places to visit in Nice include the Promenade des Anglais, the Castle Hill, and the Old Town. There is also a wide variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy in Nice. If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in France, Nice is definitely worth considering. Nice Luxury Hotels Nice Luxury Villas Singapore, Singapore Singapore is a popular tourist destination, brimming with cultural and natural attractions. From award-winning restaurants to serene gardens and pristine beaches, there is much to explore in this diverse city-state. Here are some of the top places to visit in Singapore: 1. Marina Bay: This iconic waterfront district is home to stunning architecture, world-class landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Gardens by the Bay: These stunning gardens feature a mix of plants from around the world, as well as towering sculptures and a biodome. 3. Chinatown: This lively district is home to traditional Chinese shops and restaurants, as well as vibrant street markets. 4. Little India: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture and colorful temples. 5. Sentosa Island: This resort island is home to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and a variety of entertainment options. Singapore Luxury Hotels Singapore Luxury Resorts Nottingham, United Kingdom Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is one of the United Kingdom's major cities, with a population of over 321,000. The city is home to two universities, Queen's Medical Centre, and seven football grounds. Nottingham is known for its lace-making and bicycle manufacturing. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age. There are plenty of places to visit in Nottingham, including the Nottingham Castle, the Sherwood Forest, and the National Ice Centre. The city also has a lively nightlife, with a variety of pubs and bars. Nottingham Luxury Hotels Cannes, France Cannes is a city located in the south of France. Some of the places to visit in Cannes are the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and Le Suquet. Cannes Luxury Hotels Cannes Luxury Villas Park City, UT, United States Park City, Utah, offers visitors a wealth of places to visit and things to do. Main Street, with its charming shops and restaurants, is a must-see. The Park City Museum tells the town's fascinating history, and the Park City Utah Temple is a beautiful sight. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty of skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. And don't forget to visit the Olympic Park, where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. Park City Luxury Hotels Park City Luxury Resorts Port Angeles, WA, United States If you're looking for a quaint, small town to visit in the US, Port Angeles is worth a stop. Located in the state of Washington, it's right on the Pacific coast with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. There's plenty of things to do in the area, from hiking and fishing to whale watching and enjoying the local restaurants and breweries. Port Angeles Luxury Hotels Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States If you're looking for a fun-filled Florida getaway, look no further than Fort Lauderdale! With its miles of pristine beaches, world-famous shopping and vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone in this seaside city. Here are some of the top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale: Las Olas Boulevard: This popular shopping and dining district is home to some of Fort Lauderdale's most upscale boutiques and restaurants. The Beach: With its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Fort Lauderdale's beach is a major draw for visitors. The Everglades: Just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades are home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles and manatees. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts: This world-class performing arts center is home to a variety of theater, dance and music performances. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Fort Lauderdale today!. Fort Lauderdale Luxury Hotels Fort Lauderdale Luxury Resorts Myrtle Beach, SC, United States Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to visit in the area, including amusement parks, beaches, and golf courses. Myrtle Beach also has a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants. Myrtle Beach Luxury Hotels Myrtle Beach Luxury Resorts Salzburg, Austria Salzburg is one of the most visited places in Austria. It is a city rich in history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, and the Salzburg Cathedral. There are also many hiking trails and parks to enjoy. Salzburg Luxury Hotels Pattaya, Thailand Pattaya is an amazing city with plenty of places to visit and things to do. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Pattaya offers something for everyone. There are lovely beaches, interesting temples, great shopping, and exciting nightlife. With its moderate climate and affordable prices, it's no wonder Pattaya is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. Pattaya Luxury Hotels Pattaya Luxury Resorts Pattaya Luxury Villas Dallas, TX, United States Dallas is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is the ninth most populous city in the United States and the third most populous city in the state of Texas. Dallas is also the main city of the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city's prominence arose from its historical importance as a center for the oil and cotton industries, and its position as a major transportation hub for the South. Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. The city's economy is primarily based on banking, commerce, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare and medical research, and transportation. The city is home to the world's largest airline hub and the third largest cargo airport in the United States. Dallas Luxury Hotels Kolkata, India Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is located on the east bank of the Hooghly River. It is the second most populous city in India, after Mumbai, and the third most populous metropolitan area in India, after Mumbai and Delhi. The city is notable for its colonial architecture, art and culture, and for its overwhelming poverty. Kolkata is home to the Indian Museum, the Calcutta Stock Exchange, the National Library of India, and the Indian Statistical Institute. Kolkata Luxury Hotels San Antonio, TX, United States San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. There are plenty of places to visit in this city, from the well-known River Walk to the exquisite Spanish missions. If you're looking for a fun place to spend the day, you can't go wrong with San Antonio. San Antonio Luxury Hotels Seattle, WA, United States There are many wonderful places to visit in Seattle, Washington. Some of the most popular attractions include Pike Place Market, the Seattle Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture. There are also many parks and gardens, such as Volunteer Park and Seattle Chinese Garden, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops. Located on the other side of the world, Western Australia is a great place to visit for those looking for something different. Some of the most popular attractions include Rottnest Island, the Margaret River region, and Monkey Mia. There are also plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, such as Kings Park and Botanic Garden, as well as restaurants and shops. Seattle Luxury Hotels Liverpool, United Kingdom Liverpool is a city located in North West England and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom. The city is known for its football teams Liverpool and Everton, The Beatles, and its maritime history. Liverpool is a popular tourist destination and is home to various tourist attractions including Mersey Ferry, Liverpool Cathedral, and Albert Dock. Liverpool Luxury Hotels Malmo, Sweden Malmo is Sweden's third largest city with a population of over 310,000. It is located in the province of Scania on the country's southern tip. Malmo is a vibrant city with a strong arts and cultural scene. There are plenty of places to visit in Malmo, including the Malmo Castle, the Botanical Gardens, and the Turning Torso skyscraper. Malmo is also home to a large shopping district and a lively nightlife. Malmo Luxury Hotels Gothenburg, Sweden Goteborg, Sweden's second largest city, is a major port on the country's west coast. It's a popular tourist destination, known for its lively nightlife, beautiful architecture and delicious seafood. Some of the city's highlights include the Liseberg amusement park, the Botanical Garden, and the charming old town district. Goteborg is also home to a large number of museums, including the Volvo Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Universeum science center. Gothenburg Luxury Hotels Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and is a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Ljubljana, such as the castle, the old town, and the cathedral. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and parks. Ljubljana is a great city to explore on foot, and there are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Ljubljana Luxury Hotels Sydney, NSW, Australia Australia is a vast country with plenty of stunning places to visit, but Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the beautiful beaches and lush national parks, there's something for everyone in this lively city. There's also a thriving food and nightlife scene, so you'll never run out of things to do in Sydney. Sydney Luxury Hotels Sydney Luxury Villas Melbourne, VIC, Australia There's a lot to love about Melbourne its lively arts and culture scene, its parks and gardens, its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, and its stunning architecture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Melbourne: - Federation Square: This iconic square is a great place to people-watch and take in the city's impressive architecture. It's also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria. - Queen Victoria Market: This vibrant market is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike. It's the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, and offers a vast array of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and souvenirs. - Melbourne Cricket Ground: If you're a sports fan, be sure to check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is the largest cricket stadium in the world. It's also home to the Australian Football League, and has hosted a number of major sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby Union World Cup. - Royal Botanic Gardens: These beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and take in some of Melbourne's natural beauty. They're home to a number of different gardens, including the Australian Garden, the Sculpture Garden, and the Japanese Garden. Melbourne Luxury Hotels Melbourne Luxury Villas Vancouver, BC, Canada The top places to visit in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown. These are all must-see attractions that offer an array of activities, scenery, and history. Stanley Park is a world-famous urban park that features greenery, beaches, gardens, and a stunning view of the North Shore Mountains. Granville Island is a vibrant neighbourhood with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Gastown is the city's oldest neighbourhood and is home to charming cobblestone streets and funky boutiques. Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America and offers delicious food, interesting history, and vibrant culture. Vancouver Luxury Hotels Toronto, ON, Canada From the CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Distillery District, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Toronto, Canada. With something for everyone, Toronto is a great city to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!. Toronto Luxury Hotels Montreal, QC, Canada Montreal is a vibrant city with something for everyone. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Notre Dame Basilica, the Olympic Stadium, and Mount Royal. The city is also home to a lively arts and culture scene, with theatres, art galleries, and music venues. Montreal is a great place to visit year-round, with festivals and events happening throughout the year. Montreal Luxury Hotels Seville, Spain Seville is one of the most visited places in Spain for a plethora of reasons: its stunning architecture, tapas bars, flamenco and great weather. The Giralda Tower is a must-see when in Seville as is the Plaza de Espana. Andalusian culture is heavily present in the city and is best experienced by wandering the narrow streets and alleyways, popping into a lively tapas bar for a drink and some snacks or enjoying a flamenco show. Seville Luxury Hotels Seville Luxury Villas Ocean City, MD, United States Ocean City is a seaside resort town in Worcester County, Maryland, on the Atlantic coast. It is well known for its long promenade, its fishing, and its crab cuisine. There are plenty of places to visit in Ocean City, including the boardwalk, amusement rides, shopping, and restaurants. You can also visit the Assateague Island National Seashore, which is home to wild horses, or head to the nearby town of Berlin for more shopping and dining options. Ocean City Luxury Hotels Cambridge, MA, United States If you're looking for a quintessential New England town to visit, Cambridge, Massachusetts is the place for you. With its elaborate architecture and Colonial history, Cambridge is a lively town with plenty of things to see and do - perfect for a weekend getaway. Some of the places you won't want to miss include the Harvard University campus, the charming and lively shops and restaurants in Harvard Square, and the leafy paths of the Cambridge Common. Cambridge Luxury Hotels Laguna Beach, CA, United States Laguna Beach, California is a place known for its stunningly beautiful coastline, excellent restaurants, and art galleries. But there's more to Laguna Beach than meets the eye. Here are some of the best places to visit in Laguna Beach: Crystal Cove State Park: This state park is known for its coves, tidepools, and bluffs. It's a great place to go hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Heisler Park: This park is a great place for a walk or a picnic. It's also home to some of the best views of the Pacific Coast. Downtown Laguna Beach: This charming downtown area is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Aliso Beach: This beach is known for its excellent surfing and swimming conditions. It's also a great place to take a walk or enjoy a picnic. Laguna Beach Luxury Hotels Hot Springs, AR, United States In downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, you'll find historic buildings, antique shops, and art galleries. For nature lovers, there are also plenty of places to visit, including the Garland County Arboretum, Ouachita National Forest, and Hot Springs National Park. Spa enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day in one of the area's hot springs. And no trip to Hot Springs is complete without a visit to the world-famous Bathhouse Row. Hot Springs Luxury Hotels Sedona, AZ, United States There are many places to visit in Sedona, Arizona. Among the most popular are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. The town's unique red-rock formations and ancient ruins offer plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Sedona is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Southwest. Sedona Luxury Hotels Sedona Luxury Resorts Boulder, CO, United States Boulder, Colorado is a breathtaking city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is home to stunning views, ample outdoor recreation, and a lively arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the city's many trails, parks, and open spaces. History buffs will enjoy checking out the city's museums and historic sites. Culture seekers will appreciate the city's many theaters, art galleries, and restaurants. No matter what your interests, you'll find something to love in Boulder. Boulder Luxury Hotels Key West, FL, United States Key West is a small island off the coast of Florida that is filled with history, charm, and fun places to visit. Its lush tropical setting and the laid-back vibe of the island make it a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway. There are plenty of places to explore in Key West, from the charming historic district to the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys. Here are some of the top places to visit in Key West: -The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This iconic museum is dedicated to the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West for over 20 years. -Duval Street: This lively street is the heart of Key West's nightlife and is home to many bars and restaurants. -The Southernmost Point: This landmark is located at the end of Duval Street and is the southernmost point in the continental United States. -The Key West Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists and offers stunning views of the island. -The African American Heritage House: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Key West. -The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This attraction is home to over 2,000 butterflies and a variety of other tropical plants and animals. Key West Luxury Hotels Key West Luxury Resorts Key West Luxury Cottages Key West Luxury Villas Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm, Sweden is a city with many places to visit. One place is the Vasa Museum, which is home to a ship that sunk in 1628 and was raised from the ocean floor 333 years later. The ship is preserved and on display in the museum. Another place to visit is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch. The palace is open for tours, and visitors can see the royal apartments, the throne room, and the Hall of State. Stockholm Luxury Hotels Destin, FL, United States Looking for a place to visit in Florida? Look no further than Destin! This city is home to beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in Destin. Be sure to check out the Destin Harbor and the fishing pier for amazing views and plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a place to relax, head to the beach and enjoy the sun and sand. There's something for everyone in Destin, so be sure to visit this amazing city!. Destin Luxury Hotels Destin Luxury Resorts Ashland, OR, United States There are many places to visit in Ashland, Oregon. Some of the most popular places are the Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, and Mt. Ashland. The Shakespeare Festival is a great place to see some of the best plays in the world. Lithia Park is a beautiful park with a river running through it. Mt. Ashland is a great place to go skiing in the winter. Ashland Luxury Hotels Seaside, OR, United States One of the most beautiful places on the Oregon Coast is Seaside. With its wide, sandy beach and majestic promenade, Seaside is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to eat and shop, and the Seaside Aquarium is a must-see. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, whale watching, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the beach. Seaside Luxury Hotels Newport, RI, United States Newport is a picturesque town located in southern Rhode Island that is home to some of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States. The city is known for its miles of beaches and historic mansions that line the coast. Some popular places to visit in Newport include the Cliff Walk, the Breakers Mansion, the Museum of Yachting, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Newport Luxury Hotels Siena, Italy Siena, Italy is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its well-preserved medieval city center. The city is famous for its art, food, and wine. Siena is located in the heart of Tuscany, making it the perfect base for exploring this beautiful region of Italy. Don't miss the Duomo (cathedral), the Piazza del Campo, and the Torre del Mangia. Siena Luxury Hotels Reno, NV, United States Home to the University of Nevada, Reno and a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, Reno is a great place to visit. Some of the top places to see in Reno include the Nevada Museum of Art, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, and the Reno Events Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and skiing at Lake Tahoe and biking and kayaking on the Truckee River. In addition, Reno is home to a diverse array of restaurants and nightlife venues. Reno Luxury Hotels Atlantic City, NJ, United States Atlantic City is a popular East Coast tourist destination, known for its boardwalks, beaches and casinos. There are plenty of places to visit in Atlantic City, from the Boardwalk Hall and the Absecon Lighthouse to the Atlantic City Aquarium and Lucy the Elephant. For a more thrilling experience, head to one of the city's casinos, where you can try your hand at blackjack, slots, roulette and more. Atlantic City also offers a wide variety of restaurants, from seafood spots to pizza places, so you're sure to find something to your taste. And if you're looking for some nightlife action, the city has you covered there too. Atlantic City is definitely a place worth visiting!. Atlantic City Luxury Hotels Atlantic City Luxury Resorts Lake George, NY, United States Looking for a place to visit in upstate New York? Look no further than the stunning Lake George. This picturesque locale is located in the heart of the Adirondacks and is known for its pristine beauty and terrific recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing, among other activities. Don't miss the chance to take in the spectacular views from the summit of Prospect Mountain or from the water's edge. Lake George Luxury Hotels Buffalo, NY, United States If you're looking for a city that has it all, Buffalo is the place to be. From its vibrant downtown district to its abundance of parks and nature preserves, there's something for everyone in Buffalo. Here are some of the top places to visit in Buffalo: 1. The Buffalo Zoo - One of the top zoos in the country, the Buffalo Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. 2. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Buffalo's answer to the Louvre, the Albright-Knox is home to some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. 3. The Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village - This living history museum offers a glimpse into what life was like in Buffalo in the 1800s. 4. The Buffalo River - Take a walk or bike ride along the Buffalo River, one of the city's most picturesque areas. 5. Delaware Park - This large park is home to a variety of attractions, including a zoo, a golf course, and a nature preserve. Buffalo Luxury Hotels Rochester, MN, United States Rochester, Minnesota is a city with plenty of places to visit. There's the Mayo Clinic, the Apache Mall, and several other shopping areas, as well as a variety of restaurants. There are also a few parks and golf courses. For those who love the outdoors, Rochester is also close to several state parks and the Mississippi River. Rochester Luxury Hotels Duluth, MN, United States If you're looking for an amazing place to visit, Duluth, Minnesota should definitely be at the top of your list. This city is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, and there are plenty of things to do here that will keep you entertained for days on end. Some of the most popular places to visit in Duluth include the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Glensheen Mansion, and Chester Creek Park. Additionally, there are a number of excellent restaurants and shopping areas in the city, so be sure to explore everything that Duluth has to offer. Duluth Luxury Hotels Maputo, Mozambique Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Maputo, such as the Jose Eduardo dos Santos Museum, the Maputo Cathedral, and the Rua da Independencia. Maputo is also home to the Maputo Bay, which offers beautiful beaches and great seafood. Maputo Luxury Hotels Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, located on the northeast coast of Spain, is a renowned tourist destination and one of the most popular cities in the world. There are plenty of places to visit in Barcelona, such as the Gothic Quarter, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parc Guell, La Sagrada Familia, and more. The city is also home to a lively nightlife and some of the best restaurants in the country. Barcelona Luxury Hotels Barcelona Luxury Villas Split, Croatia Split is a city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. It is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in Dalmatia. It has a population of over 200,000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area, which includes the City of Split and the surrounding towns, has a population of over 330,000. Split is a popular tourist destination and is the home of the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular tourist destinations include the Riva, the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Sustipan. Split Luxury Hotels Split Luxury Villas Dubrovnik, Croatia Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the administrative center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Adriatic". Dubrovnik Luxury Hotels Dubrovnik Luxury Villas Byron Bay, NSW, Australia Byron Bay is a magical place. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The town is set in a beautiful location, surrounded by rolling green hills and the bright blue ocean. There's plenty to do in Byron Bay, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled trip. Some of the top places to visit in Byron Bay include the iconic lighthouse, the stunning beaches, and the lush rainforest. There's also a great nightlife and plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you're looking for an amazing Australian getaway, be sure to add Byron Bay to your list!. Byron Bay Luxury Hotels Wellington, New Zealand If you're looking for a little slice of heaven on earth, look no further than Wellington, New Zealand. With its gorgeous landscape and plethora of activities, there's something for everyone here. Whether you're a nature lover or a city slicker, Wellington has something special to offer. Top Wellington attractions include the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, and the sprawling Te Papa museum. For those who love getting out into the great outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as lovely seaside towns and villages to explore. And of course, no trip to Wellington would be complete without trying some of the delicious local cuisine be sure to sample a traditional Maori hangi feast! So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Wellington today and start planning your perfect holiday!. Wellington Luxury Hotels Saint Louis, MO, United States If you're looking for a fun place to visit with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do, look no further than Saint Louis, Missouri. This vibrant city is home to a variety of interesting attractions, including the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. There's also no shortage of restaurants and shopping options in Saint Louis. So, whether you're looking for a place to explore new cultures and cuisines or you're just looking for a place to have some fun, Saint Louis is a great option. Saint Louis Luxury Hotels Bloomington, IN, United States The city of Bloomington, Indiana is home to a variety of attractions and places to visit. The Indiana University campus is a popular destination, as is the city's historic downtown district. Monroe County Courthouse Illinois Politicians Condemn Jeff Sessions During Confirmation Hearing By aaroncynic in News on Jan 10, 2017 8:39PM Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing to be the U.S. Attorney General. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty. Senator Jeff Sessions faced questions and condemnation from a panel and numerous protesters at his confirmation hearing for the post of Attorney General Tuesday morning, along with rebukes from several Illinois lawmakers. Sessions, who failed at obtaining a federal appointment during the Reagan administration over allegations of making racist comments and cozying up to the KKK, has long been a champion of far-right wing causes, including fierce opposition to amnesty laws and other immigration reform along with rights for the LGBTQ community, support for anti-choice legislation, and even climate change skepticism. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin called out Sessions over the Alabama Senators record on mandatory minimum sentencing and immigration. If you refuse to even acknowledge the fundamental injustice of many of our sentencing laws, asked Durbin, why should you be entrusted with the most important criminal prosecution in America? Durbin brought along Alton Mills, a Chicagoan who served 22 years in federal prison on drug charges (his sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama in 2015), whose story is one of thousands of examples of harsh mandatory minimum and three strikes laws. According to Durbin, Sessions called Mills release an abuse of executive power by Obama. Sessions, who called Durbins remarks unfair, responded: I was criticized by the Bush Department of Justice. My legislation was opposed by them... I stepped out against my own Republican administration and said openly on the floor of the Senate that I believe these crack cocaine laws were too harsh, particularly disadvantageous to the African American community. Turning to immigration, Durbin admonished the senator for his opposition to the Dream Act, and every other piece of legislation that included a pathway to citizenship for any undocumented people: ...there is not a spot of evidence in your public career to suggest that as attorney general you would use the authority of that office to resolve the challenges of our broken immigration system in a fair and humane manner. Durbin wasnt the only Illinois politician to come down on Sessions. On Monday, newly-elected Senator Tammy Duckworth told the Huffington Post she was concerned over his stance on the Americans with Disabilities Act, herself being a disabled veteran. The Alabama Senator once said a law that provides protections for children with disabilities led to the decline in civility and discipline in classrooms. I personally am deeply concerned that at a time when the ADA protections seem to be eroding that were nominating someone who has less than a stellar record when it comes to comments made in support of disability rights, she said. Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly also slammed Sessions, saying she was deeply troubled by his nomination. Time and time again, he has voted against laws that would protect our nations most vulnerable and supported unjust laws overturned by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional, Kelly said in a statement. If youre too racist in 1986 to serve on the federal bench, there is no way you should be Attorney General in 2017. Thousands Expected For Massive Women's March On Chicago After Trump Inauguration By Stephen Gossett in News on Jan 10, 2017 2:55PM Update, January 16: The location of the Women's March on Chicago has slightly shifted, to Jackson and Columbus, just south of the Petrillo Music Shell, in order to keep the grass area at the original location from muddying. Original: The day after Donald Trump is sworn into office as the 45th President of the United States, nearly 300 Womens Marches, inspired by the Washington D.C. originator, will take the streets in cities all across the globe. One of those cities will of course be Chicago, and its shaping up to be massive. Some 20,000 respondents have either RSVPed to or registered interest to the Womens March on Chicago event page; and supporters have contributed over $24,000 to fund logistical needswith leftover donations earmarked for a local non-profit. The march happens on Saturday, Jan. 21, beginning at 10 a.m. with a rally at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park that will include roughly 20 speakers, including author Sara Paretsky and three members of the cast of Hamilton (Karen Olivo, Ari Afsar, and Samantha Marie Ware). The panel will speak to 12 hot-button issues that diverse groups of women deal with every day, co-organizer Liz Radford told Chicagoist. This is a Chicago womens march and we want to deal with Chicago womens issues. Trumps campaign and its aftermath raised issues of sexual violence and abortions rights, Radford noted. And although reproductive rights is the centerpiece of the march and rally, its also immigration, its gun violence, its LGBTQ rights, civil liberties, racial equality, respect for different faiths, Radford said. Male allies are also welcome to attend and march. As ambitious as it is, organizers envision the rally as a bridge to broader activism. Its meant to be a stepping-off point: if youre not active, you can get active," Radford said, noting that even she is "completely new" to Chicago's "wonderful" tradition of activism. Organizers are still seeking volunteers to serve as day-of marshals. Training will be provided to them by members of the SEIU Local 73. Speakers include: Ari Afsar: From the cast of Hamilton (Speaker and Performer during Rally) Jean Albright: Master Sergeant (retired) U.S. Air Force Eman Hassaballa Aly: Community Activist Faith Arnold: SEIU Healthcare Illinois, Fight for $15 Eloise Diaz Bahrmasel: RISE Movement Rabbi Shoshanah Conover: Temple Sholom of Chicago Tamar Manasseh: Mothers Against Senseless Killings Fawzia Mirza: Actor/Producer Karen Olivo: from the cast of Hamilton (Speaker and Performer during Rally) Sara Paretsky: Author, Sisters in Crime Creator Channyn Lynne Parker: Transgender activist, TransLife Project Manager Rahnee Patrick: Independent Living at Access Living Maria Pesqueria: President, Mujeres Latinas en Accion Cleopatra Pendleton-Cowley: Hadiya Pendleton Foundation Tiffany Pryor: Executive Director, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health Liz Radford & Ann Scholhamer: Co-Chairs of the Womens March on Chicago Samantha Marie Ware: From the cast of Hamilton (Speaker and Performer during Rally) Reyna Wences: Organized Communities Against Deportations Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson, Esq.: National RainbowPUSH Coalition Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera has been painting for decades. And painting. And painting. At age 89, she finally sold something. Pioneer Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera, 101, poses for photos while being interviewed in her studio on Jan 4, in New York. [Photo/Chinadaily.com.cn via Agencies] And now, at 101, true recognition has arrived: an exhibit of her work at the Whitney Museum of American Art and a documentary on her life soon coming out in New York, where she has lived for 70 years. Herrera may not be in her prime, but her career is going gangbusters. "It was about time. Good lord! They waited too long," Herrera says in an interview at her apartment and studio in Union Square, where she has lived for nearly 50 years. Fame, she says, "is pleasant but not that big a deal". She then offered her visitor a glass of whisky. Herrera was born in Cuba in 1915 to journalist parents, studied painting as a child, traveled to Paris to study more and then began architecture at the University of Havana. As a young woman she fell in love with Jesse Loewenthal, a New Yorker who taught English and was visiting Cuba. She moved to Manhattan with him and continued to study art. Her work is abstract: simple and austere, but showing a strong, vivid sense of color. Herrera is not a big talker. She does not like to discuss her art and rarely gives interviews. "My painting is just my painting. There is no feeling associated with it. It is not good for anything," she says with a laugh, refusing to explain what her work might mean. Her husband, who died in 2000 at age 98, encouraged her to paint every day even though it seemed no one wanted to show her workby a woman, a Latina woman at that, and not considered feminine, as watercolors might be. "No one paid attention to me. No one knew me," Herrera says. She recalls, angrily, a female gallery owner who once said this to her: "I love what you paint but I am not going to give you a chance because you are a woman." This was particularly hurtful to Herrera because it came from another woman. Songzhuang Contemporary Art Document Museum was inaugurated on Dec 24 in Beijing with an opening exhibition that continues through Jan 24. [Photo provided to China Daily] Songzhuang Contemporary Art Document Museum was inaugurated on Dec 24 in Beijing with an opening exhibition that continues through Jan 24. The exhibition displays dozens of artworks by artists who once lived or now live and work in Songzhuang, a village-turned art community in the capital city's eastern suburb. Hu Jiebao, the museum's director, said at the opening that the past two decades have witnessed Songzhuang's dramatic transformation from a traditional, underdeveloped village relying on agriculture into an art hub which is home to artists, galleries and critics, enjoying an international reputation. He says the museum will be dedicated to collecting and showing artworks and documents that review the progress of Songzhuang and to promoting Chinese contemporary art. Art critic and curator Wu Hong is the museum's executive director, while renowned curator Li Xianting and artist Fang Lijun are lifetime advisers. You are here: Home Christie's will auction some 30 Chinese antiques from the collection of the Fujita Museum, a private museum based in Osaka, during the annual Asian Week New York in March. A part of Song Dynasty artist Zhao Mengfu's landscape. [Photo provided to China Daily] The items include bronze ware from the Shang (c. 16th century-11th century BC) and Zhou (c. 11th century-256 BC) dynasties, stone Buddhist statues and classical Chinese paintings. Among the highlights are six classical ink paintings cataloged in the Shiqu Baoji, an inventory of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) art collections, which is used even today as an important reference by collectors. The paintings all bear the seals of Emperor Qianlong, an avid art collector. The auction will be held on March 15 at the Rockefeller Center. The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will continue to tighten security in border areas to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region illegally in 2017, the chairman of the region said. The region already stepped up efforts in entry-exit management in 2016, said Shohrat Zakir, the Xinjiang chairman, while delivering his work report at the annual session of the regional People's Congress in Urumqi, the capital, on Monday. Many terrorists who carried out attacks in the region in recent years received training abroad and then returned illegally. Some also crossed the border illegally to flee, said Aniwar Turson, a top Party official of southern Xinjiang's Kashgar prefecture. "We need to make sure not a single terrorist can get in or out of Xinjiang illegally, especially when our neighboring countries are facing rising terrorist threats," Aniwar said. Xinjiang, which borders eight countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been China's main battleground in the fight against terrorism. On Sunday night, three terrorists were killed in a police raid in southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, local media reported on Monday. The suspects resisted arrest and were shot dead at around 8 pm. No police officers were hurt, according to Ts.cn, a news portal affiliated with the regional government. The suspects were believed to have conducted an attack in April 2015. Azez Musar, a senior official of southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture, said that terrorist cells are particularly active in border areas in Xinjiang. "We must improve our ability to detect suspicious activities in those areas and conduct strict inspections near the borders in accordance with the law," he said. It has been more than four months since Chen Quanguo, former Party chief of the Tibet autonomous region, stepped in as the new leader of Xinjiang. Chen sees keeping the region stable as the overriding political goal. Chen decided Xinjiang officials would concentrate first on maintaining social stability. The other main goal is the region's social and economic development. He also warned officials that they would be evaluated based on the security situation. Since a terrorist attack left five dead in Hotan's Moyu county on Dec 28, both the heads of the prefecture and the county have been put under investigation. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions You are here: Home Flash President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China is willing to encourage capable companies to invest in Zimbabwe and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Xi made the remarks when meeting with his Zimbabwean counterpart, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Xi told Mugabe that China appreciates the African country's firm support for China on issues related to its core interests and major concerns. China will continue to back Zimbabwe in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as support the development path chosen by the Zimbabwean people, said Xi. In December 2015, Xi paid a state visit to Zimbabwe and attended a summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, South Africa, in which he announced a series of plans to enhance China-Africa cooperation. The outcomes of the summit and the consensus between him and Mugabe on lifting ties are being actively implemented, Xi said, noting the two countries have cooperated in infrastructure, agriculture and other fields. Recalling Xi's state visit and the successful Johannesburg summit, Mugabe said African countries are actively pushing forward the smooth implementation of the major cooperation plans initiated by Xi at the summit. Zimbabwe is ready to deepen collaboration with China in infrastructure, agriculture and other areas, he said. Rick Santa Adams, 60, of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, passed away on January 8, 2017. He was a member of the White Oak Baptist Church. Rick was known as Santa by many people, especially to all the children at the Boehm Birth Defects Center to whom he spread Christmas cheer. He worked as a stationary engineer at Erlanger Hospital from 1979-1999, drove a truck for U.S. Express and was currently driving for Total Transportation. He and his late son, Richie, were previous owners of Chattanooga Knife Works. He was a United States Army veteran having served during the end of the Vietnam War. He had a love for his family, for children, for animals, God and country. His son, Richie Adams and his parents, Harold and Becky Adams preceded him in death. Rick is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy Adams; one brother; two sisters; several nieces, nephews and other family members, and his two dogs, Woody, Kerensa; and his cat, Hattie. Services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Williamson & Sons Funeral Home with Reverend Tony Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorial donations in his memory to: Boehm Birth Defects Center at www.boehmbdc.com. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com. Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379. Yahoo! Chief Executive Officer Marissa Mayer is among six directors who plan to leave the board of the investment company that will be left after the closing of the proposed sale of Yahoo's main internet properties to Verizon Communications. The new company, a shareholder in Alibaba Group Holding and Yahoo! Japan, will change its name to Altaba and reduce its board to five members as it looks ahead to its next chapter with fewer ties to the iconic brand, according to a filing Monday. Advertisement Yahoo agreed to sell its web properties to Verizon in a deal valued at about $4.8 billion, though questions have come up after Yahoo revealed two separate hacks of user data. The directors that will remain with Altaba after the closing of the Verizon sale are Tor Braham, Eric Brandt, Catherine Friedman, Thomas McInerney and Jeffrey Smith. Advertisement The departing members also include Eddy Hartenstein, a director of Chicago Tribune owner tronc, as well as Maynard Webb, David Filo, Richard Hill and Jane Shaw. The Wisconsin governor, a Republican, has spent his six years in office so far complaining about federal stimulus plans, especially those promoted by President Barack Obama, a Democrat. Hes turned down more than $810 million to help rebuild Wisconsins passenger rail route and expand it to Madison. Hes turned down federal funds to expand broadband to rural areas in the state. And, of course, hes famously refused to take federal money to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin under Obamacare. His excuse always has been that you cant trust the federal government to live up to its promises. The rail expansion would have cost Wisconsin $6 million to $7 million a year in maintenance costs, he claimed. Naturally, that was just another in a long list of lies from the mouth of our governor. The actual cost to the state for that $810 million federal investment, which included safety upgrades and maintenance facilities on existing passenger rail lines between Chicago and Milwaukee, was more like $700,000. Walker and the Legislature have since shelled out upward of $50 million to upgrade the tracks, build maintenance facilities and make handicapped improvements at the Milwaukee train station, all of which would have been covered by the federal stimulus funds. Oh, and dont forget the several million dollars Wisconsin had to pay to settle a lawsuit brought by the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo, which opened a factory in Milwaukees inner city to build train sets right here in Wisconsin, only to be scuttled by Walkers political pettiness. Not very good money management, you might say. Then the governor turned down $27 million from the federal government to help with expanding broadband connectivity to rural Wisconsin. He saw something nefarious in taking that money from the government, but no ones quite sure what. Now, our governor is promoting spending state money on doing just what the feds had envisioned years ago. In the meantime, Wisconsin has fallen significantly behind other Midwest states in access to high-speed internet. Not a good thing when youre trying to recruit businesses that depend heavily on speedy internet connections. And then, of course, theres Medicaid, the biggest blunder of all. Always the ideologue, the governor decided to turn down roughly $500 million over three and a half years so he could make a bold statement about his distaste for Obamacare. He decided that rather than expand Medicaid to cover an additional 87,000 Wisconsin adults, hed forgo the money, claiming that once again he couldnt trust the feds to live up to their promises to cover the cost. Just think how that federal money could have helped us avoid cuts to the University of Wisconsin and K-12 public education. But the times have changed. A Republican, Donald Trump, now promises to send federal funds Wisconsins way through another stimulus program. Will Walker still see federal bogeymen behind every tree? Im taking bets. The governor turned down $27 million from the federal government to help with expanding broadband connectivity to rural Wisconsin. Now, he is promoting spending state money on doing just what the feds had envisioned years ago. American Apparel, once a high-flying retailer that peaked at more than $600 million in sales, is probably headed toward liquidation after a bankruptcy auction ended with Canadian T-shirt and underwear maker Gildan Activewear buying intellectual property and other assets for $88 million. This transaction doesn't include American Apparel's stores, and the fate of its garment workers in Los Angeles remains in doubt. The company had 4,700 employees and 110 stores as of November, when it filed for bankruptcy for the second time in 13 months. Gildan said it has no obligation to keep any American Apparel employees. "We've never been in a position to be able to assume operations," Garry Bell, a spokesman for Montreal-based Gildan, said in an interview Tuesday. "We're not buying an ongoing concern." The end comes about two years after American Apparel's board orchestrated the firing of founder and chief executive officer, Dov Charney, for alleged misconduct, which he denies. Charney engaged in a bruising -- and ultimately futile -- public battle to regain control. Saddled with high-interest debt racked up during Charney's tenure, American Apparel first filed for bankruptcy in October 2015 and was taken over by former bondholders led by Monarch Alternative Capital. But the reorganization did little to slow American Apparel's decline as sales continued falling. A second bankruptcy, filed in November, focused on auctioning the company with an initial offer from Gildan for $66 million. Charney accused management of making a "colossal mistake" and destroying the company he started as a college student. "I'm extremely disappointed," he said in an interview Tuesday. "This shouldn't have happened." Charney blamed American Apparel's downfall on "reckless Wall Street behavior" and said the company's decline also hurt its suppliers, which employ thousands of people in the Los Angeles area. "This was a good company," said Charney, who's working on a clothing startup. "We were exporting to the world and paying fair wages. All of that has now gone away." Amazon.com, Forever 21 and Authentic Brands Group considered making offers for the assets, a person familiar with the situation said before Monday's auction. Next Level Apparel submitted a bid, according to Reuters. Next Level couldn't immediately be reached for comment. Representatives for Amazon, Forever 21 and Authentic Brands didn't respond to requests for comment last week. In the end, Gildan wound up the winner after raising its offer by $22 million. What happens to the American Apparel brand remains to be seen. American Apparel can keep selling clothes in stores and online under a 100-day license, said Bell. The bigger prize is to fold the wholesale business into Gildan's North American division to gain market share in fashion basics. Before the auction, American Apparel creditors urged Gildan to find a partner for the parts of the company it didn't want, including the stores. Since the November bankruptcy filing, American Apparel has been liquidating its least profitable locations, according to court records. More promising stores could still be taken over and run under the American Apparel name. "We do think that marrying the parties is going to be the key here," Cathy Hershcopf, an attorney for creditors, said in court last month. Gildan has expanded into branded clothing and produces Under Armour Inc. socks for retail, and the acquisition may help the 30-year-old company grow in the more fashionable and lucrative end of the screen-printing business, which makes up about 60 percent of its revenue. Bell said Gildan hasn't decided where American Apparel-branded goods will be made from now on, but it chose not to exercise the right to assume leases on two factories and a distribution center in Los Angeles. The Canadian company is buying sewing machines and knitting and dyeing equipment for making wholesale products. Gildan already has plants in states including North Carolina and Georgia, but socks are the only finished goods made in the U.S. "We haven't established yet what the manufacturing" plans are, Bell said. A Montreal native, Charney started the precursor to American Apparel in 1989 during his freshman year at Tufts University in Massachusetts. He never graduated, setting off instead for South Carolina, where he started making T-shirts. Ten years later, he moved operations to Los Angeles, where there was greater manufacturing capacity. He took the company public in 2005 and built the retail side into a global operation. Charney stood out among his rivals by focusing on making well-crafted basics in the U.S. when clothing manufacturing was flowing to Asia. He also courted controversy with sexually charged advertisements featuring nonprofessional models and stunts like putting pubic hair on mannequins. Lawsuits accusing Charney of sexual harassment also brought the company plenty of attention. Those cases were all dismissed or settled. The company will operate normally until the sale is approved by the Delaware judge overseeing the bankruptcy and the deal closes, which would be at the end of this month at the earliest, according to an American Apparel spokeswoman. "We know that this brand has a strong consumer following," said Gildan's Bell. "We just haven't at this moment in time actually established what our plans are to bring this brand to consumers." Bloomberg's Tiffany Kary and Crayton Harrison contributed. When Chicago investment firm Gerchen Keller Capital launched in 2013, it carved out an unusual and controversial niche bankrolling multimillion-dollar commercial lawsuits in return for a share of any judgment or settlement. It was a gamble that paid off big for Gerchen Keller, now a major player in the growing field of litigation finance, and its three 30-something principals. Advertisement Gerchen Keller was acquired last month by its rival, London-based Burford Capital, for $160 million, forming a litigation finance behemoth with a combined $1.2 billion invested in active commercial lawsuits. "In hindsight, our timing was perfect," said Travis Lenkner, 37, a Gerchen Keller managing director who will hold the same position at Burford. "That was a little less obvious at the time." Advertisement Nearly nonexistent in the U.S. a decade ago, litigation finance has turned contingency fees once the exclusive province of personal injury lawyers into an institutional investment platform. Funders develop portfolios of cases based on their likelihood of success, and pay off investors with a percentage of any proceeds. Law firms and businesses reduce the risk of costly litigation by taking on a financial partner. The deal may signify a coming of age for the litigation financing industry, according to Maya Steinitz, a professor at the University of Iowa College of Law and a litigation finance expert. "It shows growth and normalization of an industry that was very controversial a few years ago and has really become mainstream," Steinitz said. Among its current cases, Gerchen Keller committed nearly $50 million for a U.K. class-action suit filed in September against MasterCard over high fees charged consumers. The suit seeks more than $17 billion in what is being billed as the largest damages claim in British history. Gerchen Keller manages litigation funds for institutional investors such as state public pensions, university endowments and private foundations. "We looked like a private equity fund in the sense of raising capital from third parties and then managing that capital as an investment adviser," Lenkner said. The firm launched nearly four years ago with $100 million in capital commitments, and expertise that bridged the gap between finance and law, according to Lenkner, a former U.S. Supreme Court law clerk who previously served as a senior counsel with Chicago-based Boeing. It has grown into a 20-person Chicago office comprised mostly of lawyers and finance professionals, who vet the risk and reward of prospective cases. The firm has invested in more than 90 cases since its inception, a "very small, single-digit percentage of the number of opportunities we've considered," Lenkner said. Adam Gerchen, a former hedge fund manager at Chicago-based Alyeska Investment Group, and Ashley Keller, a former partner at Chicago law firm Bartlit Beck, co-founded Gerchen Keller with Lenkner. All three will continue in Chicago-based executive roles post-merger. Advertisement Gerchen Keller was projected to generate an estimated $15.4 million in income and an operating profit of $9.1 million in 2016. Burford, publicly traded on London's AIM exchange, reported $103 million in income and a $77.2 million operating profit in 2015, according to financial statements. While litigation finance operated "in the shadows" for decades, Steinitz traces the "global big bang" of the industry back to 2000, when Australia changed its laws to enable third-party financing of class-action suits, followed by the U.K. in 2006. In the U.S., third-party litigation financing is legal in some states but not in others, Steinitz said. In addition, the practice has raised ethical concerns within the legal profession. "It places lawyers in a conflict of interest, because they have their client, who they're supposed to take direction from, but there's this other third party that's actually paying their bills," Steinitz said. Breaking Business As it happens When business news breaks, be the first to know. > The industry was imported to the U.S. in the wake of the Great Recession, as law firms and clients sought alternative litigation financing options, Steinitz said. Advertisement Critics remain, however, such as Lisa Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, who said in a recent article in British magazine Financier Worldwide that third-party litigation funding may lead to the filing of speculative lawsuits, prolong cases and frustrate settlements. It is an argument Lenkner rejects. "Our underwriting function ultimately reduces the volume of litigation out there, because we certainly are not in the business of funding frivolous litigation or litigation we don't think will be successful," he said. Despite the firm's acumen and profitable track record, Lenkner said Gerchen Keller has bet on its share of losing cases. "We've lost," he said. "If we never lost, we wouldn't be taking enough risk." rchannick@chicagotribune.com Twitter @RobertChannick Local leaders pleaded with Chicagoans on Tuesday to sign up for health insurance through Obamacare and to speak out in support of the health care law as Republican leaders in Congress continued their promises to tear it down. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Democratic U.S. Rep. Danny Davis of Chicago, and the head of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System, among others, held a news conference Tuesday at Stroger Hospital to urge Illinois residents to sign up for coverage and advocate for the law's survival. Advertisement Their words came the same day that House Speaker Paul Ryan said Congress hopes to simultaneously repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The push for speed and coordination came as growing numbers of Republicans expressed concerns about the GOP leadership's plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement in hand, potentially leaving the 20 million people who gained coverage under the law in limbo. Advertisement "We have to get to business. Obamacare has been a catastrophic event," President-elect Donald Trump said in an interview with The New York Times. "Long to me would be weeks," he added of the gap between repealing and replacing the law. "It won't be repeal and then two years later go in with another plan." Consumers have until Jan. 31 to sign up for coverage through the exchange if they want health insurance in 2017. Consumers who sign up by Sunday can get coverage starting Feb. 1, and those who enroll after Jan. 15 but by Jan. 31 can get coverage beginning in March. After Jan. 31, only consumers who experience certain life events during the year, such as having a baby, losing coverage elsewhere or getting married would be eligible for coverage. In Illinois, 351,270 people signed up for exchange coverage as of Dec. 24 about 4,400 more than the same time a year earlier, according to federal data released Tuesday. Nationally, enrollment as of Dec. 24 was at 11.5 million, an increase of 286,000 people compared with a year earlier. About one-fourth of Illinois residents who've signed up for 2017 coverage were new to the exchange, according to the data. "Contrary to much of the sound and fury we're hearing out of Washington, the Affordable Care Act has been a monumental success," Preckwinkle said. "The Affordable Care Act has been a godsend to those who did not have health insurance." Before the Affordable Care Act, more than half of patients in the Cook County Health and Hospitals System were uninsured, but two-thirds now have insurance, Preckwinkle said. Illinois also expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income people under Obamacare. Many worry that not as many people will be eligible for Medicaid if Congress overhauls Obamacare. "It's important for people to recognize that for the first time in our history, we're caring for a majority-insured population," said Dr. Jay Shannon, CEO of the county health system. "I never thought I'd say that." Advertisement About 76 percent of those who signed up in Illinois will receive tax credits to help offset the costs of their premiums by an average of $366 a month, according to the data. The age group with the most sign-ups in Illinois so far is the 55-to-64 crowd, making up about 30 percent of enrollments. Still, many criticize the law in Illinois and across the country. Rates for this year increased by an average of 44 to 55 percent for the lowest-priced plans, and consumers shopping on the exchange are finding fewer choices than last year. Many also have felt frustrated that available plans do not always include their preferred doctors and hospitals. Republican leaders emphasized the law's problems at a news conference in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. "Obamacare is failing and failing quickly," Ryan said. "It's really bad. Families can't even go to the doctor because their deductibles are so high, so they just skip having health care." He said Republicans will aim to repeal and replace the law at the same time "so we can save people from this mess." He said Republicans will pass as much as they can initially and then more later that will show "the full scope of what a real replacement effort looks like." Republicans have not yet released a plan detailing exactly how they'd like to replace the law, but Kellyanne Conway, an adviser to Trump, said earlier this month on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that Trump doesn't want anyone to lose insurance coverage. Advertisement Kathleen Falk, a regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said she's confident that people who sign up for coverage through the exchange will have that coverage through 2017, regardless of what happens to the Affordable Care Act in coming months. Associated Press contributed. lschencker@chicagotribune.com Twitter @lschencker A photo shows the back of a Link card, used in Illinois to access government aid including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. But food stamp recepients can't use such a card online. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) For Illinois residents receiving federal food stamp benefits, the wait will continue for online grocery shopping. Illinois is not participating in the two-year federal pilot program, which is considered a test before making online food purchasing a permanent option for those receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. As online shopping continues to gain popularity, the option has been slow arriving to those on food stamps, in part because of the complicated tasks of ensuring privacy of SNAP recipients and preventing fraud. Advertisement The pilot program, set to begin this summer, will be available through retailers in select states, including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington and Iowa, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Various factors limited the program's geographical diversity, including where the chosen retailers wanted to implement the program, said Jalil Isa, spokesman for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. And some states, such as Illinois, chose not to participate in order to focus on other priorities, Isa said. Advertisement "As the pilot progresses, we anticipate additional firms and states will be able to come on board during phase two of the pilot, sometime in 2018," Isa said in an email. The retailers selected for the pilot and respective areas of service include: Amazon in Maryland, New Jersey and New York. FreshDirect in New York. Safeway in Maryland, Oregon and Washington. ShopRite in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Hy-Vee in Iowa. Hart's Local Grocers in New York (based in Rochester). Advertisement Dash's Market in New York (based in Buffalo). Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Mike Miller, an out-of-work carpenter with two children at home, said he visits the United Methodist Church food pantry to help him through hard times. The church on Union Avenue in the Chicago's Canaryville neighborhood sponsors a food pantry that serves dozens of families. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) gtrotter@chicagotribune.com Twitter @GregTrotterTrib German automaker Volkswagen AG said Tuesday that it was in "advanced talks" with United States authorities over a proposed settlement in its diesel emissions scandal under which the company would pay $4.3 billion in criminal and civil fines. The draft settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Customs and Border Protection would include the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee the company's compliance and control measures for three years. A company statement issued Tuesday said that under the proposal Volkswagen would agree to "a guilty plea" to criminal law provisions. The draft needs to be approved by Volkswagen's boards and U.S. courts. Volkswagen said its management board of top executives, which includes CEO Matthias Mueller, and its board of directors would deal with the issue "in the very short term," as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. "A final conclusion of the settlement agreement is further subject to the execution by the competent U.S. authorities and to the approval of the competent U.S. courts," the company said. The penalties would exceed the amounts Volkswagen has set aside to cover costs from the scandal, but the specific impact on 2016 earnings "cannot be defined at present," the statement said. Volkswagen had already deducted 18.2 billion euros ($19.2 billion) from earnings to account for the expected costs of fines, settlements and recalls. The company has admitted equipping diesel cars with software that turned up emissions controls when the car was being tested, and turned them down during normal driving, improving engine performance but exceeding emission limits. Volkswagen has reached a $15 billion civil settlement with environmental authorities and car owners in the U.S. under which it agreed to buy back up to 500,000 vehicles. The company also faces an investor lawsuit and criminal probe in Germany. In all, some 11 million vehicles worldwide were equipped with the software. The scandal was revealed in September 2015, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation. CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned and was replaced by Mueller. The company has apologized and brought in U.S. law firm Jones Day to investigate. Oliver Schmidt, the company's former head of U.S. environmental compliance, was arrested over the weekend in Florida. Another employee, engineer James Liang, has pleaded guilty in the criminal case. In a 2014 agreement with the U.S. Justice Department, Toyota agreed to pay a $1.2 billion fine over unintended acceleration problems. Similarly, General Motors agreed in 2015 to pay $900 million to resolve a deadly ignition-switch scandal, striking a deal with the Justice Department that avoided criminal charges against individual executives. Associated Press Owner apathy is so widespread some community associations can't fill vacant board seats or draw a quorum to hold an owners' meeting. Illinois associations must have three board members minimum to keep their not-for-profit status. (georgeclerk / Getty Images) What if you had a government, and no one came? That's what is happening at many community associations. Plenty of people want to live in communities where the snow, roofs and decisions are taken care of by someone else. Apathy is so pervasive some associations can't fill vacant board seats or draw a quorum to hold an owners' meeting, said association attorney Charles VanderVennet, of Arlington Heights. Advertisement "Owners won't come to a meeting to vote," he said. "They won't submit a proxy so someone can vote for them. If we set up an absentee ballot procedure so the ballot can be mailed in an envelope that's already there, they don't do that." "It's a serious topic everywhere, but especially in smaller associations," said Mark Durakovic, vice president at Kass Management Services in Chicago. Advertisement Community associations are designed around the concept of self-governance. Unless the owners participate, associations quickly become dysfunctional. If new board members don't step up, long-timers risk burnout and associations lose out on fresh ideas, said Diane White, senior vice president of condominium management at The Habitat Co. in Chicago. Illinois associations must have three board members minimum to keep their not-for-profit status, which provides liability protection for boards and other benefits. Without those three board members, assessments can't be collected, bills can't be paid, repairs can't be made and emergency responses are delayed. "The ultimate result is somebody bringing the matter to the court's attention through a petition to appoint a receiver," he said. "That individual will be required to take over the administrative role of the association, stabilize the building and get a board up and running. All that is expensive." Owners should care about the workings of the association because their unit is probably their largest investment, said association consultant Angela Falzone of ASF Enterprises in Park Ridge. "They should be part of protecting it," she said. "Serving on the board is the best effort, but showing up to board meetings and asking questions is second best." White isn't bothered that few owners attend board meetings. In her view, nonparticipation is often a sign of contentment rather than apathy. Many owners prefer to interact electronically. Depending on the association's capabilities, they go online to email questions and requests, check assessment accounts, read meeting minutes, vote or assign proxies. Some watch board meetings on their televisions or computers. Advertisement "It doesn't necessarily mean people are not engaged," she said. "It means we've offered different avenues for them to engage when they want to." Here are some strategies to help increase owner participation: Get a grip on your meetings. Establish protocols for efficiency and civility, or owners will stay away in droves, Falzone said. Schedule homeowner forums before board meetings. Not after. When owners have to sit through a long meeting before they can comment, they'll stay home and wait for the minutes online, White said. Host special events. Durakovic takes a tip from thriving apartment communities, which often plan activities such as culinary classes and wine-and-cheese tastings. "The idea is to create an experience for people to participate in and get to know the board and one another," he said. Advertisement Habitat Co. managers and engineers hold monthly coffee conversations for owners and boards. They give building updates, answer questions and invite suggestions. "The coffee conversations enable us to cultivate broader relationships," White said. "It's an opportunity to educate owners about what is truly involved and get their excitement going about different projects. When they are comfortable, they start thinking, 'I may want to be part of the governing.'" Ramp up the communication. Remind owners how associations function, what the law requires and the consequences for noncompliance, VanderVennet said. "There are some big jobs and some little jobs, and they are all important jobs," he said. "Let's work together to make it happen." pmckuen@aol.com Watch our latest Real Estate videos. While 6 percent is the preferred commission rate for a home sale at many full-service brokerages, the actual national average was 5.26 percent in 2015. (John Bazemore / AP) WASHINGTON Wave goodbye to the "standard" 6 percent commission rate. The average commission paid on American home sale transactions continues to decline and could even dip below 5 percent within the next few years. That's according to Real Trends, a research and advisory company that monitors hundreds of realty brokerage firms and compiles data on sales and commission rates of 450,000 sales agents across the country. While 6 percent is indeed the preferred commission rate at many full-service, traditional brokerages, the actual national average was 5.26 percent in 2015. Advertisement Based on preliminary data, it's likely to decline further when the final numbers are tallied for 2016. Steve Murray, Real Trends president, said that "we are headed for (a) sub-5 percent overall rate within the next few years." In 2010 and 2012, the average rate was 5.4 percent and in 2013, 5.36 percent. During the 1980s and early 1990s, the standard sometimes was 7 percent, depending on the local market. Advertisement What's been causing the drop in fees? Likely multiple factors: Rising numbers of agents are now working for brokerages that allow them flexibility to negotiate lower commission rates, with no set minimum. Murray says 2016 appears to be the first year when the percentage of all agents working for brokerages that do not impose some type of floor on minimum commissions exceeds the percentage of agents working for firms who do. Tech-savvy discount rate competitors such as Redfin, which is now active in 83 markets, are offering lower charges a 1 percent listing fee in Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Denver; and Seattle, and 1.5 percent elsewhere putting pressure on competing firms' agents to be more flexible on fees. Redfin also offers refunds to shoppers who buy through one of their agents. During 2015 and 2016, some major markets saw severe shortages of homes available for sale, making traditional agents more willing to negotiate lower fees in order to obtain listings. Commissions in real estate are always negotiable. Typical transactions involve "splits" among the brokers and agents involved. If the total commission in the listing contract is 6 percent, normally that gets split in half between the listing agent's brokerage and the brokerage that brought in the buyer. Each of the slices then gets further split between the brokerage firm and the agent. If the listing fee gets negotiated down to 2.5 percent and the fee to the buyer's agent is 3 percent, the listing brokerage and agent only get to split the 2.5 percent. Discount firms offer a variety of alternative models. Denver-based Trelora charges a flat $2,500 to list a house regardless of price and offers a flat $2,500 to the buyer's agent. Though controversial among commission-based realty firms in the area, Trelora's sales volume soared by 30 percent in 2016, according to CEO and founder Joshua Hunt. Some limited-service "alternative" firms offer to put listings on the internet for anywhere from $49 up, but don't do much beyond that. Traditional brokers argue that by skimping on fees working with discounters, sellers often end up with poor marketing efforts, inadequate photography, newbie agents with minimal experience and the risk of losing more money on the final sale price than they save in fees. Traditional brokers also question how much of an impact lower-fee competitors are having on their business. David Howell, executive vice president and chief information officer at McEnearney Associates, a northern Virginia brokerage firm, cited survey data from the National Association of Realtors indicating that 83 percent of recent buyers and sellers "chose full-service brokers" for their transactions, while just 17 percent "chose brokers who offered some form of limited service." Some large firms notably Re/Max, which has 111,000-plus affiliated agents worldwide give their sales associates total flexibility on what they can negotiate. Susan McFarland, an agent with Re/Max Realty Group in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, said she frequently works with sellers who seek lower total fees. But given the heavy marketing costs she incurs and decadeslong experience she brings to the table, she said, there are economic limits on how low commission charges can go. Advertisement Bottom line: If you plan to sell in 2017, explore all your fee options and the pros and cons each involves. Talk to multiple competing agents about what services they provide, what they charge and how it gets split. Most important, be aware that there is no standard fee in real estate, and that average charges nationwide have been declining. kenharney@earthlink.net Watch our latest Real Estate videos. WGN-AM sportscaster Judd Sirott, the station's studio analyst for its Chicago Blackhawks coverage, and his wife, Sharon, on Nov. 14 paid the $725,000 asking price for a four-bedroom, 2,300-square-foot midcentury modern house in Glencoe. An Arlington Heights native, Sirott, 48, previously was the TV and radio voice for the Chicago Wolves and then handled play-by-play on WGN radio for the Chicago Cubs. Advertisement Built in 1957, Sirott's new house has three baths, one fireplace, a living room with a wall of windows and French doors, a kitchen with a breakfast bar and a lower-level family room. The house first was listed for $739,000 in June. Its price was reduced to $725,000 in September. Advertisement Penny Sirott of Baird & Warner, who is Sirott's mother, represented him in the deal. She said her son declined to comment on the transaction. In a related move, Sirott and his wife on Oct. 31 sold their two-bedroom, 2,789-square-foot brick house in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood for $750,900. Built in 1985, the house has 3 baths, one fireplace, a kitchen with a skylight and a bay window, an attached one-car garage and a heated driveway. The couple had paid $665,000 for the house in 2006. They listed it in August for $749,900. Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 (VHT Studios) Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Billionaire Ken Griffin, Illinois richest man, paid $58.75 million in November for the top four floors in the Near North condominium building at 9 W. Walton St., known as No. 9 Walton. This photo shows a rendering of the lobby. (JDL Development / E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune (inset)) WASHINGTON First, a history refresher: For the past nine years, a smattering of Americans, most recently led by our now president-elect, have insisted that Barack Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya. For years, Donald Trump was unrelenting in his insistence that Obama prove beyond existing proof that he was born in Hawaii and not in the African country of his biological father. That Obama said he is a Christian wasnt enough to persuade Trumps followers, who apparently know a Christian when they see one. Further, there is no logical basis for assuming that a young boy briefly raised in a given country say, Indonesia necessarily would adopt the dominant religion of that country. He might, however, observe that though people worship in different ways, were all essentially the same. Never mind the cruel and absurd assumption that being a Muslim means that one is, ipso facto, a bad person. Respecting others despite differences is, generally speaking, the hallmark of an enlightened soul, as well as a desirable disposition in a leader. Yet, those who sided with Trump interpreted Obamas gentle touch toward the worlds 1.6 billion Muslims as evidence of a hidden agenda to advance Islam in America notwithstanding Obamas rather robust drone operations, which eliminated quite a few bad actors who happened to be, or said they were, Muslims. Noteworthy is that these same Obama doubters werent bestirred to suspicion when then-President George W. Bush visited a mosque immediately after 9/11. Nor, thus far, have they expressed any concern about Trumps cavalier denial of Russias cyberattack on the U.S. Given this history and recent evidence, isnt it about time Trump be declared a Russian spy? No, I dont really think hes a spy because, unlike the man himself, Im not given to crazy ideas. But whats with this double standard? Under similar circumstances, how long do you think it would have taken for Obama to be called a traitor for defending a country that tried to thwart our democratic electoral process? Seconds. How surreal to realize that the man who soon will become president was long committed to a rumor soaked in paranoia and propagated by conspiracy theorists whose pursuit of truth stops at the point where facts and willful ignorance collide. How perfectly terrifying. And now? What is so obviously a conspiracy of Russian leadership, hackers and spies, Trump dismisses as lousy intelligence. And he knows this how? Why would he do such a thing? Is it that hes so thin-skinned he cant tolerate anyone thinking that he might have benefited from the cyberattack? Or is it that he knew about it in advance and doesnt want to be found out? This is how conspiracy theories get started. Then again, sometimes a conspiracy is just a conspiracy and a fool is just a fool. Consider what we know: Our best intelligence indicates that Russia was behind the hacking of the Democratic National Committee. Trump, who has long expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin (once a KGB agent, always a KGB agent), has his doubts. Obviously, he wants to preserve the narrative that he won fair and square. And, clearly, claims of Russian interference would muss his ego. But is that it? Ego and narrative? Consider further: Trump would rather make common cause with our fiercest geopolitical adversary (hat tip Mitt Romney) than take the word of our best people. Moreover, he has said he wont receive daily security briefings and plans to drastically reduce our security agencies. Pray tell, whose side is this man on? When was the last time you had to ask that question about a president-elect? On Friday, Trump met with real American spies and others who attempted to explain things to him, leaving open the question: Can Trump learn? From his statement following the meeting, it doesnt seem so. On Thursday, James R. Clapper Jr., the director of national intelligence, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the agency is now even more resolute, and that Trump is damaging American intelligence (not to be confused with the absence thereof, to wit, Trump). To top things off, former CIA Director James Woolsey quit Trumps transition team Thursday in protest against being bypassed. In sum, when the president-elect persists in a state of denial, siding with the enemy against his own countrys best interests, one is forced to consider that Trump himself poses a threat to national security. In Russia, theyd just call it treason. When Chicagoans Colin Stanton and Shay Ghazimoradi decided to open a taqueria, they made sure to do extensive research at Maxwell Street Market, the weekly street-sale home to some of the best Mexican food in the city. "We both love the energy and playfulness of Rubi's," says Stanton, referring to a popular stall that often commands a 60-minute wait for its al pastor tacos. "It's that simplicity those simple ingredients knocked you out with flavor." Advertisement Stanton hopes to transfer those same attributes to Fat Baby Tacos, which he plans to open this winter in River North. RELATED: OUR REPORTER EATS TACOS EVERY DAY FOR A MONTH TO FIND CHICAGO'S BEST Advertisement Stanton began in the restaurant industry when he was just 15 and estimates that he's worked for 20 different projects since then. "But this is the first real time doing something independent," he says during a phone interview. He and Ghazimoradi are both managing partners of the taqueria. They're diving into the deep end, opening a 50-seat taqueria in the middle of River North. And if that isn't enough gall, the Mexican concept will be at 109 W. Hubbard St., just around the corner from Rick Bayless' home base of Frontera, Topolobampo and Xoco. To be fair, Fat Baby is going for something much more fast-casual. The menu is still being finalized, but Stanton predicts there will be five proteins and five kinds of toppings, which you'll be able to mix and match into tacos or burritos, like at Chipotle. "We're not reinventing the wheel," he says, but adds that he hopes house-made tortillas and other quality ingredients will draw in customers. Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > He also expects the menu to have a couple of salads, chips and salsa, pozole in the winter months and late-night-only tamales. The restaurant's hours aren't finalized either, but Stanton says they'll be serving late (or early, depending on how you look at it) to appeal to the bar crowd. "Naturally, the neighborhood gets busy late at night, and people get a craving," he says. The restaurant will serve the requisite margarita, along with a cocktail on draft, a mezcal cocktail, house-made sangria and imported canned beers. You'll also be able to pick up freshly made agua frescas, including a vegan horchata. The interior, which Stanton describes as open and bright, will boast a mural by local artist Kasi Turpin. As for the name, well, that also came from walking through Maxwell Street Market with Ghazimoradi. "We stumbled on this little porcelain baby while talking about our concept," says Stanton. "A few months later, we were tasting tacos in New York and right across the street was a sign that said Fat Baby." Advertisement Fat Baby Tacos, 109 W. Hubbard St., www.fatbabytacos.com nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com Twitter @nickdk Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Call it hyperbole if you'd like, but the cake listed as "Best Piece of (Chocolate) Cake" on the menu at Dos Urban Cantina has a serious claim to the title. Each crumb exudes more chocolate essence than the entirety of other cakes I've tried, and the slice stays remarkable moist throughout. How the dessert fits in with the rest of the Mexican menu is a fair question, but there's seriously no dessert in the whole city that I've devoured more often or with as much pleasure as this one. $7. 2829 W. Armitage Ave., 773-661-6452, www.dosurbancantina.com. Nick Kindelsperger (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) Stephanie Izard already has three wildly successful restaurants (Girl and the Goat, Little Goat Diner and Duck Duck Goat), a line of sauces and spices, a cookbook and a coveted "Top Chef" crown, so what's next? According to a couple of recent job postings, it appears Izard is launching a magazine. As Crain's Chicago first reported, postings on Indeed.com indicate that Izard is gathering talent to launch a publication. The first posting seeks an online editor for a "new travel, food, and lifestyle magazine." The other posting is for a sales manager responsible for a "soon-to-be-launched magazine." Advertisement We've reached out to Izard for confirmation and will update the post as we learn more. Chef Stephanie Izard does a blind tasting of frozen chicken nuggets with Tribune reporter Joseph Hernandez. (Roger Tino Morales/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) In the meantime, you can help us come up with appropriate magazine titles. Considering her titling history, goat has to be involved somewhere. Goat-met, in tribute to our favorite fallen magazine? Goat's Illustrated? Advertisement If you think you have the experience and live in the Chicago area, apply for either role on Indeed. nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com Twitter @nickdk Writer, producer and actor Lena Waitheis a Chicago native and the creator of "The Chi," an ambitious television drama for Showtime about life on the South Side of Chicago. Showtime has given the greenlight to a new Chicago-set drama series called "The Chi," created by "Dear White People" producer and Chicago native Lena Waithe. I spoke with Waithe not long ago about her plans for the show, which will focus on young black men and their lives on the South Side of Chicago. Advertisement We have become desensitized to the crime stats, she said. "And I feel like we need it to be humanized, in a way. I think when people think of young black men in Chicago, they think of heartless, emotionless sex machines. That they don't have a soul. And for me, my sister and I were the only girls on our block, so we grew up around young black boys. My uncle has had struggles with addiction and my father has had struggles with addiction, so I know those young men intimately. I know them on a real, personal level." The original pilot was shot locally in the fall of 2015. The series has since been redeveloped with Rick Famuyiwa ("Dope") on board directing and Jason Mitchell (who played Eazy-E in "Straight Outta Compton") among the ensemble cast. Actor and recording artist Common is also an executive producer on the project. Advertisement "I want the opportunity to tell stories that are not just about violence, but more about what is life like in a city that is riddled with violence," Waithe told me back in November. "To follow multiple black men from different walks of life, with different goals, and different ideas of what it means to be a man and what it looks like trying to survive the South Side of Chicago." Writing the pilot, she said, "I wasn't really focused on the cops. I wanted to do a show about the people sitting in the back seat of the squad car and how they got there. I want to see them eating breakfast that morning before they left their house. If you see that, you have a different perspective on what he looks like now. You feel a connection to him because you saw him sitting at a table with his mom or his brother or whatever, just being a normal human being. You can actually sympathize with him and his journey, no matter what that journey looks like and that journey may not always be pretty. "But to me," she said, "that's what art is supposed to do. It's supposed to make you see a side of humanity that you otherwise didn't pay attention to." In addition to her writing ("Bones") and producing credits, Waithe also plays Denise on the Netflix series "Master of None." No start date has yet been announced. nmetz@chicagotribune.com Twitter @Nina_Metz Soprano Danielle de Niese, center, plays Roxane Coss in the Lyric Opera production of Bel Canto, a television version of which airs Friday on WTTW-Ch. 11. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Little more than a year after its world premiere by Lyric Opera, "Bel Canto," the opera by composer Jimmy Lopez and librettist Nilo Cruz based on Ann Patchett's popular novel of the same name, will receive its PBS premiere nationwide this weekend. Based on performances given at the Civic Opera House last January, "Bel Canto the Opera," as the three-hour Great Performances telecast is dubbed, is hosted by soprano Renee Fleming, Lyric's creative consultant, whose extended personal involvement in the project from its inception (she in fact suggested it to Lyric general director Anthony Freud) guaranteed that the new work would receive a send-off worthy of a world-class opera company. Advertisement MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR "Bel Canto" will be broadcast locally at 9 p.m. Friday on WTTW-Ch. 11, marking Lyric's first PBS exposure in more than 20 years. Advertisement After the premiere, I had a couple of credibility problems with the Peruvian-born American composer's ambitious first opera that had more to do with Patchett's conception than either the polished craftsmanship behind the work or the actual performance, both of which lived up to expectation. I am pleased to be able to report that the small-screen version of "Bel Canto," while not free of problems, is actually superior to the live theatrical version. Indeed, it's unlikely we will ever see or hear the opera realized better than in this televised form. Cruz's richly poetic text and Lopez's often arresting score are given a superb performance by Lyric's fine orchestra and chorus, and a large international cast headed by the charismatic soprano Danielle de Niese as Roxane Coss, a world-famous, Fleming-like diva who's among the international hostages held by Peruvian Tupac Amaru rebels who have stormed a gala reception at the vice president's mansion in Lima. The opera, like the book, was inspired by the Peruvian hostage crisis of 1996-97. It's the Stockholm syndrome with modern grand-opera trappings, as romantic liaisons develop in the course of the four-month standoff between the terrorists and government troops. As television director Matthew Diamond's camera prowls designer David Korins' unit set, quick cuts, fluid tracking shots and telling close-ups create dramatically charged perspectives not available to spectators in the theater. The pacing feels tauter, the message that music and a beautiful singing voice can speak to humanity's better angels easier to accept. De Niese is a riveting singing actress, and her final scene is devastating. But the moments that touch me the most are the soliloquies given to countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as a young terrorist with an unsuspected talent for singing; and mezzo soprano J'nai Bridges as Carmen, a female soldier disguised as a male, who falls in love with Gen Watanabe (Andrew Stenson), the multilingual translator attached to the Japanese electronics chairman (Jeoncheol Cha) in whose honor the reception is being held. Andrew Davis' conducting infuses the performance with tremendous rhythmic urgency and lyrical power, and Kevin Newbury directs the stage traffic with keen dramatic purpose. Ultimately, "Bel Canto" has a timely, thought-provoking message to impart about how beautiful music can be a powerful counterforce for love and compassion in a world increasingly given over to acts of violence. John von Rhein is a Tribune critic. Advertisement jvonrhein@chicagotribune.com Twitter @jvonrhein RELATED STORIES: New halls, new prospects as CSO, Muti embark on latest European adventure For classical music fans, plenty of diversions to ward off winter chill Lyric's 'Bel Canto' depicts triumph of love over terrorist bullets Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) The most dangerous place on earth? That would be middle school, according to a teen in Lindsey Lee Johnson's entrancing debut novel, "The Most Dangerous Place on Earth." That this 13-year-old lives in one of the planet's most posh communities, Mill Valley, Calif., amid natural, cultural and material splendor, does not undermine Johnson's assessment. In her novel, Johnson, native to the area, makes a case that there is something rotten about this overwhelming splendor. She launches her book with an epigraph from John Milton's "Paradise Lost": "The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n." Advertisement "The Most Dangerous Place on Earth" revolves around eighth-graders who bully a fellow student to the point of tragedy. The book then follows these students through high school, writing chapters from their points of view, subtly tracing the effects of this series of events on their lives. The book returns now and again to their young teacher, Molly Nicoll, who desperately wants to connect with them yet remains ignorant of the crime they committed together. Johnson, who taught writing to teenagers at what she describes as a "private learning center," convincingly captures the varied inner lives of these children. She describes them as alien to adults and young kids, and, at least for some of these wealthy teens, lacking ethics and morals. She also portrays with precision the cringe-worthy dance between adults and teenagers, who yearn for support from their elders while rejecting offers of help as hopelessly lame. Advertisement Here's one of the kids, Cally Broderick, upon being summoned by Ms. Flax, who works in the eighth-grade resource office: "Oh yes," she said, shifting her weight, and the chair cushion squeaked and farted beneath her. This embarrassed Cally. And it happened every time pushing her hair out of her face, Ms. Flax would pretend not to notice the noises as she begged Cally to change her ways, as if Cally's "applying herself" would determine the course of Ms. Flax's own sad life. Lindsay Lee Johnson. (Matt Sayles / Penguin Random House) Johnson beautifully lays out the complex factors that lead Cally and her friends to brutally bully a fellow student. The cruel episode has a tragic momentum that is hard to read, and also hard to put down. Johnson's novel possesses a propulsive quality, an achievement in a book of, after the initial traumatic event, short character sketches. Yet it moves forward relentlessly, towing the reader with it. I read this book in one, long sitting. Beyond exploring teenagers' capacity for cruelty, Johnson returns again and again to the theme of wealth. She offers lush descriptions of the abundance of Mill Valley, where, according to a recent profile of the town in The New York Times, the median price for a single family home is $1.58 million. These children are awash in riches and, for most of us, privileged beyond comprehension. Here's a description of one teen's shopping habit: Her parents paid her credit card bill each month without comment. She accumulated stuff she didn't even want. James Perse T-shirts ($65 each) and J Brand skinny jeans ($169). Tory Burch "Aaden" ballerina flats ($250). A Marc Jacobs "Eugenie" quilted leather clutch ($495). In almost all cases, the parents of these wealthy kids are absent, distracted by the job of making money or relentlessly driving their kids toward a future of similar, or perhaps even more substantial, wealth. The parents in Johnson's novel are emotionally and even physically detached from their children, and their children know it and resent it. Amid all of the plenty, there is an emptiness, a pursuit of a sort of empty and meaningless accumulation. These people are the winners in our American society, providing their families with the American dream of sumptuous homes, safe communities, lavish travel, exceptional educations and the finest of everything else. But what is it all for? The first epigraph of the novel there are three quotes a Mill Valley area resident in a 1978 NBC News report, "I Want It All Now!": "The pot at the end of the rainbow is not money. I know because I have it." Of course, "rich kids have problems too" is not necessarily a deep insight. Johnson's fresh take is the subtle political angle she weaves throughout the novel. These are not just rich kids with issues; these are rich kids who, she seems to be arguing, have issues because they are so rich. Or, more precisely, because their parents have done what it takes to provide these rich lives for them. The American dream, she seems to be saying, is the problem. Even the winners lose. Advertisement That feels fresh. It is a particularly poignant message for today as we, as a nation, grapple with rising inequality and widespread questioning of the viability of the American dream. We ask, is it dead? But Johnson is asking a different question, a good one. She asks whether there is something fundamentally askew with this bedrock American idea. Her book seems to say, yes, there is something rotten amid the uneven splendor. Just look at the kids who should be the happiest on earth. Trine Tsouderos is a freelancer. The Most Dangerous Place on Earth By Lindsey Lee Johnson, Random House, 288 pages, $27 Las Vegas, city of sin. But it's also a city of numbers. Each year, more than 40 million people visit, bringing with them $50 billion to spend at casinos, clubs and strip joints. But it's not all sin that rakes it in -- in recent years, an increasing portion of that pot is going toward Las Vegas's now-world-class restaurant scene. Advertisement There's a good news/bad news scenario. Bad news first: It's undeniably hard to get seats at the most popular places, especially during prime convention time, like when the tech trade show CES hits town. (Chefs say that's the busiest time of all.) The good news: Every year, more exciting restaurants expand beyond the Strip, thanks in part to locally based businesses like Zappos that have re-energized different areas around the city. And anyway, in Vegas, there's always someone who knows someone who can get you into a joint if you really want to go (or you can pay). Here are five restaurants to use your connections for, plus seven other spots off the Strip (some recommended by chefs like Mario Batali) that make for an excellent Plan B if in fact you can't get into his restaurant after all. Advertisement Carbone: If there's a place besides downtown Manhattan that has enough throwback attitude to evoke the glory days of Italian American dining, where tuxedoed waiters tell bad jokes as they toss your Caesar salad with garlic bread croutons tableside, it's Vegas. The second outpost of the cult restaurant from Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi channels the New York original, at least from the outside with a red neon sign in the Aria casino hallway. There's also the signature favorites, like spicy rigatoni vodka (it's under the Macaroni section) and veal parmesan. But it's Vegas, so things are bigger: Here there are deep banquets, private dining, and a larger menu, including dishes like Bone-In New York Strip and a melt-in-your-mouth lasagna layered with delicate egg crepes and black truffles. Carnevino: Vegas is a meat-loving town, with more steakhouses than just about any other place on earth. One of the best is Carnevino, from Mario Batali, who opened it in the Palazzo at the Venetian back in 2008. Then, he could have simply rolled out an outpost of his renowned restaurant Babbo, but instead dreamed up a hearty diner's Shangri-La, where you can eat both specially dry-aged, well-marbled steaks and amazing, gut-busting pastas. Not every notable Vegas restaurant is open for lunch, but Carnevino is; it serves a $65 martini lunch ($50 if you forgo the cocktail, but why?) with the choice of tagliatelle bolognese or filet mignon. There's even a beef tasting menu, which runs from carpaccio to rib-eye and ends with chocolate bacon cake. One of the best steakhouses in Vegas is Mario Batali's Carnevino at the Palazzo resort. (The Palazzo) Libertine Social: When he opened his first Vegas restaurant, the excellent Sage at Aria, Shawn McClain relocated to Nevada. This marked a big change from the drive-by habits of other chefs. Maybe because the city is his home, McClain is treating his third restaurant, Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay, like a house party, with a vast range of snacks and spreads, from warm Dungeness crab dip to grilled-and-chilled prawns with chorizo vinaigrette to shaved country ham. The bar scene is great, too. Mixologist Tony Abu-Gamin has a selection of from-the-freezer shots and retro drinks such as Golden Cadillac and, yes, Sex on the Beach. Morimoto Las Vegas: In October, Iron C hef Masaharu Morimoto opened his first restaurant in Vegas, at the MGM Grand (he has almost a dozen locations worldwide, from New Delhi to Mexico City). In Vegas, the Nobu alum highlights his hybrid Japanese cooking like tuna pizza with anchovy aioli, and yellowtail pastrami-as well as a sushi selection that includes the very intricate, oft-Instagrammed Morimoto stained glass rolls. But in the vast space he's also introducing his first ever Teppan tables, where chefs griddle-cook ingredients like A-5 Japanese Wagyu (premium quality), which they turn into sukiyaki, served with a soft-poached Jidori egg (equally fancy). The Wagyu and other prestige cuts of meat are on display in a glass room alongside the Teppan tables for those who want to see their meal progress from start to finish. Sashimi at Morimoto Las Vegas, which opened in October. (MGM Resorts International) Joel Robuchon: As with steakhouses, Vegas does multi-Michelin-starred restaurant experiences extremely well, sometimes even better than the original. On the list of the world's top chef outposts in Vegas are Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace; Pierre Gagnaire at Mandarin Oriental; and Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand. In the marble-floored town house, the chef offers a completely over-the-top eight-course prix fixe menu (18 dishes total) that begins with Osetra caviar and moves on to choices like foie gras and potato carpaccio covered with black truffles. All this comes at a cost: Eater's Ryan Sutton says it might be the priciest restaurant in America, at $445, not including tax and tip. The less expensive option is L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, The bread cart at Joel Robuchon restaurant at the MGM Grand.- Original Credit: MGM Resorts International (HANDOUT) which features counter seating and steak tartare with fries. The best of the rest: If none of your connections scores you seats at the restaurants above, here are seven places off the Strip that are worth snagging seats at, with selections like fresh oysters, terrific Chinese soup dumplings, and serious rib-eyes. Advertisement Abriya Raku. Like many chefs in Vegas, Batali is a fan of this Japanese grill. "I LOVE Raku on Spring Mountain Road," he said via email. "It's one of my top five restaurants in the entire U.S. You must order: beef liver sashimi, pork ear robata, cold green tea soba with poached egg." Lotus of Siam. The most famous Thai restaurant in the Americas, located in a Vegas strip mall, is renowned for its vast menu, which ranges from recognizable chicken satays to potent, well-spiced northern Thai dishes. Recently the restaurant began offering appetizers at the bar, which was kind of it because guests are generally starving after the inevitable wait for seats in the dining room. The Halal Guys. This summer, the famed street food cart that started in midtown Manhattan-the cause of lines that can stretch down the block in the middle of the night-opened in Vegas on Spring Mountain Road. From 10 a.m. to 4 a.m., Halal Guys offer the same sublime chicken and/or gyro platters and sandwiches with the option of their mouth-burning hot sauce. Andiron Steak & Sea. On the outskirts of Vegas is this crowd-pleasing, white-walled steakhouse from noted restaurateurs Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla. The menu runs the gamut from avocado toast and cheese fondue to a 20-ounce cowboy rib-eye. Bund Shanghai. Momofuku's David Chang* loves this pan-Chinese restaurant so much, he wrote a story about it for Lucky Peach. Among the things he picks out on the picture menu: soup dumplings, pan-fried buns, spicy fish hot pot. And "if I'm dining with my less adventurous white friends, a plate of sweet-and-sour chicken." Kabuto Sushi. People say this is the best sushi in Vegas; that's not faint praise. This is a sushi purist pilgrimage spot that makes a point of not serving any maki rolls. At $48, the 10-piece nigiri sushi omakase is a great deal. Helpfully, Kabuto is in the same strip mall as Raku, above. Advertisement Other Mama. Favored by Carbone's Mario Carbone, Other Mama has terrific craft cocktails, like the Geraldine with bourbon and grilled pineapple, plus plenty of raw seafood, from oysters to octopus-habanero ceviche. (Another recommendation from Carbone is the "always important to remember" dim sum buffet at Aria, which is served on Saturdays.) RELATED STORIES: Winterfest in Lake Geneva, a new beer tour in Milwaukee and more These are the best- and worst-performing airlines in the world After devastating wildfires, Gatlinburg, Tenn. welcomes back tourists Gov. Bruce Rauner talks with members of a political science class at Lyons Township High School in May 2016. (Annemarie Mannion / Pioneer Press) High school students at Lyons Township High School and Nazareth Academy won't be earning their sheepskins until they complete a new civics requirement. Under a new state law, students in high schools throughout Illinois are required to take a civics course in order to graduate from high school. The law requires students to take two years of social studies, including a semester of civics. Advertisement The goal is to "help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives," the legislation states. The law specifies that the course should include "the discussion of current and controversial issues, service learning and simulations of the democratic process." Advertisement Scott Eggerding, director of curriculum and instruction at Lyons Township High School, said his district is working out the details of the new requirement, which will include seeking to spark students to think about and discuss big issues. "It won't just be memorization of the branches of government," he said. While Lyons Township is planning a course devoted to civics, Nazareth will incorporate the requirements into various classes such as world history, contemporary world issues and Gospel service. Therese Hawkins, director of curriculum and instruction at Nazareth, said the law allows schools to determine how to incorporate civics education into their current curricula in a way that best meets the needs of their students. "All students, from freshmen through seniors, will be engaged in those courses and in civics-focused activities," Hawkins said. The details of how civics will be added are being worked out, she said. "Our contemporary world Issues teachers are already working on incorporating even more lessons that engage students in lively discussions of political issues to help them further develop their critical thinking skills," she said. She noted that the law's service requirement does not present a new challenge for students because the school already requires them to complete service hours, estimating that students already do more than 15,000 hours of service a year. Advertisement LT does not require service hours in order for students to graduate. Eggerding said how many hours or what service activities will entail in his district still has to be determined. "The state has not been very precise as to what service means," he said. "We're still trying to figure that out." About 60 percent of high schools in Illinois require a civics or government course, according to Shawn Healy, a civics scholar at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, but it's not clear to what extent those classes include the elements of the new law, an article in the Chicago Tribune reported in 2015. Another 27 percent of high schools have elective classes in the subject area. The rest don't have a civics course, he said. LT requires students to pass a test covering the constitutions of the state of Illinois and of the United States in order to graduate. That requirement will go away in 2017/2018, Eggerding said. "Passing the course will be the equivalent of the constitution test," he said. The Illinois State Board of Education issued guidance in 2015 to districts on whether schools must offer a separate civics course or if they can incorporate civics into existing social studies courses as Nazareth intends to do. Advertisement The agency said schools must provide the instruction prescribed in the law, such as simulations and discussion of controversial issues, but in a way meets the needs of their students." Nationwide, students perform poorly on civics exams, according to federal data. Fewer than a quarter of 12th-graders performed at or above the proficient level on the 2010 civics exam, called the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The test was given to a sample of fourth-, eighth- and 12th-graders around the country. The eighth-graders fared worst, with just 22 percent scoring at least proficient. The fourth-graders did best, with 27 percent at or above proficient. Adults also have gaps in civics knowledge. For example, a 2010 Pew Research Center poll found that only 59 percent of respondents could name the vice president (Joe Biden) in an open-ended question. The McCormick Foundation and other nonprofit, business and civic groups have pledged to contribute at least $1 million annually for three years for teacher training in civics across the state. Eggerding hopes the new civics course will be beneficial to students. Advertisement "I think it will give them a chance to think about all the pieces of government and how they work," he said. Hawkins is pleased to see the new requirement. "I think it's important for students to understand democratic processes and to have a sense that democracies require informed participation," she said. "So, yes, I like the idea of civics education." amannion@tribpub.com Twitter triblocalam After eight years in office, President Barack Obama is set to give his last speech as the nation's leader in a farewell address Tuesday evening in Chicago, where he says it all started. But before he entered the race for the nation's highest office, coined the slogan "Yes, we can" or celebrated his historic presidential victory in Grant Park, the Chicago Tribune revisited Obama's political rise from a relatively unknown community organizer to lawyer to elected official. Advertisement One of the first stories published in the Tribune that mentions Barack Obama appeared in 1985, the year he moved to Chicago. He worked with the Calumet Community Religious Conference, which was a recipient of a $40,000 grant awarded by The Campaign for Human Development, a nationwide Roman Catholic antipoverty program. Obama said in the story that the grant was to be used to assess skills of unemployed workers and to aid them in finding jobs. Obama spoke to the Tribune a number of times before he hit the national stage. In several instances, his first name was misspelled and later corrected. Here are five excerpts from the newspaper's archives, many of which foreshadow his political future. Read the story here. Advertisement Harvard Law Review president In 1990, at age 28, Obama was named the first black president of the Harvard Law Review, the nation's most prestigious student legal journal. "People don't feel that they can have much impact," Obama said at the time. "I want to get people involved in having a say in how their lives are run. More and more of that needs to be done." He said he planned to spend a couple of years practicing law after he graduated from Harvard and most likely return to community organizing and maybe politics. "I'll definitely be coming back to Chicago," he said. Read the story here. Minority law partners A few months later, Obama spoke to the Tribune about a survey that showed law firms were slow to hire minority partners, with minorities representing only nine of the 250 new partners brought into Chicago's 21 top law firms. As a Harvard Law School student, editor of the Harvard Law Review and summer associate at Chicago-based Hopkins & Sutter firm, Obama said the problem stemmed from how law firms recruited students. "If these law firms want to solve these problems, they should go beyond Yale and the University of Chicago to recruit," Obama said. "I think there are a lot of excellent minority law students who have families that can't incur a $25,000 debt for a law school education. So they don't go to nationally ranked schools." Read the story here. Advertisement State Senate seat State Sen. Alice Palmer decided to throw her name in for the congressional seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds, who was convicted of sex crimes. But after losing to Jesse Jackson Jr. in a Democratic primary in 1995, Palmer sought re-election to the state legislature. By then, she had backed Obama as her successor. "Since she endorsed me, I can always use, 'Even my opponent wants me' as a campaign slogan," Obama said in 1995. Palmer withdrew her bid for the office after signatures on her nominating petitions were challenged. Obama went on to claim victory in 1996 and served in the Illinois Senate until he was elected in 2004 to the U.S. Senate. Read the story here. Congressional run In 1999, Obama set his sights on a congressional run against Bobby Rush, an incumbent who was seeking a fifth term after losing the mayoral election months earlier as a challenger to Richard M. Daley. Advertisement Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "I think an elected official's vision is more important than his seniority," Obama told the Tribune. "Rep. Rush was unconcerned with seniority when he ran against his prior incumbent because he felt he would bring more energy to the office, and that's what I intend to do." Obama came in second behind Rush in the 2000 primary, claiming only 30 percent of the vote. It would be four more years before he won a U.S. Senate seat. Read the story here. Missing a vote Obama was visiting his grandmother in Hawaii around Christmastime in 1999 and missed a vote on a gun control bill during a special session in Springfield. He was criticized for it. Obama said his 18-month-old daughter Malia was sick with the flu, and he decided to stay with his family. "We have a lot of politicians who like to talk about family values. At some point you have to live those families values," he said. Read the story here. lvivanco@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @lvivanco Steven Randy Rueckert, left, and Daniel Herbert, attorneys for Jason Van Dyke, confer with Van Dyke during court Aug. 11, 2017. Van Dyke was at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago for a hearing on the shooting of Laquan McDonald. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) Attorneys for the Chicago police officer charged in Laquan McDonald's killing sought Tuesday to have the criminal case dismissed, arguing that Cook County prosecutors improperly used officers' statements to build their case. Meanwhile, the judge overseeing the case ordered that most of McDonald's juvenile records be released to attorneys for Officer Jason Van Dyke. A juvenile court judge had rejected repeated requests from the defense for those records. Advertisement And in a separate filing Tuesday, Kane County State's Attorney Joseph McMahon, assigned as the special prosecutor in McDonald's 2014 killing, said Van Dyke wasn't legally justified in firing any of his 16 shots. The motion to dismiss filed by Van Dyke's attorneys alleges prosecutors "illegally" used protected statements given by him and other officers to the Independent Police Review Authority and the city's Office of Inspector General. Advertisement Officers were ordered to give those statements or face the threat of losing their jobs, but under long-standing legal precedent, the statements cannot be used against them in criminal proceedings. This excerpt from video released to the public shows the most complete version of the shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. It is edited for length by the Chicago Tribune. Warning: This video contains graphic images. (Chicago Tribune) Van Dyke's attorney, Daniel Herbert, alleged that prosecutors and an FBI agent presented those protected statements to the grand jury that indicted his client for first-degree murder. Prosecutors also used the statements while questioning witnesses, he said. Herbert also argued that quotes from those statements had recently been leaked to the Chicago Tribune and that then-State's Attorney Anita Alvarez shared details from the statements at news conferences. Judge Vincent Gaughan held off on ruling on the issue Tuesday so the special prosecutor could respond in writing. The legal rules prohibiting government workers from being forced to incriminate themselves in criminal proceedings have been around for decades. McMahon and Patricia Brown Holmes, also a special prosecutor who is looking into a possible cover-up by police in McDonald's shooting, have assigned lawyers to cull protected materials from evidence reviewed by prosecutors as part of their separate investigations. Gaughan's order to turn over the juvenile's files except for records about McDonald's birth mother and sister comes after the defense had unsuccessfully sought the protected files in juvenile court. Gaughan did not lay out the reasons for his ruling but said the defense was interested in what medications McDonald was taking the night he was killed. Police have said he was on PCP. Advertisement Judge Patricia Martin, who presides over the juvenile court's child protection division, had twice ruled that Van Dyke had no legal right to the records simply because he was criminally charged with the 17-year-old's death. Court records on juveniles are presumed confidential and not open to the public. The law recognizes that the news media and other "interested parties" may have restricted access with a judge's consent if they demonstrate that a compelling interest for disclosure outweighs the confidentiality and privacy rights of the child. McDonald's records, previously reviewed by the Tribune for a profile on his life, detail his difficult childhood as a state ward as well as his seven drug-related arrests beginning when he was 13. Many longtime criminal defense lawyers believe Van Dyke's legal team could argue at trial that the officer acted in self-defense. The dashboard camera video of the white police officer shooting the black teen has caused a firestorm of controversy and led to calls for major reforms and a U.S. Justice Department investigation of Chicago police practices. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The video showed Van Dyke opening fire within seconds of exiting his police SUV as McDonald walked by with a knife in his hand, contradicting many of the officers' written accounts that the teen had lunged at police with the knife. Advertisement Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson is seeking to fire Van Dyke and four other officers whose accounts were belied by the video. Gaughan on Tuesday said he wanted the Chicago Police Board to delay those proceedings against Van Dyke while the criminal case was pending. The Police Board has reached no decision on that request. At a separate hearing later Tuesday on that Police Board case, Kane County Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Cullen, part of the team of special prosecutors on Van Dyke's criminal case, said the officer's first-degree murder trial could go forward by the end of this year. Chicago Tribune's Dan Hinkel contributed. sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com Twitter @SteveSchmadeke One person was shot about 10:30 p.m. Jan. 6, 2017, on an outbound Milwaukee District North Line Metra train at the Lake Cook Metra station in suburban Deerfield. (Joe Shuman / Chicago Tribune) The Gurnee man who exchanged gunfire with police on a Metra train in Deerfield last week died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to preliminary findings from the Lake County coroner's office. Jamal Parks, 32, turned the gun on himself after shooting at "several officers" on the train and died of a single gunshot wound to the head, officials said Tuesday. Advertisement The autopsy revealed Parks had other injuries, though authorities said it wasn't yet clear if those were caused by broken glass, an abrasion or if he was grazed by a bullet during the shootout. None of those injuries contributed to his death, authorities said. The preliminary findings were released by Illinois State Police, who are investigating the police-involved shooting that occurred late Friday after the Metra train Parks was riding stopped at the Lake Cook Road station in Deerfield, officials said. Advertisement The coroner's office is expected to make a final ruling after further forensic testing. The Cook County South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force had been pursuing Parks as a possible suspect in a fatal shooting a day earlier in Evergreen Park. Late Friday evening, the task force had officers positioned both on the train and on the station's platform in the belief that Parks would exit the train at the Lake Cook Road Metra station and could then be taken into custody, authorities said. When Parks showed no indication of getting off at that stop, task force members, most of whom were dressed in plain clothes but wearing badges, attempted to apprehend him onboard the train, authorities said. However, Parks apparently spotted the officers and ran to the upper level of the rail car. One officer tried to take Parks into custody, but Parks managed to break free, pull out a handgun and fire shots at several officers, officials said. Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy, head of the task force, said Monday that only one officer returned fire and that officer has been placed on desk duty pending the outcome of the state police investigation. In a news release issued Saturday, state police had said that officers "returned fire and the suspect was struck." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The gunfire prompted terrified passengers on the rail car to take cover and move to other parts of the train at the direction of Metra conductors. The few dozen passengers on the train were eventually led through a parking lot and into a nearby store to be interviewed by police. Advertisement Parks was believed to have been one of three possible suspects who were seen running from a drugstore parking lot in Evergreen Park, where David Murrell, 34, of Chicago, was discovered fatally shot inside a vehicle. The task force continues to search for the two other suspects who were seen by witnesses. Anyone with information on the Evergreen Park shooting is asked to call to the Evergreen Park Police Department at 708-422-2144. Parks had a lengthy criminal record in Illinois and Wisconsin, including felony convictions for a felon in possession of a firearm in 2009 in Cook County and armed robbery without a firearm in 2001 in Lake County. tbriscoe@chicagotribune.com Twitter @_tonybriscoe Sen. Blumenthal Must Retract and Apologize for Slanderous Statements About Operation Rescue Contact: Troy Newman, President, 316-683-6790 ext. 111; Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Vice President, 316-516-3034; both with Operation Rescue, info.operationrescue@gmail.com WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today during the confirmation hearing of Sen. Jeff Sessions for Attorney General, Democrat Sen. Dick Blumenthal made completely false and slanderous statement against Operation Rescue and its president, Troy Newman. Blumenthal wrongly described Operation Rescue as a group that advocates execution of abortion providers, when nothing could be further from the truth. Operation Rescue has a long history of peaceful activism within the law in advocating for innocent life. Blumenthal also displayed a "wanted" poster targeting abortion provider George Tiller and attributed it falsely to Operation Rescue. This organization never circulated that poster and never called for anyone to harm Dr. Tiller. Blumenthal also falsely accused Operation Rescue of calling for the murderer of Dr. Tiller to be treated as a political prisoner. Operation Rescue never made any such statement and has always been clear that murder or other violent acts are an unacceptable means of advocacy. We call on Sen. Blumenthal to retract his false and slanderous statements and issue a public apology to Operation Rescue and Troy Newman. "That was a cheap shot by a hack politician who thinks he can lie about us with impunity and without consequences in order to advance his political agenda," said Newman. "We are considering legal action to protect our good reputation." Read Operation Rescue's full statement on non-violence Read Operation Rescue's statement denouncing the murder of George Tiller About Operation Rescue Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Click here to support Operation Rescue. Share Tweet A Lake County judge declined to dismiss some of the charges against Fox Lake police widow Melodie Gliniewicz on Monday, rejecting her attorney's argument that she was not responsible for the funds she is accused of misusing from the village's Explorer youth policing program. Gliniewicz is charged with misuse of charitable funds, money laundering and conspiracy. Authorities say her late husband, Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, illegally used money belonging to the Explorer program he ran to cover personal expenses, and that he staged his 2015 suicide to look like a homicide as village officials became suspicious of him. Several months later, his widow was indicted as authorities alleged she took part in the alleged scheme. Advertisement Officials have asserted that Lt. Gliniewicz used Explorer funds to pay for hundreds of food purchases and other personal transactions. But Melodie Gliniewicz's defense attorney, Donald Morrison, again argued Monday that most of those transactions were made before Lt. Gliniewicz gave his wife access to the Explorers funds in March 2015. Advertisement Judge James Booras, however, said Monday that after reviewing grand jury testimony that led to her indictment, he declined to dismiss two counts of misuse of funds against Melodie Gliniewicz. Assistant State's Attorney Scott Turk said the testimony revealed that the Gliniewiczes were living paycheck to paycheck, used Explorer fund money to catch up and that Melodie Gliniewicz used an Explorer fund credit card to pay for a travel-related expense. Turk also alleged that Lt. Gliniewicz at one point withdrew $7,000 from the fund and that, the following day, a deposit of the same amount was made into an account in his wife's name. Melodie Gliniewicz, who has pleaded not guilty and is free on bond, is due back in court Jan. 30. Her trial had been scheduled for Feb. 6, but officials indicated Monday that is expected to be pushed back again. No new date was set. Susan Berger is a freelance reporter. A man is taken into custody at the PrivateBank Theatre after interrupting a performance of "Hamilton" on Nov. 19, 2016. (Videos provided by Jeff Grider) (Chicago Tribune) A man accused of interrupting a Chicago performance of the musical "Hamilton" with an obscenity-streaked outburst over his support of President-elect Donald Trump pleaded guilty Monday to charges of misdemeanor trespassing stemming from the incident, according to court records and the man's attorney. John Palmer, 56, was sentenced to six months of court supervision by Cook County Judge Anthony Calabrese. Palmer, CEO of a company based in Iowa, also agreed not to revisit the "Hamilton" production in Chicago and not to attend any Broadway in Chicago shows for the next six months, his attorney said. Advertisement "As previously stated, we regret the incident on that occasion," said Palmer's lawyer, Jonathan Feldman, in a telephone interview. "My client is happy to put this behind him, and he regrets not leaving the theater sooner." Feldman declined to comment further on the circumstances of the case. Reached on the phone, Palmer referred comments to his attorney. Advertisement Palmer was arrested at PrivateBank Theatre in downtown Chicago on Nov. 19 after coming to the show with his family. Witnesses said Palmer took his seat late, appeared intoxicated and was talking loudly in an aggressive manner. Showgoers said Palmer first spilled red wine on a child and a woman in their seats and apologized profusely. But the situation escalated when the actors on stage sang the line, "Immigrants / We get the job done," and Palmer started shouting obscenities, mentioning Democrats and clenching his fists as if he were about to start a brawl. Feldman previously cited the original Broadway cast for creating a hostile and partisan environment at the show, which triggered Palmer, who supports Trump. The previous night, the actor who plays Aaron Burr in the New York show read a letter to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who was in the audience, highlighting the cast's diversity. That speech made national headlines after Pence left the theater, provoking a tweet from Trump that called it "rude." echerney@Chicagotribune.com Twitter @ElyssaCherney One person was shot about 10:30 p.m. Jan. 6, 2017, on an outbound Milwaukee District North Line Metra train at the Lake Cook Metra station in suburban Deerfield. (Joe Shuman / Chicago Tribune) Police said Monday they had not planned to confront a homicide suspect aboard a Metra train late Friday in Deerfield, but the man forced their hand, leading to a shootout that terrified passengers and left the suspect dead. The incident prompted questions about why police attempted an arrest on a commuter train, sending passengers scrambling to avoid gunfire. Authorities said they hadn't planned it that way, but had to act quickly when the suspect, Jamal Parks, 32, of Gurnee, did not exit the train at the Deerfield station as they expected. Advertisement Authorities had been trailing Parks as a possible suspect in the shooting death a day earlier of a man in south suburban Evergreen Park. The investigation led police to believe Parks would get off the commuter train about 10:30 p.m. at Deerfield's Lake Cook station, where local police were waiting to assist, according to Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy, head of the Cook County South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, and Illinois State Police, who are investigating the police-involved shooting. But instead of exiting, Parks remained on the outbound train, which McCarthy said prompted investigators to move in. Parks apparently spotted the officers, most of whom, McCarthy said, were in plain clothes with badges around their necks. That prompted Parks to run to the upper level of the rail car, and as one officer attempted to take him into custody, he broke free, pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at several officers on the train, officials said. Advertisement Only one officer returned fire and the suspect was struck, McCarthy said. Parks was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. His gun was recovered at the scene, and no one else was reported hurt, officials said. That officer was placed on desk duty pending an investigation into the shooting, McCarthy said. As of late Monday, authorities had not released autopsy results for Parks or revealed how many times he was struck by gunfire. Authorities did not release the name of the officer who shot Parks or which agency employs the officer. Parks' death was the culmination of events that began about 6:45 p.m. Thursday about 40 miles away in a drugstore parking lot at 87th Street and Kedzie Avenue in Evergreen Park. Police said they responded to a report of shots fired and found the victim, 34-year-old David Murrell, of Chicago, dead with multiple gunshots wounds in a vehicle. Authorities said they believed Parks was among three men seen running from the area. Police were still searching Monday for the two other suspects, McCarthy said. An autopsy on Parks was completed Monday by the Lake County coroner's office but results were not released. The officers involved had not yet been interviewed by police, pending the autopsy results. Passengers on the train said they were terrified by hearing shots and seeing other passengers running down the aisle to flee the scene. After shots rang out, conductors directed the 40 to 50 passengers on the train to an empty car away from the confrontation, Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said. Advertisement "When conductors were made aware (of the shooting), they cleared passengers as far away from the incident as possible as quickly as possible," Reile said. Passengers were not immediately evacuated off the train to the station platform because that could have placed them in the line of fire, she said. Once safe access was arranged to a nearby store, passengers were evacuated and remained there as witnesses, in some cases for several hours until police could interview them. Passengers reported that before the shooting, conductors made an announcement that the train was being delayed temporarily at the Deerfield Lake Cook station. Reile said Metra officials were told the delay was at the request of police. But Metra police were not involved in the attempt to apprehend Parks. "We're working with the (police) agencies to figure out what happened," Reile said. Advertisement One of the passengers on board was Brian Johnson, a comedian who had just finished performing at a lounge in Chicago and was riding the train back to his home in Grayslake. Johnson, 33, said he had gone to use the bathroom on the train when he heard the gunfire. "I thought it would be a normal train ride, as usual," Johnson said. "We stopped (at the Lake Cook station) and the conductors said there was a problem with a signal ahead. I was having an allergy attack and went to the bathroom to blow my nose, then I was hearing gunshots. The conductor was yelling for us to get in the other car." Johnson said he and about four other passengers were one train car away from where the shootout took place. He said they were herded to the next car before they exited to a parking lot and eventually to the store. Anxiety was increased because of a shooting incident earlier Friday that left five people dead at a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., airport. "We were just trying to figure what happened," Johnson said. "One of the passengers first thought it was a terrorist attack. Another passenger (who had been asleep on the train) couldn't get his stuff and had to go with no shoes." Johnson said he was kept at the store for nearly five hours until a Pace bus arrived to transport the train passengers. Advertisement Parks has an extensive criminal history. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to three years in prison, according to court records. In 2002, he was convicted of armed robbery without a firearm in Lake County and sentenced to nine years in prison. Parks was convicted twice of misdemeanor resisting or obstructing a police officer: once in Jackson County, Wis., in 2011, and once in Lake County in 2007, for which he served 60 days in jail, records show. At the time Parks was shot, there was a pending warrant for his arrest stemming from charges filed against him in August 2016 that included possession of cannabis, failure to stop at a stop sign and driving on a suspended license, records show. The warrant was issued because Parks apparently missed a court date on those charges, according to the court records. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Ken Wallentine, a former prosecutor who conducts use-of-force training for the Utah attorney general, said he could not comment specifically on the police shooting of Parks. But Wallentine said that, generally speaking, police typically try to isolate suspects from the public, in a contained area where the suspect can't get away. That may have been the original intent in this case, he said, but plans often change once a suspect becomes aware of his arrest. "The cops can drive a plan," he said, "but no plan of battle survives first contact with the adversary." Advertisement Tribune reporter Steve Schmadeke contributed. rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com tbriscoe@chicagotribune.com Twitter @RobertMcCoppin Twitter @_TonyBriscoe Artist's sketch of a man who robbed a postal carrier in the South Deering neighborhood Jan. 4, 2017. (U.S. Postal Inspection Service ) Authorities are offering a $25,000 reward for help finding two men who robbed a postal carrier at gunpoint last week in Chicago's South Deering neighborhood. The carrier was robbed about 1 p.m. Wednesday near 102nd Street and Van Vlissingen Road by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Advertisement The suspects were last seen fleeing on 102nd. Information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the robbers could bring a reward of up to $25,000 from the service, according to a news release. Advertisement The robbers were both described as black men, ages 28 to 30. The first one stood about 6 feet tall, had a medium build and was unshaven with hanging black dreadlocks that ended above the shoulder. He was wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and was armed with a handgun. Authorities released a sketch of the first suspect. The second robber stood about 5-foot-6, had a heavy build, also was unshaven and had dreadlocks that ended above the shoulder. He was wearing a green and brown camouflage hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with information is asked to call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 and select option 2, Postal Inspector Kimberly Hairston at 312-983-8545, Postal Police at 312-983-6285, or Chicago detectives at 312-747-8273, and refer to Case JA-103953. Gov. Bruce Rauner, seen here last month at a business advocacy group's lunch, said a $50 million campaign contribution he made to his re-election bid was about fostering bipartisan cooperation at the Capitol. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Topspin Most politicians would see a $50 million deposit into a campaign fund as a threat, but Gov. Bruce Rauner has a different interpretation of his contribution to his re-election bid, saying it's about encouraging "bipartisan compromise." Advertisement "I am focused on fundamentally changing the trajectory of our state. The system is broken, we've been going down a bad road for a long time. What I am advocating is bipartisan compromise to get solutions," Rauner said Monday. Interrupted and asked how $50 million encourages bipartisan compromise, Rauner said: "We need to be a two-party state. Politics, democracy doesn't work on a one-party basis. We were a one-party state for a long time, it almost bankrupted us. Advertisement "Two thirds of the elections for the General Assembly, there was no opponent. That doesn't work," he said at a breakfast event Monday morning. "Voters, whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, you deserve competition for your vote, you deserve alternative and competing ideas and recommendations so then you have a choice. People in Illinois don't have choices, and I am an advocate for competition and alternatives." Rauner's comments came hours before Republican and Democratic leaders of the Illinois Senate made public their sweeping budget proposal intended to try to find an end to Illinois' historic budget impasse. The governor made his $50 million contribution last month shortly after budget talks broke down with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and other legislative leaders. The contribution to his own re-election campaign was seen as a warning to Democrats weighing a bid for governor. So far, only Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar publicly has announced plans to run. (Monique Garcia) What's on tap *Mayor Emanuel will preside over a meeting of the Public Building Commission and attend President Obama's farewell address. *Gov. Bruce Rauner's schedule wasn't available. *President Barack Obama gives his farewell speech in Chicago at 8 p.m. *The 99th Illinois General Assembly will meet Tuesday for the last time before its new class is sworn in Wednesday. What we're writing *Hail Mary budget plan dropped in legislature's lame-duck session. Advertisement *Emanuel wins city pension bill approval from lawmakers, but Rauner hints at veto. *White House: Obama Chicago farewell speech a call to action. *In City Club of Chicago talk, Axelrod warns Democrats against obstructionism under Trump. *Adler, Field Museum and Shedd to close early due to Obama's speech. *Last of missing residents from shuttered group home is found. What we're reading *Amid Chicago violence, elderly residents face fears or hole up at home. Advertisement *Illinois companies warn of more than 600 layoffs. *Wayne Brady to learn whose line it is, anyway, in Chicago's production of "Hamilton." From the notebook *New assignments in Congress: Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, of Wheaton, has become the tax policy chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. The position puts Roskam, serving his fifth term from the western suburbs, in a top position amid talks to overhaul the nation's tax code something top advisers to President-elect Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan were discuss Monday evening. "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix our broken tax code and enhance American competitiveness for generations to come," Roskam said in a statement. "I'm honored to hold this important gavel and look forward to putting it to good use shepherding tax reform across the finish line." Roskam had previously chaired the panel's oversight committee, which dealt with the Internal Revenue Service and accountability of the agency. Advertisement Meanwhile, Roskam's Republican colleague, Rep. Randy Hultgren, of Plano, has become vice chairman of the House Financial Services Committee's subcommittee on capital markets, securities and investments. Hultgren, who has served in Congress since 2011, called access to capital "central to the success of our economy." He said he would use his chairmanship to continue "the fight for job growth, retirement security and economic opportunity for all." Hultgren's subcommittee has jurisdiction over capital markets, capital formation, venture capital, market structure and securities, including the Securities and Exchange Commission. (Rick Pearson) *Krishnamoorthi backs Ellison's DNC bid: Raja Krishnamoorthi, the new Democratic congressman for the northwest and west suburban 8th District, is backing Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison to become new the chairman of the Democratic National Committee. After Ellison met with progressive supporters at an event in Lincoln Park, Krishnamoorthi used social media to express his backing of Ellison, whom he called "a longtime progressive champion." "Congressman Ellison has a vision to rebuild our party focused on an agenda for working families and growing the middle class," Krishnamoorthi said. Advertisement Among local supporters for Ellison's bid are Democratic Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Luis Gutierrez, as well as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Ellison is considered a top-ranking contender for the job, which has a crowded field of candidates, including U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez. (Rick Pearson) Follow the money *Former state Rep. Monique Davis, who retired in recent weeks, had more than $120,000 in her campaign fund as of the end of 2016, a report shows. *Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here. Beyond Chicago *Donald Trump and his cabinet picks prepare for grilling this week, and he's expected to name son-in-law Jared Kushner senior adviser. Advertisement *How Exxon, under Rex Tillerson, won Iraqi oil fields and nearly lost Iraq. *Christie emerges empty-handed, his ratings at home dismal. President-elect Donald Trump speaks to the media at Trump Tower January 9, 2017 in New York. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images) WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trump is again insisting that it will be "simple" to disentangle himself from his extensive international business interests. Trump tells reporters during a brief appearance in his Trump Tower lobby that he plans to address the topic at a press conference planned for Wednesday. Advertisement "All I can say is it's very simple, very easy," he insists. Trump has pledged to step away from his family-owned international real estate business before taking office Jan. 20. Advertisement But he continues to own or control some 500 companies that make up the Trump Organization. The president-elect says he'll also discuss his son-in-law Jared Kushner's planned role in his administration at the event Wednesday. Trump spoke to reporters after meeting with French businessman Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, a luxury goods company. Associated Press Secretary of State John Kerry apologized Monday for past discrimination against gay and lesbian people at the State Department, an unusual acknowledgment that members of the diplomatic corps were hounded out for their sexual orientation. "In the past - as far back as the 1940s, but continuing for decades - the Department of State was among many public and private employers that discriminated against employees and job applicants on the basis of perceived sexual orientation," Kerry wrote in a brief statement published on the department's website. Advertisement "These actions were wrong then, just as they would be wrong today." The apology refers to the era before and during the anti-Communist investigations led by Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Thousands of gay people were targeted in some government agencies, including the State Department, on grounds that their sexual orientation made them targets for blackmail by foreign agents. Advertisement Known as the Lavender Scare, the policy led to the investigation or expulsion of employees based on speech, manner of dress, and the accusations of co-workers or others, according to a State Department history of the period. State's account includes this awkward testimony by a department official, John Peurifoy, before a panel of the Senate Appropriations Committee in 1950. "Peurifoy tried to avoid discussing the subject of homosexuals," the history says. "While replying to a question on dismissals, Peurifoy noted that 91 employees in the 'shady category' had been dismissed since January 1, 1947. When pressed to define this category, Peurifoy alluded to 'moral weakness,' " and eventually said the category referred to gay people. The State Department later set up a panel called the M Unit to investigate employees who were suspected of being gay. "We wish more of our LGBT colleagues targeted by discrimination were alive to see the progress our country has made," the group GLIFAA, which represents lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees at the State Department, said in a statement. "We celebrate their legacy by continuing to work for full equality for LGBT employees of foreign service agencies." The apology comes with a little more than two weeks left in the Obama administration, which generally gets good marks from gay rights organizations for its work to address discrimination both within the State Department and overseas. Kerry named the first special envoy for LGBT issues in 2015. The diplomat, Randy Berry, has traveled widely to promote gay rights. The gay rights group Human Rights Campaign praised Kerry for what it said was a long overdue acknowledgment. "Although it is not possible to undo the damage that was done decades ago, Secretary Kerry's apology sets the right tone for the State Department as it enters a new and uncertain time in our country under a new administration," said government affairs director David Stacy. Although the most blatant discrimination faded after the McCarthy era, gay employees were still targeted for investigation and firing as late as the early 1990s, according to academic and other documentation cited by Sen. Benjamin Cardin, Md., in an appeal to Kerry last year to address a "dark stain" on the department's history. Advertisement Cardin, the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Monday that he plans to introduce legislation that would reinforce the apology and help victims of discrimination seek redress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara attending the 2016 Genesis Prize ceremony. Israeli police questioned the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 1, 2016 over allegations that the couple used public funds to cover their personal outgoings, local media reported. (Gali Tibbon / AFP/Getty Images) JERUSALEM It's no state secret that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara enjoy life's little luxuries. Just in the past three years, Netanhayu has drawn withering front-page coverage for dipping into the state treasury for a $2,700-a-year gourmet ice cream habit. Or for ordering a double bed for a five-hour plane ride to London. That cost taxpayers $127,000. Advertisement Sara Netanhayu, too, has come under scrutiny for her penchant for pink champagne - a former caretaker, who recently sued the couple for abusive treatment, claimed the first lady would polish off several bottles of bubbly in a day. And she drew ridicule in 2015 for a campaign video with a celebrity interior designer in which she kvetches about the dingy drapes of the couple's official residence on Balfour Street. Now the prime minister is in hot water again, seemingly over his and his family's willingness to accept lavish gifts of Cuban cigars, French champagne and other exclusive items. Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017. (Abir Sultan / AP) Israeli police are asking whether something fishy is going on. Twice in the past week, Benjamin Netanyahu has been "questioned under caution" by police investigators "on suspicions of receiving benefits." Public discussion now centers on whether his actions were innocent, unethical - or criminal, if the gifts he got were bribes in exchange for political favors. On Friday, Israeli media reported that Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan ("The Revenant," "Fight Club," "Pretty Woman," among other credits) had spent up to $130,000 over eight years on boxes of Cohiba cigars and cases of champagne for the Netanyahu clan. The police want to know what Milchan got in return. Israeli news outlets, citing unnamed police sources, said Netanyahu stepped in to try to help the Israeli-born moviemaker gain a long-term U.S. visa by ringing up Secretary of State John F. Kerry at least three times on the issue. Netanyahu's attorney said there's nothing wrong with a friend giving a friend a gift - even a lot of gifts. Then Monday, the investigation took a more troubling turn when Israel's Channel 2 News reported that police had obtained a recording of a meeting between Netanyahu and an arch nemesis, media mogul Arnon "Noni" Mozes, publisher of Israel's largest paid daily, Yedioth Ahronoth. Advertisement Yedioth is the ultimate Bibi-bashing machine (Bibi is Netanyahu's nickname.). And Netanyahu never misses an opportunity to accuse Mozes and Yedioth of trying to take him down. According to Israeli media, in the recording, Mozes attempted to negotiate with the prime minister a reduction in the circulation of his newspaper's main competitor, Israel Hayom. Funded by another of Netanyahu's close friends, the American casino magnate and super Republican donor Sheldon Adelson, Israel Hayom is distributed free across the country and has taken a serious chunk out of Yedioth's profits. In addition to serving as prime minister, Netanyahu serves as communications minister. In exchange for reducing Israel Hayom's weekend circulation, Israeli reports said, Netanyahu asked Mozes to cover him more favorably in Yedioth, a request that Israeli commentator Ben Caspit called an "illegal negotiation." "A regulator who is negotiating with a publisher reducing the influence of a competing media outlet in exchange for a benefit. That is bribery, and if it ultimately wasn't seen through, it is conspiracy to commit bribery. There's no question here," Caspit wrote in another daily, Maariv. The police obtained the tape from former Netanyahu chief of staff Avi Harow, according to Channel 2 News. Advertisement Although these revelations no doubt put pressure on the long-serving prime minister, most Israeli analysts think it is unlikely to bring Netanyahu down. A leader of Netanyahu's Likud party, David Bitan, told Army Radio, "There will be no indictment. Even if there is a situation in which it will happen - and I do not see it happening - the prime minister should stay in office." This is not the first time that Netanyahu has been under suspicion over gifts. In one case, known as the "Bibi Tours Affair," there were suggestions that the prime minister and his family enjoyed trips worth tens of thousands of dollars as gifts from foreign business executives and groups. Netanyahu has maintained his innocence, saying nothing will come of the investigations. He told his foes in the press and parliament "to hold off on the celebrations" and dismissed the accusations as "a lot of hot air." "All previous so-called affairs have proved baseless, and so it will be with the allegations now published in the media," Netanyahu said before police investigators arrived at his residence. Advertisement "They won't come to anything, because there isn't anything," he said. Writing on his Facebook page last week, Netanyahu urged his followers to recall: "Bibi tours - nothing! A claim of illicit campaign funding - nothing! A claim of skewing primary results - nothing! A claim of receiving gifts abroad and funding for flights - nothing!" "Will someone in the media apologize for the thousands of headlines, hours of broadcasting the 'investigative journalism at its best' that have turned out to be total nonsense?" Netanyahu asked. Washington Post The U.S. Supreme Court can be seen from the US Capitol dome, Nov. 15, 2016 in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery / TNS) Reporting from Washington A UCLA law professor urged the Supreme Court on Monday to rule that the Constitution requires the government to refund fines and fees paid by people whose criminal convictions are reversed. People who are freed "are entitled to get their money back," Professor Stuart Banner told the court. It is, he said, a matter of common sense and long legal tradition. In his legal brief, he called it a "proposition almost too obvious to need stating." Advertisement But it has not always been a winner in state courts. Banner and UCLA's Supreme Court Clinic appealed on behalf of Shannon Nelson, a Colorado woman who paid $702 in fees and restitution after she was convicted of abusing her children. But when her conviction was reversed and she was acquitted in a retrial, Colorado officials refused to refund the money. Advertisement The UCLA clinic raised the issue in an appeal last year and said Colorado was the only state to enforce such a rigid rule. The justices voted to hear the case of Nelson vs. Colorado and to rule on the Constitution's requirement for due process of law and fair treatment of people whose convictions are reversed. During Monday's argument, most of the justices voiced skepticism over Colorado's claim that the state may keep money taken from criminal defendants who have been exonerated. Whose money is it, Justice Elena Kagan asked Colorado Solicitor General Frederick Yarger. "This is the state's money," he said. "It is property obtained pursuant to a conviction." But that conviction was overturned, she said. "So why is this state's money?" The other justices sounded surprised at the state lawyer's unyielding claim. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wondered if the state could impose a $10,00 fine on every person who convicted of crime and keep the money if the convictions were later reversed. Yes, Yarger said. Justice Stephen G. Breyer, smiling in disbelief, said "you have the tough side of his argument here." It would mean a corporation that was fined millions of dollars for an offense would not be able to get its money back even if it won an appeal reversing the conviction. "Now there's something wrong with that," Breyer said. Advertisement While the eight justices have often sounded evenly split in recent months, they sounded in agreement on Monday. The court will hand down an opinion in the case in a month or two. The case highlights the growing trend of law schools and their student clinics of finding and appealing issues to the high court that involve large legal principles but small amounts of money. Last year, the UCLA clinic won a 1st Amendment ruling on a behalf of a New Jersey police detective who was demoted after he was seen a carrying a campaign sign for a political rival of the police chief. Stanford's Supreme Court clinic, which has led the way, has worked on more than two dozen criminal cases before the high court in the past decade. It has also won several landmark victories, including a 2014 ruling in Riley vs. California in which the justices ruled the police may not seize and examine the contents of smartphones without obtaining a search warrant. In these cases, law students do the legal research and help with drafting the briefs. On Wednesday, Stanford Law professor Jeff Fisher will argue a major special education case on behalf of a Colorado couple and their autistic child. They say the federal civil rights law for children with disabilities requires schools to offer more than a minimally adequate education program. Advertisement david.savage@latimes.com On Twitter: DavidGSavage ALSO: Supreme Court grants emergency order to block transgender male student in Virginia from using boys' restroom Can Trump put another Justice Scalia on the Supreme Court? UPDATES: Advertisement 8:55 a.m.: This story was updated after the arguments. This story was originally published at 7:25 a.m. An award-winning student painting that depicted a police officer as an animal had hung in the walls of Congress for months before it was removed by Rep. Duncan Hunter following recent complaints that it was offensive. (Congressional Art Competition) A Missouri congressman is demanding criminal charges against a fellow lawmaker who yanked a student's controversial painting off the U.S. Capitol walls Friday. Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo., said his staff met Monday with members of the U.S. Capitol Police to press theft charges against Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., who removed the painting Friday and delivered it to Clay's office as he left a Republican conference meeting where the artwork was discussed. Advertisement "He had no right to take that picture down," Clay said Monday just off the House floor. "It's thievery." The painting, by a recent high school graduate from Clay's district, depicts a scene of civil unrest inspired by the 2014 events in Ferguson, Missouri, and other recent protests against police led by African-Americans. Several figures are depicted as animals, and some pro-police activists have said the rendering evokes derogatory images of cops as pigs. Advertisement It is part of a national artistic competition, one of 435 artworks chosen by local panels of artists to hang in the underground tunnel between the U.S. Capitol and the Cannon House Office Building. Some Republican lawmakers have called for the painting to be taken down in recent weeks, but Hunter took matters into his own hands Friday. Clay is planning to rehang the painting Tuesday morning, joined by members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other sympathetic lawmakers. He emotionally defended the right of the young artist, David Pulphus, to hang his art in the Capitol to reporters Monday. Pulphus' family, Clay said, is "full of police officers, so they have respect for police officers. He just doesn't have respect for police who use the cover of a blue uniform to do animalistic things to people." "These are his impressions. Those are his feelings. That's how he formed his opinion, and he expressed it in his art. So what's wrong with that?" Clay continued. "Any black parent would tell you that they have to have this conversation with their children about police and how to act around them, so that's the conversation we need to be having here. Not about taking some kid's picture off the wall -- it should be about, how do we change these attitudes and improve the relationships between police and the black community?" Hunter's top aide brushed off Clay's threats of prosecution Monday. "Hunter has high regard from Congressman Clay, and this is nothing personal," said Joe Kasper, his chief of staff. "But we're less than zero percent worried about this whatsoever." A Capitol Police spokeswoman did not immediately return a request for comment Monday on whether the matter remains under investigation. Clay said the police who met with his staff were "befuddled" and gave no clear indication of how they would proceed: "They are trying to figure out what they're going to do." Advertisement Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said lawmakers had a simple request for Hunter's treatment: "We want him to get whatever charge a private citizen would get if they walked into the Capitol and took down a painting." Kasper said "that's misrepresenting the issue significantly," and compared the Capitol to the "wild west." He made reference to a 2006 incident where then-Rep. Cynthia McKinney was accused of striking a police officer who did not recognize her as a member of Congress and stopped her after she talked past a security checkpoint. "You understand the latitude members are given around the U.S. Capitol complex," Kasper said. "He's trying to make a point that this was a form of expression, and rightfully so, but so is taking it down." Clay suggested it was a particular affront that a lawmaker would pull down Pulphus' painting while statues of Confederate leaders like Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee occupy prominent places in the Capitol. "Two traitors who cost America 600,000 lives," he said. "They're treasonous; they should be out of here." Richmond also suggested that Hunter has an ulterior motive: distracting from recent reports about alleged misuses of his campaign account for personal expenses. "I'd hang it on Duncan's door if it was up to me," Richmond said. "But what I don't want to do is deflect from the fact that all this is a diversion so people talk about Duncan Hunter removing a painting and picking on an 18-year-old and being a bully as opposed to talking about the fact that he continuously takes things that don't belong to him. ... You can't be a lawmaker and purposely lawbreak at the same time." Advertisement Kasper said Hunter had swiftly addressed the questionable spending and said Richmond's accusation was "neither here nor there." home Tech Dell XPS 27 release date, specs, price news: AIO PC with 10 built-in speakers designed for audiophiles The new Dell XPS 27 will be a great addition to the homes of audiophiles as it is equipped with 10 speakers that deliver the best sound out of all the all-in-one (AIO) PCs in the market. Dell co-created the XPS 27 AIO PC with Grammy Award-winning producer Jack Joseph Puig in order to deliver a new level of audio experience. Full-frequency high-fidelity audio has been built in to produce the best sound possible. Users will get audio quality akin to an external sound bar. The 10 speakers, comprised of two tweeters, four full-range drivers, two passive radiators and two down-firing full-range drivers, all run at 50 watts. According to Dell, compared to the iMac and other AIO PCs, the new XPS 27 is three times louder, 50 percent clearer and has better bass. Furthermore, the XPS 27 also provides users with an equally impressive visual experience. The AIO PC features a 27-inch 4K Ultra HD edge-to-edge touch display with a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels and a brightness of 350 nits. The screen also supports 100 percent Adobe RGB color gamut. In terms of design, the XPS 27 is built using machined aluminum so it is not only stylish but also strong and durable. Moreover, the articulating stand allows the monitor to tilt for a more natural touch screen interaction. Under the hood, the XPS 27 AIO PC is powered by sixth-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors with an optional AMD R9 M400 series graphics card for better performance when it comes to games and creative applications. It has support for up to 32 GB of random access memory (RAM) and up to 2 TB of hard disk drive (HDD) storage with 32 GB solid state drive (SSD) memory. Connectivity-wise, the XPS 27 comes with HDMI output for dual 4K displays, four USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port with Power Share, two Thunderbolt 3 ports with support for USB Type-C and an SD card reader. The AIO PC runs the Windows 10 Home operating system so it is capable of password-free sign-in via Windows Hello and comes with a digital personal assistant in Cortana. Meanwhile, for more productivity and performance, Dell has also introduced a workhorse PC version, the Precision AIO 5720. It is equipped with Intel Xeon processors and AMD Radeon Pro graphics cards. It also has support for virtual reality and certification for programs like AVID and SolidWorks. The Dell XPS 27 AIO is now available to purchase on Dell.com with a starting price of $1,499.99. Meanwhile, the Dell Precision AIO will be available starting April 6 for $1,599.99. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a proponent of a widely discredited theory that vaccines cause autism, said Tuesday that President-elect Donald Trump asked him to chair a new commission on vaccines. Hours later, however, a spokeswoman for Trump's transition said that while Trump would like to create a commission on autism, no final decision had been made. If Trump follows through, the stunning move would push up against established science, medicine and the government's position on the issue. It comes after Trump - who has long been critical of vaccines - met at Trump Tower with Kennedy, who has spearheaded efforts to roll back child vaccination laws. "The President-elect enjoyed his discussion with Robert Kennedy Jr. on a range of issues and appreciates his thoughts and ideas," Trump transition spokeswoman Hope Hicks said in a statement. "The President-elect is exploring the possibility of forming a commission on autism, which affects so many families; however no decisions have been made at this time. "The President-elect looks forward to continuing the discussion about all aspects of autism with many groups and individuals," she added. Speaking to reporters earlier Tuesday in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, Kennedy said that Trump called him to request the meeting and that he accepted the offer of a position on the commission during the meeting. "President-elect Trump has some doubts about the current vaccine policies, and he has questions about it," Kennedy said. "His opinion doesn't matter, but the science does matter, and we ought to be reading the science, and we ought to be debating the science. "And that everybody ought to be able to be assured that the vaccines that we have - he's very pro-vaccine, as am I - but they're as safe as they possibly can be," he added. There is a federal advisory committee on immunization, made up of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on how vaccines are used in the United States. The announcement was met with alarm from health professionals who say that putting a proponent of a conspiracy theory in a position of authority on the issue is dangerous. "That's very frightening; it's difficult to imagine anyone less qualified to serve on a commission for vaccine science," said Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a nonprofit that works to control, treat and eliminate vaccine-preventable and neglected tropical diseases. "The science is clear: Massive evidence showing no link between vaccines and autism, and as both a scientist who develops vaccines for poverty-related neglected diseases and the father of an adult daughter with autism, there's not even any plausibility for a link," Hotez continued. "Autism is a genetic condition." "Our nation's public health will suffer if this nascent neo-antivaxxer movement is not stopped immediately," he added. Kennedy has been a proponent of nonmedical exemptions for parents who seek to prevent their children from being vaccinated, which is mandatory in most states. He has argued that mercury-based additives in vaccines explain the link to autism. And he has alleged that government scientists, journalists and pharmaceutical companies have colluded to hide the truth from the public. "They get the shot. That night they have a fever of 103. They go to sleep, and three months later their brain is gone," Kennedy said at the premiere of an anti-vaccination film screening in California in 2015. "This is a holocaust, what this is doing to our country." Kennedy is known to be an occasional conspiracy theorist and longtime opponent of mandatory vaccination laws. In 2006, he wrote in Rolling Stone magazine that the Republican Party had stolen the 2004 election from Democratic candidate John Kerry. At a 2013 speech in Dallas, he said he doesn't believe the lone gunman theory of the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. Trump notably expressed support for the theory that vaccinations are linked to autism at a Republican presidential debate in 2015. "We had so many instances, people that work for me, just the other day, 2 years old, a beautiful child, went to have the vaccine and came back and a week later got a tremendous fever, got very, very sick, now is autistic," Trump said. The comments were widely denounced by medical professionals who say that there is no evidence that vaccines lead to autism. In fact, the study that popularized the idea has been retracted and discredited as fraudulent. Multiple high-quality studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. Trump's claim was rejected on the same debate stage by retired neurosurgeon Benjamin Carson, whom Trump has now nominated to serve as his secretary of housing and urban development. "The fact of the matter is we have extremely well-documented proof that there's no autism associated with vaccinations," Carson said. The controversy began in 1998 after The Lancet, a respected medical journal, published a paper by researcher Andrew Wakefield and colleagues linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism. It had a sample of only 12 subjects and speculative conclusions but launched a global movement joined by celebrities including Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey, who warned parents to stop vaccinating their children. A drop in MMR vaccinations followed. But the study was a fraud. The Lancet determined that Wakefield had been funded by attorneys for parents who had brought lawsuits against vaccine companies. In 2010, the journal retracted the paper. Wakefield was stripped of his medical license. Large studies that examined whether there is an association between vaccines and autism, including one that examined 96,000 U.S. children, found none. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said flatly that there is no link between vaccines and autism and that vaccine ingredients do not cause autism. Scores of studies from around the world since then have shown conclusively that vaccines do not cause autism. Every relevant scientific and medical organization has examined the evidence and concluded that vaccines are safe and effective and that the real danger lies in skipping or delaying them. Still, the theory has retained its adherents. The United States has experienced recent measles outbreaks linked to unvaccinated residents, including one in 2014 that infected 383 people, most of them in Amish communities in Ohio. In 2015, another multistate outbreak was linked to California's Disneyland theme park. In both years, the source of the infection was believed to be people who brought the virus home after visiting the Philippines. In tweets as early as 2012, Trump expressed skepticism about vaccines, and in 2014 he said that "doctors lied" about vaccines. In other tweets, Trump has referred to vaccines as the cause of "doctor-inflicted autism." "Massive combined inoculations to small children is the cause for big increase in autism," Trump said in an August 2012 tweet. At the presidential debate in 2015, he claimed that his children had been vaccinated in small doses. "I am totally in favor of vaccines, but I want smaller doses over a longer period of time," Trump said. "Because you take a baby in, and I've seen it. I've had my children taken care of over a long period of time, over a two- or three-year period of time." Trump's statements at the Republican debate in 2015 were denounced as "false" by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which released a strongly worded condemnation. "Claims that vaccines are linked to autism, or are unsafe when administered according to the recommended schedule, have been disproved by a robust body of medical literature," said Karen Remley, executive director of the AAP. "It is dangerous to public health to suggest otherwise." "There is no 'alternative' immunization schedule. Delaying vaccines only leaves a child at risk of disease for a longer period of time; it does not make vaccinating safer. Vaccines work, plain and simple," she added. Autism is now considered a spectrum of brain disorders with a multitude of causes. According to Autism Speaks, people with the disorder can have trouble with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. One in 68 U.S. children are considered to be on the autism spectrum - a tenfold increase from 40 years earlier, largely due to changes in how autism is defined and diagnosed. The Washington Post's Mark Berman contributed to this report. House Oversight and Government Reform ranking member Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senate Foreign Relations ranking member Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) hold a news conference to call for an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate foreign interference in the 2016 presidential election at the U.S. Capitol January 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) House and Senate Democrats are urging colleagues to back the creation of an independent, nonpartisan commission to study Russian attempts to influence the election. No Republicans have signed on to the House or Senate legislation to create the commission, but Democrats said they are hoping some colleagues were swayed by Thursday's testimony from three U.S. spy chiefs that the Kremlin's most senior leaders approved a Russian intelligence operation aimed at interfering in the U.S. presidential race . Advertisement Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of Dublin, Calif., said the commission would "get to the bottom once and for all as to who was responsible, how we were so vulnerable, and make a promise to the American people, through recommendations, that we will never, ever let this happen again." President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly challenged the conclusion of the intelligence community. A declassified report released by the intelligence agencies Friday states that Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to help Trump win the presidency, but doesn't say whether interference actually helped Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. Advertisement Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina are pushing for an aggressive investigation in Congress of Russian cyberattacks during the presidential race. It was during a hearing called by McCain when the spy chiefs testified on Russia's involvement. Republican leaders have resisted calls for creation of a separate special committee or an independent panel like the bipartisan commission that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Democratic Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland said Monday that congressional investigations are important, but that the kind of independent, nonpartisan commission Democrats are proposing would be made up of national experts who would give credibility to the panel's findings. The House and Senate bills are backed by nearly all of California's 41 Democrats in Congress. Democratic Rep. Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland, who was the ranking member of the Select Committee on Benghazi, said an independent investigation would reduce finger-pointing or accusations of partisan goals. "The last thing I want is for us to get bogged down in politics; this is just far too important," Cummings said. "It's not about Donald Trump, it's not about Hillary Clinton, it's not about Republicans, Independents or Democrats. It's not even about 2016. It's about our future. We cannot allow foreign attacks on our electoral process to become normal or inevitable." WASHINGTON Senate Democrats will challenge President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, over his hard-line stand on immigration, past record on civil rights and his support for community policing when he appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Alabama lawmaker is known as one of the most staunchly conservative members of the Senate, and has already drawn opposition from at least one Democrat, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. Democrats don't have the power to block Sessions' nomination since Republicans control the Senate and only need a simple majority to confirm the four-term senator. However, they can use the two days of confirmation hearings beginning Tuesday to cast Sessions as out of the mainstream on issues critical to the party's core voters Hispanics, African Americans and women ahead of the 2018 election cycle. A look at some issues that are expected to come up at the Sessions hearing: IMMIGRATION Advertisement Sessions has been a leading advocate not only for a cracking down on illegal immigration, but also for slowing all legal immigration, increasing mass deportations and giving more scrutiny to those entering the United States. He vehemently opposed the bipartisan immigration bill that the Senate passed in 2013 that included a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The bill died in the House. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who worked with Republicans to craft the immigration legislation, indicated last week that he would have a hard time supporting Sessions, saying "he has been more anti-immigration than just about any other single member of Congress." CIVIL RIGHTS This will be the second time Sessions has testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which he is currently a member. Three decades ago, the panel rejected his nomination for a federal judgeship amid accusations that he had called a black attorney "boy" which he denied and the NAACP and ACLU "un-American." Democrats and civil liberties advocates have seized on his voting record and his appearances before groups that espouse harsh views on Muslims and immigrants. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said after his meeting with Sessions that "there are certainly elements in his background that raise questions." JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INDEPENDENCE Advertisement Some Democrats say they are concerned that because Sessions was one of Trump's earliest supporters, he could have a hard time separating himself from the administration. The attorney general is traditionally obligated to be independent of politics when making legal decisions. "It will come down to his independence, which is an essential, absolute prerequisite for an attorney general," said Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat on the Judiciary panel. Blumenthal said Sessions "has to be able to stand up to the president and say no." WOMEN'S RIGHTS Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, another Democrat on the Judiciary panel, voted against Sessions' 1986 nomination. He noted in a Boston Globe editorial on Monday that as a senator, Sessions has opposed legislation that would curb domestic violence and sexual assault. Leahy said that survivors of sexual assault, religious bigotry and other crimes deserve to know they will be protected by the Justice Department. "Given the divisive rhetoric of the Republican nominee for president last year, many are worried," Leahy wrote. VOTING RIGHTS Sessions has alarmed civil liberties advocates with his criticism of the Voting Rights Act, which he has said placed an unfair burden on states such as Alabama. He's raised concerns about voting fraud, which experts and current Justice Department leaders say is rare in U.S. elections. "In the past, Sen. Sessions has been no friend of the Voting Rights Act," Schumer said last week. "And the attorney general is the protector of the Voting Rights Act." CRIMINAL JUSTICE Sessions was one of a handful of Republicans who opposed a bipartisan effort last year to overhaul the nation's criminal justice system. That put him at odds with some of his GOP colleagues on the committee, including Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa. Sessions warned that it could lead to the release of violent offenders. As attorney general, he could undo a 2013 policy known as Smart on Crime that discouraged prosecutors from seeking harsh mandatory minimum prison sentences for low-level drug offenders. COMMUNITY POLICING Durbin and Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, another Democrat on the panel, have both said they are concerned that Sessions will undo grant programs that provide resources for police departments to improve community relations and civil rights. Brown, the Ohio Democrat, who is not on the committee, cited those programs as a reason he would oppose Sessions. Durbin said he had asked Sessions if he would support maintaining and increasing those programs, and "he was not prepared to make that commitment." HILLARY CLINTON A frequent chant at Trump's campaign rallies was "lock her up," referring to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her use of a private email server. Trump said then he would have the attorney general appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Clinton, but immediately changed his tune after the campaign, saying it wasn't something he felt strongly about. Associated Press Albert Nader founded and ran Questar Video with the understanding that people wanted quality video programming even as the delivery platform shifted from VHS tapes to DVDs to on-demand and streaming video. "Mr. Nader always knew 'content is king,'" said Jonathan Plowman, Questar's executive vice president. "That was one of his favorite sayings." Advertisement The Chicago-based company was started about 1980 as the Travel Network, producing travel videos for the growing number of VHS owners looking for something to watch on their new machines. Established as Questar in 1985, the company now produces and distributes original programs on PBS and The Discovery Channel, and through online and streaming sources such as Netflix and Amazon in subject areas ranging from history and nature to inspirational programming. Although the Questar name may be unfamiliar to most viewers, Plowman said, "Most people in this country have watched Mr. Nader's films." Advertisement Nader, 84, died Dec. 22 of a heart attack in an urgent care facility in Palm Springs, Calif., according to his wife, Gemma Allen Nader. The lifelong Chicago resident and his family had a tradition of celebrating Christmas in Palm Springs. Nader was born and grew up in Chicago. His father was a tailor, an immigrant from what is now a part of Iran. After graduating from Lake View High School, Nader went on to get a bachelor's degree in history and philosophy from DePaul University in Chicago. After college, he served two years with the Marine Corps, stationed in California, before returning to Chicago. According to the Questar website, he worked for Rand McNally & Co., where he was responsible for development and distribution of textbooks, maps, globes and films to schools and libraries. Family members said he also ran an advertising agency for some time before starting the Travel Network. Gemma Nader said her husband loved travel and writing about travel, but as the new venture expanded beyond working with independent producers of travel videos, the venture was renamed Questar in 1985. His daughter, Page Weissmann, who started working at Questar while in college, described Nader as a sort of executive producer who worked with outside producers, putting together videos on a wide range of subjects. The original programming included titles such as "Touring Civil War Battlefields" and "Where Jesus Walked." Over the years, distribution shifted from outlets such as Reader's Digest and Publishers Clearing House to Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. Plowman said the company, which has thousands of titles in its catalog, is still one of the biggest producers of Biblical documentaries, in keeping with Nader's interest in the Bible and spiritual matters. Advertisement The company's original programs have been broadcast on PBS, the History Channel, Learning Channel and Discovery Channel. Nader was recognized by the Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago with induction into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame. "The big thing was that he saw that there was a shift coming for people to see what they wanted when they wanted," said his son Jason. Other survivors include a stepdaughter, Bridget Wiley; a stepson, Sean Hegarty; and six grandchildren. His first wife, Barbara, died in 1993. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in The Moody Church, 1635 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. Advertisement Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter. When I first met my patient, I didn't know why he'd been vomiting. It turned out to be for the worst reason. He'd been losing weight and energy for months. He'd occasionally seen blood in the toilet. Now he was unable to defecate: A tumor in his bowel had grown so large it stopped stool from passing through. Advertisement When I looked to review his last colonoscopy, he said he'd never had one. His father had died of colon cancer, but my patient didn't have insurance or a doctor, and he hadn't gotten screened. Although millions of Americans have gained health insurance in recent years, he was one of millions more who remain uncovered. I wondered whether his fate could have been prevented. Could we have caught his cancer earlier? Would insurance coverage have prevented a bad outcome? Advertisement As doctors, we see such tragedies every day. We see how a lack of health insurance exacerbates illness and suffering. And research supports our experience. Twenty percent of uninsured adults say they've gone without the care they need in the past year compared with just 3 percent of insured patients. The uninsured are three times as likely to forgo prescribed medications because of cost and are less likely to receive preventive care or have chronic conditions treated. Uninsured patients are more likely to receive medical care only after their cancer has spread. They're less likely to receive surgery and radiation, and are more likely to die. In my own practice, I've prescribed one medication to treat an uninsured patient's blood clot knowing a different one would work better but costs too much. I've accepted medical risks I wouldn't otherwise accept when a patient asks for discharge because he's footing the bill for every night in the hospital. I've cared for an unconscious woman with psychiatric illness who'd cut her wrists after being unable to see a doctor for medications needed to stabilize her mood. Health coverage substantially affects whether people are able to get the care they need. And the Affordable Care Act (ACA), though far from perfect, was an important vehicle for getting more Americans covered: The uninsured rate fell from nearly 16 percent in 2007 to less than 10 percent in 2015 the lowest level in history. The law has its problems. Critics rightfully point out that premiums are rising in the individual market and that many insurers have constricted provider networks to control costs. But high premiums, while problematic, are better than the alternative: no coverage. And while we rail against potential death spirals in the insurance marketplaces, we ignore existing death spirals many patients face today: If they're not well enough to work, they lose insurance. And if they lose insurance, they won't be well enough to work. Almost all developed countries recognize health care as a right that access to medical care for all people comes first, before cost controls or even quality improvement. In America, we've made no such commitment. The result is a system that underperforms on all measures. As a physician, I am not particularly concerned with battles between conservatives and liberals. I don't care whether we use free-market principles or government programs to ensure patients get the care they need. But our current conversations are so frustrating because they overlook an essential reality I contend with everyday: People are hurting. Today. Tonight. Tomorrow and yesterday. Advertisement As doctors, we work nights and weekends because human illness and human suffering aren't restricted to working hours. I'm there because they're there. My patients can't wait for policies that appeal to this political lobby or that political base. Any lapse in insurance coverage affects the care they get or don't get right now. Their medical urgency strips them of the luxury to waffle, obstruct and pontificate and recognizing their humanity should strip lawmakers of that luxury, too. Congressional leaders and the president-elect have vowed to overturn the Affordable Care Act, which, despite its imperfections, gave 22 million Americans greater health security. As a physician and a citizen, I ask only this of the new Congress and next administration: Whatever path you choose whether to repeal, replace or refine the ACA pledge that no patient who has health insurance today will lose it tomorrow. Promise that during your tenure, at worst, the ranks of the uninsured will not grow. And, at best, we accelerate progress toward a country that recognizes health inequity as shameful injustice one that, as the president-elect himself has said, won't let its people "die in the streets." Washington Post Dhruv Khullar, M.D., M.P.P. is a resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Follow him on Twitter: @DhruvKhullar Michael Madigan has been an Illinois lawmaker since 1971. (Chicago Tribune 1970) "What would Illinois be like if we had different political leadership?" It's midafternoon on a weekday, and Illinois Rep. Christian Mitchell is on the other end of the phone. He laughs. Advertisement "Oh, you must be calling people who have already started drinking for the day," says Mitchell, a Chicago Democrat. And so began my quest to find out what Illinois could look like if it had new blood. By that, I mean: What if House Speaker Michael Madigan became former House Speaker Michael Madigan? Advertisement The guy's been a state lawmaker since 1971 and House speaker for all but two years since 1983. Despite protests from the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board and others, the new General Assembly is poised, in a vote scheduled for Wednesday, to elect Madigan to the post again. But he won't be speaker forever. Someday, someone else will get the gavel. What will that be like? Do Democrats have a plan for their party, post-Madigan? The short answer seems to be no. There is no talked-about successor to Madigan's throne. No heir apparent to his dynasty. Not even his daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, seems to be in line to take over the Democratic Party. As I spoke to members of Madigan's caucus, it became clear it's difficult for them to look beyond the present much less project a vision for the future of their party and this state. But the rest of Illinois? We're there. We're ready for the post-Madigan era. Sure, Madigan will become speaker again. But he won't waltz into the role unscathed. Advertisement His caucus lost four seats in the November election erasing the Democrats' supermajority in the House. Polling shows Madigan's approval rating is barely a blip on the radar. Only 4.4 percent of Illinoisans "strongly approve" of the job he's doing (with an overall approval rate of 26.2 percent), according to an October 2016 poll by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University. And despite politicians' unwillingness to think or talk about life post-Madigan, they are starting to question his political strategy. Several House Democrats have commented publicly on the failure of their party to connect with voters. In response, Madigan announced that he soon will launch a "social media outreach program." (This from the guy who reportedly doesn't even own a cellphone!) Dissent among the ranks goes beyond Madigan's lack of a Twitter handle. Advertisement Outgoing state Rep. Mike Smiddy, a western Illinois Democrat, recently made headlines when he told a local TV station that Madigan has "kinda outlived his usefulness." I asked Smiddy to elaborate on his comments. He pointed to the way Madigan has stonewalled a redistricting proposal another issue that has bipartisan backing. "I don't think right now he's doing the Democratic Party a lot of favors," Smiddy said. Failed races, dismal approval ratings and dissent among the ranks. Things aren't looking up for the longtime speaker even if he holds on a few more years. But in a world without him, there's plenty of common ground for Democrats and Republicans. Mitchell, despite suggesting that one must be inebriated to think about Illinois politics without Madigan, is a supporter of charter schools. Advertisement State Rep. Elaine Nekritz has voted against Madigan's House rules, which essentially dictate how the legislature goes about its work (and steers much of the legislative decision-making his way). "The way our House rules operate, I think they are more restrictive than any other legislature in the country and create a lot of control in the speaker," Nekritz, a Northbrook Democrat, said in a 2013 interview. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, another Chicago Democrat, has co-sponsored legislation creating leadership term limits. She's known for working across the aisle even though she describes herself as one of the "most liberal members of the General Assembly." "One of the things that I have found incredibly useful to me is when I go to somebody and say, 'We're not going to come to an agreement on this, but I just want to understand why you are where you are,'" Cassidy said. "We need to return to a place with more collegial, more cooperative communication." There's no reason to believe that Speaker Madigan will change his ways in his final years. His track record speaks for itself. And we know what more years with Madigan as speaker is like: Democrats dig trenches in Springfield, content to hold their ground until they can regain control of the governorship. Advertisement But without him? Now that's something to get excited about. Diana Sroka Rickert is a writer with the Illinois Policy Institute. The opinions in this essay are her own. President-elect Donald Trump's refusal to flat out concede that Russia tried to meddle in our election and to accept the findings of the intelligence community makes little policy or political sense. To the contrary, his weird defense of our most formidable geopolitical threat has fueled doubts about Trump's loyalties and intellectual fitness to govern. One rationale favored among nervous Republican hawks goes like this: President-elect Donald Trump just got hung up over fears that his critics would say he did not really win the election; once in office, he will be solid on Russia. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., seems to fancy that argument. On CNN, he had this exchange with Wolf Blitzer: Blitzer: Do you think that the president-elect trusts Putin? Cotton: I can't speak for what the president-elect thinks. I don't trust Vladimir Putin, and I would counsel him that he should not trust him. Ronald Reagan used to talk about trust but verify in the context of the Soviet Union, I would recommend distrust but verify in the case of Vladimir Putin. Blitzer: When you read [the intelligence report on Russian cyberwarfare tactics], what was your reaction? You are also privy to the sensitive, classified information, the sources and methods, that were used to come to those bottom-line conclusions. Cotton: I have no reason to doubt the conclusions in the published report, but as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, we'll obviously be reviewing the classified version and the sources very carefully. Blitzer: Have you done that? Have you reviewed the sources and methods, the classified information? Cotton: I have reviewed the classified version of this report. Blitzer: Do you have high confidence, like the intelligence community leadership, that what they - what they concluded is true? Cotton: I have not seen anything that gives me reason to doubt that it was Russian security services or their affiliates who hacked the [Democratic National Committee] and John Podesta. I can't say it's surprising, either, because that's simply what Russia does. This is one small instance of Russian aggression and provocation against the United States and our interests over the last eight years. Blitzer: It looks like, based on this report, he had three objectives. The first objective, as it points out, to simply undermine the credibility of the U.S. democracy. The second, assuming Hillary Clinton was going to win, to make her look as bad as possible - to weaken her if in fact she were to become president. The third is they would prefer Trump because they think they can get along better with Trump. Cotton: Vladimir Putin has tried to undermine the credibility of democratic processes in countries around the world, but especially the United States and our NATO allies. Again, this is not surprising that he is doing this. I strongly doubt, though, that Vladimir Putin had any idea that Donald Trump was going to win. He was focused on sowing discord and undermining our democratic system here. We shouldn't allow him to do that. We should focus on the specific transgressions of hacking the DNC and John Podesta's email, and we should hold him accountable and pose a stiff price. Blitzer: You would like a stronger reaction from Trump? Cotton: Not just for these hacks but for what he's done consistently over the last eight years to undermine U.S. interests around the world. Cotton continues to argue that Putin did not want Trump to win, only that he wanted to sow discord. As for Trump's remarkable under-reaction to an attempt to throw the election to a pro-Russian candidate, Cotton says he just wants Trump to react to the gamut of Russian behavior, in effect imploring Trump to respond robustly even if he cannot concede the intelligence findings' validity. Excusing Trump's defensiveness as "just" worry about his own election legitimacy strikes us as defining deviancy down for a president-elect. A president unable to separate his own emotional needs from the country's interest has no place governing. As bad as the "Trump's immaturity prevented him from evaluating the Russian hacking objectively" explanation might be, the alternative theory must horrify Trump's Republican supporters: Trump is simply Putin's pawn. What if Trump, for personal (his concealed tax returns leave open the possibility of financial dependency on Russia), ideological (any autocrat who throws critics in prison is OK by him?) or emotional (He said I was smart!) reasons, always favors Putin, finds excuses for inexcusable behavior, quibbles with our intelligence findings that cast Putin in a bad light and abandons allies in lieu of confronting him? Putin's behavior fits a pattern, as Cotton points out, but so does Trump's reaction. Trump's admiration for Putin has been a feature of his campaign from the start. Trump sounded unaware or unconcerned that Putin would invade Ukraine. He attacked the essence of the NATO alliance (Article V, the obligation to come to one another's aid in case of attack). He questioned whether Putin has had journalists killed, insisting "our country does plenty of killing." He falsely insisted that Russia is fighting the Islamic State, pretending our interests are aligned. In other words, Trump seeks to minimize Putin's culpability in years of anti-American action (just as Cotton seeks to minimize Trump's consistent support for a U.S. foe). Both Trump and Cotton avoid the implications of the larger picture. With time we will see how effectively Putin manipulates and bamboozles Trump. We will assess Putin's success in convincing Trump that getting along with Russia means giving up U.S. interests. (Iran found great success with Secretary of State John Kerry along similar lines.) If Trump defers again and again, we will have to conclude that the problem far exceeds Trump's vanity over election results or delight in Putin's compliments. Since Trump tells us he has a "good brain" and has mastered the art of the deal, we couldn't attribute his subservience to stupidity or incompetence. If Trump's peculiar Russia-friendly stance continues, we will have little choice but to conclude that Trump feels he cannot challenge Putin for fear of getting on his bad side. That's when the American people should worry that for whatever reasons, Trump feels obligated to put Russia, not America, first. Washington Post Jennifer Rubin is a Washington Post columnist. There's a lot of carrot-and-stick talk these days about how to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his campaign to hack into a bulwark of U.S. democracy, a presidential election. Donald Trump makes it clear he prefers dangling carrots. Setting aside the stick, though, would be a serious miscalculation. If he comes through this relatively unscathed, Putin will meddle again. The U.S. intelligence community's report on Russia's cyber-operation to interfere with, and attempt to influence, the Clinton vs. Trump presidential campaign on Trump's behalf doesn't equivocate on Putin's role: He directed his people to breach an American election, and to some extent his people succeeded. There's no evidence that Russia's subterfuge actually tipped the scales in Trump's favor the report stresses that. But that doesn't matter. Russia wasn't foiled it did hack into Democratic Party servers, and it did relay pilfered emails from Hillary Clinton's campaign to WikiLeaks. Advertisement To frame it as an unprecedented broadside to American democracy isn't an overstatement. The report notes that the Kremlin, both in Soviet and post-Soviet times, has a history of carrying out intel operations on U.S. presidential elections. As far back as the 1970s, the KGB recruited a Democratic activist to gather information on the foreign policy plans of Jimmy Carter during his campaign. Putin's mission in the 2016 presidential election, however, "demonstrated a significant escalation in directness, level of activity and scope of effort compared to previous operations," the report states. The Russian hacking of Democratic National Committee servers was buttressed with an extensive anti-Hillary propaganda campaign that relied on fake news and the Kremlin's English language mouthpiece, the RT network. The report calls Russia's hacking campaign "a new normal" in Kremlin attempts to undermine American democracy. Advertisement Trump has had ample time since his briefing Friday with U.S. intel officials to craft a cogent, incisive response that reassures Americans that Russian incursions into U.S. democratic institutions won't be tolerated. Cogent, incisive responses, however, have not been known to be in Trump's quiver. He tweeted this weekend that "having a good relationship with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. Only 'stupid' people, or fools, would think that it is bad! We have enough problems around the world without yet another one. When I am president, Russia will respect us far more than they do now." One thing Trump can bank on: Putin will try it again. The Kremlin has a long pattern of going back to the well with guile that works. Long before Russia planted a proxy government in Ukraine's Crimea region, it had done the same in two breakaway provinces in West-allied Georgia. Kremlin opponent Alexander Litvinenko, fatally poisoned in London by what British authorities say likely was a Russian operation, was far from the first Kremlin enemy to get similarly liquidated. In what has long been suspected as a KGB killing, Bulgarian defector Georgi Markov was killed at a London bus stop in 1978 by a passer-by who poked Markov with an umbrella armed with a pellet of ricin. Trump continues to reach out to Putin with the promise of a new friendship. Instead, the American public needs to see their incoming president show backbone when it comes to an adversary like Moscow. He should in cold, firm language condemn the Russian leader's actions. And, he should begin crafting a new round of sanctions that punish Russia, sanctions that go beyond what President Barack Obama imposed in December, when he expelled 35 Russian intelligence operatives and shut down a couple of U.S.-based Russian facilities. If Trump doesn't act, Congress should. Trump didn't condemn the Kremlin's actions, but Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan did. GOP Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham are pushing for another batch of sanctions that punish Russia for its attempts to influence the presidential election. The senators said those sanctions would target Russia's financial and energy sectors. It's important that those sanctions pack a punch. We say this recognizing that geopolitics isn't a simple set of toggle switches. Russia's cyber meddling is one element of a complex relationship. The U.S. has good reasons to maintain a working relationship with Russia in certain areas such as Syria, and Trump as an incoming president has a right to set his own agenda and even try his luck establishing a rapport. But he's got to stand tall on Russian interference and back his intelligence agencies on their assessments or, even before taking office, he's undermining U.S. authority. After all, if Moscow has "a new normal," so should Washington. And if Trump won't find the words and deeds to make Putin pay for his shenanigans, Congress ought to step in and wield the stick that the incoming president bewilderingly refuses to wield. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Thank you, Meryl Streep. I often have been annoyed by Hollywood stars who use award shows to make political statements, although I have made exceptions for those who support causes that I also happen to support. Call me human. Advertisement I would have been delighted by Streep's pitch for press freedom and the Committee to Protect Journalists even if full disclosure I were not a member of its board. Streep, who supported Democrat Hillary Clinton, received the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award during Sunday's Golden Globes ceremony. In her acceptance speech, she criticized Donald Trump for mocking a New York Times reporter with a disability. Trump denies that he was mocking the reporter. Yet video clearly shows him entertaining a rally crowd by mocking the reporter. Advertisement Of course, Trump responded to Streep by ignoring her, right? After all, a president-elect has more important things to worry about than the displeasure of a Hollywood star. Yes, I'm kidding. After all, we're talking about Donald Trump, longtime believer, as one of his biographers put it, of "counter-punching" even the mildest attack. Trump, who has praised Streep's talents as "excellent" in the past, lashed back this time with typical Trumpian excess. In three tweets the next morning, he called Streep the winner of multiple Golden Globes, Academy Awards, Emmys and numerous other awards over her more than four-decade career "one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood" and a "Hillary flunky." Considering the source, Streep should consider all that a compliment. But she also had a more serious message about the rise of intolerance as a campaign tool. "You and all of us in this room really belong to the most vilified segments in American society right now," she told the audience at the event, which is produced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, repeating a joke told earlier by fellow actor Hugh Laurie. "Think about it, Hollywood, foreigners and the press." She then called on "the famously well-healed Hollywood Foreign Press (Association) and all of us in our community to join me in supporting the Committee to Protect Journalists because we are going to need them going forward, and they'll need us to safeguard the truth." As partisan as the Trump-Streep clash may sound, it is important to note that the Committee to Protect Journalists is nonpartisan in its advocacy for press freedom. The organization protested the 2010 court order that exposed Fox News reporter James Rosen to possible prosecution as an alleged "aide, abettor and/or conspirator" of an indicted leak defendant. Rosen was simply doing his job as a journalist. Eric Holder, who was attorney general at the time, later called that order his biggest regret. CPJ also protested the Obama administration's order of New York Times reporter James Risen, to testify against a defendant or go to jail. The administration eventually ended its pursuit of that case too. Advertisement In a tough 2013 CPJ report on President Barack Obama's administration and the press, still posted on the CPJ.org website, Leonard Downie Jr., a former executive editor of the Washington Post, criticizes the Obama administration's war on leaks and other efforts to control information as "the most aggressive I've seen since the Nixon administration," when he was one of the editors involved in the Post's Watergate investigation. My point, as Risen pointed out in a recent New York Times op-ed, is that if Trump, as president, decides the FBI should spy on a reporter or throw a whistleblower in jail for trying to talk to a reporter, "he will have one man to thank for bequeathing him such expansive power: Barack Obama." Obama himself has bristled at this notion. It was in response to pressure from both parties in Congress that the administration became so aggressive in its pursuit of leaks, Team Obama points out. As a result, over the past eight years, the administration prosecuted nine cases involving whistleblowers and leakers, compared with only three in all previous administrations. But if that much of an increase in prosecution comes from an administration that strongly defends press freedom, what can we expect from the administration of a man who herded reporters into pens in the back of rallies so he could more dramatically call the media "dishonest," "disgusting," "slime" and "scum"? Trump has been compared to such autocrats as Vladimir Putin or Silvio Berlusconi. Let's hope he doesn't try any harder to imitate them in office. Press freedom, like many other fine things in life, often goes unappreciated until it's gone. Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage. Advertisement cpage@chicagotribune.com Twitter @cptime President Barack Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare," in the East Room of the White House in Washington onMarch 23, 2010. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP) Try though they might, Republicans won't be able to erase President Barack Obama's legacy expansion of health care when they take control of the White House along with both houses of Congress. Oh, sure, it's possible that GOP lawmakers and incoming President Donald Trump will follow through on their frequent promises to get rid of Obamacare the Affordable Care Act of 2010, Obama's signature law. Advertisement When it was merely an impotent gesture of rage and contempt sure to be blocked or vetoed, Republican members of the House voted some 60 times to repeal or seriously undermine the ACA. Their chance to do it for real is nigh, and Trump pressed Tuesday afternoon for a repeal vote "probably sometime next week." I suspect they'll chicken out. Advertisement Even though poll after poll shows Obamacare as a whole is viewed unfavorably by a plurality of the public, that's basically the result of a relentless GOP effort to exploit the massive law's every shortcoming, every annoyance and every failure. What don't people like about it? The most recent Kaiser Health Tracking Poll , taken a week after the November election, has the answer: That it allows children to remain covered by their parents' insurance plans until age 26? That it gets rid of copays for many preventive services? That it creates health insurance exchanges and provides premium subsidies to low-income people? That it helps states expand Medicaid? No. Those provisions all enjoy at least 80 percent approval ratings . That it increases the Medicare payroll tax on those with high incomes? That it prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage based on a person's medical condition? No. Those provisions both enjoy 69 percent overall public approval. That it imposes a fine on nearly every adult who chooses to remain uncovered by health insurance? Yes. Only 35 percent approve of Obamacare's coverage requirement. It's the only major portion of the law that polls under 50 percent, and the public would cheer loudly for its repeal. But you know, reader, just as the Republican politicians know, that the insurance mandate is a key support beam for the wildly popular elements of Obamacare. If young, healthy people opt out of the insurance market, leaving only older, sicker people, premiums rise, companies abandon the exchanges and the whole legislative contraption starts to fall apart, as in some ways it already is. And if in repealing Obamacare, Republicans cut or eliminate the premium subsidies that make policies affordable for those with low incomes while scaling back Medicaid, an estimated 20 million people would lose their coverage or end up on vastly inferior plans. Advertisement As a candidate, Trump promised to replace Obamacare with "something terrific" that would preserve the most popular components, lower premiums and enhance coverage, all while eliminating the mandate. That this was a vaporous and logically inconsistent idea without an actual plan behind it didn't seem to bother his supporters, even those now benefiting from the law. Other Republican leaders trying to settle on a replacement plan also have run into similar roadblocks: The magic of the marketplace in which they believe so ardently simply won't cover as many Americans as the dreaded Obamacare. That's why you've seen them start to go wobbly in recent days, clearing their throats, shifting in their seats and talking about delaying repeal until they can come up with a sufficiently robust, politically palatable replacement plan, though Trump doubled down Tuesday on the idea it could be passed "very quickly." Yes, the GOP has had six years generations, really to come up with their way of dramatically reducing the numbers of the uninsured. But party leaders haven't really considered such people as the government's problem. Until now. The political reality is that if the Trump-led GOP majorities end up replacing Obamacare or simply tweaking it, they will have to honor certain principles that the law has embedded deeply in our culture. Sickness should never bankrupt you. Insurance companies should never be able to deny you coverage or cut you off when your expenses surpass certain limits. Providing low-cost preventive care and keeping the poor out of emergency rooms for routine ailments are socially and economically beneficial. Advertisement We're closer than we've ever been to acknowledging that access to quality health services ought to be a right, not a privilege, particularly in a nation that is forever congratulating itself on its singular greatness. We're closer than we've ever been to a consensus that government, for all its flaws, can and should be the front-line guarantor of adequate medical care for everyone, and that a "Medicare for all" system would more than pay for itself in efficiency and positive health outcomes. Obamacare, laden with unsatisfying ideological compromises and riddled with vexatious complications though it is, created these new and higher expectations. Obamacare expanded not only the numbers of people covered by health insurance, but also our moral understanding of what decency demands of us. Republicans can, if they dare, take all 20,000-plus pages of regulations associated with the Affordable Care Act and run them through the shredder. But they'll never take us back. Follow Eric Zorn on Twitter @EricZorn and listen to him rant as a regular panelist on "The Mincing Rascals," a fine WGN Plus podcast. Authorities in Louisiana have arrested a man who they say accidentally texted a deputy to arrange a drug sale. Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon tells local media the deputy received the misdirected text message Friday from 39-year-old Dwayne Paul Herbert of Pierre Part, arranging to deliver crystal methamphetamine. The officer agreed, then mobilized the Narcotics Division. Advertisement The sheriff says Herbert showed up carrying crystal meth and two firearms and now faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance and two counts of resisting an officer. It's unclear if he has an attorney. Advertisement Associated Press A stretch of Central Road in Arlington Heights is expected to remain closed until Tuesday night after strong winds toppled two electrical utility poles, according to police. The utility poles were felled by strong winds at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, prompting police to close a section of Central Road from Dwyer Avenue on the east to Wilke Road on the west, Arlington Heights Police Sgt. Tom Henderson said. Advertisement The adjacent office buildings in the area were also briefly evacuated due to the hanging wires, with ComEd crews expected to remain on the scene until Tuesday night, Henderson said After a brief outage, power was restored to the area by late afternoon, Henderson said. Advertisement kcullotta@tribpub.com Twitter: @kcullotta After throwing a chair at teens trying to rob an Aurora store, clerk Mina Ibrahim chased after them and caught one. Another man who Ibrahim said works at a nearby ice cream store helped Ibrahim detain one suspect until police arrived. Police found and arrested the other suspect a few minutes later. (Mina Ibrahim/Chicago Tribune) The Aurora convenience store clerk who recently fended off two knife-wielding robbers said his actions came naturally. "I'm originally from Egypt," Mina Ibrahim, 23, told The Beacon-News. "I'm not an afraid person, not a shy person to do anything. I am risky. I like adventure. I am brave. So when they came, I go to the alarm button." Advertisement At about 6:20 p.m. Friday, two teens one 14 years old, the other 15 - entered a gas station convenience store on the 600 block of East Ashland Avenue wearing masks and holding large kitchen-type knives, police said. The teens told the clerk to open the cash register. One of them moved his knife toward the clerk. Advertisement "After that I told him bad word and run toward him," Ibrahim said. The clerk challenged the robbers by throwing a chair at them, Aurora police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said. Surveillance video shows Ibrahim emerging from behind the store counter with a chair and the would-be robbers then running toward the door. Both dropped their weapons and ran from the store, Ferrelli said. "I ran after them into the street," Ibrahim said. The clerk chased them and caught the 14-year-old on the 1000 block of Bangs Street, where another man helped him hold the boy until police arrived, Ferrelli said. The 15-year-old was located several minutes later near Bangs and Parker when someone called police to report a suspicious person. That teen was arrested without incident, Ferrelli said. Nothing was stolen during the robbery and no injuries were reported, Ferrelli said. The teens have been charged with two counts of armed robbery, for the Friday incident as well as a robbery at the same convenience store Dec. 15. They have been taken to a youth home, Ferrelli said. Advertisement During both robberies, the boys wore masks and were armed with large knives, police said. They demanded cash and merchandise from a store clerk in each incident, Ferrelli said in an email. In the Dec. 15 robbery, a 26-year-old male clerk handed over about $460 in cash and tobacco products, Ferrelli said. hleone@tribpub.com Twitter @hannahmleone Classes were canceled Jan. 10, 2017, at St. Charles East High School, after many students reported symptoms affiliated with a stomach virus. (CBS Chicago) Classes at St. Charles East High School will remain canceled Wednesday, according to the district. While the cause of the outbreak that kept about 800 students away from school on Monday has not been confirmed from a clinical standpoint, St. Charles District 303 is following procedures on containing a norovirus strand. Advertisement "The CDC recommends that people with norovirus be symptom free for 48 hours before returning to normal activities," according to a district news release. "With that in mind, classes at St. Charles East High School are canceled on Wednesday, January 11 and will resume on Thursday, January 12." Finals will begin as scheduled next Tuesday, the news release said. Advertisement Jim Blaney, director of school and community relations for District 303, said late Monday in an email that all families in the district would receive a message about the closure. "Teachers will be reporting for work and will be contacting parents during the day with a few questions to check on how your child is feeling and to obtain information on their health," according to the note to parents. On a normal day, about 200 students are absent from the school of 2,500 students, he said. Blaney said about 800 students called in sick Monday. Kane County health officials believe it to be norovirus, a stomach virus. "Everything is pointing to it," said Tom Schlueter, a spokesperson for the Kane County Health Department. "The onset, the symptoms, duration, and the fact that it spread so quickly. All those factors point to the likely possibility that is what it is." The school does not require parents to report specific reasons for absence. But Blaney said many reported symptoms affiliated with a stomach virus, based on communications with parents. The issues started over the weekend when 10 members of the boys varsity basketball team were too ill to play, so a game against St. Charles North was postponed, he said. Advertisement The district has reviewed absentee levels at all the schools in the district, but other schools do not appear to be affected. "We are monitoring the level of absences at schools," Blaney said. For more information, go to district.d303.org For the sixth time, Aurora has earned the title of Best Water in Kane County. The city earned the award last month at the water taste test contest held by the Kane County Water Association. Advertisement A panel of judges sampled water from 10 municipalities throughout Kane and Kendall counties, judging the samples on taste, odor and color. Besides Aurora, the other cities in the contest were: Batavia, Elburn, Elgin, Geneva, Montgomery, North Aurora, St. Charles, Sugar Grove and Yorkville. Advertisement It is the sixth time Aurora has earned the top spot in the contest. The previous wins were in 1998, 2000, 2006, 2008, and 2013. "None of this is possible without the daily effort of each member of our team," said Water Production Superintendent David Schumacher. "Whether it is maintaining equipment, operating systems, general upkeep of our sites, processing samples and performing analyses, budgeting for our required supplies, or any of the other necessary tasks to keep the Water Production Division going strong." The city won the best-tasting water in the state of Illinois in 1999, 2000, 2007, 2008 and 2009. With the win in Kane County, Aurora's water will again be entered in this year's state contest. In 2015, the Partnership for Safe Water, a national initiative to improve the quality of drinking water across the country, recognized Aurora's Water Production team with its Presidents Award. The Aurora City Council will recognize the Water Production Team at the regular City Council meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, in the council chambers at City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place. An Aurora convenience store clerk wasn't going to take it when two teens came in to rob his store on the 600 block of East Ashland Friday. The 23-year-old male clerk challenged the robbers by throwing a chair at them, Aurora police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said. Both dropped their weapons and ran from the store, he said. Advertisement The clerk chased them and caught the 14-year-old on the 1000 block of Bangs Street, where another man helped him hold the boy until police arrived, Ferrelli said. The 15-year-old was located several minutes later near Bangs and Parker when someone called police to report a suspicious person. The teen was arrested without incident, Ferrelli said. Advertisement Nothing was stolen during the robbery and no injuries were reported, Ferrelli said. The two teens have also been charged with robbing the same convenience store Dec. 15. During both robberies, the boys wore masks and were armed with large kitchen-type knives, police said. They demanded cash and merchandise from a store clerk in each incident, Ferrelli said in an email. In the Dec. 15 robbery, a 26-year-old male clerk handed over about $460 in cash and tobacco products, Ferrelli said. The teens, each charged with two counts of armed robbery, were taken to the youth home, Ferrelli said. hleone@tribpub.com Twitter @hannahmleone Bedford Park police and other authorities are investigating the death of a 25-year-old man who died Sunday after being shot early New Year's Day in the southwest suburb. According to a news release from the Bedford Park Police Department, Willie Reeves was found shot and unresponsive when police responded to a call about 3:30 a.m. Jan. 1 in the 6600 block of Cicero Avenue, where the suburb borders Chicago. Advertisement Reeves was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was place on life support, police said. He died Sunday. The Cook County medical examiner's office said Reeves had been shot multiple times and ruled the death a homicide. Bedford Park police said Reeves was a resident of Chicago. Medical examiner records indicate he had a Rockford address. Advertisement "Several people" were held during the investigation of the shooting, but later were released, police said. The Bedford Park Police Department is working with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force as the investigation into Reeves' death continues. The Joliet Junior College Police Department hosted its annual active shooter training last Thursday, which encourages faculty and staff, alone with some students, to learn how to respond in the event of a crisis. (Handout) About 125 faculty and staff attended an active shooter training session last week conducted by the Joliet Junior College Police Department, officials said. The group also included 14 sworn officers, 19 campus safety officers and other police staff, Chief Pete Comanda said. A few students also participated in the event. Advertisement Although the training served as a review for police staff, he said the annual drills are held primarily for college faculty and staff. "It's important for faculty to be trained," because in the event of a crisis, students will turn to them, he said. "We want them to have the tools, the resources and the knowledge in the event one does occur." Advertisement The college police have conducted active shooter drills annually for the past 12 years, often with other colleges' police department's staff in attendance, Comanda said. At other times of the year, police provide other types of crisis training, which involve presentations instead of drills. Joliet Junior College has four campus, including downtown Joliet, Romeoville, Morris, and the Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center on Laraway Road in Joliet. The main campus, 1215 Hoboult Road in Joliet, is about 400 acres, including natural grass lands, with 15 buildings and a field house, the chief said. On the main campus, alone, there could be 2,000 to 3,000 people present at any given point, he said. "We are a microcosm of every place where students are from," Comanda said. "Safety wise, we like to think we're doing a good job, or campus is save, or crime rates are low." Despite the past record, Comanda said that a shooting scenario "can pop at any time." Last Thursday morning's session opened with a video about active shootings and responses. Then the group divided into six different classrooms, each with a different scenario. In one scenario, while a female student studied with a male student, a jealous boyfriend arrived and pulled out a gun. In another scenario, a student argued with a teacher over a grade, when a second student became involved with a gun. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > There were three scripted role-players in each room, however, each group responds differently. The lessons were to "run, hide, fight." "If you can run away, run away," he said. "If you can't, try to conceal yourself." The rest of the training involved what to do when people could not flee or hide, but had to fight. Advertisement "The outcomes are always different," he said. Afterward, participants discussed what happened during the scenarios, which is when much of the training takes place, he said. "Obviously, we've had school shootings going on for a number of years," the chief said. "The frequency has increased and it's good for people to be prepared." Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Arriving 15 hours before the new Krispy Kreme opened Tuesday in Homewood, Glenwood resident Keith Williams was the first person to order doughnuts. As a result, the schoolteacher, along with the 11 others standing behind him at the store, will receive a dozen glazed doughnuts a week for a year free. The next 13 through 100 customers get a dozen doughnuts a month. Advertisement About 150 customers waited for the shop's 6 a.m. opening the first Krispy Kreme in the south suburbs since the last one closed in Midlothian in 2012. "It was worth the wait," said Williams, who arrived at the new store around 2:45 p.m. Monday. Advertisement Williams said coming directly from work at Bloom Alternative High School in Chicago Heights, where he's a teacher, meant he arrived before Chicagoland Restaurants had its large warming tent operating, so he sat in his car, periodically confirming his place in line. Once inside, Williams had the honor of turning on the "hot switch," triggering an exterior light that alerts passersby that the trademark glazed doughnuts are coming hot out of the fryer. Williams' first dozen doughnuts consisted of a dozen chocolate glazed, three glazed, one sprinkled, one custard and one old fashioned. About 90 minutes later, Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld arrived at the 3,300-square-foot store at 17815 S. Halsted St., which is the third Krispy Kreme in the country to feature dark wood and tile a design intended to create a warmer look. "The customers definitely have a sweet tooth," Hofeld said, noting the walk-in line showed no sign of diminishing and the drive-thru line had expanded to "snake through the Home Depot parking lot." Hofeld called Krispy Kreme "a great addition to the community," adding that nearby stores may benefit from the increased consumer base it produces. Some of the first 100 customers crowd into the store (Dennis Sullivan / Daily Southtown) Chicagoland Restaurants president Carlos Larcada said his organization has the Krispy Kreme franchise for Cook County and intends to establish seven other stores. He said one of those seven stores would open in late summer in the south suburbs but declined to name the location. Larcada, who favors the company's sour cream cake doughnut "for its balance," said the drive-thru likely would generate half of the store's business, an idea supported by dozens of cars lined up in the pre-dawn darkness. Advertisement Flossmoor resident Ishmael Thompkins, the first in Tuesday's drive-thru line, said he looked forward to buying four dozen doughnuts one dozen for home, one dozen for his wife to take to work and two dozen to bring into work at Leo Burnett Chicago. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Thompkins, who "definitely" is a fan of Krispy Kremes, said he first encountered them while living in Miami in the mid-1980s. Behind Thompkins was Benjamin Kramer, a Chicago resident who is "absolutely" a Krispy Kreme fan who intended to bring some of the product into work at Friedman & Huey Associates in Homewood, where he is a tax associate. Williams, introduced to Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the early 2000s while living in Fort Worth, Texas, moved to the Chicago area in 2011. His arrival coincided with the then-franchisee's shuttering of stores in and around Chicago, with the last franchise store closed in 2012. "I couldn't get them here," Williams lamented. Although some Krispy Kremes are available from resellers who buy them from the lone corporate-run operation in northwest suburban Elk Grove Village, Williams isn't a fan. Advertisement They "don't taste the same," he said. "They're not that fresh." Dennis Sullivan is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers in Evergreen Park is actively exploring partnerships with other health systems, a hospital spokeswoman said. The board of directors at the Catholic community hospital, which has been independent since its founding in 1930, decided late last year to formally call for proposals from potential partners and thus far has received "several" proposals that are under consideration, Kelly Cusack, the hospital's public relations director, said. Advertisement She said Little Company of Mary initiated the search as part of its "regular strategic planning process" and that a merger, or even a limited partnership, with another health system was not a foregone conclusion. "Our board may decide the best thing is to remain independent," said Cusack, who added that there was no timeline for a decision on a potential partnership it could occur in one month, one year or not at all. Advertisement "We're reviewing these partnerships and there's not a line in the sand," she said. "We want to make sure it makes sense for us and makes sense for them, and it's the right thing to do. "Whatever we do, it needs to be best for our patients, our employees, our community, our physicians." Cusack acknowledged, however, that this was the first time the hospital had formally solicited proposals for strategic partnerships and that the board was well aware of "macro trends" in the health care sector namely a shift toward outpatient care and the increasing importance of collaboration and alignment with networks of physicians that had accelerated hospital mergers and partnerships among independent community hospitals. She said it was too soon to comment on what effect, if any, a merger or affiliation with another health system might have on Little Company of Mary's patients, professional staff and employees. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > The south suburban hospital anticipates receiving a few more proposals on top of what has already been submitted but declined comment on which health systems had made proposals or are expected to do so. Little Company of Mary already has strategic partnerships with University of Chicago Medicine in pediatrics and oncology that allow it to bring specialists to the Evergreen Park campus to treat patients who previously would have had to go elsewhere for more advanced or specialized care, and Cusack said the hospital was open to similar arrangements in the future. In October, University of Chicago Medicine finalized a merger with Ingalls Health System, which runs a community hospital in Harvey. The health care provider had previously confirmed to the Chicago Tribune that it was in talks with other community hospitals about possible partnerships but would not specify which ones. When asked whether it had responded to Little Company of Mary's request for proposals, University of Chicago released the following statement: Advertisement "Leaders at the University of Chicago Medicine regularly evaluate potential partnerships and geographic expansions, reflecting the ever-changing health care landscape and our commitment to continually improve access to our physicians and finding new models of delivering care." zkoeske@tribpub.com Twitter @ZakKoeske Back in December, Gov. Bruce Rauner was asked by a Chicago TV reporter if he planned to run for re-election. Rauner said he wasn't focused on such things. Three days later, Rauner contributed $50 million to his own campaign fund. Advertisement So, either he suddenly focused himself on the 2018 campaign or he simply wasn't telling the truth. Rauner does this a lot. Whenever he's been asked about the Illinois Republican Party's blistering post-election campaign attacks tying Democrats to House Speaker Michael Madigan, Rauner has said he doesn't pay attention to that stuff even though he has given his party almost all of its funding during the past year and even though he has often referred to himself as the leader of the state party and put his own people into positions at the party. Advertisement All politicians play with the truth. But this is getting to be a bit too much to bear, because these actions are at the very core of what Rauner is doing as governor. You will recall that some of Rauner's buddies set up a huge and ostensibly Democratic political action committee (IllinoisGO) right around the time Rauner was inaugurated in January 2015. That campaign committee was, in reality, solely designed to mess with Madigan. In June 2015, the governor launched an expensive statewide television advertising campaign attacking Madigan, blaming him for the failure to cave to the governor's demands for pro-business/anti-union reforms in exchange for a state budget solution. Shortly thereafter, the governor moved into the primary season, spending millions more. And then he started spending real money on state legislative races in June 2016, an unheard-of early start date that actually came while lawmakers were still in session. Rauner even began paying for Chicago broadcast TV ads for Rep. Mike McAuliffe (R-Chicago) in early August, also an unheard-of start date. And the governor launched a TV ad touting his support for term limits, a not so subtle dig at the House Speaker's record longevity. Republican candidates picked up four House seats during last year's campaign. But days after the election ended, the state GOP launched a new website, BossMadigan.com. The site is filled with profiles of Democrats the Republicans say are really just Madigan's pawns. The party is also spending money on social media to spread the word about those naughty Democrats who've allegedly dared to align themselves with their own state party chairman. This is still a free country, and Rauner can do whatever he wants. The House Speaker is, after all, notorious for holding floor votes on ridiculously political bills. Madigan must've forced Republicans to vote against a phony "property tax freeze" bill 15 times in order to bash them with their own votes during the campaign. And this Madigan stuff goes back decades. We've always been in constant campaign mode in Illinois. Rauner is simply upping the ante with actual year-round campaign spending. So, for the governor to deny involvement or even knowledge of campaign activities when his entire organization and others around him have been deeply in campaign mode since Day One defies all credibility. This is not some ancillary activity. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > To put it as simply as possible, Rauner has used campaign tactics to try and force a wedge between Democrats and Madigan. That's what IllinoisGO was supposed to be about an alternative source of campaign money for Democrats who defied Madigan, or a bludgeon against those who stuck with him. Everything Rauner has done since then has had the same two goals regarding Madigan. Advertisement And yet, when asked again about this topic just last week, Rauner said, "I'm not getting involved in any of the General Assembly's decisions on their leadership." Right. But this obsession with Madigan means Rauner has defined his own term in office as a crusade against the Great White Whale. Yes, there is plenty of public support for that. Madigan is the least popular politician in this state. "Moby-Dick" didn't end well for the pursuer, however. Madigan's top people have been saying for more than 18 months that they know they can't move their own guy's poll numbers up very much, so their plan is to drag Rauner down to Madigan's level. Rauner has eagerly followed Madigan into that rabbit hole and failed to accomplish much of anything else in the process. At last check by a Republican pollster, the governor's favorable rating was 36 percent, with an unfavorable rating of 48. He's gonna need every bit of that $50 million, and a whole lot more. Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com. The former Ace Hardware at 118 S. First St. in West Dundee has recently been demolished. (Erin Sauder / The Courier-News) West Dundee is starting off the new year with portions of the downtown in shambles. But it's all in the name of progress. "We have so many things going on at the same time, and with multiple moving parts, we're essentially activating the downtown plan in a large way. And to do that we're having to deconstruct to construct back," said Community Development Director Tim Scott. "And at the same time we're seeing significant investment in building stock in the area." Advertisement The conceptual plan for the area includes increased parking for the downtown businesses, increased visibility to the Fox River, and riverbank stabilization and future extension of the riverwalk south of Main Street, according to village officials. Many in the community have likely noticed the former Ace Hardware at 118 S. First St., is no longer there. In its place are the building remnants. Advertisement Demolition work is underway on the former pump house building at 98 Oregon Ave. Plans call for it to be rebuilt in a new location using materials from the existing structure. (Erin Sauder / The Courier-News) Weather-permitting, the area will be cleaned up by the end of the month, Scott said. Eventually, the Ace site will make way for a public parking area with approximately 30 new spaces. "Right now it's about getting the building down, hauling off the debris and stabilizing the area," he said. Scott added that the increase of parking supply for the downtown is valuable. "I don't think that can be underestimated," he said. The nearby pump house building, located at 98 Oregon Ave., is also in the process of being demolished. Plans call for it to be rebuilt in a new location using materials from the existing structure that can be repurposed. "In order to bring the public the new amenities of the downtown plan -- the increase in parking supply and the phased-in extension of the riverwalk -- we need to reclaim that area essentially," Scott said. "That's what the demolition brings as a first step." Currently, a heated tent covers the former bowling alley/Samata-Mason office building at 101 S. First St., allowing for masonry work to be done. Otto Engineering President Tom Roeser, who is partnering with West Dundee on its downtown redevelopment plan through the rehabilitation of that site, is reconfiguring the design to create room for up to three retail storefronts that face First Street. Around the Corner Candy is expected to move from its site next door into the new building in the beginning of February. Advertisement Its former space at 99 W. Main St., will then be demolished to make way for an entry park that will include a path down to the proposed riverwalk extension. In the meantime, exterior renovations continue on the former Dylan's Pub site at 101 W. Main St. Roeser recently sold the building to Diana Jacobs, a Barrington Hills resident, who is bringing a restaurant called Bamboozels to the site. "The best part is not that I sold the building but that an investor (is making) a significant investment in West Dundee because of what is going on," Roeser. Construction is also continuing across the street at 96 W. Main St. Kevin Krak, president of the Crystal Lake-based Gallant Construction Company Inc., is turning the former Clearwater Theater building into a live music venue called RocHaus. Roeser said West Dundee Mayor Chris Nelson's leadership has contributed to the downtown momentum. "He said, 'We're going to fix this.' He has led the effort to get people to invest down in this corner," Roeser said. Advertisement Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter. Despite concerns over the large disparity in appraisals for a portion of Golden Meadows Park the city of Elmhurst wants for stormwater detention, aldermen on the Public Works Committee agreed Monday to recommend spending of up to nearly $1.7 million to buy the land. City officials have said the nearly 3-acre site near the south end of Caroline Avenue could protect about 30 homes on Pine Street, Avon Road and East Court from flooding by providing more than 12 acre-feet of stormwater detention. Advertisement To accomplish that, the city entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Elmhurst Park District to set a value on the western portion of the park using three specially qualified appraisers, one chosen by the city, one chosen by the park district and a third chosen by the other two appraisers. The agreement call for the highest and lowest appraisals to be discarded, leaving the middle number as the fair market value of the land. The appraisals included a low value of $845,000, a high value of $2.1 million and a middle number of $1.13 million. Advertisement "It's not a slight difference, it's a monster difference," Ald. Michael Bram said, expressing a sentiment shared by committee members Ald. Marti Deuter, Patrick Wagner and Ald. Jim Kennedy. City manager James Grabowski said the city had reviewed the appraisals with its own consultant and with a knowledgeable resident. The conclusion, Grabowski said, was that while all three appraisers agreed the highest and best use for the land was for residential development, each of the three had applied different "discounts" for location, including the nearby railroad tracks. "That does leave us with the middle appraisal," Grabowski told committee members. The property was originally acquired by the park district with grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with the involvement of the National Park Service, so both agencies must sign off on any plan to sell or repurpose the land. That means the final value for the land must be certified by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, after which the city has 30 days to back out of the agreement. By the terms of the intergovernmental agreement between the city and the park district, if the cost of the replacement land the park district finds exceeds the middle appraisal value of $1.13 million, the city could be liable to pay up to a 50 percent premium, putting the potential cost of the land at $1.695 million. All four committee members recommended going ahead with the purchase, signing a report that will to the full City Council for action at its meeting Jan. 17. City officials had earlier estimated the value of the land at $800,000. With the 50 percent premium, that would have brought total land cost to $1.2 million. But Howard Killian, director of public works, said recently construction cost estimates for the project came in at $2.6 million, about $800,000 less than expected. If the land cost ends up at $1.7 million, that would put the full project cost at $4.3 million, lower than the city's original overall estimate. Under the terms of the agreement, with that 30 day window the full council could decide not to go forward with the deal. Advertisement "We may not like the numbers, but we did agree on the process," Kennedy said. "There's nothing left to do (but move forward.)" Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. Nobel Prize winner Sir Fraser Stoddart, a Northwestern University professor and Evanston resident, is recognized Monday Jan. 9, 2017 during the Evanston City Council Meeting. He also made a presentation of his own, giving $1,000 to the city's police and fire foundation. (Genevieve Bookwalter / Pioneer Press) Evanston resident and Northwestern professor Sir Fraser Stoddart was given a key to the city Monday in honor of his 2016 Nobel Prize in chemistry. Stoddart returned the favor but presenting an award of his own: the internationally recognized chemist gave a $1,000 check to the Evanston Police and Fire Foundation. The gift was to thank responders for arriving quickly after someone broke into his home the week before winning his Nobel Prize. Advertisement "I'm really here to congratulate Evanston police. They were on the spot within 10 seconds," Stoddart said, in front of the City Council and audience. Stoddart was honored in October with one of the world's top awards, bestowed by The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. He was recognized "for the design and synthesis of molecular machines," according to a statement from the academy. Advertisement He, along with two fellow scientists, were credited with creating "molecules with controllable movements, which can perform a task when energy is added," according to the statement. On Monday, Evanston mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl said Stoddart might be a recruiting tool for businesses considering a move to Evanston. "To attract businesses we are often asked how educated our community is," Tisdahl said. "Nowhere do they ask, by grave omission, how many Nobel Prizes the community has." From now on, Tisdahl said, she would discuss the city's Nobel Prize winners, unsolicited. gbookwalter@chicagotribune.com Twitter @GenevieveBook A group of Glencoe women including, from left, Alicia Resnicoff, Wendy Serrino, Karen Citow, and Indira Saladi, have raised more than $22,000 to help get women who otherwise couldn't attend to the Jan. 21 Women's March on Washington. They met Jan. 6 to talk about the project, including the applications they've received for travel help. (Kathy Routliffe / Pioneer Press) For a group of six Glencoe women devastated by Donald Trump's presidential victory, attending next week's Women's March on Washington was their logical next step in staying politically active. But simply booking a ticket for themselves to Washington D.C. for the Jan. 21 march intended to send a message to the incoming administration that "women's rights are human rights" wasn't enough. Advertisement "It occurred to us that it can't be a march of just people with the money to spend," Wendy Serrino said. "That's not America." Serrino said she and her friends - Karen Citow, Indira Saladi, Carol Dawley, Alicia Resnicoff and Sheilah Burnham decided they should help pay for those without means, especially women of color, with disabilities or from marginalized communities, or those who were unemployed or underemployed women who, in short, didn't enjoy North Shore privileges. Advertisement Serrino has experience in raising money. She is board president of the North Shore Exchange consignment store in Glencoe, which donates its proceeds to programs that help people at or below the poverty line. Within days of the Nov. 8 election she and the team had met twice, and she set up a GoFundMe page with a $25,000 target, which was to pay for at least 200 marchers from Illinois who otherwise couldn't go. By Jan. 6, the page had raised more than $19,000, enough for Serrino's team to pay for two buses of 55 passengers each, and for $10 public transit tickets for those riders to get from the buses to the march start, roughly half an hour away. They could also pay for women to fill spots on other groups' buses, Serrino said. Most of Serrino's team knew of each other casually, but the relationship became more intense as they put their connections and skills including those of attorneys Resnicoff and Saladi to work on the project. A group of Glencoe women including, clockwise from bottom left, Wendy Cerrino, Alicia Resnicoff, Indira Saladi, and Karen Citow, have raised more than $22,000 to help get women who otherwise couldn't attend to the Jan. 21 Women's March on Washington. Many North Shore women are also attending the march. (Kathy Routliffe / Pioneer Press) They contacted Rainbow-PUSH, Chicago activist Rev. Michael Pfleger and others they thought could help them find riders, Saladi said. They also contacted the national coordinators for the Women's March, including Mrinalini Chakraborty of Chicago. Chakraborty said organizers expect 200,000 to 250,000 marchers to attend, including 3,000 to 4,000 from Illinois. About 300 to 400 of the Illinois attendees are being subsidized by individuals or groups like Serrino's team, she said. Serrino's team set up an application process, requiring applicants for funds donated through their GoFundMe page to affirm they haven't been convicted of felonies, are 18 or older, and won't bring weapons to the march. It also asks why they want to march. The stories they heard were remarkable, Serrino said: "We have five sisters who are going. We have mothers and grandmothers, moms and daughters, we have students, people who are out of work or who work part-time." Chicagoans Michelle Diaz and Kathryn Wolanczyk knew they wanted to attend the march almost as soon as they heard about it. But Wolanczyk, who says she lives paycheck to paycheck as a professional cook, had to cancel her bus ticket on Dec. 23 after the initial price of $120 ballooned to $160 as demand skyrocketed. Diaz, an artist who also works as a baker, thought she had a car ride with a friend until the friend's work schedule made that impossible. Advertisement Wolanczyk followed a link from the pro-Hillary Clinton "Pantsuit Nation" Facebook page and Diaz followed a similar social media link to the GoFundMe site. "In a matter of days I heard back," Wolanczyk said. "To know that all these women want me to go, that they will help me to go, was amazing." When Diaz's ride fell through, "all of a sudden I was trying to figure out how I was going to get there." Applying online and hearing back almost immediately "is pretty amazing," she said. On the North Shore many of the women who are attending are paying their own way, including Carol Yohanan, a Winnetka native who has lived for the past 18 years in Evanston. She's planning a road trip to D.C. with two acquaintances, and may get as many as five people in her Ford Escape. "I think there is strength in numbers," said Yohanan, a former social worker and chef who now works with dogs. "It's much more than Trump. I think we've gotten mean and irresponsible, so if we approach things like women's rights and keeping people in Congress accountable, a march like this, it will be a strong and controlled message." Libertyville resident Joni Gould, who works at an insurance brokerage, said she booked a train ticket for Washington on Nov. 13 and is going with two friends. She said the presidential election affected her "on such a visceral and emotional level" that she wanted to be with people who felt as she did. Advertisement "I wanted to not feel powerless," she said. Meanwhile, Serrino's GoFundMe page had raised more than $22,000 as of Tuesday. Citow, her daughter and Saladi will bus to Washington with the women they are helping get there. And members of the team say they expect to remain socially and politically active. "I don't ever expect to stay on the sidelines again," Saladi said. To learn more about the Womens March on Washington, visit www.womensmarch.com. The Illinois coordinating group's Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/events/1270986692942913/?active_tab=discussion. Serrino's teams' GoFundMe page is at https://www.gofundme.com/ilwomensmarchonwashingtonfundraiser. Advertisement People who cannot make it to the Washington march can attend a march in Chicago, taking place the same day. Information is available at http://womens121marchonchicago.org/. kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @pioneer_kathy The school board in Township High School District 113 has decided to let owners of historic homes benefit from a property tax freeze after concluding the rehabilitation incentive results in no loss of tax revenue to the school district. For the past two years, District 113 has opted out of the tax break given to owners of historic homes who make a substantial investment in restoring or rehabilitating their properties. Advertisement The school board reversed its stand in a 4-2 vote Monday after concluding the tax break merely redistributes a tiny portion of the tax burden and the impact on other taxpayers is negligible. "Philosophically, it comes down to who we are as a community and the common elements that make our lives so rich," said board member Alena Laube, noting the tax incentive encourages owners to retain a bit of history. Advertisement "Even if you don't live in the area around a Frank Lloyd Wright house, we are all enriched by it," Laube said. "It is kind of like having museums in your backyard." Debra Hymen was in favor of again asking the Lake County Clerk to exempt District 113 from the freeze when calculating tax bills this year for homeowners under the Historic Freeze program. Hymen contended the board has an obligation to represent all constituents, and those benefiting from the freeze are concentrated in one portion of the district. "People in this community still rehab historic homes," Hymen said, speaking from experience as a real estate professional. "People don't refrain from purchasing historic homes because they don't get the tax break." Board member David Small said that by encouraging residents to invest in their homes and properties, the school board was helping to maximize the district's tax base and guard its revenue stream. "New families are going to want to move here, buy homes and invest so that we can have a more vibrant community," Small said. The state's Historic Tax Freeze program allows owners of historic homes to apply for an eight-year freeze in their equalized assessed value if they can document rehabilitation expenses equal to at least 25 percent of the property's market value. After the first eight years, the full value is phased in over four years, with 25 percent of the higher value added each year. Preservation advocates say the freeze allows owners to invest in historic homes without being immediately penalized with higher property tax bills. The board's reversal marked a victory for local preservationists and representatives of Landmarks Illinois who first became involved last year. Advertisement District 113's largest elementary feeder district, North Shore School District 112, has opted out of the historic freeze program ever since about 90 historic properties in Fort Sheridan changed from federal to private ownership roughly 15 years ago. The two school districts account for more than two-thirds of the property tax bill in the Highland Park portion of District 113. kberkowitz@pioneerlocal.com @KarenABerkowitz Instructor Cassie Slader leads Arya Pandian and other children in a song during the Community House's winter break arts camp. (Steve Johnston / Pioneer Press) The Community House in Hinsdale's new arts program is starting with classes both traditional and cutting edge. In an electronic textiles class that begins Jan. 28, students will learn how to create circuits with LED lights, conductive thread and LilyPad microcontrollers that they will use to make bracelets, shirts or hats that light up. Advertisement Lilypad microcontrollers are a flat piece of circuitry that can fit into an article of clothing, explained Jimmy McDermott. McDermott said it was only a few days after he started his job as arts program director at the Community House that he received a call from a Hinsdale artist who proposed she teach the wearable electronics class. Advertisement Niema Qureshi brought in a box of materials and showed him how electronic components could be sewn in fabric to make both wearable items and artwork. "I was completely fascinated by it," McDermott said. "It was the farthest thing from frivolous." It combined technology skills with an art component, he said. The two-hour weekly class offered on Saturday afternoons, will provide a fundamental understanding of how a circuit works. Children could leave the class not only with a cool hat or bracelet that lights up, but with an understanding of the science behind it, McDermott said. Another new class is comic book illustration, which begins Jan. 26. Children will create a character and then develop a story line for the character, which they will illustrate by hand and make a comic book during eight weekly classes. A graphic artist will teach different methods of storytelling and illustration techniques. Other art classes start in February, including painting and drawing for age groups 6 to 10, and 10 and older. The same classes will run again from April to May. A winter break arts camp held Jan. 2-6 exposed children to a variety of art forms, including drama, music and sculpture. The camp will be offered again during spring break, from March 27 -31. The new classes are part of the Ly Hotchkin Arts Program which the Community House launched last year, along with plans to renovate space in the building at 415 W. Eighth St., into an arts studio and a dance and fitness studio. Construction is expected to start within a few weeks, McDermott said, with a grand opening this spring. Advertisement For more information, about the classes, go to www.thecommunityhouse.org. kfornek@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @kfdoings Philip Vatamaniuc is due to go to trial for Colin Nutter's slaying in Lake County court. (Handout) Numerous delays have postponed the first jury trial for Philip Vatamaniuc in connection with the shooting death of Colin Nutter of Highland Park, and it was delayed again Monday when the defense attorney said he still has been unable to find two witnesses. Prosecutors Reggie Mathews and Jeff Pavletic and defense attorney Patrick Quilty had originally agreed to start the trial Monday before Judge Victoria Rossetti, but changed that to an April 17 trial date with a status hearing Feb. 28. Advertisement "We are still trying to find two witnesses that have disappeared," Quilty said. Mathews said that he had run the names through the Illinois Department of Corrections and they did not turn up there. Advertisement "We did not find any of these individuals, but we will continue to look at that," he said. Rosseti said she wanted a status hearing Feb. 28 so there are no more delays, which have centered on witness availability. Vatamaniuc and Michael Coffee, both of Highland Park, and Benjamin Schenk of Highwood were all charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Nutter, 20, which authorities said was part of a drug-related robbery attempt. After initially pleading not guilty, Schenk accepted a negotiated plea deal and pleaded guilty to the murder charge in exchange for a sentence of between 20 to 60 years in prison. The agreement shields him from firearm sentencing enhancements that could extend that range, but also specifies he must testify at the trials of Vatamaniuc and Coffee if needed. Coffee, meanwhile, is being evaluated for fitness to stand trial and treated at a secured facility in Elgin, officials said. His next status of fitness hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8. According to police reports, Vatamaniuc, Schenk and Coffee arranged a marijuana deal with Nutter on June 3, 2013, and after the group gathered in Nutter's car, he was shot in the head in what authorities called a robbery attempt. Both Vatamaniuc and Schenk have been identified by prosecutors as potentially being the shooter. Advertisement fabderholden@tribpub.com Twitter @abderholden The Lake County Sheriffs Gang Task Force is calling 2016 a very successful year in fighting crime, which included the seizure of 37 weapons and $3.79 million in drugs, according to a release.- Original Credit: News-Su (Lake County Sheriff's Office / HANDOUT) The Lake County Sheriff's Gang Task Force is calling 2016 "a very successful year" in fighting crime, which included the seizure of 37 weapons and $3.79 million in drugs, according to a release. The drugs seized included: Advertisement 9,314 grams of cannabis with a street value of $186,200. 34 kilograms of powder cocaine ($3,409,410). Advertisement 70 grams of crack cocaine ($7,050). 21 capsules of ecstasy ($420). 1,458 grams of heroin ($175,000). 546 illicit prescription pills ($10,920). Sgt. Gianni Giamberduca, the task force commander, credits the task force's success in its first full year in operation to the numerous agencies that collaborate in running it. "You are sharing information," he said. "You are getting better information, which puts together better cases for you." The task force is run by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, and is comprised of the Grayslake, Lakemoor, Lake County Forest Preserve, Lake Villa, Mundelein, North Chicago, Park City and Wauconda police departments; along with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Homeland Security. "History shows us time and time again gangs are the common denominator when it comes to problems within our communities," Undersheriff Ray Rose said in a release. "Gangs fuel drug problems, violence problems, human trafficking problems, prostitution problems, and so on. We will not tolerate these activities in Lake County, and we will continue to aggressively investigate and arrest these criminals." Advertisement In addition to the task force, the Sheriff's Office also maintains a strong presence in the schools and community to keep people informed about trends and warning signs, Sheriff Mark Curran was quoted as saying in the release. The task force "has been extremely active throughout Lake County," and is tasked to "combat, prevent and interdict criminal gang activity," the release said. Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. Some of Gurnee's worst roads will have to stay that way for a while as the village focuses on preventative maintenance. Village Engineer Scott Drabicki told the Village Board Monday night this summer's road work will be mostly on roads which have not yet reached the worst rating. Advertisement Drabicki presented a plan for fiscal year 2018 which included $4.86 million for transportation. That includes $4.53 million for roads. The fiscal year starts on May 1. The village engineer has divided the roads into four categories. About 14 percent are considered "very poor and failing," 31 percent are listed as "poor," 30 percent as "fair" and 25 percent "excellent." He said roads in the "poor" condition will receive most of the attention this year. Advertisement Although that is the main focus, Drabicki said, Gurnee will repair a small number of roads in the "very poor and failing" category this summer, including Magnolia. He said the village may receive grant money for that project. Mayor Kristin Kovarik said she wants to bring old roads, in use before Gurnee existed, up to the structural level of newer roads. That would benefit the village in the long run, she said. "Twenty years from now some board will be in better shape," Kovarik said. Drabicki said that those older roads will not be the main focus of improvement immediately, but that the village will slowly chip away at rebuilding all of them. Some of these old roads date back to about 1925, he said. They started as gravel roads and were later paved. "They're structurally failing," Drabicki said. In addition to road repair, the transportation budget includes $150,000 for sidewalks. That is because residents have said they want better conditions for pedestrians, according to Drabicki. The 2018 transportation budget also includes $75,000 for crack sealing and $100,000 for improvements of East Grand Avenue. The capital plan Drabicki presented Monday night also includes a plan to spend $5.04 million on transportation in 2019, with the repaving of Almond Road planned for $1.2 million. Gurnee's first budget hearing will be in March. Advertisement Mary McIntyre is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. Jack Logan measures the depth of the ice at Bangs Lake in Wauconda on Saturday. (Angelica LaVito / Pioneer Press) The sun shone as the temperature reached 17 degrees in Wauconda on Saturday. But wind whipped across Bangs Lake, diminishing the sun's warmth and forcing most of the ice fishermen there inside portable shelters. The move came at a cost. Advertisement Last month, the village approved a one-time $25 fee for temporary ice shelters and a one-time $45 fee for permanent ice shelters. Those caught on the ice without a permit will receive a warning the first time, but could be fined up to $750 after that, according to Wauconda police Sgt. Michael Aiardo. Wauconda has required fishermen to register their shanties in the past, but it has not been able to enforce the mandate since the only monitoring came from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or volunteers. Advertisement However, the village's police officers started patrolling the lake last year, with funds from boat inspection fees and now ice fishing fees. An ice-fishing shanty sits on the ice covering Bangs Lake in Wauconda on Tuesday. (Angelica LaVito / Pioneer Press) Six people have already fallen through the ice this year, according to Aiardo. Officers also check to ensure people are following the fishing rules. "We really have very few problems here, but last year the biggest problem was the overfishing of the lake," Aiardo said. "It was non-residents coming in from different parts of the state and just overfishing, keeping the fish they were not supposed to keep and just taking out buckets full of fish." Aiardo insists the fee is not meant to deter non-residents from fishing at Bangs Lake, but rather to help pay for maintaining the lake, including restocking the fish. The Bangs Lake Advisory Committee has stocked the lake annually since 2005, according to Co-Chair Ed Lochmayer. Not everyone is convinced. Some people chastised the village via Facebook when it announced the changes. "I think it's just another way to make money," Travis Bird wrote. "Twenty-five dollars for me to fish that lake isn't worth it to me. I'll keep my money thanks!!!" Ron Behrens lives on Bangs Lake and often ice fishes on the lake during the winter. He does not like the fee because he think it targets people who use shanties, but not people who sit on buckets in the open. "It's not going to stop me, but I don't know," he said as he checked one of his lines. "It makes sense for the boats, but I'm not sure if it makes sense for ice fishermen." Advertisement Brothers Mike and Jeff Jones drove up to Bangs Lake from Palatine to ice fish on Saturday. They huddled inside their shelter as they waited for more fish to cooperate. They had already caught a few bluegills and a northern pike. It was their first time ice fishing at the lake this season, and they were unaware of the new permit policy. They saw a sign and said they intended to purchase a permit after they had finished fishing. They said they didn't mind paying the fee as long as the money went toward maintaining the lake, and if it kept greedy fishermen away. "(It's OK) if it keeps some people off the ice that are all about taking fish every time," Mike Jones said. "We take five to 10 fish one out of three times we're out, but these other guys are raping the lake." Some have criticized the policy, though, saying fishing derbies on the lake are to blame. The LVVA Ice Fishing Derby and the Walk on Water event are both held annually on Bangs Lake to support veterans organizations and programs and families affected by cancer, respectively. Both groups give $2 of every sign-up fee to the Bangs Lake Advisory Committee to use toward restocking the lake, according to organizers. The shelter fees do not apply to tournaments. Advertisement Despite criticism, fishermen are still flocking to the lake. Joe Nichele, one of Wauconda Boat's owners, said some people have come in complaining about how they've fished the lake for years without having to pay, but traffic hasn't slowed because of that. The crowds have been smaller this year because the ice has come and gone with the fluctuating temperatures, but those who have come out have been fishing "pretty well," he said. Those not wanting to pay the permit fee can brave the cold and fish for free without a shelter. Hawthorn Woods' mayor, Joe Mancino, fished Bangs Lake for three hours with the company of a friend and some music. "Only real men fish like we do," he joked. Advertisement Angelica LaVito is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan, seen here when represented at the 2016 Fiestas Patrias parade, was the subject of an Emmy Award-winning documentary produced by a Highland Park production company. (Mark Kodiak Ukena / Lake County News-Sun) A short documentary about Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan was awarded an Emmy last month for Outstanding Achievement for Public/Current Affairs Programming. "A Day in the Life of a Cristo Rey Student" features then-senior Kala Juett going through classes at the school, located at 515 S. Martin Luther King. Jr. Ave. It also shows Samantha Bahena, who was a junior at the time of filming in 2015, performing tasks at her internship job with The Advanced Group staffing firm in Northbrook. Advertisement The Cristo Rey model, which functions as a work/study program, allows low-income families to pay for most of the school's tuition through internship work that students perform once a week at one of almost 90 businesses and organizations in Lake County that partner with the school. "We felt that we had a unique story to tell, and the talented videographers told it in a very engaging way," said Preston Kendall, school president. Advertisement Bitter Jester Creative is the Highland Park-based production company that made the almost nine-and-a-half minute documentary film and submitted it to the awards competition. Nicolas DeGrazia and Daniel Kullman of Bitter Jester Creative said the company's works have earned a total of eight Emmy awards. "I think what helped this film excel was that we spent a lot of time with the students," Kullman said. Aside from meetings and scheduling sessions with the students, it took about a week to film the two girls, DeGrazia said. From the moment their alarm went off in the early morning at their homes until the end of their schedules, cameras followed Juett at school and Bahena at work. Their days were meant to be representative of Cristo Rey's entire student body, Kendall said. Juett, who is now a freshman at Duke University in North Carolina, said she didn't mind the cameras following her around the school's hallways and classrooms when they filmed her. She got a kick out of her classmates' reactions. "Everyone was asking me if I knew I had a guy with a camera behind me," Juett said. Adding that seeing the film once it was edited made her realize how much she enjoyed being a student at Cristo Rey and how proud she is of what she's accomplished, Juett said, "It really shows what a CRSM student can do that students living in an impoverished area who want to go to college can do it if they put in the work." For Bahena, who is now a senior and continues her internship at The Advanced Group, her filming days provided some learning lessons, too. Advertisement "It was a different experience having cameras around, but I kind of ignored them after a while and just went about my routine," Bahena said. "I learned that making a documentary is a time-consuming process." Although Cristo Rey students didn't attend the red carpet event where the Bitter Jester Creative crew received the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Emmy Award on Dec. 3 in Chicago, they did get to see, touch and take photos with the golden statuette during a school assembly last month. "It was really cool to see a legit award for something that I was a part of," Bahena said. "A Day in the Life of a Cristo Rey Student" was made to promote Cristo Rey's faith, purpose and service motto, as well as the school's education and innovative work program, Kendall said. It's a tool in the fundraising efforts toward the renovation of a new school. The early-20th-century brick building on Waukegan's south side that currently houses the school has reached its maximum capacity, and students and staff are scheduled to move into a much larger space on Belvidere Road in the spring of 2018. The nine-minute, 23-second film can be seen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olMolrQHCRw Advertisement Yadira Sanchez Olson is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. Jan Lyons has been feeding birds in her Antioch yard for more than 25 years, but it was just a few winters ago that she saw two Carolina wrens at her peanut feeder for the first time. The species, rare in Northern Illinois in winter especially in Lake County even stayed that summer to nest in her garage. Advertisement Surprises like those, plus the delight of seeing typical birds, like dark-eyed juncos, that spend winter in Illinois motivate Lyons to keep her dozen or so feeders full during the cold months. She offers sunflower hearts, peanut pieces, suet, dried mealworms and other foods to attract birds. She also tosses corn on the ground for squirrels to keep them away for the feeders and provides a heated bird bath. Advertisement Her sightings over the years fit into the complicated tale of how global warming, bird feeding and other factors are changing the wintering patterns of some birds, according to Doug Stotz, an ornithologist and conservation biologist at the Field Museum in Chicago. "Climate change is affecting birds wintering in Illinois," he said. It's being documented by annual Christmas bird counts, as well as what bird watchers see at their feeders, he said. "For example, by examining Christmas bird count data you can see that Carolina wrens have shown an increase overall in the last 30 years," he said. And even in Canada, those who feed birds have reported higher numbers of Carolina wrens than ever before, according to Cornell Lab, which has conducted Project Feeder Watch for nearly three decades to gauge records of bird life in winter at bird feeders. Seeds that attract birds in winter and provide good nutrition include black oil sunflower, white proso millet, nyjer (often called thistle) seed and sunflower chips, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Winter birds that spend time at feeders can survive more easily when it's warmer, Stotz said. "It's just that simple," he said. "In the short term, they may benefit from that. But, in the long term, warmer winters could affect the trees, the insects," that are feeding on the trees and other factors, which could change what's available to eat for birds, which all have different food preferences. Carolina wrens, which are susceptible to cold snaps, might not make it through the winter if they've ventured to Northern Illinois, he said. In fact, their numbers tend to rise and fall based on how extreme winters are throughout the state. Advertisement Lyons feeds birds in winter for precisely that reason, she said. "I feel it's important," she said. "It helps them, especially when we get bad winters. This is the fourth winter Carolina wrens have been here. I heard the male sing the other day." She also puts dried mealworms out for the wrens. Another bird that's more common farther south in winter, which Lyons has seen this season, is the northern flicker, a type of woodpecker. "This is the first time I've ever seen a northern flicker in winter," she said. Downy woodpeckers visit her feeders year-round, but northern flickers tend to move south for the winter. One of the birds most expected in Illinois yards in winter is the dark-eyed junco, a type of sparrow with a slate grey body and white breast. It breeds in the northern coniferous forests and comes south for the winter, visiting backyards to eat seeds from the ground dropped from feeders. Advertisement "There's a certain bittersweet quality to juncos," Stotz said. "When they show up in fall, you think, 'Oh no, winter is coming.' Then when they leave in spring, it's kind of sad." Other birds that come sporadically in winter are called winter finches. They live and breed in the north and come south if food isn't easily available. A winter finch, the common redpoll, is rarely seen some years in Northern Illinois, but occasionally in large numbers, Stotz said. "When the redpoll comes to my feeder, it's really great," he said. "It doesn't happen all the time, not by a long shot." Lyons said she's never seen a redpoll at her feeders in winter. But she has another winter finch using her peanut feeder this winter the red-breasted nuthatch. She sometimes hears its high-pitched "yank, yank, yank" call on cold winter days. "They're so darned cute," she said. "When they come from the north and choose my yard and feeder, I feel fortunate. I don't see them every year." Advertisement White-breasted nuthatches, which are related to the red-breasted nuthatches, visit her feeders year-round. Winter finches like red-breasted nuthatches and common redpolls could start declining in Northern Illinois, "but because their movements are so erratic, it will be very hard to know what's happening until they're basically gone," Stotz said. "That's what happened with evening grosbeaks," another type of winter finch that used to come to Northern Illinois feeders in winter. "They basically are gone" from Illinois in winter, he said. Another species that is nearly gone from feeders in Northern Illinois is the purple finch, said Joel Greenberg, who has coordinated the Evanston North-Shore Christmas Bird Count, the Chicago Lakefront Christmas Bird Count and the Waukegan Christmas Bird Count annually for decades. "A Christmas Count bird compiler truly values the contributions made by feeder watchers because they do allow us to get a much more complete portrait of winter bird populations," he said. Those who document birds at their feeders on Jan. 1 for the Waukegan count have shown that the purple finch has been replaced by the introduced non-native house finch, though reasons are unclear as to why the purple finch numbers have declined, he said. Advertisement What people like Lyons, who feed birds, do know is that by providing food in winter, they can see birds that aren't around in winter as well observe interesting behavior. One phenomenon Lyons experiences regularly in winter is when a Cooper's hawk visits her yard to catch a meal. The hawk was once on the endangered species list in Illinois, but its numbers are rising. A few weeks ago, Lyons noticed a hawk wing imprint in the snow with bird feathers scattered nearby. "I knew a Cooper's hawk had taken a mourning dove," she said. "It's a part of nature. The Cooper's hawks are amazing to watch." Sheryl Devore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. When it comes to one municipality welcoming the presence of another, not everyone is rushing to get in. (Dan Moran / Lake County News-Sun) The beauty of annexation is usually in the eye of the beholder. Take this quote from Waukegan's fairly recent past, when the city was looking to incorporate two parcels of land in 2006 along the almost-rural River Road corridor. "Get with it. You're coming into the city of Waukegan," Ald. Larry TenPas told objectors, who possibly didn't feel the warmth of his embrace. Advertisement TenPas and another Waukegan scrapper, the late John Balen, were also known for their public displays of remorse that Waukegan didn't sweep up what is now Beach Park when it had the chance. "If you look at the map, there never would have been a Beach Park if we had done our planning," TenPas said in 2001 during another debate over whether a large fish should swallow the smaller fish swimming in the same general pond. Advertisement But judging from what the late Milt Jensen told a Chicago newspaper when Beach Park made its big bid for incorporated status back in 1988, the target of annexation isn't necessarily flattered by the attention. "Most of us came here to escape the city, but to be close. Now they're crawling out here and eating us up," said the man who would go on to become a four-term mayor of the Village of Beach Park. "(We) want to be left alone." So there you have it: People have pride in their hometown even if it's not the biggest on the block, much less a town to begin with. All of this popped to mind when reading the recent headlines that someone is floating the idea of mighty Naperville population 145,000, which almost makes Waukegan look like Millburn annexing not only surrounding areas, but ones that have been municipalities unto themselves since Eisenhower and LBJ roamed the Earth. The proposed annexees are Lisle, best known as the home of Illinois Benedictine University (formerly known as Illinois Benedictine College, but times change); Woodridge, which features the headquarters of Home Run Inn pizza, if not the original Home Run Inn; and Warrenville, which spent 40 years and a half-dozen failed referendums trying to incorporate before pulling it off in 1967. The city of Warrenville population 13,000 or so, which begs the definition of the word "city" is near and dear to my family's heart, having been the home of my sainted maternal grandparents, mostly in the years before incorporation. I have hazy recollections of swimming in their pool, and I've heard tales of Warrenville being so small at the time that my grandfather shot skeet in his backyard. A half-century later, Warrenville boasts not only two Walgreens but also a Buffalo Wild Wings, and Mayor David Brummel wasn't having any of this annexation/consolidation business. "Warrenville has a proud history, heritage and culture that revolves around our independence and our small town and rural roots," he said this week, as he was expected to, standing shoulder to shoulder with the mayors of Lisle and Woodridge in opposition to becoming one with Naperville. Advertisement Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday > That same statement would no doubt be released by any community that would end up being not only absorbed, but would probably lose its naming rights. No one would expect Naperville to call itself LisleNaperWarrenWoodridge or something equally corporate following any hostile takeover. Here in Lake County, we experienced our own brief flirtation with consolidation-mania last summer, when a referendum was proposed that would combine Round Lake, Round Lake Beach and Round Lake Park, but not Round Lake Heights. The proposal fell short even before someone had to issue a statement about its village's proud history that revolves around its independence etc. The formal resistance in the Naperville drama and the eventual failure of the 2016 Round Lake proposal to even reach the ballot haven't answered a key question: What do the people have to say? Would the voters support consolidation if it meant more political and economic power? In the case of uniting the Round Lakes, there are no doubt voters who live near the old heart of Round Lake on Cedar Lake Road who want their village to remain as it has been since 1909. There also might be voters in the new subdivisions south of Route 120 whose library is in Mundelein and whose kids go to Grayslake Central or Mundelein high schools who feel no sentimental connection to Round Lake. The safe bet is that anyone would vote for anything if it could be demonstrated that their property taxes would go down dramatically. As with most things in American life, principles tend to be subject to bargain when there's money involved. danmoran@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter@NewsSunDanMoran Lake Forest High School student Tommy Block edits a movie in his New Media class. The class recently completed a prokect for kindergartners in North Chicago. (Michael Schmidt / Pioneer Press) In late November, Alesia Cameron of Forrestal Elementary in North Chicago asked Lake Forest High School for help on a project involving her kindergarten class. The school has a listening center where children can hear recordings of books on cassette tapes. Advertisement "It's kind of archaic," Cameron said. "It was a hassle to teach the kids with cassettes." Steve Douglass, who teaches the New Media class at Lake Forest High School, understood. Advertisement "They tangle, they get beat up and they wear out quickly," Douglass said. "They were breaking." The library at Forrestal has Chromebook computers that the five kindergarten classes can use. Cameron originally wanted to record the books on CDs but Douglass took it up a notch, suggesting they record digital files that could be played on the computers. "We wanted to bring them from the 1980s to the present," Douglass said. Lake Forest High School students Van Staunton(left) and Kate Stephenson take turns reading a book and recording the stories in their New Media class. The class recently completed a project for kindergartners in North Chicago. (Michael Schmidt / Pioneer Press) Cameron initially gave Douglass about 25 books, six of which were in Spanish. Douglass enlisted the help of students in his classes, the Women's Club and Spanish classes more than 100 students in total. The students recorded the books and are currently in the process of adding sound effects. While speaking with Cameron, Douglass found out that Forrestal also had a limited number of headphones. "That wasn't even part of the plan," Cameron said. "We had gotten used to it that we had to share (headphones)." So the week before winter break, Douglass again approached his Lake Forest students. Among them was senior Bailey Lawrence. "Each of the classes had a competition," Lawrence said. "Whichever class raised the most money had the opportunity to go to Forrestal on the day before Christmas break and give the kids the headphones." Advertisement Shure, a manufacturer of audio electronics based in Niles, donated ten headphones. The students also donated and solicited donations from friends and family, raising $560 for another 20 pairs of headphones. Lawrence and two other students visited Cameron's class the day before winter break to present the fruits of their efforts. While there, Lawrence also shot video, which she edited during winter break and posted. The recorded books have a very real use in the kindergarten classroom, allowing students to track the text as they are being read. "They can associate hearing the words with seeing the words," Cameron said. "Kids need to be taught that." Having the recordings available on computers rather than tapes means the kindergartners can learn at their own pace. "My vision is that the students will be able to work on their own without teachers need to run over to make sure it's being used properly," Cameron said. "Also, its teaching the children a new technology." Advertisement The project is not likely to be a one-time effort. "When we got (to Forrestal), she gave us a whole backpack of 45 to 50 more (books)," Douglass said, laughing. mlawton@pioneerlocal.com @reporterdude A view of the recently renovated Lake Forest train station. The city is planning to start a new marketing campaign to attract potential residents. (Mark Ukena / Pioneer Press) The city of Lake Forest is looking for some attention. City officials have started what is planned to be a three-year effort to attract shoppers, diners and homebuyers to the North Shore community. Advertisement "Lake Forest has never had to sell itself, really," said Susan Banks, city communications manager and a member of the Marketing Campaign Committee. "We've never taken an opportunity or a budget to promote who we are." The idea for a marketing campaign originated this past spring when area Realtors contacted Mayor Don Schoenheider, said Ald. Prue Beidler, the city council liaison on the Marketing Campaign Committee. Advertisement "There was concern over houses being on the market longer than hoped," Beidler said. "That was the catalyst. Don's sense was that we could make it a broader campaign." While the campaign aims to attract potential homebuyers, it also hopes to bring in shoppers, diners and those who will use recreational facilities. A community meeting on Jan. 10 will aim to narrow down a list of positive Lake Forest attributes to five, as well as share photos and stories about the town. That meeting is scheduled to take place at LifeWorking, 717 N. Forest Avenue at 7 p.m. "People like the walk-ability, friendliness, location, beach, ease of getting to Chicago by public transportation, open space," Beidler said. The ravines and major renovations to Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital are also important draws for the town, Banks said. The city marketing campaign is anticipated to last three years, Beidler said. The city has already hired Karl Stelter, a filmmaker who grew up in Lake Forest, to create short promotional videos at a cost of $18,500. In February, the marketing campaign will make a presentation to the city council and will ask approval for further spending, Banks said. Advertisement That spending could include hiring a company called Brandstorming for $30,000 to help develop and organize the overall campaign. It could also include $50,000 in media buys over the next three years, although exactly what media it will use is still to be determined. "I don't see us doing a lot of billboards," Beidler said. In addition, there could be events and other community meetings. The marketing committee also hopes that locals will join in to help promote Lake Forest. "We want to encourage residents and people who work here to be advocates for Lake Forest as well as drive people to shop and dine and move to Lake Forest as well," Banks said. mlawton@pioneerlocal.com @reporterdude Rajean C. Johnson, 43, of the 200 block of Fairway Road, was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery with a firearm, police said. (Lake Zurich Police Department photo) A Lake Zurich woman faces charges after police said she shot a 33-year-old man in the back in her house shortly after midnight Monday. Rajean C. Johnson, 43, of the 200 block of Fairway Road, was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery with a firearm all felonies, said Kevin Finlon, deputy chief for the Lake Zurich Police Department. Advertisement The 33-year-old man was alert and conscious when Lake Zurich police arrived on scene after responding to a request for an ambulance, Finlon said. He received treatment at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Following an investigation, police determined Johnson fired a 9MM handgun, striking the man's back, Finlon said. Both people involved in the incident did not provide statements describing what led up to the shooting, he said. Advertisement No other injuries were reported, and no additional people are being investigated in the incident, Finlon said. Bond for Johnson was set at $500,000 during a hearing at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, police said. She remains in the Lake County Jail, awaiting her next court appearance, authorities said. tshields@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @tshields19 Rockland School in Libertyville may see the addition of a new gym and several classrooms. (Mark Kodiak Ukena / Pioneer Press) Officials at Libertyville School District 70 are moving forward with plans to add three classrooms and a gymnasium onto the 90-year-old Rockland School. Village trustees had no objections during a Dec. 13 preliminary review and the permits are scheduled for a final vote on Tuesday. The project also is scheduled for more discussion during a Jan. 23 school board meeting. Advertisement Cost estimates are between $5 million and $6 million, according to Superintendent Guy Schumacher. He said the school board would rather stay closer to $5 million and some items might be sacrificed if bids scheduled to arrive in February are too high. "It's hard to tell what's going to happen," Schumacher said. "We didn't have a lot of options to begin with, but the board is very sensitive about dollars. I think they're going to be looking at this one very closely." Advertisement A "mobile classroom," or trailer, is parked in a grassy area east of Rockland School's main office near Milwaukee Avenue. It houses music classes and other school programs. (Rick Kambic / Pioneer Press) Current plans call for a new gymnasium on the east side of the building, next to the main office and where a classroom trailer currently sits, Schumacher said. Two additional classrooms would be built near the gym and used for music and art, while the third classroom would be built onto the west side of the building. Also proposed as part of the project are bathroom renovations, a hallway to connect the proposed new rooms and the addition of another 21 parking spots, Schumacher said. Schumacher said Rockland School now has twice as many classrooms as it did when the gymnasium was first built, and having a new facility will ease the difficult task of scheduling physical education classes around lunch periods while also giving those classes more room for activities. Enrollment at Rockland School is at nearly 300 students, according to Schumacher. He said that was the school's size five years ago when they pulled special education programming out of the building. If the construction plans or any variation is approved in late February, Schumacher said the goal is to break ground in the summer and have at least two classrooms ready for the 2017-18 school year with the gymnasium to be completed by December. "This has been in the works for a long time, but just because we've gotten this far doesn't mean this is how it'll look," Schumacher said. "I think we all see the need for what we've been able to piece together, but the board wants to be responsible and that's admirable." The district will not need a referendum because the project would be covered in part by cash reserves and in part by selling bonds, Schumacher said. rkambic@pioneerlocal.com Advertisement Twitter @Rick_Kambic A federal judge recently struck down a controversial right-to-work law in Lincolnshire aimed at organized labor, ruling that federal law preempts the local ordinance. Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois wrote in his ruling that only states have the power to enact laws prohibiting union security agreements. Advertisement So-called "right-to-work" legislation lets people work for a company in union-protected positions without having to join the union or pay the full share of union dues. In a zone designated right-to-work, non-union employees can get benefits negotiated with company management by a labor union. Lincolnshire approved its right-to-work ordinance, which does not apply to public-sector jobs like police service or firefighting, in 2015. Advertisement But in his ruling Saturday, Kennelly said that the National Labor Relations Act exemption for states and territories didn't apply to Lincolnshire, meaning the municipality lacked the authority to enact its law. The judge issued a summary judgment in the case, siding with the four unions that filed the federal lawsuit in early 2016 challenging Lincolnshire's ordinance. The unions who filed the federal lawsuit were the International Union of Operating Engineers Locals 150 and 399, the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and the Laborers District Council of Chicago and Vicinity. Local 150 spokesman Ed Maher declared victory following Kennelly's ruling and noted that his organization is keeping tracking of similar legal challenges in other states. "We look at this as a victory for the state of Illinois," Maher said. "There were a lot of eyes watching this." Lincolnshire Mayor Liz Brandt said in a text message Monday night that village officials wouldn't be commenting on Kennelly's decision but she hinted at a possible appeal going forward. "The suit will move to a higher court," she said. When Lincolnshire met to approve the ordinance in 2015, union members packed Lincolnshire Village Hall to protest the move. Following the passage of the right-to-work ordinance in Lincolnshire, the local labor union also called on members to boycott non-union businesses in Lincolnshire and asked the public to do the same. Since taking office, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has promoted right-to-work zones. Several other states that border Illinois including Wisconsin have passed similar legislation, and Rauner has asked Illinois municipalities to take up the cause within their own borders. Advertisement Earlier in November, Lincolnshire officials also announced settlements on two other lawsuits filed by labor unions in state court. The Liberty Justice Center, which had agreed to represent Lincolnshire pro bono in all three lawsuits, said under the agreement, it would pay $10,000 to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 and its individual plaintiffs. The union then agreed to drop two lawsuits it filed in state courts, officials with the Liberty Justice Center said in November. The Liberty Justice Center is the legal arm of the Illinois Policy Institute, a Chicago-based conservative think tank. The two lawsuits questioned procedural matters in connection with the meeting at which Lincolnshire village board members approved the ordinance. One of the lawsuits filed in state court alleged an Open Meetings Act violation, arguing officials prohibited two union supporters from speaking during public comment at the meeting at which the ordinance was approved. Depending on the outcome, the lawsuit could have nullified trustees' approval vote of the ordinance, attorneys with the Liberty Justice Center have said. The other lawsuit pertained to email exchanges involving village officials following the meeting at which the ordinance was approved. An all-white jury will decide the case of a black man who argued that he couldn't get a fair trial in McHenry County because of its relatively small black population. Jury selection was completed and opening statements began Tuesday for James Linder, who is charged with drug-induced homicide in McHenry County, even though his lawyer said he had never been there. Advertisement Linder, of Zion, is accused of supplying the heroin that a 21-year-old Algonquin woman took before she suffered a fatal overdose in 2015. All 12 jurors and two alternates seated are white, and Linder's attorney, Henry Sugden, said he wanted it noted for the record that there were apparently no African-Americans in the jury pool of about 40 people. Advertisement Sugden had tried unsuccessfully to have Linder's trial moved, arguing in part that his client could not get a jury of his peers in McHenry County because of its small African-American population. Less than 2 percent of the county's population is African-American, according to 2015 census data. Prosecutor John Gibbons noted that the jury pool is selected randomly. In previous motions, Sugden also argued that no element of the alleged crime took place in McHenry County: The alleged drug sale took place in Lake County, and the woman who overdosed, Danielle Barzyk, was pronounced dead at Elgin's Advocate Sherman Hospital in Kane County. Sugden said it's not clear where Barzyk took the drug. Linder is accused of selling heroin to Barzyk's boyfriend, Cody Hillier, who then took the drugs with Barzyk, authorities have said. Hours later, about 1:30 a.m. Jan. 31, 2015, Hillier drove Barzyk to the Algonquin police station and told officers she was in the parking lot having an asthma attack, according to police. Police said they found Barzyk lying on the ground, unconscious and not breathing, with an inhaler nearby. Authorities have said that if officers had known right away that she was likely having a heroin overdose, they could have successfully administered naloxone, which has saved lives in the Chicago area and elsewhere by reversing the effects of opioid overdoses. Hillier also was arrested in Barzyk's death and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, according to court records. In July, he pleaded guilty in exchange for jail time served and two years of probation. But in October, he violated terms of his probation and is back in McHenry County Jail, records show. As part of his guilty plea, Hillier agreed to testify at Linder's trial, and was one of the first to take the stand Tuesday. Advertisement According to a court motion, Hillier claimed that, while in jail, Linder and another inmate threatened to harm him if he did not change his story. Hillier said he was "coerced" to write a statement saying it was not Linder who sold him the drugs, according to the motion, which said Linder and the other inmate "made verbal threats and death threats." Judge Sharon Prather granted the state's motion to allow jurors to hear testimony about these claims. Prosecutors say because of Linder's criminal history, he faces 30 to 60 years in prison if found guilty. Before jury selection began Monday, prosecutors offered Linder 18 years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea, which he turned down. Barzyk was a graduate of Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville and was described by her mother, Bridget, in a previous interview with the Tribune as a "great kid" who "wanted to help people." According to McHenry County court records, on Jan. 28, days before her death, Barzyk ended a yearlong court probation period stemming from a guilty plea to criminal damage to property. Her probation required drug and alcohol treatment as well as random drug screenings. In opening statements at Linder's trial Tuesday, Assistant State's Attorney Randi Freese told the jury that the "heroin epidemic" is not merely something seen on TV but is "right here in our community. It is our problem." Advertisement She described Barzyk as a sister, daughter and aunt who now is "a statistic." "(She) didn't set out to be a heroin addict," Freese said. "The addictive drug took over her life." Freese detailed how Barzyk and Hillier met in a drug rehabilitation facility in 2014 and soon became a couple. After leaving the treatment center, "they sadly relapsed," the prosecutor said. Linder was "profiting off of (their) addiction," she said. Freese told the jury that they will hear testimony from Hillier and see text messages showing Linder, using the fake name "Tim," contacted Hillier the day before Barzyk's death saying a new supply of raw heroin was in and to "hit me up." Barzyk drove Hillier to see Linder in Zion, and Hillier paid him $180 for 11/2 grams of heroin, the prosecutor said. Advertisement After Barzyk died, Hillier, working with narcotics officers, arranged another drug deal through texts with "Tim." Hillier wore a recording device and used marked bills as an officer watched him make another $180 drug buy from Linder outside a store in Zion, Freese said. When apprehended, Linder had the marked bills on him, as well as $1,500 in cash, the prosecutor said. "At the end (of the trial), there will be no doubt who sold that heroin ... that killed a 21-year-old girl," Freese said. Sugden told jurors to keep an open mind and listen to all the facts. "Don't close your minds. ... Facts are not often what they appear upfront," Sugden said. He sought to cast doubt on who sold the lethal dose of heroin to Hillier, saying that during the undercover buy the drug was packaged differently than what Hillier and Barzyk took earlier. Advertisement Sugden highlighted the fact that Barzyk was a "severe asthmatic" who was coughing excessively throughout the day and night she died. He also said that a forensic pathologist would testify that she had a variety of drugs in her system and that his expert determined Barzyk died of "a severe asthmatic condition" and not a heroin overdose. After opening statements Tuesday, Barzyk's father, Mark, took the stand and said his daughter was a good kid who started taking community college classes in high school but who fell in with the wrong people, and "it all went downhill after that." He also said she had been taking a prescription narcotic painkiller for an injury and that her asthma was not severe. Hillier, dressed in orange jail clothing, then took the stand and testified that he and Barzyk had been using heroin regularly since they both relapsed in November 2014. He also said that during the 17 months he spent in jail before his guilty plea, Linder threatened to harm him and his family if he implicated Linder. Advertisement In the hours leading up to his girlfriend's death, Hillier said she was coughing and having a hard time breathing and used her inhaler until it was empty. Under cross examination, Hillier acknowledged that he had bought drugs from several dealers. The jury also heard 911 recordings of Hillier calling police from the lobby of the police station and again from outside as Barzyk was in distress. On the recordings, Hillier is heard crying and screaming that Barzyk has stopped breathing. Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter. Justin Schaller (from left) of Hoffman Estates, Ann Keen of St. Charles and Sean Hargadon of Elgin star in the dark comedy "Random Theft and Other Acts" at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles. The play, about a bank heist gone awry, runs Jan. 13-Feb. 5. (Photo courtesy of Steel Beam Theatre) Even the sweetest revenge can unwittingly take on a sour element. That's what happens to the characters' plan in John David Westby's "Random Theft and Other Acts." In the "Fargo"-esque comedy, three "over educated, under-employed suburbanites" find themselves in the economic downturn of 2008 and involved in a bank robbery gone wrong. Advertisement "It centers on a woman who has been done wrong by her ex-husband. And her intention is to revenge him by ripping off his family bank. She elicits some support from a couple of young men who help her out under the guidance of an older professional," Director Marge Uhlarik-Boller said. Unbeknownst to everyone, a much more criminal element has become involved as well, creating conflict, she said. Advertisement "One of the characters is really a bad guy. Just like in 'Fargo,' where you're surprised by how bad someone is," Uhlarik-Boller said. The dark comedy runs Jan. 13-Feb. 5 at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays. The production at Steel Beam is the play's second staging ever, Uhlarik-Boller said. Written by Westby, longtime playwright and current marketing director for Steel Beam, the play has only been staged once before at Talisman Theatre in Elgin. "It is something that has not been seen much at all," Uhlarik-Boller said. "It had rave reviews. It had staged readings in New York City and Chicago and placed as a finalist in the New Jersey Repertory New Work Contest. "It's a pretty respected play," she said. Uhlarik-Boller first read the play in 1994, prior to its first production, she said. "Ever since I first read it I've wanted to direct it," Uhlarik-Boller said. The play, she said, is a layered show with a lot going on. Advertisement "It's an unusual play that it is a comedy about a bank heist. Although it is a comedy, it has a certain level of danger, violence and indeed even murder in it," she said. "It is definitely what you would term a dark comedy." While the show fits with Steel Beam's 2016-2017 season, which is centered on comedies, it is an unusual comedy in that there's twists and turns in it, she said. "And some surprises, with a big surprise at the ending. It's got the twists and turns of a crime drama in it, but it's not a drama," Uhlarik-Boller said. "As well as having its moments of scariness and even gunplay, it's definitely got laughs as well. It's an unusual play." The play features a cast of seven actors from throughout the area, all of who had to undergo rigorous stage combat training throughout the rehearsal process. "We have gunplay, people hitting each other. We have a very talented fight choreographer whose come on board to help us out. That's been very important because on a small stage any stage you have to be very, very cautious," Uhlarik-Boller said. "At the ending there's a lot of fight choreography that had to be worked out, just so the actors remain safe. Every day before we begin rehearsal and performances we have to do a fight call." Along with working out the fight choreography, one of the other big challenges for the production is making sure there is enough fake money for the bank heist. At one point, $150,000 is needed, while later, the figure is $750,000. Advertisement "We have to have a lot of fake money. Believe it or not, fake money is expensive. It's extraordinarily expensive to get fake money from a prop house. A band of 100 $100 bills which is $10,000 -- costs $25. So if we need $750,000 it would cost us hundreds of dollars," Uhlarik-Boller said. While Steel Beam did buy some of the fake currency, the crew turned to YouTube to learn how to make the prop money. "It's an involved process because we need three suitcases full of money. It's been far more challenging than any of us ever expected. I thought you could buy fake money, easily and you can, but it's expensive," Uhlarik-Boller said. "I've personally never done a show where a person's needed more than a few bucks in their pocket where they pull out a few dollars. And I've done a lot of theater. I've done over 100 plays. So it's hilarious to me that I've never encountered this issue before." "Random Theft and Other Acts" is considered suitable for teenagers and older, she said. "There's a little bit of language, but certainly not more than you would hear on television," Uhlarik-Boller said. The comedy, she said, offers an enjoyable evening out and a remedy to cabin fever. Advertisement "It will be a fun show for a cold winter's night. It's engaging. It's interesting. There's a story that unfolds, and there are surprises that happen," she said. "It will be a nice distraction from the wintry season." Kathy Cichon is a freelance reporter for the Courier-News. 'Random Theft and Other Acts' When: Jan. 13-Feb. 5 Where: Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles Tickets: $28 Adults; $25 Seniors 62+; $23 Students; $22 Groups of ten or more Advertisement Information: 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com If they had more time, Naperville District 203 school officials said they might have submitted questions or joined other public education groups in seeking answers when a U.S. Senate committee holds a confirmation hearing for the new secretary of education. School board member Susan Crotty suggested Monday the board send a list of subjects that could be addressed by Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for the post. Advertisement "As an elected board we have the ability to (voice) our thoughts or questions to that confirmation hearing. It's not something we've done before. Is that something you're interested in doing as a board?" said Crotty, who is stepping down in April after 12 years the board. Crotty said she would be interested in DeVos' views on public education, vouchers, and educational funding for states and school districts like District 203. Advertisement "It's not a long document, just a couple of questions of things to protect our community," she said. "Are there things that interest you on what the new education secretary Betsy DeVos is bringing?" While fellow board members said they wanted to participate, timing was an issue. Board President Terry Fielden said perhaps the board should take steps in the future to actively plan it. "Unfortunately, I think it would be rushed. That's my biggest fear," Fielden said. Board member Charles Cush also was concerned the administration wouldn't have the time to complete the task. "I think the opportunity to get your voice heard is always a good one," Cush said. DeVos' hearing, originally set for Wednesday morning, was rescheduled to Jan. 17, according to a joint statement from Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, and the ranking Democrat, Patty Murray, of Washington. The hearing delay came after Democrats raised concerns that the ethics office had not yet completed its review of DeVos' financial holdings and potential conflicts of interest. Advertisement Although the hearing date was changed to Jan. 17, Fielden said the board still would not be able to respond since the next meeting is a week later. Fielden added it might be easier to latch onto questions submitted already by groups like the Legislative Education Network of DuPage County, the Large Unit District Association, the Illinois Association of School Boards or the National School Boards Association. Board member Kristin Fitzgerald said the groups like those frequently send policy statements. "I'd love to say we participated in it, but I think we need to participate as part of a group," board member Jackie Romberg said. Board Vice President Mike Jaensch said he likes the idea of reaching out as an individual board, but doesn't see the cost benefit to the district given the timeline. "If the hearing were in a month, I'd look at it very differently," he said. "But just to move heaven and earth to get questions done in 24 hours that probably will be asked by 27 or 27,000 other people anyway. It's not our fault they scheduled it so quickly." Advertisement Jaensch read portions of a letter sent to Alexander and Murray from the National School Boards Association on behalf of the nearly 14,000 school boards in the country addressing issues that might affect local control of schools. That four-page letter touches on such overarching subjects as the Every Student Succeeds Act, the Office of Civil Rights, career and technical education, funding for disadvantaged students and educational choice. "I think even though it would have been nice for us to send our questions in, I think our questions will be answered. And if they ignore the NSBA, then we probably don't have much of a prayer either," he said. Board member Donna Wandke said even if senators hear the same questions from hundreds of school districts, perhaps they will get the message that certain subjects are important for public schools. Tribune wire services contributed. subaker@tribpub.com Twitter @SBakerSun1 A DuPage County judge Monday approved a binding referendum question for the April 4 ballot on whether the Naperville Township and Lisle Township road districts should merge. The question will read "shall the Naperville Road District and the Lisle Township Road District of DuPage County, Illinois, be consolidated into one consolidated township road district?" It will appear on the ballot for residents of both townships. Advertisement "I believe this is a huge win for everyone, the taxpayers most of all," said Naperville City Councilman Kevin Coyne, who submitted the referendum proposal with Naperville Township Supervisor Rachel Ossyra. "The savings resulting from the debated (intergovernmental agreement) proposal will now be locked in permanently." The ballot question comes after Naperville Township Highway Commissioner Stan Wojtasiak objected to a plan for the City of Naperville to take over Naperville Township road services. City officials said providing maintenance for 16 to 20 miles of township roads would save taxpayers about $800,000 a year. Advertisement After declining the offer, Wojtasiak signed a similar short-term deal with Lisle Township that expires June 30. No one appeared in court Monday to object to the referendum question. ehegarty@tribpub.com Before it was over, more than two dozen people were dead. Fifty thousand cars were abandoned. The L had shut down. Both airports closed. Thousands of people people were stranded, left to camp out in offices, bars or any other shelter they could find. The Chicago blizzard of 1967 dumped almost two feet of snow on the area over roughly 29 hours, effectively shutting the city down and snowing it back to the ice age. The January 1967 storm still stands as the worst blizzard the city has endured. With Jon Steinhagen's "Blizzard '67," 16th Street Theater digs into the epic storm that reduced some people to their basest selves. In the epic battle of humans vs. nature, dozens of humans lost, some freezing to death, others skidding to their death in traffic, one getting crushed by a snowplow trying to navigate in white-out conditions. Advertisement By focusing on four carpooling businessmen trying to make it home, Steinhagen's drama provides a snapshot of the calamitous storm. "I find that I like to write stories about essentially good people who, under extreme conditions, do the wrong things for what they think are the right reasons," says Steinhagen. "It's easy to say, 'I'd never ignore someone I saw was in trouble. I'd try to help. I wouldn't just turn my back, no matter how bad the situation.' But I don't think any of us can know for sure what we'd do if a catastrophe was unfolding in real time, and if helping meant putting our own lives in danger." Advertisement For the guys carpooling through "Blizzard '67," things turn feral quickly. Minor personality clashes and petty resentments blow up as the car's interior becomes increasingly claustrophobic and the danger outside grows ever more extreme. Stephen Spencer, 58, plays Henkin, a role he originated when "Blizzard '67" debuted in Chicago in 2012. "One of the things that drew me to this piece is that it's very specific, but it's also a much larger story than just four guys stuck in a car in a snowstorm," says Spencer. "There's a universality to what happens about how we deal with extreme pressure. It's got a lot of laughs, but it's also tragic. To me, it's a play about community." "Blizzard '67" begins with a plea for community and a broadcast announcement from Mayor Richard J. Daley. The mayor urges citizens to look after each other during the maelstrom, to exercise patience and check on their neighbors. "It's kind of the opposite attitude of calling dibs on a parking space with your old lawn chairs," says Spencer. "There's this sense of trying to get people to pull together and look out for each other. In the play, you see just how hard that can be to do." At 46, Steinhagen wasn't around for the '67 storm. He researched the storm exhaustively, starting with his parents, who lived in Brookfield at the time. His mother was working in a grocery store where everyone was sent home early with bags of non-perishable food. His father recalled the now-illegal practice of skid-proofing cars by looping heavy chains over the tires. Steinhagen's script also deals with some of the deaths caused by the '67 blizzard. "Getting struck by a truck and then dragged because the driver can't see you're there? That horrifies me," he said. "Blizzards terrify me. After September, I don't go anywhere without a shovel and cardboard and bags of salt in my car. Nowhere." 'Blizzard '67' When: Jan. 12Feb. 18 Advertisement Where: 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn Tickets: $18-$22 Information: 708-795-6704; www.16thstreettheater.org Midwest Microblading, at 1006 North Blvd. in Oak Park, offers eyebrow enhancement and lash extension. The business opened at the beginning of December. (Caitlin Mullen / Pioneer Press) A new studio within the Downtown Oak Park business district brings a niche eyebrow service to village residents. Midwest Microblading, at 1006 North Blvd. in Oak Park, opened Dec. 1. Katie Liberatore, owner and operator of Midwest Microblading, said although microblading has been around for some time, it's become more trendy recently. Advertisement Done by hand, the technique inserts a small amount of pigment into the superficial skin in the eyebrow area, resembling hair. Liberatore meets with clients for an initial consultation, performs the microblading procedure which, despite the name, doesn't use a blade but rather a tool with rows of tiny needles dipped in pigment then has clients return eight weeks later for a touch-up appointment. From those who've lost hair due to chemotherapy treatments or a scar in the eyebrow area, to those with overplucked brows, "it can benefit a ton of people," Liberatore said. Even elderly women with dexterity issues may find the service beneficial, she added. Advertisement Max Austin-Williams, executive director of the Downtown Oak Park business district association, said in an email that Liberatore "brings the community an innovative and on-trend service with expertise not found elsewhere in Chicagoland." Liberatore, who became interested in the technique in spring 2016, is a certified permanent cosmetic professional and trained more than 100 hours at Advanced Permanent Cosmetics Academy in Naperville. Primarily a dental hygienist, Liberatore said microblading incorporates similar skills and chairside manner. She enjoys helping others feel better about themselves and comparing the "before" and "after" results. "It's kind of an art, really, what you're doing," she said. "It's definitely something that, as soon as I heard about it, I was like, I have to do this." When health department officials inspected the studio space, Liberatore said they did so with a tattoo establishment classification, given the nature of the procedure. Typically, the pigment needs touching up after one to three years, she said. Liberatore, who lives in Naperville, said she chose Oak Park because she wanted a studio location that worked for clients both in Chicago and the suburbs. "Everyone knows where Oak Park is," she said. "Being in an area where people are walking around helps tremendously." Midwest Microblading, at 1006 North Blvd., is open by appointment only. The studio also offers lash extension. For more information, visit www.midwestmicroblading.com or call 708-628-5886. Advertisement Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. Park Ridge's newest fitness center has been given the OK to serve alcohol. The city's Liquor License Review Board and City Council approved a liquor license for Fitness Formula Club, 826 W. Touhy Ave., during meetings on Monday. The council held a special meeting and waived the first reading of the ordinance establishing the license in order for it to be approved right away. Advertisement Brian Singleton, chief financial officer for Fitness Formula, said the license will mainly allow the private club to serve alcoholic drinks at its outdoor pool in the summer. "We're hoping to construct a bar out there," Singleton told the Liquor License Review Board. "We will also have wine and beer available at our [indoor] cafe, but we don't anticipate the volume to be significant." Advertisement The license approved for FFC is a restaurant license with bar/lounge and private club components. According to a list of Park Ridge liquor license holders for 2017, FFC will be the first fitness center in the city licensed to serve alcohol. Singleton said two of FFC's Chicago locations also serve alcohol and the Oak Park location has a liquor license, but is not currently serving. The 66,000-square-foot Park Ridge club opened on Dec. 28 on the site of the former Napleton dealership at Touhy and Cumberland avenues. jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @Jen_Tribune After a guilty plea last month to misdemeanor battery, the Lake County Council on Tuesday elected Councilman Jamal Washington as the panel's vice president. The council was divided on the appointment of Washington, D-Merrillville, over Councilman Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, by a 4-3 margin. Councilman David Hamm, D-Hammond, nominated Washington. His appointment was supported by Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, Eldon Strong, R-Crown Point, and Washington. Advertisement Councilmen Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, Dernulc, and Councilwoman Elsie Franklin, D-Gary, voted against the appointment. Dernulc was close to becoming the first Republican in a leadership role on the county council since Larry Blanchard, now a county consultant, was council president in 2009. Advertisement Bilski, who was appointed to a seventh term as council president, said he was supporting Dernulc for the vice presidency and declined to comment further. Bilski has been the council's president since 2011 and was vice president before that. Dernulc said he was disappointed by the council's decision. "I think I would have been better for the job. I have been here longer," Dernulc said. Washington has apologized for his legal troubles, Dernulc said, adding he thinks he is remorseful, but it will be up to voters to decide if that is enough. "He will have to ask his constituents how they judge him," Dernulc said. Washington was charged in December 2015 with two counts strangulation and one count of domestic battery, all felonies, after a domestic incident at his Merrillville home. Last month, he pleaded guilty to lesser charges of battery resulting in bodily injury and invasion of privacy, both misdemeanors. He was sentenced to six months in Lake County Jail on both charges, all suspended, and one year of probation. The plea deal allowed Washington to keep his post on the council. Strong, in a rare move by one of the council's two Republicans, split party ranks to help appoint Washington. Advertisement "The vice president is a purely symbolic position," Strong said, after the meeting. He said Hamm, who served this past year as vice president, took the gavel only a handful of times. During his five years on the council with Dernulc, the vote on most issues tends to split along party lines 5-2, leaving the Republicans working to get things accomplished, he said. "I'm tired of getting beat up," Strong said, adding if he has to throw his support behind a Democratic candidate for the symbolic position in order to get support from across the aisle on issues important in his district, that is what he is willing to do. "I need to get some support," Strong said. Road funding for the largest of the councils seven districts is a top priority. Strong said he plans to work to get the county to remove salaries from the road and highway tax funds it gets from the state so more road work can be done. Strong said as far as Washington's legal troubles, he must separate himself from the controversy and think about his constituents. While Strong said he does not condone Washington's behavior, his fellow councilman has apologized and the plea to a misdemeanor means he is no longer afoul of state law. "Yes, did I do political horse trading? Yeah, I did. That's what I had to do," Strong said. Washington after the meeting said that moving forward he plans to continue to serve his constituents. Advertisement "I think at the end of the day we need to focus on the county being bipartisan. I look forward to working with Eldon Strong in the future," Washington said. When asked whether if he felt it was appropriate for him to be appointed to a leadership position in the wake his guilty plea on misdemeanor battery, he responded: "Why not? I work very hard for my constituents." "I go above and beyond for my constituents. I want to make sure I put myself in the best position to serve my constituents and be able to get things done in the county. I think it is very important to always be in the majority to get tough issues passed," Washington said. Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Northwest Indiana politicians are urging the state to grant a disaster declaration for East Chicago. U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, on Monday at a town forum at East Chicago City Hall, pledged to support the city's request to former Gov. Mike Pence and Gov. Eric Holcomb requesting a disaster declaration to leverage resources to deal with lead contamination in the Calumet neighborhood, and state Sen. Frank Mrvan submitted a bill giving the city $2.5 million in relief funds. Advertisement "I am delighted to support the city's request," Visclosky said. What he was not as pleased about is the work of the Environmental Protection Agency. Advertisement Visclosky said he's continued to push the EPA to take action in the contaminated neighborhoods, especially in light of water testing results that found elevated levels of lead in residents' drinking water. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, discusses the three areas in East Chicago that have been taken over by industry including Marktown and the Calumet site. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune) The EPA monitored water quality of the eastern zones of the U.S.S. Lead Superfund site during remediation work in the neighborhood, and found that 18 of the 43 homes where the water was tested exceeded 15 parts per billion of lead the EPA's threshold for water safety. "I am very, very unhappy with the Environmental Protection Agency and how they have handled that issue," Visclosky said. The congressman said he's asked the EPA to look into what's the cause of the lead in the water and find resources to take corrective action, and offer testing to the neighbors of people whose water testing positive for contaminants. The Rev. Cheryl Rivera, executive director of the Northwest Indiana Federation of Interfaith Organizations and associate pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in East Chicago, said the community needs support to put pressure on state and federal officials to approve the disaster declaration. "We need that done immediately," Rivera said. The city submitted its request for a disaster declaration in December. "The residents of my city, my staff, other local officials and I have been laboring under conditions which are not of our making, but which cry out for help," Mayor Anthony Copeland wrote to Pence on Dec. 1. Advertisement Copeland noted, in the letter, that Indiana code defined a disaster as "being an occurrence or imminent threat of widespread severe damage, injury, loss of life or property damage from a utility failure, public health emergency, blight or other public calamity." The resources of East Chicago are strained to the "point of breaking," Copeland wrote, and resources from the state are needed to adequately respond to the continuing crisis. Mrvan's bill, which was sent to the Appropriations Committee for review, would take money from the Department of Homeland Security and disburse it to eligible agencies dealing with lead and arsenic contamination in East Chicago. Should the bill pass, $2.5 million would be available to the city during the next two budget years. Mrvan was unavailable for comment Monday. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, discusses the current state of the first district and the 115th Congress. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune) While a final ruling on the disaster declaration is pending, Visclosky said he remains in contact with the EPA, Department of Housing and Urban Development and city. "We are doing everything we can," Visclosky said. Advertisement Visclosky said he's met with HUD Secretary Julian Castro and talked about ensuring resources are available for the residents of the West Calumet Housing Complex who are relocating and finding money for the demolition of the complex once it's vacant. There are pots of money available, Visclosky said, but those are targeted for specific programs. East Chicago has applied for other federal dollars, he said, but those are competitive programs. City attorney Carla Morgan said given the tone of the incoming administration's tenor of less regulation, what it might mean for cleanup projects like the one in East Chicago is a matter for speculation. "I am very concerned what the new administration may want to do with EPA," Visclosky said. clyons@post-trib.com Twitter @craigalyons 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. Trump aide Kellyanne Conway says we're not supposed to listen to Trump's words, but to hear what's in his heart. Who knew he had one? He heaps scorn and ridicule on just about everybody, including, amazingly, those who voted for him, telling them "I don't need you anymore"! Advertisement Tuesday's Quickly had someone on Medicare complain that their supplement went up $76 a month. I am beginning my third year with the same supplement and mine went up $3 a month. It is an incredible plan, very reasonably priced that I am very pleased with. I shopped with an insurance agent who came up with this plan. I can only say, shop, shop, shop during the enrollment period. I'm happy I did and got rid of my Advantage Plan that was costing me a lot of money with what I had to pay. I have had extensive doctor's appointments and several MRI's during 2016 and I paid nothing! After all their outrage over Benghazi, Republicans are now threatening to cut the budget for security at American embassies by half. They won't restore the budget unless and until the Israeli embassy is moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Add extortion to the GOP talent for hypocrisy. Advertisement There should be a clause in the Constitution that prohibits the same party from being the majority in both houses at the same time. This is called checks and balances. All of Congress are multimillionaires in their own right I am sure. Do you really think they care about the 99% of us? Not in a million years. This next four years they will spend destroying the very foundation of this country. So now Trump says the taxpayers will pay for the wall. Guess he won't be kicking in any money because he doesn't pay any taxes. You Trump voters feeling like fools yet? Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Once again, Donald Trump shows his complete lack of grasp of reality, because he can't get his ego and bravado out of the way long enough to listen. The conclusion is that Russia hacked to try to influence the election. He then states that it wouldn't have mattered anyway; he still would have won. Who cares? What if North Korea lobbed a missile with the intent of landing on U.S. soil, but instead closely missed and fell short in the ocean? Would he then say, well, doesn't matter, it fell short? This guy's love affair with Putin is frightening. It's interesting that people are so upset about Russia's involvement in the past election when the U.S. made a common practice of interfering, for years, in the elections and politics of numerous countries, i.e. Chile, Argentina, Cuba. How soon we forget when it suits our purpose! President Obama had a real chance to change the black experience like no one else in our history. And he dropped the ball completely. Keep your head up because President-elect Trump and Ben Carson are going to show him how its done. Watch out for Putin and Russia. They only have half an Army, their economy is tanking big time and Trump will make it worse. If all the things the CIA is saying about Russian hacking are true, how can anyone say it had "no effect" on the election? When fewer than 100,000 votes overall changed the results in four swing states, it made a difference. The USA spies on countries, and countries spy on us. The new cyber security threat started way before the election. Like when they hacked the Post Office, the White house, the IRS and a whole host of other government bodies. And now it's a big deal because liberals don't like the new President? As if the American people even gave Putin the slightest thought when they voted. Advertisement Read more at www.post-trib.com/quickly Concordia University and Verizon Wireless are seeking approval for a new cellphone antenna to be installed atop the university's parking garage. (Concordia University) Concordia University has announced plans to increase the height of a corner of its parking garage to install a new Verizon Wireless cellphone tower, pending village approval. University officials revealed the plan to the River Forest Village Board on Jan. 9, and will now take the plan to the village's design review board. The request will then return to the village board for final approval at a future board meeting. Advertisement According to university officials, Verizon Wireless first approached them several months ago with a proposal to construct a new antenna somewhere on campus. "There's a need for Verizon coverage in the northeast corner of the village," Concordia University Vice President of Administration Dennis Witte said. "Our employees and students complain constantly about it, and the residents of the village complain constantly about it." Advertisement According to Witte, the college already has two cellphone antennas on the campus parking structure, with AT&T and T-Mobile leasing space for their respective installations. Witte said the university is currently negotiating a lease agreement with Verizon. The Verizon proposal calls for the southwest corner stairwell to increase from 65 feet to 75 feet in height to accommodate the new antenna and a "stealth installation" that will shield the equipment from view. Both Verizon and T-Mobile would share space atop the stairwell. "What we're talking about is the only real option we have short of constructing a new metal frame tower, which none of us want to do," Witte said. "Verizon has agreed to extend the stealth enclosure [atop the staircase] but make it a little more aesthetically pleasing by continuing the pattern of the windows that are in the southwest corner of the parking structure." Trustee Thomas Cargie and Village President Cathy Adduci, who live near the campus, agreed with the need for better Verizon coverage in that area of the village. "There is absolutely no coverage," Adduci said. "I literally have to go to a window [to use a cellphone]. The service has gotten worse. I've heard that from many people." Verizon representative Claire Blunk said an increase in customers having cellphones and internet service has slowed the network in that part of River Forest, which necessitated the request. "It's a capacity issue," Blunk said. "Everyone now has internet service, and those towers are getting bombarded by signals. When we add those extra installations around, they will alleviate capacity from other towers. You should see an increase in signals and service." According to Village Administrator Eric Palm, the request exceeds the maximum allowable height in the Concordia University zoning district, which requires a major amendment approved by the village. Advertisement Should the tower be completed, it would be one of the tallest structures on campus, exceeding Gross Hall's 60 feet of height and a new under-construction dormitory that has a proposed height of 64 feet. sschering@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @steveschering Jo March is determined to become a writer, despite the odds against her, in "Little Women: The Musical," based on Louisa May Alcott's semi-autobiographical novel. "It's an important theme about feminism. Jo had the strength of character to fight against society to achieve her dream," said Janet Louer, artistic director of Another Door Theatre Project. "And not only her dream but the freedom of each of her sisters to realize their true potential as whole complete women." Advertisement Another Door Theatre Project is presenting the musical under Louer's direction and choreography. Barbara Falk is the music director. Set during the period when Jo's father is fighting in the Civil War, "It's a wonderful story about family and ties that bind, and how you handle tragedy," Louer said. Advertisement Jane Margolis of Lake Forest, an 18-year-old senior at Lake Forest High School, plays Jo. "She is adventurous and extremely modern for her time," Margolis said. "She is confident and family-oriented. Jo's goal is to give her family everything they ever wanted." The actor said that Jo pursues writing because, "Not only is it her passion but she believes that's a way for her to be able to help her family get all of their dreams." Jo and her three sisters are guided by their loving mother, known as Marmee, who is played by 19-year-old Milla Guerra of Chicago. "Marmee is so full of love for her children," Guerra said. "She's a very hard worker and she cares a lot about her family and her home, and making sure that everyone around her has everything that they need." Jo's sister Meg is played by Hannah Godnick of Northbrook, an 18-year-old senior at Glenbrook North High School. "She wants a husband and a picture-perfect life in a cute house and kids," Godnick said of Meg. "She loves her sisters and is very caring. She never wants to cause any trouble.." Thirteen-year-old Noa Harris of Deerfield, a seventh-grader at Northwood Junior High School, plays Jo's little sister Amy. "She's the brat of the family," Harris said. "She's the youngest daughter. It's a fun role to play because she's very outgoing and she speaks her mind." Harris described "Little Women" as "very heartwarming. People can relate to it because it's about a family. It's not just about how perfect the family is. It's about the imperfections that are within the family and how that brings the family closer. It's really comforting." Margolis concluded that the value of this show is that, "It's so important for not only women but men to see women banding together and being able to overcome hardship." Advertisement Guerra added that one of the strengths of this production is that each actor has "a real relationship and a real connection. Putting that on top of Janet's brilliant director's vision is what's going to make it a beautiful show and a really incredible experience." 'Little Women: The Musical' When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 and 14; 1 and 5 p.m. Jan. 15 Where: Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie Tickets: $18; $14 for ages 12 and under Information: (847) 677-7761; www.skokietheatre.org/little-women Wilmette Park District commissioners have chosen Chicago-based Woohouse Tinucci Architects to design a replacement for the current Gillson Park beach house, shown in April of 2015. (Kathy Routliffe / Pioneer Press) After talking it over on a committee level, Wilmette park commissioners have decided to search for a construction manager, one who would handle the proposed Gillson Park beach house replacement project. Lakefront committee chairman Ryrie Pellaton told fellow commissioners at their Jan. 9 regular board meeting that the decision came after discussions late last year between district officials and Woodhouse Tinucci, the Chicago-based architectural company commissioners want to design and build a new beach house. Advertisement Pellaton said committee members who met Jan. 4 eventually agreed with a suggestion from Woodhouse Tinucci, which they chose for the project in December of last year, but with whom an official contract has yet to be signed. A construction manager brought in at the beginning of a project could help the district by reviewing designs as they are being created, rather than after the design phase is completed, he said. That can ultimately save money for the project, he said. Advertisement Bill Lambrecht, the district's parks and planning superintendent, told commissioners that the district has used construction managers for major projects in the past; the position would replace that of a general contractor, he said. At the Jan. 9 board meeting, Commissioner Bryan Abbott, who is on the lakefront committee, said a construction manager can be more client-focused then a general contractor. Executive Director Steve Wilson said Jan. 10 that he and Lambrecht spoke just before the holidays with David Woodhouse and Andy Tinucci as part of their effort to complete an official contract. The two indicated a preference for having a construction manager as early as the project's pre-construction phase, he said. "They said they felt a better process would be had by having one involved from the beginning, which ultimately results in a better design, which then results in having a smoother construction project," Wilson said. At the Jan. 4 lakefront committee meeting, members asked staff to put out a request for proposals, or RFP, so that committee members could discuss potential hires as quickly as possible, Pellaton said. Wilson said that responses to the RFP are due Feb. 2, which will allow committee members to review them at their Feb. 6 meeting. At that point, the committee could give staff more guidance on how to proceed in choosing a manager, he said. In addition to designing a replacement for Gillson Park's aging beach house, Woodhouse Tinucci would look at redesigning the beach parking lot to deal with current flooding problems, while keeping the same number of parking stalls. kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com Advertisement Twitter: @pioneer_kathy Jack Ma (R), the founder and executive chairman of the Alibaba Group, met with US president-elect Donald Trump on Monday. [Photo/VCG] Jack Ma, founder and chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, on Monday met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and they discussed plans to help U.S. small businesses sell products to China through the company's platform. "I think the president-elect is very smart, he's very open-minded to listen. I told him my ideas about how to improve trade, especially to improve small business, cross border trade," Ma told reporters at Trump tower in New York after meeting with Trump. "We specifically talked about ... supporting 1 million small businesses, especially in the Midwest of America. Small businesses on the platform selling products -- agriculture products and America services - to China and Asia," he said. They also discussed the China-U.S. relationship, which should be "strengthened" and "more friendly", according to Ma. "(Trump) has concerns, and he has solutions, that he wants to discuss with China and us," he said. "We had a great meeting, and a great, great entrepreneur, one of the best in the world," Trump told reporters after the meeting. "Jack and I are going to do some great things." Alibaba group said on Monday via its official twitter that the company works with U.S. companies and farmers to sell to over 450 million Chinese consumers on its platform, and it has set a goal of helping one million U.S. small businesses export to China. The Wechat app. [Xinhua] Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd launched "mini apps" on Monday, which let users interact with app-like services within its instant messaging app WeChat, without having to download and install them. Users just need to scan the QR code or search from their WeChat accounts to open these apps, where they could book tickets or do shopping, Tencent said. They can exit the apps easily without downloading them, these apps won't disturb users, such as by sending notifications and subscription messages, according to Tencent. This is an important step in Tencent's commercialization of its messaging service. WeChat now has 846 million users worldwide, according to Tencent's fiscal 2016 third-quarter earnings report. Lu Zhenwang, CEO of Shanghai-based Wanqing Consultancy, said: "The launch of mini apps can solve some of the problems caused by apps, but it won't take the place of AppStore or Android Market." "Some 'lightweight' apps, which possess fewer functions and more simple algorithms, and apps that are not commonly used, are more suitable as WeChat's mini apps. However, the commonly used ones should still be downloaded to your phone," Lu added. Dong Xu, an analyst with Beijing-based consultancy Analysis, said: "With the mini apps, users could find and use them whenever they need, and won't receive any advertising when they stop using them." The aim is to ensure users spend more time on WeChat and extend Tencent's lead as an app vendor. Mobile app developers are vying for users in the fiercely competitive and lucrative market. Chinese people check their WeChat 14.5 times on average and spend 48 minutes on social media per day, according to a report released by Chinese tech startup Kika. Wang Qian, an employee of an IT company, has tried the "mini apps" since they were launched on Monday. "The design of these apps is very clear, and will increase the utilization rate of the WeChat wallet. Maybe it could replace some apps, but I still prefer to download apps from my app store." A truck transfers containers at Qingdao port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 8, 2016. [Xinhua] China's economy is estimated to grow by about 6.7 percent in 2016, the top economic planner said Tuesday. The economy would exceed 70 trillion yuan (about 10.1 trillion U.S. dollars) last year, an increase of 5 trillion yuan, Xu Shaoshi, minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a news briefing. Steady growth and the performance of new sectors have debunked predictions that China's economy will collapse or face a hard landing, and the growth rate was remarkable among major economies, he said. Citing a report by the International Monetary Fund, he said that China may have contributed 1.2 percentage points, or over 30 percent, of the world's economic growth in 2016, while the United States might account for 0.3 percentage points. This would mean China has been the top engine of global growth for 10 years in a row. China is confident in and capable of maintaining the reasonable growth rate thanks to its economic structural reforms and emerging new sources of growth, Xu said. As China adapts to a new normal of moderate-to-high growth, it has tried to shift from an export-and-investment driven economy to one that is more sustainable and draws strength from consumption, services and innovation. In the first three quarters of 2016, the economy expanded 6.7 percent, well within the government's target range of between 6.5 and 7 percent. During that period, the service sector accounted for 52.8 percent of value-added industrial output, 13.3 percentage points higher than secondary industry, while consumption accounted for 71 percent of the growth, up 13 percentage points, Xu said. Meanwhile, value-added industrial output of the high-tech manufacturing sector and innovative industries increased 10.6 percent and 10.87 percent, respectively, from the previous year, he said. The economy is in better shape for cleaner development, with a five-percent drop of energy consumption per unit of GDP and continuous declines of major pollutant emissions, he added. Besides, the country has exceeded its annual target for job creation, adding over 13 million new jobs in 2016. The latest sign of a warming economy came on Tuesday as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said China's producer price index (PPI), which measures costs for goods at the factory gate, narrowed its decline in 2016 from the previous year. PPI for the whole of 2016 dropped 1.4 percent year on year. The pace of decline was 3.8 percentage points narrower compared to that of 2015. The reading increased 5.5 percent year on year in December 2016, the biggest gain since September 2011 and marked the fourth straight month of increases. A rebound in PPI could boost corporate profits and lower financing costs, said Deng Haiqing, chief economist with JZ Securities. The NBS also released figures on China's consumer inflation in 2016, with the consumer price index rising two percent, a reading below the government's three-percent target. A Chinese submarine stops over Malaysia on January 7, 2017. [Photo: People's Daily] The information office of China's Ministry of National Defense (MOD) confirmed on Jan. 7 a stopover in Malaysia by a Chinese submarine. It was the first time that a Chinese submarine had visited Malaysia, which, according to analysts, is a sign of alleviated tension in the South China Sea. The submarine, together with a navy support ship, arrived in Kota Kinabalu on Jan. 3, prepared to stay for four days, a Malaysian naval official told the Wall Street Journal. Kota Kinabalu houses a naval base facing the South China Sea. The information office of MOD confirmed this announcement, saying that the submarine and support ship arrived at the port for rest and recreation after completing an escort mission to the Gulf of Aden and Somalia. It was the second confirmed port visit by a Chinese submarine, following a visit to Sri Lanka in 2014. A specialist told the Global Times on Jan. 7 that the stopover reflects China's goal of improving its military operations outside the context of war. This puts greater pressure on the performance of China's submarines. "China serves as a major force for protecting global marine safety. Therefore, it's normal for the country's navy to appear in every corner of the world," the specialist said. The Wall Street Journal argued that the stopover is a display of Chinas expanding underseas force, and a further sign of power realignment in Southeast Asia. However, the specialist refuted the idea that submarine stopovers are a universal practice of all navies, and stated that the Chinese navy's global presence will be a new normal in the coming years. The docking of a Chinese submarine - a sensitive underwater craft - at the port indicates a friendly relation between China and Malaysia. The specialist believes that China's relations with ASEAN nations, especially Malaysia, have significantly improved, which will benefit regional peace and stability. Overinterpretation is unnecessary, the specialist added. Another professional remarked that guesses and comments about the Chinese navy by other countries are reasonable, due to the freedom of speech. However, these public statements won't impact China's resolution to protect its overseas interests and safeguard world peace. The rocket Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) has sent three satellites into space in its first commercial mission on Monday. The rocket Kuaizhou-1A carrying the satellite JL-1 and two CubeSats XY-S1 and Caton-1 blasts off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, Jan. 9, 2017. The rocket sent three satellites into space in its first commercial mission on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Jiangbo) The rocket, carrying the satellite JL-1 and two CubeSats XY-S1 and Caton-1, blasted off from northwestern China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at around 12:11 p.m. Monday Beijing Time, according to a statement from the center. The KZ-1A was developed from the Kuaizhou-1 rocket with improvements in adaptability. It is a low-cost solid-fuelled carrier rocket with high reliability and short preparation period and was designed to launch low-orbit satellites weighing under 300 kg. The JL-1 is a multifunctional remote-sensing satellite providing high-definition video images which is expected to be used for land resource and forestry surveying, environmental protection, transport and disaster prevention and relief purposes. The XY-S1 and Caton-1 are experimental satellites to test technologies of low-orbit narrow-band communication and VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) respectively. A rocket technology company under the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation was responsible for the launch mission. The success of the mission marks the company's capability of providing flexible, convenient, quick and economical launch services for domestic and overseas clients, said the statement. The number of corrupt officials who have escaped overseas has declined sharply amid an intensified anti-graft drive, a senior official said on Monday. Since 2014, the number of newly identified corrupt officials who have fled China has fallen annually, said Liu Jianchao, director of the International Cooperation Bureau under the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. In 2016, 19 corrupt officials escaped abroad to avoid legal punishment, decreasing by 89 percent compared with 101 in 2014, according to CCDI. "Tightened management of the officials' passports and measures adopted to prevent the suspects from leaving the country all contributed to the sharp decline of the newly added fugitives," said Huang Feng, a law professor at Beijing Normal University. China also has enhanced law enforcement cooperation with other countries, improving the success rate in returning fugitives from overseas to face trial, which also serves as a deterrent, he said. Between early 2014 and the end of 2016, Chinese judicial officers had returned 2,566 corrupt fugitives from more than 70 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada and Singapore, according to the CCDI. They also confiscated 8.64 billion yuan ($1.25 billion) in illegal assets. A large number of corrupt Chinese officials have escaped to countries such as the United States, partly because of the lack of a bilateral extradition treaty and differences in their legal systems. Such officials transferred billions of yuan in illicit assets to foreign accounts through money laundering or underground banks. Since April 2015, when Interpol issued red notices for the capture of the 100 most-wanted Chinese corrupt officials, 37 have been returned from more than 16 countries and regions. Half of the rest are still at large in the US and Canada. Liu said they will improve judicial cooperation, including intelligence sharing and joint investigation, with their counterparts, especially in Western countries. They also will conduct more case by case negotiations with US judicial authorities on important cases. He said they also will work on collecting solid evidence in China on the fugitives to offer their counterparts as much information as possibleincluding the suspects' location and how assets were moved and where they arewhen they request foreign judicial assistance in arresting the fugitives and confiscating their dirty money. China will conduct a new round of its multiagency Sky-net campaign against the fugitives in March or April, according to CCDI. "No matter who is involved and wherever they flee, we will make every effort to bring them back to face justice," Liu added. So called "anti-smog" tea is unreliable and may even cause additional health risks, an expert in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) told China Central Television. Liu Quanqing, president of the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, warned consumers against such teas, which are being promoted by some vendors as a way to clean the lungs amid the heavy smog that persists in parts of China. What we eat or drink is digested and absorbed in our digestive system, while the PM2.5 particles enter our respiratory system through nose. The two systems are independent, Liu said. "I've looked at many formulas. They all contain ingredients that are medicines and can't be used as food, which may cause health problems if taken for a long time," the expert said. Liu added that other suggested remedies for cleaning the lungs, such as eating kelp, radish or wood-ear fungus, were also not genuine. "The lungs have a natural cleaning system. For example, we cough to help the lungs flush out impurities," he said. From a TCM perspective, adjusting one's mood or eating habits could be more helpful in strengthening the immune system, Liu said. In the past few days, as Beijing has been continuously shrouded in heavy smog, Liu's hospital has not seen a rise in the number of patients with actual respiratory problems. However, many patients have come in with mental health problems and fears related to the increase in smog, with many concerned about developing asthma, for example. Liu advises the public to develop good eating habits, enhance their immune systems and try to relax mentally to better cope with smoggy days. "The Great Wall is an amazing sight, and it deserves to be seen in its best light," said William Lindesay in an interview with the BBC, after filming the wall from the air with the help of his family. William Lindesay and his wife, Wu Qi, show Mongolian herders postcards of a more familiar Great Wall, near Beijing. [Photo/China Daily] The Lindesays spent a total of 60 days tracing the world wonder with their drone in 2016, celebrating William's 60th birthday and his 30th year of living in China "for the wall", according to the BBC report. William Lindesay is an Englishman living in Beijing, devoted to exploring, researching and protecting the mammoth construction. Childhood dream Lindesay was born in 1956, in Wallasey, a small town in north England. He studied geography and geology at Liverpool University. His love of the Great Wall of China began when he was 11. The headmaster of his school asked students to put three books by the bedside: the Bible, a prayer book and an atlas. Looking at the map of China in the atlas at one night, Lindesay came across the saw-tooth-like line that zigzags through the vast expanse of north China. "I fell in love with it immediately," he said in an interview with China Daily. "I thought it would be a great journey, a great adventure if one day I could travel along it, from end to end." Most people forget their childhood dreams and end up doing something else. "But I am one of those rare exceptions," Lindesay said. Three decades for the wall Lindesay's about 3,000-km solo run along the Great Wall began in 1987. It's an epic journey from the far west of China to the point where the structure meets the sea. Running the length of the wall was a brave expedition, venturing into sparsely populated regions where there was little chance of help if the runner had a mishap. The Briton endured extreme heat, giant blisters and chronic fatigue during the grueling run, which took place in two parts, during spring and fall, to avoid the more extreme heat of midsummer. On one expedition out in the Gobi Desert, the explorer almost died from dehydration. During another trip, Lindesay and his team ventured deep into the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, and located a previously unknown section of the wall. In total, Lindesay estimates in an interview with China Daily, he has spent about 1,600 days of his life, or four full years, on the Great Wall in all seasons. Lindesay's devotion to the wall is more than exploration. As of 2016, the 30th year of his journey along the Great Wall, he had published five books on the structure. Lindesay is winner of the 1998 Friendship Award and 2008 Beijing Great Wall Friendship Award, according to the website of China's State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. He also received the Order of the British Empire from the Queen in 2006 for his contribution to cultural exchanges between China and Britain. Campaigning for the wall's environment Lindesay and his wife, Wu Qi, whom he got to know and fell in love with during his trips in China, had a farmhouse at the foot of the wall. During his exploration, he noticed some sections of the wall were badly damaged and covered with litter. Modernization and development were making the situation even worse. "Some people say it will take generations to change; I say we don't have generations of time. It's got to be much quicker," he said. A name card is usually a small piece of paper with a person's name, address, telephone number and professional title printed on it. But Lindesay uses a garbage bag as his calling card. The cloth bag bears a set of nine simple guidelines in Chinese, which calls on people to observe while traveling or camping outdoors: "Take your own garbage home," "Pick up litter left by others," "Don't damage plants or flowers, or pick fruit" and lots more. Lindesay always carries a garbage bag with him in the wilderness, picking litter along the way. In 2001, Lindesay founded the International Association of Friends on the Great Wall, which uses volunteers from across the planet to collect garbage and protect the wall. Since 1994, he has organized two major "Great Wall Clean Ups", according to the information from his personal website. His wife Wu is president-assistant of the association, and is also concerned with the wall's environment protection. Thanks to his contribution to the protection of the wall, Yulin city in Shaanxi province made him an honorary citizen in 2007. Now a permanent Chinese resident, Lindesay lives in Beijing with his wife and two sons. He believes children are the most influential members of society. Yes, not only influential, but also very creative. The drone filming idea came from his sons. The filming results, as he sees them, have been "out of this world". It's definitely a great gift for his 60th birthday. You are here: Home Xi Xiaoming, former vice president of the Supreme People's Court, stood trial at a court in Tianjin Municipality Tuesday on charges of taking bribes. Prosecutors alleged that from 1996 to 2015, Xi took advantage of various official positions to offer favors to entities and individuals in the handling of cases and company listings, accepting bribes worth about 114.6 million yuan (16.6 million U.S. dollars) either personally or through his family. Xi pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. More than 60 people, including representatives of local legislators, political advisors, journalists and members of the public, were present at the open trial. The verdict will be announced at a later date. Soon after Donald Trump won the United States presidential election in November, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Jin Liqun said Washington might now consider endorsing or even joining the AIIB. In fact, cooperation between China and the US is the only way ahead. What are the benefits, advantages and characteristics of Beijing-Washington cooperation and China's investments in infrastructure overseas? What are Chinese companies doing in the infrastructure industry worldwide? Chinese companies are very active in Southeast Asia, one of the world's fastest-growing regions. China Railway Construction Corporation won the bid to build the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail in Indonesia. And a similar project is in the pipeline in Thailand, which would connect Bangkok with Chinese cities. The CRCC may also get the contract to build the prestigious Malaysia-Singapore link. This "high-speed rail diplomacy" is important not only because it creates employment and opportunities of technology transfer, but also because faster links help bolster a sense of unity, which at present doesn't seem particularly strong in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Even more interesting is China's engagement with Central Asian countries and Russia. The Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road) could shift the center of world trade to Eurasia. Infrastructure investments already include the China-Kazakhstan oil pipeline and the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline, which might be upgraded with a new line. With regard to railways, China will contribute to improve their quality in Kazakhstan. China is also investing in Kyrgyzstan's outdated railway network and planning a new link with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, which already has a high-speed rail between Samarkand and Tashkent. China Railway Tunnel Group has meanwhile completed a key tunnel between Tashkent and Namangan in Uzbekistan, a crucial link on the new Silk Road, which shows Chinese investments in Central Asia are bringing to the region lots of benefits. Moreover, Central Asia is the gateway to further investment and initiatives in Russia, Iran and ultimately Europe. China is working on the high-speed railway between Moscow and Kazan. The 770-km distance that now needs 12 hours to travel can be covered in 3.5 hours by the high-speed railway. Needless to say, China is using technology and creating opportunities in the region where for two decades Western recipes resulted in more poverty, deprivation and political chaos. What about the ailing European Union? Since 2012 China has used the "16+1" official initiative for Central and Eastern European countries. The CRCC won a contract in 2015 to build a high-speed railway between Belgrade and Budapest to improve Intra-EU connectivity. Chinese companies have already built the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway in Turkey, and are working to win a project to connect Turkey and Greece with Central and Northern Europe. Central and Eastern Europe (the Balkan region in particular) suffered a lot because of the neoliberal policies that forced them to depend on Western Europe and the US. Now China is offering them a truly "win-win" opportunity to catch up. Sadly, the EU is overwhelmed with problems and has so far found no way to tackle the rise of "populism", which is unfortunate because the EU was the first to highlight the importance of continental networks and high-speed rail links, at the time of the Delors Commission and the European Monetary Union's birth. Today, the EU stands to strongly benefit from faster rail links with China and East Asia, which will greatly boost the continent's industrial capacity through further investment. China has shown the EU what a continent-scale state can achieve despite distances and regional imbalances; the EU, in contrast, has remained a prisoner of local and national interests. From another angle, the US, too, has to realize the importance of both domestic and international connections. US president-elect Trump and his incoming administration should take note of this. Ernesto Gallo is a tutor of business, law and social sciences at Kaplan International College, London, and Giovanni Biava is an energy and gas consultant at Exelen group. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a rally in New York City on November 9 (XINHUA/REUTERS) It is commonsense that Donald Trump, in lack of better words, is unorthodox and unusual when it comes to diplomacy. He has a childlike obsession with Twitter, where he likes to launch broad tirades laced with tortured puns and tired sarcasms, against his real and perceived enemies. Some of it stems from his genuine beliefs about wrongs done to the United States and the victimhood he and his country faced since the collapse of the Soviet Union. According to this belief, the U.S. has suffered despite providing leadership in international affairs, because everyone took advantage. The second reason for his tweet diplomacy is a more simple psychological need of seeking validation and stems from relative insecurity and narcissism. However, in one aspect his tweets are going to cause a major crisis soon, and that is with regards to North Korea. Xinhua sort of predicted it , but trust me, we in the West already know and are waiting for it to happen. North Korea recently said that it wants to test a long range ICBM which is capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. This would indeed be a provocative act and the U.S. and Chinese governments are both understandably worried. However, a role reversal has happened, and it is not the U.S. but China which is now playing the responsible side. As The Washington Post reported, Donald Trump once wanted to invite Kim Jong-un to eat a hamburger and to persuade him to give up his nuclear ambition, but he more recently said that nuclear test must not happen. It is at this stage it gets complicated. Diplomacy is not a linear effort. There are questions of perception and resolve which determine state action and even start conflicts. There are places and situations where ambiguity can be beneficial, but on the other hand, there are situations where ambiguity can be fatal. For example, in the days leading up to the Iraq invasion in 2003, there was flawed intelligence in the United States regarding Saddam's WMDs. Unfortunately, despite repeated threats, Iraq and Saddam couldn't come out and be clear about the fact that they didn't possess any WMD. The reason was more complicated than one can imagine. As subsequently revealed, Saddam was confused and was not even in charge of day to day running of the government, much less possessing and planning a WMD attack. But he couldn't come out with the information in fear of looking weak to his rival Iran and his domestic audience. International politics is strange, and perception of strength is extremely important. As Doug Bandow of CATO wrote recently , China and United States have actually successfully worked on North Korea. Both countries agreed on U.N.-led sanctions, China pressured North Korea on participating in international negotiations and has repeatedly held talks with South Korea on helping to decrease tensions in the peninsula. However, China also doesn't want complete chaos right in its neighborhood. To ensure order, as recent events in the last two decades have shown, is much more important than chaos. And that has been and should be the guiding principle of any responsible great power. Unfortunately that's a major problem and something Trump doesn't seem to understand. It takes a lot more than a few tweets to address a situation as complicated and historical as the Korean peninsula. The worst that can happen is it can send differing and contradictory signals to other powers including Japan, South Korea and China, not to mention it can send even potentially hostile signals to the North. The need of the hour is to diffuse the situation rather than exacerbate it, and Trump, despite his transactional businesslike approach to geopolitics, should understand that not everyone can "win" in every battle. Sumantra Maitra is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SumantraMaitra.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash In an interview to French media, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said "to negotiate everything" to reach peace and restore stability in the country but noted talks success depends on "who will be from the other side". Speaking to France info, RTL radio and LCP on Sunday, al-Assad stressed his government "is open" to discuss "everything", including the end of the civil war and Syria's future, but "with a Syrian, local opposition to discuss Syrian problems." Asked if he would negotiate his position as president, al-Assad said "my position is linked to the Constitution." He added that that any new Constitution must be put to a referendum, stressing that it was up to the Syrian people to elect the president. After Syrian forces retake rebel-held area in eastern Aleppo, the al-Assad-led Syrian government agreed to discuss with the opposition a Russian and Turkish-backed peace deal in the Kazakh capital of Astana later this month. At the end of December, the Syrian government and main armed opposition groups had agreed on a truce accord, the third agreement brokered in 2016, in order to pave the way for peace talks. However, few days after the deal took into effect, rebels threatened to abandon it, accusing the rival side of violating it. Syria peace talks have been on hold since April last year amid protracted violence. Flash Madelyn Ruyle (middle), 11, from the United States, is one of 17 United Nations panda champions, 15 of whom are visiting Chengdu, Sichuan province, this week. Her father, who accompanied her, takes a photo. [Photo/China Daily] Sixteen-year-old Vera Kalinina, from Sudoverf, Russia, was thrilled to see live pandas on Monday at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan Province. It's appropriate because Kalinina is one of 17 people from 14 countries chosen to be United Nations Panda Champions for the Global Goals. For five days this week, 15 of the 17 are in Chengdu to learn about pandas. The envoys are from Algeria, Nigeria, Britain, Russia, France, Mexico, Columbia, Peru, Jordan, the United States, South Korea, Pakistan, China and Japan. Their trip, financed by the breeding center, is part of their prize for winning an online contest. Two of the panda envoys couldn't make the trip. Learning about pandas, listed internationally as a vulnerable species, will help them spread the word about the UN sustainable development goals back at home, officials said. The goals include ending hunger and protecting oceans and forests. The group of 15 includes an artist and writer, six students, a university faculty member, a government employee, a communications professional, a graphic designer, a researcher, a Chinese paper-cutting master, the founder of a nonprofit group and a tech freelancer. They also will meet Qiqi and Diandian, twin pandas who are the UN Development Programme's first Animal Ambassadors. Through Friday, the 15 champions will be involved in taking care of panda cubs, engaging in wilderness training to learn about reintroducing captive pandas to the wild in the Dujiangyan Field Center, and tracking wild pandas in the Sichuan Longxi-Hongkou National Nature Reserve, according to Chen Cheng, spokeswoman for the center. "This will allow them to experience the whole process in person: from captive breeding to efforts to reintroduce pandas to nature," she said. They will also discuss development issues and their hopes for the future with primary school students in Chengdu, officials said. Madelyn Ruyle, 11, is the youngest of the 17 envoys. The elementary school student from Tampa, Florida, in the US, is on her first Asian trip and is accompanied by her father, Jim Ruyle, a pharmacy sales executive. Madelyn has loved pandas since she was 6 years old and has visited US zoos that have them, her father said. She loves volunteering at her church and school, and is eager to spread the word about sustainable development goals, he said. Flash Iraqi security forces on Monday retook control of three neighborhoods in the city of Mosul, as fierce clashes to drive out the Islamic State (IS) militants continued, the Iraqi military said. In the eastern front, the elite forces of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) completely freed the neighborhood of Baladiyat and made a significant progress in the adjacent neighborhood of Sukkar, amid fierce clashes with the extremist militants, a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command said. The battles in the two neighborhoods left some 25 militants killed and a booby-trapped car destroyed, the statement said. Also in the day, the CTS commandos carried out operation to clear the neighborhoods of Furqan and Atibaa in eastern side of the city, after the troops recaptured them from IS militants in the past few days after heavy clashes, the source said. During the clearing operation, dozens of IS militants attacked the troops in Furqan neighborhood, but the troops repelled their attack, killing some 30 militants and destroying two of their vehicles carrying heavy machine guns, the source added. In the southeastern front, the Iraqi federal police and army soldiers freed the neighborhoods of Domiz and Palestine after days of heavy street-to-street fighting against IS militants, while the battles continued in the nearby neighborhoods of al-Salam and Sumer, leaving dozens of IS militants killed and destroying three booby-trapped vehicles, the statement said. The troops also attacked the neighborhoods of Sahiron and East Yarimja in southern Mosul amid heavy clashes with the terrorist militants, according to the statement. In the northern front, the army soldiers backed by international aircraft continued their sporadic clashes during clearing operation to many of the 168-building residential compound of Hadbaa, which were freed in the advance which occurred for the time on Friday in the northern edges of the eastern side of Mosul, the statement said. The battles in Mosul came as the CTS commandos, army troops and federal police launched on Dec. 29 the second phase of a major offensive to free Mosul. The troops made their new push into several neighborhoods in the eastern side of Mosul, locally known as the left bank of the Tigris River. Last month, battles in Mosul had been slowed as extremist militants used locals as human shields, resorted to suicide car bombs and made mortar and sniper attacks in stiff resistance. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a recent report that the military operations in Mosul, have pushed about 136,000 civilians to flee their homes in the city and its adjacent districts since the beginning of military offensive in October to reclaim the IS largest stronghold in Iraq. More than 1.5 million people were trapped in the city of roughly two million population previously. Cold winter worsened the conditions for the displaced people who suffered severe shortages of food and water, while camps and other emergency shelters reached maximum capacity. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Oct. 17 announced a major offensive to retake Mosul, the country's second largest city. Since then, Iraqi security forces, backed by international coalition forces, have inched to the eastern fringes of Mosul and made progress on other routes around the city. Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. Flash The Kremlin on Monday refuted accusations of Russia's involvement in hacker attacks during the U.S. 2016 presidential election, saying that it was a "tiresome witch-hunt." "We continue to categorically rule out any involvement of Moscow and ...Russian officials and agencies in any hacker attacks," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Earlier this month, the U.S. intelligence community published the declassified part of a report "Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent U.S. Elections," claiming that "Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election." The report said Moscow's action aimed to "undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process," via Russian government agencies, state-funded media, paid social media users as well as hackers, in order to secure Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election. Peskov said that the allegations in the U.S. intelligence community publication had no proof and had been prepared at an "amateur, emotional level," which is hardly applicable to the highly professional work of high-quality security services. On Sunday, the Trump team said Trump has accepted the U.S. intelligence community's findings that Russia was behind the cyber attacks targeting the presidential election, accusations that Trump has repeatedly rebuffed. But Trump has said that the alleged hacking activities had no impact on the election results and he didn't directly acknowledge Moscow's responsibility. Flash Russia and the Philippines are likely to sign an agreement in spring that would strengthen military cooperation between Moscow and Manila, the Philippine defense chief said on Monday. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters that Manila is finalizing the memorandum of agreement that is expected to be signed in April or May this year when President Rodrigo Duterte visits Russia. "If we finish the nitty-gritty (of the agreement then it will be signed)," he said, adding the agreements would allow troops of both countries to conduct military drills, exchange personnel, observe military activities. Lorenzana said Moscow and Manila started hammering out the agreement in 2014 but was not finished. "It didn't progress so we are going to finish it," Lorenzana said, adding the agreement "is almost finish." He said that when the agreement is signed then military personnel from both countries can observe military exercises, or send students to our schools and vice versa to gain military experience. "It's an exchange of visits," he said. Lorenzana clarified that the agreement would just be a "military-to-military cooperation." "It's not similar to the U.S. which is a treaty (like) the Mutual Defense Treaty which mandates them to help is in case we're attacked. We won't have that with Russia," Lorenzana said. Meanwhile, Lorenzana said that a group of Russian military officers are due to visit the Philippines this month to discuss the type of weapons that the Philippine military plans to acquire from Russia. Last week, Russian anti-submarine destroyer Admiral Tributs and a large sea tanker Boris Butoma have docked in Manila for a goodwill visit. Duterte even spent almost an hour on board the Russian anti-submarine destroyers Admiral Tributs. "Hope you could come back more often. Long live!," Duterte said after the visit. The visit of the two Russian navy ships is the first during the administration of President Duterte who is forging a strong diplomatic alliance with Russia. Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev told a news conference last week that Russia is "ready to supply small arms and light weapons, some airplanes, helicopters, submarines and many other weapons. Sophisticated weapons. Not the second-hand ones." "Russia has a lot to offer but everything will be done in full compliance with international law," he said in a news conference aboard the Russian anti-submarine destroyer Admiral Tributs. China Aviation Daily | Jan. 10, 2017 Having the title of "the carrier that flies to the most countries in the World" with 295 destinations in 119 countries, Turkish Airlines now adds Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, to its extensive flight network as from March 30, 2017. Beginning from March 30, Kharkiv flights will be operated 4 times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. This figure will increase to 7 times per week as of May 30th. Round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Kharkiv starting from 109 US Dollars (including taxes and fees). Additionally, for the first 6 months of operation to the new destinations, there is a special offer for Miles&Smiles members, with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades.* Kharkiv flight times as scheduled from March 30; Flight No. Starting Date Days Departure Arrival TK1473 Mar. 30, 2017 1,3,4,7 IST 6:40 HRK 8:50 TK1474 Mar. 30, 2017 1,3,4,7 HRK 9:45 IST 12:25 TK1475 30-May-17 2,5,6 IST 18:40 HRK 20:50 TK1476 30-May-17 2,5,6 HRK 21:45 IST 0:25 +1 By Mark Elliott, Travel Daily Media | Jan. 10, 2017 China Airlines has started flying its latest long-haul aircraft, the Airbus A350, to Amsterdam. The Taiwan-based carrier commenced a new non-stop service to the Netherlands in December 2016, in partnership with KLM. And effective January 8, 2017, the four weekly Taipei-Amsterdam flights will be operated using the 306-seat, four-class A350. China Airlines took delivery of its first ever A350 in September last year. Meanwhile, the airline has revealed plans to reduce its Indian operations. For the 2017 summer season, running from March 26 to October 28, the airline will cut its Taipei-Delhi service from three to two flights per week. Madelyn Ruyle (middle), 11, from the United States, is one of 17 United Nations panda champions, 15 of whom are visiting Chengdu, Sichuan province, this week. Her father, who accompanied her, takes a photo. Sixteen-year-old Vera Kalinina, from Sudoverf, Russia, was thrilled to see live pandas on Monday at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan province. It's appropriate because Kalinina is one of 17 people from 14 countries chosen to be United Nations Panda Champions for the Global Goals. For five days this week, 15 of the 17 are in Chengdu to learn about pandas. The envoys are from Algeria, Nigeria, Britain, Russia, France, Mexico, Columbia, Peru, Jordan, the United States, South Korea, Pakistan, China and Japan. Their trip, financed by the breeding center, is part of their prize for winning an online contest. Two of the panda envoys couldn't make the trip. Learning about pandas, listed internationally as a vulnerable species, will help them spread the word about the UN sustainable development goals back at home, officials said. The goals include ending hunger and protecting oceans and forests. The group of 15 includes an artist and writer, six students, a university faculty member, a government employee, a communications professional, a graphic designer, a researcher, a Chinese paper-cutting master, the founder of a nonprofit group and a tech freelancer. They also will meet Qiqi and Diandian, twin pandas who are the UN Development Programme's first Animal Ambassadors. Through Friday, the 15 champions will be involved in taking care of panda cubs, engaging in wilderness training to learn about reintroducing captive pandas to the wild in the Dujiangyan Field Center, and tracking wild pandas in the Sichuan Longxi-Hongkou National Nature Reserve, according to Chen Cheng, spokeswoman for the center. This will allow them to experience the whole process in person: from captive breeding to efforts to reintroduce pandas to nature, she said. They will also discuss development issues and their hopes for the future with primary school students in Chengdu, officials said. Madelyn Ruyle, 11, is the youngest of the 17 envoys. The elementary school student from Tampa, Florida, in the US, is on her first Asian trip and is accompanied by her father, Jim Ruyle, a pharmacy sales executive. Madelyn has loved pandas since she was 6 years old and has visited US zoos that have them, her father said. She loves volunteering at her church and school, and is eager to spread the word about sustainable development goals, he said. Models sunbathe on the deck of a recreational a yacht show in 2015 in Sanya, Hainan province. [Photo provided to China Daily] Sales of yachts are down due to slowing economic growth and the government's austerity policies, but yacht clubs have found a new way to generate income: boat rentals. According to Yang Xinfa, deputy secretary-general of the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, the yacht industry has been undergoing a sharp decline in the past five years. Up to 75 percent of Chinese yacht companies are fulfilling fewer orders and fewer people are visiting boat shows. "Boat rental is probably the key to solve the current deadlock," said Yang. And the central government shares a similar view on this. During an executive meeting of the State Council in October 2016, Premier Li Keqiang reiterated the importance of expanding domestic consumption in various business segments. With regard to the shipbuilding industry's segments, he said yacht rentals could be one way to ensure domestic consumption increases. Actually, there are some industry pioneers who have already tested the waters. Fujian Yihong Yacht Co Ltd, the first company of its kind to be listed on the National Equities Exchange and Quotations in February 2016, launched its boating experience project in partnership with online travel agency Lvmama in Shanghai, Sanya and Xiamen in May 2016. Priced only 328 yuan ($47) per person, the experience is aimed at the mass market. According to Fan Liwei, director of Yihong, the Chinese yacht market will hit 40 billion yuan annually for the next 10 years. Most of thatroughly 35 billionwill be accounted for by cheaper boats that cater to the general public. This is the major reason that Yihong is exploring the rental market, said Fan. Lizhi Wisdom Club, formerly known as Bahrfuss Yachting Sales Co Ltd, has a history of more than 16 years in Shanghai. The company's boat rental business has grown steadily over the years. By the end of 2016, the boat rental business has generated one-third of the company's annual income. Rental charges are fixed according to the size of the boat and range from 4,000 yuan to 12,000 yuan an hour. A 55-feet (16.76-meter) yacht that can accommodate 10 people, for example, costs 8,000 yuan an hour in the off-peak time and 10,000 yuan during peak hours. According to Lu Xiaoya, sales director of Lizhi Wisdom, most of the clients rent the boats to entertain business partners. A growing number of the clients have also rented the boats for marriage proposals, baby showers and parties. "The boat rental business can help us find more potential clients. In the past, our boats were mainly used for going out to sea. But now we have added more Chinese characteristics such as karaoke and banquets, which Chinese clients prefer. They therefore use the boats more frequently and become members later," she said. As a major domestic yacht builder, Shanghai Double Happiness Yacht Co Ltd started its boat rental business in 2013. Currently this part of business is still in an embryonic stage as General Manager Zhou Juan has some concerns about the lack of regulations surrounding boat rentals. She said: "In mature markets, yachts are categorized as either private or commercial. Shipbuilders have to build boats based on different requirements. In China, all the regulations are made for privately owned boats. There are still no laws for commercial-use yachts. "But in the long run, yachts will be inevitably attractive to more customers, especially in first-tier cities." UBS Group AG said on Monday that the trading volume of China's A shares by its overseas clients will likely double in 2017, as China continues to liberalize its capital markets, according to a senior executive of the Swiss bank. The projection of greater foreign participation in the A share market was based on the low trading volume in 2016, due to the sharp volatilities. The expectation of a further opening up of the market, including the possible inclusion of A shares into the MSCI global benchmark index this year, is also expected to stimulate foreign demand. "The expectation of the MSCI inclusion and the strong fiscal expansion in the US under the Trump administration will likely push more overseas capital to flow into the A-share market," said Thomas Fang, head of China equities at UBS AG. Meanwhile, the increasing demand by Chinese clients for overseas asset allocation will also create new business opportunities for UBS's onshore business in China, Fang said. "While some bottlenecks still remain, we believe the overall policy stance is to support a two-way opening of the Chinese capital market and it will continue this year," he added. Gao Ting, chief China strategist at UBS Securities, said that the A-share market was likely to deliver a better performance in 2017 compared with that of the past year. "The market will be supported by the expectation of improved profitability of listed companies," Gao said, noting that the CSI 300 index, which tracks some of the largest stocks in Shanghai and Shenzhen, will likely reach the level of 3,750 by the year end. The profitability of nonfinancial listed companies in the A-share market will increase by 4 percent while financial listed companies will see their profit rise by 6.8 percent in 2017, according to Gao. But Gao warned that the political uncertainties will be a major risk for investors in 2017. External factors including Brexit, the Trump presidency, as well as uncertainties in the European elections will continue to affect investors' sentiments this year. In China, the major risk for the stock market will be the potential shift of the current accommodative monetary stance by the Chinese central bank, Gao said. "Any tightening of the monetary policies or greater than expected regulatory control to maintain financial stability could have a negative impact on market liquidity and investors' risk preference," he said. Visitors are seen on the Toy Fair at the Olympia Exhibition Center in London, Jan 27, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua] China's growing middle class and changes in the family policy mean the country is a rapidly growing market being targeted by UK toymakers, according to UK-based toy expert John Baulch. Speaking to China Daily from Asia's largest Toys and Games Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, he said: "UK toy companies are trying to open up the Asian market, particularly China, because it is a rapidly growing market." The focus at this year's fair will be on high-tech products, which toy experts say are growing in popularity, besides classic and traditional toys. "Not many toys are made in Britain anymore. The reality is that competing with China in terms of raw materials and labor costs is always a very difficult thing to do, but we do have some very good brands making headway in the Chinese market." Christmas and the gift-giving season may have only just gone by, but analysts and manufacturers are already looking for the next bestseller for Christmas 2017. Products such as STEM toysthat strengthen the learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematicsare predicted to be a hot item. So, some exhibitors are showing off their latest virtual reality and augmented reality products. Peter Jenkinson, a self-described "toyologist" from UK company Playtime PR, told China Daily: "Usually one country will start off a trend and others would follow but with VR, markets in China, the US and UK all jumped on the phenomenon at once." Jenkinson added: "VR gaming indeed made an impact on the video games market and augmented reality started to establish itself in the toy market. I am looking forward to toy companies developing their VR capabilities to create a new dimension in the 'toys to life' category." However, Baulch warned that UK consumers will have to dig deeper in their pockets this year. "2017 will be a very interesting and challenging year because, as a result of Brexit, the pound is very weak against the US dollar," Baulch said. "Most toys are produced in China and the currency there is pegged to the US dollar, so toys coming into the UK this year will cost a lot more than last because of the fluctuation in currency." He added that the toy industry is looking at how to mitigate those circumstances. According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, it is estimated that about 80 percent of toys worldwide are made in China. Industry insiders have realized that support from capital markets will be key to the restructuring and reinvigoration of the Chinese yacht industry. Fu Yuanzhuang, director of the Hainan Yachting Association, said that the yacht industry is made up of many interlinked processes from boat design and shipbuilding to the construction of peripheral facilities and sales. By introducing creative financial products catering to these different parts of the yacht business, the industry will be able to enjoy more sustained growth. The Hainan branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China did just that when it introduced the personal yacht loan in September 2015. With this, the maximum amount of a single loan is 5 million yuan ($721,500), with the longest loan term being 10 years. The loan can be used to buy yachts sold by manufacturers or dealers, and yacht berths sold by yacht service providers. Similarly, Shenzhen-based Sunfo Financial Services Co Ltd started to provide yacht loans in October. Mainly targeting the smaller boats priced at around 1 million yuan each, the company allows buyers to pay 50 percent of the total price to obtain ownership of the boat. The interested buyer will first make a loan request to Sunfo Financial. As the intermediary agent, Sunfo Financial will then seek a public fundraising for this loan request. Yan Changshi, vice-president of Sunfo Capital Management Group, parent company of Sunfo Financial said, yacht consumption is in the early stage in China. There is hardly any bubble in the market and so the risk is lower. Meanwhile, there are very clear rules for yacht berthing. There is little chance that the buyer will abscond with the boat, so the risk of default will be lower. "The people who can afford yachts are mainly those with high personal wealth, high repayment ability and good credit, all strong support for yacht loans," said Yan. Seeking capital from the stock market is a more direct way. By 2016, there were four yacht companies that listed on the National Equities Exchange and Quotations. Although the market is sluggish in general, these listed companies managed rapid growth. The total net assets attributable to shareholders of Nantong Suma Ship Equipment Manufacturing Co Ltd, which went public in March 2016, reached 12 million yuan in the first half of 2016. Fujian Yihong Yacht Co Ltd, which went public in February 2016, saw its sales in the first half of 2016 reach more than 69 million yuan, up 3.32 percent year-on-year. Yang Baomin, a senior member of the China Commercial Real Estate Association, said: "The yacht industry should receive more attention from capital markets." BEIJING - China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Monday questioned the US decision to slap heavy duties on certain construction products from China, promising necessary measures to defend the rights of companies involved. The US Commerce Department said last week that certain biaxial integral geogrid products from China had been sold in the US at dumping margins of 372.81 percent and received subsidies of between 15.61 percent and 152.5 percent. As a result, the Commerce Department will instruct US Customs and Border Protection to require cash deposits at the final rates, according to the ruling. In a comment about the move, MOC trade official Wang Hejun questioned the US investigation procedures, accusing US authorities of ignoring basic facts and abusing trade rules. Wang urged the United States to abide by WTO rules and cautiously take trade remedy measures. Biaxial integral geogrid products are used in road construction and other projects for reinforcing foundations or working platforms that are built on unstable soil. Imports of these products from China were estimated at about $9.2 million in 2014, according to US official data. China will continue to implement supply-side reform this year focusing on cutting overcapacity and fending off financial risks, the minister overseeing the nation's top economic regulator said on Tuesday. National Development and Reform Commission minister Xu Shaoshi said that despite economic downward pressure and external uncertainties, the Chinese economy has not lost its growth momentum. He said economic growth in 2016 is expected to be 6.7 percent. "China has not adopted massive stimulus measures to achieve such growth," Xu said. He added that the performance over the last year was in contrast to speculative comments that China's economy would see a hard landing or collapse. Consumption contributed 71 percent of economic growth in the first three quarters, up 13 percentage points compared to the same time last year, according to Xu. Xu said the economic growth target set for this year would reflect expectations but not be binding. His comments were in line with the tone set at the Central Economic Work Conference held in late December. The conference put more emphasis on reducing financial risks, rather than simply achieving the growth target. Commenting on progress made in five major economic tasks this year, Xu said "initial results" have been achieved and various efforts are well underway. The major tasks include cutting overcapacity in coal and steel, reducing housing inventory, lowering leverage, cutting corporate costs and improving weak economic links. Xu said efforts to cut overcapacity this year would be extended to other industries with excess capacity. Plans for cutting overcapacity this year are expected to be released this month before the Spring Festival holiday break, according to Xu. Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has met with many foreign leaders in the past two years, especially after he rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Sept 19, 2014. Here's a look at some of the most powerful global leaders who have met with Ma. Donald Trump, US President-Elect Date: January 9, 2017 Place: New York Jack Ma (right) met with US president-elect Donald Trump (left) on Jan 9, 2017. [Photo / Agencies] Jack Ma and the United States president-elect Donald Trump met at Trump Tower in New York on Monday, for what Trump described as a "great meeting". Ma agreed, saying it was "very productive". The two met with reporters briefly after the morning meeting, and said they discussed plans to create 1 million US jobs by allowing small and medium-sized businesses to sell to China through Alibaba's platforms. College graduates at a job fair in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province, June 5, 2016 [Photo/VCG] BEIJING - A newspaper survey has revealed that 67.1 percent of people see better pay as the primary incentive when applying for new jobs. The China Youth Daily survey was published in the newspaper Tuesday. Of 2,000 respondents, 64.6 percent said they were considering finding a new job. A total of 65.5 percent said they believed job-hopping was an effective way to gain a salary increase. According to the survey, those who had worked three to five years were the most willing to change their jobs. About 71.2 percent of employees with a monthly salary between 15,000 yuan and 30,000 yuan ($2,170 to $4,330) were considering new job opportunities. The respondents also mentioned factors such as difficulties in getting salary rises or promotions, poor working environment, and lack of opportunities for self-development as the reasons for them to change jobs. However, 72.7 percent said they longed for stable work. About 77.5 percent said they hoped their employers would create more reasonable systems for salary rises and promotions. Other desires included better management systems and more opportunities to build identities and chances for self-development. "Employers should have a long-term perspective, focus more on helping employees, building the talent pool and providing more chances for development so that employees will be more loyal to their employers," Zhao Di, a human resources employee in Suzhou who is considering changing jobs, told the newspaper. China urgently needs to create a group of high-level think tanks to conduct high-quality research to support China's interaction and cooperation with the world, experts say. A conference - Chinese Think Tanks Gobal Influence 2017 - was hosted in Beijing on Jan 9, with more than 300 experts attedning. Liu Wei, president of Renmin University of China, said that with China playing an ever-greater role in global economic governance, and exerting greater influence on the global economic order, its think thanks should expand their areas of research. "This asks think tanks to strengthen their cooperation and boost the development of the think tank sector, so that they will have more say and influence in the international world, and also better explain China's development experience to the world," Liu said. Jin Xin, director of the China Center for Contemporary World Studies, said that Chinese think tanks have enjoyed good timing and seized many opportunities up to now, but to increase their global influence they need to put the focus on increasing the quality of research results, and strengthen their international communication. Long Guoqiang, vice-president of the Development Research Center of the State Council, said that at present, many countries - especially developing countries - are showing great interest in China's experiences, and it is the think tanks' responsibility to summarize those experiences and share them with the world. Jiang Jianqing, chairman of the board, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Christine Lagarde, managing director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Fang Xinghai, director-general, International Economic Department, Office of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs of China and Gary D. Cohn (L-R), president and chief operating officer, Goldman Sachs, arrive for the session 'Where Is the Chinese Economy Heading?' of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland January 21, 2016.[Photo/Agencies] There has been a great deal of anxiety recently among global investors and financial experts over the state of the Chinese economy. This appears to have reached its peak during the 2016 World Economic Forum at Davos, where George Soros opined that China is facing a 'hard landing' because of mismanagement of its currency and other factors, provoking a furious rebuttal in the pages of this newspaper and elsewhere in the Chinese media. Other major Western media outlets such as The Economist and The Wall Street Journal have weighed in with negative forecasts of China's economy. Even Goldman Sachs, the US investment bank, has warned its clients to withdraw from China because of the possibility of imminent economic collapse. Now it seems that calmer heads in the Western financial community have begun to urge people not to succumb to unnecessary panic, given that the data do not warrant such an extreme reaction. Ambrose Evans-Pritchard of the UK's The Daily Telegraph has advised against what he calls the 'hysteria' which he believes has replaced rational debate both outside and within China. Yet there still seems to be great confusion over the direction of China's economy among Western financial and economic experts. Some claim a devaluation of the yuan is imminent, others deny it. There appear to be almost as many versions of China's economic future as there are experts. Thus the situation is one of turmoil, both in the markets but also in people's heads. Part of this disorder is generated by the difficult transformation that is currently occurring in China's economy, as this continent-sized nation of 1.3 billion attempts the inevitable shift from industrial production to a service economy that is unprecedented in human history in terms of size. However, part of the problem is also now being enabled by an emerging climate of fear, at least in part generated by Western media and financial pundits. Economics is unfortunately not a precise science, and is subject to the highs and lows of human emotions at least as much as it is to the influence of numbers. Many have noted that markets move up and down on waves of greed and fear. The present wave of unjustified fear and the scaremongering it has entailed is indicative of three things. The first is that it is clear evidence that China is now the most significant driver of global economic growth. There is now a largely unspoken recognition in the West that what happens in China is going to affect the futures of the whole of humanity in the twenty-first century. The second point is that this tacit admission of China's central significance to the world, delivered in a flurry of prognostications about China's economy, betrays the sense of misgiving that many in the West have about China's increasing global importance. Fear about China's economy also reveals an underlying anxiety that China is on the cusp of replacing the West as the dominant historical force of our time, and that this development, whatever its end result may turn out to be, is beyond the control of Westerners. The third and last issue is that, in all probability, large Western financial institutions suspect that the global economy may be on a downward spiral because they know full well that they have not sufficiently reformed their practices since the 2008 meltdown, and that due to their continuing malpractice (well-documented and subject to fines for banks such as HSBC in the billions of dollars) there is likely to be another banking crisis on the cards before long. In short, the 'panic' (if such it be) among financial pundits at Davos and elsewhere is indicative of a deep-seated mistrust of China, what it stands for, and where it is headed, as well as a desire to pre-emptively pass the buck if another crash comes. Jeremy Garlick is lecturer in international relations at Jan Masaryk Centre for International Studies, University of Economics in Prague. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and don't represent views of China Daily website. Workers assemble cars at a production line of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. [Photo by Tan Qingju/For China Daily] Guangzhou Automobile Group Co, which produces cars in China with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, plans to start exporting its own brand of automobiles to the US next year and become the first Chinese carmaker to begin retail sales to US consumers. GAC, which created its Trumpchi brand in 2010 after being a production partner for foreign carmakers for more than a decade, will start a research and development center in Silicon Valley in the first half of this year to prepare for the company's entry to the US, the company's President Feng Xingya said. "Exporting to the US is a key part of our efforts to become a global player and success in North America is a vital yardstick," Feng said in an interview in Detroit on Jan 8. "We won't ship our cars here before we are fully confident that our cars would nail it." Chinese automakers have set their sights on breaking into the US retail market with their own brands for a long time, with the Warren Buffett-backed BYD Co and Volvo Cars owner Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co declaring their US ambitions at least nine years ago. Neither have been able to meet that target, though BYD has begun to sell electric buses to fleet owners in the US and Volvo Cars is exporting made-in-China vehicles to US showrooms. For GAC, a successful entry will mark the culmination of at least five years of preparation. The Guangzhou, China-based company is working to develop models tailored for the US market to ensure their cars will appeal to local consumers and meet all regulatory requirements, Feng said. GAC's export plan comes as competition in China intensifies, with demand expected to grow at a slower pace. While Chinese automakers like Great Wall Motor Co and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co have been exporting to overseas markets, GAC would be the first to take a brand to developed markets with stricter emission and fuel-economy rules. The company almost doubled its delivery of Trumpchi vehicles last year to more than 380,000 units on the popularity of its GS4 and GS8 sport utility vehicles. The automaker expects to have about 10 percent of Trumpchi sales from overseas markets by 2020. Bloomberg By Ma Si in Beijing and Amy He in Las Vegas | China Daily | Updated: 2017-01-10 08:32 Visitors try VR tech of Chinese company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. [Photo/Xinhua] Push indicates strong desire to gain edge at high-end price points The growing presence of Chinese companies at the Consumer Electronics Show indicates a stronger-than-ever desire to crack the US market, as they work hard to gain an edge in high-end gadgets, analysts said on Monday. From the first smartphone to be equipped with virtual assist Alexa to a consumer 3D camera that can record 3D voice, Chinese tech heavyweights and startups are turning to one of the world's largest technology expos, which concluded on Sunday, to boost their brand recognition among US consumers. Over 1,500 Chinese companies attended this year's CES, accounting for more than 41 percent of the over 3,800 exhibitors, according to Luo Linquan, Chinese Consul General to San Francisco. Last year's event attracted more than 1,300 Chinese firms. "Chinese tech is really coming to the forefront. It's not the old joke of being 'made in China', but really designed now in China and for the world," said James Feldkamp, an independent US industry tech analyst. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, the world's third biggest smartphone maker, launched the US edition of its premium handset Mate 9 during the annual show. The smartphone, which will come with Amazon Inc's popular voice-activated virtual assistant Alexa, is the Shenzhen-based firm's first flagship model to be sold in the US market. "After wooing European consumers, Huawei knows it must conquer the US market to reach its goal of becoming the world's biggest smartphone seller," said Jessie Ding, a smartphone analyst at Shanghai-based consultancy Canalys. "Partnering with Amazon, a household name in the US, can help build its brand image," Ding said. Xiaomi Corp, an arch rival of Huawei, made its debut at the 50-year-old CES. It unveiled a smart TV, which can recommend content to a user based on what he or she has watched in the past. "As the domestic market reaches a saturation point, Chinese firms are increasingly looking to the US for opportunities. The desire is stronger than ever," said Xiang Ligang, a smartphone expert and CEO of the telecom industry website cctime.com. Startups also saw CES as a springboard for their business. Sonirock Inc, founded in Shenzhen in early 2016, unveiled Sonicam, a 3D camera that uses 64 microphones to record spatial sound for a virtual reality experience. "This year (the proportion of Chinese firms among all exhibitors) is 41 percent. Next year it will be 50 percent," said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman. Hezi Jiang contributed to the story. The new Nokia-branded smartphone may not be able to compete with Chinese local handset brands, as the country now represents the most competitive smartphone market in the globe, analysts said on Monday. HMD Global, which owns rights to use Nokia's brand on mobile phones, recently announced its first smartphone Nokia 6 to target Chinese consumers. The device will be released exclusively in China through local internet retail giant JD.com in early 2017. The launch marks the first handset under the Nokia brand since 2014, when Nokia sold its devices and services division to Microsoft Corp. The new device will run on Google's Android system with a 5.5-inch screen, featuring 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Catering to the middle-end market, the handset is equipped with a Snapdragon 430 processor and priced at 1,699 yuan ($245). "We intend to move with speed to establish a position as a player in the smartphone category," said Arto Nummela, chief executive officer of HMD Global. "We look forward to unveiling further products in the first half of this year." The Finland-based company, which has secured the license to produce Nokia branded mobile phones and tablets for the next decade, hopes to win back the lost glory of Nokia, which once dominated the mobile phone market but then failed to nail the smartphone market in the late 2000s. However, Xiang Ligang, independent analyst and founder of telecom industry website cctime.com, said it was really difficult for new devices rolling out sales in China. "In terms of producing middle-end cellphones, Nokia won't be able to beat domestic brands, such as Xiaomi, Huawei, vivo and Oppo," Xiang said. Xiang said Nokia's brand was not as powerful as it used to be and the company was not competitive in terms of operating brand, distribution channels and marketing, compared with Chinese homegrown brands. Chen Yao's crew members pose for a group photo with passengers holding Spring Festival decorations in their hands, Guiyang, Guizhou, Jan 4, 2017. [Photo/VCG] Young faces. Tall figures. All-the-time smiles. Tidy uniforms. They are praised for adding color to high-speed trains in Southwest China's Guizhou province. They are the young but professional high-speed train crew members who ensure a comfortable and happy journey on the fast track for passengers. All her crew members are of the post-90s generation, said the 27-year-old head, Chen Yao. Although 27 is still young, 10 years of experience as a train attendant now makes her very qualified for the position. All their achievements come from diligence and hard work. The crew has to get up at 5 in the morning and work non-stop on the Guiyang-Guangzhou high-speed train for about 10 hours a day, Chen said. There are more than 200 young stewards and stewardesses like Chen in Guiyang. And now they are ready to serve during the upcoming Spring Festival travel rush, which will begin on Jan 13. Awards recognize innovators in such fields as medicine, physics and technology, called vital for nation's progress President Xi Jinping presented the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award to Tu Youyou, co-winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, and physicist Zhao Zhongxian, recognizing the country's booming innovation on Monday. Tu is best known for discovering artemisinin, derived from the traditional Chinese medicine qinghaosu, used to treat malaria. She is the first woman to receive the national award. Zhao Zhongxian, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has spent four decades researching superconductors. Twenty-seven scientists have received the nation's top science and technology award since it was established in 2000. It comes with a prize of 5 million yuan ($721,000). The award is one way the government encourages fundamental research, Premier Li Keqiang said at the ceremony. Scientists should be dedicated to patient research since China is in greater need of scientific progress than at any other time, he said. Li paraphrased a Chinese proverb, saying, "(Scientists) could stay silent for a decade, (but they should) try to amaze the world with a single brilliant feat." The premier vowed to protect intellectual property rights, which he said is crucial to support innovation. The nation will have sustainable development only by relying on innovation, he said. Li also expressed gratitude to foreign scientists and scholars who have contributed to China's scientific progress. China welcomes foreign scholars for entrepreneurship and innovation, he said, adding that the government will provide opportunities and facilities for international talent willing to work in China. Five foreign experts, including Katharina Kohse-Hoeinghaus, a professor at the University of Bielefeld in Germany, and one organization received China's International Science and Technology Cooperation Award during the ceremony. The Chang'e-3 project shared the Top Science and Technology Progress Award with 19 others. Research into the standard for high-speed wireless communication known as TD-LTE got the State Science and Technology Progress Special Award. Cao Shumin, the scientist who led TD-LTE research, said that the telecommunications technology has been developed under fierce international competition, and China has played a leading role. "We are facing great challenges in whether devices we've developed will be accepted by the market," she said, adding that the government has played a key role in supporting the development of 4G technology. Zhao, one of the two top prize winners, said at the ceremony that the government has created a good environment for scientists to concentrate on their studies. Science and technological progress is of key importance to social development and national security, he said. Organizers of the State Science and Technology Awards changed the rules for one prize this year to prevent potential corruption. Scientists were barred from nominating themselves for the Natural Science Award, a category that recognizes major breakthroughs in fundamental research. Instead, candidates had to be nominated by peers who were not allowed to remain anonymous, according to the awards committee. The move is a pilot to prevent corruption and to ensure authenticity in the voting process, according to a committee official who cannot be named due to the committee's media regulations. "Under the old system, candidates had a reason to utilize their resources to promote themselves and potentially affect the voting process," he said. The official said that during a review of this year's State Science and Technology Progress Award, which encourages scientific and technological progress serving economic and social development, a candidate was disqualified after trying to bribe members of the jury. "Under the new system, a person or institute that makes a nomination remains independent and objective, as they do not have a vested interest," he said, adding that if the pilot is successful, the committee will expand the system to cover other categories. The Kuaizhou 1A blasts off from a launch vehicle at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China on Monday.Zhang Wei / China Daily Clients can alter specifications for the Kuaizhou series to suit requirements China conducted on Monday the first flight of a new solid-fuel carrier rocket, which designers say can save clients about $10 million on each mission compared with similar US products. The Kuaizhou 1A blasted off from a launch vehicle at 12:11 pm at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China to lift three small satellites - Jilin 1C, XY S1 and Caton 1 - into a sun-synchronous orbit. Jilin-1C is a multifunctional Earth-observation satellite designed to obtain high-resolution monitor video of a designated area. It is tasked with serving multiple civilian purposes including land resources survey, environmental protection, transportation and disaster prevention and relief. XY-S1 and Caton-1 are two experimental mini satellites. XY-S1 was made by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp to test a new low-orbit, narrowband satellite communications system. Caton-1 was developed by privately owned Beijing Caton Technology Co to demonstrate technologies for the company's maritime satellites. The launch was carried out in accordance with market discipline and commercial contracts, marking a landmark in China's commercial space sector, according to CASIC. The company previously said the launch contract was worth about 100 million yuan ($14.5 million). In China, a commercial space mission generally refers to space launch activity paid for by an entity other than a Chinese government or military department. Despite China having a long history of space exploration, commercial space is a new idea that is becoming popular among State-owned space contractors as they are eager to seize lucrative opportunities in addition to government-assigned tasks. In mid-February, CASIC set up a commercial launch provider - Expace Technology Co - to take charge of Kuaizhou rockets' marketing. The contract for Monday's launch was signed in April, becoming the first deal for Expace Technology. Zhang Di, a senior rocket designer at CASIC and chairman of Expace Technology, said CASIC aims at making Kuaizhou rockets the best choice of solid-fuel rockets in the international market in terms of both launch capability and price. "We know that the US' SpaceX is very strong in this field, but we are determined to make better and more affordable rockets than theirs," he told China Daily after Monday's launch. "Currently, the average price of each kilogram of payload launched by a solid-fuel rocket is about $40,000, but our charge rate is lower than $30,000. In addition, our service is competitive when it comes to other costs such as personnel and launch facility expenditures." Using Kuaizhou 1A, a client can save $10 million on each launch compared with US solid-fuel rockets currently available on the market, he said, explaining that the low price does not compromise its capabilities, which are as good as foreign products. Expace is now in talks with satellite makers in Asia, Europe and Latin America, and has received procurement intentions from domestic clients for more than 10 Kuaizhou 11, a bigger and stronger type under development by CASIC, according to Di. Liang Jiqiu, chief designer of the Kuaizhou series at CASIC, said most components installed on Kuaizhou rockets are off-the-shelf products, therefore production costs are low. He added that clients are able to make changes to the Kuaizhou rockets' specifications based on their requirements, which is an advantage that most other solid-fuel rockets in the international market do not have because they are refitted ballistic missiles. The arrival of a central inspection team resulted in four weeks of intense physical and psychological stress for Zhao Zhenwei, head of the environmental supervision bureau in Heilongjiang province. On July 19, the team officially started its month-long operation in Heilongjiang. "(It was) a surprising and swift inspection, and also the first thorough environmental survey conducted by such a high-level squad in the last 20 years," said Zhao, who has worked for the bureau since 1993. During those four weeks, the inspections became the top priority for Zhao and his coworkers. They were tasked with leading teams to support the central inspectors by explaining their demands to relevant departments and local governments, collecting related materials and conducting coordination work. In the first 10 days, the inspectors reviewed policies and materials, such as the records of major meetings on environmental protection from more than 60 districts and counties since 2013. Environmental bureaus do not usually keep such records, and most local and provincial governments don't expect such thorough investigations, Zhao said. Zhao Zhenwei examines monitoring equipment.Provided To China Daily "But the counties and districts quickly handed in the documents demanded, usually the day after receiving notice. "There were so many documents that they were delivered in bags and I had to transport them to the inspectors by handcart. It was quite exhausting because we usually rushed to give the inspectors the materials they needed," he said. As coordinators, Zhao and his team participated in a wide range of tasks, such as accompanying the inspectors when they met with 27 provincial leaders. "That reminded us that they were serious and would play hard", he said. In addition, Zhao felt the mental strain, "we were concerned that they would expose some problems that we (environmental supervision workers) hadn't noticed. But that doesn't mean the province would hide anything - the inspections were an opportunity to check our own work and improve protection," he said. After four weeks of intense activity, companies became more willing to protect the environment, according to Zhao. For example, residents living near the Haotian Corn Processing Plant in Suihua city had complained about the pungent smell for more than two years. The plant, whose emissions met national standards, made unsuccessful efforts to control the smell. In September, the owners increased investment in equipment designed to dispel the odor. "Many long-standing problems, which we had taken many unsuccessful measures to correct, were solved thanks to the inspectors," Zhao said. "The inspection had a deep influence on environmental protection efforts in Heilongjiang, which will help us to work efficiently in the future. We were exhausted, but it was worth it." ( By Zheng Jinran and Tian Xuefei in Harbin and Li Yingqing in Kunming. | China Daily | Updated: 2017-01-10 08:00 People wear respiratory masks in Beijing's central business district during December after a red alert was issued for heavy air pollution.Jason Lee / Reuters Central government inspectors blitzed local authorities last year, promoting greater transparency and solving long-standing problems. Zheng Jinran reports from Beijing, with Tian Xuefei in Harbin and Li Yingqing in Kunming. The New Year saw northern China shrouded in a cloud of thick smog that sent air pollution to hazardous levels and resulted in more than 60 cities imposing joint emergency measures, such as the suspension of manufacturing activity, to reduce emissions of noxious gases. In addition to short-term emergency measures, the central government last year strengthened supervision of policymakers by introducing environmental inspections conducted by high-level cadres. The inspections have become a powerful weapon in the fight against pollution, in tandem with a number of long-term measures and environmentally-friendly policies adopted by the central government. The teams of central inspectors, headed by ministerial-level cadres, debuted during a month-long inspection in Hebei province on Jan 4 last year. The 16 teams of investigators conducted inspections in 16 provinces and regions, completing the final round of inspections on Dec 30, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection. By the same date, 720 people had been detained on charges of polluting the environment, and fines were levied totaling more than 441 million yuan ($63 million), the ministry said. However, rather than simply punishing polluting companies, the focus has now shifted to investigating the actions of local governments to "highlight the major roles played by policy-makers in environmental issues", said Chen Jining, the environment minister. The inspections in July saw more than 40,000 people at both the central and local levels participate in a campaign that focused on the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Henan, and Yunnan, and the Ningxia Hui, Inner Mongolia and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous regions. From late November, the inspection teams visited seven more areas - the municipalities of Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and provinces of Hubei, Guangdong, Shaanxi and Gansu. By the end of this year, central-level inspections will cover every province, autonomous region and municipality, according to Chen. Move expected to help improve well-being of vulnerable workers in harsh working conditions Those suffering from occupational diseases will receive more welfare benefits following a newly issued plan urging local governments and companies to strengthen preventive measures. The plan, under the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), released by the State Council on Jan 4, will improve welfare for those working in harsh conditions and highlights those suffering from ailments such as pneumoconiosis or black-lung disease, exposure to radioactivity and chemical intoxication. The plan said patients who are eligible for critical disease insurance and medical assistance will also receive the benefits. In addition, the government will provide a minimum living subsidy to some poor patients' families, a key measure experts believe will bring better welfare services to millions of patients across the country. The plan focuses on controlling the source of disease by urging companies to upgrade technology and working conditions, set up management mechanisms for occupational healthcare, offer targeted training and build effective poison-control facilities. The plan also called for stricter and more effective government supervision over companies who fail to meet poison-control standards and local authorities can take action to stop harmful operations or, in some cases, actually close the companies. The level of occupational diseases can be classified as severe in China and more than 30,000 new cases are reported each year, the plan said. Coal mining, chemical engineering and nonferrous metal manufacturing account for the largest number of patients. In addition, the plan urged hospitals and professional disease control institutions to provide quality services, including diagnosis, risk evaluation and treatment for occupational diseases. Academic research on occupational diseases will be boosted to develop nonpoisonous manufacturing technology and materials. Han Shichun, a lawyer at the Beijing Legal Aid Foundation, has been helping black-lung patients with legal consultation for years. Workers are much more vulnerable in locations such as mines and nonferrous metal factories, he said. Black-lung accounts for about 90 percent of occupational diseases in China, and the plan will help control such diseases, if properly implemented, as it highlights the importance of preventive measures and improving working conditions, Han said. Migrant workers face a major challenge as few sign contracts with employers, which, in turn, hampers their ability to fight for compensation and payment for treatment. "The plan's legal support to these patients is more important than the actual protective measures," Han said. Black-lung patients could be the major beneficiaries as more than 720,000 had been diagnosed by the end of 2015. Love & Save Pneumoconiosis, a non-governmental organization based in Beijing, estimated that about 6 million people in the country are suffering from the disease. It often afflicts workers in mines where protective measures are not adequate to prevent them from inhaling dust. Six years ago, about 100 farmers were reported to have succumbed to the disease in the poverty-stricken county of Gulang in Northwest China's Gansu province after years of working in a gold mine. One of the farmers, Zhang Yuesheng, 47, died of the disease in 2010 when his son, Zhang Long, was still a middle school student. "My father's income supported my family while my mom could only grow some corn and wheat to feed us. My sister and I were not able to make a living since both of us were at school," said Zhang Long, now a 20-year-old college student. After Zhang Yuesheng's story was reported by China Daily, readers donated money to his son to support his study at middle school and his current pursuit of a bachelor's degree. "Now I understand protective measures are most important for miners. My father wouldn't have died if he had been given such protection," the 20-year-old said. Zhang said he hopes the plan will improve health awareness among migrant workers and stimulate employers to improve working conditions. 92-year-old Nina stands in the doorway outside of her house in Zibo, East China's Shandong province, Jan 3, 2017. [Photo/IC] At the age of seven, Nina moved to China from Russia with her parents. Her Chinese father met her Russian mother when he went on a business trip to Russia. At the age of 17, Nina married Liu Chunshu, who was 20 years older. The couple led a normal and happy life, and adopted a son before she gave birth to a daughter. Her husband gave Nina a Chinese name, Liu Molan (which literally means ink and orchid) and helped her get a local hukou (household registration). But for Nina, life was hard. Two years after getting married, she lost her parents and elder brother during a war. After the children grew up and started families of their own, Nina's husband fell ill with paralysis. The couple spent everything they'd saved to treat Liu Chunshu's illness, and Nina managed to make ends meet by searching through refuse to collect items she could resell. Liu Chunshu died 15 years later and Nina still likes to scavange, an activity that she believes is a good way to exercise. Nina is in good health and has outlived her children. Now 92, she lives alone in Zibo, East China's Shandong province and receives a subsidy from the local government. When questioning whether she wants to return to her home country, she shook her head. "Though I am not living an affluent life, I am quite content with my life in China," she said. A Long March-3C carrier rocket carrying the 23rd satellite in the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) lifts off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Southwest China's Sichuan province, June 12, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] China plans to launch up to eight new generation navigation satellites into space this year, according to researchers from the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. BeiDou chief designer Yang Hui told China News Service that they hope to start launching the BeiDou-3 satellites in summer. "We have prepared some satellites, and plan to launch them into space in 2017 with the model of 'one rocket, two satellites'." China's BeiDou-2 navigation system was honored with the Top Science and Technology Progress Award on Monday, together with 19 other projects including the Chang'e-3 project. China followed a three-step strategy to build up the BeiDou navigation system. The BeiDou-2 system was up and running by 2012 with 14 satellites and 32 ground stations, an assistant to chief designer, Guo Shuren, said. Guo said that the agenda showed that six to eight BeiDou-3 satellites would be launched, to form the start of a global network. The BeiDou navigation system provides positioning and navigation services for China as a first step. While the BeiDou-2 system covers the Asia-Pacific Region, the BeiDou-3 system offer services to the globe. Yang said that the BeiDou-3 system will gradually extend coverage from one-third to the whole globe. The satellites will improve the positioning accuracy to within 2 meters for civilian use, and have a lifespan of 12 years. The BeiDou-3 system will first provide services to the regions along the "one belt, one road," in 2018, and by 2020 provide services globally. "We launched 14 BeiDou-2 satellites from 2010 to 2012. In the following three years, we expect to launch 30 satellites, creating a new miracle," Guo said. The central government released a white paper titled "China's Space Activities in 2016" in December that includes plans to form a BeiDou network consisting of 35 satellites for global navigation services by 2020. The country plans to start providing basic services to countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-century Maritime Silk Road in 2018, according to the document. It aims to provide all clients with more accurate and more reliable services through advancing the ground-based and satellite-based augmentation systems, it said. A group of 15 middle school pupils have been detained in Beijing on suspicion of carrying out a series of muggings in the Sanlitun area, a popular commercial district in the capital's downtown. Police said the gang had operated late at night and targeted multiple victims in the district, which is known for its bars and shopping centers. The youngest of the suspects is 13 and all study at a nearby middle school, officers said. One of the suspects, surnamed Zhai, said they had spent the money from the robberies in bars and karaoke venues nearby. Police used security footage to track down the gang members, who are accused of threatening their victims with knives and other weapons. They allegedly worked in small groups, wearing masks and changing outfits frequently. It is not known how many people fell victim to the gang, but one surnamed Jin was recently interviewed by the Beijing Morning Post. "I was just walking along when two teenagers ran into me and asked me for money because they said they were hurt," he was quoted as saying. "I wanted to ignore them but they suddenly took out a knife and told me to behave' I was too frightened to fight back." Jin said the teens took all the cash he had on him, in addition to taking money from his electronic wallet and forcing him to withdraw more cash from an ATM. In total, they stole more than 2,100 yuan ($300), he said. The gang was busted after police noticed a suspect that resembled one of the robbers from the surveillance footage during a nightly patrol. He later admitted that he was scouting for new victims and led officers to his alleged accomplices. A huge floating crane weighing 3,600 metric tons is launched in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Jan 9, 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] A huge floating crane weighing 3,600 metric tons was launched in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Monday. The crane, which was designed by China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Co and manufactured by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation in Qingdao, has the largest lifting capacity and highest lift height of any crane in the country. Measuring 118.9 meters in length by 48 meters wide and with a navigational draft of 4.8 meters, the crane has a four-story building on its deck and a main lifting hook that can reach as high as 110 meters above the water level. It cost 340 million yuan ($49 million) to build and will first be utilized in the construction of the Pingtan cross-strait highway-railway bridge, according to Liu Ziming, chairman of China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group. Jiang Jianguo, minister of State Council Information Office addressed a media dialogue in Geneva on Tuesday ahead of President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit on 15-18 January. [Photo by Fu Jing/provided to chinadaily.com.cn] China contributed up to 40 percentof global economic growth in 2016, double the total contribution of the developed economies,Jiang Jianguo, Minister of the State Council Information Office said on Tuesday in Geneva. At a dialogue attended by media leaders from China and Switzerland, Jiang revealed the findings of the International Monetary Fund latest global economic outlook to give them an "objective and fair" view on China's economy and its contribution to the global recovery. "Based on the IMF figures, China has contributed 39 percent of global economic growth in 2016, while the developed economies' total contribution has not surpassed half of that of China," said Jiang, who was in Switzerland ahead of President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit. "Steady growth from China has resulted in a stable base for the global economy," said Jiang. From 15-18 January, Xi will be paying a state visit to Switzerland, attending the annual meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, visiting the International Olympics Committee and World Health Organization and attending a high-level United Nations conference. Xi has visited up to 50 countries since he became China's top leader in late 2012 but it is first time he will stay four days in a single country. Jiang said this indicated that China attaches great importance to the bilateral relationship between China and Switzerland and also that the country is willing to explain its increased commitments in taking more global responsibility in a world full of challenges. Though China has slowed its growth as it restructures its economy, Jiang said it has bright future and will bring more opportunities to the world. The upcoming visit to China by Vietnam's ruling party chief will send a strong signal of stabilizing the South China Sea situation this year and help manage maritime problems, observers said. Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, will make an official visit to China from Thursday to Sunday, the Communist Party of China's International Department announced on Sunday. The trip will be Trong's first to China since his re-election as Vietnam's Communist Party chief in January last year. Trong and his counterpart Xi Jinping last exchanged visits in 2015. 'Old friends' to boost cooperation on infrastructure and agriculture, says Xi China vowed on Monday to deepen infrastructure and agricultural cooperation with Zimbabwe, the first foreign country to adopt the Chinese yuan as its primary international currency. President Xi Jinping and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe reached the agreement when they met at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Agreement with Tokyo has caused public outrage in South Korea South Korean opposition parties on Monday denounced Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his comments on the agreement for the South Korean victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery. Abe said in a TV program aired on Sunday that the South Korean side should show its sincerity, referring to the life-size statue installed in the southern South Korean port city of Busan to symbolize the "comfort women". The "comfort women" is a euphemism for Korean women who were forced into sex enslavement for Japan's military brothels before and during the World War II. The Japanese leader said Seoul should implement the "comfort women" agreement, indicating its call for the removal of the statue. The bronze statue of a seated girl in Korean traditional costume, which represents Korean teenagers raped by the Japanese troops during the devastating war, was put up outside the Japanese consulate in Busan on Dec 28. The move marked the anniversary of the "comfort women" agreement between Seoul and Tokyo. In protest against the statue erection, Japan recalled its Ambassador to South Korea Yasumasa Nagamine in Seoul and its Consul-General Yasuhiro Morimoto in Busan, who returned home earlier in the day. They will stay in Japan for about a week. "It is extremely regrettable that the girl statue was set," Nagamine told reporters ahead of his departure from Seoul on Monday morning, adding that he would discuss the issue with government officials, possibly including Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. 'Humiliating money' Regarding Abe's comments, Woo Sang-ho, floor leader of South Korea's biggest opposition Minjoo Party, told a party supreme council meeting that 1 billion yen ($8.6 million), which Japan offered to South Korea to care for surviving "comfort women" victims, was a humiliating money. Under the agreement, Seoul agreed with Japan to the "final and irreversible" resolution on the sex slavery issue, causing public outrage at the agreement. Abe has yet to apologize for and acknowledge legal responsibility for the past atrocities. Woo proposed the humiliating money to be returned back to Japan, condemning the South Korean government's diplomacy with Japan. The lawmaker also criticized former United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon for his past praise of the "comfort women" agreement. Ban, whose second, five-year term ended last year, was scheduled to come back to South Korea on Thursday. Representatives Chung Byung-kook of the Righteous Party, a splinter from the ruling Saenuri Party, told a party meeting that he was very disappointed with Abe's comments, urging Abe to make his sincere apology rather than being just satisfied with the 1 billion yen offered. Chung said the placing of the girl statue in Busan is not an act of the South Korean government but of civilians, urging the Japanese leader to consider the behaviors of Japan's right-wing activists. Mainstream historians said up to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea but also other parts of Asia including China, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during the war. The statue in Busan was initially removed by local authorities but after the Japanese defense minister paid homage at Yasukuni Shrine last month - a spot where senior convicted war criminals are honored - Seoul allowed activists to put the statue back up. (China Daily 01/10/2017 page11) He supported Teheran's nuke agreement with world powers Iran began three days of mourning on Monday after the death of ex-president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a pillar of the Islamic Revolution who became a leading counterweight to hardliners. Tributes poured in for the moderate cleric, including from President Hassan Rouhani, who was reportedly at Rafsanjani's bedside before he died of a heart attack aged 82. "Islam lost a valuable treasure, Iran an outstanding general, the Islamic Revolution a courageous flag-bearer and the Islamic system a rare sage," Rouhani said. Iran's political and religious leadership attended a memorial service at Hussainiya Jamaran, a religious hall in northern Teheran run by the family of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic. Rafsanjani was scheduled to be buried on Tuesday. The ISNA news agency said his death on Sunday was a "great loss for the moderates," describing the ayatollah as "the sheikh of moderation". Rafsanjani was a key backer of Rouhani and supported Iran's landmark nuclear deal with world powers. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Rafsanjani an "old friend and comrade" and said his loss is "difficult and life-decreasing". Rafsanjani served as president from 1989 to 1997, during a period of significant changes in Iran. At the time, the country was struggling to rebuild its economy after a devastating 1980s war with Iraq. He also oversaw key developments in Iran's nuclear program by negotiating deals with Russia to build an energy-producing reactor in Bushehr, which finally went into service in 2011. Behind the scenes, he directed the secret purchase of technology and equipment. Nuclear weapons In an interview published in October, Rafsanjani acknowledged the 1980-88 war with Iraq, which killed some 1 million people, led Iran to consider seeking nuclear weapons. "Our basic doctrine was always for a peaceful nuclear application, but it never left our mind that if one day we should be threatened and it was imperative, we should be able to go down the other path," he said. "But we never went." The cleric managed to remain within Iran's ruling theocracy after leaving office, but an attempt to return to the presidency in 2005 was dashed by the electoral victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Some analysts believe Rafsanjani was kept within the ruling fold as a potential mediator with the United States and its allies in the standoff over Iran's nuclear program. His past stature as a trusted Khomeini ally also offered him political protection. Rafsanjani was a top commander in the war with Iraq and played a key role in convincing Khomeini to accept a cease-fire after years of crippling stalemate. People mourn for former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in Teheran, Iran, on Sunday.Ahamd Halabisaz / Xinhua (China Daily 01/10/2017 page12) Indonesia's President Joko Widodo reproached his military chief in a meeting last week amid concerns the commander was "out of control" after he unilaterally suspended defense cooperation with Australia, two sources briefed on the meeting said. Widodo's intervention highlights alarm about General Gatot Nurmantyo, who promotes the notion that Indonesia is besieged by "proxy wars", in which foreign states seek to undermine the nation by manipulating nonstate actors. Analysts and some of Widodo's aides are also concerned that Nurmantyo is laying the groundwork for an expansion of the military's role in civilian affairs in country and may have political ambitions himself. Widodo, the first president from outside the military and political establishment, needed to move quickly to demonstrate his authority as the country's commander-in-chief, one senior official said. "With Gatot, the feeling is like he's a little out of control," he said. Nurmantyo declared a rupture in military ties after an Indonesian officer found "offensive" teaching material while on a language training course in Australia late last year. The material suggested that Indonesia's Papua province should be independent and mocked the nation's state ideology, Pancasila, according to Nurmantyo. Caught off guard One of the officials said Widodo and others in the government were caught off guard when local media reported Nurmantyo's announcement of the suspension in military ties with Australia. While the general was not formally reprimanded, the official said, Widodo served him a warning during a meeting at a presidential palace in Bogor, outside Jakarta. The meeting was confirmed by another senior government aide, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. Nurmantyo declined requests to be interviewed and a military spokesman declined to comment on the meeting. The senior government official said: "We suspect that Gatot is exploiting this incident for his own political agenda, his own political ambition." "He has been making many public appearances and speeches lately," he said. "Frankly, we think many of them about proxy wars and the threat to Indonesia are absolutely ridiculous." (China Daily 01/10/2017 page11) A first prize winner of Just Share It - Happy Chinese New Year Photo Contest 2016, Let's Take a Photo, by Chen Yongwei. [Photo/Chinaculture.org] As part of global Happy Chinese New Year celebrations, photographers are encouraged to show how other countries mark the event in the Just Share It - Happy Chinese New Year Photo Contest 2017. As China ushers in the lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, on Jan 28, 2017, Chinaculture.org invites you to share your photos of Chinese New Year celebrations from all over the world. Regardless of whether you are a professional or amateur, who you are or where you are from, you are welcome to submit photos of wonderful moments from Chinese New Year celebrations. The photos must be taken outside of the Chinese mainland between Jan 1 and Feb 28, 2017. The entries will be scored and all the winners will be awarded prize money. Awards and Prizes 1. The contest will select 100 photos ( single or group), including: First prize: 10 photos (single or group), remuneration for each 5,000 RMB Second prize: 30 photos (single or group), remuneration for each 3,000 RMB Third prize: 60 photos (single or group), remuneration for each 1,000 RMB 2. The organizer will deduct any tax on the award money and pay the authorities on behalf of the winners. The author agrees that the sponsor of the event has the right of final interpretation of rules and regulations. If one does not meet the requirements, the work will be disqualified. By submitting the works the author agrees to accept the rules. Sponsor Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China Host Chinaculture.org Organizer Chinadaily.com.cn Who Anyone who takes part in Happy Chinese New Year activities or celebrates Chinese New Year outside of the Chinese mainland is welcome to submit photos of wonderful moments of the celebration. Regardless of whether you are a professional or amateur, who you are or where you are from. What 1. All photos about Chinese New Year celebrations are welcome. The images should show the programs and activities of Happy Chinese New Year (a worldwide celebration hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the PRC and other Chinese authorities) all over the world or capture scenes of people enjoying the Spring Festival overseas. 2. Photographs must be of an event outside the Chinese mainland (including Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and all foreign countries), and the photographer can be of any nationality. 3. All the images must be real, not doctored or Photoshopped. The tone and color of the image could be slightly adjusted, and the color can be changed into black and white or monochromatic. Composition and clipping are allowed. 4. Photographs must be in digital format, either TIF or JPG files. And resolution of the photo should be 300 dpi. TIF file should be no smaller than 50MB, the highest compressed format of JPG file no less than 7MB, and the maximum should be no less than 3,000 pixels. If submitting to Facebook, photos could be compressed, but please keep the original file. If the photo is shortlisted, the original file will be required. 5. Entries can be single photos or a series - a group counts as a single photo. Each group should only have four to eight photos. 6. The headline and caption (in Chinese or English) must be complete, accurate and authors should provide sufficient details, including the process and location of the shoot, and provide photographers nationality, address and phone number. Please fill in the blanks blow and include the form with your entry via e-mail, either by attachment or in the body of the message. Information about the photographer: Name Nationality E-mail address Phone number Information about the photo: Filename Headline Caption Location of the shot (city, country 7. The author owns the copyright of the photo. Once the shortlisted photos are published, or the author is informed they are a finalist, it means that the author has agreed that the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China has the right to use the shortlisted photos. The author shall enjoy the right of authorship of the work. The sponsor of the contest has the right to keep the short-listed entries with their captions in its photo gallery and use them in other cultural activities or cultural products, such as exhibition, publication, poster and photo album design. The sponsor also has the right to recommend the short-listed photos with their captions to related media and will not pay the author for use. 8. All legal responsibility and all losses resulting from any copyright infringement, trademark rights, privacy rights, and publicity rights shall be borne by the author himself. The organizer does not take any legal responsibility and all losses resulting from but not limited to any copyright infringement, trademark rights, privacy rights, and publicity rights of the selected works. 9. Once the short-listed candidates are announced, the author should provide personal information and bank information to get remuneration; if personal and bank information is not provided, the winner will be disqualified. When Starts from Jan 1, 2017 Submission deadline: Feb 28, 2017 How Please submit your photo to: contest@chinadaily.com.cn Or you can submit your work to China Culture's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/China-Culture-1575300589358145/. Scan the QR code below to follow China Culture's Facebook page, and always remain updated with the latest Chinese culture news, events and information. You can also post your photos on your Sina Weibo account and tag @, or upload your works under the organizer's post calling for entries, or send your photos via private Weibo messages to the organizer. (Please follow @) Notice: The author should use their real name, address, email and phone number. Anyone who provides incomplete contact information will be disqualified. From New Year scrolls to fireworks, from jiaozi to the family reunion dinner, many traditions and customs constitute the 4,000-year-old festival Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival. As the most important traditional festival in the country, the Chinese New Year gives the best description of the psyche, heritage, aesthetics and culture of the Chinese people. In 2001, the Ministry of Culture of the PRC launched efforts to build the brand for the Chinese New Year with the purpose of sharing Chinese culture globally. The overseas activity was officially named Happy Chinese New Year in 2009, propelling the growing global impact of the Chinese festival. Focused on "Happiness", "Harmony", "Dialogue" and "Sharing", the Happy Chinese New Year program hosts the core values of "Festival of Nature", "Festival of Family", "Festival of Soul", and "Festival of the World", all of which are dedicated to sharing the achievements of Chinese culture. In 2016, more than 2,100 events were staged in 400 cities in 140 countries and regions, reaching out to 250 million audiences across the globe. These events varied in forms, such as temple fairs, global Chinese New Year galas, lantern shows, street parades, performances, variety shows, cultural and trade exhibitions, intangible cultural heritage shows, TV programs and film presentations, book fairs, fireworks shows, as well as seminars. Liverpool Chinatown will celebrate the lunar New Year, which falls on Jan 28, with spectacular projections telling the story of Jingwei and the Ocean.[Photo/IC] Europe's oldest Chinatown is to stage its biggest ever Chinese lunar New Year celebrations featuring the myth of a bird trying to fill in the ocean, organizers announced Monday. Liverpool Chinatown will celebrate the lunar New Year, which falls on Jan 28, with spectacular projections telling the story of Jingwei and the Ocean. Lighting up the city's landmark traditional Chinese archway and nearby buildings, the beautiful lumiere creations are based on the myth of a daughter of China's earliest tribal leader, who, after drowning at sea, became a bird and endeavored to fill in the ocean with twigs and stones to prevent anyone else from the same tragedy of drowning. The story has been adapted to showcase how Chinatowns in Liverpool and other parts of the world have developed from the seeds sown and the pebbles laid by the earliest Chinese settlers, and how these small pockets of land developed into vibrant and diverse communities, said a spokesman for the Liverpool City Council. Digital tech company Illuminos is behind the lumiere creations. "It's been a fascinating project, working to weave together many celebratory elements of the Chinese community in Liverpool into a light and sound spectacle. There's a real passion from them in sharing their stories and traditions and the projections will hopefully make this happen in a way that is totally new," said Illuminos artist Rob Vale. "The piece will be a really exciting mix of elements, playing with aspects of traditional Chinese shadow puppetry, mixed with specially filmed characters from the Chinese community, and blended with wonderful music from the Liverpool Pagoda Youth Orchestra." The soundtrack to the show is a specially commissioned piece by Jah Wobble with members of the Pagoda Youth Orchestra performing on the track. "Chinese New Year in Liverpool will be extra special as not only are we trying something new, the celebrations are also extended," said Assistant Mayor Wendy Simon. "Working with Illuminos gives us the opportunity to tell the story of our Chinese community in an incredibly special way. It will make it an unforgettable Chinese Year of the Rooster celebration." Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. License for publishing multimedia online 0108263 Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Pioneer Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera, 101, poses for photos while being interviewed in her studio on Jan 4, in New York. [Photo/Agencies] Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera has been painting for decades. And painting. And painting. At age 89, she finally sold something. And now, at 101, true recognition has arrived: an exhibit of her work at the Whitney Museum of American Art and a documentary on her life soon coming out in New York, where she has lived for 70 years. Herrera may not be in her prime, but her career is going gangbusters. "It was about time. Good lord! They waited too long," Herrera says in an interview at her apartment and studio in Union Square, where she has lived for nearly 50 years. Fame, she says, "is pleasant but not that big a deal". She then offered her visitor a glass of whisky. Herrera was born in Cuba in 1915 to journalist parents, studied painting as a child, traveled to Paris to study more and then began architecture at the University of Havana. As a young woman she fell in love with Jesse Loewenthal, a New Yorker who taught English and was visiting Cuba. She moved to Manhattan with him and continued to study art. Her work is abstract: simple and austere, but showing a strong, vivid sense of color. Herrera is not a big talker. She does not like to discuss her art and rarely gives interviews. "My painting is just my painting. There is no feeling associated with it. It is not good for anything," she says with a laugh, refusing to explain what her work might mean. Her husband, who died in 2000 at age 98, encouraged her to paint every day even though it seemed no one wanted to show her workby a woman, a Latina woman at that, and not considered feminine, as watercolors might be. "No one paid attention to me. No one knew me," Herrera says. She recalls, angrily, a female gallery owner who once said this to her: "I love what you paint but I am not going to give you a chance because you are a woman." This was particularly hurtful to Herrera because it came from another woman. [Photo provided to China Daily] Songzhuang Contemporary Art Document Museum was inaugurated on Dec 24 in Beijing with an opening exhibition that continues through Jan 24. The exhibition displays dozens of artworks by artists who once lived or now live and work in Songzhuang, a village-turned art community in the capital city's eastern suburb. Hu Jiebao, the museum's director, said at the opening that the past two decades have witnessed Songzhuang's dramatic transformation from a traditional, underdeveloped village relying on agriculture into an art hub which is home to artists, galleries and critics, enjoying an international reputation. He says the museum will be dedicated to collecting and showing artworks and documents that review the progress of Songzhuang and to promoting Chinese contemporary art. Art critic and curator Wu Hong is the museum's executive director, while renowned curator Li Xianting and artist Fang Lijun are lifetime advisers. Technological innovations will lead us finally to socialism Updated: 2017-01-10 07:36 By Lau Nai-keung(HK Edition) In the 1970s, Chile's top planners brought Stafford Beer in as a consultant to help guide the country down what Salvador Allende, its democratically elected Marxist leader, was calling "the Chilean road to socialism". Beer, who had served as an executive with United Steel and worked as a development director for the International Publishing Corporation (then one of the largest media companies in the world), was a leading theorist of cybernetics - a discipline born of mid-century efforts to understand the role of communication in controlling social, biological, and technical systems. Chile's government had a lot to control: Allende, who took office in November of 1970, had swiftly nationalized the country's key industries, and he promised "worker participation" in the planning process. Beer's mission was to deliver a hypermodern information system that would make this possible, and so bring a type of socialism into the computer age. The system he devised had a gleaming, sci-fi name: Project Cybersyn. Project Cybersyn was very futuristic. According to technology writer Evgeny Morozov who has written about the subject in the New Yorker, "There was a screen that simulated the future state of the Chilean economy under various conditions. Before you set prices, established production quotas, or shifted petroleum allocations, you could see how your decision would play out." As good as the whole thing sounded, Project Cybersyn failed because the computing power required wasn't there yet. Chile was also being cut off by the US and therefore lacked critical resources to implement the project. Project Cybersyn and similar attempts that have failed are reasons why people laughed about the idea that the economy can be planned back in the days. There were so many variables. How can we capture all the data, let alone making use of them? Today, such an idea no longer sounds absurd or even radical. After all, some of it has already happened. The Didi taxi that picked me up right after I booked with my app wasn't there by chance. Big data and predictive analytics were at work. Today, we are all connected through the internet and with our phones. The Internet of Things, or the interconnectivity of smart devices, allows objects to be sensed and/or controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure. This creates opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems. It results in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit. All of these make a form of socialism not only possible, but imminent. The basis of the capitalist system is production for the sake of profit. Contrary to what capitalist economists would argue, capitalism does not produce on the basis of what is needed in society, but on the basis of what is profitable. In order to survive, each capitalist must make profits, and therefore an endless stream of commodities must be pumped into the market. Eventually the market reaches a breaking point as it becomes saturated by commodities which cannot be sold profitably; the system ends up in crisis - crises of overproduction. The crises of overproduction are the reason why we have long-term and short-term economic cycles. Efficiency alone is not the solution to these crises. The more we can produce, the more we overproduce. Likewise, globalization only lengthens the cycle but does not eliminate it. When the whole world, including the emerging markets, is saturated by commodities, we find ourselves at an even larger crisis. The fact that economic crises are getting more frequent and severe is a clear sign that liberal capitalism is beyond redemption. With the infrastructure of the information society in place, technological socialism is no longer a fantasy. China's central and local governments, including Hong Kong's, have all emphasized innovation and entrepreneurship in recent years. While this is no doubt the correct direction, we have to ask a more important question: Who is driving the systemic, society-wide innovations? China's technology giants such as Alipay are now building big data-enabled credit rating systems, many of which may have features that infringe on users' privacy. Our society is in dire need of building trust, and it can use a good credit rating system. What is not clear is why this important function is relegated to a commercial entity that is listed overseas. Hong Kong is supposed to be more cosmopolitan and agile. If we are more aware of technological trends and can anticipate the needs arising, there is a niche we can exploit for the benefit of our country and of Hong Kong. (HK Edition 01/10/2017 page10) Golden Compass winner inspires explorers By Yang Fan ( chinadaily.com ) Updated: 2017-01-09 Qi Liansu (R) makes note during a geological exploration. [Photo/ddcpc.cn] A geologist from Guizhou province is inspiring a new generation keen on exploring rocks and minerals found in the earths surface. Qi Liansu, 46, first forged a career in geological exploration after joining Team 105 of the Bureau of Geology in 1991. With compass, magnifying glass, and hammer in hand, Qin explored the mountains of Guizhou in search for precious minerals which can be commercially mined. In 2014, Qi won the inaugural Golden Compass award for her contributions to geographic exploration. Awarded to 100 geologists every two years, the award seeks to shine a light on outstanding finds and achievements. Many geologists out on explorations must live a transient lifestyle. In portable houses and braving harsh conditions such as cold nights and strong winds, the geologists often work for more than 10 hours a day, months at a time. Conditions can be precarious; walking along the edge of deep karst caves with one false move meaning injury or even death, said Qi. In 2012, Qi made the discovery of her lifetime. Whilst leading an exploration team in Puan county, Qi was given six months to find substantial gold or other mineral resources in the area. After two months of endless analysis and data collection, Qi and her team discovered a gold seam estimated to amount to 48 tons, carrying an estimated value of 10 billion yuan ($1.45 billion). The gold will be extracted by Puans Nipu Gold Mine. Food safety administration staffs inspect a restaurant in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on Nov 10, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua] THE SHENZHEN FOOD and drug administration in South China initiated an investigation into the cooking oil used in the canteens of Shenzhen University after a food quality report suggested that the university was using recycled waste oil. According to the administration, the original tests were conducted by a testing company whose test methods have not yet been appraised and it had arranged for third-party testing organizations to conduct new examinations of the oil used in the university's canteens. Guangming Daily commented on Monday: Food is a necessity of life, and food safety should be a top priority. The harmful effects of using gutter oil have long been recognized. If a restaurant was revealed to be using gutter oil it would be a fatal blow to its business. If a university's canteen is suspected of using gutter oil it is even more scandalous. Therefore, we must deal with food safety tests cautiously. After the allegation food was being cooked using gutter oil in the canteen of Shenzhen University, the university accused the oil checking company of not being nationally certified. All food tests should be conducted by certified companies and the tests should be scientific and standardized. Also the testing procedures and data must be transparent. Specific to the incident of Shenzhen University's canteen, it is necessary to figure out the ins and outs of the matter. The difficulty, however, is that there may be an "unspeakable" cause, so that the parties are reluctant to talk. If the tests are not conducted to a uniform standard, how do you identify which institutions are qualified to conduct food safety tests and which are not? Staff members from Shanxi Provincial Academy of Environmental Science check an unmanned aerial vehicle monitoring polluters on Dec 16 in Shanxi. [Photo/sxrb.com] THERE WAS SEVERE SMOG throughout northern China last week. While the air pollution in Beijing received a lot of media attention, the city of Linfen in North China's Shanxi province, where the smog was even worse, received little attention until a micro blog on the dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide in the air pollution caught people's attention. Beijing News comments: According to World Health Organization standards, people should avoid places where the density of sulfur dioxide is higher than 500 micrograms per cubic meter. A survey by the Beijing municipal environmental protection bureau shows that the respiratory function of those staying even a short time in a place where the density of sulfur dioxide is about 280 mg per cubic meter is severely compromised. Yet, at its peak on Wednesday, the density of sulfur dioxide in Linfen reached 1,303 mg per cubic meter. If the smog in Beijing is detrimental to human health, the smog in Linfen, with so much sulfur dioxide, can be described as "lethal". In 1952, the hospitals of London were full of patients with respiratory problems during a heavy fog and many died because of it. Later, the fog was found to have contained high levels of sulfur dioxide. However, the Linfen officials did not issue any warning to residents about its air pollution. Had a scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences not written about it in her micro blog, the high levels of sulfur dioxide would not have been made public. Even after media outlets widely covered it, the Linfen municipal government offered no warning to residents. On Friday and Saturday, they discussed the smog behind closed doors, without releasing any information to local residents. As early as last November, the Ministry of Environmental Protection said that Linfen lagged behind in issuing air pollution alerts. Last December, the Shanxi provincial government ordered Linfen to lower its density of sulfur dioxide in the air. But the authorities have hardly taken any measure. It is time to answer these questions: Which official in Linfen is in charge of environmental protection? Which official failed to issue an alert? Which official prevented the truth from reaching the people? The possibility of a policy U-turn by Washington to embrace the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank following Donald Trump's win in the US presidential election is to be welcomed, since it would be in the interests of the United States and Asia at large. Soon after Donald Trump won the United States presidential election in November, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Jin Liqun said Washington might now consider endorsing or even joining the AIIB. In fact, cooperation between China and the US is the only way ahead. What are the benefits, advantages and characteristics of Beijing-Washington cooperation and China's investments in infrastructure overseas? What are Chinese companies doing in the infrastructure industry worldwide? Chinese companies are very active in Southeast Asia, one of the world's fastest-growing regions. China Railway Construction Corporation won the bid to build the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail in Indonesia. And a similar project is in the pipeline in Thailand, which would connect Bangkok with Chinese cities. The CRCC may also get the contract to build the prestigious Malaysia-Singapore link. This "high-speed rail diplomacy" is important not only because it creates employment and opportunities of technology transfer, but also because faster links help bolster a sense of unity, which at present doesn't seem particularly strong in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Even more interesting is China's engagement with Central Asian countries and Russia. The Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road) could shift the center of world trade to Eurasia. Infrastructure investments already include the China-Kazakhstan oil pipeline and the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline, which might be upgraded with a new line. With regard to railways, China will contribute to improve their quality in Kazakhstan. China is also investing in Kyrgyzstan's outdated railway network and planning a new link with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, which already has a high-speed rail between Samarkand and Tashkent. China Railway Tunnel Group has meanwhile completed a key tunnel between Tashkent and Namangan in Uzbekistan, a crucial link on the new Silk Road, which shows Chinese investments in Central Asia are bringing to the region lots of benefits. Moreover, Central Asia is the gateway to further investment and initiatives in Russia, Iran and ultimately Europe. China is working on the high-speed railway between Moscow and Kazan. The 770-km distance that now needs 12 hours to travel can be covered in 3.5 hours by the high-speed railway. Needless to say, China is using technology and creating opportunities in the region where for two decades Western recipes resulted in more poverty, deprivation and political chaos. What about the ailing European Union? Since 2012 China has used the "16+1" official initiative for Central and Eastern European countries. The CRCC won a contract in 2015 to build a high-speed railway between Belgrade and Budapest to improve Intra-EU connectivity. Chinese companies have already built the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway in Turkey, and are working to win a project to connect Turkey and Greece with Central and Northern Europe. Central and Eastern Europe (the Balkan region in particular) suffered a lot because of the neoliberal policies that forced them to depend on Western Europe and the US. Now China is offering them a truly "win-win" opportunity to catch up. Sadly, the EU is overwhelmed with problems and has so far found no way to tackle the rise of "populism", which is unfortunate because the EU was the first to highlight the importance of continental networks and high-speed rail links, at the time of the Delors Commission and the European Monetary Union's birth. Today, the EU stands to strongly benefit from faster rail links with China and East Asia, which will greatly boost the continent's industrial capacity through further investment. China has shown the EU what a continent-scale state can achieve despite distances and regional imbalances; the EU, in contrast, has remained a prisoner of local and national interests. From another angle, the US, too, has to realize the importance of both domestic and international connections. US president-elect Trump and his incoming administration should take note of this. Ernesto Gallo is a tutor of business, law and social sciences at Kaplan International College, London, and Giovanni Biava is an energy and gas consultant at Exelen group. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. A girl plays with her newborn brother at a hospital in Nanjing, Jiangsu province,on Oct 24. 2014. [Photo/VCG] As China hopes to resume a high rate of economic growth, the role of demography has become increasingly uncertain and complex. The good news is that China's population is heavily concentrated at the most highly productive working ages. A just-completed study commissioned by the United Nations shows China is very near its historic high achieved in 2013. The bad news is that China's demographic advantage will disappear rapidly as its population ages and shifts out of the working ages. Over the next 10 years, the shift out of the working ages, other things remaining equal, will depress annual growth in per capita income by 0.9 percent both on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong. To align its economic ambitions with its demographic realities, using a three-pronged strategy is the best hope. The first is realizing a second demographic dividend. Since 1971 economic growth in China has benefited from what is known as the first demographic dividend, the shift of the population into the age group when people produce more than they consume. Although the first dividend benefits ended in 2013, China is benefiting from a second demographic dividend, as resources generated by the first dividend are redirected into higher investment and human capital spending, that is, spending on healthcare and education. Judged from a very macro perspective, China has been hugely successful in realizing a second demographic dividend. Savings and investment rates, and spending on education in China are among the highest in the world. What remains to be seen, however, is whether greater investment in physical and human capital will effectively fuel high rates of economic growth. The second is improving economic opportunities for the elderly. The extent to which the elderly contribute to and consume national output varies considerably from country to country. Compared with other upper-middle income countries, senior citizens in China have high consumption and low labor income relative to prime-age adults. This is an unattractive condition for a country about to experience rapid population aging. Consumption by the young elderly in China is similar to that of prime-age adults as is typical of other upper-income countries. But labor income for the elderly in China is quite low. By age 60, the average adult has labor income equal to only 23 percent of the average labor income of adults in the 30-49 age group. By comparison, the average value for 60-year-olds in upper-middle income countries is 61 percent, nearly three times as high. By age 70, average labor income in China drops to 7 percent of the labor income of 30-49-year-olds as compared with an average of 24 percent for upper-middle income countries. A variety of strategies can be pursued to raise the low labor income of China's elderly, such as, continuing education programs, scrutiny of age discrimination on the part of Chinese companies, and further relaxation of mandatory retirement ages. The final strategy is abandoning outdated approaches to population policy. Rapid and severe aging is a consequence of low fertility. Scholars and policymakers recognize fertility is too low in China and could fall to much lower levels. And although the one-child policy has been abandoned, the new two-child policy will almost surely fail to boost fertility to a desirable level. Our recent study indicates a fertility rate of about 1.7 births per woman leads to the highest standards of living while a very low fertility rate, 1.4 births per woman or lower, leads to substantially lower standards of living. The two-child policy will lead to lower standards of living because many couples will choose to have only one child or none at all. So, their low fertility must be balanced by couples who wish to have more children. The desire among some couples to have more than two children must be accommodated, even encouraged, if China is to successfully meet the demographic challenges that will slow economic progress. The author is a professor of economics at University of Hawaii and a senior fellow at East-West Center. A passerby helps an old man who was hit by a car, in Beijing, Sept 9, 2014. [Photo/IC] It looks as if China is on track to see its first national Good Samaritan legislation, and not a moment too soon. Foreign observers should be seeing people practicing the ancient virtue of helping others in need. Regrettably, they only see those unwilling to help others in need of emergency lifesaving assistance, from a small child wandering into a heavily trafficked highway to an old granny or grandpa who has fallen and cant get out of harms way. The truth is that its not necessarily that people here dont want to help but that they are fearful to be subject to extortion by those who appear to be in need, but arent; or those who see a chance for easy money since several Chinese courts have ruled that nobody would come to the aid of another person unless they themselves caused the injury. The latest draft of the General Rules of Civil Law submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for a third reading, stipulates that Good Samaritans shall not be held legally liable by helping someone in need, except in cases of gross negligence. Passage of the law could come as soon as the NPCs March session. In my opinion, the draft, although not perfect, is a much needed and excellent start on the national level. As proposed, the new law puts a very high burden of proof on the purported victim who has the burden of proving that the rescuer acted so carelessly as to recklessly disregard the safety or life of the person being rescued, and is so great that it appears to be a conscious violation of the other persons rights to safety. This in itself should deter most of the larcenous social parasites who have preyed on the goodness of others. They have wrecked the lives of some and caused the suicides of others. Still, I believe the law must go further. Chinese people like to gamble and some of these fake victims might be willing to role the dice and take their chances. As enacted in one of the very few local Good Samaritan laws, Shenzhens Good Persons Law goes further by providing penalties for people who have falsely accused others. Future legislation should also include the provision that damages to be paid by the accuser be awarded to the Good Samaritan for legal fees, loss of income and reputation. I think that this added deterrence will further prevent this despicable behavior. A significant publicity effort will have to be mounted after the passage of the new law. People will have to be aware the law has changed and that they can now rest easy when coming to the aid of others in need. This should include PSAs, as well as publicity that shames false accusers. And while I greatly admire the parable of the Good Samaritan after which most of these laws are named, because the victim was Jewish, like me, I think in China such laws should be called Lei Feng laws after the legendary soldier who selflessly helped others. The Lei Feng Law would help restore an ancient Chinese virtue, and foster a more harmonious society at home. The author is a senior featured contributor of China Daily website. Syria's President Bashar al-Assad speaks to French journalists in Damascus, Syria, in this handout picture provided by SANA on January 9, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] BEIRUT - A Syrian truce brokered by Russia and Turkey was under growing strain on Monday as rebels vowed to respond to government violations and President Bashar al-Assad said the army would retake an important rebel-held area near Damascus. Assad, in comments to French media, also said his government was ready to negotiate on "everything" at peace talks his Russian allies hope to convene in Kazakhstan, including his own position within the framework of the Syrian constitution. But he indicated any new constitution must be put to a referendum and it was up to Syrians to elect their president. His opponents have insisted throughout nearly six years of war that he must leave power under any future peace deal. But since Russia joined the war on his side in late 2015, his government's position on the battlefield has strengthened dramatically, giving him greater leverage now than at any time since the war's earliest days. The ceasefire which came into effect on Dec 30 aims to pave the way for the new peace talks which Russia hopes to convene with Turkish and Iranian support. But no date has been set for the talks and the warring sides have accused each other of truce violations. The Moscow-led effort to revive diplomacy, without the participation of the United States, has emerged with Assad buoyed by the defeat of rebels in Aleppo, and as ties thaw between Russia and Turkey, long one of the rebels' main backers. Ankara, now seemingly more worried by growing Kurdish sway in Syria than toppling Assad, supports the diplomatic push. LINCOLN Gov. Pete Ricketts on Monday unveiled a legislative initiative to transfer administration of the state's veterans homes to the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing more direct attention on those services while reducing state taxpayer costs. About 80 veterans, most wearing distinctive caps that marked their service, crowded into the governor's hearing room to listen to the announcement. Sen. John Murante of Gretna, chairman of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, joined Ricketts at a news conference and pledged legislative support for the transfer. The state's four veterans homes, which provide services ranging from assisted living to skilled nursing care, are under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which administers a wide range of programs and services. An estimated $1.4 million in ongoing savings from the state tax-supported general fund can be realized by access to additional federal funding under the new arrangement in addition to changes in the level of cash funding. "This will help (the state) focus on a higher level of service," Department of Veterans Affairs Director John Hilgert said. Hilgert said there would be "more focus on the veteran" and the opportunity for more coordination of veterans services. About 550 veterans live in Nebraska veterans homes at Bellevue, Norfolk, Grand Island and Scottsbluff. The Grand Island home will be replaced by a new home under construction in Kearney. Ricketts said Nebraska's 143,000 veterans deserve the best services the state can provide and that Murante will introduce the legislative bill that implements the transfer. Murante chairs the committee that will consider the legislation. "Merging our veterans' agencies will make state services to our veterans more effective, more efficient and more customer-focused," the governor said. "We are here to make your lives better," Murante told the assembled veterans, and this transfer helps provide a streamlined process to meet the needs of some veterans. By addressing a range of needs including services and benefits, a fundamental goal of the Legislature is to "keep our veterans here" in Nebraska, Murante said. Merger of the veterans homes into his department is "a natural next step," Hilgert said. Leaders of veterans organizations, including the American Legion, the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans, praised the action. "The Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs has an exceptional track record of taking care of Nebraska veterans and the merger will build on their past success," VFW State Commander Doug Whitaker said. Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim meets with his Iraqi counterpart Haider al-Abadi in Baghdad, Iraq, January 7, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] ANKARA -- Normalization of Turkish-Iraqi ties comes after a change of perspective of Ankara in a bid to restore its bilateral relations in the region, local experts said. The dynamic of the normalization was interrupted when Turkey sent troops to Bashiqa military camp in northern Iraq and deployed additional troops along Turkish-Iraqi border, Bilgay Duman, Middle East expert at Center For Middle Eastern Strategic Studies (ORSAM), told Xinhua. At the weekend, the visiting Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and his Iraqi counterpart Haider al-Abadi co-chaired the third meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Baghdad with the participation of a number of ministers from both sides, including the energy, economy, trade, foreign, defense and transport ministers. The visit is seen as a new beginning in ties between the two neighbors following months of crisis over Turkey's military camp in Bashiqa region of Mosul, which purportedly aimed to train local Sunni groups in the fight against the Islamic State (IS). A recent ceasefire deal in Syria that Russia and Turkey, along with Iran, brokered also eased normalization between Ankara and Baghdad, the expert said, recalling one of the differences of two countries were on Syria. Turkey and Iraq were on different sides, as the Iraqi administration, acting with Iran and Russia, has lend support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey insisted al-Assad to step down and supported Syrian rebels since the crisis erupted in 2011, he said. The issue of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has become a serious issue for Iraq as well, threatening sovereignty of the country since the group advanced from Qandil Mountain and Sinjar region to the outskirts of Kirkuk, Duman said. As the PKK began to harm Iraq's sovereignty, Ankara and Baghdad have another reason to cooperate, he added. Duman said Turkey has intensified its efforts in struggle against the IS group, a joint threat for both countries. Ethiopian Airlines recently announced expansion of its network to Chengdu, the capital city of southwestern Sichuan province, marking the fifth Chinese city in the airline's expanding map. The new flight is due to start on June 5 and will fly between Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, and Chengdu. It will be the Chinese city's first direct flight to Africa. The flights will operate three times a week by Boeing 787-800, cutting flight time to nine and a half hours, the airline said. Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said he is very much looking forward to the launch of the new route. "Since we flew to China for the first time 43 years ago, we have seen China as the most important market," he said. The addition of the new route will increase the airline's weekly flights to China to 34. Currently it operates daily flights to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong and also 10 weekly flights to Guangzhou. MANILA -- Five gunmen attacked a fishing boat on Tuesday off Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines, killing at least eight crew members on board. Army spokesman Filemon Tan said in a statement the boat with 15 crew on board was struck by shells fired by the gunmen aboard a speed boat around 7:30 a.m. off Laud Siromon in Dita village in Zamboanga City. "Eight crew were killed in the straffing," Tan said, adding the five other crew jumped off the boat and survived the attack by swimming to a nearby island. He added two others who remained on the boat were unharmed. Tan said "personal grudge" or "extortion" could be the motives for the attack. He said police and military personnel were sent to the area to look into the incident. NISHINOMIYA - Thousands of men and women raced through the grounds of a Shinto shrine in west Japan early on Tuesday in the annual "Lucky Man Run", which some believe bestows a year's worth of good fortune on the winner. Harking back to a tradition started in the 14th century when locals hurried to the Nishinomiya shrine in Hyogo Prefecture on this day to offer prayers for prosperity, the race's victor is recognised by priests as the year's "lucky" man or woman. Takashi Suzuki, 21, a university student from Tokyo, was the recipient of this promise of favourable fortune for 2017 when he won the 230-metre (754-foot) dash through the shrine's courtyard, boosted by gaining a position close to the giant red doors of the shrine compound in a lottery draw. About 5,000 people took part in the frenzied sprint this year, according to organisers. Events and stories coming up in the next few days Museum crowing about its rooster origami session The Museum of East Asian Art is presenting Adult Origami: Year of the Rooster on Thursday at the institution located at 12 Bennett Road, Bath. The event, which is part of the museum's build-up to the Lunar New Year, will of er participants the chance to make origami rooster and phoenix decorations and take part in an Asian tea-tasting session. Experts getting companies ready for business in China The China-UK Business Center is presenting An Introduction to Trading With China, a paid-for session, on Wednesday at the group's head office in Lancaster House on Amy Johnson Way in Blackpool. The seminar is aimed at representatives from companies that intend to start trading with China and will cover the basics that companies need to be aware of before making their fi rst business trip to the country. Oxford conference grapples with everyday practices The first annual University of Oxford, China Graduate Humanities Conference will take place on Wednesday. (Extra) ordinary China: Practices of the Everyday is set for the Dickson Poon Building on Canterbury Road, Oxford. Speakers are set to include Professor Andrew Jones, from the University of California, Berkeley, and Craig Clunas, professor of History of Art at the University of Oxford. Conference to discuss future of TV industry The 2016 China Intelligent Display and Innovative Application Industry Conference will be held in Beijing on Wednesday by the China Video Industry Association and All View Cloud, a consultancy specializing in home appliances. Delegates will discuss the future of TV manufacturing. Representatives from major electronic manufacturers will attend. video video video Over 6.2 million copies of President Xi Jinpings book The Governance of China have been distributed worldwide since its release two years ago, Minister of the State Council Information Office Jiang Jianguo said on Monday. "The book has steadily attracted worldwide attention and more than 6.2 million copies have already been distributed in different languages," Jiang revealed when he addressed a launch ceremony on a global China-themed book exhibition in Geneva. Jiang said the books distribution volume has already set a record, surpassing all other Chinese leaders works since the reform and opening up from the late 1970s. The book exhibition, which will last one month, was launched the day before Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced Xis upcoming visit to Switzerland from Jan 15-18. "President Xi will be discussing with his Swiss counterpart on how to upgrade relations to a new level and the visit will be of landmark importance to the region and the world," said Jiang. In addition to beefing up trade relations, China and Switzerland will announce new measures in boosting cultural exchanges, tourism and financial cooperation during the visit. After the state visit, Xi will be delivering the keynote speech at the annual World Economic Forum on Jan 17 in Davos. He is scheduled to visit the Lausanne-based International Olympic Committee and the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva, as well as speak at the high-level conference at the United Nations Office in Geneva before wrapping up his first overseas tour in 2017. Sudan,UK keen to upgrade all-round ties Xinhua | Updated: 2017-01-10 22:52 KHARTOUM - Sudan and the United Kingdom on Tuesday reiterated their willingness to enhance their bilateral ties in political, economic and commercial fields. Official Sudanese-British talks were held in Khartoum Tuesday, co-chaired by Sudanese Foreign Ministry's Under Secretary Abdul-Ghani Al-Naeem and Permanent Under-Secretary at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Simon McDonald. "This visit of the British official reflects the level of development in the relationship between the two countries," Al-Naeem told reporters following the talks. "We have discussed all issues, where on bilateral field we have reiterated the two countries' willingness to enhance their relations in the different fields," he added. He said "at the regional level, we have discussed the issue of South Sudan and the necessity to achieve peace there, while at the international level, we discussed the issue of human trafficking." McDonald, for his part, said that "we were able to discuss international, regional and bilateral issues, and have productive discussions in all these areas." "The United Kingdom and Sudan have historic relations and we are building on those historic relations," he noted. 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. People look at a mural of David Bowie in Brixton, south London, Britain January 10, 2017. [Photo\Agencies] LONDON - Fans and friends of the late British rock star David Bowie attended a charity concert in London on Sunday night to mark what would have been his 70th birthday. The "Celebrating David Bowie" concert was held in Bowie's birthplace of Brixton in south London, nearly a year after the legendary musician died of cancer. The sold-out event was organised by Hollywood actor Gary Oldman and featured performances by Bowie's friends and former band members, including keyboardist Mike Garson and guitarist Earl Slick. "It's a little funny, not ha ha funny, but you know being together and there's no David here and doing the show, but it's a great opportunity ... it just feels good to be with the band," Slick said. (Photo : Getty Images) US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that the United States can neutralize possible North Korean missile attacks. Advertisement US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Sunday that North Korea's nuclear weapons capabilities and ballistic missile defense capabilities pose a serious threat to the United States. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement During an appearance on a TV interview show, Carter said that the United States is prepared to shoot down a North Korean launch or test "if it were coming towards our territory or the territory of our friends." On Sunday, the North Korean government declared that it has the capabilities to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile at any time and from any location if decided by its leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea added that a hostile United States policy is to blame for its arms development. On Jan. 1 this year, Kim announced that the nuclear-capable country was close to test-launching an Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). "The ICBM will be launched anytime and anywhere determined by the supreme headquarters of the Democratic Republic of Korea," an unnamed Foreign Ministry was quoted saying by the country's media. On Jan. 5, the United States said that North Korea had demonstrated a 'qualitative' improvement in its nuclear and missile capabilities. This forecast was facilitated by North Korea's unprecedented level of missile tests last year. North Korea has been testing rocket engines and heat shields for an ICBM. According to experts, Pyongyang has also been developing technology that can be used to guide a missile after re-entry into the atmosphere. Once fully engineered, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the continental United States. ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,000 km (3,400 miles). Some are capable of traveling up to 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or further. Continental United States is around 9,000km (5,500 miles) from North Korea. The UN has placed sanctions on North Korea since 2006 over its nuclear weapons ambitions. The sanctions were tightened last month after the country carried out its fifth and largest nuclear test on Sept. 9. Last week, a US State Department spokesperson said that they do not believe that North Korea has the capabilities to mount a nuclear warhead on a ballistic missile. Advertisement TagsNorth Korea, US, Asia (Photo : Getty Images) McDonald's sold off parts of its shares in China to CITIC capital and Carlyle Group. Advertisement Fast food guru McDonald's sold a great number of its market shares in China to two other firms, in a bid to expand its presence in the Chinese market. The deal that was announced on Monday was valued at $2.1 billion and highlighted Hong Kong's CITIC Capital and US Carlyle Group as the main investors. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Reuters reported that once the regulatory commissions in China approve the transaction, CITIC will then own 52 percent of the partnership, Carlyle with 28 percent, and McDonald's for the remaining 20 percent. Under the new ownership, the fast food firm plans to add a total of 1,500 branches in both China and Hong Kong over the next five years. Also, the current 2,400 branches in China and 249 in Hong Kong, which have over 120,000 employees will be re-franchised. Under the agreement, McDonald's will not only get cash but also new shares in the market. The partnership is expected to last for 20 years, and during the period, the sales margin is expected to rise following a menu renovation, which is among other key focuses. "As disposable income rises people will continue to spend more on leisure and on dining out," the announcement said. "The market for Western Quick Service Restaurants is expected to continue to grow rapidly." Initially, McDonald's planned to sell off its entire shares to raise $3 billion. However, the fast food chain opted to keep a minority share of the firm while keeping in mind future plans. Shaun Rein, the marketing director at China's Market Research Group, explained that not much was to be expected from the new partnership. "McDonald's is a well-run company," Rein said. "I'm not sure that CITIC and Carlyle are able to add much more aside from capital." McDonald's comes in second as the most common fast food joint in China next to Yum Brands' KFC, which has more than 5,000 local outlets in the mainland. USN news, however, noted that Yum Brands' KFC is still recovering from a scandal after it was found that some of its branches were serving expired meat. Advertisement Tagschina, CITIC Capital, Carlyle Group, McDonald's China (Photo : Getty Images) The statue represents women who were forced to work as sex slaves during Japan's colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula Advertisement Japan on Monday recalled its ambassador to South Korea in protest of a statue in Busan dedicated to the women and girls forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels. According to a source familiar with the bilateral relationships between the two countries, Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine is expected to stay in Japan for two weeks or so. However, Nagamine's stay was shortened, as there were no signs of a quick resolution to the issue. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The statue was erected last month in front of the Japanese Consulate General in Busan. It is one of a number in South Korea representing the women and girls forced to provide sex for Imperial Japanese troops before and during World War II. Japan refers to the sex slaves as "ianfu" or "comfort women." Japan controlled the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. The latest controversy comes despite a December 2015 bilateral agreement that set out to fully resolve the comfort women issue. Under the deal, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized to the women who "suffered incurable physical and psychological wounds as comfort women." Last year, Japan gave 1 billion Yen (approximately $860,000) to a South Korean fund to assist former comfort women. In the agreement, South Korea also agreed to deal with the issue of a similar statue placed in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. On Saturday, a South Korean Buddhist monk set himself on fire in Seoul to protest against the country's settlement with Japan on the compensation of comfort women. The Buddhist monk suffered third-degree burns and serious damage to vital body organs. Advertisement TagsJapan, South Korea, Comfort Women (Photo : Getty Images) Syrian president Bashar Assad has defended Syrian army's heavy bombardment of Aleppo. Advertisement Syrian President Bashar Assad said that he is "prepared to negotiate everything" with his country's rebels during planned talks later this month in Kazakhstan. In remarks published on Monday, Assad is seeking to paint himself as a peacemaker after his government forces recaptured the city of Aleppo from rebel control last month. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Speaking to reporters at his Damascus palace, Assad defended his army's lethal bombardment of Eastern Aleppo, saying the alternative would have been to leave the city's inhabitants at the mercy of "terrorists." Assad's government used the term "terrorists" for all the country's rebels. Assad also expressed his skepticism of the credibility of Syrian opposition groups backed by Saudi Arabia and the west. However, the talks, which have been brokered by Russia and Turkey, are still clouded by doubt as Syrian rebels are yet to confirm whether they will attend. Opposition groups insisted that Assad's departure from the country's leadership is a precondition for any reforms. Assad, on the other hand, argued that the issue can only be resolved through a constitutional referendum. Meanwhile, activists in Syria reported what appeared to be a US Special Forces raid on Islamic State hideouts in the country. According to Omar Abou Leila, four helicopters landed in the desert between the Islamic State-held cities of Deir el-Zour and Raqqa on Saturday. Commandos set up checkpoints and intercepted a car carrying several IS militants, killing them, and flying off with the bodies. "It's an operation that apparently targeted an important figure," Abou Leila, who runs Deir Ezzor 24, told journalists from Germany, where he resides. Deir Ezzor 24 is one of the several locally staffed underground groups that report from IS-held territory. Another activist group based in Britain, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said 25 Islamic State fighters were killed in the ambush. According to local witnesses, some of the commandos spoke Arabic. The US-led coalition is yet to comment on the matter. Advertisement TagsSyria, Bashar al-Assad, Aleppo (Photo : ESO) ESO's VLT facility in Chile. Advertisement The European Space Organization (ESO) has signed an agreement with the Breakthrough Initiatives to adapt the Very Large Telescope instrumentation in Paranal, Chile to conduct a search for exoplanets in the nearby star system of Alpha Centauri. These exoplanets could be the targets for an eventual launch of miniature space probes by the Breakthrough Starshot initiative. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The agreement provides funds for the VISIR (VLT Imager and Spectrometer for mid-Infrared) instrument mounted at ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) to be modified in order to greatly enhance its ability to search for potentially habitable planets around Alpha Centauri, the closest stellar system to the Earth. It also provides for telescope time to allow a careful search program to be conducted in 2019. The agreement was signed by ESO Director General Tim de Zeeuw Breakthrough Initiatives and Pete Worden, Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation and Executive Director of the Breakthrough Initiatives. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and two survey telescopes. There are sound reasons for focusing on Alpha Centauri. The discovery in 2016 of a planet, Proxima b, around Proxima Centauri, the third and faintest star of the Alpha Centauri system, adds even further impetus to this search. Knowing where the nearest exoplanets are is of paramount interest for Breakthrough Starshot, the research and engineering program launched in April 2016. Breakthrough Starshot aims to demonstrate proof of concept for ultra-fast light-driven "nanocraft," laying the foundation for the first launch to Alpha Centauri within a generation. Detecting a habitable planet in Alpha Centauri is an enormous challenge given the brightness of the planetary system's host star, which tends to overwhelm the relatively dim planets. It is easier to observe Alpha Centauri in the mid-infrared wavelength range where the thermal glow from an orbiting planet greatly reduces the brightness gap between it and its host star. But even in the mid-infrared, the star remains millions of times brighter than the planets to be detected, which calls for a dedicated technique to reduce the blinding stellar light. The existing mid-infrared instrument VISIR on the VLT will provide this performance if it were enhanced to greatly improve the image quality using adaptive optics, and adapted to employ a technique called coronagraphy to reduce the stellar light and thereby reveal the possible signal of potential terrestrial planets. Breakthrough Initiatives will pay for a large fraction of the necessary technologies and development costs for such an experiment, and ESO will provide the required observing capabilities and time. The new hardware includes an instrument module contracted to Kampf Telescope Optics (KTO), Munich, which will host the wavefront sensor, and a novel detector calibration device. In addition, there are plans for a new coronagraph to be developed jointly by University of Liege (Belgium) and Uppsala University (Sweden). Detecting and studying potentially habitable planets orbiting other stars will be one of the main scientific goals of the upcoming European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). Although the increased size of the E-ELT will be essential to obtaining an image of a planet at larger distances in the Milky Way, the light collecting power of the VLT is just sufficient to image a planet around the nearest star, Alpha Centauri The developments for VISIR will also be beneficial for the future METIS instrument, to be mounted on the E-ELT, as the knowledge gained and proof of concept will be directly transferable. The huge size of the E-ELT should allow METIS to detect and study exoplanets the size of Mars orbiting Alpha Centauri (if they exist), as well as other potentially habitable planets around other nearby stars. Breakthrough Starshot is a $100 million research and engineering program aiming to demonstrate proof of concept for a new technology, enabling ultra-light unmanned space flight at 20% of the speed of light, and to lay the foundations for a flyby mission to Alpha Centauri within a generation. The Breakthrough Initiatives are a program of scientific and technological exploration founded in 2015 by Internet investor and science philanthropist Yuri Milner to explore the Universe, seek scientific evidence of life beyond Earth, and encourage public debate from a planetary perspective. Advertisement TagsEuropean Space Organization, ESO, Breakthrough Initiatives, very large telescope, VISIR, VLT Imager and Spectrometer for mid-Infrared, Alpha Centauri (Photo : YouTube Screenshot) Singapore's defense ministry on Monday demanded for the immediate release of the nine military vehicles seized by Hong Kong authorities in November. Advertisement Singapore's defense ministry sent a stern message to Hong Kong on Monday demanding the state to return nine of its military armored troop carrier in accordance to sovereign immunity law. "The Terex's and other equipment detained in Hong Kong are the property of the Singapore government," Singapore's defense minister Ng Eng Hen said. "They are protected by sovereign immunity." Like Us on Facebook Advertisement While addressing the parliament, Ng Eng explained that under the immunity laws, the military machineries were basically being detained illegally in Hong Kong. "Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had written to Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying to request the return of the machinery. Hong Kong replied saying that investigations would be carried out in accordance with their law and would take time," he added. On Monday, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department said it could not give out information in regard to the incident because investigations are still ongoing. Lu Kanga, a spokesperson from China's foreign ministry, also responded to Singapore's remarks, saying the matter is being dealt according to relevant laws and regulations, and hoped that the "all parties can be prudent with their words and actions," New Strait Times reported. Hong Kong customs seized the eight-wheeled Terrex infantry carriers in November because "suspected controlled items" were reportedly found o board. The machineries were heading back to Hong Kong after undergoing military drills in Taiwan. Advertisement TagsSingapore, Hong Kong, china, Military Machines, Immunity law (Photo : Getty Images) In this handout image supplied by Host photo agency / RIA Novosti, Sukhoi Su-30SM Flanker-C fighters and Su-35S Super-Flanker fighters during the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, May 9, 2015 in Moscow, Russia. Advertisement China has received four Sukhoi Su-35 "Flanker-E" fighter jets from Russia in late December 2015, the China Daily reported without providing further details. However, live flight-tracking website Flightradar24 noted that an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft manufactured by Russian charter firm Volga-Dnepr was seen flying from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, where the Su-35 is built by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO), to Cangzhou-Cangxian Airbase in China's Hebei Province. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The plane then reportedly headed to Suixi Airbase in Guangdong Province on Dec. 25, which is the nearest Chinese airbase to the South China Sea, the Defense News noted. Cangzhou-Cangxian is apparently the home of the People's Liberation Army Air Force's Flight Test and Traning Center, which is responsible for coming up with flying procedures, combat tactics, and training programs for new aircrafts. Sputnik News, however, noted that it is not known if the Il-76 was travelling with the PLAAF Su-35 jets or it only carried support equipment and spares for the new fighter units. The Chinese government has so far not released any official photos of the Su-35 jets, but blurry images are making rounds across the Internet and are believed to be the PLAAF Su-35. Last November, China confirmed that it inked a $2 billion contract with Russia to acquire 24 Su-35 jets after five years of intermittent negotiations. According to IHS Jane, the Russian-made Su-35 jets could be the last combat aircraft to be imported by China as the country now "takes pride" of the "indigenous, cutting-edge HQ-9B long-range surface-to-missile and Y-20 strategic transport aircraft," China Daily reported citing statements by the People's Liberation Army's website. "We hope very much that the Su-35 will be the last [combat] aircraft China imports," it added. Advertisement TagsSu-35 china, Su-35 flanker, Su-35 China Russia (Photo : Getty Images) Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte makes a speech during the Philippines - China Trade and Investment Fourm at the Great Hall of the People on October 20, 2016 in Beijing, China. Advertisement Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's longtime aide brushed off rumors on Monday that the tough talking leader paid a visit to a cancer hospital in China to seek treatment. "Not true. One hundred percent, hindi kami lumbas [ng bansa] (we did not leave the country)," Special Assistant to the President Secretary Christopher "Bong" Go said. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement He further said that anyone can verify with Chinese hospital or immigration records to determine if Duterte really travelled abroad for a checkup during his private time, the Philippine Star reported. The news came after a column by former Sen. Francisco Tatad published on The Manila Times on Monday revealed that the president spent his New Year at the Fuda Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou, China. He claimed that he had received reports that Duterte flew via a private plane to meet with Chinese physicians. He further hinted that Duterte was last seen on public while leading the Rizal Day commemoration rites on Dec. 30 and visiting the bombing victims in Leyte before the New Year. The 71-year-old president was then next seen on Manila on Friday to visit the Russian warship that docked in the country, according to the GMA News. Meanwhile, Tatad also reminded Duterte of the experience of former President Ferdinand Marcos, who underwent kidney transplants while Malacanang hid his actual health status. Although Duterte denied that he is suffering from cancer, the president has previously admitted that he has been dealing with Buerger's disease, Barrett's esophagus, and spinal problems, which he inflicted in a motorbike accident. He also said he has to deal with migraine every day. Officials have so far maintained that Duterte is in a healthy state to carry out his duty as the country's chief executive. Advertisement TagsDuterte News, Duterte health problems, Duterte cancer, Duterte China visit (Photo : Getty Images) China on Monday said that it is seriously concerned over North Koreas latest missile rhetoric on ICBM. It warned its communist ally that it will keep a close watch on the development. Advertisement China on Monday expressed serious concern over North Korea's repeated threat to launch its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The concern from Beijing comes swiftly after U.S took a critical note of Pyongyang's latest missile threat last week. "The United Nations Security Council has clear rules for North Korea regarding its use of ICBM technology to test missiles," Lu Kang, China's foreign ministry spokesman, told news reporters. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "In this complex and sensitive situation, China asks all relevant parties to not engage in acts that will raise tensions." The Chinese spokesman also categorically stated that Beijing will keep a close watch on new developments and will not hesitate to play its "given role" for the sake of peace and stability in the region. Kim's Missile Threat on New Year's Eve The isolated communist nation's most definitive threat on ICBM came during its supreme leader Kim Jong-un's New Year speech. Kim said that the country has reached the last stage for the test launch of ICMB that can easily penetrate the U.S. It did not take much long for US President-elect Donald Trump to react to Kim's latest missile threat. In his typical Twitter tirade, Trump not only targeted North Korea but also China. The outspoken Republican lambasted China for not doing enough to stop Pyongyang from pursuing its controversial missile program. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter went a step further as he gave dire warning to the isolated communist country over its latest missile rhetoric. Carter said to a US television news channel that America would straight way shoot down any missile if aimed at "us" as well as "friends or allies." North Korea last year tested several missiles against the wishes of western allies as well as China. The tests, however, forced the United Nation to enforce several tough sanctions on the communist nation. Advertisement TagsNorth Korea, North korea and China, intercontinental ballistic missile, china, ICBM, North Korea ICBM (Photo : Getty Images) Trump and Abe. Advertisement An interesting op-ed piece in the English news website of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) described Donald Trump's concept of foreign relations as showing "a strong inclination toward neo-isolationism" while blasting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his more active interference in regional security affairs. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The op-ed in China Military also believes the United States' Asia-Pacific rebalancing implemented by President Barack Obama in 2011 will continue but with a "changed outlook." It noted that Trump never seemed hopeful of improving Washington-Beijing ties throughout the presidential election campaign, "but he ended up being the black swan," a phrase that probably has the same meaning as a villain. "After Trump became president-elect, he made many remarks that went counter to Obama's policies, denoting that America's foreign policy may go through substantial adjustment," said the op-ed. Trump also made it clear he would challenge Washington's consistent stance on the "One China" principle, which Trump has shown every indication of doing. "Trump has never been in public office, and he doesn't fully understand sensitive issues in international relations. The list of candidates for his security and diplomatic team is highly conservative because it is mostly filled by rich white men and retired veterans. And Trump's governing concept shows a strong inclination toward neo-isolationism," said the story. "Trump's campaign slogans such as "America First;" "America No. 1" and "Make America Great Again" foreboded the possibility of the U.S. providing fewer public products in the world, while his call for "increasing the defense budget," "expanding the military" and "securing peace with strength" predicted that it might step up military interferences in regional hotspot issues." As for Abe's Japan, the op-ed said Japan "obviously works harder to send its troops overseas and more actively interfere in regional security affairs." It noted that Abe "has constantly broken the 'exclusively defensive' guideline that Japan has observed for decades, and given up the 'self-restricting' path of military development. It saw the "U.S.-Japan alliance is becoming a de facto global military alliance, and the change in its function will impose major impacts on regional and international security." Advertisement TagsPeople's Liberation Arm, donald trump, China military, President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Photo : Getty Images) Legendary investor Jim Rogers said that in the coming time, investors should contemplate buying Russia. Advertisement Jim Rogers, co-founder of Quantum Fund with George Soros, has come up with a contrarian advice. The legendary investor said that in the coming time, investors should contemplate on buying Russia. He said that the US markets are at their all-time high, making it important to take a look at undervalued markets. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement CNBC reported that under the new president, the US corporate sector is likely to witness positive initiatives such as elevated infrastructure spending, tax cuts, and corporate cash repatriation. He also said that the Trump effect had a positive impact on the US stock market. The investment genius said that the relationship between the US and Russia is likely to become warmer in the future. This development would make Russia an attractive proposition for the investors. It is expected that the new administration may ease some of the bans imposed on Russia. He expressed his 'holding' view on Chinese economy, where he is neither buying nor shorting assets. He said that Trump's negative opinion about China will likely dampen the investment recommendation for the country. Rogers said, "America and China could really boom together, [but] Trump seems to have it in for China." He also expressed his skepticism of the anti-China stand taken by Trump as he said that Trump family has strong business ties with China. President-elect Trump has made a number of appointments that are being seen as anti-China. His pick for heading the National Trade Council, Peter Navarro, has authored a book titled, "Death By China: Confronting the Dragon." Advertisement TagsJim Rogers, donald trump, Russia (Photo : Getty Images) Air China Cargo made history after becoming the first mainland airline to ban shark fin shipment. Advertisement Air China Cargo, a part of Air China, made history after banning shark fin cargo aboard its flights, the first mainland aviation company to do so. Air China Cargo manages cargo shipment on commercial aircraft and freight planes of the airlines. With its new policy, Air China has joined the ranks of 36 airlines globally that have instituted such ban. The company said on Friday that it is committed to help in promoting global sustainability. A statement published on its website said, "Therefore, on the issue of shark fin, we reiterate our 'No Shark Fin' carriage policy." Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The news comes on the heels of another environment-related announcement made by China. The country announced its plan to ban the domestic ivory trade in order to put an end to elephant poaching. These actions have been widely welcomed by international community. Alex Hofford, a wildlife activist from the conservation group WildAid in Hong Kong, praised the decision and said that the airlines took "an ethical stance." He compared the airlines to FedEx, which despite repeated requests, has not taken the similar step. It is reported that 17 global container shipping lines and 35 other airlines have signed up to support the campaign for banning shark fin shipment. Another Chinese shipping company, China Cosco Shipping, is also a part of the alliance. According to a report released by China last year, the shark fin import in the country declined by 82 percent between 2011 and 2014. Shark fin soup is widely considered a delicacy in China. Advertisement TagsAir China Cargo, Air China, Shark Fin, FedEx (Photo : Getty Images) US president-elect Donald Trump held a meeting with prominent Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma in New York. Advertisement US president-elect Donald Trump held a meeting with prominent Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma in New York. Ma said that Alibaba has the potential to create thousands of jobs by letting US businesses sell to China. Both Trump and Ma agreed that Sino-US relationship needs to be strengthened. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Alibaba platform is reported to account for up to 80 percent online purchases in China. Alibaba's CEO said that farmers and small clothing makers in the US Midwest should take this opportunity to reach out people in China. The Chinese company's spokesman Bob Christie said that Alibaba may aid in creating one million new jobs over the next five years as small businesses will need to hire more people for dealing with Alibaba. Trump said that he had a "great meeting." Alibaba went public in the US in 2014, making history as the largest IPO. It had raised $25 billion in the market. The company reported $15.6 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. Trump had earlier warned that he is likely to impose punitive tariffs on imports from China. He has also been a vocal critic of various Chinese practices including its monetary policy. However, following the meeting with Ma, he said, "Jack and I are going to do some great things." Trump also called Ma a "great, great entrepreneur," while Ma said that Trump is "smart" and "open-minded." Ma added that Trump agreed that the ties between the two countries "should be strengthened, should be more friendly and do better." Advertisement Tagsdonald trump, Jack Ma, Alibaba (Photo : Getty Images) Morgan Stanley and UBS Group AG plan to boost their holdings in their respective joint ventures in China to permissible 49 percent. Advertisement Morgan Stanley and UBS Group AG are looking to increase their footprints in China. The news is being widely seen as the endorsement of booming a Chinese economy. Both the financial firms plan to boost their holdings in their respective joint ventures in China to permissible 49 percent. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement China had raised the limits for foreign banks' holdings in a joint venture to 49 percent in 2012. Earlier, the limit was fixed at one-third of the venture; however, foreign banks did not seem to be in rush to take advantage of the change in policies at that time. It is speculated that China is mulling the policies to let foreign banks own majority stake in securities joint ventures. It is also likely that onshore equity issuance is going to see an uptick in the near future. Such a change in circumstances has prompted global banks to take advantage of such initiatives. Benjamin Quinlan, CEO of consultancy Quinlan & Associates, said, "The China securities market is ripe for growth, and foreign investment banks will look to put more money there when it comes to boosting revenue. It's a long-term bet." Morgan Stanley has partnered with Huaxin Securities in China. Morgan Stanley currently has 33.3 percent stake in the JV. Reuters reported that both parties have agreed to increase Morgan Stanley's holding to 49 percent. UBS currently holds nearly 25 percent stake in UBS Securities in China, which was registered in 2006. The company had contributed towards the bailout of domestic brokerage firm Beijing Securities. Spokesperson for UBS declined to comment. Advertisement Tagschina, Morgan Stanley, UBS (Photo : PLAN) The crew of the CNS Harbin man the rails as the destroyer prepares to dock at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Advertisement A three-ship squadron of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) arrived at the Red Sea port city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on Jan.9 for a five-day goodwill visit. It is only the second time since November 2010 that a PLAN squadron has dropped anchor at Saudi Arabia. The PLAN 24th Escort Task Force consists of the CNS Harbin (DDG-112), a Type 052 Luhu-class guided missile destroyer; the Type 054A frigate CNS Handan (FFG-579) and the Qiandaohu-class or Type 903 replenishment ship Dongpinghu (960). Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The Escort Task Force are in Saudi Arabia after completing their mission of escorting merchant ships in the pirate-ridden waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Somali coast. Over 200 persons, including Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Li Huaxin; Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Jeddah An Wa'er; staff of China-funded institutions; overseas Chinese and officers of the Royal Saudi Navy were at the pier to welcome the Chinese warships. The task force will hold a deck reception during its visit to Saudi Arabia. The commanding officers of the task force, including Senior Captain Bai Yaoping and Zhou Pingfei, will call on officers of the Western Fleet of the Royal Saudi Navy. They are also scheduled to visit the naval tactical center and the maritime fire-fighting simulation center of the Royal Saudi Navy together with representatives of the Chinese sailors. In addition, sailors of the two navies will also visit each other's warships. Jeddah is home base to the Royal Saudi Navy's Western Fleet that consists of frigates; missile boats; a replenishing ship and a patrol minesweeper. The base is located north of the King Faisal Naval Base air station and south of the container port area Saudi Arabia is the first leg in the Chinese squadron's itinerary. The warships will also visit Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Advertisement TagsPeople's Liberation Army Navy, PLAN, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 24th Escort Task Force, CNS Harbin, CNS Handan, Dongpinghu (Photo : Getty Images) Japan and South Korea said that they immediately dispatched fighter jets on Monday after spotting Chinese aircrafts flying between East China Sea and Sea of Japan. Advertisement Japan and South Korea have put their fighter jets on high alert in East China Sea and Sea of Japan after spotting Chinese aircrafts flying back and forth in the region, Japanese and South Korean officials said. A Japanese defense ministry official's statement on Tuesday claimed that eight Chinese aircrafts conducted aerial operation over the Tsushima Strait on Monday. It further claimed that the eight aircrafts included six H-6 bombers, one warning plane, and one intelligence-gathering plane. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Japanese media claimed that Chinese planes did not breach Japan's airspace and also shed light on the route undertaken by Chinese pilots during the operation. It said that the planes first headed northeast over the Sea of Japan and made a u-turn to fly back to the East China Sea. Meanwhile, South Korea's local media reported earlier in the day that 10 Chinese military aircrafts flew inside Korean airspace for about five hours. It claimed that the Chinese planes mostly conducted its operation in Jeju Island, which South Koreans refer to as "Ieodo." China apparently considers "Ieodo" as part of its own air defense identification zone. South Koreans swiftly responded to alleged airspace violation by dispatching 10 F-15 and F-16 fighter jets into the region. Beijing has so far not issued any statement on Tokyo and Seoul's aerial operation claims. It must be noted that last year, China conducted several air force drills in contagious areas including the western pacific region. Last November, Beijing carried out its third aerial operation in western pacific, which was quickly followed with Japanese air force exercising its own drill near the region. China shares tense relationship with both Japan and South Korea over host of issues including territorial disputes and unresolved political issues. Advertisement TagsJapan and South Korea, China and Japan, China and South Korea, china Large numbers of people are coming to believe in Jesus in the Middle East, according to a Christian radio station, despite the persecution and violence they are facing each day. There are thousands upon thousands coming to Christ. We are in regular contact with our FM stations in Iraq and have talked with many people who have family in the middle East, the radio station Voice of the Martyrs Canada told BosNewsLife. Some of our Middle Eastern broadcasters have shared testimonies [about many turning to Christ] with us, which they hear directly from listeners when visiting there Iran and much of the countries in the Middle East have been undergoing violence and instability in recent years, particularly due to the influence and activity of extremist groups such as ISIS. Religious minorities in particular, including Christians, have faced added dangers as they have been the target of many acts of violence and have been forced to convert or pay a tax to remain in their homes. However, reports from groups such as Voice of the Martyrs and others say that Christianity has been growing despite the persecution. Elam Ministries, a U.S.-based non-profit that focuses on sharing the gospel in Iran and surrounding countries, reported on Monday that over 1,200 attended a single churchs Christmas service in a country near Iran, and that a few hundred had to be turned away. Such was the desire to learn more about Jesus, Elam Ministries stated. The ministry added that "at least 100 Iranians gave their lives to the Lord in various churches during Christmas services in the Iran region. Church leaders believe that millions can be added to the church in the next few years such is the spiritual hunger that exists and the disillusionment with the Islamic regime, said Elam Ministries. If we remain faithful to our calling, our conviction is that it is possible to see the nation transformed within our lifetime. Because Iran is a strategic gateway nation, the growing church in Iran will impact Muslim nations across the Islamic world. Meanwhile, there have also been reports of Muslim refugees converting to Christianity after fleeing from their homes. The Independent reported in December that churches in Germany have experienced growing numbers of conversions among Muslim refugees. Also in December, Breitbart referred to a German newspaper report saying many Iranian migrants have converted to Christianity. A massive amount of Iranians convert, the report quoted a local pastor in Heidelberg saying. Mostly they are between 20 and 35 years old and come from the educated class. However, some express concern that refugees may say they have converted to Christianity simply in order to secure refugee status. As the oldest son in the family, I attended a Chinese school in Korea for kindergarten and a year in elementary school. My father was a school teacher, and I attended this Chinese school right in front of my home for his own fulfillment of a dream for me to get a jump start on my education. Afterwards, our family moved to Seoul and I could no longer attend a Chinese school which resulted in my forgetting most of my Chinese, but the school that I attended at the time had many friends I could play with and especially had a great teacher who guided me well so I was able to create many memories. I remember clearly learning to write -- I mean draw -- Chinese characters at a time when I should have been learning Korean. I would fold a semi-transparent calligraphic paper in half while inserting the thick framework for Chinese characters in between the folded sheets. I trained myself by tracing over the framework on the calligraphic paper that would display the pattern. The reason as to why I can say that my drawings do not look too bad is precisely because I trained myself to follow the framework in my calligraphy. This year's Elijah Special Morning Prayer, that was lifted up to our Lord in the first week of the new year, is the fourth year experiencing it for myself after being commissioned at Bethel, and I was able to experience a special grace being poured out into our ministry. It was so moving to see our congregants wake up early in the morning, fight the California winter rain while carrying their young children, trotting inside in small clusters of people. Tears would form as I would watch in emotion as those that have difficulty in even getting around slowly walk in with a cane in their hands so they could keep a commitment to prayer. I prayed with all my strength for those children who would be tomorrow's Bethel leaders as they walked up onto the stage with their parents still rubbing their eyes awake, while I personally laid my hand on their heads with the hope that they would grow as the spiritual giants of tomorrow. Even if they slept during service, I prayed that the traces left behind from the models of prayer would be the framework for the rest of their lives to lead them to God. Our Elijah Special Morning Prayer is a very precious time where the greatest number of our congregants are mobilized. It is the time of the year where even if attendance is not stressed, the faithful still gather to start off the new year on their knees in prayer. I believe that this time is not only a great time of devotion for our congregants, but for our pastoral staff as well. For a person serving in ministry, a time for prayer is necessary. It is precisely because it is almost a given for our pastoral staff to lift up their living sacrifices of prayer by serving in front of the church just as it is a given for our congregants to be fervent in prayer. We also prayed fervently every morning at 4 AM through the rigors of the early morning troubles while screaming out the name of our Lord to pray for all of our loving congregants to be challenged and blessed by the worship services. This is all due to one reason. It is so that we can become the example of the church. If our pastoral staff can become the framework of prayer that is slipped into a folded piece of calligraphic paper, we believe that our congregants will practice diligently, tracing that framework of prayer. Rev. Bryan Kim is the lead pastor of Bethel Korean Church, located in Irvine, CA. As Sunday marked 1,000 days since over 200 Chibok school girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram, the Nigerian president, along with advocates from around the world, expressed hopes that the remaining girls would be freed. In April of 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 school girls in Borno. Since then, several girls were rescued, released, or were able to escape, but reports say about 200 are still captive. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari expressed a commitment to continue efforts to rescue the remaining girls who are captive to the extremist group. We are hopeful that many more will still return, Buhari was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. The tears never dry, the ache is in our hearts. Our hearts will leap for joy, as more and more of our daughters return. It is a goal we remain steadfastly committed to. Buhari also made comments on Twitter, saying, Im hopeful that soon, Chibok community, Nigeria, and, indeed, the world, will welcome the remaining girls back home. Other public figures and advocacy organizations have also made statements to mark the day. Amnesty International, a human rights group, called on Boko Haram to immediately release the girls, and also spotlighted the other abductions and attacks perpetrated by the extremist groups. This terrible anniversary is a chilling reminder not just of the tragic disappearance of the Chibok school girls, but also all other individuals many of whom are also children who remain captive in Boko Harams hideouts across the country, said Makmid Kamara, the acting country director for Amnesty International Nigeria. These abductions and other attacks on civilians, many of which constitute war crimes, must stop. Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist, said her heart breaks for the families who long for their precious daughters. The men who took the Chibok girls and others like them cannot take away their courage or the love of their families, Yousafzai said in a statement posted on the Bring Back Our Girls Facebook page. I still hold hope that one day the girls will come home, finish their education and choose their futures for themselves. Meanwhile, one of the school girls was found to have been freed recently, according to a January 5 report from the Associated Press. Rakiya Abubakar and her six-month-old baby were found when Nigerian soldiers were interrogating Boko Haram suspects. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe issued and signed an executive order on Thursday, January 5, prohibiting state contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, among other categories of discrimination. The order, however, will only apply to contracts made with the executive branch of the state. It also only applies to contracts made after the EO was signed, and to contracts worth over $10,000. The executive order took effect immediately after it was signed by the governor. All Executive Branch entities are ordered to include in their procurement contracts valued over $10,000 a prohibition on discrimination by the contractor, in its employment practices, subcontracting practices, and delivery of goods or services, on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation, disability, or veteran status, the text of Executive Order 61 reads. Executive Order 61 is similar to the first executive order that McAuliffe made since his inauguration into office in 2014, which barred discrimination in employment practices in the state government workforce. Starting today, the Commonwealth of Virginia will not do business with entities that discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity, McAuliffe said in a statement. Virginia is home to the best state workforce in the country and this policy will ensure there is no question that all Virginians are to receive the full benefits of their citizenship, without regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Meanwhile, the order includes an exemption for certain private child-placement agencies. In 2012, the state adopted a "conscience clause" allowing adoption agencies funded by the state to turn away certain individuals or couples for religious or moral reasons. The executive order drew support from LGBT rights groups, such as Equality Virginia. In addition to keeping Virginia a place with a common-sense, pro-business government, todays Executive Order is a huge leap forward in our goal toward becoming a state that is a safe, welcoming, and equal place for all Virginians, executive director of Equality Virginia James Parrish said. Conservative groups such as The Family Foundation criticized the move. In essence, the Governor is saying that you cant do business with the state unless you allow men into womens bathrooms and fully embrace the administrations view that there are no distinctions between male and female, as well as its definition of marriage, said Victoria Cobb, president of The Family Foundation, in a statement. This affects hundreds of entities that provide goods and services to or on behalf of the state, including many churches, charities, and other faith-based institutions. The executive order can only be changed or repealed with another executive order. Among Billy Grahams many legacies is leading ministries to greater financial transparency. Now two major organizations led by the evangelists eldest son are ditching the most common way nonprofits disclose their finances. This fall, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) confirmed that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had approved the ministrys request to reclassify its decades-old tax status from a traditional nonprofit to an association of churches. A similar request by sister organization Samaritans Purse remained pending. The change means that the BGEA will no longer need to file Form 990, the primary way that nonprofits convey their financial accountability to both donors and the US government. This in turn means that Franklin Graham, president and CEO of both the BGEA and Samaritans Purse, will no longer be required to make public his $1 million dual salariesa point of some controversy in recent years. The IRS has a 14-point test for defining church, asking whether there are established places of worship, regular congregations, and regular religious services. The BGEA is not claiming it is a church, but rather an association of churches. The ministry says it has been operating as an association of churches for years, as virtually everything we do is done in cooperation with individual local churches. Spokesman Mark DeMoss told CT that association of churches is an IRS classification, not BGEAs. Christian ministries are increasingly worried about the impact that lengthy Form 990 disclosures can have on their First Amendment rights [see Sorry 666: ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. A missionary surgeon to one of the worlds poorest countries has won the first-ever $500,000 Gerson LChaim prize for outstanding Christian medical service. Jason Fader, whose parents were also medical missionaries, is 1 of 13 surgeons serving the 10 million people in the sub-Saharan African country. Three-quarters of the population is malnourished, making Burundi the worlds hungriest country in 2016. Fader, who grew up in Kenya, has been in Burundi since 2013. In addition to caring for about 25,000 patients a year with his team, he trains local doctors. Jason is doing surgeries that no one else has done before in Burundi, fellow doctor Rachel McLaughlin said. The students havent had a chance to see it. Hes teaching them surgical skills. Hes teaching them surgical management. And the students love it. The prize money will be used to create the countrys first postgraduate medical training, add 48 new beds to the 172 ... 1 Newly Released British Videos Expose the Error of John Piper's 'Christian Hedonism' and 'Passion Conference' Contact: Cathy Mickels, 360-387-7373 SEATTLE, Jan. 10, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- In response to the recent Passion Conference and the influence of John Piper's doctrine of "Christian hedonism," two newly released British videos titled, " Piper's Journey into Hedonism " and " Piper in the Dark ," have been released. Published by British author Dr. E.S. Williams, a member of London's Metropolitan Tabernacle Church, he warns that John Piper is no longer a sound, reliable evangelical leader believers can trust. Focusing on Piper's twisted doctrine of "Christian hedonism", and his promotion and involvement in the irreverent, worldly Passion Conference, the videos show Piper's loss of discernment. Joining in their support of the videos are Cathy Mickels, co-author of "Spiritual Junk Food: The Dumbing Down of Christian Youth," former Washington state director of Phyllis Schlafly's conservative Eagle Forum, and Denise Gumprecht, a longtime Christian researcher studying the trends and dangers associated with falsehood and error within the modern-day church. Stating it is symbolic that this warning is coming from the church of Charles Spurgeon, Mickels and Gumprecht also affirm, "While the evangelical establishment in the United States turns a blind eye to the downgrade in our midst, these videos highlight why there is growing concern regarding Piper's aiding and abetting of error, his bad judgment, and his theological carelessness. Mickels and Gumprecht also point to the warnings of Dr. Peter Masters, pastor of Charles Spurgeon's church, who described Piper's "Christian hedonism" as "a very strange term, because hedonism is, for Christians, a bad word. Hedonism means the pursuit of pleasure as the chief good, but in the case of this new scheme of spiritual living, it refers to the pursuit of pleasure in God." Claiming this is just one aspect of a much bigger problem of the dumbing down of the church, Mickels and Gumprecht add, "Christians should question leaders who use the culture of hip-hop as bait and intentionally create the characteristics of a worldly rock concert to draw young-adults to Christ." Furthermore, Mickels and Gumprecht observe, "Piper's followers are quick to forget it was also John Piper's continued support of Mark Driscoll that validated his ministry of irreverence and perversion in the church. Even today Piper admits he has no regrets. What does this say about his discernment and leadership?" Both Gumprecht and Mickels want to remind believers to heed the Scriptural warnings of 2 John 9-11, regarding whom they will support and validate. Family Research Council Files Amicus Brief with US Supreme Court in School Locker Room/Bathroom Case Contact: J.P. Duffy or Alice Chao, Family Research Council, 866-372-6397 WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Yesterday, Family Research Council (FRC) and the North Carolina Values Coalition (NCVC) filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Gloucester County School Board v. G.G, which will decide the validity of the Department of Education's (DOE) interpretation that sex-separated facilities under Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106.33 must "generally treat transgender students consistent with their gender identity." The case will also decide whether a federal agency letter mandating the same interpretation should receive deference. The jointly filed brief makes three basic arguments: (1) education policy should be decided at the local level, (2) the DOE letter and appellate court ruling threaten the liberty of all students by invading their privacy, and (3) the DOE letter makes law when that should be left to the legislature. This case is more broadly about whether a local school board is free to determine that students must use the shower, locker room or bathroom of their biological sex, and whether sex can be reinterpreted to include gender identity. The Obama administration has been hinting at the revocation of federal funds if localities such as Gloucester County take this course of action. While President-elect Trump could direct that such action must cease in his administration, attempts by legal activists to shoehorn "gender identity" into definitions of "sex" will persist, and FRC and NCVC hope the Court sees the sense in ruling in a way that leaves localities free from federal government mandates on this issue. Travis Weber, an attorney with FRC who helped file the brief, commented: "Young children in public schools all over our land are some of society's most vulnerable members, especially as they leave their families day-to-day to enter an environment in which they are supposed to be cared for and watched over. Local communities like Gloucester County should be left alone to set their own policies, and not suffer federal interference on such an issue. Indeed, studies have found that around 80-95 percent of the pre-pubertal children with gender dysphoria (formerly known as gender identity disorder) will no longer experience gender dysphoria in adolescence. However, according to the Obama administration's Department of Education and Department of Justice -- and this is the issue in this case -- children should be forced to sacrifice their expectations of privacy at the behest of one Washington bureaucrat directing who they shall be made to use the shower, locker room or bathroom with. This is unconscionable." To review FRC's amicus brief, please see: downloads.frc.org/EF/EF17A11.pdf Roe v. Wade: Maximizing this Annual Opportunity to Share a Pro-Life Message Six Simple Ways You Can Save a Baby Between Now and the January 22 Anniversary Contact: Tom Ciesielka, 312-422-1333, tc@tcpr.net WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Is your pro-life group still struggling to find the right way to mark this year's anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark United States Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion? TC Public Relations is encouraging life advocacy groups, letting them know there is still time to capitalize on this opportunity to maximize their pro-life message and promote their organizations. Tom Ciesielka, president of TC Public Relations, noted, "Many pro-life groups participate in larger events during January, such as the national March For Life in Washington, DC, or regional gatherings such as the March for Life Chicago or Speak Out Illinois. It is also a wonderful opportunity to build awareness of the facts about abortion and the damage it wreaks on women and their families. I encourage pro-life advocacy organizations to share their own stories and let their communities know how they are making a positive difference." Ciesielka offers the following suggestions for ways that pro-life groups can promote their life-affirming views during the Roe v. Wade observance: Increase your followers on social media. Whether you are promoting your own material or sharing content from others, this is a great way to get noticed and build your support base. Invite discussion from the opposition. Write and submit letters to the editor in local papers or post stories to community news sites. Chronicle the actions of an area abortion clinic or challenge a local pro-abortion group with your organization's life-affirming counter response. Invest in a paid social media post. It can be as simple as a picture of a baby with the words "Life is Precious" followed by your organization's contact information. For groups that would like to reach out with their own life-affirming initiative during January's traditional celebration of the sanctity of human life, Ciesielka suggests starting simple. "Don't try to throw something big together at the last minute. You can participate in larger, established events that have already been planned and coordinatedbut you can still make your mark in an impactful way." He offers the following ideas: Host an observance. Hold an outdoor candlelight memorial service for victims of abortion at a cooperating church or lay a wreath of flowers outside an abortion clinic. Organize a "witness of the crosses" display. Use small white wooden crosses to represent children who have died by abortion and incorporate signage that details the death count. Get visible. Select a noticeable location within the public right of way (such as a pedestrian overpass) and display pro-life signage to passersby. Ciesielka encourages life advocates to be creative and memorable. "It also helps to have an annual publicity plan. When you plan ahead, you can leverage a wider array of media and increase your impact," he advises. "And if you choose to coordinate and cooperate with other pro-life groups, you can exponentially maximize the reach and frequency of life messages." About TC Public Relations TC Public Relations is a Chicago-based firm managing reputations for businesses and nonprofit organizations. President Tom Ciesielka and staff handle media relations, social media strategy, and crisis communications for clients that include attorneys, authors, churches, and social change advocates. Visit tcpr.net home World Chinese pastor who was jailed for divulging state secrets to appeal case Yang Hua, a pastor of Living Stone Church in China's Guizhou province, is seeking to appeal his case after a court sentenced him to 30 months' imprisonment for exposing documents that contained plans for the destruction of his church. Yang, whose real name is Li Guozhi, pleaded not guilty at a closed-door hearing held in Nanming district court on Dec. 26, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. The court handed down a written verdict four days after the hearing, but Yang and his lawyers only received it by mail last week. Yang's defense lawyers, Zhao Yonglin and Chen Jiangang, had alleged that their client had been tortured and verbally abused to make a confession, but the prosecutors denied it in the verdict. Yang was initially detained on Dec. 9, 2015 for trying to prevent officials from confiscating a hard drive during a church raid. He was formally arrested on Jan. 22, 2016 for "divulging state secrets." He was accused of forwarding a social media post containing a document about a plan to crack down on Living Stone Church. He reportedly included a call to prayer for the church in his post. The church was eventually shut down, and the authorities suspended its bank accounts. "The so-called state secret was a document prepared by a temporary city administrative task force calling for the destruction of Living Stone Church. But the decision itself was illegal and should have been exposed instead," said Zhao. Another pastor, Su Tianfu, was charged with the same crime along with two other Christians. Yang's wife, Wang Hongwu, said that Su has been escorted away by secret state security agents days before Yang's hearing. Wang, who was prevented from attending Yang's trial, stated that she only learned about the verdict last week. "Yang Hua is appealing and I'm backing him all the way. The verdict is in the hands of the Lord. I trust that He will never do us wrong," she told SCMP. She told Radio Free Asia after the hearing that Yang could only walk with assistance from detention center guards. She said that she is still thankful despite her husband's ordeal in prison. "I was told that he is very popular inside prison. Most inmates don't know his name but they call him Jesus. That must be all he talks about inside," she told SCMP. home Faith Christians in Nepal see bodies of dead loved ones dug up, dumped on their doorsteps, on streets Despite Nepal being a secular state, Christians in the country are still being marginalized and persecuted in many ways, including having challenges finding a proper burial site for their dead loved ones. According to C.B. Gahatraj, general secretary of the Federation of National Christians, Nepal (FNCN), in a phone interview with The Christian Post through an interpreter, there have been cases of Christians being deprived of the right to bury their dead family members in their own burial grounds. Because of challenges in finding proper burial sites where Christians may lay their deceased loved ones to rest, some are forced to place their dead in makeshift burial sites in forests, but they do so discreetly as such an act is illegal in Nepal. Hindu majorities appear to be vigilant in making sure that Christians do not use burial grounds that are off-limits to Christians. In some cases, Hindus reportedly dug up and dumped dead bodies of Christians onto their relative's doorsteps or left on the streets. Gahatraj told The Christian Post, "When Christians die in Nepal, they have two pains. One is they suffer, they grieve because of their loved ones who are no more; secondly, they have no place to bury their loved ones." He also shared that the government and Christians in Nepal have agreed on a three-point-agreement, which states that Christians in the country will be temporarily allowed a cemetery for Christians and that an advisory body will be formed to lobby for long-term plans for burial sites. The agreement came about after Christians held a 40-day hunger strike in protest against the treatment of their dead. However, according to Gahatraj, the government has not acted on the agreement. Hindu-majority Nepal has a tiny Christian population, comprising less than 1.5 percent of the population. However, its small Christian population is one of the fastest-growing in the world, according to the World Christian Database, as reported by NPR.org. In 2011, the Central Bureau of Statistics recorded 375,699 Christians in Nepal, according to My Republica, and today, the figure has grown to at least three million, claims FNCN. home US Congresswoman introduces bill that will redirect taxpayer funding away from Planned Parenthood A congresswoman from Tennessee has introduced a bill that would take away taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood and reallocate the money to health community centers that do not perform abortions. A legislation to strip away taxpayer funding from the abortion business has been introduced in 2015, but it was vetoed by President Barack Obama. On Friday, Rep. Diane Black reintroduced H.R. 354 or the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2017, Life News reported. The bill would place a one-year moratorium on all federal funding for Planned Parenthood and its affiliates and associated clinics until it certifies that it will no longer perform elective abortions or provide funding to entities that do. "Planned Parenthood's grand deception is quickly collapsing," Black said in a statement. "For too long, this organization has cashed in on our tax dollars a to the tune of more than $550 million a year a all while performing more than 320,000 abortions during the same length of time. Abortion is not healthcare, yet it is the centerpiece of Planned Parenthood's mission," she added. House Speaker Paul Ryan had announced last week that the upcoming bill to overturn the Affordable Care Act would also strip federal funding for Planned Parenthood. In response to Ryan's announcement, Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards said: "Regardless of what Paul Ryan says and what he does, we are not going away, and we are not going anywhere. You can't completely end a public health care system in America and not think about what the impact will be on the folks who have least access to care." The Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives has recently concluded its investigation into the abortion industry's alleged sales of aborted fetal parts and made the recommendation to block federal funds from going to Planned Parenthood. Black, who is a member of the panel, reiterated that the bill will not cut funding for public health, and it will provide $235 million to community health centers that do not perform abortions, in addition to the reallocated funds from Planned Parenthood. Several pro-life groups including Susan B. Anthony List, National Right to Life, Family Research Council, March for Life, Concerned Women for America, Students for Life, Priests for Life, Operation Rescue, and American Life League have expressed support for the bill to defund the abortion provider. home US Franklin Graham slams Virginia governor for threatening to veto 20-week abortion ban Famed evangelist Franklin Graham criticized Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe for threatening to veto a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Last week, McAuliffe warned the Republican-controlled General Assembly not to "waste time" in trying to pass the measure, adding that signing it into law might affect businesses in the state. "I can't sit back and have that sitting out the same time I am traveling the globe recruiting businesses to Virginia," he said. "If there's something that would be damaging toward business, and to our image around the country and the globe, I'll veto it, you bet I will," he continued. Graham took to Facebook on Friday and criticized the governor for prioritizing business over the lives of the unborn. "When we are worried more about our state image and making money than about protecting the lives of babies in their mothers' wombs, it's obvious we have a big problem. Do some people really not understand what abortion is?" Graham wrote. The bill known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Protection Act was proposed by Virginia Delegate Dave Larock. It failed to pass the House last year, but he noted that public support is growing. "It's outrageous for a person with any compassion to turn a blind eye while this torture takes place," said LaRock. McAuliffe campaigned on a promise to oppose any legislation limiting abortions in Virginia. Last March, he vetoed a bill that would have cut off taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood. A similar measure has already been passed in 15 states, but it is currently facing legal challenges in Idaho and Georgia. Ohio is one of the latest to outlaw abortions after 20 weeks. Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed it into law last month while vetoing the controversial "heartbeat bill," which would have banned abortions when the unborn baby's heartbeat is detected. On Monday, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin approved the 20-week abortion ban as well as a measure that would require physicians or technicians to conduct an ultrasound on the pregnant women before performing the abortion. Both bills contain an emergency provision that would allow the laws to take effect as soon as it is signed by the governor. home World India Cardinal vows to protest acquittal of suspects in nun rape case A cardinal has vowed to challenge the acquittal of two men who were accused of raping a 48-year-old nun at a nursing center run by missionaries in India in June 2015. The nun, who was not named, was allegedly assaulted by two masked men who forced her way into her room at the Krist Sahaya Kendra center, a facility in the city of Raipur, Chhattisgarh that treats children and people with minor injuries. The accused, Dinesh Dhurv, 19, and Jitendra Pathak, 25, supposedly tied her hands and feet before raping her. She was found by her fellow nuns tied to her bed the next day and was brought to a nearby hospital. The judge who presided over the case ruled that there is not enough evidence to convict the two men. Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai called the verdict a "grave injustice" and said that the Church will appeal the case. "This acquittal once again brings into focus the violence against women. It is a great setback for all of us working for the rights and dignity of women, and especially for our victims of violence," he told Crux. "This kind of acquittal will have grave social consequences, and may also create a [negative] law-and-order situation. It shows the lackadaisical attitude of the police. The Catholic Church in India will move the higher court for justice for our consecrated [woman]," he added. The police were reportedly reluctant to take up the case and only opened a formal investigation following widespread protests and intervention from India's National Human Rights Commission. A probe conducted by the commission found that the evidence was destroyed by the police and suggested that they may have been protecting the suspects. Christians and other minority groups in India have long complained that police and security forces in certain parts of the country have often turned a blind eye when the said groups become victims of a crime. The authorities sometimes fail to investigate or do so in a casual manner that is seemingly designed not to produce results. Sister Meena Barwa, a rape survivor and a member of Handmaids of Mary religious order, expressed her disappointment about the verdict. "We seek justice in court, and [for rape victims] the process of trial is horrendous and traumatic, and finally, this is the verdict meted out," she said, describing the outcome as a "double injustice that risks further marginalizing women." home World Palestinian group claims responsibility for Jerusalem truck attack A Palestinian group calling itself The Martyr of Baha Alyan Collective has claimed responsibility for the attack that killed four Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem on Sunday. A flatbed truck rammed into a group of Israeli soldiers as they were getting off a bus on a popular tourist promenade in east Jerusalem's Armon Hanatziv neighborhood. Seventeen more people sustained injuries in the attack. The police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Fadi Qunbar. He was killed by two soldiers and a tour guide who is a colonel in the reserves. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested earlier that the attacker could be a supporter of the Islamic State. The collective, however, said that it had no outside links and that it acted on "political motives." The group stated that it was not the first attack carried out by one of its members, and it warned that there would be "a torrent of unyielding quality attacks," Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. According to Reuters, the group took its name from a Palestinian who killed three Israelis on a bus in 2015. The Israeli soldiers raided Qunbar's home and arrested his wife and brothers, who were suspected of aiding him. Qunbar's uncle, Housam Farah Mahmoud, rejected Netanyahu's claim that his nephew was a supporter of ISIS. "He wants to try to convince the international community that the Palestinians are ISIS," he said. "But the Palestinian people have a good cause. They want their state and he is ignoring this right," he added. Prior to the announcement of the collective, the militant fundamentalist organization Hamas praised the attacker. "We bless the courageous and heroic truck operation in Jerusalem. It comes within the context of the normal response to the crimes of the Israeli occupation," the group tweeted, according to CNN. Netanyahu took to Facebook to express his grief over the loss of the four soldiers, three of whom were women. "I am mourning the loss of our four soldiers who were murdered today in the terrorist attack in Jerusalem. In the name of all the people of Israel, I offer my condolences to their families," the Prime Minister wrote. Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan announced that Qunbar's remains will not be returned to his family to prevent an honorary funeral that would encourage more attacks. He said that the body would be buried in a location that would be inaccessible to the family as well as his "supporters." Democrat's Religious Liberty Bill Blocks Trump's Muslim Register Plans Trump's plan to force Muslim immigrants in the United States to register could be blocked by a bill introduced to Senate last week. The Protect American Families Act 2017 would ban the creation of any immigrant-related list that required people to "register or check in on the basis of religion, race, age, gender, ethnicity, national origin, nationality, or citizenship." Introduced on Thursday by Democrat Senator Cory Booker, it would prohibit the US government from creating or funding such a list. "Religious freedom and freedom from discrimination are fundamental rights central to the very idea of being an American," said Booker. "Forcing people to sign up for a registry based on their religion, race, or national origin does nothing to keep America secure. It does, however, undermine the freedom of religion guaranteed by our Constitution and promote the false notion that people of certain faiths and nationalities are inherently suspect. "Our legislation would block Donald Trump and subsequent administrations from infringing on religious liberty by creating an immigration-related religious registry. Throughout our history, the United States has been a beacon of hope for those seeking religious freedom, and has taken significant steps forward to advance civil and human rights. We must ensure this legacy lasts forever into the future." Booker was supported by several other Democrat senators including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, a former candidate for the party's presidential nominee. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to create a register based on their religion, a move akin to the register of Jews in Nazi Germany. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee backed the bill, saying it would help protect vulnerable communities. "Our country is not made safer by using profiling as a policing method - profiling is ineffective and unreliable," committee members said in a statement. "People should not be judged by how they look, where they came from, or how they pray." Egyptian President Vows To Build Largest Church In Egypt The Egyptian President has vowed to build the largest church in Egypt. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said he has put aside 100,000 Egyptian pounds for the project, which will also include the building of a large mosque. He made the announcement during a Christmas liturgy held at Cairo's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, celebrated by Patriarch Tawadros II. The President also reiterated his commitment to rebuild churches which were damaged or destroyed during the 2013 riots after former Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was deposed. More recently, Sisi has overseen the rebuilding of Cario's Boutrossiya chapel, was badly damaged in December when a suicide bomber killed 27 people. Patriarch Tawadros II called the attack "not just a disaster for the church but a disaster for the whole nation". Those killed in the blast were given a state funeral, attended by Sisi. Last year Sisi praised Egyptian Christians for demonstrating "wisdom and a spirit of patriotism" and praised them for remaining united in the face of those who "try to exploit religion as a means of fomenting division and spreading extremist ideas". Tensions between Christians and Muslims have intensified in Egypt since the Arab Spring of 2011. The worst single incident came in February 2015, with the beheadings by Islamic State of 21 Egyptian Christian migrant workers. Egypt has an estimated population of 9 million Christians. Mostly Orthodox Copts, they account for about 10 per cent of Egypt's population, which is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim. Exodus: 5,000 Jews Quit France For Israel After Terror Attacks Terrorist attacks have prompted another 5,000 Jews to leave France for Israel, the latest figures have revealed. The exodus is part of a wider trend that has seen tens of thousands quit the country after a series of attacks aimed at their community. The 5,000 departures in 2016 add to the record 7,900 who left in 2015 and 7,231 in 2014. In total, 40,000 French Jews have emigrated since 2006, according to figures seen by AFP. The Jewish Agency of Israel released the figures as France marked two years since the attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine offices and a Jewish supermarket in Paris. Daniel Benhaim, head of the Israeli-backed group, said terrorism had been the "catalyst" for the emigration. But other experts insisted other reasons including family, religious and economic pressures led to people leaving for Israel. The Jewish community in France is thought to be the largest in Europe, numbering around 500,000. Four were killed by the gunman Amedy Coulibaly in the Jewish Hyper Cacher supermarket in eastern Paris on the same day 12 were killed at the Charlie Hebdo magazine. It followed another antisemitic attack a shooting in a Jewish school in Toulouse in 2012 and the kidnapping and murder of a young Jewish man, Ilan Halimi, in Paris in 2006. Fears Mount For Two Priests Kidnapped In Myanmar Fears are mounting that two priests have been killed by Myanmar's army after they disappeared on Christmas Eve. Dom Dawng Nawng and La Jaw Gam Hseng from Mong Ko were arrested on December 24 after they went to a nearby military base to secure the release of a detained couple. The army released the couple but held the two priests who have not been seen since, according to Morning Star News. The two Catholics had helped journalists from the former capital Yangon to report on the bombing of a church in early December. They were said to have enraged military officials by taking reporters to visit a damaged school in Mong Ko as well as the bombed church building destroyed in heavy fighting between the army and the coalition of ethnic armed groups. "They went to negotiate for the couple's release," one source said, according to the Morning Star News. "The Burma army released the couple but detained the priests. I strongly believe that they got killed." Fears escalated after widespread coverage of their disappearence did not secure their release, despite the army usually responding to negative media coverage. Sources have told the persecution news site that if the priests were alive they would have been released in response to the extensive coverage. "It is almost certain that they got killed," said one journalist who was shown around the bombed sites by the priests. Heavy fighting broke out in Mong Ko between the national military and the ethnic separatist forces in November, leading to more than 50,000 refugees flee. The military have since claimed they have taken the area and urged refugees to return. Girl, 3, Becomes One Of Youngest People In UK To Give Evidence Against Sex Abuser A three-year-old girl has become one of the youngest people in the UK ever to give evidence at a trial, Manchester Evening News reports. The girl, who cannot be named, gave evidence at the trial of Thomas Noone, who sexually abused her. Noone received a three-year prison sentence. The girl was questioned by barristers for the prosecution and the defence via live video link from a separate room. Ricky Holland, prosecuting, said her mother overheard the girl describing to another child what Noone had done to her. She immediately questioned her daughter closely, who was 'emphatic' about what had happened. Social services and police were alerted. Noone, 26, was arrested and denied the charge. During the trial, the court heard that his DNA had been found on the girl's clothes. Her mother said in a witness statement that the ordeal had been 'devastating' for the family. Judge Jeffrey Lewis said Noone's actions were a 'betrayal' of the girl's childhood. "It's clear that you abused her for your own sexual gratification," he said. "You continue to deny any responsibility about this conduct. You have shown no remorse for what you did." Noone was sentenced to three years' in prison. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders' register. After his sentencing, the child's parents said: "We thought it would be around that amount of sentence. We would have been happier with four [years] but that's the way it goes. "It's been a total nightmare from start to finish especially with her having to go into court to give evidence. You read about it in the papers but don't ever expect it to happen to you. "We have managed to deal with it and now we are trying to keep everything as normal as possible and be there for her." 'Being Open To God': Incredible First Person Account Of Woman Caught Up In Florida Airport Shooting I was in the terminal at the Fort Lauderdale airport in Florida last Friday when five people were killed by a deranged gunman. Some would say I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, but I'm not so sure. To be honest, I wasn't even scheduled to be there at that time. I was only there that day because I had missed my earlier flight. If I'd had my way, I would have been long gone on the noon flight to JFK that I had purchased two months earlier and then off to London later that evening. I would have gone my merry way and later told stories about how my flight took off an hour before tragedy struck, how blessed I was to have missed it all, and wasn't God good to have spared me the trauma of not one, but two terminal evacuations, and the drama of spending all day on lockdown in terminal two with hundreds of other stranded passengers. If it was up to me I would have gladly missed all that for a safe, uneventful travel experience back to the UK for the start of school. Instead I arrived an hour before my flight but due to a miscalculation on my part my luggage was way overweight. Before they would check my bag I had to extract 15 pounds and redistribute it to my backpack and carry-on. This took some doing and it also took precious time. When I finished I was informed it was now too late to get my bag on the plane and they would have to re-route me on a another flight. Ugh! The fee for my new flight through Detroit was $300+. I was kicking myself for not asking how much to just pay an overweight bag fee, which would have allowed me to make my original flight. I texted a friend and shared my frustration over the additional fee. She replied, "So sorry. God must have some divine appointment for you." Her words caused me to change my perspective and I became open to a God assignment. I began to ask Him: Why am I here? Is there something you want me to do, someone you want me to meet? If so, please show me. The answer wasn't long in coming. Soon after I got to my gate the shooting downstairs began and quickly there was mayhem in the terminal with everyone running and screaming, trying to get outside of the building onto the tarmac. Eventually, calm was restored after the gunman was apprehended and danger had passed. It was deemed safe for everyone to come back inside only to have a second incident occur 90 minutes later, sending everyone running and screaming out of the building again. This time I found refuge under the gate agent counter, crouched inside next to a garbage can as I could hear people yelling, "Go, go, go, go!" to usher everyone outside again. I stayed inside the cabinet, praying for God's peace to fill the building. After the second stampede evacuation we were all shell-shocked, not sure what would happen next. We tried to find out about what caused the second evacuation and we heard rumors of a second gunman in the parking garage, which, thankfully, turned out to be false. After some time, a few dozen passengers from outside came back into the building but the rest were bussed off-site while their carry-on bags remained scattered throughout the terminal. We all just sat and waited, wondering what's next. Meanwhile we were getting updates on our cell phones of our new flight times. I wondered if any planes would be taking off at all that night. I hoped I could get to Detroit so I could make my evening flight to London. After an hour or two we realized no one was going anywhere on a plane and, worse yet, we couldn't even leave the building. After the first incident only my terminal was closed but now the entire airport was on lockdown. Planes full of passengers were stranded on the runway. Nobody was allowed in or out of any terminal for who knows how long. The food court had closed after the first incident and never reopened, so as the day wore on we all got hungrier and crankier. A Delta pilot came by and gave out pretzels and peanuts and someone else brought a few bottles of water to distribute. That's when I remembered I had a couple boxes of protein bars that I had moved from my checked bag to my backpack. I pulled them out and went from passenger to passenger offering what little I had, asking, "Are you hungry? Would you like lemon or chocolate?" The chocolate bars went first, leaving the less popular lemon bars. Some wondered if the lemon was any good - and I told them it was my favorite. Of course, some didn't care what flavor. A protein bar was a protein bar! I soon ran out of protein bars, but I felt bad there was still so many more passengers who didn't get any. I walked through the rest of the terminal to see if I could buy some food to share. That's when I noticed the other side of terminal two was jam-packed with hundreds of passengers. My side was only 30 per cent full but this was worse than I thought. The food court stayed closed but the Hudson News store was open and many were buying Pringles and other snacks. I looked for something affordable and decided Bevita breakfast bars were my best bet. I asked Ana, the store manager, for a bulk discount on snacks and bottled water, but when she found out my plan was to buy them to give it all away she just gave me a basket and let me fill it up at no charge! She then assigned an employee to accompany me and carry the bottled water. I kept running out of snacks and bottled water and going back to her for more. Each time I went back to refill the baskets, I wondered when Ana's generosity would end. I must have given out ten baskets of snacks. Over the next couple hours I cleaned the store out of all the Bevitas then moved on to Nutrigrain bars. This is how I became known as the "snack lady"! People thought I worked at the airport. They were shocked when I told them I was a passenger. I joked that I thought I would be flying somewhere today but that hadn't worked out so well. Then I told them it was happy hour and handed them a free water and a pack of crackers. Some didn't know what Bevita was, so then I turned company spokeswoman, explaining that it's like a graham cracker only better. Some didn't care. When you've been sitting around for six or seven hours, food was food. I shared smiles and laughter with lots of beautiful people throughout the terminal, and I knew in my heart this was my God assignment. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:9 that a man's heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps. My plan that day was to get home as quickly as possible for the start of my new semester abroad in England, but God had other ideas. He needed someone on the ground to be His hands and feet in the terminal that day, and I'm honoured He chose me. I'm an ordinary traveler who serves and extraordinary God. When we partner with Him there's no telling what's possible. Eventually I did make it out, two days later from Miami. The next time you experience a flight delay or a sudden change of plans, be open to God working through you because you just might be getting your next assignment. Christine Sneeringer is a student at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, where she is learning how to answer people's most difficult questions about life and faith. Her favorite quote is from St Francis of Asisi, "Preach the gospel always and if necessary, use words." She is also a speaker, comedian, and freelance writer. She is a native Floridian and a Broward County resident. Read more about her at http://www.ChristineSneeringer.com and Worthy Creations or follow her on Instagram @christinesneeringer Facebook Christine Sneeringer Comedy Twitter @C_Sneeringer Indian Archbishop Condemns Release Of Men Accused Of Raping Nun The aquittal of two men accused of raping a Catholic nun in India is a "grave injustice", a senior priest in the country has said. Archbishop of Mumbai Cardinal Oswald Gracias accused police of having a "half-hearted attitude" towards the crime, in an interview with Asia News. Jitendra Pathak, 25, and Dinest Dhurv, 19, were released on January 5 due to lack of evidence. They stood accused of having drugged, tied up and gang raped a 47-year-old nun at the Krist Sahaya Kendra (Christ Help Centre) in Chhattisgarh state, central India, on June 19, 2015. A qualified nurse and a member of the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, she was living at the centre which treats children and patients with minor injuries. "This acquittal once again brings to our attention the problem of violence against women. It is a huge setback for all of us working for the rights and dignity of women, in particular victims of violence," said Cardinal Gracias. "India's Catholic Church will demand justice from a higher court. We will challenge the verdict on appeal." The attack on the nun followed the gang-rape of an elderly nun at a convent in West Bengal the previous March. "Incidents, one after another like this, targeted against the Missionary Nuns, who have sacrificed their lives for God and for the service of humanity, cause real concern for all of us and bring shame and disgrace to the ethos of our Nation," the Catholic Bishops Conference of India said at the time. "There is evident negligence from the part of the Governments both States' and Central, to protect the Minorities and Women in general. Even when such highly deplorable acts of violence take place, our leaders and those in authority keep silence or do not care at all to prevent such dastardly action." Concerns have been raised by campaigners about the treatment of religious minorities in India, and persecution watchdog International Christian Concern last week condemned the "escalation of attacks on Christians" in the country. Kidnapped Priest Fr Tom Uzhunalil 'Ignored Government Orders' Not To Go To Yemen A senior member of India's government has accused a kidnapped priest of ignoring advice not to go to Yemen. Father Tom Uzhunnalil was captured in the attack on an old people's home run by the Missionaries of Charity in Aden last March. The gunmen murdered four nuns and 12 others. One nun escaped after she hid in a refrigerator. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been criticised by political opponents for failing to secure Uzhunnalil's release, according to World Watch Monitor. According to India's deputy foreign minister, M J Akbar, Uzhunnalil, an Indian citizen who had lived and worked in Yemen for 14 years, returned on this occasion after "ignoring the central government's orders not to go". He spoke out after a five-minute video message was published on December 24 on YouTube showing Uzhunnalil, apparently ill and appearing to read from a script. In it he said: "If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I am from India. I am perhaps not considered as of much value." He said his kidnappers had reached out to Modi and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee without success and also criticised the Catholic Church for not doing more to secure his release. An earlier video published last year that showed a blindfolded man being assaulted by off-screen assailants. In a statement last night, Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, defended the Church. He said there has been a video released on social media networks around Christmas claiming to show Uzhunnalil. While he admitted the person in the video bore a "close likeness" to Uzhunnalil, he said "the source of the video, the date of its creation and the circumstances under which it was recorded are unknown". "Even though we have no information about Fr Tom's present whereabouts, we have strong indications to believe that he is still alive. "Since the day of the abduction of Fr Tom, the Church has made countless appeals from the highest levels to secure his release as well as made concrete efforts by way of working in close collaboration with both international and local diplomatic channels." Pope Francis appealed for the release of the priest last April. He said: "In the hope given us by the Risen Christ, I renew my appeal for the liberation of all persons seized in areas of armed conflict: in particular, I desire to remember the Salesian priest, Tom Uzhunnalil, kidnapped at Aden in Yemen this past March 4." Bishop Hinder has also led constant calls for prayer throughout for Uzhunnalil. "We thank all those around the world who have given us their support during these difficult months," he said. "We request the faithful not to be drawn into a cycle of disturbance and spreading unconfirmed reports on social media but to continue their prayers for Fr Tom as the channels try to secure his release." Ten Killed In Fulani Herdsman Attack On Christian Village Ten people were killed in a Christian village in northern Nigeria after an attack by Islamic Fulani militants at the weekend. Six police officers and four civilians died in the attack on Kwayine, Adamawa State, despite assurances from authorities the village was protected, according to International Christian Concern. Another attempted attack hit the village on New Year's Eve but the Fulanis were driven away by police and community members. Despite fears another raid was looming, police told the village leaders they were protected. But the attack on 7 January struck in broad daylight at 2pm, according to one villager. "They came upon us suddenly, chased us off, scattered us and burnt our houses. We fled. I barely escaped with my life. Only God knows where some of our people are now. We don't know what we did to them," he said according to ICC. The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa State said the attack "is an indictment on the failure of the Law Enforcement Agencies and Intelligence Units who are saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace, protecting lives and properties and gathering secret information about hostile attacks by enemies. "They have failed to protect the Demsa Communitis," said chairman Ajine Delo. The latest attack is part of repeated ongoing assaults on Christians in northern Nigeria. A national day of mourning was held on Sunday for Christians killed by Muslim Fulani herdsman. CAN, who called for the day of mourning, described the killings as ethnic and religious cleansing by "Islamic fundamentalists disguising as Fulani herdsmen". Daniel Harris, regional manager for ICC, said: "ICC strongly condemns this attack on Christian communities in Nigeria. "This is yet another example of the government's failure to provide adequate protection for Christian communities in this region and refusal to stamp out the radical movements that cause these deadly attacks. "The government's refusal to recognize the Fulani militants as what they are, Islamic terrorists, threatens religious freedom and the lives of Christians in this region. We encourage the government of Nigeria to bring these perpetrators of violence to justice and to work harder to protect the lives of Christians in Adamawa State." Thousands Of Muslims Coming To Faith In Christ Across The Middle East, Says Charity Thousands of Muslims are converting to Christianity in the Middle East in the midst of intense persecution and violence, a charity working in the region has said. According to The Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC), which supports and equips Christians in the Middle East through broadcasting, "tremendous growth is taking place in the lives of new believers who were Muslims". "There are thousands upon thousands coming to Christ," VOMC told BosNewsLife. "We are in regular contact with our FM stations in Iraq and have talked with many people who have family in the Middle East. Some of our Middle Eastern broadcasters have shared testimonies [about people turning to Christ] with us, which they hear directly from listeners when visiting there." "God has been very faithful," the organisation added. Christian Today has been told of churches in Iraq and Syria being full of new believers. Eddie Lyle, president of Open Doors UK & Ireland, told the story of one pastor in the region who sent had to text his entire congregation asking them not to come to church one day because there were so many Muslims that there wasn't room for anyone else. Pastor Rev Sami Dagher, who leads more than 30 churches across the Middle East, told Christian Today in 2015 that 80 per cent of his Baghdad congregation had fled Iraq, but "the church is still full with new people coming". "We have about 400 people every Sunday in Baghdad, and about 30 per cent of those are from different religions," he said. Dagher said that the word "revival" may be too strong, but many Muslims were becoming disillusioned with their faith, and looking to the Church for answers. "They see people who will put a bomb around themselves and go kill themselves and others and say 'Allahu Akbar' [God is great]. They see a man take another man, cutting [off] his head with a knife and saying 'Allahu Akbar'. They can't really understand... how can they do it in the name of Allah?" he said. "They want to find the truth." Vatican Enourages Homeless To Sleep In Unlocked Cars In Rome As temperatures plummet, the Vatican has stepped up the help it offers to the homeless sleeping on the streets in Rome. Vehicles are being left outside the walls of the Vatican with their doors unlocked so that those sleeping rough can take turns sheltering in the warm, according to the Catholic Herald. Thermal sleeping bags have also been distributed, and Vatican-run shelters are now open 24 hours a day instead of only overnight. The Pope over the weekend urged Catholics to pray for "people who live on the streets, struck by the cold and, many times, by indifference". "Unfortunately, some have not survived. Let us pray for them and ask the Lord to warm our hearts so that we can help them," he said. Pope Francis has made the plight of the needy a central cause of his papacy. He has had public showers for the homeless built just off St Peter's Square, and last Friday gave 300 homeless people and refugees a sandwich and a drink to thank them for helping to hand out pamphlets at an Epiphany feast day service. During a special Mass for the homeless in Rome last November, the Pope asked 4,000 homeless or formerly homeless people to forgive Christians who had turned away from helping them and "looked the other way". Why Christians Will Never Return To Mosul - Even After Islamic State Is Gone Not all Christians will return to Mosul after it is liberated from Islamic State, according to a Chaldean priest ministering to refugees from the city. The operation to drive the ultra-hardline militants from Mosul began in October and has recaptured villages and towns surrounding the city, and most of Mosul's eastern half. New tactics and better coordination have helped Iraqi forces advance faster since they launched a new phase of the operation more than 10 days ago. Iraqi forces have fought their way into two more southeastern districts but their advances are being slowed by Islamic State's tactic of using civilians for cover. However, Fr Thabit Mekko, currently living in Erbil with many of his congregation who fled the city, told Fides news agency that it was "too early to think about a return of Christians who have fled from their homes. Such a case will be considered only when security is assured," he said. Mekko said: "Many families have not yet decided what they will do. Not all those who left Mosul in front of the advance of Daesh will return." The situation in Mosul, the last major city in Iraq held by Islamic State, remains desperately hard for civilians. A spokesman for the rapid response units of Iraq's federal police Lieutenant-Colonel Abdel Amir al-Mohammedawi, told Reuters IS was hiding among civilians. He said rapid response units and Iraqi army units had fought their way into the Palestine and Sumer districts in the last day, but that IS fighters were firing at civilians trying to flee. "The families, when they see Iraqi forces coming, flee from the areas controlled by Daesh towards the Iraqi forces, holding up white flags, and Daesh bomb them with mortars and Molotov cocktails, and also shoot at them. "Whenever they (IS) withdraw from a district, they shell it at random, and it's heavy shelling," he said. Why Is This Delivery Man Giving Customers Gospel Tracts Along With Their Pizza Orders? God's Word and pizza don't go well together, a restaurant worker has found out. Dozens of Domino's Pizza customers in Indianapolis, Indiana have expressed indignation after a restaurant delivery man gave them gospel tracts along with their pizza orders, according to WTHR, the local NBC affiliate in Indianapolis. Steven, the pizza delivery worker, admitted that, on his own, he had been giving pamphlets titled "Eternal Life Is a Free Gift" to customers. He said he just wanted to share the Good News to people, adding that he thought of this after he was shot at while on the job several weeks ago. That experience, he told WTHR, changed his thinking about life and compelled him to share the gospel with his customers. Unfortunately, customers were not pleased with his action. In a Facebook post, Andrea Stone said it's "unprofessional and downright rude to proselytise [to] your customers. You're entitled to your personal beliefs, but this is simply not ok." "You don't know my religious beliefs; you don't know anyone's religious beliefs. For all you know, I could not be religious at all, I could be Muslim, I could be Jewish. It's just disrespectful. ... For a big corporation like Domino's to let their employees do something like that, I think that it is a big misstep," Stone wrote. Christina Watson, another patron, likewise objected after receiving the gospel tract. "To just be on company time, to walk up and try to promote your version of Christianity or Catholicism or whatever your religious beliefs are, I find that invasive, I find it intrusive and I find it slightly rude," Watson told reporters. "It's not an anti-Christian thing, it's an anti-proselytization thing," she added. "I'm a paying customer. I don't want a side of your religion when I'm ordering pizza." The hail of criticism prompted a Domino's corporate spokesman to issue a statement to say that the company does not condone what one of its employees did. "We are a publicly traded company that does not subscribe to or endorse any single religion," the spokesman said. Steven said he was surprised at the angry words thrown at him. Speaking to WTHR, he said no customers had complained about the pamphlets until Stone's Facebook post came out. He said he has been asked by a restaurant official to stop handing out the tracts, and he has agreed to comply. Houston ISD's Board of Education voted unanimously to name Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca as its new District VI trustee at its agenda review meeting Monday night. Vilaseca, who will replace outgoing Trustee Greg Meyers, will be sworn in at the board's Thursday regular board meeting along with Anne Sung. Sung won a special election in December to replace District VII Trustee Harvin Moore. Moore submitted his resignation in summer, and Meyers submitted his in December. Jason Spencer, a spokesman for the district, said no election was held for the District VI seat because Meyer's resignation came too late for candidates to file for the November race. The board could have held a special election during the May municipal elections, but that would have given the incoming trustee only about six or seven months on the board. Vilaseca will serve until Meyer's original term expires at the end of 2017. The seat will be back up for election in November 2017, as will Sung's newly won District VII position. Each board member's term lasts for four years. A south Louisiana man found out the hard way that it's a good idea to recheck the number before hitting send on a text. Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon said 39-year-old Dwayne Paul Hebert of Pierre Part, La., was apparently seeking out a dealer to set up a rendezvous to make a deal for methamphetamine. The president of the Greater Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Laura Murillo, told members of President-elect Trump's transition team on Tuesday that Latinos are disappointed by their lack of representation in the new presidential cabinet and at all levels of government. "We want to be part of this country's fabric and not just a thread," Murillo said at the transition team's Washington, D.C., meeting with Hispanic leaders. As president of the chamber, which represents approximately 90,000 businesses in the greater Houston area, Murillo has previously criticized Trump's actions. In November, during the HHCC Annual Awards and Gala, Murillo told to an audience of about 1,300, mostly Hispanics, "Never let it be said we are criminals or rapists." It was a clear reference to the June 16 speech in which Trump announced his presidency. In it, he said: "When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending you. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people." Murillo was one of about 60 Hispanic leaders that meet with the transition team, including representatives of the National Council of La Raza, the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Washington Post reported that officials from the Trump team included the Republican National Committee's Jennifer Korn; Mercedes Schlapp, a Fox News contributor and longtime Trump backer; and Katrina Campins, a Latina from season one of The Apprentice. The newspaper said that a few Latino leaders, such as Roger Rocha, the president of LULAC, "argued in favor of the administration working together with Hispanic leaders where there are areas of agreement." Olivia.Tallet@chron.com Twitter: @oliviaptallet Three Houston for-profit colleges failed a federal test measuring debt after students' graduation and average graduates' salaries for nine degree programs, the U.S. Department of Education announced. The analysis was done through President Barack Obamas Gainful Employment regulations passed in 2014 requiring career colleges to set their students up for well-paying jobs. Programs that failed the requirement graduated students who are paying loans that are more than 30 percent of discretionary income and 12 percent of total earnings. Rumors that have circulated for months about Ford bringing back its Bronco SUV and Ranger pickup truck were finally confirmed. The company announced Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that it will make the two popular vehicles at its Wayne, Mich., assembly plant. A northwest area nonprofit organization is continuing its efforts to engage business people in serving Christ-centered ministries using their professional talent and skill sets. Every year Get Together Northwest chooses a set of organizations to assist. "What we do is come alongside seven to 12 nonprofit organizations each year to help meet their needs. Most of these organizations are providing services to little to no-cost to their clients," said Bridgette Jones, executive director of Get Together Northwest. "So, the budgets that these organizations operate on are small to mid-size. Some of the things that they are in need of are not in their budget. However, they need them to do business." The 2016-17 partner ministries are Aldine Family Hope Center, Buckner Children and Family Services, Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Home Place of Texas, Hospitality House, Oaks of Righteousness, Redeemed Ministries, Shield Bearer, and Tomball Pregnancy Center. More Information Want to go? What: Get Together Northwest meeting When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 10 Where: Champion Forest Baptist Church multipurpose building on Stuebner Airline Road Office: 14031 Huffmeister Road, Cypress, Texas 77429 Details: Online: gettogethernw.org Cy-Fair Helping Hands Online: yfairhelpinghands.org Address: 7510 Cherry Park Drive, Suite G, Houston, TX 77095 Phone: 281-858-1222 E-mail: admin@cyfairhelpinghands.org HOME Place of Texas Online: hpotx.org Address: 5701 Louetta Rd. Suite 400 Spring, TX 77379 Phone: 281-257-1004 Email: jjones@hpotx.org See More Collapse The northwest Houston organization, which started in 2008, aims for their luncheons to benefit business people by building relationships with ministry representatives, learning about ministries, and working together to come up with creative ways to meet ministry needs. The group meets monthly for a luncheon to learn about how Christ-centered ministries are serving our community. During the luncheon, a needs list for the ministries is presented and there is time allotted for brainstorming ideas of ways to meet the needs of those ministries. "We always ask individuals to come so that they can really experience it because it is a really unique and very moving and impactful hour where we call it netcaring, instead of networking," Bridgette Jones said. "We call it netcaring because we are actually caring about the individuals lives these organizations get to impact on a daily basis." This holiday season the organization is holding a holiday drive and encouraging community members to get together by giving together. The organization is asking for donations of any size. To date, the group has met the needs valued at more than $912,400 for partnering ministries. Three of the group's branches in southeast Texas have collectively raised needs that are worth more than $3 million. Get Together Northwest does not fund-raise for ministries. The group aims to provide tangible assistance for ministries in need. Cy-Fair Helping Hands, one of the group's partner ministries, is a nonprofit organization that has a mission to bring hope to the homeless and hungry in the area. The organization visits with homeless people on the street and provides them with bags of food. The Helping Hands outreach teams give out roughly 200 bags of food per week. "It gives us, as partner ministries, the opportunity to make awesome connections with great people from all walks of life. The Get Together Northwest brings businesses and nonprofits together over a meal," Gwen Franke said, executive director of Cy-Fair Helping Hands. "In a very non-confrontational way, needs of the nonprofits are presented and when possible met." Another partner ministry is Home Place of Texas, which encourages adults with developmental disabilities to have a hope and future through daily volunteering, social activities, and independent development. "Home Place of Texas looks for ways to serve others and the luncheons make it easy to help them. For example, Home Place of Texas has collected toys and toiletries for Aldine Community Center and victims of human trafficking, as well as bags of beans for Mission of Yahweh," June Jones said, executive director of Home Place of Texas. "Other Home Place of Texas collections include books and planners for Shield Bearer, and food for Cy-Fair Helping Hands and Hospitality House." The organization for adults with developmental disabilities is accepting holiday contributions towards providing materials for the Best Friday Ever, an Interior Face-Lift, or Music and Art Programming for 2017. As a nonprofit, the organization relies on financial support from individuals, churches, and businesses. Get Together Northwest meets the second Tuesday of every month from September through May, with the exception of December. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Roughly 150 dogs and other pets seized last week from a Dayton-area pet rescue facility have been returnedafter the case against the facility was dropped. The Houston SCPA began returning the pets at about 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11. A judge dismissed the case based on a technical error on the warrant prepared by the Liberty County Sheriff's Office, said Kerry McKeel, spokeswoman for the Houston SPCA. She added that the dismissal of the case "was not based on the merit of our evidence." According to a statement from Capt. Ken DeFoor, spokesman for the Liberty County Sheriff's Office, "the probable cause affidavit that the seizure warrant was based upon was defective in (its) content." The judge ordered more than 100 dogs, several cats and one horse to be returned to Puppy-Dogs-R-Us, within 24 hours. Capt. Ken DeFoor of the Liberty County Sheriff's Department said the error involved the address listed on the warrant for seizure. "The almost 20 acre piece of land where this facility is located appears to be one large and single piece of property," DeFoor said in an email to the media Tuesday, "however the address of the residence on which the affidavit was based carries a different address than does the property next to it where several of the outbuildings are located and the animals were housed and the probable cause affidavit did not contain both addresses. "Due to the dismissal of the case, the court did not address the dirty and unsheltered conditions in which many of the dogs were found." DeFoor told the Dayton News last week that the facility had been under investigation since 2009, prior to last week's seizure. "That place was horrendous," DeFoor said. He said the animals had been "virtually abandoned on the outskirts of the property without food, clean water, care or human interaction for weeks." He said the owners have received numerous warnings from both the SPCA and the sheriff's office, but as soon as violations were corrected, new violations would crop up. After years of this cycle, numerous violations and complaints from area residents led the sheriff's office to issue the civil seizure warrant on Jan. 4. "They were just totally overwhelmed," DeFoor said of the couple that owns the property. Some animals were kept in a hot metal shed over the summer, while others were kept in the house, which was full of flies. The SPCA had said animals were found "in various conditions of neglect," surrounded by their own waste. Officials said some dogs were found standing on top of their kennels to avoid their flooded kennel floors. Dana Guthrie contributed to this report. In a town hall event days ago, Rep. Mike Schofield (R-Katy, Cypress) spoke about his goals for the 85th Texas Legislative Session while fielding questions and criticism from constituents gathered inside Katy's city hall. The event came on the eve of the session, which will run from Jan. 10 to May 29. Schofield, once a longtime advisor to former Gov. Rick Perry before becoming a state representative in 2014, has filed or supported several bills for the session that include topics in government operations, elections, taxes and immigration. "The biggest reason to have town hall meetings, to knock on people's doors, to make sure you have a district office with people that folks can talk to, is to make sure you are representing your district," Schofield said. "There's not going to be unanimity on every issue, but I believe that the issues that we are pushing in the legislative session are issues that the majority of individuals want to see." Schofield discussed several of the bills or joint resolutions he has authored to the few dozen people gathered at city hall. That included House Joint Resolution 40, which regards government entities having to sell back property acquired through eminent domain if that government does not use the property for what it said it would, if no construction process is made by a certain time, or if the property is unnecessary for public use. Eminent domain gives governments the right to take over private property for public use such as to build a road as long as payment or compensation is given to the property owner. Schofield said the No. 1 complaint he hears from residents is about property tax, which in Texas is one of the highest median rates in the country. He said he supports Senate Bill 2, authored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), which seeks to lower the cap local governments can increase a property tax by from eight percent per year to four percent. Schofield also authored House Bill 522, which opposes certain rights that property owner associations have in mandating homeowners to take down religious signs after a certain period of time. This bill could be important to some residents in Katy, he explained, who don't like to be forced to take down decorations immediately after the holidays. Schofield also wrote some bills related to elections. One of the most significant is HB 529, which would basically re-enact most of a voter ID law that had been controversial in Texas. The previous law, which last July was ruled by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to violate the 1965 Voting Rights Act because it was discriminatory, required voters to show one of seven photo IDs such as a driver's license, military ID or passport, before casting ballots. For this past election, Texas softened the rules by allowing other valid IDs such as voter registration certificate, a birth certificate, a utility bill or bank statement, a government check, or any other government document with a name and address as long as those voters signed an affidavit given by an election administrator. Schofield also authored HB 771, which relates to requiring a presidential elector in the Electoral College to vote for the presidential and vice presidential candidate who won the popular vote in the state for those offices. Texas is one of 23 states where electors are not bound to vote for which president and vice president won that state's popular vote. The bill is timely because two of Texas' 38 electors did not vote for President-elect Donald Trump during the Electoral College vote in December despite Trump winning the state's popular vote. The issue of so-called "faithless electors" was widely discussed before the Electoral College vote because some electors throughout the country expressed pessimism about voting for Trump, though ultimately Trump easily gained the number of votes needed to officially win the presidency. While some constituents at the town hall applauded the representative for some of the bills he's proposed, not all agreed with him. One person grilled Schofield for his public support of SB 4, which is authored by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) and seeks to outlaw "sanctuary cities," in Texas, or cities which have been defined as municipalities that have established policies prohibiting police officers from enforcing immigration laws or cooperating with federal immigration officers. Schofield replied to the criticism by saying that "laws must be followed" when regarding immigration, Other people there also asked Schofield if he could help with Houston-specific issues such as flooding, to which he said no law can be the cure but rather that the issue is mostly left for entities such as the Harris County Flood Control District to manage. The town hall was one of two local events the representative hosted before the legislative session. "I think Mike brought up a lot of good things that need to be fixed," said Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes, a supporter of Schofield. "A lot of the bills he's proposing are money-saving bills or common sense bills. I don't know why they haven't been fixed already." For a full list of bills that Schofield has authored for this legislative session, visit http://bit.ly/SchofieldBills. Ray Schultz, Assistant Chief of Police at Memorial Villages Police Department has been named to succeed Chief J.D. Sanders who is retiring in March. The MVPD Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment they said in a statement released Tuesday. "We are certain that Ray Schultz is prepared for these new responsibilities and is the absolute right choice to lead the MVPD into the future," said Chairman of the Board Jay F. Smyre. According to the statement, Sanders was highly involved in the discussions regarding Schultz's appointment. In January 2015, Schultz, 56, joined MVPD as Assistant Chief of Police. Once on staff, he says he was pleasantly surprised at the level of community engagement in the Memorial Villages with the police department, and their support for the officers. "I've travelled around the world and talked about law enforcement - and its been a tough time for law enforcement the last few years - it's of the strongest I've seen in the country," Schultz said Thursday. "People that work and live in the Villages are second to none." The 33-year police veteran speaks from experience. Before joining Memorial Villages, he spent eight years as Chief of Police with Albuquerque Police Department, with a stint in Scottsdale, AZ in between, before he decided to retire. He says the opportunity with Memorial Villages, and the fact that retirement didn't suit him quite yet, led to his decision to move to Texas with his wife Connie, and to accept the position here. Without intentions of becoming another Chief, said Schultz, the community and the willingness of the police department to embrace new technologies in law enforcement (one of passions) convinced him that maybe another leadership role was in the cards for him. "We're rated one of the safest communities in Texas, and technology is a big part of that; New bigger and better uses help to make this an even safer community," he said. Some of those bigger and better uses includes encouraging more homeowners and Homeowners' Associations to install closed circuit TV systems on their homes or locations throughout the neighborhood that would be pushed to the police station if there is a call, so that responding officers will have accurate images before they even arrive on the scene. "As we respond, we can track a vehicle live, we can be looking for the offender. It would help improve our efficiency and be safer for officers and the community," said Schultz. Other methods (some already in place, some on Schultz's agenda) are beefing up the computing power in officers' police cars so they don't have to come back to the station to access information, and using the same portable technologies at the scene of a crime with smart-phones or tablets. Schultz said with a younger workforce coming into their own within the last decade, in many different police departments including MVPD, there's an expectation that technology will be taken advantage of. And that willingness to institute new procedures is one the exciting aspects of his new role. Outgoing Chief Sanders was no Luddite. He oversaw the implementation of technologically updated police cars when Schultz came on board, but after 34 years of law enforcement he is retiring to Tennessee, where he is originally from. He says he would like to spend more time with his family. "It has been the most wonderful and unique privilege to serve as Chief of Police for the Memorial Village Police Department over the past three years. This transition comes at a good time for MVPD. Our goal of maintaining and enhancing the community's safe environment and leading a strong and proactive Police Department is well under way," said Sanders. Westside High School senior Andrea Zavala received a gold award from The Hispanic Heritage Foundation. She is one of 21 award recipients at the Houston regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards ceremony on Nov. 17. As the gold medalist in the engineering category, sponsored by ExxonMobil, Zavala was awarded a $3,000 scholarship to support her plans to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at Stanford University, University of California at Berkeley or University of Southern California. Established by the White House in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is an award-winning nonprofit that identifies, inspires, prepares and positions Latinos to lead in the classroom, community and workforce. The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards program offers educational grants to Hispanic high school seniors chosen by regional selection committees based on their academic achievement, leadership, community service, category focus and an essay about the important role their heritage played in their success. Dec. 30 An officer was dispatched to a residence located in the 4200 block of Lehigh in regards to found property. Upon arrival, the officer met with the reportee who stated he found a Samsung Galaxy cell phone in his front lawn. The officer collected the phone and transported to the police department's evidence room for safekeeping. A resident turned in a driver's license to the West U PD that was found in the 3700 block of University. Contact was made with the owner and after the owner did not show up to claim the property; it was dropped into evidence for safekeeping.. An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby for a package theft that had already occurred. Dec. 31 An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby for a theft that had already occurred. An officer was dispatched to 10200 block of Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, 77042, in order to obtain custody of a suspect who currently has a warrant with The City of West University Place Police department. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the City West University Place Police jail for booking. Jan. 1 An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby police station for an identity theft report. The victim advised that an unknown person used their personal identifying information to obtain a store credit card over the internet. An officer observed a subject who appeared to be hunched over falling asleep at the 2600 block of West Holcombe .The officer made contact with the subject, who was later determined to be intoxicated and if left alone would be a danger to himself and/or others. He was placed in custody for public intoxication. Jan. 2 At 12:41 PM, an officer was dispatched to the 2700 block of Pittsburg. An unknown person(s) dismantled the handle on the front door. At 2:06 pm, Officers were dispatched to the 4100 block of Milton, in reference to a physical and verbal disturbance in progress. At 6:00 pm, officers responded to the intersection of 3600 University and 6300 Mercer in regard to a possible Dog Attack/Animal at Large in progress. Upon arrival, the animals were separated by their respective owners and medical treatment was performed on the victims. Citation was issued for Dog at large-City Ordinance Violation Jan. 3 At 9:21 am, an Officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby, in reference to a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, which had already occurred. The victim stated an unknown person illegally entered into his vehicle and stole some of his property. At 1:07 pm, a Police Officer was speaking with a resident via telephone, in regards to problems that she was having with a family member. While speaking with the resident the officer was advised that the family member was causing a verbal disturbance and was attempting to take her vehicle without her permission. Officers arrived to the location and after further investigation the family member was transported to the Neurological Psychiatric Center (NPC) at Ben Taub Hospital. At 10:20 PM, officers were dispatched to the 4000 block of Arnold in regards to an assault that already occurred. An Officer discovered a pendant in the City of West University place jail facility while conducting a jail inspection. The Officer took custody of the pendant and a found property report was generated. Jan. 4 At 08:37 PM, an officer was dispatched to the 6400 block of Buffalo in regards to a burglary of a vehicle. An unknown suspect entered the unsecured vehicle and removed property. At 11:30 PM, Bellaire PD relayed suspect information regarding a theft that took place in their city. A vehicle matching the description was observed in the 4300 block of Bissonnet. A traffic stop was initiated by a WUPD officer. The stolen items were recovered and the suspects were turned over to BPD. Jan. 5-6 No crimes reported Condit Elementary School PTO Condit Elementary School PTO is hosting a fundraising gala at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the HESS Club, 5430 Westheimer Road, Houston, and all profits will go to the school. The theme is Casino Royale and will include a dinner buffet, dancing, silent auction, casino games with a prize raffle and a wine pull. Katy Bar Association Area attorneys are invited to the Tuesday, Jan. 24, luncheon of the Katy Bar Association at 11:30 a.m. at Hasta la Pasta, 1450 W. Grand Parkway S. Teresa Lechner-Fish, IP associate with Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP, will present "Copyright Basics: What Are Copyrights? How Are Copyrights Created? Who Owns the Copyrights? And How Can They Be Protected." Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston presents Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre from Jan. 13 through Feb. 12. Dance Month is celebrating 37 seasons of showcasing prominent choreographers, master teachers, companies and dancers. Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre and the Adult Department come together to present Arts in the Afternoon Towards the Gypsy Roads on Friday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Make reservations for lunch and then follow with a show in the Kaplan Theatre that includes poetry in Ladino, Sephardic dance, Flamenco Paterneras, and other Flamenco styles accompanied by canto hondo (deep singing) and Spanish guitar. Toward the Gypsy Roads was conceived by Marisol Monasterio and honored by the Houston Press as one of the 100 creatives in 2012 for her unusual voice and emotional performance. Israeli Contemporary Performance Art with Amy Morrow and Idan Sharabi launches opening weekend of Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre. The Gaga/dancer master class with Morrow and Sharabi is Saturday, Jan. 14 from noon-3 p.m. The Gaga/dancer class is for students 16 and older. A free informal showing will be from 3:30 4:30 p.m. with Morrow and Sharabi. Morrow is a teacher, choreographer and consultant in Austin under AM Arts and award-winning Sharabi from Tel Aviv, Israel is a choreographer, teacher and former NDT and Batsheva dancer. The duo will teach a Gaga dancer class and put on a free informal showing. Gaga is the movement language which Ohad Naharin developed and which is applied in daily practice and exercises by the Batsheva Dance Company. Gaga has two tracks: Gaga/dancers and Gaga/people. It is a way of learning and strengthening one's body and adding flexibility, stamina, and agility while lightening the senses and imagination. Idan Sharabi & Dancers was founded in 2012. His work is physical and daring, yet full of delicacy and detail. As a dancer, he has worked with different choreographers in his career which were big influences on his style of movement: Ohad Naharin, William Forsythe and Jiri Kylian. The Houston premiere of the film, "Mr. Gaga" will be Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. in the Kaplan Theatre. "Mr. Gaga" is an award-winning documentary about Ohad Naharin and Batsheva Dance Company by celebrated directors Tomer Heymann and Barak Heymann of Heymann Brothers films & K now Productions. The director Tomer Heymann will be in attendance. Filmmakers were allowed eight years in the studio to tell the story of Naharin one of the most important choreographers of the time. "The most beautiful and important cinematic creation ever made about Israeli Dance," according to Tal, editor Achbar Ha'lr. A question-and-answer segment with Heymann and a Gaga/people class with Morrow will follow the film. All dance performances take place in the Kaplan Theatre at the J. Master classes are in the J's dance studio. Visit www.erjcchouston.org/dancemonth for information. Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre is funded in part by the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Patron for the Arts, a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment and RBC Wealth Management. Marriot Houston Westchase is the official hotel for Dance Month. Katy ISD Katy ISD Police Department's Santa Cop Program ended the year by successfully delivering gifts to nearly 700 elementary students from across the district. Thanks to the generosity of Katy ISD staff, the program provided families in need clothing items, in addition to gifts, during the holidays. This program began 14 years ago when the Katy ISD Police Department and school employees saw a need at several schools. Since then the program has brought police officers and staff members together to lend a helping hand to families facing hardships during the holidays. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Katy ISD board of trustees is altering a board procedure that two trustees said restricts first amendment rights because it mandates that only the board president can speak to the media. The issue surfaced through trustees Charles Griffin and George Scott in November. Both said the long-standing procedure has infringed their freedom of speech and that they have been scolded by other trustees when they've spoken to media members. But now the rule is changing. "There's nothing in (the new procedure) that intimidates me like the (old procedure) did," said Scott, who residents voted to the board in May after running a campaign partly based on criticizing the board on issues such as transparency and fiscal matters. The new procedure adds language that says other board members can speak to the media while still keeping the board president as the main spokesperson for the board. Trustees established the old procedure more than 10 years ago. While it is not illegal, it has created a way for the board to filter information to the public and act as a unified voice despite having different opinions on district matters, and it has also formed a culture among the board to deflect all questions from media members to the president. There are many districts in Texas that have policies where the board president is the spokesperson, but other board members are allowed to speak to the media if they desire, according to Leslie Story, lead attorney at the Texas Association of School Boards, which represents school boards statewide and gives them counsel. Board president Rebecca Fox, who has been a trustee since 2004, said trustees have not had a previous issue with the procedure. Multiple Katy board members have also questioned why Griffin brought up the topic recently and not while serving as board president from May 2015 to May 2016, a question which Griffin has given no clear response to. Trustee and board Vice President Ashley Vann said she has never interviewed with a media member in her more than two years on the board and said that doing so is "a little bit self-serving." Fox said trustees looked at neighboring Spring Branch ISD's protocol on talking to media members when creating language for their new procedure. The old procedure "was a bit vague," said Fox, adding that the new procedure "has more specifics. I'm happy with this one. I was happy with the other one, but this is fine, too." What remains to be seen is if the culture in the board of not speaking to the media will change with the procedure difference, Scott said. Other Changes Trustees are also changing other aspects of their operations. The board has had official designations for five of the seven board spots. Those positions include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and sergeant at arms. Trustees said they are eliminating the treasurer and sergeant at arms designations because they have stood mostly as symbolic positions, so they are not necessary to keep. The board will also begin having an in-house attorney at each board meeting in order to be able to answer legal questions by trustees or the public on the spot, according to Superintendent Lance Hindt. In October, the district announced that it would be hiring an in-house attorney by the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year while pulling back resources to its outside legal counsel, Thompson & Horton LLP. The district has spent $1.6 million on Thompson & Horton legal fees in the past two years, Hindt said. The district will save money by having an in-house attorney, he added, but it's unclear now how much that saving will be. The attorney will also be used for matters related to topics such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. The University of Houston System's former campus in Cinco Ranch is expected to be sold by the end of the spring, according to David Oliver, associate vice chancellor and associate vice president for facilities and construction management at the System. The System is selling the 36,000-square-foot campus after closing it in 2016 as it continues preparation for a new 46-acre campus that is expected to open in the fall of 2019 on the northeast corner of Interstate 10 and Texas 99. The asking price for the Cinco Ranch campus is $6.8 million, Oliver said. Olivia Flagor, a graduate of Cinco Ranch High School, has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. To earn the award, Flagor created a program that would make learning about the Bible fun, accessible and interactive for children with special needs. The award recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable community service projects that require a minimum of 80 hours to complete. Less than 5 percent of Girl Scouts earn the award. Flagor created two separate programs, one for Noah's Ark and Jesus Feeds the 5000. Flagor incorporated auditory and texture sensory elements including puzzles, counting pieces, crafts and games. She also created an informational disc that includes an overview of her program, instructions on how to implement the program as well as tools needed to tell each story. "This will make it easier for churches to share with other churches and or missions with special needs ministries," said Flagor. "I also challenged youth groups and other groups to add to the stories to keep the lessons going. I hope all special-needs children, regardless of disability, enjoy and take part in learning about God and the Bible." Flagor's sister who is disabled, inspired her project. On Sunday mornings Flagor takes her sister to her Sunday school class and noticed the lack of lessons designed for children with disabilities. After speaking with her sister's teacher, Flagor found out that her sister's teacher would take stories and adapt them to engage her class. "Helping my sister and other special-needs children is why I decided to help make cohesive lessons designed specifically for special-needs children," said Flagor. More than 30 volunteers assisted Flagor in delivering her program and six different churches with special needs ministries and a charity in Mexico benefited from her project. To learn more about the Girl Scout Gold Award, which turned 100 in 2016, visit www.girlscouts.org. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A group of explorers and archaeologists apparently learned about the anger of an ancient "Monkey God" the hard way. The group, led by author Douglas Preston, pushed through thick jungles and dealt with poisonous snakes to find the fabled "Lost City of the Monkey God" deep in the 20,000-mile Mosquitia rain forest, which crosses the Honduras-Nicaragua border on the Pacific Ocean side of the countries. The locals abandoned the place - one of the last unexplored spots on the planet - in the 16th Century, believing it to be cursed. Of course, the area was also in the midst of an invasion of European explorers bringing slavery and disease to the area, which may have had something to do with the departures. DESTROYED: 3,000-year-old city ruined by militants, left for looters The trip took three years to plan and weeks to execute. The group found the city, along with some ancient rocks and signs of life at what was also known as "The White City." So, while they survived snakes and other hazards and triumphed, the "Monkey God" may have gotten his revenge after artifacts were disturbed. The group realized upon their return to America that they brought back Leishmaniasis. It's a nasty parasite spread by sand flies. In short, Preston told CBS News, "The parasite migrates to the mucous membranes of your mouth and your nose, and basically eats them away. Your nose falls off, your lips fall off, and eventually your face becomes a gigantic, open sore." DRUG MAPPING: DEA map shows where cartels hold way in Texas Yep, this stuff makes a person's face fall off. Preston and several members of the expedition had to undergo treatment, which is no picnic. Side effects of the drugs used include vomiting, cramps and neurological effects. So, given the dangers getting there and the prospect of a face-eating illness, researchers are content to leave the lost city as lost. And, they'll happily leave the "Monkey God" alone for a while. Watch the CBS News report on Preston's trip and treatment for the tropical disease here. Montgomery County Jail A Conroe man is facing up to two years in jail for allegedly burglarizing a school in The Woodlands. Detectives with the Conroe ISD Police Department say 20-year-old Stone Turks broke into The Woodlands College Park High School hours before classes started Oct. 5. Surveillance video shows Turks pushing a cart through the school, according to court records. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Report cards are in - and as many superintendents feared - most local districts aren't making the honor roll. The Texas Education Agency's controversial new accountability system issued preliminary A-F grades to school districts this week. The scores, which were released to the districts on Wednesday and the public on Friday, offer the first glimpse of how districts will fare when the new system is fully implemented in August 2018. Districts were graded in four categories: student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness. The first three grades are determined by scores on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. >> Click through the gallery above to see how Southeast Texas' 32 school districts and six charter schools fared in the preliminary rating A fifth category, community and student engagement based on self-selected measures, will be included in the final ratings next year, when districts will receive an overall grade. Of the 128 grades handed out to Region 5's 32 public school districts, six were As. Half of the districts received at least one F, and two-thirds at least one D. Beaumont ISD, the region's largest district, received a C for student growth and Ds in all other categories. Fourteen of BISD's schools received at least one F, while Curtis and Fletcher elementary schools were the only two campuses to get As in any category, both in student growth. "It's important that people understand these are preliminary grades, these don't count for anything, and the rules are not set yet," said Danny Lovett, Executive Director of the Region 5 Education Service Center. "I will be surprised if the rules do not change between now and next year." Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a statement that the grades were shared for "informational purposes to meet a legislative requirement and represent work-in-progress models." "No inferences about official district or campus performance in the 201516 school year should be drawn from these ratings, and these ratings should not be considered predictors of future district or campus performance ratings," he said. Three area districts received Fs in all four categories; Burkeville and High Island, which are currently rated "improvement required" by the state, and Deweyville, which met state standards for the current school year. No Region 5 districts earned an A in student achievement, which was calculated with STAAR scores, and schools with more economically disadvantaged students, such as Port Arthur ISD, generally scored lower in that category. In a letter posted on Facebook Thursday, Port Arthur superintendent Mark Porterie criticized the system's reliance on STAAR scores. "Like many of my fellow superintendents, I do not believe the new accountability system will be a fair or accurate depiction of student success, as many factors outside of standardized testing contribute to the overall educational prowess of a child," he said. "Our students come from various backgrounds and cannot and should not be painted with a broad brush. Our schools are so much more than one test and our students are so much more than one score." Beaumont, Hamshire-Fannett, Nederland, Port Arthur and Port Neches-Groves ISDs released a joint statement on the ratings Friday afternoon, announcing plans to challenge the system. "We believe in being accountable to our students, their parents, and our community, but we do not agree that the new system accurately communicates the achievements, programs and effective teaching on campuses. As a result, our districts along with many others has or is in the process of submitting resolutions to the state in an attempt to ask legislators to repeal the A-F accountability system," the statement said. Statewide, more than 150 school boards have passed resolutions opposing the rating system, according to the Texas Association of School Administrators, including Bridge City, Hull-Daisetta, Orangefield, Vidor, West Orange-Cove and Woodville. A statement on Bridge City ISD's website says the district "does not embrace a rating or ranking of our schools based on a state test administered on one specific date," and says the system is "NOT an accurate reflection" of quality. Five superintendents of Orange County schools signed a letter in December written by a group of Dallas-area administrators opposing the new rating system, claiming it misrepresents schools to their communities and hurts teachers. The low grades that many districts received were no surprise, Lovett said. They were expected "to not look that good," he said, "and the whole idea behind this is to give schools an idea of what needs to be improved." LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/LizTeitz A Harris County sheriff's deputy is out of a job after a shocking allegation and an obscenity charge, authorities said on Monday. "The allegation involves production of obscene material that includes sexual contact with a dog," said Dane Schiller, a spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Andrew Sustaita Jr., a six-year veteran of the force, was relieved of duty after his arrest for the state jail felony, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. Sustaita, who was most recently assigned to the Crime Control Division, was identified as a suspect after investigators found out about obscene online material coming from an account based in Harris County. The Sheriff's Office's High Tech Crime Unit investigated the case and determined that Sustaita was allegedly involved in producing the obscene online material. "The possession of obscene and illicit material is made even more troubling when a Sheriff's Office employee is found to be involved," Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a statement. "Every resource of this office will be dedicated to protecting the public and holding our employees accountable for wrongdoing." The investigation is still ongoing and could lead to additional charges, authorities said Monday. No further details are currently available. Reporter Mike Glenn contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Texas Legislature convenes at noon Tuesday in Austin, kicking off its 85th session. Since state lawmakers meet only every two years, anticipation builds in the "off" years about what the members will do once the opening bell rings. Observers have told the Houston Chronicle that what gets accomplished could depend on how well Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus get along. You can read more about the expectations for the session in Mike Ward's report on HoustonChronicle.com. STAYING PUT: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he has no plans to run for governor in 2018 The maximum length of a regular session is 140 days, giving the state senators and representatives until May 29 to get bills introduced, discussed and passed. Many proposals die in committee before reaching the full Senate or House of Representatives. A pre-filing period began Nov. 14 and by Monday, members had introduced 1,362 bills, according to the Texas Legislature Online. Click through the gallery above to see the biggest issues to watch in the 85th Texas Legislature and the players who will have the biggest impact. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Cibolo Police Department reported on Facebook Saturday that an area teen who had been missing almost a week has been found and reunited with her family. MiKayla Grace Lindow, 14, was last seen Monday evening at her residence in the 200 block of Cordero Drive, her father David Lindow, pastor of First Baptist Church Universal City, reported earlier this week. RELATED: Teen daughter of San Antonio-area pastor goes missing In the Facebook post the CPD said MiKayla had been located by San Antonio police on Saturday. A detective with the CPD soon took custody of MiKayla and the girl was returned to her family. Executive Director of the Heidi Search Center, Dottie Laster, said she received a call at 7 a.m. informing her that MiKayla had been found. A Facebook post from Elevate Church Saturday morning reported that David Lindow said MiKayla was taken to an area hospital to be "checked out." Laster confirmed that MiKayla was taken to a hospital, but did not know why. No other details were given but more information will be posted here as it becomes available. Her father reported Thursday that numerous organizations were working to find MiKayla, including various police departments, the Heidi Search Center and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Laster said the Lindow family was overjoyed to have MiKayla back and wanted to convey thanks to everyone who helped in the search. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A 27-year-old man is lucky to be alive after a fishing spear harpooned his skull on accident during a trip to Brazil, multiple reports are saying. The man is being identified by the press as Hugo Pereira da Silva and gruesome photos of the accident have made the rounds on the internet, shocking viewers. FISHING DONE RIGHT: Record-breaking catfish caught in Texas, report says Da Silva was with a friend at the Rip Paranaiba dam in Araguari when the 3-foot spear pierced his face last Tuesday, according to local reports. "Unfortunately, they were not careful with the positioning, the distance," Araguari fire department Deputy Lt. Lucenildo Batista Alves told Diaro de Pernambuco. "And the water of the river in our region is murky, especially in the very dirty rainy season." JUST NO: These Russian fish look like something straight out of science fiction Pesca Amadora reports that the spear in da Silva's skull was inches away from severely or fatally injuring the young man. "We do not know if the friend saw any fish or if the gun fired alone, but it hit the face of this boy," Alves told Pesca Amadora. "He was lucky, as the harpoon crossed the soft part of the mouth, did not reach any bone or more sensitive part, such as the brain. It could have been fatal." Though the photos show the gruesome reality of the accident, da Silva was released from the hospital one day after the accident occurred,the New York Post reports. Some days, you get the snake. And, some days, the snake has you for lunch. A roughly 15-foot Burmese python and a 6-foot alligator tangled in Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida recently. A reporter from the Palm Beach Post happened by and captured the romp in the swamp on video. The 7-minute clip is epic in an "old horror movie featuring dueling monsters" sort of way. More than 2,000 pythons have been removed from Everglades National Park since 2002, but the creatures are reproducing faster than managers can catch them. WHAT'S THAT?: Singer Brett Eldridge finds snake in toilet, it's all nopes That proved to be bad news for this particular gator. The python, an invasive species in Florida's Everglades, wrapped up the gator around the chest, squeezed its lungs and held on until the gator drowned. Much of the action takes place under water, but the snake and gator can be seen on the video when each surfaces briefly and with the occasional splash as the tussle goes on. Palm Beach Post reporter Joe Capozzi, who captured the fight, also wrote about it. Capozzi described it this way: GETTING LARGER: Big Thicket grows with family donation "They were joined as one, a twisted knot plying the water. They would sink like an anchor, wrestling in the depths and stirring the water into a dark silty soup, and then rise to the surface again as the stubborn gator refused to give up the fight," Capozzi wrote. "The alligators best punches were limited to futile swings of the tail that missed pythons head and struck the water with a splash." In the end, the gator had no way to tap out. And, there was no one to declare a winner, just a python happily floating atop the water and sunning himself. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Multiple Border Patrol sectors combined to rescue 44 undocumented immigrants from a Donna, Texas stash house on Jan. 3. Laredo Sector and Rio Grande Valley Sector officers collaborated with Hidalgo County Constable's Office Pct. 1 to obtain a search warrant after receiving a tip. PHOTOS: Photographer captures view of Texas-Mexico border from above The smuggler was arrested for transporting the immigrants, who were from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, and has been referred for prosecution. The undocumented immigrants have been taken to the Weslaco Border Patrol station to be processed. "The outstanding work done by all involved is a great example of how our enforcement strategy, utilizing collaboration across the South Texas Corridor, is working," Rio Grande Valley Sector chief patrol agent Raul Ortiz said in a prepared statement. "In this case, 44 illegal immigrants were spared from being held in a crammed stash house and a smuggler was apprehended." REPORT: Boost at Texas-Mexico border leads to more traffic tickets The Laredo Sector Border Patrol bills itself as an agency that attempts to "warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally" into the U.S. "The callous disregard for human life in which these persons were subjected to and the inhumane conditions that they were placed in demonstrates how heartless these smugglers can be," Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Mario Martinez said. WASHINGTON - On Donald Trump's first day in office, organizers of the Women's March on Washington are calling on "all defenders of the human rights" to join together to stand up for women and other groups that have been marginalized. But there's one group, comprised of about half of the population, that is hard to find in the social media and logistical frenzy leading up to the highest profile event protesting Trump's politics: Men. Of the 175,000 people who indicated they are going, on the March's Facebook page, just a fraction appear to be men. And the #WhyIMarch Twitter feeds show far more mothers and sisters than fathers and brothers. On the ground, march organizers in Houston, Cleveland and Pittsburgh reported that just a handful of the seats on their buses have been reserved by men. "This is a movement that is led by women, but it is not just for women. It's for all people," said Linda Sarsour, one of the march's lead organizers. One caveat: "You have to be okay with being led by women," she said. The same test that played out when Americans went to vote for the nation's first female president is now playing out in the anti-Trump response to the election. Some scholars of gender and politics say that while plenty of these men believe in women's rights and abilities to lead, many still aren't comfortable shouting their views through a bullhorn or spreading them on Twitter. Even those who show up might be unlikely to signal so beforehand. "A lot of men are quiet supporters of women,"said Jackson Katz, author of "Man Enough? Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and the Politics of Presidential Masculinity." Millions of men voted for Hillary and support women's rights both politically and personally, he said, but they don't have a powerful voice. Plans to attend the march formed quickly among female friends and relatives, many of whom also took to social media to channel their disappointment after the election. Katz attributes the more muffled support among men in part to efforts that Trump and other Republicans have made to challenge the masculinity of men who support liberal causes or women in leadership. Trump repeatedly cast himself as the strong man. Alex Mohajer, co-founder of Bros 4 Hillary, an advocacy group, said it this way: "There is a sense [that] if you outwardly support a woman you are less deserving of your man stripes." The November election exposed the largest gender gap in at least 50 years, with women favoring Clinton by 12 points and men favoring Trump by 12 points. The gap was most stark for white men, in particular non-college educated white men, 71 percent of whom voted for Trump. For this group of economically challenged men, Trump's appeal to a simpler time when men ruled the family resonated. At the same time, millions of men went to vote for Clinton as the first female president. Among them, 82 percent of African American men and 63 percent of Latino men. Younger men - aged 18 to 29 - were also more supportive of Clinton and also are likely to support gender-equality when it comes to a range of family-friendly policies. Katz said these men will need to speak out if they don't want to see abortion outlawed, given Trump's pledge to appoint anti-abortion judges to federal courts. They will also need to make known, he said, that they believe preventing sexual violence should be a priority, after Trump openly bragged about assaulting women. "That means taking some risks in challenging other men, and literally standing up to the bullying that comes from the right about masculinity," Katz said. Women are leading the charge for the march, heading up logistics and legal work, while male volunteers are playing mostly supporting roles. It's a contrast to the 1963 March on Washington, when women largely worked behind the scenes. "This is all a part of straightening that bend in the road that women did not have a voice through the years," said Harry Belafonte, the music legend and civil rights leader who worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. and was asked to be an honorary co-chair of the event with feminist icon Gloria Steinam. "A lot of women are going with their friends, their sisters, and their mothers," said Leah Burnett, a musician who helped organize five bus loads of marchers from Cleveland. "I think it's a bonding experience." She counted less than 10 of the more than 250 seats that she can confirm have been reserved by men. Many men who have pledged support for the march on Facebook say they are motivated to attend to continue the progress that women have made. Tim Riddick, a 36-year-old photographer from Woodbridge, Virginia, said he plans to join the march because he wants to set an example for his three young sons. "I am worrying about the way my boys will treat women when they are older. I want to make sure they not only respect women but that they fight for women as well," he said. Riddick calls himself a "purple elephant," a rare liberal who is also an observant Christian. He believes that women should be leaders in the church and also in the nation - and he believes women's rights will not be successful without support from both genders. That means blending the line on what is considered a "women's issue" to start with, including access to abortion and birth control. Jeffrey Allan Ellis-Lee, a public school teacher in New York City, volunteered to be a bus captain, helping to shepherd a fleet of more than 60 buses that are scheduled to bring protesters from New York City and building on organizing work he did during Clinton's campaign. "This was such an anti-woman campaign," he said. "There are so many issues, but this is the issue that I am standing up for during the march itself." Gerald Dudley, 33, is attending a solidarity march in Austin, Texas, where he works for a company that hosts pub quizzes. He said he wants to be much more outspoken in his support for women's rights. "It's not enough to say, 'I'm not a misogynist,'" he said. "This year I am trying to put my money where my mouth is." To him, that means donating to feminist causes, seeking out more women's perspectives in his reading, and calling out sexism when he encounters it. "When I hear a joke where the butt of the joke is a woman ... Maybe I could say, 'I don't get it: Why is that funny?'" Darren Battle, a 51-year old chef in Atlanta, is coming to Washington for the March because he wants to support equal pay and other equal rights. "There are not many female chefs. But if they are doing the job, they should be making what I am making," he said. Duncan Chaplin, an education policy researcher in D.C., said when he heard about the Women's March he immediately planned to go and invited friends from out of town. "Being part of a loyal opposition is important," he said. "I want to oppose what Trump stands for, and women's issues are clearly a part of that." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A cancer survivor is taking life one step at a time, literally. Kristi Loyall of El Reno, Oklahoma had to have her right foot amputated after a numbness in her pinky toe spread to the rest of her foot. Doctors found the cause of that numbness was cancerous and recommended she have it removed. RAISING AWARENESS: Fitness blogger turned ovarian cancer fighter chronicles her battle on Instagram But that didn't keep Loyall completely footless. Loyall asked doctors if she could keep her foot after the amputation. "I was thinking it'd be a cool conversation piece," Loyall told New York Magazine. "Like if someone walked into my house and I was like 'Hey, btw, that's my real foot.'" That conversation piece has now become the focus of an Instagram account, where Loyall features the foot in different locations with funny captions. "Bad to the bone," she wrote in one picture with a tattoo artist inking her foot. "You can pick up bad habits at the casino," she wrote in another photo, a cigarette butt held between the toes of her foot. SERIOUS INJURY: 'Star Wars' stuntwoman to have arm amputated after 'Resident Evil' set injury Loyall told New York Magazine that she named her foot Achilles and that most people who see her photographing her foot usually say kind things instead of being disgusted. Loyall started a GoFundMe account to help cover her medical expenses and raise money for a prosthetic. She will also be visiting the MD Anderson Sarcoma Center in Houston. While keeping a foot may seem odd, PBS notes "there is no U.S. federal law preventing the ownership of body parts, unless they're Native American." Some exceptions do apply, like whether the hospital has a policy of keeping organs after amputations or doctors may "not want to bother with retrieving the part," according to PBS. It's a common refrain online: An inmate posts a want ad seeking a pen pal while describing themselves in the most flattering terms someone behind bars can come up with. The inmates often described the loneliness of being incarcerated. But, few, if any, ever disclose why they are behind bars on sites like WriteAPrisoner.com or Prisoninmatepenpal.com. Since the election, leaders of the environmental movement and scientists have been hard at work attempting to convince the president-elect of man-made climate change. In December, Al Gore met with Donald Trump, a meeting Gore described as a "very productive session." Via HaitiLibre.com: 5th week of strike in public hospitals. Click or tap through for explanatory links. This is too sad a report for a comment. On Friday, Dr Gabriel Timothee, Director General of the Ministry of Health, met with the union representatives of the staff of the majority of the 19 public hospitals in the country on strike since last December 12. During the meeting, he tried to reassure the strikers on their demands with new promises. However, for the strikers, scalded by the failure to respect the promises of the Ministry in the agreement of end of strike of last August, "They are bluffers, we have no confidence in them." Remember that in early December, Daphnee Benoit Delsoin, the Minister of Health had announced the impossibility for her ministry to respect the salary increases. Gabriel Timothee, had later admitted that due to lack of budget, the Ministry was not in a position, at the moment, to respect its promises. The strikers who have not changed their demands (improvement of working conditions, revision of the wage grid, letters of appointment of contractual), require a signed agreement that will commit the next government, aware that it may take a little time to get satisfaction and that this requires continuity to avoid further strikes. They say they are ready to resume work once a credible agreement with formal guarantees is signed with the government, while waiting for the strike that paralyzes the public health system, is maintained and the population taken in hostage... 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. After President Obama greased the wheels for the U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israels settlements policy, President-elect Trump tweeted that things will be different after January 20th. I didnt vote for Trump, but for the sake of restoring some sanity to Americas Middle East policies, I fervently hope he fulfills that promise. To make a real difference, our next president needs to understand how the United Nations hostility to the Jewish state is rooted in perverse institutions that have been abetted by previous U.S. administrations. The most glaring example of this is the inaptly named United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). With its $1.3 billion budget (30 percent of which comes from U.S. taxpayers), this agency actually perpetuates the refugee problem it was created to solve, while promoting Palestinian rejectionism and Jew hatred. Trump will soon have the means to drain the UNRWA swamp. If he does so, he would increase the chances of peace between Palestinians and Israelis. The United Nations created UNRWA with the noblest of intentions. By the time an armistice agreement ended the first Arab-Israeli war in 1949, roughly 700, 000 Palestinians had fled (or were driven) from the territories governed by the new state of Israel. The prevailing view at the time was that refugee problems produced by war were best solved through resettlement in the countries to which the refugees had fled. In the aftermath of World War II, 7 million ethnic Germans in Central and Eastern Europe were the victims of brutal ethnic cleansing campaigns approved by the victorious allied powers. On the Indian subcontinent another 3 million people were uprooted in the violent creation of India and Pakistan. These destitute refugees had to make do in their new host countries with virtually no outside aid. Yet, within a decade, there was no longer a refugee problem in Europe or Asia to trouble the international community. Unfortunately, the surrounding Arab countries that launched a war of conquest against the Jewish StateLebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraqrefused to accept any responsibility for the welfare of their Palestinian brothers who were the big losers in the conflict. Thats when the U.N.led by the United Statesgenerously stepped in. The 1949 General Assembly resolution establishing UNRWA called for the alleviation of the conditions of starvation and distress among the Palestine refugees. Yet the resolution also stated that constructive measures should be undertaken at an early date with a view to the termination of international assistance for relief. In other words, the new refugee agencys mission was to be temporary, pending a peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict. Flash forward 66 years. The original 700,000 Palestinians leaving Israel have now been magically transformed into a mini-state of 5.6 million refugees registered with UNRWA, about half of all the Palestinians living in the world today. The temporary U.N. agency has been transformed into a bloated international bureaucracy with a staff of 30,000, almost all of whom are Palestinian refugees themselves (many are activists of Hamas, the Islamist terrorist group). Less than 5 percent of UNRWAs clients ever lived in Israel, but the agencys regulations state that all patrilineal descendants of the original displaced persons shall retain their refugee rights in perpetuity. Nor does UNRWA seem to be troubled by the fact that 40 percent of its camp residents are citizens of Jordan and Lebanon, and shouldnt even be considered refugees under accepted international law and practice. The unchecked growth of UNRWA is a classic case in international politics of the economic principle of moral hazard. By providing a social welfare safety net, the U.N. enables the Palestinian leadership to undermine efforts to solve the underlying conditions that created the refugee problem in the first place. Palestinian rejectionism is thus rendered risk-free. In turn, UNRWA nurtures Palestinian extremism, yet never is held accountable by the agencys donor nations, including the United States. The original sin was the world bodys unprecedented decision to create a single agency dedicated to dealing exclusively with one national group of refugees. Only the Palestinians who left Israel, a mere trickle of the post-World War II refugee flood, were designated as specially approved victims deserving of aid and support by the international community. To paraphrase Marx, this misguided policy created an historic tragedy, with elements of farce. Its not only the billions of dollars and millions of lives that have been wasted over the past half century in the squalid refugee camps. Its also that the easily solvable problem of the 1948 refugees was allowed to fester and then become the single greatest obstacle (no, President Obama, its not Jewish settlements on the West Bank) to a peaceful solution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. In the 59 UNRWA refugee camps on the West Bank and the Gaza strip a daily drama of redemption and return is played out. The Palestinian Nakba narrative (i.e. the 1948 catastrophe) and the myth of eventual return are nourished under the approving eyes of UNRWA teachers and social workers. Generations of Palestinian children have learned in UNRWA schools that their totally innocent forbearers were driven out of their homes by the conquering Zionists. Yet they are also told never to lose hope, because the day is not far off when they will be returning in victory to their ancestral homes in Jaffa, Haifa, Acre, and all the other places throughout the Jewish state where their people lived in peace and harmony for hundreds of years. An extraordinary documentary produced by Israeli journalist David Bedein graphically illustrates how this destructive culture of the Nakba is actively promoted in the UNRWA camps. It should be required viewing for all members of President Trumps incoming foreign policy team. In the video, children at an UNRWA summer camp can be seen chanting that they will soon be returning to the villages from which their ancestors were driven by the Jews. They sing martyrdom songs and praise suicide bombers. An UNRWA teacher promises a classroom of children as young as ten: We will return to our villages with power and honor. With Gods help and our own strength we will wage war. And with education and Jihad we will return. Speaking to the camera, a teenage Palestinian girl announces: I dream that we will return to our land and with Gods help Abu Mazen [Palestinain Authority president Mahmoud Abbas] will achieve that goal and we will not be disappointed. Unfortunately, mainstream media outlets have shown little interest in exploring UNRWAs role in creating obstacles to Palestinian-Israeli peace, focusing instead on Israeli settlements on the West Bank. The conventional wisdom is that agitation for the right of return in the refugee camps is mostly harmless rhetoric that will recede after the two-state solution to the conflict is achieved. That has also been the official position of the State Department during succeeding U.S. administrations. It was reemphasized most recently in Secretary of State John Kerrys speech doubling down on the U.N.s condemnation of Israel over the settlements issue. Lets end the settlement project, get to a two-state solution, and the refugee issue will then fall into place, Kerry promised. Too bad that the recent history of failed Israeli-Palestinian negotiations demolishes Kerrys illusions. In 2007 and 2008, Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert met with Abbas 35 times to try to achieve a peace agreementprecisely the two-state solution that Kerry called for in his last speech. During the secret negotiations, Olmert offered the Palestinian leader the same terms that Kerry now advocates: the 1967 borders with mutual swaps allowing Israel to keep the large settlement blocs; Jerusalem to be the capital for both states; and a five-nation consortium controlling the Old City and the Jewish and Muslim holy places. On September 16, 2008, Olmert presented Abbas with a detailed map showing how Israel would retain 6 percent of Palestinian land on the West Bank and thus avoid evacuating most of the Jewish settlements. To compensate, Olmert proposed transferring an equivalent amount of Israeli land to the future Palestinian state. For their part, however, the Palestinians would have to drop their demand for the right of return to Israel of the 1948 refugees and their descendantsthough Olmert offered to admit a few thousand on humanitarian grounds. Abbas assured the Israeli prime minister that the map was worthy of study and he would come back the next day for further discussions. But Abbas never returned to the table. In an interview I conducted with Olmert in 2010, the then-former prime minister told me that there was only one plausible explanation for Abbass decision to end the talks: he couldnt bring himself to announce to the Palestinians in the UNRWA camps that they wouldnt be returning to their homes in Israel. Nothing has changed in the past eight years. Abbas still cant tell that Palestinian teenager in the David Bedein video that her dream of returning to her familys ancestral lands will never happen. Contrary to Kerrys apologia for the Palestinians, it isnt Israels settlement policies that are preventing the two-state solution. Rather, it is the myth of a Palestinian return built up for generations in the UNRWA refugee camps. As president, Trump can do a big favor for the Palestinians by disabusing them of their fantasy of return. He should begin by immediately cutting off all American funding of UNRWA. (This will be quite easy to do, because UNRWA isnt financed out of the U.N. budget, but rather through voluntary contributions from many member states.) Instead, the president can announce that the $400 million that usually goes directly to UNRWA will be set aside for a fund available for permanent resettlement of the Palestinian residents of the refugee camps in the West Bank and Gaza. Trump should also lobby the other nations funding UNRWA (mostly our European allies) that its time to end this destructive 66-year venture that breeds hate and violence. Finally, Trump should read the Palestinian president the riot act. He should tell Abbas that its time to end the 1948 war and let the 5.6 million alleged Palestinian refugees know that they are never going back to Israel. If Abbas is agreeable to this new path to peace, President Trump can assure the Palestinian leader that the U.S. will do everything it can to facilitate negotiations for a two-state solution. If Abbas refuses to renounce the right of return, Trump should warn him that the U.S. will end all aid programs to the Palestinians. If President Trump is firm on this, Palestinian leaders may finally get the message and end the UNRWA farce. Photo by Adib Katib/Getty Images I prefer not preaching to the choir were his bywords, and Nat Hentoff was his byline. The guru of gadflies died this weekend at 91, a contrarian to the end. The lifelong lefty, for example, once tore up his ACLU card when the organization came out in favor of speech codes in schools and workplaces. He denounced Richard Nixon and couldnt abide either of the Bush presidencies, but found no surcease when Bill Clinton took over the White House. The 40th presidents policies on terrorism, wrote Hentoff, amounted to an all-out assault on the Bill of Rights. When I spoke to him about Barack Obama, Hentoffs gorge rose. He said the president deserved impeachment as the most flagrant violator of the Constitution in our history. As if that werent enough to turn off his progressive readers, Hentoff steadfastly refused to endorse abortion, hardening his position until it became indistinguishable from those of the Catholic Church and Orthodox Jewry. In my Greenwich Village days, I thought Hentoffs narrow face, peering eyes, and full beard gave him the aura of a wonder rabbi. Wrong again. He had been a militant atheist since adolescence, when on Yom Kippur, the day of fasting and atonement, he ostentatiously ate a salami sandwich in front of the family home in Boston. His father, a haberdasher, was shocked; the members of the temple were mortified and demanded an apology. They never got it because Hentoff never went back. He was well educated at Boston Latin and Northeastern; still, the post-graduate seminars were what transformed his character. Those were delivered in bars and jazz joints, where he found himself beguiled by the riffs of such soloists as Duke Ellington, drummer Jo Jones, and bassist Charles Mingus. Settling in New York City, Hentoff married for the first timethere were to be more wivesand became a columnist for the Village Voice. He remained at that post for the next 50 years. Though he began as a jazz critic, an abiding interest in free speech made him a soloist in his own right, insisting that one Amendment was First among equals, and that no society could be truly open unless its citizens could speak without fear. As a rebel with two causes, Hentoff wrote for publications across the political spectrum, including the Voice, the New Yorker, and the Weekly Standard. In his spare time he promoted jazz events, aided impoverished musicians, befriended Beltway figures as disparate as Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan and libertarian Kentucky senator Rand Paul, and wrote more than 30 books of nonfiction, novels, and memoirs. Two years ago, over his protestations that he was hardly a household name, Hentoff became the subject of a documentary, The Pleasures of Being Out of Step, which showed him basking in the freedom to be infuriating on a myriad of subjects. In fact, he was too agreeable to be infuriating for long. Even those who called the writer a professional dissident had to admire his passion, his amiability, and his refusal to be in lockstep with any group larger than three. He had barely started at the Voice when Saul Bellows novel Mr. Sammlers Planet appeared. The aging Sammler was to inspire the young Hentoff with a trenchant observation: The place of honor is outside. That would become Nat Hentoffs address for the rest of his long life. It remains his righteous resting place. Photo by Erik Freeland/Getty Images Here is a selection of letters and emails weve received since December 5. Please send correspondence to letters@cjr.org, along with your name, address, and any relevant affiliation. THE MANY MEANINGS OF AUDACIOUS Paper makes audacious decision to highlight silent epidemic I feel your use of audacious in the headline of the article on the Palm Beach Posts series, Generation Heroin, gives the wrong impression. While audacious can mean intrepidly daring and marked by originality and verve, it also means recklessly bold and contemptuous of decorum, which is how many are taking it. As you are aware, in this era of clickbait and fake news, people often dont take the time to read the links, but cast judgement based on headlines alone. As the CJR article makes the rounds, people are saying it is a terrible thing the paper did when, if fact, it was quality journalism. I would encourage you to reconsider your headline for this and future articles. I expect CJR to be a standard bearer for quality journalism in an era when such quality is scarce. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Sincerely, Rebecca Abma Hawthorne, NJ DIGITALS NOT JUST FOR THE YOUNG Print is dead. Long live print. Im 62 and I havent willingly read an actual paper anything in years. I read Kindle books on my iPad, my local paper online (where they cluelessly try to emulate the paper by making me turn pages), and I read stories from around the world, often on my laptop because the iPad keeps getting indigestion from JavaScript. The company I work for went paperless years ago, so I dont use or file paper at work, either. Since this is CJR, I will note that my local paper offers stories of poor quality written by unedited millennials of dwindling ability. I recently choked over a story about a car accident where the deceased was referred to as the dearly departed. This from a paper that wins awards from the Georgia Press Association. If you have a paper-only edition, Im not buying or reading because paper is really, really, really inconvenient. You have to look for it, you have to protect it from the puppy who likes to eat it, and filing it is a real pain. I quit using the library years ago. You had to go get a book, take care of it, and return it. Not only that, but if they didnt have it, you had to wait for an interlibrary loan. Lets not talk about going to the bookstore and turning your head sideways so you can read the titles with your tri-focals, because I quit bookstores, too. I use Evernote to clip online articles I like, and it is easy to tag them by subject. I never search hard to find any article I read some time ago that was about something. Trying to cram a newspaper in a three-in-one printer/scanner/fax machine is a no-go. Most of what passes for trying to get me to pay for content online is ludicrous. I join the millions of online porn users, using the incognito feature of the Chrome browser to avoid paywalls, and visit the decidedly non-prurient pages of the London Times, The Telegraph, The Washington Post, and others. Id happily pay a few bits per article, but everyone wants me to cough up $30 to $40 a month to get all the fabulous local content about cities Im not ever going to spend much time visiting. At some point, someone will work this out. Probably someone who works for radio because they have already had to figure out how to stay in business after losing a mass market. In fact, my local radio station group has a news site that carries better and more current content than my local paper. There will always be people who like paper, just like all those people who like jazz. I suspect most of them will be in France. Merrill Guice merrillguice.com THE MEDIA AND THE WHITE WORKING CLASS Surprised by Trump win? Stop ignoring the white working class This frame of the white working class being ignored or misunderstood is lazy and easily disproved. White working class voters are not ignored and do not have it worse relative to the black working class, Latino working class, female working class, immigrant working class, or any other cross-section you want to examine. White voters of almost every education and income level voted for Trump. The white working class is a euphemism and distraction from the reality that Trump ran a bigoted campaign. CJR is not going to provide valuable guidance for the media if you keep regurgitating simplistic and disproven memes from election night. Hussain Rahim THE STORY BEHIND A COURT RULING Documentary filmmakers fear more legal challenges in Trump era The writer correctly states that in 2010, a federal judge ordered documentary filmmaker Joe Berlinger to turn over hundreds of hours of footage and outtakes from his film Crude after a request from Chevron. However, you neglect to mention that the outtakes provided evidence of misbehavior by the plaintiffs lead attorney Steven Donziger, expert witnesses, and Ecuadorean officials in a lawsuit against Chevron in Ecuador. In ordering the footage be turned over, the court found that Berlingers outtakes were not shielded by journalists privilege. The court explained that, because Berlingers film was solicited by the plaintiffs for the purpose of telling their story, and that changes to the film were made at their instance, Berlinger failed to carry his burden of showing that he collected information for the purpose of independent reporting and commentary. The court also found that information contained in the footage could not be considered confidential. To confuse Berlingers movie with independent journalism is a distortion. The footage might still be on Berlingers cutting-room floor had the court not enabled the truth to be exposed. Respectfully, Dave Samson General Manager, Public Affairs Chevron Corporation FIGHTING FAKE NEWS A simple step to make news sites more secure Just read your excellent piece on use of HTTPS. Along the same lines, adoption of a certificate of authenticity for other electronic access types (e.g., email attachments, printed documents, PDF files) could create a bedrock of trusted information. The Verisign trust logo was remarkably helpful and likely a necessary driver for the wide acceptance of e-commerce. I see this project as an extension and logical continuation of that effort. If journalists, large Web content providers, and aggregators cooperated, they could quickly take the lead in deflating the fake news generators and distributors. A trustmark would exist for the benefit of the information consumer, not for intermediaries to limit or quash free speech. It would not indicate truth, but would identify the originator and possible owner of the information. After the election, I signed up for an online subscription to The New York Times. Not that I needed it, but to support them. Everyone wont do that. Helping readers understand the value of sourced, researched, well-written, and edited news is difficult, but critical. In my view, the Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Web media outlets would be great standard bearers, as would CNN and perhaps even Fox. My objective is to talk less and take more action to support our clearly dazed democracy. Im hoping you have folks there who are similarly motivated. Sincerely, Mark Bonine San Jose, CA SATIRE VS. LIES How Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert blazed a trail for Trump The writers notion of what constitutes fake news is tone deaf. What rock is he living under? Fake news is whipped up from whole- (or half-) cloth of lengthy, detailed, deliberate lies shared with the credulous to gain political advantage over what is inconveniently true. This lie machine has made a huge difference in politics. Examples abound at snopes.com. Colbert and Stewart are satire. Their programs showed footage of public figures saying whatever they said. Stewart and Colbert dished out morality dressed in comedy. The audience understood. And no, the media does not have to choose between Trump as mastermind, Trump as commerce central, or any other definition of Trump. Trump himself doesnt know what he is. A medium that was not subservient to commerce might have followed its nose to a journalism that improved public understanding of how democracy is shackled to commerce, and prevented the travesty of Americans being forced to choose between the presidential candidate of Goldman Sachs (D) and the candidate for US president of Goldman Sachs (R). I wish CJR would concern itself with this: Todays journalists are co-promoting with Trump the language bridge alt-right, which will walk millions in the fake-news/coal-country/patriot/strong-father contingent out of the Republican bag and into fascist territory. Cass Martinez There is a bitter irony in your piece on Stewart, Colbert, and fake news, which complains bitterly about fake news while getting history so terribly wrong. It shows colossal ignorance of history. It is a piece that is so bad you may want to consider retracting it. The author writes: American freedom has always been synonymous with American business; at this moment in history, they are virtually identical. No repressive regime, whether the product of a coup or a slow strangulation of liberties, was spawned by businessmen. You dont have to be a communist to recognize that this is completely false; you only have to consider the history of slavery in the US and around the world. In the slave trade, human beings were bought and sold and served as both money and capital. That is just one example. Hitler was helped into power by political conservatives and businessmen, and fascism in general is a totalitarian system that usually supports and protects a small business elite, including military dictatorships. Individual rights and freedoms are established by governments and the law. Nineteenth-century liberals were pro-market and pro-capital, but sometimes radically anti-democratic. That is just on the facts. The thesis is equally terrible. To suggest, somehow, that a couple of comedianswho often presented actual news while mocking itpaved the way for deliberate misinformation and propaganda is shooting the messenger. Unless this was written as some kind of satire of fake news, it does a disservice to journalism as well as to history. Dougald Lamont Winnipeg, Canada This is the most asinine thing Ive ever read in CJR, and an incredible insult to the intelligence of everyone: Yet it was Stewart and Colbert who helped create the atmosphere of fake news (formerly known as gossip, rumor, dis-, or misinformation) that helped elect Trump, and that currently has the media up in arms.In retrospect, Colberts bizarre appearanceas a legitimate witness in the House of Representatives before a judiciary subcommittee on farming and immigration was a precursor to another reality-TV buffoons election to the White House.Their more general contempt for every aspect of the democratic political process was the liberal version of the cynicism and the nihilism that helped project Trump into the Oval Office. I can only assume that the writer is suffering from a severe defect in cognition, or else has never, ever heard/seen Rush Limbaugh or Fox News, which predate The Daily Show and the The Colbert Report by years. Phillip Lozano THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK 10 resolutions for managers leading newsrooms in 2017 While we will not be on the Trump beat, much of what you wrote can yet apply to the smaller newsrooms in more remote areas such as ours. Number 10 piqued my interest greatly. I admit Im not always the best with the feedback. Indeed, we get mired down in the day-to-day operations and the need to stomp out the forest fires, so much so that we often end the day with Damn! Howd we get a paper out? There is always room for improvement. Indeed, we may not be in a position to give great pay raises (in an industry that doesnt give great pay to begin with), but maybe we can be better and more properly influence the desired results with proper feedback. Thanks for sharing that piece. Richard S. Whiting Executive Editor Index-Journal Greenwood, SC Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today The Editors are the staffers of the Columbia Journalism Review. For the third time in less than a decade, the use of traffic cameras by Ohio cities is before the state Supreme Court. Attorneys for the city of Dayton will Tuesday urge the justices to reject a law passed by the Legislature that took effect in 2015. It added restrictions on camera use led by requiring that a police officer be present when cameras are used to generate red-light or speeding citations. Dayton, backed by other Ohio cities, says that requirement is meant only to make it cost-prohibitive for them to use their cameras. Supporters say cameras increase safety by deterring drivers from speeding and running red lights while freeing up police resources for other duty. Ohio legislators and other critics around the country say cities use camera enforcement to boost revenues while violating motorists rights to due process. The Ohio Supreme Court has twice upheld the use of camera enforcement, the last time by 4-3 vote in December 2014. That ruling tracked a 2008 decision in an Akron case when the states high court said cities have the right to use camera systems under their home-rule authority to make local laws. The 2014 ruling overturned a state appeals court agreeing with a driver cited for speeding in Toledo that the city improperly bypassed the courts. Toledo Law Director Adam Loukx, who successfully argued the 2014 case, said the latest case pits city home-rule powers against a statewide law passed by the Legislature. So this time, instead of motorists who are challenging the cities, the other side is being argued by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWines office. Its a whole different dynamic, Loukx said. The attorney general contends that the new law serves the public interest by creating a uniform, statewide system for traffic camera use. Just as a local authority may not use blue stop signs so too that local authority may not use traffic cameras in conflict with state standards, his office said in its written brief on the law. The state also says having a police officer present helps detect camera system malfunctions and situations that clearly call for an exemption from ticketing, such as a driver racing to get a woman to a hospital to give birth. A police officers presence inserts a level of common sense, the attorney generals office wrote. Dayton contended in its written arguments that the law would allow legislators to negate cities local authority and said: The sole function of the Officer Present Requirement is to make it prohibitively expense for cities to utilize automated photo enforcement programs. Loukx, whose city has won a ruling by a different state appeal court than Daytons that upheld Toledos camera use under the new law, said its difficult to predict the high courts leanings because two justices on the 2014 panel have been replaced. One was in the majority, one dissented. Also, Justice Terrence ODonnell again recused himself from hearing a traffic camera case and a different state appellate judge than the one who in 2014 joined the majority will sit in for ODonnell. Cases involving Toledo and Springfield are on hold pending the Dayton case ruling, expected later this year. I cant prognosticate on this at all, Loukx said. I can only say that I wish Dayton well. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Self-driving cars born at Google are getting better at commanding the wheel. Vehicles tested in California by Waymo, the autonomous car company owned Google parent Alphabet Inc., had a much lower rate of disengagements last year, compared with 2015. Disengagements happen when a human tester needs to take control of a self-driving car, either to avoid an accident or respond to technical problems. Waymo Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik shared the data during a speech on Sunday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. California requires companies with permits to test autonomous vehicles to disclose the metric. The figure is one measure of the effectiveness of the nascent technology in the real world. In 2015, Alphabet reported 341 disengagements during 424,331 autonomous miles driven in California. That was 0.8 disengagements per thousand miles. In 2016, the rate improved to 0.2, according to Krafcik. As our software and hardware becomes more robust through our testing, were driving this number down further, he said during a keynote address in Detroit. Krafcik also highlighted advances in Waymos sensor technology. Krafcik and Alphabet have have stressed the safety of its driverless technology in appeals to regulators and industry partners in recent years. Google began testing its vehicles in 2009. Several rivals have emerged since then. Five of the six other companies with California permits in 2015 reported worse disengagement rates than Alphabet. Volkswagen AG came closest to Alphabet, with a rate of 17.4 disengagements per thousand miles. Tesla Motors Inc., the seventh licensed company, didnt report the figures. Disengagement rates could vary for different reasons. Companies may count disengagements in different ways. And some companies may be putting their vehicles through tougher tests, increasing the chance of human intervention. Others could be testing simpler situations. Krafcik said Sunday that Waymos system has got better at handling fog, rain and snow. In coming weeks, Californias DMV plans to report 2016 disengagement numbers from several other companies testing autonomous vehicles in the state, including General Motors Cruise unit, and Ford Motor Co. In his speech Sunday, Krafcik said Waymo will begin testing self-driving minivans from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV this year in Arizona and California. Arizona, which is also hosting autonomous tests by Uber Technologies Inc., doesnt require disengagement reports. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. For 12 years now, turnabout has been childs play for Carlisle and the surrounding area. Author Jennie K. Brown of Palmyra saw it Monday night in the turnout at the kick-off event for the annual Buck a Book Literacy Campaign. Hundreds of students from seven local elementary schools celebrated the launch of a two-week drive to read books for pledge money or donations that support the adult literacy programs at the Employment Skills Center in downtown Carlisle. Its a novel idea, said Brown, adding that often society thinks only adults can inspire children. But in Carlisle, its the kids who lead by example to open a path for needy grown-ups. Brown was among 14 authors and illustrators of childrens books who attended the kick-off together with representatives from 35 different community organizations. I love events that promote literacy, said Brown, who wrote the award-winning book Poppy Mayberry, The Monday. Im amazed by the turnout from the community and by the number of children and families. Seated nearby, author/illustrator Matt Novak of Middlesex Township was drawing pictures by request for children. A regular at Buck-a-Book since its early years, he thinks its great to have a campaign that gets children excited about reading while helping adults gain access to the tools of literacy. You get a two-for-one sort of deal, said Novak, who has written and illustrated over 25 books during the course of his author career. Most are geared towards children ages three to seven years old. The Carlisle Expo Center was jammed Monday with children enjoying craft activities, games, chats with authors and a romp in the bouncy house. There were performances by the REACH Dance Team and the Carlisle High School cheerleaders. The idea is to get children excited about reading and what they can do to make a difference in the lives of adults learning to read, said Art Kunst, Buck a Book chairperson. The campaign has incentives built in to encourage children to read as many books as possible for individual and schoolwide prizes. Last year, local students read about 8,000 books in two weeks to raise about $32,000. This year the goal is $38,000. Events like Mondays kick-off gets students to interact with the community and rally support for the cause, said Malinda Mikesell, reading supervisor for Carlisle Area School District. Buck a Book actually started several weeks ago with an essay contest where students were encouraged to submit stories around the theme Wordy Wonders, Mikesell said. The winners will have their work published in an upcoming book and will have the opportunity to read their entry to friends, family and the public at an event scheduled for Feb. 25 at Bosler Memorial Library in Carlisle. Over the next two weeks, more than 120 volunteers from all walks of life will come into local elementary schools and read to students. Each of the seven schools is competing for the honor of having the most creative fundraising campaign, Mikesell said. The efforts are appreciated. Its a very exciting time for us, said Margi Weitzel, executive director of the Employment Skills Center. There are wonderful activities for the kids and a lot of support is coming from other organizations. Every year, Buck a Book brings in roughly $30,000 which allows us to serve adults in our community. Kathy Wertz of North Middleton Township attended the kick-off event with her grandsons Hudson and Colby Focht. Both are students at Bellaire Elementary School. Its a win-win situation the whole way around, Wertz said of Buck a Book. The kids learn to read better. The employment center has the money to teach skills to people that need them. Sabrina Frazier was there with her daughter Isabella, a 9-year-old third-grader at Crestview Elementary School. The family moved to the Carlisle area last June so that the father, an Air Force lieutenant colonel, could attend the Army War College as a student. Its wonderful how much they support the community, Frazier said. Denise Whitzel of Carlisle enjoyed Mondays event with her 6-year-old daughter Nadiya, a first-grader at LeTort Elementary School. She loves to read, Whitzel said. She reads a book every night. We are very lucky to have this program. Nadiyas favorites include Curious George, Dora the Explorer and My Little Pony books. Kelly Plant of Dickinson Township was at the kick-off event with her daughters Rachel and Hannah. Both girls are students at North Dickinson Elementary School and are past participants of Buck a Book. The kids get into it, and its great for the adults, said Plant, adding her children enjoy the activities the campaign has to offer. Jim Justices businesses have responded to a lawsuit claiming the West Virginia governor-elects companies have not paid for $771,268 worth of flood cleanup work after the Greenbrier resort was hit by severe flooding last year. Lawyers representing Justices companies have asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed by a Texas-based company, BMS CAT, The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported. Justice, a billionaire businessman, is the owner of the Greenbrier resort. The Greenbriers attorneys admit the flood remediation work was done on the resorts chapel, ballroom, PGA tournament office and other buildings. But they say the Greenbrier and other Justice companies never entered into an enforceable valid contract with the company. The ongoing lawsuit comes several months after BMS CAT filed a mechanics lien against the Justices companies in October for the unpaid bills, while the businessman was running for West Virginias highest office. The flood remediation company filed the federal lawsuit against the Greenbrier in early December in order to enforce that lien. In their complaint, BMS CATs attorneys allege the company performed the cleanup work, got the finished work approved by one of Justices employees, provided Justices companies with an invoice and repeatedly contacted them for payment. The Greenbriers attorneys either deny those allegations or say BMS CATs complaint mischaracterizes and misconstrues the invoices that are referenced. Justices press secretary, Grant Herring, did not immediately respond to questions regarding the response by Justices lawyers. When the unpaid bills were first reported to the public, Herring, who was then Justices campaign spokesperson, provided a statement from the CEO of the resorts insurance company that said the unpaid bill were the result of a misunderstanding. The invoices would be covered under the insurance plan in the near future. When the lawsuit was filed in December, Herring provided a statement from Elmer Coppoolse, the Greenbriers chief operating officer, who said the resort hadnt received compensation from the insurance carrier. No such insurance plan or insurance payment is mentioned in the response to the lawsuit, the newspaper reported. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Washington Court of Appeals recently found (Arden v. Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S., 193 Wash.App. 731, 373 P.3d 320 (2016)), on first impression, that insurer retained attorneys (defense attorneys) were not automatically prohibited from representing insureds merely because the defense attorneys had an ongoing relationship with the insurance company where they were receiving defense case assignments as well as coverage assignments. Moreover, the Court found that defense counsel were not required by the duty of loyalty imposed on counsel under Washington law to disclose to the insured the defense attorneys business relationship with the insurer. However, the Court did note that it was better practice for attorneys handling the reservation of rights (ROR) defense to inform their clients if they have a long-standing relationship with the insurer and represent the insurer in other cases. The Court in Arden also found that the defense attorneys duty of loyalty did not require the defense attorney to persuade the insurance company to fund the settlement demand that claimants had made in which the insureds were requesting be accepted. While the Court recognized that a defense attorney clearly had an obligation to communicate the insureds request to settle to the insurer, the defense attorney was not required to advocate and persuade the insurance company to accept the settlement as requested by the insured. This was especially true when the insured had personal counsel who was actively involved in the case. The Court observed: Such a duty would be inconsistent with the defense attorneys role in a reservation of rights defense. When coverage is disputed, an insurers decision to settle necessarily involves an evaluation of the strength of its coverage defenses. Imposing a duty on defense counsel to attempt to persuade an insurer to settle would require that attorney either to argue the insureds position on coverage or advise the insurer on coverage issues, both of which would give rise to actual conflicts of interest. [W]hen as here the insured has personal counsel who is actively involved in the case, there is no reason for defense counsel to become involved in persuading the insurer to settle. Personal counsel is in the best position to advocate for settlement with the insurer. The State of Washington is one of only a few states where the courts have declined to automatically allow an insured to retain independent counsel in reservation of rights situations. Under Washington law, a defense attorney handling a reservation of rights case is required to represent only the insured, not the insurer, and owes a duty of loyalty to the insured that has no exceptions. See Arden, Id., 373 P.3d at 329, citing Tank v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 105 Wash.2d 381, 388, 715 P.2d 1133 (1986). AKRON, Ohio - An Akron man is in jail after he was accused of breaking into a house and attacking the homeowner with a hammer, police said. Kristopher L. Malcolm, 26, is charged with one count of felonious assault and one count of aggravated burglary in Akron Municipal Court, records show. He remains in Summit County Jail. A resident of a house on the 400 block of Delmar Avenue was awoken about 8 p.m. Saturday to someone banging on the house's front and back doors, Akron police said Monday. The occupants called 911 just as the burglar broke in through the back door. Malcolm, the accused burglar, hit a male resident with a hammer before he was able to get away to an upstairs bedroom. Malcolm broke down the bedroom door after the residents barricaded the door, and they were able to escape onto the roof through a window in the room, police said. The male resident fell off the roof and hurt his leg before trying to run from the house. Malcolm ran back out of the house and chased the resident around the neighborhood, police said. The burglar hit the male resident several more times with the hammer and his fists, police said. Neighbors saw what was going on and came out to help the victim. The hammer was taken from Malcolm's possession, and police officers took him to Akron City Hospital with minor injuries after he was arrested, police said. It's unclear if Malcolm knew the residents of the house at the time of the burglary. If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. Saks Fifth Avenue.JPG Police are still uncertain as to the cause of the Dec. 26 disturbance at Beachwood Place mall. (Jeff Piorkowski/special to cleveland.com) BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- Police are still not certain what prompted dozens of area young people to gather at Beachwood Place mall on the evening of Dec. 26 and create a disturbance that sent shoppers scurrying. City Council's Committee-of-the-Whole held a meeting Monday to discuss what happened at the mall and whether precautions taken will help prevent such an event in the future. Similar disturbances occurred at about 10 other malls across the country, from Tempe, Ariz., to Manchester, Conn. Initial reports had it that gunshots had been fired at Beachwood Place, but that was later found to be untrue. "I'm not sure there was an actual flashpoint," said Capt Gary Haba, when Council President Martin Horwitz asked if he knew how the ordeal started. "There was some social media traffic, and we usually ramp stuff up (police manpower and visibility) when we get that kind of traffic, but on this particular night, there was not a significant amount. "The juvenile traffic got very heavy very, very quickly," Haba said. "It (social media traffic) was just 'Meet me at the mall.' There was not one person maneuvering the controls." Beachwood police received help from police from Shaker Heights, Willoughby Hills, South Euclid, Lyndhurst and Pepper Pike in quelling the disturbance. After things quieted down, the mall resumed business at about 8 p.m., Haba said. Mayor Merle Gorden, who also serves as Beachwood's safety director, praised Haba's leadership, stating Haba "made the right decisions" in making sure the disturbance was quickly quieted with no one, save one police officer, being injured. Haba, who will become Beachwood's next police chief Feb. 2 replacing the retiring Chief Keith Winebrenner, coordinated the police response to the fights and pushing that took place. "Everything worked as well as it could have that night," Gorden said. In the aftermath of the disturbance, Beachwood Place owner General Growth Properties instituted a Parental Guidance Required Program that states that youths 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age when entering the mall or its grounds after 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Gorden said General Growth Properties has used the policy at its malls elsewhere and had it ready for use after the Beachwood incident. "This is their (GGP's) plan," Gorden said. "They did communicate with Capt. Haba (before instituting it)." Gorden said he was at the mall for three hours Friday night, Jan. 6, the first night the program went into effect, and that he was at the mall again Saturday. "Everything went very smoothly," he said. "There were no surprises." Said Haba of the program's first weekend, "We haven't had any complaints, any negative feedback from the mall." Gorden said mall security has been in contact with and working with Beachwood police and the administration to make sure the mall is safe. He added, when asked a question by a council member, that mall security includes a combination of armed and unarmed security personnel. "We feel at this time that they have adequate security," Gorden said. "They know they have to monitor this because they want to limit the amount of traffic coming in." During the regular meeting of council that followed the committee meeting, Gorden praised council members who were the recipients of social media requests and phone calls from residents seeking information and answers shortly after the incident took place. Those council members called Gorden for information, and the mayor said he welcomed such calls. The city quickly put out a news release after the incident stating that no gunshots were fired, but Councilman James Pasch said, "A lot of people get their news from Facebook, and three days after there were still people who thought shots were fired, and shots were not fired." "Because of the press release, the news (media) was correct," Horwitz said, "but not social media. It's frustrating when it gets on social media (that there were shots fired). This is a new age and we have to get used to it." RAVENNA, Ohio -- A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection to a double homicide Saturday in Ravenna, according to police. Ravenna police say Javon Thomas, of Akron, may face additional charges. The victims have been identified as 20-year-old Austin Tiller, of Stow, and 24-year-old Brian Brack, of Canton. Another victim suffered non-life threatening injuries. The shooting occurred shortly after 4:30 a.m. in the 700 block of Woodgate Boulevard. Police indicated an argument between several people inside the apartment led to shots being fired. The names of the people involved are not being released until family members are notified, according to the news release. Police say more information will be released when it is appropriate. Thomas is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 13 in Portage County Municipal Court. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section. GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio - A Garfield Heights man told hospital personnel that he drank and used drugs before leading a police officer on a chase that ended in a crash on Cleveland's East Side, according to a police report. A Garfield Heights officer called off the chase -- which lasted about two minutes -- moments before the driver crashed into several other cars Monday evening on East 93rd Street at Nelson Avenue, according to the report. Kary C. Gilmore, 26, of Garfield Heights, is charged with suspicion of drunken driving, resisting arrest, obstructing official business and several traffic offenses in the incident. Gilmore and a female passenger in his car were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Investigators did not provide updates on their conditions. The Garfield Heights police report details the events that led to the crash and Gilmore's arrest. Garfield Heights police cruisers are not equipped with dash cams so there is no video of the pursuit, police said. The officer began following a 2005 Chevrolet Impala after seeing it speeding at 8:42 p.m. on Turney Road. The car appeared to be traveling approximately 80 mph, the officer wrote in the report. The officer turned on his lights and sirens after the car turned onto Sladden Avenue, but the Chevrolet's driver did not stop. The driver ignored several stop signs and almost crashed into another car it passed, the report says. The officer briefly lost sight of the Chevrolet before seeing it northbound on East 93rd Street. The officer called off the chase after he saw the driver weave the car through traffic. The officer could still see the Chevrolet when it crossed the railroad tracks on East 93rd Street at Meech Avenue. The Chevrolet went airborne before crashing into two other cars at Nelson Avenue, the report says. The driver -- later identified as Gilmore -- ignored arresting officers' order to remain the car. He got out and struggled with the officers, according to the report. One officer used a stun gun to subdue Gilmore, who responded by shouting that it "did not work." The officers then tackled Gilmore and handcuffed him, according to the report. A Cleveland Fire Department crew extracted a front-seat passenger from the Chevrolet. Paramedics took her to MetroHealth for treatment. The passenger later told investigators that she asked Gilmore to slow down when she saw the officer chasing the Chevrolet. But Gilmore refused and said he planned to take the officer "on a run," she told investigators. Investigators found an open bottle of cognac in the Chevrolet. Gilmore later refused a breath test but informed Marymount Hospital personnel that he had been drinking, used heroin and cocaine and was "speed-balling," according to the report. Gilmore's criminal history includes previous convictions for attempted trafficking and assault, according to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court records. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section. HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - A Highland Heights bank was robbed Monday afternoon by three people, two of whom were toting guns, authorities said. The Cleveland FBI released surveillance camera images of the robbery, which happened about 2:40 p.m. at the U.S. Bank branch on the 6100 block of Wilson Mills Road in Highland Heights, FBI spokeswoman Vicki Anderson said. Three robbers entered the bank and yelled "Get down!" Anderson said. Two of the robbers had firearms; one was carrying an assault rifle and another had a pistol. The third robber carried an Adidas duffle bag. Two of the robbers hopped the teller counter and demanded cash, while the third robber forced the bank manager to the floor in the lobby. The robbers threatened to physically assault the customers and also yelled, "I will shoot you," Anderson said. The robbers stole cash from the teller drawers and left the bank, Anderson said. They were caught on surveillance camera getting into an older model gray or silver Chevy Trailblazer. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact the Cleveland FBI at 216-522-1400 or the Highland Heights police department at 440-442-8825. Tips can remain anonymous, and the FBI and U.S. Bank are both offering reward money in exchange for tips that lead to the successful identification and prosecution of the robbers. If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. Backpage.com Backpage.com, a classified ad website, is deeply complicit in child sex trafficking, according to a U.S. Senate investigations subcommittee. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Despite its denials, the advertising website Backpage.com knew full well that sex traffickers and pimps used its services to promote child prostitution, according to a new investigative report from the U.S. Senate Monday. In fact, based on more than 1 million internal Backpage documents, the website was a hub for that very criminality but tried to hide it, the report says. It's claim that it was a mere web host for ads "is a fiction," the report says. The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman, is expected to demand answers from Backpage founders and executives at a hearing Tuesday. Parents of sex-trafficking victims will also be there. But Backpage executives, including CEO Carl Ferrer, could plead their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Ferrer failed to appear at a hearing when subpoenaed in late 2015, leading to a rare contempt-of-Congress vote in the Senate and a 2016 court order to provide records. The subcommittee, which over the years has investigated organized crime as well as federal corruption, has no direct law enforcement authority. But it expects the evidence it uncovered through reviewing 1.1 million Backpage documents could aid prosecution in courts across the country. That's because Backpage until now has successfully asserted that it is shielded from prosecution by laws protecting publishers and Internet communicators. But the Senate subcommittee, co-chaired by Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, asserts that the evidence shows Backpage is no ordinary publisher. Exploited runaways: Backpage knowingly accepted ads promoting child prostitution, then systematically removed words and images that were indicative of the ads' true intent, the report said. Therefore, the subcommittee says, Backpage played a direct role in the criminal activity. Liz McDougall, a Backpage attorney, has not yet responded to the report. She is on the list of Backpage executives called to testify Tuesday. "As early as 2006, Backpage executives began instructing staff responsible for screening ads (known as 'moderators') to edit the text of adult ads to conceal the true nature of the underlying transaction," the Senate investigators said in their 50-page report. By October 2010, Backpage executives formalized the process with both manual and automated deletion, they said. If an ad purchaser tried to post an ad with the word "teen," for example, he would get an error message that said, "Sorry, 'teen' is a banned term." But by "simply redrafting the ad, the same user would be permitted to post a sanitized version," the report said. Backpage executives and employees knew clearly what they were doing, the investigators said. Moderators for the website told the subcommittee "that everyone at the company knew the adult-section ads were for prostitution and that their job was to 'put lipstick on a pig' by sanitizing them," according to the report. "Backpage also knows that advertisers use its site extensively for child sex trafficking, but the company has often refused to act swiftly in response to complaints about particular underage users -- preferring in some cases to interpret these complaints as the tactics of a competing escort." Repeated local police investigations and arrests across the United States have shown that many of the girls prostituted through Backpage were runaways and were exploited or forced into prostitution by pimps. Backpage "is involved in 73 percent of all child trafficking reports that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children receives from the general public," according to the Senate report. Backpage's ownership: The subcommittee report is the result of more than 20 months of work, and followed court battles to get Backpage to turn over documents. The subcommittee ultimately obtained about 1.1 million documents, many pertaining to Backpage's screening procedures. Others documents pertain to Backpage's ownership, which despite its founding by Americans has been veiled since 2014 behind a Dutch limited liability corporation. But the company is still owned or controlled by the Americans who started it, the Senate report said, and has operated mainly from Dallas. Backpage has said repeatedly that it cannot take responsibility for the content of all its ads. It also has said that it tries to screen ads for underage activity and alert authorities when it finds it. But the Senate investigators said Backpage "may have tried to manipulate" the number of those reports it sends to the center. Beating the competition: The company runs city-specific websites, including 16 in Ohio, in which people can place ads offering escorts, massages and other so-called adult services. Backpage also runs ads for jobs, apartments, cars, appliances and other products and services. It is different from its better-known competitor, Craigslist, in that Craigslist has refused to advertise adult services since 2009. That decision by Craigslist helped Backpage grow into a $150 million-a-year business, Portman's subcommittee has said in the past. In the report, investigators put the company's 2014 revenue at $135 million. "Backpage is a market leader: In 2013, it reportedly net more than 80% of all revenue from online commercial sex advertising in the United States," the Senate report said. Cleveland school board member Anne Bingham.jpeg Anne Bingham is sworn in to the Cleveland school board when she first joined the board in 2014. Bingham, an executive with Fifth Third Bank, became board chair this week. (Patrick O'Donnell/The Plain Dealer) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Anne Bingham has replaced Denise Link as chair of the Cleveland school board, with longtime member Robert Heard stepping up to become vice chair. Mayor Frank Jackson has also selected Jasmine Fryer to fill an open seat on the board. Fryer, a former Fullbright Scholar, Teach for America teacher and employee of the New York state education department, is now program director of Chiefs for Change, a national organization of current and former superintendents and school leaders. All three were sworn into their positions Monday. Bingham, a West Park resident, joined the board in 2014. She is an assistant vice president of private banking at Fifth Third Bank. Before joining the board, she served on the board of Friends of Breakthrough, the support organization for the Breakthrough charter schools, which partner with the district. She left that position when she joined the school board. She replaces Denise Link, who has served on the board since 2007 and as chair since 2009. In 2013, Link was named Urban Educator of the Year by the Council of the Great City Schools, the same honor district CEO Eric Gordon received this past fall. Heard, a Glenville resident, has been on the board since 2004 and served as chairman from 2007 to 2009. He retired from State Farm Insurance as well as the Cleveland Clinic and is a trustee of the Ohio School Boards Association. He replaces longtime member Louise Dempsey. Here are the official biographies for all three: Anne Bingham, Chair of the Cleveland Municipal School Board of Education Anne Bingham has been a member of the Cleveland Municipal Board of Education since 2014. Ms. Bingham works as an assistant Vice President for private banking at Fifth Third Bank and she has over 30 years of experience in banking and finance. Ms. Bingham earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from DePauw University, and a Master of Business Administration in Finance degree from Indiana University. Ms. Bingham lives in the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland. Ms. Bingham is a current member of the Board and her current term will expire on June 30, 2017. Ms. Bingham was sworn in as the new Chair of the Cleveland Municipal School Board of Education. Robert M. Heard, Sr., Vice Chair of the Cleveland Municipal School Board of Education Robert M. Heard, Sr. has been a member of the Cleveland Municipal Board of Education since 2004. He served as the Board Chair from 2007 to 2009. Mr. Heard currently serves as a Trustee at the Ohio School Boards Association and the Northeast Region of the Ohio School Boards Association. He is also a member of the Federal Relations Network of the National School Board Association. Mr. Heard is twice retired, from State Farm Insurance and the Cleveland Clinic. He is a graduate of John Adams High School and he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Cleveland State University. Mr. Heard is a resident of the Glenville neighborhood where he lives with his wife of 28 years, Gennorris, also a CMSD graduate. They have four children, all are adults and two of whom are CMSD graduates. Jasmine Fryer, Board Member of the Cleveland Municipal School Board of Education Jasmine Fryer is Director of Programs at Chiefs for Change, where she develops and facilitates programming for its members. Prior to joining Chiefs for Change, Ms. Fryer served at the New York State Department of Education during the John King administration, working for the Assistant Commissioner in the office of Teacher and Leader Effectiveness. Ms. Fryer also served as a Policy Analyst at the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. She was a Fulbright Scholar and has worked, lived, and volunteered in Thailand, China, Morocco, Jordan, and Israel. Ms. Fryer began her career as a middle school teacher and Teach For America corps member in New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Urban Practice and Policy from the University of Richmond, a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from the City University of New York's Lehman College and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Chicago. Ms. Fryer lives in the Buckeye area of Cleveland. Ms. Fryer was sworn in as the new Board member of the Cleveland Municipal School Board of Education, to an unexpired term ending on June 30, 2019. A Westmoreland County teenager whose 1,315-pound steer looks like an oversized stuffed toy sold the docile animal for $19,500 Tuesday at the Sale of Champions on the fourth day of the 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show. Colton Zundel of New Alexandria sold Panda, the Farm Show Grand Champion Junior Beef Steer, to John Rock Inc., of Coatesville. The black and white crossbred, whose market value is $1,472.80, showed little reaction to having a new owner. Farm Show livestock buyers traditionally pay substantially more than market prices for the grand champions. Most of the proceeds from the junior livestock sale go to the exhibitors who usually use the money for careers in agriculture. The Small Arena hummed with excitement on Tuesday as buyers settled in. Just before the sale, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation gave $3,500 scholarships to 28 FFA and 4-H youth. Then Farm Show auctioneer Harry Bachman began selling the grand champions, the first of 420 junior market animals he sold at the auction. Ill miss Panda, Zundel admitted shortly before the sale. We have an awesome bond. He said he will use some money from the sale to pay off feed debts and the rest to help a 4-year-old Greene County girl with stomach cancer. I dont know this girl or her family, he said. But her family and I bought steers from the same place, and thats how I heard about her. Its my last year to show. I wanted to give something back. Asked why he bought the steer, Rock grinned. How could you not buy Panda? he asked, adding that he owns a wooden pallet manufacturing company. I wanted to help out the scholarship foundation. Hayden Demniak of Carmichaels, an experienced Farm Show champion exhibitor, brought his 156-pound Grand Champion Market Lamb into the ring. The Greene County teenager had grand champion lambs in 2012 and 2013 and reserve grand champion lamb in 2015. He smiled when his Hampshire, with a market value of $95.59, sold for $6,000 to Bell & Evans and Fulton Bank. Ill put the money toward a new lamb and save the rest for college, he said, adding that he shows through the Rolling Hills 4-H Club of Fayette County. Paige Stahl of Somerset sold Murphy, the Grand Champion Market Goat, to New Holland Sales Stables for $3,500. The Boer has a market value of $206.48. Stahl in 2011 won the Junior Beef Grand Champion award. The 260-pound Grand Champion Market Swine, owned by Amanda Pennington of Westover, sold to Hatfield Quality Meats for $7,000, considerably more than its market value of $104. This is my biggest win, Pennington said. Ill use the money to go to Indiana University of Pennsylvania and study nursing. The reserve grand champions followed. Justin Glossner of Beech Creek sold Snappy. His 1,380-pound Reserve Grand Champion Market Junior Beef Steer went for $12,500 to Bill Campbell, CEO of Hoss Steak and Sea House. Snappys market value is $1,545.60. Alexa Miles of McDonald sold the Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb with a market value of $93.17 to Karns Foods for $3,500. Nick Gardner of Washington sold his Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat, a Boer with a market value of $222.72, for $3,800 to New Holland Sales Stables. Krista Basanac of Monogahela sold the Reserve Grand Champion Market Swine with a market value of $106 to Jeff and Joan Chapman of Washington for $4,700. CHARDON, Ohio -- The Geauga Park District has moved Tuesday's meeting to Probate Court for "added safety and security" after recent heated meetings, John Oros, the district's executive director, said today. "The board meetings have been disruptive at times," Oros said. The board generally meets monthly at 10 a.m. at the Meyer Center at Big Creek Park in Chardon Township. Tuesday's meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Probate Court, 231 Main St., Chardon. No announcement has been made about the time and place of future meetings. Oros declined further comment, and board members could not be reached for comment. But leaders of the activist group Protect Geauga Parks say the move seems the latest of several measures in the past year or two to silence critics. "Is the move to Probate Court an attempt to intimidate and further silence the public?" asked Protect's Kathleen Webb. "If anyone dares to address the commissioners with a comment or question, will they be held in contempt of court?" Kathy Hanratty, the group's president, said of park board members, "They want to paint us as unreasonable and dangerous people." She and Webb acknowledged some spectators have spoken out of order at meetings recently, but only after a years-old tradition of allowing public comments ended. Even so, said Hanratty, "There have been no physical or verbal attacks." The three-member park district board is appointed by Judge Timothy Grendell of Geauga's probate and juvenile courts. Grendell said the board asked him for space for Tuesday's meeting and he agreed, moving court hearings to another room. He said he has not been asked to host future meetings and would not agree to do so regularly. Grendell said it was up to the board whether to allow public comments. Most local public agencies allow them, but he said courts have declined to require them. He agrees with Oros about park critics. "Some behavior at the meetings has been rude and immature," the judge said. "People were yelling out of order." Grendell was elected probate judge in 2011. Soon, the group Protect Geauga Parks arose to protest park board turnover and what members see as excessive levels of active recreation by board members, including hunting and snowmobiling. Grendell has chosen a new board member to be sworn in at Tuesday's meeting, replacing Bill Gertz. Grendell declined to identify the member. Gertz said he had agreed to fill a vacant seat 25 months ago but, nearing age 89, he did not want a full three-year term. The board's president is Jackie Dottore. The board's remaining seat belongs to Len Barker, better known for throwing the Cleveland Indians' only perfect game in 1981. Oros said he plans at Tuesday's meeting to propose development of a park shelter, parking lot and trails at what would be called Claridon Woodlands in Claridon Township. The district has owned the site's 130 acres for about 20 years. kentstate.JPG Kent State University again ranks in the top 10 of schools where students seek 'Sugar Daddies' to help pay costs. (Karen Farkas, cleveland.com) KENT, Ohio - Kent State University ranks in the top 10 of Sugar Daddy schools, where students seek older companions to offer financial and material support in exchange for dates and other services. The university ranks 8th on SeekingArrangement.com's list of "Fastest Growing Sugar Baby Schools." Kent State had 124 signups to the site in 2016. It ranked third in number of total students signed up for the service, with 1,074, according to the list. In 2016, more than 1 million students, an 11 percent increase, registered on SeekingArrangement in order to get help with tuition, student loan debt, and other college-related costs, the company said. A Sugar Baby in a successful arrangement will receive an average of $2,440 per month in allowances and gifts from a Sugar Daddy, the site said. The majority of those who sign up are female. "Every successful relationship is an arrangement between two parties," Brandon Wade, founder of the website, said in a statement. "In business, partners sign business agreements that outline their objectives and expectations. Likewise, romantic relationships can only work if two people agree on what they expect, and what they can give and receive from each other." The website has said about 45 percent of its members are college students. It offers a free premium membership upgrade if they register with their college email address (.edu). The site's Sugar Baby University includes a student debt clock and states that "students from all backgrounds and income levels are welcome. No minimum GPA required. Join today and get your education paid for by a generous sponsor." Kent State has annually ranked among the top 10 schools in recent years. This year the top five are Temple University, New York University, Arizona State University, Georgia State University and Texas State University. Among the other Ohio colleges, the University of Cincinnati ranked No. 30, Ohio State University No. 49, Ohio University No. 54 and Bowling Green State University No. 63, ohio.com reported. Brandon Lau Mayfield Heights police say Brandon Lau, 22, used a key to enter his ex-girlfriend's apartment, smeared cat feces on her clothing and poured rubbing alcohol into a bottle of vodka. The woman's new boyfriend was hospitalized when he later drank the concoction, police said. (Mayfield Heights police) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A 22-year-old Mayfield Heights man is accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's apartment, smearing cat feces on her belongings and pouring rubbing alcohol into a bottle of vodka. The woman's current boyfriend drank the poisonous concoction days later, went into a day-long vomiting fit and was admitted into the emergency room at Hillcrest Hospital, where doctors discovered the poisoning, police say. A grand jury has charged Brandon Lau with contaminating a substance for human consumption, a first-degree felony, along with felonious assault and burglary charges stemming from the early December incident at the woman's apartment off Som Center Road near Interstate 271. Police arrested Lau at a relative's house on Christmas Eve. He was released on bond at his first appearance Dec. 27, according to court records. He is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 23 in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. The case against Lau is expected to hinge on cellphone and medical records. Lau's girlfriend had already thrown away the bottle of vodka by the time she reported the situation to police, leaving investigators no physical evidence to test for DNA or chemicals, according to Mayfield Heights police. Lau and the woman dated for several months and lived together at the apartment from June until they broke up in November, police said. Police say Lau, jilted by the split, used a key that he still had to go into the the apartment sometime around Dec. 1 when she wasn't home. He emptied her cat's litter box and smeared cat feces on clothing and in the kitchen, police said. Then he diluted a bottle of Skyy vodka with rubbing alcohol and left, police said. The couple drank the vodka on Dec. 4, and the boyfriend checked himself into Hillcrest Hospital after he spent more than a day vomiting, police said. Doctors found his symptoms were from isopropyl alcohol poisoning, records say. The girlfriend went to police the next day and showed them text messages where Lau admitted to going into the apartment, police said. Lau did not admit to poisoning the vodka, police said. Lau sought treatment for undisclosed symptoms as detectives began to probe the incident, police said. He later met with investigators. He told them that he used to spike his whiskey with rubbing alcohol to get drunk faster and thought the contaminated Skyy bottle might have been leftover from when he lived there, police said. Police later obtained an arrest warrant charging Lau. He pleaded not guilty and was released after he posted $15,000 bond, police said. Lau and his attorney Anthony Bondra declined to comment to cleveland.com. A woman who answered a phone number listed on the police report hung up on a cleveland.com reporter Tuesday morning. To comment on this story, please visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments page. Cumberland Countys presence at the 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show is as large as the 1,000-pound plus butter sculpture, as intricate as a prize-winning gingerbread house from Enola and as visible as the hundreds of FFA students strolling around the complex on Monday. From alpacas to cows, from its famous horse drill team to its dozens of square dancers, the Farm Show is a big deal in Cumberland County, said Logan D. Hall of the Penn State Extension Cumberland County office. We focus on the Farm Show all year, said Hall, who is the county 4-H youth development educator. Cumberland County has a diversity of exhibits at the Farm Show. In the barns Cumberland County is well represented in the barns. Christine Helm of Shippensburg won the champion Hereford award in the junior livestock show. Four Waggoners from Newville brought their market lambs, the Nailors of Mechanicsburg area are showing dairy cows, Rylee Bloser of Newville shows an alpaca, and Lynn Finkenbinder of Lower Mifflin Township shows goats, pigs and sheep. Cumberland County 4-H clubs include Livestock, Farm Stock, Boots and Hooves Equine Club, goat, horse and pony, alpaca and creative expressions. Our 4-H has become a family affair, said Hall, mentioning siblings John, Logan, Taylor and Emma Waggoner showing lambs together. A lot of adults compete at the Farm Show, too. Cumberland Valley FFA More than 100 Cumberland Valley High School FFA students, many in their characteristic navy blue and gold jackets, attended the Pennsylvania State FFA convention on Monday in the Large Arena. FFA formerly stood for Future Farmers of America. These days, however, its an organization that goes far beyond production agriculture. The convention began when Ben Miskin of Hampden Township drove a pair of Percherons into the Large Arena. Miskin, a Cumberland Valley sophomore, this past weekend was elected 2017 Pennsylvania Draft Horse and Mule Association representative. We have 175 FFA students in grades nine through 12, said Darla Romberger, Cumberland Valley FFA adviser. Only about 5 percent of them live on farms. We are about the science of farming. She said Cumberland Valley FFA focuses on biotechnology, animal science, plant science, ag mechanics, food science and social systems. Miskin called his FFA membership life changing. The FFA is my family. It is preparing me for a career and for life. FFA is cool. When hes not in class, Miskin works with draft horse farms at Burgundy Rose Farm in York, owned by Laurie Naugle and her father, LeRoy Naugle, and Bee Tree Trail farm of Shartlesville, owned by Dave and Susie Rohrbach. Katerina Oechsler, 18, of Monroe Township, who last year graduated from Cumberland Valley and is studying business administration at HACC, came to the convention in her FFA jacket. Im getting my Keystone degree today, she said, calling this the highest state honor in FFA. I was in the Cumberland Valley FFA for two years. Now Im an FFA alumni. It feels amazing to be back. She said she can stay a member until she ages out when she turns 19. Mounted drill team Cumberland Countys 4-H Horse Club one of the oldest 4-H light horse and pony clubs in Pennsylvania gives one of the oldest Farm Show performances. For the past six decades, team members wearing white shirts, black pants, sparkling green vests and white helmets have performed in the Large Arena to adoring crowds. This year, the performance was moved to the Equine Arena and changed from day to night. Twenty-three equestrians, led by one of their own mounted members carrying a large American flag, rode into the arena with style. They seemed in control of their horses as each carried a 4-H flag and rode with grace and style. Four other 4-H members carried banners. Team members rode in single lines, combined into two circles, formed intricate carousels of horses and even rode four abreast in a wagon wheel formation. Sandy Long, drill team leader for 60 years, said the drill went well but the time slot is awful. I didnt get home until after midnight. Id like to see the performance on Saturday afternoon, between the two rodeos. Shall we dance? A lot of Cumberland County folks love to dance, as shown Monday night at the states biggest square dance. Boiling Springs teams included Circulate 8, Perfect 8, and two squares of Flirts & Skirts. The dance, held in the Large Arena, featured 60 squares with eight dancers in each. Square dancing is pretty popular in Pennsylvania, said Dwayne Hay of Fairhope, Farm Show Square Dance Department chairman. Were getting a lot of younger dancers too through the 4-H and FFA. Its nice to see young people carrying on the tradition. The contest, with Dan Prosser of Dillsburg as one of the callers, featured three divisions including younger than 17 years old, ages 15 to 25 and any age. Having stepped down last month as the secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban is leaving New York and moving back to Seoul to presumably seek the presidency as his country grapples with its worst-ever political crisis. Ban Ki-moon, one of the top three contenders for South Korea's upcoming presidential elections, is due to return to his home country on Thursday, where political parties will lock horns to recruit him. Ban Ki-moon exist the UN Headquarters in New York as he departs on the final work day of his 10-year tenure. President Park Geun-hye has been stripped of her powers and is currently facing impeachment after being named as an accomplice in an influence-peddling scandal involving her friend Choi Soon Sil. Park has denied wrongdoing but the South Korean public, frustrated by the nation's history of political scandals and crony capitalism, remains unconvinced and strongly supports impeachment. Parliament voted to eject Park in early Dec and the country's Constitutional Court now has to either uphold or overturn the motion by June 21. If they approve of impeachment, a presidential election will be held within 60 days. Otherwise, an election for the five-year single-term presidency is scheduled for Dec. 20. Ban has yet to officially declare his candidacy, but has hinted at the prospect. "I will devote my whole body to work hard if what I have seen and experienced as the UN secretary-general helps develop the Republic of Korea," he told Korean media on Dec. 20. "I will decide what to do after meeting people from every walk of life after returning home." The 72 year-old diplomat, regarded as a conservative figure, does not officially have any political affiliations, so the process to recruit him could be fierce. "Parties will roll out the red carpet-and draw knives-when Ban returns this week," explained Scott Seaman, senior analyst at Eurasia in a recent note. Among suitors is the newly-formed Barun Party (BP), which was launched just within the past two weeks and consists of over 30 lawmakers who defected from Park's ruling Saenuri Party. "The more centrist People's Party is likely to court Ban as well and is rumored to be considering backing him jointly with the BP," Seaman noted. ISRO, CNES ink pact on satellite launch Published: January 10, 2017 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and French Space agency (CNES) have signed a partnership agreement in satellite launch technology. The agreement was signed between ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar and CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall in the presence of visiting French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Marc Ayrault in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Key Facts Space cooperation is one of the cornerstones of the Indo-French strategic partnership and spans over 50 years. ISRO is the second partner of CNES, in terms of volume, after NASA. This agreement will strengthen the CNES-ISRO partnership. It will enable France to benefit from the Indian model of streamlining the costs of space programmes. Besides, agreement was also signed for equipping Axiom Research Labs lunar rover with two latest-generation CASPEX micro-cameras, developed by CNES in partnership with French firm 3DPlus. Axiom Research Lab: It is leading Indian NewSpace start-up put forward TeamIndus, the only Indian team competing for the Google Lunar XPRIZE. CNES is providing cameras to Team Indus rover that will land on moon. XPRIZE: It is a global competition organised by Google for engineers and entrepreneurs to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration. It will award $20 million to the first private company that successfully lands a module on the Moon, places a robot that explores at least 500 metres and transmits HD videos and images back to Earth. Month: Current Affairs - January, 2017 Topics: CNES India-France ISRO National Science and Technology Space technology TeamIndus Latest E-Books watch now Carmakers used the Detroit Auto Show to talk up their U.S. production, in a likely reaction to President-elect Donald Trump's all-hours tweet storms, an industry analyst said on Tuesday. John Rosevear, senior auto specialist at The Motley Fool, told CNBC's "The Rundown" on Tuesday that it was a repeated theme at the annual auto show. "It's clearly a new and big movement across the board," he said. "Every press conference, every discussion we have today, it seems like some executive from any of the automakers is at pains to talk about what they make in the U.S., how much they make in the U.S." Rosevear noted that a VW conference highlighted that its SUVs were being made in Tennessee, while Toyota went so far as to display a Camry model with "Made in U.S.A." painted on the side. "It's being talked up obviously at the Detroit-based automakers, but also at a lot of what we call the transplants, the overseas companies doing business here in the U.S. too." Automakers new focus on flag-waving has followed a series of all-hours tweets from Trump lambasting, sometimes inaccurately, plans to produce vehicles in Mexico. Trump has previously called Ford "horrible" for its plans to move all small-car production to Mexico within three years, and has threatened to impose a border tax on automakers which move production abroad. Earlier this month, Ford announced that it was scrapping plans for a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico and instead would invest $700 million in the Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan. Ford Mustangs go through assembly at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant August 20, 2015 in Flat Rock, Michigan. Getty Images On Monday, Ford CEO Mark Fields told CNBC that Trump's proposed tax or trade reforms would not influence Ford Motor's long-term goals. Fields said the company cancelled production of the plant because it "didn't need the capacity anymore." In a tweet last week, Trump also criticized Japanese automaker Toyota Motor for plans to build a new plant in Mexico. In response to Trump's tweet, Toyota said in a statement to Reuters that the new Mexican plant will not cut its U.S. employment. Also this month, Trump issued a separate ultimatum to General Motors : Make its Chevy Cruze cars in the U.S. or expect to pay a big border tax. GM responded by saying it built the Cruze hatchback in Mexico for global markets with a very small amount sold in the U.S. Of the 190,000 Cruze cars sold in the U.S., 185,500 were built in Lordstown, Ohio, the company said. The Motley Fool's Rosevear said it wasn't clear if automakers' "made in U.S.A." mantra was out of fear of being called out in a Trump tweet storm. For one, automakers were highlighting that their decisions to shift production to the U.S. weren't in reaction to Trump. "They're positioning it as something that just happened to come up this week," Rosevear said, although he added, "Enough times of hearing that and you have to think more is going on behind the scenes." Certainly, however, it's unlikely that automakers were making billion-dollar production and factory-building decisions in the space of mere weeks. watch now WHEN: Today, Monday, January 9th WHERE: CNBC's "Closing Bell" Following is the unofficial transcript of a CNBC EXCLUSIVE interview with IBM CEO Ginni Rometty on CNBC's "Closing Bell" (M-F, 3PM-5PM ET) today, Monday, January 9th live from the FinTech Ideas Festival. Following are links to the video on CNBC.com: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000582538. All references must be sourced to CNBC. KELLY EVANS: NOW STARTUPS AND BIG BANKS ALIKE ARE VYING TO BE FIRST IN FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY. AND EXECUTIVES FROM BOTH ARE MEETING TODAY AT THE INAUGURAL FINTECH IDEAS FESTIVAL IN SAN FRANCISCO. DEIRDRE BOSA JOINS US LIVE NOW WITH IBM'S CEO. DEIRDRE BOSA: HEY KELLY, THAT'S RIGHT. AND LET'S GET RIGHT TO GINNI RIGHT NOW. AND I KNOW YOU JUST GOT OFF THE STAGE. WE'RE GOING TO TALK IN A MINUTE ABOUT THE FINTECH IDEAS FESTIVAL. BUT BEFORE THAT, I WANT TO ASK YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST CEOs TO REACH OUT TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, THE FIRST CHIEF IN TECHNOLOGY TO BE NAMED TO HIS JOBS ADVISORY BOARD. NOW THAT WE ARE A FEW MONTHS ON, AND CLEARLY YOU HAVE THE PRESIDENT-ELECT'S EAR, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HIS STRATEGIES, TACTICS, TOWARDS CORPORATE AMERICA? GINNI ROMETTY: WELL, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS I THINK FOR US ALL TO WORK ON IS JOB CREATION. AND TO ME, THAT'S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN THIS INDUSTRY. AND THAT'S ONE OF THE TOPICS THAT WE REALLY FOCUSED ON FRONT AND CENTER, WHICH IS SOMETHING CALLED NEW COLLAR JOBS. AND THIS IS THE IDEA THAT, YOU KNOW, I'M HERE AT THE FINTECH CONFERENCE. AND WE TALKED A LOT ABOUT TECHNOLOGIES LIKE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ABOUT BLOCKCHAIN. AND WITH ANY NEW SET OF TECHNOLOGIES, WITH THEM COMES AN IMPACT. AN IMPACT OF PRODUCTIVITY TO JOBS AND THE LIKE, AND ALSO, YOU CREATE NEW JOBS AROUND IT. AND SO IN THIS COUNTRY, THERE ARE MILLIONS OF JOBS OPEN AROUND TECHNOLOGY AND THIS WILL COME DOWN TO BEING SURE EDUCATION'S IN PLACE. SO THIS IDEA OF NEW COLLAR SAYS FOR THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE HERE, THERE ARE MANY IN TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN BE DONE WITHOUT A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE AND, THEREFORE, NEW COLLAR NOT BLUE COLLAR, WHITE COLLAR. IT'S NEW COLLAR. AND OUR CENTERS, SOME OF OUR BIG CENTERS IN THE UNITED STATES, A THIRD OF THE FOLKS DON'T HAVE FOUR-YEAR DEGREES. SO WE'VE WORKED WITH NOW IT WILL BE OVER 100 SCHOOLS, OVER THE WEEKEND I SAW A COUPLE MORE STATES OPENING MORE, CALLED P-TECH SCHOOLS. PATHWAYS TO TECHNOLOGY. THINK OF IT AS A FOUR-YEAR HIGH SCHOOL, TWO YEAR ASSOCIATE, COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SIX-YEAR DEGREE OR SIX-YEAR HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU WANT TO CALL IT THAT TO PRODUCE KIDS THAT HAVE GOT THE BASICS THAT ARE EMPLOYABLE AND IT'S NOT JUST IN OUR INDUSTRY, IT'S IN MANY INDUSTRIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY TODAY. BOSA: AND YOU'RE TALKING 25,000 JOBS HERE IN THE U.S. OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS. ROMETTY: OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS. THAT'S RIGHT. BOSA: 6,000 THIS YEAR. ARE YOU CREATING NEW JOBS HERE? ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT MOVING ANY MANUFACTURING OR SERVICES JOBS FROM CHINA OR INDIA TO THE U.S.? ROMETTY: WELL, WE DO VERY LITTLE MANUFACTURING. AS YOU KNOW, WE ARE BASICALLY A SERVICES AND A SOFTWARE, A CLOUD COMPANY. BOSA: OK, ANY SERVICES JOBS? ROMETTY: AND WE DO MANUFACTURING. WE DO A FAIR AMOUNT OF MANUFACTURING HERE IN THE UNITED STATES ALREADY. AND SO THIS IS GOING TO ALLOW US TO DO MANY THINGS HERE. AND SO WE'RE BUILDING AND HIRING OUT IN THOSE CENTERS FOR CLIENTS. AND SO A LOT OF THIS IS AROUND THINK CYBER SECURITY, THINK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, WATSON, AND WHAT'S OUT THERE. AND SO I AM QUITE CONFIDENT BECAUSE I'VE SEEN THE RESULTS OF THIS PROGRAM ALREADY AND WE'VE HIRED MANY, MANY KIDS OUT OF THIS ALREADY. BOSA: THE REASON I ASK IS BECAUSE THE PRESIDENT-ELECT HAS HAD THIS STRATEGY OF TWEETING OUT AND WE KIND OF KNOW WHAT HIS STRATEGY HAS BEEN, BUT IS IT SOMETHING THAT WORRIES YOU THAT ONE DAY HE MAY DECIDE TO TWEET ABOUT IBM AND HOW MANY JOBS THAT YOU DO EMPLOY OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.? IS THAT SOMETHING THAT YOU THINK ABOUT OR CHANGE YOUR STRATEGY ON OR WORRY ABOUT? ROMETTY: NO, ALL OF US THAT RUN OUR COMPANIES, ALL OF US TAKE THE RIGHT ACTIONS FOR WHAT OUR COMPANY IS. MANY OF US ARE GLOBAL COMPANIES, OF COURSE. WE HAVE WORK FORCES AROUND THE WORLD. THAT'S PART OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A GLOBAL BUSINESS. YOU HAVE SALESFORCES AND THE LIKE ALL OVER THE PLACE. SO LIKE OTHERS, WE CONTINUE TO DO WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING FOR OUR OWN BUSINESS AND DO THE RIGHT THING FOR IBM. BOSA: I ALSO WANT TO TALK ABOUT IBM STOCK, WHICH HAS BEEN UP MORE THAN 25% OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS. ALSO THE PACE OF QUARTERLY REVENUE DECLINES HAS BEEN DECREASING. WHAT'S CHANGED? AND CAN YOU CONTINUE THIS MOMENTUM GOING FORWARD? ROMETTY: WELL, WE'VE CERTAINLY SHARED VERY BROADLY OUR STRATEGY AND THE TRANSFORMATION THAT WE'VE BEEN ON. I THINK YOU SEE THREE THINGS PLAYING OUT. CLOUD, YOU SEE COGNITIVE, WHICH I'VE OFTEN SAID ARE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN UNDERPINNED BY INDUSTRY AND YOU START TO SEE THIS INDUSTRY DIMENSION SHOWING THROUGH. A LARGE PART OF WHAT I'M DOING HERE, JUST LOOK AT THE ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY. THIS MORNING WE MADE AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN HEALTH CARE WITH ILLUMINA THAT WATSON WILL BE. AND THEY ARE THE WORLD'S LEADING GENOME SEQUENCING PRODUCER. WATSON WILL BE IN THEIR NEXT GENERATION PRODUCT. AND THEN, DTCC THIS MORNING. AS YOU KNOW, THEY ARE THE ONE THAT DOES ALL OF THE CREDIT DERIVATIVES AND WE MADE A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT WITH THEM ON BLOCKCHAIN. SO THIS IS ABOUT SERIOUS BUSINESS WITH A STRONG INDUSTRY DIMENSION. CLOUD, COGNITIVE, BLOCK CHAIN AND YOU'RE SEEING THAT COME THROUGH. BOSA: RIGHT. AND YOU WERE JUST TELLING ME EARLIER THAT THIS IS GOING TO BE A BIG YEAR FOR BLOCKCHAIN. SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HOW THAT ROMETTY: YES, I THINK FOR A NUMBER OF THESE TECHNOLOGIES THIS IS GOING TO BE A TIPPING POINT. SORT OF CHAPTER ONE IS OVER AND YOU'RE GOING TO SEE SERIOUS BUSINESS DONE WITH THESE. AND SO I TAKE SOMETHING LIKE BLOCKCHAIN, WHICH AT THE END OF LAST YEAR WE HAD ANNOUNCED CLS, WHICH DOES ALL OF THE FX SETTLEMENT 5 TRILLION A DAY BUILDING WITH IBM ON HYPERLEDGER, WHICH IS AGAIN, AN OPEN SOURCE BLOCKCHAIN, TO MOVE THAT PROCESS THERE. BOSA: AND I THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT IT A LOT IN THE FUTURE. ROMETTY: YOU WILL. THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS. BOSA: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE WITH US. WE LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING TO YOU AGAIN SOON. KELLY, BACK OVER TO YOU. About CNBC: With CNBC in the U.S., CNBCin Asia Pacific, CNBC in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and CNBC World, CNBCis the recognized world leader in business news and provides real-timefinancial market coverage and business information to approximately 381 millionhomes worldwide, including more than 94 million households in the United Statesand Canada. CNBC also provides daily business updates to 400 million householdsacross China. The network's 15 live hours a day of business programming inNorth America (weekdays from 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET) is produced at CNBC'sglobal headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBCNews bureaus worldwide. CNBC at night features a mix of new realityprogramming, CNBC's highly successful series produced exclusively for CNBC anda number of distinctive in-house documentaries. CNBC also has a vastportfolio of digital products which deliver real-time financial market news andinformation across a variety of platforms including: CNBC.com; CNBC PRO, thepremium, integrated desktop/mobile service that provides live access to CNBCprogramming, exclusive video content and global market data and analysis; asuite of CNBC mobile products including the CNBC Apps for iOS, Android andWindows devices; and additional products such as the CNBC App for the AppleWatch and Apple TV. Members of the media canreceive more information about CNBC and its programming on the NBCUniversalMedia Village Web site at http://www.nbcumv.com/programming/cnbc. For more information aboutNBCUniversal, please visit http://www.NBCUniversal.com. Jim Cramer has always said that the humanization of pets is one of the greatest investing themes out there. But he still didn't see it coming when privately held food giant Mars paid a huge premium for Veterinary Centers of America , known as VCA. VCA shareholders received a 31 percent gain on Monday with Mars' $7.7 billion bid. Mars plans to pair the business with its Banfield pet hospital chain to create a dominant health care company for companion animals. However, Cramer warned that this doesn't mean the rest of the pet players could have the same fortune. "I don't think the other companies in the space are takeover targets, although I do think that Idexx can work its way higher over time," the "Mad Money" host said. Alphabet 's reasonable valuation and growing market share across segments could see the tech giant outperform rivals this year, according to Monness, Crespi, Hardt & Co. analyst James Cakmak. Cakmak told CNBC's "The Rundown" on Tuesday investor expectations for Alphabet were still relatively modest, potentially setting the stage for the company's shares to outperform. Google co-founder and CEO of Alphebet, Larry Page. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images The parent company of Google has a "pretty reasonable valuation at 10 times EBITDA," said Cakmak. "I can't say the same about Facebook and Amazon." In a separate Jan. 3 note, he estimated Alphabet's 2017 EV / EBITDA at 10.9 times, versus 19.2 times for Amazon and 13.5 times for Facebook . EV / EBITDA is the ratio of a company's enterprise value over earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. The higher the EV/EBITDA number, the more overvalued a company is. Alphabet's market capitalization as of Tuesday stood at $563.04 billion, according to Thomson Reuters data. For 2017, Cakmak expects the company's earnings per share to come in at $32.63, up from 2016's estimate of $27.78. From an operational standpoint, significant progress in optimizing search experiences and ads, capturing brand ad dollars through YouTube and Google's prowess in natural language processing underpinned the favorable outlook for Alphabet, Cakmak noted. Alphabet has also made "genuine efforts" in healthcare and education, Cakmak added in his note. Meanwhile, Cakmak said in his note Amazon was a crowded trade, where the costs associated with content, logistics and competitive pricing pressure to Amazon Web Services were unlikely to have been fully incorporated into expectations. Facebook, on the other hand, was battling increasingly challenging competitors and threats to engagement. It could also potentially invest in photo messaging service Snap. watch now For an early look into how chat bots are being used commercially, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella suggests looking at the insurance industry. From sales to customer service, "you're seeing a lot of action in terms of people building bots that have real natural language understanding," Nadella said on Monday at the FinTech Ideas Festival in San Francisco. "We have pilots going on with many many customers." Like tech giants Google , Amazon and Facebook , Microsoft is letting outside developers use the machine learning tools built in house to make their apps smarter and more responsive. The company introduced its virtual assistant called Cortana in 2014, and in December rolled it out to third-party apps and devices. Nadella said Microsoft's goal is to commoditize speech recognition, computer vision and text understanding, so that those tools are considered as a standard part of building a business. "I want to demystify it a little bit," he said. Uber is using Microsoft's computer vision technology for driver safety, and Nadella said there are all sorts of applications where it makes perfect sense. In an earlier launch on December 14, 2016, Pakistan's military test-fires a revised version of a locally developed medium-range cruise missile, which can strike targets both on land and sea. Pakistan's military says it has successfully test-fired a submarine-launched cruise missile for the first time, giving it a "credible second strike capability." A statement Monday said the missile was fired from the Indian Ocean and hit its target. It said the Babur Cruise-3 missile has a range of 450 kilometers (280 miles) and can fly low to evade radar and air defenses. It added that the missile "is capable of delivering various types of payloads and will provide Pakistan with a Credible Second Strike Capability, augmenting deterrence." It appeared to be referring to a strategy in which the ability to strike back after a nuclear attack deters adversaries from launching one. Pakistan became a nuclear power in 1998, developing the capability to match that of neighbor and archrival India. Tegucigalpa, HondurasTaiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (L) and her Honduran counterpart Juan Orlando Hernandez wave during a visit to the Presidential House in Tegucigalpa, Honduras January 9, 2017. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen praised Honduras for its loyalty on Monday at the start of a trip to four Central American nations aimed at strengthening ties, days after she met U.S. lawmakers in Texas on a visit that angered China. Her trip has come under scrutiny since U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sparked protests from Beijing by accepting a congratulatory telephone call from Tsai on his U.S. election win, and by questioning U.S. commitment to China's stance that Taiwan is part of one China. Tsai emphasized Taiwan's economic cooperation with Honduras, one of the world's poorest countries, and said President Juan Orlando Hernandez, whom she met in Tegucigalpa, had been the first to congratulate her on her 2016 election victory. "Despite the international situation, and the constant challenges that affect us as a country ... the firm brotherhood and solidarity (of Honduras and Taiwan) is unalterable," Tsai said in a statement to reporters, speaking via an interpreter. Tsai said Taiwan and Honduras could serve as entry portals for the markets of Asia and Latina America. She did not mention China or the United States, and did not take questions. Tsai later flew to Nicaragua, and is also due to visit El Salvador and Guatemala this week. Her stopover in Texas at the weekend caused an angry response from Chinese state media. China had asked the United States not to allow Tsai to enter or have formal government meetings under the one-China policy. Beijing considers self-governing Taiwan a renegade province ineligible for state-to-state relations. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. President-elect Donald Trump. Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images In a series of tweets, President-elect Donald Trump has recently threatened several companies with "big border tax" if they expand manufacturing facilities abroad for products to be sold into the United States, but he has provided few details. Whether he is talking about a tax or a tariff is unclear, experts said, reacting to Trump's terse warnings to United Technologies , General Motors , Ford Motor and Japan's Toyota Motor . Trump has said U.S. companies that shut manufacturing plants and lay off workers only to open new facilities abroad would pay a 35 percent tax or tariff on products they ship back to the U.S. market. Asked about the issue on a conference call with reporters on Monday, Trump transition team spokesman Sean Spicer said the president-elect had been focused on U.S.-based employers that "move overseas for the express purpose of selling back to the U.S. market with non-U.S. workers. ... That continues to stand." Further details were not immediately available. watch now Q: Could Trump impose his own import tax on U.S. companies? A. No. Congress writes the tax laws and the revenue-raising power of the federal government is held primarily by the House of Representatives under the Constitution. Tax laws are enforced by the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service. Q: Could Trump impose a tariff on his own? A. Perhaps, but he would likely face a legal challenge. Like taxes, tariffs are also revenue-raising measures. New York University School of Law tax professor Daniel Shaviro said the president's power to impose tariffs on his own was "highly contested. ... Targeting one particular company would certainly add to the legal, as well as the policy concerns." Shaviro said selective tariffs on individual companies, including foreign-based ones, would likely draw a challenge through the World Trade Organization and trigger retaliation. Brooklyn Law School professor Rebecca Kysar wrote in an op-ed last week in the New York Times that Trump was floating the idea of a 5 to 10 percent imports tariff imposed by executive action. She said that would be unconstitutional, citing the origination clause that vests revenue-raising power in Congress. Q: Is Trump signaling support for a border tax in Congress? A. Some experts said Trump's tweets might mean he supports an unprecedented export-boosting approach to corporate taxation that is being proposed by Republicans in the House of Representatives, including House Speaker Paul Ryan. Known as border adjustability, the approach is intended to help U.S. manufacturers by favoring exports over imports. As laid out in Ryan's "Better Way" agenda, companies would pay no tax on revenues from exports and would be unable to deduct the cost of imports from their taxable income. Advocates said if that approach became law, it would attract investment to the United States, provide incentives to manufacturers to maintain or expand their U.S. facilities, and dissuade companies from leaving the country. But some tax experts are skeptical it will be approved by Congress. watch now Altaba is the new name for Yahoo' s stake in Alibaba and other ancillary holdings, the company announced on Monday. Verizon agreed to buy Yahoo's core internet business for $4.8 billion in July, but the agreement allowed Yahoo shareholders to keep a group of valuable holdings, including a 35.5 percent stakes in Yahoo Japan, a 15 percent interest in Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba, its cash, convertible notes, certain minority investments, and a noncore portfolio of patents called Excalibur. That group of holdings will become Altaba after the Verizon deal closes, the company said. Eric Brandt will become chairman of Altaba, and five board members will also remain with the holding company. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer will leave Altaba and join Verizon. The structure of the deal, comprised of Yahoo's "core," and Altaba, previously called the informal "RemainCo," stemmed from a strategy to avoid capital gains tax during a divestiture. Before the Verizon deal, Yahoo had also considered plans to spin off a new public holding company, Aabaco, as a vehicle to distribute shares of Alibaba to shareholders. To be sure, Verizon's deal to buy Yahoo hasn't closed yet, amid the disclosure of two massive hackings. Still, AOL Chief Executive Tim Armstrong told CNBC last week that he expected the Verizon-Yahoo deal would likely go through. CNBC's Tom DiChristopher contributed to this report. watch now Former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson's confirmation hearing to become the nation's top diplomat will be a highly contentious event, if statements from Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are any indication. Most of the Democrats on the committee and one Republican Sen. Marco Rubio have said they have serious concerns about Tillerson's nomination. The other Republican committee members either praised Tillerson's business experience in brief comments or have not issued official statements on the pick. The Wednesday hearing was always bound to be remarkable. Tillerson will be the first modern nominee for secretary of State who is better known as a businessman than a statesman or civil servant. But Exxon's business ties to Russia have raised the hackles of many politicians in light of President-elect Donald Trump's denial until recently that Russia was behind cyberattacks on U.S. targets during the 2016 election and sought to undermine the U.S. democratic process. The hearing gives lawmakers the opportunity to scrutinize the incoming president's foreign policy agenda. Even before entering office, Trump has upended long-standing diplomatic norms, and Democrats have been blunt when it comes to Trump's vision. "I found many of President-elect Trump's foreign policy statements as a candidate, and now as the next president of the United States, to be disturbing at best and frightening at worst," said the committee's ranking Democrat, Ben Cardin of Maryland. Here are the main themes to watch in Tillerson's confirmation hearing on Wednesday. What is his relationship to Russia? Some see Tillerson's nomination as part of Trump's efforts to forge a friendlier relationship with Russia, and many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are deeply skeptical of that endeavor. Exxon was in the process of helping Russia's state-owned Rosneft explore for oil and gas in the Arctic and other locations when the United States and European Union slapped Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Crimea and its military interference in Ukraine. Tillerson Talk: The words senators used in their initial statements Tillerson opposed the sanctions and upset the White House by sending an Exxon executive to a Russian business forum last year. Democrats flagged those issues in public statements, and some have even questioned Tillerson's loyalty to the country. "Mr. Tillerson has demonstrated he knows the corporate world and can put his shareholders' interests first, but can he be a respected secretary of State that puts the national security interests of the American people first? It remains to be seen," Cardin said last month. Among Republicans, 2016 presidential contender Rubio, who sparred often with Trump on the campaign trail, has expressed the most explicit skepticism of Tillerson's suitability for the office, saying he has "serious concerns about his nomination." See the tweet. Both GOP and Democratic committee members have expressed support for hitting Russia with further penalties after revelations of its meddling in U.S. elections. Senators will likely press Tillerson on whether the incoming administration plans to roll back existing sanctions on Russia. Where does he stand on climate change? Tackling climate change has been a major push under the Obama administration. The Paris Agreement, an international deal to cut carbon emissions, has been one of Secretary of State John Kerry's signature achievements. Exxon, the world's most valuable publicly traded energy company, has been accused of misleading the public on climate change, so the issue might seem like an easy target for Democrats. That might not be the case. In recent years, Tillerson has led Exxon's shift toward acknowledging the effects of climate change and supporting a carbon tax to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Some say the move was motivated by public relations and a desire to front run environmental policy that could be even more detrimental to Exxon's business, but whatever the case, Tillerson will likely be prepared to tackle questions on climate change. While many Democrats raised questions about Exxon's record on climate change after Tillerson's nomination and are sure to do so on Wednesday Sen. Tom Udall said he was "pleased" to learn about Tillerson's position after meeting with him last week. Still, the gulf between Tillerson and Trump's public position on climate change could present another line of attack. "I'm encouraged that, contrary to the extreme statements by President-elect Trump, Mr. Tillerson believes in science and sees value in the United States remaining a party to the Paris Agreement," Udall said. What is his take on Trump? Some Democrats softened their language on Tillerson after meeting with him last week, but another theme emerged: Tillerson and Trump have differences on more than just climate change. Those difference may create flash points on Wednesday. watch now Sen. Christopher Coons of Delaware told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" last week, "there is a real tension between his expressed views in our conversation yesterday and the views of President-elect Trump, so I look forward to exploring that tension further in the upcoming confirmation hearings." Udall expressed concern last week about whether the Trump team is on the same page. In a statement Udall said, "While I was impressed by Mr. Tillerson's direct answers to my questions, he was unable to clarify what President-elect Trump's policies and positions will be." Does he have the right experience? A number of Democrats have questioned whether the lifelong oilman's experience negotiating energy deals qualifies him to serve as the nation's top diplomat. "Having no practical experience in diplomacy, Mr. Tillerson has no proven knowledge or regard for the norms and necessities that so much of our modern diplomatic and security efforts depend upon," Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey said last month. watch now It's also possible Democrats will try to trip up Tillerson with questions they believe are beyond his realm of expertise, but they may be surprised by the depth of his knowledge. Energy experts recently told The New York Times that Tillerson is well-versed in the affairs of a handful of countries. Still, Tillerson will likely be confronted with a range of questions on hot-button issues, including the Iran nuclear agreement, the Syrian civil war and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. What is America's role in the world? CET : ; watch now The worst of Chipotle 's woes may be behind it but the burrito chain still has plenty of work ahead to persuade diners to come back to its stores. After what CEO Steve Ells called the "most challenging [year] we've ever faced in our 23-year history," sales at the chain's established stores turned positive in December for the first month in more than a year. They had been in a downward spiral since last October, when news broke about its highly publicized E. coli outbreak. Chipotle investors welcomed the news,sending shares up nearly 5 percent Tuesday. With comparable sales now trending in the right direction albeit off a 30 percent decline in the prior-year period Chipotle's management laid out its plans to continue growing these revenues next year, while saving $100 million in costs. The strategy was outlined Tuesday at the ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida. Here are five ways the company plans to reel in more customers. Make its stores run more smoothly One of Chipotle's founding principles was simplicity. But as its operations grew, so did its complexity. Under its previous strategy, employees were rewarded for how well they performed against 27 measures most of which were not related to serving the customer, Ells said. That led to complaints about slow lines and dirty stores. Now, the chain is telling workers to focus on five strategies, three of which relate directly to customer service. "These relatively simple changes are making a big difference," Ells said. The company is also making changes to its hiring process, which previously required all members of a store's team to meet every candidate. While well-intended, that policy often pulled workers off the food service line at peak hours. It was also time-consuming, as an average 17 candidates were interviewed for each open position. And because the process took an average five days, Chipotle lost some labor to competitors. Bring back former customers Even as Chipotle has made progress attracting new customers, it's struggled to bring former diners back into its stores. The chain is targeting some 60 million customers who have either stopped visiting its restaurants or go infrequently. It will also launch a scripted TV series for kids, focused on real ingredients. Though the company plans to spend less on marketing and promotions as a percent of sales, it will run ads more consistently throughout the year, Chief Marketing Officer Mark Crumpacker said. Hold more fundraising events Group visits to Chipotle have mostly returned, thanks to a lift in online orders and catering. But fundraising events are another way the company can attract large chunks of customers at once, management said. An added bonus: 40 percent of customers who come in for a fundraiser haven't been there in six months. Tweak its menu New menu items will not be a significant driver of Chipotle's business, as they can add complexity to its operations and slow down the line. However, the chain is testing a dessert item that adds only one ingredient not already found in its stores. If the secret menu item gets the green light, it would be released in the spring. Chipotle may also test some higher prices, CFO Jack Hartung said. Promote digital ordering Chipotle has been tweaking its online ordering technologies, and will start promoting these easier-to-use tools next week. The campaign follows its launch of more accurate pickup times, which rolled out across more than 1,000 shops in December. The remaining 1,000-plus Chipotle locations will get this capability in the first quarter. By narrowing the pickup window and trimming the amount of time it takes to put together online orders the stores that have rolled out this upgrade have seen a lift in visits to its website. These stores have also turned more digital visitors into buyers. Remote orders account for roughly 7 percent of Chipotle's sales, and could lead to an additional 130 orders being made in an hour without any extra labor, the company said. Most American voters think Donald Trump should delete his account. A Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday showed 64 percent of voters surveyed think Trump should not keep a personal Twitter account while in the White House. Only 32 percent of those polled said he should maintain his personal account. Trump used the social media platform frequently during his campaign and continues to do so after his presidential election victory, attacking rivals, highlighting media coverage he views as negative and weighing in on foreign and economic policy. While Trump's team sees Twitter as a way to directly get its message to voters, critics have slammed his penchant for late-night tweets and 140-character responses to delicate issues, like U.S. relations with China and Russia. Republican voters narrowly said Trump should keep his account by a 49 percent to 45 percent margin. Only 18 percent of Democrats said he should maintain his personal account, while 80 percent said he should not. Independents said he should scrap his account by a 65 percent to 31 percent margin. Voters who are 18 to 34-years-old most strongly said Trump should get rid of his account, with 71 percent supporting the move. The poll was conducted from Jan. 5 to Jan. 9 and surveyed 899 voters with a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.3 percentage points. In the same survey, 55 percent of voters said they approved of how President Barack Obama is doing his job, while only 37 percent said they approved of how Trump is doing his job as president-elect. Trump's administration will inherit the "@POTUS" and "@WhiteHouse" Twitter accounts from the Obama administration. Trump's reliance on the account relative to traditional statements or press conferences has also made it a potentially tempting target for hackers. In a Quinnipiac poll released in late November, 59 percent of people said Trump should not keep his personal Twitter, while 35 percent said he should. Social media wunderkind Snap is expected to go public and raise billions in early 2017 in what could be the highest-profile tech IPO of the year. But in a market dominated by Facebook and Google, does the Snapchat parent really have what it takes to be a digital advertising leader? Snap is not likely to dominate ad budgets anytime soon. According to multiple ad advertising agencies, the company currently accounts for 2 to 4 percent of total digital advertising budgets, while Google and Facebook get up to 75 to 85 percent. And while eMarketer is projecting Snapchat will rake in almost $1 billion in ad money this year, it still comes in tied for 14th on the list of top global digital advertising revenue leaders. However, brands are increasingly interested in Snapchat ads, agencies say. For some youth-facing brands, Snapchat's percentage of the advertising budget already reaches double digits. "Snapchat just needs time," said Mike Lobikis, head of sales for integrated production company Tool of North America. "A year ago, they were a punchline for sexting and known for sending stuff you want to disappear. Now ... it's a massive pivot and growth story in a short period of time." Here's what advertisers say Snap has going for it. It's got a young user base that's highly engaged. Snap says it has 150 million daily active users, and not all of them are teens. The largest demographic of DAUs is 18 to 24 years old (32 percent), followed by 25 to 34 (28 percent). More than half of new U.S. users are over age 25. (Twenty-one percent are 13 to 17, while 20 percent of users are 35 and over.) Still, while Snapchat has surpassed 10-year-old Twitter in daily active users, Facebook is still far ahead with 1.18 billion DAUs, while Facebook-owned Instagram has 500 million. Snap users watch more than 10 billion videos per day, up over 350 percent in the last year. In the key North American advertising market, Snapchat has 60 million DAUs as of September. It reaches 41 percent of all 18-to-34-year-olds in the U.S., according to Nielsen research commissioned by Snapchat. "Advertisers want to go where the eyeballs are," Lobikis said. "Snapchat has done that in a unique way by capturing the way people are consuming media right now." It's something different Snapchat's content is more casual. It allows users to be more creative with their posts, whether that's drawing on a picture, adding a special filter or placing stickers to personalize a message. "It's more real or raw, and less of that manufactured and curated life that you see on Facebook and Instagram," said Zack Green, communications planner at advertising agency BBH NY. Even though the Facebook-owned Instagram has been adding Snapchat-like disappearing photo and video options on its Instagram Stories feature, people are not accustomed to using Instagram in that way, agency experts say. "The mindset of how you are creating content on Facebook or Instagram is that you are curating content, like 'This is my vacation photo,'" said David Eisenman, co-founder and CEO of advertising agency Madwell. "With Snapchat, you know this will exist for a moment and go away. You are much more uninhibited." Another positive for the company: Even though Snapchat allows public posts, much of the communication is one on one. This theoretically will allow it to keep its "cool" factor, even if more older users join the platform a development that can be worrisome for youth-focused social media companies. Some of the company's products, like Spectacles sunglasses that can send snaps could also have particular appeal to a post-device generation. "Spectacles are going to be a big deal because it removes clicks and you don't have to take your phone out," said Charlie Fiordalis, chief digital officer of media agency Media Storm. "With this next generation (Gen Z) we're going to see a common trend a backlash of not wanting to live your life with your phone in your face." It's very mobile friendly, especially when it comes to ads Snapchat's ads are mobile-only, making it drastically different from what's offered on other online platforms. With the mobile ad industry expected to reach more than $40 billion in 2017 according to BIA/Kelsey, the company is well-positioned to take advantage. Many brands tout the effectiveness of its lenses digital mask effects that users can put on their photos and videos. (Facebook doesn't offer these effects yet, but it bought digital filter company Masquerade, which offers similar editing effects, in March.) Snapchat also has Geofilters, graphic banners that let users show where they are when they are snapping. The company also offers traditional video ads that go in between Snapchat stories and user snaps. However, the videos are vertical rather than traditional horizontal, making them more mobile friendly. People seem to actually like their ads Users play around with Snapchat's branded lenses for an average of 20 seconds, a level of engagement advertisers on other platforms could only wish for. Also, two-thirds of videos, which include some ads, are watched with sound on another metric advertisers love. A MediaScience Lab study showed people spent 2x as much time viewing ads on Snapchat as they did on Facebook, 1.5x more than Instagram, and 1.3x more than YouTube. The MediaScience study also found that Snapchat increased purchase intent more than two times compared with Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TV. A study by Oracle Data Cloud also found that 92 percent of Snapchat ad campaigns showed a positive effect on offline sales. "Sanders must realize something he chose to rise above during the Democratic Primary: you can't go to a knife fight holding a spoon." Choosing the former will result in the Democratic establishment still calling the shotswhen they no longer have a right to even have a seat at the tableand another corporate, milk-toast Democratic presidential candidate to face the con-man-in-chief in 2020. For Sanders, choosing the latter means defying the odds once again. Despite what the "experts" and pundits sayyou know, all the people that were dead wrong about every aspect of the 2016 electionSanders will not be too old to run or win in 2020. Sanders would be 79 on Election Day while Trump would be 74. Barring any unforeseen health issues, and considering how active Sanders will remain at rallies and events across the country over the next few years, most Americans won't view the five year difference between two elderly candidates as a deal breaker. But more important than age, Sanders must realize something he chose to rise above during the Democratic Primary: you can't go to a knife fight holding a spoon. Sanders cannotand will notchange the fact that Chuck Schumer is a bought-off, faux liberal; or that Nancy Pelosi is far detached from what working people are dealing with; or that the Democratic Party, as a whole, is catering to special interests too entrenched in their DNA to actually change. If he wants to build on the momentum, and movement, he created in 2016, he needs to publicly come out against faux progressives. Instead of standing with the likes of Schumer against Trump, he must publicly fight against these folkswho will still be holding fundraisers with Wall Street and pushing "bipartisan compromises" with Republicans that sell out working peoplein the same breath that he fights Trump and extremist Republicans trying to reincarnate Ayn Rand in the halls of Congress. Doing this will unite his 13+ million voters while creating millions more. It'll also cross over a large swath of soon-to-be disillusioned Trump supporters who realize Trump only pretended to care about their struggles. But Sanders must choose one road and start driving now; after all, you can't overthrow the corporate establishment on either side of the aisle while simultaneously playing nice with them. To be clear: life, and politics, isn't black and white. Sanders will have to compromise and make political calculations to some degree. But there's compromising and calculating around the edges to help foster real change for working peopleand then there's just working within a corrupt system and accepting small victories. Ask Hillary Clinton how that worked out. The future of the Democratic Party will be carved in progressive stone because millennials and emboldened working class people who've been trampled on for 30 yearswon't have it any other way. So, for Sanders, the choice is simple. Fight, clearly, against the corporate, establishment status quo on both sides and create strong odds of becoming the next president of the United States. Or, fool yourself into thinking you must work within the system to seriously change it. It's a no-brainer. A man passes a mural that has been painted on a derelict building in Stokes Croft showing US presidential hopeful Donald Trump sharing a kiss with former London Mayor Boris Johnson on May 24, 2016 in Bristol, England. Britain will be in the "front seat" to negotiate a new trade deal with the incoming administration of , a top Republican in the United States Senate said, the BBC reported. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said after meeting British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson that a trade deal between the two countries would be a priority as Britain prepares to leave the European Union. Ahead of the vote, President Barack Obama exhorted Britons to stay in the EU and warned that if they left they would be at "the back of the queue" for a U.S. trade deal. Corker said Johnson knows "full well" that "there is no way the United Kingdom is going to take a back seat". "They will take a front seat and I think it will be our priority to make sure that we deal with them on a trade agreement initially but in all respects in a way that demonstrates the long-term friendship that we've had for so long," Corker was quoted as saying by the BBC. Trump, while a candidate for the U.S. presidency, hailed Brexit as a "great thing" when visiting Scotland the day after the vote though Britain cannot sign a trade deal until it leaves the EU which under current plans will likely be in 2019. After visits to see aides in Trump Tower in New York and meet members of Congress in Washington, Johnson said: "Clearly, the Trump administration-to-be has a very exciting agenda of change. One thing that won't change, though, is the closeness of the relationship between the US and the UK. "We are America's principal partner in working for global security and, of course, we are great campaigners for free trade," Johnson was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper. "We hear that we are first in line to do a great free trade deal with the United States. So, it's going to be a very exciting year for both our countries," Johnson said. Business and political leaders across the world are getting ready for this year's Davos edition, but the political context in which they will be meeting is completely new. Following the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. and the British vote to leave the EU, companies are taking a more "defensive" approach. At the same time, experts believe that China will strengthen its influence as a world power as the U.S. takes a more protectionist view. "Corporations, if you will, I think they are going to be on the defensive potentially on the back foot at Davos for the first time in a long time," John Studzinski, vice chairman of Blackstone, told CNBC on Tuesday. According to Studzinski, there has been a "drastic policy shift from 2008, which was very much an international financial crisis to today where you have people and governments focusing on challenging the status quo and going from big international concerns to pure domestic populist issues." A surge in support for populist views was evident in 2016 and populism continues to dominate market concerns going into 2017. The surprising votes in Britain and the U.S. caused some market turmoil, but above all they raised uncertainty regarding their next policy directions. "Davos Man" and his investing ideas look like they're falling out of favor, and "Joe Six-pack" is taking over. Bank of America Merrill Lynch strategists have used those hypothetical investors to represent trends that have accelerated with the "Trump trade." They pit the "every man," everyday investor, Joe Six-pack, and his domestically focused Main Street agenda against the global investing themes of Wall Street, personified by "Davos Man." "Conventional wisdom has flipped from Davos Man to Joe Six-pack," they wrote. BofA said investors are moving away from the globalization type of trades of "Davos Man," who is named for the annual international confab in Davos, Switzerland, where corporate and political movers and shakers go to see and be seen. The World Economic Forum's annual meeting begins next week. "The sad thing is that history suggests (OPEC countries) do not tend to stick to this kind of deal I mean it is probably in their interest to but investors could well be disappointed," James Butterfill, head of research at ETF Securities told CNBC in a phone interview on Tuesday. Oil prices slumped by 4 percent on Monday as Iraq 's southern Basra ports reached a record high of 3.51 million barrels per day (b/d) in December, according to the oil ministry. The OPEC deal to curtail global oil production has become shrouded in doubt after the cartel's second-largest oil producing nation posted record high export figures in December. OPEC ministers agreed in November to cut oil production from 33.8 million b/d to 32.5 million b/d in an effort to prop up prices and curb global oversupply. Iraq's oil ministry stressed Monday that its regionally high levels of oil exports would not impact its commitment to comply with OPEC's production cut. However, investors were concerned that the ports based in the north of Iraq would be able to outweigh the record high export figures from the south. "We could expect 80 to 90 percent compliance (from OPEC and non-OPEC countries) by the time we get through to Q2 and then the question of course is whether that is going to continue into the second half of the year," Michael Cohen, head of energy commodities research at Barclays told CNBC on Tuesday. "It is one of the reasons why we see (oil) prices higher in the first half and lower in the second half because I think what is likely to happen is that many of these OPEC countries will start to see the fruits of this compliance (deal) and they see the higher prices and they start to put their feet back on the pedal again," he added. Brent crude traded at around $55.01 a barrel in early afternoon trade on Tuesday, up 0.13 percent, while U.S. crude was around $52.04 a barrel, up 0.17 percent. Two local city boards will hold meetings tonight. Leadwood Board of Alderpersons The Leadwood Board of Alderpersons is meeting for a special session today at 4:30 p.m. in the city hall office in the basement of the Leadwood United Methodist Church at 201 Church St. The agenda includes the hiring of a water/sewer department clerk, some administrative business related to city bank accounts and training classes for two city police officers. The meeting is open to the public. Park Hills City Council The Park Hills City Council will meet tonight at 6 p.m. for a regular session in the municipal court chambers at city hall, located at 9 Bennett St. Included on the agenda will be a public hearing to gather public comments on a request for a special use permit to allow a private fitness club in an R-2 zoning district on Dix Street. In unfinished business, the council will consider an ordinance annexing certain property located at 1312 Jennings Rd. into the City of Park Hills. In new business, the council will vote on an ordinance amending the pay matrix for the fiscal year 2016-2017 budget. Council members will also consider a list of annual events of the Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce. Along with a mayor and council member discussion period, City Administrator Matt Whitwell will give reports on the citys Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Utilities departments. The meeting is open to the public. Cannabis stock has seen "amazing performance," one investor told CNBC's Street Signs. Juan Sartori, president and founder of investment firm Union Group, described cannabis production as a "professionalized industry that's becoming a real big market." Sartori has invested in Uruguay's International Cannabis Corporation (ICC) for nearly two years. ICC is the world's first producer of state-commissioned cannabis for recreational use, and is listed in Toronto. It plans to offer a competitive cost per gram of its product a quarter of that of its North American rivals. ICC will begin exporting its product by the end of this year. "Public opinion has completely changed on the subject," Sartori argued. He claimed that "every single poll all around the world is showing that people now are in favor of relaxation or legalization," which would pique lawmakers' attention. He added that, "we have seen the U.S. and Canada leading the way," suggesting that many more places around the world could follow suit. Regarding the process of a country making cannabis legal, Sartori said that the "first stage is always medical legalization, then the second, larger step is the recreational one, and the last one is production." Medicinal cannabis is understood to be the largest growth area of industry. Sartori said that Germany and the U.K. have "legalized the use of cannabinoids, which is the extract that has a lot of health benefits." Two Italian banks have proposed a deal to settle shareholder lawsuits as they try to raise billions of dollars to cover bad loans. The deal is the latest episode in Italy's long battle to clean up its banking system, however, it could dent confidence even further. Banco Popolare di Vicenza and Veneto Banca, two banks rescued by the Italian bailout fund Atlante, have offered shareholders more than 600 million euros ($634.92 million). Although shareholders have yet to approve the deal, the banks would "re-pay shares at a pre-defined value in next few months, avoiding the risk of uncertain evolution of huge claims by shareholders and clients," Maria Paola Toschi, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management, told CNBC on Tuesday via email. Last October, the European Central Bank demanded both banks cut their bad loans valued at 17 billion euros. The ECB declined to comment on this subject. According to Toschi, both banks may need to raise about 2.5 billion euros in fresh capital. "This situation is a big obstacle for recreating interest for new shareholders to invest and underwrite capital increases. Investors are not willing to put in money due to the uncertainty on the eventual impact of these claims in terms of costs and losses on profits and on the net worth," Toschi added. This has been a recurrent theme when trying to improve the state of the Italian banking system. Recently, the Italian government had to step in to help the oldest lender in the world Monte dei Paschi di Siena after the Italian bank failed to attract enough private capital to boost its balance sheet. The Italian banking system has been a problem for the third-largest euro zone economy since the financial crisis due to the high level of bad loans across all institutions. Several attempts to deal with each one of them have also affected customers' confidence on the system. In the cases of Banco Popolare di Vicenza and Veneto Banca local clients withdrew money, leading to deposits plunging by 30 percent, Toschi told CNBC. "These two small banks are not the next big problem. They are the latest symptoms of the slow-burning non-performing loan crisis that Italy will have to tackle," Erik Jones, professor of international political economy at Johns Hopkins University, told CNBC via email. According to the International Monetary Fund, Italy's non-performing loans represent 18 percent of loans, one of the highest in the euro area. Furthermore, the ongoing problems with the banking system are set to continue impacting the political scene. Italy is being governed by an interim government after the resignation of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and is expected to hold elections this year. Further issues with the banks and potential big losses for shareholders could spark further support for anti-establishment and anti-euro parties. "This all depends upon how much more pain the shareholders of the bank are willing to take. I am sure it will generate significant complaints," Jones added. Country Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cuba, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Jamaica Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Mexico, United Mexican States Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe "I believe the proper thing to do would be to recuse myself from anything involving those investigations related to Secretary Clinton raised on the campaign trail," President-elect Donald Trump 's pick for the nation's top law enforcement position said. The Alabama Republican told the Senate Judiciary Committee his previous comments about Clinton "could place my objectivity in question." Sen. Jeff Sessions promised on Tuesday at his confirmation hearing for attorney general that he would remove himself from potential investigations involving Hillary Clinton due to his past statements. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) testifies at a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Sessions to become U.S. attorney general on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. January 10, 2017. In response to a follow-up question from Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Sessions said he would remove himself from any probes related to Clinton's handling of classified information while secretary of State or allegations of misconduct at the Clinton Foundation, a nonprofit. Trump on the campaign trail said he would appoint a special prosecutor to look into Clinton's private email server she used at the State Department. But he later backtracked on the pledge after the election, saying it would be "divisive," despite the mantra at his rallies to "lock her up." The FBI concluded that Clinton and her team handled classified information carelessly but Director James Comey said no reasonable prosecutor would bring charges in the case. The Obama administration's Justice Department did not bring any charges related to the probe. In October, Sessions told Fox Business Network he was "uncomfortable with the way the investigation was conducted." He also said it "seems like" the FBI did not fully investigate the Clinton Foundation's conduct, saying that Clinton might have used her position to benefit the foundation. During his hearing, Sessions was also asked if he participated in the "lock her up" chant that common during Trump's campaign. He said he did not but that he heard it. Chipotle Mexican Grill is hoping that something sweet will spark a turnaround for the company. During the ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, Chipotle disclosed that it could be adding dessert to it menu. The burrito chain did not say what the menu item would be, only that it adds one ingredient not already found in its restaurants. The company said that it will continue tweaking and testing the product and, if they like it, will release it in the spring. "We don't view new menu items as significant drivers of our business," Mark Crumpacker, Chipotle's chief marketing officer, said during the conference. A dessert item would be yet another attempt by the company to win back customers. Chipotle has continued to struggle to move on from a string of high-profile foodborne illness outbreaks despite marketing and promotions, including a three-month loyalty program called Chiptopia. History suggests by taking this approach, the president-elect could wind up facing the same kind of political blowback that crippled the last two presidents who made health-care changes the centerpiece of their initial agendas: Obama and Bill Clinton. "That's gonna all work out," said Trump, who pledged repeatedly on the campaign trail that he would "repeal and replace" Obamacare though he was vague on the details of what a replacement would look like. And he doesn't seem especially concerned with what exactly the GOP puts in its place. On Monday, Trump told reporters he's "not even a little bit" worried about how Republicans will replace the law. The incoming Republican president remains adamant about Republicans in Congress making their first priority getting rid of Barack Obama 's signature piece of legislation, the 2010 "Affordable Care Act." On Tuesday, he told The New York Times he wants Obamacare repealed and replaced "very quickly." Clinton's failed efforts after his 1992 election to create universal health care with an initiative led by then-first lady Hillary Clinton helped spur historic Democratic losses in the 1994 midterm elections and doomed the president to years of bitter battles with an opposition Congress. Obama succeeded in getting his health-care reform passed on party-line votes but Democrats also lost control of the House following massive defeats in the 2010 midterms and lost ground in the Senate. Obamacare advocates believe the program's implementation was well worth the political price. Trump could be headed for similar trouble, though Republicans appear to have a firmer grip for the moment on the House. And the GOP has a very favorable Senate map in 2018. Many political analysts expect Republicans to expand their majority in the upper chamber next year. But health care has a way of scrambling existing political certainties. Even some conservative Republicans now appear to see major risks associated with repealing a health-care law that has extended coverage to more than 20 million Americans without having an immediate replacement that would ensure people don't lose their insurance while keeping some of Obamacare's more popular provisions, like forbidding insurers from excluding pre-existing conditions. Five Republican senators on Monday Bob Corker, Rob Portman, Susan Collins, Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski submitted an amendment to the Senate budget bill that would extend the deadline for crafting an Obamacare replacement into March. Other influential GOP senators including Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Rand Paul of Kentucky have also said they want a replacement bill ready before major provisions of the Affordable Care Act are repealed. Trump also seems to support the idea of repealing Obamacare and replacing it at the same time. He will undoubtedly be asked about his plans during his much-anticipated news conference on Wednesday. And Republicans on the Hill will likely be guided in their approach by whatever Trump says. But there are political risks for Trump in waiting for a replacement bill as well. The Republican base loathes Obamacare though less so if you take the outgoing president's name off of it and expect the new president to preside over an immediate evisceration of the outgoing president's signature achievement. So Trump has to deliver. But he doesn't want to be known as the president whose first act was to snatch away affordable insurance from millions of Americans. It's a highly complex and politically fraught dance. If it goes badly, Trump could wind up facing the same kind of midterm blowback that dogged Clinton and Obama. He needs Republicans to quickly settle on an Obamacare replacement that essentially rebrands the law, doesn't kick people off existing plans and yet still somehow lowers costs and improves coverage. It's not clear such a thing is even possible. So Trump could find himself the latest in a line of presidents whose efforts to reshape the American health-care system wind up costing them dearly at the ballot box. Ben White is Politico's chief economic correspondent and a CNBC contributor. He also authors the daily tip sheet Politico Morning Money [politico.com/morningmoney]. Follow him on Twitter @morningmoneyben. Taylor is now co-founder and CEO of enterprise software company Quip, which was acquired by Salesforce in August. Before that, Taylor was the chief technology officer at Facebook, and one of the creators of Google Maps, under Mayer. "Facebook's strongest attribute is how capable that company is of change," Taylor told CNBC's " Squawk Alley " on Tuesday. It went from "a social network in colleges to a social network that operates globally," he said. And it transitioned again from "a website to the most popular mobile application in the world." The company's now moving heavily into artificial intelligence and global internet access, he said. As Yahoo winds down its time as an independent company, its fate shows how important adaptability is for Facebook , said Bret Taylor, who's worked in high-level positions under Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg . Yahoo and Facebook both internet advertising companies are in very different places than they used to be. Yahoo, once an icon, was likely "unfixable" by the time Mayer arrived, Taylor said. But Yahoo's struggles in moving to mobile advertising reflect a challenge that faces all companies, he said. "It really shows the vulnerability of these technology companies with these really significant shifts in the underlying platforms we use," Taylor said. Josh Elman, partner at Greylock Partners, who sits on the board of companies like Medium, Meerkat, and Musical.ly, said Mayer was one of the "best product thinkers of our time." But Elman noted that legacy companies have to be prepared to compete with newcomers that want to "define the next generation" of technologies like augmented reality. Amazon and Microsoft , for instance, missed the mobile phone trends at first, but have come back strong by anticipating areas like cloud and the internet of things. [W]e have all these new trends around us, [and] the companies that are going to win aren't going to go win in mobile or social. They're going to go win on all these new trends and really provide the products that we start to use every day," Elman said. SYRACUSE, N.Y. Dr. John McCabe, who has served as CEO of Upstate University Hospital since 2009, plans to step down from that role next Tuesday, Jan. 17. McCabe will also resign from his posts as senior VP for clinical affairs and professor of emergency medicine, Upstate Medical University announced in a news release issued late Monday. Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena, president of Upstate Medical University, has named Steven Scott as the medical schools interim CEO. The school will conduct a national search for a permanent CEO, which will begin immediately, according to the release. Laraque-Arena said she was grateful to McCabe for his many years of service to Upstate and the accomplishments he oversaw and guided at the institution. They included the acquisition of Community General Hospital in 2011, the opening of the Golisano Childrens Hospital and East Tower expansion, and the construction and opening of the new 90,000-square-foot Upstate Cancer Center. Dr. McCabe has been an important part of Upstate for three decades. His contributions here and nationally are significant. I am grateful for his support during my first year as President. Upstate is proud of his accomplishments, she said. Dr. McCabe plans to continue to live in Central New York, and pursue other professional and personal interests, Upstate said. Upstates news release says Scott has more than 30 years of experience in academic medicine, most recently as VP and CEO for Georgia Regents Medical Center, a 478-bed hospital center and a 154-bed Childrens Hospital. Scott worked there from 2012 to 2015. Georgia Regents Medical Center is now known as Augusta University Medical Center, Upstate said. I am pleased to have Steven Scotts leadership during this transition as Upstate Medical University seeks greater integration of our educational, research and clinical missions to strengthen our future, Laraque-Arena said in the release. His success and experience in academic medicine will serve the university, our patients and students well. Scott also served in administrative roles with Oregon Health and Science University; Wishard Health Services, (currently Eskenazi Health) in Indianapolis; University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center; Georgetown University Medical Center; Columbia University and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. He holds a masters degree in health-care administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelors degree from Morehouse College, Upstate said. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Healthcare Executive Study Society. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com Coin World account managers David Pistello and Brenda Wyen were happy to locate one another on the tarmac, and were on the first shuttle bus from the airport after about seven hours of waiting. Before he was evacuated from Terminal 3 on a false alarm, Coin World's David Pistello took a picture of the evacuation of Terminal 2, where the shooting took place. Evacuees had very little information about what was going on inside the airport while they were standing on the tarmac. For four-and-a-half hours, evacuees were on the tarmac with little else to do but chat and check the news on their phones and tablets. Coin World's David Pistello was among the thousands of people who were evacuated onto the tarmac of the Fort Lauderdale airport on Jan. 6, 2017, following a deadly shooting in the airport's Terminal 2, and a false alarm in Terminal 3. The 2017 FUN convention in Fort Lauderdale was in full swing when shots were fired in a baggage claim area of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Just about five miles away from one of the biggest coin shows of the year, five people were killed and a dozen or so more were injured by a single gunman, a disembarked airline passenger using a gun he retrieved from his legally checked luggage. Esteban Santiago, 26, was taken into custody at the airport and has been charged. The shooting sent alarm through Coin Worlds offices in Sidney, Ohio, and Chicago, as a number of Coin World editors, account managers and marketing professionals were at the show. A number of them had plans to fly out of Fort Lauderdale that very day. Connect with Coin World: Sign up for our free eNewsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Were relieved to report that all Coin World employees returned home safely, but several had harrowing experiences as the events of that Friday afternoon unfolded. One of them was account manager David Pistello, who was on his way to the airport and home to Chicago that afternoon when he heard the news break. It turned out to be the start of a very long day. Pistellos experience follows, in his own words. Pistello was invited to lunch with some Coin World colleagues before heading to the airport for his 4:50 p.m. flight, but didnt want to deal with bringing his bags to a restaurant and opted to go straight to the airport. I checked out of the hotel just before 1:00 p.m. [the shooting was first reported at 12:55 p.m.], got in Uber and everything was fine for about a mile or two. Once we passed the convention center, we started to hear some fire engines and squad cars. So we started hearing some sirens and really didn't think too much about it. We got to the airport with no problem, traffic was moving relatively smoothly. We get off on the departures ramp and I get a text message from [a Coin World colleague at the FUN show] and it says, Are you okay? I had no idea what was going on, and I replied, Why? Before I got a reply back to him, my nephew texts me and says, Uncle Dave, big shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport. Are you there or are you still at work? I said Im literally right in front of the airport. So now I knew that there was a shooting. We drove right past Terminal 2 [where the shooting took place] and there are some squad cars and stuff, but traffic was getting through. American Airlines was Terminal 3, which is right next to 2. I asked the Skycab guy, What's going on? and he says it's under control and everything is fine. So I get out of the car. I get out of the cab, kind of little skittish about it, but I get out of the Uber and I just kind of stood there a little bit, scoping things out. Pistello entered the airport, got past the check-in counter and to the security checkpoint. I go to the TSA lady and I asked her what was going on. There was a shooting or something? And she said, Yeah its under control. The suspect has been caught. Everything is fine. In there, there were floor-to-ceiling windows right behind her and I saw a couple of planes take off. I stood there a little bit longer, a few seconds, and then the intercom came on and said, Attention there is a situation in Terminal 2, but it's under control. Business-as-usual, basically. Pistello got through security, and headed to the E concourse. His was gate E7. There was a big window where people had gathered. I was looking out the window with them and it was the window that faced Terminal 2, the back of Terminal 2, and there were people out on the tarmac. So that must have been down at the baggage claim where the shooting happened. We were all talking and nobody really had any details. Everybody was getting text messages from the outside. So I started conversing with them and watching for about five or 10 minutes, then I stepped away to go across the hall where there was one of those Hudson newsstands. So I'm in there and then all of a sudden I just start hearing, Shooter! Shooter! in the concourse, and theres this stampede of people. Everybody started scrambling. The cashier closed the metal doors and locked it. There were about 15 of us still in there, and I'm still in there, and we went to the back of the store, and we're hiding behind magazine racks. I didn't hear any gunshots, just all this chaos on the other side of the door and we're only in there maybe like a minute and a half or two minutes, then there was pounding on the door and they said it was security and SWAT. That was the scariest two minutes of my life. It was terrifying. We later learned there was no shooter in Terminal 3. The only shooting that took place was the one in Terminal 2. I have no idea who called, "Shooter! Shooter!" It could have just been a random person that was scared. The newsstand manager opened the door, and everyone followed securitys instructions, going out a side door, down some stairs and out onto the tarmac. So we went down and I left my suitcase. Even when we got outside, the first 15 minutes, when we are along the building, I was shaking. Everybody was. Pistello and the rest of the evacuees were then led away from the terminal building, out into the middle of the tarmac. There were probably two or three thousand people families, toddlers, little kids because of the holiday week, coming back from cruises and stuff. We were out there for about four and a half hours. They came out with water, they set up a port-a-potty and all this other stuff. The whole time I'm getting text messages from friends that are watching CNN and telling me what's going on. Everybody else was doing the same thing. Near the end of the four-and-a-half hour wait on the tarmac, security alerted the crowd that a suspicious item had been found in the airport and that it would be safely detonated. Shortly after that, all the security came back and said, Everybody, your hands in the air and follow us. They guided us back into the terminal from the lower level. They brought us through baggage claim to the front outside, where there would have been cab pickup. All the couple thousand of us are all out there. We waited another two-and-a-half hours. It was a long time, but at least we weren't in the back of the airport now, we were in front of the airport and were a little bit more relieved. We started seeing some people across the street in the parking garage and found out that they announced that they were releasing people that have vehicles in the parking garage. You can get out of here, but no new vehicles could come in. They were going to have shuttle buses come pick us all up and drive us to Port Everglades, which is the pier where the cruises leave from. It's right next to the convention center. They made an announcement that for anybody that had luggage in the concourse, they were hiring a contracting company that was going to come and collect all the random luggage. Shuttle buses finally started arriving, and Pistello and fellow Coin World account manager Brenda Wyen, who he had located during their time on the tarmac, were able to get on the first bus. The buses only held about 50 people, so it was going to be a process getting 3,000 people or however many there were, away from there. We were fortunate to get on the first bus. The bus was escorted by police away from the airport, to the port. From there, Pistello and Wyen made their way back to the convention center, and into a cab to their hotel. We finally got to the hotel at about 10:30 or 10:45, so it was a long day. Like, 10 hours total. But it could have been longer, as Pistello learned the next morning when he turned on the local news. I was getting ready to leave and I turn on the news. They had a newscaster that was out of Port Everglades. This was probably 7:30 in the morning and they've been there, saying so the last people were just leaving. If we didn't get on that first bus there was a possibility [we could have been at] that airport all night waiting to get to [Port Everglades]. MoDOT prefers flyover ramps at 70 and 63 Following public and stakeholder meetings, MoDOT is moving ahead with its preferred idea of a flyover at the 70/63 connector. Last week's U.S. intelligence report tracing Russia's cyber-meddling with the 2016 presidential election is a timely reminder of the cybersecurity risks that the government and private companies face, said Tom Ridge, the nation's first secretary of Homeland Security. "President-elect Trump is entering into a world fraught with hazards as never before," Ridge said in a telephone interview on Monday. "Russia is a reminder that cyberattacks are a permanent risk to individuals and countries and companies, and you must do all you can to understand the risk. It's a reminder of how serious and permanent the risk is. The risk continues to get deeper." Ridge, who is also a former Republican governor of Pennsylvania, is chairman of Ridge Global, a Washington-based cyber protection advisory firm. He was named by President George W. Bush to head the Department of Homeland Security, which was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He held the post from 2003 to 2005. Ridge said President-elect Donald Trump needs to appreciate that cyberattacks affect not only national security but also the nation's economic security. Companies that control the nation's financial sector, energy resources, transportation and other vital infrastructure are just as vulnerable as federal agencies and political party emails, he noted. "It's not just about securing government information, but about national security and economic security," Ridge explained. "One thing the next president needs to understand is that it's both. Time will tell if he's up to it." Ridge said the Russian hacks "didn't influence the outcome of the election, but are a reminder to citizens and companies alike that we live in an interdependent world. People get excited about the digital forever that computing devices offer, but there are dangers, whether from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, organized crime or a hacker. If you have something in the network such as personal information, then it's vulnerable and we need to protect it." Nearly all the nation's vital infrastructure is under the control of the private sector, which is made up primarily of public companies, he added. "That means that CEOs and corporate boards, along with IT shops, have to be paying far more attention than ever before to cybersecurity. I call it the digital forevermore. "The cyber actors are proliferating and some are owned by nation-states and some with the consent of nations, or it can be organized crime," he said. Ridge Global has joined with the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and Carnegie Mellon University to raise the level of cyber-risk awareness among CEOs and corporate boards of directors. Last September, they created the first NACD Cyber-Risk Oversight Program, a 20-hour online cyber-risk training package. "Cybersecurity is the most significant governance challenge for the public and private sector," Ridge said. "It's not just the exclusive domain of the CIO and CTO and is now in the domain of the CEO and the corporate board." "We're not trying to turn members of boards into technologists, but it will be a better way to understand the risks and broader implications of IT systems and how they impact all parts of business operations, from procurement to HR to supply chain, communications, mergers and intellectual property," he said. Ridge said the training is intended to urge board members to make an attitude change in favor of greater scrutiny over cyber matters. "If your attitude hasn't changed about cybersecurity, then there's risk for your brand and reputation from a financial point of view," he added. "There's greater risk from SEC investigations over cyber and risk from litigation over cyber." NACD, which has 17,000 members, recently surveyed more than 600 board directors and professionals and found only 19% believe their boards have a high level of understanding of cybersecurity risks. Also, 59% said they find it challenging to oversee cyber risk. The NACD and the Internet Security Alliance, a trade group, this week are issuing an update of a Cyber Security Handbook first issued in 2014 that has been endorsed by the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Ridge also said that federal legislation to require companies to disclose computer hacks at the national level could be valuable to general counsels in large companies with operations in multiple states. Currently, there are disclosure laws in many states, but they are inconsistent. "General counsels in companies probably would like to see a uniform type of reporting, since disclosure varies from state to state," Ridge said. Still, Ridge said that disclosure laws are "unfortunately at the tail end of the problem, after a company has been hacked. We're trying to minimize hacks. If companies rely on government to help them, that's misplaced confidence. Companies have the most significant responsibility." This story, "Former DHS head urges Trump to see economic dangers from cyberattacks" was originally published by Computerworld . What happens when you sell one huge tech company to another? Lots of things, potentially, but in the case of Yahoo and Verizon, a name change and some big shifts in the company's board. But what does it all mean for the future of Yahoo, and it's CEO Marissa Mayer? In IT Blogwatch, we have some theories. So what is happening? Martyn Williams has the background: Yahoo intends to change its name to Altaba once the sale of its internet portal to Verizon is completed. CEO Marissa Mayer and co-founder David Filo also will leave the company then...The changes are part of a $4.8 billion dollar deal signed in July 2016 to sell Yahoo.com to Verizon. Altaba? What's with the name change? Joe Mullin explains: Verizon has promised that...the Yahoo brand will live on. July's proposed sale included the firm's operating business, but it didn't include the...Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba owned by Yahoo, and it didn't include certain other assets, mostly shares of Asia-based companies and non-core patents. What remains...will be rolled into a publicly-traded investment company called Altaba. And what's the deal with Mayer and Filo leaving the company? Deepa Seetharaman and Maria Armental have the details: Eric Brandt, who joined Yahoos board last March...will become chairman of Altaba...He will be joined by four other directors who are currently on Yahoos board...Six Yahoo directors will be leaving after the Verizon sale. About that sale -- wasn't it in question after a couple of big Yahoo breaches? What is going on with it now? Jessica Guynn fills us in: Major hacks of Yahoo...have led to speculation that Verizon might renegotiate or even scrap the Yahoo acquisition...Last week, a senior Verizon executive who was instrumental in the...company's planned purchase of Yahoo...expressed doubts over the deal. She was the second top executive to suggest that Verizon might change the terms or even abandon the takeover. So what is next for Mayer? John Brandon has some theories: Mayer is not going to fade off into the distance just yet. Shes only 41, and her brief tenure as the CEO at Yahoo...is perhaps only a precursor to what will come next...I do have some theories...Mayer will move over to another high profile company. ... Heres my guess: Its going to be Twitter...Why? For starters...Jack Dorsey, the current CEO and the cofounder, doesnt seem to know what to do to make Twitter profitable...that is one of Mayers strengths...I hope it happens. Theres nothing like getting a second chance to correct a failing company. Any other big takeaways? Mark Milian has one: Yahoo is changing its name to Altaba, which will hopefully throw hackers off the scent for a while. A bill has been reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would require law enforcement agencies to get a warrant before they poke around users emails and other communications in the cloud that are older than 180 days. The Email Privacy Act, reintroduced on Monday, aims to fix a loophole in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act that allows the government to search without a warrant email and other electronic communications that are older than 180 days and stored on servers of third-party service providers such as Google and Yahoo. Thanks to the wording in a more than 30-year-old law, the papers in your desk are better protected than the emails in your inbox, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, digital rights organization, said in a blog post Monday. The bill was passed by the House last year but stalled in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Kevin Yoder (R-Kan) and Jared Polis (D-Colo) said they are reintroducing the legislation because the Senate failed to act on it before the 114th Congress came to a close. If the legislation becomes law, government agencies will have to obtain a warrant based on a showing of probable cause to compel service providers to disclose emails and other electronic communications of Americans, regardless of the age of the mails or the means of storage. In the original version of the legislation, the government also had to notify the person whose account is disclosed, along with a copy of the search warrant and other information, within a stipulated period. Privacy groups and tech companies backed the legislation when it was first introduced. But it failed to clear the Senate as it was bogged down with amendments such as the requirement of mandatory compliance by service providers without court oversight when law enforcement claimed an emergency as an exception for asking for user data. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) proposed an amendment that would expand the information that the FBI can obtain with a National Security letter without prior judicial oversight. Government access to communications without oversight of warrants is a dangerous path for any country that supports democratic values, said Ed Black, CEO and president of the Computer & Communications Industry Association, in a statement Monday. Rules on how the government can access electronic communications in criminal investigations have simply not kept up with advances in modern technology. Indeed, US law still treats data stored in the cloud differently than data stored on a local computer, said Information Technology and Innovation Foundation vice president Daniel Castro in a statement. Opposition to the bill came previously from a number of agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, which uses administrative subpoenas on service providers to work around people under investigation who don't keep copies of incriminating mail after sending it or decline to share their content with the SEC. Jeremy Corbyn has had a low profile recently but that changed today. The unkind response of some has been that his tour of the studios served as a reminder as to why he showed a reluctance to be interviewed. However, this is looking at the matter from the point of view of the next General Election a pitch to the 45 million British electorate. But for many on the Left there should be no compromise with the electorate. They are more concerned about the one per cent the half million or so Labour Party members and affiliated or registered supporters. Last year Corbyn was re-elected Labour leader with the support of 313,209 of them a very substantial majority. Of course they would like Corbyns poll ratings to improve, but not at the cost of selling out. It is for the electorate to buck up. Partly this is about being in it for the long haul. Tony Benn reflected cheerfully that the 1983 General Election result saw eight million votes for Socialism. Quite reasonably, the Corbynistas might also suspect that Labour would still lose the next General Election even if there was a change of leader so why not go down fighting, staying true to their beliefs? Corbyns speech today was briefed as being about offering some concessions to the voters over free movement. (Labour is not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle). It was suggested that he would favour an end to unlimited free movement with the EU as part of our Brexit negotiations even if that meant we would be denied membership of the Single Market as a result. But then in his interviews he sounded as though he was still mustard keen on free movement certainly still wedded to it in practice. So that was all a routine shambles. But rather more extraordinary was Corbyn declaring his support for a maximum income. He proposed there should be a legal limit to the amount that a resident of the United Kingdom can earn each year. In the 1970s the top rate of income tax reached 83 per cent. As a young Labour activist Jeremy Corbyn doubtless felt this wasnt high enough and that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Denis Healey, should go much further. Now Corbyn proposes a tax rate of 100 per cent above a certain level. If we want to live in a more egalitarian society and fund our public services we can not go on creating worse levels of inequality. Has it occurred to Corbyn that a 100 per cent tax rate might not result in increased revenue to fund our public services- but that it might be rather more likely to reduce the amount of money available? Does he not think that a policy of total confiscation of earnings above a given level might impact incentives? There can be some argument about the details of the Laffer Curve but it is hard to dispute that a nil tax rate and a 100 per cent tax rate each result in nil revenue. It is not an original idea, of course. In Communist Cuba there is a really keen egalitarian policy of a maximum wage of $20 a month. Corbyn hasnt offered a figure perhaps the Leader of the Opposition annual salary of 125,000 could be the threshold? Furthermore a YouGov poll from 2015 found that more Labour supporters backed the idea of a legal maximum wage of 1 million a year than opposed it 49 per cent to 33 per cent. Among the public as a whole the idea was rejected but only by 44 per cent to 39 per cent so not a huge margin. On the other hand the experience of Ed Milibands performance at the 2015 General Election was that while individual socialist policies might be popular rent controls, price controls, renationalisation, tax the rich the instinct of the British people when offered the whole package was to step back from the brink. So that was a relief. But as memories of the 1970s fade the case for free enterprise does need to be made again. Corbyn has strengthened his position as Labour leader and weakened his chances of becoming Prime Minister. But Conservatives should not laugh at him too loudly. His ideas are certainly appalling but some of them are not as unpopular as we might imagine. Christopher Howarth is a senior researcher working in the House of Commons. Prior to this he worked for Open Europe, as a Conservative Foreign Affairs Adviser and senior researcher to a Shadow Europe Minister. David Cameron wasted an enormous amount of time, political energy and ultimately his career proving that it was not possible to be a member of the EU and have control over migration. Having proved that reform of EU free movement rules was impossible, he wisely decided during the referendum to remain silent on migration, focusing instead on the supposed benefits of membership of the EU internal (single) market implausibly holding it up as if it was the very pinnacle of European civilisation. Recognising public concerns over migration pressures, much of the Remain camp tried to sell an implicit trade-off internal market membership a dubious benefit against a free movement cost. This is all in line with current EU integrationist doctrine; EU rules are sacred, there is virtue in accepting costs there are cherries hidden in the EU texts no cherry picking. We are now being told by many ex-Remainers (and by some Leavers), who wish to remain in the internal market, and by and large were never very concerned about migration pressures, to forget much of recent political history. We can after all retain internal market membership without free movement from outside the EU. We are being asked to believe that even though the EU was unwilling to compromise on free movement while we were a fully paid-up member, the very same actors will now allow us to break their sacred texts as a departing ex-member. This is yesterdays game played by yesterdays people. Time is short, and there is no time to indulge in another doomed Cameroonian renegotiation of EU free movement. We should end this rogue belief once and for all. So here it is: Let us begin with a recap. The internal market is the vast body of EU rules, subject to the European Court. These rules harmonise product standards and policies across the EU. While we focus on product standards and rules around the trade in services others see EU free movement, the environment, regional policy and even social policy as integral to the internal market. It is the EUs largest project and all subject to the ECJ. Membership of the internal market therefore means accepting this legal structure. At present EU states are full voting members. In addition, Lichtenstein, Iceland and Norway automatically accept all of the EU laws but have no say in how they are made (via the EEA agreement). They are therefore something close to being non-voting members. Cameron, to his credit, saw this as a disastrous arrangement fax democracy he called it where EU rules spew out of a machine in Vaduz, Reykjavik and Oslo without any recourse. That is the internal market. What we are now asked to believe is that the UK could take the EEA deal and negotiate an exemption to free movement (reprising the issues raised in the Cameroonian negotiations) or potentially use the small print of the EEA agreement to junk this central EU tenet. This theory rests on two pieces of evidence. First, the EU has granted Lichtenstein a semi-permanent exemption from EU free movement rules. Lichtenstein is a small mountain state, and when it joined the EEA in 1995 it negotiated a protocol which has allowed it to restrict EU migration to 72 permits per year. This is reviewed every five years. Second, the EEA agreement has a safeguard (art 112) mechanism within it which would allow a state to resile from a treaty provision if serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties of a sectorial or regional nature liable to persist are arising, a Contracting Party may unilaterally take appropriate measures.. To take the first argument. The UK is arguably suffering extreme population pressure, but it is probably not acute enough to persuade the EU that the UK deserves a special protocol of the type that previously eluded David Cameron. The UK is not Lichtenstein, we are not a micro-state that the EU can afford to make an exception for. In any case, this is not a permanent opt-out, and if mirrored would require the UK to go through a process every five years a very uncertain basis for a new relationship. The second argument is superficially attractive but is highly implausible. It would require the UK to provide evidence and explain why its measures were appropriate in a way that would satisfy an unsympathetic EU. In Camerons renegotiation these factors were hard fought over, were time-limited and related to benefits. If the UK announced it was to join the EEA, but would immediately and permanently override its rules, using the safeguard mechanism, it is unlikely that the UK would be allowed to join by the other 30 states who would need to agree. In any case, the EFTA Court has itself adopted much of the EUs case law on free movement. The UK would end up in a running dispute with the EU, which would leave it expending all its political capital. It is not an option that is designed to give states control over migration policy and not would it. Since EEA membership would not allow the UK to control EU migration it would not respect the result of the referendum or even the will of the Labour Partys Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer, who has illogically calls for migration to be reduced while seemingly sticking up for the internal market/EEA. Membership of the EEA would leave the UK trapped in the majority of the EU policy areas without a say on its future direction or the ability to benefit from the opportunities of Brexit. It is time that Labour abandoned this idea. Rather than reprise the arguments of the past, the UK should ditch the language of the EEA. We do not want membership of the internal market as we are leaving the EU and becoming external. Instead, we want access to the internal market, most favoured nation status or a reciprocal trade deal. The Prime Minister on Sunday rightly restated that not going to be a member of the EU any longerWe will be able to have control of our borders, control of our laws. Membership of the EEA is incompatible with this aim and should be consigned to history. James Frayne is Director of communications agency Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion. The focus of this column is Theresa Mays conservatism for ordinary working people. The furore surrounding Sir Ivan Rogers resignation as UK Ambassador to the EU threw up many questions. Are most civil servants hostile to Brexit? Is short-term politics taking precedence over long-term planning? Are civil servants being ignored? But it all masks a fundamental question: does the Government have the apparatus to deliver Brexit and a pivot to a global role? There are reasons for concern. First, the ambiguous role of the Department for Exiting the European Union (DEXEU). It isnt going to be the Department that thinks about Britains future role outside the EU. It isnt a hub for major policy expertise, which theoretically lies elsewhere in departments. And while it might nominally lead on negotiations when the time comes, it will always be a surrogate of Number 10, and will be treated as such within Government and those we negotiate with. Its creation was a mistake for these reasons but also because it forces policymakers to think about Europe as an entirely discrete issue, rather than as part of a developing foreign policy. Second, there is a lack of policy expertise not just at DEXEU but across government. There are specific problems, such as the lack of trade experts, resulting from the fact weve been a member of the EU and havent retained certain policy expertise. But there is a deeper issue with the way the civil service operates, which is to cultivate generalists not specialists. People in the civil service are always training for the next job, and know moving around departments is good for their career. They dont immerse themselves in the deep subject knowledge required for policy development and giving ongoing advice to politicians. The expert civil service rarely is. This is a much bigger problem outside the traditional prestige departments of the Treasury and Foreign Office but Brexit will affect the entirety of Government. Third, there is the culture of the civil service. Its not just that senior civil servants are part of the same upper-middle class that overwhelmingly voted Remain. Its that many civil servants dont understand their role. Many think their first job is to challenge Ministers. Thats clearly wrong it is to implement the will of the electorate expressed through the democratic process. The other result of the focus on challenge is that the civil service does not generate serious, positive ideas. The instinct is to point out all of the problems with a Ministers proposals. Thats a useful thing to do, but it limits civil servants to being red-team members people that can pick holes in others ideas and arguments. This usually leaves politicians and advisers to do the policy design which in this case is the enormous challenge of creating the overall vision for Brexit and a global pivot required, and the policy framework that will underpin it. This is unsustainable. We will know soon whether the Government can overcome these issues. Theresa May is set to make a speech that will outline her vision for life outside the EU. This is a big moment those that led the Leave campaign and those that voted for it will all be asking the same question as they listen to her: is this what we voted for? After that, well be into the negotiations and well know how prepared we really are. Jeremy Corbyn looks set to be an even worse liability for Labour in the Copeland by-election than his dismal poll figures might suggest. In the Anchor pub in Whitehaven, the largest town in this 470-square-mile constituency stretching for 32 miles along the Cumbrian coast and inland as far as Keswick, many traditional working-class Labour voters mentioned him as almost insuperable obstacle to voting Labour. Graham Kirkland, 54, said he has always supported Labour because I was brought up that way. But the Labour leader, I think hes a prick. An absolute lunatic. Its like that nutter in America, Trump. The plan of some round Corbyn to conduct a Trump-style insurgency is unlikely to go down well in Whitehaven. ConHome: So how will you vote in this by-election? Kirkland: I dont know. Its always been Labour down here. But if Corbyns still leader I wont be voting Labour. But I definitely wont vote Conservative. Theyve ruined the area, I think. ConHome: So might you vote UKIP? Kirkland: Thats the nutter who went off to see Donald Trump. It is noticeable how churned up these Labour voters are. They feel a deep ancestral loyalty to their party, detest the Conservatives, and do not much like the sound of a website with that word in its title, though they were prepared to have a friendly conversation with the websites representative. They want to go on voting Labour, but for a substantial number of them, Corbyn makes that impossible. As a second man put it: Well I wont be voting Labour again. Ive been voting Labour all my life. I just think its pointless with Corbyn around. Im from an Army background. I just think hes a wrong un. A third man agreed: I hate Corbyn. These are early days in the Copeland by-election, for which no date has yet been set, and it is possible that Labour will pick a candidate who will find some way of running successfully against Corbyn as well as the Conservatives, though it is hard to imagine quite how that can be done. At the 2015 general election, the Labour candidate in Copeland, Jamie Reed, who has held the seat since taking in on from Jack Cunningham in 2005, gained 16,750 votes, with the Conservatives on 14,186 and UKIP on 6,148. Reed has now decided to resign and take a job at the Sellafield nuclear plant. Just after David Cameron resigned last summer, Reed wrote a letter to Corbyn accusing him of seeking to inject unprecedented poison into our party, and urging him to follow Camerons example. In this relatively remote region, the nuclear industry provides 10,000 skilled, well-paid, highly unionised jobs, and the expectation is that the development of the projected Moorside nuclear plant will create another 21,000 jobs. So Whitehaven, which is just up the coast from Sellafield, is a bit of a paradox. In some ways, it feels like the back of beyond: a handsome but neglected town which has known better days, for it used to be a major herring port: one man said proudly he could remember when you could walk across its three harbours by stepping from fishing boat to fishing boat. In the eighteenth century, this port enjoyed a flourishing trade with the Caribbean, Virginia and Maryland. Over 1,000 ships were built in Whitehaven, and it is also proud of its rich coal and rail history, with 260 locomotives built nearby. But approached from the south, it is today two hours by car from the M6, and by train takes slightly longer to reach from London than Edinburgh or Glasgow. To do so, one takes the main line to Carlisle, and changes for the last hour onto a line served by antiquated diesel stock. If one wishes to arrive before lunch, this is a staggeringly expensive exercise: a return ticket bought yesterday morning for the 7.30 a.m. train from Euston cost 322. The lunch itself, in Arrighis restaurant, established in 1908, was better value: pie, peas and gravy for 2.95. Carla Arrighi, who was born over this establishment and is the third generation of her family to run it, has served for the last two years as an independent town and borough councillor. She said of the by-election: I think the Tories may take it if they put through the right candidate. Arrighi lamented that there are 27 empty shops in Whitehaven, mostly owned by people out of the area, and going into states of disrepair. She also feels let down by Reed: He went before he was pushed. But Casey Herve, 24, who works in McDowells newsagents, had nothing but praise for Reed: He has done a lot for my family. My brother had leukaemia when he was young. Jamie got him in the Army, Jamie helped a lot. He was lovely. She thinks that as long as Labour finds a local candidate like Reed, it will hold the seat. So one can foresee one of those inglorious by-election contests in which each candidate claims to be more local than the others. Another issue is immigration. Many people mentioned this subject spontaneously, and demanded curbs. Corbyn will today begin, belatedly, to respond to this demand, but it is questionable whether he will carry much conviction. Gordon Brown responded, rather clumsily, to traditional Labour voters by declaring himself in favour of British jobs for British workers. In Whitehaven, one has the impression they would prefer a slogan which said Cumbrian jobs for Cumbrian workers: the idea that the huge new nuclear power station might be built almost entirely by outsiders is deeply unpopular. But there is one issue which could favour Labour. West Cumberland Hospital, situated in a suburb of Whitehaven, is in danger of losing some of its services to Carlisle, 40 miles away. This too was mentioned spontaneously by many voters, who are appalled that mothers giving birth could be condemned to such a long journey. There is among these Old Labour voters a pleasant tendency to hold to the long-established tenets of their faith. Margaret Thatcher is still blamed, though with less rancour, for the collapse of pretty much everything, including the coal mines. But she also received a word or two of praise. One man said: My Dads 81 years old now. Hes been a coal miner all his life. A staunch Labour man. And yet he says the best thing Margaret Thatcher ever did was let us buy our council house. And it is noticeable that Theresa May is not yet blamed for anything. I think your leaders going to be a good one, someone said. I think shes shown some balls. I think shell be the next Thatcher. I think shell be really, really good. I voted Labour all my life. Perhaps by the time the by-election is held, this favourable estimate will have worn off, and there will be a reversion to traditional voting patterns. But it is striking that just now, these profoundly traditional Labour voters respect May more than they respect their own leader. It is possible to imagine a by-election in which Labour voters abstain in such numbers that they let the Conservative in. If Corbyn fails to raise his game, he could find himself humiliated by the very people who until recently were his partys core working-class supporters. WILLIAMSTOWN, Ontario Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter took a tour of four schools in Cornwall and SD&G. Under the Upper Canada School Boards (UCDSB) Pupil Accommodation Review, all four school could eventually be closed, pending Ministry funding. Im here today to listen to the students, parents and the community, Hunter told the media after her tour of Char-Lan District High School. When asked what she thought of the school, Hunter praised what she saw as passion for the school and said that the UCDSB was seeking to promote a strong learning curriculum for the 21st century. Schools are the heart of a rural community and I understand that, she said. I see a lot of passion for learning here and the focus of the school board and teachers is to prepare students for 21st century learning. Char-Lan DHS could be closed by July 2017 if the UCDSBs Pupil Accommodation Review (PAR) is carried out. One reason cited by the school board was a change in funding from the Ministry of Education. Minister Hunter said that Provincial funding for rural schools has in fact grown over the past few years. As far as funding from the Province for schools goes we have invested $3.7 billion in 2016-2017, she said. Since 2013 our investment in rural schools has increased. Other SD&G and Cornwall schools that Hunter visited on her tour included Long Sault Public School, CCVS, Glengarry District High School and the tour ended and Char-Lan DHS. The UCDSB plans on closing Char-Lan at the end of June 2017 and sending those students 30 minutes away to Cornwall to CCVS. The plan is opposed by most community members at the affected schools. Close While Orlando Brown wanted everyone to believe that he was fine being recasted in the "That's So Raven Spinoff," his actions are pretty obvious that he is not taking it well. A bizarre clip of the troubled star has surfaced online where he blasted Raven-Symone and even threatened her to end this once and for all. The 29-year-old actor slammed Raven-Symone in a clip, saying that "The View" host has been "trolling" his page. To get back at her, Orlando Brown seemingly threatened his former co-star and fling in the Instagram video. Clearly, Orlando Brown is still not over the fact that he has not been invited to reprise his role as Eddie Thomas in the Disney Channel spinoff. A video posted by @24hrcelebhotline on Dec 4, 2016 at 10:15am PST "Im coming to see you and we're gonna end this like real world adults," Orlando Brown said in the clip, noting that he's not playing any games anymore. The former "That's So Raven" actor's behavior had been questionable lately and he's certainly not happy for being replaced in the Disney reboot and took his aim at "The View" host. Raven-Symone and Orlando Brown have had their share of beef, which may be the reason why the latter was off the cast of the "That's So Raven" reboot. Orlando Brown made headlines this year when he suggested that he had a romantic relationship with Raven-Symone and claimed that "The View" host got pregnant and aborted the baby. As if that wasn't enough, Orlando Brown got on the wrong side of the law when he was arrested for allegedly striking his girlfriend. With "That's So Raven" being known as a family sitcom, this domestic situation may have caused Orlando Brown to be replaced as Eddie in "That's So Raven" spinoff. The troubled star was initially believed to be replaced by YouTube sensation, Alonzo Lerone. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close Tom Cruise has been missing in action from his daughter, Suri Cruise, life and it's not just because he has a terribly hectic work schedule. The "Mission Impossible" actor's absence is reportedly a result of his loyalty to his controversial church, Scientology. But is he now willing to give up his beliefs for his daughter with Katie Holmes? Scientology recently opened a new location in San Diego but Tom Cruise was nowhere to be found. Being the face of Scientology for years, many expected to see the 54-year-old "Jerry Maguire" actor in the event. Since he wasn't there, many speculated that Tom Cruise may be slowly removing himself from the cult-like religion, hence his absence during the important gathering. Although his absence in Scientology's even was intriguing, Tom Cruise and the controversial church has not yet commented on the issue. It seems like it was just yesterday when Tom Cruise couldn't contain himself in showing how much he loved Katie Holmes. Fast forward to 2017, the "Dawson's Creek" star is now struggling to be a mother and a father to her and Tom Cruise daughter, Suri Cruise, as the actor has been absent in their daughter's life for such a long time. Sespite all the heartache and hardships that she has faced, Katie Holmes has kept a mostly positive attitude about her rocky life. "I've learned from everything, and everything sort of leads you to the next place. I just keep going," Katie Holmes told Ocean Drive magazine, adding that she did not regret anything the she has done in her life. Although Katie Holmes didn't mention her ex-husband Tom Cruise, it is highly likely that she is referring to her six year marriage with the Mission: Impossible action star. The main reason for their split was reportedly about the controversial ties of Tom Cruise with Scientology. Meanwhile, it was previously reported that Katie Holmes' rumored boyfriend Jamie Foxx may adopt Suri Cruise. While fans were still busy picking up their after learning the shocking report, GossipCop quickly slammed the idea, stating that the actor's rep has already denied the adoption rumors. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close After a long hiatus, Nokia is back in the smartphone limelight with the Nokia 6. The Finnish brand was one of the top brand's smartphone buyers went for though expectations may need to be lowered with the new Android-powered offering now under the tutelage of HMD Global. Aside from the fact that the Nokia 6 is mid-range and now runs on Android, another stinger is the fact that the device will only be exclusively available only in China where it will be priced at about $246. No official release date has been mentioned though the belief is that it will hit the market in 2017, according to HMD Global. Outside of the return of the Nokia brand, HMD Global made clear its intentions on the mid-range tier. The Nokia 6 was meant to address the realistic needs of the consumer market over in China where there are over 552 million smartphone users. That number is expected to swell to 593 this year which explains why HMD Global decided to focus on the Chinese market. Regardless if the device is destined to debut only in China, most want to know the specs which the Nokia 6 would carry. The device will sport a 5.5-inch full HD screen and turn to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor with X6 LTE modem to account for longer battery life. It will also have 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of internal storage and run on the latest Android 7.0 Nougat. For media, the Nokia 6 will have Dolby Atmos support going along with the 16 MP main camera and a front-facing 8 MP snapper, Slash Gear reported. The Nokia 6 is reportedly a result of listening to the consumer market according to CEO Arto Nummela. The revived flagship was made to address the needs of smartphone users at a manageable level with a global debut still unknown at this time. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Kerrville, TX (78028) Today Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Channel programs News CompuCom To Cut 144 Texas Employees In March Michael Novinson Share this Systems integration powerhouse CompuCom told Texas authorities that it would be laying off 144 workers at its Plano facility on March 6. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice was filed Jan. 4, less than a month after the $1.9 billion company, No. 23 on the CRN Solution Provider 500, announced it would be moving its corporate headquarters from Plano to South Carolina. CompuCom Chief Marketing Officer Jonathan James told CRN that the layoffs weren't connected to the corporate relocation but were, instead, the result of CompuCom shifting service desk operations from Plano to offices in Louisville, Ky., Mexico City and Ontario, Canada. [RELATED: Carolina On Its Mind: CompuCom To Move Corporate Headquarters From Texas to South Carolina] Workers were notified about the service desk operations reorganization in mid-2016 and a majority of the affected employees are no longer with the company, James said, as first reported by The Dallas Morning News. More than 350 of CompuCom's 11,500 global employees are currently working out of Plano. Plano will remain home to a couple of hundred CompuCom jobs, its cloud technology group and network operations center (NOC), and the company's chief legal counsel and head of its cloud technology services group, James told CRN last month. CompuCom recently signed a seven-year lease for its Plano site, and James told CRN last month that the company would not be moving any new jobs from Texas. CompuCom's relocation to South Carolina is expected to create more than 1,500 corporate and contact center jobs in the Charlotte, N.C. suburbs, James told CRN last month. Bringing CompuCom's product and service development teams together in Indian Land, S.C. will allow them to work more closely with one another and CompuCom's senior leadership, James said at the time. CompuCom's contact center employees are spread across Texas; Louisville, Ky.; and Charlotte, the company said. Moving to the South Carolina will put CompuCom closer to many of its clients in the retail, financial services, healthcare and insurance verticals, James told CRN last month. The South Carolina hires will mostly be in newly-created roles across the field technician, service desk personnel and functional role support domains, James said. CompuCom promoted Dan Stone, the leader of its end-user enablement division, to CEO in early December. Before joining CompuCom, Stone had spent eight years as an executive at Lenovo, which has its U.S. headquarters near Raleigh-Durham, N.C. Networking News CenturyLink's SAP Solution Provider Purchase Means More Managed Services Opportunities For Partners Gina Narcisi Share this CenturyLink's acquisition of solution provider Seal Consulting will help the telecom deepen its consulting services around SAP solutions, and CenturyLink partners will be able to profit from the new expertise, too. Monroe, La.-based CenturyLink on Monday announced it would acquire Seal Consulting, an Edison, N.J.-based solution provider that specializes in implementing and supporting a wide range of SAP solutions, including SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business Suite, SAP CRM, SAP Basis, SAP Security, SAP Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence supply chain management, and governance, risk and compliance solutions. CenturyLink is no stranger to SAP. CenturyLink's chief enterprise relationship officer and president of its Advanced Solutions Group, Gary Gauba, was also the former Chairman and CEO of Cognilytics, before Centurylink acquired the predictive analytics, big data, and business intelligence solutions provider in 2014. The acquisition helped CenturyLink take its relationship to the next level, Gauba said. Today, CenturyLink is a global premium supplier partner for SAP and currently offers hosting for SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud services. [Related: CenturyLink Steps Up Its SAP Game, Scoops Up SAP Solution Provider Seal Consulting] The acquisition of Seal Consulting will let CenturyLink deepen its SAP expertise further, build out a more all-encompassing SAP portfolio, and also get into new verticals through SAP's solutions for the retail, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, Gauba told CRN. For many carriers, such as CenturyLink and AT&T, the first entry into SAP is simply hosting the solutions for customers that wanted SAP hosted in a hardened environment. With Seal, CenturyLink can take its relationship with SAP up a notch, while offering consulting knowledge around the offerings, according to John Hudson, director of service provider solutions for Lumenate, a Dallas-based IT consulting firm and CenturyLink partner. "I like this for CenturyLink because it's furthering their goals that they stated several years ago that they want to become not just a service provider, but a solutions provider," Hudson said. Lumenate has many customers that use SAP solutions, but the company doesn't have its own practice around SAP. However, Lumenate would be interested if CenturyLink integrates SAP solutions and consulting services into its partner program, Hudson said. "If it becomes channel-ready and we can get paid on it, I wouldnt mind dipping my toes into that water," he said. CenturyLink's bulked up SAP practice and consulting services will indeed mean more managed services offerings for its partner community, confirmed Gauba. As a result, partners will be able to earn new recurring revenue streams on SAP solutions and managed SAP services, he said. "SAP is making innovations around big data, security, and IoT. It's very good for the entire ecosystem," Gauba said. "We are looking to drive more value, not only for our customers but for our partners and their customers, too." While terms of the deal are not being revealed, Seal Consulting employees will become CenturyLink employees, giving the carrier and its partners access to an experienced team of SAP experts, Gauba said. "The employees are a big reason why we made this acquisition," Gauba said. "This gives us more resources around our [existing] SAP offerings for partners and customers." That deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017. Security News CRN Exclusive: SecurityScorecard Launches Inaugural Partner Program Sarah Kuranda Share this SecurityScorecard is launching its inaugural partner program, looking to go from a direct sales model to one that is fully invested in the channel, the company announced today. SecurityScorecard, based in New York City, offers a SaaS platform that gathers data to determine security risk factors for an organization and assigns the company a risk rating grade. The platform can be used to assess a company's own risk or that of its third-party vendors or acquisition targets. The partner program is by invitation only, with a tight set of requirements and benefits for partners. It features a net margin model and margin protection for partners. SecurityScorecard has already signed up Gotham Technology Group, Optiv Security, GuidePoint Security, Bayside Solutions and Sycomp as partners, the company said. [Related: RSA Names Former EMC Enterprise Content Division Leader As New President] The partner program launch comes shortly after the appointment of Michael Rogers as vice president of strategic alliances and channel sales. Rogers joined SecurityScorecard in September from Tanium, where he was vice president of global VAR, consulting and system integrator partners. While SecurityScorecard has been mostly a direct sales company to date, Rogers told CRN that the company has been pushing toward a majority channel model since it raised $20 million in Series B funding in June, led by Google Ventures. He said the company, from CEO Aleksandr Yampolskiy on down, is now fully focused on moving business through partners. Rogers said his philosophy for the channel is to build a "bidirectional value exchange," with both partners and the manufacturer deriving value from the relationship. He said SecurityScorecard will look to recruit partners selectively to find those partners willing to invest and to not oversaturate the market. He said the company will also make careful hiring decisions as it expands its sales teams, hiring those with experience in the channel, sales and security. He said SecurityScorecard will also be shifting incentive with current sales teams to ensure full commitment to partners. "We want to recruit the right partners and hold them accountable to what they say they want to do but we also have to hold ourselves accountable," Rogers said. Ken Phelan, chief technology officer at Montvale, N.J.-based Gotham Technology Group, said it is good to see SecurityScorecard moving from a direct sales model to a channel-focused approach. He said he would like to now see the security vendor to get the word out by investing in marketing and training to get customers and partners up to speed on the technology. "There's a natural lifecycle to companies as they come out of the gate and sell direct We're excited to work with [SecurityScorecard] and we're catching this wave at the right time," Phelan said. Rogers said the value proposition for partners is the same as why he joined the company late last year: a solution that can provide a security grade on a company's posture and health non-intrusively. He said partners can use that to help clients determine their own security posture, that of their third-party vendors or offer it as a managed service to their clients. That's a market that is only continuing to grow, COO and co-founder Sam Kassoumeh said, as use cases for the solution expand and events, such as the Yahoo breaches threatening its Verizon acquisition, highlight the need for solutions like SecurityScorecard. "What we've learned over the past three years after going to market and receiving feedback is the application is much, much more broad than we ever imagined," Kassoumeh said. Phelan he has already spoken to several customers about SecurityScorecard. He said customers are looking for tools to better communicate the value of their security investments to the executive boards, as well as track the risk of subcontractors and others with third-party network access. "It's very important from our perspective that were bringing new and interesting technology [We need the] cutting edge of what the community is looking for," Phelan said. CEO On Big Switch's Forecast For 2017 Software-defined networking specialist Big Switch Networks has big plans in store for its channel community in 2017, including more technology partnerships, a revamped partner program and a tighter relationship with Dell-EMC. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based networking vendor grew its software subscription business a whopping 300 percent in 2016, according to CEO Douglas Murray. "As we build out our channel structure and strategy, we want to make sure we're addressing -- not just [with] the channel partners we're working with directly -- but also channel partners that are buying our products from Dell, VMware, Red Hat and others," said Murray. In an exclusive interview with CRN, Murray also talks about his vision for the SDN startup, competition with Cisco Systems, and what's in store for channel partners in 2017. The future is incredibly bright for PortMiami, with Juan Kuryla, port director, seeing the potential of seven million passengers by the 2021-2022 cruise season. Fiscal year 2016 saw the port just miss the 5 million passenger number, booking 4.98 million cruise guests, but a number of big projects are underway. Terminal capacity is being added for MSCs year-round operation for the Seaside. We are enlarging the terminal and buying new passenger boarding bridges, said Kuryla. We are delighted to be doing this work. The Seaside will pair alongside MSCs Divina, and more capacity is expected from the Italian line as it builds up its North American program. Royal Deal Just a bit up from MSCs turnaround operation, the port has leased 10 acres of land to Royal Caribbean, which will build and operate its own cruise terminal in time for late 2018, and most likely, the arrival of some very big cruise ships. Discussions on the deal started in 2014, with the port taking a MOU to the county commission in September 2015. The agreement was finalized in June 2016, which the port has referred to as a successful public-private partnership. The timing was perfect when we started negotiating, Kuryla told Cruise Industry News. The port did not have the resources to float the additional debt and it was a model Royal Caribbean found attractive. He said with Royals orderbook the new facility fits well into their expansion plans. This will be a landmark, signature facility for Royal Caribbean and for PortMiami. The port director expects five and a half million passengers for 2017-2018 and to break six million come 2018-2019. More Is Coming You are going to see additional throughput we cannot talk about now, said Kuryla, hinting that more was in the works. Come 2020, Virgin Voyages will also make Miami home. Its all coming into play, Kuryla continued. We are talking to every one of our partners and laying the groundwork for growth. Discussions are ongoing with Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) on their long-term agreements. Kuryla said he expected an amendment to the NCLH agreement to be presented in early 2017. For 2017, Celebrity will move the Equinox out of Europe in favor of a summer season from Miami. Disneys seasonal program with the Magic is solid through 2019, and a bigger presence is expected after that. Terminal J, which is used by mid-sized ships, may also be on the list to be replaced with a larger and more modern facility. Harbor pilots have extended the berthing capacity for the location, and with an updated tug requirement, larger vessels are now permitted to navigate and berth at Terminal J. It opens the window for a larger class of vessel, said Kuryla. Ill be bold now By the time we finish fiscal year 2021 we could be at seven million passengers, and that is 40 percent growth (from 2016), he continued, attributing it to customer service, the ports staff and the value it offers. Carnival UK is currently reviewing a Northern Europe itinerary planned for 2018, citing a news article in The New York Times from April of 2015 that the Norwegian town of Fredrikstad, 60 miles south of Oslo, has generated fighters for ISIS, according to Caroline Pettersen, sales manager for cruise and conferences for the Fredrikstad Cruise Port. Carnival had planned five calls at Fredrikstad for 2018, but has notified the port verbally that the calls have been suspended, Pettersen said. She added that she is working with Carnival UK, hoping to have the calls reinstated, and said that terrorism has never been an issue in the town or the region. According to statements from the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) and local police, Fredrikstad is as safe town to visit as any other town in Norway. According to the Fredrikstad police department, of the people who are believed to have joined ISIS, several have died in Syria and those who have returned have been investigated and imprisoned. Working jointly, the police and the community have initiated efforts to prevent the radicalization of young people and said that as a result the recruitment has since been halted. The police department underscored that Fredrikstad has never experienced any acts of terrorism. Following a call by the Adonia in August 2015, Carnival UK had planned to bring a larger ship to Fredrikstad in 2018. Pettersen said the port can accommodate ships up to 290 meters in length. She said a wide range of local attractions include nature, culture, food and beverage, and history, in addition to day-long excursions to Oslo. At press time, Carnival UK had not responded to inquiries. Update (Jan. 11): A Carnival UK spokesperson has issued the following statement: "Whilst it is not included in any of our current itineraries, Adonia called into Fredrikstad in August 2015. We are exploring options for including Fredrikstad along with many other Norwegian ports as part of the summer 2019 programme." The new MSC Seaview will head to Brazil for winter 2018-2019 after her debut season sailing in the Mediterranean. MSC sales literature released in the UK market shows the 2018-built ship repositioning from the Mediterranean for Santos in Brazil. Prior to that, the ship spends her inaugural season homeporting in Genoa, offering week-long cruises with calls in Italy, Malta, Spain and France. The Splendida, meanwhile, will not re-position to China year-round, as previously expected, and will sail back from Shanghai for the 2018-2019 winter season in the Middle East, sailing from Dubai on week-long cruises with calls in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar. The 2017-built MSC Meraviglia will sail in Northern Europe in 2018, using Hamburg as a turn-around port in the summer. The MSC Divina will also leave her year-round post in Miami to offer the 2018 summer season via seven-day cruises from Genoa, with alternative embarkation in Rome, Valencia and Marseille. The Seaside will stay in Miami for 2018, and the Divina will be back in the Caribbean for the 2018-2019 winter. Holland America Line wrapped three commuter trains that will run on the Sound Transit Light Rail System in Seattle. The trains, which are wrapped to resemble the Koningsdam, will be featured through April 2017, when the summer cruise season to Alaska begins from the Port of Seattle. A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the University of Washington Station, with Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford and Honorary Captain Miles Lamb, an 11-year-old cancer survivor and patient of Seattle Childrens Hospital. According to a statement, during the ceremony Holland America Line presented a $5,000 check to Strong Against Cancer, an effort to gain funding for a cancer immunotherapy treatment being developed at Seattle Childrens Hospital with support from volunteer team captain Russell Wilson. As Seattles Hometown Cruise Line, were always looking for creative ways to increase awareness that were headquartered here. We sail from Seattle to Alaska all summer long, and we are a big contributor and supporter of the local community, said Ashford. Millions of people ride Seattles light rail each year, and we're excited to have these eye-catching trains sailing around the city and spreading the word in a fun and engaging way. Miles is a wonderful young man and a great honorary captain for Holland America Lines first-ever rail ships, added Ashford. This event also gave us a great opportunity to continue our support of Seattle Childrens Hospital and Strong Against Cancer to treat cancer among children. I remain an outspoken critic of the notion that we have an actual critical skills shortage. I accept that some folks have a tough time finding and retaining the talent they seek. Lost in the discussion is often what to do about it. Im a proponent of education. My recent work in South Carolina, however, opened my eyes to the concept of a technical vocational track. Think STEM (though I prefer STEAM - thats another post) that prepares our children for immediate, gratifying jobs that pay well. What role does higher education and advanced degrees play? What prompted this conversation is an email thread that started when John Boling shared his reactions to a call for people to get a Masters degree in Cyber Security. He disagreed. John Boling (@CySocSci) is a security veteran who followed his own path to success. Currently working as a Senior Security Consultant, he started on the front lines supporting MS-DOS and Windows before completing degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the National Intelligence University. A conforming contradiction, he boldly blends business, technology, and social science to understand security threats. Ive known John for over a decade. I continue to marvel at the consistency in which he sees things before others. He also routinely helps others make connections that benefit them. I trust his analysis and seek his opinion on a regular basis. His message caught my attention when it started with a simple summary: There is only one, I repeat 1, reason to spend time in graduate school focused on security principals for technology: You have a passion for it!!! His message was in response to a blog post suggesting the solution to our shortage was higher educated and advanced degrees. Our resulting discussion shares insights important for security leaders to consider. A lot is written lately about mindset as a key factor for success. You note the importance of mindset as a starting point for security. Why? Mindset is the critical success factor in many industries. Would you want a teacher that is just collecting a check to babysit, or one that inspires and encourages their students? While their passion may wax and wane over the years, deep down a successful teacher exists to teach. The medical industry is another one that shows the importance of mindset within specific roles. Consider all the jobs related to caring for patients. Many doctors would make horrible EMTs even with their knowledge, and many good quality EMTs do not have the desire to pursue a medical degree. These roles are symbiotic and feed different needs for the practitioners. This comparative game can be played for many roles within this industry. The security discipline requires a desire to solve problems while living in a world of ambiguity with constant change the norm. While practitioners tweak and alter machines to solve problems, much of this activity occurs between the ears. Better tools that highlight what is important continue to emerge, but in the end it remains a head game. This would drive many crazy, they want something concrete. Some argue successfully meeting the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals requires additional investment in computer science and engineering. I disagree. There are many examples of people in this industry that succeeded despite having the bluechip computer science degree. When asked how they succeed, many tend to point to personality traits or interests that describe this mindset. While base knowledge does help, it does not need to come through a college degree structured around how some succeeded. What are the common misconceptions you see around the blanket requirements for technical skills and corresponding degrees? Computer science is an often used educational tollgate. This misleads the hiring process because not all university programs seek the same outcomes. Some focus on preparing students for graduate school through theory, while others offer applied flavors focused on programming, software engineering, and networking. Wide variances exist, but few acknowledge them. Shoot, there was a time some schools offered big iron computer science degrees after the die was cast for the demise of mainframes. At best, a computer science degree suggests an interest in technology and a desire to understand how it works. While important, other pathways exist. Not sure how true it is today, but at one time most CEOs held an undergraduate degree in history or liberal arts. Why not business, law, accounting or leadership? This demonstrates how wrong preconceived ideas about the right path for success can be. It is really hard to predict where and how someone lands during their career. Look around the security industry today. How many leaders dont even have loosely related technology degrees? Even some advocating for expanding and relying on computer science to meet future industry needs do not hold such credentials. I know one with an economics degree from an Ivy League school that should have led their career elsewhere. The tightly bound box around educational and skills requirements exists either out of complacency or to keep others from entering the arena. Too many see security roles as monolithic when they are not. Like others, this industry needs a mosaic of skills and capabilities to succeed. Not all are technical. And even the technical ones, many do not require guru-like knowledge. Is there a disconnect between a degree and success? Yes, just look around. How many coworkers in this industry actually meet the proposed requirements? How many hold computer science or engineering degrees? Does earning a higher degree equate to higher pay? And is that an important consideration? It is hard to argue about higher pay and potential for opening up unexpected opportunities coming through the acquisition of proscribed undergraduate and potential advanced degrees. But, example demonstrates no requirement for achieving success. What investment offers the greatest return on investment of time and money? Investing years pursuing a degree or becoming involved in the community while teaching oneself. Its a tough gamble, but success remains about hard work and perseverance. Don't get me wrong. I am an academic. I hold multiple degrees, but they fed curiosity. Only one loosely related to security of employment. One could argue that going back to school cost me money. It removed me from a dynamic environment within a large tech firm to end up taking a paycheck from Uncle Sam. Even so, I wouldn't change my path. I cannot dismiss the path others choose. If that path is through studying poetry before getting the computer bug, I'm alright with that path. You should have entertaining briefings. Or, if your path took you on multiple "cruises" while in uniform, good for you. The key is as an industry we must not get beholden to the path, but recognize it takes a mosaic of skills and experiences to fully understand the scope of issues. What does this mean for a security leader - either looking for qualified people or pondering their own educational path? The security industry continues a path towards an environment where credentialed knowledge is a requirement for entry. Resisting the temptation to rely on computer science and engineering remains difficult, but must occur. Degrees and certifications are one measurement, but they do not show the it needed to succeed in this industry. The constant change and ambiguity requires a tenacity to propel security professionals forward. Knowledge requirements remain in constant flux. Practitioners cannot sit still. There are few formulas that remain constant. While reinvention brings concepts back, they only rhyme when applied to new computing models and security threats. Elements of base knowledge exist, but do not discount the need for creativity and passion. It is an industry of structure and chaos. Therefore, a mosaic of skills and experience enhances the industrys ability to mitigate unknown unknowns. Do not discount the potential contributions an economist or poet can make. Beyond hiring or learning, the security leader needs to ensure security concepts get embedded into the education process. Just as dont talk to strangers is common during elementary school, these concepts can be incorporated in general education. They are not the exclusive dominion of security programs. Other programs of study should incorporate concepts related to security. A drug dealer was sentenced Tuesday for his role in selling more than 80,000 oxycodone pills from New Haven to Milford to Greenwich, largely through government-funded prescription drug plans. Alejandro Pun Prosper, 36, of New Haven, was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison for his role in the scheme, which included purchasing pills from middlemen and selling them directly to consumers, according to a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Deirdre M. Daly. The letter that criticizes UN Resolution 2334 exemplifies the arrogance and ingratitude of Israel Right or Wrong supporters. Over the past decades, the U.S. has supported Israel not for entirely benevolent reasons, of course to the tune of billions, despite Israels blatant violations of UN resolutions and its continued occupation of Palestinian territories, as well as the Israeli governments contempt for the lives of ordinary Palestinian civilians. God forbid anyone criticize Israeli policy, but any criticism of Israel is immediately attributed to that tired trump card excuse the expression anti-Semitism. There will never be peace in the Middle East as long as the U.S. blindly supports Israeli policies. Will Duchon Stratford Cuba and the US sign deal on oil-spill prevention Submitted by: Juana Havana United States 01 / 10 / 2017 The governments of Cuba and the United States signed in Havana an agreement on the readiness and answer to oil and other toxic substances spills in the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits. At the emblematic Hotel Nacional, U.S. Charge d'Affaires Jeffrey DeLaurentis and Cuban Deputy Minister of Transportation, penned the legal-binding document that will enable both countries to coordinate fast and effective actions to reduce to a minimum damages arisen from such disasters. Rodriguez said this is a very significant step for Cuba and the US and it will take them to the creation of a coordination plan on the actions for the prevention, readiness and answer in the face of oil and other toxic substances spills that will damage the marine and coastal environment. This agreement will boost cooperation in the training of personnel and will guarantee equipment and technology. Exploration and production of oil, and the maritime traffic associated to these activities are pollution risks for the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, he said. Meanwhile, DeLaurentis said todays signing of this agreement was one of a series of deals to protect the shared marine environment of the two neighboring countries separated by just 90 miles (145 km) of water. He added that the US Coast Guard and the State Department have developed a close and professional relationship with their Cuban counterparts. County-specific poll may foretell whether Pa. is going blue or red The Duchess of Cambridge is disappointed her 2013 case against publishers in France, remains stuck in the countrys legal system The Duchess of Cambridge is disappointed her 2013 case against publishers in France, who printed snaps of her sunbathing topless at a private chateau there, remains stuck in the countrys legal system. Although several photographers and the editor of Closer magazines local edition were arrested and charged, their trial, due to start this week, is now delayed until May at least. Its a disappointment for Kate and Prince William but itll be far worse if they lose and face a large legal bill, says my source. Sky Newss personable Sophy Ridge, 32, is going to be up against ITV rival Robert Peston with her new Sunday morning political programme. But for her launch show, ITV instead broadcast a 1970s comedy film, Carry On Up The Jungle. It did feature a Peston lookalike, the late Charles Hawtrey, pictured, as King Tonka. RE Kates topless pictures, US president-elect Donald Trump said at the time: Who wouldnt take Kates picture and make lots of money if she does the nude sunbathing thing? Come on Kate! The rascal added: Kate Middleton is great but she shouldnt be sunbathing in the nude. Only herself to blame. Kate has attended only one of the 11 state banquets held since she married William. Trumps is one shell bin I suspect. Apropos Trump, he possesses the charm of John Wayne and is that type of American who puts his views forcefully and speaks plainly, though he is very courteous in person and almost never coarse. So says ex-Telegraph proprietor Conrad Black. Whats he after? As President, Trump can rescind Toronto-based Blacks ban from the US, the result of a 2007 conviction in Chicago for fraud and obstruction of justice. Television writer Steven Moffat, 55, co-creator of the fading, BBC1 drama, Sherlock, claims in the Radio Times: There was a fairly long time we thought [the current] series four might not happen. President-elect Donald Trump said: Kate Middleton is great but she shouldnt be sunbathing in the nude. Only herself to blame. Then he and fellow writer Mark Gatiss sat down, got very excited about some ideas, and in time pitched them to Sue. A reference to Sherlock producer Sue Vertue, 56, who happens to be Moffats wife. Small world! Mariah Careys much-deplored performance at the New Years Rockin Eve show in New Yorks Times Square, when miming to her own song failed, moves vituperative feminist academic Camille Paglia to comment: In her needlessly risque nude bodysuit, she looked like a splitting sack of over-ripe cantaloupes. So unsisterly! So begins a week of industrial action that is sure to rank among the worst in living memory. In London, militant unions brought the city to its knees with a 24-hour Tube walkout. Today, drivers on Southern Rail will begin three days of strikes cynically timed to cause maximum disruption. At Heathrow, dozens of British Airways flights will be grounded by a 48-hour cabin crew strike, while train workers on Arriva Rail North are balloted in a pay dispute. Commuters on London Bridge: In London, militant unions brought the city to its knees with a 24-hour Tube walkout Soon, barely any part of the country will be unaffected by the menacing new union militancy slowly choking Britain. The damage is not just economic although yesterdays Tube strike alone was estimated to have cost 300million. On areas served by Southern the colossal impact of a year-long dispute is measured in lost jobs, failed firms and ruined lives. None of the strike actions has even the feeblest justification. Driver-only operated trains, the cause of the Southern row, have operated for 30 years, and been declared safe by regulators again and again. The same excuse is delivered with unbearable sanctimony by Tube unions to try to justify their walkout. But their casual disregard for public safety was utterly exposed across the capital yesterday, not least at Clapham Junction, Britains busiest interchange, where passengers had to be evacuated because of dangerous overcrowding. In truth, for militant union barons like Mick Cash of the RMT, strikes are just the exercise of old-fashioned labour muscle, to extract yet more generous pay and perks. So, in their hour of need, who can passengers look to for help among the political classes? So, in their hour of need, who can passengers look to for help among the political classes? Certainly not London Mayor Sadiq Khan Nor Jeremy Corbyn, who cant walk past a picket line without wanting to stand on it, and who sees the hard-Left unions as his political brothers-in-arms. Certainly not London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who took a 10,000 campaign donation from one of the striking unions, the TSSA, while disingenuously promising zero days of strikes. Nor Jeremy Corbyn, who cant walk past a picket line without wanting to stand on it, and who sees the hard-Left unions as his political brothers-in-arms. As for our ineffectual Transport Secretary Chris Grayling does he even have a plan to rescue Britain from the union bully boys? Clearly he must urgently revisit anti-strike laws, such as making the unions pay for the losses they cause. At the very least, unions could be forced to provide a minimum service level on strike days. If the Government carries on doing nothing, it will condemn Britains already beleaguered passengers to even more delay, frustration and misery. The real NHS crisis It isnt, as the Red Cross ludicrously claimed, a humanitarian crisis but few could doubt the NHS is in a grave situation this winter. A&E units closing to ambulances 42 times in a week... An elderly woman dying after 35 hours on a trolley... Hospitals cancelling operations to free up staff... It may be true that, as Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says, one in three of those who go to A&E arent seriously unwell. It may be true that, as Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says, one in three of those who go to A&E arent seriously unwell But whats the real reason so many turn up to hospitals in desperation? Isnt it because they find it impossible to see their GP, with most surgeries closing at the weekend and out-of-hours services next to nonexistent? Mr Hunt deserves credit for attempting to confront some of the colossal problems within our health service unlike those opposition politicians and unions for whom the only answer is to pour yet more money down the black hole. An exasperated mother who grew sick of trying to persuade her teenage daughter to return from a shopping trip had the last laugh when she picked her up wearing her pyjamas. Mumsnet user Flumpsnlumpsnstuff revealed how she got revenge on the rebellious 13-year-old by walking around town in a 'zebra dressing gown and teddy bear pyjamas' until she found her daughter. Fellow parents poured praise on the mother, who snapped and decided to go out in her nightwear after being told she was being 'unfair' to ask her daughter to come home on time. Scroll down for video A mother took to Mumsnet to say that she got her own back on her daughter by turning up in town to pick her up in her bear pyjamas In the post, Flumpsnlumpsnstuff explains that she's had a stressful week and her only day off from work had been filled with household chores. When the 13-year-old, in town with friends, announced that she needed picking up 'two hours later' than her agreed curfew, her mother decided to hatch a plan. She says: 'I tried to call repeatedly and got diverted, I texted asking her to call and explaining this wasn't acceptable. She text back I was being unfair and she wasn't leaving till she was ready. 'I decided to go fetch her there and then, in my fetching teddy bear pyjamas and zebra dressing gown. I walked around town til I found her and to say she was mortified was an understatement. I don't think I'll even need to ground her.' A lot of Mumsnet users were in agreement that what the mother did to her daughter was hilarious The response on Mumsnet to the drastic action was entirely positive. NapQueen wrote: 'That's a total win for Parenting A Teen award!' while EuropeanSwallow said: 'You are my hero today.' Others recounted similar tales of how they'd battled with their own teenagers or heard of similar stories. CondensedMilkSarnies reassured: 'Humiliation is the only thing teens respond to!I tracked my DD down in a park once (she refused to come home and was being really horrible). 'There she was trying to be cool with her mates, drinking beer ( she was 15)! I asked her to come and get in the car - she swore at me so I got on the see-saw and started singing see saw Marjorie Daw. She got in the car.' whinetasting once got on her father's bad side after a 2:30am drunken night out. They write: 'I spent all my cash on vodka and black (1980s) and called him about 2.30am. NapQueen wrote: 'That's a total win for Parenting A Teen award!' while EuropeanSwallow said: 'You are my hero today.' 'He came straight out. Drove right up to the front of the club and got out. He was wearing pyjamas and slippers with my mum's pink dog walking coat. All the windows were down and he was playing Dolly Parton. Next time I made sure I kept cab money separately.' The wearing pyjamas in public debate was reignited this week after two women were shamed online for wearing pyjamas in Tesco. The women, from the travelling community hit out at the man who took a picture of them while shopping. Chris Cooke branded the shoppers 'bloody disgusting' when he posted the picture of the women swanning down an aisle in the chain's Salford store, in Manchester, in pink nightwear and slippers on Facebook. He demanded that people wearing pyjamas be banned from the shop after snapping the two women browsing groceries in their dressing gowns. But the women, from Nottingham, branded their critic 'sexist' and 'racist' and said the whole incident was 'an attack on our culture'. 24 hours: A Tesco shopper was outraged when they snapped two women (pictured) in pyjamas and slippers carrying a basket through the shop at around 7pm From her black beanies to her tartan snowboots and cosy but elegant coats, the relaxed but polished look is becoming synonymous with Meghan Markle in the same way as Kate is known for her prim dresses and nude court shoes. Now, a new blog Meghan's Mirror, allows you to steal the royal girlfriend's style by collating all the outfits she's worn in recent weeks. According to the team behind the blog, anyone can be as 'effortlessly stylish' as the Suits star thanks to their round up of her 'classically relaxed and stylish wardrobe'. However, you'll need to have a bank balance to match as Meghan has worn outfits and accessories in December worth a total of more than 9,277.40 - and that's just the ones we've seen. New style blog Meghan's Mirror reveals how anyone can steal Prince Harry's girlfriend's enviable style HANDBAGS: 4,987,76 The star who has been dating Prince Harry for six months, has a penchant for designer handbags and owns at least two Mulberry Bayswater totes. Her Small Zipped Bayswater in Porcelain Blue Small Classic Grain would have set her back 1,095 while her Zipped Bayswater Black Small Classic Grain cost 1,195. While most would be happy to throw their gym gear into a scruffy backpack, Miss Markle favours a holdall from the luxury French brand Maison Goyard. Her Goyardine St. Louis PM is sold out but costs a minimum of 1,065 to buy second hand. Meghan has a penchant for designer handbags and owns at least two Mulberry Bayswater totes in blue (left) and black (right) costing a total of 2,290 Meghan's Goyardine St. Louis PM bag that she uses to carry her gym clothes is sold out, but costs a minimum of 1,065 to buy second hand Other luxury accessories the star has sported throughout the month of December include a 720 Celine crossbody bag in green smoke She's also the proud owner of two pieces by Marc Jacobs, the 351.76 'Gotham' bauletto tote (left) and the 243 Snapshot Colorblock Camera Bag (right) Other luxury accessories the star has sported throughout the month of December include a Celine crossbody bag in green smoke, 720. But she opted for something a bit different with the distressed silver Rough & Tumble Access Bag, 318, from the Main based brand that specialise in unique and rugged pieces. She's also the proud owner of two pieces by Marc Jacobs, the 351.76 'Gotham' bauletto tote and the 243 Snapshot Colorblock Camera Bag. Meghan's distressed metallic 'Access' bag by Rough & Tumble, which specialise in rugged design, cost 318 COATS: 2,142.98 One of the more accessible items in Meghan's wardrobe is the khaki J.Crew Field Jacket - a reasonable 146. The casual cover up is a scaled down version of the brand's mens field mechanic jacket. Meghan channeled the Duchess of Cambridge's style in a pale pink Hobbs coat, 599, (left) and a grey Smythe cover up (right) with a 751.98 price tag She's also channeled the Duchess of Cambridge in a pale pink waterfall coat from Hobbs - one of Kate's favourite brands - with a more royal price tag of 599. She's also opted for another of Kate's favoured designers Smythe on two seperate occasions, wrapping up in their 646 'Flak' Wool Blend Jacket with Removable Faux Fur Collar. Meghan was also seen in the brand's long grey Brando coat, a more expensive choice at 751.98. Meghan's Smythe 646 'Flak' Wool Blend Jacket with Removable Faux Fur Collar (left) and her khaki J.Crew Field Jacket - a reasonable 146 (right) CLOTHING: 699 When she's out and about in Toronto, Meghan opts for comfortable, laidback clothing without sacrificing her personal style. Her favourite jeans come from Paige and she's been seen wearing their 199.50 Skyline Ankle Peg Gia Destructed style in both black and classic denim. In keeping with her luxe casual look, the actress was spotted wearing a 300 grey and rose Stella jumper by 360 Sweaters as she jetted back to Toronto following a festive break in London with Prince Harry. Meghan has her favourite 199 ripped jeans by Paige in both blue and black The actress was spotted wearing a 350 grey and rose Stella jumper by 360 Sweaters SHOES: 1,048.66 Pounding the snowy streets of Toronto requires a sensible pair of boots, and Meghan's been seen on multiple occasions making her way to yoga in Kamik's Sienna Boot. The distinctive tartan footwear is sturdy and comfortable, with a very reasonable price tag of 103.76. She's also fond of a classic sneaker, wearing 59.95 Reebok Classics and 69.95 Stan Smiths by Adidas. A fan of comfy flats, she also owns a 115 pair of Birdies Blackbird Slippers with Faux Shearling Insole, but this doesn't mean that there's no space for an expensive heel in her wardrobe. Her grey suede Sarah Flint Sophia Booties set the actress back a cool 700. Meghan's Kamik snow boots are a firm favourite for pounding the snowy pavements of Toronto She's a fan of modestly priced comfy flats, but these heeled boots set the actress back 700 Her classic Stan Smiths, 69.95, work well with any outfit A fan of comfy flats, she also owns a 115 pair of Birdies Blackbird Slippers with Faux Shearling Insole Meghan is also fond of a classic sneaker, frequently wearing 59.95 Reebok Classics ACCESSORIES: 399 Yoga fan Meghan, whose mother is an instructor, naturally only uses the best kit and favours the 64 B MAT Everyday which promises superior grip and cushioning, with a lightweight construction. Of course, every self respecting celeb needs a hard-working pair of sunglasses and Meghan has opted for classic Ray Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses in Gold, costing 125. She's also a fan of a beanie and her 13 Basic Slouch from Canadian brand Kootenay classics has already sold out, after she was spotted wearing it out and about on multiple occasions. But the accessory that got everyone talking was her Maya Brenner 14K Gold Asymmetrical Initial Necklace (197) which eagle-eyed fans noticed she'd embellished with the letters H and M. Yoga fan Meghan, whose mother is an instructor, naturally only uses the best kit and favours the 64 B MAT Everyday Meghan has opted for classic Ray Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses in Gold, costing 125 Her 13 Basic Slouch from Canadian brand Kootenay classics has already sold out It's not really a wedding until something goes wrong. But some of these disasters are bound to make you feel better about the slip-ups on your big day. From a groom sleeping with his bride's mother in the confession booth to having all the butterflies you've released in celebration eaten by birds, people took to Whisper to reveal the most ungodly things that happened at their church weddings. Shameful: People took to Whisper to reveal the most ungodly things that have happened at church weddings It's not just brides, grooms and mothers-in-law causing mayhem, however, as some wedding guests also revealed the shameful things they got up to under the newlywed couple's nose. 'I had sex on my wedding day with my soon to be mother in law in the confession booth of the church,' one groom revealed. He added: 'We've never talked about it, but we're always exchanging lusty looks.' Confessed: One groom revealed he slept with his mother-in-law in the confession booth But the tables were turned for another groom who revealed he walked in on his bride cheating on him with his best man. 'Caught her in the church office banging my best man! And on our wedding day no less!' he wrote in a post on the secret-sharing app. Another shocking confession came from a guest who admitted they'd sneaked off during the church service to have sex while their friend tied the knot. Not the best: One groom said she caught his fiancee having sex with his best man Oh dear: One woman's big day got even bigger when she went into labour on her wedding day One bride revealed that her big day got even bigger when she went into labour. 'I gave birth on my wedding day. My waters broke in church,' she wrote. Another person said their co-workers had spent $600 to release butterflies at their wedding. Oh no! One person's colleagues had spent $600 on butterflies only for them all to be eaten immediately after being released Unfortunately, they were all instantly eaten by birds perched on the church roof. One woman revealed that her best friend ate pancakes in the car before walking down the aisle, She said: 'My best friend got married. On her wedding she ate seven pancakes in her wedding car. She went to the church with chocolate all over her dress.' Hot mess: One woman revealed her best friend walked into the church on her wedding day with chocolate all over her gown Family members also seem to be the root of many of the problems at weddings. One person revealed that their friend's new mother-in-law kept rearranging everything until 'her hair caught fire on a candle.' They added: 'Whole church smelled of burnt hair.' Karma? One bride's mother-in-law got her comeuppance after rearranging everything Unforgivable? A 'friend' confessed to having sex inside the church while their friend was tying the knot Ditch her! Another mother-in-law tried to urge her son to leave his bride at the altar And a groom revealed that his mother was hoping he'd ditch his fiancee at the altar. 'My mom said, "you're my son and I want you happy, that's why the car is running in front of the church." On my wedding day,' he said. One woman revealed she attended her brother's wedding with a polygamous man. 'I went to my brother's wedding with a good friend who's poly,' she said. 'My mom's church friends were fussing over my "new boyfriend" and about lost it when I said he was married and that his wife doesn't care.' Children can cause havoc too, with one person writing: 'That is better than my friend's kid running through a church before a wedding chanting f*** over and over while his mom chased him.' A woman who was paralysed after suffering a devastating stroke now marks the day that changed her life every year with daredevil activities to celebrate her incredible recovery. Angel Dixon was just 19 when she suffered a stroke which damaged the function of her spinal cord, leaving her a quadriplegic. Doctors warned Ms Dixon, who lost 80 per cent of feeling in her body, that she may never walk again. But years later, thanks to a life-changing rehabilitation program, she's able to do so with the help of a walking cane. And every year on the anniversary of her injury - April 10 - the 27-year-old and her husband Scott, 28, do something special to commemorate the day. Incredible: Angel Dixon was paralysed after a stroke at 19 but is now able to walk again Ms Dixon, from Port Macquarie, Australia, said: 'I realised that day could become a negative thing and I didn't want that to happen. 'I didn't want it to become more than it was, when it was just a day that something weird happened. 'So Scott and I started doing these activities as a distraction. We started out doing small things, like going out for dinner, and as the years have gone on we've done some more adventurous things like paragliding and rock climbing.' It was shortly after celebrating her 19th birthday that she awoke in the middle of the night with inexplicable pains in her right upper thigh and later, in her back. As the day went on, her pain worsened and soon she had lost complete control of her upper body. Luckily, Scott was able to drive her to hospital, where doctors diagnosed a slipped disc in her back and prescribed pain killers. Paralysed: Angel Dixon suffered a stroke which damaged the function of her spinal cord, leaving her a quadriplegic Together: She'd only been dating her now-husband Scott for a year when she had the stroke 'The next morning, I tried to get out of bed to use the bathroom, but I couldn't move,' she added. 'When the paramedics arrived, they told me I was paralysed from the neck down and that I had suffered a stroke. 'The doctors didn't know if I'd ever be able to walk again. I was told I'd just have to 'wait and see.'' For Ms Dixon, there was no time to be afraid and she made learning to walk again was her new mission in life. After a month in hospital, the inflammation in her spinal cord had begun to subside and she started regaining some mobility - first to her right leg and then to her arms, right hand, and a few muscles in her left leg. Soon enough, she could make slow laps around the hospital with the help of a walker. Mission: After Ms Dixon was discharged from hospital, she and Scott moved to Sydney suburb Kogarah to start a rehabilitation program called Walk On, known today as Neuro Move Success: She said: 'I wanted to finish the program on a high, so with the help of my physiotherapist I trained for a 4km run' (Ms Dixon is pictured centre) But even after spending weeks in hospital, Ms Dixon says she wasn't offered much support outside of her own family. She said: 'I didn't have any counselling in hospital. No one to tell me what life would be like afterwards. 'In my early stages, I didn't use any assisted devices. I'd just hold onto rails or walls. No one in the hospital told me that walking canes were even an option.' Today, she has one as well as what's known as Brown-Sequard syndrome, or Incomplete Paraplegia. As well as losing the sensation of 80 per cent of her body, she is unable to differentiate between hot and cold in the core and right side of her body. Certain muscles on her left side, including her hand, have been significantly weakened. Celebration: Two years ago, while living in San Francisco, she commemorated the day of her stroke by navigating through the busy city streets alone and without her wheelchair Celebrtation: Every year on the anniversary of her injury - April 10 - the 27-year-old and her husband Scott, 28, do something special to commemorate the day 'I once sat on a hair straightener and got burned. I didn't realise I'd been sitting on it until the smell hit me,' she explained. 'Another time, Scott and I were at a friend's wedding. It was the first time I was wearing open-toed shoes since my injury. 'Sitting at the dinner table, I couldn't feel that my leg had been rubbing up against something all night, but when I stood up there were gashes all over my right foot and blood everywhere. 'Apparently, I'd been rubbing my foot across a nail all night. It was pretty traumatic to see all the blood.' Now, she and her husband Scott have learned to be a bit more cautious, for instance, showering together every day to make sure the water is at the right temperature. The couple had only been dating a year when Ms Dixon had the stroke, but Scott, who grew up with her in their hometown of Port Macquarie, wasn't about to let it stand in the way of the future they had planned together. Confident; Ms Dixon left the rehab program with a newfound confidence and physical strength Careful: She still has little feeling in her body so she and her husband Scott have learned to be a bit more cautious After Ms Dixon was discharged from hospital, she and Scott moved to Sydney suburb Kogarah to start a rehabilitation program called Walk On, known today as Neuro Move. 'It was a program based on a rehabilitation program in the US called 'Project Walk' and I was one of the program's first intakes,' she said. 'I trained three days a week for five hours a day, re-working my brain and trying to gain more function. 'It was the first time since my injury that I was surrounded by people who were in a similar situation to me. 'They inspired me to work harder and regain as much function as I could so that I could live to the fullest of my abilities. 'I learnt that acceptance was a lifestyle and realised that if I didn't smarten up and work at my recovery, my life wouldn't be what I wanted it to be.' Six months later, she left the program with a newfound confidence and physical strength. Recovery: Despite doctors warning she may never walk, Ms Dixon (above, with her husband) can get by with just a walking cane Living life to the full: Ms Dixon continues to push herself both physically and mentally It was the first time in nearly a year that she could tie her own shoelaces and she has celebrated plenty more milestones since then. She said: 'I wanted to finish the program on a high, so with the help of my physiotherapist I trained for a 4km run. 'I used my cane to walk the course, but ran the last 20 metres across the finish line with my mum and physio holding me up.' That was the first of many challenges Ms Dixon set for herself and every year, she continues to push herself both physically and mentally - knowing that her life is full of possibilities, even while living with a physical disability. But April 10, the anniversary of her injury, is a day that's celebrated with a bit of extra flare. 'It's fun to set a challenge for myself on the day, but it's not about that,' she said. 'It's about having a marker in time so that every time that day comes around I can reflect on how far I've come. 'Every year I think that it's not possible to move forward anymore, but my life is so full and exciting and every year I surprise myself.' Living the dream: In other years, she's celebrated with hiking, paragliding, and wearing heels for the first time since her injury as well as holidays with her husband Helping others: She's also working to develop a new line of walking canes that she hopes will take the negative emotions out of purchasing an assistance device Two years ago, while living in San Francisco, she commemorated the day by navigating through the busy city streets alone and without her wheelchair (which she usually uses for long distances) to meet her husband for lunch. Last year, the couple went rock climbing. 'I had tried to climb before in Australia, but when we arrived the trainer saw my cane and wouldn't let me,' Ms Dixon added. 'I was really disheartened and hadn't tried again until just last year, when we were living in San Francisco. And I nailed it. 'It's so mental, but you get to point on the rocks when you think you can't get any further but you work your way through it and get to the top and it's the best feeling.' In other years, she's celebrated with hiking, paragliding, and wearing heels for the first time since her injury. Today, the self-proclaimed 'abilities crusader' is part of the yooocan community, a support network where people with disabilities and their families can connect. She's also working to develop a new line of walking canes that she hopes will take the negative emotions out of purchasing an assistance device. Fun: April 10, the anniversary of her injury, is a day that's celebrated with a bit of extra flare She wants it to be a fashion accessory that people can be proud of. Her venture has led her to this year's LA Fashion Week, where she walked for the inclusive fashion brand Bezgraniz Couture. 'I'm an advocate for inclusion specifically in mainstream media and I'm so excited to be part of the evolution of the runway,' she added. 'I treat everything as an opportunity for advocacy and this is no exception. People think I've rolled my ankle. They say, 'you're too young to have a walking stick, what's wrong with you?' 'I shouldn't have to explain my diagnosis every day. It's my job to challenge people's ideas of what a body is and to teach people that it's okay to be different.' They're a British retail giant dating back to the 1890s, but these days ScS is better known for its 'annoying' adverts than its home furnishings - and it's all down to one woman. As the January furniture sales roll around, the store is once again pushing its 'double discount' campaign with the help of Victoria Thomas. The actress from Knutford, Cheshire, has had turns in Emmerdale and Doctors, but she is best known as the face of Sofa Carpet Specialist, who she has worked for for more than five years. Each year, along with the onslaught of the January sales TV advertisements, legions of Brits take to social media to bemoan the actress's return to their screens. But what is it about Victoria Thomas that irks viewers so much? Discussions on Twitter, Reddit and Mumsnet have pointed to her 'white teeth', 'overdressed' ensembles and 'shiny and smiley' demeanour. One social media user recently admitted to harbouring an 'irrational and unexplainable dislike' for the actress, while another went as far as saying they wanted her to 'burn in hell'. 'I'm sure she's perfectly lovely,' he added. 'It might be her arm movements.' Each year, along with the onslaught of January sales adverts, legions of viewers take to social media to bemoan the actress's appearance, with one admitting to an 'unnatural hatred' Radio X DJ Chris Moyles joined the legions of viewers taking aim at Victoria Thomas on Twitter, claiming she was 'way too happy' about stain resistant sofas and 'may need help' Sharing his sentiment, Mark Farnsworth wrote: 'Just realised that I have an unnatural hatred for the woman on the ScS adverts, and I don't know why.' 'Who is the ScS woman?' another mused. 'What is she all about?' Others joked that they were 'increasingly worried' about Victoria's sunny disposition, with even radio DJ Chris Moyles joining in with the fray. One person took aim at her wardrobe, with Emily blasting her as 'overdressed' while James Carter commented: 'Why is the bird on the ScS sofa advert dressed like she's off to Chinawhites?' Each year, along with the onslaught of the January sales TV advertisements, legions of Brits take to social media to bemoan the actress's return to their screens In August 2014, Victoria tied the knot with her partner, Adam, who works for a holiday company called Natural Retreats The Pineapple Studios-trained actress and dancer has appeared on stage at the Brit Awards and manages two 'thriving' businesses - a talent agency and a performing arts school Discussions on Twitter, Reddit and Mumsnet take aim at Victoria Thomas' 'white teeth', 'overdressed' ensembles and 'shiny and smiley' demeanour following her TV appearances One person took aim at Victoria's wardrobe, with Emily labelling her 'overdressed' while James commented: 'Why is the bird on the ScS sofa advert dressed like she's off to Chinawhites?' VICTORIA THOMAS'S CV Victoria is from Knutsford, Cheshire She has starred in Emmerdale and Doctors Has been the face of Sofa Carpet Specialist for five years Is a Pineapple Studious alumna Danced on stage with Kanye West Performed at Brit Awards Runs two businesses Advertisement Victoria, whose name is now synonymous with cut-price sofas and carpets, was initially offered a short-term contract with the company but had it extended, and has now been working for SCS for more than five years, according to In Cheshire. The magazine reports that the Pineapple Studios alumna has appeared on stage with Kanye West at the Brit Awards and manages two 'thriving' businesses - a talent agency and a performing arts school. Speaking to the publication about her performing arts school, she said: 'I thoroughly enjoy helping others along the way to realising their dreams, but for many of the young people we work with it is more to do with having fun, developing their personal skills and boosting their self-confidence.' Victoria also runs Red Ice Promotions Limited, which sources professional dancers for fashion shows, music videos, and events. She has worked with the likes of New Look, Umbro, Vodafone and Sony. In August 2014, Victoria tied the knot with her partner, Adam, who works for a holiday company called Natural Retreats. A spokesperson for ScS said: 'Victoria has become a great representative of our brand. Having worked together successfully for five years, weve achieved another record year of sales in 2016 and all-time high satisfaction ratings from our customers. 'Our advertising plays a huge part in communicating to customers our passion and enthusiasm for great furniture and flooring at affordable prices, and Victoria is integral to this and very much part of our team and our success. A travel blogger who found worldwide fame as the 'Backpacking Bridget Jones' after being jilted at the altar has revealed that she's set to marry the man who first reported her story. Katy Colins, 30, from Merseyside announced on her blog Not Wed Or Dead that not only has she been secretly engaged to journalist John Siddle, but the couple are also expecting their first child together. Former Manchester Airport public relations worker Katy bought a one-way ticket to south-east Asia after her ex-fiance cancelled their 20,000 wedding four years ago. And she admits she feels like she's 'living in a romcom' after falling for John, an old university classmate she hadn't spoken to for 10 years, who first broke her story in January 2016. Blogger Katy Collins, 30, has revealed that she's marrying the man who first broke the story of how she jetted off around the world solo when her first engagement broke down In addition to the surprise news that she's getting married, Katie has also revealed that she's pregnant with her first child Katy has kept their relationship under wraps until now, but has revealed that they will walk down the aisle in a small ceremony next weekend. What's more, she discovered she was pregnant with her first child shortly after they moved in together. 'I also wanted to share this personal news because I regularly receive emails and messages from readers who are in a situation similar to where I was four years ago,' Katy explained on her blog. 'The raw heartache after being dumped crosses oceans and ages, as does the need to identify with someone who has been through it and survived.' The writer made headlines around the world thanks to her blog, detailing her solo travel adventures after being jilted at the altar Journalist John and Katy studied together at university but hadn't spoken for 10 years until he broke her story in January last year She explained that she'd kept her 'delicious life-changing secret' under wraps while she 'got my head around it all' and worked out how to progress with her travel blog. 'I couldnt pretend I was this single solo traveller when I was in fact married with a child on the way,' she said. The writer plans to continue her blog and keep travelling, albeit on more child-friendly journeys. Announcing her surprise news on her blog, Katy explained she'd wanted to keep it to herself initially while she planned her next move Four years ago Katy quit her job, sold her house and her car and booked a one-way ticket to south-east Asia after her 20,000 wedding was called off. She was left confused and disillusioned with life after being jilted by her long-term boyfriend and sold 'anything that wouldn't fit into a large backpack' before jetting off to Thailand on her own. Katy said: 'Everyone did think I was a little mad, especially as I'd never travelled anywhere by myself before, but it just felt right. Katy Colins was left confused and disillusioned with life after being jilted by her long-term boyfriend at the altar, but decided to swap weddings for wanderlust on a worldwide adventure New adventures: In Koh Samui Katy signed up for elephant trekking and had a close encounter with one of the large animals Katy's journey inspired her to write the first novel in The Lonely Hearts Travel Club series, Destination Thailand, a light-hearted romantic comedy, which has been described as 'Bridget Jones goes backpacking' 'I needed the time away from everything and everyone I knew to find myself, but it wasn't as cheesy as that.' With a degree in English and journalism from Salford university, Katy said she always dreamed of one day writing a novel. She kept a travel blog mainly to keep family and friends updated during her trip, which grew and grew in popularity. Katy said: 'People who weren't related to me started reading my blog and sending me emails, telling me how brave I was to quit it all and go. The couple are set to become parents and walk down the aisle after a whirlwind romance 'I received messages from other newly-single men and women who said they read my blog as an inspiration - that just because you've been dumped it doesn't mean you have to listen to bad power anthems and devour ice-cream! 'You can use this as a catalyst for something much bigger and better.' As she travelled around south-east Asia and India, Katy said the passion to start putting her experiences into words was hard to resist. She said: 'I started writing a few chapters, not fully aware that they would be the start of a novel, but mostly as a way to clear my head. Katy's first wedding dress, which she sold on eBay last year, to raise money for charity 'Although I was experiencing things that I would never have imagined seeing, such as the Taj Mahal and trekking through the Himalayas, I was still working through the feelings that I wouldn't be making wedding scrapbooks or be living the married life - well not just yet at least. 'I began to think "what if you were given a second chance to find yourself?"' The former Southport College student has since backpacked around South America for six months and lived in France, teaching English, for the past two years. Katy shows off her engagement ring after revealing her marriage plans for the first time She was living in a small fishing town in northern France when she received news about the book deal. Katy said: 'Ironically, an editor called me on what would have been our third wedding anniversary. It is poignant to think how far I'd come through hard work, being brave and wanting to live the biggest life I could.' The world of girl gangs is a dangerous and unknown part of British culture. And now, presenter Livvy Haydock has lifted the lid on what exactly it entails as she exposes the real stories behind the rising trend in sexual exploitation and violence of girls by gang members - and discovers how quickly female victims turn perpetrators. The BBC Three show sees Livvy enter a gang's safe house where she meets a young woman whose 'initiation list' included the kidnap and rape of her friend. Livvy Haydock meets with young girls involved in gangs and says she was 'shocked' to hear the stories they shared Under a strict anonymity request Livvy is able to speak with girls to find out how they became involved. Heading to a community centre in South London, which is used as a safe house run by a 32-year-old former girl gang senior, she hears from 'Cally'. At just 12 and without a family, Cally was drawn into gang violence after falling for a local gang boy who recruited her. She became a UK drug mule because, as she explained, she would never get stopped because of her age. Cally wasn't officially able to join until she had completed a set of initiations, one of which involved a horrific act of violence which landed her with two sentences - three years and 18 months for kidnap and rape at 13. 'I kidnapped my friend and made her have sex for money,' she explains to a horrified Livvy. In the documentary the girls open up about the reasons for their involvement in girl gangs with most citing the need for a family as their top reason for joining The young girl admits she is still traumatised by the experience but says that she didn't feel like she had a choice because she wanted a family and to be part of the gang felt the only way to seek the love she desperately wanted. Another notorious gang member named 'Becky' explains how she's spent a decade caught up in criminal activity but what she witnesses and takes part in is 'normal' to her. Looking like any other fashionable teenager, she is seen wearing black trainers, patterned leggings and a pink jacket with matching manicured nails and just a glimpse of her long blonde hair can be seen, with her face kept out of shot. Livvy visits Kings College Hospital A&E where a unique project is identifying and reaching young women to see if the cycle can be broken Her daily activities include bagging drugs, delivering them and picking them up, robberies, fighting, and violence. She tells Livvy that the lowest moments for her come with the loss of her friends to the shocking violence. 'I lost 12 friends in the space of six months. The majority of them are murderers, they are gang rivals. Shootings, mainly stabbings.' And with knife crime in London at a four-year high according to the documentary, Livvy points out that these are the people behind the statistics. 'It's like domestic abuse,' Livvy explains of the harrowing background of the girls, 'You don't realise how bad something was until it all explodes and then you look back and realise all the warning signs were there, but you don't pay attention to them. That's the case with a lot of these girls.' Becky claims that girls are so desperate to join that they will do anything. 'Yeah it's mainly sexual things, every girl wants to be in with somebody so they are willing to do certain things. It's normal, even when you know it's wrong, when you're living it, it's normal.' One girl named 'Becky' lost 12 friends in the space of six months, (pictured) Livvy visiting one memorial The woman who runs the centre, 'Sasha', was herself involved in girl gangs from the age of 16. She tells Livvy: 'I was used as a sexual object a lot. I was basically told that all of my worth was to be used for sex.' But even though she is giving girls a safer environment to retreat to when they need someone to talk to, she still insists that she could never walk away from the lifestyle and she's still 'fighting her demons' every day. Livvy asks if it's ever possible to break out of gang life, as she visits Kings College Hospital A&E where a unique project is identifying and reaching young women at a rare moment when they are willing to trust and talk. 'I think one of the biggest issues is that the girls themselves go from being a victim to a perpetrator and they see themselves as a perpetrator because of the acts of the initiations,' Livvy says. 'I think it is important for organisations to recognise that it's a huge thing going on and try and stop a victim from becoming a perpetrator.' Speaking to FEMAIL about making the documentary made by Antidote Productions, Livvy said: 'I was shocked, I was so shocked. I had heard extreme cases of it. To be sat there with the girl telling me to my face and seeing her reaction she was shaking. 'It was so distressing for her, to hear it from a young girl. I was shocked.' He's known for being a football fan - but Prince William struggled to guess the name of one of the sport's most famous faces during a game this afternoon. The Duke of Cambridge took part in a 'who am I?' game during a visit to a London hostel run by the homeless charity Centrepoint on Tuesday. The 34-year-old could be seen wearing a blue Post-It note on his forehead with the name 'David Beckham' written on the piece of paper. Scroll down for video Prince William enjoyed a game of 'Who am I?' during a visit to a London hostel run by the homeless charity Centrepoint The aim of the game is for the player to guess the name of the famous figure on their head by asking their fellow players yes or no questions. But despite his penchant for a kickabout William appeared to be struggling with the name of the football ace this afternoon. He was joined by staff and residents of the hostel for the game during his visit on Tuesday afternoon. Despite being a football fan the royal seemed to struggle to the guess that David Beckham was the name on his forehead The aim of the game is for the player to guess the name of the famous figure on their head by asking their fellow players yes or no questions He joined residents and staff of the hostel for the entertaining afternoon in his first royal duty of the new year It's his first official engagement of the year, although he did return to his other role as an air ambulance pilot last week, after a short Christmas and New Year break. The Duke, 34, will no doubt be eager to prove his commitment to royal duties after facing criticism for not taking on enough responsibility in 2016. As royal patron of Centrepoint, William takes a keen interest in its work and, since taking up the post in 2005, has toured a number of its facilities and centres. The Prince enjoyed chatting with those who have benefited from the work of the charity The Duke, 34, will no doubt be eager to prove his commitment to royal duties after facing criticism for not taking on enough responsibility in 2016 The charity helps young people who find themselves homeless and during the visit to the centre in London the Duke will meet some of those being supported by the organisation. Centrepoint helps 9,000 young people in London, Yorkshire and the North East, and through its partner charities across the UK. William will spend time with staff who run the hostel, and colleagues from Centrepoints Learning Team who provide workshops and training sessions for young people. The Duke is the patron of homeless charity Centrepoint, which supports young people aged 16-25 and will meet staff and volunteers at a hostel in London He will also watch some of the Centrepoint sessions and hear the personal experiences of those attending the programme. Ahead of the visit the charity described William as 'a passionate supporter of homeless young people' and said he often visits Centrepoint hostels to speak to young people they support. William got back to work as an air ambulance pilot last week, following a short break for Christmas and New Year. William looked smart in an all navy ensemble which he paired with his favourite brown suede shoes The Duke, 34, will no doubt be keen to prove himself in 2017 after facing accusations of not pulling his weight when it comes to royal duties He was seen landing at Addenbrookes Hospital, then helping his team to lift the stretcher out of the helicopter and into the back of a waiting ambulance. In 2016 the Duke took an extended three-week festive holiday, but this year he has returned to his duties on January 3 straight after the New Year bank holiday like most workers. However, the future king has yet again faced accusations of being 'workshy' for his record in 2016. As Royal Patron of Centrepoint, the leading youth homelessness charity for 16-25 year-olds, The Duke will spend time meeting young people who rely on the charity to help them Today marked William's return to royal duties after the festive break, although he was back on duty as an air ambulance pilot last week Statistics compiled by Timothy ODonovan, from Berkshire, from the daily court circular, showed William attended 188 engagements in 2016, while Kate attended 140. The pair say they are committed to raising their children, but comparisons have been drawn with Charles and Diana who managed more engagement a year when Harry and William were children. In 1985, when William was a similar age to George, Prince Charles managed 404 engagements and Diana attended 299. Prince William is based at the nearby Cambridge Airport and flies an EC145 T2 aircraft. The charity regularly completes more than 150 missions each month, responding to emergencies in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, ranging from road accidents to heart attacks. They branded her with an iron before driving her to a A mother has recalled the moment she faked her labour in order to escape armed men who entered her home and tortured her while she was pregnant. Megan Wilcox, 19, from Kent, was pregnant with twins when intruders entered her home and subjected her to hours of torture before her quick thinking saved her. Although her attackers are now behind bars Megan's ordeal which saw the gunmen brand her with an iron lead her to losing one of her unborn twins. Megan Wilcox escaped grave harm from armed gunmen by faking her own labour after they broke into her home demanding money Megan, who lives with her boyfriend George, 23, in London first experienced alarm bells when she noticed her upstairs neighbour's door had been kicked in. She said: 'Carlys* door was swinging off its hinges. It had been kicked in - and there was no sign of Carly.' Worried about her friend Megan called Carly who didn't seem 'surprised' by the news and told the expectant mother to call her later. Megan had been pregnant with twins at the time but lost one of her babies due to the stress of the ordeal. Pictured: Megan with her son Mitchell now one After going out for the day Megan gave her friend a call explaining that she and George would be going out for dinner. She continued: 'The pair of us were getting ready for our night out when, ten minutes later, our peace was shattered and our door came crashing in. 'I saw three pairs of legs kicking their way in. Three men wielding guns stormed into our room and began screaming at us. The attackers, one of which was her upstairs neighbour's boyfriend Morgan Riley-Kidney, attacked the mother-to-be with a red hot iron The gang were demanding 50,000 from the bemused mother who had no idea of the whereabouts of the money 'One of them, the ringleader who the others called Skips (real name Morgan Riley-Kidney) I recognised as Carlys boyfriend.' Riley-Kidney began demanding money from the couple claiming that they had 50,000 that belonged to him. Megan added: 'I had no clue what he was talking about. I certainly didnt know anything about the 50,000 he thought Id stolen from him. The expectant mother tried to plead with her attackers explaining that she was pregnant but alarm bells rang when Riley-Kidney plugged her iron in. Megan (pictured while pregnant) was then bundled into the back of a car and taken to a garage where she was convinced that she would be shot - it was only when she faked her labour that she escaped Devastatingly after arriving at the hospital Megan discovered that she had lost one of her twins due to the trauma of the evening He told the terrified mother she had 15 minutes to find the money claiming that every time she 'lied' about the money he would brand her the iron - and he stayed true to his threat. Megan, who admits to wetting herself in terror, recalled: 'He plunged the iron onto my chest; pushing it into my skin again and again as I denied knowing where his 50,000 was.' 'Adrenaline coursed through my veins and although the attacks stung, I could barely feel the pain. 'When the stench of my own burning flesh hit my nostrils I could almost taste it.' The smell caused the mother-to-be to vomit and at this point George stepped in to try and protect her - but Riley-Kidney branded him on his face. The gang were sentenced to 50 years between them and a few weeks later Megan gave birth to her son Mitchell Megan said: 'I watched as George collapsed in agony, powerless to help me. I begged them to leave us alone. 'But one of the gang sprayed bleach in my face, stinging my eyes.' After assaulting her the gang forced Megan out of the house and into the boot of their car warning George not to phone the police. She said: 'Finally, the boot opened and I realised we were at a row of dilapidated garages. It was an execution. 'I was a dead woman walking, so in that moment, I figured I had nothing to lose. Without thinking, I collapsed on the floor. 'I cried out, clutching my belly as I faked my labour. I said "My babies are coming"'. Megan even pointed out her wet patch from her earlier accident and told the gang members that her waters had broken. Megan says that she is glad that her attackers are behind bars but says she is still haunted by the events of that night But Riley-Kidney remained unconvinced and told her that if she didn't get up he would shoot her. At that moment an old lady walked past the group and began to ask Megan if she was alright. She said: 'Desperate to keep her talking, I began telling her all about my pregnancy. A bit of a crowd had gathered and the other two men in the gang had begun inching away. 'Before I knew it, a first response car pulled up alongside us. A paramedic pulled me up and sat me on the edge of the car boot. 'An ambulance was called as back-up but Skips put his arm around me, pretending we were just having a lovers tiff.' Desperate to get away from him Megan went along with his lies but as soon as the ambulance pulled away Megan revealed the truth showing the paramedics her burns. Im just glad those monsters are behind bars, where they belong. As far as Im concerned, they can throw away the key Megan said: 'They must have thought I was mad but I wouldnt let it drop and I begged them to call the police. 'Ten minutes later, armed police swarmed around my hospital ward. My burns were treated and then I was taken to a nearby hotel for police protection while they hunted down my attackers. 'I was terrified, even under police protection, that Skips and his cronies would track me down and kill me. My heart was beating nineteen to the dozen.' Upon reaching the hospital Megan received another devastating blow when doctors revealed that she had lost one of her twins. Megan explained: 'The stress of my traumatic ordeal had cost me one of my precious babies. I was devastated - but more determined than ever to get justice. 'Police caught up with Skips and the other two men after a couple of days and I told officers everything. 'I was eight months pregnant when I stood up in the Old Bailey and testified against my brutal attackers.' The gang were convicted of GBH with intent, kidnap, false imprisonment and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and jailed for over 50 years between them. Riley-Kidney, admitted three counts of GBH, two of kidnap, false imprisonment and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Other gang members Horace-Junior Brown-Downie got 17-and-a-half years and the remaining gang member, Rhys Bryan, got 13 years. Megan gave birth to her son Mitchell just a few weeks after their sentencing. She added: 'Mitchells now a bubbly one-year-old, blissfully unaware of the trauma that claimed his twin. 'Im still haunted by that hellish night and developed PTSD as a result of the attack. I still look over my shoulder when I go out, even now. 'Im just glad those monsters are behind bars, where they belong. As far as Im concerned, they can throw away the key.' A teenage boy has become an online hit after using a T-shirt to challenge people not to discriminate against others. Aaron Tamez, 17, was photographed in a shirt that called on people to 'be quiet' instead of using hateful language. The high school student from Houston, Texas, shared a picture of himself on Twitter wearing the slogan: 'Why be racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic when you could just be quiet?' Statement piece: High school student Aaron Tamez, 17, becomes online hit after speaking out against discrimination with a bold T-shirt Call for peace: Aaron, from Houston, Texas, was photographed in a shirt that called on people to 'be quiet' instead of using hateful language 'The inspiration behind the shirt is that it spoke to me and it carried a really great message,' he told Daily Mail Online. Aaron said he was attracted to the shirt after being subjected to homophobic abuse during middle school for being 'different'. 'When I was in middle school there was so much talk about me being different then all the other boys and I knew i was different and I was made fun of like being called fag or gay by the other guys. 'And thank God I had the protection of my brother Niko because he would stand up for me,' he said. Equality: He shared a picture of himself online wearing the slogan, 'Why be racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic when you could just be quiet?' Aaron, who hopes to go to college after finishing high school, first saw the T-shirt on Instagram. The garment is on sale at Etsy store Green Box Shop for $18.99. He said when he first shared his picture he thought it might get some attention, but not to the extent that it has. In just a few days his Tweet has been liked by over 180,000 users and re-tweeted more than 85,000 times. When you order fast food, you want it to be worth all those extra calories, so you can't blame people for being bitterly disappointed when their takeaway treat arrives looking nothing like the glossy picture on the menu. From empty to burger buns to burned hot dogs with a smear of mustard, irate customers have been taking to social media to share their worst fast food fails. One diner was especially disappointed with their Starbucks BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich, which was almost empty aside from a single lump of greyish meat on the greasy-looking bread. One diner was especially disappointed with their Starbucks BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich (left) which looked nothing like the mouthwateringly meaty offering in the picture (right) Burger King caused excitement by introducing a whopper with a black bun for Halloween Burger King's Halloween whopper fell rather flat, according to one fan It was a far cry from the mouthwatering slow-cooked beef brisket with smoky BBQ sauce, beer-braised onions and cheese on toasted sourdough they were looking forward to. Burger King caused excitement over a black Halloween Whopper, created by baking steak sauce into the bun. However, the real deal left a customer disappointed when it appeared to be all bun and no burger, with a miserable lettuce leaf drooping from the side. The fast food giant's hot dogs have also caused complaints, after they failed to live up to the juicy promise of the ad. A Burger King's hotdog looked nothing like the ad, thanks so a sludge of unidentifiable sauce One diner was disappointed with her burned dog in a sauce smeared bun Another limp looking Burger King hotdog that left the buyer underwhelmed McDonalds' Sweety con Nutella, only available in Italy, promises chocolate spread oozing from a fluffy sandwich (left) but it looks like UK customers aren't missing much (right) One diner ended up with a burned looking sausage in a bun smeared with mustard and a hint of watery ketchup. Another offering looked even worse as the frankfurter was barely visible under a sludge of unidentifiable sauce. Those with a sweet tooth may have been disappointed to learn that a new dessert at McDonalds the Sweety con Nutella was only available in Italy. A Filet-o-Fish (left), which came with no sauce other than a cheese slice, which was melting unattractively down the side of the container (right) Another asked for 'one pepperoni pizza', but had the bad luck to be served by someone who could only be described as clueless When you order a burger, the very least you expect is to get a beef patty inside the bun A takeaway served the Secretfoodguy curry chips that had such a miniscule amount of sauce it was invisible Pictures of the sugar filled treat showed Nutella oozing from a fluffy sandwich. But Imgur user Okiro proved they weren't missing out when he shared a rather underwhelming picture of a dry bun with an unappetising ring of brown around the outside. Equally disappointing was the order of a Filet-o-Fish, which came with no sauce other than a cheese slice, which was melting unattractively down the side of the container. Other customers fell victim to staggering omissions from their orders, such as one who received a burger that consisted of two buns, a smear of ketchup and no beef patties. Another asked for one pepperoni pizza, but had the bad luck to be served by someone who could only be described as clueless. After a serious misinterpretation of their order, they received a pizza with a single piece of pepperoni on it. Beware of asking for extras or you might end up with mayo on top of your chicken burger (left) or a gherkin plonked on the bun (right) As excess of mayonnaise and some very peculiar looking cheese rendered this burger unrecognisable from the picture on the menu Equally stingy was the chipper that served the Secretfoodguy curry chips that had such a miniscule amount of sauce it was invisible. But sometimes, it's best not to be too particular about your order, as customers who asked for extras can attest. You may be more accustomed to eating them with milk but the makers of Weetabix want you to enjoy the popular breakfast cereal in a less conventional way. Somebody took a picture of what appears to be a cut-out from the back of a box of Weetabix cereal where the brand has recommended replacing the muffin in an Eggs Benedict breakfast with two Weetabix biscuits. The tweet created an uproar among social media users as they demanded to know why Weetabix had come up with such an idea. Jenny Colgan took to Twitter to share her reaction at seeing Weetabix's new breakfast recommendation Twitter user Jenny Colgan, from Scotland, author of the Beach Street Bakery novels, spotted the recommendation by Weetabix today and took to Twitter to share it. She simply tweeted saying 'WHAT?????' - and was retweeted over 100 times. The reaction to the breakfast dish didn't go down well with the Internet and people were quick to respond. Somebody called it an 'unfathomable wrongness' and said that they might have to go and have a lie down after seeing the recommendation. Padraig Reidy took to Twitter to say that Weetabix should 'ban this sick stunt now' Others said that they could accept the substitution of bacon for sliced ham but that they couldn't get their head around the Weetabix recommendation. User Tim Dunn tweeted saying that despite people saying there are no bad ideas in a brainstorm, there really were in this one. Padraig took to social media to say that the 'sick' Benedict's Eggs with Weetabix should be banned right away. Melissa felt there were no words to sum up her repulsion and simply tweeted some green emojis that indicated sickness. Weetabix responded to the tweets and said that they hope 'we can put this behind us and still make breakfast work' Others, however, had their priorities in different places. Will replied to Jenny saying that the brand had missed a trick and should have called the breakfast recommendation 'Eggs Benebix'. Soon afterwards, Weetabix got involved in the discussion via their official Twitter account, saying 'We hope we can put this behind us and still make breakfast work, perhaps with something more traditional like milk and fruit.' MailOnline has contacted Weetabix and is awaiting comment. The oldest blood available for transfusions could be releasing harmful amounts of iron into patients' bloodstreams, a new study has found. The maximum amount of time red blood cells can be stored to use for transfusion is six weeks. But new research shows the longer it waits in storage, the more dangerous it can become, drastically increasing patients' risk of blood clots. Experts warn the findings show we could save thousands from harm by changing the FDA's maximum storage limit from six weeks to five weeks. However, with a woeful lack of blood donations to meet demand, this slight alteration could deprive thousands of life-saving treatment. Patients receiving 6-week-old donor blood could have dangerous amounts of iron being injected into their blood stream, a new study found (stock image) The transfusion of red blood cells is the most common procedure performed in hospitalized patients. Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the US, according to the American Red Cross. Roughly 4.5 million Americans receive blood transfusions each year. Co-lead author Dr Eldad Hod, associate professor of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University Medical Center, told Daily Mail Online: 'Red cells age and the more they age and are stored, the more they get damaged.' The longer red blood cells age, the more iron is released. We all know iron is a key nutrient to help carry oxygen from the lungs to other organs. However, like any nutrient, too much iron can lead to health complications such as blood clots. Dr Hod added: 'Based on the amount of iron circulating in the blood of the volunteers who received six-week-old blood, we'd predict that certain existing infections could be exacerbated.' BLOOD FACTS AND FIGURES Blood is stored in refrigerators between 35-42 degrees Fahrenheit. Blood can be stored for up to 42 days. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Whole blood and red blood cell units collected in the U.S. in a year: 13.6 million. The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints. 36,000 units of red blood are needed every day 60 percent of the US population can donate blood but only five percent do annually. The number of blood donors in the U.S. in a year: 6.8 million. You CAN donate if: You are in good general health You are 17 years old You weigh at least 110 lbs You CANNOT donate if: You are on antibiotics You are positive for the AIDS or hepatitis viruses You've been in prison It's been less than a year since you served in Iraq or Afghanistan You are gay and it's been less than a year since the last sexual contact with another man It's been less than four months since getting a tattoo or a piercing Advertisement Currently, the FDA allows units of red blood cells to be stored for up to six weeks before they must be discarded. Approximately between five and 20 percent of patients receive blood that is in its last week of storage. In the study, a group of 60 healthy volunteers randomly received a unit of red blood cells that had been stored for anywhere between one to six weeks. The volunteers were then monitored for 20 hours after transfusion. Within hours after transfusion, seven of the nine volunteers who received the six-week-old blood could not appropriately metabolize the damaged cells, thereby releasing large amounts of iron into their bloodstream. None of the volunteers were harmed by the transfusion, but previous studies have shown that excess iron can enhance blood clots and promote infections or lead to serious complications in ill patients. Co-leader Dr Steven Spitalnik, professor of pathology and cell biology at CUMC, said: 'Our recommendation will be controversial, but we think we have real data to support it. 'Recent studies have concluded that transfusing old blood has no impact on patient outcomes, but those studies didn't exclusively examine the oldest blood available for transfusions. 'Our new study found a real problem when transfusing blood that's older than five weeks.' Dr Hod admitted the study has limitations. 'The problem is that our study is just a precautionary principle,' he said. 'We can't ethically pick and choose people who need transfusions to receive six-week-old blood. 'There's the argument of 'If we can't test it, then why are we doing it?', but there are so many people out there who need blood.' The research leads to some controversy regarding blood donation supply. Sixty percent of the US population is eligible to donate - but only five percent do on a yearly basis. If the FDA changed regulations to five week storage instead of six weeks without an adequate blood bank supply, it could mean even less people receiving life-saving transfusions. The longer that blood is stored, the more cells are damaged and higher iron production occurs. Researchers recommend the FDA lower maximum storage time from six weeks to five weeks (stock image) Dr Hod said there are some solutions to the problem so that can people don't have to receive 'old' blood. He said: 'Packed cells are stored in a solution so perhaps if a new solution is developed, the blood can be stored better. 'There is also donor variability. Somebody's blood might be able to be stored for 42 days, and someone else's for less. If we can figure out in general what genetic or environmental factors are at play, we could figure out better storage solutions.' However, until those solutions come, researchers say the 'prudent' decision is for the FDA to reduce the maximum storage period. Reporter and blog writer Damian Thompson (pictured) writes about his experience with the painkiller tramadol I'd done my back in trying to fix a leaking pipe underneath my sink. Not only was the pipe still dripping I'm comically inept at DIY but I was in agony. 'Here, take these,' my young Polish cleaner said. 'They work for my mother.' She handed me a full box of 50mg tramadol pills millions of prescriptions are issued for it each year in the UK. I did a quick Google search and saw that according to Wikipedia it was generally thought to be non-addictive and was many GPs' drug of choice for back pain. 'Thanks very much,' I said, and swallowed a couple of pills on the spot. That was the beginning of a nightmare far worse than the back pain (which disappeared pretty sharpish). Within a few days, I was taking tramadol for the blissful high it gave me rather than for pain relief. Then the ghastly side-effects kicked in. I have only myself to blame. But, before you write me off as a shameless recreational user of prescription drugs, let me make one point in my defence: the beatific buzz of tramadol creeps up on you insidiously or at least it did on me. It's one of those drugs that has quite different effects on different people. It took me about a week to work out it was the pills that produced the chatty bonhomie that flooded over me an hour or so after taking them. At first I just thought I was happy, which, for someone prone to depression, made a nice change. When I did make the connection, I continued with the tramadol because I liked the buzz, though I never exceeded the normal dose of 200mg in one day. But that was stupid of me, and punishment swiftly followed. At first, just as I hadn't recognised the high, I didn't recognise the side-effects. I remember a sudden attack of nausea identical to the extreme queasiness brought on by hangovers. This happened without warning about an hour after I'd taken a pill. Damian had received the pills from his Polish cleaner, after he had done his back in trying to fix a leaking pipe underneath his sink Since I haven't touched booze in 22 years after sliding into alcoholism, I felt as if I'd been transported back to my binge-drinking 20s. But I was too busy trying not to throw up to bask in nostalgia. Then came the sudden onset of clinical depression, grim little episodes of existential despair that, mysteriously, ended within a few minutes of swallowing a tramadol. Finally, I did what I should have done before I eagerly grabbed the pills out of my cleaner's hand. I read up about the drug on the internet properly. A search for tramadol withdrawal produced some horrible testimonies: 'The worst feeling in the world' . . . 'The headache is horrendous, throwing up and diarrhoea' . . . 'This is so scary'. Tramadol can be wickedly addictive because it works on the central nervous system in the same way as opium, triggering the same pleasure-giving chemicals in the brain I rang a doctor friend who groaned as soon as he heard the name of the pill. 'You might as well have been taking heroin,' he said. He thinks tramadol can be wickedly addictive because it works on the central nervous system in the same way as opium, triggering the same pleasure-giving chemicals in the brain, and also gives you the same mood boost as many antidepressants. When you come off it, there can be a double withdrawal, which produces unspeakable misery. Laura Murphy was 17 when she first experienced disturbing premenstrual symptoms. 'I remember crashing on the floor with such a violent panic attack I couldn't breathe,' recalls Laura, 37, a furniture painter from Strood in Kent. 'It was the most terrible anxiety imaginable it was overwhelming and exhausting.' Her family took the view that she was just a stressed teenager 'having a bit of a strop because my boyfriend had just gone away to university'. For Laura, though, it was the start of years of turmoil which consumes days of her life every month. Laura Murphy (pictured) from Kent was 17 when she first experienced premenstrual symptoms 'When I was younger, I was only affected in the three or four days before my period started. 'But after hitting my 30s, it became all together more serious: with three days of slowly descending into this pit of despair and exhaustion, followed by five days which I spent crashed out in bed feeling suicidal, angry and just so tired I could barely move. 'After my period started the fog would lift but I'd be so exhausted I'd need another three or four days to fully recover and get back to normal life.' Although Laura managed to graduate with a degree in design, in order to manage her need for regular time off she could only work as a temp. Her lowest point came after her first long-term relationship ended, with her boyfriend of ten years telling her: 'I can't spend my life looking after you.' 'I was heartbroken, with nothing but this endless rollercoaster ahead of me,' says Laura. She couldn't see a way forward: 'I thought I was mad. I felt so alone there was no-one who understood.' Laura was far from mad, but suffers from one of the most well-known gynaecological disorders: premenstrual syndrome, or PMS (also called PMT). DISMISSED AS 'ALL IN THE MIND' PMS is a disorder that ranges in severity, affecting an estimated three in ten women mildly to moderately, with 8 per cent of menstruating women experiencing a severe form (also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD). Though it's a common problem, PMS is both poorly researched and a source of hilarity as likely to be a punchline to a joke about female behaviour as a subject for a paper in a medical journal. Women are seen as 'irrational' at 'that time of the month' because of their hormones. Although Laura (pictured) managed to graduate with a degree in design, in order to manage her need for regular time off she could only work as a temp. Or else the disorder is dismissed as being all in their heads with sceptics pointing to the fact that the symptoms of PMS vary throughout the world, with women in Western cultures more likely to suffer psychologically. Or women are simply told to get on with it. A few years ago, a female GP told Laura that yes, she did have premenstrual symptoms, but it was just part and parcel of being a woman. She said, 'there's nothing to be done, you'll just have to learn to live with it', recalls Laura. 'She even tried to reassure me by telling me: 'You're lucky you don't live in the Middle Ages, people would have thought you were a witch.' ' Another doctor refused to refer her to a gynaecologist when she told him she thought she had PMDD. ''Where did you read about that?' he asked me. It was as though because he hadn't heard about it, it doesn't exist.' A few years ago, a female GP told Laura that yes, she did have premenstrual symptoms, but it was just part and parcel of being a woman These views frustrate experts such as Dr Nicholas Panay, a consultant gynaecologist at Queen Charlotte's Hospital and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and co-author of new official guidelines on treating PMS. 'This disorder, in my view, is simply not taken seriously enough by the medical profession or the pharmaceutical industry,' he says. Even when women's symptoms are taken seriously, they are often not treated correctly, he says. 'A major problem is that many women with PMS are misdiagnosed, frequently with bipolar disorder (often referred to as manic depression).' 'The fact that their symptoms recur every month is often missed by their GPs,' says Dr Panay. Indeed, though Laura has been prescribed antidepressants over the years, 'not a single doctor suggested that hormones might be to blame.' The worry, adds PMS expert Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, of Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre in Melbourne, is that 'opinions about the existence of PMS are fuelled by beliefs and politics, rather than by reason and good research'. THE PROOF IT DOES ACTUALLY EXIST But could all this be about to change? Last week, U.S. scientists reported the first concrete evidence that PMS is a real condition at least at the severe end of the spectrum. As the journal Molecular Psychiatry reported, they have identified 'the PMDD gene complex': a set of genes, known as ESC/E(Z), that can cause brain chemicals to behave abnormally when exposed to female hormones during the menstrual cycle, a finding hailed by Dr David Goldman, chief of human neurogenetics at the National Institute for Health in the U.S. as 'a big moment for women's health'. The study, he says, 'establishes for the first time that there are intrinsic differences in the way women respond to sex hormones at a molecular level'. Experts have identified a set of genes, known as ESC/E(Z), that can cause brain chemicals to behave abnormally when exposed to female hormones during the menstrual cycle What's more important, he adds, is: 'we now know for certain that these are not just emotional behaviours [that] women should be able to voluntarily control'. British experts have responded as enthusiastically. 'It's concrete proof that severe PMS is a genuine disease with an organic basis,' says Dr Panay, chair of the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS). 'It should hopefully convince those who viewed it as just a convenient excuse for being in a bad mood.' The study involved 34 women with severe PMS and 33 healthy participants. Their blood cells were exposed to the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone for 24 hours. The team found that following exposure to these hormones the gene complex ESC/E(Z) was switched on but only in women with severe PMS. OVERSENSITIVE TO THEIR HORMONES The finding is being hailed as the missing link that explains why some women experience abnormal mood changes during what is, after all, a normal menstrual cycle. 'This confirms the hypothesis that we have put forward for many years that PMS occurs not because of hormonal abnormalities per se but that some women have a genetic vulnerability to the changes in hormone levels that occur in every woman,' says Dr Panay. The study may also add credence to a second theory that is attracting widespread interest: that PMS is caused by progesterone 'withdrawal' in the days before a period. Scientists have discovered that only women with a certain gene experience sensitivity to oestrogen, which could explain the symptoms Levels of both progesterone and oestrogen drop at this time as the body prepares for the monthly bleed. Recent research by scientists at the University of Bristol, University College London and in Brazil has identified that in women with PMS, there is a much sharper rate of decline in progesterone and in particular, a molecule in it known as allopregnanolone. Allopregnanolone acts in the brain as a 'potent sedative and tranquilising agent', says Dr Thelma Lovick, a neuroscientist at the University of Bristol, who co-authored this research. 'The result of an abnormal decline in levels of allopregnanolone is the anxiety and irritability that are the key characteristics of PMS,' she says. 'So many women have written to tell me that understanding this process makes it easier for them to manage symptoms that seem to take them over.' PROMISE OF NEW TREATMENTS But will PMS treatment improve following these findings? To some extent treatment has already improved in recent years. 'New guidelines published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists last month established the rule that diagnosing PMS should be less about the precise symptoms than the timing of them 'ideally through a symptom diary over two menstrual cycles', says Dr Panay, who co-wrote the guidelines. The treatment plan for PMS starts with lifestyle advice, accompanied by a prescription for a combined oral contraceptive (pictured) and/or a low dose (10mg) SSRI Once diagnosed, a further addition is a simple plan to help GPs treat PMS effectively beginning with lifestyle advice, accompanied by a prescription for a combined oral contraceptive and/or a low dose (10mg) SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant, given either continuously or in the two weeks before a period. For women whose symptoms remain, the next step is stronger prescriptions: oestrogen patches and higher doses of an SSRI or even more powerful hormone treatments such as GnRH, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone that suppresses the menstrual cycle, causing a 'chemical menopause'. For a handful of women who still have severe symptoms, a hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries may be the only option. WHY DEPRESSION PILLS MAY HELP It's a plan that provides a range of options which can be tried and tested for instance SSRIs can be offered at different doses and either intermittently or permanently. Dr Lovick says her research suggests that low-dose SSRIs may be particularly effective for PMS. 'The odd thing is that SSRIs are supposed to interact with serotonin as their name suggests. In fact they also impact on allopregnanolone.' One important development following the U.S. finding, according to Professor Shaugn O'Brien, a consultant gynaecologist at University Hospital of North Staffordshire, 'could be a diagnostic blood test within the next ten years it would be a breakthrough for PMS treatment'. Dr Lovick says her research suggests that low-dose SSRIs may be particularly effective for PMS, but finds the discovery odd Longer term, gene therapy might be an option. For Laura and hundreds of thousands of women like her, the study is yet one more piece of the jigsaw enabling her to make sense of 'everything I've been through'. 'But I know women who will be comforted that there's a test and cure for PMS somewhere down the line, especially as they know that the problem is genetic and they're terrified their daughters will go through what they have suffered. 'It's part of the reason I decided not to have children,' she says. Yet however reassuring, there are still a lot of unanswered questions about PMS. For a start, the role stress might play. Menstrual cycle-related complaints are more likely to be reported by women who live in Europe, Australia and North America where a Western lifestyle is thought to cause more stress, according to U.S. psychologist Joan Chrisler. Indeed, a 2010 study of 259 women living in New York, who filled in questionnaires over two menstrual cycles, found that those who reported feeling stressed in the first month were more likely to experience severe PMS symptoms in the second month. 'Simple stress reduction programmes may be an effective, non-pharmaceutical treatment for both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS,' claimed researchers from the Department of Public Health at the University of Massachusetts, writing in the Journal of Women's Health. It's an approach widely supported by UK experts. 'I certainly do not believe that PMS can be entirely explained as 'First World problems',' says Dr Panay. 'But I also think that stress can exacerbate symptoms in women susceptible to PMS.' Dr Carrie Sadler, Derbyshire GP and PMS expert, agrees. 'The disorder is caused by a combination of factors but the symptoms will be more severe in a woman who has tendency to PMS and who is working in a stressful job than a woman with the same tendency to the disorder who has a happier, less stressful life,' she says. SYMPTOMS VARY WORLDWIDE Then there is the question of the differences in PMS around the world taken by some to suggest that the disorder is actually all in the mind. They point to evidence, for instance, that U.S. women are more likely to complain of negative emotions, whereas Chinese women say they are more sensitive to the cold at this time. Yet such discrepancies can be better explained by different cultural values, according to Professor Kulkarni. Dismissing PMS because only Western women complain of psychological problems, she says, 'fails to take into account the fact that mental health disorders are not given a priority in cultures where there are many other battles to contend with and where the non-life-threatening conditions such as PMS are given little consideration'. 'It may seem that Western women are more likely to complain about negative emotional symptoms,' says Dr Kate Clancy Further, there may be a physical explanation for geographical variations in the experience of PMS. 'It may seem that Western women are more likely to complain about negative emotional symptoms,' says Dr Kate Clancy, a professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois in the U.S. 'But the important factor could be that we eat more and are less active than women in less affluent countries and as a result we have the highest levels of progesterone the hormone responsible for PMS of all women globally.' Western women therefore feel the drop in progesterone before their period more keenly, she says. But Dr Lovick isn't convinced: 'we simply don't have the evidence that Western women have higher levels of progesterone.' She agrees that Western women may be more vulnerable to PMS simply because they have fewer pregnancies and therefore more menstrual cycles. A further concern is that 'the puzzlingly widespread belief in PMS' has led to all manner of grievances and hardships suffered by women being wrongly ascribed to hormonal disruption. 'If a woman is distressed, anxious or depressed, the tendency is to automatically think there's a hormonal explanation for it rather than thinking it could be something happening in her work or home life,' says Dr Sarah Romans, of the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago in New Zealand. She reviewed 47 studies all claiming to show an association between low mood and the premenstrual phase and found only seven of them showed that women experienced the symptoms in the run-up to their period. RIGHT TREATMENT CAN BE LIFE-CHANGING Indeed, over-medicalisation of women's 'normal' symptoms has been a hot issue, particularly in the U.S. The American Psychiatric Association was accused of 'medicalising' PMS by 'creating' a new disease, PMDD, which was added to its latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the psychiatrists' bible, in 2012. Yet for Laura, the 'discovery' of PMDD was a lifeline. Just over a year ago, she was finally referred to a hospital specialist. The American Psychiatric Association was accused of 'medicalising' PMS by 'creating' a new disease, PMDD 'I came out of that appointment and cried in the street with relief. 'It was the first time a doctor had got it, had understood what I was going through and had talked about hormones causing the problems.' PERIOD PAIN IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ISSUE There are more than 150 PMS symptoms, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. They include: Psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, loss of confidence and mood swings. Physical symptoms including bloatedness, breast pain and fatigue. They count as PMS symptoms if they cause significant impairment to the individual exclusively during the second half of the menstrual cycle (ie after ovulation has occurred and in the lead up to a period). Period pains, sometimes accompanied by back pain, diarrhoea and nausea, are NOT part of PMS. Menstrual cramps occur as the muscles of the womb contract to squeeze out the build up of tissue in the womb lining as such they are the endpoint of the menstrual cycle and not caused by changing hormonal levels during the cycle. Advertisement Since then, Laura has been using oestrogen patches and testosterone gel along with a progesterone pessary, to smooth out the cyclical changes in her hormone levels. 'I still notice my cycle, though it's nowhere near so pronounced. I'm a bit grumpy, or tend to want crisp sandwiches. 'And I'm still more tired than I should be for two weeks of the month though I need less recovery time.' She is due to have a GnRH injection imminently. If she feels better on the treatment, she could have a hysterectomy within a year. 'I want that surgery,' she says. Laura has now started a support group that has 650 members. 'I get emails every day from women thankful to be in touch with a group instead of managing all alone for years, often decades,' she says. 'The most pitiful are those who have spent years fearing that their children would be taken away from them because they feel that they are such bad mothers for part of every month. 'I often think of the GP who dismissed my symptoms and refused to refer me to a specialist because he'd never heard of PMDD, condemning me to several years of unnecessary suffering and I fear that this is still happening today.' Women with a history of miscarriages are six times more likely to have a baby if they take a natural hormone treatment before trying to conceive, a new study shows. Progesterone - which can be taken as an injection, gel, or tablet - been used for years to treat infertility. But until now, few studies have seriously examined it as a candidate to beat miscarriage. The new research shows that endometrial glands (the inner lining of the uterus) may play a larger role in early pregnancy than previously thought. By stabilizing the endometrium, progesterone could eliminate some of the major risk factors that mean one in 20 women lose a baby in the first trimester. And a genetic test could identify which women would benefit from having progesterone which plays a role in maintaining pregnancy. One in 20 women suffer multiple miscarriages. Now, scientists believe they have found how hormone treatment could alter their chance of having a baby (stock image) Miscarriages are the loss of a pregnancy during the first 23 weeks and are more common than thought. The NHS estimates one in six pregnancies end in miscarriage in the UK. The US rate is closer to one in five. Recurrent miscarriages where the woman loses three or more pregnancies in a row are far less common, affecting around one in 100 women. It is thought that most miscarriages are caused by abnormal chromosomes in the baby - genetic 'building blocks' that guide the development of a baby. If a baby has too many or not enough chromosomes, it won't develop properly. Professor Dr Mary Stephenson at the University of Illinois said: 'Recurrent pregnancy loss is a heartbreaking challenge for as many as one in 20 women although it is not often openly discussed.' 'And while we know a lot about sporadic miscarriage, which is a natural mechanism of the body when there is a chromosome error at conception, we do not know nearly enough about unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.' Unlike previous studies, the new study of progesterone supplementation looked at a large and specific group of 116 women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. Recent evidence suggested endometrial glands may play a larger role in early pregnancy than previously thought Dr Stephenson worked with Dr Harvey Kliman at the Yale University School of Medicine, who specialises in the endometrium - the inner layer of the uterus. They identified women with abnormal endometrial development by examining the expression of nuclear cyclin E, or nCyclinE. Women with abnormal levels of nCyclinE, a molecular marker for the health of the endometrium, were prescribed progesterone during the second half of their menstrual cycle, when the uterine lining matures in preparation for a possible pregnancy. The scientists found two-thirds of pregnancies successful in women who received progesterone in the form of a vaginal gel, compared to barely half in women who did not receive the hormone. Dr Stephenson said: 'We are very pleased to find that these results reinforce the evidence that progesterone could be a very beneficial, inexpensive and safe treatment for many women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss..' She added the results also indicate that molecular markers like nCyclinE could help doctors determine which patients would benefit from progesterone, and at what dose. Dr Kliman who invented the Endometrial Function Test (ENF) to measure CyclinE levels and identify women with infertility said. 'This study has shown that the EFT can also be an important tool for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.' This is the incredible moment a student paralysed from the chest down after a freak accident defied doctors to move her hand. Georgia Rawlings, 18, snapped her neck in four places when she fell backwards from the apparatus in a park in Lincoln in September. Doctors told the tetraplegic - loss of all four limbs - that she would never walk again and didn't expect her to ever regain movement in the majority of her body. But her family were left stunned when she was able to move her left wrist following complicated surgery to fuse her bones together - and even captured the moment on video. She is now battling to regain the full use of one of her arms so she can stroke her beloved dogs once more. Miss Rawlings said: '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.' Her mother, Michelle, 44, said her daughter suddenly started screaming in pain after undergoing the surgery. 'Then suddenly she raised her left arm up off the bed. We couldn't believe it. I started filming and managed to get her to raise her wrist up,' she added. 'That is something she has never been able to do since the incident and is the most movement she has had - it was just incredible. 'I can't stop watching the footage. It is just amazing, remarkable. She has really defied the odds. 'She is just completely and utterly refusing to give up. I don't know where she gets her strength from but she is incredible, it is just mind-blowing. Her positivity is absolutely amazing.' Georgia Rawlings, 18, snapped her neck in four places when she fell backwards from the apparatus in a park in Lincoln in September Miss Rawlings was left with four fractured vertebrae in her neck which trapped her spinal cord following the accident. The student, who was in her second year of a college animal management course and worked at a kennels, was rushed to intensive care. I am taking things one day at a time - I was in quite a bad situation at the beginning, it could have been fatal Georgia Rawlings Doctors said it was touch and go for the first couple of weeks - but she managed to pull through at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. She was then transferred to The Princess Royal Spinal Unit at Sheffield's Northern General Hospital. Despite her spinal cord releasing by itself, the irreversible damage had been done and she was left paralysed from the neck down. She later regained some sensation down to her chest - but doctors never expected to regain anymore. Doctors told her she would never walk again and didn't expect her to ever regain movement in the majority of her body Miss Rawlings said: 'I am taking things one day at a time - I was in quite a bad situation at the beginning, it could have been fatal' (pictured: a scan of her neck after the accident) Since being in hospital, she has been placed in a brace which was screwed into her skull to keep the vertebrae in her neck still. And earlier this week she underwent surgery to fuse and stabilise the damaged bones. Doctors said there was a very small possibility the surgery would help her regain movement because it removes the spine away from the spinal cord. But after witnessing her move her wrist, her family are hopeful she may be able to gain sensation in her lower body in the near future. Mrs Rawlings added: 'Considering she was able to lift her wrist two days after the surgery we have no idea what is coming next now. 'She just wants her arms back so she can stroke her dogs, brush her own hair, text her friends. Now getting her left arm back seems to be becoming a reality.' Mrs Rawlings, and her husband Steven, 50, are now fundraising for home adaptations, stem cell treatment and pioneering electrode therapy. Lincoln City Council have removed basket swings from six play areas across the city - including the park Georgia was injured in - while a review takes place. A fundraiser will take place at Saxilby Lincoln on March 11. To make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gee-rawlings Miss Rawlings is now battling to regain the full use of one of her arms so she can stroke her beloved dogs - Smudge and Murphy - once more Conjoined twins who made the headlines yesterday have tragically passed away before any treatment could be conducted. Sharing a single body and fitted with tubes, a clip of the newborns was posted on social media by surprised relatives towards the end of last week. But after their story came to light on the MailOnline yesterday, the Mexican clinic which cared for them have since confirmed their death. It is believed that they shared all of their major internal organs, but each had their own heads and brains. Health officials at the Mexican Institute of Social Security of the state of Chihuahua initially said that their mother was in a stable condition. But director of the clinic, Jesus Urrutia, has now said that the unidentified woman is in good health. He added that the clinic won't discuss any more details in an attempt to preserve the family's privacy. Doctors in the city of Ciudad Juarez were reportedly said to be looking at a 'plan going forward' for the babies. Siamese twins, or conjoined twins as they are known to medics, occur in about one in 100,000 pregnancies. Born in Mexico, the video of the conjoined twins was posted on social media by surprised relatives towards the end of last week Medical literature states conjoined twins develop when a woman produces just one egg that doesn't fully seperate after being fertilised. CONJOINED TWINS: THE FACTS Births of conjoined twins, whose skin and internal organs are fused together, are rare. They are believed to occur just once in every 200,000 live births. Approximately 40 to 60 percent of conjoined twins arrive stillborn, and about 35 percent survive only one day. The overall survival rate of conjoined twins is somewhere between 5 percent and 25 percent. For some reason, female siblings seem to have a better shot at survival than their male counterparts. Source: University of Maryland Advertisement The developing embryo then begins to split into identical twins during the first few weeks but stops before the process is complete. Experts say the partially separated egg then develops into a conjoined foetus. Most conjoined twins don't survive because their organs are unable to support their bodily needs. It is estimated that 40 per cent are not alive when they are delivered while 35 per cent die within a day of being born. Their birth comes just two days after a Saudi Arabia king promised to separate two conjoined sisters from Egypt. The young girls, named Menna and May, will be treated at the kingdom's expense, reports in the Middle East have stated. The MailOnline can now reveal that after 5 months of treatment, the swelling in his eyes has reduced and the bleeding has stopped They paid to fly him 1,800 miles away to Bangalore to start chemotherapy His story went viral and got attention from officials in the state of Assam, India Blood clots had started to form in his eyes, drying up and affecting his vision A four-year-old boy whose eyes would bleed and pop out as a result of leukaemia has been cured. Sagar Dorji, from Lakhimpur in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, developed the form of blood cancer in the summer last year. His parents were unable to afford to pay for medical tests, but fortunately his story attracted international attention. Local health officials became aware of his situation and sought to treat him - flying him 1,800 miles (2,900km) away to Bangalore for chemotherapy. And after a five-month treatment plan, the swelling in his eyes has reduced and the bleeding has completely subsided. Although there is no threat to his life anymore, doctors remain worried that the disease may have caused irreversible damage to his eye sight. Sagar Dorji was diagnosed with acute myeloud leukaemia last year. It caused his eyes to bleed and pop out, but after attracting international attention, he was been cured of the disease His surgeon, Dr Sunil Bhat, told MailOnline: 'We dont know how much of damaged has happened in the eyes. If the cornea is damaged, it can be fixed. 'But if the damage is from inside, it would be a challenging task to recover his sight.' His devastated parents were desperate to find out what was wrong with him after his condition escalated in August 2016 - but couldn't afford the medical tests required. But after becoming aware of his family's campaign, officials in the state of Assam paid to fly the boy to a private hospital in Bangalore. Doctors here diagnosed Sagar with acute myeloid leukaemia - which can, on rare occasions, affect the blood vessels in the eyes. Surgeons conducted a bone marrow transplant on Sagar after his nine-year-old sister was found to be a match. His parents (pictured with his father Humbahadur, 35, right) were unable to afford to pay for medical tests, but fortunately his story went viral. Local health officials became aware of his situation and sought to treat him - flying him 1,800 miles away to Bangalore for chemotherapy And after a five-month treatment plan, the swelling in his eyes has reduced and the bleeding has completely subsided (pictured before treatment) Sagar was considered lucky, as there is only a 30 per cent chance of a match between siblings, according to medical literature. The entire treatment has so far cost around INR 210,000 (25,000) - with the Indian government having paid most of it. Money generated through crowd-funding - in which people from around the world donated - took care of travel, accommodation and food expenses. Sagars parents, who have been camping in Bangalore for the past five months, are relieved to see their child smile again. 'We are grateful to the state government and all the people who donated for Sagars treatment,' says his father, Humbahadur Dorji. 'It was really heartening to see how the people from across the world donated for Sagars treatment even before the Assam government decided to pitch in. 'I dont know how to thank you all. But it is because of your help and generosity that my child back from the jaws of death. 'We will remain indebted to you all our life for your generosity. Thank you again' The number of elderly people being forced to wait in A&E departments for 12 hours has more than doubled in two years, new figures show. Despite having a target to attend to patients within four hours, the stretched health service is struggling to hit their targets. Data from NHS Digital reveals a huge jump in the number of extended waits among those aged 70 and over. In 2013/14, there were 34,088 reported delays - but this jumped to 88,252 over the course of last year. In 2013/14, there were 34,088 reported delays of 12 hours or more for over 70s - but this jumped to 88,252 over the course of last year And among all ages, the figures showed the same monumental increase. From 87,213 waits of 12 hours or more recorded in 2013/14, this rose to 185,017 over the course of last year. Chris Moulton, vice president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: 'These figures demonstrate that we don't have enough acute hospital beds or enough social care for a growing and ageing population. 'These elderly people are on trolleys, waiting for a bed. These figures are from the time people arrive at A&E and show just how bad things are.' Since 2000, hospitals have had a target to make sure 95 per cent of patients are attended to within four hours. But this figure has been missed heavily in the past two years, with the most recent figures suggesting just three quarters of patients are dealt with inside that time. These statistics come after Jeremy Hunt last night begged people to stay away from crisis-hit hospitals. The Health Secretary claimed 30 per cent of people using casualty units did not need to be there, pointing to cases of broken fingernails, drunkenness and back ache. These statistics come after Jeremy Hunt begged people to stay away from crisis-hit hospitals Announcing drastic measures to ease pressures on the NHS, Mr Hunt suggested the four-hour treatment target could be limited to serious cases. He said: ' This Government is committed to maintaining and delivering that vital four-hour commitment to patients. These figures demonstrate that we don't have enough acute hospital beds or enough social care for a growing and ageing population Chris Moulton, vice president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine 'But since it was announced in 2000, there are nearly nine million more visits to our A&Es, up to 30 per cent of whom NHS England estimate do not need to be there. And the tide is continuing to rise.' Leaked documents obtained by the BBC also found that there were over 18,000 trolley waits of over four hours last week alone. And 485 of them were for more than 12 hours, three times the amount recorded in January last year, it reported. A&E departments are known to be dealing with their busiest winter in 15 years as some doctors claim they have never seen it so bad. Last week the Red Cross warned hospitals were facing a 'humanitarian crisis' and an elderly woman died after spending 35 hours waiting on a trolley. She passed away at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, while another - also on a trolley - suffered a fatal aneurysm in the same department. Last week the Red Cross warned hospitals were facing a 'humanitarian crisis' and an elderly woman died after spending 35 hours waiting on a trolley at Worcestershire Royal Hospital A memo leaked to the Health Service Journal (HSJ) shows that NHS England held a patient risk summit in Worcestershire 10 days before they both died. The summit was held due to concerns raised by the Care Quality Commission over care at the hospital. The message to trust staff said summit attendees recognised 'we are facing a crisis as our bed occupancy is too high - often over 100 per cent - and this needs to be reduced. HUNT TOOK KIDS TO A&E TO AVOID WAITING TO SEE A GP Jeremy Hunt once admitted taking his children to casualty just so he did not have to wait to see a GP. During a debate with MPs in November 2014 he said: 'I took my own children to an A&E department at the weekend precisely because I did not want to wait until later on to take them to see a GP. 'We have to recognise that society is changing and people do not always know whether the care that they need is urgent or whether it is an emergency, and making GPs available at weekends will relieve a lot of pressure in A&E departments.' He did not say when or why he went to A&E, or which of his three children he had taken Jack, six, Anna, four, or two-year-old Eleanor. Advertisement 'Despite our best efforts, patients are waiting too long in corridors, putting them at risk of harm, and we know this is of real concern to our staff.' A spokesman for the trust told the HSJ: 'The risk summit took place before the patient deaths and, while we considered issues of patient safety, until there is a thorough investigation ... we can't say there is a link between them and any pressures.' Other data published by NHS Digital shows 37 per cent of people going to A&E are discharged with no follow-up needed. While 20 per cent are discharged to their GP and another 20 per cent are admitted to hospital. Monday was also found to be the busiest day of the week, with people mainly attending between 9am and noon. But Mr Moulton said there were many valid cases among people discharged with no follow-up. He said: 'Many people go to A&E departments and leave with the advice and reassurance they need. 'An example is a child who has been taken to A&E with a big lump on their head after falling over. 'We might check them over and say we think they're OK and they are discharged, but that is still a good and valid use of an emergency department's time. 'Even if we did get rid of that 37 per cent of people from A&E, it still wouldn't do anything about these old people laying on trolleys waiting for beds.' It's sweeping the nation fast, leaving many with a hacking cough. Now experts also warn that adenovirus - which can last for weeks - could make some people fat. Currently tens of thousands of people across the country are reported to be suffering from the pneumonia-causing bug. And treatment options are limited as research earlier this week deemed over-the-counter cough medicines ineffective. Instead, health officials advise sufferers to up their fluid intake - allowing the body to fight the virus. Tens of thousands of people across the country are believed to have adenovirus - which can lead to pneumonia. But experts also warn it could make some people fat Previous research has found that a form of the virus that affects humans - known as Ad-36 - can cause chickens to put on weight. But the same Indian scientists also discovered that it could cut levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides - found in the blood. To confirm their results, they injected another group of chickens with a separate virus - while keeping some animals clear of either bug. They found that those infected with Ad-36 became fatter. And when repeating their studies on mice and marmosets, the results were found to be consistent. Marmosets gained three times as much weight, increasing their body fat by around 60 per cent, it is reported. Dr Richard Atkinson, from the University of Wisconsin, says there are three ways that could explain why adenovirus makes animals fat. 'It increases the uptake of glucose from the blood and converts it to fat,' he said in The Secret Life of Fat by Sylvia Tara. 'It increases the creation of fat molecules through fatty acid synthase, an enzyme that creates fat. 'And it enables the creation of more fat cells to hold all the fat by committing stem cells, which can turn into either bone or fat, into fat. Previous research has found that a form of the virus that affects humans - known as Ad-36 - can cause chickens to put on weight 'So the fat cells that exist are getting bigger, and the body is creating more of them.' However, the impact on human weight gain has yet to be studied. Adenovirus often infects the airways and the intestinal tract and common complications include pneumonia and meningitis. However, those with weakened immune systems are deemed the highest risk - with healthy adults normally able to fight it off. WHAT IS ADENOVIRUS? Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that typically cause respiratory illnesses, such as a common cold, conjunctivitis, croup, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia. In children, adenoviruses usually cause infections in the respiratory tract and intestinal tract. Adenovirus infections may occur in children of any age. However, children ages 6 months to 2 years who attend childcare may be more likely to become ill with these viruses. Respiratory infections are most common in the late winter, spring, and early summer. Common complications include pneumonia and meningitis - but only those with weakened immune systems, such as children and the elderly, are at risk. Source: University of Rochester Medical Center Advertisement Surgeries across England and Wales have reported an increasing number of people coming to them with nasty coughs - the main symptom. And the virus has even been blamed in part for bay closures at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where doctors have reported a rise in patients coming to A&E with flu-related symptoms. Dr Clare Gerada, former head of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said doctors are seeing 'a lot of people with a virus more severe than a normal cold, almost a type of bronchitis'. While John Oxford, an emeritus professor of virology at Queen Mary University of London, who has just recovered from the infection himself, says it is 'highly likely' the adenovirus is to blame for the outbreak. It comes as the Queen was struck down by a 'heavy cold' over Christmas, missing the traditional church service at Sandringham for the first time. And research earlier this week found that cough medicines bought over the counter at pharmacies work little better than a placebo. Only cough drops were proven to work, although boiled sweets would have the same throat-soothing effect, experts from the American Chemical Society said. Dr Richard Pebody, from Public Health England, said: 'It is common to see an increase in acute respiratory tract infections at this time of the year. 'Symptoms include coughs, runny nose, fever, sore throat, fatigue, aches and pains. Mothers must take vitamin D supplements to protect their newborns from crippling illnesses, a new study warns. A fifth of American newborns (roughly 800,000 babies a year) are vitamin D deficient, figures show, leaving them at risk of brittle bones and rickets. Mothers are urged to breastfeed, if possible, in order to give their infants the maximum dose of nutrients. But new research by the Mayo Clinic has confirmed what many parents fear: breast milk rarely provides enough vitamin D for newborns. Experts insist this should not be a reason to choose bottle-feeding - which is costly, with varying levels of nutrients, and often not easy for babies to digest. Instead, the researchers say all new mothers should be told to take up a regime of vitamin D supplements - or feed the supplements direct to their child. A fifth of American newborns (roughly 800,000 babies a year) are vitamin D deficient, figures show, leaving them at risk of brittle bones and rickets Doctors do already recommend daily vitamin D supplementation, but it is not widely-discussed and adherence is poor. The new research published in the Annals of Family Medicine was an attempt to understand how mothers absorb this advice. Ultimately, Dr Tom D. Thacher and colleagues concluded the only effective way to eliminate vitamin D deficiency in infants is to make maternal supplement-taking a standard procedure. The team surveyed 140 mothers with exclusively breastfed infants. They also spoke to 44 who used both breast milk and formula milk. WHY IS BREAST BEST, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS? Mothers are urged to breastfeed, if possible, in order to give their infants the maximum dose of nutrients. Bottle-feeding can be costly for many parents struggling to cope with the financial burden of a new baby. Formula milk also has varying levels of nutrients, decided by the provider. And it is often not easy for babies to digest. However, babies who consume both breast milk and formula may not get enough vitamin D and still need drops or mothers who take supplements. Many women who breastfeed incorrectly believe that this gives babies all the nutrients they need, said Dr. Carol Wagner of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Advertisement They found less than half of infants in the study were receiving the recommended daily vitamin D supplementation. Given a choice, most mothers would prefer to supplement themselves to enrich their breast milk with vitamin D rather than supplement their infants. Only 55 percent of mothers supplemented their infants with vitamin D, and only 42 percent supplemented with the 400 IU recommended. Regarding maternal preferences, they found 88 percent of mothers preferred supplementing themselves rather than their infants, and 57 percent preferred daily to monthly supplementation. Mothers cited safety as most important in choosing a method of supplementation. The authors conclude that taking maternal preferences into consideration could improve adequate intakes of vitamin D in breastfed infants. They offer that because most mothers take a prenatal vitamin after delivery, higher doses of vitamin D (4000-6400 IU daily) could be incorporated into the maternal supplementation routine to enrich the breast milk with vitamin D. They cite ease of administration and avoidance of potential toxicity to the infant from dosing errors as advantages of maternal rather than infant supplementation. One limitation of the study is that it included mostly white mothers, and the findings might not apply to women of other racial or ethnic groups or with a high risk of vitamin D deficiency, the authors note in the Annals of Family Medicine. Still, the findings highlight the need to educate new parents about vitamin D and make sure breastfeeding mothers take supplements themselves or give babies drops, said Dr. Lydia Furman, a researcher at Case Western Reserve University and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. 'Infants can only receive adequate vitamin D if their mothers receive adequate vitamin D and thus there is adequate vitamin D in their breast milk, or if they are supplemented,' Furman, who wasn't involved in the study, said. Some infant formulas may contain enough vitamin D to make drops unnecessary. Infants can only receive adequate vitamin D if their mothers receive adequate vitamin D But babies who consume both breast milk and formula may not get enough vitamin D and still need drops or mothers who take supplements. Many women who breastfeed incorrectly believe that this gives babies all the nutrients they need, said Dr. Carol Wagner of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. 'There is an inherent belief that breast milk is the perfect food for their baby,' Wagner, who wasn't involved in the study, said. It's no surprise women prefer taking supplements themselves, because infant drops can be hard to remember and hard to get babies to swallow, Wagner added. Amidst attacks by the opposition on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation drive, Canada has given a thumbs up to the move. The country's Minister for Infrastructure who is leading the business delegation at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, says the demonetisation step needs to be commended. Speaking exclusively to India Today, minister Amarjeet Sohi, one of the four Sikh faces in the Justin Trudeau cabinet, said, 'Any country that takes steps to control flow of black money and corruption needs to be commended. Speaking to India Today, Minister for Infrastructure Amarjeet Sohi praised Modi's note ban 'So we commend the steps taken by PM Modi in order to make sure there is fairness in the system' Sohi added that the issues faced by the Indo-Canadian community post declaration of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 rupee notes as illegal tender, are being addressed. Adding to his minister's comments, Canada's high commissioner stressed that cash woes have faced by some diplomatic missions are for a greater good. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been given the thumbs up from Canada 'Like other missions in India we face similar challenges whether it be mission operations, tourists visiting from Canada, even diplomats or myself. But we take a step back and we commend government for taking very bold steps in addressing underground economy, counterfeit currency ,and corruption. 'And no initiative along those significant lines can be implemented in smooth and simple manner,' stressed Canadian envoy Nadir Patel. The opposition mood on demonetisation, and Mamata Banerjee's all-out war against the Centre have put question marks on the timely implementation of the tax reforms. Asked about the delay in roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India and impact on investor sentiments , Minister Sohi sought to dismiss any adverse impact on bilateral trade. 'Trade and investment relationships take long time to materialise. So few months delay here and there is not going to impact our relationship,' he said adding that 'we really value steps taken by PM Modi on liberalisation of trade and barriers and making foreign investments easier into India.' A man sells garlands made of old Indian currency notes at a market in Jammu, India Born in Sangrur of Punjab, Amarjeet Sohi's family moved to Canada in 1981. But in 1988 during a visit to Bihar for land rights theatre programme, he was accused of being a khalistani terrorist with alleged links to naxals and LTTE. The 24-year-old Sohi was lodged in prison for 21 months under stringent TADA act, but charges were eventually dropped for lack of any evidence and upon intervention of international agencies. He returned to Canada and went from driving a truck to being elected a city councillor. He finally rose to the job of the infrastructure and communities minister in the diverse Trudeau cabinet in 2016. Asked if he has any hard feelings for what transpired in the past, Sohi underlines that he loves India where his sister and extended family and friends still live. 'What happened to me in 80s was reflection of widespread human rights violations of that time and every society evolves. Transgender people will be counted in Pakistan's national census for the first time thanks to a landmark court ruling. It follows a petition filed by transgender Waqar Ali last November that argued Pakistan's transgender community had been marginalised and their fundamental rights should be recognised by including them in the sixth national census. On Monday the Lahore High Court issued the order to the government, National Database and Registration Authority, and the interior ministry with a government official assuring the court that the transgender community will be part of the 2017 census which starts in March. A Pakistani transgender prepares her dress ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festival in Peshawar on July 5, 2016 Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed the order, issuing directives to enforce the transgender community's basic rights. The move was welcomed by Pakistan's transgender community. 'We are glad that we will be counted as will be other people,' transgender rights worker Almas Bobby told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. 'Hope we get equal citizenship and equal status.' There are no official figures on the number of transgender people living in Pakistan but advocacy group Trans Action estimates there are at least 500,000 in the country with a population of 190 million. Pakistani transgenders carry placards as they rally to mark World Aids Day in Karachi In 2012, Pakistan's Supreme Court declared equal rights for transgender citizens, including the right to inherit property and assets, preceded a year earlier by the right to vote. But shunned by mainstream society, transgender individuals in Pakistan are still often forced into begging, prostitution or dancing to earn a living. However transgender people are also sometimes venerated in the South Asian tradition of according spiritual powers to eunuchs and others who fall outside traditional gender divisions. Transgender people in Pakistan carry placards campaigning for better rights during a march to mark World Aids Day in 2013 Nepal's 2011 census was hailed as the first national census globally to allow people to register as a gender other than male or female while India also counted transgender people in its national census for the first time in 2011. In 2013 Germany became the first European country to allow parents of babies born with no clearly-defined gender characteristics to leave the 'male/female' field on birth certificates blank, creating a 'third sex' category. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh can choose from three genders for their passports. Pakistan, estimated to be the sixth largest country by population, will conduct its national census in March following a gap of nearly 19 years. A police officer asked a man who complained of assault and class discrimination to provide higher-caste witnesses in his case, it is claimed. A 19-year-old student from India's lowest Dalit caste had gone to police in Delhi earlier this month after he was allegedly assaulted by two men who used 'caste-based slurs' against him following a minor collision. The officer, Harbir Singh, filed an assault case but allegedly failed to add a caste-related charge, and later asked the complainant to bring two 'independent high-caste' witnesses to support his allegations. India's stringent prevention of atrocities law requires police immediately to arrest anyone accused of violence or slurs against lower caste members Indian Police said on Tuesday that action had been taken against the officer, who has been suspended from active duty while investigations take place. A K Singla, northeast Delhi's deputy commissioner of police, told news agency AFP: 'We have removed him [Singh] from active duty for wrongdoing and are investigating the allegations.' Asked whether police had apologised to the student, he said: 'We are in touch with the complainant and have explained our position.' Delhi Police has removed the officer from active duty while investigations continue One person has been arrested in the case and a charge of caste violence has been added to the assault charge. India's stringent prevention of atrocities law requires police immediately to arrest anyone accused of violence or slurs against lower caste members. Dalits, formerly known as 'untouchables', are among the most marginalised groups in India and are at the bottom of the country's deeply entrenched caste hierarchy. Caste discrimination is outlawed in India but remains widespread. Many in the Dalit community say they face humiliation and even violent attacks. The road to Canada is often paved with fake visas and dodgy passports, police data from a Delhi airport now shows. Officers say despite multi-layered checking at the emigration centres, international travel agents keep cooking-up new ways to forge the documents. As such this is a flourishing business in northern India. First-time travellers are the easiest targets. 'In a majority of the cases, passengers denied visa by embassies approach travel agents,' said Sanjay Bhatia, deputy commissioner of police at Delhi airport. Cooking-up new ways to forge travel documents is a flourishing business in northern India 'Such travellers desperately want to go abroad. 60 to 65% cases we have registered are related to forged visa and passport.' According to officials, most such passengers have Canada as their travel destination and some of them go on to other countries from there. About 15 countries in the world are favoured by Indian travellers and 60 to 70% of them apply for working visas to Canada, sources say. Airport officials revealed that cheats are using three different ploys to prepare fake travel documents and sell them for large sums. According to Bhatia, the first tactic travel agents use is preparing bogus visas and passports with scanning machines and a software called 'Pride'. The fake documents are generally identical in quality to real ones and it requires painstaking diligence from CISF personnel to detect the fraud. Airport officials revealed that cheats are using three different ploys to prepare fake travel documents and sell them for large sums In a majority of such cases, travel agents seek out first-time travellers who are unaware of the technical detection parameters and therefore more likely to fall prey to such tactics, said the officials. The second modus operandi is removing photos of genuine passengers from visas and passports and pasting the pictures of desperate travellers followed by other formalities such as signature and stamp. This is generally done in cases where the clients are using travel documents of their family members to get passports and visas. Unscrupulous travellers sometimes also take advantage of similarity in identities. Twin brothers and sisters occasionally use each other's valid visas and passports to travel abroad, said officials. Sources said that members of certain communities who appear identical because of their religious attire and facial hair also take advantage as they can sometimes be difficult to tell apart from each other. According to officials, there are multiple manual and computerised detection mechanisms at all international airports of the country. Despite that travel agents do not bother about the possibilities of passengers getting caught at emigration checking as they want quick and easy money. A majority of such travellers come from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. A large number of men and women from Kerala also go to West Asian countries every year seeking employment. 'The poor and little-educated passengers generally fail to differentiate between forged and original travelling documents,' Bhatia said. According to officials, most such passengers have Canada as their travel destination and some of them go on to other countries from there 'They just pay the travel agent a fixed amount as part of a package including ticket fare without sensing the dangers that await them.' The DCP added that even if a person hoodwinks officials in India and manages to go abroad, a check in that country can always unmask the phoney traveller. The offenders are then booked under stringent non-bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code. The job of security agencies gets tougher in cases of suspect documents. In these cases, the passengers are allowed to travel after authorities get photocopies for verification. The CISF officials hand over such cases to the Delhi Police department, which then sends the documents to concerned embassies to ascertain their nature. In the biggest seizure of its kind in India - a total of 6,434 Indian flapshell turtles have been recovered from poachers in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district on Tuesday. Experts say India ranks among the top five Asian countries for turtle conservation, but nearly 40 per cent of the species are listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. The UP Special Task Force (STF) headed by additional superintendent of police Arvind Chaturvedi raided a tributary of the Indira Gandhi Canal in Gauri Ganj area at 3 am. In the biggest seizure of its kind in India - a total of 6,434 Indian flapshell turtles have been recovered from poachers They found the reptiles stuffed in 140 gunny bags waiting to be hauled into a truck with a West Bengal permit, apart from some boats. In total, the freshwater turtles weighed about five tonne, officials said. 'This is indeed the largest haul in India's wildlife history both in terms of numbers and weight,' said Chaturvedi. While the Indian flapshell turtle, also known locally as Sundari, is the most common turtle in the country, the rate at which it is being poached has set alarm bells ringing. In total, the freshwater turtles weighed about five tonne, officials said It is native to South Asia and is found only in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. In India, it lives in the Gangetic belt all along Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, especially in the Ghagra- Gomti tributaries network. A tribe known as Kanjad is known to rear as well as poach it in the rivers, lakes and small UP village ponds. Practically through every means possible road, train and even parcel courier these turtles are sent to Mumbai, West Bengal, Assam and Tripura. Here, they are loved for their meat, which is said to be clean white and aromatic. In India, the turtle lives in the Gangetic belt all along Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, especially in the Ghagra- Gomti tributaries network (picture for representation only) Further, their shells are sent to Bangladesh, China, etc for use in soups and powdered medicine. 'Turtle poaching in Uttar Pradesh has reached epic proportions. It is home to 14 endangered turtle species of the total 28 found in India. 'These include the Indian flapshell, softshell, roofed and black turtles. 'We estimate that at least 20,000 are being smuggled out of UP every year,' said Arunima Singh of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA). 'This is indeed bad news for Ganga's purity and ecological balance too as these turtles feed on crabs, snails, dead fish and fragments of dead animals. 'Without these turtles, cleaning of Ganga would be even more difficult.' Further, their popularity in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam is growing rapidly. Here, they are wanted as pets. A senior Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) officer said, 'There is this belief from Feng Shui traditions that a turtle with all 20 nails - 5 on each of the 4 legs - is a good luck charm. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species puts the flapshell turtles in the 'least concerned' category 'Often, these turtles are taken to Mumbai's Crawford Market, besides Kolkata. 'A considerable number are shipped out to various countries from the ports of these cities. Notably, these turtles are used to create aphrodisiacs and cosmetics too.' The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species puts the flapshell turtles in the 'least concerned' category but the reptile is in the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. 'It is a challenge to stop these poachers and break their highly organised network,' said assistant superintendent of police Arvind Chaturvedi. 'They are spread across Fatehgarh, Kannauj, Allahabad and Varanasi. They are exploiting the sandbanks of the rivers Saryu, Ghagra, etc. I am not sure if 'monk' is even the right word for Swami Vivekananda, whose 154th birthday falls on January 12. Monk means 'solitary' etymologically, but I suspect it is really linked to muni and mauna, both venerable and ancient Sanskrit words. New order The Swami in question was neither solitary, though he did spend lots of time wandering about on his own all over India before his spectacular debut on September 11, 1893, at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. The Swami Vivekananda statue in Mumbai: The spiritual leader travelled to Europe and America to spread Hindhu philosophy Nor was he silent or particularly quietist. His Complete Works extend over nine volumes, though he did not live to be 40. Though he founded a new order of monks named after his guru, Sri Ramakrishna, Vivekananda was one of the most active and energetic men of the latter part of the 19th century. The truth about Vivekananda is that he doesn't quite fit our ideas of either a holy man or a sannyasi. This, indeed, is the point of a brilliant new book on him by Hindol Sengupta, The Modern Monk. Hindol Sengupta's The Modern Monk One of its chapters is actually called the 'Monk Who Smoked.' Hindol, the author of the bestseller, Being Hindu: Old Faith, New World and You, is one among the increasingly visible and assertive group of younger Indians who are upending the received dogmas of the Left-liberal establishment. In the process, they also interrogate the platitudes of their own parents and the faith of their ancestors. The special quality of Hindol's book is not just his resistance to uncritical piety, but in the 'intimate quality' of his writing on Vivekananda. The clue to that special feel is in his own account of Daniel Boorstin's rereading of Gibbon's magisterial Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. For Boorstin, Gibbon's masterpiece wasn't as much a great book as an 'intimate' book: 'By this I mean a book that has something personal to say to us today.' It would not be out of place to compliment Hindol in the same coin: his book on Vivekananda also has that intimate texture somewhat missing in other accounts on Vivekananda. No doubt this has to do with his own struggle to come to terms with the overwhelming presence of the Swami in his life. From his very childhood, in a family of Ramakrishna devotees, Hindol continuously faced pressure to become a joiner, even find a suitable 'match' in the extended circle of devotees. Vivekananda was one of the most active and energetic men of the latter part of the 19th century What Hindol succeeds in doing, and this is what makes his effort all the more admirable, is to break out of that indoctrination to come to terms with Swami Vivekananda on his own. He does so not by reiterating and heaping hagiographical praise on the leonine Swami, but by struggling with his own faith and Vivekananda legacy in the world. Larger than life The result? A much more authentic and finely realised portrait of a man who has become so much larger than life. I also congratulate Hindol for being an unapologetic, modern Hindu; there is none of the pseudo-secular varnish or apologetics that characterises many a tepid admirer or critic. Being Hindu for Hindol, however, doesn't mean being fanatical or stupid; owning up to one's identity and celebrating whatever is good about it do not preclude him from pointing to its failings, including caste hierarchies, as he does, also following Vivekananda. Coming back to the Swami who crossed the oceans and stirred the soul of three continents, what we must remember, even revere, is how Vivekananda transformed India. He taught us no longer to be weak or helpless but to rouse our innate strength as immortal souls. No wonder, his favourite quotation from the Vedas was: 'Arise, awake, stop not till the goal be reached.' Actually, the original exhorts us to seek out the higher knowledge from elevated persons. Vivekananda was one of the founders of modern India. He instilled a new self-respect and enthusiasm in a defeated and moribund society. Weakened by thousand years of foreign rule of which the worst was probably British colonialism, we Indians were destitute and dispirited. It was Vivekananda who roused us with the mantra of self-awakening. His message of practical Vedanta was simple: know that each soul is divine; try to realise divinity in this life itself and transform society in the process. He actually demonstrated this in his work in the United States and Europe, where he achieved so much worldly, not just spiritual success. Weakened by thousand years of foreign rule of which the worst was probably British colonialism, we Indians were destitute and dispirited. It was Vivekananda who roused us with the mantra of self-awakening. Experience We must also learn from Vivekananda's experience not to be anti-Western. There were wonderful helpers in the West, especially in the United States, without whom the phenomenon that is Vivekananda might not have come about. Indeed, without their recognition and support, he would have been treated no better than a coloured Asiatic as some hotels where he sought - and was denied - accommodation considered him. It is this liberal and open-minded West, receptive to new ideas, that India should continue to partner in this new phase of its self-confidence and self-assertion. We must also learn from Vivekananda's experience not to be anti-Western India, as I have said elsewhere, is a uniquely 'Self-centred' civilisation. We are neither 'God-centric' like the Abrahamic people, nor 'man-centric' like the moderns. We have tried, from the earliest times, to search for and understand the nature of the Self. We have concluded, time and again, that each of us is non-separate from the same power and energy that birthed the cosmos. Late again? We want you to claim every penny rail firms owe you in compensation Today we call on rail passengers to fight back against the misery caused by Britain's rotten train companies. We want you to claim every penny you are owed for delays, cancellations and dire service. At the moment just one in five eligible passengers submits a claim, according to watchdog the Office of Rail and Road. But it's only by hitting the rail firms in the pocket and tying them up with red tape that we'll get the service we deserve. Our guide explains how you can claim for everything from delays and cancellations to overcrowding, faulty wi-fi and even broken toilets. Yesterday Southern Rail workers went on a three-day strike over the role of guards and whether they or the train driver should open doors. They are expected to strike again on January 24, 25 and 27. Train staff elsewhere in the country are considering similar action. Each day of strikes is estimated to cost the economy 20 million. They're causing half a million travellers to be late for work and spend hours on what should be short journeys. Many have been forced to spend hundreds of pounds on extra childcare, taxis and hotels. Even when there are no strikes, one in eight trains across the UK arrives late every day, with crammed commuters forced to stand in the doorway of graffiti-daubed loos or crouch on dirty floors. Like most rail firms, Southern hiked ticket prices at the start of the year by 1.8 per cent. On average, season tickets in the UK now cost 2,493. A Southern Rail passenger would pay 4,536 for an annual season ticket between London and Brighton. Yet figures from its parent company GTR show that less than 0.2 per cent of its annual 1.2 billion revenue or around 2.2 million is paid out in compensation. Now it's your chance to turn the tables. Commuters attempt to board a full Southwest train carriage toward central London as others alite at Clapham Junction station in London yesterday YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU ARE DELAYED All train companies must pay compensation if your journey is delayed or cancelled under industry rules known as the National Conditions of Carriage. These state you are entitled to claim back 50 per cent of the value of your ticket if you arrive at your destination more than one hour late. The reason for the delay must be within the train company's control. So you can claim if the train breaks down or is late due to signalling errors, for example, but you may struggle to get anything if the delay was caused by bad weather or vandalism. If your train is cancelled you should get a full refund. And if a delay means you had to cancel your journey entirely, you should also be able to claim a refund. But these are only the minimum standards required by transport law. The vast majority of companies with the exception of Chiltern, Great Western and Grand Central go a step further. All train companies must pay compensation if your journey is delayed or cancelled They are signed up to a more generous scheme called Delay Repay, which is run by the main train companies. Under this scheme travellers can claim a refund even when the train is delayed and it's not the company's fault. So if you have been delayed as a result of the recent Southern Rail strikes you should be able to claim. The exception is trains run by Transport for London so sufferers of the Tube strikes on Sunday and Monday will get no redress. How much you get back usually depends on the length of the delay. Typically you'll get 50 per cent of the ticket price for ones of more than 30 minutes and a full refund if you are over an hour late. Virgin, for example, says it will refund 50 per cent of your fare if you are delayed between 30 and 59 minutes. Once the delay hits 60 minutes you'll get all of your money back. If you bought a return, you'll be refunded for the relevant part of the journey. But if you are delayed for more than two hours on either leg of the trip you can claim a refund for the total cost of the return ticket. New rules unveiled by the Department for Transport in October also mean that in the future, customers should be able to claim back a quarter of their ticket price for shorter delays of between 15 and 30 minutes. Those rules apply only to firms signed up to the Delay Repay scheme and there is no deadline on when companies must introduce them. So far only Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink are paying out for delays of less than 30 minutes. If your train is cancelled you should receive all your money back although different rules apply if you have a season ticket (see below for more on this). Companies are also not allowed to leave you stranded. You should be allowed to get the next running train even if you don't have the correct ticket. And if the last train of the evening is cancelled, train companies are expected to arrange a taxi or overnight accommodation if you can't get home until the next day. Claim a payout for shoddy service Under the Consumer Rights Act introduced last October customers should be able to claim compensation for poor service on trains. The rules state that train companies must provide a service with 'reasonable care and skill'. If they fail to do so you could be entitled to money back. A passenger stands next to an information board informing passengers that a platform used by Southern Rail is closed at Clapham Junction station in London Lianna Etkind, of the Campaign for Better Transport, says: 'If a train toilet is broken, a service is dangerously overcrowded or you have been led to believe there would be free Wi-fi and there wasn't, in theory you should be able to claim using these rules.' You may also be able to claim for extra costs you faced as a result of the delay such as loss of earnings or childcare bills. However, the rules have not yet been tested. And it will likely take a court case to open the floodgates. Experts say if a court case were successful it could mean train firms end up paying billions of pounds in compensation to disgruntled passengers. And even if you don't get any money back, if enough people complain about poor service, train companies could be pressured into mending their ways. Write to the train company's consumer complaints department and explain what went wrong with your journey. Include your ticket and any other evidence such as photographs demonstrating severe overcrowding or broken toilets. State that you are demanding compensation under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 because the train firm failed in its duty to provide a service with reasonable care and skill. There are no guidelines as to how much you can claim, so ask for a refund for your ticket. If the train company refuses, you can take your case to the Small Claims Court. It costs 25 to submit a claim for up to 300. However, there are other charges such as a hearing fee if your case is seen before a judge. If you lose you may have to pay the others side's expenses, which could outstrip the value of your ticket. The Rail Delivery Group, which represents the major train companies was unable to explain to Money Mail how firms plan to deal with this type of compensation claim. HOW IT WORKS FOR SEASON TICKETS If you pay for a weekly, monthly or annual season ticket you should still be able to claim If you pay for a weekly, monthly or annual season ticket you should still be able to claim back some money. However, under the National Conditions of Carriage rules you are not entitled to a fixed payout. It depends on the individual train company's policy, which you will need to look up before you claim. Most work out how much to pay for cancellation by first dividing the value of the ticket by the number of journeys they would expect someone to make during that period. For example, if you have a 100 weekly season ticket, Great Northern presumes you make ten journeys five to work and five home again. So it values each journey at a tenth of a weekly ticket price or 10 in our example. It uses the same logic to say that each journey is worth a fortieth of the monthly ticket price and 1/120 of a quarterly ticket. It pays 50 per cent of that journey value for each delay of more than 30 minutes. That's 5 in the example where a weekly season ticket costs 100. For delays between 15 and 29 minutes it pays 25 per cent of the single journey value or 2.50 in our example. Other firms give season ticket holders a discount if they fall below their own minimum standards. Great Western Railway gives its customers 5 per cent off when they come to renew their season ticket if it misses the punctuality or reliability targets set out in its passenger charter. If it misses both, you get a 10 per cent discount. MY JOURNEY WAS PARTLY DELAYED Some passengers cut train costs by buying a separate ticket for each leg of their journey. This tactic is known as ticket splitting and can knock up to a third off the total cost of your trip. Commuters wait on a platform to catch a train toward central London at Clapham Junction station For example, if you want to travel from London to Manchester it costs 169. But if you book a ticket from London to Tamworth at 90.50 and then from Tamworth to Manchester at 31 you'll pay just 121.50 a 47.50 saving. However, this can complicate matters if you suffer a delay on part of your journey. You should still be able to get a refund for the whole journey, but you might have a fight on your hands as the rules aren't clear. If you booked with two companies, contact the firm responsible for the delay. WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE A CLAIM You have 28 days from the date of the delay to claim. Each company has a different process which is detailed on its website though it is often hidden away. Most require you to download a form to fill in and post back. If you don't have the internet you can call their customer service team and request one. You'll be asked for details such as what station you were travelling from and to, and how long you were delayed. If you aren't sure what time you arrived at your destination, you can check using the website recenttraintimes.co.uk this will show when the train you took actually arrived and when it was supposed to. You will also need to post the original ticket and, where applicable, a copy of your season ticket photo card. Make copies of everything for your records. When your claim is approved some firms will put the money straight into your bank account while others may send a cheque. Some may try to fob you off with vouchers, but under the rail conditions of travel introduced in October for all train companies, you can demand cash instead. Virgin will automatically refund you if you bought an advance ticket online. But if you bought any other type of ticket you need to post a form as usual. C2C, which runs trains between London and around Essex, will also automatically refund passengers who use an electronic card preloaded with cash instead of a paper ticket. If your refund is refused don't give up. Lodge an official complaint with the train company and explain again why you think you are entitled to a refund. If the firm won't back down, contact rail watchdog Transport Focus on 0300 123 2350 or via its website, trans portfocus.org.uk. It can ask the train company to look again at your complaint and, if necessary, escalate the case to senior management. However, it cannot order a train firm to pay out. Addressing the strikes, a Southern Rail spokesman says: 'We are deeply sorry for the utterly unnecessary and unwarranted disruption these disputes are causing.' Rail Minister Paul Maynard says: 'We want to strengthen the rights of rail passengers to get compensation for poor service. 'We have also brought forward a provision in the Consumer Rights Act so passengers can challenge compensation amounts awarded for delays and cancellations where the train operator is at fault in the same way that other transport providers can be challenged. British people are paying a Russian company up to 29,200 to be cryogenically frozen when they die in the hope that they will be brought back to life in future. The KrioRus firm claims it offers 'bargain basement' prices compared to American labs, with a special deal to freeze only the human brain for 10,000. The brain would then be defrosted and placed in 'new' human body when technology allows. A professor of medicine and a scientist have both signed contracts with Moscow-based KrioRus, as has a pensioner, MailOnline can reveal. When they die, their frozen remains will be packed in dry ice and flown or transported overland to Russia, to be stored for decades, centuries or even longer in large Dewar flask deep freezers located inside a modest, unheated warehouse in a quiet snow-covered village surrounded by private houses some 47 miles northeast of the Kremlin. Ghostly: A technician at the KrioRus cryogenics freezing plant north of Moscow reaches into the depths of the vat that can store ten humans and several brains to change the nitrogen Sinister: The chilling KrioRus plant boasts that it offers a cheaper alternative to the expensive cryogenics labs in America, where British girl JS was taken after death after winning a court case Ghoulish: The hangar outside Moscow will store a human brain for 10,000 or a full body for nearly 30,000 - a service it says is more cost efficient that the US equivalent 'Eternal life': British people are paying KrioRus to be cryogenically frozen when they die in the hope that they will be brought back to life in future. A professor of medicine and a scientist have both signed contracts with Moscow-based KrioRus, as has a pensioner Macabre graveyard: This Russian company, which now has 52 bodies or brains in its storage flasks filled with human remains, and is actively seeking more clients In future, if and when nano-technological advances allow, they hope an attempt will be made to coax their corpses or frozen brains back to life. For some, this is a sci-fi nightmare and a macabre affront to nature, for others a realistic prospect and a tantalising step towards everlasting life. COST OF CRYONICS 'Whole body' preservation: 29,200 Neuropreservation (brain): 9,750 Preserving a 'little cat': 8,234 Preserving a 'big dog': 20,000 Source: KrioRus Advertisement The procedure here is the same as was used to preserve the remains for British 14 year old cancer victim known only as JS, who went to court last year in her final days to allow her body to be 'frozen' at a facility in the US, in the hope she could resume life in the future after a leap forward in medical understanding. This Russian company - which now has 52 bodies or brains in its storage flasks filled with human remains, and is actively seeking more clients - claims to offer a more cost-effective 'service' to its 'patients' than in America. MailOnline was given exclusive access to the facility as the giant tanks were given their bi-monthly refill of ultra-cold liquid nitrogen. A ghostly fog gushed from the vats of human remains as the engineer infused these containers with the required dose of this chemical cocktail. Frozen life: The procedure here is the same as was used to preserve the remains for the British 14 year old cancer victim known only as JS, who went to court last year in her final days to allow her body to be 'frozen' at a facility in the US, in the hope she could resume life in the future after a leap forward in medical understanding Future technology: This small dewar tank for storing human brains inside the KrioRus cryogenics lab near Moscow is being used to preserve organs for defrosting and implanting in another human body in the future Brainbox: This KrioRus cryogenization box is to store human brains, which are removed after death and held for a sum of 10,000 Sinister: For some, this is a sci-fi nightmare and a grisly affront to nature, for others a realistic prospect and a tantalising step towards everlasting life Macabre maintenance: MailOnline visited the KrioRus plant and watched as the tanks were refilled with liquid nitrogen in a procedure that is carried out twice a month Money scheme: Valeria Udalova, director of KrioRus, poses in front of the tanks that are filled with the corpses of people who have paid thousands for the promise of eternal life PUTTING YOUR BRAIN IN THE DEEP FREEZE Neuropreservation is the preservation of human brain only, says KrioRus. According to the firm: 'Neuropreservation is an option for those who appreciate that the human personality according to the modern scientific view - resides in his brain, and those who expect that in the future a new body, complete with working organs, limbs and everything else, can be grown from stem cells of fabricated artificially for the revival of cryopatients. 'In all these areas research is advancing all over the world. 'In this case we preserve the brain or head of client (as the customer chooses) after death, having made as far as possible the best qualitative perfusion and having provided maximally reliable storage. 'The body of the patient may be buried or cremated after perfusion or even donated to science and medicine. 'Such additional expenses may not be included in the cryonics fees.' Advertisement Draped around are the flags of the company's clients, the only flashes of colour in this clean but austere repository. Privacy laws prevent KrioRus naming its customers without their prior consent, but general-director Valeria Udalova, 56, said two British clients were men now aged around 60, and they have signed the relevant paperwork so their instructions to be cryogenically preserved will be carried out on their deaths. One is an eminent professor of medicine who had opted for whole body deep frozen for the future. 'Another British patient is a male scientist who has chosen to have only his brain preserved,' she said. In such cases, people hope that the brains could be implanted in a future brave new world to an available healthy - and perhaps younger - body. A third is a retired man from the UK - whose previous occupation was not disclosed - who also chose brain-only freezing. A fourth, 'a male student from a London suburb' is currently sorting out the wording of his contract, but he planned to opt for whole body preservation, she said. Goodbye to loved ones: Relatives place flowers onto the cryogenically frozen body of a loved one before it is taken by lorry to the KrioRus plant Frozen in time: American woman Jane Emilia Haiko was the first US 'patient' for KrioRus. From Sacramento, California the mother of two died on October 2013, a day before her 71st birthday In 'hibernation': The most recent foreign Kriorus 'client' is Cecilia Iubei from Capranica the Italian province of Viterbo, pictured with son Fabrizio and his wife CLIENTS 'FROZEN' IN HIBERNATION The most recent foreign Kriorus 'client' is Cecilia Iubei from Capranica the Italian province of Viterbo. Cecilia - who died last year aged 86 - had recalled her own father's Dino Baldi interest in the idea of 'hibernating' after death, to be woken later. The couple's son Fabrizio, and his wife Gloria Canfora, had tried to cryo-preserve Dino when he died but they were late in making plans and the offers they saw in the USD were prohibitively expensive. When Cecilia died last March it was the 'firm conviction' of her family to allow her the chance of the post-death 'hibernation'. After death her remains were kept in dry ice as the family selected where to have her cryo-preserved. Then arrangements were made with the family's Italian undertaker and KrioRus to have her body transported to Moscow. 'My mother in law now rests in a Dewar container at a temperature of 196 degrees below zero, waiting for medical science to allow us to bring her back to life,' said Gloria. She was the 51st KrioRus human client, since when there has been one more Russian. American woman Jane Emilia Haiko was the first US 'patient' for KrioRus. From Sacramento, California the mother of two died on October 2013, a day before her 71st birthday. 'She was a rather unexpected patient for us,' said a KrioRus source. 'Probably the Slavonic roots of the family influenced the decision made by her son and daughter.' Jane was originally Polish and her husband Lithuanian. 'When Jane's relatives contacted us she was already frozen and kept at the temperatures of dry ice,' said the source. 'We only had to organise Jane's transportation to Russia.' Her body was flown in to Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport where waiting KrioRus officials took eight hours to clear formalities and documentation before taking her to be preserved in a Dewar container. Advertisement 'None of them are seriously ill or expected to die soon,' she said. She claimed the prospect of returning to life in the future is real. 'All our patients have a chance to be brought back to life, it depends only on speed the development of nanotechnologies,' she said. 'There is no time limit at all. 'It can be 1,000 years or more if necessary, but I do hope science will find a way of bringing them back to life much earlier. 'If the speed is high, it may happen in as little as 40 years. 'Of course, the patients will be defrosted in that very state in which they were cryogenically preserved, and at precisely the exact age' - since their bodies have been frozen in time. 'Their future lives will then depend on the successes of medical advances by this time.' Some mainstream Russian scientists strongly dispute the science behind the claims of future resurrection, and even the claims of the cryology 'experts' vary considerably. For example, KrioRus chairman Dr Danila Medvedev, 36, is on record as predicting that 'after 2030 there will be technologies letting us to bring people back to life, or at least their brains' and also claiming: 'By 2050 this procedure will be available to the masses.' Leaving aside these inconsistencies, Mrs Udalova claimed the costs of being frozen for the future in Russia are far less for foreign clients than in the US, yet the prospect of coming back to life does not come cheap. KrioRus charges 29,200 for whole body preservation, or 9,750 for keeping the brain only for posterity, known as neuro-preservation. The only extras are the transportation costs, she said. From Britain, for example, this might be an additional 2,500, although families could opt for more expensive options. The fees compare with a reported 37,000 cost for preserving teenager JS's body in America, but Mrs Udalova claimed that the fees for US preservation can be much higher - for example once advertised price is as much as 162,600 with surcharges, while there are also seem to be more competitive offers. Selling hope: As MailOnline witnessed the bimonthly replenishing of the liquid nitrogen, KrioRus director Ms Udalova boasted: 'All our patients have a chance to be brought back to life, it depends only on speed the development of nanotechnologies Ten to a tank: The company insists 'there is no time limit at all' to when its customers can expect to be defrosted. 'It can be 1,000 years or more if necessary, but I do hope science will find a way of bringing them back to life much earlier' Frozen life: A technician lowers the body of an animal into the tank at the KrioRus plant, where tanks are shared by humans and animals 'But please don't think that we deal only with rich people,' she urged. 'Recalling the professions of our clients, the first was a biotechnologist, then we had a patient with a PhD, next we had a woman, a mathematics teacher. 'We also had a woman who was just a storage attendant. 'Her the family gathered money to cure her from cancer but she died quickly and they decided to spend this money on her cryo-conservation. 'A woman from Japan was a housewife. We also had a rich businessman who preserved his wife. 'But we understand that those families who, for example, lost somebody with cancer rarely have a lot of money. 'We offer them payment by installments, over two or three years. 'In terms of keeping the patients in perpetuity, in fact we we do not charge anything additional to the upfront fee.' The aim is to have the money paid in advance, after which there are no costs to relatives of the deceased 'who may die or lose interest in cryonics'. 'Frankenstein' fears: Some mainstream Russian scientists strongly dispute the science behind the claims of future resurrection, and even the claims of the cryology 'experts' vary considerably Gateway to technology: KrioRus director Mrs Udalova claimed the costs of being frozen for the future in Russia are far less for foreign clients than in the US, where 14-year-old British girl JS paid 37,000 to be frozen after death in a landmark case 'Bargain' option: KrioRus charges 29,200 for whole body preservation, or 9,750 for keeping the brain only for posterity, known as neuro-preservation. The only extras are the transportation costs, so from Britain, for example, this might be an additional 2,500, although families could opt for more expensive options International reach: So far the remains of 13 foreigners are held inside these tanks, at a temperature of minus 196C - far colder than a shivering Siberian winter which, at worst, hits around minus 60C. Three of them are Ukrainians, two from Italy, and the others from the US, Australia, Belarus, Estonia, Israel, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Japan Cryopreservation plans: Valeria Udalova, pictured with American colleagues, told MailOnline: 'In terms of keeping the patients in perpetuity, in fact we we do not charge anything additional to the upfront fee' She said: 'There was a sad story in the USA when a number of bodies decomposed because the company collected regular payments but one day it ran out of money.' Mrs Udalova is entirely convinced about the prospects of a second coming through cryonics, and said that she had frozen her own mother. 'She was not so positive about it when she was alive, but I managed to persuade her,' she said. 'She was cryogenically preserved by our company in 2008.' Her family dog Alisa was also cryo-preserved, a first in Russia when it happened. And Mrs Udalova,too, will be preserved when her time comes. So far the remains of 13 foreigners are held inside these tanks, at a temperature of minus 196C - far colder than a shivering Siberian winter which, at worst, hits around minus 60C. 'Three of them are Ukrainians, two from Italy, and the others from the US, Australia, Belarus, Estonia, Israel, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Japan. 'In total we have the bodies or brains of 52 people and 20 animals.' 'We don't have children or teenagers, and the youngest patient is 23,' said Mrs Udalova, who has qualifications in aerodynamics and thermodynamics. 'But we keep one DNA sample - a piece of skin - taken from an 18 months old baby who died from cancer. 'We negotiated it with parents that the baby's personality has not developed at such an age - so they decided to store just the DNA sample.' Pet cemetary: There are 20 animals in all that have been preserved at KrioRus alongside the human remains, all supposedly with the hope of a return to life later. These comprise seven dogs, eight cats, including Kuzya, above, as well as three birds and a chinchilla Entombed in nitrogen: Mrs Udalova's dog Ailsa was the first animal in Russia to be cryo-preserved Tiny 'patient': Knopochka, or Little Button, is preserved. The chinchilla had an accident in 2014, banged its head, and died, an upsetting event for the four children of its owners, who opted to freeze the pet for the future Family hope of resurrection: Mrs Udalova's family dog Alisa was also cryo-preserved, a first in Russia when it happened Russian technology: The aim is to have the money paid in advance, after which there are no costs to relatives of the deceased 'who may die or lose interest in cryonics'. Danila Medvedev is pictured preparing for dog Ailsa to be preserved There are 20 animals in all that have been preserved here alongside the human remains, all supposedly with the hope of a return to life later. These comprise seven dogs, eight cats, three birds......and one chinchilla called Knopochka, or Little Button. The chinchilla had an accident in 2014, banged its head, and died, an upsetting event for the four children of its owners, who opted to freeze the pet for the future. The incongruous facility pictured here is in Semkhoz, a village that is a suburb of the small city of Sergiev Posad, and is one of several stores in Moscow region. Nearby are traditional Russian wooden houses, and a couple of rusting Ladas, hardly emblems of the technological frontline. When KrioRus opened here in 2012, some locals objected to this icy necropolis being set among their homes, but a petition was ignored by the authorities. 'We use Dewar flasks for preservation of the patients bodies and brains,' she said. Each of these white vats can fit ten human bodies, with a number of brains fitted in as well. Encased in ice: This coffin is packed with ice as the body is prepared to be transferred to KrioRus to enter a tank Plastic-wrapped: This coffin is being transported ready for cryopreservation, and is being encased in plastic Hoping for eternal life: Patient Lidiya Fedorenko, above left, was preserved in 2005 and shares a dewar tank with other 'clients', as is Kira Urasova, top right Frozen menagerie: There are 20 animals in all that have been preserved at KrioRus alongside the human remains, all supposedly with the hope of a return to life later 'A major problem we had before was that traditionally manufactured Dewar flasks had very narrow holes,' she explained. 'At least narrow for our purposes, I mean. 'Now we have started our own production line of these large large containers with big enough holes and we can make as many as we may need. 'We can also supply them to other storages, for example to a new place that is planned to open in Australia.' She praised the teenage girl JS who pleaded successfully with the English courts to be allowed to be frozen after death. 'All of us here have been absolutely fascinated with the recent story in the UK when a young girl insisted on cryo-preservation of her body,' she said. 'With the help of our friends in the UK we got hold of the full court judgment - and we will translate it into Russian and publish on our website. 'It was a major historic event in cryonics, with incredible importance for society. 'Well-done to this little girl.' Inside a dewar tank: Each of these white vats can fit ten human bodies, with a number of brains fitted in as well Giant freezer: The incongruous facility pictured here is in Semkhoz, a village that is a suburb of the small city of Sergiev Posad, and is one of several stores in Moscow region Not in my back yard: When KrioRus opened here in 2012, some locals objected to this icy necropolis being set among their homes, but a petition was ignored by the authorities On the move: This lorry transported cryogenically preserved bodies from the KrioRus plant to its new facility in 2012 She is effusive in her praise for this dead child. 'You are the cleverest girl in this world,' she said. 'She was terribly unlucky. It is horrific to die at the age of 14, but her golden brains will be a credit for society in future. 'I have known many people who could not resist the influence of their families - and here we see a young girl brave enough to appeal to the court. 'To me, she is one of outstanding people of this world. 'My son is 15 but I doubt he would go that far to protect his rights.' Her view is at odds with the estranged father of the British girl who accused the American cryogenics company of 'selling false hope to those who are frightened of dying'. RUSSIAN SCIENTIST BEHIND CRYOGENICS WILL NOT BE FROZEN HIMSELF AFTER DEATH The Russian scientist who invented the chemical cocktail used to preserve the remains of JS - the British teenage girl cryogenically frozen in America - has revealed that he has no intention of undergoing the same process when he dies. His methods are also used by KrioRus, where he used to work. Dr Yuri Pichugin says he supports the desire of those wanting to come back to life in the future, but fears man will destroy all humanity before it becomes technically possible to 'resuscitate' them. The 65 year old said: 'I will not undergo cryo-preservation myself - but not because I don't believe in the success of cryonics as a scientific technology. 'I am deeply disappointed with mankind.' Having devoted his life's work to bringing people back from the dead, his reluctant conclusion is that it will never happen - due to human frailty. 'The Earth has been, is now, and will be, a planet of barbarians and idiots,' he said. 'If rational beings had come to Earth, they would be horrified. 'Instead of fighting diseases, aging and exploring the possibilities of prolonging life, people use 90 per cent of their resources for eliminating themselves, directly or indirectly. 'People have learned very well to destroy each other and they do not intend to study how to protect each other, as rational beings would have done. 'Mankind will eliminate itself as soon as nanorobots are created.' The scientist invented the solution that is used to infuse the blood vessels of people who opt for the chance to come back to life. Companies offering the facility in the US and Russia use his method. Of JS he said: 'In theory her body is preserved for millions of years, but if mankind destroys itself in - let's say - 27 years, there won't be anybody to add liquid nitrogen and the body will defrost. '(But) if mankind does not destroy itself, one day nanotechnologies will be properly developed and she will be resuscitated.' Despite his own refusal to be frozen for the future, he denied claims by JS's father that cryo-preservation offered 'false hope' to vulnerable people. Dr Pichugin claimed that even 'the smallest chance of returning to life' is 'better than the alternative, which is zero'. As a rookie scientist in the Soviet era, Pichugin quit the Young Communists because the all-powerful Party 'did not pay attention to the problems of immortality'. Advertisement He said: 'When I asked if there was even a one in a million chance of my daughter being brought back to life, they could not say there was.' He told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'I think it would be doubly impossible to both bring her back from the dead and cure her cancer, and companies should not hold out some false hope.' Mrs Udalova insisted reassuringly that 'although this is our business, we are always glad to know when our patients keep living. 'For example, in 2016 we signed 14 contracts and only one person died. The other 13 are still living and we are happy for them.' The woman who died last year was Italian Cecilia Iubei, 85, who was named by her family. Pictures released by her family show the dry ice covering this grandmother's body as it is prepared for transportation to Moscow. Mrs Udalova said that they instruct doctors of their clients on carrying out procedures to ensure the body's preservation from the moment of death, so it can be transported to Russia. Or for an extra charge, the Russian doctors can fly abroad to undertake this. Plastic coffin: KrioRus has posted a video on YouTube of its team preparing a dog for the freezer, with its blood being washed out and the animal packed in plastic-lined box and surrounded by icepacks Perfusion process: The astonishing footage shows the dog being washed out then placed in plastic and packed with ice Prepared for freezer: Surprisingly, the cryo casket is simply lined in plastic then packed out with ice-packs before being sealed and placed in a tank Two procedures are essential. One is to wash the blood out of the body and replace it with a cryo-preservation solution. The second is vitrification - deep cooling that does not result in crystallizing of the tissues. The blood in the candidate for resurrection is replaced by a special vitrification solution designed by a Siberian-born scientist, Dr Yuri Pichugin. This is also used at the Cryonics Institute in the US. 'First, 10% ethylene glycol is perfused into the blood vessels of the patient's head, then 30% ethylene glycol is applied,' he explained. 'Finally a solution that consists of 35% of ethylene glycol and 35% of dimethyl sulfoxide is perfused until the head is fully saturated.' At the same time 'the body is being cooled down from 0 C to minus 127 C. 'Then both the final solution (fluid) and the tissues of the head harden and turn into glass-like state which is called vitrification,' he said. Preserving process: The KrioRus team prepare a female body for preservation in the liquid nitrogen tanks Human freezer: In the KrioRus lab, a woman lies on the metal table being prepared to be placed in the dewar tanks 'The difference between vitrification and simple freezing is that vitrification does not produce crystals of ice that is the main destroying factor for cells and tissues. 'Neither the head of the patient, nor the body is needed to be kept in such a solution (fluid), it is enough just to perfuse it via blood vessels.' Cooling is then reduced to minus 196C. A video (see below) shows the perfusion process underway by a KrioRus medical team on a dog. Mrs Udalova admits there are religious objections to the process of preserving the dead for a later afterlife, but brushes these aside. 'I am not a believer but I often have to discuss our business with religious leaders and priests,' she said. 'In general, they are scared of anything that sounds new and unknown to them, but I am sure we are not offering anything that goes against religion. 'After all, we just have to recall the Bible: didn't Jesus bring Lazarus back to life? 'The relatives of our patients often put crosses and little icons with the frozen bodies. 'And actually, they do treat our storages as cemeteries. 'Many come here to spend some time with their beloved ones. 'They stand near Dewars, touch them. We always leave them alone there, to be with their feelings.' She claimed that the Russian expertise in this field is being tapped by other countries as they seek to develop such services some 50 years after the first man was cryogenically preserved in the US. The anniversary of 74 year old James Hiram Bedford's death will be marked on 12 January. He was a University of California psychology professor who wrote several books on occupational counselling, and his remains are held at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in the US. Mrs Udalova said: 'We are supervising the development of cryonics in several other countries like Japan, Italy, China, Australia and probably Germany. EU countries plan to found a Cryonics Association in Europe and we hope to run it. 'Regarding governmental support here in Russia, I am proud to tell you that we have received our first ever grant for creation of the computer programme for vitrification. This will take care of the cooling speed which seriously affects the quality of cryo-preservation.' In Russia, there are many voices from eminent scientists who dispute the prospects of the dead coming back to life. Irina Siluyanova, head of the Department of Bioethics in Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, has publicly condemned such services. 'World science has recognised that frozen human organisms cannot come back to life,' she said. 'Russian physicians think that cryonicists are something akin to wizards or sorcerers or the promoters of pseudoscience.' Evgeny Alexandrov, head of the Russian Academy of Science's Commission to Combat Pseudoscience and Falsification of Scientific Research, warned: 'Science is now able to freeze and recover single cells - in particular, very important, human egg cells, sperm, and individual organs of some lower organisms like reptiles, but cryonics simply exploits the human fear of death. 'I cannot imagine any physiologist sincerely believing that it is possible to revive the frozen people in vaguely distant future.' Promises of a future life for the dead include 'elements of fraud'. Any attempt to preserve people by freezing them is based on guesswork, he said, since no-one actually has any experience of reviving a human. Scepticism: Nikolay Shubin, head of the Cryobiological Scientific and Research Centre of the Russian Institute of Cytology: 'The problem is not only how to unfreeze the body, but also in how to revive it. 'And the fact that frozen brains can be placed in a cloned body - well, it's just a fairy tale. Nikolay Shubin, head of the Cryobiological Scientific and Research Centre of the Russian Institute of Cytology, said: 'I applaud the desire to move in this direction, to carry out scientific research, but I think to do such things in practice is vicious. 'Frosting corpses is meaningless. 'Death is the irreversible stop of life. Death is death. 'No nanorobots will be able to revive a person, God is the only one who can resurrect. 'You can inject any cryo-protectant, even platinum (but) nothing will help.' Pavlov Institute of Physiology scientific secretary Dr Alexander Chuykin said: 'The chances that bodies are now frozen in the correct way is almost equal to zero. 'At the moment, they just freeze corpses. 'The problem is not only how to unfreeze the body, but also in how to revive it. 'And the fact that frozen brains can be placed in a cloned body - well, it's just a fairy tale. 'We see that in the nature it is possible to cool the body, and then to return it to life. 'But this is a cold-blooded frog, not warm-blooded people. 'There is the path, but no technology. And, in my opinion, keeping the frozen bodies at the moment - it's just commerce. Uma Thurman is set to face off in court over $2.48 million the actress is demanding from her former financial adviser, and convicted felon, Kenneth Starr. Thurman is accusing Starr of fraud and blaming him for millions she lost in risky investments. But according to legal papers obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, the trustee of Starr's estate is blasting the actress, urging the presiding judge not to award her a dime. This is not the only legal battle facing Thurman: She is due in court this week in her custody case with ex-fiance, Arpad Busson. Starr - a former accountant for Natalie Portman, Barbara Walters, Sylvester Stallone, Liam Neeson, and a string of other high profile celebrities - was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison in September 2010. Scroll down for video Uma Thurman is demanding $2.48 million from her former financial adviser, and convicted felon, Kenneth Starr, according to court documents exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com He was found guilty of wire fraud, money laundering and investment adviser fraud, and was incarcerated at FCI Otisville in upstate New York. Prison records show that Starr was released on December 8. And now, the trustee of his estate is seizing assets and property to pay off creditors, as well as suing many of the adviser's former clients over old unpaid invoices. So far, lawsuits have been brought against photographer Annie Leibowitz and designer Isaac Mizrahi. Starr, above with fourth wife Diane Passage, left prison last month after serving a seven-year sentence Thurman was one of Starr's clients from 1987 until 2010 except for the period of 1999 to 2003 and the adviser handled her bills, taxes, investments and various other financial services. His trustee alleges that she filed documents in his bankruptcy case in 2012, claiming Starr owed her a total of $2.485 million. According to court documents, Thurman accused Starr of not informing her of the risks of investing the $1 million into GlobalOptions, a security and technology company. But the trustee points out the agreement she signed for the investment clearly states the very significant risks involved with the deal. The actress also claimed that $1 million she invested in a company called Martini Park was made without knowing the true risks. Martini Park was built to own and operate several martini bar lounges in urban areas like Chicago and North Dallas, targeting young 'professional-types'. The business was not successful. The remaining $485,000, Thurman claims, is owed to her in professional fees paid to Starr between 2006 and 2010. She argues that Starr began defrauding his clients during this time period. This is not the only legal battle facing Thurman early this year. She is also in the throes of a custody case with ex-fiance, Arpad Busson. The former couple are due in court next week But the actress was 'well aware' of the risks involved with both investments, according to his trustee, and cannot prove she was defrauded during that period of time. He said that there were still legitimate and 'valuable' tax preparation, accounting and other services provided to Thurman and other clients over the years, services which justified Starr being paid. This is not the only legal battle facing Thurman early this year. She is also in the throes of a custody case with ex-fiance, Arpad Busson. Busson is allegedly trying to stop the actress from seeing her daughter Luna while she films a new movie. The French financier has filed legal documents to ask a judge to prohibit the Kill Bill star from taking four-year-old Luna to Europe with her during the shoot. Former Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks has faced court over accusations he assaulted his partner in September 2016. Hicks, 41, appeared at Elizabeth Magistrates Court in Adelaide on Tuesday, accused of assaulting his partner in Craigmore in September 2016. He did not enter a plea and has been scheduled to reappear in court on February 28. Scroll down for video Former Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks (pictured) faced court on Tuesday afternoon in Adelaide, accused of assaulting his partner Hicks arrived at court accompanied by a mystery woman who was wearing a short, pink dress Hicks, 41, appeared at Elizabeth Magistrates Court in Adelaide accused of assaulting his partner in Craigmore in September 2016 The magistrate did not allow journalists inside the court for the pre-trial conference. 'I'm here to see my dad. He works here,' Hicks told reporters as he arrived at court wearing jeans and a grey, collared shirt. Hicks was detained in the US detention centre in Cuba for five years as a terror suspect. Adelaide-born Hicks was picked up in 2001 by US forces in Afghanistan, where he joined an al-Qaeda training camp, and was detained at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba until 2006. Hicks was detained in the US detention centre in Cuba for five years as a terror suspect He pleaded guilty in 2007 to providing material support for terrorism in a deal that allowed most of his seven-year sentence to be suspended and for him to return to Australia. The terrorism conviction was appealed in 2013 and overturned by a US military court in 2014, bringing an end to the lengthy legal saga. Hicks married human rights advocate Aloysia Brooks after his release from prison but the couple has since split and the alleged assault victim is another woman. Since his release, Hicks has told of suffering anger, depression and insanity while incarcerated, claiming he was tortured and considered taking his own life. Hicks was detained at Guantanamo Bay (pictured) for five years on terrorism charges, until his release in 2007. His terrorism conviction was later overturned in a US military court Vice president-elect Mike Pence made his official D.C. debut on Monday afternoon, flying into the Washington area from Indiana on an official plane with his family - and their beloved pets. Arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, Maryland, Pence, 57, his wife Karen, 58, and their daughter Charlotte, 22, made their way off the Air Force plane into the cold, blustery weather. But arguably the most important passengers were the family's three pets: cats Oreo and Pickle, and rabbit Marlon Bundo. Marlon was taken off the plane in his cage by aides, while the two cats were carried off in Mrs Pence and Charlotte's arms. Scroll down for video On the move: Vice-president elect Pence tweeted from inside the Air Force plane which he will use as Air Force Two once he is sworn in on January 20 Pence arrived in the Washington area on Monday, along with his wife Karen, his daughter Charlotte and their three pets VIP treatment: Marlon Bundo was carried off the Air Force plane by aides in his cage, with water on tap. He will be moving shortly to the Naval Observatory in Northwest D.C. Smooth passage: Marlon Bundo, despite being named for a volatile actor, traveled well - but Pickle did not. An aide disclosed that the cat was sick during the flight It was not all smooth flying for the family, however - Pickles was sick during the 500 mile trip on board the adapted Boeing 757, which will gain the call sign Air Force Two once Pence is sworn in. Pence and his wife will move into the vice president's residence at the Naval Observatory in Northwest D.C. after the inauguration on January 20. Tweeting his thanks to current vice president Joe Biden for loaning him the official plane, Pence wrote: 'Departing Indiana to begin our service to USA. Grateful to people of Hoosier state. Thanks to @VP for plane to pickup the Pence family.' The two other Pence children were not on the flight to D.C. Michael, 24, is a Marine Corps 2nd lieutenant, training to be a pilot. Audrey, 21, attends Hanover College, in Hanover, Indiana and has described herself in the past as socially liberal. Her older sister Charlotte graduated in June from DePaul College, Chicago, with a degree in digital cinema and English. Having previously been described as planning to be an independent film-maker, an aide said she was 'in transition'. Despite his official move-in, however, Pence is off to a rocky start living in the nation's capital. When the former Indiana governor set up temporary digs in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Northwest D.C. this past November and December - a 2,500 square foot apartment set at $6,000 a month - he was met with skepticism from his new neighbors. Many decided to fly rainbow flags by their doors and mailboxes as an act of protest to Pence's previous votes on gay rights. Despite arriving to cold weather in D.C. today, Pence is accustomed to receiving a chilly welcome in the nation's capital After he moved into Chevy Chase in November, many of his neighbors decided to fly rainbow flags by their doors and mailboxes as an act of protest to several of Pence's stances on gay rights A home flies the rainbow flag in solidarity with the LGBT community, just two doors down from the Pence's rental home A decade ago, Pence supported an amendment to the constitution that would have banned same-sex marriage, and in 2015 he signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, sparking claims that it would lead to discrimination against the LGBT community. 'I think hes a man who can use a little reminder of American values, so I think thats a good gesture,' one neighbor told CBS affiliate WUSA. 'We want to make clear how we feel about how other people should be treated,' another neighbor added. The 40 football supporters from each country will reportedly be instructed to deliver positive messages about their experience in the Gulf state and report critical social media posts. The Times claims that the idea is that the fans should sit together, singing and playing for the television cameras. Influencers and celebrities have also reportedly been signed up by Qatar, which counts David Beckham as an official ambassador. Supporters from Wales have also signed up to the so-called Fan Leader Programme, along with 30 other nations' fans. But critics have said they are being used as part of a 'sinister, distasteful' marketing exercise. In return for staying in Qatar for a minimum of two weeks, they will enjoy free flights and accommodation as well as 60-a-day spending money on a pre-loaded card from tournament sponsor Visa. They will also reportedly receive complimentary tickets to the opening ceremony and matches having signed a 'code of conduct' before they take off for Doha on November 17. They will be urged to post favourable comments about the tournament on social media and to report 'any offensive, degrading or abusive comments' by others to the organisers, preferably with screenshots. One document seen by the paper, sent to fan leaders, says of the opening ceremony: 'In celebration of the fans around the world, over the period of five minutes, fan chants from each nation will be played and you will be expected to stand up, sing the song/chant, wave your flags and represent your country'. Two California children were able to say goodbye to their Navy sailor dad thanks to a police officer's generous act. San Diego Police officer James Weaver had never met the Buetow family before when he asked Brettany Buetow, 28, if her two kids wanted to use his patrol car PA system to say goodbye to their dad leaving on his ship. 'I did not expect it at all', said Buetow, whose husband Joshua Buetow has been in the Navy for six years. 'It really meant a lot to our family and to the kids'. It was Joshua Buetow's first deployment. Buetow, 28, left from Shelter Island, San Diego, on January 5 aboard the USS Carl Vinson, NBC 7 reported. Rileigh, 4, (r) and Austin, 2, (on knee) used San Diego Police officer James Weaver's PA system to say goodbye to their Navy sailor dad Joshua Buetow The Buetow family in their San Diego home: Brettany (l), three-month-old Ryder (on her knee), Joshua, Austin (on his knee) and Rileigh He won't return to his home in San Diego until summertime. That day Brettany Buetow, who also has a three-month-old son with her husband, brought her two eldest children to the harbor so they could see their dad off. Weaver was patrolling the parking lot that morning when he heard the Buetow's two children, Rileigh, 4, and Austin, 2, shouting goodbyes across the water at their dad. Buetow, 28, (center) has been in the Navy for six years. Here Buetow is pictured with his then-two-year-old daughter Rileigh (l) and Austin when he was two months old (r) 'I knew he wouldn't be able to hear them, so I pulled next to them and asked if they would like to use the PA in the patrol car. I figured it would be a little louder and a better chance for their dad to hear their little voices', Weaver said. Brettany Buetow said she was deeply moved by Weaver's actions. 'Austin was getting kind of scared because of how loud it was, but Rileigh was yelling, "Bye daddy! We love you, daddy!"', Buetow recalled. 'It got really emotional. I was holding it together, doing pretty well and once all that started happening, I just started crying'. He left from Shelter Island, San Diego, on Thursday aboard the USS Carl Vinson (pictured) She posted photos of Rileigh and Austin using Weaver's PA system along with a post that reads: 'Shout out to the San Diego Police Officer who pulled up next to us and asked if Rileigh and Austin wanted to tell their daddy they loved him as his ship went by, leaving for deployment. 'They got to speak into the microphone and say, "bye daddy, we love you!!" I am so grateful for ALL of the men and women in uniform who serve and protect our country!' The post has since been shared hundreds of times. Sydney residents have been warned of poor air quality as a week-long heatwave across the state fires up. NSW Health has issued an air pollution alert in Sydney on Tuesday because of a high ozone level, warning those with asthma and respiratory conditions to be on guard. The city is expected to hit 31 degrees, while Penrith in the western suburbs is tipped to reach 37 degrees - before smashing 40 on Wednesday. The smouldering heatwave will keep parts of the NSW central-west above 40 degrees every day this week, prompting a fire warning across the state. Scroll down for video A woman walks along the coastline on a Sydney cliff-face as a heatwave strikes NSW NSW Health has issued an alert for air pollution in Sydney on Tuesday, warning those with asthma and other respiratory diseases to be on guard Sydney residents who are sensitive to poor air quality should cut back on strenuous outdoor activities on Tuesday, NSW Health says. The department's Dr Ben Scalley said ozone levels would peak about 7pm, and tend to be lowest in the morning. 'Those with respiratory diseases such as asthma should follow their action plan and use their relieving medication where necessary,' the warning on the Bureau of Meteorology website says. 'If respiratory symptoms worsen, they should seek medical advice.' Sydney is also predicted to experience poor air quality on Wednesday. Ozone pollution is caused by car exhaust and industrial fumes and gets worse on hot, still days. The heatwave has prompted the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to warn of bush and grassfires in NSW, particularly on Wednesday. Temperatures across the country at 5pm on Friday are pictured Sydney residents take a dip at Gordon's Bay on Tuesday, when temperatures are expected to hit 31 degrees in the city A woman is pictured doing a handstand at Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs 'There will be a very high fire danger in the Hunter, Sydney, through the Riverina and Central Western Plains and through most of the state,' RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd said on Monday. 'West of the Great Divide there has been considerable grass growth, given that we came out of the third-wettest winter on record ... and that could act as tinder. 'Fortunately at this stage the element that is in our favour is the wind speed. There isn't a strong wind for the majority of this week, that and the humidity are tempering the fire weather at this stage,' he said. Temperatures are expected to peak on Wednesday in Sydney, but the city will be spared the worst of the heatwave thanks to coastal sea breezes. 'The city is likely to see a top in the high-30s. The forecast is currently at 37 degrees. Western Sydney will get into the low-40s,' Rob Sharpe, a meteorologist at Weatherzone, told Daily Mail Australia. Crowds at Bondi Beach on Tuesday morning, as temperatures heat up The view along the Coogee to Bondi walk in Sydney's eastern suburbs is pictured on Tuesday But the sea breeze could be weaker than expected, and the city could break into the low-40s, Sharpe said. A cool change will sweep across the city on Thursday and take temperatures back into the mid-20s, or low-30s in western Sydney. But the heat will come straight back on Friday before a cool change finally puts an end to the heatwave. Inland NSW will bear the full brunt of the heatwave, which is expected to intensify to severe or extreme levels as the week wears on. Parts of the central-west is expected to peak at 46 or 47 degrees on Friday, Sharpe told Daily Mail Australia. He said Bourke was likely to exceed 40 degrees every day this week, and should be in the mid-40s from Tuesday to Friday. 'What's probably the most significant out of this event is that it's going to be very prolonged, particularly in northern NSW,' Sharpe said. Minimum temperatures in the area will range between 25 and 30 degrees. 'So, it's going to be very hot.' Swimmers are pictured at Manly Beach in Sydney's northern beaches on Tuesday morning Early-morning swimmers take to the ocean pools at Bondi Beach on Tuesday, as temperatures start to heat up but air quality is poor RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has urged farmers to protect their properties by putting in firebreaks around paddocks and other valuable assets and warned motorists not to drive through or stop in long grass. 'Even if it's just for a few minutes, as the heat from a car's exhaust can be enough to start a fire,' Commissioner Fitzsimmons said. 'Grassfires can move more than three times as fast as a bush fire. Act now, be prepared and survive.' The heatwave will also hit central and southern QLD and into the north of South Australia. And don't be fooled by possible sprinklings of rain in pockets of NSW on Sunday and Monday - the showers aren't sticking around. Light clouds over Gordon's Bay are pictured on Tuesday morning Hordes of people ducked into the ocean to cool down on Sunday at Bondi Beach The heatwave will first punish the state's southeast before spreading further north. Melbourne will experience maximum temperatures across the 20s throughout the week, peaking at 32 degrees on Friday. The Victorian capital will have some showers throughout the week. Maximum temperatures in Brisbane are expected to sit in the low to mid-30s throughout the week. Thursday will be the city's hottest day at 35 degrees, when Birdsville in the state's southwest will hit 45 degrees. Brisbane will be mostly sunny throughout the week, with possible showers forecast for Thursday and Sunday. Adelaide is expected to be in the high-20s to early-30s with mostly sunny skies. Temperatures in the South Australian city will peak on Thursday at 37 degrees. FORECAST ACROSS THE CAPITALS Sydney Tuesday: Max 31 and mostly sunny Wednesday: Max 38 and mostly sunny Thursday: Max 27 and cloudy Friday: Max 33 and mostly sunny Saturday: Max 31 and showers Sunday: Max 25 and possible showers Brisbane Tuesday: Max 32 and mostly sunny Wednesday: Max 34 and sunny Thursday: Max 35 and possible shower Friday: Max 34 and mostly sunny Saturday: Max 35 and mostly sunny Sunday: Max 33 and possible shower Melbourne Tuesday: Max 25 and increasing sunshine Wednesday: Max 23 and mostly sunny Thursday: Max 27 and increasing sunshine Friday: Max 32 and late shower Saturday: Max 23 and mostly sunny Sunday: Max 23 and mostly sunny Adelaide Tuesday: Max 29 and mostly sunny Wednesday: Max 28 and increasing sunshine Thursday: Max 37 and mostly sunny Friday: Max 30 and rain clearing Saturday: Max 26 and mostly sunny Sunday: Max 30 and increasing sunshine Source: Weatherzone Advertisement George Clooney said America has gotten 'unlucky' with Donald Trump, but maintained his optimism by saying: 'We have to hope that he can do a decent job.' The Ocean's Eleven actor compared Trump to great American presidents from George Washington to John F Kennedy during a reception in London for the new documentary 'The White Helmets'. Clooney, who hosted fundraisers for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton during the presidential campaign, also defended Meryl Streep's impassioned Golden Globes speech criticizing the president-elect. 'We have to hope that [Trump] can do a decent job, because when the president of the United States fails, really terrible things happen,' Clooney said Monday 'We have to hope that he can do a decent job, because when the president of the United States fails, really terrible things happen,' Clooney said Monday. Clooney said the United States has generally been lucky in its presidents - until now. 'When we needed a first president, we had George Washington,' he said. 'We had Jefferson, Adams. 'When we had the Civil War, we had Lincoln,' he added, rattling off other office-holders Roosevelt, Kennedy before suggesting that the U.S. 'got a little unlucky' with the George W. Bush presidency in the years after 9/11. 'I think we're going to be a little unlucky now,' Clooney said. 'I can only hope for the best.' The actor also defended fellow star Meryl Streep after she took aim at the president-elect in a speech at Sunday night's Golden Globe Awards. During her acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award, Streep criticized Trump for mocking disabled New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski. In reply, Trump tweeted that Streep was 'overrated' and a 'flunky' of Clinton. The actor also defended fellow star Meryl Streep (above) after she took aim at the president-elect in a speech at Sunday night's Golden Globe Awards During her acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award, Streep criticized Trump (left) for mocking disabled New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski (right) On Monday, Clooney backed the legendary actress's right to speak out said: 'I support her right forever'. Clooney's production company is working on a feature-film version of the Syrian Civil Defense search-and-rescue teams, known as the 'White Helmets', who have rescued people from bombed-out buildings in Aleppo. He and his lawyer wife, Amal Clooney, have given their support to the Netflix-backed documentary, which is on the 10-strong Academy Awards shortlist for best documentary short. Clooney said that as a celebrity, 'I can't change policy ... but I can make things louder. 'The White Helmets are the heroes. So if I can help them out at all, and people can know about it, in any way possible, that's a good use of celebrity, I think.' Rescuers hiked all the way to the top of a 50ft cliff in order to rescue a dog that was stuck on a narrow ledge - but were forced to abandon their mission when the pet became spooked. And they were then left scratching their heads after the animal appeared to bring itself to safety a day later - despite the massive rescue effort. Members of the Utah County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team received a report that the dog, named Mary, had been stranded on mountains in Provo. The volunteer rescuers from the Utah County Sheriff's Office hiked to the top of the mountain to rescue the dog The team went right to the top of the peak to reach the dog, which had been stranded on a ledge As well as hiking the rescue team were forced to use ropes and other equipment to climb to the top The pet had been stuck there overnight on a small cliff and her owners were worried she would run out of food. One of the volunteers rappelled down to the dog and tried to lure her in with food in order to bring her to safety. He then tried to grab her collar, but Mary became nervous and nipped him, prompting the rest of the team to become concerned she would jump if he got too close. As darkness fell, the team had to call off the search and decided to leave Mary with some food and hand warmers. The pet had been stuck there overnight on a small cliff and her owners were worried she would run out of food Mary, the pet dog, who became stuck at the top of a 50 foot cliff and rescuers tried to bring her to safety One of the rescuers holds out his hand and offers Mary food in a bid to lure her in so he could grab her However, just before the rescuers set out the next day to make another attempt to save Mary, they received a call that she was reunited with her owner. It appears that she had made her way down the mountain by herself and apart from some minor cuts to her paws, was otherwise uninjured. During their failed mission SAR volunteers recorded a video of the attempted rescue, which they posted on YouTube. Mary became nervous and nipped the rescuer, prompting the rest of the team to become concerned she would jump if he got too close Rescuers eventually had to abandon their mission but the next day they found that Mary made her way down the mountain by herself Volunteer Shaun Roundy, who recorded the footage said: 'This dog had been stuck on a cliff above Provo overnight, and Utah County SAR nearly rescued it. 'It had reportedly been abused by a previous owner and was extremely skittish. At first, even just sniffing would make it jump. After slowly drawing it near with food and nearly getting a hold on its collar (it broke away), we never got another chance. A seven-year-old girl found with fatal injuries in York yesterday was stabbed twice, locals have claimed. Katie Rough was discovered in a grassy alleyway in a suburb of the city and later died in hospital. A 15-year-old girl has been arrested and is being quizzed by police overnight. Residents in the area said the schoolgirl had been stabbed twice before she died. Dog walkers are believed to have come across Katie lying on the grass just yards from a quiet cul-de-sac in York at 4.30pm on Monday. Witnesses gave traumatic accounts of how Katie's parents, Alison Rough, 38, and her new husband Paul, 34 were quickly on the scene and watched in horror as the emergency services fought in vain to save their daughter. The death of the youngster, named by police as Katie Rough (pictured), has caused shock and devastation in a quiet suburb of York The youngster, named locally as Katie Rough (pictured), was discovered in a grassy alleyway in a suburb of the city and later died in hospital Katie's body was found around 90 minutes after she finished school at 3pm on Monday Witnesses gave traumatic accounts of how Mrs Rough and her husband Paul, 34 were quickly on the scene and watched in horror as the emergency services fought to save Katie Seven-year-old girl Katie was found with life threatening injuries in this alley. She later died in hospital. A 15-year-old girl has been arrested and is being questioned by police today Flowers and a card have been left by the grandparents of the girl - calling Katie a 'princess' Katie's grandparents (pictured) laid a floral tribute at the scene this morning Locals today laid flowers near the scene where the girl was found yesterday afternoon Katie is believed to have lived with her parents in a semi-detached house ten minutes walk from the alleyway in the Foxwood estate. A card left on behalf of the girl's grandparents today said: 'Night, night my darling Princess Katie. Love Nana and Grandad xx xx' A local resident, whose partner works for the NHS, said he was told by the nurse that treated the girl that she suffered two stab wounds. The woman said: 'My partner was told by the nurse that treated her that she was stabbed twice.' Rob McCartney, 50, who lives in one of the homes next to the track, said he saw the young girl lying in the field. He said the child's mother was heartbroken, shouting for help and saying her daughter had been killed. He said: 'I came to the door to see what was happening there. The mother came running up the street shouting for help and saying 'Get an ambulance'. 'I put my shoes on, went up the side of the house. I could see a young girl lying in the field, police were already attending to her.' Mr McCartney, a consultant engineer, added: '(The mother) was back and forth, obviously very, very distraught and someone who I think was the father turned up. 'I spoke to her later, asked if she was OK and she said 'No, no, she's my little girl'. Police forensics experts have put up a tent at the spot where the youngster was found Police have sealed off the area and a white tent has been erected where the child was found Forensics teams remained at the scene for most of today. Officers were seen at a house believed to belong to the family of the girl who was killed Another resident of the street said: 'I arrived in my car behind the mother. I wasn't quite sure what was going on, it wasn't until I spoke to the police that I found out. 'The mother was on her knees in the middle of the road, crying and saying things. It was quite distressing.' The little girl was taken away on a stretcher with an oxygen mask on but later died from her injuries. Police have sealed off the area today and a white tent has been erected where the child was found. Two police vans were parked outside a house belonging to Katie's family. Mrs Rough has three older children from a previous relationship and Mr Rough is a father-of-two. They had been in a relationship for years but only married in the local registry office on December 28. The girl was found in a track leading down to the playing field behind the road in York An aerial photo shows the girl was found at the end of the alleyway on the edge of the field Christina Mercer, who lives next door, said Katie was 'lovely, really sweet'. She said she had lived next door for around six months and said they were a 'lovely family'. Ms Mercer, 24, a college administrator, said: 'She was usually playing at the front in the garden or round the back of the house playing with some friends. 'She was lovely, really sweet, smiling, laughing, playing with her friends. She was really friendly, running around.' She said the family were 'really quiet' and 'great neighbours'. Ms Mercer said the police arrived at the house at around 5pm on Monday. She added that the girl's death was 'really shocking'. A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said officers arrested a teenage girl following the incident, which happened close to a property in Alness Drive, York - a cul-de-sac lined with detached houses. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Ellis read a police statement at Fulford Road police station this morning. He said the 15-year-old remained in police custody and officers were carrying out house-to-house inquiries. She is expected to remain in custody overnight. The girl under arrest cannot be identified for legal reasons. The incident happened close to a property in Alness Drive, north Yorkshire Officers at the scene today. Police say the full circumstances are still being investigated Mr Ellis said: 'Specially trained officers are supporting the victim's family at this extremely difficult time for them. 'Clearly the circumstances require the investigation to be conducted in a particularly sensitive manner.' North Yorkshire Police tweeted yesterday evening: 'Difficult and tragic shift. 'Our thoughts and sympathy are with the parents and family involved as well as colleagues who did all they could.' The York City and East police team also tweeted: 'Difficult late shift for all York staff with tragic death of a seven year old. Thoughts go out to family members.' Alness Drive is a quiet street lined with red-brick detached homes, lying to the south east of the city centre. Police taped over the number plate of a black Peugeot 206 car which has been at the scene overnight. The car appears to have been hurriedly parked right at the entrance to the footpath which has been sealed off by police tape, leading to the forensics tent. Rob McCartney said the mother and father of the girl who died were distraught at the scene DCI Dave Ellis said today that the girl's family are being looked after by specialist officers North Yorkshire Police went on social media to send their condolences to the girl's family A police spokesman said: 'Police are investigating the death of a seven year old girl in York. 'Police were called shortly after 4.30pm on Monday, January 9, to an address in Alness Drive, York. 'Officers attended and upon visiting a scene nearby, they found a seven year old girl with life-threatening injuries. 'Ambulance attended and the girl was taken to York District Hospital, where she sadly died a short time later. 'A 15-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with the incident. She remains in police custody for questioning. 'Officers remain at the scene while the investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death of the girl continues.' Lawyers for a Canadian billionaire who crashed into a car killing the driver and his three young grandchildren while driving drunk, are arguing the family of those who died in the horrific collision shouldn't be entitled to the $25million they are seeking because of their client's stiff criminal sentence. Marco Muzzo is being sued by the victims' family, parents Edward Lake and Jennifer Neville-Lake, and her siblings, reported the Toronto Sun. The family is also suing Marel Contractors, the business owned by the Muzzos, because they allege the company owned the vehicle Muzzo was driving at the time of the crash in 2015. At the time of the crash, Muzzo had been working for the billion-dollar construction empire founded by his grandfather, who died in 2005. Scroll down for video Marco Muzzo (right) arrived in court today in Newmarket, Ontario, for a two-day sentencing. Muzzo has pleaded guilty to six out impaired-driving charges after crashing his Jeep SUV into a Canadian family's car Harrison, Milly and Daniel Neville-Lake died with their grandfather during the crash. Their mother Jennifer told Muzzo today in court: 'I don't have anyone left to call me mom. You killed all my babies' Muzzo's lawyers, Frank Csathy and Steven Stieber, want to reduce the devastated family's amount by at least $10million. His family's wealth tops $1.7billion, according to Canadian Business Magazine's ranking of the top 100 wealthiest Canadians. 'The plaintiffs damages, if any, should be reduced by the amount of collateral benefits they received or are entitled to', stated a brief statement of defense filed in Newmarket Superior Court. 'The plaintiffs are not entitled at law to recover punitive or exemplary damages in view of Muzzos criminal conviction and lengthy incarceration in a penitentiary arising from his conduct leading to the subject accident'. On September 15, 2015, Muzzo, 29, drove through a stop sign in Vaughan, Ontario, and plowed his Jeep SUV into a minivan killing Daniel Neville-Lake, nine, his brother Harrison, five, sister Milly, two, and their grandfather Gary Neville, 65. Muzzo was returning home after landing in a private jet from his bachelor party in Miami when the crash occurred. He was set to marry Taryn Hampton in the October but the wedding did not go ahead then as planned as he was behind bars. The minivan was being driven by the children's grandmother, Neriza Neville, who was seriously injured, and so was her mom, Josefina Frias. Neville and Frias survived the crash. Harrison and Milly died at the hospital while holding hands as their grandmother sang to them from her phone. Muzzo was returning home from his bachelor party in Las Vegas when the crash occurred (above), having just gotten off a private jet with his wedding to Taryn Hampton weeks away She had been pinned in the car and screaming the names of the children and her husband when officials arrived on the scene - unaware that her husband was dead. The Nevilles often cared for their grandchildren, as their parents worked full time. Muzzo arrived for a two-day sentencing hearing on February 23, 2016, after admitting responsibility to four counts of impaired driving causing death and two of impaired driving causing bodily harm earlier that month. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and barred from driving for 12 years after his release. Jennifer Neville-Lake, the children's mother, addressed Muzzo at his sentencing in February. Jennifer (left, pictured with Milly, Daniel and Harrison and her husband Edward) said Muzzo had robbed her of her identity when he killed her children. Edward told the court he had chest pains, night terrors and suicidal thoughts after the crash Gary Neville (pictured), 65, the children's grandfather, was also killed in the drunk-driving crash. His wife was at the wheel and survived 'I don't have anyone left to call me mom,' Neville-Lake told Muzzo in court in Newmarket, Ontario. 'You killed all my babies. I miss my kids. I miss my dad.' 'When you took my children, you took away my identity as a mother,' she said during a 45-minute statement. 'And without my kids, I am nothing anymore.' 'I walk through the empty rooms of our home every day, searching for my family.' Edward Lake, the children's father, said he had suicidal thoughts, night terrors and chest pains after the crash, CBC reported. He told the court he would miss being a father. Canadian Business Magazine ranked Muzzo (pictured), the son of a property billionaire, the 52nd wealthiest person in Canada with a fortune that tops $1.7 billion Taryn Hampton, pictured leaving the court in Newmarket in October, was supposed to marry Muzzo later in the month the crash occurred Breathalyzer tests showed Muzzoe had between two and three times the legal amount of alcohol in his blood. Police said Muzzo was so drunk he urinated on himself after the collision on September 27 last year. In his first public remarks since the crash, Muzzo acknowledged that his apology would be of no consolation to the family. He said he is filled with great remorse, sympathy and unimaginable regret. 'Ever since the tragedy that occurred as a result of my inexcusable conduct, I have wanted to say that I am sorry and apologize to your family,' he said, choking back tears. I could never have imagined the degree of suffering and pain I have caused. If I could reverse the hands of time, I would without hesitation. 'I want nothing more than to attempt to bring some peace to your hearts and minds. Britain will be first in line for a trade deal with the US after we leave the EU, senior Republicans have told Boris Johnson. The Foreign Secretary spoke with some of the top power brokers in the Capitol after a 'frank' meeting with Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner and top advisor Steven Bannon in New York. But Mr Johnson - who branded Mr Trump 'unfit' to hold office 12 months ago - didn't meet with the President-elect during the trip, which was designed to lay the groundwork for Theresa May to visit Washington in the coming weeks. 'We hear that we are first in line to do a great free trade deal with the United States,' Mr Johnson said after the talks. 'So, its going to be a very exciting year for both our countries.' House Speaker Paul Ryan hailed the prospects for 'improving bilateral trade relations' a likely reference to a trade pact. Britain is first in line for a trade deal with the US, Boris Johnson has said (Pictured, Johnson with Senator Bob Corker) Johnson's visit to New York and Washington comes in advance of a visit by Prime Minister Theresa May that was recently announced. Trump and May spoke days after the election, with Trump taking flack for issuing the casual invitation after reportedly telling her, If you travel to the US, you should let me know.' Johnson also met with leading Democrats. The Foreign Secretary indicated Sunday he was struck by the enthusiasm of the President-elects team for a new trade deal with the UK when he held talks at the billionaires headquarters in New York on Sunday pointedly saying Britain would be 'first in line' for a bilateral trade deal. This positive approach was said to have been matched during the Foreign Secretarys discussions with senior Republicans in Washington. They will play a key role in pushing through any new trade deal. Barack Obama sparked anger during the EU referendum by saying Britain would be at the back of the queue for a deal. But Mr Johnson, who once joked he would not visit parts of New York because of the real risk of meeting Donald Trump, said: Clearly, the Trump administration-to-be has a very exciting agenda of change. 'One thing that wont change though is the closeness of the relationship between the US and the UK. House Speaker Ryan issued a statement Monday saying: 'The special relationship between the United States and United Kingdom is strong, and we are determined to make it even stronger.' 'In this spirit, Secretary Johnson and I discussed several areas of mutual concern for our nations, including reaffirming our commitment to NATO and exploring opportunities for improving bilateral trade relations,' Ryan said. 'I want to thank Secretary Johnson for his time and friendship. We hear that we are first in line to do a great free trade deal with the United States. So, its going to be a very exciting year for both our countries. The signals suggest Britain could beat the EU to sign a free trade deal with the US. Long-running negotiations on an EU-US deal have stalled. France has indicated it could veto a deal and Mr Trump has suggested he is not interested in one. Meanwhile one of Australias most senior politicians said he hopes for a rapid trade deal with the UK. Ex-prime minister Tony Abbott, who is tipped to return to the top job, said the movement of goods between the two countries should be entirely free of tariffs, adding: Brexit means that Britain is back. Pictured: Johnson meets with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan during his trip to Washington During his visit to the US capital, Johnson said: 'Its going to be a very exciting year for both our countries' 'The country that gave the world the English language, common law and the Mother of Parliaments is once more to seize its destiny as a global leader. Its good that Britain will no longer be constrained by the bureaucracy of Brussels. Mr Johnson became the first British minister to hold sit-down talks with Mr Trumps team when he met the President-elects son-in-law Jared Kushner and chief strategist Steve Bannon in Trump Tower on Sunday. He also met with leading Republicans including Bob Corker and Paul Ryan, Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Sources said the talks did not go into the specifics of a new trade deal, but that Mr Johnson was left in no doubt Britain could succeed where the EU has failed in striking a free trade deal. Mr Johnsons visit was meant to help build bridges with the President-elect's regime, which has been criticised by many British politicians MERKEL THREAT IGNORED Theresa May last night shrugged off a threat from Germany that Britain will be denied access to the EUs single market if it takes back control of its borders. She said Angela Merkel was simply setting out her negotiating position in advance of talks. Earlier, at a speech in London, Mrs May laid bare her irritation that she is being accused of pursuing a hard Brexit. She said: I dont accept the terms hard and soft Brexit. Were going to get an ambitious, good and best possible deal for the UK in terms of... trading with and operating within the single European market. Mrs Merkel had said access to the market is only possible on condition of keeping to the four fundamental freedoms free movement of goods, capital, services and people. Advertisement While the trade talks were positive, Mr Johnson was said to have had a frank discussion about Russia with Mr Trumps aides, in which he warned the UK will not stop speaking out against Russian aggression, despite the new Presidents bid to reach out to Moscow. Mr Johnsons visit was meant to help build bridges with the Trump regime, which has been criticised by many British politicians, including Mr Johnson who said in December 2015 that Mr Trump was unfit to hold office. Ayesha's Gift tells the story of a British-Pakistani woman and her hunt to track down father's killer (stock image) The Muslim council of elders, or Sharia court, listened intently as the plaintiff outlined his case. Hed been disrespected by a neighbour, he told them, and in such a small Pakistani community, people talk. As atonement for that disrespect, the neighbour had agreed to the plaintiffs demand that their children would marry each other. But when the neighbours children objected to the idea, he reneged on that promise. The plaintiff before the makeshift court was therefore demanding retribution. The price for that broken promise was clear, he argued: his neighbours recalcitrant children had dishonoured him as well, and whats more, they were consorting with white people. As they were already promised to his own children, that constituted adultery: they should pay with their lives. The council of elders deliberated, then issued their judgment. He did, indeed, have the right to exact the death penalty on his neighbours children, the court ruled. It would be merciful if he would negotiate financial compensation in lieu of their death, but he was not obliged to do so. If you think that sounds positively medieval, youd be right. But this happened just a few years ago not in Pakistan, but here in Britain, in a small town in Lancashire. It was one of the most disturbing discoveries I made while researching my new book. Over the years, I have probed the murky depths of Kremlin-commissioned assassinations, religious scandals and political cover-ups. But this latest project has been by far the most troubling. It has taken me into a world of murder, corruption and, as Ive just described, violent summary justice sanctioned by appeals to the code of Sharia law. My book Ayeshas Gift is the poignant story of a young womans quest to discover what has happened to her father, missing on a trip from Britain to his native village in Pakistan. It is a real-life detective story, driven by Ayeshas burning need to know why her father died, who might have killed him and who her father really was the loving parent she had revered all her life or someone with a dangerous secret he had hidden from the world? Her search for the truth about her father leads Ayesha to question the values on which she has built her life and identity. It culminates in an encounter with a murderer on Death Row and his shocking claim that a council of religious elders in Britain were prepared to condone the revenge killing of two young people for the crime of illicit sex. It was a story that I felt drawn to on a deeply personal level, and it left me, a hardened journalist, moved and distressed. My journey began in 2009. My book Philomena, about an Irish womans search for the son she was forced to give away for the sin of giving birth out of wedlock (and which was turned into a film Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, nominated for Oscars, Baftas and Golden Globes), had just been published and I found myself approached by a series of people with personal stories they wanted me to write. Among them was a British Pakistani woman (not Ayesha), who told me her father had died in violent and mysterious circumstances in Pakistan. I took some time to investigate the case and uncovered a rather sordid tale. The womans brother had been in an arranged marriage with a cousin from Pakistan; the family had brought his young bride to Britain, but the marriage fell apart. Author Martin Sixsmith wrote Philomena, a book about an Irish womans search for the son she was forced to give away for the sin of giving birth out of wedlock So the grooms father took the couple back to Pakistan on what he said was a holiday, but stole the young wifes passport and flew back with his son to Britain leaving the girl stranded and abandoned. Her side of the family took this as an insult to their honour, so when her father-in-law visited Pakistan a year later, they murdered him. I discovered the phenomenon of disposable brides, where British Asian men marry girls from the sub-continent, take their dowry and then cast them aside, is widespread in Pakistan and India. But I concluded this story wouldnt work as a book because no one emerged from it with any credit. However, I was hooked on the Pakistani setting and the notions of honour and justice that hold sway there. It wasnt until years later when I met Ayesha, through a mutual acquaintance, that I found the perfect story, the one I knew I had to write. Ayesha Rahman was young, intelligent and attractive. She had a first-class degree from Cambridge and was running her own successful IT company in London, providing computer services to the NHS and government departments. She had been born in Pakistan, but had come to Britain with her parents at the age of four. In most respects, she was British through and through. I often said to her that people hearing her on the phone would take her for a product of Cheltenham Ladies College rather than a shanty town on the outskirts of Karachi. The story that Ayesha told me stirred my imagination. She had grown up in a town in Lancashire with loving parents who had encouraged her to do well at school. Her father, Ibrahim, cherished his young daughter, telling her tall tales of his childhood in rural Pakistan. When he described how, as a boy, he would spend his days fighting tigers and fleeing from wild elephants, she knew he was inventing adventures to impress her and she loved him for it. The day she was offered a place at Cambridge, he was filled with pride at her success. Unlike many Muslim men, Ibrahim believed that girls should be accorded the same advantages as boys. But this didnt go down well with others in the local community; there were murmurings and petty jealousies. Some, including Ibrahims brother, had suffered from racist abuse and they warned him against trying to integrate into what they called white mans society. Grudges and resentments began to form around Ibrahim that would grow over the years and eventually open the way for tragedy. Sixsmith's book Philomena was turned into a film (shown) starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan Meanwhile, his daughter graduated from Cambridge and moved to London. She did her best to keep in touch with her family, but she visited home less frequently and she sensed a change in her father. He seemed distant and uncommunicative. When a teenage girl was found dead outside a house Ibrahim used as offices for his business, the police had questioned him and tried to implicate him. He was cleared of any involvement, but there were lurid reports in the local media and Ibrahim felt his reputation had been blackened. The changes coincided with a time of growing success in Ayeshas career. Her IT company was expanding and she was competing with the industrys top consultancies. She was unaware that her father was spending more and more time in Pakistan. So the phone call she had received three months before I met her had come as a wrenching shock. Her mother had rung in a panic, saying she had just heard that Ibrahim had been found dead at his parents house outside Karachi. It was the start of a nightmare that Ayesha told me she was still struggling to come to terms with. The Pakistani police were claiming that Ibrahim had killed himself, but a relative in Karachi told Ayesha he did not believe them: he was convinced there had been foul play. Ayesha had flown out at once to see for herself. She had arranged for her fathers body to be exhumed and a post-mortem to be carried out. The results were conclusive: the injuries to the rear of Ibrahims skull were so extensive they could not have been self-inflicted. What was more, there was evidence his wrists had been bound at the time of his death and there were ligature marks around his neck. Ayesha was horrified. But she was a determined woman and decided she must uncover the truth. So she engaged a local Karachi private detective and asked him to contact the police officers who had conducted the initial investigation and had tried to pass the death off as a suicide. The detective spoke to the police and said he was certain they had been bribed by the men who murdered Ibrahim to cover up their crime. A couple of weeks later, Ayeshas investigator came back with more disturbing news. He had been informed that her father had come into contact with one of Pakistans most dangerous organised crime groups men who dealt in drugs, alcohol, kidnapping and people trafficking. They were powerful people who enjoyed the patronage and protection of local politicians; they would not be easy to bring to justice. When Ayesha asked if these were the men who killed her father, the detective hesitated. There were indications, he said, that on the contrary, Ibrahim might have been working for them that he had been a part of their gang. Ayesha was shocked. She refused to accept her father had been anything other than an innocent victim. She could not contemplate the idea that her kind, gentle dad might have changed so much that he had turned to a life of crime. She was determined to clear his name and wanted me to help her. I flew to Pakistan and followed as many leads as I could. My initial findings were worrying. When I went to see the police officer in charge of the investigation, he was sneering and dismissive. He claimed Ibrahim had been involved in a fraudulent land deal by Pakistans so-called land mafia, criminals who bully, threaten and blackmail landowners, seize their land and exploit it for unlawful purposes. The policeman was especially rude about Ayesha, calling her a stupid little English girl. This is not England, he said. This is Pakistan and you dont know the first thing about this place! In England, perhaps, crimes get solved. But here, people get killed by powerful men and the murderers are never found. Ayeshas Gift by Martin Sixsmith is published by Simon & Schuster on Thursday I advise you in your own interest go home at once! The warning could hardly have been clearer. By pursuing the investigation, we were putting ourselves in imminent danger. Ayesha hesitated. She was scared and, it seemed to me, deeply worried she would discover things about her father that would destroy the picture of a loving man she was so desperate to cling on to. Most troubling of all, the police chief had claimed that he and his associates were involved in an illicit trade in smuggling commodities between Pakistan and the UK. One of those commodities, he hinted, was human traffic. And, devastatingly, he said he knew the real story of the dead girl outside Ibrahims office in Lancashire. Ayesha wanted to call off the investigation. I could see she was horrified by the thought that the policeman might be right and we would discover her father had been an evil man who had died as a result of his own deeds. I said we would both regret not finding the truth: she would be left in lifelong uncertainty about her father and I would be left without an ending for my book. We were still arguing when I got a message from England with news of a tragedy in my own life. The death of someone dear to me shook me and I returned home from Pakistan with the investigation unresolved. I spent weeks trying to put my own world back together. And in the course of those weeks, Ayesha showed a compassion for me that I realised I had never shown for her. We spoke frankly to each other; we began to understand each others feelings and sorrows; and we decided we must see the investigation in Pakistan to its conclusion. When I returned to Karachi, I went alone. Ayesha could not face the strain of a second round of harrowing confrontations. With the help of a young Pakistani academic who knew the ins and outs of his countrys politics and its shady, overlapping worlds of business and crime, I plunged back into this perilous underworld. We spoke to swaggering mafia bosses, devious bureaucrats and treacherous policemen. And we tracked down the person we believed most likely to have carried out Ibrahims murder. We discovered he was in prison, awaiting execution for another, unrelated crime. So we were faced with the prospect that this man could be hanged before we had a chance to talk to him and learn the truth about Ibrahim. Therefore, we took a gamble and asked the governor of the jail if we might be allowed to interview the condemned man. Astoundingly, my eloquent assistant persuaded the governor and our visit to the death cell answered our questions. What we learned would provide an answer to Ayeshas need to know the truth about her father. The condemned mans initial anger and hostility thawed into wary candour, then overflowed into one of the most dramatic confessions I have ever heard including the story I began with about the Sharia court in England condoning a revenge killing. I cannot repeat everything he told me without giving away a crucial twist that helped lead me to Ibrahims killers and the ending of my book. But I can say that Ayesha and I have remained close. During the course of writing it, we both had to come to terms with tragic events in our lives and that created an empathy between us that had not existed before. It remains the case, however, that several of the men involved in the murder of her father are still alive and carrying out the criminal activities the book portrays. The world that my book depicts is a very dangerous one and since I began my investigation, there have been threats of reprisals. My concern has been to balance a story that desperately needs to be told against the risk that telling it could endanger the lives of Ayesha or others involved in it. For that reason, I have changed the names and descriptions of all the major characters as well as the locations of events. Now I must hope and trust they will be safe. Households throw away food worth 700 every year despite official efforts to cut the waste mountain. Overall consumers wasted food worth 13billion, leaving it to rot in the fridge or simply throwing it out when it had reached its sell-by date, said campaigners today. The amount dumped rose to 7.3million tonnes in 2015 from seven million three years earlier. This is around 12 stone or 75kg of waste per person in the UK. The increase highlights how efforts to cut the waste have stalled. Households throw away food worth 700 every year despite official efforts to cut the waste mountain (file photo) Most of it 4.4million tonnes was avoidable, such as bread which has gone mouldy or milk which has gone off. A further 1.3 million tonnes was partly avoidable, according to a report from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap). This would include items which only some people eat, such as bread crusts or potato skins. In 2015, families with children slung food worth 700 in the bin or food caddy or flushed it down the sink. Those without children wasted around 400 worth. The rest of the waste was inedible scraps, such as egg shells, tea bags and pineapple skin, said Wrap. A lack of cooking skills may be behind the failure to reduce waste, added the charity. Dr David Moon, head of food sustainability, said: There are people who love their food but have limited kitchen skills so dont buy the right amounts. Theres also people who have unpredictable lives and do not always plan ahead. I wouldnt say its laziness, its just the way people live their lives. The amount of wasted food would also have generated 19million tonnes of greenhouse gases over its lifetime. This would come from the resources used to grow crops, fuel for tractors and transport, and feed for rearing livestock. Preventing these gases would be equivalent to taking one in four cars off UK roads, said Wrap. Rises in food prices from 2007 to 2012 and belt-tightening after the recession did achieve less food waste. But the trend ended in 2014 when prices started falling and incomes rising. Overall consumers wasted food worth 13billion, leaving it to rot in the fridge or simply throwing it out when it had reached its sell-by date, said campaigners today (file photo) However, campaigns to simplify advice on use by dates and raise awareness of waste persuaded some to change their habits. The latest figures show the food industry failed to meet a commitment to cut waste by 5 per cent from 2012 to 2015. Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Kate Parminter called for legislation as a voluntary approach is clearly not working. She added: Its a disgrace that millions of tonnes of food and drink are thrown away each year while people across the country go hungry. Wrap is working to unite retailers, manufacturers and local authorities through its food sustainability initiative, the Courtauld Commitment 2025. This aims to reduce waste by 20 per cent on a per person basis by 2025. Methods include personalised messaging through online shopping, loyalty card schemes and apps plus common guidelines on storage, labelling and portion sizes. Jeremy Hunt last night begged patients to stay away from crisis-hit hospitals. Announcing drastic measures to ease pressures on the NHS, the Health Secretary claimed 30 per cent of people using casualty units did not need to be there. Some had trivial issues such as broken fingernails, drunkenness and back ache. Announcing drastic measures to ease pressures on the NHS, the Health Secretary claimed 30 per cent of people using casualty units did not need to be there Jeremy Hunt last night begged patients to stay away from crisis-hit hospitals As well as appearing to blame patients, Mr Hunt: Suggested the four-hour treatment target could be limited to serious cases; Gave hospitals the green light to cancel non-urgent operations to free up beds; Said paramedics would be told not to bring elderly care home residents into hospital unless they were seriously ill; Urged casualty units to post GPs on their doors to redirect non-urgent patients to walk-in centres and pharmacies. A&E departments are dealing with their busiest winter in 15 years with some doctors warning they have never seen it so bad. Last week the Red Cross warned hospitals were facing a humanitarian crisis and an elderly woman died after spending 35 hours waiting on a trolley. But yesterday Mr Hunt appeared to blame those who used A&E without good reason. Directly asking the public for help, he said drunks who clogged up casualty units were selfish and irresponsible. On waiting times, he said: This Government is committed to maintaining and delivering that vital four-hour commitment to patients. 'But since it was announced in 2000, there are nearly nine million more visits to our A&Es, up to 30 per cent of whom NHS England estimate do not need to be there. And the tide is continuing to rise. Labour accused the Health Secretary of being out of touch with the scale of the problems. It emerged yesterday that Croydon Hospital in South London began treating elderly patients on a childrens ward after it ran out of beds and Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals cancelled outpatient clinics and operations to free up doctors. HUNT TOOK KIDS TO A&E TO AVOID WAITING TO SEE A GP Jeremy Hunt once admitted taking his children to casualty just so he did not have to wait to see a GP. During a debate with MPs in November 2014 he said: I took my own children to an A&E department at the weekend precisely because I did not want to wait until later on to take them to see a GP. We have to recognise that society is changing and people do not always know whether the care that they need is urgent or whether it is an emergency, and making GPs available at weekends will relieve a lot of pressure in A&E departments. He did not say when or why he went to A&E, or which of his three children he had taken Jack, six, Anna, four, or two-year-old Eleanor. Advertisement In a frantic period last week at Nottingham University Hospitals up to 180 patients were waiting to be seen in A&E with a new arrival every 30 seconds. Since 2000, hospitals have been told to ensure 95 per cent of patients are seen within four hours but this has been repeatedly missed over the past two years. Figures for last week showed just 77 per cent of patients were dealt with inside the time frame. Other measures put forward by Mr Hunt include the use of GPs in casualty and fewer admissions for care home residents to reduce the 30 per cent figure. It is clear we need to have an honest discussion with the public about the purpose of A&E departments, he said. There is nowhere outside the UK that commits to all patients that we will sort out any health need within four hours. So, if we are to protect our four-hour standard, we need to be clear it is a promise to sort out all urgent health problems within four hours, but not all health problems, however minor. Last night the Department of Health insisted it was not Mr Hunts intention to weaken the four-hour target and there were no plans to scrap it. Jon Ashworth, Labours health spokesman, accused the Health Secretary of living in la la land. Can he now confirm that the NHS is facing a winter crisis and the blame for this lies at the door of No 10 Downing Street? he asked. Abandoning the four-hour target is a total admission of failure by the Government. Norman Lamb of the Liberal Democrats warned that scrapping the four-hour target would be the start of a slippery slope. In a frantic period last week at Nottingham University Hospitals (pictured) up to 180 patients were waiting to be seen in A&E with a new arrival every 30 seconds It emerged yesterday that Croydon Hospital in South London began treating elderly patients on a childrens ward after it ran out of beds Mark Holland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, which represents hospital specialists, said: After waiting for some time to hear what the Health Secretarys response is to the strain emergency and acute services in the NHS are under, I find myself in disbelief at the comments being made today. Healthcare professionals and medical bodies across the country are reporting difficulties from the front line en masse, yet we are faced with dismissal. Mr Hunt is completely out of touch if this is what he believes to be an accurate reflection of the current situation. Mr Hunt appeared to blame those who used A&E without good reason The crisis in A&E is being blamed partly on a lack of social care funding that means elderly patients cannot be discharged from hospital. They remain on wards despite being medically fit because they have not been allocated a space in a care home or their own house has not been adapted for their needs. Rising numbers of patients are going to casualty with minor illnesses because they cannot get hold of a GP. The Tories claim this is the consequence of a disastrous contract negotiated by Labour in 2004 that enabled doctors to opt out of working evenings and weekends. Mr Hunt told the Commons yesterday that patients needed to treat the NHS in a responsible way. That was in response to Tory MP Andrew Selous, who asked: More than a third of A&E attendances at peak times are caused by drunkenness, and behaviour on this scale is as unacceptable as it is irresponsible, so what more can we do to hugely reduce that proportion by this time next year? The Health Secretary replied: The issue you raise is one about public responsibility. These are our national health services and we need to treat them in a responsible way. It is frankly selfish to behave in an irresponsible way and then create pressure on an A&E which means that someone else who needs that help may not be able to get it. Thousands of elderly people are still enduring 15-minute social care visits, three years after the practice was supposed to have been scrapped, it emerged yesterday. Freedom of information requests, submitted by the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity, revealed that more than one in three English councils are flouting rules which say they should last at least half an hour. RUGBY PLAYER'S 999 ORDEAL Rugby player David Burton is carted to hospital in a pick-up truck Rugby player David Burton is carted to hospital in a pick-up truck after waiting 50 minutes in vain for an ambulance. Teammates had to borrow a fold-up table from a pub to lift the 16-stone flanker on to the back of an opponents Nissan Navara as his dislocated knee left him in too much pain to manoeuvre into a car. Mr Burton, 28, who works for the water board, spent 50 minutes waiting for East Midlands Ambulance Service after a 999 call on Saturday. When officials at his club, Aylestone Athletic in Leicester, dialled again a call handler said he still could not guarantee when an ambulance would arrive as other emergencies were being given priority. Club captain Jonathan Hunt said: It was a shambles. The ambulance service said high demand contributed to the delay. Teammates had to borrow a fold-up table from a pub to lift the 16-stone flanker on to the back of an opponents Nissan Navara Advertisement Dr Max Pemberton: The GP crisis is the root cause of this debacle Dr Max Pemberton: The GP crisis is the root cause of this debacle When will Jeremy Hunt admit what is glaringly obvious to everyone else: the NHS is in crisis? I never thought Id say this as a doctor, but Id be scared if a family member was taken ill and had to go into hospital. Despite the best efforts of the hard-working staff, Id worry that all the pressures mean that patients risk being discharged before sufficient preparations are made. Whats more, some patients are forced to wait for days thats right, not an hour or so, but entire days on trolleys in corridors. The situation has become so commonplace that hospital trusts are now allocating nurses and consultants specifically to corridor duties so as to care for the patients waiting there. This is what you would expect in a Third World country, not a wealthy, developed nation like ours. Not only has this resulted in reports of people dying on trolleys while they wait for care, but some doctors and nurses are worried about going to work because they feel powerless to make matters any better. They face an awful dilemma. A friend who works in A&E put it to me: do I continue to work in a place I know is unsafe and endorse the system by doing so, or do I walk out because I feel I cant guarantee my patients safety? As for Mr Hunts comment yesterday, Im afraid that problems with the four-hour target to treat A&E patients are a symptom of a much wider issue. The fact is the rule, introduced by a Labour government, has been exploited by people who see it as an incentive to go straight to A&E units and bypass their GP because they think they will be guaranteed swift treatment. Hospital staff have warned for some months that we have been nearing crisis-point and now, with winter here, we have inevitably reached that moment. So, how has this been allowed to happen? Certainly, Britains population of more elderly people has placed increased pressure on the NHS. Improved and costly treatments also drain budgets more quickly. Hospitals trusts, too, are heavily in debt, often because they are forced to pay huge sums to repay the money that was borrowed to build their facilities. In addition, there is poor workforce planning by managers which has led to a chronic recruitment crisis, especially in high-pressure services such as A&E. This said, the biggest problem facing hospitals is that they are suffering the knock-on effects of a crisis in the community and GPs surgeries which cannot cope. Since 2010, there have been cuts to social care budgets reduced by an estimated 40 per cent and leading to almost one million fewer people now in receipt of social care. Therefore, hospitals have been forced to keep patients longer than necessary as there is inadequate provision for patients once they have been released. Indeed, National Audit Office figures show that the number of days that beds have been occupied by patients due to delayed transfers of care have increased by 31 per cent in the period 2013-2015 alone. Then, of course, there is the GP crisis with doctors surgeries facing a huge extra workload. This has been exacerbated by a disturbing combination of factors: the effect of an increasing number of women GPs, many of whom work part-time; older GPs who have taken advantage of changes to their pensions which have encouraged them to take early retirement; the new contracts introduced in 2004 which allowed family doctors to opt out of evening and weekend work; and burnout suffered by some GPs which has led them to leave the profession or move abroad. For their part, patients, who have become frustrated and angry over the decline in the standards of care, tend to blame their local GP. Unforgivably, politicians and hospital managers have, in turn, allowed GPs to be scapegoats for their own failures. Tragically, this becomes a vicious circle. With fewer GPs, the pressure on A&E units increases and the crisis deepens. If you want proof of the degree of delusion of NHS bosses, look no further than an utterly idiotic comment last week by Professor Jane Cummings, Englands Chief Nursing Officer. Despite A&E units being overrun with patients and some people waiting for days on trolleys in corridors, she said: The NHS must cut beds for better care. I wonder, for example, when was the last time she had to care for an elderly patient with a fractured hip in A&E when there wasnt a bed available on the orthopaedic ward? Or had to comfort a confused pensioner with a chest infection whos been languishing on a trolley in a corridor for the past day and a half? Scandalously, figures show that Britain has 2.8 beds per 1,000 people, ranking us as one of the lowest relative to population size in the developed world. Our hospitals are also among the fullest, with patient numbers frequently outstripping the number of beds. These are the facts. As a doctor, I implore you to ignore the spin of people such as Jane Cummings and Jeremy Hunt. System engineers working in Sydney could see their salary increase by up to $50,000 this year. Those IT specialists are in a top-ranking group of professionals - along with infrastructure engineers and banking compliance workers - who will most likely see wage increases by over $10,000 this year, according to a new survey by recruitment firm Robert Walters. 'It's very much about specialist skills when it comes to these double digit salary increases - there are not huge salary increases for general skill sets,' Andrew Hanson, Sydney Director at Robert Walters, told Daily Mail Australia. IT specialists, engineers and banking compliance workers will most likely see wage increases by over $10,000 this year, according to a new survey by recruitment firm Robert Walters Australias hottest salaries for 2017 NSW: IT network/system engineer 2016 salary (max): $110,000 2017 salary (max): $160,000 NSW: Funds and operational analysts 2016 salary (max): $60,000 2017 salary (max): $80,000 VIC: Digital marketing manager 2016 salary (max): $140,000 2017 salary (max): $180,000 QLD: Logistics officer 2016 salary (min): $60,000 2017 salary (min): $75,000 NSW: Project manager 2016 salary (max): $130,000 2017 salary (max): $160,000 NSW: DevOps engineer 2016 salary (min): $90,000 2017 salary (min): $110,000 NSW: IT tester 2016 salary (min): $70,000 2017 salary (min): $85,000 QLD: Customer service team leader 2016 salary (max): $75,000 2017 salary (max): $90,000 Advertisement Large infrastructure projects, such as the NSW and federal governments' $3.6 billion road investment program and proposed new airport in Western Sydney, will lead to a continued demand for engineers, Mr Hanson said. In banking, the fastest-growing area is compliance, Mr Hanson said. The growing demand and more generous salaries for operational risk managers and other corporate governance professionals is driven by an increasing need for banks to rein in their operations, making sure all of their business is done by the books, he said. 'If you think about banking you probably think about traders, the revenue generators,' Mr Hanson said. 'But in the last couple of years there has been a big shift towards compliance based roles, because there is so much risk involved.' 'We have seen many high profile cases across the world, where banks have been doing business with people they shouldn't, like drug cartels and terrorist-related individuals.' The job market is going to be the most challenging for those who work in retail and consumer products, according to recruitment firm Robert Walters Sixty-nine per cent of professionals can expect salary increases this year, and 49 per cent can expect a bonus, according to a survey by Robert Walters Those who embark on a career in banking compliance are 'not going to be out of a job in the next 10 years,' Mr Hanson predicted. An IT professional in Sydney could see a top salary of $160,000 this year, as compared to $110,000 in 2016, the survey shows. In Victoria, a digital marketing manager could earn up to $180,000 this year - $40,000 more than the year before. And in Queensland, a logistics officer is likely to earn at least $75,000 in 2017, as compared to $60,000 last year. For those deciding on a future career, Mr Hanson recommended getting a degree in business or engineering. The job market is going to be the most challenging for those who work in retail and consumer products, he said. Thousands of Britons signed up to a new multi-billion pound class action in just a single day as the Volkswagen scandal erupted. Lawyers were swamped by a stampede of 25,000 car owners who contacted them yesterday after the Daily Mails front page story on dieselgate. They join 10,000 who have already come forward, meaning 35,000 owners have now made contact with Harcus Sinclair, the legal firm spear-heading Britains first US-style class action. Of those, 3,500 have signed up officially to pursue a claim for compensation worth around 3,000 per car in a case that could cost VW billions. Thousands of Britons signed up to a new multi-billion pound class action in just a single day as the Volkswagen scandal erupted A spokesman for the legal firm said: There has been a stampede. The reaction has been phenomenal. UK consumers are voting with their feet and want to take real action. The news came as the FBI arrested top VW executive Oliver Schmidt in Florida on conspiracy charges relating to the scandal. He led the German companys US regulatory compliance office from 2014 to March 2015. Lawsuits accuse Mr Schmidt of playing an important role in Volkswagens efforts to conceal its emissions cheating from US regulators. Watchdogs, MPs and consumer groups have expressed outrage at Volkswagen, saying the firm must pay out for cheating on emissions tests to make millions of their diesel vehicles appear less polluting. The company insists it will defend the compensation claims robustly in the UK despite having reached a 11.3billion settlement with 500,000 US car owners. Vickie Sheriff, director of campaigns at watchdog Which?, said: VW must not be let off the hook. Customers in the UK will rightly question why US consumers are getting compensation and there is still nothing on the table for the 1.2million owners affected in this country. Advertisement Former NRL player Chad Robinson's children have penned a heart-wrenching note to their father at his funeral, thanking him for teaching them shortcuts with their maths timetables and how to make scrambled eggs. In note printed in the order of service titled 'Letter to our Dad', teenagers Kiara and Cooper wrote they never thought the day would come when they'd have to say goodbye to their 'dearest best friend and beloved father'. 'You were our absolute rock through everything, never absent, always impartial, never weak, and your overall strength and positive attitude throughout made us love you even more,' they wrote. Scroll down for video Former NRL player Chad Robinson's (left) children have penned a heart-wrenching note (right) to their father in the order of service at his funeral, thanking him for teaching them their maths timetables and how to make scrambled eggs Hundreds of mourners (pictured) gathered to farewell Robinson at his funeral service in Sydney's west on Tuesday morning Past and present Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters greats were among mourners at Parramatta Marist High (pictured) in Sydney's west 'Words cannot express how brokenhearted we are that you were taken so early from us but we know you are at peace and resting easy now. 'Until we see you again, know that we adore you Daddy. Forever loving you.' Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell Robinson at his funeral service in Sydney's west on Tuesday morning. Past and present Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters greats were among mourners at Parramatta Marist High School in Sydney's west. Robinson's daughter Kiara (centre) is pictured arriving at her father's funeral. Her and brother Cooper wrote a 'Letter to Dad' in the order of service, saying they never thought the day would come when they'd have to say goodbye to their 'dearest best friend and beloved father' Chad Morrison's partner Rani Morris (pictured right) is comforted by fellow mourners at the funeral service Robinson's body was found in the wreckage of his silver Subaru in bushland at the bottom of a gorge at Kenthurst on December 22. Pictured is his sister Monique Brennan (right) being comforted by fellow mourners at the service The discovery of Robinson was made almost a month after he went missing from his Kellyville home about 13km away, without his phone or wallet. Pictured left is Wests Tigers NRL coach Jason Taylor at the funeral service They included Paul Gallen, Nathan Hindmarsh, Joel Reddy, Anthony Mininchiello, Eric Grothe Jr, and Jason Taylor. Robinson's body was found in the wreckage of his silver Subaru in bushland at the bottom of a gorge at Kenthurst on December 22. The discovery was made almost a month after he went missing from his Kellyville home about 13km away, without his phone or wallet. Chad Robinson's siblings Tim Robinson (right) and Monique Brennan (left) delivered the former NRL star's eulogy. Ms Brennan spoke of how proud she was that he had opened up about his mental health struggles and encouraged others to seek help Robinson, a former Parramatta and Sydney Roosters forward, played 159 NRL matches between 2000 and 2008. Former Parramatta Eels NRL player Eric Grothe Jr (centre), is also pictured at the funeral service Robinson was reportedly struggling life out of the spotlight, including a break up with his wife. Pictured are a procession of family and friends at his funeral service at Morley Centre Chapel Former Sydney Rosters Legend Anthony Mininchiello is pictured arriving at the service at Morley Centre Chapel The former Parramatta and Sydney Roosters forward played 159 NRL matches between 2000 and 2008. The 36-year-old reportedly experienced soaring highs and agonising lows as he juggled the various struggles of life out of the spotlight, including a break up with his wife. It was reported that some of Robinson's friends were aware of his inner demons and struggles, but others had no idea, according to the Daily Telegraph. Friends are said to have invited him to events to connect with former rugby league players after his retirement in 2009, but they were unsure if it helped lift his spirits or not. It was reported some of Robinson's friends were aware of his inner demons and struggles, but others had no idea. Pictured right is Cronulla Sharks player Paul Gallen at Robinson's funeral service South Sydney Rabbitohs and former Parramatta Eels NRL player Joel Reddy (centre) is seen speaking with fellow mourner Former Parramatta Eels NRL player Nathan Hindmarsh, (right) is pictured paying his respects to the Robinson family at the funeral service At the service, Robinson's sister Monique Brennan described her brother as a kind, generous and loving man whose death had left an unspeakable hole in her heart. She spoke of her pride in Robinson for opening up about his mental health struggles and encouraging others to seek help. 'I know you didn't give up without a fight, but God saw that you were tired and opened his arms up to you to give you the eternal rest that you needed,' Ms Brennan told mourners at Parramatta Marist High School. One of Chad Robinson's friends Jeremy Latta (left) is pictured also delivering a eulogy for the father-of-two at the service Robinson's sister Ms Brennan (pictured left among other mourners) said in her eulogy: 'I know you didn't give up without a fight, but God saw that you were tired and opened his arms up to you to give you the eternal rest that you needed' 'May you feel love, may you feel free, and I hope you have found the peace you were so desperately seeking.' Ms Brennan promised his death would not be in vain. 'Always reach out to anyone who needs help. Always be brave. Always ask for help if you need it and don't be ashamed if you are struggling,' she urged those gathered at his service 'If we all do this, his legacy will never die and he will always be with us.' Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78. Robinson's parents Kerry and Ron Robinson (pictured) are seeing grieving for their son as his coffin is placed in the hearse outside the funeral service in Parramatta A woman framed her husband's ex-fiancee as a menacing stalker and succeeded in having her jailed for nearly three months through a 'diabolical scheme', according to a district attorney in California. Angela Maria Diaz, 31, sent herself threatening emails, pretended she was pregnant, made false police reports, faked a crime scene and posed as the victim of a 'rape fantasy' ad on Craigslist, according to Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. The elaborate plot led police to believe 30-year-old Michelle Suzanne Hadley would eventually cause Diaz's rape or death - and Hadley was arrested in July for several felonies, for which she could have faced a maximum sentence of life in prison. But it was revealed that Diaz set Hadley up, and the 30-year-old was released in October and exonerated, according to a press release issued by Rackauckas on Monday. Deputy District Attorney Richard Zimmer told Dailymail.com: 'This is actually one of the most unusual things I've seen in my career. The amount of planning, the effort, the sophistication, the amount of time that went into framing Ms. Hadley was incredible.' Diaz now faces a number of felonies including kidnapping, false imprisonment and filing false police reports. Scroll down for video Michelle Suzanne Hadley (left) was framed as a menacing stalker by Angela Maria Diaz (right), who succeeded in having her jailed for nearly three months Hadley (left) first dated a 39-year-old Deputy US Marshal identified as 'John Doe' from 2013 to 2015. They broke up, and Doe ended up marrying Diaz (right) after two months of dating Hadley started dating a 39-year-old Deputy US Marshal identified only as 'John Doe' in August 2013. They bought a condo and got engaged during their 'whirlwind romance' until Hadley and Doe broke up in August 2015, according to Rackauckas. In the months following their breakup, Hadley wrote Doe emails, some of which included religious language, according to Rackauckas. The two ceased contact in the fall of 2015. In January 2016, Doe met Diaz on a dating website and the two were married within two months. After moving in together, Diaz lied in May 2016 and told Doe she was pregnant before launching her elaborate scheme to frame Hadley. On June 1, Diaz, along with her new husband, appeared at the Anaheim Police Department, where she reported that Hadley had sent her a number of threatening emails. It turned out that Diaz sent the emails to herself, using Virtual Private Networks and third-party proxy servers to disguise her Internet Protocol (IP) address, according to Rackauckas. Diaz gave the police copies of the fake emails, some of which she doctored to appear as if they were sent from Hadley's real email address, Zimmer said. After Diaz wrote hundreds of fake emails, which she pinned on Hadley, she claimed she was the victim of a 'rape fantasy' Craigslist ad she claimed was set up by Hadley. Pictured, Diaz (left and right, with red marks around her neck) after she told police a man tried to rape her She pointed out where her 'attacker' slammed her face into the wall (above), and showed police her ripped shirt. But Zimmer said: 'We believe that whole crime scene was staged and that she did that to herself' The hundreds of fake emails, which Diaz pinned on Hadley, included threats to have Diaz raped and killed, in addition to threats to her fake, unborn child, according to Zimmer. The phony emails also included disturbing images of decapitated bodies, aborted fetuses and dead women, Zimmer said. Diaz also fooled authorities by using religious language that mirrored the contents of Hadley's correspondence with Doe shortly after they broke up, Zimmer said. Zimmer told Dailymail.com: 'There were no threats from Hadley to Doe. But Diaz took the religious language and turned it into more threatening language. The fake emails written by Diaz included mentions of God, Satan, and phrases like 'God knows the truth' or 'You'll suffer God's judgement', according to Zimmer. Diaz was granted a Temporary Restraining Order against Hadley after making several false reports about ongoing threats. The situation escalated when Diaz claimed she was the victim of a 'rape fantasy' Craigslist ad she claimed was set up by Hadley. Hadley (pictured left and right) was first arrested on June 24, 2016, and bailed out the next day. After Diaz reported another incident involving the rape fantasy ad, Hadley was jailed from July 13 to October 7 She told police Hadley had impersonated her and responded to advertisements on Craigslist saying she wanted to act out her 'rape fantasies'. In reality, Diaz posted an advertisement herself. She told responding men that she wanted to have forced sex even if she screamed or resisted, and sent out photos of herself, along with details of her daily routine, according to Rackauckas. The ad, which Diaz claimed was the work of Hadley, attracted at least two men who intended to travel to Diaz's home in Anaheim before they were intercepted by police. On June 24, 2016, Diaz called 911, saying a man tried to rape her in the garage of her home - but that turned out to be another one of Diaz's lies, Zimmer said. She pointed out where her 'attacker' slammed her face into the wall, and showed police a ripped shirt, along with an abrasion on her head and red marks on her neck. Zimmer told Dailymail.com: 'We believe that whole crime scene was staged and that she did that to herself.' But police at the time believed her story, and Hadley was arrested later that evening before she was released the next day on $100,000 bail. Diaz claimed the threatening emails and responses to the rape fantasy ad ceased while Hadley was in jail and started up again after she was bailed out, incriminating Hadley further. Weeks later on July 13, Diaz called 911 again and police arrived to find a 17-year-old boy outside her home who was responding to the rape fantasy ad. 'Due to the seriousness of the threats, the alleged attack on Diaz in her garage, the escalation in both the frequency and nature of the threats, and yet another man arriving at Diaz's residence to engage in a rape fantasy encounter, law enforcement believed a serious threat to public safety existed', according to the press release issued by Rackauckas. A warrant was issued for Hadley's arrest, and she was charged with stalking, criminal threats, attempted rape, assault with intent to commit rape during a residential burglary, violating a protective order and a crime-bail-crime enhancement. Hadley was held from July 14 until October 7 on $1million bail. Diaz called 911 again on July 13, and police arrived to find a 17-year-old boy outside her home who was responding to the rape fantasy ad. A warrant was issued for Hadley's arrest, and she was charged with felonies that carried a maximum sentence of life in prison Investigators finally tracked down the IP addresses of the threatening emails, and found they emerged from Diaz's own home, cell phone and her father's home in Arizona. Hadley has been exonerated and Diaz is now in custody Zimmer told Dailymail.com: 'The aha moment came after we spent a few months trying to unwind the third party proxy servers.' He said: 'When we did that, we started getting IP addresses to Diaz's condo and her father's apartment. One came back to her cell phone.' Further investigation also revealed Diaz's history of fraud, which included altering a paycheck from her employer to add $2,000, telling her previous boyfriend she had cervical cancer, pretending to be an attorney, forging doctor's notes and impersonating two of her husband's ex-girlfriends through email in addition to her fake pregnancy. Zimmer told Dailymail.com: ' This is actually one of the most unusual things I've seen in my career. The amount of planning, the effort, the sophistication, the amount of time that went into framing Ms Hadley was incredible. 'This was an ongoing thing, with emails coming in morning, noon and night. 'Thankfully this is very rare, but it certainly made me sick to my stomach to realize we probably had the wrong person in jail. 'That's certainly not something we want to have happen so we worked as fast as we could to clear Ms Hadley's name and reputation.' Zimmer told Dailymail.com: 'it certainly made me sick to my stomach to realize we probably had the wrong person in jail' Pictured, Hadley outside Orange County Superior Court on January 9, 2016 Hadley, who smiled and held back tears as she called it 'the most traumatic experience of my life' is now looking to finish her MBA at Chapman University Pictured, Hadley hugging Orange County Distrct ATtorney Chief of Staff Susan Schroeder after being cleared of all charges Rackauckas said: 'As important as the filing of charges against Ms. Diaz, is the dismissal of the previous complaint and full exoneration of Michelle Hadley. 'This is a very detailed case. I wanted to make sure, however, that Ms. Hadley is cleared in every possible way in the courtroom and in the court of public opinion. 'It should be clear in the media and in cyberspace. Ms. Hadley is an innocent victim of a diabolical scheme.' Hadley, who called it 'the most traumatic experience of my life' is now looking to finish her MBA at Chapman University. Diaz is in custody in Arizona, and is expected to be extradited to California in the next week before she will be arraigned, Zimmer said. He said Diaz and Doe are in the process of getting a divorce. Amanda Spielman said efforts to boost school improvement could be sidelined by political debates over the EU and selective education The new chief of Ofsted yesterday dismissed plans for grammar schools as a distraction and voiced fears over the national preoccupation with Brexit. In her first interview since taking up the post as chief inspector of schools in England, Amanda Spielman said efforts to boost school improvement could be sidelined by political debates over the EU and selective education. The comments will be a blow to Theresa May, who is grappling with negotiations to leave the EU and signalled this week that the UK would pull out of the single market. The Prime Minister is also planning a wave of new grammars in the neediest areas, overturning a ban imposed by Labour 20 years ago. The Government believes such schools could improve the life chances of bright working-class children who do not come from aspirational families. But in an interview with the Guardian, Mrs Spielman said she could not see how new selective schools would contribute to improving the system as a whole. For me its a distraction from our work, she said. I dont see it as something that has much to do with making the most of every school, of Ofsted making the most of its work and contributing to system improvement. She said she expected it would be a relatively small initiative, but said it would have an impact on multi-academy trusts groups of state-funded schools that are independent of local council control which may introduce selective elements. She said: Its certainly a complication. I hear stuff anecdotally about how they are going to react, I dont know what will happen in practice. I hear that some are poised and ready to go, and others who say they wont actually will, and others will keep themselves distant. However, in an apparent attempt to distance herself from the debate, she added: Its not something I want to get involved with. Mrs Spielmans comments follow controversy over the decision in July by then education secretary Nicky Morgan to appoint her to the 195,000-a-year role as head of the education watchdog. Mrs Morgan forced through the nomination despite opposition from the Commons education committee, whose members said Mrs Spielman lacked vision and passion. Teachers unions were opposed to the appointment because she has no teaching experience. Mrs Spielman also used her interview yesterday to voice concerns over the impact of the Brexit debate on education policy, although Ofsted sources stressed she was not expressing a view on the merits of Brexit itself. The next few years are not going to be an easy time in any of our remits, she said. Brexit is obviously a huge, huge distractions the wrong word national preoccupation. In terms of government thinking and government action, its something thats going to be absorbing so much time and attention that it may be harder to get the focus sometimes that we need. Mrs Spielmans comments follow controversy over the decision in July by then education secretary Nicky Morgan (pictured) to appoint her to the 195,000-a-year role Asked if she thought education could be neglected, Mrs Spielman said: Neglected may be putting it too strongly but it may slide a bit further down the priority list. Mrs Spielman, 55, was previously chairman of exam regulator Ofqual and policy director at Ark academy chain after spending many years in corporate finance and consultancy. She has taken over at Ofsted from Sir Michael Wilshaw, a former headmaster with a record of turning around troubled schools. His outspoken views were not always in line with the Governments. Mrs Spielman, who has two teenage daughters, was born in Kensington and attended a state school in Glasgow, followed by a boarding school in Dorset. She studied law at Clare College, Cambridge. A Department for Education spokesman said: This government wants this to be a country that works for everyone, not just for the privileged few, and education lies at the heart of that ambition. Thanks to our reforms, there are almost 1.8million more children being taught in schools that are rated good or outstanding than in 2010. We are building on our reforms, backed by record levels of school investment. A former solider who suffered from Post-Tramautic Stress Disorder killed his wife, daughter and mother before killing himself last week in Nova Scotia, Canada. Lionel Desmond 33, shot and killed his wife Shanna, his 10-year-old daughter Aaliyah and his mother Brenda and then shot and killed himself in the village of Upper Big Tracadie. The bodies were found on Tuesday, January 3 and funerals for the four, to be paid by the federal government, will be held this week. Scroll down for video Lionel Desmond, right, shot and killed his wife Shanna, left, his 10-year-old daughter Aaliyah, center, and his mother Brenda in a murder-suicide Desmond, 33, killed his wife, mother and daughter, pictured, in Upper Big Tricadie, Nova Scotia Lionel Desmond served in Afghanistan in 2007. He received treatment from the military but family members have suggested it wasn't enough to heal him Desmond did a tour in Afghanistan in 2007 and was diagnosed with PTSD afterwards, CTV News reported. He received treatment from the military but family members have suggested it wasn't enough to heal him, particularly upon his return to the island of Nova Scotia 18 months ago. His obituary posted to a Nova Scotia funeral home stated he 'succumbed to the tortures of PTSD.' Daughter Aaliyah wanted to be a veterinarian and 'would light up any room as soon as she entered it' Wife Shanna was described as 'a completely loving, caring and honest person.' Brenda Desmond was 'well known for her smile, laughter, humor and strong love for everyone with whom she crossed paths.' Daughter Aaliyah wanted to be a veterinarian and 'would light up any room as soon as she entered it.' Shanna Desmond, left, was described as 'completely loving, caring and honest.' Brenda Desmond, right, was 'well known for her smile, laughter, humor and strong love' The shocking deaths have sparked a debate in Canada about the role of PTSD versus a culture of domestic violence. Pictured: Shanna and Aaliyah The shocking deaths have sparked a debate in Canada about the role of PTSD versus a culture of domestic violence. Sociology professor Ardath Whynacht told CTV News: 'This case is an anomaly if we look at it through the lens of PTSD. Lionel Desmond served in Afghanistan in 2007 'But it's not an anomaly when we look at the trends in intimate partner violence.' She cited a statistic that 'a woman is killed by an intimate partner once every six days in Canada' and said medical literature does not suggest that PTSD leads to violence. But Reverend Elaine Walcott, who is related to the Desmonds, said such an argument only serves to perpetuate stereotypes. And law professor Wayne MacKay believed both sides of the argument needed to be heard. Three people are dead and a sheriff's deputy is wounded after a barricaded man fired at officers from a Kentucky home where a fire was then set. Kentucky State Police were assisting the Rowan County Sheriff's office on a disturbance Sunday afternoon in Morehead, Kentucky. Officers made contact at a mobile home with a male identified as Garry Morrison, 51. Garry Morrison, right, called 911 after he allegedly shot girlfriend Latoya Cooper, left. He then barricaded the pair and his mother in their mobile home Police say Morrison retreated into the home and barricaded himself before firing multiple shots and striking a deputy, who was treated at a hospital and released. Police say Morrison retreated into the home and barricaded himself before firing multiple shots and striking Deputy Sheriff Baker Hollis in the arm, who was treated at a hospital and released. Police say after the gunfire, the home at 1090 Island Fork Road became engulfed in flames, Morehead News reported. Tense: Police say that after the gunfire, the home at 1090 Island Fork Road became engulfed in flames Officers later found the bodies of Morrison, 51, Cooper, 32, and Morrison's mother Anna, 71 Garry Morrison's burned-down home where officers later found the three bodies Deputy Sheriff Baker Hollis was shot in the arm and was treated at a hospital and released Trooper Scott Ferrell said officers later found the bodies of Morrison, 51, his mother Anna Morrison, 71, and his girlfriend Latoya Cooper, 32. Rowan County Coroner John P. Northcutt said a preliminary investigation showed that 51-year-old Garry Morrison died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His mother and his girlfriend died of gunshot wounds. The home allegedly contained quite a bit of ammunition. Rowan County Sheriff Matt Sparks told WKYT-TV that the suspect, Morrison, had called 911 to report he had shot his girlfriend. Alan Bennett, ever the wry observer, criticised hotel guests while on trip to Venice With its celebrated art, architecture and maze of canals, there is plenty to whet the cultural appetite of the tourists who flock to Venice every year. But for Alan Bennett, ever the wry observer and keen chronicler of the ways in which standards have dropped, how fellow hotel guests tackled the breakfast buffet was among the more arresting sights. The playwright and author, 82, wrote in his diary: The greed at breakfast in our hotel is also dispiriting, one young woman this morning with such a passion for fruit that she piles her plate with melon, pineapple, grapes and kiwi fruit and fills her pockets with tangerines to the extent that in the process nature itself is demeaned. Hard to be a waitress at breakfast and retain a respect for ones fellows. Some of the well-to-do guests cant wait to get the food back from the breakfast bar to their table, one young man downing a tumbler of orange juice en route and a boy stuffing himself with sausages before he even sits down. The typically waspish aside is among several Bennett made during a four-day visit to the Italian city with his partner of 24 years, 50-year-old Rupert Thomas, who is the editor of the World of Interiors magazine, in November. While admiring the masterpieces by the Renaissance artist Vittore Carpaccio in the historic Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, Bennett observed: Other visitors arrive, photographing the pictures almost before looking at them. By contrast, he is grateful for the Italians grace and good temper as he sits down for a rest on a bench, and also for their friendliness virtues on which we have so summarily turned our backs, he writes in another of the new diary entries, published in the latest edition of the London Review of Books. An outing to the Museo Correr in St Marks Square prompts him to note that it has been reorganised so that the paintings which he had considered its chief delight have migrated upstairs somewhere and he cannot find them. Bennett, who is perhaps best known for his Talking Heads monologues in 1988 and his play The History Boys, which was later made into a film, gives an equally wry account of an evening out at a restaurant. With its celebrated art, architecture and maze of canals, there is plenty to whet the cultural appetite of the tourists who flock to Venice every year Having taken a water taxi there, he finds there is a three or four foot gap between the swaying boat and the landing stage. I launch myself into space, with time enough as Im flying through the air to wonder with a bad ankle and at 82 how Im going to manage, he wrote. But its ok. But whether the jump was worth it is not quite clear, however, as he added: We have a nice meal though Italian food isnt quite the same as it was. In the 1970s I invariably ate Parma ham and melon followed by liver and sage, neither of them on the menu tonight. Bennett, whose previous diary volumes have been best-sellers, wrote these new entries after Britains vote to leave the European Union, which he said he deplores, and the election of vulgarian Donald Trump as US President. Note how melancholy most of these Venetian entries are and not merely because of Trump and Co, Bennett writes. In the months before his death, Michael Chamberlain revealed his heartache over the death of his baby Azaria who was taken by a dingo and the subsequent breakdown of his marriage. He said the strain on his relationship with Lindy grew too much when they were faced with years of legal battles. 'The estrangement had nothing to do with Azaria's death but certainly the legal attacks on us following was terrible to both personas and our social self-worth,' he told News.com.au in emails. On Tuesday, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton said she was rushing to be with her children after the shock death of her former husband from leukaemia complications. Scroll down for video Michael Chamberlain (pictured) died at Gosford Hospital, New South Wales, on Monday night after suffering complications from acute Leukaemia 'I remain very saddened by this, despite having had to move on. '(I) always maintained that (Lindy and I) had the ingredients of a good marriage, we had beautiful children, and it could have remained a good marriage but we couldn't quite get there.' Michael, 72, died at Gosford Hospital, New South Wales, on Monday night after suffering complications from acute Leukaemia. 'I am on my way today to support and be with our children,' Mrs Chamberlain-Creighton said in a statement on Tuesday. 'Given Michael's death was unexpected, I would ask that the media please consider that Michael's wife and all of his children are deeply grieving and need some space.' Michael Chamberlain and Lindy Chamberlain, parents of infant Azaria Chamberlain who was snatched by a dingo in 1980 Michael's step-daughter Winny posted a heartfelt tribute to her Facebook page following the shocking death. 'RIP to the man who stood up and became my Father when I was 15 ... I will miss you so so much Michael ... til we meet again,' it read. His death comes 37 years after the pair's nine-week-old daughter Azaria was killed by a dingo during a family camping trip at Uluru in 1980. In one of the most high profile cases in Australia, Lindy Chamberlain was charged with murder, and her husband charged with accessory after the fact. At the time of Azaria's disappearance, her bloodied jumpsuit and nappy were found half buried near a dingo's den. A jury accepted prosecutors' claims Mrs Chamberlain killed her daughter with scissors in the family car, then staged the dingo attack. Baby Azaria was taken by a dingo in August, 1980, during a family camping trip at Uluru (she is pictured at Uluru with mother Lindy Chamberlain) Lindy Chamberlain with her husband Michael leaving the court at Alice Springs in 1982 Azaria's bloodied jumpsuit found half buried in a dingo's den. Prosecutors initially convinced a jury Mrs Chamberlain had buried it there Lindy was initially sentenced to life in prison for the murder of baby Azaria and Michael was found guilty of being an accessory and was given an 18-month suspended sentence But the chance discovery of Azaria's matinee jacket in an area full of dingo lairs six-years later changed the pair's fate. Both Lindy and Michael were pardoned in 1987, after Lindy had served three years of her life sentence. Three years after they were pardoned the pair's relationship broke down and they filed for divorce in 1991. LIFE AND TIMES OF MICHAEL CHAMBERLAIN August 17, 1980: Nine-week-old Azaria Chamberlain goes missing from her family's tent during a holiday at Uluru. Her bloodied clothing is found a week later at the base of Uluru. February 20, 1981: The first inquest into Azaria's disappearance finds that she was taken by a dingo. November 18, 1981: The inquest findings are quashed by the Northern Territory Supreme Court after a police search finds suspected evidence, including blood in the Chamberlains' car. A second inquest is ordered. February 1982: The second inquest overturns the first finding and commits Lindy and Michael Chamberlain to trial. October 29, 1982: Lindy Chamberlain (now Chamberlain-Creighton) is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Azaria; Michael Chamberlain is given a suspended sentence for accessory after the fact to murder. April 29, 1983: An appeal is unanimously rejected by the Federal Court. February 22, 1984: The High Court upholds the conviction. February 2, 1986: Azaria's jacket found at Uluru. February 7, 1986: Lindy Chamberlain is released from prison on compassionate grounds. A Royal Commission is ordered in April. June 2, 1987: The Royal Commission finds the trial verdicts were unsafe and unsound. September 15, 1988: The Northern Territory Criminal Court of Appeal quashes the convictions and finds the Chamberlains innocent of murder. June 1991: The Chamberlains finalise their divorce. Linda marries Rick Creighton the following year; Michael marries Ingrid Bergner in 1994. December 13, 1995: A third inquest into the death of Azaria delivers an open finding. June 12, 2012: A fourth inquest finds that Azaria was killed by a dingo. January 9, 2017: Michael Chamberlain dies aged 72 after complications from leukaemia. Advertisement Michael Chamberlain (pictured) fought a long and bitter battle for justice after his baby daughter was snatched by a dingo at Uluru in 1980 Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton pictured at the fourth inquest into the death of nine-week-old daughter Azaria - when it was ruled a dingo had killed the child The pair showed a united front again in 2012 when they turned up to the Darwin Supreme Court to hear the coroner rule that a dingo was responsible for the death of nine-week-old Azaria - and they were both cleared of fault. Both Lindy and Michael remarried to new respective partners. Michael became his wife's primary care giver when she suffered a stroke and became disabled four years ago. He detailed his struggles at the time, but with help from National Disability Insurance, he went back to work. He was appointed a professor at the University of Newcastle in 2016, just months before his death on January 9, 2017. Chamberlain's ex-wife Lindy revealed July last year that she had struggled to forgive him after the death of their child. She said she did not hold any anger, but could not forgive Mr Chamberlain for 'private' reasons. Four days before Michael passed away, Ingrid took to Facebook to ask for prayers for her husband Michael and new wife Ingrid Chamberlain share a kiss in December, just one month before his death Michael Chamberlain (pictured with wife Ingrid, daughter Zahra and her boyfriend Michael) has revealed his wife's battle after she was paralysed from a massive stroke four years ago Mr Chamberlain responded to her comments, saying he has 'never' agreed with his former wife. He said he had moved on, had nothing against Ms Chamberlain-Creighton and wished her well. Greg Piper, an independent NSW MP who had been friends with Mr Chamberlain since the early 1990s, has remembered him as a dedicated family and community man. 'Beyond all the highs and lows of the Azaria mystery which we know about, Michael was a good community leader and a good friend to many people. 'Michael was a very complicated man who was quite driven and very thoughtful.' Mr Piper said the tragedy of Azaria's disappearance would have broken a lesser person than Mr Chamberlain. 'Michael never hid from the notoriety which came with the disappearance of Azaria, but he rarely spoke about it to me and he didn't let it define him. 'He defined himself as a good community leader who worked hard for his community and family.' Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Lindy Chamberlain for comment. On the evening of August 17 in 1980, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton went to check on Azaria (pictured together), and found her gone Several Jewish community centers have been evacuated as more than 15 bomb threats have been made across six states in a single day. In total, 19 centers received phoned-in threats in the South and Northeast on Monday, including Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Maryland and Delaware. The number of threats investigated - some of which were prerecorded - are unusually high, according to an official. Scroll down for video There were 19 bomb threats made to Jewish community centers, causing several evacuations on Monday. Pictured: Hundreds of children were evacuated from a center in Miami The Kaplen JCC in New Jersey was also evacuated on Monday after a bomb threat was called in. After searching the building, police deemed the threat not credible Of the evacuated centers, no explosives were found and there have been no immediate reports of injuries, said Richard Sandler of the Jewish Federations of North America. He added that some of the threats were 'robocalls' and no additional details about the calls were immediately available. Four of the centers are in Florida. Bomb threats also targeted Jewish community centers and preschools in central Florida and Tampa last week. There is no apparent link between those threats and the calls received Monday, Sandler said. Reports of threats were made in Florida, Tennessee, Delaware, Maryland and South Carolina He added the federations' security network was working closely with law enforcement to ensure safety at the community centers. Police said Monday that no explosives were found after bomb threats were received at the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Community Alliance of Jacksonville. At other locations, buildings were evacuated and authorities investigated. Authorities say Miami-Dade Fire Rescue evacuated the Alper Jewish Community Center, which had about 450 children and 70 adults in it at the time. Similarly, the Gordon Jewish community center in Nashville, Tennessee, the Siegel Jewish community center in Wilmington, Delware, had threats called in. Last week, bomb threats targeted two Jewish centers in central Florida and two Jewish preschools in Tampa. Authorities said no explosives were found. Miami Beach Jewish Community Center (pictured) was evacuated after a bomb threat on Monday The militant union behind the Southern rail strike has privately admitted that trains can be run safely without conductors, it emerged last night. Aslef has publicly insisted that the introduction of driver-only services between London and the south coast is dangerous for passengers - and has used it to justify the strike. Around 1,000 drivers represented by the union will begin another three days of walk-outs today (Tuesday) over the issue, which will cause fresh mayhem for commuters. The militant union behind the Southern rail strike has privately admitted that trains can be run safely without conductors (pictured, commuter chaos at Liverpool Street Station) But documents now show how the union secretly agreed that driver-only trains could in fact be operated safely without conductors. In an Aslef newsletter sent to members working on Southern Rail last March, the union highlighted a number of circumstances where it would acceptable for trains to run without guards, including if they were late or fell sick. The private acknowledgement contradicts its claim that driver-only operated (DOO) trains are a major safety risk. If a conductor is unable to continue through sickness, assault or arrest, the service may complete its journey DOO (driver-only operated), the bulletin said. If the conductor is left behind by driver error, the duty may run DOO until the conductor can be reunited with the service. The newsletter also said trains can run without conductors if they are on their way to meet them at another station. Union bosses have refused to cancel the strikes even though the independent rail regulator has ruled driver-only trains are safe. There will be no Southern services today, tomorrow and Friday, with further strikes planned at the end of the month. Business leaders yesterday met Government ministers to warn of the costly disruption caused by months of chaos on Southern Railway In a major review, the Office of Rail and Road, which oversees safety on Britains railways, last week said trains could be operated safely on the Southern network without guards to operate the doors. It raised minor concerns about certain stations, but said they could be resolved easily. Driver-only trains have operated elsewhere on Britains railways for years. The Chief Inspector of Railways, Ian Prosser, said he was satisfied that with suitable equipment, proper procedures and competent staff in place, it is a safe method of working. Business leaders yesterday met Government ministers to warn of the costly disruption caused by months of chaos on Southern Railway. Chambers of Commerce groups from the South East of England met with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Rail Minister Paul Maynard. The representatives from Hampshire, London, Surrey, Sussex and Thames Valley Chambers, said: Business communities and commuters across the South East of England are impatient for action after nearly a year of unpredictable and costly disruption. Around 1,000 drivers represented by Aslef will begin another three days of walk-outs today (Pictured, crowds of commuters queue for trains at Clapham Junction station) While firms have taken every step possible to support staff affected by strike action, businesses and local economies are hurting. It is incumbent upon all parties in the dispute to come to the table and reach a durable solution. Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: Business communities elsewhere in the UK are also watching with great concern. A wave of further rail strikes like the one in the South East would hit investment, job creation and confidence, and undermine the livelihoods of millions of people. Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added: London businesses and commuters are facing a double-whammy this week as they face disruption from both train and Tube strikes. A resolution between all the parties involved in these actions is needed urgently to prevent further and unnecessary disturbances to workers in the City and surrounding areas. Southern, which carries 300,000 passengers a day, has been plagued by industrial action for months over the removal of guards. Government sources have accused the union of holding politically motivated strikes rather than because of concerns over safety. Theresa Mays official spokeswoman said yesterday: The Prime Minister thinks it is unfair to be creating disruption for people in such an unfair and unjustified way. Australians who have been slapped with inaccurate Centrelink debts may be able to sue the government. There has been widespread criticism the new automated data matching system which uses information from the tax office has been producing incorrect debt notices. Melbourne barrister and spokesperson for Australian Lawyers Alliance Greg Barns told Daily Mail Australia in some cases Centrelink may have breached its duty of care to customers. Australians who have been slapped with inaccurate Centrelink debts may be able to sue the government (stock image) Nicole Rogerson, the mother of a 21-year-old autistic man Jack (pictured together) who was wrongly billed for a $3,000 Centrelink debt, said the 'heartless' new system is a form of 'financial bullying' 'Centrelink's conduct has been so appalling in some cases there may be a cause for legal action for those who have been disadvantaged,' Mr Barns said. 'If they [Centrelink] act in a way that's without due diligence, then they may be liable.' The mother of a 21-year-old autistic man who claims he has been wrongly billed $3,000 for Centrelink debts says the government's new debt collecting system is 'heartless' and a form of 'financial bullying'. Jack Rogerson is among an emerging number of Australians who claim they are being unfairly hounded by debt collectors because of the new automated system. His mother, Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Awareness Australia, said the government's approach under the new system is 'harming the most vulnerable'. Meanwhile Michael Griffin, a Brisbane filmmaker who was also sent a $3,000 bill ahead of Christmas, said he believes the most vulnerable people would be fearing for their livelihoods. Ms Rogerson said she had been contacted by thousands of families with similar experiences since speaking out on Twitter This comes as the Commonwealth Ombudsman is set to investigate the debt recovery system. The ombudsman has agreed to independent MP Andrew Wilkie's request for an investigation. 'This is a victory for common sense,' Mr Wilkie said. The federal government is trying to claw back $4 billion in overpayments from welfare recipients. Brisbane filmmaker Michael Griffin was wrongly billed and said the government must 'pause the system' until the issue is resolved Commonwealth Ombudsman Colin Neave confirmed in a statement he has commenced an investigation and is considering issues on a systemic level. The investigation will be done in private and he will make no further comments publicly at this stage. I never thought Id say this as a doctor, but Id be scared if a family member was taken ill and had to go into hospital. Despite the best efforts of the hard-working staff, Id worry that all the pressures mean that patients risk being discharged before sufficient preparations are made. Whats more, some patients are forced to wait for days thats right, not an hour or so, but entire days on trolleys in corridors. The situation has become so commonplace that hospital trusts are now allocating nurses and consultants specifically to corridor duties so as to care for the patients waiting there. Jeremy Hunt last night begged patients to stay away from crisis-hit hospitals This is what you would expect in a Third World country, not a wealthy, developed nation like own. As for Mr Hunts comment yesterday, Im afraid that problems with the four-hour target to treat A&E patients are a symptom of a much wider issue. The fact is the rule, introduced by a Labour government, has been exploited by people who see it as an incentive to go straight to A&E units and bypass their GP because they think they will be guaranteed swift treatment. So, how has this been allowed to happen? Certainly, Britains population of more elderly people has placed increased pressure on the NHS. Improved and costly treatments also drain budgets more quickly. Hospitals trusts, too, are heavily in debt, often because they are forced to pay huge sums to repay the money that was borrowed to build their facilities. As for Mr Hunts comment yesterday, Im afraid that problems with the four-hour target to treat A&E patients are a symptom of a much wider issue This said, the biggest problem facing hospitals is that they are suffering the knock-on effects of a crisis in the community and GPs surgeries which cannot cope. Since 2010, there have been cuts to social care budgets reduced by an estimated 40 per cent and leading to almost one million fewer people now in getting social care. Therefore, hospitals have been forced to keep patients longer than necessary as there is inadequate provision for patients once they have been released. Indeed, National Audit Office figures show that the number of days that beds have been occupied by patients due to delayed transfers of care have increased by 31 per cent in the period 2013-2015 alone. Then, of course, there is the GP crisis with doctors surgeries facing a huge extra workload. Dr Max Pemberton: The GP crisis is the root cause of this debacle This has been exacerbated by a disturbing combination of factors: the effect of an increasing number of women GPs, many of whom work part-time; older GPs who have taken advantage of changes to their pensions which have encouraged them to take early retirement; the new contracts introduced in 2004 which allowed family doctors to opt out of evening and weekend work; and burnout suffered by some GPs which has led them to leave the profession or move abroad. For their part, patients, who have become frustrated and angry over the decline in the standards of care, tend to blame their local GP. Unforgivably, politicians and hospital managers have, in turn, allowed GPs to be scapegoats for their own failures. Tragically, this becomes a vicious circle. With fewer GPs, the pressure on A&E units increases and the crisis deepens. If you want proof of the degree of delusion of NHS bosses, look no further than an utterly idiotic comments last week by Professor Jane Cummings, Englands Chief Nursing Officer. Despite A&E units being overrun with patients and some people waiting for days on trolleys in corridors, she argued that money saved by reducing beds could be ploughed into better care at home. At a local level, she said, the NHS wants to invest in home-based care, but it struggles because resources are currently tied up in hospital beds. I wonder, for example, when was the last time she had to care for an elderly patient with a fractured hip in A&E when there wasnt a bed available on the orthopaedic ward? Or had to comfort a confused pensioner with a chest infection whos been languishing on a trolley in a corridor for the past day and a half? Scandalously, figures show that Britain has 2.8 beds per 1,000 people, ranking us as one of the lowest relative to population size in the developed world. Our hospitals are also among the fullest, with bed occupancy rates routinely exceeding 100 per cent - compared with a figure of around 85 per cent in other European countries. These are the facts. As a doctor, I implore you to ignore the spin of people such as Jane Cummings and Jeremy Hunt. When doctors and nurses are scared that their family members might become sick and need to come into hospital,those responsible for the NHS should be concentrating on policies that will solve this crisis. Most restaurant customers are confused by the rules on tipping and want to see new laws on where their tip money should go, a survey said yesterday. It said more than half are embarrassed about tipping because they do not know whether their tip will go to the waiter and other staff, or whether the restaurant management will take it. The level of unhappiness among diners about the tipping rules was disclosed in a survey carried out by AA Hotel and Hospitality Services, which said the uncertainty over who gets the money compounds other worries about how much to leave and how to use credit card machines to pay a tip. Most restaurant customers are confused by the rules on tipping and want to see new laws on where their tip money should go, a survey said More than half said they would like to see legislation or regulation to make it clear where tip money should go. The findings come in the wake of a series of embarrassments for restaurant chiefs who scoop up tips into general takings, and who do not pass all or even some of the money onto their staff. A union has accused Harrods of keeping most of the money left in tips at its 16 cafes and restaurants for itself, and celebrity restaurateur Michel Roux Jnr acknowledged before Christmas that staff have been getting none of the 13 per cent service charge at his Michelin-staffed Le Gavroche, where a meal from the fixed-price menu costs more than 200. A number of chains, including Pizza Express, Strada, Zizzi, Ask Italian and Giraffe have been accused of keeping all or some of service charges or tips without passing them on to staff. Last year the Government carried out a consultation on whether there should be legally-enforceable rules on tipping, and that methods used by restaurants to extract tip money from waiters, for example by making them pay a fee based on how many meals they have sold during their shift, should be banned. However the consultation, launched by former Business Secretary Sajid Javid, ended last June. Mr Javid was replaced by Greg Clark in the reshuffle that followed Theresa Mays arrival in Downing Street, and nothing has since been heard of any plans to regulate tipping. A union has accused Harrods of keeping most of the money left in tips at its 16 cafes and restaurants for itself The survey, published in The Caterer magazine, was carried out online among nearly 20,000 restaurant customers and found more than 50 per cent felt awkwardabout tipping because of their worries over where the money would go. It said one in three customers did not know what they should tip, and young customers were especially reluctant to tip because of this. Three quarters of over-55s were uncertain about using credit card machines to tip. Four out of five restaurants would be happy with rules that mean tips must be shared with waiting staff, it said. Caroline Walford of AA Hotel and Hospitality Services said: Tipping is optional and while there is no legal obligation to leave one, our research brings to light a social dilemma affecting the majority of British diners. Perhaps this survey points towards a lingering British embarrassment surrounding money or perhaps it is time for more clarity for both consumers and those in the hospitality industry. Celebrity restaurateur Michel Roux Jnr acknowledged before Christmas that staff have been getting none of the 13 per cent service charge at his Michelin-staffed Le Gavroche She added: It is always advisable to ask whether the service charge is included on a bill at the end of a meal. If not, a standard tip tends to be 10 per cent of the total. However, this amount is discretionary and if your service or dining experience has been exceptionally good or unusually disappointing the amount you leave can reflect your experience accordingly. Chamseddine al-Sandi is said to have trained and instructed killer Seifeddine Rezgui, who slaughtered 30 British holidaymakers with an assault rifle in Sousse in 2015 Named for the first time, this is the man who allegedly 'masterminded' the terror attack on a Tunisian beach in which 38 people died. Chamseddine al-Sandi is said to have trained and instructed killer Seifeddine Rezgui, who slaughtered 30 British holidaymakers with an assault rifle as they sunbathed near Sousse in 2015. An international manhunt is currently underway for al-Sandi, who is believed to be on the run in Libya. Men arrested in connection with two terror attacks named al-Sandi in their confessions, with the information uncovered following an investigation by the BBC. Suspects said al-Sandi was the 'mastermind' behind the horror, who recruited and directed men including Rezgui and paid for them to go to Libya for terror training. According to the corporation's Panorama programme, al-Sandi is said to have ran a militant cell responsible for both the Sousse massacre and an attack three months earlier at the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, in which 22 people died. Rezgui is said to have met members involved in the Bardo attack in cafes and mosques and trained alongside one of them at an ISIS camp in Libya. Al-Sandi is then believed to have given the perpetrators their orders. ISIS claimed responsibility for both of the attacks. Tunisian police were also accused of a catalogue of failings as news reached them of the Sousse massacre, as detailed in documents seen by the BBC. When the local police chief was alerted, he is said to have stayed away from the scene in the immediate aftermath because he was too 'afraid'. Officers on horseback less than two miles away also didn't respond and later said their pistols could not match the killer's Kalashnikov, it was alleged. On June 26 2015, Rezgui opened fire with a Kalashnikov at Port El Kantaoui, about 10km north of Sousse, and fired indiscriminately at holidaymakers before he was shot dead by police Police who eventually arrived at the beach on boats added to the farcical response, with one removing his police shirt so he wouldn't be shot and the other fainting due to fear, it was said. And when the police chief finally arrived with backup, he went to the wrong hotel. The inquests into the deaths of British tourists killed in the second attack, outside the five-star Riu Imperial Marhaba Hotel, are due to start next week. Confronted with the image of the man accused of being behind the atrocity, lawyer Demetrius Danas, who is representing many of the families, told the BBC: 'I have not seen that. 'If you are right, and the families see that, they will be shocked to see the face of the man who caused them so much sadness.' Warrants have been issued for the arrest of al-Sandi, but the scale of his involvement in the attacks has remained unknown until now. Information also uncovered revealed that some men who part of an initial 23 suspects arrested in connection with the Bardo attack were quietly released from prison just two months after Sousse following allegations of torture. Some of the suspected terrorists were released in return for Tunisian hostages held by ISIS, the BBC alleged. In March 2015 Tunisian citizens Yassine Labidi and Saber Khachnaoui were killed by police after they took hostages and murdered scores of civilians at the Bardo National Museum. Tourists from the UK, Italy, France and Spain were among the dead. A police raid ten days later killed nine alleged terrorists, but a third gunman from the museum is still believed to be on the run. On June 26 2015, Rezgui opened fire with a Kalashnikov at Port El Kantaoui, about 10km north of Sousse, and fired indiscriminately at holidaymakers before he was shot dead by police. Carole Middleton is celebrating the 30th anniversary for her business, Party Pieces The Duchess of Cambridges mother, Carole Middleton, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the family business, Party Pieces, with a booklet in which she credits her children including our future Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge with making the business such a roaring success. Over the years all my children have played a huge part in it, from modelling for the catalogue to developing new categories for the brand, she writes glowingly. James established our personalised cakes, Catherine started the 1st birthday side of the business and Pippa developed the Party Pieces blog. They grew up with me working and appreciate the demands of a busy business and a working mum, and although now they are not involved day to day in the business, I still value their ideas and opinions. And their banal party tips, no doubt, especially from Pippa, author of party planning book Celebrate. Carole, 61, peppers her own booklet, sent out to subscribers, with top tips such as: Babies love the tactile feeling of balloons, so tie one to each of your little guests chairs for them to take home. She adds: I hope my story inspires other mums out there who have a good idea to take the plunge and give it a try! She praised her daughters, The Duchess of Cambridge (right) and Pippa, and her son, James, for playing a 'huge part' in the business Its been a hard-working 30 years but Ive loved every minute of it and would like to thank all the wonderful people Ive met along the way, and all the dedicated staff who have helped me achieve this. After a stint as a British Airways air hostess, during which she met husband Michael, in 1987 Carole set up the party business that made her family multi-millionaires. But it has faced constant criticism for cashing in on its royal connections. The royal-themed paraphernalia its hawked includes wigs for queens and princesses, inflatable crowns and flags featuring corgis. Before the royal wedding, the company launched a scratchcard, complete with crowns. The controller of BBC Parliament certainly has a sense of humour. On Sunday, the channel re-broadcast the embarrassing debate held by MPs last January about barring the then Presidential candidate Donald Trump from the UK following his call for a temporary ban on Muslims entering America. It aired just hours after the President-elect tweeted his excitement about meeting with PM Theresa May, and just before Boris Johnson met with Trumps transition team. The channel denies it was being provocative: The BBC Parliament Channel regularly repeats key news, occasions, debates and government milestones from the past. These form part of a historical record. Lets hope no one in Trump Towers was watching. Robin Page: Chris Packham's a pillock The Prince of Wales (left) with his friend Robin Page, who he invited to Clarence House for private talks Although embraced by Prince Charles, who invited him for private talks at Clarence House last month, former One Man And His Dog presenter Robin Page is not toning down his outspokenness. Rural campaigner Page called his fellow wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham a pillock after the BBC Springwatch presenter wrongly claimed endangered lapwing birds were being shot in England. Is it true? demanded Page, chairman of the Countryside Restoration Trust. Pillock Packham says people are shooting lapwings? We spend our time saving them. Biggest threat? Packhams foxes and raptors. Humiliated, Packham retracted his claim, saying: Earlier today an incorrectly worded tweet about lapwings was posted on this account. Obviously they are not shot in the UK! I apologise for this mistake. As one of the worlds most famous authors, J. K. Rowling is used to getting noticed in public. Asked if anyone had ever doubted she was the real deal, the Harry Potter author recalls: A drunk man in a bar squinted at me and said: Are you J. K. Rowling? I panicked and said: No. Theresa May yesterday issued a coded attack on David Cameron and Tony Blair for ignoring the legitimate concerns of ordinary people on subjects such as immigration. The Prime Minister warned that parties on the far-Right and far-Left in Europe were standing on the shoulders of the failures of mainstream politicians. In a speech setting out her plans for a fairer Britain including improving attitudes to mental health and giving more help for families who are just about managing Mrs May said the political class is now facing a once-in-a-generation moment in which they must begin responding to the publics concerns or see divisions worsen. Theresa May yesterday issued a coded attack on David Cameron and Tony Blair for ignoring the legitimate concerns of ordinary people In an apparent swipe at Mr Cameron and George Osborne, she rounded on politicians who embraced the twin pillars of liberalism and globalisation without understanding their impact on those on modest to low incomes. She criticised politicians who made the deals and signed the agreements that changed the nature of their country, but failed to listen to the publics concerns dismissing them as somehow parochial or illegitimate instead. In a reference to immigration, she said: People have felt locked out of the political and social discourse. If they voiced their concerns, their views were shut down. Decisions made in faraway places didnt always seem to be the right decisions for them. They saw their community changing, but didnt remember being consulted or agreeing to that change. Delivering the annual Charity Commission lecture, Mrs May went on: We know what happens when mainstream, centre-ground politics fails. People embrace the fringe the politics of division and despair. They turn to those who offer easy answers ... We see those fringe voices gaining prominence in some countries across Europe today voices from the hard-Left and the far-Right stepping forward and sensing this is their time. But they stand on the shoulders of mainstream politicians who have allowed unfairness and division to grow by ignoring the legitimate concerns of ordinary people for too long. In an apparent swipe at Mr Cameron and George Osborne, she rounded on politicians who embraced the twin pillars of liberalism and globalisation Mrs May promised a programme that will start with a housing white paper and new industrial strategy to recalibrate policy towards families who are just above the income levels that qualify for State handouts. She pledged a government rooted not in the laissez-faire liberalism that leaves people to get by on their own, but in a new philosophy that means government stepping up and helping these families as well as providing welfare to the most vulnerable. She also promised to transform attitudes to mental health, with a focus on children and young people. She pledged additional training for teachers, an extra 15million for community care, and improved support in the workplace. Political parties should face fines unless they select more female candidates for Parliament, a committee of MPs says today. The Commons women and equalities committee is calling for a change in the law to force parties to ensure at least 45 per cent of their candidates are female. Under this proposals, political parties would be fined if they failed to select enough women. MPs on the cross-party committee say the move is needed to tackle a serious democratic deficit at Westminster, where 30 per cent of MPs are women The report also calls for an extension of the law on all-women shortlists to guarantee the selection of more female candidates. MPs on the cross-party committee say the move is needed to tackle a serious democratic deficit at Westminster, where 30 per cent of MPs are women. The report says: Women make up more than half the population of the United Kingdom and, at a time when more women are in work than ever before, there is no good reason why women should not make up half of the House of Commons. If the Commons is serious about being truly representative of the people that it seeks to represent, it must rise to the challenge of being a world leader on women's parliamentary representation. But the idea is likely to run into stiff resistance in the Conservative Party, which has historically opposed moves to set quotas for women. Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe described the reports recommendation as ridiculous. She added: I have always said that every female MP should be able to look every male MP in the eye and know they got there by the same route. Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe described the reports recommendation as ridiculous. She added: I have always said that every female MP should be able to look every male MP in the eye and know they got there by the same route As soon as you start setting quotas you diminish the quality of MPs because instead of straightforward competition to find the best candidate you start to rig things. The whole idea is a complete nonsense. The only way you could hit a quota of that sort is to have all-women shortlists, which mean a man cannot be selected even if he is the best candidate. Theresa May has been a champion of moves to help get more female candidates selected. But she has said previously that the Tories would not impose all-women shortlists and recently mocked Jeremy Corbyn over Labours failure to ever pick a women leader, despite the adoption of all-women shortlists for MPs. Tory Party chairman Patrick McLoughlin told the committee that all-women shortlists caused resentment and would not be adopted. Todays report says Britain is falling behind on the issue of female representation. With 30 per cent of MPs now women, the UK is ranked 48th in the world, compared to a ranking of 25th in 1999. Committee chairman Maria Miller, a former Tory culture secretary, said there was little evidence to suggest parties were currently taking the issue seriously enough The committee says its ultimate goal is to achieve 50 per cent female MPs. But it says a legal target of 45 per cent is reasonable. It also calls for an extension of all-women shortlist legislation, which is currently due to expire in 2030, and which does not cover new elected roles, such as police and crime commissioners. Currently, the committee said, just 30% of MPs are women with the UK ranking 48th globally for female representation in the lower or single legislative chamber, having fallen back from 25th place in 1999. Sonya Maree Ruprecht (pictured), 54, did not appear in a Taree court on Tuesday because she's embarrassed, her lawyer said A woman who was caught on camera ramming her husband's camper van and accusing him of having an affair with a younger woman failed to appear in court because she was 'too embarrassed', her lawyer said. Sonya Maree Ruprecht, 54, was due to appear in Taree Court, on the NSW mid north coast, on Tuesday after she was charged with driving offences and slapped with an AVO following an incident in which she allegedly confronted her husband and a woman she believed he was having an affair with. Mrs Ruprecht's lawyer Gus Farland asked for her to be excused from court and told the magistrate she intended to enter a guilty plea. 'I can have her here,' Mr Farland said. 'This is a matter which has attracted quite a lot of media attention and I was hoping to spare her from that.' Scroll down for video The 54-year-old was caught on camera forcing her husband's camper van off a road near Crowdy Head, NSW, after accusing him of having an affair with a younger woman The camper van was seen near the Ruprechet's home on Tuesday afternoon (pictured) on the NSW coast north of Newcastle Chief Magistrate Henson agreed a lawyer was sufficient and did not ask for the woman to be summoned. Mr Farland continued to tell the court his client intends to plea guilty to the two charges she is facing, including negligent driving and driving recklessly or in a dangerous manner. Mrs Ruprecht was arrested on January 4 after the footage allegedly showed the 54-year-old ram her husband Danny Ruprecht's white van with a dark blue Ford Ranger on December 30, forcing him off a road near Crowdy Head, New South Wales. She was slapped with an AVO after using her car to confront her husband Danny Ruprecht Mrs Ruprecht's lawyer Gus Farland asked for her to be excused from Taree court (pictured). She intends to plead guilty to the charges, Mr Farland said Mrs Ruprecht was charged with negligent driving and reckless driving on January 4 after the dashcam footage went viral It comes as Danny Ruprechet was seen loading belongings into the back of his car on Tuesday morning at the family's home (pictured) Witnesses claim they then saw Mrs Ruprecht shout 'stay away from my husband' before then allegedly driving into the sedan of the woman she accused him of having an affair with. Mrs Ruprecht must comply with conditions of a 12-month AVO which states she must not menace, harass or otherwise harm her husband. Mr Farland told the court the mother was happy to abide by the conditions sighting further violence as 'not an issue'. He said the family are working together to resolve any problems. Mr Ruprechet was seen loading belongings into the back of his car on Tuesday morning at the family's home. He declined to speak with Daily Mail Australia. Mr Farland told the court the mother was happy to abide by the AVO conditions sighting further violence as 'not an issue' (the camper van is pictured on the couple's property) An elderly driver and passenger have been hospitalized after a 50-pound dumbbell smashed through the windshield of his car while travelling on the New Jersey Turnpike, state police said. Jack Decarlo, 75, was airlifted to Crozer Regional Trauma Center in Upland, Pennsylvania, following the incident, where he's in critical condition. 'Shocked. Couldn't believe it. You never think something (like that is) going to happen', Decarlo's son Jim told FOX 29. A 50-pound dumbbell mysteriously smashed through the windshield of Jack Decarlo's SUV Decarlo, 75, suffered facial injuries and was airlifted to Crozer Regional Trauma Center in Upland, Pennsylvania, following the incident, where he's in critical condition The New Jersey Turnpike was closed in both directions after the crash, but has reopened Decarlo suffered facial injuries and his wife, passenger Patricia Decarlo, 57, was only mildly injured, said Sgt Jeff Flynn, of the New Jersey State Police. Their SUV was heading southbound in Oldmans Township near mile marker 6.6 in Salem County at about 7:15 am on Monday when the dumbbell smashed into the windshield, New Jersey State Police Trooper Lawrence Peele told the New York Post. Authorities are unsure where the dumbbell came from. 'Were still trying to determine that', said Peele. 'The detectives on scene are investigating all possibilities at this point'. He reportedly was a medical student in Mexico and grew up in Chino Hills Zafar is said to no longer be in Mexico - it's unclear if he was deported or handed over to the US in another manner The US citizen arrested by Mexican authorities in connection with last week's shooting of a US consular official reportedly is a medical student who grew up in affluent Chino Hills, California with his mother and sister and may have had a history of mental illness. An official with the federal Attorney General's Office said Monday that Zia Zafar, 31, was returned to the US from Mexico, but also that he was recovering in a hospital in Guadalajara after being shot in the chest. It's unclear when he left. Scroll down for video Zia Zafar, 31, was arrested in Guadalajara after attempting to shoot a US consulate The Associated Press says that Zafar was returned to the US after spending time in a hospital after being shot in the chest A source said that Zafar had mental illness and used to live in Chino Hills, California Zafar reportedly was a medical student living in Mexico, according to his landlord The US consulate, Christopher Ashcraft, above, was apparently ambushed as he left an ATM vestibule after working out at a gym The official identified the suspect as Zia Zafar, a U.S. citizen (original media reports had him identified as Zafar Zia). The victim of the shooting survived the attack Friday. Neither Mexican nor U.S. officials released the victim's name, but local media have identified him as Christopher Ashcraft. Ashcraft is listed on social networking sites as a consular officer in Guadalajara since 2016. Scroll down for video Mexican authorities have arrested an American citizen over the shooting of an official at the U.S. consulate in the western city of Guadalajara on Friday An American official in the United States who had seen a written summary of the investigation said authorities were still trying to determine a motive for the shooting. The official said a preliminary investigation found the suspect had mental health issues. The U.S. official wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the investigation and agreed to speak to the AP only on condition of anonymity. The official said the victim was recovering at a medical facility in Guadalajara and was in 'stable condition' Monday. He was reportedly shot in the chest, according to Mexico News Daily, but it's unclear by who. ABC 7 reports that Zafar was a medical student studying in Mexico for the past four years, according to his landlord, and that he grew up in Chino Hills, California with his mother and sister. The outlet reports that his mother sold their home three weeks ago and moved. Surveillance video of the attack shows a man wearing purple scrubs, with dark hair and sunglasses, shoot into the official's car as it exited an underground parking garage. The attacker then runs away. The attacker was wearing sunglasses and a wig, according to Mexico News Daily, and a photo shows him with a buzz cut. He also reportedly had 16 bags of what appeared to be marijuana with him. After the attack, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City urged citizens to limit their exposure in Guadalajara. 'They should also take care not to fall into predictable patterns for those movements that are essential,' the statement continued. 'They should vary the times and routes of their movements.' On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement thanking Mexico for the quick arrest. The Attorney General's office expressed its 'deep dismay at this cowardly attack' and said the victim remained hospitalized in stable condition. The alleged gunman, believed to be Zia Zafar, was detained on Sunday after he was caught on security cameras shooting the consulate employee at close range in his car Zia Zafar, a 31-year-old naturalized American from India, has been named as the suspect, according to sources at the Jalisco state prosecutor's office Surveillance video of the attack shows the gunman following the official before waiting for the victim to exit a parking garage in his car Local media identified him as Christopher Ashcraft, whose profile on social networking sites listed him as a consular officer in Guadalajara since 2016. The FBI had offered a $20,000 reward for information on the attacker, and surveillance cameras photos of him had been widely circulated. Jalisco state is dominated by the hyper-violent Jalisco New Generation cartel. There was no immediate evidence of any cartel link to the attack. Surveillance video of the attack shows the gunman following the official, who was dressed in shorts, in a parking garage. U.S. consular employees have been attacked in Mexico in the past, including murdered consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton (right) and her husband Arthur Redfels (left) The attacker did not appear to try to approach the official while he was walking, but instead waited for him to exit the parking garage in his vehicle and fired a round into the car's windshield. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement thanking Mexico for the quick arrest on Sunday. Mexican Arturo Gallegos Castrellon was sentenced to life in prison for the 2010 murders of Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton and her husband in the border city of Ciudad Juarez 'On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I want to thank the Government of Mexico for their swift and decisive arrest of a suspect in the heinous attack against our Foreign Service Officer colleague,' Kerry said. 'My thoughts and prayers remain with this officer and his family during this difficult time. I wish him a speedy recovery.' U.S. consular employees and other U.S. agents have been attacked in Mexico in the past. The attackers have usually argued the attacks were cases of mistaken identity. In 2014, a Mexican gang leader was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2010 slayings in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, of US consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton, her husband Arthur Redfels and the husband of another employee Alberto Salcido Ceniceros. Prosecutors said Arturo Gallegos Castrellon was in charge of a team of assassins with the Barrio Azteca - a gang allied with the Juarez drug cartel - and had ordered the three slayings. Lobban, 59, has been extradited to the US on child sex charges An Australian man accused of being a child sex abuser has arrived in the US from Australia after a five-year extradition battle. Christopher Lobban, 59, from Perth is alleged to have had a 'spanking fetish'. Australian man Christoper Lobban (pictured) has been extradited to the US to face multiple child sex charges Lobban allegedly gave instructions from Australia over the internet to a girlfriend in Florida to handcuff two naked teenage girls to a 'whipping bench' and video them as the woman struck the girls with leather paddles. A Florida sheriff celebrated Lobban's arrival in the US, and told reporters they would want to beat him 'into a puddle' if they saw the alleged fetish tapes. 'We're pretty excited about him being back here,' Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said at a press conference on Monday. 'If it were ethical, moral and legal for you to see these tapes, you would want to go down there and just beat him into a puddle. It was that horrific.' Lobban, who has denied the charges, vigorously fought extradition and had remained in custody in Perth since his arrest in July 2011. Sheriff Judd never gave up on getting Lobban on US soil. The sheriff released video of a tired-looking Lobban in handcuffs being booked into Polk County Jail after his extradition. Lobban allegedly met his online girlfriend, Robin Pagoria, a former Florida prison guard, on the Spank-O-Life social network. Lobban (pictured) allegedly gave instructions from Australia over the internet to a girlfriend in Florida to handcuff two naked teenage girls to a 'whipping bench' and video them as the woman struck the girls with leather paddles Pagoria was sentenced in a Florida court in 2013 to 20 years in prison after doing a plea deal with prosecutors. Lobban, from his home in Perth, allegedly gave detailed instructions to Pagoria on how to build a 'spanking bench' and use a leather paddle to beat the girls to fulfil his and Pagoria's sexual desires, authorities allege. Pagoria allegedly videotaped the abuse and uploaded the videos to a website for Lobban's review. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd from Florida said they were pleased Lobban had been extradited after a number of years, and described the alleged fetish tapes as 'horrific' 'He saw them on video, and directed and critiqued how she would beat them in the future,' Sheriff Judd said. 'I see them equally (as) a threat. 'It wasn't like she was submissive and just doing what he said. 'This was a little sexual game they played so they were equally involved.' Lobban faces a long prison term in the US if he is convicted. A gym-junkie couple have faced court for allegedly importing liquid testosterone and vials of human growth hormones. Nateesha Jennifer Barlin and Dyllan Shaw, both 22, were arrested last November after a two-year steroid sting by the Australian Border Force. Border force raided homes on the NSW Central Coast, and arrested Mr Shaw and Ms Barlin, whose occupation was listed in court documents as topless waitress and vet nurse, Daily Telegraph reported. Nateesha Jennifer Barlin and Dyllan Shaw, both 22, are charged over alleged steroids importations Mr Shaw (pictured) is charged with five counts of importing prohibited drugs between February and October ABF had intercepted more than 17 consignments allegedly containing performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) between October 2014 and October 2016. Investigators seized 13,672 tablets, 11.2L of testosterone, 600mL of anabolic steroids, 195 vials of somatropin, 120mL of clenbuterol, 20 vials and 55 ampules of human growth hormone, and 102 capsules of oxymetholone (anesterone), ABF said in a statement last year. The subsequent raids on Central Coast properties allegedly unearthed 12L of PIEDs, 100g of cannabis and 300 vials of what's believed to be human growth hormone. Ms Barlin was charged with one count of intentionally importing 200mL of anabolic steroids Ms Barlin was charged with one count of intentionally importing 200mL of anabolic steroids. If found guilty, she faces up to five years in jail, or a fine of up to $180,000, or both. Mr Shaw is charged with five counts of importing prohibited drugs between February and October. The drugs were headed for the black market, police will allege. The couple faced Woy Woy Local Court for the first time on Tuesday. ABF investigators raided homes on the NSW Central Coast last November, and arrested the couple Neither of the accused entered pleas and both were released on bail Neither of the accused entered pleas and both were released on bail. Their matters return to court on March 14. ABF Commander Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Anthony Seebach, said PEIDs have serious health impacts. 'These drugs can have serious health impacts for users and the ABF is committed to protecting our community by stamping out the illicit importation of these dangerous drugs,' Commander Seebach said at the time of the seizures. 'If you import steroids or other performance and image enhancing drugs without a permit you're breaking the law and you will face the consequences.' Nateesha Jennifer Barlin and Dyllan Shaw, both 22, are accused of importing liquid testosterone and growth hormones A spokesperson for Fox News told DailyMail.com: 'The letter contains substantial falsehoods which both men vehemently denied' During that time Fox also reportedly paid Gretchen Carlson a $20m After the settlement she left 'to focus on her passion of music coverage' Huddy claimed the host tried to kiss her and made ' After Fox was rocked by a series of sexual harassment claims last year, it is revealed the network quietly settled with another host who claims she was repeatedly sexually harassed by Bill O'Reilly. Juliet Huddy had lodged sexual harassment allegations against two of the network's big shots - O'Reilly and Fox News co-President Jack Abernethy. She abruptly left her position in September after she settled a sum in the 'high six figures' with Fox for claims she was punished for denying O'Reilly's advances. Juliet Huddy (left) settled a sexual harassment claim against Bill O'Reilly (right) for a 'high six figure' sum. She said the high-profile news anchor tried to kiss her and made inappropriate calls to her Huddy claims that when she denied his advances, she no longer appeared on his segments Both men at the center of the claim adamantly deny Huddy's allegations, which were submitted just weeks after Roger Ailes resigned, according to LawNewz.com. Huddy worked with O'Reilly on two of his segments, Did You See That and Mad as Hell, and during that time the news anchor made several advances on her. The letter claims that O'Reilly tried to kiss Huddy at his home in Long Island and made inappropriate phone calls to her. When she turned him down, her consequence was termination of her appearances on the show, reported LawNewz.com. A spokesperson for Fox News told DailyMail.com: 'The letter contains substantial falsehoods which both men vehemently denied.' Huddy (left) also made sexual harassment claims against Fox News co-president Jack Abernethy (right) Huddy left shortly after she received her settlement from Fox in September 2016. At the time she said it was to focus on her 'true passion of music coverage' Huddy's second complaint was against then-CEO of Fox Television Stations, Jack Abernethy, who 'constantly called her at the office and asking her to come by his office', according to the letter. She abruptly resigned from her position at Fox 5 New York in September 2016 and it was revealed today it came right after her settlement. In a tweet explaining her departure after 20 years, she said it was time 'to move on and shake things up'. Huddy added she was going put 'more focus on rock, heavy metal and pop music coverage - her true passion'. Fox paid Huddy her settlement around the same time the network paid Gretchen Carlson (left) $20m in a settlement. Carlson had a lawsuit against Fox News CEO and chairman Roger Ailes (right) In September it was also revealed that Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson received a reported $20milllion settlement from the network. Carlson was in a suit against chairman and Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, who she claimed made harassing comments to her about her legs. The powerful Ailes stepped down from his role shortly after the settlement with Carlson was reached. Advertisement Curses might not be a concern for scientists, but when you're exploring the rainforest ruins of a fabled city whose citizens fled because the 'gods' had cursed them with agonizing diseases it pays to be wary. That's what a group of explorers and archaeologists discovered when they set off into the 20,000-square-mile-deep rainforests of Honduras and Nicaragua in search of the fabled 'Lost City of the Monkey God'. The expedition fought off venom-spitting snakes and crawled through dense woodland to find the city - but the jungle had the last laugh, as they were forced to fight off a grisly, life-threatening illness, CBS reported. Scroll down for video Lost: Somewhere in the valley of T1 (pictured), on the Honduran side of the Mosquitia rainforest, lies the lost 'City of the Monkey God', which was abandoned in the 16th century - but the dense foliage and mountains make it hard to explore Explorers: Author Douglas Preston (front) formed a team including archaeologist Chris Fisher (rear), to find the city, which was said to have been evacuated after disease and slavery brought by Europeans led residents to believe they were cursed Recorded: The trip was funded by documentary filmmaker Bill Benenson (left), who is currently editing his film, and Preston (right), who recounted their tale in his book 'The Lost City of the Monkey God', available now Team: The team (l-r: explorer Steve Elkins; documentary maker Bill Benenson (rear); Michael Sartori (seated); Virgilio Paredes; Tom Weinberg; and Preston) examine a map of the 20,000sqm area created using advanced laser-scanning technology The story begins some time in the 16th century, when the inhabitants of the city - also known as 'The White City' - fled, believing it had been cursed. In reality they were suffering from an invasion by European settlers, who brought with them the twin horrors of disease and slavery. For hundreds of years, explorers had hoped to rediscover the crumbling former metropolis and the items that its citizens had left behind when they fled. But it was lost somewhere in 20,000 miles of Mosquitia rainforest, which straddles the border of Honduras and Nicaragua, and the search defeated even the most valiant hearts. In fact, it has remained one of the last scientifically unexplored places on Earth. That is, until now. Author Douglas Preston and explorer Steve Elkins - bankrolled by documentary filmmaker Bill Benenson - used high technology to locate the mysterious city. They employed laser imaging equipment installed in an old Cessna Skymaster plane to scan hundreds of miles of jungle in just days, zapping 'through' the tree cover to map the ground below. That information was then used to create 3D computer models that could point the intrepid heroes towards their goal - which is exactly what it did, uncovering rectangular structures, one with a perfect right angle. 'They were either man-made or the world's most intelligent gophers were out there, doing things they'd never done before,' Benenson said. Foiled: Previous explorers including William Duncan Strong (his 1933 journal pictured) have been foiled by the dense foliage and proliferation of deadly creatures. This time, however, the team had technology on their side Scanned: They flew a light aircraft over the jungle, using a laser to 'see through' the flora to the ground below. That's how they discovered evidence of a number of artificial buildings (pictured as red blocks), including what was once a pyramid 'Well, I knew we found a city, an ancient city,' confirmed Elkins, who had attempted to find it before, in 1994. 'That I knew. But what it was, beyond that, that was up to the archaeologists to figure out.' They brought in Colorado States Chris Fisher, who noted the site was 'very, very important' for the region. But to find out what it actually was, they would have to forget the planes and head there on foot - a risky prospect that took three whole years to plan. Not only did they have to contest with the thick foliage and uneven terrain, the team also risked illness, injury or worse from the wildlife there - as they discovered when a deadly fer-de-lance snake squirmed into their camp. Andrew Wood, an ex-SAS soldier and jungle warfare expert, nabbed the beast - but it still posed a deadly threat. 'He pinned the snake,' Elkins recalled, 'but the snake exploded at that point into an absolute fury of striking everywhere, squirting venom, streams of venom across the night air.' It was beheaded and strung up to a tree - a trophy for the team, and a warning to other snakes who might decide to drop by. Danger: This deadly fer-de-lance snake snuck into the camp and began squirting venom once caught. Its head was strung up as a trophy - a symbol of the many dangers to be found in the rainforest Discovery: The team were on the site of the city for a day before they discovered this carving, believed to be of a snarling jaguar, on the ground. The city's residents had left behind their homes and all their items when they fled Eventually the team found the city, but the flora was so dense that it was impossible to see even the foundations of a massive pyramid that once stood there. It was only when they found carvings the next day that they realized they had found the 'cursed' city. 'Someone said, "Hey, wait a minute, theres some weird stones over here,"' Elkins recalled. 'And we all came back and the first thing I saw was a jaguar head coming out of the ground, carved in stone, snarling.' The find was so exciting that the Honduran President removed the first artifact himself - causing complaints from some who said the area was sacred and should have remained untouched. And perhaps the Monkey God agreed. Carvings: On his first foray into the jungle to find the city in 2004, Elkins discovered these carvings on a rock, deep in the jungle. They showed a man planting seeds - a sign that a major farming civilization once existed in what is now thick foliage Excavation: Archaeologist Anna Cohen excavates stone vessels, one of which has a figure of unknown origin. Theories include the possibility that is a corpse bound for burial, a captive waiting sacrifice, or a half-monkey-half-human deity Important: The discovery of the city was such an important find that it attracted President Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras (right, talking to Elkins), who took the first artifact from the site - attracting criticism from some Because even after the team left the rainforest, they realized several of their number had taken something with them: Leishmaniasis, a ghastly parasite spread by sand flies that wreaks gruesome havoc on the human body. 'The parasite migrates to the mucous membranes of your mouth and your nose, and basically eats them away,' Preston explained. 'Your nose falls off, your lips fall off, and eventually your face becomes a gigantic, open sore.' Elkins and Benenson managed to escape infection, but around half of the team were not so lucky, and had to undergo treatment. Side-effects from some drugs used to treat the horrendous parasite can include vomiting, cramps and neurological effects. And the threat of that disease - and the other manifold dangers of the rainforest - will be keeping the team away from the site for the foreseeable future. 'It's just too dangerous,' Preston said. 'And just getting in and out is dangerous.' The Monkey God will keep its secrets for a little while longer, it seems. The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story by Douglas Preston, from Grand Central Publishing, is available to buy now. Benenson's documentary on the quest is still in production. Top auctioneer Rocky Bartolotto has been charged with one count of supplying drugs and three counts of possession A top Sydney auctioneer embarked on a lavish overseas trip, boasting about drinking champagne and flying home first class while he was bailed over an alleged drug bust. Rocky Bartolotto, 36, has been charged with one count of supplying and three counts of possessing prohibited substances including party drugs. Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday heard prosecutors were awaiting the results of a DNA test on a 'bottle containing drugs'. A prominent real estate identity who has been a finalist in 'Auctioneer of the Year' three years running, Mr Bartolotto was charged in the early hours of October 7. Court documents said the charges included supplying the substance GBL and possessing meth, ecstasy and Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax. Scroll down for video Mr Bartolotto (pictured) was caught in an alleged drug bust last October Mr Bartolotto was bailed to an address in Sydney's inner east and required to send his itinerary for a two-and-a-half week overseas holiday to police. He was excused from attending court on Tuesday and did not appear, with the matter listed to return to court on February 21. While on holiday, Mr Bartolotto posted a series of pictures of his travels to European cities Barcelona and Amsterdam. He travelled back to Sydney in a first class Emirates A380 suite, sharing a video online from the inside. 'The first class suites on the Emirates A380's to no surprise is incredible': Mr Bartolotto posted a video of his trip home publicly on social media His itinerary included the Spanish city of Barcelona and the Dutch city of Amsterdam The charges against Mr Bartolotto (pictured) were laid in October 'The first class suites on the Emirates A380's to no surprise is incredible,' he wrote to social media. 'The Dom Perignon Vintage 2006 flows constantly, the menu is superb, as for the shower in the air and the enclosed suite well that's just naughty.' Mr Bartolotto told friends on Facebook he received the first class flight home through the Qantas frequent flyer program. There is no suggestion of a breach in bail conditions. After court, Mr Bartolotto's lawyer Rajiv Baldeo said he was not at liberty to speak as he had not received instructions from his client. Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura lost his appeal to reinstate a$1.8million verdict from a defamation case involving American Sniper author Chris Kyle. The Supreme court turned away the former pro-wrestler's bid for his million dollar award against the slain Navy SEAL's estate on Monday. Ventura was originally awarded by jurors $500,000 for defamation and $1.3million for unjust enrichment against Kyle's estate in 2014 but a federal court threw out the judgement. The Supreme Court turned away a bid to reinstate a $1.8m verdict from former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (left). He claimed that he was defamed in late author Chris Kyle's (right) bestselling book American Sniper Kyle, a former SEAL who was the deadliest sniper in US military history with 160 confirmed kills, died in 2013. The late author's autobiography was the basis for the 2014 film American Sniper, starring Bradley Cooper and grossed $337.4million in the US alone. Ventura, a former SEAL, took issue with Kyle's claim that Kyle punched Ventura at a California bar in 2006 for offensive comments about the SEALs. Kyle (left) was a former SEAL and the deadliest sniper in US military history with 160 confirmed kills. He died in 2013 and his autobiography was the basis for the film American Sniper. Kyle was played by Bradley Cooper (right) Ventura, a former SEAL, took issue with Kyle's claim in his book that Kyle punched him at a California bar in 2006 for offensive comments about the SEALs Ventura said Kyle made up the entire incident and that the subchapter, called Punching Out Scruff Face, damaged Ventura's reputation among former SEALs. A separate issue in the original award was for unjust enrichment. Ventura's attorneys argued that 'American Sniper' shot to the top of the best-seller lists only because Kyle's statements about Ventura thrust him into the national spotlight. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the jury's 2014 award of $500,000 for defamation and $1.3million for unjust enrichment against Kyle's estate because it failed as a matter of law. Mercedes Corby faces a violence order to protect her blonde tapas bar business partner. Police on Tuesday applied for an AVO against Ms Corby on behalf of ex pro-surfer Trudy Todd. Mercedes - the sister of convicted 'boogie board' drug smuggler Schapelle - fronted Tweed Heads local court for a brief appearance. Mercedes Corby is pictured with her business partner Trudy Todd Ms Corby wielded a fluoro yellow folder as she left Tweed Heads local court on Tuesday The matter will return to court on February 20. Ms Corby spent a considerable part of the last decade living in Bali to help her sister. 'I didn't have the option of coming home, because I was fighting to clear our family's name and look after Schapelle,' she told Woman's Day recently. It was in Bali that she met Ms Todd and when Ms Corby returned to Australia the pair launched Laneway Bar and Dining in Coolangatta. Schapelle was expected to work at the Gold Coast bar when her parole period expires in August. The Coolangatta bar, Laneway Bar and Dining, is run by Mercedes Corby and Trudy Todd The Senate showdown over President-elect Donald Trump's pick of Sen Jeff Sessions to become attorney general will take a dramatic twist this week when a fellow senator and two congressmen testify against him. New Jersey Democratic Sen Cory Booker is set to testify Wednesday against the Alabama Republican during the latter's attorney general confirmation hearing. It's rare for a sitting senator to testify against a colleague picked for a Cabinet post. New Jersey Democratic Sen Cory Booker is set to testify Wednesday against Sen Jeff Sessions This will take place during Sessions's attorney general confirmation, which will likely raise questions on allegations of racism from the 1980s, claims the Alabama Republican denies 'I do not take lightly the decision to testify against a Senate colleague', Booker told . 'But the immense powers of the attorney general combined with the deeply troubling views of this nominee is a call to conscience'. Democrats have expressed concern about Sessions's civil rights record, and Booker is one of just three black senators. Booker calls his opposition 'a call to conscience'. Sessions's confirmation hearings will likely raise questions on allegations of racism from the 1980s, claims the senator continues to deny. When Sen Sessions was a 39-year-old US attorney in Alabama he was denied a federal judgeship by President Ronald Reagan. Democratic Congressman John Lewis is also expected to testify against Sessions The reason? Testimony from multiple former colleagues of Sessions suggested he was racist. In one case, Sessions referred to the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP as 'un-American'. It's unlikely Democrats will be able to block Sessions' nomination because of the 2013 'nuclear option' - which allows senators to approve by a simple majority all presidential appointments to the executive branch and the judiciary, with the exception of Supreme Court justices. Republicans have a 52-seat majority. A 91-year-old veteran who was dismissed from the Air Force as 'undesirable' because he was ousted as gay in 1948 has had his discharge status changed to 'honorable'. Nearly 70 years ago, Hubert Edward Spires was dismissed from his position after a sparkly Halloween costume wore off-base led to grueling interrogations about his sexuality. Spires was not able to receive veteran benefits due to his status but his dying wish to have a military burial can now be fulfilled after the Air Force changed his discharge to honorable, he learned Friday. Hubert Edward Spires (left) was haunted by his dismissal from the Air Force. He was discharged in 1948 for 'undesirable habits and traits of character' after he wore a 'sparkly' Halloween costume off-base that led people to conclude he was gay The move by the Air Force comes in response to a lawsuit filed in November by Spires, from Norwalk, Connecticut, who served from 1946 to 1948 as a chaplain's assistant, earning the rank of sergeant. Spires' attorneys said he was originally denied the discharge upgrade because the Air Force said his records had likely been lost in a fire. The Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records informed Spires that the honorable discharge had been approved by the Air Force Review Boards Agency. Spires' attorneys have said he is in poor health and would like a military funeral, which the upgrade makes possible. 'The idea that this man of faith who served dutifully as a chaplain's assistant in the armed forces, who built a life and a career that has brought joy to those around him, would leave this earth considered undesirable in the eyes of his country, it's unthinkable,' Spires' husband, David Rosenberg, said during a briefing on the case at the Yale Law School in November. Spires' case also was championed by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who said Monday that the Air Force's decision 'corrects an incredible injustice.' Spires, left, stands next to his spouse David Rosenberg (right) after a press conference held by the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at Yale on Friday. Rosenberg also served in the military but received a honorable discharge Spires' case also was championed by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who said Monday that the Air Force's decision 'corrects an incredible injustice' Ronsenberg, who is also a veteran, said it was unfair that the military treated him differently from the 91-year-old, despite both their 'equal, honorable service'. Spires attended a religious school and deferred his mandatory military service for three years. Convinced he would be drafted anyway, Spires decided to enlist so he could at least have a say in which military branch to join. Spires was posted as a Chaplin's Assistant in San Antonio, Texas, and formed alliances with other gay men as they all hid their sexualities. He told NBC: ' I lived closeted except when I was off base. I never did anything pertaining to being gay on the base.' Spires applied to have his status changed after the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was repealed in 2010. His application was denied because the Air Force said his records had likely been lost in a 1973 fire Wanting to change his status, Spires was denied twice because the Air Force said his records had likely been lost in a 1973 fire. However, students at Yale Law School managed to find his service number and Spires refiled to upgrade his discharge, and this time he succeeded. In 1942, psychiatrists warned that homosexuals, who were considered to have 'psychopathic personality disorders' were not suited in the military. By 1950, Harry Truman signed the Uniform Code of Military Justice, establishing discharge rules for homosexuals. A man has been fined $2,500 after he was found with a rare miniature monkey, which was stolen from a wildlife park last year. Jackson George, 23, and his brother Jessie George, 26, from New South Wales, both pleaded guilty to being in possession of property of crime after a four-week-old pygmy marmoset was found in a car they were travelling in last November. Jackson was accused of planning to sell one of three monkeys stolen from the park. Scroll down for video New South Wales man Jackson George, 23, (left) has been fined $2,500 and given a two-year-good behaviour bond after he was found with a monkey, which was stolen from a wildlife park last year. His brother Jessie (right) was given the same bond and fined $1,500 last year The four-week-old miniature pygmy marmoset (such as the one pictured) was one of three stolen from Symbio Wildlife Park at Helensburgh. All three monkeys were found alive George, who had been accused of obtaining the monkey from whoever stole it, was given a two-year-good behaviour bond in addition to his fine on Tuesday in Campbelltown Court. His brother was given the same bond and fined $1,500 last year. Documents previously tendered to the court show Jackson sent texts to a third man about the monkey, who told him he'd 'paid nothing' for the animal and 'got it from the zoo last night.' 'Ay, check out my monkey,' the third man said in a text message with a picture of the animal. Documents previously tendered to the court show Jackson sent texts (pictured) to a third man about the monkey, who told him he'd 'paid nothing' for the animal and 'got it from the zoo last night' 'That's mad bro. Wanna sell it bruh?' Jackson responded. Later on in the conversation, when Ryan Trevascus asked how much they could sell the pygmy marmoset for, Jackson suggested '500' (presumably $500). 'But haven't been offered any in ages bro,' he texted. The wife of a New York man and the family of a California woman whose loved ones died in terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris are suing Twitter as being a 'tool and weapon of terrorism.' The wife of Alexander Pinczowski, who died in the March attack in Brussels along with his sister, Sascha, accuses Twitter of aiding and abetting ISIS by acting as the terrorist organizations communication, recruiting and marketing arm, reports the New York Post. Anne Cameron Cain, right, is suing Twitter over the death of her husband, Alexander Pinczowski, in the March Brussels terrorist attack Cain accuses Twitter of aiding and abetting ISIS by acting as the terrorist organizations communication, recruiting and marketing arm Alexander and his sister, Sascha, both died in the attack while they were on the phone with their mother while they were at the airport in Brussels Cain (front far right) and Alexander (standing right) were due to meet in NYC right after the attacks to attend a wedding, but he died at the airport while with his sister Flight attendant Nidhi Chaphekar (right) appears stunned and injured in the moments following a suicide bombing at Brussels Zaventem airport on March 22 Wounded passengers are treated following a suicide bombing at Brussels Zaventem airport - the Pinczowski siblings, Alexander and Sascha, died in the attack Pinczowski's wife, Anne Cameron Cain, who is the daughter of the former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, James Cain, filed suit in Manhattan federal court. She was joined by the family of Nohemi Gonzalez, who died in the 2015 Paris attacks. Her parents had already filed suit against Twitter, Facebook and Google in San Francisco, where Twitter is based, claiming the tech companies allowed terrorism to spread. In the aftermath of the attack, a friend put up a post on Facebook asking for information Sascha was a production intern at a design company in Manhattan, she died in the terrorist attack in Brussels Staff members at Brussels national airport and rescuers stand outside the terminal for a ceremony following bomb attacks in Brussels metro and Belgium's National airport 'ISIS has also used Twitters Direct Messaging capabilities for fundraising and operational purposes,' said Cain's lawsuit. 'The conduct of Twitter was a direct, foreseeable and proximate cause of the wrongful deaths of Nohemi Gonzalez and Alexander Pinczowski.' Saying that Twitter violated the Anti-Terrorism Act, the lawsuit stated that the social media platform played 'a uniquely essential role in the development of ISISs image, its success in recruiting members from around the world, and its ability to carry out attacks and intimidate its enemies.' They did not specify damages. In August, U.S. District Judge William H. Orrick in San Francisco ruled that Twitter cannot be held liable for ISIS rhetoric, according to NBC News. Nohemi Gonzalez, above, died in the 2015 Paris attacks while she dined with pals at a restaurant Nohemi's parents, Reynaldo and Beatriz Gonzalez, above, joined the suit against Twitter in New York He dismissed a case brought by Tamara Fields, a Florida woman whose husband, Lloyd, died in an attack on the police training center in Amman last year. The company said it had suspended 350,000 ISIS-affiliated accounts since mid-2015. But the lawsuit, according to Business Insider, said the company 'continued to provide these resources and services to ISIS and its affiliates, refusing to actively identify ISIS Twitter accounts, and only reviewing accounts reported by other Twitter users.' Siblings Sascha and Alexander Pinczowski were at Brussels Airport at the time of the two explosions were set off. They were reportedly on the phone with their mother when the line when dead. Alexander met his wife, who goes by Cameron, while attending Duke University. He was due to fly to New York to meet his wife so they could attend a wedding in Raleigh, Virginia. Sascha was a former student at Marymount Manhattan College - and was a production intern at a design company in Chelsea, according to her LinkedIn page. She previously studied hospitality management in Holland and could speak five languages. She had reportedly been splitting time between Europe and New York, but was looking to settle in Manhattan permanently. Nohemi Gonzalez, 23, was was shot dead as she dined with friends in La Belle Equipe, one of 19 people who lost their lives in the Parisian restaurant when two ISIS gunmen opened fire on November 13, 2015. Over nine hours, nine ISIS gunmen killed 130 people. Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton revealed just months before her ex-husband's unexpected death that she was unable to forgive him after their baby was snatched by a dingo. Speaking at the National Christian Family Conference in Sydney last year, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton, 68, explained how she did not hold any anger toward Mr Chamberlain but could not forgive him for 'private' reasons. Mr Chamberlain, 72, died at Gosford Hospital, New South Wales, on Monday night after suffering complications from acute leukaemia. Scroll down for video Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton revealed just months before her ex-husband's unexpected death that she was unable to forgive him after their baby was snatched by a dingo Mr Chamberlain, 72, died at Gosford Hospital, New South Wales, on Monday night after suffering complications from acute leukaemia Michael and Lindy Chamberlain hold a photograph of their baby daughter, Azaria Chamberlain, on the steps of the Alice Springs Courthouse following an inquest in 1980 The 72-year-old spoke of his own heartache over the death of the couple's youngest child, nine-week-old Azaria, in the months before his death. Azaria was taken from the family tent by a dingo during a camping trip at the base of Uluru in August 1980. Mr Chamberlain said it was not their daughter's tragic death that put a strain on their marriage, but the legal battles that ensued. 'The estrangement had nothing to do with Azaria's death but certainly the legal attacks on us following was terrible to both personas and our social self-worth,' he told News Corp in emails. In one of the most high profile cases in Australia, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton was charged with murder and her husband charged with accessory after the fact. Although she was wrongfully jailed over Azaria's murder, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton previously said she was trying to not be 'stuck on resentment' as it 'sleeps with you at night'. Lindy Chamberlain (pictured with ex-husband Michael) has revealed the one person she cannot forgive Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton (pictured right in 2012) has revealed she can never forgive her ex-husband and pastor Michael (left), more than three decades after their newborn baby was snatched by a dingo In August 1980, the couple were camping at the base of Uluru in the Northern Territory when their youngest child, nine-week-old Azaria (pictured with Ms Chamberlain) was taken from the family tent THE LINDY CHAMBERLAIN CASE: OVER THE YEARS August 17, 1980 Lindy Chamberlain discovered her daughter Azaria missing from their family tent during a camping trip at Uluru in the Northern Territory. December 1980 An initial inquest supported Lindy and Michael Chamberlain's claims their daughter was taken by a dingo. December 1981 A second inquest was ordered after the Supreme Court quashed the initial inquest's findings. September 1982 Lindy was charged with Azaria's murder and Michael was charged with being an accessory after the fact. October 29, 1982 The couple was found guilty of their respective charges. Lindy was sentenced to life in prison and Michael received a suspended sentence. Early 1986 The jacket Azaria was wearing when she was killed was found by authorities in a dingo lair after a British tourist fell to his death in the same area. 1986 The Northern Territory government ordered Lindy to be released from prison. 1988 Lindy and Michael were acquitted of Azaria's death by the Supreme Court and their convictions were overturned. The couple received a $1.3million pay-out for their wrongful imprisonment. 1991 Lindy and Michael divorced. 1995 A third inquest into the infant's death was held and returned an open verdict. 2012 A fourth inquest was held and the coroner ruled that a dingo did in fact take Azaria from the family's campsite. Michael said that he and his ex-wife had no contact. Advertisement 'If you're holding the anger you're not hurting them at all. They're succeeding well beyond their wildest dreams. It's you that's dying,' she said. Ms Chamberlain-Creighton said it was the Australian public's 'responsibility' to 'carry the pain' after many wrongly believed she had murdered her daughter. She told the crowd she knew the truth would come out eventually as 'God would make sure it all came out right'. The New-Zealand born woman praised one reporter who publicly apologised for believing the couple were guilty. She said the scars from her past are slowly healing after spending 32 years fighting for justice. On the evening of August 17, 1980, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton went to check on Azaria and found her gone. She called out either 'that dog's got my baby 'or 'my God, my God, a dingo has got my baby'. Once happily married, Lindy and Michael Chamberlain (pictured) went from being the loving parents of three young children to being accused in the disappearance of their baby On the evening of August 17 in 1980, Ms Chamberlain-Creighton went to check on Azaria, and found her gone Officers could not find any dingo saliva on the baby's jumpsuit and Ms Chamberlain-Creighton claimed Azaria was wearing a black matinee jacket over the top Ms Chamberlain-Creighton spoke at a conference in Sydney on Monday and said she is trying not to hold on to anger, but when pressed on why she could not forgive Michael Chamberlain (pictured), said it was 'private' Ms Chamberlain-Creighton said it was the Australian public's 'responsibility' to 'carry the pain' after many wrongly believed she had murdered her daughter A seven-week hearing concluded on October 29, 1982, with Lindy Chamberlain being sentenced to life for murder and Michael Chamberlain receiving a suspended sentence for being an accessory after the fact. Ms Chamberlain-Creighton gave birth to her fourth child, Kahli,a while behind bars and was exonerated four years later when police discovered a vital piece of evidence. Officers could not find any dingo saliva on the baby's jumpsuit and Ms Chamberlain-Creighton claimed Azaria was wearing a black matinee jacket over the top. The jacket was found in 1986 when English tourist David Brett fell to his death from Uluru during an evening climb. His body was recovered from an area full of dingo lairs and police discovered the jacket nearby. Ms Chamberlain and her ex-husband divorced in 1991, and she later remarried. In 2012, former pastor Mr Chamberlain said he and his ex-wife have no contact and the pair were 'both changed' after the accusations. A seven-week hearing concluded on October 29, 1982 with Lindy Chamberlain being sentenced to life for murder and Michael Chamberlain (both pictured) receiving a suspended sentence Donald Trump tweeted an old photo of himself shaking hands with Ronald Reagan, which included a botched signature from the former president. On Monday night, Trump shared the image on Twitter, writing: 'An old picture with Nancy and Ronald Reagan.' The photograph, which shows the former president dressed in a pale suit as he clasps hands with Trump, is signed 'Nancy + Reagan Reagan'. It wasn't until Trump included it in his 1987 book, Art of the Deal, that an aide at the social secretary's office realized there had been a mistake with the autopen, and sent Trump a new picture, the Washington Post reported. But Trump apparently held onto the original and touted his ties with the Republican icon on Monday. Donald Trump tweeted an old photo of himself shaking hands with Ronald Reagan, which included a botched autopen signature from the former president Like countless other conservative politicians, the president-elect has suggested he had a friendly bond with Reagan In a bizarre tweet from 2013, Donald Trump claimed that he was a handwriting analyst Yet, despite the photograph of Trump with the Reagan's clearly showing the then-President's name was signed as 'Reagan Reagan', due to an autopen malfunction, Trump claimed in 2013 that he was a handwriting analyst. Despite his self-proclaimed expertise in the field, Trump was unable to spot that his much-prized photograph, which he included in his book Art of the Deal, was signed by a robot. Trump, like many conservative politicians who have tried to align themselves as Reagan's heir, suggested the two shared a kinship and said: 'I helped him. I knew him. He liked me and I liked him.' But Trump donated money to Democratic President Jimmy Carter's bid for reelection against Reagan in 1979 and went on to run full-page ads in several newspapers criticizing Reagan's foreign policy. The archives at the Reagan presidential library also revealed the 40th president repeatedly rebuffed Trump's efforts to meet with him throughout the 1980s, according to the Washington Post. It wasn't until Trump included the photo in his 1987 book, Art of the Deal, that an aide at the social secretary's office realized there had been a mistake with the autopen Like countless other conservative politicians, the president-elect has suggested he had a friendly bond with Reagan, and Trump was quick to point out their similarities in 2015. He said: 'Ive evolved like a lot of other people. Ronald Reagan evolved. He was sort of a liberal guy actually as a younger man and he became a Republican and he did very well. I have great respect for him. I helped him. I knew him. He liked me and I liked him.' But Trump supported Reagan's opponent Jimmy Carter in 1979, donating the maximum contribution allowed, according to the Federal Election Commission records cited by the Wall Street Journal. It took another election cycle for Trump to fork over $1,000 to Reagan's re-election campaign committee in 1984, the WSJ reported. During Reagan's second term, Trump ran full-page ads in national newspapers, criticizing American foreign policy. The ad read: 'Theres nothing wrong with Americas Foreign Defense Policy that a little backbone cant cure.' The archives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library also revealed a different relationship between the two men than the closeness touted by Trump, according to the Washington Post. Reagan rebuffed numerous invitations from Trump throughout the 1980s, including a 1984 request that the president attend a gala in New York City. Trump said he would plan the event on whichever date suited Reagan's schedule, but the White House turned down the invitation. In 1986, Trump invited Nancy Reagan to stay at Mar-a-Lago, bragging that the property was 'originally designed...as the "southern White House"'. The first lady politely declined, and wrote, 'I am familiar with Mar-a-Lago' in a line she crossed out, according to the archives. Reagan rebuffed numerous invitations from Trump throughout the 1980s. Reagan's adopted son Michael Reagan has criticized the president-elect He drew distinctions between his late father and Trump, and said Reagan would not not have voted Republican if he were still alive Another invitation in 1988 inviting the Reagans to a LaToya Jackson concert at Trump's casino in Atlantic City was also ignored, the Washington Post reported. Reagan's oldest son Michael said in June 2016: 'This most likely would be the 1st time if my father was alive that he would not support the nominee of the GOP.' He drew distinctions between his late father and Trump, tweeting in October: 'No way do I or would my father support this garbage.' A cast member has vowed never to return to the set where an Australian horror movie was filmed, claiming 'spirits whispered in his ears'. Sydney-based film Ravenswood was shot at a real-life abandoned psychiatric hospital in Lilyfield last year staring Australian actors. Now months before the movie is due to be released, cast members have revealed the terrifying encounters they experienced inside the former insane asylum. Scroll down for video Callan Park Hospital for the Insane, the film site, has a reputation as one of Sydney's most haunted buildings The New South Wales government first purchased the Callan Park site in 1873 with the intention of turning it into a lunatic asylum 'We had a crew member refuse to come back to set. I think his exact words were "you guys don't understand what you're dealing with",' executive producer and actor Adam Horner told News Local. Actor Madeline Marie Dona also described a feeling of unease while filming at the abandoned Callan Park asylum. 'I felt a real sense of eeriness. Most of our shoots were at night,' she said. Callan Park Hospital for the Insane has a reputation as one of Sydney's most haunted buildings The eerie building boasts a rich history, dating back to 1873 when the New South Wales government first purchased the site The building was first bought to ease overcrowding at the Gladesville Hospital for the Insane The building was transformed and designed specifically to cater for the 'insane population' and renamed the Kirkbride Block in 1885 It housed and treated mentally ill patients right up until 1994 when the last remaining patients were transferred elsewhere The property is currently owned by the New South Wales government, but no plans for its future development have been revealed The supernatural horror film features four US tourists on their trip to Australia, during which they embark on a ghost tour of the 'Ravenswood' mental hospital. They discover the hospital is haunted, a plot that is not dissimilar to real life reports. Callan Park Hospital for the Insane, the film site, has a reputation as one of Sydney's most haunted buildings. The building boasts a rich history, dating back to 1873. The New South Wales government first purchased the Callan Park site in 1873 with the intention of turning it into a lunatic asylum, to ease overcrowding at the Gladesville Hospital for the Insane. Adam Horner, the film's executive producer and actor, revealed a cast member has refused to return to the set The building was transformed and designed specifically to cater for the 'insane population' and renamed the Kirkbride Block in 1885. It housed and treated mentally ill patients right up until 1994 when the last remaining patients were transferred elsewhere. There was even discussion about housing university students at the old building, but that was later overturned by the government. The property is currently owned by the New South Wales government, but no plans for its future development have been revealed. They characters in the film discover the hospital is haunted, a plot that is not dissimilar to real life reports The film is about a former psychiatric hospital now haunted by a former patient and one of the doctors Advertisement Hundreds of thousands of mourners flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for the late Iranian leader Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds filled main roads of the capital as top Government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei held prayers by Rafsanjani's casket, as other dignitaries knelt before the coffin on which his white cleric's turban was placed. Outside, mourners carried posters bearing Rafsanjani's image as his casket slowly made his way through the packed streets. Scroll down for video Iranians gather around a hearse carrying the coffin of former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani during his funeral ceremony in the capital Tehran The packed streets of Tehran as the capital of Iran is completely shut down with hundreds of thousands of people filling roads Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, foreground center, leads a prayer over the casket of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani at the Tehran University campus in Tehran A man kisses the coffin of Rafsanjani inside the Jamaran mosque in Northern Tehran on the weekend Mourners hold posters of the popular leader, as his body is carried through the streets on top of a truck as people huddle around it Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani picutred waving in 2013 as he registered his candidacy to run for President Mourners were seen beating their chests, chanting and wailing in grief for the former leader, who was depicted on billboards Iranians gather around a hearse carrying the coffin of former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani during his funeral ceremony in the capital Tehran Just behind Khamenei was President Hassan Rouhani, whose moderate administration led the recent nuclear negotiations with world powers. Rouhani, who is all but certain to run for re-election in May, is viewed as embodying Rafsanjani's vision. Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, a reformist who remains popular among the young but is deeply disliked by hard-liners, is understood to have been banned from the funeral. State media have banned the broadcasting of any images of Khatami. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left foreground, leads a prayer over the casket of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, with top government and clerical officials, at the Tehran University campus in Tehran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, leads a prayer over the casket of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani with President Hassan Rouhani, center left, parliament speaker Ali Larijani, third left, and judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani, second left, at Tehran University A mourner weeps during the funeral ceremony of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani as a man behind her displays a defiant peace sign The coffin of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, is carried on a truck surrounded by mourners The huge crowds were somewhat attributed to the fact Tuesday was made a national holiday in the country and Nima Sheikhi, a computer teacher at a private school, said: 'I rarely attend religious ceremonies, but I am here as an Iranian who cannot forget Rafsanjani's contribution to developing political sphere in favor of people in recent years.' Cleric Reza Babaei from the eastern town of Birjand near Afghan border said: 'I am here to say goodbye to a man who dedicated his life to make Iran better.' 'He founded the university in my city and developed our region when he was in power.' Many in the crowds chanted that they would continue along Rafsanjani's 'path.' 'Our message is clear, the house arrest should be lifted,' others chanted. The police and security forces did not react to the chants. Rafsanjani's casket was headed to the shrine of the late Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini. There, he will be buried by the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the rule of the American-backed shah. A man weeps during a mourning ceremony for former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died on Sunday after suffering a heart attack Faezeh Hashemi, daughter of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani flashes a victory sign to the crowd from a bus during the funeral ceremony for her father Front pages of Monday's edition of Iranian newspapers, published with pictures of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died on Sunday after suffering a heart attack Rafsanjani, a close aide to both Khomeini and Khamenei, served as president from 1989 to 1997. His life mirrored Iran's modern history. He served as the right-hand man of Khomeini and led the military during the ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. He helped launch Iran's nuclear program and then pushed for reconciliation with the West. A deadly Irukandji jellyfish has washed ashore on Queensland's Sunshine Coast as swimmers are warned to stay out of nearby waters following a spate of stings. Swimmer Paul Platt caught the jellyfish in Warana on November 23 and this week it was identified as a type of Irukandji, whose sting can be fatal, Sunshine Coast Daily reported. The discovery comes as authorities urge swimmers to refrain from swimming on the western side of Fraser Island after the apparent capture of another Irukandji jellyfish. Swimmer Paul Platt caught a type of Irukandji jellysfish, whose sting can be fatal, on the Sunshine Coast Jellyfish and bluebottles line the shores at Coolum Beach, after a wave of stings in nearby waters The species found in Warana is a morbakka fennneri, which can grow up to 15cm in diameter and have been known to be documented as far south as Sydney. 'It causes an absolutely dreadful illness, and has put two people on life support that we know of,' Stinger Advisory director Lisa-ann Gershwin said. The Irukandji, the world's smallest and most venomous box jellyfish, is usually found in waters north of Mackay, about 700km further up the coast, but they migrate south in search of warmer temperatures. Victims initially experience severe nausea, followed by multiple bouts of vomiting, pain that normally begins in the back and radiates up the neck to the chest and abdominal cavity, leg pain and cramping. On Friday, Professor Jamie Seymour caught the jellyfish, which requires further testing to confirm its species, following a spate of suspected Irukandji stings. 'We're urging people to be extra vigilant .. and stay out of the water entirely on that western side of the island while conditions are hot and humid, and even more so while there are northerly winds which often leads to an influx in marine stingers,' chief operating officer George Hill said. The Irukandji is the world's smallest and most venomous box jellyfish A warning sign is seen at Palm Cove amid an irukandji 'influx' While drags for stingers on Saturday morning failed to capture any jellyfish, Mr Hill said the authority was working under the assumption the dangerous Irukandji was present. There have been 10 suspected Irukandji stings in waters off Fraser Island since December 22, with the venomous jellyfish positively identified as being responsible for at least one of the incidents. All incidents have occurred in calmer waters on the western side of the island A photograph has surfaced that is believed to have been taken moments before entrepreneur Ben Cowen tragically plunged to his death. The son of former governor-general Sir Zelman Cowen died when he got caught in strong winds while paragliding and slammed into a cliff face before falling about 15 metres to a road in Fairhaven on Victoria's Surf Coast. Mr Cowen suffered leg and head injuries in the crash about 2.25pm on Sunday, and died at the scene. This image is believe to be of the paragilder before he crashed at Fairhaven on Sunday Ben Cowen (pictured), son of former governor-general Sir Zelman Cowen, has died in a paragliding accident A copy photo of former Governor-General Sir Zelman Cowen as seen on the order of service at his funeral in 2011 Mr Cowen was blown into cliffs at Fairhaven by strong winds on Sunday afternoon A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'The wind was really strong. 'He seemed completely fine, but then all of a sudden a horrific scene unfolded.' An entrepreneur, lawyer and investment banker, Mr Cowen had been with his wife and three children at their property near the Great Ocean Road, Fairfax reported. He was the son of the late Sir Zelman who died in 2011. He crashed to the ground near the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club (pictured) Former Governor General Peter Hollingworth (left) speaks with fellow former Governor General Sir Zelman Cowen (right) in 2001 Prime Minister Julia Gillard (left) speaks with Ben Cowen (right) in 2011 Sir Zelman was appointed in 1977 in the wake of the sacking of the Whitlam government. In 2003, Mr Cowen launched outdoors megastore Anaconda before establishing advisory firm Edison Partners later in the decade, the Herald Sun reported. He also carried out voluntary work for non-profit organisations and was a large contributor to his Jewish community. His brother, Rabbi Shimon Cowen, told Fairfax: 'He was an outdoorsman, who took his family camping, planning very elaborate trips. 'That was certainly one part of his life, but also he was a very family-minded person, like his father, and very devoted to his siblings and his parents.' He also described his brother as a thrill seeker. Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Festivalgoer Maddy (pictured) sported painful black eyes after being trampled on at Falls Festival on December 30 A 22-year-old woman has spoken of the horrifying moment she was crushed in a stampede at Falls Festival. Festivalgoer, known only as Maddy, was among 19 people who were hospitalised after suffering serious injuries at the Lorne music event in Victoria's seaside town on December 30. She recalled being dragged across the ground as she gasped for air but struggled when people started pilling on top of her. The young woman was trampled on when the crowd moved from the DMAs set to London Grammar. 'I was still moving until it wasn't possible for me to move myself. I don't know how many people were on top of me but I was at the very bottom,' she told Triple J's Hack. 'I was screaming until I couldn't anymore because the air was crushed out of my lungs... I couldn't move any limbs. 'I just remember going, "this is it, this is death. This is you dying". And then I blacked out.' The woman was trampled on when the crowd moved from the DMAs set to London Grammar She suffered severe bruises around her eyes and has been unable to return to her retail job because she requires crutches. 'I've also got two beautiful black eyes. There still aren't any whites in my eyes - it's just blood,' she said. Far from getting better, her recovery will take up to three months. In a statement, Falls Festival apologised for the crowd crush incident. The young woman was trampled on when the crowd moved from the DMAs set to London Grammar (pictured of the crowd enjoying another act at the music festival) 'With over 20 years of experience running festivals behind us, we are completely devastated by the crowd crush that occurred with patrons exiting The Grand Theatre, and we are beyond shattered that a number of our festival patrons were injured and impacted by this event,' Falls Festival Co Producer Jessica Ducrou said. 'We care so very much about your experience at Falls, we spend countless hours planning the Falls Festival year-round, with dedicated teams specifically focused on each event site. 'Patron safety is of paramount importance to us and having to address such a serious situation is very distressing for all.' Four people were injured yesterday when a man set fire to a pile of clothes inside a Walmart store in Texas. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames at the shop in Princeton, near Dallas, after 15 minutes but four customers were treated for smoke inhalation. The suspect is believed to have poured lighter fluid on the clothes before lighting the stack. The suspect (pictured) appears to be carrying a container of lighter fluid in surveillance photos Princeton Police Department posted these images in Facebook within minutes of the fire He was arrested nearby after police posted surveillance photos of him on Facebook and received a number of 911 calls from witnesses. The City of Princeton Police Department posted on its Facebook page: 'Due to the overwhelming support from the citizens we were able to capture the suspect! Thank you everybody for your continual help and support!' The Dallas Morning News said Jairo Briceno-Barrientos had been charged with arson with intent to cause bodily injury or death and been booked into the county jail. Jairo Briceno-Barrientos (pictured) has been charged and booked into Collin County Jail It is not clear if yesterday's incident was linked to an episode in July last year when an employee of the store, Nicholas Martinez, allegedly attacked a fire department chief and a contractor during an argument with his boss. The store has been extensively damaged and will be closed indefinitely. The incident has chilling echoes of an incident in 1984 when an Ole's Home Center hardware store in South Pasadena, California, was set on fire. Four customers were trapped and died of smoke inhalation, including a two-year-old boy. Activists blame Germany's strict privacy laws for the delay in issuing the image But it comes four months after a teenage victim was attacked in Spandau, Berlin German police have released a picture of a man wanted over an German police have only just released pictures of a suspected sex attacker four months after the crime - because of the country's strict privacy laws and to protect his rights. CCTV footage from the Berlin underground shows the suspected Arab or North African man wearing an Adidas T-shirt and carrying a bottle of beer. He was seen on the day that a 15-year-old girl was followed to her home in the capital's suburb of Spandau on September 6 last year and subjected to an attempted rape. But media and feminist groups are questioning why it then took four months for the police to issue images of the suspect amid claims authorities are continuing to put the rights of criminals over victims. German police only released pictures of a suspected sex attacker four months after the crime - because of the country's strict privacy laws and to protect his rights Police say the attacker tried to rape the teenager in the corridor of the block of flats where she lived. Her screams alerted other residents in the building who came out to see what was happening, scaring the attacker away. If the man is a refugee, he may have several identities anyway and will have gone to ground long ago. But a Berlin police spokesman said: 'Publishing a photo of a suspected perpetrator is a deeper engagement in the personality rights of the offender and must therefore be requested by a prosecutor and approved by a judge after all other existing discovery steps were exhausted.' CCTV footage from the Berlin underground show the suspect wearing an Adidas T-shirt and carrying a bottle of beer Yet it took the police only one day to issue photos of seven refugee youths who tried to set fire to a homeless man in the underground at Christmas. One day later all of them were in custody having surrendered because their faces were in every newspaper and on every TV news broadcast. Police spokesman Winfried Wenzel went on: 'An attempted murder is a much more serious crime than an attempted rape. 'It was reasonable to assume that little usable traces could be found at the fire scene. 'In the case of attempted rape there are testimonies, evidence of witnesses, which must be pursued.' And he added: 'Ultimately it is an individual decision, when a public investigation with photos is requested.' One women's group spokeswoman in Berlin told local media: 'It is disgraceful that police think they are somehow harming the civil rights of this dangerous individual by keeping his identity secret. 'It is about time Germany thought more about the victims of crime than the criminals.' It is the latest example of Germany's obsession with privacy laws. Just weeks ago, the issue came under the spotlight in the wake of the Berlin Christmas market massacre. A photo of the chief suspect, Anis Amri, was released with his eyes obscured by a thick black line. While media in most countries named the Tunisian fully, many German newspapers referred to him only as Anis A. Police launched a huge Europe-wide manhunt for ISIS fanatic Anis Amri (pictured), but many German media outlets would only run images of him with his eyes obscured (right) German privacy laws meant authorities would not fully identify any suspect in the attack. He was later shot dead by police in Milan, Italy, after a major Europe-wide manhunt. Suspects in criminal cases are often only identified in German media by their first name followed by the first letter of their surname. It was not the first example of full names being withheld during criminal cases in the country. In November, only first names were released as two Syrian men, Kamel T.H.J. and Azad R., were charged with membership in a terrorist organisation on allegations they fought with a militant Islamist groups in their homeland. A month earlier, a similar tactic was employed on the arrest of suspected ISIS airport bomb plotter Jaber al-Bakr. The 22-year-old, had built 'a virtual bomb-making lab' in a flat in Chemnitz and was thought to have planned an attack against either one of Berlin's two airports or a transport hub in his home state of Saxony, security sources said. He later hanged himself in his prison cell - despite being on suicide watch. In a speech in Peterborough this afternoon (pictured), Mr Corbyn backtracked on his call for a national maximum wage Embattled Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn made two humiliating policies U-turns in only a few hours today, plunging Labour into a fresh crisis. The veteran left-winger was supposed to announce a harder line on immigration and promise to help make a success of Brexit. However he instead restated his support for the free movement of EU workers and said he supported a legal 'maximum earnings limit' as he slammed salaries for footballers and fatcats in the City. He was later forced to ditch the idea of an upper-limit on how much somebody can earn effectively a 100 per cent rate of tax when his own ex-adviser called it 'totally idiotic'. He immediately faced calls to set an example by slashing his own pay - which is thought to total around 190,000 a year. As Labour MPs despaired at Mr Corbyn's incompetence, his aides said that he had 'misspoke'. Even his own former economic adviser David Blanchflower weighed in to condemn the 'lunatic idea', dismissing it as completely unworkable. In a speech this afternoon, Mr Corbyn backtracked by insisting he was not seeking to impose an across the board cap. Instead, he suggested that executives at companies with government contracts could be limited to earning 20 times their most junior staff - around 350,000 a year. He also mooted an extra rate of tax on those paid more than 70,000, claiming it could help make society fairer. The hard-left Labour leader risked further fury by dismissing suggestions he could back curbs on freedom of movement with the EU. In another chaotic day that left Labour moderates in despair, Mr Corbyn: Undermined an attempt to rationalise Labour's approach to immigration, rejecting the idea that the current net annual figure of 330,000 is too high. Enraged hundreds of thousands of commuters by saying he would be ready to join Southern Rail picket lines. Defied his left-wing allies, including Unite chief Len McCluskey and shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, by insisting he will not quit as leader even if his dire poll ratings have not improved in the next year. Claimed to have no knowledge of a 'populist' relaunch of his leadership that has been widely briefed by his own team. Mr Corbyn's speech this afternoon had been intended as an effort to end confusion over the Opposition's stance on immigration, after bitter clashes between senior figures. According to extracts briefed overnight, Mr Corbyn planned to say he was not 'wedded' to the Brussels club's key principle of freedom of movement. But this morning he made clear that he was not willing to put limits on immigration. He also said he would accept free movement rules in return for full access to the European single market. 'If the EU says access to the single market requires freedom of movement, I would say...economically we've got to be able to trade with Europe,' Mr Corbyn told ITV's Good Morning Britain. Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme whether he had a number in mind for what level of immigration would be acceptable, Mr Corbyn said: 'I am not putting a figure on it.' In the speech Mr Corbyn also mooted an extra rate of tax on those earning more than 70,000, saying it could help make society fairer Jeremy Corbyn, seen on GMB this morning being presented with a Corbyn pillow by presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, was hoping to relaunch his leadership today He added: 'We're not saying anyone couldn't come here.' When it was delivered, the speech had been edited from the overnight version, and stated that Labour did not 'rule out' keeping free movement. Mr Corbyn was widely criticised for his glowing tribute to Fidel Castro when the former Cuban dictator died last year. This morning he signalled his determination to emulate one of the regime's policies, saying he wanted a legal limit on how much people could earn. 'I would like there to be some kind of high earnings cap, quite honestly,' he said. Mr Corbyn declined to say exactly how the mechanism would work, and repeatedly refused to give a level at which it might be set. But he indicated that it would hit the wider private sector, including football players. 'I would like to see a maximum earnings limit, quite honestly, because I think that would be a fairer thing to do,' he said. 'We have to be something that is more egalitarian, gives real opportunities to everybody and properly funds our public services. Look at the crisis in the NHS as an example.' Mr Corbyn said a pay cap would be 'somewhat higher' than the 138,000 he earns as an MP and Leader of the Opposition. The 67-year-old also has pension income of around 50,000 a year - although he has refused to say exactly how much he gets. He told Sky News: 'I think it would be somewhat higher than that. I am not going to put a figure on it. What I am going to say is that we are looking at this issue of the disparity of pay within big companies and organisations and do something to try and close that gap.' The Labour leader took a swipe at the wages paid to footballers, saying: 'I think, certainly, the salaries that are paid to some footballers are simply ridiculous. I think some of the salaries paid to very high-earning top executives of companies are utterly ridiculous.' Jeremy Corbyn, pictured wearing his Lenin-style cap alongside his chief spin doctor Seumas Milne outside the BBC today, risked fury by saying he would be prepared to join a Southern Rail picket line as hundreds of thousands of commuters face another week of misery due to striking unions Mr Corbyn, an Arsenal fan who was presented with a team shirt by Piers Morgan on GMB this morning, said a pay cap should be imposed on players Jeremy Corbyn, pictured left with his new Corbyn Arsenal shirt given to him by ITV and right, wearing his Lenin-style cap outside the BBC, faced calls to set an example by slashing his own pay - which is thought to total around 190,000 a year Mr Corbyn, an Arsenal fan, said the team's manager would welcome a pay cap on players. 'Arsene Wenger is a man who is an accountant at heart, and I think he would probably like it very much indeed. He would probably like there to be a maximum wage cap on the whole of the Premiership.' Mr Corbyn said other countries had developed policies on a maximum wage. However, the only state thought to have one in force is Cuba - where it has been set at 20 US dollars a month. Egypt passed a maximum wage law in 2014 but it was effectively abandoned after mass resignations of bankers and a damaging 'brain drain'. By the time he delivered his speech this afternoon, Mr Corbyn had watered down his ideas to cover only the public sector and companies with government contracts. He suggested he would impose a ratio that top salaries could not be more than 20 times those of the most junior staff in a public sector organisation. That principle would be extended 'to any company that is awarded a government contract', he added. Addressing the 'wider point' of inequality in the private sector, Mr Corbyn set out a list of options. Labour backbencher John Mann challenged Mr Corbyn to 'walk the walk' by imposing a 100,000 pay cap on the party's MPs They included ensuring 'higher earners pay their fair share by introducing a higher rate of income tax on the highest 5 percent or 1 percent of incomes'. Anyone earning above around 70,000 is in the top 5 per cent, according to government figures. Pressed by puzzled journalists over whether he was still in favour of a national maximum wage, Mr Corbyn replied: 'What I'm concerned about is the ratio levels... 'You could set a limit on top pay. I think it's probably better to look at the ratio issue because that indeed would then encourage wage rises lower down and ensure a better sharing of the resources and the profits of any company or organisation.' Labour MP John Mann said Mr Corbyn seemed to be 'going to war' with footballers. The backbencher also challeged him to 'walk the walk' by imposing a 100,000 pay cap on the Parliamentary Labour Party. The limit would potentially mean slashing 90,000 off his own income. 'A PLP salary cap of 100,000 would be an appropriate next stage for Jeremy's wages cap. Walk the walk etc. A vote winner, me thinks,' Mr Mann tweeted. Mr Blanchflower, a former member of the Bank of England monetary policy committee, said of the initial maximum wage plan: 'If I was still an adviser I would have told him it's a totally idiotic unworkable idea.' Economist David Blanchflower, a former members of the Bank of England monetary policy committee whose nickname is Danny, gave the idea short shrift on Twitter Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesman Tom Brake said: 'Jeremy Corbyn this morning distanced himself from a speech which he then made. 'Apart from confirming that, under Corbyn, Labour are an utter shambles, we are no closer to knowing where Labour policy on Europe differs from the Tories. 'And this was only Day One of the Rebrand.' Labour deputy leader Tom Watson refused to spell out Labour's policy on EU free movement over the weekend, claiming it is unfair to ask before the Government spells out position. A Labour source told MailOnline that proposed 'labour market regulations would reduce numbers'. Tom Watson has refused to spell out Labour's policy on EU free movement, claiming it is unfair to ask before the Government spells out position Labour MPs Emma Reynolds and Stephen Kinnock have urged Mr Corbyn to press Mrs May to use Brexit to introduce a two-tier immigration system split between high-skilled and low-skilled workers coming to the UK from the EU. They said Labour's 'missed messages' on immigration were 'corrosive' to the party's fortunes. Tier one would include highly skilled individuals such as doctors, teachers and engineers, who would be admitted to take on specific jobs. Tier two would be made up of low-skilled and semi-skilled EU workers, whose numbers would be limited by sector-based quotas, negotiated between government, industry and trade unions. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warned mayors in his country that remain on his suspected drug dealing list that they leave the trade or be killed. During an oath-taking ceremony of over 200 appointees on Monday, the 71-year-old leader said that the mayors should resign and 'make a clean break of everything' or he would 'really kill you'. 'I will call the mayors, I will lock them in so it's just us,' he said in his speech. 'I will really tell them, 'The list I gave you is this thick. Look for your name there, mayor'. 'If your name is there, son of a b****, you have a problem, I will really kill you.' Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Monday that mayors suspected of participating in drug trade should resign or they could be killed 'Either you resign or make a clean break of everything, come up with clean nose and we'll talk,' he added. Duterte said that mayors who have ties to the drug dealing industry should be prepared to have their security and power taken away, Rappler.com reported. 'The first thing that I would do is to deprive you of the supervisory powers over the police, second is I will remove all of your security detail,' he said. 'I might go down [in] history as the butcher. It's up to you,' he added. Duterte has previously voiced suspicion that mayors are using their power to ensure police leaders don't get in the way of drug trade in their cities and towns. The president has made several threats to kill people connected to drug trade in the country, but insists the recent wave of drug trade deaths are not the work of the government. Duterte was elected earlier this year partly because he promised to get tough on criminals in the Philippines, an overwhelmingly Catholic country. He has made reviving the death penalty one of his priorities as part of a brutal war on crime that has already seen 5,300 people killed. Duterte was elected earlier this year partly because he promised to get tough on criminals in the Philippines, an overwhelmingly Catholic country. Pictured above, funeral parlor workers carry the body of an alleged drug user who was shot down by unidentified men in Mandaluyong City, east of Manila, Philippines, in November The president has made several threats to kill people connected to drug trade in the country. Pictured above, a man allegedly involved in drug dealing or consumption lies lifeless on a street after being shot down by an unidentified gunman on Christmas eve in Manila, Philippines, in December But Duterte insists the recent wave of drug trade deaths are not the work of the government. Pictured above, funeral parlor workers prepare to transport the body of an alleged drug user who was shot down by unidentified men in Mandaluyong City, east of Manila, Philippines, in November Eighty percent of Filipinos are Catholics and the Philippines abolished the death penalty in 2006 following a campaign by the Catholic Church. But during his election campaign Duterte had vowed to introduce executions by hanging, saying he did not want to waste bullets and believed snapping the spinal cord was more humane than a firing squad. Duterte, who was known for his crime-busting antics during his time as Mayor of the southern city of Davao, said he thought the point of the death penalty was retribution, not deterrence. Duterte's war on crime has drawn international criticism from the United States and United Nations over concerns about extrajudicial killings and a breakdown in the rule of law. A survey by Social Weather Stations released today showed a majority backed Duterte's war on drugs but 78 per cent were worried they or someone in their family would become a victim of extrajudicial killings. The survey also showed 71 per cent said it was 'very important' police keep suspects alive. DA Beth McCann, Denver, Colorado Denver is done with the death penalty. It dies as District Attorney Mitch Morrissey leaves office on Tuesday. His successor, Democrat Beth McCann, sat down with Next, and said she'll make good on her campaign promise to remove Denver from the list of the few remaining judicial districts in the state to seek capital punishment. "We are (done) under my administration," she said. "I don't think that the state should be in the business of killing people." McCann believes life in prison gets the point of a punishment across, and "the millions and millions of dollars" the state spends on capital punishment cases can be saved to prosecute others. Morrisey sought the death penalty once. It was for Dexter Lewis, who was found guilty of stabbing five people to death in a Fero's Bar. Gary Davis is the only person put to death in Colorado since the Supreme Court reinstated it in 1976. Davis was put to death in 1997. McCann is not looking to lead a statewide repeal of the death penalty, and she says she'd support a voter referendum on the issue, or repeal in the legislature. Tuesday, 9NEWS will talk to McCann about how she plans to handle prosecution of police officers accused of breaking the law, and how her work as a gun control advocate will impact how she prosecutes gun crimes in Denver. | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: 9NEWS , Kyle Clark, Jan 9, 2017 The parents of Britain's youngest organ donor have received a heartfelt letter from the recipient of her kidneys. Hope Lee was alive in the world for 74 minutes after her parents Emma and Drew made the difficult decision not have an abortion. Doctors had told the family from Newmarket, Suffolk, that she wouldn't survive the birth because she had the condition anencephaly, which prevents the brain and skull forming properly. But the couple wanted to use Hope's short life to help others and donated her tiny kidneys. Doctors had told the family from Newmarket, Suffolk, that Hope (pictured) wouldn't survive the birth because she had a condition which prevents the brain and skull forming properly. Hope Lee was alive in the world for 74 minutes after her parents Emma and Drew (pictured) made the difficult decision not have an abortion The amazing act made her Britain's youngest organ donor and was life-changing for the 26-year-old woman who received the kidneys. The Lees have released the touching letter the woman, whose identity has not been released, wrote. It said: 'I wanted you to know the difference you have made to my family and me and how much we appreciate your kindness and what must have been a difficult time for you. 'Your family will always be in my thoughts. 'Best wishes for the future and thank you from the bottom of my heart.' The Lees, who also have a five-year-old daughter Madie, were inspired by Teddy Houlston, who became a donor after living for 100 minutes. Drew, 52, told the Mirror: 'I felt quite tearful reading the letter because it's very genuine and heartfelt. It's good to know Hope's organs really made a difference to someone else's life. Her words justify the difficult decision we made to donate our baby's kidneys. 'We are so pleased that Hope will live on through this woman.' Once transplanted to the recipient, Hope's kidneys, which were the size of hazelnuts, grew rapidly. The kidneys are now functioning as normal following the transplant in November 2015. THE HEARTFELT LETTER FROM THE 26-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO RECEIVED HOPE'S KIDNEYS I can't imagine how painful the loss of your loved one must have been and how difficult it must have been to think about, and to make, the decision to donate their organs to offer a second life to a complete stranger. I had to be rushed into hospital because my bloods were not looking good. Ever since the kidney disease my life has never been the same, always in and out of hospital. I have felt tired all the time. Going on dialysis three times a week was never easy. There were good days and bad days. I wanted you to know the difference you have made to my family and me and how much we appreciate your kindness and what must have been a difficult time for you. Your family will always be in my thoughts. Best wishes for the future and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Advertisement Hope's twin brother, Josh (pictured), who was born without the condition, has recently celebrated his first birthday Now the Lees want to contact the recipient of Hope's kidneys and have requested that she contacts them at www.facebook.com/hopes.legacy.her.story (the Rosie Hospital, in Cambridge, where Hope was born) Hope's twin brother, Josh, who was born without the condition, has recently celebrated his first birthday. The family released a balloon for Hope to mark her life. More than 6,000 people registered as organ donors following news of Hope's gift. Now the Lees want to contact the recipient of Hope's kidneys and have requested that she contacts them at www.facebook.com/hopes.legacy.her.story. NHS confidentiality rules mean they do not have the woman's contact details. A ten-year-old girl who was raped, murdered and dismembered by her mother's boyfriend was suffering from a sexually transmitted disease at the time of her death, an autopsy has revealed. Victoria Martens was killed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 23 last year, the day after her tenth birthday. Her mother Michelle Martens, 35, had admitted she enjoyed watching her daughter being raped and sat back to watch Victoria be killed by her boyfriend Fabian Gonzales, 32, and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, 32. She then had sex with Gonzales 20 minutes later. Forensic reports said the girl had been raped, strangled, stabbed and dismembered. Victoria (pictured) was raped, strangled and stabbed on August 23, a day after her tenth birthday. Her dismembered body was found wrapped in a burning blanket The Albuquerque Journal said an autopsy report showed Victoria had human papillomavirus (HPV) at the time of her death, suggesting she had suffered sexual abuse in the months before her death. Michelle Martens has reportedly told investigators she had offered her daughter online to pedophiles who wanted to rape her. The autopsy shows Victoria had no meth in her system, contradicting her mother's claim that she died from an overdose of meth, which she had given to relax her. But she did have alcohol in her system. Monster mom: Michelle Martens (pictured), initially claimed she did not see the killing, but eventually told cops that she watched her daughter be raped because she enjoyed it Fabian Gonzales (left) and his cousin Jessica Kelley (right) will go on trial along with Michelle Martens in October Martens initially claimed that she and Gonzales had been attacked by Kelley, a convicted rapist, in the night, and had no idea what had happened to Victoria. 'Jessica comes into our bedroom and asks me if I believe in God. She kept hitting me, hitting me, hitting me, punching,' she said. As she fled the scene, Martens claimed, Kelley shouted: 'You daughter's dead!' But during the course of the police interviews, her story changed: She then told cops she and Gonzales had left Victoria alone with Kelley, and the girl had died after taking some meth she found. Victoria Martens, seen above in Facebook photos, was killed at around 5pm on August 23, the day after her 10th birthday Martens said Gonzales and Kelley disposed of Victoria's body - which was found dismembered and wrapped in a burning blanket - and they threatened to kill her if she ratted on them. Police, doubting her tale, tricked her into believing that Gonzales was giving up the truth in another room. Ultimately, she admitted the truth. She said she had sat back and watched Gonzales and Kelley rape and murder her daughter, even though the girl begged for mercy, KTLA reported. Indeed she admitted she had watched the pair rape Victoria on at least three other occasions in the days before she was killed, and she thinks Gonzales had been abusing her for a month while she was at work. She told cops she enjoyed watching her daughter be violated, and had let two other men have sex with her in the six months before the murder. It is not clear if the police have traced those men or whether they have been tested for the STD which Victoria had been infected with. Michelle Martens, seen above in a Facebook photo, initially claimed that she and Gonzales had been attacked by Kelley and had no idea what had happened to Victoria Martens admitted using dating website Plenty of Fish to look for men to have sex with Victoria. At one point a detective asked: 'This time she died and you weren't ready for the type of animals (Gonzales and Kelley) were?' 'Yes,' said Martens, 'but I should have stopped it.' Mourners were given purple teddy bears at a memorial service in August last year Michelle Martens admitted that she'd watched the pair rape Victoria on at least three other occasions in the days before she was killed. Victoria is seen above in Facebook photos Police discovered Victoria's body in August, wrapped in a burning blanket in the bathtub of an apartment owned by Martens. Some of her remains were found in a plastic bag in a hamper near the kitchen. Investigators also sought DNA evidence from the suspects, as well as multiple electronic devices and a camcorder they believed may have been used for sexual exploitation of children. Martens faces charges of kidnapping and child abuse resulting in death; Gonzales faces those same charges as well as child rape. Kelley, who had been staying with her cousin and Martens after being released from jail, has been charged with kidnapping, child abuse resulting in death and child rape. She had attempted to flee the apartment in Albuquerque when police went to arrest her and jumped off the balcony injuring her foot. Victoria Martens, who was brutally murdered by her mother's boyfriend in August before being dismembered, was buried last year A mother of one of Victoria's friends told KRQE : 'She was just such an amazing girl and Im so blessed and happy that we got to meet her and got to know her' The trio are seen above in a still from court during a bond hearing in August. Their trials are expected to take place in October. From left, Martens, Gonzales and Kelley Michelle Martens is seen cuffed and with a bloody face, left. It is not clear how she got the injuries but she may have been beaten up by other prisoners Sibling: Martens also has a son (pictured). She had invited men to rape her daughter while she watched over the preceding six months, but said she didn't expect the girl to be murdered Trial: Martens (seen above), Kelley and Gonzales are all expected to go to trial later this year. All face child abuse and kidnapping counts, and Gonzales and Kelley face rape counts Kelley, seen above, has been charged with kidnapping, child abuse resulting in death and child rape Kelley is seen at a previous hearing in a wheelchair. She injured her foot after jumping off the balcony when cops tried to arrest her Jason Oetting, whose son was Victoria's half-brother, said through his attorney: 'She's never been a monster, she got mixed up with the worst kind of people and that contributed to a downward spiral from what we can tell.' The trial is expected to take place in October. They are all being held on $1million cash bonds. Israel's military is said to be investigating why its soldiers ran away from the terrorist truck driver who killed four people leaving a hero tour guide to shoot the attacker dead. The Israel Defence Forced (IDF) is looking into footage of soldiers seemingly fleeing the scene as Fadi al-Qanbar, 28, drove a truck into a crowd of troops in Jerusalem. He killed Lieutenant Yael Yekutiel, 20, of Givatayim, Cadet Shir Hajaj, 22, of Maaleh Adumim, Cadet Shira Tzur, 20, from Haifa, and Cadet Erez Orbach, 20, from Alon Shvut and it was left to tour guide Ethan Rond to shoot the terrorist having already been sent somersaulting by the truck. Lieutenant Yael Yekutiel, 20, was one of four soldiers killed in the truck terror attack in Israel Cadet Shir Hajaj (left) and Cadet Erez Orbach (right) were killed by the suspected terrorist Cadet Shira Tzur was buried today, a day after the truck attack in Jerusalem, Israel Israeli security forces carry the coffin of 20-year-old Israeli soldier Yael Yekutiel at Kiryat Shaul military cemetery in Tel Avi The mother and father (centre and left) of Israeli Army cadet Shir Hajaj, 20, mourn as her coffin is brought into the Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem Colonel Yaniv Elalouf, the commander of the soldiers' nearby base, is looking into the sequence of events, according to Israel National News. Mr Rond, who has been branded a hero, said: 'The truck sent me flying. The man identified as Fadi al-Qanbar, 28 'I was lucky - I only got a couple of bruises. 'The right corner of the truck hit my left side and sent me flying and I did a couple of flips on the grass. 'I'm quite amazed I'm standing here now.' The tour guide initially thought it was a traffic accident, but when he saw the truck reversing, he knew it was deliberate. As the truck reverses, a video clip captures a group of soldiers appearing to run away from the scene. Some of the troops did run towards the incident. 'The second biggest miracle is that my gun wasn't lost in the impact,' he added. 'I pulled out my gun and fired one shot at the wheel and I realised this wasn't enough. 'As he was driving, I ran to overtake him then I stood in front of him and started firing my entire magazine until it was over.' The tour guide said he was not sure if his bullets were the ones that killed the terrorist. A group of soldiers in the foreground as the truck (circled) ploughs into the victims While some soldiers run towards the truck, the majority of the troops run away from the scene By the time tour guide Ethan Rond shoots the terrorist, the majority of the soldiers had fled MK Amir Ohana (Likud) heaped praise on the tour guide, and told Israel National News: 'Of particular note is the fact that a citizen, a tour guide, was the first to shoot the terrorist to prevent the attack from continuing. 'He joins a growing list of civilians who have stopped terror attacks during this terror wave. 'I will continue to push and encourage law-abiding citizens to carry arms and to back those who do so according to the law.' The terrorist's sister, who said he acted as a lone wolf, seemingly supported her brother by thanking God for choosing him to become a martyr. Shadia, 28, told Ynet: ' Praise be to Allah that he became a martyr. 'It is the most beautiful kind of saintly death. 'Allah chose him for this martyrdom. Thank God. 'We are patient and we thank Allah for this.' The father-of-four was shot dead inside the cabin and his victims' families have been mourning the deaths of their loved ones at funerals today. A video has emerged which is said to show al-Qanbar's family watching a news report of the terrorist carrying out the attack. The people in the video appear unresponsive in the short clip. The attack came after months of relative calm which prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to spark debate by suggesting it was inspired by Islamic State. A video has emerged which is said to show al-Qanbar's family watching a news report of the terrorist carrying out the attack People attend the funeral of Israeli soldier Shir Hajaj, 22, in Jerusalem People attend the funeral of Israeli soldier Shir Hajaj, 22, in Jerusalem The mother of Israeli soldier Shir Hajaj, 22, who was killed by a Palestinian truck driver when he rammed his vehicle into a group of Israeli soldiers a day earlier Israeli soldiers react at the scene after a truck attack on the Armon Hanatziv promenade in Jerusalem, Israel In an outpouring of grief, the victims' relatives spoke glowingly of the ambitious soldiers killed in the massacre before they were buried yesterday. Police arrested nine people following the attack and removed a memorial tent set up in the Palestinian's east Jerusalem neighbourhood, located near the site of the incident. Five of the nine arrested were relatives of the attacker, 28-year-old Fadi al-Qunbar, police said. His cousin dismissed Netanyahu's statement that al-Qunbar was an IS supporter. 'There was nothing in his life saying he was ISIS,' Mohammad al-Qunbar, 43, said as he sat near what was left of the tent in the Jabal Mukaber neighbourhood. 'He never contacted ISIS and he doesn't know ISIS,' he added, using an alternative acronym for the jihadist group. He added that 'we were shocked, for sure. We never expected anything like this from Fadi. But what happened has happened and we only say there is no might and power but that of God.' Israeli ministers decided Sunday to take a series of actions, including demolishing al-Qunbar's home and withholding his body, local media reported. They also decided to hold without charge under a policy known as administration detention those who publicly support IS, according to an Israeli official. Netanyahu's assertion that Qunbar 'according to all indications supported' IS, without providing details of what led to the conclusion, sparked debate on Monday. In making the statement, Netanyahu argued, as he has repeatedly in the past, that Israel faces the same 'terrorist' attacks that have hit countries such as Germany and France. However, the incident in many ways fit the pattern of a wave of Palestinian lone-wolf knife, gun and car-ramming assaults that began in October 2015, though seemingly with the intent to cause more casualties than usual. A heavier truck was used - a flat-bed model with a crane in the rear - and an entire group of soldiers were targeted. An officer in front of the bullet-punctured truck in the aftermath of the brutal attack An Israeli policeman walks at the scene of a truck-ramming incident in Jerusalem January 8 Israeli police and army personnel go through the belongings of Israeli soldiers, which are out of sight, next to the truck that rammed into a group of army soldiers killing four in Jerusalem An Israeli forensics expert gathers evidence at the site of the attack in Jerusalem, Israel Members of a ZAKA voluntary community emergency response teams and Israeli police work in front of the truck Israeli security officials have said that IS influence among Palestinians is limited. A poll released in December found that only five percent of Palestinians believe that IS represents true Islam. Sunday's attack occurred after hundreds of soldiers arrived at the site as part of a tour on the history of Jerusalem. The location overlooks holy sites such as the Dome of the Rock and provides one of the most spectacular views of the city. A video shared online showed a truck drive through a group of soldiers standing next to a bus. The driver then pulls off to the side and tries to reverse back towards where the soldiers were hit before the truck eventually comes to a stop. Visitors, including soldiers, are seen running for cover. Soldiers opened fire as well as at least one civilian. Later at the scene, soldiers could be seen distraught over the incident as rescue workers provided psychological support. A wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks erupted in October 2015, but the violence had greatly subsided in recent months. The last time an Israeli was killed in an attack was October 9. Soldiers lower the coffin during the funeral of Israeli Shir Hajaj, 22, in Jerusalem Israeli medical personnel assist an Israeli soldier who was an eye witness to the attack in Jerusalem, on January 8, 2017 Israeli security forces and medics gather next to a flatbed truck at the site of a ramming attack in Jerusalem, on January 8 Since October 2015, 247 Palestinians, 40 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some died in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with the Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, comatose peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have helped feed the unrest. Five people have been charged after a corruption inquiry into Victorian schools found senior managers allegedly faked invoices and tried to cover up their frauds. Former Victorian Education Department finance manager Nino Napoli is due to appear in court after millions of dollars were allegedly siphoned out of schools. Napoli's cousin Carlo Squillacioti and his friend, former school principal Michael Giulieri, are also listed to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 24. Another of Napoli's cousins, Daniel Calleja, will appear at a later date. Former finance head of the Victorian Education Department Nino Napoli is one of five people charged following an exhaustive corruption investigation Napoli's (right) friend, former school principal Michael Giulieri (left) is also facing fraud charges. Pictured centre is Napoli's son Raffaele, who has no link to any of the charges The string of fraud charges are the result of an exhaustive investigation by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) last year. The IBAC found 'serious and systemic corruption' within the department, with public officials using money allocated for disadvantaged children for 'their own personal gain', the Herald Sun reported. The publication reported between 2007 and 2014, it was alleged Mr Napoli sent at least $1.9 million in profits to relatives and friends. 'The charges include procurement-related dishonesty offences, including furnishing false information, dealing with the proceeds of crime, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to deal with the proceeds of crime,' IBAC said in a statement on Tuesday. IBAC said the investigation focused on allegations senior departmental officers misappropriated funds from the department's budget using false and inflated invoices. They also allegedly arranged payment of excessive hospitality, travel and personal items. Former primary school principal Michael Giulieri (pictured) is listed to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on January 24 Customer Training and Consulting Pty Ltd business owner Carlo Squillacioti, who is Napoli's cousin, will also face court on January 24 IBAC in 2015 looked at claims of serious alleged corruption within the education department between 2007 and 2014, and the commission's report into the matter was tabled in parliament last year. The charges have been listed for a filing hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on January 24. Education Department spokesman Steve Tolley told the Herald Sun that none of the charged executives were employed by the Department anymore. 'None of the senior executives involved in the [alleged] corruption work in the Department any more, and we have taken employment action against the other employees involved where necessary,' he said in a statement. 'The Department has actively pursued a comprehensive reform agenda in the wake of these investigations, putting integrity at the heart of everything we do. Mr Napoli (left) allegedly sent $1.9 million in profits to relatives and friends between 2007 and 2014 They may seem like hardened criminals, but this footage in fact shows a pair of masked teens allegedly carrying out a terrifying armed robbery. The CCTV vision allegedly shows an 18-year-old and his accomplice, 16, wielding guns and knives at staff in an Indian restaurant at Minto, in Sydney's south west. A chef, aged 55, is seen raising his arms in a gesture of peace as the gunman hustles him into a cool room with a second victim,Yahoo!7 reported. A teenage robber holds a gun to a chef's head in Minto, in Sydney's south west 'The gunman was telling us, 'If you move, I'll shoot you',' restaurant owner HM Tanvir said. The younger intruder stormed the front of the restaurant held a knife to the cashier before fleeing with $1,500 in cash. Police allege the gunman is Zain Hasthibeer, who was refused bail after fronting court on Tuesday. He was arrested in a home in the same suburb, where a replica pistol was seized. The footage shows a chef, aged 55, raising his arms in a gesture of peace as the gunman hustles him into a cool room he younger intruder stormed the front of the restaurant raised a knife to the cashier The duo are believed to have targeted a local Subway restaurant on December 16, leaving staff too traumatised to return to work. They have both been charged with two counts of robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon. The younger suspect was refused bail and is set to reappear at a children's court on Monday January 16. Police allege the gunman is Zain Hasthibeer, who was refused bail after fronting court on Tuesday A 56-year-old woman who was shot in the arm when she peeped over her fence after hearing noises in her backyard said she's fortunate to be alive. Deborah Smith suffered a puncture wound on her upper arm after she was hit with a stray bullet at her Sunshine home in Melbourne's west on Monday afternoon. Wearing her arm in a sling, the mother said she heard several shots fired from a nearby reserve so she stood on top of her dog's kennel to check. But when she could not figure out where the noise was coming from, she stepped back down only to be shot. Scroll down for video Deborah Smith (right with her husband Russell) was shot in the arm when she peeped over her fence after hearing noises in her backyard at her Melbourne home on Monday The 56-year-old mother said she heard gunshots fired at a nearby reserve next to her home 'Very nervous now, very very nervous - but feel alright, just nervous', Mrs Smith told reporters on Tuesday following the incident. 'I feel very, very lucky.' Her husband Russell said his wife had gone to see where the commotion was coming from when she was shot. '[She] went out, had a look, couldn't see nothing through the crack in the fence, got up on the dog kennel, didn't hear nothing,' he said. 'As she was getting down, that's when, whatever it was, hit her in the arm.' She suffered a puncture wound on her upper arm after she was hit with a stray bullet The woman said she stood on top of her dog's kennel (pictured of a police officer looking over the fence where Mrs Smith was standing) moments before she was shot in the arm The couple's daughter's boyfriend rushed to Mrs Smith's aid before he called emergency services for help. The woman was taken to Sunshine Hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to her arm. Doctors have not been able to find any shrapnel in her arm but Mrs Smith said she will require to return to hospital for further check-ups. 'Gotta go back to have some more tests later on... and they'll [doctors] will determine what they'll do,' she said. Police were called to the Melbourne property following reports a woman was shot in the arm Witnesses told police several shots had been fired from a nearby reserve on Monday Detective Sergeant Ricky Millar told 3AW on Tuesday the Melbourne woman may have been hit by mistake or what he described as a 'misadventure'. 'There's nothing to suggest she was targeted for any reason at all,' he said. Officers on Tuesday morning scoured grassland and a creek behind the victim's house but they were unable to find any clues as the suspect remains on the run. A neighbour said he rushed to the woman's aid when after the 'terrifying' attack. 'It looked really bad, it's just terrifying that this random attack has happened,' the neighbour, Brendan Lourensz, told Herald Sun. A former Secret Service officer has admitted trying to solicit sex from an undercover detective who he believed was a 14-year-old girl while working in the White House security booth. Lee Robert Moore, who worked as a uniformed officer at the White House, has admitted attempting to send obscene material to a minor - who turned out to be a Delaware police detective. Moore was caught in an undercover sexting sting and handed himself in two years ago. He has agreed to allow the transfer of his case from a federal court in Delaware to Florida, where he faces a more serious set of charges. Lee Robert Moore, pictured, sent explicit text messages to a 14-year-old girl from his security booth at the White House while working as a Secret Service agent in 2015 The Delaware case was put on hold after Moore was indicted in Florida on more serious charges of producing child pornography, attempted receipt of child pornography and attempted enticement of a minor. The Sun Sentinel revealed prosecutors believe Moore ' sought to use mobile technology to sexually exploit multiple minor, teenage girls from one of the most secure places on the planet.' Prosecutors said: 'He did so while in the presence of other highly trained law enforcement officers and just yards from the President of the United States, his family, and senior administration officials he was then protecting. 'The brazen and self-absorbed nature of his conduct is simply breathtaking.' Moore was on duty at a White House security hut, pictured, while arranging to meet the girl According to CNN, the Delaware state detective created a listing on the Meet24 website and posed as a 14-year-old girl. The pair exchanged messages and then moved to the Kik platform which allows people to send photographs. In one message, Moore claimed he had deleted his Kik account where he admitted: 'Do you know how many fake female profiles are out there, a guy needs some reassurance that he is talking to who he thinks he is talking to, and not, I shudder to think.' Selfie-takers warned that thieves could hack into their lives by using HD lenses to zoom in on people's fingerprints. People uploading pictures to social media have been urged not to pose pulling the peace sign because crooks can use it to carry out identity theft. Celebrities are seen as those at the highest risk, but with fingerprint technology on the rise, people's smartphones are seen as vulnerable and fraudsters could even break into workplaces. People have been told to cover up their fingerprints when uploading pictures onto the web Wales rugby flanker Sam Warburton (left) and Kim Kardashian with Naomi Campbell (left) Isao Echizen, a professor at Japans National Institute of Informatics, told Sankei Shimbun, that people should refrain from putting their hands anywhere near the frame. The professor said the quality of cameras in smartphones and tablets have now reached a level where fingerprint data can be obtained from a selfie. He told the Japanese news outlet: 'If someone hacks your password, you can change it, but youre pretty much stuck with the fingerprints you were born with.' British backpacker Stacey Tierney, 29, (pictured) was found dead at Dreams Gentleman's Club in Melbourne last month A British exotic dancer whose body was found undiscovered for 12 hours at a strip club may have been captured on camera in the lead up to her death, a former dancer has claimed. British backpacker Stacey Tierney, 29, was found dead at Dreams Gentleman's Club in Melbourne on December 19 after she was with a group of men the night before. The former dancer, who once worked at the same venue, has come forward claiming she believed surveillance cameras would have recorded Ms Tierney dying in one of the rooms. Initial reports suggested Ms Tierney was found dead inside a private room called the 'Fantasy Room' where there were no cameras set up. But the former dancer, who wished to remain anonymous, has insisted all the private rooms at the venue are installed with security cameras. 'My main concern is that it all sounds so dodgy... I don't understand how all the reports saying she wasn't in an area without surveillance?' the former dancer told News Corp. 'All the private rooms, the "lap rooms", are covered.' The British exotic dancer's body was found undiscovered for 12 hours at the strip club The street entrance of Dreams Gentlemen's Club where her body was found after 12 hours The woman said she was baffled by the events surrounding Ms Tierney's death after she died in mysterious circumstances. 'My gut feeling is this story isn't going to end well,' she said. She also insisted there was no way Ms Tierney was alone with the men at the venue as staff members needed to 'buzz them in'. The claim comes after it was revealed her grieving family had no idea she was working as an exotic dancer at the Australian strip club. As her loved ones try to come to terms with her sudden death, Ms Tierney's family has issued a statement, saying they were going through an 'extremely difficult time'. The 29-year-old backpacker was reportedly partying with a group of men before she died Her grieving family had no idea she was working as an exotic dancer at the Melbourne venue 'Stacey was, and will always be, the most amazing, special, caring person you could ever meet and this loss has devastated our family,' her family said. 'The circumstances surrounding Staceys death are being investigated by the authorities in Melbourne and we wait to hear further news every day. 'While we continue to work with the authorities in Melbourne our primary aim at this time is to bring Stacey home. 'Until we have Stacey home and the investigation is complete we would be grateful if the familys privacy can be respected and we are allowed time to come to terms with what has happened.' Russia has scrapped its cloned dogs of war program after the first batch of 'superpups' flunked basic tests because they could not handle the cold, it has emerged. The designer dogs were cloned in a laboratory to sniff out explosives and drugs and put through their paces by Vladimir Putin's law enforcement agency in Yakutsk, capital of the Sakha Republic, Russia's largest region. But the animals seem incapable of performing basic tasks required by dogs working for the police or security services, and have been rejected for this role, say police chiefs. Scroll down for video Russia has scrapped its cloned dogs of war program after the first batch of 'superpups' flunked basic tests because they could not handle the cold, it has emerged The designer dogs were cloned in a laboratory to sniff out explosives and drugs and put through their paces by Vladimir Putin's law enforcement agency in Yakutsk, capital of the Sakha Republic, Russia's largest region They are among 500 cloned puppies from the Sooam Biotech laboratories (pictured) in Seoul, the world's first animal cloning centre The cloned dogs are also not happy in the cold Siberian winter, and their fate is now unclear. The animals were gifted by a South Korean cloning expert who is also seeking to bring the extinct woolly mammoth back to life using genetic material preserved in the Siberian permafrost. The Belgian Malinois puppies, each valued at $100,000, were bred from 'the best sniffer dogs' by international cloning expert Dr Hwang Woo Suk. Tests involved 13 basic tasks seen as essential for service animals. Aleksey Kolmogorov, deputy head of the canine service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said: 'One of them failed to perform any task. It immediately lay down because of the cold. On trial: Tests for the dogs involved 13 basic tasks seen as essential for service animals The Belgian Malinois puppies, each valued at $100,000, were bred from 'the best sniffer dogs' by international cloning expert Dr Hwang Woo Suk The cloned dogs are also not happy in the cold Siberian winter, and their fate is now unclear 'The second dog was slightly better, but completed only 50 per cent of tasks. 'They are not adapted to our harsh conditions, they are smooth coated, and cannot withstand frost.' The second dog did not pass sufficient elements to be permitted to retake the test, reported The Siberian Times. Spokesperson for the ministry, Maria Mironova, confirmed: 'The cloned dog did not pass the control test of our canine service.' The designer dogs were bred by international cloning expert Dr Hwang Woo Suk at laboratories in South Korea (pictured) Russia said that the dogs had been recreated from the cells of the 'best Korean sniffer dogs' The dogs arrived in Yakutsk in November, and were unveiled at the city's Mammoth Museum The dogs arrived in Yakutsk in November, and were unveiled at the city's Mammoth Museum, which works closely with the cloning guru and is at the forefront of efforts to bring the woolly mammoth back to life using DNA frozen for thousands of years in the permafrost. Director Semyon Grigoryev said at the time: 'These dogs have been recreated from the cells of the best Korean sniffer dogs, inheriting their unique abilities. 'They will be the first cloned service dogs in Russia.' They are among 500 cloned puppies from the Sooam Biotech laboratories in Seoul, the world's first animal cloning centre. Experts warned that it may take the dogs sometime to understand instructions in Russian The Mammoth Museum works closely with the cloning guru and is at the forefront of efforts to bring the woolly mammoth back to life using DNA frozen for thousands of years in the permafrost 'These dogs are very young, in Korea they went though a basic training, so handlers here will decide what best to choose for them depending on their abilities and talents,' said Dr Grigoryev. He also warned that it may take the dogs sometime to understand instructions in Russian. 'The dogs' first task will be language retraining,' he said. The sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system on March 20, 1995 killed 13 and left more than 6,000 people injured. A former executive of the Aum Shinrikyo cult who helped manufacture the sarin gas that killed 13 people and sickened more than 6,000 on the Tokyo subway system in 1995 has published a memoir. In it, Tomomasa Nakagawa, 54, a former medical doctor and now death-row inmate, reveals the method used by the cult to manufacture the deadly nerve gas and also discusses former Aum leader Shoko Asahara, whom he cared for. He was a criminal before (being regarded as) a religious leader in that he transformed a religious organization into a criminal enterprise, Nakagawa noted about Asahara, whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto. Matsumoto, 61, is also on death row. Nakagawa published the memoir in the November issue of Gendai Kagaku (Chemistry Today), urged by Anthony Tu, professor emeritus at Colorado State University and an authority of toxicology. Tu, who wrote a book on the subway attacks and also a 1994 sarin attack in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, that killed eight people and sickened about 600, has interviewed Nakagawa many times. The cultist, whose death sentence was finalized in 2011, was involved in both sarin atrocities and also the abduction and murders of anti-Aum lawyer Tsutsumi Sakamoto and his family members in 1989. At the beginning of the memoir, whose main theme was Why was (Aum) able to manufacture sarin? Nakagawa apologizes to victims of the series of crimes committed by Aum cultists. As for Asahara's skill as a leader of yoga and meditation sessions, Nakagawa writes, His capability was extremely high." There were no people who joined Aum to commit murders. Including me, those who put absolute trust in Asahara in the fields of yoga and meditation became involved in the (fatal) incidents, Nakagawa recalls. He also reveals the chemical formulas he says were used to manufacture the sarin, which the cult began producing in around 1992. In January 1995, the media reported that police suspected Aum was behind the sarin attack in Matsumoto. The gas was sprayed in a residential area in June the previous year. Aum members hurriedly disposed of several hundreds of tons of sarin and other chemical substances to prevent police from finding the stockpile, Nakagawa writes in the memoir. All of us were poisoned by sarin (while doing that). I was just about able to stand, he recalls. The sarin attacks on the Tokyo subway system were carried out on March 20, 1995. Nakagawa was one of the cultists who manufactured it, utilizing chemicals that were not disposed of in the January clearing out. Nakagawa said in court that Yoshihiro Inoue, 47, also a former Aum executive and a death-row inmate, was responsible for storing the chemicals. However, in a court ruling on a different former executive of Aum, it was stated keeping the chemicals was Nakagawa's job. Whatever the reason, terrorism is always intolerable, the memoir reads. It concludes with, The background (of the act) of joining dangerous religious or terrorist organizations and the background (of the act) of carrying out terror acts after joining those organizations should be distinguished. Minoru Kariya, 56, the eldest son of Kiyoshi, a notary public who was also abducted and killed by Aum in 1995 at the age of 68, said that many bereaved families still have questions after listening to the remarks made by various Aum members in court. If former executives of Aum release their memoirs, it could help clarify the facts (of the series of crimes committed by the organization), said Kariya, who has repeatedly interviewed Inoue and Nakagawa. | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: Asahi Shimbun , January 10, 2017 Patients last night demanded to know why hospital chiefs waited a week before revealing they had called in police over fears that saline bags had been tampered with. The apparently doctored medical equipment was discovered by a member of staff last Wednesday, but members of the public were told about the potentially fatal tampering only yesterday. Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle has launched an urgent inquiry and increased security, but no arrests have been made. Probe launched: Police are investigating after saline bags were tampered with at Cumberland Infirmary (pictured), the North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust said Two years ago nurse Victorino Chua was jailed for at least 35 years for killing two people and poisoning 21 others when he injected insulin into saline bags, which were unwittingly used by other nurses at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport. Carlisle residents last night asked why it had taken so long for the public to be told about the potentially life-threatening discovery. Wayne Donoghue said: Surely 48 hours to alleviate any concerns would have been better, unless they found something that needed investigation. One woman, who was in the hospital for a clinical check-up yesterday, said: Of course they need to tell us as soon as possible. Its scary. Jessica-May Ryves, who also lives in Carlisle, said: Its a massive worry for everyone in the hospital or with friends or relatives there. Hopefully the police investigation finds out who did it and gets them done for it. Dr Rod Harpin, medical director at North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust, said: The trust contacted the police on Wednesday, January 4, regarding a small number of saline bags at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle which appear to have been tampered with. It comes two years after 'devil' nurse Victorino Chua (pictured) was jailed for life for murdering two patients and poisoning 20 others by injecting deadly amounts of insulin into saline bags Patient safety is our absolute priority and we will continue to work closely with the police. A trust spokesman added: We had to wait until today to tell people, because we werent sure what we were dealing with. We have informed the public as soon as we can. There has been considerable work since the incident to review medicines across the hospital and to increase security measures. A KILLER NURSE WHO POISONED PATIENTS Killer Victorino Chua Father-of-two Victorino Chua injected insulin into saline bags and ampoules while working on two acute wards at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, in June and July 2011. These were then used by other nurses on the ward - leading to a series of insulin overdoses to mainly elderly victims. The 'narcissistic psychotic' also enjoyed watching his victims suffer and would give patients contaminated medicine or tamper with their prescriptions to 'shut them up'. Within minutes the 22 people poisoned were in 'agony', suffering fits and slipping out of consciousness and tragically two people failed to recover. Chua was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of two murders, 22 counts of attempted grievous bodily harm, one count of grievous bodily harm, seven attempts of administering poison and one count of administering poison. In 2015 he was jailed for life and told he would not be released until at least 2050. Advertisement Carlisle city councillor Neil Hughes said: We always encourage health bodies to be as open as they possibly can be. If in retrospect we believe things could have been released more quickly that will be something we may comment on. A Cumbria Police spokesman said: The investigation is at an early stage and inquiries are on-going. Saline bags contain solutions of sterile water and small amounts of salt. They are used for a wide variety of purposes, such as supplying fluids to rehydrate patients unable to keep water down. Sometimes drugs are injected into the bags so they can be fed directly into a patients bloodstream. At a different hospital, Stepping Hill in Stockport, victims Tracey Arden, 44, and Derek Weaver, 83, died in 'agony' at the hands of killer nurse Chua in June and July 2011. In 2015 he was spared a whole life tariff and given a minimum of 35 years instead. Chua, an 'indescribably wicked' 49-year-old father of two from the Philippines, injected deadly amounts of insulin into saline bags and ampoules so his patients would be poisoned at random. The nurse, who may have been working in the NHS without being a fully qualified nurse, will not be eligible for parole until he is 84. Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary hit the headlines last week after an outbreak of norovirus saw health chiefs issue a plea for some visitors to stay away. The infection led to patients suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. France is understood to want to exploit Britain's decision to leave the EU, arguing that the deputy leadership of Nato should be an EU member state. Pictured, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, the current deputy supreme allied commander position France could replace Britain as the leading European power in Nato after Brexit, it emerged today. A briefing paper by the military think tank the Royal United Services Institute said there is 'some discussion' within Nato over the future of Britain holding the No 2 position in the organisation. France is understood to want to exploit Britain's decision to leave the EU, arguing that the deputy leadership of Nato should be an EU member state. Britain has held the deputy supreme allied commander position (DSACEUR) almost entirely since 1951, while the organisation has always been led by an American. A French military delegation visited Washington last autumn to lobby US officials, according to The Times. They argued that the French armed forces were better placed than their British counterparts to be an American ally in Europe following Brexit. A source told the newspaper that the French team 'were at pains to point out how useful the French military could be as an ally and their track record in getting things done in troublespots where the US was not as strong as it wished to be'. And they also pointed out that France will be the only EU country with the military capability to take Britain's No 2 position after Brexit. But Tory MPs scoffed at suggestions France would take Britain's position in Nato. Former defence minister and ex-Naval officer Andrew Murrison said it simply represented the latest attempt by France to take Nato's No 2 position and said Europe needs '100% UK engagement'. And Sir Nicholas Soames, the grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, wrote on Twitter: 'We aren't going to surrender DSACEUR under any circs [sic]'. The DSACEUR post is currently held by General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, who will hand over to Lieutenant-General Sir James Everard in March. The possibility of Britain losing its key position in Nato because of Brexit was raised in a briefing paper by Rusi's deputy director-general Malcolm Chalmers. He said it was important that the role of DSACEUR is held by a nation within the EU because of Nato's missions in countries such as Bosnia. Tory MPs scoffed at suggestions France would take Britain's position in Nato. Former defence minister and ex-Naval officer Andrew Murrison said it simply represented the latest attempt by France to take Nato's No 2 position and said Europe needs '100% UK engagement' Sir Nicholas Soames, the grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, wrote on Twitter: 'We aren't going to surrender DSACEUR under any circs [sic]' The impact of Donald Trump's election as US President is also discussed in Rusi's briefing paper about the future of Britain's role in Nato. The President-elect said he wants to withdraw US funding from the organisation. As a result the Rusi paper suggests Britain 'aims to create a new post-Brexit 'special relationship' between the UK and the the EU on foreign affairs But he offered hope for Britain by saying there could be 'creative ways' to handle Britain's position in Nato despite its decision to leave the EU. He wrote: 'It is possible that the UK's position within the NATO command structure could also be affected by leaving the EU. 'There is already some discussion of the possibility that the assignment of the position of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander (DSACEUR) to the UK, which it has held since 1951, might have to be transferred to a NATO member that is a member of the EU. 'The role of DSACEUR is central to ensuring the availability of NATO assets to certain EU missions organised under the 'Berlin Plus' arrangements, for example in Bosnia.' Mr Chalmers added: 'There may be creative ways to handle this issue. A second DSACEUR position could be recreated (Germany held this position until 1993), or the UK could swap its current position for the important role of Chief of Staff. 'Whatever the outcome, the substantive consequences of such changes are likely to be relatively limited. Even so, the fact that they are already being raised is a clear message that the UK's role and influence within NATO cannot be entirely ring-fenced from the consequences of Brexit.' The paper also discusses the impact of Donald Trump's election on Nato. The President-elect pledged during the election campaign to withdraw US funding from the organisation. To protect Nato from any loss of American funding Rusi suggests Britain aims to create a new post-Brexit 'special relationship' between the UK and the the EU on foreign affairs. Charged with cruelty to animals and faces up to two years in jail and a 850 fine He claimed he was drunk at the time in Thailand and only wanted to 'scare her' and the dog is crushed to death under the front wheel This is the horrifying moment a drunken former monk runs over a dog after a long running feud because it always tried to bite him when he visited his temple. Prasit Srikularp, 57, had been visiting the temple in Samut Sakorn, Thailand, with his mum when the dog jumped at them again. The ex religious community figure is captured getting into his pick-up truck, callously inching towards the dog as it basks in the sun and then accelerating - crushing her to death. Prasit Srikularp, 57, is captured on camera creeping up to the dog in his pick-up truck The callous former monk then accelerates and the dog is crushed to death under the wheel Srikularp had just finished making merit - handing donations to deities - before deciding to launch his cruel attack. Staff found the dead dog and forwarded the CCTV footage to the authorities. Srikularp was tracked down after the clip of the dog dying under the front wheel was shared widely. Srikularp was arrested and told police that he had been ordained at the Wat Orm Noi temple but was tired of the dog constantly trying to bite him when he visited. He claimed he was drunk at the time and only wanted to 'scare her'. A couple were slapped with $1,000 worth of fines after police caught them in the throes of passion in a public plaza. The 31-year-old man was spotted by a security guard brazenly having sex with the 35-year-old woman in a small plaza in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, The Daily Telegraph reported. When police found the couple in states of undress, they began drunkenly berating them for interrupting the moment and claimed the romp should be put down to 'chemistry'. The couple were spotted by a security guard brazenly having sex w in a small plaza in Manly's CBD The Fairlight man launched into a foul-mouthed tirade after police intervened, demanding to know why they were interrupting his fun. The woman was reportedly slurring her words and seemingly intoxicated as the man continued to hurl abuse at police. But the woman later kicked off her own mudslinging match, leading officers to warn her about her language. The couple were escorted from the scene after being charged with offensive behaviour and fined $500 each. Muslim students will now have to take part in mixed-gender swimming lessons, even after the European Court of Human Rights said that religious freedoms were being interfered with. Switzerland won a case at the ECHR on Tuesday after a ruling said that authorities were justified in saying that mixed-gender swimming lessons were part of a 'full school curriculum' and the children's 'successful integration' into society. The case was brought on by two Swiss nationals of Turkish origin who wouldn't send their teenage daughters to compulsory mixed-gender lessons, according to the BBC. While the ECHR did say that religious freedoms were being interfered with in the lessons, judges said unanimously that the interference did not amount to a violation. Muslim students will now have to take part in mixed-gender swimming lessons, after Switzerland won a court case on Tuesday The ECHR said in a statement that the refusal to exempt girls from swimming lessons 'had been an interference with the applicants' right to their freedom of religion'. The law involved with the right for freedom of religion, however, was made 'to protect foreign pupils from any form of social exclusion,' the ECHR said in a statement. The court said that schools are important for social integration. Exemptions, the ECHR said, are 'justified only in very exceptional circumstances'. 'Accordingly, the children's interest in a full education, thus facilitating their successful social integration according to local customs and mores, prevailed over the parents' wish to have their children exempted from mixed swimming lessons,' the court said. The court said that 'very flexible arrangements' have been offered, including allowing the girls to use a girls-only changing room and letting them wear burkinis during lessons instead of traditional swimwear. While the ECHR (its interior pictured above) said that religious freedoms were being interfered with, judges said it did not amount to a violation Education officials said that exemptions from swimming lessons were only available to girls who had reached puberty. The Swiss nationals' daughters had not reached puberty when their parents kept them from swimming lessons. In 2010, the parents had to pay a fine of almost 1,300 (1,100) 'for acting in breach of their parental duty'. At the time, the parents said the fine was a violation of their human rights, particularly article nine of the European Convention on Human Right. Article nine covers the right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop charged taxpayers $2,700 to go to an exclusive star-studded polo event, claiming she was on 'official ministerial business'. The Liberal Deputy Leader was invited to last year's Portsea Polo by event sponsors Jeep and Peroni. She was seen relaxing in a Mercedes Benz VIP marquee with her partner, David Panton, and did not appear to be working as she chilled in a sunhat and sandals. But Ms Bishop billed taxpayers $2,715.86 for the trip, including flights from Sydney to Melbourne and then back to Perth. Scroll down for video Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (pictured at the event with partner David Panton) charged taxpayers $2,700 to go to the Portsea Polo, claiming she was on 'official ministerial business' Whispering something? Ms Bishop, deputy leader of the Liberal Party, was invited to last year's star-studded event by its sponsors, Jeep and beer firm Peroni Bishop (left) was seen relaxing in a Mercedes Benz VIP marquee with her partner David Panton and did not appear to be working as she chilled in a sunhat and sandals Her expenses reveal she claimed $441.43 on the flight from Sydney to Melbourne before splashing $1,735.23 to get back to Perth, where she is an MP. Ms Bishop also charged $416.20 for a car and claimed a $123 travel allowance. 'The Minister was invited and attended in her official capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party,' a spokesman for Ms Bishop told the ABC. Two federal ministers and a Tasmanian senator have also been exposed after claiming more than $2,500 in expenses as they went to the AFL Grand Final in 2013. Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann pocketed $3,533 from the public purse for flights for him and his wife. A spokesman from his office claimed Cormann had 'official commitments before, during and after the AFL Grand Final weekend'. Tasmanian Senator David Bushby, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Trade Minister Steve Ciobo claimed more than $2,500 in expenses as they went to the AFL Grand Final in 2013 Taxpayers paid for embattled minister Sussan Ley to fly to Canberra after attending a socialite's wedding on the Gold Coast with multimillionaire and Liberal Party donor Sarina Russo (pictured together at the wedding) The minister attended the wedding the same month she claims she impulsively bought a two-bedroom at Main Beach for $795,000 on May 9, 2015 while on a work trip Trade Minister Steve Ciobo charged taxpayers $1,102 for a flight to the match, while Tasmanian Senator David Bushby claimed $863 for a return flight. All three politicians were given free tickets and hospitality after being invited by the National Australia Bank. Ciobo and Bushby are yet to respond to requests for comment. The expenses claims were revealed after Health Minister Sussan Ley temporarily stepped down following reports that she bought a $795,000 beachfront apartment while on a taxpayer-funded trip. Ley claimed she bought the home impulsively while on the trip to the Gold Coast in May 2015, but it later emerged she viewed and bid on another property in the area in September 2014. Amber Rudd has become the latest minister to fall victim to the Downing Street heel curse. The Home Secretary found herself stuck in the full view of photographers as she walked up the most famous street in the country. Ms Rudd's right high heel became firmly wedged in the pavement on her way to a a Cabinet meeting, nearly sending her tumbling to the floor. The Home Secretary found herself stuck in the full view of photographers as she walked up the most famous street in the country today She had to be helped out by an aide before continuing somewhat sheepishly on her journey The laughing minister clutched on to railings to stop herself toppling over. She had to be helped out by an aide before continuing somewhat sheepishly on her journey. It is far from the first time a politician has suffered such a footwear malfunction. In 2012, Theresa May had to stop and fish one of her kitten heels out of a crack outside No10. Ms Rudd's right high heel became firmly wedged in the pavement on her way to a Cabinet meeting today, nearly sending her tumbling to the floor Theresa May found herself in a similarly sticky situation outside No10 back in 2012 Mrs May - then home secretary - also saw the funny side of the episode as she shared a laugh with photographers. The previous year David Cameron's top aide Gabby Bertin snapped her heel as she arrived for work. And in 2007 Labour Cabinet minister Hazel Blears lost her shoe as she made her way to the famous black door for a meeting with Gordon Brown. Britain exported hundreds of cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia in the late 1980s, new official figures revealed today. Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said 500 cluster munitions were delivered from the UK to Saudi Arabia between 1986 and 1989. This is the first time the Ministry of Defence has said how many of the devices were exported to Saudi Arabia since it emerged that a 'limited number' were used by Saudi-led forces in the war in Yemen. Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, pictured, said 500 cluster munitions were delivered from the UK to Saudi Arabia between 1986 and 1989 The UK has faced accusations of war crimes and calls to suspend arms sales to Saudi Arabia over the use of the weapons, which were banned in 2010 in an international treaty signed by Britain. Cluster bombs are designed to release dozens of smaller bombs over a wide area, but the smaller munitions do not always explode, posing a major future risk to civilians. They are specifically targeted at people, designed to blow off limbs. Last month Sir Michael said he was satisfied that use of the bombs had not breached international law, and he had requested the Saudis destroy their remaining stock of UK-supplied cluster munitions. But he was unable to tell the Commons how many had been exported in the first place. In a letter to Tory MP Philip Hollobone, Sir Michael confirmed: 'The UK delivered 500 BL755 cluster munitions under a government-to-government agreement signed in 1986. 'The final delivery was made in 1989.' Sir Michael added that the UK has not been able to carry out any surveillance of the weapons since 2008, given that it backed the Oslo convention which withdrew support for cluster munitions. This is the first time the Ministry of Defence has said how many of the devices were exported to Saudi Arabia since it emerged that a 'limited number' were used by Saudi-led forces in the war in Yemen. Pictured, debris in Sania, Yemen, following a air strike from Saudi Arabia in 2015 The prime minister of Yemen's rebel Houthi government has accused the UK of 'war crimes' for supplying arms to the coalition, which is conducting military operations to restore the previous regime overthrown last year. Amnesty International called for Mr Fallon to order immediate suspension of all further weapons sales to Saudi Arabia to stop the 'appalling atrocities in Yemen'. It's UK Director Kate Allen said: 'Yemeni children and other civilians are being put at extreme risk of being killed or maimed by unexploded cluster munitions, some of them made in Britain. 'Given that the UK sold these atrocious weapons to Saudi Arabia you would have thought ministers would be particularly alarmed that the Saudi-led coalition has been spraying them all over Yemeni villages.' She asked: 'What clearer sign of the reckless and indiscriminate nature of the Saudi coalition's tactics in Yemen could you get than the fact that it would stoop to using cluster bombs? 'It's not just cluster bombs - the Saudi coalition has recklessly and indiscriminately fired a vast number of missiles into Yemeni homes, hospitals, schools and factories.' A train driver has appeared in court after a woman was dragged along a platform when he set off with her hand caught in a door, a court heard. The woman's hand was trapped when the driver set off, forcing her to run to try to keep up. After being dragged for 60 feet, the 60-year-old passenger managed to pull her hand free before losing her footing and falling onto the platform. A train driver has appeared in court after a woman was dragged along a platform when he set off with her hand caught in a door (pictured from CCTV footage) The woman fell to the floor as she freed her hand after being dragged 60ft and suffered bruising and injuries as she hit the concrete She suffered head, hand and back injuries at Hayes and Harlington station in west London on July 25 last year. The woman was left with bruising and 'injuries consistent with falling onto concrete' after arriving on the platform just as the train to London Paddington was leaving at 1.10pm, magistrates were told. Train driver Stephen Murdoch, 44, is charged with wilful omission or neglect for closing the doors with the victim's hand stuck between them, endangering the safety of a person on the railway. Murdoch, from Reading, Berkshire, spoke only to confirm his name, age and date of birth when he appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court. Images from the station show how the woman, stood near the back of the train, gets her hand trapped when the carriage is stationary She is dragged along the platform as the train starts to edge forward, having to run along beside it as it speeds up Eventually, as she frees her hand, she is thrown to the floor, suffering injuries as she hit the concrete in the incident last July ISSUE AT THE CENTRE OF TRAIN STRIKE The safety issues surrounding drivers shutting the doors of trains is at the centre of the long-running dispute between unions and Southern Rail. The unions, which have caused a year of disruption and delay with regular strikes, object to Southern's plans to scrap the employees inside the trains who operate the doors. Members claim that it is unsafe for drivers to operate the doors as they may not notice any safety issues on the platform as they drive off. Although drivers already operate the doors for many operators and the Office of Rail and Road, the regulator, deemed the system safe this week. And a leaked letter sent by union Aslef listed that there were a number of circumstances in which driver-operated doors were safe. The news came as around 1,000 drivers representing the union began another three-day walk-out today, bringing fresh mayhem for travellers. The safety issues surrounding drivers shutting the doors of trains is at the centre of the long-running dispute between unions and Southern Rail Advertisement Sara Ashkboos, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant is a train driver. The incident occurred when a passenger was running to get on the train and got her hand stuck in the door as she was trying to get in. 'The Crown's case is that the train driver moved the train while the victim was stuck in this door. As a result she was pulled along, running with the train, whilst her hand was trapped. 'She subsequently managed to free her hand and fell over quite abruptly. 'The Crown say this is not suitable for summary trial. Given the defendant's position of trust, it is clearly a dangerous situation. 'The incident could have ended in a much more catastrophic way for the passenger.' A Sudanese diplomat arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a female subway rider in New York has avoided being charged by claiming diplomatic immunity. Mohammad Abdalla Ali, 49, who is a member of the Sudanese mission to the United Nations, was arrested after he was allegedly grinding against a woman on the subway on Monday. Ali was arrested at the scene after the 38-year-old woman complained. But after he showed his diplomatic credentials, detectives were forced to release him. Sudanese diplomat Mohammad Abdalla Ali was accused of sexually abusing a woman on the subway leaving Grand Central Station in New York, file photograph, yesterday afternoon Ali is accused of approaching the woman from behind and 'grinding' her with his crotch The diplomat was taken to the Midtown South police station where he was charged with forcible touching and sexual abuse. It is alleged Ali rubbed his crotch against the woman as the subway pulled out of Grand Central Station. According to the Daily News the woman was approached from behind at 2pm as the northbound No. 4 train entered the tunnel. A source told the newspaper: 'There's not much you can do. He has diplomatic immunity.' The US State Department told MailOnline: 'We are aware of allegations of a criminal act by a Sudanese diplomat that led to the involvement of the NYPD. We are in touch with the NYPD and the Mayors office so that we are able to take appropriate steps, as needed, to address this matter.' MailOnline has approached the United Nations and the Sudanese delegation to the UN for a comment in connection with the allegations. How diplomatic immunity works Foreign diplomats are protected from prosecution under the 1961 Vienna Convention. The level of immunity afforded diplomats depends entirely on their rank, although according to Article 29 of the convention, a diplomat must not be arrested, nor can his home, office or car be searched. The person of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable. He shall not be liable to any form of arrest or detention. The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity. Article 29 of the 1961 Vienna Convention However, later articles allow for a diplomat to face prosecution in his home nation having been accused of an offence while abroad. Also, it is possible for the diplomat's government to revoke the immunity and allow prosecution. Under Article 9 of the Convention, the hosting nation can declare any member of the diplomatic staff 'without having to explain its decision... persona non grata' and send them home. Advertisement The death penalty will again be an issue in the state Legislature when it reconvenes next week. A capital punishment bill, sponsored by Rep. Monica Youngblood, R-Albuquerque, is identical to what was perhaps the most divisive piece of legislation in last falls special session of the Legislature. But unlike last year, Republicans who lost control of the House in the November election will have a much harder time getting a capital punishment bill to the House floor. Its my hope that people dont see it as a full reinstatement of the death penalty, Youngblood said Monday. The state abolished the death penalty in 2009. Youngblood said her bill, House Bill 72, targets only the most heinous criminals, the ones that prey upon our children and our police officers. Like last years bill, which she co-sponsored, Youngbloods new bill would make murdering a law enforcement officer, corrections personnel or a child the only crimes that would be eligible for a death sentence. Youngblood said polls show most New Mexicans favor capital punishment for certain crimes. But Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo, said Monday the death penalty is riddled with problems. There have been numerous examples around the country as well as in New Mexico of people who were sentenced to death later being exonerated, McQueen said. And its tremendously expensive. I believe its a waste of resources. Im hopeful this year well make short work of it. Bringing back capital punishment would bring additional costs to a judicial system already strapped by the states budget crunch. Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, in an opinion piece submitted to various news organizations, wrote, New Mexicos courts face a funding crisis that threatens to undermine the judiciarys ability to protect our rights by delivering timely justice. The prosecution of criminal cases is being impaired. Some courts confront the possibility of dismissing cases because the states public defender office lacks the staff and budget it needs to handle more cases. A fiscal analysis by the Legislative Finance Committee of last years death penalty bill said reinstating executions could cost the state up to $7.2 million a year over a three-year period. The cost to the judicial system to process one individual through the death penalty process, which historically has taken an average of 11 years, is about $105,000 per year, the report says. The cost to incarcerate one individual on death row is $51,100 a year. In the analysis, the Administrative Office of the Courts estimated that a death penalty jury trial would cost $12,000 to $17,000 more than a nondeath penalty case. More jury costs would be incurred because after finding someone guilty in a death penalty case, a jury would have to determine whether to impose capital punishment. The report also said that in cases stemming from the 2007 Santa Rosa prison riot in which prosecutors initially sought the death penalty for three inmates in the killing of a corrections officer the state Public Defenders Office spent $474,600 on contract defense attorneys, $1 million on expert witnesses and $76,800 on other costs before trial. The total expense to the department was $1.6 million. In that case, the state Supreme Court ruled that unless the Legislature appropriated funds in addition to the $1.1 million previously allocated for the case, the death penalty could not be imposed. The Legislature didnt approve those funds, so prosecutors dropped the death penalty from the case. HB 72 includes a number of mitigating circumstances such as the defendants age, mental capacity and prior criminal record that could be weighed by a jury in considering imposing the death penalty. Executions would not be allowed if the defendant suffers intellectual disabilities. And if a condemned inmate is pregnant, the execution would be held until the baby is born. At the end of Octobers special session, the House voted 36-30 along party lines to reinstate the death penalty, with Republicans in the majority. This followed a debate that started after midnight and ended just before 6 a.m. Many critics, including state religious leaders, blasted House leaders for holding the debate during the wee hours without any public notice. Hours later, the Senate voted to adjourn without considering the bill. Last year was the first time that capital-punishment supporters made a serious effort to bring back the death penalty. The push came following several cases of police killings and child murders, including the rape and dismemberment of 10-year-old Victoria Martens. Democrats criticized the idea of considering the capital punishment bill during the special session, which originally was meant to deal with the states budget crisis. Some said it was nothing but a political ploy for Republicans to use during the general election. If so, that plan backfired. Republicans lost control of the House after two years of being the majority. Though Republican Gov. Susana Martinezs political team was successful in bringing down Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen who opposed the death penalty bill the GOP suffered a net loss in the Senate. Between 1979 and 2007, when the death penalty was an option to prosecutors, there were more than 200 death penalty cases filed, but only 15 men sentenced to death and only one execution. Though the death penalty was repealed in 2009, two inmates who previously were convicted for murders remain on death row. They are Timothy Allen, convicted in 1995, and Robert Fry, convicted for a murder in 2000. | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: The New Mexican , Steve Terrell, January 9-10, 2017 British Airways cabin crew have begun their 48-hour strike in a row over pay. A total of 22 flights out of 800 at Heathrow have been cancelled due to the disruption, Affected destinations include Hamburg, Dusseldorf, San Jose, Oslo and Aberdeen. A small number of Heathrow flights will be 'merged', but BA said all flights to and from Gatwick and London City airports will operate as normal. A picket line was formed near Heathrow today, as employees waved banners and flags to get their message across. Employees of British Airways hold posters and wave banners as they start the 48-hour cabin crew strike at Heathrow Airport British Airways cabin crew have begun their 48-hour strike in a row over pay British Airways aircraft on the tarmac at Terminal 5 at London's Heathrow Airport as members of the airline's cabin crew hold a 48-hour strike in a row over pay Unite said over 800 cabin crew from British Airways' so-called 'mixed fleet' had joined the union since the start of the dispute, taking its membership to over 2,900. Unite national officer Oliver Richardson said: 'Going on strike is never an easy decision, so we are pleased with the numbers of mixed fleet cabin crew who have taken the courageous step to take a stand against poverty pay at British Airways. 'This is a low-paid workforce struggling to make ends meet on wages which are among the lowest in the airline industry. 'It is to the shame of British Airways, a company which prides itself as a premium brand, that members of its loyal workforce are forced to take second jobs to make ends meet or turn up to work unfit to fly because they can't afford to take the day off sick. 'Refusing to meaningfully address the concerns of mixed fleet cabin crew and instead seeking to poison industrial relations through confrontation does passengers a disservice and will lead to plummeting morale. 'We would urge British Airways to listen to our members and address their legitimate concerns over poverty pay.' Affected destinations include Hamburg, Dusseldorf, San Jose, Oslo and Aberdeen A picket line was formed near Heathrow today, as employees waved banners and flags to get their message across Unite said over 800 cabin crew from British Airways' so-called 'mixed fleet' had joined the union since the start of the dispute, taking its membership to over 2,900 BA said: ' Our flights are departing as planned today. 'The crew levels are as we expected and our flights are departing as planned. 'Our proposal for our Mixed Fleet cabin crew is consistent with pay deals agreed with Unite for other British Airways colleagues. It also reflects pay awards given by other companies in the UK and will ensure their reward levels remain in line with cabin crew at our airline competitors. 'Their pay and reward is in line with cabin crew at our competitor airlines. New cabin crew in their first year working full time at British Airways will receive more than 21,000 based on pay, allowances, incentive and bonus. 'We have offered an independent audit of our pay data over the last 12 months to support our statement that Mixed Fleet cabin crew all earn more than 21,000. 'The pay data shows that the range of earnings paid out to full-time Mixed Fleet crew between Sept 1 2015 and Aug 31 2016 was 21,151.35 - 27,356.30. 'We regularly recruit for Mixed Fleet cabin crew and we have lots of interest. We received more than 25,000 applications for 2,000 cabin crew roles. We have more than 1,000 successful candidates who are due to participate in one of our training courses between now and March 2017.' British Airways cabin crew begin a 48-hour strike at Heathrow Airport in London Employees of British Airways hold posters and banners as they start the 48-hour cabin crew strike at Heathrow Airport in London It's possible that the Ft. Lauderdale Airport shooter originally planned to target New York City. Officials tell ABC News that Esteban Santiago bought a ticket to New York City for New Year's Eve. But the 26-year-old Iraq war veteran cancelled the flight a few days later and instead booked a $278 one-way ticket from his home in Anchorage, Alaska to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It was there on Friday that Santiago loaded a gun he checked on the plane and then started shooting innocent people in the baggage claim area of Terminal 2 - killing five and injuring six more. Officials say Esteban Santiago (seen above going to his first court appearance on Monday) first planned to travel to New York City on New Year's Eve, before cancelling his ticket and buying a one-way ticket to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida New York City counterterrorism officials are looking into whether Santiago had plans to carry out a similar attack on one of the city's most popular holidays. Local officials believe that the heightened security for New Year's may have dissuaded Santiago from coming, according to ABC. Santiago appeared in court on Monday for his first hearing. He was calm as U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Valle informed him that he could face the death penalty for three of the federal charges lodged against him if he is convicted. It's still unclear what Santiago's plans were in New York City, or if he planned to transfer to another flight. Above, revelers in Times Square ring in the new year on December 31, 2016 Shackled in a red jumpsuit in the heavily guarded federal courtroom, Santiago answered mostly yes or no to questions, and told the judge he understands the charges, which include committing violence against people at an international airport resulting in death, and two firearms offenses. He said he had been in the Army, where he made about $15,000 a year. He mentioned expenses including $560 in monthly rent, plus phone and other utility bills. He said he owns no property and doesn't have a vehicle. He said he had worked for a security company, Signal 88, in Anchorage, Alaska, until November, making $2,100 a month, but currently only had $5 to $10 in the bank. Given his finances, the judge decided he's eligible for government lawyers at taxpayer expense. Valle ordered Santiago held without bail and also set a detention hearing for January 17, followed by an arraignment for entering a plea for January 23. Surveillance footage from Friday shows Santiago shooting at innocent bystanders in the Terminal 2 baggage claim An injured woman is taken into Broward Health Trauma Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after a shooting at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday People stand on the tarmac at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after the shooting on Friday More than a dozen officers kept watch outside the courthouse, carrying rifles and wearing bulletproof vests. There were also mounted police and K-9 units. The charges don't specifically use the word murder, but the effects of one of the gun charges and the airport charge are the same because they cover actions that result in a person's death and can result in capital punishment, said former federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein. 'Under federal law, there are many statutes that cover the killing of another human being and unlike state statutes, they are not specifically titled murder. But the elements of the crime and the definition of murder are the same,' he said. State authorities could file first-degree murder charges against Santiago, but that's unnecessary for now, Weinstein added, because there is no statute of limitations on murder. If something were to go wrong in federal court, the state could then proceed against him, he said. No links to international terrorism have been found, the FBI has said. But if they surface, federal prosecutors could obtain an updated grand jury indictment to add terror-related charges, Weinstein added. Santiago has been in custody since Friday's shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The FBI said Santiago flew on a one-way ticket aboard a Delta flight from Anchorage to Fort Lauderdale. The 11-and-a-half-hour flight has a two-and-a-half-hour layover in Minneapolis, one of the longest itineraries within the U.S. He checked a single piece of luggage: a gun box for his Walther 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and two magazines of ammunition, according to an FBI affidavit. Agents say he retrieved the box in baggage claim and loaded his weapon in a bathroom stall before opening fire on fellow passengers. In November, Santiago walked into an FBI field office in Alaska with a handgun and his infant child, saying the U.S. government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State group videos, authorities said. Ivanka Trump is taking care of some last second business before heading down to Washington DC for her father's inauguration next week by quitting her two jobs and selling off all her stock in the companies. The 35-year-old has stepped down from her post as Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions as the Trump Organization after 11 years with the company while also resigning from her job running her eponymous line of clothing, shoes and jewelry. Ivanka also sold off all her common stock in the Trump Organization so that she can no longer benefit from the company's profits. The decision of the married mother-of-three to step down from her jobs seems to confirm the long held belief that she will be performing some of the duties which are normally assigned to the first lady while her father is in office. She will certainly be the most visible first daughter that has ever been in the White House, and a source close to the family tells DailyMail.com that she is taking that role 'very seriously' at this time. 'She want to be respectful,' added the source. Donald's wife Melania has made it very clear since the election that she plans to spend a majority of her time in New York City after husband is in office, taking care of their 10-year-old son Barron and allowing him to finish the school year. This would mean that Ivanka could be the one hosting state dinners and meeting with foreign dignitaries and officials while also travelling the country for appearances and speaking engagements. Melania will however be the actual first lady, and in November met with Michelle Obama to discuss the role while also revealing that she was champion cyberbullying as her cause once her husband took office. Scroll down for video Mrs. Kushner goes to Washington: Ivanka Trump (above in September) has stepped down from her job as Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions as the Trump Organization after 11 years Farewell fashion: The 35-year-old also sold off all her common stock and resigned from her director position at her eponymous fashion line (above in ads for her jewelry line) Vanity Fair was the first to report that Ivanka had stepped down from her leadership and director positions at the two companies. That move also means that Ivanka is officially in compliance with ethics laws and free to accept a job in her father Donald's administration at a later date should she have a change of heart. It was reported earlier this week that Ivanka would not accept a position in the White House, where her husband Jared, 36, will be working as an advisor to her father. She would not however be able to accept a salary or official cabinet position however under an anti-nepotism law that prohibits elected officials from appointing relatives to any agencies they oversee. It is unclear however if that law applies to a president appointing a family member to serve as an advisor to them in the White House or work in the West Wing. In an interview with Fox News Sunday last month, Donald made it very clear that he wanted his daughter to be involved in some capacity with his administration, saying she and husband Jared were 'two very talented people' and that his team was looking over the legal restrictions. 'I would love to be able to have them involved,' said Donald. 'If you look at Ivanka - she's so strongly, as you know, into the women's issues and childcare ... Nobody could do better than her.' Donald later kept the door open for Ivanka to come with him to Washington DC when he wrote on Twitter that his sons Donald Jr. and Eric would be staying back in New York to run the Trump Organization and take care of business operations, with no mention of his daughter. Right-hand man: It was announced on Monday that Ivanka's husband Jared would serve as one of Trump's advisors in the White House, but would not accept a salary (Ivanka, Jared and Donald above on election night) Stepping up to the plate: These moves seem to suggest that Ivanka (above in October with her father as brother Donald Jr. looks on) will be performing many of the duties assigned to the first lady in the White House when he father takes office The news that Ivanka has stepped down comes the day after Donald finally announced that Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner would be taking a role as a senior advisor in his administration after he is sworn into office next week. Son-in-laws also fall under the anti-nepotism law, but since Jared has said he will not take a salary that should not be a problem as an appointee in violation of the rule is 'not entitled to pay.' Just like his wife, Jared stepped down from his jobs as chief executive of Kushner Companies and as publisher of the Observer while also ridding himself of his holdings in the media company as well as interests in a venture capital form and one of the buildings he owns in New York City at 666 Fifth Avenue. A lawyer for Jared confirmed that both husband and wife had taken the necessary steps to avoid any conflicts of interest and said in a statement after Jared's appointment on Monday: 'Mr. Kushner is committed to complying with federal ethics laws and we have been consulting with the Office of Government Ethics regarding the steps he would take.' Ivanka (above in October at the opening of the Trump hotel in DC) has worked for her father since 2005 Donald meanwhile said while announcing the news that his son-in-law would be his right-hand man in the White House: 'Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration.' Jared later said that he was 'humbled by the opportunity to join this very talented team.' The 36-year-old will reportedly focus his attention on trade policy and the Middle East in his new position. Donald told the New York Times during a meeting shortly after he was elected that he would 'love to be the one who made peace with Israel and the Palestinians' once in office, and that he believed Jared could help facilitate that goal. No two people played a bigger role in getting Donald elected this past November than Ivanka and Jared, who despite their young age and lack of experience are now two of the most powerful people in American politics. The couple, unlike campaign manager Kellyanne Conway and strategist Steve Bannon, were with Donald from the day he announced his plan to seek the Republican nomination in June 2015 to the night of his victory, and their opinions have always appeared to be the most valued to the president-elect. There have also been numerous indications over the past few weeks that both Jared and Ivanka would be taking roles in the White House. The most notable of these was the news last week that the family would be moving into a $5.5million home in the District's Kalorama neighborhood. It is unclear however if the couple bought the six-bedroom residence or will just be renting the home, which was sold just before the holidays to an unknown buyer. The Trump-Kushners will now be just two blocks away from the home of Barack and Michelle Obama, who are moving to the neighborhood after next week so that their younger daughter Sasha can finish high school in the city. In the beginning: Ivanka and Jared came under fire just one week after the election when photos emerged showing them in a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister (above) New digs: The Trump-Kushners will soon call this $5.5million residence in Washington DC (above) home, just two blocks from the Obamas new home Priorities: Ivanka has said her first task when the family moves to DC will be settling in her three children, Arabella, Joseph and Theodore (above last month) Meanwhile, in the two months since he was elected Ivanka has run into a number of problems because of how close she is to her father. The first major incident came just one week after the election, when her company sent out an email giving information and pricing on the $10,000 bangle from her jewelry line that she wore for the family's interview on 60 Minutes. There was much public outcry over the fact that the move seemed to be a clear attempt on Ivanka's part to profit from her father's position as president. Abigail Klem, the president of the Ivanka Trump brand, later addressed the situation and apologized, telling DailyMail.com: 'This notification was sent by a well-intentioned marketing employee at one of our companies who was following customary protocol, and who, like many of us, is still making adjustments post-election. 'We are proactively discussing new policies and procedures with all of our partners going forward.' Just days later, Ivanka once again found herself under fire when photos were released that showed her sitting in on a meeting her father was having with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Jared was also photographed at the meeting. Ivanka has also been forced to deal with a number of protests in past months An individual with knowledge of the meeting later dismissed the outrage, telling DailyMail.com that Ivanka was simply stopping by the meeting when the photos were taken to say hello as she had been working nearby in her office at Trump Tower. And a family source added: 'The President-elect has always encouraged Ivanka and his children to attend meetings with him. This was informal, but the family obviously needs to adjust to the new realities and they will.' Ivanka has also had to deal with a great deal of public criticism as a result of her close relationship and support for her father including protesters who picketed outside the Park Avenue apartment where she lives with Jared and their three children - Arabella, 5, Joseph, 3, and Theodore, who will turn one in March. There was a movement that began in November calling for not only a boycott of Ivanka's clothing, shoes, jewelry and fragrances, but also the companies that carry them in their stores. That forced the staff at the company to release a statement addressing the concerns of he public, saying: Our companys message is not political it never was and it never will be however, Ivanka, personally, has an increased opportunity to advocate for woman and be a positive force for change.' The company that revealed that they were separating all social media accounts to make a distinct difference between Ivanka the person and Ivanka Trump the brand. Weve been listening to the feedback weve received, both positive and not, and weve been taking it into consideration as we plan for the future,' read the statement. Keep the comments coming. Appeal: Police have asked for information in a bid to trace 53-year-old Dawn Brookfield Police have appealed for information in a bid to trace a 53-year-old nurse who has been missing for two days. Dawn Brookfield was last seen at around midday on Sunday and was reported missing to police at 9pm that night. Detectives said it was believed she might be driving towards Wales. Ms Brookfield, who is from Knowle in the West Midlands, is described by her family as white with short silver hair. She works as a Multiple Sclerosis nurse at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust and was shortlisted for the MS Professional of the Year Award in 2011 in recognition of her hard work at City Hospital in Birmingham. At the time, she cared for and supported 400 patients living with the illness. In 2013, she took part in the Great North Swim in Windermere, Cumbria as part of the MS Society's Challenge60. She also persuaded her sister Carly to take part in the event and the pair completed the one-mile swim in memory of two of Dawn's patients. Ms Brookfield was also instrumental in setting up a support group for MS patients from ethnic minorities, ensuring those with limited English got the help they needed. West Midlands Police are now appealing for information after confirming an investigation was immediately launched. Carly, who lives in London, shared the force's appeal on Facebook in a bid to track down her missing sister. She wrote: 'My sister Dawn has gone missing and we are all, understandably, very concerned about her. She works as a Multiple Sclerosis nurse and was shortlisted for the MS Professional of the Year Award in 2011 in recognition of her hard work at City Hospital in Birmingham (pictured) 'Please share the West Midlands police post below far and wide in the hope that someone spots her.' Jennie Morgan replied: 'So sorry to hear Dawn is missing she lived over the road from us in Finham and is a lovely lady. I hope she is found safe and well very soon x.' A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: 'At the time of her disappearance it is believed that Dawn was wearing a blue, Parka-type jacket and black leggings. 'She drives a white Mitsubishi ASX 2 and there is information to suggest that she may be driving towards Wales. 'Local officers are working with other police forces to find Dawn. 'Anyone who has seen her should call police on 101.' Embattled minister Sussan Ley has been accused of billing taxpayers more than $13,000 to pilot two private flights instead of flying with commercial airlines. The Liberal frontbencher temporarily stepped down as Health Minister on Monday after it was revealed she had gone apartment shopping on the Gold Coast on taxpayer-funded trips. Now more travel records have emerged showing she claimed back $6,300 to fly from Canberra to Melbourne in July 2014 and another $7,000 between Canberra and Adelaide in May 2015, Fairfax Media reported. Scroll down for video Embattled minister Sussan Ley (pictured) has been accused of billing taxpayers more than $13,000 to charter private flights between three capital cities Records show she was required to attend ministerial commitments such as childcare policy meetings in 2014 and discussions with GPs in 2015. But ministerial guidelines said chartered flights can only be used in such circumstances 'such as where no scheduled commercial services exist or a minister would be unduly delayed by the use of scheduled services'. The claim comes after Ms Ley refused to comment on allegations her impulse Gold Coast purchase was not the first time she had gone apartment shopping on taxpayer-funded trips. Ms Ley, who is a licensed commercial pilot, made an unsuccessful bid on a Gold Coast property in 2014, the Herald Sun reported. The property's owners, Adrienne and Stewart McEachran, claimed Ms Ley and her partner inspected the home on September 8 before making an offer, which was declined in October. Government documents show Ms Ley spent more than $1,000 on flights to and from Coolangatta between September 5 and September 8. The licensed commecial pilot stood aside as health minister on Monday after the Prime Minister ordered an investigation into her travel claims by the head of his department The Liberal frontbencher temporarily stepped down as health minister on Monday after it was revealed she'd gone apartment shopping on the Gold Coast on taxpayer-funded trips She claimed car costs of $271 and a travel allowance of $720 for two nights during that time but it's unclear what official business she conducted on the trip. A spokesman for Ms Ley said it would be 'quite improper' to comment on the latest allegations. 'It's actually out of her hands,' he said. 'All of her expenses and travel to the Gold Coast are being looked at independently and we'll await the finding.' Ms Ley stood aside on Monday after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull ordered an investigation into her travel claims by the head of his department. She bought a two-bedroom unit at Main Beach for $795,000 in May 2015 while on a work trip She is also accused of billing taxpayers to attend New Year's Eve celebrations on the Gold Coast in 2013 and 2014 Ms Lay remains adamant she has not broken any rules. It follows revelations she bought a $795,000 apartment from a Liberal National Party donor during a taxpayer-funded trip to the Gold Coast. She is also accused of billing taxpayers to attend New Year's Eve celebrations on the Gold Coast in 2013 and 2014 hosted by businesswoman and Liberal Party donor Sarina Russo who has won multi-million-dollar contracts from the government. Labor insists Ms Ley should be sacked. The Senate fight over President-elect Donald Trump's pick of Sen Jeff Sessions to become attorney general is turning into a showdown over race, wth New Jersey senator Corey Booker set to testify against the Alabama Republican and Trump supporter Rudy Giuliani saying Sessions is 'not a racist' and blasting 'ridiculous' attacks. Sessions is the first Trump cabinet nominee to get a confirmation hearing when the Senate Judiciary Committee meets Tuesday morning, and his nomination is already drawing fireworks. Booker is set to testify Wednesday against the Alabama Republican during the latter's attorney general confirmation hearing, while the Trump transition is lining up allies to defend him. Civil Rights legend Rep. John Lewis of Georgia also will testify. It's rare for a sitting senator to testify against a colleague picked for a Cabinet post, and a break from the chamber's sometimes clubby atmosphere. New Jersey Democratic Sen Cory Booker is set to testify Wednesday against Sen Jeff Sessions 'Come on, this is a guy who prosecuted the Klan, one life sentence, one I I think, death sentence,' Giuliani said. Giuliani, appearing on 'Fox and Friends,' defended Sessions Tuesday morning. 'This is a guy who brought desegregation cases for rural districts. This is ridiculous,' Giuliani said. 'Hes been in the Senate all these years and every one of those senators knows hes not a racist. Theyre playing a game. The ones who come up there and do that are being really intellectually dishonest,' Giuliani continued. This will take place during Sessions's attorney general confirmation, which will likely raise questions on allegations of racism from the 1980s, claims the Alabama Republican denies 'I do not take lightly the decision to testify against a Senate colleague', Booker said. 'But the immense powers of the attorney general combined with the deeply troubling views of this nominee is a call to conscience'. Democrats have expressed concern about Sessions's civil rights record, and Booker is one of just three black senators. Booker calls his opposition 'a call to conscience'. Sessions's confirmation hearings will likely raise questions on allegations of racism from the 1980s, claims the senator continues to deny. When Sen Sessions was a 39-year-old US attorney in Alabama he was denied a federal judgeship by President Ronald Reagan. Meanwhile, the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee announced Monday night that the hearing for Trump's education pick, Betsy De Vos, would be delayed until January 17, following an assault from unions angered by her support for private school choice. She is one of several nominees who has yet to work out a conflict of interest arrangement with an office of government ethics. Democratic Congressman John Lewis is also expected to testify against Sessions The reason? Testimony from multiple former colleagues of Sessions suggested he was racist. In one case, Sessions referred to the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP as 'un-American'. It's unlikely Democrats will be able to block Sessions' nomination because of the 2013 'nuclear option' - which allows senators to approve by a simple majority all presidential appointments to the executive branch and the judiciary, with the exception of Supreme Court justices. Republicans have a 52-seat majority. Popular retailer L.L. Bean is pushing back against a social media-fueled call for consumers to consider boycotting its products on Tuesday because one of its owners donated money to help elect Donald Trump. The Maine-based company posted a message on its Facebook page asking that it be removed from a list of companies compiled by #Grabyourwallet, which seeks to discourage people from buying products from brand names tied to Trump. The outdoor apparel maker became the subject of unwanted publicity in recent days after it was learned that Linda Bean, one of 50 co-owners and a member of the founding Bean family, donated $60,000 to a pro-Trump political action committee. Popular retailer L.L. Bean is pushing back against a social media-fueled call to boycott its products on Tuesday because one of its owners donated money to help elect Donald Trump. The company's flagship store in Freeport, Maine, is seen above Linda Bean is the granddaughter of Leon Leonwood Bean, the founder of his namesake company. She is also on L.L. Beans board of directors, according to Bloomberg News. Beans contribution to Making America Great Again LLC far exceeds the $5,000 limit for individual contributors mandated by the Federal Election Commission, according to the Portland Press Herald. The PAC received a letter from the FEC warning that it could face an audit if it did not respond to the letter. The PAC then took steps to register as a super PAC, meaning that it could raise unlimited funds. Linda Bean (left), the granddaughter of company founder Leon Leonwood Bean (right), is one of 50 co-owners of the family-run company. Last week, it was learned that she donated $60,000 to a pro-Trump political action committee Making America Great Again LLC is also known as Making Maine Great Again, according to the Press Herald. The money it raised from contributors like Linda Bean were used for signs and ads on Facebook and radio urging voters to support Trump. When news of Bean's (left) contribution became public, Grab Your Wallet, an Internet-based campaign co-founded by Shannon Coulter (right), asked consumers to consider boycotting L.L. Bean Beans contributions drew the ire of Grab Your Wallet, an Internet-based campaign to call attention to corporate entities that have profited from doing business with either Trump or his daughter, Ivanka. Shawn Gorman, L.L. Beans executive chairman, posted a note on Facebook insisting that Linda Beans individual contribution was made on her own behalf and not that of the company. Shawn Gorman, the executive chairman of L.L. Bean, wrote a post on Facebook demanding that Grab Your Wallet remove the company from its boycott list Shannon Coulter, a co-founder of Grab Your Wallet, responded to Gorman by saying that she would be 'happy to remove L.L. Bean from the list once your board is no longer using my hard-earned money to fund rise of guys like Donald [Trump]' L.L.Bean does not endorse political candidates, take positions on political matters, or make political contributions, Gorman wrote. Simply put, we stay out of politics. To be included in this boycott campaign is simply misguided, and we respectfully request that Grab Your Wallet reverse its position. Shannon Coulter, a co-founder of Grab Your Wallet, responded to Gorman by saying that she would be 'happy to remove L.L. Bean from the list once your board is no longer using my hard-earned money to fund rise of guys like Donald [Trump].' The campaign was launched by Coulter and Sue Atencio in response to the so-called p***ygate scandal this past October, when video recordings of Trump making remarks about groping women by their genitals became public. Grab Your Wallet, which was launched in response to 'p***ygate,' wants to discourage buying from companies that do business with Donald Trump (left) and his daughter, Ivanka (right) Among the companies that are targeted by Grab Your Wallet are Amazon (left), Bloomingdale's (center), and Bed Bath & Beyond (right) The #GrabYourWallet boycott began October 11, 2016 in the wake of the Trump Tapes when a brand strategist and a grandmother simultaneously realized they could no longer in good conscience shop at retailers that do business with the Trump family, the Grab Your Wallet web site reads. Never having met, Shannon Coulter and Sue Atencio immediately joined forces and announced on Twitter they'd be boycotting any retailer that carried Trump products, publishing a short list of such retailers later that same evening. The #GrabYourWallet campaign seems to be taking on a life of its own, Atencio told CBS News after it was reported that Democratic-leaning women were less likely to buy products bearing Ivanka Trumps brand. No one wants to punish Ivanka for being his daughter; its the surrogate thing. The #grabyourwallet hashtag has attracted followers on Twitter, like the one above, who have vowed to stop spending money on L.L. Bean products 'I recently got an L.L. Bean credit card but will be closing my account,' wrote Edvige Giunta (above) 'As long as Linda Bean is on board [of directors], they have made a political statement,' this Twitter user says Grab Your Wallet lists dozens of companies with business associations with the Trump family, including Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Bloomingdales. It categorizes which companies are deserving of boycotts as well as which firms should be considered for boycotts. Currently, it has L.L. Bean listed as a company that should be considered for a boycott. Trump supporters, meanwhile, also encouraged boycotts of entities that were perceived to be supportive of the Democrats and their nominee for president, Hillary Clinton. Last month, some fans of the hit sci-fi franchise Star Wars said they would boycott the latest installment, Rogue One, after it was claimed that the movie was re-filmed after the election to include anti-Trump themes. Just a week after Trumps election, backers of the president-elect vowed to boycott PepsiCo after its CEO, Indra Nooyi, condemned Trump for his remarks about women, according to ThinkProgress. The troubled inquiry into historical child sex abuse has named Brian Altman QC, pictured, a leading barrister, as its most senior lawyer The troubled inquiry into historical child sex abuse has named Brian Altman QC, a leading barrister, as its most senior lawyer. He will take over the role of lead counsel to the probe following the resignation last year of Ben Emmerson QC. Announcing the appointment, inquiry chairwoman Professor Alexis Jay described Mr Altman as 'hugely experienced'. The probe has been beset by problems and Mr Emmerson's resignation, which was announced in September, was one of a number of departures of senior figures. Prof Jay said: 'I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Brian Altman QC as lead counsel to the inquiry. 'He is hugely experienced, having spent 16 years as Treasury Counsel, the last two and a half years of which were as First Senior Treasury Counsel. 'This is an important appointment for the inquiry and I look forward to working with Brian as we take forward the work of the inquiry.' After his appointment was confirmed, Mr Altman said he looked forward to taking up his post. BRIAN ALTMAN QC: ONE OF BRITAIN'S MOST INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS The child abuse inquiry's new top lawyer Brian Altman has been one of the most in-demand prosecutor of the most noteworthy murder and terrorism cases of recent years. He was called to the bar in 1981 and took silk in 2008. His principal area of practice is serious crime, such as terrorism and homicide, but his main specialisms are fraud and bribery, as well as corporate governance, compliance and regulatory work, according to a profile on the website of his chambers 2 Bedford Row. Mr Altman, who has been named as one of the country's 100 most influential lawyers, has prosecuted a number of high-profile cases including the trial of Levi Bellfield for abducting and killing schoolgirl Milly Dowler. Advertisement He said: 'The Government and the public have set the inquiry a huge challenge to investigate institutional responses to child sexual abuse in the past, and to report and make recommendations in order to prevent such abuse happening in the future. 'I am delighted to have been appointed to lead a team of lawyers dedicated to completing the task of the inquiry. 'I will work to ensure that the investigations and the public hearings are kept on track in order to deliver the terms of reference of the inquiry.' Mr Altman was called to the bar in 1981 and took silk in 2008. His principal area of practice is serious crime, such as terrorism and homicide, but his main specialisms are fraud and bribery, as well as corporate governance, compliance and regulatory work, according to a profile on the website of his chambers 2 Bedford Row. Mr Altman, who has been named as one of the country's 100 most influential lawyers, has prosecuted a number of high-profile cases including the trial of Levi Bellfield for abducting and killing schoolgirl Milly Dowler. The inquiry has been plagued by controversy since it was originally launched by then home secretary Theresa May in 2014. Announcing the appointment, inquiry chairwoman Professor Alexis Jay, pictured, described Mr Altman as 'hugely experienced' Brian Altman QC will take over the role of lead counsel to the probe following the resignation last year of Ben Emmerson QC Last month it emerged all of the investigative strands will be retained after an internal review concluded the probe should not be scaled back. Prof Jay has said she plans to make recommendations in an interim report in 2018 and spoke of her determination to make "substantial progress" by 2020. However, no final completion date has been given for what is the largest public inquiry ever established in the UK. Theresa May has been warned of an exodus of more 10,000 financial services jobs unless she provides certainty over Brexit. Xavier Rolet, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, said his customers 'simply would not wait' to start shifting operations. The warning came as HSBC said it would take 'pre-emptive action' to move 1,000 jobs to France, the Netherlands or Ireland before the formal Article 50 process for leaving the EU is complete. Speaking to MPs on the Treasury Select Committee amid mounting pressure for Mrs May to spell out her demands in the looming negotiations, Mr Rolet said there was no doubt over the potential impact on the financial services sector. Xavier Rolet, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, told the Commons Treasury Committee his customers 'simply would not wait' to start shifting operations 'I'm not just talking about the clearing jobs themselves which number into the few thousands. 'But the very large array of ancillary functions, whether it's syndication, trading, treasury management, middle office, back office, risk management, software, which range into far more than just a few thousand or tens of thousands of jobs. They would then start migrating.' Douglas Flint, group chairman of HSBC, told the committee the bank would take 'pre-emptive action' to move jobs to France, the Netherlands or Ireland before the Article 50 process is complete. He said the lender's heavyweight clients expected financial industry to adjust to meet their needs post-Brexit, but warned smaller firms were more likely to suffer under the weight of uncertainty. Banks have issued stark warnings since the Brexit vote, claiming thousands of jobs would shift to rival financial centres across Europe and the United States if Britain loses the right to sell financial services to the EU. US banking giant JP Morgan said 4,000 jobs would go, Goldman Sachs threatened to move 2,000 roles if Britain loses passporting rights and HSBC claimed it would transfer 1,000 positions from London to Paris following the Brexit vote. However, the resilience of the UK economy since the EU referendum result has cast doubt over doom-laden economic reports suggesting Britain would suffer a sharp slowdown. Andy Haldane, the Bank of England's chief economist, admitted last week that economists had become embroiled in a forecasting crisis, labelling warnings of a swift and deep downturn after the Brexit vote as a 'Michael Fish moment'. Douglas Flint, group chairman of HSBC, told the committee the bank would take 'pre-emptive action' to move jobs to France, the Netherlands or Ireland Asked whether or not bank bosses had their hands 'poised quivering over the relocate button' as previously suggested by the chief executive of the British Bankers' Association, Anthony Browne, Mr Flint said it depended on what access lenders already had to Europe. 'I think the 'quivering over the relocate button' is dependent on business model and what you use the UK for,' Mr Flint said. 'If you are a fund institution hubbing in the EU from London, you really have no choice but to think very quickly and carefully about how you replicate the access to the EU when the UK leaves the European Union. 'If you have already established an operation in the EU you can take your time to decide whether or not to move quickly more leisurely, seeing how the negotiations flow. 'But a bank like us with operations all over the EU including a significant full-service bank in France, you can take even longer to decide when to push the button. Pressure has been mounting on Theresa May to spell out details of her approach in the looming Brexit negotiations 'Nobody wants to push the button because the best outcome for everybody is the preservation of the status quo insofar as is possible.' The committee hearing comes after a House of Lords report warned last month that any pain caused to the financial sector during Brexit negotiations would harm the UK and Europe because key services were more likely to shift to New York, including euro clearing operations. Speaking to MPs, Mr Rolet said the EU was already singling out the UK to disrupt its euro-clearing operation. He said the EU could take the 'momentous decision' to claim the euro-clearing business via treaty or regulatory changes, or through the introduction of minor rules that have a far-reaching impact. However, he reaffirmed his view that New York's financial industry was more likely to benefit if the euro-clearing business was shifted out of London. 'I think it is to no surprise that almost a few days after the outcome of the referendum was known, one of the leaders of the continental European countries, out of the blue, claimed not manufacturing, not agricultural products, wine and cheese-based industries or start ups, fintech, but focused on clearing as he thought of the business to claim back. 'This is a strategic business,' he added. Responding to Mr Rolet's call for certainty, the Prime Minister's spokeswoman said: 'The PM has been clear that the British people made a decision to leave the European Union, there is a whole raft of work that needs to be done following that on the approach to the negotiations. Turkish police shot dead a suspected terrorist who opened fire on officers and tried to break into their precinct. A suspected accomplice fled the scene in the city of Gaziantep, and police were trying to catch him, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said. The man who shot at officers was killed when police fired back at him and a wounded police officer was taken to hospital for treatment. A police officer, top left, appears to have shot dead the suspected terrorist, lying on the ground, as he tried to enter the police station Crime scene investigators (left) work after a shooting attack in front of the Gaziantep Police headquarters in Gaziantep The body of the suspected terrorist is surrounded by officers in the aftermath of the attack Officers guard a police cordon after an attacker was killed in an attempted assault on a precinct Turkish police stand guard while injured police are attended to after a shooting attack in front of the Gaziantep Police headquarters in Gaziantep The state-run Anadolu Agency said bomb disposal squads were called to the scene in case the dead shooter had a bomb on him. Local news channel NTV reported the man may have been planning a suicide bombing at the station near the Syrian border. Several ambulances are said to have been set to the area. Turkey is on edge following a spate of attacks that have been blamed on Kurdish militants and the Islamic State group. Armed security officials flood from the a building in Turkey in response to coming under fire from As the attackers attempted to break into the precinct, officers sprung into action Meanwhile two loud explosions rocked the Afghan capital killing at least 38 people and injuring around 70. The country's parliament was the target of the blasts, according to Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for the Interior Ministry. The first explosion, carried out by a suicide bomber, was quickly followed by a second, caused by car bomb parked near the same site, he said. Sediqqi said there were casualties but that exact numbers remain unclear. Public health ministry spokesman Ismail Kawasi only confirmed that three wounded civilians were brought to hospital. An injured security guard said: ' The first explosion happened outside the parliament... a number of innocent workers were killed and wounded. It was caused by a suicide bomber on foot. 'The second one was a car bomb. 'It was parked on the other side of the road and flung me back when it detonated. Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed responsibility for the Kabul attacks. A suicide bomber targeted parliament in Kabul, killing at least 23 and injuring dozens Afghan policemen stand guard at the site of a suicide bomb attack in the capital Kabul An Afghan troop stands guard after twin blasts in the capital Kabul Four security officials block the road after a suicide bomber blew himself up before a car bomb was detonated Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber on foot struck in southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, said General Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand, said Kemtoz. Those killed include civilian and military personnel, and six others were wounded in the attack, Kemtoz added . A car full of explosives was found nearby. Blog Hinangai While there is much discussion in Guam about the economic benefits of increasing the islands military presence, the damages/dangers that they represent are rarely mentioned. This blog, a supplement to the Peace and Justice for Guam Petition, is meant to counter that by providing information about the US military in Guam, with the hopes of steering policy away from a dangerous unilateralist course to more sustainable notions of regional development and a strengthening international solidarity. Rep. Lacy Clay, whose congressional district includes Ferguson, Missouri, plans to rehang a painting that depicts police officers as pigs, after it was taken off a Capitol Building wall by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif. Hunter's congressional office is next door. 'I think he was way out of bounds and he broke the law it's called theft,' Clay told the Daily Caller. 'I think don't think anyone up here is qualified to be an art critic. I'm not and no other member is an art critic except one Alma Adams of North Carolina.' Furthermore, Clay argued, there's plenty of 'offensive' artwork in the capitol including the statues of Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee, 'two traitors who caused America 600,000 lives and they're treasonous.' Scroll down for video Rep. William Lacy Clay (center), who represents Ferguson, Missouri, plans to rehang a controversial painting on Capitol Hill, which depicts police officers as pigs The painting, which shows the Ferguson protests, was created by a high school student and won a congressional art contest Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter pulled the painting off the wall Friday, calling the move an 'impulsive thing,' but adding that it was 'offensive' 'They should be out of here,' Clay said. 'Or Nathan Forrest the founder of the KKK. He shouldn't be hanging around here.' The removed painting was the winner of Clay's congressional art contest in May 2016 an interpretation of the Ferguson protests created by Cardinal Ritter High School student David Pulphus. It hung among other art show winners. On Friday, Duncan yanked it off the wall. 'It was an impulsive thing when I walked by,' Hunter told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of his decision to remove the painting, which he learned about last week in a tweet. 'It strikes a nerve. I'm not a cop, but I was in the Marine Corps.' 'It kind of strikes the same nerve as when the guys came home from Vietnam, and they were called baby killers,' Hunter added. He left it unharmed on a desk in Clay's office. Rep. Clay argued that there are more offensive pieces of art in the Capitol Building, including a statue of confederate leader Jefferson Davis Duncan also said the move was 'nothing personal' toward Clay, as the Republican suggested called the Missouri Democrat a 'friend.' But he did stand his ground. 'It's offensive,' Duncan told he Post-Dispatch. 'You shouldn't have something in the Capitol that depicts cops as pigs. It's that simple.' He added that Clay could put the painting back if he wanted, the paper reported. This morning, according to the Washington Examiner, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which includes Clay, will do just that. Russia is to ban anyone born after 2015 from buying cigarettes as part of a long-term plan to eradicate smoking in Russia. The proposal, which has the backing of fitness fan and non-smoker President Vladimir Putin, would make Russia the first country in the world to completely phase out tobacco. Every year almost 400,000 Russians die of smoking-related diseases but the Tass news agency says the number of smokers has fallen from 41 percent to 31 percent in the last 10 years. Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin (pictured, left) was fond of smoking Georgian tobacco in his pipe but Vladimir Putin (right) is a non-smoker who wants to phase out the habit altogether But President Putin and his advisers are keen to stamp out the habit, which is not only bad for Russians' health but also bad for their economy. Smoking has traditionally been popular in Russia but tobacco is not grown there and, since Soviet times, it has had to be imported from Cuba, Georgia or Central Asia. Nikolai Gerasimenko, of the Russian parliament's health committee, told The Times: 'This goal is absolutely ideologically correct.' Russian soldiers smoking during a break in fighting in Chechnya in 2000. But nowadays the Putin regime emphasises health and fitness and frowns on smoking in the armed forces Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said the proposed ban would require serious discussion but he said it was a genuine aspiration. In 2015 it was reported that the Russian parliament was considering banning all women under the age of 40 from buying cigarettes. Mothers with young children would also be forbidden to buy tobacco under proposals put forward by 42 MPs from the Russian Communist Party. But this latest proposal, although less radical in the short-term, would have far-reaching consequences in the long term. More than half of all Russian men still smoke and the Kremlin grinds its teeth as big American tobacco companies make vast profits at the expense of Russians' health STOCK PHOTO It would effectively ban future generations of Russians from learning the habit of smoking. Currently 51 percent of men smoke, compared with only 17 percent of women. But if the new proposal was introduced by 2050, with many smokers having died or given up, it is estimated only a tiny fraction of Russians would still buy cigarettes. Dr Daniel Neides sparked outrage with his claims that newborns were being 'overburdened' with toxins in vaccinations A Cleveland Clinic doctor has come under fire for penning an anti-vaccinations blog where he linked shots to autism and cancer. In the blog post for Cleveland.com, Dr Daniel Neides MD, 50, said he was tired of the 'nonsense Americans are being fed' and wanted to 'stand up and scream' on behalf of babies being pumped with vaccines he said their bodies cannot cope with. He suggested they were to blame for an increase in the number of children being diagnosed with autism and 'other neurological diseases'. Dr Neides, the director of the hospital's Wellness Institute who specializes in family medicine, was slammed by critics who said the comments would lead to children's deaths. In the article, Dr Neides said he could not prove that vaccinations caused autism or other illness, but suggested they were being overused among infants. 'Does the vaccine burden - as has been debated for years - cause autism? I don't know and will not debate that here. 'What I will stand up and scream is that newborns without intact immune systems and detoxification systems are being over-burdened with PRESERVATIVES AND ADJUVANTS IN THE VACCINES. 'The deniers will simply state that we do a better job of diagnosing this "disorder". 'Really? Something (s) are over-burdening our ability to detoxify, and that is when the problems begin,' he wrote. He was inspired to write the article, he said, after taking ill himself from a flu shot containing formaldehyde. In a lengthy post for Cleveland.com, Dr Neides said he took ill within 12 hours of receiving a flu shot The 50-year-old said the overuse of vaccinations among infants could explain a rise in autism Officials at the Cleveland Clinic quickly issued a statement to say he had made the comments without their approval 'I am tired of all the nonsense we as American citizens are being fed while big business - and the government - continue to ignore the health and well-being of the fine people in this country... 'Here we are, being lined up like cattle and injected with an unsafe product. 'Within 12 hours of receiving the vaccine, I was in bed feeling miserable and missed two days of work with a terrible cough and body aches,' he wrote. Dr Neides went on to question why newborns were 'exposed' sexually transmitted diseases including hepatitis B and said the overuse of vaccinations would lead to greater health problems across the entire country. Critics were quick to slam the doctor's comments, suggesting they could lead to children's deaths In 2015, a landmark study declared there was no evidence to suggest that the MMR shot (which vaccinates against measles, mumps and rubella) led to autism AUTISM AND THE MMR VACCINE: HOW THE MYTH BEGAN The MMR controversy began after a 1998 study, published in the UK in The Lancet journal, by disgraced British former gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield, raised the possibility of a link between the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, bowel disease and autism. Rarely has one piece of misinformation single-handedly caused so much damage. Autism is usually diagnosed in preschool children, and the second dose of MMR is given between ages three and four. The two can coincide, but there is no causality. A formal inquiry found the research fraudulent and unethical the children with autism were subjected to unnecessary invasive procedures such as colonoscopies and lumbar punctures. Wakefield's study was widely discredited and he was permanently stripped of his license to practice medicine. Yet, it was 12 years before The Lancet journal finally retracted the discredited paper in 2010 as a result of an investigation by a British newspaper. By then, the damage was done. The paper led to an anti-vaccination movement which has resulted in a growing number of preventable illnesses in the U.S. Homegrown measles, for example, was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. But health officials say cases imported by travelers from overseas continue to infect unvaccinated U.S. residents. The sometimes deadly viral disease can spread swiftly among unvaccinated children. Last year alone saw 189 people from 24 states and the District of Columbia contract the disease while one outbreak at Disneyland in January 2015 was responsible for at least 80 cases. There is no treatment for measles which can cause serious complications including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infection and pneumonia Incidents of whooping cough, which killed 10,000 Americans annually before the vaccine slashed deaths to 30, has also been on the rise. The American Academy of Pediatrics has since said all children should get the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella between 12 and 15 months of age and again between 4 and 6 years old. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg waded in on the debate earlier this year after he posted a photo on the social networking site of his two-month-old daughter in the doctors surgery waiting to be vaccinated. It provoked a storm on social media with millions debating the pros and cons of vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and other health officials say that no link between vaccination and the complications exist. Advertisement 'If we don't look out for ourselves and each other, we can expect to hear about more cancers, more autism, and more auto-immune diseases. 'As a doctor, I should be thinking - great, this is perfect for business. I am a primary care doctor with a three month wait to get in. That is unacceptable.' He was slammed by critics who remanded he be fired from the clinic for the 'harmful' comments. 'Daniel Neides needs to be terminated immediately. 'Kids will die because of what he wrote,' said one unimpressed critic while another demanded he apologize for 'incalculable damage'. The Cleveland Clinic swiftly condemned his comments, insisting they were made without its approval. 'Cleveland Clinic is fully committed to evidence-based medicine. Harmful myths and untruths about vaccinations have been scientifically debunked in rigorous ways. 'We completely support vaccinations to protect people, especially children who are particularly vulnerable. 'Our physician published his statement without authorization from Cleveland Clinic.' It said he would face disciplinary action as a result. Dr Neides has since apologized for the article. 'I apologize and regret publishing a blog that has caused so much concern and confusion for the public and medical community. 'I fully support vaccinations and my concern was meant to be positive around the safety of them,' he said. The article won the support of anti-vaxxers who applauded him for speaking against the trend. Some passionate fans even launched a petition asking for him not to be punished for sharing his views. 'Don't Punish Dr. Daniel Neides For Encouraging Development of Maximally Safe Vaccines,' it was titled. The link between vaccinations and autism has been discussed and disputed by medical experts for years. In 2015, a landmark study declared there was no evidence to suggest that the MMR shot (which vaccinates against measles, mumps and rubella) led to autism. Measles is among a handful of diseases which have been eradicated in the Americas thanks to vaccinations. There has however been a spread of mumps across the country in recent months. The study, released by the Journal of the American Medical Association, did nothing to thwart a growing anti-vaxxer movement. The topic is a sore spot of disagreement among parents of young children; those who do vaccinate their children claim their infants are being infected with sometimes deadly diseases by kids whose parents chose not to have them inoculated. Northern Ireland's devolved system could be destroyed by 'divisive' elections that now appear 'highly likely', James Brokenshire has warned MPs. The Northern Ireland Secretary outlined the 'grave' political dangers facing Ulster after Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness quit as deputy first minister in the power-sharing executive. A political row over the role of DUP first minister Arlene Foster in a disastrous renewable energy scheme means fresh elections could be ordered as soon as next week. Mrs Foster signalled today she was prepared to resume talks to avoid a full collapse of the Stormont executive - but she continued her refusal to resign. Northern Ireland's devolved system could be destroyed by 'divisive' elections that now appear 'highly likely', James Brokenshire warned MPs today (pictured) Updating the Commons on the latest developments, Mr Brokenshire said the 'situation is grave' after the scandal exposed 'deeper tensions' within the executive Updating the Commons on the latest developments, Mr Brokenshire said the 'situation is grave' after the scandal exposed 'deeper tensions' within the executive. He said: 'This has led to a break down in the trust and cooperation that is necessary for the power-sharing institutions to function effectively. 'Over the coming hours and days, I will continue to explore whether any basis exists to resolve these issues prior to me having to fulfil my statutory duty to call an election. SO WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN NORTHERN IRELAND NOW? The Northern Ireland Executive was created in 1999 after the sealing of the historic Good Friday Agreement. In an effort to manage tensions between the communities, it sets out strict rules on powersharing. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister are drawn from the main unionist and republican parties. They have equal powers, and must govern as heads of a coalition. The resignation of Mr McGuinness and Sinn Fein's refusal to appoint a replacement will automatically collapse the executive. Fresh elections will be called if there is no compromise within seven days. If new elections fail to resolve the impasse, Mr Brokenshire can ask the electorate again. The alternative is to re-establish direct rule from London - something which has not happened for almost a decade. The last period of direct rule ran from 2002 to 2007 amid bitter dispute over the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Advertisement 'We do however have to be realistic: the clock is ticking. If there is no resolution an election is inevitable despite the widely held view this election may deepen divisions and threaten the continuity of the devolved institutions.' Mr Brokenshire said it was 'imperative a comprehensive and transparent' inquiry was established Renewable Heat Initiative scandal (RHI) which threatens to leave a 490million black hole in Stormont's finances. The Northern Ireland Secretary is flying back to Northern Ireland this afternoon to resume efforts to try and end the impasse without early elections. If elections are held but fail to resolve the political dispute, Mr Brokenshire would be forced to hold another poll. Continued failure would ultimately lead to the re-imposition of direct rule from London - a move which could threaten the wider peace process. Mr McGuinness resigned as Deputy First Minister last night in the latest bitter fallout from the 1billion RHI scandal. Mrs Foster today announced plans for a public inquiry into the botched green energy scheme. She insisted the inquiry could go ahead without the sign-off of the DUP's partners in government, Sinn Fein, which has demanded her resignation. 'We are willing to take part with any discussion to see if a way forward can be found,' she said. Martin McGuinness (pictured leaving Stormont last night) quit with effect from 5pm, collapsing the administration in Northern Ireland and probably triggering elections 'I remain open to further discussions with Sinn Fein or any of the other parties in the Assembly over the next few days.' She added: 'It's needed to restore confidence in the institutions and also for me personally, to retain my integrity, which has been completely maligned over this past number of weeks and months.' Mr McGuinness's move, which ends his party's ten-year coalition with the Democratic Unionist Party, came in protest at the DUP's handling of a disastrous renewable energy scheme. Former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers last night said new elections are now 'inevitable' just six months after the province last went to the polls. The move could affect Theresa May's timetable to trigger the Article 50 EU exit process by the end of March. First Minister Arlene Foster, who presided over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), has steadfastly refused to stand aside while the scandal is probed. She is pictured today arriving at DUP headquarters The Supreme Court is currently considering whether she must first seek the consent of devolved assemblies like Stormont which would be impossible in an election campaign. Brexit is likely to be a major issue in new elections, because most voters in the province voted Remain but it is led by the pro-Brexit DUP. Mr McGuinness's walkout follows months of wrangling over the Renewable Heat Initiative scandal (RHI) which threatens to leave a 490million black hole in Stormont's finances. The subsidy scheme was set up by First Minister Arlene Foster in 2012 in her previous role as economy minister. Mr McGuinness said yesterday it was time to let Northern Ireland voters give their judgment on the scandal It was meant to boost use of renewable energy but the subsidy rates were set far too high and no cap was set on the amounts that could be claimed. This led to huge abuse, with firms said to have exploited the free-for-all by leaving their heating on at all hours with the windows open. The scheme was closed last February because of 'significant financial risk' to the province. But Stormont is locked into 20-year contracts with firms which signed up and the final bill could top 1billion. Rival politicians accused Mrs Foster of incompetence and she faced disputed allegations of corruption. But she refused to step aside to allow an independent investigation, despite claims that she had a 'clear conflict of interest'. Mr McGuinness said yesterday it was time to let Northern Ireland voters give their judgment on the scandal. He added: 'The DUP's handling of this issue has been completely out of step with a public mood, which is rightly outraged at the squandering of public money and the allegations of misconduct and corruption.' In a statement to camera today, Mr McGuinness said he was resigning from the executive with 'deep regret and reluctance' Under the terms of the power-sharing deal, his resignation will automatically bring down Mrs Foster as First Minister and trigger new elections unless Sinn Fein nominates a new Deputy First Minister, which it has vowed it will not. Mrs Foster hit back yesterday by accusing Mr McGuinness of staging a cynical stunt. 'Sinn Fein's actions are not principled; they are political,' she said. 'At precisely the time we need our government to be active, we will have no government and no way to resolve the RHI problems.' Courtney Hutchinson, 31, from Brixton in London, had appeared in a gangster movie in which he brands a man with an iron A British actor and rapper has been jailed after torturing a woman with a red hot iron before raping her during a horrific weekend-long attack. Courtney Hutchinson, 31, from Brixton in London, had appeared in a gangster movie in which he brands a man with an iron. Snaresbrook Crown Court heard that he filmed part of his real life victim's ordeal as he whipped her with electrical flex and raped her. She fled naked from his flat in terror after he left her with a fractured eye socket and burn marks on her chest and leg. The woman also suffered a stab wound to the hand, internal bleeding from being kicked and punched in abdomen and from where Hutchinson pushed a chair leg into her stomach. She had a broken nose, large chunks of hair pulled out and one of her arms was dislocated. Her face was so swollen she was unrecognisable and one witness described her as looking like the 'Elephant Man'. After being caught and remaining in custody, pictures of Hutchinson smiling shamelessly and posing for a photo in a prison cell with fellow inmates appeared on social media - despite mobile phones and social media being banned from jails. His female victim suffered 20 separate injuries and lawyer on the case said her injuries were the worst he had ever seen. Brixton-born Hutchinson, who is also rapper known as 'DVS', had threatened the woman before he attacked and told her: 'You won't speak to me like that when you see me.' The victim, 20, was at a flat in Inverness Mews, Docklands, used by Hutchinson when the weekend of violence began. Claire Harden-Frost, prosecuting, said: 'The next thing she remembers is being on the floor and the defendant hitting, punching and kicking her. 'He took her iPhone, removed the SIM card and smashed it.' After the beating Hutchinson raped her. 'She wanted to leave the flat but was too scared to because of what he had already done earlier that evening,' said Ms Harden-Frost. 'The next day it worsened still,' said Ms Harden-Frost. Brixton-born Hutchinson (second from left in a picture taken from a prison cell), who is also rapper known as 'DVS', had threatened the woman before he attacked A British actor and rapper has been jailed after torturing a woman with a red hot iron before raping her during a horrific weekend-long attack He punched her in the face and as she cowered in a corner forced a chair leg into her. 'He dragged her around the house by her looking for a belt to attack her with,' said Ms Harden-Frost. 'When he couldn't find one he used a phone charger and whipped her with the lead.' When the lead detached from the plug, he turned on the iron. While it was heating up he became impatient so continued his brutal assault by whipping her with a television lead. Once the iron was hot he jabbed it at her forcing her to the floor and began burning her as she lay on the ground. 'She remembers being on the floor as he held the iron above her face begging him to stop,' said Ms Harden-Frost. 'He did but he told her to hold the iron to her own skin. 'She couldn't do it so he told her to slap herself instead. 'She did so but it wasn't hard enough for his liking so he punched her in the face.' Hutchinson continued to call her names and ridicule her by throwing biscuits at her and making her sweep up the crumbs and forcing her to parade around the house. Ms Harden-Frost said: 'The defendant told her that she needed to be punished.' 'He asked her to come up with strategies to punish her.' Hutchinson admitted, rape, false imprisonment and causing grievous bodily harm with intent When the woman suggested it was better that she reflect internally on what she had done, Hutchinson told her to put her hands behind her back and punched her in the face. 'He told her to lift her head up so he could punch her in the throat which he did, said Ms Harden-Frost. 'He told her whilst she was in bed that she was going to die and that she wouldn't see tomorrow and he lay there counting the hours she had left.' 'She can't remember all the details but she does know they had sexual intercourse again that night. 'She said to him if it would make him feel better that he could do it. 'He kept pressing on her legs which was painful from where she had been burnt. 'She says she didn't want to do it but she felt a need to try and survive. 'The next day, the Sunday, he asked her whether she felt happy to still be alive.' That day he continued the abuse, ripping out her hair and punching her in the face. By this time her face was so swollen she could not see out of one eyes. Hutchinson then made a video on his phone of her sat on the floor with her legs open. 'She managed to grab the phone from the defendant and shut the bedroom door so that she was in the hallway and he was in the bedroom,' said Ms Harden-Frost. 'She held the door shut and deleted the video.' 'In desperation she called the police and tried to tell them where she was but she didn't want the defendant to hear so she had to whisper the address.. ' Hutchinson then made a video on his phone of his victim sat on the floor with her legs open The woman managed to text a friend and told them to call the police. 'The defendant was shouting that she would not be able to escape,' said Ms Harden-Frost. 'She then cleared the call list and deleted her text so that the defendant wouldn't see.' But when the police called Hutchinson forced her to tell them everything was fine and that her children had called by accident. He then forced her into the shower and made her film another video saying what a bad person she was He then forced her into the shower and made her film another video saying what a bad person she was. But the woman was able to lock him into the bedroom and fled out of the flat naked. He barged his way out and she could hear him behind her shouting: 'I've got you now.' Luckily there was a member of the public nearby and he took her to a security office and the police were called. She initially did not name her attacker but police found her car to the underground car park. Security staff directed them to the flat but Hutchinson had fled. Hutchinson and four other men were cleared of murdering Mr Guthrie on the judge's direction The woman later gave him his name of her attacker and Hutchinson was arrested. Hutchinson admitted, rape, false imprisonment and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He played a villain called 'Brownie' in the movie 'The Intent' and tortures the man with an iron on a table. Judge John Lafferty said Hutchinson 'posed a serious threat to members of the public' as he jailed him for 23 years He stood trial at the Old Bailey for the murder of Jamaican Gary Guthrie, 35, who was shot dead outside the Starlight Rooms nightclub in Streatham on October 22, 2007. But Hutchinson and four other men were later cleared of murdering Mr Guthrie on the judge's direction. He admitted rape, false imprisonment and causing grievous bodily harm with intent over the weekend of February 5 and 7 this year. Judge John Lafferty said Hutchinson 'posed a serious threat to members of the public' as he jailed him for 23 years. Detective Sergeant Jimi Tele, from Newham police, said: 'I would like to praise the bravery and determination of the victim of this truly harrowing ordeal. 'Her resoluteness in coming forward and working with the police in securing the imprisonment of a truly dangerous offender is worthy of the highest recognition. 'Courtney Hutchinson subjected his victim to the most shocking and repeated levels of violence. It was her determination, in company with the skill of the investigation team, that allowed the full severity of the attack to be revealed and that ultimately led to Hutchinson's arrest and conviction. It's good to be home. My fellow Americans, Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well-wishes we've received over the past few weeks. But tonight it's my turn to say thanks. Whether we've seen eye-to-eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people - in living rooms and schools; at farms and on factory floors; at diners and on distant outposts - are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going. Every day, I learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man. 'After eight years as your President, I still believe that. And it's not just my belief. It's the beating heart of our American idea - our bold experiment in self-government' I first came to Chicago when I was in my early twenties, still trying to figure out who I was; still searching for a purpose to my life. It was in neighborhoods not far from here where I began working with church groups in the shadows of closed steel mills. It was on these streets where I witnessed the power of faith, and the quiet dignity of working people in the face of struggle and loss. This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it. After eight years as your President, I still believe that. And it's not just my belief. It's the beating heart of our American idea - our bold experiment in self-government. It's the conviction that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's the insistence that these rights, while self-evident, have never been self-executing; that We, the People, through the instrument of our democracy, can form a more perfect union. This is the great gift our Founders gave us. The freedom to chase our individual dreams through our sweat, toil, and imagination - and the imperative to strive together as well, to achieve a greater good. For 240 years, our nation's call to citizenship has given work and purpose to each new generation. It's what led patriots to choose republic over tyranny, pioneers to trek west, slaves to brave that makeshift railroad to freedom. It's what pulled immigrants and refugees across oceans and the Rio Grande, pushed women to reach for the ballot, powered workers to organize. It's why GIs gave their lives at Omaha Beach and Iwo Jima; Iraq and Afghanistan - and why men and women from Selma to Stonewall were prepared to give theirs as well. So that's what we mean when we say America is exceptional. Not that our nation has been flawless from the start, but that we have shown the capacity to change, and make life better for those who follow. Yes, our progress has been uneven. The work of democracy has always been hard, contentious and sometimes bloody. For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back. But the long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of our founding creed to embrace all, and not just some. If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history. If I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, and take out the mastermind of 9/11 . If I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens - you might have said our sights were set a little too high. But that's what we did. That's what you did. You were the change. You answered people's hopes, and because of you, by almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than it was when we started. In ten days, the world will witness a hallmark of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power from one freely-elected president to the next. I committed to President-Elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me. Because it's up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face. We have what we need to do so. After all, we remain the wealthiest, most powerful, and most respected nation on Earth. Our youth and drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention mean that the future should be ours. Obama welled up as he delivered his final address to the nation But that potential will be realized only if our democracy works. Only if our politics reflects the decency of the people. Only if all of us, regardless of our party affiliation or particular interest, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now. That's what I want to focus on tonight - the state of our democracy. Understand, democracy does not require uniformity. Our founders quarreled and compromised, and expected us to do the same. But they knew that democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity - the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one. There have been moments throughout our history that threatened to rupture that solidarity. The beginning of this century has been one of those times. A shrinking world, growing inequality; demographic change and the specter of terrorism - these forces haven't just tested our security and prosperity, but our democracy as well. And how we meet these challenges to our democracy will determine our ability to educate our kids, and create good jobs, and protect our homeland. In other words, it will determine our future. Our democracy won't work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity. Today, the economy is growing again; wages, incomes, home values, and retirement accounts are rising again; poverty is falling again. The wealthy are paying a fairer share of taxes even as the stock market shatters records. The unemployment rate is near a ten-year low. The uninsured rate has never, ever been lower. Health care costs are rising at the slowest rate in fifty years. And if anyone can put together a plan that is demonstrably better than the improvements we've made to our health care system - that covers as many people at less cost - I will publicly support it. That, after all, is why we serve - to make people's lives better, not worse. But for all the real progress we've made, we know it's not enough. Our economy doesn't work as well or grow as fast when a few prosper at the expense of a growing middle class. But stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic principles. While the top one percent has amassed a bigger share of wealth and income, too many families, in inner cities and rural counties, have been left behind - the laid-off factory worker; the waitress and health care worker who struggle to pay the bills - convinced that the game is fixed against them, that their government only serves the interests of the powerful - a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics. There are no quick fixes to this long-term trend. I agree that our trade should be fair and not just free. But the next wave of economic dislocation won't come from overseas. It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes many good, middle-class jobs obsolete. And so we must forge a new social compact - to guarantee all our kids the education they need; to give workers the power to unionize for better wages; to update the social safety net to reflect the way we live now and make more reforms to the tax code so corporations and individuals who reap the most from the new economy don't avoid their obligations to the country that's made their success possible. We can argue about how to best achieve these goals. But we can't be complacent about the goals themselves. For if we don't create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come. There's a second threat to our democracy - one as old as our nation itself. After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. Such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic. For race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society. I've lived long enough to know that race relations are better than they were ten, or twenty, or thirty years ago - you can see it not just in statistics, but in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum. But we're not where we need to be. All of us have more work to do. After all, if every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and undeserving minorities, then workers of all shades will be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves. If we decline to invest in the children of immigrants, just because they don't look like us, we diminish the prospects of our own children - because those brown kids will represent a larger share of America's workforce. And our economy doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. Last year, incomes rose for all races, all age groups, for men and for women. 'But we're not where we need to be. All of us have more work to do. After all, if every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and undeserving minorities, then workers of all shades will be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves' Going forward, we must uphold laws against discrimination - in hiring, in housing, in education and the criminal justice system. That's what our Constitution and highest ideals require. But laws alone won't be enough. Hearts must change. If our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, each one of us must try to heed the advice of one of the great characters in American fiction, Atticus Finch, who said "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." For blacks and other minorities, it means tying our own struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face - the refugee, the immigrant, the rural poor, the transgender American, and also the middle-aged white man who from the outside may seem like he's got all the advantages, but who's seen his world upended by economic, cultural, and technological change. For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn't suddenly vanish in the '60s; that when minority groups voice discontent, they're not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness; that when they wage peaceful protest, they're not demanding special treatment, but the equal treatment our Founders promised. For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, Italians, and Poles. America wasn't weakened by the presence of these newcomers; they embraced this nation's creed, and it was strengthened. So regardless of the station we occupy; we have to try harder; to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do; that they value hard work and family like we do; that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own. None of this is easy. For too many of us, it's become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods or college campuses or places of worship or our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions. The rise of naked partisanship, increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste - all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable. And increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we accept only information, whether true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that's out there. This trend represents a third threat to our democracy. Politics is a battle of ideas; in the course of a healthy debate, we'll prioritize different goals, and the different means of reaching them. But without some common baseline of facts; without a willingness to admit new information, and concede that your opponent is making a fair point, and that science and reason matter, we'll keep talking past each other, making common ground and compromise impossible. Isn't that part of what makes politics so dispiriting? How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on preschool for kids, but not when we're cutting taxes for corporations? How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party, but pounce when the other party does the same thing? It's not just dishonest, this selective sorting of the facts; it's self-defeating. Because as my mother used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you. Take the challenge of climate change. In just eight years, we've halved our dependence on foreign oil, doubled our renewable energy, and led the world to an agreement that has the promise to save this planet. But without bolder action, our children won't have time to debate the existence of climate change; they'll be busy dealing with its effects: environmental disasters, economic disruptions, and waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary. 'It's that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse - the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket' Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to the problem. But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations; it betrays the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our Founders. It's that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse - the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket. It's that spirit - a faith in reason, and enterprise, and the primacy of right over might, that allowed us to resist the lure of fascism and tyranny during the Great Depression, and build a post-World War II order with other democracies, an order based not just on military power or national affiliations but on principles - the rule of law, human rights, freedoms of religion, speech, assembly, and an independent press. That order is now being challenged - first by violent fanatics who claim to speak for Islam; more recently by autocrats in foreign capitals who see free markets, open democracies, and civil society itself as a threat to their power. The peril each poses to our democracy is more far-reaching than a car bomb or a missile. It represents the fear of change; the fear of people who look or speak or pray differently; a contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable; an intolerance of dissent and free thought; a belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or propaganda machine is the ultimate arbiter of what's true and what's right. Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, and the intelligence officers, law enforcement, and diplomats who support them, no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years; and although Boston and Orlando remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever. We've taken out tens of thousands of terrorists - including Osama bin Laden. The global coalition we're leading against ISIL has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory. ISIL will be destroyed, and no one who threatens America will ever be safe. To all who serve, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your Commander-in-Chief. So let's be vigilant, but not afraid. ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight But protecting our way of life requires more than our military. Democracy can buckle when we give in to fear. So just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are. That's why, for the past eight years, I've worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firm legal footing. That's why we've ended torture, worked to close Gitmo, and reform our laws governing surveillance to protect privacy and civil liberties. That's why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans. That's why we cannot withdraw from global fights - to expand democracy, and human rights, women's rights, and LGBT rights - no matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem. For the fight against extremism and intolerance and sectarianism are of a piece with the fight against authoritarianism and nationalist aggression. If the scope of freedom and respect for the rule of law shrinks around the world, the likelihood of war within and between nations increases, and our own freedoms will eventually be threatened. So let's be vigilant, but not afraid. ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight. Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world - unless we give up what we stand for, and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors. Which brings me to my final point - our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted. All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions. When voting rates are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should make it easier, not harder, to vote. When trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics, and insist on the principles of transparency and ethics in public service. When Congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes. And all of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power swings. 'And all of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power swings' Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it's really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power - with our participation, and the choices we make. Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law. America is no fragile thing. But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured. In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but "from different causes and from different quarters much pains will be taken to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth;" that we should preserve it with "jealous anxiety;" that we should reject "the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties" that make us one. We weaken those ties when we allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character are turned off from public service; so coarse with rancor that Americans with whom we disagree are not just misguided, but somehow malevolent. We weaken those ties when we define some of us as more American than others; when we write off the whole system as inevitably corrupt, and blame the leaders we elect without examining our own role in electing them. It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we've been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we all share the same proud title: Citizen. Ultimately, that's what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there's an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Persevere. Sometimes you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in others can be a risk, and there will be times when the process disappoints you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire. And more often than not, your faith in America - and in Americans - will be confirmed. Mine sure has been. Over the course of these eight years, I've seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our newest military officers. I've mourned with grieving families searching for answers, and found grace in Charleston church. I've seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and our wounded warriors walk again. I've seen our doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks. I've seen the youngest of children remind us of our obligations to care for refugees, to work in peace, and above all to look out for each other. That faith I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change - that faith has been rewarded in ways I couldn't possibly have imagined. I hope yours has, too. Some of you here tonight or watching at home were there with us in 2004, in 2008, in 2012 - and maybe you still can't believe we pulled this whole thing off. Barack embraces his wife Michelle after paying tribute to her and his daughters Malia, pictured, and Sasha You're not the only ones. Michelle - for the past 25 years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend. You took on a role you didn't ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You've made me proud. You've made the country proud. Michelle - for the past 25 years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion. You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I've done in my life, I'm most proud to be your dad. To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware's favorite son: you were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best. Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother. We love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our life. To my remarkable staff: For eight years - and for some of you, a whole lot more - I've drawn from your energy, and tried to reflect back what you displayed every day: heart, and character, and idealism. I've watched you grow up, get married, have kids, and start incredible new journeys of your own. Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you. The only thing that makes me prouder than all the good we've done is the thought of all the remarkable things you'll achieve from here. And to all of you out there - every organizer who moved to an unfamiliar town and kind family who welcomed them in, every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young person who cast a ballot for the first time, every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change - you are the best supporters and organizers anyone could hope for, and I will forever be grateful. Because yes, you changed the world. 'To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware's favorite son: you were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best.' Biden and Obama hug watched on by Biden's wife Jill That's why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than I was when we started. Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans; it has inspired so many Americans - especially so many young people out there - to believe you can make a difference; to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves. This generation coming up - unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic - I've seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair, just, inclusive America; you know that constant change has been America's hallmark, something not to fear but to embrace, and you are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward. You'll soon outnumber any of us, and I believe as a result that the future is in good hands. My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you. I won't stop; in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my days that remain. For now, whether you're young or young at heart, I do have one final ask of you as your President - the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago. I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change - but in yours. I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents; that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists; that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice; that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon; a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes We Can. Yes We Did. Yes We Can. Thank you. God bless you. And may God continue to bless the United States of America. Captain Peter Rose, head of 94th Precinct, apologized on Monday for making comments regarding what he considers to be 'real rapes' A New York police captain apologized Monday on Twitter for making comments that suggested date rapes were not as serious as sexual assaults committed by strangers. Captain Peter Rose, head of 94th Precinct in Brooklyn, was the subject of widespread criticism for the remarks, which were first reported by DNAinfo. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my apology for comments that I made at the 94 Precinct Community Council meeting Wednesday January 9, 2017, Rose tweeted on Monday. I deeply regret the statements I made last week about rape. I failed to communicate accurately how I respond to reports of rape, and the actions the Department as a whole takes, he tweeted. My comments were not meant to minimize the seriousness of sexual assault. Every rape, whether it is perpetrated by a stranger or someone known to them, is fully investigated. We make no distinction in our response. My comments suggested otherwise and for that I apologize. My comments were not meant to minimize the seriousness of sexual assault,' Rose tweeted on Monday. Rose is seen in the above stock image at his office in the 94th Precinct in Brooklyn Every rape, whether it is perpetrated by a stranger or someone known to them, is fully investigated, Rose tweeted above Rose initially made the remarks during a council meeting at the precinct last Wednesday night. The captain was speaking about the 62 percent increase in sex attacks that were reported in the last year in Greenpoint, the northernmost neighborhood in Brooklyn. 'The reported rapes are not total abomination rapes where strangers are being dragged off the streets, Rose told the meeting on Wednesday. He said at a community council meeting on Wednesday night: 'The reported rapes are not total abomination rapes where strangers are being dragged off the streets ' 'If there's a true stranger rape, a random guy picks up a stranger off the street, those are the troubling ones. That person has, like, no moral standards.' He later told DNA info that the spiked trend of date rape and 'hookups' are not something that they are worried about, because they are not true 'stranger' rapes. People around the country are taking issue with the police captain's comments, and Mayor de Blasio's office reprimanded him. Jane Manning, Director of Advocacy at the National Organization for Women New York City chapter was among those to make a public statement. Rose's comments were in response to new data by DNA info that shows sex attacks in the Brooklyn neighborhood Greenpoint have increased 62 per cent in the last year. The 94th Precinct in Greenpoint is seen in the stock image above She told DNA info: 'The idea that "this isn't some guy who's dangerous to women" that in itself is a major window into the mentality that we're up against.' She further explained that his comments set a dangerous tone and precedent for officer attitude towards 'acquaintance rapes' and how seriously they should be taken. People around the country took issue with the comments, and Mayor Bill de Blasio's (above) office reprimanded him Public Advocate Letita James condemned Rose's remarks as well, the New York Post reports. She said: 'Too often victims of rape and sexual crimes do not come forward because of fear that their claims won't be taken seriously, and these comments perpetuate those concerns.' The women's rights group UltraViolet called for Rose's firing over his remarks that were 'deeply disturbing coming from a police captain'. Spokesperson Eric Phillips clarified that all sexual assault cases are taken seriously by the police, and that 'rape is rape'. This is the moment ISIS extremists in Mosul hurled a blindfolded man off a roof after accusing him of being gay. A fanatic can be seen reading out charges against the prisoner, a man in his late 20s or early 30s, who is then dragged to the top of a building in the besieged Iraqi city. Shocking pictures then show him being pushed off the roof in front of a baying crowd below. Shocking pictures have emerged showing the moment ISIS extremists in Mosul hurled a blindfolded man off a roof after accusing him of being gay Further pictures show him being forced off the edge of the building while a final gruesome image shows his blood-soaked body on the ground below Homosexuality is punishable by death under the terror group's brutal rule. The corpses of those executed in this way are often then stoned by onlookers. In the most recent example, a jihadist can be seen reading out charges against the prisoner in front of a crowd. Further pictures show him being forced off the edge of the building while a final gruesome image shows his blood-soaked body on the ground below. The execution happened despite Iraqi forces fighting their way into more districts of ISIS-held Mosul over the last 24 hours. But advances in the city's southeast were being slowed by the terror group's use of civilians for cover, military officials said. The United Nations said civilian casualties had streamed into nearby hospitals in the last two weeks as fighting intensified in the jihadist group's last major stronghold in Iraq. A fanatic can be seen reading out charges against the prisoner, a man in his late 20s or early 30s, who is then dragged to the top of a building in the besieged Iraqi city Jihadists take the blindfolded man to the top of a building ahead of the gruesome execution Advances by elite forces in the city's east and northeast have picked up speed in a new push since the turn of the year, and U.S.-backed forces have for the first time reached the Tigris river, which bisects the city. 'They entered Hadba (district) today. There is a battle inside the city,' Lt-Colonel Abbas al-Azawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi army's 16th division, said. Seizing control of Hadba, a large district, would likely take more than a day, and ISIS were deploying suicide bombers, he added. Recapturing Mosul after more than two years of ISIS rule would probably spell the end of the Iraqi side of the group's self-declared caliphate, which spans areas of Iraq and Syria. A man and woman accused of bludgeoning a mother to death with a hammer allegedly discussed ways to 'do her in' so the woman could keep the victim's children, a court has heard. Former couple Christine Lyons and Ronald Lyons, who are not related, are facing a committal hearing in Bendigo, in central Victoria, accused of brutally murdering their housemate, Samantha Kelly, 39. Their committal hearing was told Christine had wanted Ms Kelly's four children before the mother's decomposing body was found in a dry creek bed three weeks after she vanished. Mother-of-four Samantha Kelly's was bludgeoned to death with a hammer The Lyons shared a property with Ms Kelly and her four children, who lived in a bungalow behind their house. One of Ronald Lyon's relatives testified that both accused killers discussed in front of her their plans to kill Ms Kelly. 'Chrissy brought Sammy up, just talking about ideas about how to do Sam in,' Shiralee Lyons told the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. 'What I remember was it had come up about Sam, and she (Christine) wanted Sam's kids and she wanted to do Sam in,' the 36-year-old said. 'Then she asked, like, what ways we can do it.' At this point in the conversation, Ronald allegedly suggested killing Ms Kelly with a hypodermic needle. The mother lived in a bungalow behind the home (pictured) of Christine Lyons and Ronald Lyons, who are charged with her murder The mother's decomposing body was found in a dry creek bed three weeks after she vanished 'Ron came up with the idea of putting a syringe up her veins, and it's just an instant heart attack and it can't be traced,' Shiralee Lyons said. Another witness also testified that Christine wanted to take Ms Kelly's children from her. 'Chrissy said "I'm going to take the girls because they're mine",' Rebecca Stowe told the court. Ms Kelly may have been unable to fight off her attackers because she was drugged. A toxicology report found levels of medication in Ms Kelly's body which suggest she would have been affected by sedatives at the time of her death, forensic physician Morris Odell says. The committal hearing to determine if the Lyons should stand trial will resume on Wednesday. A toxicology report found levels of medication in Ms Kelly's body which suggest she would have been affected by sedatives at the time of her death Shiralee Lyons said she stayed silent during the conversation because she did not think the pair were serious. 'I treated it as a joke, laughed it off,' she said. Counsel for Ronald, John Desmond, accused Shiralee Lyons of lying about the conversation. 'I'm putting to you that it's just a lie, this entire story of this conversation in the car, where Ron talks about killing Sammy,' he told her. but refused to give further clarity on A&E crisis Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt ran away from TV cameras today after facing questions over the confusion about A&E waiting times. Footage shows him being chased down the street by a reporter as he frantically tried to find his ministerial car, but performed a literal U-turn after failing to locate his jaguar. Mr Hunt caused confusion yesterday after appearing to suggest he would scrap the four-hour waiting target for non-urgent cases at A&E departments. Today he insisted his comments had been misinterpreted but refused to give any clarity on the matter as he was pursued by Sky News reporter Beth Rigby after delivering a key speech on NHS efficiency in central London. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt ran away from TV cameras today after facing questions over the confusion on A&E waiting times Sky News reporter Beth Rigby chased him down the road to quiz him about the future of the four-hour A&E waiting target But he repeatedly refused to answer the questions as he was pursued down the road in central London today He urged the public to help the NHS by not turning up to A&E for non-urgent problems. Mr Hunt was repeatedly asked by Ms Rigby whether he was planning to 'water down' the Government's four-hour A&E waiting time pledge in the face of bed shortages. She asked him: 'Are you saying that you're not scrapping four hour waiting times or watering it down?' She added: 'I think the public want to know Mr Hunt.' But all the Health Secretary said in response was: 'I've answered questions on this already.' After turning around in the middle of the road Mr Hunt eventually found his ministerial jaguar and drove off without giving more clarity. Mr Hunt was repeatedly asked by Ms Rigby whether he was planning to 'water down' the Government's four-hour A&E waiting time pledge in the face of bed shortages She asked him: 'Are you saying that you're not scrapping four hour waiting times or watering it down?' She added: 'I think the public want to know Mr Hunt' But all the Health Secretary said in response was: 'I've answered questions on this already' But all the Health Secretary said in response was: 'I've answered questions on this already.' After turning around in the middle of the road Mr Hunt eventually found his ministerial jaguar and drove off without giving more clarity Theresa May's official spokeswoman said Mr Hunt's comments did not mean the Government was abandoning its commitment to A&E patients being dealt with within four hours. 'The Government is committed to protecting the four-hour standard for A&E,' the spokeswoman told a regular Westminster media briefing. 'The point the Health Secretary was making ... was about making sure that A&E is there for people for what it says on the tin - accident and emergency. It is not about non-urgent care. Accident & Emergency is for dealing with emergencies and for urgent care, and there is a four-hour target that we want to protect for that.' Asked whether the target applied to everyone who attends an A&E department, the spokeswoman said: 'I'm not going to get into every single person who arrives in Accident & Emergency.' She added: 'There is more to be done to make sure that the public understand where they should be going to for the services they need to access. That's a point that clinicians in the NHS have themselves been making. The four-hour waiting target at NHS A&E departments will be scrapped for non-urgent cases, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt signaled today Hinting at a root and branch review of A&E in NHS England, Jeremy Hunt told MPs in an emergency Commons statement today: 'It is clear that we need to have an honest discussion with the public about the purpose of A&E departments.' 'The target is a target for Accident & Emergency. I understand what Accident & Emergency should be about and, if I have a cold, I'm not going to go to A&E and expect to be treated for a cold within four hours.' Yesterday Mr Hunt admitted some NHS hospitals are currently facing 'very serious problems' due to the sharp rise in the number of people attending A&E. Mr Hunt pleaded with the public to stay away from A&E unless they had genuine emergencies. Hospitals say three in ten visits to A&E departments in England are not emergencies. Mr Hunt also hinted at a root and branch review of how NHS England operates A&E departments. He told MPs in an emergency statement on the NHS yesterday: 'It is clear that we need to have an honest discussion with the public about the purpose of A&E departments.' But despite hospitals reporting unprecedented demand for services and two deaths in Worcestershire A&E last week, Mr Hunt rejected claims the NHS is in 'crisis.' It led shadow health Jon Ashworth to accuse him of living in 'la la land'. He said Mr Hunt and No 10 were to blame for the 'winter crisis' in the NHS and said they made a 'monumental error' to ignore calls for extra support for social care last year. Mr Ashworth demanded the Government brings forward the extra 700million allocated for 2019 and spend it now. Mr Hunt admitted that 'one or two' hospitals have been under severe pressure and repeatedly urged the public to stay away from A&E departments unless they have a genuine emergency. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, pictured left speaking to ITV Good Morning Britain presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid today, said 'one or two' hospitals have been under severe pressure and repeatedly urged the public to stay away from A&E departments unless they have a genuine emergency More hospitals reported long waiting lists at A&E departments today, including Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust The situation is 'extremely fragile' at a number of trusts, Mr Hunt said - in particular at the Worcestershire Royal hospital - where two patients died while in A&E last week - and services have also been severely affected in the north Midlands. Mr Hunt blamed the 'unprecedented' demand for A&E on an ageing population, increased life expectancy and 'higher consumer expectations' over what patients want from the NHS. Some hospitals have reported A&E attendances of up to 30 per cent higher than last year and the Tuesday after Christmas was the busiest day in the history of the NHS. As a result NHS England has hired an extra 1,600 more doctors and 3,000 more nurses since last year. Hinting that the four-hour target for treating non-urgent cases at A&E could be scrapped, Mr Hunt said: ' This government is committed to maintaining and delivering that vital four-hour commitment to patients. 'But since it was announced in 2000 there are nearly 9million more visits to our A&Es, up to 30 per cent of whom NHS England estimate do not need to be there. And the tide is continuing to rise. 'So, if we are going to protect our four-hour standard, we need to be clear it is a promise to sort out all urgent health problems within four hours, but not all health problems, however minor.' Despite hospitals reporting unprecedented demand for services and two deaths in Worcestershire A&E last week, Mr Hunt rejected claims the NHS is in 'crisis,' leading shadow health Jon Ashworth, pictured, to accuse him of living in 'la la land' Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, pictured on Sky News today, will make an emergency statement on the NHS in the Commons this afternoon but rejected claims by the Red Cross that it is facing a 'humanitarian crisis' He added: 'As Prof Keith Willett, NHS England's medical director for acute care has said, no country in the world has a standard for all health problems, however small, and if we are to protect services for the most vulnerable, nor can we. 'So NHS England and NHS Improvement will continue to explore ways to ensure that at least some of the patients who do not need to be in our A&Es can be given good alternative options, building on progress underway with the streaming policy in the NHS England A&E plan. 'This way we will be able to improve the patient experience for those with more minor conditions who are currently not seen within four hours, as well as protect the four-hour promise for those who actually need it.' Mr Hunt also rejected claims by the Red Cross charity that the NHS is facing a 'humanitarian crisis'. He told the public to listen to people such as Chris Hopson, head of NHS Providers, who has rejected the claim and said it was not an 'appropriate description'. Mike Adamson, chief executive of the charity, insisted the phrase was justified by the scale of the 'threat' posed to the nation's health and wellbeing by pressures on the system. By Uriel N. Galace* United States President Barack Obama sought to re-invigorate the US primacy in the Asia Pacific with a speech to the Australian Parliament in November 17, 2011, announcing a new foreign policy towards the region.1 Dubbed the rebalancing strategy, this plan sought to expand American presence within the Asia-Pacific by forging closer military, trade, and people-to-people ties with various states across the region. According to the White House, this strategy has been made necessary because Asia and the Pacific is increasingly the worlds political and economic center of gravity and the US would be remiss not to leverage the opportunities the region has to offer.2 With Obamas term winding down and president-elect Donald Trump set to take the reins as US commander-in-chief, now is the appropriate time to look back and assess the effectiveness of this strategy. This commentary evaluates the impact of Obamas rebalance by examining the strategy across three dimensionspolitical / military, economic, and socio-cultural. Political / military impact The focus of Obamas rebalancing strategy has been to expand US military presence across the Asia-Pacific. The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, Asian countries have increasingly sought greater US presence in the region to serve as a counterweight to the muscular foreign policy of Beijing. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the US has come to view China as its principal rival to regional hegemony, given the latters status as a rising power. Consequently, although the Obama administration has gone to great lengths to assert that it welcomes Chinas rise, in reality, the US has worked to bolster its presence in the region as part of its containment strategy towards China.3 In order to accomplish this, Washington has sought to enhance existing military agreements with its treaty alliesnamely, the Philippines, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Thailandwhile forging new ties with so-called emerging partners such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.4 With the Philippines in particular, the US has sought to increase cooperation through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The [EDCA] is mutually beneficial, enhancing our ability to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and help build capacity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines through interoperability, capability development, and modernization, says Molly Koscina, Press Attache of the US Embassy in Manila.5 All in all, these military alliances have served to enhance US defense posture in the region as Washington prioritizes Asia for its most advanced military capabilities, the White House says.6 Despite these accomplishments, it is questionable whether this strategy has ultimately been effective in achieving its implicit goal of containing China. Beijings strategy of ignoring the ruling of an international tribunal in The Hague that invalidated most of its claims in the South China Sea appears to have paid off. Reports have surfaced that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to set aside the arbitral decision in his quest to strengthen Manilas bilateral relationship with Beijing.7 Meanwhile, there are signs that other Asian countries may soon follow in Dutertes lead, as Malaysia8 and Vietnam,9 which both have overlapping maritime claims with China in the South China Sea, have attempted to downplay the dispute and forge closer ties with Beijing after witnessing the economic benefits to be gained from being in its good graces. Economic impact The Asia-Pacific has increasingly taken on outsized strategic importance for US economic interests. In 2015, US goods and services traded with China totaled an estimated US $659.4B, making it the US 2nd largest trading partner (the US is Chinas largest trading partner). Similarly, trade in goods between the US and ASEAN exceeded US $226B last year, making ASEAN the US 4th largest trading partner (the US is ASEANs 3rd largest trading partner).11 As such, Washington has an enormous interest in ensuring the continuous free flow of trade and investment in the region. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) forms the economic bedrock of Washingtons rebalance to Asia strategy. The TPP is a landmark agreement involving 12 Pacific Rim countries that eliminates or reduces tariffs, lowers the cost of trade, and sets new and high standards for global trade while addressing next-generation issues.12 It is expected to generate an additional $225 billion for the world economy by 2025.13 Writing of the trade agreement for Foreign Policy magazine when she was still US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton said that the goal of the TPP is to serve as a platform for broader regional interaction and eventually a free trade area of the Asia-Pacific.14 Although Washington continues to market the TPP abroad as a high standard, 21st century trade agreement that provides for fair competition and strong protections for workers, the environment, intellectual property and human rights, as the US Embassy in Manila iterated,15 at home, it is sold to American officials as a mechanism by which the US can ensure that it writes the rules of trade in the Asia-Pacific so that other countries play by [US] rules and [US] values.16 In this way, through the TPP, Washington can ensure that itnot Beijing, which is excluded from the agreementis able to exert influence across the region. However, with the ascendancy of Trump, who ran on an anti-trade platform, to the US presidency, it is widely believed that the TPP is now essentially dead in the water. This has caused numerous countriesincluding the Philippinesto look elsewhere for regional trade agreements, according to Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.17 One such arrangement is the Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership, an ASEAN-led proposal for a free trade area that includes all ASEAN-10 countries, plus China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealandbut notably excludes the US. If the countries in the region choose to sign this trade agreement rather than the TPP, it would represent a big blow to Washingtons ambitions to write the rules of trade in the Asia-Pacific. Socio-cultural impact In addition to its political and economic facets, another often overlooked but key pillar of the Asia rebalancing strategy is strengthening people-to-people ties between the US and the countries of the region. As Susan Rice, the US National Security Adviser to the President, writes, the Asia Rebalance is not only about our engagement with other governments. Another core of our approach is about engaging with people across the region.18 The most notable element of this pillar is the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), a program personally initiated by Obama himself. YSEALI is a capacity-building program that seeks to develop the skills of its participants and allow them to forge networks with their peers in Southeast Asia, thereby enhancing regional integrationall with the goal of empowering the youth to develop their respective communities. Since its inception in 2013, YSEALI has grown to over 100,000 members,19 with the Philippines having the most members among participating countries. Other people-to-people programs of the US government which were continued during Obamas term include Fulbright, the International Visitor Leadership Program, and the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program.20 Of the three dimensions evaluated in this commentary, it is arguably the socio-cultural one that has been the most effective. Through YSEALI and other people-to-people programs, the US is able to engage in a form of cultural diplomacy whereby it is able to win the hearts and minds of its participants and inculcate in them American norms and values. In doing so, Washington may be able to influence these individuals to adopt pro-American attitudes and leverage this network to support its national interest in the future. Conclusion In the end, Obamas Asia rebalancing strategy has produced mixed results. Although Washington has succeeded in enhancing US military presence in the Asia-Pacific, it has failed to prevent Beijing from flouting international law and throwing its weight around in the region. Although it has succeeded in forging closer people-to-people ties, it has been unable to follow through with a proposed trade deal that secures its economic interests. With Obama working now to transition the presidency to the mercurial Trump, there is considerable uncertainty regarding how US relations with the Asia-Pacific will play out going forward. About the author: *Uriel N. Galace is a Foreign Affairs Research Specialist at the Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies of the Foreign Service Institute. Mr. Galace can be reached at ungalace@fsi.gov.ph. Source: This article was This article was published by FSI . The views expressed in this publication are of the authors alone and do not reflect the official position of the Foreign Service Institute, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Government of the Philippines. Endnotes: 1Compton, M. (2011). President Obama Addresses the Australian Parliament. The White House. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/11/17/president-obama-addresses-australian-parliament 2FACT SHEET: Advancing the Rebalance to Asia and the Pacific. (2015). The White House. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/16/fact-sheet-advancing-rebalance-asia-and-pacific 3 Panda, A. (2016). How Obama Sees Asia. The Diplomat. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/how-obama-sees-asia/ 4 FACT SHEET: Advancing the Rebalance to Asia and the Pacific. (2015). The White House. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/16/fact-sheet-advancing-rebalance-asia-and-pacific 5 Koscina, M. (2016). Interview with Molly Koscina, Press Attache of the US Embassy in Manila. Pasay City. 6 FACT SHEET: Advancing the Rebalance to Asia and the Pacific. (2015). The White House. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/16/fact-sheet-advancing-rebalance-asia-and-pacific 7 Salaverria, L. (2016). Duterte to set aside UN tribunal ruling on maritime dispute. Inquirer.net. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://globalnation.inquirer.net/150837/duterte-set-aside-un-tribunal-ruling-maritime-dispute 8 Denyer, S. (2016). On Dutertes heels, Malaysia is the next Asian country to embrace China. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/domino-theory-or-hedging-after-the-philippines-now-malaysia-embraces-china/2016/10/31/d30984ea-9f63-11e6-b74c-603fd6bbc17f_story.html?utm_term=.18dbe0f08111 9 Bauhui, Z. (2016). Will Dutertes Pivot to China Start a Chain Reaction Across Asia?. Foreign Policy. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/10/25/duterte-china-manila-beijing-chain-reaction-us-allies-pivot-to-china/ 10 The Peoples Republic of China. Office of the United States Trade Representative (2016) . Retrieved 25 August 2016, from https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/china-mongolia-taiwan/peoples-republic-china 11 FACT SHEET: Unprecedented U.S.-ASEAN Relations. (2016). The White House. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/02/12/fact-sheet-unprecedented-us-asean-relations 12 Remo, A. (2016). Govt to pursue PH inclusion in TPP. Inquirer.net. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://business.inquirer.net/215035/govt-to-pursue-ph-inclusion-in-tpp 13 Ibid. 14 Clinton, H. (2011). Americas Pacific Century. Foreign Policy. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from http://foreignpolicy.com/2011/10/11/americas-pacific-century/ 15 Koscina, M. (2016). Interview with Molly Koscina, Press Attache of the US Embassy in Manila. Pasay City. 16 Rice, S. (2016). Explaining President Obamas Rebalance Strategy. US Department of State. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2016/09/06/explaining-president-obama-s-rebalance-strategy 17 Dela Paz, C. (2016). PH shelves TPP membership, eyes China-led RCEP. Rappler. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from http://www.rappler.com/business/153119-philippines-shelves-tpp-membership 18 Rice, S. (2016). Explaining President Obamas Rebalance Strategy. US Department of State. Retrieved 22 December 2016, from https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2016/09/06/explaining-president-obama-s-rebalance-strategy 19 Ibid. 20 Koscina, M. (2016). Interview with Molly Koscina, Press Attache of the US Embassy in Manila. Pasay City. Before Donald Trump's pick for attorney general Jeff Sessions even got a chance to speak, several protesters dressed like members of the Ku Klux Klan made their views known as they shouted down 'Jefferson Bearegard' and called the senator a 'racist.' Sessions, as his own witness, opened up the hearing by pushing back at allegations of racial insensitivity that plagued his 1986 nomination in front of the same Senate panel to the federal district court bench. He called charges of racism 'damnably false.' The longtime senator from Alabama, who was the first in the upper chamber to endorse the president-elect, told lawmakers that he would recuse himself from going after Hillary Clinton. 'This country does not punish its political enemies,' he said. Sessions seemed to break with Trump in saying that he didn't support a Muslim ban, a pitch the Republican candidate made, but later revised. He also suggested he wouldn't support waterboarding, calling it 'absolutely' illegal, while also expressing confidence in the FBI and other intelligence agencies who have pointed a finger toward Russia in explaining the Democrats' election year hacks. Scroll down for videos Protesters dressed like members of the Ku Klux Klan interrupted the Jeff Sessions hearing before it even began calling out 'Jefferson Bearegard' as a 'racist' Sen. Jeff Sessions awaited his turn to speak with his granddaughter on his lap. Four of the attorney general nominee's grandkids attended today's confirmation hearing Sen. Jeff Sessions (right) appears at his confirmation hearing as protesters wearing KKK garments wave at him in the background While staunchly pro-life, saying he considered Roe v. Wade 'unconstitutional,' he also said he would support the nation's abortion laws, because as attorney general he needed to back the laws of the land. In the early moments of the hearing, Sessions sat in the crowd with his young granddaughter perched on his lap. Four grandchildren, overall, were attending the Senate session today. Protesters, some dressed in white hoods to represent the KKK, started screaming out before Sen. Chuck Grassley, the committee chair, could even begin. Subsequent outbursts from protesters, which were quickly subdued by Capitol security, plagued the first day of testimony, with some people there representing Codepink and others 'Black Lives Matter.' When Grassley began, he brought up the Ku Klux Klan too but Sessions' record in going after it. Grassley talked about how Sessions oversaw the investigation of Klansman Francis Hays 'for the brutal abduction and murder of a black teenager Michael Donald.' 'He made sure that case was brought to state court where the defendant was eligible for and received the punishment that he justly deserved: the death penalty,' Grassley said. Attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions (center) enters his confirmation hearing alongside Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, R- Iowa Members of the group Codepink were also on hand at today's confirmation sessions for attorney general nominee, Sen. Jeff Sessions When it was Sessions' turn to speak to the senators, he wanted to get the hurdles that hurt him decades ago, quickly out of the way. WHO IS JEFF SESSIONS? President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general Jeff Sessions has served in the U.S. Senate for Alabama since 1997. Before that, he was his state's attorney general and prior to that a U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. He was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 to serve on the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Alabama, but he didn't make it through the Senate Judiciary Committee, a panel he later served on as a U.S. senator. It's the group he's testifying before today. Advertisement 'Let me address another issue straight on,' he began. In his own words, Sessions explained why his nomination by President Ronald Reagan was thwarted. 'I was accused in 1986 of failing to protect the voting rights of African-Americans by presenting the Perry County case, the voter fraud case, and of condemning civil rights advocates and organization.' 'And even harboring, amazingly, sympathies for the KKK,' Sessions continued. Sessions labeled the voter fraud case a 'voting rights' case saying that African-Americans had complained that their votes had been stolen or altered by the trio of civil rights activists dubbed the 'Marion Three.' In January 1985, Evelyn Turner, along with her husband, Albert Turner Sr., and Spencer Hogue Jr. were indicted by a grand jury on 29 counts for allegedly altering absentee ballots in support of candidates endorsed by the Perry County Civic League. Speaking today, Evelyn Turner still contends that the charges were racially motivated, saying to CNN of Sessions: 'Have you ever known a leopard to change his spots? I haven't ... Sessions is still a racist.' 'As for the KKK, I invited civil rights attorneys from D.C. to help us solve a very difficult investigation into the unconscionable, horrendous death of a young African-American coming home from the 7-11 store one night, simply because he was black,' Sessions explained, bringing up the death penalty case that Grassley referred to in the chairman's opening remarks. The case involved the killing of 19-year-old Michael Donald in 1981, a black teenager hung from a tree by two Klansman, Tiger Knowles and Henry Hays, the son of Bennie Hays, the second-ranking Ku Klux Klan member in the state at the time. Henry Hays would die in the electric chair in 1997, the first execution in Alabama since 1913 for someone convicted of white-on-black crime. 'I would say it has been very disappointing and painful to have it suggest that I think the Klan was OK, when we did everything possible to destroy and defeat and prosecute the Klan members involved in this crime,' Sessions later said to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who was recalling the story of how this death penalty case also financially strapped the KKK. Sessions had sung a similar tune when asked about it by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. 'I am from South Carolina so I know what it means to be accused of being a conservative from the South meaning a racist or a bigot. How does that make you feel?' Graham asked. In his opening statement, Sessions added that he never called the NAACP 'un-American,' another charge leveled at him in the 1980s. 'Or that a civil rights attorney was a "disgrace to his race,"' addressing yet another comment that he allegedly said to a white lawyer defending a black client, which came out during the hearing held in front of the same committee, but 30-plus years ago. Sessions also addressed a more recent past, telling the panel that he would recuse himself from any investigations involving Trump's political rival because of comments he made during the 'contentious' presidential campaign. 'I've given that thought, I believe the proper thing for me to do would be to recuse myself from questions involving those kinds of investigations involving Secretary Clinton that were raised during the campaign and could be otherwise connected to it,' Sessions said to the senators. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-.R.I., asked Sessions if he ever chanted 'lock her up,' a rallying cry among Trump supporters to punish Clinton for misdeeds. 'No I did not. I don't think,' he answered. 'I heard it at rallies and so forth, sometimes humorously done.' Sessions noted that he did say a 'few things,' including calling for a special prosecutor. 'I think that is one of the reasons I believe I should not make any decisions about any such case,' Sessions added. The attorney general nominee was also asked to explain his position on Trump's highly controversial Muslim ban, which the Republican candidate first announced last December in the aftermath of the San Bernardino terror attack, but has since revised. Protesters, some of whom belonged to the group Code Pink, would occasionally cause a stir today in the Senate hearing room 'I have no belief and do not support the idea that Muslims as a religious group should be denied admission to the United States,' Sessions said. Graham asked Sessions if he believed Russia was behind the election year hacks. 'I have done no research into that, I know just what the media says about it,' Sessions answered. 'Do you like the FBI?' Graham followed up with. Sessions answered that some of his best friends work for the agency. Graham noted how the FBI came to the conclusion that Russians were involved in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's emails. Graham asked the nominee if there was any reason to be suspicious of the FBI. 'I'm sure it was honorably reached,' Sessions said of the agency's conclusion. Later, in the context of the Russia hacks, when asked if he would charge the president of crimes if it was warranted he answered yes. 'If there are laws violated, and they can be prosecuted, then of course youd have to handle that in the appropriate way,' Sessions said. In the Tuesday afternoon session, Sen. Patrick Leahy brought up Trump's comments exposed in the leak of a 2005 Access Hollywood tape, in which the billionaire boasted about grabbing women by 'the p****.' Another protester got tossed from today's confirmation hearing for Sen. Jeff Sessions, in the early moments of the two-day affair 'Is grabbing a woman by her genitals without consent, is that sexual assault?' Leahy asked. 'Clearly it would be,' the Alabama senator answered. Leahy then asked if Sessions would be willing to prosecute a president, or other high-ranking government official, if there was a federal sexual assault case built. 'The president is subject to certain lawful restrictions and they would be required to be applied by the appropriate law enforcement official, if appropriate, yes,' Sessions said. Late in the day, Sessions was asked his take on Trump's claim that he would have won the popular vote too, 'if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.' Sessions declined to say if he agreed, though when prompted by questioning from Sen. Al Franken answered, 'I do believe we regularly have fraudulent activity happen during election cycles.' There are nearly zero instances of proven voter fraud. Sessions spent the first portion of the confirmation answering questions posed to him by the Senate panel. Throughout the day, the hearing was interrupted by protesters who were promptly kicked out. As Cruz delivered a lengthy comment in Sessions' direction, at the start of the afternoon session, someone yelled loudly the chant of 'Black Lives Matter.' Tomorrow witnesses will be called on his behalf and, by Democrats, to speak against the nominee. Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who called out Donald Trump for the Republicans' comments on Muslims at the Democratic National Convention, attened the Jeff Sessions hearing Civil rights activist Al Sharpton attended the first day of confirmation hearings for Sen. Jeff Sessions After that, a third set of witnesses will be called and for the first time ever a sitting senator, Democrat Cory Booker, will testify against a peer, as the New Jersey lawmaker called Sessions' views 'a real danger to our country.' 'We've seen Jeff Sessions that's Senator Jeff Sessions consistently voting against or speaking out against key ideals of the Voting Rights Act, taking measures to try to block criminal justice reform,' Booker said yesterday on MSNBC. Civil rights leader, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., will also testify against the Republican. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the committee's new ranking member, noted in her introduction how many of her colleagues on Judiciary had worked alongside Sessions for 20 years. 'And that makes this very difficult for me,' she said, as many Democrats, along with progressive groups, are waging a war against Sessions, considered one of the president-elect's more controversial picks. The Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, defended Jeff Sessions' record on civil rights as he kicked off the hearing Sen. Jeff Sessions (center) waits for questions from senators flanked by his wife Mary (left) and their granddaughter Sen. Susan Collins, a moderate Republican, was one of two lawmakers who spoke on behalf of Jeff Sessions' attorney general nomination before the Alabama Republican took the hot seat Progressive activists could be found in the audience, taking things in. Civil rights leader Al Sharpton was spotted in the Capitol Hill crowd. So was Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who called out Trump for the Republican's comments on Muslims at the Democratic National Convention. To kick off the day's events, Sessions got the blessing of his other home state lawmaker, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala. But in a more politically-astute move, moderate Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was also asked to praise Trump's attorney general nominee. Collins is known to break with her party on occasion and vote the Democratic way. The idea of putting her front and center was to display that Sessions had the support of both the right-wing and the center of the president-elect's political party. 'Jeff Sessions is the same genuine, fair-minded person in unguarded private moments as he is in the halls of the Senate,' Collins cooed, arguing that he's had to endure 'very painful attacks on his character.' So far, the Sessions hearing is expected to last two days, but could extend longer. Republicans are trying to hand deliver cabinet officials to Trump before inauguration. Bay inmates were on the State Department's most wanted list with $5 million rewards for finding them Security experts today warn that freeing more Guantanamo Bay inmates risks creating more terrorists intent on harming the United States. They warned that a push to release significant numbers could see more becoming like the t wo who were freed, went through a Saudi Arabian 'rehab program' and became among the world's most wanted men. The State Department put a $5 million price on the heads of Othman al Ghamdi and Ibrahim al Rubaysh, who became leaders of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula after they were freed. The two have been listed as wanted since 2009 - and now a former Pentagon spokesman is warning that if the president goes through with plans to move up to 19 more Guantanamo inmates before he leaves office, others will join the jihad. Both are thought to have been killed - although the State Department has not confirmed their deaths, and continues to list them among its most wanted. Al Ghamdi and al Rubaysh were both 'graduates' of the Saudi Arabia 'rehabilitation program' which is expected to house the four ex-Guantanamo Bay inmates released by the Obama administration last week - and which could take more before next week. It has a history of churning out 'graduates' who went on to join terror groups and plot violent attacks against the West. It Wanted: The State Department offered $5 million each for information leading to the discovery of Othman al Ghamdi (left) and Ibrahim al Rubaysh (right). Both were Guantanamo inmates Running-down: President Obama freed four Yemeni inmates from Guantanamo last week and a military source told DailyMail.com more are possible before he quits office Most wanted: How the State Department offered millions to bring the former Guantanamo Bay inmates - who are now senior terrorists - to justice. Although there have been reports of their death, they remain unconfirmed CONGRESSMAN'S TRANSFER WARNING A key U.S. lawmaker warned that new intelligence shows former detainees released recently from the Guantanamo Bay detention center are trying to return to terrorism. In a letter to President Obama, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, said his committee had received a "troubling new report" from the U.S. intelligence community about detainees recently transferred to foreign countries. He said the report also showed that detainees were recently transferred to a country poorly equipped to stop them from returning to battle. 'In light of this dangerous revelation, I again ask that you immediately halt all transfers from Guantanamo Bay and take steps to secure former detainees who pose a threat to U.S. national security,' Royce said. The White House's National Security Council didn't comment on the letter. Although Royce argued the recently released detainees were part of a broader pattern of former Guantanamo detainees pursuing a return to terrorism and posing a continuing threat to the U.S., the Obama administration had disputed that charge. Royce didn't name the country to which the detainees were transferred, and his office declined to provide more details, citing the classified nature of the intelligence report. In recent months detainees have been sent to Saudi Arabia, Camp Verde, Mauritania and the United Arab Emirates. Royce sent a copy of his letter to President-elect Trump. Advertisement The Obama administration announced last week that it would transfer four long-time detainees to Saudi Arabia as part of President Obama's plan to remove up to 22 accused terrorists from Guantanamo before he leaves office. DailyMail.com also learned that the total released before Obama quits next week could be as high as 23. But national security experts say the decision to release these detainees could have deadly consequences for the U.S. and western allies. 'Ex-Gitmo detainees have killed Americans and our allies - releasing more will almost certainly produce the same results,' J.D. Gordon, a former Pentagon spokesman, told Dailymail.com. Gordon, who also advised the Trump campaign on national security, said the Saudi program 'resembles a holiday resort with graduates rewarded with brides and cars. 'Though it claims only about 20 per cent return to terrorism, even one detainee can be extremely dangerous,' he said. The Saudi rehabilitation center officially known as the Prince Mohammed bin Naif Counseling and Care Center aims to 'reprogram' hardened terrorists through a program of counselling and religious and cultural seminars. The program has two locations in Riyadh and Jeddah. Last year, it graduated 154 militants who 'underwent courses in counseling and a review of terrorist, deviant thought and extremist ideas' and 'now qualify to be integrated in society.' Attendees spend 15 hours a week studying Sharia law, six hours on social events, five in psychological therapy, five studying history, five in art classes, and 12 hours playing sports. There is no set graduation time, but on average they spend about three months in the program before they are deemed eligible to reintegrate into society. One of the program's graduates was Said al Shihri, who was transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia in November 2007. Freed: Abdullah al Shabli, 39, went to Afghanistan from Yemen up to two years before 9/11 and may have received advanced training in a camp there. He was captured as al Qaeda forces fled Tora Bora and was detained at Guantanamo since 2002 until last week Freed: Salem Ahmed Hadi, 40, was a sub-commander in bin Laden's '55th Arab Brigade', his handpicked fighting force, when he was captured in autumn 2001 and was sent to Guantanamo Bay in 2002 Freed: Ex-inmate Muhammad abu Ghanim was freed from Guantanamo Bay last week. This was his welcome to Saudi Arabia. In 2010 he was deemed 'too dangerous to transfer' by President Obama's Guantanamo review task force Freed: Mohammed Bawazir, who is 35 or 36, was welcomed at Riyadh. The Yemeni fought with bin Laden's Arab forces in Afghanistan as well as the Taliban itself and had been in Guantanamo since 2002. Welcome back: Family members of the Guantanamo Bay detainees freed last week were on hand to welcome them at a ceremony in Riyahd, Saudi Arabia After spending about two months in the rehab, al Shihri ditched his wife, his unborn child, and a 3,000-riyal-a-month honorary paycheck from the Saudi government in Riyadh. He fled to Yemen, where he co-founded al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). AQAP is believed to now be the most active branch of al Qaeda. It has taken responsibility for the Charlie Hebdo shooting, which killed 11 in France, and a 2012 suicide bombing of a Yemen military parade that killed over 120 people. From Yemen, al Shihri helped orchestrate a number of international terror plots including the failed Christmas Day underwear bombing and the 2008 U.S. embassy bombing in Sana before he was killed in a US drone strike in 2012. His brother, Yussuf al Shihri, was also a former Guantanamo inmate who attended the Saudi rehabilitation center. He was killed by Saudi police in 2009 while attempting to carry out a suicide bombing. Although the U.S. government claims it will only transfer detainees out of Guantanamo if there is a 'feasible' security and reintegration plan in place, officials have completely lost track of some former inmates who were sent to Saudi Arabia. The State Department offered a $5 million bounty to locate two terror leaders -- Othman al Ghamdi and Ibrahim al Rubaysh who went through the rehab program and are now senior officials in AQAP. It is still available, but not promoted, amid reports of both their deaths, Ghamdi possibly in a drone strike in September 2015. The same goes for the Saudi Arabian government, whose 2009 Most Wanted Terrorist list contained 11 former Guantanamo Bay inmates who attended the rehab program. 'Transfers to Saudi Arabia have given AQAP a big chunk of its leadership,' said Thomas Joscelyn, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Rehab: The Saudi rehabilitation center officially known as the Prince Mohammed bin Naif Counseling and Care Center aims to 'reprogram' hardened terrorists Facilities: Attendees spend 15 hours a week studying Sharia law, six hours on social events, five in psychological therapy, five studying history, five in art classes, and 12 hours playing sports, with facilities on site for their recreation Talks: The program has two locations in Riyadh and Jeddah. Last year, it graduated 154 militants who 'underwent courses in counseling and a review of terrorist, deviant thought and extremist ideas' and 'now qualify to be integrated in society.' Saudi Arabia publicly estimates that around 20 percent of its rehabilitation program attendees return to terrorism. Over 130 former Guantanamo detainees have been sent through the rehab. According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, about 122 total former detainees are believed to have returned to terrorism, out of nearly 700 total released since the Bush administration. Joscelyn said the Saudi rehab was not initially designed to rehabilitate Guantanamo Bay detainees, which could account for the high recidivism rate. 'The program was more geared to people who were further down the extremist ladder, that hadn't really gone the full al Qaeda yet,' he said. 'This program originally was not well-suited for seasoned al Qaeda operatives.' Rehab attendees also aren't treated like seasoned al Qaeda operatives. The former Guantanamo Bay detainees are ceremoniously welcomed to Saudi Arabia on a private government plane, often with family members greeting them on the tarmac. They live at the resort-like rehab camps in Riyadh and Jeddah during the three-month program, which offers recreational activities such as swimming pools and art classes and even hotel suites for conjugal visits. Participants spend the bulk of their therapy time studying Sharia Islamic law and are also taught workplace skills and 'positive thinking.' The government will even buy brides for the unmarried ex-detainees a pricey gift in Saudi Arabia, where the cost of arranged marriages can reportedly top $18,000. After graduating from the center, the former detainees and their families often receive financial support from the Saudi government, covering their food, home costs and other living expenses. The Saudis receive some benefits in return. Joscelyn said there are indications that they are using the program for intelligence gathering purposes. Underwear bomber: Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was an AQAP terrorist when he tried to blow up a plane to the United States with a bomb hidden in his underwear Terror in the air: AQAP terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab as he was arrested at Detroit after his failed underwear bomb Attempt at terror: AQAP has been behind a series of attacks, including the use of the underwear bomb Several Guantanamo Bay detainees who graduated from the rehab fled to Yemen to join AQAP but soon after 'turned themselves in' to Saudi officials. Abu Hareth Muhammad al Oufi was transferred to Saudi Arabia from Guantanamo in 2007, and two years later appeared in an AQAP video in Yemen. But soon after, he voluntarily surrendered to Saudi authorities. Another former Guantanamo detainee, Jaber al Faifi briefly rejoined al Qaeda before turning himself in to the Saudis and supposedly tipped them off to a terrorist bomb plot. 'Saudi Arabia has definitely played a role in infiltrating AQAP and trying to get human intelligence on AQAP,' said Joscelyn. 'They appear to have used some of these guys who played that role for them, either by design or the Saudis have been able to manipulate them to do that.' One current Guantanamo prisoner, Ghassan Abdullah al Sharbi, blasted the Saudi rehabilitation program during a recently-declassified interview with US officials, claiming it's all a sham to convince attendees to fight for jihad on behalf of the Saudi government. 'There is a strong...de-radicalization program, but make no mistake, underneath there is a hidden radicalization program,' said al-Sharbi in an interview with an administrative review board at Guantanamo. He claimed Saudi Arabia used to rehab to recruit former detainees to rejoin terror groups approved by the kingdom. 'When they release you they wanna make sure that you're still under that cloak and they got you to fight their jihad in their regions and in the States,' he said. The checkered history of the Saudi rehab program is also raising concerns with counterterrorism experts due to the 'dangerous' backgrounds of some of the latest Guantanamo transfers. Two of the Guantanamo Bay detainees transferred to Saudi Arabia last week were deemed 'too dangerous to transfer' by President Obama's Guantanamo review task force in 2010 with one of them being described by reviewers as an 'extremist' who continued to 'praise terrorist groups' just over a year ago. Salem bin Kanad and Muhammed Ghanim later appealed the decision to an administrative review board and were approved for transfer but few details were given for the board's decision. 'You're dealing with the guys that Obama's own task force said shouldn't be transferred,' said Joscelyn. 'What has changed that all of a sudden these guys are approved for transfer?' Both of the former detainees were judged 'too dangerous to transfer but not feasible for prosecution' by a special task force convened by Obama in 2009 to assess Guantanamo detainees. Out of 240 detainees reviewed by the task force, only 48 were recommended for this continued indefinite detention. Bloody war: Yemen, Saudi Arabia's neighbor, has been thrust into a devastating civil conflict - with al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula part of it This group consisted of detainees who had a 'significant organizational role' with al Qaeda or the Taliban, advanced military training, openly expressed an interest in returning to terrorism, or maintained strong associations with a terrorist organization. The task force based its decision on information that 'indicated that the detainee poses a high level of threat that cannot be mitigated sufficiently except through continued detention.' Bin Kanad was previously described by US officials as an al Qaeda member and sub-commander in Osama bin Laden's 55th Arab Brigade who had advanced weapons training. He was deemed 'high risk' and 'likely to pose a threat to the US, its interests and allies.' Ghanim was described by US officials as a 'veteran extremist' who served as a bodyguard to Osama bin Laden. Bin Kanad and Ghanim later appealed for transfers with the Guantanamo periodic review board. Bin Kanad was rejected by this board as recently as August 2015 with reviewers saying he 'has continued to praise terrorist groups and activities, indicating that he retains an extremist mindset.' Their requests were finally approved last year. The board explained its decision to transfer bin Kanad by saying he had a 'lack of advanced training and any significant leadership role with the Taliban' a conclusion that doesn't acknowledge the prior findings. 'This all is a way to get rid of as many detainees as possible from Guantanamo before Obama leaves office,' said Joscelyn. 'When you have the Obama administration itself saying the guy is too dangerous to transfer on multiple occasions, and then they transfer him I think there are plenty of reasons to question that.' Ghanim's transfer approval also gives little indication of why the board decided to break with the task force's decision. In explaining the approval, the board acknowledged that Ghanim 'expressed hatred towards the United States on occasion' but this was 'probably out of frustration with his detention and debriefers' line of questioning.' The board also claimed he had been corresponding with a former detainee who is suspected of going back into terrorism, and had several close family members and friends involved with AQAP. They also described him as an 'experienced militant' who 'probably participated in plots against government and Western interests in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.' But they praised his 'relative forthrightness' with the board about his past history of terrorism, including 'fighting in Afghanistan with the Taliban,' as well as his 'remorse for the effects of his actions on others' and said his transfer would not be a security risk. Two other detainees, Abdallah Yahya Yusif al Shibli and Muhammad Ali Abdallah Muhammad Bwazir, were also transferred to Saudi Arabia last week, the Obama administration announced. A One Nation candidate has been slammed for claiming the LGBTI community is 'out to destroy families' in a string of controversial posts on her personal Facebook page. Tracey Bell-Henselin, the party's candidate for the electorate of Glasshouse on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, also said gay and lesbians were 'the real manipulating bigots'. 'LGBTI is out to destroy families as we know [them] and have lived for generations producing babies/growing a family produced by a mother & father creation,' she wrote in one of her posts in recent months, according to The Courier-Mail. 'But now when we stand up on the side of the law to protect our family and children we gave birth to - we are told to shut up that we [are] bigots & homophobic - labelled, cursed sworn at.' One Nation candidate Tracey Bell-Henselin (right, with Pauline Hanson and husband) has come under fire after claiming the LGBTI community is 'out to destroy families' Ms Bell-Henselin also said that the gay and lesbians were 'the real manipulating bigots' Ms Bell-Henselin stood as a candidate for Rise Up Australia in the 2016 election, vowing to rally against the Safe Schools program for 'deceitfully promoting sexualisation'. Ms Bell-Henselin stood as a candidate for Rise Up Australia in the 2016 election She told The Courier-Mail she would only respond to their questions if Pauline Hanson and her chief of staff James Ashby were present. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Bell-Henselin for comment. It is the third time Ms Hanson's One Nation party has come under fire for candidates posting homophobic or offensive remarks on social media. Last week One Nation candidate Shan Ju Lin was dumped from the party after she branded gay people 'abnormal' and claimed they should be 'treated as patients' in a social media rant. Ms Ju Lin was initially suspended before being dumped late on Friday as a candidate for the Queensland state seat of Bundamba in Ipswich, south-west of Brisbane. One Nation candidate Shan Ju Lin was dumped last week after she branded gay people 'abnormal' in a bizarre social media post 'Shan Ju, you have not heeded the warnings of the executive after your suspension less than 24 hours ago regarding 'gays should be treated as patients',' Ms Ju Lin was told by the party. 'Pauline Hanson has instructed me to inform you, effective immediately, you are no longer the endorsed candidate in the seat of Bundamba for Pauline Hanson's One Nation.' Ms Hanson, who was disendorsed as federal Liberal Party candidate in 1996 over her controversial comments on Aboriginal welfare, issued a statement on Sunday about Ms Lin. 'These are not the views shared by Pauline Hanson's One Nation, nor the views of your fellow candidates and the general public,' she said in a Twitter statement. Last month, Andy Semple, the party's candidate for Currumbin, was disendorsed after posting a 'joke' about the LGBTI community on his Twitter. 'Sadly, I have withdrawn my #PHON candidacy for Currumbin It seems #PHON only likes certain types of Freedom of Expression,' he tweeted on December 19. A heartbroken father was forced to carry the dead body of his five-year-old daughter nine miles after an Indian hospital allegedly refused to supply a hearse. The man, identified as Gati Dhibar, of Pechamundi village walked around 15 kilometres with his girl in his arms after she died at Palahada Community Health Centre in Angul. A hospital manager and a security guard are said to have been suspended over the incident. The man (right) identified as Gati Dhibar was forced to carry his daughter's body from hospital Video footage seen by MailOnline show the father carrying his daughter along the street Mr Dhibar had failed to get a vehicle to carry his daughter's body from the hospital, according to the Indian Express. Anil Kumar Samal, the District Collector of Angul, has called for an investigation into the incident, and told the paper: 'Following dead body carrying incident in Palahada, the sub-collector visited the spot and spoke to the family members of the deceased. 'On the basis of the report, security guard and junior hospital manager has been suspended. 'We shall ensure nothing undignified happens with any dead body.' It is not the first time the By the time help arrived, courtesy of local youths who alerted officials, Mr Majhi had walked over seven miles Last year, shocking footage emerged of an almost identical incident showing an impoverished man carrying the body of his dead wife along a road after the hospital she died in allegedly failed to provide an ambulance. Dana Majhi was filmed with his wife over his shoulders wrapped in sheets and his heartbroken teenage daughter by his side as he headed towards his home nearly 50 miles from the hospital in the town of Bhawanipatna, India. More than two decades after their mother' body was fished out of a river inside a duffel bag weighed down with concrete, two California sisters are leading the charge to keep her convicted killer - their stepfather - behind bars for the rest of his life. Tippy Dhaliwal was 14 years old and her sister, Jeanette Marine, was 10 when their mother, 33-year-old Phonthip Ott, went missing from their home in Sacramento in May 1992. After a weeklong search, a fisherman pulled a large white nylon bag from the Sacramento River, which contained the missing mother's lifeless body. Scroll down for video Rocky marriage: US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Dennis Ott, is pictured with his bride, Phonthip Boonack, right, on their wedding day, long before her murder and his arrest Sisters' battle: Phonthip's grown daughters, Jeanette Marine (left) and Tippy Dhaliwal (right), are now fighting to keep their stepfather from getting out of prison on parole Investigators quickly zeroed in on Phonthip's husband, Dennis Ott, as the prime suspect, and in 1995 he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole, according to a recent CBS' 48 Hours episode dedicated to the case. Phonthip's daughters have attended every one of Ott's parole hearings over the last 20 years, most recently in September 2015, each time voicing their vehement opposition to his release. Why cant he just sit there and rot? Tippy Dhaliwal said of Dennis Ott. Where are the rights of our mom? She doesnt have any rights. Her sister added that its frustrating that 25 years after their mothers violent death, they are being forced to relive their childhood trauma and hear the grisly details of their mothers murder every time her convicted killer comes up for parole. Were still being victimized and hes behind bars, said Jeanette Marine. Ott, pictured in his mugshot, was arrested two years after his wife's body was found in the Sacramento River Phonthip Boonack was an immigrant from Thailand and a single mother-of-two; her daughters remembered her as a fun mom Ott, a former US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer who is now in his 60s, has always maintained his innocence. Speaking to CBS reporter Tracy Smith by phone from the Solano Prison in California, the inmate argued that he deserves to be freed because he meets all the criteria to be released on parole, and during his incarceration he has been a model prisoner, even earning a couple of college degrees. I dont believe Ill be a danger to society, he insisted. But Sutter County District Attorney Amanda Hopper, who represented Tippy and Jeanette at Otts latest parole hearing, is of a markedly different opinion. I absolutely think he is a danger to society in general and probably to the family, Hopper said. Ive seen that he has absolutely no concept of accountability. US Coast Guard seaman Dennis Ott was 41 years old when he met Phonthip Boonack, an immigrant from Thailand and a single mother-of-two, at the home of her stepfather, retired military man Larry Lewis. The couple soon got married, but Tippy, Phonthips oldest, was distrustful of her new stepfather from the outset. Both sisters said their mother's marriage to Ott was punctuated by fights and screaming matches, which became more frequent and intense leading up to her disappearance. During Otts murder trial, then-13-year-old Jeanette would tearfully recount for the jury how she once witnessed her stepfather put his hands on her mothers neck during one heated argument. This fisherman reeled in a white nylon duffel bag containing Phonthip's lifeless body following a week-long search Phonthip was 33 years old when she was killed, possibly by strangulation, and tossed in the river, leaving behind two daughters Then and now: Tippy was 14 years old and Jeanette was 10 (left) when their mother was killed. The sisters, seen in a recent photo on the right, now have families of their own According to Ott, however, he and Phonthip had, in all, two altercations over the course of their relationship, in one of which he said his wife scratched his face, prompting him to throw her onto their waterbed and pin down her arms. He denied ever putting his hands on Phonthips neck. Phonthip's stepfather suggested that Ott had some anger issues, and that in one letter that he sent to his wife while he was at sea he had written: 'You and Tippy can take a long walk off a short pier.' Ott admitted that his marriage was complicated: Phonthip had suspected him of infidelity, and she herself apparently had a boyfriend on the side. Sutter County Sheriff Paul Parker said that two days before her disappearance, Phonthip had filed a restraining order against her husband claiming that she was afraid of him. That same day, she served Ott with divorce papers. Speaking from prison, Dennis Ott said he last saw his wife on the morning of May 17, 1992, walking out of the house with her black purse after telling him that she had plans. She was never seen alive again. Tippy and Jeanette were visiting their grandfather that day. When they returned home, there was no sign of their mother anywhere. When it came time to file a missing person report, it was Phonthips stepfather who contacted the authorities, not her husband. Model prisoner: Ott, pictured at California State Prison Solano, says he has done everything to justify his early release and insists he is not a danger to society A week later, a man was fishing in the Sacramento River when he felt what he described as a nice big bite on his fishing pole. When he reeled in what he initially thought was a big catch, it turned out to be a heavy bag with chunks of concrete laying on top. All I saw was a long black tail, the fisherman recounted. The bag turned over and I saw two big feet sticking me in the face and it scared the bejesus out of me. Tippy Dhaliwal said when her mothers body was recovered, she and her sister instantly knew that Dennis Ott, their stepfather, was the culprit. Investigators did not have any physical evidence directly connecting Ott to Phonthips death, such as fingerprints, blood, DNA or a murder weapon, so they built their case around circumstantial evidence, including distinctly shaped concrete anchors found in Otts backyard and the white nylon US Coast Guard duffel bag used to dispose of the victims body. The court also heard from witnesses who recounted how Ott once came to Phonthips work at a commercial laundry and threatened to kill her. Denied: In September 2015, Ott's latest parole bid was rejected after a five-hour hearing It took the jury just three and a half hours to reach a unanimous guilty verdict. More than 20 years later, on September 25, 2015, Tippy and Jeanette once again came face to face with their mothers convicted killer at his latest parole hearing at California State Prison Solano. After five hours of emotional testimony, including from the victim's family and Ott's 93-year-old mother, the parole board denied the inmate's plea for an early release. Jeanette Marine said she felt a 'brief sense of satisfaction' when she heard that Ott's parole has been denied. 'He deserves to rot and die in prison plain and simple,' she said. 'He took everything from us, everything. And I wanna take everything from him now.' Dennis Ott's next hearing has been scheduled for October 2017. Meanwhile, Tippy Dhaliwal is waging a personal life-or-death battle: in March 2015, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, which later metastasized. She has to get through it. I cant be without her. Shes all I have left, Jeanette said, And shell beat it like she always does. Trump said he wants to renegotiate North American Free Trade Agreement during election Mexico's new foreign relations secretary said Tuesday his country isn't just willing to negotiate changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement, it wants to start talks as soon as possible. Luis Videgaray said there's 'enormous uncertainty' following the U.S. election of Donald Trump as president. Trump has pressured companies not to move jobs to Mexico, warned he would tax those who do, and has vowed to renegotiate NAFTA. Videgaray said in a Radio Formula interview that Trump's actions have caused concern, adding 'that is why this (negotiation) process is so important, to dispel this uncertainty.' He said talks should start 'as soon as possible.' Let's talk: Mexico's new Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Videgaray wants negotiations as soon as possible on the North American Free Trade Agreement with President-elect Trump He also said there is no way his country will pay for the wall that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to build on the United States' southern border to keep out illegal immigrants. 'There's no way that could happen,' Videgaray said on Mexican television a few days after his appointment. 'There are no circumstances...not even the best possible trade deal, investments, support which would justify taking a step that would violate the dignity of Mexicans to such an extent.' The wall has been a bone of contention between Trump and Mexico since the businessman launched his presidential campaign in June 2015, accusing Mexico of sending rapists and drug dealers across the border into the United States. Trump said on Friday that Mexico would repay the United States for the wall, a day after news emerged that the New Yorker's transition team was exploring getting the Republican-led Congress to vote to approve the funding. Previously Mexico's finance minister, Videgaray played a key role in setting up Trump's hastily arranged visit to Mexico City at the end of August, which turned into a public relations disaster for President Enrique Pena Nieto. Videgaray stepped down as finance minister a week later. Officials say he has played an important role in informal talks with Trump's transition team, particularly his son-in-law Jared Kushner who is set to become a senior White House adviser. During the television interview, Videgaray said he had a 'very favorable impression' of Kushner, whom he described as 'extraordinarily competent.' Contact with Kushner had come about through connections on Wall Street, Videgaray said. Videgaray said setting up a meeting between Pena Nieto and Trump once the American takes office on Jan. 20 was a priority. Trump has vowed to ditch a joint trade deal with Mexico if he cannot renegotiate it in the United States' favor, and has threatened to slap a hefty border tax on goods produced in Mexico, notably from its burgeoning automobile sector. Not paying: Mexico's new foreign affairs secretary said there was no chance the country would fall into line with Trump's demands that it pay for an upgrade of the existing border barrier Last week Ford abruptly canceled a planned $1.6 billion investment in Mexico, and Trump promptly thanked the firm. 'I think the uncertainty (over trade) is doing a lot of harm to investment decisions in the automotive sector and many other sectors,' Videgaray said. The foreign minister said Mexico would also need to undertake more trade missions than ever before in 2017 in Asia, Europe and Latin America to diversify its base. Mexico's peso weakened further Tuesday, closing at an interbank rate of 21.73 to $1. Videgaray said his government's main concern would be 'how to protect jobs in Mexico,' and said 'there are a lot of reasons to think the negotiation would be favorable for Mexico.' He said Mexico is willing to negotiate over Trump's plan to build a border wall. But Videgaray said Mexico won't pay for the wall, calling that 'unacceptable.' University lecturer: Dr Marian Bond was found unconscious on the bed at her home A woman whose husband tried to murder her by bashing her over the head with a lump hammer today said she hoped they would resume their loving relationship one day. University lecturer Dr Marian Bond spoke out as her husband Paul, 62, was detained indefinitely having been found guilty of trying to murder her. A court heard how he was suffering from depression when he fractured her skull and jaw during a frenzied attack at their 1million home in Over, Cambridgeshire. He then placed the blood-stained lump hammer under a pillow on the bed and phoned 999, telling the call handler, Ive really hurt her, shes not OK. The computer expert was today told he may never be released by a judge at Cambridge Crown Court who detained him indefinitely under the Mental Health Act. He will only be let out when a mental health tribunal decides it is safe. But Dr Bond revealed that she hopes he will one day be released so they can spend the rest of their lives together. She said: It is and was my absolutely my wish that my husband was not charged with attempted murder but that he was treated for the mental condition that he was suffering from at the time... so that at some date in the future we can resume our life together. We have been loving and devoted partners since 1982 for more than 30 years, during which time Paul has never been violent or abusive to me or anyone else. Weapon: The husband, who ran a computing business from the couples home, hit his wife up to five times with the 2.5lb lump hammer, which was 12 inches long I can only conclude that Pauls actions were down to the depression from which he was clearly suffering. I have always felt that hospital treatment over a prison sentence would be the best thing for Paul, myself and society. Bond previously denied attempted murder, but he offered no defence for the brutal attack during a week-long trial. Sentencing him, Judge David Farrell QC said Bond had undoubtedly intended to kill his wife and had struck her with the hammer at least three times. Detained: A judge said Paul Bond (pictured) had intended to kill his wife and had struck her with the hammer at least three times He also said it was miraculous she had survived and that was thanks to the actions of hospital staff. Judge Farrell said: You waited until your wife was asleep. She was extremely vulnerable lying in her bed. You armed yourself with the hammer and then struck her to the head on at least three occasions. You undoubtedly intended to kill her but she miraculously survived. Before the attempted murder you were seen by a psychiatrist. You were depressed, agitated and had self harmed and there were concerns expressed by you that you feared your wife might leave you. Psychiatrists agree you are suffering from a mental disorder. The hospital order is the most appropriate way of dealing with you. I do not consider it appropriate to impose a custodial sentence upon you. During the trial, the jury heard that when police arrived at the property last July they found Bond with blood over his hands, cheek, chest and dressing gown. Location: Bond was suffering from depression when he fractured his wife's skull and jaw during a frenzied attack at their 1million home (pictured) in Over, Cambridgeshire Dr Bond was rushed to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge after paramedics found her lying unconscious on the bed. She was placed in an induced coma and had part of her skull removed as doctors fought to save her life. She has since made a recovery but will be scarred for life. Mrs Bond sat in the public gallery for the trial and listened as details of what happened to her were read out. The court heard how Bond, who ran a computing business from the couples home, hit his wife up to five times with the 2.5lb lump hammer, which was 12 inches long. 'Loving and devoted': Dr Bond's statement 'It is and was my absolutely my wish that my husband was not charged with attempted murder but that he was treated for the mental condition that he was suffering from at the time... so that at some date in the future we can resume our life together. 'We have been loving and devoted partners since 1982 for more than 30 years, during which time Paul has never been violent or abusive to me or anyone else. 'I can only conclude that Pauls actions were down to the depression from which he was clearly suffering. 'I have always felt that hospital treatment over a prison sentence would be the best thing for Paul, myself and society.' Advertisement The attack left Mrs Bond, who worked in the animal and environmental biology department at Anglia Ruskin Universitys Cambridge campus, with multiple fractures to her skull, as well as depressing bone into the brain and causing her brain to swell. A second blow to the left hand side of the jaw caused multiple fractures, and required surgery to correct. During two police interviews following his arrested he seemed emotionless and refused to answer questions, the court heard, and he did not give an explanation for carrying out the attack. Prosecutor Amjad Malik claimed that after the attack, in which the lights were turned off and the curtains drawn, Bond could not face the reality of what he had done. He said: Although he had tried his hardest (to kill) and he thought that the attack that he had launched and the number of blows he had inflicted had done enough (to kill). When he saw the bedroom as she lay with her head on that pillow where she was barely breathing. He had to make a choice. He had to finish her off with further blows to kill her. He did not have the strength or the ability to finish her off. He could have left her to die but he chose at that point, in the state that she was in, to change his mind. In his defence Michael Duffy QC said that the fact that Bond called the emergency services shows that he didnt intend to kill his wife. Speaking after the verdict, Detective Inspector Jerry Waite, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: This was an horrific assault which could easily have killed Dr Bond. Without the immediate intervention of paramedics we would probably have been dealing with a murder. This is a sad case and the conviction today is not one to celebrate, however, I hope it allows the victim and relatives to move on knowing that justice has taken its course. King Arthur Pendragon (left) argues that a 15 parking fee at the prehistoric monument near Amesbury breached his human rights. A senior druid has won the right to take a charity to court over 'pay-to-pray' parking charges for the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, claiming it should be free. King Arthur Pendragon argues that a 15 parking fee at the prehistoric monument near Amesbury, breached his human rights. The 62-year-old has appeared at Salisbury Crown Court, Wiltshire, to present his case for the right to worship at the neolithic relic without unnecessary restriction or hindrance from charity English Heritage. Other druids and pagans gathered outside the court waving banners in support of their leader, who claims he is a reincarnation of Britain's mythical monarch King Arthur. Mr Pendragon and his supporters found the 15 parking charge, introduced by English Heritage for visitors to Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice in June, to be contentious. He believes the charge made druids and pagans 'pay to pray', and they should have had the right to park for free. Visitors to Stonehenge can usually park at the World Heritage Site for free, with a 5 refundable fee being charged during peak times. To Mr Pendragon's delight, a full day's hearing was granted for his case, in which he is seeking a judicial review of the charitys decision to impose parking charges under articles 9, 10, 11 and 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights - the right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of expression; freedom of assembly and association; and prohibition of discrimination respectively. Mr Pendragon and his supporters found the 15 parking charge, introduced by English Heritage for visitors to Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice in June, to be contentious Druid King Arthur Pendragon conducts a Solstice sunset service as people gather in the megalithic monument of Stonehenge King Arthur Pendragon, who was born John Timothy Rothwell, is a senior Neo-Druid In the pre-trial hearing, Mr Pendragon and a representative for English Heritage were given indicators of what direction the case would proceed. On emerging from court, Mr Pendragon said: 'I am glad justice prevailed, and I am pleased there there will be a full day's hearing. 'English Heritage want to make money out of an event that means so much to many people. 'But for me, this case is not about the claim, it is about the remedy, and I hope at the hearing that we will emerge victorious. 'We have justice and right on our side.' Fellow druid Karoline Smith said she was disgusted at having to pay, and that Mr Pendragon was fighting for justice. She said: 'They used to be a charity, but are charging money like a business. 'It is disgusting we are being made to pay to see Stonehenge, and Arthur is leading our fight for justice.' Mr Pendragon is also an eco-campaigner, media personality, and a self-proclaimed 'reincarnated King Arthur' A spokeswoman from English Heritage said: 'This was a procedural hearing establishing the next steps and we look forward to presenting our full case at a later date. 'As legal proceedings are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.' An earlier statement from English Heritage about the Summer Solstice parking charges read: 'In recent years there has been a huge growth in people and cars coming to the World Heritage Site to celebrate the Summer Solstice. 'In 2000, approximately 10,000 people attended the Solstice celebrations while in 2014, the figure was close to 40,000. 'To protect Stonehenge and to keep the Summer Solstice special, English Heritage introduced a number of new changes this year, intended to make the occasion greener and more enjoyable for everyone. 'One of these changes was a parking charge of 15 per car, designed to encourage more people to use public transport or to car share and to make best use of the limited parking facilities.' The statement also disputed that the parking costs were forcing people to 'pay-to-pray', adding: 'English Heritage is committed to maintaining open access to the stones and we have no intention of introducing an entrance fee to the monument during the solstice celebrations. 'The Summer Solstice parking charge is not a 'pay to pray' but a 'pay to park' charge. 'A wide range of people enjoy coming to Stonehenge for Summer Solstice and all of those who drive there, are charged a parking fee - just as they might be if visiting other sites, whether religious or not.' King Arthur Pendragon, who was born John Timothy Rothwell, is a senior Neo-Druid, which is a form of spirituality or religion that promotes harmony and worship of nature. He is also an eco-campaigner, media personality, and a self-proclaimed 'reincarnated King Arthur.' A 10-year-old girl who lost her beloved stuffed bear in the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting will be reunited with him after an anxious plea from her mother. Rufus, a teddy bear in a red onesie, went missing among thousands of items during the attack that left five dead and six wounded last week. More than 23,000 items of luggage were left behind during a frantic mass evacuation and a 16-hour airport shutdown. Airport officials are still working to get the bags back to their owners - meaning Rufus hadn't returned to his Windsor, Ontario home as of Monday night. That's when the little girl's mother, Kim Lariviere, asked for the sheriff's office help on Twitter. 'Looking for Rufus from Terminal 2 D8. Crying daughter cannot sleep. #FLLshooting help!' she wrote. The Broward Sheriff department retweeted her message, which has now been shared more than 200 times. But airport officials located the bear Tuesday morning, meaning Rufus will be returned to his owner. Canadian mother Kim Lariviere shared this photo of Rufus, her daughter's stuffed bear, which got lost among thousands of items after last week's shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport Lariviere (pictured holding a photo of Rufus) said her daughter hadn't slept for three nights in a row and was barely eating after losing her beloved teddy bear The family (pictured) ran out of the airport when shots rang out in Terminal 2, then came back inside. But they had to evacuate again after a rumor emerged about a second shooter Lariviere and her daughter, Courtney Gelinas, are among thousands of travelers who are still waiting for their personal belongings to be returned after Friday's shootings. The Canadian family haven't gone home yet because they need to collect their items before they travel back. Rufus, who has also been in the family for 10 years is the girl's 'best bud', the mother said. Lariviere took the search for Rufus a step further Monday night when she asked the sheriff's office for help on Twitter. She was also in touch with the airport hotline. The Broward Sheriff's office retweeted the mother's plea along with a picture of Rufus, asking for the public's help in locating the lost bear Airport officials located Rufus on Tuesday morning and told Lariviere they would be in touch. Employees have been working around the clock to sort out more than 20,000 items Lariviere announced on Twitter that Rufus had been found and thanked those who had shared the bear's picture. Her 10-year-old daughter, Courtney Gelinas, has had Rufus all her life Broward County officials retweeted a photo of Rufus along with her message, asking the public if they had spotted the stuffed animal. Several well-wishers said they hoped for Rufus' prompt return, and at least two offered to provide replacement teddy bears in case he couldn't be found. But airport officials brought the search to an end when they announced they had located Rufus on Tuesday morning. 'We found Rufus!' airport representatives wrote on Twitter, telling the mother they'd be in touch by private message. Lariviere tweeted back a thank-you message, writing: 'Omg!!!!!! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!!' followed by three purple hearts. The mother recounted being in Fort Lauderdale airport with her husband and their two children after finishing a cruise when a gunman opened fire. 'I'll never experience this fear again. This is a once in a lifetime fear,' Lariviere told CTV. The family ran outside after shots rang out in Terminal 2, then returned and took a photo of Rufus inside the chaotic airport. But they had to evacuate again when rumors of a second shooter, which later proved to be unfounded, emerged - leaving Rufus behind. More than 20,000 items of luggage (some are pictured Saturday) were left at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after Friday's shooting Courtney was distressed at having lost her beloved bear, which was given to him by Lariviere's father before he died. 'Rufus has never been apart from my daughter and unfortunately she wasn't able to grab him as we ran out. She hasn't slept in three nights. She has barely eaten,' Lariviere told the Miami Herald when the bear was still missing. 'And I think he's probably the most important thing we need back right now.' Airport officials said employees were working around the clock to return displaced items to their owners. Items with an airline identification are being returned though the airlines, while luggage items with a passenger identification but no airline are being handled by airport and baggage company employees. RAF serviceman Corrie McKeague was last seen following a night out with friends in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on September 24 The back of a phone found close to where missing RAF gunner Corrie McKeague was last seen has no link to his disappearance, say police. It was reported that a smartphone was discovered in Mildenhall, Suffolk, close to where the airman's Nokia Lumia 435 pinged a mast just hours after he disappeared three months ago. Mr McKeague, 23, was last seen following a night out with friends in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on September 24. An object thought to be a mobile phone was found by a member of the public on Tuesday in Mildenhall Park. However, officers have now confirmed it was just the back of a phone case and there is nothing to say it has any link into the inquiry of Mr McKeague's whereabouts. At the time of his disappearance Mr McKeague had been stationed close to Bury St Edmunds and it's feared he may have tried to walk ten miles back to RAF Honington. Meanwhile, his mother Nicola Urquhart, 48, thanked Facebook supporters for their backing for her plea for remaining buildings in the area to be searched. Posting on Facebook today, she said: 'I would like everyone to know that the police are carrying out a search of the buildings on the other side of the horseshoe. 'Myself, the boys and our entire families would like to thank you for giving us your voices. The phone was discovered in Mildenhall, Suffolk, close to where the airman's Nokia Lumia 435 pinged a mast just hours after he disappeared after a night out in Bury St Edmunds (pictured when he was last seen on CCTV) 'The police reviewed the information they had and with the intelligence they received they are now searching. Thank you all again.' The development comes just a day after his girlfriend April Oliver revealed she is expecting his baby, due to be born in the spring. The development comes just a day after his girlfriend April Oliver revealed she is expecting his baby, due to be born in the spring. The development comes just a day after his girlfriend April Oliver revealed she is expecting his baby, due to be born in the spring Miss Oliver, who released pictures of the ultraound scan, is expecting their baby to be born in late spring or early summer this year Speaking to the BBC, she said she was on holiday in America when the gunner went missing and had seen him shortly before she left. The couple had been together for about five months after meeting on a dating site Asked about the moment she discovered he was missing, she said: 'I had only been there a few days when I got the call from the RAF boys asking if I'd seen him or heard from him, that's when I knew that he was missing. I very quickly got a plane home. 'At that point I wasn't entirely sure what had happened to him. It was completely out of character. I found out I was pregnant a couple of weeks after I came back.' She is expecting their baby to be born in late spring or early summer this year. The couple had been together for about five months after meeting on a dating site. Miss Oliver said she had decided to speak about her pregnancy so that she could focus on looking after herself and her baby without any intrusion. Miss Oliver said she had decided to speak about her pregnancy so that she could focus on looking after herself and her baby without any intrusion Police are arranging to collect the Nokia today, although it is not yet known if it is the phone that belonged to Mr McKeague She said: 'Most people only tell their close friends but I'm faced with a decision where I need to tell near enough the whole UK. 'It's hard and it's going to add another level of stress I don't really need but it's something that has to be done.' His mother Nicola Urquhart (left) thanked Facebook supporters for backing her plea for a search of remaining buildings in the area Earlier this month, his mother Nicola told This Morning she believes somebody could be holding her son captive and that they could crack under 'phenomenal' public pressure. The tearful policewoman appealed for anyone with information about Corrie to come forward in return for a 50,000 reward. His family have also hired 'an elite team of specialists' to try and trace him. In November, Suffolk Police admitted they have 'no leads' despite trawling through 1,100 hours of CCTV footage. Before Christmas, Hollywood star Tom Hardy made a video appeal for help finding missing Corrie, from Dunfermline. Nicola was also pictured combing through undergrowth with a team of volunteers as she refuses to give up the search. A military veteran who was fired from his security guard job after missing work for the birth of his son has been flooded with new job offers and says he has no regrets. Lamar Austin received a text from employer Salerno Protective Services on New Year's Day telling him he was 'terminated', after he took two days off to be with his wife, Lindsay, as they welcomed their baby Cainan into the world. The 30-year-old, who was on a 90 day trial with the security firm, was devastated when he learned he had lost his job but says that his family always came first. 'I thought, 'I'm just going to do what I feel is right for my family,' and that's it,' he told the Huffington Post Since news of his firing broke, Austin has been flooded with job offers from people moved by his story. Lamar Austin, pictured with his wife Lindsay and their four children including tiny baby Cainan, was fired from his security guard job when he took two days off for the birth of his child And the father-of-four has decided to take up one of the offer; an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Concord, after business manager Denis Beaudoin reached out. 'That's the one I'm going to pursue,' he said. In the meantime, Austin and his family have been getting financial support from strangers who read about his story and wanted to help. 'No one should have to choose between their family and their job, said Sara Persechino, who does not know the family but set up a GoFundMe account which has already raised more than $8,000 for the Austins. 'Welcoming a new baby to a family should be a joyous time. This GoFundMe is an effort to ease any financial pressures they may be facing as they welcome a new member into their family and experience the unexpected loss of income.' The Austin family has thanked everyone for their donations, in particular 'Persechino for having a warm heart to do this for a complete stranger. It is highly appreciated by our family.' The 30-year-old, (pictuerd with his family, who was on a 90 day trial with the security firm, was devastated when he learned he had lost his job but says that his family always came first Austin added that if faced with the same scenario, he would do it all over again. He has even decided to keep wearing his hospital emergency room bracelet in honor of the special day until it falls off naturally. New Hampshire is an 'at-will employment' state, which means that an employer or employee can terminate their contract at any time and for any reason, with few exceptions. Salerno Protective Services president and CEO Anthony Salerno refused to comment on firing Austin, telling the Concord that: 'Being shrouded in confidentiality we are unable to comment until all business with Mr. Austin has been concluded. 'SPS is not in the practice of releasing employees for reasons stated in the article you published but must be cognizant of the product we give our clients!' Austin was expected to be on call 24/7 as part of his 90 day trial period after he was hired last month. He told the Monitor that the company, which provides security to clients including stores and college campuses, told him they were looking for 'dependable people'. The father-of-four told the newspaper that he hadn't missed a shift during the trial period, but on one occasion on December 28, he was unable to cover for another employee. Austin, 30, was fired by his employer, Salerno Protective Services, in a text message after he attended the birth of his child born at the Concord Hospital (above) He told the company that he needed to go to a doctor's appointment with his wife, who gave birth to Cainan, the first child born in Concord, New Hampshire, in 2017. Austin was then scheduled to work on Friday, December 30, and Saturday, December 31. But he missed both days when his wife went into labor. 'I didn't want to make it seem like I'm trying to miss work or something,' Austin told the Monitor. 'The second day I told my boss, 'My wife is still in labor,' and he just said, 'you're forcing my hand, if you aren't in work by 8 tomorrow we are going to terminate you.'' Austin received a text at 1am on New Year's Day that read: 'As of now, you are terminated.' 'I looked at it and I was like, 'Wow. OK, cool,' and that was about it for me,' he said. Austin told the Monitor that he responded to the text with 'ok'. 'I was in the hospital, it was a long night, and I wasn't trying to argue with nobody about a job while my wife was in labor,' he said. Advertisement Shocking photographs show the ultimate destruction inside a prison housing unit at a Massachusetts maximum security prison where convicted murder Aaron Hernandez is serving his life sentence after dozens of inmates rioted on Monday causing the prison to be locked down for hours. Correction officers regained control of the P-1 Housing Unit at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Facility in Shirley after 46 inmates refused to be locked in their cells sparking a riot that lasted for hours, officials say. A source told CBS Boston that Hernandez was not involved in the incident on Monday, as he is not housed in the P-1 Housing Unit. The incident started around 3.50pm when a fight between two inmates dramatically escalated. Correction officers have regained control of the P-1 Housing Unit at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Facility (above) in Shirley after 46 inmates refused to be locked in their cells sparking a riot that lasted for hours The Massachusetts maximum security prison is where convicted murder Aaron Hernandez is incarcerated. He is said not have been involved in the riot that outside law enforcement agencies respond to (above) In order to get the inmates back under control, a Special Operations Unit was forced to use a chemical agent on them around 7pm (scene above) Hernandez (above) is serving a life sentence at the prison for the murder of Odin Lloyd (image on TV screen above) after he was charged in June 2013 for the crime Those who were actively involved in the riot at the prison that destroyed the unit (above) will reportedly be moved to other facilities that will have segregation space, as they will also face disciplinary sanctions The Massachusetts Department of Correction describes the two inmates as high-ranking members of two gangs in the prison. Corrections officers were trying to secure the inmates in their cells, but another fight broke out and the remaining inmates refused to return back to their cells. The officers were then pulled out of the unit, leaving the inmates who then started destroying the unit. 'There are some first and second degree murderers in that unit,' said Department of Correction Commissioner Thomas Turco on Monday night. 'It was a riot, yes.' Officials say the inmates broke off sprinkler heads and also destroyed camera and computer systems. Shocking photographs released by the DOC show the ultimate destruction of the housing unit (above) Inmates at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Facility completely trashed their cells during the incident (above) Officials say the inmates destroyed camera and computer systems inside the unit (above) Insulation from the walls and bedding were tossed about inside the housing unit at the prison They also used fire extinguishers to destroy windows and furniture inside. Shocking photographs released by the DOC show the ultimate destruction of the housing unit. Portions of the ceiling were ripped out by inmates, who also completely trashed their prison cells. The DOC also released photographs showing the weapons inmates were able to create with broken pieces of furniture, computer parts and sprinkler heads. In order to get the inmates back under control, a Special Operations Unit was forced to use a chemical agent on them around 7pm. Aerial footage shows dozens of state police units outside of the prison, as officers appeared to enter to the facility to help calm the situation down. Portions of the ceiling (above) inside the P-1 Housing Unit were completely ripped out by inmates The Souza-Baranowski Correctional Facility first opened in 1998 and is the state's newest prison with 500,000 square feet of space. It's unclear how long it will take for the space where the riot occurred on Monday to be repaired (above) Inmates destroyed the furniture that was inside the unit, as the photo above shows a damaged table Authorities searched each inmate involved and there were no serious injuries. Officials say the inmates who live in the P-1 Housing Unit that was destroyed are being moved to other units in the prison. Those who were actively involved in the riot will reportedly be moved to other facilities that will have segregation space, as they will also face disciplinary sanctions. Authorities say criminal charges could be filed against some. Prison officials also say inmates broke off sprinkler heads inside the unit. The photo above shows the destroyed ceiling inside the unit Authorities searched each inmate involved and, surprisingly there were no serious injuries or deaths following the riot. Above the base level of the unit is pictured after the riot on Monday Officials say the inmates who live in the P-1 Housing Unit that was destroyed are being moved to other units in the prison. Above the trashed unit is pictured on Monday, as inmates also used fire extinguishers to destroy furniture inside Christopher Fallon, the assistant deputy commissioner of communications for the DOC, said the law does not allow him to reveal which inmates specifically were involved in the riot. The Souza-Baranowski Correctional Facility first opened in 1998 and is the state's newest prison with 500,000 square feet of space. There are 366 security camera as well as a high-tech computerized control system at the prison. It is named for Corrections Officer James Souza and industrial instructor Alfred Baranowski. They were killed in 1972 at MCI Norfolk during an aborted escape attempt by a convicted murderer. The DOC also released photographs (above) showing the weapons inmates were able to create with broken pieces of furniture, computer parts and sprinkler heads Pictured above are weapons correction officers confiscated from inmates after the riot on Monday A fugitive paedophile who preyed on 15-year-old girls with his girlfriend before fleeing London has been arrested in Ibiza, it has emerged. Paul Michael Silverthorn, from east London, is behind bars in Madrid and awaiting possible extradition to Britain after he was detained on the Spanish holiday island. The 36-year-old's arrest came months after his girlfriend, paedophile Leila Kassam, was also caught in Spain. Paul Michael Silverthorn (pictured), from east London, is behind bars in Madrid and awaiting possible extradition to Britain after he was detained on the Spanish holiday island The 36-year-old's arrest came months after his girlfriend, paedophile Leila Kassam, was also caught in Spain. The pair are pictured outside court after a previous court appearance Kassam, 32, fled to the same island after admitting child sexual exploitation offences in March. But she was captured after a local worker recognised her from a Crimewatch appeal over the summer while she was working as a farmhand and she was extradited to Britain in November. Last night her boyfriend, Silverthorn, was behind bars after going before a judge in an extradition hearing and faces a forced return to the UK and a nine-year jail sentence. Kassam and Silverthorn are thought to have skipped bail together and fled Britain after admitting their crimes. They were sentenced to four years and nine years respectively in their absence. They had lured their young victim back to a central London flat where they sexually assaulted her. Kassam (right) and Silverthorn (left) are thought to have skipped bail together and fled Britain after admitting their crimes The pair, both from Leytonstone in London, have been described as leading figures in a sex ring exploiting young girls during 'legal high' parties at a flat in Haymarket, central London. Another member of the gang, Daniel Trinnaman of Harrow, was sentenced to two and a half years in jail after being convicted of causing a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity and perverting the course of justice. Faham Jaffer, 34, who had sex with one girl after Kassam texted her a photo with a message which read, 'Only got me a cute little 15-year-old', was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of sexual activity with a child. Silverthorn, described by Spanish police as a Canadian national, is said to have given his victim legal high '5 NEO' before stifling her screams with a ball gag and tying her to a bed. He pleaded guilty to sex with a girl under 16, possessing prohibited images of a child and distributing indecent photographs before going on the run. He was convicted in his absence of administering a substance with the intent to overpower to allow sexual activity. Daniel Trinnaman (left) was jailed after being convicted of causing a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity and perverting the course of justice. Faham Jaffer (right) was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of sexual activity with a child A spokesman for Spain's Guardia Civil, confirming the arrest of Silverthorn who they identified in a press release only by his initials, said: 'The Civil Guard in Ibiza has arrested a 36-year-old Canadian with the initials P.M.S on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the authorities in the United Kingdom with the object of making him serve a nine-year prison sentence there for indecently assaulting a child and possessing and distributing child pornography. 'During the police investigation it was ascertained that the detainee could be in San Joan which was the place where he ended up being arrested by the Guardia Civil.' A judge in Madrid remanded him in prison after an extradition hearing. It was not immediately clear today if he had agreed to be sent back to Britain at the behind-closed-doors hearing or not. DC Rob Dewhurst, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said after Trinnaman and Jaffer were jailed and the other two gang members went on the run: 'This is a shocking case of child sexual exploitation. 'The defendants targeted young vulnerable girls, plying them with alcohol and what were then legal highs in order to facilitate their sexual abuse by a number of people. A Welsh blogger asked her Amazon Echo to pronounce the longest place name in Europe - prompting the gadget to come back with an incomprehensible reply. Llio Angharad, from Cardiff, asked the Echo to pronounce all 58 letters of the tongue-twister Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Ms Angharad, who writes about food, said to the Echo: 'Alexa, whats the longest place name in Europe?' Llio Angharad asked the Echo to pronounce all 58 letters of the town's name. File photo of a woman at its railway station It replied correctly, noting that the town near Anglesey in north Wales had the 'longest town name anywhere'. However, the pronunciation was described as 'diabolical' by a Welsh speaker on Twitter. The place name is translated, roughly, into English as: St Mary's Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel Near to the Rapid Whirlpool of Llantysilio of the Red Cave. The Echo also noted there was a 'hill in New Zealand' that had a longer name, but did not mention what this is called. Ms Angharad , who writes about food, said to the Echo: 'Alexa, whats the longest place name in Europe?' For the record, it is Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu. It is not the first time the device has surprised its users. Last week one in Dallas, Texas, ordered a 140 dollhouse after six-year-old Brooke Neitzel asked: 'Can you play dollhouse with me and get me a dollhouse?' Although the little girl meant it as a rhetorical question the device saw it as a command and ordered a KidKraft Sparkle mansion dollhouse. But to make matters worse many Amazon Echoes apparently picked up on news anchor Jim Patton's words in the report: 'I love the little girl saying "Alexa ordered me a dollhouse".' A Chinese pensioner has had her intestines hanging outside of her body for more than two decades because she can't afford medical treatment. The 80-year-old woman, Lan Guo'e, showed a reporter how she kept her intestines in a plastic bag at her home the village of Niuche in Wuxue city in central China's Hubei Province. Her husband said Lan had to suffer the painful condition due to a botched operation in the 1970s, however the couple couldn't afford an operation to treat her. Lan Guo'e, 80, has lived for more than 20 years with her intestines hanging outside of her body The pensioner, from China's Niuche village, keeps her bowels in a plastic bag on her body The husband Mao Yongfu told Chutian Urban Newspaper that it all started when his wife received a sterilisation in 1971. Unfortunately, the surgery scars, extended from one tissue and connected to another, had formed an adhesion around her bowel area. An inflammation caused by the adhesion made it difficult for Lan Guo'e to remove waste and fluids from her body. 'I was holding the pain and didn't eat and sleep for nine days when the condition first occurred,' Lan remembered. Lan was advised to have a surgery three years later but the pair were unable to pay for the surgery fees. 'Slowly, I can see my bowels pushed out of my body,' Lan said as she unbuttoned her jacket to show her condition to the reporter, who visited Lan accompanied by a village doctor. Shocking video showed a volleyball sized plastic bag was strapped to her stomach The woman said she used the bag and a thin elastic tube to hold her faeces and urine too The video showed a volleyball-sized plastic bag was strapped to her stomach. As Lan opened the bag, village doctor Dai Yi spotted intestinal fluids on Lan's body. A huge lump of organ tissues were also seen. Pensioner Lan has held the pain and carried her intestines with a carrier bag for 20 years, she told the reporter. 'The bag is to hold the faeces,' she explained. Lan pointed to a thin elastic tube and said that was for her to discharge urine. The woman said intestines had caused inflammation and brought great pain to her in the past two decades. She said that she was not able to eat, get dressed and sleep without her husband's help. The only treatment she gave herself was to wash her intestines with lukewarm water, she claimed. The woman had a botched operation in 1970s, but couldn't afford further treatment Apparently, the village's doctor Dai had visited Lan a few days prior to the interview. Dai had given her painkillers to relieve the condition. According to Chutian Urban Newspaper, the couple were not given social welfare subsidiary by the local authority. A reporter reached out to Mao Chenghan, the village's vice president. According to Mao, the couple have a son, therefore are not entitled to receive an annual benefit of 3,000 yuan (356). An appeals court in Florence on Tuesday rejected a bid for a new trial and possible acquittal of the only person convicted of the 2007 murder of British university student Meredith Kercher. Rudy Hermann Guede, an 29-year-old Ivorian, is serving a 16-year sentence for the murder of Kercher, found stabbed in her bedroom in a house she shared in Perugia with American student Amanda Knox. Knox and her former Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, after a series of convictions and acquittal, were ultimately exonerated of the murder in 2015 by Italy's top criminal tribunal, the Court of Cassation. Rudy Hermann Guede (left), an Ivorian, is serving a 16-year sentence for the murder of 2007 Meredith Kercher (right). Kercher was found stabbed in a house she shared in Italy, with Amanda Knox Guede's lawyer said the defense will consider appealing to the Cassation court on the same issue that failed to persuade the lower level tribunal Guede was in court for the court's decision, after an hour's deliberation. When the Cassation court upheld Guede's conviction in 2010, it ruled he did not act alone but did not name any accomplices. His lawyers argued that conclusion conflicts with the acquittals of Knox, now 29, and Sollecito, now 32. Italy's justice system involves two levels of appeals. Convictions are not considered final until all appeals are exhausted, a process that can take years. Revising final verdicts is extremely rare in Italy. The Florence court did not elaborate on why it rejected Guede's bid. His lawyer, Tommaso Pietrocarlo, said the defense will consider appealing to the Cassation court on the same issue that failed to persuade the lower level tribunal. Knox (left) and her former Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito (right), were ultimately exonerated of the murder by Italy's top criminal tribunal, the Court of Cassation. Guede was in court for the court's decision, after an hour's deliberation Guede has always denied killing Kercher. He was initially sentenced to 30 years in prison, which was reduced on a previous appeal to 16 years. Last year, for good behavior behind bars, Guede was allowed an overnight stay at a house run by volunteers assisting inmates. In a case closely followed in the United States, Knox and Sollecito steadfastly proclaimed their innocence. Their judicial saga included time in prison following convictions, and release after an acquittal, before being definitively acquitted of the murder in 2015. Meanwhile, Knox has been in Seattle, Washington since she was released on a first-level appeal in 2011 after four years in prison. A notorious Russian serial killer and sex maniac has been charged with 25 new murders of women, bringing his total to 47. Known as The Werewolf, former policeman Mikhail Popkov raped and killed his victims with axes, knives or screwdrivers between 1992 and 2007. The Siberian beast is already serving a life sentence for 22 murders of women and girls and has confessed to another 25, for which investigators say they now have hard evidence. Popkov (pictured) is serving a life sentence already for 22 murders. Russia banned the death penalty in 1996, although some politicians have been calling for it to be restored Police are still seeking to find definite proof of an additional dozen murders to which he has admitted, and a criminal investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement sources believe his eventual total will exceed his sinister idol, the Soviet era serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, known as The Butcher of Rostov, who was convicted of 53 murders. Chikatilo was executed in 1994, two years before Russia scrapped the death penalty. Rogues' gallery: If he has killed 59, Popkov's death toll would exceed Russian serial killers Andrei Chikatilo (pictured, left) and Alexander Pichushkin (right), who got his nickname because he claimed each of his victims represented a place on a chessboard Since then maniac Alexander Pichushkin, known as The Chessboard Killer, killed 49, mainly in Moscow's Bitsa Park. After Popkov was detained in 2012, he told police he wanted to 'cleanse' the streets of 'prostitutes' in Angarsk, the city in Siberia where he worked as a policeman. Popkov, 52, has told police he has killed 59 people. But in court in nearby Irkutsk, when asked by Judge Pavel Rukavishnikov how many women he had killed, he shrugged and replied: 'I can't say exactly, I didn't keep a record.' As is common with murderers in Russia, Popkov (pictured) was taken back to the scene of his crimes - in handcuffs - and asked to reconstruct what happened. He is seen here near the village of Savateevka, near Angarsk The mass killer also told the court: 'I admit my guilt in full...committing the murders, I was guided by my inner convictions.' 'He often offered victims night time lifts in his police car before taking them to remote locations where he raped and killed them, leaving their naked bodies in woods on roadsides,' reported the The Siberian Times. Some of the 25 new victims were women reported as missing but whose fate was previously unknown. Popkov is expected to face trial for the latest 25 murders this summer. Police revealed they have found human remains of a 'large number' of victims in locations where Popkov told them to look. Viktoria Chagaeva (pictured) holds a picture of her sister. She says: 'The pain does not go away - it was me who gave Tanya a ticket to go to a concert, and she was killed after attending it' Two of his earlier victims were Tanya Martynova, 20, and Yulia Kuprikova, 19, who were both found dead in October 1998, after a night out in Angarsk. Tanya's sister Viktoria Chagaeva, now 49, said: 'The pain does not go away - it was me who gave Tanya a ticket to go to a concert, and she was killed after attending it.' Senior investigator Andrei Bunayev disclosed last year: 'He names the places where bodies are hidden. 'We find these bodies, and check his involvement. He says very clearly, when and what was done. Popkov was a policeman for many years in Angarsk (pictured) and after he left the force he began selling cars, which he brought from Vladivostok 'We are looking for evidence that confirms his words. A large number of episodes are confirmed.' He said Popkov 'left biological traces in some cases which were not studied earlier - but now there is an opportunity to examine them'. In other cases, sites were dug up guided by the convicted mass murderer. Mr Bunayev said: 'Popkov is collaborating with us. Everything he says is confirmed. 'He confidently guides us to the place where a body is found and explains what happened, what injuries he caused.' Mikhail Popkov with his daughter Ekaterina, as a child. Now 29, she says: 'I do not believe any of this. I always felt myself as "Daddy's girl"' Popkov's wife Elena, 51, and daughter Ekaterina, 29, a teacher, initially stood by him, refusing to believe he was a mass killer. Ekaterina said: 'I do not believe any of this. I always felt myself as "Daddy's girl". 'We walked, rode bikes, went to the shops, and he met me from school.' But since his first trial which finished in January 2015, she and her mother have moved to another city to begin new lives. Police said Popkov had earlier claimed he had stopped his rape-and-murder spree in 2000 after supposedly contracting venereal disease from a victim, rendering him impotent. Popkov's daughter Ekaterina (left) and wife Elena (right) have moved away from Angarsk After he quit the police, he travelled across eastern Russia to buy cars in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which he then sold in Angarsk. Police are believed to have found some victims along this 2,500 mile route. Popkov is thought to have begun his murder spree after wrongly suspecting his wife of cheating on him. He admitted he had a negative view of women who went out at night to drink without their husbands or boyfriends. 'I had no right to evaluate people, their behaviour...this is my repentance,' Popkov says now. He evaded capture for years because police could not contemplate that one of their own officers could be a mass killer. A grieving daughter wants her own brother arrested for her mother's murder five years after the 78-year-old was found murdered inside her Florida home. Authorities in Manatee County have issued an arrest warrant for Thomas Gross, who reported finding his mother Ina's body lying in the kitchen of her home on January 9, 2012. His sister Ellen Gerth is convinced Gross murdered their mother to hide the amount of money he had received from the elderly widow. Ellen Gerth, pictured right, believes her brother Thomas murdered their mother Ina Gross, left Tom Gross returned from Israel to attend a memorial in Florida for his late father Sam, right, when he 'discovered' his mother Ina, left, who had been stabbed to death in her home Court documents filed before the 12th Judicial Circuit in Manatee County and seen by MailOnline showed Gross had had received $690,645 in loans from his mother by the time of his death. Gross, who lives in Israel, returned to the United States shortly before his mother's murder in January 2012 to attend a memorial service for his late father, who died two years earlier. A post mortem discovered that Ina Gross died from stab wounds and a slit throat. She had a large dose of sleeping pills, which had not been prescribed to her in her system at the time of her murder. Thomas Gross, pictured, returned to Israel following his mother's murder in January 2012 and now faces immediate arrest if he returns to the United States in future Ms Gerth told the Herald Tribune: 'It's incredibly saddening to me that the person who brutally took my mother's life is able to wake up every morning to the sunrise and go to bed every night to the setting sun. He doesn't deserve to be breathing air outside of a prison. 'Many people have thought nothing is going to happen, that Tom will not be served justice. The process is long. It has been challenging. It is hugely detailed. There are many players involved - local, state, federal, international - but that's how the process works. I am convinced, given the body of evidence, that Tom will receive his punishment for what he's done to my beautiful mom.' Ms Gerth urged her brother to end their family's continuing ordeal. She said: 'My advice to him would be for him to acknowledge that his charade is over and that he will be preventing his family from enduring further humiliation if he were to simply turn himself in with the understanding that he knows precisely what he did to our mother.' A forensic examination of Gross' car found dried vomit belonging to his mother which had a sample of the strong sleeping pill. Brandy Kay Jaynes (above), a 36-year-old resident of Toquerville, Utah, was arrested early Monday morning and charged with second-degree intentional child abuse Utah doctors who treated a 12-year-old boy whose mother has been arrested for child neglect says that it is the 'worst case of malnutrition' that they have ever seen, it was learned on Tuesday. Brandy Kay Jaynes, a 36-year-old resident of Toquerville, Utah, was arrested early Monday morning and charged with second-degree intentional child abuse, according to The Spectrum. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. As of this writing, Jaynes was being held on a $20,000 cash-only bail. According to court documents, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a child abuse call from the Dixie Regional Medical Center in Utah on Sunday. A detective who responded to the call described what he saw when he entered the emergency room. 'I could see ... a small-framed child that appeared to be very skinny,' the detective wrote in the probable cause statement. Hospital officials said that the boy weighed just 30 pounds, which the federal government says is the average weight of a two-year-old toddler. Doctors plan to keep the boy at Dixie Regional for at least three weeks in order to restore him back to normal health. The boy's father told law enforcement officials that he found his son locked in an upstairs bathroom inside the mother's home. He reportedly told sheriffs that he found the boy lying on the bathroom floor under a blanket. After the boy's hospitalization, sheriffs obtained a search warrant for the mother's home. According to court documents, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a child abuse call from the Dixie Regional Medical Center (above) in Utah on Sunday When they searched the home, they found two latches on the exterior of the bathroom door which were used to lock the door from the outside. When they entered the bathroom, sheriffs found feces covering the floor. They also noticed that the toilet bowl was 'full of feces to the point that you could not see any water.' The boy's mother told investigators that her son chose to live and sleep in the bathroom. She is reported to have told authorities that she would lock her son in the bathroom 'for his safety when she would leave the house.' Jaynes also told them that she would try to keep her son's weight at a normal level by feeding him protein drinks. A suspect has been taken into custody by police after taking hostages at a University of Alabama credit union and sparking a standoff with authorities in Tuscaloosa. Law enforcement officers entered the Alabama Credit Union located at 220 Paul W Bryant Drive on the campus of the school around 10.45am and captured the armed suspect. There did not appear to be any injuries among the hostages inside the bank. The situation unfolded around 8.30am at the Alabama Credit Union located at 220 Paul W Bryant Drive on the campus of the school. A suspect has been taken into custody by police after taking hostages at a University of Alabama credit union and sparking a standoff with authorities in Tuscaloosa (scene above) The situation unfolded around 8.30am at the Alabama Credit Union located at 220 Paul W Bryant Drive on the campus of the school (scene above) Law enforcement officers entered the Alabama Credit Union around 10.45am and captured the armed suspect (scene above) Lt. Teena Richardson of the Tuscaloosa Police Department told WBRC there were at least eight hostages and that it was not a robbery situation. Alabama Credit Union President and CEO said that all of the employees are safe. Details about what sparked the hostage situation are unclear, as the incident began just at the credit union was to open. Richardson said the armed man went into the bank and immediately took the employees inside hostage. 'It didn't come in as a robbery,' Richardson told Al.com. 'We don't know what the issue is.' Prior to the suspect being captured, video from the scene showed SWAT team members outside of the bank with their guns drawn as a police helicopter hovered over the bank. The suspect's identity has not been released by authorities. After the situation was resolved, the school sent the above tweet to share that the hostages were 'OK' An armed robber was killed on camera as he tried to hold up a gun store by its 64-year-old owner. Surveillance footage at Dixie Gun and Pawn in Mableton, Georgia, showed the moment the would-be criminal and an accomplice stormed into the store dressed in ski masks. They aimed their guns towards an employee who held his hands up in a plea for mercy before store owner Jimmy Groover opened fire. The 64-year-old grandfather reached for his own gun and shot one of the robbers dead while the other ran for his life. Scroll down for video The robbers entered the store shortly before 11am on December 26, pointing their weapons at Groover and another member of staff. Above, Groover tends to business behind the counter unaware that the robbers have entered As the store employee held his hands up, Groover (who cannot be seen above) reached for his gun Later, Groover said he had no choice but to shoot the man. The attempted robbery took place at 11am on December 26 while Groover, the employee and two customers were inside. The pair shouted: 'Get down on the floor, get down on the floor or Ill kill you.' They were filmed on surveillance footage entering the store with their faces covered, approaching the counter where Groover and the other employee were working. Without hesitation, the grandfather reached for his own weapon and opened fire. The 64-year-old reached for his own gun, opening fire on the robbers to kill one as the other ran for his life Groover said he had 'no other choice' He landed two shots on one of the robbers who was instantly floored while the other ran away. Groover later told 13WMAZ he had 'no choice' but to shoot the man. 'I had no other choice. I hate that it happened. 'I've been doing this 30 years. Nothing like this has ever happened. I never wanted this to happen but I want to go home at night, too.' No charges were brought against the man afterwards. It's not clear whether the other robber was found by police. The family lost everything and is getting help from the A faulty hoverboard is believed to be responsible for a fire which has left a Washington DC family homeless. Shannon Williams told NBC 4 Washington her seven-year-old son Jaylin left the toy, which he was given for Christmas, plugged in for 30 minutes while they went to the store on Friday evening. They came back to find the hoverboard on fire. She said: 'It was sparking, it was smoking, there were flames coming up from the hoverboard.' Scroll down for video The hoverboard was charging in the corner of Shannon Williams' boys' room when it apparently caught fire and burned down their home Shannon Williams (pictured) is currently getting help from the Salvation Army Jaylin, 7, and Dallas, 3, lost all of their toys in what appears to be a hoverboard fire She continued: 'It was like an unreal, surreal moment. I was like, "Is this really happening? This hoverboard is about to take down my whole home!"' Williams tried to put out the flames but they soon spread. The family lost everything in the fire. Williams and her sons, ages three and seven, are getting help from the Salvation Army for now. Shannon Williams purchased the hoverboard for $200 as a Christmas present for Jaylin Williams tried to extinguish the flames but bed linens caught fire and it kept spreading The mom bought her son the hoverboard for $200 as a Christmas present from a store in Maryland. Now, Williams wants hoverboards to be pulled off shelves so this doesn't happen to anyone else. On July 6 the United Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for hoverboards because the lithium-ion battery packs have a tendency to overheat and catch fire. Approximately 501,000 units were recalled. Hoverboards are also on the no-fly list and many college campuses have banned them. Williams's friend Brittant Artis started a Go Fund Me to help rebuild their lives. Wikileaks founder julian assange has spoken of his 'tough' life in an interview on social media today, only to be accused of faking it. Assange gave the 'Ask Me Anything' interview over Reddit today and talked about attacks on his organisation and his own personal struggles inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, during which he claimed he had not seen the sun in 'four-and-a-half years'. But the 45-year-old Australian could not escape a question levied against him again and again by trolls - are you really here? Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, pictured, gave an interview on Reddit today but was pestered by trolls who claimed it was faked The journalist, 45, pictured, said he was in a 'tough' situation living at the Ecuadorian Embassy and 'had not seen sunlight in four-and-a-half' years Assange, wanted by Swedish authorities for questioning over an alleged rape in 2010, was repeatedly asked to 'put a shoe on his head' to prove the interview was not pre-recorded. The journalist repeatedly dismissed the requests as 'silly' and denied recording the interview and planting questions, claiming live video was the easiest way to prove he was 'alive'. He said: 'If you think of the number of people and the amount of work to produce these false images its too many. 'That's proof. To understand that one needs to look at the costs involved in trying to put together all those people and the fabrication technology which does not yet exist to do all that. And then to what benefit?' He then read out technical information about his Reddit post to prove he was speaking live, only to make a mistake when reciting one of the number codes, something he claimed was further proof he was real. Assange has been in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since 2012 after he was granted asylum by the country. Assange has been at the Ecuadorian Embassy, pictured, since 2012 after he was granted asylum following an arrest over an alleged rape in Sweden in 2010 He even briefly had his internet access cut off by his hosts last year but has since returned to the web. The journalist said he had been through 'tough times' and urged people to stay vigilant and fight for his release. He said: ' This embassy is surrounded by a police operation and its a really difficult situation. 'I haven't seen sunlight in four and a half years. It is tough, but you should be concerned about the situation. 'We hoped people concerned with my safety would direct their attention to those people responsible for the situation, the UK Government, the US Government and the Ecuadorian government. 'Some did, and that is quite possibly why the internet was put back on.' He spent about half-an-hour answering questions, with many relating to how Wikileaks operates while he is in the embassy. Assange said: ' My people have gone through hell and back with me. They are really tough, smart people. 'It's like troops who lose their commander in the middle of a battle with bombs raining down on them. What usually happens is people scatter, go home, get scared or careless, but that didn't happen, not with our people. Assange, pictured, said Wikileaks had been targeted by a 'black PR campaign' trying to undermine its work 'We didn't lose a single day in our publications as a result and that comes about because of planning and the experience and robustness of the staff at Wikileaks, and exterior support of course, to keep our spirits up.' He added Reddit was a useful resource to exchange information but said it was not immune to 'censorship'. Assange also claimed Wikileaks had been subject to a 'black PR' campaign' by people 'fabricating' stories to 'undermine' the organisation and 'stop its funding'. He also claimed the US Government were informally backing agencies involved with the exposure of the Panama Papers to produce negative stories about Vladimir Putin and Russia. New Russian dirty tricks are suspected after the Moscow media ran a frenzy of reports claiming that the official Buckingham Palace website had announced the death of the Queen. The fake stories claimed the site published but then withdrew a story that the monarch had died. The alleged report on royal.uk was headlined 'Death of Queen Elizabeth II' - but was denied by Buckingham Palace to a leading Russian media outlet. The fake screenshot of a supposed statement 'issued by the press secretary to the Queen' A story on a Russian website showing the Queen at a Remembrance Sunday service A Russian news outlet running the fake screenshot of the doctored statement from the Palace Screenshots then showed what appeared to be the start of a statement from the Press Secretary to the Queen, saying: 'Prince Charles with the greatest sadness has asked for the following announcement to....' The rest is not shown. A report in pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia stated: 'Some netizens have suggested that the absence of a denial confirms the tragedy in the Royal family, which they have decided not to announce yet, given the necessity to carry all relevant procedures - including the secret ones.' The article mentions the Queen's health problems over Christmas and New Year, saying she 'skipped' church services, and that she delayed the start of her annual holiday at Sandringham. It neglected to mention that she had attended church on Sunday. The news reports failed to mention the fact the Queen attended a service in Sandringham on Sunday when listing her recent health problems A news outlet in Russia runs the fake story of the death of the Queen The timing of the supposed posting on the royal website was not mentioned but it was claimed that some web users had saved the screenshot. Another major pro-Kremlin news website - Life.ru - said it had spoken to Buckingham Palace, and was told: 'It is totally untrue. It could not have been on this website. Could you please send us a screenshot or any link to this information?' 'Internet users became anxious because of the report at the official website of the royal family that Elizabeth II died at the age of 90,' stated the report. 'Buckingham Palace has denied the report about the death of the queen Elizabeth II that was earlier posted on the official (royal) website and was later removed.' The story went on: 'Let us recall that rumours about the death of the British queen came out when she disappeared from the news, especially when Elizabeth II did not attend traditional Christmas service. 'The Royal family said that it happened because the queen was unwell.' Even the Russian Defence Ministry's TV channel Zvezda reported the claim about the queen's death, reposting the apparently fake screenshot from royal.uk. The fake statement which names Prince Charles is also run by this news outlet in Russia Another major newspaper - Russia's largest tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda - headlined its story: 'The website of the royal family has urgently removed information about the death of Elizabeth II.' It said: 'The official website of the British royal family has posted news about the death of Queen Elizabeth II but later urgently removed it. 'Despite the fact that the post was quickly removed, screenshots were made and were quickly reposted on the web. 'The management of the portal is not commenting on the posted information. 'Users of social networks suppose that the death of the queen maybe needed to be kept secret for a little while for some necessary procedures.' The story took off in the Moscow media and there were claims it originated on small Russian websites. A Sudanese sex attacker who raped a tourist outside a railway station after he was granted asylum in the UK is facing jail today. Salah Koubar, 19, dragged the young South Korean woman into some bushes and ripped off her clothing after befriending her in central London. The attack happened just before 6am on July 26 last year outside south Londons West Dulwich station, on what had been the last day of the victims holiday. The violent attack happened in some bushes after the pair had met at Freedom Bar in Soho Koubar showed no emotion after he was convicted of rape by a majority verdict of 11-1 this afternoon, after a trial at Blackfriars Crown Court. The jury was told how the teenager had chatted to the woman at the Freedom Bar in Soho before urging her to join him at a livelier venue just three stops away by bus. She trusted his promise of a better bar but when they ended up at Vauxhall station the woman realised she was a long way from her hotel in Kings Cross. When she tried to call a taxi, Koubar took her bag from her and insisted the next bus they took would take them back to central London, the court heard. But the train actually took them further out of town to West Dulwich station. Koubar threw her over the railings into the bushes where he forced himself upon her. In a taped police interview, the woman said Koubar had told her he was taking her to a club called VIP in Westminster. She said she started to become anxious when she googled the name of the club and nothing came up. After more than two hours of travelling around south London, Koubar forced himself on her in the bushes outside the station. Speaking through an interpreter, she said: I told him dont you think about your mother and sisters? He didnt listen to me, he was mad, he was in a state of madness. Following the incident, southbound trains were unable to stop at the station while the pathway to a platform was cordoned off by British Transport Police. Warwick Tatford, prosecuting, told the court that a passenger catching an early train heard the womans screams and saw her running along the platform in nothing but her knickers and a t-shirt. Mr Tatford said: The female grabbed his (the passengers) arm and tried to use him as a human shield against the defendant. He described the female as shaking like a leaf and with tears in her eyes. He said she looked like shed been dragged through a hedge backwards - little did he know thats pretty much what had happened. He said the defendant appeared calm - or a bit too calm really. When he realised the witness was about to call the police Koubar jumped on a train seconds before the doors closed. Koubar, who came to the UK via France and was granted asylum in this country, was arrested two days after the attack on 28 July. In interview gave a prepared statement saying he had paid the woman 200 for sex, but no intimacy had taken place. Koubar later claimed he then snatched her bag to try and get his money back. He refused to provide police with swabs from his groin, but provided standard saliva and hair samples. Following the jurys decision a letter written by the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was read in court. In it she said: I trusted him. I had no romantic intention with him at all. He betrayed my trust. I was really scared when he was doing what he was doing. Koubar, of Beckenham, Kent, was convicted of rape at Blackfriars Crown Court, pictured I thought he might kill me because of his action and power. If a member of the public had not come to help me he could have done more. The woman had to delay her return trip to Korea for two weeks following the attack and lived for some time in the fear she might have contracted HIV before tests gave her the all clear. She said in a letter read to the court: I was wearing a short dress and thought I was looking attractive and pretty. After the attack I felt it was my fault as I was wearing a short dress. I do not feel pretty anymore. I now buy long skirts and dresses. The victim said she believes Korea is a safer country than Britain, but still cannot bring herself to go out after dark. The judge, Mr Recorder Timothy Greene praised the victims courage for coming back to London from Korea to give evidence against Koubar. He echoed the womans earlier words by saying: There were two men in Dulwich, a good man and a bad man. I would like to say thank you to the good man, his intervention stopped anything worse happening. Koubar, of Beckenham, Kent, was convicted of rape. Recorder Greene told him: 'You have been convicted of a very serious offence which carries a substantial term of imprisonment. 'Though I have asked for a report I do not want you to think there will be anything other than a long prison sentence because of it. 'I do not know very much about you at all, you did not give evidence, I do not know about your background or what led you to this.' More than 100 people have attended the funeral of a Second World War veteran who died with no living family after a vicar's public appeal for support. Reginald Watson, who had served in the King's Royal Rifle Corps, faced being buried in an unmarked grave at a pauper's funeral after he died with no surviving relatives on November 23. But more than 100 people turned out the service after Rev Mandy Bishop posted details of the service at St Margaret's Church, Ormesby, Norfolk, on Facebook. More than 100 people have attended the funeral of a Second World War veteran who died with no living family after a vicar's public appeal for support Crowds flocked to pay their respects to Reginald Watson, who had served in the King's Royal Rifle Corps, after he died with no surviving relatives on November 23 During the service, Ms Bishop said she was 'overwhelmed' by the response to her plea for people to pay tribute to the 90-year-old. Roy Medcalf, 76, who attended the service after seeing the details on Facebook, said: 'He was an old soldier and I'm from a family of ex-soldiers and sailors. You can't let an old soldier go on his own. Mr Medcalf, from nearby Smallburgh, added: 'They may fade away but they're never forgotten. It was a brilliant service and couldn't have been better for him.' Ms Bishop described Mr Watson as a 'quiet, unassuming' man who had served his country for almost four years. Rev Mandy Bishop posted details of the service at St Margaret's Church, Ormesby, Norfolk, on Facebook from nearby Smallburgh, attended the service after seeing the appeal on Facebook. He said: 'He was an old soldier and I'm from a family of ex-soldiers and sailors,' he said. 'You can't let an old soldier go on his own. 'They may fade away but they're never forgotten. It was a brilliant service and couldn't have been better for him.' Mr Watson had lived in the same house in Ormesby, near Great Yarmouth, nearly all his life apart fro his final six months at Carlton Court Hospital in Lowestoft. He enlisted in Norwich aged 18 in January 1945, initially in the General Service Corps and then in the King's Royal Rifle Corps from April 1945 until September 1948. It is thought he served both in Europe and the Middle East. Ms Bishop said Mr Watson treasured his Army certificate of service book, which he kept in pristine condition. She said he was well thought of around the village and could be seen collecting his paper from the newsagent each day, visiting the duck pond and riding his bicycle in a red boiler suit. With no surviving family, he had faced being buried in an unmarked grave at a pauper's funeral until the public appeal attracted so much support Royal British Legion standard-bearers lined the short path from the black hearse to the church, and bagpipes played Ms Bishop added that he was a 'perfect gentleman' who would always say good morning or good afternoon. Mr Watson had worked on farms and at a local corn grinding mill and led a simple life in a sparsely decorated home. Mr Watson (pictured aged four) had lived in Ormesby, Norfolk, his entire life Ms Bishop said he never complained, despite his treatment for cancer. Royal British Legion standard-bearers lined the short path from the black hearse to the church, and bagpipes played. During the service there were words from Mr Watson's neighbour Ernie Brown, who told of his fond memories of 'Reggie', before The Last Post was played and the congregation joined in the final hymn of Abide With Me. Brigitte Lees, 62, from Ormesby, said: 'We live in the village and unfortunately we never came across the gentleman, but this was our way of paying our respects. 'We find it very important to pay our respects to someone who fought for this country. 'We heard he had no living family so we thought we would give our support.' He now denies fraud by false representation in an ongoing trial them to did not exist But investigators discovered the physio he was Dr Benjamin Chang is on trial for fraud over allegedly invented physio sessions for whiplash sufferers A Harley Street doctor raked in thousands of pounds by faking invoices for treatment to patients suffering from whiplash after traffic accidents, a court heard. Dr Benjamin Chang, 57, systematically defrauded insurance companies by billing them for physiotherapy sessions which never took place, it is claimed. The scam lasted for two years until one of the insurance companies became suspicious about the number of invoices coming from 'Proteus Healthcare', jurors were told. Their investigations revealed Proteus was being run by Dr Chang and that the physiotherapist supposedly providing the treatment did not even exist, it is claimed. Prosecutor David Povall claimed Dr Chang was carrying out the scam 'to enrich himself' and pay off his debts to his family. Mr Povall said: 'In a nutshell, Dr Chang systematically defrauded insurance companies by causing invoices to be paid for physiotherapy treatment that had not been provided. 'He benefitted from the money being transferred into bank accounts under his control.' Dr Chang was based in Milton Keynes but met patients in London prestigious Harley Street Dr Chang ran his private medical practice from the Milton Medical Centre in Milton Keynes but also used consulting rooms in Harley Street to see patients. In 2011, Dr Chang began referring whiplash claimants for physiotherapy treatment with Proteus Healthcare, who were based at an address in Hastings, East Sussex. In several cases he told the claimant's solicitor that they had already received a number of physiotherapy sessions and had now recovered. The solicitor was then sent invoices by Proteus, usually for a total of ten sessions. Investigators from the insurance firm Liberty Direct later discovered that the Hastings address given for Proteus was in fact for a different company running a cosmetic clinic and its phone number was for Chang's Milton Medical Centre. They also tried to trace the physiotherapist 'Helen Preston' who signed off the patient forms but the only two physiotherapists under that name had never heard of Proteus Healthcare, the court heard. And when the claimants were questioned they revealed that they had either never received any physiotherapy or had only received two sessions rather than ten. He is accused of inventing sessions with whiplash victims so he could charge insurance companies thousands. File picture posed by actor Mr Povall said: 'What the Crown is suggesting is that Proteus Healthcare is not a business that provides physiotherapy - it is a business that provides invoices for physiotherapy. 'Dr Chang knew that these invoices were false, that there was no physiotherapy or not the amount being claimed for.' Political chaos in Northern Ireland gives a chance to 'set the record straight' about a 'witchhunt' of British Army veterans in the province, an ex-minister has claimed. Claire Perry urged Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire to seize control of probes into 302 killings by British soldiers during The Troubles. Mr Brokenshire told her investigations into veterans were a 'priority' despite the political deadlock. It emerged last year that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was re-examining every incident all killings during the conflict. Claire Perry, pictured today in the Commons, urged Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire to seize control of probes into 302 killings by British soldiers during The Troubles Ms Perry said political chaos in Northern Ireland gives a chance to 'set the record straight' about a 'witchhunt' of British Army veterans in the province Mr Brokenshire was in the Commons today warning of the 'grave' risks of the current political turmoil, which has collapsed the power-sharing executive. Fresh elections will be ordered in six days if Sinn Fein and the DUP cannot resolve their differences over a botched renewable energy scheme. Speaking as MPs discussed the turmoil, Ms Perry told Mr Brokenshire: 'Like so many members in the House, I have grave concerns over what seems to be a disproportionate politically motivated investigation of those who believe they were just doing their job during Operation Banner. 'I'm sure you're aware of the concerns but you should know as the MP representing many members of the serving British Army this is having a measurable effect on recruitment currently for our armed forces. 'Do you not agree with me that actually this period of uncertainty provides us with perhaps an opportunity to set the record straight about what is and is not within the scope of enquiry?' Mr Brokenshire said investigations into veterans were a 'priority' despite the political deadlock Mr Brokenshire replied: 'I certainly am struck by the strength of feeling. 'That's why I do underline the points I have made about how I do think we need to see a change in the system, that the way in which the attention of the state means that cases where, for example, those who have been murdered as a consequence of terrorist activity is not being pursued. 'That is why I think there are mechanisms that do provide for that, why I am intent to take that forward and how, notwithstanding the current issues, that remains a priority.' Pictured is a British soldier patrolling the Falls Road in Belfast as part of the Army's 38-year operation in Northern Ireland, known as Operation Banner, Around 1,000 former servicemen, many now in their 60s and 70s, will have their actions brought under scrutiny in the legal inquiry. The PSNI confirmed in December it was to 're-examine all military cases' to make sure the original investigations were properly carried out. Tory MP Johnny Mercer, who served in the British Army, told The Sun: 'This is a brand new witch hunt, as well as total and complete betrayal by the Government of those who have done its bidding. Following the Chernobyl disaster, nearby towns were evacuated and the surrounding area became a decrepit, dangerous no-go zone. But from the explosion sprung a single new settlement, whose inhabitants were tasked almost exclusively with continuing to work at the abandoned plant. For the people of Slavutych, employment opportunities have hinged on Chernobyl - but now, the New Safe Confinement (NSC) is complete, stopping radioactive waste from getting into the local water supplies. Swiss photographer Niels Ackermann spent four years following the young generation. At first they threw wild parties (a new year celebration is pictured here) This image shows a bong-like device, a vodnik, used to inhale cannabis and other drugs He followed a girl named Yulia, who enjoyed a huge party lifestyle with her close-knit circle of friends. She can be seen with her then-boyfriend Zhenya in a hammock surrounded by beer cans Another couple in the group was Kiril and Nadia, who are pictured here kissing in a sauna as he smokes Yulia sleeps after an intense party and Kiril tries to wake her up by slapping her on the bottom Around 6,000 people have spent the last six years constructing the NSC, which is a huge 120-metre high arch over the No. 4 unit at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant. Despite the future of the environment being saved, that of its inhabitants is now somewhat unclear. Swiss photographer Niels Ackermann spent four years following the young generation, as they matured from drug-consuming party animals to hard working labourers providing an income for their families and cleaning up one the world's biggest modern disasters. When he arrived though, it was difficult to imagine this generation tasked with saving the environment stepping up to the plate. He followed a girl named Yulia, who enjoyed a huge party lifestyle with her close-knit circle of friends. Several outrageous photos paint a picture of debauchery, with alcohol free-flowing and drugs a regularity. One image shows a bong-like device, a vodnik, used to inhale cannabis and other drugs. Pigeons flying over the central square in Slavutych. The town's future is uncertain now that the major construction project has been completed Fast-forward a few years, and Yulia puts on her wedding dress in her room, as she prepare to marry Zhenya Zhenya and Yulia with their whitnesses, Irina and Artiom, during the wedding celebration in the wedding room of the town hall Zhenya and Yulia kiss in front of their datcha following the ceremony. The couple got divorced shortly before Mr Ackermann left Zhenya Yulia and their friends celebrate the wedding in their datcha, as the moonlight beams down on them Nadia was supposed to marry with Kiril but the wedding was canceled two weeks before the big day The morning after, they are often seen passed out, and in many cases surrounded by a sea of empty drink cans. But as time progressed, they eventually grew out of their lives in the fast lane and took up work - along with many other Slavutych residents - helping to construct the NSC and quickly adapting to adult life. Mr Ackermann explained: 'At first there was a lot of drinking, a lot of parties involving alcohol and sometimes drugs. 'But then I watched them grow up, and they began to get into couples. Light flirting turned into some serious relationships. 'For example, Yulia, the protagonist in the photographs - ended up getting married and then just before I left she got divorced. It was fascinating to watch these people go through the journey of life that we all go through.' Slavutych had initially been constructed for workers at Chernobyl who carried on helping to produce electricity at the site - which continued until 2000 despite the nuclear disaster happening 14 years earlier. Once electricity production stopped, the prospects for the town seemed bleak, until plans for the NSC were approved in the mid-noughties. Yulia passes a radiation metering checkpoint at Chernobyl Nuclear power plant as part of the construction process for the New Safe Confinement Yulia looks at the rails that will allow sliding the monumental NSC arch over the damaged nuclear reactor She came to visit a friend in Kyiv and visits Maidan square a few weeks after the end of the Revolution Now the structure is complete, around 3,500 of these people will be out of work, but Mr Ackermann remains hopeful for their futures. He said: 'There is no clear future for the town. It is a huge number of people to lose their jobs, when you consider the population of the town is only around 25,000. 'A lot of the time when we think of Ukraine, we think of it in a negative way and with bad stereotypes, but I see this as a positive story. 'Many of these people were accountants, journalists, all sorts, but they gave up their career dreams for work that was fairly paid. 'I am not optimistic for the future of the town, but I am optimistic for the future of these young workers. 'It's very symbolic that they are fixing what their parents' generation left broken, and during a time of revolution. Republicans gave into Democratic demands and pushed back two confirmation hearings that were on the schedule for Wednesday. Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos' hearing was delayed until next Tuesday. President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency will appear before lawmakers on the Senate's Intelligence Committee on Thursday. The Judiciary Committee began its first round of talks with Jeff Sessions today. His hearing is expected to last two days, continuing on Wednesday. Rex Tillerson, Trump's controversial nominee for secretary of state, and Elaine Chao, the least controversial of Trump's cabinet appointments, are the only representatives of the incoming administration whose grillings will begin tomorrow. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Republicans gave into Democratic demands and pushed back two confirmation hearings that were on the schedule for Wednesday. Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos' hearing was delayed until next Tuesday. CIA pick Mike Pompeo will appear before lawmakers on Thursday The change of plans shifts much heavy-lifting to Thursday, when three other candidates were on tap to testify. Pompeo makes four. Ben Carson, up for Housing and Urban Development, James Mattis, in line for Defense, and Wilbur Ross, Trump's choice for Commerce, were already in the queue to answer questions from legislators Thursday. Carson, Mattis, Pompeo and Ross aren't high-level targets for Democrats. Tillerson is. His relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has some Republican lawmakers on fence about confirming him to the nation's top diplomatic post, too. The lightened load on Wednesday ensures that the Tillerson and Sessions hearings - which are likely to bleed into a Trump's first press conference since he was elected - receive optimal attention. DeVos, whose husband's estimated net worth is $5.2 billion, was one of the Trump nominees Democrats wanted to put a temporary hold because she has not been fully vetted by the Office of Government Ethics. Education Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander said in a joint statement with the ranking Democrat on the panel, Patty Murray, that her hearing had been moved 'at the request of the Senate leadership to accommodate the Senate schedule.' It was rescheduled for Tuesday, January 17th at 5:00 pm. Senators in charge of the Intelligence Committee did not provide a reason this morning for the one-day delay they gave Pompeo. A press release said it would take place at the same time as before, but on Thursday instead of Wednesday. Alabama Senator and immigration hardliner Jeff Sessions was the first of the Trump nominees to face senators today. Protesters dressed like members of the Ku Klux Klan crashed his hearing this morning, hurling insults at him and calling him a 'racist' in response to racially insensitive comments he made when he was a prosecutor. The charges stopped him from being confirmed by the same Senate committee in 1986 to a federal judgeship. Alabama Senator and immigration hardliner Jeff Sessions was the first of the Trump nominees to face senators today Protesters dressed like members of the Ku Klux Klan crashed his hearing this morning, hurling insults at him and calling him a 'racist' in response to racially insensitive comments he made when he was a prosecutor President-elect Donald Trump said yesterday that he expects all his appointees to make it out of the confirmation process - including Sessions. He's pictured in the Trump Tower lobby on Monday, where he spoke to reporters NOMINEES BEFORE SENATORS THIS WEEK Tuesday: Alabama Sen. and Attorney General nominee Jeff Sessions; Department of Homeland Security appointee John Kelly Wednesday: Sessions hearing continued; former ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson; Elaine Chao, a former labor secretary who Trump tapped for Transportation POSTPONED: Betsy DeVos, nominated for education secretary - her hearing is now next Tuesday. POSTPONED: Congressman Mike Pompeo, Trump's choice to lead the CIA was to appear before senators on Wednesday. His hearing was rescheduled for Thursday. The CIA director is not a member of the president's cabinet but the position requires Senate confirmation. Thursday: Ben Carson - up for Housing and Urban Development - James Mattis - in line for Defense - and Wilbur Ross - Trump's choice for Commerce - and Pompeo are now on tap for Thursday. Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder's nomination hearing was tentatively on the calendar for Thursday or the week of Jan. 16. The adjustment to DeVos' hearing means that senators on the educaiton and labor committee won't hear from him for weeks, maybe not until February. Advertisement Addressing the matter today, Sessions said, 'I was accused in 1986 of failing to protect the voting rights of African-Americans by presenting the Perry County case, the voter fraud case, and of condemning civil rights advocates and organization. 'And even harboring, amazingly, sympathies for the KKK.' He said the charges were 'false,' denying that he ever called the NAACP 'un-American.' Trump predicted yesterday that all of his cabinet nominee would be confirmed, including Sessions. 'I think he's going to do great. High quality man,' the president-elect said of his attorney general. Speaking about his nominees in general, Trump said, 'I think they'll all pass. I think every nomination will be they're all at the highest level....I think they're going to do very well.' Senate Republicans are aiming to have a half dozen of Trump's appointees cleared for work by the time he takes office on Jan. 20. They'll hold hearings on at least seven of the president-elect's cabinet picks and his chosen CIA director this week in the jam-packed, three-day session that overlaps with the hotly anticipated Trump press conference. Department of Homeland Security appointee John Kelly is also appearing before senators today. His hearing begins this afternoon. After a meeting at Trump Tower yesterday morning Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he was 'hopeful' his chamber would approve 'up to six or seven' of Trump's nominees, 'particularly national security team in place on Day One' Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder's nomination hearing was tentatively on the calendar for Thursday, as well. Another day that under consideration was next Tuesday. Politico says Puzder's hearing is being delayed until after Trump takes office. It might not happen until February now that the committee is seeing DeVos next Tuesday instead of tomorrow. That leaves seven cabinet positions for senators to review at a later date - Labor, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Treasury, Interior, Energy and Veterans Affairs. They must also consider non-cabinet appointees to the Environmental Protection Agency, United Nations, Office of Management and Budget, U.S. Trade Representative, Small Business Administrator, Director of National Intelligence and head of the Council of Economic Advisers. Trump has not yet named anyone to lead his Council of Economic Advisers. He has not picked an Agriculture Secretary of Veterans Affairs head yet, either. Republicans hold 52 seats in the Senate. They need 51 senators to confirm each of Trump's nominees under rules that were previously adopted by Democrats Republicans hold 52 seats in the Senate. They need 51 senators to confirm each of Trump's nominees under rules that were previously adopted by Democrats. They can only afford to shed one Republican senator each time a nominee comes up for a vote if Democrats stick together. After a meeting at Trump Tower yesterday morning Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he was 'hopeful' his chamber would approve 'up to six or seven' of Trump's nominees, 'particularly national security team in place on Day One.' Democrats have said they need more time to review possible conflicts of interest for some of Trump's wealthy nominees like DeVos. They've been demanding that confirmation proceedings be halted until Trump's cabinet picks finish financial disclosure forms and other ethics paperwork that was provided and must be completed. 'Cabinet officials must put our country's interests before their own. No conf hearings should be held until were certain thats the case,' Elizabeth Warren said on Twitter. Warren and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer produced a letter from the independent Office of Government Ethics on Saturday raising concerns about the speed at which it was having to vet the president-elect's appointments. Hearings this week include Rex Tillerson, whose relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has some Republican lawmakers on fence about confirming him to the nation's top diplomatic post. He's pictured speaking to Democratic Sen. Chris Coons last week OGE Director Walter Shaub told the lawmakers in a letter that his agency was under 'pressure' to 'rush' through their reviews. 'More significantly, it has left some of the nominees with potentially unknown or unresolved ethics issues shortly before their scheduled hearings, he said. On Twitter Warren said, 'This is ridiculous. @realDonaldTrumps noms cant drag their feet on ethics paperwork while their Senate friends try to run out the clock.' Schumer said Monday on the Senate floor, 'Our caucus was and is concerned about the timely completion about the standard ethics paperwork.' McConnell said the same day from the lobby of Trump Tower that 'everybody will be properly vetted as they have been in the past.' Senior Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said on Fox & Friends Monday morning that the 'process that takes a great deal of time' and accused Senate Democrats of playing 'political peeping Toms' with nominees' financial holdings paperwork. Conway said Trump's nominees deserve the 'type of swift action' that Barack Obama's nominees received in 2009, when the Senate confirmed seven by voice vote on the day of his inauguration. The legislative body confirmed five more later that week. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said later in the day, during his regular briefing, that the Obama administration 'never asked for a nominee to get a hearing' until their Office of Government Ethics paperwork was complete. The Barack Obama spokesman said, 'Republicans in the Senate are forming their own "cheap suit caucus." 'And that's not a commentary on their wardrobe,' he explained. 'It's a commentary on the fact that they are folding and rubber stamping...the nominees of the incoming Trump administration.' Earnest said it 'sounds like a lot of Americans who voted to "drain the swamp" aren't getting what they hoped for, even before their guy takes office.' Schumer said the difference between 2009 and 2017 is that 'President Obama's nominees, they met all the standards laid out' by then Minority Leader McConnell. 'President-elect Trump's nominees have not.' Every Obama cabinet nominee had their ethics agreement in before their hearing and underwent a full FBI background before the Senate gave them consideration, Schumer said. 'The President-elect's nominees are way behind that mark,' he stated. TRUMP CABINET APPOINTEES GOING BEFORE SENATE COMMITTEES THIS WEEK REX TILLERSON - DEPARTMENT OF STATE Former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, 64, faces the toughest confirmation fight. Tillerson has only ever worked in the private sector, starting his career at Exxon when he graduated from college. He has a net worth of $245 million after receiving a $180 million buy-out from his former company, which he left early to join the Trump administration. Former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, 64, faces the toughest confirmation fight Legislators are concerned that Tillerson, who was awarded the order of Friendship by Vladimir Putin in 2013, will be too friendly to the Russian government, which was just sanctioned by the Obama administration for hacking into Democratic officials' and operatives' accounts. The prospective secretary of state signed a deal with Russian-owned oil company Rosneft in 2011 to drill in the Arctic. That work was halted in 2014 when the U.S. hit Russia with sanctions tied to its incursion into Ukraine. The Exxon exec had lobbied lawmakers on Capitol Hill not to impose sanctions over the international incident, arguing that they are ineffective because of the difficulty of implementing them comprehensively. He's sure to receive questions from senators about his position on future sanctions, and the possibility that old ones will be overturned, the Iran nuclear deal, the conflict between Israel and Palestine and fighting in Syria. Two Republicans, Marco Rubio and John McCain, have expressed concerns about Tillerson's ties to Putin. Rubio serves on the Foreign Relations committee, which has a one-vote majority over Democrats. If he flips, Tillerson won't make it to the full Senate for a vote. Should he make it through committee but lose votes from Rubio and McCain when it matters most, Republicans would need to convince a Democrat to swing their way. Sen. Joe Manchin of Wyoming, who was on Trump's short list for Energy secretary, has said he'd consider voting with Republicans to confirm Tillerson. Senators on the Foreign Relations committee will hear him out on Wednesday. JEFF SESSIONS - DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Jeff Sessions nomination will be contentious, but he's likely to make it through, as Trump indicated today Protesters made a spectacle of Alabama senator Jeff Sessions's hearing on Tuesday, bringing up decades-old statements that kept Sessions from being confirmed to a federal judgeship by Judiciary Committee in 1986. Former colleagues of the Republican testified then that he made racist statements about blacks, using the N-word, calling a black U. S. attorney 'boy', and stating that he thought the Ku Klux Klan was 'OK until I found out they smoked pot.' Combined with his anti-illegal immigration positions, Democrats are worried he'll redirect the department's resources from investigating hate crimes to carrying out mass deportations. He voted against 2009 legislation that would have extended legal protections to LGBT individuals. The 70-year-old also sponsored legislation to award Rosa Parks the Congressional Gold Medal and voted in 2006 to renew the Voting Rights Act for 25 years. Republicans holds an 11-9 majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee, ensuring that appointment will make it to the full Senate, even if he recuses himself as Democrats are demanding. If he sits out the final tally, no other Republicans can vote against him for his appointment to pass, assuming he gets no Democratic support. It's dicey, but he's likely to make it through, as Trump indicated. JOHN KELLY - DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Retired four-star General John Kelly is expected to breeze through his Senate confirmation hearing for DHS. He's pictured meeting with McConnell last Thursday Retired four-star General John Kelly is expected to breeze through his Senate confirmation hearing for DHS today. The 66-year-old who lead the United States Southern Command from 2012 to 2016, which put him in charge of Guantanamo Bay in Cuba has worked with former secretaries of defense Bob Gates and Leon Panetta, the latter of which has endorsed his appointment. Kelly's 2015 claim that 'half a million people have died from narco-terrorism' since 9/11 could cause heartburn when he takes questions from senators on the Homeland Security Committee tomorrow afternoon, however. A Marine Corps veteran, Kelly also would be the first DHS head to have worn the uniform since the position was created after Sept. 11. BEN CARSON - HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Ben Carson, 65, has no experience working in the government or in the housing sector. Despite Carson's relative lack of qualifications he's not a top target of Democrats, who are more focused on other Trump nominees, like Tillerson Ben Carson, 65, has no experience working in the government or in the housing sector. The retired neurosurgeon who ran for president against Trump initially cited his lack of experience as a public servant and said he couldn't serve in the new administration. Carson had a change of heart accepted Trump's offer to be his HUD secretary, saying he'd draw on his experiences treating urban youth and growing up in Detroit, Michigan, to make decisions. It is unclear if Carson's family ever lived in Section 8 housing or received federal housing subsidies, and he's likely to be asked about it Thursday by senators on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committee. He's opined in the past about the government contributing a culture of 'dependency' among minorities with safety net programs. Despite Carson's relative lack of qualifications for the position, he's not a top target of Democrats, who are more focused on Trump's nominees to high-profile positions, like secretary of state. BETSY DEVOS - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION A former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, Republican megadonor, philanthropist and school choice activist, Betsy DeVos, like many of Trump's nominees, has never worked for the government Betsy DeVos was scheduled to testify in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday, but her haring was moved to next Tuesday. A former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, Republican megadonor, philanthropist and school choice activist, DeVos, like many of Trump's nominees, has never worked for the government. DeVos' husband Richard is heir to the Amway fortune. The DeVos' donated to Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina and Marco Rubio in the primary and Betsy called Trump an 'interloper.' The 59-year-old's fight for charter schools and school vouchers has earned rebukes from teacher's unions. American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten has derided DeVos as the 'most ideological, anti-public education nominee' to lead the Education Department ever. Democrats want DeVos' political action group, All Children Matter, to pay $5.3 in fine and penalties from campaign finance violations before they'll consider her. ELAINE CHAO - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Elaine Chao, 63, is one of the most qualified Trump nominees on paper and the least controversial Elaine Chao, 63, is one of the most qualified Trump nominees on paper and the least controversial. She served as labor secretary to George W. Bush and deputy secretary of transportation to his father, George H.W. Bush. Chao was a member of Trumps Asian Pacific American Advisory Council during his campaign, and she's married to McConnell. She'll face no real opposition in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Wednesday. JAMES MATTIS - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Retired General James 'Mad Dog' Mattis is well-liked by Democrats, but needs a waiver from the Senate to oversee the Department of Defense. He's pictured meeting with Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand last week Retired General James 'Mad Dog' Mattis is a former head of United States Central Command and a NATO Supreme Allied Commander. He retired from military service in 2013. Mattis, 66, is a member of General Dynamics' Board of Directors. The general is well-liked by Democrats, but needs a waiver from the Senate to oversee the Department of Defense. The National Security Act of 1947 says the head of the Pentagon must have completed service at least seven years before returning. Senators on the Armed Services committee will take a vote on the waiver immediately after Mattis' Thursday hearing. He needs eight Democrats to vote for the waiver in the full body to hit 60, the number of votes necessary to overcome a filibuster. Mattis' financial disclosure forms revealed that he's worth as much as $10 million and received payments of $20,000 or more from Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and Northrup Grumman to give speeches last year. He earned another $419,000 as a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He's agreed to divest in his General Dynamics stock and resign from Hoover - once he's confirmed to DOD WILBUR ROSS - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE A billionaire, like Trump, Wilbur Ross, 79, has earned a reputation as a turnaround artist. He's likely to get a pass from Democrats as they set their sights on hedge funder Steve Mnunchin, Trump's pick for Treasury A billionaire, like Trump, Wilbur Ross, 79, has earned a reputation as a turnaround artist. Known as 'the king of bankruptcy,' Ross, has a net worth of $2.9 billion. He heads a private equity fund that specializes in rescuing failing businesses and turning them around. Norm Eisen, chief ethics lawyer to President Barack Obama, told Politico that Ross 'might be the second-most complicated person in the administration to vet, behind the president-elect himself' because of all his holdings. He'll sit in front of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee on Thursday. Ross admitted to a 1991 DUI in the Hamptons that saw him pay a $400 fine and have his license suspended for 90 days in a questionnaire he filled out at the direction of the committee. Eighty-five soldiers from the 224th Engineer Company in Albany will spend 21 days at the National Training Center in the Mojave Desert. The soldiers drew their weapons, gas masks and rucks and boarded a charter bus in Albany Monday morning. The deployment marks the largest training mission most in the unit have participated in. Staff Sgt. Joshua Cooper said a little more than three-quarters of the company have never deployed, and going to the Training Center is considered an honor. In fact, he said, the 224th has never been to the center. Since 1979, the training center has provided combat troops with realistic warfare training on a site as large as the state of Rhode Island, consisting of open ranges for pitched battles, villages designed after population centers in the Middle East, and a full-time cadre of opposing force personnel. The soldiers will also interact with an indigenous population of friendly, or not-so-friendly, civilians. "The biggest eye-opening piece for them is they'll be exposed to the full spectrum (of operations in a forward area)," said Cooper. "We'll be supporting an actual forward element." Cooper said the training will give the engineers more soldiering skills than typical engineers, as they'll be laying out concertina wire, digging tank traps, and creating defilade, or cover and concealment designed to protect units from enemy fire or observation. The company will be attached to the engineer company with the 1st Battalion, 25th Infantry Division out of Joint base Elmendorf-Richardson outside Anchorage, Alaska. Their mission will be to support the forward deployed combat unit in a simulated war zone. This means building defensive berms, armored vehicle positions and other fortifications. Once there, the soldiers will sleep in four-hour shifts and spend the majority of their 21-day rotation in a mission posture, wired with the Multi Integrated Laser Engagement System, or MILES gear, which is essentially laser tag on steroids. The troops' vehicles will also be wired with MILES gear to simulate attacks from improvised explosive devices. "They've told us some people are going to 'die,'" said 224 Specialist Amanda Nowacki. Cooper said when soldiers get "killed" in a training simulation, they are then processed through all phases the military has in place for removing casualties from the battlefield: They will be evacuated, processed through the morgue, and then recycled as a replacement soldier, which means processing in again, being issued gear and cut orders for deployment. "You've gotta pay attention 360 degrees," said Cooper. Former US Senator Al D'Amato from New York was removed from a JetBlue flight Monday evening after staging a protest against the crew. The 79-year-old D'Amato's 'rebellion' was captured on video by fellow passengers and shared on social media, where as of Tuesday afternoon it has been viewed thousands of times. D'Amato, who the last Republican to represent the Empire State in the US Senate in the 1980s and 90s, reportedly became enraged after the takeoff of JetBlue Flight 1002 from Fort Lauderdale to New York was delayed by more than six hours. Former US Senator Al D'Amato, pictured left and right, was removed from JetBlue Flight 1002 from Fort Lauderdale to New York Monday night after an outburst D'Amato got up and called on his fellow passengers to 'stand up' and walk out with him The former politician-turned-lobbyist was also displeased because the cabin crew asked passengers who paid extra for seats with additional legroom to move to the back of the plane citing weight and balance concerns, according to one traveler who spoke to the New York Post. D'Amato, who was sitting in the rear, in a seat with scant legroom, began chanting 'make them move,' apparently referring to passengers in the front of the plane, and a few other people chimed in. Members of the crew then asked D'Amato to disembark, and when he refused, Broward County Sheriff's deputies were summoned to escort the former senator off the flight. Feisty: The 79-year-old Brooklyn native became upset after crew members asked passengers who paid extra for seats with more legroom to move to the back citing weight and balance concerns D'Amato was asked to leave the aircraft, and when he he refused, sheriff's deputies (one seen left) were called in to remove him D'Amato is pictured heading for the exit while being escorted by deputies Two passengers, inclduing a man in a bright-red 'Red Storm' coat, are seen in the footage getting out of their seats and following D'Amato out of the aircraft That is when the feisty septuagenarian jumped out of his seat and launched into an impassioned diatribe invoking freedom of speech. 'We can still speak in this country... Im making an appeal to all you people,' D'Amato says in a cell phone video posted on Facebook by passenger Jacqueline Galante. Stand up for what's right and walk out with me.' In response to his call to action, two passengers are seen in the footage getting out of their seats and seemingly following D'Amato out of the aircraft. In another video documenting the incident, shot by Twitter user Layal D, D'Amato can be heard lamenting: 'they're throwing me off the plane because I complained about what they were doing. A few other travelers came to D'Amato's defense, including one woman who can be heard in the video saying that it was not right The flight was scheduled to leave Fort Lauderdale en route to John F. Kenney International Airport at 1.40pm but did not take off until after 8pm A few other travelers came to D'Amato's defense, including one woman who can be heard in the video saying that it was not right and also invoking freedom of speech. A female passenger's voice is heard off-camera: 'Do we still live in America? Are we in America?' 'No, you're in Florida,' another person quips, sparking laughter. DAmato served in the US Senate between 1988 and 1999, when he was unseated by Democrat Charles Schumer The flight was scheduled to leave Fort Lauderdale en route to John F. Kenney International Airport at 1.40pm but did not take off until after 8pm. Passengers were later offered $100 vouchers by the airline as compensation for the delay. D'Amato's representatives on Tuesday told the New York Daily News that the former senator lost his patience after the lengthy delay and a long and demanding trip to visit a sick friend. In the end, the airline reportedly apologized to DAmato for over reacting and he apologized for his outburst. A Brooklyn native, DAmato served in the US Senate between 1988 and 1999, when he was unseated by Charles Schumer, a Democrat. A woman who drove into an Oklahoma State University homecoming parade and killed four people aged 2 to 65 took a plea deal on Tuesday and accepted to spend the rest of her life in prison. Adacia Chambers, 26, pleaded no contest in the deadly October 2015 crash that also left more than 40 injured in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She told a judge she wanted to accept a plea under which she will receive four life sentences, corresponding to four second-degree murder counts. The deal also includes 10-year sentences for 39 counts of assault, to run concurrently. Chambers was accused of driving into OSU's parade, killing two 65-year-old OSU employees, one 23-year-old graduate student and a 2-year-old boy. By pleading no contest, she didn't admit guilt or dispute the accusation, but she waived her right to a trial. Her attorney had spent 15 months preparing for trial and was ready to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, saying experts had diagnosed Chambers with bipolar disorder. But his client, he said, didn't want to put the victims' families through the proceedings. Adacia Chambers (pictured in June), 26, pleaded no contest Tuesday in the 2015 crash that left four dead and more than 40 injured during OSU's homecoming parade in Stillwater, Oklahoma Police reports indicate that Chambers said she was 'going home forever' before the crash (pictured). Authorities said she had been suicidal in the past Chambers was about to enter jury trial proceedings Tuesday when she brought the case to an end by pleading no contest, Tulsa World reported. At least two more lawsuits are pending against Chambers. Her no contest plea cannot be used against her in civil proceedings, the judge noted Tuesday. The victims were identified as Dr Marvin Stone and his wife Bonnie, two 65-year-old OSU employees ; graduate student University Of Central Oklahoma Nikita Nakal, 23, and 2-year-old Nash Lucas, the son of an OSU student. Police reports indicate that Chambers said she was 'going home forever' before the crash. Authorities said she had been suicidal in the past. Two of the victims were identified as Dr Marvin Stone (left) and his wife Bonnie (right), two 65-year-old OSU employees. Chambers said she took a plea deal so that victims' families wouldn't have to go through a trial Also killed in the crash were graduate student University Of Central Oklahoma Nikita Nakal (left), 23, and 2-year-old Nash Lucas (right), the son of an OSU student Her attorney Tony Coleman told NewsOn6 he had spent 15 months preparing for Chambers' trial and was going to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. But he said Chambers had opted to forego her right to a trial in order to spare the victims' families. Coleman had Chambers' mental state evaluated by a doctor before she tool the plea deal. 'I accepted the plea because I don't want to put the families through any more pain,' Chambers said according to KFOR. 'My prayers are with the victims. If I could, I would look them each in the eyes and say, "I'm sorry and forgive me." ' Coleman said experts he hired had diagnosed Chambers with bipolar disorder. He said her family had gotten her treatment in the past, with her father indicating they had received different diagnoses and treatment plans. This is the horrifying moment a man pushed a wheelchair-bound elderly woman off a railway platform and then tried to bash her head in with a rock. The unnamed 33-year-old has since been charged with attempted murder of the 72-year-old women after CCTV captured the full extent of the violent attack. The disabled woman, whose name has not been released, was on her way to hospital and needed to change trains at Leszno, in south-western Poland, during her journey from her home town of Czestochowa. This is the horrifying moment a man pushed a wheelchair-bound elderly woman off a railway platform and then tried to bash her head in with a rock The 33-year-old man pushes the 72-year-old woman to the edge of the railway platform before shoving her over the edge and onto the tracks below On the first train, she met her attacker-to-be, who comes from the town of Ruda Slaska, and they spent the journey in conversation. When they arrived at Leszno, he offered to help her catch her next train by pushing her in her wheelchair. But the shocking CCTV footage shows the man pushing her to the edge of the railway platform before shoving her over the edge and onto the tracks below. The man then jumps down after her, picks up a large stone and starts repeatedly and violently hitting her in the head with it. He had battered her more than a dozen times before witnesses spotted what was happening and ran over to pull him off the woman and push him to the ground. The man then jumps down after her, picks up a large stone and starts repeatedly and violently hitting her in the head with it He had battered her more than a dozen times before witnesses spotted what was happening and ran over to pull him off the woman and push him to the ground An ambulance was called and quickly arrived on the scene to take the woman to hospital where she is being treated for multiple injuries including head wounds and broken ribs An ambulance was called and quickly arrived on the scene to take the woman to hospital where she is being treated for multiple injuries including head wounds and broken ribs. Police arrested the man and charged him with attempted murder. Sherri Papini has been seen for the first time since escaping kidnappers who snatched as she was jogging and held her captive for three weeks in November. The mother-of-two hid beneath a hat and hoodie as she emerged from her home in Mountain Gate, California, on Saturday with her husband, Keith, and their children. Dressed warmly in a white jacket and oversized track pants, the 'emaciated' frame her husband described after her return was swamped by her clothing. Severe bruising on her face appeared to have healed but there was no glimpse of her long blonde hair which her husband said had been chopped off by her captors. Keith Papini kept his gaze to the ground as he followed his wife outside, carrying their young daughter in one arm. Sherri Papini was seen for the first time on Saturday leaving her home in Redding, California, since being kidnapped and held hostage for three weeks. The 34-year-old emerged with her husband Keith and their two children The family moved out of the house in December as police hunted Sherri's captors. Keith said it had been too difficult for her to remain there after her ordeal. He was initially cleared as a suspect in her disappearance after passing a polygraph test but police have since refused to rule him out again. Saturday's outing was the first time Sherri has been seen publicly since she was found bound, beaten and gagged on the side of the road by a passing motorist on November 24. She emerged only to fill up a small red tray with water before returning to the house, The New York Post reported. Sherri went missing on November 2 when she was abducted during a routine run in the area and held hostage by two armed Hispanic women. Her husband reported her disappearance when she failed to pick their children up from school. Her cell phone and ear buds were later found on the running track she used. Papini kept her face hidden beneath a camouflage baseball cap and hoodie and dressed warmly in a white jacket The 34-year-old vanished on November 2 and was held captive for three weeks before she was found on the side of the road on November 24. Above, she is seen making her way out of the house on Saturday Police are yet to make any arrests in the case. Keith Papini was initially cleared but police have since refused to rule him out as a suspect Sherri's hair, which was apparently chopped off by her captors, could not be seen beneath her hat She was tortured and starved by her captors, whose faces she never saw, before being dumped by the side of the road on Thanksgiving. Shasta County Sheriff's Office is yet to make any arrests despite questioning Sherri extensively. They were forced to deny claims they thought her story was a hoax in December after a rogue officer suggested worries it may have been invented. Papini's husband told how she was found with severe bruising across her face on November 24. It appeared to have healed on Saturday No definitive motive for the mother's kidnapping has been given or suggested. While she was still missing, a 'negotiator' working on behalf of a mysterious donor made several offers to those keeping her captive. At one stage the reward for her return was as much as $100,000 but the ransom was pulled before she was released. Keith Papini pleaded for privacy after his wife's return and slammed 'disgusting' skeptics who labeled her disappearance a hoax. He described the black and yellow bruises across her body when she was first brought to hospital and how she had shrunk to 87lbs. 'Her now emaciated body of 87 pounds was covered in multi colored bruises, severe burns, red rashes, and chain markings. 'Her signature long, blonde hair had been chopped off. 'She has been branded and I could feel the rise of her scabs under my fingers. She was thrown from a vehicle with a chain around her waist, attached to her wrists and a bag over her head. 'The same bag she used to flag someone down once she was able to free one of her hands,' he said. A pilot informed British tourists that a seagull had hit an aircraft's engine while holding its 'remains' in a plastic bag. The Thomson flight, which was bound for Tenerife, made an emergency landing at London Gatwick Airport this morning after a seagull flew through the engine of the aircraft as it took off. Flight TOM6248 had just left Bournemouth airport at 8.21am when the incident took place. Eric Jackson, a passenger, said the pilot spoke to the passengers about it while holding the 'remains of a seagull in a plastic bag'. The pilot came out and spoke to passengers about the incident. He said a seagull had hit the engine and was holding the remains in a plastic bag The TOM6248 flight was filled with Brits heading from Bournemouth to Tenerife The aircraft made an emergency landing at London Gatwick, where passengers were told to swap planes He added: 'There was a thud on takeoff from the left engine and heavy vibrations it was obvious something had happened. '3 blades are bent in the engine we are having to change planes. (sic)' He later added the airline had to change crews and had texted him to offer him 10 compensation for the delay. Eric Jackson, a passenger, said there was a 'thud on take off from the left engine and heavy vibrations'. He later added he had been offered 10 compensation from Thomson A replacement flight left Gatwick at 12.30pm this afternoon and was said to have arrived safely. Simon Maycock, of New Milton in Hampshire, was also a passenger on the plane with his wife, Stacey. Were you on the flight? Email your video and pictures to isobel.frodsham@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement He praised the cabin crew during the emergency landing. He said: 'We didn't think anything was wrong until the captain made an announcement. 'We were told about the bird strike and that we would be diverting to Gatwick as there are better equipped engineers there. 'The first we knew it was an emergency landing was when we saw all the emergency service vehicles. 'I would like to highly commend the captain and crew of the flight who were outstanding and kept our delay to a minimum. 'We were giving a voucher for refreshments at Gatwick and a complimentary drink on the next plane. We have now arrived safely and met with my family.' (L to R) Matt Maycock and his partner Becky Rapson, Stacey Maycock and her husband Simon pictured on holiday in Tenerife A spokesperson from Thomson Airways apologised for the delay caused to passengers on board flight TOM6248 from Bournemouth to Tenerife, according to The Mirror. She said: 'The aircraft has diverted to London Gatwick as a precautionary measure following a suspected bird strike. 'The plane landed safely and we are working to make sure that customers will be on their way to Tenerife as soon as possible. 'The safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance and we would like to reassure customers that issues of this nature are very rare.' could use Hernandez's tattoos as evidence in the trial Jurors are going to be seeing a whole lot of Aaron Hernandez's skin when he returns to the court room next month. On Tuesday, a judge ruled that the former New England Patriot's tattoos can be used as evidence against him in a new murder trial. Hernandez, 27, is already serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd. A judge ruled on Tuesday that Aaron Hernandez's tattoos can be used as evidence against him in an upcoming murder trial This next trial pertains to the 2012 double murder of 29-year-old Daniel de Abreu and 28-year-old Safiro Furtado, who Hernandez allegedly shot dead in a drive-by shooting after they accidentally bumped into him at a bar in Boston. The two tattoos that prosecutors fought to have included as evidence both depict guns. He allegedly got them done at the same time, in the spring of 2013, at a tattoo shop in Hermosa, California. The first tattoo shows a six-shot revolver with five bullets in the cylinder and an empty changer next to the words 'God Forgives'. The text is spelled backwards so that it can only be read in the mirror. Hernandez, who is already serving a life sentence for another murder, is set to return to court next month to face charges in the 2012 double murder of Safiro Furtado (left) and Daniel de Abreu (right) This is the tattoo that prosecutors believe is a reference to the double murder, since five bullets were fired in that slaying. The second tattoo shows a semi-automatic pistol with one spent shell casing and a wisp of smoke emanating from the casing. It's unclear where on the body his tattoos are located. Prosecutors believe Hernandez got that tattoo to commemorate the time he shot a friend in the face in 2013. That former friend, Alexander Bradley, is set to testify against Hernandez during this upcoming case. While Hernandez's lawyers argued that the use of the tattoos as evidence of his guilt was 'rank speculation' - the judge ruled that they could be used because the jury could see them as 'evidence reflecting consciousness of guilt'. Before he was arrested for murder in connection to the 2013 shooting of Odin Lloyd, Hernandez was a star tight-end for the New England Patriots The new trial is set to begin on February 13. Hernandez has entered a not guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder and witness intimidation in the case. The judge also ruled on several other issues related to the case on Tuesday. The judge ruled that prosecutors will not be able to bring up his last murder conviction and that survivors of the 2012 shooting can not identify Hernandez as the shooter in the court room. A federal judge refused Tuesday to halt the execution of a Virginia inmate who's challenging the state's plan to use lethal injection drugs from a secret compounding pharmacy. Ricky Gray's attorneys had asked US District Judge Henry Hudson for a delay to enable the man to bring his legal challenge, saying the state risks 'chemically torturing' him if it uses compounded midazolam and other drugs to put him to death him on January 18. But US District Judge Henry E. Hudson said Gray failed to show that he is likely to win his case against the state. Hudson noted that Gray was sentenced to death in 2006 but waited until a month before his scheduled execution to dispute the state's lethal injection protocol. In this Jan. 3, 2007 file photo, Ricky Gray (above) is escorted from the county courthouse in Culpeper, Virginia. Gray failed to convince a US federal judge on Tuesday to delay his execution by lethal injection, which is scheduled for January 18 'If Gray had acted with appropriate diligence, he would have had ample opportunity to address his concerns without disrupting the execution date set by the state court,' Hudson wrote in his decision. Gray's attorneys can appeal to the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals. One of his attorneys, Lisa Fried, said in a statement that they will continue to challenge the state's 'risky proposed method of execution.' 'The string of problematic executions is the inevitable result of using the sedative midazolam in combination with drugs that cause excruciating pain,' Fried said. Gray was convicted of killing Bryan and Kathryn Harvey and their 9-year-old and 4-year-old daughters (above) during a home invasion on New Year's Day 2016 'It is our position that it is unconstitutional for the (Virginia Department of Corrections) to carry out an execution that risks chemically torturing a prisoner to death,' she said. 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. The Harveys were preparing to host friends for a holiday chili dinner when Gray and another man spotted their open front door. Gray and an accomplice opened their front door and tied the family up in their basement, where they were stabbed and beaten to death before their house was set on fire Gray (shown above being led in handcuffs by police) claims he doesn't remember the killings because he was high on PCP. His accomplice was sentenced to life in prison 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. 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. This undated file photo shows the execution chamber at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia. Gray's attorneys say the state risks 'chemically torturing' their client if it uses compounded midazolam and other drugs to put him to death him on January 18 Virginia plans to execute Gray using midazolam and potassium chloride that it purchased from a compounding pharmacy under a new state law, which also allows prison officials to shield the supplier's identity. Gray's attorneys say Virginia would be the first state in their knowledge to perform an execution using compounded midazolam or compounded potassium chloride and the first state to perform an execution using more than one compounded drug. Gray's attorneys argue that midazolam isn't a proper anesthetic and therefore cannot effectively render him unconscious to ensure his death is painless. The fact that Virginia obtained the drugs from a compounding pharmacy magnifies the risk that the state will 'chemically torture' the man to death, they say. Midazolam (above) has come under fire after several problematic executions In April 2014, Clayton Lockett (left) writhed on a gurney, moaned and clenched his teeth for several minutes before Oklahoma prison officials tried to halt the execution. Last month in Alabama, Ronald Bert Smith Jr. (right) coughed, and his upper body heaved for 13 minutes Midazolam has come under fire after several problematic executions. Last month in Alabama, death row inmate Ronald Bert Smith Jr. coughed, and his upper body heaved repeatedly for 13 minutes as he was being sedated. Oklahoma's use of midazolam as the first in a three-drug protocol was challenged after the April 2014 execution of Clayton Lockett, who writhed on a gurney, moaned and clenched his teeth for several minutes before prison officials tried to halt the process. Lockett died after 43 minutes. A state investigation into Lockett's execution revealed that a failed line caused the drugs to be administered locally instead of into Lockett's blood. Ohio and Arizona have used midazolam as the first in a two-drug protocol. Ohio inmate Dennis McGuire repeatedly gasped and snorted over 26 minutes during his January 2014 execution. The state abandoned that method afterward and has yet to resume executions. Arizona halted executions after the July 2014 lethal injection of convicted killer Joseph Rudolph Wood, who took nearly two hours to die. Smith and other Alabama inmates argued in a court case that the drug was an unreliable sedative and could cause them to feel pain, citing its use in problematic executions. Hudson said Gray supplied 'no evidence that compounded drugs would subject him to a 'substantial risk of serious harm.' Prison wardens have slammed a policy which says they should deliver prisoner's online orders directly to their cells. A newly-published report into HMP Hewell, a 1,000 capacity jail in Worcestershire, reveals that due to ongoing issues with orders from prisoners 'going missing' or being opened and found empty, wardens were now delivering parcels, from companies such as Amazon and Argos, directly to their cells. The report, from HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke, states: 'Prisoners' shop purchases were now delivered straight to prisoners' cell doors which had reduced the incidence of missing products and theft (which was) identified at our last inspection. Prison wardens have slammed a policy which says wardens at HMP Hewell should deliver prisoner's online orders directly to their cells 'Prisoners could order products from a reasonable range of catalogues and Amazon, although not many prisoners knew that they could use Amazon. 'Prisoners were consulted four times a year about the contents of the shop product list.' However, wardens are said to be 'fuming' at the policy, complaining that they are not 'postmen' and that some lags take ages 'inspecting' the deliveries, with some even demanding they are sent back. One warden, who does not work at HMP Hewell but who has served in jails across the UK for more than 10 years, said the ruling would 'create tensions'. Speaking today (Tue), he said: 'Prison officers are having it tough enough at the moment without having to act as glorified postmen. 'Some prisoners order a fair amount from the catalogues and a lot of the stuff is sent back as it isn't exactly what they wanted, so you've go wardens delivering stuff and then carting it back to be returned. 'The whole thing is faintly ridiculous and just adds to the problems of prison staff.' He said that on top of a UK-wide policy of prison officers being told to 'knock on cell doors' and wait to be invited in by inmates, the prison service was 'becoming a joke'. This follows an inspection from HM Chief Inspector of Prisons in 2014, which said: the prison should ensure that goods in prisoners' shop orders are not removed at any stage of the packing, delivery and distribution process' However Ministry of Justice bosses said the policy was part of a scheme to 'treat prisoners with respect', following a damning report 2014 by the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons. The 2014 report stated: 'The prison shop system was inefficient and widely criticised by prisoners and staff. Prisoners could wait for up to 17 days to receive their first order, and this often led to debt and bullying. 'Missing items from shop orders was one of the top complaints received in the previous six months, and managers acknowledged that this was a legitimate concern.' The 2014 report recommended that 'the prison should ensure that goods in prisoners' shop orders are not removed at any stage of the packing, delivery and distribution process.' A Prison Service Instruction details how lags must be given the chance to 'inspect' items bought from catalogues - and that if they are not happy with the contents, they should be able to send the items back. It states: 'Prisoners must be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect the products being sold to them before acceptance. 'Prisoners may reject products according to their statutory rights. 'Proof of acceptance must be gained from the prisoner and the prisoner issued with a receipt clearly itemising the products that have been sold to them, the unit price paid, and the total amount charged to them. 'If goods are rejected, then a credit note must be given.' However, Wardens are said to be 'fuming' at the policy, complaining that they are not 'postmen' and that some lags take ages 'inspecting' the deliveries, with some even demanding they are sent back A prison service spokesperson, however, denied the claims, saying: 'Packages ordered by prisoners are not delivered to their cells by prison officers; offenders are responsible for collecting their own deliveries from a communal area of the prison. 'Prisoners do not have access to the internet to place orders and any purchases are dependent on the good behaviour of the prisoner.' They added purchases from the prison canteen are taken to individual cells along with any external mail for security reasons to stop thefts. The new report by Mr Clarke also highlighted issues of 'safety and respect' - in particular segregation, violence which is 'far too high' and suicide risk in the closed section of the prison. He said: ' The prison had already begun good work some of it innovative to help reduce violence, but much of it was new and not yet embedded or applied consistently. 'Levels of self-harm had increased and four prisoners had taken their own lives since we last inspected. 'A further key concern related to basic standards around the prison. The segregation unit was in a terrible state; many cells around the prison were overcrowded or in a similarly poor condition and the inpatient facility in health care was very poor. 'We have made main recommendations in respect of all these areas.' However, Mr Clarke praised the open site of the prison, saying: 'On the open site we found a successful prison that, whilst needing some renovation and decoration, was safe, respectful and ensuring reasonably good regime and resettlement opportunities. 'Use of release on temporary license (ROTL) had improved and was being used effectively to support the open site's resettlement work. Overall, the outcomes we found there were reasonably good or good.' Michael Spurr, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, said: 'Im pleased that the chief inspector has acknowledged the progress at Hewell which is to the credit of the former governor, his deputy and their team. Sydneysiders are waking up to the first day of the week-long summer heatwave with the city preparing to sweat through temperatures of above 40 degrees. On Wednesday, residents were seen taking an early morning dip at Bondi Beach as the mercury steadily started to rise for potentially the hottest day since January 2016. An air pollution alert was issued for Sydney for the scorching week and the high level of ozone in the atmosphere is expected to affect people with respiratory conditions. Sydney is forecast to hit 38C on Wednesday, while residents in the west are expected to see the mercury rise to extreme levels of above 45C. On Wednesday, residents were seen taking an early morning dip at Bondi Beach (pictured) as the mercury steadily started to rise Sydneysiders (North Bondi beach, pictured) are waking up to the first day of the week-long summer heatwave with the city preparing to sweat through temperatures of above 40 degrees Total fire bans across NSW are in place and the Rural Fire Service has urged farmers to protect their properties by putting in firebreaks around paddocks and other valuable assets. Rob Sharpe, a meteorologist at Weatherzone, told Daily Mail Australia temperatures would likely peak in Sydney on Wednesday. But the sea breeze keeping temperatures low in the city could be weaker than expected. 'Therefore, the city could reach into the low-40s,' Sharpe said, of Wednesday temperatures. A cool change will sweep across the city on Thursday and take temperatures back into the mid-20s, or low-30s in western Sydney. On Wednesday, residents were seen taking an early morning dip and exercising at Bondi Beach as the mercury steadily started to rise An air pollution alert was issued for Sydney for the scorching week and the high level of ozone in the atmosphere is expected to affect people with respiratory conditions Surf lifesavers watch the ocean at Bondi Beach on Sunday Hordes of people ducked into the ocean to cool down on Sunday at Bondi Beach But the heat will come straight back on Friday before a cool change finally puts an end to the heatwave in Sydney at the weekend. Inland NSW will bear the full brunt of the heatwave, which is expected to intensify to severe or extreme levels as the week wears on. Parts of the central-west is expected to peak at 46 or 47 degrees on Friday, Sharpe told Daily Mail Australia. He said Bourke was likely to exceed 40 degrees every day this week, and should be in the mid-40s from Tuesday to Friday. 'What's probably the most significant out of this event is that it's going to be very prolonged, particularly in northern NSW,' Sharpe said. A woman enjoys the sun at Bondi Beach on Sunday Bundeena, at the Royal National Park south of Sydney, is pictured on Sunday Minimum temperatures in the area will range between 25 and 30 degrees. 'So, it's going to be very hot.' Parents should limit the time their children with asthma play outside, NSW Health's Dr Ben Scalley says. 'Ozone levels reach their peak around 7pm in the evening and tend to be lowest in the morning, so it's best to plan outdoor play in the morning when the day is cooler,' he said. Ozone pollution is caused by car exhaust and industrial fumes and gets worse on hot, still days. Surf lifesavers are urging those who head to the beach to watch themselves and loved ones for signs of heat stress, such as dizziness, fatigue and headaches. They also want swimmers to stay between the flags. 'Lifeguards and lifesavers have been extremely busy over the last few weeks and we are urging the public to do what they can to help lessen the load by taking some responsibility for their own safety,' a Surf Lifesaving NSW statement said. The heatwave will also hit southern Queensland and into the north of South Australia. Young people sit on the grass on a sunny Sunday at Bondi Beach The crowds at Bondi Beach are pictured on Sunday The heatwave will persist over much of NSW for the week, first punishing the state's southeast before spreading further north. A southeasterly pushing up the coast on Thursday is expected to bring some relief, with temperatures tipped to fall back briefly, before creeping up again on Friday ahead of the weekend. Sydney temperatures will hover in the high-20s and 30s throughout the week, with mostly sunny skies and some showers. Monday is expected to be mostly sunny, but the remainder of the week is expected to be hit with possible showers. Melbourne will experience maximum temperatures across the 20s throughout the week, peaking at 32 degrees on Friday. The Victorian capital will have some showers throughout the week. A heatwave is expected to smash NSW this week. Temperatures on Friday at 5pm pictured The heatwave will be extreme on Wednesday in the northwest of NSW and southwest QLD A tourist is pictured walking into Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday Maximum temperatures in Brisbane are expected to sit in the low to mid-30s throughout the week. Bribane will be mostly sunny until Thursday, when possible showers are forecast for the rest of the week. Adelaide is expected to be in the high-20s to early-30s with mostly sunny skies. Monday was expected to have clearing showers, and showers will again hit the city on Friday. In Western Australia, an out of control bushfire near Upper Swan has threatening lives and homes. The emergency particularly pertains to those in the areas of Copley Road and St. Albans Road. An MTV host has accused Jeff Sessions of using his Asian American grandchildren as 'props' during his confirmation hearings where he faces allegations of racism. Sen. Sessions, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, was joined by his family for the committee hearing including his four mixed race grand kids. MTV News culture writer and host, Ira Madison III, tweeted a picture of Sessions, who was once considered too racist to be a federal judge, with his young granddaughter sat on his lap. 'Sessions, sir, kindly return this Asian baby to the Toys 'R' Us you stole her from,' Madison captioned the picture. MTV host Ira Madison III has accused Jeff Sessions of using his Asian American grandchildren as 'props' during his confirmation hearings where he faces allegations of racism Madison added that senator's Asian American grandchildren were nothing more than a prop to show he isn't racist Madison added that senator's Asian American grandchildren were nothing more than a prop to show he isn't racist. 'Why is she a prop? Sessions argued for policy that in the 1880s was used to discriminate against Asian Americans,' he wrote in a followup tweet. Sessions has repeatedly been accused of racism during his long career. Sen. Jeff Sessions awaited his turn to speak with his granddaughter on his lap. Four of the attorney general nominee's grandkids attended today's confirmation hearing Members of the group Codepink were also on hand at today's confirmation sessions for attorney general nominee, Sen. Jeff Sessions Before he even got a chance to speak at today's hearing, several protesters dressed like members of the Ku Klux Klan made their views known as they shouted down 'Jefferson Bearegard' and called the senator a 'racist.' His record on civil rights will be front and center in the scheduled two-day hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the same committee that voted down a federal district court judgeship for Sessions in 1986, over a number of racially-insensitive comments that came out. He called all these charges 'damnably false.' Madison wrote on Twitter there was 'no reason' for Sessions to have has Asian American granddaughter sat on his lap during the lengthy, judiciary hearing, 'other than to send an "I'm not racist message"'. Madison (pictured) has since deleted his original tweet after a furious backlash branding him as racist. He defended his earlier tweet, saying: 'I often tell jokes, but seeing as bringing up Sessions' history of racial hatred of Asians is seen as an attack on his grandchild, I deleted' The children belong to the senator's daughter, Ruth Sessions Walk and her husband John Walk, an Asian-American man. Madison was not alone in accusing Sessions of using his grand kids to detract from his racism allegations. Sara David, managing editor of Complex Life magazine, tweeted: ' lol loving jeff sessions' "how can i possibly be a racist when i'm holding this nonwhite baby" moment'. Madison has since deleted his original tweet after a furious backlash branding him as racist. Madison was not alone in accusing Sessions of using his grand kids for his own gain He defended his earlier tweet, saying: 'I often tell jokes, but seeing as bringing up Sessions' history of racial hatred of Asians is seen as an attack on his grandchild, I deleted.' Madison added that it was 'sad that many don't see Sessions' legitimate history of racism as a cause for concern today, but he can deeply affect our country.' This is not the first time Madison has made a controversial tweet about a Republican and race. Last March, reacting to a tweet by Andrew Kirell of the Daily Beast about how former GOP presidential candidate 'Ben Carson seems to suggest he's been promised a role in a Trump administration,' Madison, who is black, replied, 'House or field?' Angus Carpenter busked in Liverpool wearing full Highland dress draped in a 'Justice for the 96' banner on April 14 last year A conman bagpipe player who pretended to collect cash for people affected by the Hillsborough disaster has been sent to jail. Angus Carpenter busked in Liverpool in full Highland dress draped in a 'Justice for the 96' banner on April 14 last year - the day before the anniversary of the 1989 tragedy. The 62-year-old, of Woolton, Liverpool, was found guilty of fraud in a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. The judge, Recorder Michael Smith, said: 'I need to say very little in this court particularly about the Justice for the 96 campaign which is a cause dear to the hearts of many Liverpudlians. 'It's a charity to which the people of Liverpool were likely to give generously. 'You were displaying the banner and using the bucket while busking the day before the anniversary of Hillsborough. None of this I'm sure was an accident. 'I'm sure you chose to use the Justice for the 96 banner deliberately and cynically, with a hope it would maximise your earnings. 'It was a mean-spirited offence.' Carpenter was cleared of two earlier frauds, relating to a fake Help for Heroes sticker and another time he displayed the banner. Katy Appleton, prosecuting, said he was warned about using the 'props' and told it was a sensitive time due to the inquests into the tragedy. Sergeant Chris Gaynor spoke to Carpenter in Church Street in Liverpool city centre in February 2015 as he felt people would think 'he was collecting for a registered military charity and not simply for his own pocket'. Carpenter explained he was having a banner made referring to the disaster and was told if he was not a registered charity collector it would be a serious offence. However, Carpenter was seen by two officers in the city centre on March 28 with a red and blue banner, stating on both sides 'Justice'. Liverpool Crown Court heard that three officers approached him about the banner and warned him of the consequences of displaying a banner referring to the disaster and not being a registered charity collector He was again warned but replied: 'I'm just a busker, I'm not collecting for any charity.' After the props were temporarily seized, PC Philip Towers warned him 'in very strong terms' he could be putting himself in danger. The chairman of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign (HJC), Kenneth Derbyshire, also said Carpenter spoke to him at the charity's shop. Mr Derbyshire told him he could use a banner 'in tribute' but added: 'On no account can you collect on our behalf.' When police told Carpenter to remove the banner in Liverpool city centre on April 14, he refused and said: 'I'm going to fight this. I agreed the design with the justice shop.' Carpenter claimed he previously played at the funerals of two Hillsborough victims, whose names he could not recall, and had been assaulted over the allegations. He said he only wanted to promote justice and told the jury: 'I've been attacked over it, scarred for life. My own son won't speak to me.' Gary Lawrenson, defending, said it was a highly unusual case and urged the judge to suspend any jail sentence. When police told Carpenter to remove the banner he refused and said: 'I'm going to fight this' He said: 'In this case the conviction itself is a punishment for reasons really that are, with respect, self explanatory. He has been scared to leave his house. 'I think it's suffice to say my client won't be darkening the doors of any court in the future.' Recorder Smith said the 'military uniform' prosecutors alleged Carpenter wore was just traditional Highland dress. However, he said Carpenter knew the public might think his bucket with a lid cover was a charity bucket. He said: 'You realised members of the public might well be misled into believing wrongly you were collecting money on behalf of the Justice for the 96 campaign and you realised full well that your conduct was dishonest. 'Both the choice of the Justice for the 96 campaign and the date of you were committing this offence are significant aggravating features.' Recorder Smith said Carpenter insisted he was innocent and entitled to collect money using such a banner. Jailing him for four months, he said: 'That is something you do in future at your peril. An Italian Greyhound was caught on camera trying on snow boots - and walking around in a hilarious new manner while trying to greet someone at the door. Sterling, who lives in New England, got new bright yellow slippers because the snow and salt that gets sprinkled on sidewalks can burn dogs' feet. Her owner got her the pair of shoes hoping they would protect her - but the new accessory posed a new problem to Sterling. The Italian Greyhound seemed confused as to how she was supposed to walk around with the slippers on her feet. After staying still for a little while, she finally set out towards the front door - but kicked her feet way too high at each step. Sterling, who lives in New England, got new bright yellow slippers because the snow and salt that gets sprinkled on sidewalks can burn dogs' feet - but struggled to walk in them Sterling's owner told her the UPS delivery person was at the door, prompting the dog to clumsily walk across the room to greet them. There was actually no UPS employee on the doorstep, but Sterling's owner pretended there was in a bid to encourage the Italian Greyhoung to walk around. Sterling typically runs to the door when mention is made of the delivery firm because the employee gives her cookies. The Greyhound did make her way to the door of her owner's office, where she was trying on the shoes, causing the room to burst out laughing when she debuted her new walk. She wagged her tail as she looked around for the UPS person, then as she made her way back. Sterling's owner made sure the dog did get plenty of cookies after all, in exchange for playing along. The Italian Greyhound's owner told Sterling a UPS delivery employee was at the door in a bid to get the dog to walk around. Sterling tried to walk but kicked her feet way too high at each step Advertisement As the snow falls, a line of bitterly cold men shiver in a queue for rations. It is a picture similar to those found in the archives of the Second World War such as the 1943 image of German prisoners in Stalingrad. But these photographs were taken in 2017 in the Serbian capital of Belgrade. Migrants queue for food in front of an abandoned warehouse in Belgrade, Serbia. Special measures have been put in place across the country because of the freezing temperatures This immigrant has already managed to get his hands on some fodd, which he is eating out in the freezing conditions food Another is seen here washing his face. He is one of hundreds of migrants who are sleeping rough in parks and make-shift shelters in the Serbian capital More of the immigrants can be seen wrapped up in thick layers as they stand and wait to be given their food An Afghani migrant poses for a picture while wrapped up in a blanket inside the makeshift shelter at an abandoned warehouse Huge piles of rubbish can be seen around this migrant as he washes his face in dirty water that has gathered on the concrete Many of the tens of thousands of migrants arriving in Europe each year from Africa, the Middle East and Asia use the Balkan route which passes near Belgrade to reach wealthier Western states, including Britain. Eight people have died as sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow enveloped the region in recent days, while temperatures have dropped to -30C (-22F) in other parts of Europe. At least 25 people died over the weekend most of them in Poland. Belgrade residents witnessed terrible scenes in the war, including heavy aerial bombardment by the Nazis in 1941, when it was part of Yugoslavia. Several took up refuge inside a public garage, and hung sheets to minimise the effects of the the bitterly cold winds that blast in More migrants warm themselves by the fire in front of the warehouse. Temperatures have dropped to -30C (-22F) in other parts of Europe Another group huddle around the fire as they talk. Some of them can be seen already having their hands on some refreshments This immigrant wraps himself up in a towel featuring the protagonist from the Disney Pixar film Finding Dory in order to keep himself warm Many of the tens of thousands of migrants arriving in Europe each year from Africa, the Middle East and Asia use the Balkan route which passes near Belgrade to reach wealthier Western states, including Britain This shot shows just a small portion of the thousands of migrants who were queuing up outside the warehouse just to get some food But the latest cold snap across eastern Europe threatens the lives of these desperate asylum seekers, with special measures being put in place across the continent. In Serbia, shipping was banned on the River Sava because of icy conditions, which claimed another two lives in southern Serbia. Authorities said an 88-year-old man and his son, 64, died from freezing temperatures in the village of Duga Poljana, in the south, which has been hardest-hit by the recent cold spell. Serbian state TV reported the two victims, discovered by a man delivering bread from a neighboring village, were extremely poor. Several Serbian municipalities have declared emergency measures to battle the extreme weather and dozens of villages in the south have been cut off by high snowdrifts. It is a picture similar to those found in the archives of the Second World War such as this 1943 image of German prisoners in Stalingrad Serbian, Croatian and Romanian police halted shipping at midday for an undetermined period along a 900-kilometer (565-mile) stretch of the Danube River. In central town of Bulqize, temperatures plummeted to -22 C (-7.6 F), with most rural areas cut off by snow. There were temporary power and water outages. Army helicopters were distributing aid in remote mountain areas. Following strong criticism from aid agencies and others, authorities on the Greek island of Lesbos said they would move 250 refugees from tents at camps into vacant hotel rooms as heavy snow continued unabated around the country. Another former dancer, who refused to be named, said club managers didn't go to police when she reported being raped by a customer Alison Valente claims she was drugged by a co-worker when she refused to break the law by prostituting herself out to customers in VIP rooms Two of the former strippers in the article have also filed lawsuits against the club Six former dancers at Atlanta strip club The Cheetah have detailed horrific work conditions in a new report from the Atlanta Journal- Six former dancers at one of Atlanta's most famous strip clubs are speaking out against the venue in a new report. The ex-strippers detail a behind-the-scenes system at the club in which dancers work with so-called 'floormen' to arrange illegal trysts in VIP rooms for a cut of the tip, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution report. Those who took part in the prostitution allegedly made thousands of dollars, servicing the high-end clientele that patronize the club. Paying anyone for sexual favors is of course illegal in Georgia, as it is in the vast majority of the country - excepting smaller counties in Nevada that have legalized prostitution. Former dancers at Atlanta's The Cheetah strip club are speaking out about the club's alleged prostitution ring. Above, the nightclub in 1996 The club is known to host businessmen, athletes and other high-rolling clientele Dancers who didn't take part in the illegal underbelly of The Cheetah were penalized, former stripper Alison Valente claims. Valente says floormen gave VIP rooms to so-called 'F Girls' over the girls who did not prostitute themselves out. She says she was also 'drugged into near unconsciousness' for not joining the prostitution ring. Valente and another former dancer are behind two lawsuits that were filed against the club in the past year. One of the former dancers, Alison Valente, says she was 'drugged' for refusing to take part in the club's prostitution ring The lawsuits, filed by the same lawyer, describe the club's management and bouncers as operators of a 'sophisticated organized crime syndicate'. Another former dancer said that sexual assault happened frequently in the VIP rooms. During one of her VIP dances, she said that a client stuck his finger inside her vagina. When she complained, she said the customer went to one of the floormen who then told her to refund the man. She says she did not go to authorities because strippers were discouraged from doing so by management. Perhaps the most troubling account came from a former CheetahGirl who said she was raped by a customer. The woman - who asked to remain anonymous - says the alleged incident happened during the March 2013 NCAA tournament, when a customer unexpectedly pulled down his pants and penetrated her as she was dancing with her back to him. She says she fought the man off and then tracked down a 'house mom' to report the attack. But instead of calling the police, she says the house mom told her 'to move on'. 'The idea of calling the cops is something I suggested and they just started talking about something else,' the woman said. 'She just encouraged me to move on and not make a big deal out of it.' Kevin Ward, an attorney representing the club, confirmed that there was an 'unwanted sexual incident' during the tournament that year, but said that the woman and the customer had a 'personal and intimate' relationship. Ward also said that the alleged victim contacted a house mom but ultimately 'did not want to contact police'. The alleged victim countered those claims - saying she didn't even know her attacker's name. Steve Saddow, an attorney for owner Bill Hagood, called the former dancers quoted in the report 'vindictive, discharged strippers' who were fired for the same misconduct they are now speaking out against. He claimed that the club has never been accused of illegal misconduct before and that the lawsuits are an attempt to extort money. 'The Cheetah has been open for nearly 40 years,' Saddow said. 'It has served customers in Atlanta and visitors to Atlanta during the entire time and there has never been a claim of any illegal conduct against the club. The club will not stand idly by and allow its excellent reputation to be besmirched.' Valente's attorney Jim McDonough hit back, saying: 'As we have seen again and again lately, it takes multiple victims coming into the light before any allegations of abuse are actually taken seriously.' The family of a woman allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant who was deported five times cannot sue the city of San Francisco, a judge ruled. Kate Steinle, 32, was reportedly shot dead by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, 45, a Mexican national with a long criminal record who was allowed to remain in the country due to the city's controversial sanctuary policies. The Steinle family argued in a wrongful death suit that the city and former sheriff should be held responsible for her murder. The family of Kate Steinle, left, who was killed by an illegal immigrant who was deported five times cannot sue the city of San Francisco, a judge ruled Lawyers argued that if city officials had notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement when they released 7-time felon Lopez-Sanchez from prison in April of 2015, Kate's death could have been avoided. 'Kate's death was both foreseeable and preventable had the law enforcement agencies, officials and/or officers involved simply followed the laws, regulations and/or procedures which they swore to uphold,' the lawsuit said. However, Judge Joseph C Sparo dismissed their claims on Friday, according to KTLA. Kate's parent's case against the city of San Francisco and a former sherriff has been dismissed: Liz Sullivan, left, and Jim Steinle, right, parents of Kate Steinle, fight back tears as they recall how their daughter was shot to death right in front of her father's eyes during a family outing The Steinle family, including brother Brad Steinle who became emotional on television after his sister's death, still have a case against the Bureau of Land Management He wrote: 'No law required the Sheriff's Department to share Lopez-Sanchez's release date with ICE, nor did any law forbid Mirkarimi establishing a policy against such cooperation'. Kate's death caused an uproar when it occurred last year and became a rallying cry for Donald Trump's immigration policies while on the campaign trail. Sanctuary cities have no clear definition or geographic limit. They are scattered throughout the country and generally limit the ability of government workers to assist the federal government with immigration matters. In San Francisco, the City and County of Refuge ordinance, passed in 1989, 'prohibits city employees from helping federal immigration enforcement efforts unless compelled by court order or state law', according to CNN. The Steinle family may still have an opportunity to seek justice, as the judge allowed their case against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to continue. Lopez-Sanchez reportedly stole the gun he used to kill Kate from a BLM unattended vehicle. Lopez-Sanchez stole the gun he used to kill Kate from a Bureau of Land Management unattended vehicle, shooting her in the back while on a family outing Lopez-Sanchez shot Kate in the back as she walked along a pier with her father, but claims the gun went off by accident. The family believes the BLM should be held accountable for crimes committed using the weapon. Kate's killer is scheduled to stand trial next month and has entered a plea of not guilty. U2 had delayed the release of its new album because of the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. David Evans, also known as guitarist The Edge, told Rolling Stone in an interview published Monday that the band's new album, 'Songs Of Experience', was almost ready to be released when the Republican candidate pulled off a shock victory in November - causing the Irish rock band to reconsider. 'It's like a pendulum has suddenly just taken a huge swing in the other direction,' The Edge said. So the band resolved to put the album 'on ice' for a little while in order to take a second look at the songs and check that they send the right message. In the meantime, U2 will embark on a special tour to commemorate its 1978 album 'The Joshua Tree', beginning in May in North America before jetting off to Europe. U2 has delayed the release of its new album, 'Songs Of Experience', because of the election of Donald Trump, guitarist The Edge (right) said in an interview published Monday 'Songs Of Experience' follows U2's last studio album to date, 'Songs Of Innocence', which came out in 2014. Both titles are a play on the name of William Blake's poem collection, 'Songs Of Innocence And Of Experience'. The Edge didn't specify when the new album would come out. He explained that 80 per cent of it had been written before or during 2016, before Trump's election. 'We just went, "Hold on a second we've got to give ourselves a moment to think about this record and about how it relates to what's going on in the world, " ' The Edge said, adding that the world was now 'a different place'. Rolling Stone writer Andy Greene asked whether The Edge was talking about Trump's victory and Brexit - but the guitarist singled out the mogul's election specifically. The Edge (pictured) said the tycoon's shocking victory had made it necessary to put the album 'on ice' to check that the songs still conveyed the message they wanted 'It's like a pendulum has suddenly just taken a huge swing in the other direction,' he said. U2 realized it 'needed to put the album on ice for a minute just to really think about it one more time before putting it out' to make sure it said what the band really wanted to say, The Edge added. Front runner Bono had previously called Trump 'potentially the worst idea that ever happened to America' in a September interview. The band is due to begin its Joshua Tree Tour in May in Vancouver and end in Brussels on August 1, with stops in Canada, across the US and in Europe. A 70-year-old man has been jailed for life for murdering his young Chinese wife and dissolving her body in acid after police discovered 10 of her fake teeth in a drain near their Cairns home. Klaus Andres told detectives his wife Li Ping Cao, 42, disappeared in October 2011 after she walked out of their home following an argument, during which she accused him of cheating on her. But it didn't take long for authorities to begin to question Andres' story after her friends became worried about the single mother-of-one's safety and reported her missing in November, according to A Current Affair. Scroll down for video Klaus Andres (pictured), 70, is serving a life sentence for murdering his wife Li Ping Cao, 42, and dissolving her body in acid Andres told detectives Ms Cao (pictured) disappeared in October 2011 after she walked out of their home following an argument, during which she accused him of cheating on her Detectives determined Andres had murdered his wife after 10 of her fake teeth in a drain near their Cairns home The first sign of foul play was during a press conference held by police when Andres smiled and joked around as he appealed for information about his wife, Detective Sergeant Brad McLeish said. The couple, who met online, had been married for seven years but Andres didn't seem to be upset about his wife's disappearance, Sgt McLeish said. While looking into the last purchases on Ms Cao's bank card, police discovered CCTV footage of Andres using her card at an ATM and a Bunnings hardware store where he bought 40 litres of acid. 'that was a major concern to us,' Sgt McLeish said. 'We established that he'd not only purchased acid on that day, but a number of days, and he'd purchased a total of 60 litres of acid - which is an enormous amount of acid to buy.' The first sign of foul play was during a press conference held by police when Andres smiled and joked around as he appealed for information about his wife (pictured) Officers initially believed Andres (pictured) had purchased 60 litres of acid to clean up a crime scene at the home Police later discovered he used the acid to dissolve Ms Cao's body in a bin over several days Sgt McLeish told A Current Affair he initially thought Andres had used the acid to clean up a crime scene at his Cairns home, but a search of the property unveiled a gruesome discovery. 'Forensic officers examined the stormwater drain out the front of his house. There was a large stormwater drain directly out the front of his house and we discovered porcelain false teeth in the drain,' Sergeant McLeish said. 'That, for us, cemented the fact that he had committed this despicable crime against his wife.' Detectives ruled that Andres had used the 60 litres of acid to dissolve Ms Cao's body in a bin over several days. An extramarital affair and money appear to be the main motivators, Sgt McLeish said. Andres was found to be having a relationship with another Thai woman and had forged his wife's signature so he could collect her Centrelink payments. 'I don't like to use the word psychopath, but that's his personality,' Sgt McLeish said. 'He's just an evil, greedy, arrogant little man.' Andres was found guilty of killing Ms Cao and was sentenced to life in prison by a Cairns jury in 2013. His appeal to the High Court of Australia in 2016 was denied. of Herero and Nama people are suing Germany for damages Chancellor Angela Merkel said the apology did not mean they'd pay repatriation to the Namibian people for the genocide last year Germany is being sued by descendants of Namibian tribesmen who were ruthlessly slaughtered in a 'forgotten' genocide. More than 100,000 Herero and Nama people - the majority of their population - were killed by German colonial troops in the early 1900s in the massacre, considered to be a precursor to the Holocaust. Germany finally apologized for its other genocide in a landmark admission of historical guilt last year for mass killing which has gone almost unmentioned by the European country in the past. Germany is being sued by descendants of Namibian tribesmen who were ruthlessly slaughtered in a 'forgotten' genocide. (pictured, Herero men are chained together by colonial forces in what was then known as German South West Africa during the genocide) More than 100,000 Herero and Nama people - the majority of their population - were killed by German colonial troops in the early 1900s in the massacre, considered to be a precursor to the Holocaust (German troops pose for a photo with tribe members during the genocide) But chancellor Angela Merkel said the apology did not mean that they would pay repatriations for the horrific genocide. 'On the question of whether there could be reparations or legal consequences, there are none. The apology does not come with any consequences on how we deal with the history and portray it,' Sawsan Chebli, Merkel's spokeswoman, told reporters last year. Now the d escendants of the Herero and Nama people from what is now Namibia, have filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, seeking damages. Germany has excluded the plaintiffs from talks with Namibia on the matter, and has publicly said any settlement will not include reparations to victims' families, even if compensation is awarded to Namibia itself. Germany finally apologized for its other genocide in a landmark admission of historical guilt last year, But chancellor Angela Merkel said the apology did not mean that they would pay repatriations for the horrific genocide There is still a lot of anger over the atrocities carried out in Namibia in the early 1900s (a car with 'Germany Must Pay' is parked outside the airport where people awaited the return of tribesmen's skulls stolen during the genocide) 'There is no assurance that any of the proposed foreign aid by Germany will actually reach or assist the minority indigenous communities that were directly harmed,' the plaintiffs' lawyer Ken McCallion said in an email. 'There can be no negotiations or settlement about them that is made without them.' The proposed class-action lawsuit seeks unspecified sums for thousands of descendants of the victims, for the 'incalculable damages' that were caused. German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer said on Friday that Berlin had acknowledged the genocide and that the two governments had been in talks for just under two years about how to describe and deal with Germany's past criminal actions. German development aid to Namibia was already at nearly 'world record' levels on a per capita basis but the inter-governmental discussions could lead to potential additional payments, he said. Germany barely acknowledged the massacre for years (Chief Alfons Maharero(R), grandson of former Chief Samuel Herero, who led an uprising of the Herero tribe against German imperial rule between 1904 and 1907, shakes hands with Wolf-Thilo von Trotha(L), descendant of German General von Trotha at the grave of Chief Samuel in Okahandja, in 2007) Germany had 'good reasons' for not negotiating directly with the Namibian groups involved, Schaefer told a regular government news conference, without elaborating. He said Berlin learned of the lawsuit only through news reports. The slaughter took place from roughly 1904 to 1908, when Namibia was a German colony known as South-West Africa, after the Herero and Nama groups rebelled against German rule. Up to 100,000 Herero people and around 10,000 Nama people died in a systematic extermination by German troops. Lothar von Trotha, a brutal imperialist general, was in charge of crushing rebellions in what was then known as German South-West Africa and ordered his troops to wipe out the tribes in what is widely seen as the 20th century's first genocide and a precursor to the Holocaust a few decades later. The Herero tribe launched an uprising in 1904 and killed more than 100 German civilians after German settlers stole their land, cattle and women. The Nama joined the revolt a year later. Imperialist German General Lothar von Trotha was in charge of crushing rebellions during colonial rule Dozens of victims were beheaded after their deaths and their skulls were sent to Berlin for 'scientific' research In response, the Germans were ruthless and drove men, women and children further into the desert, where they were killed by troops or died of starvation. Many others were put in concentration camps and executed or left to die of disease or malnutrition. Dozens of victims were beheaded after their deaths and their skulls were sent to Berlin for 'scientific' research. Since 2011 Germany has returned dozens of skulls. Germany ruled South-West Africa from 1884 to 1915, when it fell under South African rule following World War I. Namibia gained its independence in 1990 following a decades-long guerrilla war. Germany previously apologized for the genocide in 2004 but that apology was not adopted as state policy. Some historians view what occurred as the 20th century's first genocide, and a 1985 United Nations report said the 'massacre' of Hereros qualified as a genocide. German troops drove the Herero and Nama into the desert or rounded them up in concentration camps Germany ruled South-West Africa from 1884 to 1915, when it fell under South African rule following the war Germany has paid victims of the Holocaust, which occurred during World War Two. The plaintiffs on Thursday sued under the Alien Tort Statute, a 1789 U.S. law often invoked in human rights cases. The U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the law's reach in a 2013 decision, Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co, saying it was presumed not to cover foreign conduct unless the claims sufficiently 'touch and concern' the United States. McCallion said Kiobel and later rulings 'leave the door open' for U.S. courts to assert jurisdiction in genocide cases. Three men were killed Sunday when the stolen car they were in plunged into a frigid Long Island pond and sank, as a state trooper and former US Marine watched helplessly from the shore. Authorities have identified the deceased suspects as Adolph Ford, 46, of Roosevelt; Donald Farr, 51, of Westbury, and 29-year-old Joan SanJuan, of Central Islip. The crash that took the lives of the three men occurred at around 6pm Sunday in the Nassau County hamlet of Albertson. State Police say a trooper, who has not been named, had spotted a stolen 2010 Honda on the Northern State Parkway using a license plate reader and followed it without turning on his patrol cars lights or siren. Victims identified: Trio who died when the stolen car they were in sank in a Long Island pond were named Monday as (L to R) Adolph Ford, 46; Joan SanJuan, 29, and Donald Farr, 51 The men's 2010 Honda crashed while they were trying to escape the cops. Pictured is the car being pulled from the pond The three people had been spotted speeding down the Northern State Parkway in Long Island shortly before 6pm on Sunday night. Pictured are officials at the scene The occupants of the Honda, however, noticed the cruiser and began accelerating before the vehicle crashed through a fence and splashed down in a 10-foot deep pond near the intersection of Searingtown and I.U. Willets Road. State Police Capt. David Candelaria said on Monday that the trooper, a 14-year veteran of State Police who previously served in the NYPD and Marine Corps, emerged from his vehicle and called out to the occupants of the sinking Honda, urging them to come ashore, reported Newsday. 'Come on, guys! Get out! Its only a stolen car! Get out of the car, come on! Come on! This is going to be OK,' he was quoted as shouting at the suspects. Candelaria pointed out that the trooper could not jump into the freezing water to try and rescue the men because he did not have any protective gear on hand. Instead, the trooper radioed in for help. By the time rescuers arrived on the scene, just minutes later, it was too late. 'He did the best he could,' the police captain said of the officer, whose actions he characterized as 'heroic' under the circumstances, reported the NY Daily News. Candelaria's account was corroborated by eyewitness Maty Fried, who was also at the scene and later spoke to WNBC. The then crashed the stolen 2010 Honda into a pond (pictured) near the intersection of Searingtown and I.U. Willets Road in Albertson, police said New York State Police said the car had been stolen on Friday, and a trooper gave chase after seeing it on Sunday. Pictured is the car after being pulled from the pond and put back on land One of the bodies was found in the lake, while the other two had to be pulled from the car by responders (pictured) 'They couldnt hear under the water. But the officer was great and tried to do what he can,' he told the station. One of the bodies was found in the lake, while the other two had to be pulled from the car by first responders. Community organizer: Joan SanJuan worked as a Long Island canvassing coordinator for the pro-immigration social justice organization Make The Road New York New York State Police said the car had been stolen on Friday, NBC New York reported. A man who had been driving near the Honda when it crashed said the wintry conditions contributed to the fatal crash. 'He made a right turn and there was ice there and he just slid into the water,' Damon Multani told the network. According to his Facebook page, Joan SanJuan graduated from Queens Vocational High School and worked as a Long Island canvassing coordinator for the pro-immigration social justice organization Make The Road New York. A mother has admitted to smoking her son's marijuana, telling a court she wanted to test it because she thought his friends had laced it with hallucinogens. The 41-year-old Queensland woman told the Gladstone Magistrates Court she wanted to try the drug before her 15-year-old son used it, reported the Gladstone Observer. She pleaded guilty to permitting use of place, for letting the drugs be used in her home. A mother has admitted to smoking her 15-year-old son's marijuana, telling a court she wanted to test it because she thought his friends had laced it with hallucinogens (stock image) The 41-year-old Queensland woman pleaded guilty in the Gladstone Magistrates Court to permitting use of place, for letting the drugs be smoked in her home (stock image) The court heard the woman let her son and his friends to smoke marijuana in her house so she could supervise them while they did it. The woman reportedly told police she would prefer her son smoked it in the house, rather than 'down by the creek somewhere'. Police prosecutor Barry Stevens said police could see a homemade smoking implement, tongs, scissors and a plate with marijuana on it through the front door, when they attended her house for another matter on December 3, 2016. The woman's son admitted he owned the drugs. Magistrate Melanie Ho fined the woman $500 and recorded a conviction against her. The Gladstone Magistrates Court (pictured) heard the woman let her son and his friends to smoke marijuana in her house so she could supervise them while they did it He was brutally attacked, from China, after The 14 year-old victim was forced to kowtow to the group of attackers A Chinese teenager has been brutally beaten by a group of school bullies after an argument online. The 14-year-old victim was kicked, punched and slapped by the attackers at a school in Xinxiang county of Henan province on December 17, reported Huanqiu, an affiliation with the People's Daily Online. The four bullies, all aged 14, have been caught but are exempted from legal punishment because they are underage, the report said. The 14 year-old victim was kicked, punched and slapped by the bullies in a school in China The clip shows the victim, surnamed Song, being violently attacked on December 17 A video posted to Miaopai showed the victim, surnamed Song, being repeatedly kicked and punched by the teenage attackers in a dormitory at the No.4 Middle school of Menggang Town. The clip shows him being violently attacked for over 20 times before being forced to kneel down and apologise to the bullies. According to the report on Huanqiu, Song used to study at the same secondary school as the bullies, and they were all first-grade students. Last November, Song switched to another school. The teenagers still stayed in touch with each other via QQ, a popular messaging software in China, the school principal said. The youngsters had a quarrel online and the bullies decided to force Song to apologise to them. The assault was filmed and posted to internet. The clip did not catch the school's attention until January 6. The bullies forced the victim to kneel (left) and kowtow to them to apologise (right) The school in Menggang Town (pictured) said the attackers were too young to be punished On January 7, Song was taken to the hospital for checkups. He did not suffer major injury, according to local officials. The school said they would not be able to expel or implement corporal punishment on the attackers as they were all minors. Under China's Minor Protection Law Article 39, perpetrators aged between 14 and 16 are not subject to criminal liability. According to Chinese Criminal Law, people are held criminally responsible from the age of 16. Since 2015, a star that can be seen mysteriously brightening and dimming has captured the imagination of scientists and conspiracy theorists alike. Many explanations have been offered for the mysterious dimming, but a consensus is yet to be reached. Now a new theory claims o rbiting debris could be making the so-called 'Tabby's star' blink. Scroll down for video Since 2015, a star that can be seen mysteriously brightening and dimming has captured the imagination of scientists and conspiracy theorists alike. Now a new paper suggests the star gives off jets that could be a source of energy for an alien civilisation. Illustration pictured TABBY'S STAR - KIC 8462852 Tabby's Star, known officially as KIC 8462852, has baffled experts since it was discovered in 2015, by scientists scanning the skies for exoplanets. Observations revealed its light dimmed regularly, as do distant stars when their planets pass in front of them. But while the stars of most exoplanet systems are seen to dim by a few per cent, KIC 8462852 dimmed by more than 20 per cent over periods of months. Some have claimed this dimming could be evidence of a Dyson Sphere a hypothetical structure which could be used by an advanced alien race to harness the energy of a star. Scientists remain skeptical, offering that the dimming could be explained by a dust ring around the star or a hail of comets passing in between the star and Earth. Advertisement Tabby's Star, known officially as KIC 8462852, has baffled experts since it was discovered by citizen scientists in 2015. Observations revealed its light dimmed regularly, which some claim could be evidence of a hypothetical structure which could be used by an advanced alien race to harness the energy of a star. Many scientists remain sceptical, suggesting that the dimming could be explained by a dust ring around the star or a hail of comets passing in between the star and Earth. Now, a team led by Brian Metzger at Columbia University in New York say the so-called Tabby's star is just returning to its natural state after a large, messy meal. 'We propose that the secular dimming behavior is the result of the inspiral of a planetary body or bodies into KIC 8462852,' they wrote in the journal arXiv. 'Gravitational energy released as the body inspirals into the outer layers of the star caused a temporary and unobserved brightening, from which the stellar flux is now returning to the quiescent state.' 'The transient dimming events could then be due to obscuration by planetary debris from an earlier partial disruption of the same inspiraling bodies, or due to evaporation and out-gassing from a tidally detached moon system.' Depending on the size of the planet, this event could have happened anywhere between 200 and 10,000 years ago, they concluded. As the planet fell into its star, it could have been ripped apart or had its moons stripped away, leaving clouds of debris orbiting the star in eccentric orbits, the team believe. Each time the debris passes between us and the star, it would block some light, making the star seem to blink. 'We estimated that if Tabby's star were representative, something like 10 Jupiters would have to fall into a typical star over its lifetime, or maybe even more,' Metzger told New Scienctist. Another recent paper published by Professor Eduard Heindl from Furtwangen University, Germany, provides a mathematical model to support the involvement of aliens. 'If a super civilisation has used all raw material of its planets, they could found more in their star,' Professor Heindl told MailOnline. 'For example, our sun has at least 6,000 times more metals as the planets. 'To mine this resource, they have to lift the material of their star into an orbit to cool down the stuff and use it. Professor Heindl's paper said the star could be a source of 'star mining' for extra terrestrial life. 'This is done by start lifting,' he said. 'We don't know exactly how to do that, but a good guess is, heat one spot of the sun beyond the normal temperature (6,000K) by mirrors and generate a beam of matter by magnetic fields.' Tabby's Star (KIC 8462852) has baffled experts since it was discovered in 2015. Located more than 1,400 light years away, its regular cycles of dimming have been claimed by some to be a sign of intelligent beings. Pictured in infrared (left) and ultraviolet (right) 'The light curve is unusually smooth but the very steep edges make it hard to find a simple natural explanation by covering due to comets or other well-known planetary objects,' Professor Heindl wrote in the paper. A mechanism for 'harvesting' solar wind, a method of star lifting, is pictured 'We describe a mathematical approximation to the light curve, which is motivated by a physically meaningful event of a large stellar beam which generates an orbiting cloud. 'The data might fit to the science fiction idea of star lifting, a mining technology that could extract star matter.' Star lifting is a general name to describe any process by which civilisations could remove material from a star, and use it for themselves. Many star lifting mechanisms involve harnessing solar wind, for example. The paper describes a setup in which a stream of matter leaves the star, in a similar way to a solar jet. This specific kind of stream would potentially allow aliens to harness the energy, the paper suggests. The paper, which is available online on the preprint server arXiv, has not been through a peer-review process or published in an academic journal. One suggested method for harnessing the power of an entire star is known as a Dyson sphere. First proposed by theoretical physicist Freeman Dyson in 1960, this would be a swarm of satellites that surrounds a star. The paper describes a set up in which a stream of matter leaves the star, in a similar way to a solar jet. This specific kind of stream would potentially allow aliens to harness the energy, the paper suggests Dimming light from 'Tabby's Star' has led to suggestions it could be an alien megastructure, while others suggest it is just a dust ring or a hail of passing comets (illustrated). Now a new paper suggests the star is a source of 'mining' for an alien civilisation WHAT IS STAR LIFTING? Star lifting is a general name to describe any process by which civilisations could remove material from a star, and use it for themselves. This could involve a Dyson sphere, a swarm of satellites that surrounds a star. Many star lifting mechanisms involve harnessing solar wind, for example. The idea is popular in science fiction. In the series Stargate Universe, the Ancient ship Destiny is fuelled by plasma from stars. In the Star Wars franchise of Knights of the Old Republic, the Star Forge is capable of star lifting. Advertisement They could be an enclosed shell, or spacecraft spread out to gather its energy - known as a Dyson swarm. If such structures do exist, they would emit huge amounts of noticeable infrared radiation back on Earth. But as of yet, such a structure has not been detected. 'We recommend further exploration of this concept with refined models,' Professor Hiendl said. Earlier this year, the Breakthrough Listen project said it was going to look into the star. As part of the Breakthrough Listen project, which will spend $100m (82m) over the next decade to search for alien signals, a team of astronomers in the US will recruit a huge telescope to study the object more closely. 'Everyone, every SETI [Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence] program telescope, I mean every astronomer that has any kind of telescope in any wavelength that can see Tabby's star has looked at it,' said Andrew Siemion, director of the Berkeley SETI Research Center and co-director of Breakthrough Listen in statement. 'It's been looked at with Hubble, it's been looked at with Keck, it's been looked at in the infrared and radio and high energy, and every possible thing you can imagine, including a whole range of SETI experiments. 'Nothing has been found.' WHAT IS A DYSON SPHERE? A suggested method for harnessing the power of an entire star is known as a Dyson sphere. First proposed by theoretical physicist Freeman Dyson in 1960, this would be a swarm of satellites that surrounds a star. They could be an enclosed shell, or spacecraft spread out to gather its energy - known as a Dyson swarm. If such structures do exist, they would emit huge amounts of noticeable infrared radiation back on Earth. But as of yet, such a structure has not been detected. Source: All About Space magazine The Dyson Ring, left, is the simplest form of Dyson structure. Creating a Dyson bubble would be an incredible engineering challenge but it is considered to be far more feasible than surrounding a star in a rigid sphere Advertisement The famous 1968 Stylophone is re-launching this spring but with a modern twist. Called Stylophone Gen-X, the new version of the iconic 60s device now allows musicians to alter the strange sounds more than ever before. It's makers have also included the built in speaker and iconic stylus that were used in the original design. Scroll down for video Stylophone Gen-X has a range of new features including two sub octaves and a FLO with square and triangle waves. However, its makers havent forgotten about the original 1968 design and kept the built-in speaker and iconic stylus in the new model Stylophone Gen-X Dubreq, the maker of the Stylophone, is launching an updated version of the instrument. Called Stylophone Gen-X, this portable device has a range of new features including two sub octaves and a FLO with square and triangle waves. It has built-in speakers, is battery powered and is played with the iconic stylus. The new model is equip with more controls for attack, decay, a filter and delay section. It comes with a 3.5mm jack, allowing users to connect the instrument to other gadgets or a pair of headphones. Advertisement Stylophone Gen-X is a product of Dubreq, a British firm responsible for manufacturing the first Stylophone. Both the original and new version consist of metal keyboards that are played by touching the keys with a stylus. The other controls on the instruments are a power switch and a vibrato control on the front panel besides the keyboard, and a tuning control on the rear. However, the Stylophone Gen-X now has controls for attack, decay, a filter and delay section it is still battery powered like its predecessor, reports FACT. And it has two sub octaves and a FLO with square and triangle waves. This new model also comes with a 3.5mm jack, allowing users to connect the instrument to other gadgets or a pair of headphones. Music lovers will have the opportunity to purchase a Stylophone Gen-X in May for $73.03 (59.99). The original instrument was invented by Brian Jarvis in 1968, the co-founder of Dubreq. The firm sold about three million units into the 1970s and then another million after re-launching in 2007. First known as a toy synthesizer, the instrument was capable of playing classic synth sound, coupled with its uniquely small size, made it popular with professional musicians as well as the public and it has become a truly cult instrument with fans in the very highest echelons of the music industry, according to Dubreqs website. In 1969 David Bowie used the Stylophone in the track Space Oddity and its popularity sky-rocketed even further. The Stylophone Gen-X now has controls for attack, decay, a filter and delay section it is still battery powered like its predecessor. Music lovers will have the opportunity to purchase a Stylophone Gen-X in May for $73.03 (59.99) THE ORIGINAL STYLOPHONE The original (pictured) instrument was invented by Brian Jarvis in 1968, the co-founder of Dubreq The original Stylophone was invented by Brian Jarvis in 1968, the co-founder of Dubreq. The instrument consist of metal keyboards that are played by touching the keys with a stylus. The other controls are a power switch and a vibrato control on the front panel besides the keyboard, and a tuning control on the rear. When the electronic pocket organ/synthesizer launched in 1968, more than 3 million were sold and it became an iconic gadget. The Stylophone was available in three variants: standard, bass and treble - the standard one was most common. There was also a larger version called the 350S with more notes on the keyboard, various voices, a novel 'wah-wah' effect that was controlled by moving one's hand over a photo-sensor, and two styluses. In the mid-1970s a new model was released that featured pseudo-wood on the speaker panel and a volume control. And in 1975, the firm shut its doors and put an end to production of the Stylophone. Advertisement And it was used by other famous artists like the Beatles, Queens and The Osmonds. However, in the 1980s, Dubreq closed its doors for good and ended all manufacturing of the Stylophone. In 2003, Ben Jarviss son, Brian, took over the company with plans to re-launch the micro-synth. In 1969 David Bowie (pictured)used the Stylophone in the track Space Oddity And three years later the Stylophone was licensed to a UK based toy and gift manufacturer who went on to launch both a replica of the original Stylophone (now known as the S1) followed by a matching percussion instrument, the Stylophone Beatbox in 2009. The licence ended in 2012 and the firm took the brand back to keep release products. A year later, Dubreq launched the new S2, a professional and British made analogue dual-oscillator synthesizer. Dubreq are now working to bring on board distributors and major retail chains in other territories around the World to establish the massively successful British brand as a global player in the miniature/low-cost synthesizer market, explains the firm. New products are planned for the next year along with new promotions and marketing activities. Three of the world's most powerful men are ramping up efforts to find alien life by upgrading an advanced telescope in Chile. Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Russian entrepreneur Yuri Milner and physicist Stephen Hawking are hoping to find Earth-like planets in our neighbouring star system, Alpha Centauri. Together they will upgrade the Very Large Telescope (VLT) to look for potentially habitable worlds as part of the 'Breakthrough' initiatives. These planets could be the targets for a launch of tiny space probes to track down aliens within our lifetimes, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) said. Scroll down for video Three of the world's most men are hoping to be the first to find alien life. Yuri Milner (centre), Stephen Hawking and Mark Zuckerberg are funding the upgrade of the Very Large Telescope in Chile as part of their Breakthrough Initiatives to find Earth-like planets The move follows the discovery last year of a planet, Proxima b, around Proxima Centauri, the third and faintest star of the Alpha Centauri system. The rocky planet is believed to have the right conditions to harbour life and is just four light years from Earth. 'It came only a few months after Stephen Hawking and I, with Mark Zuckerberg's support, launched our Breakthrough Starshot project, which aims to launch a tiny spacecraft to Alpha Centauri within a generation,' Milner told MailOnline last year. 'At the time, we hoped there was a planet in the Centauri system, but we didn't know. 'Now we have a definite target. That makes the mission feel more tangible.' The Breakthrough Starshot project is already looking to develop low-cost spacecraft that could reach the star system in about 20 years. The foreground of this image shows ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the Paranal Observatory in Chile. The rich stellar backdrop to includes the bright star Alpha Centauri (highlighted in yellow), the closest stellar system to Earth The bright double star Alpha Centauri AB and its distant and faint companion Proxima Centauri are shown. In late 2016, ESO signed an agreement with the Breakthrough Initiatives to adapt the VLT instrumentation to conduct a search for planets in the Alpha Centauri system As part of the new agreement, the Breakthrough Initiatives will fund work on the VLT to improve its ability to see planets in Alpha Centauri. This is important because no one has seen Proxima b yet - they only know it is there because of the light changes in its star. Detecting a habitable planet is an enormous challenge due to the brightness of the planetary system's host star, which tends to overwhelm the relatively dim planets. One way to make this easier is to observe in the mid-infrared wavelength range, where the thermal glow from an orbiting planet greatly reduces the brightness gap between it and its host star. But even in the mid-infrared, the star remains millions of times brighter than the planets to be detected, which calls for a dedicated technique to reduce the blinding stellar light. Proxima b is just four light years from Earth - close enough to be reached by future space missions. Pictured is an artist's impression of the surface of the planet, looking out onto its star and the double star Alpha Centauri The Milky Way (artist's impression shown top) is around 100,000 light years across. Earth and Proxima b are only 4 light years apart (inset), making them galactic neighbours. Scientists hope we can reach the planet in the next few decades The existing mid-infrared instrument on the VLT will provide such performance if it were upgraded, the researchers said. Breakthrough Initiatives will largely pay for this upgrade, while the ESO will provide the required time and observational capabilities. It is currently unknown how much funding has been allocated to the VLT. They expect a 'careful search programme' to be carried out in 2019. The move comes as one of the backers of the project, Professor Hawking, says we should be wary of contacting aliens if we find them. 'Gazing at the stars I always imagined there was someone up there looking back', Hawking says during a film, titled 'Stephen Hawking's Favorite Places'. 'As I grow older I am more convinced than ever that we are not alone.' However, if we were to meet an advanced civilisation, Hawking says it could be similar to when the Native Americans first encountered Christopher Columbus and 'that didn't turn out so well'. He says it's better for us to find them before they find us. Milner says this shouldn't stop us from looking. 'I've always been fascinated by the existential questions of life and the universe,' he said. 'It is fundamental to understanding our place in the big scheme of things. You can't know who you are without having others to compare yourself to.' 'They could well be right. But they could also be wrong. 'Either way the answer would be incredible. We humans are curious beings who like to know the truth. So, why not look?' YURI MILNER AND THE BREAKTHROUGH PRIZES A onetime physics PhD student in Moscow who dropped out to move to the US in 1990, Milner is one of a handful of technology tycoons devoting time and money to space exploration. Yuri Milner was born into a Jewish family on 11 November 1961 in Moscow and studied theoretical physics at Moscow State University, graduating in 1985. He began his business career selling illegal DOS computers in the Soviet Union. When the national government collapsed, he enrolled at Wharton School of Business to earn an MBA. He then went on to work for the World Bank in Washington, D.C., as a Russian banking specialist tasked with the development of the private sector banking. He rose up in the banking world, and from 1997 to 2000, Milner was Director General of the investment fund New Trinity Investments. But his real success came when he founded investment firms Digital Sky Technologies (DST) - now called Mail.ru Group - and DST Global. DST Global has invested in a number of major technology firms including Facebook, Spotify, Twitter and Alibaba. In 2012, Milner established The Breakthrough Prize - a set of international awards recognizing three fields of endeavour: Fundamental Physics, Life Sciences and Mathematics. Laureates receive $3 million each in prize money, making the Breakthrough Prizes the largest scientific awards in the world. Earlier this year, he teamed up with Stephen Hawking in the search for alien life as part of the 'Breakthrough Initiatives.' The $100 million quest will see telescopes scour one million of the closest stars to Earth for faint signals thrown out into space by intelligent life beyond our own world. As part of his long-term vision, Milner believes that the internet will develop into a 'global brain' that will work as a type of nervous system for Earth. Advertisement If you were planning on having crab for dinner tonight, you might want to rethink your menu. A new study has shown that warming ocean conditions are leading to an increase in numbers of toxic shellfish. If consumed, the toxic shellfish can have serious health effects in humans, including seizures, memory loss and stomach problems. If you were planning on having crab for dinner tonight, you might want to rethink your menu. A new study has shown that warming ocean conditions are leading to an increase in numbers of toxic shellfish WHY IS DOMOIC ACID DANGEROUS? Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by phytoplankton, and enters the marine food web when toxic blooms of these micro-algae are ingested by animals such as anchovies and shellfish. If it is ingested by humans, it can caused a range of issues, including stomach problems, seizures and memory loss. Domoic acid events have also been linked to mass deaths of marine mammals, like sea lions, sea otters, dolphins and whales. Advertisement An international team of researchers, led by Oregon State University, found strong correlations between toxic levels of domoic acid in shellfish and warm-water ocean conditions. They suggest that these warmer conditions are orchestrated by two powerful forces El Nino events and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Looking at data from the last 20 years, the researchers not only show a clear link between domoic acid and these larger climatic phenomena, but also created a new model to predict future domoic acid risks in the Pacific Northwest. Angelicque White, who led the study, said: 'In the natural world there are always variations, and it's been difficult to connect a specific event to larger forces that operate over periods of years and decades. 'To do so, long observational time-series are crucial.' The model is based on the status of the Oceanic Nino Index and the Pacific Decadal Oscialltion two measures of climate, ocean water movement, currents and temperature. The researchers hope that their model could help coastal resource managers more effectively monitor this issue and protect public health. If climate change continues to warm the oceans, domoic acid outbreaks could become a common event. Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by phytoplankton, and enters the marine food web when toxic blooms of these micro-algae are ingested by animals such as anchovies and shellfish Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by phytoplankton, and enters the marine food web when toxic blooms of these micro-algae are ingested by animals such as anchovies and shellfish. If it is ingested by humans, it can caused a range of issues, including stomach problems, seizures and memory loss. Domoic acid events have also been linked to mass deaths of marine mammals, like sea lions, sea otters, dolphins and whales. Matt Hunter, co-author of the study, said: 'Advance warning of when domoic acid levels are likely to exceed our public health thresholds in shellfish is extremely helpful. The researchers hope that their model could help coastal resource managers more effectively monitor this issue and protect public health A LONG-TERM ISSUE In the long-term, the researchers say that these osciallations to warmer conditions can reduce the strength of the south-flowing California Current, moving both warmer waters and higher levels of toxic plankton north. Morgaine MicKibben, lead author of the study, said: 'Part of the concern is that a large influx of the plankton that produce domoic acid can have long-term impacts. 'For example, razor clams are filter-feeders that bioaccumulate this toxin in their muscles, so they take much longer to flush it out than other shellfish. 'The higher the toxin levels, the longer it takes for razor clams to be safe to eat again, perhaps up to a year after warm ocean conditions have subsided.' Advertisement 'Agencies can use this model to anticipate domoic acid risks and prepare for periods of more intensive monitoring and testing, helping to better inform our decisions and ensure the safety of harvested crab and shellfish.' Beyond problems with domoic acid levels, these warm climate phases can also have a direct detrimental effect on animals. The warm phases lead to increased numbers of green crabs in waters, where they compete with native Dungeness crabs. And the conditions also deliver communities of 'copepods' - types of small crustaceans that float with currents - from the south, that are associated with reduced salmon runs. In the long-term, the researchers say that these osciallations to warmer conditions can reduce the strength of the south-flowing California Current, moving both warmer waters and higher levels of toxic plankton north. Morgaine MicKibben, lead author of the study, said: 'Part of the concern is that a large influx of the plankton that produce domoic acid can have long-term impacts. 'For example, razor clams are filter-feeders that bioaccumulate this toxin in their muscles, so they take much longer to flush it out than other shellfish. 'The higher the toxin levels, the longer it takes for razor clams to be safe to eat again, perhaps up to a year after warm ocean conditions have subsided.' The Pentagon may soon be unleashing a 21st-century version of locusts on its adversaries. This is after it successfully tested a swarm of 103 micro-drones that many are tipping to be its next 'super-weapon'. The drones are capable of confusing enemy defences and blocking radar signals. They could be used as a swarm of spy cameras to track down terrorists running to escape. Scroll down for video Improvements in artificial intelligence allowed scientists to design the robots that work together as a team. Because every Perdix communicates and collaborates with every other Perdix, the swarm has no leader and can adapt to drones entering or exiting the team The drones, known as Perdix (pictured), measure just six inches (16cm) long and are equipped with radio transmitters and receivers, and cameras. Perdix can be used as decoys to confuse enemy air defences WHAT WILL THE DRONES DO? Perdix drones could be used as decoys to confuse enemy air defences. They can also be equipped with electronic transmitters to jam enemies' radars. If they are equipped with cameras, the drones might also be used to hunt down terrorists fleeing a scene. While the drones are described mainly as a a surveillance tool, the small devices could be capable of carrying half-foot-long bombs. Advertisement Improvements in artificial intelligence allowed scientists to design the robots that work together as a team. 'The micro-drones demonstrated advanced swarm behaviours such as collective decision-making, adaptive formation flying and self-healing,' the Pentagon said. Each drone has a radio that transmits to the others around it where it is, and what direction it is travelling in. They can also be equipped with electronic transmitters to jam enemies' radars. If they are equipped with cameras, the drones might also be used to hunt down terrorists Defense Secretary Ash Carter, a technophile and former Harvard professor, created the SCO when he was deputy defense secretary in 2012. The department is tasked with accelerating the integration of technological innovations into the US weaponry HOW THE SWARM WORKS Each Perdix drone has a radio that transmits to the others around it where it is, and what direction it is travelling in. The drones are not pre-programmed synchronized individuals. They work as a team, sharing one distributed brain for decision-making and adapting to each other like swarms in nature. Because every drone communicates and collaborates with every other drone, the swarm has no leader. This means it can adapt to drones entering or exiting the team. Advertisement 'Perdix are not pre-programmed synchronized individuals, they are a collective organism, sharing one distributed brain for decision-making and adapting to each other like swarms in nature,' said Dr William Roper, director of the Pentagon's Strategic Capabilities Office. 'Because every Perdix communicates and collaborates with every other Perdix, the swarm has no leader and can gracefully adapt to drones entering or exiting the team.' Defense Secretary Ash Carter, a technophile and former Harvard professor, created the SCO when he was deputy defense secretary in 2012. The department is tasked with accelerating the integration of technological innovations into the US weaponry. It particularly strives to marry already existing commercial technology, in this case micro-drones and artificial intelligence software, in the design of new weapons. Originally created by engineering students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2013 and continuously improved since, Perdix drones draw 'inspiration from the commercial smartphone industry,' the Pentagon said. While most animals tend to mate with members of the same species, researchers have captured the bizarre moment two very different animals became intimate. Video footage shows a Japanese macaque male mating with a female Sika deer. This is only the second time two animals of unrelated species have been seen mating, since a fur seal was filmed mating with a king penguin in 2014. Scroll down for video While most animals tend to mate with members of the same species, researchers have captured the bizarre moment two very different animals got intimate. Video footage shows a Japanese macaque male mating with a female Sika deer WHY WERE THEY MATING? Japanese macaques comfortably live side-by-side with Sika deer, and the deer often eat food that the monkeys have dropped, or even monkey faeces. While some macaques have been seen grooming the deer or riding them in a playful manner, they have never before been known to mate. The researchers believe the hormonal surge experienced by the Japanese macaques during breeding season and the close cooperation between these primates and Sika deer culminated in this copulation behaviour between two unrelated species. Marie Pele who led the study, said: 'It could also be a sexual manifestation of the known play behaviour between Japanese macaques and the deer they are known to sometimes ride.' Advertisement The strange situation was captured by researchers from the University of Strasbourg in France, while filming on Yakushima Island south of Japan. Japanese macaques comfortably live side-by-side with Sika deer, and the deer often eat food that the monkeys have dropped, or even monkey faeces. While some macaques have been seen grooming the deer or riding them in a playful manner, they have never before been known to mate. But in November 2015, researchers observed a healthy adult male macaque attempt to copulate with at least two different female Sika deer by performing sexual mounts on the animals' backsides. Alexandre Bonnefoy, co-author of the study, said: 'The male mounted the deer and displayed some copulation behaviours, which included about 15 sexual movements over a period of 10 seconds, before dismounting. 'Ejaculation seemed to have occurred as the deer licked the seminal liquid after the mount. 'This might indicate that the sperm could be a good source of protein to the deer.' While the macaque did seem to ejaculate, the researchers note that penetration did not occur, as the penis was directed at the back and not the genital area of the deer. The researchers suggest that it might be explained by the difference in the build and size of the animals involved. In November 2015, researchers observed a healthy adult male macaque attempt to copulate with at least two different female Sika deer by performing sexual mounts on the animals' backsides The male monkey also tried to mount a second female deer, but without any success. She attempted to escape, and tried to get rid of the monkey by moving faster, turning around and displaying threatening behaviour The male monkey also tried to mount a second female deer, but without any success. She attempted to escape, and tried to get rid of the monkey by moving faster, turning around and displaying threatening behaviour. The monkey went on to display a form of mate-guarding behaviour in that he chased other peripheral males away from the deer under his watch. The researchers believe the hormonal surge experienced by the Japanese macaques during breeding season and the close cooperation between these primates and Sika deer culminated in this copulation behaviour between two unrelated species. Ejaculation seemed to have occurred as the deer licked the seminal liquid after the mount. The researcher believe this might indicate that the sperm could be a good source of protein to the deer The strange situation was captured by researchers from the University of Strasbourg in France, while filming on Yakushima Island south of Japan Marie Pele who led the study, said: 'It could also be a sexual manifestation of the known play behaviour between Japanese macaques and the deer they are known to sometimes ride.' This is the second time that animals of unrelated species have been seen mating. In 2014, an Antarctic fur seal was seen coercing king penguins into sexual relations in Antarctica. But according to lead author Ms Pele, the interaction observed in Japan differed from the Antarctic case, as it involved sexual interaction without penetration, and also included mate guarding by the monkey. The oldest evidence yet for human production of silk has been discovered in a Neolithic tomb in China. The luxurious material was preserved for 8,500 years in the tombs, and provides direct evidence that silk was produced during the Neolithic Age. Researchers think the people in the tombs were covered in silk garments when they were buried. The oldest evidence yet for human production of silk has been discovered in a Neolithic tomb in China. The positions where the relic body soil samples were collected are indicated by the arrows and shown in the separate images WORLD'S OLDEST SILK The oldest evidence yet for human production of silk has been discovered in a Neolithic tomb in China. The luxurious material was preserved for 8,500 years in the tombs, and provides direct evidence that silk was produced during the Neolithic Age. Located in the middle of Henan Province, Jiahu is one of the most important early Neolithic Age ruins in central China. When researchers studied the soil from three tombs, they found peptides of silk fibroin, a protein present in silk. Advertisement Archaeologists from the University of Science and Technology of China, in Hefei, studied three tombs at the site of a Neolithic settlement. Located in the middle of Henan Province, Jiahu is one of the most important early Neolithic Age ruins in central China. 'The site is famous for the discovery of the earliest playable musical instrument (bone flutes), the earliest mixed fermented beverage of rice, honey and fruit, the earliest domesticated rice in northern China, and possibly the earliest Chinese pictographic writing,' the authors said. The researchers were intrigued by the possibility silk was made at the site, after hearing tales suggesting silkworm breeding and silk weaving began around the area. Located in the middle of Henan Province, Jiahu is one of the most important early Neolithic Age ruins in central China Grottoes in Henan Province, pictured. The researchers were intrigued by the possibility silk was made at the site, after hearing tales suggesting silkworm breeding and silk weaving began around the area The authors found traces of silk in the soil in three Neolithic tombs (one pictured), 3,500 years older than previous evidence Legend puts the discovery of silk down to an empress thousands of years ago, who unravelled the fine threads after the cocoon of a silkworm fell in her tea. When they studied the soil from three tombs, they found peptides of silk fibroin, a protein present in silk. Previously, evidence of silk-making in the Neolithic Age had only been provided in the form of silk-making tools, like spinning wheels. 'A lack of direct evidence remains a challenge for demonstrating the existence of silk (derived from silkworm) during the Neolithic Age,' the authors said. Silk itself is rarely found in old tombs because it breaks down easily. The authors in the study found traces of silk in the soil in three Neolithic tombs, 3,500 years older than previous evidence. Silk itself is rarely found in old tombs because it breaks down easily. Legend puts the discovery of silk down to an empress thousands of years ago, who unravelled the fine threads after the cocoon of a silkworm (pictured) fell in her tea 'Rough weaving tools and bone needles were also excavated, indicating the possibility that the Jiahu residents may possess the basic weaving and sewing skills in making textile,' the authors said. It is possible the people in the tombs were buried in silk clothing, but further evidence will make this clearer. In their future research, the scientists will hunt for other signs of silk at this and other sites, co-author of the study Decai Gong told Live Science. Advertisement Brits may have a reputation for liking a tipple but theyre actually only the 17th booziest nation in the world, pipped to the top rankings by drinkers in a number of Eastern European countries. Moldovans are the worlds heaviest drinkers consuming the equivalent of 178 bottles of wine per person per year, shocking health data has revealed. And while Australians are the tenth most excessive drinkers, the United States doesn't even make the top 20, according to a fascinating new interactive map plotting alcohol consumption worldwide. Discount code provider Vouchercloud.com used World Health Organisation data from 2010 to 2015 to plot the surprising world map. Moldovans sink 17.4 litres of pure alcohol per year, per person, followed closely by Belarus (17.1 litres of pure alcohol) and Lithuania (17.1 litres of pure alcohol), which are illustrated in the darkest shade of red. Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Andorra, Romania, Serbia and Australia round out the top ten nations for alcohol consumption, mapped in a slightly lighter red. They are closely followed by Slovakia, Portugal, Grenada, Hungary, Latvia, Croatia and the UK where inhabitants drink around 12 litres per person per year. A fascinating new interactive map plots alcohol consumption worldwide based on data from the World Health Organisation According to VoucherCloud the average Brit drinks the equivalent of 408 pints of beer a year, costing on average 3.10 each and resulting in a 1,264.80 spend per year. This is calculated to 80,947 across a lifetime. However, coming in at number 49 out of 196 countries, the United States is a nation of moderate drinkers consuming just nine litres of alcohol per person per year, which is the equivalent to 558 bottles of Budweiser (330ml) a year. With beers costing on average $5.00 each, this results in a $2,790 spend per year or $122,760 across a lifetime. Perhaps unsurprisingly due to religious restrictions, Kuwait and Pakistan record the most abstainers with the average citizen chugging just 100ml of alcohol a year or a single bottle of wine. She's won acclaim - and awards nominations - for her portrayal of the late Jacqueline Kennedy in the new biopic Jackie. And while Natalie Portman's role joins a list of many strong, complex women that she's portrayed onscreen, the actress believes that Hollywood - and the world - still has a long way to go when it comes to their attitudes towards women. 'We are so often put in roles as objects of desire, with a male view, as opposed to subjects of desire with complex weaknesses, and moments of strength and focus and you can be all of those things,' she said in an interview with the Radio Times. Scroll down for video Speaking out: Natalie Portman has spoken out against the objectification of women onscreen and in the real world In emphasising that the issue crosses sectors, she added: 'Were having a problem with female leadership in business, in government, in storytelling. 'I think it has to do with being a boss. Were still having a problem, first with women in that position, and second there are so many obstacles in their way.' In portraying the widow of US President John F. Kennedy, Natalie, 35, has grown to appreciate how much ahead of her time the former First Lady was when it came to her forthright manner. Leading the way: The actress believes that there's still a widespread problem with accepting women in roles of leadership 'She took the reins of her own narrative. And it was very ahead of her time. Now, we see so many people defining the image they want other people to have of them via their social media, but she was doing it 50 years ago.' 'I was aware of how people perceived me early on because, at the beginning, I would read everything that was written about me,' she added. 'But I was never interested in crafting an image. 'For me, its about trying to be authentic, and trying to give people a sense of who you are, while maintaining some modicum of privacy.' Bundle of joy: The 35-year-old screen star is expecting her second child with husband Benjamin Millipied Iconic role: She portrays the late Jacqueline Kennedy in her latest movie, Jackie Natalie's efforts in the film earned her, among other nods, a Golden Globe nomination. On Sunday, she attended the glittering awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, with her husband Benjamin Millipied, with whom she's expecting her second child. Natalie has received glowing reviews for her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in the biopic, which focuses on the former First Lady during the period following the assassination of her husband. Out now: Read Natalie Portman's full interview in the latest edition of the Radio Times, which is out now The movie's lead star has already received a Critics' Choice Award for Best Actress for her role, while the film picked up two further wins for Costume Design and Hair and Makeup. Meanwhile, Natalie is also looking forward to the birth of her second child. But the actress has explained that despite appearances, her due date isn't actually until the Spring. 'I'm a small person in general and you show a lot faster and more when you're small,' she explained further to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show on November 29. The Black Swan star and her husband Benjamin, married in 2012, already have one son together, Aleph Portman-Millepied, aged five. There was uproar when Zara Holland had sex with Alex Bowen in the Love Island house over the summer. But fellow Islander Olivia Buckland, 22, claimed it was all water under the bridge, even insisting that the former Miss GB was welcome at her and now-fiance Alex's wedding. Speaking about the steamy romp, the blonde beauty told OK! Magazine: 'Wed only known each other for an hour when it happened, so I cant keep it against him or Zara. Scroll down for video Water under the bridge! Olivia Buckland, 22, insisted former Miss GB Zara Holland was welcome at her and Alex Bowen's wedding - despite her steamy romp with her fiance Olivia, who became engaged to Alex on Christmas Eve, added that Zara was definitely invited to their engagement party, if not the wedding. She told the magazine: Shes welcome [to the wedding]! She needs to come to the engagement party, 100 per cent. The couple became engaged in New York, with Alex getting down on one knee during a rooftop date. Olivia revealed: He got down on one knee and I was thinking, "oh my God what is happening? I was so shocked!" She added: It was crazy. It didnt hit me for about 20 minutes, and then an hour later we were sat in a bar and I just burst into tears! Speaking about the steamy romp, the blonde beauty told OK! Magazine: 'Wed only known each other for an hour when it happened, so I cant keep it against him or Zara Cheeky: There was uproar when Zara Holland had sex with Alex Bowen in the Love Island house over the summer Tuckered out: Later on in that evening, Alex appeared to have no problem falling asleep in graphic scenes from the romp Alex chimed in: I was half way through saying: "Will you marry me?" and I hadnt even finished and she was like: Yes, yes, yes, I will! Olivia admitted: These days I know we are young to be engaged but my mum was at this age. 'If you meet the right person you dont have to worry about how old you are. We know each other inside out. The couple undoubtedly faced scepticism after leaving the Love Island villa, but soon proved their critics wrong by moving in and buying a puppy together. Cute! The couple became engaged in New York on Christmas Eve, with Alex getting down on one knee during a rooftop date 'My everything': Love Island couple Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen announced their engagement, little more than five months after developing a relationship on the ITV2 show Alex explained: I dont really care what other people think. If I love the girl and I want to marry her, then Im going to marry her. When we first came out of the villa, people doubted us, but were having the first Love Island wedding, he added. On who will be a bridesmaid on the couples big day, Olivia revealed: Ive already spoken to Cara [De La Hoyde] about it. Weve very close. In shock: Olivia, 22, was a vision of beauty as she lay in bed with the sparkler on show as she wrote: 'When does this sink in. Last night was the most amazing thing' In shock: Speaking about their engagement, Olivia revealed: He got down on one knee and I was thinking, "oh my God what is happening? I was so shocked!" Zara set tongues wagging - and lost her Miss GB title - after sharing a night with hunky Alex on Love Island in the Beach Hut - despite the tattooed model having spent most of the day flirting with fellow singleton Olivia. She admitted: 'Obviously Ive seen Liv getting to know Alex a little bit. But I want to get to know Alex more. Why not? Hes the new boy.' Alex was uncertain about the date, telling the Beach Hut: 'When she did pick me I was just like s***. I looked at Olivia and Olivia was like "oh no".' Olivia was also dismayed by the news, revealing in the Beach Hut: 'No girl would like to see a boy she fancied run away into a secret cave with another girl. Obviously youre not going to like that. Devastated: Zara set tongues wagging - and lost her Miss GB title - after sharing a night with hunky Alex on Love Island in the Beach Hut Saucy: Zara picked Alex to spend the night with - despite the tattooed model having spent most of the day flirting with fellow singleton Olivia 'It is a bit gutting, obviously Id like to spend alone time with Alex, get to know him on my own but they (the public) picked Zara so its cool.' As things moved under the covers in the bedroom date, the pair quickly became intimate - in scenes that later cost Zara her Miss GB crown. Meanwhile, Olivia couldn't resist flashing her diamond encrusted ring once more as she reflected on the moment she got engaged to Alex Bowen. The reality starlet was a vision of beauty as she lay in bed with the sparkler on show as she wrote: 'When does this sink in. Last night was the most amazing thing.' The Love Island couple decided to tie the knot little more than five months after developing a relationship on the ITV2 show. Read the full interview in OK! Magazine on sale now Breaking the happy news across social media, a delighted Alex shared a snap of his new fiancees stunning, diamond encrusted ring. Captioning the image, he wrote: She said yes. Olivia, 22, later updated her Instagram account with a shot of herself modelling the striking ring as she stands alongside her husband-to-be. 'I have no words for how happy I am,' she wrote. 'My fiance my everything @ab_bowen this was magical. So magical.' The handsome star recently moved into his girlfriend's Wolverhampton home, and the pair bought an adorable French bulldog puppy together called Reggie. Speaking to MailOnline's FEMAIL about her beau, Olivia recently gushed: 'I know it sounds cliche but I honestly dont think it could be any better.' She continued: 'When Im with him it just feels so right, its like nothing Ive experienced before.' Read the full interview in OK! Magazine on sale now Not that gutted? Alex was initially uncertain about the date, telling the Beach Hut: 'When she did pick me I was just like s***. I looked at Olivia and Olivia was like "oh no"' She recently admitted she had stopped fitness training while on holidays in Hawaii. And Roxy Jacenko got right back into her routine as she arrived home safely in Sydney on Tuesday after an extended break overseas. She told Daily Mail Australia she tips the scales at 50 kilos, having shed 10kgs since she began her healthy new lifestyle after being diagnosed with cancer mid last year. Scroll down for video New look: She told Daily Mail Australia she tips the scales at 50 kilos, having shed 10kgs since she began her healthy new lifestyle after being diagnosed with cancer mid last year Fit and fab: Roxy Jacenko didn't waste any time getting back into her routine as she arrived home safely in Sydney after an extended break overseas The 36-year-old PR queen was back in the gym with her trainer Dan Adair to get her famously svelte figure back in shape. 'Gone are the days of having to unbutton my top button because it's too tight!' she said of her strict workout schedule. In one photo posted to her Instagram, the author snapped a photo in front of weight machines in her workout gear and tagged her instructor. 'Shred shred shred!!!' she wrote of her goals for the day. No pain, no gain: The 36-year-old PR maestro was back in the gym on Tuesday with her trainer Dan Adair to get her famously svelte figure back in shape She then uploaded a picture of the fitness team together, sitting on red exercise balls with the caption: '1000000000 sit-ups'. A photo posted to her Instagram the previous day showed the Sweaty Betty founder and one of her staff heading home from Honolulu International Airport. Her trainer left a comment under it that said: 'Straight back into the gym tomorrow RJ'. She replied almost instantly with: 'Letttts GO!' 'Roxy sees me for training three days a week,' Dan told Daily Mail Australia, and described her sessions as 'generally circuit based'. 'Since we started together in July last year, she has only missed one session. The consistency has been key to her great results,' he continued. 'Roxy had, let's call it an eventful 2016, yet she still manages to turn up with a smile on her face without complaint,' he enthused. 'Roxy had, let's call it an eventful 2016, yet she still manages to turn up with a smile on her face without complaint,' Dan enthused. The blonde beauty said she enjoyed her first day back at the gym. 'Let's just say I worked up a serious sweat! It's funny how two weeks off feels like two months,' she said. 'Though I am seriously pumped to be back at it, I love routine I am not really a holiday kind of a person,' she continued. 'The training regime initially was all about bone density and now I am finished radiation, I am focused on tone and general definition,' she explained She described how she has trained with Dan since being diagnosed with breast cancer. 'The training regime initially was all about bone density and now I am finished radiation, I am focused on tone and general definition,' she explained. She said what she appreciated most about training with Dan is 'the results'. 'Nothing feels better than being in shape, your whole mindset changes,' she said. Viewers have slammed Coronation Street's decision to play the song 'Bye Bye Baby' in one scene - while Michelle Connor was rushed to hospital as part of the devastating stillbirth storyline. The Bay City Rollers' hit blared out during Michelle and Leanne's joint baby shower in the Rover's Return, while another heartbreaking scene showed the barmaid having complications with the baby at 23 weeks. Fans of the ITV soap called the music choice on Monday night's episode 'disgraceful' and 'heartbreaking', with one branding it the 'worst song' producers could have picked. Scroll down for video Insensitive? Viewers have slammed Coronation Street's decision to play the song 'Bye Bye Baby' in one scene - while Michelle Connor suffered a devastating stillbirth The tear-jerking scene showed Michelle, played by Kym Marsh, and her partner Steve McDonald rushing to hospital in the middle of her baby shower after feeling pains in her stomach. 'I think something's wrong,' an agonised Michelle told Leanne as they headed to the hospital. 'Something's wrong with my baby,' she added: 'I can't lose my baby, Leanne.' After Steve arrived, the nurse found a heartbeat and told the couple they would keep Michelle in the hospital for two days to keep an eye on her. While the emotionally gruelling scenes played out, back in the pub Bye Bye Baby was heard on the jukebox - which viewers branded 'insensitive'. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Coronation Street for comment. Harsh: The Bay City Rollers' hit blared out in the Rover's Return during Michelle and Leanne's joint baby shower Backlash: Fans of the ITV soap called the music choice on Monday night's episode 'disgraceful' and 'heartbreaking', with one branding it the 'worst song' producers could have picked One fan wrote: 'Michelle's losing her baby and 'Bye Bye Baby' is the song playing in the pub. Harsh. #Corrie #coronationstreet'. Another added: 'Appears woman is having a miscarriage on #Corrie whilst 'Bye bye Baby' by the Bay City Rollers blasts out. Probably inappropriate.' One penned: 'Listerning to bye bye baby when Michelle is going to lose her baby heartbreaking #Corrie'. The storyline must be especially poignant for Kym, who lost her own son Archie at birth eight years ago. Inundated with words of support, the 40-year-old actress Tweeted after the episode: ' Wow!!! Thank you so much for all your kind words on tonight's eps. Means so much to us as a team. Your support means the world'. Hard to watch: While the emotionally gruelling scenes played out, back in the pub Bye Bye Baby was heard on the jukebox - which viewers branded 'insensitive' Having a whale of a time: The other residents looked to be enjoying the baby shower Outraged: Baffled viewers said they were 'shocked' at the 'distasteful' music choice Speaking to OK! magazine, the consummate professional admitted the scenes, in which Michelle and her partner Steve McDonald's baby suffers a stillbirth, were 'challenging' yet she is determined to raise awareness through the storyline. Back in 2009, Kym and her former partner Jamie announced they were expecting a baby - however the little boy came early, and tragically died shortly after birth. A statement from the couple at the time said: 'Archie is our beautiful angel and we will miss him so much. Thank you all for your support.' Although many may marvel at Kym's ability to go forward with filming Michelle's tragedy, the songstress-turned-soap star insists she wanted to help other women by filming the heartbreaking scenes. Blessed: Inundated with words of support, the 40-year-old actress Tweeted after the episode: ' Wow!!! Thank you so much for all your kind words on tonight's eps. Means so much to us as a team. Your support means the world' Devastating: The 40-year-old former pop star, who plays Michelle Connor in the soap, is set to relive the devastating time when the baby she shared with then-husband Jamie Lomas passed away minutes after he was born at just 21 weeks She told the magazine: 'I have had to go to some really dark places when filming the heartbreaking scenes. But my family, friends and colleagues have been incredible. 'Losing a child is something that never leaves you, so revisiting those feelings as Michelle was a challenge. There was a counsellor on set at all times when we were filming the scenes.' Kym admits she found strength in her other children - David, 22, Emilie, 18, who she shares with former partner Dave Cunliffe and five-year-old Polly, who she shares with Jamie. She added: 'But the best tonic was to go home and see David, Emilie and Polly, which reminded me how lucky I am to have my children. In joyous news in her life, Kym also revealed she is planning to move in with her boyfriend-of-two-years - toyboy Matt Baker. In December, it was reported that legal papers had been 'drawn up' to use notorious St Kilda eyesore the Gatwick Private Hotel as the site for The Block 2017. Now, the series has officially opened for casting and announced an April shoot date for the show's thirteenth season. The reported location is an interesting choice for producers, given its storied history of murder, rape, stabbings and a series of fatal drug overdoses. Scroll Down For Video Eyesore! In December it was reported that legal papers had been 'drawn up' to use notorious St Kilda eyesore the Gatwick Private Hotel as the site for the series In December, the Herald Sun reported The Block's purchase deal for the Gatwick was 'all but rubber stamped' after two months of negotiations. The news may come as a surprise for those looking to apply for the show, many of whom may be unfamiliar with the locally famous 'hotel of horrors.' Last year, the ABC reported that Inspector Jason Kelly's St Kilda Police team 'attended about five jobs a day at the rooming house.' In February 2010, a resident of the 'halfway house' was captured on CCTV being bashed and kicked to death upstairs. Violent! The reported location would be an interesting choice for producers, given its storied history of murder, rape, stabbings and a series of fatal drug overdoses A few years before, 34-year-old Arthur Karatasiosis was stabbed to death in the foyer. In addition to countless murders, 2006 was the scene of a shocking rape, which saw a 52-year-old women handcuffed, gagged and robbed. The man later forced the woman to give him her credit card PIN so he could purchase a packet of cigarettes. Endless! Pictures (seen above) from a Channel 7 report on the premises paint a chilling story of a hotel that has recorded at least three murders and the rape of a 52-year-old woman In a post on a casting website, the show opened it's call for 'Long term couples, family teams and enduring friendships,' to apply for the show. In the long list of application requirements, the producers stipulated: 'Couples must be aged between 18-65, energetic and with a sense of humour.' 'You will NOT be able to work during the shoot period.' The page added. Block it in! The Block has officially opened casting for it's 2017 season, calling for 'Long term couples, family teams and enduring friendships,' to apply for the show, which will start filming in April In addition to not requiring any previous renovation experience, the site confirmed that successful participants would be paid a 'nominal weekly fee,' to cover 'basic living costs and expenses.' Many contestants have gone on record to complain about low weekly fees for filming reality series in the past. Last year, Kidspot stated that the wage for the 2011 season was 'reportedly $500 a week.' The publication also reported that 2016 winners Karlie and Will were 'living on two-minute noodles,' because of the tight budget they were afforded. How Much? The application terms stated that successful participants would be paid a 'nominal weekly fee,' to cover 'basic living costs and expenses.' This has been reported to be as low as around $500 per week Broke! 2016 winners Karlie and Will (pictured) were apparently 'living on two-minute noodles,' because of the tight budget they were afforded Notorious: The hotel, which is protected by heritage overlay and houses over 100 residents, has been home to a number of drug addicts, mentally ill and ex-convicts since it first opened in the 1950s The hotel, which is protected by heritage overlay and houses over 100 residents, has been home to a number of drug addicts, mentally ill and ex-convicts since it first opened in the 1950s. While the interior is likely to be gutted during renovations, a Herald Sun insider has claimed that the building's rich heritage will be retained during its upgrade. 'It's a beautiful looking building and it will be respected,' a source close to the show said. In the works? According to Herald Sun insiders, legal papers have been 'drawn up', with the deal being 'all but rubber stamped' after two months of negotiations Gutted: The interior is likely to be gutted during renovations, although it's rich heritage will reportedly be retained during its upgrade Beautiful: 'It's a beautiful looking building and it will be respected,' a source close to the show said Location, Location! An aerial shot shows the location of the apparent site from above She recently enjoyed a sun-soaked trip to Cape Town, South Africa, with her boyfriend Hugo Taylor. But on Monday night, Millie Mackintosh was back on British soil as she stepped out to attend the London Fashion Week Men's closing night dinner, hosted by GQ. And, given the occasion, the former Made In Chelsea star pulled out all the sartorial stops, wowing as she arrived at MNKY HSE in a semi-sheer camisole dress. Scroll down for video Passion for fashion: Millie Mackintosh attended the London Fashion Week Men's closing night dinner, hosted by GQ, at MNKY HSE on Monday night The eye-catching number gave 27-year-old Millie the opportunity to show off her golden tan, thanks to a deeply plunging neckline. Her svelte legs also enjoyed a moment of glory, as the dress's elaborately-patterned bodice gave way to a semi-sheer skirt. With her honey brown tresses coiffed to perfection, Millie let her freshly-bronzed complexion do all the talking, as she kept her makeup minimal with nude lipstick, eye-liner and mascara. True blue: The former Made In Chelsea star stepped out in a plunging blue camisole dress Wrapping up: The 27-year-old beauty arrived with a full-length coat draped over her shoulders Golden girl: She showed off her deep tan, earned from her festive trip to Cape Town The street is her runway! Millie looked runway ready as she made her way into the event Jet-setter: The svelte stunner has enjoyed a jaw-dropping 18 vacations over the past year The ex factor: Millie announced she was splitting from her husband Professor Green last year Fixture: Each fashion week, she is a regular fixture at the British capital's presentations Sheer delight: Her dress was sheer towards the hemline, allowing her to show off her legs Hair hair! Her honey brown tresses were coiffed to perfection, resting on her shoulders in a mound of lustrous waves She added extra height to her frame with a pair of stylish black heels, while she opted to largely forgo jewellery. Millie and her beau Hugo, 30, kicked off the New Year by keeping their legion of social media followers updated as they packed on the PDA while watching the sun set during their getaway to Cape Town. The couple looked more in love than ever as they passionately locked lips while the sun went down behind them. Social butterfly: Inside the bash, she was seen mingling with a host of fellow guests, including Toby Huntington-Whiteley and Zara Martin Tatted up: Millie's slinky dressed showed off her star inking on her shoulder Picture perfect: The brunette got ready for her close-up, showcasing a bronzed complexion Strictly stylish! Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman looked undeniably glam Loved up: X Factor host Dermot O'Leary and his wife Dee Koppang put in appearance Jovial: Gary Kemp and his wife Lauren appeared to be in jovial spirits as they arrived Group shot! (L-R) David Furnish and Eric Rutherford joined the couple for a group shot The in crowd: Dougie Poynter, left, was spotted hanging out with Isaac Carew at the event Always stylish: Tinie Tempah looked stylish as ever as he posed for a pic with Oliver Spence Plaid to see you! Dancer Eric Underwood arrived at the party in a bold red-and-white plaid suit Posing! Designer Ozwald Boateng struck his best pose with GQ publisher Vanessa Kingori Say it with flowers: Dougie opted for a stylish pair of floral patterned trousers for the bash Suited and booted: Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, left, and Jack Guinness, right, suited up for the occasion Admitting he was ending the year on a definite high, Hugo held a glass of champagne in one hand as he wrote beside the sweet shot: 'Magical sun down drinks in Cape Town. Very lucky man!' In a second envy-inducing snap for followers, Hugo then turned his back to the camera to pose in front of the stunning vibrant sunset of orange and gold. Millie and Hugo jetted to South Africa on Christmas Day, and posted an array of photos on social media from the trip - which marks Millie's 18th holiday for the year. The former reality TV star split from Professor Green in early 2016. Pour it up: Dermot and Claudia were spotted enjoying a drink and chat with Natalie Massenet It takes two: Model Xenia Tchoumi arrived at the VIP gathering in a black two-piece Dapper dudes: David Furnish (L) and Patrick Grant (R) were dressed to impress Stripe sensation: The Saturdays' Vanessa White opted for clashing prints Legs for days: Xenia looked incredible in her thigh-split gown and crop top Rock chic: Anais Gallagher gave an edge to her rock chic look with leather accessories Cute couple: Dermot O'Leary and Dee Koppang cosied up as they arrived at the venue Looking good: Tinie Tempah was dressed to impress in a pinstripe suit and faux fur coat Lara Bingle was in freezing Sweden recently, where the temperatures have been dropping to just one degree Celsius. The heavy snowfall quickly became a problem for the model, who found herself bogged on an icy street and unable to move a pram, presumably with her son inside. In a video posted to her Instagram Story on Monday, Lara (who's married name is Lara Worthington) actually seemed amused by her predicament. Snowed in: Lara Bingle struggled desperately to free her bogged pram in Sweden The blonde is seen kicking her legs and desperately trying to plow through the the snow as she struggles to push the bogged pram forward. Rugged up against the cold weather in a beanie and heavy coat, the 29-year-old perseveres for some time before she begins to slide along and gives up. It's unclear which of her two sons is in the pram, but as Lara gave birth to her second son, whose name shes not revealed, in October, it is likely to be the younger child. Lara also has an older boy, two-year-old Rocket Zot. No snow here! Lara was recently pushing a pram with son Rocket aboard in New York Mum of two: Lara had second son, whose name shes not revealed, in October, with hubby Sam Worthington, 40 Both of her sons are fathered by Aussie actor Sam Worthington, 40, who the entrepreneur married in 2014. It was a serious change of scenery and weather as the founder of The Base cosmetics had also recently been in the Maldives. It's unclear if Lara was in the tropical paradise before or after her trip to wintry Sweden but she posted images from both locations in the same two days. Married woman: Both of Lara's sons are fathered by Aussie actor Sam Worthington who the entrepreneur married in 2014 The jet-setting beauty took a selfie of her outfit in front of a doorway at what appeared to be a hotel located at the tropical destination on Sunday. Lara also shared a picture of what appeared to be a bra or bikini top hanging off a palm tree, which certainly looked like more fun than being stuck in the snow. She's the beautiful actress known for her glamourous red carpet looks. But there were no sequins in sight on Monday when a very casual Elsa Pataky went to lunch with her children. The night before she had stunned while accompanying her husband Chris Hemsworth on the red carpet for the Golden Globe awards. Scroll down for video In recovery? Elsa Pataky looks sleepy in track pants the day after dazzling on the Golden Globes red carpet with husband Chris Hemsworth The Spanish beauty looked a little tired from the previous night's festivities, wearing her golden locks back from her face as she carried daughter India Rose from a Malibu restaurant. The 40-year-old wore sneakers and loose navy track pants with an over-sized grey top. One of her twin sons also accompanied the actress, the adorable tot wore chequered runners with a green hoodie, as he walked happily outside the restaurant. Sleepy: The Spanish beauty looked a little tired from the previous night's festivities, wearing her golden locks back from her face as she carried daughter India Rose from a Malibu restaurant Elsa also carried some papers in her hands as her little girl sported a cute face paint design. Just the night before, the mother of three had stunned in a sheer lace gown at the Golden Globes. The Fast and The Furious star showed off her impressive physique in the fitted design, which had an elegant train. Stunning: The Fast and The Furious star showed off her impressive physique in the fitted design, which had a elegant train Keeping her make-up simple, the blonde beauty wore her hair in a stylish up-do, accessorising with a delicate diamond necklace. Her husband Chris looked handsome in a fitted tuxedo which showcased his muscular frame. On their way to the ceremony the Thor star posted a cute car selfie praising his wife. The perfect pair: Keeping her make-up simple, the blonde beauty wore her hair in a stylish up-do, accessorising with a delicate diamond necklace 'Look at my hot date!': On their way to the ceremony the Thor star posted a cute car selfie praising his wife 'Heading to the golden globes, look at my hot date !! (sic)' he captioned the loving photo. Elsa later shared an adorable snap of their children watching Chris as he presented a Golden Globe on television, writing: 'Watching Papa on TV.' The tots looked excited as their dad appeared on screen, accompanied at home by a Thor doll. They are red carpet favourites and becoming bigger stars with each movie they make. But a new video suggests Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky are already Hollywood royalty, as they made their way to the Golden Globes with a police escort. The 40-year-old shared a video en-route to the event on Sunday, as they drove through the streets of Los Angeles with what appeared to be a police motorcycle riding in front. Scroll down for video On our way! Elsa Pataky shared a video to her Instagram Story as she made her way to the Golden Globes with Chris Hemsworth, with a police escort helping them to the event Making faces: As they drove through the streets of Los Angeles with what appeared to be a police motorcycle riding in front, Chris made a variety of faces in the video And the Thor star looked on ahead, seemingly with excitement, before turning to his wife to make other facial expressions. However, this sort of security detail in common for A-Listers and celebrities in LA - especially for award shows. The video began with a shot of the loved-up couple side-by-side smiling sweetly at the camera before Elsa moved her camera phone to show all the activity around them. 'We're going to the goldies,' she told fans excitedly in the Instagram Story. Chris looked dapper in a simple tuxedo but left his jacket off for the first part of the car ride. Excited! The Thor star looked on ahead, seemingly with excitement, before turning to his wife to make other facial expressions. The couple then appeared to swap seats, if not change cars, in a second video in which the Avengers star now had his jacket on. Also, while on their way to ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Chris and Elsa both shared selfies from the back seat of the car. Chris Hemsworth gushed about his stunning wife in his photo caption, telling fans: 'Heading to the golden globes, look at my hot date!!' Are you ready? Chris looked dapper in a simple tuxedo but left his jacket off for the first part of the car ride (left) before putting on the blazer by the second video (right) 'Look at my hot date!' Chris Hemsworth gushed about his stunning wife, Elsa Pataky, in a post to Instagram as they made their way to the Golden Globes on Sunday Elsa Pataky was dressed in a silver beaded strapless gown by Zuhair Murad. Meanwhile, the mother-of-three's black and white selfie highlights the delicate diamond necklace around the base of her neck. Sporting a chic up-do, the Fast and Furious actress had a chignon in her short blonde locks, which Chris seemingly gave her the thumbs up for in the photo. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the couple for comment on the police escort. With a fashionista for a mum, Hunter Curtis is already the coolest kid for miles with all the latest clothes, shoes and gadgets. And the two-year-old even gets his hair cut at the up market Joh Bailey salon in Sydney's Double Bay, where a snip from Joh himself can cost as much as $300. Just 12 hours after landing back in Sydney after a luxurious Hawaiian holiday, Roxy shared an image to Hunter's Instagram of the toddler being pampered at the salon, including a liberal dose of baby powder. Scroll down for video Pampered: Hunter Curtis got his haircut at the up market Joh Bailey salon in Sydney on Tuesday, where a snip from Joh himself can cost as much as $300 In the snap, posted on Tuesday, the tot had his hair clipped by a hairdresser as he sat at a pastel green bench and stared at his reflection in a white framed mirror. Wearing a black hairdressing cape, Hunter appears to like what he sees as - unlike many kids who get haircuts - he seems to be relaxed and enjoying the experience. The image is captioned 'Back for 12 hours and she's got me at the salon', along with a laughing emoji. The family just got back from Hawaii where both Hunter and his five-year-old sister Pixie indulged in some pampering on the final day of their holiday. Cool kid: Hunter is very fashionable for a two-year-old Latest gadgets: Roxy's kids have all the coolest new toys The two young children enjoyed a day of shopping on Sunday and Hunter was treated to some new threads. Posts on the youngsters' Instagram accounts, which are managed by their mum, showed Hunter showing off his new Nike gear. Meanwhile, his sister Pixie enjoyed a morning in the salon as she had her nails done, before sipping on a chocolate frappe. Vacation: The family just got back from Hawaii, where both Hunter and his five-year-old sister Pixie were pampered on the final day of their holiday The new posts come amid rumours the PR maven is set to leave her imprisoned husband Oliver Curtis. Oliver has been reportedly struggling in prison, where he spent Christmas without his family. The Bachelor star recently revealed Sam Frost and Sasha Mielczarek's relationship may have been doomed months before they split. And on Monday, Laurina Fleure was 'revealing' something a little closer to the chest. The brunette beauty took to Instagram to flaunt her ample cleavage in a see-through 'Vegas girl' outfit. Scroll down for video Revealing! Laurina Fleure took to Instagram Monday to flaunt her ample cleavage in a see-through 'Vegas girl' outfit The 32-year-old tied her luscious dark locks back in a tight, low bun, seductively gazing at camera as her plump pink lips parsed a slight smile. Her ample bust was on full display in nothing but a lavish see-through beaded one-piece. Laurina's, long, tanned legs met at her shapely hips. She completed the 'Vegas girl' look with long, extravagant gold and black-beaded earrings. Photoshoot! The Bachelor star appeared to be gearing up for a photo shoot in the stunning image Vicky Papas Vergara - the photographer from the shoot - later commented on the beauty's post, lavishing the reality star with praise. 'We had a stunning girl to work with,' she said, '@laurinafleure is not only beautiful on the outside she's super beautiful on the inside!' She added: '@laurinafleure you are a goddess! Thank you for being so fabulous!' Stunning! The photographer from the shoot later lavished Laurine (pictured) with praise, claiming she was 'stunning,' and 'not only beautiful on the outside she's super beautiful on the inside!' In December, Laurina spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, expressing sadness about the news of Sam and Sasha's split. 'That's so devastating that they split- they seemed to have so much potential to go the distance.' She said. While genuinely saddened by the news, Laurina did concede that cracks appeared to show in Sam and Sasha's relationship four months ago, when Sam jetted to Italy and France with without her man. Sad! In December, Laurina spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, expressing sadness about the news of Sam and Sasha's (pictured) split 'It was definitely concerning that Sam went on a Euro holiday without Sash,' the raven-haired model said. 'I think the seed was planted back then that everything may not have been as peachy as we would've like to believe.' She went on: 'It's a lot of pressure operating a relationship under such close media watch and scrutiny. It ruins a lot of relationships.' Long time coming? While genuinely saddened by the news, Laurina did concede that cracks appeared to show in Sam and Sasha's relationship four months ago, when Sam jetted to Italy and France with without her man Heartbreak all round! Laurina herself has suffered a break-up in recent months, having confirmed her split from boyfriend-of-one-year Lewis Romano (pictured) in October Laurina herself has suffered a break-up in recent months, having confirmed her split from boyfriend-of-one-year Lewis Romano in October. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the time, the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here alum explained their age gap was a reason for the split, and she plans to date 'an older gentleman' in the future. Laurina said: 'We're not together anymore. I haven't actually publicly released it yet. I was hoping to maybe work things out, but it's not possible.' 'We'll always be friends,' she continued. 'I love him. I had one of the happiest years of my life. We're just on different paths.' Australian TV viewers took Nikki Gogan to their hearts in 2016. And after having her heart broken in front of the nation by Richie Strahan on The Bachelor, the 28-year-old reflected on the past year as her most 'adventurous' yet. Returning to her job as a real estate agent after the Christmas break, Nikki took to Instagram on Monday to share her thoughts on an eventful 12 months. Scroll down for video The most adventurous year to date? Nikki Gogan has reflected on 2016 after fans saw her get her heart ripped out by Richie Strahan during the finale of The Bachelor Upbeat: The blonde beauty was surprisingly upbeat in her post She wrote: 'Back to the grind after all the joy of Christmas & New Year silly season, a time to truly appreciate how lucky I am. 'Family, Friendships, Good Health. After reflecting on the year that was... The most adventurous year to date and one that I'll never forget.' Nikki, who has just returned from holiday in India, was one of 25 bachelorettes that battled to win the affections of Richie on the Channel Ten show. Review: After having her heart broken in front of the nation by Richie Strahan on The Bachelor, the 28-year-old reflected on the past year as her most 'adventurous' yet Beauty: Nikki, who has just returned from holiday in India, was one of 25 bachelorettes that battled to win the affections of Richie on the Channel Ten show And despite being left devastated when The Bachelor chose Alex Nation in the final, the Perth native looked back on 2016 in a fond light. She said: 'I am in awe of how teeny tiny moments align and lead to somewhere magical. 'An incredible trip to India with love and thanks to @contiki - I've returned feeling relaxed, grateful and excited for the year ahead.' The blonde beauty says she's expecting bigger and better things from 2017, as rumours she's set to become the next Bachelorette continue to swirl. Ups and downs: Despite being left devastated when The Bachelor chose Alex Nation in the final, the Perth native looked back on 2016 in a fond light Next in line? Nikki would seem to be the public's choice to follow in the footsteps of Sam Frost and Georgia Love, given the social media backlash in the aftermath of Richie's decision 'Without any doubt, the coming year will be the best ever because as time passes by there is one thing that is certain, that life is a gift and it gets better and better every single year,' she concluded. Nikki would seem to be the public's choice to follow in the footsteps of Sam Frost and Georgia Love, given the social media backlash in the aftermath of Richie's decision to dump her. And the woman herself recently admitted to OK! magazine that she is still on the lookout for love after failing to find a man after leaving the show. She told the publication: 'Guys are not coming anywhere near me.' 'Even some of the Bachelor girls are like, "Oh Nik, you'd just be getting guys flat out" and I'm like, "No, no, I'm not!"' she continued. She's a doting mother to two-year-old daughter Mae. And Kate Ritchie continues to share her tot's adorable antics, taking to Instagram on Tuesday for another hilarious anecdote. The toddler got her own breakfast, choosing to start the day with a giant block of chocolate. Scroll down for video That's not cereal! Kate Ritchie shares hilarious moment daughter Mae chooses Toblerone chocolate for breakfast In the photo, Mae is in her pajamas as she holds a Toblerone chocolate bar in her hands. The little girl appears to lick her lips in delight, a bite already taken out of the large piece of candy. Mum Kate captions the photo by explaining how Mae came to have the sweet snack. 'Someone's idea of being a big girl and getting themselves breakfast is not the same as mine': In the photo, Mae is in her pajamas as she holds a Toblerone chocolate bar in her hands 'Someone's idea of being a big girl and getting themselves breakfast is not the same as mine,' the soap actress captioned the photo. The radio host also added the hashtags 'cantfindhershoesbutcanfindthechocolate', 'morningmummy' and 'cheekymonkey'. It's not the first time Mae has been mischievous behind her mum's back. 'Texting friends about our Christmas dinner to find this': Last November, the little girl managed to get messy with her mum's make-up, smearing blush and eyeliner everywhere Cheeky sense of humour: It's not the first time Mae has been mischievous behind her mum's back Last November, the little girl managed to get messy with her mum's make-up, smearing blush and eyeliner everywhere. 'Definition of tonight's #firstworldproblem Texting friends about our Christmas dinner to find this,' Kate captioned the photo. On the day of the ARIAs Mae also managed to get into her mother's tan, with Kate posting a photo of the toddler's orange hands after the mishap. On the day of the ARIAs Mae also managed to get into her mother's tan, with Kate posting a photo of the toddler's orange hands after the mishap 'This is what happens when little hands (or one little hand) couldn't stay away from Mummy's @aria_official spray tan overnight!' The radio star wrote. Mae is the only daughter of Kate and her husband Stuart Webb, who she married on 2010. The little girl celebrated her second birthday in August 2014. The Halcyon Rating: The Week We Went Wild Rating: Waiter, waiter! I want a large slice of ham, with a slab of cheese on the side, a good helping of reheated stodge in the middle, and no sauce, served with a bottle of bubbly that leaves a lingering soapy aftertaste. Certainly, sir, its the chefs special. He calls it The Halcyon. Hopes had been high for the wartime drama set in a luxury London hotel, with feuds and romances crackling between the aristocratic owners and the staff that run the place. The Halcyon (ITV) was billed as Upstairs Downstairs in the Blitz, and the first episode promised a lot, with political intrigue in the conference rooms and racy assignations in the suites. Hopes had been high for the wartime drama set in a luxury London hotel, with feuds and romances crackling between the aristocratic owners and the staff that run the place Too many of the scenes are static. Its understandable that our receptionist heroine Emma (Hermione Corfield - pictured) must stand and talk to guests across a counter, but all the other dialogue is delivered like that too, with characters frozen side by side or face to face But the sudden demise of the imperious owner, killed by a heart attack while fiddling with his cufflinks, has stifled the show before it could get going. Its as if Downton Abbey had opened with Lord Grantham clutching at a newspaper, crying: My God! The Titanic has sunk! and keeling over stone dead. Too many of the scenes are static. Its understandable that our receptionist heroine Emma (Hermione Corfield) must stand and talk to guests across a counter, but all the other dialogue is delivered like that too, with characters frozen side by side or face to face. Hotels are bustling, frantic places. Wartime is chaotic and unpredictable. So why does The Halcyon seem so rigid? Director Stephen Woolfenden appears unable to manage his actors if they are moving. Some scenes could have been filmed for TV 60 years ago such as the fight between twin toffs Freddie and Toby (Jamie Blackley and Edward Bluemel). Director Stephen Woolfenden appears unable to manage his actors if they are moving. Some scenes could have been filmed for TV 60 years ago such as the fight between twin toffs Freddie and Toby (Jamie Blackley- pictured - and Edward Bluemel) Freddie and Toby (Edward Bluemel, pictured) wrestled at each others bow ties before stopping dead and staring at the doorway. There stood their mother, motionless. Even her face didnt twitch. You half expected to hear a voice off-stage shout: And... cut! They wrestled at each others bow ties before stopping dead and staring at the doorway. There stood their mother, motionless. Even her face didnt twitch. You half expected to hear a voice off-stage shout: And... cut! The Halcyon also suffers from a flaw that affects so many period dramas: the characters act as though they have been teleported from the 21st century, and are horrified at the cultural attitudes of the Olden Days. SPIKY DIVA OF THE NIGHT Tina Turner was less than impressed to be dumped on a Caribbean rock, on An Island Parish (BBC2). But this was no celebrity kidnapping Tina was a rare iguana, all bundled up in a pillowcase, being released into the wild. Most undignified for a superstar. Advertisement The kitchen staff were aghast when their head chef (Kevin Eldon) displayed anti-German prejudice. Yes, there was a war on, and yes, Adolf had just annexed western Europe, but thats no excuse for casual racism in the workplace. Chefs outburst was provoked by the arrival of a little Austrian man with a funny moustache. Really, what could be more innocuous in 1940? Emma was especially disgusted that chef appeared to believe refugees could be spies. For a nasty moment she was on the verge of going all Lily Allen in the Jungle and apologising in floods of tears for how horrible the British were. There were non-stop tears in the jungle on The Week We Went Wild (C5), a mixture of family therapy and survivalism that was bizarre beyond belief. A Manchester mother and three of her children aged 14 to mid-20s were dumped in the Panamanian rainforest and told not to come out until they had sorted all their festering arguments. They had no tent, no food and no training. Their guide gave them cursory instructions in Spanish, which amounted to Walk down river for five days but since none of them spoke Spanish, that wasnt much help. There were non-stop tears in the jungle on The Week We Went Wild (C5), a mixture of family therapy and survivalism that was bizarre beyond belief So they sat on the riverbank for four days, bickering and sniping in front of a camera crew, then hiked for a couple of hours and found themselves on a beach. The beach was so picturesque that they forgot all their arguments, killed a crocodile (you always have to kill a crocodile on these things) and got rescued So they sat on the riverbank for four days, bickering and sniping in front of a camera crew, then hiked for a couple of hours and found themselves on a beach. The beach was so picturesque that they forgot all their arguments, killed a crocodile (you always have to kill a crocodile on these things) and got rescued. It was patently staged though how much of that was arranged by the producers, and how much was improvised by this family of drama queens, is impossible to guess. Ultimately, were here to confront our mum about the way she lives her life, gasped oldest son Marc. It wasnt so much that she had eight children by six different fathers, more that he objected to doing the babysitting, which he claimed had stunted his life and robbed him of his childhood. Theres another family next week. Perhaps the croc will win. Chip and Joanna Gaines are looking to keep things positive in the new year. Chip, who stars with his beautiful wife on the HGTV home improvement reality show Fixer Upper, made clear that tolerance is a sacred virtue in his household in a new post on his blog Magnolia, just more than five weeks after a Buzzfeed report revealed the couple's Waco, Texas church is led by a pastor who said 'homosexuality is a sin.' In the January 2 post, titled, 'Chip's New Year's Revelation,' the 42-year-old states that he's taken aback amid the 'divided' social state of humanity, noting 'there are sound bites being fed to us that seem fueled by judgement, fear and even hatred.' United we stand: Chip Gaines, 42, seen here with wife Joanna, 38, stressed acceptance and understanding in a blog post about five weeks after the HGTV stars were embroiled in an anti-LGBT controversy linked to their pastor's views. The two were snapped in NYC in October Tolerant: Chip said he and Joanna care for all people, regardless of 'political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, nationality or faith' The father-of-four added, 'A house divided cannot stand.' The devout Christian, who attends Antioch Community Church with wife Joanna, 38, and their four kids (Drake, Ella, Duke and Emmie Kay), drew a line in the sand, making crystal clear he and his wife have no tolerance for intolerance. 'Joanna and I have personal convictions,' he wrote. 'One of them is this: we care about you for the simple fact that you are a person, our neighbor on planet earth. Its not about what color your skin is, how much money you have in the bank, your political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, nationality or faith.' The TV personality said that people need to accept others 'with dignity and with love' regardless of the aforementioned factors. In a comment that perhaps alluded to the aforementioned article - and the strong social media reactions that stemmed out of it - Chip said he and his spouse 'refuse to be baited into using our influence in a way that will further harm an already hurting world. Gaining steam: The couple has been on HGTV nearly four years with their renovation-themed program 'We are not about to get in the nasty business of throwing stones at each other, dont ask us to cause we wont play that way.' Staying positive, Chip noted that he and Joanna 'want to be a part of [the] conversation ... about how to build bridges between people that disagree,' later noting that opposing views are fine, so long as they're not underscored with viciousness. 'Disagreement is not the same thing as hate,' he said, 'dont believe that lie.' The furor erupted in November, when the online outlet revealed that pastor Jimmy Seibert, also a Gaines family friend, was on the record with his strong views condemning same sex marriages. In one instance, Seibert said, 'Truth No. 1 - Homosexuality is a sin. The lie - Homosexuality is not a sin.' Controversy: Family pastor Jimmy Seibert declared that 'Homosexuality is a sin' in a sermon On the record: Seibert, in sermons such as the one above, has left little doubt as to where he stands on the issue of same-sex marriage Seibert, later speaking with columnist Todd Starnes, expanded on his views on the topic, denying he's homophobic. 'We are not only not anti-gay, but we are pro-helping people in their journey to find out who God is and who He has made them to be,' he said. 'Our definition is not the definition we made up. 'It's straight from the Scripture. One man, one woman for life. That's how God created us. That's what he has for us.' Close ties: Seibert (left) a family friend, presides over the Waco, Texas church the duo attends On the defense: Gaines took to Twitter after the article linking him to the pastor was published HGTV officials subsequently declared the network's tolerant beliefs in a subsequent statement, pointing to the channel's programming slate as proof. He's the 40-year-old rapper enjoying his latest tour of Australia. And Ja Rule managed to squeeze in a number of activities while in Sydney. They included a shopping spree with his wife of 15 years, Aisha Atkins, and a harbour cruise with controversial politician and property developer, Salim Mehajer. Scroll down for video Busy: Ja Rule enjoyed a shopping spree with his wife of 15 years Aisha Atkins in Sydney, Australia, on Monday The New York-born talent, who will perform at the Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, and his significant other enjoyed a day out in Double Bay on Monday. The couple, together with a friend, had lunch together at a local pub and afterwards spotted high-end retailer Cosette. Ja walked Aisha into the store and within minutes he had spent over five thousand dollars on a Celine handbag and Isabel Marant sandals and trainers for his love. Pucker up: Aisha appeared pleased with the purchase, leaning in toward her husband to give him a kiss during their quick stint in the store Down time: The New York-born talent, who will perform at the Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, and his significant other enjoyed a day out in Double Bay on Monday Both were dressed casually, and Aisha sported her hair in two braids with minimal makeup. She wore denim shorts like her husband and a plain white T-shirt, complete with designer sandals and a Gucci handbag. Ja paired his Nike sneakers with shorts and a navy blue short-sleeved hoodie, shading his face from the sun's rays with a 5-panel hat. Spoiled: Ja walked Aisha in and within minutes he had spent over five thousand dollars on a Celine handbag and two pairs of shoes for his love Money ain't a thing: He lavished attention on his partner and appeared to leave the retailer without a purchase of his own Big bucks: Currently on a tour of Australia, Ja Rule has managed to squeeze in a number of activities in Sydney Aisha appeared pleased with the purchase, leaning in toward her husband to give him a kiss during their quick stint in the store. The Murder Inc Records hitmaker spent time perusing a number of luxury items before settling on the bag and shoes. He lavished attention on his partner and appeared to leave the retailer without a purchase of his own. Bon appetit: Before their impromptu spending spree, the longtime couple enjoyed a casual lunch at a local pub, where Aisha ordered a salad and her husband tucked into a burger Love: The smiling pair strolled the Eastern Suburbs streets hand-in-hand as they enjoyed quality down time during Ja's hectic performance schedule across the country The smiling pair strolled the Eastern Suburbs streets hand-in-hand as they enjoyed quality down time during Ja's hectic performance schedule across the country. Before their impromptu spending spree, the longtime couple enjoyed a casual lunch at a local pub, where Aisha ordered a salad and her husband tucked into a burger. On Sunday, the Queens-born pair and Ja's touring mate Ashanti were treated to a spectacular cruise of Sydney Harbour. Wavy: On Sunday, the Queens-born pair and Ja's touring mate Ashanti were treated to a spectacular cruise of Sydney Harbour The couple posed for a photo together while Ja also took one with Ashanti and controversial local public figure Salim Mehajer. Mehajer had only just revealed plans to return to office a day earlier, after being dumped as deputy mayor of Auburn council for alleged improper conduct. 'My passion for politics remains ever so strong and hopefully I will be back doing what I love the most, helping others,' the Western Advocate reported. Jordana Brewster looks to be doing some redecorating. The 36-year-old actress decided to spend part of her Monday in the home decoration section as she was seen carrying a large lampshade along Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. The Lethal Weapon star dressed casual yet chic for the occasion opting for a black and gold embroidered pea coat and distressed boyfriend jeans. Scroll down for video Happy shopper! Jordana Brewster was all smiles carrying a large lampshade purchase on Monday in Los Angeles The Fast And Furious star tied her dark brunette hair back in a high bun while donning a pair of black sunglasses. Jordana opted for stylish flats and a large Chanel purse that hung over her shoulder while she carried the packaged lampshade on the other side. Moments later the mom-of-two stopped off to the side to reach into her purse for a black, silver-sequined scarf that she wrapped around her neck as she untied her bun. Home decorator: The 36-year-old actress opted for a black and gold embroidered pea coat and distressed boyfriend jeans Let your hair down! The Fast And Furious star stopped to the side of the street to grab for her scarf and loosen her bun Feels better? The mom-of-two paired her look with black stylish flats and hung her black Chanel purse over her shoulder Meanwhile, Jordana - who is slated to star in Fast And Furious 8 on April 17 and continuing her work as a POND's ambassador - made an appearance on Fox's MasterChef Celebrity Showdown. She starred alongside Black-ish star Anthony Anderson and host Gordon Ramsay. Apart from her hectic schedule, the busy star also raises two children. Chef Jordana! The actress appeared on Fox's MasterChef Celebrity Showdown with Anthony Andersen and host Gordon Ramsay; aired on January 2 The pretty brunette welcomed both her sons via surrogate with producer husband Andrew Form: Julian Form-Brewster, three and seven-month-old Rowan. Jordana and Andrew, 44, met on the set of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre in 2005. They got married in May 2007 in the Bahamas. The star has already postponed her Masterclass once after she was targeted in a multi-million dollar robbery, so new developments in the case was not going to hold her back. Kim Kardashian and makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic got some prep in ahead of their trip to Dubai this week to hold a makeup Masterclass. The 36-year-old star teased her upcoming international trip - her first since she was robbed at gunpoint in Paris last year - with some Snapchats on Monday. The countdown is on: Kim Kardashian and makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic got some prep in on Monday ahead of their trip to Dubai this week to hold a makeup Masterclass Kim shared a video of herself and the celebrity makeup artists surrounded in all the tools of the trade they will be showing off at their Masterclass show on Friday. Despite dramatic developments in the investigation into her October robbery overnight, Kim was in a good mood. The reality star playful teased Mario as he prepared to try a new look on her. Kim said in the Snap: 'You better suck it in. Those people coming to The Masterclass in Dubai do not want to see that.' 'Suck it in': The reality star playful teased Mario as he prepared to try a new look on her Developments: As Kim promoted her Masterclass, French police had 17 people in custody whom they arrested over night in connection to the heist at Kim's Paris hotel last year They certainly want to see something, as most of those attending the six-hour long seminar have forked out over $1,600 to be there. While those tickets - which included a meet and great with the star and her makeup guru and a gift bag - have sold out, Kim told fans in the Middle East that they can still be non-VIP tickets, which cost $500. Kim was originally meant to hold The Masterclass in Dubai on October 14 but it was cancelled in the wake of her October 3 robbery. Under arrest: A spokesperson for the French prosecutor's office said investigators had identified some of the accused using DNA evidence found at the crime scene and security camera images As Kim promoted her Masterclass, French police had 17 people in custody whom they arrested in connection to the theft in which armed men burst into Kim's hotel and stole $10 million worth of jewellery. High price: Kim, seen here, just prior to the robbery lost close to $10m worth of jewels when the armed men burst into her hotel Police have confirmed one of those arrested was working as a chauffeur and had driven Kim around Paris prior to the heist. A police source said: 'The oldest suspect is 72, while others are in their 50s and 60s. All are well known to the police.' Another later arrest involved a 23-year-old. A spokesperson for the French prosecutor's office said investigators had identified some of the accused using DNA evidence found at the crime scene and security camera images. Some French outlets are reporting that the DNA evidence was found on a necklace that was dropped during the robbery and found in the street by a Good Samaritan. None of those arrested have been charged as in France police can hold someone for up to four days for questioning without charge. Last week Kim spoke about the impact of the robbery for the first time in a trailer for Keeping Up With The Kardashians. The star revealed she feared she would be shot in the back as she was thrown bound and gagged into a bathtub. They have insisted that they have remained on good terms following their split for the sake of their little girl Aleeia. And that certainly appeared to be the case when Braith Anasta handed over the former couple's daughter to ex-wife Jodi on Friday. The two parents happily chatted away during the meeting in Sydney, smiling at one another as they caught up. Scroll down for video Getting on well: Braith Anasta and his ex-wife Jodi appeared to be getting on well as the former NRL handed over their daughter Aleeia on Friday in Sydney Jodi appeared to be overjoyed as she reunited with her two-year-old daughter. Jodi and Braith- who announced their separation in December 2015- share custody of their little girl. Looking chic in the summer weather, Jodi wore a stylish patterned playsuit, and accessorised with dark sunglasses and a classic beige Chanel flap handbag. Catch-up: Braith and Jodi shared a smile with daughter Aleeia Meanwhile, ex-NRL star Braith cut a casual figure, in a black tank top that showed off his toned arms. He shielded his eyes from the sun with a pair of sunglasses, and the hands-on dad had no problems carrying his daughter's pink backpack. Shortly after their meeting, Jodi was spotting catching up with model Erin McNaught who, coincidentally, also happens to have dated Braith. Doting mother: Jodi looked overjoyed to have Aleeia back in her arms The two appeared deep in conversation during their get-together at Bills in the beach-side suburb of Bondi. It's unknown whether Braith came up in conversation during their catch-up, but the pair also have other things in common. Erin is a former Neighbours star, while Jodi is currently appearing on the long-running Australian soap where she plays English teacher Elly Conway. No bad blood: Braith and Jodi appeared amicable, as the ex-NRL star handed over Aleeia to her mother Meanwhile, it appears Braith and Jodi have both moved on after the end of their three-year marriage. Both stars have gone public with new flames in recent weeks. Braith has confirmed he is dating stunning personal trainer Rachael Lee, after months of rumours. Moving on: Jodi and Braith have both confirmed they are in new relationships All smiles: Braith and Jodi- who were once one of Australia's most high-profile couples- appear on good terms And Jodi has recently returned from a loved-up holiday with her new beau, Sydney real estate agent Warren Ginsberg. On Christmas Day, Braith posted a snap to Instagram that showed Rachael sitting on his knee, with the caption, 'Nice finish to a beautiful day'. Confirming the rumours: Braith posted a Christmas Day couple shot with new flame, Rachael Lee Just days later Jodi confirmed her new romance with Warren. The new couple made a quick getaway to the Byron Bay last week, with Warren uploading a loved-up couple selfie. Yesterday, the pair were seen sailing on Sydney Harbour with pals. 'Byron with bae': Jodi has confirmed a new relationship with real estate agent Warren Ginsberg, and the couple recently took a getaway to Byron Bay He is embroiled in a wrongful death lawsuit over the suicide of his former girlfriend. But Jim Carrey put his legal woes aside as he laughed and joked while promoting his new show I'm Dying Up Here in California on Monday. The 54-year-old funnyman was a barrel of laughs as he spoke about the Showtime dramedy, which is inspired by his rise to fame. Game for a laugh: Jim Carrey put his wrongful death lawsuit woes aside as he joked around while promoting I'm Dying Up Here in Pasadena on Monday The Ace Ventura star said: 'Im in the process of shedding layers of persona at this time in my life. 'I had so many incredible experiences. Im lucky to be alive, really.' Jim executive produced the series, which is scheduled to debut in June, and revolves around stand-up comedy in the 1970s, when he was making his name as a comic. The Mask favourite was speaking just weeks after he launched an attack on his ex-girlfriend's biological mother in court documents filed in her wrongful death lawsuit, where she blames him for her daughter's suicide. 'Im lucky to be alive': He joked about his rise to fame during the panel discussion Wearing a Mask? The funnyman seemed full of happiness during the press conference He says that accusations that he gave his ex-girlfriend Cathriona White sexually transmitted diseases are 'irrelevant' to the wrongful death case because she accused him of doing so two years before her suicide, and the actor has asked that a judge strike any mention of him having STDs. By having the claims struck from the lawsuit, the star, who dated Jenny McCarthy from 2005 until 2010, will not have to prove that he did not give White STDs without warning, among other allegations. The actor also demanded the court strike allegations he reneged on paying for funeral costs and that he owned a private jet. He says in court documents that he and White were a loving couple and that he was 'absolutely devastated' by her suicide on the third anniversary of her father's death, on September 28, 2015. It's Showtime: The cast were pumped as they talked about the forthcoming programme Back to his roots: The show revolves around stand-up comedy in the 1970s, when he was making his name as a comic White's mother, Brigid Sweetman, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Carrey in October, in which she claimed he gave White three STDs during their relationship. When White confronted Carrey, he shamed her by calling her a 'whore' and even threatened to silence her with the help of high-priced Hollywood lawyers and 'fixers', according to Sweetman's lawsuit. She claimed this caused her daughter to struggle emotionally before she overdosed on Ambien, Percocet and Propranolol, which Sweetman accuses Carrey of providing to her. In addition, she claims she has medical documents proving the actor and comic has STDs, which were filed under the pseudonym Jose Lopez. She filed suit demanding general damages, economic damages, funeral and burial expenses, punitive damages and attorney fees. One of the boys: He was happy to pose with the show's lesser known stars They're one of the most successful bands in the world, with a strong base Down Under. But on Monday, Australian U2 fans were left heartbroken after being left off the list of dates for the band's heavily anticipated Joshua Tree tour. The 1987 album was labelled a masterpiece by critics and has long been viewed as the Irish rockers' best work. Scroll down for video 'You really know how to break our hearts': Die hard U2 fans beg band to extend Joshua Tree tour to Australia (Bono pictured in 2010) U2 announced it will play in 16 American cities and eight countries in Europe to celebrate the albums 30th anniversary. In a statement on their website, the band confirmed it would be playing the iconic album, which contains hits such as Where the Streets Have No Name, in its entirety each night. But the announcement left a sour taste on social media, with many Australians wondering why one of the band's biggest fan bases was left off the list. Most popular: The 1987 album was labelled a masterpiece by critics and long viewed as the Irish rockers' best work 'Not surprised to see the southern hemisphere miss out again,' one fan wrote on Twitter. 'You really know how to break our hearts time and again so disappointed in u @u2.' Another tweeted: '@U2 cmon you know you want to come to Australia!' Three prime ministers later: The last time the band toured Australia was 2010. Lead singer Bono met with then-prime minister Kevin Rudd to discuss extending Australia's aid program Other fans took to the band's Facebook page to express their displeasure. 'You need to look after your long time fans who have lived, loved and grown up with your music,' another fan wrote. 'Just because we are not in Europe does not make us any less of your fans ... Love your work- please come to Perth again.' 'You need to look after your long time fans who have lived, loved and grown up with your music': Australian fans pleaded with the band to remember them The band revealed they had decided to tour again because history was repeating itself. 'It seems like we have come full circle from when The Joshua Tree songs were originally written, with global upheaval, extreme right wing politics and some fundamental human rights at risk,' said lead guitarist The Edge. The last time the band toured Australia was 2010. Daily Mail Australia has contacted U2's Australian promoters for comment. She's the PR maven, known as much for her high-fashion dress sense as her business prowess. And on Monday, Roxy Jacenko arrived back in style after a New Year's holiday in Hawaii with her two children Pixie and Hunter Curtis, all dressed in designer clothing. The trio's arrival in Sydney comes just days after reports the self-made millionaire is set to leave her husband, Oliver Curtis, after he is released from jail in June. Scroll down for video Arriving in style! Roxy Jacenko arrived back in style after a New Year's holiday in Hawaii with her two children Pixie and Hunter Curtis with the trio all sporting designer fashion on arrival at Sydney Airport Holding the hands of her five-year-old daughter and two-year-old son, the Louis Vuitton clad businesswoman was followed by a man in a suit pushing their luggage in a trolley beside them. The mother-of-two was also joined by her Sweaty Betty employee Gemma Oldfield, who wheeled another trolley of luggage as she walked behind her boss. Making a stylish arrival, Roxy donned a Louis Vuitton T-shirt as well as a travel purse, worn across her body. The casual ensemble was paired with white shorts and trainers. Bags of fun! The family appeared to have six bags between them on their two week trip Like their mum: Hunter also sported brand name top and trainers, while Pixie stepped onto and off the plane in a Burberry check and heart print dress Young Hunter totted along beside his mother also wearing trainers - sporting black and fluro yellow Nike sneakers with colour co-ordinated shorts and a navy Ralph Lauren jumper. Meanwhile, Pixie also appeared to step on and off the plane in designer gear, just like her famous mother. Wearing a Burberry check and heart print dress with a white cardigan and matching sandals, the red-haired cutie also donned a famous Pixie Bow from her collection. Mini mummy: The five-year-old (left) has a wardrobe to rival her mother's (second left) while on holiday - decked out in designer wears, including Camilla (pictured) Stylish tot: Pixie was also seen sporting a Dolce & Gabbana rose-printed frock (left) to dinner one evening and a Missoni dress (right) during a day-time outing The five-year-old had a wardrobe to rival her mother's while on holiday - decked out in designer wears, including Dolce & Gabbana, Camilla and Missoni. With the number of colour co-ordinated outfits between the trio across their two week vacation, it's no surprise the group had at least six suitcases between them - one of which was a coveted LV monogram bag, sitting neatly at the top of the heap. After sleeping off any jet-lag, it was straight back to business for the family - with Hunter getting a hair cut, while Roxy hit the gym to 'shred, shred, shred' any holiday weight. Back to normal life: The morning after their flight, Hunter was seen getting a hair cut 'Shred, shred, shred': Meanwhile Roxy was seen in the gym to 'shred, shred, shred' any holiday weight with a personal training session The family's arrival back in town comes amid claims the PR guru is set to leave her husband Oliver Curtis once he's released from jail in June. According to The Daily Telegraph, the 36-year-old has 'confided in friends' about her plans to end the couple's four-year marriage. Oliver is currently serving time in a Cooma prison, after being convicted of insider trading last year. Imogen Anthony is never one to shy away from making a fashion statement. And the 25-year-old made no exception as she sported a naval cap and knee-high boots as she attended a boat party on Sunday. The girlfriend of shock jock Kyle Sandilands was pictured smoking and drinking after boarding luxury cruise ship Seadeck in Sydney Harbour - before dancing the afternoon away. Scroll down for video Making waves: Imogen Anthony is never one to shy away from making a fashion statement and her latest public outing was no exception After spotting the cameras as she stood on the deck, Imogen played up to her audience by blowing a kiss and posing for pictures. The model looked to be in her element as she danced on the boat with drink in hand as she partied with friends. Knee-high leather boots and denim Daisy Dukes showed off Imogen's trim pins, while a white crop top put her arms and shoulders on display. Poser: After spotting the cameras as she stood on the deck, Imogen played up to her audience by blowing a kiss and posing for pictures Letting loose: The model looked to be in her element as she danced on the boat with drink in hand as she partied with friends Navy nod: Imogen's choice of headwear stood out as her entourage partied on the luxury boat So lit: Imogen was seen smoking cigarettes several times during her social outing Dressed to impress: Imogen's friends were dolled up for the weekend bash Phone in: Imogen's long-term partner Kyle could have been who she was speaking to as she chatted away on her mobile Clique: The blonde arrived at the harbour alongside seven friends Very important person: Imogen was spotted chatting to VIP Sydney managing director Karim Gharbi Among her entourage was VIP Sydney managing director Karim Gharbi, who was seen chatting to her on the boat. Onlookers were unable to miss the model as she walked towards the harbour with friends before boarding the boat. The blonde embraced the nautical nature of the party by wearing a black officers cap - also adding a pair of purple sunglasses to her look. Eye-catcher: Onlookers were unable to miss the model as she walked towards the harbour with friends before boarding the boat Smoko: The girlfriend of shock jock Kyle Sandilands was pictured smoking and drinking as she boarded luxury cruise ship Seadeck in Sydney Harbour Hats off to you, Imogen: The blonde embraced the nautical nature of the party by wearing a black officers cap Boots were made for walking: Knee-high leather boots and denim Daisy Dukes showed off Imogen's trim pins, while a white crop top put her arms and shoulders on display Bling: The fashionista added further accessories to her outfit in the shape of a Dior handbag, gold Crucifix earrings and an array of necklaces Should have gone to Specsavers: The model added a pair of purple-lens sunglasses to her look Imogen's coat made the biggest fashion statement, with an intricate, colourful, cartoon-patterned number catching the eye. The fashionista added further accessories to her outfit in the shape of a Dior handbag, gold Crucifix earrings and an array of necklaces. Surrounded by friends, the socialite seemed to be having a great time as the group made their way along the city's streets. Pals: Surrounded by friends, the socialite seemed to be having a great time as the group made their way along the city's streets Dab life: Imogen even found time to do a dab as she crouched down on the pavement Showing off: Imogen performed the dance move en route to the harbour There's always one: Friends watched on, seemingly taking great amusement from their pal's antics Party girl: Not shy of making a scene, the blonde seemed to be embracing the attention as she enjoyed the day Chain gang: A number of gold necklaces were chosen to complete Imogen's outfit Stumbling: Imogen seemed to be struggling as she walked along the road in her high heeled boots Imogen even found time to do a dab - a popular dance move - as she crouched down on the pavement. Friends watched on, seemingly taking great amusement from their pal's antics. When they finally arrived at the harbour, Imogen had taken her jacket off and looked ready to board the party boat. She is set to give birth to her second child in just weeks. And Rachael Finch is intent on spending quality time with her daughter Violet, three, ahead of the arrival. The 28-year-old was seen showing off her large baby bump in a bikini as she hit Bronte Beach with her little one on Monday. Blooming beautiful: Rachael Finch showed off her very large baby bump as she took her daughter Violet for a swim at Bronte Beach in Sydney on Monday Beach buddies: Mum and daughter both wore hats and had a dip in the water Looking lovely: The gorgeous brunette was truly glowing as she waded into the ocean with a leopard sarong around her bikini bottoms The gorgeous brunette looked truly glowing as she waded into the water with a leopard sarong tucked around her bikini bottoms. She added a black straw sunhat to the ensemble along with sunglasses and later removed the hat to reveal her brunette hair was in a loose bun. The TV host played in the calm waters with Violet, who was wearing neon tropical themed swimmers. As the day got hotter, Rachael had a green drink on hand, which became covered in sand from sitting on the beach. In it together: The TV host played in the calm waters with Violet, who was wearing neon tropical themed swimmers Weary of her daughter getting tangled 'beach hair' Rachael then tied up Violet's curls, which had been under a black bucket hat, into a ponytail. The little girl carried a see-through plastic blue elephant toy that looked designed to be used in the water. Rachael recently revealed in an interview she lost track of time following the birth of Violet. Cooling down:As the day got hotter, Rachael had a green drink on hand, which became covered in sand from sitting on the beach Like every new mum, the former Miss Universe Australia found caring for a newborn was tiring, and sleepless nights came with the territory. 'Suddenly I was going from getting eight hours a night to three hours of broken sleep,' she told Pregnancy Life and Style magazine. 'I remember going to the pantry at 3am wondering if I should make breakfast or dinner.' Catching some rays: The TV host got some sun but also protected her face with a sunhat While she was the picture of pregnancy perfection in the shoot for Pregnancy Life and Style, Rachael admitted it has not all been smooth sailing the second time around. 'With Violet I was ill for about one to two weeks, and with this pregnancy I was sick for 12 weeks straight, but thankfully I'm feeling back to normal now,' she told the publication. As for food cravings, a healthy Rachael said she had been eating tomatoes 'like apples' - as opposed to the Vegemite cravings she had while pregnant with Violet. One on one: Rach is set to give birth to her second child in about eight weeks and is intent on spending quality time with her daughter Violet, three, ahead of the arrival Barefoot: The model wanted to feel that hot sand between her toes Ready to play: The little girl carried a see-through plastic blue elephant toy that looked designed to be used in the water Being a mother has taught her to trust her intuition, and she said she places less pressure on herself to get things done. Rachael admitted she went 'overboard' counting calories and exercising when she didn't want to, but motherhood helped her take a step back. She also no longer worries if everything is not time, and will prioritise sleep over doing the dishes before bed. Mum duty: Weary of her daughter getting tangled 'beach hair' the beauty then tied up Violet's hair, which was hidden under a black bucket hat, into a ponytail Well behaved: Violet patiently waited as her mother did her hair A health and fitness activist, Rachael and her dancer husband Michael Miziner have worked together to release a fitness program called BOD. She told Pregnancy Life and Style the program contains dance-centered workouts and meal plans, including a plan specifically for pregnant women. The plan for pregnant women includes three dance classes a week, two dance-infused circuit classes, a stretch/meditation session and a rest day as well as specialized meal plans. Rachel married Michael, who was her former Dancing with the Stars, partner in 2013. She is due to give birth to her second baby in about eight weeks time. The water's fine! Violet looked thrilled and shocked when she was first dunked in Summer time! Violet soon seemed to adore her time in the water as her mum lifted her up He partied with his brother Casey Affleck, who won a Golden Globe Award the night before. But on Monday Ben Affleck celebrated his own achievement as he attended the world premiere of his upcoming Prohibition-era thriller Live By Night held at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The 44-year-old star was joined by his best pal and Good Will Hunting co-star Matt Damon as the pair were in stitches throughout the star-studded event. Scroll down for video What's so funny? Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were in hysterics at the premiere of Live By Night held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Monday night The two-time Academy Award-winning actor looked handsome as always in a royal blue suit. He paired the dapper look with a baby blue dress shirt, navy printed neck tie and polished black leather brogues. Ben was quite the silver fox as he sported a neatly-trimmed beard and wide grin while catching up with his fellow Oscar-winning friend. Hysterics in Hollywood: The Good Will Hunting co-stars couldn't stop laughing as Ben promoted his upcoming Prohibition-era thriller Ben the babe! The two-time Academy Award-winning actor looked handsome as always in a royal blue suit Hollywood hunk! The father-of-three was quite the silver fox as he sported a neatly-trimmed beard and wide grin Matt, 46, was dressed in an all black with suit and matching shirt. He coordinated looks with his stunning wife Luciana Barroso, 40. Damon and Luciana became engaged in September 2005 and married in a private civil ceremony in December 2005. They share three daughters - Isabella, 10, Gia, eight, and Stella, six - and a daughter from Luciana's previous marriage, Alexia, 18. Wisecrack: The 44-year-old Batman star appeared to whisper an inside joke to Matt, 46 Oscar winners: The best friends share an Academy Award for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for their 1998 blockbuster Good Will Hunting Good company! Ben joined his co-stars for a group red carpet snapshot alongside (L-R) Chris Messina, Elle Fanning, Miguel, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana and Chris Cooper Ben and Matt posed up a storm at the premiere for the Batman star's new film, which he co-wrote, directed, and starred in. The Gone Girl star plays Joe Coughlin in the film, the prodigal son of a Boston police captain who becomes a bootlegger and a rum-runner eventual gangster. He stars in the film alongside Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana, Elle Fanning, Scott Eastwood, Brendan Gleeson and Anthony Michael Hall. Fantastic friends: Ben and Matt posed up a storm at the premiere for the Batman star's new film, which he co-wrote, directed, and starred in Coordinating couple! Matt was dressed in an all black as he matched looks with his stunning wife Luciana Barroso, 40 Meanwhile Ben joined his younger brother Casey Affleck the night before in celebrating his win for Best Actor in a Drama gong for his role in Manchester By The Sea. The 41-year-old remained calm and collected despite bagging one of the biggest awards of the night, while his dapper older sibling appeared keen to make him the centre of attention at the star-studded Amazon Golden Globes after-party. Ben was not joined by his estranged wife of 10 years, Jennifer Garner, 44, as the couple announced their split in June 2015. Despite announcing their intention to divorce over a year ago, the pair have not yet officially ended their marriage and continue to co-parent their three children - Violet, 11, Seraphina, seven, and Samuel, four. She's known for showing off her fantastic figure on Instagram. And Zilda Williams was back at it on Tuesday, sharing her first snap of 2017. The buxom blonde stripped down to a bikini, sticking to her well-honed tradition of uploading sultry shots in skimpy swimwear. Scroll down for video Flawless physique: Zilda Williams shared her first Instagram post of 2017 on Monday, with a racy snap that showed her reclining on the deck of a boat in a skimpy bikini that highlighted her ample assets and fantastic figure Zilda, who shot to fame on the third season of The Bachelor, looked simply sensational in the picture, as she laid back on the deck of a boat and sizzled in the sun. The 33-year-old model wore a hand-beaded Bella Bikini top that barely contained her ample assets. She paired the colourful top with a pair of simple bottoms, with the thin straps of the garment riding up her over her hips, highlighting her flawless frame. Buxom blonde: Zilda is no stranger to sharing swimsuit pics, previously posting this snap that showed her kicking back at Bondi's iconic Icebergs The blonde's torso looked toned and she sported a healthy tan for her day out on the high seas. The reality star also shielded her eyes from the sun, wearing a stylish pair of reflective frames. 'First post of 2017. Wearing @bellabikini_ The best part about summer... is boating,' Zilda captioned, as she shared the image with her 45,000 followers. Ample assets: The Bachelor alumnus is known for flaunting her fantastic physique One follower disagreed, writing, 'The best part of summer is your sexy bikini pics', followed by a thumbs up emoji. The snap comes a day after Zilda was spotted at Bondi Beach's iconic Icebergs pool in an eye-grabbing yellow one-piece. The star looked sensational in the swimwear that was adorned with the words, 'Suns out, buns out'. Star: Zilda is a summer fixture on the beaches of Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs Indeed, Zilda's derriere was on display in the G-string style suit, highlighting her plump rump. The star was seen taking selfies whilst soaking wet as the waves from the ocean splashed into the pool. After the event, Zilda revealed on her Instagram story that the water had ruined her phone. 'Nek minute...stupid phone is broken,' she told her fans. She's the Kiwi model who's taking the fashion world by storm. And as Georgia Fowler's modelling career continues to flourish, with the beauty having recently walked the Victoria's Secret runway in Paris, she took time out to relax in Australia this week. The 24-year-old showed off her trim pins and statuesque frame in a bikini snap shared to Instagram on Monday. Scroll down for video Stunning: As Georgia Fowler's modelling career continues to flourish, with the beauty having recently walked the Victoria's Secret runway in Paris, she took time out to relax in Australia on Monday While it is unclear where in Australia the model was holidaying, fans suspected she may have been in the outback due to the swampy bush-like surroundings. 'We come from a land down under,' she captioned the revealing photo - referencing Men At Work's classic track. The brunette beauty, who was discovered at age 12, sported khaki-cloured swimwear as she beamed for the camera with her hands running through her wet mane. Kicking goals! Victoria's Secret Bombshell Georgia recently achieved a major career milestone as she was announced as the new face of Portmans fashion. 'Its always been one of my big goals to be the face of an Australian brand.' She said She has spent recent weeks holidaying in her native New Zealand and once admitted that living in New York makes her miss the greenery and beaches of her homeland. '[I miss] The beach! And family. I really love being by nature,' she once told Harper's Bazaar. 'I used to go home every couple of months, bbut I haven't been home all year, so I cannot wait to go home for the holidays.' Perfect Fit! The beaming 24-year-old said the move was 'A perfect fit. Its young but its still about a woman who is driven and career-focused' As Georgia continues to make quite an impact on the international modelling scene, the New York-based beauty was recently announced as the new face of Portmans fashion closer to home. She'll replace fellow Australian Victoria's Secret Model Jess Hart. She opened up to The Daily Telegraph about the major announcement. Down to earth! Portmans' General Marketing Manager Dianne Young lauded Georgia's 'down-to-Earth spirit, inner beauty, sense of humour and incredible personal style.' 'I think this is a perfect fit. Its young but its still about a woman who is driven and career-focused,' she said. 'Its always been one of my big goals to be the face of an Australian brand.' Portmans' General Marketing Manager Dianne Young lauded Georgia's 'down-to-Earth spirit, inner beauty, sense of humour and incredible personal style.' Georgia has built up a sizable online following, regularly flaunting her slender frame and jaw-dropping bikini body in scantily clad outfits. In a recent Instagram post, the model exposed her ample cleavage and slender frame, wearing nothing but a tiny pink bikini. Her lithe, tanned legs were stretched out in front of her as she painted on the porch. Bikini Babe! Georgia has built up a sizable online following. In a recent Instagram post, the Australian model exposed her ample cleavage and slender frame, wearing nothing but a tiny pink bikini Too busy! Despite being pictured partying with Hollywood elite, including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Harry Styles, the runway star admitted she was 'too busy' for a relationship right now. Despite being pictured partying with Hollywood elite, including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Harry Styles, the runway star told The Daily Telegraph she was 'too busy' for a relationship right now. In addition to making her debut for the lingerie giant last month, the former Australia's Next Top Model winner launched a swimwear line with her sister last year. Portmans is a prominent Australian and New Zealand-based clothing label that targets the teen girl market. Their outfits are typically modest in price and could be considered part of the 'budget' category. The new Spiderman actor Tom Holland receives his first EVER nomination in the EE Rising Stars category with Lucas Hedges and Ruth Negga Tom Hanks and his film Sully were snubbed, despite recognition at the Critics' Choice Awards US fashion designer Tom Ford is nominated for not just one but two Baftas, notably his first ever in the Best Director category for Nocturnal Animals Chased only by Nocturnal Animals and Arrival with nine nods each, the latter film's Leading Actress Amy Adams is also recognised in the Leading Actor, Leading Actress, Best Director and Original Screenplay categories, Damien Chazelle's film leads the way Nominations for the 2017 BAFTAs see La La Land recognised in a whopping 11 categories, this year. Amy Adams' two films Nocturnal Animals and Arrival are the closest competitors with nine apiece, and she will face her own battle in the category for Leading Actress for the latter, against Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman. But it's La La Land's high-commended stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling that head up the Leading Actress and Leading Actor categories, following their Golden Globe awards triumph, this weekend. Scroll down for video Ruling the roost: La La Land leads this year's EE British Academy Film Awards Hosted by Stephen Fry, this year's EE British Academy Film Awards will take place on Sunday 12 February at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Game Of Thrones actress Sophie Turner, along with fellow actor Dominic Cooper, jetted straight in from Los Angeles' Golden Globe awards to make the BAFTA announcement at 195 Piccadilly in London on Tuesday morning. Though La La Land continues to be the success story of awards season, Best Film nods also go to Arrival, I, Daniel Blake, Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight. While Manchester By The Sea receives more nods overall, I, Daniel Blake scooped the highest prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival, the prestigious Palme d'Or. In the Leading Actor category, Ryan could still be beaten by Casey Affleck, Jake Gyllenhaal, Andrew Garfield and Viggo Mortensen. This weekend, Andrew was responsible for one of the most notably moments of the Golden Globes, when he was beaten to the award by Ryan and sought consolation in Ryan Reynolds with a kiss. Our leading lady: Meryl Streep (left) along with Hugh Grant (right) go up for Florence Foster Jenkins in the categories of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor A perfect portrayal: Natalie Portman's part in Jackie sees her compete for Leading Actress Notably, the actor who will supersede Andrew Garfield as Spiderman in 2017, Tom Holland, is also put forward in the EE Rising Star award, this year. The males recognised in the Best Supporting Actor category this year include, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Dev Patel, Jeff Bridges and Mahershala Ali. Largely considered the breakout performance of the year, Mahershala's snub at this weekend's Golden Globes sparked an outcry from fans of his film Moonlight. Can she do it again? After the success of this weekend's Golden Globes, can Emma Stone do it again? Strong competition: Natalie Portman (left) faces Amy Adams (right) feature in this year's top films Taking a stand: Meryl made headlines for a lot of different reason this weekend, when she made a speech about Donald Trump Leading men: (From left) Andrew Garfield, Casey Affleck and Viggo Mortensen are all facing Ryan in the top men's category for Best Actor The one to beat: But Ryan Gosling is the one to beat in the Best Actor department, following his Golden Globe this weekend In the same category, Hugh Grant also follows Meryl's lead with a nod for their film Florence Foster Jenkins, in which he plays St Clair Bayfield, the man tasked with helping a New York heiress to realise her dreams of becoming an opera singer. Just like Dev is recognised for the film Lion, a Best Supporting Actress nod goes to his co-star Nicole Kidman. Lion is a film about a five-year-old Indian boy who gets lost on the streets of Calcutta. He is adopted by a couple in Australia; 25 years later and sets out to find his long-lost family. Best Film? Arrival also received nine nods in the BAFTA nominations, while actress Amy Adams could be made Leading Actress Putting up a fight: Andrew Garfield will take on Ryan Gosling again, for Best Actor in Hackshaw Ridge Strong competition: Michelle Williams has been put forward for her part in Manchester By The Sea Nicole faces competition in the category from Michelle Williams and Viola Davies as well as British stars Hayley Squires and Naomie Harris. In the Original Screenplay category, Hell Or High Water, I, Daniel Blake, La La Land, Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight are nominated. This year's EE Rising Star award nominations - announced last week and voted for by the public - go to Laia Costa, Lucas Hedges, Ruth Negga and Anya Taylor-Joy. Making the announcement: The announcement was made in London on Tuesday morning, by Game Of Thrones actress Sophie Turner An honour: Sophie and fellow actor Dominic Cooper returned from the Golden Globes for the duty Last year, it was won by John Boyega for his part in Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. Adapted Screenplay recognises Arrival, Hacksaw Ridge, Hidden Figures, Lion and Nocturnal Animals. With that, Nocturnal Animals' director Tom Ford receives his first ever BAFTA nomination in the category of Best Director. Originally a fashion designer previously serving as creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, Tom has his own eponymous label. Powerful drama: Dev Patel gets a nod for his part in Lion Gripping: Nicole Kidman put in a noteworthy performance in Lion, too The film, which stars BAFTA-nominated Jake and Aaron, is about a wealthy art gallery owner who is haunted by her ex-husband's violent thriller novel, which she interprets as a symbolic revenge tale. While she is recognised for her part in Arrival, leading actress Amy Adams was not put forward for her role in Tom Ford's film. His 2009 film, A Single Man, was Oscar-nominated, while the actor Colin Firth previously took the BAFTA for the same film that year. However Tom's will be a tough category to triumph in, thanks to La La Land's Damien Chazelle as well as fellow nominees Denis Villeneuve, Ken Loach and Kenneth Lonergan. Nominated: Ruth Negga receives her first EVER nomination in the EE Rising Stars category Snubbed: Tom Hanks and his work in the film Sully were not put forward for a BAFTA American Honey, Denial, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, I, Daniel Blake and Under The Shadow all compete for Outstanding British Film. Winners are chosen by Bafta's 6,500 members, except for the EE Rising Star Award, which is voted for by the public. The nominations list was a triumph for BBC Films, whose projects received 10 nominations overall. I, Daniel Blake received five nominations, Florence Foster Jenkins received four and Denial received one. But Hollywood's big flick La La Land will be the one to watch this year, if its string of success is anything to go by. It will rule the roost: This weekend, La La Land won a record-breaking seven Golden Globes According to Betfair, the odds are on for the Best Film (1/4 hot favourite), Best Director (1/8) and Leading Actress categories (8/13). However, Casey Affleck has a 1/4 chance of beating Ryan Gosling, who is 4/1, to the Lead Actor BAFTA. At the weekend, the film swept the Golden Globe Awards with a record-breaking seven awards for Best Original Score Motion Picture, Best Original Song Motion Picture categories, Best Screenplay Motion Picture and Best Director Motion Picture. The two leading stars each accepted the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy while the musical as a whole took the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy award for a clean sweep of seven gongs. It follows their success at this year's Critics' Choice Awards, in which it won eight of the 12 awards that it was put forward for. The big hitters: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling follow up their Golden Globe awards this weekend with nods for Best Actor and Best Actress at this year's Baftas They're one of Hollywood's greatest power couples - and George and Amal Clooney joined forces on Monday night at the screening of The White Helmets. The real-life movie, available on Netflix, shows the effects of daily airstrikes as they pound civilian targets in Syria, while a group of indomitable first responders risk their lives to rescue victims from the rubble. George, 55, and Amal, 38, support the film and arrived at the event at London's Bvlgari hotel to support the cause. Scroll down for video Power couple: Amal Clooney wore a pretty floral mini as she cosied up to husband George... at The White Helmets screening at the Bvlgari hotel on Monday night Amal looked incredible, dressed in a beautiful floral mini dress for the occasion, with black tights and black heeled boots. She wore her locks in loose curls as she cosied up to her movie star husband, who was suited and booted. Talking at a reception after the screening, George said on freedom of press: 'In the United States, in our Constitution, it doesn't guarantee political parties, it doesn't guarantee much, it doesn't guarantee journalism... Important issue: The couple were supporting Netflix movie, The White Helmet, which shows the effects of daily airstrikes as they pound civilian targets in Syria, while a group of indomitable first responders risk their lives to rescue victims from the rubble Iconic: Amal (right) looked incredible, dressed in a beautiful floral mini dress for the occasion, with black tights and black heeled boots as she joined the director Orlando von Einsiedel (left) Looking good: She wore her locks in loose curls as she cosied up to her movie star husband, who was suited and booted '[President] Jefferson talked about whether [he would choose] a government without free press or a free press without a government, he'd take a free press without a government. It was that important. It is the Fourth Estate for a reason. 'It watches over these other branches... The reality is that bad things happen when you have the lights turned off. You have to have the lights on. You have to be able to see what's going on, and if you can't... 'All around the world, you turn the lights out and you don't see what's happening - that's what the bad guys want. They want to be able to act when you can't see. Talking at a reception after the screening, George said on freedom of press: 'In the United States, in our Constitution, it doesn't guarantee political parties, it doesn't guarantee much, it doesn't guarantee journalism...' 'When you turn the lights on and you put the camera out there and you get in the faces of all of this and show what it really is and show that these are human beings, these aren't just names and numbers and statistics. 'These are actual human beings who are suffering and living and surviving and caring for one another. 'Then what you're doing is spectacular and is so important and is the frontline of what we all consider the most important job in the world. So thank you for what you do.' The movie, directed by Orlando von Einsiedel is out now. Style sorted: Vogue's Editor-In-Chief Alexandra Shulman and producer of the film Joanna Natasegara were also present She's been enjoying an intense, passion-filled romance with The Bachelor's Richie Strahan. And Alex Nation took to Instagram on Tuesday, sharing a snap with her 31-year-old beau, as they prepared to go on an outdoor adventure. The 25-year-old was seen getting her safety ropes fitted by Richie, prior to going abseiling. Scroll down for video All strapped up! The Bachelor's Alex Nation (R) 25, took to Instagram on Tuesday, sharing a snap that saw her having her safety ropes fitted by beau Richie Strahan, 31, prior to going abseiling Alex captioned the black and white image playfully. 'Just making sure I'm safe,' she wrote, alongside the hashtag #ichooselife. The snap shared with Alex's 106,000 Instagram followers, saw the single mother and Richie, sporting casual clothing, prior to going abseiling. Rope access technician Richie, was a gentleman, ensuring Alex had her safety equipment fitted first. Life's a beach! The post comes just days after Alex flaunted her flawless bikini body at Coral Bay in Western Australia, enjoying a sun-soaked getaway with Richie The post comes just days after Alex flaunted her flawless bikini body at Coral Bay in Western Australia, enjoying a sun-soaked getaway with Richie. Several snaps shared to Instagram saw the Melbourne-based personality revealing her taut torso, pert derriere and trim pins in a bronze G-string bikini. One particular image saw Alex standing in crystal waters, raising her slender arms in the air, and looking a picture of content. The blonde beauty's short locks swept effortlessly in the breeze, while a pair of aviator sunglasses concealed her eyes. Racy: Another image shared to Alex's Instagram saw the Channel Ten star positioning herself on a nautical-themed beach towel, and giving the camera a good look at her pert derriere and enviably toned legs in the same bronze G-string bikini Other images shared to Alex's Instagram saw the blonde beauty leaving very little to the imagination. Positioning herself on a nautical-themed beach towel, Alex gave the camera a good look at her pert derriere and enviably toned legs in the same bronze G-string bikini. While another snap saw the Channel Ten reality star holding onto Richie's hand, as she led her beau into shallow water. I've got you! Another image saw Alex holding onto Richie's hand, as she led her beau into shallow water Alex and Richie are in his home state, after they spent Christmas apart. But it appears Alex has been reunited with her son Elijah, six, who spent New Year with his father. A precious snap shared to Instagram earlier in the week by Alex, saw the youngster enjoying an ice cream with his cousins. 'Just a couple of cousins enjoying some Mr Whippy,' the proud mother captioned the photo. Loved-up: Alex and Richie are in his home state, after they spent Christmas apart She's swiftly become a regular on the celebrity circuit of high-end parties. And after enjoying a night out at a Golden Globes afterparty Sofia Richie took to pampering herself. The 18-year-old was spotted at a salon in Beverly Hills getting her nails done before running some errands in the posh neighbourhood. Feel good first! Sofia Richie was spotted at a salon in Beverly Hills getting her nails done before running some errands in the posh neighbourhood Richie wore a shirt that said 'play dirty' and some loose jeans before swapping the top for a white tank and cardigan. Just the night before she was seen partying with Paris Jackson at the InStyle post-Golden Globe party in Beverly Hills. The daughters of Hollywood legends embraced and kissed on the carpet prior to entering the star-studded party that was hosting the likes of Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, and Maria Menounos. Nailed it! The star made sure to wait for her toes to dry before lacing up her shoes We know how she plays! Richie wore a shirt that said 'play dirty' and some loose jeans before swapping the top for a white tank and cardigan Making her way: The budding model then walked back to her car in the fading light Michael Jackson's daughter wore a black lace and sheer floral dress that featured cut outs and showed off her thin waist. The sleeveless number allowed for full view of her ample body etchings, which include a tattoo of her late father's Dangerous album cover art. Her lightened tresses were cut into their asymmetrical bob and blown out into a trendy, tousled style. She opted for light, natural make up with a nude lip. Reunited: Sunday, 18-year-olds Paris Jackson and Sofia reunited at the Warner Bros. Pictures and InStyle post-Golden Globe party in Beverly Hills A bit of eyeliner enhanced her striking blue eyes. Meanwhile her gal pal Richie wore an blue slinky midi dress with a black leather belt to cinch in her tiny waist. She accessorized with plenty of Cartier bracelets and several rings. For footwear, she wore strappy black heeled sandals. Flashy: She accessorized with plenty of Cartier bracelets and several rings Last year, the theme was underwater. The annual after party is going on its 18th year of gathering celebs. Each year, the theme is different. In September, Paris took to Instagram to defend Sofia when Beliebers attacked her for dating Justin Bieber. She said: 'Fking Justin Bieber went to a downward spiral because everybody that he dates gets so much hate. 'I have known his girlfriend Sofia since I was 12 or 13. 'Shes one of the sweetest girls in the world and people are telling her to kill herself.' She's the actress who has four children of her own. But Nicole Kidman appears to share a special connection with her on-screen son from her latest flick Lion. The 49-year-old actress shared a sweet moment with Dev Patel, 26, on Monday in Los Angeles as they attended a film screening and Q&A together. Scroll down for video Full of love! Nicole Kidman shares a sweet moment with Lion on-screen son Dev Patel as she cuddles up to him at film screening in Los Angeles on Monday The pair appeared comfortable with each other off-screen, as the happily posed together for the cameras with high-spirited smiles. Nicole placed her hands around Dev's shoulders for a warm embrace, to which the actor placed his hand around the small of her back in return. Later seen leaning on her co-star's shoulder, the duo sported pearly-white grins as Nicole closed her eyes to show her genuine affection for the rising star. Cuddles for her co-star! Later seen leaning on the actor's shoulder, the duo sported pearly-white grins as Nicole closed her eyes to show her genuine affection for the rising star Leading man: Lion is based on the true story and book A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley, to which the lead is played by Dev Nicole looked elegant in a high-neck black turtleneck T-shirt, black trousers and a long grey coat. The Hollywood actress wore her blonde bunched ringlets in a messy-but-chic updo, with a flawless complexion of makeup applied for the media appearance. Dev meanwhile, rocking his longer hair, beard and moustache, looked more relaxed in a blue jeans, a black T-shirt and a black jacket with faux fur around the collar. Lion is based on the true story and book A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley, played by Dev. Arriving in style: The pair cut casual figures in warm attire, while Nicole wore her blonde bunched ringlets in a messy-but-chic updo Sharing her fondness for the cast and crew who she worked alongside on the incredible true story production, Nicole was seen hugging the director Garth Davis. They were in Los Angeles to conduct a Q&A session for the film, in which Nicole plays Dev's (Saroo's) adoptive mother Sue Brierley. The story retells the tale of a boy who was lost from his birth mother at the age of five and was adopted by an Australian family, and begins his search for his long-lost family using Google Earth. Sharing the love: Nicole clearly had a fondness for the cast and crew she worked alongside on the incredible true story production, as she was also seen hugging the director Garth Davis All laughs: The Lion cast and crew were in high spirits at the film screening and Q&A, despite not walking away with any Golden Globe Awards this year for the flick Lion was nominated for four separate Golden Globe Awards, but was unsuccessful in claiming a win. Nicole was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as mother Sue Brierley, but the title was awarded to Viola Davis for her role in Fences. The film will hit Australian cinemas from January 19, 2017. She stars alongside Charlie Sheen in the actor's big movie comeback following his high-profile HIV diagnosis. And Naya Rivera, 29, put on a stunning display as she attended the Mad Families premiere party at Catch LA on Monday night. The Glee actress showed off her slender pins in a high-waisted sheer skirt with elaborate silver detailing. Scroll down for video Sheer delight: Naya Rivera, 29, put on a stunning display as she attended the Mad Families premiere party at Catch LA on Monday night She combined the item with a black bodysuit, matching stilettos, and a $225 House of CB 'Sable' faux fur maxi-coat. Continuing with the dark theme, she carried her essentials in a black clutch and decorated her nails with black polish. The beauty wore her luscious brunette tresses in loose waves with a sweeping fringe covering one eye. Leggy display: The Glee actress - rocking a a $225 House of CB 'Sable' faux fur maxi-coat - showed off her slender pins in a high-waisted sheer skirt with elaborate silver detailing Gal pals: Naya posed with co-star Charlotte McKinney, who looked hot in a black bardot minidress Naya's large chestnut peepers were decorated with lashings of mascara and she gave her plump pout a slick of peachy lipstick. She joined her co-star Charlotte McKinney, 23, who looked great in a black bardot minidress. The busty star smouldered as she gazed into the camera, while Naya placed an arm around her. Dressed to impress: The beauty wore her luscious brunette tresses in loose waves with a sweeping fringe covering one eye Crowdpleaser: Naya signed autographs for her fans The film follows three families, one Hispanic, another black and the other white, who end up feuding when it turns out they have all booked the same camping space over the Fourth of July weekend. Sheen sticks to what he is good at in the film, which he also executive produces, playing a rather grumpy, man-child. It was written by comedian David Spade and Fred Wolf, with the latter directing. The film will be released on Sony's Crackle streaming service. Making an entrance: Naya stepped out of her vehicle looking every inch the glamorous star Following her success as a model she's branched out into the world of acting. And Charlotte McKinney looked every inch the Hollywood siren as she saschayed into the Mad Families bash in Los Angeles, on Monday evening. Arriving at the bash at Catch in West Hollywood, the 23-year-old actress looked sensational as she showcased her phenomenal figure in a skintight black mini dress. Scroll down for video Back in black: Charlotte McKinney looked every inch the Hollywood siren as she saschayed into the Mad Families bash in Los Angeles, on Monday evening Charlotte, who stars in the forth-coming flick alongside Charlie Sheen and Leah Remini, stole the show on arrival. Slipping her model figure into a saucy wraparound number, the Baywatch star ensured that every eye was on her. Featuring a bardot neckline and a thigh-grazing hemline, the LBD allowed the model to flash plenty of flesh. Eye-Catch-ing style: Arriving at the bash at Catch in West Hollywood, the 23-year-old actress looked sensational as she showcased her phenomenal figure in a skintight black mini dress Sizzling: Charlotte, who stars in the forth-coming flick alongside Charlie Sheen and Leah Remini, stole the show on arrival in a saucy wraparound number Teaming the dress with a pair of strappy black stilettos, Charlotte ensured that her lithe legs were defined and highlighted. Not wishing to detract from the overall stylish shock-and-awe theme she was cultivating, the blonde bombshell kept her accessories to a minimum. Adding a pair of dangling silver earrings and a sparkling ring to the mix, the Florida-born beauty ensured that she had an adequate amount of bling for the bash. Showing some skin: Featuring a bardot neckline and a thigh-grazing hemline, the LBD allowed the model to flash plenty of flesh Blonde bomshell: Wearing her long golden locks styled into an elegant ponytail, the billboard stunner ensured her famous features were firmly in the limelight Wearing her long golden locks styled into an elegant ponytail, the billboard stunner ensured her famous features were firmly in the limelight. Opting for a pale and natural palette of make-up, the former Esquire pin-up allowed her natural looks to come to the fore. Charlotte stars alongside Hollywood bad-boy Charlie, 51, and Leah, 46, in the new comedy flick. Joining the A-List? Charlotte stars alongside Hollywood bad-boy Charlie Sheen, 51 (pictured, and Leah Remini, 46, in the new comedy flick Chic co-stars: Charlotte was given a run for her money in the saucy sartorial stakes by Leah, who arrived in a black body and sheer maxi skirt From the catwalk to the movies: Also on hand to celebrate was catwalk queen Chanel Iman, who has also landed a role in the movie The plot sees three families compete for a camping spot during a busy Fourth of July holiday weekend - with all the laughs coming from the ensuing fallout. Cuddling up to her co-stars Leah and Charlie, Charlotte was all smiles as the cast celebrated. Also on hand to celebrate was catwalk queen Chanel Iman, who has also landed a role in the movie. BFFs? The two models cosied up at the bash, and looked to have formed a firm friendship whilst shooting the movie Silver siren: Chanel looked chic and sensational in a floor-length silver gown and robe Big hugs: Chanel gave her co-star Charlie a huge hug upon arrival at the bash Shes the pageant queen-turned-runway model who is currently acting as the Moet & Chandon ambassador for horse-racing event Magic Millions. And Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell) looked every inch the model spokeswoman as she stormed the red carpet at Magic Millions' launch party in Surfers Paradise on Tuesday. The 25-year-old brunette was dressed to the nines in a billowing dress in white silk with a halter neckline and waist belt. Scroll down for video All white on the night! Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell), 25, looked every inch the model spokeswoman as she stormed the red carpet at Magic Millions' launch party in Surfers Paradise on Tuesday. She adorned her ensemble with a pair of long gold earrings and her weighty engagement ring, which she received from her husband Buddy Franklin. She also added an edgy twist to her otherwise angelic look by painting her nails black. Ahead of the Magic Millions, Jesinta revealed her race day do's and don't's this week in a Facebook Live interview with Vogue Australia. On cloud nine! The brunette was dressed to the nines in a billowing dress in white silk with a halter neckline and waist belt Speaking on the topic appropriate attire for the event, the style maven said: 'Making sure you have really comfortable footwear is really important.' 'I always make sure I've worn my shoes before, so I never wear a new pair of shoes to the races because it's a long day on your feet.' She finished: 'I always say to women that you don't want to be that girl leaving the race course with your shoes in your hand. It's never a good look!' Details: She also added an edgy twist to her otherwise angelic look by painting her nails black Bling: She adorned her ensemble with a pair of long gold earrings and her weighty engagement ring, which she received from her husband Buddy Franklin Jesinta also said that it was important for ladies to think of their outfit 'as a whole,' to ensure that their headpiece matches their clutch, and their clutch matches their dress, and so and so forth. The Olay ambassador then dished out some tips on makeup. 'You've got to remember that it's a daytime event and that you're not going to a nightclub,' she thoughtfully explained. 'You often see girls rock up with a full face of makeup and their hair hairsprayed to the nines, and it's all a bit much.' Jesinta finished by advising anybody drinking at the event to 'pace yourself' and to eat before arriving at the track. Take note! Ahead of the Magic Millions, Jestina revealed her race day do's and don't's this week in a Facebook Live interview with Vogue Australia She became single once again after splitting from poet Ian McAllister in October last year after just two months of dating. And Brynne Edelsten, 33, hasn't wasted time getting back on the horse, having this week confirmed that she has re-joined Tinder in search of her prince charming. 'I love the idea of being with someone and am open to dating and meeting new people but I am cautious about falling into any relationship too soon,' she told Daily Mail Australia this week. Scroll down for video She's back! Brynne Edelsten, 33, has confirmed that she has re-joined Tinder in search of her prince charming The former wife of eccentric millionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, 73, also revealed her updated Tinder profile picture with a raunchy image of herself squirting water onto her bikini-clad bust as she sits on the beach. Her return to Tinder comes months after Brynne claimed she wanted to remain single following her split from Ian McAllister. Appearing on the Today show in October, she said: 'I am happy I actually want to stay single for a while now.' She made her first appearance on Tinder in 2016, one year after splitting from Cemre. She was previously linked to bodybuilder Cemre Volkan, also known as Big Red Ra. She made her first appearance on Tinder in April 2016, one year after splitting from Cemre, but deactivated the app in August after moving in with Ian. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about her foray into the world of online dating last year, Brynne's representative said: 'Yes, that's Brynne's Tinder account. She's a single girl and like lots of single girls she's just exploring her options.' Claim to fame: Brynne enjoyed a five-year marriage to eccentric millionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, 73 Former flame: She was previously linked to bodybuilder Cemre Volkan, also known as Big Red Ra She started her romance with Ian some months later, appearing at several red carpet events with her beau before they called it quits. Brynne also enjoyed a very brief romance with controversial ex-sportsman Shane Warne in May last year. Leaked raunchy texts between Brynne and Shane revealed their plans to meet up for a 'night cap', with Shane even telling Brynne that he couldn't wait to 'devour' her. Trials and tribulations of dating: Appearing on the Today show in October, she said: 'I am happy I actually want to stay single for a while now' Moving on: She made her first appearance on Tinder in April 2016, one year after splitting from Cemre, but deactivated the app in August after moving in with Ian (pictured) Rumours are swirling that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is expecting her first child. And the model, 29, did little to quash speculation as she arrived at an M&S business meeting in London covering her stomach on Tuesday. The beauty wore a chic cream trench coat which she held closed as she sauntered along the street. Scroll down for video Expecting? Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 29, did little to quash pregnancy rumours as she arrived at an M&S business meeting in London covering her stomach Underneath the stylish piece, she sported an all-black ensemble including a pair of heeled boots. She wore her golden locks tightly scraped back and covered her eyes with oversized black shades. Rosie wore a pair of dangly, star-shaped earrings and covered her lips with a pink gloss. Style queen: The beauty wore a chic cream trench coat which she held closed as she sauntered along the street Flawlessly styled as ever, Rosie finished her looked with a large black leather handbag. Talk of a pregnancy began last week when Rosie posted a picture of herself in a poncho posing wistfully with a horse and told her seven million Instagram followers: 'Here's to fresh starts and exciting prospects for the year', fans were left wondering if the M&S model was hinting that she is expecting. The Mail On Sunday Diary Editor Charlotte Griffiths wrote just days ago how sources had confirmed to her that Rosie is indeed pregnant and that she has been calling in clothes to suit her changing figure. Model material: She wore her golden locks tightly scraped back and covered her eyes with oversized black shades Helping hand: Rosie was accompanied by a male assistant Keen horsewoman Rosie has dated actor Jason Statham, 49, on and off for six years, and they became engaged last January. Rosie's agent previously declined to comment on the rumours. The Devon-born model, who already has a successful lingerie and beauty line for M&S, has curated a 14-piece activewear range for those on a health kick. Her new collection apparently features more technical and high intensity work out pieces. Rosie says that she has used specific fabric for increased performance and confidence and designed the new range, which is priced between 22.50 and 65, 'with femininity in mind.' She won the hearts of Australia after beating all odds to create history as the first ever female winner of the the Melbourne Cup in 2015. So it's no wonder Michelle Payne was given a red carpet entrance at the Magic Millions horse racing carnival party in Surfers Paradise this Tuesday. The jockey cut a sophisticated figure as she posed in a strapless sundress printed with a black and grey lace design. Scroll down for video Chic: Michelle Payne cut a sophisticated figure as she posed in a strapless sundress printed with a black and grey lace design at the Magic Millions horse racing carnival party in Surfers Paradise this Tuesday Tying her hair into a sleek up-style, the brunette beauty completed her look with a pair of Art Deco-inspired heels and a futuristic-looking clutch bag with unusual metal strap detailing. Michelle recently returned to the track after a hefty stint recovering from an injury suffered in May last year. Now, ahead of her appearance at the 2017 Melbourne Cup, Michelle is seeking to impress Sheikh Mohammed, whose horse Qewy is a decent chance of a Cup start Classic yet quirky: Tying her hair into a sleek up-style, the brunette beauty completed her look with a pair of Art Deco-inspired heels and a futuristic-looking clutch bag with unusual metal strap detailing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and a keen equestrian, and is also the founder of the reputable Godolphin racing stable. His family value as reported by Forbes in 2013 was a staggering $48.5 billion. Michelle's manager Phillip Roost said that while Payne was not a front-runner to secure a spot with Qewy, her performance was certainly peaking at the ideal time. Jumping back on the horse! Ahead of her appearance at the 2017 Melbourne Cup, Michelle is seeking to impress Sheikh Mohammed, whose horse Qewy is a decent chance of a Cup start 'She has ridden a few winners recently and she is hitting form at the right time,' Roost told the Daily Telegraph. 'If she doesn't ride in the Cup this year it's not the end of the world,' said Roost. 'But if she got on Qewy that would be great and the hat is in the ring.' They're the globe-trotting bikini bloggers, who are known for their seemingly-glamorous lifestyles. So it came as no surprise to see Tash Oakley and Devin Brugman flaunting their flawless bikini bodies on a yacht while holidaying in Anguilla this week. Sporting a plunging white one-piece swimsuit, Tash, 25, showed off her womanly curves as she beamed alongside her bikini-clad pals. Scroll down for video Holiday mode: Bikini bloggers Tash Oakley and Devin Brugman showed off their flawless bikini bodies on a yacht while holidaying in Anguilla this week Her American business partner Devin, 25, flaunted her slender frame in a black two-piece against an ocean backdrop. 'High jump masters @tashoakley @songofstyle #anguilla,' the brunette beauty captioned the Instagram snap on Wednesday. In another snap, Tash, Devin and another gal pal were pictured jumping off a luxury yacht into crystal clear Caribbean waters. Having a ball: In another snap, Tash, Devin and another gal pal were pictured jumping off a luxury yacht into crystal clear Caribbean waters 'If you jump I jump remember? @tashoakley @songofstyle #REVOLVEaroundtheworld,' she wrote. Earlier in the day, Tash shared a similar group shot and encouraged her followers to smile more. 'The most beautiful curve on a woman's body is her smile Love these ladies,' Tash captioned. Double trouble! Tash touched down in Saint Barthelemy last week alongside her best friend and business partner Devin, before promptly flaunting her travels on Instagram with this festive snap 'I think that everyone is doing that': Last year, Tash shocked fans by revealing that she airbrushes her social media snaps, most of which picture the bronzed beach-bunny posing provocatively in barely-there swimwear The vacation snaps come weeks after Tash shocked fans by revealing that she airbrushes her social media snaps, most of which picture the bronzed beach-bunny posing provocatively in barely-there swimwear. 'I think that everyone is doing that (retouching) because of what they see in the media,' she told The Daily Telegraph. 'I think with the general population are just trying to follow exactly what they see with pictures being edited'. She also admitted that she feels pressure to look good all the time but is adamant her aim to look good is more for herself than anyone else. For herself: She also admitted that she feels pressure to look good all the time but is adamant her aim to look good is more for herself than anyone else Doctored images: Tash's photos are gazed upon by some 1.8 million Instagram fans, many of whom are young girls who aspire to look just like her 'I feel it - I'm a human and a natural curvy woman! 'But for me, it's really more about feeling good in myself, and healthy and fit,' she noted. Tash's photos are gazed upon by some 1.8 million Instagram fans, many of whom are young girls who aspire to look just like her. In October last year, unflattering paparazzi snaps of Tash at the beach surfaced online, prompting many fans to question whether her Instagram-worthy physique was genuine. Rather than owning up to doctoring her images, Tash claimed she was 'proud' of her body and that 'I pose in swimwear everyday of my life so I know my angles.' Controversy: After candid images of the star looking much different to her social media snaps emerged online, the beauty was forced to admit that she does retouch her images They share an ex in notorious love rat Spencer Matthews - but that fact didn't seem to create a sisterly bond between Stephanie Pratt and Vicky Pattison, this week. The reality stars appeared to clash during an episode of E4's Virtually Famous when outspoken Vicky branded Stephanie's sister-in-law Heidi Montag 'a moron'. Vicky's awkward outburst left Made In Chelsea's Stephanie visibly aghast and ultimately speechless, in a clip released to MailOnline on Tuesday. Scroll down for video Aghast: Stephanie Pratt was very unimpressed by Vicky Pattison's comments about sister-in-law Heidi Montag on this week's Virtually Famous 'Isn't she just a bit of a moron?' asked Vicky, cringing as soon as another co-panellist interjected, 'Hang on, that's her family?' 'What? They're not married are they?' she asked to which an open-mouthed Stephanie exclaimed: 'Yeah... for, like, 10 years.' Stephanie's brother Spencer and his wife Heidi, who famously starred together in MTV reality show The Hills, married in 2009. Mean: Vicky quickly realised that her comments were a little out of line Joining the show: Stephanie is one of this week's Virtually Famous guests on E4 Awkward: Vicky and Stephanie share a history with Made In Chelsea's Spencer Matthews (right) but it didn't create any camaraderie between the two feisty females They are now featuring on British reality TV for a second time, as they return to Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, three years after their 2013 stint. Probed about their current appearance, Stephanie told Virtually Famous presenters: 'It's killing me - I want to go and knock on those mirrors so badly.' 'I've been watching but he hasn't done anything yet,' she said, before the panel launched into a debate about his wife Heidi. Moron? Vicky called Heidi (right) a moron, without realising that Stephanie's brother Spencer Pratt married her in 2009 She's family: Heidi and Spencer famously starred alongside Stephanie on The Hills Stephanie has had a famously tumultuous relationship with her brother Spencer over the years. But she also fell out with his wife Heidi when she threatened to sabotage Stephanie's relationship with best friend Lauren Conrad in The Hills. As part of the storyline, Stephanie's first ever scene on the show saw her defending her brother's honour in a fight with Lauren and Brody Jenner. Meanwhile, Stephanie and Vicky have both previously dated the same Made In Chelsea Lothario. Vicky shared a fleeting affair with Spencer after I'm A Celebrity in 2016, while Stephanie and Spencer enjoyed an on-again/off-again romance in 2013. Virtually Famous airs at 10pm, January 10, 2017 on E4. Throwback: Heidi (right) starred alongside Stephanie in MTV reality show The Hills, wherein her fall out with Lauren Conrad (left) threatened her bond with sister-in-law Steph On Monday night, Tony Awards-hosting veteran Neil Patrick Harris and onetime host James Corden faced each other down for a cracking 'Broadway Riff-Off.' Unfortunately, the contest, which occurred on The Late Late Show With James Corden, did lead to a wardrobe disaster. After the ad break, the 43-year-old admitted that when he'd knelt to sing Sugar Daddy from Hedwig And The Angry Inch, 'I had a nice wardrobe malfunction, split my pants from my a** to my knee and I left it all on the stage for you.' Scroll down for video Battle of the belters: On Monday night, Tony Awards-hosting veteran Neil Patrick Harris and onetime host James Corden faced each other down for a cracking 'Broadway Riff-Off' They began their competition when the How I Met Your Mother star - who's hosted the Tonys in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013 - strutted onstage, Corden feigning surprise. Though the chat-show host wanted to get into his 'brilliant bit of comedy about acronyms,' Harris vamped: 'We have a score to settle, and it's about Broadway.' As their banter heated up, the Gone Girl actor sniped: 'I see you going around, hosting the Tonys, acting like you're the only TV star who can sing show tunes.' Oops: After the ad break, the 43-year-old admitted that when he'd knelt to sing Sugar Daddy from Hedwig And The Angry Inch, 'I had a nice wardrobe malfunction, split my pants from my a** to my knee and I left it all on the stage for you' To ravening applause, he noted: 'Some of us, dude, have actually won a Tony' - in Harris' case, Best Leading Actor In A Musical for Hedwig And The Angry Inch in 2014. As Corden pointed out, 'I've also won a Tony Award myself,' snagging Best Actor In A Play for his leading performance in One Man, Two Guvnors in 2012. 'Yeah,' said Harris, 'for a non-singing role. BURN!' leaving the pair no other option to settle the score than what Corden called 'a Broadway musical riff-off.' Veteran: The Gone Girl star's hosted the Tonys in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013 (pictured) Accompanied by a six-man choir, the 38-year-old launched into Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat from Frank Loesser's 1950 score to Guys And Dolls. Harris responded with Everything's Coming Up Roses, the iconic first act closer from the 1959 musical Gypsy, modifying the line: 'Honey, everything's coming up roses for me and for you,' to: 'Corden, everything's coming up roses for me, not for you.' The Hillingdon native had to concede that 'clearly we can both sing the classics' - Harris: 'Yeah, one of us can' - but also insisted: 'Broadway ain't nothing unless you can sing a heartbreaking ballad.' Debut: The Gavin & Stacey star gave his debut as a Tonys host last June Perhaps slightly unfairly, Harris retorted by bursting into Being Alive, Stephen Sondheim's eleven o'clock number for the 1970 show Company. He'd had a bit of practice with the number, having sung it whilst playing the leading man, Bobby, in a 2011 concert version of Company at Avery Fisher Hall. Corden's response was On My Own from Les Miserables, which opened on Broadway in 1987. Inasmuch as Eponine, the character who sings it in the show, is a woman, the Gavin & Stacey star hadn't had much prior professional experience in the role. Giving his all: When the chat-show host sang On My Own from Les Miserables, he managed to hold one of his belt notes so long that Harris checked his watch and, afterward, fanned his eyes and admitted: 'All right, man, that was pretty' He still managed to hold one of his belt notes so long that Harris checked his watch and, afterward, fanned his eyes and admitted: 'All right, man, that was pretty.' Yet and still, Broadway, to him, is 'also about being sexy,' a challenge Corden decided to try and meet with All That Jazz, the opening number from 1975's Chicago. It was at that point that Harris veered into Sugar Daddy, unbuttoning his suit jacket, sinking to his knees and admirably concealing the tear that wound up resulting. Hand of support: Corden at one point capitulated: 'You've beat me,' and called himself 'a complete fraud,' to the point his opponent had to encourage him back into the ring Corden responded by capitulating: 'You've beat me,' and calling himself 'a complete fraud,' to the point his opponent had to encourage him back into the ring. The pair closed out their performance by performing a duet of My Shot from Hamilton, which swept the most recent Tony Awards last June - Corden's debut as host of the extravaganza. This year's Tony Awards will occur on June 11 at a currently unspecified venue, and with a currently unspecified host, in New York City. She was rumoured to have found love again after being spotted getting 'touchy feely' with hunky Josh Yentob on holiday in Miami over New Year. But Daisy Lowe is still single and 'too busy' for romance, a source close to the star exclusively told MailOnline. 'Daisy and Josh have been friends for years,' the insider said. 'They were introduced by a mutual friend from NYC and although Daisy thinks Josh is gorgeous, there is definitely no romance there.' Scroll down for video No new romance: Daisy Lowe, pictured last November, is not dating Josh Yentob The 27-year-old model, who impressed on Strictly Come Dancing with partner Aljaz Skorjanec last year, is too busy concentrating on her career to find time for a relationship. 'Daisy is busy rehearsing for the Strictly Come Dancing tour, and has some exciting fashion projects coming up following her return to the catwalk last weekend,' the source added. 'She is concentrating on her career at the moment.' Daisy, who strutted out onto on the catwalk at the Katie Eary show at London Fashion Week at the weekend, spent New Year's Day with Josh whilst on holiday in Miami. The pair were also seen enjoying each other's company at a beach bar. No love here: Daisy and Josh Yentob were pictured together in Miami over new year, fuelling rumours of a romance Daisy fell victim to the 'Strictly curse' in November after splitting with beau Bradley 'Frankie' Wade after just a few months of dating. Detailing the rehearsals, promotional commitments and appearances on spin-off It Takes Two, Daisy told The Sun it became impossible to sustain her relationship with the hunk. 'At the beginning, which is supposed to be the most joyful honeymoon period, I had nothing to give him, we could have coped with the pressure if we had been together for ages and had known all of the ins and outs of each other,' she said' Back on the runway: Daisy returned to the catwalk at the Katie Eary show at London Fashion Week at the weekend Daisy added that she had no personality at the end of a day of training at Strictly, coupled with the weekend performance and commitments to It Takes Two. She continued: 'Trying to start a new relationship at the same time was just too much. Strictly is the most intense thing Ive ever done, as well as the best.' Daisy said that couple - who dared for five months - were too early on in their relationship to love each other, anyway. 'Love didnt ever come into mine and Frankies relationship,' she went on. 'We never talked about it because we only dated for a few months. Strictly Come Dancing Live! kicks off on January 20 in Birmingham. A potentially embarrassing faux pas at the Golden Globes appeared to be forgotten on Tuesday afternoon as a rather weary looking Hugh Grant touched down in London. The dashing actor, 56, was joined by Swedish girlfriend Anna Eberstein as he made his way across Heathrow Airport following a lengthy flight from Los Angeles. Despite his obvious exhaustion Hugh was in a chipper mood while pushing a trolley laden with baggage through the arrivals lounge. Scroll down for video Welcome home: A potentially embarrassing faux pas at the Golden Globes appeared to be forgotten on Tuesday afternoon as a rather weary looking Hugh Grant touched down in London Sporting the same blazer and jeans he wore for his departure from LAX the previous day, the dishevelled star appeared to be tired and in need of sleep as he prepared for the journey home. Conversely TV producer Anna looked fresh and vibrant while walking alongside her boyfriend. The actor and his long-term partner were returning to the UK after he was mistakenly announced as a winner for Florence Foster Jenkins during a cringe-inducing slip on Sunday night. Long day: Sporting the same blazer and jeans he wore for his departure from LAX the previous day, the dishevelled star appeared to be tired and in need of sleep as he prepared for the journey home Upbeat: Despite his obvious exhaustion Hugh was in a chipper mood while pushing a trolley laden with baggage through the arrivals lounge In good company: Conversely TV producer girlfriend Anna Eberstein looked fresh and vibrant while walking alongside her boyfriend But Hugh appeared unruffled by the live gaffe as he joined Anna at LAX Airport on Monday. Looking dapper in a white shirt, the actor appeared to be in great spirits as he walked alongside his Swedish long-term partner. The Notting Hill star appeared to be having a whale of a time as he headed inside, dressed in a simple black blazer and suede lace-up brogues. Never mind: The actor and his long-term partner were returning to the UK after he was mistakenly announced as a winner for Florence Foster Jenkins during a cringe-inducing slip on Sunday night Meanwhile Anna, 37, opted for a dose of military chic with her slimline monochrome jacket, which perfectly nipped in her trim waist. Showcasing her endless lean legs, the actress rocked a pair of skintight black skinny jeans which she teamed with black ankle boots. Wearing her brunette hair in a glossy sleek style, her undone look was a far cry from the glamorous vibe of the red carpet just hours earlier. Feeling good: Cheery Hugh appeared unruffled by the gaffe as he joined his pretty girlfriend Anna as he strolled through LAX Airport on Monday Suave: Looking dapper in a white shirt, the 56-year-old actor appeared to be in great spirits as he walked alongside his Swedish long-term partner Casual: The Notting Hill star appeared to be having a whale of a time as he headed inside, dressed in a simple black blazer and suede lace-up brogues. Simply stylish: Meanwhile Anna, 37, opted for a dose of military chic with her slimline monochrome jacket, which perfectly nipped in her trim waist Hugh was put forward for the Best Actor in a Comedy award for his role in Florence Foster Jenkins - which he starred in alongside Meryl Streep. He lost out to Hollywood hunk Ryan Gosling, but before the winner was even revealed, he was introduced as a Golden Globes winner. After the first commercial break, the announcer said: 'Now a Golden Globe winner tonight for Florence Foster Jenkins, Hugh Grant,' creating confusion for viewers and guests at the bash at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Slip up: Hugh Grant was accidentally introduced as a Golden Globes winner - despite later losing the Best Actor in a Comedy gong to Ryan Gosling (pictured at the awards on Sunday) Legs for days: Showcasing her endless lean legs, the actress rocked a pair of skintight black skinny jeans which she teamed with black ankle boots The audience was left unsure whether the announcer had accidentally revealed Grant as the night's winner or was trying to say past winner and tonight's nominee. Host Jimmy Fallon arrived to correct the slip, first joking about his own teleprompter issue by referencing Mariah Carey and saying he was sabotaged by Dick Clark Productions. He then introduced Grant again, saying, 'Now a Golden Globe winner nominated for Florence Foster Jenkins, please welcome Hugh Grant, ladies and gentlemen.' Natural beauty: Wearing her brunette hair in a glossy sleek style, her undone look was a far cry from the glamorous vibe of the red carpet just hours earlier Having a whale of a time: The couple - who have two children together - beamed widely as they arrived at the airport Meanwhile Hugh seemed to be in good spirits as he brushed the controversy aside while stepping out with Anna a day later. While it is not known where they met, the pair have two young children together - a son John, born in 2012, and a second child welcomed in October 2015. The sex and name of the baby remains a mystery, but the birth was confirmed by Anna's mother to a Swedish newspaper. Hugh has been put forward for the Best Actor in a Comedy award for his role in Florence Foster Jenkins - which he starred in alongside Meryl Streep. The star also raises two other children - a daughter Tabitha, four, and son Felix, two, with Chinese beauty Tinglan Hong. He had a weekend to remember at the 2017 Golden Globes awards in Los Angeles. But it was back to reality with a bump for Eddie Redmayne on Tuesday as he arrived back in London. The actor looked exhausted as he made his way through Heathrow arrivals, after mingling with his Hollywood pals at the star-studded Golden Globes on Sunday night. Landed: It was back to reality with a bump for Eddie Redmayne on Tuesday as he arrived back in London following Sunday's Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles Eddie, 34, dressed down for his flight, teaming a grey sweatshirt with jeans and a scarf around his neck. The Brit star carried two vintage-style Globe-Trotter suitcases - which looked a lot like the case full of creatures his character carries in his latest hit film - Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. While he wasn't nominated at Sunday's Golden Globes, the Oscar winner presented one of the night's prizes. Partied out? The actor looked exhausted as he made his way through Heathrow arrivals, after mingling with his Hollywood pals at the star-studded Golden Globes on Sunday Eddie capped off a stellar year in 2016 by collecting an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, Berkshire in recognition of services to drama. However it seems rather than letting her father get all rested for his bid day, his six-month-old daughter Iris chose to keep the Eton-educated star up the night before. At the ceremony Eddie admitted that while being a parent was 'wonderful', he was feeling a little sleep deprived on his big day because of his little girl. Dressed for comfort: Eddie, 34, dressed down for his flight, teaming a grey sweatshirt with jeans and a scarf around his neck Awards season pro: While he wasn't nominated at Sunday's Golden Globes, the Oscar winner presented one of the night's prizes 'She does have the habit of knowing when you have a big day, like today', he sighed. 'And she was up until four in the morning, so both my wife and I came today with matchsticks under our eyes. Other than that she is on cracking form.' Of his latest honour, he said: 'It was absolutely wonderful. Nice luggage: The Brit star carried two Globe-Trotter cases- which looked a lot like the case full of creatures his character carries in his latest film - Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them What a year! Eddie capped off a stellar year in 2016 by collecting an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, Berkshire in recognition of services to drama 'Also being with such extraordinary people the whole experience is incredibly humbling and also getting to be in Windsor Castle is breathtaking, around Christmas as well with all the decorations.' Pressed on what the Queen had said to him, the Danish Girl star said: 'She was asking me whether I prefer film or theatre, and asked me if I enjoyed it. 'Im very lucky to do something I am passionate about - Im very grateful to do something I love because it is a rare thing.' Eddie said it was 'an extraordinary thing' to receive his OBE, adding: 'It is something that I had never thought of and it was never in my wildest imagination.' She welcomed in the New Year enjoying a sun-soaked break on the picturesque Caribbean island of Barbados. And now Suki Waterhouse, 24, has added to her growing list of envy-inducing winter travels by jetting across the waters to Mexico's breathtaking Mayan Riviera. On Tuesday, the British beauty took to Instagram to share a shot of herself playing lifeguard, as she posed on a bright yellow tower on a pristine beach while wearing a crisp white shirt and sunglasses at the luxury Hotel Esencia. Scroll down for video Got it covered: Suki Waterhouse shared a shot of herself playing lifeguard for the day as she spent time on the beach in Mexico's Mayan Riviera Hours later, she turned up the heat as she posted another shot of herself in a polka dot halterneck bikini, while a wide-brimmed hat sat atop her golden locks. With a delicate pendant and gold hoop earrings adding a touch of pizazz to her beachwear, the model and actress opted to forgo a wordy caption, simply tagging Hotel Esencia, located on the powdery white beach of Xpu-Ha. Also included in her series of snapshots was a selfie of the star appearing to be topless, save for a pair of necklaces. Selfie: The British beauty also shared a sizzling bikini selfie from her envy-inducing getaway at the luxury Hotel Esencia, situated on the white beach of Xpu-Ha, near Tulum Baring all?: The 24-year-old star uploaded a shot of herself appearing topless Her fresh batch of snapshots come days after she shared a string of selfies while enjoying a beach break in Barbados. In one shot, she ditched her bikini in favour of baring all in a racy mirror selfie, covering her modesty with her hands as she stripped nude for the artistic image. Snapped with a 35mm camera, the picture showed Suki stood in what appeared to be a bathroom doorway with her lustrous locks cascading over her shoulders. Dare to bare: Suki ditched her bikini in favour of baring all in a racy mirror selfie while holidaying in Barbados late last month Meanwhile, her dreams of being a pop star have been dealt a major blow after her debut track failed to make the top 200. The catwalk queen and actress was hoping to make herself a triple threat with another career in music, releasing her first single Brutally in early November. However, several weeks on from its release, Suki's song has only been purchased 296 times meaning it fails to even scratch through into the top 200 tracks in the UK's download charts. Not the right direction: After eight weeks on release, Suki's song was only purchased 296 times meaning it fails to even scratch through into the top 200 tracks in the UK's download charts The track did achieve some success on streaming app Spotify, however, racking up 300,000 streams. A representative for Suki told MailOnline the model has plans to release more singles late in 2017. While her pop career has taken a bashing, her romantic life is on the up. The model is said to be in the throes of a passionate new romance with Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden, who soared to fame after taking on the role of Robb Stark in the HBO ratings juggernaut. 'They've got a great connection': While her pop career has taken a bashing, her romantic life is on the up - Suki has been linked to Game of Thrones hunk Richard Madden Suki's reported new romance follows on from her hunky Hollywood ex Bradley Cooper, 41, in March 2015 - he is said to be expecting his first child with model Irina Shayk. Suki and Bradley first met the Elle Style Awards in London in 2013, but called an end to their romance two years later. The split came as a surprise as it was claimed that couple were house hunting together in London. Claim to fame: Richard who soared to fame after taking on the role of Robb Stark in the HBO mega-series, Game Of Thrones Last year, Richard accused Cara of being 'too difficult' and 'seemed ungrateful' after a cringe-worthy TV interview. The Hammersmith-born model furiously tweeted back, stating: 'I have no idea who you are but I think its a little desperate for a grown man to be bad mouthing someone they dont know. 'If you really want attention that badly, try focusing on your own work and not other peoples,' she continued. Clearly surprised by her reaction, Richard responded: 'Hi @Caradelevingne, nothing but respect for you. Misquoted and blown out of proportion. #SlowNewsWeek.' She flaunted her toned physique in an endless array of skimpy, sequinned outfits on the Strictly Come Dancing floor. And Ola Jordan was up to her old tricks again on Tuesday evening, showcasing her incredible curves at the xXx: Return of Xander Cage Premiere at the O2 Cineworld in London. The 34-year-old Polish beauty oozed elegance in a skintight midi dress, which had an X-rated edge thanks to the racy backless detail. Scroll down for video Looking good: Ola Jordan, 34, showcased her incredible curves at the xXx: Return of Xander Cage Premiere at the O2 Cineworld in London on Tuesday The blonde beauty looked confident in the figure-hugging embellished dress, which clung to every inch of her toned frame. Sticking to a monochrome theme, Ola added height with a pair of matching black peep-toe stilettos and carried a simple, black box clutch. Boasting a deep bronzed glow, she wore her golden tresses styled in a flattering side-parting, with gentle waves framing her features. Turning heads: The blonde beauty looked confident in the figure-hugging embellished dress, which clung to every inch of her toned frame Working her angles: The Polish beauty oozed elegance in a skintight dress, which had an X-rated edge thanks to the backless detail Ola, who is married to fellow dancer James Jordan, framed her dark eyes with a sweep of liquid eyeliner, which she teamed with a nude lipstick. Working her angles, the dancer posed with grace on the red carpet, effortlessly showing off her toned derriere as she turned around. Meanwhile, viewers were shocked during Monday night's episode of Celebrity Big Brother as married WAG Nicola McLean put on a flirty display with Jamie O'Hara. Glowing: Boasting a deep tan, she wore her golden tresses styled in a flattering side-parting, with gentle waves framing her features Ready for her close-up: Ola, who is married to fellow dancer James Jordan, framed her dark eyes with a sweep of liquid eyeliner, which she teamed with a nude lipstick And after viewing the scenes, Ola Jordan revealed she would 'kill' husband James if we were to do something similar during his stint in the house. Speaking on Bit On The Side, the professional dancer revealed that she had faith in her 'good' husband as she discussed the scenes. The former Strictly pro, said: 'If that was James I'd kill him! He's a good boy!' Monochrome maven: Ola added height with a pair of matching black peep-toe stilettos and carried a simple, black box clutch All eyes on her: The dancer posed with grace on the red carpet, effortlessly showing off her toned derriere as she turned around She also reflected on his time in the house so far, as she reasoned: 'He's done really good up until now... but it's only a matter of time. 'He's watching everyone. He's not quiet so I'm wondering why were not seeing him as much.' Ola's comments came after married mother-of-two Nicola left her fellow stars open-mouthed after she showered Jamie with kisses on the cheek and asked him to come into her bed once the lights were off. Spanish-speaking duo Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz celebrated their long-standing friendship on Tuesday by posing for selfies together. The Mexican-born 50-year-old - who boasts 3M followers - captioned the BFF snap: 'Good #friends are forever Los buenos #amigos son para siempre. #spain #mexico.' The Spanish-born 42-year-old has also called the Sausage Party funnywoman 'one of my best friends.' Scroll down for video 'Good #friends are forever!' Spanish-speaking duo Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek celebrated their long-standing friendship on Tuesday by posing for selfies together 'Buenos dias! #friends #forever!' The Spanish-born 42-year-old has also called the Mexican-born 50-year-old 'one of my best friends' 'We call each other huevos [eggs],' the Zoolander 2 funnywoman told Allure back in 2013. 'It was because when we were working together, we didnt have children yet, so we used to sleep much more than now. So it was a way to call each other lazy.' Aside from an episode of MTV's Punk'd, Salma and Penelope have only co-starred in one film - the 1850s western caper Bandidas back in 2006. The Zoolander 2 funnywoman told Allure back in 2013: 'We call each other huevos [eggs]. It was because when we were working together, we didnt have children yet, so we used to sleep much more than now. So it was a way to call each other lazy' (pictured in 1999) Sara Sandoval and Maria Alvarez: Aside from an episode of MTV's Punk'd, Salma and Penelope have only co-starred in one film - the 1850s western caper Bandidas back in 2006 Lovely Latinas: The Mexican-set action comedy - also starring Sam Shepard, Steve Zahn, and Dwight Yoakam - received mixed reviews and only earned $18.3M from a $35M budget The Mexican-set action comedy - also starring Sam Shepard, Steve Zahn, and Dwight Yoakam - received mixed reviews and only earned $18.3M from a $35M budget. Hayek - born Jimenez - next heads up Miguel Arteta's comedy Beatriz at Dinner, which premieres January 23 at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. The film centers on a holistic medicine practitioner attending a wealthy client's dinner party - and it stars John Lithgow, Chloe Sevigny, and Connie Britton. Playing a holistic medicine practitioner: Hayek - born Jimenez - next heads up Miguel Arteta's comedy Beatriz at Dinner, which premieres January 23 at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah Mini-me: The Oscar nominee has a nine-year-old daughter Valentina (as well as 50-odd pets) with her billionaire husband, Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault The Oscar nominee has a nine-year-old daughter Valentina (as well as 50-odd pets) with her billionaire husband, Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault. And Cruz has two children - son Leo, 5; and daughter Luna, 3 - with her Spanish husband Javier Bardem. After co-starring in an impressive nine films, the Oscar-winning couple will share the screen for the 10th time in this year's biopic Escobar. Spanish pair: And Cruz has two children - son Leo, 5; and daughter Luna, 3 - with her husband Javier Bardem (pictured June 11) Ben Affleck's new film Live By Night celebrated its Los Angeles premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Monday. Among the cast members who'd descended on the iconic Hollywood landmark was Austin Swift, brother of Taylor Swift, who has a small part. The 24-year-old flashed a charming smile, cutting a dapper figure in a well-fitted navy suit that draped about his toned figure. Scroll down for video All smiles: On Monday night, Austin Swift turned up to the Los Angeles premiere of Ben Affleck's new film Live By Night, in which he's got a small part For his evening out, he'd opted for black tie, matching it with a black belt and a gleaming black pair of dress shoes. His white dress shirt was complemented by a barely perceptible white pocket square, and he'd let a bit of scruff sprout onto his face. Zoe Saldana, who's got a larger role as Graciela in the period gangster film, wore a heavily textured white turtlenecked jumper. Location, location, location: The fete took place at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood Famous family: The 24-year-old is the younger brother of pop star Taylor Swift Crisscrossing silver patterns wound their way across her otherwise white dress, which she'd teamed with off-white stilettos. Italian artist Marco Perego, her husband since 2013, had let dark roots slither into his blonde hair, which he'd pulled up into a high ponytail. Leading lady Elle Fanning dazzled in a strapless cream gown, whilst Sienna Miller wore a voluminous, frilly blue and gold dress. Styling: The Pennsylvania native flashed a charming smile, cutting a dapper figure in a well-fitted navy suit that draped about his toned figure By her side: Zoe Saldana (right), who's got a larger role as Graciela in the period gangster film, turned up with her husband Marco Perego (left) Affleck's directed, written, starred in and helped produce the new adaptation of Dennis Lehane's 2012 novel set during the 1920s and 1930s in America and Cuba. The impressively populated cast include Brendan Gleeson, Chris Messina, Chris Cooper, Scott Eastwood and Robert Glenister. After a world premiere on December 13 in New York City, the film began a limited American release on Christmas Day and will open fully in the US and UK on Friday. Trio: The Guardians Of The Galaxy actress (right) posed with leading lady Elle Fanning (left), who dazzled in a strapless cream gown, whilst Sienna Miller (centre) wore a voluminous, frilly blue and gold dress She was recently forced to sell her designer handbags online for cash, but being broke and jobless hasn't dampened Erin Bateman's sense of humor. The Married At First Sight star took to her Instagram story to complain about a makeup palette she couldn't figure out how to use. After being unable to highlight her face with the various colours, Erin opted to go makeup free in the video, showing off a natural look for her Instagram fans. Scroll down for video What do I do? The Married At First Sight star Erin Bateman took to her Instagram story to complain about a make up palette she couldn't figure out how to use Help! After being unable how to work out what to do with the various colours for 24 hours, Erin opted to go make-up free in the video, showing off her natural glow for her Instagram fans Shown wearing only mascara and what appeared to be false lashes, the 26-year-old raved at the camera, 'What the f***k? What are all these colours for? WHAT?' Making the video all the more amusing, the bare faced blogger insisted she'd spent '24 hours' trying to work out how to use the makeup and had even Googled it. The palette she is holding is a special collection created by X-Factor star Samantha Jade for beauty brand Models Prefer, available in Priceline pharmacies. The 'strobing' kit includes a range of highlighters for fair, medium and dark skin to create a trendy 'stobe light' highlighting effect on the face. Glamazon: Making the video all the more amusing, the blogger insisted she's spent '24 hours' trying to work out how to use the make up and had even Googled it Bare beauty: Natural skin on show, Erin has posed make up free before for her Instagram fans The former reality star had previously posted praise for Samantha Jade's budget makeup collection, but has since apparently gotten confused by one of it's items. The financially-challenged blogger has recently fallen on hard times, admitting this month that she's been forced to curb her spending habits after becoming jobless. In a bid to earn some extra money, the Melbourne-based beauty has taken to selling her designer handbag collection. Down but not out: The financially-challenged blogger has fallen on hard times, admitting in recent weeks that she's been forced to curb her spending habits after becoming jobless She confessed to her 67,000 fans on Instagram that she 'couldn't afford [them] to begin with.' It's not all bad news however. Erin found fame last year on the second season of Channel 9's outrageous reality show Married At First Sight. She was partnered with businessman Bryce Mohr on the show, and the pair appear to still be dating now. When this new mom returns to the social scene, she really gets back on the horse. Blac Chyna marked being back on the party circuit for the first time since she became a mom of two with a weekend of excess partying alongside French Montana. The 28-year-old posed up with Khloe Kardashians ex on the wing of a private plane on Sunday night as they arrived back into Los Angeles, California. Flying high: Blac Chyna marked being back on the party circuit for the first time since she became a mom of two with a weekend of excess partying alongside French Montana. The pair posed up for a photo on the wing of a private plane on Sunday night as they arrived back into Los Angeles, California A casually dressed Chyna leaned up against the rapper and the aircraft at Van Nuys Airport. French originally posted the picture on his Instagram saying, 'Young Legends'. Commenters immediately questioned if something was going on with Rob Kardashian's fiancee and the hitmaker, but Chyna was quick to shut those comments down by re-posting the snap called French her 'Bruva'. The model's 'Bruva' had flown back into to Los Angeles to film a music video with The Weeknd. Back to adorable reality: After the big weekend, it was back to mommy duties on Tuesday with Chyna and Rob taking Dream for her two month check up at the doctors It is not clear yet if the one-time video vixen will be in the clip, but Chyna certainly had a bird's-eye view. Chyna and French were both in Sin City over the weekend to do club appearances - Chyna's first since giving birth to daughter Dream in November. The model showed off her post-baby body in a skin tight dress as she arrived to 1Oak Nightclub at the Mirage Hotel & Casino late Saturday night. Party time: Chyna and French were both in Sin City over the weekend to do club appearances - Chyna's first since giving birth to daughter Dream in November Yummy mommy: The model showed off her post-baby body in a skin tight dress as she arrived to 1Oak Nightclub at the Mirage Hotel & Casino late Saturday night Having a rare night off from baby duties meant Chyna made sure to make the most of it, going from the nightclub to the gentlemen's club, Crazy Horse III. French joined the beauty at the strip club along with recently single rapper T.I., whose wife Tameka 'Tiny' Cottle filed for divorce last month. Like Chyna, T.I. was keen to party with a club insider telling the DailyMail.com took out 'nearly $3,000 dollar bills to tip [the dancers] between shots of chilled Grey Goose vodka'. Don't stop: Having a rare night off from baby duties meant Chyna made sure to make the most of it, going from the nightclub to the gentlemen's club, Crazy Horse III Saucy after party: French joined the beauty at the strip club along with recently single rapper T.I., whose wife Tameka 'Tiny' Cottle filed for divorce last month After the big weekend, it was back to mommy duties on Tuesday with Chyna and Rob taking Dream for her two month check up at the doctors. While the couple have been having their ups and downs recently, they looked the picture perfect family at the doctor's office. She captioned the sweet snap: '2 month Check up with Dream , Daddy, and I!' Tom Hiddleston delivered an unimpressive speech when he won his Golden Globe for The Night Manager A perfect Hollywood night for the Golden Globes awards. The moon was high, the champagne was flowing, the A-list was out in force, bedecked with jewels and silks and the mandatory diamond-hard varnish of shimmering ambition. The beautiful, the damned and yes, the occasional ham were all gathered together in one room of brute power and high wattage gorgeousness to pay homage to themselves and each other. Brad Pitt was applauded not for his work, but for surviving marriage to Angelina Jolie. Meryl Streep had a broken heart and a tart message for the President-elect. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling had just won for the film musical La La Land, graciously thanking their colleagues and lovers and friends. Emma bless her even prettily suggested that hope and creativity are two of the most important things in the world. By the treacly gush of Tinseltown standards, it was business as usual. Then Tom Hiddleston stepped up to collect his Best Actor award and promptly drove the feel-good express into the buffers of gloom. Accepting his Golden Globe for the role of Jonathan Pine in the hit television adaptation of The Night Manager, Hiddleston curdled the mellow mood by waffling on about his charity work and the efforts of others in South Sudan. Sounding like the first person who had ever done a good deed, he came across as a gauche gap-year kid trying to impress everyone with his virtuousness. The moment should have been a triumph for Hiddleston, collecting his first major award in front of Hollywoods finest and an American TV audience of more than 20 million. Yet in a pattern of behaviour that has become all too familiar to his despairing fans, the 35-year-old actor managed to snatch humiliating defeat from the jaws of victory. Winning his Golden Globe should have been a triumph for Hiddleston, collecting his first major award in front of Hollywoods finest and an American TV audience of more than 20 million Oh horrors, Hiddy! What are we going to do with you? His acceptance speech started off well enough, even if he did look oddly weasely even needy in his Gucci evening suit and bow tie. He mentioned all the right people and his expression was the accepted industry standard of molten humility tinged with slight shock. Then it all went wrong. Of course, unlike Gosling and most of the loved-up Golden Globe recipients, Hiddleston has no special someone in his life to thank for their unstinting love and support. His doomed summer of 2016 romance with pop star Taylor Swift famously imploded after three high-profile months, leaving him with a diminished public persona and a reputation that has never really recovered. Today, there is a Taylor-shaped void at his side that is impossible to ignore. His doomed summer of 2016 romance with pop star Taylor Swift famously imploded after three high-profile months, leaving him with a diminished public persona and a reputation that has never really recovered So he ploughed straight into his work for Unicef in the South Sudan, mentioning aid workers, arms dealers, doctors and children. His unintended speech-brag about medics in the African war zone cheering themselves up by binge watching him in The Night Manager hit a cacophony of wrong notes. Perhaps he didnt mean to, but Hiddleston seemed to be painting himself as some kind of noble white saviour in an extravagant display of virtue signalling showing off how compassionate you are. The cameras panned around the faces of some of the Hollywood stars Vince Vaughn, Christian Slater, Naomie Harris and their stony or confused expressions spoke volumes. If Vaughn had looked less than impressed by Streeps anti-Trump sentiments, his reaction to Hiddlestons cri de coeur was even more damning. Human sympathy has its limits, especially in a room full of the self-important keen to get to the afterparty to schmooze Harvey Weinstein. What they dont need is some Brit lecturing them on how brilliant he is at helping alleviate global poverty, especially after a wine-soaked dinner of filet mignon and tiramisu, with their waiting stretch limos now idling outside. If you dont mind. His unintended speech-brag about medics in the African war zone cheering themselves up by binge watching him in The Night Manager hit a cacophony of wrong notes The following day, Hiddleston realised he had made a terrible mistake and posted a gracious apology on his Facebook page, explaining that nerves had got the better of him. But where do we go from here? Tom means well, he is clearly a nice guy, but he keeps getting it so cringe-makingly wrong. Early last year, after The Night Manager was first screened in the UK, he seemed unstoppable, the coming man. He was charming, stylish, talented and everyone loved him. It was even whispered that he might be the next James Bond a laughable concept now. From hero to damn-near zero in the blink of an eye. Too many arty films and dubious-taste fashion shoots turned him into a laughing stock and thats not counting that awful business with flinty Miss Swift. However, all is not lost. A few defeats in the battle for our affections do not mean that Tom has lost the war. Here is my blueprint to get him back on track in 2017. THE FACES THAT SAID IT ALL... When Tom made his disastrous speech at the Golden Globes, it wasn't just critics and viewers who seemed bored by it. Here, we should some of the bored faces made by his peers during the ceremony... Bemused: Vince Vaughn stares ahead as Tom rambles on Bored: Naomie Harris couldn't wait for the diatribe to end Puzzled: Christian Slater was unable to believe his ears Disbelief: Chris Pine wonders how this Brit won Best Actor Advertisement A GOOD START As Tom said in his Facebook apology: I completely agree that my speech at the Golden Globes last night was inelegantly expressed. In truth, I was very nervous, and my words just came out wrong. My only intention was to salute the incredible bravery and courage of the men and women who work so tirelessly for Unicef UK, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres and World Food Programme, and the children of South Sudan, who continue to find hope and joy in the most difficult conditions. I apologise that my nerves got the better of me. Tom once told an interviewer: I cant turn off my intelligence' - maybe he should try? NO MORE PIETY Nobody likes sanctimony especially at an awards ceremony. Piety and Angelina Jolie-esque shout-outs for global suffering are so over, darling. So he should quit it with the charity twaddle and try to endear himself. This is what he should have said: Thanks everybody for this amazing award. Listen. I just want to say sorry about the Taylor Swift thing. I lost my mind there for a few months but everything is cool now. Remember that T-shirt that had I Heart T.S.on the front? She said if I didnt wear it shed shoot her kitten. Goodnight everyone, and thanks again. DONT MONKEY ABOUT Tom once told an interviewer: I cant turn off my intelligence. Perhaps he should try because nobody likes a smart Alec. Especially one who stars in a lucrative superhero film franchise in a comedy wig and silly leather raincoat. Children love Hiddleston as megalomaniac villain Loki in the Thor movies, a role that sits oddly with his more pious side. His determination not to be a meaningless figure in a worthless world is admirable, but he must learn to wear the stigma of humanity more lightly. Still, is wearing a gorilla suit to promote his new King Kong movie the right way forward? Without a blush, Tom donned the hairy costume to caper around on an American chat show. Perhaps it is time to stop monkeying around? His grey booties, above, have been a favourite of Tom's for a while DITCH NODDYS SHOES Weve said it before, we will say it again. Please stop wearing the grey suede booties. From red carpet appearances to beach walks with Taylor, Tom was seldom seen without his beloved ankle-high lace-ups last year. There comes a time in every mans life when he has to stop wearing the same kind of shoes as Noddy. Tom, this time is now. SHAVE THAT BEARD What is with his Ryan-alike hairy face furniture? Ryan Gosling looks like a god in his beard. Sadly, Tom just looks like a gosling. Or an egg with alopecia that got caught in the rain. Did he grow it to appear more macho? If so, it is not working. Perhaps Hiddy has a new film role as a pervert? Whatever the case, the beard has to go. NO DULL FILMS He has got to stop making such terrible film choices. Last years High Rise was one of those trendy adaptations of an impenetrable J.G. Ballard novel that arty thesps love but no one else does. It went straight to video despite the fact Tom appeared naked in several scenes. Speaking of which . . . NO MORE NUDES Stop it! Just stop. AVOID FASHION The Gucci spreads with the Afghan hounds and the furry slippers; the metrosexual man looking mean in his leather onesie, the lonely bachelor in his boxers posing on a rumpled bed. For the next 12 months at least, Tom Hiddleston must pledge to avoid the world of fashion. No more nude films please. Mr Hiddleston caught the eye of everyone after flashing his backside in The Night Manager FALL IN LOVE Sooner rather than later, our hero has got to get himself a nice girlfriend. Or even someone wildly unsuitable, just to cheer him up and chase away the loneliness. Tom may have moved on from Taylor Swift, but something has been left behind a chunk of his dignity. Whether he was the pursued or the pursuing, the dumped or the dumpee, nothing will heal until he finds another woman. GO ON STRICTLY Upon one thing we are all agreed, Tom Hiddleston is a magical dancer. He has showed off his moves on the Alan Carr chat show, on YouTube and at Thor fan conferences. If he really wants to get back into everyones good books, old Twinkletoes Tom should enrol for Strictly Come Dancing without delay. If it can redeem Ed Balls with the British public, think what it could do for him! MORE HERO ACTION His new film Kong: Skull Island opens in March. According to the trailer, it is a place in the South Pacific where myth and science meet. More importantly, Tom stars as a proper action hero, complete with tight blue T-shirt and gun holster. Youre dropping bombs? he asks the bad guys. It was the Australian theatre production set to take Broadway by storm. But a powerful New York theatre reviewer has savaged the Sydney Theatre Company production of The Present, starring Cate Blanchett, contrary to other glowing reviews. New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley has declared The Present 'a night of damp squibs' in a review that spares its meagre praise for Cate and Richard Roxburgh, and one single, central party scene. Scroll down for video Savaged: New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley has declared The Present 'a night of damp squibs' in a review that spares its meagre praise for Cate and Richard Roxburgh, and one single, central party scene The Oscar-winner is making her Broadway debut in the Sydney Theatre Company production playing at the Ethel Barrymore theatre, with an all-Australian cast that was adapted by her husband Andrew Upton, from Anton Chekhov's first play. Writing what is widely regarded as the most influential review on Broadway, Brantley condemned the 'badly assembled' play as a 'sprawling and confused adaptation of a sprawling and confused play.' He suggested the 'fitful Australian import' was only partially saved by the efforts of the two lead actors, saying 'frantic attempts at resuscitation by Ms. Blanchett and her valiant leading man ... a tireless Richard Roxburgh as a hapless homme fatale, only occasionally succeed in eliciting a pulse.' Valiant effort: Ben Brantley wrote that 'frantic attempts at resuscitation by Ms. Blanchett and her valiant leading man ... a tireless Richard Roxburgh as a hapless homme fatale, only occasionally succeed in eliciting a pulse' Present and accounted for: Cate is making her Broadway debut in the Sydney Theatre Company production playing at the Ethel Barrymore theatre, with an all-Australian cast that was adapted by her husband Andrew Upton (pictured), from Anton Chekhov's first play The Present tells the story of Anna, played by Cate, the widow of a powerful Russian general, who throws a party for her 40th birthday, at which she flirts with Richard playing a married Russian school teacher Mikhail Platonov, despite the presence of his wife and the other guests in what descends into an explosive romantic farce. The party sequence itself was praised as memorable, but isolated in a three hour show. Beyond the performances, the review also took aim at the set, describing the dacha in which the party occurs as having been 'rendered with all the personality of an Ikea showroom by the shows designer, Alice Babidge.' DIY disaster: The review also took aim at the set, describing the dacha in which the party occurs as having been 'rendered with all the personality of an Ikea showroom' The mauling flew in the face of some other reviews which lavished praise upon the productions. Variety praised the 'sparkling' production as 'just grand' asking 'is it too soon to ask them back?' The Guardian was equally impressed in its four star review saying 'when this production works best, as in a debauched dance sequence, a sudden shock of violence, and the flammable scenes between Roxburgh and Blanchett, it feels entirely of the moment and urgently, ripely alive.' Party atmosphere: The Present tells the story of Anna, played by Cate, the widow of a powerful Russian general, who throws a party for her 40th birthday, at which she flirts with Richard playing a married Russian school teacher Mikhail Platonov, despite the presence of his wife London's Telegraph lavishes praise on the lead duo writing that 'Blanchett and Roxburgh dive into the pain and ridiculousness of their characters, and when they detonate especially in the second act the results are wonderfully volatile.' And The Hollywood Reporter, which also praised the leading pair, took time to note the ensemble, saying 'while there's not a weak link in the ensemble, I particularly enjoyed [Jacqueline] McKenzie's increasingly single-minded Sophia; [Susan] Prior, bringing puppy-dog devotion to Sasha; [Martin] Jacobs' wistful Alexei; Marshall Napier, amusing as the boozehound father of Sasha and Nikolai; and [Chris] Ryan as Sergei, a meek, uninteresting man painfully aware of his own dullness.' Brantly was not entirely alone in his opinion however as Chris Nashawaty wrote for EW that 'sparks alone arent enough to make the unfocused and overly busy play soar.' 'There are too many characters coming and going too many moving parts and it never quite finds the right balance between melodrama and farce. Its the definition of an ambitious mixed bag.' Yahoo chief Marissa Mayer to leave company board after Verizon sale Yahoo confirmed on Monday that chief executive Marissa Mayer will quit the company's board after its merger with Verizon. Mayer is expected to remain with Yahoo's core business, which is being bought by the US telecom titan. Yahoo is selling its internet operations as a way to separate that from its more valuable stake in Chinese internet giant Alibaba. The share-tending entity, to be renamed Altaba, Inc., will act as an investment company with its board reduced to five members, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Marissa Mayer is expected to remain with Yahoo's core business, which is being bought by Verizon Stephen Lam (GETTY/AFP/File) Yahoo co-founder David Filo and Mayer will be among those resigning from the board, according to the filing. When asked what role Mayer will play after the merger with Verizon, the company referred AFP to a Tumblr post from July, after the deal to sell the company's core operations was announced. "For me personally, I'm planning to stay," Mayer said in the post. "It's important to me to see Yahoo into its next chapter." Mayer remains chief executive at Yahoo. - Recent hacking - It still remained unclear on Monday how news of recent large-scale hacks might effect Yahoo's deal to sell its core operating assets to Verizon for $4.8 billion, or Mayer's role going forward. Yahoo said in December that personal data from over a billion users was stolen in a hack dating back to 2013 -- twice as big as another breach disclosed just three months earlier. Verizon said in a statement last month that it would await further news of the investigation before making any decision. "As we've said all along, we will evaluate the situation as Yahoo continues its investigation," the statement said. Verizon had said the prior breach was likely "material," meaning it could allow the telecom giant to scrap the deal or lower its offer. The filing on Monday noted risks faced by the company, including that Verizon might assert claims or renegotiate terms "as a result of facts relating to the security incidents disclosed." - Faded star - The breaches came as a further embarrassment to a company that was one of the biggest names of the internet but which has failed to keep up with rising stars such as Google and Facebook. Yahoo, after a series of reorganizations, decided late last year to sell its main operating business as a way to separate that from its more valuable stake in Chinese internet giant Alibaba. Yahoo's plan would place its main operating business within Verizon, which has already acquired another faded internet star, AOL. The remaining portion would be a holding company with stakes in Alibaba and Yahoo Japan. Yahoo's valuation hit $125 billion during the dot-com boom, but it has been losing ground since then despite several efforts to reboot. In the mid-1990s, Yahoo was among the most popular destinations on the internet, helping many people navigate the emerging web. It became the top online "portal," connecting users to news, music and other content. But its fortunes started to fade when Google began to dominate with its powerful search engine. Australia's 'Dingo's got my baby' father dies Michael Chamberlain, whose nine-week-old baby was snatched by a dingo from an Australian campground in a story made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Meryl Streep, has died, his family said Tuesday. The 72-year-old, who fought for decades to prove a native wild dog took the infant and his wife did not kill her, passed away reportedly after suffering complications from acute leukaemia. "Given Michaels death was unexpected, I would ask that the media please consider that Michaels wife and all of his children are deeply grieving and need some space," his now ex-wife Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton said in a statement. A dingo -- a native wild dog in Australia -- was thought to have taken Michael and Linda Chamberlain's baby from a tent near Uluru, or Ayers Rock, in 1980 Greg Wood (AFP/File) Azaria disappeared from a tent near Uluru, or Ayers Rock, in 1980 in an incident that sparked decades of debate in Australia over whether her mother Lindy, who was jailed for murder, was responsible for the death. She always insisted a dingo grabbed the baby, but her version was widely doubted by the Australian public until a coroner finally ruled in 2012 that a wild dog did take the child. The convictions of Lindy Chamberlain and Michael, who was given a suspended sentence for being an accessory, were overturned in 1988 after the chance find of a piece of Azaria's clothing near a dingo lair. An inquest was subsequently reopened after new information from the Chamberlains' counsel about dingo attacks, including a nine-year-old boy who was killed by a wild dog in 2001 and a two-year-old girl who died in 2005. The case inspired the 1988 hit film "A Cry in the Dark", starring Streep and Sam Neill, along with books, a TV mini-series and even an opera, and was followed closely by foreign media, making it a global cause celebre. Israel troops kill Palestinian knife attacker Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank shot dead a Palestinian who attacked them during an overnight operation to arrest suspected militants, the army said on Tuesday. A Palestinian rights group said the man was shot in his home at point blank range, calling it an "execution." A military statement said no soldiers were injured in the raid at Al-Fara refugee camp, northeast of the city of Nablus. Israeli soldiers ride a howitzer tank during a military exercise near Nablus, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Jaafar Ashtiyeh (AFP/File) "Overnight, an assailant, armed with a knife, attempted to stab soldiers on operational activity to arrest suspects," the statement said. "Forces called the attacker to halt and, upon his continued advance, fired toward him, resulting in his death." It added that others in the camp hurled explosives and shot at the soldiers. Khaled Mansour, an official in the camp, identified the dead man as Mohammed al-Salhi, 32. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) called it an "execution," saying the shooting occurred inside Salhi's house in front of his mother. In a statement the group said Israeli soldiers raided the house and one "pulled out a gun with a silencer and directly fired five bullets at Mohammed at point-blank range." Asked by AFP, the army denied it took place in the house but did not respond further to the PCHR allegations. The Palestinian Prisoners Club said Salhi had been jailed by Israel between 2004 and 2007 for being a member of a banned militant group linked to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. Since October 2015, 248 Palestinians, 40 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some died in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with the Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, comatose peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have helped feed the unrest. Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause. The Al-Fara raid came less than 48 hours after a Palestinian rammed a truck into troops visiting a Jerusalem tourist site, killing four soldiers in a stark reminder of tensions despite a recent lull in violence. Floods sever overland routes to Thailand's south Overland routes to Thailand's flood-hit south were cut on Tuesday after two bridges collapsed following days of torrential rain that have killed at least 30 people, including a five-year-old girl. The heaviest January rains for three decades have lashed the country's south for more than a week, affecting 1.1 million people across twelve provinces. The unseasonal downpours have also put a dampener on Thailand's peak tourist season, prompting cancellations on popular resort islands including Samui and Phangan. The heaviest January rains for three decades have lashed Thailand's southern neck for more than a week, affecting 1.1 million people across eleven provinces Tuwaedaniya Meringing (AFP) The Highways Department said the main road heading down Thailand's southern neck was closed after two bridges collapsed in Prachuab Kiri Khan province. Trains south have also been halted by the rising floodwaters, increasing demand on already stretched flights to and from the flood-ravaged region. The death toll has crept up in recent days as floods have reached rooftop level in some areas. A five-year-old girl became one of the latest victims when a flash flood hit a van she was travelling in late Monday in Prachuab Kiri Khan province. "Her family climbed to the roof of the van to avoid the water but she fell in with her mother," relief worker Rawiroj Thammee told AFP. "The girl was swept away... villagers found her body 200 metres from the van this morning." - 'Lost everything' - January usually sees visitors flocking to southern Thailand's pristine beaches as monsoon rains abate and temperatures ease. But the region has been battered by what the ruling junta describes as the heaviest January rainfall in 30 years. Vast tracts of the south -- an agricultural hub for rubber, palm oil and fruit plantations -- have been left under water while flash floods have caused deaths and widespread damage. Soldiers have been delivering relief packages by helicopter and boat to those stranded in the worst-hit areas. In Surat Thani province, a tourist gateway to the party islands of Samui and Phangan, villagers said a week of rain had brought an unprecedented deluge. "Every year it floods, but not like this," Chamnan Ingkaew, a village leader in Chaiya district, told AFP. "There are 100 houses in my village, but we all had to leave and everything inside was lost... the water kept coming and coming, almost two metres high." Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Tuesday said residents should have heeded evacuation warnings issued before the floods. "Many people do not want to leave, they want to stay home," he said, adding their reluctance was making the relief effort more pressing. Prayut, who also heads the junta, said the unbridled growth of towns and cities without planning for drainage was making Thailand increasingly vulnerable to floods. Local media have shown images of asphalt roads cleaved into pieces, uprooted trees and piles of debris in places where the waters have receded. In remote flooded hamlets, villagers have been forced to wade through muddy waters with a few salvaged belongings held above their heads. Patients were evacuated by canoes as a hospital was swamped with waters in Prachuab Kiri Khan. The rain is forecast to slacken over the next 24 hours in some areas. Thailand floods Gal ROMA (AFP) S. Korea court rejects Park's evidence on disaster mystery The court hearing South Korean President Park Geun-Hye's impeachment trial on Tuesday dismissed as "unsatisfactory" attempts to explain her whereabouts during the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster. Parliament voted to impeach Park last month over an influence-peddling scandal that has brought hundreds of thousands of protesters onto the streets every week demanding her removal. At the time of the vote lawmakers also said allegations that Park failed to carry out her official duties as the head of state during the ferry sinking were also grounds for her removal from office. Allegations that South Korean President Park Geun-Hye failed to carry out her duties as head of state during the 2014 Sewol ferry diaster were grounds for her removal from office, along with a corruption scandal Jeon Heon-Kyun (POOL/AFP/File) The Constitutional Court last month urged Park's defence counsel to clarify the mystery surrounding her seven-hour absence during the disaster that claimed more than 300 lives, mostly school children. Unconfirmed media reports have suggested a wide range of theories about her whereabouts, including a romantic liaison, participation in a shamanistic ritual, cosmetic surgery or a 90-minute hair styling. Park's lawyers said Tuesday that she had felt unwell on the morning of the disaster and stayed at her residence instead of her office -- both within the presidential Blue House complex. They submitted documents to the Constitutional Court showing timelines of her receiving reports by phone or from her aides about the disaster and issuing directives. But Justice Lee Jin-Sung, one of the nine members of the court, told Park's legal team that the timelines failed to clarify exactly when and how she first came to learn about the sinking. "The answer from the president's side fell short of expectations and was somewhat unsatisfactory", Lee was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying. Lee noted that TV channels broke the story just after 9:00 a.m. local time and said Park should clarify whether or not she was watching the news at the time. "(Park) received numerous phone calls from the chief of the National Security Office and gave orders," Lee Joong-hwan, a lawyer representing Park, told reporters on the sidelines of the hearing. "She took appropriate steps." However, representatives from parliament told the hearing that neither the top national security advisor nor the chief of the presidential secretariat knew where Park was at the time of the disaster. "The president's inactivity was in breach of the victims' rights to life and their relatives' rights to pursue happiness," they told the court. "She must be deprived of her presidency immediately." Park is accused of colluding with a longtime friend, Choi Soon-Il, to strong-arm donations worth tens of millions of dollars from top firms which were then funnelled to dubious foundations. Iran says it has finally received Saudi hajj invite Iran said Tuesday it had finally received an official invitation from Saudi Arabia for its pilgrims to attend this year's hajj, two weeks after Riyadh announced it. There was no official Iranian delegation at last year's pilgrimage to the Muslim holy places after Sunni Saudi Arabia severed relations with Shiite Iran following the torching of its missions in Tehran and Mashhad by protesters in January last year. It was the first time in three decades that Iranian pilgrims had been absent and the culmination of years of worsening relations over the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Iranian pilgrims arrive at the Imam Khomeini international airport in Tehran following their return from the hajj in Saudi's holy Muslim city of Mecca, in September 2015 Atta Kenare (AFP/File) "The Iranian delegation will travel to Saudi Arabia on February 23... and we hope to get tangible results," hajj affairs representative Ali Ghazi Askar told the Mizan Online news website. "For the time being, nothing is certain and we will attend the hajj as long as the situation is prepared for us," he said. "Undoubtedly, there are problems that must be resolved." Negotiations for Iranian pilgrims to join last year's hajj broke down over the questions of where their visas should be issued and how their security could be ensured following the deaths of 464 Iranians in a stampede at the 2015 hajj. The tone of the invitation is "not that much different from past letters", Askar said earlier Tuesday. "All matters regarding the hajj -- including accommodation, food, medical affairs, transport, pilgrims' security, banking and consular issues -- must immediately be studied and appropriate solutions put forward." Xi Jinping to become first Chinese president to attend Davos President Xi Jinping will become the first Chinese president to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, as the country seeks a greater role in global affairs. Xi will pay a state visit to Switzerland from January 15-18 and attend the forum's annual meeting alongside billionaires and politicians on January 17, ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing. While in the country, Xi will also visit the offices of the World Health Organization, United Nations and International Olympic Committee. Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Switzerland from January 15-18 and attend the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 17 Chinese executives including Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Dalian Wanda Group chairman Wang Jianlin and Baidu president Zhang Yaqin will accompany the leader. "This year, because of the size and scale of the China delegation, we have Chinese voices in most of the global discussions," the World Economic Forum's chief China representative David Aikman told Bloomberg News. China is seeking opportunities to reshape the rules for global trade, anticipating a more isolated United States under President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on the last day of the forum. Bangladesh court orders doctors to write legibly Doctors the world over are renowned for their bad handwriting, but now a Bangladesh court is seeking to ban the sloppy scrawl after prescriptions became so illegible that patients were taking the wrong medicines. Doctors will now have to either type their prescriptions or write them in block capitals, deputy attorney general Mokhlesur Rahman told AFP after the court issued its judgement late Monday. "The court has ordered the health secretary to circulate the ruling among the country's doctors. He was also asked to report on improvement of the situation within six weeks," he said. A Bangladeshi court has ordered doctors to either type their presciptions or write them in block capitals Farjana Khan Godhuly (AFP/File) The court also said doctors must use generic drug names rather than specifying particular brands. "Many patients and even some pharmacists cannot read what the doctors scribble on the prescriptions," said lawyer Manzil Morshed, who filed the public interest suit. "Therefore, very often they take wrong medicines. It costs them money and exposes them to unnecessary and sometimes dangerous health hazards." The court order was widely praised on social media, although some doctors asked the government to do its bit by introducing a computerised prescription system. US Senate to begin grilling Trump's cabinet nominees The US Senate begins confirmation hearings for key nominees to Donald Trump's cabinet Tuesday, amid concerns many of the president-elect's picks haven't been fully vetted over ethics, or made full financial disclosures. Ten days before Trump takes the oath of office, lawmakers will hold hearings for Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, Trump's nominee for US attorney general, and retired Marine general John Kelly, his choice for homeland security secretary. Several nominees are scheduled to have hearings this week, with three due to get under way Wednesday, including Rex Tillerson, the wealthy Exxon oilman who Trump has tapped for secretary of state. Ten days before Trump takes the oath of office, lawmakers will hold hearings for Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions (pictured), Trump's nominee for US attorney general Jewel SAMAD (AFP/File) Unlike Sessions, who has faced pushback from Senate Democrats, Kelly by most accounts has been amicably received during several days of private meetings with Democratic and Republican members of the Homeland Security Committee. Trump, meanwhile, has shown no sign of worry over the reception his nominees will get on Capitol Hill. "Confirmation is going great," he told reporters Monday in an unexpected appearance in the lobby of Trump Tower, headquarters for his gilded corporate offices in New York City. "I think they'll all pass," he predicted. Democrats however are vowing not to allow Congress to rubber stamp Trump's cabinet picks without a fight. Sessions, in particular, has drawn fierce opposition from liberals concerned over his conservative views on everything from abortion rights to civil liberties. "He has denounced Roe v. Wade, which guarantees a woman's right to choose. And on other issues like religious freedoms, torture, where he's taken positions that I think are out of the mainstream, and of course his staunch and steadfast opposition to any kind of immigration reform," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Judiciary Committee, told MSNBC late Monday. Another Democratic senator, Cory Booker, has gone so far as to say he'll testify against Sessions at Tuesday's hearing -- a departure from many decades of Senate protocol. "I'm breaking a pretty long Senate tradition," Booker told MSNBC, adding that Sessions " has a posture and a positioning that I think represent a real danger to our country." Blumenthal said one measure of whether an attorney general nominee is right for the job is whether that person is willing to stand up to the president in the interest of justice. "Our constitutional duty is to make a choice about whether this individual will be a champion of constitutional rights and liberties and will be able to stand up to Donald Trump, soon to be president, and say, you cannot do what you need to do, or we're going to have to indict someone who is a friend of yours, and sometimes there will be conflicts of interest where an independent counsel will have to be appointed," he said. Meanwhile, Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer said lawmakers in the Republican-controlled chamber have crammed the schedule full of hearings, making the vetting more challenging than usual. "The hearing schedule... is so jammed right now that several high, important hearings will fall on the same day," Schumer said on the Senate floor Monday. Many of Trump's nominees pose especially thorny conflict-of-interest challenges, Schumer added. "They come, many of them, from enormous wealth. Many have vast holdings in stocks and very few have experience in government. So they have not been appropriately vetted for something like a cabinet post before," said the New York Democrat. "What had been standard practice for the vast majority of nominees -- the completion of a preliminary ethics review before their nomination -- was skipped over for the vast majority of president-elect Trump's nominees," Schumer said. President-elect Donald Trump has shown no sign of worry over the reception his nominees will get at the Senate Timothy A. Clary (AFP/File) Nickelodeon to build Philippine underwater theme park American children's television network Nickelodeon has announced it will build an underwater resort and theme park on an island known as the Philippines' last ecological frontier, alarming environmentalists. The firm behind SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer said the park on Palawan island would be part of a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) undersea development showcasing the area's marine life that would give fans a chance to "interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love". Palawan was chosen for the development because it "is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world today," Ron Johnson, an executive vice president with Viacom International Media Networks, which owns Nickelodeon, said in a statement emailed to AFP on Tuesday. Nickelodeon chose Filipino island of Palawan for the development of its new theme park because it "is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world today" Noel Celis (AFP/File) Viacom's initial statement announcing the project on Monday said the resort would open in 2020 and feature restaurants and lounges six metres (20 feet) below sea level. The development would "advocate ocean protection" and conserve coral reefs, the statement said. But environmental group Greenpeace said it would destroy the area's world-famous marine ecosystem. "It's sad and alarming because a theme park that big will not promote environmental protection by building those structures," Vince Cinches of Greenpeace Southeast Asia told AFP. "Why build a viewing deck when you have the whole paradise to enjoy?" Conservation groups call Palawan "the last frontier" because of its pristine coastlines and forests, which are among the oldest and most diverse in Southeast Asia. Palawan is home to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, a subterranean river and the Tubbataha coral reefs. Palawan-based environmental activist Grizelda Mayo-Anda also expressed concern. "I am wary because we have had problems already with resorts built in mangrove areas," Mayo-Anda, executive director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, told AFP. "I'm really concerned because sometimes, with all due respect to the local government unit, we get captivated by new projects and we do not judiciously study the impact." Viacom's Philippine partner, Coral World Park, insisted the resort would not hurt the environment. "We are taking very, very careful measures to ensure that the biodiversity is kept intact," Coral World Park chairman Paul Monozca told AFP. Coral World Park said the development would be part of a coral reef conservation programme including a marine sanctuary for species like dolphins and sea cows. Thai king requests charter amendment in rare intervention Thailand's new king has requested sections of the country's draft constitution to be rewritten, the junta chief said Tuesday, a rare public intervention by the monarch in the kingdom's politics. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, ascended the throne after the death in October of his much loved father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a unifying figure whose reign spanned seven politically turbulent decades. Like most things regarding Thailand's secrecy-shrouded monarchy, Vajiralongkorn's approach to the crown remains a mystery and is not open to detailed scrutiny. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, (pictured) ascended the Thai throne after the October death of his much loved father King Bhumibol Adulyadej Pornchai KITTIWONGSAKUL (AFP/File) The country's constitutional monarchy is granted limited formal powers but wields significant political clout behind the scenes and controls vast wealth. It is also protected by a draconian lese majeste law, forcing media and the public to self-censor. On Tuesday junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha said the king had declined to sign off on the new charter because of clauses concerning royal powers. "His majesty's private principle secretary has sent a letter to the government saying discussion is needed on the section of the charter regarding the monarchy," the junta leader told reporters. The document was drafted by the junta after its 2014 power grab and approved in a controversial referendum last year in which independent campaigning was banned. "There are three or four points that need to be amended concerning his authority (as king)," Prayut said, adding that the revision process would take several months. A senior junta official later confirmed to reporters that the articles in question include 5, 17 and 182. The first two articles detail how the government should proceed in the event of a political crisis, plus the procedure for appointing a regent in the king's absence. The third article in question says that all laws and royal edicts concerning the state must be countersigned by a government minister. "We also have to see if those three articles are involved with any other sections. If so, they might need to be amended too," said Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. The request is an unusually assertive move by the palace -- an institution long portrayed as staunchly "above politics" despite several key interventions by Bhumibol during times of political crisis. The late monarch also forged close ties with the military during his rule and signed off on a dozen coups. Vajiralongkorn's relationship with the military and its allies within the Bangkok elite is less clear cut. The current junta seized power in a coup that analysts believe was staged to ensure a smooth succession as Bhumibol's health waned. The army has promised an eventual return to democracy but the timeline for elections keeps slipping. Morocco has banned the production and sale of burqa full-face Muslim veils for security reasons, media reports said Tuesday. While there was no official announcement by authorities in the North African nation, the reports said the interior ministry order would take effect this week. The ban has been imposed due to reports felons have been using the garment to help carry out their crimes. Most women in Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, prefer the hijab headscarf that does not cover the face 'We have taken the step of completely banning the import, manufacture and marketing of this garment in all the cities and towns of the kingdom,' the Le360 news site quoted a high-ranking interior ministry official as saying. It said the measure appeared to be motivated by security concerns, 'since bandits have repeatedly used this garment to perpetrate their crimes.' Most women in Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, prefer the hijab headscarf that does not cover the face. The niqab, which leaves the area around the eyes uncovered, is also worn in Salafist circles and in more conservative regions in the north, from where thousands of jihadists have gone to fight in Syria and Iraq. In some commercial districts of Casablanca, the country's economic capital, interior ministry officials on Monday conducted 'awareness-raising campaigns with traders to inform them of this new decision,' the Media 24 website said. The niqab, worn here by women in Blackburn, will be banned in Morocco In Taroudant in southern Morocco, authorities ordered traders to stop making and selling burqas and to liquidate their stock within 48 hours, the reports said. Retailers in the northern town of Ouislane were said to have received similar instructions. It was unclear if Morocco plans to follow in the footsteps of some European countries such as France and Belgium where it is illegal to wear full veils in public. The reports were met with a muted response in the absence of official confirmation, though Salafists expressed concern that the measure could be expanded to include the niqab. 'Is Morocco moving towards banning the niqab that Muslim women have worn for five centuries?' Salafist sheikh Hassan Kettani wrote on Facebook. 'If true it would be a disaster,' he added. Hammad Kabbaj, a preacher who was barred from standing in parliamentary elections in October over his alleged ties to 'extremism', denounced the ban as 'unacceptable'. In comments on Facebook, he mocked the 'Morocco of freedom and human rights' which 'considers the wearing of the Western swimsuit on the beaches an untouchable right'. But lawmaker Nouzha Skalli, a former family and social development minister, welcomed the ban as 'an important step in the fight against religious extremism'. Final Iran nuclear talks before Trump takes office Iran and major world powers met Tuesday to take stock of their 2015 nuclear accord, the future of which is clouded by the imminent inauguration of Donald Trump as US president and the death of a moderate former Iranian president. Trump, who will be inaugurated on January 20, has vowed to "dismantle" the "disastrous" accord, which saw Iran reduce its atomic activities in order to make any dash to develop nuclear weapons much harder. The death of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Sunday aged 82 removed a widely respected backer in Iran of the deal at a time when frustration about the slow pace of reciprocal sanctions relief is growing. Iran and six major world powers reached a nuclear deal, capping more than a decade of on-off negotiations with an agreement in July 2015 Joe Klamar (POOL/AFP/File) Iranian news agency ISNA called his passing a "great loss for the moderates", describing the ayatollah and president from 1989 to 1997 as "the sheikh of moderation". Tuesday's meeting in Vienna -- the city where the hard-fought deal was struck in July 2015 -- brought together senior diplomats from Iran and the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. It is the fourth such gathering to review progress implementing the pact since it came into force in January 2016 and was requested by Iran in December after US sanctions legislation was renewed for a decade. US restrictions under the Iran Sanctions Act targeting mostly Tehran's oil and gas sectors remain suspended but the Islamic Republic still saw the move as a "violation" of the nuclear deal. There is also disappointment in Iran that many of the hoped-for economic benefits from the deal have failed to materialise, putting President Hassan Rouhani under pressure ahead of elections in May. Iran has been able to ramp up its vital oil exports but US sanctions related to non-nuclear issues remain in place, making foreign banks reluctant to handle large transactions with Tehran. The UN watchdog has said Iran is meeting its side of the bargain, although it has twice inched above agreed ceiling on heavy water, a reactor coolant, and is near to an upper limit on uranium, diplomats say. - All eyes on Trump - But all bets will be off if Trump scraps what he has called "the worst deal ever negotiated". Like many fellow Republicans, Trump is deeply suspicious of Iran and he looks set to be a close ally of Israel, widely thought to have nuclear weapons itself and whose government virulently opposed the Iran accord. Since his stunning election win in November, Trump has stopped short of providing detailed plans on the subject, but his pick to head the CIA, Mike Pompeo, has made his opinions clear. "I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism," Pompeo tweeted the day before his nomination. However, unilaterally ripping up the agreement might not be so easy, not least because the deal was endorsed by Russia, with whom Trump wants to improve relations, and the rest of the UN Security Council in a resolution. "The election campaign is one thing, but a new stage when he enters office is another," Russia's envoy in Vienna to the UN, Vladimir Voronkov, told Russian news agency TASS. "Then he (Trump) will get an opportunity to have another look at the document, at how it is implemented to decide his position on it in the future," Voronkov said. Arms Control Association analyst Kelsey Davenport said that rather than unilaterally renouncing the deal, a more likely approach by Trump might be to "slowly chip away" at it. This, Davenport said, could "create an escalatory dynamic that eventually provokes Iran into taking action that leads to the deal's collapse." The death of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Sunday aged 82 removed a widely respected backer in Iran of the deal Atta Kenare (AFP/File) Lebanon seeks cooperation with Saudi Arabia: president Lebanon seeks cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the country's Hezbollah-backed President Michel Aoun told Saudi television on Tuesday, after a tense year in relations between the two countries. Aoun arrived in Riyadh on Monday night with a delegation of ministers. It is his first trip to the kingdom since his election in November ended a two-year deadlock between Iran- and Saudi-backed blocs in the Lebanese parliament. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud (left) and Lebanese President Michel Aoun following a meeting in Riyadh on January 10, 2017 HO (DALATI AND NOHRA/AFP) In an interview with Saudi state news channel Al-Ekhbaria, Aoun said his ministers of foreign affairs, education, finance and information would meet their counterparts "to find some fields of cooperation." Aoun himself held talks over lunch on Tuesday with King Salman, but the official Saudi Press Agency gave no details of their content. Aoun, a Maronite Christian former army chief, clinched the presidency with shock support from Saudi ally Saad Hariri, a leading Sunni figure who in return was named prime minister. Analysts say Saudi Arabia is hoping for a more stable Lebanon, after concerns about the role played by Hezbollah in the Lebanese government. The Iran-backed Shiite militant group has fighters in Syria supporting forces of President Bashar al-Assad. Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival, backs some rebels opposed to Assad. Riyadh last March declared Hezbollah a "terrorist organisation" and urged its citizens to leave Lebanon. In February, the kingdom halted a $3 billion programme of military aid to Lebanon to protest what it said was "the stranglehold of Hezbollah on the state". The programme, funded by Riyadh, would have provided vehicles, helicopters, drones, cannons and other military equipment from France. It aimed to ensure stability in a Lebanon weakened by internal divisions and threatened by jihadists. Asked vaguely by Ekhbaria about the agreement, Aoun said: "Of course we will discuss all the possible issues." Syria's nearly six-year civil war has been a major fault line in Lebanese politics, and the country hosts more than one million Syrian refugees. Aoun told the Saudi channel that Lebanon's partners "have agreed to build Lebanon, regardless of the results in the other countries, because building Lebanon is for all, and secondly, security and stability is for all." He said his country's internal political situation has improved, and expressed confidence that "balance" can be maintained. Blasts in three Afghan cities kill around 50, wound 100 Bombings across three Afghan cities including Kabul killed around 50 people and wounded 100 others Tuesday, in a day of carnage as Taliban insurgents escalate a deadly winter campaign of violence. At least 11 people died when explosives hidden in a sofa detonated inside the governor's compound in southern Kandahar during a visit by the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan, who escaped the attack with injuries. Just hours before, twin Taliban blasts in Kabul tore through employees exiting a parliament annexe, which houses the offices of lawmakers, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80 others. An Afghan security personnel stands guard at the site of twin blasts near the Afghan parliament in Kabul on January 10, 2017 WAKIL KOHSAR (AFP) And earlier Tuesday, a Taliban suicide bomber killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province, as the militants ramp up nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually wanes. The carnage underscores growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where US-backed forces are struggling to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency as well as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants. Kandahar's governor and UAE envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi were wounded by flames from the explosion, but many others were burned beyond recognition, provincial police chief Abdul Raziq told AFP. He said around a dozen people were killed and an equal number were wounded, but the governor's spokesman Samim Khpolwak gave local media a death toll of 11. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility. But the Taliban said they were behind the Kabul blasts. In the first explosion, a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a minibus transporting government employees. As rescuers reached the scene, a car bomb exploded. Among the 30 dead were four policemen who were killed in the second explosion when they rushed to help the victims of the first blast. Health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh warned that the toll was expected to rise as many of the wounded were battling for their lives in hospital. Condemning the "barbaric attack" President Ashraf Ghani lashed out at the Taliban for the assault on civilians, which left the area littered with bloodied bodies. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the victims of the attack were mostly Afghan intelligence agents. The insurgents are known to exaggerate battlefield claims. - 'Gruesome campaign' - "The deaths of scores of civilians in today's Kabul bomb attacks indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives," Amnesty International said in a statement. "An immediate, impartial and independent investigation must be carried out to secure justice for the victims and their families." Tuesday's carnage comes just two weeks before Donald Trump is sworn in as US president. The situation in Afghanistan will be an urgent matter for the new leader, even though America's longest war got scarcely a passing mention in the bitterly contested presidential election. Trump has given few details on his expected foreign policy, with even fewer specifics on how he will tackle the war in Afghanistan. Repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed and a fierce new fighting season is expected to kick off in the spring. Afghanistan last week welcomed the Pentagon's decision to deploy some 300 US Marines to Helmand, where American forces engaged in heated combat until they pulled out in 2014. The Marines will head to the poppy-growing province this spring to assist a NATO-led mission to train Afghan forces, in the latest sign that foreign forces are increasingly being drawn back into the worsening conflict. NATO officially ended its combat mission in December 2014, but US forces were granted greater powers in June to strike at the insurgents as President Barack Obama vowed a more aggressive campaign. Deadly wave of bombings in Afghanistan Jean Michel CORNU, Jonathan JACOBSEN (AFP) Afghan security personnel and volunteers investigate the scene of a suicide attack in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, on January 10, 2017 NOOR MOHAMMAD (AFP) An Afghan firefighter walks through the site of twin blasts near the Afghan parliament in Kabul on January 10, 2017 WAKIL KOHSAR (AFP) Indian police censure officer over caste demand Indian police said Tuesday they had taken action against an officer after he asked a man who complained of assault and caste discrimination to provide higher-caste witnesses. The 19-year-old student from India's lowest Dalit caste had gone to police in Delhi earlier this month after he was allegedly assaulted by two men who used "caste-based slurs" against him following a minor collision. The officer, Harbir Singh, filed an assault case but failed to add a caste-related charge, and later asked the complainant to bring two "independent high-caste" witnesses to support his allegations. India's stringent prevention of atrocities law requires police immediately to arrest anyone accused of violence or slurs against lower caste members Sajjad Hussain (AFP/File) "We have removed him (Singh) from active duty for wrongdoing and are investigating the allegations," A K Singla, northeast Delhi's deputy commissioner of police, told AFP. Asked whether police had apologised to the student, he said: "We are in touch with the complainant and have explained our position." One person has been arrested in the case and a charge of caste violence has been added to the assault charge. India's stringent prevention of atrocities law requires police immediately to arrest anyone accused of violence or slurs against lower caste members. Dalits, formerly known as "untouchables", are among the most marginalised groups in India and are at the bottom of the country's deeply entrenched caste hierarchy. Caste discrimination is outlawed in India but remains widespread. Many in the Dalit community say they face humilation and even violent attacks. Wild elephant kills Indian tourist in Nepal A wild elephant killed an Indian tourist in Nepal's largest national park on Tuesday in the second deadly attack in recent months. The 22-year-old woman was returning on foot with her parents from a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park when the elephant charged at the group. "She was immediately taken to a hospital but died while under treatment," Chitwan's police chief Deepak Thapa told AFP. Last month a woman was trampled to death and two others were injured when wild elephants rampaged through a village in the southern Nepalese district of Bardia "Her parents were not hurt." Last month a woman was trampled to death and two others were injured when wild elephants rampaged through a village in the southern district of Bardia. Afghan ex-interpreters seek French visas, citing threats Nearly 100 Afghan former interpreters for the French army demanded French visas on Tuesday so they can leave their country, saying they face regular threats from Islamist insurgents. The group, which gathered near the French embassy but was promptly dispersed by police, displayed banners calling for protection and France's solidarity with endangered interpreters. "Why are we still here in Kabul? Why were our demands rejected by the French government?" said Khodadad Adib, 28, their representative. A total of 70,000 French soldiers were deployed in Afghanistan between the end of 2001 and the end of 2014 Kenzo Tribouillard (AFP/File) "We were with the soldiers in sometimes dangerous places. Today we find ourselves in a fragile situation but the army is no longer there with us." The interpreters said they were currently in danger after taking risks alongside the French troops deployed against the Taliban insurgency. They said they have seen their visa applications rejected once and sometimes several times without explanation. "I would like to know why," said Habibullah Habib, 24, who was an interpreter for the French in the dangerous Kapisa valley northeast of Kabul. "Daesh (the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group) and the Taliban are looking for us. If they find us they will kill us for working with foreign armies," he said. Habib, who lives with relatives in Parwan province north of Kabul, said he had received several anonymous letters threatening him and his family with death. "Sometimes I have to wear a burqa to go out on the street and go to work. My father wears a mask to go to the mosque, my brothers do not go to school any more," he said. In 2013 and again in 2015, his visa application was refused. "I get calls calling me a spy for working with foreign troops," said Noorzai Mohammed Amin, 50. A total of 70,000 French soldiers were deployed in Afghanistan between the end of 2001 and the end of 2014, of whom 89 were killed and about 700 wounded. Some 700 Afghans worked with them in jobs such as mechanics, housekeepers and interpreters. One hundred of these have benefited from a process of "relocation" in France. Others have tried illegal emigration routes, sometimes at the risk of their lives. Sacked Gambia minister declares support for Barrow An ex minister who has become the most high-profile defector from Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's government has declared his support for Adama Barrow, the businessman who recently defeated Jammeh at the polls. Former Information and Communication Minister Sheriff Bojang fled to neighbouring Senegal on Monday after resigning, he said via a Facebook post later that evening. Bojang said his conscience had overwhelmed him after Jammeh declared he would not step down at the end of his mandate on January 18. Gambian president-elect Adama Barrow speakings during an interview in Banjul on December 12, 2016 Seyllou (AFP/File) As minister for two years he was Jammeh's mouthpiece for explaining the actions of the regime, including arbitrary detentions, activists' deaths in custody and a crackdown on opposition protests. "It is never too late to do the right thing," he wrote in the post. "It is my considered opinion and stance that the results of the December 1st election represent a true reflection of the sovereign will of the Gambian people." A statement on state-run television said Bojang had been sacked and replaced with a National Assembly member who was appointed this month as the ruling party's spokesman. The former journalist said he did not believe a Supreme Court case, due to begin hearings today on an election challenge lodged by Jammeh, had any merit. "The current attempts while appearing to have a veneer of constitutionalism are in fact an attempt to subvert the express will of the Gambian electorate," he wrote. Moscow slams US-led action in Syria as ineffective Russian military officials on Tuesday slammed US-led coalition action against Islamic State jihadists in Syria as having had "less than zero" impact, and claimed that a US air strike killed 20 Syrian civilians this month. Russia's involvement in the war-torn country since September 2015 had "changed the course of fighting terrorism in Syria," said chief of general staff Valery Gerasimov. He listed the successes of Russia's operation to shore up the forces of long-time ally Bashar al-Assad, saying Moscow had carried out 71,000 strikes. Russia launched its bombing campaign in Syria in September 2015 But "our colleagues from the US-led anti-terrorist coalition have conducted considerably fewer strikes, only about 6,500, over the past two and a half years of the operation against IS in Syria," he said. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, speaking during a televised meeting, said the US-led coalition had made no impact. "As much as we needed the support of the international coalition -- the effect of which has been less than zero -- I regret to say that we did not see this support, and this required us to exert all of our energy" on Syria, he said. Gerasimov said the coalition strikes never had "any significant results" and said they had caused a "considerable number of deaths among civilians and government troops." Besides a misguided strike on Syrian troops near Deir Ezzor last September, which the Pentagon admitted was a "regrettable error," Gerasimov said a US plane had bombed Syrian civilians on January 3. "An American B-52 bomber struck Sarmada in the Idlib province without warning the Russian side. This is in an area where the ceasefire applies," he said, referring to the truce brokered by Russia and Turkey that went into effect on December 30. "As a result of the strike, over 20 civilians were killed," Gerasimov said. Gambia election ruling delayed for several months The Gambia's chief Supreme Court justice dealt a blow to President Yahya Jammeh's legal challenge against the result of December's election on Tuesday, saying it would not be heard for several months. Jammeh's political party lodged a legal case on his behalf last month aimed at annulling his December 1 election defeat to opponent Adama Barrow, and triggering new elections. "We can only hear this matter when we have a full bench of the Supreme Court," Chief Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle said, adding that the extra judges needed to hear the case were not available and could arrive only in May or November. Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, in power for 22 years, has vowed to stay in office until a dispute over December's election result is resolved Marco LONGARI (AFP/File) The Gambia relies on foreign judges, notably from Nigeria, to staff its courts due to a lack of trained professionals in the tiny west African state. Fagbenle is the panel's only sitting judge, as the Supreme Court has lain dormant since May 2015. The chief justice added that he would prefer the country to resolve its political deadlock through the mediation underway by a group of west African leaders, who are attempting to persuade Jammeh to respect the constitution and step aside. "This is why alternative dispute resolution is important," he said. "We are now only left with the ECOWAS mediation initiative and the inter-party committee set up by government to resolve the dispute." The inter-party committee is a UN-backed body aimed at resolving arguments between different Gambian political parties. But Jammeh has made clear he will not go until his complaint is heard. On December 20 he was broadcast on state television saying "unless the Court decides the case, there will be no inauguration on the 19 January. And let me see what ECOWAS and those big powers behind them can do." - West African leaders apply pressure - The leaders from the ECOWAS regional grouping led by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will return to The Gambia for the second time this week since the election to attempt to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. They were due to arrive Wednesday but the trip was delayed until Friday, Buhari's spokesman said, because Jammeh had asked for more time. "Delay notwithstanding, the mandate of the ECOWAS will be accomplished," Garba Shehu said. Nigeria's foreign minister said Monday the use of force remained an option if there was no movement in the situation. "Violence should be avoided but nothing is ruled out," Geoffrey Onyeama said. Meanwhile an ex-minister and high-profile defector from Jammeh's government declared his support for Barrow, and said the Supreme Court case was an attempt to "subvert the express will of the Gambian electorate." Former information and communication minister Sheriff Bojang fled to neighbouring Senegal on Monday after resigning. Bojang said his conscience had overwhelmed him after Jammeh declared he would not step down at the end of his mandate. As minister for two years he was Jammeh's mouthpiece for explaining the actions of the regime, including arbitrary detentions, activists' deaths in custody and a crackdown on opposition protests. "It is never too late to do the right thing," he wrote in a Facebook post. "It is my considered opinion and stance that the results of the December 1st election represent a true reflection of the sovereign will of the Gambian people." On Tuesday night Jammeh sacked his minister of youth and sport, a statement carried on national television said, without providing reasons for the dismissal. Yayha Jammeh's political party lodged a legal case on his behalf last month aimed at annulling the December 1 election result in Gambia Pro-Biafran leader goes on trial in Nigeria The high-profile trial of a pro-Biafran leader opened in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, on Tuesday but was immediately adjourned pending defence applications against the charges. Nnamdi Kanu, the head of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, has been in custody since October 2015, sparking protests by his supporters across the country's southeast. He and three others have been charged with treasonable felony, membership of an unlawful assembly, conspiracy to disturb public peace and terrorism-related offences. Nnamdi Kanu (C), the head of the Indigenous People of Biafra movement, has been charged with several offences inclucing terrorism-related ones Pius Utomi Ekpei (AFP/File) A judge last month ordered that the identities of prosecution witnesses should be withheld because of fears for their safety. Kanu, who also ran the London-based Radio Biafra station, opposes what he calls a "secret trial" and wants the case to be heard in public. Members of the public were barred from the courtroom, reporters without official accreditation were not allowed in, while curtains blocked the view of the judge, defendants and lawyers. Outside, IPOB members chanted "Freedom", waved placards and held aloft the Biafran flag -- a red, black and green horizontal tricolor with a golden rising sun. Kanu's lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, told judge Binta Nyako an application had been filed challenging the court's jurisdiction to hear the case and the competency of the charges. Ejiofor told reporters outside court there was "no merit" in the proof of evidence against the defendants and a prima facie case had not been made. Nyako adjourned the case until Thursday to hear the submissions. Separatist sentiment among the Igbo people, who are the majority in southeast Nigeria, has grown in the months since Kanu's arrest and sparked bloody clashes with the security forces. The government has refused to release Kanu on bail, despite court rulings from at least three judges, including a regional tribunal. Fifty years ago a unilateral declaration of an independent Republic of Biafra led to a brutal civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead, mainly from starvation and disease. Senegal to extradite Guinean soldier wanted over massacre A Senegalese court has approved the extradition of a Guinean soldier allegedly involved in the 2009 massacre of more than 150 people in a stadium, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. Fugitive Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite, arrested in Dakar on December 16, is accused of involvement in a September 2009 massacre at an opposition rally in Conakry stadium. Witnesses reported presidential guards firing on the crowd, beating and arresting opposition leaders, and raping dozens of women. Guinean soldier Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite (C), is accused of involvement in a September 2009 massacre at an opposition rally in Conakry stadium Seyllou (AFP) A UN investigation found that 157 people were killed and at least 109 women raped in the stadium and its surroundings. A Dakar appeals court "has approved the extradition" of Diakite, his lawyer Baba Diop said. "We are now awaiting the president's extradition order to file an appeal before the Supreme Court for abuse of power," he added. Under Senegalese law, the final decision on extradition lies with the president, Macky Sall. Diop told AFP on December 29 that Diakite was opposed to extradition, fearing for his safety. Diakite gained notoriety for the December 2009 shooting of Guinea coup leader Dadis Camara after a dispute over responsibility for the massacre. After being seriously injured in the attempted assassination, Camara was evacuated to Morocco and since has lived in Ouagadougou. Diakite went missing. IS claims deadly attack on Egypt police in Sinai The Islamic State jihadist group said Tuesday that it was behind the car bomb attack on a police checkpoint in the Sinai Peninsula that killed eight people a day earlier. The group's Egyptian branch, Sinai Province, said in a statement that "soldiers of the caliphate" had staged the assault on the checkpoint near the city of El-Arish. According to the interior ministry, seven policemen and a civilian passerby were killed in the attack, while police shot dead five assailants. Jihadists have mounted a string of deadly operations against security forces since the military ousted Egypt's Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 STR (AFP/File) Jihadists have killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen since the military overthrow of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 unleashed a bloody crackdown on his supporters. Tunisia democratic transition 'blocked': electoral chief Tunisia's transition to democracy after its 2011 revolution has hit a roadblock, the electoral commission chief said Tuesday, criticising a delay in holding the first local elections since the uprising. "Tunisia stood out... through its partially succesful transition and it is unacceptable that this march towards democracy be cut short," Chafik Sarsar told La Presse newspaper. "Everything is blocked... We have missed a date with history," he said. Tunisians wave national flags and shout slogans on January 14, 2016, during a rally to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2011 revolution Fethi Belaid (AFP/File) Tunisia, whose 2011 uprising inspired similar revolts across other Arab countries, has been touted as a regional example of a successful transition to democracy after a revolution. Sarsar criticised parliament's delay in adopting an electoral law necessary to hold the country's first municipal and regional polls since the revolt that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. He said the commission needed "eight months from the publication of the law" to organise the polls. If the elections were held in 2018, they would be immediately followed by the 2019 presidential elections, he said, warning holding these so close together risked "tiring out" the electorate. On Tuesday, a parliament vote on a third of the members of the electoral commission was postponed after the necessary quorum of 160 lawmakers was not met, NGO Al-Bawsala reported. Tunisia passed a new constitution in 2014 and held free parliamentary and presidential elections the same year. But authorities have struggled to redress Tunisia's economy and solve youth unemployment -- particularly among new graduates -- since the 2011 revolt. On Tuesday morning, some 40 unemployed graduates broke in to local government offices in the town of Sidi Bouzid in central Tunisia, which was the cradle of the 2011 uprising, an AFP correspondent said. They had travelled from the town of Meknassi some 50 kilometres (30 miles) away to demand authorities provide them with jobs. Security forces arrested about 10 protesters. Calm returned to Sidi Bouzid by midday, but a call was issued for a general strike in Meknassi on Thursday. In January last year, authorities imposed a nationwide nighttime curfew after Tunisia witnessed some of its worst social unrest since the 2011 uprising. Anger erupted after the death of a 28-year-old unemployed man who was electrocuted when he climbed a power pole while protesting in the central town of Kasserine. Congo ex-presidential candidate arrested: police A Congolese opposition leader who unsuccessfully challenged President Denis Sassou Nguesso at the polls has been arrested, a police source told AFP Tuesday. "I can confirm 100 percent that Mr (Andre) Okombi Salissa has been arrested," the source said. Okombi Salissa, 55, had been placed under house arrest three months after the March 2016 vote, which swept Sassou Nguesso back into power. Okombi Salissa (C), had been placed under house arrest three months after the March 2016 vote, which swept Sassou Nguesso back into power Fethi Belaid (AFP/File) He then escaped and went into hiding for several months. In December, prosecutor Andre Ngakala Oko asked Congo's National Assembly to lift Okombi Salissa's parliamentary immunity, to enable the courts to prosecute him for illegal possession of weapons of war. Along with four other opposition figures, Okombi Salissa had sought to stop 73-year-old Sassou Nguesso from returning to power in March. Another candidate, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko, has been in custody since June after being charged with "breaching internal state security" and illegal possession of weapons. Although he was minister for several portfolios under Sassou Nguesso from 1997 to 2012, Okombi Salissa joined the opposition shortly before a constitutional referendum in 2015. US blacklists member of 'Beatles' Islamic State cell The United States on Tuesday blacklisted a surviving British member of the notorious Islamic State kidnapping cell popularly known as "The Beatles" as a global terrorist threat. The State Department identified 33-year-old British Ghanaian jihadist Alexanda Amon Kotey as a member of the Islamic State unit that beheaded two dozen hostages in Syria. Among those murdered were three Americans -- journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid worker Peter Kassig -- and British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning. The State Department identified 33-year-old British Ghanaian jihadist Alexanda Amon Kotey as a member of the Islamic State unit that beheaded two dozen hostages in Syria THOMAS COEX (AFP/File) Some of the group's hostages were released and later revealed their captors spoke with British accents and were nicknamed The Beatles after the 1960s rock group by their victims. The group leader and most notorious executioner, Mohamed Emwazi or "Jihadi John," was killed last year in a drone strike by the US-led coalition fighting the IS group. But, according to the State Department designation, London-born Kotey is still thought to be at large somewhere in or near the IS stronghold of Raqa, in eastern Syria. "As a guard for the cell, Kotey likely engaged in the group's executions and exceptionally cruel torture methods, including electric shock and waterboarding," the statement said. Kotey is also known by several aliases, including Abu Salih al-Britani. He was born in the Paddington district of London and holds British, Ghanaian and Greek Cypriot nationality. Retired US generals to Trump: 'Torture is unnecessary' Dozens of retired top military brass have written to President-elect Donald Trump urging him not to follow through on campaign pledges to reinstate waterboarding, the New York Times reported Tuesday. Trump said while campaigning that "waterboarding is fine, but it's not nearly tough enough" and said he would "bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding." In a letter dated January 6 and obtained by the Times, a group of 176 retired officers from across the US military, including 33 four-star generals and admirals, said they were concerned by such rhetoric. Retired US General Stanley McChrystal, pictured in 2009, is among dozens of military leaders who wrote to President-elect Donald Trump arguing "torture is unnecessary" SAUL LOEB (AFP/File) "The use of waterboarding or any so-called 'enhanced interrogation techniques' is unlawful under domestic and international law," they wrote. Those signing the letter include General Stanley McChrystal and General John Allen, who oversaw the war effort in Afghanistan, and former special operations commander Admiral William McRaven. "Torture is unnecessary," the letter continues. "Based on our experience -- and that of our nation's top interrogators, backed by the latest science -- we know that lawful, rapport-based interrogation techniques are the most effective way to elicit actionable intelligence." Trump has also claimed that even if waterboarding doesn't work, terror suspects "deserve it anyway for what they do to us." Since his election, Trump appears to have modified his views on waterboarding -- a change that may reflect the influence of his nominee to head the Pentagon, retired Marine general James Mattis. In an interview with the Times, Trump recounted how Mattis had said that winning a prisoner's trust is a far more effective way of prying information. "'Give me a pack of cigarettes and a couple of beers and I'll do better,'" Trump said Mattis had told him. The signatories of the letter, who said they have "over six thousand years" of combined military leadership experience, noted that torture is counterproductive because it violates US values and serves as "a propaganda tool for extremists who wish to do us harm." Oh deer: monkey caught in flagrante delict-doe Scientists on Tuesday revealed the "highly unusual" behaviour of a male monkey filmed trying to have sex with female deer in Japan -- a rare case of inter-species nookie. Sex between animals from different species is uncommon, but exceptional cases are known to occur, chiefly in domesticated and captive animals, scientists reported in the journal Primates. Mating is usually driven by the need to procreate, while sex across the species line is mostly fruitless or yields sterile offspring. A Japanese macaque can be seen engaging in rare inter-species sexual behaviour with a female sika deer in a video filmed in Yakushima, Japan Alexandre Bonnefoy (Editions Issekinicho/AFP) For the new study -- only the second on the phenomenon of inter-species sex -- a Japanese macaque or "snow monkey" was filmed mounting at least two female Sika deer much larger than itself. Without penetration, the young monkey makes sexual movements while riding on the does' backs on Japan's Yakushima Island. On some occasions its impertinence was tolerated but at other times the deer bolted and ran. The monkey ejaculated on the backs of the does, which licked the seminal fluid, researchers said. "No ambiguity is possible, it is clearly sexual behaviour," study co-author Marie Pele of the University of Strasbourg, France, told AFP. Furthermore, the monkey appeared to "guard" the targets of its affection, chasing away other male macaques. The scientists speculated the behaviour may be driven by "mate deprivation" in a community where competition for females is stiff, boosted by a surge of hormones in the breeding season. "Sometimes young males, like the one in the study, do not have access to females in their social group as these are claimed by older males," said Pele. "This young macaque... did not have access to females, but was very excited. It took advantage of the presence of the doe." Snow monkeys and Sika deer live in close proximity at Yakushima -- the deer eat food the monkeys drop from the trees, and sometimes feed on their faeces. The team said further study is necessary to understand the origins of interspecies sexual behaviour, including zoophilia -- when humans are sexually attracted to animals. The only other published scientific study on inter-species sexual behaviour was the much-publicised 2014 report of fur seals forcing themselves on penguins in Antarctica, the authors said. Michelin not rethinking new plant in Mexico Michelin is not rethinking plans for a new tire factory in Mexico despite pressure by President-elect Donald Trump on companies to steer production to the United States, the company's president said Tuesday. "The decision to build the factory in Mexico was made some years ago," Michelin President Jean-Dominique Senard told AFP on the sidelines of the annual Detroit auto show. "We're going where our clients are. Our business is global, and we aren't reconsidering Mexico." Michelin's President Jean-Dominique Senard, pictured in 2016, said, "Our business is global, and we aren't reconsidering Mexico" Thierry Zoccolan (AFP/File) French tire giant in July announced plans to build a plant in central Mexico focused on high-end tires, an investment worth 450 million euros, or about $475 million at the current exchange rate. Michelin said the plant, located in Guanajuato state and expected to be ready at the end of 2018, would produce four to five million tires to address growing demand in Mexico and "growth opportunities in the dynamic North American market." The factory, Michelin's 21st in North America, "reflects Michelin's commitment to producing its tires as close as possible to the markets in which they are sold," the company said at the time. Ford last week spiked plans to build a new $1.6 billion plant in Mexico and instead announced new US investment. And Fiat Chrysler announced Sunday it was adding 2,000 jobs in the United States. The moves were praised by Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs on cars exported from Mexico to the US market. "What's important is to realize that we have 18,500 employees in the United States who work for Michelin," Senard said. "We have 15 plants here." Morocco bans production and sale of burqas: reports Morocco has banned the production and sale of burqa full-face Muslim veils, apparently for security reasons, media reports said Tuesday. While there was no official announcement by authorities in the North African nation, the reports said the interior ministry order would take effect this week. "We have taken the step of completely banning the import, manufacture and marketing of this garment in all the cities and towns of the kingdom," the Le360 news site quoted a high-ranking interior ministry official as saying. In Morocco, where King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, women prefer to wear the hijab, a headscarf which does not cover the face Abdelhak Senna (AFP/File) It said the measure appeared to be motivated by security concerns, "since bandits have repeatedly used this garment to perpetrate their crimes." Most women in Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, prefer the hijab headscarf that does not cover the face. The niqab, which leaves the area around the eyes uncovered, is also worn in Salafist circles and in more conservative regions in the north, from where thousands of jihadists have gone to fight in Syria and Iraq. In some commercial districts of Casablanca, the country's economic capital, interior ministry officials on Monday conducted "awareness-raising campaigns with traders to inform them of this new decision," the Media 24 website said. In Taroudant in southern Morocco, authorities ordered traders to stop making and selling burqas and to liquidate their stock within 48 hours, the reports said. Retailers in the northern town of Ouislane were said to have received similar instructions. It was unclear if Morocco plans to follow in the footsteps of some European countries such as France and Belgium where it is illegal to wear full veils in public. The reports were met with a muted response in the absence of official confirmation, though Salafists expressed concern that the measure could be expanded to include the niqab. "Is Morocco moving towards banning the niqab that Muslim women have worn for five centuries?" Salafist sheikh Hassan Kettani wrote on Facebook. "If true it would be a disaster," he added. - 'Discrimination' - Hammad Kabbaj, a preacher who was barred from standing in parliamentary elections in October over his alleged ties to "extremism", denounced the ban as "unacceptable". In comments on Facebook, he mocked the "Morocco of freedom and human rights" which "considers the wearing of the Western swimsuit on the beaches an untouchable right". Oussama Boutaher, a coordinator that defends Islamist prisoners, said the burqa ban amounted to "discrimination". "This shows that we are considered second-class citizens. It attacks individual freedoms even though Morocco has signed a number of international protocols on human rights," he told AFP. "Our example isn't Afghanistan, but the prophet and his followers," added Boutaher, who also rubbished the idea that curbing the sale of the burqa would improve security. But lawmaker Nouzha Skalli, a former family and social development minister, welcomed the ban as "an important step in the fight against religious extremism". The High Council of Oulemas, the country's top religious authority, has yet to comment on the issue of banning full-face veils. Nigeria's Jonathan denies receiving oil deal kickbacks Nigeria's former president Goodluck Jonathan did not receive kickbacks from a $1.3 billion deal involving oil giants ENI and Shell which is under investigation in Italy, his spokesman said Tuesday. In a statement, Jonathan said he has not been "accused, indicted or charged for corruptly collecting monies" linked to the 2011 deal for an offshore oil block in Nigeria. Italian prosecutors late last month released court documents that outline criminal proceedings against the two oil majors and 11 people, including senior executives from the companies. Goodluck Jonathan said he has not been "accused, indicted or charged for corruptly collecting monies" linked to the 2011 deal for an offshore oil block in Nigeria PIUS UTOMI EKPEI (AFP/File) Jonathan, who left office in May 2015, and Diezani Alison-Madueke, his long-time oil minister who was also the first woman president of OPEC, do not feature on the list. But the prosecutors alleged in court papers that they played a key role in the deal in which $466 million went to remunerate Nigerian government officials, including Jonathan and Alison-Madueke. No formal charges have been brought and the parties usually have 20 days to respond to a preliminary investigation report before any formal prosecution. "At no time did the former president hold private meetings with representatives of ENI to discuss pecuniary issues," said his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze. "All the meetings and discussions former president Jonathan had with ENI, other IOCs and some indigenous operators were conducted officially, and in the presence of relevant Nigerian government officials and were done in the best interest of the country." Eze also countered prosecutors' contention that an agent named Abubakar Aliyu had collected money for the then president. Jonathan "never sent" Aliyu to "collect any gratification on his behalf", and the ex-president "does not own any bank account, aircraft or real estate outside Nigeria," Eze said. Charleston church shooter: 'I still feel like I had to do it' Dylann Roof, the self-described white supremacist who gunned down nine black worshippers in a church, was unrepentant Tuesday as he nevertheless told the jury it would take just one holdout to spare his life. "I still feel like I had to do it," he told jurors in a semi-coherent closing argument at the sentencing phase of the trial. The 22-year-old, who was representing himself, has never expressed remorse for the June 2015 massacre at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston that shocked the nation. A man stops to observe the makeshift memorial in front of Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina on January 4, 2017 Logan Cyrus (AFP/File) A Bible study group at "Mother Emanuel," which had welcomed Roof, was just beginning its closing prayer when the self-avowed Nazi and Ku Klux Klan sympathizer opened fire, killing nine people ranging in age from 26 to 87. It took the jury just two hours to convict him last month of all 33 federal hate crime charges against him. The case was turned over Tuesday afternoon to the 12-member jury, which will decide whether to sentence Roof to death or life in prison. "Only one of you has to disagree with the other jurors," he said, referring to the life sentence he would receive if the jury is not able to unanimously agree on the death penalty. Roof is representing himself in the sentencing phase of the trial, against the advice of his lawyers and the judge. - 'Not one tear' - In a closing argument that lasted for two hours, prosecutor Jay Richardson urged jurors to sentence Roof to death for "this cold, calculated, malicious killing." "Not one tear did he shed for those that he killed," he said. "Unrepentant. No remorse." Richardson noted Roof only expressed sorrow that he's put his parents through an emotional trial during which his mother suffered a heart attack after a survivor's gripping testimony. "He had sorrow for them. He had pity for himself. That he had lost his freedom. His ability to watch movies and drive a car," he said. "But his sadness was reserved for the little white children that have to live with African Americans." During the first phase of the trial, Roof made no attempt to explain his crimes and exhibited no signs of remorse as survivors recounted the rampage in heart-rending detail. A video of Roof's chilling confession was shown to the jury. "Somebody had to do something because black people are killing white people every day," Roof said without emotion to the FBI special agent questioning him. "They rape 100 white people a day." In notes confiscated from Roof in prison in August 2015, he wrote that he was "not sorry." "I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed," the notes said. Roof's lawyers have suggested their client is not mentally fit, but US District Judge Richard Gergel has found Roof competent to stand trial -- twice. Capital punishment rarely is meted out in federal cases, in part because violent crimes more typically are tried under state laws. Trump son-in-law: a calming power in the new presidency Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's baby-faced son-in-law and incoming special advisor, is poised to become one of the most powerful men in the country, a calming and respected influence on the president. Celebrating his 36th birthday on Tuesday, the clean-cut, impeccably polite and discreet grandson of Holocaust survivors married to Trump's eldest daughter has been credited with working tirelessly behind the scenes to mastermind his father-in-law's shock victory. Flouting nepotism and ethics concerns in announcing the appointment, the incoming Republican president called Kushner a "tremendous asset and trusted advisor" who would form an integral part of his inner team. Jared Kushner exits Trump Tower, December 7, 2016 in New York City Drew Angerer (GETTY/AFP/File) A multi-millionaire property developer and publisher, Kushner married Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka in 2009. The couple, who have three young children, will now swap their status as a Manhattan power couple enmeshed in the business world for a life of politics in Washington. The scion of an Orthodox Jewish family from New Jersey who previously donated to Democratic politicians, Kushner has spoken of undergoing a shift after seeing his father-in-law's groundswell of support, unflinchingly defending him against alleged racism and anti-Semitism. "People in the political world try to put you into different buckets based on what exists. I think Trump's creating his own bucket -- a blend of what works and eliminating what doesn't work," he told Forbes. But while Trump's penchant for publicity, rows and controversy are legendary, Kushner is a stark contrast in social media silence, appearing only in smiling family photographs posted by his wife, who converted to Judaism before their lavish society wedding. But behind the scenes, his influence is almost second to none. - Child of privilege - He was reportedly instrumental in personnel decisions, such as demoting scandal-dogged Chris Christie -- the former prosecutor who jailed his father for tax evasion -- and Trump's selection of a fervent advocate of Jewish settlements as US ambassador to Israel. Trump said last year that Kushner, whose family foundation has reportedly donated to Israeli settlements, was so talented that he could help "do peace in the Middle East." Such is his influence that the New York Times reported that the outgoing White House was told that foreign policy matters that need to be brought to Trump's attention should be relayed through Kushner. He has also been a bridge to tech leaders, has won the friendship and support of legions of influential New York and global players, many of them significantly older than him, such as Rupert Murdoch. Even liberals welcomed his appointment as a potentially moderating influence. "I respect him a lot," New York's left-leaning Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters on Monday, saying that he had known Kushner "for years" and considered him "a very reasonable person." The eldest son of developer Charles Kushner, he attended a private Jewish high school before going to Harvard, singled out as an example of the wealthy getting preferential admittance to Ivy League schools, before going onto New York University to get an MBA. Kushner was still a student when Christie jailed his father for tax evasion, witness tampering and illegal campaign contributions. His son picked up the pieces, reportedly flying down to visit his father most weekends, and took up the reins of the family business, proving himself astonishingly successful. - Ran campaign - Like Trump, he shifted the focus of the family real estate business to Manhattan. Today Forbes estimates that together with his parents and brother Kushner is worth $1.8 billion. Under his leadership, Kushner Companies says it has completed more than $14 billion in transactions and $7 billion in acquisitions. Kushner's lawyer said he would resign as CEO of Kushner Companies and "divest substantial assets in accordance with federal guidelines." Ten years ago he also added The New York Observer lifestyle newspaper to his portfolio and revived its fortunes by taking it online. During the campaign he went from writing speeches to masterminding a data-driven campaign that focused on message tailoring and harnessing social media to an unprecedented extent. "Best I can tell, he actually ran the campaign and did it with essentially no resources," Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, told Forbes. After the inauguration he is expected to work closely with White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Steve Bannon. The Times reported that he plans to work on issues involving the Middle East and Israel; try to forge government partnerships with the private sector and collaborate on free trade issues. US indicts Ban relatives with bribery US prosecutors have indicted relatives of former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, accusing them of trying to bribe a Middle Eastern official over the attempted $800 million sale of a building in Hanoi. The 39-page indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, charges Joo Hyun Bahn, also known as Dennis, a Manhattan real estate broker, and his father Ban Ki Sang, a senior executive in a South Korean construction company. Also charged is US citizen Malcolm Harris, accused of masquerading as a go-between with the Middle Eastern official but instead pocketing a $500,000 bribe which he frittered away on personal luxuries. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as he addresses a press conference, his last at United Nations headquarters, as his term of office draws to a close at the end of the year on December 16, 2016 UN Photo/Eskinder DEBEBE (UNITED NATIONS/AFP/File) Ban is a brother of the former UN secretary general, who was succeeded at the helm of the United Nations on January 1 by former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres, and Bahn is a nephew. US prosecutors allege that the international bribery conspiracy took place between March 2013 and May 2015 in relation to the attempted sale of a commercial and residential complex in Hanoi, built and owned by Keangnam Enterprises, a South Korean construction company. The plot focused on an attempt to get an official from an undisclosed Middle Eastern kingdom to purchase the property using a sovereign wealth fund and allegedly included an attempt to contact the head of state while he was in New York for the annual UN General Assembly. The father and son agreed to pay an initial bribe of $500,000, wired to an account in New York from South Korea in April 2014, followed by a payment of $2 million upon completion of the sale, prosecutors said. Harris instead allegedly pocketed the money and the sale never went through, ultimately forcing Keangnam to enter court receivership in South Korea due to a growing liquidity crisis. VW directors knew of emissions scandal earlier: press Top Volkswagen officials knew about the company's "dieselgate" emissions-cheating software at least a month before they claim to have discovered the scandal, German media reported on Tuesday. VW looks set to pay $4.3 billion (4.1 billion euros) to settle a US criminal case after admitting to fitting out 11 million diesel cars worldwide with software that reduces emissions under testing to pass controls, but then switches off under real driving conditions. That meant they released up to 40 times the permitted pollution levels. Newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung and television channels NDR and WDR claim two "crucial witnesses" told US investigators that both Winterkorn and current group chairman Herbert Diess knew about the circumvention software "from the end of July 2015" SAUL LOEB (AFP/File) Previously, VW claimed that former group chairman Martin Winterkorn was only made aware of the issue in late August to early September 2015, just before the scandal broke out in September 2015. But newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung and regional television channels NDR and WDR claimed that two "crucial witnesses" have told US investigators that both Winterkorn and current group chairman Herbert Diess knew about the circumvention software "from the end of July 2015". "The directors took no measures to inform American authorities about these manipulations", wrote Sueddeutsche Zeitung on its internet site. Of the up to 11 million vehicles affected, 600,000 were in the US alone. Although Volkswagen admitted to installing the software, Winterkorn denied responsibility. According to German media, one of the two witnesses was the head of the manufacturer's diesel service and told US authorities about the cheating software in August 2015. Despite the scandal, VW Group -- which includes the brands Audi, Porsche and Skoda -- said on Tuesday it had sold a new record 10.3 million cars worldwide last year. The latest revelations came just 24 hours after a former Volkswagen executive was charged with fraud and conspiracy. Oliver Schmidt, who ran VW's US regulatory compliance office from 2012 to March 2015, is accused of lying to US regulators. US jury condemns Charleston church shooter to death A US jury on Tuesday condemned self-described white supremacist Dylann Roof to death over the massacre of nine black worshippers in a South Carolina church in June 2015 -- a crime that shocked the nation. Roof, 22, was convicted last month of 33 federal charges -- including hate crimes resulting in death -- in connection with the shooting spree at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston. A Bible study group at "Mother Emanuel," which had welcomed Roof, was just beginning its closing prayer when the self-avowed Nazi and Ku Klux Klan sympathizer opened fire, killing nine people ranging in age from 26 to 87. Dylann Roof was convicted of 33 federal charges and sentenced to death by a US jury BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (AFP/File) The slayings once again exposed the deep divides in America over race and access to guns. Roof showed little reaction to the decision, delivered just hours after the 12-member jury retired to deliberate, though he occasionally seemed to be slightly smiling. Federal judge Richard Gergel will formally deliver Roof's sentence on Wednesday morning at the Charleston courthouse. The verdict unanimously reached by the jury is binding. "I still feel like I had to do it," Roof told jurors earlier in a semi-coherent closing argument. Roof represented himself in the sentencing phase of the trial, against the advice of his lawyers and the judge. He called no witnesses and offered no evidence for the jury to consider. After the jury offered its sentencing verdict, Roof asked for new attorneys so he could move for a retrial, but Gergel told him to provide specific reasons for his request on Wednesday. Relatives of the victims will be invited to speak at Wednesday's hearing. - 'Not one tear' - Earlier, prosecutor Jay Richardson urged jurors to sentence Roof to death for "this cold, calculated, malicious killing." "Not one tear did he shed for those that he killed," he said. "Unrepentant. No remorse." Richardson noted Roof only expressed sorrow that he put his parents through an emotional trial during which his mother suffered a heart attack after a survivor's gripping testimony. "He had sorrow for them. He had pity for himself. That he had lost his freedom. His ability to watch movies and drive a car," he said. "But his sadness was reserved for the little white children that have to live with African Americans." During the first phase of the trial, Roof exhibited no signs of remorse as survivors recounted the rampage in heart-rending detail. A video of Roof's chilling confession was shown to the jury. "Somebody had to do something because black people are killing white people every day," Roof said without emotion to the FBI special agent questioning him. "They rape 100 white people a day." In notes confiscated from Roof in prison in August 2015, he wrote that he was "not sorry." "I have not shed a tear for the innocent people I killed," the notes said. Roof's lawyers had suggested their client was not mentally fit, but Gergel found Roof competent to stand trial -- twice. His family said in a statement posted in US media Tuesday that they would "continue to pray for the Emanuel AME families and the Charleston community." "We will struggle as long as we live to understand why he committed this horrible attack, which caused so much pain to so many good people," the statement said. US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who is herself black, said in a statement that "we hope that the completion of the prosecution provides the people of Charleston -- and the people of our nation -- with a measure of closure." Tim Scott, one of South Carolina's two senators, added that "nineteen months ago, a heartless murderer attempted to start a race war." "Today that man was rightly sentenced to death," said Scott, who is black. Capital punishment is only rarely meted out in federal cases, in part because violent crimes more typically are tried under state laws. Federal authorities have executed only three inmates since 1976. Roof is also facing state murder charges in South Carolina, and prosecutors were planning to seek the death penalty, but those proceedings were indefinitely put on hold last week. 2015 Charleston church shooting John SAEKI, Gal ROMA (AFP) US would 'not necessarily' shoot down NKorean missile: Pentagon The US military would not necessarily shoot down a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile, should the country's leader try to test one, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Tuesday. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said in a New Year's speech that the country was "in the final stages of test-launching the intercontinental ballistic missile." Carter, whose two-year run as Pentagon chief will come to an end when President Barack Obama leaves office January 20 and Donald Trump is inaugurated, said in his final news conference that it might make sense to watch such a test without taking action. People watch a television news broadcast at a railway station in Seoul on January 1, 2017 showing North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's New Year's speech JUNG Yeon-Je (AFP) "If the missile is threatening it will be intercepted. If it is not threatening, we won't necessarily do so," he said. "It may be more to our advantage to first of all save our interceptor inventory, and second to gather intelligence from the flight," he added. In 2016, North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and numerous missile launches in its quest to develop a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland. Analysts are divided over how close Pyongyang is to realizing its full nuclear ambitions, especially since it has never successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Pentagon last week said it was confident in its capabilities to defend against a missile attack by North Korea. For its part, South Korea plans to deploy a US missile defense system -- despite opposition from China -- to protect against any threats from the North. President-elect Trump has named retired Marine Corps general James Mattis as defense secretary. Mattis needs a special congressional waiver from a law that bars generals from serving as defense secretary for seven years after leaving active duty. Suspect in attack on US official sent out of Mexico MEXICO CITY (AP) The U.S. citizen arrested by Mexican authorities in connection with last week's shooting of a U.S. consular official in Guadalajara has been sent out of Mexico, the federal Attorney General's Office said late Monday. Its statement did not reveal where the suspect was sent, saying only that he was repatriated in coordination with U.S. authorities and in accordance with Mexican law. It said Mexican authorities would continue their investigation into the incident. The statement did not give the suspect's name, but an official with the Attorney General's Office earlier identified him as Zia Zafar, a U.S. citizen. The official agreed to discuss the situation only if not quoted by name because the details had not been formally released. The victim of the shooting survived the attack Friday. Neither Mexican nor U.S. officials released the victim's name, but local media have identified him as Christopher Ashcraft. Ashcraft is listed on social networking sites as a consular officer in Guadalajara since 2016. An American official in the United States who had seen a written summary of the investigation said authorities were still trying to determine a motive for the shooting. The official said a preliminary investigation found the suspect had mental health issues. The U.S. official wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the investigation and agreed to speak to the AP only on condition of anonymity. The official said the victim was recovering at a medical facility in Guadalajara and was in "stable condition" Monday. Surveillance video of the attack shows a man with dark hair and sunglasses shoot into the official's car as it exited an underground parking garage. The attacker then runs away. After the attack, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City urged citizens to limit their exposure in Guadalajara. "They should also take care not to fall into predictable patterns for those movements that are essential," the statement continued. "They should vary the times and routes of their movements." On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement thanking Mexico for the quick arrest. ___ Michael Chamberlain, father of baby killed by dingo, dies SYDNEY (AP) Michael Chamberlain, who waged a decades-long battle to prove his baby daughter was killed by a dingo in Australia's most notorious case of injustice, has died, his former wife said Tuesday. He was 72. Chamberlain died suddenly, his ex-wife, Lindy Chamberlain, said in a statement. Michael Chamberlain's longtime friend and former lawyer, Stuart Tipple, told Australia's Fairfax Media that Michael died on Monday night as a result of complications from leukemia. "I am on my way today to support and be with our children," Lindy said in a statement. "Given Michael's death was unexpected, I would ask that the media please consider that Michael's wife and all of his children are deeply grieving and need some space." FILE - This October 1990, file photo shows Michael Chamberlain, right, and then his wife Lindy when Lindy launched her book on the disappearance of her baby daughter Azaria in 1980. Chamberlain, who waged a long battle to prove his baby daughter was killed by a dingo in Australia's most notorious case of injustice, has died, Chamberlain's ex-wife Lindy confirmed Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. He was 72. (AP Photo/Russell McPhadran, File) Lindy and Michael were wrongly convicted in the death of their 9-week-old daughter Azaria after the infant vanished from their tent during a 1980 camping trip to Uluru, the sacred monolith in Australia's Outback. The mystery surrounding Azaria's disappearance was the most divisive and sensational legal drama in Australian history. It gained a place in global pop culture after Meryl Streep portrayed Lindy in the movie "A Cry in the Dark." The Chamberlains insisted that a dingo snatched their daughter from the tent. But officials doubted the wild dogs were capable of carrying an infant. Instead, prosecutors argued that Lindy had slit her daughter's throat and buried her in the desert. There were no witnesses, no motive and no body; Azaria's remains were never found. But in 1982, Lindy was nonetheless convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Michael was convicted of being an accessory after the fact and given a suspended sentence. Three years later, Azaria's jacket was found in the desert near a dingo den and Lindy was quickly released from prison. A Royal Commission, the highest form of investigation in Australia, later debunked much of the forensic evidence used at trial and the Chamberlains' convictions were overturned. In 2012 more than three decades after Azaria vanished a coroner finally ruled that the infant had died as a result of a dingo attack. The trial remains a source of shame for the many Australians who initially doubted the Chamberlains and cast Lindy as a villain largely due to her religious beliefs. Michael Chamberlain was a pastor with the Seventh-day Adventist church, a Protestant denomination that few Australians understood. Rumors flew that Lindy had killed her daughter as part of a grisly religious ritual. Shortly before the coroner's ruling in 2012, Michael Chamberlain told The Associated Press that religious bigotry played a large role in the injustice he and his former wife suffered. "The church got so smashed up, erroneously, and all through, really, a nasty dose of prejudice," Chamberlain told The AP. "I can say that I think our religion definitely impacted quite strongly on the attitude that many Australians developed." Michael and Lindy divorced in 1991. He later married Ingrid Bergner, and went on to become an author and teacher. Actor Sam Neill, who portrayed Michael in "A Cry in the Dark," said on Monday that the Chamberlains had been "terribly, cruelly wronged." "Throughout their cruel ordeal & the years of injustice, (Michael) Chamberlain maintained that quiet unassuming dignity an impressive man," Neill tweeted. "RIP." Texas man pleads guilty to fraud in lottery scandal case DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A Texas businessman has pleaded guilty to fraud and admitted to helping lottery computer technician Eddie Tipton cash jackpots in a multi-state number-fixing scheme that netted $2 million. Robert Rhodes pleaded guilty in a Des Moines courtroom Monday. Iowa prosecutors will seek two years of probation. Rhodes says he helped Tipton try to cash a $16.5 million 2010 Iowa Hot Lotto ticket but suspicious officials never paid. Robert Rhodes, of Sugar Land, Texas, right, faces a judge with his attorney Joseph Cahill as Rhodes enters a plea in Polk County District Court Jan. 9, 2017 in Des Moines, Iowa. Rhodes pleaded guilty to a fraud charge and admitted to participating in a scheme to help his friend, Eddie Tipton, a lottery computer technician in Iowa, cash jackpots after Tipton figured out a way to predict numbers for certain games in several states including Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. (Rodney White/The Register via AP) Rhodes agreed to testify against Tipton and his brother, Tommy Tipton. They're charged in Iowa for tinkering with computers to make lottery numbers predictable in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wisconsin games. They deny the charges. 3 dead, deputy wounded after shooting, fire in Kentucky LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Authorities allege a man killed his mother and his girlfriend, then barricaded himself inside his rural Kentucky home and opened fire on responding deputies. He is then believed to have set his own home on fire before turning his gun on himself. The victims, badly burned by the fire, were identified after autopsies Monday morning in Frankfort. Rowan County Coroner John P. Northcutt said a preliminary investigation showed that 51-year-old Garry Morrison died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His mother, 71-year-old Anna Morrison, and his girlfriend, 32-year-old Latoya Cooper, died of gunshot wounds. Authorities converged on the rural home near Morehead on Sunday after the suspect called 911 to report he had shot his girlfriend, the sheriff said. The suspect opened fire from inside the home when officers arrived, Rowan County Sheriff Matt Sparks said. Rowan County sheriff's deputy Baker Hollis was shot in the arm just above the wrist, Sparks said. Officers returned fire while recovering the deputy, Kentucky State Police said. Hollis was treated at a hospital and released. No other officers were injured. The suspect fired at least three different types of weapons, based on the sound, and kept moving around the mobile home, Sparks said. "It was almost like he was trying to draw officers in there," the sheriff said. "He was back far enough in the residence that they didn't even see him as he was firing on them." Sparks said he spoke briefly with the suspect by phone three times during the standoff. The man said he wanted to talk to the FBI and CIA but abruptly hung up each time, he said. "He was just rambling," the sheriff said. "He was pretty much out of it." The standoff lasted at least two hours. As the gunfire subsided, the home became engulfed flames, he said. Officers didn't enter the burning home immediately because they didn't know if the man was alive and able to open fire on them, he said. "Basically the home had burned down before we could get the fire department in there to put the flames out," he said. Investigators stayed at the scene all night and into Monday morning, Northcutt said, with temperatures dipping below 9 degrees. "It was a very trying night," he said. "We were working under extreme conditions." Morrison and his mother were found in the front room of the trailer, while Cooper was found in a separate room in the back of the home. China's Xinjiang tightening border amid terrorist threats BEIJING (AP) China is tightening border controls in its northwestern Xinjiang region amid rising terrorism threats, the regional governor was quoted as saying on Tuesday. State media reported Shohrat Zakir made the pledge in a speech at the region's main annual political meeting on Monday, saying increased measures taken in the last year would be further strengthened. The crackdown seeks to prevent suspected insurgents both from leaving Xinjiang to fight abroad and from returning to the region after receiving military training overseas, the official China Daily newspaper said. FILE - In this March 8, 2016 file photo, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Chairman Shohrat Zakir speaks during the Xinjiang delegation group's meeting on the sidelines of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Bejing, China. China is tightening border controls in its northwestern Xinjiang region amid rising terrorism threats, the regional governor was quoted as saying on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) Xinjiang has long been home to a simmering insurgency against Beijing's rule waged by extremists among the native Turkic-speaking Uighur (WEE-gur) ethnic group, who are mainly Muslim and culturally distinct from most Chinese. Many Uighurs already face onerous restrictions on where they can work and travel to, including extreme difficulties in obtaining passports. Xinjiang shares a border with Afghanistan, Pakistan and four nations in the often volatile Central Asian region, whose native populations share ethnic, linguistic and religious links with Uighurs. Uighur extremists have also been reported to have joined the fighting in Syria and were blamed for a deadly attack on a Buddhist temple in Thailand. Xinjiang has been smothered in heavy security since deadly riots in 2009 that pitted Uighurs against ethnic Han Chinese migrants in the regional capital of Urumqi. Those measures were tightened further following a wave of attacks blamed on Uighur separatists striking in Xinjiang and other parts of China, including the capital Beijing. While such incidents have largely been curtailed, three knife-wielding assailants last month attacked staff at a Communist Party office in southern Xinjiang's Hotan region and set off an explosive device, killing two and injuring three others. The attackers were then shot dead by police. The incident was the first publicly reported fatal attack in months in Xinjiang, where information is strictly controlled and reporting access highly limited. Prior to that, police in November 2015 killed 28 people who authorities said had killed 11 civilians and five police officers at a remote Xinjiang coal mine controlled by members of China's main Han ethnic group. Additionally, a Chinese state media outlet reported that three alleged assailants wanted in relation with a 2015 terrorist incident in Hotan were killed in a police raid on Sunday. No details were given. S. Korean dies after setting himself ablaze over Japan deal SEOUL, South Korea (AP) A South Korean Buddhist monk has died days after he set himself on fire to protest the country's deal with Japan on former Korean sex slaves, a Seoul hospital said Tuesday. The monk, 64, set himself ablaze Saturday during rallies against impeached President Park Geun-hye. In his notebook found at the scene, he criticized Park's 2015 agreement to settle an impasse over Korean women forced to be sex slaves for Japanese troops during World War II in return for an apology from Japan's prime minister and a pledge of millions of dollars. The monk was pronounced dead Monday night of multiple organ failures caused by his burns, according to the Seoul National University Hospital. FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2017, file photo, an injured Buddhist monk who set himself on fire is put into an ambulance in Seoul, South Korea. The Buddhist monk died Monday, Jan. 9, 2107, days after he set himself on fire to protest the country's deal with Japan on former Korean sex slaves, Seoul National University Hospital said Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Yonhap via AP, File) Disputes over sex slaves are a legacy of Japan's 1910-45 colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula. Many in both North and South Korea, divided at the end of the Japanese rule, still harbor bitter resentment against the Japanese period. Park's Japan deal prompted criticism because it was announced without approval from surviving former sex slaves. Under the agreement that both countries described as "final and irreversible" at the time of its singing, Japan promised to fund a Seoul-based foundation aimed at supporting the victims. South Korea, in return, said it would refrain from criticizing Japan over the issue and try to resolve a Japanese grievance over a bronze statue representing the wartime sex slaves that had been placed in front of its embassy in Seoul. The future of the deal was thrown into doubt earlier this month after Japan said it would recall its ambassador to South Korea and suspend economic talks in response to the placing of another such statue in South Korea's second-largest city of Busan. Seoul's Foreign Ministry said the decision was "very regrettable." South Korea's main opposition party has stepped up calls to scrap the 2015 deal since parliament impeached Park last month over a scandal involving her confidante. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who became government caretaker following Park's impeachment, said Tuesday that Seoul, Tokyo and others involved in the issue must respect the deal's spirits and try to work together to boost bilateral ties. Guantanamo Bay convict charged with assault in Australia ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) David Hicks, the first prisoner held at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to be convicted by a military court, appeared in an Australian court on Tuesday charged with assaulting his partner. Hicks, 41, appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court in his hometown of Adelaide for a pre-trial conference on a charge that he assaulted his partner in September. He has yet to plea to the charge, which carries a potential two-year prison sentence. He was released on bail to appear next on Feb. 28. Journalists were not permitted inside the courtroom. The Muslim convert was captured in Afghanistan by the U.S.-backed Northern Alliance in late 2001 as a suspected enemy combatant, then spent more than five years at Guantanamo Bay. He pleaded guilty in a U.S. Court of Military Commission in 2007 to providing material support to terrorism. It was a plea bargain in which all but nine months of his seven-year sentence was suspended and he was allowed to return to Adelaide to serve the final months. The U.S. Court of Military Commission Review, an appeals court, struck down his conviction in 2015. Hicks says he only pleaded guilty to get out of Guantanamo Bay. Hicks traveled to Pakistan in 2000, joined the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba and took part in an attack on Indian forces, according to court records. He later went to Afghanistan and attended a training camp run by al-Qaida and visited by its leader Osama bin Laden. Hicks only real fighting experience was helping to guard a Taliban tank near the Kandahar airport. In his memoir published in Australia in 2010, "Guantanamo: My Journey," Hicks wrote that U.S. authorities offered detainees inducements including illicit drugs and prostitutes to gain their cooperation. South Korean president's confidante snubs impeachment trial SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Disgraced South Korean President Park Geun-hye's longtime friend at the center of a massive corruption scandal refused to testify at Park's impeachment trial on Tuesday, with lawmakers alleging that it was a stalling tactic. The Constitutional Court had expected to hear from Choi Soon-sil, a confidante of Park who's currently jailed and on trial herself for allegedly using her connections with the president to extort money and favors from companies and unlawfully interfere with government affairs. But Choi (pronounced Chwey) submitted documents to the court saying she was unable to testify because she had to prepare for her own trial. Two jailed former presidential aides who purportedly helped Choi also refused to testify, saying they needed to prepare for their own trials as well. A supporter of disgraced South Korean President Park Geun-hye stands to oppose her impeachment in front of the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Park's longtime friend at the center of a massive corruption scandal refused to testify at Park's impeachment trial on Tuesday. The sign held by the supporter reads: "Nullity of impeachment." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) Lawmakers, who function as prosecutors at the impeachment trial, raised suspicions that Park's lawyers were controlling the witnesses in order to stall. "Three important witnesses all refused to testify, like they planned it ahead," said lawmaker Lee Chun-suak. "We think there's an invisible hand at work (controlling the witnesses)." Choi said in the documents that it was difficult for her to testify because she needed time to prepare for her trial, which is being held at a different court, said Park Han-Chul, the Constitutional Court's chief justice. Choi also noted that her daughter is also being investigated over the corruption scandal, and cited an article in the country's criminal litigation law that allows a person to refuse to give testimony that could put their relatives at risk of prosecution or conviction. However, the court said it would call Choi and the two former presidential aides as witnesses again next week, and that it would take steps to forcibly summon them if they refused to appear again. The no-shows by the three came after the court last week heard from only one of four former and current presidential aides it had called in as witnesses. Police are currently trying to locate two of Park's former aides after court employees failed to deliver subpoenas to them. Park's powers have been suspended since Dec. 9, when South Korea's opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach her. Sea piracy plunges to 18-year low but kidnappings rise KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) Sea piracy plunged to its lowest levels in 18 years in 2016, but kidnappings of crew members for ransom is escalating off west Africa and in the Sulu Seas near the Philippines, a global maritime watchdog said Tuesday. The International Maritime Bureau said in its annual report that 191 piracy incidents were recorded worldwide, down from 246 in 2015 and the lowest level since 1998. It said pirates hijacked seven vessels and held 151 hostages, down from 15 ships and 271 hostages in 2015. However, it said maritime kidnappings surged by threefold to 62 people from just 19 people in 2015. It said that 34 were captured off west Africa, while 28 were taken from tugs, barges, fishing boats and more recently merchant ships in waters around Malaysia and Indonesia and believed transferred to southern Philippines. "The continued fall in piracy is good news, but certain shipping routes remain dangerous, and the escalation of crew kidnapping is a worrying trend in some emerging areas. The kidnappings in the Sulu Seas between eastern Malaysia and the Philippines are a particular concern," bureau director Pottengal Mukundan said in a statement. In the last quarter alone, the bureau said 12 crew were kidnapped from two cargo vessels that were underway and from an anchored fishing vessel in the Sulu Sea. In November, a bulk carrier was fired upon but pirates were not able to board the vessel. Earlier in 2016, crewmembers were kidnapped in three attacks on vulnerable slow-moving tugs and barges, it said. The bureau, whose piracy reporting center is based in Kuala Lumpur, urged ship owners to consider avoiding the Sulu Sea. It called on governments to investigate and identify the kidnappers and punish them under the law. It urged ships to be vigilant in the Gulf of Guinea, which remained a high-risk kidnapping hotspot with 34 seized from vessels in nine incidents. 2 missing Turkish soldiers reported killed in Syria ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkish media reports say two Turkish soldiers reported missing during a battle with Islamic State militants in northern Syria have died. The state-run Anadolu Agency says funerals for the two soldiers will be held Tuesday in their hometowns. The two soldiers were reported missing on Nov. 29 and were believed to be held captive by the IS. There was no information on the circumstances of their deaths or on the return of their remains. Turkey sent troops and tanks into northern Syria in August to support Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces pushing the IS group away from a border area and curtail the territorial advances of Syrian Kurdish groups. Homeland Security pick cites securing border as top priority WASHINGTON (AP) Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security likes the idea of a wall to secure the border with Mexico but says technology and manpower are also a must. "A physical barrier in and of itself will not do the job," retired Marine Gen. John Kelly told members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during a confirmation hearing Tuesday. "Certainly it has to be a layered approach." The normally blunt-talking Marine walked a fine line in his answers to several questions about how Trump's Homeland Security Department will carry out its many varied missions, specifically efforts to find and deport immigrants living in the country illegally. He struck a balance between defending Trump's hard-line positions on immigration and border security, and the more moderate positions of some senators, especially Democrats. Homeland Security Secretary-designate John Kelly arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, to testify at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Asked about the fate of young immigrants protected from deportation by President Barack Obama, Kelly told Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California that "the law would guide him" in every decision he will make if confirmed. Kelly also said the agency doesn't appear to have a particularly efficient way to track visitors who have overstayed their visas and suggested it may be appropriate to "send someone to their house ... and ask them why they haven't departed." Answering questions about his plans to secure the border, stop the flow of drugs and curb illegal border crossings, Kelly told lawmakers border security shouldn't only focus on the frontier with Mexico, but said "security of the border starts 1,500 miles south of the Rio Grande in the jungles of Latin America." He added that the U.S. should do more to curb demand for drugs in the United States and help stem the violence in a trio of Central American countries whose residents have been fleeing to the United States in recent years. Kelly's confirmation is almost assured a reality expressed by both Republican and Democratic senators Tuesday but members of the committee nonetheless pressed him to specify his stances on immigration enforcement, border security and some of Trump's more controversial suggestions during the campaign, including the possibility of a registration system for Muslim immigrants. Kelly told lawmakers he does not support registering people based on ethnicity or religion and said he didn't think religion should be a basis for counterterrorism or law enforcement operations. "I don't think it's ever appropriate to focus on something like religion as the only factor," Kelly said. He also said he accepts with "high confidence" reports from the intelligence community that Russia attempted to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Kelly said he did not anticipate that immigration enforcement officials would focus on young immigrants living in the country illegally who have been temporarily protected from deportation. "There's a big spectrum of people who need to be dealt with," Kelly said. "Those categories would be prioritized. I would guess this category might not be the highest priority for removal." He is one of several retired generals tapped for top positions by Trump. That has raised some concerns about undue military influence in his administration and weakening the American tradition of civilian control of government. But Kelly is widely respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. As the former head of the military's Southern Command, based in South Florida, he routinely worked with the Department of Homeland Security to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling. In a lengthy questionnaire sent to senators, Kelly said he is committed to telling "truth to power." The commitment addresses concerns that some lawmakers have about the president-elect's willingness to take in points of view that clash with his own. "I never hesitated to disagree with any of them, or make difficult recommendations when appropriate," Kelly said. Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, the panel's ranking Democrat, said his answer was "music to my ears" and promised that Kelly would hear from her often if she didn't think he was following through on the pledge. Following Kelly's hearing McCaskill and committee chairman Ron Johnson of Wisconsin suggested Kelly could be confirmed with ease. "I'm confident he will be a moderating influence on President-elect Trump and some of his more divisive rhetoric that he displayed during the campaign when it comes to immigration, and a Muslim ban and all the other things that were covered in the hearing today," McCaskill said. Kelly joined the Marine Corps in 1970 and served three tours in Iraq. He was also the highest-ranking officer to lose a child in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. His son, Marine 1st Lt. Robert Kelly, was killed in November 2010 in Afghanistan. ___ Follow Alicia A. Caldwell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acaldwellap Homeland Security Secretary-designate John Kelly testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Michigan charter school backed by DeVos growing CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) A teenager grips the steering wheel and presses pedals. He sees wind-blown snow in front of him as he approaches the runway. A video game? No, George Radashaw is at a public charter school, simulating a flight in a Cessna airplane. "I've always loved aviation," the 17 year-old said, keeping his eyes focused on panels of high-tech instruments. "It started at 3. I saw an airplane, and I wanted to fly them ever since." Radashaw is getting his wish at West Michigan Aviation Academy. It's a unique public high school in western Michigan that was started in 2010 by Dick DeVos with much encouragement from his wife, Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to head the U.S. Education Department, who will testify at a Senate confirmation hearing Jan. 17. In this Jan. 4, 2017, photo, students gather between classes at West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids, Mich. The charter high school at Gerald R. Ford International Airport was founded by Dick DeVos, a pilot and husband of Betsy DeVos, who is President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Education Department Secretary. Betsy DeVos played a key role in encouraging her husband to set up a Western Michigan charter school, an education philosophy likely to continue if shes confirmed by the Senate as education secretary. DeVos faces a Senate panel considering her nomination on Jan. 11. (AP Photo/Ed White) The nonprofit charter school has grown from 80 students in rundown office space at Gerald R. Ford International Airport to its own building with 600 students from seven counties. Some kids ride three public buses to get to the suburban airport. One teen stays with friends in the Grand Rapids area and commutes 150 miles to home on weekends. A public lottery is held each spring if applications exceed openings. The school seems to fit Betsy DeVos' philosophy about education and what she's pledging to promote in Washington. Betsy and Dick DeVos founded the Great Lakes Education Project, a school-choice advocacy organization that includes a political action committee. As part of Michigan's bailout of the Detroit school district last year, the group and others with ties to the DeVos family successfully fought a proposal that would have created a commission to make decisions about opening schools, including publicly funded charters. It was blocked in the Republican-controlled Legislature. "The answer isn't bigger government," she said at a Trump postelection rally in December. "The answer is local control. It's listening to parents and it's giving more choices." Around the country, enrollment in charter schools grew from about 448,343 in 2000 to about 2.5 million in the 2013-14 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In Detroit, nearly a third of 113,000 students attend a charter school in the city or surrounding areas. Critics believe the schools are being opened largely unchecked. Not all charters are as successful as West Michigan Aviation. The school is tuition-free, just like other Michigan charter schools or traditional public schools. It operates with a per-student allowance from the state, which is roughly $7,500 this year. But the DeVos couple also gave more than $7 million through 2014, according to family foundation tax records, including a $3 million no-interest loan to expand and equip the building. "You need a benefactor. You need a supporter like Dick DeVos to do it," said Patrick Cwayna Sr., West Michigan Aviation's chief executive. Dick DeVos, a pilot and son of billionaire Amway co-founder Richard DeVos, said it's vital to be at the airport. "That was a desire of Betsy's and mine. ... We felt it was important that kids are reminded daily about the possibilities in life," he said. "Planes coming and going and people traveling to other parts of the world. Their futures could be a part of that." There are aviation classes in every grade, including history, plane maintenance, electronics and pilot instruction. The school has two Cessna 172 planes; one was donated by Delta Air Lines. Students who make a solo flight wear white shirts after reaching the milestone, standing out in a sea of kids in blue shirts. Engineering also gets much attention, with classes in computer science, robotic systems and aerospace engineering. At the same time, there are traditional offerings of math, literature and foreign language. Not every student wants to become a pilot or even land in the aviation field. "But if we get them inspired by looking at airplanes and slip them a high quality education while they're not looking all the better, right?" Dick DeVos said. During the last school year, 28 percent of students were black or Hispanic, which is higher than the percentage of people who are black or Hispanic in Kent County. English is not the main language for 9 percent of students. A room is set aside for Muslims who want to pray. There have been three graduating classes so far. The average SAT score last spring for juniors was 1072, according to the state, higher than the statewide average and among the top 10 in the county. "I've been blown away by what I've seen," said Alec Gallimore, dean of engineering at the University of Michigan, who has visited three or four times and been impressed by the diversity and work ethic. Can West Michigan Aviation be replicated? Doug Harris, an economics professor at Tulane University who specializes in education, said specialty schools can be promising but some would have trouble sustaining themselves. "The issue is less about whether they are niche schools and more about whether the educational themes and methods are expensive relative to more traditional approaches," said Harris, who has criticized Betsy DeVos' nomination as education secretary. "An aviation school requires an unusual amount of physical capital and teachers who know how to fly planes. That's clearly going to be more expensive than a traditional school." Julia Stevenson, 17, is the student who commutes about three hours on weekends between Grand Rapids and home in Traverse City. She wants to pursue aeronautical sciences in college. "My parents thought I was crazy," Stevenson said of attending West Michigan Aviation. "But I got them on board because they knew it was my dream. I'm doing something I love." ___ Associated Press researcher Monika Mathur contributed to this story. ___ Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwhiteap 'Yes we did' _ Obama bids farewell in nostalgic last speech CHICAGO (AP) President Barack Obama bid farewell to the nation Tuesday in an emotional speech that sought to comfort a country on edge over rapid economic changes, persistent security threats and the election of Donald Trump. Forceful at times and tearful at others, Obama's valedictory speech in his hometown of Chicago was a public meditation on the many trials the U.S. faces as Obama takes his exit. For the challenges that are new, Obama offered his vision for how to surmount them, and for the persistent problems he was unable to overcome, he offered optimism that others, eventually, will. "Yes, our progress has been uneven," Obama told a crowd of some 18,000. "The work of democracy has always been hard, contentious and sometimes bloody. For every two steps forward, it often feels we take one step back." President Barack Obama talks to his supporters after giving his presidential farewell address at McCormick Place in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Yet Obama argued his faith in America had only been strengthened by what he's witnessed the past eight years, and he declared: "The future should be ours." Brushing away tears with a handkerchief, Obama paid tribute to the sacrifices made by his wife and by his daughters, who were young girls when they entered the big white home on Pennsylvania Avenue and leave as young women. He praised first lady Michelle Obama for taking on her role "with grace and grit and style and good humor" and for making the White House "a place that belongs to everybody." Soon Obama and his family will exit the national stage, to be replaced by Trump, a man Obama had stridently argued poses a dire threat to the nation's future. His near-apocalyptic warnings throughout the campaign have cast a continuing shadow over his post-election efforts to reassure Americans anxious about the future. Indeed, much of what Obama accomplished during his two terms from health care overhaul and environmental regulations to his nuclear deal with Iran could potentially be upended by Trump. So even as Obama seeks to define what his presidency meant for America, his legacy remains in question. Even as Obama said farewell in a televised speech of just under an hour the anxiety felt by many Americans about the future was palpable, and not only in the Chicago convention center where he stood in front of a giant presidential seal. The political world was reeling from new revelations about an unsubstantiated report that Russia had compromising personal and financial information about Trump. Obama made only passing reference to the next president. When he noted he would soon be replaced by the Republican, his crowd began to boo. "No, no, no, no, no," Obama said. One of the nation's great strengths, he said, "is the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next." Earlier, as the crowd of thousands chanted, "Four more years," he simply smiled and said, "I can't do that." Still, Obama offered what seemed like a point-by-point rebuttal of Trump's vision for America. He pushed back on the isolationist sentiments inherent in Trump's trade policies. He decried discrimination against Muslim Americans and lamented politicians who question climate change. And he warned about the pernicious threat to U.S. democracy posed by purposely deceptive fake "news" and a growing tendency of Americans to listen only to information that confirms what they already believe. Get out of your "bubbles," said the politician who rose to a prominence with a message of unity, challenging divisions of red states and blue states. Obama also revived a call to activism that marked his first presidential campaign, telling Americans to stay engaged in politics. "If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet," Obama said pointedly, "try to talk with one in real life. " With Democrats still straining to make sense of their devastating election losses, Obama tried to offer a path forward. He called for empathy for the struggles of all Americans from minorities, refugees and transgender people to middle-aged white men whose sense of economic security has been upended in recent years. Paying tribute to his place as America's first black president, Obama acknowledged there were hopes after his 2008 election for a post-racial America. "Such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic," Obama said, though he insisted race relations are better now than a few decades ago. The former community organizer closed out his speech by reviving his campaign chant, "Yes we can." To that, he added for the first time, "Yes we did." He staunchly defended the power of activists to make a difference the driving factor behind Obama's optimism in the face of so much anxiety, he said. Though the coalition of young Americans and minorities who twice got Obama elected wasn't enough to elect Democrat Hillary Clinton to replace him, Obama suggested their day was still ahead. "You'll soon outnumber any of us, and I believe as a result that the future is in good hands," he said. Steeped in nostalgia, Obama's return to Chicago was less a triumphant homecoming than a bittersweet reunion bringing together loyalists and staffers, many of whom have long since left Obama's service, moved on to new careers and started families. They came from across the country some on Air Force One, others on their own to be present for the last major moment of Obama's presidency. Unexpectedly absent was Obama's younger daughter, Sasha, who had been expected to join sister Malia at the speech. The White House said Sasha stayed in Washington due to a school exam Wednesday morning. After returning to Washington, he will have less than two weeks before he accompanies Trump in the presidential limousine to the Capitol for the new president's swearing-in. After nearly a decade in the spotlight, Obama will become a private citizen, an elder statesman at 55. He plans to take some time off, write a book and immerse himself in a Democratic redistricting campaign. ___ Lederman reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Calvin Woodward in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP and Darlene Superville at http://twitter.com/dsupervilleap President Barack Obama wipes away tears while speaking during his farewell address at McCormick Place in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) First lady Michelle Obama hugs President Barack Obama after his farewell address at McCormick Place in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) President Barack Obama speaks during his farewell address at McCormick Place in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) First lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia lean into one another as they listen to President Barack Obama speak during his farewell address at McCormick Place in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Rights groups urge Pakistan to probe abductions of activists ISLAMABAD (AP) International and local rights groups on Tuesday urged the Pakistani government to investigate the abductions last week of four anti-Taliban activists disappearances that critics claim reflect a crackdown on secular dissent. Human Rights Watch said that in their work and writings, the four men had criticized militant groups and the Pakistani military establishment, and often spoke up for religious freedoms. The four, including a poet and university professor, were snatched from various Pakistani cities, the New York-based group said, adding it would hold the government responsible if any harm comes to them. Activists of Pakistan civil society rally to condemn the missing human rights activist Salman Haider, in Karachi, Pakistan, Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. A Pakistani university professor, poet and rights activist who has been critical of the Taliban and also of the government's efforts against militants, has been missing since last week, his family said. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan) No militant group has claimed abducting them and authorities have not said any of the four were arrested or detained. Kamila Hayat, a former official with Pakistan's independent Human Rights Commission, said the disappearances were part of efforts to curb dissent. "We allow orthodox ideas to be freely aired ... but we're closing down space for liberal and dissenting voices," she said. The Interior Ministry has ordered the police to find one of the four the professor, Salman Haider but hasn't mentioned the others. Rights groups and relatives held rallies in Pakistani cities on Monday and Tuesday, demanding information about the four. Along with Haider, the other three Ahmad Waqas Goraya, Asim Saeed and Ahmad Raza Naseer have written blogs and ran social media pages critical of sectarianism and Pakistan's security policies, at great personal risk. Pakistan is ranked among the worst places in the world in terms of religious freedom. Goraya studied anthropology and lived in the Netherlands. He was visiting family in Pakistan when he disappeared, his wife Mesha Saeed said. Reward raised for capture of suspect in officer killing ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Authorities raised to $100,000 the reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in the fatal shooting of an Orlando police sergeant on Tuesday as he eluded hundreds of officers on the second day of a massive manhunt. Authorities advised that arrest warrants were being prepared for people who may have helped 41-year-old Markeith Loyd evade deputies in the past month as they searched for him for questioning in the slaying of his pregnant ex-girlfriend in December. Master Sgt. Debra Clayton was fatally shot Monday morning after she approached Loyd in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart store in northwest Orlando. Many of her colleagues immediately joined the pursuit; among them was a sheriff's deputy who died when he was thrown from his motorcycle in an accident. Law enforcement officers conduct a door-to-door search at an apartment complex in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. An Orlando police sergeant was shot and killed Monday after approaching a suspect wanted for questioning in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, and a second law enforcement officer was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to the massive manhunt for the suspect. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP) More than 300 tips from the public have been made, said Barb Bergin, executive director of Crimeline, the tip-line service which is offering the reward, originally set for $60,000. "We have never burned or harmed a tipster. They are kept anonymous," Bergin said in a plea for more tips. "We will not identify you. We just need to know where he is so no one else is hurt." Orange County Sheriff's Office deputies in metro Orlando had been looking for Loyd since his ex-girlfriend was killed. "Certainly it's upsetting he was out and about and killed Debra Clayton, our first homicide in the city of Orlando this year, one of the officers protecting our community," said Mina. Orlando Police confirmed that Clayton was one of the officers who responded to the shooting at Pulse nightclub in which 49 patrons were killed. Last June's massacre in Orlando was the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Clayton, who was married and has a college-aged son, also was known for her mentoring of young people and her involvement in the community in which she had grown up. In the Wal-Mart parking lot Tuesday morning, shoppers laid more than two dozen bouquets of flowers, teddy bears and candles in a makeshift memorial. Some shoppers, like Hal Shore, stopped to say a prayer or take a photo. "It's important that the country is aware that there is a war against police officers," said Shore, a cabinet maker. An apartment complex that was the focus of the manhunt Monday afternoon didn't appear to have any police searches going on Tuesday morning. Some front doors were boarded up from being kicked in Monday because residents weren't home when authorities came knocking. "I'm confident he is gone," said Ida Seck, a resident who had worked with Clayton in her job as a security officer at Universal Orlando Resort. "For things like this to happen, yeah I'm scared for safety and my son's safety but really there is nothing you can do." Court documents show Loyd's criminal record goes back two decades. He was arrested in 1996 on a murder charge that was later dropped. Loyd was arrested for battery on an officer in 1998 and sentenced to more than four years in prison. While behind bars, he pleaded guilty to cocaine possession from a prior case and was transferred to federal prison before being released in July 2014, according to federal records. More recently, his wife whom he is in the process of divorcing, had filed a request for a temporary injunction against him in 2015, and he followed with a similar request against her three days later. Both requests were eventually dismissed in court. He also had paternity suits from three different women filed against him. His Facebook profile had videos of him working out at a gym and hanging out at a nightclub. He said in a November post, "Goals!!!! To be on Americas (sic) most wanted," followed by a series of laughing-with-tears emojis. An Orange County Sheriff's Office deputy was killed more than two hours after Monday's shooting when a van collided with his motorcycle as he responded to the manhunt. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings described the 35-year-old Norman Lewis as "a gentle giant," and the sheriff's office said he had played football for the University of Central Florida before joining the agency 11 years ago. Funerals were planned for Lewis for Friday and Clayton for Saturday. Law enforcement officers conduct a door-to-door search at an apartment complex in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. An Orlando police sergeant was shot and killed Monday after approaching a suspect wanted for questioning in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, and a second law enforcement officer was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to the massive manhunt for the suspect. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Friends and colleagues console each other after the body of an unidentified OCSO deputy was transported from Orlando Regional Medical Center after the deputy was killed while responding to the fatal shooting of an Orlando Police officer in Orlando, Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Florida Highway Patrol Troopers secure the scene after Orange County Sheriff's Office Deputy First Class Norman Lewis was struck and killed by a vehicle in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. An Orlando police sergeant was shot and killed Monday after approaching a suspect wanted for questioning in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, and Lewis was killed in the crash while responding to a manhunt for the suspect. (Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Law enforcement officers conduct a door-to-door search at an apartment complex in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. An Orlando police sergeant was shot and killed Monday after approaching a suspect wanted for questioning in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, and a second law enforcement officer was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to the massive manhunt for the suspect. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Orange County sheriff deputies salute as the body of Orange County Sheriff's Office Deputy First Class Norman Lewis was transported from Orlando Regional Medical Center after the deputy was killed in the line of duty in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. An Orlando police sergeant was shot and killed Monday after approaching a suspect wanted for questioning in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, and Lewis was killed in a crash while responding to a manhunt for the suspect. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Friends and colleagues console each other following the body of Orange County Sheriff's Office Deputy First Class Norman Lewis was transported from Orlando Regional Medical Center after the deputy was killed in the line of duty in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. An Orlando police sergeant was shot and killed Monday after approaching a suspect wanted for questioning in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, and Lewis was killed in a crash while responding to a manhunt for the suspect. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Law enforcement officers search an apartment complex for a suspect near where a police officer was shot and killed, Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Danish police investigate 6 murders in 1 house COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Danish police are investigating the deaths of six members of a family and are treating it as a murder case. Police were alerted Monday about "suspicious circumstances" in Ulstrup, a village southwest of Randers, sitting 183 kilometers (114 miles) northeast of Copenhagen. According to Ekstra Bladet tabloid, the victims were a couple and their four children two boys and two girls, aged between 3 and 16. Police said Tuesday the dead were found in their own home but could not give further details. Cyprus leaders tackle power-sharing in Geneva peace talks GENEVA (AP) The leaders of ethnically divided Cyprus delved Tuesday into how power would be shared if the country is reunified as a federation, while a presidential spokesman said swift agreement was not expected on the remaining issues standing in the way of an accord. During the second day of a summit at United Nations offices in Geneva, Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci also were discussing how a federated Cyprus would function within the European Union and the country's economy. A 1974 Turkish invasion, prompted by a coup aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece, split the island into a breakaway Turkish-speaking north and a Greek-speaking south. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence. Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci arrives for the second day for Cyprus peace talks at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP) After 19 months of complex reunification negotiations, Anastasiades and Akinci agreed to meet in Geneva to clinch agreement on how much territory would go to each of the two, partially autonomous zones that would make up the country. They are expected to exchange maps detailing the respective zones' boundaries on Wednesday. The talks will take on an international dimension Thursday with the arrival of leaders from Britain, Greece and Turkey to hammer out agreement on post-reconciliation security arrangements. Cyprus government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides told reporters during a break in the summit that the more progress Akinci and Anastasiades make, the better the chances the security talks will be successful. He said that as the negotiations stood Tuesday, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras would not be attending Thursday's conference. "No one expected that there would immediately be convergence or consensus on these issues," Christodoulides said. "They are difficult." A key point of contention remains the concept of a rotating presidency. The Turkish Cypriots insist the future federation's presidency should alternate between the Greek and Turkish communities to ensure the reunified Cyprus would be a genuine partnership. Greek Cypriots oppose the idea, saying that according political parity to the minority Turkish Cypriots would undermine democratic principles. Turkish-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce President Fikri Toros said the relative size of the Turkish and Greek communities in Cyprus should not matter or get in the way of a power-sharing agreement. "We are not talking about numerical equality here, we are talking about political equality," Toros told The Associated Press in Geneva. "They must understand and give us that, because it is our minimum expectation." Meanwhile, hundreds of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot demonstrators gathered inside the United Nations-controlled buffer zone cutting across the Cypriot capital late Tuesday for a peace rally to urge the leaders to come back with a reunification deal in hand. Demonstrators danced Cypriot folk songs and held aloft placards reading "Nicos and Mustafa, come back with a solution." "My message to the leaders? Just get it done," said demonstrator Elias Allayiotis. However, a cordon of riot police prevented a group of around 20 supporters of the far-right Greek Cypriot party ELAM from approaching the peace rally. The ELAM supporters chanted slogans against a federal solution they denounced as a sell-out before dispersing without incident. _____ Hadjicostis reported from Nicosia, Cyprus. Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades arrives for the second day of Cyprus peace talks at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP) UK Labour leader's maximum wage idea meets with skepticism LONDON (AP) Britain's main opposition leader, seeking to start the year with renewed political momentum, on Tuesday suggested imposing a national maximum wage a bold idea that met with skepticism in his own party. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the BBC that "I would like to see some kind of high-earnings cap" to reduce inequality. He said that it should kick in at a level "somewhat higher" than his own 138,000 pound ($167,000) annual salary. The proposal drew a quick reaction, with Conservatives dismissing it and some Labour politicians pointing out that it's not party policy. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks during a visit to Paston Farm Centre in Peterborough, England where he outlined the party's plan for Brexit and vision for Britain. Tuesday Jan. 10, 2017. Corbyn Britain's main opposition leader, seeking to start the year with new political momentum, has suggested imposing a national maximum wage. Corbyn told the BBC Tuesday that "I would like to see some kind of high-earnings cap" to reduce inequality. (Chris Radburn/PA via AP) Ex-Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member David Blanchflower, a former Corbyn adviser, said that it was a "totally idiotic unworkable idea" that would "generate a huge brain drain." Labour trails the governing Conservatives in opinion polls, and veteran socialist Corbyn faces restive Labour lawmakers who think he has failed to provide strong leadership as the U.K. faces leaving the European Union and renegotiating its ties with the bloc. Prime Minister Theresa May says she will invoke Article 50 of the EU's key treaty, triggering two years of EU exit talks, by March 31. But she has refused to reveal details of Britain's goals or negotiating strategy, saying that would weaken Britain's hand. The lack of detail has fueled allegations that government plans for Brexit are in disarray. But Labour has also provided little detail about what relationship it wants Britain to have with the bloc. In interviews and a speech on Tuesday, Corbyn set out to clarify Labour's approach to Brexit. He said it's essential Britain retain "full access" to the EU single market something other EU countries say is impossible if Britain doesn't continue to allow free movement of labor from the bloc. Corbyn said that he accepted that "deep concerns about unregulated migration from the EU" had been a factor in many people's vote to leave. He said Labour is "not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle" but also didn't rule it out. Lebanese president looks to mend ties on Saudi visit RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) Lebanon's newly elected president met Tuesday with the Saudi king during his first visit to the kingdom, a meeting that could melt the ice after relations became strained over Iran and the Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Saudi state news agency SPA said the 83-year-old Michel Aoun met with King Salman at the Yamama palace in Riyadh after arriving in the country a day earlier accompanied by eight government ministers. A former general, Aoun was elected in October after a 29-month vacuum in the country's top post. Lebanon's political factions are deeply divided, with some, like Aoun's Christian party and the Hezbollah, aligning with Iran and their opponents siding with Saudi Arabia. Last February, Saudi Arabia halted a $3 billion arms deal with Lebanon and banned Saudis and Gulf nationals from traveling there, decisions linked to the kingdom's tensions with Iran. Aoun told Saudi media the arms deal would be discussed during his visit. In December, the 128-member Lebanese parliament approved a national unity government headed by Lebanon's top Saudi ally, Saad Hariri. He endorsed Aoun, ending the long standing deadlock between the two longtime foes. Hariri praised Aoun's visit to Saudi Arabia, saying it would bring "the return of Saudi tourists and investments to Lebanon and all that contributes to the (country's) economic advancement." Hariri is a longtime critic of Hezbollah's support for the Syrian government in that country's ongoing civil war. The militant group has sent thousands of its members to fight alongside President Bashar Assad's forces. The SPA said King Salman and Aoun discussed bilateral relations, without elaborating. Aoun, however, told Al-Ekhbariyah TV that besides discussing the arms deal, there would be a "general assessment of the situation," blaming the strained relations on "events in the Arab countries." "I am here today to remove such ambiguities while carrying with me love and friendship to the Saudi people," he said. Turkey renames street after slain Russian ambassador ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkey has renamed the street that serves the Russian Embassy after the ambassador who was killed in an attack in the Turkish capital. Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek on Tuesday presented a framed copy of his municipality's decision to rename the street to the widow of Andrei Karlov. Municipality workers then replaced the street sign with one inscribed with Karlov's name. Karlov was shot dead Dec. 19 while speaking at the opening of a photo exhibition. The killer, an off-duty policeman, was also shot dead in a police operation. Turkish and Russian leaders have said the attack was aimed at derailing newly restored ties between their two countries. Xi to be first Chinese president to attend Davos forum GENEVA (AP) China's President Xi Jinping will attend the World Economic Forum next week, becoming the first Chinese head of state to do so at the annual gathering of business leaders, politicians and cultural icons in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos. As part of an official visit to Switzerland, Xi will attend and open the annual economic meeting in the ski resort of Davos on Jan. 17, accompanied by the largest delegation of officials from China since the world's most populous country first participated at the forum nearly four decades ago. Xi's attendance comes as China has sought to be more influential globally and present itself as a force for stability and champion of globalization and opponent of protectionism. The Davos forum takes place during a week when the United States, home to the world's largest economy, will be focused on Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration as president. FILE- In this Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 file photo, China's President Xi Jinping applauds during the bilateral trade agreements signing ceremony at the Palacio de La Moneda in Santiago, Chile. China's President Xi Jinping will attend the World Economic Forum, that opens in the ski resort of Davos on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, becoming the first Chinese head of state to do so. (AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo, File) "We are all aware that we are now in the transition in the world to a multilateral, to a multipolar, geopolitical and geo-economic structure," World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday. "China will equal the United States soon as far as economic power is concerned," Schwab added, noting a "strong" Chinese business delegation would accompany Xi. "In the spirit of Davos, we want to engage them as much as possible," he said. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last month that China would "lead the way amid a shakeup in global governance, we will take hold of the situation amid international chaos, we will protect our interests amid intense and complex games." At the same time, while Xi has promised to make the world's second-largest economy more competitive and productive by giving market forces a bigger role, reform advocates complain Beijing is failing to reduce the dominance of state companies. Foreign companies say regulators are trying to squeeze them out of technology and other promising fields. Ministry spokesman Lu Kang says Xi's Jan. 15-18 trip to Switzerland will also include visits to the offices of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in Geneva, and the International Olympics Committee's headquarters in Lausanne. This year's World Economic Forum, which first took place in 1971 as a business gathering but has expanded to include politics, culture and humanitarian issues, is expected to draw a record 3,000 leaders from government, business and culture. Activist Hollywood stars such as Matt Damon and Forest Whitaker are expected to attend along with outgoing U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and outgoing Vice President Joe Biden, long a Davos devotee. The Latest: Fla. lawmaker being evaluated by doctors WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on activities in Congress (all times EST): 10 p.m. An aide to a Florida congressman who was wheeled out of the Capitol on a stretcher Wednesday says he "did not suffer a heart attack, but he continues to be evaluated by doctors." FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2017, file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. administers the House oath of office to Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., during a mock swearing in ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington. Rutherford was wheeled out of the Capitol on a stretcher on Jan. 11. His office did not immediately return requests inquiring about his condition. (AP Photo/Zach Gibson, File) Kelly Simpson, Rep. John Rutherford's chief of staff, says he is "is conscious, alert, and in good spirits." The 64-year-old Republican worked in law enforcement for 41 years and served as sheriff in Jacksonville, Florida, before being elected to Congress last November. He represents Florida's 4th Congressional District. Simpson says further updates on Rutherford's condition "will be provided once doctors have finished their evaluation." ___ 7:10 p.m. A freshman congressman from Florida, John Rutherford, has been wheeled out of the Capitol on a stretcher. No other information is available about Rutherford's condition. His office did not immediately return requests inquiring about his condition. The 64-year-old Republican worked in law enforcement for 41 years and served as sheriff in Jacksonville, Florida, before being elected to Congress last November. He represents Florida's 4th Congressional District. ___ 6:50 p.m. The GOP-led House has approved a bill that would overhaul how government regulations are enacted by prohibiting the most costly rules from taking effect until courts can resolve litigation challenging their enactment, among numerous other changes. The bill has passed, 238-183. It is the third regulatory overhaul passed in the House during the first two weeks of the 115th Congress, but all three measures face difficult prospects in the Senate. The legislation incorporates several measures passed by the House in previous sessions. Republicans say the changes sought would reduce costs on businesses and make it easier for businesses to hire workers and grow the economy. Opponents say the bill would make it difficult, if not impossible, to put in place any new safeguards for the public, no matter the issue. ___ 6:20 p.m. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for energy secretary, says he has stepped down from the boards of two energy companies that are developing the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project. Perry said in a letter to ethics officials that he stepped down Dec. 31 from the boards of directors of Energy Transfer Partners LP and Sunoco Logistics Partners LP. The companies are developing the proposed 1,200-mile crude oil pipeline that has stoked mass protests in North Dakota. Perry said he still owns stock in the companies but will divest the stock within three months of his confirmation. He says he will not take part in any decisions involving the two companies for at least two years. ___ 6 p.m. Sen. Marco Rubio is frustrated with how Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state handled his confirmation hearing. Rubio says Rex Tillerson didn't seize the opportunity to forcefully rebuke countries failing to respect human rights. Rubio is lecturing the former Exxon Mobil CEO on the importance of being the nation's top diplomat and the need to stand up for people around the world. Rubio says, "They look to the United States." The Florida Republican says he is discouraged Tillerson didn't declare Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal or call Saudi Arabia and the Philippines human rights violators. Rubio's opinion could prove pivotal when the Senate Foreign Relations Committee votes on Tillerson's nomination. The panel is comprised of 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats. ___ 5:55 p.m. A Missouri congressman tells House Speaker Paul Ryan he's concerned the speaker will follow up on "vigilante censorship" in the House by removing a painting that's at the center of a dispute about its appropriateness to be displayed on Capitol Hill. Democratic Rep. William Lacy Clay says in a letter to Ryan that removal of the painting, after hanging six months without controversy, "would be a naked and unprecedented act of censorship and thought control" that would lead to litigation. The painting won a student arts competition in Clay's district and depicts a scene involving police officers pointing their guns at an African-American man. One of the officers resembles a pig, with an elongated face and tusks. Some GOP lawmakers and police groups say it's offensive. ___ 4:30 p.m. Rex Tillerson says he doesn't agree with President-elect Donald Trump's suggestion that the world would be "better off" if countries like Japan and South Korea had nuclear capabilities. Trump's choice for secretary of state is telling the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he doesn't believe "anyone advocates for more nuclear weapons on the planet." Sen. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, pressed Tillerson to respond to Trump's musings during the presidential campaign about America's allies in the Pacific having the means to defend themselves from the growing nuclear threat in North Korea. "Do you agree with that or disagree with that?" Markey asked. "I do not agree," Tillerson responded. ___ 3:55 p.m. Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state likens China's island building in the disputed South China Sea to Russia's annexation of Crimea. He says it has to stop. Rex Tillerson says in his confirmation hearing that China's actions are "extremely worrisome" and the U.S. failure to respond "has allowed them to keep pushing the envelope." He says the U.S. must make clear to China that access to the islands won't be allowed. His remarks are sure to anger China, which claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea. Over objections by the U.S. and rival claimants, China has reclaimed thousands of acres of land and constructed military-grade infrastructure, and reportedly installed weaponry. ___ 3:30 p.m. Rex Tillerson says Islam is a "great faith" and he doesn't support the "blanket rejection" of people from the United States because of their religion. President-elect Donald Trump said during the presidential campaign that if elected, he would implement a total ban on Muslims entering the United States. Trump has since proposed "extreme vetting." Tillerson, Trump's choice for secretary of state, is telling the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the U.S. has to be "very clear-eyed" about the threat posed by the Islamic State and other extremist groups. ___ 2:18 p.m. Rex Tillerson is telling senators he would work closely with Congress on any new Russia sanctions. Trump's choice for secretary of state says he would cooperate "on the construct of new sanctions" after Moscow's alleged interference in the presidential election and aggression in other parts of the world. Tillerson also says the Trump administration will be committed to seeking support from Congress for major military actions. He says Trump believes "it is important that we not just lightly go into these conflicts" and would "seek the engagement and support" of Congress, either through a resolution or legislation to authorize the use of force. Tillerson says: "It's much more powerful when the U.S. shows up with everyone aligned." ___ 2:00 p.m. The Republican-led Senate is poised to take a step toward dismantling President Barack Obama's health care law despite anxiety among some GOP senators that their party still hasn't come up with an alternative. A procedural budget vote slated for late Wednesday or early Thursday would trigger committee action to write repeal legislation that could come to a vote next month. A full replacement would follow sometime after that if Republicans can come up with one. The nearly seven-year-old law extended health insurance to some 20 million Americans, prevented insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and steered millions to the states for the Medicaid health program for the poor. ___ 1:39 p.m. Democrat Cory Booker says his Senate colleague Jeff Sessions has at times exhibited hostility toward civil rights. Booker is taking the highly unusual step of testifying against President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general on the second day of Sessions' confirmation hearings. The New Jersey senator said an attorney general "must bring hope and healing to the country and this demands a more courageous effort that Sen. Sessions demonstrates." Booker added the Alabama Republican's opposition to reform of the criminal justice system, among other issues. Sessions was rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1986 for a judgeship amid accusations that he called a black attorney "boy" which he denied and the NAACP and ACLU "un-American." Sessions called those accusations "damnably false." ___ 1:14 p.m. A Republican congressman has asked the architect of the Capitol to review whether a high school student's painting of the events in Ferguson, Missouri, should be displayed on Capitol Hill. The painting has the image of a pig in a police uniform aiming a gun at a protester. It hangs among hundreds of other works of art chosen in last year's Congressional Arts Competition. In a letter on Wednesday, Republican Rep. Dave Reichert of Washington state says it's not his desire to censor an individual's right to freedom of speech and expression. But Reichert says the painting is "in clear violation" of the competition's official rules, which state that exhibits "depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalist, or gruesome nature are not allowed." The painting has set off a battle in Congress, with several Republicans taking it down and Missouri Democrat William Lacy Clay of Missouri putting it back up. Clay maintains that the paint represents free speech. Republicans call it offensive to law enforcement. ___ 12:58 p.m. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi says she doesn't know what has been reported or corroborated regarding reports that Russia obtained compromising information about President-elect Donald Trump, but she's long been curious about what information Russia had. Pelosi says "I've always wondered what did Russia have on Donald Trump that Donald Trump would question whether we should support our sanctions that we had in Europe." A U.S. official says top intelligence officials told Trump about an unsubstantiated report on him last week. A dossier contains unproven information about close coordination between Trump's inner circle and Russians about hacking into Democratic accounts. It also contains unproven claims about unusual sexual activities by Trump, among other suggestions attributed to anonymous sources. The Associated Press has not authenticated any of the claims. Pelosi was speaking on a jobs bill when asked about Trump. Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., questions Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson during Tillerson's confirmation hearing before the committee, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) In this Jan. 5, 2017, photo, a painting by David Pulphus hangs in a hallway displaying paintings by high school students selected by their member of congress on Capitol Hill in Washington. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., has removed a painting that showed a pig in a police uniform, one of hundreds of artworks on display at the Capitol and sponsored by a member of Congress. Joe Kasper, a spokesman forHunter, says the lawmaker unscrewed the artwork from the display and returned it to the office of Missouri Democratic Rep. William Lacy Clay. (AP Photo/Zach Gibson) Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2107, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Attorney General-designate, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala. testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif., speaks with reporters during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Jan. 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa listens at left, as the committee's ranking member, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. questions Attorney General-designate, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala. during Sessions confirmation hearing before the copmmittee, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., right, and the committee's ranking member, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., stand with Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, prior to the start of Tillerson's confirmation hearing before the committee. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Spy chief says Germany needs ability to counter cyberattacks BERLIN (AP) The head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency says the country needs to be able to return fire during a cyberattack, including the ability to disable equipment that's being used to target Germany. Hans-Georg Maassen told German news agency dpa in an interview published Tuesday that it's necessary "for us not just to be purely defensive." Maassen, who heads the BfV agency, said Germany "needs to be able to attack the enemy in order to stop him from attacking us further." The BfV is responsible for counter-espionage and doesn't operate outside Germany, so acquiring offensive electronic warfare capabilities would mark a departure for the agency. Police kill man who shot at Turkish officers ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkish police killed an assailant who shot at officers outside a police station near Turkey's border with Syria on Tuesday, officials said. A police officer was slightly wounded in the shooting. A suspected accomplice fled the scene in the city of Gaziantep, and police were trying to catch him, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said. The man who fired on officers was killed when police fired back at him, a statement from the governor's office said. The wounded police officer was hospitalized, but wasn't in serious condition, the statement said. The state-run Anadolu Agency said bomb disposal squads were called to the scene in case the dead shooter had a bomb on him. Turkey is on edge following a spate of attacks that have been blamed on Kurdish militants and the Islamic State group, as well as grappling with the fallout from a failed coup in July. Last week, a policeman and a courthouse employee were killed when two people detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a courthouse in Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city. The two attackers also were killed in a shootout with police. The courthouse attack came just days after 39 people were killed in an Istanbul nightclub during New Year's celebrations. The IS group claimed responsibility for the nightclub shooting attack, calling it a reprisal for Turkey's military operations in Syria. The suspect in the nightclub attack remains at large. Ani DiFranco working on memoir about 'eventful' life NEW YORK (AP) Ani DiFranco has a book deal, and a whole lot to write about. The million-selling musician and longtime activist has signed with Viking for a memoir that will reflect upon her "eventful and radical life." DiFranco left home at age 15, started her own record label three years later and released her first album at 20. Now 46, she has released more than 20 albums and has advocated for numerous feminist causes. Viking told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the book is untitled and does not yet have a release date. DiFranco plans a careful approach. In a statement issued through Viking, she likened writing to chipping away at a "huge slab of timeless stone" and waiting for a shape to emerge. Iranians mourn as former leader Rafsanjani interred TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Hundreds of thousands mourned former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Tuesday, wailing in grief as his body was interred at a Tehran shrine alongside the leader of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Rafsanjani's final resting place near the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, reflected his legacy as one of the pillars of Iran's clerical-dominated political system, as he served in later years as a go-between for hard-liners and reformists. But even his hourslong funeral highlighted the divisions still at play. Parts of the crowd along his funeral procession at one point chanted in support of opposition leaders under house arrest. Other politicians did not attend the memorial. In this picture released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, foreground center, leads a prayer over the casket of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani at the Tehran University campus in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) Throngs filled main thoroughfares of the capital, with many chanting, beating their chests and wailing in the style of mourning common among Shiite Muslims. The funeral for Rafsanjani, who died Sunday at age 82 after a heart attack, drew both the elite and ordinary people. Shops and schools were closed in national mourning. Top government and clerical officials first held a funeral service at Tehran University. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed by Rafsanjani's casket, as other dignitaries knelt before the coffin on which his white cleric's turban was placed. Mourners reached out their hands toward the coffin. Just behind Khamenei was President Hassan Rouhani, whose moderate administration reached the recent nuclear deal with world powers. Rouhani, who is all but certain to run for re-election in May, is viewed as embodying Rafsanjani's realist vision. Hard-liners also took part in the ceremony Tuesday, like the head of Iran's judiciary, Sadeq Larijani, who stood near his moderate brother, parliament speaker Ali Larijani. Also among them was Qassem Soleimani, a general who heads the Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations like the war in Syria. Both Soleimani and Rafsanjani are from Iran's southeastern province of Kerman and worked together during the war with Iraq in the 1980s. "In my opinion, Mr. Hashemi remained the same person from the beginning until the end and held his line in all stages of his life," Soleimani told state television in a rare public interview. "Nevertheless, Mr. Hashemi sometimes used different tactics." Apparently banned from the funeral was former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, a reformist who remains popular among the young but is deeply disliked by hard-liners. State media have banned the broadcasting of any images of Khatami. There was also no word of hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attending the ceremony, though he offered condolences Monday. There was no love lost between the two as Ahmadinejad defeated Rafsanjani in Iran's 2005 presidential election and later drew his dismay over the crackdown following his contested re-election in 2009. Outside, mourners carried posters bearing Rafsanjani's image as his casket slowly made his way through the crowds in the streets. "I rarely attend religious ceremonies, but I am here as an Iranian who cannot forget Rafsanjani's contribution to developing the political sphere in favor of people in recent years," said Nima Sheikhi, a computer teacher at a private school. "I am here to say goodbye to a man who dedicated his life to making Iran better," said Reza Babaei, a cleric from the eastern town of Birjand near the Afghan border. "He founded the university in my city and developed our region when he was in power." Officials put the number of participants in the funeral at over 2 million, though that figure could not be independently verified. Iran's internal politics also were on display. The semi-official ILNA news agency said that on the sidelines of the funeral, prominent moderate lawmaker Ali Motahari was asked by several mourners to free opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi from the house arrest the two have been under since 2011. "Our message is clear: The house arrest should be lifted," some chanted. Police and security forces did not react to the chants, nor others that followed and could be heard in state television footage. Rafsanjani's casket later arrived at the ornate, massive shrine to Khomeini, who led the revolution that toppled the American-backed shah. Rafsanjani's interment there marked a rare privilege inside of Iran's system, where clerics dominate the levers of power. Only Khomeini's son Ahmad, who died in 1995 and served as a close aide to his father, had been buried next to his tomb before Tuesday. Rafsanjani, a close aide to both Khomeini and Khamenei, served as president from 1989 to 1997. He helped launch Iran's nuclear program and then pushed for reconciliation with the West. Internally, however, his legacy remains mixed. He was massively wealthy and a veteran at maneuvering within Iran's opaque political system. He was considered a protector of the moderates, but others distrusted him because he was such an insider and because of accusations he was involved in killing dissidents during his eight-year presidency, which he always denied. Hard-liners distrusted him because of his support of moderates and sought to sideline him, with little success. His absence in balancing the competing powers, however, will affect Iran going forward, especially as the country edges closer to picking a new supreme leader. "The unexpected death of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani could be the first scene in Iran's nascent leadership transition theater, whose subsequent acts are probably yet to be written," said Mehdi Khalaji, a fellow at The Washington Institute. ___ Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In this picture released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left foreground, leads a prayer over the casket of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, with top government and clerical officials, at the Tehran University campus in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds have filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) In this picture released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, leads a prayer over the casket of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani with President Hassan Rouhani, center left, parliament speaker Ali Larijani, third left, and judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani, second left, at the Tehran University campus in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) A mourner weeps during the funeral ceremony of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds have filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) The coffin of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, is carried on a truck surrounded by mourners during his funeral in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds have filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) A mourner weeps during the funeral ceremony of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds have filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Iranians attend the funeral ceremony of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds have filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Iranians attend the funeral of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, as his coffin is carried on a truck, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have flooded the streets of Tehran, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds have filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) A man weeps during a mourning ceremony for former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died on Sunday after suffering a heart attack, at the Jamaran mosque in north Tehran, Iran, Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. Mourners from all walks of life in Iran from the country's president to passers-by on the street paid their respects Monday to the late Iranian leader Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) Faezeh Hashemi, daughter of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died Sunday after suffering a heart attack, flashes a victory sign to the crowd from a bus during the funeral ceremony for her father in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Hundreds of thousands of mourners flooded the streets of Tehran on Tuesday, beating their chests and wailing in grief for Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Breedlove, land-speed record breaker, can sue Chicago museum CHICAGO (AP) A judge has ruled that Craig Breedlove can move forward with his legal claim that Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry damaged the jet car he used to set a land-speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in 1964. The Chicago Tribune reports (http://trib.in/2jbtaLx ) the 79-year-old Breedlove says the museum caused more than $395,000 in damage to his Spirit of America car. It was displayed at the museum for 50 years and returned to Breedlove in October 2015. Breedlove, of Rio Vista, California, filed an amended complaint in October, including supporting documents on the American Association of Museums' standards and best practices. The judge ruled last week that he can sue. In this Oct. 28, 1964 photo, Craig Breedlove appears with a model of his jet-powered racer "Spirit of America" at the Water Tower Hotel in Chicago. A judge has ruled that Breedlove can move forward with his legal claim that Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry damaged the jet car he used to set a land-speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in 1964. Breedlove says the museum caused more than $395,000 in damage to the car. It was displayed at the museum for 50 years and returned to him in October 2015. (Ray Gora/Chicago Tribune via AP) Museum spokeswoman Renee Mailhiot said in an email Monday that the institution takes its responsibility to care for its collection seriously. ___ London's Royal Albert Hall offers rare sale of private box LONDON (AP) Britain's historic Royal Albert Hall is offering a rare chance for a deep-pocketed arts lover to sit near Queen Elizabeth for music performances, films and fundraisers. A 12-seat private box on the upper tier is open for "offers above 2.5 million pounds ($3 million)," Nicholas Shaw, sales manager for Harrods Estates, said on Tuesday. The debenture on the box lasts 849 years, and "can be handed down for generations," he says. He expects the buyer to be British. FILE - This is a Wednesday, March 30, 2016 file photo of Welsh classical singer Katherine Jenkins poses for photographers during a media event outside the Royal Albert Hall in London. Britain's historic Royal Albert Hall is offering a rare chance for a deep-pocketed arts lover to sit near Queen Elizabeth for music performances, films and fundraisers. A 12-seat private box on the upper tier is open for "offers above 2.5 million pounds ($3 million)," Nicholas Shaw, sales manager for Harrods Estates, said on Tuesday Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) The hall opened in London in 1871. Of its 5,272 seats, around 1,300 are privately owned. The box for sale is five boxes away from the Queen's, Shaw says. Police: Republic of Congo opposition leader arrested BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (AP) A police official in Republic of Congo says an opposition leader who ran in the latest presidential election has been arrested. The official says Andre Okombi Salissa was arrested Tuesday morning. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to journalists. It was not immediately known what charges had been brought against Okombi Salissa, who lost last year's election to longtime incumbent Denis Sassou N'Guesso. Okombi Salissa was once a member of the presidential majority but left the party last year after Sassou N'Guesso held a referendum to change the constitution, allowing him to seek a third mandate. Gambian court delays election decision until next week DAKAR, Senegal (AP) Gambia's political crisis spun into deeper uncertainty Tuesday as a court delayed the ruling party's challenge to presidential election results until Monday, three days before the declared winner expects to be inaugurated and the chief justice said the court likely can't sit until May because it's short of judges. Meanwhile, Nigeria announced that a West African delegation to Gambia would be pushed back from Wednesday to Friday, as the regional bloc tries to persuade longtime President Yahya Jammeh to step down. Nigeria said the delay was at the "insistence" of Jammeh. Jammeh initially conceded his loss in the Dec. 1 election, then changed his mind. His party now wants the results thrown out because of alleged irregularities. FILE- In this Tuesday Nov. 29, 2016 file photo, Gambian officers signal to the media not to block the public's view during President Yahya Jammeh's final rally in Banjul, Gambia. A Gambian court has postponed a decision on the disputed presidential election until next week. The delay of the ruling party's case until Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 sets up a collision course with the opposition, which still plans the inauguration of President-elect Adama Barrow on Jan 19. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File) While thousands of members of Jammeh's party descended near the courthouse Tuesday, chanting, singing and dancing in anticipation of a ruling, the court case was postponed. The court said neither President-elect Adama Barrow nor the Independent Electoral Commission had been served with the ruling party's petition, and it gave the party until Monday to do so. The court also does not have enough judges to hear the case. It has been dormant for over a year and has only one sitting judge. It is not clear what will happen if next week's inauguration goes ahead and the court later rules in favor of Jammeh's party. Gambia had requested that judges from Nigeria and Sierra Leone sit on the court, but Chief Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle said they have indicated they cannot make it until at least May. He said the court welcomes mediation by ECOWAS and any other way to resolve the dispute. "The Supreme Court case faced an issue of credibility from the very outset," said Jeffrey Smith, a human rights activist and founding director of Vanguard Africa, a U.S.-based group that worked with Gambia's opposition coalition. "That Jammeh was appointing the same judges who would hear his own court petition is an absolute mockery of justice." Smith said the inauguration likely will take place, regardless of the court outcome. "The Gambian people have unequivocally spoken, and their will has been admirably backed by ECOWAS, the African Union, the OIC, and the UN," he said. But a lawyer for Jammeh's Alliance for Patriotic Re-Orientation and Construction party, Edward A. Gomez, said the inauguration should not go forward without the court reviewing the party's petitions. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday will lead three West African heads of state to Gambia, the second presidential delegation from the Economic Community of West African States to visit Gambia during the election crisis. The West African bloc has said it has a military force on standby if Jammeh refuses to cede power when his mandate expires Jan. 19. Jammeh seized power in a bloodless coup in 1994 but is accused of gross human rights violations that include arbitrary detentions, torture and the killings of his opponents in this tiny country of 1.9 million people. ___ An AP reporter in Banjul, Gambia contributed. UN police unit deploys to Haiti without cholera vaccinations PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) The U.N. stabilization mission in Haiti is administering cholera vaccines to a police unit from India months after it arrived in the impoverished Caribbean nation without the required protection, officials said Tuesday. The failure to ensure that U.N. police personnel from a cholera-endemic country were vaccinated comes after the waterborne disease was introduced to Haiti's largest river in October 2010 by sewage from a base of U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal, one of the units that have rotated in and out of a multinational force here since 2004. Over six years later, Haiti continues to wrestle with the globe's worst outbreak of the preventable disease in recent history. Cholera has sickened roughly 800,000 Haitians and killed at least 9,500. Vaccination for cholera is now mandatory for all U.N. troops and police deploying to peacekeeping operations. The U.N. puts responsibility for peacekeeper vaccinations on member states, according to Ariane Quentier, spokeswoman for the U.N. mission in Haiti. But critics say failure to enforce the vaccination requirement with the 140-member Indian police unit is another breakdown in the world body's effort to minimize the risks of introducing epidemics by rotating UN troops. "It cannot duck its own responsibilities by pointing its fingers at the countries that supply the troops," said Brian Concannon, executive director of the Boston-based advocacy group Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti. Quentier told The Associated Press that the Indian police unit has received second cholera vaccine doses this week "to take in the coming hours, days." She said it was one of three police units from India, and the others were fully vaccinated. At a Monday press briefing at U.N. headquarters in New York, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, told reporters that the world body was looking into the situation and "trying to get more information, obviously, from the Indian authorities." The U.N. last month acknowledged not doing enough to help Haiti fight cholera, while stopping short of an admission of responsibility for introducing the disease. It has announced a new $400 million fundraising plan to battle cholera and assist victims in Haiti. The proposed plan would equip rapid response teams for areas where cholera cases are reported and would also try to boost Haiti's underfinanced sanitation and clean water systems. Spread by contaminated water, cholera is easily treatable but can lead to death within hours if unattended. It showed up in the hemisphere's poorest nation 10 months after a devastating earthquake in the south of Haiti, deepening the country's misery at a time when it was ill-equipped to cope with a second crisis. ___ FBI: Man charged in bank robbery, bizarre string of events MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) The FBI has arrested a South Florida man following a bizarre string of events that included the robbery of a Miami bank and a bomb threat that clogged traffic along Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. FBI spokesman Michael Leverock said in a news release that 35-year-old Enrique Antonio Gamez of Miramar remains in federal custody Tuesday. He faces federal charges for his involvement in the Monday afternoon robbery of a Navy Federal Credit Union branch. A second person was detained, but not charged. He was later released. Former Czech PM's wife convicted of leaking classified info PRAGUE (AP) The wife of former Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas has been convicted of leaking a classified document and has received an 18-month suspended sentence. Prague's Municipal Court said Tuesday Jana Necasova Jana Nagyova at the time leaked the content of a 2012 report by the country's BIS spy agency to Ivo Rittig, a lobbyist. Nagyova was Necas' chief of staff and mistress. After his government fell in June 2013, Necas admitted his affair with Nagyova and divorced his first wife. Rittig and his laywyer, David Michal, received a nine-month suspended sentence each for their role. They all can appeal. New musical of 'The Lightning Thief' to open in NYC NEW YORK (AP) A new musical version of the popular young adult fiction book "The Lightning Thief" will be hoping to steal hearts off-Broadway this spring featuring rising stage star Chris McCarrell. McCarrell, who played Marius in the recent Broadway revival of "Les Miserables" as well as Nibs in "Peter Pan Live!" will play Percy Jackson, a modern-day teen who finds himself on a quest to find Zeus' lightning bolt. "It's really going to push the envelope of (the) magic of theater. The world is so epic and it is so grand and it doesn't seem like you could portray that onstage, but that's really where the magic of theater comes in," said McCarrell. CORRECTS SPELLING FROM LIGHTENING TO LIGHTNING - Chris McCarrell is seen in an undated photo provided by Laura Marie Duncan. A new musical version of the popular young adult fiction book The Lightning Thief will be hoping to steal hearts off-Broadway this spring featuring rising stage star Chris McCarrell. The musical, written by Joe Tracz and Rob Rokicki will play the Lucille Lortel Theatre starting in March. (AP Photo/Laura Marie Duncan) The musical, written by Joe Tracz (Netflix's "A Series of Unfortunate Events") and Rob Rokicki (the musical "Strange Tails") will play at the Lucille Lortel Theatre starting in March. It's recommended for ages 7 and up. Tickets are $65-$85. "The Lightning Thief," written by Rick Riordan, has been adapted into a motion picture franchise and a graphic novel in 2010. In 2014, it was turned into a one-hour musical by Theatreworks USA, but this new version runs into two acts, has a larger cast and will have a live band onstage. The work, which adapts the stories of Greek mythology for a contemporary setting, is rich material for any actor, and McCarrell is relishing all the twists and turns facing him. "When musicals are written for the sake of musicals, sometimes the world isn't fleshed out completely," he said. "So I really enjoy when behind that two-hour world there is this universe of hours of reading and hours of characters and movies and books and series. I always love when there's a universe behind the musical." McCarrell didn't have time to read the book when he found out there would be auditions for the show the next day. He got the job the same day and immediately jumped into the world of Percy Jackson. "It's going to be so crazy to get this guy to come out of me because there's so much of him already there," he said. "This story has so much gunpowder in it. If we hit it right, I think it could make some explosions happen." McCarrell, a 2013 graduate of Baldwin Wallace University's music theater program, said he always hoped for a career onstage in the world of off-Broadway. When he came to New York, he just happened to start with a meaty Broadway role Marius in "Les Miz." "My dream was always to be an off-Broadway actor that would sometimes get snatched up by Broadway. But I always wanted the backbone of my career to be off-Broadway," he said. "This is what I grew up dreaming about doing superhero, demi-god shows off-Broadway down in the West Village." ___ Online: http://www.LightningThiefMusical.com ___ Trump's future national security adviser stresses continuity WASHINGTON (AP) President-elect Donald Trump's future national security adviser said Tuesday he would press on with President Barack Obama's changes to the National Security Council, suggesting no wholesale fix is in store for the body of foreign policy professionals who often provide the last word before the commander in chief's decisions. At a conference focused on national security and the presidential transition, retired Gen. Michael Flynn sought to stress continuity in America's national security structure after an election dominated by Trump's calls for a rupture in much of Washington's agenda in international affairs. Flynn spoke of "working toward a common national security goal," free from partisan wrangling. But the challenge of transforming Trump's promises into bipartisan policy was underscored at the same event by Secretary of State John Kerry, who warned of the rise of a "factless political environment" in which policy is made on Twitter and said Trump's "America First" policy could lead to a U.S. retreat from the world. Kerry was followed by National Security Adviser Susan Rice, who highlighted the dangers Russia and North Korea pose to the United States no matter which party holds the presidency. FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2016 file photo, National Security Adviser-designate Michael Flynn, waits for an elevator at Trump Tower in New York. Flynn said Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, he would press on with President Barack Obamas changes to the National Security Council, suggesting no wholesale fix is in store for the body of foreign policy professionals who often provide the last word before the commander in chiefs decisions. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) Flynn called his future job, which doesn't require Senate confirmation, "an awesome responsibility" that "gets to the pure essence of protecting the American people, our homeland and our Constitution." After Rice stressed that Trump and future presidents should be able to staff the NSC as they wish, Flynn said Trump's incoming team was "committed to carrying out the necessary reforms begun by previous administrations." The transition team has been considering ways to restructure intelligence agencies to streamline operations and improve efficiency. It is looking at changes at both the Director of National Intelligence's office and the CIA, according to a person familiar with the plan who wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity. Less clear is if any redesign is in store for the NSC, which recent presidents increasingly have leaned on but which critics have seen as a bloated agency that takes away from established bodies like the Pentagon and the State Department. Rice said staff had been reduced 15 percent during her tenure. "The issue is not mainly about the size of the NSC, it's about the role of the NSC," she said. Rice promised to help Flynn despite her administration's "profound disagreements with the next one." But Kerry lamented his lack of contact with Trump's new team. On the State Department's transition, Kerry half-jokingly said it was going "pretty smoothly" because "there is not an enormous amount of it." He said he had yet to meet Trump's choice to replace him as America's top diplomat, Exxon Mobil chief Rex Tillerson, though he expects to do so "in the near term" and still believes there is time for "an ample debriefing" before the new administration begins. Rejecting criticism that Obama had failed to lead in dealing with world crises, Kerry said "we've been leading" and pointed to the Iran nuclear deal, Paris climate change agreement, response to the Ebola virus, strengthening NATO and his own unsuccessful efforts to end Syria's civil war. He said charges that the administration mishandled the Arab Spring revolts against authoritarian leaders were wrong. With only 10 days left in his tenure, Kerry called for a new "Marshall Plan" to help countries in critical regions around the world educate their exploding youth populations and prevent them from being radicalized. Lack of education and the spread of misinformation, notably online, are serious threats that must be confronted to prevent a rise of "authoritarian populism" that threatens the international order, Kerry said. He accused Russia of mounting a "''horrendous invasion of our democratic process" by interfering in the 2016 presidential election and said such actions must be combatted. "One of the greatest challenges we all face right now, not just America but every country, is that we are living in a factless political environment," Kerry said. He did not mention Trump by name but took a thinly veiled shot at the president-elect's propensity to tweet his views on policy issues. "If policy is going to be made in 140 characters on Twitter and every reasonable measure of accountability is being bypassed and people don't care about it, we have a problem," Kerry said. NYC police: Break-in at United Arab Emirates diplomat's home NEW YORK (AP) A New York City police report says an intruder broke into the home of the consul general of the United Arab Emirates but ran away without taking anything. Majid Al-Suwaidi (MAJ'-ihd al-soo-WAY'-dee) woke up Monday morning to a noise in his apartment and saw his bedroom door open. According to the report, he chased the fleeing man. Al-Suwaidi was not injured. Officers made a sketch of the suspect, who was wearing a black hood, black waist-length coat and dark shoes. Detectives were looking for any surveillance video. The home is in the heart of Greenwich Village, near such famous landmarks as the Stonewall Inn. The Latest: Clapper speaks with Trump about Russia report WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on President-elect Donald Trump (all times EST): 9:50 p.m. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper says he has spoken with Donald Trump about the unsubstantiated report claiming Russia had compromising personal and financial information about the president-elect. President-elect Donald Trump waits with family members Ivanka Trump, left, and Donald Trump Jr. before speaking at a news conference, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, in New York. The news conference was his first as President-elect. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Clapper says in a statement released Wednesday night that he told Trump the intelligence community "has not made any judgment that the information in this document is reliable." The dossier contains unproven information about close coordination between Trump's inner circle and Russians about hacking into Democratic accounts as well as unproven claims about unusual sexual activities by Trump, among other suggestions attributed to anonymous sources. The Associated Press has not authenticated any of the claims. Clapper also says he told Trump he does not believe any leaks from Friday's meeting between intelligence officials and Trump came from the intelligence community. ___ 6:45 p.m. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (PAYN'-yuh nee-EH'-toh) says that "of course" his country will not pay for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. President-elect Donald Trump insists that Mexico will pay for the structure. Pena Nieto said during a gathering of Mexico's ambassadors and consuls that it's evident his country has "some differences with the next government of the United States, like the topic of the wall that Mexico of course will not pay for." He adds that "basic principles" like "our sovereignty" are "not negotiable." Trump insisted at a press conference Wednesday that Mexico will indeed pay for the wall he wants to build along the southern border to stop illegal immigration. Pena Nieto says that any negotiations with the U.S. must include a commitment to stop the flow of illegal arms and money from the U.S. into Mexico. ___ 4:20 p.m. The head of the Office of Government Ethics is publicly slamming President-elect Donald Trump's plans to continue profiting from his international company while he is in the White House. Walter Shaub took the extraordinary step of saying Trump's plan to retain a stake in the Trump Organization while his adult sons run the day-to-day operations falls short of what the OGE had advised him to do. The office counseled Trump to sell off his business assets and place the proceeds in a trust overseen by an independent manager. Shaub says: "I wish circumstances were different and I didn't feel the need to make public remarks today. Of Trump's plan, he says: "It doesn't meet the standards that the best of his nominees are meeting" and that previous presidents have followed. Shaub says he is happy to provide Trump "constructive feedback" on how to divest his business interests. ___ 3:35 p.m. Ivanka Trump says she'll step aside from her executive roles at the Trump Organization and her lifestyle brand, but adds she is confident both businesses will continue to "thrive." In a post on her Facebook page Wednesday, the future first daughter said that her company will be run by the current president and a board of trustees. Her two brothers will run the Trump Organization. Ivanka Trump is not taking a role in her father's administration. Her husband Jared Kushner will serve as a senior White House adviser. Ivanka Trump said she will be focus on her three children as they move to Washington. But she said she is passionate about issues affecting women and girls and will seek to determine the "most impactful and appropriate ways for me to serve our country." ___ 2:30 p.m. The White House says President-elect Donald Trump is "deeply misguided" in his criticism of the intelligence community and its leaders. Trump has accused intelligence agencies of leaking a report claiming that top intelligence officials told him about an unsubstantiated report that Russia had about him. The president-elect likened it to the actions of Nazi Germany. In response, White House spokesman Josh Earnest says it's "deeply misguided for anybody, at any level, to question the integrity and motives of the patriots" who supply the nation's intelligence. A U.S. official says top intelligence officials told Trump about the unsubstantiated report last week. The dossier contains unproven information about close coordination between Trump's inner circle and Russians. It includes details about Russian hacking into Democratic accounts as well as unproven claims about unusual sexual activities by Trump, among other allegations attributed to anonymous sources. The Associated Press has not authenticated any of the claims. ___ 1:15 p.m. President-elect Donald Trump says he expects to nominate new Supreme Court justice within two weeks of inauguration. Trump says at a news conference Wednesday: "We've met with numerous candidates. They're outstanding in every case." The president-elect said voters supported him in part because he would nominate a conservative justice for the Supreme Court to replace Antonin Scalia. Scalia's death in early 2016 created a vacancy that was kept open as Senate Republicans blocked a hearing for Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama's nominee. Trump said he had received recommendations for nominees from the conservative and libertarian Federalist Society and Jim DeMint, a former Republican senator from South Carolina who now leads the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Trump said that he plans to start signing bills on the Monday after the January 20 inauguration. ___ 1:10 p.m. President-elect Donald Trump lashed out at a reporter from CNN, refusing to take a question from him and calling his news organization and Buzzfeed "fake news." CNN reporter Jim Acosta pushed back at Wednesday's news conference, demanding an opportunity to ask a question. A U.S. official says top intelligence officials last week told Trump about an unsubstantiated report that Russia had compromising personal and financial information about him. The story was first reported by CNN Tuesday. Buzzfeed later published a summary of those allegations. The summary of the allegations was separate from a classified assessment of Russia's suspected attempts to meddle in the U.S. presidential election. Trump told Acosta, "Your organization is terrible, I'm not going to give you a question." Acosta responded, "Mr. President-elect, that's not appropriate." ___ 1 p.m. Dubai's DAMAC Properties tells The Associated Press it offered deals to President-elect Donald Trump's firm worth some $2 billion, but the Trump Organization turned them down. DAMAC spokesman Niall McLoughlin said Wednesday that it involved "a variety of different properties deals." McLoughlin declined to be more specific, other than to say that "the discussions took place as stated in the media briefing." Trump said Wednesday at his first news conference since his election that he had turned down the deal, offering the decision as evidence of his commitment to avoiding conflicts of interest. DAMAC has a deal with the Trump Organization to manage and run two golf courses. One of the courses is the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai. It is due to open in February, just after Trump is inaugurated as America's 45th president. ___ 12:50 p.m. President-elect Donald Trump says he'll begin negotiations with Mexico on funding his promised wall along the southern border immediately after he takes office. Trump's team and Republicans in Congress have been discussing a plan in which American taxpayers would initially cover the costs of the wall. Trump says that's because he wants to get it started fast. He asks, "What's the difference? I want to get the wall started." He adds that, "Mexico will pay for the wall, but it will be reimbursed." Trump is also pushing back on reports that his wall could wind up becoming more of a fence. He insists, "It's not a fence, it's a wall. We're going to build a wall." ___ 12:35 p.m. President-elect Donald Trump says a replacement for "Obamacare" will be offered with the confirmation of his health secretary. Trump says at a Wednesday news conference that his plan for President Barack Obama's health care law would be "repeal and replace," adding that it would be "essentially simultaneously." Trump called the law "a complete and total disaster" and said it was "imploding." He argued that Republicans would do doing a "tremendous service" for Democrats by replacing the law. Trump has repeatedly said that repealing and replacing "Obamacare" was a top priority, but he has never fully explained how he planned to do it. Speaker Paul Ryan has said that the House would seek to take both steps "concurrently." But Trump's promise to repeal and replace the health care law "essentially simultaneously," even in the same day, week or hour, is almost certainly impossible to achieve. ___ 12:25 p.m. Donald Trump is recommitting to plans to impose a border tax on manufacturers who shutter plants and move production abroad. Trump says at a Wednesday news conference: "There will be a major border tax on these companies that are leaving and getting away with murder." Border taxes may help retain jobs, but they carry the risk of increasing prices for consumers. The president-elect has been meeting with chief executives and touting commitments by United Technologies and others to keep jobs in the United States. Such moves have done little so far to move the dial on job growth for the broader U.S. economy, although Trump stressed that he was using these deals to set a new tone that offshoring would be penalized. Trump says: "What really is happening is the word is now out." ___ 12:20 p.m. Trump's lawyer says the so-called emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution does not apply to foreign payments to his company, as some ethics experts have said. The lawyer, Sheri Dillon, says some have claimed that foreign leaders who pay for rooms and services at his various hotels across the globe would put the president-elect in violation of the clause. Dillon says: "These people are wrong. That is not what the Constitution says." She argues that "fair-value exchange," such as paying for a hotel room, does not run afoul of the Constitutional ban of foreign gifts or payments to the president. Dillon says nonetheless the Trump Organization will voluntarily donate all profits from foreign government payments to his hotels to the U.S. Treasury. White House press secretary Josh Earnest speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. Earnest answered questions about President-elect Donald Trump and intelligence briefings. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) President-elect Donald Trump, accompanied by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, speaks during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President-elect Donald Trump takes questions during a news conference, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, in New York. The news conference was his first as President-elect. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) President-elect Donald Trump, accompanied by family members, waits to be introduced during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, in New York. The news conference was his first as President-elect. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) FILE - In this Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 file photo, President-elect Donald Trump listens to a question as he speaks to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla. Trump says he owns a "great" company but really one of the few things outsiders know for certain is that it is complex and opaque, a hodgepodge of holdings spread around the world. Trump is scheduled to discuss how he will deal with such conflicts at a news conference on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Solange calls Beyonce 'master class' for musical success Solange says growing up in a house with older sister Beyonce was like a "master class" for becoming a musical success. Beyonce talked to Solange for a piece in Interview magazine published online Tuesday. Beyonce acknowledged to Solange that talking to her sister for an interview was "a bit strange," but added that she was her sister's "biggest fan." Solange told her sister she "got to have a lot of practice" working on her music in their Houston home, telling Beyonce their mother "always taught us to be in control of our voice and our bodies and our work." FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2011, file photo, Beyonce Knowles, center left, sits with her sister Solange Knowles during the presentation of Vera Wang's Spring 2012 collection in New York. Beyonce interviewed Solange for Interview magazine in a conversation published online on Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File) Transcription 1 A Brief History of the Conflict in Sudan Curriculum for grades 4-9 Curriculum is appropriate for Hebrew Schools, Jewish Day Schools, Public Schools and Secular Private Schools: 1. Lesson Plan 2. A Brief History of the Conflict in Sudan 3. Map of Sudan 4. Discussion Questions re: A Brief History of the Conflict in Sudan Jewish World Watch has prepared this curriculum with the input of teachers and administrators who work in Conservative and Reform HebrewlReligious Schools, Community Day Schools, Public Schools, and Jewish Summer Camps. Special thanks to: Malka Tasoff (Los Angeles Unified School District and member, Valley Beth Shalom Jewish World Watch Committee), Beverley Kamenir (Camp Ramah, Ojai, CA. and New Community Jewish High School, West Hills, CA.), and Jackie Simons (Temple Israel of Hollywood, CA.). For more information or for electronic transmittal of these curricula, contact Janice Kamenir-Reznik, President, Jewish World Watch at January, Ventura Boulevard' Encino, California 91436' (818) ' 2 Lesson Plan: Brief History of the Conflict in Sudan Objectives 1. To sequence important events :&om the history of the conflict in the Sudan in a timeline 2. To paraphrase information 3. To locate Sudan on a map 4~ To recognize the historical influences on the present day Sudan 5. To determine modem problems in Sudan, reasons for the current conflict, and a possible solution Materials A Brief History of the Conflict in Sudan handout for each student or small group of students A Map of the Sudan Questions On: A Brief History of the Conflict in Sudan handout for each student One piece of poster board for each small group of students Lesson 1. Discuss purpose of a timeline as a historical reference tool. - easy to read - identify important events - organized chronologically - easy to compare other events at same time 2. Distribute "A Brief History of the Conflict in Sudan" handout to each student. 3. Read first paragraph aloud. Identify important events. Instruct students to highlight, circle, underline, or :&ame each important event on their handout. 4. On the board, create the portion of the timeline for the events identified. With the students, summarize the information :&om the handout to fit the timeline. 5. Assign s111all groups of students the creation of a group time line for the Conflict in Sudan based on the information provided in the text. Students are also encouraged to search other sources for more information. 6. Students complete the Questions handout independently or with small group. 7. Students are assessed on the organization and quality of information included in their timelines and written response to Questions handout. 3 Lesson Plan: Brief History of Conflict in Sudan Handout #1: Brief History of the Conflict in the Sudan The country Sudan dates back to biblical times when it was known as "Cush." The present Republic of the Sudan got its name from the word "Bilaad-el-sud" which in the Aramaic means "Country of the Blacks." In 450AD Christianity spread through Northern Sudan, and the religion flourished there for a~out 1,000 years. Meanwhile, in about 700AD, Arab invaders invaded the land and spread Islam. In 1820 a second Islamic expansion occurred and Sudan became a country full of cruelty and inhumanity. The Sudanese were taken as slaves and were called, "black gold." Finally, the British and the Egyptians sent troops to Sudan to stop the slavery and separated Northern and Southern Sudan. Northern Sudan was populated by people who practiced Islam, while Southern Sudan became rich in African culture and Christianity. In 1947, however, the British decided that Northern and Southern Sudan should unite to become one country. The British decision to make Sudan one country was a terrible mistake because the Northern and Southern people were so different, especially religiously, which led to the first civil war in Sudan in The first civil war in Sudan was a struggle to free Southern Sudan from the Islamic North part and lasted from Between 750,000 and 1,500,000 Southern Sudanese died in this war. Finally, a peace agreement called the Addis Ababa Agreement was signed. Peace lasted for about ten years, but when the Southern Sudanese realized they would never gain true independence, they began to rebel. Sudan's second civil war started on May 16th, This civil war was largely about the desire on the part of the northern Sudanese to impose Islamic (Sharia) law on the entire country. Even though most of the people in the northern part of Sudan are Arab Muslims, Arab Muslims make up only around 33% of the total population of Sudan. In the civil war more than 2 million Sudanese Christians who lived in the south of Sudan were killed. The war was largely a religious war between Muslims and Christians. This war continued until an interim peace agreement was negotiated in The interim peace agreement will expire in 2010, at which time the Southern Sudanese are supposed to be able to vote about whether they want to be part of a unified Sudan, or whether the would rather form their own independent country. Many are doubtful about whether the northern Sudanese (Khartoum) government will ever really allow the southern Sudanese to exercise their option to become independent since there has been a lot of oil discovered in Southern Sudan. The present day situation in Sudan directly relates to the differences between the North and South. Ethnically, 69% of the population is African Sudanese, while the other 31 % is Arab Sudanese. Sudan has a big problem in that the government of Sudan only allows Islamic law to rule even though Muslims are a minority in the country. Ever since 1956 the majority of Sudanese have been excluded from their own government, and peace cannot occur unless Sudan's government changes and tolerates all religions and cultures to exist.. A related conflict broke out in Darfur, a western region of Sudan. The Darfur conflict began after two non-arab rebel groups took up arms against the Arab-dominated government in February, 2003 to win more political and economic rights for the Darfur region's African tribes. To put down this rebellion, the northern Sudanese government armed the Janjaweed (literally means: evil men on horseback). The Janjaweed were instructed to invade villages and to destroy the villages and kill all who did not support the Khartoum (northern Sudan) government. The Janjaweed have destroyed hundreds ',) c.t of thousands of human beings, their fields and homes. Whoever was not killed in Darfur have been left hungry and homeless (actually more devastating than described).. 4 In the North-South civil war over the past 20 years or so, the South lost 2 million people, with million displaced and 100,000 taken as slaves. In Darfur, since the conflict began in February, 2003, there are no entirely accurate statistics, but the best estimates seem to suggest that between 300,000400,000 people have died in Darfur as a result of the war with 2.5 million displaced and a total of 3 million requiring humanitarian aid. For more information, check out these websites: Jewish World Watch Save Darfur (see in particular Facing History and Ourselves! Dying in Darfur: the Ongoing Genocide in Sudan) American Jewish World Service 5 Lesson Plan: Brief History of Conflict in Sudan Handout #2: Questions re: The Conflict in the Sudan Questions On: A Brief History of the Conflict in the Sudan 1. Where is Sudan located? 2. Why did the British and Egyptians send in troops to Sudan? 3. How do Northern and Southern Sudan differ? 4. What did the British decide to do with Sudan in 1947? 5. How many civil wars has Sudan been through? Which sides have been warring? 6 6. Describe the ethnic/religious make-up of Sudan. How does Sudan's ethnic make-up relate to the problems going on with its government? 7. Where is Darfur and what has been happening there? 8. What are the janjaweed and what role have they played in the situation in Darfur? 9. How many people have been affected by the situation in Sudan? 10. Would you classify this disaster as a genocide? How do you thing peace can be achieved? 11. When did the most recent civil war end and do you think it will bring a lasting peace to the region? Brazilian prison director fired for links with crime gang RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) A Brazilian prison director has been fired for alleged links to a crime gang that killed dozens of rival inmates last week. The Amazonas state government said in a statement on Tuesday that Jose Carvalho da Silva was accused by inmates of receiving bribes from the Family of the North gang. Silva had taken over just a few days previously as director of a prison in the city of Manaus where at least 56 inmates were killed on Jan. 1. Brazil's federal government is sending up to 200 extra policemen to Amazonas to deal with its prison security crisis. Suspect in attack on US diplomat in Mexico brought to US ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) A California man who authorities say shot and wounded a U.S. consular officer in Mexico appeared to don a wig and stalk his target before opening fire, according to court papers. Authorities brought Zia Zafar, 31, of Chino Hills, California, to the U.S. on Monday night to face a federal charge of attempted murder of a diplomat. Zafar made his initial appearance Tuesday in federal court in Alexandria. A magistrate ordered Zafar held pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday and appointed the federal public defender to represent him. The public defender, Ken Troccoli, declined comment after Tuesday's brief hearing. In this Jan. 6, 2017 image taken from a surveillance video released by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. citizen Zia Zafar follows consular officer Christopher Ashcraft through a parking garage to his vehicle in Guadalajara, Mexico, before he is seen on video shooting into the windshield of Ashcraft's car. Zafar, who was arrested in Mexico, has arrived in the United States for prosecution and made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday, Jan. 10. Ashcraft is recovering at a medical facility in the city. (U.S. Department of Justice via AP) Surveillance video captured parts of Friday's shooting of consular officer Christopher Ashcraft, including video showing a shooter taking aim and firing a shot. Ashcraft told authorities he noticed a man wearing blue scrubs and what appeared to be a wig who was watching and waiting for Ashcraft as he left a gym, according to an FBI affidavit filed Tuesday. As Ashcraft got into his car and was exiting a shopping center parking garage, he was shot once in the chest, according to the affidavit. The affidavit says Mexican police recovered a pistol, a pair of sunglasses and a wig similar to the one seen in the surveillance video from Zafar's residence in Guadalajara. The affidavit also states that Mexican officials obtained surveillance video of a person matching the description of the shooter paying for a purchase at a nearby Starbucks ahead of the shooting. The person paid with a credit card in Zafar's name, the affidavit says. Ashcraft was still recovering from the shooting Tuesday in a Mexican medical facility, according to the affidavit. The affidavit did not state any motive for the shooting, and prosecutors made no mention of one at Tuesday's hearing. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, which is prosecuting the case, declined to comment on a motive. The FBI, the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, and Mexican authorities are all investigating the shooting with assistance from the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs, the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations division. Zafar entered Mexico on a student visa and holds a U.S. passport as well as a California driver's license, according to court records. Zafar faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The charges are filed in Virginia because Zafar was brought into the country in the Eastern District of Virginia, where Dulles International Airport is located. ___ Associated Press writer Jessica Gresko in Washington contributed to this report. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that the consular officer's last name is Ashcraft, not Ashcroft, and that the affidavit didn't mention any motive for the shooting. Trudeau shuffles Cabinet, Freeland named top Canada diplomat TORONTO (AP) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook up his Cabinet on Tuesday, less than two weeks before Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. president. Trudeau named Chrystia Freeland as Canada's new foreign minister amid worries Trump will renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Freeland was trade minister when she oversaw last year's ratification of the Canada-European Union free trade agreement after initial concerns Europe wouldn't approve it. NAFTA is Canada's largest and most important economic pact and Freeland will remain the point person on trade with the U.S. Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Labour Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Trade Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Democratic Institutions Karina Gould and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen applaud before being sworn-in during a cabinet shuffle at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Trudeau noted that Canada is among a few nations promoting free trade. "President-elect Trump very much takes a trade and job lens to his engagements in the world in international diplomacy," Trudeau said. "It makes sense for the person who is responsible for foreign relations with the United States to also have the ability and the responsibility to engage with issues such as NAFTA and the broad range of trade issues that we'll be facing with our friends and neighbors south of the border." Freeland, a former journalist and author of Ukrainian descent, is barred from Russia, something she has called an honor. Russia banned her in 2014 as part of a series of retaliatory sanctions against 13 Canadian officials. She had lived in Russia and has been a critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, someone Trump has praised. "That's a question for Moscow," Freeland said when asked if she will be able to travel to Russia. Trudeau said: "Her ability to deal with multiple situations around the world was well demonstrated in her tremendous success in her negotiating the Canada-Europe trade agreement. As to how she gets along with Russia, she speaks fluent Russian." She speaks five languages in all. Freeland, 48, replaced Stephane Dion, who was dropped from the Cabinet. Another experienced hand, John McCallum, who oversaw the arrival of more than 39,000 Syrian refugees as immigration minister, is retiring from Parliament to become ambassador to China as Trudeau embarks on a free trade agreement with that Asian country. McCallum is the former chief economist for Canada's largest bank and his wife is of Chinese origin. He also represents a district near Toronto that is 40 percent Chinese origin. Ahmed Hussen, a Somali refugee, was named Canada's new immigration minister. Hussen came to Canada as a teenager from war-torn Somalia. A lawyer and community activist, he became the first Somali-Canadian to be elected to Parliament in 2015. The Cabinet makeover was Trudeau's first since becoming prime minister in late 2015. He made a splash then when he named a Cabinet that was 50 percent women. He now has 15 women ministers and 14 men. News of the shuffle leaked Monday just as Trudeau's office confirmed that his two top aides, Chief of Staff Katie Telford and Principal Secretary Gerald Butts, have been meeting with some of Trump's senior advisers seeking to build bridges to the incoming administration. Freeland, who was head of the Cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations, has been involved in the meetings. "We've been laying the groundwork for some personal relationships," Freeland said. "Being able to call each other on the phone and send emails, that is something that is really important for the Canadian government." Chrystia Freeland is sworn in as Minister of Foreign Affairs during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2017. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) Maryam Monsef is sworn in as Minister of Status of Women during a cabinet shuffle at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General David Johnston look on as Francois-Philippe Champagne is sworn in as Minister of International Trade during a cabinet shuffle at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) North Dakota man charged with threatening Democratic senator FARGO, N.D. (AP) Prosecutors have charged a North Dakota man with making threats against the state's Democratic senator, Heidi Heitkamp. Fifty-five-year-old Kevin Lee Olson, of Fargo, made his initial appearance in court Tuesday on a charge of having made a threatening communication. He told the judge he doesn't want an attorney and a detention hearing was scheduled for Thursday. Authorities allege that Olson sent an email to the senator's office last month threatening to shoot her in the head. Although court documents didn't specify which senator had been threatened, Heitkamp's office confirmed it was she. This photo released by the Cass County Jail shows Kevin Lee Olson. Prosecutors have charged a Olson with making threats against the state's Democratic senator, Heidi Heitkamp. Olson, of Fargo, made his initial appearance in court Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, on a charge of having made a threatening communication. He told the judge he doesn't want an attorney and a detention hearing was scheduled for Thursday. (Cass County (N.D.) Jail via AP) Heitkamp told KFGO-AM (http://bit.ly/2iaH03U ) that her office notified the authorities, who decided it was serious enough to warrant intervention. ___ An earlier version of this story was corrected to reflect that the Fargo police chief said threats were made against a U.S. senator from North Dakota, not both of them. ___ Cuomo pitches 750-mile biking-hiking trail plan for NY state ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing to complete and connect two greenway trails crisscrossing the state from Manhattan to Canada and from Albany to Buffalo to create a 750-mile paved biking and hiking route that will be marketed as a national tourist destination. "We want to build the largest multi-use trail in the nation," said the Democratic governor at a state of the state speech Tuesday in Westchester County. Cuomo proposed spending $200 million over three years to pave 350 miles of gaps in the existing greenways and connect them to create what he calls the Empire State Trail. Legislative leaders had no comment on the proposal, which would need legislative approval in the state budget starting with $53 million this year. FILE- In this Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015 file photo, cyclists pass the Niskayuna Train Station as they bike on the Canalway Trail in Niskayuna, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed a a 750-mile paved biking and hiking Empire State Trail, of which the Canalway Trail would be part of. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File) The trail will incorporate the existing Erie Canalway and the Hudson River Valley Greenway. State Bike Route 9 that runs along Lake Champlain to Canada would complete the trail from Manhattan. It is expected to bring millions of dollars in revenue to the surrounding communities each year. The Erie Canalway is nearly 80 percent complete; the Hudson River Greenway nearly 50 percent. The state already owns most of the land needed to complete the project. "The trail is great as it is, but closing those gaps will make it so much better," said Erie Canalway spokeswoman Jean Mckay, who has cycled the trail end-to-end three times. "If you're riding with your kids across the state, it feels a little scary when you have to go on the road for a couple of miles." The Hudson Valley segment of the trail starts at New York Harbor and skirts the Adirondack Mountains. It features historic sites such as Olana, the home and studio of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church; the popular Walkway Over the Hudson, an old Poughkeepsie railroad bridge transformed into a pedestrian and bike path; the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site in Kinderhook; the Saratoga National Battlefield and Fort Ticonderoga. The western leg of the trail follows the Erie Canal and Mohawk River through cities, villages and farmland, and features Buffalo Harbor State Park; the Salt Museum on Onondaga Lake; the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge; and the Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome. Parks and Trails New York, a nonprofit advocacy group, said the Erie Canalway Trail attracts more than 1.6 million visitors annually. "I think greenways are absolutely wonderful, whether you're a runner, walker, biker or pushing a baby carriage," said Dick Beamish of Saranac Lake, who has bicycled with his wife on rail trails and greenways in San Francisco, Virginia, Vermont and Albany. "They're a great way to promote health and well-being as well as help local economies." Beamish, a retired news magazine publisher, is an advocate for a new 34-mile rail-trail the state is creating in the Adirondacks between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. Cuomo's office said the Erie Canalway Trail has an economic impact of $253 million from visitor spending and the Hudson River Greenway generates more than $21 million annually. Mom arrested after malnourished son found locked in bathroom SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A Utah mother has been charged with child abuse by authorities who say she locked her 12-year-old son in a filthy bathroom without lights for at least one year, leaving him dangerously malnourished. The boy's father found him in the mother's house Friday night in the small southeastern Utah city of Toquerville near the state line with Arizona, Washington County Sheriff's Office Lt. David Crouse said on Tuesday. Authorities found feces throughout the bathroom, one blanket, a few empty cans of beans and a camera that may have been used to capture what was going on in there, Crouse said. The boy was likely kept in the dark, he said. Investigators found 3 square feet of duct tape mounted on the light switch so it could not be turned on. The door had locks on the outside. The boy, who was unable to stand on his own and weighed 30 pounds, was taken to a hospital where he is expected to remain for weeks to recover, Crouse said. The doctor who treated the boy says it is the worst case of malnourishment he had ever seen, Crouse said. The 36-year-old woman was charged Monday with felony child abuse. The Associated Press is not naming her to avoid identifying the boy. Her lawyer did not immediately return a call for comment. The boy's two siblings told investigators their brother had been in the bathroom for at least one year. They said they hadn't even spoken to their brother through the door in six months, Crouse said. He declined to give their ages, but said one was old enough to understand things. "It is one of the most horrible things I've ever had to see," Crouse said. "I wish I could unsee it." The woman's two other children have been put in custody of state child protective services. Investigators are talking with those kids to determine if they had been abused, Crouse said. The probable cause statement shows the mother told detectives her son chose to sleep and stay in the bathroom. She says she would occasionally lock him in the bathroom for his own safety when she left the house. The statement says the mother said she was trying to feed her son protein shakes to increase his weight. Chicago police officer's lawyer wants murder charge dropped CHICAGO (AP) A lawyer for a Chicago police officer charged in Laquan McDonald's shooting death is asking that the first-degree murder charge be dismissed. Attorney Daniel Herbert filed a motion Tuesday. He contends that statements Jason Van Dyke and other officers gave investigators helped build the case against Van Dyke even after the officers were assured they wouldn't be used "against them in any criminal proceedings." Van Dyke, who is white, shot the black, 17-year-old McDonald 16 times in 2014. Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke approaches the bench for his hearing with Judge Vincent Gaughan at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago Tuesday Jan. 10, 2017, in Chicago. Van Dyke is charged with murder in the October 2014 death of Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times. The Cook County judge on Tuesday ordered the release of McDonald's juvenile records, except for records about his birth mother and sister. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool) Judge Vincent Gaughan hasn't made a ruling. The special prosecutor in the case, Joseph McMahon, says he'll respond to the motion by the next court date, Feb. 3. Volkswagen: Draft deal in scandal contains $4.3B in fines FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) German automaker Volkswagen AG said Tuesday that it was in "advanced talks" with United States authorities over a proposed settlement in its diesel emissions scandal under which the company would pay $4.3 billion in criminal and civil fines. The draft settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Customs and Border Protection would include the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee the company's compliance and control measures for three years. A company statement issued Tuesday said that under the proposal Volkswagen would agree to "a guilty plea" to criminal law provisions. The draft needs to be approved by Volkswagen's boards and U.S. courts. Volkswagen said its management board of top executives, which includes CEO Matthias Mueller, and its board of directors would deal with the issue "in the very short term," as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. "A final conclusion of the settlement agreement is further subject to the execution by the competent U.S. authorities and to the approval of the competent U.S. courts," the company said. The penalties would exceed the amounts Volkswagen has set aside to cover costs from the scandal, but the specific impact on 2016 earnings "cannot be defined at present," the statement said. Volkswagen had already deducted 18.2 billion euros ($19.2 billion) from earnings to account for the expected costs of fines, settlements and recalls. The company has admitted equipping diesel cars with software that turned up emissions controls when the car was being tested, and turned them down during normal driving, improving engine performance but exceeding emission limits. Volkswagen has reached a $15 billion civil settlement with environmental authorities and car owners in the U.S. under which it agreed to buy back up to 500,000 vehicles. The company also faces an investor lawsuit and criminal probe in Germany. In all, some 11 million vehicles worldwide were equipped with the software. The scandal was revealed in September 2015, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation. CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned and was replaced by Mueller. The company has apologized and brought in U.S. law firm Jones Day to investigate. Oliver Schmidt, the company's former head of U.S. environmental compliance, was arrested over the weekend in Florida. Another employee, engineer James Liang, has pleaded guilty in the criminal case. Sheriff: Misdirected text invites deputy to meth delivery PIERRE PART, La. (AP) Authorities in Louisiana have arrested a man who they say accidentally texted a deputy to arrange a drug sale. Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon tells local media the deputy received the misdirected text message Friday from 39-year-old Dwayne Paul Herbert of Pierre Part, arranging to deliver crystal methamphetamine. The officer agreed, then mobilized the Narcotics Division. The sheriff says Herbert showed up carrying crystal meth and two firearms and now faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled substance and two counts of resisting an officer. Paralyzed New York detective who became voice for peace dies NEW YORK (AP) New York Police Department Detective Steven McDonald, who was paralyzed by a teenage gunman's bullet in 1986 but publicly forgave the shooter and became an international voice for peace, died Tuesday at age 59. McDonald had been hospitalized Friday on Long Island after suffering a heart attack and died there, the NYPD said. "No one could have predicted that Steven would touch so many people, in New York and around the world," police Commissioner James O'Neill said. "Like so many cops, Steven joined the NYPD to make a difference in people's lives. And he accomplished that every day. He is a model for each of us as we go about our daily lives." FILE- In this Aug. 30, 2004 file photo, New York Police Officer Steven McDonald recites the Pledge of Allegiance before the morning session of the Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York. On Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, officials said McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died at the age of 59. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) McDonald was a stocky 29-year-old patrolman on July 12, 1986, when he spotted bicycle thief Shavod "Buddha" Jones and two other teenagers in Central Park. He moved to frisk one of them because he believed he had a weapon in his sock. Then, the 15-year-old Jones pulled out a weapon of his own and shot McDonald three times. One bullet tore into McDonald's neck, followed quickly by another to his wrist and a third that lodged behind his right eye. It was the first shot that pierced his spinal column, paralyzing him. Doctors told McDonald's wife, Patti McDonald, who was three months pregnant, that he wouldn't live through the afternoon. But his story had an unlikely ending: McDonald believed what happened on that day was nothing less than God's will, intended to turn him into a messenger of God's word. On March 1, 1987, the day of their son's baptism, McDonald had his wife read a statement about his feelings toward the teen who crippled him. McDonald, who had struggled with finding his new niche in life, knew what he had to say. "I forgive him and hope he can find peace and purpose in his life," McDonald said. He never wavered from that stance. In the years after the shooting, McDonald became one of the world's foremost pilgrims for peace. He took his message of forgiveness to Israel, Northern Ireland and Bosnia. "I have my days when I'm not feeling well emotionally, physically, spiritually," McDonald said in a 2006 interview at his Malverne home. "But it's been a very, very active life." In the first years after the shooting, McDonald drew attention like a rock star. He met with Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela, sat for an interview with Barbara Walters. He did the David Letterman show and co-authored a book with his wife. The New York Rangers set up the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award in his name, and every season the team honored him and his family on the ice. "Rest in peace, Steven McDonald," the Rangers tweeted Tuesday. "Our friend. Our hero. Above and beyond." The television cameras and media attention disappeared, but McDonald's commitment endured. He kept a busy schedule speaking at schools around the country, relentlessly retelling his story to anyone who would listen. Lifted into a modified van, he traveled to hundreds of appearances each year. The president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, Patrick Lynch, said McDonald "was a powerful force for all that is good and is an inspiration to all of us." The archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, called McDonald "an icon of mercy and forgiveness, a prophet of the dignity of all human life." The McDonalds' son, Conor McDonald, joined the NYPD and became a sergeant last year. In 2007, Patti McDonald was elected mayor of Malverne, a quaint 1-square-mile suburban community of about 9,000 residents. Jones, the teenage shooter, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted murder and spent much of his time in prison getting into trouble. McDonald reached out, sending him stationery and asking to start a dialogue. The two wrote letters for a while, but the correspondence ended when McDonald turned down a request to help Jones' family seek parole. McDonald dreamed that Jones would join him on the speaking tours, creating an unlikely tag team with a mutual message of peace. But shortly after Jones' release from prison in 1995, he died in a motorcycle accident. ___ Former Associated Press writer Larry McShane contributed to this report. FILE - In this Feb. 29, 1988 file photo, paralyzed police officer Steven McDonald receives applause from members of the New York City Police Department as he arrives for funeral services at Seaford, N.Y., for slain officer Edward Byrne. McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, Jan 10, 2017 at the age of 59. (AP Photo/David Bookstaver, File) FILE - In this Dec. 22, 1987 file photo, New York City Police Officer Steven McDonald, who was shot in the line of duty, is honored on the ice at the Philadelphia Flyers-New York Rangers hockey game in New York's Madison Square Garden with his wife Patti. McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, Jan 10, 2017 at the age of 59. (AP Photo/Wilbur Funches, File) FILE - In this March 1, 1987 file photo, Cardinal John J. O'Connor places a towel on Conor Patrick McDonald, the month-old son of paralyzed officer Steven McDonald, seated in wheelchair, while McDonald's wife Patti smiles during the christening ceremony in New York. McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at the age of 59. (AP Photo/David Bookstaver, File) FILE - In this Oct. 30, 1986 file photo, NYPD Officer Steven McDonald, paralyzed after being shot in Central Park earlier in the year, receives a New York Mets baseball jacket from Mets' president Fred Wilpon, left, in McDonald's room in New York's Bellevue Hospital. They are jointed by then Mayor Ed Koch, second from left, and McDonald's wife Patti. McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017 at the age of 59. (AP Photo/Mario Suriani, File) FILE- In this Jan. 25, 1995 file photo- New York City police officer Steven McDonald talks to students at a junior high school in New York. McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, Jan 10, 2017 at the age of 59. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) FILE- In this Aug. 31, 2004 file photo, disabled former New York City police officer Steven McDonald addresses delegates, as family members stand beside him at Madison Square Garden during the Republican National Convention in New York. McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at the age of 59. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke, File) FILE- In this Dec. 10, 1988 file photo, Heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, right, meets with paralyzed police officer Steven McDonald at the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Christmas party held at Jimmy Weston's restaurant in New York. McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, Jan 10, 2017 at the age of 59. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) FILE - In this July 11, 1989 file photo, New York police detective Steven McDonald, left, who was paralyzed by a gunman's bullet in Central Park in 1986, poses with his wife Patti Ann and his son, Conor, at a party in New York for their book "The Steven McDonald Story." McDonald, who became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman who shot him, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at the age of 59. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan, File) FILE - In this July 5, 2006 file photo, paralyzed New York City police officer Steven McDonald poses with his wife, Patti McDonald at their home in Malverne, N.Y. McDonald, who was paralyzed by a bullet and became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017 at the age of 59. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File) Roland and I just got back from 3 weeks in Thailand. People there arent obsessing over Trump. Thailand, which I started visiting first for holidays, then for business and now for holidays again, is a profoundly pro-American country. But pro-American culturally, not necessarily politically. Without exception, people who mentioned Trump to me, did it humorously which is pretty much how people I met last summer in Russia also referred to him. (It was different in Azerbaijan, where he is best known for his business relationship with a notorious criminal clan , his partners in the now shuttered Baku Trump Tower.) Roland has been asking me for weeks how I thought travel for Americans would be impacted by Trumps presidency. I started traveling abroad while Nixon was president and found people sympathetic. In Holland I was the subject of a documentary about a Vietnam war resistor living in Amsterdam. Folks I talked about politics with in Iran, India, France, Germany, Hungary and Sri Lanka (then still Ceylon), Afghanistan, Finland, Sweden and, of course, Holland, were very aware of the difference between an anti-war, anti-Nixon American like me and whatever they themselves hated about Nixons policies. Sunday, dealt with Rolands fears about American travelers being unwelcome. I mean, Russia was OK, but were not planning on going back and there is the rest of the world. Colby Martin is an intelligence director for Pinkerton and he warns that a potentially controversial president means you have to prepare. Americans traveling abroad need to have a comprehensive plan for staying safe. But, no real need for worry since most Americans who go abroad just travel to Mexico and Canada anyway. We love Mexico and we love Canada but that is how our travel habits could be described. And, accordng to, experts say that wander outside the well-trodden areas, and things could get interesting. "The likelihood of any impact on American travelers abroad" will depend on what policies the new administration enacts, says Scott Hume, the director of security operations for Global Rescue. He says you shouldn't be surprised by people who ask you direct questions about American foreign policy and politics. If your goal is to avoid those conversations, "Take care not to stand out as an American," he says. So how do you do that, exactly? Taryn White, a writer and frequent traveler based in Washington, tries to maintain a cover. "You have to look the part," she says. "This means no white sneakers, 'I Love NY' T-shirts or sweatpants. It also means being considerate of local customs and dress." One simple trick: Pack black. Darker colors are versatile and ensure you don't stand out. Beyond the wardrobe selection, it means downplaying American mannerisms like laughing out loud, smiling a lot or using hand gestures. But others say now may also be the best time to identify yourself as an American. Kori Crow, a political consultant from Austin, Texas, and a world traveler, says that counterintuitively, the more fractious a country's politics are, the better your experience could be. "They're more forgiving because they don't usually equate elected leaders as a reflection of its citizens," she says. Crow says people understand that American visitors are not its ambassadors. "You'd be surprised at how many foreigners will over-compliment you just to try and make you feel more welcome," she adds, mentioning a particularly warm welcome at Vietnam's American War Crimes Museum. All of the above is true. There are times when you'll want to fade into the crowd, but ultimately you have to be true to yourself. And as the experts say, don't leave anything to chance. How do I know? Because I grew up in Europe during a time of controversial American leadership. Most people I met were smart enough to know that American citizens do not represent the American government, and they knew from personal experience that democracy is imperfect. In fact, I think we should all travel more internationally during the next four years. Just to show the world that Americans are a far more varied lot than the politicians they see on TV or read about in the paper. Three things you should do during the Trump years Greek press union voices concern at media executive's arrest ATHENS, Greece (AP) Greece's main journalists' union and opposition parties have expressed concern over the arrest of an executive in a small media group for allegedly trying to blackmail the country's defense minister. The Parapolitika group's manager was arrested in his office Tuesday. The publisher of Parapolitika newspaper also turned himself in to police later. Defense Minister Panos Kammenos has sued both for libel and attempted extortion. Kammenos right-wing ANEL party, a junior government partner, said the lawsuit was prompted by allegedly slanderous claims regarding Kammenos' son made during a Parapolitika radio program. An ANEL statement said the "attacks" were intended to get Kammenos to retract his allegations that the Parapolitika executives had received large sums of improper funding from a state health entity. Review: Affleck's stylish 'Live by Night' is by the numbers Ben Affleck is no doubt an ambitious and tasteful filmmaker, but he's gotten himself in a bit of hot water with the bloated period gangster epic "Live by Night ." It looks and sounds right and all the elements are there: A conflicted anti-hero with a granite jaw, a fast-talkin', two-timin' moll, crooked cops, and a sweaty loyal partner. There's the one-last-job-gone-awry, some rum-running, a few epic shootouts and the big questions about whether or not our man has become everything he swore he wouldn't. It seems like enough to hold audience interest for a few hours, but somehow even with all that going for it (not to mention a parade of recognizable faces), "Live by Night" is dull as sin. The story is adapted by Affleck from a Dennis Lehane novel of the same name. Lehane is the author of the source material for some good to great films like "Mystic River," ''Shutter Island" and Affleck's first stab at directing, "Gone Baby Gone." It was a decent gamble that "Live by Night" would be pretty good, too. Affleck has put himself front and center here as the lead, Joe Coughlin, a once good man who became jaded after serving in World War I. He came back to his hometown of Boston, where his father (Brendan Gleeson) is the Police Chief, with the intention of never answering to anyone. We don't ever see Joe as a standup citizen, only robbing banks and sleeping with Emma Gould (Sienna Miller), the mistress of the town's most notorious mob boss Albert White (Robert Glenister). Naturally as soon as Emma and Joe decide to skip town and find a new life somewhere warm (where they come so close to saying that they'll "live by night" it's almost annoying that they don't), things take a turn and Joe is left beaten to a pulp, imprisoned and alone. When he gets out, revenge against Albert White is the only thing on his mind, so he heads to Florida to work for a rival. This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Ben Affeck in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) While the Boston scenes are paint-by-numbers gangster pic, with a few gorgeous shots thanks to cinematographer Robert Richardson, in Florida at least the plot gets somewhat interesting as Joe pairs up with a nearly unrecognizable Chris Messina as Dion Bartolo to get in the Prohibition-era rum business while butting heads with the local KKK thugs, a complicated cop (Chris Cooper) and his troublesome evangelist daughter Loretta (Elle Fanning). Oh, and Joe also falls in love with a Cuban expat Graciela (Zoe Saldana). By the time Loretta becomes the main focus, and foe, of Joe and Dion the film has already lost most of its steam. "Live by Night" wants to be about everything capitalism, racism, the American dream, the hypocrisy of the good and moral while also providing shoot 'em up thrills. It's hard to do that when you don't even care for or about any of the characters, though. In fact, there are so many characters and so much story (not to mention at least four false endings) that it wouldn't be surprising if there exists a better three-hour version of this. Affleck may have done his film a disservice by making himself the star. On screen the generally effortlessly charismatic Affleck seems to be sleepwalking through the movie with the exception of his moments with Miller's Emma Gould. He looks out of place and uncomfortable most of the time, and the distractingly ill-fitting jackets don't help. It was always going to be a tricky thing to follow up a smash like "Argo," so taut and smart and thrilling. Affleck went maximalist with "Live by Night," and it was, indeed, too much. "Live by Night" a Warner Bros. release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for "strong violence, language throughout, and some sexuality/nudity." Running time: 128 minutes. Two stars out of four. ___ MPAA Definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. ___ Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Ben Affeck in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Brendan Gleeson in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Elle Fanning in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Zoe Saldana, left, and Ben Affleck in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Sienna Miller in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Chris Messina in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Chris Cooper in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Chris Cooper in a scene from "Live By Night." (Claire Folger/Warner Bros. Entertainment via AP) World Bank forecasting brighter prospects for 2017 WASHINGTON (AP) The World Bank is forecasting the global economy will accelerate slightly in 2017 after turning in the worst performance last year since the 2008 financial crisis. The 189-nation lending agency said Tuesday that the global growth should expand at a 2.7 percent annual rate this year. That is down from the bank's June forecast for 2.8 percent growth this year, but it's better than last year's 2.3 percent growth. The global economy faced a number of headwinds last year, from economic troubles in China to bouts of financial market turmoil. FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, file photo, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim speaks during a panel discussion at the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings at IMF headquarters in Washington. On Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, the World Bank forecast that the global economy will accelerate slightly in 2017 after turning in the worst performance a year earlier, since the 2008 financial crisis. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) "We are encouraged to see stronger economic prospects on the horizon," said World Bank President Jim Yong Kim. The World Bank's Global Economic Prospects report projects 2.2 percent growth in the United States, up from an estimated 1.6 percent in 2016. The U.S forecast for 2016 is lower than the June projection of 1.9 percent growth, while the outlook for this year is unchanged. In the years since the 2008 financial crisis, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have both repeatedly proved too optimistic in their forecasts. U.S. growth in the first half of last year was anemic as American companies struggled with the impact of a strong dollar, which cut into exports. A big fall in oil prices also triggered a sharp reduction in investment spending by energy companies. Globally, many developing countries struggled with a fall in commodity prices, which reduced the income they received from those goods. The World Bank said that commodity exporters in emerging markets and other developing economies should see their economies expand by 2.1 percent in 2017 after a barely discernible 0.3 percent gain in 2016. The new forecast expects commodity prices to gradually recover, and Russia and Brazil to resume growing after recessions last year. Among advanced economies, the World Bank said the United States should benefit from a rebound in manufacturing and investment after last year's slowdown. The World Bank said there is a potential for an even better performance in the United States if the stimulus program proposed by President-elect Donald Trump is enacted. Trump pledged during the campaign to cut taxes, roll back burdensome regulations and boost infrastructure spending. The World Bank said the gains realized from stronger U.S. growth could help boost global prospects. It cautioned, however, that proposals to impose higher tariffs on goods from such countries as China and Mexico represented a threat to growth if they sparked trade wars. "Because of the outsize role the United States plays in the world economy, changes in policy direction may have global ripple effects,' said World Bank economists Ayhan Kose. "More expansionary U.S. fiscal policies could lead to stronger growth in the United States and abroad ... but changes to trade or other policies could offset those gains,." The World Bank outlook said that commodity-importing emerging market and developing countries should grow by 5.6 percent this year, down slightly from 5.7 percent last year. In this group, China is projected to continue an orderly slowdown in growth to a 6.5 percent rate, compared to an estimated 6.7 percent last year. The World Bank said growth prospects for this group of countries was being dampened by tepid international trade growth, subdued investment gains and weak productivity growth. Florida researchers find 2 new invasive mosquitoes in state MIAMI (AP) Two more tropical disease-carrying mosquitoes have been found on the U.S. mainland for the first time, caught in traps near Florida's Everglades. The scientists involved say this could raise the risk of mosquito-borne viruses reaching people and birds, but health officials say it's too early to sound an alarm. The new arrivals from Latin America and the Caribbean Culex panocossa and Aedeomyia squamipennis were trapped in October in rural areas bordering Everglades National Park by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences entomologist Nathan Burkett-Cadena and Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory researcher Erik Blosser. Their research is being published in the Journal of Medical Entomology and the journal Acta Tropica. In the traps, they discovered that native species were crowded out by thousands of Culex panocossa mosquitoes and hundreds of Aedeomyia squamipennis mosquitoes. Both species can be found on a few Caribbean islands as well as from Mexico into South America. They lay their eggs on water lettuce invasive weeds that float in the canals, drainage ditches and other waterways crisscrossing Florida neighborhoods. "'Hundreds' is substantial, particularly when you get a hundred from a single trap. This is not a single specimen that blew in from a storm this is a reproducing species," Burkett-Cadena said. About 15 invasive mosquitoes now live in Florida, including nine that have arrived in the last decade. One, Aedes aegypti, is blamed for spreading the Zika virus, along with dengue fever and chikungunya. The new arrivals are another sign that climate change, along with increased tourism and global trade, has made Florida more hospitable to exotic species, Burkett-Cadena said. Health officials downplayed the immediate cause for concern, saying more research was needed. "We have seen in Florida some invasive mosquito species that have become significant and others that have not," Florida Department of Health spokeswoman Mara Gambineri said in an email Tuesday. One of roughly 200 mosquito species worldwide known to transmit diseases to humans, Culex panocossa can spread Venezuelan equine encephalitis, a family of viruses that includes the Everglades virus. The native Florida mosquito Burkett-Cadena and Blosser were hoping to trap also can infect humans with Everglades virus, but it rarely has the opportunity to do so because humans rarely venture into its remote wetlands habitat. The new Culex species in Florida lives closer to civilization, potentially increasing the risk of Everglades virus exposure, Burkett-Cadena said. Aedeomyia squamipennis spreads bird malarias, including the kinds that have devastated Hawaii's native bird populations. These parasites already are found in Florida, but the introduction of a new carrier that feeds predominantly on birds could be worrisome for struggling Florida birds, Burkett-Cadena said. Gambineri said many factors can determine whether a disease-carrying invasive species becomes a significant concern, such as its choice of host, its habitat, its tolerance of cooler temperatures and competition from other species. Janet McAllister, a medical entomologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said other species capable of transmitting Venezuelan equine encephalitis already live in the country. The most recent U.S. outbreak was in the 1970s, infecting humans and horses in Texas and Louisiana. "It's pretty complex and pretty difficult for virus transmission to occur, which is a good thing," McAllister said. ___ Senators join forces on legislation to punish Russia WASHINGTON (AP) Senate Republicans and Democrats joined forces Tuesday to directly challenge President-elect Donald Trump over Russia's interference in U.S. elections and for ongoing aggression in other parts of the world. The 10 lawmakers, five from each party, introduced sweeping legislation designed to go beyond the punishments against Russia already levied by the Obama administration and to demonstrate to Trump that forcefully responding to Moscow's meddling isn't a partisan issue. "We should all be alarmed by Russian attacks on our nation," said Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He chided President Barack Obama for not taking more aggressive steps against Russian cyberattacks that have grown bolder over the years. "This appearance of weakness has been provocative to our adversaries," McCain said. U.S. intelligence officials released a declassified report Friday that said Moscow meddled in the 2016 election to help Trump become president. The report concluded Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" to undercut public faith in the U.S. political process and to damage Democrat Hillary Clinton's candidacy. There was no evidence the operation affected any vote tallies, however. But Trump, who has said he wants better relations with Moscow, rejected the implication that Russian hacking of Democratic emails tipped the election his way. He also derided U.S. intelligence agencies on Twitter, bringing up past failures, specifically intelligence assessments about the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq in the lead-up to the war there. Kellyanne Conway, a senior aide to Trump, has suggested Trump may roll back the sanctions against Russia. Obama in late December ordered sanctions on Russian spy agencies, closed two Russian compounds and expelled 35 diplomats the U.S. said were really spies. The new penalties add to existing U.S. sanctions over Russia's actions in Ukraine, which have damaged Russia's economy but had only limited impact on Putin's behavior. To help persuade Russia to back off, the new bill would impose mandatory visa bans and freeze the financial assets of anyone who carries out cyberattacks against public or private computer systems and democratic institutions. The legislation also mandates sanctions in Russia's all-important energy sector and on investments in the development of civil nuclear projects to rebuke Moscow for its provocations in eastern Ukraine and military support for Syrian President Bashar Assad. The bipartisan bill also would form a top-level unit within the Treasury Department's financial crimes offices to target illicit money trails linked to the Russian Federation. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee and one of the bill's authors, said he expects members to grill the nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, at his confirmation hearing Wednesday on whether he believes more and tougher sanctions against Russia are needed. As CEO of ExxonMobil, Tillerson opposed the sanctions levied on Moscow following its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014. The penalties cost the energy giant hundreds of millions of dollars. "I think you're going to find that there's going to be a great deal of interest as to whether Mr. Tillerson understands that he is no longer going to be CEO of ExxonMobil but that he's going to be secretary of state, the nation's top diplomat," Cardin told reporters. In addition to Cardin and McCain, the senators sponsoring the Countering Russian Hostilities Act are Robert Menendez, D-N.J.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Marco Rubio, R-Fla.; Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; Ben Sasse, R-Neb.; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; and Rob Portman, R-Ohio. ___ New Legislature, same old problem in Illinois: No budget SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Illinois' financial crisis is being handed off from one set of lawmakers to another this week a problem that, at 18 months, is the nation's longest-running budget stalemate. The key players: The conservative businessman-turned-governor Bruce Rauner and Michael Madigan, the old-school Democratic House speaker whose decades at the helm has made him a Capitol institution. The General Assembly being sworn in Wednesday is the 100th, a historic one marking the Prairie State's 2018 bicentennial. It has a steep climb ahead, although the Senate broke away this week with its own proposed solution to pulling the state out of billions of dollars of debt, restoring for thousands of vendors the ability to make payroll and returning social service programs to more than a million people. FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2016, file photo, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters in Springfield, Ill. The nation's longest running state budget stalemate is now half way through its second year, as Illinois continues to wallow in its financial crisis and one General Assembly hands off the problem to the next one. The Illinois Senate is aiming to propose its own solution after a new legislature is sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File) But Rauner and Madigan remain so entrenched in their positions and some think the matter will not be resolved before the 2018 election, when voters have another crack at naming the governor. Here's a look back at the beginning of the debacle and what might happen next: ___ THE GENESIS The seeds of the battle were sown when Rauner, a wealthy private investor, began campaigning across the state in 2013, bucking a left-leaning, union-friendly electorate which hasn't voted for a GOP presidential candidate since 1988. He pledged to open up the hood of government and retool its engine at extreme cost, if necessary. In a March 2013 speech, he invoked former President Ronald Reagan's dismissal of striking air traffic controllers as a model for working government. "Sort of have to do a do-over and shut things down for a little while," Rauner said. But he stepped into the Statehouse just as the House and Senate elected near-historic Democratic majorities and ran head-on into Madigan, who began his career helping write the state's current Constitution and has served in the House since President Richard Nixon's first term. After ruling as House speaker for 32 of the past 34 years, he's gotten used to winning. ___ THE BATTLE Rauner believes the state's businesses are overburdened by restrictive laws and union requirements, that voters have lost faith because of political scandal and that property taxes are choking homeowners. Since his inauguration in January 2015, he has insisted that a budget agreement and the income-tax hike likely necessary to fund state services be accompanied by restrictions on workers' compensation, union power, term limits for politicians and a fairer way of drawing legislative districts. Democrats say no. Madigan has called Rauner's agenda "extreme," arguing it would hurt middle-class families and shouldn't be part of budget talks. And that's where it has stood, with little variation since the no-budget era began July 1, 2015 the longest any state has gone at least since World War II. Government has continued along, albeit slowly, because of court-ordered spending and temporary lawmaker appropriations, but people dependent on state-funded mental health treatment, elderly care, college grants and cancer screenings have suffered. ___ WHAT'S NEXT? New names on the legislative roll call alone will mean little change. Democrats lost four seats and their veto-proof supermajority in the House. But that supermajority was fickle because of moderate party members who couldn't always vote in lockstep. Frustrated by the seemingly interminable stare-down, the Senate tried to step out of the shadows this week. Senate Majority Leader John Cullerton and the Republican leader, Sen. Christine Radogno, negotiated a package of legislation that would raise the income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, but also provide property tax relief and meet other Rauner desires. The vote planned for Monday would have been symbolic because of the session's end on Tuesday, but it sputtered when Radogno couldn't muster Republicans. The pair promised to reintroduce the measures in the new Legislature. ___ WHEN WILL IT END? In the early days of the standoff, those watching spoke in terms of weeks, then months. When 2016 rolled around, it became apparent that no one wanted to budge until after Election Day, when all the House and one-third of the Senate would face the voters. But even before the polls opened, reality set in: In 2018, voters will choose a new governor. Rauner recently contributed $50 million to his own campaign fund as he prepares to seek re-election. He'll have a Democratic opponent, but the real battle likely will be with Madigan. ___ Contact Political Writer John O'Connor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/john-oconnor . Brother of San Bernardino shooter guilty in immigration case LOS ANGELES (AP) The brother of one of the shooters in the San Bernardino terror attack pleaded guilty Tuesday in an immigration fraud case stemming from the probe into the killings. Syed Raheel Farook entered the plea in federal court in Riverside to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, the U.S. attorney's office said. The 31-year-old is the brother of Syed Rizwan Farook, who was killed along with his wife in a shootout with police after the Dec. 2, 2015 attack in which 14 people were slain and 22 injured. In this Dec. 19, 2015 photo, Syed Raheel Farook, brother of San Bernardino mass shooter Syed Rizwan Farook, removes household items from his brother's townhouse in Redlands, Calif. Syed Raheel Farook pleaded guilty Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, in an immigration fraud case stemming from the probe into the killings. Farook entered the plea in federal court in Riverside, Calif., to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, the U.S. attorney's office said. (Rick Sforza/The Sun via AP) Syed Raheel Farook, his wife and Russian sister-in-law were accused last year of conspiring to arrange a fraudulent marriage between the sister-in-law and Enrique Marquez Jr., who is charged with plotting with Syed Rizwan Farook to carry out earlier attacks and with supplying guns used in the 2015 killings. U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said her office continues to seek justice for the victims of the San Bernardino killings. "As I have said many times, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in this investigation," she said in a statement. Syed Raheel Farook is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13. He faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine, the statement said. A message was left for defense attorney Ron Cordova seeking comment. Federal authorities said the marriage was a sham that sought to help Syed Raheel Farook's sister-in-law Mariya Chernykh obtain legal status in the U.S. after overstaying a visitor visa. In court papers, authorities said Marquez confessed to the scheme when authorities questioned him about the shootings and he acknowledged getting $200 a month for the marriage. Farook's wife Tatiana and Chernykh are scheduled for trial on March 28, the statement said. 6 people injured in explosion at coal-fired power station ABERDEEN, Ohio (AP) An explosion at an Ohio coal-fired power station has injured six people. Operator Dayton Power & Light and Adams County Sheriff Kimmie Rogers say none of the injuries at the J.M. Stuart Generating Station power plant near Aberdeen is considered life-threatening. A dispatcher with the sheriff's office says the explosion was reported Tuesday afternoon at the station, about 60 miles east of Cincinnati. Dayton Power & Light says the plant was evacuated and preliminary reports accounted for all employees and contractors. It's unclear if any of those injured had to be hospitalized. Timeline of the shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) Here is a timeline of the shooting at the historic Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina: JUNE 17, 2015 8:06 p.m. Dylann Roof arrives at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in a dark Hyundai sedan. He enters the church through a side entrance and spends about an hour with parishioners attending a Bible study. About 9 p.m. The gunman pulls out a concealed handgun and begins shooting, killing nine parishioners. A police document says he stood over a witness and made a racially inflammatory remark. 9:33 p.m. Charleston police post a tweet saying they are responding to a shooting at the church, an hour later describing the suspect as a white male, approximately 21 years old, slender build and wearing a gray sweat shirt, blue jeans, Timberland boots and clean shaven. JUNE 18, 2015 Before 1 a.m., Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley confirms that nine people are dead in a shooting at the church. State Sen. Clementa Pinckney, who was pastor of the church, was among the people killed. Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen says the FBI will be involved in the investigation and that police consider the shooting a hate crime. President Barack Obama expresses anger, sadness and heartache at the church shooting that left nine dead. He says it shows the need for a national reckoning on gun violence in America. The names of those killed are released. They are: Pinckney 41; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Sharonda Singleton, 45; Myra Thompson, 59; Ethel Lance, 70; Susie Jackson, 87; the Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., 74; and DePayne Doctor, 49. A friend of Roof's, Joey Meek, says Roof had told him recently that black people were taking over the world and that something needed to be done for the white race. JUNE 19, 2015 South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley says the gunman in the Emanuel AME shootings should get the death penalty. The head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People calls the slayings an act of "racial terrorism" and says the Confederate flag flying on the South Carolina Capitol grounds in Columbia needs to come down. Roof makes his first court appearance, with victims' relatives making tearful statements, offering him forgiveness. JULY 10, 2015 South Carolina permanently lowers the Confederate flag from Statehouse grounds where it has flown atop the dome or on the grounds for five decades. After five years of saying it was a settled issue, Republican Gov. Nikki Haley pushed for the swift removal of the flag after the church shootings, and the Legislature agreed. SEPT. 3, 2015 State prosecutor Scarlett Wilson announces she will seek the death penalty against Roof for nine counts of murder, calling it the ultimate crime that deserves the ultimate punishment. A date has not been set for that trial. SEPT. 17, 2015 Roof's friend Joey Meek is arrested on a charge he lied to federal investigators. An indictment said Meek told an FBI agent he didn't know specifics of Roof's plans when he really did. In April, he pleads guilty. He does not testify at Roof's trial and is awaiting sentencing. MAY 24, 2016 U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announces federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty. AUG. 4, 2016 A black inmate chases down Roof as he goes to the shower at the Charleston County jail and punches him several times. Roof has bruises on his face and back, but decides not to press charges. NOV. 25, 2016 U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel rules Roof is competent to stand trial. Roof's lawyers asked for what turned into a two-day hearing after he told them he wanted to be his own lawyer. DEC. 15, 2016 Federal jury finds Roof guilty on all 33 counts, including hate crimes and obstruction of religion. JAN. 2, 2017 Judge holds a second, closed-door competency hearing for Roof, over objection from several media outlets including The Associated Press. After the hearing, Gergel rules Roof is competent both to stand trial for sentencing and to represent himself. JAN. 4, 2017 Jurors return to Charleston's federal courthouse, where Roof's sentencing trial begins with opening statements from prosecutors and Roof himself, who uses his time to briefly tell the jury he has no psychological problems and asks them to forget what they've previously heard from his lawyers. Over the next four days, prosecutors call more than two dozen witnesses, most of whom are relatives of the slain who give emotional testimony. JAN. 10, 2017 Jurors deliberate Roof's fate for about three hours before returning a verdict of death. ___ Prosecutor: Man helped college student join Islamic State NEW YORK (AP) An Arizona man charged with conspiring to help a terrorism group provided a "launching pad" for a New York college student to join the Islamic State group in Syria, a prosecutor told jurors at the opening of his trial. But a defense lawyer said her client was being blamed as a scapegoat. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew DeFilippis urged Manhattan federal court jurors to carefully listen to evidence against 44-year-old Ahmed Mohammed el-Gammal before convicting the Avondale, Arizona, resident at a trial expected to last up to a month. He said el-Gammal wasn't a fighter or a terrorist operative but assisted the Islamic State by helping Samy el-Goarany reach Syria, where he trained and fought for the group. DeFilippis said el-Gammal helped the Islamic State "find one more person, one more recruit, one more fighter who was willing to train, to fight and to kill." He said el-Gammal communicated online with el-Goarany and visited him in New York for two days in October 2014, just weeks before el-Goarany flew to Turkey on his way to Syria. DeFilippis said jurors would see a video el-Goarany made after el-Gammal's arrest in which the 24-year-old, clad in military fatigues, insists he got himself to Syria without help from others. The prosecutor called it "a transparent, almost ridiculous denial, powerful proof of what did happen." He said el-Goarany's parents and brother were desperately trying to get him to return home when they received a letter in fall 2015 saying he was killed in battle. He said trial witnesses would include family members who will describe the words and actions of el-Goarany in the days before he left the United States. "He was too far down the path the defendant had helped pave for him," DeFilippis said. "He acted as a launching pad for el-Goarany's mission." Defense attorney Annalisa Miron said the trial should end in acquittal. "Mr. Ahmed el-Gammal is not guilty," she said. Miron said her client was a typical American who smokes cigarettes, listens to rhythm and blues music and takes weekend trips to Las Vegas. She said members of el-Goarany's family, including his brother and a cousin, knew he was going to join the Islamic State group. She said the Baruch College student planned his own trip to Syria. "The government is looking for somebody to blame," she said. Qualified personnel are seeking more lucrative opportunities overseas. Businesses in Vietnam are looking for talented executives to fill vacancies caused by an outflow of workers to neighboring countries. The demand for mid and senior-level managers soared by 54 percent in 2016, the highest growth over the last two years, according to a report by Navigos Search, a recruitment firm. Demand was highest in the manufacturing, retail and finance sectors, which accounted for 66 percent of Vietnams total recruitment demand. The need for IT staff, accountants and auditors also increased as more locals shifted to other countries to develop their careers in the second half of 2016. Navigos Search said that the free labor market, following the foundation of the ASEAN Economic Community, has enabled skilled professionals in specific areas, including accounting, to work elsewhere so many Vietnamese employees had decided to move to Singapore and Malaysia. IT staff, though excluded from the free labor market, also chose to work in Singapore, where an IT manager earns an average salary of $87,000 per year, significantly higher than Vietnams average of $25,000. This [working overseas] is a good opportunity for excellent executives to try their hand, said Nguyen Phuong Mai, a senior executive at Navigos Search. However, its more difficult for us to find good personnel for our clients. There have been times we have been unable to fill vacancies as the only suitable candidates were working in Singapore. Mai said that in 2017, in addition to the above-mentioned sectors, other areas will experience higher recruitment demands. The beverage segment is undergoing organizational restructuring and M&A deals so demand for senior managers will increase. In terms of the education and training sector, English training centers, international schools and online education centers are developing at a fast pace and require more experienced candidates. Related news: > Nearly all mid-level employees in Vietnam say jobs are stressful: survey > How long can Vietnam's IT industry thrive on low-cost labor? Kansas governor to seek 'modest' tax increases to fix budget TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Republican Gov. Sam Brownback said Tuesday that he will propose "modest, targeted" tax increases to help close Kansas' serious budget shortfalls while strongly defending an income tax break that some fellow GOP lawmakers want to end. Brownback also told a joint session of the Republican-controlled Legislature in his annual State of the State address that he will outline budget "efficiencies." He cautioned lawmakers against expanding the state's Medicaid program in line with the 2010 federal health care overhaul that President-elect Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are planning to repeal. Kansas faces a projected $342 million shortfall in its current budget and gaps in funding for existing programs that total $1.1 billion through June 2019. The state has struggled to balance its budget since Republican legislators slashed personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback's urging in what many voters now see as a failed attempt at stimulating the economy. Gov. Sam Brownback enters the house chambers to deliver his state of the state address to a joint session of the Kansas legislature in Topeka, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) Brownback acknowledged that state government "is confronting challenges," blaming them on "struggles" in key parts of the economy, particularly agriculture and oil production. He urged legislators to pass a bill rewriting the current budget this month and said they should look for efficiencies before raising new revenues. "Having said that, we will propose modest, targeted revenue measures to fund essential state services," Brownback said in his speech. "Now, in any proposal as vast as a state budget, people will find provisions to dislike. That's a necessary start of any conversation, but good negotiations require give and take." Brownback spoke to a Legislature that became less friendly to his fiscal policies after last year's elections. Voters ousted 14 conservative Brownback allies in GOP primaries in August, and another 10 lost seats in November. While Republicans retained supermajorities in both chambers, both Democrats and GOP moderates saw gains. In the Democrats' official response , Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, called Brownback's economic policies "debilitating." "This is poor leadership," Hensley said during a news conference after the speech. "And the people of Kansas are tired of it." Brownback did not say what taxes he will seek to raise, but legislators have speculated in recent weeks about increases in liquor and tobacco taxes. He plans to release detailed proposals Wednesday. The Legislature opened its annual session Monday, and the House Taxation Committee already is working on a bill to repeal an income tax break enacted in 2012 that benefits more than 330,000 farmers and business owners. Brownback has championed the tax break. It exempts profits reported by farmers and owners of limited liability corporations and other businesses on their personal income tax returns that are not subject to corporate income taxes. It also covers rents and royalties. Legislators believe repealing it would raise $260 million a year. Critics of the tax break argue that it's not fair for doctors, lawyers, dentists and other professionals to avoid personal income taxes when their employees still pay them on their wages. But Brownback contends the tax break benefits small businesses and said in Tuesday's speech that both Trump and congressional Republicans are pursuing tax policies to help small businesses. "As a state, we have pioneered new ground on small business policy," the governor said. Later, he added, "That policy has worked." Republican Rep. Erin Davis, of Olathe, a critic of the tax break, said she doesn't fault Brownback for defending a signature tax policy "until the bitter end." "Nor do I believe that it has delivered what was intended," she said. Legislators don't believe they can raise revenues quickly enough to plug the hole in the current budget before the fiscal year ends June 30. To avoid immediate spending cuts, they've been pondering one-time accounting moves, such as liquidating a $320 million state investment fund. Brownback wouldn't say what he will propose but told reporters after the speech, "There's some one-time measures." Advocates of expanding Medicaid have argued that the state is leaving federal health care dollars on the table that could help the poor and rural hospitals. They have said the state should pursue an expansion to put the state in a better position after the GOP's health care overhaul. "We should make sure our piece of the pie is as big as possible," said House Minority Leader Jim Ward, a Wichita Democrat. "That's what Medicaid expansion would do. We should do it now, today." But Brownback a longtime critic of Democratic President Barack Obama's signature domestic policy derided an expansion as "akin to airlifting on to the Titanic." ___ Associated Press reporter Allison Kite in Topeka contributed to the report. ___ Follow John Hanna on Twitter at https://twitter.com/apjdhanna . Gov. Sam Brownback waves to guests before delivering his state of the state address to a joint session of the Kansas legislature in Topeka, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) Gov. Sam Brownback delivers his state of the state address to a joint session of the Kansas legislature in Topeka, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) Gov. Sam Brownback finishes his state of the state address to a joint session of the Kansas legislature in Topeka, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) Gov. Sam Brownback shakes hands with Rep. Stephanie Clayton, R-Overland Park before delivering his state of the state address to a joint session of the Kansas legislature in Topeka, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) Gov. Sam Brownback delivers his state of the state address to a joint session of the Kansas legislature in Topeka, Kan., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) A teenager has been remanded into secure accommodation after being charged with the murder of seven-year-old Katie Rough. The 15-year-old defendant appeared before magistrates in York over the death on Wednesday morning. Katie Rough The girl, who was flanked by two security guards and a youth offending team manager, stood in the centre of the glass fronted dock and said nothing in the eight-minute hearing. She stared straight forward as her solicitor answered questions about her name and address. The girl, who was wearing an oversized grey sweatshirt and had long brown hair, will appear before Leeds Crown Court on Friday. A white tent could be seen on the playing field where Katie Rough was found seriously injured The victim, who was described as a kind and thoughtful child, was found on a track in the Woodthorpe area of York on Monday after police were called to a nearby address. The defendant has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon a knife. The court heard that Katie suffered severe cuts to her neck and chest during the incident. The grandparents of Katie Rough leave York Magistrates' Court Witnesses at the time said Katies mother, named locally as Alison Rough, fell to her knees in the street, crying and pleading for help after her daughter was injured. Tracey Ralph, headteacher at Westfield Primary School where Katie was a pupil, paid tribute to the kind and thoughtful child who was well-liked by both pupils and staff. Ms Ralph said: She was hard-working and showed a particular talent for creative writing. Thundersnow and blizzards could sweep away the UKs mild weather as an Arctic cold spell blowing in from the north looks set to cause temperatures to tumble. Yellow warnings for wind and snow have been issued by the Met Office, with showers expected to bring 2cm to 5cm of snow at lower levels and 10cm to 20cm on ground above 200 metres. The warnings affect Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of the North West from Wednesday, and expand to include Wales and eastern England by Thursday and into Friday. With the cold air originating over Arctic Canada, Met Office meteorologist Emma Sharples warned: We could get some blizzard-type conditions, especially at height. Talking about thundersnow, where the rain associated with a thunderstorm falls as snow, she said: It is possible, all that really needs is for thunder to happen at the same time as the snow. So where you get very active or vigorous showers which is what we are going to see then we could well get some thunder as well. It is definitely possible. Ms Sharples said the snow at lower levels will come in the form of showers and is unlikely to build up too much, unless there is shower after shower coming over the same location. But she warned: Even a centimetre of snow in this country can obviously cause some disruption, adding that there could be some showers inland, but they are likely to be short-lived. Milder for a time but then the #Jetstream dives southwards from midweek bringing in bitterly #cold #Arctic air & the risk of #snow for some pic.twitter.com/cL0EvjETwp Met Office (@metoffice) January 9, 2017 The Met Office said: Lightning may accompany the heaviest showers, with potential disruption to power supplies as a consequence. On Wednesday and Thursday, wind gusts of up to 55mph are expected in exposed coastal areas and on hills. Overnight frosts are also set to develop in most places, with severe frost likely where there is snow on the ground in the north. In terms of temperatures, Ms Sharples said: We are looking at low single figures, 2C to 5C by day, and then overnight it will vary across the country. But where there is snow lying it could be heading towards double minus figures, minus 8c or minus 10C, especially in towns and cities, and probably in the north of England and Scotland. Rod Dennis, of the RAC, urged drivers to plan their trips carefully and consider rearranging any non-essential journeys in the parts of the country most likely to be affected by the bad weather, as well as checking tyre tread and pressure, windscreen wipers and screen wash levels. Johanna Konta succeeded where other seeds in her half of the draw failed as she reached the quarter-finals of the Apia International in Sydney. Konta came on court immediately after world number one Angelique Kerbers defeat to Daria Kasatkina, while Dominika Cibulkova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, seeded third and fifth respectively, had also crashed out earlier on Tuesday. It was not an opportunity the Briton wasted as she battled to a 6-1 6-3 victory over Russian-born Australian Daria Gavrilova in 81 minutes. The 25-year-old did not look back after breaking in the opening game and dropped only four points on serve in a first set she dominated. Konta quickly established herself in the second set and while the plucky Gavrilova staved off four match points on serve in the eighth game, the British number one saved a break point and then sealed the win at the sixth attempt. Britain's Johanna Konta I knew going into the match it was going to be an incredibly tough one, shes one of the best fighters on tour, Konta said of Gavrilova in quotes televised by BT Sport. The sixth seed continues her preparations for next weeks Australian Open with a last-eight clash against Kerbers conqueror Kasatkina, the Russian ranked 16 places below Konta at 26 in the world. Joseph Connolly, 21 months, was born with hereditary spherocytosis. The condition which means his red blood cells are sphere-shaped rather than disc-shaped. The cells can easily break down, causing jaundice and anaemia, meaning Joseph, who had his first blood transfusion at just three weeks old, has needed them regularly ever since. (L-R) Joseph and Lucy, aged four months old (Collect/PA Real Life) Despite a normal pregnancy, Liz Connolly, 35, from Chingford, north east London, knew there was a risk that Joe and his twin sister Lucy could have hereditary spherocytosis, as she was also born with the condition. Paediatric doctor Liz explained: "It was suspected that Joe had the condition within 24 hours of him being born. There was a 50/50 risk that they would have it because of my background." At just 15 hours old, 5lb 7oz Joe was admitted to neonatal intensive care, as he was suffering from severe jaundice a sign that he could have hereditary spherocytosis. Many people give things up for the New Year, but what will you give? Join @GiveBloodNHS and #GiveBlood in 2017 https://t.co/7zgWE4EYjh pic.twitter.com/JGKzCpv4Zf NHS (@NHSuk) January 9, 2017 Three weeks later, his diagnosis was confirmed and he had the first of 16 blood transfusions. "He had a follow up appointment and his haemoglobin levels were five. That was about a third of what they should be, meaning he needed his first blood transfusion. "I knew he probably had it but the condition, but it was still quite a shock. He was still so small and he had to be admitted to hospital. It was quite emotional for us seeing him like that. (L-R) Joseph and Lucy in hospital, just seven days old (Collect/PA Real Life) "Even though you know the risk, you dont quite understand how it is going to change your life until it actually happens," Liz recalled. The scene echoed what Lizs parents had gone through when she was born, but luckily, she hasnt needed a blood transfusion since having her spleen removed at the age of two as this is where a lot of the breakdown of blood occurs. Her mum Dorothy Powell and brother Gareth were also born with the condition and have both had splenectomies. She explained: "Its not completely curative but I havent needed a blood transfusion since then. "The reason they want to wait until he is five is that the spleen is very good at fighting particular infections and once you have it out, you have to be on preventative prophylactic antibiotics and you have to be very careful if you have an infection. "Its not without risk but it will be safer once he is a little bit older." Liz aged around two or three years old, at the time she had her spleen removed (Collect/PA Real Life) Until then, Liz and her husband Joe, 36, who works in IT security, have to keep a close eye on Joseph. as he may need to be taken to hospital for a blood transfusion at any time. Liz said: "We have to be very alert to things like him looking pale and yellow or jaundiced, or he can be very lethargic and doesnt want to do anything. "It has been easier because he is a twin sister who doesnt have the condition and we can compare them. There was a 50/50 chance one of them would have it as my husband doesnt have the condition. "My 4th donation today. Brought my youngest son to witness how easy it is and hope he might one day donate too." pic.twitter.com/F0FOyue5TY Give Blood NHS (@GiveBloodNHS) January 5, 2017 "For example, shell be playing and happy and hell be in the corner not wanting to do anything. You have to be quite alert and ready to take him to A&E." If he catches a viral infection, Joes red blood cells could start to break down and he may need a blood transfusion. Liz said: "Since August, he has needed them every five weeks. Amazingly, its been about eight weeks since his last one now. Thats one of the longest gaps hes done. Joseph at 10 months old, had brochiolitis, and needed a transfusion and oxygen, in March 2016 (Collect/PA Real Life) "We are hoping that as he gets older, the number he needs will decrease, as he will have met a lot of the viral infections and he will have built up some immunity." The family have to be extra careful to ensure Joe doesnt pick up any infections to prevent him being hospitalised. Liz continued: "Our lives are filled with uncertainty. It can be difficult to do anything like planning a holiday. We have managed a few holidays abroad, but you always need to be prepared and know where the nearest hospital is. Bit between Xmas and New Year when you don't know what day it is, who you are and what you're meant to be doing. https://t.co/F3paNPYFlO pic.twitter.com/yCHc4xjtyR Give Blood NHS (@GiveBloodNHS) December 28, 2016 "We have had things like family weddings as well that can be really difficult to plan in advance. We are constantly on edge." But after 16 blood transfusions, they are very grateful to blood donors, as without them, Joe and Liz would have died. She said: "I am a doctor and it was strange being on the other side of that. I realised how much it means to someone to have a blood transfusion. When you see your baby having blood that is basically lifesaving, it means so much more. (L-R) Lucy, dad Joe, mum Liz, and Joseph, aged 20 months, in December 2016 (Collect/PA Real Life) "It is an amazing way to save a life." The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has named Brian Altman QC, a leading barrister, as its most senior lawyer. He will take over the role of lead counsel to the probe following the resignation last year of Ben Emmerson QC. We are pleased to announce Brian Altman QC as the new lead counsel to the #csainquiry https://t.co/idv5iMjf3V pic.twitter.com/99cQ15nXI9 InquiryCSA (@InquiryCSA) January 10, 2017 Announcing the appointment, inquiry chairwoman Professor Alexis Jay described Mr Altman as hugely experienced. The probe has been beset by problems and Mr Emmersons resignation, which was announced in September, was one of a number of departures of senior figures. Professor Alexis Jay Prof Jay said: I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Brian Altman QC as lead counsel to the inquiry. He is hugely experienced, having spent 16 years as Treasury Counsel, the last two and a half years of which were as First Senior Treasury Counsel. This is an important appointment for the inquiry and I look forward to working with Brian as we take forward the work of the inquiry. After his appointment was confirmed, Mr Altman said he looked forward to taking up his post. He said: The Government and the public have set the inquiry a huge challenge to investigate institutional responses to child sexual abuse in the past, and to report and make recommendations in order to prevent such abuse happening in the future. A look back at what we've achieved at the #csainquiry in 2016 pic.twitter.com/kzLZNO28bx InquiryCSA (@InquiryCSA) December 30, 2016 I am delighted to have been appointed to lead a team of lawyers dedicated to completing the task of the inquiry. I will work to ensure that the investigations and the public hearings are kept on track in order to deliver the terms of reference of the inquiry. Mr Altman was called to the bar in 1981 and took silk in 2008. His principal area of practice is serious crime, such as terrorism and homicide, but his main specialisms are fraud and bribery, as well as corporate governance, compliance and regulatory work, according to a profile on the website of his chambers 2 Bedford Row. Mr Altman, who has been named as one of the countrys 100 most influential lawyers, has prosecuted a number of high-profile cases including the trial of Levi Bellfield for abducting and killing schoolgirl Milly Dowler. Kempton, home of the King George VI Chase, could be closed for housing redevelopment from 2021 at the earliest, its owners the Jockey Club has announced. The planned 500million of investments to be made in the sport in a 10-year plan proposed by the Jockey Club would see Kempton proposed as a future redevelopment site, with a new all-weather venue to be built if that idea goes ahead. The Jockey Clubs land at The Links in Newmarket is the front-runner as the location for a new floodlit artificial track, with the King George switching to Sandown. Today we unveil a ten-year plan to invest at least half a billion pounds into British Racing. Find out more at https://t.co/aY4GABoigj The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) January 10, 2017 For more on this announcement and how it affects @kemptonparkrace, please see our FAQ at https://t.co/bmdtan3irp The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) January 10, 2017 The Kempton estate on which it is anticipated any future development on racecourse land would be from 2021 at the earliest, subject to a successful planning process has been submitted for consideration following the local authoritys Call for Sites to address unmet local housing needs and a decision to undertake a review of its Green Belt boundaries. The tracks owner feels these combine to provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to promote the site for new homes and local benefits, while preserving green space between the local borough and London with the stewards of the Jockey Club believing such an outcome would be in the best long-term interests of British racing given the benefits for horsemen and racegoers that can be created and with the Surrey community already well-served for racing. We look forward to welcoming racegoers to any of our 71 racedays in 2017 and the many other events staged at our venue (1/2) Kempton Park Racecourse (@kemptonparkrace) January 10, 2017 However, the Jockey Club insists Kempton will only be redeveloped if the move will generate in excess of 100m investment and the proposed all-weather circuit at Newmarket is given the green light. Roger Weatherby, senior steward of the Jockey Club, said: The Jockey Club is governed by Royal Charter to act for the long-term good of British racing. One of the ways we want to live up to that is through a series of projects that offer benefits all around the country and collectively add up to us contributing more than half a billion pounds to the sport over the next decade from its grassroots to top level. Kempton Park Kempton Park We must show leadership with the assets we have and, where merited, take tough decisions to help our sport to keep moving forwards. The decision to submit our estate at Kempton Park for consideration in the Local Plan is unique and has not been taken lightly. The UK Government has appealed to Northern Irelands political leaders to step back from the brink of the current political crisis. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire told the Commons the situation at Stormont following Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinnesss resignation was grave and a snap election was now highly likely. Today's statement on Northern Ireland political developments from @JBrokenshire is starting now. Watch https://t.co/BIu97FGc6t UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) January 10, 2017 The departure of Sinn Fein veteran Mr McGuinness amid a row over a green energy scandal forced Democratic Unionist First Minister Arlene Foster from office as well. Theoretically the parties have seven days to resolve their differences before Mr Brokenshire has to call a poll. However, Mr McGuinness has made clear there will be no going back to the status quo and his party is preparing to face the electorate. "No return to the status quo" Martin McGuinness MLA resigns as deputy First Minister, meaning fresh elections in the North. @M_McGuinness_SF pic.twitter.com/0AfianFZpv Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) January 9, 2017 Mr Brokenshire expressed concern about the consequences of an election, raising the spectre of a return to direct rule. He urged the leaders to work together to find a resolution and safeguard the progress made under the peace process. We must not put all of this at risk without every effort to resolve differences, he said. We must continue to do all we can to continue to build a brighter, more secure Northern Ireland that works for everyone and I therefore urge Northern Irelands political leaders to work together to come together to find a way forward from the current position in the best interests of Northern Ireland. Secretary of State statement on political situation in Northern Ireland - Oral statements to Parliament - GOV.UK https://t.co/mmIbe1Y8nS Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) January 10, 2017 He said: We do have to be realistic the clock is ticking. If there is no resolution an election is inevitable despite the widely held view that this election may deepen divisions and threaten the continuity of the devolved institutions. The Secretary of States comments came after a senior Democratic Unionist predicted that Northern Ireland faced a prolonged period of direct rule from Westminster. Jeffrey Donaldson said the bitter political row between his party and Sinn Fein was unlikely to be resolved without a lengthy talks process following the looming snap election. Mr McGuinnesss decision to walk away after 10 years of sharing power with the DUP came as Mrs Foster refused to stand aside to facilitate a probe into the ill-fated Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) the so-called cash for ash furore. The doomed energy scheme has left the administration in Belfast facing a 490 million bill. Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster pictured arriving at DUP headquarters in Belfast on Tuesday DUP leader Mrs Foster oversaw the RHI during her time as economy minister. She had repeatedly rejected Sinn Feins demands to step down temporarily pending the outcome of a preliminary investigation. Under the structures of the peace process-forged institutions, neither Stormonts First Minister nor Deputy First Minister can remain in post without the other, so Mr McGuinnesss resignation spelt the end of Mrs Fosters current tenure in the job. Statement from Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA: pic.twitter.com/4RSXcUEsuf Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) January 9, 2017 Mr McGuinness denied that his health problems, for which he is undergoing intensive treatment, had influenced his move. Stormont Finance Minister Mairtin O Muilleoir accused the DUP of having spat in the face of the principles of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement peace accord. Wilfried Zaha insists he has no regrets at turning his back on England to pursue an international career with the Ivory Coast. The Abidjan-born Crystal Palace winger won two senior England caps over three years ago but as both were in friendly matches he was able to switch his allegiance to his country of birth. England boss Gareth Southgate had hoped to persuade Zaha to change his mind, but the 24-year-old was included in the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming African Nations Cup and he made his Elephants debut in a 2-1 pre-tournament win over Sweden on Sunday. Wilfried Zaha #Offside Crystal Palace Wilfried Zaha was named in Ivory Coast's provisional squad for the African Cup after decision to switch from England pic.twitter.com/cZ6Z6vBt8H Ghetto Radio (@GhettoRadio895) December 31, 2016 Zaha, who moved to London when he was four, said on www.fedivoir.com: I went to England when I was young and I did not return home. So I did all my classes in my adopted country and it was most normal that I played for the England youth sides. But for four years, Ive had a lot of time to analyse the situation and take into account the requests of the Ivory Coast Association. So I made my choice. Now I want to play with the Ivory Coast. It is gratifying, firstly because I am proud to play for my country, and also because the Ivory Coast has quality players and has always been a breeding ground of talent. So I made the right choice and I dont regret it. Taiwan courts Central America after U.S. visit angers China By Gustavo Palencia TEGUCIGALPA, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen praised Honduras for its loyalty on Monday at the start of a trip to four Central American nations aimed at strengthening ties, days after she met U.S. lawmakers in Texas on a visit that angered China. Her trip has come under scrutiny since U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sparked protests from Beijing by accepting a congratulatory telephone call from Tsai on his U.S. election win, and by questioning U.S. commitment to China's stance that Taiwan is part of one China. Tsai emphasized Taiwan's economic cooperation with Honduras, one of the world's poorest countries, and said President Juan Orlando Hernandez, whom she met in Tegucigalpa, had been the first to congratulate her on her 2016 election victory. "Despite the international situation, and the constant challenges that affect us as a country ... the firm brotherhood and solidarity (of Honduras and Taiwan) is unalterable," Tsai said in a statement to reporters, speaking via an interpreter. Tsai said Taiwan and Honduras could serve as entry portals for the markets of Asia and Latina America. She did not mention China or the United States, and did not take questions. Tsai later flew to Nicaragua, and is also due to visit El Salvador and Guatemala this week. Her stopover in Texas at the weekend caused an angry response from Chinese state media. China had asked the United States not to allow Tsai to enter or have formal government meetings under the one-China policy. Beijing considers self-governing Taiwan a renegade province ineligible for state-to-state relations. Vietnamese couples should be able to decide how many children to bear: Health Ministry Children with Santa Claus hats walk on a cathedral yard in Hanoi. Photo by Reuters/Kham Officials said letting the parents decide guarantees reproductive rights while posing challenges in controlling the population. Vietnamese lawmakers are considering revising the country's two-child policy and allowing couples to decide how many children they have. The Health Ministry has recommended to the government a change to the Law on Population that has stood in place for five decades. The ministry said that Vietnam has successfully controlled its birth rate at two children per woman since 2006, local media reported. Official figures showed that Vietnams population growth has reduced from 1.5 million to 900,000 a year since then. Vietnams primary school students have dropped 29 percent from 1997 to around three million. The low birth rate has led to problems such as an aging population and gender imbalance. Vietnams gender ratio at birth has been on a steady rise in recent years, running as high as 112 boys to 100 girls in 2015, compared to the global rate of 107:100. Nguyen Huy Quang, director of the ministrys Legal Department, said the option guarantees human rights and is in line with Vietnams 2013 Constitution. But it also means that the government will have a more difficult task in controlling the population and will have to spend more money on propaganda campaigns. Quang said each city and province should also have its own policies to maintain a birth rate that suits its conditions. Population surveys in 2015 showed a low birth rate in richer and more developed areas such as Ho Chi Minh City (1.45 per woman) and Ba Ria-Vung Tau (1.56). Women in poor and mountainous places such as Ha Giang, Lai Chau and Quang Tri had three children each on average. Childcare officials said they support the idea,but childcare services should be made available to families. Vietnam is currently home to 92 million people and the population is expected to increase to 100 million by 2025. The population is ranked 14th worldwide and third in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia and the Philippines. Related news: > Vietnam's population forecast to reach 100 million by 2025 > Soaring national debt puts increased pressure on Vietnams aging population > Population growth forces HCMC to go on 5,000-strong recruitment drive Ryan, Trump team discuss border tax at Capitol Hill meeting By David Morgan WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan and top members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Monday discussed a controversial plan to tax imports during an evening meeting on Capitol Hill, a Trump adviser said. Trump's incoming chief strategist Stephen Bannon said the meeting examined two provisions of Ryan's "Better Way" tax reform blueprint, including a border-adjustability measure intended to boost U.S. manufacturing by taxing imports while exempting U.S. business export revenues from corporate taxation. The discussion also focused on a House "territorial" tax proposal that would end U.S. taxation on the foreign profits of U.S.-based multinationals, Bannon told reporters as more than a half-dozen Trump transition team members left the 2-1/2 hour meeting. Bannon said the discussion involved "working through" border adjustability and added that the territorial measure was "also what this meeting's about. Start working through it, make sure everybody understands it and is on the same page." Some tax experts believe Trump has signalled his support for the border adjustability provision in recent tweets warning that companies including automakers could face a border tax if they expand manufacturing abroad and ship products back to the U.S. market. Trump and Ryan agree that tax reform should reduce tax rates for individuals and businesses, do away with longstanding tax loopholes and broaden the tax base in order to drive U.S. economic growth. Advocates say the House Republican border-adjustability measure could help Trump meet his pledge of boosting manufacturing jobs in the United States. It would also pay for lower tax rates by raising more than $1 trillion in revenues over 10 years, analysts say. But some industries including retailers, automakers and oil refiners claim it would raise consumer prices by making exports more expensive. Other critics say it could be vulnerable to a challenge before the World Trade Organization. House Republicans say their territorial provision would bring the United States into line with other countries that do not tax their business's foreign profits. Up to now, Trump has favored maintaining the current U.S. tax system, which taxes U.S. earnings abroad but allows companies to defer taxes until profits are returned. U.S. corporations have sought to avoid the tax by stashing about $2.6 trillion in earnings overseas. US citizens targeted after extradition of Haiti ex-coup leader By Joseph Guyler Delva PORT-AU-PRINCE, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Haitian police have evacuated some 50 U.S. citizens to safety after attempted attacks by supporters of Haitian Senator-elect Guy Philippe, who was arrested and extradited to the United States last week, a police official said on Monday. Philippe, long wanted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and remembered for his role in a 2004 coup against former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, was elected senator for the southwestern Grand'Anse region in polls on Nov. 20. But on Thursday, days before he was supposed to be sworn in, police arrested him outside of a radio station and flew him to the United States, where a Miami court charged him with money laundering and drug trafficking. Philippe denies the charges. The extradition has stirred tensions in Grand'Anse, an area that is rebuilding after damages inflicted by Hurricane Matthew last October and where Philippe enjoys popularity. Supporters of Philippe have clashed with political opponents in the streets, burned two police vehicles and attacked several police stations, forcing officers to flee, said Berson Soljour, a police commissioner in Grand'Anse. Philippe supporters are also believed to have attacked two U.S. citizens who ran an orphanage and stole their passports and other belongings from their home, police officials said. Police have evacuated more than 50 U.S. citizens to safer places in Haiti since Friday, Soljour said, who advised those who chose to stay not to leave their residences. Higher than usual numbers of U.S. citizens are in the region helping with hurricane recovery. U.S. citizens were evacuated to a police station before moving to a United Nations base, where they waited for preparations to fly them to Port-au-Prince, Soljour said. Some have been flown to the capital, while others are still waiting. "There are groups linked to Guy Philippe that were actively seeking to attack or capture U.S. citizens following (his) arrest and extradition," Soljour said. A spokesman for the U.S. embassy, Karl Adam, said the embassy was aware of the threats and has sent messages to citizens to advise them to avoid certain areas and to be particularly careful. "I know some have decided to leave and this is not something the embassy is organizing", Adam said. More protests were scheduled to take place over the next several days in Grand'Anse and in Port-au-Prince, including outside the U.S. embassy. Turkey's parliament votes to press on with constitutional reform debate ANKARA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The Turkish parliament voted on Tuesday to press on with debate about a constitutional reform package that would expand the powers of President Tayyip Erdogan, taking another step on the path towards an executive presidency. Erdogan and his supporters argue that Turkey needs the strong leadership of an executive presidency to prevent a return to the fragile coalition governments of the past, but opponents fear the reform will fuel authoritarianism. The initial vote, an early indicator of support for the bill, was passed with 338 votes, indicating that some deputies from the ruling AK Party and the nationalist opposition MHP, which backs the reform, had not voted in favour. The bill needs the support of at least 330 deputies in the 550-seat assembly to go to a referendum, expected in the spring. The AKP has 316 deputies eligible to vote and the MHP 39. Under the reform, Erdogan will be able to appoint and dismiss government ministers, take back the leadership of the ruling party, and govern until 2029. At Monday's debate on the 18-article bill, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the reform would resolve the problem of Turkey having two executive authorities. "There needs to be one authority in the executive branch," he told the assembly. "Two captains sink the ship, there needs to be one captain." Of the 550-member assembly, 480 lawmakers voted overnight, of whom 134 voted against the bill. The remaining votes were abstentions, unmarked or invalid voting slips. Debate on the individual articles is set to begin on Tuesday and the AKP plans to complete debate of the package by Jan. 24. UK's Phoenix Group meets its 2016 cash generation target Jan 10 (Reuters) - Phoenix Group Holdings, Britain's largest owner of life assurance funds closed to new customers, posted cash generation from operating companies of 486 million pounds ($590.2 million) in 2016, meeting its target of 350-450 million pounds. * Phoenix, which bought French insurer AXA's UK investment and pensions business last year, said 117 million pounds in cash was generated from the integration of the acquired business. Zambia military goes on chemical offensive against maize munching pest By Chris Mfula KEEMBE, Zambia, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The foul odour of pesticides hangs in the tropical air as a team of men in blue work suits and respirators sprays a field of maize in this rural corner of Zambia, the frontline in a battle against an invasion of ravenous armyworms. Comprised of Zambian soldiers, the team is part of a mobilization campaign aimed at stemming a pest that threatens tens of thousands of hectares of the staple maize that feeds this impoverished southern African nation. "I sprayed this field twice before but the armyworms are still there," 42-year-old small-scale farmer Mary Sikaona said, pointing at the caterpillars in her 1.5 hectare field in Keembe, about 100 km (60 miles) north of Lusaka. The worms become moths and their name derives from the fact that they "march" across the landscape in large groups while in the caterpillar stage, feasting on young maize plants and wiping out entire fields. Zambian President Edgar Lungu ordered the air force last month to join other government agencies in an emergency operation to contain the spread of the pests that have raided maize fields in many parts of the country. By late last month, the worms had been spotted in six of Zambia's 10 provinces. Some 124,000 hectares have been infested and the government has so far managed to spray 86,000 hectares, the head of Zambia's disaster management unit Patrick Kangwa said. Nearly 40 percent of the affected crop, representing an area large enough to produce 200,000 tonnes of maize, would have to be re-planted, Kangwa told Reuters in an interview. "There will be damage but we hope that the majority of the affected crop will be able to get back and produce," Kangwa said. Zambia's maize production rose to 2.87 million tonnes in 2016 from 2.60 million tonnes the previous year, the only producer in the region to largely escape a scorching drought triggered by an El Nino weather pattern. Most of the maize was attacked when knee high and there are high chances of it recovering after spraying with pesticides, Coillard Hamusimbi, the head of agri-business at the Zambia National Farmers' Union, said. However, Hamusimbi said the heavy rain that Zambia is experiencing was holding back the spraying. France's Fillon says to outline EU plans to Merkel PARIS, Jan 10 (Reuters) - French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon said on Tuesday he would meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the coming days to outline his plans for Europe. "The election of Donald Trump and the Berlin tragedy change things in Europe," Fillon said, referring both to the U.S. election and the Berlin truck attack claimed by Islamic State. "For the United States, our continent will likely not be a priority anymore and for Germany, a certain idea of pacifism is gone," said Fillon, the favourite in opinion polls for the April and May presidential election. Two Turkish soldiers reported lost in Syria have died - Anadolu ISTANBUL, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Two Turkish soldiers who went missing in late November while they were deployed in northern Syria have died and their bodies have been brought back to Turkey, state-run Anadolu news agency said on Tuesday. The army had said on Nov. 29 that it lost contact with two of its personnel and on the same day there was an Islamic State claim that the militant group had kidnapped a pair of Turkish soldiers. The two soldiers, identified by Anadolu as sergeants, were serving in the four-month-old 'Euphrates Shield' operation to drive Islamic State from the border and prevent a Kurdish militia seizing territory in their wake. It was not clear how the soldiers had died. In recent weeks Turkish troops, supported by Syrian rebels, have been besieging the Islamic State-controlled town of al-Bab. Slovenian central bank urges curbing of public spending By Marja Novak LJUBLJANA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Slovenia should continue to curb public spending as economic indicators improve, in order to meet its fiscal goals, which include reducing the budget deficit, the central bank said on Tuesday. "Over the past months the pressure of various interest groups on public spending has strongly increased, which could make it difficult to meet fiscal goals if economic conditions worsen compared to what is expected at the moment," the bank said in a statement after its board meeting. The central bank also said local banks had a joint pre-tax profit of 362 million euros in the first 10 months in 2016, which is 54 percent higher than in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to lower provisions for bad loans. Banks managed to reduce loans whose repayment had been delayed by 90 days or more to 6.3 percent of all loans in October from 6.4 percent in September, the central bank said. Earlier on Tuesday, the government's macroeconomic institute reported that corporate loans by local banks fell by 11 percent year-on-year in November in spite of favourable economic data. Slovenia, which narrowly avoided an international bailout for its banks in 2013, returned to growth in 2014, and the government now expects the economy to expand 2.9 percent in 2017, compared with 2.3 percent last year. Favourable economic forecasts have led public-sector trade unions to demand wage increases, and pensioners are pressing for pensions to be raised. In December, the government agreed to increase public-sector wages by 3.8 percent this year. Wage talks with doctors' trade unions continue after doctors staged a partial two-week strike in November. The central bank also said prospects for export growth remain encouraging in 2017. Slovenian growth exceeds that of most other eurozone states, it said, mostly because of the competitiveness of its export sector. Slovenia exports about 70 percent of its production, mainly to other EU states. Exports include cars, car parts, pharmaceutical products and household appliances. Convicted murderer and white supremacist Dylann Roof has been sentenced to death for the cold blooded 2015 massacre of nine black Charleston churchgoers after he told the jury on Tuesday that he would do it all again. The 12-person jury deliberating the penalty phase of the trial spent about three hours making the decision for the 22-year-old's sentence. The jury was made up of nine white people and three African Americans. Roof stared straight ahead as the judge read through the jury's verdict findings before announcing his death sentence, local media reported on social media. Moments after his sentence was announced, Roof stood to speak to the judge and requested court-appointed new lawyers to help him file a motion for a new trial, as his current attorneys, David Bruck and Kim Stevens sat beside him, The Post and Courier reported. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel told the 22-year-old white supremacist a significant amount 'has been spent on the current legal team that he sidelined for the trial's penalty phase' so that he could represent himself. Gergel said he would 'be strongly disinclined' to bring in a new team of lawyers at this point. However, he said that he would listen to any motions that Roof would like to make during Wednesday proceedings, which will begin at 9am. After the sentence was announced, the family members of some victims spoke out in support of the penalty. Melvin Graham, the brother of Cynthia Hurd, said he believes it was the right decision - albeit a hollow one. 'This is a very hollow victory, because my sister is still gone. I wish that this verdict could have brought her back,' he said. 'I was in favor of the death penalty under certain circumstances. Its hard to say you want someone to die, but this case, it was so obvious, so blatant, this wasnt a killing. It was an execution. And he admitted to it, and he was proud of it. 'It was that thing we pray about every night, "deliver us from evil". Evil came.' Scroll down for video Dylann Roof (above), 22, was convicted last month on 33 federal charges, including hate crimes and obstruction of religion. The same jury that found him guilty decided to sentence Roof to death for the crime 'In my confession to the FBI, I told them that I had to do it,' Roof (above) said during his short closing argument on Tuesday. 'I felt like I had to do it when I said that and I still feel that way.' Roof told the jury Tuesday that federal prosecutors who accused him of being filled with hatred did not understand real hate. The Charleston Federal Courthouse is pictured above on Tuesday during Roof's trial He then said he cries whenever he hears about a shooting, and called for people to come together to stop them from happening. Another of Hurd's brothers, Malcolm Graham, added in support of the decision: 'There is no room in America's smallest jail cell for hatred, racism and discrimination'. An hour after the sentencing was announced, his defense team released this statement: We want to express our sympathy to all of the families who were so grievously hurt by Dylann Roofs actions.. 'Todays sentencing decision means that this case will not be over for a very long time. We are sorry that, despite our best efforts, the legal proceedings have shed so little light on the reasons for this tragedy. His family also released a statement saying that they 'will always love' him. Melvin Graham (pictured), the brother of Cynthia Hurd, said he believes it was the right decision - albeit a hollow one 'This is a very hollow victory, because my sister is still gone. I wish that this verdict could have brought her back,' Graham (pictured) said We are Dylann Roofs family. We will always love Dylann. We will struggle as long as we live to understand why he committed this horrible attack, which caused so much pain to so many good people,' the family's statement reads. 'We wish to express the grief we feel for the victims of his crimes, and our sympathy to the m any families he has hurt. We continue to pray for the Emanuel AME families and the Charleston community. Before the three white and nine black jurors went to deliberate, Roof was unrepentant at the federal capital trial on Tuesday. He told jurors earlier in the day that he still felt that killing nine black people at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was something he had to do and did not ask the jury to spare his life for the 2015 massacre. 'In my confession to the FBI, I told them that I had to do it,' Roof said during his short closing argument on Tuesday. 'I felt like I had to do it when I said that and I still feel that way.' Jurors began deliberating the penalty phase of the trial just after 1.30pm ET and came back with a decision shortly after 4.30pm ET. Roof is the first person to be sentenced to death for a federal hate crime, according to the Justice Department. 'I have a right to ask you to give me a life sentence, but I'm not sure what good that will do anyone,' Roof (above) said to jurors on Tuesday before they returned his sentence in the afternoon After four days of testimony, prosecutors rested their death penalty case Monday against Roof (sketch from trial above), calling more than two dozen people during the trial's penalty phase Gergel is bound by law to follow the jury's decision. He has scheduled the formal sentencing hearing for Wednesday at 9.30am. Last month, the same group of jurors deliberated for about two hours before finding Roof guilty of 33 charges, including hate crimes resulting in death. Roof told the jury Tuesday that federal prosecutors who accused him of being filled with hatred did not understand real hate. He noted it would only take one juror to block the unanimous verdict needed for a death sentence. 'I have a right to ask you to give me a life sentence, but I'm not sure what good that will do anyone,' Roof said. He told the jury prior to sentencing that the government has an inaccurate idea of his character, despite the fact there's dozens of photos showing him posing with guns and racist symbols as well as the content of his racist writings. 'I would say in this case the prosecution and anyone else who hates me are the ones who have been misled,' Roof said. 'Anyone including the prosecution who thinks I'm filled with hatred has no idea what real hate is.' 'They don't know anything about me. They don't know what real hatred looks like. They think they do but they don't really.' Above family members of the victims of the Emanuel Church shooting leave the courthouse during a break at the Charleston Federal Courthouse on Tuesday The victims who died the shooting are pictured above: Top (L-R) DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Myrah Thompson. Center (L-R): Ethel Lance, Susie Jackson, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton. Bottom (L-R): Daniel Simmons, Clementa Pinckney and Cynthia Hurd A U.S. prosecutor argued Roof deserved to die because the shooting was calculated and intended to incite racial violence. Roof sat for 40 minutes with parishioners gathered for a Bible study meeting on June 17, 2015, before opening fire as they closed their eyes to pray, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Richardson said. 'He'd come with a hateful heart and a Glock 45,' the prosecutor said during his two-hour final argument. 'This was cold and calculated, planned for months, researched for years.' Jurors again viewed photos of the bodies of victims Clementa Pinckney, 41, the church's pastor and a state senator; DePayne Middleton Doctor, 49; Sharonda Coleman Singleton, 45; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Susie Jackson, 87; Ethel Lance, 70; Myra Thompson, 59; Daniel Simmons Sr., 74; and Tywanza Sanders, 26. Roof's offer to plead guilty in exchange for life in prison, his cooperation with authorities and his lack of a violent past did not outweigh the aggravating factors of the crime, Richardson said. 'What's wrong here is the calculated racism, the choice to target a church, particularly the people in a church,' Richardson said. 'What's wrong here is precisely why this is a case that justifies the death penalty.' Sudan diplomat freed after sex abuse charge on New York subway By David Ingram NEW YORK, Jan 10 (Reuters) - A Sudanese diplomat was arrested in New York City and charged with sexually rubbing up against a woman in a subway car but the charges were dropped and he was released because he had diplomatic immunity, police said on Tuesday. Mohammad Abdalla Ali, 49, was riding a train out of the city's Grand Central Terminal on Monday afternoon when he approached a 38-year-old woman from behind and rubbed his crotch against her, New York Police Department spokeswoman Arlene Muniz said in a phone interview. Ali was brought to a precinct and charged with sexual abuse and forcible touching but those charges were later voided and he will not face prosecution, police said. Representatives of Sudan's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, where Ali is listed as finance attache, could not immediately be reached for comment. New York police said they had reported the incident involving Ali to the U.S. State Department. A spokesman at the State Department had no immediate comment. Sudan diplomat freed after sex abuse charge on New York subway By David Ingram NEW YORK, Jan 10 (Reuters) - A Sudanese diplomat was arrested in New York City and charged with sexually rubbing up against a woman in a subway car but the charges were dropped and he was released because he had diplomatic immunity, police said on Tuesday. Mohammad Abdalla Ali, 49, was riding a train out of the city's Grand Central Terminal on Monday afternoon when he approached a 38-year-old woman from behind and rubbed his crotch against her, New York Police Department spokeswoman Arlene Muniz said in a phone interview. The woman reported Ali to police, who charged him with sexual abuse and forcible touching. The charges were later voided and he will not face prosecution, police said. Representatives of Sudan's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, where Ali is listed as finance attache, could not immediately be reached for comment. New York police said they had reported the incident involving Ali to the U.S. State Department, which could complain to the Sudanese government. "We are in touch with the NYPD and the mayor's office so that we are able to take appropriate steps, as needed, to address this matter," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement. Russian, Turkish foreign mins stress need to maintain Syrian ceasefire MOSCOW, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu agreed on Tuesday on the need to observe a ceasefire in Syria while continuing to fight "terrorist groups", Russia's foreign ministry said. Lavrov and Cavusoglu, who spoke by telephone, discussed an upcoming meeting on the Syrian situation that is due to take place in the Kazakh capital Astana. Canada's PM picks foreign minister for Trump, Russia challenges By David Ljunggren and Andrea Hopkins OTTAWA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau picked a Russia critic as the country's new top diplomat on Tuesday to work with the incoming U.S. Trump administration and handle potentially fraught trade challenges. Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland was appointed foreign affairs minister but also retained responsibility for the Canada-U.S. relations portfolio, including the trading relationship. The change is part of a wider shuffle of Trudeau's inner circle as he tries to position Canada for a new relationship with its largest trading partner and demote underperformers in his 14-month-old Liberal government. Canada's relationship with its neighbor could be tested in coming years, with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump promising to renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) aimed at removing tariff barriers between Canada, Mexico and the United States. "Obviously, the new administration to the south will present ... both opportunities and challenges, as well as a shifting global context," Trudeau told reporters after the announcement. The shuffle also included the promotion of a Somali-Canadian who came to Canada as a refugee to immigration minister and the departure of two of Trudeau's most experienced ministers. The move came ahead of Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration and shortly after Trudeau's senior staff met with Trump's transition team. Freeland, who wrote a book critical of plutocrats, said her views would not create awkwardness when dealing with a Trump Cabinet that features several billionaires. "I don't think it's baggage ... the new American administration's concerns are not that different from those of our government," she told reporters. The shuffle was the first major change Trudeau has made to the Cabinet he appointed after leading his party to an election victory in October 2015. The appointment of Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, to the foreign affairs file could be thorny as she has been a harsh critic of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president whom Trump has repeatedly praised. "We have some tough things coming up with Russia," said John Wright, senior fellow at pollster Angus Reid, citing Arctic sovereignty as one potential conflict. "I think it's a good thing that (Freeland) is tough." Moscow banned Freeland in 2014 as part of a series of retaliatory sanctions against Canadian officials, a move which prompted her to tweet "It's an honor to be on Putin's sanction list". In 2015, she wrote an article in Quartz magazine entitled "My Ukraine, and Putin's big lie". Ottawa had earlier blacklisted many Russian officials to punish the country for its annexation of Crimea. Trudeau sidestepped a question from reporters over whether Freeland's rocky relationship with Russia would have an impact. Freeland, who once lived in Moscow, said whether she will be able to travel to Russia as foreign minister was not up to her. "That's a question for Moscow," she said. "I am a very strong supporter of our government's view that it is important to engage with all countries around the world, very much including Russia." Before running for election in the Canadian parliament, Freeland worked for Reuters, a unit of Thomson Reuters. Freeland, an author and former reporter who has been a top performer in Trudeau's Cabinet, replaced Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion who quit active politics on Tuesday. Immigration Minister John McCallum was named ambassador to China and was replaced by Ahmed Hussen, a Muslim who came to Canada as a teenaged refugee from war-torn Somalia. Among other moves, Francois-Philippe Champagne, parliamentary secretary to the finance minister, was named trade minister. Operations at Yamana gold mine in Chile suspended late last week Jan 10 (Reuters) - Operations at Canadian miner Yamana Gold Inc's El Penon mine in northern Chile were suspended "late last week" after underground workers rejected the company's final offer and one of two unions went on strike, a company spokesman said on Tuesday. El Penon is Yamana's second biggest gold mine by output. It produced 164,445 ounces of gold in the first nine months of 2016, equal to about 17 percent of the company's gold output. A company spokesman said he could not immediately be more specific about when operations were shut down. Yamana late on Monday announced that operations at El Penon had been shut down but did not say when. It also said that striking workers had been picketing, had set up road blockades and damaged some equipment. Asked if further talks with the unions were planned, the spokesman said Yamana was "committed to reaching a resolution." The Toronto-based company also said it had reached collective bargaining agreements with workers at its Minera Florida operation, also in Chile, and that the mine and plant were operating at full capacity. Shares in Yamana were down 0.5 percent at C$4.17 on the Toronto Stock Exchange, in line with other gold stocks. Oman in talks with Gulf states to obtain multi-billion dollar deposit -sources By Fatma Alarimi and Tom Finn MUSCAT/DOHA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Oman is negotiating with wealthy Gulf Arab states to secure a multi-billion dollar deposit in its central bank, two sources told Reuters, although the Sultanate denied the report. The sources, declining to be named because the matter is not public, said Omani officials had met in recent weeks with officials of the finance ministries of Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to discuss the proposed deposit. The talks are at an early stage but "signs so far are positive", said an Oman-based source close to the discussions. He added: "This can lessen the risk of devaluation." A Qatari official confirmed that negotiations were under way, saying: "What is being discussed is in the region of billions of dollars. It is in the collective interest of the region to keep the exchange rate intact." But Oman's finance ministry later denied the report, saying in a statement on Tuesday that the country had "sufficient reserves and there is no risk to the value of the Omani rial". "There were no talks to discuss receiving a deposit of billions (of dollars)," the finance ministry added. Officials of the finance ministries of Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia did not respond to telephone calls and emails requesting comment. Oman's central bank executive president, Hamood Sangour al-Zadjali, referred questions to the Omani finance ministry but said the central bank was encouraging local banks to attract deposits of foreign exchange. The proposed Omani deposit would be a fresh effort by the richer countries in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council to support the less wealthy members in order to prevent financial instability from spreading around the region. The finances of all six countries have been hurt by the plunge of oil prices since mid-2014, which has slashed their export revenues. Oman, which lacks the huge oil and financial reserves of its neighbours, has been hit particularly hard. This has caused speculation among bankers that Oman could eventually have to abandon its rial currency's three-decade-old peg of 0.3849 to the U.S. dollar. DEPRECIATION Since early 2015, the rial has depreciated in the forwards market as some banks have hedged against the risk of a devaluation, although the Omani currency has come well off forward market lows hit in early 2016. The Omani central bank's net foreign assets rose 3.2 percent from a year earlier to 7.40 billion rials ($19.2 billion) in October, according to the latest official data. Oman is running a deficit on its trade of goods and services of nearly $13 billion, the International Monetary Fund estimates. The government is also believed to have about $40 billion of assets in two sovereign wealth funds, according to private estimates, but it wants to avoid running these funds down as they generate long-term income and invest in industries that are strategically important for Oman's economy. Geopolitics may contribute to any decision to go ahead with the Omani deposit. Last month Oman, traditionally on friendly terms with Iran, said it had joined a Saudi-led coalition of Muslim countries fighting terrorism, a move praised by other GCC states as closing ranks with them against Iran. Canada's Trudeau shuffles cabinet, names new foreign minister OTTAWA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his first major cabinet shuffle since being elected in 2015, putting a Russia critic on the front lines of working with the incoming U.S. Trump administration with the appointment of Chrystia Freeland as foreign minister. Here are the changes announced Tuesday: NEW FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER CHRYSTIA FREELAND Freeland won praise for efforts in reaching the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union last year. She retains the Canada-U.S. relations file, including trade relations. NEW TRADE MINISTER FRANCOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE A businessman, lawyer and specialist in international trade, Champagne was first elected to parliament in the 2015 election and has been the parliamentary secretary to the finance minister. NEW IMMIGRATION MINISTER AHMED HUSSEN Hussen immigrated to Canada from Somalia in 1993 and was elected as member of parliament in 2015. Hussen, a lawyer and community activist, will replace veteran politician John McCallum. The immigration file has garnered more attention of late as Canada has taken in nearly 40,000 Syrian refugees since November 2015. NEW DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS MINISTER KARINA GOULD Prior to her election in 2015, Gould worked as a trade and investment specialist for the Mexican Trade Commission. She has served as the parliamentary secretary to the minister of international development. Gould replaces Maryam Monsef. Other changes include: STEPHANE DION Dion is being removed as foreign minister. A long-time politician, he has held a number of positions over the years, including minister of environment and leader of the Liberal Party. In a statement, Dion said he was leaving active politics. JOHN MCCALLUM A Liberal member of parliament since 2000, McCallum will become Canada's ambassador to China. A former national defense minister, McCallum was also chief economist at Royal Bank of Canada before entering politics. MARYAM MONSEF Monsef becomes minister of status of women. The rookie MP came under fire in December for her dismissal of a report on electoral reform. Monsef also faced controversy last year when a newspaper reported she was born in Iran, not Afghanistan as previously believed. PATTY HAJDU Hajdu goes from minister of status of women to minister of labor. She was previously the executive director of a homeless shelter and has worked in areas including poverty reduction and public health. AFP, 09th JANUARY, 2017- British Prime Minister Theresa May warned Monday that mainstream politicians must better address public concerns about inequality, immigration and globalization, or risk losing power to the politics of division. Six months after she took office following Britains deeply divisive vote to leave the European Union, May said the government should step up to build a stronger, more cohesive society. We know what happens when mainstream centre-ground politics fails -- people embrace the fringe, the politics of division and despair, the Conservative leader said in a major speech in London. They turn to those who offer easy answers, who claim to understand peoples problems, and always know what and who to blame. While claiming that the agreement negotiated by his government with China to manage the Hambantota Port is the best deal yet, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa said today this government has failed to get the best deal for Sri Lanka. Mr. Rajapaksa said he had no issue with China or any foreign investors but was concerned about whats best for the country and getting the best deal for it. In a statement explaining the plans of the Rajapaksa Government to develop the port and to repay the loan obtained, he said the government has chosen the least favourable bid. The previous agreement, that my government negotiated with the China Harbour Co and China Merchant Co to manage the Hambantota container terminal for 40 years, is the best deal yet. According to information, the government has chosen the least favourable bid despite the Ports Authority having recommended the other bidder, he said. He said the current bid has been accepted in a situation where the other company, the China Harbour Co., had put up a more favourable bid to lease the free port on a 65-35 equity sharing basis for 50 years with an upfront payment of 750 million USD. Mr. Rajapaksa said the new government has made some unwise decisions by disregarding several profitable agreements made by his government. The management contract for the Hambantota container terminal entered into by my government with China Harbour Co and China Merchant Co was cancelled. Then, the Ports Authority had developed the Colombo East container terminal and upon its completion by 2016, this terminal would have produced a revenue of more than 100 million USD a year which the Ports Authority had earmarked to pay off the Hambantota loan until the latter generated sufficient income. The 'yahapalana' government halted the Colombo East terminal development, he said. He said he was against the leasing of the entire harbour for 99 years and giving the rights of a landlord over the industrial zone to a foreign private company. "The industrial zone and the harbour should be controlled by the Ports Authority while harbour operations may be given on management contracts to the private sector. The Colombo port is run by the Ports Authority and two private operators. The Ports Authority has full control over the Colombo harbour as well as equity in the two privately run terminals. I believe this should be the approach to the Hambantota port as well, he said. Mr. Rajapaksa reiterated that the Hambantota Port made an operating profit of Rs.900 million in 2014 and Rs.1.2 billion in 2015. These are investments that last centuries and a new harbour cannot be expected to produce large profits in the first few years. Our plan was to break even within ten years, he said. Commenting on the Southern Industrial Zone, he said the total land area of all the Board of Investment economic zones in the country do not amount to 2,000 hectares and as such a 15,000 acre-zone in Hambantota will be disproportionate to the countrys economy. He said the government should fill the free port with investments first before opening more zones. This is not an issue that can be resolved by baton-charging or tear gassing protesters or having them assaulted by thugs and remanded. There are real issues relating to the financial benefits that will accrue to the country from this deal, and issues of control and sovereignty over the free port and possible environmental issues that need to be addressed, Mr. Rajapaksa said. Colombo High Court today re-fixed the trial against Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and eight others over an alleged abduction of a youth in Dematagoda area, since the absence of the accused, Premachandra. Submitting a medical report on Hirunika Premachandra, Defence Counsel who appeared for the accused, informed court today that his client is currently being treated at a private hospital for a considerable illness, therefore could not appear before court. Subsequently, Colombo High Court judge R. Gurusinghe re-fixed the trial of the case for April 26 and 27. The Attorney General had filed indictments on 29 counts against the suspects. Earlier, the suspects were produced in Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court at the non summary trial and now on bail over the incident. The victim, Amila Priyanga, was alleged to have been abducted by the suspects. The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras which were later used by the police to arrest the suspects. (Shehan Chamika Silva) Law & Order and Southern Development Ministry Secretary Jagath P Wijeweera said today he was not instructed to conduct an investigation into the controversial phone conversation in Ratnapura where IGP Pujith Jayasundara was involved in reference to an arrest by the FCID. Responding to a question asked by a journalist he said that he had not received instructions from either the President or the Parliament in writing to conduct an investigation into the incident. IGP Jayasundara when answering a call was reported to have said that he had asked the FCID not to arrest anyone without his permission. President Maithripala Sirisena told Parliament last month that he had called for an explanation from the IGP. If I was told to conduct an investigation into the matter, I will do so. I could have launched a normal investigation. But the IGP is a responsible person in the country who has been appointed by the President and Parliament. So if I was to conduct any investigation on the IGP, I should receive written instructions, but I have not received any, Mr. Wijeweera said. (Darshana Sanjeewa) The day will consist of a series of 6 high-level conferences addressing issues relating to renewable energy and just transition. ISLAMABAD AFP Jan9, 2017 - Pakistan on Monday test-fired its first submarine-launched cruise missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and giving the country a credible second strike capability, the military said. The missile was fired from an underwater mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy, it said in a statement. A military spokesman confirmed to AFP the missile, with a range of 450 km (280 miles), could carry a nuclear warhead. Babur-3 is a sea-based variant of Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2, which was successfully tested earlier in December, last year, the statement said. Pakistan eyes this hallmark development as a step toward reinforcing the policy of credible minimum deterrence. Pakistan and neighbouring India -- which have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947 -- have routinely carried out missile tests since both demonstrated a nuclear weapons capability in 1998. Both countries can already launch surface-to-surface ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has been selected as the Finance Minister of the Year for Asia-Pacific by the prestigious The Banker magazine for his efforts to steer Sri Lanka into a new era of economic reform and a change of mindset, the Finance Ministry today said. The Banker is an international financial publication published in London and it selects finance ministers who have best managed to stimulate growth and stabilize the economy of their countries. Accordingly, Sri Lankan Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has been selected for the 2016. According to a statement issued by the ministry, The Banker has said Karunanayake secured a $ 1.5 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program that the country needed to avoid a balance of payments crisis, replenish reserves and rebuild confidence among international investors. Sri Lankas latest bond issues in the international capital markets suggest Karunanayake has indeed reached his objective. In 2015, the sovereign issued a $ 1.5 billion dual-tranche note. A year later, it printed a second bond of the same size, with order books of $ 6.6 billion, despite market volatility after the UK voted to leave the EU. Sri Lanka is also working towards fiscal consolidation. Sri Lankas budget deficit has dropped from 7% when Karunanayake took office in January 2015 to 5.4% in 2016 below the targeted expectations of 5.6%. After a visit in September 2016, the IMF said Sri Lankas tightening of fiscal and monetary policies has been effective and that it met the IMF programs targets through to the end of June 2016. According to latest Sri Lankas total government revenue grew from Rs. 1205 in 2014 to Rs. 1,461 billion in 2015. Tax revenue rose from Rs. 1,050 billion to Rs. 1,356 billion in the same period. This is crucial for Sri Lanka, which has a very low tax revenue-to-gross domestic product ratio. To raise tax revenue further, Parliament passed a bill to increase value-added tax from 11% to 15%. Karunanayake is also keen to continue simplifying the tax system as well as change peoples mindset towards taxes. But even without expected revenue from the increased VAT due to its late implementation the Finance ministry was able to increase the national revenue to 13.5% the GDP in 2016 from 11.4% in 2014 thus making it possible to cover the recurrent expenditure. The gout inculcated in the minds of the people that paying taxes is not something bad, but a must for the country. Every person needs to pay a reasonable charge instead of relying on the Government for everything. As a result, Sri Lankas tax records have grown from having 700,000 files in January 2015 to having 1.4 million today, the statement said. The admission to the Grade One at the Colombo Royal College for the year 2017 had been suspended after the Education Ministry launched a special inquiry into the admission process, sources said. The inquiry has been launched after complaints from several parties including the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) about the irregularities allegedly taken place during the admission to the Grade One. The ceremonies to mark the admission to the Grade One for 2017 are to be held in schools islandwide tomorrow (11). Several attempts to contact the Education Minister and Ministry Secretary failed. A tense situation was reported outside the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today afternoon following the arrest of National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader and MP Wimal Weerawansa. Several individuals including the Joint opposition supporters gathered outside the FCID after the parliamentarian arrived Division to record a statement. A tense situation ensued soon after the parliamentarian was arrested by the FCID on charges of alleged misuse of government vehicles. The views expressed by former Speaker and joint opposition MP Chamal Rajapaksa are always welcome, United National Party (UNP) MP Mujibur Rahaman said today adding that the UNP held views similar to those expressed by Mr. Rajapaksa. The former Speaker welcomed the setting up of the Hambantota Industrial Zone (HIZ) as a good move and urged the government to refrain from acquiring cultivated lands those belonging to temples for this purpose, he said. The government had been transparent in dealing with the Hambantota matter unlike the previous government and the agreements signed with the investors will be tabled in Parliament. Mr. Rahaman asked why the joint opposition MPs were silent and remained paralysed when lands in Colombo were taken over by the previous regime. We wonder where MPs Udaya Gammanpilla and Dallas Alahaperuma were when former defense secretary took over several lands in Colombo, he asked and underscored the fact that some of the people whose lands were taken over by the previous regime were yet to receive compensation.(Yohan Perera) RT.COM/ 9 Jan, 2017- Another shipload of America military hardware has arrived at the German port of Bremerhaven to reinforce US commitment to its allies against the perceived Russian threat, and ensure Europe remains whole, free, prosperous, and at peace. The delivery of US Abrams tanks, Paladin artillery and Bradley fighting vehicles mark a new phase of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Over the last few days 2,800 pieces of military hardware and 4,000 troops have arrived at the port. National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader MP Wimal Weerawansa arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) a short while ago to give a statement in connection with his alleged involvement in misusing government vehicles. Video by Buddhi National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader MP Wimal Weerawansa arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) a short while ago, police said. They said the MP was arrested after a statement was recorded in connection with alleged misuse of the government vehicles. Video by Buddhi Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, who was arrested by the FCID, was remanded till January 24 by Colombo Fort magistrate Lanka Jayaratne today. He was arrested on charges of misusing 40 state vehicles belonging to the state engineering corporation causing a loss of Rs. 90 million. (Shehan Chamika Silva) DAILY MAIL, 09th JANUARY, 2017- Womens groups in India are planning nationwide rallies on Jan. 21 to protest the alleged mass molestation in the city of Bengaluru on New Years eve, and subsequent comments by politicians blaming the women for the crime. The India protests, publicised under the hashtag #IWillGoOut on social media, are meant to coincide with the Million Women March in Washington on Jan. 21, the day after Donald Trumps inauguration as president of the United States. Several women said they were groped and assaulted by a mob on a crowded central street of the technology hub Bengaluru on Dec. 31, despite the presence of a large number of policemen. By Chandeepa Wettasinghe An internationally acclaimed economist yesterday called on Sri Lanka to diversify its technological know-how before seeking investments to boost exports, a failure of which would deteriorate the economy. Investments will come if there is know-how, Harvard Kennedy School Centre for International Development Director Prof. Ricardo Hausmann said yesterday, delivering a lecture in Colombo. The Sri Lankan government is following an investment-led export growth strategy, which has run into populist opposition in recent months. Prof. Hausmann said that the know-how, which he described as the experience and knowledge an individual gets from the repetition of an action, is different from other components of technology, such as tools, codes or blueprints. It doesnt matter how many tools or codes or blueprints you have, if you dont have the know-how, he said. Prof. Hausmann said Sri Lanka has currently reached too great a level of development for the know-how that the country possesses and that if Sri Lanka does not expand its know-how, there will be economic deterioration. Countries that had started industrialization with industries such as apparel manufacturing have then moved on to more sophisticated industrial activities such as electronics manufacturing, following which they have ascended to machinery manufacturing, Prof. Hausmann pointed out. He said that diversifying know-how is a chicken and egg situation and that Sri Lanka has to jump to the industrial activity that has the lowest gap in know-how from its current industries in order to reach industries such as machinery and chemical manufacturingmuch like a monkey jumps from a tree on to another tree to travel between two points in a jungle. Sri Lanka has know-how in garments and rubber products. So you can jump into medical equipment that requires know-how from garments and rubber products before you go into other medical equipment manufacturing, Prof. Hausmann said. He also noted that, formal education, land, capital, processes and other resources do not have strong links to expanding know-how. Further, he said Sri Lanka is competing in product categories like garments and rubber productsdemand for which is catered to by lower wage countries such as Vietnam and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Prof. Hausmann pointed out that Sri Lanka has had the lowest level of export growth compared to competitors, and a decline in exports to gross domestic product while creating only seven types of new products, bringing in just US $ 100 million annually since 1990. He said Sri Lanka has to export in order to achieve growth and that manufactured goods will play a significant role, since revenue per capita from goods exports far outweigh the revenue per capita from service exports. However, he said tourism and ICT services do have some room for development in Sri Lanka. From time to time, the United States identifies certain individuals as crucial to the operation of terrorist organizations. Most often these are top leaders, or they help finance terrorist organizations. In all cases, these are people who have committed, or are deemed to pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism. When such people are identified, the U.S. Government places their name on the Specially Designated Nationals List. Their assets within U.S. jurisdiction are immediately frozen, and they are locked out of the global financial network. No U.S. citizen or company may conduct business with a designated individual. In this way, the United States disrupts financial support networks for terrorists and terrorist organizations. In early January, the United States Department of State named as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Hamza bin Laden, a son of global terrorist and founder of the al-Qaida terror network Osama bin Laden. Hamza bin Laden, born around 1989, was officially named an al-Qaida member in a 2015 audio message by Ayman al-Zawahiri, who has headed the terror group since the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden. As part of the same audio message, Hamza bin Laden threatened attacks against the United States as well as Americans abroad. He also called for lone offender attacks against U.S., French, and Israeli interests in Washington; Paris; and Tel Aviv. Similarly, in a message issued in the summer of 2016, Hamza bin Laden called on tribes based in Saudi Arabia to unite with al-Qaidas affiliate in Yemen, and together to wage war against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The State Departments designation serves notice globally that Hamza bin Laden is actively engaged in terrorism. Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate them, and serve as a useful tool to assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other U.S. agencies, as well as other governments. Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment -- and view all our current editorials -- at the V-O-A Editorials home page: www-dot-voanews-dot-com-slash-editorials. The United States congratulates the Government of National Accord, GNA, and the Libyan people on their successful operation to liberate Sirte from ISIL. The United States supported the advance of the GNA-aligned forces into Sirte with precision airstrikes to eject ISIL from the only city that it controlled outside of Iraq and Syria. The United States applauds the courage of the Libyan people, including the residents of Sirte, al-Bunyan al-Marsous forces, and others, who carried out this operation. The U.S. commends Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj for his leadership and dedication to the Libyan people. The United Nations called this victory a major step forward in liberating Libya from terrorism and ending the days of the Islamic State controlling territory in the country. Defeating terrorism throughout Libya benefits all Libyans, said Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. The U.S. military conducted a carefully tailored counterterrorism operation, at the request of the GNA, to target ISIL while taking great care to minimize harm to civilians. This partnered operation has substantially reduced ISILs manpower in Libya, ended its brutal reign over Sirtes population, and removed its primary base in Libya, dealing a blow to its ability to plot attacks in Libya and abroad. This progress comes as Libyans mark one year since the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement. "We know that ISIL will continue its attempts to terrorize the Libyan people and sow instability in North Africa, and that Libyan efforts against terrorism continue in other parts of Libya," said Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco. "We stand ready to help the [Government of National Accord] as it secures and rebuilds Sirte. The United States also remains committed to working with the GNA, Libyans throughout the country, and regional partners to counter ISIL and other violent extremist organizations." The following companies are subsidiares of Tyson Foods: APF Legacy Subs LLC, Advance Food Company LLC, AdvancePierre Foods, AdvancePierre Foods Holdings Inc., AdvancePierre Foods Inc., Aidells Sausage Company Inc., Allied Specialty Foods Inc., American Proteins Inc, Artisan Bread Co. LLC, Australian Food Corporation Pty Limited, Australian Food Corporation Trust, BRF, Barber Foods LLC, Bosco's Pizza Co., Bryan Foods Inc., C.S. Grain LLC, C.V. Holdings Inc., CBFA Management Corp., Central Industries Inc., Chefs Pantry LLC, Clovervale Farms LLC, Cobb (Hubei) Breeding Co. Ltd., Cobb (Shanghai) Enterprise Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Cobb Ana Damizlik Tavukculuk Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cobb Columbia S.A.S., Cobb Europe B.V., Cobb Europe Limited, Cobb Peru (Andina) S.A.C., Cobb-Heritage LLC, Cobb-Vantress Brasil Ltda, Cobb-Vantress Inc., Cobb-Vantress New Zealand Limited, Cobb-Vantress Philippines Inc., Coominya AFC Pty Limited, Coominya AFC Trust, DFG Foods Inc., DFG Foods L.L.C., Don Julio, Egbert LLC, Equity Group - Georgia Division LLC, Equity Group - Kentucky Division LLC, Equity Group Eufaula Division LLC, Equity Meat Corp., Flavor Corp., Flavor Holdings Inc., Foodbrands America Inc., Foodbrands Supply Chain Services Inc., Gallo Salame Inc., Global Employment Services Inc., Grow-Out Credit LLC, Grow-Out Holdings LLC, Haimen Tyson Poultry Development Co. Ltd, Hudson Foods Company, Hudson Midwest Foods Inc., Hybro Genetics Brasil Ltda, IBP Caribbean Inc., IBP Foodservice L.L.C., IBP Inc., International Affiliates & Investment LLC, Jiangsu Tyson Foods Co. Ltd, Keydutch Finance B.V., Keydutch Holdings I LLC, Keydutch Holdings II LLC, Keydutch Investments B.V., Keystone CLJV Holdings Limited, Keystone County House Road LLC, Keystone Foods, Keystone Foods (AP) Limited, Keystone Foods Holdco LLC, Keystone Foods Intermediate LLC, Keystone Foods LLC, Keystone Foods Pty Limited, Keystone Management Inc., Keystone Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited, LD Foods LLC, M & M Express LLC, M&M Restaurant Supply (MI/OH) LLC, MFG (USA) Holdings Inc., Mac Food Services (Malaysia) SDN. BHD., Madison Foods Inc., McKey Food Services (Hong Kong) Limited, McKey Food Services (Shandong) Limited, McKey Food Services (Thailand) Limited, McKey Food Services Limited, McKey Luxembourg Holdings APMEA S.a.r.l., McKey Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., McKey Luxembourg S.a.r.l., McKey VI Holdings Limited, Myung Seung Food Company Ltd., National Comp Care Inc., New Canada Holdings Inc., Oaklawn Capital Corporation, Oaklawn IT Solution Private Limited, Original Philly Holdings Inc., PBX inc., Pierre Holdco Inc., River Valley Ingredients LLC, Rizhao Tyson Foods Co. Ltd, Rizhao Tyson Poultry Co. Ltd, Rural Energy Systems Inc., Sara Lee - Kiwi Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Diversified LLC, Sara Lee Foods LLC, Sara Lee Household & Body Care Malawi Ltd., Sara Lee International LLC, Sara Lee International TM Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Mexicana Holdings Investment L.L.C., Sara Lee TM Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Trademark Holdings Australasia LLC, Saramar L.L.C., Shandong Tyson-Da Long Food Company Limited, Smart Chicken, Southern Family Foods L.L.C., Southwest Products LLC, TF 20 B.V., TF 5201 B.V., TFA Leasing LLC, TFA Opportunity Zone Fund LLC, TFI of California Inc., Tecumseh Poultry LLC, Texas Transfer Inc., The Bruss Company, The Hillshire Brands Company, The IBP Foods Co., The Pork Group Inc., TyNet Corporation, Tyson (Shanghai) Enterprise Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Tyson Americas Holding Sarl, Tyson Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Tyson Breeders Inc., Tyson Chicken Inc., Tyson China Holding 2 Limited, Tyson China Holding 3 Limited, Tyson China Holding Limited, Tyson Deli Inc., Tyson Europe Holding Company, Tyson Farms Inc., Tyson Farms QOZB LLC, Tyson Foods Brasil Investimentos Ltda., Tyson Foods Canada Inc., Tyson Foods Europe (Netherlands) B.V., Tyson Foods Europe GmbH, Tyson Foods France S.A.R.L., Tyson Foods Germany GmbH, Tyson Foods Group Limited, Tyson Foods Holland B.V., Tyson Foods Huadong Development Co. Ltd, Tyson Foods Iberia Alimentos S.L.U., Tyson Foods Italia S.p.A., Tyson Foods Korea, Tyson Foods Netherlands B.V., Tyson Foods Products Limited, Tyson Foods Scotland Europe Limited, Tyson Foods Scotland Sales (Europe) Limited, Tyson Foods UK Limited, Tyson Foods Wrexham Limited, Tyson Foods oosterwolde B.V., Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats Sales and Distribution LLC, Tyson Global Holding Sarl, Tyson Hog Markets Inc., Tyson India Holdings Ltd., Tyson International APAC Ltd., Tyson International Company Ltd., Tyson International Holding Company, Tyson International Holding Sarl, Tyson International Service Center Inc., Tyson International Service Center Inc. Asia, Tyson International Service Center Inc. Europe, Tyson Mexican Original Inc., Tyson Mexico Trading Company S. de R.L. de CV., Tyson New Ventures LLC, Tyson Opportunity Zone Fund LLC, Tyson Pet Products Inc., Tyson Poultry Inc., Tyson Prepared Foods Inc., Tyson Processing Services Inc., Tyson Refrigerated Processed Meats Inc., Tyson Sales and Distribution Inc., Tyson Service Center Corp., Tyson Shared Services Inc., Tyson Storm Lake Holdings LLC, Tyson Warehousing Services LLC, Tyson of Wisconsin LLC, Uninex SA, Universal Meats (UK) Limited, WBA Analytical Laboratories Inc., Wilton Foods Inc., Xamol Consultores e Servicos, and Zemco Industries Inc.. Read More ONEOK, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in gathering, processing, storage, and transportation of natural gas in the United States. It operates through Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, Natural Gas Liquids, and Natural Gas Pipelines segments. The company owns natural gas gathering pipelines and processing plants in the Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions. It also gathers, treats, fractionates, and transports natural gas liquids (NGL), as well as stores, markets, and distributes NGL products. The company owns NGL gathering and distribution pipelines in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado; terminal and storage facilities in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois; and NGL distribution and refined petroleum products pipelines in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, as well as owns and operates truck- and rail-loading, and -unloading facilities connected to NGL fractionation, storage, and pipeline assets. In addition, it operates regulated interstate and intrastate natural gas transmission pipelines and natural gas storage facilities. Further, the company owns and operates a parking garage in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma; and leases excess office space. It operates 17,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines; 1,500 miles of FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipelines; 5,100 miles of state-regulated intrastate transmission pipeline; six NGL storage facilities; and eight NGL product terminals. It serves integrated and independent exploration and production companies; NGL and natural gas gathering and processing companies; crude oil and natural gas production companies; propane distributors; municipalities; ethanol producers; and petrochemical, refining, and NGL marketing companies, as well as natural gas distribution and electric generation companies, producers, processors, and marketing companies. The company was founded in 1906 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The United States is making human rights and fighting corruption a national economic security priority, said Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Adewale Adeyemo. Under the National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct, the U.S. is encouraging companies to embrace high standards for responsible business conduct. Responsible Business Conduct, or RBC, is based on the idea that businesses can do well while doing good work. In other words, businesses can play an important role in contributing to global economic and social progress. Governments can do their part by helping to set the standards and expectations for responsible business conduct to take place. The National Action Plan underscores the U.S. commitment to work with businesses around the world to fight corruption, promote transparent practices, raise labor standards, respect human rights, and combat human trafficking. American companies are already among the global leaders in this area and are widely recognized for their commitment to promoting human rights, respecting the rule of law, and strengthening the communities where they do business. For companies investing overseas, corruption is a significant barrier that impedes business and economic growth, said Mr. Adeyemo. To address these serious concerns, President Barack Obama developed the National Action Plan to enhance coordination within the U.S. government, push for higher standards globally, and strengthen public-private cooperation to help U.S. companies attain their responsible conduct goals. Under the National Action Plan, the U.S. intends to continue to refine the ways in which it purchases goods and services and finances overseas activities. The U.S. will work with companies, civil society, and foreign governments to share best practices and support high standards. The U.S. National Action Plan will continue to be an important foreign policy tool in the effort to promote human rights and fight corruption. Global Payments Inc. provides payment technology and software solutions for card, electronic, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions, and Business and Consumer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization services, settlement and funding services, customer support and help-desk functions, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security services, consolidated billing and statements, and on-line reporting services. This segment also provides an array of enterprise software solutions that streamline business operations of its customers in various vertical markets; and value-added services, such as point-of-sale solutions, and analytic and engagement tools, as well as payroll and human capital management services. The Issuer Solutions segment offers solutions that enable financial institutions and retailers to manage their card portfolios through a platform; and commercial payments and ePayables solutions for businesses and governments. The Business and Consumer Solutions segment provides general-purpose reloadable prepaid debit and payroll cards, demand deposit accounts, and other financial service solutions to the underbanked and other consumers, and businesses under the Netspend brand. It markets its products and services through direct sales force, trade associations, agent and enterprise software providers, referral arrangements with value-added resellers, and independent sales organizations. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The following companies are subsidiares of Prudential Financial: 210-220 E. 22nd Street SSGA Owner LLC, AIG Edison, AIG Star, AREF Cayman Co Ltd., AREF GP II Pte. Ltd., AREF GP Ltd., ASPF II - Feeder Fund GmbH, ASPF II - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, ASPF II Management GmbH, ASPF III Scots L.P., ASSURANCE, AST Investment Services Inc., Adlerwerke CB Investment LLC, Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Habitat S.A., Administradora de Inversiones Previsionales SpA, Aoba Life Insurance Company, Aoba Life Insurance Company Ltd., Asia Property Fund III GP S.a.r.l., Assurance IQ LLC, Assurance Intelligence LLC, BSC CP LP, Braeloch Holdings Inc., Braeloch Successor Corporation, Brazilian Capital Fund GP Limited, Broad Street Global Advisors LLC, Broome Street Holdings LLC, CB German Retail LLC, CLIS Co. Ltd., COLICO INC., Capital Agricultural Property Services Inc., Chadwick Boulevard Investment Holdings Co. LLC, Cibecue LLC, Coconino LLC, Colico II Inc., Columbus Drive Partners L.P., Commerce Street Holdings LLC, Commerce Street Investments LLC, Coolidge LLC, Coral Reef GP, Coral Reef L.P., Coral Reef Unit Trust, Cottage Street Investments LLC, Cottage Street Orbit Acquisition LLC, DICKENS AVENUE HOLDINGS VI LLC, DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI Ireland L.P., DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI US L.P., Dale/P Minerals Limited Partnership, Don Cesar Investor LLC, Dryden Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Dryden Finance II LLC, EVP II GP S.a r.l., EVP II Horizon GP S.a r.l., EVP II Sprint GP S.a r.l., Edison Place Senior Note LLC, Essex LLC, EuroCore GP S.a r.l., European Value Partners GP S.a.r.l., Everbright PGIM Fund Management Co. Ltd., Flagstaff LLC, GA 1600 Commons LLC, GA 333 Hennepin Investor LLC, GA BV LLC, GA Bay Area GP LLC, GA Bay Area Investor LLC, GA Belden LLC, GA CLARENDON LLC, GA Cal Crossings LLC, GA Collins LLC, GA E. 22nd Street Apartments Holdings LLC, GA East 86 Street LLC, GA JHCII LLC, GA MENLO PARK INVESTOR LLC, GA Manor at Harbour Island LLC, GA Metro LLC, GA TRITON INVESTOR LLC, GA W Paces LLC, GA/MDI 333 Hennepin Associates LLC, GIBRALTAR BSN HOLDINGS SDN BHD, GIBRALTAR INDIA SOLUTIONS LLP, Gateway Holdings II LLC, Gateway Holdings LLC, German Retail Income CP LP, Gibraltar BSN Life Berhad, Gibraltar International Insurance Services Company Inc., Gibraltar International Service LLC, Gibraltar Reinsurance Company Ltd., Gibraltar Universal Life Reinsurance Company, Glenealy International Limited, Global Portfolio Strategies Inc., Gold GP Limited, Gold II L.P., Gold L.P., Graham Resources Inc., Graham Royalty Ltd., Green Harvest Asset Management LLC, Green Tree GP, Green Tree L.P., Greenlee LLC, Halsey Street Investments LLC, Hirakata LLC, IVP Fund GP LLC, Impact Investments Bridges UK S.a.r.l, Inter-Atlantic G Fund L.P., Inversiones Previsionales Chile SpA, Inversiones Previsionales Dos SpA, Ironbound Fund LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, Kyarra S.a r.l., Kyoei Annuity Home Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Kyouei Nenkin Home, LINEUP LLC, Lake Street Partners IV L.P., Lotus Reinsurance Company Ltd., MC GA COLLINS HOLDINGS LLC, MC GA COLLINS REALTY LLC, MC Insurance Agency Services LLC, Manor at Harbour Island LLC, Marble Canyon LLC, Maricopa LLC, Market Street Holdings IV LLC, Montana Capital Partners, Morenci LLC, Mulberry Street Holdings LLC, Mulberry Street Investment L.P., Mulberry Street Partners LLC, Mullin TBG Insurance Agency Services LLC, MullinTBG Insurance Agency Services, National Family Assurance Group LLC, New Savanna, Northbound Emerging Manager Fund A LP, Northbound Emerging Manager Fund II - A LP, Orchard Street Acres Inc., PAI Bay Farm LLC, PAI Bayrock Groves LLC, PAI Belvidere Farms LLC, PAI Big Cypress Farm LLC, PAI Corcoran 640 Ranch LLC, PAI DeKalb Farm LLC, PAI Delano 1500 Ranches LLC, PAI Desert Falcon Farms Manager LLC, PAI Flicker Orchard LLC, PAI Good Hope Farm LLC, PAI Hawk Creek Ranch LLC, PAI Hills Valley Ranches LLC, PAI Holly Hill Groves LLC, PAI Hunt Farm LLC, PAI Jackson Bayou Farm LLC, PAI Lake Placid Groves LLC, PAI River Bend Ranches LLC, PAI Wallula Gap Vineyard LLC, PCP V Cayman AIV GP L.P., PEREF II Co-Invest 1 GP S.a r.l., PEREF II GP S.a r.l., PFI EM-Tech Fund I LLC, PG Business Service Co. Ltd, PG Collection Service Co. Ltd., PG Friendly Partners Co. Ltd., PGA Asian Retail Limited, PGA European Limited, PGI Co. Ltd, PGIM AC Co-Invest GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM AVP IV GP S.a r.l., PGIM Advisory Shanghai Co. Ltd., PGIM Agricultural Investments GP LLC, PGIM Australia Pty Ltd, PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Fund L.P., PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Partners LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Feeder VI LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Fund VI L.P., PGIM Custom Harvest LLC, PGIM DC Co-Invest GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM DC JV GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM DC Solutions LLC, PGIM European Financing Limited, PGIM European Services Limited, PGIM Financial Limited, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund II L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives GP LLC, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives II GP LLC, PGIM Foreign Investments Inc., PGIM Holding Company LLC, PGIM Holdings Limited, PGIM Hong Kong Ltd., PGIM INDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM INDIA TRUSTEES PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM IRELAND LIMITED, PGIM Inc., PGIM International Financing Inc., PGIM Investments Ireland Limited, PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM Japan Co. Ltd., PGIM Korea Inc., PGIM LTIF Berlin GP S.a r.l., PGIM LTIF Berlin MLP S.ar.l., PGIM LTIF GP S.a.r.l., PGIM Limited, PGIM Loan Originator Manager Limited, PGIM M Campus GP S.a r.l., PGIM Management Partner Limited, PGIM MetaProp Investor LP LLC, PGIM Netherlands B.V., PGIM Overseas Investment Fund Management Shanghai Company Ltd, PGIM Private Capital Ireland Limited, PGIM Private Capital Limited, PGIM Private Placement Investors Inc., PGIM Private Placement Investors L.P., PGIM QUANTITATIVE SOLUTIONS LLC, PGIM REF EUROPE SCSp, PGIM REF Europe GP S.a r.l., PGIM REF Europe Member LLC, PGIM REF Intermediary Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate CD S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Capital VII GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest L.P., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest SCSp, PGIM Real Estate Co-Invest Holdings LLC, PGIM Real Estate Debt GmbH, PGIM Real Estate Finance Holding Company, PGIM Real Estate Finance LLC, PGIM Real Estate France SAS, PGIM Real Estate Germany AG, PGIM Real Estate Global Debt GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Global Master Fund GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles II S de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles S. de R.L. de C.V, PGIM Real Estate Italy S.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Japan Ltd., PGIM Real Estate Loan Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate Luxembourg S.A., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Management Luxembourg S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Mexico S.C., PGIM Real Estate S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate U.S. CORE Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate U.S. Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate UK Limited, PGIM Scots Limited, PGIM Securities Investment Trust Enterprise, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management (Feeder) I LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management Fund I L.P., PGIM Shanghai Company Ltd., PGIM Singapore Pte. Ltd., PGIM Strategic Financing LLC, PGIM Strategic Investments Inc., PGIM Taronga Investor GP LLC, PGIM U.S. Agriculture Fund LP, PGIM USPF VI Manager LLC, PGIM Wadhwani LLP, PGIM Warehouse Inc., PGLH of Delaware Inc., PIFM Holdco LLC, PIIC Limited, PIISC Holdings UK Limited, PIM KF Blocker V Holdings LLC, PIM USPF V Manager LLC, PLA Administradora Industrial SRL, PLA Administradora LLC, PLA Administradora S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional II S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional S.de R.L. de C.V., PLA Co-Investor LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager I LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager II LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Blue LP, PLA Retail Fund I Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LP, PLA Retail Fund II Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II U.S. Carry/Co-Invest LP, PLA Services Manager Mexico LLC, PLAI Limited, PMCF Holdings LLC, PMCF Properties LLC, PPPF General Partner LLP, PR GA SCP Apartments LLC, PRAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP LLP, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP SCOTS FEEDER LLP, PRECO Account IV LLC, PRECO Account Partnership IV LP, PRECO III GP LLP, PREFG Hanwha Manager LLC, PREI Acquisition I Inc., PREI Acquisition II Inc., PREI Acquisition LLC, PREI HYDG LLC, PREI International Inc., PRIAC Property Acquisitions LLC, PRICOA Management Partner Limited, PRISA Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Pooled Manager LLC, PRISA III Fund GP LLC, PRISA III Fund PIM LLC, PRREF Debt Fund Manager LLC, PRREF II Fund Manager LLC, PRU 3XSquare LLC, PRUCO LLC, PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL ENERGY PARTNERS MANAGEMENT (FEEDER) LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP MEMBER LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP REIT LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE 2 LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE LLC, PT PFI Mega Life Insurance, Passaic Fund LLC, Pine Tree GP, Pine Tree L.P., Platinum GP Limited, Platinum II L.P., Platinum L.P., Pramerica Business Consulting Shanghai Company Limited, Pramerica EVP CP LP, Pramerica Financial Asia Headquarters Pte. Ltd., Pramerica Financial Asia Limited, Pramerica Fixed Income Funds Management Limited, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Pramerica Holdings Ltd, Pramerica Hong Kong Holdings Limited, Pramerica Insurance Agency China Company Ltd., Pramerica Luxembourg CP GP S.a.r.l., Pramerica PRECAP I GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP II GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP III GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP IV GP LLP, Pramerica Pan European Real Estate Scots LP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I Scotland Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital II Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital III Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Limited, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Netherlands GP LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital VI Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Scots CP GP LLP, Preco III Scotland Limited Partnership, Pru 101 Wood LLC, Pru Alpha Partners I LLC, Pru Fixed Income Emerging Markets Partners I LLC, PruVen Capital Partners Fund I L.P., Pruco Assignment Corporation, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Pruco Securities LLC, Prudential 900 Aviation Boulevard LLC, Prudential Affordable Mortgage Company LLC, Prudential Agricultural Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors Inc., Prudential Annuities Holding Company Inc., Prudential Annuities Inc., Prudential Annuities Information Services & Technology Corporation, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Universal Company, Prudential Bank & Trust FSB, Prudential Capital Energy Opportunity Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners Management Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Partners Management Fund IV L.P., Prudential Capital and Investment Services LLC, Prudential Chile II SpA, Prudential Chile SpA, Prudential Commercial Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Equity Group LLC, Prudential Financial Inc., Prudential Fixed Income Global Liquidity Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Fixed Income U.S. Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Funding LLC, Prudential General Services of Japan Y.K., Prudential Gibraltar Agency Co. Ltd. Prudential Gibraltar Agency Kabushiki Kaisha, Prudential Global Funding LLC, Prudential Holdings of Japan Inc., Prudential Huntoon Paige Associates LLC, Prudential IBH Holdco Inc., Prudential Impact Investments Mortgage Loans LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Debt LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Equity LLC, Prudential Insurance Agency LLC, Prudential International Insurance Holdings Ltd., Prudential International Insurance Service Company L.L.C., Prudential International Investments Advisers LLC, Prudential International Investments Company LLC, Prudential International Investments LLC, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, Prudential Japan Holdings LLC, Prudential Legacy Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 1 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 2 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Capital Asset Holding Company LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Funding LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, Prudential Multifamily Mortgage LLC, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Prudential Newark Realty LLC, Prudential QOZ Investment Fund 1 LLC, Prudential Realty Securities Inc., Prudential Retirement Financial Services Holding LLC, Prudential Retirement Holdings LLC, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Prudential Securities Secured Financing Corporation, Prudential Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., Prudential Seguros S.A., Prudential Select Strategies LLC, Prudential Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Prudential Structured Settlement Company, Prudential Systems Japan Limited, Prudential Tax Services LLC, Prudential Term Reinsurance Company, Prudential Trust Co. Ltd., Prudential Trust Company, Prudential Universal Reinsurance Company, Prudential Workplace Solutions Group Services LLC, Prudential do Brasil Seguros de Vida S.A., Prudential do Brasil Vida em Grupo S.A., Prudential/TMW Real Estate Group LLC, Pruservicos Participacoes Ltda., QMA JP EM All Cap Equity Partners LLC, Quartzsite LLC, Residential Services Corporation of America LLC, Rio CP LP, Rock European Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock Global Real Estate LLC, Rock Kensington Limited, Rock Marty GP S.a r.l., Rock Oxford S.a r.l., Rock UK Real Estate II S.a.r.l., Rockstone Co. Ltd., Rosado Grande LLC, Ross Avenue Energy Fund Holdings LLC, Ross Avenue Minerals 2012 LLC, SCP Apartments LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERS VI GP LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP FUND VI GP LLC, SHP IV Carried Interest LP, SHP V Carried Interest L.P., SMP Holdings Inc., SVIIT Holdings Inc., Sanei Collection Service Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Sanei Shuuno Service, Senior Housing Partners V LLC, Senior Housing Partnership Fund V LLC, Sterling Private Placement Management LLP, Stetson Street Partners L.P., Strand Investments Limited, TBG Insurance Services Corporation, TENSATOR HOLDINGS LTD, TF Proveedora S.C., TMW ASPF I Verwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, TMW ASPF Management GmbH, TMW Management LLC, TMW Real Estate Group LLC, TMW Realty Advisors LLC, TMW USPF Verwaltungs GmbH, TRGOAG Company Inc., The Gibraltar Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Keynes Dynamic Beta Strategy US Fund GP LLC, The Prudential Assigned Settlement Services Corp., The Prudential Brazilian Capital Fund LP, The Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Prudential Home Mortgage Company Inc., The Prudential Insurance Company of America, The Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd., The Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America Inc., The WMF Group, Thurloe Commercial Guernsey Limited, USPF V - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, USPF V Carry LLC, USPF V Co-Invest LLC, USPF V Investment LP, United States Property Fund VI GP S.a r.l., VIP Australia Holding Company LLC, VIP Australia Trustee Pty Ltd, Vailsburg Fund LLC, Vantage Casualty Insurance Company, Wabash Avenue Holdings V LLC, Wabash Avenue Partners V L.P., Wadhwani Capital Limited, Waveland Avenue Holdings I LLC, Waveland Avenue Partners I Ireland L.P., Waveland Avenue Partners I US L.P., Wellness Services Ecossistema De Bem Estar Ltda., Wellness Services SRL, Yamato Life, and Yavapai LLC. Read More December 9, 1954December 31, 2016 JACKPOT, Nev. James (Jim) Lynn Black, 62, was born December 9, 1954, to Harold and Betty Black in Milford, Utah. James and his family moved to Carlin, Nevada, when he was 11 years old where he attended school. After school, he worked for Carlin Gold and Freeport Gold, as an equipment operator. In 1974, Jim met his wife, Phyllis in Elko, Nevada, and they married a year later. He became an instant father to three young children. They lived in Elko until their move to Osino a few years later. Jim started his career in law enforcement in the Elko County Jail and transferred as a patrol deputy in Jackpot, Nevada. After 25 years, Jim retired from Elko County Sheriff Department and then went to work as a brand inspector for Elko County. Jim resided in Jackpot until his death.On New Years Eve, at home with his wife by his side, Jim lost his fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his sons Marcus (Kelli) Mendive, Elko NV, Shannon (Amanda) Mendive, New Plymouth, ID; his sister, Audry Black-Smith, Reno, NV; his brother, Garyl Black, Springfield, Missouri; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Harold Black; brother, Robert; and his beloved daughter, Shawna. There will be a Celebration of Life, January 14th at 2:00 p.m. at the Red Lion in Twin Falls, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Caner Association in Jim Blacks name. Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. provides early education and child care, back-up care, educational advisory, and other workplace solutions services for employers and families. The company operates through three segments: Full Service Center-Based Child Care, Back-Up Care, and Educational Advisory and Other Services. The Full Service Center-Based Child Care segment offers traditional center-based child care and early education, preschool, and elementary education services. The Back-Up Care segment provides center-based back-up child care, in-home child and adult/elder dependent care, school-age camps, virtual tutoring, and self-sourced reimbursed care services through child care centers, school-age campuses, and in-home caregivers, as well as the back-up care network. The Educational Advisory and Other Services segment offers tuition assistance and student loan repayment program administration, workforce education, and related educational consulting services, as well as college admissions advisory services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 1,014 child care and early education centers in the United States, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, and India. The company was formerly known as Bright Horizons Solutions Corp. and changed its name to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. in July 2012. Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts. Dear Annie: My daughter and I have witnessed aggressive acts in public areas and are at a loss as to what, if any, action we should take. The most recent example was when we watched a man yelling at what appeared to be his significant other. He grabbed her by the arm, forcefully placed her in the car and buckled her seat belt. Then he went into the store, and she sat there, not moving and keeping her head down. We wanted to approach the woman and ask whether she was OK, but we feared he was watching from the store. Another situation involved a young child between the ages of 3 and 5 with a cast on his arm. His guardian grabbed him by the other arm and threw him into the back seat of the car. There have been other situations, as well. What does one do or say without making the victims life even worse later when the victim and abuser are out of sight? Each time, we looked for a police officer, but none was around. Annie, this just breaks our hearts, but what does a bystander do? Tears and Fears for the Victims All Over Dear Tears: You were right to want to act. If you see such violence, you should call 911 immediately or find a police officer. Our justice system values and supports citizens speaking up when they see someone in danger, and there are laws in place to protect those who do so. These Good Samaritan laws protect these honorable citizens from legal liability should their good intentions have unintended consequences. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your state. As Albert Einstein said, the world will be destroyed not by those who do evil but by those who watch them without doing anything. By standing up for what you know is right and defending people who arent in a position to defend themselves, you are saving the world, one good deed at a time. Dear Annie: My sister-in-law is organizing a family vacation at a beach house, supposedly to celebrate my daughters engagement. My daughter doesnt want to go, and the trip comes at a time when we will be really busy. The trip feels more like a getaway for the other family members than an actual celebration for my daughter. How can we stop this madness? Feeling Awkward Dear Awkward: Thats odd indeed. If its really your daughters party, then she can call it off if she wants to. She should tell her aunt that she really appreciates the thought but the timing just wont work and that she hopes theyll enjoy the getaway themselves all the same. I have a feeling they will. Dear Annie: Your response to Carol in Florida regarding her experience with a person who got way too close while she was interacting with pharmacy staff was on the mark but left out an important detail. This fellows behavior was probably a HIPAA privacy violation, and the staff member should have immediately recognized it as such and taken steps necessary to stop this intrusion. If Carol believes that her privacy was breached, she may wish to file a complaint. This can be done at https://www.hhs.gov. In my opinion, the person most in the wrong here was the assistant pharmacist for doing nothing. He or she needs to brush up on HIPAA rules. Minnesota Pharmacist of 42 Years A member of Elkos mining industry for nearly 30 years, Mary Korpi strengthened community relations between Newmont Mining Corp. and the community. Her establishment of the Legacy Fund has benefited local nonprofits for six years and is still going strong. Mary Korpi grew up in Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the youngest of three children. Through her parents, who were both educators, Korpi and her siblings were encouraged to attend college and to give back to the community. I learned the importance of giving back through involvement, time and resources, she recently wrote. Enjoying math, science and chemistry, she attended Michigan Tech in Houghton, Michigan and earned a degree in chemical engineering. After graduation in 1976, she was hired by Newmont and married Paul Korpi. Beginning her career in metallurgical and analytical laboratories, Korpi moved to Arizona and worked at Newmonts Magma Copper site. With the industry expanding, she was transferred to work at the Carlin Trend site, first at Mill 5 and later at Mill 3. Around 1995, Korpi was asked to switch careers within Newmont and join the community relations area of the company. She recalled that the general manager then thought it would be helpful to have somebody who knows the business to communicate Newmonts growth and presence in the region. Describing herself as one not to turn down a challenge, Korpi quickly settled into her new job, directing communications and external relations for the North American region. In 2010, Korpi worked to establish the Newmont Legacy Fund, an annual charity drive for the community where employee donations are matched by the company dollar for dollar and then distributed to numerous nonprofits. In 2015 and 2016, over $2 million was raised for organizations including CADV Harbor House, Communities in Schools, the Elko Senior Center and the VFW. In Elko, Korpi served on the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce board and has been a representative of Newmont in the Womens Mining Coalition. She has also been a board member and trustee for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Foundation and received a Presidential Citation from the organization in 2011. Michigan Tech also recognized her with a Presidential Council of Alumnae award in 2005. RICHMOND Voters in parts of Virginia will pick three new members of the General Assembly in special elections Tuesday that could determine the balance of power in the state Senate. Gov. Terry McAuliffe set the elections for Tuesday to replace three state lawmakers who were elected to Congress in November. Republicans currently hold 20 of 40 seats in the Senate, and Democrats have 18. Democrats are expected to easily win one district Tuesday in which Republicans didnt field a candidate, and if they can pick up a second, they would effectively gain control of the upper chamber because of Democrat Lt. Gov. Ralph Northams status as a tiebreaker. Experts say turnout will likely be low, despite whats at stake, so just a few hundred votes could determine the outcome. It could either fundamentally change the dynamics of the General Assembly this year or we could forget it happened, said Quentin Kidd, a political science professor at Christopher Newport University. 22nd Senate District In the more closely watched Senate race, three candidates are sparring to represent the 22nd District, which stretches west from Goochland County to Amherst, Appomattox and part of Lynchburg and includes Fluvanna and Buckingham counties and a portion of Louisa County. Republican Lynchburg attorney Mark Peake and former Fluvanna County Sheriff Ryant Washington, a Democrat, face Joe Hines, an executive at an economic development group and self-described independent conservative, in the race for the seat being vacated by Tom Garrett, a Republican who was sworn into Congress last week. The district is typically Republican leaning but has the setup for a surprise Democratic win, Kidd said. In rural Virginia, voters are usually loyal to local sheriffs, and Hines could peel off enough votes from Peake to make a difference, he said. Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, echoed that sentiment, saying Washingtons fortunes depend on how strong a showing Hines makes. Peake, whose campaign slogan is more freedom and less government, said he feels confident because hes been campaigning for nearly a year, much longer than either of his opponents. Hines, however, said Donald Trumps election showed a strong anti-establishment sentiment that he thinks makes it a good time to run as an independent. Washington, who currently serves as a law enforcement adviser to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, said he has a long history of public service and would be focused on education, public safety and jobs if elected. Campaign finance records show Washington raised around $193,700 by Dec. 29, about $69,000 more than Peakes $123,400. Hines raised around $10,700 during the same period and also took out a $50,000 loan. 9th Senate District Longtime Democratic state Del. Jennifer McClellan is widely considered the favorite to win the heavily blue 9th Senate District, which encompasses Henrico, Hanover and Charles City counties and the city of Richmond. A corporate attorney who lives in Richmond, McClellan will face Corey Fauconier, a Libertarian from Highland Springs. There is no Republican on the ballot. McClellan has endorsements from Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin, the Democrat who vacated the seat shes seeking to fill. She had raised around $178,400 during the reporting period between July 1 and Dec. 29, compared with Fauconiers approximately $3,800, according to campaign finance records. I dont think thats much of a race, Kidd said. 85th House District The 85th House District, which covers the city of Virginia Beach, is open because Del. Scott Taylor is headed to Congress. Democrat Cheryl Turpin, a public school teacher, faces Republican N.D. Rocky Holcomb III, a captain in the Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office, in the race for that seat. Voters in the 85th have leaned toward Republican candidates by small margins in recent elections. The race wont affect Republicans solid majority in the House. Although the statistics are still trickling in, Virginia was on pace for a record-breaking number of drug overdose deaths in 2016, with early predictions from the Department of Health projecting a 35 percent increase over the prior year. Most of these deaths were the result of addiction to opioids such as heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone. Breaking the cycle of addiction was the focus of a seminar at the University of Virginias Fontaine Research Park on Monday. William A. Hazel Jr., Virginias secretary of health and human resources, was in town for the seminar, which looked at ways to train doctors, mental health professionals and others in the health care field to deal with addicts. Hazel said training a recovery workforce will be crucial to alleviating the problem in Virginia, which has been declared a public health emergency. This includes guidelines for prescribing drugs which are being drafted by state health officials and set for a preliminary release in February and increased use of pain management techniques that dont involve drugs. Prevention of addiction is better prescribing, he said. The current climate has created a political situation where something must be done, Hazel told attendees at Mondays seminar. But while many legislators focus on get tough law enforcement measures, curbing addiction deaths projected to surpass 1,200 in 2016, once all the data are in also will mean addressing some of the problems at the root of addiction, not just curbing addicts access to prescription drugs. Even if we cut off the supply of pills tomorrow, theyll still be addicted, Hazel said. We have to be measured about this going forward. One of the first steps is to come up with common training standards for all health professionals so theyre all on the same page, said Jean Bennett, of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association. Caregivers will need to learn to work across disciplines and provide a unified front to people who are addicted to opioids or at risk. We all need to know how to treat people and have the same messaging, Bennett said. Virginia is also short of the workforce needed to deal with the epidemic. Virginia ranks fourth among all states desiring job seekers certified in substance abuse counseling, with more than 1,200 job openings annually through 2014, according to a study published by Virginia Commonwealth University in September. VCU has developed its own curriculum for training these professionals, ranging from non-degree coursework that can be completed online to doctoral degrees. Several VCU employees and faculty were on hand to share the colleges model with representatives from other universities, including UVa. VCU currently offers addiction studies as a concentration within its bachelors programs in psychology and health sciences. The idea was to build on existing academic programs, said Linda Zyzniewski, director of undergraduate programs in VCUs psychology department, instead of creating something new that might become stale in a couple of years. Mental health and health sciences form the basis for these credentials, but people can enter the field at different points in their careers, said Amy Armstrong, who chairs the department of rehabilitation counseling at VCU. With the right pathways, Virginia should be able to attract job seekers who are qualified or want to become qualified in addiction counseling. Not only is there an incredible need throughout the commonwealth this is a good career to get into, Armstrong said. This is an incredible and meaningful career. Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, who wants to be the next governor of Virginia, has received several endorsements from elected officials and public figures in the Charlottesville area. The endorsements were announced less than a week after Tom Perriello, a former Democratic congressman, announced his candidacy at a speech in his native Charlottesville. His campaign came as a shock to many, especially since Northam had been seen as the presumed Democratic nominee. On Tuesday, Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, and Del. David J. Toscano, D-Charlottesville, voiced their support for Northam, according to a news release from Northams campaign. We need an economy that works for everyone, in every corner of the commonwealth, and I believe Ralph Northam is the right choice to do just that, Toscano said. From the Charlottesville City Council, Mayor Mike Signer and Councilors Wes Bellamy and Kristin Szakos voiced their support. Other endorsements from the area include Charlottesville Sheriff James Brown, Charlottesville Commissioner of Revenue Todd Divers and former 5th District Rep. L.F. Payne Jr., as well as Lisa Hystad, chairwoman of the 5th District Democratic Committee, and Susan Payne, of Payne, Ross and Associates. Two former 5th District candidates John W. Douglas, a brigadier general and former assistant secretary of the Navy, and Jane Dittmar, a former chairwoman for the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors offered their endorsements, as well. Ralph Northams experience as a pediatric neurologist gives him a unique understanding of the role pre-kindergarten education plays in preparing our children for careers in growth industries, Dittmar said in the news release. Ralph knows pre-K can level the playing field and prepare all children, no matter where they grow up, for success. This is why I am proud to support him for governor. In response to the endorsements, Jessica Barba Brown, Perriellos campaign spokesperson, said that, since his campaign launched less than a week ago, theyve been thrilled at the outpouring of response from hundreds of grassroots activists and volunteers supporting Perriello. Charlottesville residents especially know that Tom will deliver results and fight for them, and he looks forward to earning the support of voters across the state as we build a people-powered campaign, she said. The GOP side of the gubernatorial race includes former Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie, Prince William County Supervisor Corey Stewart, state Sen. Frank W. Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, and Silverback Distillery owner Denver Riggleman. RICHMOND The Virginia Press Association is creating a website where people can search for public notices published by newspapers across the state. The organization, a trade group for newspapers in Virginia, is planning to introduce the PublicNoticeVirginia.com website in April. It will include legal notices routinely published in newspapers and issued by government agencies and private entities such as law firms, contractors and utilities. Those include public meeting notices, foreclosure notices, requests for bids on contracts and proposed zoning changes. It is an added service that newspapers in Virginia are going to be providing to the public, said Betsy Edwards, executive director of the VPA, which has 180 newspaper members, including The Daily Progress, along with 40 other publications and businesses. Numerous other state press associations have created similar statewide public notice websites, Edwards said. The VPA contracted with the Illinois Press Association to help create the site for Virginia. Searching the Virginia website for public notices will be free. Users can search by city or county and also by date range. For a fee, people can sign up to receive emails alerting them about particular types of notices. The amount of the fee has not yet been set, Edwards said. Legal notices will be uploaded to the site by newspapers and other publications that publish them, and notices can be archived on the site for up to 18 months, Edwards said. Governments would still pay to publish notices in newspapers, but Edwards said the publications will not receive any additional revenue from the online service. The move to create the new website comes after some state lawmakers have challenged a longstanding law in Virginia that requires local governments and other entities to publish legal notices in local newspapers of record in affected communities. Legislation has been introduced for several years that would eliminate the requirement, allowing local governments to post legal notices on their own websites or at public buildings instead of in a newspaper. Backers of the legislation have argued it would help localities save taxpayer dollars. The bills typically have failed to advance from General Assembly committees. The VPA has lobbied against eliminating the requirement, arguing that many Virginians still rely on their local newspaper to get public notices. Edwards said newspapers are the only organizations that have the ability to aggregate public notices on a statewide basis and make them easily accessible on a single, regularly updated website. I think what we are trying to demonstrate to the legislature is that the system is not broken, Edwards said. It works beautifully, and we are trying to enhance it and make it more accessible. Nevadas education savings account (ESA) law is in dire straits thanks to a convoluted state Supreme Court ruling that said ESAs are constitutional but the funding mechanism devised by lawmakers was not and the fact that this years roster of lawmakers, who could fix that funding flaw, includes a majority of Democrats in both the Assembly and state Senate. Not a single Democrat voted for the ESA law in 2015. Disturbingly, the argument being foisted by the opponents of ESAs is a bald-faced lie. The opponents posit that letting parents keep a small portion of their tax money to allow them to take their children out of public schools and spend that money on private schooling, tutoring or even home schooling reduces the funds to support public education. In reality, the exact opposite is the case. Per pupil funding would actually increase. Under the law, parents who opt out of sending their children to public schools would be given an education savings account that would equal a portion of the statewide average the state spends per public school pupil, currently that is about $5,700. Low-income parents and parents with special needs children would get 100 percent of that amount, while all others would get 90 percent, or about $5,100 currently. Thus far, about 8,000 families have applied for ESAs. This past month ESA opponents sent a letter to state Attorney General Adam Laxalt and state Treasurer Dan Schwartz demanding Schwartz stop accepting applications for ESAs while the law is in limbo. In an accompanying press release, UNLV law professor Sylvia Lazos, policy director for Educate Nevada Now, one of the litigants that challenged the ESA law, declared, Its time for Treasurer Schwartz to face the fact that ESA vouchers were declared unconstitutional because they would have drained tens of millions of dollars from Nevadas public schools, with Clark County schools losing over $30 million in the first year alone. By blocking this program, weve prevented further cuts to public school budgets, which would have increased class sizes and reduced essential programs for students, including English language learners and other students in need of additional supports. The problem with this is that the ESAs are earmarked only to state funding and only 90 percent of that in the vast majority of cases and have no impact whatsoever on public school funds derived from local taxes and federal revenue. According to National Education Associations most recent figures, Nevada public schools spend nearly $9,000 per pupil on average. So, for every pupil who takes the $5,100 savings account, there is about $3,900 more in funding for public education for those who remain in less crowded classrooms. In fact, the impact is far greater in many rural counties where the ratio of local funding is even greater due to mining related tax revenue and other factors. According to data for fiscal year 2014 provided to lawmakers by the Legislative Counsel Bureau, local revenue accounts for more than 80 percent of public school funding in Eureka, Humboldt and Lander counties, while the state provides only 10 percent or less. The state provides about half or more of the K-12 funding in Churchill, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing and White Pine. Statewide, federal revenue accounts for more than 9 percent of funding. This discrepancy is even more pronounced when one takes into account that state funding for each school district is adjusted to account for lower local revenue and higher costs, such as transportation in rural areas. The distributive school account approved in 2015, for example, sets aside for Esmeralda County $24,331 per pupil; Lincoln, $10,534; White Pine, $7,799; Eureka, $9,633; Mineral, $8,980; Clark $5,512; but Lander gets only $4,374. But the education savings account in each of those counties is still only 90 percent of the statewide average, or $5,100. Thus, when public schools have fewer pupils to teach, transport and feed, there is more money for those remaining. So, when lawmakers meet in Carson City in the coming weeks they should take the opportunity to increase K-12 per pupil funding by finding a constitutional funding source for education savings accounts. It is simple math. Rep. Dave Brat, R-Richmond, on Friday voted in favor of House Resolution 21, the Midnight rules Relief Act of 2017, and House Resolution 26, the Regulations for the Executive in Need of Scrutiny. He said the measures would limit President Barack Obama, in his last day in office, from usurping Congressional authority to create new rules and regulations. "By passing this critical legislation, Congress is ensuring that last-minute Obama administration regulations do not usurp the power of Congress to create laws, Brat said in a news release. "Between the Department of Labor, EPA, FDA, and the alphabet soup of other federal agencies, the executive branch has created a maze of regulations that are nearly impossible to comply with and have been driving folks out of business. House Resolution 21 would allow Congress to block any executive regulations all at the same time that are submitted within 60 days before the end of a presidential term while the other resolution would require congressional approval of any major agency regulations before they can go into effect. Del. Nick Freitas, R-Culpeper, vowed to fight against government bureaucracy as he enters his second year representing Culpeper, Madison and Orange in the Virginia General Assembly, which convenes Wednesday for the 2017 session. The more power that we can put into the hands of individuals to be able to make their own decisions, the better off we are going to be, he said in an interview Monday with the Star-Exponent. I basically want a freer economy - the government less involved in peoples day-to-day lives. An Iraq War veteran who served with the Green Berets and holds fast to a conservative Christian worldview, Freitas returned again and again to an idea of personal liberty as paramount in all areas, including healthcare, owning a business or a gun and the ability to use medical marijuana, as well as the possibility of decriminalizing it altogether in Virginia, as many states have already done. The 37-year-old husband and father born in California will seek reelection to a second term in November, espousing the belief that less big government is better government and that local control is preferable. The governments primary responsibility is to protect peoples freedom, their property, but its not to live their lives for them, Freitas said. Everything that the government does is through force, and I just think that people working in voluntary cooperation are far more likely to come up with useful and effective solutions, especially at the local level. Overall regulatory reform, including in the teaching profession, will be his focus in the 2017 session as sponsor and co-sponsor of various related bills, including the Red Tape Reduction Act, a proposal to cut two existing state regulations for every new one created until the baseline is reduced by 35 percent. Freitas couldnt say exactly how many state regulations would have to be eliminated to reach that threshold, but that it would be significant. He referenced a similar Canadian program in saying the initiative puts the responsibility on the regulatory agency itself, an approach Freitas said changes the culture of government rules. What do we really need to be effective, to be able to protect people, to be able to protect the environment versus what regulations are outdated? he said. Regulations get on the books and never go away. Every time we create a regulation, we are creating a tax, an additional expense upon business. Achieving sustainable economic growth and a customer-driven economy requires a regulatory culture that understands there is a definite cost to every regulation, Freitas said. We dont want it to be a culture of simply saying no or throwing up barriers and red tape, he said. We want it to be a culture that says our job is to welcome businesses to Virginia and to help them get through that regulatory process. Along those same lines, Freitas advocates for more leeway for localities regarding licensing requirements for career and technical education and standard teaching positions. Current regulations are preventing localities from retaining well-qualified teachers, he said. On closing the estimated $1 billion budget gap, Freitas said he didnt vote for the budget last year because he was skeptical of its revenue projections which ultimately did fall short. He said he was confident the state legislature would be able to balance the budget, but said they would have to be very careful how they did so. One of things that will make up the budget shortfall are all of the different pay raises for teachers, for law enforcement, that were all contingent on us meeting the different projections that were put out there, Freitas said. For the same reason, Virginia teachers and other state workers did not receive state-funded raises last year; Gov. Terry McAuliffe is proposing a one-time 1.5 percent bonus this year to make up for it. Freitas said he agrees with the governors idea of creating a 21st century Virginia economy thats not dependent on federal dollars. From there, the local delegate diverged. Where we differ is he is still focused on a government-driven economy, Freitas said. He thinks the key is having more government investment funds that politicians and the governor have personal control over. That approach, the delegate said, creates an environment in which the politically connected have a better chance at getting those funds versus competing for them in an open and free market. Freitas returned to his idea that sustainable economic growth requires lower taxes, fewer regulations and predictability. Make it consistent and youre going to attract business naturally, he said. In the 2017 session, Freitas will carry legislation seeking to make it easier for victims of violence to get a concealed carry permit, a proposal McAuliffe vetoed last year. The delegate said he wanted to take an overall look at making it easier for people to own and carry guns, calling it a God-given right. Freitas talked at length about mental health and veterans in response to a question about the recent mass shooting in a Florida airport in which an Iraq War veteran who sought treatment has been accused. He said the bureaucracy hinders service men and women from getting the care they need, and that he will be working on a piece of legislation in 2017 to provide training for military and other first responders on properly dealing with high stress situations. If Im constantly operating in an environment where theres danger involved, where there are mass casualties, theres going to be a psychological effect to that, he said. Some people are not able to handle that as well as others, but everyone should be able to go through training that will help them cope with those situations; those same techniques can help them deal with how they deal with their private life in general. As for veterans already dealing with mental health issues, Freitas said it needs to be easier for them to get the help they need. Navigating the VA can be very challenging, he added. A lot of veterans we dont like dealing with the bureaucracy or the paperwork, and a lot of times our attitude will be, Ill just deal with it. Ill cope, Freitas said. He proposed running veterans health like veterans education, that is, providing a benefit to returning service members and then letting them select from who and where they get their medical care. Freitas said he would not support another Democratic plan to expand Medicaid in Virginia, especially since the future of the Affordable Care Act is unknown with Donald Trump about to take office as president. The delegate described the government-funded healthcare for the poor as inefficient and full of waste. Freitas further advocated for a free market health care system, saying employer-provided benefits were not necessarily the way to go. Return to a system of church or charity funded healthcare, he suggested, and one in which insurance is only used for catastrophic or unpredictable issues. If you pay cash or set up a payment plan at a hospital and dont go through an insurance company you can almost be assured instantly that the price is going to go down because they no longer have to go through the burden of negotiating with a third party, Freitas said. He hoped the Trump presidency would result in reduced government regulations and more power to states and communities. Freitas also stood firm on his belief that abortions should be banned after 20 weeks and is cosponsoring a bill to that effect this year. Theres scientific proof that human life begins at conception, he said. I do not understand a society that will destroy the most innocent and defenseless among us even after we know scientifically it is causing pain, Freitas said. I am very proud to support legislation that says one of the obligations of government is to defend the innocent and defenseless, nothing meets those criteria more than the unborn. On proposals to increase the minimum wage, the local delegate said no, that it would only hurt low-wage workers and businesses. Freitas mellowed on marijuana decriminalization, saying he would support a bill by Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment for a study on the issue. Its a difficult issue for me because I dont think marijuana use is a good idea, Freitas said. But with regard to medicinal uses, there is compelling evidence to suggest it has some positive results. I dont think we should allow stereotypes to prevent us from allowing that research to continue and allowing people who are in a great deal of pain who are able to mitigate some of that pain through medicinal marijuana; I dont think we should deny them from being able to do that. German state prosecutors have ruled that responsibility for the Germanwings air disaster in March 2015 in which all 150 people aboard an Airbus A320 that crashed into a mountainside in the French Alps died, among them 50 Spaniards, lies solely with the flight's co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz. German pilot Andreas Lubitz in an image from 2009. REUTERS The investigations have not provided sufficient or tangible indicators as to external responsibilities of anybody still alive, either among the family or the doctors who treated the pilot, or within the company [Germanwings], said Christoph Kumpa, the spokesman for the Dusseldorf Prosecutors office, at the end of its investigation. The co-pilot had suicidal thoughts... Lufthansa is co-responsible for the tragedy Christof Wellens, lawyer for families of victims In accordance with the evidence, there is no reason to open an investigation against any living person, he said. The prosecutors office concludes that Lubitz decided alone to commit suicide by flying the plane into a mountainside and did so by taking advantage of the absence of the pilot from the cockpit, who had gone to the bathroom. Prosecutors attempted throughout their investigation to find out if the doctors who were treating Lubitz for depression had been negligent or had hidden his symptoms and suicidal thoughts. Kumpa said that prosecutors had established that Lubitzs doctors knew he was suffering from psychological problems but that they never produced a diagnosis that he was clinically depressed. They say that Lubitz, who had flown with Lufthansa and its low-cost carrier Germanwings for a decade, with more than 6,000 hours of flight time under his belt, at no time talked to his doctors about his suicidal tendencies, a fact which prevented those doctors from altering the company. Prosecutors tried to find out if the doctors treating Lubitz were negligent Prosecutors reached the conclusion that Lubitz suffered a supposed psychotic depressive episode that began in December 2014 and which he hid from his doctors and Germanwings, but said there was no evidence to consider either the doctors treating him or Lufthansa, or German aviation authorities, to be to blame. The German prosecutors conclusions could have direct consequences for a group of the families of victims aboard the flight which was traveling from Barcelona to Dusseldorf on March 24, 2015 who have filed a complaint at a US court against ATCA, the flying school run by Lufthansa in Phoenix, where Lubitz completed his training. Lawyers representing the families of victims, many of them Spaniards, have accused Lufthansa of negligence for not having taken measures to prevent Lubitz from finishing his training after he interrupted his studies at Phoenix due to psychological problems. They should never have re-admitted him. The co-pilot was seriously ill and had suicidal thoughts, which means Lufthansa is jointly responsible for the tragedy, given that it was negligent in his training and in its duty of care, Christof Wellens, one of the lawyers representing the families, told EL PAIS in March 2016. The lawyers also blame Lubitzs doctors for not informing Lufthansa of his illness. English version by Nick Lyne. The death of Zygmunt Bauman at age 91 has silenced one of the most vocal critics of contemporary society. The Polish-born sociologist had coined the term liquid modernity to describe the individualistic and ruthless times that we live in, when nothing is solid anymore not the nation-state, not family, not jobs, or our commitment to the community. Bauman became a well-respected figure among 21st-century protest movements, from Occupy Wall Street to the indignados in Spain, which led to the creation of anti-austerity party Podemos. While he showed an interest in these protests, he was also prepared to point out their weaknesses: he felt that it is easier to come together in protest than in creating real proposals for change. He was also skeptical about the power of the social media, because he felt that real dialogue only occurs when we talk to people who are different to us. Instead, he believed social media users create comfort zones where they only exchange ideas with those who think the same way. Bauman granted EL PAIS an interview almost exactly one year ago, during a visit to Burgos. In it, he discussed Spains protest movements, the separatist drive in Catalonia, and the rise of social media, which he described as a trap. He wrote one, two, and sometimes three books a year, either individually or co-authored with other thinkers. He also delivered lectures and granted interviews in which reporters had to pick their questions carefully, because the answers would extend for many minutes in a succession of brief, very solid statements. Zygmunt Bauman in Burgos last year. Samuel Sanchez (EL PAIS) Bauman spoke slowly because he carefully crafted each of his sentences, creating a string of ideas that could have easily made for even more books than those he penned during his prolific career. With each pause, he would draw on his pipe. Born in the Polish city of Poznan in 1925, Bauman died inside his home in the British city of Leeds surrounded by family members, said his associate Aleksandra Kania. After suffering many of the horrors of the 20th century war, persecution, purges and exile he refused to become a conformist in times of peace. For over half a century he was one of the most influential observers of social and political reality, a scourge of the pervading superficiality in public debate. He captured the angst of modern people in a world that offers no security. All agreements are temporary, fleeting, and valid only until further notice, he wrote. English version by Susana Urra. Jose Bono was Spains defense minister from 2004 to 2006, under the Socialist government of Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. His first official meeting after taking over from his predecessor Federico Trillo, of the conservative Popular Party (PP), was with the relatives of the 62 members of Spains armed services who were killed when the military aircraft bringing them home from Afghanistan crashed into a mountainside near the Turkish city of Trabzon, on May 26, 2003. Jose Bono, former defense minister of Spain. ULY MARTIN The incident has dogged Spains ruling PP for over a decade, with initial controversy over the misidentification of bodies giving way to concerns over the manner in which planes were contracted. The investigation also showed that the Defense Ministry had not taken out required insurance premiums for the troops headed home. In 2012, the PP government pardoned the only two military officials who had been convicted for misidentifying the bodies of half of the dead soldiers. In 2013, Spains Supreme Court rejected an appeal by family members to reopen an investigation into the accident. But last week, in what constitutes a major moral victory for the families, Spains Council of State officially admitted for the first time to the Defense Ministrys responsibility in the crash. Rajoy can break with one of the worst tendencies inherited from the old PP: arrogance Jose Bono, former defense minister Shortly after this advisory body handed down its report, the Spanish government said the defense minister at the time of the crash, Federico Trillo, would be relieved of his role as Spains ambassador to the UK. However, the government denied any link between the move and the release of the Council of State report. EL PAIS spoke to Jose Bono about the latest developments in the Yak-42 case. Question. What do you think of Prime Minister Rajoys reaction to the report, saying that this happened years and years ago? Answer. I am hopeful that he will admit that things were done badly and with knowledge of the facts: that there were corrupt individuals who siphoned off money from successive aircraft contracts and from the unpaid insurance premiums. Although wrongdoing cannot be retrospectively repaired the dead cannot be brought back to life and moral damage cannot be totally repaired the truth can be told to the people of Spain, both as an act of patriotism and as a form of moral redress for the victims. They must admit that they ignored the soldiers complaints; that these days they would no longer grant government pardons to the individuals who were convicted in connection with the case, and that if they did so, it was not out of clemency but out of fear that they would talk and say who it was that ordered them to repatriate the bodies so quickly and under false pretenses. Reopening the case Representatives of the victims relatives are meeting with Defense Minister Dolores de Cospedal on Tuesday, and will ask her to reopen the investigation into the chain of aircraft contracts. We still dont know where the money went. If it were possible to prove negligence in the contracting, the criminal case could be reopened, said Curra Ripolles, sister of one of the victims. What Rajoy refers to as that thing that happened many years ago in fact represents 62 dead military men, and asking for forgiveness would be a huge gesture on their part, but we also need an investigation, for the whole truth to come out, and for justice to be done. For our families and for everyone. Q. It is still unclear where the money went in that subcontracting chain. Did the Trillo ministry conceal information from you? A. They hired junk planes, not because the military chiefs of staff were evil, but because of a limited budget, as evidenced by an official document that has been kept from the public opinion until now. This document states that with the accumulated expenses to date (Prestige oil spill, Iraq crisis), it was only possible to hire two aircraft a month. This made it necessary to prioritize flights. Authorization had to be requested for specific flights, when these arrived they left very little reaction time, and everything was indisputably influenced by the political sensibility concerning the Iraq conflict. If anybody denies these facts, I will produce the document. The information that Trillo gave me was irrelevant; he was chiefly interested in ending this matter soon. We learned about the subcontracting because I personally showed up at the headquarters of the Defense Staff. We had to force open a filing cabinet that they would not give me the key to. The chief of staff sent a commander abroad to seek information. The aircraft owner, Um-Air, refused to hand over the contract and only gave us the first and last pages. We received other documents with the amounts blacked out. We finally concluded that the government had paid 149,000 and that Um-Air had earned 38,000. That is to say that 111,000 evaporated along the way. It remains to be seen who kept that money, and also the insurance money, because Spain was obliged to take it out for each and every soldier, yet when the accident happened we found out that they were uninsured. The families want justice and truth the money was already taken by others. Q. Do you think that the government and the PP are afraid of Trillo? A. Baltasar Garzon suggested as much in his column for EL PAIS. But I would rather trust that Rajoy will resolutely show that his morals will not tolerate the old lies. He can break with one of the worst tendencies inherited from the old PP: arrogance. If Rajoy sent Trillo packing, he would be doing Spain a service, and it would be the best way to illustrate that falsehood and arrogance should never have been rewarded in the first place. They should admit that they were hiring junk planes, even though Trillo said they were excellent. Q. Were you surprised at the fact that the Audiencia Nacional, Spains High Court, closed the case regarding the subcontracting? A. Yes, and I was hurt by it. Q. How do you explain that decision? A. I cannot think of a good explanation. English version by George Mills and Susana Urra. The owner of an animal refuge in the Costa del Sol resort town of Torremolinos has been handed down a three-year, nine-month jail term for indiscriminately putting down more than 2,000 cats and dogs between 2008 and 2010. Carmen Marin, owner of the animal refuge, during the trial. DANIEL PEREZ (EFE) A Malaga court this week ruled that Carmen Marin, the president of the Parque Animal de Torremolinos, took advantage of a council concession to take care of abandoned animals and instead put them down in order to make money. She has been charged specifically with mistreatment of domestic animals, falsifying official documents and the practice of a profession by an unauthorized person. The investigating judge overseeing the case ruled that Marin, who denies the charges, personally carried out the killing of animals under her care with the help of an employee, who has been sentenced to a year in jail. Seprona, the Civil Guards environmental department, set the number of animals Marin had put down at 2,183. The judge said that exact number was indeterminate but massive and argued that Marins motive was to make money and that she had tried to expand her associations premises to house more animals, for which she was paid. She charged 60 for putting down an adult dog, 45 for a puppy, and between 25 and 30 for a cat. The judge ruled the accused knew the suffering caused by the animals howls, whining and mewing The animals were put down without any kind of supervision from a vet, and the drugs used (mainly Dolethal) were supplied by Marin, who has no veterinary qualifications. She was accused of using a lower dose than recommended, which would have caused the animals to suffer a long, slow, and painful death. The court noted that Marins employee held down animals while she injected them, describing this procedure as inadequate. The judge ruled that the accused would have been aware of the suffering they were causing by the howls, whining and mewing of the dogs and cats. Furthermore, said the judge, the putting-down of the animals was not based on any criteria to do with age or the health of the animal or because the 10-day period since they had been rescued had elapsed without a home being found for them. Marin charged 60 for putting down an adult dog, 45 for a puppy, and 30 for a cat Marin reportedly presented the authorities in Torremolinos with lists of the animals that had been put down, along with a bill for their incineration. She has also been fined a total of 19,800. Judge Miguel Angel Gomez, who oversaw the case, highlighted the commendable evolution of the law over the last two years to protect animals in Spain, but agreed with the prosecution that the Penal Code be revised to make the crime of mistreatment more serious and to allow for heavier sentences in extreme cases or those that took place in centers dedicated to the protection of pets. Carmen Marin was the president of an animal refuge, the aim of which was supposedly the care and protection of dogs and cats, said the magistrate, highlighting the suffering that pets endured before dying, as well as the betrayal of people who handed animals over to the refuge in the belief that a home would be sought for them. The sentence is subject to appeal. English version by Nick Lyne. The judge heading up the so-called Nadia case will investigate the father of the minor from Catalonia for sexual offenses, after a number of images of the youngster were discovered on a pen drive belonging to him. Both parents of Nadia will be called for questioning before the magistrate on Friday in relation to the discovery. Fernando Blanco with his daughter Nadia. EL PAIS In a case that has received a huge amount of media attention in Spain, Fernando Blanco and his wife Marga Garau were arrested in December on suspicion of fraudulently raising money through media campaigns to pay for what they said were cutting-edge treatments for their 11-year-old daughter Nadia Nerea, who suffers from trichothiodystrophy (TTD), a rare disease that can delay development and lead to significant intellectual disability and recurrent infections. Severely affected individuals may not survive beyond early childhood. The possibility that the campaigns were a scam was uncovered by EL PAIS and a number of other media outlets, which revealed inconsistencies in Blancos story. Original reports put the sum of money obtained by Blanco and his wife for their daughters treatments at around 300,000 including 153,000 in just four days during a recent publicity campaign but police in Spains Catalonia region later said the figure was closer to 918,000. Investigators have concluded that Blanco and Garau were living off the donations, as they were both unemployed. Blanco has a history of fraud and has served prison terms for swindling his employers. The latest revelation in the ongoing story came on Tuesday, when the investigating judge released a statement saying that the images found by the Catalan regional police force of the young girl are not just a simple suspicion, but proof and evidence of clear and objective signs of the participation of a person under investigation (the father) in the commission of the aforementioned offenses. The magistrate took the decision after the authorities found the images on the device, which had been seized during searches of the couples family home, according to police sources. The Catalan force advised the judge that the photos could be evidence of possession of child pornography, as well as several other offenses. Nadias father has been in custody since December, while he is investigated for fraud. The judge has set a civil bond for his release of 1.2 million. Her mother, meanwhile, has had her custody of the child suspended. Wiretaps of conversations between the couple show Blanco was considering escape just hours before the Catalan regional police located and arrested him on December 7 in La Seu dUrgell. 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United States), released a statement on January 9. Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijan serviceman killed in the fighting. Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable and are contrary to the acknowledged commitments of the Parties, who bear full responsibility, not to use force. The Co-Chairs urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to strictly observe the agreements reached during summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016, including obligations to finalize in the shortest possible time an OSCE investigative mechanism. The Co-Chairs also urge the return, without delay, of human remains, in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue. We call upon the Parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. The Co-Chairs extend their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and to all Armenians and Azerbaijanis for whom hopes for the New Year have been darkened with the grief of senseless loss, the international mediators said in the statement. Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders Google Ad PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT Google Ad The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Love is the most important thing for Armenian-Japanese couple (video) Lilit and Arihiko are a vivid example of a beautiful and friendly Armenian-Japanese family. The couple met in Armenia and decided to build a family here. These people of different nationality, culture and religion decided to marry and settle in Armenia without a second thought and without paying attention to the reaction of others. Love was truly the most important thing for them. The story of the Armenian girl, her black husband and their child has become a topic of active discussions on social networks. Some criticize the girl for marrying a foreigner. I used to think that I need to preserve my [Armenian] gene, but now I understand that when you marry you want to live and connect your life with this person. Why should I not choose the person I love and marry someone who is accepted by my milieu? says Lilit. Sociologist Aharon Adibekyan is surprised that people in Armenia began talking about mixed marriages only recently. At the same time he reminds that every year dozens of Armenians marry women of other nationality when doing seasonal work in Russia. Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT Google Ad The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh SIAM had proposed a base rate for small cars and two- wheelers and another 8 per cent addition to that for larger cars. (Photo: Representational/PTI) New Delhi: Hit hard by demonetisation, auto industry is pinning hopes on the upcoming Budget to boost consumer sentiment and looking for concrete incentives to promote fleet modernisation as well as electric vehicles. "Budget is something which we all are hoping that the government will bring measures to boost consumer sentiment," Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Director General Vishnu Mathur said. The general expectation is for the government to take steps to increase disposable income and improve the overall economy, he said, adding that for the automobile industry the demand is for concrete policy on fleet modernisation, specially of commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. "We have also pointed out that the incentive scheme for electric mobility under the FAME scheme must be extended as most of the automobile companies have been working towards this direction," Mathur said. In order to promote eco-friendly vehicles, the government had formally launched the FAME India scheme in 2015 offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles of up to Rs 29,000 for bikes and Rs 1.38 lakh for cars. It envisaged Rs 795 crore support for the first two fiscals. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India (FAME India) is part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. On the taxation side, Mathur said it is unlikely that the GST will be implemented from April 1. "However, we have been seeking moderation of taxation for the automobile industry and reduction of slabs from the current four, ranging from 12-30 per cent, to two slabs," he said. SIAM had proposed a base rate for small cars and two- wheelers and another 8 per cent addition to that for larger cars, he added. Hit hard by weak consumer sentiment post demonetisation, monthly automobile sales growth rate in India slipped to a 16-year low in December with total vehicle sales declining by 18.66 per cent. New Delhi: The Centre's demonetisation drive did not have any impact on rabi sowing and prices of crops like paddy, soyabean and maize, Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand has said. "Tentative estimates of area sown are provided by the Ministry of Agriculture each Friday of the week. This data shows that up to November 11, which can be considered as start of demonetisation, rabi sowing was completed on 14.6 million hectare area which was 5.7 per cent lower than the normal crop coverage. "The gap between area sown this year and normal area (average area) steadily declined almost every week since the announcement of demonetisation. During the week ending December 30, 2016, net sown area under rabi crops exceeded the normal or average area by 2.77 per cent and area sown last year by 6.86 per cent," Chand wrote in a research paper titled "Agricultural Growth in the Aftermath of Demonetisation". It further said that normally rabi sowing is completed on 88 per cent area by December 30 but this year it has been completed on more than 91 per cent area. The paper said that no effect of demonetisation was seen on prices of major crops like paddy, soyabean and maize in the month of November and their wholesale prices in APMC mandis of the country were around 3 per cent higher in November as compared to the month of October. However, prices of maize and soyabean fell in the month of December but paddy ruled higher than previous two months and also as compared to last year. "Prices of some of the perishables crashed in the month of December. The main reason for this was found to be the glut in market," it said. The paper observed that the situation prevailing at the end of December 2016 implies that rabi crop output will increase by 6.02 per cent over last year due to higher area sown. "Lower use of fertilisers, as observed from the first point sale, can cause 1.06 per cent decline in output of rabi season. These two factors put together imply that rabi output in 2016-17 could be 4.96 per cent higher than 2015-16," it said. The paper, however, pointed out that the growth rate in farmers' income is projected to be slightly lower due to drop in prices of perishables during the months of November and December. "The net effect of fall in prices on farmers' income is estimated to be -0.26 per cent," it said. The agriculture sector this year was expected to witness high growth, about 6 per cent, in output and farmers' income, after two years of poor performance due to back to back droughts. Mumbai: Former Reserve Bank of India governor Bimal Jalan on Tuesday echoed views of some economists on governments 'abrupt' decision to recall high value notes and said that the move would impact GDP growth in the range of 0.5 per cent to 2 per cent. Last year taking part in a debate on demonetisation in Rajya Sabha, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had told that demonetisation would drag GDP growth down by 2 per cent. Jalan who happened to be RBI governor during 1997-2003, first full tenure of the National Democratic Alliance government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, told CNBC-TV18 that the it would be a bit early to comment on the impact of note ban on investments in country. Autonomy of RBI is a fundamental that has to be maintained, Jalan told CNBC-TV18. He also told the channel that there wont be any differences between government and RBI. Old notes of Rs 500 denomination, which are now banned. (Photo: File) Mumbai: The Income Tax department has released numbers for total unaccounted money deposited in bank accounts since high value notes were banned on November 8. According to the I-T department, Rs 3-4 lakh crore of evaded income was deposited in banks post demonetisation. An official said that the department is scrutinising the details, PTI reported. Apart from that, the tax watchdog says Rs 25,000 crore worth of cash was deposited in dormant bank accounts since banks started accepting specified currency notes that lost their legal tender status on demonetisation. The department also informed that nearly Rs 80,000 crore of repayment of loans was done in cash post demonetisation. The tax authorities said they and another central agency Enforcement Directorate are looking into over Rs 16,000 crore deposited in different accounts of cooperative banks. Apart from that, more than Rs 10,700 crore cash deposited in different bank accounts in North Eastern states since November 9, tax authorities informed. New Delhi: Ministries of environment and textiles will soon meet to find long-term as well as short-term solutions to the challenges being faced by domestic handicrafts exporters. A meeting to resolve the issues of Indian handicrafts exporters will soon be convened, Textiles Minister Smriti Irani has said. Pointing out the wood industry and the woodcrafts sector need the support of Environment Ministry, Irani said: "My colleague in the Environment Ministry Anil Madhav Dave is extremely cognizant of the challenges faced and we will soon convene a meeting between the two ministries so that the issues with regard to the handicrafts exporters can be resolved". The meeting, she said, will also seek to find "short-term as well as long-term solutions" to the challenges being faced by the domestic handicrafts exporters in accessing world markets. The minister was addressing an export award function organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) late last evening. 134 exporters (66 awards for 2013-14 and 68 awards for 2014-15) were awarded for outstanding performance in exports of handicrafts. Irani urged the exporting community to come forward for the education of the children of the craftsmen. She further said that education of the children of the craftsmen should be fully sponsored through the industry participation. EPHC Executive Director Rakesh Kumar said, the body has a target of educating about 10,000 children in the first phase as a social welfare measure. Irani also asked the EPCH to start an award for entrepreneurs who are in innovation and packaging, physically challenged entrepreneurs and best award for tribal handicrafts. Armenian FM: it is more than evident which side initiates the attack Armenia is hopeful that the OSCE co-chairs will be consistent in immediately strictly responding to each manifestation of the use of force or the threat of use of force in the conflict zone, especially when the ceasefire violations result in casualties. It cannot be allowed for the delayed response to be perceived by the violator as if its actions can be tolerated, foreign minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian has told the state news agency Armenpress. Question: Mr. Minister, how would you comment on yesterdays statement issued by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs regarding the diversionary incursion attempt by Azerbaijan on the state border with Armenia? Edward Nalbandian: The Co-Chairs are referring to what we have been continuously voicing. We agree that the ceasefire violations are unacceptable. We also share the view that agreements reached at the summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg should be strictly observed, including the creation of an OSCE investigative mechanism in the shortest possible time, as the Co-Chairs put in their statement. On numerous occasions the Co-Chair countries have pointed to the side which rejects the creation of such mechanism, therefore that side bears full responsibility for the incidents and ceasefire violations. Such mechanism will give an opportunity to cease what the Co-Chairs refer to as mutual accusations. Although when the Azerbaijani saboteur is neutralized in the Armenian trenches, it is more than evident even without the mechanism, which side initiates the attack. We hope that the Co-Chairs will be persistent in promptly and strongly reacting to any use of force or threat of force in the conflict zone, especially, when the ceasefire violations result in human losses. The perpetrator should not be allowed to perceive the belated reaction as a tolerance towards its actions. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have continuously stated that the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements should be strictly adhered. The incidents in violation of those agreements are unacceptable and they seriously damage the settlement process. In such a situation when Azerbaijan hinders the creation of investigation mechanism and the expansion of capabilities of the team of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, the Co-Chairs remain the only format which could and should continue its preventive activity in accordance to its mandate. The deal shows that department store chains "are still relevant and of value" to e-commerce players Shanghai: Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba will take control of domestic department store Intime through a $2.6 billion privatisation scheme, the companies said Tuesday, sending shares of the mall operator surging. Alibaba and Intime founder Shen Guojun have together offered to pay HK$10 per share to buy the shares they do not already own of the Hong Kong-listed chain. The deal will increase Alibaba's stake from 28 percent to 74 percent after it first invested $692 million in the firm in 2014. News of the deal sent Intime's shares soaring 35 percent to HK$9.49 in Hong Kong on Tuesday. The maximum cash required for the proposal is expected to be HK$19.8 billion ($2.6 billion), the statement said. The deal will see Alibaba expand further into physical stores, which founder Jack Ma envisions integrating with the company's online platforms and logistics network. The move came after Ma -- China's richest man -- met US President-elect Donald Trump in New York Monday to discuss how Alibaba can help create one million US jobs by enabling small businesses to sell goods to China and Asia. Alibaba is China's dominant player in online commerce, with its Taobao platform estimated to hold more than 90 percent of the consumer-to-consumer market, while its Tmall platform is believed to have more than half of business-to-consumer transactions. The deal shows that department store chains "are still relevant and of value" to e-commerce players, Catherine Lim, analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence told Bloomberg News. "We could be seeing renewal of a sunset industry," she added. Alibaba chief executive Daniel Zhang said in the statement that "bricks-and-mortar businesses will be able to create value for consumers if they are integrated with the power of mobile reach". Nearly 80 percent of its business comes from mobile sales as of September, Alibaba said in the statement. The offer represented a 54 percent premium over the two-month average closing price before shares were suspended in December. Indian IT companies incur visa related costs in the first quarter of the financial year. New Delhi: IT firms' margins will come under more pressure if the US government clears the H1B visa reform Bill -- 'Protect and Grow American Jobs Act', rating agency India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said today. "...the employee cost of IT companies has increased over the past eight quarters and impacted margins negatively. The passage of the Bill would impact IT companies operations and might lead to further increase in the onshore efforts and subcontracting expenses," Ind-Ra today said in a statement. The key proposal in the Bill is to increase the salary of H1B visa holder to USD 100,000 (Rs 66 lakh) from USD 60,000 per annum and the cessation of an exemption of having a master's degree. The cash cushion and low debt levels that IT companies enjoy however will mean the squeeze on margins will be credit neutral. The salary level that has been proposed is significantly higher than the average employee cost of Indian IT companies of under Rs 1 million (ranges between Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 million). Indian IT companies generate around 55-60 per cent of the revenue from the US. The onsite proportion of revenue exceeds the offshore portion and the subcontracting expenses as a percentage of revenue has increased by around 50-100 bps over the last eight quarters for the top IT companies. "Further the removal of the exemption of possessing a master's degree to qualify for a H1B visa if implemented will reduce the talent pool qualifying for such visas and in turn result in either increased employee cost for hiring employees with higher qualification or subcontract work, both of which would increase the cost of operations and pressurise margins," Ind-Ra said. The US starts accepting the visa application under H1B typically from 1 April every year and issues around 65,000 visas to highly skilled professionals. A bulk of these visas are issued to technology companies belonging to various nationalities. Indian IT companies incur visa related costs in the first quarter of the financial year, the statement said. The slump in sales during the Oct.-Dec. period resulted in a notional revenue loss of Rs 22,600 crore to the industry. Mumbai: The number of new launches and sales in the residential real estate sector fell to its lowest level since 2010 as demonetisation pulled down the last quarter sales across all cities in 2016. According to consultant Knight Frank, sales volumes and new launches slumped 23 per cent and 46 per cent respectively in the second half of 2016. The slump in sales during the Oct.-Dec. period resulted in a notional revenue loss of Rs 22,600 crore to the industry. Even the state governments suffered a notional loss to the tune of Rs 1,200 by way off lower stamp duty collections. Uncertainty is likely to continue in the next quarter. It will be important to see how developers recalibrate their businesses to the changing environment and whether buyers capitalise the opportunity of various reforms and change their status quo position of wait and watch said Shishir Baijal, MD, Knight Frank India. Another survey undertaken by State Bank of India (SBI), the countrys largest public sector bank in terms of assets revealed that the construction sector and the informal roadside vendors were the worst hit due to the demonetisation of high value currency notes. The survey found about 69 per cent of the respondents affirmed that their businesses got impacted due to the governments latest effort to fight black money in the system. Despite the loss in business, the survey said a majority of the participants (63 per cent of the sample) approved the method adopted by the government to unearth black money. However, they were of the opinion that the supply of only Rs 2,000 denomination notes without intervening notes of Rs 500 has resulted in chaos. New Delhi: After nearly three years of launching CPSE ETF, the government will on January 17 initiate the second tranche of fund raising to garner up to Rs 6,000 crore. The issue size of follow on fund offer, which will open on January 17 and close on January 20, is Rs 4,500 crore with a greenshoe option of Rs 1,500 crore. As much as 5 per cent discount will be given to anchor investors, for whom the issue will open on January 17, a top official said. Besides, priority will be given to retail and pension funds at the time of allotment, the official added. The government had first launched a CPSE ETF in March 2014 under which retail investors have to invest a minimum of Rs 5,000 to buy units. It had raised Rs 3,000 crore through the Exchange Traded Fund (EFT) then. CPSE ETF, which functions like a mutual fund scheme, comprises scrips of 10 PSUs ONGC, Coal India, IOC, Gail India, Oil India, PFC, Bharat Electronics, REC, Engineers India and Container Corporation of India. The fund-raising will help the government inch towards Rs 56,500 crore disinvestment target for the current fiscal. It has already raised about Rs 24,000 crore through share sale and buy backs so far this fiscal. The film, apart from having Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a pivotal role, also stars Pakistani actress Mahira Khan as the female lead. Mumbai: The troubles for Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raaes' seem to be far from over. The actor who'd visited Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's house to ensure a smooth release for the Rahul Dholakia directorial, now faces fresh trouble from rival party Shiv Sena. According to a distributor who covers Chattisgarh, the Shiv Sena wing has sent across a threatening letter, warning them of consequences if they are to go ahead with the release. The distributor has been trying to bring the issue to the notice of the Sena youth wing president Uddhav Thackeray on Twitter. The letter stuns with its anarchist tone, quite reminiscent of the party's regular misdemeanours across the city. Not one to lose hope, the distributor persisted in his efforts to bring the issue to Aditya's notice. Despite repeated efforts from the side of the distributor, Aditya, however has decided to stay mum. Even Shah Rukh Khan has refrained from responding to this new conundrum, 'Raees' might find it difficult to have a smooth release after all. The film, apart from having Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a pivotal role, also stars Pakistani actress Mahira Khan as the female lead. Mumbai: In a new video that has gone viral on social media, chat show host Simi Garewal is seen interviewing the now deceased Iron Lady of India, Jayalalithaa. The actress-turned-politician was asked who, in her opinion, the most beautiful woman in the world is. Amma, as she is lovingly called, was quick to say, Earlier, it used to be Elizabeth Taylor. Now, perhaps Aisharway Rai (giggles). When quizzed who would she like to see playing her on silver screen, the yesteryear actress said Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Aishwarya Rai would be suitable to play me in my younger days but then to play me as I am now or I am likely to be in the future, I think it would be a little difficult. Ironically, Aishwarya had played the role of Jaya in her debut film with Mani Ratnam's 'Iruvar'. Jayalalithaa was vivaciously graceful as an actress and commanded respect as a politician. Imagine how wonderful would it be to see one of the most beautiful faces of Hindi cinema portray the role of one of the most powerful ladies of this country. We hope our ace directors watch this video and take note. Who knows someday, some director will make a biopic on Ammas glorious life and Ash will feature in it. Watch the video here: Coffee with D is one of the few films that hasnt been in trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification, recently. However, the team had to make some alterations, not at the behest of the CBCF, but the D Company! The film is a parody on the life of Dawood Ibrahim and has been allegedly receiving threats from his D company since word got out about the film. The films team has noted the changes and decided to incorporate them. CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani says this decision to incorporate changes from the outside marks a new low in the authority vested by the Indian constitution in the CBFC. We had no objection to the references to Dawood and did not cut them at all. We made other changes and granted the film an A certificate. But now we are told the makers of Coffee With D are making the changes that have been ordered from outside. So are we looking at an extra-constitutional censor board operating in India? asks Pahlaj. The vandalised sign of Hollywood seen on January 1. Los Angeles: Los Angeles police have made a 'HOLLYWeeD' bust. Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, was arrested Monday, just over a week after a prankster used white tarps to make the 'HOLLYWOOD' sign read 'HOLLYWeeD,' the LAPD said in a statement. Fernandez turned himself in with his attorney and was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor trespassing, police said. The prankster was dressed in black and was recorded by security cameras in the area changing the sign early New Year's Day. Fernandez, an artist, had already claimed credit for the stunt in a Vice magazine interview, but police had not previously confirmed his involvement. Fernandez told the Vice he had heard someone pulled the same prank in the 1970s, and he sought to repeat it to "bring positivity into the world." Fernandez will be released on his own recognizance and must return to court Feb. 15, police said. Contact information to request comment could not be found for Fernandez or his attorney. David Ryu, the city councilman for the area of the Hollywood sign, said such pranks "deplete the resources of our valuable public safety personnel, in both responding to the prank and in responding to the increased crowds and copycat attempts that these incidents generate." He added, "While the Hollywood Sign is an internationally recognized icon, it is located in a large urban wilderness park next to thousands of residential homes." A truly extraordinary talent this actress is a trained classical dancer, Carnatic vocalist, and multi-lingual star fluent in six languages including Konkani and Tulu. A post-graduate in political science, she is also about to pursue a double degree in MBA, apart from performing frequent live shows across the globe. Ester Noronha, the Mangaluru beauty makes a comeback in Sandalwood with a drumstick! Her upcoming Kannada film is titled Nuggekai which is drumstick in Kannada. Ester speaks exclusively with Bengaluru Chronicle even as she juggles two Telugu films, one each in Tamil, Hindi and Marathi, apart from her Kannada, Konkani and Tulu projects. After my first Kannada film Usiruginta Neene Attira, I got a lot offers from big banners and moderate and lesser known ones as well. However, something or the other kept me away, and Nuggekai happened in a jiffy. The director of Usiruginta... was the associate director in this film, and he suggested I could play the role of one of the two girls in Nuggekai and I accepted it as the title was catchy, and I felt the youth will connect with it, says Ester. The multi-talented personality, Ester has been singing and performing live shows since childhood. Singing and dancing is very popular in Konkani. I recently toured the US, Canada, and also performed in Houston, Toronto, and Goa. I have been lucky that despite films, I have time to tour, doing at least two shows abroad a year. I am also fortunate that despite my absence from the screen for a while, the audience has always reciprocated with the same amount of love and affection for my work. It boosts me further, she adds. Apart from Nuggekai, Ester is busy working in atleast five language projects that include two in Telugu, one in Tamil, Majhi Aashiqui in Marathi, Nagrik in Hindi and a couple in Konkani and Tulu. In Usiruginta..., I played a modern day girl and in Nuggekai, I will be seen for the first time in a total village girl avatar. The role is refreshingly innocent, and I have even got a new hair style for it. A solo song has been composed for me, sung by Chitra maam, and the choreography is perfect. I feel I have good scope with this film, she feels. Recently back from her tour in New Zealand and Australia, Ester is loving the various aspects of her job. I am very passionate in whatever I do. The more the work, the happier I am. I love to keep myself updated all the time, she signs off. Red Cross conducts confidential talks with authorities of Azerbaijan and Armenia On January 9, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a statement in which they referred to a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and urged [the Armenian side] to return the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman killed in the fighting. They said, in particular, that the two countries should stop accusing each other of ceasefire violations and urged the return, without delay, of human remains. A1+ Company has learnt from the Delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Armenia that they are in contact with the authorities of the two countries in question. We are ready, as a neutral side, to be present at the handover of the remains. At present, we are holding secret negotiations with both parties. Asked whether they had information on the number of victims on each side, the office said they could provide official information according to which the Armenian side is holding the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman who was killed in fighting in Tavush marz on Dec. 29. RGV is at it again! Mumbai: Ram Gopal Varma's mouth and social media platforms have been working overtime, critiquing unsuspecting celebrities on everything ranging from their movies to their choice of clothes. His recent target had been Tollywood Megastar Chiranjeevi, who's gearing up for the release of his grand comeback film, 'Khaidi No. 150,' a remake of AR Murugadoss' Vijay starrer blockbuster, 'Kaththi'. Naga Babu later lashed out at the director calling him a 'moron' and asking him to mind his own business. RGV then went on to call Chiranjeevi's brother incompetent and took to Twitter, again, to criticise him. He then mocked the trailer of 'Khaidi No. 150,' sarcastically, not being in the mood to spare anyone. RGV also went back to targeting Chiranjeevi, albeit with regard to Naga Babu. Reacting to the entire charade, Chiranjeevi said, He was hurt with Varmas comments about my film and reacted in his way. I dont take comments to heart, but Nagababu reacted spontaneously. The actor had taken to Twitter to lambast the actor's choice of clothes and the film in general. However, RGV wasn't too impressed with the actor's attire and took to Twitter to express his displeasure. Ram Gopal Verma had earlier criticised Chiranjeevi's cameo in his son Ram Charan's movie 'Bruce Lee,' and urged him to refer to that film as his 150th. He also wasn't approving of Chiranjeevi featuring in a remake and not an original, with 'Khaidi No. 150' being a remake of AR Murugadoss' Vijay starrer 'Kaththi'. But when the first look had been revealed, RGV backtracked and lapped it up like an absolute fan-boy. Not one to lose his inimitable style, RGV again took to Twitter to share troll memes. We would love to see how this high-profile feud ends, post RGV gave it the hierarchical twist it has now. Haiti has been grappling with a cholera outbreak and the UN has been part of massive effort to contain the disease. (Representational Image) United Nations: Amid reports that the UN is investigating Indian peacekeepers deployed in Haiti without the mandatory cholera vaccination, the Secretary Generals spokesperson said the world body relies on troop contributing country to certify that peacekeepers meet medical requirements for deployment and wants more information from India on it. "Weve seen the story on the Indian peacekeepers. Were, obviously, looking into it," Spokesman for the Secretary- General Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the daily press briefing yesterday when asked about the media report which said Indian peacekeepers in Haiti are facing a probe by the world body for not receiving mandatory cholera vaccination before arriving in the Caribbean country. Dujarric added that "as a matter of principle, we rely on the country of origin of the peacekeepers to present us and to certify that they meet all the medical requirements for deployment in the area, which, in the case of Haiti, would, obviously, include the vaccine against cholera. But, I have no way at this point to verify...to comment on the veracity of the report." When asked if the world body has ordered an investigation, Dujarric said the UN is looking into the matter. On whether there has been communication between the UN and the Indian government over the matter, Dujarric said, "were trying to get more information, obviously, from the Indian authorities." Indias Permanent Mission to the UN said it did not have a comment on the issue. Nearly 140 Indian soldiers, who are part of UN peacekeeping force in Haiti, will be administered cholera vaccine after the UN reportedly ordered a probe on how they had landed in the Caribbean country without the mandatory vaccination. Haiti has been grappling with a cholera outbreak and the UN has been part of massive effort to contain the disease. The Indian soldiers had landed in Haiti in August last year and reportedly India had certified that they were administered the cholera vaccine. Haiti has been dealing with a cholera outbreak since October 2010, some nine months after it suffered a devastating earthquake. The outbreak has affected an estimated 788,000 people and claimed the lives of more than 9,000. Concerted national and international efforts, backed by the United Nations, have resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in the number of suspected cases. The then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had last year apologised to the people of Haiti for the world bodys role in failing to properly address the cholera epidemic. In addition, he had announced a USD 400 million two-track plan to stem the outbreak and provide long-term support for those affected. The recent molestation incidents in the country have caused public outrage in India and the rest of the world. (Credit: YouTube) The recent Bengaluru mass molestation incident spurred a loud #NotAllMen trend online in a bid to show that misogyny is not widespread among men. But a 23-year-old man chose to speak out against this assertion in a Facebook post which soon went viral. Rameez Shaikh, who is a freelance writer, explained how deeply the problem of the objectification of women has been ingrained in the male psyche. He also pointed towards how this type of thinking makes the issue of womens consent to be something that can be compromised. You can read the honestly introspective post below: New Delhi: A 2-year-old boy in New Delhi was allegedly abducted, doused in acid and dumped in a garbage bin by his mother's stalker as a revenge for turning down his marriage proposal. The toddler, Aditya Raj, kidnapped on December 13, was found the next day, crying and with 20 per cent burn. He was taken to a hospital where he ran the risk of losing an eye. Daily Mail reported his mother Soni Prasad, 25, saying, "I havent seen my son yet, I cant look at him. I can't believe he is suffering like this. I just don't know what to do. He is my only son. I'm just helpless." The alleged stalker, known as Mangal, 27, had been repeatedly pestering Soni to leave his husband and marry him. "I kept refusing his offer but he wouldn't stop," Soni said. "He was very intimidating. I feared he would do something to me when my husband was away at work." To escape the trouble, the couple had moved to Gurugram in July 2016. But on December 13, Aditya went missing while playing outside the home. "I most definitely feared Mangal had taken Aditya," Soni said. "He wanted revenge. I felt he kidnapped him so Id be forced to go to him." Although the friends and family informed the police, a truck driver heard Aditya crying and found him in a roadside dustbin. When the police got involved, the assailant got 'stressed' and dumped the boy, said toddlers father Jamna. Jamna added, My son was found screaming with acid burning his skin as he was lying in a dustbin. Who could do such a thing to a little boy? Plastic surgeon Dr Anurag pandey of Sri Ganga Ram Hospital said, "While his life is out of danger, his eyesight continues to be in danger. His eye cornea is injured but were doing all we can to save his sight." Govind Ram Das, a farmer from Gurugram was arrested in relation to the attack and the prime suspect Mangal still remains a fugitive. Assistant Sub-Inspector Rupesh Kumar, Khandsa Road Police Station said, "On the basis of CCTV footage, we have discovered that the boy was kidnapped. Govind has been arrested and has admitted to the crime. The investigation is still on and further action will be taken in due time." The men allegedly chopped off the man's hand and took the severed hand with them. (Representational Image) Gorakhpur: Three brothers attacked a man with a sword and cut off his hand in a village in Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly harassing their sister continuously, even after she got married. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the man identified as Rajman, had even been jailed earlier for abducting their sister. He however continued to harass the girl over the phone. The brothers were looking for an opportune moment to avenge their sisters continuous harassment by Rajman. Earlier, the two sides clashed with each other when Rajman was released from jail, circle officer Abhay Mishra told the media. The latest incident took place on Monday in a village called Sinduli Binduli in Gorakhpur. Rajman was relieving himself near a riverbed when the three brothers -- Umesh, Kamlesh and Mithilesh -- arrived at the spot by a bike and attacked him. The brothers chopped off his hand and kept it with them and left Rajman bleeding. The police have filed an FIR in the case and are looking for the brothers who are absconding. A drunk girl rammed her car into two vehicles at Banjara Hills on Monday night. One person suffered minor injuries in the mishap. Hyderabad: A drunk girl rammed her car into two vehicles at Banjara Hills on Monday night. One person suffered minor injuries in the mishap. The girl, T. Prashamsa, a BBA student, was found to have consumed alcohol excessively when police checked her with a breath analyser. A resident of Somajiguda, Prashamsa and her friend, who is also a girl, were returning home from Jubilee Hills in her car. "She could not control her car and the vehicle went out of control at Prasad Laboratory on Road Number 2. The car sped ahead and rammed into another car, and then a cab which was moving ahead," a police official from Banjara Hills said. The cab driver suffered minor injuries in the mishap. After receiving information, police rushed to the spot and took the girls to the police station. When police checked Prasamsha with a breath analyser, the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was recorded as 160 mg, which is more than double the permitted level. Police officials said that both the girls were returning after attending a party at their friend's place in Somajiguda. The cops seized the car on the spot. Based on a complaint by the cab driver, the police booked a case against the girl under Section 279 of IPC and Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Indian Penal Code. The case is being investigated, Banjara Hills inspector K. Srinivas said. New Delhi: All states barring Uttar Pradesh have inked agreements with the Centre to achieve the milestone of providing '24x7 Power For All (PFA)'. "With the signing of the '24x7 Power For All (PFA)' roadmap document with the state (Tamil Nadu yesterday), the roadmap for all the 28 states, except one, and all the 7 Union Territories in the country have now been finalised and is under implementation," Power Ministry said in a statement today. A source said, "Uttar Pradesh has not inked 24x7 PFA roadmap document with Power Ministry." The ministry said it is the most significant milestone in this initiative founded on the principles of cooperative federalism. This milestone was achieved yesterday when the Power Ministry also signed the MoU for Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) with Tamil Nadu here. UDAY scheme is meant for revival of debt stressed discoms. The ministry said that providing access to reliable and quality power supply to all citizens/establishments by 2019 is at the core of the Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision for the nation. The Power Ministrys 24x7 program is aimed at delivering on it. The Program has been instrumental in mainstreaming the Ministrys focus on energy efficiency and demand side management interventions and has resulted in increased participation with speedy rollout of the UJALA/ DELP and other EESL led schemes. UJALA has emerged as the worlds largest and most successful LED bulbs program, it said. Increased role of central sector agencies such as NTPC in addressing sector's operational viability in the case of proposed acquisition of state owned generation assets in Rajasthan and in fast-tracking capacity addition in the case of Patratu project in Jharkhand are outcomes of the comprehensive approach adopted under 24x7 PFA Program to resolve state specific problems, the ministry said. Besides, development of segment wise coordinated physical rollout plans and rigorous analysis on financial viability of state utilities under the 24x7 PFA program in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, the plans for which were made in first 100 days of coming of this government, led to the formulation of the UDAY, it said. Looking at the balance sheets of these states, it was found that unless the states are taken out of the debt trap which they were in and made financially sustainable, all plans of 24x7 power would remain unfulfilled, it said. The PFA Program has also benefited several states in addressing funding gap for the investments required to ensure 24x7 power access to all. In its chargesheet, CBI has alleged that HEPL had grossly misrepresented about its status of preparedness, not only in its application form, but also in the feedback form. (Photo: Representational Image) New Delhi: A special court on Tuesday put Himachal EMTA Power Ltd (HEPL) and three others on trial for alleged offences of cheating and criminal conspiring in a case of misrepresentation of facts to acquire a coal block in West Bengal. Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar framed the charges against HEPL, its Directors Ujjal Kumar Upadhaya and Bikash Mukherjee and senior official N C Chakraborty and fixed the matter for May 1 for the scrutiny of documents. The court found that prima facie there was evidence which suggested that the accused committed the offence under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of IPC. It said there was enough evidence against the accused for starting the trial against them. The court had granted bail to all the accused persons on February 29 last year after they appeared before it in pursuance to the summons. It had summoned the accused on February 5 last year after taking cognisance of CBI's chargesheet in the case. CBI has chargesheeted HEPL, Upadhaya and Mukherjee in the case but the judge had said "though CBI has not chargesheeted N C Chakraborty in the present case, I do not find myself in agreement with the said conclusion drawn by CBI". In its chargesheet, CBI has alleged that HEPL had grossly misrepresented about its status of preparedness, not only in its application form, but also in the feedback form submitted on June 22, 2007 and in the information supplied by Chakraborty to the West Bengal government. It has alleged Upadhaya and Mukherjee had deliberately conspired with HEPL and submitted false information to the Ministry of Coal (MoC) to secure allocation of Gourangdih ABC coal block in West Bengal in its favour. According to CBI, M/s Eastern Minerals and Trading Agency Ltd (EMTA) had entered into a joint venture (JV) with Himachal Power Corporation Ltd to establish a power project in West Bengal and the company was named M/s Himachal EMTA Power Ltd. It has said HEPL, through its January 10, 2007 application, had applied for allotment of Gourangdih ABC coal block. Meanwhile, a senior official of the EPFO said the organisation has invested Rs 13,526 crore in Exchange Traded Funds so far and the value of the investment stood at Rs 13,906 crore giving an yield of 8.80 per cent. The Finance Ministry in 2015, notified a new investment pattern for EPFO, allowing the body to invest a minimum of 5 per cent and up to 15 per cent of its funds in equity or equity-related schemes. The EPFO had started investing up to 5 per cent of its investable deposits in ETFs in August 2015. EPFO's investable deposits (annual) is around Rs 1.30 lakh crore and it manages a corpus of about Rs 8 lakh crore. The duo has been held by the police for allegedly printing fake currency notes. (Photo: Twitter/ANI) New Delhi: The Delhi police on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of two persons for allegedly involving in the fake currency racket. The duo has been held by the police for allegedly printing fake currency notes of Rs. 2000 and Rs. 500 worth Rs. six and a half lakhs. The police have recovered fake currency worth Rs. six lakhs ten thousand while Rs.20,000 have been used by the accused in transaction. New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Monday asked 200 Expenditure Observers, deployed exclusively to check black money and other illegal inducements during the forthcoming polls in five states, to keep a strict vigil on these instances and ensure a level playing field for all. The full Commission, comprising Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi and Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat, on Monday briefed the Observers at a special session here. The CEC asked the Observers, drawn from various Central services like the Indian Revenue Service and the Indian Audit and Account Service among others, to ensure that the guidelines framed by the poll panel are adhered to. An EC spokesperson said that Zaidi emphasised on implementing the new instructions issued by the Commission in this regard. "He stressed that for the sake of transparency, donations received by the candidates and political parties in excess of Rs 20,000 should not be in cash and also that if any payment is made to any individual or entity during the course of election exceeding Rs 20,000 should only be through account payee cheque," he said. The CEC reiterated the requirement for candidates to open separate bank accounts at the time of nomination and to incur all election related expenditure through that specific account only. Joti emphasised that the expenditure incurred on the candidate's booths for distribution of voter s slips on the day of poll should be accounted for in the account of the candidate. Rawat expressed concern over the use of partially or fully owned newspapers and channels by the candidate or their sponsoring party and referred to the new instruction issued by the Commission that the expenditure on the same is to be included in the account of the candidate as per notified rate cards. The Central Board of Direct Taxes, the policy-making body of the Income Tax department, has already asked the taxman to bolster their Air Intelligence Units (AIUs) at major airports in these poll-bound states to check movement of cash and other suspect items. Assembly elections in the politically-crucial Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will be held Counting of votes in all the states will be held on March 11. Zaidi had said that the Commission will keep a watch on the use of black money, which is expected to come down due to demonetisation, and steps will be taken up to ensure that other illegal inducements are not used to influence voters. The maximum limit for expenses for each candidates in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand is Rs 28 lakh, while that in Goa and Manipur is Rs 20 lakh. Police personnel and transport minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar try to pacify Annapoorna who alleged harassment by police at Koyambedu on Monday (Photo: DC) Chennai: A young woman from Bengaluru created a flutter on Monday, storming into a press meet being addressed by transport minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar at Koyambedu mofussil bus terminus, alleging that she was harassed. The police had pushed her and used their lathis to poke her when she was trying to rest for a brief due to sickness, she told the minister in a high-pitched tone. There is no safety, even in a public bus terminus for a woman. There is no freedom to spend little time to rest, if sick. Four police personnel, including two women, tortured me at Koyambedu bus stand, she screamed, even as the embarrassed minister tried to pacify her. Eyewitnesses said the minister told the girl to go to the police and make a complaint. She later identified herself to the media as Annapoorna, a research scholar from Bengaluru, and that she had come to the city to meet a relative at Saidapet. Yelling out in English against the police personnel for harassing her in the name of public safety, she said, I had severe migraine, vomiting and giddiness throughout the night. I just wanted to take lay down here for 10 minutes as I could not walk. Police had asked me to either leave from there or come to the police station for an enquiry, she said. She gave a written complaint to an official, who accompanied the minister. Despite repeated assurances by the minister to conduct a thorough enquiry, she did not calm down. The minister was addressing the media, after inaugurating the special ticket booking counters, to meet the Pongal rush. Subsequent to the complaint, two police constables attached to the CMBT Police station were placed under vacancy reserve and were asked to report to the control room with immediate effect. Deputy commissioner of Anna Nagar, Feroz Khan Abdulla told DC, Two constables, whom she mentioned, were placed under vacancy reserve, so that they do not intervene in the enquiry. When asked about her whereabouts, the deputy commissioner said that he couldnt disclose any further information. She had her return ticket booked to Bengaluru by train later in the day. We are not sure if she decided to stayed back, he added. Annapoorna was sleeping on the seat meant for passengers. We never used lathi to wake her up. It is a routine exercise by the cops to wake up those sleeping in concourse around 4am, so as to ease the passenger movement, which increases from 4.30 am, said a police officer. Terming her accusations wild and baseless, a senior police officer said a C.S.R receipt had been issued, and the complaint will be looked into based on the merits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day Gujarat visit for the Vibrant Summit, skipped his daily yoga session this morning to meet his mother Hiraba, who lives at Raisan village near here. Through a tweet, Modi said he went to meet his mother early this morning and had breakfast together. "Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together," tweeted Modi before heading to Mahatma Mandir to attend meetings with foreign heads of the state. 97-year-old Hiraba lives with Modi's younger brother Pankaj Modi at Raisan village near the state capital. Modi is in Gujarat for the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Mahatma Mandir here. Yesterday, he inaugurated redevelopment project of Gandhinagar Railway Station, Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show, international exchange at GIFT City and Nobel Prize Exhibition at Science City in Ahmedabad. Today, he is scheduled to open the Vibrant Summit at around 3:30 PM. Authorities allege a man killed his mother and his girlfriend, then barricaded himself inside his rural Kentucky home and opened fire on responding deputies. He is then believed to have set his own home on fire before turning his gun on himself. The victims, badly burned by the fire, were identified after autopsies yesterday in Frankfort. Rowan County Coroner John P Northcutt said a preliminary investigation showed that 51-year-old Garry Morrison died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His mother, 71-year-old Anna Morrison, and his girlfriend, 32-year-old Latoya Cooper, died of gunshot wounds. Authorities converged on the rural home near Morehead on Sunday after the suspect called 911 to report he had shot his girlfriend, the sheriff said. The suspect opened fire from inside the home when officers arrived, Rowan County Sheriff Matt Sparks said. Rowan County sheriff's deputy Baker Hollis was shot in the arm just above the wrist, Sparks said. Officers returned fire while recovering the deputy, Kentucky State Police said. Hollis was treated at a hospital and released. No other officers were injured. The suspect fired at least three different types of weapons, based on the sound, and kept moving around the mobile home, Sparks said. "It was almost like he was trying to draw officers in there," the sheriff said. "He was back far enough in the residence that they didn't even see him as he was firing on them." Sparks said he spoke briefly with the suspect by phone three times during the standoff. The man said he wanted to talk to the FBI and CIA but abruptly hung up each time, he said. "He was just rambling," the sheriff said. "He was pretty much out of it." The standoff lasted at least two hours. As the gunfire subsided, the home became engulfed flames, he said. Officers didn't enter the burning home immediately because they didn't know if the man was alive and able to open fire on them, he said. "Basically the home had burned down before we could get the fire department in there to put the flames out," he said. Investigators stayed at the scene all night and into Monday morning, Northcutt said, with temperatures dipping below 9 degrees. "It was a very trying night," he said. "We were working under extreme conditions." Morrison and his mother were found in the front room of the trailer, while Cooper was found in a separate room in the back of the home. Northcutt said initial autopsy results indicate all three were dead before the fire. Amid rising terror threats, China has tightened security at its borders with PoK and Afghanistan to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving its volatile Xinjiang province which has recently witnessed violent attacks allegedly by the separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement. The province has already stepped up efforts in entry-exit management last year and continues to tighten the security this year, Shohrat Zakir, the Xinjiang chairman, told Xinjiang's local provincial council. Many terrorists who carried out attacks in the region in recent years received training abroad and then returned illegally. Some also crossed the border illegally to flee, Aniwar Turson, a top ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) official of Xinjiang's Kashgar prefecture, was quoted as saying by the state-run media. Kashgar prefecture borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Afghanistan. "We need to make sure not a single terrorist can get in or out of Xinjiang illegally, especially when our neighboring countries are facing rising terrorist threats," Aniwar was quoted as saying by state-run China Daily. "Xinjiang, which borders eight countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been China's main battleground in the fight against terrorism," the daily reported. China's official media refers to PoK borders with Xinjiang as Pakistan border without mentioning its disputed status. It is the same region through which the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is being built. Mention of Pakistan in relation to the problem of terrorism in Xinjiang is rare in the Chinese media as ETIM has in the past had training bases in Pakistan's tribal areas. Pakistan army has conducted special operations in recent years to clear them under pressure from China. However, a large number of the militants from the Muslim Uyghur majority province reported to have crossed over to Syria through Turkey and joined Islamic State. Last year, Chinese official media reported that Chinese and Pakistan border troops have launched border patrolling to curb infiltration. China has also launched Quadrilateral Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism along with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan to counter terrorism in the Xinjiang border region. China apprehends that many of them return to stir trouble in Muslim Uyghur majority Xinjiang which largely remained peaceful last year after years of turmoil as China stepped up security. But two major incidents in the last few days raised concerns about return of violence to Xinjiang where Uyghurs were restive over the settlements of Hans from other provinces. On Sunday, three terrorists were killed in a police raid in southern Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture. The suspects wanted in connection with a 2015 attack resisted arrest and were shot dead, official media had reported. India has nixed the UAE's proposal to send a military paratrooper team for live display during Republic Day Parade, citing security concerns. The Ministry of Defence has, instead, insisted on sending a marching contingent for the parade, which will be attended by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the chief guest. "After France sent a contingent of French Army soldiers last year, we have decided to make it a practice. So, we invited a contingent from the UAE, but they wanted to send military paratroopers. "The Ministry of Defence was not ready for this due to security concerns as the Rajpath literally turns into a high-security zone with the President, the Prime Minister and many VVIPs attending the event. The weather may also not be conducive during that period," said a government official. It would be the second time when any foreign contingent will be participating in the parade on January 26. Last year, French President Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the Republic Day Parade. Following Modi's visit to the UAE last year, which saw several steps taken to enhance bilateral ties, inviting the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is also seen a important move to strengthen ties with the Gulf country. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces. Meanwhile, 16 activists of a fringe Tamil outfit were arrested at Coimbatore today when they tried to wave black flags at Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue. Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam activists also raised slogans against the Centre, police said. As political parties in Tamil Nadu slammed the reported change in holiday for Pongal, BJP today alleged efforts were being made to made paint its government at the Centre as "anti-Tamil" by digging out an old order. The Centre's notification reportedly converting compulsory holiday for the harvest festival of Pongal into a restricted one, has come under flak from various parties, including DMK, which has announced a protest tomorrow.BJP state unit President Tamilisai Sounderrajan slammed DMK for announcing the protest, saying Pongal has remained in the 'Special List' for 15 years, including the UPA days in which the Dravidian party was a key constituent. While national holidays across the country referred to Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti, holidays for state-specific festivals such as Pongal were given as per local requirements, she said."Festivals such as Pongal and Makar Sankaranti are celebrated in different states on different dates. Some festivals like Onam are state specific. A common holiday for a single event across the country is given only for something like Republic Day," she said. Holidays for festivals like Pongal can be taken in states as and when they are celebrated and there is no common holiday for such events, she said, adding such holidays were, however, aimed at allowing people to celebrate the festivals.However, since Pongal falls on Saturday (January 14) this year, there was no possibility of giving a holiday and central government employees have been allowed to avail this leave on a different date for a different festival, she said. "However, the list of holidays (in question) had been released in June (last year) and some parties are trying to paint the Centre as working against Tamils by creating an illusion that the list was suddenly altered yesterday," she said in a statement.DMK "should realise that a similar list of holidays existed during" the UPA days also, Sounderrajan said. Sounderrajan found support from BJP's bitter critic PMK, whose youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss insisted that Pongal had never been on the compulsory holiday list."To my knowledge, for the last 15 years Pongal had never been on the compulsory list of holidays of the central government. It has been a restricted holiday only," Ramadoss, a former Union Health Minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP, said. He also insisted that only Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti have remained on the compulsory holidays list and said "somebody had carried wrong information".However, Pongal qualified to be included under compulsory holidays list as Buddha Poornima, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Mahaveer Jayanti, which are "celebrated only in some parts" of the country, were a part of it, he said. Yesterday, AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala had expressed shock over the Centre's reported move and sought a review of its decision. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said "the government is set to introduce 'Strategic Materials Policy'" soon. He inaugurated a three-day International Conference & Exhibition on Reinforced Plastics, 2017 (ICERP 2017) here. "The new Strategic Materials Policy can promote production as well as storage of defence-related strategic materials. The Ministry had detailed discussions on the policy," said Parrikar. The conference is organised by FRP Institute, an association of Indian Reinforced Plastics or Composites sector. Parrikar also said the government is also working on "Design in India" policy which will aim at building, enhancing and promoting designing capabilities of Indian manufacturers and entrepreneurs so that they can design products of world-class standards to compete with global counterparts and take advantage of "Make in India" programme. The Minister assured the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) will soon include composite products developed indigenously. He was responding to a long standing demand of Indian composites industry to source defence equipments, components and ancillary material domestically from Indian manufacturers of composite products and extend support under the 'Make in India' programme. Parrikar also said the DPP will be updated soon. "The domestic manufacturers needs to enhance designing capabilities to compete with global standards. As far as the defence industry is concerned, there is huge potential to source material, equipments domestically, but quality standards and innovations in designing are highly essential", said the Minister. According to him, Indian composites industry can certainly enhance supplies to the defence sector if they provide products of global standards in terms of quality and designing. "We will soon include composites products in the DPP, which will allow domestic composites manufacturers to supply to Indian Defence Industry," Parrikar added. The Rs 5,000 crore composites industry, had made a strong pitch for support from the government. Pradip Thakkar, Chairman of FRP urged the Defence Minister to extend the government's support to the Indian composites industry to unleash its full potential. "The Indian composites industry is fully capable of supplying 100 per cent of requirements of the defence sector, if given due support. Composite materials are emerging as an innovative alternative for steel and aluminium and hence, can be used in defence equipment manufacturing," said Thakkar. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) proposals between the two coast guards is being examined by the Ministry of Defence and is on an "advanced stage". The decision to sign an MoU between the two countries was taken during visit of senior officials of Sri Lankan Coast Guard last week. India is also believed to have told the delegation not to arrest fishermen who accidentally stray into its water due to bad weather. "The MoU will focus on cooperation in the areas of search and rescue operations, pollution control, sharing of information and setting up of a hotline. "While one hotline will be set up in the headquarters of the two coast guards, another one will be set up at regional level at Chennai and Northern Command (of Sri Lanka). So smaller issues could be sorted out at the regional level," said a senior Coast Guard official. At present hotline exists between the coast guards of India and Pakistan wherein the heads of the two maritime security agencies interact on weekly basis to address contentious issues. For better coordination, a tri-lateral exercise 'Dosti' is also held between the coast guards of Sri Lanka, India and Maldives. With an aim to find a solution to the vexed issue of fishermen, a Joint Working Group (JWG) was formed last year. Coast Guard said, as a good will gesture ahead of Pongal and a request made to Sri Lanka, 51 fishermen were released last week. Today, the Sri Lankan navy also repatriated six Indian fishermen and a fishing boat after it got trapped in Cyclone 'Vardah' last month. The boat was missing since December 16. The boat, along with the crew, was handed over to the Indian Coast Guard ship Rani Durgavati at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Aiming to address effectively the vexed issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being arrested by Sri Lanka, Coast Guards of the two countries will set up a hotline for better coordination between the two martime security forces. The hotline will be both at the local and the headquarter level, sources said. Sri Lanka will be the second country after Pakistan to have hotline with the Indian Coast Guard. The government is exploring ways on how pet dogs can also play a role in providing security to the society including cases of terrorism and anti-women crimes, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said today. The ministry has issued a draft of rules which makes mandatory for dog breeders and marketers to register themselves with state Animal Welfare Board and maintain proper records regarding purchase, sale and rehabilitation of the canines, among others, to make them accountable. The Environment Ministry has invited comments on draft notification for 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2016' within 30 days to prevent infliction of pain or suffering on dogs. Dave said so far there were no rules in the country on the breeding, sale and purchase of dogs which is why the ministry felt for framing the rules, while hoping that the shops and sale and purchase of canines will be made online in the coming days. "In this era of terrorism, can we give special training to pet dogs so that they can take part in social awareness. Can those dogs play some role against terrorism? If the dog gets around 2-4 months training and the dog gets ready...we have got these suggestions and we will think about them. "I got a suggestion whether there can be a dog university. We can think as to why only police dogs come to the locality and take care of these things. Why not trained dogs which are already present in the locality. We want to enlarge the horizon. This resource should come into use in properly breeding them as well as social security," he told reporters. He said in various localities of different cities, girls return home in the evening or late night. "Police have a role to play in their security. But the pet animals which are there in the locality, if they are trained, their role will also definitely change. Because then they will not remain in the house merely for the sake of it but also work as a watchdog in the locality. So we are looking at this in a bigger perspective," he said. The objective of the proposed rules is to make dog breeders and their marketers accountable and to prevent infliction of any cruelty in this process. Dog breeding and their marketing trade has also mushroomed all around the country and at times, some cruelty has been caused in breeding and marketing of canines, with little or no accountability. "We are giving this regulation in the public domain. It will be there for 30 days. We have invited suggestions from public especially dog lovers and those who buy and sell dogs. We will try that this entire process becomes online so that records can be available," Dave said. Dave said in independent India there was no rule on how to take care of this "loyal animal" and the process of its breeding which is why the Ministry thought about framing rules for it. He added that the people of the country have not learnt animal welfare after independence but India knows animal welfare since centuries and have been taking care of cows, bulls, and other animals. "Society by nature does it," he remarked. Under the proposed rules, it will be mandatory for all dog breeders and the dog breeding establishments to register themselves with the state Animal Welfare Board of the respective states. The rules also define the requirements to be met by the breeders and the establishments used for breeding, or housing dogs, such as health-related requirements, housing facilities, manner of housing dogs, conditions for sale, breeding, micro-chipping, vaccination, among others. Under the rules, an inspector authorised by the state board can inspect the establishment while it will be mandatory for dog breeders to maintain proper records of both male and female dogs, their breed, micro-chip number, number of litters, sale, purchase, death and rehabilitation. "Every dog breeder is required to submit yearly report to the state board regarding animals sold, traded, bartered, brokered, given away, boarded or exhibited during previous year or any other information asked for by the state board," the Ministry said. Non-compliance of the proposed rules will lead to cancellation of the registration of the dog breeder, the Ministry added. The Ministry has implemented 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960' to prevent infliction of unnecessary pain, or suffering on animals. Lauding the move, Gauri Maulekhi, an animal rights body said the notification will end the practice of this "infamous" industry. "We are delighted with this new draft notification that will end the irregular practice of this infamous industry. We commend the Ministry for their vision and their efforts to protect 'man's best friend' from being exploited and being used as reproductive machines in the breeding industry. We hope that the Centre will implement this as soon as possible," said Maulekhi, government liaison for Humane Society International - India. HSI India claimed tens of thousands of dogs are illegally bred in deplorable conditions without proper medical care while most often than not unweaned puppies less than two months of age are sold to unassuming customers without any registration or records. It was raining praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi from some global CEOs at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit here while one of them went on to say that "many in the US" wished he could take over the American leadership. Chiefs of Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp, US-based Emerson Electric, chemicals manufacturer Huntsman Corp and tech giant Cisco were among those praising Modi for programmes like Digital India, Skill India and Make in India. "At a time when courage is lacking, we find it in India. At a time when leadership seems to be at a low, we find it in Prime Minister Modi," said Peter Huntsman, CEO Huntsman Corporation, on the first day of the 8th edition of the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Recalling Modi's visit to the US in June last year, he said "there were many, many, many of us who wishes you would have stayed and taken over leadership of our country". David Farr, chairman and CEO, Emerson Electric Company, said he was encouraged by the efforts of India and Gujarat in bringing in ease of doing business. "It's my hope that Make in India, Digital India and Skill India will begin to make steady progress for future growth. To grow manufacturing from 12 per cent to 25 per cent by 2022, it will require massive investments from all of us globally," he said, while applauding India's reforms such as in FDI. Suzuki Motor Corporation president and COO Toshihiro Suzuki said, "We highly appreciate the Skill India mission to support Industry's growth." Fairfax Prem Watsa termed Modi's initiative to transform India as "unprecedented" and said since election in 2014 India's political climate has changed. Cisco executive chairman John Chambers said, "I have had the honour of looking at every major country in the world and there is no other country in the world that has a better plan for future than India." He named Modi among one of the top three leaders he has ever met. Stating that India's efforts with regard to digitisation, Smart Cities and Make in India are what leadership is about as all these show the courage to outline goals, and doing things in an "inclusive fashion". Students at one of London's leading universities are calling for famous Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle to be replaced by philosophers from Asia or Africa as part of a wider campaign to "decolonise" the university. The Student Union at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), well-known as among the few European institutions dedicated to the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, said "white philosophers" should be studied only if required and solely from a "critical standpoint". The unions proposal to the university reads: "To make sure that the majority of the philosophers on our courses are from the Global South or its diaspora. SOAS focus is on Asia and Africa and therefore the foundations of its theories should be presented by Asian or African philosophers (or the diaspora). "If white philosophers are required, then to teach their work from a critical standpoint. For example, acknowledging the colonial context in which so called Enlightenment philosophers wrote within." According to the union, "Decolonising SOAS" is a campaign that aims to address the structural and epistemological legacy" of colonialism within the university. Dr Deborah Johnston, Pro-Director (Learning and Teaching), defended the students: "One of the great strengths of SOAS is that we have always looked at world issues from the perspective of the regions we study Asia, Africa & Middle East. "Informed and critical debate and discussion about the curriculum we teach is a healthy and proper part of the academic enterprise." However, Erica Hunter, head of Religions and Philosophies at SOAS, felt the union's viewpoint was "rather ridiculous". "I would firmly resist dropping philosophers or historians just because it was fashionable," she told 'The Telegraph'. The move has divided opinion across social media, with Kings College Londons People of Colour Association coming out in support of SOAS Student Union. After two former RBI Governors Y V Reddy and Bimal Jalan, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen today raised questions on Reserve Bank's autonomy saying now a days the central bank does not decide anything and all decisions are taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highly critical of the demonetisation, Sen opined that it has failed to eliminate black money though Modi would continue to get the 'benefit of doubt'. "People think Prime Minister is doing something to eliminate black momey... Modi will continue to get benefit of doubt... The idea that rich is suffering is appealing to poor people," Sen told India Today TV in an interview. On RBI's decision to ban exchange of scrapped notes after December 30, he said, "I don't think this is RBI's decision. This must be Prime Minister's ...I don't think RBI decides anything at this time." Modi in his November 8 address to the nation had said those who could not deposit old notes by December 30 could "go to specified offices of the Reserve Bank of India up to March 31, 2017 and deposit the notes after submitting a declaration form." Sen further said the RBI was quite independent when Raghuram Rajan was Governor. It was served by illustrious persons like I G Patel and Manmohan Singh. Earlier, Reddy as well as Jalan had underlined the need for preserving the autonomy of RBI. As regards the black money, Sen said it was puzzling why the government opted to eliminate tiny 6 per cent black money by demonetising 86 per cent of the currency. Several countries including USA, Japan have lots of cash. On the government's claim of eliminating fake currency through demonetisation, he said it was never a problem. "Fake money was never a big problem in India. Fake money problem was not something you want to hold while economy in ransom," the Nobel laureate said. The demonetisation decision was taken by small group of people, he said, adding state governments should have been consulted as India has a federal polity. The government in a surprise move demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, which constituted 86 per cent of the currency, from midnight of November 8. Grounded Bengaluru-based regional carrier Air Pegasus will be taking to the sky for a second time on March 1, following a city-based startup airline, Flyeasys decision to take a majority 74% stake in the former, through a strategic partnership. It must be noted that Air Pegasus had temporarily ceased operations on July 29, 2016, owing to certain financial issues. With Flyeasy seeking interest to invest in the regional carrier, for which key discussions are underway, the airline will be commencing its original flight plan, serving Bengaluru-Hubballi, Bengaluru-Chennai, Bengaluru-Mangaluru, Bengaluru-Madurai, Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram, and Bengaluru-Kochi, among other sectors. Talking to DH, Air Pegasus Managing Director Shyson Thomas said, In order to revive our AOP (Air Operators Permit), we will bring in one ATR 72 aircraft immediately, followed by another in March. By the end of this financial year, we will have six aircraft, which will be scaled to 24 planes in four years. Well continue as the same regional carrier, with the same branding, and same call sign. Flyeasy to take off Meanwhile, Flyeasy strategises to build a complete air travel network through this pact, while embarking on its own plans in the Indian market. The company will launch its own no-frills carrier Flyeasy in May, using two leased Airbus aircraft. Flyeasy is planning to launch commercially by May with two A319s. Weve wanted to create a network catering to the needs of the remotest corners of the country, with smaller turboprops, and also flying into longer routes. When the opportunity of Air Pegasus came, we thought its the right move, since cooperations, codeshares and strategic partnerships are the future of aviation, Flyeasy Managing Director Rajesh Ebrahim said. Both airlines will be distinct. While Air Pegasus will remain as a regional operator, initially focusing on South India, Flyeasy plans longer routes. We are looking at 74% stake in Air Pegasus. Initially, we will be investing a substantial sum to relaunch operations and certain debt servicing and restructuring, with the second stage meant for expansion, Ebrahim said. According to Thomas, the investment will first come in the form of debt, which will later become equity. Since Kim Jong-un took power in December 2011, North Korea has made rapid strides in the development of the banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). In his New Year address to the nation, Kim claimed the country was close to a test-launch and the work is in the final stages. North Korea has been testing rocket engines and heat-shields for an ICBM while developing the technology to guide a missile after re-entry into the atmosphere following a lift-off. However, international weapons experts are of the opinion that though Pyongyangs claims to be close to a test-launch seems plausible, it is likely to take some more years to perfect the weapon. However, given Pyongyangs determination and claims of success in the two nuclear tests it conducted in 2016, it is possible for it to achieve its objective to miniaturise a nuclear warhead to mount on a missile. There lies the real danger. The ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500 km, but some are designed to travel 10,000 km or further. Since continental US is around 9,000 km from the North, a nuclear enabled ICBM could be a potential threat to the mainland US. Though it is difficult to independently verify Pyongyangs claims, it is true that the country has made remarkable advance in perfecting the missile technology. Even the nuclear test that it conducted in April 2016 with a large liquid-fuel engine that propelled an ICBM was itself a major development. That time Pyongyang successfully re-engineered the Soviet R-27 missile engine design that it had in its possession, which helped to double its propulsion. Pyongyang claims that it is capable of mounting a nuclear warhead on a ballistic missile and also able to miniaturise a nuclear device. Analysts are divided on whether North Korea has fully realised its nuclear ambitions since it is yet to successfully test-fire an ICBM. Nevertheless, Pyongyangs claims remain a worrying factor, especially for the countries in Norths neighbourhood. The isolated nation has been under the UN Security Council sanctions since 2006 when it conducted its first nuclear test and subsequently launched numerous long-range rockets. These sanctions have been further tightened subsequent to further nuclear tests. Pyongyang has been defying arms trade, which it needs to fund its nuclear and missile upgrades. Such activities are banned by the UN sanctions but ignored by the North. It is suspected that the country is in possession of enough uranium that can enable it to make six bombs a year while continuing to re-engineer the Soviet-era design and technology to further its nuclear and missile programmes. The money earned from illegal arms trade and supplemented by virtually free labour and taxes levied on wealthy traders in the countrys unofficial market economy are used for its nuclear and missile programmes. In his New Year address, Kim boasted that the countrys nuclear deterrent capability is the biggest insurance for the nations security. He addressed the people that North Korea is now a military power of the East that cannot be touched by even the strongest enemy. Kims ultimate ambition is to develop a weapons system that is capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead. The string of nuclear and missile tests in the past two years have direct impact on the security scenario in the region, whose significance is serious. Given its past behaviour, the neighbouring countries such as Japan and South Korea are worried. Managing regional security and checking the prospect of escalation have preoccupied Japan, South Korea and even China. They see threat from Pyongyang as real and therefore a worry. Six Party Talks The Beijing-initiated Six Party Talks that attempted to address North Koreas nuclear and missile development issues is virtually dead after the North walked out from the forum in 2008. The nation remains a pariah state and is unwilling to talk to any other country. Even China, its only benefactor, is displeased at the Norths behaviour but has its own vulnerability and therefore likely to keep it afloat. Pyongyang knows this and takes advantage in pursuing its nuclear and missile development agenda. This has left the neighbouring countries with little choice other than to develop their own deterrent capabilities for their security. Three related issues here are worth mentioning. First, US president-elect Donald Trump has called upon the allies in East Asia to pay more for American military support and even suggested that the allies might even consider having their own nuclear weapons. Second, in order to protect itself from the possible missile attacks by North Korea, Japan is investing in the latest US-developed ballistic missile interceptors for its ship-based Aegis missile defence system. And the third, the US and South Korea have decided to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) in South Korea. Japan too is considering deploying the THAAD battery. The security situation in the region is getting more complicated. (The writer is ICCR India Chair Visiting Professor at Reitaku University, Japan) The registrar of Karnataka High Court has lodged a complaint with Vidhana Soudha police for misuse the logo of the court on the Internet. A senior police officer said that on January 7, the registrar filed a complaint stating that an unidentified person had used the logo of the high court on a Facebook page. The matter was brought to his notice and the police were informed. Details have been collected about the Facebook page. IP address being tracked The cyber police have also been informed, who are working to identify from where and when the page was created. Efforts are on to track the IP address, the police said. A case has been registered in Vidhana Soudha police station. Cracking the whip on those associating with the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, the BJP suspended former Bengaluru mayor D Venkatesh Murthy from the partys primary membership. Murthy, a close aide of senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa, is a three-time Bengaluru corporator and became mayor with Eshwarappas support. He is the founder president of Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, which is patronised by Eshwarappa. Murthy is now the general secretary of the Rayanna Brigade and senior vice president of Kurubara Sangha. Murthy holds no post in the BJP. Murthy said he received the suspension notice issued by BJP city unit president P N Sadashiva on Tuesday. It says the party has suspended him with immediate effect on receipt of complaints about his reported anti-party activities. The notice has not mentioned the duration of the suspension. Eshwarappa is scheduled to attend a meeting organised by the Brigade in Padmanabhanagar in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Murthy has taken the lead in organising the programme. Murthy said, I have not done anything to damage the interests of the party. I will be writing back to the party seeking revocation of my suspension. Brigade wont back BJP, BSY Eshwarappa said Sangolli Rayanna Brigade has no intention to make B S Yeddyurappa the next chief minister or bring the BJP to power. Its only aim is upliftment of poor and downtrodden, reports DHNS from Kalaburagi. There has been a change in the brigades stance. Earlier, it had plans to make him the chief minister. But, he has stated that he doesnt need the brigades support and, the public will make him the chief minister. On the advice of seers of various mutts, it has been decided not to extend support to any political party. The brigade will also not emerge as a political party, he added. A week after school authorities ensured them that classes would resume, parents, who enrolled their children in the Sanjaynagar centre of TreeHouse playschool, are still in the dark. They have not received any official communication regarding the closure of the centre from the school yet. Though authorities had promised on January 2 that they would resume classes from January 9, they failed to do so this Monday. We dont know if we are going to get our money back. They have not returned the books of the children either, Deepu Guruprasad, one of the parents, said. Several other centres in the city run by TreeHouse closed early for Christmas and did not reopen in the New Year. The Sanjaynagar centre had around 50 students in pre-nursery and kindergarten. The parents have pooled money to pay the centres teachers and ensure that their children continue their studies. If we let the children stay at home, they will not learn anything and they will get spoilt. Most of the parents are working and cannot stay back at home. So, we have made this temporary arrangement, a parent said. A nearby dance school has provided space to conduct classes. Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had issued summons to the owner of the school. However, the authorities failed to appear before the Commission on Monday. Commission chairperson Kripa Amar Alva said she has lodged a complaint against the school authorities in the Sanjaynagar police station. The South East division police are investigating the incident in which a 23-year-old youth from Arunachal Pradesh sustained grievous injuries on the night of January 6. The victim was found in an unconscious state near the Sony World Junction in Koramangala in the wee hours of January 7. Passersby informed the police, who rushed him to Nimhans. The man, who slipped into coma, is undergoing treatment. The victim, Khuadun Khangham, worked as a waiter at a pub in Koramangala and resided in Vivek Nagar. He is a native of Ozakho village in Longding district. The police are analysing CCTV footage in the vicinity. The police suspect the incident may have happened while he was returning home from work. They initially registered a hit-and-run case. But when his friends came to know about the incident, they contacted the students association of Arunachal Pradesh in Karnataka and informed them about the incident. After this, on Sunday, the Koramangala police took up a case of causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons or by other means. They have gathered blur CCTV footage, which has been sent for digital enhancement. Its premature to comment after seeing the footage. It is unclear if the person is standing next to the vehicle or is being pushed out, a police officer said. The nature of injuries is not suggestive of a murderous attack, but could be those of a fall or a hit-and-run case. Racial attack Gabriel D Wangsu, a member of the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, suspects that it is a case of racial attack. After a series of inquiries by me, it has been confirmed that the injuries are not of any accident, but a murderous attack, he said. Robin Hibu, IGP of Arunachal Pradesh, has been informed about the incident, with a request to get in touch with the police in Karnataka. Booked for eve teasing The Vyalikaval police have registered cases against a man aged around 20 years on charges of harassing minor girls and a woman. The suspect was roaming in the area, asking the girls and the woman to hug him. In the first incident, the youth accosted the woman on his bike and asked her to hug him. In the other case, he followed two minor schoolgirls on his bike and asked them to embrace him. They complained to passersby who caught the man and thrashed him. The youth managed to escape. The girls, along with their parents, registered a complaint against him. In the first case, he has been booked for eve teasing and sexually coloured remarks. In second case, he has been booked under Pocso Act. Former Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde said the participation of civil society in the democratic process was the need of the hour as the system has failed the masses. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Civic Leadership Incubation Programme (CLIP) conducted by Bengaluru Political Action Committee (B.PAC), Justice Hegde said with greed overtaking ethics in society, it behoves people to reverse the present situation where the qualities of honesty and humanity have been eroded by money and power. Earlier, former prime minister Deve Gowda expressed concern over Bengalurus drinking water shortage and the garbage crisis. The system is falling apart. But I am not a pessimist. So I hope that upcoming leaders will live up to the expectations of the masses they represent, he said. He also said courts should check availability of Cauvery water before delivering regular verdicts ordering Karnataka to release water. Gowda held politicians responsible for many problems in society and urged people to send informed leaders to political organisations. Otherwise, all our slogans are nothing but tools of self deception, he added. T V Mohandas Pai, vice-president of B.PAC, said social evils were products of civil societys ignorance. He said people need to stand up and fight for the values they believe in. Biocon MD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the president of B.PAC, former additional chief secretary to government of Karnataka, K Jairaj and others were present. The Election Commission on Tuesday served a notice on Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentarian Sakshi Maharaj for making a remark apparently blaming a particular community for population explosion in the country. The EC prima facie held that the BJP MPs remark at Meerut in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh was in violation of not only the Model Code of Conduct, but also the Supreme Courts recent order barring invocation of religion and caste in electioneering. Maharaj is the first politician who the EC has accused of violating the Supreme Courts January 2 order barring invocation of religion, race, caste, community or language to seek votes. The commission wrote to Maharaj that it was of the opinion that he had violated the provisions of the Para 1 (3) and Para 1 (4) of the Model Code of Conduct and also wilfully disobeyed the Supreme Court's January 2 order. It asked the BJP MP to reply to its notice by Wednesday. Para 1(3) of the Model Code of Conduct bars appeals to caste or communal feelings during electioneering, while Para 1(4) provides that all parties should scrupulously avoid all activities that are considered as corrupt practices and offences under the election law. Truce or not, Akhilesh Yadav continues to push for a grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh with the Congress, RLD and the JD(U). According to sources, the Samajwadi Party leader has agreed to give more seats to the partners. According to sources, amid fierce family feud, Akhilesh continued pursuing the agenda of forming an alliance of anti-BJP forces minus the Bahujan Samaj Party. He was in touch with leaders of Congress and other parties. The sources say that the SP has agreed to increase the number of seats to be allocated to the alliance partners. Earlier, the SP had made it clear that the party will not give more than 100 seats in all to its alliance partners. Now, the party has agreed to give 20 more seats to them. According to the emerging formula, the Congress may contest 80 seats, the RLD 25-28 and the JD(U) 7-8 seats. Remaining seats will go to smaller parties. Except the Congress and the SP, none has presence across the state. The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) headed by Ajit Singh is limited to western UP and the JD(U) has some influence in eastern UP. Also, these parties have their main bases among a particular caste in an area. The RLD has a Jat base in western UP and the JD(U) has some base among Kurmis of eastern UP. The SP has also approached smaller parties which represent local social bases. The party is in touch with the Poorvanchal Peoples Party, Nishad Party and the Peace Party. All of them have some base in eastern Uttar Pradesh. We are in touch with the Congress and the SP, Poorvanchal Peoples Party leader Vinod Singh told DH. The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would consider the issue of maintainability of a plea filed by an NGO, Swaraj Abhiyan, which spoke about kickbacks in the purchase of VVIP choppers by certain states, after the Centre objected to a political party filing a PIL. A bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi said it would consider the issue of maintainability after four weeks. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Chhattisgarh government, has questioned the maintainability of the PIL for having been filed by a political party. He said the CBI was investigating the scam relating to the purchase of 12 VVIP choppers made by AgustaWestland, but its ambit did not include the deal made by the state governments. He pointed out the Comptroller and Auditor General had already looked into the issue and that the Public Accounts Committee of the state Assembly also examined it. The court, meanwhile, considered a PIL seeking a probe by a Special Investigation team (SIT) into allegations of kickbacks of 6 million euro to some journalists in the AgustaWestland scam. The petition filed by Hari Jaisingh, a journalist, sought directions to the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate to look into the role of journalists for alleged money laundering by allowing influence peddling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made an unplanned visit to his mother Heeraben, who lives with his brother at the village of Raisan near Gandhinagar. Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat to attend functions leading up to his pet biennial investors meet, the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, on Tuesday morning tweeted that he had skipped his daily yoga session to meet his mother early in the morning. The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Union government to take stringent action against voluntary and non-governmental organisations which fail to furnish their annual financial statements. The court told the government that mere blacklisting of such errant NGOs was not enough, but criminal and civil action should be initiated against them for misappropriation and recovery of funds, respectively. There are 32.97 lakh registered NGOs in the country.A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice J S Khehar asked the Centre to place before the court within three months guidelines for accreditation of voluntary as well as non-governmental organisations and the process of their accounting procedure in order to make them accountable. The government has to regulate it. You have to bring in a mechanism if the Comptroller and Auditor General suggests that there is no regulation, the bench, also comprising Justices N V Ramana and D Y Chandrachud, told Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Of late, NGOs have been facing intense scrutiny as several of them have lost their mandate to collect funds for violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. As amicus curiae, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi submitted that funds worth about Rs 950 crore were disbursed annually to NGOs as per a report by Asian Centre for Human Rights, the bench said, We cant allow everything to be in flux. It cant remain stagnant year after year...the government is obligated to keep records. It is not your (governments) money but it is public money, the bench added. Hearing a PIL filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, the bench directed for the appearance of the Director of CAPART, to ascertain the mechanism for disbursal of funds to voluntary organisations. Mehta, along with senior advocate S K Rungta, submitted that there was a mechanism in place in the form of the General Financial Rules 2005 for these voluntary organisations. It seems the government is not aware of the system of audit mandated under the General Financial Rules, 2005. Keeping in mind this misconception, we consider it appropriate to direct the government to complete the exercise and submit a report by March 31, 2017, the bench said. China Taunts Singapore Over Seized Armored Vehicles The page you requested is only available to subscribers. 1. If you are a Premium Service subscriber, please log in here to access this story: Log-in : Password : 2. If you are not a subcriber, you can: -- buy access to this page: unlimited access for seven days costs 3.00 EUR + VAT (at 20%) if applicable. Clicking on the "Ok" button below will place the item in your shopping cart and return you to our home page, where you will be able to select additional stories. -- select additional stories and services from our home page and pay for them at the same time. -- see your shopping cart. You can also see the contents of your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the "Order" tab on the navigation bar at the top of any page, or by clicking on the "Your order" light blue link in the top right-hand corner of our home page, immediately under the log-on box. Homeland star Claire Danes takes the cover story of American Marie Claires February 2017 edition captured by fashion photographer Txema Yeste. In charge of styling was Alison Edmond, who for the story selected looks from top brands such as Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, and Givenchy. Beauty is work of hair stylist Teddy Charles, makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen, and manicurist Sheril Bailey. Set design by Cooper Vasquez. My goal is always to do something that feels just beyond my reach, and Homeland continues to do that. Every season, they find new ways to scare me. The show is like a diamond that fell from the sky. Ill always feel slightly bludgeoned by it, but in the best way possible. Claire on Homeland For more log on to www.marieclaire.com My first email ID was made on Yahoo. At that time, Yahoos India domain, Yahoo.in, did not exist, and I was very proud of myself for coming up with a mature, no nonsense ID. At the same time, I also created a msn ID. Millennials would have probably not seen a msn.com email ID in their lives, but at that time, having a Yahoo and msn account was the coolest thing ever. At the time, Yahoo and Microsoft led MSN were two of the biggest competing search, mail and messaging services. "They were more entrepreneurial than Microsoft." It was 1997 when Yahoo acquired a company called Four11 for $96 million for its Rocketmail webmail service. Marvin Gavin, who was employed at Four11 as the Director of International Business Development said, "We always had a bias about being acquired by Yahoo. They were more entrepreneurial than Microsoft. We had a great cultural fit it made a lot of sense." What started as Jerry and David's guide to the World Wide Web in 1994, soon became Yahoo, a backronym for Yet Another Hierarchically Organized Oracle or Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle. Jerry Yang and David Filo, two electrical engineers from Stanford University, created a website, which was a directory of other websites organised in hierarchy. This quickly grew into a web portal, a search engine, a messaging platform, a video sharing service, a news portal and much more. Yahoo was untouchable during the famous dot-com bubble and in December 1999, its stock price reached a peak of $500 a share! After the lucrative bubble burst, Yahoo was also one of the few survivors of the mass dot-com slaughter, but it did take a huge hit. In 2001, Yahoos share price fell to as low as $8.11. Would you believe, back in 2008, Microsoft offered to buy Yahoo for $44.6 billion! Now, Verizon is buying it for $4 bn and some spare change. What Happened? Yahoo had already started bleeding chips by 2008. Several layoffs later, the focus of the company shifted from bettering its search engine technologies to a spate of bad acquisitions. Unfortunately for the company, Google was gaining momentum at lightning speed and it started losing its users to the Mountain View based tech giant. Finally, after years of bad business and loss of user interest, Yahoo finally decided to sell its core internet business. After being rejected by many potential buyers, thanks to the billion plus Yahoo accounts that were hacked recently, the struggling company finally did find a buyer in telecom major Verizon. The deal worth $4.8 billion was hugely marked down from the companys own estimate of $10 billion, with market analysts still calling it an overpriced arrangement. One thing Yahoo did do right was buy a stake in Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba. What's the future? The one thing Yahoo did do right was buy a stake in Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba. The new Yahoo, or whats left of it, still owns 15% stake in Alibaba, along with a 35.5% stake in Yahoo Japan. This combined asset is worth $40 billion for the company, which does not want to offload it to investors just yet. Yahoo has no current intent to sell the same, or so says Tim McInerney, Director at Yahoo. However, Yahoo seems to have not ruled out the acquisition of the leftovers of the company by Alibaba. Internally nicknamed Remain co for the longest time, the entity will now be called Altaba. Whats left of Yahoo including its stake in Alibaba China and Yahoo Japan is now a rump that will serve as an investment company, whose future is still uncertain. Internally nicknamed Remain co for the longest time, Yahoo will now be called Altaba. Following Verizons acquisition of its core internet properties including, Yahoos news sites, Yahoo Mail, and blogging platform Tumblr, CEO Marissa Mayer will also step down from the board, along with co-founder David Filo. There is however no word on Mayers exit from the Verizon merged entity. As for Yahoo, the name is now officially a part of dot com history. As for me, my Yahoo ID will forever remain in limbo, just for the sake of sentiment. Central Rand Gold updated the market on its operations and a new source of funding this week, as it prepared to procure a concentrator circuit in a bid to improve efficiency and productivity. The AIM-traded firm firstly confirmed it had entered into a new loan agreement with Mr Jia Bang Wang for funding in the amount of $1m. It said the loan would be provided in two tranches, with the first tranche of $0.5m having already been received by the company and a further $0.5m becoming available on or by 31 March. The principal and accrued interest on the loan, at the UK's prime lending rate plus 2% per annum, would be repayable by the company on or by 9 July 2017. Its board confirmed that interest would accrue and capitalise from day to day, from the day any part of the loan is advanced until and including the day the whole of the loan is repaid. The board of directors of Central Rand Gold believe that the loan will provide the company with sufficient working capital for the immediate future and for the procurement, shipping, instalment and commissioning of a concentrator circuit, the board said in a statement. As announced on 6 October 2016, the company has executed an agreement to acquire mine waste dumps that contain 2.3 million tonnes of gold bearing materials, with an average in-situ grade of 0.7g/t. As a result of the successful conclusion of the concentrator test work conducted in 2016, the company has resolved to procure a concentrator circuit to upgrade the gold grade of the mine waste dumps materials before further metallurgical processing. Central Rand said the concentrator circuit would contain centrifugal concentrators, a scrubber, dewatering screens, water and slurry pumps, and other ancillary equipment. The board, which is currently in negotiations with the concentrator circuit's manufacturers, anticipates that it will be in a position to start placing orders for the equipment this quarter, thus allowing for shipment and installation by the second quarter of 2017. With regard to its operations, Central Rand pointed to its commissioning of Mill No 1 in November, saying that together with Mill No 3, both mills were able to provide a name plate milling capacity of 800 tonnes per day. Subject to production downtime, the company has been processing approximately 500 tonnes of toll treatment materials per day for the past six weeks. Management is committing to minimising production downtime and improving production efficiency to carry the current operation until the concentrator circuit has been installed and commissioned. Central Rand said the pumping of the water in the Central Basin is, and has always been, the responsibility of Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, a South African government institution. During the past two months, Johannesburg has experienced higher than normal rainfall, causing the water levels to rise to 143.2 vertical meters below surface, being the same level as at the beginning of 2016. Futura Medical , an AIM listed innovative healthcare company focused on transdermal technology, has signed a licensing agreement with Thornton & Ross for the commercialisation of TPR100, the companys novel diclofenac gel for pain relief. Thornton & Ross (T&R) is one of the largest consumer health companies in the UK and was acquired by STADA Arzneimittel AG (STADA), the international healthcare group, three years ago. Under the terms of the agreement, T&R will conduct the manufacturing scale-up of TPR100 and hold rights to manufacture, market and distribute the product in the UK for the lifetime of the products patents, which run to at least 2028 in the UK. Futura will receive an upfront payment and milestone payments up to a certain limit along with royalties on product sales. TPR100, which benefits from the rapid skin permeation rates offered by Futura's proprietary DermaSys delivery system, demonstrated statistically significant results in a 2015 clinical study comparing the product against both placebo and currently marketed products. No further clinical work is expected to be required ahead of regulatory submission by T&R for UK marketing authorisation, anticipated in the second half of 2017. Executive Vice President of Brands at STADA, Dieno George, said: "Thornton & Ross is an ideal partner for Futura, with its expertise in both OTC and Rx marketing and we are very excited to bring TPR100 into our product portfolio. TPR100's topical formulation, and positive trial results achieved to date, mean that it has the potential to be a product that very successfully meets patient needs." Chief executive of Futura, James Barder, said: "We're delighted to sign this licensing agreement with Thornton & Ross for the UK rights to our topical diclofenac gel, TPR100. This agreement is an important milestone for Futura as it marks the first commercial validation of the Company's pain relief portfolio. We look forward to working with Thornton & Ross on the initial manufacturing scale-up of TPR100, followed by its registration and subsequent commercial launch." The share price of Futura was down 0.53% at 56.70p at 1450 GMT on Tuesday. Somero updated the market on its trading for the financial year to 31 December on Tuesday, saying that in the six months since its first half update, the company continued to deliver profitable growth and cash generation. The AIM-traded firm said that due to a strong finish to 2016 combined with continued margin improvement, the board now expected to report revenue slightly ahead of current market expectations and to report EBITDA comfortably ahead of current market expectations for the full year. In addition, given the strong cash generation of the business, Somero now expected to report net cash as of 31 December significantly ahead of market expectations. Demand in the second half of 2016 remained robust across our core product range with particularly strong interest in recently launched new products, the large line S-10A and small line S-940 Laser Screed machines, Someros board said in a statement. Also contributing significantly to growth during the period were sales of large line S-15 Laser Screed machines, STS--11M spreaders, 3-D Profiler Systems, and parts driven by the high utilization of our installed base of equipment by customers. Geographically, second half performance in the companys core markets was said to be solid, with Europe contributing significantly to growth, North America contributing satisfactorily to growth and trading in China remaining healthy. Trading in Latin America and the Middle East improved considerably in the second half of 2016, as expected, with Australia also contributing solidly to growth during the period. In Southeast Asia, India, Scandinavia, Korea, and Russia, while trading levels were in line with or down somewhat from the prior year, interest levels in our products remain encouraging in each of these territories and we see considerable growth opportunities going forward. Following record results in 2016, the board said it remained confident in the company's ability to deliver another year of profitable growth in 2017 based on healthy market conditions in its core markets, and encouraging growth opportunities in our other territories. The board's confidence is further supported by encouraging pro-growth corporate tax reform and fiscal policy proposals in the United States. In recognition of Somero's financial strength, strong cash generation, and our confidence in the 2017 outlook, the board is pleased to announce that it has approved an increase to the company dividend payout ratio to 40% of adjusted net income. Somero confirmed that increase was from the previous 30% payout ratio in effect for 2015. It said the change would become effective with the final 2016 dividend to be announced with Somero's final results for the year ending 31 December 2016, which were scheduled to be released on 15 March 2017. In addition, the strong cash generation of the business has built up cash reserves in excess of the board's targeted net cash level of US$ 10.0m. The board plans to review its cash position alongside cash requirements for current business needs and future investment during the first half of 2017. The board will then assess the level of excess cash that may be subject to distribution back to shareholders through a special dividend later in 2017. Music and audio products company Focusrite was holding its annual general meeting in London on Tuesday afternoon. At the meeting, executive chairman of the AIM-traded firm, Phil Dudderidge, confirmed to shareholders that the company was continuing on its growth trajectory. In November 2016, at the time of our final results announcement, we updated the market that our positive trading momentum had continued since the year end. I am pleased to confirm that November and December also demonstrated good growth in revenue compared with the prior year, coupled with strong cash generation. Tell us more You are seeing these quotes based on previous browsing related to sectors such as US president-elect Donald Trump has met with the boss of Chinese conglomerate Alibaba at Trump Tower in New York, as Jack Ma pledged to cooperate with the incoming administration in order to bring one million jobs to the country. Both Ma and Trump spoke after the meeting of their commitment to working towards improving relations between China and the United States, with the Alibaba chief saying relations "should be strengthened, should be more friendly and do better". Trump has previously been antagonistic towards China during and after his successful election campaign in 2016, threatening to place tariffs on imports from the Asian superpower. "Jack and I are going to do some great things," Trump said as reporters gathered when the two men emerged from the lift in the lobby of Trump Tower. Alibaba floated on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014 after dominating the Chinese internet market with a large variety of products, including e-commerce, online payment systems and social media. The company's IPO claimed the record for the largest of its kind in the US market, raising $25bn from selling its shares at $68 per share. Ma is one of the richest men in China, and specifically targeted farmers and clothing makers as those who could benefit from using the Alibaba marketplace to connect with Chinese consumers. "We're focused on small business," Ma told reporters. "We specifically talked about supporting 1 million small businesses, especially in the Midwest of America." Alphabet , the parent company of Google , is in discussions with satellite imagery company Planet Labs to sell its own satellite business, known as Terra Bella. The sale would be a quick turnaround for Google, which only bought the company in 2014 for $500m, after it was previously known as Skybox Imaging. The discussions between Google and Planet Labs were first reported by Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the deal as saying that the latter is currently seeking to raise funds for the acquisition. Terra Bella has launched seven satellites thus far, with the objective of recording images of the Earth from above, in order to collect and sell data gained from them. Alphabet's growing network of companies is said to be causing a financial strain on some of its newest acquisitions, and the company appears to be shedding back on some of its less profitable arrangements. That process has been led by the appointment of finance chief Ruth Porat from investment bank Morgan Stanley. Alphabet's share price was up 0.24% to $827.18 at the end of trading on Monday. Internet company Yahoo! Inc will be renamed Altaba after the closure of Verizon Communications' deal to buy its core internet business, while chief executive officer Marissa Mayer will step down from her position. In a regulatory announcement released on Monday, in addition to Mayer's resignation from the board, five other directors confirmed their departures after the closure of the deal. Mayer's resignation from the board of the new entity is "not due to any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company's operations, policies or practices," according to the filing. In addition, Eric Brandt was named chairman of the company's board, effective from 9 January. Yahoo agreed to sell its core business for $4.83bn last year, but the deal has been put under pressure after details emerged of two large-scale hacks of its account holders. Verizon is said to be considering its position in the agreement while an investigation into the hacks is ongoing, with some reports suggesting they might pull out of the deal altogether. The hacks are considered to be two of the biggest in the history of such cyber-attacks, and could lead to customers' bank account and online shopping details being accessed by criminals. Donald Trump has named his son-in-law Jared Kushner to the position of senior adviser in his incoming US administration, with Democrats criticising the appointment and calling for an independent review. Kushner, the husband of Trump's daughter Ivanka, formed a part of the president-elect's campaign team during the Republican's successful run to the White House in 2016. Trump is due to take office on 20 January. A group of Democrats have requested a review of the prospective choice of Kushner from the Justice Department and Office of Government Ethics, citing concerns of nepotism and conflicts of interest. Nepotism laws in the US state that federal officials may not hire family members to an office led by them, but lawyers for Kushner argue that it does not apply to him. Wealthy businessman Kushner will step down from leading his family's real estate business, as well as his role as publisher for the New York Observer newspaper. It is the latest controversial appointment to Trump's White House team, which are due to begin Senate hearings this week. Many of his picks so far have been notable for their links with big Wall Street banks, and in the case of prospective secretary of state Rex Tillerson, Russia and its president Vladimir Putin. Some have also been criticised by Democrats for attempting to bypass crucial ethics documents and practices, and scheduling confirmations before the nominees have completed all steps of the process. Italian authorities made two arrests on Tuesday on suspicion of hacking the email accounts of European Central Bank president Mario Draghi and former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi . Thousands of other accounts were breached in the same attack, according to the warrant issued for the arrest of the two siblings. Giulio Occhionero and sister Francesca Maria Occhionero were arrested following an order by the court in Rome for attempting to steal state secrets. Giulio heads an investment firm known as Westland Securities, and Italian police believe he and his sister were attempting to gain information to "make investments based on reserved information." "There were tens of thousands of email accounts hacked, and among them were accounts belonging to bankers, businessmen and even several cardinals in the Vatican," Roberto Di Legami, director of the police unit that conducted the investigation, told Reuters. Draghi is the chief of the highest banking authority in the Eurozone, while Renzi resigned from his position as the leader of Italy following a "No" vote to his proposed constitutional reform in December's referendum. Italian police worked with the cyber division of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation in the investigation into the so-called "Eyepyramid" malware which was used during the hack. The head of the London Stock Exchange said that Brexit could risk up to 232,000 jobs. Chief executive Xavier Rolet said the impact of Britain leaving the EU could lead to 232,000 job cuts and risk financial stability of the country. The financial services industry have been concerned about passporting rights which allows firms conduct business across the EU through a single license and have called for a soft Brexit- maintaining membership, or having as much access as possible to the single market. This was echoed by HSBC chairman Douglas Flint, and Allianzs vice-chair Elizabeth Corley, who all spoke at the Treasury Select Committee. Corley said there should be a grandfathered" transition plan for the country in negotiations with the EU, in order for banks to plan for the future. Snapchat is to open first international HQ in London despite the Brexit vote, saying the UKs strong creative industries made it a great place to build a global business. The Los Angeles-based group, which has 150 million users a day worldwide, confirmed it will book all sales made outside the US and where it has [] Snapchat is to open first international HQ in London despite the Brexit vote, saying the UKs strong creative industries made it a great place to build a global business. The Los Angeles-based group, which has 150 million users a day worldwide, confirmed it will book all sales made outside the US and where it has no local entity in Britain. Snapchats parent company Snap Inc said the UKs strong creative industries made it a great place to build a global business. Claire Valoti, general manager of Snap Group in the UK, added: We believe in the UK creative industries. The UK is where our advertising clients are, where more than 10 million daily Snapchatters are, and where weve already begun to hire talent. This bucks the trend established by other big US tech companies, such as Apple, Google, Facebook and Amazon, which have set up international headquarters in European jurisdictions with lower-tax regimes, such as Ireland or Luxembourg. Such deals have not always worked so well in the past. Apple, for example, was recently ordered by the European Commission to pay 13 billion in back taxes to the Irish government a demand both Ireland and Apple are combatting. The decision to base Snapchats international operations in the UK also comes at a time when many companies and investors are anxious about how the tech sector will adapt to the possibility of a hard Brexit. Many firms have expressed concerns about the future of investment in the UK, although larger companies including Facebook and Google have made moves to show commitment to the country. Snapchat in the US recently rebranded as Snap Incorporated. The companys new UK entity will be called Snap Group Limited, which is likewise intended to refocus attention on the firm as a camera company rather than the owner of a single app. We believe that reinventing the camera represents our greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate, the company website claims. Our products empower people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world and have fun together. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Oller: Ranking some of the top games by members of the OSU defense Subscriber content preview JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Canadian officials say they will take action to prevent polluted water from a decades-old mine from entering the Taku River, a key source of salmon caught in southeast Alaska. British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett told CoastAlaska News experts will explore different options, including plugging leaking tunnels from the defunct Tulsequah Chief Mine. The acidic water has been carrying pollutants into the Tulsequah River, which is a tributary of the Taku near Juneau. . . . Subscriber content preview CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) For more reasons than the weather, a North Carolina man was glad to see a snowplow as he tried to get his pregnant wife to a hospital in nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, during the weekend storm. The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported that Hugh Dawson of Moyock, North Carolina, headed to a hospital about 25 miles away in Virginia with his wife Stephanie about 3:30 a.m. Sunday. . . . Subscriber content preview ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) It was the determination of workers over nearly three years and pure ingenuity that allowed the nation's only underground repository for low-level nuclear waste to recover from a radiation release, the head of the U.S. Energy Department said. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz told The Associated Press that resuming work at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in southern New Mexico means the nation's multibillion-dollar cleanup of waste from decades of bomb-making and nuclear research is one step closer to getting back on track. . . . The Health Service Executive in the north west is urging all people in risk groups to get the flu vaccine. Incidences of the flu have tripled in the country over the past two weeks and the HSE says the proportion of flu related calls to GP services has reached the highest level reported for six years and respiratory admissions reached the highest level ever reported. The HSE said several Community Hospitals and Nursing Units across Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo that been closed to admissions and have restricted visiting in place due to the current flu outbreak. The following groups of at-risk people who should be vaccinated against seasonal influenza: everyone aged 65 years and over; anyone over six months of age with a long term illness requiring regular medical follow-up, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and other residential care services and all healthcare workers The HSE provides the flu vaccine free of charge for all those in the at-risk groups and the vaccine is available from GPs and local pharmacy. Dr. Brenda Corcoran, Head of the HSE National Immunisation Office urged those in at risk groups, who have not yet been vaccinated, to get the vaccine. The flu vaccine is a lifesaver because flu can be a very serious and sometimes deadly disease, with potentially 1,000 flu related deaths in Ireland during a severe flu season. That is why those who are most vulnerable to the complications of flu need to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is the only defence against flu, yet every year many people in the at risk groups fail to get vaccinated and put themselves at risk of serious illness or even death. The symptoms of flu usually develop over a matter of a few hours, and include a high temperature, sore muscles, dry cough, headache and sore throat. Flu is different from the common cold, which tends to come on more gradually and usually includes a runny nose and a normal temperature. Flu is spread by coughing and sneezing so people should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and washing their hands with soap and water as soon as possible to help prevent the spread of flu. Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter flu remedies to ease symptoms. People in high-risk categories should contact their GP if they develop flu symptoms, said Dr. Corcoran. Lexus has cautioned against competing in an driverless car race with Tesla and Mercedes-Benz despite touting its latest LS limousine as a technology flagship. The fifth-generation LS launched this week with only a basic form of lane-keep assistance that requires the driver to maintain regular contact with the steering wheel but both Tesla with AutoPilot and Mercedes-Benz with Active Lane Keeping Assist can each already permit hands-free freeway driving in ideal conditions for one minute or longer. Lexus president Tokuo Fukuichi refuted the notion that the LS had fallen behind its competitors for semi-autonomous technology, instead suggesting that companies were competing for bragging rights between each other without a customer mindset. "One of the difficulties we have now is that all the companies are competing with having the most high-technology items, but part of the problem is that customers are lost in that conversation," he told Drive at the Detroit motor show this week. "Companies are putting on that technology but not always for the customers. "We always try to put the most advanced technology in [the LS] first in the Lexus lineup, so I can definitely say that this vehicle has the most advanced technology within the Toyota corporation. [But] we don't want to just focus only on technological competitiveness, when I ask how is that technology actually going to fit in with the customer?" With controversy surrounding the 'beta' testing status of Tesla's AutoPilot system and its application in production vehicles customers can buy, the intimation from Fukuichi and other Lexus executives is that the brand will not release even semi-autonomous driving technology until it is perfected for drivers of varied skill sets. "We are in communication with just about everybody in the field and we have a pretty good idea where all the competitors are," Toyota Research Institute CEO Gill Pratt told Drive. "I think that we're all doing well, we're all trying to solve similar issues, but looking at when a particular company chooses to field a particular technology and when is not a reliable indication of the level of technology that's inside. "I would caution reading too much into that. A company has to weight up a whole lot of factors when deciding what autonomy to put into cars." Lexus Australia CEO Peter McGregor added that for now a focus for the brand was in the realm of driver assistance technology rather than systems that taking over the driving. "The technology and the systems introduced in the LS and, let's just say planned for the future of this car as well, are driver assist technologies, they aid the driver to drive safely without necessarily taking over the full autonomy of the vehicle," he said. "I'm very comfortable with the balance between autonomous assistance, or driver assistance, and driver engagement in this car it is a sensational drive, it really is." Although lane-keep assistance is seen as a next step towards a fully autonomous driving future and several car companies have targeted 2020 for the release of the driver-less car, Fukuichi said Toyota and Lexus have no public plans for such a car to enter the market on the switch to the next decade. "That would be very hard," the Lexus president said of a 2020 target for an autonomous car. "There are a lot of different market environments so the ability to make something fully autonomous is still quite a few years off. "We are considering ways towards automated driving for Lexus as a brand in the future. But the ability to get to level five is still far off. One of the challenges is we don't have a fixed definition that everybody shares regarding what autonomous driving actually is." Level five is considered the ultimate goal for an autonomous car that can remove its steering wheel and drive anywhere and in any conditions and Ford says it will bring such a vehicle to market in 2021. The headline technology feature of the Lexus LS is its pedestrian detection and swerve assist function, that can automatically navigate around a person walking in front of the car to avoid a collision but only while keeping within its lane. Home Four wheelers Volkswagen Executive Arrested By F.B.I. Over Diesel Emission Scandal oi-Sreejith The F.B.I. has arrested a Volkswagen Executive in Florida over his involvement with the diesel emission scandal. He was accused of playing a vital role in a broad conspiracy to keep the regulators from discovering the programmed diesel vehicles to cheat on emissions tests. {photo-feature} Most Viewed Car Photo Gallery The Ford EcoSport has been a game-changer for the American auto major in India. Auto enthusiasts in India are expecting the midlife facelift of the compact SUV, which is expected to come by Diwali. Go through this gallery to see the change in the design of your favourite EcoSport. A consortium of Dutch dredging company Van Oord and Angolan company Urbinveste Promocao e Projectos Imobiliarios has been awarded a contract for the design and construction of the Marginal da Corimba project in Luanda, Angola. The contract has been signed with the Angolan government and for Van Oords share of 400 million US dollar it contains a financing agreement arranged by ING Bank and a credit insurance provided by Atradius Dutch State Business. Congestion issues The growing number of inhabitants and vehicles requires the capital city of Luanda to expand and provide solutions to alleviate the current congestion issues. The Marginal da Corimba project aims to revitalize the area of Samba, Corimba and Futungo de Belas, with the purpose of improving the quality of life of the population. The new area will serve the purpose for the construction of the Marginal da Corimba highway, future fishery port, marina and real estate development. Land reclamation Therefor an area of 400 hectares will be reclaimed along the coast of Luanda and will be protected by various rock revetments and breakwaters. The rock required for the project will be procured from local quarries. Van Oord will deploy various dredging equipment on this project which is expected to be completed mid-2019. This news item was originally published on the website of Van Oord. Read also on this website Van Oord signs agreement on construction deep-water port Porto Central, Brazil, 14 October 2016 Van Oord completes ground improvement on reclaimed land for Al-Zour refinery, Kuwait, 5 September 2016 Boskalis awarded three port and river dredging contracts in Angola, Gabon and Senegal, 25 June 2015 More information Van Oord Rotterdam, the Netherlands +31 88 826 00 00 www.vanoord.com Untreated mental health issues can prevent people from working and leading full lives. This woman worries about her future if she cant afford the right care. Bipolar disorder has been in the news a lot lately following the death of Carrie Fisher, who was very open about the challenges she faced living with this mental health condition. A mood disorder, bipolar disorder affects millions of Americans. One of those Americans is Melanie, who is very concerned about what would happen to her if the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, were repealed or dismantled. The 54-year-old describes herself as precariously employed, because the only jobs shes been able to find as a legal assistant tend to be temporary positions that dont include health benefits. Her situation could become dire if she didnt have health insurance to pay for her treatment. Bipolar disorder requires psychiatrist visits, therapy sessions and medication to keep me emotionally and mentally stable. I dont know what I would have done without Obamacare. People cant afford this kind of medication without insurance unless theyre making $100,000 or $200,000 a year. Its going to eat up everything you make. Melanies income is low, so she qualifies for tax credits to help her pay for insurance. Under her plan, Melanies three medications cost $5 or $10 each time she refills them. With insurance, she also doesnt have to worry about what would happen if she needed some sort of extended care, as she did when she was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2006. Fortunately, she had insurance at the time and was successfully treated. And with Obamacare, Melanie gets her routine mammograms to make sure she remains cancer-free at no extra cost. But she knows that without insurance, medical bills for a serious illness could drive her into bankruptcy. Plus, right now Melanie is able to get the same coverage as anyone else because she cant be discriminated against for having a pre-existing condition thanks to the patient protections in the ACA. She knows what could happen to people her if theyre no longer able to afford or even be eligible for health insurance. People with untreated mental illness have a good chance of either ending up homeless or in jail, she says. Melanie has heard President-elect Trump say hed like to keep the ACAs provision that prevents insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, but shes not convinced he understands how the law works. Its not enough to keep the pre-existing condition rule. Removing the mandate [that requires people to have insurance or pay a fine] would, in essence, eliminate the tax subsidies that make ACA coverage affordable to those like me who are precariously employed. Everyone would have to pay the full premium and we know that many on Obamacare just cant afford that. Melanie admits the ACA could be improved, but she feels strongly that starting over makes no sense. Especially with all the systems already in place since the law was passed, repeal would end up costing taxpayers money. Not to mention the human cost. The people who want to destroy the ACA just dont care if people like me live or die. Whether we have an untimely, unnecessary death or not. Thats how I look at it. Melanie is reaching out to her elected representatives to make her voice heard on this and other issues. Congress is already taking actions that could begin unraveling the ACA so make yourself heard, too. Pick up the phone and call your elected officials today. Let them know that lives hang in the balance along with their seats in Congress in the next election. Contact your Representative in the U.S. Congress HERE and your U.S. Senator HERE. Urge them to vote against repealing the ACA unless a replacement plan with the same level of coverage and consumer protections is enacted at the same time. Meanwhile open enrollment for 2017 coverage continues through January 31. Get covered today at HealthCare.gov. Has Obamacare helped you or someone in your family? Tell us about it HERE if youd like to be considered for a future post. [CC photo by Will ONeill | Flickr] Fitbit on Wednesday announced an acquisition deal with smartwatch maker Pebble. The company clearly has been struggling, having laid off 25 percent of its staff earlier this year, when CEO Eric Migicovsky acknowledged that money was tight. Fitbit is acquiring certain assets of Pebble, including key personnel and intellectual property specific to software and firmware development, a Fitbit spokesperson said in a statement provided to TechNewsWorld by company rep Paula Conhain. The majority of Pebble employees in the software engineering function, as well select employees in other functions, will join Fitbit, the spokesperson said. The acquisition excludes Pebbles hardware. Pebbles technology and deep industry expertise in platform development will help speed Fitbits delivery of health and fitness features in its products and add to the general purpose utility consumers value in a connected device, Fitbits spokesperson said. Distinguishing Features Pebble has suffered from limited distribution networks, modest brand awareness, a constrained marketing budget and a shrinking market share, observed Cliff Raskind, principal analyst for wearable devices at Strategy Analytics. However, Pebble set itself apart by offering excellent battery life, an uncluttered interface, a well-supported SDK, and a vibrant developer ecosystem with a complete vision of modular hardware, he told TechNewsWorld. The purchase will let Fitbit better defend its turf against Apple and Android Wear, Raskind suggested. About the Money Fitbit paid US$40 million for Pebble and has offered jobs to about 40 percent of the companys staff, according to a Bloomberg story. The money reportedly will go toward repaying debt holders, vendors and some equity investors, as well as providing refunds for Time2 and Pebble Core watches ordered through Kickstarter. Pebble stock held by employees is worthless. Pebbles debts and obligations exceed $40 million, and Fitbit is not taking on that debt, Bloomberg reported. Pebbles hardware and its other assets and inventory will be sold off separately. Fitbit declined to confirm the size of the deal because the acquisition is not material to financials, the companys spokesperson said. Migicovsky is planning to rejoin startup incubator Y Combinator as a partner, Bloomberg noted. Countdown for Pebble Device Owners Pebbles hardware no longer will be sold or supported by either company, although owners of Pebble smartwatches can go to the Help forum or the community for help. Active Pebble products that have been purchased will continue to work for now, Pebble said, but functionality or service quality may be reduced later. Pebble wont release regular software updates or new features, but it is working to reduce its devices reliance on cloud services to prolong their active life. Warranty exchange is no longer available for Pebble devices. The No. 1 wearable player in the world will move to kill off Pebbles existing hardware line, leaving an estimated 1.5 million existing Pebble users in the lurch for new features, Raskind said. Fitbits acquisition of Pebble is analogous to HPs purchase of Palm, said ABI analyst Jonathan Collins. Palms products and technology were well received, but HP nevertheless killed the line. Pebble devices were practical and functional and effective at what they did, Collins told TechNewsWorld. Take away the functionality and there remains little incentive for end users to continue using them. Reaching Out to Devs Pebble has invited its developer community to work with Fitbit. The Pebble SDK, CloudPebble, mobile apps, its developer portal, app store, timeline API, dictation and message services, and firmware will continue to operate without interruption. Some Pebble developers have suggested that the company release its firmware under an open source license, but it appears doubtful that will happen. Developers flock to where the action is, noted Raskind, so many will follow, if theyre not developing off-device for Fitbit already. Cloud-based ERP firm FinancialForce on Friday named a new CEO, Tod Nielsen, who previously served as executive vice president of platform at Salesforce. Nielsen takes the helm from FinancialForce founder Jeremy Roche, who remains a major shareholder in the company. He will stay on as special advisor to the management team and work with FinancialForce investor Unit4 in an executive position. Roches home base is in the UK. Salesforce is another investor in FinancialForce, which builds its applications on the Salesforce platform. FinancialForce last year raised US$110 million in a fresh round of funding. The company has reached the critical $100 million revenue run rate marks, and we want to aggressively grow to reach the next stage, said FinancialForce spokesperson Sandy Lo. FinancialForce CEO Tod Nielsen With the combination of personal reasons Jeremy has been bi-continental and it takes quite a toll and the type of experience needed to now reach the billion-dollar mark, Jeremy and the board have made this decision, Lo told CRM Buyer. Tod Nielsens Chops Nielsen has a history in the industry to help FinancialForce move forward, said Seth Lippincott, lead ERP analyst at Nucleus Research. He should have no problem communicating FinancialForces value proposition with his background, Lippincott told CRM Buyer. In addition to Nielsens position at Salesforce, which he left last June, his background includes serving as CEO of Heroku, a Platform as a Service used for writing applications in the Ruby language. Salesforce completed the acquisition of Heroku for $212 million in cash back in 2011. Nielsen previously served as COO at VMware, CEO at Borland, SVP of marketing and global sales support at Oracle, CMO at BEA Systems and VP of Microsofts Platform Group. FinancialForces Goals In a recent interview, Roche said that he wanted FinancialForce to become the next SAP or Oracle, and that is absolutely still the goal, Lo said. We dont just want to be the leading cloud ERP vendor on the Salesforce platform we want to be the leader, period, she said. In the near term, Nielsens goal is to meet with customers, employees and partners to determine the best course of action, Lo said. The global ERP software market will hit nearly $42 billion by 2020, Allied Market Research has predicted. Most ERP vendors that offer both on-premises and cloud deployments report that their cloud products are the fastest-growing, Lippincott noted. The cloud ERP market will continue to accelerate, and FinancialForce is well positioned to capitalize on this growth, he said. Cloud deployments garner higher ROI and offer shorter payback periods than on-premises systems, based on Nucleus Researchs customer data, Lippincott observed. Possible Trouble Spots FinancialForce customers find value in the fact that it operates on the Salesforce platform, Lippincott remarked. It was the differentiating factor for some. The FinancialForce customers he has spoken with are very happy and are getting good value from the solution, Lippincott said. However, the companys exclusive focus on the Salesforce platform could be its Achilles heel. A customer characterized Salesforce as the 800-pound gorilla to which FinancialForce is tied, he remarked. If Salesforce starts to struggle, FinancialForces potential customer base cold be hurt. That close tie-in puts limits on what customers FinancialForce can reasonably go after, Lippincott pointed out. If the prospect isnt a Salesforce CRM customer, FinancialForce is probably better served not pursuing the deal. That said, Salesforce is growing. It expects to deliver its first $10 billion year during fiscal year 2018, CEO Marc Benioff said last fall. Still, FinancialForce is just one of several companies offering ERP apps on the Salesforce platform, Lippincott noted, and it cant rest on its laurels. Yahoo has disclosed in a filing with federal regulators that following the sale of its operating business to Verizon, the company will restructure its board and change its name. It also warned that a massive hack disclosed last year could imperil its US$4.8 billion sale to Verizon. Yahoo will operate as an investment company after the Verizon deal closes, it reported in the document filed Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It will reduce its board to five members, with David Filo, Eddy Hartenstein, Richard Hill, Marissa Meyer, Jayne Shaw and Maynard Webb departing from the board. The planned board departures are not due to any disagreements with the company or anything related to its operations, policies or practices, according to the filing. The remaining board members, Tor Braham, Eric Brandt, Catherine Friedman, Thomas McInerney and Jeffrey Smith, will stay on as directors after the deal closes. To facilitate Yahoos transformation into an investment company, Brandt will become chairman of the board and Webb will become chairman emeritus. Yahoo also announced a new name for the company: Altaba Inc. The latest twist in the Yahoo tale reveals just how quickly Yahoo has fallen from the upper firmament of techs stars, Midia Research Senior Analyst Tim Mulligan told the E-Commerce Times. Late Disclosure Verizon may assert, or threaten to assert rights or claims with respect to the stock purchase agreement in connection with two separate hacking incidents Yahoo disclosed last year, according to the filing. Those rights include terminating or renegotiating the terms of the deal. Yahoo last month disclosed that it was the victim of a massive hack by a suspected state-sponsored entity, resulting in the >breach of more than 1 billion accounts. That incident was separate from an attack disclosed in September. The hack that it disclosed last month resulted in the loss of names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords. and in some cases encrypted or unencrypted security questions, Yahoo said. While it remains unclear how many users decided to dump Yahoo permanently after the breach disclosures, it is clear that Verizons interest in the Yahoo business was due at least in part to its large volume of legacy users, observed telecom analyst Jeff Kagan. Verizon wants Yahoo customers so they can have a bigger customer base to sell to. With that in mind, I see Verizon continuing with the deal, just with different numbers, he told the E-Commerce Times. Second Thoughts Verizon is concerned about the impact of the hack on the Yahoo business, according to Marni Walden, president of the product innovation and new business unit. Verizon was looking to create scale in terms of adding Yahoos core audience to the core AOL audience going from hundreds of millions of users to billions of users, she said last week at the Citi Internet, Media and Telecommunication conference in Las Vegas. However, we obviously had the first breach and we were headed down the path to understand that to make sure we werent jumping off blindly off a cliff, she said. We have that responsibility, Walden said. Unfortunately I cant sit here today and say with confidence one way or the other because we still dont know, she said, referring to the outcome. There are still things that have to be completed in the investigation, Walden noted. Verizon has the right to change the value or the terms of the transaction after learning about important problems, remarked Peter Vogel, a partner at the Gardere law firm. It also could threaten litigation during the due diligence process. Thats true for any purchaser in a merger and acquisition, Vogel told the E-Commerce Times, noting that these circumstances are quite common in M&A deals. 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The Ho Chi Minh City company will manufacture, sell and distribute Repreve filament yarn in Vietnam, and Unifi Textiles (Suzhou) Co (UTSC) Unifi's subsidiary in China will manage sales and distribution of Repreve filament yarn exported from Vietnam. The aim is for the collaboration to open distribution channels for Repreve in the key South East Asia apparel-producing region, helping to fulfill increasing demand and shorten lead times to the company's customer base. What Is Climate Change? Is It Different From Global Warming? Climate change is actually not a new phenomenon. Scientists have been studying the connection between human activity and the effect on the climate since the 1800s, although it took until the 1950s to find evidence suggesting a link. Since then, the amount of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases) in the atmosphere have steadily increased, taking a sharp jump in the late 1980s when the summer of 1988 became the warmest on record. (There have been many records broken since then.) But climate change is not a synonym for global warming. The term global warming entered the lexicon in the 1950s, but didnt become a common buzzword until a few decades later when more people started taking notice of a warming climate. Except climate change encompasses a greater realm than just rising temperatures. Trapped gases also affect sea-level rise, animal habitats, biodiversity and weather patterns. For example, Texas severe winter storms in February 2021 demonstrate how the climate isnt merely warming. Related: What Are The Top States For Solar Incentives? Why Is Climate Change Important? Why Does It Matter? Marc Guitard / Moment / Getty Images Despite efforts from forward thinkers such as SpaceX Founder Elon Musk to colonize Mars, Earth remains our home for the foreseeable future, and the more human activity negatively impacts the climate, the less habitable it will become. Its estimated that Earth has already warmed about one degree Celsius, or two degrees Fahrenheit, since the start of the Industrial Revolution around the 1750s, although climate change tracking didnt start until the late 1800s. That warming number may not sound like much, but this increase has already resulted in more frequent and severe wildfires, hurricanes, floods, droughts and winter storms, to name some examples. Environmental Impacts Then theres biodiversity loss, another fallout of climate change thats threatening rainforests and coral reefs and accelerating species extinction. Take rainforests, which act as natural carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But as rampant deforestation is occurring everywhere from Brazils Amazon to Borneo, fewer trees mean that rainforests are becoming carbon sources, emitting more carbon than theyre absorbing. Meanwhile, coral reefs are dying as warming ocean temperatures trigger bleaching events, which cause corals to reject algae, their main food and life source. Fewer trees, coral reefs and other habitats also equate to fewer species. Known as the sixth mass extinction, a 2019 UN report revealed that up to a million plant and animal species could become extinct within decades. Human Impact It can be easy to overlook climate change in day-to-day life, or even realize that climate change is behind it. Notice theres yet another romaine lettuce recall due to E. Coli? Research suggests that E. Coli bacteria are becoming more common in our food sources as it adapts to climate change. Cant find your favorite brand of coffee beans anymore? Or that the price has doubled? Climate change is affecting that too. Climate change is also worsening air quality and seasonal allergies, along with polluting tap water. Not least, many preliminary studies have also drawn a line between climate change and the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that is still gripping much of the world. Future pandemics are likely to happen more frequently until the root causes, such as deforestation, are addressed. Speaking of larger-scale issues, global water scarcity is already happening more frequently. The Caribbean is facing water shortages due to rising temperatures and decreased rainfall; Australias dams may run dry by 2022 as severe wildfires increase and Cape Town, South Africa has already faced running out of water. As touched upon earlier, its one thing to be inconvenienced by a lack of romaine lettuce for a couple of weeks or higher coffee bean prices, but reports warn how climate change will continue to threaten global food security, to the point of triggering a worldwide food crisis if temperatures surpass two degrees Celsius. Many of these factors are already contributing to climate migration, forcing large numbers of people to relocate to other parts of the world in search of better living conditions. Unless more immediate, drastic action is taken to combat climate change, future generations will have to contend with worst-case scenario projections by the end of the 21st century, not limited to coastal cities going underwater, including Miami; lethal heat levels from South Asia to Central Africa; and more frequent extreme weather events involving hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis, droughts, floods, blizzards and more. Related: What Are The Best Solar Companies? Whats Happening and Why? Fiddlers Ferry power station in Warrington, UK. Chris Conway / Moment / Getty Images The Earths temperature has largely remained stable until industrial times and the introduction of greenhouse gases. These gases have forced the atmosphere to retain heat, as evidenced by rising global temperatures. As the planet grows warmer, glaciers melt faster, sea levels rise, severe flooding increases and droughts and extreme weather events become more deadly. The Greenhouse Effect In the late 1800s, Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius studied the connection between the amount of atmospheric carbon and its ability to warm and cool the Earth, and while his initial calculations suggested extreme warming as carbon increased, researchers didnt start to take human-induced climate change seriously until the late 20th century. But proof of human-led climate change can be traced to the 1850s, and satellites are among the ways that scientists have been tracking increased greenhouse gases and their climate impact in more recent years. Climate researchers have also documented warmer oceans, ocean acidification, shrinking ice sheets, decreased snow amounts and extreme weather as among the events resulting from greenhouse gases heating the planet. Numerous factors contribute to the production of greenhouse gases, known as the greenhouse effect. One of the biggest causes involve burning fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, to power everything from cars to daily energy needs (electricity, heat). From 1970-2011, fossil fuels have comprised 78 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Big Ag is another greenhouse contributor, particularly beef production, with the industry adding 10 percent in 2019. This is attributed to clearing land for crops and grazing and growing feed, along with methane produced by cows themselves. In the U.S. alone, Americans consumed 27.3 billion pounds of beef in 2019. Then theres rampant deforestation occurring everywhere from the Amazon to Borneo. A 2021 study from Rainforest Foundation Norway found that two-thirds of the worlds rainforests have already been destroyed or degraded. In Brazil, deforestation reached a 12-year-high in 2020 under right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro. As it stands, reports predict that the Amazon rainforest will collapse by 2064. Rainforests are important carbon sinks, meaning the trees capture and remove carbon from the atmosphere. As rainforests collapse, the remaining trees will begin emitting more greenhouse gases than theyre absorbing. Meanwhile, a recent study revealed that abandoned oil and gas wells are leaking more methane than previously believed, with U.S. wells contributing up to 20 percent of annual methane emissions. Not least is the cement industry. Cement is heavily used throughout the global construction industry, and accounts for around eight percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Natural Climate Change Granted, natural climate change exists as well, and can be traced throughout history, from solar radiation triggering the Ice Ages to the asteroid strike that rapidly raised global temperatures and eliminated dinosaurs and many other species in the process. Other sources of natural climate change impacts include volcano eruptions, ocean currents and orbital changes, but these sources generally have smaller and shorter-term environmental impacts. How We Can Combat Climate Change Participant holding a sign at the climate march on Sept. 20, 2020, in Manhattan. A coalition of climate, Indigenous and racial justice groups gathered at Columbus Circle to kick off Climate Week with the Climate Justice Through Racial Justice march. Erik McGregor / LightRocket / Getty Images While the latest studies and numbers can often feel discouraging about societys ability to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening, theres still time to take action. As a Society In 2015 at COP 21 in Paris, 197 countries came together to sign the Paris Agreement, an international climate change treaty agreeing to limit global warming in this century to two degrees Celsius, and ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels; its believed that the planet has warmed one degree Celsius since 1750. Studies show that staying within the two-degree range will prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening. Achieving this goal requires participating parties to drastically slash greenhouse gas emissions sooner rather than later. However, there have already been numerous setbacks since then, from former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrawing from the Paris Agreement in 2020 to world leaders, such as China, the worlds biggest polluter, failing to enact aggressive climate action plans. Yet many of the treaty participants have been slow to implement changes, putting the world on track to hit 3.2 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century even if the initial goals are met. However, its worth noting that U.S. President Joe Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021, and pledged to cut greenhouse gases in half by 2030. Then theres the Montreal Protocol, a 1987 global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals that were commonly used in air-conditioning, refrigeration and aerosols. Recent studies show that parts of the ozone are recovering, proving that a unified commitment to combatting climate change issues does make a difference. On a smaller scale, carbon offset initiatives allow companies and individuals to invest in environmental programs that offset the amount of carbon thats produced through work or lifestyle. For example, major companies (and carbon emitters) such as United Airlines and Shell have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in part by participating in carbon offset programs that remove carbon from the atmosphere. The problem is that these companies are still producing high levels of fossil fuel emissions. While individuals can make a small impact through carbon offsets, the greater responsibility lies with carbon-emitting corporations to find and implement greener energy alternatives. This translates to car companies producing electric instead of gas vehicles or airlines exploring alternative fuel sources. It also requires major companies to rely more on solar and wind energy for their energy needs. In Our Own Lives While its up to corporations to do the heavy lifting of carbon reduction, that doesnt mean individuals cant make a difference. Adopting a vegan lifestyle, using public transportation, switching to an electric car and becoming a more conscious consumer are all ways to help combat climate change. Veganism Consuming meat relies on clearing land for crops and animals, while raising and killing livestock contributes to about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization. By comparison, choosing a plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gas footprints by as much as 70 percent, especially when choosing local produce and products. Public Transportation Riding public trains, subways, buses, trams, ferries and other types of public transportation is another easy way to lower your carbon footprint, considering that gas-powered vehicles contribute 95 percent of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Electric Vehicles Electric cars and trucks have come down in price as more manufacturers enter the field, and these produce far lower emissions than their gas counterparts. Hybrid vehicles are another good alternative for lowering individual emission contributions. Conscious Consumption Buying locally produced food and items is another way to maintain a lower carbon footprint, as the products arent shipped or driven long distances. Supporting small companies that are committed to sustainability is another option, especially when it comes to clothes. Fast fashion has become a popular option thanks to its price point, but often comes at the expense of the environment and can involve unethical overseas labor practices. Not least, plastic saturates every corner of the consumer market, but its possible to find non-plastic alternatives with a little research, from reusable produce bags to baby bottles. Climate Activism Those interested in becoming even more involved can join local climate action organizations. Popular groups include the Sunrise Movement, Fridays for Future, Greenpeace and the Sierra Club, to name a few. Voting, volunteering, calling local representatives and participating in climate marches are additional ways to raise your voice. Takeaway Its taken centuries to reach a climate tipping point, with just a matter of decades left to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening. But theres still hope of controlling a warming climate as long as individuals, companies and nations make an immediate concerted effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions. As the world already experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic, a rapid unified response can make all the difference. Meredith Rosenberg is a senior editor at EcoWatch. She holds a Masters from the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in NYC and a B.A. from Temple University in Philadelphia. In my entire life I have never breathed in purer air, drank cleaner water or felt so naturally energized. My family and I recently visited Iceland on a mission to encounter the countrys vast wonderland of geological extremes, and see firsthand how Iceland rose to become the largest clean energy producer per capita in the world. The small island nations energy use is impressively state-of-the-art, and their commitment to harnessing renewable energy resources is inspirational. A mere seven years ago, the country was on the brink of environmental and financial catastrophe. My family and I recently visited Iceland on a mission to encounter the countrys vast wonderland of geological extremes, and see firsthand how Iceland rose to become the largest clean energy producer per capita in the world. Until the 1970s, Iceland was classified as a developing country by the United Nations Development Program. For centuries it was among the poorest in Europe, a nation dominated by sheep farming, fishing and a dirty energy mix of fossil fuel, imported oil and coal. In the decades that followed, Iceland radically transformed its energy system to one that relies on domestic renewable sources. Today, all of Icelands electric power is generated by hydropower and geothermal energy, and about 95 percent of the nations heating demands are warmed by geothermal means. This was accomplished through localized, profit-driven initiatives led by communities, small villages and individual entrepreneurs. Icelands president, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, has had a great deal to do with the countrys turnaround during his 19 year tenure. Grimsson has been a tireless advocate of sustainable development and an outspoken leader in climate action. He encourages global discussion that positions the economy at the center. Its about the economic transformation of the country to realize that the move from fossil fuel over to clean energy is fundamentally good businessits fundamentally the road to prosperity and economic achievement, said Grimsson to an audience at Cornell. Turner Foundation trip to Iceland and Greenland. Photo credit: Laura Seydel In addition to enhanced quality of life and health of its citizens, Icelands clean energy economy helped its people survive the banking collapse. Thanks in large part to the cost of heating and electricity for ordinary families, homes and businesses being comparatively very low to other European countries. With the long-term availability of clean energy at fixed prices, Iceland has become highly attractive for foreign investments. Some of the biggest aluminum smelters, data-storage centers, high tech industries and other thriving enterprises are now based in Iceland. Perus government has declared a two-month state of emergency across 11 Amazon jungle districts due to mercury contamination caused by widespread illegal gold mining activities. Real action is needed to end the tribal mercury poisoning crisis @Minsa_Peru https://t.co/qsGDnrQASX pic.twitter.com/tDBTFK8LoF Survival International (@Survival) May 25, 2016 The South American country, home to 13 percent of the iconic Amazon rainforest, is the sixth largest gold producer in the world. Covert mining for the luxury metal, however, has been a major cost to the environment and human health. Gold has a dirty underbelly, whether the horrific mercury poisoning in the Peruvian Amazon from small-scale mining, or the human rights abuses in northern Peru perpetuated by multinational mining companies, Earthworks mining program director Payal Sampat told EcoWatch. According to Mining.com, illicit gold production in Peru increased fivefold since 2012, and it is estimated to provide 100,000 direct jobs in the country, 40 percent of which are in the Madre de Dios region in southern Peru. Studies from Stanford University and other institutions have detected high levels of mercury in Perus citizens, fish and waterways. The International Business Times noted that thousands of miners, who are working illegally in the region, use mercury to extract gold from the rivers. Some 15 percent of the production is believed to be extracted illegally with little to no measures taken to protect the environment, the publication writes. According to Reuters, miners dump 40 tonnes of mercury into Amazonian rivers annually, destroying more than 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) of rainforest in the Madre de Dios region, the environment ministry said. Tambopata National Reserve, an important protected area in the southern Peruvian Amazon in Madre de Dios. One can clearly see the beginning of the illegal gold mining activity and deforestation within the reserve between September (left panel) and November (right panel) 2015, MAAP says. Photo credit: Monitoring the Andean Amazon Project (MAAP) As for human health, the toxic chemical can affect vital functions of the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. Environment minister Manuel Pulgar-Vidal said during a news conference that 41 percent of the populationabout 50,000 peoplein Madre de Dios are exposed to mercury pollution. The consequences of mining activity in Madre de Dios will be with us for the next 80 years, and that must be fought at its roots, he said. Declaring the emergency brings action, hospitals, food such as uncontaminated fish, among other things. Indigenous and rural communities are particularly vulnerable since they consume the fish they catch from the river. Survival International writes that up to 80 percent of the recently contacted Nahua tribe have been poisoned with mercury and have been suffering from acute respiratory infections and other health problems since they were contacted. Despite Peruvian President Ollanta Humala calling a state of emergency on Monday, Survival International says that the government has known about the contamination since 2014 and has done little to address the problem. According to the Associated Press, the government is sending hospital boats to help treat people living in the affected area. Authorities are also trying to crack down on illegal mining. Consumers need to be aware of the human and environmental costs of the gold in their jewelry boxes and smart phones, and demand accountability from mining companies and retailers, Sampat said. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Ground-Breaking Agreement Marks First Voluntarily Limits to Industrial Fishing in Arctic Scientists Uncover Array of Strange Animals in Cave That Has Been Sealed Off for 5.5 Million Years Vandana Shiva: Small Farmers Are Foundation to Food Security, Not Corporations Like Monsanto The Beast Continues to Burn Out of Control Danish consumers are the most pro-organic consumers in the world, according to Organic Denmark, an association of companies, organic farmers and consumers. Nearly 8 percent of all food sold in Denmark is organic, the highest percentage in Europe. And Danish organic export has risen by more than 200 percent since 2007. Denmark leads among European countries for market share of organic products. Photo credit: Organic Denmark The Danish government is working on drastically increasing the nations supply of organic food. Last year, The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries released an ambitious plan to double the area under organic cultivation by 2020 from 2007 levels. The government has committed a total of 400 million kroner ($60.8 million) to its action plan, The Local Denmark reported. The country aims to achieve a 60 percent goal for organic food served in public institutionsschools, day care centers, hospitals, etc.which serve some 800,000 meals per day. https://twitter.com/AFoodRevolution/status/692756923842719746, we will strengthen cooperation between municipalities, regions and ministries with a long line of new initiatives. We will commit ourselves to, among other things, have more organic items on the menu in canteens, hospitals and daycare institutions. To achieve its goals, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries is: Allocating more than 3.3 million Euros for sales promotion on the domestic market over the next few years Simplifying the countrys organic regulations Requiring organic farming on public lands and subsidizing farmers transitioning to organic Allocating nearly 8 million Euros to help public institutions use more organic products Other governmental agencies are taking part, too: The Defense Department is serving more organic food in its cafeterias The Ministry of the Environment is converting more areas it manages into organic farms The Ministry of Education is incorporating more lessons about organic farming and its nutritional benefits into the curriculum Denmark wants to go completely organic as soon as possible, LifeGate reported. But at least one country has an even more ambitious plan than Denmark. Five years ago, Bhutan pledged to go 100 percent organic by 2020. To be fair though, Bhutans population (754,000) is dwarfed by Denmarks (5.6 million). Still, Bhutan has some impressive claims. Its not only carbon neutral, its also a carbon sinkmaking it one of the few countries in the world to have negative carbon emissions. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Michael Moore: Do Not Send Us Bottles of Water. Instead, Join Us in a Revolt Seattle Sues Monsanto Over PCB Contamination, Becomes 6th City to Do So Slaughter of Up to 900 Wild Bison at Yellowstone Park Sparks Federal Lawsuit to Protect First Amendment Rights Monsanto Files Lawsuit to Stop California From Listing Glyphosate as Known Carcinogen (Photo: REUTERS / Andrew Medichini)Pope Francis (L) makes his speech during an audience with the diplomatic corps at the Vatican January 13, 2014. Pope Francis has called on people of every religious tradition to join in condemning the misuse of God's name to justify acts of violence through "homicidal madness" calling on the international community to work for peace. "Peace," he said, is a gift, a challenge and a commitment," that each of us and all together are called to receive, to answer, and embrace with care and dedication." The Pope was speaking Jan. 9 in the Apostolic Palace to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See during his traditional exchange of New Year's greetings with the diplomats. In Geneva on Jan. 8, the general secertary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, had denounced Middle East violence and urged strengthened peace efforts. As three cities in the Middle East suffered attacks on the same day, the WCC leader condemned any act of terror, denouncing the violence, and mourning the loss of life, extending prayers for the victims and their families. "We must join together, not just to condemn these actions but to strengthen our pursuit of just peace, and our resolve not to allow extremist violence to separate us from each other," said Tveit. "We must join together, not just to condemn these actions but to strengthen our pursuit of just peace, and our resolve not to allow extremist violence to separate us from each other," said Tveit. 'ONE CAN NEVER KILL IN GOD'S NAME' In his speech the following day Francis said, "One can never kill in God's name," adding that the world is, "dealing with a homicidal madness which misuses God's name in order to disseminate death, in a play for domination and power." The pontiff named countries hit by "fundamentalist-inspired terrorism" in the past year: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, the United States of America, Tunisia and Turkey. Explaining reasons for the violence, the Pope said, "Fundamentalist terrorism is the fruit of a profound spiritual poverty, and often is linked to significant social poverty." He said, "It can only be fully defeated with the joint contribution of religious and political leaders." Security and peace were the twin focal points of Francis' address, which is often described as his "state of the world" address. "In today's climate of general apprehension for the present, and uncertainty and anxious concern for the future, I feel it is important to speak a word of hope, which can also indicate a path on which to embark," the Pope said. "These are vile acts that use children to kill, as in Nigeria, or target people at prayer, as in the Coptic Cathedral of Cairo, or travelers or workers, as in Brussels, or passers-by in the streets of cities like Nice and Berlin, or simply people celebrating the arrival of the New Year, as in Istanbul," he noted. With the curtain rising on what may prove a tumultuous state legislative season, 2017 could be a pivotal year for school funding formulas, accountability, teacher evaluations, and testing. Skyrocketing K-12 education costs continue to dominate states budget debates, and conservative lawmakers in many states have long been itching to make dramatic changes to how much money they provide to school districts and how districts spend that money. Adding to the stakes this year are the rollout of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which goes into full effect in the 2017-18 school year, and fierce political tensions in a number of states. Prime among them: North Carolina, where pitched partisan battles over whos in charge of education policy could have long-term constitutional and political ramifications for district leaders. All 50 legislatures will be in session this year, and Republicans now control both House and Senate chambers in 32 states, along with 32 governors seats. (Democrats have such legislative power in 13 states and they will hold 19 governor seats this year.) But analysts say that while almost half the states are expected to have less money in their budgets this year due to shortfalls in sales tax revenue, that wont necessarily end up penalizing education aid. If theres an area thats going to continue to get preferential treatment, its going to continue to be pre-K-12, said John Hicks, the executive director of the National Association of State Budget Officers. As states came out of the recession, K-12 education continues to be the recipient of the biggest share of any increased spending. Feeling the Pinch While that may be true for many states this year, its not the case everywhere. Legislatures in North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming will have to cut millions of dollars from their education budgets due to a plunge in coal and oil revenues, on which the states are heavily dependent. New Mexicos legislature is considering allowing its school districts to pull millions of dollars from a special savings account to stave off anticipated revenue shortfalls. Oklahomas commissioner has proposed adding to that states education budget despite revenue shortfalls. Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, a Democrat, wants to cut $20 million out of that states $4.1 billion education budget due to a revenue shortfall, but the states funding formula will force most of those cuts to come from wealthy districts. A state superior court judge ruled last September that Connecticuts funding formula leaves poor, black, and Latino students trapped in underfunded schools that are disproportionately staffed with unqualified teachers. The state has appealed the decision, and the states supreme court is expected to hear the case in the coming months. Of course Connecticut should be spending lots of money on local education, Malloy said during his State of the State address last week. The question is, in a time of scarce state resources, are we spending this money in the best way possible? For Kansas and Washington, the bill is already past due. In Kansas, where lawmakers are expected to replace the funding formula this session, the state supreme court last year threatened to shut down the states public schools after the legislature failed to more equitably distribute education dollars between wealthy and poor districts as determined in the 2015 Gannon v. Kansas ruling. The court is expected to rule this year on a separate part of that lawsuit that addresses whether the states funding formula distributes an adequate amount of money. Losing that case could cost Kansas upward of $400 million, and Republican Gov. Sam Brownback said he would have to raise taxes if the state loses. Brownbacks prior income tax cuts have plunged the state into a fiscal crisis. Washingtons supreme court, which struck down the funding formula in its 2012 McCleary v. State of Washington ruling, is fining its state legislature $100,000 for every day it is in session and fails to come up with a way to increase its teacher pay. Iowa and Delaware could also make big changes to their decades-old funding formulas during this years session because of already-filed or threatened lawsuits. Pennsylvania and Illinois are both dealing with ongoing budget issues that could affect their school funding. The situation is slightly different in Georgia where Gov. Nathan Deal, a Republican in his fifth year in office, will attempt to change the funding formula so that schools with more concentrated poverty get more money and offer incentives for schools to evaluate teachers based on test scores. Those changes were recommended by a panel he appointed last year. Charters, Vouchers, and ESSA Plans After an expensive ballot measure to expand charter schools in Massachusetts failed, many charter advocates are going the legislative route this year to try to expand school choice. Kentuckys legislature is expected to hear a bill to allow charter schools, a brewing fight that could have more legs this year now that both legislative chambers and the governors seat are controlled by Republicans after last years election. And Maryland, Tennessee, and Texas lawmakers will again take up a push to allow for the use of vouchers in those states. State legislatures also will be putting their stamp on the school accountability plans due to the federal government this year under Every Student Succeeds Act. The new federal K-12 law, which gives states greater flexibility in shaping education policy, requires that legislators be consulted as states departments of education devise their plans, and governors are given 30 days to review the plans before theyre submitted to the U.S. Department of Education. (The clause was added in response to pitched battles over state superintendents decisions to adopt Common Core State Standards around five years ago without legislatures knowledge.) States such as California, Nebraska, and North Dakota that never received waivers from provisions of ESSAs predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, will see big changes this fall when ESSA goes into effect. And those states legislatures are expected to take up proposals from their education agencies that would usher in dramatically new school accountability systems and tactics to turn around failing schools. North Carolina Turmoil North Carolina is a special case of political dysfunction, with education issues among those in the crosshairs. Local officials have fought with state officials over everything from school choice to teacher pay and transgender students access to public school restrooms. Then, in a December special session, the GOP-dominated legislature and outgoing Republican Gov. Pat McCrory stripped the incoming governor, Democrat Roy Cooper, of many of his powers. That included limiting the ability of the states governor-appointed school board from hiring, firing, and managing department of education officials, and setting education policy in key areas. The law, known as HB 17, instead hands those powers over to the states superintendent, recently elected Republican Mark Johnson. The state board sued and a judge put a temporary restraining order on the law going into effect. President Barack Obama entered the White House in 2009 amid the wreckage of the Great Recession and with education high on his list of domestic priorities. He scored some early game-changing policy victories on teacher quality, academic standards, and school turnarounds during his first term, but faced a big backlash in his second. That reaction threatened the longevity of his signature initiatives and made it virtually impossible to enact similarly sweeping change in new areas, including early-childhood education. At the same time, Obama used the bully pulpitand his historic perch as the nations first black presidentto shine a spotlight on historically overlooked groups of students through such initiatives as My Brothers Keeper, which considered how the federal government could better help young black men succeed. Now many in the civil rights community are worried about the fate of black, Latino, and other minority students should President-elect Donald Trumps administration take a less aggressive stance on civil rights enforcement in education. And it remains to be seen if the Trump administration will roll back Obamas spending and accountability regulations for the Every Student Succeeds Act, and gut or scrap programs he created. Holding the Cards Obama swept into office in an enviable position for pushing his school agenda. His education secretary, Arne Duncan, had fans on both sides of the partisan aisle. The Democrats had hefty majorities in both chambers of Congress, where lawmakers were itching to update the No Child Left Behind Act. Obama hadnt gotten the teacher unions endorsements, but won the Democratic nomination anyway, freeing him up to push for policies the unions opposed, such as evaluations tied to test scores. See Also How Obama Wielded the Presidential Megaphone Best of all: On the new administrations way in the door, Obama and Duncan were handed $100 billion for education, including more than $4 billion to push almost any K-12 policy they chose, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was crafted to jump-start the stalled economy. Obama and Duncan took the moneywhich came with few congressional stringsand ran with it. They created the Race to the Top competition, which sought to reward states with grants of up to $700 million for embracing the presidents priorities on school turnarounds, tests, state data systems, and teacher evaluation based in part on student outcomes. The competition also gave a leg up to states that pledged to adopt the Common Core State Standards, crafted under the leadership of the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Ultimately, 46 states and the District of Columbia adopted the standards, in part to be competitive for the program. Nearly every state applied for a grant, and 11 states and the District of Columbia were awarded one. The administration also slapped the Race to the Top brand on other rounds of competitive grants, aimed at enticing districts to try a personalized approach to learning, or encouraging states to improve early-childhood education. The administration funneled about $650 million in stimulus money to Investing in Innovation, a new grant program intended to test-drive and scale up promising practices in school districts. The stimulus also included $3 billion for school turnarounds, which the administration used to prod districts to try out dramatic interventions, such as closing a school down or firing its principal and half the staff, to revive the poorest-performing schools. But states struggled to deliver on their Race to the Top promises, especially on tying teacher evaluations to students academic outcomes. Georgia, for instance, lost a nearly $10 million piece of its $400 million grant because of difficulties with educator evaluations. See Also The Obama Administrations Imprint on K-12 Policy: A Roundup Other big Obama initiatives met similar implementation challenges. Almost from the start, district officials complained that the School Improvement Grant program, which ultimately funneled more than $7 billion to low-performing schools, was too prescriptive. And the program yielded mixed results, with about two-thirds of schools improving, but another third sliding backward. In 2011, when it appeared that partisan gridlock would continue to stymie a rewrite of the NCLB law, enacted under President George W. Bush, the Obama administration announced it would give states waivers of some of No Child Left Behinds most-maligned mandates. In exchange, states would have to adopt the administration-favored policies on teachers, standards, and turnarounds. Broad Reachand Backlash The waivers provided new momentum for Obamas K-12 agenda, but they also demanded a lot of change from states, all at once, without the enticement of new federal aid. That led to a major political backlash. Teachers unions lambasted the push for tying evaluations to student tests that hadnt even been created or piloted. Civil rights groups were unhappy that waivers took the pressure off states to intervene in schools that might be doing well overall, but where some groups of studentssuch as English-language learnerswere falling behind. Conservatives and state leaders thought the administration had overstepped its authority. Congressional cooperation on education began to erode in 2011, when Republicans took over the U.S. House of Representatives. Obama pitched a big investment in early-childhood education in his 2013 State of the Union address, but lawmakers never seriously considered it. Whats more, the challenges that Race to the Top and the waivers heaped on states and school districts fueled fervor against standardized testing, with thousands of parents choosing to opt their children out of state exams. In response, Obama encouraged states and districts to take a hard look at the number of tests they required. But he made it clear that he didnt think any legislation to replace No Child Left Behind should back away from annual standardized testing. Ultimately, the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Actsigned by Obama in December 2015 as the latest version of the half-century-old Elementary and Secondary Education Actwas a mixed bag when it came to the presidents legacy. It embraced parts of his agenda, such as requiring states to turn around their bottom 5 percent of schools. But it also sought to permanently clip the federal governments wings on setting education policy, through a long list of prohibitions on the U.S. secretary of educations authority. Meanwhile, the Obama administration was able to accomplish some of its other goals without congressional help, including ConnectEd, an initiative to dramatically revamp broadband access in K-12 schools. He also sought to make accessing college easier, particularly for minority students, non-traditional students, and first-generation collegegoers. Deep Imprint Eight years after Obama took office, its easy to see his fingerprints on elementary and secondary policy. Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have hung on to the common-core standards, even in the face of strong political opposition. Forty states now require some objective measure of student growth to be included in educator evaluations, compared with 15 in 2009, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality. And thanks in part to federal funding and encouragement, states and districts are rethinking how they educate and assess students in special education and English-language learners. The picture on student outcomes is mixed. Graduation rates are at an all-time high of 83.2 percent, and graduation gaps are closing between white and minority students. But in 2015, scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the nations report card, fell in math and reading for the first time in more than two decades. And its unclear what the long-term impact of many of Obamas policies will be: Thanks to ESSA, the question of whether to continue them is now largely in the hands of state leaders. The latest results of the Program for International Student Assessment give tantalizing hints of the connections between students early-childhood education and their later math scores. A new international test may provide more insights into what those connections mean for policy, but experts warn that it remains hard to tell what the United States can learn from other countries approaches to preschool. The Finnish example [of high PISA scores and high preschool enrollment in Finland] has been used to say, OK, theres an argument to be made to do early literacy and math in preschool, said Marianne Bloch, an education professor emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies early-childhood education around the world, but then the Finnish people say, we dont encourage our kids to start [primary] school until age 7, and they think play is learning. So its difficult to do these comparisons in a reliable and meaningful way. The 2015 international-benchmarking testas in previous PISA iterationsshowed stronger math results for students who had participated in at least a few years of education between ages 3 and 5, before the start of formal primary school. In most countries, students who had attended two to three years of preschool performed 50 scale points better in math as 15-year-olds on the 2015 PISA than those who had attended less than a year. The effect was stronger in countries with multiyear preschool systems and smaller average teacher-student ratios in the earliest grades. Moreover, after taking socioeconomic status into account, students across countries who had attended at least a year of preschool were still less likely to be low performers in math on PISA than those who had not. The 2015 results also showed a connection between preschool and better scores in science, though that effect was smaller. Children in young grades who have a strong foundation in numbers, that follows them through the secondary grades, said Matthew Larson, the president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Thats entirely consistent with the research, and it does suggest that its something for school district officials to consider. Growing Enrollments In the past decade, most countries have broadened access to education for 3- and 4-year-olds, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which sponsors PISA. Overall, the average preschool enrollment in countries that take part in PISA rose from 54 percent in 2005 to 69 percent in 2015 for 3-year-olds, and from 73 percent to 85 percent for 4-year-olds. Some of the countries with the fastest growth in math on PISA, including South Korea, Poland, and Russia, increased preschool enrollment by 30 percentage points or more. The United States has also increased preschool enrollment, but 17 percent of students who took the PISA in 2015 reported they had attended no preschool at all . But beyond the absolute averages, its harder to pull policy lessons for preschool education from PISA. Drew Bailey, an assistant education professor at the University of California, Irvine, who has studied early-math-education issues, said he was quite skeptical about any takeaways for preschool policy from PISA because of the variations in test administration and preschool structure in different countries. While two to three years of preschool seems to be linked with benefits in math, more years than that were not. In part, that may be because some countries provide earlier preschool entry for children who have disabilities or are otherwise disadvantaged; that could mean the pool of students who received the most years of preschool could also be lower performers on average than those who spent less time in preschool. Theres also no common definition of what preprimary education involves, and countries take very different approaches. Of the 24 countries and education systems in the OECDs fourth Starting Strong study of early-childhood systems, in 2015, only 1 in 5 evaluated their programs for how they implemented curricula or how their students fared in child-development outcomes. The study thus provided little comparable information on how different preschool policies affect students academic development. For example, the OECD found that while nearly all countries that took part in PISA have standards or curricula for children from age 3 to the start of primary school, the content varies significantly from country to country. Top-performing Asian jurisdictions, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, all have almost universal enrollment in at least two years of preprimary school with an academic-content focus. But as Bloch noted, Finlands math performance is also near the top and its preschool enrollment is high, although its preschools focus more on play-based social and emotional development. PISA for Preschool? Thats why the OECD next year will begin piloting an International Early Learning Study, or IELS, for the youngest pupils. While the domains to be tested are not final, the OECD is considering measuring 4- to 5-year-olds on early skills that are predictive of positive life outcomes, including such areas as self-regulation, oral language and early literacy, mathematics and early numeracy, executive function, social skills, and locus of control, an indicator of a childs sense of autonomy. Sixteen countries, including the United States, have participated in planning for the assessment, which will be piloted in up to six countries in 2017-18. Yet many in the early-childhood field have voiced concerns about adding young children to international comparisons. More than 130 child-development researchers and educators in 20 countriesincluding Blochsigned a statement in the December International Critical Childhood Policies journal urging caution on the IELS . I feel strongly if there is a PISA-like assessment of math in early learning, we need to have qualitative assessments of children alongside them, and not put all credence in the standardized assessments, Bloch said. Whats more, standardizing international assessment for early childhood could create too much focus on preschool approaches that lend themselves to Western-style assessment, said Elizabeth Swadener, an assistant education professor at the University of Arizona who also signed the statement. She pointed to Greece, which scores below average on PISA in math, but where educators have been adapting street math programs for Roma and Kenyan street children. If you are working with children who are already part of an informal economy, you can use very particular story problems that build on the logic they are familiar with, Swadener said. But you dont enter [math concepts] the same way as Western rules. Larson, of the math teachers council, agreed with the critiques, but said there is still potential in assessing students early numeracy in different education systems. We dont want to turn preschool into kindergarten or 1st grade, he said, but there is a benefit to having a preschool program that does have a high-quality math curricular component to it. There is a wisdom in children, a kind of knowing, a kind of believing, that we, as adults, do not have. A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz What do we lose in the passage from childhood to adulthood? Its easy to see that passage as a positive progression. The ways of childhood must be replaced, as quickly and efficiently as possible, by the ways of adulthood. Thats only accurate, though, if we see children as miniature, imperfect adults. If we see them as remarkable little beings of another kind, almost like alien visitors from a distant realm with their own troves of wisdom and ways of perceiving the world, our task as teachers and parents becomes very different. If we make that shift, it is no longer our sole job to shepherd the children in our care as quickly as possible from their world to ours. We might, instead, want to make sure they spend as much time as possible in the realm of childhood, because we know those days are both precious and numbered. We might even encourage them to hang on to some of those childlike ways of being, knowing, and exploring as they grow up, so they can apply them to the realities they will face as adults. We might also begin to pay careful attention to what we can learn from their knowledge, not just trying to fill them with our own. On Christmas night, I asked my Facebook friendsmost of them moms and dads, many of them teacherswhat they believe children possess that we lose as we become adults. Here is a sampling of their many responses: The ability to find magic in simple things. Erin Fisher, kindergarten teacher Imagination, above all else. And unstructured spirited play, which requires imagination. Michael Ward, parent The permission to imagine boundlessly. The little vocalized gasp of exultant joy that accompanies a raised hand and signals enthusiasm in a child to answer a question or share an idea. The ease of crying and laughingnot smothering emotions like adults do, but knowing the fluidity of those emotions and allowing them just the same. Kathy Nimmer, high school English teacher and 2015 Indiana Teacher of the Year Reckless curiosity. Casey M. Bethel, high school science teacher and 2017 Georgia Teacher of the Year Kids take joy in not knowing. They dont know if they can jump from that swing. They have fear but they also want to know where the end of possible is. John Holland, art teacher. Our job as teachers is, in part, to guide children through one year of their journey toward adulthood. But what happens if we focus a little less on all they dont know yet, and focus more on what they still know but we may have forgotten? We still teach them to read, write, do math and science, work toward their goals, and how to calm down when theyre angry. But we also begin to learn from the capabilities they possess: wonder, unbounded creativity, the kind of curiosity that compels persistent digging and reckless leaps, the ability to feel joy unclouded by cynicism or doubt. We need to make our own classroom a place where those abilities, the expertise of children, can thrive. How do we do that in this bleak era? How do we nurture play in a time when recess has been cut to 20 minutes, when kindergartners spend more time with worksheets than finger paint or dress-up clothes? Here are a few ways we can honor the gifts children possess, while giving them a little more time to sustain those abilitiescreativity, risk-taking, the joy of discoverythat will be just as vital to their happiness when they become adults. Pay attention to what kids say, do, and think. Have a clipboard with you, all the time, to write down what your students sayand write it down word for word. When they do a think-pair-share, walk around listening to what the pairs are talking about. Take notes, as if youre an anthropologist deeply curious about this new society youve just discovered. The simple act of writing down something a student says will confer value on that childs words, and she will value her own ideas more highly as a result. When we have morning meetings about topics like what the kids think we should change about our class, I write down almost everything they say. When I refer back verbatim, days or weeks later, to something that Carlos or Jahlissa said in that meeting, they sit up a little straighter, startled that I remembered their precise words. On our wall, along with quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. and Sonia Sotomayor, I have space for quotes by my students. On the very first day of school, after a team project with Legos, 7-year-old Mia said, At first it was getting a little bit hard, but then we teamed up and we figured it out. Thats a line worthy of a place on the classroom wall. Make space for individuality and creativityespecially when it comes to student work. If no one on Earth but that individual child could have created it, its true student work. If 10 or 12 pages turn out identical, its actually teacher work, duplicated by students. The week before Christmas, two classes made gingerbread houses. In one classroom, the houses were all identical, neat and tidy as though a factory had turned them out. In the class across the hall, each house was unique. Many of them looked lopsided, or a little slouched, and a couple had collapsed altogether. But the kids who made those individual houses learned a lot from trying to figure out how to put them together, while the students who followed a prescribed set of instructions ended up replicating work that could have been made by a machine. In Writers Workshop , the students almost always choose what to write about, rather than following a prompt. My student Tojo wrote about Bigfoots dogwhich, it turns out, Bigfoot won in a cooking contestwho has a lion-like mane and green fur. I have no idea what mysterious recesses of Tojos imagination and experiences gave rise to that story. Who knew Bigfoot even had a dog, let alone that Bigfoot knew how to cook? What I do know is that no other child in that room could have written the story Tojo wrote. It was his own original creation, rendered straight from his imagination onto the page. Let the student become the teacher. Let the teacher become the student. A few weeks ago, my student Bonnie was in a bad mood. Another child sat down too close to her on the rug and she snapped, Get away from me! I looked down at her, startled, and said, Bonnie, youre being really grumpy today. Her little face broke into a smile and she said, I know, right? Ive been like that all dayI dont know why Im like that. I was dumbfounded by her ability to laugh at herself, shrug out of her bad mood like an itchy coat, and cheer up. If I had been in a cranky mood and one of my students had called me on it, I doubt I would have responded with Bonnies Buddha-like good nature. Those moments happen every day in our classrooms. If we pay attention to them, well realize our class doesnt have one teacher and 25 students, but 26 teachers and 26 students. Be patient. Slow down the headlong rush toward the next phase. When Jean Piaget gave lectures about the stages of child development, he often got what he called the American question: How can we speed up a childs progression through these stages? His answer was, Why would you want to? Theres no advantage to speeding them up! I teach high-poverty English-language learners. Many of them begin the year far below grade level, and I feel a pressure to accelerate their learning to catch them up. But that hurry can sometimes do more harm than good. We move students away from manipulatives too quickly, before they have developed a deep number sense or solidified concepts of place value. We rush to replace picture books with chapter books for students in upper elementary, when ELLs in particular need the visual support that rich illustrations provide. We sometimes move newer ELLs too quickly toward print, without giving them enough time for the oral conversation they need to acquire vocabulary, figure out the diabolical rules of English grammar, and distinguish spoken sounds that might not even exist in their native language. In our hurry, some valuable learning is lost. We have to let kids be kids. We need to take them outside a lot, give them a chance to get their hands messy, do plenty of art projects, and make sure they get to run around enough. Any parent will tell you that our children grow up too fast as it is. We dont need to rush them toward adulthood. We might even want to reverse that journey for ourselves. To ask what abilitiesa sense of wonder, a depth of curiosity, the courage to look foolishwe may have lost along our own hurried passage from the realm of childhood to the adult world. Children can teach us to rediscover those qualities we still contain within our adult selves, like the smallest figures at the center of a Russian nesting doll. They know the way back. We just have to slow down, pay attention, and let them teach us the way. Photos provided by author. Vietnam cephalopod exports up 27% in November Vietnamese cephalopod exports in November increased 27% year-on-year to US$49.05 million, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep) reported, citing data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs. For the 11-month period from January to November 2016, exports were down 0.5% to $391.03 million from the same period last year. In November, Vietnamese cephalopod exports to nine main importing markets all showed growth, with Taiwan having the highest increase (+91.2% valued at $766,000), followed by China-Hong Kong (+70%, at $2.1 million). Exports to the top 3 importing markets (South Korea, Japan and EU) all rose by over 16% year-on-year. In the first 11 months of 2016, Vietnamese cephalopod exports to South Korea were worth $147.5 million, down 1.4% from the same period last year. However, the North Asian country was the No. 1 importer of Vietnamese cephalopod, accounting for 37.7% of total exports. The reason the country boosted imports of Vietnamese cephalopod in late 2016 could be partly due to a decline in its fishery production this year, according to Vasep. In the first half of 2016, the output of aquatic products in South Korea dropped 0.6% from the previous year, mainly due to a fall in volume of offshore and inshore fishing. S. Korea fishery output down South Korean statistics showed that its total fishery output from January to June 2016 reached 2 million metric tonnes, down from 2.01 million metric tonnes during the same period in 2015. Offshore fishing output touched 208,000 metric tonnes, down 41.3%, while its inshore fishing output hit 363,000 metric tonnes, down 15.6% year-on-year. Japan's import of Vietnamese cephalopod accounted for 25% of total exports during the period January-November 2016. Japan was the second-largest importer. In November alone, Vietnamese cephalopod exports to Japan amounted to $12.4 million, and in January-November, they were estimated at $97.7 million, up 4.1%, followed by the EU with the value of $60.3 million, up 6.6% year-on-year. Exports of squid accounted for 58.4% during the 11-month period under review, while those of octopus made up 41.6%. The former amounted to $228.4 million-live/fresh/frozen squid (HS code 03) reached the highest value at $133.5 million, followed by dried/grilled squid (HS code 03) at $81.01 million and other processed squid (HS code 16) at $13.8 million. Also during that period, Vietnam's octopus exports totalled $162.5 million, of which, dried/salted/live/fresh/frozen octopus (HS code 03) touched $129.8 million and processed octopus (HS code 16) reached $32.6 million. Public asked for food logo feedback The Government is asking for help from the public to pick a label for Manx food. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriulture announced plans for a food provenance label last year, which would allow Manx producers to show that their food is grown, reared or processed in the Island, or made from mostly Manx ingredients. DEFA has now released three designs which could feature on Manx food, and published a survey asking for feedback on the logos. The suggested logos all feature a circle with the outline of the Island's coast, with small variations in each design. The survey can be found on the Isle of Man Food and Drink website, and will remain available until January 22nd. Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern Development) and Green Power Investment Corporation (GPI) announced the completion of financing of the 33MW Green Power Otsuki GK (Ohorayama Wind) power project. Pattern Development and GPI are joint venture (JV) partners on the Ohorayama Wind project, which is located in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. "We are making steady progress on our commitment to develop 1,000 MW of new renewable energy sources in Japan, demonstrating the value of our partnership with GPI," said Mike Garland, President and CEO of Pattern Development. "Together with GPI we have completed two solar facilities in Japan and are moving forward on Ohorayama Wind. We also have a broad and deep pipeline of new wind and solar projects, including several in the advanced stages of development." "Ohorayama is our first wind project to reach financial close and start construction since we joined hands with Pattern in early 2014," said Toshio Hori, CEO and founder of GPI. "This achievement is a reflection of the effectiveness of our partnership and we are excited about further executing on our portfolio of mature development assets. We expect our next project, a 126 MW wind farm in Aomori prefecture, to reach financial close and commence construction by mid-2017. It is anticipated to be the largest wind project in Japan." Ohorayama Wind has a 20-year power purchase agreement with Shikoku Electric Power Company for 100% of the output from the facility. The project is under construction and expected to reach completion in March of 2018. In 2016, Pattern Development and GPI announced the completion of two solar power projects in Japan the 14 MW Kanagi Solar PV facility, located in Shimane prefecture of Japan, and the 42 MW Futtsu Solar PV facility, located in Japan's prefecture of Chiba. Affiliate company Pattern Energy Group Inc. (Pattern Energy) has previously added the Ohorayama Wind facility to its list of identified Right of First Offer (ROFO) projects. (Photo Source: Commons Wikimedia) Disney makes the official announcement about Girl Meets World Season 4 cancellation. A week back actor Rider Strong, who plays Shawn Hunter, on Girl Meets World had said that the Disney series has ended following the production on Season 3. Well, he was right as the network has made an official confirmation with an announcement on Wednesday making actress Rowan Blanchard aka Riley nostalgic about the whole journey. Disney has officially cancelled Girl Meets World and now it is confirmed that Season 3 is the last installment of the spinoff that was based on the popular show Boy Meets World, reports Forbes. It will come to an end after 69 episodes. That is amid protest of the fans who were crying foul after Rider Strong made the statement about the cancellation and wanted Disney to continue the spinoff. The last episode will air on Jan 20. Some feel that it is not surprising as the spinoff was witnessing a gradual decline in its audience. It came down from 5.16 million viewers in the first season to 1.5 million in the third season, thereby, proving that sequels and spinoffs are as susceptible to poor ratings. However, some say that the spinoff bore the brunt of undue comparison and it hurt the show which is common for other such projects. Meanwhile, Rowan Blanchard who portrayed the protagonist Riley, on the show poured out her heart on Twitter, expressing gratitude as well as nostalgia for Girl Meets World, claims USA Today. The 15-year-old-actress said that being on the Disney show was the most significant event in her life thus far. Describing the experience, she said that doing a show as a child into your teenhood is indescribably cosmic and scary. But one does it because one loves these people and it has become one's routine. Blanchard also wrote that she is crying typing this because they were making a show but their lives turned into a movie. She admitted that she is trying to cope with the cancellation news by explaining to herself that these moments are forever and that this energy must amount to something much greater that a simple end. Girl Meets World Season 3 final episode is titled Girl Meets Goodbye and will air on Jan. 20. The mysteries of the universe have always baffled scientists and now NASA is ready to get going with its two major asteroid missions. NASA's twin mission named Lucy and Psyche are expected to bring the curtains down on many secrets of the solar system. NASA's missions that go by the names of Lucy and Psyche will be using unmanned robotic spacecraft to discover asteroids, reports Morning Ticker. While Lucy will be sent to the Trojan asteroids of Jupiter, Psyche will visit a very old and giant metal asteroid that runs into 130 miles and is made up of iron and nickel. The former will launch in October 2021 and the first stop will not happen until 2025. As for the latter, the launch is scheduled in October 2023. Psyche could help scientists understand how planets and other masses break up to form cores, crusts, and mantles. On the other hand, Lucy will reach a target-rich environment of Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. According to Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, these discovery program missions are all about boldly going to places scientists have never been to so that it will enable groundbreaking science. Harold F. Levison, who is the principal investigator of the Lucy mission, said that the Trojan asteroids hold significant clues and can help a lot in uncovering the history of the solar system, claims French Tribune. This is because they are remnants of the primordial material that formed the outer planets. As per Levison, Lucy will revolutionize the understanding of humanity's origin. These asteroid missions of NASA will take scientists back into the beginning of the solar system which means around 10 million years after the birth of the Sun. Since they are unmanned, they will be controlled by scientists on earth. They will come back to their destinations after the explorations in 2025 and 2030 respectively. Both Lucy and Percy are ambitious asteroid missions of NASA and scientists believe they will prove to be successful in unraveling the deepest secrets of the universe. This is because asteroids have been around since the genesis of the solar system and also before Jupiter began its orbit. Iron ore prices continued to rally strongly in spite of the limited information offered at Donald Trumps first news conference of the year, particularly as the US Dollar slumped sharply across the board to improve the appeal of higher-yielding assets. Trade Deficit Widening and Trump-Inspired USD Rally Pushes GBP AUD Exchange Rate Lower The Australian Dollar remained on a stronger footing as a second wind of risk appetite gripped markets, despite a lack of fresh domestic data to encourage confidence. Further pressure was put on the GBP AUD exchange rate by a marked widening of the UK visible trade deficit, which exacerbated worries of the potential negative impact of a hard Brexit on the economy. Fading risk-sentiment has seen the GBP/AUD recover slightly from its worst 2017 levels The weeks Sterling selloff faded and traders began to rebuy short positions on the currency. Sterlings losses were also limited by news that the UKs opposition party, Labour, had fully come out in avocation of post-Brexit single market access. The Australian Dollar, on the other hand, was slightly limited by news that Chinese industrial production was likely to see further cuts. The Aussie generally continued to perform well in reaction to the weeks strong Australian consumer confidence figures however. Theresa May Comments Continue to Drive Pound Sterling (GBP) Losses The Pound continued falling against the Australian Dollar this morning, extending its losses to over three cents since the start of the week as Prime Minister Theresa May's comments in an interview on Sunday appeared to allude to a hard Brexit'. In the interview she told Sky News that she was not interested in keeping bits of membership, which investors interpreted as a sign that the UK government would not attempt to negotiate continued access to the single market, something that was supported by Mays remarks that gaining greater control over immigration would be her first priority in talks. Despite a statement from a Downing Street spokeswoman that said the PM was keeping all options on the table, the GBP AUD exchange rate continued to plummeting as markets feared that a hard Brexit' was now inevitable. The Pound was also prevented from recovering after German Chancellor, Angela Merkel vowed to block access to the single market without the acceptance of freedom of movement. The Chancellor said that Britain would not be able to cherry pick parts of EU membership, appearing to confirm that should May seek to gain greater controls over immigration, it would be at the expense of single market access. Chinese Commodity Futures Help Strengthen Australian Dollar (AUD) The Australian Dollar was also supported by unexpected movement in Chinese commodity futures this morning. Many futures saw significant rallies on Tuesday as speculative forces were left to run rampant. Iron ore in particular saw significant rises as demand for Australias largest export was reinvigorated by the announcement of a partial lifting of environmental restrictions placed on steel production. However prices could tumble again in the near future as further cuts to steel production in the Chinese province of Hebei were recently announced, lowering demand for the raw materials needed to produce it. Vivek Dhar commodities analyst at the Commonwealth Bank said, While smog concerns still threaten to lower steel output, a drive to cut outdated steel capacity is also pressuring production lower. The Chinese province of Hebei announced that it will cut 32 million tonnes of steel capacity this year. UK Production Data to Provide Boost for GBP/AUD? The GBP AUD exchange rate may begin to recover on Wednesday following the release of the UKs latest Production report for its Manufacturing, Construction and Industrial sectors. Figures are expected to show a rise across the board after last weeks impressive PMI readings. Meanwhile, the Australian Dollar will likely be impacted by the release of Westpacs latest Consumer Confidence Index later today, with the Aussie likely to slide if it continues to drop as it did in December. With Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty expected to be triggered by the end of March, 'Brexit' anxiety is likely to continue dragging on the Pound over the next few weeks. Investors are particularly concerned over the lack of any solid idea for how the government intends to split from the EU as it is still yet to release its plans for negotiations. It was just "School Choice Week "on TV or for some a "Run like Mad at CES Week "in Nevada at the Convention Center to keep up with the marketplace and be current with new product debuts. The show covered everything from startups that can lock your door (Bolt) or lamps from Target (ARA project launching with Led). One needed good shoes and a sense of humor listening to outdoor watch with GPS presentation (Casio Pro Trek Wrist Watch) or visiting another press program that touted ULED and QLED (Hisense) where quantum dots, high speed, high quality manufacturing and more were targeting the LCD market in large screen format to implement its demise. Yet in the wild success of the annual show seldom reflects on the education that went into the creativity that is competing here at the Consumer Electronics Show. Yet in a more international than ever, the show now 50 years old higher ed and innovation are a must. (vintage CES at http://www.ces.tech) Look at their world changing stats: http://www.ces.tech/News/Press-Releases/CES-Press-Release.aspx?NodeID=20a808f0-c0f9-4298-b3ae-10975b9c1512) These may not be the rocket to the moon type of innovations yet but they have changed transmission, delivery, communications, business, privacy, and so much more. BBC radio is talking about the life changing slouch of walking and texting impacting London culture today.who talks about the Engineers and Scientists, Artists, and packagers that led to this revolution. Fifty years ago they were kids. In the next 50 years, these kids will innovate or be left out. It's a tipping point for children to be exposed to new ideas, new tools, and self-confidence. They will need concepts and new vocabularies in order to compete. Today we have named the career area they have pioneered and named it STEM..a half a century later, today's public school children are learning about Science, Technology and Manufacturing and programs which build resiliency and where the innovation of music, texting, pictures, chatting, texting have invented a new streaming and online world accessible by mobile where digital arts and blended instruction are king. The Alexandria Library was famous in the ancient world, created by Ptolemy.today that library is available in your pocket because of mobile phone technologies. Access without traveling is allowing grandparents to talk to their doctors or monitor grandchildren in different states.but somewhere it all began with crunching numbers, trying new innovations and selling others on a connected world. The connectivity is a new element in literacy driving STEM into focus and the Arts into the equation of learning faster, deeper, and more creatively. The creativity of these companies now archived in the Internet or in CES anniversary press has changed the way we teach and learn. We no longer want to follow, but in a big C way....lead the pack. STEAM may be an inclusionary way to meet the goals set by CDE and states and keeping children in school and building their readiness for what we as a country will need. For example in a Woodland Hills after school program has been exploring academics which include creative problem solving, enriched experiences with both STEM and STEAM. Their program is called "Kids First at Hamlin", and the best way to celebrate this transformation in pedagogy, tools, and expectations is to allow the children who've experienced a new paradigm in teaching say about school. Here are the excerpts from short interviews with four past participating students quoting what they said: Alexis: " I am 11 years old and I've been in Kids First since kindergarten and I graduated to middle school in 2016. Kids First gave me the help I needed to prove to myself that I am smart ..and that I can learn more than I thought I could." Audrey: "I am 11 year old and I've been in Kids First for the past 6 years. I graduated to middle school in 2016. Kids First and Ms. Lynda helped me with my homework and how to learn to add fractions. . The program has helped me to improve in my studies, in my grades and in the testing that we had to take. The teachers in Kids First are all very smart and make the program a lot of fun. I would recommend Kids First to any one that wants to join Kids First" Tiana: " I am 11 year old and I've been in Kids First since I was 5 year old and I graduated in 2016 to middle school.. Kids First helped me with my studies and homework and it has improved my grades. All of their teachers taught us how to study, and to think they did not "just tell us the answers". Kids First has helped me like school and (Kids First) made it fun and more enjoyable. It also helped me stay in school and want to learn. (Kids First) made me feel school was a safe place to learn and this was my safe place. I would recommend Kids First to all kids" Chloe: "I am 11 year old and I've been in Kids First since I was 5 year old and I graduated in 2016. Kids First has effected my school work by learning my subjects in a safe way. They made me feel I could do it on my own. Kids First provided a lot of great stuff to do and they are really nice. During the summer program we had a great time! Every day I wanted to come to Kids First, except when I was home sick and I couldn't come. I would recommend Kids First to everyone who wants to join the program." The point? Whether locals or immigrants, whether from many cultures or from one, the children in Kids First are being readied to join the Economy of the future and to succeed working to their best ability using writing, listening, learning, risk taking, challenges, tools and transitions as their own "learning habitat" based on the role model brought to school from the Business Roundtable and the innovations in brain research and child development that have let to a program like Kids First. NB: These are four direct testimonials from 11 year olds who are passionate about their abilities and the tools they have taken home to taken on middle school. Their minds are awake, alert, and curious. They are poised, well spoken, polite and concerned about others. They have mastered grade level studies and excel in soft skills as well as core studies. At the beginning of the new year, these students are lucky enough to live near Kids First at Hamlin and can attend, but others this quarter they still need your financial help. Please consider helping Kids First to open new sites and create new early childhood jobs for college educated early ed professionals in schools in the San Fernando Valley. These are the kids that will grow up and become the next SciGirls, designers, developers, coders, makers and they need your help. School choice may mean choosing another school, a private school, a hybrid public charter or the local school.but it may also include a nonprofit provided STEM/STEAM alternative to catch up in the meantime or as support for the parents to know that their kids are safe and learning before and after school. In order to be ready for great opportunities in California, the U.S. and worldwide in places like the Consumer Electronics Show or forming indie companies and products that will someday be showcased., future Kids First students need what all learners needthe time, resources, experiences and energy that supports and builds young minds in great ways. Although the coding, robots, drones, and more of this years 2017 show are now behind us.You can still find Kids First at Hamlin Charter Academy at 818-517-3651 and register this quarter for a few remaining openings by calling Ms. Lynda Reichbach. In growing our future competitive edge through human factorsyou may call to give a tax deductible gift that keeps on giving through a corporate match, a car donation, a donor advised gift, a United Way gift, or writing a check to match the $50K that Kids First needs to open two new sites and put payroll and overhead away for growing. Your gift can be given through the mail, by phone, by virtual check to EIN 95-4849246 New Education Options. Your donation can be designated for direct scholarships or as capital to grow on. All children deserve to feel secure, capable of learning and ready for a competitive and rapidly changing economy so that they will be ready for the jobs of the future that CES exhibitors and members like it are inventing. With children, like Chloe, Audrey, Tiana, and Alexis, who love to learn how to learn -the world is their oyster. Please consider listening to these students and helping Kids First prepare many others like them by donating money, time and energy to help this wonderful program strengthen its viability, attendance, and capacity this quarter by your gift. Children in Los Angeles Unified School District will the better for it and so will our economy. Help Kids First deliver on its mission to enrich young minds, build school ready students and create a safe place for learning in Elementary School. This remarkable K-5 program helps children catch up and succeed at academics because it's a joy to learn .and not a chore. This is their tipping point the one that both regular public and charter schools are looking for the golden opportunity to create happy, responsive, resilient and ready learners capable of taking on reading, writing, coding, making, and so much more. For the sake of these children, their parents, and the innovators at CTA or CESwhen it comes to learning from experience and application.the Kids First Kids are reaching out for a positive future and for them the sky is only the beginning. KidsFirst at Hamlin Charter Academy: www.kidsfirst.la Good Foundations: http://investinkidsla.org/who-we-are/ CES: http://www.ces.tech/ EdWeek: http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/choice/index.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=-3JXbdi7vvA Vouchers (Choice): http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/voucher-law-comparison.aspx Pisa; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PclP1d9WmrY Ted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woVtj8GH678 Another Ted Talk or 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvhb9aoyeZs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O7BMa9XGXE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MTRxRO5SRA ACLU (school to prison pipeline research): https://www.aclu.org/issues/racial-justice#whats-at-stake CES and career cluster: http://blog.proclipusa.com/ces-50th-anniversary-vintage-tech-years/ CES history: http://www.ces.tech/News/Press-Releases/CES-Press-Release.aspx?NodeID=20a808f0-c0f9-4298-b3ae-10975b9c1512 AAWU to YWCA.dealing with nontraditional problemsby staying involved and in school: http://aauw.org/ http://www.businessinsider.com/7-things-keeping-women-out-of-science-2013-10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_eNYlQ-i1I https://www.womensmarch.com/ Science blogs and CTE: https://careertech.org/career-clusters https://www.sciencedaily.com/ Oh the Places You'll go: http://lausddaily.net/2016/03/northwest-fest-showcases-programs-opportunities-to-personalize-education/ http://lausddaily.net/2016/12/wesm-students-cultivate-career-skills-with-innovative-aquaponics-systems/ http://achieve.lausd.net/science Hidden Figures beats out Rogue: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4846340/ Alexandria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Alexandria STEAM FEST in Spring: NorthWest STEAM Fest, March 4th, Cleveland HS, 9am-3pm 8140 Vanalden Ave, Reseda "Oh the places you'll go!" (STEM is Science et al and the Arts= STEAM) Police arrested seven executives connected to the $1 billion hedge fund Platinum Partners in late December on fraud charges. The charges against them include overvaluing assets and a Ponzi-like practice of paying departing investors with new investors money. Platinum Partners reminds me of lesson No. 1 on spotting financial fraud: If an investment fund never, ever, shows a loss, its probably a fraud. Ill tell the story of how I learned this lesson well, back in 2008. But first, the rest of the Platinum Partners story. In October 2015, Bloomberg News reported on Platinum Partners astonishing investment track record. One of Platinums main funds reported gains in 118 of 119 months from 2005 to 2015, a particularly rocky time for investing. Platinum never lost money even in 2008, when every other risky fund lost money. And Platinum did not invest in safe, low-return strategies, either. Rather, it sought out unusual niches in litigation finance, payday-loan funding and life insurance strategies, the kind of investment that pays off when someone dies. Bloomberg quotes a hedge fund researcher who analyzed Platinums business and came away skeptical: When you see nearly flawless returns, its intriguing, but also potentially worrying. Even cursory due diligence showed that a number of their dealings ended in death, litigation or handcuffs. Those are the kinds of red flags you can see from outer space. In that time, Platinum reported an annualized return of 13.5 percent. As it turns out, however, this kind of flawless track record usually only happens when somebody cooks the books. (Attention fraudsters: You need to be subtler about your fakery. Also note: This is not actual financial or legal advice!) Investors experience The way I learned this lesson that the absence of monthly losses means its probably a fraud involves a story about an investor in my own investment fund, which I began in 2006. One of my earliest investors was a wealthy man (Ill call him William) who was introduced to me with the good and the bad of his investment style explained upfront. The good was that hed allocate a small amount of money early on in the life of a fund with small managers like me, who needed to build up a track record over time. If I produced steady positive returns, William would increase his investment. The bad was that if I ever experienced a down month, meaning negative returns, William would probably pull all his money out of my fund very quickly. In the investment management world, this is a problem because we all want to attract sticky money that wont leave the fund at the first downturn. And some negative months are inevitable in any risky fund. Nevertheless, I accepted his investment. As a small investment manager, I decided I needed the assets. I experienced my first significant down month in the summer of 2008. I made a phone call to William, knowing hed be more upset than my other investors. Whoo, boy, that call went badly. He insulted not only me but my wife (whom he had never met) in one of the least pleasant conversations of my life. As I had expected, he asked for his money back at the earliest possible moment, which would still be months later. I next spoke to William on the phone in mid-December 2008. By then, the financial world as we knew it following the collapse of AIG, Lehman Brothers, Fannie Mae, etc. had been completely upturned. By December, however, William was awfully polite and cheerful with me, and I quickly figured out why. Id be sending him his money back, with only a minor loss. He had much worse problems than his comparatively small investment with me. Losing with Madoff The news of Bernie Madoffs Ponzi scheme had broken a week earlier. Madoffs claim to fame, prior to exposure, was never suffering a single down month. Of course, William had been an investor with Madoff. Not only that, William had realized by late 2008 that he had invested with at least two other less well-known funds that turned out to be fraudulent Ponzi schemes, one in Florida and the other in Minnesota. Heres the thing about Williams strategy: If you invest in lots of funds and then pull out your money from any funds that have a monthly loss, then you have inadvertently created an algorithm for putting money into the largest number of Ponzi schemes possible. 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. In the investment world, you only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out, said a guy. (OK, that guy was Warren Buffett.) Well, by December 2008, William was buck naked at low tide with sharks surrounding him and a steady bleed from his right knee, metaphorically speaking. And it couldnt have happened to a nicer guy. Yes, I still remember our June 2008 conversation. But back to the main lesson: If you relentlessly seek out investment funds that never have negative returns rejecting all those that sometimes lose money after some period of time, you will be left with a very peculiar basket of funds. As I learned from my investor William, that basket will be full of frauds. I havent reached out to William to find out if hes invested in Platinum Partners, but I wouldnt be surprised, assuming he hasnt changed his investment strategy since 2008. Now, maybe youll allow me to extend the metaphor a bit, from investment managers to people. We naturally seek out flawlessness and celebrate genius. We crave apparent greatness. We want amazing people not just in finance but in many other aspects of our life. But the frauds tend to be the ones who never admit doubt. They never accept criticism; they never take responsibility for errors. They never have a down month. As for me, Im much more impressed by the good ones in money management and elsewhere who constantly point out the limit of their own powers. They allow for errors, and they own up to them. Michael Taylor is a former Goldman Sachs bond salesman and writes the Bankers-Anonymous.com finance blog. michael@michaelthesmartmoney.com @Michael_Taylor KLN Manufacturing, a longtime San Antonio maker of furniture for military barracks, universities and hospitals, plans to shutter its doors by the end of next month. KLNs closing will put about 35 to 40 employees out of work, according to company executive Kelly ODonnell. At its peak, she said, KLN had about 700 workers. The company leases a 275,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at 2 Winnco Drive on the Far Northeast Side. Production will cease at the end of this month, at which time Heritage Global Partners of San Diego will begin auctioning off KLNs assets online. We have been under some pretty extreme financial stress for multiple years now, ODonnell said in a phone interview Tuesday. News of the closing follows the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings of two affiliated companies KLN Steel Products Co. and its Dallas-based parent company AGS Enterprises Inc. in November in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Dallas. There are no plans for KLN Manufacturing to enter bankruptcy, ODonnell said. KLN Steel, AGS, ODonnell and her father, John ODonnell, were named in a 2014 whistleblower lawsuit that accused them of defrauding the federal government out of millions of dollar. Kelly ODonnell, president of KLN Steel, said the lawsuit, which she described as untrue and frivolous, contributed to KLNs decision to close down. That has caused us to get to the point where we just cant operate anymore, she said. We simply dont have the cash flow to do it. The complaint, initiated by Indiana-based rival University Loft Co. in 2014 in San Antonio federal court, accused the defendants of bid-rigging, artificially inflating costs and falsely certifying that products were made in the U.S. when in actuality they were made in Colombia, among other charges. The court docket shows the case was closed Nov. 21 pending the outcome of the bankruptcies in Dallas. Still, the the debtors said in a bankruptcy court filing the very next day that they have spent more than $1 million fighting the claims and are simply out of funds. In a statement in early November, ODonnell said the lawsuit was filed with the sole purpose of destroying our company. Since when is defrauding the government OK to do? James Jannetides, University Lofts CEO, responded Tuesday. Its just sad that even at this point theyre not taking responsibility. Court records show KLN last year sued some former employees and contractors, accusing them of corporate treason for conspiring to share trade secrets with an unnamed competitor. In a response, one defendant denied the allegations, saying that another defendant blew the whistle on illegal activities that became the basis for University Lofts lawsuit. 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. The court docket shows KLNs lawyers withdrew from the ligation against the employees and contractors last month. ODonnell also blamed KLNs financial troubles on significant budget reductions in its market by the federal government, competition from furniture makers in Southeast Asia and its inability to expand into other markets. She said those pressures would have been manageable if not for University Lofts lawsuit. Heritage Global Partners said it will auction of KLNs assets online starting Jan. 31. Among the assets are more than 150 machines, engine lathes, drill presses, hand tools and tens of thousands of metal stack chairs, lockers, wardrobes, nightstands and tables. When asked what she planned to do next, ODonnell replied, Im not sure. Im looking for a job. pdanner@express-news.net Twitter: @AlamoPD This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Toyota Motor Corp., which produced more than 260,000 Tacomas and Tundras at its San Antonio plant in 2016, said it plans to invest $10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, maintaining its pace of spending during the last half decade. Jim Lentz, Toyotas CEO for North America, outlined the companys intentions during an interview with Bloomberg Television at the auto show. The statement makes Japans largest automaker the latest to respond to pressure by President-elect Donald Trump during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Lentz said in a separate interview that Trumps threatened border tax could force automakers to raise prices, pushing down sales and eventually causing production cuts and factory layoffs the opposite of what Trump wants. Using the midsize Camry, Americas top-selling car, as an example, Lentz says 25 percent of the Kentucky-made cars content comes from outside the U.S. A 35 percent border tax would add $1,000 to the Camrys price, he said. My concern for the industry is cost goes up, likely the size of the industry goes down. The industry doesnt have to produce as many vehicles and it affects employment negatively, he said. Lentz doesnt object to Trumps comments because he also wants a stronger economy and more good-paying jobs here. Toyota has invested over $2 billion into its Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas plant in San Antonio where it employs more than 3,000 workers. Another 4,000 people work for Toyota suppliers in San Antonio. The company announced in 2016 that it was investing $150 million in its Tacoma pickup plant in Baja California, Mexico, to increase production by 60,000 vehicles a year. The plant currently produces 100,000 vehicles a year. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. Trump last week criticized an announcement Toyota made 20 months earlier that it would build a Mexico factory to assemble Corolla compacts beginning from 2019, saying in a tweet the company should build the plant in the U.S. or pay a big border tax. The Toyota City, Japan-based automaker already makes Corollas at a plant in Mississippi. Toyota broke ground last month on the plant in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato, which will add capacity for the model without leading to decreased production or employment in the U.S. The company said last week its made $21.9 billion in direct investment in the U.S. and pointed to its 10 manufacturing facilities, 1,500 dealerships and 136,000 employees in the country. Express-News Staff Writer Rye Druzin and the Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DETROIT President-elect Donald Trump is not attending the countrys premier auto show here. But his vow to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico has changed the focus of the show from what new vehicles are on display, to where they are made. Ford said Monday it would produce a new pickup and sport utility vehicle in a factory that is losing car production to Mexico. Fiat Chrysler announced Sunday that it would invest $1 billion and create 2,000 new jobs in the United States. And Mary Barra, the chief executive of General Motors, which has been criticized by Trump for its production plans in Mexico, said the company was still not altering those plans. More than anything, said Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of Fiat Chrysler, the industry needed to know what was going to happen with the North American Free Trade Agreement, which currently allows for a free flow of trade between the United States and Mexico. We need a clear indication of how the U.S. administration plans to deal with NAFTA, Marchionne said at the auto show. Were just waiting for clarity. Trump has made the auto industry a frequent target, attacking automakers for selling Mexican-made vehicles in the United States. After the announcements from Fiat Chrysler and Ford during the auto show, though, Trump reversed course. He thanked the companies for commitments to add jobs and products at plants in Michigan and Ohio, and took credit for the decisions. Its finally happening, Trump wrote on Twitter in reference to the job growth, adding, Thank you Ford and Fiat C! What is unclear, though, is where the auto industry will head from this point. And that has been a running discussion in the first two days of the sprawling Detroit auto show, usually known far more for talk about engines than economic policy. Marchionne, for example, said that although Fiat Chrysler is eager to add jobs and production in the United States, the company is less certain about further investments in Mexico. The reality of the Mexican auto industry has been tooled up to try and meet demand in the U.S. market, he said. If the U.S. market is not there, its reason for existence is on the line. Most major automakers have sizable manufacturing operations in Mexico that export to the United States and elsewhere. Factories in Mexico are considered an integral part of global business strategies. But Trump has zeroed in on how investment in Mexico may be hurting the chances for U.S. job growth. 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. Ford, for example, canceled plans recently to build a factory in Mexico that had been repeatedly criticized by Trump. The president-elect also scolded GM for importing small Chevrolet Cruze hatchbacks from Mexico to augment its production of similar vehicles in the United States. But Barra said it was too late to turn back on that decision. This is a long-lead business with high capital investments, decisions that were made two, three and four years ago, Barra said at an auto show event promoting a new GM SUV. However, Barra said GM is eager to work with the incoming Trump administration on issues related to manufacturing and job growth. She said she had spoken with Trump last week after his Twitter post about the Mexican-made Cruze and expects that dialogue to continue. Theres a lot of work to do, Barra said. When you really look at some of the things the president-elect has said, we have much more in common than we have different. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Retired Archbishop Patrick Flores, a onetime migrant farm worker and high school dropout who overcame discrimination to eventually become the nations first Mexican-American bishop, died Monday in San Antonio. Flores, whose full name was Patricio Fernandez Flores,waged a long battle with congestive heart failure, dementia and Menieres disease, a hearing disorder that causes veritgo, tinnitus and hearing loss. In the end, he suffered pneumonia. He had not been seen in public much since 2008 and was living in Padua Place Residence, a retirement home for priests. The beloved prelate, credited with blazing a path for several generations of U.S.-born Latino priests and bishops to follow, was 87. He was the fourth archbishop of San Antonio, helped found several educational, social justice and charitable organizations and became the de facto leader of the nations Hispanic Catholics. Last weekend Flores was hospitalized briefly at Baptist Medical Center but was released, put in hospice care and returned home to Padua. Funeral arrangements are pending, but Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller said Monday that San Fernando Cathedral would be the likely place for Flores services next week, which will include a period of lying in state. Garcia-Siller, whose voice broke several times during a Monday press conference, called Flores death a great loss for not only the Archdiocese of San Antonio but for the larger Catholic Church. Archbishop Flores was a man of charity, a man of great endurance and someone who loved people, especially the poor, the neglected (and) the downtrodden, he said. We are all so blessed to have known him. Garcia-Siller said Flores lifelong commitment to the poor never faded. His will was only half a page long, Garcia-Siller said, listing the few possessions that Flores left, among them a cross, a ring and an ecclesiastical vestment called a pallium. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude, said Father David Garcia, who served as Flores chief of staff and was later promoted to rector of San Fernando Cathedral. Early in his career, Garcia shared a residence with Flores and was surprised to learn Flores spent his Saturdays visiting the sick, an unusual task for someone at his level. It was just another way to serve, Garcia said, noting that Flores didnt care about the trappings of the office. Garcia remembered the day Flores became an auxiliary bishop, Cinco de Mayo 1970, in the old HemisFair arena. It was packed to the rafters, he said. He was the first. That puts him at more than 46 years a bishop, which is extremely rare. Flores was appointed bishop amid the Chicano Movement and spoke out against discrimination and was a friend of United Farm Workers co-founder Cesar Chavez. He served as bishop of the Diocese of El Paso for a short time in the late 1970s. In 1979, Flores became the first U.S. archbishop appointed by Pope St. John Paul II and was the last to retire before John Pauls death in 2005. When he stepped down Feb. 15, 2005, after 25 years and four months, Flores was the nations longest-serving archbishop. Early history Born July 26, 1929, in Ganado, a small town northeast of Victoria, Flores learned firsthand what it means to be denied service because of skin color and to be excluded from segregated facilities both white and black. As a child, he experienced the sting of racism and the anxiety of languishing in a jail cell without assistance. At 12, Flores walked two miles to school a decrepit one-room building with crumbling benches, no blackboard, no indoor plumbing and only a single wood stove for heat, as he recalled years later. On the way, he had to pass a spacious, modern school with many classrooms for Anglo students. Flores often said his parents had provided a seminary in the home, instilling deep religious devotion in their children. Siblings recalled how the young Flores always wanted to become a priest, even teaching catechism classes to area children as a youth. He said when he broke the news to his girlfriend that he was going to become a priest, they were 10 miles from his home. She indignantly drove away without him, leaving the future archbishop to walk home in the middle of the night. Initially discouraged by Anglo priests who didnt think he could meet the academic standards of the seminary, Flores went on to become a priest, ordained in Houston on May 26, 1956. He turned down an offer to study in Rome a sign of hierarchical favor and was told hed thrown away his only chance to become a bishop. He simply shrugged and said that was not his ambition; hed only wanted to be a parish priest. An associate pastor and later pastor at several Houston parishes for 14 years, Flores became active in the National Association of Hispanic Priests, which lobbied the U.S. Catholic bishops conference to recommend the appointment of Hispanics as bishops. But he said he was caught completely off guard in early 1970 when Archbishop Raimondi told him that San Antonios Archbishop Furey wanted him and only him as auxiliary bishop. Required to submit three names to Rome, Furey simply wrote Patrick Fernandez Flores three times. Rome quickly got the message. The mariachi bishop Known for his enthusiasm, Flores exuded energy and was dubbed the mariachi bishop for his singing voice and his affinity for breaking into song with the first strings of a mariachis violin. A 1987 biography of Flores by Marianist Brother Martin McMurtrey said Flores was never merely respected because of his office but more deeply admired and loved because of his warmth, charisma and spontaneity. Within a month of becoming a bishop, he startled and delighted residents in a public housing project by singing and dancing with them. Nobody had ever seen a priest do that before, much less a bishop, Garcia recalled. A successful and frequent fund-raiser for numerous charitable causes, Flores often convulsed audiences with laughter by telling a story from his early days as a priest in Houston. He said a small child had a quarter lodged in his throat, the mother was frantic and someone said, Call Father Flores. He can get money out of anybody. He was at ease with presidents and people in power, but his ascent only seemed to deepen his emotional bond with the poor and the voiceless. A nationally renowned role model for young Latinos in his day, Flores founded the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund, which has granted millions in scholarships to Catholic and non-Catholic students. He also founded Communities Organized for Public Service, now known as COPS/Metro Alliance, which organized people in poor neighborhoods and taught them to lobby public officials and hold them accountable. Flores was co-founder of the Mexican-American Cultural Center, now known as the Mexican American Catholic College, which provides Hispanic-oriented pastoral education. He faced controversy and criticism from his first days as an auxiliary bishop when some Anglo Catholics resented his close identification with Mexican-Americans and the poor. On the very day of his installation as archbishop in October 1979, his candid answer to a reporters question about a public housing controversy If you reject the poor, you reject Jesus fueled criticism. Six months later, he got more criticism for a letter to the San Antonio City Council, in which he criticized the appointment of an Anglo police chief over a Hispanic candidate he believed was better qualified. He always said his deepest sorrow was over sexual abuse by priests. He insisted hed acted in good faith and, with one early exception, always removed abusive priests from ministry immediately upon learning of credible allegations. Others angrily disputed his claims, saying he didnt believe their allegations and demanded proof. A saint visits The pinnacle of his career came in Sept. 13, 1987, when he hosted Pope St. John Paul II, the first pope to visit Texas. One million people saw the pontiff, including 350,000 at an outdoor Mass in San Antonio. The archdiocese said Monday that event still holds the record for the largest gathering in the state. Flores had invited the pope to San Antonio in 1985, and early in 1986, the enormous and complex task of organizing, preparing for and financing the event began. After the Mass, he rode with his distinguished guest through 22 miles of admiring crowds in the popemobile. The pope slept in Flores Assumption Seminary apartment that night before flying to Phoenix the next morning. Flores didnt spare the Polish-born pontiff a few jokes about the kind of foods prepared here for the visit: Tacos Polaccos and Tortillas con papa. Polacco is the Spanish word for a native of Poland. Papa is a pun - el Papa means father or the pope, while la papa means potato. Admirers hoped Flores would be made a cardinal. But that didnt happen, and he insisted he didnt want the honor. He said it would require too many trips to Rome and being archbishop of San Antonio was honor enough. Flores was put in danger several times. In 1976, he was among more than 50 U.S. and Latin American bishops held hostage by the Ecuadoran secret police for 28 hours. The bishops were meeting in Riobamba, Ecuador, 130 miles south of Quito, when the police burst in, forced them to board buses and took them to a military camp near Quito. All were eventually released unharmed. On June 28, 2000, a man with a hand grenade, identified as Nelson Escolero, held Flores hostage for nine hours in the archbishops third-floor chancery office. The grenade proved to be a dud. Throughout his long career, Flores never forgot his roots and was constantly finding ways to help people in need. He founded Telton Navideno in 1976 to raise money for poor, elderly San Antonians who needed help with food, rent and medicine. He also launched an annual breakfast to raise funds for the Battered Womens Shelter with himself as chief cook and celebrities from all the community as waiters. He also collected guitars for at-risk youth, arranging for music lessons. To the very end, his door remained open. At the welcome ceremony (Source: VNA) Hailing defence cooperation as one of the crucial pillars in bilateral ties, the two ministers pledged to heed practical efficiency of personnel training, facilitate all-level visits, and hold consultation on deputy ministerial-level defence policy, border defence exchanges and the first meeting in Vientiane for Lao military officers who once studied in Vietnam. They agreed to increase the sharing of experience in Party and political activities, jointly hold celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, including completing the construction of the monument Vietnam-Laos Fighting Alliance and Unity in the Lao province of Xaisomboun. Host and guest also reached a consensus on enhancing information sharing, fighting the smuggling of addictive substances and forestry products across the border, and removing hotbeds of security and order in border areas. Both sides shared view that the two defence ministries units fulfilled goals set in the protocol and cooperation plan last year, including raising public awareness of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, armies and peoples as well as successfully organising a photo exhibition on the west Truong Son trail in Vientiane capital city and Savannakhet province. Positive results were seen in military personnel training, liaison among border units and twinning models among localities, which have contributed to political security, social safety and order, and economic development in border areas. In multilateral cooperation, the two countries worked closely together to maintain unity in ASEAN and improve their stature. During their official visit to Vietnam from January 8th to 11th, the Lao delegation paid a courtesy call to authorities of central Da Nang city and visited several local attractions./. A ski chair lift accident that killed a San Antonio mother and injured her two children at a Colorado resort last month is being described by engineers as a rare dynamic event, according to updated information released by police Monday night. Kelly Ann Pearce Huber, 40, and her two young daughters fell 25 feet after the ski chair carrying them struck a support tower on Dec. 29 at the Ski Granby Ranch resort, about 90 miles northwest of Denver, the Granby Police Department said in a statement. The three victims landed in hard-packed snow on the ground below. RELATED: Autopsy released for San Antonio woman who fell from ski lift Huber suffered a ruptured aorta and blunt force trauma to her upper torso. She died shortly after the fall at a nearby hospital. Her daughters, 9 and 12 years old, were injured, but survived. After days of inspections and investigation, engineers with the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board identified issues within the chair lifts electrical drive/control system that contributed to a rare dynamic event at the time of the accident, police said Monday. The police departments statement did not elaborate or specify what those issues were. Neither did a preliminary report by the state tramway board, which was obtained and published by the Denver Post. RELATED: 28-year-old mother dies after chasing towed car Huber and her daughters were not using a safety bar on the ski chair at the time of the accident, but Colorado law does not require riders to use a safety bar, said Schelly Olson, assistant chief of Grand Fire Protection District No. 1 and a spokeswoman for the Granby Police Department. Police said it does not appear Huber or her daughters contributed to the accident, police said. No one witnessed any horseplay on the ski chair before the family fell. The weather also was not a factor, police said. There were no adverse weather happening at the time. Winds were minimal. The chair lift used by the family has been closed since the accident, but will reopen to the public Tuesday, police said. According to the state tramway boards preliminary report published Monday by the Denver Post, the ride operator will disconnect the electrical drive from the chair lift and will operate the ride using a diesel prime mover. Investigators with the tramway safety board determined the diesel prime mover is capable of safely operating the ride. In a separate statement Monday night, the Ski Granby Ranch ski resort said it followed all prescribed protocols in operating the chair lift. The ride was load tested, then inspected and licensed by the states tramway board just days before the chair lift opened for the ski season Dec. 16. Lift protocols for operation of the lift were determined by an outside engineering expert at the time of certification, Ski Granby Ranch officials said in their statement. There is no indication at this stage of the preliminary investigation that the original lift installation contributed to the incident. The Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board will release a final report on the investigation at a later date. Huber and her children had been enjoying a ski vacation with other family members at the Colorado resort when the accident occurred. The fatality was the first in the resorts 22-year history. Hubers 12-year-old daughter was treated and released from a nearby hospital, while the younger girl was flown by helicopter to Childrens Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, for further treatment. That hospital has declined to release any additional information. Hubers family has declined to comment publicly since her death and has requested that the media leave them alone. Huber was a longtime executive with Aetna, a health insurance company and was engaged to be married. Her parents also live in San Antonio. pohare@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The fast-growing suburban city of Converse plans to annex areas in unincorporated Northeast Bexar County desperately in need of municipal services, as part of a deal announced Monday. But to annex these areas, Converse wanted something in return, namely the opportunity to grow even bigger, because it is hemmed in by San Antonio and Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, and to add areas with a richer tax base. To do that, the suburbs leaders turned to San Antonio. San Antonio plans to cede about 2 square miles to Converse that will bring in the additional revenue that officials of the smaller city said will be needed to provide services for the troubled parts of Bexar County to be annexed. The complex swap is part of an effort to bring services to a part of Northeast Bexar County where, for years, trash service was not guaranteed because counties in Texas arent required to provide it. This is a virtually marooned part of Bexar County where poverty is entrenched and crime is rampant in some areas, particularly the notorious Camelot II subdivision and the Glen. Yet the municipal services one would expect in an urbanized, developed area such as this are nonexistent. Mayor Ivy Taylor, speaking at an afternoon news conference, emphasized the need to make sure all parts of the region thrive. Dis-investments and lack of hope that characterizes some parts of our community creates dead-ends, Taylor said. San Antonio had considered annexing these areas, just north of Interstate 10 East, but dropped the idea because of the high cost to provide services. Heres how the multiphase plan will work: Initially, Converse will move to annex two sections of Bexar County: one area just west of Converse, between Crestway and Gibbs Sprawl roads, thats already developed; and another, mostly undeveloped area south of Converse that straddles FM 1516, near Loop 1604 and I-10 East. There are plans for about 800 new homes in this southern area. State law allows Converse to annex the undeveloped area fairly quickly because there are fewer than 100 homes there today. Converse should annex the area between Crestway and Gibbs Sprawl in roughly three years, according to state law. In the second phase of annexation, which should start roughly by 2020, Converse will move to add an area bounded by Eisenhauer, Gibbs Sprawl and Crestway roads and that abuts the suburban city of Windcrest. This is the area that includes the Camelot II neighborhood. Again, the annexation process should take roughly three years. San Antonio will still provide trash pickup to these unincorporated areas near Gibbs Sprawl Road as part of a 2015 agreement with the county, said Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni. The deal, which expires in 2018, could be extended until the areas are fully annexed by Converse, he said. Separate of these annexations, San Antonio plans to do a series of municipal boundary adjustments over several years, relinquishing to Converse parts of the city with a rich tax base. These include commercial areas off Gibbs Sprawl and along Loop 1604 near I-10 East and a residential area called Northampton thats currently in City Council District 2 but is adjacent to Converse. San Antonio annexed Northampton in the 1980s, Zanoni said, but for the past 10 years, Converse has been providing fire service to the area. He said this neighborhood will also likely have much faster police response times once it is part of Converse because that city is much closer. Converse Mayor Al Suarez is confident that his city can provide services to new residents. Converse passed a $20 million bond in 2015, which he said will allow the city to repair roads in the Northampton neighborhood. Converse also lowered its tax rate to 50 cents per $100 of taxable value. San Antonios tax rate is about 56 cents. Converse is adding police officers and plans to hire more. Converse is currently about 7 square miles and has a population of 22,000. With the new additions, Converse will grow to 12 square miles and at least 34,000 people. The Converse City Council will vote Jan. 17 on an agreement with San Antonio. San Antonios Planning Commission will vote on the plan Jan. 25, and the City Council will vote Feb. 2. WASHINGTON With 10 days left in the Obama administration, Democrats are looking for a lifeline to save the signature health care law that President-elect Donald Trump has promised to dismantle. Outnumbered and outgunned by Republicans in Congress, the Democrats increasingly are turning to raw public pressure combined with the sheer size and complexity of the health care system to resist a GOP repeal effort that has been percolating since President Barack Obama signed it into law in 2010. The Affordable Care Act and our health care system is a little like a game of Jenga, Health and Human Service Secretary Sylvia Burwell said Monday at the National Press Club, where she made the Obama administrations closing argument for the law. Comparing it to the popular wooden block game, she added, You might think that looks like a good piece to pull out or keep in, but the tower will fall because its related. Aiding the Democrats rear-guard action on Obamacare has been growing confusion about Republican plans for a promised replacement that would not throw off the insurance rolls an estimated 20 million Americans who gained coverage through the law, more than 1.1 million of them in Texas. Complicating the Republicans task: The insurance market chaos that could result from the repeal of the law before an alternative is ready, and a short-term budget strategy that will require conservatives to go along with ballooning deficits at least on paper to pave the way for quick repeal. Houston-area Republican Kevin Brady, a key player in the transition as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is vowing that his party can deliver the relief, control and peace of mind our workers, families, retirees and job creators deserve. Another important voice from Texas, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the chambers No. 2 Republican, promises an orderly, careful, deliberate transition to make sure that nobody gets hurt in the process. Brady and Cornyns words were echoed Sunday by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who said on Face the Nation that an Obamacare replacement is in the works. You have to both repeal and replace, he said, and I think there ought not to be a great gap between the first step and the second. Even as Republicans accuse the Democrats of fear mongering, they have remained vague about how they will accommodate the newly insured, and at what cost. House Speaker Paul Ryan last week demurred when asked if the evolving GOP plan would cover as many people as Obamacare. Let me say this, he said. Can we in this country have a health-care system that gives us access to affordable health care in this country without a costly government takeover and a death spiral which Obamacare is giving us? And the answer is, yes. And that is exactly what we intend to deliver on. Democrats are dubious. In concerted campaign to rescue Obamas signature achievement as president, Burwell and other outgoing administration officials are sounding the alarm about Republican promises to cut costs without sacrificing access to quality health coverage. This type of change isnt easy, and its hard to capture in simple slogans, Burwell said. As far as silver bullets, they dont exist. Armed with cots wheeled into the Capitol basement Monday, Democratic senators promised to speak late into the night to talk about GOP repeal efforts, while also trying to mobilize popular support at home. U.S. Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, said that while he is open to working with Republicans to make changes to improve the law, you cant repeal it without a replacement. He and other Democrats argue that while Republicans have been talking for years about replacing Obamacare exchanges offering private plans with a system of tax credits and subsidies to help people buy private insurance, they have yet to produce alternatives with concrete cost figures. Republican leaders, meanwhile, have been facing growing pressure from the right to not only repeal Obamacare entirely, but without delay once Trump is sworn in Jan. 20. Amid reports that the transition could take years to accomplish, some conservative groups have sought to exert pressure on Republicans for a quick repeal. To delay the repeal for years means no repeal, said Twila Brase, president and co-founder of the Citizens Council for Health Freedom, a group that has been airing radio ads attacking Obamacare across the nation. This process should take no longer than a few months. Among the GOP hardliners is Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who unsuccessfully filibustered funding for Obamacare in 2013. In a letter to Cornyn and McConnell this month, Cruz asked that Congress quickly consider legislation that repeals at least as much of Obamacare as a Republican repeal bill that Obama vetoed in 2015. That bill not only would have killed the mandate for everyone to buy insurance, it would have ended the premium subsidies that help people buy coverage on the state and federal health care exchanges. It also would have repealed the Medicaid expansion that accounts for more than half of the new enrollments under Obamacare. Democrats say Republicans face a dilemma in promising both to repeal Obamacare and not drop people from the insurance rolls. The pressure to move fast also could have its political costs. In order to bypass likely Democratic filibusters in the Senate, which requires 60 votes, the Senates 52 Republicans are using a budget resolution as a vehicle for dismantling the fiscal elements of the health law. Budget resolutions can be approved by a simple majority. But because of the cost savings built into the law, the resolution working its way through Congress appears to balloon the deficit to more than $1 trillion by the end of the decade. Senate leaders argue the resolution, which sets spending targets, is merely a symbolic document. However, it still has caused consternation among fiscal hawks, including Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who railed against the measure last week on the Senate floor. Cruz and his allies, in their letter to Cornyn and McConnell, sought to make clear that their votes for the budget measure do not indicate in any way our support for the revenue, spending and deficit numbers therein. Seeking to fast-track the repeal effort, the budget resolution also requires the congressional committees working on the legislative language - including Bradys - to produce bills seven days after Trumps inauguration. Countering the GOPs focus on rising premiums and deductibles under Obamacare, as well as the dwindling choice of plans is some parts of the nation, Democrats have tried to emphasize the laws chief benefits: A historically low percentage of uninsured citizens, and a slowdown in the growth of premium costs, which had been climbing faster before the law took effect. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Members of Mayor Ivy Taylors Council on Police-Community Relations established the groundwork for future meetings Monday evening during its fifth meeting, which was held at City Hall. Moving forward, the council decided Monday, four subcommittees will meet among themselves to establish policy and procedural recommendations that will be considered by the City Councils Criminal Justice, Public Safety and Services subcommittee in April. Let me underscore that tonights work is going to be critical as far as mapping out the next steps, Mayor Ivy Taylor told the members. I hope that this group will spark and initiate community efforts that support strong relationships with our officers. The subcommittees, which were established in December, focus on issues of police recruitment, community collaboration, police training and police-community communication. Those groups will meet separately in February, and in some cases, hold community meetings and town forums to get insight and advice from the public. Then, the mayors whole group will meet in March to draft formal recommendations. Taylor lauded the council for its decision, saying it gives time for City Council to consider the formal recommendations before the budget is formed in June. Andrew Solano, the mayors policy adviser, also said that time frame gives the mayors council time to draft or push for any state legislation prior to the Texas Legislature concluding in May. The decision Monday was made after an informal discussion among roughly 35 members of the Mayors Council on Police-Community Relations that were present. The council includes about 50 community representatives, including religious leaders, police union members, City Council members Rebecca Viagran, Alan Warrick and Rey Saldana and Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood. On Monday, Councilman Chris Medina, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus and newly elected Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar were also in attendance. They did not weigh in on the decision. The council was created in September in the wake of a string of police shootings of black men, some unarmed, across the country. In San Antonio, tense community discussions ensued after local activists unsuccessfully pushed City Council to reject a police collective bargaining agreement because of rules that limit how much disciplinary evidence the police chief can consider when punishing officers. After the council made its decision, it heard from 11 members of the public who shared stories, voiced concerns and recommended potential solutions. Joseph Garcia, who lives in Dignowity Hill, said he has grown frustrated after reporting illegal and drug activity at a home near his, only to have police tell him to be patient. It took police roughly two years to shut down what he said was a crack house. This kind of behavior would never be OK in Stone Oak, Garcia said. I believe that the attitude of police is so tainted from years of violence that they did not care if I lived or died, he added. I just want police presence and swift action. eeaton@express-news.net Twitter: @emilieeaton This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The remains of Luis Patlan Torres, a Korean War POW who had been missing for 66 years, finally returned to San Antonio on Tuesday. Torres, who was born into a migrant farming family near the town of Cone, northeast of Lubbock, will be buried Friday at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Two dozen friends and family members gathered on the tarmac as soldiers unloaded his remains from a United Airlines jet at San Antonio International Airport. The planes engines fell silent. Six soldiers in dress uniform carried the casket, draped in a flag, into the waiting hearse. Left, left, left, the honor guards ranking sergeant said. San Antonian Greg Torres, brother of Luis, watched on the tarmac as the soldiers closed the door of the hearse and saluted. The last time Greg Torres saw his brother, Luis Torres was on his way to Korea. I saw him last when I was four, five years old, Greg Torres, 71, said. I came to meet him again. In spirit. I know hes there. Its beyond words. Luis Torres joined the Army and arrived in Pusan on Aug. 5, 1950, when the war in Korea was barely two months old. He was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On Aug. 31, Torres and his comrades set up their defenses on the east bank of the Naktong River. A nighttime North Korean assault defeated and scattered the American troops. Just 20 soldiers in the company returned that day. Torres was not among them. The bodies of unknown soldiers in Korea were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. These bodies were assigned a number, known as an X-file. Based on witness statements and records of who fought at what battle, X-file 331 was exhumed May 16 in the search for Torres remains. On July 21, the family received confirmation it was Torres. A briefing given to the family on Dec. 15 confirmed his remains had been found and identified. His remains were found six miles from the battlefield. Its believed he was a short-term prisoner held by the North Koreans before his execution. He was missing his right hand and both of his feet, according to a briefing given to his family. Three bullet holes, one near his spine, pierced his body. Scientists used anthropological evidence and DNA analysis to identify the remains, according to the family. Close to 8,000 soldiers were declared missing in action from the Korean War, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Torres remains traveled from Korea to Japan to Hawaii, and Tuesday to San Antonio. The pilot of the plane that brought Torres to San Antonio said he had told passengers over the speakers that the plane was bringing home a missing soldier. Its just something that were honored to be able to do, to bring him back to his loved ones, the planes pilot, Capt. Doug Swanberg, said. From the airport, an eight-car convoy brought Torres remains to the funeral home, escorted by 10 motorcycles driven by members of the Texas Patriot Guard. He died in 1950, probably before some of us were born, Jean Clark, deputy state captain of the Patriot Guard, said. Its a complete honor to do this. Visitation for Torres will take place at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Acker Funeral Home from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday. Representatives of Torres unit are slated to present a Purple Heart to his family at 6 p.m. in a ceremony that includes a rosary and a final salute. Mass is scheduled at St. Patricks Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. The burial afterward will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery and will include an Air Force fly-by. Each of these events will be open to the public, the family said. jlawrence@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Andres Tijerina, an Austin author, history professor and expert on early Tejanos in Texas, will be the lead scholar on a timeline exhibit at the Witte Museum for San Antonios Tricentennial celebration in 2018. Bruce Shackelford, the Witte's curator of South Texas heritage, will curate the exhibit, funded with a $1.1 million grant from the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation and scheduled to open in March 2018. The grant, the largest private gift to date for the citys 300-year anniversary, was announced last week and discussed Monday by the Tricentennial Commissions History and Education Subcommittee. The project at the Witte, titled, 300 Years of San Antonio History: Confluence and Culture, has been billed as an immersive and multifaceted exhibition on the legendary and complex history of San Antonio as the hub of the frontier under many flags and over three centuries. Less than a year after organizers kicked off an effort to raise funds and form partnerships, the commission expects to have something happening every day in 2018, starting with a New Years Eve celebration to end 2017, Tricentennial CEO Edward Benavides told the subcommittee. Once we reach that day, its full-on, he said. Along with activities tied to arts and culture, community service and a May 2018 commemorative week, the yearlong celebration will have a robust history component, including a timeline covering well over 300 years. The commemorative week will observe the anniversary of the May 1, 1718, founding of Mission San Antonio de Valero and founding of San Antonio de Bejar four days later. In September, the commission released a 90-second video, for presentations and social media, that promotes the Tricentennial as a celebration of colors, sounds and flavors in a city that is welcoming and progressive, with the slogan, San Antonio. We keep making history. Benavides said the history subcommittee already has provided a jump start on the timeline exhibit, which will have elements that can be shared online and at the airport and local community events. And that is not something that is just one year. It will be available for future years, he said. The commission is planning a May 2, 2018, history celebration that will include release of a Tricentennial coffee table book, published by Trinity Press. Officials hope this spring to announce details of each days activities in the commemorative week. Along with $12 million in direct and in-kind support from the city and county, the commission plans to have $6 million in private support and has projected an $8 million value on media coverage. A Tricentennial economic impact study prepared by Steven Nivin, chief economist of the SABER Research Institute, projects an increase in visitors to San Antonio of about 263,000 in 2018 that will support nearly 1,300 jobs and provide a nearly $120 million economic impact. The history subcommittee also heard a presentation Monday by architect Brantley Hightower, who said the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects wants to create a smartphone app to provide information on historic buildings, plazas, parks and other locations that could be rolled out for the Tricentennial. shuddleston@express-news.net Twitter: @shuddlestonSA This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN Texas lawmakers began their regular session Tuesday with prayer, celebration and a pronouncement by freshly re-elected House Speaker Joe Straus that the challenges they face will require something anathema in todays political environment. Our shared principles will be tested. And so will the good will that fills this chamber today, Straus, R-San Antonio, told his House colleagues after they unanimously picked him to serve a fifth term as the chambers leader, tying the election record of Democratic predecessors Pete Laney of Hale Center and Gib Lewis of Fort Worth. But despite a tight budget and other policy challenges, Straus said lawmakers have the chance to show Texans thoughtful and inclusive leadership that can solve problems with the courage to compromise when necessary. Compromise has become a dirty word in politics. But in reality, its how we find common ground to achieve the common good, and it is a good word in this house, Straus said, drawing applause. Like the Senate, the House is dominated by Republicans, but they range from tea-party-backed officials like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to those more aligned with the traditional, business-backed establishment like Straus. While some of their priorities align, there can be broad differences in other areas, and there is always a struggle to reconcile differences in the must-pass state budget to fund services, including education and health care for the poor. The budget will be one of this sessions biggest challenges. Budget writers this go-round have less state money to spend for general purposes in the face of a growing population, issues in the school funding system, high-dollar problems in programs including the health care system for retired teachers and a push by some for building on tax relief approved two years ago. At the same time, Patrick is championing issues including a proposal that transgender people be required to use only the restrooms in public buildings that correspond to the gender on their birth certificates. The idea - which has the potential to steer away competitions including the NCAA Final Four scheduled for San Antonio next year - isnt high on Strauss list. His priorities include working toward a revamp of the school finance system, which is putting increasing pressure on local school property taxpayers and their districts. Patrick said that in all our deliberations, maintaining our conservative principles and protecting Texas values will be our top priority. But the battles were on the back burner Tuesday, as lawmakers enjoyed the tradition of having families and friends join them as they were sworn in, babies cries mingling with laughter that interspersed the official speeches. San Antonio megachurch pastor John Hagee asked for an outsize blessing in his opening prayer in the Texas Senate. Hagee, founder of Cornerstone Church, prayed that officials be given the wisdom of Solomon, the compassion of Jesus Christ and the integrity of Abraham Lincoln to serve the people of the great state of Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott, who spoke to the House and Senate, highlighted the ability of people from different political perspectives to unite under one Capitol dome for Texas. He acknowledged the days emphasis on families, saying they will always matter more than any political title youll ever hold. The political landscape was viewed with a mixture of enthusiasm and trepidation by members of the Bexar County delegation, which includes Straus and Republican Rep. Lyle Larson of San Antonio but otherwise is Democratic. Im concerned, said Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, pointing to Donald Trumps election as president. Im extremely concerned that the results of the national election will embolden people who feel that its OK to pass bills under the guise of protecting people who dont feel endangered. I dont think the transgender bathroom bill is a good idea for Texas. I think it will not only make it legal to discriminate against a group of people, but it also will endanger major events like the Final Four. Menendez said the Legislature should focus on the everyday meat-and-potatoes basics of governance, an idea embraced by other delegation members. Freshman Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, D-San Antonio, said her priorities include public education - she is the founder of a charter school - and criminal justice, with a focus on fostering cooperation between the community and police. The successor to social justice champion Ruth Jones McClendon, Gervin-Hawkins said she is mindful that she has big shoes to fill. I know the community has big hope for me, she said. I want to be able to live up to that hope. The Legislature is quite literally a family affair for two San Antonio Democrats: Sen. Carlos Uresti and his brother, Rep. Tomas Uresti. Both place a priority on child protective services and education, and they said they may carry legislation together. We pretty much see eye to eye on everything, said Tomas Uresti. Carlos Uresti joked that the hard part will be the family dynamics: Because hes my older brother, he thinks he can boss me around. Tomas Uresti might have been able to use his brothers guidance on opening day. After leaving his office in the Capitol extension to survey the House chamber before lawmakers were gaveled in, the representative said he got lost while making his way back. He had thought hed get the lay of the land in the House, he said, but instead, I got the lay of the entire Capitol. It looks like the little brother is going to have to step in and show him around the Capitol sometime said Carlos Uresti. pfikac@express-news.net Twitter: @pfikac It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the MINERVA, Ohio A fire destroyed a warehouse storing a de-icer product Jan. 9 at Hoopes Fertilizer Works, located on U.S. Route 30 just west of East Rochester, Ohio. More than 60 firefighters from three counties were on the scene and able to contain the fire from spreading to two additional buildings at the facility. According to Aaron Stoller, chief of the Sandy Creek Joint Fire District, multiple calls came in around 5:45 p.m. from drivers on U.S. Route 30 who saw smoke coming from the building. Stoller and one of the districts trucks arrived at 5:47 p.m. A passerby also stopped at the nearby home of owner Terry Hoopes, who arrived just before the firefighters. When firefighters entered the building, there was a minor explosion that forced them back outside. Stoller said at this time, theyre still not sure what triggered the explosion. Once outside, firefighters went into a defensive attack, to contain the fire and prevent its spread. Although Hoopes Fertilizer makes and sells custom fertilizer products, the 180-by-150 foot building contained the companys winter de-icing products that were not hazardous to firefighters, and housed only 40 bags of a potash fertilizer, Stoller said. It was easier to fight with just salt, he added, and no special hazard precautions had to be taken. The warehouse did have a separation wall, but the intense fire jumped the wall to engulf the entire building. A Norfolk Southern Railway track runs adjacent to Hoopes Fertilizer, and the company has an off-loading sidetrack where it receives shipments. The railway had to stop rail traffic, including a crude oil train, during the firefighting efforts, but it was permitted to go through sometime between 8 and 9 p.m., and other rail traffic was resumed, although slowed, after that time. Three railcars sitting on the Hoopes off-loading leg were empty. The water and cold temperatures combined for icy conditions, Stoller said, and the Ohio Department of Transportation devoted a truck to maintaining the immediate stretch of U.S. Route 30 during the fire. Firefighters were able to leave the scene by 10:30 p.m., but Stoller said his firefighters went back an additional time to put out spot fires. The cause of the fire is unknown, and Stoller was scheduled to meet the investigators from the state fire marshals office and the business insurance company Tuesday morning. An Ohio Division of Wildlife expert was also on the scene Tuesday morning to conduct a study of an adjacent creek for fish kills or environmental contamination. The fire was the first in the companys 54-year history, said Terry Hoopes. Weve never even had to use a fire extinguisher for anything. Its pretty hard to swallow, he added. We just lost $5 million yesterday. The Sandy Creek Joint Fire District received mutual aid from fire departments in Carroll, Stark and Columbiana counties: Homeworth, North Georgetown, Hanoverton, Washington Township, Osnaburg Township, Augusta Township, the City of Canton, the Carroll County Fire Department and the Great Trails Fire District. There were no injuries reported from any of the 60-80 firefighters or emergency personnel on the scene. REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio The Ohio Forages and Grasslands Council annual conference will be held Feb. 3 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg. The program theme is High Quality Forages. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Kim Cassida, forage Extension specialist at Michigan State University, who will discuss managing grass-legume mixtures, based on extensive research and experience in Michigan and her prior work in West Virginia. She and Dr. Jeff McCutcheon (OSU Extension, Southeast Region Director) will discuss High Energy Pasture for Grass-Finished Beef, and two Ohio producers, Bill Lawhon of Knox County and Jeff Ramseyer of Wayne County, will expand on that topic by discussing how they utilize annual and perennial forages in their grass-based beef operations. Lin Karcher, a dairy producer in Meigs County, will discuss the transition to grass-based dairy production. Sheep and forages Don and Megan Burgess, of Hancock County, will discuss how sheep breed affects utilization of annual forages in their operation. Todd Hager, of Allen County, will discuss his commercial hay operation that includes baling cover crops within grain crop rotations and reprocessing big square bales of alfalfa into small squares prior to marketing. A six-state evaluation of Reduced Lignin Alfalfa will be discussed by Angie Parker (Ohio State University Graduate Research Assistant), and Mark Sulc and Dave Barker (Ohio State University) will provide a Research Update on several projects including optimizing animal intake on tall fescue pastures, revising potato leafhopper thresholds for leafhopper-resistant alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures, and effects of different harvest schedules on alfalfa-grass mixtures. To register Details of the program and a registration form are available here. Registration will be due by Jan. 27. For more information, contact Gary Wilson at osuagman@gmail.com, or 419-348-3500. The European Commission has today registered a European Citizens Initiative (ECI) inviting the Commission to propose a ban on glyphosate. The initiative will be formally registered on 25 January. It wants to reform the pesticide approval procedure and to set EU-wide mandatory reduction targets for pesticide use. This registration will start a one-year process of collection of signatures in support of the proposed ECI by its organisers. ECIs were introduced with the Lisbon Treaty and launched as an agenda-setting tool in the hands of EU citizens in April 2012. Once formally registered, an ECI allows one million citizens from at least one quarter of EU Member States to invite the European Commission to propose a legal act in areas where the Commission has the power to do so. If and only if a registered ECI receives the signatures of one million validated statements of support from at least seven Member States, the Commission must decide whether or not it would act, and explain the reasons for that choice. Rural landowners have reminded the Government not to forget the needs of rural communities by setting out five action points on how to help solve the 'acute shortage' of homes in the countryside. The CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses said the Government 'must understand' that the housing shortage is 'felt just as keenly' in the countryside as it is in towns and cities. The organisation urges Government to address this in the upcoming Housing White Paper due out next week. CLA President Ross Murray said: We want to support young families, local workers and those in the community who are ready to downsize. Housing costs are spiralling so providing more houses people can afford is the only way to sustain rural communities for future generations and ensure people have the opportunity to live and work in the countryside. Ministers must not forget our rural areas when they set out their housing policy plan later this month. CLA members provide nearly 40% of all private rented housing in rural areas and many are also local employers. They are in a unique position to help increase the supply of all housing tenures if the action points below are implemented. CLA's ten key action points 1. Review the definition of sustainable development with regard to rural communities and villages Mr Murray said: The excellent concept of sustainable development which lies at the heart of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is not being properly implemented by local planning authorities which has a significant negative effect in some rural areas. Planners judge applications based on available amenities such as public transport which is often non-existent, and pubs and post offices but many of these have closed within small rural communities. Instead of allowing small-scale building which would bring much needed life, money and jobs to these areas, applications are rejected in favour of development on the edge of nearby market towns. 2. Ensure provision for NPPF development is properly reflected at local plan and neighbourhood plan level. Mr Murray said: The vision for rural areas set out in national planning policy in 2012 is only just being put into practice by some planning authorities, leading to a postcode lottery on development. The ability to provide new homes of different types and tenures, and opportunities for businesses to invest should be at the heart of local plans and neighbourhood plans and must be driven at a local level. 3. Implement Local Plan Expert Group recommendations to ensure every area has an up-to-date, effective local plan Mr Murray said: Too many local plans either do not exist or do not conform with the contents of the NPPF. The Local Plan Expert Group presented a series of efficient and effective recommendations to government in March 2016 and must be implemented immediately. 4. Strengthen Permitted Development Rights for converting redundant agricultural buildings into much-needed rural homes Mr Murray said: Around half of all prior approval applications for converting redundant agricultural buildings into homes are rejected outright by planning authorities. This is almost three times higher than approvals to convert offices to residential units. We need a government review now and if refusal rates continue at such high levels the Government must intervene and either change the regulations or produce stronger guidance on delivering new dwellings in rural areas. 5. Encourage landowners to build and manage their own affordable houses Mr Murray said: The traditional approach of delivering affordable housing in rural communities through housing associations and local authorities is simply not building enough to meet demand. Landowners have a long history of providing low rent housing in their communities. The Government should publish guidance to local authorities detailing how effective partnerships between local government and landowners can provide additional affordable housing. The six candidates who are contesting for the top roles within NFU Scotland are embarking on a ten-date tour of regional hustings that will see them travel the length and breadth of the country. Starting today at Stepps, near Glasgow, those seeking election as either President or Vice President of NFUS will address members at a packed programme of regional meetings in a bid to secure the necessary votes. Over the next 11 days, the candidates will also speak at meetings in Dingwall, Perth, Tarbert, Cumnock, Castle Douglas, Carfraemill, Inverurie and Kirkwall concluding in Lerwick on Shetland on Friday 20 January. Voting for the positions of President and its two Vice Presidential posts will take place at the Unions council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on Tuesday 7 February 2017. The Unions AGM, conference and annual dinner will be staged at the same venue the day before (Monday 6 February). Current President Allan Bowie and sitting Vice Presidents Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick will all contest the presidential position. 'A healthy, vibrant Union' Commenting on the prospect of an exciting election campaign, NFU Scotland Chief Executive Scott Walker said it is 'hugely encouraging' for the future of NFU Scotland. He said: It is the sign of a healthy and vibrant Union that we have so many excellent candidates standing for election. Six people have put the interests of the industry ahead of the interests of their own businesses and are standing for the positions of President or Vice President. I wish each one of them the very best and urge them to make the most of this fantastic, if hectic, round of meetings. They all have the skills and experience to do a great job for NFUS and this is their opportunity to convince members that they have a role to play for the Union as we tackle the major challenges ahead. With Brexit decisions looming and future agricultural policy in the UK and Scotland up for debate, we need the right people in place to drive forward policies that are in the very best interests of our farmers and crofters. These are exciting times for all involved in our industry and I urge all members to take the opportunity to hear from our candidates as they travel round the country in the coming days. Mr Walker concluded: The decision the membership must make is who should lead this union for the next 24 months as we negotiate some of the most challenging times faced by the Union in its 104-year history. By Bon Dinneen In the flurry of post-election punditry and analysis, much credit was given to disenfranchised factory workers and coal miners in the Rust Belt and Appalachia for delivering Donald Trumps surprising swing state victories on Election Day. To be sure, those voters played a role in securing Trump wins in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. However, these maps from NPR and CNBC tell a different story. They show the counties that flipped in the 2016 election; these 218 counties were won by President Obama in 2012, but went to Trump in 2016. It is these swing counties that were ultimately responsible for tipping the scales and securing Trump wins in the battleground states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvaniastates that voted for Obama in 2012. The maps show that the Corn Belt may have been more instrumental in swinging key states to Trump than the Rust Belt. Many of the counties that flipped for Trump actually have very little heavy industry or coal interests. Rather, farming and agricultural processing are the predominant industries in a majority of the counties that changed from blue in 2012 to red in 2016. Specifically, the economies of many of these counties are driven primarily by corn farming and ethanol production. In fact, our own analysis shows that the 218 counties that flipped for Trump are responsible for a substantial share of the nations total corn and ethanol output. The counties produced 1.97 billion bushels of corn in 2015, valued at $7.1 billion. Meanwhile, these counties are home to 33 ethanol plants that produced 2.8 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2015, worth roughly $4.9 billion. Of course, not all of these 218 counties have meaningful corn production or ties to the ethanol industry. But 133 of those countries produced more than 1 million bushels of corn, meaning grain production and related industries are central to the economies of these counties. While these 133 counties make up just 4% of U.S. counties, they are responsible for producing about 15% of the nations corn and nearly 20% of its ethanol. Thats rightthese 133 counties that voted for Obama in 2012, but helped Trump secure the White House in 2016, are responsible for producing one-fifth of the nations ethanol and almost one-sixth of its corn. Not surprisingly, many of the big corn and ethanol swing counties are located in the Corn Belt states of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. But ethanol plants are also found in counties that flipped for Trump in Michigan, New York, and even Mississippi. Yes, one could argue that oil and gas states also helped Trump win the election. But there was never really any doubt that those states would go for Trump; they werent ever going to be the swing states that would ultimately tip the election one way or the other. Rather, that fate belonged to dozens of counties in a handful of agricultural states in the upper Midwest and Great Lakes region. But beyond these crucial swing counties, the rest of farm country turned out for Trump as well. Across the country, 184 counties are home to 205 ethanol plants. Of those counties, 175 (or 95%) voted for Trump, and they were responsible for 93% of total ethanol production in 2015. Similarly, Trump won counties responsible for 91% of total corn production. So, why did corn farmers and ethanol industry workers vote for Trump on Election Day? The answer is simple. During his campaign, President-elect Trump pledged to support ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a program that ensures consumers will have access to lower-cost, American-made ethanol in a fuel market that is otherwise closed to competition. The RFSis an important tool in the mission to achieve energy independence to the United States, Trump said on the campaign trail. I will do all that is in my power as president to achieve that goal. As president, I will encourage Congress to be cautious in attempting to change any part of the RFS. As president, I would encourage regulators to end restrictions that keep higher blends of ethanol and biofuel from being sold. Click here to see more... While GrainCorp's upcountry fees were not covered by the Wheat Ports Code, the ACCC said it launched the investigation because of concerns the surcharge increased the cost of sending grain to wheat ports operated by Graincorp's rivals and was anti-competitive. "They also have the guarantee of pregnancy status, as all the mated heifers are PTIC and come with a vendor guarantee to calve within the stated period to a maximum of 12 weeks and the unmated heifers have been vet-checked suitable to breed and Not Detectable Pregnant (NDP). "The industry now from concept to delivery into retail store can churn ideas out in less than 10 days - where is the time for reflection and review?" Events and things to do to celebrate Veterans Day in Cumberland County Cumberland County will honor veterans for two weeks starting with the annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday in downtown Fayetteville. The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control added five Russians to its list of those sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act for alleged human rights abuses. The most prominent name on Mondays list was the Russian governments chief public investigator, Aleksandr I. Bastrykin. He reports directly to President Vladimir Putin. With the names added Monday, OFAC has now listed 44 people subject to travel bans and asset freezes under the Magnitsky Act. Most on the list were implicated in the jailing and death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. The U.S. adopted the Magnitsky Act in 2012. It imposes sanctions on those responsible for the 36-year-old lawyers detention, abuse, or death. It also reaches those who concealed his mistreatment, or were involved in or benefited from the criminal conspiracy he uncovered. Magnitsky died in custody in 2009 after uncovering a $230 million tax fraud against the Russian treasury. His evidence implicated a number of government officials and mobsters. The Russian government has said Magnitsky died of natural causes while in jail. OFAC published the initial Magnitsky sanction list in April 2013. It included 18 individuals. A second list of individuals banned from entering the United States was classified, the State Department said. OFAC added five more names to the list in February 2016. In September 2013, the DOJ filed a civil forfeiture action against the assets of nine companies that own real estate in Manhattan. The complaint named firms that allegedly laundered a portion of the $230 million stolen through the tax fraud that Magnitsky uncovered. In December 2016, the U.S. Congress adopted a broader version of the Magnitsky Act. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act gives the President the power to punish human rights violators and corrupt leaders from any country by banning them from travel to the United States and freezing their U.S. assets. Mondays OFAC list also included Andrei K. Lugovoi and Dmitri V. Kovtun. British authorities have alleged they were involved in the poisoning death of Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006. Also added to the list were Stanislav Gordievsky and Gennady Plaksin. The United States has said they were lower level officials involved in the cover-up of Magnitskys death. * * * Here are the names OFAC added Monday to the Specially Designated Nationals List under the Magnitsky Act: BASTRYKIN, Alexander Ivanovich, Russia; DOB 27 Aug 1953; Gender Male (individual) [MAGNIT]. GORDIEVSKY, Stanislav Evgenievich, Russia; DOB 09 Sep 1977; Gender Male (individual) [MAGNIT]. KOVTUN, Dmitri, Russia; DOB 1965; Gender Male (individual) [MAGNIT]. LUGOVOI, Andrei Konstantinovich, Russia; DOB 19 Sep 1966; Gender Male (individual) [MAGNIT]. PLAKSIN, Gennady Nikolaevich, Russia; DOB 31 Aug 1961; Gender Male (individual) [MAGNIT]. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. The Securities and Exchange Commission Friday awarded more than $5.5 million to a whistleblower who provided critical information that helped uncover and stop an ongoing scheme. According to the SECs order of award (pdf), the whistleblower worked at the company involved in the wrongdoing and reported the information directly to the SEC. The tip resulted in a successful enforcement action to end the scheme, the SEC said. The SEC said in the order it made an exception for the whistleblower, who apparently didnt provide information in writing, as required by SEC rules. Normally tips have to be mailed, faxed, or filed through the SECs website. The SECs whistleblower program has now awarded $142 million to 38 whistleblowers since the first award in 2012. SEC enforcement actions from whistleblower tips have resulted in more than $904 million in enforcement remedies. By law, the SEC protects the confidentiality of whistleblowers and doesnt disclose information that might reveal a whistleblowers identity. Whistleblowers may be eligible for an award when they voluntarily provide the SEC with unique and useful information that leads to a successful enforcement action. Awards can range from 10 percent to 30 percent of the money collected when the penalties and sanctions exceed $1 million. The SEC received about 4,000 tips in the latest reporting year and more than 14,000 since the whistleblower award program started. Tips have come from individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and 95 foreign countries. ___ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Summary Company Announcement Date: January 09, 2017 FDA Publish Date: February 09, 2018 Product Type: Food & Beverages Food & Beverage Safety Reason for Announcement: Recall Reason Description Potential to be contaminated with salmonella Company Name: Palmer Candy Company Brand Name: Brand Name(s) Palmer, Publix, Trails End and others Product Description: Product Description Chocolate coated candy Company Announcement Palmer Candy Company (www.palmercandy.com), a privately-held, fifth-generation manufacturer of chocolate and holiday confections, announced today a limited recall of certain chocolate products after being informed by a supplier that a milk powder ingredient used in a compound chocolate coating that they supply to Palmer Candy Company has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The voluntary recall, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes selected products produced between October 20, 2016 and December 9, 2016 and shipped by Palmer Candy Company to grocery, convenience store and wholesale customers nationwide. Recalled products include the following: UPC # Affected Items Purchased By Consumers Expiration Range 77232-17250 Palmer Candy Chocolate Almond Bark 9 oz. 4/26/2017 - 6/7/2017 77232-17137 Palmer Candy Christmas Tree Pretzels 7 oz. 7/27/2017 - 8/3/2017 77232-16310 Palmer Candy Christmas Tree Pretzels 7 oz. 7/24/2017 - 7/27/2017 77232-17254 Palmer Candy Cookies & Cream Bark 9 oz. 7/17/2017 - 9/2/2017 77232-16043 Palmer Candy Creme De Menthe Bark 9 oz. 8/7/2017 - 8/7/2017 77232-17255 Palmer Candy Creme De Menthe Bark 9 oz. 7/26/2017 - 8/7/2017 77232-17002 Palmer Candy Drizzled Peanut Brittle 8 oz. 4/30/2017 - 5/22/2017 77232-17291 Palmer Candy Game Day Party Bowl 16 oz. 7/18/2017 - 7/18/2017 77232-17285 Palmer Candy Holiday Gift Bowl 22 oz. 4/18/2017 -5/1/2017 77232-23045 Palmer Candy Holiday Treats 16.5 oz. 4/25/2017 - 5/14/2017 77232-17270 Palmer Candy Peppermint Bark 9 oz. 7/15/2017 - 8/29/2017 77232-16309 Palmer Candy Peppermint Bark 8/9 oz. 7/24/2017 - 7/28/2017 77232-16042 Palmer Candy Peppermint Bark 12/9 oz. 7/17/2017 - 7/17/2017 77232-13990 Palmer Candy Swirled Pretzels 5 oz. 8/30/2017 - 9/`7/2017 77232-13227 Bakery Delights Christmas Tree Pretzels 5 oz. 7/18/2017 - 8/3/2017 25439-20204 Delhaize Peppermint Pretzels 5 oz. 7/28/2017 - 8/3/2017 X000FMRA8J Trails End Chocolatey Caramel Crunch 18 oz. 7/29/2017 - 8/8/2017 41415-22691 Publix Almond Bark with Cocoa 10 oz. 4/26/2017 - 5/23/2017 41415-23091 Publix Peppermint Bark 10 oz. 8/3/2017 - 8/7/2017 77232-02580 Palmer Candy 3 Part Christmas Bowl 15 oz. 4/12/2017 - 5/28/2017 77232-12147 Palmer Candy Mixed Peppermint Pretzel 7 oz. 7/18/2017 - 7/27/2017 77232-12146 Palmer Candy Peppermint Bark 8 oz. 7/12/2017 - 7/28/2017 UPC #s are usually on the back of the bag or bottom of containers. Product photos are attached. To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with any of the products affected by this recall. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. The recall is the result of a potentially contaminated milk powder ingredient recalled by Valley Milk Products, a derivative of which was included as a small portion of the ingredients by another company in a confectionary coating supplied to Palmer Candy Company. Affected products include a variety of candy products sold to retailers under the Palmer Candy Company brand, private label chocolates for retail distribution and bulk products provided to retailers for repackaging. Although testing has shown no pathogenic bacteria in the milk confectionary coatings, the company decided out of an abundance of caution to recall all products produced using any amount of the now recalled ingredients. Marty Palmer, president and chief executive officer of Palmer Candy Company said, We are truly sorry for any distress this recall causes to our retail customers and to consumers. We remain committed to the highest standards in food quality and safety. We are taking this recall very seriously and truly appreciate the cooperation of our customers as we work to resolve this matter promptly. Consumers should throw out or return these products to the point of sale for a full refund. For more information, consumers may call to speak with a Customer Service Representative at Palmer Candy Company between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time at 712-258-5543. The Palmer Candy Company, founded in 1878, is a leading manufacturer of a wide variety of high quality chocolate and specialty confectionary treats. The company ships from its two facilities in Sioux City, Iowa to grocery, convenience store and wholesale customers nationwide. The company president and chief executive officer, Marty Palmer, is a fifth-generation owner of the privately-held company. Summary Company Announcement Date: January 09, 2017 FDA Publish Date: February 07, 2018 Product Type: Food & Beverages Snack Food Item Food & Beverage Safety Reason for Announcement: Recall Reason Description Salmonella Company Name: Hostess Brands, LLC Brand Name: Brand Name(s) Hostess Brands, LLC Product Description: Product Description Holiday White Peppermint Hostess Twinkies Company Announcement Hostess Brands, LLC (Hostess) is voluntarily recalling its Holiday White Peppermint Hostess Twinkies because of a recall by Blommer Chocolate Company of the confectionary coating used on the Holiday White Peppermint Hostess Twinkies product. The confectionary coating contains milk powder ingredients recalled by Valley Milk Products, LLC due to a concern of Salmonella contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date, and none of the confectionary coating sampled has tested positive for Salmonella. However, Hostess is initiating this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. This recall applies only to the White Peppermint Hostess Twinkies (UPC 888109111571), which were only sold in multipack boxes (9 individually wrapped cakes in a box, as pictured below). This recall does not affect any other Hostess products. The products were sold to mass merchandisers, grocery stores, distributors, dollar and discount stores, and convenience stores throughout the United States. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged to discontinue consumption and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact 1-800-483-7253 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Central Time. Hostess Brands, LLC Hostess Brands, LLC is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri and operates bakeries in Emporia, Kansas, Columbus, Georgia and Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information about Hostess products and Hostess Brands, LLC, please visit hostesscakes.com. Follow Hostess on Twitter: @Hostess_Snacks; on Facebook: facebook.com/Hostess; on Instagram: Hostess_Snacks; and on Pinterest: pinterest.com/hostesscakes. Company Contact Information Consumers: Marie Espinel, Katie Lewis, Hannah Arnold 212-575-4545 mespinel@lakpr.com, klewis@lakpr.com, harnold@lakpr.com A 15-inch ground snake has reportedly been killed by a hand-sized tarantula. 15-inch snake eaten by hand-sized spider Scientists in Brazil were left flabbergasted after they discovered the Grammostola - a spider native to South America - munching on the flesh of the foot-long slithery creature, which appeared to be dead at the time, underneath a huge rock. Leandro Malta Borges, a graduate student in biology at the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, told Live Science: ''Predation of such a large snake in relation to the size of the spider was extremely surprising to us.'' This is the first time a tarantula has been seen eating a snake in the wild as spiders using prey on animals their own size or smaller. 'Avengers: Infinity War' will reportedly be shot in Scotland. Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. The Marvel Cinematic Universe movie will see Robert Downey Jr. returning as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America and the rest of the superhero squad donning their outfits again to battle supervillain Thanos in the blockbuster. And according to the Daily Record newspaper, locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands are set to be used for filming which is expected to start in February. The decision to make 'Avengers: Infinity War' - which has a budget of 400 million - is expected to boost the Scottish economy by 10 million. An industry insider told the publication: "It's a massive boost for the Scottish film industry. As is normal, Disney have been keeping everything top secret, but executives have been scouting locations across Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands. Filming is due to start on February 28 and is expected to take around six months. It's incredibly exciting. It's going to be a fun year for star-spotters." It's not the first time a superhero blockbuster has been filmed in the region - Marvel's 2011 movie 'Captain America: The First Avenger' was shot in Culross in Fife. And not forgetting DC Comics who used Scotland to shoot some of its scenes for 'Justice League' and some scenes for 2012's Batman film 'The Dark Knight' were set over the Cairngorms. For several weeks a C130 transport plane was based at Inverness Airport so stuntmen and film crew could make parachute jumps over Cairngorm Gilding Club's airstrip at Freshie Bridge and in order to portray the interior of the CIA aircraft in the movie the fuselage of a Jetstream aircraft which had belonged to Inverness-based airline Highland Airways. 'Avengers: Infinity War' - directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo - is also expected to star Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Inverness-born Karen Gillan as Nebula - a character from Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' comics and movies. The Duchess of Cambridge "hasn't put a foot wrong" since she became a royal. Duchess of Cambridge The 35-year-old Duchess married Prince William in 2011 and has been hailed by Hugo Vickers, author of biographies of the Queen Mother and the Duchess of Windsor, as having played her role perfectly until now. He explained: "It's only natural that if you're in the third generation, you're going to play a supportive role. She's obviously a very important person, but you don't want to compete. "The Queen Mother was the same when she was Duchess of York. There was Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra as well for a time, so she was rather a mousy figure for the first 13 years after she married Prince Bertie. Catherine hasn't put a foot wrong. She does her duties well, such as her involvement with the National Portrait Gallery and new role at Wimbledon." The Duchess - who shares three-year-old Prince George and 20-month-old Princess Charlotte with her husband - has also been hailed as a devoted mother to her children. Hugo told the National Post: "One thing I've been told about both Middleton sisters at Marlborough is that when they took anything on, they put their hearts and souls into it. Catherine's a supportive wife, a good daughter-in-law and a devoted mother." The Duchess celebrated her 35th birthday on Monday (09.01.17) with her family at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, East Anglia. The royal was joined by her husband Prince William, 34, and their two children at their country mansion for some low-key birthday celebrations. The Duchess' parents and Charlotte's godmother, Sophie Carter, were also reported to have attended the bash. A couple from Ayr in Scotland celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a letter from the Queen and a greeting from Prince Charles. Prince Charles Christine and George Milne spent their landmark day at the Ayrshire Hospice - where they both volunteer - and having received a letter of congratulations from the monarch earlier in the morning, they later got to greet her son. George said: "It was a wonderful day. "I was telling Prince Charles this wasn't the first we'd heard from royalty today as we received a letter from his mum, the Queen, that very morning!" Christine, 83, said having the opportunity to meet the future King served to make the day even more memorable than it would otherwise have been. She told the Daily Record newspaper: "Meeting the Prince was fantastic - what a gentleman he was. It was definitely a day I will never forget." The couple first met when they were both university students and feel that the Hospice is the perfect place for them to have spent their wedding anniversary. Christine said: "Marriage has been a wonderful journey with my best friend by my side. The years just fly by and sometimes it feels like yesterday when we first met. "George was studying at Aberdeen University at the time, so when he got in touch I was pleasantly surprised. "I am so thankful to have him in my life. You can say we've been taking care of each other ever since we met. "We have a lot of love to give and we've loved working at the Hospice over the years. The staff and volunteers are amazing people and I couldn't think of a better place to spend our special day." Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were "very discreet" during their recent romantic getaway. Prince Harry The 32-year-old royal and his new girlfriend travelled to the tiny Norwegian town of Tromvik for their first overseas vacation and despite being among the most recognisable couples in the world, the duo managed to keep a low profile. Tromvik local Julie Lilanda told PEOPLE: "They were very discreet." The couple are reported to have stayed in the luxury Tromvik Lodge, which costs $374 per night. The Lodge boasts an outdoor Jacuzzi and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Local Stig Jakobsen explained that it is the perfect location for a romantic getaway. He said: "It's a very picturesque spot with a panoramic view of the ocean. "At this time of year the bay is literally full of whales - a ridiculous amount of whales, because they come in to eat the herring, which swim into the fjords near there. "It is very popular with winter tourists because of the Northern Lights and the whales, of which we have an enormous amount. You can basically go in boats to within 10 feet of a huge whale. So it is quite spectacular." Meanwhile, Harry recently met Meghan's father and the pair are said to have got on well. The British royal has been dating the actress since May last year and it has now been revealed that her dad Thomas has been introduced to Harry. Meghan's brother Thomas Markle Junior recently said: "My dad knew about [the relationship] from the start. "He first met Prince Harry about six months ago out in Toronto. He goes once every couple of months - [Meghan and Thomas Markle Senior] are very close and they stay in close contact." The rise of digital natives, better infrastructure in terms of logistics, broadband and internet-ready devices to fuel the demand in e-commerce will result in an increase in online shoppers from 69 million in 2016 to over 100 million in 2017, says a recent study. Bangalore was the leader of online shopping in 2016 with Mumbai and Delhi following closely. In Bangalore, 69 per cent of the population chose to buy daily routine products through e-shopping in 2015-16, which is likely to increase to 75 per cent this year for various categories including apparel and sporting goods, according to a joint study by The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Resurgent India. About 65 per cent of the people in Mumbai shopped online and this number might go up to 70 per cent this year for various categories including apparel and apparel gift certificates. Close to 61 per cent of the total population of Delhi shopped online for daily routine products last year and this number is expected to rise to 6568 per cent by the end of 2017, states the study. The rise of digital natives, better infrastructure in terms of logistics, broadband and internet-ready devices to fuel the demand in e-commerce will result in an increase in online shoppers from 69 million in 2016 to over 100 million in 2017, says a recent study. Bangalore was the leader of online shopping in 2016 with Mumbai and Delhi following closely.# Indian e-retail increased by 48 per cent from $3.59 billion in 2013 to $5.30 billion in 2015 and it is expected rise by 65 per cent to touch $17.52 billion by the end of 2018, according to the ASSOCHAM-Resurgent joint study. M-commerce already accounts for 30-35 per cent of e-commerce sales, and its share will jump to 45-50 per cent by 2017 as more companies shift towards it. There was a surge in the number of people shopping on mobile across India with tier II and III cities displaying increased dominance. About 50 per cent of the traffic came from mobile and a majority of them were first time customers, adds the paper. Online shopping has been embraced by Indians with 25-30 million adults making a purchase via the internet in the last year. Early teens are also becoming more involved with e-commerce. Apparel is one of the few categories that account for the bulk of Indias e-commerce sales. On an average, about 85 per cent of the amount spent on e-commerce was for apparel, says the study. The total retail sales in India will increase from the $717.73 billion during CY 2014 to $1,244.58 billion by 2018, as per the joint study. Growing at an impressive rate of 15 per cent, the Indian retail sector is registering a double digit growth figure year after year. The e-commerce sector also faces some challenges that include absence of e-commerce laws, low entry barrier leading to reduced competitive advantages, rapidly changing business models, urban phenomenon, shortage of manpower and customer loyalty. The opportunities for the sector include reduction of money transactions in all sectors, improvement of net banking facilities across the country, implementation of demonetisation policy and governments policies on banking and financial sectors, notes the study. (KD) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Sri Lanka will soon receive Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status of the European Union, marking a significant turning point for the countrys industrial and export sectors, President Maithripala Sirisena has said. The GSP+ trade concessions are linked to the countrys compliance with human rights and labour rights conventions. Sri Lanka will soon receive Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status of the European Union, marking a significant turning point for the country's industrial and export sectors, President Maithripala Sirisena has said. The GSP+ trade concessions are linked to the country's compliance with human rights and labour rights conventions.# Our agreements with the countries, businessmen, investors and international organisations are very open. The current government is honestly committed to the development of the country, Sirisena said at a ceremony to open the newly built bridge in Halloluwa, Dodanwala, Kandy. Sri Lanka will soon receive Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status of the European Union, marking a significant turning point for the country's industrial and export sectors, President Maithripala Sirisena has said. The GSP+ trade concessions are linked to the country's compliance with human rights and labour rights conventions.# He added that during the last two years the present government was able to build friendship with all the countries in the world, eliminating many hindrances which halted the forward drive of the country. Sri Lanka will soon receive Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status of the European Union, marking a significant turning point for the country's industrial and export sectors, President Maithripala Sirisena has said. The GSP+ trade concessions are linked to the country's compliance with human rights and labour rights conventions.# Sri Lanka lost the GSP Plus status in 2010 due to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) alleging violations of human rights during the civil war. Subsequently, when the EU evaluated Sri Lanka in 2014 it found that the country was not adhering to 3 of the 27 international covenants that a country must abide to qualify for the consideration of GSP Plus. Sri Lanka will soon receive Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status of the European Union, marking a significant turning point for the country's industrial and export sectors, President Maithripala Sirisena has said. The GSP+ trade concessions are linked to the country's compliance with human rights and labour rights conventions.# However, last year, the European Council said it welcomed the significant advances made by Sri Lanka since the presidential elections held in January 2015 to restore democratic governance, initiate a process of national reconciliation and re-engage with the international community and the United Nations system. Sri Lanka will soon receive Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status of the European Union, marking a significant turning point for the country's industrial and export sectors, President Maithripala Sirisena has said. The GSP+ trade concessions are linked to the country's compliance with human rights and labour rights conventions.# Apparel account for 46 per cent of Sri Lankas exports to the EU. So, soon after Sirisenas announcement, stocks of two leading garment companies, MGT Knitting Mills and Teejay Lanka, became active on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). (RKS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Epson, a pioneer in digital printing technology, and For.Tex. and F.lli Robustelli, that are now part of the Group, are showing the Monna Lisa printer, the digital textile printer revolutionising the textile printing market, at Heimtextil 2017, the trade fair for home and contract textiles, in Germany, from January 10 to 13, 2017, in pavilion 6, stand C10.The three companies will be at Heimtextil to show the Home Textile and furnishing market digital printing on fabrics using high-quality pigments with a low environmental impact. Epson, a pioneer in digital printing technology, and For.Tex. and F.lli Robustelli, that are now part of the Group, are showing the Monna Lisa printer, the digital textile printer revolutionising the textile printing market, at Heimtextil 2017, the trade fair for home and contract textiles, in Germany, from January 10 to 13, 2017, in pavilion 6, stand C10.# The Monna Lisa is the result of more than a decades partnership between the three companies. It is a production digital printer with proven piezoelectric inkjet Epson technology.The Monna Lisas success is due to several factors. Not only is its quality and reliability crucial, and the printheads, inks and mechanics unique, continuous research ensures its excellence. Based on the numbers of Monna Lisa units installed worldwide, Epson estimates that in 2015 approximately 900,000 square metres of pigment printed fabric was created (40 per cent increase compared to 2014).Giovanni Pizzamiglio, Epson Europe head of sales and member of the Fratelli Robustelli board said, Monna Lisa is a viable alternative for the textile market due to several key characteristics including reducing production time, ability to print on any type of fabric or using any design variant. It is possible to streamline sampling and prototyping production at a drastically reduced cost and with the best quality. Lower energy and water consumption make it a cutting-edge printer in the extraordinary evolution of printing technologies used in the textile industry.Since 2005, Monna Lisa has been available in the home textile market, with a model using 320 cm light pigments. Its key feature is its ability to carry out high-quality printing on fabrics, whether it is made of cellulosic fibres or those mixed with polyester. This is possible due to the use of Genesta pigment inks, designed by Epson in partnership with For.Tex. The fact it does not require steaming and washing processes makes the Monna Lisa, with Genesta pigment inks, an eco-friendly solution, with low environmental impact. Fabrics printed with Monna Lisa machines have high colour rendering, durability and reproducibility. This is essential for pre-treated fabrics used in the home textile industry. (GK) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Actor Vivek Oberoi is set to introduce physical training and martial arts as part of the curriculum of his school in Mathura that shelters over 2,500 girls and gives them free education. "Vivek believes that self-defence is an important subject for women to learn, and to ensure that their own safety isn't compromised. Vivek also wants the girls to become masters in martial arts and compete in national and international level games," said a source. The actor has previously funded for facilities such as computers and basic needs like food and water. "The girls would be introduced to advanced techniques too. A trainer would be conducting these classes and will also include basics of martial arts and core strength," the source added. Also Read: BRUTALLY HONEST! Karan Johar Talks About Rumours Of Him Sleeping With Shahrukh Khan Vivek, who has adopted several villages for development and is one of the spokespersons for the World Health Organisation's anti-tobacco campaign, was also awarded for his work in 2006 for rebuilding a village that was struck by a tsunami. That's A Lovely Move, Katrina While sharing this picture on her Facebook page, Katrina wrote, "I've seen fire and I've seen rain , seen sunny days that I thought would never end...... Jagga the journey is on. #JaggaJasoos UTV Motion Pictures #AnuragBasu #RanbirKapoor". Check Out A Few More BTS Pics From Jagga Jasoos Here's the recent 'on the sets' picture of Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, having a lunch together at the shooting location of their film, Jagga Jasoos. We're Excited Since the day, the teaser of the film has been out, we're quite excited to witness the sizzling chemistry of Ranbir and Katrina in the film! Break-up Kept The Film In A Constant Buzz Blame their break-up or all the rumours surrounding their love life, the movie is constantly in the buzz, which is indeed a great thing for any movie! How Will They Face Personal Questions? It would be interesting to see, whether the duo will come together for film promotion or not! As it is quite obvious the media will quiz them about their love life. Owing to the same, it is going to be really tough for both Ranbir & Katrina to tackle the situation. Jagga Jasoos Shoot In South Africa Coming back to Katrina & Ranbir's BTS pictures, here's the another one from the sets of Jagga Jasoos, when they were shooting in South Africa. Favo Scene From JJ Teaser Leaving you with this funny yet cute sequence of Ranbir & Katrina from Jagga Jasoos teaser, in which he gently wipes out lipstick from Katrina's lips and applies it on his own lips while the later look at him intensely. Nivin Pauly is all set to join hands with actress-director Geetu Mohandas, for her first Malayalam feature film venture, Moothon. In a recent interview, Geetu revealed some interesting details about Nivin's character in the movie. According to the writer, the central character of Moothon is exclusively written for Nivin Pauly. The movie depicts the story of a 14-year-old teenager who comes from Lakshadweep to Mumbai, in search of his elder brother. Recommended Video Upcoming Blockbuster Bollywood Movies of 2018 | 2018 200 | FilmiBeat The director also stated that Moothon is not an intense film, but it is a movie which narrates a simple story on a light background. Each of the roles in the movie is exceptionally strong and performance-oriented. Interestingly, Nivin Pauly immediately agreed to do the project, when Geetu Mohandas approached him with the script. The director feels that the presence of a successful mainstream actor Nivin will definitely help the movie. Moothon will be widely shot at the various locations of Lakshadweep and Mumbai. The team is planning to start the shooting by the first week of April, after Nivin completes his current projects. Anurag Kashyap, the Bollywood director has co-written the dialogues of the movie. Rajeev Ravi handles the cinematography. Moothon is jointly produced by director Aanand L Rai, Ajay G Rai, and Alan MC'Alex. CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 01/09/17 -- L.E.K. Consulting, a global management consulting firm, has announced the promotion of 12 new partners. The new partners have all advanced within L.E.K. and strengthen the expertise the firm brings to bear for clients across multiple industry sectors and geographies. "I am delighted to announce our newest L.E.K. partners and recognize all they have accomplished in delivering exceptional results and impact for our clients," said Stuart Jackson, global managing partner. "We congratulate them and value their contributions to broadening our capabilities, and helping drive increased demand for our services across a broad range of businesses and industries worldwide." L.E.K's new partners are: Lain Anderson, based in L.E.K.'s Boston office, joined the firm in 2005, and he focuses on the Biopharma and Life Sciences practice. Lain advises clients on a range of critical issues including corporate and business unit growth strategy, R&D portfolio prioritization, product launch planning and commercialization, business development strategy, due diligence, strategic budgeting, revenue forecasting and valuation. Lain first came to the firm after graduating from Boston College. He later earned an MBA from Tuck School of Business and returned to L.E.K. Ricardo Brau is based in Boston and joined the firm in 2008 as a Life Sciences Specialist. He advises clients on a range of critical issues, including corporate and business unit strategy, innovation, R&D portfolio management and commercial planning. Ricardo holds a bachelor's degree, a masters in biomedical engineering and a PhD in bioengineering, all from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Guillaume Duparc, based in L.E.K.'s London office, is a member of the European Healthcare Services team. He advises corporate and private equity clients across the UK and Europe on strategy development, market entry, business planning, sales force effectiveness, and buy and sell-side M&A transactions. Before joining L.E.K., he served in a strategy support role at Nestle's head office and completed his MSc from the London School of Economics. Andrew Garibaldi, based in Boston, serves clients in the Healthcare Services practice. He has worked extensively on payer and provider strategy, care model design, post-acute care, and transaction support engagements. Before joining L.E.K. in 2008, Andrew worked in economic consulting, particularly mergers and acquisitions. He holds a BA degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Maxime Julian joined L.E.K.'s Paris office in 2008 after receiving a masters in management from ESCP Europe. He advises clients in the Building Materials sector on critical projects, including strategy reviews, market entry strategy development and transaction support on both the buy and sell side. Matt Korsch is based in the Chicago office and serves clients in the Industrials practice, with extensive experience in the Building Products, Oil and Gas, and Industrial Distribution sectors. He joined L.E.K. in 2004 with a BS degree from Northwestern University. He later earned his MBA from Kellogg School of Management and returned to L.E.K. Harsha Madannavar serves clients in the Technology, Healthcare Services and Private Equity practices and is based in L.E.K.'s San Francisco office. Before joining the firm in 2007, he worked at global IT and R&D consulting firms Mindtree and Wipro. He holds a Bachelor in Engineering degree from the University of Mysore in India, an MBA from Columbia Business School, and a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Simon Middleton, based in the London office, is a member of the European Life Sciences practice and focuses on engagements in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Medtech and Healthcare sectors. He came to L.E.K. in 2007 after earning a masters degree in Biological Sciences from Oxford University and a PhD in Biological Anthropology from Cambridge University. Fernando Monteiro, based in L.E.K.'s Sao Paulo office, joined in 2014 and serves in the Retail and Consumer practice. He advises clients on a range of issues, including corporate strategy, new business development, organizational transformation and sales force effectiveness. He was previously a senior manager at Monitor. Fernando holds a bachelors degree from Pontificia Universidade Catolico do Rio de Janeiro and an MBA from COPPEAD Graduate School of Business. Brett Peterson, based in L.E.K.'s Chicago office, joined the firm in 2006. He is a dedicated member of L.E.K.'s Industrials practice, with substantial experience in the Building Products & Materials, Chemicals, Energy and Industrial Distribution sectors. He has led a wide variety of engagements spanning growth strategy development, transaction support, pricing strategy, distribution & manufacturing, and network design & optimization. Brett holds a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago. Leah Ralph joined L.E.K. in 2003 and is based in the firm's London office. She specializes in the Life Sciences practice and advises clients on a range of critical strategic issues. Leah has worked on a diverse set of consulting projects across the biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and medical device industries. She holds a BA from Wesleyan University and later earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management before returning to L.E.K. She has previously served in the firm's Boston and San Francisco offices. Maria Steingoltz is based in L.E.K.'s Chicago office. She joined the firm in 2003 and works with clients in the Consumer sector, focusing on food and beverage, as well as beauty and personal care. She advises clients on a range of critical strategic issues, including growth strategy, international expansion, pricing, and mergers & acquisitions. Maria holds a BA from Northwestern University, and later earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management before rejoining L.E.K. About L.E.K. Consulting L.E.K. Consulting is a global management consulting firm that uses deep industry expertise and rigorous analysis to help business leaders achieve practical results with real impact. We are uncompromising in our approach to helping clients consistently make better decisions, deliver improved business performance and create greater shareholder returns. The firm advises and supports global companies that are leaders in their industries -- including the largest private and public sector organizations, private equity firms and emerging entrepreneurial businesses. Founded more than 30 years ago, L.E.K. employs more than 1,200 professionals across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. For more information, go to www.lek.com. For more information or to speak with Stuart Jackson, please contact Katarina Wenk-Bodenmiller of Sommerfield Communications, Inc. at (212) 255-8386 or Katarina@sommerfield.com Katarina Wenk-Bodenmiller Sommerfield Communications, Inc. (212) 255-8386 Katarina@sommerfield.com FAIRFAX, Virginia, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --InfoComm Internationalis pleased to announce that its new TIDE conference (Technology. Innovation. Design. Experience.), to be held for the first time at InfoComm 2017, will feature keynote speakers Matthew Luhn, one of the original story creators at Pixar, and virtual reality pioneer Nonny de la Pena. TIDE is a thought-leadership event for examining the strategic impact of audiovisual technology and the AV industry's role within the larger business and technology sectors. The inaugural TIDE conference takes place June 13 in Orlando, Fla., the day before the InfoComm 2017 show floor opens. It will explore the critical role AV plays in crafting stories and how the AV industry can harness the power of storytelling to meet business objectives. The TIDE program was created for design professionals and enterprise technology customers, as well as AV service providers. Matthew Luhn is a writer, story consultant, creative writing instructor and speaker with more than 25 years of experience creating stories and characters for Pixar Animation Studios, The Simpsons, and others. Luhn's Story for Business workshops and keynote addresses train business leaders and entrepreneurs to use storytelling to bridge the gap between heart and business to build brands and business communication. His clients include Adidas, Disney, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Sony and many more. "From CG animation to big data, technology has created so many opportunities for storytellers to forge stronger, more meaningful connections with their audiences. Technology inspires art and art inspires technology," Luhn said. "After my keynote presentation, attendees will have clear understanding of how to craft impactful, personal stories that will help them connect more effectively with their audiences." In addition, virtual reality pioneer Nonny de la Pena will join the TIDE conference as a keynote speaker. As CEO of Emblematic Group, de la Pena uses cutting-edge technologies to tell stories - both fictional and news-based - that create intense, empathic engagement on the part of viewers. She was selected by Wired magazine as a MakeTechHuman Agent of Change and has been called "The Godmother of Virtual Reality" by Engadget and The Guardian. A Yale Poynter Media Fellow and a former correspondent for Newsweek, de la Pena has more than 20 years of award-winning experience in print, film and TV. "The impact that virtual, augmented and mixed reality has had on the way we see, hear and feel stories - both fiction and the news - is ground-breaking. Being in the moment transcends being an observer and connects you to the subject more than any other medium," said de la Pena. Through TIDE's breakout sessions and panel discussions, attendees will explore the role that storytelling plays in building businesses and brands, and how the AV industry can position itself as a creative partner in the process of developing and telling these critical stories. These sessions will provide attendees facetime with the keynote speakers and panel experts. Attendees will also discuss how to incorporate the concepts learned during TIDE in their day-to-day business. "InfoComm is proud to introduce an energetic conference that showcases AV as a truly creative profession," said Jason McGraw, CTS, CAE, Senior Vice President of Expositions, InfoComm International. "The world of AV is getting more and more exciting with extremely fast-paced developments in technology. The speakers and program we have curated for TIDE will show our audience how to tie their creative energy with transformative technology to produce outcomes that drive business goals." The TIDE conference takes place Tuesday, June 13, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando, right across the street from the Orange County Convention Center. To learn more about InfoComm 2017 and TIDE, visit infocommshow.org. Registration is scheduled to open in early February. Prospective attendees can pre-register for TIDE by sending an email with their contact information to tide2017@infocomm.org. About InfoComm International InfoComm International is the global trade association representing the commercial audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, InfoComm has more than 5,400 members, representing over 70,000 AV professionals worldwide, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end users and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV standards, market research and news. Its training, certification and education programs set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers in the Western Hemisphere. InfoComm also produces trade shows in China, Europe, India, Latin America and the Middle East. Additional information is available at infocomm.org. Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recentglobal bunker oil marketreport. This research report also lists 15 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109006243/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global bunker oil market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) With an anticipated improvement in global economic outlook and the related increase in individual disposable incomes, world mercantile trade is expected to surge again. Many shipping industry players have forecasted this move, and despite the 2015 economic downturn, the long-term outlook is projected to be positive. Owing to the larger volumes of goods to be transported, it is expected that there will be an increase in the overall fleet size as well as the carrying capacities of individual vessels. In either of these scenarios, the outlook for the bunker oil market is promising. Competitive vendor landscape The global bunker oil market is a diversified market and is very well distributed around the globe. Globally, there are around 400 ports that offer bunker oil fuel services across the world. The price of crude oil has been falling for the past two years now and has impacted global bunker oil prices. Bunker oil prices have also gone down because of the low oil prices. However, shipping companies have not been able to take full advantage of this situation as they only have limited storage facilities. "Much of bunker oil business takes place through the four major ports - Singapore, Rotterdam, Fujairah, and Houston. Singapore is the largest port globally regarding capacity, which is 42 million tons. As the major trade happens through APAC, Singapore port witnesses the highest bunker oil sales," says Thanikachalam Chandrasekaran, a lead oil and gas analyst from Technavio. Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=55596 Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Top five bunker oil market vendors BP Singapore BP Singapore is a subsidiary of BP. The main business areas covered by BP Singapore is the entire eastern hemisphere covering the Middle East, Southern and Eastern Africa, Australia, India, Southeast Asia and China. The activates carried out by the Singapore arm of BP includes oil, gas, chemicals, carbon, and financial trading. Singapore is also the regional head of BP for its shipping, consumer, and industry lubricants, marine fuel and lubricants, and aviation fuels. Chemoil Energy Chemoil Energy is a leading provider of retail energy for the land, sea, and air sectors. It has a wide range of international clients. The company has an extensive, worldwide network in supplying, trading, operations, and risk management. It provides optimizing services in fuel procurement and helps in developing strategic solutions. Sentek Marine Trading Sentek Marine Trading is a leading Singapore-based bunkering fuel service provider. The main business activity of Sentek Marine Trading is trading and supplying marine fuel. Sentek Marine Trading is mainly engaged in two main type of business activities, namely marine fuels and shipbuilding and repair. In the marine fuel segment, it offers different types of fuel grades such as MFO 380, MFO 180, MGO DMA, and MGO DMA low sulfur. Transocean Oil Transocean Oil is an independent bunker fuel supplier and trader. It is also attempting to get involved in new offshore trading activities, global procurement, and physical trading around the world. Total Marine Fuels Total Marine Fuels is a complete energy sector company, having a presence in the upstream sector, which includes hydrocarbon exploration, development, and production as well as in the downstream sector, including refining, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, trading, shipping of crude oil and petroleum products, and marketing. Total Marine Fuels also operates in the renewable energy and power generation sectors. Browse Related Reports: Global Small-Scale Liquefaction Industry 2016-2020 Gasoline Market in the US 2016-2020 Global Lubricants Market for Mining and Quarry Applications 2017-2021 Become aTechnavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like power,smart grid, and energy storage. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170109006243/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 9, 2017) - Network Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: NET) (the "Company" or "Network") is pleased to provide the following update with regard to the proposed acquisition (the "RTO") of YD Ynvisible S.A. and associated financing as previously announced on May 3, 2016 and July 26, 2016. Financing Network has entered into an engagement letter with Haywood Securities Inc. ("Haywood" or the "Agent") in respect of the proposed prospectus offering which will be superseded by an agency agreement with respect to the offering, for gross proceeds of up to $4.0 million through the issuance of common shares in the capital of Network (the "Network Shares") at a price of $0.30 per Network Share (the "Offering"). The Company has granted the Agent an option (the " Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to offer up to an additional 2,000,000 Network Shares at a price of $0.30 per Network Share for additional proceeds of a maximum of $600,000 (15% of $4,000,000) to cover over-allotments, if any. Proposed Officers and Directors In addition to the previously announced proposed new directors and officers, it is expected that Martin Burian will also join the Company's board, such that, assuming the approval of the Company's shareholders, the directors and officers of the Company following closing of the RTO will be as follows: Jani-Mikael Kuusisto - Chief Executive Officer and Director Ines Henriques - Chief Operating Officer Carlos Pinheiro - Chief Technology Officer Darren Urquhart - Chief Financial Officer Duarte Mineiro - Director Alexander Helmel - Director Martin Burian - Director Desmond Balakrishnan - Corporate Secretary Mr. Burian has over eighteen years of investment banking experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in finance, management, administration and business planning for growth companies. Within Investment Banking, Martin was most recently Managing Director of Investment Banking at Haywood Securities Inc. from 2010 until mid-2013, prior to which he served as President of Bolder Investment Partners from 2009 until its merger with Haywood Securities Inc. in 2010. Prior to Bolder he served as vice President of Investment Banking with Canaccord Capital and predecessor firms from 1998 to 2005. Mr. Burian obtained his Chartered Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator designations while at KPMG and obtained his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia in 1986. He is currently an officer or director of following public companies: Atlas Cloud Enterprises Inc., a co-locations services company, Elysee development Corp., an investment issuer, ML Gold., a resource issuer and Canarc Resource Corp., a resource issuer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Mr. Burian is currently CFO of Heffel Fine Art Auction House, Canada leading national firm in that sector and has served on several not for profit associations in the education sector. RTO It is anticipated that Network will acquire 94.18% of the issued and outstanding shares of Ynvisible in exchange for common shares instead of the 95.53% previously announced. Following the closing of the RTO, the resulting issuer, as owner of more than 90% of the capital of Ynvisible, may, but shall be under no obligation to, implement a transaction, in accordance with all applicable laws, pursuant to which it will acquire the remaining 1,523,865 shares in the capital of Ynvisible that were not purchased at the closing of the transaction, under similar conditions as the ones agreed under the RTO. Upon successful completion of the RTO, Network will cease all operations as a mining exploration company, will be listed as a Tier 2 Technology Issuer on the Exchange, and the business of Ynvisible will become the business of the Company. Additional Information related to the RTO and to the business of Ynvisible can be found in the Company's news release dated July 27, 2016 and available on SEDAR. Completion of the RTO is subject to a number of conditions, including acceptance of the Exchange, approval by the shareholders of Network and Ynvisible of the resolutions to be voted on at their respective shareholder meetings and completion of the Offering. The RTO cannot close until the required approvals are obtained and the other conditions to the transaction are satisfied. There can be no assurance that the RTO will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement or other disclosure document to be prepared in connection with the RTO, any information released or received with respect to the RTO may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Network will remain halted pending receipt and review of acceptable documentation regarding the RTO. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed RTO and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. For additional information, please contact the office at 604-638-7363. 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. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Alexander Helmel" President & CEO This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other actors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed RTO, the Concurrent Financing and the business and operations of Ynvisible, and information regarding the management, business and operations of the resulting issuer. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals for the RTO; an inability to complete the Concurrent Financing; those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - January 09, 2017) - Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. ("GLH" or the "Company") (CSE: GLH) (OTCQB: GLDFF), a leading cannabis oil solutions company built around recognized brands, today announced that the Company received its OLCC (Oregon Liquor Control Commission) recreational processor and wholesaler licenses for its Portland-based facility leased in Multnomah County, and received approval for its recreational retailer license for the Left Coast Connection dispensary. Approvals were received within the time frames discussed in previously issued Company press releases. Recreational Licensing and Product Sales Updates GLH received its OLCC recreational processor license for its Portland-based facility leased in Multnomah County. As previously announced, in order to extract and sell under a processor license, the Company has to receive a license and regulatory approval from both the OLCC and the City of Portland. GLH is now waiting for the approval from the City of Portland and is contingent upon receiving the required licensing and permits. The Company expects to receive approval from the City of Portland within the next two months. To move forward with launching branded oil products into the recreational market as soon as possible, GLH is working with a licensed recreational contract manufacturer to produce cannabis oil. The Company will package and distribute this cannabis oil under its newly acquired recreational wholesaler license approved by the OLCC and the City of Portland. The wholesaler license allows GLH to source products from licensed recreational growers and processors and distribute them to dispensaries licensed to operate in the recreational market. GLH anticipates beginning to sell these products next month. The Company also received approval for its recreational retailer license from both the OLCC and City of Portland for the Left Coast Connection dispensary. This license allows the dispensary to participate and sell in Oregon's recreational marketplace. Edibles Sales Update In addition, to compete in the cannabis infused edibles market, GLH is exploring a potential opportunity to obtain an OLCC license to begin manufacturing edibles in connection with leasing space from an already licensed recreational edibles kitchen. The objective is to leverage this commissary style kitchen space with the expectation of launching branded edible products by Q2 2017. Industry Leadership and Regulatory Change GLH and other cannabis industry partners are taking the lead in working with state regulators to address continuing challenges with the full launch of the recreational retail market in Oregon, including the most stringent pesticide testing rules of any regulated cannabis market in the U.S. The Company anticipates that many of the challenges confronted will be reviewed and inputs from industry leaders evaluated during the Oregon Legislative Assembly session beginning in February 2017. About Golden Leaf Holdings: Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. is one of the largest cannabis oil and solution providers in North America. It's a leading cannabis products company in Oregon built around recognized brands. GLH leverages a strong management team with cannabis and food industry experience to complement its expertise in extracting, refining and selling cannabis oil. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's future business operation, expectations of gross sales, the opinions or beliefs of management, and future business goals. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to general business, economic and competitive uncertainties, regulatory risks including risks related to the expected timing of the Company's participation in the Adult Use market, market risks, risks inherent in manufacturing operations and other risks of the cannabis industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purpose. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. For further information, please contact: Investor Relations -- U.S.A. Harrison Phillips Viridian Capital Advisors, LLC 212-485-0284 hphillips@viridianca.com Investor Relations -- Canada Paul Searle Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. 778-240-7724 psearle@goldenleafholdings.com Eugene Hill Chief Financial Officer Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. ghill@goldenxtrx.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 9, 2017) - Centurion Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: CTN) ("Centurion", or the "Company") announces it has arranged a non-brokered private placement for up to $250,000 priced at $.07/Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and one 2-year common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will be exercisable for one common share at $0.12 for the first year and at $0.15 for the second year following the closing. Closing will be subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and any shares issued will be subject to a four-month hold period. Proceeds from this financing shall be used by the Company as working capital for the Ana Sofia, Argentina, agri-gypsum plant operation and for general corporate purposes. The Ana Sofia project comprises two mining concessions totaling 50 hectares (ha) in size within a larger (approximately 500 ha) exploration permit area. As reported by the Company on October 31, and December 16th, 2016, the project's inferred resource estimate of 1.47 million tonnes averaging 94.1% gypsum, is based on exploration and test-pitting work that focused on two near-surface gypsum layers located within one of the project's mining concessions and surrounding exploration permit area. Agricultural gypsum is a valuable plant nutrient and plays a vital role in maintaining soil structure and nutrient balance in South American soils, allowing greater crop yields. ABOUT CENTURION Centurion Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian-based company with an international focus on the exploration and development of agri-mineral and precious mineral projects. On Behalf of the Board, "David G. Tafel" President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For Further Information, Contact: David Tafel President and CEO 604-484-2161 This news release contains forward looking statements concerning future operations of Centurion Minerals Ltd. (the "Company"). All forward-looking statements concerning the Company's future plans and operations, including management's assessment of the Company's project expectations or beliefs may be subject to certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual performance and exploration and financial results may differ materially from any estimates or projections. Such statements include, among others: possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents and other risks of the mining industry; delays and other risks related to construction activities and operations; timing and receipt of regulatory approvals of operations; the ability of the Company and other relevant parties to satisfy regulatory requirements; the availability of financing for proposed transactions, programs and working capital requirements on reasonable terms; the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services on reasonable terms and in a timely manner; market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions. It is important to note that the information provided in this news release is preliminary in nature. The Ana Sofia project has not been the subject of a feasibility study and as such there is no certainty that a potential mine will be realized or that the processing facility will be able to produce a commercially marketable product. There is a significant risk that any production from the project will not be profitable with these risks elevated by the absence of a compliant NI 43-101 feasibility study. A mine production decision that is not based on a feasibility study demonstrating economic and technical viability does not provide adequate disclosure of the increased uncertainty and specific risks of failure associated with such a production decision. The work carried out to date is of a preliminary nature to assist in the determination as to whether the mineral product is suitable for sale and if there are markets for the mineral product. The Company has undertaken market research and studies to try to mitigate these risks. General risks inherent in the Project include the reliance on available data and assumptions and judgments used in the interpretation of such data, the speculative and uncertain nature of exploration and development costs, capital requirements and the ability to obtain financing, volatility of global and local economic climates, share price volatility, estimated price volatility, changes in equity markets, exchange rate fluctuations and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. The Ana Sofia mineral resource estimate is reported in accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 and has been estimated using the CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines" dated November 23rd, 2003 and CIM "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" dated May 10th, 2014. Due to the relatively wide spacing of the historical quarries and the 2016 test pits, which varies between 40 m and 300 m, the Ana Sofia 2 resource described herein is categorized entirely as an inferred mineral resource. Inferred Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There has been insufficient exploration to define the inferred resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource, however, it is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. There is no guarantee that any part of the mineral resources will be converted into a mineral reserve in the future. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues. LONDON, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z reveals key learnings to help marketers connect with different generations more effectively across traditional and digital channels A newAdReactionstudy from Kantar Millward Brown, released today, reveals Gen Z has its own distinct behaviours, attitudes and responses to advertising. The study,AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Zis the first-ever comprehensive global study of Gen Z, and provides guidance on how marketers can engage more effectively with this increasingly important group. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160921/410216 ) The study analyses key media consumption patterns, attitudes toward advertising and responses to specific creative approaches, and is based on surveys of more than 23,000 consumers in 39 countries. This is the first time it has been possible to explore the opinions of the first cohort of Gen Z - now aged 16-19 - that are becoming increasingly relevant to brand marketers across a wide variety of categories and products. The Gen Z population numbers approximately two billion globally. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Zhighlights that Gen Z are even more passionate about music than millennials (43% like to have 'always on' access to music compared to 30% for Gen Y) and more digitally savvy than previous generations. Gen Z are also more difficult to engage; among people who skip ads, they skip three seconds faster per ad on average than Gen X. "Gen Z have grown up in an on-demand world of infinite choice, and this flavours their expectations of advertising. They are much more attracted to ads that allow them to co-create or shape what happens, compared to Gens Y and X, who have a higher preference to link to more information about the brand," said Duncan Southgate, Global Brand Director, Media & Digital at Kantar Millward Brown. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Zidentifies a number of key opportunities for brands to connect with Gen Z: Don't ignore traditional media:Despite their digitally dominated media consumption, Gen Z can still be impressed by traditional media. While they spend less time with traditional (51% watch an hour or more of TV a day compared to 74% for Gen X), Gen Z are consistently more positive about ad formats such as outdoor, print ads and cinema, TV and radio ads than standard digital alternatives. Respect their online space:Within the digital space Gen Z are more positive than other generations towards mobile rewards video and skippable pre-rolls (which achieve net positive scores of 41% and 15% respectively), but especially damning of invasive ad formats like non-skippable pre-rolls and pop-ups (-36% and -42% respectively). Creative approach makes a difference:Music, humour and celebrities all make Gen Z more receptive to advertising. They are also attracted to ads that allow them to co-create or see what happens when they make a decision. They are more positive towards brands that let them vote for something to happen (31% compared to 25% for Gen Y,) choose an option (28% compared to 25%) or take decisions (27% compared to 22%). However, these attributes alone are no guarantee of success. Design matters:An extremely design-conscious consumer, Gen Z will take note of an ad's aesthetic qualities and appreciate the use of new immersive formats like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Innovation in formats like native ads, sponsored lenses and sponsored filters all attract much stronger approval with Gen Z than other age groups. Be even more social:Gen Z are significantly heavier users of social platforms, not just in terms of the time they spend on them but also the number of platforms they visit. These range well beyond Facebook and YouTube and include Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. 36% of Gen Z globally access Instagram several times a day and 24% access Snapchat at the same frequency, compared to 21% and 10% respectively for Gen Y (those aged 20-34) and 9% and 4% for Gen X (those aged 35-49). Don't apply the same approach globally:Gen Z is not homogenous and local insights reveal further nuances. In China, for example, Gen Z want music in ads to be upbeat, playful and fun. By contrast in Germany, Gen Z seeks music that helps them to understand the message without listening to a voiceover. Using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques combined with ad testing of 31 ads in 10 markets,AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Zreveals a generation that, in some areas, are simply a little more extreme in their media attitudes and behaviour, but also have their own distinct traits. Additional key findings include: This is the mobile-first generation with 74% spending more than an hour a day on their mobile device compared to 66% for Gen Y and 55% for Gen X. TV, radio and print consumption are all lower as well with 51% of Gen Z watching an hour or more of TV each day compared to 59% for Gen Y and 74% for Gen X. Gen Z are dramatically more passionate about music and movies. Ads placed in these contexts are far more powerful with this group, with 39% of Gen Z saying music makes them more positive to advertising and 38% reporting that movies have the same effect (compared to just 29% and 28% for Gen X). All generations prefer short videos, but Gen Z like ads less than 10 seconds even more than previous generations, while Gen X is more tolerant of videos up to 20 seconds. Gen Z are slightly more likely to have installed ad blocking software on desktop than older consumers (31% vs 30% for Gen Y and 22% for Gen X) but they are no more likely to have installed a mobile ad blocking app (13% vs 14% for Gen Y and 12% for Gen X). Given their scepticism towards advertising, this makes branded content more attractive to Gen Z. Formats like branded events, social media feeds and celebrity endorsements all score higher for this group globally than older consumers. Gen Y is more positive about user reviews, social media and native information, while Gen X prefers brand information. "No generation is a monolith and Gen Z is no exception. Their upbringing, expectations and access to technology, however, has created a range of attitudes and behaviours that will challenge marketers. Only where brands take all this into consideration will they be successful in engaging this increasingly critical and fast-emerging group of consumers," concluded Southgate. Review the global and country specific results of theAdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Zreporthere. About AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z Kantar Millward Brown surveyed more than 23,000 16-49 year old consumers across 39 countries. Qualitative research was also conducted among Gen Z in the US, Germany and China, and 31 TV ads were tested across TV, and digital platforms in 10 countries. TheAdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Zstudy explores advertising receptivity across three generations to analyze and understand when and where each group is most likely to respond positively to advertising. It also provides marketers globally with practical advice about which creative approaches work best across the three generations. AdReactionstudies have been conducted since 2001, delivering insights on consumers' perceptions of advertising, particularly digital formats. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Zaddresses key questions facing marketers, including: What are Gen Z's characteristics, desires, likes and dislikes, and how do they want to interact with brands? How do the media attitudes and behaviours of Gen Z differ from Millennials (Gen Y) and Baby Busters (Gen X)? What do marketers need to know to navigate emerging social trends and cultural norms as they develop content and plan media? About Kantar Millward Brown Kantar Millward Brown is a leading global research agency specialising in advertising effectiveness, strategic communication, media and digital, and brand equity research. The company helps clients grow great brands through comprehensive research-based qualitative and quantitative solutions. Kantar Millward Brown operates in more than 55 countries and is part of WPP's Kantar group, one of the world's leading data, insight and consultancy companies. Learn more athttp://www.millwardbrown.com. Contact: Alastair Ray Eureka Communications alastair@eurekacomms.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1420564346 Susan Hickey Kantar Millward Brown Email:susan.hickey@millwardbrown.com Tel: 212-548-4690 BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Cabinet office is slated to release the Japan consumer confidence index for December at 12:00 am ET Tuesday. Ahead of the data, the yen rose against its major rivals. As of 11:55 pm ET, the yen was trading at 122.48 against the euro, 140.20 against the pound, 114.00 against the Swiss franc and 115.40 against the U.S. dollar. 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 euro strengthened against most major currencies in the Asian session on Tuesday. The euro rose to a 2-month high of 0.8736 against the pound and a 4-day high of 1.4028 against the Canadian dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.8691 and 1.3972, respectively. Against the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc, the euro advanced to nearly 2-week highs of 1.0627 and 1.0746 from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.0572 and 1.0730, respectively. If the euro extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 0.91 against the pound, 1.45 against the loonie, 1.10 against the greenback and 1.09 against the franc. 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. RENO, Nevada, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Server Technology today announced the appointment of two new members of staff to support its International and Central Europe region. Andreas Rockenbauch is appointed as Regional Sales Manager, joined by Wolfgang Goretzki, as Senior Solutions Manager. Andreas Rockenbauch, who will be based out of Frankfurt, Germany, will be responsible for Server Technology business in France, DACH, Benelux, Eastern Europe and Russia. Andreas joins Server Technology from Schneider Electric where his most recent role was as Senior Key Account Manager for Colocation and Hosting Providers, working primarily with C-Level contacts. Andreas spent over 10 years working for APC/Schneider Electric based in Germany and earlier in his career Dublin, Ireland in End User, Colocation and Channel roles. Wolfgang Goretzki, who will be responsible for supporting the International team in a technical solutions role, joins Andreas, based out of Germany. Wolfgang comes with a very strong technical and product management background from Cyclades, Avocent and Emerson Power. Wolfgang's most recent role for Emerson was as Customer Engagement Director, where he worked with key customers to secure projects and manage complex customer requirements. Combined, both new members of staff have also worked for organizations such as HP, Compaq, NEC, British Telecom, Complete Telecom and Mox Telecom during their careers and bring a broad range of experience with them to Server Technology. Marc Marazzi, Vice President International Sales at Server Technology said, "We are very excited to have both Andreas and Wolfgang on board and we look forward to strengthening our business with our customers and valued channel partners in the International region." About Server Technology Server Technology's power strategy experts are trusted to provide Rack PDU solutions for demanding data centers worldwide ranging from small technology start-ups to Fortune 100 powerhouses. Over 60,000 customers around the world rely on our rack power distribution units and award winning remote power management solutions to increase density, facilitate capacity planning, improve power monitoring, and drive efficiency. Because power is all we do, you will find us in the best cloud and co-location providers, forward thinking labs and telecommunications operations. Server Technology customers consistently rank us as providing the highest quality PDU's, the best customer support and most valuable innovation. Let us show you; we have over 12,000 PDU configurations to fit every data center need and 80% of ourPDU's are shipped within 10 days. Only with Server Technology will customers Stay Powered, Be Supported and Get Ahead. www.servertech.com Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/454011/Andreas_Rockenbauch_Server_Technology.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/454010/Wolfgang_Goretzki_Server_Technology.jpg BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The success of a White House petition last year, calling on the Obama administration "to assist in the liberation of the Azerbaijani provinces occupied by Armenia" has put Armenia under increasing pressure due to the level of awareness it raised, according to Elkhan Suleymanov, the President of the Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan, who initiated the petition. "'We the People' is a serious platform established by the Obama administration in 2011 and the White House response to our petition was real political support to Azerbaijan," said Suleymanov. The petition on "Establishing Justice and Preventing a Great Catastrophe" calls for the immediate withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding provinces and to assist in the prevention of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region because of the dangers posed by the neglected Sarsang dam, which is located in the Armenian-occupied territory. According to the U.S.-based Pew Research Center, this petition has become the second most popular in the history of the platform, receiving more than triple the signatures needed to secure a reply by the Obama administration. In its response in June last year, the White House stressed the importance of "the return of the territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan's control" and urged Armenia and Azerbaijan "to demonstrate restraint and enter into an immediate negotiation on a comprehensive settlement," which would include "a determination on Nagorno-Karabakh's status." The petition was submitted in the wake of Resolution 2085 adopted last year by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which accused Armenia of "environmental aggression and "deliberately depriving" Azerbaijanis of water flowing from the Sarsang reservoir. It also called for "the immediate withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the region concerned." "We had important victories last year," Suleymanov said, adding that sadly Armenia has not reacted to these demands and instead "creates confusion in the international community by presenting itself as a conflict party rather than an aggressor." In addition to PACE, the UN, European Parliament and OSCE have all called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from the Azerbaijani territories. "It is critical that we continue to raise this issue, keep up international pressure and achieve the imposition of sanctions on Armenia," Suleymanov said. Solna, Sweden, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sales in the Swedish ICA stores increased by 1.6% in December 2016 compared with the corresponding month 2015. Sales in like-for-like stores increased by 1.1%. December 2016 January - December 2016 Store sales, excl. VAT SEKm Change all stores Change like-for-like SEKm Change all stores Change like-for-like Maxi ICA Stormarknad 3,444 0.5% 0.5% 33,806 2.6% 2.1% ICA Kvantum 2,612 2.6% 1.2% 26,877 2.4% 1.9% ICA Supermarket 3,021 1.9% 1.5% 33,619 1.9% 1.7% ICA Nara 1,421 1.6% 1.8% 16,634 2.7% 2.9% Total 10,498 1.6% 1.1% 110,936 2.4% 2.0% In December 2016, sales in the Swedish ICA stores totalled SEK 10,498 million excluding VAT, which is an increase of 1.6% compared with the same month in the previous year. Sales in January-December 2016 amounted to SEK 110,936 million, an increase of 2.4% compared with the previous year. ICA Gruppen estimates the calendar effect for December to be 0.2%. At 31 December 2016, the number of ICA stores in Sweden was 1,296. Store sales for January will be published on 8 February 2017 at 08.45 CET. To see all publication dates in 2017, please visit ICA Gruppen's website http://www.icagruppen.se/en/investors/calendar. For more information ICA Gruppen press service, Telephone number: +46-10-422-52-52 This information is such that ICA Gruppen AB is obligated to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication at time 08:45 on Tuesday January 10, 2017. CONTACT: This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/ica-gruppen-ab/r/swedish-ica-stores---december-2016-sales-figures,c2162580 The following files are available for download: EDINBURGH, Scotland, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CALCIVIS, a medical devices company focused on revolutionising the management of tooth decay and enabling preventive dentistry, announces that Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Adam Christie, will present at the Medtech Showcase held at the 9th Annual Biotech Showcase' today Tuesday, January 10th 2017 at 10:30-11:00 a.m. Pacific Time, San Francisco, US. The investor and partnering conference attracts pharmaceutical and medtech executives from around the world focused on investment and business development opportunities in the life sciences industry. CEO, Adam Christie, will present an overview of the company and its unique CALCIVIS imaging system, the first technology to allow the live visualisation of active tooth demineralisation, enabling a new standard of preventive care. -Ends- Contacts: Adam Christie, CEO Tel: +44 (0)7795 600571 E-mail: info@calcivis.com David Dible, Katja Stout, Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 207 638 9571 E-mail: calcivis@citigatedr.co.uk About CALCIVIS CALCIVIS is an innovative medical devices company focused on revolutionising the management of dental caries or 'tooth decay'. CALCIVIS brings together novel biotechnology approaches and world-class device development expertise and is at the forefront of applying biotechnology to dentistry. The CALCIVIS imaging system will, for the first time, allow the real-time detection and visualisation of calcium ions released by demineralising caries lesions in routine dental practice. CALCIVIS began operations in 2012 and is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Company has been funded by Archangel Investors Limited and the Scottish Investment Bank, the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise. http://www.calcivis.com Ukraine gas stocks down 22% in heating season so far Gas stocks in Ukraine's underground storage facilities declined by 22.2% or 3.272 billion cubic meters (bcm) to 11.460 bcm since October 13, when the current heating season began, through January 8. Ukraine withdrew 86.33 million cubic meters (mcm) from underground storage on January 8 and a total of 533.38 mcm in the first eight days of January (66.67 mcm/day on average), Ukrtransgaz, which operates the country's pipelines and storage facilities, said in a statement. Withdrawals amounted to 1.569 bcm in December (50.6 mcm/day on average) and 909.42 mcm in November (30.31 mcm/day). Despite a cold snap in January, the withdrawals have not topped 100 mcm, although Ukraine has the technical ability to withdraw 1% of current stocks. The biggest daily total was 89.65 mcm recorded on January 7. Based on the most likely temperature scenario in January, and assuming that current import and domestic production volumes are maintained, Ukraine will enter February with 9.4-10.1 bcm of gas in underground storage. Last year, Ukraine withdrew 109.58 mcm of gas from underground storage on January 8, when stocks amounted to 12.998 bcm. It withdrew 92.37 mcm on January 8, 2015, when stocks totaled 10.792 bcm. As of January 8, 2017, daily imports of gas were 48.312 mcm, of which 40.583 mcm from Slovakia, 3.534 mcm from Hungary and 4.195 mcm from Poland. Ukraine has not imported gas from Russia since November 26, 2015. Gas production in Ukraine on January 8 was 56.615 mcm, of which Ukrgazvydobuvannia produced 40.729 mcm, Ukrnafta 3.39 mcm and other companies 12.496 mcm. Transit via Ukraine's gas transportation system was 2.144 bcm in the period January 1-8, corresponding to a monthly rate of about 8.3 bcm. Naftogaz Ukrainy officials believe the gas stocks are sufficient to make it through the heating season and, if the winter is more severe than expected, Ukraine has the capacity to increase imports. Naftogaz calculates that stocks will end the heating season in the range 7-8 bcm, compared with the minimum allowable level of 5 bcm. Withdrawals in 2016 exceeded injections by 2 bcm: 8.391 bcm was withdrawn and 6.389 bcm was injected. LONDON, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Vote Showcasing Strength and Success Across European Business Opens Today at http://www.businessawardseurope.com Over 400 businesses from 34 countries in Europe are competing to be named their country's 'National Public Champion' as the online public vote is now open in this year's European Business Awards sponsored by RSM. Each company has posted a video on the European Business Awards website http://www.businessawardseurope.com profiling their business success, which the public can view and vote for between now and 1 March 2017. The National Public Champion will be the company that receives the most votes in each country, with the winners announced on 6 March. Last year more than 227,000 people voted as thriving European companies were supported globally by their clients, staff and peers, as well as the general public. The European Business Awards was set up to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. This year it engaged with more than 33,000 businesses at entry stage. Lead sponsor RSM, a provider of audit, tax and consulting services to middle market businesses globally, has supported the European Business Awards since its inception. Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said: "The public vote gives everyone the chance to watch and vote for successful businesses of all sizes and sectors, either home or abroad, with great stories to tell. So please show them your support, go to our web site http://www.businessawardseurope.com and vote today!" Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM, the sixth largest network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms, with a presence in 43 European countries said: "The videos provide a fascinating insight into some of Europe's most inspiring businesses and the story of their success. This is a showcase of European business excellence and a testament that no matter how large or small, old or new, companies who have a true understanding of their financial and business landscape can thrive in all areas. Good luck to everyone in this round of the competition." Immediately after the National Public Champions are announced, a second and final public vote will begin as the companies compete against each other to decide one overall European Public Champion. Separately, the Awards' independent judges will review the videos and select 110 category finalists who will then go on to the Gala Final in May 2017 where the final winners, as well as the European Public Champion, will be announced. Further information about the National Champions and the Awards can be found at http://www.businessawardseurope.com and http://www.rsm.global About the European Business Awards: The European Business Awards' primary purpose is to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. For all citizens of Europe, prosperity, social and healthcare systems are reliant on businesses creating an even stronger, more innovative, successful, international and ethical business community - one that forms the beating heart of an increasingly globalised economy. The European Business Awards programme serves the European business community in three ways: It celebrates and endorses individuals' and organisations' success It provides and promotes examples of excellence for the business community to aspire to It engages with the European business community to create debate on key issues The European Business Awards is now in its 10th year. This year it engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries. Last year's public vote generated over 227,000 votes from across Europe. Sponsors and partners include RSM, ELITE and PR Newswire. http://www.businessawardseurope.com. About RSM RSM is the sixth largest network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms, encompassing over 120 countries, 760 offices and more than 38,000 people internationally. The network's total fee income is US$4.64 billion. RSM is the lead sponsor and corporate champion of the European Business Awards promoting commercial excellence and recognition of entrepreneurial brilliance. RSM is a member of the Forum of Firms, with the shared objective to promote consistent and high quality standards of financial and auditing practices worldwide. RSM is the brand used by a network of independent accounting and advisory firms each of which practices in its own right. RSM International Limited does not itself provide any accounting and advisory services. Member firms are driven by a common vision of providing high quality professional services, both in their domestic markets and in serving the international professional service needs of their client base. http://www.rsm.global About ELITE: ELITE is a full-service programme designed to share best practice and increase growth opportunities for fast growing companies, with a focus on understanding the capital markets. ELITE is an innovative programme based on exclusive training and a tutorship model, supported by access to the business and financial community. Its aim is to prepare companies for their next stage of growth and investment. For further information on the programme, companies and the full list of partners, please go to: http://www.elite-growth.com About PR Newswire: PR Newswire is the leading global provider of PR and corporate communications tools that enable clients to distribute news and rich content. We distribute our client's content across traditional, digital and social media channels in real time with fully actionable reporting and monitoring. Combining the world's largest multi-channel, multi-cultural content distribution and optimisation network with comprehensive workflow tools and platforms, PR Newswire enables the world's enterprises to engage opportunity everywhere it exists. PR Newswire serves tens of thousands of clients from offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information on PR Newswire please visit http://www.prnewswire.co.uk VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - French shares gave up early gains on Tuesday as banks retreated, offsetting gains among automakers such as Renault and Peugeot. The benchmark CAC 40 was down 16 points or 0.33 percent at 4,871 in opening deals after declining half a percent the previous day. Financials traded mostly lower, with Credit Agricole, BNP Paribas and Societe Generale Group losing between half a percent and 0.8 percent. Among the prominent gainers, Renault and Accor rose over 1 percent. L'Oreal edged down marginally as the cosmetics group announced a definitive agreement with Valeant to acquire the skincare brands CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi for a cash purchase price of $1.3 billion. Total SA was trading on a flat note after it agreed to buy a stake in a project in Uganda from Tullow Oil. In economic releases, French industrial production recovered at a faster than expected pace in November on higher petroleum and transport equipment output, figures from the statistical office Insee showed. Industrial production logged a monthly expansion of 2.2 percent in contrast to October's 0.1 percent fall. 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. BLAINVILLE, Quebec, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Duchesnay is pleased to announced that Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance (NOC) for Mictoryl/Mictoryl Pediatric (propiverine hydrochloride), indicated for symptomatic treatment of urinary incontinence and/or increased urinary frequency and urgency in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). This Notice of Compliance is the culmination of Duchesnay's efforts following the signing of an agreement with the family-owned German pharmaceutical company, Apogepha, specialized in Urology. Duchesnay has also signed an agreement to market Mictoryl in the United States through its subsidiary, Duchesnay USA, once all FDA regulatory reviews have been completed. "OAB is a serious medical condition that affects millions of Canadians each year, including children. However, the medications currently available cause significant side effects, leading many patients to stop treatment. That's why Duchesnay is so pleased to offer this new therapeutic option, which is also indicated for pediatric use," explained Eric Gervais, Executive Vice President of Duchesnay. According to the Canadian Continence Foundation, OAB is a medical term that describes various symptoms caused by involuntary bladder spasms, including urinary frequency, especially at night, and urgency with or without involuntary leakage. These symptoms may occur without obvious cause or be secondary to certain diseases of the nervous system. The Foundation estimates that nearly 1 in 5 Canadians over the age of 35 suffers from overactive bladder. The condition, with frequency and urgency only, affects men and women of all ages, although most are under age 65.* "Health Canada's approval of Mictoryl confirms its excellent safety and efficacy profile in both adults and children. Knowing that this product is about to be launched in North America is a groundbreaking step for Apogepha and demonstrates our ability to leverage our international footprint. We are proud to partner with Duchesnay to bring this product to market," commented Markus Bauer, Managing Director of Apogepha. About Mictoryl Mictoryl is used to treat adults who have difficulty controlling their urinary function due to bladder overactivity and who have symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence. Mictoryl will be available in 30 mg and 45 mg modified-release capsules and is indicated for adults, including those over 65 years of age. Mictoryl Pediatric is used to treat children who have difficulty controlling their urinary function due to bladder overactivity and who have symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence. Mictoryl Pediatric will be available in 5 mg tablets and is indicated for body-weight-adjusted dosing in children 5 years of age who weigh over 35 kg. Children and adolescents with a higher body weight will be prescribed a daily dose of 30 mg propiverine. About Duchesnay Duchesnay is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a long-standing commitment to women's health. In addition to filling the void in terms of scientific research, education and information and developing pharmacological solutions that are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, Duchesnay is equally committed to ensuring women's health and improving their quality of life at every stage. Thus, Duchesnay has broadened its portfolio of products to offer safe and effective therapeutic options that meet the health and quality of life needs of women and their family members at different stages of their lives. To learn more about Duchesnay, visit duchesnay.com. About Apogepha: Apogepha is an independent German pharmaceutical company that specializes in the field of Urology. The company has its own production facilities and developed propiverine, one of the leading medicines for the treatment of overactive bladder in adults and children. Various dosages and formulations of propiverine are available worldwide under trademarks such as Mictonorm and Detrunorm. The patent for the once-daily formulation of propiverine has been approved in most countries. Currently, Apogepha has marketing and distribution partners in more than twenty countries, with a focus on Europe and Asia. To learn more about Apogepha, visit http://www.apogepha.com. *The Canadian Continence Foundation:http://www.canadiancontinence.ca/EN/types-of-urinary-incontinence.php DUCHESNAY Inc., Ron Vaillancourt, Director of Communications, Duchesnay, +1-877-833-7734, rvaillancourt@duchesnay.com; Alida Alepian, Senior Consultant, Capital-Image, +1-514-739-1188, extension 239, aalepian@capital-Image.com Release no. 02, 2017As announced in release no. 1/2017 of 9 January 2017, Columbus A/S has concluded an agreement about acquisition of Tridea Partners, an IT services company in the US.In release no. 1/2017, expected revenue and EBITDA for the acquired company for 2016 were not stated. This information is included in this release.The acquisition of Tridea Partners strengthens Columbus' position in the US market, and is in line with Columbus' goal of being recognized as a strategic business partner that helps customers increase the value of their ERP investment and leads them in the digital transformation of their business.Tridea Partners holds a leading positon within ERP and CRM in the growing food and beverage industry in the US. The acquisition thereby strengthens Columbus' market reach and industry specialization in the US."We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Tridea Partners. With Tridea Partners' leading market position and deep industry knowledge within the food and beverage industry in the US, we accelerate our growth ambitions in the US while strengthening our ability to serve our customers even better", says CEO and President in Columbus Thomas Honore.Tridea Partners, which was founded in 2004, has 29 employees at their office in San Diego. In 2015, Tridera Partners had a revenue of DKK 40m and an EBITDA of DKK 6.5m. Based on the preliminary financial statements from the company, revenue and EBITDA for 2016 are expected to amount to DKK 48.7m and DKK 10.4m, respectively.The agreed acquisition price is DKK 61.8m Enterprise Value +/- regulation of normalized working capital.The amount to be paid at closing of the agreement on 9 January 2017 is DKK 47.6m. The remaining amount of DKK 14.2m is dependent on the agreed earnings targets, and is expected to be paid over the next two years.The acquisition is financed by Columbus' own available funds.Columbus expects to take over net assets of DKK 3.6m adjusted to fair value at the acquisition. Hereafter DKK 58.2m is expected to be capitalized as intangible assets.The acquisition is expected to contribute with a revenue in the level of DKK 53.6m and EBITDA* in the level of DKK 9.3 in the period from closing to 31 December 2017.Expectations to revenue and EBITDA for the Group in 2017 will be announced when the Annual Report is published on 16 March 2017.* EBITDA before share-based paymentIb Kune Thomas Honore Chairman CEO & President Columbus A/S Columbus A/S For further information, please contact Koncernchef Thomas Honore, T: +45 70 20 50 00.Translation: In the event of any inconsistency between this document and the Danish language version, the Danish language version shall be the governing version.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=610782 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2017) - Rockridge Capital Corp. (TSXV: RRC) (the "Company") announces that it has entered into a property option agreement (the "Agreement") with Aldever Resources Inc. (the "Optionor") to acquire a 100% interest in the Scotia Property. The Scotia Property is primarily a zinc project, consisting of one mineral claim totaling 4,014 hectares, located in the Scotia River area, approximately 40 km southeast of Prince Rupert in west central British Columbia. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company has agreed to: (a) pay $25,000 and issue a total of 200,000 common shares of the Company within five days of TSX Venture Exchange approval, (b) pay $25,000 and issue a total of 300,000 common shares of the company on or before the first anniversary of the Agreement, and (c) issue 400,000 common shares of the Company and incur $500,000 in exploration expenditures on or before the second anniversary of the Agreement. The Company will also pay a finder a fee of 56,000 common shares in connection with the closing of the transaction. The Agreement, the finder's fee and the transactions contemplated therein are subject to acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. About the Scotia Project The Scotia Property is primarily a zinc project, consisting of one mineral claim totaling 4,014 hectares, located in the Scotia River area, approximately 40 km southeast of Prince Rupert in west central British Columbia. The Scotia Property hosts a metamorphosed massive sulfide deposit located within the Ecstall Belt of metavolcanics rocks that extends through west-central British Columbia. The key exploration target is the Albere Zone. To date, drill results in the Albere Zone have included 26.7 meters grading 9.0% zinc, 1.2% lead, 21.5 g/t silver and 0.3 g/t gold. James Walchuck, CEO and Director of the Company, P. Eng., a Qualified Person, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. For more information, please contact James Walchuck, CEO and President at (604) 683-0911. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ROCKRIDGE CAPITAL CORP. "signed" _______________________ James Walchuck CEO and President Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SAN FRANCISCO, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The globalfiberglass flooring marketis expected to reach USD 987 million by 2025, according to a new report conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing application in industrial, residential and commercial buildings owing to the longer lifespan of floors coupled with better aesthetics will drive growth over the upcoming years. Moreover, the rising demand for residential buildings in light of population growth, increasing income levels, and favorable government initiatives will aid in the industry development. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/723757 ) The usage of these products in the industrial sector will witness substantial revenue rise at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2016 to 2025. Factors such as low maintenance and anti-allergen are expected to spur the demand for these products over the upcoming years. Strong growth of the construction industry in emerging countries such as China, India, Singapore, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, UAE, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and South Korea will create growth opportunities for the market in the future. Browse full research report with TOC on "Fiberglass Flooring Market Size And Trend Analysis By Application (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa), And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/fiberglass-flooring-market Further key findings from the report suggest: The global fiberglass flooring market demand was 107,793.2 thousand square feet in 2015 and is expected to grow significantly owing to growing demand for residential buildings in countries such as Germany , South Africa , Brazil , Mexico , and India , , , , and The Middle East & Africa accounted for 16.5% of the global volume share in 2015 and is anticipated to witness growth on account of rapid infrastructural development in the region over the upcoming years. The presence of large construction companies such as Murray & Roberts, Fluor, Trencon Construction, Esor, Arabtec Construction LLC, Al Habtoor Group LLC, and Dutco Construction LLC will spur the demand for the product. & accounted for 16.5% of the global volume share in 2015 and is anticipated to witness growth on account of rapid infrastructural development in the region over the upcoming years. The presence of large construction companies such as Murray & Roberts, Fluor, Trencon Construction, Esor, Arabtec Construction LLC, Al Habtoor Group LLC, and Dutco Construction LLC will spur the demand for the product. The industrial construction sector is expected to witness substantial gains on account of increasing facility expansion by manufacturing companies. Moreover, the shifting of the major automotive manufacturers including Volkswagen, Audi, Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, BMW, and Fiat to China and India is expected to fuel the demand for fiberglass floorings in the industrial construction sector over the forecast period. and is expected to fuel the demand for fiberglass floorings in the industrial construction sector over the forecast period. The industry is dominated by key participants including IVC Group (Mohawk Industries), Mannington Mills, Inc., Shaw Floors, NOX Corporation, Milliken, Armstrong World Industries, Gerflor, and Tarkett Companies are focusing on strategic partnerships and alliances for strengthening their positions in the global market. In January 2013 , the IVC Group announced the acquisition of Trinterio, which led to the introduction of two new subdivisions to the IVC Group, Spanolux, and Balterio. Browse related reports by Grand View Research: UV Tapes Market- http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/uv-tapes-market High Performance Composites Market- http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-high-performance-composites-market Metal Magnesium Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/metal-magnesium-market Anti-Counterfeiting Packaging Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/anti-counterfeiting-packaging-market Grand View Research has segmented the global fiberglass flooring market on the basis of application and region: Fiberglass Flooring Application Outlook (Volume, Thousand Square Feet; Revenue, USD Million; 2014-2025) Residential Commercial Industrial Fiberglass Flooring Market Regional Outlook (Volume, Thousand Square Feet; Revenue, USD Million; 2014-2025) North America U.S. Europe Germany UK France Italy Asia Pacific China India Central & South America Brazil Middle East & Africa South Africa Read Our Blogs - The increasing fiberglass demand in the construction sector coupled with growing population is expected to drive market growth About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. Thecompany provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com ALBANY, New York, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Transparency Market Research has released a new market report titled "Waterbased Coatings by resin (Acrylic, Formaldehyde, Polyurethane, Alkyds, Epoxy and Others) for Building & Construction, Automotive, Furniture, Electronics, Marine, Paper & Printing and Other End-users- Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2016-2024." According to the report, the global waterbased coatings market was valued at US$ 46.14 Bn in 2015 and is projected to reach US$ 80.36 Bn by 2024 at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2016 to 2024. Waterbased coatings are a type of coating which use water as a solvent. These coatings are also known to be environment-friendly coatings. In US and European regulations require waterborne coatings to have a VOC content of less than 3.5 pounds per gallon of water. Based on resins waterbased coatings consists of acrylics, formaldehyde, polyurethane, alkyds, epoxy and Others The end-user sector for waterbased coatings are building & construction, automotive, furniture, electronics, marine, paper & printing and others(includes aerospace etc.).Increasing building & construction activities and implementation of stringent government norms are the main drivers for the growth of waterbased coatings market. However, volatility of raw material prices and susceptible to environmental conditions are the major challenge restricting higher adoption. Based on resins, acrylic waterbased coating is the major segment and anticipated to dominate the market during forecast period. Acrylic has contributed majority of the share of waterbased coatings and is anticipated to grow at CAGR of more than 6% during the forecast period. Polyurethane is estimated to be fastest growing segment owing to its advantages related to low VOC content compare to other types of waterbased coatings. Polyurethane is anticipated to grow at CAGR of more than 7% in terms of revenue during the forecast period. Get Industry Research Report Sample for more Professional and Technical Industry Insights:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18095 Waterbased coatings is widely used in building & construction activities owing to its advantage related with high gloss, improve aesthetics and providing durability structures. In terms of end-user, building & construction was the largest segment of the global waterbased coatings, accounting for more than 55% share in 2015. The segment is anticipated to continue its dominance during the forecast period due to rising construction activity and increasing demand for decorative coatings especially in emerging economies. Implementation of stringent government norms related to VOC content in China and increasing awareness related to use of waterbased coating in automotive segment are the reasons that drives the market. Asia Pacific dominates the waterbased coatings, followed by Europe and North America. Latin America and Middle East & Africai also expected to be the key upcoming markets for waterbased coatings market during the forecast period. Significant expansion in the building & construction activities especially in developing regions is anticipated to be a key factor driving the waterbased coatings in these regions. Research PR: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/waterbased-coatings-market.htm The global Waterbased coatings is consolidated. Key players in the waterbased coatings markets are BASF SE, Akzo Nobel N.V., Asian Paints, Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., Altana AG, Conren, ICA group, Schmid Rhyner AG, PPG Industries Inc., The Valspar Corporation, Sherwin-Williams, Kansai, NIPSEA Group, Hebei Chenyang Industry & Trade Group Co. etc. The global waterbased coatings has been segmented as follows: Waterbased Coatings Market - Resins Analysis Acrylic Styrene Acrylic Formaldehyde Polyurethane Epoxy Alkyds Others (fluropolymers etc.) Waterbased Coatings - End-use Analysis Building & Construction Automotive Automotive OEM Automotive refinish Furniture Electronics Marine Paper & Printing Others (Aerospace etc.) Waterbased Coatings - Regional Analysis North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany Italy France U.K. Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of South America Middle East & Africa (MEA) GCC Egypt South Africa & (MEA) Rest of MEA Related Research Reports: Water-borne Coatings Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/global-water-borne-coatings-market.html Superhydrophobic Coatings Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/superhydrophobic-coatings-market.html About TMR Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact Transparency Market Research State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Blog: http://www.tmrblog.com/ NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - The kyu collective, part of Japanese holding company Hakuhodo DY Holdings (HDY), today announced that behavioral economics firm BEworks is the latest to join the collective of creative companies. Founded in 2010, Toronto-based BEworks is the world's first firm dedicated to the practice of applying behavioral economics to solving business and governmental challenges. CEO Kelly Peters and Chief Behavioral Scientist Dan Ariely (both co-founders) will remain full partners. Nina MaAar, an Associate Professor of Marketing (Behavioral Science) at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, will be a minority partner. "We are thrilled in our choice of BEworks. As a leading firm in this field, it will play an essential role in providing more well-rounded creative offerings for kyu's clients and stakeholders," says kyu CEO Michael Birkin in a statement. "They will help kyu companies be even more evidence-based, more rigorous, and more scalable across larger numbers of people." BEworks specializes in applying behavioral science to marketing, product, pricing, and operational challenges. With its team of behavioral experts and PhDs in cognitive and social psychology and neuroscience, it provides behavioral science techniques to diagnose the consumer mindset, use scientifically-grounded strategies, and validate recommendations through empirically-sound experiments. The firm's client list includes global Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies from across the globe. "As leaders in the field of behavioral economics, our passion is in applying the power of scientific thinking towards helping organizations develop better strategies, customer experiences, and optimized operations," adds BEworks CEO Kelly Peters. "We are honored to work alongside some of the world's most creative companies that make up kyu. This is an incredible opportunity to be even more ambitious in our pursuit of applying behavioral science insights and together create even greater impact." BEworks will join kyu's diverse group of member companies: creativity and commerce conference company C2 International; digital content and design firm Digital Kitchen; global design company IDEO; branding agency Red Peak; creative ad agency Sid Lee; and transformation company SYPartners. "kyu is committed to tackling complex problems in both business and society -- problems that are largely rooted in human behavior," says IDEO CEO Tim Brown, whose firm joined kyu in February. "BEworks' expertise in behavioral science will help us in the design and creative communities better understand and design for these behaviors. It will lend a deeper level of scientific rigor to the innovative and creative approaches that kyu companies already bring to clients and stakeholders." About kyu kyu is a strategic operating unit of Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc. (HDY). It was created in May 2014 to help drive the continuous enhancement of specialization and innovation in the Hakuhodo DY Group. The kyu collective is headquartered in New York and has a global remit. The CEO of kyu is Michael Birkin and its member companies include C2 International; Digital Kitchen; IDEO; Red Peak Group; Sid Lee; and SYPartners. About Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc. Founded in 1895, Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc. (HDY) is an integrated advertising and communication agency group headquartered in Japan. HDY is comprised of 5 distinct groups -- Hakuhodo; Daiko; Yomiko; Hakuhodo DY Media Partners and kyu. The Group has over 14,000 employees working in 21 countries. Renowned for its creativity, HDY is the only agency group headquartered in Asia to have twice won the Grand Prix at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/1/7/11G126747/Images/BEworks_Announcement-8c708cbe04fc863a87ba550efa008c79.jpg Contact: Frances Bajet frances@kyu.com 347-725-7068 DUBAI, UAE, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Selecting and rewarding the best of the best in various facets of Interior Design is the premise of the 'ICONIC AWARDS 2017: Interior Innovation', one of the most prestigious design awards in the global interior design industry, awarded by the German Design Council1). The design sliding door system Levolan 120 has been picked as the winner in the building fixtures competition category. As an additional honour, Levolan 120 will be presented at imm cologne, the world renowned international interiors show which takes place from 16 to 22 January 2017 in the premises of Kolnischer Kunstverein. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160209/331044LOGO ) (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455769/GEZE_Levolan_120_design.jpg ) "The Levolan 120 proved its capabilities in the Iconic Awards in Interior Innovation 2017 in Germany this year and we're certain that the degree of innovation, quality of design and functionality will be very well received in the Middle East." commented Charles Constantin, Managing Director of GEZE Middle East. With its streamlined design, and the compact dimensions of the total fitting system, it is perfect for any architecture and installation situation. Thanks to the compact, modular design, it is no larger, yet carries twice the load of its 'little brother', the Levolan 60, and is therefore an optimal solution for heavier door leaves. All-glass or wooden sliding doors with door leaf weights of up to 120 kilograms can be moved with elegant ease and effortlessly. Levolan 120, the sleekest design-oriented sliding fitting with an installation height of only 50 x 50 mm with classic GEZE design where all fitting components are concealed and integrated into the track, including Levolan 120 SoftStop draw-in damper that provides comfort and safety. The sliding door leaves are guided gently and safely into the end position so that there is virtually no possibility of anything hitting the frame, or any risk of getting fingers trapped. Specially designed carrier rollers ensure an excellent load distribution and smooth running characteristics. Removal protection is automatically activated when the height of the door leaf is adjusted, thus providing additional safety, almost by itself. The clamping roller carriage of the Levolan 120 is designed for glass thicknesses of 10 - 12.76 millimetres. This enables standard glass thicknesses for laminated safety glass to be integrated easily. The Levolan Smart fix installation system makes installation fast and easy. For more information on GEZE products, please visit http://www.geze.com/ 1) The German Design Council organises this competition, thus creating a unique platform for networking architects and property developers with the interior design industry. It was launched over 60 years ago on the initiative of the German Bundestag. Its task is to promote the quality of our living environments through good design in all areas. A highly qualified, independent jury with representatives from the fields of design, trade and media judges the Interior Innovation entries and chooses the winners. About GEZE The GEZE brand stands for innovation and for top quality products, processes and services. GEZE is one of the leaders in the global market and it is a reliable partner worldwide for door, window and safety technology products and systems. No matter what the requirements of a building are - GEZE implements optimum solutions and combines functionality and security with comfort and design. GEZE door closers open up numerous technical and visual possibilities. Every day, millions of people go through doors equipped with the overhead door closers from the TS 5000 series and enjoy the comfort of automatic door systems, e.g. the Slimdrive range. Barrier free door and window systems provide greater comfort, not only for people with restricted mobility. The glass systems and fitting solutions for the attractively designed sliding systems are the ultimate in design aesthetics. GEZE also offers a wide product range in the field of window and ventilation technology. Complete "intelligent" smoke and heat extraction solutions (RWA) and a comprehensive selection of door systems for RWA air supply solutions are also available for preventive fire protection. GEZE's safety technology includes escape and rescue route solutions, lock technology, and access control systems. The GEZE building management system provides an overview of a building's entire technical facilities. With its systems expertise, GEZE creates coordinated system solutions which combine individual functional and safety requirements in one intelligent system. GEZE product solutions have received numerous awards and can be found in renowned structures all over the world. The company has a global presence with 31 subsidiaries, 27 of which are outside Germany, a flexible and highly efficient sales and service network, and almost 2,800 employees. In the 2014/2015 fiscal year, GEZE achieved a turnover of over 366 million euros. Press contact: Melanie Fernandes melanie@extracake.com +9714-447-4344 VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GQC) (FRANKFURT: M1W) (BERLIN: M1W) ("GoldQuest" or the "Company") is pleased to report a polymetallic discovery named Cachimbo from the latest 4 hole batch of drill results of its ongoing minimum 40 hole, 10,000 metre 2016/17 drill program on its 100% owned Tireo concessions in the Dominican Republic. The Company made this discovery on the third target of the twenty targets being tested in this campaign. Drillhole number TIR-16-09, intersected a new Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) zone which returned high grades of precious and base metals -- notably gold and zinc -- on three horizons (see Table 1 below). This new discovery is located 20.5 kilometres south of GoldQuest's multi-million ounce Romero gold/copper project (see Tables 3 and 4 below). "This discovery once again validates our rigorous exploration approach in the previously unexplored large Tireo Belt land package," commented Bill Fisher, GoldQuest's Executive Chairman. "The discovery of high grade zinc is especially fortuitous since zinc prices have risen 75% during the last year. With this discovery on merely the 3 rd target of 20 such targets, we are optimistic as to the potential of the district, as VMS mineralization often occurs in clusters. Along with the Romero project in full permitting mode, GoldQuest is well-funded and positioned to be one of the most active mineral exploration and development companies of 2017 as we explore the emerging Tireo Belt which has the potential to become a mining district." About the Cachimbo Discovery The Cachimbo discovery is confirmed as VMS mineralization. VMS orebodies host some of the largest and richest mines in the world including Kidd Creek in Canada and Rio Tinto in Spain. The high level of precious metals intersected in Cachimbo are particularly encouraging. The discovery hole is collared 80 metres from at-surface sampling that returned 167 g/t (5.4 oz/t) of gold. The new mineralization is open in both directions along strike. Importantly, the Cachimbo discovery hole displays a 60 metre mineralized package from 51 metres depth to 111 metres depth with multiple significant horizons. The upper horizon returned 4.6 metres grading 4.5 g/t gold and 73 g/t silver with minor base metals from 56.4 metres depth and the main VMS horizon was discovered below with a 4.9 metre interval grading 13.8 g/t gold 74 g/t silver, 11.8 % zinc and 1.1% copper and 0.7% lead within a wider horizon of 15 metres grading 5.3 g/t gold, 31 g/t silver 4.2 % zinc and 0.4% copper and 0.3% lead from 70 metre depth. The ongoing drilling program is on hole 14 in this campaign targeting a separate zone approximately 8 kilometres to the north of hole TIR-16-09. Further drilling at Cachimbo is anticipated to take place systematically once the Company has tested the remaining 17 exploration targets along the belt. Areas where drilling identifies significant mineralization, such as Cachimbo, or high potential for mineralization will be considered for follow up drilling. Table 1. Tireo Drilling Intersections ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIR-16-07 164.0 174.9 10.9 0.35 1.78 0.01 0.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIR-16-08 No significant results ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIR-16-09 51.2 60.96 9.76 2.54 39.97 0.07 0.52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 56.39 60.96 4.57 4.50 72.60 0.52 3.51 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- And 70.0 85.24 15.24 5.27 30.62 0.42 4.21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 73.15 78.04 4.89 13.75 73.73 1.12 11.78 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- And 99.06 111.03 11.97 0.56 11.86 0.02 0.33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIR-16-11 4.57 50 45.43 0.45 6.02 0.02 0.12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Interval grades are calculated using uncapped assays. Gold values did not exceed 20.7 gpt. Intervals may not represent true widths. There is insufficient drilling to determine the orientation of the mineralized bodies at this time. Table 2. Collar locations and hole directions for Tireo holes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hole_ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Final Depth ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIR-16-07 266666 2097339 1207 270 -85 427.33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIR-16-08 267001 2097517 1245 270 -80 347.47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIR-16-09 266307 2097280 1179 270 -80 185.23 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIR-16-11 266258 2097330 1155 0 -90 259.69 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The hole locations are shown on the map found here: http://www.goldquestcorp.com/images/Tireo_Drilling_Update_January_2017.pdf The Company will release the results of the remaining drill results in batches as the assay results become available. Romero Project: Table 3. Mineral Resource Estimate for Romero Project ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Category Zone Tonnes Au Cu Zn Ag AuEq Au Ounces AuEq (g/t) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) Ounces ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated Romero 18,390,000 2.57 0.65 0.31 4.2 3.43 1,520,000 2,028,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Romero South 1,840,000 3.69 0.25 0.18 1.6 4.01 218,000 237,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Indicated Mineral 20,230,000 2.6 0.61 0.30 4.0 3.48 1,738,000 2,265,000 Resources ============================================================================ Inferred Romero 2,120,000 1.80 0.39 0.36 3.2 2.32 123,000 158,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Romero South 900,000 2.57 0.20 0.21 2.1 2.84 74,000 82,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Inferred Mineral 3,020,000 2.03 0.33 0.32 2.9 2.47 197,000 240,000 Resources ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Effective data for the Mineral Resource is September 27, 2016 (2) Mineral Resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant issues. (3) The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in the estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category. (4) Gold Equivalent Metal prices used were $1,400/oz Au, $20.00/oz Ag and $2.50/lb Cu and recoveries of 78.1% for gold, 94.6% for copper and 58.6% for silver. (5) Columns may not calculate precisely due to rounding errors. Table 4. Mineral Reserve Estimate for Romero Project The Probable Mineral Reserves are the economically minable portions of the Indicated Mineral Resource. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Tonnes Au Ag Cu Au Eq (1) Reserves ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Cut off $70 (g/t) (oz) (g/t) (oz) (%) (M lb) (g/t) (oz) NSR) (2) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 7,031,000 3.72 840,000 4.33 980,000 0.88 136 4.9 1,117,000 Probable ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Gold equivalent metal prices $1,300/oz Au, $20.00/oz Ag and $2.50/lb Cu (2) Cut-off NSR metal prices: Cu $2.50/lb Au $1,250/oz Ag $17.00/oz; Recovery: Cu-96.8 Au-71.7 Ag-54.4, Payable: Cu-96.5 Au-90.0 Ag-95.0, TCRC: $257.83/dmt, Cu concentrate 20% QA/QC As part of the Company's Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures (QA/QC), most of the high grade intervals are re"assayed and the Company is awaiting these check samples. In addition, systematic re"assaying of intervals is in progress, to confirm compliance of blanks and duplicates checks. The Company also reviews results from Certified Standard Reference materials (CRSM or Standards), which are inserted at a rate of five per 100 samples. Within the results disclosed herein there were two samples that had results above the recommended tolerances for zinc. Both of the samples were in a batch from hole TIR-16-08 which had no significant results. In GoldQuest's drill programs, composite intervals were chosen using a combination of geological criteria and mineralization, averaging around two metres core length. The drill core is cut in half with one half of the core sample shipped to ACME Labs by GoldQuest technicians. The remaining half of the core is kept at the Company core shack for future assay verification, or any other further investigation. Assays within intervals below the 0.005 g/t detection limit for Au were given a zero value. All drill samples were prepared and screened by ACME Labs (Vancouver); metallic fire assay and multi"element ICP"MS were assayed by ACME Analytical Laboratories (Vancouver). Gold values are determined by standard fire assay with an AA finish, or, if over 10.0 g/t Au, were re"assayed and completed with a gravimetric finish. Copper and zinc values exceeding 0.2% were re-assayed with a 4-acid digestion and AAS finish. When zinc values exceeded 10% a classic titration was carried out for zinc. QA/QC included the insertion and continual monitoring of numerous standards, blanks and duplicates into the sample stream, at random intervals within each batch. The comprehensive GoldQuest Quality Assurance and Quality Control protocols can be viewed on GoldQuest's website at: http://www.goldquestcorp.com/index.php/corporate/corporate"governance. The information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jeremy Niemi, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of GoldQuest and a Qualified Person for the technical information in this press release under NI 43"101 standards. About GoldQuest GoldQuest is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with projects in the Dominican Republic. GoldQuest is traded on the TSX"V under the symbol GQC and in Frankfurt/Berlin with symbol M1W. Forward"looking statements: Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward"looking information that involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward"looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the 2015 drill program, the results of the drill program and the interpretation of the results of the drill program, further drilling, the timing of drilling and assay results, mineral resource estimates, the merits of the Company's mineral properties, future drill programs and studies, and the Company's plans and exploration programs for its mineral properties, including the timing of such plans and programs. In certain cases, forward"looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "has proven", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "potential", "likelihood", "appears", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "at least", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "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. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to uncertainties inherent in drill results and the estimation of mineral resources; commodity prices; changes in general economic conditions; market sentiment; currency exchange rates; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to raise funds through equity financings; risks inherent in mineral exploration; risks related to operations in foreign countries; future prices of metals; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; title disputes or claims; limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of litigation. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may 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, do not place undue reliance on forward"looking statements. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and the Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward"looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. Forward"looking statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, including expectations regarding mineral exploration and development costs; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource estimates; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. CONTACT INFORMATION GoldQuest Mining Corp. www.goldquestcorp.com Julio Espaillat President & Chief Executive Officer +1"829"919"8701 JEspaillat@GoldQuestCorp.com Bill Fisher Executive Chairman -- Toronto +1"647"271"4505 BFisher@GoldQuestCorp.com The number of central and local authorities, state-run and municipal enterprises registering their e-cabinets on the E-Data public finances portal from Russian domains is 10% of the total number of registered e-cabinets, totaling around 37,000. Ukraine's Finance Ministry published a report of the portal for 2016. "Russian capital, Russian IT solutions are actively presented on the Ukrainian market. For example, accounting systems servicing the major part of Ukrainian budget-funded structures are Russian," reads the report. According to the report, in 2016 more information was added to e-cabinets. "As of early [2016] only 76% of e-cabinets had information. The indicator was 91% at the end of the year," reads the report. E-Data is an official public finances portal of Ukraine. All transactions of the State Treasury Service have been published there since September 15, 2015, information about spending by the national and local budgets has been available since November 2015. State-run and municipal companies with over 50% of share belonged to the state or communities started disclosing information in January 2016. The deals database had 42 million deals as of January 1, 2017. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML)(NYSE MKT: DNN) is pleased to report that it has executed an agreement with the partners of the Wheeler River Joint Venture ("WRJV") that will result in an increase in Denison's ownership of the Wheeler River project to up to approximately 66% (currently 60%) by the end of 2018 (the "Agreement"). The Wheeler River property is located in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin, and is a joint venture between Denison (60% ownership and operator), Cameco Corp. ("Cameco") (30% ownership), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Limited ("JCU") (10% ownership), (collectively, the "JV Parties"). Under the terms of the Agreement, the JV Parties have agreed to allow for a one-time election by Cameco to fund 50% of its ordinary share of joint venture expenses in 2017 and 2018. The shortfall in Cameco's contribution will be funded by Denison, in exchange for a transfer of a portion of Cameco's interest in the WRJV. Accordingly, Denison's share of joint venture expenses will be 75% in 2017 and 2018, and Cameco and JCU's share of joint venture expenses will be 15% and 10%, respectively. Denison's President & CEO, David Cates, commented, "This Agreement is of considerable significance to Denison. Following the discovery of the Gryphon deposit in 2014, the Wheeler River project has emerged as the largest high-grade undeveloped uranium project in the eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin. It is incredibly unique to have an opportunity to increase our controlling interest, to up to 66%, through the funding of further exploration and development activities at a project as advanced as Wheeler River. We value the support and encouragement we have received from our JV partners in recent years and this Agreement speaks to the willingness of all of the partners to cooperate towards a common goal of moving Wheeler River forward." In connection with the Agreement, the JV Parties have also approved a CAD$12.5 million work program and budget for the WRJV in 2017, of which Denison's share will be CAD$9.4 million (representing 75%). Denison, as operator of the WRJV, has also agreed to propose a work program and budget for 2018 that will not exceed approximately CAD$15.6 million (being 125% of the approved 2017 budget), and to allocate an aggregate of at least CAD$4 million in joint venture expenditures during 2017 and 2018 to explore regional exploration target areas on the Wheeler River property. Regional exploration target areas include targets located outside of the area immediately surrounding the Gryphon and Phoenix deposits. Based on the approved work program and budget for the WRJV in 2017 (CAD$12.5 million), and the maximum work program and budget for 2018 (CAD$15.6 million), Denison expects that its ownership interest in the Wheeler River project will increase to approximately 66% by December 31, 2018. About Wheeler River The Wheeler River property is a joint venture between Denison (60% and operator), Cameco Corp. (30%), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited (10%), and is host to the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix uranium deposits discovered by Denison in 2014 and 2008, respectively. The Gryphon deposit is hosted in basement rock and is currently estimated to contain inferred resources of 43.0 million pounds U3O8 (above a cut-off grade of 0.2% U3O8) based on 834,000 tonnes of mineralization at an average grade of 2.3% U3O8. The Phoenix unconformity deposit is located approximately 3 kilometres to the southeast of Gryphon and is estimated to include indicated resources of 70.2 million pounds U3O8 (above a cut-off grade of 0.8% U3O8) based on 166,000 tonnes of mineralization at an average grade of 19.1% U3O8, and is the highest grade undeveloped uranium deposit in the world. On April 4th, 2016, Denison announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Wheeler River Project, which considers the potential economic merit of co-developing the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix deposits as a single underground mining operation. The PEA returned a base case pre-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 20.4% based on the current long term contract price of uranium (US$44.00 per pound U3O8), and Denison's share of estimated initial capital expenditures ("CAPEX") of CAD$336M (CAD$560M on 100% ownership basis). Exploration results from the winter and summer 2016 drilling program have not been incorporated into the resource estimate or the PEA. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. On July 19th, 2016 Denison announced the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River property and the complimentary commencement of an infill drilling program at the Gryphon deposit to bring the inferred resources to an indicated level of confidence. The disclosure of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release was prepared by Dale Verran, MSc, Pr.Sci.Nat., Denison's Vice President, Exploration, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. About Denison Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. Including its 60% owned Wheeler River project, which hosts the high grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, Denison's exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering over 350,000 hectares in the infrastructure rich eastern Athabasca Basin. Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture, which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest deposit and a 63.01% interest in the J Zone deposit on the Waterbury Lake property. Both the Midwest and J Zone deposits are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: the Agreement with the JV Parties, and the ability to derive the anticipated benefits thereof; exploration (including drilling) and evaluation activities, plans and objectives; potential mineralization of drill targets; the estimates of Denison's mineral resources, the results of its PEA and plans with respect to the PFS. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the "Risk Factors" in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2016 available under its profile at www.sedar.com and in its Form 40-F available at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. These factors are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in its expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation. Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources: This press release may use the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. Contacts: Denison Mines Corp. David Cates President and Chief Executive Officer (416) 979-1991 ext. 362 Denison Mines Corp. Sophia Shane Investor Relations (604) 689-7842 Follow Denison on Twitter @DenisonMinesCo MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Sphinx Resources Ltd. ("Sphinx" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: SFX) is pleased to announce the results of the 2016 exploration program carried out on the Chemin Troilus project (the "Project"). The presence of anomalous counts of morphologically pristine gold grains in till samples collected at the head of a gold-bearing boulder dispersal train suggest a proximal common source in an area of 1.2 by 1.0 km up-ice of the head of a boulders dispersal train (Figure 1 attached). The discovery of the Troilus Mine located 25 km north-east of the Project was also the result of follow-up prospecting of mineralized boulders. The mine was previously operated by Inmet Mining Corporation from 1997 to 2010 and produced more than 2 million ounces of gold and 70,000 tonnes of copper. The Troilus Mine is currently held by Sulliden Mining Capital Inc. ("Sulliden") who have released a recent, indicated mineral resource estimate of 44 million tonnes containing 1.27 g/t Au and 0.12% Cu (Sulliden's press release dated May 25, 2016). The mineralization hosted at the Troilus Mine is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization hosted on the Corporation's Project. The Project is located at the southwest end of a gold-copper corridor trending north-east. This corridor is located at the northern limit of the Frotet-Evans greenstone belt, in the Opatica geological subprovince of the Superior Province and includes the Troilus Mine. The Project consists of 61 claims (33.2 km2). It is located 110 km north-north-west of the town of Chibougamau along existing road access to the Troilus Mine and therefore exploration can be carried out at a low cost. Highlights A total of 47 till samples and 28 rock samples were taken upstream and laterally from the area identified by mineralized boulders discovered in 2015 (see June 13, 2016 press release). Till samples weighing about 12 kg were collected at a depth of about 1.2 meters. The samples are from the following areas (attached Figure 1): -- 13 samples in the immediate area of the mineralized boulders taken at a maximum distance of 300 m northeast of the boulders and with a sample spacing of less than 100 meters; -- 16 samples on lines 500 m and 1,200 m northeast of the mineralized boulders with a sample spacing at approximately 300 m intervals on lines spaced 500 to 800 m apart and oriented perpendicular to the direction of glacial transport; -- 10 samples along the Troilus Mine road in the northeast area of the Project, 3 km northeast of the boulder train with a spacing of approximately 300 meters; and -- 8 samples in other lateral areas to the dispersion train of the mineralized boulders. Gold grains were recovered from 47 till samples and a total of 34 samples contain one or more grains larger than 50 microns, 8 of which are described as "pristine". Pristine grains are generally interpreted as derived from sources proximal to the primary source. Prospecting has discovered a new sub-angular block of approximately 1 m3 in size that returned an assay of 0.62 g/t Au. It is located approximately 50 m northeast of the head of the dispersal train identified in 2015. The boulder is slightly magnetic and contains 1 to 2% pyrite. Previous prospecting conducted in 2015 by Les RessourcesTectonic Inc. ("Tectonic") identified 13 mineralized blocks in an area of 220 m by 45 m oriented northeast within in the corridor and returned values up to 1.57 g/t Au (June 13, 2016 press release). The Corporation believes that the results of the 2016 exploration campaign are very encouraging and define a prospective area of 1.2 by 1.0 km upstream of the head of the dispersion train of mineralized boulders and till samples containing pristine gold grains. On the basis of these results, the Corporation plans to carry out field work in 2017, including a magnetic survey and an induced polarization survey. The objective of these surveys is to discover the primary source of the mineralized blocks through definition of targets that can be tested by drilling. Prospecting was carried out during August and September by Tectonic under the supervision of Jean Laforest, ing., with the collaboration of the Table jamesienne de concertation miniere of Chibougamau. Till samples were processed and examined by IOS Services Geoscientiques inc. of Chicoutimi. The gold grains were extracted, and their dimensions measured and classified as "pristine", "modified", or "reshaped" to estimate the distance the gold grains travelled from their potential bedrock source. The ARTGold method was used for the detection of detrital gold grains (web site www.iosgeo.com). The analysis of the rock samples from surface blocks was carried out by ALS Chemex of Val d'Or using the ICP-21 methods for gold and ME-ICP61 for 33 elements. Funding for the program includes funds provided by the Societe d'investissement dans la diversification de l'exploration (SIDEX) as part of its "Field-Action 2016" program. The technical information presented in this press release has been approved by Normand Champigny, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sphinx, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. About Sphinx Sphinx is engaged in the generation and acquisition of precious metals exploration projects in Quebec, a Canadian province which is recognized as an attractive mining jurisdiction worldwide. For further information, please consult Sphinx's website: www.sphinxresources.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and activities to vary materially from targeted results and planning. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Sphinx's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Sphinx from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. Contacts: Normand Champigny President and Chief Executive Officer 514.979.4746 info@sphinxresources.ca www.sphinxresources.ca Stingray (TSX: RAY.A)(TSX: RAY.B) is a leading business-to-business multi-platform music and in-store media solutions provider operating on a global scale, reaching an estimated 400 million Pay-TV subscribers (or households) in 152 countries. Geared towards individuals and businesses alike, Stingray's products include the following leading digital music and video services: Stingray Music, Stingray Concerts, Stingray iConcerts, Stingray Brava, Stingray DJAZZ, Stingray Music Videos, Stingray Lite TV, Stingray Ambiance, Stingray Karaoke, Festival 4K, and Classica. Stingray also offers various business solutions, including music and digital display-based solutions, through its Stingray Business division. Stingray is headquartered in Montreal and currently has close to 300 employees worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Israel, Australia and South Korea. Stingray was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as a finalist in the Top 50 of Deloitte's Technology Fast 50TM list, and figures amongst PROFIT magazine's fastest-growing Canadian companies. In 2016, Stingray was awarded best IR for an IPO at the IR Magazine Awards - Canada. For more information, please visit www.stingray.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. Today, the European Commission has presented its Proposal for a Regulation on e-Privacy. It is intended to replace Directive 2002/58/EC and it adds to the existing General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). ETNO and GSMA Europe recognise the European Commission's goal to protect the confidentiality of electronic communications and establish a harmonised framework for electronic communications data. Telecom operators are committed to enhancing consumer trust, which is crucial for the development of the data economy. However, we call on the co-legislators to correct the new e-Privacy Regulation and make sure it allows a customer-friendly and innovation-ready approach. Only in this way the EU will capitalise on the data economy, create new societal opportunities and boost the provision of innovative consumer services. While we embrace the need to fully protect consumers, we believe that the General Data Protection Regulation already provides a technologically-neutral and future-oriented framework to this end. Restrictive e-Privacy rules would result in unfair double regulation of one sector compared to others. For this reason, ETNO and the GSMA call for legislators to ensure that the final Regulation takes into account new services and that all providers are subject to the same rules. Unless we overcome the current inconsistencies and restrictions, telecom operators in Europe will be prevented from expanding consumer choice and offering new competitive services to citizens. We call on legislators to ensure that the new e-Privacy Regulation does not miss the opportunity to provide a consistent framework for the data economy, enabling companies to provide data-driven services. This can be achieved by making sure that the new Regulation: is fully aligned with the GDPR as regards further processing of personal data. Accordingly, this should be allowed when compatible with the initial purpose for which the data was collected, when an impact assessment has been performed and if appropriate safeguards apply (e.g. pseudonymisation). In this way we can, for example, perform big data analytics in the interest of customers or for public purposes; does not single out Communication Services by applying stricter requirements than those imposed on other service providers that process similar data (e.g. source, destination, date, time and/or location of the data or device). Only in this way we can, for example, provide mapping services that compete with those already provided by other players. As Europe demands that telcos build a 5G and Internet of Things-ready Europe, we need to ensure that the new e-Privacy Regulation is consistent with such shared objectives. Both consumers and the industry need simple and clear rules instead of a double regime with blurred boundaries. Rules applying to the processing of location data in connected cars, IoT devices or mobile apps illustrate the issues at stake, as we risk to jeopardise 5G business models. A trust-based use of the data collected by telecom operators is crucial to realising the benefits of the Digital Single Market. Lise Fuhr, Director General of ETNO, said: "There is no European data economy without an innovation-oriented Regulation. Telcos should be able to innovate and provide more choice to European customers Afke Schaart, Vice-President Europe at GSMA, said: "Just like the Commission, we consider it is fundamental to create a privacy framework that enhances consumer trust in the context of electronic communications. However, we must ensure that the detailed requirements, such as the limited lawful grounds for processing, do not inadvertently frustrate use of metadata that is both innovative and sensitive to privacy concerns About the GSMA The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences. For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA and @GSMAPolicy. About the ETNO ETNO has been the voice of Europe's telecommunication network operators since 1992 and has become the principal policy group for European electronic communications network operators. Its 41 members and observers from Europe and beyond are the backbone of Europe's digital progress. They are the main drivers of broadband and are committed to its continual growth in Europe. ETNO members are pan-European operators that also hold new entrant positions outside their national markets. For more information, see ETNO's website www.etno.eu. Follow ETNO on Twitter @ETNOAssociation. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005701/en/ Contacts: Media inquiries: For ETNO Alessandro Gropelli, Director of Communications gropelli@etno.eu +32 476 94 18 39 or For GSMA Olivier Lechien, PR Director Europe olechien@gsma.com +32 479 99 01 63 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Abaxis Inc. (ABAX)said that it expects revenues in the third fiscal quarter of $52.0 million to $53.0 million, flat with last year's comparable quarter. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report revenues of $58 million. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Performance in the third fiscal quarter was hindered by a difficult comparison for Abaxis' medical business, as a result of the sale of 200 Piccolo Xpress instruments to a medical device distributor in the People's Republic of China in the same quarter last year. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced revenues by approximately $0.7 million. The reduction of some medical and veterinary orders from distributors, including Abbott Point of Care, Inc., further impacted revenues and continuing competitive challenges in Abaxis' veterinary business also limited its growth. In addition, Abaxis expects operating income in the third fiscal quarter of $10.0 million to $11.0 million compared to $11.3 million in last year's third quarter. Abaxis expects its gross margin for the third fiscal quarter to be between 55% and 56%. Abaxis plans to announce its detailed earnings results on January 26, 2017. 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. DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Ubiquitech Software Corp. (OTC PINK: UBQU) is announcing its final name change with timeline on FINRA filings and all legal proceedings as well as a timeline on symbol change. The new name of the company will be Endo BioSciences Inc., and HempLife Today will continue to be the main subsidiary of the company. The Company had voted last year to rename the company HempLife Today Inc., but after much deliberation and discussion on the future of the company and what would be best for growth and sustainability a final vote was taken and Endo BioSciences Inc. was selected as the new public entity. The company unanimously agreed that the name Endo BioSciences Inc. better reflects the vision of the company and broadens the business model so that new divisions and products can be added in the future. While the Company will continue its primary focus on HempLife Today and the continuing growth of the Hemp CBD (Cannabidiol) industry, with this new name the company has more options in the future as more is learned about the medical value of cannabis and its many applications. "After all this time we are now actually happy that we had delays with our original name change," said James Ballas, CEO. "We always make what we believe are meticulous and strategic plans and do our best to stick with them, but sometimes we also find that positive things can emerge from what appear to be roadblocks, and the naming of the company has shown to be one of these situations. Had we gone with our original choice we would not have the ability to capitalize as well on growth and emerging technologies in our industry that we know are coming in the future. But, with Endo BioSciences Inc, the sky is the limit with what we can do with HempLife Today. Very, very exciting." The origins of the name come from "Endo" which means "internal," or "from within," "Bio" for biology and the body, and "Sciences" as in "applied science" which encompasses the body, healing, and medicine. In the companies case this refers to natural medicine and holistic healing. In addition, while the company understands that the name and symbol change is vitally important to the growth of the company and its shareholders. The company also wants shareholders to focus on the core growth of the company, the outstanding CannazALL CBD products it creates, and the consistent quarter by quarter growth that the company experiences as what is most important. "This is not the easiest business model in the world," adds Tim Zorn, President, "and there are many areas that are not as simple to navigate as other businesses we have developed. But, speaking for myself, and everyone who works with us, we all know that this company is the one that we believe will be the greatest success and have the most impact, and our team has done a stunning job of bringing us to this point. It's going to be a fantastic year." The new name has been reserved with the State of Colorado, and all appropriate domains have been reserved as well. Additional State of Colorado requirements will be met over the next week. Once all documents are returned from the State, they will be transmitted to the Transfer agent for processing through DTC. Then a new complete package will be submitted to FINRA to finalize the name and symbol change. We thank our investors for their patience with this process, and are grateful that investors continue to recognize the importance of CBD in our world today. We look forward to continuing to grow company sales and profits, and leveraging our success into new product offerings in 2017. "We look forward to updating our shareholders again this week, twice per week for the rest of the month, and letting everyone know the incredible strides we are making for 1st quarter and throughout 2017," said James Ballas, CEO. About Ubiquitech (HempLife Today) Ubiquitech Software Corp, through its subsidiaries is a dynamic multi-media, multi-faceted corporation utilizing state-of-the-art global internet marketing, Direct Response (DRTV) Television, Radio, and traditional marketing, to drive traffic to the new and emerging multi-billion dollar industries like its subsidiary HempLifeToday.com HempLifeToday focuses on the exciting and dynamic new thinking in the world today that recognizes the important health and life enriching enhancement that CBD Oil from the Hemp plant can bring. Through its network of quality USA growers HempLifeToday.com has developed multiple and proprietary CannazALL CBD oil products that include; It's popular CBD Tinctures, Oils, GelCaps, CBD Powder, Skin Salve, Wax Crumble, and e-liquid, all offered @ www.HempLifeToday.com This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends', "believes', and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce operating expenses, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the OTC Markets Group. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward- looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release. Contact: Investor Relations Joe Sirianni MIDAM Ventures, LLC 305-707-7018 joe@midamir.com FT. LAUDERDALE, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- MediXall Group Inc., (OTCQB: MDXL), a technology and innovation-driven organization purposefully designed and structured to bring effective change to the U.S. healthcare industry, is pleased to announce that it has completed a merger and now trades on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol MDXL. This transaction is expected to significantly enhance MediXall's competitive position, accelerate its strategic development, and cement its long-term growth opportunity. MediXall Group's mission is to revolutionize the medical industry by improving communication; providing better technology and support services; and enabling more efficient, cost-effective healthcare for the consumer. By approaching the healthcare ecosystem MediXall creates, invests and incubates companies that embody its mission statement. Before investing in the development of a company, it must address these five objectives: 1. Reduces cost 2. Promotes better care and improves overall consumer wellness 3. Creates efficiencies and reduces waste and/or redundancies 4. Follows the master trend in healthcare and demographics 5. Remains consistent with U.S. Policies in the industry MediXall's management team will remain with MediXall Group under the leadership of current Chairman, Strategic Officer and Founder, Noel J. Guillama. With over 25 years of experience in nearly all segments of healthcare, Mr. Guillama is recognized as an innovator in the industry. Mr. Guillama has been committed to identifying and bringing to market those solutions that do not simply address symptoms but can cure some of the fundamental ailments in the health care industry. He has numerous issued and pending patents dealing with healthcare, cloud computing, data analytics, database management, and integration of systems. In 1996, when he founded Metropolitan Health networks, Inc., MetCare, where he served as Chairman and CEO until 2000. By the time of his departure, he had grown MetCare to one of Florida's largest independent healthcare management companies, providing care to over 20,000 Medicare beneficiaries and generating over $110 million in annualized revenues. Following MetCare, Mr. Guillama founded The Quantum Group Inc. (Formerly NYSE Amex QGP) of Wellington, FL. Quantum, a shareholder in MDXL, is a healthcare information technology company and owner of a robust portfolio containing 13 granted patents the United States Patent and Trademark Office with still 18 pending patents and more than 800 combined patent claims. Noel J. Guillama, stated, "Being a public company provides MDXL resources not previously available. MediXall will benefit by having access to a broader range of funding resources, in addition to experienced financial management through TBG Holdings Corp. This will enable us to expand our operations more rapidly, acquire strategic assets, and help impact healthcare in a material way. It is an exciting time for the Company and its investors." About MediXall Group, Inc. MediXall Group is a technology and innovation-driven organization purposefully designed and structured to bring effective change to the U.S. healthcare industry. The Company believes its revolutionary approach will help drive much needed change that it envisions is needed in the current healthcare system. The mission of the MediXall Group is to revolutionize the medical industry by improving communication; providing better technology and support services; and enabling more efficient, cost-effective healthcare for the consumer. By approaching the healthcare ecosystem as a whole, MediXall creates, invests and incubates companies that embody it's mission statement. MediXall's first acquisition was MediXaidTM, a developing cloud-based software platform that promises to revolutionize the way people purchase healthcare goods and services. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the Company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. Specifically, the Company's ability to raise additional capital, execute its business plan and strategy, sustain or increase gross margins, achieve profitability and build shareholder value are forward looking statements. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the Company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Steve Bryant Vice President, Investor Relations MediXall Group of FL 954-440-4678 sbryant@medixall.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Tangelo Games Corp. ("Tangelo" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: GEL), a leading developer and operator of social casino games, has reached an agreement with its lenders to amend certain terms of its outstanding credit agreement. Tangelo previously completed a secured debt financing pursuant to an amended and restated credit agreement dated November 16, 2015, which amended the terms of a prior credit agreement dated January 30, 2015, as amended (together, the "Credit Agreement") among the Company, as borrower, the subsidiaries of Tangelo, as credit parties, a syndicate of lenders (the "Lenders"), and the Lenders' administrative agent, Third Eye Capital Corporation ("TEC"). The Company and its subsidiaries have entered into a waiver and amendment (the "Amendment") to the Credit Agreement with TEC, on behalf of the Lenders, waiving breaches by the Company of certain covenants and amending the covenant thresholds for future periods. Pursuant to the Amendment, Tangelo's obligations to repay principal of US$14 million on or before December 31, 2016 has been amended and the Company is now obligated to pay the greater of US$10 million and 90% of the proceeds of any equity or M&A transaction completed by Tangelo on or before March 31, 2017. No other repayment of principal will be due under the Credit Agreement until the facility matures. TEC also agreed to amend the current ratio, minimum cash, average daily active user and unique buyer covenants for the periods from December 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017. As consideration for these amendments, among other things, the Company agreed to pay to the Lenders a US$200,000 fee. Additionally, the Company has agreed to amend the exercise price for 35,000,000 non-transferrable warrants (the "Warrants") issued by the Company to the Lenders to a price equal to the closing price of the Company's common shares for the 10 trading days prior to this announcement (or as determined in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) in connection with the announcement of the Amendment. The Amendment is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, approval by the TSX Venture Exchange of the amendment to the exercise price for the Warrants. About Tangelo Games Tangelo Games Corp., the parent company of Diwip and Akamon, formerly known as Imperus Technologies Corp., is a developer of social and mobile gaming for PC, Mac, iOS and Android platforms. Diwip and Akamon design, develop and distribute their top ranked social casino-themed games within online social networks (such as Facebook) and mobile platforms (such as Android and iPhone). All of the Diwip and Akamon games are free to play and generate revenue primarily through the in-game sale of virtual coins. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking information" which involves 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 such forward-looking information. When used in this press release, such forward-looking information may use such words as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan" and other similar terminology. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Amendment, the repricing of the Warrants and the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations relating to the future events and the operating performance of the Company, and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, regulatory requirements, general economic, market or business conditions and future developments in the sectors of the economy in which the business of Tangelo operates. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Please see the Company's short form prospectus dated March 27, 2015, the Company's Annual Information Form dated November 11, 2015 and other documents available on www.sedar.com, for a more detailed description of the risk factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether a result of new information, future results or otherwise, except as required by law. 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: Tangelo Games Corp. Isabel Guerrero +34 687 55 28 55 Twitter: www.twitter.com/TangeloGames Pinnacle Capital Markets Ltd. Investor Relations Spyros Karellas 416-433-5696 spyros@pinnaclecapitalmarkets.ca WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Ventas, Inc. (VTR) announced it expects to achieve normalized Funds From Operations per share for 2016 approximating the high-end of its previously announced guidance range of $4.10 to $4.13. The company's full year 2016 same-store cash NOI growth is expected to be within its prior guidance of 2.5 to 3 percent. For 2017, the company's preliminary expectations include: normalized FFO per share of $4.12 to $4.18; and total company same-store cash NOI growth of 1.5 to 2.5 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE: ORE) is pleased to announce its updated 2017 Mineral Resource statement (Table 1), subsequent to its release of September 7, 2016, for its Bombore Project in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The updated resource estimation was performed by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (RPA) in Toronto, Ontario. Mineral Resources are estimated at variable cutoff grades depending on weathering layer and geographic location. The overall results (Table 2) show that the gold ounces contained in the 2017 Measured and Indicated (M&I) resource have increased by 15% from 3.22 million ounces to 3.69 million ounces with a 5% reduction in the average gold grade to 0.92 gram per tonne (gpt) as compared to the 2016 estimate. Of this, the Oxidized and Transition M&I resource increased by 10% with a 3% reduction in the average gold grade to 0.87 gpt and the fresh rock (Sulphide) M&I resource increased by 18% with the average gold grade reduced by 7% to 0.97 gpt. For comparison purposes, Table 2 also includes the 2013 resource statement based on the same cutoff grades (0.45 gpt for oxide & transition and 0.5 gpt for sulphide). These cutoff grades are well above the lower economic cutoff grades that will be used for estimating the 2017 reserves. The increase in resources is directly attributable to the recent modeling (wireframing) of the additional mineralization that had been categorized as the waste domain (third domain) within the pit shells that constrained the 2016 estimate and not due to a change in methodology or gold price. The 2017 Mineral Resource Statement (Table 1) reports at the calculated economic cutoff gold grades of 0.2 gpt for oxide and 0.38 gpt sulphide. Compared to the 2016 estimate, at the calculated economic cutoff grades, the total Oxide and Transition M&I resources increased from 1.935 million ounces to 2.214 million ounces and the total Sulphide M&I resources increased from 2.074 million ounces to 2.556 million ounces. The 2017 resource estimation methodology and parameters as applied to the Measured and Indicated categories, of both the higher and lower grade cutoffs, has remained unchanged from the 2016 estimate. The 2017 Inferred category includes one additional step in methodology as described below, however, this is not considered to be a material change. Table 1 - 2017 Mineral Resources Statement for the Bombore Deposit, Burkina Faso, West Africa Measured Indicated Mineral Resource Mineral Resource Cutoff Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold Material Type gpt Mt gpt koz Mt gpt koz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oxide+Tran HG 0.45 16.9 0.94 513 36.5 0.83 974 0.2 to Oxide+Tran LG 0.45 18.5 0.33 196 50.1 0.33 531 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Ox+Tr 0.20 35.4 0.62 709 86.7 0.54 1,505 Fresh HG 0.50 2.3 1.18 87 68.7 0.96 2,121 0.38 to Fresh LG 0.5 0.8 0.43 11 24.2 0.43 337 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Fresh 0.38 3.1 0.99 97 93.0 0.82 2,458 Total HG 19.2 0.97 600 105.3 0.91 3,095 Total LG 19.2 0.33 206 74.4 0.36 868 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total HG + LG 38.4 0.65 806 179.6 0.69 3,964 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Measured and Indicated Inferred Mineral Resource Mineral Resource Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold Material Type Mt gpt koz Mt gpt koz --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oxide+Tran HG 53.4 0.87 1,487 4.8 0.77 117 Oxide+Tran LG 68.6 0.33 727 16.4 0.29 151 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Ox+Tr 122.0 0.56 2,214 21.2 0.39 268 Fresh HG 71.0 0.97 2,208 20.1 0.97 630 Fresh LG 25.0 0.43 348 6.9 0.43 96 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Fresh 96.0 0.83 2,556 27.0 0.84 726 Total HG 124.5 0.92 3,695 24.9 0.93 747 Total LG 93.6 0.36 1,075 23.3 0.33 246 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total HG + LG 218.1 0.68 4,770 48.2 0.64 994 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: 1. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. 2. HG indicates material above the higher grade cutoffs, LG indicates low grade material between the high grade and breakeven cutoff grades. 3. Mineral Resources are estimated at variable cutoff grades depending on weathering layer and location. 4. Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$1,400 per ounce. 5. A minimum mining width of approximately 3 m was used. 6. Bulk densities vary by material type. 6. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 7. Numbers may not add due to rounding. 8. The effective date of this Mineral Resource statement is January 5, 2017. Table 2 - Comparison Table of 2017 to 2016 Mineral Resource Estimates at Similar Cut-off Grades Measured Indicated Mineral Resource Mineral Resource Cutoff Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold gpt Mt gpt Koz Mt gpt Koz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2013 Ox+Tr 0.45 38.9 0.94 1,174 28.3 0.87 789 2016 Ox+Tr 0.45 16.3 0.98 514 30.7 0.85 840 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Ox+Tr 0.45 16.9 0.94 513 36.5 0.83 974 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difference 0.5 (0.03) (2) 5.8 (0.02) 134 Percent Difference 3% -4% 0% 19% -2% 16% 2013 Fresh (Fr) 0.50 44.1 1.03 1,456 28.6 1.24 1,142 2016 Fresh 0.50 6.7 1.07 232 49.1 1.04 1,638 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Fresh 0.50 2.3 1.18 87 68.7 0.96 2,121 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difference (4.4) 0.10 (145) 19.6 (0.08) 483 Percent Difference -66% 9% -63% 40% -8% 29% 2013 Ox+Tr+Fr 83.0 0.99 2,630 56.8 1.06 1,931 2016 Ox+Tr+Fr 23.0 1.01 746 79.8 0.97 2,478 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Ox+Tr+Fr 19.2 0.97 600 105.3 0.91 3,095 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difference (3.9) (0.03) (147) 25.4 (0.05) 617 Percent Difference -17% -3% -20% 32% -5% 25% Measured and Indicated Inferred Mineral Resource Mineral Resource Tonnes Grade Gold Tonnes Grade Gold Mt gpt Koz Mt gpt Koz --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2013 Ox+Tr 67.2 0.91 1,964 6.4 0.92 189 2016 Ox+Tr 47.1 0.89 1,355 1.0 0.76 24 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Ox+Tr 53.4 0.87 1,487 4.8 0.77 117 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difference 6.3 (0.03) 133 3.8 0.00 93 Percent Difference 13% -3% 10% 381% 0% 383% 2013 Fresh (Fr) 72.7 1.11 2,598 12.1 1.38 534 2016 Fresh 55.8 1.04 1,870 15.9 0.89 457 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Fresh 71.0 0.97 2,208 20.1 0.97 630 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difference 15.2 (0.08) 338 4.2 0.08 174 Percent Difference 27% -7% 18% 26% 9% 38% 2013 Ox+Tr+Fr 139.9 1.01 4,561 18.4 1.22 723 2016 Ox+Tr+Fr 102.9 0.97 3,224 16.9 0.88 481 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Ox+Tr+Fr 124.5 0.92 3,695 24.9 0.93 747 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difference 21.6 (0.05) 471 8.0 0.05 267 Percent Difference 21% -5% 15% 47% 6% 55% Notes: A subset of the 2017 and 2016 Mineral Resources is reported in this table in order to draw comparisons to the 2013 model which was reported at a lower cutoff grade of 0.45 gpt for oxide and transition material and 0.50 gpt for fresh material. As previously stated on Sept 7, 2016 approximately one third of the reduction in M&I resources between the 2013 and 2016 estimates was related to environmentally sensitive areas and areas set aside for the benefit of local artisanal miners. Most of these resources were already excluded from the 2015 feasibility study reserve estimation and will remain excluded in the 2017 feasibility update. Some of these resources may be recaptured in the future through independent studies and permitting. By combining the 2017 increase in resources with this voluntary reduction in resources for technical and practical reasons, the difference between 2013 and 2017 resource estimates is now less significant. With the resource updated and complete, the Company is now working with RPA to complete the Mineral Reserves and Mine Plan in order to update and optimize the 2015 Phase 1 feasibility study. "The 2017 resource update shows a significant increase over the 2016 estimate and better reflects the mineralization that was not previously wireframed (accounted for) in the 2016 estimate." stated Ron Little, CEO for Orezone. "It is important to note that we followed the same methodology, protocols and parameters as those used in the 2016 estimate along with the same level of rigor and conservatism. Some upside remains in the area of Inferred resources that occur within the pit shells that constrain the resource (in the third domain) that may well be upgraded and included within future mine production by grade control drilling during the mining phase." The Bombore project benefits from a large oxide and sulphide resource that allows for flexibility and potential expansion of the process facility. The resource remains open at depth and for the most part along strike. The Company is planning further drilling for infill, expansion, and model testing purposes during H1 2017 once the appropriate permits have been received. Part of the focus of this drilling is to define and upgrade the mineralization that is currently unclassified and occurs within the resource pit limits. This drilling will generally be shallow and designed to demonstrate the ability to upgrade resources by expanding grade domains and to test areas that have been previously identified as prospective but are presently excluded from the current estimate. The 2017 estimation methodology: The methodology used for the current resource estimate was mostly the same as the September 7, 2016 estimate with the addition of 391 lower grade envelopes to the North and South models, many of which demonstrate grade continuity suitable to be classified as Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, and the addition of a minor third domain located outside the envelopes as an unconstrained model using a limited search ellipse up to 35 m by 35 m by 2.5 m. All of the "third domain" was classified as Inferred. The methodology included estimating the grade in two principal grade domains, a higher grade +0.45 gpt domain (the core of mineralization) and a lower grade 0.2 to 0.45 gpt domain (the lower grade halo around the core). The grade of each domain (or envelope) was estimated using only the composited assays that occur within each envelope and thereby there was a hard boundary between each domain. Assays were capped prior to compositing to 1.5 m. Block grades were estimated using ordinary kriging and classified according to drill hole spacing and the apparent continuity of the mineralized zones. Mineral Resources were reporting in preliminary pit shells generated in Whittle software. The Company plans to issue an updated feasibility study in Q2 2017 that will include amongst other things, the 2017 resource statement and the minor changes to section 14 (Estimation Methodology) from that described in the September 7, 2016 resource report filed on SEDAR on November 2, 2016. The Company and RPA confirm that the description of the methodology in the 2016 report sufficiently supports and applies to those same techniques used by RPA to estimate the 2017 Measured and Indicated resources. The 2016 estimation methodology: The methodology included estimating the grade in two principal grade domains, a higher grade +0.45 gpt domain (the core of mineralization) and a lower grade 0.2 to 0.45 gpt domain (the lower grade halo around the core). The grade of each domain (or envelope) was estimated using only the composited assays that occur within each envelope and thereby there was a hard boundary between each domain. The 2013 estimation methodology: The Company worked with SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. to produce the 2013 resource model which included the definition of the higher grade domains using +0.5 gpt wireframe envelope and the Company created a lithological model that was used to constrain the low-grade gold domains. SRK estimated block grades inside the higher grade domains using only those composited samples located within that domain. The block grades inside the lower grade domains were constrained by lithological wireframes and were assigned a grade based on composites from that domain as well as composites from nearby higher grade domains within a certain distance. This ensured grade continuity of the higher grade zones while overcoming software limitations at that time. In this process, the lower grade domains could be described as having a hybrid or semi-hard boundary between the higher grade and lower grade domains. Domains identified as waste were not estimated. Tim Miller, SME and COO, Pascal Marquis, Geo and SVP and Ron Little, P.Eng. and CEO of Orezone, are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101 and have reviewed the information in this release. Readers should refer to the annual information form of Orezone for the year ended December 31, 2015 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Orezone since January 1, 2016 available at www.sedar.com, for this detailed information, which is subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein. Qualified Person - Mineral Resources: The 2017 Mineral Resources disclosed in this press release have been prepared under the supervision of Reno Pressacco, P.Geo., Jose Texidor-Carlsson, P.Geo., and Tudorel Ciuculescu, P.Geo., all employees of RPA and independent of Orezone. By virtue of their education and relevant experience, Messrs. Pressacco, Texidor-Carlsson and Ciuculescu are "Qualified Persons" for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014). Messrs. Pressacco, Texidor-Carlsson and Ciuculescu have read and approved the contents of this press release as it pertains to the disclosed Mineral Resource estimate. About Orezone Gold Corporation Orezone is a Canadian company with a successful track record of gold discoveries and mine development experience in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Company owns a 100% interest in Bombore, one of the largest and permitted undeveloped oxide gold deposit in West Africa, situated 85 km east of the capital city, adjacent to an international highway. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding, among others; the Company plans to issue an updated feasibility study in Q2 2017, to complete additional drilling for infill, expansion and model testing purposes during H2 2017 once appropriate permits are received, and that upside remains in the inferred resource that occur within the pit shells that constrain the resource (in the third domain) that may only be upgraded by grade control drilling during the mining phase. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release. This news release also contains estimates of Mineral Resources. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation by qualified persons, which may prove to be unreliable, subject to dispute, and depend, to a certain extent, upon the methodology used and the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in metal or mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals or licenses, or changes in the terms and conditions of any such permits, approvals or licenses; and (vii) changes in methodology. 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. Contacts: Orezone Gold Corporation +1 (613) 241 3699 Toll Free: (888) 673 0663 Latvian citizens and port specialists Raivis Veckagans will be appointed acting chairman of state-run enterprise Ukrainian Sea Port Authority, the press service of Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry has reported. According to the report, Veckagans has over 16 years of successful management in the transport and logistics, shipping and financial services sectors. He was board member and Vice President of Latvian Shipping Company, board member of Rigas Centralais Terminals and board chairman of Riga Container Terminal LLC. "Despite many attempts of the government and Infrastructure Ministry of Ukraine to normalize operations of the Ukrainian Sea Port Authority, this enterprise is the example of inefficiency, corruption and abuse of power. There are many questions about management of the authority. There was no larger resistance of top managers of the enterprise to any proposals of the ministry to settle its operations. We are reshuffling top managers of the Sea Port Authority. This will be a first step in the large-scale reform of the maritime sector," Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan said. He said that he announced the changes early December 2016. "Maybe, this induced the top managers we are reshuffling to add bonuses of UAH 700,000-1.5 million per person for December. These are only official bonuses. We can only imagine the scale of abuse of office at the state-run enterprise," the minister said. He also said that the ministry appointed Serhiy Hronsky acting chairman of the Ukrainian Sea Port Authority to normalize the operation of the enterprise. "This is a temporary measure aimed at establishing the normal working dialog between the ministry and the authority and halt abuse of power at the enterprise. This week new acting head - Raivis Veckagans will be appointed," he said. Carson City, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2017) - Cell MedX Corp. (OTCQB: CMXC), Cell MedX Corp. ("Cell MedX" or the "Company"), announces that it has received more positive observational results from our distributor, Mr. Greg Pek, in Manilla, Philippines. Mr. Greg Pek has been conducting observational trials with the supervision of Dr. Caballeros over the past five months and has recently added Mr. Cesar Diones, a Physiotherapist, to assist in expanding the trials. There are currently twenty seven individuals participating in these trials and nearly all have expressed great improvements since commencing the observations. These individuals have expressed relief from a variety of different issues including but not limited to edema, neuropathy, kidney problems and chronic pain conditions. Since beginning these trials, Mr. Pek has noticed that through regular sessions, usually 15 minutes, two to three times a week, these individuals continually report improvements in overall health and wellness. A 69 year old male with diabetes, arthritis and overall general pain stated; "All the pain was gone in the first week, cramps are gone and I feel stronger!" also a 61 year old female with arthritis, back pain and insomnia said "I have no more pain, I sleep well and the feeling in my hands have been restored." Many of these testimonials can be viewed on the Cell MedX website by clicking on the treatments tab. Mr. McEnulty, the Company's CEO, stated: "I am very excited by the findings of Mr. Pek's work and we look forward to his collaborative effort with Dr. Caballeros and Mr. Diones in Manilla." About Cell MedX Corp. Cell MedX Corp. is an early development stage bio-tech company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic products that promote general wellness and alleviate complications associated with medical conditions including, but not limited to, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure. For more information about the Company and its technology please visit our website at: www.cellmedx.com, for the Company's weekly newsletter, please go to www.cellmedx.com/media/newsletters/ On behalf of the Board of Directors of Cell MedX Corp. Frank McEnulty Chief Executive Officer and President. Forward Looking Statements The information included in this press release has not been reviewed by the FDA, nor has it been peer reviewed. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as "expects", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "anticipates", "believes", "could", and other similar words. All statements addressing product performance, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Because the statements are forward-looking, they should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties, some of which are described in the Company's Quarterly, Annual and Current Reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company's underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those currently anticipated. In addition, undue reliance should not be placed on Company's forward-looking statements. In particular, the Company's eBalance technology is still in development. Except as required by law, Cell MedX Corp. disclaims any obligation to update or publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory body has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are advised to carefully review the reports and documents that Cell MedX Corp. files from time to time with the SEC, including its Annual, Quarterly and Current Reports. SOURCE: Cell MedX Corp. For further information visit: www.cellmedx.com. Or phone: 1-844-238-2692 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Torino Power Solutions Inc. (CSE: TPS)(CSE: TPS.CN) (the "Company" or "Torino"), is pleased to announce that the Torino has entered into a distribution agreement with Motosumi Technologies Inc. ("Motosumi") for the countries of United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar. Torino's patented, wireless monitoring system supports the use of Dynamic Thermal Circuit Rating (DTCR) technology on congested and remotely-located high-voltage power lines operated by electric utilities. The Torino system provides real-time temperature data and other vital information to utilities that helps them save money on maintenance and maximize the capacity of their transmission systems. Through the use of DTCR technology, transmission capacity can be increased by up to 30% with corresponding increases in revenue to the utility. Torino sensors are extremely durable, do not require a power source and are easy to install on live (energized) power lines. Motosumi is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and specializes in the importing and distribution of products related to defense, security and solar energy. Motosumi has developed key relationships with state and federal government and Royal family officials and has intimate knowledge of opportunities for the Torino technology within the Middle East. Mr. Osama Khan, Managing Director of Motosumi commented, "Torino's Dynamic power line monitoring systems are needed for the management of our vast network of remotely located high voltage lines as well as our urban transmission lines. Torino's patented hollow cavity sensors with no electronics are the kind of super durable sensor that would stand up to our desert climate. We feel that there is significant potential for Torino products in the Middle East and are pleased to become an early distributor." Rav Mlait, CEO of Torino commented, "We are delighted to partner with Motosumi which has an established marketing and distribution network in the Middle East. Our patented, wireless monitoring system would be of great value to the utilities in the Middle East where temperature plays a critical role in the transmission of electrical power. Real time monitoring of temperature and other vital information would allow the utilities in this region to better manage the infra-structure while increasing the transmission capacity." Please visit www.torinopower.com for more information. We seek Safe Harbor. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Rav Mlait" CEO and Director Torino Power Solutions Inc. The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, such as final development of a commercial product(s), successful trial or pilot of company technologies, no assurance that commercial sales of any kind actually materialize; no assurance the Company will have sufficient funds to complete product development. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) risks regarding protection of proprietary technology; (iii) the ability of the Company to complete financings; (v) the ability of the Company to develop and market its future product; and (vi) risks regarding government regulation, managing and maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation, competition and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the Company's public announcements and filings. There is no assurance that the DTCR business will provide any benefit to the Company, and no assurance that any proposed new products will be built or proceed. There is no assurance that existing "patent pending" technologies licensed by the Company will receive patent status by regulatory authorities. The Company is not currently selling commercial DTCR systems. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. Contacts: Torino Power Solutions Inc. info@torinopower.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- -- Aurvista now poised to identify gold and base metal potential of Douay with 30,000 meters of core drilling, increased from the previously planned 5,000 meters program. -- Exploration activity objective is to develop higher grade gold zones within the Adam Creek Gold Deposit and identify additional gold and/or base metal zones outside of the currently known mineralized centers. Aurvista Gold Corporation ("Aurvista" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: AVA)(OTC PINK: ARVSF)(FRANKFURT: AV2) is pleased to announce the start of the Phase 2 Core Drilling Program (the "Program") on the Company's Douay Gold Project (the "Project"). The exploration activity objective is to demonstrate the continuity and grade of the newly predicted gold corridors linking the known 9 higher grade gold zones and 2 lower grade gold zones within and outside the defined 10 km by 3 km Adam Creek Gold Deposit (the "Deposit"), potentially leading to an increase in the quantity and quality of the mineralization. Mr. Jean Lafleur, President and CEO of Aurvista stated "After more than 40 years of exploration on Douay, including the last few by Aurvista, we have finally arrived at a major crossroad. The previous path has included nearly 200,000 meters of drilling in more than 700 holes, ground and airborne geophysical surveys, infrastructure construction, all leading to the discovery of higher and lower grades gold lenses. The gold mineralization at Douay occurs within 9 individual E-W shears and 3 subparallel structural domains inside a 10 km by 3 km corridor of a 20 km long segment of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone." Mr. Lafleur added "Douay has always lacked a single cohesive geological exploration model to explain in part why there is gold mineralization and its distribution. After 6 months of re-evaluating the entire database, Aurvista developed a new geological model and can now proceed with focussed multi-staged diamond drilling into a number of target shears and structural domains. These domains could potentially have an impact on the ultimate dimension of the gold system and mineral resources. There is a significant potential of discovering more gold mineralization in addition to our existing multi-million ounces in mineral resource estimates. Aurvista will now begin testing the Adam Creek Gold Deposit with a major 30,000 meter drill campaign." Phase 2 Diamond Drilling Program A total of 9 Priority Targets (the "Targets"), identified as T1 to T9, were outlined within the Deposit during the Phase 1 Detailed Targeting Program. These Targets will be tested by more than 70 drill holes totalling 30,000 meters in three sub-phases. The following table summarizes the planned drilling footages for each Targets: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER TOTAL TARGETS DRILL FOOTAGE HOLES (meters) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHASE 2A 7 3,700 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Douay West North Zones (T1) 4 2,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Main Porphyry (T2), Douay West North Zones 3 1,700 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHASE 2B 21 8,300 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Douay West (T1), Main Porphyry (T2), Adam Porphyry (T3), Central (T4) and NW Zones (T5) 15 5,900 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TDEM/UTEM Anomalies "E" (T6), "F" (T7) and "G" (T8) 6 2,400 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHASE 2C 46 18,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Douay West (T1), Main Porphyry (T2), Adam Porphyry (T3), Central (T4) and NW Zones (T5) 25 10,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TDEM/UTEM Anomalies "E" (T6), "F" (T7) and "G" (T8) 6 2,400 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Extensions of the Adam Creek Gold Deposit (T9) 15 5,600 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL 74 30,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Completion of the Phase 1 Detailed Targeting Program The Phase 1 Detailed Targeting Program (the "Phase 1 Program") has led Aurvista to predict gold and possible massive sulphides occurrences on Douay. The Phase 1 Program's objective was to define and correlate the known gold mineralization chemistry and alteration mineralogy to the geological and geophysical signatures that could then be utilized to predict new gold mineralization. The Phase 1 Program was successful in determining that the nature, distribution and metal history led to one single gold deposit, the Adam Gold Deposit, exhibiting similar host rocks, alteration styles and structural fabric. A combination of iron-rich rocks with iron carbonate and sulphide alterations produced higher and lower grade gold mineralization in association with E-W shear zones and cross-structures, but more importantly there is a link of the known mineralization to specific shears, potentially predicting where to find additional gold mineralization. In terms of the overall potential, there are two distinct but overlapping metal signatures at Douay, the first is a primary Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide or VMS of Copper-Zinc affinities crosscut by a secondary shear-hosted gold system. This interpretation is very similar to the Doyon-Bousquet-Laronde mining camp located 100 km S-SW of Douay, along the Cadillac Larder Lake Deformation Zone. Regional deformation at Douay produced and enhanced the crisscrossing network of NW-SE, NE-SW and E-W structural fabric which led to the eventual emplacement of porphyries and subsequent gold mineralization within the known 10 km by 3 km Adam Gold Deposit and possibly towards the east and west. There are several subparallel shears hosting the 8 higher grade and 2 lower grade gold zones with a significant potential of discovering more gold mineralization in addition to our existing mineral resources based on the number of shears, structural domains and junctions. The table below summarizes the Phase 1 Program work between June and December 2016, and previously reported in Company news releases. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF DRILL NUMBER OF NUMBER OF ACTIVITY DRILL HOLES FOOTAGE (m) SAMPLES TAKEN READINGS TAKEN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drill core re- 98,135 logging 300 28 sections --- --- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drill core sampled in 1.5 meters --- --- 4,000(i) --- lengths ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portable XRF --- --- --- 27,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- XRF check analyses - WR'S, --- --- 895 --- traces, metals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portable MPP(i) --- --- --- 178,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thin sections --- --- 205 --- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Field mapping --- --- 58 --- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Assays for Gold-Copper-Zinc, Whole Rock and Trace Element geochemistry being done at the ALS Group Laboratory in Val-d'Or (QC) and Vancouver (BC). (ii) Instrument measures magnetic susceptibility and conductivity of rocks as part of the field validation of EM-INPUT and airborne Total Domain Electromagnetic or TDEM conductors. Douay Gold Project and Company Profile Aurvista Gold Corporation is a junior gold exploration and development Company with 131,162,407 shares outstanding trading on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and OTC Pink Sheets in the United States. Aurvista's only asset is the Douay Gold Project, consisting of a 100% owned interest in 250 contiguous claims totaling 133.1 km2, plus a 90% interest in 5 contiguous claims totaling 0.2 km2 and a 75% interest (25% held by SOQUEM) in 32 contiguous claims totaling 11.9 km2. In total there are 287 claims covering 145.3 km2 located along a 20 km segment of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone in the prolific Abitibi Belt of northern Quebec. Douay is located 40 km SW of the Matagami Zinc Base Metal Camp and 150 km N of the Val-d'Or-Malartic gold Camp (both in Quebec). In August, 2012, Aurvista updated the Mineral Resources estimates that included 657 holes in more than 185,000 metres drilled on Douay since its discovery to the end of March 2012. Douay contains Mineral Resources estimates of 2.7 million tonnes of Indicated Resources at 2.76 g/t gold for 238,000 ounces (above a 0.3 g/t gold cut-off grade) or 2.5 million tonnes grading 2.98 g/t gold (at a 0.5 g/t gold cut-off grade) for 235,500 ounces. There were additional Inferred Resources of 115 million tonnes at 0.75 g/t gold for 2.75 million ounces (above a 0.3 g/t gold cut-off grade) or 62 million tonnes grading 1.06 g/t gold for 2.1 million ounces (above a 0.5 g/t cut-off grade). Details can be viewed on the Company's website at www.aurvistagold.com. Qualified Person The technical contents in this news release have approved by Mr. Jean Lafleur, M. Sc., P. Geo., President and CEO for Aurvista Gold Corporation, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. 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 PRESS RELEASE. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. When used herein, words such as "anticipate", "will", "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Aurvista Gold Corporation's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company's website at www.aurvistaGold.com. Contacts: Mr. Jean Lafleur, P. Geo., MSc President and CEO, Director Cell: +1 514 927 3633 Mr. Keith C Minty, P. Eng., MBA Chief Operating Officer Phone: +1 416 682 2671 CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - A new Spectrem Group study that examines the attitudes, behaviors and concerns of recent retirees (those who've been out of the workforce less than a decade) and those retired for 20 years or more, reveals overwhelming satisfaction with their life in retirement. According to Financial Wellness in Retirement, a whopping eight out of ten (79 percent) U.S. retirees find life in retirement better than they had originally anticipated. At the same time, however, the report shows that nearly half (45 percent) of retirees failed to begin planning until just five years before they left the workforce, with nearly a quarter (24 percent) acknowledging that it wasn't until the year they retired that they started planning for life after work. The quantitative portion of the study indicates that just over half (53 percent) of retirees sought professional advice for their retirement planning, with nearly a third (29 percent) indicating that the reason they didn't was that in their opinion professional retirement planning services cost more than the value delivered. Once retired, the lion's share of retirees' monthly income comes from pensions and Social Security, which together comprise 58 percent of monthly cash flow among those surveyed. Nearly seven in ten (68 percent) retirees said they use a financial advisor. While retirees share common everyday concerns about budgeting and spending, the single greatest challenge they expressed was in managing and dealing with medical care, a concern shared by one in four (25 percent) retirees. Other key findings include: 42 percent of retirees claim Social Security benefits at age 62, the earliest age one is eligible to receive the benefit. Just 27 percent of retirees previously worked for companies with a workplace financial wellness program that educated them about retirement, social security, insurance and other matters relevant to planning for retirement. Fully a quarter (25 percent) of retirees continue to have a mortgage on their primary residence, and almost four in ten (39 percent) have a mortgage or loan on a second home. The longer an investor has been in retirement, the more likely they are to have mortgages or loans on their property. While 89 percent of retirees have a will, only about half (54 percent) said they have an estate plan. Those with children are more likely to have an estate plan than childless retirees (56 percent vs. 46 percent). "The good news is that most retirees are in the enviable position to pursue new interests, step back from the day-to-day stresses of life, and spend more time with their family," said Spectrem President George H. Walper, Jr. "However, ensuring sufficient income in retirement requires advanced planning. Our research has found that retirees who receive help from an advisor in planning for retirement often appreciate the fact that a plan is in place, and are reassured that their assets will likely outlive them." Additional insights about the attitudes, beliefs and concerns of retirees about their financial wellness in retirement can be found at Spectrem.com. About Spectrem Group: Spectrem Group (www.spectrem.com) strategically analyzes its ongoing primary research with investors to assist financial providers and advisors in understanding the Voice of the Investor. Contact: George H. Walper, Jr. (224) 544-5350 Email contact DUBLIN, Jan 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Functional Foods and Beverages Market 2017-2021" report to their offering. The global functional foods and beverages market to grow at a CAGR of 7.80% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global functional foods and beverages market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of functional foods and beverages to individual consumers. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. According to the report, one driver in the market is product innovations. Innovations in flavors and functional ingredients are boosting the functional foods and beverages market globally. Manufacturers of functional foods and beverages are introducing new flavors in the market to match the changing consumer preferences. For example, UK-based Lucozade Ribena Suntory replaced its reduced-sugar lemonade (launched in 2014) with a new variant called Tropical Fusion in August 2015. This drink was introduced to meet the growing consumer preference for tropical flavors and is a blend of pineapple and kiwifruit. The manufacturers of these foods and ingredients are laying special emphasis on balancing functional benefits and flavor. Brands are also focusing on sugar-free and low-calorie formulations as these are in high demand. Advances in technology have enabled the development of products that mask the unpleasant taste of some functional ingredients. For example, effective microencapsulation allows manufacturers to hide the bitter taste of amino acids and other ingredients. Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is high sugar content in functional beverages. The high sugar content of many functional foods and beverages acts as a challenge for the market as diabetes and obesity have become major health concerns across the globe. The excessive consumption of products having high sugar content can increase an individual's blood sugar level and weight, causing diabetes and obesity. The incidence of obesity is already high in high-income countries and is also growing in the low- and middle-income countries. In 2015, nearly 38.46% of the total adults population worldwide were overweight. Of these, more than 34% were obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 34.9% of American adults and 17% of children and adolescents are obese. Functional foods and beverages are those foods and beverages to which special ingredients are added so that they provide additional health benefits. Regular food items such as cereals, bread, yogurts, snacks, and beverages are converted into functional foods by fortifying them with vitamins, herbs, or other nutrient-rich ingredients. The common ingredients that are added to functional foods and beverages include probiotics, prebiotics, and plant stanol and sterol. Key vendors General Mills Kellogg Company Nestle PepsiCo Other prominent vendors Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Campbell Soup Del Monte Pacific Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Fonterra GlaxoSmithKline JDB Group Kraft Heinz Living Essentials Otsuka Pharmaceutical Rockstar Suntory TC Pharmaceutical Industries The Hain Celestial Group Unilever Uni-President Welch's White Wave Foods 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 product Part 07: Market segmentation by distribution channel Part 08: Geographical segmentation Part 09: Key leading countries Part 10: Market drivers Part 11: Impact of drivers Part 12: Market challenges Part 13: Impact of drivers and challenges Part 14: Market trends Part 15: Vendor landscape Part 16: List of abbreviation For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6zvgv6/global_functional 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 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crude oil futures were steady Tuesday morning amid mixed signals on OPEC's supply quotas. Late last year, OPEC pledged to cut supplies along with key non-OPEC producers like Russia and Kazakhstan, who said they've met or exceeded their initial goals for cutting production. However, Libya's crude-oil production has more than tripled in the past six months, the Wall Street Journal reports. Here in the U.S., industry group the American Petroleum Institute will release its weekly inventories data this afternoon. The Energy Information Administration follows with its numbers tomorrow. WTI light sweet crude oil was up 10 cents at $52 a barrel after falling sharply in the previous session on demand concerns. Oil hit a 2-year peak near $55 earlier this month. 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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - US president-elect Donald Trump has named his son-in-law and New York real estate executive Jared Kushner as a senior White House adviser. Closer to Trump than any other adviser, 35 year-old Kushner is believed to have decisive influence on his father-in-law. The appointment to the key White House post was announced by a senior official of the Trump transition team and a Kushner attorney in a conference call Monday afternoon. In an apparent move to shift his focus from business to White House, and to comply with federal ethics laws, Kushner is resigning as CEO of Kushner Companies and publisher of the New York Observer, and divesting substantial assets, according to the presidential transition team. His wife Ivanka plans to keep away from the management of the Trump Organization and the Ivanka Trump fashion brand, Kushner's lawyer Jamie S. Gorelick said. The son of American real estate developer Charles Kushner, Jared married Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka in 2009. They have three children. Having served as a senior advisor of Trump's presidential campaign and developed Trump's digital media strategy, Kushner had reportedly planned to re-enter his family's real estate business after the election. 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. PITTSBURGH, PA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 --Unique Pizza and Subs Corporation (OTC: UPZS) has announced they have launched a new Christopher Street Website, http://www.ChristopherStreetProducts.NYC. UPZS previously announced on September 15th, 2016 that they signed a deal with New York City based Christopher Street LLC. The terms of the deal stated: Unique Pizza will create and market a custom line of Unique Pizzas, containing (2016 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Dr. Reddy's) proprietary active farm harvested probiotics, under the Christopher Street label; Jose Madrid Salsa "The Healthy Fundraiser" (wholly owned subsidiary of UPZS) will create and market a line of custom hand crafted salsas; PopsyCakes "The First & Only Cupcake on a Pretzel" (wholly owned subsidiary of UPZS) will create and market custom flavored and decorated PopsyCakes; Unique will also work with Christopher Street's management group to expand and market the existing CS products. Christopher Street currently carries a line of Bath & Shower Gels, Shampoo & Conditioners and Hand & Body Lotions. The deal states UPZS will collect the total sales and split the net profits 50/50 with CS LLC. after all expenses are paid. Christopher Street celebrates the start of the Gay Rights movement which took place on Christopher St. in New York City's Greenwich Village in the 1970s and to this day Christopher Street serves as an international symbol of gay pride. Christopher Street is a living, breathing tribute to the Human Rights Campaign and contributor to the LGBT for equality. Our new line of quality products pledge to support the causes that are near and dear to the hearts of our community. Unique Pizza & Subs Corp. President & CEO, James Vowler said, "We have been working side by side with Vinny Viola (President of CS Products) for the past five months and he has a commitment, 'second to none', to provide gourmet products of the highest quality and to fill what he calls, 'a clear void in the LGBT community that was not being properly serviced.' Christopher Street Products appreciates the vast numbers of consumers that make up the LGBT community and we have created products that better reflect the wants, needs and lifestyle of an extremely diverse and cultured group of consumers. In the last two weeks UPZS has announced the opening of our first Unique Pizza Tap House in Murrieta CA and that our PopsyCakes brand is selling their full line of products at Boscovs.com, all Six Flags Amusement Parks, Kennywood Amusement Park & Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America! Thank you to our loyal shareholders I project that your loyalty and patience will pay off in 2017! Unique Frozen Pizza, PopsyCakes, Jose Madrid Salsa, Christopher Street Products, we have quietly been getting it done!" Visit us at our new website: http://www.ChristopherStreetProducts.NYC Twitter: @ChristopherS_T_ The Unique Pizza Tap House, To Book your office or birthday party, special event, group reservations or to order food to go call (951) 445-4769. Twitter: @ChristopherS_T_ @UniquePizzaSubs @MadridSalsa @PopsyCakes @UniquePizzaTapH About Unique Pizza and Subs: Unique Pizza franchises pizza and sub restaurants throughout the United States. With a limited menu of pizzas, subs, calzones, salads, and beverages, the company is primarily focused on takeout and delivery services with limited full size restaurants. The company has three wholly owned subsidiaries Jose Madrid Salsa, Unique Pizza Tap House and PopsyCakes and a partnership to market and distribute all Christopher Street Products. Visit us on the web: http://www.uniquepizza.com Safe Harbor Act: 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. There are no financials in this press release so this is not needed. For Unique Pizza and Subs Corp. Investor Relations Phone: (586) 228-2290 Fax: (586) 228-6920 hank@capinc.net http://www.capinc.net SANTA ANA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Nekter Juice Bar, the popular Southern California-based, modern reinvention of the juice bar experience, today announced that the company has premiered at number 217 on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500, the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. According to Entrepreneur, Nekter Juice Bar achieved this strong first showing due to its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. "At Nekter Juice Bar, we believe healthy should taste just as good as it makes you feel, and that has made all the difference in our growth and success to date," said Steve Schulze, co-founder and CEO, Nekter Juice Bar. "Six years ago, we set out to modernize the juice bar experience, and that starts and ends with a primary focus on providing fresh juices and foods that provide exceptional nutritional value. As the trend toward healthier lifestyles continues to flourish, Nekter will remain steadfast to our ideals and culture, and by a continued emphasis on innovation, flavor and authenticity." Founded in 2010 by Steve and Alexis Schulze, Nekter's mission from the start has been to encourage and inspire people to live healthier lifestyles by providing access to fresh, clean, nutrient-rich and affordable juices, smoothies and acai bowls in a welcoming, energetic and encouraging environment. Nekter's menu is free of the unhealthy, refined sugars, fillers, and fats hidden on many menus at the juice bars of yesterday. Today Nekter has 66 corporate and franchise locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Colorado, with plans to grow to as many as 300 restaurants in five years through the addition of both franchise and corporate locations. In 2016, the company achieved the ranking of 334 on Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 list, and landed at number 21 among food and beverage companies on that same list. Additionally, Nekter won a major restaurant award last year, being named a 2016 "Hot Concept" by Nation's Restaurant News, a leading restaurant industry publication and resource. "We spend months gathering and crunching data in order to produce the Franchise 500 ranking. We're proud of the result and the way it continues to be a resource for the franchise community," says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. "Like every industry, franchising is ever-evolving and must smartly react to new technologies and consumer demands. We know it takes a lot to stay competitive, and are excited to celebrate those that do it best." The key factors that go into Entrepreneur's evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. All franchises are given a cumulative score based on more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order. Over its 38 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for entrepreneurs. Nekter Juice Bar's position on the ranking reinforces its strength in the industry. To view Nekter Juice Bar in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February issue of Entrepreneur available now on newsstands. About Nekter Juice Bar Santa Ana, Calif.-based Nekter Juice Bar is the modern reinvention of the juice bar, offering fresh, delicious, nutrient-dense juices, smoothies and acai bowls at 66 restaurants in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Colorado. The company continues to grow and seeks franchise partners, who want to own a business in the thriving health and wellness sector of the restaurant industry, and want to make a real difference in their communities. An Inc. 500 company, Nekter was recently named one of the "fastest growing franchise businesses of 2016" by Inc. Magazine, and was recognized by Nation's Restaurant News magazine as a 2016 "Hot Concept." For more information about the company or franchise opportunities, visit www.nekterjuicebar.com, or connect with Nekter Juice Bar socially at www.facebook.com/nekterjuicebar, or www.instagram.com/nekterjuicebar. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3097073 Contact: Erin Peacock Peacock PR (949) 939-1872 Email Contact MELBOURNE, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 --First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: FCHS) ("FCHS," "First Choice" or the "Company"), one of the nation's only non-physician-owned, publicly traded healthcare services companies focused on the delivery of total musculoskeletal solutions with an emphasis on Orthopaedics, including spine care and treatment, today announced that in accordance with the terms set forth in its Loan and Security Agreement (the "Agreement") with CT Capital LTD ("CTC"), CTC has converted $1.4 million in obligations due under the Agreement into 1,866,667 shares of First Choice's common stock. Chris Romandetti, CEO and President of First Choice, noted, "Aside from the positive impact this debt conversion has had on our balance sheet, it represents a significant vote of confidence by CTC in our Company and future growth strategies. CTC has been a significant supporter of First Choice for the past several years as our primary lender, and now we are delighted to welcome them as one of our single largest shareholders." The Agreement, dated June 13, 2013, as amended, provided for a $2.5 million accounts receivable line of credit for First Choice Medical Group of Brevard, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Choice. The Agreement provided CTC with the right to convert up to $2 million of the outstanding line of credit into shares of the Company's common stock at $0.75 per share. About First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, First Choice Healthcare Solutions (FCHS) is implementing a defined growth strategy aimed at expanding its network of non-physician-owned medical centers of excellence, which concentrate on treating patients in the following specialties: Orthopaedics, Spine Surgery, Neurology, Interventional Pain Management and related diagnostic and ancillary services in key expansion markets throughout the Southeastern U.S. Serving Florida's Space Coast, the Company's flagship integrated platform currently administers over 100,000 patient visits each year and is comprised of First Choice Medical Group, The B.A.C.K. Center and Crane Creek Surgery Center. For more information, please visit www.myfchs.com, www.myfcmg.com, www.thebackcenter.net and www.cranecreeksurgerycenter.com. Safe Harbor Statement Certain information set forth in this news announcement may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's industry, management beliefs and certain assumptions made by its management. 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. Information concerning factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements can be found in the Company's periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and in its Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise to reflect future events or circumstances or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Investor Contact: Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger Associates Donald C. Weinberger | don@wolfeaxelrod.com Stephen D. Axelrod, CFA | steve@wolfeaxelrod.com Phone: 212-370-4505 At First Choice Healthcare Solutions, Inc. Phone: 321-802-5830 Email: IR@myfchs.com The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine in 2016 made possible the return of over UAH 100 million to state-owned companies and also prevented the theft of more than UAH 500 million. "In 2016, NABU managed to return more than UAH 100 million on the accounts of state-run companies and to prevent the theft of more than UAH 500 million," the NABU's press service said. The Bureau also highlighted the detention of an Odesa judge, Oleksandr Onyschenko's 'gas case', the Party of Regions' 'black ledgers', arrests of bribe-takers from the Prosecutor General's Office among its achievements in 2016. Earlier, NABU Director Artem Sytnyk in his comments to Interfax-Ukraine said that in 2016 their detectives investigated more than 280 criminal proceedings into the state losses amounting to more than UAH 82.5 billion. In his words, 44 criminal cases are currently considered by courts, guilty verdicts against nine people have entered into force. "Thanks to the Bureau detectives who exposed corruption schemes at state enterprises, embezzlement of more than UAH 580 million has been prevented and more than UAH 100 million have been returned on state companies accounts," Sytnyk said. OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. ("TetraBio", "TBP", or the "Company") (CSE: TBP)(CSE: TBP.CN)(OTC PINK: GROPF) through its subsidiary, Agro-Tek Health Inc. ("GTK"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter of intent to form a joint venture with Ford's Family Pharmacy and Wellness Center ("FFP") in Moncton, New Brunswick. The primary objective of this venture is the development and commercialization of cannabinoid-based products for the Canadian health care market with a special focus on CBD and THC-free cannabis products for the USA cosmetic and supplement market. About Tetra Bio-Pharma Tetra Bio-Pharma, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the development and commercialization of cannabis-based pharmaceuticals and consumer health products. www.tetrabiopharma.com About Agro-Tek Health Agro-Tek Health is a subsidiary of Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. and is focused on commercialization of over the counter consumer goods containing cannabis and other non-controlled medicinal plants. About Ford's Family Pharmacy Ford's Family Pharmacy and Wellness Center currently holds a Controlled Substance License from Health Canada for the processing, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances. https://www.fordrx.com Since 1997, Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre has helped clients improve and prolong their health, wellness, and vitality by providing personalized compounding and wellness solutions. Their team consists of: four pharmacists, 14 pharmacy technicians/assistants and two registered nurses. FFP provides innovative solutions to complex medical problems and works with Canadian healthcare providers (including physicians, veterinarians, and dentists) to create well-rounded, comprehensive natural and compounding treatment plans. To maximize the benefit of this venture, GTK will establish its health care product development and commercialization activities within the province of New Brunswick. New Brunswick is quickly positioning itself as a desired homebase for companies in the cannabis industry and GTK commends the government of New Brunswick for its assistance in establishing this project. Dr. Peter Ford, Pharm D will work with GTK to develop cannabinoid-based skin care and wellness products for the Canadian retail markets. This joint venture will allow GTK to develop a portfolio of innovative CBD-based products for patient self-care in addition to CBD and THC-free products for the USA cosmetic and supplement market. According to Mr. Andre Rancourt, Chief Executive Officer, "These products will allow GTK to commercialize cannabis-derived products for the Canadian and USA wellness market in preparation for the unveiling of Canada's new cannabis regulations." Dr. Ford will also assist TetraBio with its ongoing NSERC Engage partnership grant with McGill University (see press release from October 19, 2016). Dr. Ford's expertise will also be used for the development of the PPP001 dried cannabis pellets for upcoming phase 1 clinical trials. "The partnerships with McGill University and Dr. Ford are in line with the Company's vision to expand its commercial operations focused on the development and sale of cannabis-derived supplements and retail products for the North American market," commented Mr. Rancourt. Dr. Guy Chamberland, M.Sc., Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, commented, "Ford's Family Pharmacy and Wellness Center currently holds a Controlled Substance License from Health Canada for the processing, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances. Working with Dr. Ford will allow TBP to adhere to current regulations relating to controlled substances including cannabis. This resource allows TBP to further its ongoing projects while remaining compliant with Canadian and US narcotics regulations." He also stated, "Dr. Ford is a renowned expert in wellness and a highly-experienced formulator and this joint venture will help the Company bring cutting edge cannabis-based health and wellness products to patients and consumers in a timely and cost effective manner." This project will be funded via current working capital and the previously announced NSREC research grant in collaboration with McGill University. Closing of Non-brokered Private Placement The Company is also pleased to announce that, on December 30, 2016, it closed a non-brokered private placement of 2,395,500 units at a price of $0.20 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $479,100. Each unit consists of one common share and one non-transferable warrant, with a whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.26 per share for a period of twelve months expiring December 30, 2017. The securities issued pursuant to the private placement are subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date and subject to all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Exchange. The proceeds of the private placement will be used to pursue commercialization projects in 2017 and increase scientific staff. In Other News Tetra Bio-Pharma is also pleased to announce that, effective December 16, 2016, TBP has been added to the Canadian Securities Exchange composite index. The index is comprised of listed companies that meet market capitalization, trading, and seasoning criteria established by the exchange. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for its adequacy or accuracy. Forward-looking statements Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, GrowPros MMP Inc., to obtain a licence for the production of medical marijuana; failure to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company's business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation. Contacts: Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. Andre Rancourt Chief Executive Officer 343-689-0714 Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. Dr. Guy Chamberland Chief Scientific Officer 343-689-0714 www.tetrabiopharma.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Canada House Wellness Group Inc. ("Canada House") or the ("Company") (CSE: CHV)(CSE: CHV.CN) is pleased to provide an update on its current marketing strategy. In light of the release of the Final Report of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation (the "Report"), Canada House's management team has secured a supply partnership with an industry leading Licensed Producer under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations ("ACMPR"). The Report provides recommendations that the non-medical cannabis market be built on existing quality control and consumer protection offered by existing Licensed Producers. Canada House views the recommendations of the Report favourably, as management believes the Company is well positioned to take advantage of potential future non-medical market opportunities stemming from the Report. Canada House's supply partnership will provide the Company with its own medical cannabis brand. The deal will allow the Licensed Producer to ship Canada House branded cannabis in Canada to registered patients under the ACMPR. Canada House continues to develop an iconic brand with a strong narrative which management believes will continue to thrive and engender brand loyalty in the non-medical market where management anticipates that marketing and advertising parameters will become more restrictive than the current medical regime. Canada House medical products are held to the highest standard for Veterans, developed with the help of physicians who have also served in the Canadian Armed Forces. The Canada House cannabis brand has been designed for both the Veteran and Non-Veteran population for the medical treatment of PTSD, chronic pain, sleep disorders and many other health conditions. The Company continues to pursue licensing under the ACMPR for its proposed facility in Pickering, Ontario. The facility is substantially completed and will be ready to commence operations upon obtaining a license from Health Canada. Canada House is also pleased to announce that it has settled certain outstanding debts by the issuance of 363,833 common shares of the Company at a weighted average price of $0.61 per common share. These common shares will be subject to a 4 month trading restriction where applicable. Management expects the settlement of such debts to improve the Company's working capital and liquidity ratios. Canada House Wellness Inc. Canada House is the parent company of Marijuana for Trauma, The Longevity Project Corp., and Abba Medix Corp. The Company's goal is to become a marketplace leader through strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to create a fully integrated medical marijuana marketplace. For more information please visit www.abbamedix.com, www.mftgroup.ca and www.plantsnotpills.ca. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements within this press release relating to the Company constitute "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, business plans and/or objectives, sales programs, forecasts and projections, assumptions, expectations, and/or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements". Such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the anticipated effects of the Report, legislative and regulatory changes, timeliness of government approvals for the granting of permits and licenses, changes in medical marijuana prices, actual operating performance of facilities, competition and other risks affecting the Company in particular and the medical cannabis industry generally. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Boom Capital Markets Steve Low 647-620-5101 steve@boomcapitalmarkets.com Canada House Wellness Group Inc. Gerry Goldberg Interim Chief Executive Officer 1-844-696-3349 RESTON, VA--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - Sword Active Risk, a supplier of specialist risk management software and services, has announced a new partnership agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corp., a government IT solutions provider. Carahsoft works with manufacturers, value-added resellers, system integrators and consulting partners to deliver hardware, software and support solutions to U.S. federal, state and local government agencies. As part of the partnership agreement, Active Risk Manager has been added to Carahsoft's General Services Administration Schedule and SEWP V contracts to make it available for procurement by U.S. government agencies to manage risk across departmental and enterprise projects and programs. Tiffany Goddard, a Director at Carahsoft, said: "We are pleased to expand our solutions portfolio with this industry-leading information technology solution. Our work with Sword Active Risk will enable us to provide government agencies and our partner ecosystem with Active Risk Manager, a robust risk management tool, to help support their operational and strategic risk management frameworks across their organizations." Sword Active Risk's risk management platform brings together all of an agency's risk and opportunity data into one integrated system, which eliminates the need for multiple risk spreadsheets and prepares a visually appealing risk report to help all levels of management make informed decisions. Active Risk Manager also scores and assesses qualitative and quantitative risks and sets the appropriate controls and risk mitigation strategies so agencies can be more proactive to any upcoming opportunities. Keith Ricketts, VP Marketing at Sword Active Risk, said: "Carahsoft has established a reputation as a trusted provider to U.S. federal and state governments. As a specialist technology vendor with an established customer base within this sector, we are delighted to be working with a partner that focuses on supplying world-class solutions for government agencies. The partnership will enable us to work alongside Carahsoft and its reseller ecosystem to help enable our customers and empower their risk management policies and processes." Sword Active Risk solutions are available immediately on Carahsoft GSA Schedule No. GS-35F-0119Y and SEWP V contracts NNG15SC03B and NNG15SC27B. For more information, contact the Sword Active Risk team at Carahsoft at 703-871-8516; or download the on-demand webinar, Enterprise Risk Management and the OMB A-123 Revision. About Carahsoft Carahsoft Technology Corp. is the trusted Government IT solutions provider. As a top-performing GSA Schedule and SEWP contract holder, Carahsoft serves as the master government aggregator for many of its best-of-breed technology vendors, supporting an extensive ecosystem of manufacturers, value-added resellers, system integrators and consulting partners committed to helping government agencies select and implement the best solution at the best possible value. The company's dedicated Solutions Divisions proactively market, sell and deliver VMware, Symantec, Veritas, EMC, Adobe, F5 Networks, Google for Work, ServiceNow, Open Source, HPE Software, SAP, Salesforce, and Innovative and Intelligence products and services, among others. Carahsoft is consistently recognized by its partners as a top revenue producer and is listed annually among the industry's fastest growing firms by CRN, Inc., Washington Technology, The Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, and SmartCEO. For more information visit www.carahsoft.com. About Sword Active Risk Sword Active Risk makes risk management simple, valuable and personal. Sword Active Risk provides the world's first risk management software that drives business performance by enhancing visibility, accountability and confidence at project, program and enterprise levels. Active Risk Manager (ARM) is the first solution available which integrates Risk Management, Cost Management and Schedule Management to show the real impact of risk, to enable better-informed decisions, and the ability to leverage risk, creating competitive advantage. Sword Active Risk is the project risk software provider of choice for the world's leading Energy, Infrastructure and Defense projects, working with organizations like the US Air Force, Bechtel, Crossrail, US Federal Aviation Administration, Lockheed Martin, Rio Tinto and Skanska to manage project risk worldwide. Sword Active Risk has offices in the UK, USA and Australia, servicing customers worldwide directly and through a growing network of partners. In September 2013 Active Risk was acquired by Sword Group. For more information please visit: www.sword-group.com. For further information and a detailed view of Sword Active Risk and ARM please visit: www.sword-activerisk.com. Contact Mary Lange 703-431-8485 Email contact CAMBRIDGE, MA--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - Diffeo, a knowledge discovery company, today announced that it has acquired Meta Search, a Boston-based startup offering cutting-edge search technology. The Meta Search team and search platform will be integrated into Diffeo to create a powerful combination of search and discovery tools. Meta Search's product has been renamed Diffeo Cloud Search as a new part of Diffeo's platform. Diffeo's content discovery platform accelerates research analysts by applying text analytics and machine intelligence algorithms to users' in-progress files, so that it can recommend content that fills in knowledge gaps -- often before the user thinks of searching. Diffeo acts as a personal research assistant that scours both the user's files and the Internet. The company describes its technology as collaborative machine intelligence. Diffeo and Meta's services complement each other. Meta provides unified search across the content on all of a user's cloud platforms and devices. Diffeo's Advanced Discovery Toolbox displays recommendations alongside in-progress documents to accelerate the work of research analysts by uncovering key connections. Meta's platform integrates cloud environments into a single keyword search interface, enabling users to search their files on all cloud drives, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Slack and Evernote all at once. Meta also improves search quality by intelligently analyzing each document, determining the most important concepts, and automatically applying those concepts as "Smart Tags" to the user's documents. Meta Search was founded in Williamstown, MA in 2014, and was most recently based in Central Square at the new Boston venture accelerator, InTeahouse. Supporting Quotes: "The Meta Search experience, now Diffeo Cloud Search, will continue to provide a unified search for all of an organization's files, and will now also provide an intuitive starting point for research analysts using the Diffeo Advanced Discovery Toolbox," explained Jason Briggs, CEO and Co-Founder of Meta Search. "Cloud Search crosses data silos such as Outlook, Amazon S3 and your desktop, and we're building out more integrations in all of your cloud tools," Aaron Taylor, Director of Cloud Services and Co-Founder of Meta Search explains. "As a result of the merger, we are now able to offer our clients both Diffeo's Advanced Discovery Toolbox, which helps users accelerate their research by pushing relevant content recommendations to them, as well as the new Cloud Search product which helps users manage and pull content from their data that may be scattered across a variety of cloud tools," said John R. Frank, CEO of Diffeo. "The combination of these search and discovery modes is much more powerful than just search or discovery alone." "A key part of our announcement today is the introduction of Team Accounts for Cloud Search. Diffeo's customers in government, financial services and consulting have very demanding data security requirements and complex on-premises installation needs," said Emily Pavlini, Product Manager and Co-Founder of Meta Search. Additional Resources: Cloud Search is now enterprise-ready and available on the GSA Schedule. Starting today, organizations can sign up for a free trial to experience the full suite of search and discovery tools. In conjunction with today's announcement, Diffeo is launching a new website that includes a signup mechanism for teams to access the Cloud Search offering. Details can be found at: https://diffeo.com/search/. Diffeo Blog: https://blog.diffeo.com/diffeo-acquires-meta-search-and-launches-cloud-search/ About Diffeo Diffeo's collaborative machine intelligence analyzes what you are writing, such as in an email message or notes during a meeting, and scours the Web and private data to recommend information you are missing. By automatically assembling a knowledge graph of related entities and events surrounding the user's current focus, the system explores multiple hops out to uncover "unknown unknowns." Diffeo's products are available for US Government customers on Carahsoft Technology Corp. GSA Schedule No. GS-35F-0119Y. Carahsoft serves as Diffeo's master government aggregator. For more information contact Geof Milstein at Diffeo at 703-389-6288. Finance, consulting and other commercial customers interested in Diffeo's products should contact Jason Briggs at 413-663-1457. Contact: Diffeo Jason Briggs 413-663-1457 LINCOLNSHIRE, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Camping World Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CWH) ("Camping World"), the nation's largest network of RV-centric retail locations, announced aggressive plans for expansion in the state of Texas, with the proposed acquisition of the northern Texas RV-Max dealerships, with three locations in the greater Dallas market. Camping World currently operates seven SuperCenters in the El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Lubbock and Tyler areas, and with the acquisition of RV-Max, is further expanding in the Dallas-Ft. Worth market with three new SuperCenters. "It has been a personal concern that our company's presence in the state of Texas has not adequately served our customer base," said Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam. "Moving forward, one of my top priorities is the expansion of our footprint and market share in the great state of Texas, as we aggressively pursue additional acquisitions and locations for new SuperCenters." Per Brent Moody, Chief Operating Officer of Camping World and Good Sam, "The planned acquisition of RV-Max will add three new Supercenters to the Dallas - Ft. Worth market, and as part of our massive expansion plans we expect to announce future SuperCenter locations offering the full array of Camping World and Good Sam products and services." Added Moody, "We will embrace Marcus' People, Process and Product philosophy as part of our aggressive expansion, as we add quality manufactures and brands, increase our presence in the market and grow the workforce." About Camping World Holdings, Inc. Camping World Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CWH) is the only provider of a comprehensive portfolio of services, protection plans, products and resources for recreational vehicle ("RV") enthusiasts. Through its two iconic brands, Camping World and Good Sam, the company offers new and used RVs for sale, vehicle service and maintenance along with more than 10,000 products and services through its retail locations and membership clubs. Good Sam branded offerings provide the industry's broadest and deepest range of services, protection plans, products and resources while the Camping World brand operates the largest national network of RV-centric retail locations in the United States with over 120 retail locations in 36 states and an e-commerce platform. With both brands founded in 1966, product and service offerings are based on 50 years of experience and customer feedback from RV enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.CampingWorld.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning Camping World and other matters. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this press release are only predictions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties that affect our business, including those described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our public announcements and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For Media Outlets: Contact Karen Porter Email Contact HOUSTON, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- MicroSeismic, Inc. (MicroSeismic) announced today new senior management appointments to support the Company's growth strategy and to further reinforce the Company's position as the leader in surface microseismic monitoring and microseismic-based completions evaluation. Carl Neuhaus is returning to MicroSeismic as Vice President of Engineering after two years at DrillingInfo as the Director of Petroleum Engineering, where he successfully built a new consulting division. In Carl's new role at MicroSeismic, he will be responsible for the technical quality and innovation of engineering services and for communicating the nature of these services to the oil and gas community. During Carl's prior tenure at MicroSeismic, he managed a multi-disciplinary completions evaluation team and was instrumental in the implementation of field development solutions and strategies integrating completions engineering, reservoir engineering, geomechanics, geology, and geophysics to optimize wellbore spacing, completion design, and treatment design. The Board has elected William B. Barker (Bill) and Eric Bourdages to key senior management positions within the organization. Bill, formerly Manager of Analysis, is appointed to Vice President of Analysis where he will be responsible for the performance and delivery of all aspects of data analysis services worldwide. He has spent the past 11 years at MicroSeismic holding various positions on the analysis team. Prior to MicroSeismic, Bill worked in electromagnetics at NAEVA Geophysics, Inc. as a field geophysicist mapping unexploded ordnance (UXO) at sites throughout the United States. Eric Bourdages, formerly Operations Manager, is appointed to Vice President of Operations where he will be responsible for data acquisition field operations worldwide. Eric has over 30 years' experience in seismic field operations in Canada and the United States and has been with MicroSeismic since 2010. "MicroSeismic is an outstanding Company with talented employees. These management appointments are intended to bolster the Company's performance for the return to a growth market, and to support MicroSeismic's next phase of innovation and expansion," said Peter Duncan, President and Chief Executive Officer, MicroSeismic, Inc. "MSI is particularly well placed to respond to the market's needs for completions monitoring and will continue to deliver quality work for our customers that exceeds expectations -- delivering a better frac for a better world." About MicroSeismic, Inc. MicroSeismic, Inc. is an oilfield services company providing microseismic-based Completions Evaluation Services, particularly quantitative assessments of stimulation treatment effectiveness and well productivity. Founded in 2003, MicroSeismic has grown to become the leading provider of microseismic monitoring utilizing surface, near-surface, and downhole arrays. The Company operates in 18 countries and holds over 30 patents. For more information about MicroSeismic, please visit www.microseismic.com. Media Contact: Beverly Jernigan 713-494-1733 Beverly@beverlypr.com OAKVILLE, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Saint Jean Carbon Inc. ("Saint Jean" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SJL), a carbon science company engaged in the design and build of green energy storage, green energy creation and green re-creation through carbon materials. The Company is pleased to announce that it will be holding a corporate update webinar on February 3rd 2017 at 5:00pm EST. The webinar will outline the go forward strategies of the Company and update the many projects Saint Jean has under way. As well, we will announce other upcoming webinars slated throughout the year. Paul Ogilvie, CEO, commented: "We look forward to starting up our webinars again. With our technology issues behind us, it has helped us focus Saint Jean on a better webinar presentation solution. Our goal is to have a number of experts in the electric car, energy storage, energy creation and re-creation speak on various topics throughout 2017. We hope this will give valuable information to our shareholders." If you would like to participate, please email webinar@saintjeancarbon.com. If you have any questions please note them in your email. At the end of the presentation, the Company will answer as many questions as possible within the time allotted. The Company is also pleased to announce, that all of the warrants/option that were to expire on December 30th 2016 and January 3rd 2017 have been exercised. The proceeds of $300,000.00 will help the Company continue towards its goals. About Saint Jean Carbon Saint Jean is a publicly traded carbon science company, with specific interests in energy storage and green energy creation and green re-creation, with holdings in graphite mining and lithium claims in the province of Quebec in Canada. For the latest information on Saint Jean's properties and news please refer to the website: http://www.saintjeancarbon.com/ On behalf of the Board of Directors Saint Jean Carbon Inc. Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Director 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. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Saint Jean's business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "intends" "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" 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". These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. The forward-looking statements in this news release assume, inter alia, that the conditions for completion of the Transaction, including regulatory and shareholder approvals, if necessary, will be met. Although Saint Jean believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Saint Jean assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Contacts: Saint Jean Carbon Inc. info@saintjeancarbon.com (905) 844-1200 KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Crazy Horse Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: CZH) (the "Company", "Crazy Horse") has completed and filed an Independent Technical Report dated 30 November 2016, updating the April 2012 mineral resource estimate for the Taysan Project ("Taysan", or "the Project"), owned 100% by Crazy Horse Resources. No additional drilling has been undertaken on the Project since 2011, a conceptual pit design was used to constrain reported resources. Taysan is located approximately 120 km south of Manila in Batangas Province on Luzon Island, Philippines. The Project is comprised of a single exploration permit (EP-IVA- 005) which is currently under renewal and conversion to a Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) The Taysan copper-gold porphyry deposit is wholly contained within EP-IVA-005, which covers an area of approximately 4,086 hectares. The company commissioned Mining Associates ("MA") to prepare the related Independent Technical Report for the Taysan Project to comply with Canada's National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI43-101") based on the mineral resource estimate using all data at Taysan to December 2011. The January 2012 mineral resource is carried forward with minor modifications to reporting, additional information on the current tenement status, confirmation of assumptions used to determine reasonable prospects for economic extraction for the estimate and that the mineral resource classifications meet the updated 2014 CIM Definition Standards, culminating in an effective date of 30th November 2016 for the Mineral Resource. Mining Associates updated mineral resource estimate has defined a measured category resource of 156 Mt at an average grade of 0.31 % copper, 0.12 g/t gold, 1.2 g/t silver and 3.3 % magnetite for 1,077 Mlb of contained copper, 0.61 Moz contained gold, 5.8 Moz contained silver and 5.2 Mt contained magnetite. The estimate also defined an indicated category resource of 301 Mt at an average grade of 0.23 % copper, 0.09 g/t gold, 0.7 g/t silver and 3.2 % magnetite for 1,494 Mlb of contained copper,.84 Moz contained gold, 6.5 Moz contained silver and 9.62 Mt of contained magnetite. In addition, the estimate defined an inferred category resource of 300 Mt at an average grade of 0.19 % copper, 0.08 g/t gold, 0.5 g/t silver and 2.8 % magnetite for 1,239 Mlb of contained copper, 0.72 Moz contained gold, 4.85 Moz contained silver and 8.44 Mt contained magnetite. A cut-off grade of 0.1% copper was applied to all reported resource blocks within a conceptual pit design. Table 1: Mineral Resource Estimate reported November 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Resource (0.1% M Cu M lbs Au Ag Magnetite M oz M oz Mt Copper Cut off) tonnes % Cu g/t g/t % Au Ag Magnetite ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Measured 156 0.31 1,077 0.12 1.2 3.3 0.61 5.80 5.20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated 301 0.23 1,493 0.09 0.7 3.2 0.84 6.50 9.62 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- M + I 456 0.26 2,570 0.10 0.8 3.2 1.45 12.30 14.82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred 300 0.19 1,239 0.08 0.5 2.8 0.72 4.85 8.44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Pit constrained mineral resources are reported in relation to a conceptual Whittle pit shell. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. Mt: millions of tonnes; Mlb: millions of pounds; Moz: millions of ounces. (ii) Capped copper gold, silver and magnetite composite samples were used to interpolate grades by ordinary kriging within geologically constrained copper grade shell boundaries. The Taysan Project hosts a large and only partly explored copper-gold porphyry deposit similar to other copper-gold porphyry deposits previously mined in the Philippines. The Project is located in southern Luzon, Philippines in the well-developed mining province of Batangas and readily accessible by road located 20 km east of the provincial capital and deep-water commercial port of Batangas City. Geology and Mineralization The project area contains two known deposits; the major Taysan copper-gold deposit which is a porphyry style deposit; one of a number of porphyry deposits which have developed along the spine of the Philippine island system and the smaller Antipolo epithermal gold prospect. The Taysan copper-gold gold mineralization is hosted in potassically altered hornblende diorite and hornblende quartz diorite porphyries. The mineralization occurs as disseminated chalcopyrite and bornite in the altered porphyry and as stockwork hosted mineralization within quartz veins and breccias. The deposit outcrops as a small hill with the majority of the mineralization covered by 10 to 55 metres of recent volcanic ash. The deposit occurs in gently undulating topography in what is largely cleared farmland and is of a geometry that is readily amenable to conventional open cut mining methods. Past Work Mineralization at Taysan was first discovered in 1968 from ground reconnaissance work. Several companies were involved in the Property from 1968 up to its acquisition by Crazy Horse in 2010. Past work included geochemistry, geophysics, drilling and resource estimation. Historical work and previous resource estimates are described in the NI43-101 Report "Update of the Mineral Resource Estimate, Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Taysan Project, Batangas Province, Philippines" dated 10 October 2011" ("October 2011 NI43-101 Report"). Exploration CZH undertook a ten drill hole programme (5,812.7m) between October and December 2010, to confirm the tenor of the historic drilling. The description of this program and the results are included in the March 2011 NI43-101 Report. Subsequent to this work, CZH continued exploration and validation drilling at Taysan, completing an additional 35 holes by June 2011 which was reported in the October 2011 NI43-101 Report. Since June 2011, an additional 48 holes have been drilled (for an additional 15,912.9m of drilling), the results for which are reiterated in this report. Sample protocols, including sample methodology, preparation, analyses and data verification have been conducted in accordance with industry standards. The level of quality control described in the October 2011 NI43-101 Report has continued with the subsequent drilling and sampling. Mining Associates' review of the results of the July to October 2011 drilling indicates that there are no significant issues regarding accuracy, precision or bias of the assay results. The CZH drilling program conducted during 2010-2011 at the Taysan Project has confirmed that a significant copper-gold deposit exists within the Taysan Project. The results of this drilling led to the definition of a significant zone of copper-gold mineralisation which remains open down dip and along strike to the south. Mineral Resource Estimate Update The Mineral Resource has been re-stated, as above, for the present report using relevant metal price assumptions for pit optimization. CZH work to date has defined a significant porphyry copper deposit within the Taysan Project. The drilling has confirmed that copper grades decrease at depth and that the deposit remains open down dip. This update has incorporated information gained from exploration and metallurgical test work conducted since June 2011 Low grade gold mineralisation at Taysan is broadly associated with copper mineralisation. The CZH drilling indicates two distinct gold mineralising events; the initial syngenetic mineralisation associated with the porphyry copper mineralisation and subsequent epigenetic gold mineralisation associated with the quartz-magnetite alteration. Within the quartz-magnetite alteration evidence of retrograde alteration (chlorite / kaolinite) is often associated with elevated gold grades. Silver mineralisation is spatially correlated to gold mineralisation. During 2012 a conceptual pit was produced as part of a prefeasibility study. Input parameters for the conceptual pit were reviewed and considered relevant as at November 2016. The conceptual pit was used to assess the potential of the resources at depth to ensure there were 'reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction' and has been used to constrain reported mineral resources. The CZH drilling programme conducted during 2010-2011 at the Taysan Project has enhanced the knowledge of the significant copper deposit that exists within the Taysan Project. The CZH drill programme has focused on the central portion of the mineralisation, to develop confidence in a suitably large copper resource amenable to open pit mining. Mining Associates revised the copper mineral resource estimate (April 2012 NI43-101 Report), using all historic and recent CZH drill data. The gold resource is based on all recent CZH drilling, Chase and Kumakata historic data. The silver resource is based on recent CZH drill data and Kumakata drill data, only recent CZH drilling has magnetite data. The Mineral Resource has been re-stated for the current report using relevant metal price assumptions and a conceptual pit shell. The approach to the resource model consisted of analysis of all drill data, wireframing in section; confirmation and review in flitch slices; grouping the wireframes into sub-domains of similar orientation and grade ranges; tagging and statistical analysis of the drill intercepts by domain; variography; analysing associated metals within the copper domains; estimation using Ordinary Kriging of copper, gold, silver and magnetite into a block model; density assigned based on oxidation state, analysis and validation guided by geology and alteration, informing data, statistical measures and check reporting. In order to move the project forward, CZH will need to pursue the renewal and conversion of EP-IVA-005 to a Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) as required by the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB). The current mineral resource estimate was completed by MA, under the direction of Ian Taylor MAusIMM (CP), an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The QP visited the Taysan property and supervised the geological modelling input to the current study. CIMM definitions and guidelines were followed for Mineral Resource estimation based on the parameters outlined above. Readers are reminded that Mineral Resources do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mr. Taylor has reviewed this news release and consented to the inclusion of extracts from, or a summary of, the technical information prepared under his direction and supervision. The technical report providing details of the Mineral Resource estimate is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CRAZY HORSE RESOURCES INC. Dev Randhawa, Chairman, CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are 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 market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Contacts: Greg Downey CFO Crazy Horse Resources Inc. Phone: 1-250-979-7022 Cambium ships more than six million wireless broadband modules that provide affordable high-speed connectivity to connect enterprises, schools, industry, and residents Cambium Networks, a leading global provider of wireless networking solutions, today announced that high-speed connectivity is being deployed by network operators, public and private, of all sizes around the world, leading to shipments of more than six million modules. Proven to support education and spur economic development, affordable Internet connectivity can now be rapidly deployed to connect a community. "Wireless broadband provides affordable connectivity for service providers, industrial network operators, and enterprises," said Atul Bhatnagar, President and CEO of Cambium Networks. "With high-speed wireless technology, network operators are able to rapidly create connectivity for schools, businesses, hospitals and entire communities. Wireless connectivity makes any operation of any size connected and more efficient." Six Million Units Shipped Connects Communities Worldwide Network operators around the world choose wireless connectivity solutions from Cambium Networks because of their proven field performance, scalability, reliability and affordability. With industry award winning spectral efficiency, operators can achieve the highest throughput in the least amount of scarce spectrum. WiFi Technology Promotes Education and Childhood Development in New Zealand In New Zealand, the Otorohanga District Council wanted to provide WiFi to promote education and development, as well as support the growing tourist industry. The council also wished to provide connectivity for young adults and children to assist in their schooling and development, as it had been identified that 30% of these children had no internet connectivity in their homes. "ePMP 1000 exceeded our expectations in regard to simplicity, robustness, end user experience and cost- effectiveness." Protecting a City Water Supply In Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Aguakan uses wireless point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PMP) broadband connectivity from Cambium Networks to monitor and control water supply and treatment facilities, and connect remote locations. "We were able to connect the entire system: Narrowband to meters and sensors, and broadband for database and Internet," said Carlos Mena, Technology Leader, Aguakan. "Communications were running in weeks with equipment and support from Cambium Networks." Connecting Schools A school district in Rome, Italy, needed a WiFi solution that would cover all of the classrooms in the district and the ability to optimize system availability across the district. "The school district needed WiFi connectivity in every classroom and immediate technical support to ensure uptime," said Emanualle Loi, System Engineer, SICE Telecom. "cnPilot E400 and cnMaestro management gave us reliable connectivity and centralized real-time management." About Cambium Networks Cambium Networks is a leading global provider of trusted wireless solutions that connect the unconnected People, Places and Things. Through its extensive portfolio of reliable, scalable and secure wireless narrowband and broadband platforms, Cambium Networks makes it possible for all service providers and industrial, enterprise and government network operators to build affordable, reliable, high-performance connectivity. The company currently has over six million radios deployed in thousands of demanding networks in more than 150 countries. Headquartered outside Chicago and with R&D centers in the U.S., U.K. and India, Cambium Networks sells through a range of trusted global distributors. For more information, visit www.cambiumnetworks.com and www.connectingtheunconnected.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005547/en/ Contacts: for Cambium Networks Sara Black, 213-618-1501 sara@bospar.com 11 January 2017 Wood Group secures multi-million dollar framework agreement with Saudi Aramco Wood Group has secured a five year, multi-million dollar framework agreement to continue to provide engineering and project management services to Saudi Aramco's onshore capital programmes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Effective immediately, the contract also includes three, one year extension options and will be delivered locally in Saudi Arabia. First awarded in 2010, the General Engineering Service Plus (GES+) contract extension will be supported by Wood Group's office in Al Khobar. Dave Stewart, CEO for Wood Group's Asset Life Cycle Solutions business in the Eastern Hemisphere, said: "This contract renewal demonstrates Wood Group's proven technical and engineering capabilities in working with Saudi Aramco to deliver projects and modifications, automation and control, pipeline and industrial engineering over the last five years. "Wood Group sees significant growth opportunities in the Saudi Arabian market which is reflected in our continued investment in our people in the region; establishing a dedicated training facility and employing 750 people to support our business. "We will use our strong asset knowledge and experience of working collaboratively with Saudi Aramco as we continue this contract, where our focus will remain on delivering technical solutions which meet their challenges and add value to their onshore portfolio in the region." In 2015, Wood Group was awarded an offshore maintain potential programme (OMP) contract with Saudi Aramco for greenfield and brownfield engineering services, procurement, and construction management support for new facilities in the Arabian Gulf. -ends- Notes to editors: Wood Group is an international energy services company with around $6bn sales and operating in more than 50 countries. The Group designs, modifies, constructs and operates industrial facilities mainly for the oil & gas sector, right across the asset life-cycle. We enhance this with a wide range of specialist technical solutions including our world leading subsea, automation and integrity solutions. Our real differentiator is our range of services, the quality of our delivery, the passion of our people, our culture and values. We are extending the scale and scope of our core services into adjacent industries. Visit Wood Group at www.woodgroup.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. For further information contact: Wood Group Press Office Tel: +44 (0) 1224 532569 email: press.office@woodgroup.com Kyiv's Pechersky district court at the start of the New Year authorized the arrest of disgraced ex-President Viktor Yanukovych and former ex-Interior Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko in the so-called "church case," according to a report published by the Kyiv-based Ukrayinska Pravda Internet publication. "The court on January 3, based on a notice provided by the Prosecutor General's Office, gave permission to arrest Yanukovych and handed down a similar ruling for Zakharchenko, as well as authorized the arrest of Valeriy Koriak, former head of the Kyiv militia," the article says, which was published on Saturday evening. "The suspects are hiding from investigators and the court. In order to avoid destruction of evidence and influence on the aggrieved parties and experts, the [PGO] investigator believes that the suspects should be arrested and brought to court to determine pretrial confinement," the PGO investigator is quoted as saying. Former Ukrainian politicians Zakharchenko, Yanukovych and Koriak are suspected of illegally detaining Oleksandr Drabynko, the assistant of the late head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) Volodymyr. Investigators believe Yanukovych and his coterie pressured the late Volodymyr to resign from his position. Verkhovna Rada deputy Vadym Novinsky is also a suspect in the case, as well as the commander and deputy of the Interior Ministry's "Grifon" police unit in Kyiv. There is no information about permission to detain the figures in the case, according to Ukrayinska Pravda's website. MIT Media Lab and Harvard's Berkman Klein Center to be anchor institutions MIAMI, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Recognizing the vast potential of artificial intelligence to affect the public interest, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Omidyar Network, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, and others have formed a $27 million fund to apply the humanities, the social sciences and other disciplines to the development of AI. The MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University will serve as founding academic institutions for the initiative, which will be named the Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund. The Fund will support a cross-section of AI ethics and governance projects and activities, both in the United States and internationally. Artificial intelligence and complex algorithms in general, fueled by big data and deep-learning systems, are quickly changing how we live and work-from the news stories we see, to the loans for which we qualify, to the jobs we perform. Because of this pervasive but often concealed impact, it is imperative that AI research and development be shaped by a broad range of voices-not only by engineers and corporations, but also by social scientists, ethicists, philosophers, faith leaders, economists, lawyers and policymakers. Hoffman and Omidyar Network each committed $10 million to the fund, while Knight Foundation committed $5 million. With the MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center, they will form a governing board to distribute awards and facilitate other activities that provide meaningful links among activities in the connective tissue between computer sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Jim Pallotta, founder of the Raptor Group, have each committed $1 million to the fund, which is expected to grow as other funders come on board. "Artificial intelligence agents will impact our lives in every society on Earth. Technology and commerce will see to that," said Alberto Ibarguen, president of Knight Foundation. "Since even algorithms have parents and those parents have values that they instill in their algorithmic progeny, we want to influence the outcome by ensuring ethical behavior, and governance that includes the interests of the diverse communities that will be affected." "As a technologist, I'm impressed by the incredible speed at which artificial intelligence technologies are developing. As a philanthropist and humanitarian, I'm eager to ensure that ethical considerations and the human impacts of these technologies are not overlooked. Omidyar Network is participating in the fund to make sure that critical areas like ethics, accountability, and governance, are considered from the earliest stages of design," said Pierre Omidyar, founding partner, Omidyar Network, and a principal of the fund. "There's an urgency to ensure that AI benefits society and minimizes harm," said Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn and partner at venture capital firm Greylock Partners. "AI decision-making can influence many aspects of our world - education, transportation, health care, criminal justice, and the economy - yet data and code behind those decisions can be largely invisible." The fund seeks to advance AI in the public interest by including the broadest set of voices in discussions and projects addressing the human impacts of AI. Among the issues the fund might address: Communicating complexity: How do we best communicate, through words and processes, the nuances of a complex field like AI? Ethical design: How do we build and design technologies that consider ethical frameworks and moral values as central features of technological innovation? Advancing accountable and fair AI: What kinds of controls do we need to minimize AI's potential harm to society and maximize its benefits? Innovation in the public interest: How do we maintain the ability of engineers and entrepreneurs to innovate, create and profit, while ensuring that society is informed and that the work integrates public interest perspectives? Expanding the table: How do we grow the field to ensure that a range of constituencies are involved with building the tools and analyzing social impact? "AI's rapid development brings along a lot of tough challenges," said Joi Ito, director of the MIT Media Lab. "For example, one of the most critical challenges is how do we make sure that the machines we 'train' don't perpetuate and amplify the same human biases that plague society. How can we best initiate a broader, in-depth discussion about how society will co-evolve with this technology, and connect computer science and social sciences to develop intelligent machines that are not only 'smart,' but also socially responsible?" The Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund will complement and collaborate with existing efforts, such as the upcoming public symposium "AI Now," which is scheduled for July 10 at MIT Media Lab. The Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society will leverage the strengths of existing programs and pursue joint efforts that reinforce cross-disciplinary work and encourage collaboration, both in the United States and internationally. Activities that the fund will support include a joint AI fellowship program supporting people who are working to keep human issues at the forefront of AI, including working with international efforts that are underway; convening and supporting a network of people and institutions working to maximize the benefits of AI; funding expert research and other sectors affected by AI's implications; and a thematic focus on the issues of artificial intelligence for the 2018 "Assembly" program. "The thread running through these otherwise-disparate phenomena is a shift of reasoning and judgment away from people," said Jonathan Zittrain, co-founder of the Berkman Klein Center and Professor of Law and Computer Science at Harvard University. "Sometimes that's good, as it can free us up for other pursuits and for deeper undertakings. And sometimes it's profoundly worrisome, as it decouples big decisions from human understanding and accountability. A lot of our work in this area will be to identify and cultivate technologies and practices that promote human autonomy and dignity rather than diminish it." The Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund will be housed at The Miami Foundation. For more on the fund, please read our FAQ. About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. knightfoundation.org About the Omidyar Network Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm dedicated to harnessing the power of markets to create opportunity for people to improve their lives. Established in 2004 by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, the organization invests in and helps scale innovative organizations to catalyze economic and social change. Omidyar Network has committed more than $1 billion to for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations that foster economic advancement and encourage individual participation across multiple initiatives, including Emerging Technology, Education, Financial Inclusion, Governance & Citizen Engagement, and Property Rights. To learn more, visit www.omidyar.com, and follow on Twitter @omidyarnetwork PositiveReturns. About Reid Hoffman Reid Hoffman is co-founder of LinkedIn and partner at Greylock Partners. An accomplished entrepreneur, executive, and investor, Hoffman has played an integral role in building many of today's leading consumer technology businesses. He is also the co-author of two New York Times best-selling books: The Start-Up of You and The Alliance. About the MIT Media Lab The MIT Media Lab transcends known boundaries and disciplines by actively promoting a unique, antidisciplinary culture that emboldens unconventional mixing and matching of seemingly disparate research areas. The Lab creates disruptive technologies that happen at the edges, pioneering such areas as wearable computing, tangible interfaces, and affective computing. Today, faculty members, research staff, and students at the Lab work in 27 research groups on more than 470 projects that range from digital approaches for treating neurological disorders, to advanced imaging technologies that can "see around a corner," to the world's first "smart" powered ankle-foot prosthesis. Lab researchers are committed to delving into the questions not yet asked, whose answers could radically improve the way people live, learn, express themselves, work, and play. More information at https://www.media.mit.edu/. About the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is dedicated to exploring, understanding, and shaping the development of the digitally-networked environment. A diverse, interdisciplinary community of scholars, practitioners, technologists, policy experts, and advocates, we seek to tackle the most important challenges of the digital age while keeping a focus on tangible real-world impact in the public interest. Our faculty, fellows, staff and affiliates conduct research, build tools and platforms, educate others, form bridges and facilitate dialogue across and among diverse communities. More information at https://cyber.harvard.edu. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2017) - GONZAGA RESOURCES LTD. (TSXV: GN) (the "Company" or "Gonzaga") is pleased to announce it has entered in to a binding Letter of Intent (the "LOI") with Crosby Gold Ltd. ("Crosby") pursuant to which Gonzaga will acquire (the "Acquisition") 100% of Crosby's interest in, and option rights to the Goldenville Gold Project located in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia (the "Goldenville Property"), along with three other gold properties in Nova Scotia. In connection with the completion of the Acquisition, Gonzaga intends to change its name to Osprey Gold Development Ltd. The Goldenville Property consists of three contiguous mineral titles totaling approximately 970 ha in Northeastern Nova Scotia. The Goldenville Property hosts a historical inferred mineral resource of 244,730 ounces of gold in 533,739 tonnes grading 14.26 g/t and a historical indicated mineral resource of 37,000 ounces of gold in 106,976 tonnes grading 10.76 g/t, using a cutoff of 2.0 g/t gold as reported in a historical technical report dated effective March 1, 2005, prepared for Acadian Gold Corporation by Mercator Geological Services Limited entitled "Technical Report on Mineral Resource Estimate - Acadian Gold Corporation - Goldenville Property - Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Canada" (the "Mercator Historical Report"). The mineral resource estimate from the Mercator Historical Report is as follows: Table 1 Indicated Mineral Resource Gold Grade Threshold (g/t) Tonnes Uncut Gold Grade Uncut (g/t) Gold Grade 50g/t Cut (g/t) Total Ounces Uncut 3.5 62,554 16.62 14.72 33,429 2.0 106,976 10.76 9.65 37,012 1.0 181,047 6.96 6.31 40,517 Table 2 Inferred Mineral Resource Gold Grade Threshold (g/t) Tonnes Uncut Gold Grade Uncut (g/t) Gold Grade 50g/t Cut (g/t) Total Ounces Uncut 3.5 384,596 18.78 12.38 232,242 2.0 533,739 14.26 9.64 244,730 1.0 855,025 9.43 6.54 259,257 The reader is cautioned that a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify this historical estimate as current resources and Gonzaga is not treating this historical estimate as a current mineral resource. While this estimate was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and the "Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Definition Guidelines" in effect at the time, there is no guarantee that it would be consistent with current standards and it should not be regarded as consistent with current standards. To Gonzaga's knowledge, the Mercator Historical Report is the most recent resource estimate currently available regarding the Goldenville Property. In connection with the Acquisition, Gonzaga has engaged Brandon Macdonald, P. Geo., to prepare an updated independent Technical Report on the Goldenville Property. The Company's CEO, Jeffrey Wilson stated, "We are excited to enter into the LOI with Crosby and have the opportunity to acquire a notable gold project in a historic mining camp within a stable jurisdiction. The combination of the project's history as a prominent past producer and existing historic resource, coupled with the near term potential to inexpensively optimize and expand the resource while testing additional targets for ongoing exploration upside, make Goldenville a compelling new focus for the Company. We look forward to commencing planned programs and advancing the projects in the months ahead." The Goldenville Gold District, where the Goldenville Property is located, is regarded as one of the most important gold mining districts in Nova Scotia with past gold production between 1862 and 1942 of approximately 212,300 ounces from 551,797 tonnes indicating an historic recovered grade of 11.97 g/t, as disclosed in the Mercator Historical Report. The Goldenville Property has been explored intermittently since the 1960s, and has a large database of more than 30,000 metres of surface and underground drilling, as well as a 183m shaft which was rehabilitated and temporarily dewatered in 1988. Typical deposits of this district have stratabound quartz veins hosting gold mineralization within folded metasediments. More recently the potential for disseminated shale hosted gold mineralization has been the focus of other companies working in Nova Scotia. The Goldenville Project demonstrates potential for discovery of additional quartz vein hosted mineralization which remains open along strike and at depth as well as shale hosted gold. Crosby is a private British Columbia company with a cash treasury of approximately $203,990. Pursuant to an option agreement dated October 14, 2016, (the "Option Agreement") with 3302051 Nova Scotia Limited, a private Nova Scotia company, Crosby holds an option (the "Option") to acquire a 100% interest (subject to certain royalties) in the Goldenville Property and three additional early stage projects within Nova Scotia's Meguma Terrane, namely the Gold Lake, Miller Lake, and Lower Seal Harbour properties. All three additional properties have historic production and potential for future exploration, however little recent exploration has been carried out, and none are currently considered material by Gonzaga. Under the terms of the LOI, Gonzaga will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Crosby (the "Crosby Shares") in consideration for the issuance of common shares of Gonzaga ("Gonzaga Shares") on the basis of 1 Gonzaga Share for each Crosby Share, resulting in the issuance of an aggregate of 5,840,000 Gonzaga Shares to Crosby's shareholders. Upon completion of the Acquisition, Crosby will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Gonzaga giving Gonzaga full control and discretion over Crosby's treasury to fund initial work programs at Goldenville. Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, in order to exercise the Option and acquire the Goldenville Property, Crosby must make aggregate cash payments totaling $1,000,000 to 3302051 Nova Scotia Limited over a period of three years as follows: $150,000 paid upon signing the Option Agreement, which payment has been paid as at the date hereof; $250,000 on or before the date that is one year from the date of the Option Agreement; $250,000 on or before the date that is two years from the date of the Option Agreement; and $350,000 on or before the date that is three years from the date of the Option Agreement. Upon agreement of Crosby and 3302051 Nova Scotia Limited, the last two payments totaling $600,000 may be paid through the issuance of common shares of Crosby or Gonzaga at a price per share equal to fair market value, as determined by Crosby. Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Crosby has granted 3302051 Nova Scotia Limited Gross Metal Royalties payable upon commencement of commercial production of the optioned properties in the following amounts (collectively, the "GMR"): 2% payable on the Goldenville Property; 2% payable on the Lower Seal Harbour property; 1.5% on the Gold Lake property; and 1.5% on the Miller Lake property. Crosby has the right to repurchase up to 75% of the GMR on the Goldenville and Lower Seal Harbour properties, and up to 50% of the GMR on the Gold Lake and Miller Lake properties for aggregate consideration of $1,725,000, payable in cash, or, upon agreement of Crosby and 3302051 Nova Scotia, through the issuance of common shares of Crosby or Gonzaga at a price per share equal to fair market value, as determined by Crosby. In connection with signing the LOI, Mr. Cooper Quinn, sole director of Crosby, has been appointed as President and a director of Gonzaga. Mr. Wilson stated "We are pleased to add Mr. Quinn as Gonzaga's new President. His technical expertise and familiarity and understanding of the Goldenville Property make Mr. Quinn an invaluable addition to the Gonzaga team and he is expected to be instrumental in advancing the project and the Company." The Company also announced that Mr. Robert Clemens has resigned from the Company's board of directors. The Company would like to thank Mr. Clemens for his service to the Company and wish him well in his future endeavors. Completion of the Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions including, completion by Gonzaga of an equity financing for minimum aggregate proceeds of $500,000, execution of final transaction documentation and receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval. The technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Brandon Macdonald, P.Geo, a 'Qualified Person' under NI 43-101. ON BEHALF OF GONZAGA RESOURCES LTD. "Jeffrey Wilson" Jeffrey Wilson, CEO For further information please contact Gonzaga at (236) 521-0944 or visit www.gonzagaresources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Gonzaga within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the proposed acquisition of the Goldenville Property Option and the transactions contemplated in connection therewith. Gonzaga provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Gonzaga's public filings under Gonzaga's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Gonzaga 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. Gonzaga disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. UNITED STATES ADVISORY. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), have been offered and sold outside the United States to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered, sold, or resold in the United States or to, or for the account of or benefit of, a U.S. Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. Hedging transactions involving the securities must not be conducted unless in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in the state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2017) - Defiance Silver Corp (TSXV: DEF) (OTC: DNCVF) ("Defiance" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received all the necessary permits to resume drilling on its San Acacio Silver deposit located in Zacatecas State, Mexico. As per the Company's release dated September 7, 2016, the drill permit will allow for 60,000m of drilling and is valid for a period of 4.5 years. Over the last few months, as the permitting was in process, management has been able to closely review results from the previous drilling programs to try to get a better understanding of the nature of the San Acacio deposit. With this review and, the granting of the drilling permit, Defiance now plans to finalize a drilling program to follow up on the successful results of its most recent drilling that defined wide zones of mineralization grading in excess of 200 g/t AgEq. The permit covers drilling below the 1.2km long San Acacio deposit as well as along the underexplored 900m San Acacio Extension where the Veta Grande vein has only been defined to shallow depths. "We are very pleased with the granting of this drill permit as it provides long-term certainty to our exploration efforts to aggressively expand the San Acacio Silver deposit", stated Bruce Winfield, President and CEO of Defiance Silver Corp. "As one of the more prolific past producing silver mines in Mexico, we are hopeful that this work will allow us to increase our knowledge of the deposit as well as expand the resource." Having secured the required surface rights (see press release dated August 23, 2016) and the necessary drilling permits, Defiance will now finalize its program for the 1.2km of vein strike length that hosts the San Acacio deposit. The results of this work will ultimately allow the Company to expand its exploration efforts to the 4.4 km of the vein that has yet to see modern exploration. A Panoramic Video on the San Acacio Deposit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEqtbHzMeYw) is available on our website, or Click Here to visit our Defiance YouTube Channel (http://www.defiancesilver.com/media/video). Defiance Silver Corp. is a silver explorer and developer advancing the San Acacio Deposit, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District of central Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring and developing 7 operating mines to date. Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand San Acacio to become one of Mexico's premier high grade wide vein silver deposits. For more information on the property or Defiance, please visit Defiance's website at www.DefianceSilver.com. On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp. "Bruce Winfield" President and CEO For more information, please contact: Sunny Pannu - Corporate Development (604) 669 7315 or via email at pannu@defiancesilver.com 2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street www.defiancesilver.com Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 Tel: 604-669-7315 Email:info@defiancesilver.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. ORLANDO, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Today at the 2017 ACUTA Winter Seminar, Applied Voice & Speech Technologies, Inc. (AVST) has been selected to present "Millennials at Work: Creating a Mobile First, Digital Environment." Recent studies show that millennials (persons born between 1981-2000) make up the largest generation in the U.S. workforce. And, addressing the needs of this growing workforce segment will aid in the success and sustainability of any organization. Millennials are the first generation of digital natives. They came of age during a period of rapid technology adoption; the first generation to grow up with digital communications in hand. This workforce segment is accustomed to social media, mobile messaging, smartphones and easy collaboration. They have an always-connected mindset and expectations of instant gratification. "Millennials reject the concept of sitting at a desk working eight hours a day. They believe they can be productive anywhere -- from Starbucks to commuting in their car," said Denny Michael, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, AVST. "The key for successfully integrating this demographic into a growing organization is to empower them with the tools they need to remain mobile and connected." At ACUTA, AVST has been selected to present, "Millennials at Work: Creating a Mobile First, Digital Environment," on Tuesday, January 10 at 8:00 a.m. AVST will share how organizations can accelerate their use of smartphones, mobile messaging, and apps -- elements of the technology era with which millennials have grown up. Organizations that adopt a digital atmosphere will have a competitive advantage in engaging and retaining millennials. The discussion will focus on: How to improve group and team dynamics by adopting new Unified Communications (UC) technologies to accommodate the millennial demographic The most effective ways to promote a digital workforce How to incorporate virtual personal assistants to engage and empower users Where to draw the line between personal technology choices and enforcing security/compliance standards AVST will be at ACUTA in booth #1, located in the Wyndham Grand Orlando at Bonnet Creek, showcasing how its applications can facilitate faculty and staff communication and collaboration, allowing them to work anywhere, improving engagement. With a long-standing history in higher education, AVST's UC solutions have been adopted by many of the largest public and private universities in the United States and Canada. For more than a decade, AVST has been a strong supporter of The Association for College & University Technology Advancement (ACUTA). The organization is an international nonprofit educational association representing over 1,800 individuals at more than 500 colleges and universities, with members ranging from small schools and community colleges to the 50 largest U.S. institutions. ACUTA's core purpose is to support higher education in achieving optimal use of communications technologies. AVST is a corporate affiliate of ACUTA and has been acknowledged for its support of the organization's regional and national events. For more information about AVST's products for the higher education marketplace, visit the company's website at www.avst.com/education. About AVST With more than 30 years of continuous innovation, Applied Voice & Speech Technologies, Inc. (AVST) is a trusted developer of software-based, enterprise-class Unified Communications (UC) solutions. Our mission is to design, deliver and support communications solutions that transform the productivity of individual workers, teams and enterprises while leveraging the value of their existing and evolving IT infrastructure. Thousands of businesses worldwide rely on AVST to meet their mission-critical communications requirements, align their business with key trends and, with the world-class interoperability and flexibility of AVST's UC solutions, provide a bridge to their digital future. Headquartered in Orange County, California, AVST maintains facilities in Seattle, Washington, Victoria B.C., Canada and the United Kingdom, and has remote sales offices throughout the United States. AVST's UC solutions are sold and supported worldwide by an extensive network of resellers and OEM partners. To learn more about AVST, our products and partners, please visit www.avst.com or you can follow us at Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. Media Contact: Stephanie Olsen Lages & Associates (949) 453-8080 Email Contact Unit4, a fast growing leader in enterprise applications for service organizations, today announced that Jeremy Roche, formerly CEO of cloud ERP vendor FinancialForce, takes up a new role with Unit4 as Chief Product Officer (CPO). Jeremy has served on Unit4's Executive Committee and remained active at board level throughout his time as FinancialForce CEO. Jeremy was the driving force behind the creation of FinancialForce in 2009 with investment from Unit4 and Salesforce. The company has grown to become the leading Cloud ERP vendor with apps built entirely on the Salesforce Cloud Platform. Late last week, FinancialForce announced that Jeremy will hand over the reins to Tod Nielsen, former Salesforce executive, who will focus on further scaling the business. As Unit4's CPO, Jeremy will be responsible for further developing and bringing to market the end-to-end product and customer experience, injecting innovative ideas that will help Unit4 customers harness the full potential of cloud. Having established FinancialForce more than seven years ago and grown it to be the successful organization it is today, he will use his experience to accelerate the cloud transition for Unit4 customers, delivering product innovation and rapid time to value. "I relish this new challenge and look forward to putting my experience to good use," said Jeremy Roche. "Unit4 continues to innovate to meet the needs of its customers at a time of rapid cloud adoption and digital transformation. It's an exciting time for the company and for me as we capitalize on the cloud opportunity that exists today." "Jeremy takes over from Ivo Totev who has contributed a great deal to Unit4 over the last three years," said Stephan Sieber, Unit4 CEO. "His appointment comes at a time when Unit4 is seeing growing demand for its cloud solutions. Our customers are excited by our self-driving business applications delivering support for industry specific solutions and redefined user experience. We are very pleased to have Jeremy on board focusing on further improving our customer experience and ensuring we get our customers the business results they want. Under Jeremy's lead we will further align product management and product marketing to deliver a premium end-to-end experience for customers and ensure that our product roadmaps and go-to-market offerings fulfil sector and customer needs." Jeremy will continue to serve as Founder and special advisor to the FinancialForce management team. About Unit4 Unit4 is a leading provider of enterprise applications empowering people in service organizations. With annual revenue above 500M Euro and over 4000 employees world-wide, Unit4 delivers ERP, industry-focused and best-in-class applications. Thousands of organizations from sectors including professional services, education, public services, not-for-profit, real estate, wholesale, and financial services benefit from Unit4 solutions. Unit4 is in business for people. For more information please visit the website at http://www.unit4.com/about/our-company, follow us on Twitter @Unit4global, or visit our LinkedIn page View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005697/en/ Contacts: Unit4 Chad Grimm, 250-704-4485 chad.grimm@unit4.com http://www.unit4.com/us or Matter Ryan Lilly, 978-518-4533 rlilly@matternow.com www.matternow.com SAN JOSE, California and GURGAON, India, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Envisioning exponential growth in the demand for hi-tech and innovative IOT products across industries and the government's push for Make in India, auto-component major, Napino Auto & Electronics Ltd has made a strategic investment into VVDN Technologies - a leading ODM provider of end-to-end cloud enabled IOT solutions. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455749/PRNE___VVDN_Napino_Collaboration.jpg ) VVDN's capabilities lie in offering versatile and innovative world-class quality IOT product development services to complement Napino's electronic and electrical auto product design, development and manufacturing. Within the scope of this collaboration, VVDN shall provide complete engineering services and outsource the manufacturing of complex embedded electronics to Napino. The partnership will enable Napino to not only offer advanced cloud enabled solutions for their automotive products but also foray into a booming IOT market. This synergistic partnership will ensure that the target customers are offered innovative IOT solutions of the highest quality with the shortest time to market. Bhupender Saharan, CEO & founder, VVDN said, "We're excited to be working with Napino to ramp up our manufacturing capabilities. The partnership is the fastest way to provide cloud-connected devices to help partners around the world. This collaboration will have an impact on the industry for years to come." VVDN and Napino shall jointly target markets in the United States, Europe, China and India with revolutionary IOT products. Vaibhav Raheja, Director at Napino said, "VVDN and Napino's engineering and manufacturing expertise have high strategic fit with the fast changing requirements of not only automotive but other industries as well. I am happy to announce this collaboration which is aligned with Napino's aspiration of foraying into the IOT domain through technological innovation." About VVDN VVDN is the premier ODM for cloud managed IOT product and is uniquely positioned to deliver versatile, innovative, world-class quality IOT product development. VVDN has embodied real customer value by providing advanced embedded designs and manufacturing services through innovative cutting-edge technology. VVDN prides itself for delivering customized products with highly competitive business model. Headquartered in India, VVDN has its presence across the globe including US, Europe, Japan. For more details visit http://www.vvdntech.com About Napino Napino Auto & Electronics Limited is one of India's leading manufacturers of auto electronic and electrical products with end-to-end design, development and manufacturing capabilities. Napino has built a long standing relationship with major OEMs in India and has state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities offering product innovation and high-quality standards. For more details, visit http://www.napino.com. Media Contact Details: Girija Vedi Tel: +91-8527812334 +1-925-663-9745 Email: Girija.vedi@vvdntech.com Aircraft to be Utilized by GHS for Utility and Humanitarian Support Operations Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited ("Waypoint"), the largest independent global helicopter leasing company, today announced that it has agreed to lease one Airbus H225 helicopter to Global Helicopter Service GmbH ("GHS"), a German operator with a strong presence in Africa, for utility and humanitarian support missions. Con Barber, Director of Middle East Africa Sales and Relationship Management at Waypoint, said, "This transaction is further evidence of Waypoint's diversification and our ability to exploit opportunities in new markets and new segments. A large number of helicopters are used in humanitarian support roles in Africa and around the world, and GHS is a market leader in the segment. We are excited about executing our first lease with GHS and are confident that this transaction is the beginning of a long-term partnership." Ed Washecka, Chief Executive Officer of Waypoint, said, "This transaction demonstrates Waypoint's confidence in opportunities for the H225, a modern, safe and efficient aircraft, which is increasingly displacing older, less capable aircraft in this market. We believe that the performance and utility of the H225 put the helicopter in a strong position to deliver excellent capabilities in utility and humanitarian missions, and we are excited about working with GHS, a leading operator in the segment." Mr. Dominik Goldfuss, GHS CEO said, "Waypoint's creative and responsive approach is a great match for GHS. GHS has a strong track record; operating humanitarian and mission critical helicopters, especially in West and Central Africa for the United Nations/World Food Program (UN/WFP), Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors without Borders (MSF) and other end users. The H225 will enhance our capabilities with its impressive performance and will allow us to serve new missions, which require the H225's excellent load and range capabilities." Since its inception in 2013, Waypoint has been active in supporting oil and gas, utility, firefighting and other industrial-focused helicopter operators, this transaction will further diversify Waypoint's activity into the utility and humanitarian support segment. Waypoint's portfolio includes more than 140 aircraft for 26 customers in 31 countries with total assets in excess of $1.6 billion. Additionally, Waypoint has firm and option orders with aircraft manufacturers for more than 120 helicopters valued at more than $1.5 billion, to be delivered over the next five years. About Waypoint Waypoint is a global helicopter leasing company that provides operating lease and financing solutions to helicopter operators worldwide. Headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, Waypoint differentiates itself with a senior management team that has direct helicopter operating and leasing experience in key helicopter markets around the world, having leased helicopters across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. Waypoint serves a wide range of sectors including oil and gas, emergency medical service, search and rescue, firefighting and governmental support. In addition to Ireland, Waypoint has offices in London, the United States, Canada, Singapore, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. Further information is available at www.waypointleasing.com. About Global Helicopter Service GHS was founded in 2014 by an experienced management team to provide helicopter services for the oil/gas/mining, non-profit and government sectors. Since its establishment, GHS has operated helicopter contracts supporting oil/gas operations in Sudan, the UN/WFP in Nigeria, MSF in Sierra Leone and the UN/WFP in Sierra Leone, amongst other contracts and operations. Further information available at www.global-helicopter-service.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005925/en/ Contacts: Media for Waypoint Sard Verbinnen Co Jared Levy/Cameron Seligmann 212-687-8080 waypoint-svc@sardverb.com or Media for GHS Global Helicopter Service Ursula Poecklhofer Customer Relations +49 8654 770027 -18 -0 u.poecklhofer@g-h-service.com TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Toyota Motor Corp. (TM, TYT.L) said it will invest $10 billion in the U.S. in the next five years. The announcement comes after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to raise taxes on the Japanese automaker over its plans to build cars in Mexico for sale in the U.S. market. At the Detroit auto show on Monday, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said, 'The Camry has been one of the reasons why we've invested 22 billion dollars in the U.S. over the last 60 years and why we will be investing another 10 billion here ...in just the next 5 years alone.' Toyoda made the announcement while unveiling the 2018 Toyota Camry at Detroit. The Camry is the best selling car in the U.S. for the last fifteen years. The company's investment figure of $10 billion matches its own investments in the U.S. over the prior five years. However, Toyota added that the announcement predated Trump's threat to penalize the automaker and was not in response to the U.S. President-elect's remarks. The automaker has ten plants in eight U.S. states. Trump tweeted last week that Toyota would be forced to pay a 'big border tax' unless its new Corolla plant is built in the U.S. 'Toyota Motor said will build a new plant in Baja, Mexico, to build Corolla cars for U.S. NO WAY! Build plant in U.S. or pay big border tax,' Trump tweeted. While the President-elect said Toyota plans to build the plant in Baja, the $1 billion Corolla factory is actually slated to be built in Guanajuato in central Mexico. However, Toyota has announced plans to expand its existing plant in Baja to increase production of Tacoma pickup trucks. Trump had earlier tweeted a similar threat to General Motors Co. (GM), asking the automaker to stop importing cars into the U.S. from Mexico or pay a hefty tax. Ford Motor Co. (F) too had endured scathing criticism from Trump over the company's investments in Mexico. In response to Trump's criticism, Ford said last week that it is cancelling plans for a new $1.6 billion assembly plant in Mexico. The auto giant will instead build small cars at an existing Mexican factory and intends to invest $700 million in a Michigan facility to manufacture electric cars. Fiat Chrysler U.S. (FCAU) said Sunday that it will invest $1 billion in its plants in Michigan and Ohio, and add 2,000 new American jobs. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The United States and Cuba have signed a bilateral agreement to prepare for and respond to oil spills and hazardous substance pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. Under this agreement, the United States and Cuba will cooperate and coordinate in an effort to prevent, contain, and clean up marine oil and other hazardous pollution in order to minimize adverse effects to public health and safety and the environment, the US State Department said. Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Havana Jeffrey DeLaurentis signed the agreement on behalf of the United States. While Vice Minister Eduardo Rodriguez Davila of the Ministry of Transportation signed for the Republic of Cuba. 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. GRANITE FALLS, MN -- January 10, 2017 -- Multi-platinum-selling country artist Blackhawk will perform on February 4, 2017 at Prairie's Edge Casino Resort. With a dozen top ten hits including two number ones to their credit and album sales that exceed seven million records, they continue to carve out their own place in music history. The show will be held in conjunction with the Granite Falls Fire Department as a tribute to all Southwest Minnesota EMS Services. "We are thrilled to be working with the Granite Falls Fire Department to bring such a high quality act to the area. We believe this helps elevate the quality of the fireman's annual dance and also helps promote the area," said Barry Joannides, general manager, Prairie's Edge Casino Resort. "In addition to funding the show, Prairie's Edge will be giving a discounted ticket to all EMS workers." Tickets for Blackhawk are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. EMS workers can enter promo code: EMS-20 to receive their advance tickets for just $20. Tickets can be purchased online now at www.prairiesedgecasino.com. The fire department will provide free shuttle service between Granite Falls and the resort. The Granite Falls Fire Department can be reached at (320)564-3800. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Blackhawk will take the stage at 8:00 p.m. The fire department will hold a raffle at 9:45 p.m. for a Harley Davidson Street Glide. The Shane Martin Band will take the stage following the raffle. About Prairie's Edge Casino Resort Prairie's Edge Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Upper Sioux Community. Since 1991 the property has offered 24-hour gaming action. In addition to over 1,000 slot machines and table games, the property offers three restaurants, a 160-room hotel, and a 10,000 square foot convention and meeting facility. The property offers a swimming pool, exercise facility, business center, multiple lounge areas, convenience store, gas station, 55-unit RV park and campground. Visitors must be 18 or older to gamble. The property is located three miles south of Highway 212 in Granite Falls, Minn., just off Highway 23. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3097410 Media Inquiries: Prairie's Edge Casino Resort pr@prairiesedgecasino.com The militants over the past day have fired positions of the Ukrainian military 46 times in Donbas, the press center of the ATO (Anti-Terrorist operation) wrote on its Facebook page on Tuesday morning. "Five soldiers were wounded," a statement says. In the Mariupol sector the enemy fired Vodiane using 82-mm mortar shells, while rocket-propelled grenades and small arms were used to fire Maryinka, Shyrokyne, Talakivka, Chermalyk, Pavlopil and Hnutove. Shyrokyne was shelled by the enemy's infantry combat vehicles. In the Donetsk sector mortars of various calibers were used to attack Zaitseve, Avdiyivka and Luhanske. The adversary applied fire of rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns on Krasnohorivka, Avdiyivka and Opytne. Luhanske was attacked by infantry combat vehicles. In the Luhansk sector, near Syze, the militants used the BM-21 "Grad". Troyitske was repeatedly shelled by mortars, Stanytsia Luhanska and Novozvanivka by grenade launchers. Novozvanivka was also shelled from anti-tank guided missiles. Troyitske was fired on by a sniper. GATINEAU, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, will be travelling to the People's Republic of China to promote Canadian Arts and Culture. During her trip, the Minister will be meeting with several Canadian creators working in China, as well as meeting with Chinese officials to discuss Canada-China cultural affairs. Minister Joly will be in Beijing from January 9 to 12, and in Shanghai from January 12 to 14 with representatives from the National Film Board, Telefilm Canada and the Museum of Science and Technology. She will be meeting with representatives from Minority Media, Cavalia, Archiact China, SideFX Asia Pacific, Sheridan College, TRIOTECH, Cirque Eloize, Disney, Shanghai Vancouver Film School, Cirque de Soleil, Saimen, Canada-China Business Council, ART LABOR Gallery, Plusmos Universe Group and Gold Finance Group. Please note that the partial itinerary is available below, and is subject to change. All times are local. The details are as follows: BEIJING Tuesday, January 10, 2017 9:00 a.m. The Minister meets with Luo Shugang, Minister of Culture of the People's Republic of China. 2:30 p.m. The Minister meets with Tong Gang, Vice Minister of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. Wednesday, January 11, 2017 9:00 a.m. The Minister meets with Liu Yuzhu, Director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, and announces the return of cultural property under the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. 12:00 noon The Minister engages in a round-table discussion with executive heads of major Chinese cultural institutions to discuss collaboration with Canadian counterparts. 3:00 p.m. The Minister engages in a round-table discussion with prominent Chinese artists and creators from a variety of disciplines. SHANGHAI Thursday, January 12, 2017 3:15 p.m. The Minister participates in a meeting with Canadian cultural and creative industry companies with a presence in Shanghai. 5:30 p.m. The Minister gives a speech at an evening reception hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. Friday, January 13, 2017 10:00 a.m. The Minister meets with Canadian content creators and companies based in Shanghai. 3:00 p.m. The Minister visits the Vancouver Film School in Shanghai and delivers remarks prior to a panel discussion on the Canadian and Chinese film industries. Saturday, January 14, 2017 9:00 a.m. The Minister attends and gives remarks at the preview of the movie Snowtime! Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr. Contacts: Pierre-Olivier Herbert Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage 819-997-7788 Media Relations Canadian Heritage 819-994-9101 1-866-569-6155 pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China's fastest growing auto brand GAC Motor has returned to the prestigious North America International Auto Show (NAIAS) for the third time with three new debuts including the first electric vehicle GE3, new SUV GS7 and concept car EnSpirit at the grand launch event hosted on January 9 at Cobo Center in Detroit, US. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455856/Yu_Jun.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455857/GAC_Motor.jpg The only Chinese company to showcase at 2017 NAIAS from January 8 to 22, GAC Motor has demonstrated innovative thinking in auto manufacturing and environmental awareness in engineering in creating one-of-a-kind riding experience. Rod Alberts, executive director of 2017 NAIAS, presented "In Honor of Commitment to the 2017 NAIAS" award to GAC Motor at the show for its contribution to the global auto industry. He noted the company has attended the trade show for three times and fully demonstrated its strength of an international automaker and he would like to see more outstanding Chinese auto companies to participate in the North American auto show. The world premiere of GAC Motor's three vehicles has received significant attention from media and professional audiences, including Hong Lei, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago, to take photos of new cars and check relevant configurations and major breakthroughs the company have achieved in the past few years. Hong said it is great to find Chinese automobiles at an international auto show after visiting GS7 at the booth. He noted that the development of China's auto industry plays a crucial role in China-US auto industry and economy. "We are building a world-class system for auto manufacturing, ensuring the high quality of GAC products. Our pursuit for perfection is consistently reflected in every car we manufacture," said Yu Jun, general manager of GAC Motor at the NAIAS launch event. The new 5-seat SUV GS7 is a strong powered vehicle with intelligent technologies designed for consumers who seek fashionable design and carefree riding experience. EnSpirit, an electronic hybrid concept car featuring forward-leaning stance and iconic fastback, has combined the best of sedan, SUV and convertible all in one to propose an attitude and new lifestyle of freedom, progress and fun, while GE3 with clean "low-poly" shaped design is the first electric vehicle developed on GAC Motor's new energy platform which aims at bringing a friendly and intelligent driving experience. Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan who came to GAC Motor's display, expressed that GAC Motor has had multiple exchanges with the state of Michigan in the past, and he hopes to achieve more collaborations focused on R&D and innovative technologies to explore the future development of automotive industry together. In 2016, GAC has achieved 27% increase in terms of sales volume and entered the Fortune Global 500 list four years in a row with a 303rd ranking that's 59 places ahead of 2015. The company's new direction in new energy field aims to broaden the horizon in developing eco-friendly vehicles as well as unmanned driving technologies. Now GAC Motor operates global sales and service networks in 15 countries including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Chile, Cambodia and Nigeria. The company's North American R&D Center, which will be responsible for talents accumulation, advanced technology research and development, is expected to be launched in the first half of this year, achieving further global outreach. "We believe China's automobiles will be more frequently seen on the world stage in the future," said Feng Xingya, president of GAC Group, "GAC Motor is committed to providing the best valued products and services to global consumers by building a competitive global R&D, global sourcing and supply chain, global manufacturing, overseas marketing and service systems." About GAC Motor A subsidiary of GAC Group, GAC Motor develops and manufactures premium quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories, achieving a year-to-year growth rate of 96% in 2016, the highest among all Chinese brands in the corresponding period. GAC Motor ranked 5th, among all brands in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's 2016 China Initial Quality Study, the highest of all Chinese brands for the fourth consecutive year. For more information, please visit: Facebook: GAC Motor: https://www.facebook.com/GACMoto/posts/1275665359142728 Instagram: GAC Motor: https://instagram.com/p/BMCLdjegUnI/ Twitter: GAC Motor: https://twitter.com/gac_motor/status/791324958353821697 Media Contact: Suki Wong +86-186-8058-2829 sukie_gacmotor@126.com Taki Jiang +86-134-5028-4242 takijiang@126.com Goldcrest Resources plc ("Goldcrest" or the "Company") 10 January 2017 Issue of Equity and Change of Corporate Adviser The Company announces that it has raised 217,000 before expenses through the issue of86,800,001 new ordinary shares of 0.05p at a price of 0.25p each. Funds will be utilised for working capital purposes as the Company seeks to progress its existing and future interests. Additionally, the Company announces that a conversion notice has been sent to Pelamis Investments Ltd, being sole owner of the Convertible Loan Note, as announced 5th December 2016. The 70,000 will be fully converted into equity of the Company through the issue of 28,000,000 new ordinary shares of 0.05p each, also at 0.25p each per share. Furthermore, the Company announces that it has agreed to settle 121,300 of liabilities through the issue of48,520,000 new ordinary shares of 0.05p, again at 0.25p each per share. The Company is now debt free and accordingly, the balance sheet has been strengthened, leaving the Company in a strong position to focus on Taoudeni Resources Ltd, which holds the Company's flagship and prospective Asheba Gold Project ("Asheba"), located in Ghana. The Company is now also in a strong position to seek out other prospective gold projects. Appointment of Corporate Adviser and Broker The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Peterhouse Corporate Finance Ltd as its NEX Exchange Corporate Adviser and Broker with immediate effect. On completion of the placing, the following disclosable interests in the share capital of the Company are as follows: Name: Amount of Ordinary Shares Percentage Hot Rocks Investments plc* 6,121,713 14.61 Woodland Capital Limited* 1,734,500 4.14 Gavin Burnell* 1,172,492 2.80 Bruce Rowan** 2,900,000 6.92 Starvest plc** 1,188,000 2.84 Plutus Strategies Limited*** 2,947,273 7.03 Sunrise Resources plc 2,332,373 5.57 Centrebind Agency Limited 2,200,524 5.25 Geoffrey Tomlinson**** 343,489 0.82 Pelamis Investments Ltd***** 28,000,000 13.64 * Gavin Burnell is the managing director of Hot Rocks Investments plc and Woodland Capital Limited. ** Bruce Rowan is a substantial/controlling shareholder of Starvest plc. *** Plutus Strategies Limited is owned 50 per cent. by Paul Haywood, a director of the Company and 50 per cent. by Niall Tomlinson, a director of the Company. **** Geoffrey Tomlinson is the father of Niall Tomlinson, director of the Company. ***** David Steinepreis owns 39 per cent. of Pelamis Investments Ltd. Paul Haywood, Managing Director commented: "The past year has been a challenging time for the company and I would first like to thank all those that have supported us to date and those that will be supporting the Company going forward. The restructure, strengthening of the Board and raising of additional capital perfectly positions the Company to now execute its growth plans and we look forward to updating the market on associated actions in due course". Following the issue of the 163,320,001 new ordinary shares, Goldcrest has 205,223,308 Ordinary Shares in issue, which also represents the total number of voting rights in the Company. This figure should be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. The Directors of the Issuer accept responsibility for this announcement. For further information please contact: DUBLIN, Jan 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Structural Health Monitoring Market - Global Forecast to 2022" report to their offering. The structural health monitoring market is expected to grow from USD 701.4 Million in 2015 to USD 3407.7 Million by 2022, at a CAGR of 24.99% between 2016 and 2022. Structural health monitoring solutions are used across various sectors such as civil infrastructure, aerospace, energy, mining, and others. The increasing initiatives of governments worldwide towards the maintenance of aging structures such as bridges, dams and roads are likely to drive the growth of the structural health monitoring market. The efficient performance of structures in civil infrastructure, aerospace and energy industry also depends on the hardware and software components used for monitoring purposes. The scope of this report covers the structural health monitoring market on the basis of solutions, end users, technology, application and geography. Hardware solutions are expected to hold the largest market share of the structural health monitoring market between 2016 and 2022. However, the structural health monitoring market for software solutions is likely grow at the highest rate between 2016 and 2022. North America is expected to hold the largest share of the structural health monitroing market between 2016 and 2022. The rapidly aging infrastructure such as bridges in North America, growing usage of composites, are some of the factors driving the growth of the structural health monitoring market. The structural health monitoring market in Asia-Pacific (APAC) is expected to grow at the highest rate between 2016 and 2022. Companies Mentioned: Acellent Technologies Inc. Advitam Inc. Cowi A/S Digitexx Data Systems, Inc. Geocomp Corp. Geokon, Incorporated Geosig Ltd. Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik Gmbh Kinemetrics Inc. National Instruments Corp. Nova Metrix Llc Sodis Lab Strainstall Uk Ltd. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Industry Trends 7 Structural Health Monitoring Market, By Technology 8 Structural Health Monitoring Market, By Solution Type 9 Structural Health Monitoring Market, By End User 10 Structural Health Monitoring Market, By Application 11 Structural Health Monitoring Market, By Geography 12 Competitive Landscape 13 Company Profile 14 Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9t384q/structural_health 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 CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- NextTier Education Inc. today announced it has finalized a partnership with Parchment that will enable high school students to easily request their transcripts and other academic credentials be sent electronically to colleges and universities, simplifying an historically complicated step in the college planning, search, and application process. Parchment, the most widely adopted digital academic credentials service, is now fully integrated into the NextTier education platform, providing a single point through which high school counselors and faculty can digitally send transcripts, letters of recommendation and other background materials to multiple institutions in accordance with their unique requirements and deadlines. NextTier Education is a postsecondary readiness platform that delivers critical information on every two- and four-year college in the U.S. The first platform of its kind, NextTier provides each student with a comprehensive college application plan, including a detailed list of every school's required tasks, step-by-step guidance and deadlines for completing each task in the process. The NextTier platform enables real-time, active collaboration between students, educators and parents. NextTier's database also includes information on more than 20,000 scholarships and grants, and helps students to successfully research and identify the right financial support opportunities. "At Parchment, we know that credentials matter. For individuals who earn them, credentials represent hard work, accomplishment and identity," said Matthew Pittinsky, CEO of Parchment. "For more than a decade, Parchment has provided a convenient platform to help institutions and individuals securely send and receive more than 20 million credentials online. Our integration with the NextTier platform greatly expands our goal of turning high school credentials into postsecondary opportunities." Justin Shiffman, founder and CEO of NextTier, added: "While more than 90 percent of high school students desire college educations, fewer than 50 percent achieve that goal, and a primary reason for this is the complicated, disparate search and application process. At NextTier we are leveling that field to provide all students with equal access to the resources they need to navigate that process. Our partnership with Parchment will make it possible for high schools to easily deliver student diplomas, transcripts and other documentation in digital format to all the colleges and universities to which they are applying. At the end of the day, we're making it easier for high school students to achieve college educations." Parchment is initially available for use by 10 U.S. school districts currently using the NextTier Education platform. The company is in discussion with multiple other school districts and expects to finalize additional agreements in the coming months. About NextTier Education Founded in 2014, Chicago-based Next Tier Education, Inc. is the first postsecondary readiness solution with user engagement as its top priority. NextTier helps students find the right-fit schools, navigate the process to plan and apply to schools, and identify ways to finance their investments. Additional information is available at www.nexttier.com or by calling 312.690.9996. Contact: Scott Phillips Scott Phillips + Associates, Inc. Email Contact 312.943.9100 x28 DALLAS, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Lincoln Property Company has been named a 2016 NGBS Green Partner of Excellence. NGBS Green, the National Green Building Standard, has certified more homes than any other national green home certification program in the US. Recognition in this elite group of green certification participants validates the commitment Lincoln has made to provide its residents with a home of comfort and convenience. "As the home building market continues its rebound," said Home Innovation president and CEO Michael Luzier, "dedicated partners like Lincoln Property Company prove that participating in our rigorous third-party certification program isn't just a passing fad -- it's a strategic business decision that is paying dividends and changing the marketplace. Others around the industry could benefit from following the lead of this year's Partners of Excellence and building on their success." To earn certification to the National Green Building Standard, a multifamily building must meet rigorous criteria in six categories -- Lot and Site Development; Resource Efficiency; Energy Efficiency; Water Efficiency; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Homeowner Education. Sheri Killingsworth, Lincoln's Vice President of Marketing and Communications, stated, "Environmentally friendly living is a top priority for both Lincoln Property Company and for our residents. Sustainability has become a widely recognized global matter, making energy efficient and ecofriendly communities more desirable homes." Lincoln has been prioritizing green initiatives for their communities and residents since 2009. In 2015, and in conjunction with LORD Green Real Estate Strategies, Inc., LPC developed and published its first Green Living Guide. Lincoln Property Company was named a Green Partner of Excellence in the category of Builders and Developers. Other NGBS Green Partners of Excellence categories included Advocates, Architects and Verifiers. About Lincoln Property Company Lincoln Property Company was founded in 1965 as a builder and operator of high-quality residential communities. In the early 1970's, Lincoln expanded its product mix to include commercial, build-to-suit, office, hotel, industrial, and other mixed-use assets. In 1972, Lincoln took this expertise within the United States to Western Europe and the Middle East. In 2001, Lincoln joined forces with the U.S. Department of Defense to renovate and redevelop family housing at selected bases for the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Army, becoming one of the largest operators of military housing in the country. Lincoln continued its growth in 2013 with the acquisition of Grand Campus Living, increasing the depth of knowledge in the rental housing sector for the firm. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Lincoln focuses on real estate investment, construction and development, in addition to property management. Their national reputation has enabled Lincoln to attract a large client base of owners and investors who count on their ability to deliver quality results and continually serve as a market leader. For more information about Lincoln Property Company, please visit http://www.lincolnapts.com/management-services or visit http://www.lincolnapts.com/regions/ for apartment listings in your area. Follow Lincoln Property Company on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to hear about all the new deals to help you look forward to moving into your new home! Media Contact: Sheri Sandefur Killingsworth Vice President - Marketing & Communications 214-740-3300 Email Contact Top 100 most innovative companies shift focus from quantity to quality PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Analytics, formerly the Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters, today announced its highly anticipated list of 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators. The report honors the most innovative corporations and institutions in the world as determined by the robust analysis of unique and proprietary data. The company also unveiled its new brand identity following the sale of the business to Onex Corporation and Baring Private Equity Asia in October 2016. Now in its sixth year, the 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators report reveals a prominent shift in strategy among the world's top innovators. Notably, the volume of patents filed has decreased while grant rates have increased. That trend, combined with a significant commitment to R&D spending, showcases an increased commitment to quality over quantity for commercializing new inventions. Together, the firms on the list generated more than $4 trillion revenue in 2015 and spent more than $227 billion on research and development. On average, the 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators invest 9.1 percent more in R&D than those in the S&P 100, underlining the importance they place on innovation. This year's study also revealed wider diversification within the patent portfolios of the top innovators. Canon, General Electric and Hitachi are investing significantly in medical devices, while Google is developing a self-driving car and Amazon is actively involved in drone technology. The data in this year's report show the path to innovation is no longer a straight line. "Today marks a milestone for Clarivate Analytics as we journey towards the future with the publication of our Top 100 Global Innovators report under our new brand identity," said Jay Nadler, CEO. "We believe the power of innovation is a fundamental driver of economic well-being, competitive advantage and success, which represents the heart of our business - to accelerate the pace of innovation. Using insights from the Web of Science, Derwent and Cortellis, our Top 100 Global Innovators methodology is purely data-based and eliminates any ambiguity as to what makes an organization innovative. So, we congratulate those who have made meaningful gains to usher in the next era of global innovation." The Clarivate Analytics 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators methodology is the only objective analysis of patent volume, patent-grant success rates, global reach and invention influence to identify without bias the world's most innovative organizations. The Clarivate Analytics 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators are: 3M Company Fujitsu Nokia Abbott Laboratories General Electric Novartis Advanced Micro Devices Google (now Alphabet Inc.) NTT Air Products Hitachi NXP Semiconductors Aisin Seiki Honda Motor Olympus Alstom Honeywell International Omron Amazon Huawei Oracle Analog Devices IFP Energies Nouvelles Panasonic Apple Intel Philips Arkema InterDigital Qualcomm BASF Johnson & Johnson Renesas Bayer Johnson Controls Roche Becton Dickinson JTEKT Safran Boeing Kawasaki Heavy Industries Saint-Gobain Boston Scientific Kobe Steel Samsung Electronics Bridgestone Komatsu Seagate Bristol-Myers Squibb Kyocera Seiko Epson Broadcom LG Electronics Shin-Etsu Chemical Cannon Lockheed Martin Showa Denko Chevron LSIS Sony CNRS, French National Center for Scientific Research Makita Corporation Sumitomo Electric CEA Marvell Symantec Corning MediaTek TE Connectivity Daikin Industries Medtronic Thales Delphi Automotive Merck Toshiba Dolby Laboratories Micron Total S.A. Dow Chemical Company Microsoft Toyota Motor DuPont Mitsubishi Heavy Industries University of California Emerson Electric NEC Valeo Ericsson Nike Xerox Exxon Mobil Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Xilinx Fraunhofer Nissan Motor Yamaha Fujifilm Nitto Denko Yaskawa Electric Yazaki For more information on the 2016 Clarivate Analytics Top 100 Global Innovators program and to download the report, visit: http://top100innovators.stateofinnovation.com/. For a visual glance of this year's Top 100 Global Innovators visit: http://top100innovators.stateofinnovation.com/content/top-100-global-innovators-infographic. Clarivate Analytics Clarivate' Analytics accelerates the pace of innovation by providing trusted insights and analytics to customers around the world, enabling them to discover, protect and commercialize new ideas faster. Formerly the Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, we own and operate a collection of leading subscription-based businesses focused on scientific and academic research, patent analytics and regulatory standards, pharmaceutical and biotech intelligence, trademark protection, domain brand protection and intellectual property management. Clarivate' Analytics is now an independent company with over 4,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries and owns well"known brands that include Web of Science', Cortellis', Thomson Innovation', Derwent World Patents Index', CompuMark', MarkMonitor and Techstreet', among others. For more information, please visit Clarivate.com. Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455613/clarivate_logo_for_press_release_Logo.jpg Lund, Sweden, Jan 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BioInvent International AB (OMXS: BINV) announces today that the company's collaboration partner ThromboGenics NV reports that the first patients have been enrolled in a study with the drug candidate THR-317 for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema. The study evaluates safety and efficacy of two dose levels of THR-317 and plans to include a total of 50 patients over a period of 12 months. The first results are expected during the first quarter of 2018. BioInvent's ownership in THR-317 amounts to 40 percent provided the company contributes with half of historical and future development costs. As earlier communicated, BioInvent has initiated an evaluation of how to ensure that the value of the project for the company is optimized. The clinical development of THR-317 is done by ThromboGenics. For further information, BioInvent therefore refers to the press release made by ThromboGenics on 10 January 2017, see www.thrombogenics.com. Notes to editors: About BioInvent BioInvent International AB (OMXS: BINV) is focused on the discovery and development of novel and first-in-class immuno-regulatory antibodies to treat cancer. The Company's clinical programmes are BI-1206, currently in a Phase I/II for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphatic leukaemia and TB-403, in cooperation with Oncurious, currently in Phase I/II for medulloblastoma. BioInvent has an exciting pre-clinical portfolio based on novel immuno-modulatory antibodies that target regulatory T cells (T-regs) and tumour-associated myeloid cells. In December 2016, the Company signed a strategic research collaboration with Pfizer Inc. BioInvent also works with leading academic institutions including the University of Southampton, Cancer Research UK, and Penn Medicine. BioInvent generates revenues from global partnerships, including Bayer Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo, and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and from its manufacturing facility for the production of antibodies for research through to late-stage clinical trials. For further information, please contact : Michael Oredsson President and CEO +46 (0)46 286 85 67 +46 (0)707 16 89 30 michael.oredsson@bioinvent.com Citigate Dewe Rogerson David Dible/Katja Stout/ Marine Perrier +44 (0)20 7638 9571 katja.stout@citigatedr.co.uk BioInvent International AB (publ) Co. reg. No. 556537-7263 Visiting address: Solvegatan 41 Mailing address: 223 70 LUND Phone: +46 (0)46 286 85 50 www.bioinvent.com The press release contains statements about the future, consisting of subjective assumptions and forecasts for future scenarios. Predictions for the future only apply as the date they are made and are, by their very nature, in the same way as research and development work in the biotech segment, associated with risk and uncertainty. With this in mind, the actual outcome may deviate significantly from the scenarios described in this press release. This information is information that BioInvent International AB 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 5.40 p.m. CET, on 10 January, 2017. CONTACT: This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com The following files are available for download: Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recentglobal industrial food blender and mixer marketreport. This research report also lists six other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005569/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global industrial food blender and mixer market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) The global industrial food blender and mixer market is experiencing a significant growth owing to the increase in consumption of processed packaged food around the world. The consumers across the world prefer to buy high-quality processed food that is safe to eat even after a long period. In developing countries, such as China and India, consumers are developing a preference for ready-to-eat processed dairy and bakery products that have longer shelf life. Competitive vendor landscape There is a high level of competition among vendors in the global industrial food blender and mixer market. These vendors compete based on various factors, especially on offering enhanced mixing technologies, which can minimize the operational cost of the food processing companies. The vendors are providing multi-agitator features so that the food contents can be mixed homogeneously in a single batch and not be subjected to pre-mix or side mix batches. "Companies like GEA Group and SPX flow are providing vacuum technology so that the food product is deaerated and the risk of contamination from dust also becomes negligible," says Manu Gupta, a lead analyst from Technavio. GEA Group is also strategizing on improving their brand image by initiating environment-friendly processes. For instance, the company is looking to reduce the use of water in its food processing equipment so that the wastage of water can also be minimized. Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=55594 Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Top five industrial food blender and mixer market vendors GEA Group GEA Group caters to various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals. It focuses majorly on the food industry and in 2015 over 70% of the company's total revenue generation was from the food industry. The company provides high shear mixers, which instantly emulsifies powder into liquid and negates the formation of fish eyes and agglomerates. Its high shear In-Line Mixer is used for mixing low viscosity food contents with around 400 cP, such as slurries, juice concentrate, and infant food. Tetra Pak International Tetra Pak International provides many food processing solutions with numerous processing technologies, which includes carbonization, evaporation, dosing, extraction, membrane filtration, pasteurization, blending, homogenization, and others. The company provides food processing equipment for food and beverage industries around the world. The company provides vacuum technology, which removes air from the product. The air in the product causes burn-on in the downstream equipment, which results in the increase in cleaning requirement. Vacuum technology also requires less water consumption for the mixing of food ingredients. SPX Flow SPX Flow provides processing equipment for different industries, which include power and energy and food and beverage. The company has more than 30 brands of the processing equipment. Morton Mixers Morton Mixers provides processing mixers to the food and pharmaceutical industries. The company has a strong presence in Europe. The company provides the ribbon blender to some of the food processing companies. These mixers are useful in mixing chocolate cake mix, barbecue spices, and biscuit dough. The double helical blades help the food contents to mix in the opposite direction to prepare a homogeneous mixture. Charles Ross Son Company Charles Ross Son Company caters to various industries, which include aerospace and aviation, chemicals, pharmaceuticals medical supplies, food, and others. The company provides numerous kinds of food blender and mixer solutions to the food industry. The high shear mixer is mostly used to mix low viscosity liquids, and the rotor turns within the stationary stator. The rotating blades shear the food content inside the vessel. The shaft mixer is provided with an anchor agitator and a disperser. The anchor feeds the food ingredients toward the high-speed disperser, which effectively mixes the contents. Browse Related Reports: Global Industrial Mixer Market 2016-2020 Global Commercial Beverage Blender Market 2016-2020 Global Paper Towel Dispenser Market 2017-2021 Become aTechnavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like agricultural equipment, health and wellness, and lab equipment. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110005569/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com Ukrainian political prisoner Stanyslav Klykh in the Russian Federation has been sent to serve out his prison sentence in a prison located in Chelyabinsk, his lawyer Ilya Novikov has said. Klykh had been held in Grozny, Russia. "They took [him from Grozny] on January 7. We learned this yesterday, on Monday," Novikov said in an interview aired on the Ukrainian 112 TV channel on Tuesday. According to Klykh's lawyer over the next three weeks "we will not hear anything new about him." Klykh's whereabout remain unknown. "Unfortunately, this is completely lawful, according to the Russian Federation's penal system. It reports that a prisoner has been moved and informs about the destination post-factum," Novikov said. Novikov said Ukrainian citizen Volodymyr Karpiuk, also a political prisoner, was moved from Grozny via the Russian city of Izhevsk. The lawyer said that he believes the only way to free Klykh in the near future would be through a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine arranged by the countries' politicians. As earlier reported, the Supreme Court of Russia's Chechnya region on May 26, 2016 sentenced Karpiuk and Klykh to 22.5 and 20 years in prison, respectively, for allegedly taking part in fighting with Russian army forces during the first Chechnya war during the early 2000s. Both men deny the charges. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Dogged by past allegations of racism, Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., pledged Tuesday to defend the civil rights of all Americans if he is confirmed as Attorney General. 'The Department of Justice must never falter in its obligation to protect the civil rights of every American, particularly those who are most vulnerable,' Sessions said in testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He added, 'A special priority for me in this regard will be aggressive enforcement of our laws to ensure access to the ballot for every eligible American voter, without hindrance or discrimination, and to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.' Sessions said he has witnessed the horrendous impact that relentless and systemic discrimination and the denial of voting rights has had on African-Americans and said the country must continue to move forward. The remarks by Sessions come as the Senate Judiciary Committee kicked off a series of congressional hearings on President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees. Sessions, a four-term senator and a former member of the judiciary committee, sought to highlight his close ties with his colleagues. 'You know who I am. You know what I believe in,' Sessions said. 'You know that I am a man of my word and can be trusted to do what I say I will do.' 'You know that I revere our Constitution and am committed to the rule of law,' he added. 'And you know that I believe in fairness, impartiality, and equal justice under the law.' However, a number of civil rights groups have raised concerns about Sessions' nomination due to his record and public statements. American Civil Liberties Union legal director David Cole is scheduled to testify at the confirmation hearing on Wednesday. The ACLU said it is taking the extraordinary step of testifying at the hearing because Sessions' record raises significant, serious questions about his hostility to civil rights and civil liberties. Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., is also set to testify against Sessions on Wednesday in what is said to be the first time in history that a sitting senator will testify against another sitting senator during a confirmation hearing. Sessions was denied a federal judgeship by the judiciary committee in 1986 due in part to allegations he had made racially insensitive remarks. Nonetheless, the Alabama Senator's nomination as Attorney General is widely expected to be approved by the Republican-controlled Senate. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MMG)(OTC PINK: MMNGF) ("Metallic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gregor Hamilton to its Board of Directors. Mr. Hamilton has more than 20 years of mining sector experience both as an investment banker and geologist. His broad industry expertise includes transaction structuring and the sourcing of debt and equity funding from public and private groups for mining companies, corporate strategy and M&A. Mr. Hamilton was involved in the corporate restructuring and recapitalization of Metallic Minerals in 2016 and advised on the new strategic plan. Mr. Hamilton began his career in mineral exploration in South America and later worked for over eleven years in investment banking in London and Sydney, specializing in structured finance and M&A. A successful entrepreneur, Mr. Hamilton has held senior executive and independent director positions in public and private resource companies and has co-founded and/or managed successful enterprises in Canada and South America in mining and other sectors including technology and agribusiness. Mr. Hamilton has a BSc in Geology from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc in Mineral Project Appraisal from the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College. With the appointment of Mr. Hamilton to the Board of Directors, Mr. Derrick Strickland is stepping down from the board. The Company thanks Mr. Strickland for his service and valuable contributions during his tenure. Metallic Minerals would also like to congratulate Susan Craig, Executive Vice President, on her recent Gold Pan Award from the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) for exceptional meritorious service to the mineral exploration community. As noted in the official announcement, "Susan has more than a decade of experience supporting AME. She served as co-chair of the Mineral Exploration Roundup committee in 2009 and 2010, and was chair in 2011, when attendance at AME's Roundup conference first exceeded 7,000 participants. In 2004, she joined the First Nations & Community Relations Committee, and to this day serves on its successor, the Aboriginal Relations Committee. Susan has served on AME's Board of Directors from 2005 to 2008, and since 2014. She was a co-recipient of the inaugural 2007 Robert R. Hedley Award for Excellence in Social and Environmental Responsibility. Outside of AME, Susan has been Chair of the Yukon Minerals Advisory Group and is a director of the Yukon Chamber of Mines." Mr. Greg Johnson, CEO and Chairman, further stated, "We are very pleased to welcome Gregor Hamilton to serve on the Metallic Minerals Board of Directors and look forward to continuing to work closely with him as we advance our silver-focused exploration assets in the Yukon Territory. Mr. Hamilton's capital markets expertise and contact network within the financial and mining sectors will contribute to the existing key strengths within the board and management team. We would also like to congratulate Susan Craig, for her acknowledgement award from the Association for Mineral Exploration for her significant contributions to the industry." About Metallic Minerals Corp. Metallic Minerals is focused on the acquisition and development of silver and gold resources in mining friendly jurisdictions within districts proven to produce top-tier "company-making" assets, yet that remain underexplored. Our objective is to create value through a disciplined, entrepreneurial approach to exploration, reducing investment risk and increasing the probability for long-term success. Our core Keno-Lightning property is located in the historic Keno Hill silver district of Canada's Yukon Territory, a region which has produced over 200 million ounces of high-grade silver and currently hosts one of the world's highest grade silver resources. Metallic Minerals is led by a team with a track record of discovery and exploration success, including large scale development, permitting and project financing. Forward-Looking Statements Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic Minerals 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. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Metallic Minerals Corp. 604-629-7800 Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420 chris.ackerman@metallic-minerals.com www.metallic-minerals.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Alabama Graphite Corp. ("AGC" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: CSPG) (OTCQX: CSPGF) (FRANKFURT: 1AG) is very pleased to announce that it has manufactured and shipped two specifications of its Coated Spherical Purified Graphite ("CSPG"), trademarked as ULTRACSPG, and two specifications of its CSPG production byproduct, Purified Micronized Graphite ("PMG"), trademarked as ULTRAPMG, to two U.S-based potential end users. AGC conveyed various sizes of its CSPG and PMG, sourced and manufactured exclusively from the Company's flagship Coosa Graphite Project property, located in Coosa County, Alabama, USA. All requisite downstream secondary processing to manufacture AGC's CSPG was conducted in the United States of America. Additionally, the Company announces that it has executed three additional non-disclosure agreements ("NDAs") for the purposes of evaluating AGC's battery-ready graphite. The first shipment of CSPG and PMG evaluation samples was sent to a leading United States Department of Defense ("DoD") battery manufacturer, that had been awarded a multi-million contract by the Naval Sea Systems Command ("NAVSEA") as a sole-source battery provider to manufacture a lithium-iron battery to power the U.S. Navy's next-generation electromagnetic railgun. The DoD has requested that this battery manufacturer begin establishing U.S. manufacturing capability within the United States. Further, the CTO stated that the DoD has instructed them to utilize American-sourced materials (including its graphite) whenever possible. AGC's battery-ready CSPG will be evaluated for use in defense critical technologies, including the U.S. Navy's electromagnetic railgun. The second potential end user that AGC shipped CSPG and PMG samples to is an internationally known and well-respected research and development company for both the DoD and United States Department of Energy ("DoE"). Established nearly 50 years ago, this U.S. company has both government and corporate clients, including global commercial battery makers. This entity will provide a basic independent evaluation and qualification of AGC's materials. If successful, AGC's CSPG and/or PMG will serve as this research company's laboratory standard for battery-ready graphite, particularly for DoD- and DoE-funded projects. AGC expects to receive test results from up to three DoD battery manufacturers (that previously received AGC's CSPG samples) by the end of Q1 this year. President and Chief Executive Officer, Donald Baxter, stated, "As the only known graphite development company with its core business predicated entirely on the production of secondary-processed, specialty CSPG in the graphite development space (per the Company's Preliminary Economic Assessment, announced November 30, 2015, entitled: 'Alabama Graphite Corp. Announces Positive Preliminary Economic Assessment for Coosa Graphite Project in Coosa County, Alabama, USA; Files Completed PEA NI 43-101 Technical Report'), AGC's business strategy continues to be validated by numerous DoD contractors and manufacturers expressing that sourcing specialty input materials from within the United States is of critical importance to them. With a 'DoD First' approach, AGC is focused on becoming a U.S.-sourced-and-manufactured green-energy supply chain producer for the United States government and defense sectors' battery solutions providers." Mr. Baxter added, "Pending the initiation and completion of a positive Feasibility Study, followed by project financing and construction of a graphite mine and downstream CSPG production facilities, I firmly believe that AGC will be a viable domestic upstream supply option for these and other American lithium-ion battery manufacturing entities." Note: A Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") is not a Feasibility Study. The PEA is preliminary in nature, that it includes Inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA based on these mineral resources will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. ADDITIONAL NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS AGC has executed three additional NDAs - the first with a respected leader in high-tech critical application battery technologies. AGC's NDA is with the American division of this multi-billion-dollar multi-national battery manufacturer. The company has requested a range of custom CSPG samples for both defense and aerospace applications. The second executed NDA is with the above-mentioned research and development laboratory with extensive DoD and DoE research contracts. Note, this entity is not a DoD battery manufacturer. The final executed NDA is with a U.S.-based innovative developer and manufacturer of prismatic, large-format lithium-ion ("Li-ion") battery cells and packs. This potential end user is focused on Li-ion batteries, specifically engineered for large-scale commercial transportation, as well as commercial stationary battery/grid-storage applications. Additionally, this battery manufacturer has communicated its strong preference for "Sourced-in-USA" and "Made-in-USA" vendors. AGC has entered into a total of nine (9) non-disclosure agreements with U.S. DoD Li-ion battery manufacturers and suppliers for the purpose of carrying on discussions and due diligence evaluation of samples of AGC's American sourced and manufactured battery-ready CSPG. The testing by these DoD suppliers is designed to determine if AGC's CSPG would qualify for Li-ion battery applications - both for primary and secondary Li-ion batteries - specifically for DoD use. The names of the nine DoD battery manufacturers are being withheld for reasons of commercial confidentiality. These nine NDA agreements are in addition to the multiple NDA agreements AGC has entered into with U.S.-based entities that are not affiliated with the U.S. DoD. AGC will continue to update shareholders and the market in a timely fashion of further material developments with respect to this and other potential American-based end users, as we are able to disclose. Please note, certain potential end users preclude the Company from announcing any aspect of its relationship and activities, ranging from the execution of an NDA to the shipment(s) of sample material(s). On behalf of the Board of Directors of ALABAMA GRAPHITE CORP. Donald K. D. Baxter, P.Eng. President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director QUALIFIED PERSON Donald K. D. Baxter, P.Eng., President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Alabama Graphite Corp., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 guidelines, and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. ABOUT ALABAMA GRAPHITE CORP. Alabama Graphite Corp. is a Canadian-based flake graphite exploration and development company as well as an aspiring battery materials production and technology company. The Company operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Alabama Graphite Company Inc. (a company registered in the state of Alabama). With an advancing flake graphite project in the United States of America, Alabama Graphite Corp intends to become a reliable, long-term U.S. supplier of specialty high-purity graphite products. A highly experienced team leads the Company with more than 100 years of combined graphite mining, graphite processing, specialty graphite products and applications, and graphite sales experience. Alabama Graphite Corp. is focused on the exploration and development of its flagship Coosa Graphite Project in Coosa County, Alabama, and its Bama Mine Project in Chilton County, Alabama as well the research and development of its proprietary manufacturing and technological processing process of battery materials. Alabama Graphite Corp. holds a 100% interest in the mineral rights for these two U.S.-based graphite projects, which are both located on private land. The two projects encompass more than 43,000 acres and are located in a geopolitically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction with significant historical production of crystalline flake graphite in the flake graphite belt of central Alabama, also known as the Alabama Graphite Belt (source: U.S. Bureau of Mines). A significant portion of the Alabama deposits are characterized by graphite-bearing material that is oxidized and has been weathered into extremely soft rock. Both projects have infrastructure in place, are within close proximity to major highways, rail, power and water, and are approximately three hours (by truck or train) to the Port of Mobile, the Alabama Port Authority's deep-seawater port and the ninth largest port by tonnage in the United States (source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/USACE). The state of Alabama's hospitable climate allows for year-round mining operations and the world's largest marble quarry (which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in Sylacauga, Alabama), is located within a 30-minute drive of the Coosa Graphite Project. On November 30, 2015, Alabama Graphite Corp. announced the results of PEA for the Coosa Graphite Project, indicating a potentially low-cost project with potential positive economics. Please refer to the Company's technical report titled "Alabama Graphite Corp. Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the Coosa graphite Project, Alabama, USA" dated November 27, 2015, prepared by independent engineering firms AGP Mining Consultants Inc. and Metal Mining Consultants Inc., and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Note: a preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. (i) Inferred Mineral Resources represent material that is considered too speculative to be included in economic evaluations. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that all or any part of the Mineral Resource will be converted into a Mineral Reserve. Alabama Graphite Corp. is a proud member of the National Association of Advanced Technology Batteries International ("NAATBatt International"), a U.S.-based, not-for-profit trade association commercializing advanced electrochemical energy-storage technology for emerging, high-tech applications. For further information and updates on the Company or to sign up for Alabama Graphite Corp. News, please visit www.alabamagraphite.com or follow, like and subscribe to us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), which may include, without limitation, statements with respect to any potential relationships between the Company and any end users and/or the DoD. The forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management and reflect Alabama Graphite Corp.'s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of Alabama Graphite Corp. with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of graphite; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Forward-looking statements are also based on a number of assumptions, including that contracted parties provide goods and/or services on the agreed timeframes, that equipment necessary for exploration is available as scheduled and does not incur unforeseen breakdowns, that no labor shortages or delays are incurred, that plant and equipment function as specified, that no unusual geological or technical problems occur, and that laboratory and other related services are available and perform as contracted. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and Alabama Graphite Corp. undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements (unless required by law) if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Alabama Graphite Corp. cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions are not exhaustive. When relying on Alabama Graphite Corp. forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and assumptions and other uncertainties and potential events. Alabama Graphite Corp. has also assumed that the material factors and assumptions will not cause any forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors and assumptions is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Website / LinkedIn / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube Contacts: Ann-Marie M. Pamplin Vice President, Investor Relations Alabama Graphite Corp. +1 (416) 309-8641 apamplin@alabamagraphite.com www.alabamagraphite.com First Canadian Place 100 King Street West, Suite 5700 Toronto, Ontario M5X 1C7 CANADA Patrick Mitchell and Tasos Constantinou announce the official launch of Investor Update, a specialist capital markets intelligence firm focused on timely, accurate and actionable shareholding information, headquartered in London, with offices in New York. Jessica F. Anderson joins Investor Update as Managing Director based out of its New York office. Mr. Mitchell, Co-Founder Managing Partner, said, "We are excited about the launch of Investor Update which has created a new, fast solution for corporates and their advisors to update, track and monitor their key investors. We have brought together a team of industry specialists which will deliver an unparalleled level of service". Mr. Mitchell, Managing Partner is an industry leader and innovator. Prior to co-founding Investor Update, he co-founded Capital Precision in 2005. Mr. Mitchell has been specialising in Global Shareholder Analysis and Capital Markets Intelligence since 1989. He has served as a founding partner at Ilios Europe and as a director at Thomson Reuters where he led the Share Register and European share identification teams. He began his career at Fulcrum Research, where he helped manage its Share Register Analysis Services. Mr. Constantinou, Managing Partner is a business leader and co-founder of Investor Update with over 24 years' experience in the global financial sector. Mr. Constantinou has dealt with all major market segments, ranging from sell-side and corporate finance to asset management and investor relations, engaging with institutions at the highest level. He has also worked across every major market in EMEA, Asia and North America. During his career, Mr. Constantinou has worked for companies such as S&P Global Market Intelligence and Thomson Reuters, where he expanded, integrated and launched market leading products and services into EMEA, such as FirstCall, ResearchDirect and StreetEvents. Ms. Anderson, Managing Director is an industry specialist and has spent over 15 years working with international companies to access the capital markets worldwide. Her background bridges the perspectives of leading global banks such as Deutsche Bank and BNY Mellon, boutique broker and cross-border investor relations agencies. She has worked with management and IR teams at companies from almost every industry, cap size and region and from frontier to developed markets in 40+ countries across 5 continents. About Investor Update Founded by industry veterans, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Constantinou have combined experience of over 50 years providing sophisticated products and solutions to corporate issuers and the financial community. Investor Update assist their clients in navigating the complex world of global custody, targeting and tracking key investor holdings with timely and pinpoint accuracy giving a unique insight into key shareholder movements in the equity and debt markets. With offices in London and New York, Investor Update provides strategic solutions to corporates, corporate access and transactional teams, proxy solicitation firms and IR PR agencies. For more information visit www.investor-update.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170110006182/en/ Contacts: Investor Update Patrick Mitchell, Managing Partner Phone: +44 (0) 20 3371 1177 Email: pmitchell@investor-update.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Demand for guns have fallen drastically since the election of Donald Trump as the US President, because buyers are now in no hurry to stock up guns with no plausible threat to the Second Amendment from the new President elect. Analysts currently see a clear connection between the reversal in buying habits of gun enthusiasts after Trump was elected as they now feel no threat to the Second Amendment under Trump. However, if Hillary Clinton would have been elected things might be far different. Shares of Smith & Wesson parent American Outdoor Brands have fallen 26 percent since Election Day, while Sturm, Ruger and Co. are down by 16 percent, according to a New York Post report. Gun background checks performed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations were also down in the month of December. However, 2016 marked a record year for the background checks with 27.5 million conducted. 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. FOLSOM, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- BlackPine Communities and Presidio Residential Capital will break ground in January on a new 18-acre community that will offer 126 single-family homes within Lewis Planned Communities' Parkshore Master Plan in Folsom, Calif. Homes will open for sale in summer 2017, and the community is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2019. The retail value of this development is $68.5 million. "This new community will have ideal amenities for families and professionals with incredible access to trails, lakes and natural open space," said Michael E. Paris, founder and president of BlackPine Communities. Located at Parkshore Drive and Folsom Boulevard, the modern farmhouse-style homes on 45- by 70-foot lots will have open floor plans and emphasize outdoor living. A park will ring the perimeter of the community, which will also include a recreation center with a swimming pool, a nature preserve and direct access to extensive bike trails. Residents are in close proximity to Folsom Lake and the American River. For commuters, the new community will be a seven-minute walk from a light rail station that connects to downtown Sacramento. Old Town Folsom is just five minutes away. Lewis Land Developers, LLC was the seller. BlackPine Communities is the general contractor. According to the National Association of Home Builders' formula to determine the local impact of single-family housing in typical metro areas, adding 126 single-family homes will generate $36 million in local income, $4.5 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments and 495 local jobs. This is BlackPine's third project with Presidio. These two companies also partnered to build Curtis Park Village, a community with 86 units in Sacramento, and The Creamery, with 117 units in Sacramento. About BlackPine Communities Michael Paris serves as president and CFO of BlackPine Communities, leading the company's overall vision, strategic forward planning and business development with more than 28 years of homebuilding experience in both custom and production operations. Paris held several regional and national positions with Kimball Hill Homes, a $1.1 billion national homebuilder based in Chicago. Before he launched BlackPine Communities in 2010, Paris served as CFO for a Northern California commercial real estate company and as CFO for a start-up drilling contractor with operations throughout the western United States. www.blackpinecommunities.com About Presidio Presidio Residential Capital is a real estate investment company focused on the residential housing sector. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., the firm provides capital in the form of joint ventures for the entitlement, development and build-out of for-sale residential projects throughout the Western United States. Presidio has infused more than $1 billion into the economy to capitalize the housing industry. The firm's goal is to fund an additional $250 million in capital for home-building projects in the Western United States through 2017. It currently has investments in Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho and Washington with current committed capital of $650 million focused on 95+ projects. The firm is affiliated with a privately held registered investment advisor specializing in alternative investment strategies who has a long history of investing in the home-building sector. Current assets under management total more than $2.5 billion. Online and social media: www.presidioresidential.com, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. About Lewis Group of Companies Since 1955, the Lewis organization has developed new communities in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah, totaling in excess of 25,000 acres and housing more than 100,000 families. In 1999, the Lewis family sold a portion of its business, Lewis Homes, to Kaufman and Broad (KB Home), creating the largest homebuilder in the United States at that time. The Lewis Group of Companies continues today as one of the nation's largest privately held real estate development companies. The Lewis Group focuses on developing mixed-use planned communities and residential subdivisions in California and Nevada, as well as building and owning rental communities, shopping centers and office and industrial parks. Lewis has built more than 57,000 homes, 10,000 apartments and 14 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space. www.lewisgroupofcompanies.com Media Contacts: Anton Communications Vanessa Showalter vshowalter@antonpr.com Genevieve Anton ganton@antonpr.com VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - Pure Industrial Real Estate Trust ("PIRET" or the "Trust") (TSX: AAR.UN) today announced that it intends to release its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2016, before the open of the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Management will host the conference call at 10:00 am (EST) on Thursday, March 9, 2017 to review the financial results and corporate developments for the year ended December 31, 2016. Conference Call Details Thursday, March 9, 2017 10:00 am (EST) Toll free dial in number (from Canada and USA)................................................. 1 (888) 390-0546 International or Local Toronto.............................................................................. 1 (416) 764-8688 To participate in this conference call, please dial one of the above numbers approximately 10 minutes prior to the commencement of the call, and ask to join the Pure Industrial Real Estate Trust Conference Call. Conference Call Replay If you cannot participate on March 9, 2017, a replay of the conference call will be available by dialing one of the following replay numbers. You will be able to dial in and listen to the conference 120 minutes after the meeting end time, and the replay will be available until Thursday, March 16, 2017. Replay toll free dial in number (from Canada and USA)...................................... 1 (888) 390-0541 Replay international or local Toronto................................................................... 1 (416) 764-8677 Please enter the Replay ID# 752491, followed by the # key. ABOUT PURE INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE TRUST PIRET is an unincorporated, open-ended investment trust that owns and operates a diversified portfolio of income-producing industrial properties in leading markets. PIRET is an internally managed REIT that focuses exclusively on investing in industrial properties. Additional information about PIRET is available at www.piret.ca or www.sedar.com. Toronto Stock Exchange - AAR.UN THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. For more information please contact: Sylvia Slaughter Director of Investor Relations (416) 479-8590 Ext 267 E-mail: sslaughter@piret.ca Pure Industrial Real Estate Trust Suite 910, 925 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC V6C 3L2 Phone: (888) 681-5959 www.piret.ca TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/10/17 -- Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX: FTG) announced today that it has been awarded a new three-year Long Term Agreement (LTA) from one of the leading global Original Equipment Manufacturers supporting the Aerospace Market. The agreement incorporates a variety of high technology Printed Circuits boards for use on key fixed wing platforms including the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, A400M, and the Bombardier C-Series. The new LTA is estimated at over $12 Million USD. This represents a significant revenue increase over the previous agreement. FTG was successful in maintaining historical programs while capturing new scope across key programs. The products to be supplied support both commercial Air Transport and Military aircraft. FTG will manufacture the product at its FTG Circuits Division located in Toronto, Canada as well as in China. "FTG appreciates the trust our customer has in our ability and we are committed to deliver quality and reliable product with outstanding customer service" stated Hitesh Talati, VP & GM, FTG Circuits - Toronto. ABOUT FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION FTG is an aerospace and defense electronics product and subsystem supplier to customers around the globe. FTG has two operating units: FTG Circuits is a manufacturer of high technology, high reliability printed circuit boards. Our customers are leaders in the aviation, defense, and high technology industries. FTG Circuits has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California, Hudson, New Hampshire and a joint venture in Tianjin, China. FTG Aerospace manufactures illuminated cockpit panels, keyboards and sub-assemblies for original equipment manufacturers of aerospace and defense equipment. FTG Aerospace has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Chatsworth, California, Fort Worth, Texas and Tianjin, China. The Corporation's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FTG. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are related to, but not limited to, FTG's operations, anticipated financial performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward-looking information typically contains words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management of the Corporation and inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including economic factors and the Corporation's industry, generally. The preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by the Corporation. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to the Corporation and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than as may be required by law, FTG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts: Bradley C. Bourne President and CEO Firan Technology Group Corporation (416) 299-4000 x 314 bradbourne@ftgcorp.com Melinda Diebel Vice President and CFO Firan Technology Group Corporation (416) 299-4000 x 264 melindadiebel@ftgcorp.com www.ftgcorp.com Blockstack, Inc., a NYC-based decentralized Internet and developer platform for server-less apps, raised $4M in funding. The round was led by Union Square Ventures, with participation from Lux Capital, Naval Ravikant, Digital Currency Group, Compound, Version One, Kal Vepuri and Rising Tide. The company will use the funds to contribute more resources to the Blockstack open source community. Co-founded by Muneeb Ali and Ryan Shea, Blockstack has been formed to advance the Blockstack protocol forward by providing a platform to build decentralized, server-less applications. Building on Blockstack starts with single-page applications built in Javascript that are downloaded onto user devices. Developers plug into blockstack.js, which provides APIs for authenticating the user, grabbing application data from the user, and storing new application data with the user (encrypted and backed up to cloud storage). The blockchain is utilized to maintain a cross-application identity system, securely mapping user IDs to usernames, public keys, and data storage URIs. Developers dont have to worry about running servers, maintaining databases, or building out user management systems. FinSMEs 09/01/2017 The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Omidyar Network, co-founder of LinkedIn and partner at Greylock Partners Reid Hoffman, along with other investors have formed a $27m fund focused on Artificial Intelligence research. The MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University will serve as founding academic institutions for the Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund. Hoffman and Omidyar Network each committed $10m to the fund, while Knight Foundation committed $5m. With the MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center, they will form a governing board to distribute awards and facilitate other activities that provide meaningful links among activities in the connective tissue between computer sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Jim Pallotta, founder of the Raptor Group, have each committed $1m to the fund, which is expected to grow as other funders come on board. In particular, the fund will support a cross-section of AI ethics and governance projects and activities, both in the United States and internationally. Among the issues, the vehicle might answer the following questions: Communicating complexity: How do we best communicate, through words and processes, the nuances of a complex field like AI? Ethical design: How do we build and design technologies that consider ethical frameworks and moral values as central features of technological innovation? Advancing accountable and fair AI: What kinds of controls do we need to minimize AIs potential harm to society and maximize its benefits? Innovation in the public interest: How do we maintain the ability of engineers and entrepreneurs to innovate, create and profit, while ensuring that society is informed and that the work integrates public interest perspectives? Expanding the table: How do we grow the field to ensure that a range of constituencies are involved with building the tools and analyzing social impact? Read more about The Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund, which will be housed at The Miami Foundation, here. FinSMEs 10/01/2017 Ukraine expects the tribunal within the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, which will study the issues related to Crimea, to start work in the middle of 2017, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine for European Integration Olena Zerkal has said. "We have completed all the necessary pre-trial procedures. The fact that the Russian Federation agreed to the creation of arbitration and tribunal, that they participated in selection of arbitrators - all this gives us hope for a more serious approach to its solution. We certainly hope that the arbitration will begin work from the middle of 2017," she said in an interview with the Ukrayinska Pravda edition. According to her, the tribunal should make the decision in 2019-2021. "Under the negative scenario, with the longest procedures, this is the middle of 2021; the fast-track scenario is not earlier than 2019." The official stressed the tribunal would not consider the question of the state affiliation of the occupied peninsula. "The ownership of Crimea is not in question - the tribunal will not consider this issue. The matter also does not concern the delimitation of the borders ... For the whole world Crimea is an occupied territory ... So there is no question of revising our maritime borders," she said. Robotics Hub, a Pittsburgh, PA-based firm aimed at creating robotics companies, has launched a $50m fund. According to a regulatory form filed with the SEC, Robotics Hub Fund 1, LP, already raised $2.55m from 4 backers. Led by Christopher Moehle, Eric Daimler, and James Fee, Robotics Hub aims to actively create companies involved in leveraging robotics innovation. Began as an in-house, cross-campus Robotics Ventures Initiative at Carnegie Mellon in August of 2013, the firm spun out as an independent for-profit entity to identify, build, and guide the most promising startups in the field of advanced robotics serving the broader regional and national robotics community in late 2015. The site shows four companies in the portfolio including Robotany, Frame.AI, Travelwits and Agility Robotics. FinSMEs 09/01/2017 While the last episode of Koffee with Karan Season 5 saw host and filmmaker Karan Johar, and guests Jacqueline Feranandez and Siddharth Malhotra while away majority of the episode by indulging in frivolous gossip, the next episode seems to tread on a similar path, going by the teaser. It will feature another pair of actors who are collaborating on a film together but Johar will not be able to dedicate a good half of the show to matchmaking as after Anushka Sharma-Katrina Kaif, it is the second time this season that two female actors will share the couch. Other than sharing the screen space in the upcoming film Veerey Di Wedding, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam Kapoor have another thing in common - their straightforward comments and confessions on the show. From commenting on contemporary Priyanka Chopra's accent to pulling cousin Ranbir Kapoor's leg on the mention of his then-girlfriend Katrina Kaif, Kareena has always been no-holds barred on the show. Sonam has also shown a similar graph as she was seen passing some sneaky remarks on Ranbir during a past appearance. However, at journalist Rajeev Masand's Actresses Roundtable 2015, Sonam confessed that it was dehumanising of her to pass those comments and she revealed that she refused to rank her contemporaries during the rapid fire round this time. We saw a glimpse of that in the teaser as she dodges Johar's question by announcing that she is the best. Another noticeable aspect of the teaser is Kareena's baby bump (since the episode was shot before she gave birth to Taimur Ali Khan). While she carries herself with utmost grace, the pregnancy has not deterred her from making our jaws drop. She admits that since Deepika Padukone and Priyanka have now gone to Hollywood, there is no question of her being compared with the two actors. Also, she claims that she has never pursued awards but only rewards through her films. Having said that, she also adds that she hopes Sonam manages to bag the best actress award for her understated act in Ram Madhvani's Neerja last year. Kareena, at her candid best, blurts out that she does not want to be stuck in an elevator with Katrina and Deepika, especially when she is about to deliver a baby, thus hinting at the animosity between the two female actors most probably owing to their ex Ranbir. Sonam does not lag behind in her fire as she states that she was amused by how there was a debate in a magazine, about whether she needs breast implants or if she has already gone through the process, much to the surprise of Kareena. This will be Kareena's fifth appearance on the show as she has appeared with Rani Mukherji, Shahid Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir in the past four seasons respectively. On the other hand, this is Sonam's third appearance as she has shared the couch with Deepika and her father Anil Kapoor on the last two seasons. Given Johar's personal equation with Kareena, and Sonam's track record of confessions on the show, the next episode of Koffee with Karan Season 5 is sure to be a potential contender for the best episode this season. Watch the teaser here. It is confirmed: The two Khans - Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are scheduled to appear together on the sets of Bigg Boss 10 in order to promote the former's upcoming release Rahul Dholakia's crime drama Raees. Colors tweeted a promo for the special Weekend Ka Vaar episode in which Salman, in his avatar from Ali Abbas Zafar's superhit wrestling biopic from last year Sultan, is seen all disoriented while trying to narrate a dialogue from Raees. Before he gets embarrassed on national television, Shah Rukh comes to the rescue, in the titular character of Raees, an Ahmadabad-based underworld bigshot. As the two superstars exchange dialogues from their respective films, they build up the hype for a Karan Arjun reunion in the process. Last year, when the two shared the screen space on the show to promote Shah Rukh's Christmas release, Rohit Shetty's family drama Dilwale, both of them ended up in trouble when they tried to recreate the temple scene from filmmaker Rakesh Roshan's 1995 cult family drama. They invited ire from Hindu fanatics for hurting their religious sentiments by entering a 'temple' while wearing shoes. This time, the two Khans played it safe as they chose to stick to the promotion of Raees, rather than of themselves. While the promo claims a 'coming soon', the special episode is expected to air on the Republic Day weekend immediately after the release of Raees on 25 January. Nonetheless, it is an understatement if it is said that the fans of both the actors are looking forward to the special episode of Bigg Boss 10. In fact, they cannot wait for it. Period. The decision of petrol pumps to ban the use of credit/debit cards shook Indias economic planners. Hurried confabulations finally brokered a deal which would defer the decision of banks to charge petrol pump owners 1 percent as MDR (merchant discount rates). Petrol pump owners have deferred their strike against credit/debit cards till 13 January. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is upset that the banks have not been given time to work out ways to handle this problem. The clock has already begun ticking ominously. Background Debit and credit-card companies (usually powered by Mastercard or VISA) normally cover their cost of operations by charging merchants a fee. The fee is normally negotiated, but is generally under 2.5 percent of the transaction amount. Since merchants of expensive items apparel, electronics etc work on margins in excess of 15 percent, this was acceptable. In fact, American Expresss charges a higher MDR because it believes it gets a more affluent customer base to the merchants. To woo customers it charges a high annual fee, but also offers exciting bonus points. In all cases, for all card providers, as the volumes increase, merchants negotiate with card companies to push down the MDR. Unfortunately, petrol pumps cannot pay the MDR because pumps earn a margin of just under 1 percent on fuel sales though oil marketing companies say that their margins go up through sale of non-oil/diesel products like engine oils, lubes and grease. Therefore, credit/debit card companies tried to pass on this MDR to customers as 'surcharge' which they waived in most cases as a loyalty benefit as a market promotion exercise. Now the government wants to squeeze the MDR that credit card companies charge to just 1.5 percent and even lower to 0.75 percent for transaction volumes under Rs.2,000 against debit cards. NPCI, (National Payments Corporation of India) which is promoting the Rupay card, has been asked to ensure that these MDR caps are respected. Banks now find themselves squeezed. They now want MDR to be collected from petrol pumps as well. But petrol pumps earn a margin of just under 1 percent and cannot afford to give away 0.75--1.5 percent of their cash collections. Naturally, they have now refused to accept credit/debit cards. Money games In fact, there is another unsavoury reason why the pump owners are upset with cards in general. When a person brings cash, the pump attendant invariably rounds off the amount payable to the next higher level. So Rs.197 becomes Rs.200. Loose change gets rounded off to the next rupee or the next level, whichever is feasible. That becomes invisible earnings of the pump attendants, who share this booty at the end of the day. It allows pump owners to pay their staff a bit less, and yet encourage them to work more. This is not possible with credit cards. Yet, the greed of collecting some more money has been so great that some pump owners even tried to round off the figures when punching in the amount against the credit/debit cards. Some citizens protested to the oil marketing companies which came down very heavily on such errant pump owners. That has made some pump owners more resentful towards credit/debit cards. A similar thing happened with Mahanagar Gas Ltd. For almost a decade, it did not bother to allow the use of credit/debit cards at its CNG filling stations. Pump attendants, as with many petrol pumps, shortchanged customers. This was till some citizens decided to use social media to ask MGL why its pumps did not promote the use of credit/debit cards. When demonetisation was announced, and the government itself began pushing e-payments, credit/debit card swipe machines suddenly appeared in all CNG stations with posters declaring that money could now be paid through such cards. But the attendants began rounding off amounts even on credit cards, thus enriching themselves. A flurry of complaints, and MGL has now promised to check this practice. It is not known what action it has been taken, because unlike the public sector oil companies which inform the complainant of the action taken, there has been no revert from MGL. Digital can be expensive The governments e-payment drive is likely to face other hurdles as well. Take for instance the kirana trade. It operates as margins of 5-6 percent (source: Kotak Institutional Equities report of 21 December, 2016). They are unlikely to part with 20 percent of their margins to promote e-payments. That explains why none of the kirana stores has adopted e-payments. Small vegetable vendors and streetside food vendors have done this because their margins are in excess of 30 percent. This means that either they will have to increase their charges, or the government will have to work out ways to pass on the MDR to customers. The former is likely, because asking the customers to pay the MDR will be politically suicidal. However, the merchant is bound to pass on the costs to the customer. Eventually, the customer will have to pay more. There is yet another problem. A Rs.1,000 note used to cost around Rs.3.65 to print. Add another layer of costs for transporting it, and delivering it to the banks and ATM. In any case, the cost of reaching the Rs.1,000 note to the customer cannot be more than Rs.6 per note. A normal note has a life of 3-5 years. Let us assume it to be 3 years. According to RBI ssources, the normal velocity of this currency is around 1 transaction a day. This means that in a period of 3 years, the currency note is used 1,000 times. But the value of the currency remains the same i.e. Rs.1,000. In digital transactions, however, someone pays 1.5 percent per transaction, or Rs.15 per transaction. At the end of three years the total transaction cost has increased to Rs 15 x 1000 or Rs 15,000, or 15 times the value of the currency itself. The good part is that this currency leaves behind a digital trail which can lead to healthier tax collections. The sad part is that the pool of customers besides being taxed will have to pay Rs. 15000 more over a period of three years for each note that is used. Clearly, if the government hopes to collect more money, it must find out ways to take over much of this cost. How? That is the question that will be asked quite ferociously during the forthcoming election campaigns. There are three things that the government could do. The first is to reduce the incidence of fraud and exploitation of customers by government and quasi government organisation to start with. The second is to explore alternative ways of enabling epayments. And the third is to introduce an effective regulator. Both more of these in the next part. Whose idea was it anyway? About two months after the government decided to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the people of India are still in the dark over who proposed the idea. While power minister Piyush Goyal told the Rajya Sabha a while back the idea was that of the RBI, a report in The Indian Express has today said that the central bank in a note said it was in fact the government's idea. According to the report, the RBI has said this in reply to the questions raised by the parliamentary panel on finance headed by Veerappa Moily of the Congress. Government, on 7th November, 2016, advised the Reserve Bank that to mitigate the triple problems of counterfeiting, terrorist financing and black money, the Central Board of the Reserve Bank may consider withdrawal of the legal tender status of the notes in high denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, the IE report quoted from the RBI 's reply. The decision to demonetise the high value currency notes was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 November, a day after the advise given to the RBI. The central bank has also said the government presses had cleared the proposal to print Rs 2000 notes in May 2016 and started printing them from June 2016. However, the board of the bank had not discussed the possibility of demonetisation in its meetings held in May, July or August. This information has been revealed in an RTI query raised by The Indian Express. The RBI note is significant as RBI governor Urjit Patel is to appear before the parliamentary panel on 18 January. Earlier, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, a member of the panel, had raised doubts as to whether the central bank was given enough time to think over the demonetisation proposal. He had also suggested that the panel should quiz the government officials before the RBI governor. The secrecy surrounding the demonetisation decision is getting all the more murkier as the authorities have been holding back information from the public. It is high time the government and the RBI made all the files and documents related to note ban public. The citizens do have a right to know why and how the decision was taken. (With elections being announced, many believe that the budget to be announced on 1 February, will contain sops for key sectors. There are two reasons for such sops. First, to counter the unfortunate effects of demonetisation on some sectors. And the second to win over key electoral groups. In this three part series, we explain why the three biggest segments that might benefit could be agriculture, milk cooperatives and milk processing units, and weaver units.) Milk (and its associate industry leather) is likely to play a crucial role in deciding how voters select their leaders in the forthcoming elections. Milk producers have very good reasons to be furious with existing governments. But they also have good reasons to be upset with the BJP. Unfortunately, they see good and bad in all the people who seek votes from them. But why? Heres an analysis Mythology and reality: In many ways, Uttar Pradesh (UP) is a constant reminder of the legends surrounding the life of Krishna, one of the Hindu Gods, and an avatar of Vishnu. Mythology talks of him as being raised among cowherds, and spending his childhood near Mathura and Brindivan. These same legends talk of Krishna growing up and finally opting to move out of the lands surrounding Mathura and Brindavan. He takes his friends and clansmen the Yadavas --- out of this territory and creates his own kingdom with its capital at Dwarka. Since the Yadavas are devoted to their cows, they take their cattle with them to the lands surrounding Dwarka. Dwarka is in Gujarat; Brindavan and Mathura in UP. It is, therefore, a bit more than mere coincidence that these two states are, even today, the largest milk producing areas in India (see table). And India itself more by design than mere accident has become the largest producer of milk in the world at the turn of this century. Milk is big in India Indias emergence as the worlds largest milk producer has a lot to do with the strategies Verghese Kurien adopted. It is his efforts that created Indias largest agricultural brand Amul. Today, milk accounts for almost 24 percent of agricultural GDP in this country. And many of the success stories are Gujarat-based. But the role of UP in Indias milk story just cannot just be forgotten or erased. It is deep-rooted in culture, commerce and even politics. When Kurien began his milk cooperative movement, he used NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) to promote the milk movement first in Gujarat and then across India (Operation Flood). Had it not been for Lal Bahadur Shastri, Kurien would not have been given charge of NDDB. Without this institution, Kuriens efforts would remain a Gujarat miracle, not a national movement. He was persuasive enough to make the government understand the strategic significance of milk in this country. It was a great nutrient in a land where many were malnourished. It was also an excellent revenue generator and a self employment opportunity. And most of all -- though unstated it nurtured a leather industry too. UP has always been a major leather producing centre. Gujarat would have been one too. But the long standing aversion to leather units prevented the industry from growing there. Instead it blossomed in neighbouring territories Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. While Kurien was in charge, he managed to push through the concept of cooperatives for milk production in UP. But after Kurien stepped down, even the cooperatives that Kurien had helped set up began closing down. As a result, today, very little of milk comes from milk cooperatives in UP. For instance, during 2014-15, milk from cooperatives (from both traditional cooperatives of the type promoted by Kurien and the Producer company type currently promoted by NDDB) accounted for barely 866,000 tonnes. Compare this with the total milk production of 25,198,000 tonnes in that state during the same year. The absence of cooperatives party abetted by almost every government that has ruled UP for the past two decades has led to exploitation of farmers by middlemen. UP milkmen exploited Ironically, even Mother Dairy began sourcing milk through middlemen. This was unfortunate because NDDB its parent company is mandated to promote cooperatives, not middlemen. Mother Dairy should have done the same as well. In fact, Gujarats cooperatives are allowed to purchase milk only from other milk cooperatives, and not even from private milk producers, let alone middlemen. But this was an unfortunate development, exacerbated by Mother Dairy being spun off as a separate wholly owned subsidiary of NDDB, rather than as a division of NDDB as was the case under Kuriens leadership. As a result, milk producers got barely Rs 18 per litre from middlemen, who in turn got upwards of Rs 24 per litre from Mother Dairy. Exact figures cannot be given here, because Mother Dairy has refused access to its annual report, even after being criticized by the Central Information Commissioner (CIC) for not divulging details as it was formed out of government funds. The person who got hurt was the UP milk producer. Unlike Gurajat where milk producers got Rs 28 per litre, UP farmers got precious little. At one point of time, milk prices crashed to Rs 14, leading to riots where farmers came onto the roads (literally) and poured their milk on the states highways to highlight their plight. Nor did UPs government put in place a minimum support price, the way Tamil Nadu and other forward looking states have done. It was only a couple of years ago after Narendra Modi took over as prime minister of India that the need to promote milk cooperatives in UP became a priority for the government. UP milk cooperatives Since the state government was unwilling to come forward, NDDB (and the central government) permitted Gujarats cooperatives to promote milk cooperatives on the outskirts of Delhi. Today, these cooperatives have a combined milk collection and processing capacity of around 4 lakh litres daily. NDDB instructed Mother Dairy to increase its procurement from cooperatives, and is expected to source over 90% of its milk from cooperatives in a couple of years time. The state government saw the writing on the wall. Last year, Akhilesh Yadav announ ced that the state would now start promoting milk cooperatives to improve the lot of farmers. Milk producers are expected to get at least Rs 25 per litre as against Rs 14-18 earlier. It is believed that this transformation compelled the prime minister bold enough to declare that farmer incomes would be doubled by 2022. The mathematics of milk production is simple. If a farmer uses the right sperm for artificial insemination (BAIF and Chitale are among the best producers of frozen straws which carry the sperm of carefully selected bulls), provides the cattle with the right milk feed (provided at discounted prices by cooperatives and even by private players like Hatsun, Heritage and Nestle), and ensures that the right vaccines are given at the right time, each cow can generate a surplus of Rs.100 per day (purchase price less cost of materials). Since much of cattle rearing is in the farmers backyard and is done by the family, the concept of labour charges does not arise. And if a farmer has 4-5 cows/buffaloes, he can earn anywhere between Rs 400-500 per day for 300 days a year (the animal goes dry for around 65 days while moving into another cycle of reproduction. Milk has thus become the most transformative product for changing rural livelihoods. It gives children a good source for nutrition besides improving household income. Farmers in UP are likely to vote for the BJP because of this introduction of cooperatives. But for one problem. Gau-rakshaks spoil the party. The milk industry works well if the farmer is allowed to sell off the old and disease-prone animal, or an unwanted male calf. The male calf is often sold by the trader to a farmer who wants a male calf with good parentage. The old cattle incapable of lactation is often sold to the butcher. While cow-slaughter laws have been in existence for decades, there has been an unwritten understanding that old cattle can be disposed of. The present government took up the ban on cow slaughter more rigorously. Unfortunately, it also allowed extra-legal methods to prevent sale of cattle as well. Groups of gau-rakshaks (translated as protectors of cows) went on a rampage to attack anyone transporting meat or cattle on the suspicion that the person had violated the provisions of the ban on cow slaughter. The strident movement hit both Dalits and Muslims. Both communities have been active in the business of tanneries. It wasnt long that both segments of the population decided to form a common front to challenge the government. In electoral terms, this would have been a disaster. Almost overnight, the vigilantes were booked, restrained, and the harassment of Dalits and Muslims stopped. Whether these groups will remember the harassment, is something that remains to be seen. Mixed signals So one has a peculiar situation in UP. The state government has not been farmer friendly. It allowed middlemen to exploit the situation by paying farmers a low price for their milk. But it did not enforce the ban on cow slaughter. The present government has allowed farmers to earn more. But the temptation to enforce the ban on cow slaughter may not rest easy with sections of the community. With all parties tainted for one reason for the other, it will be interesting to see which way people vote. Interestingly, the shrill enforcement of the ban on cow slaughter has only encouraged many farmers to stop rearing cows and instead opt for buffaloes. As a result, the cow population has begun declining in states where the ban is most strictly enforced. As a result the two states which have seen increasing number of cows are those which do not care to impose the ban on cow slaughter Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Not surprisingly, the best tanneries are located there and are expanding their business. The new milk producing centres will be the east (West Bengal has just promoted a milk cooperative and processing plant) and the North East (the first move has been made in Guwahati). All these areas do not care to impose the ban on cow slaughter. The cow may not become an endangered species after all. (This is the second part of a three part series. First part: Budget 2017: With polls nearing, will Uttar Pradesh's farm sector, industry get a boost? was carried yesterday) By Rina Chandran and Ruma Paul MUMBAI/DHAKA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Protests against a power plant in Bangladesh and an industrial zone in southern Sri Lanka highlight growing anger across South Asia at big development projects which displace villagers, analysts and activists said.Hundreds of villagers protested in the Bangladeshi capital at the weekend against the 1,320-megawatt Rampal power plant being built on 742 hectares (1,834 acres) of land at the edge of the World Heritage Sundarbans mangrove forest.In Sri Lanka, police used teargas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters who accuse the government of trying to evict thousands of families to provide 15,000 acres (6,070 hectares) of land for Chinese investors.The Colombo government has denied the claim.Clashes pitting activists and farmers against governments keen to develop infrastructure to fight poverty and encourage economic growth are likely to become more common in South Asia as demand for scarce land rises, one analyst said."Governments face a tough balancing act of luring investors, while at the same time ensuring adequate safeguards for farmers and the environment," said Bhaskar Roy at think-tank South Asia Analysis Group."Nations can't push for development alone and neglect other concerns," he said. Research published in November showed that conflict over land was behind stalled industrial and development projects in India, the regional economic powerhouse, affecting millions of people and putting billions of dollars at risk.RAMPAL POWER PLANT Last year, work on a $2.4-billion coal power plant in Bangladesh backed by a Chinese firm was suspended after four demonstrators were killed in clashes with the police. But the Dhaka government has indicated it is unlikely to abandon its push to build more coal-fired power plants to meet rising electricity demand, despite the protests.The Rampal plant, a joint venture between state-run entities Bangladesh Power Development Board and India's NTPC Ltd., will use new technology to curb environmental impact, said Saiful Hasan Chowdhury, a spokesman for the Bangladeshi company.Displacement of residents would be minimal, he said. The coal-fired Rampal plant will directly impact the livelihoods of about half a million people and make millions more vulnerable to natural disasters, according to Mowdud Rahman of Bangladesh lobby group, the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports (NCBD). About 2,000 families have been forcefully evicted so far from agricultural land and shrimp aquaculture ponds, he said."In the name of development, people are being uprooted. They are struggling to save their land and livelihoods, their very way of living," Rahman told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.A spokesman for the joint venture, the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Co., said due process had been followed."It was mostly barren land," said Mohammad Anwarul Azim."Roughly 150 huts were displaced, and we paid them as per government rules," he said. (Writing by Rina Chandran. Editing by Katie Nguyen. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Ukraine should hold three reforms in 2017 envisaged by the Association Agreement with the European Union: on public procurement procedures, the creation of a phyto and sanitary inspection and the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptability of Industrial Products (ACAA), Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine on European Integration Olena Zerkal has said. "The Association Agreement has three key issues, which we have had to go through. For example, we need to begin negotiations with the ACAA in the technical regulation. We have to fulfill four of five items in order to open these negotiations, and it is really an important task, if we can facilitate the export of industrial products to the EU," Zerkal said in an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda published on Tuesday. "The same applies to phytosanitary: the procedure for creating a supervisory authority, its content and such things last too long. Although we had to do it fast in order to facilitate the output of agricultural products for the EU market. These two areas plus government purchases are the three key points where we need to focus in 2017," the deputy minister said. However, she expressed the view that there should start a "movement relative to the ACAA" in 2017 and the creation of institutions should be completed, "that will contribute to the rapprochement of our systems with the European ones in the fields of veterinary medicine and sanitation, which, of course, will accelerate the output of our products to the EU market place." The deputy minister recalled about previously held tripartite talks with the participation of the Russian Federation, where these three areas were also raised. "The Russians are focused on these areas: sanitation and veterinary medicine, technical standards and regulations. They understood in Moscow: once we change the system, the Russian market becomes uninteresting for us as the European market opens," Zerkal said. Moreover, she expressed hope that Ukraine will complete the signing of the agreement with the EU on "open skies" in 2017. "We have reasons for optimism. Now Prime Minister of Spain Mariano Rajoy promises that they will adhere to the position on exclusion of small airports from the agreement, as it will remove the problem of Gibraltar and open further actions towards "open skies," Zerkal, adding that the British side has already given its consent. By Fatma Alarimi and Tom Finn | MUSCAT/DOHA MUSCAT/DOHA Oman is negotiating with wealthy Gulf Arab states to secure a multi-billion dollar deposit in its central bank that would boost its foreign exchange reserves and head off any pressure on the rial, two sources have told Reuters.Omani officials met in recent weeks with officials of the finance ministries of Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to discuss the proposed deposit, the sources said, declining to be named because the matter is not public.The talks are at an early stage but "signs so far are positive", said an Oman-based source close to the discussions. He added: "This can lessen the risk of devaluation."A Qatari official confirmed that negotiations were under way. "What is being discussed is in the region of billions of dollars," he said. "It is in the collective interest of the region to keep the exchange rate intact."Asked to comment, Oman's central bank executive president, Hamood Sangour al-Zadjali, referred questions to the Omani finance ministry. However, he said the central bank was encouraging local banks to attract deposits of foreign exchange. Officials of the finance ministries of Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia did not respond to telephone calls and emails requesting comment.The proposed Omani deposit would be a fresh effort by the richer countries in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council to support the less wealthy members in order to prevent financial instability from spreading around the region.The finances of all six countries have been hurt by the plunge of oil prices since mid-2014, which has slashed their export revenues. Oman, which lacks the huge oil and financial reserves of its neighbours, has been hit particularly hard. This has caused speculation among bankers that Oman could eventually have to abandon its rial currency's three-decade-old peg of 0.3849 to the U.S. dollar. DEPRECIATION Since early 2015, the rial has depreciated in the forwards market as some banks have hedged against the risk of a devaluation, although the Omani currency has come well off forward market lows hit in early 2016. The Omani central bank's net foreign assets rose 3.2 percent from a year earlier to 7.40 billion rials ($19.2 billion) in October, according to the latest official data. Oman is running a deficit on its trade of goods and services of nearly $13 billion, the International Monetary Fund estimates.The government is also believed to have about $40 billion of assets in two sovereign wealth funds, according to private estimates, but it wants to avoid running these funds down as they generate long-term income and invest in industries that are strategically important for Oman's economy.Geopolitics may contribute to any decision to go ahead with the Omani deposit. Last month Oman, traditionally on friendly terms with Iran, said it had joined a Saudi-led coalition of Muslim countries fighting terrorism, a move praised by other GCC states as closing ranks with them against Iran.The Qatari official said the Omani deposit would be separate from a pledge by wealthy Gulf states in 2011 to provide $10 billion each to Oman and Bahrain to fund economic development projects in those countries over 10 years. A small fraction of that money has been disbursed so far. (Editing by Andrew Torchia/Jeremy Gaunt) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. MUMBAI/BENGALURU India's leading e-commerce company Flipkart shook up its top management for the second time in a year on Monday, naming a former executive of U.S. hedge fund Tiger Global Management, one of its biggest investors, as head of its core business.The shake-up follows a series of valuation writedowns for Flipkart, which has seen its lead in the online market in India eaten into by global e-commerce giant Amazon.Kalyan Krishnamurthy, a former managing director of Tiger Global who joined Flipkart last June, was named chief executive in a restructuring that moves current CEO Binny Bansal into the newly-minted, broader strategic role of group CEO.The highly competitive e-commerce market in India has driven players to offer steep discounts in a bid to snag market share. This in turn has raised concerns around profitability and dented valuations of home-grown names like Flipkart and Snapdeal.A Morgan Stanley fund, that owns a stake in Flipkart, marked down its investment in the company in a securities filing in November. Local media have reported that a number of other Flipkart investors have taken similar actions. Bansal will lead the newly formed Flipkart Group and focus on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, the company said in a statement late on Monday.The changes hint at continued investor concerns about Flipkart's core business. Bansal took the reins at Flipkart a year ago, following a reshuffle that saw his fellow co-founder, then CEO Sachin Bansal, step aside to become executive chairman. The company said the new structure will help the group build a portfolio of value-creating businesses and that Binny Bansal will oversee capital allocation across group companies. Flipkart's Myntra fashion portal bought rival Jabong for $70 million last year to create India's largest online fashion retailer and, with India's e-commerce market forecast to grow to $188 billion over the next decade, the group now plans to expand deeper into furniture and groceries. Launched by two former Amazon employees in 2007, Flipkart's current investors include Accel Partners, DST Global and Baillie Gifford, among others.Flipkart said Sachin Bansal will remain executive chairman, providing strategic direction and will work closely with Binny Bansal on the new business portfolio. (Reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal in MUMBAI and Laharee Chatterjee in BENGALURU; Editing by Euan Rocha and Adrian Croft) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The dismantling of BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav has begun. Instead of talking about the questions he raised in a series of videos about the way soldiers are treated on the border, the BSF has resorted to the strategy that appears to be standard operational procedure in such cases: Ignore the complaint, discredit the complainant. On Monday, in a series of videos that went viral, Yadav complained about the poor facilities for soldiers guarding our borders. He complained that they are not given enough to eat and that supplies meant for them are siphoned off by "corrupt officers." Only an independent inquiry can reveal if the charges are right. Only a probe can reveal if there is so much corruption in the security forces that rations are sold off and soldiers are made to starve. But, the immediate response from the BSF is troubling. According to reports, the BSF responded by calling Yadav a "bad hat" and asserting that the food provided to soldiers of was of good quality. It then went on to dismantle Yadav by pointing at his difficult past and history of run-ins with the superiors and subsequent disciplinary action. The BSF claimed that he was an habitual offender-- guilty of absenteeism, chronic alcoholism and misbehaviour with officers. "Constable Tej Bahadur as an individual has a difficult past. From initial days of his career, he needed regular counselling. Different correction mechanics have been applied for the individuals welfare as he was habitual offender of absenteeism without permission, chronic alcoholism, misbehaving and using force with superior officers and certain other acts against good order and discipline. For such reasons, individual has served mostly in headquarters under supervision of some dedicated superior officer, the BSF said in a statement. The BSF then added that in spite of Yadav being a bad hat, proper time has been devoted for individuals improvement as a welfare to the individual. He has been sent only 10 days ago to the (current) place of deployment on road head to facilitate support to high altitude forward locations which he has shown in current selfie, on experimental basis to observe the improvements of past counselling. DIG and Commanding officer visited him and other BSF jawans present in strength of about 20 in last one week and there was no complaint from any one, the statement said. Read it again. The image that you get from the BSF statement is of a "troubled soldier, a habitual offender, an alcoholic with behavioural problems," a "bad hat" that needs to be counselled and disciplined. Even if that is true and not just a blatant attempt to discredit Yadav and his complaints, the BSF still has a lot to answer and explain. First, what is this "deeply troubled" soldier doing at such a difficult post a high altitude forward location? Should not he have been having a proper ''downtime", an opportunity to recover from "behavioural problems" at a post that did not put him under more duress, stress and pressure? What sort of psychological healing prescribes putting a troubled soldier on an "experimental basis" under tougher conditions? Does this not sound eerily similar to Jack Nicholson's Code Red to private Santiago in A Few Good Men? If this is how soldiers are supposed to recover from their problems, there is no surprise that they resort to the extreme measure of breaking the code of discipline, going public with their complaints, are forced to draw the attention of the nation and its prime minister. A similar debate raged through the US recently over private Bowe Bergdahl, who spent more than 1700 days as a prisoner of the IS. After he was rescued, Bergdahl was charged with insubordination, desertion some even called him a traitor because Bergdahl left his post, became Awol, and walked straight into IS captivity. Investigations later revealed that Bergdahl was so desperate and upset at his base in Afghanistan that he wanted he wanted his absenteeism to draw attention to the poor conditions there. He said his plan was to hike about 18 miles to a nearby base, thereby triggering a missing soldier alert. After what he imagined would be his triumphant reappearance, he hoped to earn a private meeting with a general who would listen to his concerns about dire leadership and safety issues in his unit. The easiest way for the BSF to deal with Yadav would be to turn him into Bowe Bergdahl of India, punish him for the act, ignore his motive and desperation; to dismantle his character, call him a deranged, disgruntled soldier peddling lies. But, Yadav has raised important red flags about the security forces. The government should not only investigate charges that soldiers defend the country on an empty stomach because of corruption but also how jawans like Yadav are driven to desperation, despair and crossing over the final frontier of discipline. Twenty candidates, all male engineers scored 100 percentile in a surprise result of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2016, which was declared on Monday, reports said. However, in the sectional results, many non-engineers and female candidates have scored 100 percentile, Professor Rajendra K Bandi, convener, CAT 2016, said. The candidates were informed individually by text messages about the results and their overall percentile even as the results were announced on the CAT website. The entrance test, which is organised every year for entry into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Managment (IIM) and other top business schools were announced, was held on 4 December 2016 and had seen participation from 1.95 lakh candidates across 138 cities in the country. The entrance test examines students on a variety of topics including quantitative and logical reasoning and verbal ability among others. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Bandi said that the CAT 2016 witnessed the highest number of candidates in the last six years. "While we still have a majority of male candidates (67 percent), the percentage of female candidates has marginally increased by 1% compared to last year, which is a good sign but not good enough, he said. Bandi, however, informed that the increase of female candidates is more than the increase of male candidates, which is a positive sign. "Among the total increase in the applications compared to last year, which is nearly 14,000, almost half of them include female candidates," the report said. The candidates, who have successfully cleared the written exam, will now have to face group discussion and interview stage to secure admission in various management colleges. With inputs from PTI Since New Year's Eve, most of India's social media feeds have rightfully been ripe with news about the Bengaluru molestation incident, where women were assaulted at the city's busy MG Road-Brigade Road intersection. It's vitally important for urban India to be constantly reminded that while everything may seem normal on the surface, there are deep fault lines within our society when it concerns the rights of women. Women across the country are not treated as autonomous human beings and are deprived of agency. As a result of which, as was the case in Bangalore, they are often blamed for attacks on them. In this particular case, the state home minister drew specific reference to their style of dress and wrote it off as a law-and-order problem. But India is vast, and the problems women face in India are far more complex. One of these problems is that India also sees cases where the State itself becomes one of the actors who furthers violence against women. On Sunday, the National Human Rights Commission found 16 women were prima facie victims of rape, sexual and physical assault by police personnel in Chattisgarh, and recommended that they be provided with interim compensation of Rs 37 lakhs. To quote from the commission's press release: The commission has also noted the following: a) The NHRC team could record the statements of only 14 victims out of the 34 victims mentioned in the FIRs. Thus, statements of 20 victims are yet to be recorded by the NHRC team b) the statements u/s 164 Cr.PC have been recorded by the magistrate only in respect of 15 victims. Thus, statements of 19 more victims are yet to be recorded u/s 164 Cr.PC c) Almost all the victims in these incidents covered under the three FIRs are tribals. However, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has not been invoked in any of the cases. As a result of this, the due monetary relief under the SC/ST (PoA) Act has not been paid to the victims. At this point, it becomes important to explain what is a statement under Section 164 of the CrPC. A statement recorded before a magistrate u/s 164 of the CrPC is a statement made under oath. These victims were deposed on oath by the NHRC before a magistrate and their statements were recorded. Another important thing we need to be reminded about is that the NHRC started an investigation into the incident on the basis of an Indian Express report dated 2 November, 2015, titled Bijapur: Policemen raped women, indulged in loot. The question that remains though is this: Why is it that an incident in Bangalore was able to move the national consciousness but one that according to the NHRC was happening to women in various districts in Chhattisgarh over a period of a few months, took a national human rights body to publish a report before we even managed to learn about? Even now, there are hardly any nationwide vigils that are out in support of these women. There have been no statements by the minister for women and child development in Delhi, even though there are government personnel who are involved in this. Neither has there been a comment from the National Commission for Women or the State Commission for Women. It should never even come to the point where you need the NHRC to intervene before things start moving on the ground. For two reasons: India's message on women's safety needs to be consistent: The message India sends with regards to its commitment towards improving the rights of women needs to be consistent, one that is applied across the board and not just one that is for urban areas and another for rural areas. And especially not one unique standard for security forces. The armed forces must represent the highest standards of ethical and moral behaviour, especially in a country like ours, where they are held at such high esteem. Breach of ethical conduct by the security forces must be dealt with swiftly and quickly rather than being brushed under the carpet. The state government should have started the process of trial already by now, instead of passing the buck on to the NHRC. It is the state government that is ultimately responsible for the conduct of its security forces, and it must rein in their behaviour. How will the world take Indian leaders seriously when they across party lines talk about improving the security situation for women, when none of them come out and condemn the violation of rights of women by India's security forces? The line and message needs to be consistent, right from the PMO's desk to the district magistrates. There has to be a zero tolerance policy for crimes against women. In conflict zones, crimes like this need to be taken seriously to improve confidence: It is not just a war regarding arms that India's fighting internally. It is also a war on the message that is being fought. Incidents like this give fodder to the enemy to increase propaganda. However, a quick, effective response by the state government that reflects its commitment to the rule of law allows India to counter the enemy propaganda in order to help win the internal war it is fighting against the separatists. It is how India was able to tackle the Communist insurgency that it faced just after independence and managed to get them to contest elections, resulting in a global first where we had Communists taking power in Kerala via the ballot box in a bloodless manner. Indian democracy only works if it is complemented by the rule of law. If the government gives up that commitment, as the state government in Chattisgarh seems to have done in this case, it is impossible to convince locals to commit to that democracy. The struggle to ensure a safe country for women is going to be a long one. But already, in the new year, we have been presented with a stark contrast in how the government responds depending on where an attack happens. It is important to bring an element of consistency, so when we as a nation say zero tolerance for crimes against women, we actually mean zero tolerance. A report in Tuesday's edition of The Indian Express has been interpreted as "proof" that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had no idea about demonetisation till 7 November, when the Centre suddenly put a gun to its head and forced the apex bank to comply with its wishes within 24 hours. Quoting from a note submitted by the RBI to the Parliament's Department Related Committee on Finance headed by Congress leader Veerappa Moily, the newspaper reports that it was the government that had "advised" the RBI to withdraw the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes and not the other way round, as expressed by Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal during a debate on demonetisation in the Rajya Sabha. "Government, on 7 November, 2016, advised RBI that to mitigate the triple problems of counterfeiting, terrorist financing and black money, the central board of the reserve bank may consider withdrawal of the legal tender status of the notes in high denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000," reads the note put forward by the RBI on 22 December, according to the newspaper. A day later, the RBI board met to "consider the government's advice", and after "deliberations," decided to recommend to the Centre that the "legal tender status of the banknotes in the high denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 be withdrawn". The government "considered the recommendations" and decided to withdraw the notes, the report said. Two questions arise: Is the RBI's account of events at odds with the minister's, and was the apex bank completely in the dark about the plan? There is nothing in the report or the RBI's note to the Parliamentary panel to suggest that the central bank's version runs contrary to what Goyal said on the floor of the House on 16 November when he clarified that the "board of reserve bank took this decision, sent it before the government and with the government endorsing it, Cabinet gave its nod to it to demonetise the old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 and bring new notes". The RBI's note is indicative of a formal communication from the government once the date of currency withdrawal had been finalised. The RBI was accordingly "advised" and asked to give its opinion. Legally and in principle, there's nothing wrong in what the power minister told Parliament and it is unlikely to result in any legal leverage for the Opposition, even though there could be space for a political point. The RBI's and the minister's accounts indicate the last-mile technicalities and bureaucratic due process where "advise" is followed by "considerations", "deliberations" and "recommendations", and the nod was finally given from the right quarters. There could be valid questions about the autonomy of the RBI and whether the central bank could have held back its consent and embarked on a path of confrontation with the government. That remains a larger point, but it's preposterous to surmise that senior RBI functionaries had no inkling about such a disruptive drive that involves their intense cooperation until the very last minute. Further into the seven-page note, as accessed by Indian Express, the RBI, under the headers 'Background' and 'Preparations', says that it "occurred to both the government and RBI" that the introduction of new series of currency notes and withdrawing of the legal status of high value banknotes (Rs 500 and Rs 1,000) could stop the triple menace of counterfeiting, terrorist financing and black money. Crucially, it says that "though no firm decision was taken initially, whether to demonetise or not, preparations still went on for introduction of new series notes, as that was needed in any case". This is a clear indication that key RBI figureheads were kept in the loop about the impending move. The sequence of events also appears to corroborate such a suggestion. The RBI's October 2014 recommendation for banknotes worth Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 was shot down by the government in favour of Rs 2,000 currency notes in May this year after which the bank went about finalising the design and security essentials. The RBI's printing presses were pressed into service once the government's final approval came in June, which would be in line with Modi's and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's assertions that RBI had been working on it for six months. The RBI note also makes it clear that a decision to decide on the withdrawal of legal tender could be made once the stockpile of new currency notes reached a "critical minimum". It appears that the Centre decided to demonetise before such a threshold was reached, but that could be because of the government's apprehension that the secrecy of the operation being compromised. In fact, a few days before the move, images of the new Rs 2,000 notes were leaked online. In a second report based on an RTI application, Indian Express found that RBI had not discussed the possible withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes during any of its board meetings last year (May, July or August), even though the proposal to introduce new Rs 2,000 banknotes was taken. However, the RBI declined to answer the newspaper's RTI-based query on whether former governor Raghuram Rajan had sent any letter or communication to the government against withdrawing Rs 500 notes before his term ended in September 2016. A 9 January report in The Economic Times, however, claims that six months prior to demonetisation, the Centre had "sent a reference to RBI asking it to approach its central board to consider a proposal to invalidate Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes". The report also states that "six months before the initiative, a small group of top officials belonging to the key stakeholders had begun working on the move". There is enough space between RBI's statements and the sequence of events to suggest that the apex bank's key functionaries were aware of the imminent move. The moot point, however, is over the central bank's independence and whether or not demonetisation indicates an erosion of RBI's autonomy. There is scope for an argument that it was not in a position to deny consent even though a handful of higher officials were part of the decision-making process. Central bank's autonomy isn't an India-specific debate. Bernie Sanders, the US Presidential candidate who lost to his Democrat peer Hillary Clinton, had in a 2015 column in The New York Times advocated "reforming the US Federal Reserve" to fix the economy. There are no easy, one-word answers. While institutional independence is a necessary ingredient for a robust democracy, there is also the need to introduce accountability in their actions. A government at loggerheads with central bank over policies serves no one's purpose. At the end of the day, it is the government that must face the people for a final audit of its performance. TT Ram Mohan, professor at IIM Ahmedabad, has written in his blog on the subject: "The danger, in the Indian context, is that autonomous institutions (such as the RBI, IITs, IIMs,DRDO, BARC and others) exercise autonomy without due regard for accountability. The beauty of the Parliamentary system is that there is, in the ultimate analysis, accountability to the people for outcomes. We need to formalise mechanisms of accountability for all autonomous institutions." New Delhi: The Election Commission on Tuesday warned political parties that it will not remain a "silent spectator" and will undertake stern steps if the model code of conduct or poll laws are violated by them during the forthcoming Assembly elections in five states. In a strong letter, citing a recent judgement of the Supreme Court, the Election Commission (EC) said peace and tranquility during the polls process is "absolutely essential for free and peaceful conduct of elections in the country." "As you are kindly aware the model code of conduct and various provisions of IPC, inter alia, provide that political parties and their leaders should desist from making statements to the effect of creating disharmony between different sections of society on the basis of religion as the same disturb peace and tranquility of the society which is absolutely essential for free and peaceful conduct of elections. "Even, the apex court of the country has expressed its deep concerns in the matter vide its judgement and order dated January 2, 2017...," it said. The Election Commission's communication to the national and state parties added: "The Commission will not remain a silent spectator if the provisions of law or MCC are violated and no one can do it with impunity. The Commission will take stern actions for any violation under all powers available." "All may please note it and issue suitable advisory to all concerned," it added. In a landmark verdict seeking to separate religion, caste and other issues from politics, the Supreme Court, by a majority verdict, had held as "corrupt" the practice of candidates appealing for votes on the basis of these identities included not only him but his agents and voters. The court held that the provisions of the R P Act, which say that seeking vote by a candidate in the name of "his" religion, caste, race and language in the election law, included candidates, his agents and voters also. "An appeal in the name of religion, race, caste, community or language is impermissible under the R P Act, 1951 and would constitute a corrupt practice sufficient to annul the election in which such an appeal was made regardless whether the appeal was in the name of the candidate's religion or the religion of the election agent or that of the opponent or that of the voter's," the apex court order had said. Between 4 February and 8 March, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur are going for Assembly polls and the Model Code of Conduct came into force on 4 January when the EC announced the election schedule. New Delhi: Government on Wednesday replied to the Election Commission on the opposition complaint against presenting the Union Budget before Assembly elections, defending its decision to advance the budget session for the purpose. The Cabinet Secretariat on Tuesday wrote to the Election Commission which had asked it to respond to a representation by opposition parties urging the poll panel to make the government postpone the budget till assembly polls are over. The government is learnt to have described the Union Budget as an annual constitutional exercise covering the entire country and not just a few states, an apparent rebuttal of the opposition charge that the budget will be used to woo voters in the poll-bound states. It has also said that the advancing of budget presentation was necessary as it would ensure that all budgetary provisions are allocated to different sectors from 1 April, the beginning of the new fiscal. The budget is usually presented around last week of February and, as a result, the approval of the budget spills over to the next financial year, delaying the start of new programmes. The Budget session has already been convened from 31 January when the President will address the joint sitting of the two Houses. The Union Budget and the Economic Survey are slated to be presented the next day. Earlier, the government while defending the move to advance the budget session had said that the parliamentary committees have already been informed to study budgetary proposals in the recess period between 10 February and 8 March. It said that the government had made its intentions clear to advance the session in September last and the Union Cabinet had also cleared the proposal. The opposition parties had written to the President and the Commission objecting to the presentation of the Union Budget on 1 February ahead of the Assembly elections in five states and demanded that the government be asked to defer the annual exercise till March 8, the last day of voting. A delegation of opposition parties comprising Congress, JD U(), BSP, SP, DMK and RJD had met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi on January 5 to press that the government be asked to defer the Budget presentation till at least 8 March. Punjab and Goa will go for polls on 4 February and the last phase of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur will be held on 8 March. For full coverage of Union Budget 2017 click here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the extradition of Niels Holck aka Kim Davy an accused in the 21-year-old Purulia arms drop case during his meeting with Danish minister Lars Christian Lilleholt. ANI also reported that the prime minister hoped Denmark would extend full cooperation in this issue. India had made a request to Denmark seeking extradition of Kim Davy in December. The efforts at that time came after previous attempts to bring him to India for facing prosecution failed as the courts in Denmark rejected the extradition plea. CBI sources had said that the request had been sent to Denmark but had refused to divulge the new grounds under which it has been sent, citing confidentiality. The Purulia arms drop case relates to the incident on the night of 17 December, 1995, when an AN-26 aircraft dropped arms and ammunition in West Bengal's Purulia district. The consignment had hundreds of AK-47 rifles, pistols, anti-tank grenades, rocket launchers and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The crew consisted of five Latvian citizens and British national Peter Bleach, all of whom were arrested. Davy, a Danish citizen and the prime accused in the case, had escaped. The crew was released from a prison in Kolkata in 2000 after requests from the Russian authorities, while Bleach was given a presidential pardon in 2004 following requests by the UK government. With inputs from PTI People's deputy of Ukraine Nadia Savchenko on her Facebook page has unveiled lists of hostages held in the Donbas territory not controlled by Ukraine's authorities, as well as Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russian prisons and in Crimea occupied by Russia, including the list of persons, the DPR/LPR leadership wants to get from the Ukrainian side. Savchenko on Tuesday released a list of 41 Ukrainian (with their first names, surnames and patronymics, as well as dates of birth), which are held by the DPR/LPR and confirmed by them. She also provided a list of similar information about 121 Ukrainians whom the Ukrainian side want release. In addition, she has published a list of 524 individuals the DPR/LPR want released. According to Savchenko, the list includes "two categories of exchange." "The first category is our prisoners, who are located in the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine occupied by Russia. Ukrainian side filed a request for 129 people. The opposite side confirms 42 people [...] The second exchange category - Ukrainian political prisoners, who are held in Russian prisons and in Crimea occupied by Russia. There are 44 people for now," she wrote. As reported, the Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) stated they would talk to MP Nadia Savchenko, who announced her intention to publish lists of prisoners and missing persons in Donbas, and explain to her the possible harm from the disclosure of such lists. "Naturally, we know these lists. We are working with these lists. I can only say that there are certain laws that limit the leakage of any information related to personal data [...] We should not use this information for some selfish goals, should not manipulate these lists, engage in political campaigning," the SBU chief's adviser, Yuriy Tandit, told TV channel 112.ua on January 7. He stressed that "in no case" should information that may "harm not only people who are there, but their friends and relatives" be released. "Don't worry: we will work with her lawfully," Tandit said. He was responding to a question about whether the SBU will explain its position to Savchenko. Savchenko earlier wrote on her Facebook page about her plans to unveil lists of people, who were captured or disappeared in Donbas, in the near future. "The lists of prisoners-of-war and missing persons I have received as a result of the meeting in Minsk, as well as those I have gathered since my release from Russian captivity, I will publish [them] in the very near future," Savchenko said. London: UK's Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to British Prime Minister Theresa May calling for a "fresh, independent investigation" into Britain's alleged involvement in the "appalling" Operation Blue Star in 1984. Corbyn's letter to Downing Street, dated 4 January, follows what he describes as "significant representations" from a wide range of representatives from the British Sikh community demanding details of the full extent of the UK's alleged role in the military action on Golden Temple in 1984. "Given concerns regarding the effectiveness and integrity of the January 2014 review, I believe we must consider a fresh, independent investigation into this episode in British history. "It is clear to me from my discussions with Sikh groups in the UK that there remains significant resentment that over the 30 years since this most appalling event, questions remain about the role which the UK played," his letter reads. In 2014, then Prime Minister David Cameron had ordered the Heywood Review into the exact nature of British involvement in the Indian Army operation at Golden Temple in June 1984 after documents released previously under the 30-year declassification rule had implied British SAS commanders had advised the Indian government as it drew up plans for the removal of militants from the Sikh shrine. The report concluded that the nature of the UK's assistance was "purely advisory" and provided to the Indian government at an early stage of planning. Corbyn's letter notes: This review was felt by many to be inaccurate and the presentation of its conclusions to Parliament in February 2014 to be misleading. A valuable opportunity to bring greater transparency to this was lost with the recall of 33 FCO [Foreign & Commonwealth Office] India files from 1984, which had only been released late in August 2016 after 32 years (contrary to the 30-year rule). "This recall came within a matter of weeks of the files being released, depriving those interested of the opportunity to fully review their contents and sending a signal that the government is not committed to transparency." Making a reference to May's India visit last November as highlighting the importance she attaches to "building and maintaining positive relations with India," Corbyn called on the British PM to revisit the issue and commission an "independent investigation" and re-release the recalled files in the interest of transparency. A spokesperson for Corbyn said the Opposition leader is yet to receive a response to the letter from Downing Street. Meanwhile, Sikh Federation UK welcomed the move with its chair Bhai Amrik Singh expressing his gratitude to Corbyn. "We are grateful the Labour leader has written to Theresa May to call for a fresh, independent investigation and deliver the British public transparency. British Sikhs will continue to call for transparency and this can only be delivered through an independent investigation that has full access to all relevant papers," he said. Sikh Federation UK has maintained the files recalled by FCO hold further information on the issue and has launched an appeal for the secret documents to be made public. In a major development on Monday, the Pakistan military confirmed that it had successfully tested a sea-launched nuclear-capable cruise missile (SLCM), the Babur III. In a public statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department noted that the Babur III SLCM has a range of 450 kilometres and will provide Pakistan with a Credible Second Strike Capability, augmenting deterrence. An independent open-source geospatial-intelligence handle on Twitter @rajfortyseven well regarded by Indian and international military analysts had geolocated the launch and estimated the speed of the missile to be 6,750 kilometres per hour. While the release was silent about the submarine platform to which Babur III will be integrated, press reports suggest that the Pakistan Navy's Agosta 90B class the so-called Khalid class submarines are a natural existing platform of choice; these submarines have cruise-missile launch capabilities. The SLCM itself is a variant of the land-launched cruise-missile (LLCM) system, Babur II. Pakistan had tested an enhanced version of this LLCM mid-December last year. With the successful test of the Babur III SLCM, Pakistan is now a step closer to a functional nuclear triad, albeit in a very limited way. While this does complicate Indian strategic calculations in the event that the two countries go to war, it is important to establish three key points this test does or does not signify vis-a-vis Pakistan's capabilities, doctrines and timing. One, for close observers of Pakistan's military, the test-launch of Babur-3 does not come entirely as a surprise. Pakistan had established a nuclear naval authority the Naval Strategic Force Command in 2013. Indian naval analysts have maintained that it was only a matter of time before the land-launched Babur system was adapted for submarine launches. But for a naval arm of a nuclear triad to be truly successful in the sense of being survivable in event of combat the type of submarines to be used to launch the missiles becomes equally important as the missiles themselves. Ideally, a benchmark nuclear triad will incorporate nuclear-powered submarines that can stay under water almost indefinitely. Such boats, coupled to nuclear sea-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), can also be used for long-range force projection. The naval arm of the Indian nuclear triad is supported by the INS Arihant a nuclear-powered submarine with SLBM capabilities which was quietly commissioned by the Indian Navy in August last year. The premier weapons for INS Arihant are the K-4 SLBMs which reportedly have a range of 3,500 kilometres. The K-4s were tested in April last year. The existing Pakistani Khalid-class submarines are diesel-powered, based on dated French technology. The Babur III as noted earlier has a range of a measly 450 kilometres. Of course, the targets for Pakistani submarines are quite different from that of India's. The Indian Navy seeks to operate in the entire Indo-Pacific (to deter and deny Chinese capabilities) while the Pakistan Navy has a sole objective to target India. For the former, nuclear-powered submarines are an imperative; for the latter, they are not. Having said that, even with Babur III mated with the Khalid-class submarines, the Pakistani nuclear triad doesn't come close to meeting international standards at this stage. Two, a submarine-based nuclear-weapons system only makes strategic sense as a second-strike capability. The scenario that drives the deployment of such systems is where a country deters its adversary from initiating a nuclear first-strike by guaranteeing that it will meet the same with an assured retaliatory second-strike. As such, nuclear triads bolster deterrence and strategic stability. Submarine-based launch systems are much more survivable than land-based ones and relatively more immune to defensive systems that the adversary may have in place to deter and defeat a second-strike. India has a declared policy of a nuclear No-First-Use (NFU), driven by its conventional superiority over Pakistan which assures Indian policy makers that a nuclear first-strike posture is unnecessary. Given this and the fact that Pakistan's military remains fixated on India alone how does one square it with Pakistan's quest for a nuclear triad? There are precisely three possibilities here. One, Pakistan does not believe in India's NFU. This is plausible given the many statements from Rawalpindi brass along those lines. If this is the case and admitting Pakistani paranoia a submarine-launched nuclear-capability makes sense. Two, Pakistan believes in India's NFU but still wants to go ahead with such a capability. This could be because of its long-standing obsession with matching India weapon-for-weapon however unnecessary it may be. In which case, Babur III is yet another example of Pakistan military's vanity projects that have sapped so much of Pakistani resources and made the country dependent on extorting western powers. Three and this is the most troubling conjecture Pakistan is prepared for nuclear war-fighting. In this scenario, the Pakistani naval nuclear capability exists as a third strike option, after having absorbed a massive retaliatory Indian second-strike in response to a Pakistani nuclear first-use which annihilates most of its cities and command chain. As far-fetched as this may be, for this to work (per Pakistani calculations), command over submarine-based nuclear weapons has to be delegated to the submarine captains. This increases the chances of rogue use and forces India to contemplate the same grim scenario as with Pakistan's land-based tactical nuclear weapons. But here, a caveat is necessary. For such an admittedly strange war-fighting posture to work, the Pakistan Army has to trust the Pakistan Navy sufficiently to share nuclear launch authority. This, in turn, will break its monopoly as custodians of the country's crown jewels, with political consequences. Finally, what should be made of the timing of the Babur III test? Not much. As tempting as it is to read this as a response to India's new Pakistan policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in light of the so-called surgical strikes of late October there isn't anything about the Babur III tests that is stunningly original. Granted, it is a major development. But New Delhi is unlikely to lose sleep over it. If this was indeed an attempt at nuclear signalling, Pakistan has failed. Could the Chinese have goaded the Pakistanis following the Agni V and IV Indian tests of December to do it? This is possible but, again, the efficacy of such a China-Pakistan signal to India is unclear. The author is a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi and a national security columnist for Firstpost. Views expressed here are personal. He tweets @AbhijnanRej Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Tuesday that even after so many years the people of Kashmir have not integrated with India emotionally and that is the reason behind the trust defecit between New Delhi and the Valley's residents. We also want that Jammu and Kashmir should integrate with India emotionally, with heart and mind. Has it happened yet? Clearly no Mehbooba said inside the assembly which has witnessed a stormy and noisy sessions so far. The disruprtion and clamour in the state's Assembly comes in the backdrop of over five month long unrest in the Valley that has left close to hundred people dead and thousands injured. Mehbooba said her alliance partner BJP and prime minister Narendra Modi has been trying his best to forge a cordial relationship between India and Pakistan, but every initiative of the government was followed by an unfortunate attack like the Pathankot attack on the Indian Air Force base in January last year, in which seven security personnel and one civilian were killed by attackers before they were neutralized by the security forces. We should not forget Prime Minister Modi went to Lahore and attended Nawaz Shareefs grand-daughter's wedding, Mehbooba said, trying to highlight the efforts put in by New Delhi to promote friendship with Islamabad. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that Government of India should hold dialogue with Hurriyat Conference to find a political resolution to Kashmir issue. Earlier, several PDP leaders had pitched for the resolution of Kashmir through dialogue and peaceful ways. Mehbooba, who concluded the discussion on Tuesday, said this (J&K) assembly has to facilitate the resolution of Kashmir issue and the alliance between the PDP and BJP was an opportunity to think how to move forward. She said the Article 370 is not a hurdle in integration between India and the people of Kashmir although her alliance partner, BJP, has a different opinion on the issue. The kind of mandate 2014 election threw was very different and we had to respect that. Mufti Sayeed wanted to take J&K out of the morass and we waited for ten years for a strong leader to emerge in Delhi. You cannot shut eyes to strong mandate Narendra Modi received, she said. She said that it was important for her party to join hands with people who have got majority in Jammu region and then who can deal with the issue of Kashmir with some courage. There were provocations to stoke communal flames in Jammu, but I congratulate my colleagues who managed the situation very well in Jammu during the unrest in valley, she said. Mehbooba Mufti appealed to all shades of opinion in the State to help the Government to ensure that the unfortunate cycle of violence, like the recent one in Kashmir, are not repeated and people do not suffer any longer. He (Mufti) was impressed by democracy of India and thus he followed pro-India politics in J&K. He wanted to create an alternative in democracy. He fought for democracy in Congress and then as an regional alternative, she added. Adivasi Jallianwala Bagh: The Mangarh massacre of 1913 that PM Modi spoke of in Rajasthan On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recounted the tragedy of the Mangarh Massacre, saying it had not been given its due place in history. The incident, on 17 November 1913, saw British forces killing over 1,500 Bhils in Mangarh on the border of Banswara and Santrampur Taufiq is a worried man. His meat and poultry business in a small village a good thousand miles from Uttar Pradesh has been hit by demonetisation as people have less cash to spend on 'extras' like meat. He is already fretting over which way the Muslim vote will swing and settle in UP but he freely confesses: Anyone but the BJP. It's not just a Muslims fear of the unknown and an ancient tribal communal mindset to which demonetisation is incidental. He knows his community could decide the winner and for the first time he is taking an interest in another states election. A state he has never visited and one that is home to no one he knows. Flip the coin. In his plush office in Delhi's Lutyens zone, BJP president Amit Shah has readied his team for just such a scenario. It's everything rolled into one. Taufiq is his dream voter. This voter nudges the majority community towards clanning together, resulting in an en bloc vote against 97 of Mayawatis chosen Muslims. A fragmented Samajwadi Party and Congress dont matter. If and when the majority community votes together in Uttar Pradesh, it answers everything: BJP wins, demonetisation is stamped with its approval, people have chosen development over goondaism and of course, the caste carriers have been consigned to flames. Its a big 'if', but since one swat provides so many answers, Big Media is happy to endorse such a reading and we incessantly hear the words "referendum and endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies" (read demonetisation). No, Punjab is not voting for or against demonetisation. They have that drug problem and the Badals dont they? Goa is struggling with AAP or no AAP. Uttarakhand has already chosen General BC Khanduri since he is the byword for development in those parts and Manipur? Well, is it also voting? Good, they will get a chief minister and government. Not just the media as a whole, the players themselves believe that it's Uttar Pradesh where it's at. Part of it is also because of the size of the state and numbers, but never in its history had Uttar Pradesh voted so overwhelmingly in favour of one party as it did in 2014. If only it had given BJP 53 instead of 73 seats, perhaps this election would not have assumed such significance. In May 2014, the state had been completely besotted with development and wanted to become Gujarat. It had sold itself to dreams of broad roads, a Metro Rail, 24-hour power and a clean Ganga. Three years later, it's back to the inextricable mesh of caste, community, Ram Mandir, Article 370 while Akhilesh Yadav has claimed the development agenda. But demonetisation and its sister issues of the war on black money and the subtle 'rich versus poor' narrative in the new Modi speeches has put an additional burden on Uttar Pradesh voters. They will not just vote for a state government, they will effectively decide the countrys economic policy. The advancement of the Union Budget may have a passing effect. The AIMO (All-India Manufacturers Organisation) has recorded some dire stats: Sixty percent job losses and a 55 percent loss of revenue since November 2016. But its real impact may be felt by April, so demonetisation was well-timed. Money for electioneering may be scarce and may actually be wisely used, although the prime minister's rallies show no such restraint. We may see a fewer choppers and Akhilesh's image-building on state government money has come to a grinding halt. The Congress suddenly finds itself left with no cash to buy more khatiyas and is dependent on seat permutations. Since Reliance Jio is free till March, I suspect Uttar Pradesh voters may be inundated with guided WhatsApp messages, jokes and videos from all parts of the country aimed at helping them make up their minds about voting. In this the rest of the country, this is playing an active part, almost as active as the Big Media. Mamata Banerjee has jumped in with her 'Modi Hatao Desh Bachao' in Uttar Pradesh, not in Manipur or Goa. Lalu Prasad Yadav is doing his best to keep the Yadavs together in the state. Nitish Kumar has more-or-less decided to play safe and let the vote decide his stance rather than letting his stance affecting the vote. Arvind Kejriwal, after an initial burst against demonetisation, has decided to concentrate his energies in Punjab and Goa where he can possibly beat the BJP, and depending on circumstances, he may interpret it as his own bit of endorsement of anti-demonetisation. The best results for the BJP may be victory in Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Uttarakhand, but even if it sweeps everything but Uttar Pradesh, it will see it as a disappointment. My presumption is that Taufiq and Shah have derived the same conclusion: Once the BJP wins Uttar Pradesh, 2019 will be a cakewalk. Both have their hearts in their mouths. The author is a senior journalist Demonetisation has dented the image of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). As the manager of the countrys currency, the central bank was expected to advice the government better and if necessary, stand up to it when it decided to make high denomination currency notes illegal tender at short notice. However, evidence available so far suggests that it failed to alert the government that demonetisation was going to be a terribly messy affair without adequate preparation. It played along, raising no red flag at any point. In the process, it was neither doing justice to the government nor to its own reputation as an institution. A report in The Indian Express says the demonetisation move was initiated by the government and not the RBI. On 7 November, the Umion government suggested the move and only a day later the Central Board of RBI recommended it after deliberations. On 8 November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the big announcement, trashing 86 percent of the countrys currency at one go. In the absence of the minutes of the boards meeting, which the central bank has refused to make public, theres no way of knowing what transpired inside but as subsequent developments indicate the government was having its way without any guidance or genuine feedback on the situation on the ground. The central bank was playing the passive facilitator. Interestingly, while Union minister Piyush Goyal said in Rajya Sabha that the demonetisation decision was taken by the RBI board, his party, the BJP, left no one in doubt that it was the call of the political executive. The developments brings into question the independence of RBI and its institutional credibility. While the efforts of the political executive to influence the monetary policy of the bank is not unknown, what comes as disturbing is the apparent lack of resistance from it. It is unimaginable that the institution managing the countrys money would fail to anticipate the disruptive impact of demonetisation. It could have cautioned the government that the movement would hit growth and economic activity in general besides causing suffering to people. What it was doing instead was changing rules on cash withdrawals and deposits almost on a daily basis to manage the crisis as it unfolded. Speaking to CNBC-TV18 on Monday, YV Reddy, former Governor of Reserve Bank, said the role of central bank was under threat and needed to be addressed as a national problem. The institutional identity of RBI has been damagedI would even go to the extent of saying that particular recent events, I have seen the comments from economists, from Standard and Poors and they are disturbing. For the RBI, for a central bank, reputational risk is the worst risk. Credibility is the worst risk. And if this is happening in the international opinion, I would say that it is a national problem now A week after demonetisation, Standard and Poors director Kyran Curry had remarked that it had cast a shadow over the RBIs competence and independence. Former prime minister and a former Governor of RBI Manmohan Singh wanted to know recently whether the central bank was given enough time to make a decision on demonetisation. His point, unstated though, was whether it was coerced into making the decision by the government. If that was actually the case, the RBIs reputation and credibility is at stake. The government should be careful. It has been rather thoughtless in handling institutions that should stay insulated from any kind of political influence or controversy. If the RBI loses its reputation of being independent, its hard-earned global credibility takes a beating. The government and the bank are required to act in tandem, not as adversaries and not always in perfect agreement with each other. Hope the central bank comes unsullied in the demonetisation controversy. The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday issued a showcause notice to BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj for his controversial comments on population control. The election body sought a reply from the MP by 11 January, reported ANI. EC issues notice to Sakshi Maharaj for violation of Model Code of Conduct by his controversial remarks on population; sought reply by 11 Jan ANI (@ANI_news) January 10, 2017 The latest move comes after the Unnao MP on Saturday blamed Muslims for a sharp rise in population in the country when he said that Hindus are clearly not responsible for it and added, "Population is increased by those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children." Leaving no doubt that he was speaking against the Muslim community, Maharaj also spoke against the practice of triple talaq and asked the government to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as soon as possible, reported News18. Sakshi also said that the country was being divided because Hindus were not having enough children. "Hindu ghataa aur desh bataa," he said. "Whether Hindu or Muslim, mothers are not machines," he added. Asked about the comments, BJP leader and Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "I haven't seen his statement, but we believe in taking everyone along. The country runs on law, on Constitution, it does not run with a stick. Such statements or views are not of either BJP or government. We have nothing to do with such statements." Caught in the controversy at a time when elections in Uttar Pradesh and four other states are around the corner, an unfazed Maharaj made it clear that he was not speaking at a BJP event. "I had said that the population of India is approx 132 crore. India's landmass is not increasing but our population keeps on increasing. We need to control this menace. We should respect women and I had said that she is not a machine, that is why four wives, 40 kids and triple talaq are no longer tolerable. We need to take a decision whether we should have one, two, three or four kids. But we need to take a decision on this," he said. As the outburst by the Unnao MP in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh drew strong condemnation from opposition parties, the BJP distanced itself from the comments made at a sant sammelan on Friday. An FIR was filed against the controversial leader at Sadar Bazar police station in Meerut. The FIR was registered under Indian Penal Code sections 298 (uttering words with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class) and 153b (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) among others, police said. The EC too sought a report from the Meerut administration in connection with Sakshi Maharaj's statement, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Lucknow said. The Meerut district administration said ADM, Meerut and city magistrate are investigating the matter from all aspects. "We have got information about few comments during the sant sammelan held at Augharnath Temple here through various newspapers. We have sought reports on it from Election Commission. ADM city and city magistrate are investigating the matter from all aspects. We will take prompt action according to law if we find anything," district magistrate B Chandrakala said. With inputs from PTI The elite in North India are far more rooted and entrenched to their motherland when compared with their counterparts from South India. Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Jairam Ramesh, speaking at the India Today Conclave on Monday, spoke at length on the great North and South India divide. Ramesh said he preferred North India as people in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh are more tolerant, cosmopolitan and accepting than those in South India. In conversation with veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Ramesh jumped in and stopped him from making it a big deal. "Don't reduce my statement to a soundbite," Ramesh said, as Rajdeep noted that it was quite a sensational statement. Ramesh said he prefers living in North India, to which former Central Bureau of Investigation director R Raghvan said that while the minister has a point, there's a greater diversity in cities like Chennai. "I have been living in South India for 15 years since my retirement. People in Chennai are equally respecting. There is no hostility towards outsiders," Raghavan said and extended an invitation to Ramesh to come and "settle down in Chennai." Ramesh hails from Karnataka's Chikmagalur and represents Andhra Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha. The Congress leader was in discussion with the India Today consulting editor on 'South and the Rest: The New Powerhouse' at the Conclave. Elaborating on his previous point, Ramesh went on to add that elites in South India are more "comfortable" in places like Berkeley, Stanford, Germany, France etc. Comparatively, the elite of North India are rooted in India more than anywhere else in the world. Ramesh's statement met with some mild criticism from the audience, but since the conclave was an informal forum, nobody made a big deal about Ramesh's statement. However, Ramesh spoke about him preferring North to South when the discussion was drawing to a close. In the beginning of the discussion, Ramesh reaffirmed the uniqueness of states in South India and lauded their style of governance. "Tamil Nadu's mode of governance is more efficient than the Gujarat model. The Tamil Nadu model has delivered both social development and strong economic growth. The Gujarat model delivered only economic growth while the Kerala model brought only social development," Ramesh said. The Congress MP added that South India became a powerhouse because of the "public investment made in the states during 1950 and 1960". "(The) South moved ahead of (the) North in the 1980s, there is a history. Service economics, ports, coastline went in favour of the South," he said, adding that South India runs as per a system and follows set guidelines. "(The)systems were in place in South India which divides the region from other parts of the country." "Social revolution and the zamindari system helped the South to progress rather than the rest of India," he added. On the corruption front, South Indian politics reflect what happens in the rest of India, Ramesh added. "The system of administration is better in South India than in North. Parties come and go in the government, but system has delivered goods for the people of south Indian states." BANJUL African judges due to help Gambia's supreme court hear a challenge by President Yahya Jammeh's electoral defeat last December failed to show up on Tuesday, forcing the chief justice to adjourn the session. Chief Justice Emmanuel Fagbenle delayed the hearing until Jan. 16, meaning the court will hear the challenge filed by Jammeh's ruling APRC party only two days before the end of the long-ruling president's mandate.Legal sources said the foreign judges named to the court have not yet arrived in the West African country.Outside the courtroom, hundreds of people wearing green for the ruling APRC put on a show of support not seen since the polls for the eccentric and repressive ruler. Jammeh initially accepted his defeat but later questioned its validity. "No to cheating," the crowd chanted, echoing Jammeh's speech rejecting the poll outcome.The legal challenge has shone a rare light on the idiosyncrasies of Gambia's legal system, which opponents say has long been manipulated by Jammeh. The supreme court has not sat in over a year, partly because would-be judges are too afraid of being confronted with unpredictable charges themselves. Two chief justices have been dismissed since 2013, one of them being arrested and jailed. Because of this, the court hired four foreign judges from Nigeria and Sierra Leone to hear the appeal. But the absence on Tuesday of these "mercenary judges", as the opposition calls them, raised questions about that option as well.A document seen by Reuters and signed by Nigeria's acting chief justice said that the timing of the extraordinary January session was "unfavourable". Gambia's supreme court normally sits in May and November. Fagbenle confirmed the document and said he had received a similar one from the chief justice in Sierra Leone.The question of whether the tiny country can overcome its current political impasse and instate President-Elect Adama Barrow next week is seen as a test case for African democracy in a region used to coups and autocratic rule.The presidents of Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia will visit Jammeh on Wednesday in a second attempt to press him to hand over power. While many Gambians as well as Western powers have publicly called for Jammeh to step aside, and even hinted at removing him by force, the army and most of the cabinet have remained loyal.Many Gambians are afraid of Jammeh's brutal security forces, who have been accused of locking up hundreds of opponents during his 22-year rule. Others believe he has mystical powers.Jammeh boasts that he can cure both AIDS and infertility through herbal medicine. (Reporting by Lamin Jahateh; Writing by Emma Farge; Editing by Tom Heneghan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Militants continue shooting "Grad rockets" and using banned mortars against the ATO (Anti-Terrorist operation) forces in Luhansk region. One soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been wounded over the past day, the Luhansk Regional State Administration said. "The Russian occupying troops shot along the disengagement line 12 times in the Luhansk region over the past day and after the midnight. The enemy opened fire on strongholds of Ukrainian troops near the villages of Troyitske and Novozvanivka in Popasniansky district 10 times using 120-mm and 82-mm mortars, anti-tank guided missiles, heavy machine guns, sniper and small arms. As a result of firing one of our defenders was injured, Luhansk Regional Administration deputy head Yuriy Klymenko said on its Facebook page on Tuesday. He noted that the ATO positions near the village of Syze of Stanychno-Luhansky region were fired from multiple Grad rocket launchers. The village of Stanytsia Luhanska was fired on from anti-tank, grenade launchers and small arms. Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi used to often give an analogy between arch-rival Congress party and an orange during his brief tenure as the BJP national president between 1991 and 1993. His pet dialogue was: Like an orange which comes apart when peeled, the Congress party falls apart when given power. Even Joshi, now living a semi-retired life as an ignored federal lawmaker, would not have imagined that Congress would become a house divided while dreaming of coming to power in the south-western coastal state of Goa. With the process of the week-long filing of nominations scheduled to start from 11 January for the ensuing Goa State Legislative Assembly Election, scheduled for 4 February, fissures have come to the fore within the state unit of Goas principal Opposition Congress party. The division is two folds over whether the party should go in for pre-poll alliance or seat adjustments with some smaller parties and finalising the list of candidates for the 40-member Assembly. While a faction headed by state unit president Luizinho Faleiro is in favour of going to polls on its own strength, barring adjustments on some seats, other faction headed by Digambar Kamat, the last Congress chief minister of the state, is advocating pre-poll alliance with parties like the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Goa Forward (GF) party and the United Goan Party (UGP). Kamat enjoys support of popular youth leader and sitting state lawmaker Vishwajit Rane, son of former chief minister Pratapsingh Rane and now Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, and another sitting legislator Reginald Lourenco. The Kamat-led faction has publicly demanded alliance at least with the GF. What complicates the issue is that the partys national general secretary in-charge for Goa, Digvijaya Singh, is also in favour of an alliance with the GF. Singh is supposed to be a close confidante of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. On the other hand, Faleiro is known for enjoying close proximity with the Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Sonia let none in doubt over this when she sanctioned a personal meeting with Faleiro during her year-end sabbatical in the popular tourist destination Goa. In all likelihood, a final call on this vexed issue will be taken by the partys Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting in which both Sonia and Rahul are likely to participate. The CEC is scheduled to meet on 11 January to finalise the list of candidates. Technically, the party has time till 21 January to make up its mind over the contentious pre-poll alliance issue, which happens to be the last date for withdrawal of nominations. Faleiro is annoyed with GF leader Vijai Serdesai, accusing him of trying to blackmail Congress. Serdesai has been talking to some party leaders, including Digvijaya Singh, for an alliance and concurrently taking pot-shots at the state unit leaders of Congress. Pitch for Congress has already been queered with the entry of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) into the fray. While AAPs strength in Goa is yet to be tested, it is expected to poach on the anti-BJP votes which Congress was eyeing in its bid to return to power after an agonising wait of five years. Both BJP and AAP are set to contest on their own. However, multi-party contests on most of the seats were inevitable even without AAP, considering BJPs erstwhile ally Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and the breakaway Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) have already entered into an alliance to dent BJPs prospects. More than AAP, what is hurting Congress more is the presence of four senior leaders who have occupied chief ministers post at some time or the other in the past. They have their own minds, set of followers and often take divergent stance. The same has been visible over the difficulties being faced by the partys state unit in finalising list of candidates at its level. Multiple rounds of meetings only ensured unanimity over 15 names. There was lots of confusion over candidature of Faleiro himself until last weekend, he claimed to enjoy the blessings of Sonia upon his return from New Delhi and announced he has been asked by Sonia to contest from Navelim constituency. Faleiro, twice Goa chief minister in the past, was serving as a national general secretary of Congress before being asked by Sonia to return to his home state as state unit chief in October 2014. He has since been striving to rebuild the party by infusing fresh blood. He is in favour of giving chance to new and younger generation leaders to contest under the partys symbol. The old guard, however, are opposed to this as they are demanding nominations for not only themselves but also for their family members and supporters, virtually splitting the party vertically and pushing the ball into the court of the central leadership of the Congress party. The tussle is so keen that Congress may be forced to release its Goa list in phases and hold back naming its candidates on some of the contentious seats for as late as 18 January, the last stipulated date for filing of nominations, to merely ensure that those denied nominations do not enter the fray as rebels. The ongoing infighting may eat up into the limited window for campaigning given by the autonomous Election Commission of India in Goa, hurting the party as its cadres are waiting to know who their candidate would be before hitting the campaign trail. BUDAPEST Hungary has banned ships from the Danube as the river is freezing over and floating ice poses a risk, a spokeswoman for the General Directorate of Water Management said on Tuesday.The ban is effective from 1500 GMT, Gabriella Siklos said, in a reply to Reuters questions. (Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Louise Ireland) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Two of the three municipalities in Nagaland did not receive a single nomination of candidature for the upcoming civic polls as various tribal groups have called for boycotting the election to protest 33 percent reservation of seats for women. Kohima and MokokChung are the two municipal bodies that have not received any nomination despite the Nagaland governments repeated effort to persuade the tribal groups to lift the boycott. In the last one week, various tribal bodies took to the streets protesting against the governments move to reserve 33 percent seats in the civic bodies for women. They claim it is against Naga custom. Eastern Mirror reported that the protesters stopped candidates from filing nomination by picketing in front of deputy commissioner's office. Sentiyanger Imchen, the state electoral officer of Nagaland, told Firstpost, No nomination has been filed for Kohima and MokokChung municipalities. He also said that nominations have been filed for the town councils in the state, the number is likely to be announced later. The last date to file nomination for the civic polls, scheduled for 1 February, was extended to 9 January from 7 January due to the protests. Nagaland has 11 districts, of which three Kohima, Mokokchung and Dimapur have municipalities and the remaining eight districts have town councils in the urban areas. Though many town councils have received nominations of candidature, pressure on the candidates persist for withdrawal of nominations. Tribal bodies like Lotha HoHo have demanded that candidates who have filed nomination for town council election should withdraw nomination, reported North East Live. Similar pressure also exist in other districts of the state as well. Chakhroma GB's Union (CGBU) have also issued a similar diktat. Thepfukedo Kuotsu, president of the CGBU and general secretary Atso Gwizan have said, If they go ahead with their candidature in defiance of the public desire, we can foresee serious ramification and consequences even on the polling day and even in the days thereafter." Sources say that there is a possibility that some candidates might succumb to this threat and withdraw their nominations. The last day to withdraw nomination is 17 January. The Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 was amended in 2006 to incorporate the provision of 33 percent reservation for women. The government of Nagaland in a recent Cabinet meeting has decided to proceed with the election despite protests and it held the view that the 33 percent reservation for women will not infringe upon the rights of the Naga people, according to a press release issued by Menukhol John, principal secretary, Department of Municipal Affairs. Hokiye Sema, the president of Central Naga Tribal Council, told Firstpost, In Naga society, a woman is not considered to be equal to men. She is not even allowed to speak in panchayat until and unless she is summoned by it. Providing 33 percent reservation to women amounts to giving her the same status as men and it gives men inferiority complex. He also said that the Naga society has been following these laws for more than thousand years and those cannot be just wiped out. He also said that Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India provides the Naga people with the right to frame their own laws as per local customs. Naga Mothers Association earlier filed a case in the Supreme Court of India demanding 33 percent reservation for women. The case is still being heard by the apex court. Rosemary Dzuvichu, a Naga feminist leader and advisor of the Naga Mothers Association, a civil society organisation, had earlier told Firstpost that this election has nothing to do with Naga culture as per an earlier order passed by the apex court. "Some of the members of the village council, who are male, are also ex-councillors of the local civic body. If the reservation law is implemented, then some of them will lose seats previously held by them to women candidates," she had said. In what could be seen as the first political win for the newly appointed AIADMK chief, Sasikala, the central government on Tuesday conceded to her demand of declaring Pongal a compulsory holiday. Politics ensued over the Tamil harvest festival, which will be celebrated on 14 January this year, after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Monday wrote to the central government seeking an ordinance to allow Jallikattu sport, a move that will perpetually negate the Supreme Court ban on the ancient bull-taming sport. As the government remained non-committal on the demand, citing that the matter remains subjudice, questions rose to a clamour on the Centre's alleged move to convert the holiday given for Pongal festival into restricted holiday from a compulsory one. Sasikala said that the Centre's purported move has come as a "big shock" and urged the Union government to review it's decision and 'uphold the rights' of Tamilians. Tamil Nadu's main Opposition party DMK also slammed the government's reported move. The alleged move was tantamount to putting a question mark over the "nation's pluralism," a party headquarters release said, adding Pongal had now been made a restricted holiday under which an employee could opt to avail holiday if she or he desired so. It is instructive to note here that national holidays including Republic and Independence Days fall in the list of compulsory holidays. However, even as the BJP-led central government gave in to the Tamil Nadu leadership's demand, the party's state leadership alleged that all the brouhaha around the holiday was politically motivated and was nothing more than an effort to project the Centre as "anti-Tamil." BJP state unit president Tamilisai Sounderrajan slammed DMK for announcing the protest, saying Pongal has remained in the 'Special List' for 15 years, including the UPA days in which the Dravidian party was a key constituent. While national holidays across the country referred to Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti, holidays for state-specific festivals such as Pongal were given as per local requirements, she said. "Festivals such as Pongal and Makar Sankaranti are celebrated in different states on different dates. Some festivals like Onam are state specific. A common holiday for a single event across the country is given only for something like Republic Day," she said. Holidays for festivals like Pongal can be taken in states as and when they are celebrated and there is no common holiday for such events, she said, adding such holidays were, however, aimed at allowing people to celebrate the festivals. However, since Pongal falls on Saturday (14 January) this year, there was no possibility of giving a holiday and central government employees have been allowed to avail this leave on a different date for a different festival, she said. "However, the list of holidays (in question) had been released in June (last year) and some parties are trying to paint the Centre as working against Tamils by creating an illusion that the list was suddenly altered yesterday," she said in a statement. DMK "should realise that a similar list of holidays existed during" the UPA days also, Sounderrajan said. Sounderrajan found support from BJP's bitter critic PMK, whose youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss insisted that Pongal had never been on the compulsory holiday list. "To my knowledge, for the last 15 years Pongal had never been on the compulsory list of holidays of the central government. It has been a restricted holiday only," Ramadoss, a former Union Health Minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP, said. He also insisted that only Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti have remained on the compulsory holidays list and said "somebody had carried wrong information". However, Pongal qualified to be included under compulsory holidays list as Buddha Poornima, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Mahaveer Jayanti, which are "celebrated only in some parts" of the country, were a part of it, he said. Meanwhile, 16 activists of a fringe Tamil outfit were arrested in Coimbatore on Tuesday when they tried to wave black flags at Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue. Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam activists also raised slogans against the Centre, police said. With inputs from PTI Whatever his intention was Manish Sisodia on Tuesday managed to create a huge storm in poll-bound Punjab when he indicated if not directly that Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal might relinquish the Delhi chief minister's post and be chief minister of Punjab if the party wins the Assembly poll in the border state. Although Sisodia was quick to clarify later that his statement was misconstrued but it was enough to ignite sharp reactions from the party's political rivals while the guessing game went on whether it is a fact or a figment of fantasy. If Kejriwal is indeed thinking of shifting his base to Punjab provided conditions are favourable, then it won't be an exaggeration to imply that the AAP boss is only biding his time in Delhi by warming up his chief ministerial seat till such time he gets an opportunity to move his base elsewhere. For obvious political reasons, Punjab could serve as a better stepping stone for Kejriwal to fulfill his national ambition. Sisodia's big bang statement first made at a small public rally in Mohali and later while talking to a group of media persons that people of Punjab should vote believing that they are voting to make Arvind Kejriwal chief minister, could still be premature. Left with a hazy clarity despite Sisodia's attempts to throw some light it won't be surprising if people eventually start wondering why the Delhi chief minister is in a hurry to dump Delhi. Party MP from Punjab, Bhagwant Man, a stand-up comedian who nurtures chief ministerial ambition for himself was swift to react saying only a Punjabi could be the chief minister of the state while Kejriwal is a Bania from Haryana. The man's reaction is a clear pointer that there is a clear division in AAP over the issue of a chief ministerial candidate in the state. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal lapped up Sisodia's statement to launch a blistering attack on AAP and Kejriwal with a Punjabi versus outsider twist. In a series of tweets Badal said, "By asking people to vote for @ArvindKejriwal as CM of Pb, Manish Sisodia has exposed their plan. AAP has proven it does not trust Punjabis". The Akali leader added "Cat is out of the bag. Recent events prove that Kejri wanted to be CM all along & was only fooling people with misleading statements." Then Badal went on to strike an emotive chord with the Sikh voters, saying that's why one after another Sikh leaders were either sidelined or thrown out of the party. "Sisodia's announcement proves that @SChotepur was thrown out to pave the way for @ArvindKejriwal." Another tweet said, "They also forced @BhagwantMann & Himmat Singh Shergill to fight from Jalalabad & Majitha to remove contenders who could challenge Kejriwal." Yet another tweet said, "I ask Punjabis to evaluate the actions of this anti-Punjab party & reject attempts to foist outsiders on the State @ArvindKejriwal". Badal retweeted India TV tweet "By asking people to vote for @ArvindKejriwal, @msisodia has exposed their plan; proves it doesn't trust #Punjabis: @officeofssbadal." In his enthusiasm to cash on Kejriwal's credibility, whatever is left now, Sisodia may have committed a big mistake. This could boomerang on AAP. The party has already been fighting on Punjabi versus outsider perception about the party first for the manner in which senior leaders from Delhi parachuted in Punjab to manage the organisation and devise a poll strategy, and second the manner in which its Sikh face in the state Sucha Singh Chhotepur was thrown out of the party. Sisodia has given easy picking points to his political rivals in Punjab and Delhi. In Punjab, the public debate in this election could revolve around Punjabi versus outsider theme. In Delhi, Kejriwal runs the risk of yet again being called a "Bhagoda", for resigning in 49 days and running away to fight parliamentary elections from Varanasi, a tag which he had given him difficult times ultimately tending unqualified apology to people of Delhi. As it is Delhi is currently facing a serious crisis of governance pollution, potholed roads and most importantly garbage thrown all over the road by striking municipal sanitation workers. Neither he nor any of his ministers were in Delhi when the city was in the grip of chikungunya last year. For the past few months, Kejriwal preferred to spend his time and energy outside Delhi to expand his party's support base in Punjab and Goa. Governance in Delhi has not been his priority. When Kejriwal had decided not to keep any portfolio with him, it was widely speculated that he had done so to keep himself free to travel out of Delhi and to try and expand his party's base. Sisodia stands to gain if Kejriwal moves to Punjab. The deputy chief minister will be elevated to post of chief minister, but all that is in the realm of ifs and buts for now. In July 2016 while analysing why Kejriwal wouldn't give Navjot Singh Sidhu an entry in AAP, Firstpost had written Sidhu's chief ministerial ambition clashed with Kejriwal's chief ministerial ambition for Punjab. Kejriwal wants to be the chief minister of Punjab for the simple reason that it is a big state, it is a border state and a full-fledged state where unlike Delhi he will have the control of police with powers to deal with matters under investigation, present and potential, the way he wants. AAP leadership believes that holding Punjab chief minister's post would give him required fillip to claim that he has an overpowering pan-India appeal and has the charisma to take on Narendra Modi in 2019. On many occasions in the past, Kejriwal claimed pole position against Modi. Sisodia's exuberance at his first public outing in Punjab may just have made things difficult for Kejriwal and to his own dream of dropping 'deputy' prefix from the post he holds in the Delhi government. Can Akhilesh Yadav win the Uttar Pradesh election on his own? Can he survive without the cycle or the blessings of his father? In every opinion poll conducted in Uttar Pradesh, in spite of the varying projections of seats for different parties, one finding has been consistent: Akhilesh Yadav is invariably the top choice for chief minister's job. Since the advent of Narendra Modi in Indian politics, elections in India have become more and more personality-centric, almost presidential in style and nature. Having favourable popularity ratings helps a leader cut through the pack, start off as the front runner. This was evident in at least three recent elections. First in Delhi, where Arvind Kejriwal's superior rating, first compared with Harshvardhan and later with Kiran Bedi, helped the AAP sweep the Assembly polls in 2014 even when opinion polls were mixed. Similar trends were visible in Bihar and Assam, where the popularity of Nitish Kumar (JD(U) and Sarbananda Sonowal/Himanta Biswa Sarma (BJP) helped their parties decimate the rivals even when their parties appeared caught in tough battles. The reason is simple: If a leader's popularity levels are high, they help him cut through the traditional caste-community-class divides and rise above party affiliations. In a personality-centred election, the face becomes the message and the ideology, not the party. With elections just a month away, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister has the advantage of being bigger than his own party, and perhaps larger than contenders from other parties. But, can he pull off a Modi/Kejriwal/Nitish Kumar/Sarma/Sonowal in the assembly polls? Can he turn his own popularity ratings into the talking point for voters, the leitmotif of the election? It is apparent from Akhilesh Yadav's moves so far that he had plotted a coup within the Samajwadi Party several months ago. He was ready for a situation where either the SP becomes his, or he becomes the face of a new party. Around six months ago, he had started an image-building campaign in UP by putting his own face on hoardings, banners and TV commercials, pushing the party, its symbol and his own father and benefactor in the background. So far, Yadav has succeeded in achieving some of the things he had set out to do. With a massive campaign focussed on his personality, he has towered over other stalwarts in UP politics, including Mayawati and his father. Since the BJP has so far not named anyone as its presumptive CM candidate, voters have not had the option to make a choice. But, the talk within UP and this may worry the BJP because it is almost identical to the chatter in Delhi two years ago is that ''Modi ji in Delhi, Bhaiyya ji in Lucknow.'' Also, by waging a public war against Shivpal and hoodlums who got tickets from Mulayam Singh, the chief minister has cleverly shrugged off a bit of anti-incumbency against himself. Like Indira Gandhi in the 60s, he has positioned himself as a crusader against the SP establishment, including his own parivar. In normal circumstances, the combination of high popularity ratings, absence of, or low, anti-incumbency should have worked for any chief minister facing an election. He should have been optimistic also because of the confusion around demonetisation and its impact on the lives of farmers, daily wage earners, labourers who have returned to villages because of slow-down in economy and traders. Contrary to popular perception, the biggest problem for Akhilesh would not be his inability to contest under the SP banner, on the cycle symbol. His strategists are confident that if they are allotted a new symbol, they would be able to take it to the hinterland without too many problems. The decision to fight for the 'cycle' symbol, in fact, has two objectives: One, obviously, to contest next polls on it. Two, deprive Shivpal faction the option of using it. This, the chief minister's strategists believe, would not only ensure votes meant for Akhilesh are not mistakenly cast on the traditional symbol but also the demise of the rival SP faction, which, in the absence of established leaders and dedicated workers, would struggle to establish a new identity. Yet, Akhilesh has too many problems to contend with and too little time to sort them out. The first phase of elections is just a week away from being notified. While most of the parties are in campaign mode, giving final touches to their strategy and candidate lists, the chief minister is stuck in Lucknow, fighting on the domestic front. Since the rapprochement or break up with Mulayam is still not final, there is confusion also about the status of his allies. Nobody knows if he would finally contest alone or with the Congress and the RLD. And since there is still confusion around the future of the speculated alliance, the list of candidates is also in abeyance. The longer the uncertainty lasts, the more difficult it would be for Akhilesh to hit the campaign trail with all his ammo and allies. Finding his campaign in disarray, not sure of his chances, some of his voters may defect to the BSP and the BJP. Akhilesh is not just fighting against the three Ms--Mayawati, Modi and Mulayam--in UP. He is also battling time, an enemy that is invincible. By Rina Chandran CHENNAI, India (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - For Dhanalakshmi S and her family, a small shack squeezed among scores of similar dwellings on a narrow street in Chennai has long been home.The 35-year-old and her four children share a water pump with 90 other families and take turns to use a public toilet.Dhanalakshmi is one of about 10,000 homeless people in Chennai, a city of about 8 million people, and a hub for auto makers and technology firms in the state of Tamil Nadu.Tamil Nadu is India's most urbanised big state, with hundreds of migrants making their way to cities from villages every day in search of jobs.Many, like Dhanalakshmi's grandparents, end up on the streets, unable to afford even the cheapest housing. Most remain there for decades, under the constant threat of eviction."It is not easy to live like this, sleeping, cooking, washing on the street. There is no dignity to our lives," said Dhanalakshmi, who has lived on Barracks Street in the city's commercial district all her life."We have been asking the government for a home nearby for years, but they only threaten to evict us and move us far away."The homes on Barracks Street are low shacks with a metal roof covered in tarpaulin. Pots, utensils, trunks and shelves spill out, with clothes lines hanging on walls and a scooter or bicycle parked outside a few shacks.City officials say they are gradually relocating pavement dwellers slowly to permanent homes in the suburbs."We simply do not have space in the city for homes for all pavement dwellers," said K.S. Kandasamy, deputy commissioner of the city's corporation."There are adjustments to be made, but they get good homes of their own, and they will have a far better quality of life than on the street," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.UNDER BRIDGES Nearly all of Chennai's homeless have been on the streets for at least 20 years, while 75 percent have lived that way for more than 30 years, according to non-profit Information and Resource Centre for Deprived Urban Communities (IRCDUC).Most work as daily wage earners, making less than 300 rupees ($4.50) a day, IRCDUC's survey showed. Less than half have birth certificates, and more than a third don't have government documents that entitle them to benefits such as subsidised food.About a third of India's 1.25 billion population live in cities, with numbers rising every year as tens of thousands of people leave villages to seek better prospects. Many end up in overcrowded slums, on the streets, and under bridges.Up to 37 million households - a quarter of India's urban population - live in informal housing including slums due to a critical shortage of affordable housing, according to a report last month from social consultancy FSG."We can't reverse or slow the pace of urbanisation, so we need to address the issue of the urban homeless urgently now, before it gets any worse," said Vanessa Peter at IRCDUC.It is a similar situation elsewhere: in 2014, more than half the global population lived in cities. By 2050, this figure is expected to rise to 66 percent. Slums and informal settlements, which are home to more than 900 million people worldwide - or nearly one in seven - are emerging spontaneously as a "dominant and distinct type of settlement" in the 21st century, according to the U.N.In most Indian states, informal housing is neither defined nor addressed through policy. At the same time, relocation and redevelopment of slums have not kept pace.SHUNTED OUT The Supreme Court in 2012 directed states to build shelters for the homeless, after a petition following deaths on the street in the Delhi winter.Tamil Nadu has only about a third of the required shelters, said Paul Sunder Singh, founder of non-profit Karunalaya. He set up the Pavement Dwellers Rights Association, which lobbies for welfare benefits and permanent homes within a 3 km (1.9 miles) radius of their current homes. "Shelters are at best a temporary measure; what they need is a home, government documents that lets them avail of welfare benefits, and greater say in the process of building and allocating homes for the homeless," he said."These are people with jobs, with kids in school and college. They are hard working people who contribute to society, and do not deserve to be ignored or shunted out," he said. Increasingly though, street dwellers and those in informal settlements are being squeezed out as officials race to modernise Indian cities with metro lines and WiFi hot spots.A government plan to provide housing for all by 2022 is meant to create 20 million new urban housing units and 30 million rural homes.But the slow pace of implementation is leaving thousands homeless. More than 33,000 families living in urban areas across India were forcefully evicted from January 2015, according to advocacy group Housing and Land Rights Network.In Chennai, about 80 families have lived on one of three streets in Periamet, just a couple of miles from Barracks Street, in a neighbourhood of hotels and offices for more than two decades. They do not even have shacks to call their own.They keep their belongings in boxes on the side of the road or in doorways, sleep on handcarts at night, wash up at the hand pump and use public toilets. When it rains, they shelter under sheets of plastic, said Shanthi V."Officials occasionally come and say: we will move you to a house. But they are far away; where will we work, how will the kids go to school, how will we pay for the commute?" she said."It may be better for us to stay like this on the street if the only alternative is to go far away," she said.($1 = 68.1012 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Rina Chandran @rinachandran, Editing by Paola Totaro. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Phil Stewart | WASHINGTON WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trump is finding himself caught between his desire to improve relations with Russia and fellow Republicans who are pushing for a harsher response to what American spy agencies say was the Kremlin's meddling in the U.S. presidential election.The tacit acknowledgement on Sunday by his incoming chief of staff, Reince Priebus, that Russia was behind the hacking of Democratic Party organizations suggests that Trump's manoeuvring room could be shrinking.Trump has long been dismissive of the U.S. intelligence conclusion that Russia was behind the election hacks, which Russia has denied, or was trying to help him win the November ballot, saying the intrusions could have been carried out by China or a 400-pound hacker sitting on his bed.But following a report from U.S. intelligence agencies last week blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia experts say Trump will face growing calls for a stiff military, diplomatic, economic, and perhaps also covert response after his Jan. 20 inauguration. "The new U.S. administration will need to adopt a significantly tougher line," said Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington that is an influential voice in Trump's transition team. Republicans in Congress wary of Trump's push for detente with Putin could pressure the new president to withhold the thing the Russian leader wants most: a rapid easing of the economic sanctions imposed after Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, the Russia experts said.U.S. intelligence agencies say that since the election, Russian spies have turned to hacking other individuals and organizations, including prominent think-tanks, in what analysts think is an effort to gain insights into future U.S. policies.Washington's Brookings Institution, which is headed by prominent Russia expert Strobe Talbott, "received a big wave of attacks the day after the election," but there is no reason to believe its systems have been compromised, said David Nassar, the think tank's vice president for communications. SHOWDOWN WITH CONGRESS? Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he and fellow Republican John McCain, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, would introduce legislation with stronger sanctions than the ones now in place."We're going to introduce sanctions that ... will hit them in the financial sector and the energy sector, where they're the weakest," Graham told NBC television's Meet the Press.Retired Marine General James Mattis, the nominee for secretary of defence who will face a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, is expected to advocate a stronger line against Moscow than the one Trump outlined during his election campaign.That could put him at odds with Trump's national security adviser, retired Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, who has had warmer relations with Putin's government, and with Rex Tillerson, the nominee for secretary of state, who as CEO of ExxonMobil had extensive business ties with Russia.If Mattis does push for a tougher approach to Russia, that could empower U.S. advocates for strengthening the American military presence in Europe. That could include reinforcing U.S. troops in the Baltic states and Poland, analysts say. NATO already plans to deploy 4,000 additional troops, planes, tanks and artillery to the three former Soviet republics in the Baltics and Poland this year."There is nervousness about Trump among Europeans at NATO," said one European diplomat. "Any grand bargain with Russia would fundamentally change NATO's course and threaten Europe with disunity," the diplomat said. "But we don't expect that. NATO is seeking to reassure Baltic allies, and the United States is a big part of the deterrent." Some advocates of a sterner response to the Russian hacking say it should include cyber counterattacks, perhaps by leaking financial information embarrassing to some of Putin's aides and close associates.So far, the Obama administration has refrained from such action, at least publicly, for fear that it could lead to an escalating cyberwar that could threaten critical infrastructure such as financial transactions and energy transmission. TRUMP RUSSIA POLICY STILL A BLUR Although Trump has said the nation needed to "move on to bigger and better things" following the U.S. disclosure of alleged Russian hacking, it appears that Republican and Democratic lawmakers are unlikely to drop the issue anytime soon.McCain told NBC he wanted to create a select committee to investigate the Russian hacking, if he can convince the Republican-controlled Senate's leaders to charge their minds. In the meantime, he said, key Senate committees, including Armed Services and Intelligence, will investigate.Experts say the close scrutiny of Russia's actions will come just as Trump's administration starts to craft a comprehensive strategy on the former Cold War foe. It is likely to be weeks or longer before a clear sense of Trump's actual Russia strategy comes into view."Until there's a team in place, until there's a little more organization I tend to think we're not going to have clear answers," said Heather Conley, a former deputy assistant secretary of state for Europe now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. (Reporting by Phil Stewart; additional reporting by Warren Strobel, Patricia Zengerle, Arshad Mohammed and John Walcott in Washington and Robin Emmott in Brussels, editing by Ross Colvin) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. BUDAPEST Hungary and Bulgaria have banned shipping on the Danube as the river is freezing over and floating ice poses a risk.Gabriella Siklos, spokeswoman for the Hungarian General Directorate of Water Management, told Reuters on Tuesday that the ban was effective from 1500 GMT.Bulgarian river supervision authorities have also banned shipping on the Danube on the Bulgarian stretch of the river. The agency said shallow waters, coupled with the freezing of the river, poses risks to ships. The Danube is one of Europe's main river arteries, shipping everything from grain to oil to passengers. Severe frosts and snow storms killed dozens of people in central Europe over the weekend, mainly in Poland, as temperatures in the region dropped below -30 degrees Celsius in some places. (Reporting by Krisztina Than and Tsvetelia Tsolova; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Hostage lists published by unaffiliated MP Nadia Savchenko contain mistakes, this step however can harm their families, adviser to the SBU chief, Yuriy Tandit, has said. "I asked Savchenko not to do this when we talked to her, she heard me," Tandit said in a comment to BBC Ukrainian. In his words, the lists are partially "incorrect". "The lists contain personal data of our guys. However, preliminary analysis indicates that the list is incorrect," he said. According to the SBU representative, the publication of these lists cannot help speed up the release of the hostages. "Usually, the negotiations were efficient when no one was using them to for PR and when there as no fuss around them. Decisions on specific exchanges are made in Russia. This is not a matter of lists," Tandit said. He warned that now scoundrels have received personal data of many Ukrainian hostages and an opportunity to blackmail their families, demanding ransom for instance. According to Tandit, hustlers can phone the relatives posing as persons authorized by militants and promise to release a hostage for a reward. When asked, if Savchenko can be punished for publishing these data, Tandit said he cannot talk about this yet. The advised to the SBU head also refused to comment on the list of Russians in Ukrainian captivity published by Savchenko. Washington: The international community is concerned about North Korea's "destabilising" rhetoric that it will launch an inter-continental ballistic missile and the reclusive country's refusal to abide by the obligations about its nuclear weapons programme, the White House has said. "The Obama administration, the United States, and I think the international community take seriously and is concerned about the destabilising rhetoric and sometimes destabilising actions that are undertaken by the regime in North Korea," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Monday. That is why the US has responded to mobilise the international community to impose the toughest-ever sanctions on North Korea because of its concern about the reclusive country's rhetoric and actions. Carter said over the weekend the US military retained significant capability to protect the America and its allies. "We are prepared to use that capability when necessary," he warned, adding that America's preference is to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula, deescalate tensions, and bring North Korea back into the community of nations. "But right now, because of North Korea's refusal to abide by international obligations when it comes to their nuclear weapons programme, they are an outlier, they are excluded, they are isolated in a way that is certainly more so than any other country in the world," Earnest said. The US is ready to face any challenge from North Korea, said State Department Spokesman John Kirby. "Now we are well past time for Pyongyang to prove that they're willing and able to return to the Six-Party Talk process and to stop their provocative moves, their destabilising moves to continue to develop ballistic missile capabilities as well as a nuclear programme," he said. The entire international community is aligned against them in terms of exerting more pressure. "We take his comments seriously. Regrettably, we have to. But I'm not going to get into our own estimate or assessment of where he might be with respect to progress on this most recent threat," he said. However, he refused to give any hint on future of the US actions against North Korea. "I'm not going to speculate about future tactical developments one way or the other. In addition to the international pressure being applied through a very robust sanctions regime, and the fact that we're not ruling out additional sanctions if required through the UN, that the US maintains a significant deterrent capability militarily in the region," Kirby said. "That's all been part and parcel of the Asia Pacific rebalance. We are confident that we have the capabilities in the Asia Pacific region to protect our interests," he said. Jerusalem: The Israeli military says troops have shot dead a Palestinian attacker who tried to stab soldiers in the West Bank. It says Israeli forces were on an arrest raid in the Fara Refugee Camp on Tuesday when the Palestinian charged toward them with a knife. The troops shot him after he ignored warnings to halt. Palestinians said 32-year-old Mohammed al-Salhi was shot dead in his home. The incident follows one of the deadliest attacks in more than a year of Israeli-Palestinian violence in which a Palestinian truck driver rammed his vehicle into a crowd of Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem, killing four. Since September 2015, Palestinian attackers have killed 40 Israelis and two visiting Americans in mainly stabbing attacks. During that time, 231 Palestinians, mostly attackers, have been killed by Israeli fire. ABIDJAN Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara dismissed the heads of the army, police and gendarmes on Monday after a two-day army mutiny that spread unrest across the West African nation, according to a statement from the presidency.Disgruntled soldiers demanding the payment of bonuses and wage increases began their revolt on Friday, seizing control of Bouake, the second largest city, before troops in military camps in cities and towns across the country joined the uprising.Army chief General Soumaila Bakayoko, Gervais Kouakou Kouassi, the superior commander of the National Gendarmerie and Director General of the National Police Bredou M'Bia were relieved of command with immediate effect, the statement said.The weekend uprising was the second such army mutiny in less than three years. As was the case with the first uprising, the government conceded to the low-ranking soldiers' demands and agreed to pay bonuses likely to cost state coffers tens of millions of dollars. Years of conflict and a failure to reform the army, thrown together from rival rebel fighters and government soldiers, have left it hobbled by divisions. Ivory Coast, French-speaking West Africa's largest economy, emerged from a 2002-2011 political crisis as one of the continent's rising economic stars but Ouattara's failure to rein in the army could threaten that. (Reporting by Ange Aboa and Loucoumane Coulibaly; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Louise Ireland and Richard Lough) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Twin explosions took place near the Afghan parliament in Kabul on Tuesday, killing at least 27 people and wounding over 70 others in the rush-hour attack that shattered a relative lull in violence in the capital, according to Tolo News. Taliban insurgents immediately claimed responsibility for the bombings, which struck as employees were exiting the parliament complex. The explosion reportedly happened close to the American University and Noor hospital on Darulaman Road. "The first explosion happened outside the parliament... a number of innocent workers were killed and wounded. It was caused by a suicide bomber on foot," Zabi, an injured parliament security guard, told AFP. "The second one was a car bomb. It was parked on the other side of the road and flung me back when it detonated," he said. According to some MPs, a female MP from Herat is among the injured. The government has still not released details on casualties in the twin blast. The blasts went off near a parliament annexe, which houses offices of some lawmakers. But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the explosions targeted a vehicle belonging to Afghanistan's main intelligence agency. The Taliban are pressing ahead with nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually ebbs, as international efforts to jumpstart peace talks falter. Repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed, with a fierce new fighting season expected to kick off in the spring. Earlier on Tuesday, a suicide bomber blew himself up in Lashkar Gah, the capital of the volatile southern province of Helmand, killing seven people, the local police chief said. The attacks underline concerns over growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where around 10,000 US troops are assisting struggling Afghan forces to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency along with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants. Afghanistan last week welcomed the Pentagon's decision to deploy some 300 US Marines to Helmand, where American forces engaged in heated combat until their mission ended in 2014. The Marines will head to the poppy-growing province this spring to assist a NATO-led mission to train Afghan forces, in the latest sign that foreign forces are increasingly being drawn back into the worsening conflict. Afghanistan got scarcely a passing mention in the bitterly contested US presidential election -- even though the situation in the conflict-torn country will be an urgent matter for the new president. President-elect Donald Trump has given few details on his expected foreign policy, with even fewer specifics on how he will tackle the war in Afghanistan. With inputs from AFP Kabul: At least nine people were killed and 16 wounded in an explosion at a provincial government guest house in Kandahar, Afghanistan on Tuesday, officials said. The UAE ambassador, Kandahar governor Hamayun Azizi and another envoy were among those injured in the explosion, provincial spokesperson Samim Khpolwak, who is himself injured, told TOLOnews. He said at least four Arabs, who were bodyguards, were among those killed. A source told TOLOnews the governor was in a serious condition. The explosion took place during a high-level meeting at the guest house. Earlier on Tuesday, twin explosions rocked the Kabul city and left at least 25 killed. Taliban insurgents had claimed responsibility for the earlier bombings, which struck as employees were exiting the parliament complex. The explosion reportedly happened close to the American University and Noor hospital on Darulaman Road. "The first explosion happened outside the parliament. A number of innocent workers were killed and wounded. It was caused by a suicide bomber on foot," Zabi, an injured parliament security guard, told AFP. "The second one was a car bomb. It was parked on the other side of the road and flung me back when it detonated," he said. With inputs from agencies Beijing: It would be naive for India to tilt towards the US in a "trade war" between Beijing and Washington under Donald Trump's administration, a State-run Chinese daily warned, amid concerns that the expansion of India's manufacturing sector could dent Chinese exports. "It would be naive for India to assume that its economy will boom if it draws closer to the upcoming Trump administration amid a pending trade war between Beijing and Washington," an article in Global Times said. "Overestimating US-India economic ties may mislead India and send it down the wrong path for economic development. New Delhi needs to be realistic in terms of growth. Instead of tilting toward the US, it should focus on developing its manufacturing industry and integrating itself into the global supply chain to expand exports to narrow its trade deficits with major trading partners and create jobs to generate growth." The article hit out at the weekend's Assocham India report stating that India is likely to be harmed by a trade war between China and the US and New Delhi must be proactive to ensure that it is "on the right side of the upcoming US administration, or else the impact could be on the Indian services exports to the American firms". Assocham's message that cautions being dragged into a US-China trade war seems to suggest that New Delhi should lean towards Washington to avoid being implicated and be ready to reap economic gains from a growing alliance with the US. "While this observation appears to be pragmatic, it is also near sighted and may risk distracting India from a better path for economic growth," it said. "The weight of economic ties between China and the US is heavier than those between India and the US. Bilateral trade between China and the US reached $558 billion in 2015 while trade between India and US was about $109 billion. It would be self-deceptive to believe that the US needs India more than it does China," it said. The article argued that the problem with the Indian economy is that its manufacturing industry is less competitive than China's, which means India imports more than it exports. "China's exports to India reached $58.24 billion in 2015 while imports from India hit $13.38 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $44.86 billion," it said. India officially put its trade deficit with China in 2015 at $51 billion. By Jeff Mason | WASHINGTON WASHINGTON President Barack Obama will give a farewell speech to the nation on Tuesday in an effort to burnish his legacy, encourage demoralized supporters and prod the incoming Trump administration to keep some of his signature achievements in place.Obama will deliver the speech at 8 p.m. CST (0200 GMT Wednesday) in Chicago, where he kicked off his political career and started a family. His wife, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden will attend the speech at McCormick Place, the city's main convention centre. The Democratic president, who leaves the White House on Jan. 20 after eight years in office, has said he plans to reflect on his administration's achievements while looking forward in his address.His future and that of his top policy achievements were jolted by the Nov. 8 election of Republican Donald Trump, who has threatened to undo Obama's actions on issues ranging from advancing healthcare reform to curbing climate change. Obama has encouraged Trump to rethink some of his views on repealing the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, while mobilizing Democrats to stand up for the law under a Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress.During his campaign for the presidency, Trump promised to dismantle the law, ban Muslims temporarily from entering the United States and build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico - all policies Obama opposes. Obama plans to remain in Washington for the next two years while his younger daughter, Sasha, finishes high school. He has indicated he wants to give Trump the same space that his predecessor, Republican President George W. Bush, gave Obama after leaving office by not maintaining a high public profile.That may be difficult if Trump makes good on his plans to take apart many of Obama's signature achievements. Democrats, lacking a national leader with Obama's departure and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's election loss, are eager for Obama to stay involved on some level. Obama is likely during his remarks to encourage supporters to keep fighting for issues he championed in his 2008 and 2012 campaigns on the environment, gay rights and economic equality. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Karolina Tagaris | RITSONA, Greece RITSONA, Greece Refugees stranded in Greece suffered sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall on Tuesday at camps not designed for winter weather and the government promised those on one island temporary warm accommodations aboard a navy ship.A mid-winter icy spell and snowstorms have gripped central and southeastern Europe for days, and parts of Greece have been covered in rare snow with temperatures dipping to -20 degrees Celsius this week. Snow also fell in Athens on Tuesday.More than 60,000 refugees and migrants have been trapped in Greece since Balkan countries along the main, northward overland route to wealthy western Europe sealed their borders last March. Most now live in overcrowded camps across Greece in abandoned factories or warehouses, or in tents which lack insulation or heating."Cold, it's very cold for children - it's not like Syria," said Rostam, a 34-year-old Syrian Kurd who has been living in a camp near the village of Ritsona in eastern Greece near Athens for 10 months with his wife and three young children.Temperatures hovered at -1 degrees at the camp, a collection shipping containers in a forest where clothes left on hanging on lines outdoors had frozen stiff. Humanitarian aid organizations, including the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, have pressed Greece to quickly transfer those on freezing, snowbound Aegean islands to the mainland or other European countries. "The situation is very difficult and especially dangerous for children," said George Protopapas, Greece director of international organisation SOS Children's Villages."Power outages, freezing temperatures, snow and freezing rain have hampered access to some refugee camps and created very hazardous conditions for all those in temporary shelters." Conditions were considerably worse on the eastern Aegean island of Lesbos, where more than 5,000 asylum seekers have been waiting for months for their applications to be processed. Scores of summer tents weighed down by thick snow resembled igloos after several days of icy weather on the island. On Tuesday, the government said it was sending a naval ship to Lesbos to accommodate migrants. It was also scrambling to transfer others to hotels. "It is important to take immediate measures to ensure that men, women and children are housed in decent accommodation suitable for winter," the Greek branch of global health charity Medecins du Monde said in a statement.For some refugees who have been in limbo in Greece for months, things have been worse."It's normal, we're used to living like this," said a 25-year-old Syrian who gave his name as Ahmad, one of the first to arrive in the Ritsona camp. "This is not one day or two days, this is 10 months." (Editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Julia Edwards Ainsley | WASHINGTON WASHINGTON Republican Senator Jeff Sessions said on Tuesday he would recuse himself from investigating Hillary Clinton's email practices and charitable foundation if confirmed as attorney general and he would favor the appointment of a special prosecutor for any such investigation."I have said a few things," Sessions said about his comments during the presidential race accusing former Democratic candidate Clinton of illegal activity. "I think that is one of the reasons why I should not make a decision in that case."Sessions was responding to questions at a sometimes rowdy Senate confirmation hearing, the first in a series of hearings this week for Republican President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees.The gathering was contentious as senators pushed Sessions on his and Trump's positions on issues such as civil rights and immigration. Protesters charging Sessions has a poor record on rights interrupted the proceedings five times.Sessions was asked how he would handle the issue of former candidate Clinton. Trump said during the campaign that if elected he would ask his attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to see that Clinton go to jail for her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state and her relationship with her family's charitable foundation. "We can never have a political dispute turn into a criminal dispute," Sessions said. "This country does not punish its political enemies but this country ensures that no one is above the law."He said later that he would favor the appointment of a special prosecutor for any investigation into Clinton.Sessions, 70, became the first sitting senator to endorse Trump for the presidency in early 2016 and has remained a close advisor on issues such as immigration. He is being reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, a panel on which he serves, and is widely expected to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.Many questions aimed to establish how closely he hewed to some of the positions of Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20 after winning November's election following an often bitter campaign. Sessions said he agreed with Trump in opposing Democratic President Barack Obama's executive action that granted temporary protection to immigrant children brought to the country illegally by their parents and would not oppose overturning it. Defending Trump against accusations of prejudice towards Muslims, Sessions said that both he and the president-elect believe that people can be restricted from entering the United States if they come from countries harboring terrorists, but not because they are Muslim. During his campaign, Trump at one point proposed a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country. Sessions also said he agreed with his many of his fellow Republicans that the military prison for foreign terrorism suspects in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba remain open. The Obama administration has sought to close the prison, opened by former President George W. Bush in 2002, and bring its prisoners to U.S. civilian courts to be tried.DEFENSE AGAINST RACISM Sessions several times defended himself against charges of racism. He said allegations that he harbored sympathies towards the Ku Klux Klan, a violent white supremacist organization, are false. "I abhor the Klan and what it represents and its hateful ideology," Sessions said in his opening remarks."End racism Stop Sessions," and "End hate Stop Sessions," read some of the signs carried by protesters. Sessions was denied confirmation to a federal judgeship in 1986 after allegations emerged that he made racist remarks, including testimony that he called an African-American prosecutor "boy," an allegation Sessions denied. Democratic Senator Diane Feinstein said the Senate Judiciary Committee had received letters from 400 civil rights organizations opposing his confirmation to the country's top law enforcement post. "This job requires service to the people and the law, not the president," Feinstein said. "There is a deep fear about what a Trump administration will bring in many places. And this is the context in which we must consider Senator Sessions' record and nomination," Feinstein added.Sessions has opposed abortion and same-sex marriage as a senator, but said on Tuesday that if confirmed as attorney general he would follow the Supreme Court rulings that legalized both abortion and same-sex marriage. AMERICA'S TOP PROSECUTOR The attorney general is the country's top prosecutor and legal adviser to the president. As head of the Justice Department, the attorney general also oversees the immigration court system that decides whether immigrants are deported or granted asylum or some other kind of protection. A key plank of Trump's election campaign was his pledge to deport illegal immigrants and to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.In 2015, Republicans held up the nomination of Loretta Lynch, the current attorney general, for 166 days, longer than any nominee in 30 years, over her support for Obama's executive actions on immigration. Sessions, who has represented the deeply conservative Southern state of Alabama for 20 years, has a long, consistent record of opposing legislation that provides a path to citizenship for immigrants. He has also been a close ally of groups seeking to restrict legal immigration by placing limits on visas used by companies to hire foreign workers. On Monday, a group of civil liberties and internet freedom groups sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee describing Sessions as a leading proponent of expanding the governments surveillance authority of ordinary Americans.Asked by Republican Senator Orrin Hatch what he would do to protect digital privacy, Sessions said he did "not have firm and fast opinions on the subject."Sessions said he had not been briefed by the FBI on its conclusion that Russia interfered in the U.S. election campaign to try to tilt the election in Trump's favor, including by hacking into Democratic Party email systems, but he trusted the conclusion was "honorably reached." For weeks, Trump questioned the U.S. intelligence services' charge that Russia was behind the hacks, although last week he said he accepted this conclusion. (Reporting by Julia Edwards Ainsley; Additional reporting by Dustin Volz and Ian Simpson; Editing by Frances Kerry) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. (Global Times) 08:30, January 10, 2017 China said Monday it "firmly opposed" a meetings between Taiwan island's leader Tsai Ing-wen and US Republicans. Tsai met Cruz in Houston en route to Central America over the weekend, the Republican from Texas said in a statement, with the two discussing arms sales, exchanges and economic relations, AFP reported. During her stopover in Houston, Tsai also met Texas Goveror Greg Abbott. We are firmly opposed to the Tsai's engagement with US officials under the pretext of transit, and her attempt to undermine China-US relations, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular briefing. He also urged the US to abide by the one-China policy and "prudently handle" Taiwan-related issues. Tsai was transiting in Houston last weekend and is slated to return to Taipei after a stopover in San Francisco next weekend, said AFP. The officials Tsai met during her stopover are not heavyweights in the US political arena but the timing, right before Trump's inauguration, sends strong signals, said Ni Feng, deputy director of the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Observers said that San Francisco is more important than Houston and Tsai's team will certainly try to meet some officials during her stopover in San Francisco, though it is unclear who they are trying to reach. Though US president-elect Donald Trumpand his team said they will not meet with Tsai during her stopover in the US, observers said they prefer to see his actions. Tsai is hell-bent on getting closer to the US, but military threatening is not an ideal solution for the mainland, Zhang Wensheng, a research fellow at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times. Zhang suggest that the mainland should make the Taiwanese feel the pain economically. Ni added that the Taiwan question has become more important and sensitive after Trump and Tsai talked over phone. Top political advisor Yu Zhengshengon Monday urged Taiwan's social organizations to oppose "Taiwan independence" and help integrate the two sides across the Taiwan Straits. Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks when meeting with delegates to a forum attended by social organizations of Taiwan compatriots. Yu said cross-Straits ties are facing a serious challenge as the Taiwan authority refuses to recognize the 1992 Consensus. He urged social organizations of Taiwan to safeguard the 1992 Consensus, the political foundation for peaceful cross-Straits development, and resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" in any form. DUBAI The United Arab Emirates' ambassador in Afghanistan has been injured in bomb attack at a guest house in the eastern city of Kandahar, the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday."(The ministry) is following the heinous terrorist attack on the guesthouse of the Kandahar governor which resulted in the injury of his excellency Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and a number of Emirati diplomats," the statement said. Afghan officials said the explosion killed at least seven people and wounded 18 others, including the ambassador. (Reporting by Ali Abdelaty and Noah Browning; Editing by Louise Ireland; Editing by Louise Ireland) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. (Global Times) 08:31, January 10, 2017 A combination of photos of Donald Trump and Jack Ma Photo source: Xinhua A meeting between Alibaba Group Chairman Jack Ma and US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday signals that Trump, whose tough stance on China has cast dark clouds over China-US trade relations, left a door open for pragmatic cooperation with Chinese companies, Chinese experts said. The Chinese billionaire reportedly held a meeting with Trump in New York on Monday to discuss how the Chinese e-commerce giant could create jobs by allowing US businesses to sell products in the Chinese market. This was the first meeting of the US president-elect with a high profile businessman from China, following a barrage of tough rhetoric and actions, including threats to impose a 45 percent tariff on Chinese goods and selection of China critics for trade positions. Though details of the meeting as to what was specifically discussed remain sketchy, it is a positive signal for China-US trade relations under Trump, following the recent turbulence, according to Bai Ming, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. "This is a sign that Trump is leaving the door open for pragmatic cooperation with Chinese firms, which he thinks could help the US economy and create jobs," Bai told the Global Times. Bai said Trump's tough rhetoric on China was meant for voters and might have been aimed at gaining some leverage in future trade negotiations with China, but "he is a businessman and if he sees an opportunity that could benefit the US economy, he would take it." And for Alibaba, as it looks to expand its business in the US, Monday's meeting was a positive step for the company to "pave the way" for its business plans under a Trump administration, according to Mei Xinyu, an associate researcher with the Ministry of Commerce. "Alibaba is based in China, but has a worldwide platform; the company has to handle its relations with the US government well, because it's a very important market for the Chinese tech firm," Mei told the Global Times on Monday. It is important that Alibaba strikes a balance between expanding overseas and strengthening its base in China, Mei noted. Bai said the meeting also offers a pattern that other Chinese companies can follow in expanding to the US under Trump. "They have to stress how many jobs you can create in the US in talking with Trump," he said. Ma might have picked up some tips from Masayoshi Son of Japan's Softbank Group, a major stakeholder of Alibaba, in dealing with Trump, according to Bai. Son met with Trump in early December last year and announced a $50 billion investment in the US that aims to create 50,000 jobs. In two dramatic developments, 2016 saw the end of globalisation as we have known it. The first was Brexit last May, the decision by the UK to leave the European Union after 43 years of membership. It came in the only conceivable way it could happen a referendum. The countrys elected leaders would never have voted for it, but a referendum might and did. Even now the consequences are largely unknown. It seems likely that the UK will leave the EU, but the terms of its leaving, and what alternative arrangements it might negotiate instead, are shrouded in uncertainty. The longer-term impact on the European Union is similarly uncertain. Brexit was undoubtedly the biggest blow the EU has suffered since the former Common Market was founded in 1957. The expansion of the EU from the initial six members to the present 28, was the most obvious yardstick of its success. Now the process of integration has been put into reverse with Britains exit: 28 is becoming 27. And in the wake of the decision by one of the largest and most influential (albeit reluctant) members to leave, others could follow. Could the EU unravel? It is not impossible. Certainly the EU has been malfunctioning for a long time: it is no accident that the EU has, with Japan, been the worst economic performer in the developed world since the Western financial crisis. It is important to recognise that the British vote was not just about Europe. It went much deeper. It was a protest vote by a large section of the population against how they felt left behind in recent decades: stagnant or falling wages, the increasingly precarious nature of their circumstances and growing inequality. These processes had been at work since the late 70s, as pro-globalisation policies had combined with the extension of the free market, large-scale immigration and the withdrawal of state provision to create a much harsher environment. The Western financial crisis in 2007-8 proved a decisive moment in this process. Real incomes are now on average lower than they were in 2007: they have never fallen before like this over the course of more than a century. Seen in this light, it is clear that the vote was not just about Europe but more fundamentally was about globalisation and the neo-liberal regime that had held sway since 1979. The same general trends are evident in varying degrees across most of Europe but the most dramatic expression came in the United States. The theme is familiar: a large section of the white male working class has suffered stagnant or falling real wages over a period of decades but especially since the financial crisis. Unlike in Britain where the revolt took a largely right-wing form mainly because of immigration in the US it could be seen on the left (Bernie Sanders challenge to Hillary Clinton) and on the right in the form of Donald Trump. Although Trump won the Republican nomination, he did so against virtually the whole of the Republican establishment. He went onto win the presidential election opposed by most of his own partys leaders, the whole of the Democratic Party and the majority of the media. More than in any presidential election since 1945, Trumps victory was that of a populist authoritarian leader rather than a party: in so doing he overturned many of the established norms of American democracy. It looks like Google will have a new voice in 2017. A new banner on Google Voice website has suggested that new Google Voice is available to try out. The new Google Voice is here, banner is seen on the Google Voice website which is accompanied with a try now button. However, currently the try now button is not working as it the site just reloads the existing Google Voice website without when clicked. Google in a statement to The Verge said, Sorry, it looks like we must have dialed the wrong number! But dont worry, this wasnt a prank call. Were working on some updates to Google Voice right now. We have you on speed dial and well be sure to share what weve been up to just as soon as we can. Google Voice has not received major update in many years hence a voice makeover will be welcomed. Last week, Google acquired Lime Audio to enhance voice quality on Hangouts. The company had deeper Google Voice integration to Hangouts couple of years back. Source Lenovo wrapped up its 2016 with the launch of its mid-ranger K6 Note smartphone in the Indian market. In fact, this is the first smartphone under K-series to be available through offline channels. While its predecessor (K5 Note) is indeed a big hit in the market, this new K6 Note is ought to carry some responsibility to live up to its expectations. The K6 Note in India comes in two variants, and is priced at Rs. 13,999 for the 3GB RAM variant and Rs. 15,499 for 4GB RAM. Does it enjoy its existence among others in the mid-range segment? Lets check it out. Unboxing We unboxed the K6 Note recently, check out the video here. Box contents Lenovo K6 Note smartphone in Golden color SIM ejector tool Headphones MicroUSB cable 2-pin Power adapter (5.2V-2A) Instruction manual Design, Hardware, and Display In terms of design language, the Lenovo K6 Note is stunningly similar to Redmi Note 3 smartphone. Keeping this aside, the looks of the smartphone is not so exceptional and also boring to an extent. Despite its monotonous design, this smartphone looks premium, is sturdy and feels good to hold. It is available in Dark gray, Gold and Silver colors. The smartphone has a glass front and a metal back with plastic top and bottom separated by the fine layer of metal faux. Talking about the placements, the device has an 8MP front-facing camera, earpiece and a proximity sensor on the top. It has three capacitive buttons (without backlit) on the bottom. Up top, it has a 3.5mm audio jack with a secondary microphone, and at the bottom, it has standard USB port for charging with two speaker grill either side. Moving on to the right, the device houses a power button and volume rockers and on to the left, it has Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano/microSD). Moving on to the back, it has 16MP rear camera with dual-tone LED flash, fingerprint sensor just below it and Lenovo branding at the bottom all in one single line. The smartphone measures 151 x 76 x 8.4 mm thick and weighs around 169 grams. On the front, the Lenovo K6 Note dons a 5.5-inch (1080 x 1920 pixels) Full HD IPS display translating into a pixel density of 401 ppi. The display is bright, vibrant and provides decent color reproduction. The glossy display doesnt attract fingerprints and offers sufficient readability under sunlight if not great. Under color mode, it offers two options Normal and Vibrant, just to adjust color and saturation as per user wish. It also has brightness protection, which is Lenovos Night mode feature. Performance Moving on to the internals, the Lenovo K6 Note is powered by Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor with Adreno 505 taking care of graphics department. In terms of light performance, the Snapdragon 430 chipset keeps the device smooth and snappy. When tried to multitask using apps like Google Maps, Chrome browser, and WhatsApp, in the interim, we faced slight performance issues including freezing and a bit of heating. Moreover, the mobile tends to get warm, when put through some heavy games like Asphalt 8 and Need for Speed, but it doesnt get too hot to handle. Apart from this, we faced issues on a touch display with the late response when we tried to unlock the phone sometimes with the PIN number. So the performance is not impressive. Check out some synthetic benchmark scores below. In 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited, the Lenovo K6 Note scored 9480 points. In AnTuTu Benchmark 6, K6 Note is placed above its younger sibling K6 Power with a score of 44513. In Geekbench 3 Multi-Core test, the K6 Note scored 2913 points. In Geekbench 3 Single Core, K6 Note is placed itself above Phab 2 Plus with 660 points. Camera In terms of the photography department, the Lenovo K6 Note rocks a 16MP rear camera with dual tone LED flash and 8MP front snapper on board. First off, the camera UI is simple with toggles for the front camera, flash, settings, features and video options. Moreover, the app offers various features including Pro, Panorama, Art nightscape, Artistic HDR, Fast motion and Slow motion. The settings option allows the user to adjust the White Balance, ISO, photo resolutions and much more. Moreover, it also has smart composition feature, that helps us to enhance the photos. To be honest, we didnt find any difference and useful either. The daylight shots are satisfactory with a good amount of details. Macro shots came out good and auto focus is quick as well. To our surprise, the K6 Note captures well in low light than we expected. The front snapper captures well under good lighting conditions as well. Colors are sharp and vibrant, and it also a beautify mode, which helps in enhancing the image to a limited extent. Check out some camera samples (Click the image for full resolution sample). It can record videos at 1080p videos at 30 fps and can also record slow-motion (960 x 540 pixel resolution) and fast-motion (1280 x 720 pixel resolution) videos. Check out the sample videos below. Software Moving on, the Lenovo K6 Note runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on top of Pure Vibe UI. Just like Second Space on Xiaomi smartphones, the K6 Note has Secure Zone that allows the user to configure the apps, accounts, wallpapers and much more. You can access it on the notification bar, once swiped down It also has a wide touch option that lets you create a floating bar for accessing frequently used apps like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and more. You can also enable the Knock to light from the settings to enable double tap to wake the screen up when its locked. There is a Fingerprint Snap feature, that acts as a shutter button to snap a picture. The Micro Screen feature lets you bring one-handed micro screen when letter c is drawn on the top edge of the screen to the bottom edge. In terms of storage, Lenovo K6 Note offers 32GB of inbuilt storage, out of which user will get around 24GB of free space. If needed, you can also expand the storage up to 128GB via MicroSD card slot. Just like other Vibe smartphones, the Lenovo K6 Note comes with TheaterMax technology for an immersive VR experience when combined with a VR headset. In order to experience it, you need ANT VR headset which was initially launched with the Lenovo Vibe K4 Note. This VR headset actually allows the users to experience anything including media like movies, games, and much more with a 100-degree field of view. Its worth mentioning that you need to buy ANT VR separately if you dont have one. To enter VR mode, hold on to the power button and tap on VR mode. Right after this, the display will turn into two equal halves (keep your display in landscape mode) dividing it into left and right. Now place the K6 Note into Lenovos AntVR headset and the image blends into a single one. On the whole, the Vibe UI is smooth and snappy with minimum bloatware. Apps, Music Player, Call quality In regards to applications, this smartphone comes with some pre-installed apps including Theme center, Google apps, utility apps, and McAfee Security. It doesnt have a dedicated music player, so you have to use Google Play Music. Further, the calling experience and voice quality is good without any issues on the clarity and reception. It has 4G support with support of 4G LTE bands (TDD B40 2300MHz, FDD B3 1800MHz and B5 850MHz) for India and has support for VoLTE for Reliance Jio. Both the SIMs support 4G, but you can enable 4G only in one SIM at a time, while the other goes to 2G. You can set the default SIM for voice call, messaging or data connection. It has Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS and USB OTG support. Battery The Lenovo K6 Note is juiced with 4000mAh built-in battery offering a very good battery life. In our usage, we made it through one full day with casual usage including phone calls, Youtubing and sporadic Facebooking and video calling. However, the lack of fast charging technology can be a deal breaker. It takes good 2 hours to charge up the battery from 0 to 100%. In our, One Charge rating it achieved 13 hours and 45 minutes, which is good. Check out the complete set of battery life test results here. Verdict Overall, the Lenovo K6 Note is a decent smartphone with good build quality, decent display and of course the VR support, but the performance is just average. Suppose if you are a strict offline buyer, considering the lack of options, you can go with K6 Note as it is one of the best smartphones in the price range for offline buyers. If in case you prefer online shopping, stop right there. You have lots of options including Moto G4 Plus, Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, LeEco Le 2 and much more to consider. Pros Build quality Fingerprint scanner Software Cons What happened Shares of uranium-mining specialist Cameco Corp. (CCJ 0.39%) rose over 10% today, after several pieces of good news for the oversupplied uranium market. So what The country of Kazakhstan announced today that it will cut uranium production this year by 10% from 2016 levels, due to an oversupplied market and prices at 10-year lows. The announcement is a big deal for several reasons. The nation accounts for nearly 40% of the global uranium market and was originally expected to increase supply through 2018. That will no longer be the case, which should provide support for stronger market prices. That seems likely given that the Kazakh reduction of roughly 2,000 metric tons is equivalent to 3% of global uranium supply. For perspective, Cameco Corporation's guidance called for it to provide up to 14,520 metric tons of uranium in 2016. Investors will need to wait for the company to announce full-year 2016 financial performance to know for sure. Either way, removing 2,000 metric tons of supply from the market is great news for the world's leading mining company. Uranium prices are having a historically difficult run; uranium was the world's worst performing major commodity in 2016, losing 46% of its value. It's so bad that some experts think every mine in the world is losing money at current spot prices. Those losses could be helpful in the long run, by forcing less economical mines to close -- sometimes for good -- or major exporters to rethink their production quotas (see: Kazakhstan). An unfolding of such events could push prices back up, even if only slightly. Now what Cameco Corporation remains in a difficult situation. While it has managed to churn out profits in a market full of only headwinds, it may be quite a long time before the uranium market recovers to historical levels. For instance, the company admits that although there are 57 nuclear reactors under construction, they will come online slowly over the next 10 years. So even if the Kazakh announcement provides temporary relief, much more is needed before Cameco stock looks attractive enough for most portfolios. The photo shows the design of China's first self-made icebreaker. [Photo: State Oceanic Administration] China's first independently-developed icebreaker for polar scientific expeditions is now under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard Co. Ltd. Once finished, the new icebreaker will be able to continuously break ice as thick as 1.5 meters, while sailing at a speed of two to three knots. Compared to icebreaker Xuelong, which is currently in service, the new vessel can break ice both at the head and tail, in addition to turning around without traveling, said Wu Gang, a designer of the new icebreaker. In addition, the new vessel will be more cold-resistant and environmentally friendly than the Xuelong, added Wu. The boat will use lighter facilities, pollution-free paint and a full electrical propulsion system, which can cut its emission to the minimum. Since the 1980s, China has launched 33 Antarctic expeditions and seven Arctic expeditions, in addition to establishing five stations at the two polars. Xu Ning with China's State Oceanic Administration explained that the Xuelong cannot meet the increasing need for polar researches at present, making the new vessel much needed. The new icebreaker will be loaded with advanced ocean environment and physical geography probe equipment for scientific researches. The new vessel is scheduled to be completed in 2019 and start polar expeditions and supply transport missions together with the Xuelong. The anti-Trump group calling for a boycott of clothing manufacturer L.L. Bean says it is not backing down after a request from the Maine retail giant to reverse its position. Grabyourwallet.org added the outdoor brand to its list of acompanies to consider boycottinga because a member of the Bean dynasty donated to a political action committee with ties to President-elect Donald Trump. Linda Bean, who donated $60,000 (which exceeds the PACas individual donor limit of $5,000, according to the Federal Election Commission) to a PAC supporting Trump, is one of more than 50 family members who own the business. L.L. Bean Executive Chairman Shawn Gorman wrote on Facebook this week that the company was adisappointeda with the amisguideda call for a boycott. He said the 50 family members who own the business have very broad political views and that ano individual alone speaks on behalf of the business or represents the values of the company that L.L. built.a aL.L.Bean does not endorse political candidates, take positions on political matters, or make political contributions,a he wrote Sunday night. aSimply put, we stay out of politics. To be included in this boycott campaign is simply misguided.a LL Bean is far from the only company #grabyourwallet is boycotting. The website is calling for boycotts on 38 stores for carrying Trump products including Walmart, Bloomingdaleas, Amazon and Macyas. The group is calling for 31 additional boycotts including the L.A. Clippers, Trident, Yuengling Beer, People Magazine and all of Trumpas companies. Grab your wallet said these companies are asupportive of Trumpa, aowned by Trumpa or anormalizing Trump.a Related Stories: Trump family drops access offered for charity donations Dorothy Crenshaw, founder of public relations firm Crenshaw Communications, believes L.L. Bean addressed the call for a boycott appropriately. aI donat think thereas a blanket rule about whether you should address it or not. It really depends on the situation and it depends on how you communicate. And I do think they address it appropriately in going to many of their, I think, core customers and even advocates on Facebook,a said Crenshaw. Other companies that Grab Your Wallet has targeted have ignored calls for a boycott. But Crenshaw said that strategy is misguided. aI think overall weare entering a new age of activism and people are choosing how they want to focus,a said Crenshaw. aAnd I believe we will find, and brands will find many, many consumers choosing to leverage the power of their pocket book and they need to put out their respective point of view about politics and their core values. Because this will not go away.a Shannon Coulter, co-founder of Grab Your Wallet, told Maine Public Radio that it would reverse its position if L.L. Bean cut its ties with Linda Bean. Linda Bean, the granddaughter of L.L. Bean founder Leonwood Bean, sits on the companyas board of directors and runs a lobster company called Linda Bean's Lobster Dreams. She is a major donor to Republican causes. aAs fans of L.L. Beanas products,a Coulter told the station, aeverybody is hoping that the company is really seriously evaluating whether or not Linda Beanas presence and contributions to the company are worth the damage she continues to inflict on L.L. Beanas brand and reputation.a A father is giving away part of his daughters scholarship money after she decided to postpone going to college. Ian Holtz is offering a $2,000 scholarship to a deserving and less fortunate college student in California or Colorado after his daughter elected to forgo her full-ride to college, instead deciding to pursue her passion of music. Holtz made the announcement in a post on his Facebook page, which has been shared more than 40 times. Obviously I think every parent wants their child to go to college and when I got the news that she wasnt going right away, this was kind of just an instant reaction for me, Holtz said, explaining how he came up with the idea. Holtz said the scholarship money will cover the first semesters tuition for the winning student, and that the goal of offering the cash was twofold. It was to really instill in her one of our core values which is education, but also demonstrating an example of a way to give back, he explained. Holtz added that his daughter will definitely be going to college, but right now is spending time at a studio in San Diego. Ive tried to coerce her into being able to do both [music and college] at the same time, but Im a big believer also in kind of following your own path, Holtz said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2022 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. FAQ - New Privacy Policy (Global Times) 09:16, January 10, 2017 He Yanxiang (left) from the band Manhu teaches a song to Landon George from Jenny and the Hog Drovers. Photo: Courtesy of the Linden Centre Just over four years ago, Chris Hawke and Kirk Kenney started performing old US country music in a back alley Beijing bar so tiny that they had to slide over while singing so the waitresses could open the beer fridge. Now, they are preparing for their first show in the capital's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) - the most prestigious venue in China - a collaboration with musicians from the US' Blue Ridge Mountains and China's Stone Forest in Yunnan Province. "I'd be terrified, if I thought the show was about me," said Hawke. "But from the beginning this was about bringing people together." Lucky Yellow Weasels Hawke's band started four years ago as the Hutong Yellow Weasels, named after the auspicious animals they often saw as they walked home from gigs through the historic hutong (small alley) districts of Beijing. "When we started, we weren't really good players, but it didn't matter, because our shows were about people dancing and singing together, and listening to old songs that have been passed on through the generations. The songs themselves were really good, so all we had to do was play them faithfully," he said. The band handed out song books to their shows so people could sing along, and led simple mountain dances, breaking down the walls that separate the audience from each other and the band. "One couple danced at our show on their first date, and came back a year later thanking us because they're getting married," Kenney said. After two years Hawke quit his job as a journalist to become a full-time musician. Hawke and Kenney have played in over 30 cities, recently with collaborator Paul Meredith - getting people to dance and sing at factories, fruit-plate-and-whiskey bars, a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) guild hall, the Shanghai Disney staff dorms and high-brow museums. They no longer have to gig four times a week to make ends meet, but instead play high-paying festival and corporate gigs. Now Kenney lives in Shanghai and Hawke lives in a wooden courtyard home on the foot of a mountain near Dali in Southwest China's Yunnan Province. "Since we no longer perform in hutong bars, and officials and corporate event planners associate yellow weasels with death, deceit and bad omens, it was time to change the name," explained Hawke. "After our shows, a lot of younger people come up and say the dancing and singing together has made them feel quite 'high' or euphoric. That's why we renamed our band 'Mountain High.'" Over time, Kenney and Hawke added Chinese folk songs to their performances. "Singing along includes people, and including people makes people happy, which was our main goal from the beginning," said Kenney. Tradition pays In the Appalachian Mountains, an industry has been built by city-dwelling musicians seeking out people who still play and remember traditional songs and dances. Every weekend during the summer there is at least one regional music festival where people camp, jam and trade songs with each other, and listen to local musicians compete in contests. Some universities sponsor week-long summer programs, hiring the best traditional performers to teach classrooms full of fans of traditional music. China does not have anything like this, so Hawke and Kenney turned to Wei Xiaoshi, a US-trained Chinese ethnomusicologist; Liu Xiaojin, who runs the music and culture preservation group Yuansheng; and Josh Dyer, a US fine literature translator whose passion is writing about Yunnan's ethnic minority music on his Tea Horse blog. Dyer introduced Mountain High to Manhu, old friends from the Stone Forest village who have found a way to update the old songs and dances they grew up with and share them with the larger world. The members of Manhu created an ensemble using a number of traditional instruments such as the banjo-like sanxian, the mandolin-like yueqin, the double bass-like da sanxian and bamboo flutes, playing highly arranged versions of traditional songs that were formerly accompanied by perhaps just one of two the instruments. Manhu has been invited to the US to share its traditional music and dance. Unbroken circle During the summer, Hawke and Kenney go to the Appalachian mountains to swap songs at festivals and study at summer classes, including the Swannanoa Gathering, which Professor Phil Jamison at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, has helped lead for 25 years. Jamison approached Hawke about bringing his student band to China, setting into motion the collaboration of Mountain High, Manhu and Jamison's Jenny and the Hog Drovers, finalists at the prestigious String Band Festival in Clifftop, West Virginia. For a week, members of the three bands learned each others' songs and dances in Xizhou, Yunnan Province, as part of the Linden Centre's artist-in-residence program. The time together, in a former wealthy merchant's residence turned boutique hotel, allowed the three bands to become friends and understand each other's cultures. Tickets for the bands' shows at the NCPA on Friday and Sunday have sold out, but the bands will be performing at La Plantation in Beijing on Sunday, January 15 at 4 pm, and holding a pan-Pacific hoedown, featuring traditional Appalachian and Sani ethnic minority dances, that same evening at Beijing's Yue Space. Manhu will headline at Jianghu in the capital on Saturday night. "We have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm for this project, and hope to do these exchanges regularly," said Kenney. Hawke, who is starting a residency program for Chinese and international musicians in his mountain courtyard home, said he hopes that this effort can be a step along the path of Yunnan developing its own festivals and summer programs, like those found in the Appalachian mountains. "The fruit from Yunnan's rich musical heritage is ripe for harvest. Nurtured properly, these traditions could generate enough money to survive and thrive for generations." Former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli, aka "Pharma Bro," is acting oddagain. This time he was suspended from Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) after posting doctored pictures of Teen Vogue freelance reporter Lauren Duca. A Twitter spokesperson, when asked about the suspension, told FOXBusiness.com: The Twitter Rules prohibit targeted harassment, and we will take action on accounts violating those policies. Why is harassment an automatic career hazard for a woman receiving any amount of professional attention? Question for @jack & also society! https://t.co/ULI570zV9n Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) January 8, 2017 So what about his looming trial for securities fraud? And will this latest bout of bad behavior become a factor; good or bad? It will have no impact on his trial, said Shkreli attorney Ben Brafman in an email to FOXBusiness.com. Brafman, a criminal defense attorney whose clients include P-Diddy, declined to offer more specifics. Fox News Senior Judicial Analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano agrees the Twitter suspension likely wont be a part of the trial, but it could be a part of the sentencing if Shkreli is convicted. The only way this type of anti-social behavior could come into the legal proceedings is in the case of a conviction if the feds decide to use it as prior bad acts as they push for the maximum sentence, he tells FOXBusiness.com. Shkreli is awaiting trial after being charged with securities fraud and conspiracy connected to a hedge fund he ran, MSMB Capital, which was linked to biotech company Retrophin, of which he served as CEO. Per a portion of the indictment, he is accused of misappropriating Retrophin's assets through material misrepresentations and omissions in an effort to satisfy Shkreli's personal and unrelated professional debts and obligations. However, it was Shkrelis role as CEO of Turing that first put him on the map. He jacked up the price of the drug Daraprim by 5000%. The drug, which went to $750 from $13.50, treats the rare disease toxoplasmosis for people with compromised immune systems. The move earned him the title as "the most hated man in America" by media outlets. From there, Shkreli managed to stay in the news. Back in February 2016, during testimony on Capitol Hill over the drugs price hike, he was smirking and laughing while being questioned by lawmakers. He then described members of Congress as imbeciles in a tweet. Following the tweet, Brafman chastised Shkreli for his regrettable choice of words while appearing on a rival news network. Days before his testimony, Shkreli appeared on the FOX Business Networks Mornings with Mar i a and discussed an ongoing feud he had with Ghostface Killah, a member of rap group Wu Tang Clan, saying, I think he should be very afraid. When asked if that was a threat, Shkreli said it was not. When asked about his upcoming testimony, he said he would prefer to talk with Congress behind closed doors but had chosen to plead the Fifth Amendment. Members of Congress just want this to be a circus, he noted. Shkreli remains free on $5 million bail ahead of his trial, which is set for June 2017. Duca did not respond to FOXBusiness.coms request for comment at the time of publication. A few days ago, BP(NYSE: BP) announced plans to acquire gas company Kosmos Energy(NYSE: KOS) in a $916 million deal. In this week's episode of Industry Focus: Energy, Motley Fool analysts Taylor Muckerman and Sean O'Reilly explain what this will mean for BP, why the oil giant is looking more attractive for investors than it has in a while, and why Foolish investors might want to take a closer look at the company sometime soon. Also, the hosts talk about President Obama's action to permanently ban oil drilling in parts of theAtlantic and the Arctic, and share four energy and industrials stock picks for the end of the year. A full transcript follows the video. 10 stocks we like better than BP 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 BP wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016 This podcast was recorded on Dec. 22, 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 22nd,2016, so we're talking about energy, materials, and industrials. I'm joined on air today by my podcasting partner in crime, Mr. Taylor Muckerman. What's the good word, Taylor? Taylor Muckerman: Missing you in the studio, my man. O'Reilly: I'm sorry, I already had to travel home. They had a travel deal and I couldn't pass it up. Muckerman: I get it. O'Reilly: I'm home for the holidays. Muckerman: Happens to the best of them. O'Reilly: It does. And I am the best. So,anxious to get your thoughts onwhatBPhas been up to. OPEC has cut production,BP has been one of the morefarsighted of the oil majors. Break it down for us. Muckerman: Yeah,this is a company that we highlighteda few weeks back as one of the majors that people might want to stay tuned into,and they're showing why. They'rebecoming much more gas heavy with the latest $916 million investment inKosmos Energy. They'reobviously growing in natural gas after an acquisition in Egypt last month. So this is just adding to that portfolio after they've been selling off assets over the last few years, ever since the Macondo spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I think they sold off around $50 billion in assets, trying to help pay off that $60 billion in fines, fees, and whatnot that came with that unfortunate mishap in the Gulf of Mexico. So they'refinally done shedding assets, and they're starting to add more things on the books. Leaning more toward natural gas, though. O'Reilly: Yeah. I have two ways I want to talk about this. One, I wassurprised to learn that BP and its partner, Kosmos Energy, they're vesting $1 billion each. That $2.2 billion deal isonly going to be 10% of this oil/gasfield that's in the United Arab Emirates. That's a large field. Muckerman: It is. You'retalking about a very significant increase in their accessible assets here now, on the gas side of things. It seems like $1 billion here, $1 billion there. But BP is definitely gearing up to ramp up production in the near and long-term future. They'vealready been talking about a $9-billion gas project internally. This is just adding onto that. O'Reilly: This is just guessing here, butI was surprised that BP wasinvesting to get such a minority stake. Was the price that good? What do you think was the thinking here? Muckerman: Not only is the price seemingly alright, but they'regoing to be the operator. They'regoing to be the one doing the drilling in the exploration. From that point of view,I think that's a benefit, because all things to do with Macondo and the Gulf of Mexico disaster aside, BP is very experienced inoil and gas exploration production. So I think you now have the player that should be producing these assets at the wheel. I thinkthat's one of the bigger things you need to pay attention to with this deal with Kosmos Energy. O'Reilly: How should Foolishinvestors interested in the energy space be thinking about this? WhenI see something like this, I see,it would be awesome if we could be all clean energy, everybody doing solar and wind and all that,but at the end of the day, that's actuallyvery difficult, and it's going to require trillions of dollars. Is natural gas the segue to get us there? It does seem likemore and more people are using it, and it is slightly cleaner than oil. Can you add some color here? Muckerman: Yeah. When youlook at global energy production, we'll start with the U.S., in particular, natural gas overtook coal as the leading producer of electricity and power here in theUnited States this year for the first time ever. I don't expect that to look back, because we're producing gas at such a level that prices have remained subdued for some amount of years now. But we can produce it profitably. If youlook at Europe, several countries there are talking about being completely done with coal over the next one to two decades. Theydon't really produce a lot of natural gas. They do have the assets there, but they haven't allowed those assets to be produced. So natural gas from other parts of Asia, and the U.S., in particular, are going to be needed. Since we now have exportation of LNG on the table -- withCheniere [Energy]down in Texas and a few more trainsprobably coming online from themin the next couple of years -- and then Cove Point LNG here on the East Coast, perfectly geared toward delivering natural gas to Europe. And withthis field over in Africa,even better access to a market that's not producing an energy source that they need. O'Reilly: Awesome. Before we move on,what do you think of BP's stock these days? You have the 6%-7% yield,it's still at a multi-year low,the lowest level since the Deepwater Horizon spill. What's your thinking there? Muckerman: You've seen it bounce backa little bit from the new year,but that has been an industry trend, not necessarily BP in specific. But yeah,it was trading over $50 a share in themiddle of 2014. Right now, it's right around $37 a share. That dividend yield is very enticing. Because of all those assets they sold off, it's fairly secure. I think, youlook at this company, it's a large cap, diversified. I think focusing on natural gas is definitely going to pay off in the long run, especially as you see major oil producers and major oil-producing countries still trying to figure things out. A lot of scrambling going on. And there's a lot less uncertainty, I think, about the future of natural gas at the moment. O'Reilly: Awesome. Thanks for that, Taylor. Next topic here, Obama's last drilling stand. He cited a 1950s law when he did this. Before he's leaving office in a month, he decided to ban drilling in parts of theAtlantic and the Arctic. Should investors in this space care? Is thissurprising? What's the deal here? Muckerman: It's been used before, butnever in such a permanent fashion. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953. He'sbasically taking the Northern Arcticand some of the Atlantic Shelf off the table,in terms of potential drillable assets. No one owns these yet, but it takes off theability of any future president to put these up for auction in these blocks out in theNorthern Arctic and Atlantic Shelf. But as of right now,I don't think it's that big of a deal. There's been lawyers on theenvironmental side that say, "This can never be retracted." Thenyou have a representative fromthe American Petroleum Institute saying, "Oh yeah, they're going to lawyer up, we'regoing to get this repealed." Depending on which way you want to go.I think you're probably going to see President-elect Trump, once he's in office, try to repeal this,because he did run on a platform of expanding U.S. fossil-fuel production, and there supposedly are pretty vast reserves in the North Arctic. You sawShellgive it a go for a couple years, but they have since backed out after spending nearly $10 billion preparing and trying to drill. They did drill, theydidn't find exactly what they were hoping to. Then you saw, prior to that, they had a rig run aground up there in Alaska. It's a verytreacherous environment up there, in terms of oil drilling. So not only that, but it is also quite costly, in terms of dollar per barrel. O'Reilly: That's whatI was going to mention. He's banningridiculously expensive oil in the first place. Muckerman: Yeah, this is long-tail oil. This is not something we're going to need in thenext handful of years,maybe even a decade or two. If you look at how Shell is doing, or how OPEC has beenable to continue to increase their production, obviously they're cutting starting in January, butthere's plenty of excess capacity that's much cheaper out there. I think, it might take lawyers a few years to get this all sorted out. But I don't think there's going to be a sudden moment where everyone has their tails between their legs because we're running out of oil, and this 3.8 million acres in theAtlantic and 115 million acres in the Arctic are going to be needed. I think it's quite the bighullabaloo right now because, when you say a forever ban, that's a pretty big deal, and no one has done it yetin the history of the United States. But at least he's not banning oil that's more easily accessible, and that won't cost triple digits per barrel to produce. O'Reilly: Right. Really quick,before we move on, to ourunderstanding, this doesn't even affectany publicly traded companies. Muckerman: Yeah, to my understanding, no. Obviously, the prospects that they could have been on some of these blocks in the future. That'shard to determine. You would imagine it would be a major integrated,because only Shell has tried so far,that I can think of, and it didn't turn outvery well at all for shareholders. O'Reilly: No, it didn't. Muckerman: Maybe this isactually a good thing for shareholders,because it's going to not allow these companies to take this risk until it'sabsolutely necessary. O'Reilly: For sure. OK. Well,before we head out, Taylor, I want to geta couple of stock picks from you. I came up with two, as well, for everybody's stockings. Do you want togo first, or should I? Muckerman: We can go one and one, then one and one if you want. O'Reilly: I like it. Muckerman: OK. I'll go first. We've beentalking about oil,but we do say this is an energy, materials, and industrials show. So,my first stock is going to come from the industrials sector. Speaking of aerospace... that'sBoeing(NYSE: BA). Despite President-elect Trump's Twitter rant about the high price of newAir Force Ones,I still think that Boeing is a great stock to check out for the long term. Maybe that brief sell-off isproviding a little bit better opportunity for long-term investors. It has a great free-cash-flow yield. You'relooking at over 7% based on FY15 free cash flow. So, even higher, if you look at the increase for FY16, fiscal year 16. They'vemade some changes that I think are going to be beneficialfor the long term, create a floor for some of their production lines. They cut the production of their 777s to 3.5 planes per month starting in about 2018. So,unlikely to get any lower. It givesanalysts creating their price targets and folks like you and I that can understand that, if there's a floor there, there'show much more upside with limited risk. They've been hiking their dividend, authorized a $14 billion share repurchase policy. About80% of their backlog is fixed and priced already through 2020. A few years of foresight there. And one major thingI do want to bring up is, they brought on a new CEO of their Boeing Commercial Aircraftdivision, whichprovides around 70% of Boeing's revenue,only expected to grow as a portion of that, because they're indiscussion aboutBoeing Global Services, a new services segment that they're really bullish on. The new CEO just happens to come fromGE, where he ran GE Aviation Services. So he has great experience, an outside perspective... O'Reilly: That's the guy you would want. Muckerman: Yeah,exactly. He's coming from a company like GE that hasprobably dealt with quite a few, if not all, of Boeing'scompetitors in the space, so he's going to have some insider knowledge there. Holiday appropriate, his name isKevin McCallister. O'Reilly: Boom. Love it. Hopefully he doesn't set too many traps for everybody. Muckerman: For the competitors would be fine. O'Reilly: The competitors, yeah. Real quick, I'll be brief, I wanted to highlightCrescent Point Energy(NYSE: CPG). They are aCanadian oil producer. Muckerman: Yes, they are. O'Reilly: I'm anxious to get your thoughts. Muckerman: If folks want to read more about it, fool.ca, we have plenty of coverage. O'Reilly: Yeah, there you go. They areprimarily based, correct me if I'm wrong, inwestern Canada, as well as a few northern U.S. states,North Dakota, and Montana. They might also be in Colorado. Muckerman: Yep. O'Reilly: I've beenvery impressed with them. I did a deep dive on themlast week. They increased production this last year by 10%, even though they were cutting their capex budget. They have been free-cash-flow positive throughout the entire downturn in the last 12 months. They generated free cash flow of 240 million CAD. They trade at a discount to their peers likeSuncor EnergyandImperial Oil. They trade for about 1.6 times tangible book value. These guys are 0.97 times. If you're a believer in a bit of an oil rebound,I would highly recommend checking them out. Muckerman: Perfect, yeah.I can't argue too heavily against that selection. As I mentioned, fool.ca, you cancheck out all we have to talk about in Canada about CPG. My second stock,reverting right back to the energy sector, not a producer, but I'm going with Enbridge(NYSE: ENB), also aCanadian company, but you can buy it in the U.S. You don't have to go up to the TSX to acquire shares of Enbridge. CPG is also traded in the U.S.I'm looking at this company because they're becoming much more balanced in terms of their pipeline throughput, they're lowering their liquids from about 84% to 49%, because the acquisition ofSpectra Energy, which is a much more natural gas-heavy pipeline company. I see tons of synergies here. Expectations to grow the dividend per share by about15% in 2017, up from theirprevious targets. Then they're targeting, still, a double-digit increase through 2024 per year, and that's between 10%-12%. If you love dividend growers, along with a company that could alsoaccelerate the share-price growth, then I think Enbridge is a great place to look. I'm a Spectra shareholder, so while I wish I could have just held Spectra,I'm still going to hold those Enbridge shares when it finally goes through, just to maintain that access to Spectra'svaluable assets on the East Coast, which is fairly underserved in the natural gas market. O'Reilly: Awesome. My final pick here I wrote about in an article on fool.com, which was recently posted, 3 Oil Stocks to Buy Just in Time for the Holidays. My pick wasNoble Energy(NYSE: NBL). These guys are primarily offshore. They have some onshore shale drilling. I believe the [...] was out of Colorado, but they shut that down when the downturn started. They're primarily focused now on the Gulf of Mexico here in the U.S.and the Mediterranean. They have a huge field over therein the Eastern Mediterranean. They are also off the coast of Africa. Low-cost producer because they have these long-tail projects, and they're increasingbarrels of oilequivalent production this year6%. I think they're probably going to come in at about 425,000 barrels of oilequivalent per day this year when all is said and done. They'll be cash-flow breakeven this year. I've been very impressed with their ability to keep a lid on costs throughout theobvious uncertainty they've been dealing with. They arepart of the natural gas global trendwe were talking about earlier. They recently signed a contract withJordan's National Electric Power Company to supply natural gas from that huge field in theMediterranean. I think it's calledtheLeviathan Field. How's that for a name? Muckerman: It speaks to the size of the asset base there, Leviathan. O'Reilly: Yeah, it's appropriate. Forthose of you that are curious, they'reprobably going to lose money this year on a GAAP basis, but as we all know, there are all kinds of fun write-offs on there. But they'll probably be earning $3-$3.50 a share at the end of the decade. I highly recommend checking out Noble. Muckerman: Wecovered the gamut there. We have a pipeline, the biggest in North America,once they combine, offshore drilling,Canadian producer with some U.S. assets, and one of the biggeraerospace manufacturersin the world. O'Reilly: Wow,that's a diversified portfolio right there. Drop in someJohnson & Johnsonand you're good to go. Muckerman: Yeah. And there's some dividends right there for you. O'Reilly: Yes sir. Well,thanks for your thoughts, Taylor! Have a great holiday! Muckerman: Yeah. Same to all of our listeners out there. O'Reilly: That is it for us, folks. Ifyou're a loyal listener and have questions or comments,we would love to hear from you. Just email us at industryfocus@fool.com. As always,people on this program may have interests in the stocks they talk about,and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against those stocks, 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 Spectra Energy. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Spectra Energy. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Electric. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson and Johnson. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The financial crisis sent many banks to their final resting place, and even big institutions like Citigroup (NYSE: C) came to the brink of disaster. For a brief period, the financial giant saw its stock trade below $1 per share, and even after many of its peers had fully recovered from the crisis, Citigroup did a 1-for-10 reverse split in 2011 to get its stock price back into double digits. Now that other banks are starting to approach levels at which stock splits would be appropriate, some wonder whether Citigroup will ever get back to its former glory. Below, we'll look at Citigroup's past history of stock splits to see what the future might bring. Image source: Citigroup. Citigroup stock splits in the past Here are the dates and split ratios for the stock splits that Citigroup has done in the past: Date of Split Split Ratio Feb. 26, 1993 3 for 2 Aug. 27, 1993 4 for 3 May 24, 1996 3 for 2 Nov. 22, 1996 4 for 3 Nov. 19, 1997 3 for 2 May 28, 1999 3 for 2 Aug. 25, 2000 4 for 3 May 9, 2011 1 for 10 Data source: Citigroup investor relations. As you can see, Citigroup has a long history of stock splits, and most of them were the normal kind. Only the final 2011 move was a reverse split, and so those who owned 100 shares of Citigroup prior to its February 1993 split would now own 120 shares. At first glance, the split ratios that Citigroup chose might look strange, but when you think about it, they essentially broke down what would have been 2-for-1 splits into two separate pieces. For instance, the February 1993 split took 100 shares and turned it into 150. The August 1993 split then took 150 shares and turned them into 200. Citigroup could have achieved the same thing by doing a single 2-for-1 split, but doing it this way had the effect of giving investors two pieces of news that were perceived positively rather than one. The informal rule that Citigroup used throughout the 1990s seemed to center on the stock price reaching the $60 to $80 per share range. Early on, rises to the lower end of that range were adequate to spur a split. Later in the decade, larger price advances were necessary before Citigroup would make the move. Why did Citigroup stop doing splits? After 2000, several things conspired to keep Citigroup from needing to split its shares. First, the company's dividend payments contributed to total return while holding down share prices. In addition, the spinoff of the Travelers insurance unit in 2002 also pushed the share price down slightly. Yet even before the financial crisis, many criticized Citigroup's management. On one hand, Citigroup wasn't able to produce the record results that some of its investment banking peers were able to reap from strong markets in the mid-2000s. Yet the bank also didn't manage to do as well as companies that focused more on retail banking. An assessment that Citigroup was getting the worst of both worlds weighed on its overall results, and that showed up in the bank's stock price as well. Then, of course, the financial crisis came and hit Citigroup especially hard. Bailouts followed, and the reverse split was the only thing that lifted the stock to current levels. Will Citigroup ever do a stock split again? At this point, Citigroup hasn't made enough progress to warrant a stock split. A share price of just $60 might have been enough for the bank to do a small split in the 1990s, but right now, investors want to see more evidence of sustainable growth. Efforts like tripling its dividend and repurchasing shares, like it did in mid-2016, could help, but Citigroup will also have to make fundamental business improvements to compete more effectively with its big bank peers. Unless that happens, Citigroup investors shouldn't expect a stock split. With so much baggage and with competitors trading at far higher share prices, Citigroup instead needs to focus on being a more important player in the retail and investment banking world in 2017 and beyond. 10 stocks we like better than Citigroup 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 Citigroup wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of January 4, 2017 Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Jeffrey Lacker, the president of the Federal Reserve's Richmond bank, announced Wednesday that he plans to retire on Oct. 1, stepping down after 28 years at the bank. Lacker becomes the second of the Fed's 12 regional bank presidents who will be departing this year. Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart is retiring at the end of February. Margaret Lewis, chair of the Richmond Fed's board of directors, said that she would lead a search committee to select a successor. Lacker, who had been an economics professor at Purdue University, joined the Richmond Fed in 1989 and served in a variety of leadership positions before becoming president of the bank in August 2004. President-elect Donald Trump made border control and immigration a central issue during his campaign run. Trump has pledged to build a wall along Americas southern border and make Mexico pay for it instead of U.S. taxpayers. Trump said on Friday, Americans may have to foot the bill for expediency purposes before Mexico could pay for the wall that could cost billions of dollars to the build. The dishonest media does not report that any money spent on building the Great Wall (for sake of speed), will be paid back by Mexico later! Trump wrote on Twitter Friday morning. Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodges of Massachusetts has come up with an idea to cut the cost for the Southern border wall by allowing prison inmates to build it. This is an opportunity for inmates from across the country to be dispatched to the wall where we will be able to not only save tax payers millions of millions of dollars in building it but giving the inmates a chance to do something for America but also learn a skill and prepare themselves for reentry, Hodges said during an interview on FOX Business Network Risk & Reward with Deirdre Bolton. Hodges said no other project will have as much of a positive impact on both the inmates and the country. According to Hodges, the use of inmates for labor is allowed under a volunteer process where many inmates across the country have been participated in community projects through various sheriffs. This really broadens out to more like a Peace Corp type prison program where these inmates would be able to get a chance to be in another part of the country it could be for a natural disaster, it could be laying the pipes that may not be able to be funded right now in Flint, Michigan, he said. When asked if the inmates would receive wages for their work, Hodges responded, They earn their good time is basically how it works and the experience of being there is almost an opportunity for them to learn a trait and work off their sentence. As President Barack Obama prepares to deliver his farewell address Tuesday night, he will attempt one final time to assign meaning to his presidency in front of a nation that overwhelmingly voted to usher in an era of change. Obama told supporters he will offer his thoughts on where the country is headed, perhaps unwilling to look back as his legacy unravels behind him. During his eight-year term in the White House, President Obama signed more than 260 executive orders. An executive order is a legally binding directive given by the president, often issued with the intent of bypassing Congress. President-elect Trump has criticized Obamas propensity to resort to executive orders instead of passing laws with Congressional approval, and has pledged to "cancel every unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued by President Obama," the minute he begins his presidential term. As the full range of powers associated with the executive branch is transferred into Trumps hands, he will have the capability to effortlessly undo President Obamas executive orders by issuing overriding executive orders of his own. Here are some of the main areas and mandates that could be impacted as soon as Trump grabs hold of the reins of command. Healthcare As the newly minted Republican-controlled Congress gets down to business, one of its first orders has been to work on a process for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. Much to the dismay of President Obama and prominent Democrats, Vice President-elect Mike Pence recently reiterated the administrations intention of beginning the repeal process via a slew of executive orders on Day 1 of Trumps presidency. "Were working now on a series of executive orders that will enable that orderly transition to take place even as Congress appropriately debates alternatives to and replacements for ObamaCare, Pence told reporters on January 4. While any order propping up the Affordable Care Act is likely to be immediately eliminated, Obamacare may not be the only piece of healthcare legislation on the chopping block. President Obama has issued several mandates throughout his tenure that Trump and his team can undo, including an order that removes barriers to scientific research using human stem cells and another to reduce prescription drug shortages. Immigration The President-elect and his team have taken a hardline stance on immigration, vowing to remove all criminal illegal immigrants, end sanctuary cities and build an impenetrable wall on the Southern border. Trump has promised to immediately terminate two executive amnesties issued by President Obama, the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policies. DACA granted amnesty from deportation for illegal immigrants who came to the United States before the age of 16 but who are not yet 30, and meet certain other criteria. DAPA expands this program by removing the age control delineated under DACA, granting deferred action to illegal immigrants who have lived in the U.S. continually since 2010, and also to those who have a child who is an American citizen. Out of the 11.3 million illegal immigrants in the United States, DAPA would allow 4.3 million a path to lawful presence, according to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Climate Change More than 30 of the executive orders issued by the Obama administration deal with climate change, the environment or energy policy. Throughout the campaign and transition period, Trump has made it clear that reviving Americas coal and oil industries is a top priority for the incoming administration, with a higher objective of attaining U.S. energy independence. Some easy targets for Trump and his team to overturn without delay include regulations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, guidelines on international development projects and an order demanding committees deciding domestic and economic policy factor in the environmental impacts of their decisions. Trump has the power to make a big dent in President Obamas legacy by nullifying the Clean Power Plan; a rule that enforces a national limit on the amount of carbon dioxide produced by power plants and sets goals for states to slash greenhouse gas emissions. While the rule, which Obama called a moral obligation, is currently under legal challenge due to a perceived overreach of authority by the Environmental Protection Agency, Trumps EPA will likely end the dispute with a fresh interpretation of the agencys objectives. Gun control While many Republicans in Congress oppose the idea of tougher gun control legislation, President Obama has issued more than 20 executive orders restricting gun owners. They range from expanding background checks, to dedicating new resources to mental healthcare, to issuing a Presidential Memorandum requiring federal law enforcement officials trace recovered guns in criminal investigations. Trump has called for the protection of the rights of law-abiding gun owners, as well as the right to carry in all 50 states, while agreeing with Obama about the need to reform the countrys mental health system. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan will meet on Monday with top members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team to discuss their 2017 tax reform agenda, a senior Republican aide said. Ryan and his policy staff are expected to walk the Trump team members through the "Better Way" tax reform blueprint that the speaker and other House Republican leaders unveiled last June, the aide said. The Trump transition team had no immediate comment on the meeting on Capitol Hill. The Washington Post reported earlier on Monday that the discussion would include incoming White House officials including Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus, incoming chief strategist Stephen Bannon, National Economic Council director Gary Cohn and adviser Stephen Moore. Trump and Ryan agree that tax reform should reduce tax rates for individuals and businesses, do away with longstanding tax loopholes and broaden the tax base in order to drive U.S. economic growth. The House Republican blueprint, seen by tax experts and lobbyists as a possible framework for future tax reform legislation, includes a border-adjustment measure that could satisfy Trump's interest in promoting U.S. manufacturing by taxing imports while exempting export revenues from corporate taxation. The two sides may need to bridge differences in some areas including whether to continue taxing U.S. corporate profits earned abroad. There are also differences on rates. Trump would slash the 35 percent corporate tax rate to 15 percent, while the House blueprint would cut the rate to 20 percent. China National Chemical Corp (ChemChina) [CNNCC.UL] and Swiss pesticides and seeds group Syngenta AG have proposed remedies to the European Union's competition watchdog to address concerns over their $43 billion merger agreement. The European Commission's website showed "commitments" submitted on Jan. 9, which typically means the parties have proposed remedies such as asset divestment or specific product pricing. It did not elaborate on the nature of the pair's commitments. "Syngenta confirms that remedies related to the deal with ChemChina have been submitted to the EC. We will not comment further on that," a Syngenta spokesman said. "ChemChina and Syngenta remain fully committed to the transaction and are confident of its closure." A spokesman for state-owned ChemChina told Reuters details of the remedy proposals were confidential. The Commission began investigating ChemChina's takeover of Syngenta in October, saying they had not allayed concerns about potentially unfair competitive advantages. The deal has already been approved by regulators in several markets, including by a U.S. national security panel and Australia's competition watchdog. The Commission's concerns are widely seen as one of the last major regulatory hurdles, with U.S. antitrust approval also pending. Syngenta said last week the Commission had agreed to extend its review of the deal by 10 working days to April 12 to allow "sufficient time for the discussion of remedy proposals". In its October statement, the Commission highlighted ChemChina subsidiary Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd as one area where ChemChina and Syngenta had an overlapping portfolio of European crop protection products, including herbicide and insecticide. A merger could therefore potentially reduce competition for such products. Israel-based Adama makes generic crop protection and pest control products. It is the largest supplier of generic crop protection products in Europe, according to the Commission. Ioannis Kokkoris, Chair in Law and Economics at Queen Mary University of London, said divesting Adama was the simplest and cleanest means for ChemChina to address competition concerns. "That ChemChina has not done this yet suggests it is trying to mitigate a full divestment of Adama, such as by selling a number of significant activities," said Kokkoris. "The other scenario is that it has agreed to divest Adama and is now discussing top-up remedies." These could include commitments to continue funding research in certain products to ensure the deal does not adversely affect innovation in product development, he said. The Commission's next step would be to test the proposed remedies against its market model, Kokkoris said. "The companies have identified a list of products that may have caused the Commission's concerns in respective countries," a senior Beijing-based industry executive with knowledge of the talks told Reuters last week. "Although the progress has taken slightly longer than expected, communication with the Commission has been smooth," said the executive, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and so declined to be identified. (Reporting by Chen Aizhu in BEIJING and Michelle Price in HONG KONG; Additional reporting by Oliver Hirt in ZURICH; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Muralikumar Anantharaman) Wei Sihao reads in the Hangzhou Public Library. [Photo/VCG] East China's Hangzhou city will erect a statue to honor a "scavenger" whose deep love for books and philanthropic deeds touched the hearts of many. A 1.6 meter-high bust of elderly man Wei Sihao with papers and books will be erected at the library where he often read. The statue will also include the bamboo stick and plastic bottles he carried with him. "That's how the elderly man read in the library," statue designer Zhu Bingren said. Wei Sihao became well-known after a picture of him washing his hands carefully before reading in a library in Hangzhou went viral online. A frequent visitor to the library, Wei would put his bamboo stick and bags of recyclables beside him every time he read there. The library, which is open to beggars and vagrants, was dubbed "the warmest library". For more than 10 years, Wei went there to read every weekend. "Books are my spiritual food. I cannot live without them for one day," the man told chinanews.com in a 2014 interview. "I am getting old and the brain is weakening. I need to charge myself and refresh my mind continuously." Unfortunately, the elderly died in a road accident in December 2015. It was only after his death that his philanthropic deeds were discovered. Wei was a teacher in a senior middle school in Hangzhou before he retired. Although he received a pension of more than 5,000 yuan ($720) a month, he had been collecting recyclables to support students in need for years. Wei Sihao washes his hands each time before he reads. [Photo/VCG] Since 1994, he had been donating to financially struggling students under a pseudonym with the sums ranging from 300 yuan to 3,000 yuan. According to letters he received from the supported students, the beneficiaries came from as far as Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. Wei also wrote letters to students to encourage them to study hard, and sent them books and magazines. A generous man, Wei led a simple life himself. He lived in an undecorated house in which there is only one small bed laid with several uneven planks and no valuables, one of his daughters explained. Without a mobile phone, he used public phones to make calls to his family. Wei Sihao's story won a wave of admiration. "Although you live a poor life, your spirit is noble! Only the fortune in one's mind is the fortune in deed," commented one netizen called Tianya Wangbo on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter. "Wei Sihao was a kind-hearted educator. Though he has left us, his spirit should not pass away in this city," Lou Hansong, a professor at Zhejiang University, said. Actor Mike Rowe praised plans by two major automakers to invest in American manufacturing, telling Fox News' Tucker Carlson Monday that the issue "goes right to the national identity." Rowe spoke with "Tucker Carlson Tonight" the day after Fiat Chrysler announced it would invest $1 billion into two U.S. factories, a move the company said would create 2,000 jobs. Last week, Ford abandoned plans to build a $1.6 billion auto manufacturing plant in Mexico, a move Rowe described as a "big, fat victory." MIKE ROWE: FORD'S INVESTMENT IN US A 'BIG, FAT VICTORY' "Look, its not just jobs," Rowe told Carlson. "And when I say that, I dont mean to minimize it at all, but theres just something ... larger at work here, and it has to do with our identity, it has to do with what it feels like when were actually making things as a country." Rowe, best known as host of the Discovery Channel show "Dirty Jobs," which ran for eight seasons, said that the lesson of that program was "the value that comes from getting your hands on a thing and always knowing how youre doing because youre a part of some kind of process." WATCH: MIKE ROWE PATS FORD ON THE BACK Rowe conceded that cars built in Mexico were likely to be cheaper in the U.S. because of the low cost of labor south of the border. "At some point we have to ask ourselves ... who are we? What do we do other than buy things that other countries make on our behalf?" he added. "Eventually, when the bottom falls out, its like [the 2006 movie] Idiocracy, [where] we dont know how to hang a picture any more, much less make a car." Rowe concluded the interview by dispensing his advice to young job-seekers. "Get a skill thats in demand, thats really in demand, that cant be outsourced," Rowe said. "Plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters, carpenters, mechanics, those men and women right now ... can pretty much write their own ticket, and so, again on a micro- level, I see a lot of reasons to feel really optimistic." A Dairy Queen franchise owner in Zion, Ill. has lost at least one store location after police say he used racial slurs in an angry confrontation with a customer. James Jim Crichton allegedly used the n-word following a disputre with 21-year-old Deianeira Ford and her children on Jan.4 over a food order that was allegedly incomplete. According to the police report, Ford went inside the store after a mixed-up food order was handed to her at the drive-thru. She says she first asked the owner to correct the order but when he refused she asked for a refund. Ford got her $5 back-- but it came with an earful. SURPRISING THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT DAIRY QUEEN He called me and my children n; he said I can go back to where I came from, Ford recounted to The Washington Post. He took out his flip phone and he said he would take a picture and put it on Facebook because he wants to show the world what kind of n he has to deal with, Ford continued. Then he shut the window and walked away. Ford then called local authorities, who arrived on the scene and confronted Crichton about the incident. According to the police report, the owner was angry when the officer arrived but did not deny Fords claims. During the course of my conversation with Crichton, he used the word 'n' freely to describe black people, the officer wrote. Zion Police Chief Steve Dumyahn labeled the activity deplorable but not criminal" and was not able to press charges at the time. "I'm disgusted and discouraged by the comments made by this business owner," Dumyahn said. "I reached out to Miss Ford to tell her that this does not represent the diverse community of Zion." However, after posting a status on Facebook with the number and address of the location, Ford began spearheading a protest against the establishment. She called Dairy Queens corporate headquarters, too. The incident prompted protesters to gather outside the Dairy Queen on Saturday. Ford said she has an attorney and is now considering legal action. On Jan. 5 the company released a statement, in which they labeled the owners actions inexcusable, reprehensible and unacceptable. FOR THE LATEST FOOD FEATURES FOLLOW FOX LIFESTYLE ON FACEBOOK Last week, Crichton apologized in a statement provided by American Dairy Queen Corporation (Dairy Queen's parent organization) and said he would undergo sensitivity training. "My actions were inexcusable and unacceptable," Crichton said. "I can only ask for forgiveness and try to make it up to all involved." But by Friday, Dairy Queen announced that it was closing the location and was terminating Crichtons franchise rights. A planned Saturday protest at Crichton's Dairy Qyeen involving local activists and Black Lives Matter demonstrators then reportedly turned into a celebration. Fords attorney said legal action is still possible, especially if her team can prove Crichton has a history of racial abuse. A representative for Dairy Queen was not immediately available. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This week the Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS), Dominican Republic, opened the first robotic surgery institute in the Caribbean. Named after Dr. David Samadi, pioneer in robotic prostate surgery and member of the Fox News Medical A Team, the institute is sure to draw patients from throughout the continent. Close to a million Americans a year now seek health care outside the U.S. Medical tourism is increasingly popular in the Caribbean for its high quality, cost savings of up to 75 percent, and of course, the unbeatable beautiful surroundings. The Dominican Republic has long been a tourist destination known for its inexpensive plastic surgery and dental procedures. Now you can add the state-of-the-art Da Vinci robot, whose precision robotic arms allow surgeons to perform delicate procedures. Recovery with this kind of surgery is remarkable you can get in and out of the hospital in a day. Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina attended the opening of the new facility along with Dr. Raphael Sanchez Espanol, CEO of HOMS hospital and himself a renowned surgeon. Youre going to change the lives of many, many people out there and be part of the first robotic institute in the Caribbean, said Dr. Samadi. This is a huge blessing for us to be part of this; were very proud. The institute will include treatment of prostate, kidney, gynecologic and surgical cases. Doctors operating in the Dominican Republic will now be able to use techniques developed by Dr. Samadi, who became the countrys first to treat prostate cancer as well as other delicate surgeries in a safer, more effective manner, with minimal blood loss. Big decisions have transformed into small decisions, said Dr. Sanchez Espanol. I like to say, with less trauma. The less trauma facilitates an amazing recovery. This is a huge step in this country and its going to bring a lot of patients from the entire Caribbean to this hospital, Dr. Samadi said. And beyond the Caribbean. With more and more regulations and restrictions coming our way on American soil, many Americans may look elsewhere for their surgeries and the new David Samadi Robotic Institute could be another option. Follow us on twitter.com/foxnewslatino Like us at facebook.com/foxnewslatino When Ant and Beth Abbot were told their son Finn had congenital heart disease, they entered a period of overwhelming shock and emotion. Finn was just 10 days old when he started showing symptoms indicating that he might be ill. He was ash white and then he started to turn blue, Beth told Fox 5 Atlanta. Just in a snap second it started to go downhill rather quickly. Doctors at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta diagnosed the infant with two holes in his heart and an abnormally small heart valve. Over the next year Finn underwent several surgeries to correct the issues and his parents sought a way to cope with his prognosis. Theres a whole gamut of feelings you go through that shock you, Ant told Fox 5 Atlanta. While spending time at his sons bedside, Ant penned the lyrics to Reach for the Sky! which is now available for purchase on iTunes and can be heard on Spotify. He told the news station he wanted the song to be an anthem for patients and families dealing with congenital heart disease and other pediatric illnesses. I wanted to write something that would be hope and uplifting for them, he said. With virtually every state reporting influenza outbreaks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said this season is looking worse than last years, leaving many wondering what they can do to prevent it from spreading. Physicians and health officials recommend getting the flu shot, but even thats not a fool-proof defense against the virus. The flu shot is not a perfect solution, its a good solution, Dr. Richard Schutzer, a vascular surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia in New York, told Fox & Friends on Tuesday. Every year it ranges a little bit the estimate is about 60 percent of the time it will prevent the flu from happening, but that still leaves 40 percent. Schutzer said that even though patients can still manage to get the flu despite being vaccinated, they contract a less severe strain of the virus. He added that while there was a large uptick in the number of cases reported in December, it still hasnt reached peak flu season, meaning there is still time to get the flu vaccine. In addition to the vaccine, Schutzer recommends following his ABCs of flu prevention which includes a plan to Attack, Barricade and Clean. The best defense is a good offense, so as I said its not too late to get the vaccine yet, Schutzer said, explaining the attack portion of his formula. In addition, if you do have flu symptoms, let your doctor know. If they know within the first 48 hours there are several antiviral medications that they can start you on that not only decreases the duration of the disease, but also decreases severity of it. Barricade, Schutzer said, means staying home once you are symptomatic of the flu to prevent it from spreading to others. The final component of Schutzers guide involves cleaning your home, workplace and other places you spend time. You dont know what is being spread around you at that time, and we are spending a lot more time indoors, especially in the northeast, he said. Communities across the country are grappling with the growing opioid epidemic as the number of daily overdoses continues to climb. Two experts with extensive experience in dealing with drug and alcohol addiction told FoxNews.coms Latest News that a statute left over from the 1960s may be contributing to the soaring number of fatalities. The law, called the IMD Exclusion Rule, limits treatment in state hospitals to 15 days per month in facilities with more than 16 beds. It was initially established to deinstitutionalize treatment of the mentally ill, but today is used to discharge patients suffering from addiction out of treatment facilities. It somehow got construed to drug and alcohol, Deb Beck, of the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania, told FoxNews.coms Latest News. The rule says if you have a facility with more than 16 beds, there is no federal matching money, so it messes with incentives. Beck, who said that many states have developed ways to cope with the rule, said that people dealing with addictions cannot recover in 15 days, especially for opioid dependency. Beck said that the rule was based on psychiatric care practices, which she likened to physicians creating a treatment plan for diabetes based off dental practices. A change in this area by the President-elect and the President could literally save thousands of lives across America, she said. Robert Dellavella, CEO of Self Help Movement, echoed Becks call for action from the Oval Office and said that while 46 governors and 29 senators have written to officials urging change to the law, an administrative action from the President would not only save lives, but also taxpayer dollars. Nationally there is not a family member no matter what demographic, age, race that is not impacted by the addiction crisis, Dellavella told FoxNews.coms Latest News, adding that long-term treatment is a necessary part of the process for recovery. Individuals who are not getting treatment services are many times stealing from their fellow citizens, they are getting admitted to hospitals which are much higher in level in care and cost a lot more, Dellavella said. If the percentage of them can be saved and into recovery by non-hospital treatment services and they are numerous and they are doing a great job then well not only save lives, but well save dollars. Dellavella said that while there is a whole myriad of treatments and pathways to treat a patients addiction, restricting long-term inpatient care, which has a proven success rate, is unfair to the patient. I think its economic apartheid, Beck said. If youre deteriorated enough to be on Medicaid, youre not going to be able to get [residential treatment], or youre going to be able to get it but in a much more limited form. Beck directed anyone dealing with an addiction crisis or with questions about the law to contact Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania or Self Help Movement. In a West Virginia case that highlights a growing nationwide epidemic, an Ohio drug dealer has pleaded guilty to selling opioid-laced heroin that was responsible for at least 26 overdoses in a single day. According to a news release posted Monday on the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Southern District of West Virginia website, 22-year-old Bruce Lamar Griggs faces 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced for the crimes on April 10, 2017. On Aug. 15, 2016, Griggs, known as Benz and Ben, sold heroin laced with fentanyl and carfentanil in Huntington, the release states. The synthetic drug fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Carfentanil, an elephant tranquilizer, is up to 10,000 times stronger than morphine. Usually labeled as substances that are less potent, pills laced with the synthetic opioids are often cheaper for dealers to obtain and sell, and yet offer a greater high, which leaves users increasingly physically dependent on them. Lab results revealed fentanyl was in the late pop icon Princes system before his death, and in Ohio, the synthetic opioid is the main culprit driving a surge in fatalities in Ohio, Maryland and New England. In Griggs case, laboratory tests on the overdose victims blood and urine samples indicated presence of heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil. He admitted his responsibility for the overdoses and stipulated to a sentencing enhancement in his plea agreement. Federal data released in late 2015 showed a 16 percent increase in opioid-linked deaths from 2014 to 2015, which translated to 33,091 lives lost. President-elect Donald Trumps pick for attorney general is facing nothing short of a racially-motivated, political lynch mob on Capitol Hill. Prior to his confirmation hearing, two men dressed in Ku Klux Klan robes shouting in Southern accents were removed from the hearing room. Click here for a free subscription to Todds newsletter: a must-read for Conservatives! The incident set the stage for what will no doubt be an ugly attempt by Democrats to assassinate the character of the gentleman from Alabama. Some Democrats are calling him by his given name, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions a wink-wink, nod-nod to the Civil War as if hes a slave-holding plantation owner. Remember how indignant Democrats were when Republicans referred to our current president by his full name, Barack Hussein Obama? But these days, the Lefts indignation is rather selective. Click here for your copy of Todds NEW book: The Deplorables Guide to Making America Great Again! The New York Post correctly predicted the Left and the Mainstream Media were tarring the Alabama senator as a racist. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, plans to testify against Sessions an unprecedented decision. The immense powers of the attorney general combined with the deeply troubled views of this nominee is a call to conscience, Booker wrote in a statement published by Politico. The Congressional Black Caucus is leading the charge to destroy Sessions. Rep. Andrew Carson, D-Ind.. told Think Progress that Sessions stands by and makes disparaging remarks against people of color who raise their voices in protest. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., accused the senator of having a long legacy of insensitive, racially-charged comments against minorities. The NAACP went so far as to tweet that Sessions supports an old, ugly history when it comes to civil rights, the newspaper reported. They went on to accuse the distinguished senator of having a troubled history of racial discrimination. The NAACP and CBC smeared Sessions character without offering a shred of documented evidence that hes a racist. But there is plenty of evidence to support the claims that hes a defender of civil rights. During his tenure as a U.S. attorney, he desegregated schools. He also prosecuted the head of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan for murder. The Post reports that prosecution led to a multi-million dollar judgment that broke the back of the Klan. But those facts do not fit the NAACPs or the CBCs hateful narrative. Senator Sessions is a good and decent man an Eagle Scout. He is a husband, a father and a grandfather. Hes a faithful member of the Methodist Church and a former Sunday school teacher. And he deserves better than to be bullied just because he's a white Southern man named Jefferson Beauregard. Judge a man by the content of his character -- that's what Martin Luther King said. The Congressional Black Caucus and the NAACP should heed Dr. Kings words. The State Department denied a request last year to potentially send unarmed Predator drones to Jordan arguing that the kingdom was not a strong enough ally, according to a U.S. congressman who is now urging the administration to reverse the decision as Jordan escalates its fight against the Islamic State. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., fired off a letter to President Obama saying it is "absolutely critical" that the U.S. provides Jordan what it needs to fight ISIS, echoing a bipartisan call on Capitol Hill. Jordan's King Abdullah II visited Washington earlier this week, just as a video was released showing a Jordanian pilot being burned alive by ISIS. According to U.S. lawmakers who met with him, Abdullah appealed for more support in getting everything from ammunition to night-vision equipment, as Jordan takes the war to ISIS. Hunter said in his letter that the surveillance drones, too, are "much needed for a nation such as Jordan" and would give the country "critical mission capability in the fight against the Islamic State." He claimed that the administration had denied a license request for unarmed Predator XP drone systems. According to a Hunter aide, the State Department denied the request from the manufacturer last fall, effectively arguing that Jordan was not a strong enough ally to receive the technology, under U.S. export control laws. More On This... A license would be needed because such drones fall under what's known as the Missile Technology Control Regime. The license in question technically was a marketing license which would let the manufacturer start talks on potential sales. The congressional aide said Jordan still wants the drones, as they would help with their escalating operations. "With the stroke of a pen, somebody could fix this," the aide said. In his letter, Hunter called for the license denial to be "reversed immediately." The drones are made by General Atomics, which is headquartered near Hunter's southern California district. According to a 2013 report, the company planned to sell the drones to the United Arab Emirates and other Middle East countries. Asked about the license request, a State Department official said they are restricted from discussing such "internal deliberations." But the official said "Jordan is an invaluable ally with whom we coordinate closely on a range of issues throughout the region." Meanwhile, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are urging the administration to speed up the delivery of other military aid to Jordan on the heels of its pilot's execution. All members of the Senate Armed Services Committee wrote to the heads of the State and Defense departments earlier this week making that appeal. The U.S. is already giving Jordan $1 billion in economic and military aid this year, and has signed an agreement with Jordan boosting security assistance by up to $400 million a year through 2017. The State Department official noted Jordan is one of the biggest recipients of U.S. security assistance. "We continue to make every effort to expedite security assistance to Jordan," the official said. "The State Department is acting promptly on Jordanian requests for military capabilities, in partnership with the Department of Defense. Jordan remains a pillar of regional security and continues to make critical contributions to the global coalition to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL." Asked Thursday about the calls to give Jordan more assistance, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest also said the U.S. is "committed to ensuring that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners in Jordan at this very serious time." He added: "And if that means ensuring that they are getting the security assistance that were promised, they can count on the president of the United States being a strong advocate for making sure that they get that assistance that they need." Jordan is charging ahead with a new round of airstrikes in retaliation for the murder of their pilot. A senior U.S. defense official told Fox News that "two dozen" Jordanian F-16s, roughly half the number in their inventory, completed a strike in Syria on Friday against "ISIS facilities." The Jordanians were supported by U.S. fighter jets and other assets. The location of the strike in Syria was not disclosed. All aircraft returned safely, and more strikes are expected in the near future. Fox News' Mike Emanuel, Lucas Tomlinson and Ed Henry contributed to this report. Never before in U.S. history have the top contenders for president in either party included a Hispanic candidate much less two who have a real shot at the Oval Office. Whatever transpires from here on in the 2016 race for the U.S. presidency, this much is fact: Among the top contenders in polls around the nation are Latinos Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, both senators and both Republicans. They are bested in most polls of GOP voters only by billionaire Donald Trump, who occasionally has slipped behind Cruz, and is basically neck-and-neck with him in Iowa, which on Monday becomes the first state in the nation to cast votes for each partys nominee. What is particularly significant is that two Latinos one of whom grew up in a Latino enclave and nearly always brings up his Cuban immigrant parents and frequently speaks Spanish in public have won their strongest support in some of the most rural, mainly white, most conservative parts of the country. The closely-watched and influential Des Moines Register poll released Saturday showed Trump leading with 28 percent among Iowa GOP likely caucus-goers, and Cruz close behind at 23 percent, with Rubio at 15 percent. It is the kind of support for minorities to lead the worlds superpower that would have been nearly unthinkable just a generation ago. Its enlightening and encouraging that in 2016, the presidential election has two Hispanic candidates running, said Javier Palomarez, head of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Rubio and Cruz are competing on the Republican side, and on the other hand you have Julian Castro possibly being a vice-presidential candidate. Never before have we seen this many Hispanics on the national stage during the presidential election. The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which endorsed former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who is now Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, last week, then followed days later with an endorsement of New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez as the Republican candidate for vice president. And this is happening simultaneously with the growing importance of the Hispanic electorate, Palomarez said. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ran in the Democratic presidential primary in 2008, but his campaign never really gained traction. He came in fourth in both the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, and shortly after dropped out. The first known Latino to run for president was Ben Fernandez, a Republican who entered the race in 1980. Fernandez's parents had been undocumented immigrants. He pushed the GOP to do more to reach out to Latinos. Of the 55 million Latinos in the United States, some 27 million are registered to vote. In Iowa, 50,000 Latinos are registered to vote. Only 1,000 Latinos took part in the 2012 GOP caucus, and 3,500 in the Democratic one. The state is seeing an unprecedented statewide effort by Latino voter mobilization groups, as well as the campaigns of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, to persuade the community to participate in the caucus. They hope to get between 10,000 and 20,000 Latinos to caucus this year. With Latinos' growing numbers in Iowa, and the traditionally low participating of Iowans in general in caucuses, Latino leaders say, this burgeoning community can influence the outcome of the first presidential contest in the nation. It proves that the Hispanic community, in every aspect socially, economically, politically has emerged, and merged into the mainstream of America," Palomarez said. But on the presidential stage, Latinos are taking command. At a rally in Coralville, Iowa recently, a crowd of hundreds of residents sat with anticipation as they waited to hear Rubio address them at a campaign rally. It was an almost exclusively white audience, the norm at most gatherings in this state of cornfields and dirt roads and silos. Some already were sold on Rubio, others came to evaluate him, their minds still not made up over whom to support for president. Bill and John Chadima, who are brothers, had not decided on whom to support. They were there to hear what Rubio had to offer. They had gone to campaign events featuring Donald Trump and Ben Carson. Retired teacher Chris James was there out of curiosity, too. Rubio, clad in a milky gray polo sweater over black slacks, frequently invoked his faith an almost essential part of campaigning in the heartland, especially in Iowa, where conservative evangelicals are a potent force during the primaries. Our rights come God, thats where our rights come from, Rubio said to applause. He recounted the story that is his narrative in the campaign about how his father and mother came from Cuba, how his father was a bartender, his mother a housekeeper, and how through hard work they achieved the American Dream. Sen. Ted Cruz is a clear favorite of Tea Party conservatives and evangelicals. The Texas firebrand, whose father, Rafael, came from Cuba, also regularly invokes faith in his speeches. Cruz scored a coup when he got the aggressively pursued endorsement of Iowas most influential conservative leaders, Rep. Steve King and Bob Vander Plaats, the CEO of The Family Leader, a conservative organization. Ted Cruz is a man of high character, hes a principled conservative, Vander Plaats said, explaining his choice. The dominance of Latinos in the presidential polls is a turning point for U.S. politics and society, Vander Plaats said. It is historic. Were a country that has gotten beyond the skin tone. I know a lot of people believe thats not the case, but we did elect an African American president, Barack Obama, he said. If you look at the Republican field today, its not just two Cubans, Rubio and Cruz, you have Ben Carson, an African American, and Carly Fiorina, a female. Both Vander Plaats and Congressman King say Iowans don't speak of Cruz and Rubio in terms of their ethnicity. Voters sum them up based on their political views and their positions, King and Vander Plaats say. "No one is coming up to me and saying 'Ted Cruz is Cuban, he can get the Hispanic vote,' Vander Plaats said. He's just an exceptional leader." Cristobal Alex, president of the Latino Victory Project, a group co-founded by actress Eva Longoria and Henry Munoz, who is finance chair of the Democratic National Committee, said that while Cruz and Rubio have blazed trails in the milestone in the presidential race, it is not a celebratory achievement for many Latinos. "It's impossible for Latinos to celebrate Cruz and Rubio because they're running against their own community, Alex said. They oppose the things that we care about as a community comprehensive immigration reform, affordable healthcare, climate change." Veronica Guevara, a 25-year-old from Urbandale who describes herself as a proud Iowan, says she is disappointed in both parties. Like many Latinos, she felt betrayed by the Obama administration's record number of deportations, and recent immigration raids targeting Central American families. She shakes her head in disappointment at the mention of Rubio and Cruz. "It's great for them that they've gotten as far as they have, but they don't represent me. They claim to be Latino, but they hold no values that align with mine," Guevara said. Cruz and Rubio scoff at assertions that they are selling out their Latino community to make gains during the primaries. They argue that Latinos share values that are more in line with the Republican Party. They have strong family values, hold conservatives views on such things as same-sex marriage and abortion. Many who have fled oppressive regimes such as Cubans and Venezuelans tend to favor the GOP's strict approach to foreign policy. Ted Cruz often says that he won about 40 percent of the Latino vote when he ran for the Senate in Texas. Vander Plaats said that his organization launched an outreach effort in Iowa's urban areas to motivate them to go to caucus and rally them around conservative values. What I love about Latinos is they have a strong, strong commitment to family, he said. We should embrace that and make that part of the caucus. Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio thinks he has struck the perfect balance between anger and optimism needed to win over the outraged and inspire potential conservatives to turn out and vote. In his closing argument to Iowans ahead of Monday night's leadoff caucus, Rubio is looking to set himself apart from his more traditional rivals and the fiery outsiders vying for the Republican presidential nomination. "Now, our time has come," Rubio said in Des Moines last week. "If we do what needs to be done...history will say we lived in the early years of this new century, a time of great uncertainty. But like all the generations before us, we did our part, we rose up to confront our challenges." Should Rubio's efforts fall short, it could be in part because he's misjudged the depth of anger among voters in both political parties. If he succeeds, it could be because he will have been able to convert that frustration into the inspiration as a son of immigrants projecting faith in the U.S. as a land of opportunity. "We will turn this nation around and we will leave for our children what our parents left for us the single greatest nation in the history of all mankind," Rubio told a crowd at the Des Moines banquet hall, igniting applause. Rubio's call to action was catching on with many Iowa Republicans as the junior senator from Florida campaigned across the state in the lead-up to the Feb. 1 caucus. "I was so impressed with how eloquently he identified as a regular person," said Jim Diehl of Des Moines, a Rubio supporter, said after an event in nearby West Des Moines. "He understands." But some are proving to be a harder sell. Dubuque resident Jo Lynn Bentz, waffling between Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, said the message makes her "feel good," but said it's "too rehearsed." At the heart of Rubio's campaign pitch is his family's exodus from Cuba to Florida in the 1950s and his working class upbringing. The 44-year-old husband and father notes he isn't the son of a wealthy or a politically connected family, as are some of his rivals. But Rubio, a leader in the Florida legislature before becoming a U.S. Senator in 2010, conveys a sense of duty to the nation that he says "changed the history" of his family. That history also fuels the contempt he expresses for the current economy politics, but especially for the current foreign policies under President Barack Obama's administration, and by proxy, those of Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, Obama's former secretary of state. "No one who lies to the families of those who have given their lives in the service of our country can ever be commander in chief of the United States," Rubio roars at every campaign stop, referring to ongoing condemnation that Clinton didn't do enough to prevent the deaths of four Americans in an attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Rubio also expresses frustration with politics in Washington, despite the seat he holds in the Senate. In Oskaloosa Tuesday, Rubio indignantly told about 100 supporters: "You're frustrated with Washington? I have to work with these people." During an Associated Press interview in Iowa Friday, Rubio embraced the anger as enough to inspire action. "It's righteous anger," he said. But the crux of his argument is about urgency. "If we get this election wrong, we may not be able to turn back," Rubio said in conservative Sioux Center this month. "It may be too late." Senior Rubio adviser Todd Harris zeros in on Rubio's contention that Obama's policies will only continue under Clinton, unless younger conservatives unite behind him. "Marco is creating a sense of urgency in a way that doesn't scare people, but that inspires them," said senior Rubio aide and speech consultant Todd Harris. "It's a rallying cry." In Dubuque on Friday, more than 500 people in an iconic hotel ballroom stood and applauded as he called upon them to help "be the authors of the greatest chapter in the amazing story of our country." Attending the same event, Jackie Koontz described herself as "hopeful" and "almost tearful." Koontz, daughter of an Iowa farm family, said the greatest gift her parents gave her was the chance to go to college to become a registered nurse. Inspired by Rubio's message about the American dream, Koontz said she plans to caucus for the young senator come Monday. "My greatest wish for my children is exactly what he's talking about," she said. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram It was a momentous beginning to the presidential primaries, as a Hispanic presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, won the Iowa GOP caucus, winning the most votes ever in the Hawkeye state for a single candidate. And fellow Cuban-American Marco Rubio came in third, only one percentage point behind billionaire Donald Trump. Among Democrats, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were deadlocked in a tight race. Cruz's victory over Trump was a testament to his massive get-out-the-vote operation in Iowa and the months he spent wooing the state's influential conservative and evangelical leaders. It was also a harsh blow to Trump, the supremely confident real estate mogul who has riled the Republican field for months with controversial statements about women and minorities. The Iowa caucuses kicked off voting in the 2016 presidential race, a tumultuous contest with unexpected candidates challenging both the Republican and Democratic establishments. Latino advocacy groups and voter empowerment organizations set out to persuade the state's growing Latino population to participate in the caucus. Christian Ucles, the Iowa political director of the League of the United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, said about 7,500 of the state's 55,000 registered Latino voters had committed to going to caucus. Candidates faced an electorate deeply frustrated with Washington. While the economy has improved under President Barack Obama, the recovery has eluded many Americans. New terror threats at home and abroad have increased national security concerns. Voters at Republican caucuses indicated they were deeply unhappy with the way the federal government is working. Half said they were dissatisfied and 4 in 10 said they were angry, according to surveys conducted by Edison Research for The Associated Press and the television networks. Six in 10 Democratic caucus-goers wanted a candidate who would continue Obama's policies. Young voters overwhelmingly backed Sanders, with more than 8 in 10 caucus-goers under the age or 30 backing the Vermont senator. Clinton won the majority of voters over age 45. Both parties were drawing new voters. About 4 in 10 participants in each party said they were caucusing for the first time. In Iowa, which has for decades launched the presidential nominating contest, candidates also faced an electorate that's whiter, more rural and more evangelical than many states. But, given its prime leadoff spot in the primary season, the state gets extra attention from presidential campaigns. Iowa has decidedly mixed results in picking eventual nominees. The past two Republican caucus winners former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum faded as the race stretched on. But Obama's unexpected 2008 victory was instrumental in his path to the Democratic nomination, easing the anxieties of those who worried the young black senator would struggle to win white voters. Clinton was seeking to overcome the ghosts of her loss to Obama in 2008. Her campaign spent nearly a year building a massive get-out-the-vote operation in Iowa. Yet she faced an unexpected challenge from Sanders, the self-declared democratic socialist from Vermont. Sanders drew big, youthful crowds across the state and his campaign was hoping for high turnout. "We will struggle tonight if the voter turnout is low. That's a fact," Sanders told volunteers and supporters in Des Moines. Cruz modeled his campaign after past Iowa winners, visiting all of the state's 99 counties and courting influential evangelical and conservative leaders. He spent the closing days of the Iowa campaign focused intensely on Rubio, trying to ensure the Florida senator didn't inch into second place. Rubio is viewed by many Republicans as a more mainstream alternative to Trump and Cruz. Rubio, who previously lashed back at criticism, adopted the same reflective tone as many of his rivals on Monday, telling NBC that Cruz "has a very strong ground game." He dismissed attacks against him as "politics as usual." The caucuses marked the end of at least one candidate's White House hopes. Even before the results were final, former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley ended his longshot bid for the Democratic nomination. So did Huckabee on the Republican side. The threat of a snowstorm late Monday appeared to do little to deter voter turnout, though campaigns were still anxious that the weather could hinder the hopefuls in their rush out of Iowa. Republicans John Kasich, Chris Christie and Jeb Bush were all spending Monday night in New Hampshire not only to get a jump on the snow but also on their competitors in a state with voters who are expected to be friendlier to more traditional GOP candidates. While both parties caucused on the same night in Iowa, they did so with different rules. Republicans vote by private ballot. The state's 30 Republican delegates are awarded proportionally based on the vote. Democrats form groups at caucus sites, publicly declaring their support for a candidate. If the number in any group is less than 15 percent of the total, they can either bow out or join another viable candidate's group. Those final numbers are awarded proportionately, based on statewide and congressional district voting, determining Iowa's 44 delegates to the national convention. Based on reporting by The Associated Press. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram Ted Cruz's victory in the Iowa Republican caucus on Monday night was historic not just for the massive turnout of voters to caucus sites across the state, but also because the maverick senator became the first Latino in United States history to win a presidential primary or caucus contest. Unlike third-place finisher Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, however, Cruz does not tout his Latino roots and has emphasized throughout his campaign hardline policies on issues important to Hispanic voters. The Texas lawmaker bills himself as the campaign's only true conservative ostrich-skin cowboy boots and all and a political outsider who is the only candidate up to the task of fighting the "Washington Cartel." "People are looking at Ted Cruz not as a Hispanic, but as an American," Evelyn Perez-Verdia, a consultant with Political Pasion in Florida, told Fox News Latino. "That is how he portrays himself." Cruz's outsider status may appeal to tea party conservatives across the country, but it doesn't have Latino voters celebrating his victory in Iowa. His tough stance on immigration and border security are at odds with the majority of the Latino community and could spell trouble for him in upcoming primary battles and beyond. "There will be a very, very small percentage of Hispanics who will support him," Perez-Verdia said. "And if Ted Cruz gets the nomination, it is going to hurt the Republican Party." The GOP is still stinging from the losing the 2012 presidential race, when Mitt Romney garnered only 27 percent of the Latino vote. Following the election, Republican officials did a post-mortem that determined the GOP needed to do a better job of appealing to Hispanics, who were angered at both the anti-immigrant sentiment of some of its candidates but disillusioned with the administration of Pres. Barack Obama, which had failed to deliver on his promise of comprehensive immigration reform. While so-called establishment candidates like Rubio and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush have taken more moderate approaches to immigration calling for a path to legal status for undocumented migrants along with ramped-up border security Cruz, along with Trump, has ridden a wave of discontent over illegal immigration to the top of the polls. He has called for constructing a border wall, tripling the number of Border Patrol agents, ending birthright citizenship and halting legal immigration when unemployment gets "unacceptably high." "When establishment Republicans teamed up with Democrats to reward millions of illegal immigrants with amnesty, I engaged millions of men and women across the country," Cruz wrote on his campaigns website. "Together we defeated President Obama's attempt to pass amnesty, and we continue to lead the fight against congressional leadership each time it seeks to undermine the will of the American people." The Texas senator's strict immigration stance is leading some analysts to dismiss him as a serious contender when it comes to winning the Latino vote, but supporters say that Cruz speaks to the millions of legal immigrants living in the U.S. "Ted Cruz offers a lot to Latino voters," Manny Roman, the chair of Cruz for President in Miami-Dade County, told FNL. "As the campaign rolls out, Hispanic Americans will embrace his message." On the stump and debate stage, Rubio has touted his family's immigrant past and how his father worked as a bartender to make ends meet. Cruz, whose preacher father was also a Cuban refugee, has not used this tactic so far on the campaign trail but instead has focused on his family values and his father's religious beliefs. That message played well in Iowa among its strong evangelical base as it could in New Hampshire but it is yet to be seen if his other positions will hurt him when the primary race moves into states with larger Hispanic populations. France called on the U.S. to lift the economic embargo against Cuba during a historic state visit Monday by the Caribbean island's president aimed at boosting economic relations between Havana and Paris. Raul Castro's trip comes after a breakthrough deal was reached in the French capital in December to lighten Cuba's foreign debt. French President Francois Hollande, the former leader of France's Socialist party, greeted Castro on Monday with a warm hug in the courtyard of the Elysee presidential palace, and then started the meeting saying "Vive Cuba!" ("Long live Cuba!") Both presidents vowed to develop economic, political and cultural ties during a joint news appearance. The U.S. announced a normalization of relations with Cuba in December 2014, but it still maintains an economic embargo on the island. Hollande told journalists that "President (Barack) Obama ... must now follow through and allow this vestige of the Cold War to end." France has called for the lifting of the U.S. embargo since 1991. "We appreciate France's traditional position in favor of the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo from the United States against Cuba, which is the main obstacle to the development of our country," Castro said. Cuba wants "to diversify the bilateral relation with France in all its dimensions: political, economic, business, financial, academic and cultural cooperation," he said. The Cuban president was to attend a state dinner in his honor later Monday. Castro, 84, is on his first state visit to Europe since taking over from his elder brother Fidel in 2006. The Cuban president briefly stopped in Rome last year to meet with Pope Francis. Hollande was the first French leader to visit Cuba in a half-century when he went in May seeking to boost trade. In December the Paris Club of creditor countries forgave $8.5 billion of overdue Cuban interest payments in exchange for Cuba's promise to pay off $2.6 billion in loans from developed countries over the next year and a half. France, to which Cuba owed $4 billion in overdue loans, led the creditors' negotiations. A new bilateral deal regarding Cuba's remaining debt to France, which amounts to $390 million (360 million euros), was signed Monday. With this agreement, Paris agrees to convert 212 million euros ($230 million) into a fund that will finance French-Cuban projects on the island. Another agreement allows France to open an office of the French Agency of Development in Havana. The public financial institution can make loans to public and private bodies to support development projects. On Tuesday, Castro will meet with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and visit the Musee de l'Homme, a museum focusing on human evolution. The Cuban delegation is also meeting French business leaders and the UNESCO chief. French companies are looking for business opportunities to open up in Cuba, especially in the tourism, transport, food and environmental industries. The number of French visiting Cuba in 2015 increased by 30 percent compared with previous years. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, praised the results of Monday nights Iowa caucuses in which Sen. Ted Cruz became the first Hispanic to win in the state, beating out front-runner Donald Trump and fellow Sen. Marco Rubio. Ted Cruz, first Hispanic out of Iowa from a major political party; Marco Rubio two out of our top three, Hispanic, he told Fox News Monday night. You know, where is the media on this? This is a big deal. I think it was a big night for our party for a lot of reasons. Cruz received the most votes ever in the Hawkeye State for a single candidate with fellow Cuban-American Rubio coming up in third, only one percentage point behind Trump. The other [reason] it was a big night was the enthusiasm gap between Republicans and Democrats, and that was very clear, its been clear the whole election cycle. We have a lot of drama and some intrigue right now in our party, but it has the whole country electrified, Priebus said. Among the Democrats, Hillary Clinton narrowly won, outpacing a surprisingly strong challenge from Bernie Sanders to claim the first victory in the 2016 race for president. It was the closest race in Iowa Democratic caucus history. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram In key ways, Sen. Marco Rubio seems to have benefitted the most from the Iowa caucus. Rubios strong finish, along with that of Democratic underdog Bernie Sanders, were the most surprising events of the evening. For the moment, at least, Rubio is wearing the crown of the so-called establishment Republican contender the answer to the prayers of many in the GOP leadership as an antidote to lightning rods Sen. Ted Cruz and real estate mogul Donald Trump. Rubio received 23 percent of the votes of Republican caucus-goers, which put him in third place and nearly tied with Trump, who got 24 percent. Cruz won with 28 percent. Republican leaders have been eager to thin out the field of candidates and rally support around someone who can attract a broad group of GOP voters as well as independents and perhaps also some Democrats. Rubio, who actually began his rise as a tea party conservative, has been packaging himself as a mainstream Republican who is the partys most electable choice in the November general election. "We have taken the first step but an important step to winning the nomination," Rubio, 44, told supporters in Des Moines after the caucus results were released. Rubios campaign issued a press release afterward that echoed the notion of Rubio as having mass appeal unlike Cruz, 45, and Trump, 69, who have campaigned as outsiders who will upend the status quo in Washington, D.C. What we witnessed in Iowa yesterday was the result of the strength of Marcos candidacy, said the statement from the Rubio campaign, a vision for a New American Century that resonated across a broad spectrum of caucus-goers, and a campaign built from the ground-up over the last few months that was ready to persuade and turn out the vote. On Tuesday, just hours after Rubios strong Iowa finish, Sen. Tim Scott, a Republican from the important primary state of South Carolina, announced his endorsement of the junior Florida senator. We have one shot in 2016 to beat (Democrat) Hillary Clinton, and that shot is Marco Rubio, Scott said in his endorsement announcement. And with him as our candidate: we win. Rubio also is raking in campaign money, with his super PAC raising more than $14 million in the last six months. The Cruz campaign had grown concerned about Rubios growing momentum, and stepped up attacks on him in the days leading to the Iowa caucus. Cruz has zeroed in on Rubios pivotal role in the 2013 bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill that called for strict enforcement but also a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants. If thats one of the issues were talking about heading into Monday thats a good thing, the New York Times quoted an unnamed senior adviser to Cruz. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram Except for the crumbs on his shirt, Ted Cruz's doughnuts are gone. And as midnight nears during a flight to New Hampshire, the newly minted winner of Iowa's presidential caucuses begins telling a story of the 2000 election, when he worked as a "mid-level kid" on George W. Bush's presidential campaign. Bush scored a solid victory in Iowa and his confidence was surging, Cruz tells the group of reporters gathered in the back of a campaign plane he named Constitution One. He had just shared a box Krispy Kreme doughnuts with those who had flown with him from New Hampshire to South Carolina and back again on the same day. Coming off the 2000 win, Cruz reflected, Bush "got killed" in the New Hampshire primary, badly beaten by an Arizona senator named John McCain. "Best thing that happened to the campaign was getting killed in New Hampshire," Cruz says. "We needed to get our teeth kicked in." The campaign would, of course, recover. Bush would go on to claim his party's nomination and ultimately the presidency after a high-stakes recount that Cruz watched from the inside as a young Republican lawyer. But 16 years later, Cruz says he doesn't want to forget the lessons of 2000 as he eyes his own widening path toward the GOP presidential nomination. "We aren't getting overconfident. We are scared," he said. "I'm trying to learn the lesson from that." Cruz, a freshman Texas senator, won the opening contest in the 2016 primary season Monday night in Iowa. New Hampshire hosts the nation's first primary election next Tuesday. South Carolina follows 11 days later. His fiery conservative politics may not seem a great fit for New Hampshire, whose voters usually favor political moderation over ideological purity. That's why Cruz is already peeking ahead to South Carolina, where he campaigned Tuesday night after an afternoon rally in New Hampshire. He's not writing off the Granite State. And based on his experience with Bush, he's not taking anything for granted. "I don't know if we'll win New Hampshire," he says. "I hope we will. We're going to try to." About 10 minutes into the conversation, Cruz's staff encourages him to return to the front of the plane far from the reporters enjoying a few moments of unscripted time with the presidential candidate. But he shows no interest in leaving as the conversation turns to his experience with South Carolina. It started on the 2000 campaign. "I spent the whole week on the bus with Bush 43 in South Carolina," he says as he describes a deep sense of comfort with the people who will host the South's first primary contest. "They're Southerners, they're evangelicals, they're military veterans, they're gun owners. There's just a feel that is similar," Cruz says. "They feel like Texans." He ends the discussion only after a senior aide whispers into his ear, "Senator, we're truly about to land." But before he retreats, Cruz says there will be more late-night conversations if not doughnuts as the campaign moves forward. "We're gonna have fun," he says. "I hope we're going to win. I believe we're going to win. But whether we win or not, we're gonna have fun." Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram State lawmakers returning to work are putting immigration issues on the agenda, with Kansas among about a dozen states considering measures against so-called sanctuary cities that would bar local law enforcement officials from refusing to cooperate with federal immigration officials. The Kansas bills would ban sanctuary cities and withdraw state funding from cities with sanctuary policies. State legislators said the measures would protect citizens from incidents like the July killing of San Francisco woman Kathryn Steinle. The man charged in her death is a Mexican living in the country illegally who was released from jail even though federal agents wanted him detained for deportation. "If Kansas' sanctuary policies are allowed to continue then it will only be a matter of time before someone is hurt or killed," said Secretary of State Kris Kobach, known for his tough stance on illegal immigration. Proponents of sanctuary communities, which began in the 1980s when churches sheltered Central American refugees to prevent their deportation, say people need to be able to call on police for help without fear of deportation. Six Kansas counties Finney, Johnson, Harvey, Sedgwick, Butler and Shawnee have such policies. The many state measures follow a failed effort in Congress last year after Steinle's death. Senate Democrats blocked legislation that would have cracked down on sanctuary cities, characterizing it as anti-immigration policy that echoed the rhetoric of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The GOP House had passed similar legislation last summer. At least a dozen states now considering similar legislation include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin, said Ann Morse of the National Conference of State Legislatures. North Carolina was one of the first states to sign prohibitions on sanctuary policies into law last year after Steinle's death, though Missouri had passed a law discouraging them in 2008 by threatening to block state funding from cities that refused to cooperate with federal immigration officials. Kansas legislators said the measures would protect citizens from incidents like the one in San Francisco. Shawnee Republican Rep. Charles Macheers, a sponsor of one bill that will be discussed at a House committee hearing on Wednesday, said he wants to ensure Kansas communities comply with federal law. Shawnee Republican Rep. Brett Hildabrand, who drafted the other bill, said he didn't know of any immigration-related problems in the state's sanctuary counties, but other representatives and citizens wanted to address the issue. "In visiting some folks around the state after the incident in San Francisco last year, this was something that a lot of people were interested in; so I think that this is something that has grass-roots support," Hildabrand said. Cecilia Menjivar, a sociology professor who focuses on immigration at the University of Kansas, said the ban on sanctuary cities "is a symbolic gesture" connected to a larger debate about immigration and marks a nationwide shift toward state legislatures taking a stance on immigration reform. "It's an issue in which a lot of politicians feel that they have to say something about to be part of the national conversation," Menjivar said. Kansas has about 75,000 "unauthorized immigrants," according to the Pew Research Center, less than 3 percent of the population. Lawyer Catalina Velarde of Kansas City says a client, who escaped Guatemala after the murder of her husband, was a victim of domestic violence in Kansas. Local law enforcement helped remove her from the situation, but Velarde said the woman would have been too frightened to seek help if pending legislation banning sanctuary cities had been law. "The different police municipalities have done a phenomenal job of building good relationships with new communities and they want people to speak up if they're the victims of violent crime," she said. Some Kansas sheriffs began refusing to honor immigration officials' requests after a federal ruling in Oregon that a woman's Fourth Amendment rights were violated when she was detained without probable cause in 2012. Shawnee County said in 2014 it wouldn't honor federal immigration officials' requests to detain people beyond their release dates without a warrant or probable cause. "The danger isn't that we would hold an illegal alien, it's that we would hold a citizen," said Maj. Timothy Phelps of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Phelps said he worries that detaining subjects without probable cause would make the county vulnerable to lawsuits. "Our job here is to be strong and legally accurate corrections professionals. It's not our job to navigate politics. We make our decisions based off of law, and the Constitution is the highest standard of law," Phelps said. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram A Latino judge who clerked for Justice Sandra Day OConnor and now sits on a federal appellate court is among about half a dozen people judicial experts say President Barack Obama may choose from to succeed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died Saturday at the age of 79. Adalberto J. Jordan, who is 54 and came to the United States from Cuba at the age of 6, serves on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Jordan would be the second Hispanic and first Cuban-American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. President Bill Clinton appointed Jordan, who graduated from the University of Miami School of Law, to the Federal District Court in 1999 and Obama promoted him to the appeals court 2012, according to the New York Times, which listed Jordan as one of six possible contenders for the court. Republican presidential candidates and congressional leaders have vowed to block any nominee Obama puts forth to succeed Scalia, the courts most vocal conservative. Jordan would be no stranger to nomination fights. He waited four months for Senate approval of his confirmation, which was held up by partisan bickering between the Obama administration and Republicans in the Senate. Senate Republicans filibustered his nomination, which was endorsed by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, over objections they had to several Obama appointments that occurred during a legislative recess. Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, released a statement in 2012 assailing his colleagues for holding up Adalbertos confirmation. Judge Adalberto Jordan is the kind of nominee who in the past would have been confirmed without delay, rather than wait four months for Senators to consent to proceed on his nomination, Leahy wrote. Judge Adalberto Jordan is precisely the type of qualified, consensus nominee the Senate should be confirming without delaySenator Rubio praised his knowledge of the law, his experience, and his participation in his community, stating that he looks forward to [Judge Jordans] appointment. Various judicial watch web sites depict Jordan as liberal-leaning. Last year, Jordan ruled that Floridas healthcare system for poor and disabled children violated federal laws. Healthcare providers had long fought for the state to pay enough to cover proper treatment to low-income and disabled children. In a ruling that spanned 153 pages, Jordan accused lawmakers of setting the states Medicaid budget artificially low, driving many healthcare providers who catered to children not to participate in the program. This is a great day for the children in this state, said Dr. Louis B. St. Petery, a Tallahassee pediatrician who was at the forefront of taking the state to court, to reporters. This action was taken because we found that children werent being treated properly if they were on Medicaid." Our position as pediatricians, Petery said, is that children do not choose their parents. They dont have a choice to be born into a rich family or a poor family. In 2014, Jordan was part of a three-judge panel that rejected a request by Floridas secretaries of health and management services and a county clerk to extend a hold on same-sex marriages basically allowing gay marriage to move forward in Florida. A judge previously had ruled that Floridas gay marriage ban was unconstitutional, but stayed the ruling to give the officials a chance to file their appeal. It means that relief is finally in sight for the same-sex married couples suffering under Floridas refusal to recognize their legal unions, SAVE Executive Director Tony Lima said in a statement to the media. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram The United States and Cuba signed an accord Tuesday that will bring back commercial flights between the two nations for the first time in 53 years. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and his Cuban counterpart Adel Yzquierdo Rodriguez signed the deal in a ceremony at Havana's Hotel Nacional the latest step in the normalization of relations started more than a year ago. The deal allows U.S. airlines to start bidding on routes for as many as 110 U.S.-Cuba flights a day: 20 to Havana and the rest to other Cuban cities. All flights currently operating between the two countries, between 10-15 a day, are charters. American Airlines Chairman Doug Parker praised the agreement, and said the airline would be applying to operate flights to Cuba in a few weeks. American Airlines commends the U.S. government for its commitment to re-establishing cultural and economic ties between the U.S. and Cuba, Parker said, and for laying the groundwork to restore scheduled air service between the two countries for the first time in more than 50 years. Americans Latin America gateway hub at Miami International Airport (MIA) will be included in the companys application for scheduled service to Cuba, Parker added. American is also considering applying to serve Cuba from other hubs. United Airlines is also looking to serve Havana from some of its hubs, spokesman Luke Punzenberger said. The carrier's major hubs include Chicago, Houston, Washington and Newark, New Jersey. It currently does not fly charters to Cuba. JetBlue Airways said it was eager to offer service between "multiple" cities in the United States and the island, with spokesman Doug McGraw saying that "interest in Cuba has reached levels not seen for a generation." The carrier currently flies charters to various Cuban destinations out of New York, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Discount carrier Spirit Airlines spokesman Paul Berry said it, too, plans to submit a proposal. Spirit's largest operation is out of Fort Lauderdale, accounting for 15 percent of its flights. Southwest Airlines also expressed interest in flights to Cuba. Delta Air Lines spokesman Anthony Black said the carrier plans to at least apply for flights from its Atlanta hub to Havana. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Brandon Belford said that Cuban airlines wanting to operate flights to the United States would have to pursue licensing through such avenues as the Treasury Department and the Office of Foreign Assets Control. "We do not anticipate Cuban-owned aircraft serving the U.S. in the near future," he said, according to AFP. Regular tourist travel remains prohibited by the U.S.-Cuba embargo, which many conservatives in Congress refuse to lift. But travel restrictions have been significantly relaxed, and many Americans can qualify under the 12 categories of permitted trips. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Transportation Affairs Thomas Engle was quoted by the international news service Agence France-Presse, or AFP, as saying: "The two governments reaffirm their commitment to strengthen their already close cooperation in aviation safety and security matters." U.S. officials say approvals for the airlines applications to fly to the communist island should be concluded by summer. "Our expectation is that we will be in position to make a decision and make it final sometime in the summer, in terms of which carriers and which U.S. cities will have service into Cuba, Belford said. The AP contributed to this report. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram A mother from Zhongshan, Guangdong province gave birth to her baby in a car on Jan. 8, local media reported. By the time the woman arrived at the hospital entrance, half the babys body had already emerged. The babys chest had come out, and we have no experience in that, said the emergency physician on duty at the time, who later called a pediatrician as the gynaecology and obstetrics departments were far away from the site. The limited space and light inside the car made the operation harder. However, the crowd used light from their phones to illuminate the stand-in "operating table" for the pediatrician. In the end, with the help of medical staff, the mother safely delivered her baby. Ted Cruz's rivals in the the hunt for the Republican presidential nomination like to say that the Texas senator doesn't have any friends in Congress, but that is not totally true. While the firebrand lawmaker has made a name for himself for his combative stance on the Senate floor - earning him not a single endorsement from his colleagues - Cruz has built a small, but loyal following among the more conservative branch of House Republican who are now touring the country in an effort to convince voters that he is not such a bad guy. Republican Rep. Mark Meadows says he's traveled to Cruz events "to really tell the personal side of Ted Cruz that not many people know." His North Carolina district shares a media market and a border with South Carolina, which will hold its closely contested GOP primary on Saturday. "On issue after issue, Cruz has told the truth and done what he said he was going to do," Meadows said when he endorsed Cruz last month. "It may not make him a lot of friends in Washington, but it is exactly what the American people expect of their leaders." Meadows is one of about 20 House Republicans who are campaigning for Cruz around the country. Iowa Rep. Steve King, a fierce opponent of immigration, stood by Cruz's side when he gave his victory speech after winning the state's caucuses two weeks ago. South Carolina Rep. Jeff Duncan is appearing with Cruz in at least four South Carolina cities this week. Rep. Tim Huelskamp of Kansas endorsed Cruz on Tuesday, saying he's "not one of those 'campaign conservatives' who are all talk he is a proven, principled conservative." Many say it doesn't matter that Cruz has a reputation for getting on the wrong side of some of his GOP Senate colleagues, such as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, whom Cruz accused of lying last year, or Arizona Sen. John McCain. McCain has sparred with Cruz a number of times and last month said questions about Cruz's eligibility due to his Canadian birth should be explored, keeping the issue alive after Cruz's foe Donald Trump raised concerns. His congressional supporters say Cruz isn't always well loved because he's doing his job. In 2013, the Texas senator and his House allies contributed to the partial 16-day government shutdown as they tried to starve President Barack Obama's health care overhaul of money, a move several of Cruz's GOP colleagues considered ill-conceived and futile. "It rubs people the wrong way because ultimately what Ted is trying to do is reduce the influence of outside groups and force members to make tough decisions," said Colorado Rep. Ken Buck, who also endorsed Cruz last month and is serving as his Colorado campaign chairman. "I think that people who don't like him now as a colleague will respect him and be willing to work with him as president." The supporters say they aren't worried that he wouldn't get along with lawmakers if elected president. They say they aren't trying to rally support in the Capitol, but with voters. "Senators and congressmen know enough to make their own decisions," says Rep. Mo Brooks, a Cruz supporter from Alabama. Cruz has always had a closer relationship with members of the House, where the tea party-inspired Freedom Caucus has made similar moves to block GOP leadership. Freedom Caucus member Randy Weber of Texas said "there has been some discussion" in the caucus about making an endorsement, though at this point members are making their own decisions. Some, like Meadows, have introduced House versions of Cruz's Senate bills. Meadows and Duncan attended the Republican debate in South Carolina Saturday and spoke to reporters afterward as surrogates for Cruz. King live-tweeted the debate, criticizing Cruz's opponents and writing that the Texas senator landed "final blows" at the end. Though he doesn't have any Senate endorsements rival GOP presidential contender Marco Rubio has some half dozen Cruz does have a handful of friends there. When he made a rare appearance to vote on a North Korea sanctions bill last week, a few senators on the floor warmly greeted him. Others pointedly ignored him. Perhaps Cruz's closest friend in the Senate is Utah Sen. Mike Lee, whom he met before he was elected. Lee came to the Senate floor to block several nominees on Cruz's behalf earlier this month. He hasn't endorsed the Texas senator in the presidential race, saying he's also close friends with Rubio, but said he would consider an endorsement, "if this became about one of them." Lee says he isn't worried that Cruz couldn't get along with Congress if he wins the presidency in November. He says he would be a "breath of fresh air" for Republicans compared to Obama. And he doesn't agree that Cruz doesn't have any friends. "Whenever I hear someone make that suggestion, I find that troubling because it simply isn't true," Lee said. "He's a great guy. I consider him not only a political ally, I consider him a close personal friend." He does have at least one other fan in the chamber: Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, who called Cruz "a very effective campaigner." "I like Ted and I think he has a lot of friends in the Senate," Sessions said. Still, the Alabama senator hasn't endorsed him. Based on reporting by The Associated Press. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram President Barack Obama on Tuesday called out Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio for changing his position on immigration. Referring to the 2013 bipartisan immigration reform bill that Rubio helped spearhead, Obama said the Florida senator was now running away from his previous position on the issue as immigration becomes a major focal point of the election season. "You've got a candidate who sponsored a bill that I supported to finally solve the immigration problem, and he's running away from it as fast as he can," Obama said during a press conference in California, according to the Hill. Rubio was one of the sponsors of the 2013 so-called Gang of Eight immigration bill that passed the Senate. It was sent along to the House, but was never brought up for a vote. Rubios participation in the bill has made him a major target for criticism among his GOP presidential rivals. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has been the most vocal critic of Rubios involvement in the it calling the legislation "the Rubio-Schumer Gang of Eight bill" and argued it called for amnesty. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, was another co-sponsor of the legislation. Rubio has backtracked on his support of the bill, saying that the bill was never intended to become law" and that he hoped his conservative colleagues in the House would make the bill even better. The Florida lawmaker wasnt the only Republican candidate that Obama criticized on Tuesday. The president said that all the GOP hopefuls had extreme views when it came to immigration, but that front-runner Donald Trump expresses them in "more interesting" ways. "He may express strong anti-immigration sentiment, but you've heard that from the other candidates as well," Obama said of the billionaire businessman. Trumps stance on immigration wasnt the only issue that drew Obamas criticism. "I continue to believe Mr. Trump will not be president," Obama said, according to ABC. "And the reason is because I have a lot of faith in the American people." Obama added that being president is a serious job. Its not hosting a talk show, or a reality show. Its not promotion, its not marketing, Obama said. Its hard and a lot of people count on us getting it right. Trump, who said that Obama has done a lousy job as president, responded that Obama would have lost his reelection bid in 2012 if the real estate magnate had run against him. "For him to say that is actually a great compliment," Trump said of Obama's criticism, according to the Los Angeles Times. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter & Instagram Democratic lawmakers, immigration activists and Obama administration officials are demanding that personal information that more than 700,000 undocumented immigrants provided to the U.S. government when they applied for a special program that spared them from deportation not be used against them in the future. Supporters of the immigrants, who are part of a program known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, say the Obama administration succeeded in persuading those who applied for it to come out of the shadows by reassuring them that doing so would not backfire and get them deported. They plan to call for a hands-off approach to DACA recipients who were brought to the U.S. illegally as minors at a rally in Washington D.C., as well as about a dozen cities nationwide on Jan. 14. Some Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Luis Gutierrez, of Illinois, plan to speak at the rally. There are two competing philosophies here, Gutierrez, one of the most vocal supporters of undocumented immigrants in Congress, said to FoxNews.com in a statement. One that says the immigrants are here and will probably be here for the rest of their lives, so we want them to be on the books, working with permission. The other philosophy is to make people scared to come forward even when they are complying with the law, he said. It could have a chilling effect in the future, so there should be a firewall between information submitted for one situation being used in a completely different context. On Tuesday, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson joined the fray by insisting that the data the DACA recipients provided when they applied for the program, which President Barack Obama established in 2012 through an executive order, not be used for immigration enforcement. Johnsons warning came as Reuters reported that the Trump transition team sought information from the Homeland Security Department about Obamas executive actions on immigration. Reuters noted that Trump has made specific reference to DACA as one of several executive orders he plans to eliminate. Proponents of stricter immigration enforcement say that Obama never should have issued the executive order giving what they view as amnesty to a mass group of people. And so, they argue, demands that the information not be used to enforce immigration laws are preposterous. Rep. Steve King, an Iowa Republican who favors a hard line on immigration and has been a long-time member of the House Judiciary Committees Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, wants the Trump administration to get rid of DACA, and views it absurd for federal agents not to be able to use information at their disposal to enforce the law. DACA is flat-out unconstitutional, King said to FoxNews.com You cant have a president announce that a huge class of people are exempt from the application of the law. Immigrants here legally who were brought to the country as children have been at the center of some of the most emotional debates about illegal immigration. Their supporters say they are here illegally through no fault of their own, and that they should not be punished for decisions that their parents made. Some Republicans, including those who favor strict immigration laws, say they sympathize with that argument. Secretary Johnsons commitment to protecting [young immigrants] from deportation is admirable, as is the work done by DHS and this administration to protect and support immigrants, said Rep. Judy Chu in a statement. However...our concerns are with the actions of the incoming president who has expressly run against norms and precedent. Chu and several other Democrats want Obama to issue an executive order precluding the use of the DACA recipients information for deportation matters. Without such a legal assurance, she said, immigrants who believed our promise of security are left to the devices of President-elect Trump who has repeatedly promised to be a deporter-in-chief. Trump has at times expressed sympathy for immigrants brought here as children, indicating there should be some humane way to address their situation. Some Republicans, including Sen. Marco Rubio, of Florida, has said that the least politically explosive way to do away with DACA may be to phase it out, with the hope that Congress can develop more permanent solutions to fixing the immigration system through legislation. But others say that to give these immigrants a break amounts to rewarding their parents violation of U.S. laws, and sends the wrong message. In some cases, immigrants who have come forward to apply for legal status such as through political asylum -- or another benefit have been subjected to deportation if their petition is declined or expires. In other cases, certain U.S. agencies, such as those that collect complaints about wage and hour violations, and the Census Bureau, do not share information provided by undocumented immigrants with immigration authorities. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he would purge information about undocumented immigrants from government databases it were to be used for enforcement, but some experts have said such a move would be illegal. Everything I do on the issue of immigration comes back to restoring the rule of law, King said, adding that he thinks that DACA recipients and others who came illegally as minors should be subject to deportation. Its egregiously offensive to the integrity of the American people to give them a path that they legally didnt have a right to have, King said. Many DACA recipients, who had to meet strict criteria to qualify for the program, say they are worried they will be penalized for heeding the Obama administrations call to come forward. They say they feel a greater bond to the United States than to their parents homeland, one that many dont remember Ive been in the United States so long, everything big that has happened to me in my life happened to me here, said Monica Camacho, a 22-year-old Maryland resident who came to the United States at the age of 7 from Mexico. We are in the [U.S. government] system. Are we going to be deported? Will our parents be deported? This is my home, she said of the United States. I want to be an elementary school teacher here. We want to contribute to the economy. We are not bad people, we love this country. Many critics of Obamas immigration executive action say that even if the Trump administration were to obtain the information of DACA recipients, it is unlikely to move to deport them any time soon. Trump has said his priority would be to track down and deport dangerous criminals and national security threats. Theyre going to have their hands full trying to restructure immigration enforcement, said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, a group that favors strict enforcement. Illegal aliens are all over the place, [immigration agents] dont need to go after DACA recipients specifically to crack down on illegal immigration. Krikorian said that major immigration matters, such as border security, and chain family migration, must be fixed before hardliners in Congress would consider a measure giving special consideration to a path for legal status for immigrants who came as children. For people who came here and spent their entire schooling here, then sure, Krikorian said of some kind of amnesty for them, but cleaning up that mess that Obama created has to be in exchange for something. While the Left and teachers' unions are up in arms over President-elect Trump's selection of Betsy DeVos to be secretary of education, one single mother who immigrated to the United States is defending the pick. In a letter to the editor in the Arizona Republic, Maria Salazar writes, "DeVos' work helped low-income Arizona children access tax-credit scholarships. Nydia [Salazar's daughter] was able to attend a college-prep high school, graduate this year with honors and go on to college." DeVos was chair of the American Federation for Children, a pro-school choice group. She's also financially supported several other school choice organizations. Salazar immigrated to the U.S. from Peru. Her letter refers to individual income tax credits that Arizona gives to those who donate to nonprofit groups that give scholarships to students in need. As of the 2014-15 school year, 16,493 students got scholarships thanks to the tax credits. Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com Jared Kushner will serve as a senior adviser in father-in-law Donald Trump's White House, the Trump Presidential Transition Team said Monday. The announcement ends speculation about Kushners post-campaign future but fuels questions about his new West Wing role and further involvement in his familys Manhattan real estate business. Kushner's lawyer has said his client would step down as chief executive of the family business if he takes a White House position and divests some of his assets to comply with federal ethics laws that apply to government employees. The law requires Kushner, who was among Trump's most trusted and powerful campaign advisers, to take more significant steps than Trump to disentangle his business interests, given that conflict-of-interest laws largely do not apply to the president. But attorney Caleb Burns, a partner in the Washington, D.C., firm Wiley Rein, hit back Monday at Democrats like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and others who have suggested that Trump, Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson and now Kushner arent doing enough to separate themselves from business interests. Jared Kushner has done everything hes required to do and more. Hes simply required to recuse himself from any decision that would have a direct and predictable impact on his financial holdings, Burns, who specializes in government ethics law, said Monday. They're cloaking political issues in legal garb." The transition team said Kushner will work closely with White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon to execute President-elect Trumps agenda. Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted adviser throughout the campaign and transition, and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration said Trump, in the announcement. Kushners decision also end speculation about whether he would join Trumps administration or take an outside advisory role. But it will likely further ignite the political squabble over whether the 35-year-old Kushner's post violates a no-nepotism law that bars officials from appointing relatives to government positions. (Some Trump aides have argued that the law does not apply to the White House.) Kushner, married to Trumps daughter Ivanka, was deeply involved in the campaign's digital efforts and was usually at Trump's side during the election's closing weeks. He has since continued to play a central role in the transition, taking part in Cabinet interviews and often getting a last word alone with Trump after a meeting concludes. Whether Kushner, a Harvard graduate, will be an adviser on domestic or foreign policy, or both, remains unclear. Trump has suggested since winning the White House race in November that he would like Kushner involved in helping with Middle East peace. Kushner has never publicly distanced himself from Trump's more provocative stances, including his campaign call for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration. The announcement follows Kushner being among the few advisers to join Trump in meeting President Obama at the White House and reports about him and his family already having decided on a home in Washingtons Kalorama neighborhood. Like his father-in-law, Kushner pushed a mid-sized real estate company into the high-stakes battlefield of Manhattan. Though he is often viewed as more moderate than Trump, people close to him say he fully bought in to the Trump campaign's fiery populist message that resonated with white working class voters. Prior to the campaign, Kushner and Ivanka Trump were not overtly political. Kushner's father was a Democratic fundraiser while Ivanka, whose personal brand has a focus on young working mothers, counted Chelsea Clinton among her friends. It is an honor to serve our country, Kushner said. I am energized by the shared passion of the president-elect and the American people and I am humbled by the opportunity to join this very talented team. FoxNews.com's Joseph Weber and Fox News' John Roberts and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A controversial painting on Capitol Hill depicting a police officer as a pig was becoming the very definition of a political football Tuesday as Democratic and Republican lawmakers repeatedly passed it back and forth in a growing tit-for-tat. Democratic lawmakers tried twice to put the painting back on display after a GOP colleague took it down Friday amid outrage from law enforcement groups. But every time they did, it was taken down again. Most recently, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., took it down late Tuesday afternoon and brought it to the office of Democratic Rep. Lacy Clay, from whose Missouri district the picture came. Clay once again hung it up, saying he was "an expert at hanging artwork." Rohrabacher called the painting an insult to all police. Its unclear whether House leadership or some other office will step in to resolve the dispute. The painting was part of a student-art contest on display along a Capitol Hill corridor and remained largely unnoticed for about seven months, until officer groups began to complain. California Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter on Friday personally removed the painting, saying he was angered by its depiction of police. Clay and fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus hung the painting back up Tuesday morning, calling Hunters action blatant censorship. But then another Republican colleague, Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn, took the painting down Tuesday afternoon, bringing it back to Clays office and saying it doesnt belong in the Capitol. Clay rehung it again only for Rohrabacher to take it down. Again. It was wrong and it was inappropriate, Clay said Tuesday morning of efforts to take down the painting. Its not about defending an art contest. Its about defending the Constitution. Clay has said he wants Capitol Hill police to file theft charges against Hunter, who after removing the painting returned it to Clays congressional office. Clay said he has not heard from the police but does not intend to personally take legal action. Fox News has learned the Capitol Police are not expected to take up the probe. Clay insisted he is not anti-police and said he does not agree or disagree with the painting -- arguing his intent is to defend the First Amendment rights of the 18-year-old artist, David Pulphus. He argued the artists world view has been shaped by the animalistic behavior of police officers, particularly the recent, high-profile cases in which unarmed black males died in confrontations with police. Hunter said Tuesday before the painting was rehung: It doesnt belong in the U.S. Capitol. Its that simple. It violates the rules of the art competition. You cannot have offensive things in the competition and this does. He said the rules do not allow paintings with "sensationalistic" subjects or those that depict "contemporary political controversy." The acrylic painting depicts a police officer as a pig in uniform aiming a gun at African-American protesters. Above the scene, two birds -- one black, one white -- fight, and beside them, an African-American protester holding a scale of justice is crucified. Law enforcement groups had strongly objected to the paintings display on the Capitol complex grounds, with one group calling it reprehensible, repugnant and repulsive. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga. told Fox News he wants Congressional officials to replace the painting with a poster of all of the names of police officers who have been shot and killed. Earlier Tuesday, Hunter said on the Fox News Channels Fox & Friends: The Capitol Police arent going to arrest me for taking down a picture that portrays them as pigs. He plans to ask the Architect of the Capitol to have the painting removed. FoxNews.com's Joseph Weber and Judson Berger and Fox News Chad Pergram and Jason Donner contributed to this report. The director of the Office of Government Ethics fueled Democrats concerns about Donald Trumps Cabinet picks over the weekend by accusing Republicans of rushing their hearings. But one conservative group says Walter Shaub was just showing his partisan stripes and claims his office even covered for Hillary Clinton when Congress sought records on her speech income more than a year ago. America Rising PAC claims Shaubs office displayed utter incompetence when it came to documenting then-Secretary of State Hillary Clintons income -- which Shaub, in a House Oversight Committee hearing in December 2015, said the office did not have to disclose. Walter Shaub gave Hillary Clinton a complete free pass on her unethical activity, especially her lucrative paid speeches, Scott Sloofman, the PACs rapid response director, told FoxNews.com. His outburst over the weekend reeks of partisan politics from an embittered Democrat still reeling from Novembers election result. At the time of the Clinton questions, Republicans complained Clinton had not disclosed compensation for at least five speeches that was then sent to the Clinton Foundation between 2014 and 2015. They pressed the OGE for answers, but Shaub told the House oversight committee the funds were not required to be disclosed. The Washington Examiner first reported on the PACs concerns. The Office of Government Ethics had no comment on America Rising PACs claims, referring FoxNews.com to the original letter Shaub sent to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., raising concerns about the Trump nominees' hearings. For as long as I remain Director, OGEs staff and agency ethics officials will not succumb to pressure to cut corners and ignore conflicts of interest, Shaub wrote in the letter. Shaubs letter outlined concerns regarding the speed of the Senate confirmation hearings schedule, and that several nominees had not completed the ethics review process. Shaub wrote that the announcement of nominees prior to consulting OGE for an evaluation of ethics issues also complicated this normally intensive process. Schumer responded saying the OGE letter made crystal clear the transition teams collusion with Senate Republicans was unprecedented. The Senate and American people deserve to know that these cabinet nominees have a plan to avoid any conflicts of interest, that theyre working on behalf of the American people and not their own bottom line, and that they plan to fully comply with the law, Schumer said in a statement. Senate Republicans should heed the advice of this independent office and stop trying to jam through unvetted nominees. Some hearings have since been delayed, a development cheered by Schumer. Meanwhile, former White House ethics counsel officials are coming to Shaubs defense, calling the claims against him unfair. I worked with Walter when he was at OGE and I was at the Bush White House, Richard Painter, former White House Ethics Counsel under President George W. Bush, told FoxNews.com in an email. He bent over backwards to get things done he was a strong supporter of our ethics program. Painter told Foxnews.com that the attacks on the OGE are disturbing and that the motives seem quite transparent. Ambassador Norm Eisen, former White House Ethics Counsel under President Obama, told FoxNews.com this was an unfair attack. Director Shaub has served presidents of both parties with distinction sometimes we agreed and sometimes we disagreed, but he always tries to do the right thing I say to those smearing him, have they no shame? Eisen said. A Florida congresswoman has joined five former U.S. diplomats in publicly urging President-elect Donald Trump to rescind President Obamas recent directive that U.S. intelligence agencies share information with Cubas government. Opponents, meantime, are defending the October 2016 directive. The provisions on intelligence sharing were part of a 12-page directive Obama issued in October on trade and travel to Cuba. It instructs the U.S. director of national intelligence, the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to cooperate and share information with counterparts in Cuba on drug trafficking, immigration and counterterrorism. Last week, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., sent a letter to Trump asking him to rescind the intelligence-sharing directives. Ros-Lehtinen, who sits on the House Foreign Relations Committee, told FoxNews.com that such action was urgent. "Any intelligence sharing with the Castro regime should cease as soon as the new administration takes power, she said. Sharing information with an avowed enemy of U.S. harms our national security interests because the Cuban regime has an advanced espionage apparatus that sells our intelligence to our adversaries across the world. The Cuban dictatorship cannot be trusted with any kind of information, she said, and instead has developed strong ties with countries like Russia, China, North Korea and Iran who want to use Cuba as a launching pad for their spying capabilities against our nation. Ros-Lehtinens letter follows a Dec. 22 letter to Trump from five former U.S. diplomats Elliott Abrams, Otto Reich, James Cason, Everett Briggs and Jose Sorzano that said the Cuban regime, which the U.S. long had included on a list of countries that sponsor terrorism, cannot be trusted and intelligence should not be shared with Havana. Its an outrage that the U.S. is sharing intelligence information with a military dictatorship which is a one-party state, controlled by the Communist Party, where there is no freedom of the press, and no freedom, period, said one of the diplomats, Reich, who was former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere affairs, and U.S. ambassador to Venezuela from 1986 to 1989. Its one thing to cooperate with the government of Josef Stalin in World War II when we had to defeat Adolf Hitler, Reich said. But we dont gain anything from sharing the government of Raul Castro. Reich said it is unfathomable of the Obama administration to overlook concerns about Cuba and its trustworthiness in light of spies that it has planted in the United States over the years and who were expelled by the U.S. government while it vigorously calls attention to alleged efforts by Russia and its president Vladimir Putin to undermine the electoral system here and engage in practices that could compromise U.S. national security. Reich said it was poor judgment for the administration to allow Cuban national security officials to visit sensitive U.S. government sites last year such as the Pentagons counter-drug center in Key West as well as a Navy base there. Cuba had once deemed those sites surveillance targets, according to The Miami Herald. The Cuba policy by this administration, Reich said, is a clear example of why the Obama administration does not have a single foreign policy success after eight years. Meanwhile, supporters of Obamas directive say it is a practical step that merely extends an existing policy on ways to fight terrorism and drug trafficking. William M. LeoGrande, a professor of government at American University and co-author of Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana, told FoxNews.com that U.S.-Cuba intelligence sharing is not new and has existed for decades in areas such as immigration and fighting drug trafficking. For many years, it was a relatively low level of cooperation, on a case-by-case basis, LeoGrande said. If the U.S. Coast Guard spotted a trafficker with a plane or boat, going into Cuban airspace or waters, theyd contact the Cuban Coast Guard and cooperate with them in interdicting, and vice versa. Critics of expanded cooperation between the two countries, LeoGrande said, have a broader agenda of dismantling the renewed diplomatic ties. Theyre overblowing it because theyre opposed to every aspect of normalizing relations, he said. Theres really no downside to this [sharing]. One has to trust the intelligence community to decide what things are too sensitive to share, and what things are not. Attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions and his allies, at the first confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trumps Cabinet picks, mounted a full-scale response Tuesday to what they described as character attacks against him decrying false charges about his past while offering assurances that if confirmed he would uphold and enforce the law. On one of the most sensitive topics he could face if confirmed as attorney general, Sessions also publicly committed to recuse himself from any issues involving Hillary Clinton that were raised during the 2016 campaign. We can never have a political dispute turn into a criminal dispute, the Alabama Republican senator said. Sessions, under questioning from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, was trying to ease concerns about Trumps suggestion during the campaign he might continue investigating his then-Democratic opponent, amid lingering questions over her email use and family foundation. Sessions, who campaigned for Trump, said the issue could place his objectivity in question as he vowed to recuse himself from any matters involving those controversies. The hearing itself lasted all day and was interrupted repeatedly by protesters shouting epithets at the nominee, whom opponents have tried to paint as anti-immigrant. Democrats also used the session to probe the nominee on his views on everything from abortion to marijuana policy - and challenge him on the president-elects controversial comments and views. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., at one point asked Sessions about leaked 2005 footage in which Trump was heard making lewd comments about grabbing women. "Is grabbing a woman by her genitals without her consent sexual assault?" Leahy asked. Clearly it is, Sessions answered. Known for his staunch conservative stances on immigration and other issues, Sessions at times took a conciliatory tone. He pledged that even on laws he opposed, he would do his dead-level best to fairly enforce them. He indicated he accepts the legality of same-sex marriage, and also distanced himself from Trumps campaign call to temporarily suspend Muslim immigration, saying he does not think Muslims as a religious group should be denied entry to the U.S. But Sessions also fought back hard against what he described as a caricature of him -- first painted during his 1986 nomination for a federal judgeship that was derailed by accusations he had made racially insensitive comments as a prosecutor. Sessions decried the false charges including suggestions he once sympathized with the KKK. He and his allies cited his past prosecution of Klansmen in countering the narrative, while Sessions denied another charge that he once called the NAACP un-American. I deeply understand the history of civil rights and the horrendous impact that relentless and systemic discrimination and the denial of voting rights has had on our African-American brothers and sisters, Sessions said, insisting he did not harbor racial animosities. Sessions delivered testimony otherwise heavy on law-and-order themes, vowing to boost prosecutions and confront the crime epidemic. Citing crime spikes in major cities like Chicago as well as the growing heroin epidemic, he said: These trends cannot continue. It is a fundamental civil right to be safe in your home and your community. He vowed if confirmed to systematically prosecute criminals who use guns in committing crimes and go after cartels. It will be my priority to confront these crises vigorously, effectively, and immediately, he said. One of the two senators introducing him at Tuesday's hearing was moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who vouched for her colleagues character and swatted back the character attacks against him. Citing his prosecution of Klansmen and other incidents, she said, These are not the actions of an individual who is motivated by racial animus. Grassley also praised Sessions record. We know him well, said Grassley, R-Iowa. The members of this committee know him to be a leader who has served the people of Alabama and all Americans with integrity, with dedication and with courage. Protesters repeatedly tried to disrupt Tuesday's proceedings. As Sessions entered the hearing room, demonstrators in KKK costumes started shouting, and others held up signs that read, Stand Against Xenophobia. Others staged a prolonged disruption after Sessions voiced support for keeping the Guantanamo Bay detention camp open. The hearing kicks off what is likely to be a contentious confirmation process for Trumps Cabinet nominees. John Kelly, a retired Marine general, had his hearing Tuesday afternoon before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, while secretary of state pick Rex Tillerson heads to the Hill on Wednesday. Other key hearings have been delayed amid concerns from Democrats. Democrats are expected to use the two days of hearings to challenge Sessions' commitment to civil rights, a chief priority of the Justice Department during the Obama administration, and other issues. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the committees top Democrat, offered words of caution in her opening remarks. She critiqued what she called Sessions extremely conservative agenda, citing his votes against the so-called DREAM Act and other policies Democrats backed. But Republicans have expressed strong support and are expected to secure more than enough votes needed to confirm him, including from some Democrats in conservative-leaning states. The Alabama lawmaker is known as one of the most staunchly conservative members of the Senate, and has already drawn opposition from at least two Democrats, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. In a dramatic turn, Booker -- one of three black senators -- said he will testify against Sessions on Wednesday, marking an apparently unprecedented move by a senator to testify against a colleague seeking a Cabinet post. In a statement, Booker accused Sessions of having a "concerning" record on civil rights and criminal justice reform and called his decision "a call to conscience." Booker has only been in the U.S. Senate since 2013, having previously served as Newark mayor. If confirmed, Sessions, a four-term senator, would succeed outgoing Attorney General Loretta Lynch and would be in a position to dramatically reshape Justice Department priorities in the areas of civil rights, environmental enforcement and criminal justice. Sessions was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and before that served as state attorney general and a United States attorney. He's been a reliably conservative voice in Congress, supporting government surveillance programs, objecting to the proposed closure of the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention facility and opposing as too lenient a 2013 bipartisan immigration bill that included a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. Civil rights advocates have rallied against his nomination, with protesters staging a sit-in last week at a Sessions office in Alabama and circulating letters opposed to his nomination. Advocacy groups have drawn attention to positions from Sessions they fear could weaken legal protections for immigrants, minority voters and gays, lesbians and transgender people. Sessions' supporters have pointed to bipartisan work in the Senate and to supportive statements from some Democrats and even the son of a civil rights activist whom Sessions unsuccessfully prosecuted for voter fraud in Alabama. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Forty-two Chinese airlines issued new standards of compensation on Jan. 9, detailing the compensation policy for flight delays, according to a public notice issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Official implementation the new flight management regulations began one week earlier. Air China, a flagship Chinese carrier, now promises to provide financial compensation to passengers for flight delays caused by maintenance and flight dispatch. Each passenger will receive 200 RMB ($28.86) for delays between four and eight hours. The number goes up to 400 if the delay exceeds eight hours. China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines offer similar compensation packages. However, China Eastern further states that compensation may be offered if flights are delayed or cancelled due to "commercial" reasons. Compared with the standards of Air China, China Southern and China Eastern, the standards implemented by smaller companies are slightly less generous. For instance, OK Airways, China's first private airline, will provide only 300 RMB to passengers whose flights are delayed over eight hours. However, the company promises to pay for passengers' meals and accommodations should a delay occur that is caused by the company. Meanwhile, some airlines refuse to provide compensation for passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled for any reason. China West Air, Urumqi Air and Spring Airlines all say that they will not provide any compensation to passengers. According to the new regulations, all airlines must do their best to reduce avoidable flight delays. The carriers should also inform passengers in a timely fashion if a delay does occur. Republicans will work on unraveling and replacing the health care law at the same time, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Tuesday as GOP leaders struggled to align their zeal to rapidly erase one of President Barack Obama's proudest achievements with Congress' legislative and political pitfalls. Ryan, R-Wis., spoke to reporters amid growing concern among Republican lawmakers about erasing Obama's overhaul --which expanded coverage to 20 million people -- without having an alternative to show voters. Republicans have been divided for years over how to replace the statute, and the process of crafting replacement legislation they can unify behind is likely to take months or longer. "It is our goal to bring it all together concurrently," Ryan said. "We will pass as much as we can" initially, Ryan said. He said Republicans would then produce a second bill to "show you the full scope of what a real replacement effort looks like." President-elect Donald Trump has said he supports erasing Obama's law and replacing it simultaneously. Congressional leaders had said in recent weeks that they would quickly repeal the statute and with a delayed effective date, and then work on replacing it. According to Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., Ryan told Republicans Tuesday that "he had a conversation yesterday with Donald Trump, and they're on the same page." GOP leaders have made dismantling Obama's treasured health care overhaul their premier 2017 priority. But at least six GOP senators and some House members have expressed qualms about repeal without having a substitute. The Senate and House are expected to approve a GOP-written budget this week that will serve a crucial procedural purpose -- blocking Democrats from using a Senate filibuster to derail a future bill dismantling the health care statute. That's important because filibusters take 60 votes to halt in a chamber that Republicans control by only a 52-48 margin. Republicans plan to then write legislation erasing much of the health care law and adding some new elements they prefer, perhaps including expanded use of health savings accounts. But Senate rules limit the provisions that can be put into a bill that's protected against a filibuster. That means Republicans would need a second, subsequent bill to fully rewrite the health care law, and that measure would need at least eight Democratic votes to pass the Senate. Even if Congress passed repeal rapidly, Republicans say they would phase it in, perhaps over two or three years. Republicans don't want to be vulnerable to Democrats already accusing them of preparing to tear down the statute without knowing how or if they'll replace it. "Turn back before it's too late," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor just short of midnight as Democrats, before leaving for the night, lambasted Republicans with five-and-a-half hours of speeches. "It will damage your party," Schumer said, "and it will hurt millions of Americans, far more importantly." Highlighting GOP indecision, Steve Bannon, who will be White House senior adviser after Trump is sworn in Jan. 20, said, "We're still thinking that through" when asked by reporters after a Monday meeting in the Capitol if repeal and replace should happen together. The Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010, has required people to obtain coverage. It also created subsidies to help lower-earning people buy policies and expanded Medicaid, but the overhaul has been troubled by rising costs for many consumers and markets that some insurers abandoned. The burgeoning Republican divisions come as the GOP-led Senate pushed toward a final vote this week on a budget that would prevent Democrats from using a filibuster to block a later repealing Obama's overhaul. Republicans voicing a desire to work on repeal and replacement together include Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker of Tennessee, Susan Collins of Maine, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Tom Cotton of Arkansas. The budget gives congressional committees until Jan. 27 to produce legislation annulling much of the health care law, although consequences for missing that deadline are minor. Corker, Collins and three other GOP senators introduced a budget amendment delaying that target date until March 3. Corker said that would provide "additional time to get the policy right." On CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said replacement legislation would follow repeal "rapidly" but did not define the timetable. Besides health care, senators are focused this week on confirmation hearings for Trump's Cabinet picks. In Tuesday's initial hearings, committees were examining Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., Trump's selection for attorney general, and retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, his choice for homeland security secretary. Seven others were set for hearings this week. Also Tuesday, a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing was set to explore spy agencies' conclusion that Russia meddled in the U.S. election by hacking and distributing Democratic party emails to help Trump win the White House. Donald Trump claimed some measure of political revenge against Ohio Gov. John Kasich for shunning his presidential campaign, after helping oust a key Kasich loyalist from atop the state Republican party. Trump threw his support behind Jane Timken, who on Friday narrowly defeated Ohio GOP Chairman Matt Borges. The president-elect even got personally involved, calling members of the 66-person Central Committee to lobby on Timken's behalf. "At first I thought it was a fake phone call," Cincinnati-area committee member Greg Simpson told Cleveland.com. "Then all of the sudden, he's talking to me." Simpson said Trump touted Timken, a party activist and donor, without bashing Borges, who last year offered only lukewarm support for Trumps campaign. Borges appeared largely caught in the political crossfire, considering Kasich, a failed 2016 GOP presidential candidate, refused to endorse Trump after he won the party primary, despite signing a pledge to support the eventual nominee. Kasich then refused to officially attend the Republican convention this past summer in Cleveland, despite being governor of the host state. By the numbers, Borges logged a strong track record since becoming chairman in 2013. He led Ohio Republicans in going undefeated in statewide races in 2014 and 2016, helped thwart Democrats attempt this year to unseat incumbent GOP Sen. Rob Portman, delivered votes in battleground Ohio for Trump and brought a major party convention to the state for the first time in 80 years. This run as chairman of the party has been really the most exceptional experience, professional, of my entire life, said Borges, who also suggested that he was pleased the outcome of the chairmanship vote could bring Kasich and Trump closer. Still, Borges was at least partially responsible for drawing Trump's ire. He said last summer on Twitter that then-Trump Campaign Manager Paul Manafort still has a lot to learn about Ohio politics and that Manafort doesn't know what he's talking about. The campaign later suggested Borges was hopping on the Trump bandwagon late in the race to further his career, with an eye on becoming the next Republican National Committee chairman. "It's no great secret that Chairman Borges was never fully on board, but his actions over the past week demonstrate that his loyalties to Governor John Kasich's failed presidential campaign eclipse his responsibility as chairman of the Ohio Republican Party," Trumps Ohio campaign manager, Rob Paduchik, said in an October letter to the state central committee. Paduchik, who is Trumps pick for RNC co-chairman, also reportedly appealed to committee members to vote for Timken, which has resulted in a complaint that such meddling is in violation of RNC rules. President-elect Donald Trumps nominees to lead the departments of Justice and Homeland Security will appear before Senate commitees Tuesday to kick off what is likely to be a contentious confirmation process. Late Monday, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., announced that he would testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee against the nomination of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions to be attorney general. Booker will be joined by Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., and Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La. the head of the Congressional Black Caucus as part of an effort by Democrats to portray Sessions as out of the mainstream on civil rights legislation. Booker is believed to be the first sitting Senator to testify in a confirmation hearing against another sitting senator nominated for a Cabinet position. "I do not take lightly the decision to testify against a Senate colleague," Booker said in a statement. "But the immense powers of the Attorney General combined with the deeply troubling views of this nominee is a call to conscience. "The Attorney General is responsible for ensuring the fair administration of justice, and based on his record, I lack confidence that Senator Sessions can honor this duty," the senator added. Democrats don't have the power to block the nomination of either Sessions or retired Marine Gen. John Kelly to head DHS, since Republicans control the Senate and only need a simple majority to confirm both men. However, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are expected to try and paint Sessions as being out of the mainstream on issues critical to the party's core voters Hispanics, African Americans and women ahead of the 2018 election cycle. Sessions has been a leading advocate not only for cracking down on illegal immigration, but also for slowing all legal immigration, increasing mass deportations and giving more scrutiny to those entering the United States. He vehemently opposed the bipartisan immigration bill that the Senate passed in 2013 that included a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who worked with Republicans to craft the immigration legislation, indicated last week that he would have a hard time supporting Sessions, saying "he has been more anti-immigration than just about any other single member of Congress." In 1986, Sessions was nominated to the federal bench by then-President Ronald Reagan, but was rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee over allegations that he had called a black attorney "boy" which he denied and described the NAACP and ACLU as "un-American." Last week, the NAACP staged a sit-in at one of Sessions' Alabama offices, and its legal defense fund said it was "inconceivable that he should be entrusted with the oversight of our civil rights laws." Hank Sanders, a Democratic state senator in Alabama, points to cases Sessions pursued as a prosecutor against civil rights activists in the 1980s. "They called them voter fraud cases," said Sanders, who won acquittals for the defendants. "I called them voter persecution cases." However, Albert Turner Jr., the son of two of those defendants recently said he believed Sessions "is not a racist" and "was simply doing his job" when he prosecuted the cases. Supporters describe Sessions as a man of integrity who fought for desegregation during his career as a local GOP leader, prosecutor and elected official. As U.S. attorney, Sessions' office investigated and helped secure convictions in the 1981 Ku Klux Klan lynching of Michael Donald, a black teenager found hanging from a tree. Greg Griffin, a black Alabama judge who worked as a state attorney when Sessions was Alabama attorney general, told the Associated Press over the weekend that Sessions "always treated me with respect" and called him "one of the best bosses I ever had." While in the Senate, Sessions voted to confirm Obama's first attorney general, Eric Holder, the first black man to lead the Justice Department. He also worked with Democratic colleagues on efforts to combat prison rape and to reduce federal sentencing disparities between crack cocaine and powder cocaine offenses, saying the gap unfairly targeted the "African-American community simply because that is where crack is most often used." Kelly, who is expected to be easily confirmed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the full Senate, would be the first non-civilian to head DHS since the department was created in 2002. He is expected to be questioned closely about his views on border security. Trump famously vowed to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico when he announced his run for president, and stuck to that vow throughout the campaign. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Chilean navy has admitted it cant explain a video filmed by its pilots showing a UFO in the countrys airspace. A military helicopter captured the incredible footage in November 2014 during a routine coastal patrol. The craft spotted in broad daylight was filmed using the choppers infra-red camera. It can be seen hovering in the clouds before appearing to give off some sort of gas as it moves along. HUGE MYSTERIOUS UFO DISC-SHAPED OBJECT CAPTURED CROSSING MOON'S SURFACE WAS ALIEN SPACESHIP, SAY ET HUNTERS The pilots tracked the craft from around 40 miles away and tried several times to communicate with it. After receiving no response, they reported it to a pair of nearby radar stations. But shockingly, neither of them were able to see it on their screens despite being able to detect the navy choppers. Read the full story at The Sun. The family of the 6-year-old girl who accidentally ordered a high-end dollhouse and cookies via Amazon's Alexa have inspired a charitable donation from dollhouse manufacturer KidKraft. Charmed by the story of the Alexa accident, KidKraft is donating two toy kitchens and a dollhouse to a hospital, a shelter for women and children and a school chosen by the Neitzel family. Megan Neitzel, the mother of the girl who placed the accidental order, first told Foxnews.com her story last week. After receiving an Amazon Echo Dot as a holiday gift, Neitzel said her daughter Brooke accidentally ordered a dollhouse and cookies using the devices Alexa voice assistant. The Neitzel family decided that rather than return the items, they would enjooy the cookies and opted to donate the dollhouse to the Medical City Childrens Hospital, which is near their Dallas home. 6-YEAR-OLD ACCIDENTALLY ORDERS HIGH-END TREATS WITH AMAZON'S ALEXA But, the story didnt end there. KidKraft, the manufacturer of the dollhouse, reached out to the family and offered them a chance to tour its factory in Dallas. Neitzel said the family hopes to tour the factory on Thursday. KidKraft also offered up two kitchens and a dollhouse to charities of the familys choosing. Neitzel told Foxnews.com that they asked the company to donate the items to the Scottish Rite Hospital of Texas, to a shelter for women and children, and to an underprivileged school that their local school partners with. [These are] charities that have a special meaning to us, said Neitzel. "Everyone at KidKraft got a kick out of Brooke's story, and we love the positive message that has come of it," said KidKraft, in a statement emailed to FoxNews.com. "We have invited the Neitzels to tour the KidKraft toy design studio, and will be asking Brooke to help us select additional products for donation." TV NEWS REPORT PROMPTS VIEWERS' AMAZON ECHO DEVICES TO ORDER UNWANTED DOLLHOUSES It appears that Alexa has a newfound penchant for ordering dollhouses, courtesy of the Neitzels. When a story on their Alexa mishap aired on CW6 in San Diego last week, some viewers reported that the report set off their Echo devices, which attempted to order dollhouses via Alexa as well. Last week, an Amazon spokeswoman old Foxnews.com that voice orders must be confirmed with a yes response before they are purchased. Alexa comes with features that allow for voice ordering to be turned off as well as parental controls, such as requiring a confirmation code before ordering. Unwanted orders can also be returned for free, according to Amazon. Former New York Sen. Al DAmato was escorted off a JetBlue flight Monday night after trying to lead passengers in a rebellion against seating changes that followed a lengthy delay, an eyewitness told The Post. JetBlue flight 1002 from Ft. Lauderdale to JFK was scheduled to depart at 1:40 pm Monday, but didnt take off until 8 pm. Al DAmato was just kicked off my flight, the eyewitness, a fellow passenger, texted to a Post reporter mid-flight. EMIRATES FLIGHT CANCELLED AFTER SNAKE FOUND ON PLANE DAmato and other passengers who were already super cranky about the six-and-a-half hour delay were even more upset when the flight crew asked people who paid extra for legroom to switch seats because of weight and balance issues, the passenger said. Thats when he [DAmato] took to the aisles. @AlDAmatoNY Former State Senator of New York was kicked off JetBlue flight just for speaking out... #FreedomOfSpeech #FirstAmendment pic.twitter.com/d5AwutQDav Layla D (@laylafd31) January 10, 2017 The former senator from Long Island was downing wine at the airport bar before boarding, added the passenger. DAmato, who was sitting toward the back of the plane in a seat with sparse legroom began chanting make them move, which a smattering of fellow passengers took up, and marched up and down the aisle. The outburst prompted the crew to ask DAmato to leave. Theyre throwing me off the plane because I complained about what they were doing, he can be seen saying on one of the videos posted to social media. When he didnt leave, the Broward County Sheriffs Office was called in. FOR THE LATEST TRAVEL FEATURES FOLLOW FOX LIFESTYLE ON FACEBOOK We can still speak in this country, DAmato said during the stand off. Im making an appeal to all you people you want to know what? Stand up for whats right and walk out with me. Thats the only thing theyll know. As sheriffs deputies escorted him from the plane, another fed-up passenger followed suit. A spokeswoman from the sheriffs office denied any incident took place Monday night, but on Tuesday another rep conceded there had been one. The story originally appeared on NYPost.com. As airlines compete to offer the worlds longest nonstop flights, travelers might understandably wonder what might happen if theyor fellow passengersexperience a medical emergency during a globe-girdling trip. The question has come into sharp focus after actress Carrie Fisher suffered a heart attack at the end of an 11-hour United Airlines flight from London to Los Angeles. As the plane descended into LAX, the crew was alerted to the situation, and several passengers, including at least one medical professional, reportedly came to Fishers aid and administered CPR. Emergency personnel met the plane when it landed, but Fisher was said to be unresponsive. She passed away on Dec. 27. But what if there arent any doctors or other medical professionals aboard a flight? Airlines say theyre prepared, whatever the circumstances. In December, United noted that, like all other U.S. carriers, its entire crew have advanced first-aid training and can handle most medical emergencies. Also, airlines are required to carry defibrillatorsa rule mandated by the F.A.A. back in 2001as well as a host of other medical equipment, such as supplementary oxygen. Some airlines are going beyond these requirements, however, making sure they know in advance whether there is a doctor aboard any given flight. A notable example is Lufthansa, which a few years ago started its Doctors on board program that encourages physicians to put their name on a list of those willing to be called on should there be an inflight emergency. The idea is that, using the membership rolls, flight attendants will automatically know when a member doctor is on the plane and where he or she is seated, freeing the crew from the need to make a dreaded is there a doctor onboard? announcement. The plan has since been expanded to cover flights on partner airlines Austrian and Swiss. More than 10,000 doctors have signed on, mostly located in Europe and North Americaculled from an initial outreach to some 15,000 doctors known to Lufthansa. Those who sign up can receive perks for their service, including bonus miles, but are not paid. And with air travel on the rise, there's definitely a need for medical expertise in the air: Lufthansa alone handles roughly 3,000 inflight medical emergencies each year, ranging from minor stomach upsets to life-threatening situations like heart attacks. Around 50 situations annually are so serious that they require diverting the flight to the nearest airport. Inevitably, a few babies are born mid-flight in an average year. Mark Gendreau, MD, an emergency physician at the Lahey Clinic, in Burlington, Massachusetts, and an expert on the medical aspects of air travel, is among those whove signed up. He noted that airlines in general are often flummoxed by how to handle or thank doctors who step up to the plate during an inflight emergency. Part of that may be due to Good Samaritan laws that indemnify doctors who come to the aid of a passengera protection that only extends to them if they are clearly functioning as volunteers who are not compensated. Lufthansa states clearly on its site that it takes responsibility for the doctors exposure to any liability, and in the U.S., the law specifically protects medical personnel in such situations. Getting Sick On Flights May Soon Be a Thing of The Past. (Xinhua) 12:53, January 10, 2017 U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday named his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as senior advisor to the president. "Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration," Trump said in a statement. Kushner said, "I am energized by the shared passion of the president-elect and the American people and I am humbled by the opportunity to join this very talented team." Kushner, who is about to turn 36, is married to Ivanka Trump. He has played a considerable role during Donald Trump's election campaign and the assembling of his administration team. Kushner is said to be close to Stephen Bannon, Trump's top strategist and senior counselor, as the two men had similar political views. The appointment may run counter to an anti-nepotism law banning officials from appointing their relatives to public offices. Former President Bill Clinton once tasked his wife Hillary Clinton to head up health reform efforts, which suggested that the law may not cover the White House staffing. Kushner will need to divest his assets to avoid a conflict of interest, and may need to forego salary for his new position. According to media reports on Monday, Ivanka, who has also played a role in the transition period, is not expected to take up any position in the incoming administration. A woman charged with killing and dismembering her adoptive daughter as part of a rape-murder fantasy she and her boyfriend shared had previously worked as an adoption supervisor for a children's welfare agency, authorities said Monday. Sara Packer worked as a supervisor for the Northampton County Children, Youth and Families Division for adoptions from 2003 to 2010, when she was suspended, the county said. Packer was arraigned Sunday on charges including criminal homicide, rape and abuse of a corpse. Her boyfriend, Jacob Sullivan, was arraigned on similar charges. Packer and Sullivan didn't enter pleas and were denied bail, and no attorney information was available for them. But Sullivan apologized as he was led into court, the Intelligencer newspaper reported. "I'm sorry for what I did," Sullivan said. "It was wrong." Officials say 14-year-old Grace Packer was beaten, was raped as her mother watched, was poisoned and hours later was strangled in a stifling attic in July. Investigators say the couple packed Grace's body with cat litter to mask decomposition smells and stored it in the attic. Officials allege the couple dismembered the body in October after being scared by a police visit. The girl's torso was found by hunters in a Luzerne County park on Oct. 31, and K-9 teams found her legs and arms nearby, a criminal complaint said. Bucks County prosecutors said the days and hours leading up to Grace's killing "were probably the most horrible and traumatic that any person should ever have had to experience." Sara Packer had previously been charged with child endangerment and obstruction. Police say she provided misleading information to investigators when reporting that Grace was missing from their Abington home in July. Authorities say after numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact Packer through August, on Sept. 7 investigators learned Grace and her younger brother had been withdrawn from Abington School District. The investigation later revealed Packer had moved about 35 miles north to Quakertown without telling police and her 12-year-old adopted son, Grace's biological brother, had been enrolled in Quakertown School District. Authorities said Packer kept cashing her daughter's monthly $700 Social Security checks and updated disability forms in August without mentioning the girl's disappearance. It's unclear what the girl's disability was. Sullivan and Packer made a suicide pact and tried to overdose on prescription pills on Dec. 30, a criminal complaint said. They were hospitalized after being found by a woman who lived with them. Prosecutors said Sullivan began confessing to the killing overnight Friday into Saturday to workers at the hospital where he was being treated. Northampton County Controller Stephen Barron Jr. told Allentown's The Morning Call newspaper on Monday that Sara Packer's employment status with the county was listed as "suspended" in 2010. But Barron said he had no details on why she had been suspended. According to court records, Packer's ex-husband, David Packer, was charged by Allentown police in two child sex abuse cases, in November 2010 and in January 2011. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months to five years in prison. Records show the couple divorced last June. David Packer's lawyer from his 2010 case said he couldn't comment on Monday. A man who answered the phone at Sara Packer's father's home declined to comment and hung up. An armed suspect accused of taking as many as eight hostages at a credit union on the campus of the University of Alabama was under arrest Tuesday, police announced, as a standoff that gripped Tuscaloosa for hours came to an end. SUSPECTED COP-KILLER ON THE LOOSE WANTED TO BE ON 'AMERICA'S MOST WANTED' SWAT team officers were able to storm the Alabama Credit Union and "take him down," Police Chief Steve Anderson told reporters. The unnamed suspect apparently wanted to rob the place, Anderson added. It all started when a worker noticed somebody "irregular" inside the building and called the cops, Univ. of Alabama Asst. Police Chief Aaron Fowler said. It happened around 8:30 a.m., while the credit union was still closed. NJ'S BLUE LINE TRIBUTE TO COPS VIOLATES ROAD SAFETY, OFFICIALS WARN The credit union's president, Steve Swofford, told Fox 6 his employees were safe. The university had sent out a campus-wide alert warning people to stay away. The credit union was in a busy area of the city, with several restaurants and doctors' offices also in surrounding blocks. #BREAKING: New pictures coming in from the scene of hostage situation at Alabama Credit Union in Tuscaloosa. pic.twitter.com/tw4a20QxpF WBRC FOX6 News (@WBRCnews) January 10, 2017 Video and photos from the area showed police in military-style vehicles and tactical gear with guns drawn, and a police helicopter overhead. Officers were working quickly to evacuate nearby businesses. "My thoughts & prayers are with these officers, the hostages, and their families," Mayor Walt Maddox tweeted. The campus had been largely quiet on Tuesday. Classes were set to get back underway on Wednesday after the winter break. Click for more from Fox 6. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Bomb threats targeted Jewish community centers in at least six states Monday, and some were made with prerecorded telephone calls, according to an official with the Jewish Federations of North America. It's not clear why up to 20 Jewish community centers across the South and Northeast were targeted, said Richard Sandler, chair of the JFNA board of trustees. "Some of the threats were robo-calls," said Sandler, adding that the number of threats was unusually high. No additional details about the calls were immediately available. Some community centers were evacuated but no explosives were found, Sandler said. Bomb threats also targeted Jewish community centers and schools in central Florida and Tampa last week, but Sandler said there was no apparent link between those threats and the calls received Monday. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokeswoman Amanda Hils said in an email that the agency was aware of the threats and its field divisions were ready to assist state and local law enforcement. Most of the centers have resumed normal operations, said David Posner, director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America. The Maitland Jewish Community Campus was evacuated Monday for the second time in a week because of a bomb threat. The complex includes a school, community center, a Holocaust museum and the offices of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. Bomb threats also were received at the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Community Alliance of Jacksonville. A Miami-Dade Police bomb squad was dispatched to the Alper Jewish Community Center, where staff evacuated hundreds of children "as an abundance of caution," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta. In Nashville, Tennessee, 225 people were evacuated from the Gordon Jewish Community Center and an adjacent school after a security guard received a bomb threat over the phone. Buildings were evacuated and authorities investigated similar threats in Atlanta; Tenafly, New Jersey; Columbia, South Carolina; and Wilmington, Delaware. In Maryland, threats also were called into Jewish community centers in Baltimore and Rockville. Officials in Ohio were investigating two men after a social media prank that involved zombie decorations and a frozen pond caused a stir. Fox 6 Now reported Monday that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was investigating the incident after one man posted pictures of fake disfigured heads and limbs on Facebook. The man said he had stumbled upon real bodies on a frozen pond in Clermont County. However, the Sycamore Township men were using zombie decorations for the hoax. The station reported they used the props from their zombie nativity scene, which went viral late last year. We had a little zombie figure and threw him in the pond and we thought we needed to take a picture of it and post it on my buddy (Dustin Smiths) Facebook page, Jasen Dixon told Fox 6 Now. He pretended he was camping at East Fork and ran across a body frozen in the ice. We messed with people and everyone was falling for it. Someone who saw the photos called the police and authorities contacted Smith, who initially hung up on police thinking it was someone pulling a prank on him. Officer Matt Kruse from the Natural Resources Department told the station that the case was under investigation, but wouldnt elaborate on the possibility of charges for Smith and Dixon. East Fork Lake had been the site of some search missions by police. A 16-year-old boys body was recovered from the lake in July. Click for more from Fox 6 Now. The mother of the suspected Florida airport shooter Esteban Santiago is asking U.S. authorities to spare his sons life, taking into account that he served his country. Elizabeth Santiago, 56, broke her silence with the DailyMail.com. Dont execute my son, she pleaded. She alluded to the shooters mental health condition, which she has said became evident after his return from a mission in Iraq in 2010. 'He has mental health problems and he should receive the proper treatment, the woman said, speaking from her home in Penuelas, Puerto Rico. The death penalty isn't the right solution to his problems. He is a U.S. citizen who has protected his country and he should receive a fair trial, she told the British outlet. Santiago, the 26-year-old man held in the deadly shootings last week at Fort Lauderdale's airport, reportedly has a history of mental difficulties. However, there has been no public explanation of a motive for the crime, and terrorism has not been ruled out. It is unclear if Santiago had been formally diagnosed with any mental condition or was undergoing treatment. A few reported details suggest Santiago was troubled. People close to him have said he had been deeply shaken by seeing a bomb explode next to two friends while serving in Iraq in 2010. They said he seemed different when he returned from service. Santiago's brother Bryan said Esteban told him last August that he was hearing voices and felt he was being chased. In November, he walked into an FBI field office in Alaska and said the federal government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State videos, authorities said. With reporting by The Associated Press. A judge has barred an insanity defense for a man charged with fatally ambushing a Pennsylvania state trooper and wounding a second trooper near a barracks. Pike County Judge Gregory Chelak granted a prosecutor's request to bar Eric Frein (freen) from presenting evidence of insanity or "mental infirmity" at his upcoming trial. Frein's lawyers had already indicated they were unlikely to pursue an insanity defense. Jury selection is slated for March in Chester County, outside Philadelphia. The panel will be bused to Pike County. Frein is charged with killing Cpl. Bryon Dickson II and wounding another trooper outside the Blooming Grove barracks in September 2014. He has pleaded not guilty. He led police on a tense 48-day manhunt before U.S. marshals caught him about 30 miles from the shooting scene. A judge has ordered that the juvenile records of black teen slain by a white Chicago police officer be released to the officer's attorneys. Jason Van Dyke is charged in the October 2014 death of Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times. The Cook County judge on Tuesday ordered the release of McDonald's juvenile records to Van Dyke's attorneys, except for records about his birth mother and sister. A juvenile court judge previously denied requests for those records. Judge Vincent Gaughan said he would review the material and rule later on whether it is relevant in Van Dyke's murder trial. The files are confidential, but interested parties can have access with a judge's consent. Van Dyke's attorneys argue he qualifies as an interested party. ___ Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 The Latest on the Senate confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump's selection for attorney general (all times EST): 11:45 a.m. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions says he does not support a ban on Muslims entering the United States. Trump proposed a temporary ban on Muslim immigrants during the Republican primary campaign, drawing sharp criticism from both parties. During the general election, he shifted his rhetoric to focus on temporarily halting immigration from an unspecified list of countries with ties to terrorism. Trump did not disavow the Muslim ban, which is still prominently displayed on his campaign website. Sessions, Trump's pick for attorney general, reiterated Trump's position of stronger vetting of potential terrorists at his confirmation hearing Tuesday, but he denounced a Muslim ban. Sessions said, "I do not support the idea that Muslims should be denied entry to the United States." __ 11 a.m. Sen. Jeff Sessions is strongly denying allegations of racial animosity that derailed his federal judicial nomination 30 years ago. He calls the accusations "false" and part of an unfair caricature. In 1986, he was accused of having called a black attorney "boy" and having made derogatory references to the NAACP and ACLU. Sessions says he hopes that this week's hearing on his attorney general nomination will show "that I conducted myself honorably and properly at the time." He says he's the same person he was, but perhaps a little wiser. __ 10:55 a.m. Sen. Jeff Sessions said that if he is confirmed as attorney general, he would recuse himself from investigations of Hillary Clinton's email server after making comments during the presidential election about the matter. Sessions was asked by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley how he would handle the Clinton probe. The Alabama senator said because of some of the comments he made, "the proper thing to do would be to recuse myself." ___ 10:15 a.m. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, says she wants to evaluate whether President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general can enforce laws that he voted against. In her opening statement at the confirmation hearing for Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., Feinstein said "there is so much fear in this country," particularly among African Americans. She noted Sessions has in the past voted against hate-crimes legislation. She said the role of attorney general is "an awesome responsibility" and said his job will be to enforce the laws, rather than to advocate his beliefs. She noted that Trump said during the campaign that he would direct the attorney general to investigate his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. "That's not what an attorney general does," Feinstein said. ___ 10:05 a.m. Opening two days of hearings on President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley says fellow Sen. Jeff Sessions "is a man of honor and integrity, dedicated to the faithful and fair enforcement of the law." Sessions is a member of the Judiciary panel. Democrats on the committee have expressed concerns about whether the Alabama Republican can be non-political in his role as the nation's top law enforcement officer. Grassley says Sessions is a man "who knows well and deeply respects" the role of the Department of Justice. He noted that Sessions questioned previous attorney general nominees on whether they could be independent. Like Sessions has previously, Grassley criticized the Obama administration for not enforcing some criminal and immigration laws. ___ 9:35 a.m. Two men wearing Ku Klux Klan costumes were removed from the confirmation hearing for Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, after they caused a disruption. As security took them out of the room, they yelled, "you can't arrest me, I am white!" and "white people own this government!" Civil liberties advocates have cited Sessions' voting record and his appearances before groups that espouse harsh views on Muslims and immigrants. He was rejected for a federal judgeship by the Senate Judiciary Committee 30 years ago amid accusations of racial insensitivity. In a prepared opening statement, Sessions said he understands "the history of civil rights and the horrendous impact that relentless and systemic discrimination and the denial of voting rights has had on our African-American brothers and sisters." Federal authorities say an Ohio man responsible for more than two dozen drug overdoses in Huntington, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing heroin. Authorities say 22-year-old Bruce Lamar Griggs of Akron, also known as "Benz," faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing April 10. According to investigators, Griggs sold heroin on the afternoon of Aug. 15 to approximately 26 individuals who suffered overdoses very shortly after using the drug. Many required medical treatment. Laboratory tests on blood and urine samples showed heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil, an opioid considered 10,000 times stronger than morphine that's used as an elephant tranquilizer. Prosecutors say Griggs admitted he was responsible for the overdoses in his plea agreement. (Xinhua) 12:54, January 10, 2017 People attend a candlelight rally to demand President Park Geun-hye to step down in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho) South Korea's constitutional court, which is deliberating a motion to impeach President Park Geun-hye, on Tuesday warned against the possible delay of trial on the impeachment bill as it speeds up the deliberation process. Chief Justice Park Han-chul said in the third pleading session that future proceedings must not be postponed for the reason of time shortage in preparations, urging both the defendant and plaintiff sides to bear that in mind. The head of the nine-judge court asked both sides to speed up the legal proceedings, but it actually targeted President Park's legal team, which offered details on the impeached leader's whereabouts on the day of the ferry-sinking disaster to the court on Tuesday, 19 days after the court's demand. The suspected absence of President Park in the presidential Blue House when the passenger ferry Sewol capsized and claimed over 300 lives on April 16, 2014, was cited as one of the main reasons for the impeachment that was passed in the parliament on Dec. 9. The court has up to 180 days to deliberate, but it has been speeding up the deliberation by holding trials twice a week to minimize the power vacuum. A presidential election must be held in 60 days if the court upholds the bill. Park's legal team has been under fire for the suspected delay of legal proceedings. Park's lawyers have demanded a criminal trial on all counts of five constitutional and eight criminal charges against the president. Proving all the charges will take much longer time than the constitutional ruling, which allows the president to be fired on disciplinary grounds if Park violated any of the 13 counts. Key witnesses also refrained from attending the trial. Park's longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil at the center of the presidential scandal as well as two former presidential secretaries refused, or delayed, the court's summoning. The head of the parliamentary judiciary committee, which serves as prosecutors in the constitutional trial, raised suspicion that Park's legal team may be intentionally postponing the proceedings by discouraging witnesses from attending the hearing. A New York man and his 49-year-old mother have pleaded guilty in the slaying of a man who was killed over a winning scratch-off lottery ticket. PHOTOS: RIOT LEAVES MAXIMUM-SECURITY PRISON WING IN RUINS The Monroe County District Attorney's Office says 29-year-old James McCracken, of Rochester, pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder in the slaying of 66-year-old Robert Pinckney. McCracken's mother, Jacqueline Staples, pleaded guilty to a robbery charge. Prosecutors say Staples was with Pinckney at his residence in September 2015 when she became aware that he had a winning scratch-off lottery ticket. She called her son, who arrived soon after and stabbed and bludgeoned Pinckney to death. The mother and son later went to a nearby convenience store to cash the ticket. Officials declined to release the amount the winning ticket was worth. McCracken will be sentenced March 13 to 20 years to life in prison. His mother will be sentenced the same day to eight years. The mayor of Paulsboro was on his way to Trenton for Gov. Chris Christies state of the state address and some meetings. Instead, Gary Stevenson ended up helping save a life during a fire that destroyed a house. SKYFOX was over the scene on the 100 block of W. Broad Street, at about 9:30am Tuesday. Mayor Stevenson -- who was fire chief for 12 years -- told FOX 29 News he saw white smoke and it started getting blacker, and he noticed flames as he got closer. The mayor said he stopped at the house and the doors were locked so he started banging. Thats when someone came up and said he thought a girl may be inside, but apparently his banging woke her up. Stevenson was able to get her out. Then, he and a few other people checked to make sure nobody else was inside before the place became engulfed. Click for more from FOX29.com. Authorities in North Dakota said in a news release Thursday they were searching for a group of people in connection to a possible deer poaching caught on camera in the fall. Video obtained by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department shows the group pulling what looks like a whitetail deer out of the Cannonball River. The group then proceeds to drag the animal away and kill it. As the video continues, one member is seen pushing the deers face into the dirt and then apparently attempts to suffocate the animal. Wildlife officials said they obtained the graphic video from a bystander. The incident is believed to have occurred in the fall near the site of the protests over the Dakota Access pipeline. According to Valley News Live, its unclear whether the group took part in the oil pipeline protests. Chief game warden Robert Timian said anyone with information is urged to contact the poachers hotline at 800-472-2121, contact wildlife officials directly at 701-328-6604 or email swinkelman@nd.gov. Click for more from Valley News Live. Authorities were searching for a man Monday in hopes to question him over a possible kidnapping attempt at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Oklahoma City police released footage of a man grabbing an 8-year-old boy and attempting to walk away with him on Jan. 6 at around 6:30 p.m. during a wrestling tournament at the Jim Norick Arena. According to OKC Fox, police said the child began to kick and scream when the alleged abductor started to pick him. The man put the child down and left the area. Authorities describe the person as a heavy set Hispanic or Native American man. Hes about 6-feet tall and was wearing a navy blue collared shirt with the letters AOG potentially on the front of a black hat. Police urge anyone with information about the attempted kidnapping to contact Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300. Click for more from OKC Fox. The 26-year-old who authorities said opened fire last week inside a Ft. Lauderdale airport reportedly cancelled his flight reservation for a trip to New York on New Years Eve, ABC News reported, citing authorities. The report said Esteban Santiago may have been deterred due to the NYPD presence during celebrations. The report did not explain why he ended up purchasing a $278 ticket to Florida. Santiago, an Iraq war veteran from Anchorage, is facing federal charges that could result in a death sentence. A few reported details suggest Santiago was troubled. His mother said he had been deeply shaken by seeing a bomb explode next to two friends while serving in Iraq in 2010, and relatives said he seemed different when he returned from service. Santiago's brother Bryan said Esteban told him last August that he was hearing voices and felt he was being chased. In November, he walked into an FBI field office in Alaska and said the federal government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State videos, authorities said. At that point, officials seized his handgun and had him formally evaluated. After four days he was released and his gun was returned. But none of these details, by themselves or even together, are enough to draw conclusions, experts say. Plenty of people have had such experiences in their past and don't commit mass murder, said criminologist James Alan Fox, of Northereastern University. The fact that Santiago was released after the evaluation indicates authorities believed he was not dangerous to himself or others, Fox said. "There's a difference between being psychotic and being dangerous and psychotic," Fox said. The Assocated Press contibuted to this report A Texas man died from his injuries Monday one day after being handcuffed in the back of a police car and managing to pull out a gun from his waistband to shoot himself. Zachary Khabir Anam, 19, died at University Medical Center-Brackenridge, Austin police said in a statement. Anam was taken into police custody Sunday at the Barton Creek Square shopping mall at around noon. He had been detained on suspicion of shoplifting and carrying a controlled substance. Interim police Chief Brian Manley said Anam was handcuffed and placed in the back seat of a patrol for the ride to police headquarters. During the ride over, Anam managed to reach for his weapon on the right side of his pants. He pointed the weapon at his own head with threats to shoot himself, Manley added. The police officer who was driving stopped the car and ordered Anam to drop the weapon. The unidentified officer and Anam went back and forth with threats and demands for about six minutes when Anam turned the gun on himself, Manley said. The ordeal was recorded on the dashboard camera. According to Fox 7 Austin, the entire scene took place in front of a crowded bar. "The officers were trying to get the people a safe distance away from the scene while actively handling what was happening," Manley said. An Austin police spokeswoman wouldnt say whether Anam was searched thoroughly for weapons, and Manley added that would be a focus of the internal investigation being conducted Monday. Even if the suspect had been searched and handcuffed previously by private mall security officers, Austin Police Department policy holds each officer responsible for searching each person taken into custody for weapons. Anam had run afoul of the law previously. In April 2016, he was arrested on a drug possession charge in Buda, about 15 miles southwest of Austin. That case remained open. At the end of May 2016, Austin police issued a warrant accusing him of engaging in organized criminal activity involving a string of burglaries and auto thefts. The warrant hadn't been served yet. The officer who had custody of Anam has been on the force for 11 years. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from Fox 7 Austin. A woman charged with killing four people by driving her car into spectators at Oklahoma State University's 2015 homecoming parade will be behind bars for the rest of her life after she accepted a plea deal Tuesday. IN CLOSING ARGUMENT, DYLANN ROOF DENIES HE WAS FILLED WITH HATE Adacia Chambers pleaded no contest to four counts of second-degree murder and 42 counts of assault and battery, earning four concurrent life sentences for the deaths and 10 additional years for the other charges, Fox 25 reported. Chambers trial was set to begin Tuesday with jury selection, but instead she opted for the plea deal. SUSPECTED COP-KILLER ON THE LOOSE WANTED TO BE ON 'AMERICA'S MOST WANTED' "She absolutely under no circumstances wanted the victims and the family members of the victims to go through a trial. She did not want that," her attorney, Tony Coleman, told NewsOn6. "This is something she felt in her mind, at least she hopes, would get the families on their way to recovery." Coleman told the news station he had spent the past 15 months preparing for the case to go to trial, and had hoped to present a defense of not guilty by reason of insanity. He added that Chambers had changed her mind days before Tuesday and decided on taking the plea deal. Prosecutors said Chambers steered her car around a police barricade and sped up before plowing into spectators ahead of Oklahoma State's game against the University of Kansas. Prosecutors say her actions showed intent. Chambers' attorneys said she had a mental illness and suffered a psychiatric episode at the time of the crash. Her father said she had received psychiatric treatment at an in-patient facility several years ago. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from Fox 25. Russia has sunk one of its own ships in a bid to block Ukrainian vessels from heading out into the Black Sea, a Ukrainian official says. Russian ships early Wednesday pulled the anti-submarine vessel Ochakov out of a naval junkyard and sunk it in Donuzlav Lake, near the city of Novoozerne on the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine Defense Ministry spokesman Lt. Col. Alexei Mazepa told the Los Angeles Times. The Soviet-era ship was filled with water at the entrance of the lake, blocking Ukraines warships from leaving through a narrow channel, according to the maritime industry news website gCaptain. Earlier this week, Adm. Alexander Vitko, the commander of Russias Black Sea fleet, reportedly visited Ukraines South Base. He asked me to invite all the officers and suggested that we collectively take up the Russian military allegiance oath and become part of the Black Sea fleet promising good pay and a bright future, Capt. Viktor Shmiganovsky told the Los Angeles Times. He insisted we do that to help protect Ukraine from extremist gangs. Vitko left the base in a rage after the base commander said, Comrade admiral, we didn't see any extremist gangs here until you came with your men, Shmiganovsky added. Russia leases ports in locations around the Crimean Peninsula, which serve as the headquarters of its Black Sea Fleet. Click for more from the Los Angeles Times. Police in Chile are investigating the murder of a young American woman who moved to the South American country in July to teach high school students English, driven in her mission to help people in need. Erica Faith Hagan, 22, showed signs she had been struck in the head three times with a sharp object, a local prosecutor said. She was found Saturday morning in her apartment bathroom on the grounds of Colegio Bautista, a Baptist secondary school in Temuco, Chiles fourth-largest city about 415 miles south of Santiago. An autopsy will determine if she had been sexually assaulted. EFE reported that police found partially burned blankets in the apartment, suggesting that the killer may have set a fire to destroy evidence. At this point we do not dismiss any hypothesis, prosecutor Cristian Paredes told the news service. As of today we consider this a homicide. News of Hagans death stunned students and faculty at Georgetown College, a small Christian liberal arts school in Kentucky. She had graduated in June with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in Spanish. There is a lot of grief here, her psychology professor, Jay Castaneda, told FoxNews.com Monday. Its definitely affected our campus. [pullquote] Castaneda said Hagan was a very lively person. What I remember most is her smile, a very bright smile, and she had a lot of energy, Castaneda said. She was driven to service, to work in other countries and to help people in need. Jeremiah Tudor, an admissions official, said Hagan was a bubble of energy who had visited Chile once before. That was three years ago, when she went with classmates to do missionary work. She was very strong in her faith, he told FoxNews.com. College officials said Hagans father was on his way to Chile, while her aunt spoke to a local station in Kentucky. This was a phenomenal, well-loved young lady that deserved better, Hagans aunt, Charlene Martin, told WSIL-TV. She had so much potential and she was going places in her life. I was so proud of that young lady. So proud. Hagan attended high school in Kentucky and was valedictorian when she graduated. She arrived in Chile July 27 and blogged that she was almost denied entry because of a visa mix-up. She said she took the offer to teach in Chile because going right to graduate school seemed a daunting task. She wrote that she was teaching English to two to six students at a time. She took the job for a semester and planned to return to Kentucky in December. Hagan wrote a second blog that she posted Friday afternoon, the day before her body was found. She blogged about how friendly Chileans were to her. God has blessed me with many people here that care how I spend my time and dont want me to be lonely when Im here, she said. Every day I meet more people that invite me to be social with them and I love it! The hardest part is for me to take them up on it by asking them to keep me company during my free time. Colegio Bautista issued a statement in Spanish on its website that said it was suspending classes and campus activities while police investigated Hagans death. Georgetown College spokesman Jim Allison said counselors were on the campus Monday to help students deal with their grief. Its a sad day for sure, he said. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 A Swaziland rights group says 38 girls and young women were killed in a crash while travelling to a famous traditional festival. The Swaziland Solidarity Network said in a statement on Saturday that about 20 others were injured when the truck they were in collided with another vehicle on Friday. The Times of Swaziland reported that the truck smashed into the back of a van and was then hit in the rear by another truck. The women were on their way to the Swazi king's royal residence for the annual reed dance. A government website says about 40,000 girls and young women participate in the eight-day ceremony each year in which they bring reeds to reinforce the windbreak around the royal residence. A Chinese military expert said that Japan has overreacted after spotting eight Chinese military planes over the East China Sea and Japan Sea on Jan. 9, explaining that it was nothing more than routine military training. Japan's Ministry of Defense said on Jan. 9 that eight Chinese military aircraft, consisting of one early warning plane, one intelligence-gathering plane and six bombers, had appeared over the East China Sea and Japan Sea. The statement also noted that Japan immediately sent military planes to deal with them. Many Japanese net users said on social media that they saw Japanese military aircraft taking off from different airports in Japan, including military bases at Naha, Hamamatsu and Komatsu. Fu Qianshao, a Beijing-based air defense expert, noted that Japan panicked and overreacted to the routine training, which indicates that Japanese officials may have wanted to deliberately hype up the event and act as troublemakers. A Somali police officer says a bomb explosion at a restaurant in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, has killed three people, and injured more than 16 others. Captain Mohamed Hussein said a bomb believed to have been concealed in the restaurant often frequented by government soldiers in the Hodan district went off on Saturday evening. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing, but suspicion centered on the Islamic extremist group al-Shabab, which is waging an insurgency against Somalia's weak government. Al-Shabab, al-Qaida's East African affiliate, is fighting to impose a strict version of Islam in the Horn of Africa nation. Despite losing territory in recent years, the extremist group continues to carry out lethal attacks in many parts of the country, especially Mogadishu. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Reactions from around the world to the death of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who suffered a heart attack Sunday at the age of 82. BAHRAIN The foreign minister of the tiny island nation, which long has accused Iran of meddling in its internal affairs, simply said "God bless" Rafsanjani in a post on Twitter. A separate condolence from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Iran said he was "praying to almighty God for his soul to rest in peace and inspire Iran's president, its people and his family." ___ IRANIAN EXILED OPPOSITION Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the political arm of the Iranian opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, said in a statement she hoped the Islamic Republic would fall apart with Rafsanjani's passing. "With the death of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, one of the two pillars and key to the equilibrium of the religious fascism ruling Iran has collapsed and the regime in its entirety is approaching overthrow," she said. The group, known by the acronym MEK, was listed as a terrorist organization by the State Department for years over its killing of Americans. It says it renounced violence in 2001. ___ SAUDI ARABIA Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia, which is Shiite power Iran's greatest regional rival, noticeably did not immediately send condolences over Rafsanjani's death. One of its state-run television channels aired an interview with an MEK official that linked Rafsanjani to the mass execution of thousands of prisoners at the end of the country's bloody war with Iraq in 1988. ___ KUWAIT Kuwait's ruling emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, sent condolences over Rafsanjani, saying he "prayed to Allah the almighty to bestow blessings on the deceased." ___ QATAR Tiny Qatar, which shares a massive offshore natural gas field with Iran, sent condolences from ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani over Rafsanjani's death. ___ UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The seven-sheikhdom federation home to Dubai, which has a large ethnic Persian population, sent condolences from its leaders to Iran over Rafsanjani's death. Emirati Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash, who is among the most-vocal Gulf officials in criticizing Iran, said on Twitter that Rafsanjani was "one of the voices of political realism and moderation in Iran." China is tightening border controls in its northwestern Xinjiang region amid rising terrorism threats, the regional governor was quoted as saying on Tuesday. State media reported Shohrat Zakir made the pledge in a speech at the region's main annual political meeting on Monday, saying increased measures taken in the last year would be further strengthened. The crackdown seeks to prevent suspected insurgents both from leaving Xinjiang to fight abroad and from returning to the region after receiving military training overseas, the official China Daily newspaper said. Xinjiang has long been home to a simmering insurgency against Beijing's rule waged by extremists among the native Turkic-speaking Uighur (WEE-gur) ethnic group, who are mainly Muslim and culturally distinct from most Chinese. Many Uighurs already face onerous restrictions on where they can work and travel to, including extreme difficulties in obtaining passports. Xinjiang shares a border with Afghanistan, Pakistan and four nations in the often volatile Central Asian region, whose native populations share ethnic, linguistic and religious links with Uighurs. Uighur extremists have also been reported to have joined the fighting in Syria and were blamed for a deadly attack on a Buddhist temple in Thailand. Xinjiang has been smothered in heavy security since deadly riots in 2009 that pitted Uighurs against ethnic Han Chinese migrants in the regional capital of Urumqi. Those measures were tightened further following a wave of attacks blamed on Uighur separatists striking in Xinjiang and other parts of China, including the capital Beijing. While such incidents have largely been curtailed, three knife-wielding assailants last month attacked staff at a Communist Party office in southern Xinjiang's Hotan region and set off an explosive device, killing two and injuring three others. The attackers were then shot dead by police. The incident was the first publicly reported fatal attack in months in Xinjiang, where information is strictly controlled and reporting access highly limited. Prior to that, police in November 2015 killed 28 people who authorities said had killed 11 civilians and five police officers at a remote Xinjiang coal mine controlled by members of China's main Han ethnic group. Additionally, a Chinese state media outlet reported that three alleged assailants wanted in relation with a 2015 terrorist incident in Hotan were killed in a police raid on Sunday. No details were given. Beijing's critics say the violence in Xinjiang is prompted by government policies that have marginalized Uighurs in their native region, which has seen a massive influx of Han Chinese who dominate the local economy, security forces and civil service. Some Uighurs are also believed to have been radicalized by extremist jihadi ideologies that have spread from Central Asia to the Middle East. A senior Tehran official says Iranian authorities are ready to "participate in bilateral talks" with Saudi Arabia about the 2017 hajj pilgrimage. The official IRNA news agency late on Monday quoted Ali Qaziaskar, a representative of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as saying that Iran like other Islamic countries received an invitation letter from Riyadh to discuss the next pilgrimage. Iran boycotted the 2016 hajj after a stampede and crush of pilgrims during the previous year's pilgrimage killed at least 2,426 people, according to an Associated Press count. Iran had the highest death toll of any country, with 464 killed. A few months later, Riyadh cut diplomatic relations with Tehran after angry Iranians attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom's execution of a Saudi Shiite cleric. One night this past fall, a U.S. radar plane flying a routine pattern over Syria picked up a signal from an incoming Russian fighter jet. The American crew radioed repeated warnings on a frequency universally used for distress signals. The Russian pilot didnt respond. Instead, as the U.S. plane began a wide sweep to the south, the Russian fighter, an advanced Su-35 Flanker, turned north and east across the American planes nose, churned up a wave of turbulent air in its path and briefly disrupted its sensitive electronics. We assessed that guy to be within one-eighth of a milea few hundred feet awayand unaware of it, said U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Birch, commander of the 380th Expeditionary Operations Group, a unit based in the Persian Gulf. The skies above Syria are an international incident waiting to happen, according to American pilots. It is an unprecedented situation in which for months U.S. and Russian jets have crowded the same airspace fighting parallel wars, with American pilots bombing Islamic State worried about colliding with Russian pilots bombing rebels trying to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. Russian warplanes, which also attack Islamic State targets, are still flying daily over Syria despite the recent cease-fire in Moscows campaign against the anti-Assad forces, according to the U.S. Air Force. The U.S. and Russian militaries have a year-old air safety agreement, but American pilots still find themselves having close calls with Russian aviators either unaware of the rules of the road, or unable or unwilling to follow them consistently. Click for more from the Wall Street Journal. The U.S. man arrested by Mexican authorities in connection with last week's shooting of a diplomat stationed at the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara made his initial appearance Tuesday after being charged with the attempted murder. Zia Zafar, 31, from Chino Hills, California, arrived in Virginia Monday night. According to the criminal complaint, on Jan. 6, Zafar disguised himself and followed a Vice Consul Christopher Ashcraf through a parking garage to his vehicle. Zafar allegedly shot him once in the chest as he driving towards the garage exit. Zafar fled but was subsequently detained by Mexican authorities. Ashcraft is recovering at a medical facility in Guadalajara. According to the affidavit, Ashcraft told FBI agents he had left a gym on the evening of Jan. 6 when he noticed a person he believed was waiting for him. The person, later identified as Zafar, was wearing a wig, blue scrubs and white shoes. He was captured on surveillance video firing into the car's windshield and then fleeing. The affidavit says Zafar was living in Guadalajara on a student visa and holds a U.S. passport as well as a California driver's license. A search of his home uncovered a pistol as well as a pair of sunglasses and a wig similar to the ones seen on the person in the surveillance video. The Associated Press contributed to this report. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 The leaders of Cyprus have begun a second day of talks aimed at reunifying the island split along ethnic Greek and Turkish lines, addressing issues of how power could be shared, ties with the European Union and economic matters. Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci were meeting at U.N. offices in Geneva before the talks take an international turn, with the arrival of British, Greek and Turkish leaders on Thursday. Anastasiades said Tuesday on his way in that "we are here to work intensely, with the hope that the talks will be productive and we will reach positive results." Cyprus has been split since 1974, when Turkey sent in troops in the wake of a Greek-backed coup that aimed to unite the island with Greece. Danish police are investigating the deaths of six members of a family and are treating it as a murder case. Police were alerted Monday about "suspicious circumstances" in Ulstrup, a village southwest of Randers, sitting 183 kilometers (114 miles) northeast of Copenhagen. According to Ekstra Bladet tabloid, the victims were a couple and their four children two boys and two girls, aged between 3 and 16. Police said Tuesday the dead were found in their own home but could not give further details. Such cases are rare in the Scandinavian country. There have been a few cases of war veterans from the Balkans, Iraq or Afghanistan who have committed murder after returning to Denmark The chief executive of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) said here Monday that his company might be forced to end production in Mexico if Donald Trump's future administration imposes tariffs on Mexican vehicle imports. "It's possible, if the economic terms imposed by the US administration on anything that comes into the United States that, if they're sufficiently large that it would make the production of anything in Mexico uneconomical," Sergio Marchionne said. "We would have to withdraw. It is quite possible." The FCA boss spoke to reporters at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Asked whether it would be feasible to keep Mexican factories running while re-orienting their production to markets other than the US, Marchionne said that such an adjustment would be "very, very costly and uncertain." The 64-year-old Italian executive also suggested that losing the US as an export destination would cripple Mexico's auto sector. "The reality is the Mexican automotive industry has now for a number of years now been tooled-up to try and deal with the US market. If the US market were not to be there, the reasons for its existence are on the line," he said. Marchionne said it was unlikely that Mexico could offer incentives sufficient to outweigh a US decision to impose tariffs. The FCA chief said it would be "very stupid" for him to make predictions until Trump's intentions become clear. Trump' threat about tariffs "puts everything back on the back burner for the time being, Marchionne said. "I need clarity." next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Spain's King Felipe VI and Brazilian President Michel Temer are among the dignitaries in Lisbon to attend the state funeral of Mario Soares, a former Portuguese leader who steered his country to democracy after a 1974 army coup toppled Portugal's four-decade dictatorship. Soares is to be buried Tuesday at a cemetery in the capital after lying in state at the 16th-century Jeronimos monastery, a national monument. Several thousand people filed past his open coffin. The 92-year-old Soares died in a hospital Saturday after two weeks in a coma. Portugal is observing three days of national mourning. Soares was elected Portugal's first post-coup prime minister and later became Portugal's first civilian president in 60 years. Soares grew into a global statesman through his work with the Socialist International movement. (Global Times) 15:50, January 10, 2017 China's top education authorities said all elementary and middle school history textbooks will be revised to state that the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression lasted for 14 years beginning September 18, 1931. A notice issued by the Ministry of Education(MOE)'s basic education department said the ministry is urging education administrative departments at all levels to make the revision. The revised textbooks will start to be used for the 2017 spring semester for elementary and middle schools, an unnamed official with the MOE was quoted by the Beijing News on Tuesday as saying. Japanese forces attacked the barracks of Chinese troops in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning Province on September 18, 1931, marking the beginning of the Japanese invasion and occupation that lasted 14 years. Previously, phrases like "8 Years of China's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression" were used in Chinese textbooks, counting the beginning of the War from the July 7 Incident in 1937, which ushered in Japan's full-scale invasion of China. On December 13, 1937, Nanjing, the Chinese capital for six dynasties, fell to Japanese forces, who went on to slaughter civilians for more than a month. About 300,000 Chinese were killed, and 20,000 women raped. More than 35 million Chinese were killed or injured in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, accounting for one-third of the total casualties of all countries during World War II, according to incomplete official data. The wife of former Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas has been convicted of leaking a classified document and has received an 18-month suspended sentence. Prague's Municipal Court said Tuesday Jana Necasova Jana Nagyova at the time leaked the content of a 2012 report by the country's BIS spy agency to Ivo Rittig, a lobbyist. Nagyova was Necas' chief of staff and mistress. After his government fell in June 2013, Necas admitted his affair with Nagyova and divorced his first wife. Rittig and his laywyer, David Michal, received a nine-month suspended sentence each for their role. They all can appeal. In a separate case that brought down the government, Necasova is standing trial for allegedly ordering the military intelligence agency to spy on Necas' estranged wife. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 A Gambian court has postponed a decision on the disputed presidential election until next week. The delay of the ruling party's case until Monday sets up a collision course with the opposition, which still plans the inauguration of President-elect Adama Barrow on Jan 19. Thousands of members of longtime President Yahya Jammeh's party descended near the courthouse Tuesday, chanting, singing and dancing. Jammeh's party wants the results from the Dec. 1 election thrown out because of alleged irregularities. But the Gambian court says neither Barrow nor the Independent Electoral Commission had been served with the petition. The court also currently does not have enough judges to hear the case. Barrow maintains he will become Gambia's rightful president next week. A proposed German law could force suspected Islamic extremists to wear electronic tags without trial. 2016 WAS THE DEADLIEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR SUICIDE ATTACKS, ANALYSTS SAY Justice Minister Heiko Maas said Monday he wanted to extend the use of the ankle monitors to cover those deemed a possible terror threat even if they havent been convicted of a crime. Maas said the proposal was a preventive offensive against Islamic terrorism. The use of ankle tags should not be only available for convicted criminals after release from prison, but for those identified as a general threat as well. SUSPECTED BOMBER REPORTEDLY KILLED IN ATTEMPTED ATTACK IN TURKEY The proposition comes ahead of a meeting between Chancellor Angela Merkel and top ministers in wake of last months truck attack on a Berlin Christmas market that left 12 people dead. Anis Amri was able to move through Germany and other European nations despite being a possible terror threat. Authorities didnt have enough evidence to arrest him, The Telegraph reported. Electronic monitors are used for convicted sex offenders after they are released from prison in Germany. Maas added that rejected asylum seekers who cannot be detained be detained indefinitely. Amri was to be deported back to Tunisia, but his native home country disputed his nationality. Another top German official also called for the nation to sanction countries which refuse to accept deported nationals. According to the paper, there are about 548 people living in Germany who have been deemed as a potential terror threat. Click for more from The Telegraph. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Police in Rome say they have issued a new arrest warrant for an inmate who allegedly tried to radicalize fellow Muslims in Italian prisons. Mauro Fabozzi, who heads Rome's anti-terrorism police unit, alleged Tuesday that 34-year-old Saber Hmidi carried out "aggression" toward Catholic inmates and exulted after Islamist extremists attacks in Europe. Hmidi, who is from Tunisia, was arrested in 2014 after pointing a gun at a police officer during a traffic stop in Italy. He is serving a sentence of 3 years and 8 months. Authorities alleged in the new warrant Tuesday that he belongs to Ansar-al-Sharia terror group. Hmidi now risks being tried on terrorism charges. Italy has launched a program to aggressively monitor Muslim prison inmates for signs of radicalization. Jordan's Religious Affairs Ministry says it has dismissed 15 mosque preachers and is disciplining seven for refusing to pray for the souls of Jordanian troops killed in recent gun battles with Islamic militants. Eleven members of the security forces were killed Dec. 18 and 20 in the Jordanian province of Karak. A Canadian tourist and two Jordanian civilians were also killed, along with five gunmen. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the initial attack. The ministry statement, published in Jordanian media Tuesday, did not say why the preachers refused to comply with a nationwide call to hold memorial prayers following the attacks. Some mosque preachers in Jordan are followers of an ultraconservative stream of Islam that also serves as the ideological foundation of IS. Police says a monument to the victims of a Second World War massacre in a western Ukrainian village has been blown up. National Police in the Lviv region said in a statement on Tuesday that vandals destroyed a stone cross in Huta Penyatska commemorating Polish villagers who were massacred in 1944 by a Nazi unit mostly composed of Ukrainian volunteers. Up to 1,200 people are believed to have been killed there, according to the Polish Institute of National Remembrance. Footage on Ukrainian media showed the ransacked memorial and two stone slabs bearing the names of the victims painted over with the colors of the Ukrainian flag and the colors of Ukrainian nationals. Lviv police are investigating. A police official in Republic of Congo says an opposition leader who ran in the latest presidential election has been arrested. The official says Andre Okombi Salissa was arrested Tuesday morning. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to journalists. It was not immediately known what charges had been brought against Okombi Salissa, who lost last year's election to longtime incumbent Denis Sassou N'Guesso. Okombi Salissa was once a member of the presidential majority but left the party last year after Sassou N'Guesso held a referendum to change the constitution, allowing him to seek a third mandate. Sassou N'Guesso first ruled the country from 1979 until a 1992 election defeat. He took power again in 1997 and has since won three elections. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Britain's minister for Northern Ireland has appealed to rival leaders to save their failing unity government and prevent a snap election that will do nothing to solve the political crisis. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire told lawmakers Tuesday that the surprise resignation of the Belfast coalition's senior Catholic politician means the British government in London will be legally obliged to dissolve the Northern Ireland Assembly unless a Belfast breakthrough can be achieved within six days. Brokenshire said: "The clock is ticking. If there is no resolution, an election is inevitable, despite the widely held view that this election may deepen divisions and threaten the continuity of the devolved institutions." Protestant and Catholic leaders have shared power the central goal of Northern Ireland's 1998 peace accord since 2007. The U.S. has a "limited capability to defend" its homeland from a small number of simple, intercontinental ballistic missiles launched by countries like North Korea or Iran, the Pentagons weapons testing office said in its latest annual report. NORTH KOREAN OFFICIAL SAYS ICBM LAUNCH COULD COME 'ANYTIME' The report said that the U.S. maintains ground-based interceptors based in Alaska and California, but they cannot be counted on with any degree of certainty due to lack of ground tests, according to Bloomberg. Vice Admiral James Syring, the director of the missile defense agency, responded to the report and told Bloomberg he has a high confidence in the system in place. OPINION: THANKS TO OUR MISTAKES WITH IRAN, THE NORTH KOREAN THREAT IS AT RECORD LEVELS I am very confident in the systems and procedures [the U.S. Northern Command] will employ to intercept a North Korean ICBM were they to shoot it toward our territory, he said. With Donald Trump getting ready to take office as president, North Korea is talking about launching a newly perfected intercontinental ballistic missile. North Korea has not explicitly said it will conduct an ICBM test in the immediate future, and it is safe to assume U.S. policy has always been to shoot down any missiles that threaten its territory. But the recent barb trading could suggest Pyongyang and Washington are feeling each other out ahead of President-elect Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. A successful ICBM launch would be a major step forward for North Korea and a serious concern to Washington and its allies. Kim Jong Un announced in his annual New Year's address that the country had reached the "final stages" of ICBM development. Trump himself responded with a tweet two days later, saying the possibility of the North developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching the U.S. "won't happen!" Upping the ante, the state's KCNA news agency quoted a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying Sunday that Pyongyang reserves the right to conduct a test whenever it sees fit. "The ICBM will be launched anytime and anywhere determined by the supreme headquarters of the DPRK," the unnamed spokesman was quoted as saying. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Volkswagen says it is in "advanced talks" with United States authorities over a proposed settlement that contains $4.3 billion in criminal and civil fines over its diesel emissions scandal. The draft settlement would require the company to strengthen compliance efforts, including the appointment of an independent monitor. A company statement said Tuesday that under the proposal Volkswagen would agree to "a guilty plea" to criminal law provisions. The draft needs to be approved by Volkswagen's board and U.S. courts. Volkswagen has admitted equipping diesel cars with software that turned up emissions controls when the car was being tested, and turned them down during normal driving, improving engine performance but exceeding emission limits. The company has agreed to a $15 billion civil settlement with environmental authorities and car owners in the U.S. (File photo) For the first time, China has referred to the dairy industry as strategically important, and vowed to encourage independent research and development of baby formula under stricter quality controls. These measures come eight years after a poison scandal afflicted a popular Chinese formula brand, shattering the country's dairy business. According to the national dairy industry development plan, which went into effect last year, Chinas dairy industry is expected to significantly modernize by 2020, buoyed by a solid system that guarantees product quality as well as management. The plan stressed that dairy is essential for building a healthy nation. The dairy industry should be highly representative of a nations food safety and agriculture, which is why the plan pledges to encourage Chinese brands and products. Comprehensive production capability, quality control and general industry competitiveness and sustainability should all lead in the world, the plan states. The plan was issued by several ministry-level government bodies, including the ministries of agriculture and commerce. The new pledge is being made years after a notorious baby formula scandal in 2008, when formula from then-leading dairy brand Sanlu Group was found to contain melamine, killing at least six babies and leaving thousands seriously ill. The incident left many Chinese parents in shock and panic, driving more and more people to seek out overseas dairy products, especially for children. In August 2016, the nations first dairy quality report noted that the quality of domestic milk products have improved substantially since 2009. The report, issued by the Dairy Association of China, said 99.5 percent of dairy products checked last year were up to standards. No illegal additives, such as melamine, have been detected in fresh milk in the past seven years, the Global Times reported. A notorious Russian serial killer known The Werewolf who is already serving a life sentence for 22 murders may be behind up to 37 more deaths, according to investigators digging into his crimes. Mikhail Popkov, a 52-year-old former policeman from the city of Angarsk, north of Russia's border with Mongolia, reportedly told investigators that his kill total was 59. Angarsk serial killer dubbed 'werewolf' got the life sentence for murdering 22 women. http://t.co/4O5sgNexLE pic.twitter.com/Q6MFFg01V4 The Siberian Times (@siberian_times) January 15, 2015 He was already sentenced and convicted for 22 deaths and is awaiting trial for an additional 25 while authorities told The Siberian Times Tuesday that they are looking into an additional 12 cases in which he may have been involved. MASS MURDERER ANDERS BREIVIK GIVES NAZI SALUTE IN COURT The investigation will be very long because there are a lot of cases, senior investigator Andrei Bunayev told the news website last year. He names the places where bodies are hidden. We find these bodies, and check his involvement. Bunayev said investigators were re-examining biological traces that were previously overlooked in some cases. GERMAN OFFICIAL WANTS SUSPECTED EXTREMISTS TO WEAR ELECTRONIC MONITORS Law enforcement sources told The Times it was likely Popkovs total would pass those of other notorious Russian serial killers such as The Butcher of Rostov Andrei Chikatilo, who killed 52, and Alexander Pichushkin, the Chessboard Killer, who murdered 48. In Popkovs murders, he would sexually attack young female victims before killing them with axes, knives or screwdrivers, the website reported. Popkov would often offer victims rides in his police car before taking them to remote areas and raping and killing them. I admit my guilt in full... committing the murders, I was guided by my inner convictions, Popkov previously told a court. After being detained in 2012, he told authorities that he wanted to cleanse Angarsks streets of prostitutes. The killer said he started the string of murders after suspecting that his wife was cheating on him when he found two used condoms in their homes trash can. But the condoms actually belonged to house guests, The Siberian Times reported. I just had some reasons to suspect her, Popkov said. I'm not looking for excuses, but this was the impetus for my future. Two of his victims were Tatiana Martynova, 20, and Yulia Kuprikova, 19, who were found dead in Angarsk after a night out in 1998. The pain does not go away - it was me who gave Tanya a ticket to go to a concert, and she was killed after attending it, her sister Viktoria Chagaeva, told The Siberian Times. China's President Xi Jinping will attend the World Economic Forum next week, becoming the first Chinese head of state to do so. A spokesman of China's foreign ministry said Tuesday that as part of an official visit to Switzerland, Xi will attend the annual economic meeting in the ski resort of Davos on Jan. 17. Xi's attendance comes as China has sought to be more influential globally and present the Asian power as a force for stability and champion of globalization and opponent of protectionism. Lu Kang, the spokesman, says Xi's Jan. 15-18 trip to Switzerland will also include visits to the offices of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in Geneva, and the International Olympics Committee's headquarters in Lausanne. LunchboxWax to Open in Upscale Chandler, Arizona, Retail Center The Plant marks body-waxing franchises third Arizona location, 28th location in 10 states. CHANDLER, ARIZONA (PRWEB) January 06, 2017 - LunchboxWax, known for its expertly trained waxologists, chic vibe and emotive brand that happily encourages all to Bare Your Beauty, announced today its third Arizona location will open in early 2017 in Chandler, Arizona, to serve men and women who are mindful about the places they go and people they choose for personal services. Franchisees Rosie and Chris Keller signed a lease and have started buildout for a 1,500-square foot, five-suite salon located in high-end retail district The Plant (4041 South Gilbert Road, Suite 3), which marks the body-waxing franchises third Arizona location and 28th location nationwide. This is the first franchise for the Kellers, who are longtime Arizona residents. Rosie Keller has more than 15 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, and Chris Keller is and continues to be in the high-tech industry. Focusing on our new business and enriching the Chandler community are our goals for the coming year, Rosie Keller said. Chandler is truly a one-of-a-kind city. Of all the places I could live, theres no other place Id like to call home. I love the people here and cant wait to welcome them to LunchboxWax. In addition to Arizona, LunchBOX also operates in California, Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah. Were as intentional about the locations we choose as we are the teams we build, the products and salons we design, and the franchisees we bring on board to grow our business and support our culture of community empowerment, LunchboxWax Founder + CEO Debi Lane said. Were excited to welcome the Kellers into the LunchboxWax franchise family, and were eager, too, to become part of the Chandler community. Named in Entrepreneur Magazines top 10 categories in franchising since December 2013, LunchboxWax launched its national franchise program in late 2013 to answer growing consumer demand for expertly trained estheticians trained for the sole purpose of speed waxing in an environment that is dedicated to each guests comfort. For more on LunchboxWax services, products and locations, visit http://www.lunchboxwax.com. For franchise information, including investment details and application information, visit http://www.lunchboxfranchise.com. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy. Offers are only made in states where we have complied with applicable law and an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy a franchise shall be made solely by a Franchise Disclosure Document. SOURCE LunchBOX Contact: Jamie Dillon LunchBOX (A WAXING SALON) +1 208-495-7181 ### Add to Request List Added Request Information Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus 25 Years of Providing Academic Excellence to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Regions Kumon's Washington, D.C. Branch Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Service to Communities in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia MCLEAN, Va. - Jan. 10, 2017 // PRNewswire // - According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington, D.C. area is one of the most educated metropolitan areas in the country and has the highest science and engineering work force in the United States. Recognizing the value placed on education throughout the region, Kumon, the world's largest after-school math and reading program, established its Southeast presence with the opening of a branch office in McLean, Virginia back in 1992. Today, the Washington, D.C. Branch of Kumon North America celebrates its 25th year of bringing academic enrichment to thousands of children in communities across six states in the region. "We are extremely proud to have served the Washington, D.C. area and surrounding regions for the past 25 years and are particularly grateful for the amount of growth we've seen," says Talaina Brown, Washington, D.C. Branch Manager for Kumon North America. "As the demand for Kumon continues to increase, our main goal and commitment remains to provide as many children as possible with an academic advantage and a love of learning." The branch office supports the franchise operations of 122 Kumon Centers throughout Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Kumon Centers in these areas currently provide more than 26,000 local children in preschool through high school with the skills needed to compete in today's world. Washington, D.C. Branch Growth 53 Kumon Centers opened in the last 5 years 20 percent increase in student enrollment in the last 5 years Discover how Kumon has accelerated the learning for children in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions for 25 years. About Kumon Math & Reading Centers Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children, so they can achieve more on their own. As a comprehensive program, Kumon serves children in preschool through high school. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills. Kumon has over four million students enrolled in nearly 25,000 learning centers in 49 countries and regions. SOURCE Kumon North America ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus China created over 13 million new jobs in urban areas in 2016 as part of an effort to stabilize the slowing economy. The country has seen over 1.2 million jobs created for three consecutive years, from 2014 to 2016, according to Economic Information Daily. Despite the economic slowdown, the Chinese government has managed to keep a low urban registered unemployment rate, partially through employment services and support for college graduates, as well as for workers laid off from industries with excess capacity. About 5.11 million workers in urban areas were re-employed from January to November 2016, or 102.2 percent of the goal set for the year. What's more, 1.54 million people categorized as difficult to employ found jobs, accounting for 128.3 percent of the annual target, according to reports. Employment will remain a top priority in the next year due to lingering pressures. Experts believe 130 million new jobs will be created in 2017, as the industrial structure will be optimized and the economy stabilized. Reports indicate that approximately 25 million new jobs will be created during each year of the 13th Five-Year Plan period, among which 10 million are set aside for registered workers who have been laid off, 1.5 million are for college graduates and 3 million are for surplus agricultural laborers. Employment will be the top priority of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), according to Yin Weimin, MOHRSS minister. A total of 7.95 million college students are expected to graduate in 2017, according to China's Ministry of Education. Chen Baosheng, the minister of Education, said the numbers of college students who secured employment or started their own businesses after graduation has increased in the last three years. A report by Renmin University showed that 89.8 percent of college students have considered starting their own businesses, and 18.2 percent indicate firm plans to do so. The Ministry of Education called for improved policies that encourage college students to become entrepreneurs. About 1.8 million jobs in the steel, coal and mining industries may have been lost by cutting overcapacity, which is the biggest employment pressure in five years, according to MOHRSS. The ministry has reportedly issued policies redistributing laborers in more than 20 provinces. More Orange County residents spending more days in the Central Virginia Regional Jail will bring more costs for county taxpayers. The Orange County Board of Supervisors recently got its first look at the jails fiscal 2018 budget estimate and its share has increased 53 percent ($757,248) over its current contribution. While the jails estimated $14.5 million budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 represents a less than 1 percent increase over its adopted fiscal 2017 budget of $14.4 million, a loss of federal funding and a reduction in the use of reserves has prompted a 40 percent increase in local funding among the five counties the jail serves, also including Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Madison. During an update to the board Dec. 20, assistant county administrator for finance and management services Glenda Bradley said a $2.5 million increase in local support among the participating counties will raise the total of local funding to more than $9 million. Federal funding contributed more than $900,000 to the fiscal 2017 budget; however, no funding is expected to be received next budget season, Bradley explained. Orange County Administrator Bryan David attributed the decrease to reduced drug convictions from the U.S. Attorneys Office, meaning federal prisons arent overcrowded and bed space in the local jail is no longer needed. An increase in inmates from Orange adds to the countys share of the costs, Bradley said. Each localitys contribution to the jail is based on its average jail population over three fiscal years. A recent financial forecast estimated Orange Countys fiscal 2018 allocation at nearly 19 percent, however, the jails latest estimates for fiscal 2018 show Orange County paying 24 percent of the collective budget due to its increasing inmate population. From fiscal 2014 to 2018, Orange Countys inmate population has increased 41 percent. Orange County is the only jurisdiction whose inmate population was substantially more than the previously forecasted estimate the jail released last January. Orange County is the only jurisdiction that will be paying more ($432,057) than previously predicted, with its total 2018 contribution estimated at $2.1 million. Medical expenses are also up substantially, Bradley added, yet those are offset by estimated reductions in capital outlay and debt service. We felt it was important for you all to be apprised of this and certainly the community because the forecast had us at a $300,000 deficit and were now over $1 million based on our five-year forecast for next fiscal year, David said. District 2 Supervisor Jim White said with vacant beds, the jail should be marketing to surrounding localities not already involved with the jail that need the space. The federal contract is going away and were not filling those beds, but part of building this budget should include a fairly aggressive marketing campaign or at least an awareness campaign, he said. If we can take a federal prisoner, we can certainly take one from a neighboring county, even if theyre not part of this group. District 1 Supervisor Mark Johnson said for more than 15 years the federal government subsidized the operation. For quite a few years we didnt have to give them any money at all, Chairman Lee Frame said. The jail authority, made up of representatives from the five counties, holds its next meeting Thursday. David is scheduled to make his budget presentation Feb. 28 with a number of work sessions and meetings expected to take place prior to an April public hearing. As a Marine, Jasmine QuirozPele went from Japan to Afghanistan and back again, getting a thorough training in supply chain logistics. But once out of the service, as a civilian in her mid-20s and a single mom who relocated to Fredericksburg after retiring from active duty, she was just another college student, with a long list of prerequisites and general studies requirements between her and a degree. I think for me, because Im in what is considered the professional environment for my industry, a lot of that stuff I was already aware of, said QuirozPele, who is working full time as a federal employee for the Department of Defense. A lot of the concepts and procedures were already built into my experiences. Proving her proficiency, however, was another story. Thats because its difficult for colleges such as Germanna Community College, where QuirozPele finished an associates degree in December, or the University of Mary Washington, where she transferred credits and started classes this month, to measure knowledge and skills acquired outside the classroom. The attempt to award credit for material learned non-traditionally is often referred to as competency-based education, a phrase whose definition has changed over decades as its popularity has waxed and waned. Lately, programs that describe themselves as competency-based are likely to offer courses students can complete at their own pace. Some institutions charge by the year or semester rather than the credit, making them a cheaper option for students who can sprint through the courses. But with the cost of post-secondary education snowballing and the number of students over 25 risingreaching almost 41 percent of college students in the 201415 school year, according to information from the National Center for Education Statisticsschools are more interested than ever in some version of competency-based education, or CBE. In a 2016 study including a survey of 251 higher education institutions, 37 percent of respondents reported some use of CBE, but about two-thirds hadnt yet introduced any related programs or were still in the planning stage. The study, which was conducted by the American Council on Education and partner companies, found that despite high interest, institutions struggled with competing definitions, confused terminology, and narrow perceptions of what CBE really is. I think its just good use of peoples time and peoples money, said Sarah Somerville, the dean of student development at Germanna. Administrators at the college have been interested in expanding CBE options, but it is challenging, she said. When most people think of learning, they think of sitting in a classroom. But when educators think about learning, they spend a lot more time figuring out how to measure it. Standardized testing has gotten a bad reputation, one thats sometimes well-deserved. But without some method of measuring learning, its almost impossible to create a meaningful credential. How do you demonstrate and measure that a person has met this level of competency, or this level of learning, with the outcomes that are supposed to be covered or structured in that classroom setting? That is the challenge. Thats the big challenge, Somerville said. Now, a U.S. Department of Labor grant has let Germanna and four other Virginia community colleges attempt to answer that questionas applied to veterans. Veterans are particularly good candidates for prior learning credit, Somerville said, partly because of the level of skills they learn, but partly because much of their training does take place in class form, and the military provides a Joint Service Transcript. Were trying to dig in and look and see: What did that job involve? What level of sophistication and skill? And then, are there [matching] courses that we offer in the community college master course file? Thats what right now were really digging into and it is humongous. It is a huge undertaking, she said. And what were doing even though its huge, its really sort of a tiny piece of what is actually known or thought of as competency-based education. Because so many community college students transfer credit to other schools, the college has the added challenge of capturing what was learned in a way that other higher-education institutions will accept. But its worth it, Somerville said, because identifying credit that veterans could qualify for is a good use of federal funds. Otherwise, former military students are often forced to spend their G.I. bill money on classes teaching things they already know. To an extent, thats the case for QuirozPele, who earned several classes worth of credit through her military background. But she could earn credit only for work that clearly related to a class in Germannas catalog, leaving her with a long list of needed courses. I kind of blew through a lot of them, she said of some of the online prerequisites and classes that were, for her, a review. They gave me a lot of the assignments and in some of the classes I was done with the assignments in two weeks. Thats 16 weeks of work. She earned much more credit through taking College-Level Examination Program tests, probably the most commonly known and accepted version of competency-based learning. But while the College Board program offers tests in 36 subject areas, institutions vary on which tests and what minimum scores they will accept. QuirozPele is looking forward to the more advanced classes shell take at UMW this year, although shes sometimes frustrated that the university doesnt offer as many classes online, and the schedule often isnt as work day-friendly as she found it at Germanna. I think that in my specific case, the lower levels werent as developmental. For me they were a little redundant, she said. The higher levels I go through and sift through some of the assignments and a lot of this stuff is new. Somerville said getting students to that place, where the material is new, is the goalbut its a tough one to reach. It saves everybody money, it saves everybody time, and I think it broadens the concept of what learning really is, she said. Its just the challenge of figuring out how to document it, how to measure it, how to turn it into what so long has functioned in a certain way. Its a great thing to do. Its just not easy. Several Stafford County residents have approached local officials with concerns regarding the countys groundwater supply. In response to complaints from residents who are experiencing problems with wells, Del. Mark Cole, RSpotsylvania, has proposed a billHB 1460to give Stafford more authority to regulate private wells. The proposed bill would add Stafford to the list of counties and cities authorized to establish standards for the construction and abandonment of private wells that are more stringent than those adopted by the Virginia Department of Health. VDH is responsible for administering well permits in the state. While the bill may mitigate some of the problems facing well owners, it is not a silver bullet. Cole said it does not address water quantity testingan issue which has impacted several property owners in the Hartwood District. Although it is unclear exactly how widespread the problem is, the county is confident its wells will not run dry. Supervisor Gary Snellings said the county is not experiencing a groundwater supply crisis. Snellings held a town hall meeting on Oct. 6 in his Hartwood District to give residents the opportunity to voice concerns regarding water quantity and quality in the area. During the meeting, they discussed the recent water supply issues at two properties on Mount Olive Road. The Pincumbe family, for instance, has spent more than $50,000 to drill five wells on their property, and they continue to struggle with supply problems. Several residents also expressed concerns that new residential developments could exacerbate existing issues in certain areas. Tommy Thompson of the state Health Department, which sets the regulatory guidelines for use of private wells, said the well problems do not appear to be widespread. The department does not receive many complaints from Stafford residents regarding water quantity issues nor do they receive many calls concerning water quality issues in the area. Snellings said the regulation of private wells is ultimately up to the state. However, the county does offer a process whereby a neighborhood can petition the utilities department to extend water or sewer lines to their neighborhood. This may be an option for the Mount Olive Road properties. State and county officials are continuing to look into the situation to determine the best way to assist community members who are struggling with well issues. Photo taken on Jan. 10 shows flowering rapeseed in Luoping County, southwestern China's Yunnan province. The new year has painted the fields of Luoping yellow, as millions of flowers burst into bloom. Home to 53,000 hectares of rapeseed, Luoping is hailed as one of the most beautiful springtime destinations in the world, drawing many visitors every year. IF THERE was anything more perfunctory than the Virginia Department of Environmental Qualitys approval of plans for a vertical expansion of the King George landfill, it was the county Board of Supervisors reaction to it. Good news, said Supervisor Jim Howard. There was no indication from last weeks meeting that any of the supervisors have taken to heart the ongoing, vociferous complaints by neighbors of the landfill about the odors emanating from it. No public acknowledgement to those constituents who cite the stench as source of health issues, not to mention its impact on their quality of life. No pledge to keep tabs on operator Waste Managements efforts to do whatever it can to mitigate the smell. Yes, for King George residents generally, the commercial landfill expansion is good news. DEQs approval extends the landfills life, and the $7.4 million pile of revenues King George derives from it each year, for another 28 years. Better still, the host county will receive a bonus of $3 millionin $500,000 increments over six yearsstarting now. And, when the waste rises to the expansion level an estimated 14 years from now, the per-ton fee the county receives will rise from $5 to $6. The landfill accepts an average of 10,000 tons of waste each day. The vast majority arrives by rail from Maryland, according to Waste Management, while only 7 percent originates in King George. These revenues allow the county to pursue various capital projects, such as construction of schools, fire and rescue stations and other public facilities, while keeping county taxes lower than they otherwise would be. At a public hearing last fall on the proposed increase in the landfills height from 275 feet to 375 feet, homeowners who spoke in opposition to the plan asked that the odor issues be addressed before approval was granted. Richard Doucette, DEQs land protection and revitalization program manager, agreed that the number of complaints made it incumbent upon Waste Management to deal with the problem. But the expansion approval came without any assurance that Waste Management had dealt with the problem, only that it would address the problem. Citing the 80 comments from 20 households it had received, DEQ is calling on Waste Management to increase its efforts to cover new rubbish with a layer of dirt or crushed rock each day as a way of containing the smell and limiting leachate runoff when it rains. According to Waste Management, it already does that, so its unclear exactly how the company will do a better job in the future. The report also calls for more comprehensive groundwater testing, though DEQ has found no chemical groundwater contamination so far, as well as more thorough monitoring of smelly surface gas emissions. According to DEQs study of the site, the concentrations of gases at issue are well below harmful levels, but high enough to be a nuisance to residents and others in the area. It also says that since the footprint of the landfill will remain the same, odors should not reach any farther than they do now, despite resident comments that the smells seem to have worsened year after year under existing conditions. Though county officials lack the authority to police Waste Managements practicesthat being DEQs responsibilitythey owe it to their constituents, who have consistently brought their landfill odor complaints to the supervisors, to serve as a conduit for landfill information. Is DEQ following up on its recommendations? Is Waste Management in turn acting with due diligence to control the odors? When DEQ asked residents for comments on the landfill operation, one persons response was that a prior experience living in proximity to a landfill did not include any terrible smell. That should be the goal here, and DEQ, Waste Management and King George officials should provide residents with periodic odor-abatement progress reports. Stewart prosecution wastes tax dollars We have cut budgets to the bone. Have you heard that from politicians right before they raise taxes and fees? The Dec. 17 story by Free LanceStar reporter Keith Epps [Bombing suspect now back for trial] tell us that Stafford Commonwealths Attorney Eric Olson has extradited Lawrence Allen Stewart II from Montana, where he is serving seven life sentences without parole. [He was convicted there of attempting to kill police officers by tossing pipe bombs at them. In Stafford, he faces charges of attempted capital murder, two counts of using a weapon for acts of terror, arson and three misdemeanor offenses]. Stewart has had his health and welfare paid for by Stafford County taxpayers since Dec. 14. Stewarts first appearance wont be until March 24. Who knows how long the courts will take to try his case? Olsen said that regardless of the trial outcome, Stewart will be returned to Montana to serve out his sentence there. The amount of monies that have already been spent and the future unknown spending on Stewart in Stafford is for what? This is a perfect example of politicians spending somebody elses money. Stewart also faces charges in the city, I wonder if Fredericksburg Commonwealths Attorney La Bravia Jenkins will follow Olsens spending plan? Mike Joyce Falmouth Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. Pedro Antonio Valdes-Sosa, a 66-year-old scientist from Cuba, now makes his home in Chengdu, Sichuan province. In his daily life in Chengdu, Valdes-Sosa carries his dog -- a stray that he rescued -- to and from work every day. Valdes-Sosa, the general vice-director for research of the Cuban Neurosciences Center, is among those foreign experts who were brought to China under the national strategic plan. He and his wife, Maria Luisa Bringas-Vega, also a scientist, now reside in Chengdu. Valdes-Sosa endeavors to make high-end medical facilities available to everyone, in order to encourage people to monitor the health of their brains. Currently, he is trying to turn brain monitors and scanners into wearable devices. Outside of his career, the man also knows how to embrace life. He rescued a stray dog, which later he named Nina, and he has carried the dog with him to and from work every day since. Valdes-Sosa has become accustomed to life in Chengdu, and he lives more and more like a local. For example, he has developed a liking for hot pot and mah-jong, even going so far as to find himself a mah-jong tutor. At the same time, he supports the building of two China-Cuba joint labs and deepening cooperation between Chengdu and Cuba in the bioengineering and pharmaceutical industries. The work he does now focuses on Alzheimer's and dementia. More than anything, he hopes such diseases can be detected and eliminated before they develop and interfere with peoples health. Valdes-Sosa also expressed his wish to help cultivate more talent in China. WHATS UP The Cherokee County Literacy Association is having a hot dog sale fundraiser on November 12 at 11:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. in the office parking lot at 409 Buford Street. Plates for... Blacksburg town employees to get bonus of $175 Blacksburg town employees were rewarded for their work Tuesday with a little extra in their holiday bonuses. Blacksburg Town Council unanimously agreed to give most full-time and part-time employees an... In this region, no one fights alone Traditional rivals Landrum and Liberty presented a $4,700 check at Fridays Blacksburg game from a competitive fundraiser to celebrate Pink Out Week. Students competed to see which school could raise... Pet Obituary Cameo CamiWard 7/27/2004 10/29/2022 Cameo chose her forever family by walking into their yard June 2006. She loved her cat proof backyard, window and screen porch. Cameo for many years played hide and go... Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenias Armed Forces have 40 times violated the ceasefire in different directions along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry said Jan. 10. The Azerbaijani army positions located in Kamarli, Gaymagli villages of the Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in Dovekh, Barekamavan villages of Armenias Noyemberyan district, while Azerbaijans army positions located in Aghbulag, Aghdam and Alibayli villages of Azerbaijans Tovuz district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in Chinari, Aygepar, Mosesgekh villages and on the nameless heights of Armenias Berd district. The Azerbaijani army positions located on the nameless heights in the Gadabay district also underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located on the nameless heights of the Krasnoselsk district of Armenia. Moreover, the Azerbaijani army positions underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near the Armenian-occupied Chilaburt village of the Tartar district, Bash Garvand village of the Aghdam district, Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand district, Ashagi Seyidahmadli, Horadiz villages of the Fuzuli district, as well as from the positions located on the 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. A new study by Oregon State University researchers and others could help predict the spikes in toxic algae that have led to periodic closures of shellfish harvests on the West Coast. The study, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, finds a strong connection between warm ocean conditions caused by two major climatic cycles El Nino and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, or PDO and periodic increases in domoic acid in shellfish. Domoic acid is a powerful neurotoxin produced by certain types of plankton and ingested by shellfish. It can cause serious health effects in humans, ranging from gastrointestinal illness to seizures and, in rare cases, death. It has also been responsible for periodic die-offs of marine mammals. When toxin levels rise to unsafe levels, fisheries managers announce harvest closures to protect human health, causing millions of dollars in losses to West Coast fishing and tourism industries. Both El Nino and PDO can raise water temperatures in parts of the Pacific, but they occur on different time scales. When both are in a strong warm phase at the same time, the researchers found, it can interrupt the usual pattern of cold water flowing south along the West Coast of the United States. You have a weakening of the California current, explained Angel White, an associate professor in OSUs College of Earth, Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences and a co-author of the PNAS study. You can get a little slosh-back of that warm California water. With financial support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the team used the OSU research vessel Elakha to collect samples of copepods tiny crustaceans that are carried by ocean currents from multiple locations off the Oregon coast starting in 2007. Copepods from cold northern waters tend to be rich in lipids, while their southern counterparts are poor in the nutritious fatty acids, so analyzing the relative numbers of the different types provided information about the movement of water masses up and down the coast. When the conditions are right, the south-flowing California current gets weaker, allowing more lipid-poor copepods to float north along with more of the toxic plankton that can get into shellfish and cause commercial and recreational harvest closures for razor clams, Dungeness crabs and other species. The hypothesis we have is that the (plankton) populations to the south are just more toxic, White said. The researchers combined their data with NOAA datasets going back even further to create time series spanning two decades. The information helped fill a data gap for Oregon waters, which had not been as well studied as the seas off Washington and California, and create a clearer picture of long-term patterns affecting ocean conditions along the entire coast. It all suggests that were seeing warm water transfers from the south, and thats only happening in PDO years when both the PDO and El Nino are strongly positive, White said. Spikes in toxic plankton and the possibility of costly shellfish harvest closures arent the only harmful effects of these periodic changes in ocean conditions, White and her colleagues noted. The warmer southern waters also bring larvae of the invasive green crab, and the shortage of lipid-rich copepods in the food chain can have a negative impact on salmon runs. Based on their findings, the researchers created a risk-analysis model for the West Coast which could provide an early warning sign for fisheries managers that shellfish harvest closures may be necessary. "This is going to be another tool in a resource manager's bag," said co-author Matthew Hunter, who works in the Astoria office of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. When the model shows elevated risk factors, Hunter said, it could be a cue to do more sampling to check for toxic plankton in the ocean and increased domoic acid levels in shellfish populations. "This will allow us to be more proactive than we've been in the past," he said. The researchers were cautious about drawing connections between their findings and global warming. While generally warmer ocean temperatures could certainly contribute to more frequent outbreaks of shellfish toxicity, White said additional study would be needed to determine causal relationships. Its hard in science to get support to really sustain that kind of long-term monitoring, White said. We just now have time series to look at the PDO. I think we would need longer time series to look at climate change. OSU doctoral student Morgaine McKibben was the lead author of the study in PNAS. Her co-authors were White, William T. Peterson and Vera L. Trainer of NOAA, A. Michelle Wood of the University of Oregon and Matthew V. Hunter of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Consolidation of services is often times a very positive thing, as is the use of facilities; however, recently, we received, as lifetime Oregon State University Alumni Association members, a postcard stating that the OSU Alumni Association is going to merge with the OSU Foundation. This requires a vote, but you must go to the OSU Portland Center on Jan. 27 at 10 a.m.; the only way to vote is in person at that time. The postcard stated, Were growing stronger! and that alumni members would retain "our membership program with the same great benefits. Over the past almost 40-years I have seen benefits for alumni do nothing but decline, just as I see the association will decline through this proposed (and almost certainly approved) decision by the university manipulators. When my wife and I joined, there was always a discount at the bookstore for alumni; there was the ability to audit a class without charge; Once a Beaver, Always a Beaver, if you wanted to take a class. Over the years, the universitys goals have become clear; it has become big business rather than an institution of higher education for Oregons students. Today, we are seeing the Alumni Association folding into the branch of the university that raises money for the president's agenda, the OSU Foundation. OSUs need, want and thirst for money and the egregious desire for power and autonomy leaves the university without much oversight. So goes the OSU Alumni Association, with this simple change of making the foundation the sole member of this corporation, in this case, the Alumni Association. As the postcard lists the bylaw changes: The powers of this corporation shall be exercised by (or under the authority of, and the affairs of the corporation managed under the direction of,) its Board of Directors WHICH WILL BE ELECTED BY VOTE OF THE OREGON STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERS. (The Foundation, in its capacity as sole member, shall elect the directors of this corporation.) (Language that will be added to the bylaws is marked by parentheses; language that will be deleted appears in capital letters.) Im not driving to Portland to cast my vote because the university will get its way, usually sooner than later, ask the city of Corvallis, the students or the faculty ... or even the alumni. The OSU Alumni Association was once part of the Beaver. Now it is barely part of the tail of the Beaver. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 Trend: A meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers was held Jan. 10 under the chairmanship of Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev. The meeting was dedicated to the social and economic development in 2016 and further tasks. The head of state addressed the meeting. Azerbaijans State Counselor on Multiculturalism, Interethnic and Religious Affairs Kamal Abdullayev, Chief of the State Migration Service Firudin Nabiyev and Chairman of the State Agency for Public Services and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Inam Karimov also delivered speeches during the meeting. Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev made a closing speech at the meeting. (Details added, first version posted at 14:19) Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has declared 2017 the Year of Islamic Solidarity in the country. President Aliyev was addressing a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers Jan. 10, dedicated to the results of social and economic development in 2016 and objectives for the future. The head of state noted that the Islamic Solidarity Games have a very big significance. By holding these Games, we will once again show our power and opportunities, we will demonstrate commitment to our religious values and try to unite the Islamic world, said Ilham Aliyev. The president noted that Azerbaijan enjoys great respect in the Islamic world. Ilham Aliyev said the heads of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation highly appreciate Azerbaijan. The Muslim countries, which do not get along with each other at times, also show great respect to us. This is our policy. Our policy is sincere, proper, fair, principled and courageous. Given all this, I declare 2017 the Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan, President Aliyev said. Volvo's Nielsen Move Volvo is taking a play book from Nielsen, putting real people behind the wheel of its self-driving car, and not employees. The Hain family, hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden (Volvo Cars HQ), will be the first of many people who will hit the roads in Volvo's autonomous cars this year. They'll be part of the automaker's Drive Me research project, with its goal to hit the market with a completely autonomous car in 2021. Yahoo Says Bye Yahoo has changed its name to Altaba. If that reminds you a lot of Alibaba, it may be because the portion of Yahoo not sold to Verizon (which is getting the blogs and email service) is the part that holds a major portion of Alibaba. So goodbye Yahoo. And also gone? Marissa Mayer, leaving the company's board of directors when the sale to Verizon finally goes through. Yahoo's name is probably not one many will miss as the company is now also known for having one of the largest security breaches in history. Securing Amazon Amazon is not flinching from its security responsibility. The company has reportedly acquired an AI security start-up called harvest.ai for $19 million says TechCrunch. As Amazon puts its stakes firmly down in the smart home space, hoping to make Alexa the hub of the future, security is going to be paramount. Unlimited? Ha. Verizon just set a limit on its unlimited plancapping data at 200GB a month for those still on the grandfathered plans. Hit beyond 200 GB and you'll be forced to move into a tiered system. If you don't, you'll be booted from Verizon entirely. So says Droid Life which says it's only affecting a small number of people who will have until Feb. 16 to switch to a new plan. Best of CES Couldn't get to Las Vegas this year for the annual consumer tech fest? That's okay because we didand we culled together the best of the best to give you a sneak peek at what we think will be the next devices and tech for the coming year. An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Kazakhstan plans to reduce uranium production by 10 percent in 2017, Kazakhstans National Atomic Company Kazatomprom said in a message Jan. 10. This decision was made considering current oversupply in the uranium market. The target uranium production for 2017 will be reduced by 2,000 tons, which is 3 percent of total global uranium production, according to on 2015 UxC Consulting figures. It will be better for our shareholders and stakeholders to leave these strategic uranium resources in soil, rather than use them in the current situation of oversupply. The uranium will be produced when the situation improves in the markets in the coming years, Kazatomprom Chairman Askar Zhumagaliyev said. Output cut will not impact any contractual commitments. Kazakhstans uranium is produced by Kazatomproms subsidiaries and joint ventures with international partners. The exact production levels for each mine and JV were determined and approved. Even after output cut, Kazatomprom will be the largest uranium production in the world. Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova Article Protecting the worlds oceans an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs. Mumbai has now Indias largest Public Wi-Fi network News oi -Rohit 500 Hotspots to go live across various locations in Mumbai, making it Indias largest public Wi-Fi network The Financial capital of India- Mumbai is now also the India's largest public Wi-Fi city. A total of 500 dedicated hotspots went live in city on Monday, making it India's biggest public Wi-Fi network, and among the world's largest. Tomorrow is a Big Day For Tesla And its Users, Find Out Why The news was given by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis via a tweet, which mentions the activation of 500 Hotspots across various locations in Mumbai. He further said that another 700 hotspots will be active by May 1 - which is celebrated as Maharashtra Day. Fadnavis also provided the citizens a link to find their nearest hotspot locations to access the free internet. Besides, the Chief Minister also assured the citizens that the Mumbai government will monitor the progress on connectivity and speed and that the issues will be resolve on priority basis. Government directs Indian companies to make sub-Rs 2,000 smartphones: The story so far As reported by IANS, during the trial period, dated January 2 to January 8, around 23,000 users signed up in Mumbai and downloaded more than 2TB (TetraByte) data, which Fadnavis termed as "a major aspect of digital empowerment in the state". US-based companies like Hewlett Packard and Fortinet has been roped in for technical support by Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation (MITC). The Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd is the bandwidth provider, while Larsen & Toubro is the systems integrator. As noted, the promise to provide free Wi-Fi services to Mumbaikars was made in August 2016 by the Maharashtra CM Fadnavis. He had announced that the government would work to provide as many as 1,200 WiFi hotspots in the city and the first phase of installing the 500 hotspots went live on January 9, 2017.SEE ALSO: Everything To Know About the BHIM App Everything To Know About the BHIM App Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Apple iPhone 8 might not cost a fortune in India News oi -Rohit Apple team is meeting senior officials from Indian Ministry on January 25 to discuss about Make in India plans Apple iPhone 8 might cost much less than the current generation iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus selling in the Indian market. Yes, you heard it right. If reports are to be believed, a team from Apple will meet a group of senior officials from ministries, including IT and finance, on January 25 to discuss the logistics for setting up a manufacturing unit in the country. If everything goes as Apple wants it to be, the company will start manufacturing the next iPhone by April 2017. As per PTI, officials from departments of commerce, industrial policy and promotion (DIPP), revenue, environment and forest, electronics and information technology (DeITY) will take part in the deliberations, which will discuss the logistics of setting up a manufacturing plant in India. As noted, the Cupertino giant has two partners who manufacture their iPhones: Wistron, the Taiwanese OEM maker, and the other partner is the great Foxconn. It was reported in December 2016 that Apple and Foxconn were in talks with the Indian Government to set up a manufacturing plant in Peenya, an Industrial area in Bengaluru by April 2017. The PTI reports further states that Apple has asked for several tax and other incentives, including long-term duty exemptions, to enter the manufacturing sector in India, which is considered as a major market for Apple's products. SEE ALSO: These 10 Android Smartphones can be the best alternative for Apple iPhone 7 Apple says that the company manufactures state-of-the art products and local sourcing is not possible for the company to deliver on quality products, for which the Indian government should provide some additional incentives. However, it is not yet clear whether the Ministry of India is ready to offer such incentives and duty exemptions or not. Prior to this, the Government of India had rejected Apple's plea to import and sell refurbished smartphones in the country and the Environment Ministry rejected the proposal saying that the move will cause e-waste in the country. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Honor 6X to sell exclusively on Amazon.in by January 24 News oi -Rohit Honor 6X features a dual-lens camera setup and is expected to be priced under Rs. 15,000 Chinese tech giant Huawei is all set to unveil the company's latest smartphone- Honor 6X in the Indian market on January 24. Honor 6X is expected to be priced under Rs. 15,000 and as per PTI, will mark the company's association with Amazon.in to sell the products on Indian soil. Prior to this, Huawei was selling its products on Flipkart.com. Honor 6X is the successor of company's previous popular mid-range device, the Honor 5X. The highlight feature of the smartphone is its dual camera setup at the back, which offers a 12MP primary camera paired with a 2MP camera and a dual-tone LED flash light. This puts Honor 6X in direct fight with the recently launched Coolpad Cool 1 Dual that also offers a dual-lens camera setup and is priced at Rs. 13,999 in India. The smartphone has an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies. Other features include 5.5-inch Full HD display along with 2.5D curved glass atop, in-house Kirin 655 chipset, 3,340mAh battery, and standard connectivity features among others. You can read about smartphone's first impressions here can also watch it in action by clicking on this link. Stay tuned for more updates on GIZBOT. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Bonds of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR enjoy interest of foreign investors, Elkhan Hasanov, director for investments and operations at SOCAR Capital Ltd., told Trend Jan. 10. In accordance with international standards, the profitability of SOCAR bonds is considered to be high, therefore, both local and foreign investors are interested in their purchase, said Hasanov. As far as I know, foreign investors have already appealed to investment companies to buy SOCAR bonds and some of them have currently submitted the necessary documents and are undergoing registration. Foreign investors already own these bonds. SOCAR started selling its bonds, worth $100 million (100,000 bonds, each worth $1,000), on Sept. 20, 2016. Applications were received until Oct. 10, and the demand for the bonds amounted to $203 million. The sale of SOCAR bonds in Azerbaijans secondary market began Oct. 18. SOCAR bonds will be in circulation until 2021, with 5 percent yield and a payment carried out once in three months. Hasanov noted that there are foreign investors who buy the SOCAR bonds in small volumes and in big volumes, which is due to profitability and reliability of the bonds. He added that the US dollar bonds of SOCAR contributed to the revival of the securities market. One can say that after the devaluation of the Azerbaijani manat, the countrys securities market entered a state of stagnation, Hasanov said. Of course, there were government bonds issued by Azerbaijans Ministry of Finance in the market, but generally they are sold only in the primary market. The holders of these bonds prefer to keep them and not to sell them in the secondary market. However, due to the fact that SOCAR bonds have an absolute guarantee, both sellers and buyers show a lot of interest in them, he noted. Currently, SOCAR bonds are the most actively traded bonds and this has had a major impact on the development of the secondary securities market, and has given a very big momentum to the revival of the entire market as a whole. Speaking about the future participation of Azerbaijans state oil company in the securities market, Hasanov said SOCAR will do everything possible for the development of this type of market. Most probably, SOCAR will continue to issue bonds, but the currency and volume of these bonds will depend on the needs of the market, said Hasanov. Samsung won't scrap Note series, Galaxy Note 8 likely to be launched in mid-2017 News oi -Sneha Samsung Galaxy Note 8 to hit the market soon. After the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, Samsung was bound to shut down the production of the handset. Soon after which, rumors were such that the South Korean giant might ditch its Note series. Well, that's surely not going to happen anytime soon. Yes, proving all the flying rumors incorrect, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Note 8 in the second quarter of 2017. Reports reveal that an official statement issued by a South Korean electronic industry expert states that Samsung had set a benchmark in the Phablet market in the past until the Galaxy Note 7 battery issues popped up. The source further adds that to extend its reach in the Phablet world, Samsung is all geared up to release the next version of the Note series - Galaxy Note 8. SEE ALSO: Samsung to launch Gear S3 Smartwatch in India Well, before Galaxy Note 8 can hit the market, Samsung is expected to launch Galaxy S8 in April, although there seems to be no official word from the South Korean giant. The flagship smartphone is rumored to come packed with Samsung's artificial intelligence AI namely - "Bixby", ultra-definition VR feature and improved stylus feature. For further details on the specs that Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to come equipped with, read here. Meanwhile, amidst all the rumored launches, Samsung is currently working towards releasing the results of the Galaxy Note 7 fire investigation by January end. Adding on, the rumors are such that the root cause of the fire is not a battery problem, but some hardware issues. Source Best Mobiles in India Vodafone likely to merge with either Reliance Jio or Idea Cellular News oi -Sneha Is Vodafone merging with either Reliance Jio or Idea Cellular? Predictions are such that the telecom sector will undergo a major transformation in 2017. It's just a few days ago we had reported that Vodafone has introduced several attractive tariff plans with the aim to offer more services at a much lesser cost mainly to combat Reliance Jio. Well, what if we now say that Vodafone will no longer fight with Reliance Jio as it might merge with the Mukesh Ambani-headed company? Yes, TelecomTalk reported that Vodafone is apparently looking out for a possibility to tie-up with either Idea Cellular or Reliance Jio. Well, if these telecom giants are really planning to merge, there is no doubt that the partnership can create a stir in the telecom market in the coming days. Contrasting the statement, another report mentioned that it's unlikely for Reliance Jio to merge with the leading telecom operator - Vodafone, however, Idea might opt for the merge. Yes, the Birla group company can partner with Vodafone India. It should be noted that there seems to be no confirmation on the merge as of yet. SEE ALSO: Vodafone Offers Unlimited 3G/4G Data at Rs. 16, 2G Data at Rs. 5, Validity Expires in 1 Hour This makes it quite evident that the Indian telecom sector will witness some major action in the days ahead. It is not the first time that two telecom operators are planning to merge to form a better tomorrow. We had earlier reported on RComm's decision to merge with Aircel and MTS, Airtel's plans to merge with Indian-based Telenor, and now Vodafone-Reliance Jio/Idea Cellular partnership. Source Best Mobiles in India National Intelligence Council Releases Global Trends Report FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ODNI News Release No. 1-17 January 9, 2017 Unclassified Assessment of the Strategic Landscape Identifies Changing Nature of Power The National Intelligence Council today released its quadrennial Global Trends Report. The report"The Paradox of Progress"is rooted in conversations with more than 2,500 people around the world from all walks of life in more than 35 countries. The report examines how trends will converge at an unprecedented pace to make governing and cooperation harder and to change the nature of powerfundamentally altering the global landscape. Economic, technological and security trends, especially, will expand the number of states, organizations, and individuals able to act in consequential ways. Within states, political order will remain elusive and tensions high until societies and governments renegotiate their expectations of one another. Between states, the post-Cold War, unipolar moment has passed and the post-1945 rules based international order may be fading too. Some major powers and regional aggressors will seek to assert interests through force but will find results fleeting as they discover traditional, material forms of power less able to secure and sustain outcomes in a context of proliferating veto players. The National Intelligence Council for nearly two decades has prepared for an incoming or returning US Presidential administration an unclassified assessment of the strategic landscape, reflecting insights gathered from around the world. The Global Trends reports consistently shape strategic conversations globally, are used extensively by US government planners and strategists, and are read by millions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Release No. NR-008-17 January 09, 2017 Department of Defense Announces Successful Micro-Drone Demonstration In one of the most significant tests of autonomous systems under development by the Department of Defense, the Strategic Capabilities Office, partnering with Naval Air Systems Command, successfully demonstrated one of the world's largest micro-drone swarms at China Lake, California. The test, conducted in October 2016 and documented on Sunday's CBS News program "60 Minutes", consisted of 103 Perdix drones launched from three F/A-18 Super Hornets. The micro-drones demonstrated advanced swarm behaviors such as collective decision-making, adaptive formation flying, and self-healing. "I congratulate the Strategic Capabilities Office for this successful demonstration," said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, who created SCO in 2012. "This is the kind of cutting-edge innovation that will keep us a step ahead of our adversaries. This demonstration will advance our development of autonomous systems." "Due to the complex nature of combat, Perdix are not pre-programmed synchronized individuals, they are a collective organism, sharing one distributed brain for decision-making and adapting to each other like swarms in nature," said SCO Director William Roper. "Because every Perdix communicates and collaborates with every other Perdix, the swarm has no leader and can gracefully adapt to drones entering or exiting the team." The demonstration is one of the first examples of the Pentagon using teams of small, inexpensive, autonomous systems to perform missions once achieved only by large, expensive ones. Roper stressed the department's conception of the future battle network is one where humans will always be in the loop. Machines and the autonomous systems being developed by the DoD, such as the micro-drones, will empower humans to make better decisions faster. Originally designed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineering students, the Perdix drone was modified for military use by the scientists and engineers of MIT Lincoln Laboratory starting in 2013. Drawing inspiration from the commercial smartphone industry, Perdix software and hardware has been continually updated in successive design generations. Now in its sixth generation, October's test confirmed the reliability of the current all-commercial-component design under potential deployment conditionsspeeds of Mach 0.6, temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius, and large shocksencountered during ejection from fighter flare dispensers. The "60 Minutes" segment also featured other new technology from across the Department of Defense such as the Navy's unmanned ocean-going vessel, the Sea Hunter, and the Marine Corps' Unmanned Tactical Control and Collaboration program. As SCO works with the military Services to transition Perdix into existing programs of record, it is also partnering with the Defense Industrial Unit-Experimental, or DIUx, to find companies capable of accurately replicating Perdix using the MIT Lincoln Laboratory design. Its goal is to produce Perdix at scale in batches of up to 1,000. Editor's Note: A fact sheet about Perdix can be found here. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1044811/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gabon, U.S. train to fight illicit activity US Marine Corps News By Cpl. Alexander Mitchell | January 9, 2017 Gabonese Armed Forces worked together with U.S. Marines during a training exercise at Camp Mokekou, Gabon, Nov. 10 Dec. 9, 2016. The U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa partnered with Gabonese Armed Forces soldiers as well as Gabonese Agency for National Parks during the exercise focused on patrolling techniques, mission planning and combat marksmanship. "The Gabonese are working to cut down on poaching being conducted in the national parks, as well as trafficking of illicit goods and narcotics," said 1st Lt. Conor Campbell, a theater security cooperation team leader. By conducting training together, both nations' increase their ability to work together and prevent illegal activities in the region. By learning from each other and developing individual skills, the training will have an immediate effect in ongoing operations. "The majority of the missions will be held in Minkebe, helping the park rangers," said Lt. Germain Oleri Owane, a Gabonese Light Aviation solider. "We can also apply these techniques to other areas of the military. We get better every time the Marines come to Gabon." Previous iterations in Gabon have conducted similar training; however, this iteration specifically focused on developing a strong core of instructors, able to pass training techniques to other Gabonese soldiers. "This training team is slightly larger, with a focus on developing a cadre of trainers for the Gabonese military," said Campbell. "The junior Gabonese soldiers were given an opportunity to instruct while under the supervision of US Marine, who acted as a knowledge backstop, and to answer any questions." Training together strengthens the bond developed during the long-standing partnership between the two nations. "It helps build interpersonal relationships between members of the military, which is huge," said Owane. "It is good to share our culture with each other. I think it helps build a better relationship between Gabon and the US." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ivory Coast PM resigns, dissolves government amid tensions Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 3:21PM Ivory Coast Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan has resigned along with his cabinet amid political tensions in the West African country. "I have tendered my resignation and that of the government," Duncan said Monday, two days later than he was expected to step down based on the standard procedure for changing the government in the country. Duncan made the resignation announcement after a meeting with President Alassane Ouattara, who kept hold of his majority in the December 18 parliamentary elections. However, the government was expected to resign by Saturday to give leeway to a new government which could allow the implementation of measures contained in a new constitution, signed by Ouattara in November. Ivory Coast's presidency announced that Ouattara had accepted Duncan's resignation. The two-day delay in the announcement of the government's resignation came after a group of dissident army soldiers took over army bases in cities across Ivory Coast, demanding bonus payments. The government then reached an agreement with the army for the revolt to end. Reports said former premier and current Parliament Speaker Guillaume Soro was behind the mutiny as he is believed to be seeking the post of premiership or vice presidency. Some also said that the revolt could have been masterminded by Ouattara. State employees also began a five-day strike on Monday, demanding that the government scrap pension cuts and another plan to increase the retirement age from 55 to 60. Ivory Coast, the world's top cocoa producer, is West Africa's largest and most prosperous economy. The French-speaking country emerged from nearly a decade of short wars and a protracted crisis in 2011. However, the factionalized, ill-disciplined military and increasing political divisions have sparked fresh concerns about the state of security in the country and how the government could continue to realize its economic objectives in the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 5 terrorists, 3 civilians die in bomb attacks in northeastern Nigeria Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 2:27PM Five suspected members of the Boko Haram Takfiri terrorist group and three civilians have been killed after the terrorists detonated their explosive vests in Nigeria's northeastern province of Borno, police say. According to deputy superintendent Victor Isuku, two separate attacks, one by a female duo and the other by three men, were conducted in the eastern outskirts of the provincial capital Maiduguri, some 10 kilometers apart from each other, late on Sunday. He added that the three male assailants, wearing explosive-laden vests, approached a military checkpoint while firing assault rifles. One of them detonated his explosives, killing all three plus a pro-government anti-terror fighter. Some two hours later, two female bombers set off their explosives, killing themselves and two unidentified people passing close by them. Nobody has so far claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks but they bear the hallmarks of the ultra-violent group. In recent months, army troops and civilian fighters in Nigeria have managed to foil many bomb attacks involving terrorists wearing explosive vests before the assailants were able to reach heavily-populated targets and detonate their bombs of their own accord. Last month, however, two women, with Boko Haram, killed 57 people and injured 177, including 120 children, after they detonated their explosive vests at a bustling market at Madagali, the capital city of the neighboring province of Adamawa. At dusk on Saturday, a group of Boko Haram terrorists launched an attack on a military base in the town of Buni Yadi, in the northeastern province of Yobe, leading to an "intense battle", which killed at least five soldiers, including a newly-deployed captain. The attack, however, was "repelled" by army troops, said Lieutenant George Okupe, a spokesman for the Buni Yadi base. The town, situated some 65 kilometers from the provincial capital Damaturu, fell into the hands of the terror group in February 2014 after terrorists launched a deadly night assault on a boys' boarding school, torching the building while students were asleep. At least 43 students lost their lives in the arson attack. The government troops, however, regained the control of the town in a bloody battle in March last year, after Boko Haram terrorists had sacked the town. Boko Haram terrorists started their reign of terror in 2009 with the aim of toppling the Nigerian government. In their heyday in early 2015, they managed to control an area in the country's northeast as vast as Belgium, but they lost most of that territory over the last year as the Nigerian government, along with troops from some affected neighboring countries such as Chad and Cameroon, launched a joint military campaign to eradicate the militant group. Large areas of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe are still almost inaccessible and cannot be reached by aid agencies due to violence by militants. People in the three states are reportedly in need of emergency food aid. During the past several months, Boko Haram, which was mainly pushed deep inside the lush Sambisa Forest, a former colonial game reserve, has resorted to carrying out sporadic raids against villages and bomb attacks against civilians in urban areas, killing hundreds of people. On December 24, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who came to power in 2015 with a pledge to eradicate Boko Haram, announced that the army had "crushed" the terror group a day earlier by retaking its last key bastion, deep inside the thick forest in Borno. Boko Haram has so far killed more than 20,000 people and forced over 2.7 million others from their homes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Day Of Reckoning For Bosnia? Gordana Knezevic January 09, 2017 A Bosnian military regiment has been caught in an ethnically charged tug-of-war over how to regard that Balkan country's recent history and what that means for its increasingly fractured present. The 3rd Infantry Regiment's attendance at a public ceremony in Banja Luka is at the heart of a dispute between Bosnia's central authorities in Sarajevo and the government of Republika Srpska, the predominantly Serb entity that along with the Muslim-Croat Federation composes Bosnia. Tensions have been rising since November 2015, when the Bosnian Constitutional Court ruled that any official commemoration of January 9 as Republika Srpska statehood day was unconstitutional; they have been stoked nearly continuously ever since as Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik insisted on holding a referendum on the issue -- also declared illegal. The fact that the army has become embroiled in the standoff further raises the stakes between Banja Luka and Sarajevo. On January 8, wreaths were laid at a memorial for soldiers of Republika Srpska who lost their lives in the 1992-95 war that followed Bosnia-Herzegovina's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. At the same event, the current president of the three-member Bosnian Presidency, Mladen Ivanic, used -- some would say misused -- his position to order the 3rd Infantry Regiment to attend the statehood-day ceremony the following day in Banja Luka. So on January 9, the regiment took part in a short ceremony on Banja Luka's main square and reported to Ivanic before withdrawing and avoiding participation in the parade. It might seem simple enough. But this is the Balkans, where few things are ever as simple as they appear. Polarized Memories The unification of the Bosnian armed forces in 2006 -- effectively amalgamating what had been two warring sides only a decade before -- has been one of success stories of post-Dayton Bosnia. Troops who had spent almost four years shooting at one another came together to form a unified military structure. Since then, several ethnically mixed Bosnian units have served in international missions. Both Bosnian entities -- Republika Srpska and the Muslim-Croat Federation -- are entitled to use military regiments in public ceremonies. However, January 9 is a day that evokes highly polarized memories. It not only coincides with an Orthodox religious holiday, but also marks the day when a group of renegade Serb politicians -- many of them later convicted of war crimes -- proposed the division of the country along ethnic lines in a move that paved the way to war. Because that date is seen as discriminatory against other ethnic groups, mainly minority Croats and Muslims who also live in Republika Srpska, the Bosnian Constitutional Court demanded that Republika Srpska pick another day to mark its foundation. Republika Srpska President Dodik nevertheless ignored the court and organized a referendum on the issue -- presumably so the choice of January 9 could be presented as the will of the people -- throwing down the gauntlet to the authorities in Sarajevo. The Bosnian Defense Ministry initially approved the use of the regiment in the events on January 8 but not its participation in the parade of January 9. However, the ministry issued a total ban on the use of Bosnian military forces in either event following a statement from NATO headquarters in Sarajevo. Brigadier General Giselle M. Wilz, NATO Headquarters commander, rejected the use of any part of Bosnia's armed forces in the Banja Luka celebrations. NATO Headquarters made it clear that the presence of even a single Bosnian soldier in Banja Luka on January 9 would constitute a violation of the Bosnian Constitution as well as the Dayton Accords, which all of the country's soldiers have sworn to respect. Yet despite the looming threat of disciplinary proceedings and discharge, Dodik had urged the soldiers to attend, saying: "We will celebrate Republika Srpska statehood day, and I am convinced that the members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment will be present at Krajina Square, which no one has a right to deny them, and Republika Srpska stands behind their decision [to attend.]." Dodik's closest ally, Prime Minister Zeljka Cvijanovic, has questioned why NATO's pronouncement should worry anyone in Bosnia, given that the country is neither a member nor a prospective member of the alliance. The NATO mission in Bosnia is to assist with defense reforms, and its role is defined within the Dayton peace deal. 'At The Point Of A Sword' Republika Srpska as it exists today -- an autonomous entity within Bosnia -- was formally established and recognized internationally only with the advent of the Dayton Accords, signed in December 1995. What took place on January 9, 1992 -- and which Dodik appears intent on celebrating today -- was an illegal proclamation by a so-called republic of Bosnian Serbs with Radovan Karadzic as its first president. Speaking at the time, Karadzic vowed that no one would separate Bosnia from Yugoslavia and that Pale -- which would serve as his wartime headquarters, 20 kilometers north of Sarajevo -- would forever be part of Yugoslavia. After years in hiding, Karadzic was extradited to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague in July 2008. Last year, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including genocide. Another prominent speaker at that notorious 1992 gathering was Radoslav Brdjanin. Brdjanin advised Muslims and Croats to form their own breakaway assemblies and abandon the Bosnian parliament, as Bosnian Serbs had just done. Of the Muslims, he also said: "They are so blinded by their desire to have their own state that they would have it even if it only stretched as far as Trebevic Mountain [near Sarajevo]. They do not want to stay in a common state that extends to Moscow." Brdjanin was sentenced to 32 years in prison for crimes committed during the war, and is serving his sentence in Denmark. The January 1992 meeting, which took place at the Sarajevo Holiday Inn hotel, is also remembered for the threatening language used by Biljana Plavsic, a member of the Serbian Democratic Party who would become a leader of the self-proclaimed, pro-Belgrade Serb Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She said at the time: "All those trying to get international recognition for Bosnia and Herzegovina should know that no state is made at a negotiating table. States are made at the point of a sword." Plavsic was indicted to the ICTY in 2001. There, she agreed a plea bargain under which she became the only Bosnian Serb official to have admitted guilt for war crimes. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Plavsic was released in 2009 after serving two-thirds of her sentence. The declaration of January 9, 1992, was thus a crucial and dramatic step toward the bloody conflict that began less than three months later in Sarajevo. It is a symbolically charged date that marked a prelude to war and the ethnic cleansing that followed. Over the past 15 months, it has also turned into a cause for which Dodik has chosen to challenge the authority of the Bosnian Constitutional Court -- and which some have chosen to celebrate in Banja Luka. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/balkans-without-borders- january-9-bosnia-reckoning/28222088.html Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Russian Rosneft and Chinese CNPC signed an amendment to the agreement envisaging additional oil supplies to China via Kazakhstan, the Russian company said. Moreover the contract on oil supplies from June 21, 2013 was prolonged till Dec. 31, 2023. Deliveries since Jan.01, 2017 till Dec. 31, 2023 will amount to 70 million tons, the company said. The total volume of the supplies within the 10 years contract will reach 91 million tons including 21 million tons delivered previously. Rosneft has a successful track record of implementation of oil supply contracts to China. In 2005- 2016 within the long-term contracts Rosneft delivered to China more than 186 million tons of oil worth over $95 billion. The total volume of deliveries within long-term contracts will exceed 700 million tons. Rosneft is one of the leading suppliers of oil products to the Chinese market: in 2009- 2016 the company delivered about 30 million tons of oil products worth over $19 billion. Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova Bosnian Serbs Mark Controversial 'Statehood' Holiday RFE/RL's Balkan Service January 09, 2017 Bosnian Serbs have marked a controversial "statehood day" holiday over the objections of Bosnia-Herzegovina's government, which says the holiday promotes separatism. Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, the head of the Bosnian Serb entity, said in Banja Luka on January 9 that the holiday celebrated the fact that "Republika Srpska has managed to survive under almost impossible conditions." The holiday marks the 25th anniversary of the region's 1992 declaration of independence, which ignited the 1992-95 Bosnian war. The festivities include a police parade in Republika Srpska's capital, Banja Luka. Although Bosnia's federal government refused to allow Bosnian Serb troops in Bosnia's national army to participate in the event, one regiment did appear at the celebration and presented itself to Mladen Ivanic, the Bosnian Serb member of Bosnia's tripartite Presidency. The nationalist president of neighboring Serbia, Tomislav Nikolic, also participated in the events, as did Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Irinej and several Belgrade government ministers. Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, who is spearheading his country's bid to join the European Union, did not attend the events. Vucic said on January 5 that Serbia insisted on "protecting the integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina" in order "to maintain peace and stability." Dodik, in an interview with neighboring Serbia's state RTS television, said Bosnia was "a useless state." He described it as "a failed international project" and "a monster that does not function." Dodik Defies Court In September, Bosnian Serbs voted overwhelmingly to maintain the holiday on January 9 in a referendum that led to the most heated debate between Bosnian Muslim and Bosnian Serb officials since the end of the war. Most Bosniaks and Croats opposed the referendum out of fear that Republika Srpska could be preparing to secede, destroying the delicate federal structure put in place after the war. Bosnia's Constitutional Court had canceled the vote, ruling that the holiday is illegal because it discriminates against non-Serbs. However, Dodik held the referendum despite that ruling as well as considerable pressure from the United States and the European Union. "No one can make people's feelings disappear, or prevent us from celebrating on January 9. It's completely legitimate," Dodik said on January 6. With reporting by AFP Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/bosnian- serbs-to-hold-divisive-statehood-day- holliday/28220835.html Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address White House Explains Why US Destroyer Fired Warning Shots at Iranian Vessels Sputnik News 21:19 09.01.2017(updated 22:23 09.01.2017) The four Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz closing in on US warships engaged in unsafe practices that can worsen existing tensions, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a briefing on Monday. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, media reported that the US Navy destroyer Mahan fired warning shots at four Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz that were closing in on it at a rapid pace. The ship warned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats to stop before firing warning flares and a smoke float on Sunday. "The United States does not know what the intentions of the Iranian vessel were, but the behavior is not acceptable," Earnest stated. "These types of actions are certainly concerning and, certainly, risk escalating tensions when it is our view that we should look for ways to deescalate tensions." The incident is the latest of several confrontations between US and Iranian vessels around the Persian Gulf. In August, two Iranian naval patrol boats approached within 300 yards of the US destroyer Nitze while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, an incident the US Central Command deemed unsafe and unprofessional. In November, US media reported that an Iranian vessel aimed weapons at a US Navy helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Navy Destroyer Fires Warning Shots at Iranian Vessels - Reports Sputnik News 16:50 09.01.2017(updated 18:06 09.01.2017) The US Navy destroyer Mahan fired warning shots at four Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz that were closing in on it at a rapid pace, Fox News reported citing an unnamed US defense official. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The ship warned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats to stop before firing warning flares and a smoke float on Sunday. The Mahan was escorting two US ships when the Iranian boats approached at a high rate of speed, according to officials. The incident is the latest of several confrontations between US and Iranian vessels around the Persian Gulf. In August, two Iranian naval patrol boats approached within 300 yards of the US destroyer Nitze while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, an incident the US Central Command deemed unsafe and unprofessional. In November, US media reported that an Iranian vessel aimed weapons at a US Navy helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Military to Deploy 24 AH-64 Apache Helicopters in S Korea by Early February Sputnik News 10:03 09.01.2017 The United States plans to deploy 24 Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to a base in South Korea by early February to help Seoul counter threats from Pyongyang, local media said Monday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) All 24 helicopters will be deployed at Camp Humphreys when construction work in complete at the base in October, The Defense Ministry's US division head Kim Sung-min was quoted as saying by the agency. "The Apache helicopter battalion will be stationed at Camp Humphreys, and part of the unit will be temporarily deployed to Suwon Air Base until the new aircraft parking apron is complete at CP Humphreys," USArmy Col. Rob Manning said at a briefing at the South Korean Defense Ministry, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency. According to the media, the United States Forces Korea (USFK) and the South Korean Defense Ministry had stated the helicopters would replace several dozen Bell OH-58 Kiowa observation and reconnaissance helicopters currently in USFK service on the Korean peninsula. The US side stressed its commitment to ensuring South Korea's security and boosting joint defenses. "The rotational deployment of the Apache helicopters is a demonstration of strong US will in implementing its security commitments and will significantly strengthen the ROK-US combined defense posture and capabilities," Manning said. The Apache is a helicopter constructed to survive heavy attack and is armed to inflict massive damage on ground forces. It is designed to operate day or night, including in unfavorable weather and poor visibility. The situation on the Korean peninsula has become more heated over recent months, with North Korea escalating its ballistic missile and nuclear tests and the United States ramping up its military presence in South Korea. In July, Seoul and Washington agreed to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in South Korea's Seongju County. The THAAD system is designed to intercept short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles at the terminal incoming stage. The move has been criticized by neighboring China and Russia as inappropriate, possibly disproportionate and affecting other countries' interests. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update: air strikes against Daesh 9 January 2017 The renewed counter-Daesh offensive to liberate Mosul in Iraq, coupled with the advance of forces in Syria, has resulted in a busy period for Royal Air Force aircraft, providing close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activity as part of the coalition air campaign. Summary - Wednesday 4 January Typhoons destroyed a truck-bomb factory in northern Iraq and a bridge used by Daesh in western Iraq. - Thursday 5 January Tornados struck a mortar in central Mosul, while a Reaper supported Iraqi troops in several fire fights in the south-east of the city. - Friday 6 January Typhoons bombed a sniper position west of Raqqa in Syria, a Reaper provided further assistance to Iraqi forces in Mosul. - Saturday 7 January A Reaper intervened twice in close-quarter fighting in south-east Mosul. - Sunday 8 January Tornados attacked a truck-bomb workshop and buried weapons cache in northern Iraq, a Reaper destroyed a boat on the Tigris in Mosul, and Typhoons hit an artillery piece in Syria to the west of Raqqa. Detail On Wednesday 4 January, two flights of Royal Air Force Typhoons carried out attacks on Daesh targets in northern and western Iraq. One pair of Typhoons headed to a site north of Tall Afar, where intelligence had located a group of three buildings used by Daesh to manufacture truck-bombs. All three buildings were demolished using Paveway IV guided bombs. The second flight, also armed with Paveway IVs, successfully targeted a bridge used by the terrorists to cross a tributary of the Euphrates in Anbar province. The main focus for RAF and other Coalition aircraft has remained the providing close air support to Iraqi operations to liberate Mosul. A Tornado mission on Thursday 5 January used a Paveway IV to destroy a mortar position in central Mosul. Meanwhile, a Reaper remotely piloted aircraft flew overwatch for Iraqi troops advancing in the south-eastern area of the city. Our aircraft conducted three very precise attacks with Hellfire missiles against extremists as they fought with the Iraqis, and provided surveillance support to three further strikes by other Coalition aircraft. Reaper operations over south-east Mosul continued on Friday 6 January, with three more Hellfire attacks which killed Daesh fighters engaged in very close-quarter combat with the Iraqi forces. Assistance was also provided to the Syrian Democratic Forces in their offensive towards Raqqa, with a pair of Typhoons bombing a Deash sniper position on the north-eastern shore of Lake Assad. On Saturday 7 January, a Reaper again used the precision of its Hellfire missiles to hit terrorists twice during street-fighting in south-eastern Mosul. Sunday 8 January saw further Typhoon operations in support of the SDF west of Raqqa, destroying an artillery piece hidden in woods was hit with a Paveway IV. A Tornado flight also patrolled over northern Iraq, using a pair of Paveway IVs to destroy a truck-bomb workshop some 35 miles south-west of Kirkuk. A further pair of Paveways were used to attack a stockpile of weapons buried in shipping containers south of Sinjar. A Reaper, as ever maintaining a presence over Mosul, meanwhile observed a group of Daesh attempting to cross the Tigris in a small boat. A direct hit from a Hellfire completely destroyed the craft. Previous update Saturday 3 December: Very bad weather, including violent thunderstorms, seriously hampered air operations for several days. However, conditions improved sufficiently for a Reaper to resume operations over Mosul. It conducted one attack, using a Hellfire, against a mortar, and was able to alert other coalition forces to the location of a large number of civilians potentially at risk in the area. Sunday 4 December: Another Reaper continued to provide close air support to the Iraqi forces as they engaged in intensive street fighting around Mosul. The Reaper's crew twice exploited the accuracy and small warhead of their Hellfire missiles to strike Daesh terrorists engaged in close combat with Iraqi troops, and also gave surveillance support to four successful attacks by coalition aircraft on heavily defended buildings, including one where a group of suicide bombers had mustered. Meanwhile, two flights of Tornados prosecuted Daesh targets in Syria: one pair joined other coalition aircraft in an attack on a large weapons factory which intelligence had established was being operated by Daesh some 15 miles west of Raqqah. The Tornados dropped three Enhanced Paveway II bombs which scored direct hits on their targets. In eastern Syria, the second Tornado flight used a pair of Paveway IV bombs to destroy a terrorist headquarters, plus an associated vehicle, located some 25 miles north-east of At Tibni. Monday 5 December: With Iraqi forces continuing to clear Daesh positions in eastern Mosul, a Royal Air Force Reaper flew overwatch for the operation. It performed an important role in tracking the movements of civilian refugees through the area, allowing coalition attacks to be halted or delayed as necessary. The Reaper also identified a group of Daesh fighters who were subsequently struck by Coalition fast jets. The Reaper's crew then spotted a heavy machine-gun firing on Iraqi troops, and destroyed it with a Hellfire missile. Wednesday 7 December: A pair of Typhoons, armed with Paveway IV guided bombs, and supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, attacked a Daesh bunker dug into the hills some 25 miles north-west of Haditha. After the attack, smoke rose from the tunnel entrances some distance away, proving that the strike was successful. A second pair of Typhoons operated north of Mosul, where they used a Paveway IV to destroy a Daesh-held building. Meanwhile, a Reaper continued close air support over eastern Mosul. An armoured truck was tracked as Daesh fighters attempted to hide it in a vehicle shelter, allowing it to be destroyed by coalition jets. The Reaper then conducted three attacks using its own Hellfires against groups of extremists engaged in close combat with the advancing Iraqi troops. Thursday 8 December: Tornados and a Reaper patrolled over Mosul. The Tornados were able to use the small, highly accurate Brimstone missile to dispose safely of an armoured personnel carrier positioned close to a hospital in the south of the city. Meanwhile, the Reaper hunted targets in the city centre, using three Hellfire missiles to pick off groups of extremists caught moving in the open. Friday 9 December: Another Reaper enjoyed similar success, when it also operated over central Mosul. It conducted three Hellfire attacks against Daesh fighters, including some armed with rocket-propelled grenades, and a mortar team that was spotted as it opened fire. In the east of the city, Typhoons assisted Iraqi forces as they fought a Daesh group holding a building at the end of a street. Particular care was taken in planning the air attack, as the Iraqi troops were very close to the target, but our aircrew were able to score a direct hit with a Paveway IV, which destroyed the building and removed the threat to the ground forces. Monday 12 December: Intelligence analysis identified a set of buildings some miles north-east of Bayji, where Daesh were storing weapons and manufacturing explosives. A pair of Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager tanker, were tasked to attack the site. Our aircraft used three Paveway IV guided bombs against different buildings within the compound, and successfully destroyed each of these targets. Wednesday 14 December: Operations to liberate Mosul continue, with Iraqi troops carefully clearing terrorists from areas in the east of the city. A unit encountered significant resistance from a group of Daesh fortified in a building. RAF Tornado GR4s were overhead, but unable to see the target due to thick cloud cover. Nevertheless, very careful coordination with the ground forces, who were very close to the terrorist strongpoint, allowed the Tornados to deliver a precision strike through the cloud cover with a Paveway IV which the Iraqi troops reported scored a direct hit on the building and eliminated the threat they faced. Other RAF aircraft have continued to fly reconnaissance missions over both Syria and Iraq, with Airseeker and Sentinel surveillance platforms gathering vital intelligence on Daesh activity in recent days. Hercules transports have also continued their essential work, supporting the large British military training teams which are constantly working with coalition partners to help improve the capabilities of the Iraqi forces so that they are even better equipped to defeat the terrorists. Thursday 15 December: Despite very heavy cloud over Mosul, Royal Air Force and other coalition aircraft continued to provide support to the Iraqi ground forces advancing into the city. Iraqi troops engaged a large group of Daesh fighters in close combat in eastern Mosul. A pair of Tornados worked in very close coordination with the Iraqi unit to establish both their precise positions and those of the terrorists. As a result, two Paveway IV guided bombs were dropped with great accuracy through the clouds. The Iraqis reported that they had scored direct hits, killing their opponents. The Tornados then provided assistance to troops fighting in the north of the city, who had encountered a building from where Daesh were directing rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine-gun fire. As before, the Tornado crews were unable to see the target themselves but were able to demolish the building with an Enhanced Paveway II guided bomb without injury to the nearby Iraqi forces. Sunday 18 December: A Reaper operated over the northern outskirts of Mosul. Its crew observed a number of Daesh fighters on board an armoured truck which proceeded to drive at speed towards Iraqi positions just north of the city. A Hellfire missile from the Reaper brought the attempted attack to an immediate halt, knocking out the truck. The following day, two Typhoons armed with Paveway IV guided bombs attacked two buildings east of Tall Afar, which intelligence had revealed were being used by Daesh as accommodation blocks. One building was completely demolished, the other set ablaze by the strike. Tuesday 20 December: Operating again in challenging conditions over Mosul, two Tornados were still able to support Iraqi forces as they engaged a Daesh light machine-gun team defending a building in the north-eastern area of the city. As with the attacks a few days earlier, the Iraqi troops were very close to the target, but our aircrew carried out a successful attack with a Paveway IV. Wednesday 21 December: Typhoons tasked with the destruction of a Daesh-held building some miles to the north-east of Bayji, where intelligence reports indicated a number of improvised explosive devices had been stockpiled by the terrorists. A Paveway IV levelled the building. In eastern Mosul, Iraqi troops came upon a heavy machine-gun team, once again fortified inside a building, and sought assistance from a Tornado patrol which was able to destroy the target with a Paveway IV. Thursday 22 December: Operations against the Daesh terrorist network have continued unabated during the holiday period, with Royal Air Force aircraft supporting Iraqi operations to liberate Mosul, and the advance on Raqqah by Syrian Democratic Forces. Two Tornado GR4s, based at RAF Akrotiri, were tasked against one of the few tanks operated by Daesh, which had been spotted by coalition surveillance aircraft hidden under a tarpaulin in an orchard to the south-west of Sinjar. The tank was destroyed by a direct hit from a Brimstone missile. Friday 23 December: Typhoon FGR4s, armed with Paveway IV guided bombs, patrolled over Syria and successfully attacked a terrorist position which SDF fighters had encountered to the north of Tabaqah, near Lake Assad. In Iraq, Tornados used Paveway IVs to destroy a weapons stockpile some 50 miles north-east of Haditha, whilst a Reaper remotely piloted aircraft assisted the Iraqi operations in Mosul; its crew conducted a thorough check for civilians who might be at risk before a successful coalition air strike destroyed another weapons stockpile. The Reaper then delivered an attack using one of its own Hellfire missiles to destroy an artillery piece loaded on a trailer - as with the tank, the terrorists had attempted to hide the gun under a tarpaulin in thick woodland to the north-west of the city, but to no avail. Sunday 25 December: Christmas Day saw Mosul blanketed with thick cloud, but both Typhoons and Tornados were able, by dint of close cooperation with the Iraqi forces on the ground, to prosecute Daesh targets in and around the city. A pair of Typhoons used a Paveway IV to attack a small bridge used by the terrorists, whilst a Tornado flight attacked two Daesh strong-points with which the Iraqi troops were engaged in close combat; the first was destroyed by an Enhanced Paveway II guided bomb, the second from which a machine-gun was firing was struck by a Paveway IV. Both attacks were delivered blind through the cloud, but the Iraqi units reported direct hits which eliminated the threats that they had faced. Tuesday 27 December: Typhoons continued to support the SDF operations in Syria, they used a Paveway IV to strike a heavy machine-gun position located in a building to the west of Raqqah. Thursday 29 December: Two Tornado GR4s and a Reaper patrolled over the city. The Reaper used its advanced sensors for the vital task of scanning for any sign of civilians who might be placed at risk by the fighting. It also provided surveillance assistance to five coalition air attacks that struck two communications towers, a mortar, a transport vehicle and a recoilless anti-tank gun, as well as conducting three successful attacks using its own Hellfire missiles against a mortar team firing from a treeline and two groups of terrorist fighters located in south-east Mosul. The Tornados meanwhile used a Brimstone missile to destroy a cart laden with weapons in a street in eastern Mosul, and Paveway IV guided bombs against an artillery position hidden amongst trees in parkland in northern Mosul. The GR4s were then tasked to fly west into Syria to deal with a terrorist artillery piece, mounted on a trailer, which had been identified a couple miles north of Palmyra. The weapon was destroyed by a direct hit from a Brimstone. Friday 30 December: A Reaper continued patrols over eastern Mosul. It provided targeting assistance to coalition air attacks on a Daesh-held compound and a group of extremists, and used its Hellfire missiles to intervene with great precision in two actions where Iraqi troops were engaged in close combat with terrorist fighters. New Year's Day: Similar Reaper operations occurred on New Year's Day, with our aircraft destroying a group of terrorists with one Hellfire, then using a second to knock out an armed truck which it had spotted reversing in and out of cover to fire bursts from a heavy machine-gun. A flight of Typhoon FGR4s were also active over northern Mosul, where they used a Paveway IV to attack a mortar position just to the north of the city. Monday 2 January: The British military training mission in Iraq sadly suffered a fatality when Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington from the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment died in a non-combat incident at a training camp in Taji. Further information can be found here. A Reaper patrol also on 2 January over Mosul provided surveillance support to coalition air strikes on terrorist fighters, including a recoilless anti-tank gun team, and employed a Hellfire to silence a Daesh rooftop position that was firing on Iraqi troops. 3 January: A further Reaper attack occurred in south-east Mosul, striking a pair of terrorists who were in close proximity to Iraqi forces, whilst some 20 miles south of Kirkuk, a Tornado flight destroyed a Daesh truck with a Paveway IV. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Navy Fires Warning Shots at Iranian Boats Near Persian Gulf By Carla Babb January 09, 2017 A U.S. Navy ship fired three warnings shots at Iranian boats near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said. Four Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attack craft vessels were "traveling right at" the USS Mahan in the Strait of Hormuz at a "very high rate of speed," a defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told VOA earlier Monday. The crew identified themselves as part of the U.S. Navy, and repeated "multiple times" that the ships needed to turn away or the crew would be "forced to use a defensive measure," the official said. Capt. Davis said the USS Mahan crew issued used audible sirens and issued radio warnings. "This was an unsafe and unprofessional interaction," Davis said, "and that's due to the fact that they were approaching with a high level of speed with weapons manned and disregarding repeated warnings." When the Iranian boats did not respond to radio requests to slow down, the USS Mahan fired shots with a .50 caliber machine gun. "As soon as the crew fired off warning shots, the small Iranian boats stopped and the U.S. ships proceeded on their route," the defense official said. The Iranian boats came within about 825 meters of the USS Mahan, according to Davis. The Navy destroyer was escorting the USS Makin Island, an amphibious ship, and the USNS Walter S. Diehl, a supply ship, during the time of the incident. The Navy destroyer was escorting the USS Makin Island, an amphibious ship, and the USNS Walter S. Diehl, an oil supply ship, during the time of the incident. A defense official told VOA the U.S. encourages Iran and all nations to operate in accordance with internationally recognized maritime laws, standards and norms. "Our commanding officers are obligated to act in self-defense. Such unsafe and unprofessional interactions with IRGCN vessels create a risk of escalation and are entirely preventable with proper seamanship," the official said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Carries Out Raid in Syria Targeting IS Leadership By VOA News January 09, 2017 The United States says it carried out a "successful" raid against Islamic State fighters in eastern Syria, focused on IS leadership. A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Captain Jeff Davis, said Monday that the operation was carried out in Deir Ezzor province by a U.S. special forces unit tasked with tracking down Islamic State leaders in Syria and Iraq. He did not say who the targets were, but said a lot of intelligence was gathered during the operation. Death toll exaggerated The spokesman said reports by the monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that 25 Islamic fighters were killed in the operation were exaggerated. He did not say how many people were killed. The oil-rich region of Deir Ezzor is largely under the control of Islamic State militants and the United States has previously carried out airstrikes and other military action in the region. The U.S. special forces unit, called the expeditionary task force, has intensified drone strikes and raids in Syria in recent months against Islamic State leaders. Successful raids against Islamic State Special forces have carried out several high profile raids against Islamic State militants including an operation in Syria in May 2015 that killed IS commander Abu Sayyaf and an October, 2015 raid in Hawijah, Iraq, that freed 70 hostages held by IS. A Delta Force soldier, 39-year-old Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler, was killed during that mission. The raid on Abu Sayyaf also provided a treasure trove of intelligence materials that led to several operations targeting Islamic State's financial network. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guard units kept busy by winter storms in Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia By National Guard Bureau January 9, 2017 ARLINGTON, Va. -- Frigid weather and snowstorms kept National Guard personnel busy assisting civil authorities throughout the weekend in several Southeast states. The Alabama National Guard, which provided about 250 Soldiers and executed five missions, completed its tasks on Sunday. The missions included the activation of mobility support team locations and support to civilian authorities with ground transportation, wrecker support, ambulance support and emergency right-of-way clearance The Virginia National Guard had approximately 260 personnel staged and ready Saturday at Guard readiness centers through the Hampton Roads area. Some residents reported a snowfall of 14 inches in that area. Some Soldiers and vehicles were prepositioned at firehouses and other emergency services facilities in the region in order to quickly deploy if needed as part of the state's multi-agency response. "I am incredibly proud of how quickly our forces were able to stage Friday night in order to be ready for possible missions Saturday morning, and most importantly they did it safely," said Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the adjutant general of Virginia. "Our state and local partners count on us to provide the capabilities they need in order to help the citizens of the commonwealth when faced with hazardous weather situations, and once again our Soldiers, Airmen and Virginia Defense Force troopers have demonstrated we are able to rapidly respond when we are needed. Our forces are standing by to assist local first responders in keep our fellow Virginians safe." Virginia Guard missions include using Humvees and light/medium tactical trucks to provide transportation for first responders through snow or help evacuate people in need of shelter. Soldiers also organized into debris reduction teams with chain saws to help clear roads if needed. Additional Soldiers, Airmen and Virginia Defense Force troopers were on duty in Sandston and Fort Pickett providing mission command, sustainment, incident management assistance and public information support. The Virginia National Guard last served on state active duty Oct. 9-10, 2016, when more than 160 Soldiers assisted with the multi-agency state response to Hurricane Matthew in the Hampton Roads area. Soldiers driving Humvees and light/medium tactical trucks provided high water transportation and were also helped clear debris and open roads blocked by fallen trees. In North Carolina, about 120 troops were on storm duty, according to NGB figures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Carolina National Guard prepares for first winter storm 2017 By Capt. Jessica Donnelly January 9, 2017 COLUMBIA, S.C. -- As South Carolina National Guard units across the state prepare for the first drill of the new year, Vehicle Recovery Teams (VRT) are organizing in response to the first winter storm of 2017. Soldiers in the Upstate began staging vehicles and personnel, Jan. 6, to support the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade serves as the operational control with Soldiers from the 178th Engineer Battalion and 4-118th Combat Arms Battalion making up the VRTs, explained U.S. Army Capt. Joseph Powell, 228th TTSB personnel officer. A VRT consists of a wrecker asset, two Humvees, and six to eight people, he added. The South Carolina National Guard prepositions liaisons in areas expected to be hit the hardest with severe weather then coordinates with the teams to respond with assistance as needed. "We'll have our liaisons in place to coordinate with highway patrol to make sure we keep the highways clear for emergency response vehicles," said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Bostic, 228th TTSB command sergeant major. Bostic explained, the areas they are expecting to be impacted the most and are being monitored include interstate highways 77 and 26 from the state line inward as far as affected, as well as interstate highway 85 from state line to state line. "We have troops on standby ready to respond if needed in support of the South Carolina Highway Patrol," said Bostic. The South Carolina National Guard was prepared to respond to the winter storm after recent training conducted with the highway patrol in November 2016. Soldiers with the 228th TTSB partnered with the civilian agency for Exercise Palmetto Lightning, where South Carolina National Guard liaisons staged at different locations to communicate to the VRTs. The liaisons relayed missions to the teams who would react based on a scenario, such as pulling a vehicle from a ditch or clearing a road to allow first responders access to ensure the safety of South Carolina citizens. "We do this type of training every year so that we're prepared to respond to winter weather," added Bostic. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia tired of baseless US hacking allegations: Kremlin Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 2:38PM Russia says it is "tired" of "baseless allegations" by Washington that Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. American officials, including outgoing President Barack Obama, have accused the Kremlin of carrying out cyberattacks against US political organizations to help Republican candidate Donald Trump win the White House. On Friday, the US intelligence community released an unclassified report claiming that the Russian government directed hackers to target various Democratic Party organizations and operatives to influence the outcome of the election. Speaking to reporters on Monday in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin's chief spokesman and aide, Dmitry Peskov, denounced the US hacking claims. "These are baseless allegations substantiated with nothing, done on a rather amateurish, emotional level that is hardly worthy of professional work of truly world-class security services," he said. "We still don't know what data is really being used by those who present such unfounded accusations," Peskov stated, adding that Moscow was "categorically denying any implication" it was responsible for the alleged hacking. "We are growing rather tired of these accusations. It is becoming a full-on witch hunt," Peskov added. Trump has also downplayed Russia's alleged meddling in the US election, saying there was no credible evidence the hacking affected the election results. He has said that Democrats were making a lot of "noise" about Russia's alleged hacking because they were "embarrassed" by the election results. He said that the hacking revelations are a "political witch hunt" aimed at discrediting his election victory. The US intelligence community's report accuses President Putin of personally ordering his government to help Trump win the presidential election. The report claims that Russia "sought to help" Trump by running a smear campaign against Hillary Clinton, his Democratic rival, but the report has not concluded that the Russian interference tipped the scales to the Republican candidate. Trump has previously floated the idea that the hacks could have been carried out by a "14-year-old" or "a guy sitting on their bed who weighs 400 pounds." The president-elect has also cited past faulty intelligence involving the Iraq War to raise doubts about the intelligence community's assessment now. "These are the same people who said Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction," Trump said in a statement last month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Jan. 10 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmenistan has determined its priorities in connection with the countrys chairmanship in the Energy Charter Conference in 2017, the Turkmen government said in a message Jan. 10. The next session of the Energy Charter Conference is planned to be held in Ashgabat. Particular attention will be paid to the following areas: processing of raw hydrocarbon materials to produce finished products and to export them; use of renewable energy sources; safe transit of energy resources; increasing energy efficiency and energy saving, as well as reducing impacts of energy use on environment. Moreover, the agenda will also include issues on stimulating investments in order to meet the increasing global demand for energy and improving investment climate in member countries of the Energy Charter; on attracting new countries to the Charter membership. Turkmenistan is one of the rich countries for its natural gas resources. According to BP, the countrys recoverable reserves are estimated at 17.5 trillion cubic meters of gas or nine percent of total global reserves, which puts Turkmenistan on the fourth position in this field after Iran, Russia and Qatar. Obama Says He 'Underestimated' Impact Of Russian Misinformation, Hacking RFE/RL January 09, 2017 President Barack Obama says he has "underestimated" the impact misinformation and hacking can have on democracies, after intelligence agencies concluded that Russia's president ordered a hacking campaign that aimed to influence the U.S. presidential election. In an interview with ABC News broadcast on January 8, Obama said he did not think he had underestimated Russian President Vladimir Putin. "But I think that I underestimated the degree to which, in this new information age, it is possible for misinformation, for cyberhacking, and so forth to have an impact on our open societies, our open systems, to insinuate themselves into our democratic practices in ways that I think are accelerating," he added. "And so part of the reason that I ordered this report was not simply to relitigate what happened over the last several months, but rather to make sure that we understand this is something that Putin has been doing for quite some time in Europe, initially in the former satellite states where there are a lot of Russian speakers, but increasingly in Western democracies." The comments come after a U.S. intelligence report concluded that Putin "ordered" a campaign of hacking and media manipulation aimed at influencing the November 8 election. The report released on January 6 by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said the effort sought to help President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican, by discrediting his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Russia's Embassy in London called the report a "a pathetic attempt at tainting Americans' vote by innuendo couched in Intel new-speak." The report's findings reinforced earlier assessments that hackers backed by Russia's government had intruded on computer servers of U.S. political parties. The report's release followed a briefing that Trump, who takes office on January 20, received from top intelligence officials on January 6. After the briefing, Trump issued a statement saying he had asked his staff to develop a plan in his first 90 days in office to "aggressively combat and stop cyberattacks." He also said he had "tremendous respect" for the work of the intelligence agencies. Trump has repeatedly dismissed claims that Moscow meddled in the election on his behalf, saying that those charges are the product of his political opponents trying to undermine his election victory. But Trump's incoming chief of staff, Reince Priebus, told Fox News on January 8 that the president-elect "is not denying that entities in Russia" were behind a hacking campaign that targeted the Democratic National Committee and a top aide to Clinton. Another Trump adviser, Kellyanne Conway, rejected any notion Russia may have affected the election. "Any attempt, any aspiration to influence our elections failed," she told CNN on January 8. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham urged Trump to punish Russia for trying to interfere in the election. "He's going to be the defender of the free world here pretty soon," Graham, a frequent Trump critic, said in an interview with NBC broadcast on January 8. ''All I'm asking him is to acknowledge that Russia interfered, and push back. It could be Iran next time. It could be China." Trump repeated on January 7 past statements about wanting to work with Moscow. "Having a good relationship with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. Only 'stupid' people, or fools, would think that it is bad!" Trump wrote on Twitter. In the interview with ABC, Obama also said he had talked to his successor about having confidence in the intelligence community. "There are going to be times where the only way you can make a good decision is if you have confidence that the process is working," he said. Obama said he had also advised Trump not to attempt to run the White House "the way you would manage a family business." He said Trump must "respect" U.S. institutions and warned that there was a difference between governing and campaigning. "There are world capitals and financial markets and people all around the world who take really seriously what he says," the president said. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and dpa Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/obama-says-he -underestimated-impact-of-russian- misinformation-hacking/28220810.html Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin Denies Role in US Election Hack, Calls Accusations 'Witch Hunt' Sputnik News 14:50 09.01.2017(updated 16:34 09.01.2017) Russia categorically denies that any of its official agencies took part in any cyberattacks on the United States, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, noting that the "witch hunt" is becoming tiresome. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Commenting on an unclassified US intelligence report published on Friday, the Kremlin spokesman echoed a range of expert opinion that the US Intelligence Community's "high confidence" on alleged Russia's interference in the US election lacked proof. "We continue to categorically rule out any involvement by Moscow and accusations that officials or official Russian agencies could be involved in any hacker attacks," Peskov told reporters. "We are observing serious fatigue from these charges. It is reminiscent of a full-grown 'witch-hunt'," he stressed. "This publication has not added any substance to merit comment. From our viewpoint, allegations supported by absolutely nothing continue to be heard at quite an amateur, emotional level, which is hardly applicable to the highly professional work of really high-quality security services," Peskov stressed. The US Intelligence Community report claimed that Russia launched an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at undermining public faith in the US democratic process and creating a preference for President-elect Donald Trump. Russia has repeatedly denied the US allegations calling them absurd and characterizing them as an attempt to divert public opinion from revelations of corruption as well as other pressing domestic issues. After receiving an intelligence briefing on the US Intelligence Community's report, Trump said the election outcome had not been affected. US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan also suggested that the assessment should not be used by partisans to delegitimize Trump's presidency. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Denounces as 'Amateurish' US Claims of Election Meddling By Ken Bredemeier January 09, 2017 The Kremlin is denouncing as baseless and amateurish U.S. intelligence claims it meddled in the U.S. presidential election to help Donald Trump win a four-year term in the White House. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, "These are baseless allegations substantiated with nothing, done on a rather amateurish, emotional level that is hardly worthy of professional work of truly world-class security services." "We are growing rather tired of these accusations," Peskov said. "It is becoming a full-on witch hunt." His comments were the Kremlin's first since the U.S. intelligence community said Friday it had "high confidence" that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally ordered a campaign to undermine the democratic presidential electoral process in the United States. U.S. officials said Russian efforts were intended to undercut the election chances of Democrat Hillary Clinton and help Trump, the Republican candidate. Peskov said Russia is "categorically denying any implication" it was responsible for the hacking of thousands of emails from the computer of Clinton campaign chief John Podesta and their release through the document-leaking group WikiLeaks. The steady disclosure of the emails in the month before the election revealed at-times embarrassing efforts by Democratic officials to help Clinton defeat Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for the party's presidential nomination. "We still don't know what data is really being used by those who present such unfounded accusations," the Kremlin spokesman said. The United States released a declassified version of its findings that was half the length of the classified report intelligence officials presented first to Obama on Thursday and a day later to President-elect Trump. Meeting planned The Kremlin spokesman said that once Trump is inaugurated in Washington work would begin on finding a date for a first meeting between the U.S. and Russian leaders. Trump's incoming chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said Sunday that the president-elect is "not denying entities in Russia are behind these particular hackings." But Trump, in a string of Twitter comments over the weekend, said "gross negligence by the Democratic National Committee allowed hacking to take place. Only reason the hacking of the poorly defended DNC is discussed is that the loss by the Dems was so big that they are totally embarrassed!" Trump tweeted, "Intelligence stated very strongly there was absolutely no evidence that hacking affected the election results. Voting machines not touched!" Trump won the November election in a stunning upset and assumes power January 20 as President Barack Obama leaves office after eight years as the American leader. Moscow's response to the U.S. report came a day after Obama said in an interview with ABC News that he ordered the intelligence assessment "to make sure that we understand this is something that Putin has been doing for quite some time in Europe, initially in the former satellite states where there are a lot of Russian speakers, but increasingly in Western democracies." Obama said he did not underestimate Putin, but acknowledged underestimating how much it is possible for misinformation and hacking to impact open societies and "insinuate themselves into our democratic practices in ways that I think are accelerating." Cyber security Obama said more time and resources need to be used on cyber security, and that he hopes the situation is not seen in a partisan way. "One of the things that I am concerned about is the degree to which we've seen a lot of commentary lately where there were, there are Republicans or pundits or cable commentators who seemed to have more confidence in Vladimir Putin than fellow Americans because those fellow Americans were Democrats," he said. "That cannot be." The U.S. intelligence report made no assessment whether the leaks changed the outcome of the election, which Trump won in the Electoral College, where state-by-state results throughout the country decide its presidential winner, rather than the popular vote, where Clinton prevailed over Trump by nearly three million votes. Obama has had one face-to-face meeting with Trump, shortly after the election, and has talked with him several times. He said Sunday they have spoken about trust in the U.S. intelligence agencies. "When I talked to him about our intelligence agencies, what I've said to him is that there are going to be times where you've got raw intelligence that comes in and in my experience, over eight years, the intelligence community is pretty good about saying, 'Look, we can't say for certain what this means." But Obama added, "There are going to be times where the only way you can make a good decision is if you have confidence that the process is working. And the people that you put in charge are giving you their very best assessments." Obama said he also has talked to Trump about his penchant for tweeting an array of taunts and messages on Twitter. "I've said to him, and I think others have said to him that the day that he is the president of the United States, there are world capitals and financial markets and people all around the world who take really seriously what he says, and in a way that's just not true before you're actually sworn in as president," Obama said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ambiguous THAAD photos cause unease in China People's Daily Online By Li Yan (People's Daily Online) 17:14, January 09, 2017 Chinese netizens have expressed discomfort with photos depicting Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors targeting the Chinese national flag. Eight such photos have appeared in Yonhap News Agency reports within half a year. The first picture was published on Aug. 10 to accompany an article titled "U.S. missile defense chief to visit Seoul for talks over THAAD." The report stated that James Syring, who is in charge of the Missile Defense Agency's worldwide mission, would come to South Korea to discuss follow-up measures for the planned deployment of THAAD. Those pictures are just backgrounds, and were not intended to target China, said Chen Bingtai, director of the Beijing branch of the Yonhap News Agency. Chen promised to inform the South Korean head office of the incident to make sure they are more cautious when selecting photos in the future. Another employee of Yonhap News Agency chalked the whole situation up to a misunderstanding when asked about the purpose of the photos. Meanwhile, a South Korean diplomat explained on Jan. 8 that he had no idea about the existence of the pictures, but noted that "THADD could hardly threaten China because it has a range of only 200 kilometers." Those explanations haven't persuaded Chinese netizens, however. Some net users commented under the article that they would never travel to South Korea, while others said South Korea is suicidal and China should do something to stop the craziness. The Yonhap News Agency has not removed the photo from its website as of press time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India to Test Nuclear-Capable Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Sputnik News 19:06 09.01.2017 India is shrugging off concerns raised by some of its neighbors on its preparations to test its most ambitious weapon - the K-4 submarine-launched long range ballistic missile (SLBM). The DRDO claims a range of 3,500 km, less than half of China's JL 2 SLBM. New Delhi (Sputnik) India's state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is currently preparing an undersea platform in the Bay of Bengal for the trial of its long-range ballistic missile. The test, code-named K-4, would be conducted anytime. The 12-meter solid rocket propellant SLBM can carry a warhead, conventional as well as nuclear, weighing up to 2,000 kg. India had tested K 4 three times earlier of a range up to 3,000 km. Government sources told Sputnik that the range this time will be higher. It is being widely speculated that the indigenously developed submarine INS Arihant would be used for the test as it is capable of carrying 12 K-5 Sagarika missiles and 4 K-4 SLBMs. Currently, K 4 is undergoing technical trials followed by development trials in 2018. Chinese JL 2 SLBM can hit a target up to a range of 8,000 km while Pakistan claims a tanger of 700 Kms for its SLBM Babur Hatf 7. Apart from China, SLBMs are in the possession of Russia, USA, France, and UK. The scheduled test of K 4 comes only a short while after the much-hyped back-to-back tests of Agni IV and V in December 2016. China had criticized the tests for violating UN limits on the development of nuclear weapons and long range ballistic missile. However, experts argue that India should enhance the range of K series missile. "The K-4 is undergoing technical trials as of 2016. At its maximum range, it could reach some high-value targets in Pakistan from a standoff distance in the Bay of Bengal. It would, however, still fall short of high-value targets on the Chinese mainland or the SSBNs would have to patrol very close to the coastline. With these targets in mind, India will inevitably have to develop an SLBM with a range of 5,000 km," says Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal, defense expert at Vivekanand International Foundation. Brig Kanwal wanted India to close the missile-technology gap with both China and Pakistan as early as possible to enhance the credibility of India's nuclear deterrence. The Chinese state media Global Times has warned New Delhi that if its long-range missile development continues, Beijing would help Pakistan, an "all-weather friend," acquire similar capabilities. However, India said the tests were not aimed at intimidating particular country. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Parliament mandates government to boost missile capabilities Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 4:23PM The Iranian Parliament has approved a bill, which obligates the government to enhance the country's defense power in line with national interests and security. The legislation was approved with 173 votes in favor, 10 votes against and 6 abstentions during an open parliamentary session on Monday morning, as 263 lawmakers were in attendance. The bill, which is part of the country's Sixth Economic Development Plan (2016-2021), requires that the Iranian government strengthen national defense power through boosting the country's missile production capabilities, and expanding air defense capabilities at short-, medium- and long-range levels. The legislation also calls for the development and modernization of secure, sustainable and interactive communications networks that employ leading-edge technologies in order to fully deploy command and control systems. The bill stresses the need for the development of electronic warfare and cyber defense capabilities as well. Moreover, it attaches paramount importance to the research, design and production of military hardware needed to counter terrorists groups. The bill also mandates the expansion of the country's air force fleet for various defensive, combat and logistic missions through reliance on state-of-the-art systems for fighter jets, helicopter gunships and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The legislation further stresses the expansion and renovation of the country's air defense systems to support air defense fleet, including jets and helicopters, in addition to updating the existing capabilities to manufacture and equip drones with military hardware. Under the bill, the Iranian government is also obliged to develop Iran's naval fleet through the acquisition of fast attack craft and heavy submarines and the formation of sea-based squadrons that are equipped with interception, surveillance and firepower control systems and as well as advanced weapons. The parliamentary bill also demands the expansion and upgrade of military capabilities of combat units and rapid response brigades of the Iranian Armed Forces. In recent years, Iran has broken new grounds with regard to its defense capability and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems. The country has also conducted military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its Armed Forces and to test modern military tactics and state-of-the-art army equipment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Parliament Approves Bill Requiring Gov't to Boost Defense Capabilities Sputnik News 17:08 09.01.2017 The Iranian parliament approved a bill Monday which will require the country's government to spend 5 percent of the public budget on the development of the country's defense capabilities, local media reported. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the Fars News Agency, the new law requires the Iranian government to develop the country's missile production, air defense capabilities, electronic warfare and cyberdefense capabilities, as well as air and naval fleets. The new law also reportedly includes provisions on boosting military capabilities of combat units. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi govt. forces gain more ground against Daesh terrorists in Mosul Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 1:52PM Iraqi government forces have managed to regain control over a number of neighborhoods in Mosul as they try to flush Daesh Takfiri militants out of the strategic northern city in joint operations with allied fighters and Kurdish Peshmerga forces. The Iraqi Federal Police announced in a statement on Monday that security personnel had wrested full control of Palestine neighborhood in the eastern part of the city, located some 400 kilometers north of the capital Baghdad, killing 35 Daesh terrorists in the process, Arabic-language al-Baghdadia television network reported. Members of the Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) also killed a large number of Daesh extremists and inflicted heavy material damage on their positions in al-Baladiyat neighborhood of eastern Mosul, before recapturing the area. Iraqi forces raised the national flag over several buildings there afterward. Additionally, Iraqi rapid response forces took control of Dumiz neighborhood in southeastern Mosul, and hoisted the national flag in the district. Pro-government fighters from Popular Mobilization Units, commonly known by the Arabic word Hashd al-Sha'abi, also thwarted a Daesh offensive against Adayah intersection southwest of Mosul. Ten Daesh militants were slain during the fierce fighting with volunteer fighters. Moreover, the Joint Operations Command (JOC) announced that Iraqi Air Force fighter jets had destroyed several workshops used for rigging vehicles with explosives, explosive-laden cars and a pickup truck equipped with a heavy machine gun during a string of airstrikes against Dash positions in Sanaiyah, Sumer, Wahda, Palestine, Intisar and Karamah neighborhoods in eastern Mosul. The JOC statement said that 25 Daesh terrorist were killed in the aerial attacks as well. Commander of Iraq's Counterterrorism Department Major General Sami al-Arezi said 38 Daesh terrorists were killed after security forces foiled their assault against archaeological sites in the eastern flank of Mosul. There were reportedly several foreign citizens among the slain Takfiris. Iraqi army soldiers, supported by fighters from allied Hashd al-Sha'abi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, launched a joint operation on October 17 to retake Mosul from Daesh terrorists. A total of 137,880 people, or 22,980 families, have been displaced from Mosul and neighboring areas ever since the start of the operations, according to figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nineveh operation in final phase: Iraqi premier Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 7:54AM Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says the counter-terrorism push against Daesh in the northwestern province of Nineveh is in its final phase. Speaking Sunday on the occasion of Iraqi Armed Forces Day, Abadi said government troops and allied volunteer forces have managed to retake about two-thirds of Nineveh Province from the Takfiri terrorists. The Nineveh battle is concentrated in and around its provincial capital Mosul. Mosul, along with three towns in the western Anbar Province, is where the remaining Daesh terrorists are holed up. The Takfiri group captured Mosul in 2014, when it started its campaign of terror in the northern and western parts of Iraq. The advance in Mosul has been slowed down due to the presence of hundreds of thousands of civilians, who are being prevented by the terrorists from leaving the city. However, it was reported on Sunday that members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), who are fighting Daesh in Mosul alongside allied fighters and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, had reached the eastern bank of Tigris River. Moreover, Iraqi security forces established control over the mosque, where purported Daesh ringleader Ibrahim al-Samarrai, aka Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, gave his famous speech on the formation of the terror group. Abadi further expressed satisfaction with the forces' performance and gallantry, saying they are the ones who guard the country's sovereignty and esteem. "We doubled our efforts to reconstruct the central part of the army on the basis of professional and technical principles," said Abadi, adding that this has enabled the armed forces to engage in successful anti-terror operations in Iraqi towns and cities. The Iraqi prime minister has earlier said it could take the country as short as three months to vanquish the terrorists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN special envoy arrives in Myanmar for probe Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 9:30AM A United Nations (UN) special envoy has arrived in Myanmar to begin an investigation into a brutal and deadly military crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in the country. Yanghee Lee, the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, arrived in the country late on Sunday and will visit the northwestern Rakhine State, where the Rohingya are being subjected to executions, rape, and arson attacks since October. "The events of the last few months have shown that the international community must remain vigilant in monitoring the human rights situation" in Myanmar, Lee had said in an earlier statement. On her visit, which will last for 12 days, Lee is also scheduled to visit the embattled state of Kachin, where the military has been fighting autonomy-seeking ethnic rebels in an area near the border with China for decades. The battle has forced more than 100,000 people out of their homes. Presidential spokesman Zaw Htay said the government would provide her with security to visit the conflict-ridden areas. Lee has slammed the military crackdown in Rakhine as "unacceptable" and said it was necessary to investigate reports of troops raping, murdering, and torturing members of the Muslim minority. The military began its crackdown in Rakhine after an attack on the country's border guards on October 9 left nine police officers dead. The government blamed the Rohingya for the assault. There are reports that at least 400 people have been killed, more than 2,500 houses, mosques, and religious schools destroyed, and three villages completely wiped out during the military siege. The Myanmarese government has blocked humanitarian and media access to Rakhine. Myanmar's government denies full citizenship to the 1.1 million-strong Rohingya population and instead brands them as "illegal immigrants" from Bangladesh, even as many trace their lineage in Myanmar back generations. At least 30,000 Rohingya have been internally displaced in Rakhine, while thousands of others have tried to reach Bangladesh to seek refuge amongst the Rohingya refugee population that already lives there. Bangladesh has started to crack down on the incoming refugees by either preventing them at border transit points or confining them to refugee camps. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 9 By Emil Ilgar Trend: Iran has proved a "significant" amount of shale oil reserves in the Lorestan Province, located in the countrys western part, the Director of Research and Management of Exploration Technology Center at Oil Ministry Mahmoud Hajian told SHANA. Iran announced in April that it had discovered shale oil reserves in Lorestan and the project to study the shale reserves was complete by 47 percent. Hajian didnt mention the volume of reserves, but said that a significant amount of shale oil was proved in middle Jurassic and lower Cretaceous layers at 83 liters of oil per one ton shale sand ratio. He also said the API of the proved shale oil stands at about 40, which indicates that the reserve contains very light oil. Irans conventional oil reserves stand at about 159 billion barrels. Pakistan Conducts 1st Successful Test of Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile Sputnik News 17:27 09.01.2017(updated 17:34 09.01.2017) The Pakistan Armed Forces conducted on Monday the first successful launch of the Babur-3 cruise missile from a submarine in the Indian Ocean, the press service of Pakistan's Armed Forces said in a statement. MOSCOW (Sputnik) It was added in the statement that Babur-3 was able to deliver a wide range of payloads and would provide Islamabad with the capability to respond to a potential nuclear attack against Pakistan. "Pakistan conducted its first successful test fire of Submarine Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) Babur-3 having a range of 450 kilometers [some 280 miles], from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean. The missile was fired from an underwater, mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy," the statement said. According to the statement, the missile can evade radars and air defense systems and is equipped with several stealth technologies. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S. Korea closely monitoring DPRK's possible test-launch of long-range missile People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:15, January 09, 2017 South Korea's defense ministry said Monday that its military is closely watching whether the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) would possibly test-launch its long-range missile. Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-kyun told a routine press briefing that the country's military is closely trailing and monitoring the DPRK's possible launch of its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) such as KN-08 or its enhanced version KN-14. Regarding the launch timing, the spokesman said the DPRK may use a variety of events to celebrate anniversaries scheduled for this year, without elaborating on details. His comments came after top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un said in his new year's speech that Pyongyang entered a final stage in preparations to test-launch a long-range ballistic rocket. Referring to the KN-14 missile, the spokesman said the DPRK advanced its technology to launch the ICBM from a mobile launcher. Moon expressed regrets over the DPRK leader's remarks violating the UN Security Council resolutions, which prohibit the country from testing any ballistic missile technology. He said threats of the ICBM launch is an act to damage peace and stability of the international community. The spokesman warned that if Pyongyang test-launches any ICBM in defiance of South Korea's warning, the DPRK would face tougher pressure and sanctions, vowing to sternly retaliate against any DPRK provocation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Sanctions Russia's Bastrykin And Alleged Litvinenko Killers Carl Schreck January 09, 2017 WASHINGTON -- The United States has slapped sanctions on five additional Russians for alleged human rights violations, including powerful senior law-enforcement official Aleksandr Bastrykin and lawmaker Andrei Lugovoi, who has been accused in Britain in the poisoning of Kremlin critic Aleksandr Litvinenko. The Treasury Department on January 9 announced the financial sanctions and visa bans under a law punishing Russians that Washington deems complicit in the death of whistle-blowing Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and other abuses. Bastrykin and Lugovoi are the most prominent of the 44 Russians sanctioned to date under the Magnitsky Act, a 2012 U.S. law that has infuriated the Kremlin. Bastrykin is the head of the federal Investigative Committee, the Russian analogue to the FBI that has directed numerous politically charged criminal cases against opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin. British investigators have accused Lugovoi, a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, of carrying out the 2006 poisoning of Litvinenko at a hotel in central London. Lugovoi's alleged accomplice, Dmitry Kovtun, was also among those listed in the fresh round of Magnitsky-related sanctions. British investigators have concluded that Litvinenko ingested the highly radioactive isotope polonium 210 while drinking tea in a luxury London hotel with Lugovoi and Kovtun. Moscow has dismissed the inquiry "opaque" and "politically motivated." Kovtun and Lugovoi, whom Russia refuses to extradite, have denied involvement despite traces of polonium that British investigators say the two left across London. After the announcement of the new sanctions, Kovtun was quoted by Russia's state-run TASS news agency as saying that he "never wanted to travel to the U.S., I've never had anything there, and I've never even been interested in going there." There was no immediate comment from the Russian government. Phone calls to the press office of the Russian Embassy in Washington went unanswered on January 9, and a spokesman there did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Tit-For-Tat The new sanctions came less than two weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is set to succeed outgoing President Barack Obama. Trump says he wants to improve ties with Russia that have been badly strained by the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, and by an alleged Russian effort to meddle in the U.S. presidential election. He has previously said he would consider lifting U.S. sanctions targeting Russia over its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which he could do by executive order after taking office. He has less flexibility with sanctions applied under the Magnitsky Act, which Obama signed into law after it passed in both houses of Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. The law gives him the authority to remove names from the Magnitsky-related sanctions list, though he would have to inform Congress of the justification for such a move, such as new evidence clearing the target of alleged rights abuses. There was no immediate response from Russian officials to the new sanctions. In the past, Moscow has retaliated tit-for-tat to Magnitsky Act sanctions, blacklisting U.S. officials it accuses of rights violations and abuses of power. But Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he does not want to issue mirror responses to U.S. punitive measures prior to Trump's presidency. In what was widely seen as a gesture to the incoming president, Putin said last month that Russia would not expel any Americans following Obama's expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats and announcement of new sanctions in response to alleged Russian campaign -- including cyberattacks -- to influence the November 8 presidential election that Trump won. Trump responded to those sanctions by saying "it's time for our country to move on to bigger and better things," and praised Putin as "very smart" for refraining from kicking Americans out of Russia in response. The Magnitsky Case Most of the Russians sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act so far are individuals Washington accuses of involvement in Magnitsky's arrest and November 2009 death while in pretrial detention in Moscow. Magnitsky's friends and family say he was jailed, tortured, and denied medical treatment that could have saved his life as retribution for accusing law enforcement and tax officials of stealing $230 million from Russian coffers. The law was the result of an aggressive lobbying push in Washington by Magnitsky's employer, U.S.-born British investor Bill Browder. In a January 9 tweet, Browder called the announcement of the new sanctions "great news." Bastrykin was the head of the Investigative Committee -- then still formally a part of the Prosectuor-General's Office -- when it charged Magnitsky with financial crimes that led to his jailing. The other two Russians hit with the new Treasury sanctions are banker Gennady Plaksin and law-enforcement official Stanislav Gordievsky, whom Magnitsky's supporters accuse of involvement in the massive theft and the late auditor's alleged persecution, respectively. The Magnitsky Act has outraged the Kremlin ever since it was signed by Obama, whose administration at the time was seeking to "reset" relations with Moscow and initially opposed the legislation, saying existing mechanisms to punish rights abusers were sufficient. Less than two weeks before Trump's victory in the November 8 election, Putin signed a law codifying a laundry list of complaints against Washington. The law withdrew Russia from a bilateral treaty to reduce weapons-grade plutonium stockpiles and listed the lifting of all U.S. sanctions and the repeal of the Magnitsky Act as preconditions for resumption of the accord. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia- bastyrkin-lugovoi-magnitsky- sanctions/28222295.html Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Britain Debates Adoption of 'Magnitsky' Legislation for Human Rights Abusers By Henry Ridgwell January 09, 2017 British lawmakers are debating legislation similar to the Magnitsky Act in the United States, which allows courts to impose visa bans and asset freezes on Russian officials allegedly involved in the 2009 death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. The U.S. Act has since been widened to include anyone accused of human rights abuses. Pressure is now growing for other European countries to follow suit. Lawyer Sergei Magnitsky died in a Moscow jail in 2009 after spending almost a year behind bars without facing trial. He had been charged with conspiracy, but his supporters say he was targeted by the Russian state after uncovering a $230 million fraud by senior officials, using subsidiaries of the investment fund Hermitage Capital. An independent investigation concluded he had been tortured by eight prison guards on the day of his death. No one has been convicted. Hermitage Capital CEO Bill Browder fought successfully to have the Magnitsky Act signed into U.S. law, targeting those involved in the fraud and in Sergei Magnitsky's death. Now, Browder is fighting to have similar legislation adopted in Britain, and told VOA he is optimistic. "All the indications are that we have an extremely robust group of cross-party support from all the major parties," he said. Browder says Moscow's actions in Ukraine and Syria are helping his cause. "The behavior of Russia in the last two years has become so egregious that it has become possible even to convince the executive branch that this is the right thing to do," Browder said. The proposal for a British Magnitsky law is being debated as an amendment to a wider piece of legislation called the Criminal Finances Bill. Andrew Foxall is head of the Russia program at analyst group the Henry Jackson Society. "What it seeks to do is broaden out the scope of Magnitsky-related legislation to take in a far more global context," he said. Anyone could seek an asset freeze under the proposed legislation, making it a powerful tool, says Browder. "Private parties, NGOs, can got to the court with pro-bono lawyers and can go after bad guys and get a court designation completely irrespective of the government." London is a favorite second-home for many oligarchs from Russia and former Soviet states, some of whom are accused of rights abuses and corruption. "The National Crime Agency suggests that well in excess of 100 billion pounds ($123 billion) annually of corrupt money flows through the UK," said Foxall. Lawmakers are due to vote on the amendment in the coming weeks. Supporters hope its passing could pressure the European Union to adopt similar laws. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army will fight on to liberate every inch of Syria: President Assad Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 9:28AM Syria's President Bashar al-Assad says the armed forces will fight until the liberation of "every inch" of the homeland from militant and extremist presence. Assad made the remarks in a statement given to French media, the full version of which was published by the official Syrian Arab News Agency on Monday. "Of course it's our mission, according to the constitution and according to the laws, that we have to liberate every inch of the Syrian land," he said. Assad had been asked whether the country had any plans to liberate Raqqa from the Daesh Takfiri terror group, which has named the northern city as its so-called headquarters in the Arab country. "We do not consider that (retaking Aleppo from the militants) as a victory because victory will be when we have eliminated all the terrorists," Assad said, adding however, that "it is a critical moment in this war because we are on the path to victory." 'Everything can be negotiated' He also said that the Syrian delegation was prepared "to negotiate everything" in the upcoming talks with the opposition, which is to be held in the Kazakh capital of Astana with the mediation of Russia, Turkey and Iran. Asked if the government was ready to discuss Assad's position as president, he said "yes, but my position is linked to the constitution." "If they want to discuss this point, they must discuss the constitution," he said. The Syrian head of state also said any constitutional matter should be put to a referendum, adding that he would willingly step down if the results of a public referendum on his continued tenure obliged him to do so. "The president is related to the ballot box. If they (the Syrian people) don't need him, let's go to the ballot box," he said. Late last year, the Syrian army managed to liberate the eastern sector of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city, which had fallen to Takfiri groups back in 2012. Government forces later secured the evacuation of remaining civilians and armed groups from the city under a ceasefire deal with the militant groups, brokered by Russia and Turkey. The Aleppo deal set the stage for a landmark all-Syria truce deal between Damascus and foreign-backed militant groups operating in the country. The diplomatic achievements were made following high-level trilateral talks involving Russia, Iran and Turkey over the Syria crisis in Moscow. President Assad had earlier hailed the victory in Aleppo as "history in the making" and "a huge step" in bringing the war in Syria to an end. 'Opposition should be genuine' Assad, however, insisted that the opposition side attending the Astana talks had to have "grassroots in Syria, not Saudi one or French one or British one it should be Syrian opposition to discuss the Syrian issues." The West, mainly the United States, and the Persian Gulf monarchies of Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been generously supporting the militants fighting against the Syrian government in the hope of ousting Assad. Tens of thousands of the militants are foreign nationals. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President meets with U.S. politicians during stopover in Houston ROC Central News Agency 2017/01/09 16:44:25 Houston, Jan. 8 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () met with American politicians during a stopover in Houston en route to Central America on Sunday. Before heading on to Honduras, the first leg of a trip that will also take her to Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador, she met with Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott. In the meeting with Abbott, President Tsai stressed that Taiwan and Texas have had trade, investment and tourism exchanges for many years and that there are over 100,000 Taiwanese expatriates in Texas, and over 50,000 in Houston alone. Taiwan, she said, was Texas' fifth largest export market in Asia in 2015, and Taiwanese business groups such as Formosa Plastics, Foxconn, Inventec and Evergreen have invested more than US$10 billion in the state. Texas excels in the energy, biotechnology, and national defense sectors, sectors that Taiwan's government is promoting, Tsai said, and she hoped the two sides will have more chances to cooperate in the future. Abbott said the business environment and regulations in his state have led many Taiwanese businesses to continue to expand their investments there, and he pledged to push for closer relations between Taiwan and Texas. Cruz, a Republican who has had an up-and-down relationship with President-elect Donald Trump since losing to him in the presidential primary, publicly supported the Dec. 2 phone call between Trump and Tsai, which broke a decades-old convention of no contact between U.S. and Taiwanese leaders. Cruz said China had asked that he not meet Tsai but that he would not comply with such a request. China needs to understand that "in America we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves," he said. "This is not about the PRC. This is about the U.S. relationship with Taiwan, an ally we are legally bound to defend." Cruz also said he and Tsai discussed "arms sales, diplomat exchanges and economic relations" and that he hoped to increase trade between Texas and Taiwan. American Institute in Taiwan Chairman James Moriarty said in a separate meeting on Saturday with Tsai that the U.S. has taken note of the current chill in cross-strait relations and that the U.S. continues to urge China to resume dialogue with Taiwan, according to a presidential aide traveling with Tsai. The president also met Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and talked with Senator John McCain from Arizona over the phone, in addition to meeting with Taiwanese expatriates in the city. Presidential spokesman Alex Huang () denied, meanwhile, that Tsai had lunch with Edwin Feulner, a founder of the conservative Heritage Foundation, Walter Lohman, director of the foundation's Asian Studies Center, and Randall Schriver, former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Asia. Taiwan's Liberty Times reported the meeting and said the discussion focused on the recent situation in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan-U.S. relations. Feulner, who met with President Tsai in November during a visit to Taiwan, joined Trump's transition team in August 2016 before Trump was elected president. Huang said the names of the "U.S. friends" with whom Tsai had lunch will not be released because of a tacit agreement with the United States, but "the list of lunch guests reported by related media was erroneous." Two members of the Texas House of Representatives, Blake Farenthold and Sheila Jackson Lee, also accompanied Tsai's delegation to a fine arts museum and a dinner with Taiwanese expatriates in Houston. (By Tong Liao, Sophia Yeh and Lilian Wu) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ted Cruz, Texas Governor Meet With Taiwanese President By VOA News January 09, 2017 China said Monday it opposes any contact between Taiwanese leaders and U.S. officials, a day after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters that China is against activities that "interfere with and damage China-U.S. relations." The meeting happened in Houston where Tsai stopped on her way to Central America. Cruz said shortly before the talks took place, the Houston congressional delegation received what he called a "curious" letter from the Chinese consulate asking them not to go forward with the meeting. "The People's Republic of China needs to understand that in America we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves," Cruz said in a statement. "The Chinese do not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit." The senator said the substance of the talks included boosting economic cooperation, and that increased access to Taiwan would help farmers, ranchers and small business owners in his state. Abbott mentioned in his own statement the prospects of more trade involving natural gas and cooperation on the development of medical facilities. President-elect Donald Trump drew criticism from China when he spoke by phone with Tsai shortly after he was elected in November. Since 1979, the U.S. has recognized China's official position that Taiwan is part of China. Trump later questioned why the U.S. should be bound by that policy unless China makes trade concessions. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman responded by saying the one-China policy is the foundation of U.S.-China relations and urged Trump to "understand the seriousness." Trump ruled out meeting with Tsai during this trip, saying it is "a little bit inappropriate" to meet with anyone before he takes office on January 20. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish parliament to begin debates on presidential powers Iran Press TV Mon Jan 9, 2017 6:2AM Amid considerable criticism and backslapping, a new draft constitution envisaging expanded powers for Turkey's president will be put to debate at the parliament. On Monday, lawmakers are to begin debates on the proposed amendments to the constitution in two readings, which are expected to last some two weeks. If approved by the legislature, the reformed constitution will be put to a referendum before coming into force. The constitutional changes will make the president the country's number one executive figure, among a series of other amendments. On December 30, 2016, the draft law, submitted by the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP), passed the Turkish parliament's constitutional commission. The new constitution has been on the AKP's agenda since its founder, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, became Turkey's president in August 2014. Supporters of the draft say such a law would enable the head of state to restore stability to the country, which has been shaken up by sporadic deadly terror attacks and a failed military coup last July. Critics, however, denounce it as a means of restoration of the Ottoman Era powers to Erdogan, whom they see as an authoritarian figure. The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP)'s Deputy Chairman Bulent Tezcan said it will usher in a "one man dictatorship." "It will be the dissolution of all that our republic has achieved," he added. In line with the draft, the president could serve for a maximum of two five-year mandates. That means if approved, under the new law, Erdogan could end up staying in office for two more terms until 2029, with the next elections scheduled for 2019. The new constitution will also reportedly pave the way for the abolition of the post of prime minister, in which Erdogan served from 2003 until 2014, and enable the appointment of vice presidents. It will also empower the president to hire and fire ministers. The ruling AKP, which currently has 317 seats in the parliament, needs a majority of 330 out of the 550 seats to call a referendum on the draft law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish Security Forces Arrest 442 People in Anti-Terrorist Raids in January Sputnik News 14:42 09.01.2017(updated 14:43 09.01.2017) Turkish security forces have arrested 442 people in anti-terrorist operations across the country over the past week, Hurriyet Daily News reported Monday, citing the Interior Ministry. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On January 2-9, the security forces conducted several hundred raids against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the so-called Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization (FETO), accused of organizing a failed coup in July. During the operations against the PKK, dozens of handmade explosives and mines were destroyed and dozens of units of ammunition and small arms were seized, the publication reads. Moreover, the security forces arrested 25 migrant smugglers and apprehended over 1,500 undocumented migrants as part of efforts against illegal immigration. The PKK is outlawed in Turkey and listed as a terrorist organization. A ceasefire between Turkey and Kurdish militants collapsed in July 2015, prompting the Turkish authorities to launch a military operation in the Kurdish-dominated southeastern region. The FETO, made up of supporters of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, is designated a terrorist organization by Ankara. Following the July coup attempt, thousands of people, mostly officials, legal and educational workers, were detained or dismissed, commonly over alleged ties to Gulen and his organization. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Edge data centres will account for most of the telecom server market growth and is projected to reach US$14 billion by 2026 according to a new report from DellOro Group. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: State flag carrier IranAir says the Islamic Republics first new Airbus aircraft is expected to land in Tehran on Jan 12. Shahrokh Noushabadi, the spokesperson of IranAir, has said that the A321 Airbus will arrive in Tehran on Thursday at 14:30 local time (GMT+3:30), IRNA news agency reported. The new airplane with a capacity for carrying 190 passengers is expected to operate the domestic routes. This will be Irans first time over the past three decades acquiring an Airbus plan after years of international embargo. Airbus signed a contract last December for the sale of 100 aircraft to Iran Air, following the implementation of the nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and the world powers. Airbus said the contract, covers 46 Airbus A320 planes, 38 A330 planes and 16 A350 XWB aircraft, with deliveries due to begin in early 2017. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 By Orkhan Quluzade Trend: Latest on the police headquarters attack in Gaziantep, Turkey 18:12 (GMT+4) Three suicide bombers tried to break into a police headquarters in the province of Gaziantep in southern Turkey, the NTV channel reported Jan. 10. As the result, police officers opened fire on the terrorists, according to the channel. Two people were wounded in a shootout between the Turkish police and the terrorists, one of the wounded is a police officer and another is a civilian, according to NTV. One of the terrorists was eliminated in the shootout with the police and the other terrorist was wounded. The third terrorist escaped from the crime scene and an operation continues to neutralize him. The police cordoned off the headquarters building; sappers are working on the site. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 9, 2017) - Network Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: NET) (the "Company" or "Network") is pleased to provide the following update with regard to the proposed acquisition (the "RTO") of YD Ynvisible S.A. and associated financing as previously announced on May 3, 2016 and July 26, 2016. Financing Network has entered into an engagement letter with Haywood Securities Inc. ("Haywood" or the "Agent") in respect of the proposed prospectus offering which will be superseded by an agency agreement with respect to the offering, for gross proceeds of up to $4.0 million through the issuance of common shares in the capital of Network (the "Network Shares") at a price of $0.30 per Network Share (the "Offering"). The Company has granted the Agent an option (the " Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to offer up to an additional 2,000,000 Network Shares at a price of $0.30 per Network Share for additional proceeds of a maximum of $600,000 (15% of $4,000,000) to cover over-allotments, if any. Proposed Officers and Directors In addition to the previously announced proposed new directors and officers, it is expected that Martin Burian will also join the Company's board, such that, assuming the approval of the Company's shareholders, the directors and officers of the Company following closing of the RTO will be as follows: Jani-Mikael Kuusisto - Chief Executive Officer and Director Ines Henriques - Chief Operating Officer Carlos Pinheiro - Chief Technology Officer Darren Urquhart - Chief Financial Officer Duarte Mineiro - Director Alexander Helmel - Director Martin Burian - Director Desmond Balakrishnan - Corporate Secretary Mr. Burian has over eighteen years of investment banking experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in finance, management, administration and business planning for growth companies. Within Investment Banking, Martin was most recently Managing Director of Investment Banking at Haywood Securities Inc. from 2010 until mid-2013, prior to which he served as President of Bolder Investment Partners from 2009 until its merger with Haywood Securities Inc. in 2010. Prior to Bolder he served as vice President of Investment Banking with Canaccord Capital and predecessor firms from 1998 to 2005. Mr. Burian obtained his Chartered Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator designations while at KPMG and obtained his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia in 1986. He is currently an officer or director of following public companies: Atlas Cloud Enterprises Inc., a co-locations services company, Elysee Development Corp., an investment issuer, ML Gold., a resource issuer and Canarc Resource Corp., a resource issuer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Mr. Burian is currently CFO of Heffel Fine Art Auction House, Canada leading national firm in that sector and has served on several not for profit associations in the education sector. RTO It is anticipated that Network will acquire 94.18% of the issued and outstanding shares of Ynvisible in exchange for common shares instead of the 95.53% previously announced. Following the closing of the RTO, the resulting issuer, as owner of more than 90% of the capital of Ynvisible, may, but shall be under no obligation to, implement a transaction, in accordance with all applicable laws, pursuant to which it will acquire the remaining 1,523,865 shares in the capital of Ynvisible that were not purchased at the closing of the transaction, under similar conditions as the ones agreed under the RTO. Upon successful completion of the RTO, Network will cease all operations as a mining exploration company, will be listed as a Tier 2 Technology Issuer on the Exchange, and the business of Ynvisible will become the business of the Company. Additional Information related to the RTO and to the business of Ynvisible can be found in the Company's news release dated July 27, 2016 and available on SEDAR. Completion of the RTO is subject to a number of conditions, including acceptance of the Exchange, approval by the shareholders of Network and Ynvisible of the resolutions to be voted on at their respective shareholder meetings and completion of the Offering. The RTO cannot close until the required approvals are obtained and the other conditions to the transaction are satisfied. There can be no assurance that the RTO will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement or other disclosure document to be prepared in connection with the RTO, any information released or received with respect to the RTO may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Network will remain halted pending receipt and review of acceptable documentation regarding the RTO. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed RTO and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. For additional information, please contact the office at 604-638-7363. 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. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Alexander Helmel" President & CEO This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other actors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed RTO, the Concurrent Financing and the business and operations of Ynvisible, and information regarding the management, business and operations of the resulting issuer. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals for the RTO; an inability to complete the Concurrent Financing; those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Kerr Mines Inc. ("Kerr" or the "Company") (TSX:KER) is pleased to announce that it has engaged JDS Energy and Mining Inc. ("JDS") to provide technical consulting services in support of the Company's Copperstone mine in Arizona. Specifically, JDS will provide geological, engineering and economic evaluation consulting services to Kerr. "As Kerr progresses to the next stage of its turnaround efforts and the continued dewatering provides access to key underground working areas of the mine, JDS will provide the technical expertise to develop the work plan for the coming few months," said Chris Hopkins Interim President & Chief Executive Officer. "This key addition of proven technical expertise promises to provide Kerr with a high quality and cost effective solution as we diligently plan for a successful and prudent restart of operations at Copperstone." JDS will provide the technical expertise to design and manage the mine's definition drilling program, resource modeling and mine planning work that will form the backbone of a new business plan to re-start the project. JDS has been provided with the extensive Copperstone project geological and drill hole database compiled by Kerr after acquiring Copperstone in June 2014. This will allow the advisors to efficiently utilize this data that includes approximately 1,000 drill holes, 540,000 feet of drilling and 71,000 assays. JDS also has prior experience at Copperstone as they were also engaged to review the project in late 2015 on behalf of investors that have supported the Company's turnaround efforts since then. Over the past year, Kerr has focused on restructuring the Company, completing a number a number of milestones, including: the completion of a significant financial restructuring providing a net working capital improvement of approximately $21 million compared to March 31, 2016 when the restructuring began; access to additional capital from its major shareholders; the sale of its non-core Bear Lake property to BonTerra Resources Inc.; key additions to the Board and management teams; the closing of the sale of a portion of its BonTerra Resources Inc. shareholding for cash; and the commencement dewatering and rehabilitation work at the Copperstone mine. About JDS JDS Energy & Mining Inc. (JDS) was founded in 2004 and is now composed of over 150 skilled and highly experienced mining and construction professionals, including 30 mining engineers. With a proven record providing clients with fit-for-purpose solutions and value delivery, JDS has acquired a reputation for delivering and executing project plans on budget, on time, and most importantly, safely. The JDS team prides itself on delivering project concepts from inception to full operations a process it has executed seamlessly for operations throughout Canada and the world, including the Minto Mine in the Yukon, the Gahcho Kue Mine located in the Northwest Territories, and most recently the Silvertip Mine in northern British Columbia. About Kerr Kerr is a North American gold exploration and development company based in Toronto, Canada. Kerr's core focus is to commence operations at the Copperstone Mine in Arizona. The Copperstone Mine produced nearly 500,000 ounces of gold through open pit mining. Existing infrastructure which remains from this time, or which has been subsequently installed by the Company's predecessor and wholly owned subsidiary, American Bonanza Gold Corp., is considerable and serves to reduce the current capital requirements for the mine. Existing infrastructure includes a power line and substation, and three water wells, all sufficient for the proposed operations at Copperstone. Additional infrastructure on site includes offices, maintenance shops and a laboratory building permitted tailings facility, processing facility and mill. This news release contains forward-looking statements, including current expectations on the timing of the commencement of production and the rate of production, if commenced. These forward-looking statements entail various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations, are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such statements. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the Canadian economy; the price of gold; operational, funding, and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with underground operations. Risks and uncertainties about Kerr Mines' business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials, including its annual information form and MD&A, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com and readers are urged to read these materials. Kerr Mines assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such statements unless required by law. Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and no stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. SOURCE Kerr Mines Inc. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2017 / Defiance Silver Corp. (TSX-V: DEF) (OTC PINK: DNCVF) (FRA: D4E) ("Defiance" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received all the necessary permits to resume drilling on its San Acacio Silver deposit located in Zacatecas State, Mexico. As per the Company's release dated September 7, 2016, the drill permit will allow for 60,000m of drilling and is valid for a period of 4.5 years. Over the last few months, as the permitting was in process, management has been able to closely review results from the previous drilling programs to try to get a better understanding of the nature of the San Acacio deposit. With this review and the granting of the drilling permit, Defiance now plans to finalize a drilling program to follow up on the successful results of its most recent drilling that defined wide zones of mineralization grading in excess of 200 g/t AgEq. The permit covers drilling below the 1.2km long San Acacio deposit, as well as along the underexplored 900m San Acacio Extension, where the Veta Grande vein has only been defined to shallow depths. "We are very pleased with the granting of this drill permit, as it provides long-term certainty to our exploration efforts to aggressively expand the San Acacio Silver deposit," stated Bruce Winfield, President and CEO of Defiance Silver Corp. "As one of the more prolific past producing silver mines in Mexico, we are hopeful that this work will allow us to increase our knowledge of the deposit, as well as expand the resource." Having secured the required surface rights (see press release dated August 23, 2016) and the necessary drilling permits, Defiance will now finalize its program for the 1.2km of vein strike length that hosts the San Acacio deposit. The results of this work will ultimately allow the Company to expand its exploration efforts to the 4.4 km of the vein that has yet to see modern exploration. A Panoramic Video on the San Acacio Deposit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEqtbHzMeYw) is available on our website, or Click Here to visit our Defiance YouTube Channel (http://www.defiancesilver.com/media/video). Defiance Silver Corp. is a silver explorer and developer advancing the San Acacio Deposit, located in the historic Zacatecas Silver District of central Mexico. Defiance is managed by a team of proven mine developers with a track record of exploring and developing 7 operating mines to date. Defiance's corporate mandate is to expand San Acacio to become one of Mexico's premier high grade wide vein silver deposits. For more information on the property or Defiance, please visit Defiance's website at www.DefianceSilver.com. On behalf of Defiance Silver Corp. "Bruce Winfield" President and CEO For more information, please contact: Sunny Pannu - Corporate Development (604) 669 7315 or via email at pannu@defiancesilver.com. 2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 Tel: 604-669-7315 Email: info@defiancesilver.com www.defiancesilver.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Defiance Silver Corp. Explosive device went off Monday near a post office in northeastern Syrias city of Qamishli, killing one person and injuring one more, police source told Sputnik. According to the source, the explosive device was attached to a car, parked beside the post office. Qamishli, located in the Al Hasakah province, is controlled by the government and Kurdish self-defense forces. In July, 2016, the latest terrorist attack on the city killed 52 people and left some 200 injured. The head of the consular department of the Russian Embassy to Greece, Andrei Malanin, has died of natural causes, an embassy source has told Tass. "The embassy can confirm the death of the head of the consular department," the source said. "The death was due to natural causes," the source added. Earlier Greek media reported about the death of a Russian diplomat. According to news reports, Malanin did not turn up to work on Monday. Later, the body of the diplomat was found in his apartment in Athens. In his third State of the State address, Gov. Doug Ducey laid out an ambitious and potentially pricey agenda that left lawmakers on both sides of the aisle nodding in approval and asking the same question: How is the state going to pay for all this?Duceys agenda for the 2017 session included increased school funding, teacher salary raises, tax cuts, and even free education for Arizonans to become teachers.Meanwhile, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimates that the state will have only $24 million for new spending in fiscal year 2018, though the Ducey administration has indicated that the governors budget expects that number to be higher.Missing from Duceys speech is exactly how he expects to pay for his proposals. Those details will come on Friday, when he releases his executive budget plan.For now, Ducey laid out an ambitious agenda that focused heavily on K-12 education and aiding vulnerable Arizonans such as low-income students, people living in poverty and former prisoners who are reentering society. Both of New Jerseys top Democratic elected officials endorsed Phil Murphy, the former U.S. ambassador to Germany and ex-Goldman Sachs executive, for governor on Monday, attempting to add even more momentum to a campaign that has already won the support of the states 21 Democratic county chairmen.Are we ready to reclaim New Jerseys future? shouted U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez at one point during the news conference at Murphys campaign headquarters in Newark. Are we ready to elect Phil Murphy as the next governor?U.S. Sen. Cory Booker appeared alongside Menendez, and the pair praised Murphy as a strong leader who could jump-start New Jersey's economy and stand up for progressive causes during a Trump presidency. Murphy, standing nearby, at one point appeared overcome with emotion. The audience included his wife and eldest son, as well as some of the political elite who are trying to clear Murphy a path to victory in the June primaries and the general election five months later.If we have anything to say about it in Newark and Essex County, thats whats going to happen, said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, speaking before the senators. He gestured toward the Essex County Democratic Committee chairman, LeRoy Jones, sitting in the front row.Murphy is the early front-runner for the Democratic nomination in a field that includes longtime Assemblyman John Wisniewski and, as of last week, Sen. Ray Lesniak, the second-longest serving member of the Legislature. Despite their government service, both lawmakers are trying to position themselves as outsiders running against the Democratic machine. Im always surprised by how many health questions I get, said Renee Pokorny, branch supervisor at the Philadelphia Free Library.It's no surprise that she's surprised. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center study , 73 percent of people who visit a public library in America go looking for answers about their health.People tend to be more comfortable asking their librarians something rather than their doctor where they might feel rushed or intimidated, said Pokorny.But as well-read as they may be, librarians aren't equipped to offer serious health advice or care. Adding to this troublesome trend is the fact that most of the people seeking medical help at libraries are homeless or mentally ill and in need of more care than the average person.Instead of making the people go to the doctor, though, public libraries in Philadelphia and a small number of other places are bringing health services directly to their patrons.Last year, a branch of the Philadelphia Free Library was transformed into the South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center. The building has not only a traditional library but also a pediatric and primary care clinic on the top floors.All of the city's library branches, however, offer some programming to help people get healthier. Seniors can get help enrolling in Medicare; immigrants can take cooking classes; and low-income patrons can learn how to budget for healthy eating -- just to name a few examples. All in all, a whopping half a million residents attended these health-related programs in 2015, according to a study recently published in Health Affairs Its really good to be given resources to help where we can, especially with referrals, because after all, were not social workers, said Pokorny.In Queens, N.Y., people can pick up books and attend health-care programs in eight libraries in neighborhoods where doctors are sparse.In Pima County, Ariz., the library system teamed up with the county health department to have one full-time nurse on the library staff and have nurses make rounds in the 27 branches.One of Pima County's goals of employing nurses was to reduce the number of 911 calls that librarians made because of behavioral issues. Since then, one nurse told Nurse.com that he sometimes sees about 30 people per day who previously might have gotten 911 called on them.As the U.S. health-care system inches toward one that focuses on population health, libraries aren't the only unexpected partners. Last year, New Orleans trained barbers and hair stylists to help their customers sign up for health care. The Ohio city of Columbus sent health workers to religious temples to talk about getting insured. Fire departments have started integrating data from local health departments to identify frequent 911 users.But despite the fact that libraries have long been a resource for health needs, the idea that they can be true partners in health care is still foreign to many."Many libraries havent been exposed to these ideas yet," said Anna Morgan, a lead researcher on thestudy and a Robert Wood Johnson scholar, "and training courses havent necessarily been developed for them."She hopes that changes. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a legal challenge Monday to a new law that requires women to have an ultrasound before receiving an abortion in Kentucky.The law, which took effect immediately after Gov. Matt Bevin signed it Monday, requires doctors to show women an image of the ultrasound, describe what it depicts and share the heartbeat of the unborn child if one is present. The bill says a patient may avert her eyes from the ultrasound or ask for the volume of the heartbeat to be reduced."Requiring doctors to show every woman ultrasound images and describe them to her _ even against her will _ violates long-standing constitutional principles, including the right to privacy, the right to bodily integrity, and First Amendment freedoms," said William Sharp, legal director of the ACLU of Kentucky.The bill was approved overwhelmingly by the Republican-led state House and Senate Saturday. It was one of two anti-abortion bills passed in the first week of the 2017 General Assembly. The other banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.Bevin defended the law Monday, and said he isn't worried about the lawsuit."It's a shocker, shocker, that the ACLU is suing someone. Unprecedented," Bevin said on a radio show. "We anticipated as much, that's what they do, that's what liberals always do when they don't like something. They go to the courts, hope to find friendly voices and things."The ACLU filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Louisville on behalf of the EMW Women's Surgical Center, the only licensed outpatient abortion facility in the state.Bevin noted that the lawsuit named Attorney General Andy Beshear, a Democrat, as a defendant and not Bevin, who is a Republican."These are the kind of games they are playing," Bevin said. "They really don't have any business meddling in our state in this way and yet this is America and this is a right that they have. And frankly America is better for the fact that people have the ability to contest these things and so this too shall pass."Kentucky joined 25 other states that have laws regarding ultrasounds performed by abortion providers. Kentucky's law is most similar to those in Wisconsin, Texas and Louisiana, where providers are required to display or describe the images in ultrasounds. Description GIS - 10 January, 2017: The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, was conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) during the 14th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention held in Bengaluru, India from 7 to 9 January 2017. This Award is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians and was also conferred to the Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth in 2003. The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, was conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) during the 14edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention held in Bengaluru, India from 7 to 9 January 2017. This Award is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians and was also conferred to the Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth in 2003. The High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr Abhay Thakur, made this announcement this morning during a press conference in Port Louis following a declaration made by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on 8th January at the PBD Convention regarding the allocation of the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card to people of Indian origin in Mauritius. Finance Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who was also present at the press conference expressed his sincere gratitude to the Indian Government for having bestowed him with this prestigious award and conveyed his appreciation with regards the grant of the OCI card targeting more people of Indian origin in Mauritius. According to him, Mauritius has once again been privileged and has received a particular attention from the Indian Government who has given due consideration to extend the OCI scheme to a greater segment of the people of Indian origin in Mauritius. This gesture on behalf of the Indian Government, he added bears testimony to the strong and longstanding relations of kinship between Mauritius and India which he said will further cement the growing relationship at people to people level. He further pointed out that the new provisions incorporated in the OCI scheme is a positive outcome of the appeal of the Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth to his counterpart during his visit to Mauritius in March 2015 to review the criteria for the application of OCI card so as to enable more Mauritian nationals to be eligible for the card. Minister Pravind Jugnauth added that during his visit to India in September last year he also raised the issue of the OCI card with the Indian Prime Minister who has responded positively to his request. For his part, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr Abhay Thakur, stated that the grant of the OCI card is yet another major step into furthering the strong ties between the two countries. He added that this action will enable the Indian Diaspora worldwide to connect more closely with India. It will be recalled that the OCI card has repealed the People of Indian Origin (PIO) card. The PIO card which was granted to Mauritians of Indian origin during the British period was withdrawn in 2015 and now replaced by the new OCI card. The OCI card which is more accessible to a greater portion of the people of Indian origin in Mauritius bears various advantages namely: the application for OCI is now opened to all generations upon presentation of a valid proof showing ancestry from India as compared to the PIO which was limited to four generations from the original immigrant. Another advantage of the OCI pertains to the validity of the card which is on a lifetime basis in comparison with the PIO which was valid for 15 years. Silos Within Silos Traffic and Construction Notification In Douglas County, Colo., an effort is underway, led by the elected county treasurer and assessor, to find better ways of sharing data both with the public and between government offices.Beyond the transparency and open data efforts that many government entities are undertaking, the county, which sits between Denver and Colorado Springs, is putting an emphasis on application programming interfaces (APIs) between previously siloed software. In fact, it may be a good example of whatChief Content Officer Paul Taylor identified as government as an API in his December 2015 column Governments regularly consume public APIs, including those for mapping and payments, Taylor wrote. They also provide private APIs to connect applications within the government ecosystem. Looking forward, government-provided public APIs play a key role in helping to complete the e-government experiment.John Thompson, Douglas Countys data services manager, said the county is looking at how to make its data more accessible and enable constituents to help the county build apps and software, and its IT leaders realized that APIs are a key building block. One of the compelling reasons we decided to go with Socrata for an open data platform in the first place was because it had a role-level API for any piece of data we make available, he explained. We approached it not from a transparency standpoint, but more as an IT entity. We want to make data machine-readable and as widely available as possible.In terms of software procurement going forward, the API has surfaced as a top requirement, Thompson said. We are looking at how we make government data available so a person can read it but also a machine can read it. Then it becomes more powerful, he explained. Once we had that as our guiding principle, we started looking around. Open data made sense for us. Obviously it isnt going to work for everything we do in the county, but we still had that mindset.In working with its legacy systems, the county has had to reverse-engineer databases and build its own extract, transform and load processes to create a data store. Moving forward we dont want to go through the three layers of databases before we make data available, Thompson said. We want to ask the vendor to just design it into their product.Lisa Frizell, county assessor, said its not unusual for somebody to contact her office but actually need to talk to County Treasurer Diane Holberts office or vice versa. It feels wrong and like we are providing poor customer service when we bounce people around, she said, and that is just two offices. You can multiply that times 100, because we have the county offices and the municipalities within the county they are their own silos and they have silos within their organizations.Constituents dont know when they are crossing from unincorporated Douglas County into a municipality or into a water and sanitation district or a fire protection district. Those invisible lines exist, and they impact constituents very heavily in their ability to get information, she said. We thought, wouldnt it be great if we didnt have to do this? If we can minimize how much they have to drill down to get the information they want, that is better for everybody.Frizell said that although the assessors office has always taken pride in making information readily available on its website, layering data from several sources holds more potential. The real benefit is that you are not just looking at assessor information, she said. You can layer building permits on top of assessor information. You can layer demographic information on top of that. Frizell referenced a project in Seattle that is combining demographic, real-estate sales and property valuation information to create affordability indexes so the city can be more strategic about where it invests in affordable housing.Traffic and road construction have been identified as major complaints of Douglas County citizens. We were presented with the problem of surfacing road construction news for the public in a way that makes it easy for them to get to and understand, Thompson said.The first step was looking at how the county traditionally gathered and made this data available. We found it was put in a spreadsheet, and then people were making a map and posting online a PDF of the map, he added. They automated that process to allow the individuals working on those projects to enter it with a mapping component built in and populate NearMeDC (a free online tool) and Socrata Open Data.The county also entered into a two-way data-sharing partnership with the real-time navigation app Waze. It provides the fastest routes based on current driving conditions and data from users. It also provides Douglas County residents with details about current traffic impacts and construction projects.If we have a road closure, Waze will dynamically route users around that issue, Thompson said, adding that Douglas County is building the infrastructure to capture Waze information for tactical use. The Waze reports often happen faster than a 911 call or a report to agencies. We are incorporating them into our emergency operations center feed so that we can respond faster, he said. We are looking at how to make the data available in case we have a natural disaster, such as a forest fire. We can have this super-salient information in real time.By working to include data from the cities of Castle Rock, Parker and Lone Tree, the county now can make available a comprehensive set of data on current and upcoming construction. We have this data set that is API-accessible, Thompson said, and South Metro Fire Rescue Department is looking to plug that data into its routing software to avoid sending a fire truck through a construction zone, because that takes extra time. Pre-emptively rerouting a truck during a fire incident could save time and save lives.Additionally the county and cities sometimes do construction work in adjoining neighborhoods. The county is working on a prototype of a visualization tool using the APIs to show the planned and current projects and the entry and exit points of all the neighborhoods. If a community is going to be disproportionately impacted by construction, projects can be rescheduled.Holbert said efforts such as the one in Douglas County involve nurturing relationships with partners in the municipalities. She said it also requires leadership, and not just from IT. We dont want to be patting ourselves on the back. We recognize this is a journey. We need to continually look at how to make our products better and make ourselves more relevant to the citizens of Douglas County.You hear the buzzword smart city, Thompson said. We see this as making that vision a reality. We are using data in a smart manner to do the things we need to do as a government, but in a way that is not disproportionately impacting citizens. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10 Trend: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said preparation for the meeting in Astana on Syria is quite intensive, Sputnik reported. It is unclear how long the talks will last, we can say nothing more specific now, Peskov added. He noted that Russia will be represented at the talks at the expert level. Russias President Vladimir Putin has earlier said that he agreed with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to offer to the conflicting parties in Syria to continue peace talks in Astana. Kazakhstans President Nursultan Nazarbayev supported this initiative and expressed readiness to provide a platform for such negotiations in Astana. The Astana meeting is expected to be held on Jan. 23 while a meeting in Geneva will be held on Feb. 8 under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. Bernie Ecclestone has told British officials to stop "complaining", amid fears Silverstone will drop off the calendar after 2019. Circuit owner the BRDC has warned it could shortly trigger an exit clause in its 2026 contract for financial reasons, casting into doubt the future of the historic British grand prix. Figures including Sir Jackie Stewart and 1996 world champion Damon Hill have said the biggest issue is the lack of government support. "This is a much-loved national event but it has always been very difficult to get additional funding from government," said Hill. But F1 chief executive Ecclestone told the Daily Mail: "I don't see why they can't make it work. "They get bigger crowds than anywhere else in Europe, and nobody else is complaining." (GMM) ADS ADS Two years after joining Piaget as Marketing & Communication Director, what can you share with us about the brands watches and jewelry ? Piaget is one of the rare brands to have developed the two Watch and Jewelry worlds. It builds on unique expertise and skills dating back more 140 years. The wealth of its heritage has enabled it to define a unique style signature that turns out to be extremely modern. It currently offers iconic collections such as Possession and Rose for jewelry, along with Altiplano and Gala for watches, as well as the latest mens watch collection, Piaget Polo S. High Jewelry is also a favorite field of expression for the Maison. Each year we present a new collection along with capsule collections enabling us to express our creativity. We offer exceptional stones, original dials, unique gold craftsmanship as notably exemplified by the Palace decor, and we also enlist exceptional artistic crafts such as feather marquetry. You have just been appointed International Marketing & Sales Director : how do you view these new responsibilities ? This is a global mission. It enables us to develop an integrated strategy encompassing product development, communication and retail. In an ever more digital age, it is essential to adopt a cross-disciplinary vision and to be able to pull all levers in a consistent way, thereby heightening the impact of various action plans. What are your priorities and objectives ? As far as Communication is concerned, the goal is to make Piaget an iconic, recognized and desirable Maison worldwide for its elegant and daring creations. On the Business level, the aim is to become a top of mind brand in jewelry, high jewelry and watchmaking, as well as to grow our client base in Asia as well as the Middle East, Europe and the USA. And finally, in terms of Products, our intention is to focus on our flagship lines (Possession and Rose for jewelry, and Altiplano, Piaget Polo S and Gala for watches), to develop exceptional products and artistic crafts, as well as capitalizing on our strong historical know-how. What should Piagets female clients expect at the next SIHH ? A chance to celebrate with us the birthday of one our icons, but I cannot reveal any more for now, you will have to be patient !* Piaget is known by men for the quality of its ultra-thin mechanical watches : do you think they also appeal to women ? The 1957 introduction of the 9P movement measuring just 2mm thick enabled Piaget to explore all manner of bold and fanciful ideas. By reducing the size of the watch caliber, the Maisons creativity was able to express itself freely on the exterior of its watches : namely the case, the dial and the strap or bracelet. Since then, two main style directions have been adopted : a pure style dominated by the soberly understated case and dial ; and the more extravagant and colorful ladies watches enriched with refined decorative touches. We can thus safely state that it is ultra-thin advancements that have enabled Piaget watches to become known as some of the most elegant models on the market and authentic benchmarks in terms of design. Women definitely appreciate this collection that they already wear, and we will indeed be offering them models specifically designed with them in mind. If you were to give your best friend a Piaget watch and a jewelry model, which creations would you choose ? Unquestionably a piece of Possession jewelry, that many women dream of owning. The fact that it turns when you touch it creates intimate ties with the object, which becomes a daily companion for its wearer. The signature Turn and the world is yours is a beautiful promise for a gift. Do you think Piaget knows its female clients well and meets their expectations ? Yes, I think we are well acquainted with the women who acquire our products. Our feminine identity is indeed becoming increasingly pronounced in our collections. We have developed a CRM strategy that enables us to strengthen our ties with them and to keep in regular contact. Digital allows us to fine-tune our knowledge and anticipate their expectations. Piagets female clients turn to us because they have a distinct taste for creativity and style. They love the level of exclusivity as well as the modernity offered by the Maison. They cultivate an alluring aura of distinction. They come from around the world, travel regularly and cultivate an art of living that is festive, joyful and yet never ostentatious. Which events around the world do you see as most propitious to conveying Piagets values and enabling women to discover its creations ? Firstly, our Piaget events where we convene what we call the Piaget Society our clients, collectors and muses, along with celebrities and other friends of the Maison in a warm and authentic atmosphere. We introduce them to our new collections. We offer them experiences in selected venues. We are developing an increasing number of events in which digital technologies (such as virtual reality) play a key role in presenting our products, as well as enabling fans around the world to share these festive and joyful moments via live streaming on social networks. Piaget is a sunny, radiant Maison defined by boldness, joyful energy, creativity and elegance exactly the elements featured in our soirees. We also partner with movie events such as the Hong Kong Film Festival, the Golden Horse Film Festival in Taiwan, the Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles as well as with the Art Dubai exhibition. These platforms enable us to highlight the artistic and elegant stature of Piaget. *Editors Note : more on this at worldtempus.com as of January 16th 2017 Ferrari is working harder than ever for F1 success in 2017, according to president Sergio Marchionne. He was speaking after being hailed on US president-elect Donald Trump's famous Twitter account, with Ferrari parent Fiat Chrysler having announced plans to invest $1 billion in Michigan and Ohio. But Marchionne is also president of Ferrari, and he said of the F1 team: "The guys are working tirelessly. "At Christmas they had only two days of vacation," he is quoted by Corriere dello Sport. "The car seems to be going well; the engine is running great on the bench. "But this is not the time to fall for that, let's see what success we have when we get to the track. For now the work they are doing is enormous, on the engine, aerodynamics and the new rules," Marchionne said. Marchionne admits he should not have targeted wins and the title last year, and also that aspects of how difficult the sport is surprised him. "Yes, but do you know what my mistake was? I intervened in the team too late, but I did it out of respect. I had left them to work. If I had intervened earlier, in 2015, probably last year would have gone a different way. But who knows." He also played down the notion that whether Ferrari can catch up next year depends mainly on Mercedes. "We would be wrong to think like this," said Marchionne. "It is not their fault for doing great work. Maybe it is not nice, but it is true that they are good. "No, it depends on us, so we have to focus on what we have to do to beat them." Marchionne was also asked about the photo on Twitter depicting Nico Rosberg refuelling a Ferrari supercar, and said: "I know of no F1 driver that does not want to drive a Ferrari." And as for his future as Fiat and Ferrari president, Marchionne joked: "Actually, I'm giving up everything because I want to be a journalist." (GMM) Paddy Lowe could leave his role as Mercedes' technical boss in order to become the overall chief at Williams. That is the claim of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, explaining that the Briton's next move could be intricately tied up in negotiations to free Valtteri Bottas from his Williams contract to join the reigning champions. Correspondent Michael Schmidt said the transaction is not quite as simple as earlier thought, involving bringing Felipe Massa back out of retirement and moving Bottas to Mercedes. He reports that Mercedes and Williams are yet to agree a compensation amount for the Bottas deal. "Mercedes has made it clear to Williams that they are not willing to pay any sum," Schmidt said. So it's here that the Paddy Lowe factor could come into play, amid reports the Briton could become Williams' new team boss. But he remains under contract at Mercedes until May. "We hear that Lowe will not take the position of technical director (at Williams), but that of team boss," said Schmidt. "Claire Williams would then take over from her father. Supposedly, Lowe also wants team shares," the Auto Motor und Sport correspondent added. But if the Lowe deal does not work out, the Williams-Mercedes deal regarding Bottas may also falter. If that happens, Pascal Wehrlein's expected move to Sauber will be halted. "Mercedes decided not to take a chance with its young drivers," former F1 driver Vitaly Petrov told Russian radio Sport FM. "They had the option with Pascal Wehrlein, but why they did not take the risk, no one knows. "But Valtteri Bottas is a good option for the team. It will not be easy to fight with (Lewis) Hamilton, and if the cars had remained the same it would be even harder. "But with the new regulations, a new car, Bottas has a good chance of performing on par with Lewis," Petrov added. (GMM) ADS ADS The new Luminor 1950 Sealand 3 Days Automatic Acciaio 44mm is the ninth creation in the series launched by Panerai in 2009 in honour of the fascinating tradition of the Chinese Zodiac. After the watches dedicated to the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat and the Monkey, the new Luminor 1950 Sealand welcomes the Year of the Rooster which will begin on 28 January 2017. Each of the 99 watches produced for this special edition has been adorned by hand by the best Italian master engravers using the ancient technique of sparsello, so named after the special tool used to decorate the cover. First grooves are made in the steel before they are inlaid with gold threads in multiple parallel layers; these are then beaten until they completely fill the grooves which together form the outlines of the Rooster and the sophisticated decoration. The work requires extraordinary skill on the part of the craftsmen because the process of inlaying the threads of gold is carried out after the lid has already been engraved and polished, so the slightest error could damage all the work done previously. The engraved cover protects a grey dial, simple and easy to read, with Arabic numerals, linear hour markers and luminous dots, a small seconds dial at 9 oclock and the date at 3 oclock. The cover has a small signalling mirror on the back and it is fitted to the Luminor 1950 case, 44 mm in diameter, which is made of brushed stainless steel. The watch is powered by the P.9000 automatic calibre, entirely produced in-house. The movement has a power reserve of three days and is fitted with a bi-directional oscillating weight and the device for quickly adjusting the hour hand, which also automatically changes the date. The Luminor 1950 Sealand 3 Days Automatic Acciaio - 44mm (PAM00852) is supplied with a strap of soft brown leather. Available exclusively in Panerai boutiques, the watch is presented with a spare black rubber strap, a special tool for changing the strap and a screwdriver. WHO Announces Isolated Cases of Bird Flu Happening in Some Parts of China Bird flu has put two more victims in critical condition, but authorities mention no epidemic. (Photo : Getty Images) Authorities have confirmed cases of the human bird flu or H7N9 occurring in Zhongshan, Guangdong, in China on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Both of the afflicted patients had been under critical condition having been exposed to the virus at the live bird markets. State media just reported that a fourth person already died on Thursday. He was diagnosed and died on the same day. Advertisement It is winter in China and this is the high season for strains of zoonotic flu to pass from animal to human. H7N9 already made its presence felt in Anhui, Fujian and Shanghai, with two people from Anhui succumbing to the virus in December. The World Health Organization announced the possibility of isolated cases happening not only in China. "The information to date does not support sustained human-to-human transmission, although limited human-to-human transmission cannot be excluded," the WHO said. They also are "not (currently) advising any travel or even trade restrictions." The great threat of this virus is it mutates and thus may pose difficulty getting eradicated. China had been monitoring and controlling its poultry supply as far back as October. Reuters also reported China is having some poultry markets closed. H7N9 made the headlines in China in the spring of 2013. An H7N9 outbreak followed in 2013 which resulted in 36 deaths within two months. Bird flu can be transmitted when this virus gets inhaled or when it gets into our mouth or eyes. Authorities are reminding the public on practicing proper hygiene while handling poultry for consumption. He Xiong of the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention is seeing no epidemic happening. Likewise, Mao Qun'an, of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, assured that China is "prepared to contain outbreaks." Russian President Putin attends the Russian-Japanese Business Dialogue in Tokyo. (Photo : Getty Images) Russia is being encouraged by China to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which is a valuable part of China's One Belt One Road initiative. According to Li Xing, director of Eurasian Studies Center and a professor at the School of Government, Beijing Normal University, "Russia's participation in the C.P.E.C., including the use of the Gwadar Port, could give a boost to Sino-Russian cooperation and be a demonstration project of One Belt and One Road (O.B.O.R.) that will enhance future multinational cooperation." Advertisement Observers said that China wants Russia to join the C.P.E.C. to help in negotiations with India which controls a crucial part in the corridor. India refuses to take part of the initiative because of their long-standing tension with Pakistan. Li stated: "Although the Russian embassy in Islamabad later denied the reports, concerns and speculations have been lingering among some observers. It isn't something terrible if Moscow joins the C.P.E.C. Instead, it will be an opportunity for China, Russia, and Pakistan to enhance cooperation." The expert said that it will be beneficial to Russia to have a strong partnership with India and Pakistan because of the Sino-Russian "the Belt and the Union." The stakes of Russia's investments will require a larger Eurasian alliance. "Russia's participation in the C.P.E.C., including the use of the Gwadar Port, could give a boost to Sino-Russian cooperation and be a demonstration project of O.B.O.R. that will enhance future multinational cooperation," he wrote in his article on the Global Times. Li noted that the Russia's participation will not only help the initiative but be able to change people's negative perception of China "and remove the unnecessary worries over the so-called China threat." He added, "The cooperation between BRICS countries like China, Russia and India is the key to the success of O.B.O.R. development." Global auto supplier DENSO announced the opening of the DENSO R&D Lab at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to accelerate development of new auto safety technologies and create new research opportunities for engineering students. The DENSO R&D Lab gives DENSO an opportunity to collaborate more closely with the University and North American automotive manufacturers on key safety technologies such as machine learning, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Drive (AD). As part of the lab, 12 university students have been selected to participate in research projects, which will begin this month and run throughout 2017. The DENSO R&D Lab is located at the University of Michigans North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), directly in the hub of research activity for AD that includes the Mobility Transformation Center (MTC) and its affiliated Mcity test facility, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), and the University of Michigan College of Engineering. DENSOs lab is a simulation environment with high-speed computing and high-capacity data storage. Simulation is conducted on high-performance computers and mechatronic systems, including an advanced driving simulator. Hardware-in-loop and driving simulators will provide researchers with functional verification of their methods for machine learning for AD and Collaborative AD (CoAD). Machine learning for AD. Researchers will develop machine learning techniques to support AD systems in recognizing their environment, which helps them to make intelligent and sophisticated automated driving decisions. Collaborative Automated Drive (CoAD). By sharing sensor information via Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), researchers will study ways to enhance the capabilities of automated driving for CoAD. This technique will increase the perception range of the system beyond the field of view and line of sight of the on-board sensors. Researchers will also test safety control algorithms such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, V2X connected driving and pedestrian detection, among others. In early December, DENSO also announced MDrive, a car sharing study in which University of Michigan-Dearborn students will help shape the future of mobility. With support from Detroit-based NextEnergy, an accelerator of advanced energy and mobility technologies, DENSO launched the study to determine what technologies may be needed for a new car-sharing segment. The students will provide feedback about car sharing and offer insights on helpful or unnecessary features in current car models. Two years after states around the country passed an unprecedented number of police reforms after the killing of George Floyd, some are struggling to make the new policies stick. The momentum for change has slowed from its earlier frenetic pace. Some of the reforms have been rolled back or at least tweaked after police complained that the new policies were hindering their ability to catch criminals. Legal experts say police killings of Black people over the last decade epitomized by Floyds killing have altered the trajectory of policing. But change has come about unevenly in thousands of police departments across the U.S. ZTE is looking for backers for its eye-tracking smartphone. (Photo : Getty Images) Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE, which is facing U.S. trade sanctions that could seriously disrupt its supply chain, is cutting around 3,000 jobs, including a fifth of positions in its struggling handset business in China, according to company sources. The sources told Reuters that the Shenzhen-based firm, one of the world's biggest manufacturers of telecom gear, is slashing around 5 percent of its 60,000 global workforce. Advertisement Its global handset operations will also see a cut of 600 jobs, or 10 percent of the total, of which most are in China where it has been losing market share, Reuters reported on Friday. "Cuts in the handset business in China will be beyond 20 percent," said a senior executive privy to the information on the layoffs, which are scheduled to be completed within the first quarter of this year. A local manager in one of the company's overseas branches told Reuters that a 10 percent quota to lay off staff in his department by the end of January. "I was also given names that must go because they had tried to apply for jobs at [competing telecom firm] Huawei and are therefore branded as 'unstable factors'," said the manager, who declined to be named for the report. The company declined to comment. The ZTE smartphone has a significant presence in the United States, where ZTE's 10 percent share of the market makes it the country's fourth-largest vendor. The U.S. Commerce Department announced in March that it will ban exports by U.S. companies to ZTE for allegedly breaking Washington's sanctions on sales to Iran. The ban has yet to come to effect due a series of reprieves, the last of which expires at the end of February, but if it does go ahead the company's supply chain would be severely handicapped. It sources a third of its components from U.S. companies including Qualcomm, Microsoft and Intel. This uncertainty has weight heavily over the company over the past year, which its global smartphone shipments dropping to 36.5 percent compared with 2015, according to industry database IDC. In his New Year speech to employees, ZTE chairman Zhao Xianming said that the company, which has annual sales of more than $15 billion, had "encountered its biggest crisis in its 31-year history," according to a transcript posted on the official ZTE WeChat account. Two members of the Greensboro clergy are listed among 100 African-American faith leaders from across the country signing a letter asking U.S. senators to vote against the confirmation of Sen. Jeff Sessions as the country's next attorney general. The letter is part of a press release issued this morning by People for the American Way. The Rev. Sekinah Hamlin is a longtime social justice advocate and religious studies professor who leads anti-racism workshops. The Rev. T. Anthony Spearman, pastor at St. Philip A.M.E. Zion Church, is a vice president of the state NAACP and president of the North Carolina Council of Churches. The letter from the faith leaders reads: Dear Senators, We, the undersigned group of 100 African American faith leaders, come together to urge you to vote against the confirmation of Sen. Jeff Sessions as the next U.S. attorney general. With his long and troubling history of attacks on civil rights, Sen. Sessions simply cannot be relied on to protect the rights of all Americans--a critical responsibility of our nation's attorney general. While serving as a U.S. attorney in the 1980s, Sen. Sessions unsuccessfully prosecuted multiple African American voting rights advocates, including a trusted advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who had worked to register rural, elderly African Americans in Alabama. With his actions, Mr. Sessions sent a chilling message to those working to ensure African Americans were able to exercise their constitutionally-protected right to vote. When Mr. Sessions was being considered for a position as a U.S. District Court judge, a federal prosecutor testified that Sessions had agreed with a comment that a white attorney representing African American clients may be a "disgrace to his race." The prosecutor also reported that Mr. Sessions had called the NAACP "un-American," and a Black attorney testified that Mr. Sessions had referred to him as "boy." But our concern is aroused not only by these previous actions, but also by his current record. As a senator, Mr. Sessions voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, legislation designed to fight sexual and domestic violence, and against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a proposal to help address the gender pay gap. He applauded the 2013 Supreme Court Shelby County v. Holder decision that gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act and has since opposed efforts to modernize and restore these crucial protections against racial discrimination in voting. It is not an overstatement to say that Sen. Sessions' nomination is a grave threat to the civil rights of the communities we serve as faith leaders. Ensuring the enforcement of our country's civil rights laws is, as the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund's Sherrilyn Ifill aptly calls it, a "sacred duty." It is the way we protect the steady but fragile progress made towards the vision of a country where justice is applied fairly across all people, where all people can work without harassment or discrimination, and where all of us can exercise the franchise free from barriers or intimidation. Sen. Sessions' record as a civil rights opponent, his unswerving hostility to the very rights he would be tasked with protecting, makes him categorically unfit to take up this sacred work. We urge you in the strongest possible terms to heed the concerns of African American faith leaders, and many other communities, and to reject Sen. Sessions' nomination for attorney general. Signed, 1. African American Episcopal Church 2. Reverend Charles Adams, Detroit, MI 3. Reverend Terry Alexander, Florence, SC 4. Minister Dr. James Allen, Virginia Beach, VA 5. Reverend William C. Bailey, Baltimore, MD 6. Reverend Dr. Kip Banks, Washington, DC 7. Reverend Dr. Steve Bland, Jr., Detroit, MI 8. Reverend Brendolyn Boseman, Aiken, SC 9. Reverend DeLishia Boykin, Burke, VA 10. Reverend Dr. Paul Brown, Sr. , Atlanta, GA 11. Reverend Herbert Bruce, Forestville, MD 12. Reverend Paul Bush, Aiken, SC 13. Mother Merceil Burkhalter, Minneapolis, MN 14. Reverend Dr. William C. Calhoun, Baltimore, MD 15. Reverend Dr. Carolyn Clark Carlisle, Columbia, SC 16. Bishop Kenneth Carter, Atlanta, GA 17. Minister Dorothy Chaney, Miami, FL 18. Pastor H.L Chaney, Cairo, GA 19. Dr. Nesa Chappelle, Upper Marlboro, MD 20. Dr. Pernella Chubbs-Wilson, Roanoke, VA 21. Reverend Levi Combs, III, Camden, NJ 22. Dr. Christopher Cockrell, Meridian, MS 23. Dr. Veronica R. Coleman, Virginia Beach, VA 24. Bishop Victor Couzens, Cincinnati, OH 25. Reverend Fred Crawford, New York City, NY 26. Reverend Jeffrey Dove, New Smyrna Beach, FL 27. Darryl E. Edwards II, Jacksonville, FL 28. Reverend Susie Elliott, Brooklyn, NY 29. Reverend Dr. Willie Gable, New Orleans, LA 30. Apostle Marlella Gantt, Philadelphia, PA 31. Reverend Jimmy Gates, Cleveland, OH 32. Bishop AD Givens, Camden, SC 33. Reverend Johnnie Green, New York City, NY 34. Pastor Reginald Gundy, Jacksonville, FL 35. Reverend Barry Hargrove, Baltimore, MD 36. Reverend Sekinah Hamlin, Greensboro, NC 37. Reverend Barry Hargrove, Baltimore, MD 38. Reverend Sedrick Hamner, Atlanta, GA 39. Elder Lee Harris, Jacksonville, FL 40. Minister Bessie R. Hayes, Kensington, MD 41. Reverend Carolyn Henry-Hurst, MD, Cleveland, OH 42. Pastor Jerome Hurst, Cleveland, OH 43. Deacon Bobbi VL Jackson, Winnsboro, SC 44. Rev. Leonard B. Jackson, Las Vegas, NV 45. Sister Carrie Johnson, Longwood, FL 46. Reverend Cathy C. Jones, Charlotte, NC 47. Reverend Louis B. Jones, II, Washington, DC 48. Reverend Greg King, Richmond, VA 49. Dr. Terence K. Leathers, Clayton, NC 50. Reverend Alvin Love, Chicago, IL 51. Dr. Lester A. McCorn, Baltimore, MD 52. Sister Glenda McCullough, Jacksonville, FL 53. Reverend Isaac C. McCullough, Jacksonville, FL 54. Reverend Timothy McDonald, III, Atlanta, GA 55. Minister Leslie Watson Malachi, Waldorf, MD 56. Reverend Dr. Tony Minor, Cleveland, OH 57. Reverend Dr. Susan Newman Moore, Washington, DC 58. Reverend Robert Nicolas, Washington, DC 59. Reverend Wanda C. Outlaw, Suitland, MD 60. Minister Jabari Paul, Tallahassee, FL 61. Reverend Dr. Clarence Pemberton, Philadelphia, PA 62. Reverend Dr. Geraldine Pemberton, Philadelphia, PA 63. Dr. Leenette Morse Pennington, Cocoa Beach, FL 64. Reverend Gilbert Pickett, New York City, NY 65. Minister Tammy Pink, Los Angeles, CA 66. Elder Terry Price, Tallahassee, FL 67. Reverend Frank Raines, III, Buffalo, NY 68. Reverend Calvin Rice, New York City, NY 69. Pastor Jason Ridley, Columbus, OH 70. Deacon Marva Riley, Cheverly, MD 71. Sister Catherine Jackson-Roberts, Washington, DC 72. Sister Melba Salter, Denver, CO 73. Reverend Dr. Kenneth Samuel, Stone Mountain, GA 74. Reverend Dr. Robert Shine, Philadelphia, PA 75. Reverend Madison Shockley, Los Angeles, CA 76. Reverend Lavee Sims, Hattiesburg, MS 77. Rev. Lester A. Smalls, Aiken, SC 78. Sister Beverly C. Smith, Catonsville, MD 79. Reverend Dr. Susan Smith, Columbus, OH 80. Reverend T. Anthony Spearman, Greensboro, NC 81. Rev. Dr. Rebecca Stitt, Cleveland, OH 82. Reverend L. Charles Stovall, Dallas, TX 83. Bishop Mitchell Taylor, New York City, NY 84. Presiding Elder Jane E. Thomas, Perry, GA 85. Reverend Dr. Jackie Thompson, Oakland, CA 86. Reverend James Thompson, North Charleston, SC 87. Reverend Da'Henri Thurmond, Sr., Savannah, Georgia 88. Reverend Ezra Tillman, Flint, MI 89. Pastor Bertie Vereen, Jacksonville, FL 90. Sister Jackie DuPont Walker, Los Angeles, CA 91. Reverend Carl Washington, New York City, NY 92. Reverend Mark Whitlock, Los Angeles, CA 93. Reverend Dr. Dennis Wiley, Washington, DC 94. Reverend Dr. Christine Wiley, Washington, DC 95. Dr. Merchuria Chase Williams, Atlanta, GA 96. Elder Willie Wiley, Augusta, GA 97. Reverend Charles Williams, Detroit, MI 98. Reverend Lavisha S. Williams, Raleigh, NC 99. Presiding Elder Melvin E. Wilson, Brooklyn-Westchester District, NY 100. Reverend Patrick Young, E. Elmhurst, NY Indonesia's controversial shark fin trade (Photo : Getty Images) In a historic move and dramatic change of perspective, Air China announced that it will no longer carry shark's fin in its cargo fleet. The rule is due to the airline's decision to participate in the conservation of the endangered species. The announcement from Air China came a week after the Chinese government banned the trade of ivory in the country to stop elephant poaching. Advertisement In a statement, Air China announced their move to support responsible and sustainable management of marine resources. "We understand the community's desire to promote responsible and sustainable marine sourcing practices, and this remains important to Air China Cargo's overall sustainable development goals," the statement read. Alex Hofford, a wildlife activist from the conservation group WildAid in Hong Kong, praised the airline for actively supporting environmental causes. He said, "Scientists estimate that fins from up to 73 million sharks a year are used for shark's fin soup, with much of the trade in shark fin destined for China." "It's a bold move, and this is likely to have a huge and lasting impact on shark populations and marine ecosystems worldwide." The environmentalist said that Air China's move will hopefully influence other companies like FedEx to actively participate in stopping the trade of products from endangered animals. There are 36 airlines which have now joined the ban globally. FedEx, through their communications adviser Jack Pfeiffer, clarified that they "continues to comply with these laws and regulations, and our customers are required to do the same." Last year, China started banning the shark's fin imports and issued data showing shark fin imports had declined by 82 percent between 2011 and 2014. According to WildAid data, shark's fin consumption has already fallen from 50 percent to 70 percent in the previous year. GREENWICH The states acceptance of Greenwichs racial balance plan stands despite the Malloy administrations recent assertion that a central pillar of that plan should not be funded, school officials said Monday. Interim Superintendent Sal Corda and Board of Education Chairman Peter Sherr met with Dianna Wentzell, commissioner of the state Department of Education, on Monday to discuss the plan, including the construction of a new, larger New Lebanon school. The most important takeaway for us is that our plan is still viewed by the state Education Department as a viable and approved plan, Corda said. Sherr described the hourlong meeting as productive and cooperative. Corda called the meeting with Wentzell to clarify the stance of the Malloy administration toward the construction project and the racial balance plan in particular. This was a missing piece of information. Understanding the states view as they were calling into question our racial balance plan you couldnt very well have a cogent conversation about what to do without completely understanding the landscape, Sherr said. We now have a more clear picture of the landscape. Town and school officials were shocked by a Dec. 29 memo that state Office of Policy and Management Secretary Benjamin Barnes wrote to legislators urging them not to fund the school construction project, which is currently eligible for 80 percent reimbursement under the states diversity school policy. The state should not step in to pay for a new school which may or may not solve the problem of racial disparity within the Greenwich District until the town has made much greater efforts to find a remedy within its existing school infrastructure, Barnes wrote. According to Sherr, Wentzell explained that Barness opposition to the project was part of an emerging policy against intradistrict magnet schools that the Malloy administration is developing. It was her point of view that our project just happened to come up in the middle of these changing views being articulated, Sherr said. State education department spokeswoman Abbe Smith said, The State Department of Education does not have a specific policy on magnet school programs as a strategy for addressing racial imbalance. Press Secretary for the Office of the Governor Meg Green added The administrations position on magnet schools is not shifting. Sherr said local officials remain cautiously optimistic that the state will fund the school project, but Connecticuts looming financial problems and the administrations shifting policy views have created a perfect storm for New Lebanon School. A larger New Lebanon is central to the racial balance plan because the plan relies on the schools magnet program to attract non-minority students from other parts of town. The current building is above capacity and has no room for magnet students. While the state Board of Education approved Greenwichs plan, including the larger school, in 2014, it is the Legislature and governor who will have the final say on whether the project receives funding. New Lebanons school construction grant is currently before a bicameral school construction committee in the Legislature. It will also be reviewed by the Education and Finance, Revenue and Bonding committees, before going to the full General Assembly in June. If it is approved by the Assembly, it will then go as part of a package of school grants to Malloy for signing. We will continue to advocate for this project through our legislators, Sherr said. We are very, very cautiously optimistic that the Legislature will recognize that everything Greenwich has been doing is in good faith and that the laws and the policies that are on the books now will be honored. Members of the Greenwich legislative delegation have said Barnes and Malloy could try to sway committee members against the New Lebanon project. But they said they will work to counter any negative influence the administration might bring to bear. If the project does not receive state funding, Board of Estimate and Taxation Chairman Michael Mason has said the town will not fund the New Lebanon project at its current price tag of $37 million. The BET built a number of escape hatches into its agreement to help finance the project, Mason said. Local funding is contingent on the project receiving the expected state aid and upon authorization from the Representative Town Meeting to borrow money for the towns share. The town has thus far promised $14 million toward the project. The Board of Education will be discussing next steps if any for the New Lebanon project over the next few weeks, Sherr said. He also said the school board must focus on other issues as well, and not become too absorbed by this one. Were very sensitive that this does not become all-consuming and the singular focus of the district, he said. Its very important. Is it the singular most important thing? I would venture to say that the board thinks that there are other things that are equally or potentially more important. Sherr has said finding the right person for the superintendents position moving forward is the boards highest priority for this year. emunson@hearstmediact.com; @emiliemunson On a beautiful day in 2012, thousands gathered to attend a political rally in Armenia's capital of Yerevan. The atmosphere was festive, with decorative clusters of white balloons floating like clouds over the heads of the crowd. It was beautiful. Until someone lit a cigarette. Instead of helium, the balloons had been filled with highly flammable hydrogen gas. The flame ignited the gas and started a chain reaction of explosions that resembled a giant fireball. The people in the crowd, many of them children, panicked as burning rubber rained down, sticking to their skin and setting their hair and clothes on fire. By the time the fires were extinguished, more than 140 people had suffered horrific burns. Related: Helping Others Is Your Most Valuable Offering Most of the victims healed, but many suffered painful, disfiguring scars that limited mobility. Hospitals in Armenia did not have the technology to help them. Quanta, an aesthetic laser company with a commitment to helping those most in need, learned of the tragedy and sent help. In October, a team of American doctors headed by Dr. R. Rox Anderson and leadership from Quanta Aesthetic Lasers (United States) and Quanta System (Italy) traveled to Armenia on a mission to donate a Quanta laser to the Arabkir Pediatric Hospital. They were going to train doctors there to use the technology. What is aesthetic laser technology? The first thing that comes to mind when you hear about cosmetic laser technology is probably tattoo removal, but advancements in the field have led to a far wider range of uses. Modern lasers are used to treat many different conditions, including repairing damaged skin, removing warts, body sculpting, treating varicose veins and hair and tattoo removal. When researchers at the Jaycee Burn Center in North Carolina followed the treatment and progress of 147 burn victims, they noted dramatic improvement in all patients. They theorize that innovative laser treatments may replace traditional methods of treatment and return far greater results. Related: How to Shift Your Mindset and Focus on Helping Others The life of a burn victim. Fire leaves terrible reminders on its victims -- thick, gnarled scars and discolored skin where grafts are taken to replace skin on the burned areas. There is no mistaking a burn victim. Fire is a life-altering event that happens all too often. Nancy Dohanos knows first-hand just how devastating fire can be. In 2009, a fire in her Ohio home left her badly burned, changing her life forever. Here's her story: My life changed in the blink of an eye. I woke from a nap to a small blaze of fire. I remember the heat on my hand as I tried to open the door. No luck. Before I could get out, fire was everywhere. I dashed into the bathroom. I remember wetting towels, climbing into the bathtub, and praying while thick, dark smoke filled the room. I spent the next three months in a coma. "I woke in a burn unit, bandaged head to toe, with no knowledge of what had happened. I was on heavy pain medications, and it took days to understand what had happened. Each day was filled with indescribable pain as the doctors and nurses worked to remove the burned skin and graft new skin over the burned areas. About 60 percent of my body was burned. "I still live in constant pain, and scarring covers most of my body. I've had a lot of surgery since. My heart goes out to the victims of this fire, because I know how hard it is to live after you've been burned. I used to swim 60 laps a day. I loved getting dressed up and going to dinner. Seven years has passed, and everything has changed now. But life goes on and so do I. "I sincerely hope the children in this story can be helped by laser treatment. Extensive scarring changes your life in ways most people can't imagine. Related: This 25-Year-Old Found Success When He Started Helping Others Succeed Corporate culture heroes. In a world overrun by news stories of corporate greed and malfeasance, it's refreshing to find a company that still values people over profits. "We believe that companies have an obligation to give back to those in need. We have seen first-hand the impact that our lasers can have on those who may otherwise not have access to the devices. The chance to take a Quanta laser to Armenia, train local doctors how to operate it, and then donate the device to the Arabkir Pediatric Hospital so it can bring healing for years to come -- that blesses us as much as it will the children of Armenia. -- Michael Sparks, CEO of Quanta Related: When Burn Victims Needed Help Most This Tech Company Stepped Up 7 Companies Empowering You to Give Gifts That Give Back 4 Psychological Triggers That Make People Like and Share Content Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved A Chinese man walks past the office building of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC) on April 12, 2005, in Shanghai, China. (Photo : Getty Images) A subsidiary of China's top automaker SAIC Motor Corp plans to acquire General Motors (GM) manufacturing assets in India, a filing with the Indian competition watchdog showed on Friday. The assets, which would give the Chinese car giant a significant foothold in India's car market, will be acquired through an Indian subsidiary of SAIC that has to be incorporate, according to the filing with the Competition Commission of India. Advertisement As part of a side deal, General Motors also unveiled plans to buy out SAIC's 9.2 percent stake in SAIC General Motors Investment, which is a joint venture it created with the Chinese automaker in 2009 to expand its presence in emerging markets like India, according to a separate filing. In an email to Reuters, GM said its negotiations with SAIC on the sale of its Halol plant in the western Indian state of Gujarat were progressing well and that the two parties are working to secure necessary approvals. "We'll share any progress at the appropriate time," GM said. SAIC declined to comment on the deal. In an earlier report from Reuters in April last year, SAIC was in talks to buy GM's Gujarat plant and had been evaluating car models to introduce in India. GM said in 2015 that it planned to shutter one of its two plants in India by mid-2016 and consolidate operations at one location. The Detroit-based conglomerate's Halol plant has a manufacturing capacity of 110,000 vehicles per year. GM also runs a plant in Talegaon in the western state of Maharashtra that can manufacture up to 170,000 vehicles a year. Several foreign carmakers such as GM, Volkswagen, and Ford have struggled to boost sales in India, which is expected to be the world's third-largest car market by 2020, and are now pushing exports from the country to utilize idle manufacturing capacity. Poor sales and a regulatory crackdown on diesel-powered vehicles have forced GM to reevaluate its future in India. In July, GM said it has put a hold on its planned $1 billion investment in India and cancelled plans to bring a new car platform to the country that would help it better compete against its top competitor in the country, Maruti Suzuki. Between April and November, GM's India sales dropped sharply by 19 percent to 17,868 vehicles, while total passenger vehicle sales in the country grew by 10 percent over the same period, according to industry data. A Samsung phone rests on a platform while its stylus is being featured on top of the said Android smartphone. (Photo : YouTube/Mirror Pro) Samsung phones specs, price, and release date constitute potential ingredient for the company's success this year. After a notable fault in 2016, upcoming Samsung Note 8 and Galaxy S8 hope to restore consumers' broken trust. The much awaited arrival of this year's Samsung phones has been highly anticipated by most Android phones consumers. Most consumers in particular are excited with the introduction of Samsung Note 8 in the market, following Note 7 fiasco. Such excitement has been hinged to the leaks suggesting 4k display, and much reliable battery pack, according to Forbes. Advertisement Additionally, Samsung Note 8 returns with a so-called "Beast Mode" option. Such option will allow users to enjoy an increased memory, greater processing power, increased graphical ability. Apart from the improvement concerning the Note series, the same publication also mentioned that Galaxy S8 has undergone an interesting upgrade. Part of the overhaul accordingly includes an "Extended Workspace," allowing Galaxy S8 to connect to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse similar to that of Microsoft's Continuum. With such speculated Samsung Galaxy S8 feature, it is to be expected that Windows 10 desktop principles may likely be replicated. Thus, suggesting a Samsung desktop experience. Moreover, to widen the options of Android phone users, it has also been presumed that an alternative variant of Galaxy S8 may also be available. In view of the given features and upgrades, there are still no confirmation of the price of the upcoming Samsung phones. However, a suggested financial incentive program has been recently reported to appease Note 7 affected customers. Concerning its release periods, Samsung phones launching and release date has been moved further, according to Express. Based on the previous release patterns and leaks, the flagship products from Samsung were expected at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona in late February. However, recent reports suggest that the company will likely skip MWC in Spain, due to some delays. Reports suggest that the company might be targeting a March launching followed by a mid-April sale. Watch here below a Samsung mobile leak: The Huawei Mate 9 will be landing the UK later this week. Carrier Three UK, in response to a user query on Twitter, revealed that it will start selling the device Friday (January 13) onwards. @heartyparty We will indeed! It's launching this Friday. Three UK (@ThreeUK) January 9, 2017 As for pricing, while Three UK didn't confirm anything, Huawei - if you recall - had revealed a 699 European price tag for the device when it was unveiled back in November last year. The Mate 9 was recently launched in the United States, where it carries a $599 price tag. Huawei said it will also bring Alexa - Amazons cloud-based voice service - to the handset, making the Mate 9 the first smartphone of its kind. Source Xiaomi has been teasing and tossing around the idea of a possible US expansion for quite some time now. Truth be told, the company has little to actually gain with its current ultra-competitive price strategy, moving to a carrier-driven market, where it would have to meet new regulations, account for numerous extra costs and compete with more powerful players. The ongoing expansion to India is unquestionably better for business, however, the US still seems to be a big goal for Hugo Barra and co. Since the Chinese giant did attend CES 2017 to announce the white Mi Mix, most of the industry expected at least some announcement, pertaining to international expansion. That never came, but Xiaomi might already be busy working on in behind the scenes, as evident by a mysterious Redmi device that was spotted at the FCC. The included rough sketch of the unit is quite reminiscent of recent Redmi Note designs and the source seems to think it is the Redmi Note 5. However, an alleged Redmi Note 4X is already in the works. Then again, Xiaomi could easily opt to use a totally different naming convention if it does enter the US market. Hopefully, it will serve as an opportunity to clean up the incredible mess that is the current Redmi lineup. As for other leaked info on the unknown handset,there are some dimensions and a full list of bands already disclosed. Also, the smartphone will likely use a Snapdragon 652 chipset, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The camera setup is said to include a 16MP main snapper and an 8MP selfie one. And last, but not least, an Android 7.1-based MIUI 9 might also be part of the mix. Source These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Xiaomi has sent out invitations to the media for its launch event in India on January 19. The invite does not specify the device that will be launched, although Xiaomi did mention it is going to be a Redmi device on social media. The device to be launched is widely believed to be the Redmi Note 4. Following last year's incredibly successful and well-received Redmi Note 3, the Redmi Note 4 improves in several significant ways over its predecessor. It ditches the metal back panel of the previous model for a full unibody aluminum design with chamfered edges and a 2.5D glass over the 5.5-inch FullHD display. The camera on the back is a new 13 megapixel sensor with PDAF and f2.0 aperture and a larger 4100mAh battery. The model in China ships with a MediaTek Helio X20 processor but the Indian model is expected to have a Snapdragon chipset, possibly the Snapdragon 652. Pricing and availability will be announced during the event. Are you looking to jumpstart your creative juices? You might want to try playing around in a different tuning, such as open D. This particular tuning has been hailed as [] NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti: Graphics card to have better performance than Titan X, powerful memory clock and more (Photo : YouTube/IT-News) NVIDIA is likely to unleash its next flagship graphics card, the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, around early March 2017 or the actual release date coinciding with the PAX East gaming festival in Boston that kicks off March 10. As expected, the GTX 1080 Ti is lined up to collide head-on with AMD's upcoming Vega 10 GPU family, a new report said. Advertisement The Vega 10 GPUs are likely to hit the market June this year, according to WCCFTech, or a few months before the GTX 1080 Ti debut that is no later than March. The report added that an unidentified NVIDIA AIB employee leaked of the supposed plan to introduce the 16nm GTX 1080 Ti slightly ahead of the Vega GPU cards. It appears that the NVIDIA game plan is to deliberately delay the upgrade of the GTX 1080 and allow the original card to slug it out with the Radeon RX 500 card series that likely will come out starting in February. The strategic push back will then allow the King of GPUs to further polish the GTX 1080 Ti, the report said. More tweaks are expected to be applied on the GTX 1080 Ti so its immediate predecessor "can retain NVIDIA's performance crown once Vega hits the shelves and dethrones the GeForce GTX 1080," WCCFTech said. Speculations are rife, and as seen with the Vega GPU demo at the recently concluded CES 2017, that Vega 10 has the capabilities to dethrone NVIDIA in performance and more so in pricing. As Vega GPU has been demoed to easily defeat the GTX 1080 and outsell it with a lower price point, it is highly likely that NVIDIA will see the need to make adjustments on the GTX 1080 Ti with utmost consideration of the two factors. Rumors say AMD will release Vega 10 in dual-GPU that likely will match with performance tweaks on the GTX 1080 Ti. It remains to be seen, however, if NVIDIA will be willing to resort to price cuts or pull down below the $1000 mark so as to keep its market dominance. WCCFTech said the GTX 1080 Ti will boast of the GP102-based core and loaded with at least 10GB of GDDR5X VRAM. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti on release date, according to TweakTown.com, will be available in all variants from day one, meaning GPU enthusiasts will be limited to the Founders Edition. The report added that the card is expected to fly off the shelves no matter the sticker price. Haiti - Politics : Swearing in of 6 new senators On Monday, the day of parliamentary recess, in a session that preceded the opening of the first regular session of the 50th Legislature, 6 senators were sworn in and their credentials validated. It was the senior member of the Upper House Bureau, Senator Ricard Pierre who led this validation session where the 6 senators were sworn in. These are : Dieudonne Etienne Luma (PHTK), the only woman in the Senate, Joseph Lambert (Kona), Nawoon Marcellus (Bouclier), Sorel Jacinthe (Inite Patriyotik), Willot Joseph (PHTK) and Wanique Pierre (PHTK) bringing to 20 the number of senators in office in the Senate. Two Senators were absent: Senator Wilfrid Gelin, under the administrative inquiry of the Provisional Electoral Council https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19707-haiti-elections-phtk-lawyers-protest-at-cep.html and Guy Philippe, arrested and extradited to the United States last Thursday https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19721-haiti-flash-senator-guy-philippe-extradited-to-the-usa.html More than 20 new deputies should take oath and see their credentials validated this Tuesday, January 10, 2017. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - NOTICE : Opening of the electoral campaign for the second round In accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Decree of 2 March 2015 and according to the electoral calendar, Leopold Berlanger, President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), announces that the electoral campaign for the second round of elections will take place from 9 to 27 January 2017 at midnight. This electoral campaign concerns the second round of a third of the Senate, the local elections (CASEC, ASEC, City Delegates) and the additional election for the Communal Section of Fond Cochon in the constituency of Roseaux, elections which will take place on Sunday 29 January 2017. The CEP takes the opportunity to remind party leaders, political groups in general and candidates in particular, of the provisions of articles 114 to 124 of chapter VIII of the said decree, dealing with the electoral campaign. HL/ HaitiLibre Five months after being fired as senior pastor of South Carolina-based NewSpring Church due to a drinking problem and marital issues, Perry Noble is making a comeback. The former writer and pastor is planning to set up a church and business consulting venture. On his blog Noble writes, "After much thought, prayer and seeking godly and wise counsel I believe the Lord has clearly shown me I am supposed to step into church and business consulting." He continues: "I've actually planted and built a great church, and really do believe that what the Lord was gracious enough to teach me in the 16 years I was at NewSpring could be used to encourage, challenge and advance the church/ministry you are wanting to see achieve its maximum potential." Noble also revealed that at one point during his leadership at NewSpring Church, he managed 425 employees and a budget of $63 million. As for the naysayers who feel that his comeback was a little too soon, Noble writes: "My mother died when she was 49 years old. I did the math, and I have 1,263 days until I am 49." "What if God allowed me to live as long as my mother? I don't want to live the next 1,263 days of my life trying to win the approval of people who never believed in me in the fist place." Perry was the former senior pastor at NewSpring Church, a megachurch located in Anderson, South Carolina. His weekly sermons were watched by over 32,000 people at 11 satellite campuses across the state of South Carolina with an additional 7,200 viewers tuned in weekly via online live stream. He has gained notability as the senior pastor at the largest church in the South Carolina Baptist Convention and second fastest-growing church in the United States Tags : perry noble newspring church perry noble comeback perry noble news perry noble latest By Vasia Orion | Published on 2017/01/10 With Chairman Sin still unconscious and his daughter, Hyeon-jeong still being manipulated by Yoon-wan Doldam's future is put in grave danger. Reporter Oh is still looking into Teacher Kim's life as Boo Yong-joo and some secrets of the past are revealed, which cause great tension. They also temporarily sacrifice a character to the altar of plot progression, making the transition to the next episode crucial. Advertisement "Dr. Romantic" is very much a "last minute" show. Rather than gradually delivering important pieces of information or having smooth character development, certain things simply happen when needed. In Teacher Kim's (Han Suk-kyu) case, this has somewhat harmed the impact of his story. His plan for Doldam is what I expected long ago, the flashback scenes show little new information and I wonder why it took this long for the drama to present this already known material. I have already spoken a lot about In-beom's (Yang Se-jong) characterization going down the drain during the previous episodes and I briefly mentioned how Dong-joo's (Yoo Yeon-seok) buddy behavior is part of the confusion. The latest twist about his father's surgery brings even more muddled character writing for him, as all the progress he has made and the relationships he has built come crashing down in what feels like moments. This creates a tense scene with his mentor and our hero, but at the cost of cohesiveness. Dong-joo has seen what Yoon-wan (Choi Jin-ho) can do first hand. He has seen the manipulation and backdoor dealings. He receives this shocking information directly addressed to him, from Geodae hospital, right after Yoon-wan failed to close it down. Yet he immediately starts to suspect Teacher Kim. The man who has proved himself to Dong-joo time and time again, the one he himself chose not to betray in the past. No other explanation comes to mind about the nature of these papers. I think the twist itself is rather good, because it will force the truth out and push Teacher Kim to fight for what is right this time. I am sure Dong-joo will just calm down after the initial shock as well. This is a painful part of his past, after all. I just wish the writing were better with its development of plot points and characters so that things do not feel so jarring at times. The episode is otherwise nice, there is some good drama and it feels like a solid warm up to the upcoming sprint. PD Yoo In-sik's trademark fight scene to the sounds of the aptly chosen "Non, je ne regrette rien" is highly enjoyable and although it happens in the show's usual "better late than never" fashion, I am glad to see Gi-tae (Im Won-hee) finally choose his allegiance. I look forward to Doldam's final triumph. "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' Watch on Viki Note: Due to licensing, videos may not be available in your country Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password. Stay logged in Help Published on 2017/01/10 | Source Added episodes 39 and 40 captures for the Korean drama "The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop" (2016) Advertisement Directed by Hwang In-hyeok Written by Koo Hyeon-sook Network : KBS With Lee Dong-gun, Jo Yoon-hee, Shin Goo, Kim Young-ae, Oh Hyun-kyung, Cha In-pyo,... Sat, Sun 19:55 Synopsis "Suited Gentlemen In Yanggye-dong" is based on a traditional tailor's with history. The drama depicts the tears, friendship, success and romance of four men. Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2016/08/27 More Dont worry I've got your back: Two boys keep each other company at a furniture store in Beijing, on Jan. 19, 2015. (Photo : Getty Images) To implement the two-child policy, the Chinese government is offering free removal of IUDs to encourage women to get pregnant. Women were inserted IUDs as a mandatory measure during the long-standing practice of the one-child policy. The government scrapped the one-child policy last year. Advertisement Many women were outraged by the offer of the government, saying that the government shouldn't have required IUD insertions in the first place. An advertising executive, Ms. Lu, said, "We shouldn't have done this in the first place, and now the government wants to use it as a state benefit to the people." The IUDs used in China will have to be removed surgically unlike other devices that can be removed in the doctor's clinic. The IUDs in China are made of stainless steel and have a very short string or no string at all. Many women were fitted by IUDs after childbirth and are expected to wear it until menopause. However, not all women were told that the IUDs only last for 20 years. This miseducation in the use of IUDs caused women to have infections and other reproductive diseases. Ai Xiaoming, a documentary filmmaker, had to undergo a hysterectomy because of grave infections from her IUD. There were 324 million women who had IUD insertion until 2014. About 107 million women underwent tubal ligation. Han Haoyue, a columnist, reacted on Weibo and said that women in China were subjected to "forced acts of mutilation." He added, "And now, to say that they are offering free removal as a service to these tens of thousands of women--repeatedly broadcasting this on state television as a kind of state benefit--they have no shame, second to none." Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby. 12:22, 4 NOV 2022 US Deploying Apache Attack Helicopters to South Korea to Deter North Korea and Protect THAAD Missile Sites from China An AH-64D Apache Longbow. (Photo : US Army) The United States Forces Korea announced the deployment of 24 Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters in February to cope with twin threats arising from North Korea's ongoing ballistic missile tests and China's vow to take unspecified retaliatory measures against the deployment of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile system in May. Advertisement The Apache Longbows will be deployed to South Korea in February to replace 30 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior observation and light attack helicopters. A combat proven tank and infantry killer in U.S. service since 1986, the Apache in its various versions has seen combat with the U.S. armed forces around the world. The AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, heavily armored, twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. It features a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. It's armed with a 30 mm M230 chain gun mounted under the aircraft's forward fuselage. It has four hardpoints mounted on stub-wing pylons, typically carrying a mixture of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and unguided Hydra 70 rockets. The AH-645D Longbow to be stationed in South Korea is distinctive because of a huge radome located above its rotor. The radome houses an AN/APG-78 Longbow millimeter-wave fire-control radar target acquisition system and Radar Frequency Interferometer. The AN/APG-78 is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 128 targets and engaging 16 at once. An attack can be initiated within 30 seconds after target detection. "The Apache helicopter battalion will be stationed at Camp Humphreys (in Pyeongtaek, 44 miles south of Seoul), and part of the unit will be temporarily deployed to Suwon Air Base until the new aircraft parking apron is complete at CP Humphreys," said U.S. Army Col. Rob Manning. "The rotational deployment of the Apache helicopters is a demonstration of strong U.S. will in implementing its security commitments and will significantly strengthen the (South Korea-U.S.) combined defense posture and capabilities." Camp Humphreys is the largest U.S. military garrison in Asia and is the base for all US. Forces stationed in South Korea. There are now over 29,000 U.S. troops in South Korea. Camp Humphreys is located 159 km away from Seongju where the first U.S. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Air Defense) system will be deployed in May. A second THAAD battery will also be deployed but its location has not been revealed. The arrival of the 24 Apache Longbows will go a long way towards contributing to the security of both THAAD sites against military action by China. India Arming Vietnam with More India-made Weapons as Threat from China Looms Akash missile unleashed. (Photo : Indian Army) India is bent on selling its indigenous Akash medium-range, supersonic, mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) defense system to its "close friend" Vietnam as both deepen their strategic cooperation against a common enemy: China. This move is India's latest in a series of calculated steps aimed at expanding its "strategic and military partnership" with Vietnam. Military sources said Vietnam has shown "deep interest" in the acquisition of the Akash missile system, and has requested a transfer of technology and joint production of the system. Advertisement India previously proffered to Vietnam its supersonic BrahMos cruise missile (the world's fastest) and the new Varunastra advanced heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo that can deal with China's fleet of Russian-made Kilo-class diesel electric submarines. The submarine force of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operates 12 Kilo-class subs. The Indian Navy operates 10 of these submarines while the Vietnam People's Navy has an inventory of six Kilos. Also as part of this expanded strategic cooperation, India this year will begin training fighter pilots of the Vietnam People's Air Force on its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter. For the past three years, the Indian Navy has been training submariners of the Vietnam People's Navy on how to operate their common Russian-made Kilo-class submarines, which are noted for their extreme quietness that complicates detection. Akash should prove invaluable to the air defense effort of the Vietnam People's Army. The missile can destroy aerial targets up to 30 km distant flying at an altitude of 18,000 meters. India says Akash can "neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles" as well as ballistic missiles. Akash is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The killer feature of Akash is its ability to destroy multiple aerial targets streaking in from different directions at the same time. An Akash missile regiment has six launchers with three missiles each. The complete system consists of surveillance and tracking radars; control centers and ground support systems. This all-weather missile system can work from both static and mobile platforms. Indian Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar said Vietnam "is a close friend." He noted several initiatives are underway to further boost bilateral defense cooperation. These initiatives include upgrading the military equipment of the Vietnam People's Army and training the Vietnamese to operate their Russian-made fighters and submarines. India and Vietnam decided to elevate their strategic partnership, which was established in July 2007, into a "comprehensive strategic partnership" during Prime MInister Narendra Modi's visit to Hanoi in September 2016. Workers worries about money matters is costing Australian business an estimated $55.2 billion a year in lost productivity, with 25% of Australian workers spending more than three hours a week worrying about their personal finances at work. Over a quarter of working Australians also say their financial situation keeps them up at night and a third say it is a cause of stress. These insights were revealed in The Financial Fitness of Working Australians 2016 Report commissioned by Map My Plan, which surveyed 1,573 workers a statistically representative sample of the Australian working population. The survey measures the Financial Fitness Index, which combines respondents level of financial control, capacity to absorb financial shock, their planning and financial freedom. Paul Feeney, founder of Map My Plan said Australian workers financial fitness had plateaued at 113 out of a possible 200, similar to last years result of 114. Feeney said, Australian workers are now saving a little more for a rainy day, because we are more worried about our financial future. Notably, people are increasingly concerned about housing affordability, relying on the pension, and healthcare costs. Those who are particularly worried, and often doing it tough, include renters, casual workers, women and Generation Y. Renters and casuals under strain Were seeing a worrying trend in the rise of the renting underclass 37% of renters are having difficulty making ends meet, and 40% say their finances are a major cause of stress. Renters have a financial fitness score of just 99 out of a possible 200. Casual workers are also vulnerable with 22% saving nothing each month, and almost half are having difficulty making ends meet. Casual employees are more likely to be aged under 25 and women. Gender divide The research revealed the depth of financial inequities between genders beyond the pay gap. Women, scoring 106, were on average less financially fit than men at 120. They are less likely to have a financial plan, or feel they have enough knowledge to make sound financial decisions for their future. The differences between women and men are particularly pronounced among those experiencing severe financial distress, with more women experiencing acute financial hardship. There are many more women than men worrying about their finances; theyre less likely to be able to absorb a financial shock and lack the freedom to leave their job or live the lifestyle they want, said Mr Feeney. Myth-busting: Generation Y taking control The research also revealed substantial differences between the generations. Despite their reputation for frivolous spending, new research shows Generation Y workers are taking control of their financial future. Generation Y, is more financially fit than Generation X and, at 42 per cent, its the generation most likely to be saving more than 10 per cent of their income each month. Gen Ys are also more likely to have Join internationally acclaimed saxophonist/composer Miguel Zenon as he celebrates the release of his new album,Tipico, in concert on Tuesday, March 7 at Appalachian State University, The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts at 733 Rivers Street, Boone, NC. Joining Zenon are his long-time bandmates who are also featured on the recording: Luis Perdomo, Hans Glawischnig and Henry Cole. Tickets for the 8 p.m. concert are $8 and $10. For tickets or information call 800-841-2787 or visit www.appstate.edu/arts. The concert is part of a 13-city, 24-date North American tour which also includes stops in San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, CA; Ottawa, Canada; Boston, MA; Philadelphia, PA; New York City; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; and Chicago, IL. A multiple Grammy nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow, Miguel Zenon is one of a select group of musicians who have masterfully balanced and blended the often-contradictory poles of innovation and tradition. Widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists of his generation, Zenon has also developed a unique voice as a composer and as a conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between Latin American folkloric music and jazz. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenon has recorded and toured with a wide variety of musicians including Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Bobby Hutcherson and Steve Coleman and is a founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective. Tipico, available February 10 on Miel Music, is above all a celebration of Zenons longstanding quartet. His past several releases have generally fleshed out that core unit with additional instrumentalists as Zenon has looked outward to explore various aspects of his Puerto Rican heritage. This new album feels more intimate. Its focus stays closer to home, with nods to Zenons own personal and professional life as it zeroes in on what makes his band unique. I was thinking about what this band and the guys in the band mean to me as I was writing the music, he explains. I kept going back to this idea of us developing this common language that identifies us as a band. That language has been developing for more than a decade. Pianist Luis Perdomo and bassist Hans Glawischnig have been with Zenon since the turn of the millennium; Henry Cole joined the band in 2005. Their language is thoroughly fluent modern jazz, with all the instrumental prowess and rhythmic and harmonic complexity that implies. But the dialect theyve created together through the years is distinctive. Tipico refers to something thats customary to a region or a group of people, Zenon says. Or something that can be related to a specific group of people. And when I was writing the music, I was thinking about music that identified us and this band. Each of the albums final three tracks, Zenon notes, was composed around a solo or signature rhythmic line that one of the band members had played before. My approach was more systematic on those three compositions specifically. But the whole record essentially is about representing the sound of the band. The sound of our band. The album opens with Academia, a tune inspired by Zenons teaching at New England Conservatory, where he serves as part of the jazz faculty. One of the great things about teaching at NEC is that I get the opportunity to create a personalized curriculum for each of my private students, depending on their needs and on what I feel they should be working on. So I find myself having to come up with new exercises constantly, in order to keep our interactions interesting and challenging. This composition is built around various harmonic and rhythmic exercises that I developed with some of my more recent students at the school. The second track, Cantor, honors Zenons friend and frequent collaborator Guillermo Klein. Guillermos music has a very personal voice, something very unique. With this piece I was trying to convey some of what I feel are his most interesting qualities as a composer, like the lyrical character of his melodies and the very nuanced harmonic movement of his pieces. He also has very particular way of organizing the 3/4 bar, which he breaks down into three bars of 7/8 and one bar of 3/8. The piece touches on this a bit towards the end, sort of as a way of tipping my hat to a great friend and musician. The third and fourth tracks both stem from Zenon pondering what gives a particular song a folkloric feel. Ciclo emphasizes melody and rhythm, Zenon taking a melody that is meant to sound very folkloric a bit simplerharmonically and delineating a very specific beat and building a complex extended cycle around it using smaller, interlocking rhythmic cells. Tipico approaches its folkloric aims harmonically. Theres a harmonic cadence that is very common in Latin American music, especially music in the Caribbean. Something that revolves around a minor key and then slides down, going Subdominant Minor Tonic Minor Dominant Tonic Minor. A very simple cadence, but one that is very unique and effective. Its always caught my ear because Im always on the lookout for things that serve as sort of musical connecting threads, things that makes me feel that the music from all these different countries and cultural expressions is somehow connected and coming out of the same combination of elements. I built this specific composition around this cadence, and called it Tipico in reference to this Pan-American idea. Sangre Di Me Sangre is a tune the quartet has been playing for a while now, a balladic tribute to Zenons 4-year-old daughter, Elena, written before her first birthday. I was sitting in this park with her, he recalls. She was playing around and I sat down and sketched out the song on my notepad. Zenon wrote the piece first with lyrics, then orchestrated it for the quartet, featuring Glawischnigs bass both on a sprightly introductory melody played in unison with Perdomo and on a solo meant to convey a singing quality. Glawischnig is also featured on Corteza, its melody derived from Zenons transcription of his bass solo opening the track Calle Calma on the 2009 Zenon album Esta Plena. It, too, has a balladic feel, with lyrical solos from Zenon and Perdomo leading to a closing uptempo restatement of the theme. The Perdomo feature Entre Las Raices (Amongst the Roots) is more fiery, emphasizing two key facets of the pianists musical personality. The intricate melody he and Zenon whip through together was transcribed from a Perdomo solo on Street View: Biker, the opening track on Perdomos album Awareness. But this arrangement opens with Perdomo playing wild and free, and Zenons alto solo when it comes reveals a free side of his own, veering more toward Ornette Coleman or Albert Ayler. The piece is very free in terms of the way we deal with the improvised segments, says Zenon. Luis always talks about listening to Bud Powell and Cecil Taylor at the same time when he was growing up in Caracas, and always having a foot in this freer, avant-gardish world of jazz. And when you hear him play on that track, it sounds that way. For that piece specifically, he really sounds like hes 100 percent in his element. Coles playing is suitably free on Entre Las Raices as well, but his featured track, Las Ramas (The Branches,Coles own debut album having been titled Roots Before Branches), required more discipline. I wrote the piece around this figure that he has been developing over the last few years and plays all the time, says Zenon. The piece is very difficult to play sort of like an etude for the drums, pretty much. And I know he worked very hard on it. Even though the original idea came from him, he worked very hard on making it precise and making it clean, and really sounded amazing on this track. Its no accident that the final three songs are named for parts of a tree. I was thinking of the band as a tree, Zenon acknowledges. And thinking of myself as the watcher. I mean, Im part of it also. But mostly Im observing these amazing musicians night after night, and how together they kind of make up this living organism. Zenon is onto something with that metaphor. The spotlight cast by Tipico illuminates how alive his quartets music has always been, while never ceasing to evolve and grow. http://www.miguelzenon.com/ Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket Actress Gina Rodriguez (R), winner of Best Actress in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy for 'Jane the Virgin,' and sister Ivelisse Rodriguez pose in the press room during the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2015 in (Photo : Getty Images/ George Pimentel) "Jane the Virgin" is confirmed to return after its current season. The hit comedy series is one of the seven shows on The CW that have been picked up by the network to return this fall. The renewal did not come as a surprise for "Jane the Virgin" lead actress Gina Rodriguez, who nabbed a Golden Globe during the first season and continues to be nominated for her excellent portrayal of Jane. The hype that has surrounded the series since its debut season has helped boost its profile and The CW loves being recognized for it, Latin Times reported. Advertisement Following the announcement, stars of the series were quick to express their thoughts about the news. On her Instagram, Gina Rodriguez posted a photo of herself and captioned it, "Today is a great day, I can and I will. Third Globe nom and a 4th season renewal. God is good. Our supporters got us here. I am grateful." Jaime Camil, who plays Jane's dad Rogelio de la Vega, and Yael Grobglas, who plays Petra, also took to social media to share the great news and thank their fans for the unlimited love and support. Grobglas also shared her plan to celebrate by eating boxes of pannettone, a sweet bread loaf popular in Milan. Other shows that have been renewed for another season are "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (Season 3), "Arrow" (Season 6), "Supergirl" (Season 3), "Flash" (Season 4), "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" (Season 3), and "Supernatural" (Season 13). The CW said in its official statement that early pickup of the said series would not only allow their producers to plan ahead but would also give them a solid foundation to build on for the next season. Meanwhile, Gina Rodriguez previously told Access Hollywood that fans should expect some major changes in her character this season. The actress revealed that she was off to Thailand for a muay thai training, in preparation for the transformation that's set to happen in the life of Jane in Season 3. As to what kind of transformation it might be, Gina Rodriguez kept mum. "Jane the Virgin" Season 3 returns on Jan. 23 on The CW. Watch the promo for episode 8 here: Health The field of health is rapidly changing and increasingly complex. Our content helps you keep up with the latest trends in health care in ways you can understand. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) made the first basic income payments to a pre-selected group of 2,000 2558-year-old recipients on Monday, signalling the beginning of a two-year experiment that replaces unemployment benefits either partially or completely with the monthly 560-euro basic income. Kela reminds in a press release that the amount of basic income will be unaffected by any earned income that the recipients may have during the experiment. Their entitlement to other social benefits, on the other hand, will be determined based on the same rules as before, reminds Marjukka Turunen, the head of legal affairs at Kela. If someone finds work during the experiment, any earnings they have will affect for example the general housing allowance and social assistance. People may lose their entitlement to such benefits, if they find work and their earnings exceed a certain limit, she explains. Turunen reveals that one of the most common question asked by those selected to participate in the experiment is whether or not they really remain eligible for the basic income if they find, for example, part-time work during the experiment. When we reply that the purpose of the basic income is specifically to encourage recipients to seek employment, we get a very positive reaction, says Turunen. The basic income is also tax free and does not affect the amount of taxable income of recipients, adds Kela. Ville Niinisto, the chairperson of the Green League, argues in his blog that the basic income is an opportunity to adapt the social security system to the 2010s. The basic income will eliminate the feeling of humiliation and shame associated with applying for social security benefits. It also provides people with room to make their own choices in life, thus encouraging them to try self-employment and accept short-term job offers, because an increase in earnings will not immediately lead to losing their entitlement to benefits, he writes. The Government and the general public, he says, should give the basic income the opportunity to demonstrate the power of gratuitous basic security. The premise of a positive view of human beings is that the greater the freedom of people to fulfil themselves in a way that also benefits them financially, the more they will contribute to the society, says Niinisto. The premise of a negative view of human beings is that the central administration must resort to limitations and prohibitions to force people in the most disadvantaged position to stop relying on social security and find employment. Paula Risikko (NCP), the Minister of the Interior, has demanded that a social security system that encourages participation is trialled alongside the basic income. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi IAAF Kids Athletics Program (Photo : Getty Images) The lack of discipline among Chinese children blamed partly on the countrys one-child policy is manifesting itself in another societal issue in China. It involves the crisis of masculinity China faces as experts observe more boys in the Asian giant becoming emotionally and physically weak. Advertisement To address the issue, China would be using a new school textbook titled Little Men. The book stresses the difference between girls and boys, highlights the value of a father-son relationship and underscores the value of nature interactions and financial management, NBC reported. Guide for Male Grade 4-5 Students Shanghai Educational Publishing House printed the book in December 2016 for use among male Grade 4 and Grade 5 students. Little Men was used in a trial period in selected schools in China before it was approved for general use. The publication of the book is timely amid observation by parents, such as 36-year-old businessman Miao Li that because many boys are over-protected by their families, they no longer engage in physical activities. Huang, a hotel worker and parent, added, Nowadays, girls are becoming more like boys while the boys are becoming more like girls, introvert and shy. A grandfather blamed the phenomenon of Chinese boys becoming feminine to too much homework. Sheng, a hotel employee and mother of Grade 1 student, pointed to the family spoiling the child, due to the one-child policy, with too much love and care which stunts the natural adventurous character of boys. Electric Shock Therapy at Bootcamps Meanwhile, in a case of extreme discipline, a facility in Shandong Province used electrical stimulation to wean more than 6,000 youth who are addicted to the internet, most of whom were teenagers. The electric shock therapy have been used since 2006 but was still being used until 2016, The Telegraph cited Sixth Tone, a news portal. The undisciplined kids are sent to the facility by their parents. China plans to ban the use of electric shock also previously used by hospitals to treat Chinese gays in bootcamps. China has an estimated 250 bootcamps where there is pervasive abuse, violence and methods that employ military tactics in teaching wayward youth discipline. However, there are a lot of times the staff at the bootcamps have abused which include the death of a 15-year-old boy in 2009 within 24 hours of his arrival at one bootcamp. The draft regulations also prohibits online gaming firms from providing online services to Chinese youth between midnight and 8 a.m. Dublin City Council is calling for immediate funding for four new ambulances to operate in the capital. The council passed a motion without debate last night, asking Local Government Minister Simon Coveney and Health Minister Simon Harris to act. It comes following claims that Dublin Fire Brigade, which provides emergency medical services, is currently operating above capacity. The motion was tabled by Labour Party councillor Alison Gilliland, who said an increase in calls and incidents meant 12 ambulances were not sufficient. Needs "Dublin Fire Brigade has evaluated the current situation and indicated that an additional four ambulances would allow the service to safely meet emergency needs arising across its operating area of Dublin city and county," Ms Gilliland said. She added that Dublin Fire Brigade currently had 12 ambulances and 23 fire tenders. Last year, the service responded to 115,000 calls, representing some 40pc of the national volume, an increase in calls on 2015. "We are fortunate that we have a world-class emergency medical service that operates above international optimal service levels," she said. "However, immediate funding for additional ambulances and crews is urgently required to ensure Dublin's emergency medical needs are met in a safe and effective manner." Ms Gilliland's motion received cross-party support. Risk People Before Profit members of the council also urged the council's CEO, Owen Keegan, to help secure the increased funding necessary. The group said the emergency medical services provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) were of the highest international standards. "Without additional funds being released to secure the four additional, fully crewed ambulances required to meet current capacity needs, lives are being put at risk and unnecessary deaths may occur," it said. The group also raised concerns about any attempt to remove the call-taking and dispatch function from the DFB's centre of operations in Tara Street, in order to subsume it under the HSE's National Ambulance Service based in Tallaght. The family of an Irish citizen who is being held in an Egyptian prison pray he will finally be released after a group of cross-party TDs flew to Cairo to meet government officials. Ibrahim Halawa (21), who has gone on hunger strike at least three times since his imprisonment, has languished in jail for more than three-and-a-half years. He was imprisoned without trial for his part in protests in Cairo in August 2013 after the Muslim Brotherhood was ousted from power in a military coup. The eight TDs arrived in Egypt yesterday to discuss trade and other relationships with Ireland. The delegation is due to meet the Firhouse native in Wadi el Natrun prison today. Members will meet the President, Fattah El Sisi, tomorrow. Shocking Ibrahim's sister, Omaima Halawa (24), said all his friends are graduating from college while he is suffering in the Cairo prison in shocking conditions. Omaima was also arrested for her part in the protest but was released in November 2013. That was the last time she saw her brother. "I never thought he would be in prison this long," she told the Herald. "There have been so many times our hopes have been dashed, so many times our hearts have been broken, but now we hope we will have a good result." Ibrahim was detained in a mosque near Ramses Square in Cairo as the Muslim Brotherhood held a "day of rage" over the removal of their elected president Mohamed Morsi. The Egyptian authorities have chosen to try Halawa with 500 other people in a mass trial, a decision that has led to repeated postponements. On his 21st birthday in December, his trial was postponed for a 17th time. The next hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday next week. Eamon Ryan, Green Party TD and a member of the delegation, said the ultimate aim of the trip was to help secure Ibrahim's return to Ireland. He said the hope is that the all-party delegation will provide a clear diplomatic message that supports the case for his release. Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail accepted an invitation to lead the delegation. Speaking from the family's Firhouse home, Omaima said: "We are very thankful [to the TDs] and we are hoping that they can see my brother and see for themselves what it is like for him. "We hope Ibrahim's detention without trial ends with this visit. "He knows the TDs are coming and he is happy. It gives him fresh hope and has lifted his heart. It would be amazing if he could come home." Ibrahim's family say his health is failing because of the hunger strikes. "He has not eaten for 15 days and is drinking only two cups of water a day," said Omaima. "All Ibrahim's friends are graduating now, but he was arrested just after the Leaving Certificate. He is waiting to start his education." Ibrahim did exceptionally well in his Leaving Cert and was offered a place at Trinity College Dublin to study engineering. Asked if the Halawa family had hoped politicians would have made a journey to Egypt on Ibrahim's behalf before now, Omaima said it would have been preferable. Love "We had hoped, but the past can't be fixed so maybe the future will fix that. It is better late than never," she said. "Ibrahim is an Irish citizen and Ireland is his home. He gives so much love to Ireland and he needs to see that love returned. "If he is guilty, let the authorities show he is guilty. But if they can't, they should let him go." As well as Mr Ryan and Mr O Fearghail, the other TDs in the delegation are Brendan Howlin (Labour leader), Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail foreign affairs spokesman), Eoin O Broin (Sinn Fein housing spokesman), Colm Brophy (Fine Gael), Paul Murphy (Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit) and Noel Grealish (Independent). South Korean actor Ji Chang Wok plays the lead role of Kwon Yoo in 'Fabricated City.' (Photo : YouTube/Ji Chang Wook Kitchen) Ji Chang Wook, who set to make his big-screen debut in "Fabricated City," has revealed that the end of action roles is in sight. The 29-year-old actor admitted this to his fans during a press conference for the upcoming crime-action thriller film. On Jan. 09, Monday, "Fabricated City" held a promotional press conference at CGV Apgujeong in Sinsa-Dong, Seoul, according to Korean newsoutlet My Daily. It was attended by Ji, Ahn Jae Hong, Shim Eun Kyung and director Park Kwang-Hyun. Advertisement Speaking before a predominantly Korean crowd, Ji said he wants to get away from the action roles that propelled him to success in the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015's drama series "Healer" and "The K2." He reiterated that he will never choose another action role that demands such exhausting training schedule, adding that he became a constant guest to the martial arts school where he previously trained for almost two months. The actor then admitted that becoming an action star was actually unintended. It was just when a fan approached him and asked why he only does action that he realized that it had become his image. "I thought I did my best in many different genres, but the impact of my action characters appeared to be too strong," Yonhap News Agency quoted Ji as saying. "So, I thought it wouldn't be a bad choice to intentionally avoid the action genre in the future." In the upcoming film, Ji transforms into a renowned video gamer, Kwon Yoo, who was framed for raping and murdering a high school girl. With the help of a fellow gamer Demolition (Ahn) and female hacker Yeo Wool (Shim), Kwon Yoo tries to uncover the truth behind the murder case. Besides Ji, Ahn and Shim, "Fabricated City" also stars Oh Jung Se, Kim Sang Ho, Kim Min Kyo, Kim Ki Cheon, Bae Min Jung, Geum Kwang San and Choi Gwi Hwa. The film is intended to be released sometime in February. Check out the official "Fabricated City" trailer here: McGuinness called on Foster to stand aside in his signed resignation. Photo: Reuters Power-sharing in Northern Ireland has been plunged into crisis after Martin McGuinness resigned as Deputy First Minister in protest at the Democratic Unionist Party's handling of a botched renewable energy scheme. The Sinn Fein veteran's move will lead to the collapse of the Stormont Executive and will force DUP First Minister Arlene Foster from office. A snap Assembly election now looms. Mr McGuinness announced his decision after Mrs Foster repeatedly refused to step down to facilitate a probe into the ill-fated Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - a scheme that has left Stormont facing a 490m (565m) overspend. Mr McGuinness said he was resigning with "deep regret and reluctance" and added: "We in Sinn Fein will not tolerate the arrogance of Arlene Foster and the DUP. I believe today is the right time to call a halt to the DUP's arrogance." Inevitable The Sinn Fein veteran is experiencing health problems, but he insisted that had not influenced his decision. "The First Minister has refused to stand aside, without prejudice, pending a preliminary report from an investigation," he said. "That position is not credible or tenable." He made clear that Sinn Fein would not replace him in the role. As a consequence, the collapse of the institutions and an election are now inevitable. "We now need an election to allow the people to make their own judgment on these issues democratically, at the ballot box," he said. Mrs Foster presided over the ill-fated RHI while economy minister. She has steadfastly refused to accede to Sinn Fein's demand for her to step aside to facilitate an inquiry. The state-funded RHI was supposed to offer a proportion of the cost businesses had to pay to run eco-friendly boilers, but subsidy tariffs were set too high and, without a cap, it ended up paying out significantly more than the price of fuel. This enabled applicants to "burn to earn" - getting free heat and making a profit as they did so. Claims of widespread abuse include a farmer allegedly set to pocket around 1m (1.15m) in the next two decades for heating an empty shed. Mr McGuinness's move came hours after Mrs Foster accused him of playing a political game of chicken. "If Sinn Fein are playing a game of chicken, and they think we are going to blink in relation to me stepping aside they are wrong - I won't be stepping aside," she said."And if there is an election, there is an election." While Sinn Fein had been due to formally call for Mrs Foster to step down in an Assembly debate next week, there had been speculation the party would pull the plug earlier. "It is my firm view that the DUP's handling of this issue has been completely out of step with a public mood which is rightly outraged at the squandering of public money and the allegations of misconduct and corruption," Mr McGuinness said in his resignation. Election The structure of Stormont's Executive Office means a First Minister cannot hold the position without a co-equal Deputy First Minister. Mr McGuinness's resignation means Mrs Foster will no longer be First Minister. The Foyle Assembly member said a decision on whether he would stand in the next election was an issue for "a later date". Mr McGuinness said the DUP were living in a "fool's paradise" if they thought they could return to government with Sinn Fein after an election if the RHI issue was not resolved. Ireland's Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan spoke by phone to Mr McGuinness and Britain's secretary for the North, James Brokenshire. He said: "It behoves all parties to act responsibly in word and deed, so the political institutions of the agreement will not be damaged in the longer term." A toddler will face "certain death" if the Government does not introduce a drug that has life-enhancing benefits, her father has said. Nellie Lannen (22 months), from Dublin, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 in September 2015, at just seven months old. She now lives on a Bipap ventilator for 20 hours of the day, is mostly paralysed, and fed through a naso-gastric tube. She also requires 24-hour care, with support from the HSE. Diagnosed The symptoms of this life-limiting condition commonly appear within months of birth. The majority of infants diagnosed have a life expectancy of less than 18 months. Babies diagnosed within the first few months of life generally have a significantly shorter lifespan. Nellie's father Stephen told the Herald that he and his wife Brigitta, who live in Churchtown, provide round-the-clock care for their daughter, who was born in the Czech Republic. "We were just devastated when Nellie was diagnosed at seven months. We brought her into Temple Street Children's Hospital when we suspected that something was wrong. "After a few tests, they told us what it was and how serious SMA Type 1 is. "It's very scary when she gets an infection, because when we bring her into hospital we're not sure if she'll come out." There are currently only two babies in Ireland with SMA Type 1 - both based in Dublin - and 16 families with children who have SMA Type 2, which is less severe. Stephen believes there is a ray of hope for his daughter with a new drug for SMA patients recently given FDA approval. Biotech company Biogen, which produces Nusinersen, saw substantially positive results during their clinical trials with babies similar to Nellie in the United States. However, the drug has not been authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It is reported to cost from 600,000 to 700,000 for the five or six doses needed in the first year, and 356,000 per year after that. Unavailable The drug is not available in Ireland, but Stephen said his daughter's life depends on it. "It really is a matter of life and death that the Government gives this drug the go-ahead," he said. "Biogen are operating an expanded access programme, meaning that even though the drug is not strictly approved, they are willing to roll it out to all SMA 1 sufferers immediately, if the Government will support access to it. "Days and weeks mean deterioration in the condition or death, so there is no time for procrastination." Kevin Murray is wanted in connection with last years attack A man fighting extradition over his alleged role in last year's Regency Hotel shooting is dying in hospital, a court has heard. Kevin Murray's motor neurone disease is irreversible and deteriorating at such a rapid rate that he is unlikely to ever stand trial on charges linked to the killing of David Byrne, his lawyers argued yesterday. "The active matter under consideration now is whether he be marked not suitable for resuscitation," his barrister Desmond Fahy told a court in Belfast. Murray (46) was detained at his home in Strabane, Co Tyrone, last September under a European Arrest Warrant issued by authorities here. He is wanted in connection with the attack at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. Feud Father-of-two Byrne (34) from Crumlin, south Dublin, was shot dead when masked men dressed as gardai opened fire at the hotel. Byrne's killing ignited a deadly feud between members of the rival Kinahan and Hutch gangs. Murray is being sought over alleged offences of murder, possession of a firearm with intent, and possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances. It was previously claimed that he had stayed overnight at the hotel in preparation for his alleged role in the shooting. Gardai investigating the killing allege Murray can be clearly identified on CCTV footage and photographic evidence. Another man, Patrick Hutch (24), of Champions Avenue in Dublin, has already been charged with murder. He is alleged to have acted with the Co Tyrone man as part of the same gang. Murray remains in hospital after being diagnosed as suffering from motor neurone disease - a condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system. A judge at Belfast Recorders' Court is assessing his fitness to stand trial, along with his physical and mental health, before any decision on whether to order his extradition. Counsel for the Irish State contended that the question should be dealt with by the courts in Dublin. However, Mr Fahy claimed any trial will not take place before 2018. The barrister revealed that his client now depends on a tube for feeding and cannot be discharged back to prison. "My most recent instructions are that he has received a consultation from his doctor dealing with end of life care," he told the court. Judge Patricia Smyth heard Murray is due to give a response within days to the issue of if he should be resuscitated. "The court will have to make a determination on whether there can ever be a situation where this man is placed on trial for these offences," said Mr Fahy. Irreversible "His condition is permanent and irreversible, it's the considered view of Mr Murray's treating physician there will be no recovery from the motor neurone disease." It was contended that any extradition may not just be unjust and oppressive, but also potentially inhumane and degrading. "This is a man confined to bed, unable to move any upper limbs, unable to feed himself," Mr Fahy added. "His family want to spend as much time with him as possible at the hospital in Belfast before matters reach what appears an inevitable conclusion." Proceedings were adjourned to give Irish authorities time to decide if they want to instruct medical experts to carry out assessments. "If the requesting state chooses not to take that opportunity I will require to hear oral evidence so I'm not second guessing the material in the reports," the judge said. Mona Clarke was hit by a car while walking with her husband A woman who died after being hit by a car while walking with her husband was "more than just a teacher", her school principal said. Mona Clarke (53) was killed when a car hit her on the N2 at Clonavogy near Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. The tragedy occurred shortly after 1pm on Saturday as Mrs Clarke was walking along the road with her GP husband, Michael Clarke (60). Dr Clarke received minor injuries, while the driver of the vehicle was unharmed. Patrick McArdle, the principal of Beech Hill College, where Mrs Clarke taught, described her as a "fantastic teacher" and a "real lady". Vulnerable "For the past 32 years at Beech Hill College, Mrs Clarke has been an inspiration to so many, a support to vulnerable students and a friend to all," he said. "She was a fantastic teacher, she supported, encouraged and motivated students to reach their potential and follow their dreams. "Mrs Clarke was more than just a teacher, she enjoyed having friendly chats with students about maintaining healthy lifestyles and enjoying the outdoors. "She gave sound advice to students about staying in school and aiming for college. She always encouraged students to stick together and to take care of each other. As a colleague she was always supportive and showed tremendous leadership at all levels of the school. "She was a real lady and will be missed by all who knew her." Teachers, students and retired staff gathered at Beech Hill College yesterday morning to remember Mrs Clarke. After Saturday's accident, she was initially treated by emergency services at the scene before being airlifted to St James's Hospital in Dublin. The couple, who were married for 30 years, saw the vehicle head towards them but Mrs Clarke was unable to get out of the way in time. Her children, Andrew (27) and Evie (23), said Mrs Clarke was well known for her love of running, music, card games and literature, especially crime novels. Officers at Castleblayney Garda Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. To share with friends and brethren The Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (the Everlasting Gospel), and to prepare a people to stand when He returns to redeem His remnant. Also, to share relevant information of current events, and to show how they relate to prophecy; By means of articles, editorials, opinions, scripture readings, and poetry. Disclaimer Endrtimes does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article/video posted on this site. The information provided here is done so for personal edification; It's up to the reader to separate truth from error, and to examine everything (like the Bereans) from a Biblical perspective. Let the Holy Scriptures be you guide! - - - FAIR USE NOTICE: These pages/videos may contain copyrighted () material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, POLITICAL, HUMAN RIGHTS, economic, DEMOCRACY, scientific, MORAL, ETHICAL, and SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior general interest in receiving similar information for research and educational purposes. The interior ministry said security forces were able to "fight off the terrorist attack," killing five militants and injuring three others. The death toll of two separate attacks on two North Sinai Checkpoints early Monday has risen to nine people, with 21 others injured, Egypt's state-owned MENA reported. According to security sources who spoke with MENA, eight policemen and one civilian were killed while 11 policemen and 10 civilians were injured in the attacks. The first attack took place at El-Matafe checkpoint in Al-Arish city and was executed by around 20 militants who tried to storm the checkpoint using rocket-propelled grenades (RPG), and an explosives rigged car, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior Monday afternoon. The ministry said security forces were able to "fight off the terrorist attack," killing five militants and injuring three others. The statement added that security forces were able to detonate an improvised explosive device planted by the militants. In a separate attack, the interior ministry said "another terrorist group" targeted El-Masaeed checkpoint on the Ring Road, killing a police conscript during an exchange of fire with security forces. The statement said the security forces were currently conducting a combing operation in the vicinity of the area to arrest the culprits. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, which come only a few days after the army said it had foiled a plot by militants to attack several North Sinai checkpoints on Friday. The army spokesperson said the forces were able to kill nine militants and injure 16 others last week. The Egyptian army and police have been battling an entrenched Islamist insurgency for several years in North Sinai. Search Keywords: Short link: ABINGDON, Va.An Emory man charged with murder in the shooting death of his live-in girlfriend told authorities that he was using LSD, according to an affidavit. James Joseph Canter III, 25, of Hillman Highway, was charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony after the body of Ashleigh Nicole Langbein, 23, was found at the home they shared. Canter told a Washington County Virginia Sheriff's Office deputy that "he must have done it" because no one else could have. Canter stated that he cannot remember details as he was impaired due to "dropping acid," LSD. EMORY, Va. An Emory man has been charged with murder in the shooting death Monday of his live-in girlfriend. James Joseph Canter III, 25, of Hillman Highway, was charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony after the body of Ashleigh Nicole Langbein, 23, was found at the home they shared. Langbein, of Katy, Texas, was a May graduate of nearby Emory & Henry College. Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman said officers responded to the residence shortly before 4 a.m. after Canter went to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon to report a shooting. After we investigated, it was obvious she was shot multiple times, Newman told the Bristol Herald Courier. He said the officers found multiple shell casings from a .22 caliber handgun at the scene. The investigation soon led to Canter as a suspect, the sheriff said. Washington County Commonwealths Attorney Josh Cumbow said Canter is currently charged with second-degree murder rather than first-degree because officers suspect drugs may have been involved. Newman said detectives are working to establish a motive. Canter turned himself in at the regional jail, the sheriff said. The weapon believed to have been used in the shooting was found at an undisclosed location, according to Newman. He said the gun belonged at the couples residence, but he wouldnt say who owns the weapon. Newman said officers hadnt been called to the residence before and the only history Canter has with police are minor traffic-related charges. The shooting took place about a half-mile from the E&H campus, which prompted campus police to work with officers at the scene, according to a notice sent by the college to students. The two organizations determined there was no threat to the safety of students. Brent Treash, director for media relations at the college, said E&H will remain a resource for Washington County police and students who may seek counseling or prayer. Andrew Marshall, who lives next door to the crime scene, said he didnt hear anything during the night. He said he didnt know anything had happened until he saw officers at the house and read reports online. Marshall, who said he didnt know Canter or Langbein, said the neighborhood is usually a quiet and peaceful place. Canter is being held without bond at the Abingdon branch of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail. Meryl Streeps evisceration of President-elect Donald Trump at the Golden Globes Sunday night left a lasting impression because she refrained from delivering an ideological rant; rather, she presented a demonstration of moral shaming. She did not mention him by name or label him. She described what he did/does and explained why it matters: "There was one performance this year that stunned me. It sank its hooks in my heart. Not because it was good. There was nothing good about it. But it was effective and it did its job. It made its intended audience laugh and show their teeth. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter, someone he outranked in privilege, power and the capacity to fight back. It kind of broke my heart when I saw it. I still cant get it out of my head because it wasnt in a movie. It was real life." Aside from rank Trump apologists, who can really look at the video of Trump, arms flailing, and not see an act of immense cruelty directed toward a specific person? Republicans (including Trump) dismiss every utterance from Hollywood as "liberal" or "out of touch," but criticizing his mocking of a disabled person should be something on which all Americans can agree. Had Streep pushed a particular agenda (e.g. climate change) or mocked Trump voters, Republicans would have grounds for complaint. She did neither, so they are reduced to eye-rolling and insults ("one of the most over-rated actresses" is among the least effective barbs from Trump). On immigration she did not call him a xenophobe or push for relief for DACA beneficiaries. She did something much more effective. She reminded Americans that immigration is central to the definition of America, and yes, to its greatness. The people she pointed out and millions of others enrich America. Too much time is spent defensively arguing that immigrants do not hurt us; Streep reminded us to focus on what we lose when immigration gets cut off and/or when people get deported. Streep went on to explain why Trumps egregious behavior matters: "And this instinct to humiliate, when its modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, it filters down into everybodys life, because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose." Again, outraged Republicans surely dont want to defend bullies, right? If not, and if Republicans do not embrace Trumps venom, taunting and bullying, they should applaud, not whine about, her speech. And finally, any conservative outrage over a call to a free and independent press suggests the Fox Non-News nighttime propaganda has truly warped the right. What great sin did she commit by calling for "the principled press to hold power to account, to call them on the carpet for every outrage"? Once upon a time (the past eight years), conservatives supported the Bill of Rights and wanted a more aggressive media. Trumps reaction and that of right-wing pundits more generally ignore the substance of what Streep said for good reason. Streep humanized "Hollywood elites" ("and what is Hollywood anyway? Its just a bunch of people from other places") and made a universal appeal to decency. Her sentiments are virtually unassailable (e.g. dont mock the disabled, dont bully, do support a free press). Trump and his apologists could only sputter in response and tweet. State police: Man found dead near homemade lab in Smithsburg area The Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a Smithsburg-area man after his body was found Thursday near a homemade lab. The United States has said it strongly condemns a terrorist attack on two checkpoints in Egypt's North Sinai governorate that left at least nine people dead and dozens injured, a press statement by the White House read. On Monday, unknown militants attacked two North Sinai security checkpoints, killing nine people according to the latest death toll, and wounding 21 others. According to security sources who spoke with state-owned MENA news agency, eight policemen and one civilian were killed while 11 policemen and 10 civilians were also injured in the attacks. The United States remains firmly committed to Egypt's security and will continue to support the Government of Egypt as it contends with ongoing threats from terrorist groups in the Sinai and elsewhere, US National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Ned Price said in the release. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, which come only a few days after the army said it had foiled a plot by militants to attack several North Sinai checkpoints on Friday. The army spokesperson said the forces were able to kill nine militants and injure 16 others last week. The Egyptian army and police have been battling an entrenched Islamist insurgency for several years in North Sinai. Search Keywords: Short link: Statements from the United Nations, European Union and the United States denounced Monday's deadly attacks on two North Sinai security checkpoints International bodies denounced the Monday terrorist attack on two checkpoints in Egypt's North Sinai governorate, which left eight policemen and one civilian dead. In a statement on Monday evening, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) denounced the attack and sent its condolences to the Egyptian government and the families of the victims. The UNSC urged states to work in cooperation with relevant authorities to bring those responsible for terrorist acts to justice, state-owned news agency MENA reported. On Tuesday, US National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Ned Price affirmed his country remains firmly committed to Egypt's security and will continue to support the Government of Egypt as it contends with ongoing threats from terrorist groups in the Sinai and elsewhere. A statement from the European Union on Tuesday described the attack as a "catastrophic reminder" of the imminent terrorist threat against Egypt, and expressed the organisation's condolences to the families of the victims. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, which come only a few days after the army said it had foiled a plot by militants to attack several North Sinai checkpoints on Friday. The army spokesperson said security forces were able to kill nine militants and injure 16 others last week. The Egyptian army and police have been battling an entrenched Islamist insurgency for several years in North Sinai. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said in a TV phone interview on Monday that Egypts ongoing fight against terrorism in Sinai is taking a heavy toll on the states resources. In a phone interview with TV host Amr Adib on his late night show Kol Youm on ONTV channel, El-Sisi said that the cost of fighting terrorism has been huge over the last three-and-a-half years, not only in sacrifices made through the blood of our children, but also in the monetary cost. The presidents phone interview came hours after two terrorist attacks in North Sinais El-Arish killed eight security personnel and one civilian and injured dozens more. El-Sisi said there are currently 41 army battalions of up to 25,000 personnel fighting in North Sinai alongside the police, which he says takes heavy resources to maintain. The fight against terrorism does not end in one or two days, and [we] are committing a lot of [our] resources to just being ready [for a possible terrorist attack], he said. The president also stressed that that the army is careful to ensure there are no civilian casualties in its anti-terror operations in Sinai. The people living in Sheikh Zuweid, Rafah and El-Arish should not pay the price [for what is happening in Sinai], El-Sisi said. The president also said that Egypt is facing terrorism alone on behalf of the entire world, and that when the entire region has been moving in a direction in accordance with a plot being executed, only Egyptians decided to move in a different direction. In Sinai, you are talking about a plot and resources being [provided to militants by] certain countries and apparatuses. These are whom I refer to as the people of evil, El-Sisi said, adding that over the last three months, millions of dollars and Egyptian pounds, as well as 1,000 tonnes of explosives, were confiscated from hideouts in North Sinai. However, the president declined to name any specific countries that might be behind this plot. He also said that the new US administration has said that Egypt is the only state fighting terrorism with courage, strength and honesty, adding that the region would not have been able to withstand the threat of terrorism if Egypt were not in this fight. Mobilising public opinion today is not the same as in 1967 When asked by Adib why public opinion was not being mobilised in the fight against terrorism, El-Sisi said that Egypts reality today is different than that of 1967, when the countrys was fighting the War of Attrition against Israel. [In 1967], the entire country its security apparatus and its media were all speaking the same language and were all lined up for one goal, El-Sisi said. The president said that from 1967 to 1970, Egypt faced a number of attacks comparable to what is being witnessed today in Sinai, which makes the current fight against militants a real war. But is the media mobilisation and public opinion aware and actually behind this current fight? No, and this is due to the circumstances Egypt has been living in following [the revolution in] 2011, El-Sisi said. The president said that Egyptian citizens are aware of the challenges Egypt faces, thanking them for not submitting to chaos despite tough economic challenges. The Egyptian citizen has been aware of the dangers and is keen on protecting his country, El-Sisi said, referring to calls for protests leading up to 11 November over the economic situation in the country. Limited protests were held on 11 November, which the interior ministry said was the work of the banned Muslim Brotherhood group. El-Sisi said in the interview that 53 terrorist operations took place in the month leading up to the planned 11 November protests, which he said aimed to destroy the state. All states that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, took actions to instigate [the 11/11 protests] want to destroy this state; not me, El-Sisi said. Search Keywords: Short link: A senior Egyptian official and four civil servants at a Real Estate Registration Office in Qalioubiya governorate were arrested on Tuesday and given a15-day detention pending investigations over corruption charges, Egypt's state TV website reported. According to the Administrative Control Authority, which is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations within state bodies, the five officials are suspected of wrongfully manipulating the ownership document of 10 acres of land worth EGP 260 million. A number of Egyptian officials have been arrested in recent weeks in corruption cases. Most recently, two high-ranking officials on Egypt's State Council were arrested pending investigations over bribery charges. Last week, Prosecutor-General Nabil Sadek issued a media gag order in the case after one of the defendants reportedly committed suicide in police custody. Egypt ranked 88 out of 168 countries on Transparency Internationals 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index. Search Keywords: Short link: Officials from a number of African countries gathered on Tuesday in Egypts Hurghada for a two-day meeting to discuss adopting a unified vision on migration, human trafficking and asylum seeking. The meeting was called for by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in light of the increased global attention to these issues, and to consolidate the African position before a February summit with the European Union in Malta, Egypts state news agency MENA reported. Egyptian assistant foreign minister Hesham Badr told reporters on Monday that these efforts reflect Egypt's keenness to benefit from the plan resulting from the [previous] Valita summit, which was an African-European summit on migration held in Valita, Malta in November. Badr highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of the migration crisis as well as ensuring legal channels of immigration so as to end human trafficking and smuggling. He added that any future cooperation between Africa and the European Union must be done in the context of shared efforts in a way that guarantee the interests of both sides. Todays meeting will result in clear recommendations about the future of cooperation between the two continents regarding migration, Badr said. A migrant boat sank in September in the Mediterranean near Egypts Rachid, with 165 people killed and 52 missing. In recent years, thousands of refugees and migrants have attempted to cross the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities and living conditions, including from Egypt and other African countries including Sudan, South Sudan, Eretria, Somalia, and Ethiopia. The Egyptian Mediterranean coastline has been one of the main departure points for migrant boats. Egyptian security forces have thwarted many irregular migration attempts in recent years. Search Keywords: Short link: This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ South Sudan's President Silva Kiir praised on Tuesday President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's and the Egyptian government's support for the reinstitution of stability in his country, calling on rebel groups to stop weakening his country's government. Kirr's comments came during a press conference that was held at the presidential palace in Cairo after a meeting between El-Sisi and Kirr to discuss bilateral relations. The South Sudan president also praised several development projects implemented by Egypt in his country, adding that around six thousand South Sudanese nationals are currently living and studying in Cairo. Kirr arrived in Cairo on Monday for a three-day visit to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart and other officials. The central African country has been gripped by civil war since Kiir sacked Riek Machar as vice president in 2013. More than 10,000 people have been killed and over 2 million displaced, many of whom have fled to neighboring Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya and North Sudan. A UN Security Council resolution in December 2013 authorised the deployment of a peacekeeping mission to the country, comprising 12,500 troops from twenty countries, including Egypt. Egypt has more than once expressed support for a peace agreement in South Sudan. In July 2016, a ceasefire was signed between President Kiir and Machar after four days of intense gun battles that killed at least 300. Search Keywords: Short link: As if the distinct upsurge in major terror attacks in 2016 in J&K was not enough, just nine days into the new year, Pakistani terrorists struck in the wee hours of the morning killing three casual labourers in a General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) camp at Battal in Jourian in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu & Kashmir. The GREF personnel are the cadre of the Border Roads Organisation who build and maintain roads in the remote border districts, be it the freezing snow capped mountains of the Himalayas or the scorching sandy wastes of Rajasthan. That Battal lies virtually on the conjunction of the Line of Control (LoC) and commencement of the International Border (IB) in J&K, merely two kilometres inside Indian territory, should have made the security forces alert to any possible Pakistani mischief. With the Pakistani deep state bent on persistent waywardness to keep the pot boiling in restive J&K, our security forces cannot let their guard down ever. Read | HT Exclusive| Flaws put lives of soldiers at risk, says army report There are dozens of soft targets available, both close to the LoC and IB for Pakistans terror tanzeems to target with relative impunity, including border schools and other civilian establishments. This attack, is, perhaps, just the forerunner for major terror strikes being planned by the ISI along with its terror proteges on both sides of the line. That Pakistan will never forego its evil machinations in J&K should be fully factored in our security calculus. To button-up the surveillance grid and our security mechanisms, both in the border areas and in the hinterland is only the first and basic step we need to streamline with far more resources and ingenuity sadly we have again been found wanting. We had lost 19 soldiers in the attack in Uri last September and nine in Nagrota on November 29 somewhere we have not learnt our lessons. Perimeter security, local intelligence inputs and response mechanisms need further tightening. Also, accountability when such mishaps occur must be ensured. Read | Another soldier injured in Uri attack dies, death toll now 19 As regards the larger picture, countering terrorism is not a localised affair, and Indias security establishment will have to analyse the Akhnoor strike as part of Pakistans overall strategy. Pakistan, with nearly three decades of terror export experience behind it, will conveniently ascribe the Akhnoor attack to local elements and thats the essence of the successful proxy war it has engaged in against India. Such terror strikes force India to spend huge resources on its static defences which do not worry the Pakistani State. Additionally, such strikes, even if marginally successful, encourage and energise some local Kashmiri terrorists. India thus needs to look afresh at the strategy which it wishes to conceive, and, rigorously follow to keep an errant Pakistan in check. India does not need to adopt a defensive fortress strategy but follow the age-old, many-times-proven dictum of being offensive, in intent and practice, against the enemy and give it back many times over. Read | Attackers carried inflammable liquid, came to burn Uri army camp: Probe I am sanguine that our army chief, after an analysis of the overall situation and this attack, will unreservedly convey to our mischievous neighbour that the price of consistent mischief can be an extremely expensive and a self-destructive proposition. General Kamal Davar was the first chief of the Defence Intelligence Agency The views expressed are personal South Korean politics is like the HBO show Game of Thrones, full of intrigue and dramatic twists. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn is the third in the last four years of President Park Geun-hyes reign. Her two predecessors also appointed three and four PMs each. The president herself in not immune and is currently facing impeachment. In fact, all Korean presidents have had troubled innings, more so since the tentative advent of democracy in December 1987. President Roh Moo-hyun (2003-08) was impeached by the National Assembly (although the decision was overturned by the Constitutional Court). He committed suicide in 2009. Koreas strongman President Park Chung-hee (father of the current president) was assassinated by his intelligence chief in 1979. Koreas rags-to-riches journey has a fairy tale ring about it. An impoverished nation, devoured by the 1950-53 Korean war, became an Asian tiger in four decades, thanks mostly to the visionary, even if dictatorial, rule (1961-79) of President Park Chung-hee. With prosperity came the yearning for civil liberties and democracy. Korean people fought pitched battles with security forces and shed blood to shake-off totalitarian rule in the eighties. The 1988 Olympics, hosted by Seoul, spurred the process. Read | Forget India for a second! Apple plans first retail store in South Korea However, the strength of Koreas young democracy is still being calibrated. On the one hand, it is challenged by Koreas paternalistic orientation and the family-led mammoths (Chaebols) like Samsung and Hyundai that tightly control the economy. These Chaebols and their princelings enjoy incestuous ties with the politicians and bureaucrats, cementing their position at the top of the pyramid. On the other hand, the highly-educated and passionate electorate remains ever vigilant, taking to the streets whenever it perceives serious transgressions by the power-elite. That is the background in which the current political turmoil needs to be viewed. The victory of Park Geun-hye was a watershed event not only in Korea but also East Asian politics, giving the region its first ever lady head of state. She had impressive credentials. A polyglot, she served as the first lady, at the tender age of 22, when her mother fell to an assassins bullet in 1974. She immersed herself in the world of literature for close to two decades, after being shunned by power brokers upon her fathers demise. She never married and is alienated from her siblings. Read | Just another Sunday? North Korea low key on Kims birthday Essentially a loner, she confided in very few like Choi Soon-sil (daughter of Koreas Rasputin Choi Tae-min), who became one of her closest unofficial advisers at the Blue House (Koreas version of White House). And she is now paying the price for reposing her trust blindly. The populace, incensed by the influence-peddling by her confidante, is baying for her political scalp. A large number of parliamentarians from her own Saenuri party, broke ranks to join the opposition in adopting a motion in the National Assembly on December 9 to impeach her. Her approval rating has slumped from over 60% in mid-2013 to below 5% now. Her fate now rests in the hands of the Constitutional Court. A decisive administrator, though somewhat aloof and even imperial, she could never settle down in her job. First came the crisis triggered by North Korean nuclear test in February 2013, when Pyongyang threatened to drown Seoul in a sea of fire. Next came the Sewol ferry tragedy in April 2014, which consumed over 300 young Korean lives, when she and her administration were caught napping. Park was dealt a drubbing in general elections in April with her party losing its majority in the National Assembly. Read | South Korean monk sets himself on fire at anti-president rally She has been regularly embarrassed by her choice of Cabinet colleagues and advisers, including prime ministerial appointees, most of who are said to be selected more for loyalty than merit. One of the nominees withdrew in haste even before the ratification process was completed by the National Assembly. A couple were sacked. And what is more, not only the dismissal of the present incumbent on November 2 got thwarted due to the ongoing turmoil, as luck would have it, he is now the acting president, while her powers remain suspended. Park has nothing much to show for her rule. Her overtures to China (she speaks Mandarin), Koreas biggest economic partner, mostly in the expectation of blunting Beijings patronage of Pyongyang, has not produced the desired results. North Korea continues to flout international sanctions and expand its WMD arsenal. A worried Seoul finally consented to Washingtons proposal to deploy the antimissile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which has infuriated China. Relations with Japan remain tepid. The imminent advent of the Donald Trump era can only be adding to her and East Asian discomfiture. Read | 2017 likely to be bad for yuan and rupee. Heres why... Koreans are one of the most free-spirited people and would go to any lengths to protect their hard-won democracy. But as of now their efforts have only been rewarded by an ever-revolving political door. Vishnu Prakash is former high commissioner to Canada. He has served in South Korea and China, and was official spokesperson of MEA. The views expressed are personal Elvis Gomes, the Aam Aadmi Partys chief ministerial face in Goa, believes his experience as a bureaucrat places him in the best possible position to transform its sclerotic administration. In an interview with Aman Sethi, he speaks on his plans to create jobs, eliminate graft and get special status for the state. The interview has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity. Why are you running for the elections? And why did you pick the Aam Aadmi Party? It was not a sudden decision. I have served as a bureaucrat for 20 long years. Having served governments under both the BJP and the Congress, I have seen that everybody from the political class is the same. There is no ideology, philosophy or principle everythings ad hocism. The focus is not on the common man at all. When you try to do something for the people as a bureaucrat, you find yourself at odds with the government. Can you offer an example of such a clash with the government? In my long career, there have been many occasions when my seniority was superseded by former chief ministers Digambar Kamat (Congress) and Manohar Parrikar (BJP) who abused the system to promote their relations. When I was due for induction into the Indian Administrative Service in 2013, they manipulated the system with the active participation of chief secretaries and secretaries. They thought I would take it lying down. The court delivered its verdict in my favour, and made scathing observations against the government. However, the government continued to shield its favourites. That incident spurred me to put in my papers and join the Aam Aadmi Party. But if youve spent 20 years in the system, why should voters trust you to change it? There comes a time in your career when you say enough is enough. Thats when your tolerance limit is breached, and you take the call to change things. You can be there for 20 years you start as a junior, rise to the level of senior, to the level of super-senior, and then to the helm of affairs, but you still see what they (the government) are doing to you. What about the common man, then? The government will run roughshod over them. The Aam Aadmi Party hopes that its track record in Delhi, and disaffection with the BJP and Congress shall help it win Goa. (Aman Sethi / HT Photo) The Anti-Corruption Bureau is questioning you in connection with a scam, wherein you allegedly changed land-use of agricultural land to residential land to benefit a private party, during your tenure as managing director of the Goa Housing Board. What is your response? That case was deliberately foisted on me just to keep me under a cloud, and make people think that Mr Elvis Gomes is also corrupt. That case was meant purely for media consumption. It is alleged that there was a proposal to acquire land under the land acquisition act in 2008. On March 19, 2011, the board took the decision to drop the acquisition. I joined only on March 25, 2011. This decision of the board, taken before I joined, was forwarded to the government. How could I have been even remotely connected to that? I have worked with them (the government). They have a dirty tricks department. I have seen it being used against others, and now it is being used against me. If elected, what are your plans for Goa? My main focus will be on employment generation. Over-reliance on the government sector has resulted in the ballooning of government machinery, making it very unproductive. At present, when industries are invited, the government gives them land and infrastructure but does not ask who their workforce will comprise. As a result, they import labour. That adds to the burden on infrastructure here, and the migrant labourers are not provided with housing. Locals, for their part, are left wondering what to do. Our focus will be on ensuring that only non-polluting industries are let in, and they provide us with an employment blueprint that creates decent jobs with good wages and arrests the migration trend that has set into Goa. People say you are the B-Team of the BJP, propped up to divide the Catholic communitys votes. Thats just propaganda spread by the BJP and Congress. We won 67 out of 70 seats in Delhi, marginalising the BJP and relegating the Congress to the zero position. So, what right do they have to say we are the B-Team? Everybody in Goa was disgusted with the Congress corruption, so the Catholics and Muslims people who never voted for the BJP in their lifetime decided to vote for the BJP. But they were let down. Now, they have the option to vote for change. What is the AAPs position on special status for Goa? Sonia Gandhi assured Goans at a public meeting in 2007 that special status would be granted to the state under article 371. They came to power the same year, they were ruling at the Centre too, but nothing happened. In January 2014, Modi said the same thing at a public meeting. Today, they occupy the state as well as the central government, but nothing is happening. We will do everything possible under the state legislation to ensure that our land is protected. Locals are tired watching incidents of land-grab occur in Goa day after day. Land-grabbing can be prevented through local laws. Will you lobby with the Centre to get special status? That exercise will go on, but we do not have anything at the Centre right now. So we will do everything in our means to see that some sort of special status is granted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Congress has been politically insignificant in Uttar Pradesh for over two decades. Yet, it remains a coveted election ally for Akhilesh Yadav for two reasons -- the signalling to the Muslim community that together, the SP-Congress is the real secular alternative to the BJP in a crowded polity with multiple claimants to the minority vote. An alliance could also help the young chief minister win over a fragment of the old loyal Congress vote. For the Congress, the alliance matters, since on its own, the partys future is bleak and this represents the only chance of returning to power. The value of Congress A key matrix on which the UP election turns is the Muslim vote. There is now research to suggest the Muslim vote is not necessarily monolithic. But this has not deterred parties from seeking the bulk of the community vote. For the 2017 elections, the BSP has given 97 tickets to Muslim candidates -- the highest ever -- and is seeking to carve a Dalit-Muslim alliance. Till the SP was united, it could bank on a share of the Muslim vote. But with the division, the competition for minority loyalty has increased. It could well split four ways between the BSP, the two SP factions and the Congress. On its own, Muslims know Congress is not winnable bet. But they still see Congress as the national alternative to BJP; and they know that if Congress is a part of an alliance, that alliance is the true secular alternative to BJP, says a SP legislator. The Congress value is not in the arithmetic -- but in this symbolism for the Muslims, he adds. And that is why an alliance could be useful. Read | UP elections: Samajwadi Party and Congress stand to gain from a goodwill formula There is a second factor too. The Congress retains the loyalty of a generation of older voters, and a small segment of upper castes and Dalits -- constituencies that have traditionally not voted for SP. In the 2012 elections, the Congress won 28 seats and bagged 11.65% of the vote share. Though it is also important to note that it forfeited deposits in 240 of the 355 seats, indicating it was not in the race at all in a majority of the constituencies and its ability to make a difference is confined to about 100 seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, at a time of the Modi wave, Congress still managed to retain 7.53% of the vote. UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav along and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi. (Raj K Raj/HT File Photo) If we lose some of our core vote because of the split, the Congress can help compensate for it a little, said the SP leader. The value for Congress Why the Congress wants an alliance is more obvious. There are Congress workers who worry that an alliance will weaken the organisation even further, and that they should keep all possibilities for a fragmented post-poll scenario. But the dominant opinion is, a tie-up is the only way for the party to come back to power. We have been out of power for 27 years. This meant that we have not been able to give our workers anything; that, in turn, demotivated them and weakened our organisation further, says a Congress MLA. The sole aim of the party must be to return to power, by whatever method possible, he argues. We need to swallow our pride, settle for lesser seats, but get into an alliance. BSP is not interested and so SP is our best bet. Once we come back to power, then we can focus on building the party again. The personal rapport of Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi with Akhilesh has helped move the conversation forward. Read | UP elections: Coming week will be crucial for Congress and SPs likely alliance Another Congress MLA added if the party was left out in the opposition, then there was no way it could mount a comeback in 2022. This is a battle for survival. At the national level too, Rahul Gandhi needs an electoral success, says a party strategist -- even though critics argue piggybacking on someone else, be it a Nitish Kumar in Bihar or Akhilesh in UP, is not really Gandhis success. The motivations are clear. The big question is, will it translate into a formal tie up, and electoral success. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Housing.com hoped to disrupt the online real estate market, but its plans were derailed after its maverick founder Rahul Yadav was ousted by the companys board more than a year ago. What followed were a range of pivots, and finally a $70-75 million merger with rival online real estate startup PropTiger.com. The combined entity has also raised $50 million from Australia-based online real estate advertising company REA Group, and $5 million from Japanese telecom behemoth Softbank Group Corp. The new company board will be add representatives of REA and Softbank. A representative of News Corp, which is the single largest shareholder in PropTiger, will chair the board, the companies said in a statement. Dhruv Agarwala, co-founder and CEO of PropTiger, will become the CEO of the joint entity. However, Jason Kothari, CEO of Housing.com, has decided to move on. He will advise the joint entity through the transition till end of February. PropTiger has been known for acquiring rivals. It acquired Maakan.com and digital design startup Oobi, in April 2015. The joint entity wishes to retain the Housing brand. In an earlier discussion with HT, Kothari had talked about Housings plans. It has closed all its services, except one -- connecting people to buy and sell houses, essentially the role of a broker. We are now focusing on just buying and selling residential property thats the biggest business in real estate, about 80% of all deals, Kothari had told HT earlier. Kothari had also said that in the next one to two years, Housing will focus on the offline market, of which the market is highly unorganised. According to estimates, by 2030, India will become the third largest real estate market in the world with the sector contributing to over 15% of the nations gross domestic product. The joint entity wants to capitalise on this growth. With 1.2 billion people and a rapidly growing economy and middle class, Indias future as a real estate powerhouse is exceptionally bright, and were proud to be a part of this expanding sector. Clearly there is a compelling commercial purpose to the deal, but we also firmly believe in providing transparency, analysis and insight so that all Indian families, regardless of traditional background or means, will have a better understanding of the property market, said Robert Thomson, chief executive of News Corp. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Top sources at Vodafone and Idea Cellular have denied any possible merger with Mukesh Ambani-promoted telecom startup Reliance Jio saying the debts are already high, and there are revenue share and spectrum holding caps. Media reports surfaced on Monday saying that Vodafone is considering a possible merger after Reliance Jio intensified competition, which some said could lead to a price war in the telecom industry. It is not possible The law of the land doesnt allow this. There are spectrum holding caps and revenue market share (RMS) caps, the source at Vodafone said. A top source at Idea, too, denied any talks with any large telecom operator. Its mismatched DNA (with Idea or Jio), the source said. The telecom industry in India is already reduced to a four players game -- Reliance Jio being the new one, and Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea as the incumbents. Marginal players such as Reliance Communications, Aircel and Telenor are already looking at probable consolidation. Hindustan Times reported earlier that Telenor is in advanced discussions with Idea. Aircel and Reliance Communications have already decided on a merger. However, a recent ruling from the Supreme Court against Aircel promoters might become a roadblock. The Vodafone source also said, the telecom industry is in high debt, and there is almost no space to add more debt. The combined debt of all telecom operators put together is already Rs 3,85,000 crore. The companies are also spending millions of dollars in 4G rollouts. This also means that the price war because of Reliance Jios free 4G services will only increase in the days to come. Bharti Airtel had filed a petition with Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), the telecom tribunal, as apex telecom regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) allowed Jio to continue free services. Last Friday, TDSAT asked TRAI to come to conclusion on the matter within reasonable time. Reliance Jio has separately moved court against Airtel, Vodafone and Idea, alleging they have formed a cartel.Vodafone has separately challenged TRAIs recommendation of levying Rs 1,050 crore penalty on denying points of interconnect to Jio, in court. The Indian telecom industry has already gone through two rounds of price wars -- the first one was when Reliance Communications in 2002 launched Monsoon Hungama and gave mobile connections with handsets at Rs 500. The second one was in 2009 when Tata Docomo started a mega price war with the one-paisa-per-second tariff. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON There was no discussion on demonetisation when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided in May last year to issue 2000-rupee banknotes, the Indian Express reported. The banks central board discussed and approved the proposal to introduce Rs 2,000 notes on May 19 last year, the RBI said in its reply to an RTI query filed by IE. Raghuram Rajan was the RBI governor when the decision was taken. The RBI introduced the highest denomination notes in November after the government pulled out 500 and 1000-rupee banknotes in a shock announcement that sucked out 86% of the legal tender in circulation at that time. The RBI said that this (demonetisation) was not discussed during the May 2016 Board meeting or the subsequent Board meetings on July 7 and August 11, the report added. Read: RBI says ban on Rs 1000, Rs 500 notes proposed hours before PMs speech Contrary to the governments claims that the decision to withdraw the 500 and 1000-rupee banknotes was taken by the RBI, the central bank said that it was the government which advised it go for demonetisation on the high-value banknotes. Government, on 7th November, 2016, advised the Reserve Bank that to mitigate the triple problems of counterfeiting, terrorist financing and black money, the Central Board of the Reserve Bank may consider withdrawal of the legal tender status of the notes in high denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, the Indian Express quoted the RBI as saying in a seven-page note submitted on December 22 to a parliamentary panel. The banks central board discussed the issue in its meeting the next day and recommended the proposal to withdraw legal tender character of 500 and 1000 rupee notes to the Central government, the report added. The government has faced severe opposition criticism for hastily rolling out the demonetisation and triggering an unprecedented cash crunch across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defended the move as a war against black money and counterfeiting. As he enters his final week in the White House, it must give Barack Obama great satisfaction that so many Americans wish they could extend his lease on the property by four years more. The President has himself said, in a moment of rare braggadocio, that if the rules didnt proscribe a third term, he would have won last Novembers election. His approval ratings are extraordinarily high for any departing President, despite the extreme political polarisation and socio-economic divisiveness that characterised his term. Even before he has formally left, America is already missing its 44th President. Much of this anticipatory nostalgia is down to the identity and character of the 45th President. The nearer Donald Trumps inauguration approaches, the more appealing Obama seems to get. Im reminded of something an Iraqi sheikh once told me, in a different context: When youre looking out to the desert from an oasis, it doesnt matter that the trees above you have no fruit, and the pond behind you is muddy the oasis still feels like paradise. Watch | Obamas last speech as US President Read: Obama Out: President ending reign as pop culture king Theres a certain symmetry to Obamas presidency ending with favorable comparisons to the one to come, since it had begun with favourable comparisons to the one just past. The heady optimism that attended his inauguration, on January 20, 2009, was informed in great part by a sense of relief that George W Bush was finally gone. I arrived in Washington the very next day, to take up an assignment as the national security correspondent for Time Magazine, and practically everyone I met in the first few weeks was glad to be rid of Bush. If Trump had been elected that year, many of my interlocutors would have been looking back on the Bush years in the way that sheikh might view a threadbare oasis. Obama is, in this sense, lucky to have followed one of the most incompetent of all American Presidents, and to be followed by the most incomprehensible of them. This will colour, in mostly rosy hues, our view of his presidency for years to come. If Trumps turn at the wheel is as disastrous as his critics fear, it may be decades before the Obama years receive unaffected examination. Read: Chinas free ride under US President Obama is ending When dispassionate history gets around to training its long lens on the Obama presidency, the picture will be more red than rosy. This will especially be true of his record in foreign affairs, which is stained in the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocents, and blackened by the betrayal of Americas allies and ideals. Future generations may allow that some of his sins were of omission rather than commission whereas Bushs were the other way around but even so they will not, I suspect, let him too far off the hook. Looking back, they will hold Obama to account for the ghastly tragedy that is Syria: His myriad excuses for not getting more involved chief among them that the United States was gun-shy after the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will not stand the test of time. Leaders are meant to take unpopular decisions, and then persuade their people of their necessity. It will be noted that he never even tried. Scholars will conjure up counterfactuals: How different might things have been if Obama had either stood aside from the beginning and allowed Bashar al-Assad to mow down his people; or, having allowed the pro-democracy uprising to believe America had their back, given them political or military cover (or both) to fight back against their oppressor. Read: Could he win a 3rd term? US President Obama confident he would have Where Obama did try, in Libya, history will note that he did the barest minimum providing some air support for the brave revolutionaries fighting the tyrant Muammar Gaddafi but then quickly distanced himself from the aftermath, leaving the country in tatters. When things got really difficult on the ground, the President who had cheered on the uprising was nowhere to be seen. In both Syria and Libya, historians will conclude, Obamas inaction helped open up space for the so-called Islamic State, and other terrorist groups, to operate. It also contributed to a refugee crisis that, in addition to the humanitarian catastrophe, caused deep disruption in European politics, society and economics. Then theres the matter of Yemen, often lost among todays headlines, where another tragedy is playing out. Scholars will note that Obama did nothing to stay the hand of Americas Arab allies, mainly Saudi Arabia, as they tore into the poverty-stricken country. Indeed, the US continued to sell the Saudis the arms it used for the purpose, until a very late pang of conscience. In Yemen, too, Obamas decision to look the other way greatly strengthened Al Qaedas local franchise, and gave IS fresh recruits. Read: Why India may matter less in world politics during a Trump presidency On Ukraine, Obama will likely be faulted for deserting an ally one that had voluntarily destroyed its nuclear arsenal in exchange for promises of American protection at its time of greatest need, allowing Russia to march unchallenged into the Crimea. By caving so easily to Moscows bullying, Obama will also be seen has having emboldened Vladimir Putin to flex his muscles elsewhere, most notably in Syria. Even the few foreign affairs successes Obama now claims will be found historically flawed. He will be remembered as the man who gave the order to kill Osama bin Laden, but did absolutely nothing to punish Pakistan for harbouring Americas greatest enemy; as the President who, in his haste to make a nuclear deal with Iran, enabled the Shia theocracy in Tehran to ratchet up Islams sectarian war; and as the leader who removed the shackles from the Castro regime without pressing it to do the same for the Cuban people. We will miss Obama for a while. But his misses, and their consequences, will be with us for a long, long time. Bobby Ghosh is editor-in-chief of Hindustan Times Twitter: @ghoshworld SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Delhi stared at a potential crisis as 1.4 lakh employees of all three municipal bodies threatened on Tuesday to join a strike by sanitation workers that has left large parts of the capital littered with mounds of rotting garbage. A joint front of municipal workers said they will go on strike if their pending salaries are not cleared by January 18, the same issue over which sanitation workers of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) launched an agitation last week. The fresh threat was issued by municipal workers representing 28 unions including engineers, teachers, horticulture, health and other departments. The three MCDs are controlled by the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has often accused rival party councillors of siphoning of funds meant for salaries of workers. The BJP denies the charges. The MCDs are going to the polls later this year. Its better that the BJP and AAP resolve their political vendetta and release the pending salaries of all workers immediately. Also, they should stop playing politics on this issue, said Rajendra Mewati, general secretary of the United Front of MCD Employees. Read: Garbage crisis in east Delhi: Workers on indefinite strike, waste piles up The union said the government was now trying to resolve the problem of the sanitation workers but has conveniently forgotten about employees of other departments. But what about other workers engaged in engineering, teaching, horticulture, health and other departments? When the financial budget is prepared why dont the officials make provision for payment of salaries? said AP Khan, the general secretary of the forum of MCD engineers. A section of the EDMCs sanitation workers announced late on Monday they will return to work. The Congress-backed Rashtriya Safai Mazdoor Congress decided to withdraw the strike after senior corporation officials met them. However, MCDs Swachchhatta Karmachari Union, affiliated to the right-wing Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, continued its strike in east Delhi. On Tuesday, some striking workers even dumped garbage outside the office complex of ruling AAP legislator from Trilokpuri (East), Raju Dhingan. Read: Section of sanitation workers call of strike but residents woes to continue The strike is not over and we are still adamant on our demands on release of three months pending salary, arrears pending since 2003 and cashless medical insurance to workers, union president Sanjay Gehlot said. Two months salary was released on Monday. EDMC commissioner Mohanjeet Singh said the civic body needed Rs 431 crore to pay salaries till March, but has received just Rs 119 crore from the Delhi government. A section of government teachers also threatened to go on strike, which will affect thousands of students in MCD-run schools. Giriraj Sharma of Akhil Delhi Prathmik Karmachari Shikshan Sangh said teachers have not been given salary for at least two months by the north and east corporations. The pensions of retired teachers are also pending for a long time. If three corporations cant work properly then they should unify. We are planning to go on strike if the issue is not resolved, he said. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre, Delhi government as well as sanitation workers union over their strike. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A former merchant navy officer, who murdered his father, stabbed three others and set a gas cylinder on fire injuring eight police officers at Ajanta Apartments in east Delhi on Sunday had an interest in crime and criminals. A day after he was arrested, Rahul Matta (35) told police he had a special interest in death penalties, gruesome crimes, and murder trials. At least 10 posts on his Facebook wall are related to police and the judiciary. One of it reads, Judges cops authorities act as selfish terrorists and incubate terrorism (sic). Another one reads, Hypocritical parasites both crown and cops are parts of the same terrorist organisation fooling canadians and international community for their mortgages leases pension benefits... (sic). On Monday, Matta was sent to 14-day judicial custody. Deputy commissioner of police (east) Omvir Singh said that Matta has a history of violent behaviour. He was dismissed from the merchant navy in Canada for indiscipline. When he returned to Delhi, Matta went to Tihar jail for harassing a woman. His conduct was not good and so his relations with his parents had strained, said Singh. Resident Welfare Association secretary JL Gupta said the RWA banned him from entering the apartment. Complaints of harassment had been received against Matta from some women living in the apartment, Gupta said. style>.kills_wrap {width:50%; font-family:"Open Sans"; padding:10px; border:solid 1px #999; float:left; margin-right:8px}.kills_headline {font-size:150%; margin-bottom:5px}.kills_img {width:150px; margin-right:5px; float:left}.kills_space {width:auto; margin:5px}.clrboth {clear:both; margin:5px}@media only screen and (max-width:360px) {.kills_wrap {width:auto; font-family:"Open Sans"; padding:10px; border:solid 1px #999; float:left; margin-right:0px}} Police officials said that Matta criticised the police and judiciary. This is evident from his Facebook page as well as the way he confronted police on Sunday afternoon. Matta allegedly went on a stabbing spree, killing his 64-year-old father and injuring two locals. When police and building residents tried stopping him, he allegedly opened a cylinder knob and lit a matchstick, leading to an explosion that injured police officials. In one CCTV footage, at least four police officials are seen trying to overpower Matta, who tries to resist. RWA members said the house which was set ablaze by Matta was rented to actor VK Sharma, who has acted in films such as Tewar, and his wife Kiran Sharma, who is an actor in a TV serial. Police sources said that Matta denied stabbing his father during interrogation. In a mobile video, allegedly recorded at a police station, Matta says that he did not kill his father. Police said Matta worked as a banker in New York and later as a navy merchant in Canada. Indiscipline in navy resulted in his dismissal and he came back to Delhi to live with his mother, who retired as a government official. His father and younger brother were in Canada then. Police sources also said that Mattas parents were close to their younger son, who is settled in Canada. This often infuriated Matta. Mattas relatives said that the deceased father, Ravinder Matta, would be cremated after his younger son returns from Canada in three days. They said that Mattas mother is traumatised. One of the relatives, requesting anonymity, said that Matta is an introvert and kept quiet most of the time. He returned from Canada two years ago. He had seemed like a good person back then. Rahul visited my house twice. He barely kept in touch but whenever we met, he never appeared violent. Though I knew that things werent going great at his home, I never thought he would do something so heinous, the relative said. The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for Mondays attacks on North Sinai police checkpoints which Egyptian authorities say killed eight policemen and one civilian. The militant group claimed that the death toll was higher than that reported by Egyptian authorities. Twenty-five policemen were killed on Monday in a surprise attack launched by the Islamic States fighters on El-Matafe checkpoint in El-Masaeed neighbourhood west of Al-Arish in North Sinai, the groups Amaq news agency said in a statement. On Monday, state-owned MENA agency quoted Egyptian security sources as saying that eight policemen and one civilian were killed and 22 others were injured in two separate attacks by Islamist militants on North Sinai checkpoints. The Amaq statement said that a car rigged with a bomb exploded at one of the checkpoints, after which Islamic State group gunmen killed the policemen who survived the explosion. The group also claimed that it destroyed two armoured police vehicles. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on Monday afternoon, the first attack took place at El-Matafe checkpoint in El-Arish and was carried out by around 20 militants using rocket-propelled grenades and a car rigged with explosives. The interior ministry said militants also targeted El-Masaeed checkpoint on the Ring Road, killing a police conscript during an exchange of fire. The ministry said security forces were able to "fight off the terrorist attack," killing five militants and injuring three others. The attacks came days after the Egyptian army said it was able to foil a plot by militants to attack several North Sinai checkpoints. The Egyptian army and police have been battling an entrenched Islamist insurgency for several years in North Sinai. Most of the attacks have been claimed by Sinai-based group Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in November 2014. Hours after the Monday attacks, Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi spoke in a phone interview with prominent TV host Amr Adib about counterterrorism efforts by Egyptian security forces in North Sinai. El-Sisi said that terrorism operations in Sinai were part of a plot by certain countries and apparatuses. The president added that throughout the last three years Egyptian security forces destroyed underground weapons caches in Sinai containing thousands of tonnes of explosives. Search Keywords: Short link: As part of his reality check campaign ahead of the municipal elections in Delhi, state BJP president Manoj Tiwari spent another night with families at a slum colony on Monday. This time, he went to Sanjay Camp, a slum cluster in the affluent Chanakyapuri area near the embassy of Nigeria and Rail Museum. He reached there around 10pm and spent nearly 12 hours in the colony. Soon after taking charge of the party, Tiwari had announced his plan to stay in slum colonies twice a week to see the status of civic services and the living condition of slum dwellers. This was his third such stay in a slum area. Earlier, he had gone to Gas Godown colony in Indrapuri (Central Delhi) and Bhim Colonny in Nangloi (Northwest Delhi). Speaking to the residents, Tiwari said his objective is to understand their problems and ask Delhi government to resolve them. Someone said why are you going to Sanjay Basti? What will you do there? I told him I will talk to residents of the area. I will try to understand their pain. I will also seek to know their expectations from the government. Then I will put forward their demands before the government, the BJP leader said. Sanjay Camp is one of the oldest 25 slum clusters in New Delhi district with around 3, 000 inhabitants. The area comprises people of different faiths and most of them are daily wagers. During the interaction, the residents complained of water shortage, poor sanitation and security, and spurt in crime incidents in the areas. Youth of the area said stabbing incidents are on rise because of which parents do not allow their children to venture out after eight or nine in the evening. Slum dwellers also want a rail overbridge (ROB) to be constructed to improve access to Moti Bagh area. Children cannot go out. Security is a major concern. Water and toilets are a problem. Remove us from here but give us a better and more secure place for our children, Saira Bano, a resident of the colony, said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi Police on Monday rubbished a study conducted by RML Hospital before the Delhi High Court which said that 91% of its personnel were fatigued due to erratic working hours saying that physical fatigue is helpful in building stamina. A majority of Delhi Police personnel dont have fixed working hours and they are deemed to be always on duty as per provisions under the Police Act 1861 and the Delhi Police Act 1978. In its affidavit, the Delhi Police denied claims by constable Babu Lal Mitharwal that long duty hours on the basis of the provisions have a deleterious impact on the physical and mental health of the police personnel. The affidavit said that the two provisions help relieve a police officer from burden to prove that he was on duty at a particular time. However, the Delhi Police refused to accept the survey before the court saying that, the authenticity of the conclusion, drawn on the basis of General Health Questionnaire, is hardly reliable. Regarding the study conducted by Dr RML Hospital, it may be mentioned that physical fatigue is not an illness but it also proves helpful in building of physical stamina, it said. Read: Delhi cop takes two bullets to chest, dies chasing robbers The Delhi Polices latest submission contradicts its stand three years back when the then commissioner of police wrote to the chairman of Seventh Pay Commission saying, Long and irregular hours of duty involving physical strain render a policeman vulnerable to stress and malnutrition-related disease like TB, hypertension, heart ailments etc. This only shows that the hard and long hours of duty have a telling effect on the health of police personnel, the CP had said in the letter, which was sourced through the Right to Information Act. A 2012-13 government sponsored study titled, Research Study of Fatigue in Police Personnel: Cause and Remedies, conducted by the RML Hospital said that a majority of police personnel felt fatigue (91.79%). As erratic duty hours and extended shift duties were found to be the most common causes of fatigue, eight hours shift for police personnel will be instrumental in decreasing the fatigue among them, the report had said. Advocate Gyanant Kumar Singh, appearing for Mitharwal, sought quashing of the two provisions and fixing set duty hours and proper break to maintain efficient and good physical and mental health. The Delhi Police further said that it has sent a proposal for additional personnel to the home ministry and as and when more the proposal is sanctioned, the duty hours of policemen in Delhi will be duly streamlined and improved upon. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The national capital is staring at a civic crisis as 1.4 lakh employees of its three municipal corporations threatened on Tuesday to join a strike by sanitation workers that has left parts of the city littered with mounds of rotting garbage. A joint front of municipal workers said they will go on strike if their pending salaries are not cleared by January 18. The sanitation workers of East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) launched an agitation last week over non-payment of salary, which they said is due from November. The fresh threat was issued by an umbrella body of municipal workers across the three civic agencies, representing 28 unions and employees from different professions, including engineers, teachers and health workers. If they stick to their threat, essential services will be affected, bringing the city on the brink of a civic lockdown, experts said. Even an order by the Delhi high court, directing the EDMC to ensure garbage dumped in the trans-Yamuna area by striking workers is cleared, is unlikely to provide succour. On Tuesday, a bench of Justice Indira Bannerjee and Justice Anil Kumar Chawla issued notices to the corporation and the Delhi government seeking their response by March 1 on a petition which alleged that the municipal workers were protesting as they have not been paid their salary. The government told the court that it has released funds, Rs 605 crore, for pay to the east corporation workers till March. But EDMCcommissioner Mohanjeet Singh said it needed an additional Rs 431 crore to pay salaries till March. The civic authorities have been saddled with funds crunch since the erstwhile Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was trifurcated in 2012. The EDMC was the worst hit. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) also issued notices on Tuesday to the Centre, the Delhi government and the sanitation workers union about the strike. The three corporations are controlled by the BJP and the Arvind Kejriwal government has often accused rival party councilors of siphoning off funds meant for salaries. The BJP denies the charges. The MCDs go to the polls later this year and these issues are likely to be key campaign planks, further politicising the ongoing tussle, which is largely administrative. It is better that the BJP and AAP resolve their political vendetta and release the pending salaries of all workers immediately. Also, they should stop playing politics, said Rajendra Mewati, general secretary of the United Front of MCD Employees. The union said the state government was trying to resolve problems of sanitation workers but has forgotten about employees in other departments. What about other workers engaged in engineering, teaching, horticulture, health and other departments? When the financial budget is prepared why dont the officials make provision for payment of salaries? said AP Khan, the general secretary of the forum of civic engineers. A section of government teachers also threatened to strike work, which will affect thousands of students in state-run schools. Giriraj Sharma of the Akhil Delhi Prathmik Karmachari Shikshan Sangh said teachers had not been given salary for at least two months by the north and east corporations. The citys nearly 4,000 workers in five of the prominent hospitals run by municipal corporations also threatened to follow suit. The busiest of these hospitals, Hindu Rao in north Delhi, alone caters to close to 5,000 outpatients each day. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal jointly inaugurated 10 skill development centres on Tuesday to make the urban poor living in shelters employable. The event, first-of-its-kind in the Capital in recent years, was held at Tilak Nagar in west Delhi on Tuesday. Former L-G Najeeb Jung and CM Kejriwal were never seen together or jointly inaugurated any project of the AAP government during the formers tenure. Jung and Kejriwal had been at loggerheads over a range of issues including administrative jurisdiction, transfer and posting of officers and clearance of key bills and proposals of the AAP government. However, on Tuesday, L-G Baijal praised the skill development centre project to make the urban poor employable. Kejriwal thanked Baijal for the encouragement by attending the function. I thank the L-G for taking time out to attend this function on a short notice and encourage us. Earlier, the homeless were not even considered a vote bank. But these skill centres show that we care for them. Once the homeless become employable, they will be able to earn livelihood and can take care of themselves, Kejriwal said while addressing the gathering. The CM and L-G took a round of the facility. I am happy to visit a place which is not only providing shelter to the urban poor, but also making them employable, Baijal said. These skill centres will be operated by state governments Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and would offer basic courses in plumbing, electrical work, sewing, beauty, cookery etc. The duration of the courses will be two months and certificates will be issued to those completing the courses. The infrastructure to train 1,000 people in a batch has been put in place. Different courses are being offered at different shelters, based on the gap analysis done in the area of employability, said DUSIB CEO, VK Jain. Besides the skill centres, Kejriwal also inaugurated 37 toilet complexes in various slum clusters across the city, besides opening a mohalla clinic, a recreation centre for senior citizens and neighbourhood park in west Delhi. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday issued a notice to the Centre, Delhi government, East Delhi Municipal Corporation and the union of sanitation workers over strike due to non-payment of salaries. The green court has summoned all the stakeholders on Wednesday and formed a committee to tackle solid waste in the city. The move comes as the strike called by sanitation staff of East Delhi Municipal Corporation to protest against non-payment of salaries since November 2016, entered its sixth day. Though the Delhi government has released 119 crore to the civic body, workers say it is not enough for even one month. The east Delhi areas that have been hit the most are Laxmi Nagar, Preet Vihar, Krishna Nagar, New Ashok Nagar, Vinod Nagar, Khichripur and other adjoining areas. Huge piles of garbage are lying outside these colonies with sanitation workers refusing to pick the garbage until their salaries are paid. In East Delhi, around 2500 MT garbage is generated every day. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had accused the BJP of politicising the issue and claimed that the area councillors had siphoned off the funds meant for salaries. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari advised the chief minister to not play with numbers related to funds provided by the government to the civic body and announce a special package for the East Delhi Municipal Corporation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India has begun negotiating for the possible sale of Akash surface-to-air-missiles to Vietnam, a move that would significantly step-up the present military relationship between the two countries. New Delhi already extends cooperation in areas like the maintenance of and training for fighters and submarines. The subtext in such discussions would be the two governments common concern about Chinas increasing assertiveness towards its neighbours, especially those with which it has territorial disputes. Two places Beijing says it has a historical claim to are the South China Sea and Arunachal Pradesh. Vietnam is the main victim of the first claim, India in the second. Read | India offers $500 million defence credit as Vietnam seeks arms boost India is a new player in the area of arms exports. It sold over $300 million worth in 2015 and the sale of the Akash would be a fillip to these efforts. But more than any other variety of export, arms sales have ramifications that go beyond normal vendor-buyer relations. One, any exporting nation must be careful to ensure that the weapons or technology it sells do not end up in the wrong hands whether a non-State actor like a terrorist group or a potential enemy nation. Two, it must work out the geopolitical messaging that it will be sending by providing high-end weapon systems. Any country that sells an offensive weapon to another country must recognise that the latters enemies will deconstruct such a sale for implicit hostility to them as well. There are fewer degrees of separation in the business of cross-border weapons sales. India would clearly like such a message to be sent to China. However, it is one without exclamation points and capital letters. The Akash would not affect the strategic balance in Southeast Asia. This would not be the case, for example, if India is able to provide Vietnam with the Brahmos cruise missile a weapon that would markedly undermine Chinas military position in the South China Sea. But such a move is not as easy as it sounds. All of Chinas neighbours hedge with Beijing, including India and Vietnam. China is too economically important and geographically dominant in much of the Asia-Pacific for any single nation to declare itself as an enemy. This is especially true since the United States stance regarding China has become increasingly unclear. Read | 2017 likely to be bad for yuan and rupee. Heres why... Each neighbour tries to manage its relations with Beijing with a mix of carrots and sticks. It also cannot assume that other governments will not decide to change their tune on China in future. Hanoi, for example, allowed a Chinese-backed firm to kill a multi-billion Indian industrial investment in Vietnam. India cannot presume that Vietnam will always be hostile to China. Which is why New Delhi must be careful to calibrate the mix of diplomacy, military relations and, now, arms sales when it tries to manage what will probably prove its most difficult long-term strategic relationship the one with, China, the new imperial power of Asia. Truth and reconciliation are important first steps for conflict resolution but the paramilitary forces the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in particular have not covered themselves in glory by refusing to divulge details pertaining to the use of pellet guns during last years unrest in the Kashmir Valley. Read: CRPF denies RTI query on pellet guns, says there were no human rights violations The pellets, which were used liberally to crush protests that began after the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani, inflicted a lot of damage on protesters. The pellet guns went on to become a symbol of oppression. The controversial weapon came under opposition scrutiny and home minister Rajnath Singh was forced to set up a committee, which advised that it be used only in rare and pressing circumstances. The Central Reserve Police Force , however, has now refused to part with information on the standard operating procedures for the usage of the lethal weapon. Worse, in response to activist Venkatesh Nayaks Right to Information (RTI) query, the force has held that the use of the weapon did not constitute a human rights violation. Read: Apply mind before using pellet guns: Supreme Court It is this sort of obfuscation and refusal to be transparent that has prolonged the crisis. The use of pellet guns should be banned as the injuries are life threatening. Shooting at people and blinding them do constitute human rights violations, whatever the Central Reserve Police Force might say. The paramilitary forces must realise that they were responsible for maiming and killing Kashmiris and admit that there were lapses. An admission will go a long way in bridging the trust deficit between the State and the Kashmiris. The next step should be to reduce the repressive security measures. But language used by the CRPF in the RTI reply shows that it is no mood to reconcile. The government appears to have taken its eye off Kashmir now that the severe winter in the Valley has scaled down protests. Read: Army backs pepper shots, chilli grenades over pellet guns in Kashmir It is important and imperative for the government and its agencies to remember that Kashmir has often passed through such phases of perceived calm and surface normalcy. Trouble is always one stone or one pellet away. A serious review of the pellet gun and other draconian measures must begin sooner rather than later. Two Nigerian nationals held by Gurgaon police in an online fraud case have said during questioning that a large number of foreign nationals are staying at Tughlakabad Extension in New Delhi without valid passports and visas, police said. According to an officer close to the investigation, the duo, identified as Ibrahim Onogiede (28) and Kendth Chika Osuji (29), told them that a number of other Nigerian nationals are involved in online frauds by sending spam mails and duping people through fake social media accounts. They have been staying at Tughlakabad Extension for over one and a half years but their visas have expired, the officer said. The police had arrested them along with a woman, identified as Seema Sheikh, on January 4 from Tughlakabad Extension on charges of duping Gurgaon resident Hitesh Vyas of Rs1.7 lakh after approaching him through a fake Facebook account. They have revealed a lot about online frauds and drug peddling involving foreign nationals staying in their area. They have claimed that visas of a majority of those involved in such activities have expired, said inspector Anand Kumar, in-charge of the Gurgaon cyber crime cell, which is probing the case. He, however, refused to speak further on the matter as it pertains to Delhi polices jurisdiction. The two men were remanded to two-day police custody on Wednesday to probe their links with other fraud cases while the woman was sent to judicial custody. Inspector Kumar said that Onogiede operated fake Facebook accounts created in names of women from the UK and USA. He used to contact prospective targets after scanning their profiles on Facebook. After initial friendship, they would lure victims by offering to send expensive items. They also sent spam mails about fake lottery amounts or charity payments, said Kumar. Vyas too was contacted through a fake Facebook account made in the name of woman from London. He was told he was being sent a laptop and a gold watch. He deposited Rs1.7 lakh in two instalments in the bank accounts mentioned by the three for settling customs duty and income tax charges. Kumar said Seema Sheikh helped the duo get a house at Tughlakabad Extension and also assisted them in the crime by calling the victims for depositing money. We often conduct raids and special verification drives in areas in which foreign nationals stay in large numbers. If something is found wrong, the person is deported, said Romil Baaniya, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), southeast Delhi. He said the police would initiate action if any specific input was shared. On July 1 last year, the Gurgaon police had arrested a Nigerian national, Aiyudubie Osasere Joseph, on charges of trying to get his visa extended by furnishing a wrong address. Joseph had applied for visa extension in the foreigners registration office (FRO) at the Gurgaon police commissionerate by giving an address from U block in DLF Phase 3. On verification, the police found that he had never lived on that address. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Gurgaon district administration was on Tuesday conferred with a national e-governance award for its innovative use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology in solving land disputes. The technology, introduced in 2016, has been used in establishing digital maps by capturing images from an unmanned drone. The images give a clearer view of an area and help solve disputes through demarcations. Deputy commissioner TL Satyaprakash received the award in a function held at the 20th National Conference on e-Governance at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The award has been given to the district administration for its G-Triangulation project awarded gold under category 4 for innovative use of GIS. G-Triangulation is a concept in which a minimum of three points on a map are required to identify an area. As a pilot project, district administration officials had updated revenue records of 14 villages in Manesar using GIS technology. Most reference points for land revenue records in these areas were established in 1956 and most of them were no longer available, said an official. To re-establish those points, 24 satellites and 30 points from the Survey of India were used in tandem. These reference points were superimposed on high-resolution digital maps and compared with original maps with geo-spatial details from 1956. Satyaprakash said the administration is now looking to use GIS to help increase property tax recovery by accounting for alterations executed on properties. GIS mapping will help officials identify properties through satellite images that are based on real time data, as opposed to official records, he said. Police have arrested a 31-year-old man on charges of gunning down a retired army man, a fellow villager, in Gurgaons Badshahpur village on January 7. Police said the man, identified as Bijender Yadav, told them that he suspected tantric practices by the victim Subhash Yadav (55) to be behind his poor health and family problems. After retiring from the army, Subhash had started worshipping at a local temple regularly and gradually took to occult and tantric practices, said inspector Parveen Malik, station house officer (SHO), Badshahpur police station. The police arrested Bijender from Panchgaon village in Manesar on Monday night. He had allegedly shot Subhash five times with a pistol at the victims plot at Darbaripur road. According to the police, Subhash had constructed a temple on the plot and used to perform rituals there. However, they said that the pistol, which Bijender claimed was licensed from Nagaland, is yet to be recovered. The SHO said Bijender was suffering from a liver ailment and met Subhash three years ago. Subhash allegedly referred Bijender to his guru, a so-called tantric, at Rambas village in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Bijender has claimed during questioning that the guru demanded an SUV for treating him. He claimed to have paid him Rs9 lakh around two years ago, but the guru demanded another Rs1 lakh, which he refused and the guru then cursed him, said inspector Malik. Bijender has told the police that his health deteriorated and family problems increased after that and he also met with an accident in November 2015 in which he sustained a head injury. He believed that tantric practices by Subhash and his guru were behind his problems and sought revenge. After the accident, Bijender kept to himself and spoke very little even with his family members, said inspector Malik. The police produced him in court on Tuesday and got a two-day police remand for further questioning. Malik said the police would also question the guru in Alwar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Egypt's State Security Prosecution ordered a 15-day renewal of the detention of Al-Jazeera news network producer Mahmoud Hussein Gomaa pending investigations into charges of incitement against state institutions and broadcasting false news with the aim of spreading chaos. Egypt's interior ministry said in December that it arrested Gomaa at a residence in Giza, where police confiscated thousands of video tapes and production equipment. According to the ministry statement, Gomaa used several residences to avoid security monitoring in light of Al-Jazeera's unauthorised work in the country and its failure to obtain the needed licences. Shortly after, Al-Jazeera announced in a statement the arrest of its journalist, who it said worked at the channels Egypt bureau office in 2013 before it was shut down by the state. The network said that it holds the Egyptian authorities responsible for Gomaas safety and called for his immediate release. Egypt has long accused Al-Jazeera of carrying out a hostile media campaign against the country since relations between Cairo and Doha soured following the ousting in 2013 of Egypts Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, an ally of the Gulf country. In 2013, Al-Jazeera journalists Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed were arrested on similar charges, and were sentenced to prison two years later. The two journalists were pardoned by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in September 2015. Search Keywords: Short link: Former star couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have decided to handle their divorce privately and work together to reunify their family. The actors have released a joint statement stating that they have reached an agreement to handle their divorce in a private forum and will keep future details of their divorce confidential by utilizing a private judge, reported People magazine. The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues. The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification, the statement reads. Since the beginning of their divorce proceedings, Pitt, 53, and Jolie, 41, had been trading harsh accusations in filings in Los Angeles Superior Court, but recently both agreed to seal sensitive records relating to their six children. Pitt and Jolie, who are parents to Maddox, 15, Pax, 13, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, eight have a voluntary temporary custody agreement in place that allows the actor supervised visitation with the children. The list of final nominations for the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) are out and the jazz musical La La Land is leading the race with 11 BAFTA nominations. The sweet-tempered Ryan Gosling-Emma Stone romance is up for best picture, director, actor and actress at the British awards, which are considered a strong indicator of likely success at Hollywoods prize-giving next month. The nominations add to the musicals momentum after it won seven prizes at the Golden Globes Monday morning. Philosophical sci-fi yarn Arrival and psychological thriller Nocturnal Animals have nine nominations each for the UK equivalent of the Oscars, better known as BAFTAs. Best-picture nominees are La La Land; Arrival; I, Daniel Blake; Moonlight; and Manchester by the Sea. Best Film: Arrival, Manchester by the Sea, La La Land, I, Daniel Blake and Moonlight https://t.co/GF2IWjWe10 #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/oyODajimNp BAFTA (@BAFTA) January 10, 2017 Best-actor nominees are Andrew Garfield for Hacksaw Ridge; Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea; Jake Gyllenhaal for Nocturnal Animals; Gosling for La La Land; and Viggo Mortensen for Captain Fantastic. Best-actress contenders are Amy Adams for Arrival; Emily Blunt for The Girl on the Train; Stone for La La Land; Meryl Streep for Florence Foster Jenkins; and Natalie Portman for Jackie. Winners of the British trophies will be announced at Londons Royal Albert Hall on February 12, two weeks before the Oscars. Outstanding British Film: American Honey, Denial, Fantastic Beasts, I, Daniel Blake, Notes on Blindness, Under the Shadow #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/TKcCktGBf9 BAFTA (@BAFTA) January 10, 2017 The BAFTAs differ from their U.S. counterpart in having a separate category for best British film. The nominees are I, Daniel Blake; American Honey; Denial; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; Notes on Blindness; and Under the Shadow. The complete list of nominations is here. Follow @htshowbiz for more Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx was reportedly assaulted while having dinner at a restaurant when a patron approached his table and complained to him and his friends about being too loud. They were later thrown out of the restaurant. The incident took place at Catch Restaurant on January 7, reports tmz.com. The person reportedly yelled: You dont want to mess with me. Im from New York. A comedian who came with Foxx fired back and said, F**k you, Im from Oakland. That further angered the complaining person before he came charging at Foxx. Some witnesses said that Foxx fought back, put the random person in a choke hold and took him down, tmz.com reported. Both parties were eventually thrown out of the restaurant for the ruckus. There were several celebrities, including Jerry Bruckheimer, Cuba Gooding Jr, Michael Bay and Nicole Murphy, who witnessed the commotion. Follow @htshowbiz for more The Income Tax department has detected more than 200 shell companies operating in Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab besides Uttar Pradesh that have been used to convert illegal money into legal in the last two months, sources said. The department will examine the pattern of revenue streams of these companies to understand the nexus between such entities and the beneficiaries who used them to engage in alleged money laundering. Delhi-based lawyer Rohit Tandon, who was allegedly involved in money laundering, too floated his own shell company to convert part of his illegal cash into white money, the source added. Tandon was earlier arrested by the enforcement directorate. The department is also fleshing out names and business details of the newly floated small firms. The department is also closely monitoring the accounts and cash flow of all the new firms that have been floated in the last couple of months to ensure that they are not being used convert black money. Read| One address, 75 firms, no employees: Inside Indias domestic tax havens Investigations are under-way and we will ensure that these cases are resolved at the earliest..we have come across a large number of shell companies that have been used to layer the transactions that are suspicious, the source told Hindustan Times. Earlier, an HT investigation revealed that out of 10.26-lakh entities with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), 133,256 were just drop box companies in Kolkata and Delhi alone. There were many such shell companies. While the Income Tax department has already sought details of all suspicious transactions from both public and private sector banks besides the accounts have received Rs 2 lakh and above, it is looking into the accounts of all the defunct companies that have suddenly reported surge in business deals. Dormant companies, investment companies and pass-through investment companies who may not be having any fixed revenue streams may have been used to make cash deposits apart from alleged over invoicing by companies engaged in jewelry business, Manoj Kumar, legal expert and managing partner, Hammurabi and Solomon, said. The data sought by the income tax department from banks should help in this drive to detect money laundering during demonetisation. The source indicated that the IT department will undertake further investigations to examine the issue. There are many more such companies that have been opened in the recent past and we are examining their accounts, the source said. Read| Why govts demonetisation move may fail to win the war against black money SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court asked the Centre on Tuesday to look into a petition seeking a court-monitored probe against journalists who allegedly received kickbacks in AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter scam. A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra did not issue any formal notice, but Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi was provided with a copy of the public interest petition filed by journalist Hari Jaisingh and told to come back with a response after six weeks. The court has already rejected a special investigation team probe into the kickbacks after the Centre submitted that a CBI probe was on in the case. Jaisingh wants central agencies to submit a report to the top court in a sealed cover, giving details of the status of the investigation. The petition also sought a commission of inquiry led by a retired Supreme Court judge. The petition alleged Finmeccanica (the parent company of AgustaWestland) a group of Indian journalists on a fully paid for trip to Italy. The petition said an individual in Delhi acted as the companys representative and was asked to be a facilitator to ensure smooth disbursement of funds allocated for managing key Indian officials and several influential members of the media. A proposal to acquire 12 helicopters for VVIPs was cleared in 2010 by the Cabinet Committee on Security after a long process that involved change in parameters, evaluation and negotiations. The Air Forces Communication Squadron was meant to use the helicopters, but the deal was later cancelled. The Delhi high court on Tuesday issued a notice to former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagis cousin Sanjeev Tyagi on CBIs plea challenging the bail granted to him in the AgustaWestland chopper scam case. Justice IS Mehta fixed the petition for further hearing on January 18, when it is schedule to hear plea against SP Tyagi -- who was also granted bail by the trial court on December 26, 2016. The CBIs standing counsel Sanjeev Bhandari told the court that similar arguments were made during the hearing of plea against ex-IAF chief and since there was an urgency, the court should fix the matter for the same date. Read: AgustaWestland case: CBI seeks early hearing on plea to cancel SP Tyagis bail 71-year old SP Tyagi was arrested by the CBI on December 9, 2016 along with Sanjeev Tyagi and lawyer Gautam Khaitan in the case relating to alleged irregularities in procurement of 12 VVIP choppers from UK-based AgustaWestland during the UPA-2 regime. The agency approached the high court against the trial courts January 4 order granting bail to Sanjeev Tyagi and Khaitan in the scam saying that no purpose will be served by keeping them in custody. The CBI alleged that Sanjeev Tyagi could hamper its probe and alert other accused if he remained out of custody. Read: AgustaWestland scam: Sanjeev Tyagi, Gautam Khaitan get bail in VVIP chopper case The agency also said its probe was multi-layered as it was spread across several countries since various companies were allegedly used to camouflage the bribe money. All the accused have denied the allegations levelled against them by the CBI. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav would not step down as the Samajwadi Party president, at least not till the election was over, sources said, dealing another blow to hopes of reconciliation in the faction-riddled party. Akhilesh conveyed the decision to his father and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, during a meeting on Tuesday morning, nine days after he staged a coup to take control of the party from his father. Mulayam had extended an olive branch to his son on Monday night when he told media that Akhilesh would be the partys chief ministerial candidate. It was a climb down from his earlier statement when he told media the party would go into polls without a CM candidate, a public snub to Akhilesh. But, a lot has changed since. After a show of strength, Akhilesh on January 1 got himself elected the SP president at an emergency party convention, which Mulayam claims was illegal. And, Akhilesh is talking from a position of strength. According to sources, he also turned down Mulayams offer that both the factions withdraw applications submitted to the election commission, staking claim to the party symbol a bicycle. Mulayam, said sources, was ready to give Akhilesh a free hand in deciding poll candidates, a big reason for chief ministers running feud with his uncle Shivpal Yadav that is tearing the party apart. While Mulayam agreed to keep Shivpal, his younger brother, and Amar Singh out of the election, he was firm on not accepting the Akhilesh factions decision to throw Singh out of the party. Mulayam told Akhilesh while he would stay on as the party chief, the chief minister would get all the powers enjoyed by party general secretary Ramgopal Yadav. The offer was read as an attempt to distance Akhilesh from Ramgopal, who has stood by him in the family feud. But, Akhilesh remained firm on keeping the presidents position till the election was over. Akhilesh wanted control of the party to prevent Shivpal and Amar Singh, who enjoy Mulayams confidence, from creating a mischief in the run-up to the polls, sources said. Shivpal was sacked as the UP party chief and Singh was thrown out of the party during the January 1 convention. After the meeting, Akhilesh went straight to his official residence where several MLAs, MLCs and candidates were waiting. Go to your constituencies and prepare for polls. There is no uncertainty over your tickets, you all have tickets already. I will make public my election campaign programme soon, sources quoted Akhilesh as saying. Voting for 403-member Uttar Pradesh assembly will be held in seven phases, beginning February 11. The last date of polling is March 8 and the result will be declared three days later. The ruling party is expected to face a tough fight from the BJP, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress. Read| Samajwadi Party united, Akhilesh Yadav will be next CM: Mulayam Singh Yadav SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Authorities in Chhattisgarh are probing allegations that police beat, sexually assaulted or raped at least 16 tribal women in 2015, an official said on Tuesday after the government was slammed for rights abuses. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said over the weekend its preliminary investigations found police raped eight women, molested six, and assaulted two in October 2015, during a search for insurgents in Chhattisgarh. The NHRC, a government body, suggested there could be more victims of police abuse as it has yet to record statements from about 20 other women with similar complaints of violence by security personnel. Highlights NHRC suo moto initiated an inquiry into reports of women being sexually assaulted by state police officials. The human rights body said it found 16 women who were raped and/or assaulted by Chhattisgarh police. The commission found 34 victims mentioned in FIRs, and has recorded statements of 14 of them. They are yet to record that of 20 others. NHRC issued a show cause notice to the state government, holding it liable for these crimes. Chhattisgarhs home minister Ramsewak Paikra said he was aware of the NHRC investigation, adding that the states Crime Investigation Department (CID) were probing the incident. Let us wait for their report. Strict action will be taken if anyone is found to be guilty, Paikra told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Raipur, Chhattisgarhs capital. Chhattisgarh is one of Indias poorest and most troubled regions. A decades-old Maoist insurgency - waged mostly in vast, mineral-rich forests by rebels who say they are fighting for the rights of the poor and landless - has left villagers caught between militants and security forces. Both sides are accused of abuses against impoverished tribal communities. Security forces are blamed for extrajudicial killings, sexual assault and arson, while rebels are accused of recruiting children, extortion, kidnappings and killing villagers suspected of being informants. The NHRC said it was prompted to investigate the incident following a news report that police had sexually harassed and assaulted more than 40 women and gang-raped at least two while passing through five villages in Bijapur district from October 19 to 24, 2015. The commission said Chhattisgarh security personnel had grossly violated human rights, and called on the state government to probe the incident within a month, report its findings, and consider paying compensation to the victims. A senior CID official said the probe could take at least a few months as investigators needed to trace victims, most of whom live in remote forests with security risks due to the presence of Maoist rebels. The task of tracing the women and bringing them from their villages to the court to record their statements is a daunting task, said CID Inspector-General HK Rathore. This is the reason why there is a delay. Read| NHRC notice to Chhattisgarh on Bijapur rapes: Few dare to tread ground zero Having burnt its fingers in Bihar and Delhi, the BJP now plans to limit the number of workers it will send to election bound states for poll management. Several hundreds of BJP workers from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and other states were sent to Delhi and Bihar, resulting in turf war with local leaders in the Assembly elections in these two states. The BJP lost both elections with its leaders blaming sabotage and indifference of local workers to a large extent. The local leaders had accused their counterparts from other states of acting like super boss during election, who conducted poll management without enough knowledge of ground realities. We dont want its repeat in Uttar Pradesh and four other election bound states. These are too crucial for us, a BJP leader involved in election management in these states told HT. Local leadership of these states had flagged this matter to the partys central leadership on the sidelines of the recent meeting of the BJP national executive in Delhi. We were told that local leadership will be in charge and the limited number of leaders from outside, if and when sent, will only provide a helping hand instead of taking control, a functionary of the BJPs UP unit said. Assembly elections in UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa spread across February and March are tipped to be a referendum of sorts on the demonetisation decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. BJP chief Amit Shah had declared the victories in local bodies election in several states post November 8 as the peoples stamp of approval for the note ban. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Vinod Kumar has reasons to be disappointed. If the owner of Sterling CCTV Solutions had hoped that the reported mass molestation of women on New Years Eve on the citys MG Road will instil a craze for security among shopkeepers on the stretch and push his sales up, his wish has been belied. Some 10 days after MG Road gained nationwide infamy, the iconic downtown has slipped back to normal. It hasnt augured well for Kumar, who had put up hoardings advertising his product. I received may be three calls, all of them general inquiries, he rues. Not an extra piece has been sold by him. Residents and shop owners on the stretch best known for its eateries and pubs say it is back to business for them. Read | No evidence of New Years Eve mass molestations, says Bengaluru police chief There has been absolutely no impact, as far as our business is concerned. We have been in this business for 25 years and our regulars come here, no matter what happens, pointed out Srinivas Gowda, manager of the famous Peco pub. Other business establishments have not registered any decline in footfall, even after dusk. Media reports suggested that several women were molested in the night of December 31, outraging the nation and raising fresh concerns over womens public safety. But managers of movie theatres INOX Shankarnag and Rex said even late night shows screening Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal are drawing huge crowds, including women.This is surprising because the movie is already in its third week, but there has been a steady crowd even for the night shows, said a staff at INOX Shankarnag who did not wish to be named. At Rex, Nagaraj, the manager, said, Next week, the Telugu movie Khaidi No. 150 is releasing, and already shows have been sold out, especially the night shows. Read | Bengaluru cops say man, sister-in-law hatched molestation plot to get married Anusha, an engineering student visiting the stretch with friends, said the media reports made no difference to her. Right now its not unsafe. Its only when a mass of people gather that it feels unsafe, she explained. Police have denied the reports of mass molestation and none have come forward to lodge complaints. However, a group of students from St Josephs College were at one corner of the busy street, staging a protest against what was alleged to have happened on New Years Eve. As Aaron Singh, a demonstrator put it: It was time to turn the focus towards educating men. Read | #IWillGoOut: Women to take to the streets against Bengaluru mass molestation SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON House speaker Abdel-Aal told a parliamentary Dutch delegation that Egypt's new NGO law was a necessary step to help dry up sources of funding for terrorist activities. Gamal Essam El-Din reports A 12-member Dutch parliamentary delegation was informed of Egypts internal developments in two separate meetings with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Aal on Tuesday. The delegation, led by chairwoman of the Dutch parliament's foreign affairs committee Angelien Eijsink, met with El-Sisi earlier on Tuesday where they discussed Egyptian-Dutch bilateral relations, according to the Egyptian presidency. The president also discussed with the Dutch parliamentarians the possible ways of benefitting from Dutch experience in several fields including education and agriculture. The meeting was attended by Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry. The delegation was also briefed on a number of issues including terrorism, the construction of churches in Egypt, the new NGO law and the countrys economic reforms, according to a statement issued by the House speaker's office. According to the statement, the speaker told the Dutch delegation that Egypt is living in a region ravaged by terrorism and civil wars. "As the Middle East has become a hotbed of civil wars and sectarian strife, the role of Egypt in fighting terrorism has become more important and vital," said Abdel-Aal. Abdel-Aal also said that two important laws were passed by parliament last year. "The first is aimed at fighting illegal migration by stiffening penalties on gangs [involved] in trafficking human beings," said Abdel-Aal. He also said that a new NGO law was also passed to achieve two objectives; tightening control on foreign money so it is not used fund terrorist acts, and obliging NGOs to be transparent in revealing their sources of funding. Egypt's new NGO law is also a European-style legislation that allows NGOs to act freely while making sure that they do not play a role in funding terrorist activities," said Abdel-Aal. Abdel-Aal also praised parliament's approval of a new church building law as a great step towards strengthening the principle of citizenship. "This law, for which Egyptian Coptic Christians have waited 160 years, helps better facilitate the building of churches, not to mention that it shows that the Egyptian state is serious about reinforcing the values of citizenship and national unity," said Abdel-Aal. Abdel-Aal also spoke highly of Egypt's recent IMF-inspired economic reforms. "We hope that these reforms, which parliament supports, will put Egypt's economy on a sound track," said Abdel-Aal. Abdel-Aal recommended that the Dutch parliamentary delegation exert pressure on the government of the Netherlands to change its guidelines on travel and tourism in Egypt. "Egypt has become more secure, and as a result these guidelines should change to reflect the stability in the country and not prevent Dutch citizens from visiting Egyptian tourist destinations," said Abdel-Aal. In response, the Dutch ambassador in Egypt told Abdel-Aal that the Dutch government has never issued a ban on tourism to Egypt. "We admit that security conditions in Egypt have largely improved in the last two years," said the ambassador. However, he added that "from time to time, the government of the Netherlands opts to advise its citizens not to travel to certain areas which are far from tourism centres in Egypt." According to the statement, the chairwoman of the Dutch parliament's foreign affairs committee strongly denounced the bombing attack on a church in Cairo last month. Eijsink also thanked Abdel-Aal for the warm reception she and her fellow MPs received in Egypt's parliament. Search Keywords: Short link: A cargo boy at the Indira Gandhi International Airport was arrested for stealing $400 from a passengers bag, the police said on Tuesday. The accused, 25-year-old Ashif Khan, is from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh. He was arrested from Terminal 3 soon after the passenger lodged a complaint. Deputy commissioner of police Sanjay Bhatia said the incident took place on Monday night when Rishi Anand, of Ramesh Nagar in west Delhi, complained that $400 was taken from his bag at the airport. We came to know that Anand took the help of a cargo boy to carry his bag around the terminal. On examining the CCTV footage, we found Khan stealing $400 from Anands bag, Bhatia said. After his arrest, Khan confessed to committing the crime. Seeking closer ties with India, China on Tuesday suggested a bilateral Friendship and Cooperation Treaty along with a Free Trade Agreement to comprehensively boost relations between the two Asian giants who are locked in a long-standing border dispute. Luo Zhaohui, Chinas Ambassador to India, while mooting the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty and FTA proposals, termed differences between New Delhi and Beijing over certain issues as matters within a family, and sounded optimistic about the future of bilateral ties. Describing the twin proposals as ambitious, Luo said the time is ripe for the two countries to reap some early harvest benefits in resolving their decades-old vexed border issue. The envoy maintained India and China should join hands in the latters One Belt One Road initiative aimed at building super-modern economic and infrastructural connectivities in South Asia. Read| Naive for India to tilt towards US in China-US trade war: Chinese state daily Indias Act East policy would get a fillip if New Delhi joined the ambitious initiative, the diplomat added. Luo was speaking at a function organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Mumbai at the newly established Ji Xianlin Centre for India-China Studies at the University of Mumbai in suburban Kalina. On his first official visit to Mumbai, Ambassador Luo said, India is my second home. I joined foreign service because of my affection for India. Beyond connectivity projects, our two countries should also cooperate to promote cultural exchanges, cooperation in education, and people-to-people contacts under the One Belt One Road framework. Luo described the current differences between India and China on certain issues as matters within a family, adding, Even members of a family have some differences sometimes. I am very optimistic about the future of our relations. Sudheendra Kulkarni, Chairman, ORF Mumbai, said India- China relations should be guided by their profound civilisational wisdom. India, China and Pakistan should forge a friendly relationship, and resolve differences peacefully, which is critical for changing the destiny of South Asia, Kulkarni said. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidus statement that the Islamic State has spread its activities to the state has left the police baffled. Top police officials were ill-at-ease on Tuesday trying to dispel the notion and they put the record straight that there has been no trace of any IS activity in the state so far. Sources in the NIA, too, pointed out that they have not heard of any activity or modules of the dreaded group in Andhra Pradesh. There could be one or two sympathisers (of the outfit) in Hyderabad (common capital of Telangana and Andhra for 10 years), but not in AP, they said. ISIS...slowly it is establishing its activities (in AP). If you sanction Rapid Action Force (RAF), it will go a long way to control ISIS, Chandrababu told home minister Rajnath Singh at the foundation-stone laying for NDRF 10th battalion headquarters on Monday. There is no trace of any Islamic State activity in AP so far. What the chief minister said might just be an apprehension, an additional director general of police-rank officer clarified. He (CM) read out from a note prepared by some clerk, so he spoke about ISIS and using RAF against it. It was a clerical mistake, the Additional DGP said. RAF is essentially an anti-riot force of the CRPF but the chief minister wanted it sanctioned for the state to fight the jihadist group, which is active in Iraq and Syria, where it once controlled large swathes of territory and is known for committing brutalities. RAF is not an anti-terror force and it was a mistake by the CM to have referred to it. We wanted an RAF battalion for a different purpose, the Additional DGP, holding a key post, said. Police officials said the chief minister might have got confused between SIMI, an Indian outfit, and IS. Recently, some SIMI activists arrested in Pune reportedly told the police that they often held meetings on the beach at Visakhapatnam. But the Chief Ministers statement seems to have caused embarrassment for the state police. For outsiders this may just be a slip of the tongue but as state police we will have a lot of explaining to do, the Additional DGP observed. Tamil Nadu chief Minister O Panneerselvam declared the entire state drought-hit on Tuesday and announced measures worth Rs 160 cr and Rs 350 cr to alleviate water crisis in urban and rural local bodies respectively. Panneerselvam also ordered rescheduling of farm loans, cancellation of land tax and compensation for lost crop to the drought affected farmers. The worst drought in 140 years, triggered by a severely deficient monsoon, has forced over 65 farmers to commit suicide in the last two months, although the government claims 17 farmers have taken their lives. Farmers associations have been demanding compensation at the rate of Rs 25,000 per acre for crop loss, a demand that has been endorsed by all the opposition parties. DMK leader MK Stalin had even taken the issue up with the chief minister the day he took over as the working party of his party last week. Panneerselvam also announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to the next of kin of the 17 farmers who committed suicide due to drought, but that number has only drawn fire from the farmers. BR Pandian, Tamil Nadu farmers association leader, said not only was the number higher but the government was trying to mislead and cheat the farmers. We had demanded Rs 25,000 per acre compensation but what the government is promising is Rs 5400 per acre compensation, Pandian said. However, the chief minister said the government was allocating more funds to tackle the immediate problems faced by the farming community. In a statement on Tuesday, the chief minister said steps to provide employment to the rural population would be taken up at an outlay of Rs 3400 crore. The people would be engaged in de-silting of canals and tanks. The government would also spend Rs 78 crore to provide fodder for cattle. An official team that surveyed the extent of drought had submitted its report on Monday, the chief minister said. Employment under MNREGA would also be increased by 50 days to 150 days, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Citing abundance of negative feeling in society, President Pranab Mukherjee asked people to inculcate positive emotions to check incidents of violence against women and road rage. In his new year message to students and youth on the topic of Building a happy society through video conferencing, Mukherjee said India was among the fastest growing major economies of the world but rank at the 117th position out of the 158 countries in the World Happiness Report. Happiness is equally the outcome of non-economic and economic parameters. The quest for happiness is closely tied to the quest for sustainable development, which is the combination of human well-being, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The focus has to be on eliminating poverty, ensuring environmental sustainability, working towards social inclusion, and providing good governance to achieve the goals of sustainable development. Eradication of poverty would provide a strong boost to happiness, he said. Mukherjee said unhappiness is associated with anger, sadness, worry, depression, stress and pain. We see abundance of such negative feelings around us. Incidents of violence against women, road rage, substance abuse, and suicides are all manifestations of this unhappiness. This has to be dealt with by inculcating positive emotions and by displacing negative emotions. Seek help if you need it. Practice yoga and meditation. Every person suffers from negative feelings associated with unhappiness some time or the other in their lives. The success lies in decreasing the occurrence of such feelings by increasing the strength of positive feelings associated with happiness, the President said. A sustainable environment would prevent irreparable harm to the planetary resources and to future generations. Social inclusion would ensure access to the fruits of progress to all, he said. Mukherjee said countrys educational institutes, the temples of learning, must create waves of happy human beings, who will build a happy India. Only those who are happy can spread happiness. Youth comprises more than 65 per cent of Indias total population. If we have happy youth, they can work towards happiness in the society, the President said. Controversial BJP parliamentarian Sakshi Maharaj on Tuesday faced possible disciplinary action with the Election Commission issuing notice to him over his comments that appeared to blame the Muslim community for Indias population growth. The Lok Sabha MP from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh has been asked to reply by Wednesday morning. Read in entirety, his remarks have (the) effect of promoting enmity between classes of society... and prima facie violates the model code of conduct which came into force on January 4 following announcement of assembly polls in five states, including Uttar Pradesh. The Congress and other political parties have accused Maharaj of fanning communal tension ahead of the seven-phase polls in the state. This population rise is not because of Hindus. The population has risen because of those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children. It is not acceptable. Speaking in Meerut last week, Maharaj had urged all political parties to come together to frame population control laws. This population rise is not because of Hindus. The population has risen because of those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children. It is not acceptable, the MP said. Muslims form a sizeable chunk of the electorate in the countrys most populous state and are a decisive factor in many constituencies. Read | EC seeks report from Meerut administration on Sakshi Maharajs population remark While the BJP said it was not the partys stand, Maharaj later claimed he was misquoted. The state goes to polls in about a month and the BJP is locked in a tough fight with regional rivals Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Congress. The remark came days after the Supreme Court barred candidates from seeking votes in the name of religion. The Congress said the comment was offensive and violated the model code of conduct. It also complained to the Election Commission and sought immediate action against Maharaj. The SP also slammed the BJP, highlighting the Supreme Courts ruling. This is not the first time Maharaj has stirred controversy for hor remarks. He had triggered outrage in 2015 after urging all Hindu women to give birth to at least four children to increase the Hindu population and counter rising Muslim numbers In October the same year, he justified the attack on MLA Engineer Rashid by BJP lawmakers inside the Jammu and Kashmir assembly for hosting a beef party. If he had to consume beef, he could have done it in the confines of a hotel room. (By organising a beef party) He deliberately tried to hurt and provoke the sentiments of Hindus. Many Muslim scholars have also said that no one should kill cows and consume beef. Even in the time of Mughal emperors Akbar and Aurangzeb, there was prohibition of cow slaughter... Maharaj also defended Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattars reported comment (which was denied subsequently) that Muslims have to give up beef if they want to stay in the country. Many Muslim scholars have also said that no one should kill cows and consume beef. Even in the time of Mughal emperors Akbar and Aurangzeb, there was prohibition of cow slaughter. So the heavens have not crashed down, if Khattar says the same thing, Maharaj said. Read | Muslim clerics slam Sakshi Maharaj for population boom remark, seek EC action All the election rallies in Goa would be monitored by Election Commission of India (ECI) through live-streaming and web casting, a senior official said on Tuesday. Live feed is being taken from all the election rallies and flying squads which are on the field. The feed would be monitored in chief electoral office and office of both the district magistrates, Goa chief electoral officer Kunal told PTI on Tuesday. The commission has also decided to have live streaming from all the polling stations spread across 40 constituencies so that the actual happenings at these points would be known to the officers, he said. Kunal said the traditional videography done during the election process would be replaced by live streaming. Live streaming is possible as Goa has good connectivity and necessary infrastructure is in place, he said. There were initial hitches but the live streaming has started functioning full fledged from Monday onwards, he said adding that there is a dedicated server and dedicated video wall in offices of both district magistrates and CEO office. Kunal said the officers can even watch all the live streaming on their laptops. The elections for Goa assembly would be held in February 4. The election commission warned all political parties on Tuesday that comments aimed at polarising communities will invite serious repercussions. The poll panel underlined that it will ensure compliance with the Supreme Court order barring candidates from seeking votes in the name of religion in the assembly polls that kick off in five states from February 4. The Commission will not remain a silent spectator if the provisions of law or the model code of conduct are violated and no one can do it with impunity, the letter reads. It warns the Commission will take stern actions for violations if parties or candidates are found using statements that can create disharmony between different sections on the basis of religion. Election commissions remarks come on a day it issued a notice to controversial BJP parliamentarian Sakshi Maharaj over his comments that appeared to blame the Muslim community for Indias population growth. Earlier in the day, the EC had asked the Lok Sabha MP from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh to file his reply by Wednesday morning. Read in entirety, his remarks have (the) effect of promoting enmity between classes of society... the EC has noted, and prima facie violates the model code of conduct which came into force on January 4 following announcement of assembly polls in five states, including Uttar Pradesh. The Congress and other political parties have accused Maharaj of fanning communal tension ahead of the seven-phase polls in the state. Speaking in Meerut last week, Maharaj had urged all political parties to come together to frame population control laws. This population rise is not because of Hindus. The population has risen because of those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children. It is not acceptable, the MP said. Muslims form a sizeable chunk of the electorate in the countrys most populous state and are a decisive factor in many constituencies. While the BJP said it was not the partys stand, Maharaj later claimed he was misquoted. Uttar Pradesh goes to polls in February and the BJP is locked in a tough fight with regional rivals Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Congress. Read| Cover hoardings, outdoor ads with photos of leaders in poll-bound states: EC A top panel of secretaries has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make public broadcasters Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR) corporate entities to reduce their dependence on government funds and give them elbow room to take decisions. If accepted, the move will give the two entities run by Prasar Bharati the much needed flexibility and financial independence, on the lines of the BBC. The idea is to make them corporate entity but under government control, said a senior bureaucrat. In their January 3 presentation on the transport and communication sector, the panel part of the 10 sectoral groups constituted by the PM to do a mid-term review of major programmes, review autonomous bodies and give ideas on the 2017-18 budget also recommended reviewing the existence of Prasar Bharati, which runs AIR and Doordarshan. If AIR and DD are made corporate entities, Prasar Bharati may not be required, the panel told the PM. Though Prasar Bharati was given autonomy under the statute, it hardly used it. From budgetary support for meeting its expenses to going to the Centre for getting approval for every decision including recruitment, power remained centralised in the information and broadcasting ministry. Because of their dependence on government funds, it became difficult to distance them from getting influenced by the state, said an official. Not only had its revenues, the public broadcasters viewership also suffered. According to the I&B ministrys figures, as against the revenue target of `1,600 crore, it managed to achieve `1,267 crore in 2015-16. Doordarshan garnered 900 -1000 GVL (gross viewership in lakhs) per week in 2016, far less compared to private TV channels. But not all agree. State sponsored corporate entities are mainly like PSUs, which is a subordinate body. For a corporate entity to be successful it has to be free of state power, former Prasar Bharati CEO Jawahar Sircar said. Several committees, including the 2014 Sam Pitroda panel, recommended structural reforms in PB like generating funds through commercialisation of part of its activities, power to frame rules for employees without seeking government approval, outsourcing content creation to external producers to attract quality. But on the ground not much happened. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Government on Tuesday replied to the Election Commission on the opposition complaint against presenting the Union budget before Assembly elections, defending its decision to advance the budget session for the purpose. The Cabinet Secretariat wrote to the Election Commission which had asked it to respond to a representation by opposition parties urging the poll panel to make the government postpone the budget till assembly polls are over. The government is learnt to have described the Union budget as an annual constitutional exercise covering the entire country and not just a few states, an apparent rebuttal of the opposition charge that the budget will be used to woo voters in the poll-bound states. It has also said that the advancing of budget presentation was necessary as it would ensure that all budgetary provisions are allocated to different sectors from April 1, the beginning of the new fiscal. The budget is usually presented around last week of February and, as a result, the approval of the budget spills over to the next financial year, delaying the start of new programmes. Read| Centre must delay Union budget till state polls are over: Oppn parties tell EC The Budget session has already been convened from January 31 when the President will address the joint sitting of the two Houses. The Union budget and the Economic Survey are slated to be presented the next day. Earlier, the government while defending the move to advance the budget session had said that the parliamentary committees have already been informed to study budgetary proposals in the recess period between February 10 and March 8. It said that the government had made its intentions clear to advance the session in September last and the Union Cabinet had also cleared the proposal. The opposition parties had written to the President and the Commission objecting to the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1 ahead of the Assembly elections in five states and demanded that the government be asked to defer the annual exercise till March 8, the last day of voting. A delegation of opposition parties comprising Congress, JD U(), BSP, SP, DMK and RJD had met chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi on January 5 to press that the government be asked to defer the Budget presentation till at least March 8. Punjab and Goa will go for polls on February 4 and the last phase of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur will be held on March 8. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Tuesday relations with northern neighbour Turkey could "not move forward one step" without a withdrawal of Turkish forces from a camp in northern Iraq, state television reported. Turkish forces have been stationed at Bashiqa camp near Mosul since before the start of an offensive against Islamic State. Search Keywords: Short link: Guwahati Opposition parties and NGOs in Meghalaya have stepped up the heat on chief minister Mukul Sangma to sack home minister HDR Lyngdoh, whose sons guest house in Shillong was used by rebel-turned-MLA Julius Kitbok Dorphang to allegedly rape a 14-year-old girl last month. A Shillong court on Saturday granted the police five days custody of Dorphang, 52, after he was arrested from neighbouring Assams Guwahati on Friday night. We met the chief minister and conveyed the growing demand for the home ministers resignation. He said he will examine whether or not to allow Lyngdoh to continue as the home minister, former chief minister Donkupar Roy, a senior leader of the regional United Democratic Party, said. Public pressure has been mounting on the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance government to fire Lyngdoh since December 16, when the girl filed a complaint accusing the MLA and seven others of raping her in the guesthouse the previous evening. The girl also accused Dorphang and the others in video-recorded statements before a magistrate and Meena Kharkongor, the chairperson of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR). The arrest of a female employee of the guesthouse on charges of child trafficking followed. Lyngdoh, however, seemed defiant. Why should the owner be blamed if an employee is involved in a crime? I am not directly involved. Besides, I have given a free hand to the police to probe this case, he said. On Sunday, two Shillong-based NGOs Thma-U-Rangli-Juki, meaning battle of the common man and Civil Society Womens Organisation (CSWO) filed an FIR at the local police station against the owners of the guesthouse for twice receiving and harbouring the minor victim of trafficking. The case was filed under section 21(1) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. We also asked the police to register a case under Section 370 of the IPC as amended by the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which holds liable persons who, for the purpose of exploitation, harbour and receive a person or persons, Agnes Kharshiing of CSWO said. Kharkongor too has lodged complaints against four others allegedly involved in the guesthouse rape case. They include a soldier, a professor and an archery-based gambling operator. Refuting allegations that the powers that be were influencing the probe, Shillong City superintendent of police Vivek Syiem said, We registered a case against the guesthouse owner, have arrested five persons including the MLA so far and are leaving no stone unturned in investigating the case. Reacting to demands for Dorphangs disqualification, Meghalaya assembly speaker Abu Taher Mondal said the MLA will lose membership automatically if the court convicts him. Dorphang, former chairman of the militant group Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council, is an independent MLA from Mawhati assembly constituency in Meghalayas Ri-Bhoi district. Situation worse for girls in rural Meghalaya The arrest of Dorphang put the spotlight on crime against women in urban areas of matrilineal Meghalaya. The situation is worse in the rural areas, where even girls below 10 years fall victims, as in the case of a nine-year-old in Lumpokhseh village in West Jaintia Hills on Monday. Hours before Dorphang was arrested on January 6, the Meghalaya police arrested two village heads on the outskirts of Shillong. Their crime: Abetting six men accused of raping a 17-year-old girl at Mawryngkneng village on January 1 night. The six men surrendered before a local court late Friday afternoon after the two headmen were arrested. They were allegedly being shielded by Peter J Lawai, sordar (head of a group of villages) of Mawryngkneng, and Goldenstar Mukhim, the deputy head. Mukhims brother is among the six rape-accused. The sordar was supposed to file the complaint, but he and the other village leaders tried to offer money to the victims family instead. We could act on the basis of a complaint filed by a teacher of the locality, Syiem said. A similar incident had happened at Jakrem in Meghalayas South West Khasi Hills district. The local village heads were initially reluctant to file a case against three persons accused of raping a 13-year-old girl. It is a myth that women enjoy superiority in a matrilineal society like ours. Incidents of crime against are as rampant as anywhere else, if not more. Even the womens commission appears helpless here, rights activist Agnes Kharshiing said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Income tax and intelligence officials have launched an investigation to see if an organised racket virtually home delivered new banknotes from government presses or the central bank to people within days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi scrapping high-value bills. The probe was ordered after income tax officials held a man last month from a south Delhi market with Rs 20 lakh in new 2000-rupee bills that were packed and bore the seals of two government currency presses in Maharashtra and West Bengal. The man, identified as Krishna Kumar, was probably a courier who was waiting at a Greater Kailash-I M Block market on December 15 to deliver the money when tax officials arrived. They had been tipped off by the intelligence bureau, government sources involved in the investigation told Hindustan Times. Two senior officials of income tax and intelligence bureau told Hindustan Times that this was the first instance of cash bearing seals of government printing presses finding its way to the public. We need to ascertain where the leak came from. If the printing press or the RBI chest is compromised those loopholes need to be plugged. We are waiting for the RBI to share more information with us, one of the officials said, using the abbreviation for the central bank. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) didnt respond to HTs request for comments. But HT accessed the RBIs response to intelligence bureau on the recovered cash: these mini packs were printed at Salboni and Nasik presses. The interrogation of Kumar didnt yield much since the currency had changed hands before reaching him. The man has been charged with potential tax evasion. He has been allowed to go for now because officials want to finish the investigation into how cash was virtually home delivered from mints. The cash, which also included Rs 10,000 in 10-rupee bills, was seized by income tax officials. The role of cash management companies, which are used to move money from the RBI to banks, is also being investigated. The seized cash pack bore the official seals of the Currency Note Press in Maharashtras Nasik and another RBI printing press in West Bengals Salboni. The two presses printed about 52 million pieces of notes a day since Modi demonetised 1000-and 500-rupee notes on November 8. Packed into bundles of 1000 pieces of different denominations, the cash goes to the RBI chest from where they are sent to banks using currency management companies. Those packs are further broken down into bundles of 100s wrapped in individual bank labels before they are given out to customers at branches or through ATMs. Since the November 8 move, the role of some bank officials in exchanging the scrapped bills has come under the scanner. The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested two junior RBI officials in Bangalore for illegally converting banned currencies for the new. The protocol of cash movement from press to bank or an ATM is very strong, so a heist is impossible. Demonetisation was an unprecedented situation, so it is important to see if these protocols were relaxed during this period, said Vipin Malik, a former member of the RBIs board of governors. Read| Why govts demonetisation move may fail to win the war against black money SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi lured investors with the promise of progressive policies while inaugurating on Tuesday the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial business meet he had launched as the states chief minister in 2003. The summit, which has made headlines in the past for the staggering number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) inked at each edition, now aims to facilitate nearly 22,000 such deals with an investment commitment of around Rs 30 lakh crore at Mahatma Mandir over the next four days. For investment, sky is the limit and our policies are very progressive. India is going to emerge as one of the worlds largest construction markets. All this offers unprecedented opportunities to the investment community, he said, addressing an impressive audience. The delegates included Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Olegovich Rogozin, Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta and Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa, besides captains from the industry. I assure you that I will be available to hold your hand whenever required, Modi said, inviting business leaders to invest in India. We have liberalised our FDI regime in various sectors and various ways, India is today the most open economy. Delighted to share that we have become the sixth largest manufacturing nation in the world, up from 9th, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister said Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, represents the business spirit of the country. Calling democracy Indias biggest strength, he said: Indias strength lies in 3Ds demography, democracy and demand. Ours is a nation of vibrant youth; the disciplined, dedicated and talented youth of India offers globally unmatched workforce. Speaking at the summit, businessman Mukesh Ambani promised that his Reliance Industries will complete investment of Rs 1.25 lakh crore in refinery and petrochemical expansion projects in Gujarat by March, exceeding commitments by Rs 10,000 crore. He described Prime Minister Modi as a great transformative leader who transformed Gujarat and is now transforming India with a series of historic and visionary initiatives. Tata group patriarch Ratan Tata called himself a Gujarati while addressing the summit and said the state became a hub of car manufacturing in India after his company set up the Nano plant. Some years ago I got the fortune and good luck of moving our car factory to Gujarat and soon again with the leadership of Narendra Modi, Gujarat has become one of the hubs of car manufacturing in India, he said. Tata Motors had relocated its plant to produce the Nano car from Singur in West Bengal to Sanand in Gujarat in 2008. Tatas successor Cyrus Mistry, who was abruptly removed as chairman of Tata Sons last October, and had to subsequently resign as director of operating companies, including Tata Motors, dubbed Nano as one of the legacy hotspots that has consistently lost value. For highlights of PM Modis address at Vibrant Gujarat Summit, click here (With inputs from agencies) The Delhi high court on Tuesday granted 18-day parole to Manu Sharma, who is undergoing life term for killing model Jessica Lall in 1999, to pursue his LLB course and get his marriage registered. Justice AK Pathak allowed Sharma to remain on parole till January 31, after he urged the court that he has to attend his personal contact programme in connection with the LLB course and re-establish social ties. Keeping in view that petitioner (Sharma) has been granted parole by this court earlier also, the court is inclined to give him the relief till January 31, the court said. Sharma had moved the high court through his counsel Amit Sahni, seeking direction to the Delhi government to decide his plea for extension of parole for one month. The Delhi government on December 27, 2016 granted two weeks of parole to Sharma to enable him to appear for his LLB second semester exams from December 31, 2016. His parole ends on January 12. The convict had told the court that he be granted parole for a month as he has to appear before the registrar in Chandigarh on January 19 for registration of his marriage. The convict, who has been given parole six times since September, 2009, has completed a post-graduate diploma in Human Rights and is now pursuing a Bachelors in Law course from Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu. Lall was shot dead by Sharma after she had refused to serve him liquor at the Tamarind Court restaurant owned by socialite Bina Ramani at Qutub Colonnade in South Delhis Mehrauli area on the night of April 30, 1999. A suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant was killed and a soldier injured on Tuesday in an encounter in Hajin tehsil of Bandipora, Kashmir. Police sources said the operation was launched by forces following a tip off and gunshots were heard soon after the Parray Mohalla Hajin area was cordoned off. A search operation was on after the brief encounter, sources said, adding that the militant was inside a house when he was killed. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The BJP-Trinamool tiff reached another level on Tuesday with Kolkata police summoning Union minister Babul Supriyo based on a complaint by Trinamool Congress MLA Mahua Maitra alleging the minister had insulted her modesty on January 4 during a television debate. Maitra, TMC MLA from Karimpur in Nadia district, lodged a complaint at Alipore city police station and a case under IPC section 509 (insulting the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture) has been initiated against the Union minister for state for heavy Industries. Supriyo, on the other hand, sent legal notices to Trinamool leaders including Moitra for defamation. Kolkata police have summoned Supriyo on January 12 at Alipore police station. Mahua said during the show, Supriyo had said Mohua, are you on mohua? indicating that I was in an inebriated state. I found it very insulting and filed the complaint on January 4 at Alipore police station, she said. Supriyo, however, has replied that due to some pre-scheduled meetings he would not be able to appear before them, they said (with PTI inputs) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Imphal Exit mother, enter son. Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singhs wife will not be seeking re-election from Khangabok assembly constituency in Thoubal district. His only son, Okram Surajkumar alias Kennedy, will. Thoubal district, where the first phase of the election will be held on March 4, is the chief ministers home turf. Shrugging off dynastic politics barbs by the BJP, the Manipur Congress has given the green signal to 29-year-old Surajkumars nomination in the place of his mother Okram Landhoni who has represented Khangabok for two terms in a row. I will step down because Manipur needs more youth energy, Landhoni told reporters. Surajkumar is likely to be the youngest candidate in Manipurs Mandate 2017. State BJP vice-president Jadumani will figure among his opponents. An economics graduate from Londons Kingston University, Surajkumar is a polo player and a state-level badminton champion. He is married, and has a son. In an interview with the Imphal Free Press, Surajkumar claimed he did not have any political ambitions until recently. Politics was my parents domain. But then, I decided to extend a helping hand to the underprivileged in the (Khangabok) constituency after witnessing the difficulties faced by them, he said. Surajkumar said the deep-rooted corruption in Manipur can be combated only if the new generation takes over. He claimed to have earned his place in the Congress party by reaching out to people in times of need, helping flood-affected people and empowering the youth. If given an opportunity, I will replicate in Manipur the development models of developed countries that I have studied, he said. The Congress hopes to retain power in the state for the fourth straight term under Ibobi Singh, a former contractor. Tribals in insurgency-hit Bastar dread the times when security forces come visiting their villages in search of Maoists, but not so much when Usha Kiran is in the raiding party. Kiran,27, is CRPFs first woman officer to be posted in the Maoist-infested part of the region and a potent PR tool for the security forces battling accusations of grave excesses, including rape. It was only two days ago that security forces were in the news for their alleged wrong doings in Chhattisgarh. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in a report stated that there was prima facie evidence that security forces raped and sexually assaulted 16 tribal women during an operation in October 2015. The five-day operation was reportedly carried out by state police and the CRPF. While similar operations continue to make news, Kiran an assistant commandant with CRPFs 80 Battallion is the centre of attraction. Her presence is good as the tribal women are always terrified and worried during the operations, points out Kunti (name changed), a resident of a village near Darbha valley. Even Sanjay Yadav, the CRPF DIG for Bastar region agrees. She helps the security forces during search and raid in Maoist-affected villages and secondly, her presence helps to counter Maoist propaganda of rape and molestation by security forces, Yadav added. A former national athlete, who represented Delhi in triple jump, Kiran is one of only two women CRPF officers on duty in Bastar. Archana Gaura, the other woman officer, is in Kondagaon, which is not as badly affected by insurgency. Battling Maoists is a tough challenge, but Kiran opted for it voluntarily. After her induction into the force, she was given three choices. But I preferred to come to Naxal-hit Bastar because tribals are innocents and development is not happening because of Maoist violence, she said. Hailing from a Gurgaon-based family with ties to the CRPF her grandfather and father were ex-personnel of the force Kiran said the villagers feel comforted by her presence. I talk to the women. They are scared of male cops and officers. But with me, they are more relaxed, she pointed out. She is a welcome addition to the force, explained Vivek Uike, the officer-in-charge of Darbha police station. Security forces are hoping Kiran will help them in a makeover of their battered image in Bastar. A minor fire broke out aboard a navy warship on Tuesday but no one was injured, a defence spokesperson said. There was a minor fire on Tuesday on-board INS Pralaya, a missile vessel which is undergoing refit at naval dockyard in Mumbai, the spokesperson said. The fire was reported in the gyro compartment and was subsequently brought under control with the assistance of Dockyard fire brigade, he said. There were no injuries to any personnel, the spokesperson added. Last month, two sailors were killed and 14 others injured when INS Betwa tipped over during undocking at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The INS Betwa, a 3800-tonne Brahmaputra class frigate was being undocked at the naval dockyard on December 5 when it slipped off the dock blocks and keeled over in the dry dock. Environment minister Anil Dave on Tuesday said he hopes the Supreme Court will uphold peoples sentiments over Jallikattu, saying it is a non-violent and friendly game. The ministers remark came amid growing demands for holding the bull-taming sport this year on the occasion of Pongal on January 14. Jallikattu is an integral part of the Pongal festivities. Political parties have been pressing the central and Tamil Nadu governments to take steps to let people hold the sport. Protests have been held in the state in support of the sport. There is no violence in this game. It is only a tradition and people are emotionally attached to it. I hope the court will uphold the sentiments of the society, Dave said. In Jallikattu, a bull vaulter is expected to hang on to the bulls hump for a stipulated distance or for a minimum of three jumps made by the bull. The Supreme Court in May 2014 banned Jallikattu. The court held that bulls cannot be used as performing animals either for Jallikattu or for bullock cart races anywhere in the country. Dave appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu to maintain peace over the issue as the matter is in the court. We understand their sentiments. Everyone has a right to protest but do it in a peaceful manner. An explosion in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Tuesday killed at least seven people and wounded 18 others, including the provincial governor and the United Arab Emirates ambassador who was visiting the city, officials said. The governor's spokesman, Sameem Khpalwak, who was among those wounded in the attack, said the incident took place during a meeting between senior officials and diplomats from the UAE embassy. Kandahar police chief, Gen. Abdul Raziq, one of the most feared anti-Taliban commanders in Afghanistan, was present at the meeting but was unharmed in the attack. Search Keywords: Short link: State Bank of India chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya today said the prevailing situation arising out of demonetisation will get normalised by end-February, emphasising the need to promote digitisation of economy. We believe that the situation (arising out of demonetisation) will become totally normal by the end of February, Bhattacharya told reporters at the airport in Ahmedabad after arriving to participate in the 8th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS). She said that SBI is ensuring that account holders are not made to stand in queue, by supplying adequate cash to bank branches so that money can be withdrawn at their convenience. She also said that at the VGGS, she would try to discuss the issue of promoting digitisation. In the Vibrant Summit, we will try to discuss the issue of promoting digital. Currency notes will again come back into circulation, there is no doubt about that. But, if after notes are back, and we continue to behave like we did before demonetisation, then the exercise will yield no benefit, she said. So, we would like to discuss the issue of promoting digital, and spread awareness about digital, said the head of Indias largest bank. The Centre had on November 8 last year, scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, which led to long queues outside bank branches. Narendra Modi skipped his daily yoga practice on Tuesday morning to meet his mother Hiraba, the prime minister tweeted. The prime minister is on a two-day visit to Gujarat and his 97-year-old mother lives with Modis younger brother Pankaj Modi at Raisan village near the state capital Gandhinagar. Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2017 Modi is in the western state for the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat summit and is meeting several foreign heads of state. Modis tweet was received warmly by many social media users but appeared to have angered his foe and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. In a series of tweets, the Aam Aadmi Party chief hit out at the prime minister for abandoning his wife and mother and said he didnt make his mother stand in a bank queue for politics a reference to photographs and reports of Hiraba in a bank queue to exchange demonetised banknotes in November. PM , https://t.co/CT243GTTzc Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 10, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial business meet he had launched as the chief minister of the state in 2003, at Gandhinagar on Tuesday afternoon. The summit, which has made headlines in the past for the staggering number of MoUs (memorandums of understanding) inked at each edition, now aims to facilitate nearly 22,000 such deals with an investment commitment of around Rs 30 lakh crore at Mahatma Mandir over the next four days. Ahead of the inauguration at 3.30 pm, Modi will host a lunch for several foreign delegates including Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Olegovich Rogozin, Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta and Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa. Later, Modi will chair a roundtable conference of around 60 nationals and international CEOs on Transforming India. It is expected to be attended by Ciscos John Chambers, Boeings Bertrand Marc Allen and Suzuki Motor Corps Toshihiro Suzuki, among others. Indian business magnates expected to attend the meeting and the inaugural ceremony are Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, Kumar Mangalam Birla of the Aditya Birla Group, Essar head Shashi Ruia and Reliance ADA Group chairman Anil Ambani. Officials said the main objective of the roundtable conference was to brainstorm ways to turn India into an ideal investment destination. Among Unions ministers expected to attend the four-day summit are finance minister Arun Jaitley and power minister Piyush Goyal. Jaitley will address a special GST session to detail rollout plans for the indirect tax regime on Wednesday. Read | Biggest ever Vibrant Gujarat summit to host global biz leaders, Nobel laureates Later in the night, Modi will host a dinner for the CEOs. The state government has roped in chefs from Mumbais Taj Mahal Palace hotel to prepare lunch for the state guests and dinner for the CEOs both at Mahatma Mandir. Taj chefs will supervise the preparation of vegetarian meals, an official said. Modi had conceptualised and built Mahatma Mandir a convention centre aimed at promoting Gandhian philosophy when he was still the Gujarat chief minister. Apart from auditoriums, it houses Dandi Kutir, a salt mound-shaped hall that exhibits the life and times of Gandhi in digital format. Dalit leader detained Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, who threatened to disrupt the summit unless the state government fulfilled his communitys demand for land, was detained in Ahmedabad earlier this morning. Mevani alleged that the government, which favoured corporate giants over Dalits and tribals, was not allowing them to lodge their protest through peaceful demonstrations. If Modiji is asked to reveal how many jobs would be created through these Vibrant Gujarat summits, he offers no answer. If we complain about fertile land of farmers being handed over to industries, they dub us anti-development. While land is available for business groups and corporate giants, there is none for Dalits, tribals or the landless class, he said. Read | Vegetarian-only menu: No chicken at Vibrant Gujarat after bird flu scare The video posts of Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur Yadav about poor food pose not just questions of corruption by officials but also discipline for the BSF authorities to address, former director general of the force Prakash Singh told HT on Tuesday. There are 200,000 personnel in the BSF, even if 200 of them start shooting and circulating videos, it will cause a disciplinary crisis, said Singh who also heads the New Delhi-based Indian Police Foundation and Institute. Senior officials need to ensure that personnel are not allowed to violate service rules that prohibit sharing of information, pictures and operational details through any medium including phone videos, the former BSF chief who has been advocating police reforms and better preparedness of the forces for the last two decades said. Discipline is integral to good performance. He said the BSF inquiry, ordered by home minister Rajnath Singh on Monday evening should look at whether the jawans allegations of rations being siphoned off are a result of corruption or mismanagement by the local officials. The inquiry will also take into account whether the allegations circulated in the public domain were first conveyed to the seniors of the jawan and if action was taken on them. Singh said the jawans working hours are certainly tough and they vary from sector to sector. But, the BSF really looks after its jawans. If there is a deterioration of standards somewhere, I am sure it must be an aberration. The inquiry should fix responsibility and also look at issues of discipline, Singh added. The BSF has a provisioning directorate based at its headquarters in New Delhi. There is a senior officer in charge of provisioning who sends out rations to local posts. The inquiry should identify where the problem originated. Read | BSF jawan video: Govt takes serious note, says welfare of soldiers a priority Singh had also conducted the inquiry into last years violent Jat reservation agitation in Haryana and indicted senior police officials for poor command and leadership. On Tuesday, the BSF issued a statement saying Tej Bahadur Yadav had a difficult past and needed regular counselling. According to the statement, he had been sent to his current post along the Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir only 10 days back and that neither he nor 20 of his colleagues at the post had complained when senior officers visited last week. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Denmark on Tuesday to extend full support in the extradition of Purulia arms drop case accused Kim Davy, taking into account Indias sensitivities. The matter was raised by Modi during a call by Danish minister of energy, utilities and climate change Lars Christian Lilleholt, who is in Gandhinagar to attend the Vibrant Gujarat summit. The Prime Minister raised the issue of Kim Davys extradition and hoped that Denmark would take into account Indias sensitivities and extend full cooperation. The Danish minister assured that Denmark was seized of the matter, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. Last month, India had made a fresh request to Denmark seeking extradition of Niels Holck aka Kim Davy, an accused in the 21-year-old Purulia arms drop case. The fresh Indian plea was made after previous attempts to bring him to India for facing prosecution failed as the courts in Denmark rejected the extradition request. During the meeting, Modi also expressed his gratitude for Denmarks support to Indias membership of MTCR and NSG. The two also discussed bilateral trade cooperation with the Prime Minister asserting that India-Denmark trade of $2.8 billion and Danish investment of $6 billion in India showed the strength of trade and investment ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister sought Danish participation in the areas of ports and shipping, waste water management and energy efficiency, in all of which Denmark has considerable expertise, Swarup said. On his part, the Danish minister conveyed greetings of the Danish Prime Minister and said that Denmark greatly appreciated Modis vision for modernising India. Denmark was keen to participate in Indias smart city project and was awaiting an early visit by Minister of Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu, the visiting minister conveyed and added that Denmark was also keen to cooperate in the area of green energy particularly wind and solar. Observing that India has set ambitious targets for combating climate change in COP21 with plans to install 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, Modi said Denmark could be a valuable partner in the area. Emphasising that new innovation was needed in the wind energy sector, the Prime Minister advocated a hybrid model where benefit could be driven from both solar and wind energy through an integrated system. Modi also sought Denmarks participation in the international Solar Alliance which would promote innovation, research, affordable and sustainable technology, especially for smaller countries, Swarup said, adding that Denmark and India had both prioritised Mission Innovation. After two former RBI Governors YV Reddy and Bimal Jalan, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen on Tuesday raised questions on Reserve Banks autonomy saying the central bank does not decide anything now and all decisions are taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highly critical of the demonetisation, Sen opined that it has failed to eliminate black money though Modi would continue to get the benefit of doubt. People think Prime Minister is doing something to eliminate black money... Modi will continue to get benefit of doubt... The idea that rich is suffering is appealing to poor people, Sen told India Today TV in an interview. Read | Demonetisation will have adverse effects, says economist Amartya Sen On RBIs decision to ban exchange of scrapped notes after December 30, he said, I dont think this is RBIs decision. This must be Prime Ministers ...I dont think RBI decides anything at this time. Modi in his November 8 address to the nation had said those who could not deposit old notes by December 30 could go to specified offices of the Reserve Bank of India up to March 31, 2017 and deposit the notes after submitting a declaration form. Sen further said the RBI was quite independent when Raghuram Rajan was Governor. It was served by illustrious persons like IG Patel and Manmohan Singh. Earlier, Reddy as well as Jalan had underlined the need for preserving the autonomy of RBI. As regards the black money, Sen said it was puzzling why the government opted to eliminate tiny 6% black money by demonetising 86% of the currency. Several countries including USA, Japan have lots of cash. On the governments claim of eliminating fake currency through demonetisation, he said it was never a problem. Fake money was never a big problem in India. Fake money problem was not something you want to hold while economy in ransom, the Nobel laureate said. The demonetisation decision was taken by small group of people, he said, adding state governments should have been consulted as India has a federal polity. The government in a surprise move demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, which constituted 86 per cent of the currency, from midnight of November 8. Read | Where the poor are concerned, there is very little change: Amartya Sen Soon, you will be able to opt for travel insurance cover while travelling in a cab from one place to another within the same city. Taxi service providers and aggregators such as Ola and Uber are looking to tie up with insurance companies to provide cover to their passengers for any accident, medical emergency or even loss of baggage much like airlines and railways. The insurance cover will be over your own personal accident or third party motor insurance. Passengers will have to pay an additional 3-5 per cent for this cover. The charges could change depending on the needs of the customers. Sources said that insurers such as ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Reliance General Insurance are already in talks with the taxi service providers for the same. We are looking at launching a domestic travel insurance product in the near future that will cover your ride via any of the e-commerce taxi service providers in India, TA Ramalingam, chief distribution officer, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance told Hindustan Times. One will be able to opt for the cover on a per day or a per trip basis... the insured will be able to customise the policy depending upon her requirement, Ramalingam said. A Reliance General Insurance spokesperson added, We are evaluating a few products in this space, which has been gaining acceptance and growing in scale. Uber and Ola, however, refused to comment on the issue. Sources, meanwhile, said that this market was still in its nascent stage and this could be used as an experiment to test the waters. This insurance segment will particularly help many foreign travellers visiting the country, an industry insider said, adding that many passengers are still reluctant to hail a cab late at night or while travelling to deserted areas. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Tuesday decided to hear a PIL by an NGO seeking CBI/SIT probe into the alleged wrongdoings in the purchase of AgustaWestland helicopters by five states along with the hearing on a plea for a probe into the overseas accounts of Indian nationals named in Panama Papers. The bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice R Banumathi decided to hear the two matters together after senior counsel Sanjay Hegde told the court that the trail of the alleged tainted money in the purchase of AgustaWestland helicopters by a certain state government could be traced to Panama Papers. The purchase of 12 VVIP AgustaWestland helicopters by the central government was followed up by five state governments -- Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan -- and they also purchased helicopters from the same company for their requirements. Trying to impress upon the court to hear the two petitions together, the senior counsel said: If I buy a car through a middleman instead of buying directly from the manufacturer and a part of middlemans commission goes to the account of my son, then it is a matter of concern and cannot not be brushed aside as something inconsequential. Directing for the hearing of plea by NGO Swaraj Abhiyan to be done along with the PIL by Advocate M.L. Sharma seeking probe into the Panama Paper leak, the bench delinked the hearing of a plea seeking probe into the allegation that chopper company had spent six million euros for managing the media in a VIP helicopter deal that ran into rough weather following allegations of payoffs. The copy of the petition on alleged media management by AugustaWestland by veteran journalist Hari Jaisinh was given to Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. The court directed for its hearing after six weeks. In the last hearing of the plea by Jaisinh, the court had asked him to give a copy of the same to the CBI and the Directorate of Enforcement. Even as Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi reiterated his earlier contention that the petition by Swaraj Abhiyan was not maintainable, as some of the people associated with it are floating a political outfit by the name of Swaraj India, the court said that PIL should be genuine and sanguine. While the Attorney General referred to an earlier judgment of the top court to buttress his argument that in the case of report by the CAG or the PAC, the court has no jurisdiction, as both are accountable and answerable to Parliament, senior counsel Shanti Bhushan said that both in 2G and coal scams, cases were based on the CAG report. The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave the Kerala government three months to disburse Rs 500 crore as compensation for over 5,000 persons who suffered from various deformities, health complications and lost family members after using Endosulfan pesticides in the state. A bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar also asked the state to consider setting up a centre to provide lifelong medical treatment to all the victims. It hoped the government would look into the feasibility of making such a facility available. The state government, the court said, was at liberty to take necessary measure to recover compensation paid to victims from the Centre through appropriate proceedings. The directive came while the bench disposed off a public interest petition filed by Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) in 2012, which complained about the adverse effects of Endosulfan. Both the Centre and Kerala were opposed to the ban of the pesticide due to their effectiveness on pests, but the top court stopped its usage in 2012. Earlier, a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered expert committee had revealed that 13.35% of registered pesticides, including Endosulfan, posed serious health hazards, especially to the reproductive system, and could also lead to congenital deformities. The panel had recommended the phasing out of the controversial pesticide over a span of two years instead of destroying it through incinerators, since the latter would have cost over Rs 1000 crore to the exchequer. Senior experts, including the director general of health services, member secretary of the Central Pollution of Control Board and the director of the National Institute of Occupational Health were members of the committee. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday directed Indian ambassador to France Mohan Kumar to make arrangements for the travel of a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) suffering from cancer to India after the man sought help through a video message on YouTube. She also advised the Indian ambassador that an official from the embassy escort him and his ailing wife to India. The video posted on YouTube by Shiv Charan appealing for help was tweeted by Swaraj, asking Indians in France to locate him and his wife who has been suffering from arthritis. Surprisingly, Indians in France located him in less than an hour, and passed on his number to Swaraj. I have spoken to Shri Shiv Charan ji in France a few minutes back. Shri Shiv Charan ji is from Udaipur. I told him that we are prepared to fly them back to India immediately. Our Ambassador in France Mohan Kumar @AmbMoKumar will contact and fly them to India as per their convenience. I have also spoken to Shri Arjun Lal Meena MP from Udaipur. He will receive Shri & Smt Shiv Charan in Delhi and escort them to Udaipur. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 10, 2017 I have advised @AmbMoKumar that since Shiv Charanji is not in good health, our Embassy official should escort them to India @Indian_Embassy, Swaraj tweeted. I have advised @AmbMoKumar that since Shiv Charanji is not in good health, our Embassy official should escort them to India. @Indian_Embassy Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 10, 2017 She said she has also spoken to Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje over the issue. I have spoken to Chief Minister Rajasthan @VasundharaBJP. She has promised all help to Shivcharanji in Udaipur (sic), she tweeted. I have spoken to Chief Minister Rajasthan @VasundharaBJP She has promised all help to Shivcharanji in Udaipur. https://t.co/6IdSKE9ApH Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 10, 2017 The external affairs minister again advised Indians staying abroad to tweet their problems to the respective Indian embassy and tag her in a case of emergency. Please tweet your problem to the concerned Indian Embassy/authority and endorse the same to @sushmaswaraj. I monitor their response to your tweets personally. In case of emergency pl mention #SOS, Swaraj tweeted. I monitor their response to your tweets personally. In case of emergency pl mention #SOS. /2 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 10, 2017 Read| Face problem abroad? Tweet and tag me, Sushma Swaraj tells Indians In a bid to forge an alliance with Shiv Sena for the upcoming elections to 10 municipal corporations and 26 Zilla Parishads, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked party leaders to initiate talks with their Sena counterparts to explore seat sharing possibilities. Fadnavis has given directions to district unit leaders to talk to Sena politicians on seat sharing possibilities. The CM and state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve will meet tomorrow to discuss the strategy for alliance, finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters. The focus should be on winning maximum number of seats, said Mungantiwar. Fadnavis held a meeting with guardian ministers of BJP on Monday night to discuss the proposed alliance. Mungantiwar said alliance finalisation should be done at the earliest so that workers get into election mode and begin campaigning. The minister made it clear that alliance will not be 100% since it is not possible to take a decision being in Mumbai. Local leaderships need to be taken on board, he said. Earlier, the late Bal Thackeray, Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde would discuss the strategy for alliance and seat sharing, he said. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday offered to join if an alliance is formed between Samajwadi Party, Congress and RLD for the Uttar Pradesh elections and also sought a pact with Congress in Punjab and Goa. Speaking after a working committee meet chaired by NCP president Sharad Pawar here, partys national general secretary Tariq Anwar said though the party is keen on alliance with the Congress in Goa, if there is no consensus, it will look for clinching a deal with regional parties in the state. We will have discussions with secular parties to form an alliance in the election-bound states. In Uttar Pradesh, we will seek an alliance if the Samajwadi Party, Congress, Ajit Singh (RLD) come together. Amidst the ongoing infighting in the SP, talks of a possible alliance between the Uttar Pradesh ruling party and Congress has gained momentum. Apart from elections in five states that are going to polls over the next two months, the working committee also discussed effects of demonetisation. We will have discussions with secular parties to form an alliance in the election-bound states. In Uttar Pradesh, we will seek an alliance if the Samajwadi Party, Congress, Ajit Singh (RLD) come together. If the talks are not fruitful the party would fight alone to expand its organisation, said Anwar. He said, in Punjab, major alliance is only between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP, the NCP is trying to hold talks with the Congress for a pact in the state. When asked about an alliance with the Congress in Maharashtra civic polls scheduled next month, Anwar parried question saying decision on this would be taken at the state level. Partys national general secretary Praful Patel, state unit presidents of poll-bound Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, and other members of the working committee took part in the meeting. Read| Gearing up for elections, UP government issues 523 orders in 5 days A 20-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped and forced to drink pesticide by an auto-rickshaw driver and three others near a secluded park in the state capital on Monday night, police said. Additional deputy commissioner of police (west) Ratan Singh quoting victims statement said, The woman had boarded an auto-rickshaw outside the Jaipur Railway station to go to Jagatpura. But the driver and three others, whom she had mistaken as co-passengers, took the auto near a secluded park where they allegedly took turns to rape her. They even tried to poison her by forcibly making her drink pesticide, the police official said. No one has been arrested so far in this connection, but investigation is on, police said. It was the second such incident of gang-rape in the pink city within a span of about two months. Earlier in November, a 16-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by four persons under Shipra Path police station area. The Mondays incident took place around 7.30pm after the woman reached Jaipur railway station from Alwar where she had gone to appear for a competitive examination. The woman in her complaint stated that her tormentors dumped her at JLN Marg at around 5.30am on Tuesday. From there she somehow managed to contact the police control room. The victim, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, has been living at a rented accommodation in the citys Jagatpura locality along with her father and brother for the past few months. Police said medical test of the victim was done on Tuesday and a case was registered at the Sadar police station based on her complaint. We have started an investigation into the incident. The probe will shed more light on the incident, Singh added. Deputy commissioner of police (west) Ashok Gupta said the police were looking at CCTV footages collected from various areas of the city to determine the identity of the accused and the place where the crime was committed. We have also notified the auto-rickshaw drivers union and taking their help to locate the accused. We are also interrogating several auto-rickshaw drivers, said Gupta. The Rajasthan government has come up with an initiative to help curb power theft and reduce revenue loss by seeking active participation of bureaucrats and public representatives. Under the initiative, the government has urged bureaucrats, including district collectors and sub divisional officers, and the MLAs to adopt one electricity feeder each in their respective areas and help strengthen the vigil mechanism by working in tandem with the power distribution companies (discoms) and the local residents. The move comes weeks after chief minister Vasundhara Raje, addressing the Collector-SP meet on November 23 last year, directed the collectors to bring down the transmission and distribution (T&D) by adopting the community initiative against power theft at Bithur village in Ajmer district, which has now come to be known the Bithur Model. The CM had said that state can save 3,300 crore per year --- 100 crore per district --- by bringing down the T&D loss to below 15 per cent. It may be mentioned that government is suffering 3 crore per month revenue loss in Barmer district alone due to power theft. As per the official data, the district recorded an average of 11.49 per cent loss due to power theft in rural areas and 15.89 per cent in urban areas in 2016. On Tuesday, the discom officials in Barmer allotted 20 of the total 1,048 feeders on pilot basis to officials and public representatives. District collector Sudheer Sharma adopted the city feeder in Barmer, which had recorded T&D loss of 15.70 per cent, while revenue minister Amraram Choudhary has adopted Balau Jati feeder from where 46.15 per cent loss --- maximum in the district was reported. Goparam Sirvi, superintendent engineer of Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited in Barmer said they have prepared the list of feeders from where maximum losses were reported and allotted 20 of them after holding discussions with the officials and the public representatives. Manvendra Singh, MLA from Sheo constituency in Barmer, said he too has adopted one feeder under Chief Minister Electricity Reform Programme. He said, he will motivate locals to help government by informing about the power thieves. I will explain to them that it will not only reduce government loss, but also ensure timely and sufficient power supply to them, he added. The chief whip of Trinamool Congress in Lok Sabha, Kalyan Banerjee, added a fresh twist to the ongoing tussle between BJP and Trinamool Congress on Tuesday by alleging that the Prime Minister sent an emissary to Sudip Bandyopadhyay, the leader of Trinamools parliamentary party, with the proposal to meet him during the opposition storm in Parliament on demonetisation, an offer that Bandyopadhyay flatly refused. Banerjee also alleged that Bandyopadhyays refusal to heed the message led to his arrest on January 3. PM Modi sent an emissary from the PMO -- a short gentleman -- to Bandyopadhyay, requesting him to meet the Prime Minister. But Bandyopadhyay flatly refused the offer. The episode happened in front of me and at a time when the Parliament was agog with united protests from the opposition parties, in which our party took a leading role, Banerjee told HT over phone. Banerjee, a practising lawyer, is now in the national capital to participate in the agitation programme of Trinamool Congress to protest against Bandyopadhyays arrest. He (Kalyan Banerjee) is not speaking the truth. Was Tapas Paul, too, contacted by the Prime Minister? BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha remarked sarcastically. Since Bandyopadhyay was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Rose Valley scam, Trinamool Congress launched a nation-wide protest against politics of vendetta by the Centre. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee ordered and monitored the agitation programme. In a number of public meetings she alleged that the arrests of the two MPs were a direct fallout of her partys stiff and high-pitched opposition to the demonetisation decision. The CBI has been turned into the Conspiracy Bureau of India. They are targeting our leaders because we took the lead in protesting demonetisation, she remarked at a public meeting on Tuesday in Birbhum district. Since the fateful announcement of the Prime Minister at 8 PM on November 8, Mamata Banerjee emerged as the most visible face among the opposition leaders to hit the streets against the decision. She toured many north Indian states trying to rally support in her favour and to oppose Modi. Incidentally, Kalyan Banerjees allegations came at a time when CBI is intensely grilling Bandyopadhyay and Tapas Paul in Bhubaneswar. There are indications that they may also try to find their links with Saradha scam as well, which will only complicate matters for the Trinamool leaders. On Tuesday, the Bengal chief minister also twitted a list of more than 120 persons who, she said, have died due to demonetisation. It is learnt CBI is preparing to question a few more prominent faces from the Bengali film industry their connection with the Rs 17,000-crore Rose Valley scam. They are also seen at ruling party functions. Aparna Yadav, the younger daughter-in-law of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, is new to politics but she is acting like a deft politician. Staying away from the ongoing feud in the Yadav family, Aparna is busy campaigning in Lucknow Cant assembly constituency from where she will contest the state assembly election. From holding public meetings to personally interacting with the people of her constituency, Aparna is reaching out to voters in her constituency almost every day without fail. On the New Year Eve, when the power struggle in the family was hogging the headlines, Aparna organised a religious discourse at her residence and met the people from her constituency. And Aparna is getting full support from her in-laws. Sadhna Yadav, the second wife of Mulayam, who has remained out of media glare and has refrained from making public appearances, was also present with Aparna in one of her public meetings in Samar Vihar Colony in Lucknow Cant on December 24 last. SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadavs wife Sadhna Yadav campaigning for her daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav. (HT File Photo) Aparna has a post-graduate degree in international relations and politics from the University of Manchester. Her husband Prateek has an MSc degree from Leeds University. They tied the nuptial knot in Saifai, the ancestral village of Mulayam in Etawah district, in December 2011. For the poll campaign, Aparna has constituted a team of dedicated workers in every ward of the constituency to keep a tab on political activities. Aparna is undeterred by the fact that the Samajwadi Party has never won the election from Lucknow Cant assembly constituency. It has always been a BJP bastion, barring the 2012 assembly election, when Rita Bahuguna Joshi of Congress won the seat defeating BJPs Suresh Chandra Tewari. Rita Bahuguna Joshi has now joined the BJP. At a time when the Yadav family feud has left the Samajwadi Party leaders in a fix, Aparna is managing her political foray quite well. By refraining from making comment on the ongoing tussle in the family she has shown political maturity, said a senior Samajwadi Party leader not willing to be quoted. Read more: Uttar Pradesh elections: All you need to know about Indias political heartland SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON From now on, pasting political publicity material on the facebook or other social media sites may also invite legal action against the account user. The district election office (DEO) here in a first has constituted a cell to keep a check on the political parties and individuals from posting publicity materials on such sites. In previous assembly elections, social media sites and mobile applications were not that active, especially in terms of UP. But in this digital era, when every person owns a smart phone and runs facebook, whatsapp and twitter account, it becomes need of the hour to have a body to check these elements, a senior DEO officer said. This was the second initiative on DEOs part to ensure compliance of model code of conduct. Prior to this, it had launched a drive to pull down political banners, posters, pamphlets and wall paintings after the code of conduct was imposed on January 4. As a part of DEOs latest initiative, the cell that will function under the top level officers would keep tabs on the social media accounts as well as mobile applications. There will be a strict vigil on the social media sites and applications. Balkar Singh, additional CEO has been appointed as a head of this cell. The cell will also keep a track on the other networking sites, said T Venkatesh, chief election officer. Read more: Assemly polls 2017: Urban ministry approaches ECI to allow Swachh Bharat ads From cultural performances, Bengali delicacies to a flower show, there is so much to do at the two -day spring festival Bangla Mela held from January 14 at community centre, Gurgaon. Organised by the DCDP Bengali Cultural Society, the spring festival this year is celebrating its 10th edition. Aniruddha Banerji, general secretary, says, Bangla Mela is a decade old creative tradition of our society. A lot of people from other communities come forward to participate. The festival is an attempt to showcase our culture and celebrate. Its also a platform to display ones talent at large. A part of our initiative is to let people know about Bengals ethnic culture. We are bringing folk artist from Bengal, too. The highlights of the festival include a 50-feet-long flower carpet, photography exhibition capturing the essence of Bengal, soulful folk music and dance performances, shopping counters showcasing traditional handicrafts from Bengal and much more. Apart from Baul music, there will be Gambhira and Jhumur dance performances during the festival. And since no festival is complete without food, at the Anando Mela, guests can savour local winter-special delicacies that will be brought by the members of the society,adds Banerji. The session with actor Sharmila Tagore is also a part of the fest, however, open only to the members. Facts What: Bangla Mela Where:Community Centre, F block, DLF Ph-1, Gurgaon When:January 14-15 Timings:10am-6pm Nearest metro station: Sikanderpur on the yellow line Entry:Free Follow @htlifeandstyle for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A baby boy from Malad survived a rare condition in which he lost nearly 80% of his blood to his mother while he was in the womb.Doctors said that the baby was completely white when they delivered him through caesarean section last month. The mother was three weeks away from her due date and was admitted for a preterm delivery. A non-stress test performed at 36 weeks of her pregnancy revealed that the babys breathing patterns were abnormal. We were surprised to see that the baby was pale and severely anaemic. We immediately sent his and the mothers blood for testing, said Dr Amit Jagtap, neonatologist, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical at Khar. Such babies are often referred to as ghost babies, owing to their pale colour, he added. The babys blood test showed that his haemoglobin level was 4 gm/ dl, much lower than the normal range of 14 to 18. Doctors said it was normal for 0.5 to 1% of the foetus blood to drain into the mothers system through the umbilical cord. But in this case, it was roughly 80%. We had to use indirect methods to quantify the amount of blood from the baby that was lost to the mother as the actual test KleihauerBetke test is not available in the city, said Dr Ravindra Chittal, consultant paediatrician at the hospital. Doctors identified this as a rare case of feto-maternal hemorrhage. They said that in such cases the chances of a babys survival are very slim as most of them die in the uterus before delivery. In this case, the baby survived the delivery and needed three rounds of blood transfusion and respiratory support in the neonatal intensive care unit. The baby was in a shock. The first round of blood transfusion was performed hours after the delivery. We put him in the NICU for around five days and his condition gradually improved, said Dr Chittal. The babys father, who runs a private business company, said the baby was doing well. It was disturbing when doctors told us about this. We have to take him for follow-ups, he said. Loss of blood Feto-maternal hemorrhage refers to the entry of fetal blood into the maternal circulation before or during delivery. Small amounts, nearly 0.1 ml of fetal blood, is commonly found in maternal circulation. However, loss of large volumes of blood to the mother could result in death of the babies in the womb. Such babies are referred to as ghost babies as they are pale due to the loss of blood. Also read: Mom-to-be? Take note: Taking antacids in pregnancy could lead to asthma in kids At a time when zilla parishad elections are on the cards, the Pune unit of the BJP has once again accommodated an alleged criminal. Vitthal Shelar from Urwade village in Mulshi tehsil, has been booked for murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and extortion. He was booked under MCOCA in 2014 but was released on bail four months ago. He was appointed as the partys youth wing president. Guardian minister Girish Bapat and party district president Bala Bhegde were present on the occasion. Neither Bapat nor Bhegde were available for comment. Meanwhile, BJP state president Raosaheb Danwe , while talking to the media in Nanded, said, The party never entertains criminals. We will take action if someone is found guilty by the court. Congress has condemned this move saying the BJP is honouring hardened criminals by inducting them to the fold. Shelar will be in-charge of Mulshi, Maval and Bhor tehsils in Pune. All the areas are either dominated by NCP or Congress . This is the second time the BJP has accommodated an alleged criminal. Two months ago, gangster Baba Bodke joined the party. Also read CM Devendra Fadnavis photograph with a criminal triggers controversy BJP legislator who called Rahul Gandhi traitor is a history-sheeter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Even as the suspense over a BJP-Shiv Sena alliance for the upcoming Mumbai civic polls and other municipal corporations and district council elections continued on Tuesday, CM Devendra Fadnavis has indicated that he is in favour of an alliance. The elections to 10 municipal corporations and 26 district councils are likely to be announced anytime this week. Fadnavis, in a late night huddle with a few of ministers, said he was in favour of a saffron alliance to ensure that BJP retained its numero uno rank in the second phase of polls after the municipal council elections. There is likely to be a meeting at Varsha, the CMs residence, on Wednesday, to sort out issues with senior BJP leaders, after which talks will begin with Sena. We will have an alliance with Shiv Sena wherever possible. It may not work out everywhere, but talks will be held. There is no reason why it should not be possible even in Mumbai, said finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar. Sources said Fadnavis has convinced the party high command, especially after the successful innings in the recently concluded municipal council polls, that an alliance will work in favour of the BJP. In the upcoming polls, going by the 2012 results, BJP has its work cut out. It ranks last in terms of seats in the zilla parishads and has only two cities Nagpur and Akola under its belt. Senas presence in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik is better and an alliance can help both the parties get more seats. The constant tussle between the two parties and Senas criticism of demonetisation, however, may not be conducive to an amiable tie up. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray gave an ultimatum to the BJP asking it to spell out its stance on the alliance before the state election commission announced the polls. At the same time, he began interviewing aspiring candidates for the BMC polls, indicating that the party was willing to go solo. His senior leaders, however, told HT that Thackeray had not ruled out alliance and the final decision would rest on seat sharing formula, offered by BJP. In Mumbai, BJP is keen on a 50: 50 seat sharing ratio but Sena is unwilling to concede to it. The question of a saffron alliance in Mumbai is important because it could change the political dynamics for the polls. Right now, the Sena and the BJP are the main opponents in the poll battle for the countrys richest civic body. In the case of a tie-up, the battle will be between the saffron alliance and the Congress. When HT asked Fadnavis about the possibility of a tie-up, he said it was possible but refused to elaborate further. There is likely to be more clarity on January 12, when the BJP holds its one-day state conclave in Thane. There is a section of local leaders not happy with the possibility of tie up. At BJP meetings, the CM says we have to have our mayor in the BMC. Is that possible with an alliance? A tie-up at this stage seems very unlikely at least for Mumbai, said a senior BJP functionary. Also, if we wanted an alliance, the serious talks over seat-sharing should have started by now. Such talks take at least a week of two. Even if we start now, we wont be able to conclude them before the nomination process for the elections start. In this confusion over saffron alliance, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday further queered the pitch by indicating his party was open for an alliance if there was any such offer (from the BJP or the Sena). Rajs offer is unlikely to be taken seriously by his cousin, who refused to even give an answer when asked. On the whole, the 26 district councils and 10 civic corporations polls dubbed as state mini assembly polls, can set the tone for the 2019 elections. Read more: BMC polls 2017: Mobile app to help voters find wards, booths SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bombay high court on Tuesday held that BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd the joint venture between Russia and India that provides BrahMos cruise missiles to the Ministry of Defence is not liable to pay sales tax to the Maharashtra government as it only uses a unit in Nagpur to store missile parts. BrahMos Aerospace had filed a plea before the court in 2015, challenging the sales tax imposed by the Maharashtra government merely for storing imported explosive warheads at a unit in Nagpur. As per the plea, it imports missiles from Russia and assembles them with other elements manufactured or bought in Andhra Pradesh and sells them to the Indian Armed forces. The imported warheads are stored at a unit in Nagpur. For all such sales, it is charged a 14.5% sales tax by the Telangana government as it has a manufacturing unit in Hyderabad. In May 2015, the assistant commissioner of sales tax, Nagpur, sent a notice to the petitioner saying that since the warheads were stored in Nagpur, the petitioner should to pay tax to the state government that amounted to Rs117.78 crore. The petitioner then challenged this in the HC. READ India, Russia developing longer-range BrahMos missile: Government SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jaykumar Gore, a Congress MLA from Maan in Satara district, was arrested by the police on Tuesday for sending messages asking for sexual favors from a social worker. Gore was later remanded to police custody till January 12 after his surrender in the afternoon. According to Satara police, his arrest was imminent after the Bombay high court on Monday turned down his plea seeking anticipatory bail. The MLA was accused of sending WhatsApp texts to a social worker who had approached him for some work in 2015. She filed a complaint with the Satara police and he was booked under various sections of Indian Penal Code pertaining to sexual harassment, molestation and stalking. To evade arrest, Gore first approached the high court seeking anticipatory bail when the lower court refused it to him. While hearing, Justice Mridula Bhatkar observed that custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary. Gore, a three-time member of the legislative assembly, is not new to controversies. Last year, he was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a polling officer during the elections for a cooperative society. In November 2014, he was among the five Congress legislators who were suspended by the Assembly Speaker, Haribhau Bagde, for allegedly heckling the governor, Ch Vidyasagar Rao, while he was trying to enter Vidhan Bhawan. In 2009, he was booked for attacking a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, Sadashiv Pol. Considered to be a close associate of former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, Gore had offered to vacate his seat for him in 2011. Also read Congress MLA likely to be held for sending lewd messages SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A special court on Tuesday refused permission to Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal for angiography in a private hospital and instead asked Arthur Road jail authorities to take him to a government-run JJ hospital for the treatment. The order by the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court came after the jailed leader, accused in a money-laundering case, stoked controversy for allegedly receiving preferential treatment at a private hospital. On December 14, the PMLA court, acting on a plea, ordered the jail authorities to transfer him to the Arthur Road jail from the hospital. He had refused to be treated in JJ hospital owing to its poor infrastructure. The court ruled that, according to the prison manual, he has to be taken to a state-run hospital after getting his consent. He will be treated by expert doctors under the supervision of the dean of the hospital, said the court. Refusing Bhujbals counsels arguments, the court referred to various Bombay high court directions which had asked him to undergo treatment in only government hospitals. The lawyer argued his client should not be taken to a JJ hospital without his approval. Considering the objection, the court asked the jail authorities to seek Bhujbals consent. The former chief minister of Maharashtra was arrested on March 14 last year by the Enforcement Directorate over alleged bribery charges in the construction of Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi. READ Bhujbal wants no action against Sena workers in 1997 vandalism case SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mephedrone accounted for 35% of the value of 11 different drugs seized by the anti-narcotics cell of the Mumbai crime branch last year, which also included cocaine, ganja, hashish and LSD. The police registered 114 cases of drug possession in 2016. The total value of the drugs seized was Rs1.86 crore, of which mephedrone accounted for Rs 65.86 lakh from 19 cases. An anti-narcotics official, who did not wish to be named, said, MD (mephedrone) popular among youngsters and those who cant afford cocaine as it sells for Rs2,000 a gram. The rich go for cocaine. He added that another reason youngsters choose MD over Ganja is that it is easier to consume and dont not leave an odour. Ganja has a strong smell and one can easily detect it. But MD leaves no odour and is easier to consume, said the official. MD is a relatively recent drug and was only included in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in 2015. According to figures from the anti-narcotics cell, 19 cases involving MD were registered in 2016, in which 27 peddlers were arrested. The police seized 3.3kg of the drug worth Rs 65.86 lakh. MD was followed by cocaine, of which the police seized 360 gram, valued at Rs 46.15 lakh. They registered 17 cases and arrested 22 peddlers. Ganja, on the other hand, was the cheapest and most abundant of the 11 drugs. The police seized about 240 kg of the drug, valued at Rs25.16 lakh, registered 45 cases and arrested 51 peddlers. READ MORE In Mumbai: Man arrested after police find mephedrone worth 2cr in his car Nine months on, former MLAs son held in Ephedrine haul case Maharashtra government will now take a stock of the five years of implementing the 25% reservation for students from economically weaker sections. Schools will have to furnish information on the students admitted under the Right to Education (RTE) quota five years ago. The school education department has asked the Pune-based National Informatics Centre (NIC) to check if the quota students in unaided, non-minority schools are receiving free education, states a government resolution issued on Tuesday evening. As per the GR, this year, the online admission process to fill the quota seats will be held between January 16 and April 29 across the state and schools will be able to admit students to the entry-level of their choice. Seats will be allotted through five lottery rounds. The eight-paged GR attempts to streamline the online admission process, which has been marked by frequent delays, inconsistencies and confusion in the past. It states that schools will have to take efforts to ensure that RTE students do not dropout later and are brought on par with other students. No discrimination will be tolerated, it adds. The GR states that it will be mandatory for eligible schools to register for the online admissions in the stipulated 15 days failing which education officials can issue notice recommending de-recognition. To prevent schools from rejecting admissions on technical grounds, the GR states that only the education officers will have to power to verify documents-this will be done at the time of filling the online application. Schools cannot independently verify any documents including income certificates issued by the Tehsildars office. Schools will not be able to reject admissions on the grounds of inauthentic documents or spelling mistakes in the application form, said Suvarna Kharat, deputy secretary of the department. Last year, a school in South Mumbai had appointed a private detective to check the candidates. Education officials will also have to make videos and upload them on YouTube to spread awareness about the RTE seats, along with banners and pamphlets. The GR states that admissions will be cancelled if the child doesnt report to the allotted school on the given date to confirm admissions. Once admitted, the student will not be eligible for the future rounds. Also read: RTE admissions could be delayed again next year SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mumbai A 26-year-old man died after his car rammed into a container at Vikhroli flyover early on Tuesday. The deceased was riding shotgun while his friend drove the car. According to the police, the accident occurred at the Vikhroli flyover on the eastern express highway. The deceased Dinesh Kulkarni, sat next to his friend Jinesh Nigam, 27, also an Ulhasnagar resident who was driving the car. Both of them had gone to a party at Versova and were returning when the car hit the container around 5.45am, said Shiridhar D. Hanchate, senior police inspector, Vikhroli police. He added that Nigam was possibly drunk and failed to see the container in front of him when he hit it. Nigams blood reports revealed that he was driving under the influence of alcohol, said Hanchate. A case has been registered against him for causing death due to negligence. He had sustained minor injuries in the accident and was produced before a local court that remanded him to judicial custody. Also read: Mumbai cops have a cool new tool this New Years eve: Breathalysers that dont lie SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Kishoresingh Rathod, who was arrested by the Gujarat police on Monday, earned more than Rs50 lakh a month, said an officer in Gujarat. Investigations have revealed that he earned more than Rs50 lakh a month and we have also found evidence against him that links him with Vicky Goswami and Jai Mukhi, who are the other accused in the case, said a police officer from Gujarat. Thane police have details about on Kishoresinghs link with Vicky Goswami, who peddles drugs in the international markets too. Kishoresingh Rathod, who is a former MLAs son, is in the Gujarat polices custody. We will send a team to bring him to Thane. We have evidence that says that he met Goswami outside India. We are still investigating Mamta Kulkarnis involvement, said police commissioner Param Bir Singh. A police inspector from Thane commissionerate said, We have got a few pictures of Jay Mukhi and Kishoresingh Rathod together. Mukhi was one of the key accused, who helped in transporting drugs from Solapur to Gujarat. Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni spoke to HT. I dont know Kishoresingh Rathod and I was not present in any meeting. Its good that he has been arrested, she said. I am not involved in any kind of drug racket but my name has been brought into it purposely for publicity. The deputy superintendent of police, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, said, He was produced in court on Tuesday. He has been remanded in police custody for the next seven days. Once we are done with our investigation, we will hand him over to the Thane police. His (Rathod) monthly income is around Rs50 lakh as he was into drug dealing for many years. He was in regular touch with Vicky Goswami. Before landing in Rajasthan, he was on the run all over the country to evade arrest, a police officer from Thane. READ MORE Nine months on, former MLAs son held in Ephedrine haul case In 2016, police seized mephedrone worth Rs65.86 lakh in Mumbai SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The city police are yet to establish any conclusive leads in the case where a red trolley bag was discovered the body of a 12-year-old boy on Sunday night. The bag was found at a secluded spot near Shiv-kripa chawl close to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). The CCTV cameras at the LTT captured a man walking with the bag. But he has not been identified yet. While there are eye-witnesses who saw the man at the platform near the parcel department, no one has seen the man alighting from any vehicle outside the terminus, said a senior officer. The police are also trying to identify the allegedly murdered boy. They have circulated the boys picture to their counterparts across the city while descriptions of missing persons of the boys age were also scanned but they are yet to get any lead regarding it. With no one from the city coming to claim the body, we suspect that it may have also come from outside the city limits, said the officer. Sources from the police also said that investigation is underway to check if the boy hails from the areas around Mumbai or even from outside the state. The crime branch is also conducting a parallel probe to trace the man, who is expected to be around 35 years. The CCTV footage shows him wearing an off-white shirt and grey trousers. Another footage captured between 7pm and 7.30pm shows the accused pulling the bag with his right hand, while holding a plastic bag in his left. The police are trying to piece together his path. Also read: Aarey murder: Mumbai cops use victims dog to recreate crime scene The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has shortlisted 29 companies, including engineering giants Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Co. Ltd, for final stage of bidding for the Rs17,750-crore Mumbai trans-harbour link (MTHL) project. The construction of the 22-km link, which will connect Sewri and Nhava, has been divided into three parts. The first two are sea-bridge components, while the third is for construction of a road up to Chirle. The sea bridge will be 16.5-km long. According to MMRDA officials, M/s. AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd, Hindustan Construction Co Ltd, L&T, M/s Simplex Infrastructures Ltd, M/s.Soma Enterprises Ltd, etc have qualified to request for proposal (RfP) stage. M/s. J.Kumar Infraprojects Ltd., named in the civic bodys first information report on irregularities in road construction, has qualified for the third part, which entails constructions of a 3.813-km road. The qualified companies have to submit the RFPs by April 5. Senior MMRDA officials said they plan to award the contract by June, so the actual construction can start after the monsoon. Contractors can start work by October. Our plan is to finish it by 2019-end. It will take around four years, said an official, who did not wish to be named. Meanwhile, the encroachments at Chirle village at Navi Mumbai, where around 138 hectares are required, are being cleared. It is [the land] in the final stages of getting cleared. We should get the plot in a month or two, the official said, adding the Mumbai Port Trust has handed over the land for the project. Also read Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link: MMRDA explores funding option Mumbai Metro and MTHL: Grand plans for launch, but no funds SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A couple of weeks into the demonetisation drive, I was startled to receive a call from more than one of Sharad Pawars close supporters who raged that his shifting stances on Narendra Modi were hugely confusing the party cadre. Pawar had begun by welcoming the drive against black money. A few days later, sharing a stage with Modi, both leaders had heaped praises on each other, Modi even going so far as to say Pawar had walked him through the minefield of politics by holding his little finger. That caused immense damage to the Nationalist Congress Partys vote bank it is not without reason that the party has done considerably badly in the series of civic polls in the state. The BJP and the Congress have emerged as the main contenders, the NCP has often been fourth behind even the Shiv Sena. Perhaps Pawar has been able to assess the damage on his dual stand, for, last week, at a party workers meet in Nashik, he went farther than any other leader opposed to Modi has been willing to go he called Modi a dictator in no uncertain terms. For better measure, he added Modi was leading the country towards anarchy. My conversations with his party workers lead me to believe that they may have forced him to take that unambiguous position NCP workers admit that their party has ended up as the tamest political animal in the country and much of that has to do with Pawars own personal positions and ambitions. For one, Pawar is positioning himself for a presidential race ideally he would like the government to nominate him to the office and that is said to be behind his multiple attempts to woo Narendra Modi. According to informed sources, Modis condition for that nomination is that Pawar must merge his party with the BJP first but that puts Pawar in a bind. I am sure he knows in his heart of hearts that for the first time ever since Independence, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is in a position to elect its own ideologue to Rashtrapati Bhavan and Pawar is unlikely to be that candidate. Secondly, even if he were sure that Modi would not go back on his word to nominate him to that office, the NCP would be dead even before the merger dozens of leaders and hundreds of workers are waiting for an opportune moment to desert the Pawars and switch to a party that might offer them a better future. Despite its dismal state, the Congress still stands as a better option for the NCP rank and file and either way then Pawar would be left with no party at all. That is a risk he cannot afford to take for the sake of his daughter whom he is grooming to gradually take over from him. In the meantime, though, it is becoming obvious that Pawar is waiting for the potential break-up of the alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. There seems to be no love lost between the two allies who are bickering at each other with the quarrels likely to continue through the civic polls. Ultimately, the results of the elections to the Brihanmumbai and Thane municipal corporations will determine whether the alliance stays or goes if the Sena wins, it is likely to be back to status quo. A loss for the Sena would, however, mean a tectonic shift in the politics of the state and perhaps the country and that is what Pawar is eagerly anticipating. In the meantime, though, he must salvage some of his voter base and much of this lies among the farmers who have been the major sufferers during the demonetisation. The cash crunch led to poor returns on their kharif crop and even the rabi sowing season was destroyed due to lack of funds to buy seeds and fertilisers. As a former agriculture minister and doyen of the co-operative movement, Pawar cannot be seen to be chasing his own dreams at the cost of their welfare. So he neatly placed himself in the sufferers category he had sown brinjal in two acres of his personal farmland, he said, but the returns did not pay for even the transportation costs. If this is my situation what might be that of the poor farmer? Pawar at least can write off the losses, the poor farmer cannot. But he can punish those who betrayed his trust. At the hustings. Also read Congress, NCP will go solo for BMC elections in 2017 Why does Congress find it difficult to win Mumbai civic polls SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Amboli police recently arrested the owner of a tax consultancy company in Andheri for allegedly cheating two clients of Rs1 crore under the pretext of paying their taxes. According to the Amboli police, the arrested accused is a BCom graduate who runs a tax consultancy firm. The two FIRs registered against him are by his clients, one of which is an event management company and the other is a company that imports audio systems. An official from Amboli police station said, He used to work as the tax consultant for two companies and took money from them under the pretext of paying their taxes. He paid some part of the taxes, while the remaining he used to keep to himself. In one case, he even made forged documents to mislead the client. The victims made a mistake of not checking if the accused paid their dues properly or not. They realised this only after the government served them a notice towards the end of 2015, after which they registered the cases with us. We have not been able to recover the stolen amount. He claims to have spent it, added the official. The two FIRs have been registered in January and February last year. While the first FIR registered by the company involves Rs21 lakh and includes charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust and forgery, the second FIR involves Rs79 lakh and includes sections of cheating and criminal breach of trust. The accused was first arrested on December 29 last year in the first FIR and after being sent to judicial custody in that case he was arrested again on January 5 this year in the second FIR. He has been remanded in police custody till Wednesday. READ In last 3 years, card fraud cases witness 13-fold rise in Mumbai Two people associated with firms that delivered products sold on Amazon.com, were arrested for allegedly stealing gold coins worth at least Rs13 lakh ordered by customers. The two arrested have been identified as 27-year-old Rahul Pisal, a delivery boy from Sakinaka, and 28-year-old Vaibhav Sawant, a Jogeshwari resident, who works for a supply and logistics firm. The accused were produced before a local court and remanded in police custody until January 13. The racket was busted after Amazon.com began receiving complaints from customers in Mumbai, Kalyan, Pune in Maharashtra, and also from New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Following this, an FIR was registered at the MIDC police station. An Amazon India spokesperson said, As Indias most trusted online marketplace, we take incidents of theft extremely seriously. We have terminated the contractual associates responsible for this particular incident and are extending all possible support to local law enforcement agencies in their investigation. According to the preliminary investigation, the police suspect the accused only targeted delivery consignments containing gold valuables. Once a customer placed an order for a gold coin on the website, Pishal picked up the order from the jewellers tied up with the shopping portal. He would then make his way Amazons warehouse. But just before reaching the warehouse, Pishal would remove the gold coin from the parcel and reseal it, said police sub-inspector Hanumant Dhavan, who is also the investigating officer. Officials recorded statements of various employees involved in the process from pick up to delivery to identify the suspects. The police zeroed down on Pisal and Sawant and they were arrested. The police have recovered gold worth Rs4.80 lakh from the accused, the police said. Senior inspector Shailesh Pasalwar of the MIDC police station said, We have registered an offence under Indian penal code section 120 b (criminal conspiracy) 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust) 408 (criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant). Two accused have been arrested and the police have been questioning several delivery boys to catch the mastermind. Ahead of the civic body elections, the Maharashtra government on Monday launched its project of making Mumbai Indias first WiFi city. The state government launched 500 WiFi hotspots across the city as part of phase one of the project. The service will be free until the end of this month, according to government officials. On the first day, we tried to check the quality of the WiFi service. At the high court, we found the WiFi service was not working properly in the first attempt. After selecting the service, it took 5-7 minutes to connect, with a message saying obtaining IP address then it got disconnected automatically. In the second attempt, it got connected without an OTP ( one-time password), breaching an important security level introduced by the government to make the service safe and secure. Sandesh Tiwari, a resident of Worli, said, The WiFi service was easily connected at two places Flora Fountain and Mantralaya. The service was at a decent speed. I saw a video on YouTube, which was also downloaded very fast, Sandesh told HT. However, Khalid Shaikh, a resident of Mohammad Ali Road, said he faced difficulty in connecting to the service. It took a lot of time to connect, but after connecting, it was running at a good speed, Ali said. Sonal Panchal, a Grant Road resident, said that being a marketing executive she attends a lot of meetings in different parts of the town and she saw that a lot of these WiFifi spots werent functioning properly. Some of those which I know dont work are at Kandivli, JVPD, Dahisar railway station and Dahisar sub-way, Goregaon station, Walkeshwar and Bhatia Junction. Secondly, I am not using it because I am not sure how safe are these spots, Panchal said. Blogger Karima Khan said the two hotspots she passes by are working well. Ive checked the ones at Andheri and Churchgate stations and they are working very well, said Khan. The Twitter handle @AS_Mum_WiFi created to get feedback from people has got a few complaints. First of all, the people were unable to download the list of hotspots from the government portal Aaple Sarkar. They found the portal too slow, thus making it difficult to download the list. Most of the queries on the handle were pertaining to the procedure to connect with the service as people were unaware about how to connect and what was the name of the service. VK Gautam, principal secretary of the states information technology department, said they have 50 teams deployed on the ground to sort out issues at the hotspots. Each team will cover 10 hotspots so that people will get smooth services. The first 15 days is like a probation period for us as it is a huge project and the first of its kind as no city in the country has such a huge network of WiFi connectivity, Gautam told HT. Read How Team Fadnavis pulled off 500 WiFi spots for Mumbai in just five months Five persons of a family, including three minors, died after their house collapsed at Rahat Enclave colony of Loni town in Ghaziabad on late Monday night. The police and administration rushed to the spot and rescued five persons trapped under the debris. The incident took place around 12.15am on Tuesday when ten members of a family were sleeping inside the house. The two-storey house collapsed and all persons inside the house got trapped. The neighbours also arrived for help and police was also called in. House-owners wife, three children and sister-in-law died during the incident, said Srikant Prajapati, circle officer (Loni). Those who died were identified as Reshma, 35 and her three children Shama (8), Asiya (5) and Danish (6), and her sister Hasina (28). It is suspected that walls of the house had developed cracks and even the construction was not done in a proper manner. Five others, including the house-owner Imran, were injured and rushed to hospital in Loni. At night, our first priority was to rescue the people trapped in the debris, Prajapati added. Further inquiry will be done on Tuesday, he said. The district administration held an interactive session with representatives of inter colleges and schools, asking them to encourage students to exercise their right to vote on the polling day of February 11. The Election Commission called the representatives to the camp office of the district magistrate (DM), NP Singh, to brief them about the commissions plan to create awareness among the city residents. Deputy election officer Kumar Vinit appealed to the representatives to conduct street plays involving students. He said that the Election Commission and the district administration will conduct street plays at Sector 18 on January 25. I appeal to all of you present here to involve your students in street plays and slogan competitions, which should continue from now till January 25, Vinit told the representatives. We aim to improve the voter turnout in the elections scheduled for February. I am pleased to share with you that this time, 19,000 new voters have been added to the electoral list, of which nearly 4,000 voters are from schools and colleges. So now, it is our duty to arrange activities in the city aimed at creating awareness among people and appeal to them to cast their votes in the elections, Vinit said. He said that one can visit the Election Commissions website ceouttarpradesh.nic.in for the list of activities being organised for the purpose. However, representative of only 12 colleges had turned up for the meeting, whereas the district administration had invited representatives of 150 educational institutions. Those who attended the meeting said there was a communication gap between the district administration and the schools/colleges as they had received telephone calls about the meeting but no e-mail or letter. The additional district magistrate directed the district public relations officer to sync the e-mail addresses of the representatives of the educational institutions in the district with the institution address and phone numbers for better coordination in the future. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Ghaziabad district magistrate on Monday gave instructions to the district supplies office and ration card dealers to immediately stop the issuance of ration cards which bears a photograph of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and also the Samajwadi Party flag colours of red and green. The officials took cognizance of complaints that the new cards were issued to residents in some areas. District magistrate (DM) Nidhi Kesarwani said no such item will be distributed till the election process is over. We have received directions about the issue a day ago and we immediately stopped the delivery of such cards. We will also action against ration card dealers if they are found issuing new cards. It could be possible that ration card dealers may be issuing cards as the residents may not have approached them earlier. The district supplies officials have been instructed to check and comply, the DM said. As per the Election Commission guidelines, under the election code of conduct (ECC), announcement of new projects, programmes or concessions or financial grants in any form or promises thereof, or, laying of foundation stones etc, which have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of the party in power, is prohibited. According to an official estimate, Ghaziabad has 4.02 lakh ration card holders and nearly 1.82 lakh new ration cards have been distributed till date in the district. The district supplies officials said the preparation of the new ration card also was delayed. The delivery of new ration cards was delayed by 6-7 months due to delay in printing. But, we got them issued till December 31. If any new cards are being distributed, they must be revised cards those having a change of name or date of birth, etc. We have stopped the delivery of new cards and the same will be done only after elections. Ration card dealers have been instructed to comply, said DN Srivastava, district supplies officer, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar. He added that Gautam Budh Nagar has nearly 2 lakh ration card holders and nearly 1.82 lakh cards were already distributed. Apart from ration cards, the officials were also instructed to immediately stop the distribution of schoolbags bearing a photograph of UP CM and also utensils for midday meals. The free laptop distribution under one of Samajwadi Partys scheme was also stopped. The distribution of utensils, schoolbags and laptops has been stopped, Kesarwani said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Ghaziabad district administration has given in-principle approval for a unique activity by school students on National Voters Day on January 25. The students from private and government schools in the district will be awarded additional marks in extra curricular activity or their project work if they encourage parents and neighbours to come out and vote on February 11 in the UP assembly polls. Under the concept, the students will be asked to prepare placards, depicting messages to encourage voting, and will also be asked to light a candle at their house on the evening of January 25. The students will then hold the placard, stand with parents and take a selfie. This will be submitted to their class teachers as record and the school will be asked to provide additional marks to such students. The entire concept is optional but designed to encourage voters turnout. It is observed that if a child undertakes an activity at home, his/her parents also join them, said Krishna Karunesh, chief development officer (CDO). For the purpose, the officials have also invited delegates from CBSE/ICSE and UP Board schools in the district for a meeting on Wednesday to discuss further strategy and also obtain more suggestion to make the programme successful. The concept is simple and dont require much expenditure. Mobile phones are generally available at households. The marks to be awarded to such students will also be discussed during the meeting and modalities will be finalised, CDO said. Apart from encouraging parents to come out and vote, the younger generation will also understand the need for being involved in the electoral process when they become eligible voters. The idea is to catch them young, he said. As per official estimates, the UP Board schools in the district have nearly 1.60 lakh students in classes 6 to 12. The other CBSE/ICSE schools in the district are estimated to have around 1 lakh students. During the assembly elections in 2012, UP had 12,74,92,836 electors of whom only 7,57,25,793 voted. The overall state polling percentage stood at 59.40%. In Ghaziabad, the polling percentage was 62.34% for Murad Nagar, 60.19% for Loni and 62.61% for Modi Nagar assembly segments which have a major rural voters base. The urban voters base segments fared dismally with Ghaziabad City recording 54.08% and Sahibabad segment recording percentage of 49.31%, as per state election commission records. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Five persons of a family two women and three minors died after a house collapsed in Rahat Enclave Colony of Loni town in Ghaziabad. Five other members of the family, including the house owner and his children, were also injured and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The police said the two-storeyed house belonged to Imran, a fruit seller in Loni. The incident took place around 12.15am on Tuesday by which time Imran had retired to bed with his four sons and wife Tabassum alias Reshma, 35. Her sister Hasina, 28, had also arrived from Panipat along with her three children Shama, 8, Asiya, 5 and Danish, 6 to spend the holidays at their aunts house. House owners wife, her sister and the sisters three children were buried under the debris and died, said Srikant Prajapati, circle officer (Loni). As soon as the house collapsed, neighbours rushed to help and also called Imrans brother Shahid who lives nearby. When I reached the spot, I found them all buried under the debris and crying for help. Neighbours had called the police and everyone was trying to pull out the bricks. After nearly half an hour, we managed to rush all 10 to the hospital. But, my sister-in-law, her sister and her three children were declared brought dead, Shahid said. The rescue work and removal of debris from the site took nearly two hours amid the presence of police and administrative officials. One of the injured children at the hospital. (Sakib Ali /HT Photo) The situation was such that we could not assess whether they had died on the spot or not. We put them in vehicles and rushed them to the hospital. My brother was semi-conscious then and he told us that a total of 10 persons were in the house. He and his three sons sustained minor injuries. But, his fourth son was admitted to GTB Hospital in Delhi as he sustained severe injuries on the chest, Shahid said. He said Imrans house was constructed 2-3 years ago and there was no adjoining houses on either side which could have provided support to the collapsed house. The officials said the colony was outside the jurisdiction of Loni Nagar Palika and had no drainage system. The colony is estimated to have a population of nearly 15,000-20,000. The house owner, Imran, was also injured. (Sakib Ali /HT Photo) As water had collected near the house, it probably weakened the foundation of the house, which was constructed without a pillar support. The walls had already developed cracks. The house collapsed while its occupants were asleep, said Prem Ranjan Singh, sub-divisional magistrate, Loni. We are trying to financially help the family and also give them relief under Parivarik Labh Yojna, which can provide 30,000 to the family. However, the other woman will not get benefits as she hails from outside UP. We have another state government scheme in which amount up to 5 lakh can be given. Since the model code of conduct is in place, we have to seek permission from the Election Commission, the SDM said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) dismissed two employees on Monday from the post of bus conductor for pocketing fare without issuing tickets to commuters in its newly started city bus service. The NMRC has issued a circular to those engaged in operations, emphasising zero tolerance to corruption. NMRC started its city bus service in Noida and Greater Noida on December 14 and outsourced the jobs for fare collection. The action was taken following a post shared by a commuter on a social networking site. I found the conductors on newly launched NMRC buses are not issuing tickets to the passengers and taking () 50 fare in cash and keeping in their pocket. To an extent that when I asked him to issue ticket he told me the cost of ticket is 45 and if I can wait, he will drop me at Sector 37 only for 25 rupees. Please have regular checking and ensure at this facility does not die down and citizens are deprived of in future (sic), the complainant had said in a message through WhatsApp. The complainant, Sanjay Rana, is a resident of Kasna. He was travelling from Pari Chowk to Sector 37, Noida, when the incident took place. The complainant said the district administration should act against those responsible, otherwise the newly launched service would run into losses. The duo was employed as conductors on buses between Noida and Greater Noida. NMRC managing director (MD) Santosh Yadav sent an enforcement team for random inspection and found conductors in two different buses pocketing the fare without issuing tickets to commuters. The enforcement squad reported the matter to the MD who immediately dismissed them. We have clearly mentioned in the agreement with the company, which has provided the staff, that there will be zero tolerance to any offence on duty, Sandeep Raizada, officer on special duty, NMRC, said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON To keep a strict vigil on the expenditure by candidates in their campaign for the upcoming assembly elections, the district administration has fixed the price of commodities from eatables such as biscuits to SUVs. The campaign for votes is expected to get underway soon. For Uttar Pradesh, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has set an expenditure cap of 28 lakh per individual candidate. Those contesting the elections generally set up campaign offices, hold roadshows, arrange food and beverages for supporters, put up flags and distribute handbills to garner votes. The district magistrate of Ghaziabad Nidhi Kesarwani said that the administration will keep a check on the expenses. Every third day, candidates or their representatives will be asked to come to the election office for assessment of their expenditure as per our list and the items used by candidates during the campaign. An expenditure observer will also join us soon for the purpose. With videography teams to film the candidates, they will not be able to deny their expenditure or the items used during their campaign, the DM said. A committee of officials priced items such as tea, coffee, various sweets, puja items, LCDs, usage of Fortuner, Audi and Mercedes cars, hoardings, posters, banners, chairs, tables, among others, which will be extensively used by party candidates during their campaign. The idea is to correctly price the items and to accurately assess the election expenditure submitted by the candidates. Almost all items that will be used by candidates during their campaign have been priced after a market survey. This will help keep a tab on the expenditure and ensure that it does not exceed the limit set by the Election Commission of India, the DM said. Items such as tables, fans, sofas, beds, buckets, different lights, ceiling fans, pandals etc have been priced per day usage. Items such as banners, posters, caps, flags, dance parties etc have been priced on per day and per square metre. Flowers and garlands have been priced per piece. Use of SUVs, cars and commercial vehicles are priced taking into account a base fare and charge per additional kilometre, besides night charges. How will the election expenditure be counted? The administration has formed videography teams for each assembly segment that will film roadshows, campaigns and publicity items used by candidates. The videos will be submitted to the district election office, where an assessment of the expenditure will be done, based on the prices set by a district administration committee. The Election Commission of India has set a cap of 28 lakh on expense by individual candidates. For meeting the expenses, each candidate will also have to open a separate account for making campaign-related payments. As per ECI guidelines, any amount exceeding Rs20,000 will have to be paid through a cheque. List of items and estimated price Namkeen: Rs 120 per kg Laddu: Rs 180 per kg Coconut: Rs 20 Incense sticks: Rs 10 Samosa/ bread pakoda: Rs 10 Loudspeaker: Rs 1,350 per day Flag up to 3 feet: Rs 10 Flag up to 8 feet: Rs 20 Audio cassettes: Rs 1,250 Cap: Rs 60 per dozen Marigold flowers: Rs 120 per kg Garland: Rs 7 to Rs 350 Pandit/pujari: Rs 1,100 Fortuner/Pajero: Rs 8000 per day for a minimum of 200km, Rs 40 per additional km, Rs 400 charge per night Mercedez: Rs 12,000 per day for a minimum of 200km; Rs 60 per additional km; Rs 400 charge per night SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ahead of the forthcoming budget on February 1, there is a buzz surrounding the feasibility of a universal basic income (UBI) in the Indian context. Simply put, a UBI is a sum of money provided by the State to all citizens to take care of the bare necessities of life. This measure is intended to provide a safety net preventing any citizen from sinking below a basic minimum standard of living according to Vijay Joshi, Emeritus Professor, Merton College at Oxford. This idea has gained sufficient traction to reportedly feature in the Economic Survey that is released before the budget. There is no swadeshi provenance to UBI. In fact, it has come from the developed countries. In these uncertain times, when the world of work is being upended by disruptive technologies and rapid spread of automation and robotisation, the idea to provide a guaranteed income to one and all appears to be one whose time has come. This can certainly reduce fears of globalisation wreaking havoc in the workplace. But if this idea were indeed so compelling, why then was it overwhelmingly rejected by the Swiss in early June 2016? Other developed countries like Finland may be tempted to try it out. In India, a UBI is highly appealing to economic reformers who prefer a minimalist State. When the national rural employment guarantee scheme was in the offing, such reformers trashed the idea as it would entail massive leakages and corruption. The distribution of currency notes from a helicopter instead had a better chance of reaching the intended beneficiaries, they argued. They are fed-up with the vast inefficient subsidy Raj ostensibly intended for the poor. It is far better to scrap all these dysfunctional subsidies and anti-poverty schemes and provide a direct cash transfer to all instead. Read: Universal basic income: an idea whose time has come? But is a UBI feasible? Is it affordable? For instance, if a guaranteed minimum income is provided universally, where would the vast majority of citizens access better nutrition, healthcare and educational facilities for their children? Of what use is the basic income when such facilities are not available in the far-flung villages of the country? In the developed countries, a UBI was essentially do-able as many of them were welfare States that provided essential public services, including child protection. In India, a UBI cannot be a substitute for the State retreating from the provision of essential services. Read: What can governments do when jobs run out? The affordability question alone cannot derail a UBI in India. It is affordable with greater political will. Taking out all subsidies, reducing unnecessary tax exemptions, taxing agricultural incomes among other measures frees up resources up to 10% of the gross domestic product annually. Joshi suggests that 2.5% can go for reducing the fiscal deficit of central and state governments. Another 4% can be used for raising public investment and social expenditures. This leaves 3.5% of GDP that can be used for UBI. This would entail Rs 5.32 lakh crore which is double the budgeted subsidy bill for 2016-17. Of course, there is bound to be tremendous resistance to wide-ranging subsidy cuts and other tax exemptions being removed. But the most difficult part of providing a UBI here is to massively step-up social sector expenditures in primary and secondary education, public healthcare facilities and other essential social infrastructure which are done largely by the individual states. Huge investments are necessary to improve, nutrition, health and schooling. It is only sometime in the future when the delivery of such services becomes reasonably efficient that a UBI really makes sense. Naturally all eyes will be on what the forthcoming Economic Survey has to state in this regard. N Chandra Mohan is an economics and business commentator based in New Delhi The views expressed are personal The Border Security Force finds itself embroiled in an unseemly controversy after a series of videos posted by one of its jawans went viral on social media. The jawan, Tej Bahadur Yadav made serious allegations: of them not getting enough food to eat, of them getting badly cooked meals and of how they, the jawans had to starve because the corrupt officers siphoned off ration meant for them. Social media erupted soon after the videos were posted and while the home minister Rajnath Singh promised a fair and impartial enquiry, the BSF itself attempted to shoot the messenger even before the enquiry process could begin. In press conferences and through statements, the paramilitary force sought to character assassinate Yadav, who at best or worst can be held guilty of indiscipline because he went public with his grievances. While we are not sure if Yadav at all tried to address the grievances aired in the video with his company commander, former BSF chief, EN Ram Mohan told HT, Instead of addressing the issues raised by the jawan, the BSF is trying to paint him into a bad hat by pointing to negative things. His complaints need to be properly enquired into. Thats what the force should be focusing on. Read | BSF jawan video: Govt takes serious note, says welfare of soldiers a priority The officers, instead, have sought to tarnish Yadav, saying he was court martialled in 2010 and put under rigorous imprisonment for over two months because he held a gun to an officers head. In a statement, the BSF said, Constable Tej Bahadur as an individual has a difficult past. From initial days of his career, he needed regular counselling. Different correction mechanics have been applied for the individuals welfare as he was habitual offender of absenteeism without permission, chronic alcoholism, misbehaving and using force with superior officers and certain other acts against good order and discipline. For such reasons, individual has served mostly in headquarters under supervision of some dedicated superior officer. While seeking to blame Yadav, the officers have not answered crucial questions that also reflect on the BSFs leadership qualities: why was Yadav given a sensitive posting at the line of control? Why, at all, was a jawan who was a habitual offender and a chronic alcoholic posted to a high altitude forward location? If what the BSF statement says is correct, then Yadav clearly needed psychological counseling and not a stress posting that too along the border with Pakistan. Read | HT Exclusive: Flaws put lives of soldiers at risk, says army report The officers are to blame. I dont think Yadav is at fault, says Ram Mohan. Clearly, the officers who posted the jawan to the forward location need to be questioned by the inquiry committee especially since they have now revealed that Yadav had sought voluntary retirement and was to leave the force by January 31. The All India Central Paramilitary Forces and Ex-servicemen Welfare Association which takes up cudgels on behalf of the paramilitary jawans has made the point that while the situation is not as bad as painted by Yadav, it was possible that personnel in-charge of the mess facilities could be indulging in irregularities in isolated cases. Was Yadavs an isolated case? Only an impartial inquiry can settle the issue provided it approaches his grievances with an open mind and addresses the critical question of why jawans like Yadav are forced to cross the discipline lakshman rekha. Read | Probe BSF jawans charges but address discipline issues too: Ex- DG Prakash Singh SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON PATNA: Administrative paralysis at the state government level has not only stymied the growth of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), but is now affecting patient care at the autonomous tertiary care centre. With the meeting of its board of governors (BoG), the supreme body of the institute, having not been convened for the past 11 months, construction of a medical college building, state cancer centre, cardiac centre, besides appointment of faculty members and nurses are some issues hanging in limbo. These decisions entail an expenditure of Rs 282 crore (approx), but have been pending for want of approval by the BoG. State health minister Tej Pratap Yadav is the chairman of the BoG while principal secretary, health, RK Mahajan, is one of its members. If sources are to be believed, the mandarins in the health department have not been able to spare time for the BoG. As per IGIMS rules, the BoG meeting has to be convened quarterly and at least four times a year. The meeting was last convened on February 27, 2016. Though the Medical Council of India (MCI) has given its approval to the undergraduate course which began in 2011, the institute has to have its own medical college building. The sooner it has, the better. The government has already approved a Rs 151-crore project for construction of medical college. However, of it, just Rs 45 crore has been released. As such, construction work of the three-storied building has now stopped. Release of further funds requires BoG nod. Similarly, the Centre has approved construction of a Rs 120 crore state-of-the-art state cancer centre on the IGIMS campus. While the Centre will contribute Rs 90 crore, the state has to generate Rs 30 crore towards it. The first tranche of Rs 33 crore from the Centre and Rs 8 crore from the state government has already been released, but the money is lying idle in bank, with the four-storied project, supposed to come up on 30,000 square feet area, being a non-starter. The IGIMS requires BoG approval to withdraw the money and initiate work. Work on the proposed Rs 11 crore cardiac care centre, again the first of its kind in Bihar, has almost been completed, but less than 50% funds have been released. This is affecting the pace of construction work being undertaken by local vendor the Pan Solution Private Limited. With the IGIMS keen to inaugurate it on January 23, the day its cath lab became functional in 2015, it seems unlikely to meet the deadline. Construction work apart, recruitment of at least 25 faculty members and nurses are also pending, which is directly affecting patient care. IGIMS director Dr NR Biswas was reluctant to comment on the delay. We have requested the government to convene our BoG and hope to get a time soon, is all that he would say. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday refused to interfere with the enforcement directorate (ED)s decision to repatriate a deputy director-level official, reportedly associated with the multi-crore Jagdish Bhola drug racket probe, from its Chandigarh office to New Delhi. The high court (HC) special bench of justices Surya Kant and Sudip Ahluwalia, during the resumed hearing, observed that a deputy director-level official, Niranjan Singh, was already associated with the probe, and the court was also monitoring the investigation. We are seized of the matter. If at any stage, you (Lawyers for Human Rights International) feel that certain directions are required, you can point out to us. We will look into it, the HC bench said. The HC was hearing a petition of the lawyers body, in which it had sought stay on a recent order of repatriating Gurnam Singh, ED deputy director in Chandigarh. It had alleged that the move would hamper EDs probe into the Bhola drug racket case. Following the petition, the ED on December 23 had assured the HC that the officer will not be repatriated till January 10. On Monday, the HC bench also took note of an affidavit filed by the ED stating that Gurnam Singh was not associated with day-to-day investigation in the case and was only a designated authority to pass attachment orders in drug cases, since there was no deputy director-level official at the Jalandhar office. Now, after Niranjan Singhs promotion, Gurnam Singh was not required for that purpose too, said the ED. Gurnam Singh was appointed on deputation, initially for three years in 2011, and his tenure was extended from time to time. His tenure ended on January 1, 2017. He is to retire in November. During the hearing, additional solicitor general Satya Pal Jain, too, assured the court that the Centre will make every possible effort to keep the official posted with the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Chandigarh, his parent department, till his superannuation. CONSTITUTE TEAMS TO FIND DRUG SOURCES The HC also directed Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to form teams to interview inmates of de-addiction centres in their respective areas of jurisdiction to find the sources of drugs. The compliance report in this regard has been sought by February 15. A Punjab government report submitted in December last had revealed that of 5,517 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, till November 30, 2016, the police were able to find out the sources in only 152 cases. The directions were issued on the application of the NGO, wherein it pointed out that during visits to the de-addiction centre at Patiala and on interviewing addicts, the visitors were able to get information about the sources. Directions were also sought for the police heads in the Tricity to form a joint team to crack the network of drug dealers in the neighbouring towns. The HC asked the NGOs lawyer, Navkiran Singh, to supply a copy of the order and the application moved by him to the Election Commission of India and Punjab chief electoral office for necessary steps to be taken by them, as the state goes to the polls on February 4. Police claim to have solved the New Year night murder with the arrest of four accused. Deepak Kumar, 22, of Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) was stabbed to death after a fight in a parking behind Hotel Cove in sector 5, Panchkula. Panchkula police commissioner RC Mishra said the murder was the result of an altercation between the groups that had started inside the hotel. The group with Deepak was reversing their cars, but the other group was dancing in the lot. When asked to step aside. both sides hurled abuses at each other and a scuffle broke out. Deepak punched one of the accused Mohammed Ijhaar, 28. After that, a fight started and ended in the stabbing, the commissioner said. One of the accused Chunnu, who is till absconding, stabbed Deepak twice. After the miscreants dispersed, the other members of Deepaks group rushed him and Arshad to the General Hospital in Sector 6, Panchkula. Deepak was declared brought dead by doctors and Arshad was admitted. Apart from Ijhaar, the other three arrested are Rajan Singh, 21, Nishant Sharma, 22 and Mohammed Ajmal, 21. All four are residents of Manimajra and had fled the spot in a car. They were arrested from the Sector-7 light-point on a tip-off. The accused have been remanded to 7-day police custody. We need to recover the knife, the sticks and car used in the crime, said Lalit Kumar, Sector-5 SHO. In the cold weather on Tuesday, for former army chief Gen JJ Singh (retd), the start of his poll campaign in Patiala saw only a lukewarm response from the public and, instead, a rise in temperatures within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Gen Singh, fielded by the Akalis to fight state Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh in the latters bastion, Patiala, was piqued at another Amarinder on Tuesday SADs Patiala mayor, Amarinder Singh Bajaj for allegedly not being sincere towards the campaign duty. Looking to emulate, and counter, Captains style, Gen Singh walked the streets and bazaars of the city. But the problems began early. Scheduled for 2pm, Gen Singh and local leaders reached late by an hour and more at the starting point enough to make many party workers leave the spot. During the walk, he shook hands with vendors and shopkeepers, talked to locals, and gave enough photo opportunities to the media following him. But, fuming at the thin attendance, he fumed at mayor Bajaj and former minister Surjit Singh Kohli, and questioned the delay in arrival of Harpal Juneja, who was also a ticket contender. I am here because Sukhbir Badal (deputy chief minister and SAD president) wanted me to contest from here. Do your duty sincerely towards the party!, he told the local leaders when he found no banner and no flags of the party in the campaign, in which he walked from Sheranwala Gate to Adalat Bazaar. Sources said that already Gen Singh has told Sukhbir that it would be tough to canvass without the involvement of local leaders. However, local leaders who were also seeking teh ticket, are miffed over the partys parachute candidate. We are attending meetings by Gen JJ Singh, but he lacks the acumen of a politician. He may talk tough against Capt Amarinder, but he should be polite towards the party workers, said a local Akali leader, requesting anonymity. Meanwhile, Gen Singh did manage to unite the SADs Surjit Kohli and Indermohan Bajaj factions, as both leaders along with workers attended a meeting to draw up his strategy. In a brief interaction with media, Gen Singh said he will try to approach every single voter by a door-to-door campaign. He also asked voters to question Capt Amarinder about his absence from the constituency. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated the process to declare Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Mufti Rauf Asghar and two key lieutenants Shahid Latif and Kashif Jan proclaimed offenders (POs) in the last years Pathankot airbase attack case. The NIA stated this before the court of additional district and sessions judge Tarsem Mangla in SAS Nagar on Monday. The central agency has already submitted a challan holding these four responsible for the January 2, 2016, incident, which left seven security personnel dead. Now, the accused will be declared POs when the case comes up for hearing on March 9. The NIA also informed the court that a red-corner notice has been issued against the accused. The central agency, after obtaining an open-ended non-bailable warrant from a special NIA court in May last year, had forwarded a dossier to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is the nodal agency representing the Interpol in the country. On December 19, the agency filed a challan against the four accused. As they have not been arrested yet, the NIA has initiated proceedings of declaring them POs. A mason in Jharkhand has become its first groom to opt for a cashless wedding, stealing a march on many of his tech-savvy counterparts. Thirty-year-old Subhash Nayak has dedicated his initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modis cashless drive, which came on the heels of a controversial decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8. Nayak, a non-matriculate, married 20-year-old Sunita, the daughter of a labourer from Itihasa village in West Singhbhum district, on Monday. The wedding which remained cashless from the shagun to kanyadaan ceremonies was solemnised at Badiya village in East Singhbum district, 180 km south of state capital Ranchi. Not a single currency note was used at the event, with the grooms family performing all the rituals through Paytm and point-of-sale machines. The 170-odd guests at the wedding paid through cheques, and no dowry was sought from the brides family. I am happy to be a part of the states first cashless marriage. I only hope the initiative will boost the campaigns of the Prime Minister as well as chief minister Raghubar Das to promote cashless transactions, said Nayak. Payments for various arrangements made at the wedding, including the tent house, vegetables, ration, jewellers and priestly duties, were made through cheques. Das had kicked off his leg of the initiative from Ranchis Nagri block on December 2 last year. So far, the government has declared 63 panchayats in 24 districts of Jharkhand as cashless. Badiya, an extremely backward village, has no bank and very limited Internet penetration (only a handful of its residents possess smartphones). The villagers couldnt think of cashless weddings as anything but a distant dream until Nayak made it happen. The villager said Ganesh Nayak, his former employer, and Sanjay Kumar, deputy collector at the chief ministers camp office, helped him organise the cashless wedding. On television, I saw a man begging in Chennai with a POS machine. I thought that if a beggar can go cashless, why cant we? said Ganesh. He then approached Kumar with the idea. The government official camped at the village for three days, holding discussions and training its residents in cashless transactions. Guests and relatives were asked to come up with gift cheques instead of the traditional cash-filled envelopes. As the groom had no bank account to his name, I invited bank officials to the marriage ceremony. Soon after Subhash and Sunita were married, the officials opened a joint account in their name and gave them ATM cards, said Kumar. Ironically, the grooms house did not have a toilet. Upon being informed about this, Kumar got one constructed in just 11 hours. The toilet was also built without using cash. The mason was paid through cheque, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The New Year in Tamil Nadu actually begins in the middle of January at the time of the Pongal, a festival when the rice crop is harvested and ceremoniously boiled in earthen pots. Tamil film producers use the few days of holiday during Pongal as an excellent opportunity to theatrically release their movies. This year, the festival falls on January 14, a Saturday, and several Tamil films are opening that weekend hoping against hope to attract as many footfalls as possible. But like an election where too many candidates in a single constituency can spoil the broth by splitting votes, it is quite likely that cinema audiences will also be divided in their loyalties. And, in a state like Tamil Nadu where actors are not just looked upon as stars but also demi-gods and worshipped movies with big names will exude such a magnetic appeal that others may well be left behind. Bairavaa stars Vijay in the lead role. This weeks biggest blockbuster will be the Vijay-starrer, Bairavaa which is to open on January12. That is if all goes well. Tamil Nadu has a history of moving courts to stall film releases. And Vijay has been an unfortunate victim of this. Bairavaa will have Keerthi Suresh playing heroine to Vijay. We saw Suresh with Dhanush some time ago in Thodari where she is the make-up girl for a star travelling by train from Delhi to Chennai. We also saw her as a doctor in Remo where she is Sivakarthikeyans love interest. Vijays last appearance was in the April 2016 Theri, where he a policeman, who has to go through fire to emerge. Bairavaa has been directed by Bharathan, but nobody knows what the plot is all about. Or, even what is Vijays role. Sometimes, these are well guarded secrets! Vijay Sethupathi has had an interesting year in 2016 with releases like Sethupathi, Iraivi and Dharma Durai. The other important Tamil film is Vijay Sethupathis Puriyaadha Puthir, which opens on January 13. Sethupathi is a very interesting actor, and one has seen him in movies, such as Iraivi, Aandavan Kattalai and Dharmadurai essaying very different kinds of characters. Happily he is still an actor, and hopefully he will remain one. Puriyaadha Puthir is a psychological thriller helmed by Ranjit Jeyakodi. The third movie is Parthipens Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga. With Shantanu and Parvathy Nair, the film has been touted as a comic thriller. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Having successfully completed the principal shooting of Baahubali: The Conclusion, filmmaker SS Rajamouli on Monday said he looks forward to commence post-production work as he cant wait to see the project take shape. Speaking at the first edition of India Today Conclave South in Chennai, he said: When youre shooting, nobody quite knows how the project will come out. Its during post-production you see the film take shape with visual effects and music. Therefore, Im eagerly looking forward to start post-production. The second part in the franchise is slated for release on April 28, and Rajamouli said sleepless nights are yet to begin. Its going to get hectic. No matter how challenging it might get, I dont like to compromise on my vision. Im well aware that I have put my actors in difficult positions because of my vision but when they see I work for the betterment of the product, they understand the pain I put them though, he said. About Rajamoulis vision, films cinematographer Senthil Kumar said the filmmaker doesnt like to get into a comfort zone. With each film, he wants to do more. He doesnt like to enter a comfort zone. He likes getting into uncharted territories. Ive been working with him for eight years and each time I collaborated on a new project, I had to unlearn and relearn, he said. Senthil also said Baahubali: The Conclusion will amaze audiences more than the first part. If you were blown away by Baahubali first part, come prepared for Baahubali 2, it will amaze you even more. In the second part, we have done what we couldnt do in the first, he added. Follow @htshowbiz for more. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Indians, it seems, love their porn desi and mature. The majority of searches (top, relative and gaining) by the Indian peeping toms in 2016 include Indian, Pornhub, which calls itself the worlds biggest porn site, said in its year in review report. It also states that Indians continue to have the hots for Sunny Leone, even as the actor has claimed having quit the pornographic industry after her foray into Bollywood. Leone is followed by Lebanese porn star Mia Khalifa and Lisa Ann. Most countries take great pride in their nationality, but India takes it to a whole other level as made evident by their top searches on Pornhub. The majority of searches (top, relative and gaining) include Indian. Interestingly, the pursuit for Indian aunty with young spiked out of nowhere last year to make it to the list of top 10 searches in 2016, even as India slipped to the fourth rank in contributing to global porn traffic. But as fascinating as quirky it might sound, Hindi audio remained the top gaining search on the website throughout the year. Porn on smartphone In line with the global trend, about 70% of the Indian consumers preferred porn on their smartphones, registering 10% increase in comparison to 2015. While 48% of overall porn watchers were in the age group of 18-24, people belonging to age group of 25-34 made a 28% contribution to the porn traffic. The United States, meanwhile, topped global porn traffic in terms of a total number of hours consumed but was trumped by the Philippines in average time spent. India slipped down to 16th from 4th rank averaging 8 minutes 37 seconds while Cuba at 4 minutes 57 seconds was listed to have the lowest visit duration among all countries. Pornhub claims 92 billion videos were watched over the course of 23 billion visits to the site in 2016 with popular video game Overwatch shooting into the top search terms lists, underlining a transition from reality to fantasy porn. Also Read | Wi-Fi used most at Patna railway station, mostly to watch porn SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 10-year-old maid employed by a Pakistani judge showed multiple signs of torture, a hospital chief said on Tuesday after the Supreme Court ordered a probe into the case. The incident has brought to light rampant child labour in Pakistan. After social media images allegedly showing injuries on the girls face and hands went viral, the top court intervened last week and ordered a full investigation. The court also asked the police to find the minor. Her father took her out of a womens shelter amid reports that he had forgiven the judge and his wife and described his daughters story as untrue. She was found on Sunday in the suburbs of Islamabad and taken for a medical examination. She shows signs of torture, Javed Akram, head of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital, said. Our medical board has observed multiple injuries, burns, blunt injuries and bruises on the childs face. She has burn marks on her back and on the left hand. She also has a blunt wound on her face. All her wounds are healing, he added. Another doctor said that the girl, employed by a district judge in Islamabad, had changed her statement several times. Media reports said she initially claimed she fell down the stairs and burnt her hands by accident, later telling the police she was beaten and had her hands burned on a stove by the judges wife. Current figures on the scale of child labour in Pakistan are not available. According to Human Rights Watch, about 13% of Pakistani children aged 10-14 are working. Six Guatemalan climbers have died while hiking up the Acatenango volcano during a cold snap, and two others are injured, authorities said. The head of Guatemalas national disaster committee, Sergio Cabanas, said Sunday that a 23-year-old man and two women aged 19 and 21 suffered hypothermia. The disaster committee said Monday that three other bodies had been found. The climbers were apparently members of two separate groups. Authorities were alerted by a cellphone call from the peak and began the rescue operation Sunday. Cabanas said four other climbers who also got in trouble were being brought down the volcano and were receiving medical care. About 60 rescue personnel were participating in the effort. The bodies were being housed at an improvised morgue on the volcanos slopes. The 13,050-foot (3,976 metre) high Acatenango volcano west of Guatemala City is one of the areas biggest tourist attractions. Authorities are encouraging people not to scale volcanic peaks in the area during the current cold snap, which is expected to last several more days. The global total annual number of deaths linked to tobacco consumption will increase from the current six million to eight million by 2030, according to a study by the World Health Organisation and the US National Cancer Institute. Around 80 per cent of smokers across the world live in low and middle-income countries, and will pay a higher price in tackling the economic consequences of the addiction, said the study released on Tuesday. The number of tobacco-related deaths is projected to increase from about six million deaths annually to about eight million annually by 2030, says the report, titled The Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Control. Although tobacco consumption is declining at the global level, there is a great risk that WHO will not meet its target of reducing tobacco consumption by 30 per cent by 2025, the study adds. Another section of the study looks at the consequences of passive smoking for individuals and also for public health systems, which in many cases bear the cost of treatment. The report urges governments to invest more in information and prevention campaigns, due to the attractiveness of tobacco to young people, who are often not fully aware of its harmful consequences. Effective policy and programmatic interventions are available to reduce the demand for tobacco products and the death, disease, and economic costs that result from their use, but these interventions are underutilised. The report cites high taxes on tobacco, policies on establishing smoke-free spaces, banning marketing of tobacco and campaigns to spread awareness, as the most effective but not sufficiently used measures. However, the authors of the study say, the problem lies in the fact that few governments invest the money collected from tobacco taxation in anti-tobacco policies. WHO estimates that in 2013-2014 global taxes on tobacco generated nearly $269 billion in government revenues, but governments spent less than $1 billion on tobacco control measures. The study adds that it has been verified that increasing prices has a direct impact on reducing consumption among the poor. Finally, the report stresses that tobacco control measures do not harm economies as in recent years the number of jobs depending on tobacco has been falling in most countries, mostly due to technological innovations, globalization and privatisation, rather than the fight against addiction. Afghan officials are pushing to create a safe zone for Taliban insurgents in a bid to wean them away from traditional sanctuaries inside Pakistan, in a radical and contentious strategy to de-escalate the conflict. The plan underscores desperation in Afghanistan for out-of-the-box solutions to tackle the 15-year insurgency, as peace bids repeatedly fail and US-backed forces suffer record casualties in stalemated fighting. If implemented, the strategy -- aimed at undercutting Pakistans influence over the Taliban -- could, for better or for worse, be a game changer in a strife-torn nation where ceding territory to insurgents is seen as tantamount to partition. I urge the Taliban to return to Afghanistan. We should make a safe zone for them and their families, Kandahar police chief Abdul Raziq told a gathering of religious scholars and tribal elders last month. We can no longer rely on foreign governments and embassies to end the war. The Taliban belong to this country, they are sons of this soil. That Raziq, arguably the most powerful commander in southern Afghanistan and long one of the staunchest anti-Taliban figures, would suggest such an idea amplified the shockwaves it created. Read | Taliban attack home of Afghan lawmaker in Kabul, killing 8 The government shouldnt be giving safe zones to terrorists, warned former Helmand governor Sher Mohammed Akhundzada, while some observers dismissed the strategy as illogical as the Taliban already control vast swathes of Afghan territory. Raziq did not respond to repeated requests for an interview, but a senior security official told AFP the governments goal is to bring the Taliban from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Taliban militants, who were arrested by Afghan security forces arrive during a presentation to the media in Jalalabad city, Afghanistan. (Reuters Photo) We will separate a territory for them to come with their families. Then whether they want to fight or talk peace, they will be relieved from the pressure of Pakistan, he said, speaking anonymously. Double game Pakistan began supporting the Taliban movement of the 1990s as part of its policy of strategic depth against nemesis India. Seen by many Afghans as the biggest obstacle to lasting peace, Islamabad has long been accused of playing a double game in Afghanistan: endorsing Washingtons war on terrorism since the 9/11 attacks, while nurturing militant sanctuaries. After years of official denial, a top Pakistani official in 2016 admitted for the first time the Taliban enjoys safe haven inside his country, which Islamabad uses as a lever to pressure the group into talks with Kabul. However, Pakistan has hosted multiple rounds of talks ostensibly to jumpstart a peace process -- without result. The safe zone strategy appears to have taken shape as prominent Taliban figures call to make the insurgency independent of Pakistans powerful intelligence agency, which they accuse of manipulating the group. Read | Afghanistan rejects move by Russia, China and Pak to rope in Taliban for talks The presence of our movements key decision makers and institutions inside Pakistan means they can impose things that are against the interests of our movement and Afghanistan, Sayed Tayyeb Agha wrote in a letter last year to Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada. To be able to make independent decisions, our leadership... should leave Pakistan, the former head of the Talibans political commission added in the letter seen by AFP. Afghanistans National Security Council did not officially confirm the government strategy, saying only: The Taliban are allowed to relocate to Afghanistan under state protection. The Afghan security official said the government was in contact with Taliban leaders over the proposal, a fact corroborated by militant sources in Pakistan. He refused to specify the potential location for the safe zone, and whether it will be immune from aerial bombardment or ground assault, but insisted no areas with military installations will be handed over. Flawed strategy? Speculation that the government was furtively trying to cede territory recently grew when local media cited secret military documents revealing Afghan forces were planning to retreat from two Helmand districts during a winter lull in fighting. Afghan officials dismissed the report, while also rejecting longstanding claims that the Taliban leadership council -- Quetta Shura -- has relocated to Afghanistan. Read | Pak gave national ID card to slain Taliban leader Mullah Mansour: Minister But multiple insurgent sources told AFP that prominent members, including the Talibans military chief Ibrahim Sadr, recently moved to an undisclosed location in Afghanistan. Ibrahim also urged Haibatullah to come to Afghanistan but he refused, a top Quetta Shura member told AFP. Obaidullah Barakzai, an MP from Uruzgan province, argued that giving the Taliban a permanent address in Afghanistan would make it easier to convince them to participate in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace dialogue without interference from our neighbour. However Timor Sharan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, said the strategy was flawed. Its like asking the Taliban to leave their brick-built houses and settle in a tent in the desert with half-hearted guarantees that they will not be bombed, Sharan told AFP. The Taliban need to receive a strong assurance from coalition forces, in particular the US, before making the move. Read | Include us or leave country: Pak tells Taliban after being sidelined in talks But the Afghan security official insisted there was no military solution to the conflict. If this plan does not work, Afghanistan will be ready for another tough year of fighting, he said. A 91-year-old veteran who was dismissed from the US Air Force as undesirable in 1948 because he is gay has had that discharge status changed to honourable. The move by the Air Force comes in response to a lawsuit filed in November by H. Edward Spires of Norwalk, Connecticut, who served from 1946 to 1948 as a chaplains assistant, earning the rank of sergeant. Spires was forced out of the military in 1948 after an investigation into his sexual orientation. Spires attorneys said he was originally denied the discharge upgrade after the repeal of the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy in 2010 because the Air Force said his records had likely been lost in a 1973 fire. The Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records informed Spires on Friday that the honourable discharge had been approved by the Air Force Review Boards Agency. Spires attorneys have said he is in poor health and would like a military funeral, which the upgrade makes possible. The idea that this man of faith who served dutifully as a chaplains assistant in the armed forces, who built a life and a career that has brought joy to those around him, would leave this earth considered undesirable in the eyes of his country, its unthinkable, Spires husband, David Rosenberg, said during a briefing on the case at the Yale Law School in November. Spires case also was championed by US Senator Richard Blumenthal, who said Monday that the Air Forces decision corrects an incredible injustice. An air strike by the Saudi-led coalition on a primary school in rebel-held northern Yemen on Tuesday killed five people including two children, medical and military sources said. The headmaster and two other staff members were among those killed in the air raid in the district of Nihm, northeast of the capital Sanaa, which also left 13 wounded, the sources said. A medical source at Kuwait Hospital in Sanaa confirmed the casualty toll. A government military official said the school was hit by two missiles by mistake, accusing the Shiite Huthi rebels of keeping armoured vehicles nearby. The rebels saba.ye news website said eight people had been killed and 15 wounded. Map of Yemen locating the rebel-held Nimh district northeast of the capital, site of a deadly airstrike on a school Tuesday. (AFP photo) Human rights groups have repeatedly criticised the coalition over the civilian death toll from the bombing campaign it launched in March, 2015. In August, an air strike on a Koranic school in Saada province, a rebel stronghold in the far north, killed 10 children and wounded 28 other people, prompting a UN call for a swift investigation. But a probe commissioned by the coalition claimed that the closest targets hit by warplanes were 10 km away from the school. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called on Washington, London and Paris to stop their deliveries of bombs and other weapons to Riyadh because of concerns over civilian casualties. More than 7,000 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition launched its intervention, many of them civilians killed in its air strikes. Washington has scaled back its logistics and intelligence support for the coalitions air war because of concerns about its targeting. President-elect Donald Trump is finding himself caught between his desire to improve relations with Russia and fellow Republicans who are pushing for a harsher response to what American spy agencies say was the Kremlins meddling in the US presidential election. The tacit acknowledgement on Sunday by his incoming chief of staff, Reince Priebus, that Russia was behind the hacking of Democratic Party organizations suggests that Trumps manoeuvring room could be shrinking. Trump has long been dismissive of the US intelligence conclusion that Russia was behind the election hacks, which Russia has denied, or was trying to help him win the November ballot, saying the intrusions could have been carried out by China or a 400-pound hacker sitting on his bed. But following a report from US intelligence agencies last week blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia experts say Trump will face growing calls for a stiff military, diplomatic, economic, and perhaps also covert response after his Jan. 20 inauguration. The new US administration will need to adopt a significantly tougher line, said Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington that is an influential voice in Trumps transition team. Republicans in Congress wary of Trumps push for detente with Putin could pressure the new president to withhold the thing the Russian leader wants most: a rapid easing of the economic sanctions imposed after Russias 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, the Russia experts said. US intelligence agencies say that since the election, Russian spies have turned to hacking other individuals and organizations, including prominent think-tanks, in what analysts think is an effort to gain insights into future U.S. policies. Washingtons Brookings Institution, which is headed by prominent Russia expert Strobe Talbott, received a big wave of attacks the day after the election, but there is no reason to believe its systems have been compromised, said David Nassar, the think tanks vice president for communications. Showdown with Congress? Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he and fellow Republican John McCain, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, would introduce legislation with stronger sanctions than the ones now in place. Were going to introduce sanctions that ... will hit them in the financial sector and the energy sector, where theyre the weakest, Graham told NBC televisions Meet the Press. Retired Marine General James Mattis, the nominee for secretary of defence who will face a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, is expected to advocate a stronger line against Moscow than the one Trump outlined during his election campaign.That could put him at odds with Trumps national security adviser, retired Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, who has had warmer relations with Putins government, and with Rex Tillerson, the nominee for secretary of state, who as CEO of ExxonMobil had extensive business ties with Russia. If Mattis does push for a tougher approach to Russia, that could empower US advocates for strengthening the American military presence in Europe. That could include reinforcing US troops in the Baltic states and Poland, analysts say. NATO already plans to deploy 4,000 additional troops, planes, tanks and artillery to the three former Soviet republics in the Baltics and Poland this year. There is nervousness about Trump among Europeans at NATO, said one European diplomat. Any grand bargain with Russia would fundamentally change NATOs course and threaten Europe with disunity, the diplomat said. But we dont expect that. NATO is seeking to reassure Baltic allies, and the United States is a big part of the deterrent. Some advocates of a sterner response to the Russian hacking say it should include cyber counterattacks, perhaps by leaking financial information embarrassing to some of Putins aides and close associates. So far, the Obama administration has refrained from such action, at least publicly, for fear that it could lead to an escalating cyberwar that could threaten critical infrastructure such as financial transactions and energy transmission. Russia policy still unclear Although Trump has said the nation needed to move on to bigger and better things following the US disclosure of alleged Russian hacking, it appears that Republican and Democratic lawmakers are unlikely to drop the issue anytime soon. McCain told NBC he wanted to create a select committee to investigate the Russian hacking, if he can convince the Republican-controlled Senates leaders to charge their minds. In the meantime, he said, key Senate committees, including Armed Services and Intelligence, will investigate. Experts say the close scrutiny of Russias actions will come just as Trumps administration starts to craft a comprehensive strategy on the former Cold War foe. It is likely to be weeks or longer before a clear sense of Trumps actual Russia strategy comes into view. Until theres a team in place, until theres a little more organization I tend to think were not going to have clear answers, said Heather Conley, a former deputy assistant secretary of state for Europe now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Another 5,000 French Jews emigrated to Israel last year, figures showed Monday, continuing a trend that has seen tens of thousands quit the country after a series of attacks targeting the community. The Jewish Agency of Israel issued the update as France marked two years since attacks on the Charlie Hebdo magazine offices and on a Jewish supermarket in Paris, where four shoppers were shot dead. Daniel Benhaim, who heads the Israeli-backed group in France, said that insecurity had been a catalyst for many Jews who were already thinking of leaving. The 5,000 departures in 2016 add to the record 7,900 who left in 2015 and 7,231 in 2014. In total, 40,000 French Jews have emigrated since 2006, according to figures seen by AFP. The aliyah (the act of moving to Israel) of French Jews has been significant over the last decade, Benhaim told AFP. The French Jewish community is the biggest in Europe and is thought to number around 500,000 people. It was shocked in 2006 by the kidnapping and brutal anti-Semitic killing of a young Jewish man, Ilan Halimi, in the Paris suburbs, which was followed by a shooting in a Jewish school in the southwest city of Toulouse in 2012. A proportion of those who emigrate to Israel are known to return to their country of origin afterwards. Estimates range from 10 to 35%. Experts and members of the Jewish community in France say that recent attacks are not the only reason people are leaving, with family, religious and economic reasons also playing a role. France paid homage Monday to some of the victims of three days of violence in Paris in January 2015 that saw two Islamic extremists attack the Charlie Hebdo magazine, killing 12 people, and the Hyper Cacher supermarket in eastern Paris. Gunman Amedy Coulibaly killed four people after taking shoppers hostage at the Jewish store. He was later shot dead by anti-terror police when they stormed the premises. Bombings across three Afghan cities including Kabul killed around 50 people Tuesday, in a day of carnage that shattered a relative lull in violence as Taliban insurgents escalate a deadly winter campaign. At least nine people died when explosives hidden in a sofa detonated inside the governors compound in southern Kandahar during a visit by the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan, who escaped the attack with injuries. Just hours earlier, twin Taliban blasts in Kabul tore through employees exiting a parliament annexe, which houses the offices of lawmakers, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80 others. And earlier Tuesday, a Taliban suicide bomber killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province, as the militants ramp up nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually wanes. The carnage underscores growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where US-backed forces are struggling to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency as well as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants. Kandahars governor and UAE envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi were wounded by flames from the explosion, but many others were burned beyond recognition, provincial police chief Abdul Raziq told AFP. He said around a dozen people were killed in the bombing, but local Tolo News gave a death toll of nine. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility. But the Taliban said they were behind the Kabul blasts. Maps of Afghanistan and Kabul locating Tuesday's Taliban bombings in the capital, in Lashkar Gah and in Kandahar. (AFP) In the first explosion, a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a minibus transporting government employees. As rescuers reached the scene, a car bomb exploded. Among the 30 dead were four policemen who were killed in the second explosion when they rushed to help the victims of the first blast. Health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh warned that the toll was expected to rise as many of the wounded were battling for their lives in hospital. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they were behind the twin blasts, adding the victims were mostly Afghan intelligence agents. The insurgents are known to exaggerate battlefield claims. Gruesome campaign The deaths of scores of civilians in Tuesdays Kabul bomb attacks indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives, Amnesty International said in a statement. An immediate, impartial and independent investigation must be carried out to secure justice for the victims and their families. Tuesdays carnage comes just two weeks before Donald Trump is sworn in as US president. The situation in Afghanistan will be an urgent matter for the new leader, even though Americas longest war got scarcely a passing mention in the bitterly contested presidential election. President-elect Trump has given few details on his expected foreign policy, with even fewer specifics on how he will tackle the war in Afghanistan. Repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed and a fierce new fighting season is expected to kick off in the spring. Afghanistan last week welcomed the Pentagons decision to deploy some 300 US Marines to Helmand, where American forces engaged in heated combat until their mission ended in 2014. The Marines will head to the poppy-growing province this spring to assist a NATO-led mission to train Afghan forces, in the latest sign that foreign forces are increasingly being drawn back into the worsening conflict. Doctors the world over are known for their bad handwriting, but now a Bangladesh court is seeking to ban the sloppy scrawl after prescriptions became so illegible that patients were taking the wrong medicines. Doctors will now have to either type their prescriptions or write them in block capitals, deputy attorney general Mokhlesur Rahman told AFP after the court issued its judgement late Monday. The court has ordered the health secretary to circulate the ruling among the countrys doctors. He was also asked to report on improvement of the situation within six weeks, he said. The court also said doctors must use generic drug names rather than specifying particular brands. Many patients and even some pharmacists cannot read what the doctors scribble on the prescriptions, said lawyer Manzil Morshed, who filed the public interest suit. Therefore, very often they take wrong medicines. It costs them money and exposes them to unnecessary and sometimes dangerous health hazards. The court order was widely praised on social media, although some doctors asked the government to do its bit by introducing a computerised prescription system. Why blame us when you cant implement computerised prescription system? posted Farhan Kabir on Facebook. At least 12 people drowned when a boat capsized near a town on Tanzanias coast, while at least 27 others were rescued, a senior police official said on Tuesday. The boat capsized in the early hours of the morning with an unknown number of passengers onboard, Tanga regional police commander Benedict Wakulyamba told Reuters by telephone. The vessel was en route from Tanga in mainland Tanzania to Pemba, an island in the Zanzibar archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Twelve bodies, among them five men and seven women, have already been recovered, said Wakulyamba, adding that 27 people had been rescued so far in a continuing rescue operation. Police were still trying to establish how many people were onboard the motorised boat when it went under, which witnesses blamed on powerful waves, the commander said. In 2011, at least 19 people drowned after two overloaded boats capsized and were swept away in high seas off Tanzanias Indian Ocean coast near the same site of Tuesdays accident. Foreign secretary Boris Johnson says Britain told US President-elect Donald Trump and his team that Russia is up to all sorts of very dirty tricks, such as cyber-warfare and was behind hacking during the presidential election. Trump has expressed skepticism about links between Russia and the hacking. Johnson says its pretty clear that hacking of Democrats emails came from the Russians. However, he said, it would be folly for us further to demonize Russia or push Russia into a corner. Johnson, just back from meeting Trump aides and Congressional leaders in the US, told lawmakers in the House of Commons on Tuesday that the talks had been extremely productive. He said there is a wide measure of agreement between the UK and the incoming administration about the way forward. Read| Russia says US hacking allegations reminiscent of a witch-hunt China says it is tightening border controls in its northwestern Xinjiang region amid rising terrorism threats. State media reported Tuesday that Xinjiangs governor Shohrat Zakir made the pledge in a speech at the regions main annual political meeting on Monday. Zakir said increased measures taken in the last year would be further strengthened. Xinjiang has long been home to a simmering insurgency against Beijings rule being waged by extremists among the native Turkic-speaking Uighur ethnic group, who are mainly Muslim and culturally distinct from most Chinese. Xinjiang shares a border with Afghanistan, Pakistan and four nations in the often volatile Central Asian region. Uighur extremists have also been reported to have joined the fighting in Syria and were blamed for a deadly attack on a Buddhist temple in Thailand. A racist note left on a receipt for a black Virginia waitress has sparked outrage. Multiple news outlets, which ran pictures of the receipt, reported that the message scrawled at the bottom of the bill at Anitas New Mexico Style Cafe in Ashburn read great service dont tip black people. Restaurant server Kelly Carter said it was left on Saturday, with no gratuity, by a white man and a woman to whom she had served breakfast. Carter said there was no indication the couple was unhappy with her for any reason. Restaurant owner Tommy Tellez Sr called the note disheartening, saying Carter was a loyal employee and beloved by her customers. Since then, the restaurant manager said, customers are requesting Carter as their server and some are even stopping by to give her hugs and money. Los Angeles police have arrested a local artist suspected of a New Years Day prank in which he altered the letters of the famous Hollywood sign to read Hollyweed. Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, was booked on a misdemeanor charge when he voluntarily surrendered to the authorities with his attorney at his side. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to appear in court on February 15, a police spokesman said. Fernandez, who goes by the moniker Jesus Hands said he was inspired to change the sign by another similar incident in 1976 that was the work of an art student named Daniel Finegood. He and his partner conducted research on the sign to determine how to scale the structure and place tarps over the 45-foot-tall os to turn them into es, Fernandez told the online magazine Vice. They aimed to prompt a conversation about cannabis after California voters approved a measure to legalize recreational marijuana in November, he said. But while many chuckled at his daring feat, one Los Angeles councilman, David Ryu, said he was not amused and would push for Fernandez to be prosecuted to the fullest. The Hollywood sign has seen many alteration attempts over the years for people seeking notoriety or commercial gain, he said in a statement. Pranks of this nature deplete the resources of our valuable public safety personnel, in both responding to the prank and in responding to the increased crowds and copycat attempts that these incidents generate. Police said Fernandez was charged with a misdemeanor charge of trespass, as opposed to vandalism, because he did not damage the sign. The landmark was erected in 1923 as Hollywoodland to advertise a local real estate development. It has undergone a number of transformations over the years, including in 1987, when pranksters changed it to Holywood to mark the visit of Pope John Paul II. Indias high commissioner YK Sinha has promised speedy delivery of services and redress of grievances of the Indian community in Britain, which has one of the largest Indian diasporas that maintains close ties with home. Addressing leading members of the community on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in the Gandhi Hall of the high commission on Monday, Sinha, who took over recently, recalled the quick response by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to problems raised by Indians abroad. The high commission, he said, will try to provide similar expeditious service, and recalled the ways in which the mission engages with the Indian community. A section of the audience at the event in Gandhi Hall marking Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. (HT Photo) Sinha congratulated Priti Patel, International development secretary in the Theresa May government, and Neena Gill, member of the European Parliament, on being awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award at the event in Bengaluru. The event included music and a documentary on external affairs ministrys efforts to help Indians abroad, including rescuing them from difficult and dangerous situations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As the number of Indian students in Britain continues to dwindle, there are indications the figures are growing in other European countries such as Germany, where the latest statistics put their count at 13,740 thrice the number in 2010. Once the favourite destination of Indian students, Britain has seen their numbers fall from 39,090 in 2010-11 to 18,320 in 2014-15, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency. The fall is attributed to several factors, including visa curbs and closure of bogus colleges. According to the Indian embassy in Berlin, Germany is becoming a major attraction for Indian students. They are involved in research in scientific and technological aspects and participate in the high standards of German education in these sectors. There are reports that France too is emerging as a major destination for Indian students, with courses taught in English. The growing number of Indian students has prompted the embassy in Berlin to focus on dedicated outreach activities, including setting up the Indian Students Germany portal that brings together student organisations and acts as a resource for information to prospective students. A Sarojini Naidu Award for the best student organisation has also been created, embassy sources told Hindustan Times. There are currently 16 Indian student associations in various areas of Germany that organise Indian festivals and other events with the embassys support. The embassy said its talks with the German government led to authorities continuing the extended visa facility of 180 days for Indian and other students coming to Germany since last year. This was to expire on December 31 but after considerable deliberations, this facility has been continued to facilitate the settling down process by Indian students among others, the embassy said. Number of Indian students in Germany 2009-10 4,070 2010-11 5,038 2011-12 5,998 2012-13 7,532 2013-14 9,619 2014-15 11,860 2015-16 13,740 (Source: Indian embassy in Berlin) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India could face a diverse array of challenges over the next five years, ranging from internal tensions over inequality and religion and extreme weather events to the traditional threat from Pakistan-based terrorists, according to a new report by top US intelligence analysts. And all this could happen as India and the US grow closer than ever in their history, says the report titled Global Trends: Paradox of Progress from the National Intelligence Council, part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Read | Obama signs into law bill declaring India a major defence partner The reports outlook for the incoming Donald Trump administration is bleak. For better and worse, the emerging global landscape is drawing to a close an era of American dominance following the Cold War, the report said, adding the next five years will test US resilience. India, the report predicted, will be the worlds fastest growing economy during the next five years as Chinas economy cools and growth elsewhere sputters but it warned that internal tensions over inequality and religion will complicate its expansion. It described Indias ability to use its economic and human potential to drive regional trade and development as South Asias greatest hope. At the same time, however, India will have to tackle issues such as a growing number of educated unemployed youths and pollution. India needs to create 10 million jobs a year in coming decades to accommodate people of working age to overcome inadequate resources and social discrimination that could contribute to radicalisation. Populism and sectarianism will intensify if Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan fail to provide employment and education for growing urban populations and officials continue to govern principally through identity politics, the report said. India could become a victim of its own success as its growing prosperity could complicate its environmental challenges. For example, providing electricity to 300 million citizens who now lack it will substantially increase Indias carbon footprint and boost pollution if done with coal- or gas-fired plants, it said. Noting that pollution increases with urbanisation, the report said more than 20 cities in India have air quality worse than Beijings. Decisions regarding waste management will affect quality of urban life and dense populations living in areas with limited services could intensify health challenges and extend the spread of infectious diseases. The report also referred to traditional threats in South Asia, such as the challenge of countering Pakistan-based terror groups and said, Violent extremism, terrorism, and instability will continue to hang over Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the regions fragile communal relations. The threat of terrorism, from Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LET), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and al-Qaida and its affiliatesas well as ISILs expansion and sympathy for associated ideologywill remain prominent in the region. Extremism and violence in Pakistan, and the ever-present risk of war between India and Pakistan probably represent the greatest challenge to unlocking South Asias potential, it added. Pakistan, the report said, will feel compelled to address Indias economic and conventional military capabilities through asymmetric means and also seek to enhance its nuclear deterrent against India by expanding its nuclear arsenal and delivery means, including pursuing battlefield nuclear weapons and sea-based options. Read | Pak should have privileges as India in nuclear development: Chinese state media The possible deployment of nuclear weapons by India, Pakistan, and perhaps China, would increasingly nuclearise the Indian Ocean during the next two decades. The presence of multiple nuclear powers with uncertain doctrine for managing at sea incidents between nuclear-armed vessels increases the risk of miscalculation and inadvertent escalation, the report said. India could focus its attention on Pakistan and China, seeking military partnerships with Europe, Japan, the US and others to boost its conventional capabilities while striving for escalation dominance vis-a-vis Pakistan. The National Intelligence Council produces the global trends report every four years after the US presidential election. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Iraqi forces fought their way into more districts of Mosul but advances in the citys southeast were being slowed by Islamic States use of civilians for cover, military officials said on Tuesday. The United Nations said civilian casualties had streamed into nearby hospitals in the last two weeks as fighting intensified in the jihadist groups last major stronghold in Iraq. Advances by elite forces in the citys east and northeast have picked up speed in a new push since the turn of the year, and US-backed forces have for the first time reached the Tigris river, which bisects the city. They entered Hadba (district) today. There is a battle inside the city, Lt-Colonel Abbas al-Azawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi armys 16th division, said. Seizing control of Hadba, a large district, would likely take more than a day, and Islamic State (IS) were deploying suicide bombers, he added. Recapturing Mosul after more than two years of Islamic State rule would probably spell the end of the Iraqi side of the groups self-declared caliphate, which spans areas of Iraq and Syria. Forces in the citys eastern and northeastern districts, and in particular the elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS), have made rapid gains in past days. Better defences against militant car bombs and improved coordination among the advancing troops had helped put Islamic State on the back foot, US and Iraqi military officers said. Every day the Iraqi Security Forces go forward and every day the enemy goes backward or underground, U.S. Air Force Colonel John Dorrian, spokesman for the coalition, told reporters in Erbil in Iraqs autonomous Kurdish region. Militants Hiding in Mosques But fighting in neighbourhoods in the southeast has been tougher. The challenge is that they (IS) are hiding among civilian families, thats why our advances are slow and very cautious, Lieutenant-Colonel Abdel Amir al-Mohammedawi, a spokesman for the rapid response units of Iraqs federal police, told Reuters. Mohammedawi said rapid response units and Iraqi army units had fought their way into the Palestine and Sumer districts in the last day, but that Islamic State fighters were firing at civilians trying to flee. The families, when they see Iraqi forces coming, flee from the areas controlled by Daesh (Islamic State) towards the Iraqi forces, holding up white flags, and Daesh bomb them with mortars and Molotov cocktails, and also shoot at them. Whenever they (IS) withdraw from a district, they shell it at random, and its heavy shelling, he said. Col. Dorrian said militant fighters were hiding in mosques, schools and hospitals, using civilians as human shields. The United Nations humanitarian coordination office (OCHA) said nearly 700 people had been taken to hospitals in cities in Kurdish-controlled areas outside Mosul in the last week, and more than 817 had required hospital treatment a week earlier. Trauma casualties remain extremely high, particularly near frontline areas, OCHA said. The US-backed operation to drive the ultra-hardline militants from Mosul began in October and has recaptured villages and towns surrounding the city, and most of Mosuls eastern half. Islamic State has claimed responsiblilty for an attack on a security checkpoint in Egypts North Sinai province which killed at least eight people on Monday, the groups Amaq news agency said on Tuesday. A surprise attack launched by Islamic State fighters on a checkpoint west of Arish city in North Sinai followed the detonation of a car bomb parked by an Islamic State fighter, Amaq reported. Read: Militants attack checkpoint in Egypts Sinai, killing 8 The interior ministry on Monday said the militants targeted the checkpoint in the city of el-Arish with a garbage truck filled with explosives but that security forces killed the driver and safely detonated the truck bomb. The ministry released footage showing an attacker driving a white garbage truck and then slumping over after being shot. It said that seven police officers and one civilian were killed and that security forces killed five of the attackers. In addition, six officers, six civilians and three attackers were wounded in the shootout, the ministry said. Security and medical officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters, said the truck bomb destroyed a nearby police building. British war correspondent Clare Hollingworth, who broke the news of the Nazi invasion of Poland that started World War II, died in Hong Kong on Tuesday at age 105. The Foreign Correspondents Club of Hong Kong announced her death. Hollingworth spent her career reporting on the worlds major conflicts for British newspapers. In 1939, as a rookie reporter in Poland, she borrowed a diplomats car and drove into German-held territory, where she saw tanks, armored cars and artillery massing. When the Nazis launched their invasion days later, she called British diplomats and her newspaper to alert them, hanging the phone out the window so they could hear it for themselves. Hollingworth lived her last four decades in Hong Kong after working from Beijing in the 1970s. Militants attacked an Egyptian police checkpoint in the northern Sinai Peninsula on Monday using a stolen garbage truck packed with explosives, killing at least eight people and setting off clashes with security forces, officials said. No one immediately claimed the attack, but it bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State groups Sinai affiliate, which has carried out scores of attacks on Egyptian troops and police in recent years. The Interior Ministry said the militants targeted the checkpoint in the city of el-Arish with a garbage truck filled with explosives but that security forces killed the driver and safely detonated the truck bomb. The ministry released footage showing an attacker driving a white garbage truck and then slumping over after being shot. It said that seven police officers and one civilian were killed and that security forces killed five of the attackers. In addition, six officers, six civilians and three attackers were wounded in the shootout, the ministry said. Security and medical officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters, said the truck bomb destroyed a nearby police building. They said the attack killed at least 10 people, all but one of them police, and wounded 22, adding that more bodies might be buried in the rubble. It was not immediately possible to resolve the conflicting accounts. Earlier, the officials said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. They later said the driver exited the vehicle before it blew up. The officials said militants stole the garbage truck and fitted it with metal plates, a tactic often used by the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. The ministry said another group of militants attacked a second checkpoint in el-Arish, killing a policeman before fleeing under heavy fire from the security forces. The U.N. Security Council condemned the attack, reiterating its position that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Morocco has banned the production and sale of burqa full-face Muslim veils, apparently for security reasons, media reports said on Tuesday. While there was no official announcement by authorities in the North African nation, the reports said the interior ministry order will take effect this week. We have taken the step of completely banning the import, manufacture and marketing of this garment in all the cities and towns of the kingdom, the Le360 news site quoted a high-ranking interior ministry official as saying. It said the measure appeared to be motivated by security concerns, since bandits have repeatedly used this garment to perpetrate their crimes. Most women in Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, prefer the hijab headscarf that does not cover the face. The niqab, which leaves the area around the eyes uncovered, is also worn in Salafist circles and in more conservative regions in the north, from where thousands of jihadists have gone to fight in Syria and Iraq. In some commercial districts of Casablanca, the countrys economic capital, interior ministry officials on Monday conducted awareness-raising campaigns with traders to inform them of this new decision, the Media 24 website said. In Taroudant in southern Morocco, authorities ordered traders to stop making and selling burqas and to liquidate their stock within 48 hours, the reports said. Retailers in the northern town of Ouislane were said to have received similar instructions. It was unclear if Morocco plans to follow in the footsteps of some European countries such as France and Belgium where it is illegal to wear full veils in public. The reports were met with a muted response in the absence of official confirmation, though Salafists expressed concern that the measure could be expanded to include the niqab. Is Morocco moving towards banning the niqab that Muslim women have worn for five centuries? Salafist sheikh Hassan Kettani wrote on Facebook. If true it would be a disaster, he added. It would be naive for India to tilt towards the US in the trade war between Beijing and Washington under Donald Trumps administration, a state-run Chinese daily warned on Tuesday amid concerns that expansion of manufacturing sector in India could dent Chinese exports. It would be naive for India to assume that its economy will boom if it draws closer to the upcoming Trump administration amid a pending trade war between Beijing and Washington, an article in Global Times said. Overestimating US-India economic ties may mislead India and send it down the wrong path for economic development. New Delhi needs to be realistic in terms of growth, it said. Instead of tilting toward the US, it should focus on developing its manufacturing industry and integrating itself into the global supply chain to expand exports to narrow its trade deficits with major trading partners and create jobs to generate growth, it said. Overestimating US-India economic ties may mislead India and send it down the wrong path for economic development. New Delhi needs to be realistic in terms of growth. The article hit out at the weekend Assocham India report stating that India is likely to be harmed by a trade war between China and the US and New Delhi must be proactive to ensure that it is on the right side of the upcoming US administration; or else the impact could be on the Indian services exports to the American firms. Assochams message that cautions being dragged into a US-China trade war seems to suggest that New Delhi should lean toward Washington to avoid being implicated and be ready to reap economic gains from a growing alliance with the US. While this observation appears to be pragmatic, it is also near sighted and may risk distracting India from a better path for economic growth, it said. The weight of economic ties between China and the US is heavier than those between India and the US. Bilateral trade between China and the US reached $ 558 billion in 2015 while trade between India and US was about $ 109 billion. The weight of economic ties between China and the US is heavier than those between India and the US. Bilateral trade between China and the US reached $ 558 billion in 2015 while trade between India and US was about $ 109 billion. It would be self-deceptive to believe that the US needs India more than it does China, it said. The article argued that the problem with the Indian economy is that its manufacturing industry is less competitive than Chinas, which means India imports more than it exports. Chinas exports to India reached $ 58.24 billion in 2015 while imports from India hit $ 13.38 billion, resulting is a trade deficit with China of $ 44.86 billion, it said. India officially put its trade deficit with China in 2015 at $ 51 billion. New UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for a whole new approach to prevent war, in his first address to the Security Council since taking office. Guterres took over from Ban Ki-moon on January 1 with a promise to shake up the world body and boost efforts to tackle global crises, from the carnage in Syria to the bloodshed in South Sudan. The former Portuguese prime minister and head of the UN refugee agency told a council debate on conflict prevention that too much time and resources were being spent on responding to crises rather than preventing them. People are paying too high a price, he said. We need a whole new approach. The UN chief announced plans to launch an initiative to enhance mediation as part of his commitment to a surge in diplomacy for peace, but there were no details. Guterres is expected to have a more hands-on approach than his predecessor Ban who left most of the mediation efforts to his special envoys. The new UN chief is confronted with a deeply divided Security Council that has been unable to take decisive action to end the war in Syria, now in its sixth year. Complicating Guterres plan to revitalize UN diplomacy is the question mark hanging over the foreign policy of the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump. Too many prevention opportunities have been lost because member states mistrusted each others motives, and because of concerns over national sovereignty, said Guterres, in a veiled swipe at council powers. Today, we need to demonstrate leadership, and strengthen the credibility and authority of the United Nations, by putting peace first, he said. Later this week, Guterres will make his first foray abroad as UN chief, heading to Geneva to shore up Cyprus peace talks. He returns to Geneva next week to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose support for the United Nations has been steadily growing. Barack Obama closes the book on his presidency on Tuesday with a farewell speech in Chicago that will try to lift supporters felled by Donald Trumps shock victory. Obamas last trip on Air Force One will be a pilgrimage to his adoptive home-town, where he will address a sell-out crowd not far from where he accepted the presidency eight years ago. Diehard fans -- many African Americans -- have braved Chicagos frigid winter to collect free tickets, which now sell for upwards of $1,000 a piece on Craigslist. The First Lady Michelle Obama, vice-president Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden will come along on for the ride. Obamas cross-country trek would be a sentimental trip down memory lane, were it not slap-bang in the middle of a tumultuous presidential handover. Trump has smashed conventions, vowed to efface Obamas legacy and hurled personal insults left and right. The 2016 election campaign has raised serious questions about the resilience of US democracy. In a virtually unprecedented move, US intelligence has accused the Kremlin of tipping the electoral scales in Trumps favour. Democrats, cast into the political wilderness with the loss of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives plus a majority of statehouses, are struggling to regroup. With an approval rating hovering around 55%, Obama will hope to steel them for new battles ahead. Lead speech-writer Cody Keenan said the address will be about Obamas vision for where the country should still go. Its not going to be like an anti-Trump speech, its not going to be a red meat, rabble rousing thing, it will be statesman-like but it will also be true to him, Keenan told AFP. It will tell a story. Life after White House Trumps unorthodox politics has thrown 55-year-old Obamas transition and post-presidency plans into flux. Obama, having vowed a smooth handover of power, finds himself being increasingly critical of Trump as he prepares to leave office on January 20. After that there will still be a holiday and an autobiography, but Obama could find himself being dragged backed into the political fray if Trump were to enact a Muslim registry or deport adults brought to the United States years ago by their parents. Having vowed to take a backseat in politics, Obamas second act could yet be as politically engaged as Jimmy Carter -- whose post-presidency has remade his image as an elder statesman. Many Obama aides who had planned to take exotic holidays or launch coffer-replenishing forays into the private sector are also reassessing their future and mulling a return to the political trenches. Obamas foundation is already gearing up for a quasi-political role -- funneling idealistic youngsters into public life. Presidential precedent Presidents since George Washington have delivered a farewell address of sorts. Washingtons final 7,641-word message -- which is still read once a year in the Senate by tradition -- contained warnings about factionalism and interference by foreign powers that seem oddly prescient. But speechwriter Keenan sees few obvious templates: Bush and Clinton did theirs from here (the White House), George H.W. Bush went to West Point, gave a foreign policy speech, he told AFP. They are all totally different. The trip to Chicago is not just for nostalgia, Keenan indicated. The thread that has run though his career from his days as community organizer to the Oval Office is the idea that if you get ordinary people together and get them educated, get them empowered, get them to act on something, thats when good things happen, he said. For him, as someone who started as a community organizer, whose campaign was powered by young people, ordinary people, we decided we wanted to go back to Chicago. Chicago is not just his hometown, its where his career started. And now it is also where Obamas presidential career will effectively end. arb/bfm US President Barack Obama on Tuesday chose four Indian-American scientists for the highest honour given to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research careers for keeping the US on the cutting edge by their innovations. The four are part of the list of 102 scientists and researchers who are recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). These scientists are Pankaj Lal from Montclair State University, Kaushik Chowdhury from Northeastern University, Manish Arora from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Aradhna Tripati from University of California, Los Angeles. It is the highest honour bestowed by the United States government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. I congratulate these outstanding scientists and engineers on their impactful work, Obama said. These innovators are working to help keep the United States on the cutting edge, showing that Federal investments in science lead to advancements that expand our knowledge of the world around us and contribute to our economy, Obama said. Established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, the Presidential Early Career Awards highlight the key role that the Administration places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation to grow US economy and tackle greatest challenges, the White House said. International and local rights groups on Tuesday urged the Pakistani government to investigate the abductions last week of four anti-Taliban activists disappearances that critics claim reflect a crackdown on secular dissent. Human Rights Watch said that in their work and writings, the four men had criticised militant groups and the Pakistani military establishment, and often spoke up for religious freedoms. The four, including a poet and university professor, were snatched from various Pakistani cities, the New York-based group said, adding it would hold the government responsible if any harm comes to them. No militant group has claimed abducting them and authorities have not said any of the four were arrested or detained. Kamila Hayat, a former official with Pakistans independent Human Rights Commission, said the disappearances were part of efforts to curb dissent. We allow orthodox ideas to be freely aired ... but were closing down space for liberal and dissenting voices, she said. The Interior Ministry has ordered the police to find one of the four the professor, Salman Haider but hasnt mentioned the others. Rights groups and relatives held rallies in Pakistani cities on Monday and Tuesday, demanding information about the four. Along with Haider, the other three Ahmad Waqas Goraya, Asim Saeed and Ahmad Raza Naseer have written blogs and ran social media pages critical of sectarianism and Pakistans security policies, at great personal risk. Pakistan is ranked among the worst places in the world in terms of religious freedom. Goraya studied anthropology and lived in the Netherlands. He was visiting family in Pakistan when he disappeared, his wife Mesha Saeed said. I dont know what could have been so threatening for the people who took him away, she said. Plato, Socrates, Kant and Aristotle are considered fathers of philosophy but students at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) want them dropped from the curriculum and replaced with the work of Indian and other non-Western philosophers. The demand is part of the SOAS Student Unions efforts to decolonise the institution that is celebrating its centenary. The objection is that the philosophers are deemed white, while the curriculum on their courses is expected to be diverse. As the student demand makes news in the British media, Deborah Johnston, SOAS pro-director (learning and teaching), told Hindustan Times: "One of the great strengths of SOAS is that we have always looked at world issues from the perspective of the regions we study - Asia, Africa and Middle East. Informed and critical debate and discussion about the curriculum we teach is a healthy and proper part of the academic enterprise. In a note titled Decolonising SOAS: Confronting the White Institution, the union listed the demand as one of its educational priorities in 2017 and said: Decolonising SOAS is a campaign that aims to address the structural and epistemological legacy of colonialism within our university. We believe that SOAS should take a lead on such questions given its unique history within British colonialism. In light of the centenary and SOAS aims of curating a vision for itself for the next 100 years, this conversation is pivotal for its future direction. The unions priorities specifically mention that it wants to make sure that the majority of the philosophers on our courses are from the Global South or its diaspora. SOASs focus is on Asia and Africa and therefore the foundations of its theories should be presented by Asian or African philosophers (or the diaspora). It adds: If white philosophers are required, then to teach their work from a critical standpoint. For example, acknowledging the colonial context in which so called Enlightenment philosophers wrote within. The unions demand comes in the context of funding cuts and a growing focus in Britains higher education towards the idea of student satisfaction, which has prompted changes in several universities, including in curriculum. The SOAS students' demand has prompted much criticism and comment. Writer Roger Scruton told The Times: This suggests ignorance and a determination not to overcome that ignorance. You cant rule out a whole area of intellectual endeavour without having investigated it and clearly they havent investigated what they mean by white philosophy. He added, If they think there is a colonial context from which Kants Critique of Pure Reason arose, I would like to hear it. Anthony Seldon, vice-chancellor of Buckingham University, said: There is a real danger political correctness is getting out of control. We need to understand the world as it was and not to rewrite history as some might like it to have been. Recent campaigns to decolonise universities in Britain, South Africa and elsewhere included the demand to take down the statue of colonialist Cecil Rhodes in Oriel College, Oxford, while students at Jesus College, Cambridge, demanded the bronze cockerel in the college hall - known as okokur and looted during a British punitive raid in 1897 in what is now Nigeria - be removed and repatriated to Benin. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An Afghan official said seven people were killed when a suicide bomber on foot carried out an attack in the southern Helmand province. General Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief, said the target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah -- the capital of Helmand. He said those killed include civilian and military personnel. Six others were also wounded. Kemtoz added that a car full of explosives was found nearby and the police were trying to defuse it. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but the Taliban uses suicide attacks or roadside bombs to target government officials and Afghan security forces across the country. Muslim parents in Switzerland cannot refuse to send their daughters to mixed school-run swimming lessons, Europes rights top court ruled Tuesday, responding to a challenge by a Turkish-Swiss couple who argued the classes violated their beliefs. The European Court of Human Rights accepted that the refusal by authorities to exempt girls from the lessons interfered with their freedom of religion. But the interference, it said, was justified by the need to protect the children from social exclusion. School plays a special role in the process of social integration, particularly where children of foreign origin were concerned, ruled the court, which is based in the eastern French city of Strasbourg. Swimming lessons are not just to learn to swim, but above all to take part in that activity with all the other pupils, it added. The case was brought by a Turkish-Swiss couple who argued that forcing their pre-pubescent daughters to attend the classes violated their faith. The court found that the Basel authorities had tried to accommodate the parents beliefs by, for instance, allowing the girls to wear the full-body burkini swimsuit. The court also said that the fine of 1,400 Swiss francs (around 1,300 euros) imposed on the couple in 2010 after a warning was proportionate to the aim pursued of getting them to comply with the regulation. The case was brought by Aziz Osmanoglu and his partner Sehabat Kocabas, whose daughters were born in 1999 and 2001. All their appeals were rejected by Swiss courts, after which they took their case to Strasbourg. Tuesdays ruling is not final. The couple has three months to appeal the decision. Overland routes to Thailands flood-hit south were severed on Tuesday after two bridges collapsed following days of torrential rain that has killed at least 25 people, including a five-year-old girl. The heaviest January rains for three decades have lashed the countrys southern neck for more than a week, affecting 1.1 million people across eleven provinces. The unseasonal downpours have also put a dampener on Thailands peak tourist period, prompting cancellations on popular resort islands including Samui and Phangan. On Tuesday morning the main road heading down Thailands southern neck -- Highway 4 -- was closed in Prachuab Kiri Khan province, four hours south of Bangkok. We stopped all vehicles from passing after two bridges collapsed on Highway 4, a Highways Department spokesman told AFP. This photo, taken on January 7, 2017 shows people inspecting the damage of a collapsed road due to heavy flooding in the Langsuan district of the southern Thai province of Chumpon. (AFP) Trains south have also been stopped by the rising floodwaters, increasing demand on already stretched flights to and from the flood-ravaged region. The death toll has crept up over recent days as floods have reached roof-top level in some areas. A five-year-old girl in Prachuab province became the latest victim when a flash flood hit a van she was travelling in late Monday. Her family climbed to the roof of the van to avoid the water but she fell in with her mother, relief worker Rawiroj Thammee told AFP. The girl was swept away... villagers found her body 200 metres from the van this morning (Tuesday). Members of a rescue team help a family evacuate a flooded zone in the southern Thai village of Chauat on January 7, 2017. (AFP) January usually brings visitors flocking to the souths islands and pristine beaches as monsoon rains abate and temperatures ease. But the region has been battered by what junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha described as the heaviest January rainfall in 30 years. Vast tracts of the south -- which is also an agricultural hub for rubber, palm oil and fruit plantations -- have been left under water while flash floods have caused deaths and widespread damage. Television images have shown villagers wading through muddy water in remote flooded hamlets, with a few salvaged belongings held above their heads. Soldiers have been deployed to provide relief packages and rescue stranded people in the worst-hit areas. Patients were evacuated by canoes as a hospital was swamped with waters in Prachuab province. The rain is forecast to slacken over the next 24 hours. Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank shot dead a Palestinian who attacked them with a knife overnight during an operation to arrest suspected militants, the army said on Tuesday morning. A military statement said that no soldiers were injured in the incident at Al-Fara Palestinian refugee camp, northeast of the city of Nablus. An assailant, armed with a knife attempted to stab soldiers on operational activity to arrest suspects, the English-language statement said. Forces called the attacker to halt and, upon his continued advance, fired toward him, resulting in his death. It added that others in the camp hurled explosives and shot at the soldiers. Since October 2015, 248 Palestinians, 40 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some died in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with the Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, comatose peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have helped feed the unrest. Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause. The Al-Fara incident comes less than 48 hours after a Palestinian rammed a truck into troops visiting a Jerusalem tourist site, killing four soldiers in a stark reminder of tensions despite a recent lull in violence. The attacker was shot dead at the scene. Donald Trump has named his son-in-law Jared Kushner as a senior adviser, the President-elects transition team said on Monday. Kushner is widely seen as the man who helped Trump win the presidency and the anticipated elevation will make him, for all practical purpose, the president-elects most trusted aide. Kushner, 36, will work closely with Trumps chief strategist Steve Bannon and chief of staff Reince Priebus, according to the announcement, joining them at the top of the White House power hierarchy. Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration, the President-elect said in the announcement. Henry Kissinger, who has been an adviser to many presidents and a guru to all aspirants, has said Kushner would be the third most powerful voice in the Trump administration after the president himself and vice-president Mike Pence. But Kushner and not Pence sat in on Trumps first meeting with a foreign leader, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and also met Britains foreign secretary Boris Johnson. He has also had a say in most of his father-in-laws senior-lever hirings. Kushner, a real-estate tycoon from a real-state family like his father-in-law, is married to Ivanka Trump, who is also expected to play a major role in the Trump White House, though not in a formal role or with a title like her husband. The couple, who have three children, set off speculation about the appointment when they moved to DC, in the same neighbourhood as the Obamas plan to Kalorama till Sasha, their youngest daughter, graduates from school. Kushners rise within Trumps inner circle first came to public attention when he and the three adult Trump children Don Trump, Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump ousted then nominees powerful campaign manager Corey Lewandowski. Lewandowski had apparently tried to marginalise Kushner, assessing, perhaps, his rising clout in the campaign and a threat to his own position. Trump continued to consult Lewandowski but never took him back into the fold formally. Kushner, who built his business up from a relatively smaller operation he got from his father like Trump, cannot be more dissimilar, apparently. He has the reassured calm of man secure in his skin, quiet and, reportedly, unflappable. He subscribed to his father-in-laws bid for the White House after a November 2015 rally in Springfield, Illinois the same place Barack Obama announced his presidential run in 2007. People really saw hope in his message, Kushner told Forbes magazine in a rare interview for a cover story about Trumps campaign and victory that ran under a headline: This guy got Trump elected. Kushner went digital and in a way that took Obama campaigns pioneering use of the technology for electioneering, dutifully and gratefully inherited by the Clinton campaign, to a different level that impressed even the harshest critics of the campaign. Jared Kushner is the biggest surprise of the 2016 election, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who helped design Clinton campaigns IT system, told Forbes. Best I can tell, he actually ran the campaign and did it with essentially no resources. Kushner used raw data about voters and voting tendencies, to drive the campaigns push on policy and people, and identified voters to target through laser-like messaging never tried before in US elections. Jared understood the online world in a way the traditional media folks didnt, Schmidt told Forbes. He managed to assemble a presidential campaign on a shoestring using new technology and won. Thats a big deal. Thats high praise. And India, which is seeking common ground and increased contacts with the Trump administration, will be listening. Turkey has renamed the street that serves the Russian Embassy after the ambassador who was killed in an attack in the Turkish capital. Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek on Tuesday presented a framed copy of his municipalitys decision to rename the street to the widow of Andrei Karlov. Municipality workers then replaced the street sign with one inscribed with Karlovs name. Karlov was shot dead Dec 19 while speaking at the opening of a photo exhibition. The killer, an off-duty policeman, was also shot dead in a police operation. Turkish and Russian leaders have said the attack was aimed at derailing newly restored ties between their two countries. Turkey says the policeman had links to a movement led by a US-based Muslim cleric who opposes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Two large bombs one triggered by a suicide attacker exploded near government offices Tuesday, killing at least 38 people and wounding dozens of others in the deadliest Taliban violence in Kabul in months. The suicide bomber struck about 4 pm as workers were leaving a compound of government and legislative offices, said Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. The second bomb, which was planted in a car, exploded minutes later after security forces had rushed in to help the victims, he said. The Taliban, who have been waging a 15-year war against the US-backed government, claimed the attack in the capital. The 38 dead included civilians and military personnel, and another 72 people were wounded, said Public Health Ministry official Mohibullah Zeer. Among the wounded was Rahima Jami, a member of parliament from Herat province in western Afghanistan, said another lawmaker from the province, Ghulam Faroq Naziri. It appeared to be the deadliest attack in Kabul since July, when two suicide bombers struck during a demonstration held by Hazaras, a Shiite Muslim ethnic group, killing 80 people. That attack was claimed by a local affiliate of the Islamic State group. Fighting in Afghanistan tends to taper off during the winter, when mountain supply routes used by the insurgents are impassable. President Asharf Ghani strongly condemned the Kabul bombings in a statement from the presidential palace. Amnesty International said the bombings indicate that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives. Targeting first responders in a car bomb that killed many people that were on the street shows a chilling contempt for human life, said Champa Patel, Amnesty Internationals South Asia director. The Taliban also claimed a suicide bombing earlier in the day that killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, said Gen. Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The bomber, who was on foot, attacked a guest house used by provincial intelligence officials, he said. Civilians and military personnel were among the dead, and six others were wounded, Kemtoz added. A car full of explosives was found nearby. Also in the south, in Kandahar province, two explosions inside the governors compound killed five people and wounded 12, including Gov. Homayun Azizi, his spokesman said. The spokesman, Samim Khpolwak, who was slightly wounded, said it was not yet clear what caused the blasts. An attack inside the heavily guarded compound would be a major breach of security. Two mosques in Cape Town have been defaced in Islamophobic attacks, South African officials said today. The Western Cape provincial government condemned the two despicable attacks on mosques in Kalk Bay and Simonstown since Saturday. Both incidents made calculated use of Islamophobic methods, it said in a statement. The similarity of the cases, and proximity of the mosques, raises concerns that the two incidents may be linked. South Africa has a history of relative religious tolerance, and Western Cape premier Helen Zille said that acts of religious or racial prejudice have no place in our province and nation. Achmat Sity, imam of Masjidul Jamiah in Kalk Bay, told AFP that the caretaker at the mosque -- which is more than 110 years old -- had discovered the vandalism last morning. It was very disturbing, he said, adding that nothing was stolen. The provincial branch of the ruling ANC party condemned the attacks as disgusting and called on South Africans to stand united in protecting the culture of coexistence. About 1.5% of South Africas population is Muslim. An Orlando police officer died on Monday after confronting and being shot by a suspected murderer, triggering a manhunt in which a county sheriff died in a motorcycle crash. Sergeant Debra Clayton, a mother of two, was fatally shot early Monday morning, Orlando Police chief John Mina told journalists. A 17-year-veteran of the department, Clayton had been attempting to arrest a suspect in the murder of a pregnant woman when he gunned her down. While searching for the gunman an Orange County deputy sheriff riding his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle that turned in front of him. Florida Highway Patrol Troopers secure the scene after Norman Lewis was struck and killed by a vehicle in Orlando. (AP Photo) He was taken to a nearby hospital and died of his injuries, according to Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer declared a day of mourning in the city following the incidents. Several schools in the vicinity of the ongoing manhunt remained on lockdown. The United States blacklisted five Russians, including Russias chief public investigator who is a close aide to President Vladimir Putin, for human rights abuses, media reported. According to a report in the New York Times, the sanctions, announced on Monday by the Treasury Department, were not related to allegations of Russian hacking during the US presidential election. The biggest name added to the list is that of Aleksandr I Bastrykin, who reports directly to Putin and has carried out political investigations on his behalf, said the report. Bastrykin, officials said, was complicit in the case of Sergei L Magnitsky, an anti-corruption lawyer who mysteriously died in Russian detention in 2009 and after whom the Magnitsky Act was named by the US Congress. The Obama administration has, till date, sanctioned 44 Russians under the Magnitsky Act. The sanctions announced include a ban on travel to the US and a freezing of any assets held by or transactions with American financial institutions. In December, the Treasury Department had put sanctions on 15 Russian individuals and companies for their dealings in Crimea and Ukraine. The upcoming Trump administration is widely expected to ease that campaign, said the New York Times. On Monday, Kellyanne Conway, one of Trumps top advisers, said that he might also relax the sanctions imposed by Obama in response to the hacking, which include travel bans and financial restrictions on senior Russian intelligence officials. In addition to Bastrykin, the administration targeted Andrei K Lugovoi and Dmitri V Kovtun, two Russian intelligence officers who the British authorities said poisoned a fellow Russian spy, Alexander V Litvinenko, in London in 2006. Also added to the list are Stanislav Gordievsky and Gennady Plaksin, two lower-level officials, who the US said were involved in the cover-up of Magnitskys death. The nations top intelligence official is set to be quizzed on a declassified report that fingered the Kremlin in hacking during the presidential campaign, just one day after the US sanctioned five Russians. Tuesdays appearance is second time in a week for National Intelligence Director James Clapper on Capitol Hill this time before the Senate intelligence committee where lawmakers questions will expose the underlying debate over the future of US-Russian relations. The report explicitly tied Russia President Vladimir Putin to hacking of email accounts of the Democratic National Committee and individual Democrats like Hillary Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta. Russia also used state-funded propaganda and paid trolls to make nasty comments on social media services, the report said, although there was no suggestion such operations affected the actual vote count. The report lacked details about how the US learned what it says it knows, such as any intercepted conversations or electronic messages from Russian leaders, including Putin. It also said nothing about specific hacker techniques or digital tools the US may have traced back to Russia in its investigations. The economic sanctions levied Monday against five Russians are not related to the US intelligence agencies findings, officials said, Instead, they are connected to a 2012 US law punishing Russian human rights violators. Americans are now banned from doing business with the men and any assets they may have in the United States are now frozen. The most prominent individual targeted by the US is Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russias main investigative agency. Bastrykin and Putin attended the same university together. The Investigative Committee under Bastrykin investigated Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitskys death in prison in 2009. It determined that Magnitsky died in detention and closed the case after determining that there was no evidence of a crime. Two of the Russians placed on the Treasury Departments list have been accused of trying to help cover up Magnitskys death. Britain blames the two others for the London murder of a former Russian spy. Forty-four Russians have now been subjected to US sanctions under the so-called Magnitsky law, the State Department said. Before the new penalties were announced, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that the Kremlin still believes the US accusations of election hacking have no substance. They are amateurish and are hardly worthy of the high professional standards of top intelligence agencies, Peskov said. We categorically rule out the possibility that Russian officials or official bodies could have been involved. We are tired of such accusations. This is beginning to remind us of a full-fledged witch hunt. According to US intelligence agencies, Russia provided the emails to WikiLeaks. The websites founder, Julian Assange, denies that is the case, but Democratic and Republican members of Congress have largely backed the accusation and many have demanded a sterner response. On Monday, Assange called the report on hacking a politically motivated press release and said it provided no evidence that Russian actors gave WikiLeaks hacked material. A US Navy destroyer fired three warning shots at four Iranian fast-attack vessels near the Strait of Hormuz after they closed in at high speed and disregarded repeated requests to slow down, US officials said on Monday. The incident, which occurred on Sunday and was first reported by Reuters, comes as US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on Jan. 20. In September, Trump vowed that any Iranian vessels that harassed the US Navy in the Gulf would be shot out of the water. This was an unsafe and unprofessional interaction, and that is due to the fact that they were approaching at a high level of speed with weapons manned and disregarding repeated warnings, Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a briefing. The warning shots were fired at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps boats by the USS Mahan after it established radio contact but failed to get them to slow down, Davis said, confirming earlier accounts of US defence officials. Those officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the Iranian vessels came within 900 yards (800 meters) of the Navy destroyer, which was escorting two other U.S. military ships. The Mahan also fired flares and a US Navy helicopter also dropped a smoke float before the warning shots, they said. The IRGC and Trump transition team were not immediately available for comment. The White House said the Iranian vessels had behaved in an unacceptable manner and that such incidents risked increasing tensions. At this point the United States does not know what the intentions of the Iranian vessels were, but the behaviour is not acceptable given that the USS Mahan was operating in international waters, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said during a press conference on Monday. Years of mutual animosity eased when Washington lifted sanctions on Tehran last year after a deal to curb Irans nuclear ambitions. But serious differences still remain over Irans ballistic missile programme as well as conflicts in Syria and Iraq. One of the US defence officials said similar incidents occur occasionally. Most recently in August, another US Navy ship fired warning shots towards an Iranian fast-attack craft that approached two US ships. In January 2016, Iran freed 10 US sailors after briefly detaining them in the Gulf. The one official added that the warning shots fired on Sunday were just one of seven interactions the Mahan had with Iranian vessels over the weekend, but the others were judged to be safe. US regulators on Tuesday moved to impose hefty tariffs on certain large residential washing machines made in China, saying American manufacturers such as Whirlpool Corp have been harmed by products imported from China at below fair value. The US International Trade Commission voted to impose final duties on the products of up to 52.5% following a Commerce Department probe last year. Whirlpool had sought the investigation over imports of washers manufactured in China by two South Korean companies, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and LG Electronics Inc. In a statement, the Michigan-based manufacturer praised the decision as a win for US workers. This is a gratifying win for American manufacturing, particularly our more than 3,000 employees at our factory in Clyde, Ohio, who make clothes washers for American consumers, said Whirlpool Chairman and CEO Jeff Fettig said. Samsung must now pay a tariff of about 52%, while LG products face a roughly 32% duty, according to Whirlpool. ITC officials did not offer any more details on their vote, but said the agency would issue a fuller statement later on Tuesday. The Commerce Department probe last year stemmed from a petition by Whirlpool Corp over imports of washers manufactured in China. In 2015, imports of such washers from China were valued at an estimated $1.1 billion. An assailant stabbed a Brazilian celebrity priest in a bloody attack during a televised mass, witnesses said Monday. Evangelical pastor Vlademiro Santiago, 53, was left clutching his bleeding neck after the attack at a church in Sao Paulo on Sunday morning. One of the congregants stabbed him in the back and the neck with a knife as the priest reached out to perform a ritual laying-on of hands. The pastor kindly leaned down to embrace a young man, who took out a knife and stabbed him in the throat, one witness, Bishop Jorge Pinheiro, told AFP. Santiago was given 25 stitches in hospital and discharged after a few hours. In a video message released after the attack he said: May God bless and forgive the person who did this. A police source told AFP that security guards overpowered the attacker, a 20-year-old man. We are in shock, said Pinheiro. We could never have imagined that such a thing could happen in a church -- to see the pastor holding his neck with blood flowing from it. Police made no comment on the possible motive for the attack. Local media said the man was unstable and had been upset by something the pastor had said during a previous church service. Santiago is a former member of the influential Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD). He broke away from it in 1998 and has built his own congregation with a network of some 4,500 churches across Brazil. In his services, often broadcast live on television, he is known for claiming miracles such as healing cancer patients and restoring sight to the blind. Unlike most ghost towns, which grew out of mining, lumbering or agricultural ventures, Camp Rucker was a remote Arizona Territory cavalry post that became a ranching hub. In 1872 the government set aside the southeastern corner of the territory as the Chiricahua Indian Reservation. Four years later it closed the reservation and relocated the Chiricahuas north to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. This in turn sparked a period of bloody raids by renegade Apaches. In March 1878, to extend the Armys reach in the region, Brevet Maj. Gen. Orlando B. Willcox, commander of the Department of Arizona, ordered establishment of a military supply camp in White River Canyon. Called simply Camp Supply, it was manned by Company C of the 6th Cavalry and two companies of Indian scouts135 men in all. The first permanent structure at the site was a civilian-run traders store and saloon, which became a popular drinking spot for off-duty personnel. Camp itself comprised tents and log buildings with canvas roofs, including a large kitchen/ mess/reading room and a hospital. On July 11, 1878, Lieutenants John Rucker and Austin Henely and the Indian scouts under their command were returning to camp during a violent rainstorm that sent a torrent down White River Canyon. When Henely attempted to cross, the current swept him off his horse. Rucker rode in to save his friend but was also swept away. Both men drowned, devastating their scouts and fellow soldiers. The following spring the Army renamed the post Camp Rucker. In September 1879 Apache Chief Victorio and his followers began an extended raiding campaign in the region. Three months later Geronimo, Juh and their followers surrendered in the Guadalupe Mountains and were escorted to San Carlos, staying four days at Camp Rucker. Still Victorio continued his attacks. In 1880 work crews built several permanent buildings, including a bakery and commissary. Ranchers grazed large numbers of cattle in the area, and rustling was rampant. The post commander complained about one particular organized band of thieves, and on July 21 Lieutenant J.H. Hurst reported that cowboys had stolen six Army mules from the post. A Tombstone posse that included Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp found the mules at the McLaury ranch, their brands altered from US to D8. The mules were never returned, and the Earps tangled with the Cowboys in the gunfight near the O.K. Corral a year and a half later. Juh and Geronimos surrender had brought relative peace to the region, eliminating the need for a supply camp. The traders store closed in July 1880, and most of the troops left Camp Rucker for Fort Apache on November 22, leaving behind 13 men on picket duty. By then Mexican soldiers had tracked down and killed Victorio and his warriors. The Army abandoned Camp Rucker in July 1881. On December 1, 1882, Mike Gray of Tombstone bought the traders store for $150 and the next year fled a squatters claim on the whole camp. He moved his family into the commissary building and bought a herd of New Mexico cattle from John Chisum. For the next six decades Old Camp Rucker Ranch would anchor the areas ranching community, operating a post office off and on until 1929. In addition to his business and political connections in Tombstone, Gray was also friendly with a number of area rustlers, who were frequent visitors to his ranch. Although the Army had formally abandoned Camp Rucker, it continued to use the land. In the weeks leading up to Geronimos fnal surrender in September 1886, Brig. Gen. Nelson Miles, buffalo soldiers of the 4th and 10th cavalries, Indian scouts and artillery units all used the property. The Army also stationed soldiers at Grays ranch following the 1890 murder of a visiting acquaintance by the Apache Kid and two others. In late 1896 the ailing Mike Gray sold the ranch to artists Theodore and Mathilde Hampe. The Hampes improved the ranch buildings and in turn sold the property in 1919 to Charlie and Mary Kidder Rak. In 1921 the commissary/ ranch headquarters burned, and the Raks moved into a nearby ranch. During the Great Depression they sought a buyer for the land. In 1943 the Raks sold Old Camp Rucker Ranch to New York socialite Ella Dana, who in 1970 deeded the property to the U.S. Forest Service in a land exchange. Today the surviving buildings have been stabilized and stand adjacent to a popular campground. Originally published in the April 2015 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here. Each year around March 6, the anniversary of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, the question arises as to how Davy Crockett died. It is not enough to know that he died. We need to know exactly how this legendary American lost his life in one of our nations most famous battles. Thankfully, there were eyewitnesses. A letter to the New-Orleans Commercial Bulletin a month after the Alamos fall confirmed Crocketts death. It quoted Joe, slave of Alamo commander William Barret Travis, Davy Crockett died like a hero, surrounded by heaps of the enemy. Another paper also cited Joe, specifying Crockett and friends were found lying together, with 21 of the slain enemy around them. An actual description of Crocketts death emerged three months later in the Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer. The reporter quoted an unidentified Mexican source who claimed Crockett and five others had been surrounded and ordered to surrender by Gen. Manuel Castrillon. They did so only to be executed on Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Annas orders. Mexican officers killed them with swords. September 1836 saw a variation in Detroits Democratic Free Press. George M. Dolson, in a letter to his brother, described a secret meeting after the Mexican defeat at San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. The only ones present were Col. James Morgan, in charge of Mexican prisoners on Galveston Island, captive Mexican Col. Juan N. Almonte and Dolson as interpreter. In this account Castrillon again captures Crockett and five others alive. This time Santa Anna orders them shot. That Almonte did not require an interpreter and was not even on Galveston Island on July 19, the date the interview was said to have taken place, has never bothered anyone. Four years later Edward Stiff, in his adventure narrative The Texas Emigrant, cited a servant of Santa Anna. This servant (a black American named Ben) accompanied the general into the Alamo, where he saw no less that 16 dead Mexicans around the corpse of Crockett and one across it with the huge knife of Davy buried in the Mexicans bosom to the hilt. Col. James H. Perry, a member of Sam Houstons staff at the Battle of San Jacinto, reported a different story in 1842 and hinted it had come from a black servant (Joe?) from the Alamo. Crockett cheered on his companions until just he and six others were left. The Mexicans called on them to yield, but Crockett shouted in defiance, leaped into the crowd of soldiers below and rushed out toward the city. He held at bay two pursuing soldiers for a time, until he was finally thrust through by a lance. San Antonio civilian Candelario Villanueva testified in 1859 that he entered the Alamo and recognized Crocketts body. That same year Dr. Nicholas Labadie cited Col. Urissa (Fernando Urriza), describing the solo execution of a venerable looking old man, who was shot by a file of soldiers. I believe they called him Coket [sic], Urriza recalled. Francisco Antonio Ruiz, alcalde of San Antonio at the time of the battle, said in 1860 that he and others had found Crocketts body toward the west, and in a small fort opposite the city. Alamo survivor Susanna Dickinson Hannig recalled in 1875, I recognized Col. Crockett lying dead and mutilated between the church and two-story barrack building and even remember seeing his peculiar cap lying by his side. Sgt. Francisco Becerra provided yet another variation on the execution story, endorsing as fact notes prepared by an interviewer and read to him. In the version to which Becerra agreed, a firing line of Mexican soldiers execute Crockett along with Travis. The soldiers were so wildly enthusiastic that they killed or wounded eight of their comrades in the process. The San Antonio Daily Express printed a story in 1889, supplied by a professor George W. Noel, of an account by Mexican soldier Felix Nunez. Nunez described the death of a tall American wearing a long buckskin coat and a round cap without any bill and made of fox skin, with the long tail hanging down his back. A lieutenant felled this man with a sword blow above the right eye after the American had killed or wounded at least eight Mexican soldiers. Soldiers then pierced the prone man with at least 20 bayonets. Crockett is not mentioned by name, but he is the only Alamo soldier ever identified as having traveled to Texas wearing such a cap. In 1890, Madam Candelaria (Andrea Castanon de Villanueva), wife of Candelario Villanueva and an Alamo survivor claimant, gave an account claiming Crockett was among the first to fall while advancing from the church toward the wall. He ran slowly and with great deliberation, without arms, when a volley caused him to fall forward on his face, dead. Three years later, William James Cannon provided a unique Crockett death scene in a letter to Texas Gov. James Stephen Big Jim Hogg. Cannon, a boy in 1836, claimed he had escaped from the Alamo during the battle with Madam Candelaria. Crockett was lying prone about 15 feet away and tossed a piece of paper to them as they ran by. Cannon retrieved it, escaped and secreted it away for a month. The note clearly showed Crocketts priorities were not in fighting and/or dying. It read: Let the goddess of the free dedicate an altar. Make it of the materials of the Alamo. Let these stones speak, that their immolation not be forgotten. The blood of heroes has stained them. In 1896, Eulalia Yorba recalled Crockett in death lying beside a dying man whom she was attending. Crocketts coat and woolen shirt were so soaked with blood that the original color was hidden. She speculated that the eccentric hero must have died of some ball in the chest or a bayonet thrust. Madam Candelarias story changed in an article that appeared shortly after her death in 1899. In the posthumous account Crockett stood in a door looking grand and terrible and fighting a column of Mexican infantry. After he fired his last shot, he swung either his rifle or a sword over his head. A heap of dead lay at his feet as the Mexicans lunged at him with bayonets until he fell. Educator-historian William P. Zuber reported another execution story. This time Mexican Gen. Martin Perfecto de Cos told Dr. George M. Patrick who then told Zuber that heCos, that isdiscovered Crockett alone in one of the Alamo rooms. He then brought Crockett to Santa Anna and interceded on his behalf. When Santa Anna ordered Crocketts execution, the Tennessean lunged at him with a dagger, and a soldier killed Crockett with a single bayonet thrust to the heart. In 1907, Enrique Esparza, a child survivor of the Alamo, stated that Crockett fought to his last breath. He fell immediately in front of the large double doors which he defended with the force that was by his side. There was a heap of slain in front and on each side of him. These he had all killed before he finally fell on top of the heap. The story of Mexican soldier Rafael Soldana came to light in 1935 via Creed Taylor via historian James T. DeShields in his book Tall Men With Long Rifles. Soldana described a man later identified as Kwockey who stood to the left inside a door in the Alamo and plunged his knife into the chest of every soldier who tried to enter. Finally a well-directed shot broke Kwockeys right arm. He then grabbed his rifle in his left hand and used it as a club until a point-blank volley killed him. An unidentified Mexican captain also in DeShields book said Crockett stood in a room and used his gun as a club until a shot broke his arm. The Mexicans then rushed the room. Davy parried their bayonet thrusts with a large knife in his left hand and killed several soldiers before falling. The diary of Lt. Jose Enrique de la Pena, published in Mexico in 1955, alleged that David Crocket (sic) was one of seven Texians taken alive and executed on Santa Annas orders. This time Mexican officers killed them with swords. A handwritten account by Santa Anna appeared the following year in Mans Illustrated. This version has the Mexican general finding Crockett among the survivors. The Mexicans dispose of them instantly, after a brief interrogation. Crockett, in this interrogation, revealed that up to 30 Texians mutinied, and had they not, We would have held you off from now until Armageddon. Crockett died before revealing how the mutiny had been suppressed. The mute answer lay in a pile of dead Texians in the middle of the compound. All had been shot in the chest, as if executed. De la Penas diary resurfaced in 1975, this time published by a university press in the United States. The format, time and place proved a perfect fit for languorous historians who needed only to thumb the pages of this book to know conclusively how Crockett diedtaken alive and executed by the swords of Mexican officers. This in spite of the fact there is no provenance of this diary before its 1955 appearance, not one page of the manuscript is in de la Penas authenticated handwriting, and a number of passages are almost identical to other accounts only made public after de la Penas death in 1840. So, yes, thanks to such eyewitnesses, we know exactly how, when and where Davy died. The cattle might have been from Texas, the railroads from the East, but it was in Kansas after the Civil War that Longhorns met the Iron Horse to create a profitable industry for Western cattlemen and Eastern buyers and speculators. The railhead towns of Kansas found prosperity, too, though not all at the same time, for the railroads kept crawling westward, and the end-of-line town kept changing. At the same time respectable businessmen and area farmers often found fault in being in or near a cow town. The free-grazing Longhorns destroyed crops and brought the feared Texas fever. The spendthrift cowboys (welcomed by saloon owners and such) were only part of the package, as boomtowns attracted gamblers, prostitutes, outlaws and shady drifters. How much violence there actually was in these lively towns remains a topic of debate, but there is no doubt some notable lawmenincluding the Earp brothers, the Masterson brothers and Wild Bill Hickokearned their reputations in Kansas. Abilene Kansas first cow town boomed as the Chisholm Trail endpoint from 1867 (when drovers arrived with 35,000 head of cattle) through 1871, thanks mainly to cattle dealer Joseph G. McCoy. Strong-fisted Tom Bear River Smith and quick-draw James Butler Wild Bill Hickok served as town marshals. Farmers, businessmen and reformers ultimately united to block the cattle trade, and the railroads kept laying track. Newton It had one season in the bovine spotlight after the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad extended its main line there in July 1871. The Chisholm Trail town had almost 30 saloons, at least eight dance halls and, of course, a boot hill. The latter came in handy after the August 19, 1871, shooting affair known as the Newton Massacre (or Gunfight at Hyde Park), an exchange that dropped eight men, including five dead. Ellsworth Businessmen farther west in Ellsworth were eager to lure the cattle trade away from Abilene and worked with the Kansas Pacific Railroad to make it happen. The 1871 trail season showed promise, while the 1872 trail season was a rousing success. But farmers worked to stop cattle drives to this Wickedest Town in the West, and the star soon rose for Wichita, a new railhead to the southeast. Wichita The railroad arrived in Cowtown in 1872, and in 1873 it shipped east some 70,000 head of cattle, twice the number sent from Ellsworth. Among the lawmen who served here were Wyatt Earp and Mike and John Meagher. By 1877 restrictive farmer-imposed quarantine laws and mounting opposition to the cattle trade and its accompanying lawlessness had all but stopped the beeves in their tracks. Dodge City The first big year for the Queen of the Cow Towns was 1877, when railcars carried some 23,000 cattle east. By its early 1880s peak that annual total had risen to 75,000 head. Bat Masterson is the lawman most closely associated with Dodge, and Wyatt Earp served here before going on to greater fame in Tombstone, Arizona Territory. By 1884 farmers had fenced in much of the range, and there was a statewide quarantine against Texas cattle. Originally published in the April 2015 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here. John Philip Clum (18511932) played many roles in the Southwest: soldier, newspaper publisher, mayor of Tombstone, friend of Wyatt Earp and agent at the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona Territory from August 1874 to July1877. Clum was the only man ever to capture Geronimoon April 21, 1877, at the Ojo Caliente Indian Reservation in New Mexico Territory. A month later, Clum arrived at San Carlos with the shackled Geronimo and other renegade Chiricahuas and threw them in the guardhouse. Back in spring 1876, when the government closed the Chiricahua Indian Reservation in southeastern Arizona Territory, Clum and his Apache police had relocated most of the Chiricahuas to San Carlos. At the time, Geronimo had asked for several days grace to round up his people, which Clum had granted. But instead of turning themselves in, the Apache leader and his people fled. In February 1877, 1st Lt. Austin Henely of the 6th Cavalry saw Geronimo in the Rio Grande Valley and told Clum he thought Geronimo might be hiding out near Ojo Caliente. The next month, Commissioner of Indian Affairs John Quincy Smith ordered Clum to Ojo Caliente to arrest Geronimo and his followers for murder and robbery and have them return horses stolen during recent raids. Clum reluctantly left on the 400-mile trip with 103 Apache police under their captain, Clay Beauford. Clum requested Army assistance and waited for them in camp some 20 miles outside of Ojo Caliente. But when the troops were late to arrive, he made his move. He first divided his Apache police into two groups, putting a contingent of 48 men under Beauford and instructing him to quietly enter the reservation under cover of darkness. Clum then led the other group of Apache policemen directly to the reservation on April 21. Clum concealed most of his force in the Ojo Caliente commissary, with the exception of 22 men who joined him on the agency porch. He then sent for Geronimo, asking him to meet in conference. Geronimo agreed and later arrived with 40 men, likely assuming Clum had only his small force of Indian policemen. When Geronimo approached the commissary with rifle in hand, Clum addressed him, in Apache: Geronimo, you and your followers have been killing white men and stealing their cattle. You have violated the peace treaty made between Cochise and General [O.O.] Howard. So now we have come to take you back with us. We have come a long way400 miles. We do not want to have any trouble with you, and if you and your people will listen to me, with good ears and hearts, no harm will come to you. Nantan-betunnykahyeh [Boss With the High ForeheadClum was balding], Geronimo replied, you talk very brave. But we do not like that kind of talk. We are not going to San Carlos with you, and unless you are very careful, you and your Apache police will not go back to San Carlos, either. Your bodies will stay here at Ojo Caliente to make food for coyotes. At that threat, Clum raised his left hand to the brim of his hat in signal. When Geronimo moved to thumb back the hammer of his rifle, Clum then placed his right hand on the butt of his holstered Colt .45. Seeing that move, the policemen flanking him raised their rifles. Beauford and the other Apache police had already moved up and were waiting in adjacent agency buildings. At that tense moment, a wailing Apache woman suddenly assaulted Beauford. Taking advantage of the diversion, Clum tipped his hat, signaling the other policemen to swarm from their hiding places, weapons at the ready. Realizing he was trapped between the forces of Agent Clum and Captain Beauford, Geronimo did not resist when Clum seized his rifle and placed him under arrest. Clum had the agency blacksmith make shackles for the Apache leader and returned him under guard to San Carlos. Geronimo remained Clums prisoner until the agent himself resigned on July 1 and moved with his wife to Tombstone. His replacement promptly released Geronimo, who resumed his raids, killing settlers and terrorizing the territory until his final surrender in 1886. On May 10, 1976, Woodworth Bernhardi Clum presented the rifle seized by his great-grandfather to the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson, where it remained a highlight of the societys Geronimo exhibit. A document acknowledging the gift describes the rifle: A U.S. Model 1870 Springfield Rifle, cut down. Formerly the property of the Apache Geronimo. It is of .50/70caliber. In a video on the historical societys website, exhibit curator Jan Van Orden said Geronimo took the rifle in battle from a soldier and that it is well used. Van Orden also said it was Clums granddaughter Marjorie Clum Parker who gave the rifle to the Arizona Historical Society, although the gift acknowledgment document lists Woodworth Clum as the donor. Woodworth says the rifle, which bears a notch in the stock, had remained in the family and that the children had played with it. Before the rifle went to the Arizona Historical Society, the late firearms expert E. Norman Flayderman gave a description of it. He said it was a U.S. Army Model 1870 Springfield rifle, Serial No. 28988, known to have been used by the famed Apache Indian Geronimo. He added: It has been altered considerably from its original issue appearance, as was the practice of Indians with firearms of this sort. The gun shows very heavy usage. The barrel bands have been removed, and in their place is a closely wound wire wrapping fastening the forestock to the barrel, with a similar wire wrapping fastening and strengthening a break at the wrist of the stock behind the lock; this type of repair is also typical of Indian workmanship and has been evidenced on a great many specimens of similar type. The stock shows heavy ravages of use and mistreatment, as is also typical of weapons of this type. The Springfield Armory in Massachusetts produced only about 12,000 Model 1870 trapdoor rifles, an intermediate step between the Model 1868 and Model 1873, when the government dropped the .50-70 cartridge and a U.S. Army board approved the .45-70 cartridge for its rifles. This author believes Geronimos rifle is actually a Model 1868 trapdoor, for several reasons: the serial number is too high for an 1870 (the serial numbers are always less than 3,000), many of the 1870s were not given serial numbers, and none of them had matching serial numbers on the barrel and receiver. Regardless of which model it is, however, the rifle has solid provenance and indeed came from the Clum family. Originally published in the April 2015 issue of Wild West. Breaking Fevers, Sharing Wealth, Being Frank A CITY PANICKED by a spreading virus that leaves thousands dying in its wake and civil authorities with little recourse other than to quarantine the afflicted and collect the deadwhile feebly attempting to fend of mass hysteria. The foregoing scenario may be similar to the Ebola outbreak playing out in West Africa and inducing fear in American cities, but it actually describes an epidemic that struck the United States capital in the summer and fall of 1793. As Jeanne Abrams recounts in Death Stalks the Capital, the yellow fever that swept through Philadelphia was in many ways more terrifying than Ebola, as no one had a clue as to how the disease was spread and the prevailing treatment was nearly as harmful as it was ineffectual. Just as today, however, the public fear ignited partisan political finger pointing and tested the leadership of the young nation. One outcome of the 18th-century experience in Philadelphia was the realization that the federal government could wield its power to combat threats that individual citizens were powerless against, leading to the early establishment of public health services. About a century later, in an America where unfettered capitalism and rapid industrialization led to unprecedented and concentrated wealth accumulation, one of the countrys wealthiest tycoons began practicing what he preached in his Gospel of Wealth. The bootstrap narrative of steel magnate Andrew Carnegies rise from poor Scottish immigrant child to one of the worlds richest men in the second half of the 19th century is driven by Carnegies genius, pluck, luck, manipulation, ruthlessness and sometimes steely hard-heartedness directed at the laboring masses. But when Carnegie decided to act on his admonition to the tycoon class, as our cover story, Robber Baron Turned Robin Hood explores, he did so with a vengeance. While today, most know Carnegie the man as only a musty character from a long-gone era, his influence most certainly still touches us, be it through his many endowed research institutions, charitable organizations, free public libraries and more. Indeed the model for wealth sharing that Carnegie practicedto help those who will help themselves continues to inspire many of todays most successful and prosperous business people. Another larger-than-life character in Carnegies era was an influential figure whose sometimes tawdry affairs and self-promotional genius would fit right into todays cultural milieu. The beautiful and seductive Miriam Squier turned heads at Lincolns inaugural ball in 1861 and was a regular subject in gossip columns and scandal sheets thereafter. Along the way she married powerhouse publisher Frank Leslie, and after he died in 1880 legally changed her name to his and went on to become a dynamic force in journalism and a groundbreaking woman in business. The improbable, if often outrageous, life of Mrs. Frank Leslie comes alive in Nancy Rubin Stuarts The Empress of Journalism. Originally published in the February 2015 issue of American History. To subscribe, click here. He gained wealth and prominence and ultimately became governor. At Californias South Fork American River on Monday, January 24, 1848, James Marshall was directing his work crew in the construction of a sawmill for his employer John Sutter when his eye caught the glint of sunlight on yellow flakes in the tail race. This fleeting moment constituted the initial condition for the chaos, the gold fever, soon to impact the lives of millions of men and women worldwide. After taking further samples and conducting basic tests, Marshall and Sutter determined they had indeed found a rich concentration of placer gold. Sutter,eager to finish the mill and retain his land holdings, was anxious to keep the find quiet, as he knew others with more materialistic dreams would do almost anything for the wealth and power to be had in possessing the gold. Beyond personal dreams were particular circumstances that weighed on prevailing ideas about the value of gold.The sheer quantity of gold in the alluvial deposits created excitement. The gold would also end the shortage of specie that had restricted economic development and created the Panic of 1837. That panic and the impoverishment of settlers was fresh in the minds of many. Others had found gold in California before that day in January 1848, but this strike would prompt a fevered response known as the California Gold Rush. The exhilaration caught hold when Samuel Brannan, newly returned to San Francisco from Sutters Mill, rushed excitedly about town raising expectations of fabulous wealth for the taking. Brannan himself was to become very rich, not from mining, but by selling supplies to the miners who arrived daily from every corner of the globe. They were drawn by the lure by instant riches, at first an all male cohortgood men, bad men,rich men, poor men. Not until August 1848 did credible news of the bonanza arrive in Oregon Territory,which officials had organized that same month. Peter Burnett, born in Tennessee in 1807 and raised in rural Missouri, was among the remarkable men who through pioneering and peaceful farming had wrested Oregon Country from Britain. In the five years since he had organized a wagon train west from Missouri, Burnett had experienced great changes in his life.He had succeeded in farming and almost single-handedly revised the laws of Oregon. The religious climate in Oregon was competitive and at times bitter in the clash between Canadian Catholics and American Protestants. Against the grain in a display of his characteristic independent-mindedness, Burnett became a Catholic.He also claimed to have lost his youthful yen for great wealth. But a legacy of debt from Burnetts failed entrepreneurial businesses in Missouri continued to haunt him in Oregon. So after serious consideration he succumbed, as did the majority of Oregons healthy males, to the promise of wealth in Gold Rush California. That fall he organized and captained the first wagon train from Oregon to California. Others had set out on horses trailing pack mules, as it was thought to be impractical to bring wagons over the Cascade Mountains. But in early September, emboldened by Burnetts leadership, one hundred and fifty stout, robust,energetic, sober men set out south in 50ox-drawn wagons. Eight weeks later, on November 5, they would arrive at Longs Bar camp on the Yuba River. The stretch from Oregon City to the California border on the established Applegate Trail was relatively clear. From that point on the wagoners had to forge a road through the mountains to the Sacramento Valley. At the border near Tule Lake they entered territory uncharted except for hearsay or vague references in newspapers.At first they traversed a rocky moonscape country in which crevasses and loose rocks posed a hazard to wagon wheels.On reaching the North Fork Pit River,however, they were greatly surprised to discover a newly graded, negotiable wagon road. After eight days of following the new road they caught up to trail pioneer Peter Lassen and the remnants of his wagon train. Their supplies exhausted, the pioneers were emaciated and close to ultimate disaster. Burnett recalled the fortitude of one lone old woman who was still driving her ox forward when his men overtook her. Have you got any little flour? she asked. Yes, madam,plenty. The woman replied with emotion, You are like an angel from Heaven!and let loose an earsplitting cry of joy. After sharing provisions with the starving wagoners, Burnett instructed Lassen and party to fall in behind his group, as the Oregon party had ample supplies and a group of brawny men who could force the wagon road through the heavily timbered forest almost as fast as the oxen could travel. This particular Lassen party would make it through the mountains. Burnetts wagon train arrived in the Sacramento Valley without having lost a single member of the party. The worst part of the road from Oregon to California is the pass through the Umpqua mountains, called the Kanyan, on Applegates route, Burnett reported in a published letter about the journey. Through good planning, skill and not a little luck he had beaten the hazards of rough terrain, winter chill, wary Indians and, not least, the divisiveness prevalent among hard put pioneers. The rescue of Lassen, a seasoned explorer, and the difficulties of later emigrants, many of whom suffered loss of life and goods to both Indians and natural causes while following Burnetts trail blazing route, attest to the magnitude of his achievement and quality of his leadership as captain of the train. Burnett quickly surpassed his Oregon Territory successes in those early Gold Rush days, a period historian Kevin Starr refers to as a case study in the fast-forwarding of history. Having reluctantly left his family in Oregon, Burnett was free to devote all his time to opening a claim with his nephew. His wife and children would join him later, arriving by coastal steamer. With typical planning he had brought along a suitable plank for a gold-sifting rocker mechanism. With hard work, and gold worth $16 an ounce, he made good money. But he was not content to earn his grub stake as a working miner. And so the ever-restless Burnett journeyed that winter by wagon to Sacramento. There he forged an alliance with John A. Sutter Jr., son of the famed John Sutter, the enigmatic figure who had come to Sacramento in 1839 to found the farming and trading colony of New Helvetia (see Western Enterprise in the February 2015 Wild West). Ironically, in the fortune-making rush spawned by the discovery of gold on the elder Sutters own land, his workers had deserted him, and both his finances and the settlement had collapsed. Seeing the handwriting, Sutter had deeded his remaining land to his son. Burnett, using his lawyerly acumen, maneuvered to delay creditors claims and became the younger Sutters land agent in burgeoning Sacramento. As land agent he was paid in kind and thus came to own a large amount of real estate. The wealth he acquired in turn enabled him to later pay off the debts from his Missouri days. Within three months of his arrival in California he was also heavily involved in politics. The Weekly Alta California published the results of a January 8, 1849, meeting at which he presided and in no uncertain terms demanded a freely elected provisional government for California. In the campaign that followed he eloquently promoted, in word and deed, liberty, anti-slavery and natural law. In a well-researched book let for the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, Burnett explained how in practice slavery was destructive of the body politic. His analysis of slave states bears clear parallels to present-day failed Eastern European nations, which were also structured with a powerful elite and a large body of unmotivated citizens. Burnett did not propose a mere body of positive laws but based his demands for liberal democracy on the transcendental principles of natural law. Thus we find him writing in April 1849, Have the people of California any rights? Have they not certain rights, founded, based on and implanted in mans very nature? His formidable legal reputation in Oregon had followed him to California. In August 1849 Military Governor Bennett Riley (a brevet brigadier general) appointed Burnett a judge of the Superior Tribunal. The other three justices in turn chose him to be chief justice. In October the California Constitutional Convention set the election for governor, and a convention caucus unanimously nominated Burnett. In a field of distinguished candidates he handily won election to become the first state governor of California, serving from December 20, 1849, to January 9, 1851. Originally published in the April 2015 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here. McMurtry Writes Again Larry McMurtry, best known as the Pulitzer Prizewinning author of Lonesome Dove, received due criticism for factual errors in his 2012 nonfiction book Custer. But his latest offering is Old West fiction, so we can all just relax and enjoy his distinctive prose and memorable if taciturn characters. Well, perhaps not all of us. The main characters in The Last Kind Words SaloonWyatt Earp and Doc Hollidayprompt nearly as many differences of opinions among Wild West aficionados as Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer. Liberties with historical characters are certainly acceptable in novels, but someone will surely object to Wyatt punching his wife (called Jessie here, not Josie) and then crying over his act of domestic violence. Not that the real Earp and Holliday didnt have their fair share of flaws. In his first novel in five years McMurtry makes short shrift of the oft-portrayed and much-debated gunfight near the O.K. Corral (This is a damn waste of time, Wyatt says, as he walks with his brothers and Doc to the showdown with the Clantons and McLaurys). Indian Wars Letter Resurfaces Rarely does a historian chance upon an unknown document with the potential to drastically change the narrative of important historical events. Recently, though, Gary Anderson, a history professor at the University of Oklahoma, found just such a document. The circumstances that touched off hostilities between tribal factions on the central Great Plains in 1868, in turn prompting Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridans retaliatory winter campaign, were a series of Indian raids that August in the Saline and Solomon valleys of Kansas in which up to 15 settlers were killed. Survivors of those raids sought the fortified protection of the Schermerhorn Ranch near the mouth of Elkhorn Creek. Sheridan, commander of the military Department of the Missouri, soon arrived in the area and reported on the unspeakable atrocities that supported his plans for an all-out winter campaign against the Cheyennes and other tribes, under the command of his favorite field officer, Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer. But Sheridans subordinate, Brevet Brig. Gen. Alfred Sully, commander of the District of the Upper Arkansas, headquartered at Fort Harker, Kan., was the first official to arrive at the Schermerhorn Ranch, and he took affidavits from victims of the raids. Sully, following protocol, sent the settlers accounts in writing to Brig. Gen. Chauncey McKeever, assistant adjutant general of the Department of the Missouri, headquartered at Fort Leavenworth. On arrival at the fort on August 26, 1868, Sullys letter was stamped as received. Sheridan either did not read the letter or perhaps suppressed it, knowing that Sully and Custer did not like each other, and that Sheridan favored Custer for his planned actions in the field. The letter wound up misfiled and thus lost in the National Archives, until recently discovered by Anderson. More likely Sheridan thought Sullys report might put a damper on his plans in the field. Several of the settlers Sully interviewed later filed depredation claims with the government in which they alleged that during the raids several women had been brutally raped by Cheyennes, Arapahos and, in one case, a Sioux chief. But the affidavits Sully cited in his report point to other culprits. In those statements the settlers claimed the raids were the doing of white whiskey peddlers (who proliferated in Kansas at the time) along with a few rogue American Indian customers. A woman who claimed to have been gang raped, and the husband of another alleged rape victim, told Sully emphatically that white outlaws had violated them. All of the settlers affidavits attested that whites dressed as Indians constituted the majority of the raiders. Sullys report and the reports of others are presently being researched in depth for future publication. John Monnett The Photogenic Kid Author Ray John de Aragon, of Las Vegas, N.M., claims to own a genuine photo of Billy the Kid, which turned up in a family album and was endorsed in September by Houston Police forensic artist Lois Gibson. While de Aragon has owned the album since the 1970s (when his father passed it on to him), he only recently decided to verify the authenticity of this particular image (above at left). It is not de Aragons only reported photo of the Kid. In 1994, through Swann Auction Galleries in New York, he sold an alleged tintype portrait of young Billy for $50,600. That earlier image has not been fully accepted by historians, nor has any other Billy the Kid image, except for an authenticated tintype that sold for $2.3 million in June 2011 (a carte de visite copy of that tintype sold last June for $15,000; see the October 2014 Wild West). De Aragons latest Kid picture has also met with skepticism. De Aragon says its in an old family album that he has, and it is a remarkable family album, says Paul Hutton, a University of New Mexico history professor and collector of most anything related to the Kid. Several photographs have surfaced over the years from it that are connected to Lincoln County, or at least alleged to be connected with Lincoln County and Billy the Kid. I am not a photo expert, but while the character in the new photo has a slight resemblance to Billy, I do not think they really look that much alike. Readers, judge for yourselves. Nevada Turns 150 Last Halloween, October 31, Virginia City [www.visitvirginiacitynv.com] celebrated Nevadas 150 years of statehood with a sesquicentennial parade and a masquerade ball, while Carson City [www.carson .org] marked the occasion a day later with a parade themed Happy 150th Birthday, Nevada! Silver (think Comstock Lode) was king in Nevada Territory, which Congress established on March 2, 1861, with Carson City as its capital. The silver helped fund the Unions Civil War effort and was reason enoughdespite Nevadas unimpressive population of about 40,000for President Abraham Lincoln to admit it as the 36th state on October 31, 1864. At the time Virginia City was the most populous city in what would become officially known as the Silver State. Today Carson City (pop. 55,000) remains the capital, while Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark district since 1961, is home to less than 900 people. Are both cities justly proud of their history? You bet. But what about Las Vegas, Sin City? It is Nevadas most populous city, with close to 600,000 souls, but was scarcely in evidence at the time of statehood. In fact, it was not officially incorporated as a city until 1911. Well, thats no sin. And never fearLas Vegas held its own sesquicentennial parade on October 31. Baby Peggy in the West My most recent news is that three of my books are being republished, this time in digital, Kindle and as e-books, reports Diana Serra Cary, who turned 96 on October 29, from her home in Gustine, Calif. I really miss writing Western Americana vignettes for Wild West, which I enjoyed immensely for several years. Born Peggy-Jean Montgomery on October 29, 1918, Cary took up writing as an adult and had four articles in Wild West From the Old Frontier to Film (October 1994), Handyman Holiday (December 1995), Frustrated Fighting Bobs Blaze of Glory (October 1996) and California Indians on the White Mans Frontier (August 1999). By then she had garnered lasting fame as the child film star Baby Peggythe Shirley Temple of her time. Her father, Jack Montgomery, was a onetime cowboy and stuntman for Tom Mix in several Westerns. But it was Baby Peggy, discovered at age 19 months, who was the big screen starappearing in some 150 silent shorts and feature films between 1921 and 1924 and signing a $1.5 million-a-year contract at Universal. Her surviving films include the delightful feature Captain January and the 12- minute short Peg o the Mounted, in which she portrays a mini Mountie to remember. After her father had a falling out with a Hollywood producer over Baby Peggys salary, she toured as a vaudeville performer from 1925 to 1929. When a 1930s Hollywood comeback didnt work out, Peggy turned to writing. Her books: The Hollywood Posse: The Story of a Gallant Band of Horsemen Who Made Movie History (see review at www.historynet.com), Hollywoods Children: An Inside Account of the Child Star Era, What Ever Happened to Baby Peggy? and Jackie Coogan: The Worlds Boy King. The documentary Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room debuted on Turner Movie Classics in 2012. Farney Brings Top Bid Yarns of a Summer Day (pictured above), an 1893 gouache on paper by French-born painter Henry Farney (18471916), realized $310,000, making it by far the highest selling lot at Cowans [www .cowanauctions.com] American Indian and Western Art auction on September 26 in Cincinnati. In this work and others Farney, who spent most of his life in the United States, depicts Indians engaged in everyday activities in an idyllic setting. California Chrysanthemums, by Joseph Henry Sharp (18591953), sold for $24,600, while Howard Terpnings Yellowstone Fall brought $19,680. See You Later, Jack Burrows Jack Burrows, 96, a retired history professor, author and great storyteller, died on September 9 in San Jose, Calif. He wrote the 1987 book John Ringo: The Gunfighter Who Never Was, about the overrated gunfighter, and the 2000 book Black Sun of the Miwok, about California Indians hed known as a boy. Originally published in the February 2015 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here. Many others also prospered during Nevadas big silver strike. The 1859 discovery of almost pure silver ore amid the gold of the Comstock Lode began a scramble for the promised wealth and gave rise to Virginia City, which drew some 25,000 residents at its peak and was for a time among the largest and wealthiest cities in the West. It was truly a gateway to riches. Fortunes varied, however, and by the time the mines played out, some folks had lost out completely, some had grown moderately wealthy and some had won big. Firmly atop the winners list were John William Mackay, James Graham Fair, James Clair Flood and William S. OBrien, known alternately as the Silver Kings or Bonanza Kings of the Comstock. The four made their fortunes after risking no more than $100,000 in 1872 to wrest control of a half-dozen waning claims bundled together as the Consolidated Virginia Mining Co. The partners gamble paid off big the following year when their miners struck a large body of silver ore deep in the companys mines. By mid-1875 the partners holdings were estimated at about $1 billionin 1875 dollarsand shares in the companys mines were selling for as much as $710. From 1873 to 1882 Consolidated Virginias mines yielded ore worth more than $105 million (nearly $2.3 billion in todays dollars). But that was only the beginning. The Silver Kings went on to dominate the Comstock, establishing the Pacific Mill and Mining Co. to monopolize milling of ore; financing operations through their Nevada Bank of San Francisco, at one time the largest bank in America; buying the Virginia and Gold Hill Water Co., which supplied the camps and mines with water from the Sierras; and forming the Pacific Wood, Lumber, and Fluming Co. to ensure supplies of timber for use in their mines. These acquisitions, one historian wrote, gave the owners control of the whole mining process, excluding transportation via the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. The four original partners remain among the 100 richest Americans of all timewith one ranked as high as 15th. But they werent the only ones who struck it rich off the Comstock. Among a number of other fortunate menand at least one womanwas Adolph Sutro, who engineered a namesake tunnel beneath the Comstock diggings to drain water from the mines, at a cost to mine owners of some $10,000 a day. Other entrepreneurs competed with Pacific Wood, Lumber and Fluming by floating timber directly to the mines along their own flume linesin the process denuding much of the eastern Sierra. George Hearst, father of future newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, parlayed his prospecting success into Hearst, Haggin, Tevis and Co., the largest private mining firm in the United States, with mines in Nevada, Utah, South Dakota, Montana and Peru. When the surviving partners sold their interest in Montanas Anaconda copper mines in 1899, Lloyd Tevis alone was reported to have made $8 million. Mining investor Alvinza Hayward diversified his earnings from the Comstock and other holdings into timber, coal, railroads, real estate and banking and became one of the original investors in the City Gas Co. of San Francisco, a predecessor of present-day Pacific Gas and Electric. And there were others, many of whom never picked up a shovel or swung a pick. Among them was William Sharon, who started as the Bank of Californias agent on the Comstock but rose to become a business partner of bank founder William Ralston. He was also a principal member of what came to be known as the Bank Crowd, an investment group centered on Ralston and associates, men who had persisted through the original scurry for and litigation over Comstock claims. The Bank Crowd made much of its wealth by loaning money to ascendant mining and milling operations and then foreclosing on those operations when the mines lagged and their owners defaulted. The Bank Crowd also funded construction of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in 1869. As the cost of transporting ore from the mines rose, many operations were forced to close. Sharon, who by now had earned the moniker King of the Comstock, proposed a railroad to resolve the situation. The Virginia & Truckee connected the mines and mills with Virginia City and Carson City and later extended north to Reno to link with the Central Pacific. The trains soon supplanted the mule trains long used to carry Comstock ore from the valley. From the driving of the first spike on Sept. 28, 1869, work crews took just over a month to complete the railroad, at a cost of $1.75 million. At its peak the V&T ran 40 trains a day and carried 40,000 tons of freight per month. In 1875 Ralstons financial house of cards collapsed, and Sharon acquired many of his former employers assets. The day after the collapse Ralston turned up dead in San Francisco Bay, the apparent victim of a stroke while swimming. The rumor mill soon swirled with talk of suicide, while others speculated Sharon may have hastened the collapse. Ethical integrity aside, there was no questioning Sharons entrepreneurial vision. Back in 1862 he had also helped found the Virginia and Gold Hill Water Co., the first non-mining incorporation on the Comstock Lode, to control the district water supply. At the time Virginia City drew its water supply from springs, wells or directly from the mine tunnels, and in Sharons hands it would remain far from drinkable. But in 1871 a group of investors led by Silver Kings Mackay and Fair bought out Sharon. The companys new owners hatched plans to pipe in water from the Sierra Nevada, some 30 miles to the west. Those plans called for crossing the Washoe Valley, which lay more than 1,000 feet below Virginia City. The company hired German engineer Hermann Schussler, who devised a system of flumes, tunnels and reservoirs in the Sierras that fed a pipeline down into the valley and back up to Virginia City. The system featured an innovative inverted siphon that enabled the line pressure itself to push water uphill without the use of pumps. After completing that project, Schussler worked as chief engineer on the Sutro Tunnel. Another entrepreneur who capitalized on the uptick in Washoe Valleys fortunes was Duane Bliss, founder of the Carson and Tahoe Lumber and Fluming Co., which grew to control all facets of its lumbering businessowning the land on which the timber grew as well as the flumes, railroads, barges and ships that moved it. Bliss had earlier been a partner in a bank acquired by Ralstons Bank of California in 1865, and he later stepped into the tourism business, leveraging his timber profits to buy Lake Tahoe real estate and link its shores with boat and train service. He even enticed Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes to visit the area, further boosting tourism. Also making the national political scene was William Morris Stewart, a onetime California and Nevada prospector who dropped mining to become an attorney. Moving to Virginia City in 1860, he made a fortune in legal fees through his ruthless approach to mining litigation, ultimately gaining control of the Comstock Lode for his clients. He parlayed his reputation into a successful political career, serving two terms as a U.S. senator from Nevada. Another dabbler in politics, albeit local, was Henry Piper, who settled in Nevada shortly after the discovery of the Comstock Lode and partnered with older brother John in a Virginia City saloon. The brothers later bought a local opera house and brought in nationally known celebritiesincluding the young humorist Mark Twain. A social climber, Henry went on to serve as a city alderman and treasurer and as a state assemblyman. Among the notable women to benefit (legally) from the Comstock boom was Alison Eilley Oram Bowers, who started out running a boardinghouse, telling fortunes and doing miners laundry in Gold City, Nev. She moved up to buying and selling mining claims and became one of the richest women in the United States. She and husband Lemuel Sanford Sandy Bowersreferred to as simple, unlettered folks by one historianwere worth more than $4 million at the peak. But after Sandy died in 1868, and the mines played out, Eilleys fortunes took a downturn. Widow Bowers survived for a while by turning her mansion into a resort and party spot, but she eventually went bankrupt and died penniless in Oakland, Calif. The big winners, of course, were the Silver Kings and the Bank Crowd. But there was enough left over for others to get by, and in some cases get rich, by recognizing and meeting the needs of the burgeoning industry and the simple human needs of the thousands of other hopefuls drawn to the area. Some just got richer than others. Originally published in the April 2015 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here. Tales from the rowdy route of mostly whiskey trade that ran from Fort Benton, Montana Territory, to Canadas North-West Territories. The colorfully named Whoop-Up Trail was not nearly as significant as the Santa Fe Trail far to the south and is little remembered today, but this spirituous route of commerce in the Old West certainly made its mark, for better or worse, on the American Northwest and Canada. The trail sprang up during the latter half of the 19th century, when western Canada was a vast, wild region populated mainly by nomadic, buffalo-hunting First Nations tribes and a scattering of trappers and traders. For nearly two centuries the dominant economic power in the region then known as the North-West Territorieswhich included present-day Alberta, Saskatchewan and parts of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebecwas the legendary Hudsons Bay Co., one of the most successful mercantile enterprises in history. Hudsons Bay was incorporated in 1670 when King Charles II of England granted his cousin Prince Rupert of the Rhine and other investors a royal charter to trade in North America. Called Ruperts Land, the grant was huge, at one time encompassing all of present-day Manitoba, most of Saskatchewan, southern Alberta and the northern parts of Ontario and Quebec, as well as slices of Minnesota, the Dakotas and Montana. At 1.5 million square miles it was nearly twice as large as the Louisiana Purchase. In 1821, in response to an increasingly violent trade war in the region, the British government forced a merger between HBC and the North West Co., its leading competitor, essentially dissolving the latter while giving the former a monopoly in the region. During the 1830s HBC pressed south into the Missouri and Columbia rivers territory. Simultaneously, in the feverish race for furs, John Jacob Astors powerful American Fur Co. made its own inroads north into the Saskatchewan River drainage system. During the early years of the fur trade Hudsons Bay and American Fur battled for control of the region. By the mid- 19th century, however, HBCs influence was on the wane. In 1870 the company surrendered its charter for Ruperts Land to the British Crown, receiving 300,000 pounds in compensation, a transaction that virtually overnight transformed Canada into a vast dominion of Great Britain. It also created a trading void soon filled by opportunistic free traders from both Canada and the United States. Recognizing the profit to be made from liquor traffic with First Nations tribes, those traders carved out a route that soon garnered the name Whoop-Up Trail. The origin of its name is uncertain, but the expression whoop it up had long been in common use, and bullwhackers reportedly shouted, Whoop it up! when they wanted their oxen to move faster. Others insist the trail name originated with one particular trader, who, when asked how things were going up north, replied memorably in fractured English, Oh, were just whoopen on em up. Regardless, the Whoop-Up Trail soon evolved into a mighty channel of overland commerce. It may very well have been the wildest avenue of Western entrepreneurial activity on either side of the border. The free traders, the economic force that made the Whoop-Up Trail so profitable, carried a wide range of goodstobacco, salt, sugar, flour, tea, axes, knives, blanketsbut whiskey was far and away the most profitable trade item. Seldom did they trade in good whiskey, instead developing their own special formulas to trade for hides and pelts. The typical fiery mixture began with a base of whiskey, to which was added tobacco, ginger, red pepper and, on occasion, molasses and red ink for color. It was rotgut of the worst sort and at times must have seemed bottled straight from a bull wallow. The resulting alcohol addiction played a role in diminishing the once powerful Blackfoot Indians (as they are known in Canada; usually styled Blackfeet, singular or plural, in the United States) into a tribe that was only a shadow of its former self. Although the peak period of the whiskey traffic lasted only about five years (186974), they were tumultuous years marked by a vigorous trade in whiskey, furs, firearms and ammunition. While the various tribes represented a customer base for traders, they could also on occasion be ones deadly enemy, and by the 1870s many of the Indians were well armed with modern repeating firearms, thus increasing the risk of doing business, particularly illicit trade, in the region. In addition to the whiskey traffic, the Whoop-Up Trail also carried thousands of tons of freight to government posts in western Canada. Between 1874 and 1885 the trail handled one-third of all the freight that passed through Fort Benton, Montana Territory, bound for the hinterland north of the international border. Traffic along the trail varied from travelers on foot and horseback to mule trains and trade wagons. Within 100 miles of the border, Fort Benton was the hub for northbound traffic along the Whoop-Up Trail. Founded in 1847 by brothers Auguste and Pierre Chouteau, among the foremost of Americas fur trading entrepreneurs, the Upper Missouri River post quickly became an economic driver in the region. There was no more colorful community in the West than bustling Fort Benton, which soon claimed the moniker Chicago of the Plains. With the discovery of gold in the early 1860s in what soon became Montana Territory, the fort quickly became the terminus for steamboat traffic that carried prospectors, opportunists and emigrants bound for the land of quick wealth. Although by the mid-19th century the boom days of the trade in beaver furs were over, a ready market for buffalo hides and wolf pelts had developed to fill the economic gap. Indeed, by the mid-1870s brokers such as Thomas C. Power were shipping an estimated 100,000 buffalo hides and wolf pelts through Fort Benton annually. That business, combined with the emigrant traffic bound for Montanas gold camps, ensured the continuation of Fort Bentons spirited lifestyle. There was virtually no law of any kind, civil or moral, one visitor recalled. One historian termed the uninhibited inland port the Sagebrush Sodom. From Fort Benton the Whoop-Up Trail snaked its way north along the banks of the Teton River, entering Canada near the Sweet Grass Hills. North of the border, after crossing the Milk River, the trail split into three routesthe eastern branch veering to the north end of present-day Lethbridge, Alberta; the central route heading to Fort Whoop-Up (originally Fort Hamilton), south of Lethbridge; and the westernmost course continuing on to Fort Macleod (built in 1874). Fort Whoop-Up, a seven-day ride from Fort Benton, was easily the best known and certainly the most colorful of the whiskey trading outposts that pocked the Whoop-Up Trail, though other posts bore equally memorable names, such as Forts Slide-Out, Stand-Off and Robbers Roost. Although it was customary to refer to these trading posts as forts, they usually comprised little more than a rough log cabin, which either the traders themselves or Indians often burned down at the end of each season. Fort Whoop-Up was the brainchild of Fort Benson based traders John Jerome Healy and Alfred B. Hamilton. In 1869 the partners built a crude trading post, dubbed Fort Hamilton, at the confluence of the St. Mary and Oldman rivers. When disaffected Indians burned that post, Healy and Hamilton hired former Hudsons Bay carpenter William Shanks Gladstone to construct a sturdy rectangular post near the same spot. The new structure, which came to be known as Fort Whoop-Up, incorporated heavy timber walls and blockhouses mounted with cannon to guard the approaches. The partners received financial backing from Hamiltons uncle Isaac Gilbert Baker, who in 1866 had opened a store in Fort Benton. Fort Whoop-Up operated as a self-contained community. Healy was the self-styled law and order. After venturing west in 1858 as a member of the 2nd U.S. Dragoons, he soon set aside a soldiering career to prospect in the Montana gold camps and the broader region. Having little luck, he tried his hand at a variety of ways to turn a dollartown-site promoter, farmer, hunter, Indian fighter. In 1877, following his successful stint as post trader at Fort Whoop-Up, he was appointed sheriff of Chouteau County and soon became anathema to horse thieves. During those lively early years any itinerant adventurer passing along the Whoop-Up Trail might enjoy the companionship of freighters and bear witness to the snap and pop of bullwhips, or perhaps trade tobacco for safe passage from a roving party of Blackfoot. By 1874, depending on the nature of ones business, said traveler might also enjoy the company of the recently arrived, scarlet-clad North-West Mounted Police. When the Mounties took up their station that summer, they soon focused their attention on the free traders, who had a mixed reputation in the region. Some saw them simply as innovative businessmen who provided a useful service to the Blackfoot, Bloods, Crees and other tribes. Missionaries, government officials and military commanders saw them as a destructive force. Healy, for one, argued that traders taught the Indians to behave and made the country safe for travel. Generally speaking, the Mounties found the traders to be a decent if rowdy bunch, mostly young men, many of whom were recently discharged veterans, Yankee and Confederate. Wolfershunters who tracked and culled wolves for their peltswere less welcome. Following on the heels of the traders, they also operated out of Fort Benton and plied the Whoop-Up Trail into the North-West Territories. Wolf pelts were much in demand, and American wolfers could turn a handsome profit. Between 1870 and 74 they ran Fort Spitzee (a corruption of a Blackfoot word for high), an illicit trading post near the High River some 100 miles northwest of Fort Whoop-Up. Traders and Indians generally loathed the wolfers, who lived like their prey and whose indiscriminate hunting methods relied on strychnine rather than guns or traps (bullet holes and leg wounds devalued the pelts). Lacing the organs of a buffalo with the poison, they baited hungry wolves to feast on the meat, then returned later to skin their carcasses. During the cold winter months, when game was often scarce, the scent of buffalo meat drew prey like a magnet. Problem was, the bait also drew domesticated dogs, costing the Indians many valuable animals. In the 1880s Montana, prompted by ranchers fed up with livestock losses, offered a bounty for dead wolves, which made hunting the animals even more profitable and led to even more brutal methods. Wolfers developed a favored tactic called denning, in which they would locate a den, kill the female and then slaughter her cubs to collect the bounty. Indians tended not to bother the traders, who represented a source of food, whiskey and weapons. But the hated wolfers, who operated in small groups of three or four, proved easier prey, and the Indians picked them off whenever they could. Wolfers had their own ax to grind with traders for selling rifles and ammunition to Indians, thus putting their livelihood, not to mention their lives, at greater risk. They beseeched the traders to stop selling firearms to Indians, but the traders refused to give up the lucrative trade. Rebuffed, the wolfers organized a band of some 60 vigilante riders dubbed the Spitzee Cavalry. Its mission? Force the traders to suspend firearm sales to the Indians or drive them from the region. At Fort Whoop-Up, John Healy remained especially defiant and fired off a letter to the cavalry, telling them he would continue selling the Indians anything they wanted, asking them to leave his traders alone and suggesting they meet to discuss the issue. The Spitzee troopers rode down to Fort Whoop-Up to confront him. Angry rhetoric filled the air and threats abounded, but Healy defused the situation and convinced the wolfers the traders were there to stay. The grumbling wolfers finally departed, and the Spitzee Cavalry soon mustered out. Increasing and often lurid accounts of lawlessness made it clear that if the dominion were to expand toward the setting sun, authorities must bring order to the West. The violence culminated in the 1874 Cypress Hills massacre, in which a group of wolfers and traders, seeking vengeance for the loss of stolen horses, attacked blameless Assiniboines, killing at least 20 and burning their village. In fact, law and order was coming to the North West Territories. A year prior to the massacre the Canadian government had created the North-West Mounted Police. Renamed the Royal Northwest Mounted Police in 1904, the force merged with the Dominion Police in 1920 to become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police still operating today. It is doubtful whether any single law enforcement agency has ever been assigned so vast a territory. Until 1870 Canada comprised only four provinces. But in 1870 the government created the provinces of Manitoba and British Columbia, and virtually everything west of present-day Manitoba became the North-West Territories, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, which were not designated provinces until 1905. The 1870s International Boundary Survey coincided with the arrival of the North-West Mounted Police in the region, but most of the Canadian West remained terra incognita. The North-West Mounted Police consisted of six divisions of 50 men each, under the overall command of a commis sioner. Leading each division were a superintendent, an inspector and two sub-inspectors. Men signed up for threeyear terms, for which they would be paid 50 cents a day. The position of commissioner was assigned to Lt. Col. George Arthur French, a British artillery officer. It took nearly a year for French to get his new organization in shape to meet its new responsibilities. Finally, on July 8, 1874, the Mounties in their shiny new uniforms marched out of Fort Dufferin, Manitoba, bound for the North-West Territories. That October they established Fort Macleod, and in 1875 they built Fort Brisebois (renamed Fort Calgary in 1876). Although ending the whiskey trade was a key reason for the creation of the force and construction of the forts, the Mounties also had to deal with boundary disputes, smuggling and the possibility of a cross-border Fenian invasion. The Fenian Brotherhood, founded in the United States in 1858, was an offshoot organization of Irishmen who sought independence from England and figured to achieve that goal by invading and holding Canada hostage. The planned invasion never happened, but it stood as a threat the Mounties had to consider. They were also responsible for safe guarding the welfare of the First Nations. The arrival of the NWMP force quickly sounded a death knell for the illicit whiskey traders, but there remained a need among the Blackfoot and other Indians for flour, sugar and pemmican. Thus, the Mounties ushered in a new era of commerce on the Whoop-Up Trail. Many present-day American tourists driving north to visit the beautiful communities of Banff and Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies follow the general course of the Whoop-Up Trail. Most have little notion of the history that surrounds them as they pass through a region of seemingly endless grasslands and wheat fields. With a little imagination, though, one can visualize the lumbering freight wagons and hear the drivers yells and cracking whips as they made their way north toward one of the trading posts along the Whoop-Up Trail. Colorado author Jerry Keenan has written for Wild West since 1988. For further reading: Whoop-Up Country, by Paul F. Sharp; A Double Duty, by Jim Wallace; and Healys West: The Life and Times of John J. Healy, by Gordon E. Tolton Originally published in the April 2015 issue of Wild West. To subscribe, click here. When it comes to the most popular president in the USA Barack Obama is surely considered as one of them. Though Obama is very popular among his countrymen but still he is one of the humble leaders in the US. After being elected as the president of the United States in 2009 Barack Obama is considered as one of the most successful leaders of all time. But, the presidential term of the former president Barack Obama has finished and hence he bids farewell and addresses the people. The former US president Barack Obama continued very good work over the years and the last year in his presidentship was no difference at all. Therefore, the goodwill of Barack Obama was reasonably high. The Best thing about the presidentship of Barack Obama is that he has maintained his good will till the last date of his presidentship. Obama has confirmed that after he is done with all of the formalities he will travel back to Chicago where he started his journey back in 2008. During the farewell campaign, Obama has showcased all of his achievements as a president of the United States. At the same time, he has shown all the statistics of his work too. According to him, it will boost up Trump's effort to develop America in the future days. A couple of days ago, The former first lady Michelle Obama has also addressed the people of the USA. Though her message was mostly to the youth of the nations. In her speech, she had stated that she had probably made everybody proud in the county. After the speech, she had attended an hour long interview where she had become a bit emotional. After almost eight years of clean presidentship of Barack Obama, it is expected that Donald Trump will continue the same reputation and will work for the development of the USA. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An Arab terrorist rammed into a group of soldiers in Jerusalem leaving four dead and 17 injured, nearly 300 soldiers were present at the time of the attack. The driver of the truck was shot dead at the scene later on the attacker was identified as a Palestinian from Jabel Mukaber. Out of the four dead three were female soldiers all in their early 20's, the deputy commander of the ZAKA recovery and rescue organization stated that 12 victims were wounded lightly, the other four are serious and one is in a critical condition as per the Guardian. The Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu said that the attacker was a suspected supporter of the so called Islamic State. The attacker was Fadi Qunbar and he was 28 years old. It was indeed a very tragic incident especially for the soldiers. An eyewitness present at the scene stated that the attacker drove backwards to crush more people, the police have tightened the security throughout the city after the incident. According to BBC News, the security cabinet approved administrative detention for IS sympathizers and they authorized the destruction of the driver's home. As for the Palestinian militant group Hamas they praised the attacker and a spokesperson Abdul Latif Qanou called it a heroic act. He further encouraged other Palestinians to escalate the resistance. The US state department along with the European Union condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms. Earlier in October 2015, 35 Israelis were killed in a wave of knife, gun and car ramming attacks all by Palestinians or Israeli Arabs. The Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat stated not to let terror win when he called on the residents, there have been a number of attacks that occurred in recent months but this particular incident has been one of the most serious one. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. J anuary is the perfect time to refresh your home's interiors with a wow-factor design piece. Whether it's a fancy coffee table, eye-catching artwork or a a show-stopping sofa, good design can transform a space - without a ladder, colour chart or paintbrush in sight. British auction house Christie's South Kensington has teamed up with luxury interior designer Nicky Dobree to create a cosy ski chalet-style space ahead of the house's interior sale on January 11. Dobree, perhaps best known for designing luxury ski chalets and once converting a 300-year-old alpine farmhouse described by Kevin McCloud as the "ultimate James Bond pad", has combined furniture, artwork and ski posters for sale in the upcoming monthly auction - as well as her own pieces - in the stunning gallery space. Designed by Dobree: the space showcases artwork by Paul Flanning, which has an estimated sale price of between 1,000 and 2,000 / Christies Images Limited Located in Brompton Road, Christie's South Kensington offers free entry to the public and Dobree is scheduled to speak about the interior design of luxury ski chalets at "The Alpine Late" event on January 10. Christie's Lates are free drop-in events from 6pm until 8.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month, with guest speakers, demonstrations and even cocktail masterclasses among attractions. As part of "Interiors including the Ski Sale" on January 11, there will be one hundred vintage ski posters for sale, with estimates ranging from 1,200 to 30,000 and depicting iconic resorts in Switzerland, Norway, Germany and the US. M ulti-millionaire arts lovers have been given the rare opportunity to own a 2.5 million box at the Royal Albert Hall, from which they can enjoy hundreds of performances near the Royal Box. The 12-seat Grand Tier box at the iconic London concert hall is the first to go on sale in almost a decade. It is expected to prove popular with a British investor looking for a sound alternative investment, as boxes of this nature increase in value over time. The Queens Box is found on the same level just seats away, and the owners will have prime viewing of nearly 400 events this year alone, such as the Baftas, the BBC Proms, Titanic Live and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestras The Music of Bond. The Grade I listed Royal Albert is the UKs busiest and most beloved venue with a capacity of up to 5,272 seats, including 1276 owned by private individuals and corporate entities. Its long history with the royal family stretches back to its opening in 1871 by Queen Victoria, who named it after her late husband and acquired 20 boxes on the Grand Tier. In purchasing the box, the owner will automatically receive a membership to the Corporation of the Halls of Arts and Science, making them responsible for electing the Halls president and council and upholding historic traditions. Nicholas Shaw, sales manager of Harrods Estates Kensington who are marketing the box, said. This Grand Tier box at the Royal Albert Hall is a real generational purchase. It is ideal for entertaining, with its 12 seats, and provides enviable views over the main stage and auditorium. We have witnessed these boxes sell previously to the true lovers of the arts and this time should be no different. Offers in excess of 2.5 million will be considered, with approximately 849 years remaining on the lease. Through Harrods Estates. While 2016 was a slow deal year for major transactions, there was significant activity involving regional and leisure assets. Looking ahead, new supply will be a concern in many major markets in 2017. In Melbourne, it will be hard to drive room rate growth given continued new supply. Strong occupancies are still being achieved but rate growth will be moderate. In Sydney, the average daily rate will continue to be strong with limited new supply and the new Sydney Exhibition Centre coming on line. This will make Sydney the number one performing hotel market for the next three to five years. In Brisbane, rates and occupancy levels will remain under pressure given the level of new supply and the lack of major new demand generators. However, with head works starting and road closures now in place for the start of works on the Queens Wharf Redevelopment, the announcement of the $20b Adani Coal Mine and recovering coal and iron ore pricing, we expect that the Queensland hotel market will begin to recover from 2018 onwards. Counter cyclical opportunities will arise for astute investors in areas such as Brisbane and Perth. However, we expect that most deals done in these markets will be off market deals rather than on market. Cairns, the Gold Coast and the Whitsunday Island regions will continue to experience a strong recovery in room rates and occupancies as inbound tourism arrivals numbers continue to grow with the lower Australian dollar. However, until the mining industry fully recovers there may be distressed sales occurring in some areas of Australia as valuations of properties are ordered by the banks. Areas that will be affected will be the sub regional markets like Mackay, Townsville and Gladstone and regional areas of WA in towns that were once thriving due to the mining boom. If one bank moves on owners in these regions other banks will be sure to follow suit. Natasha Wallis Communications Manager, Australia +61 8 9320 0018 CBRE Hotels First off, the hospitality industry is already a full-blown direct response industry. That might not be so obvious to the untrained eye, but you just need to know where to look. Take this, for example. Every time an OTA charges a commission, that commission is based on a verifiable ROI. That's the only way they can make the super-affiliate relationship work. From a hotel's perspective, this is good because management can always reason that, "If we spend 20%, we're still left with 80% in revenue and something's better than nothing" And the OTAs can use the same mental calculation, measuring costs against profits, to steadily grow their businesses. It's pretty simple, right? But it's powerful because it's scientific. And as the direct response practice of testing and tracking results on everything we do becomes more and more widespread, there are 5 fundamental ways it's going to change the way we do business in the hospitality industry. 1. Direct booking campaigns will push hotels to use more transactional emails: Since 2015-16, when most hotel bookings shifted to on-line channels, directors of marketing have been, increasingly, looking for ways to up their on-line conversion game. And one of the least expensive ways to do that has been to follow the OTAs' example and invest in automated email marketing. With a high degree of track-ability already built in to these systems, it's been easy for marketers to show increased engagement levels, larger numbers of sign-ups to their loyalty programs and, most importantly, a higher, total return on investment. (ROI) Following the OTAs continued use of this medium, I believe it's only a matter of time until every hotel catches on and sets up their own email marketing funnels to keep communication flowing and reservations coming in Again, exactly like the OTAs, I have no doubt hotels will keep pushing these transactional emails until people either unsubscribe, or die from old age. Email marketing pays for itself, time and time again, after all! 2. Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) will give marketers a new level of measure-ability Evolving out of marketers' need to track results, so they can continually produce better outcomes, CRM software is here to stay. And the fact that all the CRM players in the industry only serve about 15-20% of hotels, right now, means there's a huge race going on to capture the rest of the market. So you can bet your bottom dollar you're going to be hearing a lot about the virtues of CRM, going forward. And you should listen! Track-ability can give you an amazing level of understanding of guests' behavior. That lets your staff provide a higher level of service. That increases revenues. And, at the end of the day, all that gets fed back to marketing, so they can get even better at targeting your highest-value guests, or look alikes. Sometimes called 'growth hacking', or 'first-click attribution modeling', this synergistic process of continually measuring the customer's journey so you can keep refining your approach, and increasing profits, is what the direct-response industry is all about. And I have no doubt that, once hotels adopt this approach, in marketing and service standards, there's no real reason to go back. The results will speak for themselves. 3. The OTAs will redefine destination marketing on social media As I mentioned, the OTAs are direct response experts. That's how they decide which campaigns to keep, and which ones to shelve And, as such, every social media campaign they launch in the future will, naturally, have to go through the same ROI test. Using the 'first-click attribution model', which I just mentioned, above, all this will be at a very granular level. And that will cause an important shift in the social media marketing discipline. Marketers will suddenly stop talking about their number of 'likes', 'shares' or, even, website visits. And they're only going to start reporting on the bottom line on how many room nights were booked on the total, lifetime value of your social media guests The Agora Model Photo by HSMAI Money talks and B.S. walks! This change has to happen. There's no other choice for the OTAs, really. Because, you see, just like junk mail, consumers don't have any brand loyalty when it comes to 3rd party offers. The convenience that one OTA offers can easily be replaced by one of their competitors. So, unless each OTA continues reaching out to would-be travelers in the 'dreaming' and 'planning' phase, and keeps moving those people to their own direct response marketing lists, they'll always run the risk of going out of business. Think about how Red Bull has changed their business to stay ahead of this reality. They've completely transformed themselves from a beverage company, into a media company that just so happens to sell beverages. The OTAs will have to follow the same path, for the same reasons, and, with 'first-click attribution', this will help them become leaders in social media destination marketing. Any hotel that doesn't want to get crowded out, then, will have to take time to build their own online communities, as well, following the same ROI-based marketing practices. 4. Hotels will start relying on local affiliates to get the word out Numbers 1,2 and 3, on this list, all speak to one fact. OTAs and hotels will get better and better at marketing over time, and the sheer volume of marketing communications will keep expanding, almost exponentially. As I'm sure you can guess, this will create a lot of noise and when there's a lot of noise people tend to stop paying attention. To compete in a more crowded space against OTA competitors that will always have more choices and easy terms hotels will need to set up direct response agreements with local businesses. i.e. Create local affiliates. You see, as soon as hotels start using better tracking technologies, they'll come to an important realization: they can promote themselves by paying small commissions to local businesses and, effectively, catch people's attention much earlier in the 'planning' phase of the buying journey. This is a win-win for the local economy and, from a guest's point of view, side-by-side marketing provides an important level of social proof. For example, say you were going white water rafting next week and your tour guide had an ad for a local hotel on their homepage. As a consumer, that ad is an endorsement. It tells you that hotel is probably close by. And that it's also probably a good fit for people who are into white water rafting. These facts help make this hotel the obvious winner. So, if hotels are going to make a strong first impression and win more direct bookings against an onslaught of OTA noise, this is the kind of market positioning they going to need. And, since track-ability will prove profitability, in that relationship, there's also no doubt in my mind that hotels will start taking advantage of this marketing channel, more and more. 5. The 'gig' economy will replace a lot of in-house marketing positions A lot of people forget that 2008 was a complete, global melt-down of the financial system, nearly as bad as the great depression, but we need to remember the past because it changed the fundamental nature of our industry. For example, when RevPar plummeted by 20%, most hotels slashed their marketing budgets, laid off staff and started relying on the OTAs to do their online marketing. Fortunately, things have improved and the last 6 years have been, mostly, clear sailing. But! That doesn't mean hotels have brought all their marketing activities back, in-house. The OTAs have become an incredibly convenient solution (because they provide measurable results), and 'outsourcing' has become the way of the world. Luckily, the gig economy offers a solution to hotels' need for more marketing power. And I'm happy to predict that, as soon as hotels figure out how to create local affiliates, like I just described in point #4, they're going to quickly start working with freelancers on an ROI basis, as well. STRs RevPAR growth chart Photo by STR "Hey kid, if you manage my Twitter feed, I'll give you a 5% commission. Deal?" Or a freelancer might approach a hotel and say, "I'll help you get bookings on Instagram for less than you're currently paying in OTA commissions What do you say?" Either way, it's a win-win And just like that, local businesses and members of the local community will get into the hotel marketing business on a 'pay-for-performance' basis. This partnership will help hotels compete with the OTAs in an authentic way and, ultimately, let them shift their marketing dollars away from the OTAs in a confident and consistent manor. Hurray for direct response! This is a great development for the industry As a direct response copywriter, I am really, really happy to see these changes taking place in the industry. It means that measuring results, down-to-the-penny, will become the standard not the exception. It means ROI is king. And with the confidence that track-ability provides, hotels are going to become much more aggressive when it comes to their marketing. And all of this will fuel innovation! But one warning for marketing directors These changes mean no more coasting along. In the near future, each one of your marketing activities will be put under the scientific, direct response ROI test to prove its profitability. And things like PPC and retargeting campaigns won't necessarily cut the mustard. (i.e. If you have 10 PPC ads running at the same time, you never really know where your reservations are coming from, right?) Direct response means you have to be able to measure each marketing activity, individually, so you can always ramp up the winners and cut the losers. So for all those who are not ready for these changes you need to realize that, very soon, hotels will stop measuring your success by monthly revenues, in aggregate Instead, you'll be judged by how much you've been able to increase revenues by moving business away from more expensive, 3rd party channels to your direct channels. And you'll need to have track-ability in place to prove you did it, too! Failing that, you might be asked to step aside for someone else who does. Just like Salesforce is optimizing one industry after another, these changes are coming to the hospitality industry, as well. It's just a matter of time. Someday very soon, all the time and money that's being poured into the 'book direct' movement, right now, will create an industry-wide revelation... Everyone will suddenly connect the dots, slap themselves on the forehead, and shout, "Hey... direct response = direct bookings... Duh!!!" Until then, I'll go grab myself another cup 'o Joe and I look forward to reading your comments, below! P.S. If you liked this article, you should grab a FREE copy of my book, 300% More Direct Bookings in 30 Days A complete copywriting system for anyone who wants measurable results, by signing up Here. But this is only available until January 15th, 2017. Or, if you have Amazon Prime, you can pick it up, anytime, for FREE Here. Enjoy! Jeremiah Magone HSMAI The Adria Hotel Forum is a leading Southeast European hotel investment conference held every year in Zagreb, Croatia and visited by regional and international hotel industry experts. The fifth edition of AHF will be held on February 8th and 9th 2017. Adria Hotel Forum 2017 confirmed panelists are: Marc Finney (Head of Hotels & Resorts Consulting, Colliers International) offers clients a full suite of services from concept and feasibility to operational advice to investment negotiation and corporate finance. At Colliers International, he has directed in excess of 300 consultancy and project finance assignments. Jason Wischhoff (Vice President of Development for Europe and Africa, Dream Hotel Group) has two decades of experience in executing hotel development. He joins Dream Hotel Group from Accor hotels, where he served as VP of Development and Wyndham Hotel Group, where he spent five years as a Senior Development Manager for the UK, Spain and Portugal markets. Gari Cappelli (Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia) business career before he became minister of tourism includes his position as a mayor of Mali Losinj and the President of the Tourist Board of Mali Losinj. He was Chairman of the Management Board of Adriatic Luxury Services, Dubrovnik and Consul of Economic Affairs at the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in the Italian Republic in Trieste. Keith Evans (Vice President, Hotel Acquisitions Starwood Capital Europe) is responsible for hotel sector investments across Europe. He has significant cross border experience around the globe in hotel acquisitions, development, asset management, fund raising and divestments. Starwood Capital is a leading private equity firm with a strong focus on global real estate. Christopher Hinteregger (Partner and Head of "Tourism Destinations International",KOHL & PARTNER) joined Kohl & Partner in 2003. In 2008 - 2009 he worked for Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and Horwath HTL in Moscow before he re-joined Kohl & Partner. Currently he is one of the partners of the company and responsible for international tourism destination projects. Philip Camble (Director,Whitebridge Hospitality Limited) professional positions have included Managing Consultant at PKF Hotels London, Senior Manager at KPMG and a Partner of Cushman & Wakefield LLP in London. He has run his own consultancy practice in Cyprus, working extensively in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He was also a founding director of a European hotel operator specialising in small luxury hotels. Tobias Brown (Director,Business 2 Hospitality) is Managing Director of Business 2 Hospitality. Since 2016 he is Operating Partner from Cornucopia Capital Ltd. During 25 years of experience in the hotel sector, he held several senior roles in sales&marketing and operations management within the luxury hotel and tourism industry. Stefan Schlacter(Head of sales activities, IDeaS Revenue Solutions) advises and collaborates with hotels on revenue management strategy, organisation and solutions for long-term, sustainable revenue success. Stefan's previous roles include senior leadership positions with Turkish Airlines, Kempinski Hotels, Corinthia Hotels, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Millennium and Copthorne Hotels and Bookassist. Dr. Jon-Hans Coetzer (Chief Academic Officer, Glion Institute of Higher Education) is responsible for overseeing overall academic integrity for all operations related to academic leadership, curriculum, personnel management of the academic, budget planning and fiscal management divisions. Federico Holzmann (Director of Development&Asset Management, Catalonia Hotels & Resorts) currently is teaching as adjunct professor on the International Master in Hospitality Management at EADA and is also associated professor at the Hospitality Master of the UAB. After 10 years working for Catalonia H & R where he has developed experience within Hotel Operations, he is now responsible for the corporate Development Strategy & Asset Management. For more information, please visit: www.adria-forum.eu Andrea Skerlj PR and marketing Adria Hotel Forum It looks like you've reached a page that doesnt exist (anymore). Please use the navigation or search above to find content on Hospitality Net. Go back to home Located in the United Arab Emirates, the 54-room Al Bait in Sharjah will open later this year. Al Bait Sharjah will be headed by Florian Leven, formerly the Resident Manager of the Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam. With this promotion and more than 17 years of international hotel experience under his belt, the first-time General Manager said, Al Bait and Sharjah will be a compelling destination for todays travellers it boasts a rich history, an exotic culture, an unexplored landscape and discoveries waiting to be made by the intrepid seeker. Its a privilege for me to be part of this adventure that GHM is bringing to the industry. Florians expertise in the daily hotel operations is complemented by his finance and revenue management background, making him an effective and all-rounded hotelier. Before joining the GHM team in Vietnam, Florians work stints had brought him from his home in Germany to Switzerland and then to Hawaii in the USA. 21 Savage and Metro Boomins partnership has reportedly yielded another monster hit. After X went platinum in November 2016, the duos No Heart was certified platinum according to a screenshot of an email sent by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). However, the industry has yet to confirm the track off the album Savage Mode has sold one million units since its release in last July. Posted on reddit, the screenshot of a confidential email sent to Slaughter Gang Records congratulated them for No Heart going platinum. In December, the RIAA had certified No Heart gold meaning it had sold 500,000 units. This would be 21 Savage & Metro Boomins second record to go platinum. All in the space of a year. Monday, Young Metro got his first number one record on Billboard with Migos Bad And Boujee. 21 Savage & Metro Boomin Backpage, the classified ad website thats somewhat akin to Craigslist, is known for having a section where one can offer or hunt for adult encounters. While the site purports to ban explicit examples of solicitation, users have found ways to participate in sexual exchanges without getting flagged for prostitution. As of yesterday, however, Backpage has shut down its infamous adult section. The decision comes as a response to a government effort to expose the site as being complicit in prostitution and human trafficking. Hours before the adult section was shut down, a US Senate subcommittee released a report alleging that Backpage administrators had edited posts in order to hide evidence of child sex trafficking, reports NY Post. In a press release explaining its decision, Backpage states that the removal of the adult section is a direct result of government censorship. However, US Senators Rob Portman and Claire McCaskill see the move as an example of Backpage admitting to its own guilt. Backpages response wasnt to deny what we said. It was to shut down their site, they said in a shared statement. Thats not censorship its validation of our findings. The Backpage executives are scheduled to appear at a subcommittee hearing today, though their attorneys have said that they will not testify. The words of Dr. Lois Lee, founder of Children of the Night, a nonprofit organization that fights child sex trafficking, were included in Backpages statement. She is disheartened upon losing Backpages adult section, considering it to be an important tool in finding victims and perpetrators of child sex trafficking. Its a sad day for Americas children victimized by prostitution, said Lee via Backpages statement. Backpage.com was a critical investigative tool depended on by Americas vice detectives and agents in the field to locate and recover missing children and to arrest and successfully prosecute the pimps who prostitute children. She suggests that instances of sex trafficking on Backpage are able to be dealt with by law enforcement, with the help of the website, and that the sites adult section allowed for an unprecedented opportunity to discover such crimes. The ability to search for and track potentially exploited children on a website and have the website bend over backwards to help and cooperate with police the way Backpage did was totally unique, she said. It not only made law enforcements job easier, it made them much more effective at rescuing kids and convicting pimps. Backpages immediate decision to shut down its adult content seems to be due to threatened business interests. The governments efforts apparently include pressuring credit card companies to cease doing business with Backpage. The site still hopes that the self-censorship is temporary, though, as it has vowed to continue its efforts in court to vindicate its First Amendment Rights and those of other online platforms for third-party expression. Backpage August 27, 2016: Bad and Boujee, a new song from Atlanta trio Migos, is released in advance of their upcoming project No Label 3 on SoundCloud. October 28, 2016: After gaining some hype on SoundCloud, Bad and Boujee is repackaged as the first single from the trios upcoming sophomore album CULTURE, renamed from No Label 3. It is released officially on all major streaming services and iTunes. October 31, 2016: The official video for the song, which features cameos from Travis Scott and OG Maco is released on YouTube. October/November: The power of Bad and Boujee is slowly creeping through word-of-mouth. November 15, 2016: Bad and Boujee is the #1 streamed song on SoundCloud. A title it continues to hold on to weeks later. November 21, 2016: Bad and Boujee enters the Hot 100 at #76 for the week dated December 3rd. November 28, 2016: Migos jump 22 spots from 76 to 54, making Bad and Boujee their highest charting song on the Hot 100, surpassing Fight Night, which peaked at 69 in September 2014. December 5, 2016: Bad and Boujee makes a minor jump from 55 to 49. Early December: Bad and Boujee talk on social media revs up, with much debate over the quality of Lil Uzi Verts verse. December 12, 2016: Boujee makes another huge jump up the charts, moving up to 24 on the Hot 100. December 19, 2016: Migos fall 2 spots to 26 on the Hot 100, indicating Boujee may have hit its commercial peak. December 21, 2016: Migos perform Boujee in Nigeria to a huge, enthusiastic crowd that has the song memorized down to every ad-lib. Its covered by many news outlets and makes a big splash on social media. Late December: A meme inspired by Boujee begins to take off on Twitter in which the opening lines of the hook: Rain drop, Drop top, serve as a mad-lib for a third humorous line. This meme gives way to some video mash-ups, and soon enough the song is more discussed than ever on social media. December 27, 2016: Boujee blasts from 26 to 13 on the Hot 100. December 30, 2016: Boujee is the #1 song on Spotify, Apple Music and iTunes. January 3, 2017: Boujee continues its blazing ascent up the Hot 100, landing at #2. Migos reveal the artwork and release date (Jan. 27) for Culture, and release the video for new single Call Casting. January 8, 2017: Migos are predicted to reach #1 on the Hot 100 for the coming week. At the Golden Globes, Donald Glover shouts out Migos during his acceptance speech for Atlantas win. Id like to thank the Migos, he says to a confused crowd. Not for being on the show, but for making Bad and Boujee. Backstage, Glover continues to heap praise on the group, who made an appearance in an episode of the show and have been featured on its soundtrack. I think theyre The Beatles of this generation, he says. They dont get a lot of respect outside of Atlanta. Theres a generation, the YouTube generation that I came up with, that are growing up with something separate from a whole group of people. Honestly, that song [Bad and Boujee] is just fly. Theres no better song to have sex to. January 9, 2017: Its reported that Bad and Boujee has seen a huge increase in both Spotify plays and YouTube views following Glovers Globes shoutout. Fake Shore Drive suggests the song has hit 67 million plays on Spotify & gained 10 million YouTube views in 12 hours. Later in the day, Billboard reports that Boujee has officially topped the Hot 100, knocking Rae Sremmurds Black Beatles out of the #1 spot. Seeing as the measurements for the chart placement came before Glovers co-sign, the song stands to hold the position for at least another week. Bad and Boujee is the biggest song in America. Listen to it below. Hostage to the Devil is a new Irish documentary about a possessed child and an exorcist locked in combat with an ancient evil. This feature length doc from Belfast based Causeway Pictures, which will launch on Netflix this Sunday, 15 January 2017 tells the true story of Kerryman Father Malachi Martin and asks, in the battle for saving a soul, just who really is Hostage to the Devil? Abbadon. Lucifer. Beelzebub. Satan. Old Nick. Antichrist. Mammon. Old Scratch. Evil One. The Devil. He is known by many names across the world and across the centuries. You may have your own name for him. You may imagine his form, his shape, his voice, his presence. You may have seen his portrait in artwork, in paintings, in film. Youve doubtless heard stories of his power. You may have seen his shadow in dark news reports. You may tell yourself he is a cautionary tale, a childish fable; that you have nothing to fear. The central question this film sets out to interrogate is one that has occupied minds for centuries does the Devil exist? says writer/producer Rachel Lysaght. Using real footage from exorcisms, first-hand interviews, dramatic reconstruction, archival evidence and Martins own words, the film follows Father Martins incredible crusade from the 1970s through to his death in 1999. The film examines this question through the life of one man, Malachi Martin; an Irish priest a Kerryman - who dedicated his life to battling this ancient evil. But was he a warrior for Christ, or a charismatic charleton? continues Lysaght. Hostage to the Devil - Trailer 1 - (2016) from Causeway Pictures on Vimeo. Advertisement Im delighted that Hostage To The Devil will be released worldwide on Netflix, says the films director, Marty Stalker. As a filmmaker, its a dream come true to present my work to such a large-scale audience, and Netflix provides an incredible platform. Stalker continues: The fascinating Malachi Martin was and still is an enigma and I have no doubt well be seeing and hearing a lot more about him and his life in the years to come. 'Hostage to the Devil' is a Causeway Pictures production in association with Underground Films. It was funded by Northern Ireland Screen and Bord Scannan na hEireann / The Irish Film Board. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Martha Blanco McGinnis visits Cuba with a little something for everyone: Clothes and shoes that are cheaper and better made than what's on the island, candy and coloring books for the kids, Christian books for her hometown church and cocoa, tea, oatmeal and more for her many friends and relatives. She returns home to northeast Houston with just the clothes on her back. Even the suitcases stay behind. "We leave everything there," she said. "We come back with nothing." Cuban-Americans rarely visit family empty handed. And while commercial flights are making it easier to access the island nation, they're also adding new restrictions to an already dizzying set of rules regarding what can and cannot be taken there. One United Airlines passenger walked into Bush Intercontinental Airport for the inaugural Houston-Havana flight with a 55-inch television and was told he could not check it on his flight. Another showed up with bicycles and was likewise turned away. "It's stressful for them," United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said. "It's hard for us to have to tell them that." Cuban travel guidelines Cuban travel guidelines As air travel to Cuba becomes easier from the U.S., the rules for what passengers can take there remain complex. A few examples: Weight, size limits: United Airlines passengers from Bush Intercontinental Airport are limited to two pieces of luggage weighing up to 70 pounds each and are no larger than 62 linear inches. Value limits: The U.S. Commerce Department allows gifts up to $800 per recipient without a special license. The Cuban government allows gifts with a total value of up to $1,000. Restricted items: United prohibits bicycles, surfboards and other large items due in part to space limitations. The U.S. government forbids vehicles or items that could have a military use. Restricted recipients: High-ranking military or communist party officials and organizations administered or controlled by the Cuban government are not eligible. Cuban government fees: Duties vary based on the weight and type of item brought in. Travelers who pack 30 kilograms or less, not including 10 kilograms of permitted medicine, do not pay fees. However, some items such as televisions and other electronics are subject to government duty. More information: www.aduana.co.cu Sources: United Airlines, U.S. Department of Commerce, Cuban Customs See More Collapse Airlines, considering aircraft balance, available space and destination, have created restrictions on the weight and size of luggage. This compiles rules created by the U.S. and Cuban governments determining the value and types of items permitted. Still, it's cheaper to bring goods from the U.S. than to buy them in Cuba - Blanco McGinnis said even the two doctors in her family can't afford a nice pair of sneakers - so many Cuban-Americans are navigating the hurdles, extra fees and duties. "People take everything they can," said Felix Chevalier, a Houston-based lawyer representing U.S. businesses interested in Cuban investments. He recently saw someone carrying a car fender on a charter flight. To avoid having passengers stash valuables in their vehicles or miss their flight to take items home, United wants travelers to know the rules before arriving at the airport. Passengers' luggage must not weigh more than 70 pounds and must be no larger than 62 linear inches when checking in for United's flight from Bush Intercontinental Airport to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. United charges extra for bags over 50 pounds. Linear inches can be calculated by adding together an item's height, width and depth. Certain equipment, including bicycles, surfboards, wakeboards and windsurfing boards, are not permitted. And busy travel seasons, including the winter, spring and summer, have an embargo on the number of checked bags. Through Jan. 30, travelers are restricted to two checked pieces of luggage. This will be lifted temporarily but will return in the spring. The 70-pound weight restriction, however, is always in effect because Havana's airport does not permit heavier bags, Guerin said. Blanco McGinnis and her relatives in the U.S. have provided cellphones and laptops to those in Cuba, and they pay for cellular and internet plans. But she avoids taking larger items because those are difficult to travel with and they incur fees from charter operators and duties from the Cuban government. "It's very expensive," she said. The U.S. Department of Commerce has a license exception that allows Cuban-Americans and others to bring items to eligible individuals, including family members and religious, charitable and educational organizations. Travelers do not need to get licenses as long as they follow certain rules. Those using the license exception can take up to $800 worth of gifts to an eligible recipient in Cuba. That means they can take up to $800 of personal electronics, toys and other goods to their mother in one house and up to $800 of such items to their brother in another house, a senior Commerce official said. There are some restrictions. For instance, travelers cannot take vehicles or items such as thermal-imaging cameras that could have a military use. They also cannot take goods to individuals who are high-ranking military or communist party officials, or to organizations that are administered or controlled by the Cuban government. For those wishing to take more than $800 worth of goods to a household, the official said they can apply for a license through the Department of Commerce. Travelers should expect to wait two to three weeks for that license to be approved. "They're complicated because we have a law that requires us to have a trade embargo with Cuba," the senior official said. Cuba has its own set of restrictions. If a traveler packs 30 kilograms or less, not including the 10 kilograms of medicine that's permitted, he or she doesn't have to pay any fees. A calculation kicks in after 30 kilograms to determine what fees are due. Certain items, including televisions, laptops and other electronics also are subject to duty. When times were good and crude was selling at a $100 a barrel just three years ago, lawyers and bankers scored record profits advising companies on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and securities offerings. For the past 2 years, however, the energy industry has been in crisis. Oil slipped below $30 a barrel. Thousands lost jobs. Scores of oil and gas companies and the businesses servicing them declared bankruptcy. But the law firms and financial counselors working for those distressed energy operations continue to pocket hundreds of millions of dollars, thanks to the complex federal bankruptcy system. The U.S. energy companies that declared bankruptcy during the past 30 months - a majority of them in Texas and most of those based in Houston - have paid their legal and financial advisers more than $1.4 billion in fees and expenses since the bust got underway in 2014, according to a Texas Lawbook examination of court records. Those same lawyers and consultants have requested another $260 million in payments, pending the approval of federal bankruptcy judges in Texas, Delaware, New York and Oklahoma. In addition, there are more than 60 active bankruptcy cases in which the legal and financial advisers have not yet filed their fee requests - fees that legal specialists conservatively estimate will add another $80 million to the tab. Since July 2014, three law firms - Kirkland & Ellis, Weil, Gotshal & Manges and Skadden Arps - have collected a combined $354 million for their representation of distressed energy companies, not including pending requests for payment. All three national law firms have outposts in Houston. "The business of corporate bankruptcy has become very lucrative for a small group of professionals," Gary Kennedy, the former American Airlines general counsel who guided the Fort Worth company through Chapter 11 two years ago, said at a seminar at SMU Dedman School of Law last year. "It has gotten so expensive that some companies can no longer afford to go bankrupt." The law firms, however, say bankruptcy is a complex legal proceeding that requires lots of time, money and know-how to reorganize companies, restructure debt and satisfy creditors, bankruptcy trustees and judges. Ultimately, they add, the companies benefit when they emerge from bankruptcy as going concerns with greatly reduced debt. "Most of these bankruptcies are extraordinarily complicated restructurings that require the law firms have expertise in so many areas of law - from tax law and capital markets to antitrust and securities and M&A," Andrew Calder, a Kirkland partner, said in an interview. Before the oil bust, bankruptcy law practice had struggled because many larger businesses avoided bankruptcy court by raising cash through the shadow banking system of private equity firms and hedge funds. All that changed in the second half of 2014 when the price of crude began its slide. More than 1,280 Texas businesses of all kinds have filed for bankruptcy in courts in Texas and other states, during the past two years, with many of them connected to the oil and gas industry, according to data provided by Androvett Legal Media, a public relations and marketing company for law firms. "Most bankruptcy law practices were pretty slow, but now most bankruptcy lawyers are either busy or crazy busy," says Bill Wallander, who leads the bankruptcy practice at Houston-based Vinson & Elkins. The Androvett data shows that 752 businesses filed for bankruptcy restructuring in Texas federal courts in 2016 - up 42 percent from 2015 and up 80 percent from 2014. More than 150 oil and gas companies filed for bankruptcy in 2016 - 71 of them were exploration and production operations with a cumulative debt of $56.8 billion, according to Haynes and Boone's Oil and Gas Bankruptcy Monitor. The Haynes and Boone data shows that 70 oil and gas services companies also filed for Chapter 11 protection last year. Chapter 11 protects companies from creditors while the firms reorganize, work with lenders to figure out how - and how much - creditors will be paid back, develop plans to remain viable businesses. The longer a company stays in bankruptcy, however, the more expensive it gets. Law firm partners working on these energy company bankruptcies charge hourly rates ranging from $950 to $1,450, according to the Texas Lawbook's review of court records. There's no better example than the oil services firm CHC Group, which filed for bankruptcy in Dallas last May. The company expanded quickly when petroleum prices were high, buying hundreds of helicopters to ferry workers and cargo to energy production sites around the globe. When oil fell to $30 early last year, CHC idled nearly 100 of its choppers, laid off scores of employees and filed for Chapter 11, citing $1.5 billion in debt. CHC is still several weeks away from getting U.S. Bankruptcy Chief Judge Barbara Houser's final stamp of approval, but the company has already paid its legal and financial advisers - including Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Ernst & Young, Debevoise & Plimpton, Gardere, DLA Piper and Price-waterhouseCoopers - more than $26 million in combined fees and expenses, according to court records. That figure does not include any fees for work those firms have done for the past three months. Those bills have not yet been submitted to Houser for approval. Fort Worth-based QuickSilver Resources paid $36.7 million in fees and expenses for only a year in federal bankruptcy court. Another Fort Worth company, Energy & Exploration Partners, paid $15 million in professional fees and expenses. Houston-based Sabine Oil & Gas has paid its advisers more than $78 million for 14 months in bankruptcy court. But none of these compare to Dallas-based Energy Future Holdings, which filed for protection in April 2014. To date, the company has paid its lawyers and financial advisers more than $449 million, a tab that analysts predict will hit $600 million before the bankruptcy is concluded this spring. Kirkland is the biggest beneficiary. In April 2014, the Chicago-based law firm opened its first Texas office in Houston by luring Andrew Calder away from a competing law firm. That same month, EFH hired Kirkland to be the lead counselor for the debtor. In the months since, EFH has paid the firm more than $160 million in fees and expenses. "Kirkland was willing to spend the resources, and now they are reaping the benefits," says bankruptcy litigation specialist Nick Foley, who joined McKool Smith as a partner in December. For a longer version of this article, please visit TexasLawbook.net. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate If you think traffic is bad now, imagine what will happen when Houston becomes America's third-largest city? The city's boosters are excited about the prospect of Houston moving up the ranks to mega-city status, but do we have sufficient capacity when it comes to roads, airports, seaports, sewers, storm drains and other city services? Interactive graphics guru John Harden has a great story, with lots of maps, asking these important questions. For instance, did you know that 25 percent of Houston bridges need repair or replacement? Or that the bill for fixing them will total more than $3 billion. Since time is money, as the old business proverb goes, businesses suffer from Houston's congested highways, long airport waits and consistent flooding. Failure to keep up with routine maintenance and population growth will only increase these costs to our economy. Don't underestimate the costs to residents either. The city has already underfunded the sewage system and the federal government is requiring immediate, and expensive, steps to address raw sewage in our streets and streams. There is also the time wasted sitting in traffic or repairing our suspensions. The Greater Houston Partnership understands the importance of infrastructure to Houston's growth, which is why it wants more investment to make sure the economy grows and continues to attract corporations to set up shop here. The good news is that voters approved Proposition 7 in 2015. Beginning this year, the state comptroller will begin automatically sending billions of dollars into the State Highway Fund, up to $2.5 billion a year, as long as state sales tax revenue exceeds $28 billion. President-elect Donald Trump has also promised to commit billions of dollars to infrastructure programs to not only boost the economy, but to help employ more Americans. Providing the infrastructure for businesses to grow is a fundamental responsibility of governments at every level. Whether it's the City Council making sure the city drains after a storm, the Legislature spending on state roads or Congress improving the interstate highway system. More than ever, business owners must make sure that politicians know what they need. And don't be afraid to be demanding about roads, ports and water. Our shared prosperity depends on it. Commercial property owners in Montrose have filed a new lawsuit against their neighborhood's beleaguered management district and are seeking to be reimbursed millions of dollars in assessments they paid to the agency over the past several years. The lawsuit, which also names the district's board of directors, follows a recent ruling from an earlier case in which a court determined the district's assessments were unlawful and that it should repay the money it collected. The district and its board members "arrogantly continue to ignore these findings and instead engage in this unconstitutional and illegal conduct until the present time," claims the new petition, which was filed Jan. 4 in a Harris County court and seeks class-action status. Many of the small businesses and property owners subject to the assessments want to see the district dissolved. They've questioned how their money has been spent and who is benefiting. "We want all of it back, irrespective if they've spent it," said Andy Taylor, the attorney representing the property owners. He said upward of 1,000 owners likely are affected. A notice on the district's website said its monthly board meeting scheduled for Monday had been canceled. District officials pledged in a statement Monday evening to "aggressively" fight the lawsuit. "The district views this latest filing as simply another tactic undertaken by the plaintiff's attorney to further a legal action going back more than five years," the statement asserts. It said the district "is confident that it will prevail in the end." The earlier lawsuit was filed by a property owner in April 2012 challenging the legality of the assessments. Late last year, a Harris County court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, stating that the management district must reimburse property owners in the area for money collected. The judgment said the district has assessed and collected nearly $6.6 million. The judge's finding pertained to the district's state-required petition that allowed it to begin making assessments on commercial property owners after it was formed in 2009. Residential property owners are not assessed. Once the district was established, organizers were required to collect signatures from at least 25 commercial property owners in the area to begin making assessments. The court found the petition, signed by 26 property owners, included some residential property owners who were not assessed and therefore the assessments were void. The district said earlier this month that the lawsuit remains pending and is subject to appeal. "Unless and until the trial court issues a final judgment that orders a refund of any assessments, which will not occur until after all additional activities in the trial court have taken place, and after any appeal has been concluded, the district will have no obligation to refund any assessments collected," the statement said. The Montrose Management District is one of dozens in the Houston area created by the Legislature to promote economic development and make improvements to public areas in individual neighborhoods. According to its website, the district's efforts have included graffiti abatement, streetlight replacement, and street sweeping programs. The district is currently installing street markers, a project budgeted as $425,000 on the 2016 budget. Commercial property owners are assessed at a rate of 12.5 cents per each $100 of property value. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - For about 10 hours in 1980, the United States faced a nuclear threat of its own making after an airman performing maintenance on a Titan II missile dropped a 9-pound socket 70 feet, ripping a hole in a fuel tank and leading to an explosion that propelled a 9-megaton warhead out of the ground. Using decades-old U.S. Air Force training footage, re-enactments and drone-shot video from a mothballed silo, director Robert Kenner recalls the tense time that began beneath the northern Arkansas landscape. His documentary, "Command and Control ," airs 8 p.m. Tuesday on PBS as part of its American Experience series. "The real story is how close we came to blowing up a quarter of the country," Kenner said in a telephone interview. "The warhead going off would have changed history." In the heat of the Cold War, the U.S. placed nuclear warheads atop 54 Titan II missiles and spread them evenly among Arizona, Arkansas and Kansas. The U.S. Air Force never confirmed their presence, but it was common knowledge that they dotted the Arkansas hills, said Skip Rutherford, then an aide to Sen. David Pryor. On the night of the accident, airmen who had previously raised concerns with Pryor about missile safety called Rutherford - interrupting him while he was having dinner with a friend - to say that a volatile mix of rocket fuel and oxidizer was sure to blow. More Information 'Command and Control' When: 8 p.m. Tuesday Network: PBS See More Collapse "We don't know what that means," Rutherford said this week. "We don't know what the missile does - is there a radiation leak, a nuclear explosion? Something is going to happen, and it's not going to be good. It's just what degree of bad it is." The vapors exploded in the middle of the night, killing one airman and injuring 21 others. The force of the blast cast the warhead out of the eight-story underground bunker; searchers found it later, in a ditch 200 yards away. "If the system worked properly, someone dropping a tool couldn't send a nuclear warhead into a field," Eric Schlosser, who wrote the book "Command and Control" in 2013, says in the documentary. With the Arkansas rockets, plus those in the other states, the U.S. intended to show the Soviet Union and the rest of the world that the nation was ready for a fight. They were dismantled by 1987, and their silos left open so the Soviets could use satellite imagery to verify their removal. As they stood, airmen didn't want to push the button to launch a missile but knew the day might come when they had to, said Allan Childers, a member of a missile combat crew. "You had to be prepared to destroy an entire civilization," he says in the film. "As heartless as it sounds, I never had a problem. I was doing it for my country. Deterrence is worthless if you don't demonstrate that you're willing to do it." Schlosser and Kenner, who share screenwriting credits, make a point that every weapon built for use elsewhere also poses a threat at home, in one way or another. In Damascus, Ark., about 45 miles north of Little Rock, the human error involved an airman using a socket wrench in a missile silo rather than a torque wrench called for in an updated checklist. "Luck is a bad policy," Kenner said, paraphrasing a theme from the documentary, which is on the 15-film short list for best documentary at this year's Academy Awards. "This is a story about human beings making mistakes, but the consequences of making a mistake with this missile and warhead are tremendous." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Houston ISD's Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to name former Teach for America staffer Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca as its new District VI trustee. Flynn Vilaseca, who will replace outgoing Trustee Greg Meyers, will be sworn in at the board's Thursday regular board meeting along with Anne Sung, the winner of a December special election to replace District VII Trustee Harvin Moore. Moore submitted his resignation in the summer, and Meyers submitted his in December. Flynn Vilaseca was the first in her family to attend college and worked for Teach for America in underserved HISD and Bryan ISD schools. Most recently, she worked as chief relationship officer with ThinkLaw, which aims to enable teachers to teach critical thinking skills through case law. She said she wanted to join the board to help parents and students better navigate the system and their options. "Public education has played such an important role in my life," Flynn Vilaseca said. "I found out when I'm a teacher here that my story is not unique. Social capital should be built into the system." Her selection occurred at the board's agenda review meeting. Jason Spencer, a spokesman for the district, said no election was held for the District VI seat because Meyers' resignation came too late for candidates to file for the November race. The board could have held a special election during the May municipal elections, but that would have given the incoming trustee only about six or seven months on the board. Vilaseca will serve until Meyers' original term expires at the end of 2017. The seat will be back up for election in November 2017, as will Sung's newly won District VII position. Each board member's term lasts for four years. Board President Manuel Rodriguez Jr. said of the nine applications the board received, Flynn Vilaseca's background and understanding of the community in district VI gave her the edge. "With her education and research backgrounds, being bilingual and having a different cultural experience, having Colombian heritage, those were attributes that gave her an advantage," he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate As Pasadena prepared for a divisive referendum over a change to its City Council structure in 2013, Mayor Johnny Isbell and his allies moved aggressively to drum up grass-roots support. During an Oct. 3 event at a Pasadena restaurant, Isbell and three City Council members asked neighborhood association leaders to distribute yard signs and urge neighbors to vote for a charter amendment that would create two at-large council positions. Council members who regularly opposed Isbell were not invited. For the neighborhood leaders, the merits of the proposal that voters would consider on Nov. 5, 2013, were not the only consideration, according to an opinion issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal. Their city funding was at stake. "The court finds that the city and mayor used Pasadena's Neighborhood Network Program to promote voting for the candidates and issues they favor," Rosenthal wrote. "The city and mayor gain support from predominately Anglo south Pasadena in part by sending significant grant money and lending substantial city organizational and resource support to that part of town." Rosenthal's ruling, unless it is successfully appealed, will force the city to revert to its previous system of eight single-member districts for the coming May election, abandoning the structure of six district seats and two at-large ones that voters narrowly approved in 2013. Rosenthal found that the 6-2 system intentionally diluted Latino voting strength, and she instructed the city to submit any future election changes for federal review. Activists hailed the decision as an important step in protecting minority voting rights. But on a local level, Rosenthal's 113-page opinion amounts to a devastating assessment of Isbell's leadership. The judge found that Isbell systematically neglected the needs of half of his city, used heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent, poured campaign funds into an effort that included improper use of city employees' on-duty time and public resources, and made statements under oath in court that were "not credible." After reviewing evidence provided by 16 witnesses and 468 exhibits in a seven-day trial, Rosenthal concluded that Isbell was determined to stave off an "imminent power shift" represented by Pasadena's growing Latino majority. When I called Isbell's office on Monday, his assistant referred me to Bob Heath, a lawyer who represented the city in the case. Heath told my colleague Gabrielle Banks on Monday that the city is considering whether to appeal. Heath said Friday that he didn't think the 6-2 system had diluted Hispanic strength, citing the gains of Latinos in city elections since the new structure was adopted. The judge reached a far-different conclusion. Among her findings: -- Pasadena's north side, where most of its Latino residents live, has poorer public services, amenities and infrastructure than the mostly Anglo south side. "Across North Pasadena, the older part of town, the sewers, streets, sidewalks, and water lines were neglected for more than 30 years," Rosenthal wrote, citing testimony from numerous witnesses. (Isbell has served as Pasadena's mayor for 21 of the last 36 years). -- After a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision made it possible for Pasadena to change its council structure without federal preclearance, Isbell went to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the 6-2 system would take effect before the 2015 city elections. Using his power to break ties on an evenly divided council, Isbell limited the time that council members could speak and instructed police officers to remove an opponent from the council chambers when she exceeded this limit during debate on a new council district map. Police officers barred members of the public from a key meeting of an advisory committee that considered the charter change. -- During four days around the charter-change election, neighborhood associations in south Pasadena - where Isbell and his supporters concentrated on generating support for the proposition - received $99,532.22 in city grants; north side groups received $776.23. No grants were made to any groups during the previous year. -- Isbell was "deeply involved" in the work of a political action committee that campaigned for the charter change, funding the group with $39,500 from his own campaign account. One of Isbell's closest aides, community relations director Richard Scott, admitted in court that he campaigned for the proposal on city time and directed other employees to do so. -- The mayor's testimony that he believed an advisory committee had voted to place the charter change on the ballot was "not credible." Rosenthal wrote: "It is more credible that Mayor Isbell knew that except for the chair, the committee was against amending the city charter to change the election map." Isbell, 78, cannot run for re-election this year because of term limits. After decades of serving his city, the mayor cannot be pleased at the prospect that Rosenthal's ruling will stand as a record of his legacy. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On a recent afternoon, a Spanish-speaking mother entered a quiet lounge tucked into the Carnegie Neighborhood Library, seeking help with her child's financial aid documents for Lone Star Community College. She needed to upload a statement with her annual income and explain that she is paid in cash. Soon, she sat at a laptop computer, working with a Spanish-speaking volunteer at Cafe College, a center marking its first anniversary in the Near Northside library. Cafe College, founded in December 2015, is the latest effort in Houston to connect students with academic programs and certificates through free consulting services. Although any students can make use of the services, they are aimed at helping lower income students and those who are the first in their families to go to college or enroll in advanced education. These programs recognize that high school and college guidance offices are thin on resources and that the city's economy depends on younger people progressing beyond high school. In 2013, less than half of low-income high-school graduates enrolled in two- and four-year colleges, compared with 63.8 percent of middle-income students and 78.5 percent of wealthy students who graduated, according to the American Council on Education. That gap "is a limiting factor in how our city can grow and develop in this highly educated, connected society," said Anne Sung, vice president and chief strategy officer for Project Grad, a nonprofit that helps run Cafe College. She said centers like Cafe College will help solidify the pipeline. Though some universities have boosted scholarship grants and counseling, the path to enrollment and then graduation remains challenging, especially for those who are first in their family to go to college. Cafe College has held support groups for parents of first-generation college students, "perfecting the college essay" classes and sessions teaching students how to fill out financial-aid documents. Logos from universities in Houston and around the country are displayed on one wall: Texas Southern, Yale, Texas A&M, Rice. Sponsored by former City Councilman Ed Gonzalez and grants from foundations and businesses, Cafe College had 5,369 visits in its first year, about in line with Sung's expectations. At least 103 of the 226 people who allowed the center to track their progress enrolled in an academic or certificate program the following fall. This year, Cafe College plans to add SAT preparation classes and improve local connections to be able to refer students to a broader array of degree programs, internships and other support services. Houston college access centers focus on different groups of students based on their academic achievements, target colleges or demographics. Some organizations are embedded within school districts. Others will keep working with students once they enroll in college, acknowledging that an acceptance letter doesn't immediately eliminate substantial road blocks that low-income students face in college. On Rice University's campus on Saturday, local high school graduates now attending elite universities nationwide exchanged advice at a summit by the nonprofit Emerge. Founded in 2010, Emerge offers college preparation to top underserved local students. Many Emerge fellows are the first of their family to go to college. They described a deep sense of obligation of representing their race or gender in the classroom on Saturday. One student said she is one of four black women majoring in economics at Wellesley College, a private women's college in Massachusetts. There, she feels pressure to "not only just pass, but excel" in the popular major to show she belongs. Facilitator Eldridge Gilbert, the managing director of schools at KIPP Public Charter Schools in San Francisco, urged students to remember that they earned their spots, even when they feel out of place. "It can be really unhealthy to not own who you are and your own success in those spaces," Gilbert said. Recognizing these challenges, local colleges and universities are trying to make it easier for students to enroll and then graduate, too. Both Houston Community College and Lone Star said in the fall they were aiming to be more present in high school districts to boost enrollment, and the University of Houston-Downtown and Texas Southern University have added more advisers to keep students on track. Rice recently joined a national effort to expand recruiting of and support for lower-income students. President David Leebron said last month that Rice is considering how to help with things that could stress lower-income students, like additional expenses incurred beyond tuition. Trisha Cornwell, Emerge's executive director, said elite universities have a lot to offer top low-income students despite the difficult admissions process. "If we can get more students from underserved communities to get into these schools," she said, "they'll graduate at a higher rate and will come back to Houston to serve as a leadership pipeline for the City and invest in the city they grew up in." In a violent start to the week, three men are dead after would-be robbery victims defended themselves in two separate Houston-area incidents in the span of less than 12 hours. Although in one case the target of the crime survived, Houston police reiterated Monday that they do not recommend fighting back during robberies or carjackings. The first set of fatalities came after a Sunday night gunbattle in southwest Houston that ended with a man shot to death in front of his wife and children. Around 8:30 p.m., the family was unloading groceries at their home in the 7000 block of Ashcroft when a gun-toting man approached and demanded money, according to police. But the father whipped out his own gun and fought back. During a struggle, the accused robber opened fire and the victim shot back. The father was hit once, while the suspect was hit several times, police said. Both men - whose names have not been released - were taken to nearby hospitals, where they died. Then around 5:30 a.m., a would-be robber was killed after holding up a 78-year-old man in north Houston. The elderly property owner was outside looking at his property at 600 Fugate near North Main when a man tried to rob him at gunpoint. But when the victim pulled out his wallet and handed it over, he also pulled out a gun and opened fire, wounding the suspect, according to police. 'I don't blame him' The suspect sped away in a gray pickup and later was found at a car wash on Collingsworth, wounded and with at least five bullet holes in his truck. He was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and pronounced dead. Now, a Harris County grand jury will determine what, if any, charges will be filed in the case. On Monday afternoon, Heights-area business owners were still shocked by the outburst of violence. "He's a chill old man," said 33-year-old Ramon Laval, who owns the bicycle shop next to the victim's home. "He's really calm, super nice; you wouldn't expect something like this," he said. "But I think anybody would defend themselves - I don't blame him." Next door, a manager at the bail bonds business described him as a vibrant man and a great landlord. "He takes care of these properties himself," Angela Rivera, 38, said. "He's a feisty old fellow. I'm so glad he's OK." Don't fire back, police say Although Laval said he wouldn't consider the area unsafe, he and Rivera both mentioned other nearby robberies in the past year. Last February, a thief slithered through the drive-through window of a North Main doughnut shop and robbed workers at gunpoint, then fled. Less than a week later, a robber fatally shot a clerk at a convenience store near North Main and Airline. Even so, the latest incident of violence still stunned neighbors. "This is crazy. I don't even know how to feel. I'm shocked," Rivera said. Houston Police Department spokeswoman Jodi Silva said that it is usually not advisable to fire back at robbers - although it's a good idea to remember license plate numbers and provide a strong suspect description. "We generally tell people to give the robbers want they want," she said. "The most precious thing that you can save is your life." A man has been arrested after firefighters had to put out a blaze in the clothing section of a Princeton Wal-Mart. WFAA reports firefighters were able to put the flames out within 15 minutes. Smoke filled the store, resulting in the need for medical treatment for four people. U.S. commandos carried out a raid against Islamic State fighters in eastern Syria over the weekend, two U.S. officials said Monday. At least 25 fighters were killed in the two-hour raid in al-Kubar, a village in Deir el-Zour province, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group. U.S. military officials in Washington and at the United States Central Command in Tampa, Fla., declined Monday to confirm any details of the operation, including who or what was targeted. The Washington Post reported the raid was aimed at capturing leaders of the Islamic State. The raid appeared to be an operation by the Expeditionary Task Force, a team of Special Operations forces based in Iraq that is charged with hunting down ISIS leaders. Col. John Dorrian, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, confirmed that the raid had taken place but declined to provide details or say whether any leaders had been seized. The oil-rich province, which borders Iraq, is largely under Islamic State control and has been the focus of U.S.-led airstrikes and other military action. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 25 Islamic State members were killed in the operation. Another activist group, Sound and Picture, said two Islamic State prisoners were freed, but the details could not be independently confirmed. Since early 2015, the jihadis have besieged the provincial capital, also called Deir el-Zour, which has about 200,000 residents. The Islamic State controls roughly half of the city; the rest is held by forces loyal to President Bashar Assad of Syria. Firsthand accounts recorded on the WhatsApp messaging service and provided to the Los Angeles Times by a local activist, Abdul Rahman Hasson, said two helicopters had remained in the air, while troops in the remaining aircraft attacked a number of Islamic State vehicles. Observers reported that the operatives had set up roadblocks to bar civilians from the area. "They went down, killed some Daesh fighters and took some others. We have no confirmation of the numbers of those killed," said Ahmad Ramadan, head of the activist-run Euphrates Post group, which is based in Istanbul, Turkey. It purports to have contacts with undercover correspondents in Deir Ezzor. The U.S.-led coalition has in recent months targeted and killed a string of senior Islamic State officials with drone strikes, but ground raids aimed at capturing leaders are rare. Less than a week after he was struck in the head by a stray bullet on New Year's Eve, state Rep. Armando Martinez said he plans to file a bill to stop celebratory gunfire. In a phone interview last week, Martinez, D-Weslaco, said he and his staff are researching what's covered in existing statutes to determine how their bill can add on to what's in the law. Before being shot, Martinez said he had never considered drafting a bill on the subject. "I mean, a lot of times people come in with ideas on an issue, and we usually file legislation as constituents walk in and ask for it," said Martinez, who had surgery but has recovered enough to attend Tuesday's opening of the 84th Texas Legislature. "This actual topic has never been brought up to us. It's not anything we had ever looked at, but obviously it's an issue." According to Texas law, if someone "recklessly discharges a firearm" within the boundaries of a city with a population of 100,000 or more, they are subject to a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to a $4,000 fine and/or up to a year in jail. Discharging a firearm in a public place regardless of city size can be a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to a $2,000 fine and/or up to 180 days in jail. But guns fired on private land in smaller towns may not be subject to current legislation. The night Martinez was shot, he was out with family and friends a little north of Weslaco, "in the country," celebrating the new year. While kids were busy with fireworks, Martinez stood there supervising. His wife came to wish him a happy new year and gave him a kiss, seconds before a bullet from an unknown shooter came down, hitting the legislator in the head. "I kind of bent down, and told my wife I was just hit," he said. "At that moment, I knew it had to be a bullet." He walked into the garage, where his wife took a picture that showed a small hole in his head. She drove him to an emergency room for a CT scan, which confirmed there was a bullet in his skull, touching the representative's brain. Martinez was transferred to Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen for surgery. Since then, he's been released from the hospital and even went to the gym to work out. Whoever shot the bullet that struck Martinez hasn't been found, but Martinez is ready for the legislative session to begin. "I'm feeling great, other than a little headache," he said. "But that's understandable." Express-News researcher Misty Harris contributed to this report. AUSTIN - A state judge on Monday ordered the American Phoenix Foundation - a right-wing group that last legislative session aggressively filmed state lawmakers - to disclose their financial records as part of a winding lawsuit against the organization. Judge Suzanne Covington, a visiting civil court judge in Travis County, gave foundation cofounder Joseph Basel until Jan. 23 to turn over the documents. In response, Basel said the now-defunct foundation will appeal the judge's decision before the deadline. "Phoenix closed as a corporation. We haven't done anything with it since last session," he said. "I didn't think it was a big deal because the organization is gone and we released our 990s," an Internal Revenue Service form for nonprofit organizations. 'A rudderless operation' Veteran Austin lobbyist Steve Bresnen sued the foundation in 2015, alleging it broke the state laws governing nonprofit organizations by refusing to turn over their financial information when requested. "They haven't made their financial records available to the public upon request in about a year and a half. There was already one order against them, and they ignored it," Bresnen said. "It's obviously a rudderless operation." The tax-exempt foundation, as a 501(c)(3), is prohibited from engaging in political campaigns and endorsing candidates, but it is not required to release lists of past donors. Information about some of its major donors was revealed last year by the Houston Chronicle, which reported that a couple of high-dollar backers had distanced themselves from the foundation after it became known that they filmed lawmakers. During the 2015 legislative session, Basel's group claimed to have recorded more than 800 hours of footage showing prominent Austin lobbyists and legislators at the Capitol and other area locales. They released only a handful of videos, which failed to roil the re-election campaigns of any incumbent state lawmakers on the tapes. Bresnen also asked the judge to appoint a receiver, who would exercise powers similar to those of a board of directors. He asked the judge to appoint Dan Shelley, a Houston lawyer and former state lawmaker, to the post. "As we looked into this, we had people who would be responsible for the corporation who did not know anything about its operation," Bresnen said. "This receiver would be appointed from the court order to wind up the corporation and dissolve it." 'Not going to stop' Basel said he plans to bring on pro-bono legal help to pursue an appeal to Monday's order and expects a more favorable result when an appellate judge outside Travis County hears the case. He long has said Bresnen's aim with the lawsuit is to harass the group's donors, and he promised to fight the charges on principle. "He doesn't have standing, and in other cases where this has been done, it's a very different application (of the law)," he said. "The organization doesn't exist anymore - there is no bank account, no money in bank accounts - and he has no compelling reason for a judge to give it to him." Bresnen said he was skeptical about Basel's plans to appeal. "He has said a lot of things that never happened. You can't rely on what he said," Bresnen said. "These people - the truth is not in them. I'm not going to stop." While the foundation is no longer operating, Basel said he will continue his work in Austin. WASHINGTON - With 10 days left in the Obama administration, Democrats are looking for a lifeline to save the signature health care law that President-elect Donald Trump has promised to dismantle. Outnumbered and outgunned by Republicans in Congress, the Democrats increasingly are turning to raw public pressure - combined with the sheer size and complexity of the health care system - to resist a GOP repeal effort that has been percolating since President Barack Obama signed it into law in 2010. "The Affordable Care Act and our health care system is a little like a game of Jenga," Health and Human Service Secretary Sylvia Burwell said Monday at the National Press Club, where she made the Obama administration's closing argument for the law. Comparing it to the popular wooden block game, she added, "You might think that looks like a good piece to pull out or keep in, but the tower will fall because it's related." Aiding the Democrats' rear-guard action on Obamacare has been growing confusion about Republican plans for a promised replacement that would not throw off the insurance rolls an estimated 20 million Americans who gained coverage through the law, more than 1.1 million of them in Texas. More Information By the numbers 20 million Americans who gained coverage through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. 1.1 million Texans who gained coverage through ACA. 327,000 Houstonians who gained coverage through ACA. See More Collapse Complicating the Republicans' task: The insurance market chaos that could result from the repeal of the law before an alternative is ready, and a short-term budget strategy that will require conservatives to go along with ballooning deficits - at least on paper - to pave the way for quick repeal. Houston-area Republican Kevin Brady, a key player in the transition as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is vowing that his party can "deliver the relief, control, and peace of mind our workers, families, retirees and job creators deserve." Another important voice from Texas, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the chamber's No. 2 Republican, promises "an orderly, careful, deliberate transition to make sure that nobody gets hurt in the process." Brady's and Cornyn's words were echoed Sunday by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who said on "Face the Nation" that an Obamacare replacement is in the works. "You have to both repeal and replace," he said, "and I think there ought not to be a great gap between the first step and the second." Democrats doubt Ryan Even as Republicans accuse the Democrats of fear-mongering, they have remained vague about how they will accommodate the newly insured, and at what cost. House Speaker Paul Ryan last week demurred when asked if the evolving GOP plan would cover as many people as Obamacare. "Let me say this," he said. "Can we in this country have a health care system that gives us access to affordable health care in this country without a costly government takeover and a death spiral which Obamacare is giving us? And the answer is, yes. And that is exactly what we intend to deliver on." Democrats are dubious. In a concerted campaign to rescue Obama's signature achievement as president, Burwell and other outgoing administration officials are sounding the alarm about Republican promises to cut costs without sacrificing access to quality health coverage. "This type of change isn't easy, and it's hard to capture in simple slogans," Burwell said. "As far as silver bullets, they don't exist." Democratic senators, armed with cots wheeled into the Capitol basement Monday, promised to speak late into the night to talk about GOP repeal efforts, while also trying to mobilize popular support at home. Green's crusade Since the election, Democratic U.S. Rep. Gene Green of Houston has been making regular speeches on the House floor and planning weekend events with churches and other groups in his district, where 20,000 people have gained coverage through Obamacare, among more than 327,000 in Houston. Green said that while he is open to working with Republicans to make changes to improve the law, "you can't repeal it without a replacement." He and other Democrats argue that while Republicans have been talking for years about replacing Obamacare exchanges offering private plans with a system of tax credits and subsidies to help people buy private insurance, they have yet to produce alternatives with concrete cost figures. Republican leaders, meanwhile, have been facing growing pressure from the right to not only repeal Obamacare entirely, but without delay once Trump is sworn in Jan. 20. Amid reports the transition could take years to accomplish, some conservative groups have sought to exert pressure on Republicans for a quick repeal. "To delay the repeal for years means no repeal," said Twila Brase, president and co-founder of the Citizens' Council for Health Freedom, a group that has been airing radio ads attacking Obamacare across the nation. "This process should take no longer than a few months." Among the GOP hardliners is Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who unsuccessfully filibustered funding for Obamacare in 2013. In a letter to Cornyn and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell this month, Cruz asked that Congress "quickly consider legislation that repeals at least as much of Obamacare" as a Republican repeal bill that Obama vetoed in 2015. That bill not only would have killed the mandate for everyone to buy insurance, it would have ended the premium subsidies that help people buy coverage on the state and federal health care exchanges. It also would have repealed the Medicaid expansion that accounts for more than half of the new enrollments under Obamacare. Democrats say Republicans face a dilemma in promising to repeal Obamacare and not drop people from the insurance rolls. The pressure to move fast also could have its political costs. In order to bypass likely Democratic filibusters in the Senate, which requires 60 votes, the Senate's 52 Republicans are using a budget resolution as a vehicle for dismantling the fiscal elements of the health law. Budget resolutions can be approved by a simple majority. But because of the cost savings built into the law, the resolution working its way through Congress appears to balloon the deficit to more than $1 trillion by the end of the decade. Budget resolution Senate leaders argue the resolution, which sets spending targets, is merely a symbolic document. But it has caused consternation among fiscal hawks, including Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who railed against the measure last week on the Senate floor. Cruz and his allies, in their letter to Cornyn and McConnell, sought to make clear their votes for the budget measure "do not indicate in any way our support for the revenue, spending and deficit numbers therein." Seeking to fast-track the repeal effort, the budget resolution also requires the congressional committees working on the legislative language - including Brady's - to produce bills seven days after Trump's inauguration. Countering the GOP's focus on rising premiums and deductibles under Obamacare, as well as the dwindling choice of plans in some parts of the nation, Democrats have tried to emphasize the law's chief benefits: A historically low percentage of uninsured citizens, and a slowdown in the growth of premium costs, which had been climbing faster before the law took effect. In addition to arguing for the economic benefits of reducing the ranks of the uninsured, the White House has highlighted the personal stories of beneficiaries like Anne Bunting, a Houston woman who was able to get a heart transplant under Obamacare and wrote to tell the president, "You saved my life." Obama, for his part, also has promised to stay active in the debate after he leaves office, telling the audience at a health care forum in Washington on Friday, "It's not like I'm going to suddenly fade away on this." His name is President Joseph Charles, and he'll remind you that he is of royalty. Without fail, Mr. Charles shows up nearly every Tuesday at City Council's public session to claim that he is part of a political conspiracy, or that the city owes him millions of dollars, or some other bizarre allegation. Mr. Charles has spent years pontificating at City Hall, and somehow he still manages to get his name on the list of speakers to address City Council face-to-face. That's how easy Houston makes it for people to confront their elected representatives. "We are the closest to the people and if they don't like what we're doing they have no problem letting us know," Mayor Sylvester Turner told the Houston Chronicle editorial board last month. Whether protesting on the steps of City Hall or joining a community meeting, there's no shortage of ways for dissatisfied citizens to show the anger in their eye or the hurt in their heart that an email or phone call cannot capture. But if politicians in Austin have their way, that face-to-face contact with policymakers is about to get a whole lot more difficult. We're talking a four-hour drive with no traffic. At least that's how long it takes to hop in the car and head up to the home of Republican state Sen. Bob Hall in Edgewood, east of Dallas. Hall is promoting a bill to overrule how cities, such as Houston, regulate plastic bags. Want to tell him face-to-face what you think? Be ready to weather the traffic on Interstate 45 or book a meeting in Austin during the legislative session, which hammers its opening gavel today. There's a litany of other bills floating through the new session that aim to seize local authority. State Sen. Bob Nichols, a Jacksonville Republican, wants to preempt cities on rules for transportation network companies, like Uber and Lyft. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is working to undo the will of local voters on non-discrimination ordinances. And Gov. Greg Abbott has made no secret of his otherwise mysterious desire to take over local regulations on cutting down trees. After decades promoting local control, now Republicans in Austin have decided there's no municipal issue too small for state attention. That may help them check off a box on some super PAC scorecard, but it hurts local economies by forcing one-size-fits-all unfunded mandates. And it denies Texans the ability to confront their policymakers face-to-face - unless you can somehow swing a meeting in Austin. That's a high bar for your average Houstonian, even if it's no problem for your run-of-the-mill lobbyist or millionaire donor. And maybe that's the point. Texas prisons are harsh and sometimes cruel places. It doesn't matter if the crime was a forgery, driving drunk or a capital murder. All inmates are subjected to the same harsh environment that includes deadly heat, lack of medical care and neglect. Research reflects that an extended period in state prison can reduce an inmate's life span by 10 years. Prisons are the right place for many of those convicted of crimes. But prisons also should be safe and humane places - with independent oversight that allows for accountability and transparency. It is critical that prisons have their own internal accountability for identifying problems, informing management about these concerns and addressing wrongdoing; however, internal measures currently in place in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) do not provide the information, public accountability and transparency needed to preserve the lives of those who are incarcerated. One TDCJ internal measures is the Ombudsman office, which works with other agency staff to answer questions and address concerns from the public and legislative offices. In FY 2015, staff responded to approximately 23,226 inquiries. However, the Ombudsman office is not an investigative office; it works to answer questions and respond to inquiries. When families call in to report issues and problems, the Ombudsman office typically quotes TDCJ policy and procedure. Staff does not and will not investigate whether procedures are followed or ignored. In 2015 and 2016, people in TDCJ custody filed more than 151,000 grievances. Eighty percent of the grievances were about facility operations, complaints against staff, and disciplinary and medical issues. Examples of some grievances include nonworking fans, guards denying access to cool areas when people were in medical distress, availability of ice water (and safe water), and the inability to cool the building structures down to a reasonable temperature even at night. Neither the grievance system or the Ombudsman office provides the accountability or transparency that assures families that their loved ones are being treated humanely or kept safe. Families are often frustrated with the inability to get answers or rectify a bad situation or wrongdoing in TDCJ. When a parent is fearful that his son is being abused or neglected, it is little consolation that 18 percent of complaints will eventually be resolved - usually through a policy or procedure change. Recently, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison ordered the state to disclose the number of heat-related deaths since 1990 in Texas prisons. In Texas, fewer than a third of state prisons have air-conditioning in all housing areas. Ellison wanted to know why TDCJ had not provided the information before a current lawsuit was filed that also sought that information. "We are not talking about how many widgets were sold out of a given factory," Judge Ellison said during the hearing. "We are talking about human lives, and I would be very distressed if the answer is the TDCJ does not even keep count of how many people died of heat-related illness." Without independent oversight, the public must trust TDCJ to provide solutions to prison problems - and, if at the very least, to document information such as heat-death statistics. Society has a right and an obligation to protect itself from those who have committed crimes. And people who have committed crimes must pay the consequences of making bad decisions. But there is a moral and ethical way to do this, and the oversight measures now in place at TDCJ don't offer assurance that officials understand this. Transparency sheds light on TDCJ operations, and this is the way it should be regardless of who wants to know. Yes, some people need to be imprisoned. But the law should protect them, too. Erschabek is executive director of the Texas Inmate Families Association. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. You may have observed as you go throughout the day that several people are living each day on autopilot without a clear focus or purpose. Most individuals I interact with are comfortable with their daily routine and rarely change their patterns. My reason for writing on this topic is to inspire those that may feel they are destined to continue on this mundane path or do not have the strength or self-confidence to venture into the unknown and make a change that could impact their life in order to achieve a very positive outcome. My focus on this subject is only directed at career choices and does not involve your personal situation outside of your chosen line of work. As a mentor and leaderI believe this is the area that I may be able to offer the most valuable guidance. There are several aspects to this topic and I may not cover all of the criteria, but it is my goal to offer scenarios that will benefit many of you. Lets first agree that everyone has the opportunity to make changes in the course of their career depending upon their personal confidence level. This will vary based upon experiences; family nurturing and educational achievements to name a few. If for example the individual has received many accolades over the years for surpassing their goals or beating the competition, this person is more likely to have the self-confidence to make changes periodically without much hesitation to remain focused on their career ... Recruiting the right people is difficult in a market where many important commercial, technical and management skills are in short supply. Keeping employees once youve recruited them can be even harder. Every time you lose a good employee, it costs you money because youll need to recruit and train someone to replace him or her. It disrupts continuity in your business, can hurt customer relationships, slows you down, and results in you losing a small piece of your corporate memory. Thats why organisations must create an employee engagement and retention strategy to ensure that they remain competitive and productive. Here are some common mistakes that can result in your business losing good employees. 1. Not Listening to Employees Its important to gather employee feedback through formal and informal channels alike. Conduct regular surveys to assess workplace happiness and find out what you can realistically do to improve employee satisfaction. Also, make some time to listen to employees suggestions in more informal settings. Even though not every suggestion will be viable to implement and some complaints might not be valid, people like to feel that their opinions are heard and their issues are understood. Employees might have great suggestions that can help you improve your business their perspectives can be invaluable. 2. Not Communicating with Employees Its important to keep employees informed abou... Its no secret that Airbnb has drastically disrupted the travel industry and has positioned itself as a unique and local online travel agency for travel consumers. Yet, while Airbnb paves the way for a new niche in travel, the industry player is disrupting hospitality and affecting a hotels bottom line in a major way. Its no secret that Airbnb has drastically disrupted the travel industry and has positioned itself as a unique and local online travel agency for travel consumers. Yet, while Airbnb paves the way for a new niche in travel, the industry player is disrupting hospitality and affecting a hotels bottom line in a major way. In these times of flat and even negative occupancy projections, and Airbnb satisfying a portion of the travel demand, hoteliers must fight for every guest inclined to stay at an Airbnb rental. Airbnb is taking 10-12% of travel demand in New York City, Paris, London and other major global metropolitan areas alone. The impact affects overall occupancy and hotel room pricing, leading hotels to be unable to raise ADRs in periods of traditional peak demand. In fact, according to Morgan Stanley research published in AlphaWise, 49% of survey respondents in the US, UK, France, and Germany reported that they booked an Airbnb in place of a traditional hotel in 2016. Even more concerning, the research predicts this number will remain steady throughout 2017 and Airbnbs cannibalization of hotels business will hover at approximately 50 percent for both business and leisure travel. The impact affects ADR, leaving hotels unable to raise prices in periods of peak demand, and ultimately, affects overall occupancy. According to HVS, It is estimated that the hotel industry loses approximately $450 million in direct revenues to Airbnb per year. In light of this industry climate, hotels must take action with a unique value proposition on the hotel website and a smart marketing strategy in order to combat the negative effects of Airbnb on their bottom line. Read on for a 2017 action plan to combat Airbnb and win the direct booking. The Hotel Value Proposition on the Hotel Website: To combat the effects of Airbnb on your hotels bottom line, hoteliers should promote features and amenities that Airbnb lacks. Here are value propositions to consider promoting on the hotel website: Guest Services Hotels offer services that guests cannot get when staying in an Airbnb rental. These services include room service, concierge and information, and luxuries such as plush robes. Hoteliers should highlight guest services throughout the hotel website. They can also showcase their employees who are dedicated to making stays comfortable and convenient. Amenities Hotels also offer amenities that are typically unavailable in Airbnb rentals, including spa services, onsite dining, and a fitness center. The hotel website should highlight these amenities with rich imagery and descriptive copy. Inspiring Communal Spaces Many hotels now offer spaces for guests to gather and socialize, including inviting lobbies, lobby bars and cafes, executive meeting rooms, and more. This can be a place to meet other guests or just a place to relax and work. Airbnb options lack this communal space, as many Airbnb spaces are just rooms within apartments or an entire space to a guest. In light of this, Airbnb guests do not have the same opportunity to socialize and mix and mingle with other travelers. Hoteliers can highlight this on the website with images of guests enjoying communal spaces and socializing. Security and Safety Airbnb is not always a safe option for travelers. Accommodations are booked through property owners that are unknown to the guests. If the guest is unfamiliar with the area, they may be staying in an unsafe neighborhood or use unsafe transportation to/from the Airbnb rental. Hotels, however, have 24/7 front desk and security. Hotels can highlight this on their website by listing their security measures under FAQs or amenities. ADA and Accessibility Very few Airbnb accommodations are ADA compliant. Hotels are ADA compliant by law and offer ADA-compliant accommodations and access for disabled guests, such as wheelchair accessible bathrooms and elevators. Baggage Storage Travelers often arrive to their destination earlier than expected, or leave later in the day after check-out. Hotels often offer luggage storage so guests can explore the destination without having to carry around heavy bags. Airbnb hosts typically do not offer this service. They expect the guest to arrive at the time of check-in. Hoteliers should provide their baggage storage information under amenities and services. Guest Appreciation Program/Loyalty Program Many hotels offer guest appreciation or reward programs for repeats guests. They are free to sign up and reward guests for staying at the hotel to increase guest retention. Currently, Airbnb does not offer a loyalty program. Hotels can highlight their loyalty programs by putting a call-out to sign up directly on the homepage of the hotel website. They can also dedicate a portal on the website for members-only discounts to loyalty members. Pricing The average paid rate for an Airbnb unit is $148.42, which is 25% higher than the average hotel rate of $119.11 (STR, Inc.), revealing that while Airbnb is seen as a more cost-effective option to consumers, this is not always the case. Hoteliers should stay aware of Airbnb pricing in the propertys neighborhood and emphasize the value and additional services guest will experience by booking the hotel at a comparable price. Featuring a dynamic rate on the hotel website homepage will also allow the property to highlight competitive rates. Marketing Strategy to Combat Airbnb: To combat the effect Airbnb has on the hotel industry, hoteliers will need an effective digital marketing strategy. Here are some digital marketing tactics to help protect your bottom line: Experiential Packages Hotels can offer packages that provide guests with the ultimate destination experience. For example, a New York based hotel can offer guests complimentary museum passes, Uber credits, and free walking tours. Hotels in warm destinations can provide poolside beverages and complimentary sunscreen. Other examples may include yoga sessions or spa credits. Example of a winter-themed package: Live Like a Local Messaging A big appeal of Airbnb is that guests feel like a local with a unique experience of staying in a residents home. Hotels can combat this by delivering live like a local messaging. They can launch campaigns that promote a more unique, local experience such as promoting discounts at local restaurants, a map of hidden gems and local hangouts, and complimentary passes for public transportation. Example of local messaging: Smart Data Marketing Through top travel ad networks such as ADARA and Sojern, a hotel can target travelers based on the dates they are researching. Travelers likely have already searched for flights and may even have searched for hotels before turning to Airbnb. ADARA and Sojern can target these potential guests with ads that appear at multiple touchpoints throughout the online travel planning journey, and ultimately drive traffic to the hotel website to win direct bookings. Example of Example of Dynamic Rate Ad on Travel Ad Network: Blog Posts Hotels can create blog posts with itinerary ideas in the hotels destination that appeal to all types of travelers, including history buffs, art enthusiasts, and foodies, which will also help combat the local appeal of Airbnb. Blog posts will come up in search results when travelers are searching for things to do in the destination and will drive traffic to the hotel website to assist in driving direct bookings. Example of a destination-specific blog post: Social Media Social media outlets are one of the most popular places travelers find inspiration for their next vacation. Therefore, hotels should have an active social media presence and post rich imagery showcasing the hotels guest rooms, amenities, and services. They can also invest in video and Facebook Canvas Ads to allow the traveler to experience the hotel before ever setting foot on property and inspire them to book. Additionally, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter offer many targeting opportunities, which allow hotel marketers to target potential guests who are interested in Airbnb. Example of an Instagram CPC ad: TripAdvisor Reviews Travelers often turn to TripAdvisor when planning travel. Having positive reviews on TripAdvisor is important, as this may encourage travelers to choose the hotel over Airbnb. Hoteliers can prompt guests to write a review in a post-stay email, or ask people who have left reviews on other channels such as Facebook and Google. When prompting guests to leave a review, hoteliers can also encourage them to mention their favorite local activity in their review to really help drive home that guests can stay at a hotel and still get a local experience. TripAdvisor is also a great opportunity to advertise your hotel through destination targeted display or a TripAdvisor business listing on your property page. This will help ensure you drive traffic to the hotel website while potential guests are researching hotel options and price comparing to Airbnb options in the same neighborhood. Example of TripAdvisor advertising: About the Author and HeBS Digital Margaret Mastrogiacomo is Vice President, Strategy at HeBS Digital. Founded in 2001, HeBS Digital helps hoteliers around the globe drastically increase direct bookings and lower overall distribution costs by deploying industry best-of-breed digital technology, consulting and marketing (www.hebsdigital.com). The firm is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Las Vegas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. HeBS Digitals technology, website design and digital marketing services have won more than 400 prestigious industry awards, including World Travel Awards, HSMAI Adrian Awards, Stevie Awards (American Business Awards), W3 Awards, WebAwards, Travel Weeklys Magellan Awards, Summit International Awards, Interactive Media Awards, and IAC Awards. A diverse client portfolio of top-tier major luxury and boutique hotel chains, independent hotels, resorts and casinos, franchised properties and hotel management companies, convention centers, spas, restaurants and bars, DMO and tourist offices across the globe are all benefiting from HeBS Digitals direct online channel strategy and digital marketing expertise. The HeBS Digital team is comprised of thought leaders, a truly diverse team of experts comprised of over 33 nationalities speaking over 22 languages. The teams singular focus has always been and still is to help hoteliers maximize revenues from the Direct Online Channel the most profitable channel for hoteliers today. Contact HeBS Digitals consultants at 1 (800) 649-5076 (North America), +64 (0) 9 889 8489 (APAC), or success@hebsdigital.com. This article originally appeared on HeBS digital. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest all industry news and trends. Subscribe 2022 Hospitality Trends A Maryland man allegedly shot at his wife and engaged police in an hours-long standoff Sunday, all over a grilled cheese sandwich. Daniel Brian Blackwell faces several charges after his wife told police he shot at her multiple times from their basement because she took a bite out of his sandwich. Advertisement Three shots came through the kitchen floor near where she was standing. She and three teenagers then fled the home to meet waiting officers. Police spent about three hours in a standoff with Blackwell, who had barricaded himself in his home, before he stepped out onto the porch and was subdued with pepper balls. He was then taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect is banned from owning guns because of previous assault convictions. But police seized three handguns and 12 long guns from his home, as well as a large amount of ammunition. Advertisement Hes been charged with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and several firearms violations. Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost Thousands of refugees have found themselves trapped in Serbia, completely unprepared for winter storms, waiting at the hope that officials might let them through Hungary's closed border. Temperatures outside of Belgrade have dipped as low as minus 20 C in the past month. Over 6,400 refugees and migrants are in Serbia, according to the United Nations, and hundreds have taken to sheltering in abandoned warehouses outside of Belgrade, hoping to be one of 10 chosen every day to enter Hungary. Advertisement Migrants and refugees warm themselves inside an abandoned warehouse near Belgrade, Serbia, where the temperature has dropped to minus 11 C on Jan. 7, 2016. "For months, the strategy has been to block humanitarian aid to push these people into official camps. But the camps are full and are already stretched beyond capacity, so today people are left with no other option than to sleep in abandoned buildings in freezing temperatures," Stephane Moissaing, head of Medecins Sans Frontieres' Serbian mission, said in a release. Moissaing added that several people have already died of exposure in the region. Advertisement Salim Shinuari, 22, from Afghanistan, told Reuters that he and the other men in one warehouse have been relying on burning plastic garbage for warmth. "It's so, so cold we need these fires," Shinuari said. Refugees from Afghanistan huddle outside their makeshift shelter in Belgrade, Serbia. Eighteen-year-old Fawad Wakili fled Afghanistan after receiving threats from the Taliban. He told Al Jazeera that he's been fighting a barking cough that has gotten worse each day. "The problem is the weather is very cold and inside the buildings there are [camp]fires everywhere," Fawad said. Migrants wash their hands near a makeshift shelter in an abandoned warehouse on Jan. 7, 2016. Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted in a blog posted Friday that most asylum seekers don't have access to water, heat or toilets. Advertisement "The Serbian government ignored several requests by aid groups in November and December, including from Medecins Sans Frontieres, to build temporary and winterized camps," wrote Lydia Gall, a researcher with HRW. Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost An organic alternative to road salt is helping Canadian municipalities keep their streets ice-free and smelling kind of sweet. Cowansville, Que. is just the latest municipality to turn to beet juice, reports CBC News. The town says mixing the sticky juice with regular road salt reduces the salt's environmental impact and saves money. Advertisement "A portion of the beet is given to the animals. The rest is used to deglaze roads," Sylvain Perreault, Cowansville's infrastructure superintendent, told CBC. Other municipalities like Williams Lake in northern B.C. have been using Beet 55, a mixture of saline, sugar and beets. Beet 55 is sprayed on roads before snow arrives. It lowers the temperature required for rock salt to melt ice, and can last for two to five days meaning it can last through multiple snowstorms. Advertisement The city's municipal director told The Globe and Mail in 2014 that he's pleased with how the product has worked so far and its odd, but pleasant, side effect. It does have a smell to it. Its kind of like caramel. It smells like a Tootsie Roll, said Kevin Goldfuss. Canadian municipalities including Toronto have also used the organic material in lieu of traditional road salt. A similar product, Beet Heet, is seeing massive success in the U.S. So far this year, the company has sold nearly 5.7 million litres, reported Time Magazine. CORRECTION - Jan. 10, 2017: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Saint John, N.B., uses beet juice to de-ice its roads. Advertisement Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost The Conservative Party of Canada opted for a less-than-conciliatory tone for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after he shuffled his cabinet on Tuesday. Candice Bergen, the Opposition House leader issued a statement shortly after a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, calling the announcement a desperate attempt by Trudeau to change the channel from a string of winter controversies. Advertisement Changing the faces of the cabinet will not change the Prime Ministers bad judgment and fundamentally flawed direction for the country, she said in the release. Bergen made no mention of the six MPs awarded new portfolios. The Tory MP criticized Trudeau for hobnobbing with the rich instead of dedicating himself to real work. She claimed Liberal government decisions have made life more expensive and are killing jobs. She added, We know that the Prime Minister desperately wants to change the channel on his cash-for-access dinners, outlandish holidays and out-of-control spending. However shuffling the cabinet deck by replacing a few ministers simply won't do it. Advertisement Bergen acknowledged the incoming Donald Trump administration and the possibility Canada may face increased U.S. protectionist measures with change in power. She called it a new reality that Trudeau should take seriously. So far, the Trudeau government has struck a diplomatic tone with Trump, despite the president-elects increased rhetoric related to a threat to implement big border taxes to protect the U.S. economy. While the House has been on winter break, the Conservative Party has been busy attacking Trudeau for his high-profile lifestyle as prime minister, calling him out for his abuse of tax dollars. Advertisement The Prime Ministers Office confirmed last week that Trudeau would reimburse airfare for himself and his family for a trip they took over the holidays to the Aga Khans private Bahamian island. Tory leadership candidate Andrew Scheer has asked the ethics watchdog to investigate if the trip broke conflict rules. Last month, the prime minister riled opposition parties after he admitted that hes lobbied on government-related business during some private Liberal party fundraisers. I listen to people as I will in any given situation, but the decisions I take in government are ones based on what is right for Canadians and not on what an individual in a fundraiser might say, he said at a year-end news conference. Advertisement Trudeau and his ministers faced weeks of pressure before the break over their participation at so-called "cash for access" events where wealthy business people pay up to $1,500 for face time. Also on HuffPost The lady, of course, is his partner of four years actress Eva Mendes and on Monday, the 42-year-old mom of two responded in the most subtle way. Advertisement Posting a photo of "Moonlight" actress Janelle Monae on Instagram, the "Hitch" star included a sly reference to Gosling's acceptance speech for Best Actor Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in "La La Land." "Obviously this wasn't my favorite moment of the night....But it was definitely my favorite style moment of the night. The stunning and talented @janellemonae is killing me with this look. So so so beautiful #goldenglobes," she wrote. Obviously this wasn't my favorite moment of the night....But it was definitely my favorite style moment of the night. The stunning and talented @janellemonae is killing me with this look. So so so beautiful #goldenglobes A photo posted by Eva Mendes (@evamendes) on Jan 9, 2017 at 12:32pm PST During his speech, the 36-year-old Canadian actor thanked his costar Emma Stone and director Damien Chazelle, before getting super gushy about Mendes. Advertisement "My lady was raising our daughter, pregnant with our second, and trying to help her brother fight his battle with cancer. If she hadn't have taken all that on so I could have this experience, there would surely be somebody up here other than me... sweetheart, thank you," he said. "The Notebook" actor also paid tribute to his wife's brother, Juan Carlos, who died of cancer in April 2016. Actors Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling attend 'The Place Beyond The Pines' premiere during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 7, 2012. According to Vanity Fair, after the birth of his second daughter Amada Lee Gosling in April 2016, Gosling told reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival he was a "lucky man." Advertisement They really make me better... We couldnt be happier, [my daughters] are so sweet. Gosling and Mendes began dating in Sept. 2011 and starred in the film "The Place Beyond the Pines" together. Ryan Gosling arrives at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Also on HuffPost Police in India are accused of sexually assaulting as many as 36 women, according to the country's human rights commission. India's National Human Rights Commission announced on Sunday at least 16 women were victims of sexual or physical assault by state police in the central state of Chhattisgarh. The organization said it still has to conduct interviews with 20 women. Advertisement The commission wrote in a statement that the "human rights of the victims have been grossly violated by the security personnel of the government of Chhattisgarh for which the state government is vicariously liable." "The victims gave the names of the policemen involved in the barbarity but nothing has happened. " The investigation followed a story published in The Indian Express in November 2015 alleging more than 40 women had been sexually assaulted and had their belongings destroyed. A 14-year-old girl was grazing her cattle when she was "allegedly blindfolded and gangraped," the newspaper reported. Another victim was "repeatedly dunked in a stream and gangraped." An official with the state's criminal investigation department said a probe into the allegations could take months, given the remote locations of the complainants. Advertisement "The task of tracing the women and bringing them from their villages to the court to record their statements is a daunting task," H.K. Rathore told the Thompson Reuters Foundation News. A lawyer representing 14 of the victims says police are protecting those accused. "The victims gave the names of the policemen involved in the barbarity but nothing has happened. They carried a sham investigation and are trying to obfuscate the case," Kishore Narayan told Al Jazeera News. Chhattisgarh is part of a region of India known as the "Red Corridor" for being the centre of ongoing conflict between communist groups and the Indian government. The region is one of the poorest in the country. Locals have accused law enforcement officials of collectively punishing villagers for any perceived connection to communist rebels, The Washington Post reported. Advertisement Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost Fitness guru and political activist Jane Fonda says Canada needs to listen to the concerns of Indigenous peoples when it comes to the oilsands. "We don't want these two new pipelines (Kinder Morgan and Energy East) and we don't want any future agreements between Trump and Trudeau to go back into the issue of the Keystone XL,'' Fonda told reporters during a visit to the oilsands hub of Fort McMurray on Tuesday. Advertisement "It's not to the benefit of anyone except the oil companies.'' The Academy Award-winnng actress is in Alberta to criticize energy development, reports CBC News. "First Nations people are again telling us, 'You can't keep doing this, because it's going to destroy everything, not just human beings, all different species," Fonda said. The timing of her visit has some local oilsands supporters upset. Alberta energy booster group OilSands Strong has launched an aggressive anti-Fonda campaign on its Facebook page, arguing Fonda should stay away from a region that continues to suffer after last year's raging wildfire. "Hey Jane Fonda the city has been through enough with the Fort McMurray wildfire we really don't need you here to bash us right now!" reads one meme created by the group. Advertisement Fonda took an aerial tour of the oilsands and met with aboriginal leaders on Tuesday. On Wednesday night, she's set to speak at a University of Alberta event hosted by Greenpeace Canada. The Greenpeace Canada website says Fonda's trip will "push the Canadian government to live up to its commitments to Indigenous peoples." The founder of another pro-oilsands group, Canada Action, told CBC News he hopes Fonda will take some time on her trip to learn about environmental progress made in the oilsands, as well as meet people in the area who benefit from the energy industry. "I think that it's unfortunate that Jane Fonda is going to come up here," Cody Battershill told CBC. "And she will probably have, in my mind, a less balanced opinion of the issues." Fonda said she's aware some First Nations support pipeline development and that many families depend on the industry for a livelihood. Advertisement "When people are very poor, they're very vulnerable,'' she said. "I don't pretend to be an expert, but I do listen carefully. And I come here with tremendous compassion for people who work in the tar sands and who will be laid off when the work is done or when the price of oil drops even more." She suggested that renewable energy developments offer much greater economic spinoffs than what she calls a fossil fuel industry on its way out. Fonda is no stranger to protesting on Canadian soil. In 2015 she made headlines when she declared "I hope I get arrested" while attending an Greenpeace event protesting pipelines and oil tankers in B.C. "I'm going to commit the rest of my life to stopping global warming by preventing fossil fuels from being extracted," she said during that trip. Advertisement "Committing the rest of my life is no big deal, I don't have that much left," she quipped. Fonda has long been a political activist, and has worked to bring attention to issues of American civil rights, feminism, indigenous people's rights and the Vietnam War. She's the latest in a string of Hollywood celebrities to visit Alberta's oilsands a list that includes Neil Young, Neve Campbell and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Most recently, Leonardo DiCaprio made headlines for his 2014 visit to Fort McMurray a trip which he later used in his 2016 climate change documentary "Before The Flood." Fonda said despite the online backlash, she felt her visit was still worth it. "As a celebrity, there's always the contradictions I flew here on an airplane but our lives are rife with contradiction. Does my coming and speaking out outweigh the use of carbon to get me here? I feel that it does. We have to spread the message.'' Advertisement With files from The Canadian Press Also on HuffPost The 2017 Golden Globes now seem like a distant memory. But now that we've celebrated the winners from Sunday evening and watched that clip of Emma Stone awkwardly hugging "La La Land" director Damien Chazelle about one hundred times, it's time to talk about an actress who subtly got political on the red carpet. Wearing a pastel pink Andrew Gn gown covered in embroidered flowers, "Mozart in the Jungle" actress Lola Kirke accessorized her look unlike any other: with a small pin that read "Fuck Paul Ryan." Advertisement Actress Lola Kirke attends the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) In an interview with Elle, the 26-year-old explained why she decided to wear the pin. "Paul Ryan is talking about defunding Planned Parenthood. I think that, along with a number of other decisions that are being talked about being made by the new administration, is atrocious," she explained. "As a person with a platform, no matter what size it is, I think it's important to share your views and maybe elevate people that might agree with you, that maybe won't feel like they can have the same voice. My body my choice, your body your choice." Advertisement And if you thought Lola's pin was just something she threw on last minute to make a statement, think again. According to Kirke who's the younger sister of "Girls" star Jemima Kirke the "Fuck Ryan Paul" accessory was custom made for her dress, matching the pink tones of the gown. "My stylist and her son made them for me," she told Elle. "They made me one in the Planned Parenthood colours yesterday that I was wearing. I'm sure there will be other issues to support, but this one is really important." Advertisement Actress Lola Kirke attends the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) Lola's awesome pin may have stolen the show, but we're also applauding the actress for ditching traditional beauty standards on the red carpet by flaunting her armpit hair. Check out Lola Kirke's unshaven armpit at the Golden Globes 2017 #GoldenGlobespic.twitter.com/8Bb8yaHxuN Chat with Nina (@chatwithnina_ng) January 9, 2017 "Ok! Now I'm really ready. Thanks to all you beautiful people who didn't send me death threats on account of my #awesome #hairyarmpits! You rule," Kirke wrote on Instagram. Continue to do you, girl. We love it. For more red carpet looks from the 2017 Golden Globes, check out the slideshow below: Golden Globes 2017: All The Red Carpet Looks See Gallery Advertisement " 'Because Im worth it is an iconic belief that resonates with so many, for good reason. Now more than ever that simple phrase is a powerful reminder to us all, as woman are coming together, rising up, and standing for their value. We are worth it. We are different shapes and sizes. We are different colors. We are beautiful inside and out. We are kind. We are brave. We are vulnerable. We are flawed. We are perfect. We are worth it. And we each have a story to tell. Which is why I was so moved by the Your Skin, Your Story campaign. It's a beautiful illustration that we are in this together. And we are listening to one another and celebrating each other for both our similarities, and our differences. Now THAT'S beautiful." -Me :) #worthsharing #truematch LINK IN BIO FOR A SNEAK PEAK A photo posted by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on Jan 8, 2017 at 3:34pm PST Switzerland has won the right to insist Muslim girls participate in co-ed swim lessons. The ruling at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) was unanimous, with seven judges agreeing that the classes were vital for childrens successful integration into society, BBC reports. The case dates back to 2008 when a Turkish-born couple refused to let their daughters participate in the compulsory mixed-gender swim lessons, which are part of the Swiss school curriculum. Advertisement The parents, who are from Basel, argued that their [Muslim] beliefs prohibited them from allowing their children to take part. According to the Basel school system, all school-aged students are required to participate in the swim lessons, but exemptions can be made when students reach puberty. Unfortunately, the couples daughters did not qualify for exemption at the time, since they were only seven and nine years old. The childrens interest in attending swimming lessons was not just to learn to swim, but above all to take part in that activity with all the other pupils. At the court ruling on Tuesday, the ECHR noted that Swiss authorities tried to accommodate the girls by allowing them to wear a burkini a type of swimsuit designed to cover the entire body. However, this suggestion was rejected by the girls mother who insisted that the burkini didn't erase the contours of their bodies and that the swimsuit would stigmatize them. Advertisement As a result, the couple was fined 1,400 Swiss francs (about $1,820 CDN) in 2010 for violating school rules repeatedly. Two years later, the parents took their case to the ECHR. On Tuesday, the court ruled that Swiss authorities did not violate the parents freedom of religion. In a statement, the ECHR said that the school played a special role in the process of social integration, particularly where children of foreign origin were concerned. Thus, the childrens interest in attending swimming lessons was not just to learn to swim, but above all to take part in that activity with all the other pupils, with no exception on account of the childrens origin or their parents religious or philosophical convictions. Also on HuffPost Photos Of Girls Going To School Around The World See Gallery After arriving in Canada as government-assisted Syrian refugees last year, time is running out for Shadi Al Qiblawi to find a job before his family's monthly stipend ends. He and his wife and their three children receive $1,800 per month. They live in a three-bedroom apartment in Toronto with Al Qiblawi's mother and 11-year-old sister, who were admitted to Canada on a separate government application. Advertisement Combined, they live on $2,900 in aid to support seven people. Government-assisted refugees receive up to a year in financial support from the date they arrive in Canada. After that, they are on their own. (In contrast, privately sponsored Syrian refugees are supported through a different system. For them, a sponsor group is responsible for their finances for up to a year, drawing money from donations of private citizens not the federal government.) Al Qiblawi needs to find a job that pays at least $20 per hour to meet his familys basic needs. With only a beginners grasp of English, his options are limited. Hes dedicated to his studies because he knows language can make a difference between a job that pays low wages or one that pays well. Advertisement I will try and try. If I dont find, I will work with anything, Al Qiblawi told The Huffington Post Canada in an interview. He has to stop himself from getting too caught up in recent bleak headlines about his home country, still mired in civil war: It is hard, but I have to forget, to make good future for family. It is hard, but I have to forget, to make good future for family. Al Qiblawi doesnt have enough savings to cover his familys expense for more than a month after the government stipends stop coming. He said he'll be forced to apply for welfare if he cant find work by the end of January. But some achievements he made in the last year will keep his options open. Al Qiblawi earned a food handler certification through Newcomer Kitchen where his wife was fortunate to find some work. Advertisement The family bought a 10-year-old Pontiac to get around the city and also to leverage more job opportunities for Al Qiblawi, a former taxi driver. He knows its hard to get professional recognition for his experience as an electrical engineer in Syria, so hes hoping to land a job as a cabbie or Uber driver. The car adds a $250 monthly bill for insurance. That expense folds into the monthly $2,200 he needs to come up with to meet basic expenses. It took Al Qiblawi four tries to pass his driving road test, so lack of ambition isnt a factor. Hes carrying the same attitude with his approach to finding a job. Advertisement He is thankful for all the kindness and patience shown by Canadians, adding that his personal interactions and experiences prove 100 per cent people like refugees. Time is running out for Al Qiblawi to find a job before Januarys end. But hes focused. You have to [have a] job, you have to work, he said. With files from Emily Anoneuvo Also on HuffPost Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed three fresh faces to his cabinet, as two veteran Liberals transition out of his inner circle. On Tuesday, Trudeau unveiled replacements for Stephane Dion at foreign affairs and John McCallum at immigration. Both longtime MPs are over 60 years old, and served in previous Liberal governments. McCallum is headed for a diplomatic post in China, while Dion says he is leaving politics but has reportedly been offered an ambassadorship to the European Union and Germany. Advertisement MaryAnn Mihychuk was also dropped as labour minister and is now headed for the backbench. Those exits and some rejigging of other roles have opened the door for new blood. Enter: Ahmed Hussen, Francois-Philippe Champagne, and Karina Gould. Hussen, 40, the first Somali-Canadian elected to Parliament is now minister for immigration, refugees, and citizenship. Its a file with which the Toronto MP has unique and profound experience. In 1993, Hussen came to Canada alone as a 16-year-old refugee from Mogadishu. He lived in public housing and, after graduating from university, set out to improve his community of Regent Park. A Toronto Star profile written shortly after his election in 2015 details how Hussen helped create the Regent Park Community Council, which took a leadership role in advocating for residents during the $500-million revitalization project. He also cut his political teeth in the office of Ontarios then-opposition leader, Dalton McGuinty. Advertisement Hussen later became a lawyer and his biography states he practised in the areas of immigration and refugee law and human rights. Hussen also served as president of the Canadian Somali Congress. A CBC profile in 2015 painted a picture of a man who carries the weight of great expectations, particularly from Somali-Canadians inspired by his story. While conceding there was a lot of pride and pressure, Hussen said his focus was not limited to his community. "I mean, everyone has a heritage, but we have a shared citizenship, right?" he said. With Dions appointment, international trade minister Chrystia Freeland was promoted to foreign affairs. Its hoped her familiarity with the United States as a former business journalist in New York City and experience negotiating the Canada-EU trade deal will prove useful after the inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Advertisement Champagne now replaces Freeland at trade. Champagne, 46, impressed many last year as parliamentary secretary to the finance minister, often rising in question period. His signature gesture while speaking a kind of chop that emphasizes his point has led to some good-natured ribbing from opposition MPs. But Champagne has, it seems, impressed people for some time now. Before he was elected in the Quebec riding of Saint-MauriceChamplain, Champagne had a hugely successful international business and law career. He served as vice-president and senior counsel for engineering firm ABB Group in Zurich, and also held senior roles for AMEC, a global energy company, in the U.K. Champagne has also worked for Quebec wastewater firm Bionest. In 2009, Champagne was named a young global leader by the World Economic Forum. In an interview with The Globe and Mail at the time, Champagne said he intended to return to Canada and run for public office like another little guy from Shawinigan, Jean Chretien. I know it sounds a bit old-fashioned but I still believe in service to the country and giving back, and that's what I intend to do one day, he told The Globe. Advertisement When asked if he wanted to be prime minister one day, Champagne said: Listen, one has to try and if Canadians believe in what I can do, I will certainly give it a shot. Gould replaces Maryam Monsef at democratic institutions, in charge of stickhandling the Liberals lofty promise to reform Canadas electoral system in time for the next federal election. Monsef, whose performance with the file was widely panned, will become the new Status of Women minister. At 29, Gould is among the youngest cabinet ministers in history. Former Progressive Conservative minister Jean Charest was just 28 when he was first named to cabinet. Gould, a rookie MP from Burlington, Ont., previously served as parliamentary secretary to the minister of international development. Advertisement Before making the jump to politics, the Oxford-educated Gould worked as a trade and investment specialist for the Mexican Trade Commission and was a consultant at the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. Her biography states she also spent a year volunteering for an orphanage in Mexico. Gould likely faces electoral reform grilling During the last campaign, years-old tweets from her in which she said it was time to landlock Albertas tar sands and reject the Northern Gateway pipeline project caused a minor stir. While Gould can expect a grilling from opposition MPs on electoral reform once Parliament resumes, she spent at least one question period getting peppered with questions. Last February, Gould stepped up to defend International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau after she conceded that Canadian foreign aid could end up providing food and health services to Islamic State fighters. Gould was described as unfazed, saying that humanitarian assistance is provided to partners in a neutral, impartial fashion to aid civilians in the middle of conflict. Advertisement "This is the same policy that our government, that the previous government and governments before it, in Canada has had," she said at the time. With a file from Althia Raj Also on HuffPost In the last couple months killer whales (orcas) have been in the news a lot, in particular the endangered population of Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) who make the Salish Sea their home. For non-locals reading this, the Salish Sea includes "the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Georgia, and Puget Sound, and all their connecting channels and adjoining waters, and the waters around and between the San Juan Islands in Washington State and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia." Advertisement The recent deaths of Granny (the former matriarch of J pod) and J-34 (an 18-year-old male) has shined a light on the fragile local population and has been used by some in the activists community as a cudgel in their battle against the Kinder Morgan Trans-Mountain expansion project (TMX). The argument has gone that increasing the number of tankers would increase the number of collisions with marine mammals, and this could result in the extirpation of the SRKW. It is important to note, however, that while J-34 was apparently killed by a collision, the collision was not in a tanker sea lane. Rather, J-34 was found near Sechelt, well north of any tanker routes. According to the definitive research on the topic the SRKWs are at highest risk of collision in Johnstone Strait, which would be a problem if tankers were heading in that direction, but they are not. The research indicates that the tanker sea lanes do not pose a particular risk to the SRKW, especially given current marine rules in those lanes. Advertisement As for the increase in tanker traffic, the TMX tankers represent an increase of 720 more ship movements in a Strait that sees 23,000 ship movements a year. This at a port that is engaged in a build-out that will expand ship traffic significantly. Thus, if collisions are really a serious concern, then the activists should be protesting the Port of Vancouver's expansion plans, not the TMX. The other topic of ongoing concern to the SRKW is the risk posed by oil spills. This risk was highlighted in a report for the Raincoast Conservation Foundation titled Report on Population Viability Analysis model investigations of threats to the Southern Resident Killer Whale population from Trans Mountain Expansion Project. In my opinion the study is fatally flawed. The report details a modelling exercise to examine the effect of the TMX on the SRKW. It also appears to serve as the basis for a lawsuit against the TMX. The problem is that while the risks to the SRKW from spills are real, this study should not be the basis for discussions on the topic. Why? Well, because in my opinion the study is fatally flawed. The model used in the research seems sound and the statistical methodology was excellent, but the problem was the data used to generate the results. As we all remember from programming, regardless of the quality of a model if you use bad inputs, you get bad outputs. In this report they appear to have used bad inputs in their modelling. As I detail at my personal blog, the study authors relied on numbers supplied from a blog post. The blog post uses values from Trans Mountain TERMPOL 3.15 General Risk Analysis and Intended Methods of Reducing Risk (caution large file) to generate a likelihood of an incident. The problem is that the authors appear to have used the wrong numbers from that blog post. Advertisement In TERMPOL 3.15, the authors presented several scenarios: a current (Case 0), a Case 1 (expansion with no mitigation) and then Case 1a and Case 1b (expansion with specific mitigations to reduce risk). The stated intention of the TEMPOL 3.15 report was to provide a description of the necessary mitigation efforts associated with the increase in tanker traffic that would come with TMX. The conclusion of the report was that Trans Mountain make use of specific list of mitigations. Those mitigations (including tugs, reduced speeds, etc.) were subsequently made a requirement for the project. Unfortunately the "no mitigations applied" number (Case 1) for spills was used for the modelling exercise. To compound the issue, as I describe, the authors then doubled the numbers presented in the blog post. To repeat, the authors took a spill frequency value that was recognized as being 4-5 times too high and then they doubled the frequency of spills for use in their model. It is clear, in this case, that we need to look again at the underlying evidence. What this means is that the analysis relies on a wildly inflated risk of incidents as an input. It thus presents a similarly inflated risk of extirpation of the SRKW population as an output. I am not saying that the TMX must go forward. As I have written, I have serious reservations about the project. However, I believe we need a fair debate on the topic and fair debates must rely on demonstrably sound evidence. It is clear, in this case, that we need to look again at the underlying evidence being used in this discussion. Advertisement CORRECTION: An earlier version of this blog referred to an orca that died as J-32. It was designated J-34. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Here are 10 stories from 2016, from Canada and around the world, that show how communities, governments and organizations are providing solutions that are reversing the loss of biodiversity and the ecological services that nature provides. Gullchucks Estuary, BC (Photo by Tim Ennis/NCC) 1. Conserving the world's largest temperate rainforest In 2016, the Province of British Columbia, First Nations, environmental groups and the forest industry announced increased protection of BC's 64,000-square-kilometre Great Bear Rainforest. This historic agreement will protect 85 per cent of it from commercial logging and will also protect 2,500 salmon runs, trees that reach 90 metres in height and the rare, white Kermode black bear, also known as the spirit bear. Advertisement 2. Big steps for global marine conservation There is now overwhelming evidence that Marine Protected Areas not only help protect biodiversity, but also fish stocks. In 2016, the Ross Sea in Antarctica became the world's largest Marine Protected Area at 1.55 million square kilometres, with more than 80 per cent of the reserve under the strictest form of marine protection. In addition, at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, Motion 53, which agrees to a new target of protecting 30 per cent of the world's oceans by 2030, was passed. 3. Canada starting to make progress in Marine Protected Areas With Canada's goal of protecting 10 per cent of its marine and coastal areas by 2020, there has been some important progress in designating key sites. In 2016, the 2,400-square-kilometre Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area in the Beaufort Sea was established and several new proposed sites have been announced. 4. Edging closer to protecting 17 per cent of land and inland water areas Canada's progress in protecting at least 17 per cent of its land an inland waters by 2020 has been steady, increasing from 9.6 per cent in 2010 to 10.6 per cent at the end of 2015. Globally, 14.7 per cent of land and inland waters has been protected, and if current trends continue, the 17 per cent milestone should be reached. Advertisement Piping plover (Photo by Dave Hawkins) 5. Pandas and plovers: proof we can save endangered species Globally, there are more than 24,000 species that are on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. In Canada, the number of species assessed in risk categories by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has grown by over 200 in the last decade. Identifying species that are at greatest risk of extinction can lead to action. In 2016, the giant panda was down-listed from endangered to vulnerable by the IUCN. Here in Canada, the past year saw the continued recovery of the endangered piping plover to its historic nesting sites in Manitoba and on Lake Ontario. 6. Finding ways for people and large carnivores to coexist In a world where 75 per cent of the land area is experiencing human pressures, one of the biggest challenges we have is maintaining habitat for animals that need large spaces to survive. With habitat protection, community support and, in some cases, active reintroduction, parts of the world are seeing a "rewilding," with the return of large animals. From black bears in the U.S. southwest, to wolves in western Europe and California, to the Persian leopard in the Caucasus region, this year we witnessed a number of examples of how conservation efforts can restore populations of large carnivores. Advertisement Darkwoods, BC (Photo by Bruce Kirby) 7. Canadian sustainability goals This year, Canada released the 2016-2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, which presents 13 goals that are a Canadian reflection of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The strategy includes goals related to climate change, oceans, freshwater, wildlife and connecting Canadians with nature, and are supported by new reporting on environmental indicators. 8. Climate change agreements Just as issues such as acid rain or the hole in the ozone layer required multilateral agreements, climate change is going to need an unparalleled level of cooperation, in addition to individual commitments, to solve this global issue. In 2016, Canada signed the Paris Agreement and developed a pan-Canadian agreement on climate change. In addition to addressing the need to reduce emissions, the agreement also recognizes the importance of protecting wetlands, forests and grasslands as natural carbon sinks. In Canada in 2016, leaders from industry, conservation organizations (including the Nature Conservancy of Canada) and other members of the Smart Prosperity coalition showed their support for continued action on climate change and the transition to a low carbon economy. Advertisement 9. Canada's largest ecosystem restoration project gets approved Lake Ontario is the only Great Lake whose water level is controlled by damming, which generates large amounts of hydro power, but unfortunately has changed the annual and long-term water-level cycles of the lake, impacting its wetlands and other coastal habitats. The Lake Ontario Biodiversity Conservation Strategy that was developed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and partners in 2009 identified this as one of the most urgent threats to the lake's species and habitats. In 2016, Canada and the U.S. agreed to adopt Plan 2014, which aims to restore the natural flows and water levels of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River. This will restore more than 64,200 acres (26,000 hectares) of coastal wetlands and increase available habitat for several species at risk. Swift fox (Photo by Karol Dabbs) 10. Guidelines to identifying Key Biodiversity Areas In 2016, the IUCN released guidelines to identify Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), which provide a common global framework to identify important places for nature, based on: threatened species and ecosystems, geographically restricted biodiversity, ecological integrity, important biological processes and irreplaceability. The World Database on Key Biodiversity Areas was also launched to house and manage this information. KBAs will provide an important tool to guide conservation and sustainable development in Canada and around the world. Advertisement This post originally appeared on the Nature Conservancy of Canada's blog,Land Lines. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Spinkle via Getty Images Diversion Reservoir side view. Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but 2017 is an election year in British Columbia. On the presumption they're not the same thing, government and election ads should be over by the Stanley Cup semi-finals. There's a bit of unfinished business, the B.C. government could attend to in the meantime, though. Just as there are debt clocks to track the growth in public debt, perhaps there should be a "not forthcoming clock" to track the amount of time it takes for the government to come clean on the 2012 health ministry firings. Advertisement It's been more than 225 weeks since British Columbians first learned of the firings and the second general election where we still may not know who ordered them and why. The latest in a long line of investigators -- B.C. Ombudsperson Jay Chalke -- was to have released his final report two months ago, but that was before the government dumped another 3.8 million documents on his team this summer. One of the factors in choosing Chalke -- over a full-fledged public inquiry -- was cost. "Chalke's investigation is going to come in north of $2 million." Chalke's investigation is going to come in north of $2 million -- with no guarantee that it will satisfy the public -- and that's on top of the $4.1 million tab to date for earlier investigations, severance payments and out-of-court settlements. The Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, headed-up by former B.C. attorney-general Wally Oppal, came in at $10 million and was wrapped up in half the time. Advertisement It would have been tougher to play document dump under B.C.'s Public Inquiry Act as well. On the Site C file, disclaimers still abound in B.C. Hydro's so-called independent reviews of the project. In its report this past summer, Ernst & Young and BTY Group noted that they "relied upon information provided by their client (B.C. Hydro). EY and BTY have not audited, reviewed or otherwise attempted to verify the accuracy or completeness of such information." Comforting. B.C. Hydro's forecast methodology expert and accounting firm KPMG had similar disclaimers in their 2014 reports. Bet the B.C. Utilities Commission would have verified the numbers, if they'd been given the chance. B.C. Premier Christy Clark. (Getty) It's unfortunate the government didn't place a similar condition on B.C. Hydro that the federal government is placing on Kinder Morgan for its proposed pipeline expansion. Advertisement Kinder Morgan must have signed deals in place with companies for at least 60 per cent of the pipeline's capacity, at least three months before construction. Instead British Columbians are served up rhetoric, like being told to "keep our eye on the long game," as B.C. Hydro president and CEO Jessica McDonald said recently. Not sure the long game will cover the debt servicing charges. When the government announced in November that B.C. families "in need of affordable rental housing will soon have access to close to 2,900 new units of housing," they left a not insignificant matter out of their news release. They overlooked mentioning that not all of the 68 projects are fully-funded. Shortly after the announcement, The Terrace Standard reported that the Ksan House Society's project still needs a further $5.5 million and that's after the government's $8 million contribution. "It's tough to judge a government's performance when it hides big chunks of it or is less than forthcoming on other files." Beedie Development and EllisDon Corporation should be able to make do with their public subsidies, but for some of the other projects don't call the movers any time soon. For a better sense of this government's commitment to affordable housing, consider this bullet point from a 2011 news release: "In the 10 years since 2001, the government has committed to creating nearly 21,400 new units of housing." And from its release in November, five years later: "Since 2001, the Province has completed close to 24,000 new units of affordable housing." A difference of all of 2,600 units. The Insurance Corporation of B.C. is about to undergo its second government review in five years (expect the report sometime after the May election). Premier Christy Clark has already taken off the table the one thing that leaves Canada's three other public auto insurers in decent financial shape: no-fault insurance. Advertisement Makes one wonder who is so strongly opposed to the idea? Likely, a group that does well with the current regime. Lawyers spring to mind. It's tough to judge a government's performance when it hides big chunks of it or is less than forthcoming on other files. Perhaps Clark and company can clear some of it up before May 9. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 06: A view from Fort Lauderdale International Airport after all incoming and outgoing flights were canceled after Fridays shooting inside a terminal on January 06, 2017 in Florida, USA. (Photo by Carlos Miller/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) Last Friday, Esteban Santiago arrived at Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale on a flight from Alaska. He went to baggage claim and picked up one piece of luggage. He then went to the men's room, removed the handgun that was in a case inside the bag, loaded it and came out shooting. Five people were killed, almost 40 were injured, and hundreds were traumatized. The gun was obtained legally and it was declared -- which means that the proper procedures for traveling with a weapon were followed. In the eyes of the law, this murderer had done everything right. Advertisement Yet it all went so horribly and tragically wrong. And another madman with a grudge and a gun he shouldn't have had, slipped through the cracks. A few months ago Santiago, who was a security guard in Alaska, showed up at an FBI office there -- telling them that "voices" were telling him to fight for ISIS. The FBI turned him over to local authorities and he agreed to a mental health evaluation. That's not all, though. Turns out he was a member of the Alaska Army National Guard and was discharged, last August, for unsatisfactory performance. Advertisement I have a few questions: How did he get a job as a security guard with his National Guard record? Considering that record, and his mental health issues, how was he able to legally get a gun? How is it, that someone who was discharged from the National Guard, is known to the FBI, claimed he was told to fight for ISIS, had mental health issues and declared he was traveling with a gun was allowed to get on that flight? It's a disgrace. And, as we all know, it's not an isolated incident. It's not even the first incident of 2017. "Is it really okay that five people lost their lives so that Esteban Santiago could enjoy his 'Constitutional right to bear arms'?" Here we are, mere days into a new year. On the first day of 2017 there were already 264 incidents of gun violence in the U.S. -- with at least 64 people killed and 146 injured. As of January 5 those numbers rose to 500 shootings, 113 deaths and 288 injuries. If, like me, you had hopes that, if Hillary Clinton became president, we might at last see some much-needed, long-overdue gun control in the U.S. we can certainly forget about it now. Not with Donald Trump as president. Not as long as he has to remain loyal to the NRA (National Rifle Association), one of his first endorsements during the campaign -- who also happen to be one of the most powerful lobby groups in the U.S. Not as long as Conservatives make up much of the Republican party -- who now have control of the House, the Senate and the White House. Advertisement Not as long as upholding the Second Amendment is more important than protecting the lives of innocent Americans. How can you call yourself pro-life when you believe the rights of an unborn fetus are more important than the rights of five and six year olds in school, shoppers in malls, Batman fans in a movie theatre and now travelers at an airport in Florida? Is it only an unborn "life" that counts? Is it really okay that five people lost their lives so that Esteban Santiago could enjoy his "Constitutional right to bear arms"? If you enjoyed this story click on "become a fan" at the top of the article right next to my name. You'll be notified every time I post. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook In case you haven't noticed, every day of 2017 is July 1. This year is Canada's 150th birthday, and Justin Trudeau does not want you to forget it. Actually, he's counting on you to never, ever forget. It's no secret that this government relies heavily on Trudeau's personal brand. It is also becoming ever more obvious that the key in harnessing his personal brand is to utilize a strategy of perpetual campaigning. In the past year, photo ops have been plentiful, helping the government with their messaging as well as providing cover when their policy work has waned. Advertisement Trudeau's team is taking our national pride and smothering us with it. To his detractors this strategy has spotlighted their predisposition that Trudeau rests most of his laurels on image instead of ideas. And to his supporters he is simply using his friendly persona to help propel his vision for a more inclusive, more measured Canada. But this time Canada is having a super special birthday, and Trudeau's team is taking our national pride and smothering us with it. All governments do this, by the way. Hell, Stephen Harper was musing about our sesquicentennial back in 2015, just in case he won the election. His critics, and many of them were Liberal voters, rightly pointed out the cheapness of forcing Canadians into a position of patriotism, all because our birthday was a nice round number. Advertisement It reeked of political opportunism, partly because it was trotted out during the climax of the Senate scandal, and partly because it was just so premature. But underneath both those truths was another, more glaring reality: the sesquicentennial was going to be used to distract us from more pressing national issues. Instead of focusing on the economy, or health care initiatives, or explanations for ongoing scandals, we were about to be inundated with Canadiana. Harper lost the election, but he passed the sesquicentennial baton to a new prime minister all too willing to use the celebration as part of his arsenal of image, branding and photo ops. So where does patriotism cross the line into self aggrandizement? According to Stephane Dion in 2015 when he was the heritage critic for the third-place Liberal Party, it was when the Harper government earmarked $12 million in ad buys for events that did not exist yet. Dion was concerned that the government was wasting taxpayer monies on cheap political publicity. He was right, too, but this is 2017 and the Liberals are now in power. So far there has been no explanation as to why it was necessary to spend $2.5 million on a New Year's party branded as the #Canada150 kick-off event. Advertisement Add to that the 18 other New Year's events sponsored by the Trudeau government,with a tally of $5 million in spending for an event that is still technically six months away. The total cost of our country's year-long birthday celebrations will reportedly top half a billion dollars. The money is essential to the spectacle. All we ever hear these days is how the future is unpredictable, how there is impending doom about to materialize south of the border, and that deficits will be conventional wisdom for decades to come. And while Trudeau is doing his best trying to explain to Canadians that much of the expense is actually infrastructure spending, the partisan veneer slathered onto the line items goes far beyond what we expected from a government who promised to run the country openly and transparently. As for the media, they have a real choice in front of them: cover the sesquicentennial sparsely and focus on the issues that impact actual people, or dance to the choreography written by the PMO like a public relations firm. The sesquicentennial is the shiny object that will be flashed in front of an electorate ravaged by an acute case of collective ADD. If Trudeau cuts a sesquicentennial ribbon, 30 seconds of on-air coverage will suffice. For those of us who will thumb through actual newspapers, the back of the Life section will do. Online media should make us hunt for sesquicentennial stories buried underneath the various news items that matter to us. By now it should not be controversial to point out the compulsion of the Trudeau government -- celebrity-level publicity. The sesquicentennial is the shiny object that will be flashed in front of an electorate ravaged by an acute case of collective ADD any time a crisis hits or a scandal is uncovered. Issues that should already be at the forefront -- things like mass surveillance, or indigenous poverty, or the buildup of our troops near Russia -- all of these should push coverage to the back pages until the summer. We were told this would be a new era of leadership, a transparent government more concerned with actual people than power and ideology. It would be a shame to know that after a century and a half our nation settles for bells and whistles when we should be hearing the alarm. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Dubai, UAE Katarina Premfors via Getty Images The headscarf worn by Muslim women is often a subject of immense debate in the media. It is donned for various reasons from the personal to the political. It is imposed on many but freely adopted by others. A piece of clothing that should ideally be an issue of freedom of choice and expression has been heavily politicized. Advertisement This has led to the oppression of Muslim women even in Canada. It is enforced as a religious obligation, sometimes under great moral duress. A young Muslim Canadian was murdered for not wearing it. On the other hand, other Muslim women, who elect to be visible by donning the headscarf, have been physically assaulted. A vast majority of Muslims believe in the obligation of the headscarf. How much of that stems from the rise of populist Islamic movements since the 1970s may be gauged from Leila Ahmed's book "A Quiet Revolution." Muslim feminists correctly argue that it is a matter concerning women, who have been given dictations by men. Indeed, the case for obligation is predominately made by male scholars and by male chauvinists who promote inane memes comparing women without headscarves to uncovered lollipops. Projecting themselves as custodians of Islamic values, they often sideline contrarian positions as stemming from secular or feminist values. Advertisement However, it is illustrative to highlight the voices of the few Muslim male scholars who support the permissibility of not wearing the headscarf on the basis of Islamic hermeneutics. This showcases diversity of Muslim thought and offers a richer gamut of choice in Islam. The theological arguments of five high profile Muslim scholars are highlighted below. 1. Khaled Abou El-Fadl El-Fadl finds it ironic that the headscarf has become "symbolic of Islamic identity," as for him it is "not at the core of the Islamic faith." He critiques the predominant Muslim position of viewing the khimar (veil) as a piece of cloth that covers the head and face or just the head. For El-Fadl, evidence does not exist that pre-Islamic women in Mecca covered their face or hair. He even mentions a great descendant of the Prophet known as Fatima al-Kubra who refused to cover her hair along with the noble women of her time. Moreover, he also points out that slave women had their heads uncovered so the issue for classical jurists on the dress code was not sexual seduction but rather social status. El-Fadl mentions that the illa (operative cause) for the injunction to cover was to protect women from harm and to avoid undue attention from mischief mongors. He also states that the ma'ruf (generally accepted as good) and the munkar (socially recognized as unacceptable) are based on pragmatic and practical experience. Therefore, he argues that if the headscarf itself causes women to stand out and put them in the way of harm and if uncovering the head is not considered socially immodest or licentious then it would be permissible for Muslim women to not wear the headscarf. 2. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Like El-Fadl, Ghamidi opines there were injunctions exclusive for the wives of the Prophet. He argues that there are only four instructions that pertain to Muslim women. These include lowering the gaze, wearing modest clothing, covering the bosom with a piece of cloth and not displaying ornamental embellishments before unrelated men. No other injunction other than these has been imposed on Muslim women. Ghamidi's affiliates like Farhad Shafti have clearly mentioned that the khimar (veil) was neither a religious act nor did it pertain to modesty and even the Qur'an uses the word without legal connotations. Another affiliate, Moiz Amjad also argues that, "Islam does not make it mandatory for women to cover their heads". He succinctly states that headscarf is not part of the sharia and that donning it is a personal choice. Advertisement 3. Abdullah bin Bayyah Bin Bayyah adopts an approach based on necessity. He argues that hardships allow for uncovering of body parts and mentioned how the shins of two of the Prophet's wives, Aishah and Umm Salamah, were uncovered when they were giving water to wounded soldiers on the battlefield. He also mentions the minority position of Ibn Ashur that women may uncover their hair in public. Bin Bayyah's student Hamza Yusuf even asserts that: "The laws are there to serve human beings; we are not there to serve the law. We are there to serve Allah, and that is why whenever the law does not serve you, you are permitted to abandon it, and that is actually following the law. ... The law is for our benefit, not for our harm. Therefore, if the law harms us, we no longer have to abide by it." 4. Ahmad Ghabel The late Shia cleric, who had the prominent title of Hojjat el-Islam (authority on Islam), offered ten arguments in support of the viewpoint that covering the head was not obligatory but recommended. He opined that there was no consensus amongst jurists as to whether hair constituted the awrah (intimate parts) that must be covered. 5. Nasr Abu Zayd According to the late Abu Zayd, both the awrah (intimate parts) and the hijab (veil) are subject to socio-cultural norms and therefore are changeable and not fixed. He opined that both are not legislated by Islam but are rather specific to the Arab culture. Advertisement Like these five scholars, others like Abdullah al-Judai, the late Zaki Badawi, the late Gamal al-Banna, Khalid Zaheer and Shehzad Saleem amongst others have also adopted positions in stark contrast to the current mainstream position. In essence, these opinions serve to offer a richer set of information in support of freedom of choice and expression. The headscarf pertains to women. It is Muslim women who decide to reject the headscarf despite apostasy threats or wear it in the face of potential harassment and assault. The decision is theirs and theirs alone. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Slaven Vlasic via Getty Images NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 09: Gospel singer Kim Burrell performs on NBC's 'Today' at Rockefeller Center on December 9, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images) It's unbelievable that when a pastor in Jamaica was charged with raping a 15-year-old girl, religious groups and others in authority rallied behind him, asking the community to forgive him. But when a gay man or transgender woman is beaten or killed for absolutely no other reason than being themselves, instead of showing them the same compassion offered to this pastor, they are ridiculed and cast into the deepest part of hell by the same men and women who claim to follow the teachings of a man named Jesus Christ. Advertisement This is just one example of the hatred and hypocrisy that continues to turn many away from Christianity and if you don't believe me just look at all the empty chairs in your church now and compare it to 20 years ago. As I watched the saga surrounding Kim Burrell's homophobic sermon unfold over the last week, I made several attempts to speak about it and could not. Why? Because I was afraid of what might have come out of my big lesbian mouth. I was too furious to write and I wanted this piece to reflect the ideals of my rainbow family. What happened in both Jamaica and the U.S. not only shows the hatred that exists in the hearts of many Christians across the world, but it once again shows where the root of many of the world's problems exist -- in the church. Waking up each day to throw hate into the universe whenever we don't understand something is not only ignorant but "ungodly." For as long as I can remember, people have been fighting and killing each other in the name of "God." For as long as I have been gay -- since my mother pushed me out of her vagina -- Christianity has kept many of us in the closet and in a state of unhappiness for fear of being discriminated against. And I always wondered as a child why the church promoted such hatred for human beings, when I was taught that the church represents God who is a God of love. It has never made sense to me. I am now 30 years old and homophobes like Kim -- Christian or not -- remind me of why I left the church after years of being an active member and a baptized Christian. People like Kim also bring back painful memories of all the shame we've had to endure from those who continue to use the church and the bible to justify their homophobic attacks against the LGBTQ community. Waking up each day to throw hate into the universe whenever we don't understand something is not only ignorant but "ungodly." And let's be honest, the world is filled with millions of "fornicators," "adulterers," "liars" and "thieves" who even hold positions in churches and we don't really see this kind of public harassment towards them. Furthermore, why do we continue to make the bedroom activities of queer folks our business when that has no impact on other people's lives? Have you ever heard of a homosexual constantly trying to peep through a heterosexual's bedroom window or harassing them for simply being human? Didn't think so, so let's give that a rest for goodness sake. Advertisement Hate has only caused destruction no matter how small it may seem. We should also note that trying to change a homosexual is like trying to scrub the black off my skin. It's really pointless if you ask me, because being queer is not only human (in case some of us forgot), but colourful and beautiful and in that is a whole ton of love. So how about we stop policing penises and vaginas and start embracing these good people for who they are? And while we're at it, how about we accept the fact that we live in a diverse world with individual norms that we may not share but can live with? You won't die from being around a gay man, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person. I promise you that. I've been black all my life and my skin colour has yet to rub off on anyone, so don't you worry my brothers and sisters. What is happening to Kim, the church and society on a whole is actually doing more harm than good and I think if we were to really sit and ask ourselves why we treat our fellow human beings this way, there would be no answer that justifies this kind of hatred. So why not choose love instead? Hate has only caused destruction no matter how small it may seem. Love, on the other hand, has given so many of us hope and peace and this world needs more of that. The beauty about love is that once you allow it to take over your entire being, differences between you and others become less important and you begin to see the good in the people who often dedicate their lives to fighting for human rights; for your rights and mine. Advertisement So for 2017, let us leave the judging to God and put an end to the hypocrisy. Kick hate to the curb and let love win. I know my rainbow family would agree. After all, our theme is #LoveWins. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Rawpixel via Getty Images ***NOTE TO INSPECTOR: All visible graphics are our own design, and were produced for this particular shoot.*** The holidays have come to a close and workers across the country should be returning to work well-rested and recharged. But the reality is many people pay a steep price for taking a break, and not just on their credit card bill. The latest ADP Sentiment Survey reveals that most workers today pay a hefty "time-off tax" in the form of extra work on either side of a vacation. Advertisement According to our research, before taking a one-week vacation, three quarters (75 per cent) of working Canadians say they will have to do extra work ahead of time to prepare. Almost the same number (73 per cent) say they will have to do extra work afterwards to get caught up. These hours add up. On average, workers report putting in 21 extra hours -- 10 before they leave, and 11 hours when they get back. That's half a week of extra work just to take one week off! Faced with this hefty time-off tax, it would seem that some Canadians might actually prefer to just keep working. Another recent survey revealed that working Canadians will leave a total of 31-million unused vacation days on the table this year. That's an average of three days per worker. Interestingly, the time-off tax hits some Canadians harder than others. Workers in Quebec are the least likely to put in extra time before or after a holiday, with 53 per cent reporting extra work. In fact, two in 10 Quebecers say more work isn't likely to happen at all, whereas only about five per cent of workers in the rest of Canada can say the same. Joie de vivre, perhaps? Advertisement On the other hand, 90 per cent of workers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and almost as many in Alberta report they are putting in extra time around vacations, perhaps feeling pressured by lower energy prices and fewer employment alternatives. It's important that employers and managers resist the urge to connect skipping a vacation or racking up extra hours with a strong work ethic or improved productivity. In fact, a previous ADP Sentiment Survey reveals that, despite all this time on the job, Canadian workers don't feel particularly productive. Instead, we should view the time-off tax and unused vacation as a missed opportunity to improve both well-being and performance. In fact, an internal study by a global professional services firm finds that for each additional 10 hours of vacation its employees take, their year-end performance ratings improved by eight per cent, and frequent vacationers were significantly less likely to leave the firm. We should view the time-off tax and unused vacation as a missed opportunity to improve both well-being and performance. With this in mind, employees and employers should consider three New Year's resolutions for a more balanced approach to vacation time. Advertisement 1. Check your culture Some workplaces breed a culture of overwork, whether it's a start-up struggling to build their business or a busy corporate environment where the work never stops. A culture that applauds overwork is a culture that encourages burnout and costly turnover. John Trougakos, associate professor of organizational behaviour at the Rotman School of Management, believes the ethos of encouraging overwork is increasing. He sees more corporations adopting an austerity mentality that constantly demands "more for less" from employees. When vacations are viewed as a perk or lack of commitment, employees can feel pressured to "make up for it" on either side of a few days off. Instead, companies should encourage and celebrate vacations. This starts with managers ensuring that employees take all of their vacation, and setting an example by taking their holidays, too. And let's put an end, once and for all, to the acceptability of calling and emailing colleagues while they're on vacation. 2. Plan proactively for time off Many people want time off in the summer and around the big traditional holidays, but most workplaces can't just shut down. Similarly, many businesses have a predictable busy season when it's all hands on deck. Here at the start of the year, managers have a great opportunity to work with their teams to schedule vacations well ahead of time, avoiding last-minute pressure to take time off when things are busy at work. A few companies have even started offering unlimited vacation days. Advertisement Since 2004, Netflix employees have been allowed to take as many vacation days as they want. During the same period, the company has grown its market capitalization to over $51 billion. Unlimited holidays may be too extreme for some workplaces, but Netflix's philosophy that greater autonomy and trust breeds a more responsible workplace culture is worth considering. 3. Take the pressure off In many cases, the time-off tax is simply caused by a lack of visibility into workloads and processes. When managers have blind spots around how busy different members of their teams are at any given time, they can inadvertently pile on more work, not realizing those people may be trying to cover for a vacationing co-worker. Similarly, with leaner staffing, some mission-critical functions, such as payroll or inventory management, may rest with just one person, meaning they need to make sure everything is set up to run perfectly while they take a break. The result: a big time-off tax before and after their vacation. Companies using workforce management software can give their managers an accurate line of sight into workloads and critical functions, which should help with better vacation planning. As well, for work that simply can't stop for a vacation, it's important to make sure those employees have back-up. Whether it's outsourcing the tasks to a third party, asking a colleague to help out or bringing in some temporary help, taking the pressure off before, during and after a vacation, will result in a healthier, more productive team. Quality vacation time is critical for mental and physical well-being, and a healthy workforce is critical for growth and success. It's time Canadians take a more deliberate approach to planning for and fully enjoying some tax-free time off. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Chris Radburn/PA Archive The Green Investment Bank is a publicly-owned institution that funds low-carbon projects across the UK. From financing vast offshore wind farms to supporting innovative energy efficiency projects, the GIB is playing a crucial role in the transition the UK needs to make to a zero-carbon economy. With the Government talking boldly about leading the world on combatting climate change you might expect them to be guarding this institution and building it up but, instead, they're planning to flog it off. The government's preferred buyers, Macquarie, have a deeply regressive approach to environmental issues, and, in selling off its stake without the appropriate safeguards, the Government is placing the GIB at risk of being dismantled - putting at risk all the green projects it has invested in. Advertisement From open-cast coal mines in China to fracking here in the UK, Macquarie has a track-record of supporting climate-wrecking projects. They also have a global reputation for being "asset strippers": taking over a company and selling off of its assets without regard for the company's future. That's why I asked a number of questions in Parliament in December on the safeguards being put in place to protect the GIB - but the recent answers given by Ministers at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy give no assurances that the bank will remain true to its green purpose or that it will endure as a single institution. Today, further evidence has come to light that suggest the GIB is in peril. An investigation by E3G and Energydesk has revealed that over the last three months a number of significant changes have taken place within the internal structures of the Green Investment Bank. Between 22nd November and the 1st December 2016, the GIB established ten new subsidiary companies, each holding different assets that the GIB has invested in since its creation in 2012. This kind of restructuring would allow the new owner of the bank to sell assets with ease and would signal the end of the GIB as we know it. Such changes have not taken place before, and that they took place in the weeks and months leading up to the planned sale of the GIB give more reason to believe these are far from harmless administrative undertakings. Advertisement Any asset sale that Macquarie is involved in will result in one thing for them: big fees and a large profit. It's their well-known business model. The GIB has commitments to 85 projects totalling 2.7billion - so, there's clearly money to be made. This new evidence strongly suggests that the GIB, under Macquarie ownership, will be stripped of its four largest assets, totalling almost 1billion. It is astounding to think that the GIB itself has been complicit in a future asset-strip, and Ministers and the GIB must now urgently explain why these changes have taken place. The government must also provide details of the assurances they have received from Macquarie of their commitment to the future of the GIB as a significant funder of green projects in the UK. Not only does selling the GIB to Macquarie put the bank at existential risk, it also represents an awful deal for the taxpayer. In 2016, the GIB started to make a profit and it is projected to deliver an annual return of 10% for the foreseeable future. With 2016 the hottest year on record, a climate-sceptic in the White House, and our (far from perfect) national climate targets in real danger, now is not the time to break up one of the UK most significant investors in clean, renewable energy. We need bold and dynamic investors who can give confidence and stability to those forward-thinking businesses looking to support the just transition: the GIB is exactly that. To sell GIB to Macquarie would be to sell our future, so let's save the GIB before it's too late. Advertisement Both Shakespeare and Gordon Brown (alas) were famed for their monologues. Dialogue and refers to two people talking with each other and is useful in debate and conflict resolution. But what on Earth is a Trilogue? Sometimes it is called a Trialogue. But still, neither are recognised by spellcheck on my PC. Believe it or not, Trilogue is one of the most, if not the most, important decision-making processes in the European Union. Yet, scour the Treaties and you will not find one mention of it. Or in legal terms Trilogues do not exist. Although article 295 of the TFEU does contain a general principle stating: "the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission shall consult each other and make arrangements for their cooperation by common agreement. To that end, they may, in compliance with the Treaties, conclude inter-institutional agreements, which may be of a binding nature." Clear as mud then. So, Trilogues exist only as informal meetings, between representatives of the Council, the Parliament, and the Commission plus invited stakeholders. As Yannik Bendel, EU Policy Officer for EU Integrity for the anti-corruption NGO Transparency International said "Trilogue negotiations have become the new normal in EU lawmaking," with around 1,500 such meetings per year. Yet, as conceded by the European Ombudsman, Emma O' Reilly, "it is difficult to find out when trilogies are taking place, what is being discussed and by whom." The mysterious corridors of power indeed. Advertisement To recap: Only a select few get invited to Trilogue meetings Negotiations are behind closed doors Documents are not released to the public Lobbyists, of which there are in excess of 10,000 on the official register in Brussels (although the real number is thought to be over 30,000 accoriding to the Corporate Europe Observatory), can get an insight into the negotiations Lobby groups hold thousands of closed door meetings per year with Commission officials (4,318 alone between December 2014 and June 2015 according to Integrity Watch) 'helping' the Commission make an 'informed' argument at the Trilogue meetings. The lobby groups (almost 8,000 registered) are an alphabet soup of acronyms representing, on a paid basis (no such thing as a free lunch in EU affairs), the interests of a huge range of players, including internet giants, industry, unions, farmers, pharmaceutical companies, and everyone's favourite: investment banks. To reform this system requires it to become more transparent. The more knowledge that we, the public, have the less likely that the back room deals can be done. Holding the process up to the spotlight will help us all identify and stamp out dodgy deals and inappropriate interference. Yet back in September 2016 attempts to do this were quietly scuppered. He who pays the piper and all that. Ahead of us in the European Parliament's legislative agenda is "Point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making, and Points 10 and 11 of the Common Understanding annexed to that Agreement." Sounds utterly thrilling does it not? Contained within the proposal is "whenever broader expertise is needed in the early preparation of draft implementing acts, the Commission will make use of expert groups....as appropriate." Whoa there! So whenever the (unelected) Commission decides that it is appropriate, it can bring in whatever (self-appointed) "experts" it likes to validate its own position. Advertisement So, here we have it. In the name of increased democratic oversight (co-decision) the European Union has created a gold mine for unelected officials, self-appointed experts, lobbyists and other vested corporate interests to get involved in the law making process. All behind closed doors, obviously. No names, no pack drill, no transparency, no oversight. Danny Lawson - PA Images via Getty Images On Sunday, in an impressive feat of design and engineering, a 75-metre turbine blade was carefully positioned in the centre of Hull and became the first major artwork of the UK City of Culture. Perhaps the last time a turbine blade was recast as a piece of public art was in 2012, when the art collective Liberate Tate installed a turbine blade without permission inside Tate Modern's Turbine Hall. It was offered as a gift to the Tate's collection in order to make a bold statement about BP's sponsorship of the gallery - a sponsorship deal that has now been dropped. With the oil company also a sponsor of Hull City of Culture, the parallels between these two artworks are unavoidable. And when Hull is one of the UK's cities most at risk from rising sea levels, was accepting sponsorship from a fossil fuel company ever going to be ethical? Advertisement "The Gift" (2012) by Liberate Tate. Martin LeSanto-Smith 2012. BP's sponsorship of Hull 2017 was ushered in just as controversy around the company's arts sponsorship was escalating, with awkward questions being raised about the company's influence over the museums and galleries it sponsors. Just months later, it was announced that BP's decades-long sponsorship of Tate and the Edinburgh International Festival would end. At the time, BP weakly claimed that it had decided to walk away, blaming the decision on a "challenging business environment" and the low oil price. In reality, determined arts activists with robust ethical arguments for not accepting oil sponsorship had created the challenging business environment. Despite the low oil price, BP still managed to give its CEO a 20% pay rise in 2016, going against the views of its shareholders. Meanwhile, BP's sponsorship of Hull 2017 was announced just as workers at its nearby Saltend Plant were informed that many of their jobs might be at risk. And just a few weeks ago, a leaked internal report revealed how BP had narrowly avoided a potentially fatal incident at the Saltend Plant, and also at its refinery in Whiting, Indiana. It was clear from that report that all too often it is workers and local communities that bear the burden of BP's risk-taking. To understand the gravity of these incidents, we only need to look at the company's Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, which killed eleven workers and continues to damage local ecosystems and livelihoods more than six years later. Advertisement And this is where BP's sponsorship of art and culture comes in. Despite the company's determination to keep drilling for oil, refining fossil fuels and taking risks in the process, BP has been able to paint itself as some kind of responsible corporate sponsor - and for a very low price too. In 2015, BP was more than happy to talk about the 2 million a year it was sharing out between four iconic cultural institutions, as part of a five-year block deal. The recipients - The British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Opera House and Tate - all willingly complied, praising BP's apparent "loyalty". But in that same year, BP received around 250 million directly from the UK government in tax breaks and subsidies, despite making around 4.7 billion profits. The company's payments to the arts sector were a drop in the ocean compared to the cash it was getting from the UK taxpayer and BP's "generosity" as a corporate sponsor just isn't borne out by the facts. While BP and big oil has been bolstered in "hard times" by government handouts, our museums, galleries and arts organisations have been landed with swingeing cuts. We have to ask, when BP sponsors Hull City of Culture or a major museum, who is it that really comes out on top? "Actor-vist" inside the BP-sponsored British Museum. Diana More 2015 Alongside exhibitions and performances, Hull 2017 will also include a series of "BP Cultural Vision" lectures, including one by Martin Green, the Chief Executive and Director of Hull City of Culture. Will he, unlike other BP-sponsored institutions, take the opportunity to be fully accountable to the public and actually comment on BP's ethics, from its environmental record to its links to regimes that abuse human rights, rather than turning a blind eye? Did he, unlike the British Museum, have ethical guidelines in place when he signed off on BP's sponsorship? Hull has emerged in recent years as an industry leader in renewable energy and also as a hub for the arts. Indeed, many of the cultural events in the city in 2017 will come from local artists not included in the official programme. In contrast, BP continues to use the arts as cover for its high-risk drilling, its carbon emissions and its obstruction of crucial climate change legislation. There is an unpleasant irony in BP promoting its own "cultural vision" when its business plans continue to impact communities and cultures from West Papua to the Gulf Coast. Advertisement Politics dominated the headlines for much of last year, and it doesn't look set to change in 2017 with the recent resignation of Sir Ivan Rogers, the UK's ambassador to the EU. It seems Rogers forgot that he's supposed to be working in the background advising those in elected positions rather than 'becoming the story' with such a high-profile resignation at such a sensitive time... Be it triumph, tragedy, or shock, the trigger for headlines may differ but the response from the general public is unanimous: they want their voice to be heard, and more importantly they want to make their mark. This trend of a more outspoken public has shifted the political environment from a place where people felt side-lined - to a platform for the public to wield its united view. Advertisement Of course, this isn't the first time the public has found its voice. People have used protests and public votes to fight for justice and fairness for hundreds of years, and over incredibly important issues like racism, women's rights, human rights, poverty and war. The list is virtually endless. We're living in a world that is constantly in a plight to strive and fight for equality, and we've been getting closer to achieving that goal every day. Or rather we were. Recent global events, such as Donald Trump's unexpected US election win, suggest this fight for equality may have taken a back seat in order for us to focus on issues deemed more pertinent. But do we truly understand the consequences of our actions? You can't expect to get everything you want without also being handed something you don't. Compromises make the world go round, so the important factor isn't whether or not you're willing to compromise, but what compromises are more acceptable than others? Advertisement Is it tolerable to allow your country to adopt a more archaic stance on women's rights, racism, and human rights, for the sake of simplicity - like finding a job more easily? If the level of immigration dips or is better regulated? If the health system is afforded more money? Can you truly say that putting your country's most important values on the line for a lot of 'ifs' and 'maybes' is acceptable? Don't get me wrong. I was one of the 52% who voted in favour of Brexit. But the reasons behind my vote were founded on facts, not misinformation spread by the buffoons who were allowed to run the 'Leave' campaign. I voted on behalf of small businesses like my own that don't export to Europe but are hindered by burdensome EU regulation. I voted for sovereignty - against the EU's move towards a political union in a "formal, legally binding irreversible way". I voted to protect our currency. I voted for change. Now ask yourself: why did you vote? I'd hope if you voted to exit the European fold, it was for all of the above, but sadly the most worrying outcomes to the referendum are the strands of xenophobia that have weaved their way through our political systems. And this movement is not limited to the UK. While the Leave campaign used anti-immigration to rally the public, a core part of Trump's presidential campaign was also anti-immigration. We're also seeing Marine Le Pen fight for the French Presidency using anti-immigration as a core value. Then there's the Austrian presidential election, which pitted far-right Freedom party candidate Norbert Hofer against far left independent and former leader of the Green party Alexander Van der Bellen. The vote was so close that they had to re-run the election; Van der Bellen won by just 30,863 votes. Thankfully he secured a second win. Advertisement The media dictates that xenophobia is rife and the votes for far-right candidates are proof that there are deep issues with immigration and integration. But is xenophobia really as endemic as the media would have us believe? If you talk to people who voted for Trump, for Brexit, or even for Austria's Norbert Hofer, will you hear a resounding voice of xenophobia or is there an underlying, deeper reason that nobody's talking about? I'd argue that rather than xenophobia a lot of people are in fact voting for independence. They're voting out of desperation for change, so much so that they'll allow someone that is so far from their ideals to take power if only to see that change unfold. If it means their country remains their own, if it means their children will get onto the employment ladder, if it means the healthcare the elderly receive is better funded. As the old adage goes: 'a change is as good as a rest'. But while the far-right politicians play on these factors to win votes and elections, it's up to businesses and the media to use their power and influence to re-educate the public; to fight prejudice with tolerance, to tackle xenophobia with diversity, to combat ignorance with information, and quash lies with honesty. If the public wants to be heard, they need to speak sense and understand what they are fighting for, and what they are accepting as a consequence of seeing change. It's up to us - as businesspeople, as politicians, as experts, as brands, as publishers and broadcasters - to give the public the facts and information they need to form a knowledgeable voice of reason that those in power will take on board. Advertisement We need to educate the general public on the economic benefits of immigration, demonstrate how diversity breeds creativity, why collaboration is the future, and that independence and racism do not go hand in hand. After all, how can you expect your fellow citizens to understand the importance of welcoming different race, religions and backgrounds if you as a business, publication and country don't lead by example? The political whirlwind looks set to continue throughout this year with the upcoming French and German elections, the triggering of Article 50 and Trump's presidential inauguration. With the distinct possibility of more far-right politicians coming to power the need to promote diversity and inclusivity just intensified and it's up to businesses worldwide to lead the way. CharlieAJA via Getty Images It is beyond me why we are still talking about EU nationals needing the certainty that they can stay in the UK permanently. Obviously Theresa May's government can do more but surely the EU could do something too? There is a clear economic case for providing certainty now. Employers need to be sure that the workforce they have today will not be thrown out of the country in two and a bit years. They also need a workforce that feels secure and is not questioning whether to jump before they are pushed. Advertisement As strong as that argument is, it doesn't come close to the moral case. Expecting men, women and children to leave a country where they have contributed and built a life will always be wrong, but not least when their departure would be due to no fault of their own. The vast majority of people see this. Immediately after last June's referendum British Future found that 84% of the British public supports letting EU migrants stay, including three-quarters of Leave voters. Then we come to the practical reality. This government would not march millions of Europeans out of the country when we separate from the EU. Likewise, would any member state sanction a policy that saw their own people having to leave a country they were building their lives in? Would the EU allow British people to be forced out of another European state? Despite all of this, we are in a wholly unhelpful and apparently one sided situation. No, the UK government shouldn't use people as bargaining chips, refusing to guarantee the status of EU nationals in return for a good deal from Europe on Brexit. But is that what they are doing? Advertisement The official line suggests otherwise - Theresa May is increasingly talking about reciprocity. She will guarantee the status of EU nationals when the EU does the same for Brits in Europe. That may be a new line - I'm pretty sure I heard it used for the first time three weeks ago - but it makes sense. What makes less sense is the lack of a similar commitment from the EU. I get that they won't negotiate Brexit until Article 50 is triggered, but is that position more important than reassuring millions of people they will not have to find a new home in two years? Ultimately a lot of work will be needed on the precise detail of whatever policy allows EU nationals to stay here and for British people to stay in Europe after separation. Thought will be needed around what it means to be living here, for instance - where should the line be drawn between a frequent visitor and a person resident?- but that can come a little bit later. Right now the priority should be for the EU to match Theresa May's commitment. They need to say with certainty, on behalf of their Member States, that the future of millions of Europeans in the UK and British people in Europe is not in doubt. Matt Dunham/AP Childhood should be a special time, packed full of happy memories of first swimming lessons, long summer days spent with friends and celebrating birthday parties. But for too many youngsters it is a struggle as they battle with emotional and mental health illnesses and do not get the support they so desperately need. Advertisement Barnardo's is extremely concerned about the scale of the problem in the UK, with three children in every classroom suffering from a diagnosable mental health problem. Mental health problems can lead to young people being disruptive, difficult, withdrawn and disturbed and it's vital they are supported and not just ignored or told off. Shockingly 45% of children in care have a mental health issue - these are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. And half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, with 75% developing by 18, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). Advertisement Therefore it was very welcome to hear Theresa May today pledging to tackle the issue - and ensure it is as high a priority for the Government as physical health problems. Mental health problems have a deep impact on their lives and those around them as those who suffer from a mental health issue are more likely to be absent or excluded from school, or be not in education or training (NEET). They are also at a much higher risk of self-harm or suicide than their classmates. In her speech the Prime Minister made a promise to stop mental illness from being a "hidden injustice in our country" and said: "Left unaddressed, it destroys lives, it separates people from each other and deepens the divisions within our society. "Changing this goes right to the heart of our humanity; to the heart of the kind of country we are, the values we share, the attitudes we hold and our determination to come together and support each other." At Barnardo's we couldn't agree more and welcome her focus on initiatives in schools as the sooner the problems are picked up the sooner they can be treated so youngsters can thrive and live happy, healthy lives. We want to see a dual approach combining early intervention and prevention and quicker access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) when required. The current system where almost two thirds (64%) of primary schools in England do not have a counsellor based on-site and the majority (59%) of those that do, provide counselling on-site for one day a week or less is unacceptable. It is essential for all schools to have professional mental health services on site as the Government must ensure that all children and young people get timely support. It is equally important to work alongside parents and carers so that they are able to pick up on any issues early and know how to support their children and where to go for help. We work with the most vulnerable children and young people, including those who have been in care or are sexually exploited. It is imperative schools engage with these children and their carers. Supporting vulnerable children is at the heart of Barnardo's work. We can help the government tackle mental health issues in schools, as our work with young people in education is focused around specific programmes to address mental health and emotional wellbeing. Advertisement These schemes support a whole-school/ college approach to mental health as this helps to reduce the stigma of mental health problems amongst children and young people. In primary schools we offer two programmes, one for the younger children and then another for older ones as they prepare to start secondary school. The first is called PATHS, mostly in use in Northern Ireland, and aims to help young children to begin to understand and regulate their emotions, including conflict resolution. As the children get older they move on to the All Stars programme which addresses some of the issues they are likely to encounter as they become teenagers, including substance misuse, violence and sexual activity. The highly interactive sessions aim to engage the pupils to educate themselves and prevent them making mistakes as they enter adolescence. Advertisement Barnardo's also runs Time 4 Me, a school-based counselling and support service providing individual and group counselling. This project provides therapeutic counselling for children and young people in their schools and other educational settings during term time and within school hours. The sessions are run by a qualified therapist and provide sensitive and confidential support for children, young people, parents and carers who are experiencing emotional difficulties. Time 4 Me's objective is to empower the young people to become happy, safe, healthy and make a valuable contribution to their community. Throughout the world women face pervasive discrimination. While there are many causes for discrimination against women, laws or more specifically the lack of laws, to protect women from violence and discrimination play a major role in determining whether women will live safe and fair lives, or not. Whether it is discriminatory laws that deliberately deny women from having rights to own land, the right to choose to divorce or rights over their children the legal system remains a pervasive barrier in affirming women's rights throughout the world. Thus, an integral part of the battle for women's rights is ensuring that laws that protect women are an entrenched part of the legal system. It involves ensuring that the police force and the judicial system are in compliance with those laws and making sure that women know that there are laws there to protect them. Morocco, like many of the countries within the region, have struggled to bring women's rights to the forefront of their laws. However, as with everything, progress can only be made when people push for it and this is exactly what a small group of women in the country's capital, Rabat are doing. Along with two female Moroccan engineers from Casablanca, I travelled to meet with Najat Oukaya and Saliha Boulakjam to learn more about how they are working hard to promote women's rights in Moroccan law and how they're are using Islam to justify it. Advertisement After being warmly greeted we settled down to discuss their work. Leaning back in their chairs both women began by explaining how Islam protects women from violence and discrimination and is therefore essential in explaining Moroccan laws. Making the legal system more protective of women and girls therefore begins with making people aware of the differences between tradition and religion. 'Religion does not promote violence against women, cultures and traditions do,' said Najat. Religion should therefore not be used as an excuse to justify violence against women. The main principle of Islam is justice,' explains Najat. There are however, they caution, a lot of religious extremists who promote laws that have nothing to do with the religion. For example, Morocco previously had a law that allowed a rapist to escape punishment by marrying his victim. They were successful however in having this law over turned and rapists now face severe punishment. They are also now advocating to adopt chemical castration as punishment for criminals who have repeatedly raped minors, as practiced in several other countries. Advertisement They are also advocating for women to have equal rights in divorce. Previously only men had the right to choose to divorce however in 2004 they were also successful in changing this law. 'The religion does not say that only a man can divorce,' says Saliha. In the case of adultery, Moroccan law says if a man has been unfaithful to his wife but she forgives him, there is no punishment. However, if a woman has been unfaithful and she is forgiven by her husband, she is still punished. They are calling for the equality of punishment in adultery. They have also had success with implementing a new law against sexual harassment on the street. Now men who harass women will be punished, with no exceptions. 'There is no excuse for sexual harassment,' says Najat. I ask about cases in other parts of the Islamic world where women and girls are put in prison for being raped. Both women shake their heads, 'women are blamed for rape because of traditions and because of ignorance,' says Najat. There is nothing in Islam that says women should be punished for being raped. Religion should protect women and girls from sexual violence.' For Najat and Saliha part of making the legal system more inclusive of women's rights involves more women getting involved in the public sphere. They are encouraging women to leave their traditional roles of staying in the home and instead move into the public sphere and get involved in politics. Advertisement 'Islam does not tell a woman to stay in the home,' explains Najat. Matt Dunham/AP David Cameron launched his "Big Society" initiative only to let it wither on the vine of government. Through the "Big Society" he wanted an increased role for volunteers, voluntary social action and charities taking over from the state. Over his period in office public sector financial support for the voluntary and community, and wider charity sector was cut as austerity was imposed. Grants were all too often replaced by contracts based on a competitive procurement process. Right of centre politicians denounced charities that spoke up for their beneficiaries and challenged Government policies. Theresa May a few years later at a time continued austerity has launched her "Shared Society". Will it fare any better than the "Big Society"? Advertisement In her speech to the Charity Commission the Prime Minister spoke about the need for the state to play a role and implied that unlike the "Big Society" her programme would be based on state intervention, regulation and funding. However, following the Autumn Statement and post-Brexit it is hard to see where any additional funding will come from and Theresa May made no hints in her speech. Without additional funding after years of austerity and cuts the "Shared Society" will struggle to take off. However, it was encouraging for to her accept that there is a thing as society, and that it has many problems and inequalities; and that the state has a contribution to make to creating a better society and a stronger economy. This is progress but without action and money the idea may be just that - an idea. Action is needed and needed fast. The Prime Minister is right to talk about citizens' individual and collective responsibilities. She could have talked about the numbers of people engaged in social action and volunteering. She could have also spoken about co-ops and trade unions; as well as progressive taxation. Will these feature in future speeches? Theresa May seems to be acknowledging that inequality in its many forms is a barrier to economic progress and a cancer on society. Yet her Government is presiding over high levels of poverty and inequality and to date has done little to address these. Advertisement The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IfS) has found evidence that workers will earn less in real wages in 2021 than they did in 2008. The IfS Director Paul Johnson has stated that "This has, for sure, been the worst decade for living standards certainly since the last war and probably since the 1920s," Other analysis shows the biggest losers between now and 2020 will be lower income families, with the poorest third likely to see incomes drop. Not much shared between the well off and these fellow citizens. An increasing proportion of people finding employment are in insecure jobs with little or no security of longevity or even guaranteed hours. Many others are being forced in to becoming "self-employed" with no guaranteed levels of income from one week to the next (or even one day to the next), no sick or holiday pay and no employer pension scheme. Already this new year the highest paid in the business sector have been paid more than most employees will be paid all year. Not much sharing through employment unless there are some radical new policies and laws. Homelessness has not been tackled for many years and estimates that 120,000 children in Britain will be homeless this Christmas. A "Shared Society" and indeed any civilised society has to invest in homes especially social housing. Advertisement Food banks are serving more and more people every week. Poverty continues as a stain on our society and for too many families including children means intolerable hardship. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation claims that there are 13.5 million people living in poverty in Britain today. This is staggering and frankly unacceptable in one of the world's wealthiest economies. For those effected it will not seem much like a fair sense of sharing. The Government's so called "welfare reforms" seemingly are not even being tweaked at this stage so will continue to cause people and communities to remain in poverty, experience anxiety and stress, and hardship. Is this the "Shared Society"? The Prime Minister's commitment to the improving mental health services is long overdue but it is not too dissimilar to the commitment made by David Cameron. Action and new funding must follow the speech. Let's hope that there will be both. However, public services from schools to the NHS to libraries to trading standards to the police to the fire service are being cut in real terms even when some budgets are being flat lined in pecuniary terms. Demographic growth is placing huge additional burdens on a range of public services socially social care and the NHS. Local government and NHS leaders have described the social care crisis in very direct ways using strong language and evidence to make the case that the Government has to act. The British Red Cross has described the situation as a humanitarian crisis. The Government has yet to act on this crisis. If there is be a genuine "Shared Society" surely addressing the NHS and social care crisis should be a priority. When asked to give an example of what Government policy to support a "Shared Society" might be the Secretary of State for Education cited the creation of new grammar schools. This is interesting given the overwhelming evidence that grammar schools and the re-introduction of secondary modern schools will create greater inequality of opportunity and outcomes for young people. Social mobility can be enhanced through education but not in this way. Advertisement Regional inequality is rife and even in the more prosperous parts of the country there are significant inequality, poverty and marginalised communities. A "Shared Society" requires redistribution of power, wealth and income. This includes redistribution between places though the Government's financial support to local government is projected to redistribute much less over the next few years. It also requires progressive personal and corporate taxation; and well-funded public services. At present we have neither so will there be new policies under the guise of the "Shared Society"? Without such change the phase may fast become shallow rhetoric and little more. That would be a wasted opportunity. As Theresa May said there has to be a serious risk that growing alienation and inequality will fuel a surge in far right wing politics. They could too easily create social in cohesion, and threaten liberal democracy and the post-war commitment to collective social action - the very concepts at the heart of Prime Minister's speech. I cannot see how we can create a meaningful "Shared Society" unless the Government addresses the underlying and systematic economic and social injustices, inequalities and causes of those inequalities. Rightly the Prime Minister spoke warmly about the role and contribution of charities, the voluntary and community sector, and social enterprises. These organisations make a fantastic contribution through their services, their voice for marginalised groups and communities, and the policy role. Government has to act to support these sectors with grants, opportunities to provide funded services and respecting their legitimate and representative voice on behalf of communities and beneficiaries even when their message is challenging to Government. They can start now by offering to put flesh on the "Shared Society" idea. Advertisement A genuine "Shared Society" would see these organisations and the movements which they form at the heart of policy making and representation. Will this be the case? If not I would question how much this is going to be about sharing. In addition to the areas mentioned above I have no doubt that a "Shared Society" has to address industrial policy including industrial democracy and trade union rights; political and electoral reform; and much more. There is no value in sharing austerity, inequality and hardship. Hope, opportunity and fairness have to be core.to a "Shared Society". For most people in the UK, the concept of secure employment no longer exists. Even for those who are lucky enough to avoid the pervasive traps of zero-hours contracts, agency work, bogus self-employment and the gig economy; workplace protections are now so watered down that they are close to worthless. There is a culture in this country that views employees as a flexible and disposable and it is a culture that was deliberately created by the Conservative party. They increased to a shocking 2 years the period of time before an employee can submit a claim for unfair dismissal, meaning that after 23 months of loyal employment an employee can be cast aside without any reason being needed. Just think about how much your life can change in 23 months, what commitments you can make in that time, yet your job can still be ended without any redress. Advertisement And for those who keep their job for longer than two years, justice now comes at a price following the introduction of employment tribunal fees. While the Government absurdly claim that the fees will only deter vexatious claims; as Sybille Raphael of Working Families told the House of Commons Justice Committee, we are talking about "people who have just lost their income and are incredibly scared about the future. Paying any kind of fee looks like throwing good money away for something that is highly uncertain." Following the introduction of fees, the number of single employment tribunal claims plummeted by 67% from an average of 13,500 per quarter until June 2013 to just 4,400 per quarter from October 2013, while the proportion of unsuccessful claims remained stable. It is therefore clear that all that the fees system has done is deter people who have valid claims from upholding their rights, a conclusion shared by the cross-party Justice Committee. But despite the overwhelming evidence, the Government refuses to acknowledge that they have created a problem at all. Advertisement Last month, I challenged the Minister for Women and Equalities over the outrageous fact that only 1% of women discriminated against at work have brought a claim to tribunal. I asked her if she would make representations to the Ministry of Justice about the whole raft of evidence suggesting that tribunal fees are denying women access to justice. The response was shocking. The Minister, Caroline Dinenage MP said, "There is no doubt that the number of tribunals has gone down, but in actual fact there is good news here." The good news apparently is that "people have been diverted away from tribunal hearings and into mediation," a claim which the Justice Committee said was, "even on the most favourable construction, superficial." Whilst it is true that there has been an increase in the number of cases going to conciliation, just 16% were formally settled by the Aces service, while 19% proceeded to a tribunal case and 65% were neither settled nor proceeded to a tribunal. What happened to the two-thirds of cases which proceeded no further? The lawyer Kate Smith gave some very interesting insight, "when I advise an employer, why would they want to engage in early conciliation? You wait for an employee to pay a fee. Ultimately, you want to call their bluff." An opinion shared by the TUC, who have found that "employers do not engage until the hearing fee has been paid." Advertisement So we have a system where justice only exists for those who afford it. A banker on a six-figure salary who is unfairly dismissed can still take their employer to court; while a factory worker on the minimum wage would be much less likely to be able to uphold their rights. This week Parliament will debate again access to justice but I have little confidence the Government will do anything to recognise their error in introducing tribunal fees. Their own review of the system has apparently been sat on the Minister's desk for over a year but the Government have so far refused to release it, let alone act upon it. Every day they decline to act though is another day many working people are denied justice and basic fairness at work. bernardbodo via Getty Images I love music, I like all different styles from Carrie Underwood to Beyonce! For a long time one of my dreams was to go to a music festival, but it felt impossible. I have a learning disability and that means that sometimes it feels very hard to go on a night out and enjoy music. When I am at a gig or a club sometimes people make fun of me, they laugh at me when I am dancing or they call me names and stare. I get anxious about this happening. I've been bullied before, and I don't want it to happen to me again. I feared this would be even worse at a festival. Advertisement Then in 2015 Mencap asked me if I wanted to work at a festival that wants to be as accessible as they can, Latitude. They were working with Attitude Is Everything and making sure there was an accessible campsite. They wanted me to work on the campsite and help to raise awareness of disabled gig goers- I was a little worried about being bullied but I said yes immediately! I was really excited when I arrived at Henham Park for Latitude, my first music festival! I had worked out which acts I wanted to see and the atmosphere felt great. But within a few hours of being there a man called me the R word. I was really upset, it is a horrible word for people with a learning disability and it is really hard to be called that. He called me it again every time he saw me. I tried to ignore it but it really got to me and it was hard to get it out of my head. I had a good time but I had my guard up for the rest of the festival. Since going to Latitude I have tried not to let that experience of bullying get to me. I loved being at a festival and have got my courage back to go to Country 2 Country, a huge country music festival at the o2 arena in London and last year I went to Glastonbury- though I fell in the mud and hurt myself so I had to leave earlier than expected! Still, I am already planning to go back to Latitude and to try and make it through all of Glastonbury. But I know that I will always feel nervous and anxious about being bullied. Advertisement I'm not alone. Last month Mencap said that 1 in 4 people with a learning disability have been bullied at gigs and clubs, and 1 in 3 are afraid of the staff. It doesn't surprise me that a lot of young people with a learning disability find it hard to get out. Once you hit 20 it is a lot harder for you to go on a night out when you have a learning disability. Some youth clubs for people with a learning disability are only up to a certain age, so what happens after that? People just end up sitting at home and do nothing. You want to go out and do the same things as anyone else your age, but sometimes it just doesn't feel safe. There are a few club nights for people with a learning disability, but not many. There is one every other month near me. I go with my sisters and we have a lot of fun. They play mainly dance music and you're not worried what people think of you because you're in a safe environment and we're all in the same boat. But the club night only happens every other month, so if I can't go to regular clubs and gigs then I don't get many nights out. If places were accessible I could go out to gigs, clubs and music festivals a lot more. It just takes a few changes. If staff are trained and know what a learning disability is then people will be less afraid of them and they can help make sure you are ok and stop it if there is any bullying. People can also join things like Mencap's Sidekick scheme, which pairs people with people who have a learning disability in their local area who have the same interests, that way they can do they things they love together without being worried about being alone and made fun of. Dear tree, Your prickly ouch has again been replaced by the couch. Your dropped needles have been sucked up, sharing space in the Miele with the dog hair, dust bunnies, bits of mirrored glass from a broken bauble, stray Lego pieces not worth bending over for and probably that lost Barbie shoe. I feel silly for caring and talking to you as a sentient being, but I felt a bit melancholy chucking your browning carcass onto the improvised and growing pile of previously loved trees in Eel Brook Common. When I walk the kids or dog past I make sure to give a glance. You seem like you are doing fine. The rain must feel good. Truly thanks, was so fun having you. A house is never as full as when a Christmas tree is in the Living Room. Advertisement Author's Own Really is an odd tradition. I imagine its genesis in medieval Germany, a grog fueled dare that went viral. Or perhaps bringing a tree with its stored sunshine inside was a primitive antidepressant to bridge the dark months between fall and spring. Consuming quite a bit of water, maybe it was a way to deliver humidity to the house, a sacrificial fir to keep the wood furniture and inhabitant's skin from drying out and splitting? Let's consult the web. So Uncle Google says that Vikings, Pagans, Romans, Egyptians all had a their own traditions and believed in one way or another in the mystical power of the evergreen. In various incarnations they'd place its boughs around to encourage the Sun God to get well when it's seasonal fever was the darkest around the Winter Solstice. A false positive every year proved the tradition a success as green Spring and nourishing summer would always return. Plagiarist Christians in Germany appropriated the custom, often placing apples and other edibles onto their "paradise tree" to symbolise that infamous scene in Eden. Martin Luther is said to be the first to add candles, to mimic the transcendent look of stars through pine trees at night. A native of Germany, expat Prince Albert at Queen Victoria's urging in 1848 brought the tree out of the Black Forest and into Windsor Castle, where it was featured in the Vogue of the time the Illustrated London News. Upon seeing this East Coast WASPs joined Irish and German immigrants who all worked to spread the tradition to North America like a pine beetle infestation. North of 100 million trees met the axe this past November. We are one of those sanctimonious purists who can only do the real tree. You know the type, the ones who are always so put out by their commitment to authenticity, bragging by complaint? I get the fake tree, and think I'd be comforted by the familiarity of the same tree getting fluffed out of a cardboard box the following year with all our family's song, history, dysfunction and psychic energy stored within in its "Made in China" boughs. Not to mention (and not to be a fun sponge), what are the environmental costs of this annual tree killing habit? Wonder what the carbon footprint is of chain sawing, trucking and planting 100 million trees a year? With the wrapping paper, cardboard packaging, Christmas cards, receipts and credit card statements, hasn't the poor tree suffered enough? Advertisement Meryl Streep's speech at the Golden Globes last night has been the talk of Hollywood and beyond. The standing ovation speaks for itself. If you've been avoiding the celebrity gossip, I'll summarise. Streep very adeptly used her platform as an artist and her position of popularity to call out Donald Trump for his apparent mockery of a disabled journalist during the election campaign. Read here for the full transcript of her speech. I won't dissect her entire commentary; however one quote that resonated with me, and most likely with anyone tuning in, was this: Advertisement "Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence. And when the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose." I couldn't agree more. But amongst all the doom and gloom, this also spoke to me in another way - how the reverse of this statement is true too. So, to turn Streep's thoughts on their head, here's my more positive version: (perhaps a Merry Streep version of events!) "Respect invites respect, peace incites peace. And when the powerful use their position to support others, we all win." As an eternal optimist, I want to explain how, on a much smaller scale, this type of attitude can be supportive, not only in politics, but particularly in the workplace. Working in a fast-paced, innovative environment means I get to work with some of the most seasoned and experienced people in the business. My colleagues are supportive, they deal with issues in a peaceful manner and most of all, no matter what level of seniority, they are respectful. This environment has allowed me to flourish personally. I've seen us grow into the thriving global company we are today - where we work together, supporting each other in challenges and beyond. But crucially, we celebrate diversity and make efforts to support inclusivity in the workplace. Ultimately we are winning! My colleague Lauren Martin recently wrote a thought-provoking post on improving diversity in the workplace and looking at issues such as cognitive bias. One thing I extrapolated from Streep's speech is that as a society we need inclusivity and to quote Lauren Martin's idea: "Inclusion is the support for a collaborative environment that values open participation from individuals with different ideas and perspectives that has a positive impact on business. Leadership, (here comes the action part) at such an organization is transparent, communicative, and engaging." Take from this the points on leadership - now this is the key! Strong leadership breeds strength in the workforce. Advertisement Less than two years after it was created, the Women's Equality Party (slogan: "Because equality is better for everyone") is holding its first-ever conference in Manchester - home of the suffragettes. Having become co-leader of the Camden branch, and having chalked up three months of working at the WE head office on press, policy and campaigns, I have some inside-track knowledge of how it's all going to come together. Meanwhile I wouldn't have my 11-year-old daughter miss it for the world. In my letter requesting that she skip school for one day, I sell it as a chance for her to witness the driving principles behind this new mainstream political party and movement for change. I explain that Dare will be privy to decision-making, the passing of policy motions, workshops, debate. This will be history in the making, and it is important to me that my daughter be there in Manchester to take it all in. Advertisement By 5.30pm on 25 November 2016 the Victoria Warehouse - an atmospheric, ex-industrial space with dramatically lit exposed brickwork - is slowly thronging with people. Rivalling the attendance of the Green Party conference, some 1,500 tickets were sold - proportionally a high ratio, compared to other political parties, of conference-goers to WE's 65,000 members and supporters. The main hall, massive and incredibly high, resounds with loud music. The mood is positive, good-humoured, full of infectious energy and a desire to acknowledge the achievements of a party that has come so far in so little time. Introducing the first speakers is Jude Kelly, artistic director of the Southbank Centre - it was there, at the 2015 WOW (Women of the World) festival, that presenter Sandi Toksvig and journalist Catherine Mayer put forward the idea of a non-partisan political party with gender equality as its aim - the only one in the world, as Toksvig often says, "that hopes one day not to exist". Advertisement After the screening of a three-minute film about WE's exponential rise, party leader Sophie Walker takes the stage. Gracious and formidable, she begins her emphatic speech by easing into an anecdote about how their hotel rooms had been reserved under "Mr Women's Equality Party". Heart-rendingly, the names of the women in the UK who have been killed by men since 2012 (as collated by the Counting Dead Women project) are scrolling on the screen behind her in honour of this being International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In fact - just beyond the Marketplace with its exhibitors' stalls and the street-food area lined with picnic benches - a red phone box is in place from which conference-goers can call their MPs and lobby them to vote on holding the government to its promise to ratify the Istanbul Convention, an important step in ending violence against women. Throughout the weekend hundreds of people place calls - and in Parliament on 16 December 2016 this initiative secures an overwhelming 135 to 2 majority. Next up, spoken word artist Justina Kehinde delivers a strong, evocative piece on equality. Then WE co-founder Catherine Mayer stirringly lays out the implications for women of Trump's election and pays tribute to how inspired she'd been by her stepsister standing for Parliament as a Lib Dem. Spot on, vehement and engaging, Sandi Toksvig gives a comical Powerpoint presentation delving into how only three of the 55 entries in "crowdsourced" Wikipedia on this day in history are about women. Slipping into a tuxedo jacket, she has the entire audience rise to conduct the last minutes of Beethoven's Ninth. Advertisement Then she sets out a box of Lego for the open-mic session, WE Voices, so that each person delivering their three-minute piece can add a block to make a collective Lego construction, just as WE is building towards great things. Having offered to accompany anyone terrified to brave it on their own, Toksvig brings onto the stage one woman who ends up speaking beautifully about how hard it is talking to her father about gender equality, and then - movingly - that woman later accompanies a young woman with stage fright. In fascinating succession women address the rapt, encouraging crowd. They come up to air grievances, talk about what motivates them, tell their story. For example: the great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst introduces herself, and it is fortifying to imagine, through her standing there live, the continuity of suffragette ideals a domestic violence survivor and mother-of-two mentions her book, White Sorrow an Asian woman speaks about not being a WE member because of its lack of diversity (and yes, ethnic minorities in the crowd are in the vast minority) a mother explains how, having at age five worn jeans rather than her uniform skirt, she then fought for her daughter to wear cycling shorts under her uniform skirt and forced the school to acknowledge sexual bullying when her young daughter was called a slut a woman in real estate in her mid-30s expresses concern about there being no developments in the pipeline for soon-to-be-elderly women to live in care homes Harini Iyengar, a lawyer, talks about the lack of women in the top judiciary and the need to fight for quotas a woman who, as she speaks, shifts her baby onto her shoulders says she joined WE not for herself but for her daughter I know what she means. I look over at Dare. To deflect boredom she's by default often on her phone - but part of my exposing an 11-year-old to this political environment means my having to adapt to her coping mechanisms. So what if accommodating her need to sleep in means that we won't show up at the conference first thing tomorrow morning. So what if I have to swap my leather boots for her red Converse because it's so cold there's frost out. So what if we're buying Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast. It makes me reframe my sense of compromise into one of collaboration. I'm happy to meet her where she is, because she's come a long way in meeting my wish for her to be here. Day two Saturday begins with debates and discussions all across the old warehouse. The main venue hosts a cross-party panel discussion on collaborative working. Committed to "doing politics differently" (another of its key catchphrases), the Women's Equality Party has, uniquely, invited representatives of other political parties to its conference - Nicky Morgan from the Tories, Lib Dem peer Sal Brinton and Green Party deputy leader Amelia Womack, who get a standing ovation. "A political first," comments one delegate. "Magic." Labour is absent. Similarly, although major TV and print media had agreed to come, there is almost zero press coverage. Dare and I have a second-row vantage onto the podium, where Gudrun Schyman - founder and co-leader of Sweden's influential independent feminist party the Feministiskt Initiativ - speaks compellingly, reassuringly, about the challenges of carving a path towards gender-equality politics. Advertisement For over 45 minutes Sophie Walker gives a powerful, heartfelt leaderership speech critiquing our current system and putting forth viable economic alternatives; she is in tears when talking about how her daughter with autism spurs her on. Memorably she says she wants "girls of every race to be able to see themselves in the past, be themselves in the present and free themselves in the future". There is a lot on the agenda. Long queues for the workshops form down the rough-walled corridors that are lined with outfits by fashion students at Salford University. The Festival of Ideas incorporates such talks led by guest speakers as: rethinking education misogyny as a hate crime changing the abortion debate in Northern Ireland the portrayal of women in advertising the politics of migration, race and gender Meanwhile the breakout debates and workshop topics include: the gendered impact of climate change reforming societal infrastructures trans awareness universal childcare disability and gender sexual harassment and violence in universities a session called simply "Living in a man's world: the survivor's guide" We opt for the workshop "Whose movement is it anyway? Building an anti-racist feminist politics". Confronting privilege, BME issues, the invisibility of black women, how the term "women" should often be qualified as "white women", the dynamic WE members and supporters officer Priscilla Mensah sets out to make participants question their assumptions, feel uncomfortable. Advertisement "Mobilisation: building a movement for change", run by WE chief of staff Hannah Peaker and WE political campaigns coordinator Rachel Statham, emphasises the power of telling a personal story and of canvassing on the doorstep. That evening, before the music and dancing till late, Sandi Toksvig comperes the WE FUNdraiser - a (rare) line-up of five female comedians headlined by the captivating Sara Pascoe. Dare and I grab an Uber back to our Airbnb flat - it's located in an area of urban renewal in the high-concept Chips building, so called because it looks like three elongated horizontal chips. A fan of chips, Dare approves. Day three Party business begins at 9am on Sunday. The level of professionalism is impressive, and so is the fact that a large audience stays to the end and that so many delegates take the podium to speak to the 20 policy motions, both for and against, which include: Advertisement strengthening the law against revenge porn a gender audit for schools weight discrimination in the fashion industry parental leave for the self-employed proportional representation making sure Brexit doesn't turn back the clock on gender equality the What Women Want 2.0 campaign which reactivated a nationwide survey done in 1996 the decision to make equal healthcare the party's seventh core objective (alongside equal pay, equal representation, better portrayal in the media, equal education, affordable childcare and ending violence against women and girls) By close of play the mood is jubilant - that makes it sound triumphalist, but it isn't: it's more pride at having attended a party conference that has been, as many people have spontaneously commented, unlike any other. Throughout the weekend there has been a prevailing sense of good will, supportiveness, responsiveness, respect. People who'd come on their own are easily drawn into conversation. It has felt remarkable to be in a large, amiable crowd of predominantly women, and to spend time with people who are willing this movement into being with their commitment, input, fervent conviction. This chance to gather together, debate and celebrate is an assured first step only 18 months after the Women's Equality Party - having ignited recognition in so many people eager for change - became a revolutionary reality. 2017 marks the 50th Anniversary of San Francisco's famous Summer of Love and is the perfect time to hit Santa Cruz's beaches and the Silicon Valley. Flower Power The summer of 1967 was when the hippie movement reached its zenith with its mantra of peace and love, rejection of traditional values and promotion of psychedelic drugs. Though Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco was the epicentre, Santa Cruz and San Jose, about 42km south, were both influenced by their bigger neighbour. 1967 was the year the University of Santa Cruz took in its first class of students and also when the seminal psychedelic group, the Grateful Dead, (from nearby Palo Alto in San Jose) jammed together in San Jose suburb of Menlo Hills. Advertisement Santa Cruz has a thriving art scene which was impacted by the literature, music and fashion coming out of San Francisco and the Bay Area. This iconic California beach town will be celebrating the 50-year anniversary with exhibitions and more. Art work at the Tannery Center Santa Cruz is also known as the birthplace of surfing on the US mainland. The first surfers were three Hawai'ian princes who hit the waves in 1885; and, on custom made redwood surfboards no less. Advertisement California Surfer The popular Boardwalk theme park is a big attraction on Santa Cruz's beachfront. Every summer the shrieks of children enjoying the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster (soon to celebrate its centenary in 2024) fill the air. The city's historic wharf, built in 1914 is open for business year-round with a multitude of shops, restaurants and a store selling fishing supplies for local anglers. Seagull on Santa Cruz Wharf There is hiking as well as mountain biking in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. Nestled in the mountains, on 300 acres, is the welcoming and serene Chaminade Resort and Spa, which has spectacular views of the ocean. View from Chaminade Resort Art lesson Art, photography and crafts of every description continue to be a huge part of the artistic output here with imaginative and thought-provoking works displayed in shops, salons and eateries all around town. The Tannery, a popular space that displays artists' crafts and paintings, is a mere five-minute drive inland from the beach. Craftsmen and painters have set up studios in this old leather-making warehouse and artist's work/live spaces are on the same property. Advertisement Santa Cruz Breakwater Lighthouse Monterey Bay Wildlife is a key feature of Santa Cruz and nearby Monterey Bay. In Monterey Bay, humpback whales feed on tonnes of tiny plankton while Sea otters float on their backs cracking open crabs and molluscs on flat stones balanced on their stomachs. Across the street from Santa Cruz beach, the newly opened Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Centre is free of charge and open 10:00am-5:00pm Wednesday to Sunday. Here kids can learn all about the wildlife which inhabit these waters. The current movie, One Breath, is riveting as it tells the local story of exploitation and conservation in tandem. Natural Bridges State Park. image-sanjose.org Natural Bridges State Park and Capitola Village Three miles from Santa Cruz Wharf is Natural Bridges State Park. For those that are sporty, a walking/running trail traces this coastal path along the beach and up to West Cliff Drive, known for its sea views. This park is famous for the thousands of monarch butterflies that come to roost every autumn and stay until January. Advertisement Capitola Wharf at Sunset Capitola Village is an off the beaten track community just south of Santa Cruz. Famous for the Venetians, pastel coloured bungalows on the shorefront built at the turn of the century, it is a wonderful place for spending a day on the sand, then wandering into the village to enjoy a meal. The Shadowbrook Restaurant (shadowbrook-capitola.com) is nestled next to Soquel Creek and accessed from the hill-top above via a cable car. The Venetians, Capitola Village The Silicon Valley San Jose used to be known for its fruit orchards but, since the invention of the integrated circuit - aka microchip - in the 1960s, the fortunes of the area changed forever. Advertisement Downtown San Jose at Night. image-sanjose.org Come April 2017, the new Apple offices (Apple Campus 2) in Cupertino will be complete. The enormous circular shaped building, nicknamed 'the Spaceship', will house Apple's corporate offices and feature a 10,000+ square foot visitor's centre. Tourists will still be able to visit the visitor's centre at the Apple 1 Campus, located on One the Infinite Loop. It is worth seeing San Jose's Tech Museum as well as the garage where Hewlett and Packard started their business which is now a private museum (367 Addison Avenue, Palo Alto). The old neighbourhoods downtown, such as San Pedro Square Market, are being re-developed and a great location from which to explore them is the Hotel de Anza, a registered historic landmark. For more info visit www.santacruz.org and www.sanjose.org. All images Lynn Houghton unless indicated "Hippie Modernism: The Struggle for Utopia": An exhibit focusing on the art, design and architecture produced by counterculture artists during the '60s and early '70s. February 8-May 21, 2017. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. In November 2009, I gave my inaugural professorial lecture at Nottingham Business School with the title "The future of UK public services". This was just at the start of the era we now term "austerity" and one of the points I emphasised was that we shouldn't see the situation pertaining, at that time, as a "blip" with normal service resuming shortly, once significant economic growth returned to the UK economy. As so it has proved to be. Austerity is still with us and seems likely to remain with us for the foreseeable future. One of the things I emphasised in the lecture was that we should avoid what I termed "death by a thousand cuts" or "salami slicing". Instead, I said that we should recognise the current situation as a discontinuity from the past and one, which has led to what I termed a social and economic watershed in our history. I emphasised that we should address the problems of organising and funding public services by considering the questions shown below and having a vigorous public debate about the issues raised. It would also help if there could be some sort of political consensus among the major particular political parties on, at least, some of these issues. My questions were: What should be the future role of the state in the provision of public services What should be the limits of its involvement? What should be individual and collective responsibilities in relation to specific public services? How should public services be paid for in the future? How should public services be organised? What should be the balance between the private and public sectors of our economy? To what extent should the private sector be involved in public service delivery? Not surprisingly, seven years on from my lecture, none of the above has taken place. We have had no public debate on these issues and we have had endless salami slicing coupled with a public relations exercise designed to give the public the idea that cuts were not taking place at all. I have lost track of the times I have heard something on the radio or TV whereby a particular vested interest is protesting against a cut in a service which they hold dear. Up pops, a Government Minister to explain that no such cut is actually taking place and indeed the government is providing more funding from some special funding pot it has established. What should be noted, however, is the heroic efforts of many public services (especially local government) to minimise the impact of the cuts in their funding base. Advertisement Oh, and we have had no political consensus on any of these issues. In fact, the main opposition parties still cleave to their Father Christmas policy whereby we should fund more public expenditure from more borrowing while forgetting that we have to pay interest on that borrowing and repay the debt at some future date. At the start of 2017, it does look as if the chickens are now coming home to roost on public expenditure. In late 2016, we had the crisis in adult social care, which has been deferred for 18 months or so by some short term funding. Today, we see NHS services creaking under the strain especially in accident and emergency (A&E) services. In the new financial year, we can expect huge amounts of public and professional concern about the financial situation schools will find themselves in 2017/18. In addition, the Ministry of Defence will face its usual problem of too many commitments and too few personnel and assets to meet them. However, something happened yesterday, which might give hope. Yesterday, the Secretary of State for Health made a speech in the context of the accident and emergency crisis whereby he stated that the four-hour waiting time target for A&E patients to be seen would exclude patients who turned up at A&E with minor ailments. In response, Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, said: "Is he now really telling patients that rather than trying to hit the four-hour target, the government is now rewriting and downgrading it?" I would suggest that in making this change Hunt is explicitly recognising that the NHS cannot be all things to all people at the same time. Once we start looking at A&E we can start looking at other health services and start questioning whether other targets should be modified to recognise differences in priorities and importance of the services involved. Going on, we can look at other public services and start questioning whether they are all as important as one another or are some more important than others. Advertisement Where Hunt becomes disingenuous, however, is his attempt to pass the blame for patients with minor ailments presenting at A&E on the patients themselves. Last year, I was involved in some research looking at how the pressures on a major city A&E unit could be mitigated. It is quite clear to me that nobody in their right minds wants to be in A&E waiting for 4,5,6+ hours. They are there, either because they have no alternative access to treatment other than A&E units (where they will be seen eventually) or there is some alternative treatment they could access but nobody has told them about it. Indeed, after 35 years' experience of the NHS I found myself in something of a predicament in that I had a minor problem with a finger, which wasn't clearing up despite self-treatment. I showed it to a GP friend and asked her if I should go to A&E to have it looked at. Her response was "don't be so stupid, go and see your GP practice nurse". Now I didn't know that this was an option and indeed, until I try it, I am not sure it is an option. I suspect I will first have to see my GP on a non-urgent appointment, which could take three weeks and then wait another couple of weeks to see the practice nurse. Better to go and wait in A&E and get it done. The morale here is that the A&E crisis can be easily be involved by re-designing services in such a way that patients can access services for minor problems reasonably quickly and that those patients are made aware of this. Imagine discovering that your child had been sent a message by an adult, on social media or through a mobile phone app, asking whether they liked sex or what kind of underwear they were wearing. You'd probably feel a mixture of anger, panic, fear and revulsion. You'd want to take action. You might go straight to the police and tell them what had happened. But the police may not be able to do anything. Advertisement Why? Because almost two years after more than 50,000 people joined our 'Flaw in the Law' campaign to make it illegal for an adult to send a sexual message to a child, the Government has not put this law on the statute books in England and Wales. This is a law that would arm police with new powers to tackle paedophiles, but it is sitting waiting to be used while offenders continue to target children online. We know from Childline that young people are experiencing new forms of abuse using technology - the number of counselling sessions for children worried about online sexual abuse rose by a quarter last year to more than 3,700. What makes this delay more infuriating is that in Scotland over the last six years the authorities have recorded 1,537 offences under similar legislation. And since February 2015 a related offence has also been available to police in Northern Ireland. Advertisement The police have told us that changing the law in England and Wales would vastly improve their tactics in dealing with grooming of children online and could prevent hands-on offences being committed. Of course, even with a change in the law we'd still need children who are being groomed to speak out. Parents can play their part by having regular conversations with their children about who they are talking to online. And they can call our free online safety helpline - 0808 800 5002 - run in partnership with O2. No law will ever be a silver bullet to stopping all sex offenders from grooming children, but right now there will be people getting away with fishing for child victims on social networks, mobile apps, chat rooms, and in online gaming environments. The public have backed our campaign, Parliament has agreed to it, and in Scotland young victims are bravely coming forward and beginning to reveal the sickening numbers of adults targeting children for abuse. So we cannot understand why the UK Government is dragging its feet. Advertisement It is an unacceptable and baffling delay in equipping police in England and Wales in the battle against criminals intent on targeting children. So I have written to Secretary of State for Justice Elizabeth Truss, asking why it has been delayed and demanding that the law is put into force immediately. What to do if your child receives a sexual message from an adult: Stay calm: by telling you, they might have prevented the situation from becoming more serious. Talk about what happened: did they receive the message from a 'friend' or someone they thought was their age? Check privacy settings: make sure they know how to report abuse. Offer help: let them know they can call Childline at any time if they want to talk to someone about what they've seen. Dignity in Dying Noel Conway has motor neurone disease. He was diagnosed in November 2014, at the age of 64, with a form of MND called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - an incurable neurological illness that attacks the nerve cells and erodes the brain's ability to start and control muscle movement until it is lost entirely. A former adult education teacher from Shropshire, Noel hoped to enjoy his retirement travelling the world with his wife Carol, exploring their love of the outdoors. Instead, Noel faces the next 12 months knowing they will be his last. He and his family have tried to come to terms with this fact and are determined to make the most of the time they have left together. But what Noel cannot accept is that because of the failings of the current law, he will not have the dignified death he wants and deserves. Advertisement If Noel were to let nature take its course, he risks death by suffocation or choking as his breathing muscles continue to weaken, or becoming completely unable to move or communicate while his mind remains as sharp as ever. He could refuse use of his ventilator, which he depends on to breathe overnight, in order to bring about his death more quickly. Noel's concern is that there is no way of knowing whether it would take hours or weeks to die, nor is there a guarantee that his pain and suffering could be adequately relieved. Noel's other option would be to travel to Switzerland for a safe, legal assisted death, but due to the arduous 800-mile journey this is out of the question. That is quite aside from the huge cost, that it would mean dying away from home and his loved ones, and that that anyone accompanying him risks a 14-year prison sentence. Noel strongly believes, as I do, that in his last few months of life, it is his right to have control over his life, body and choices - and that this should include the timing and manner of his death. That is why Dignity in Dying is supporting Noel in bringing a judicial review seeking a change in the law to allow him, and other terminally ill people, the option of an assisted death in the last six months of life. Advertisement Britain's families are being forced to cope alone with a cruel and unsustainable law. Change is clearly and urgently needed. Every eight days, someone from this country travels to Dignitas for an assisted death. A further 300 terminally ill people end their own lives every year behind closed doors, frightened and alone. Hundreds if not thousands more are forced to endure unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved by palliative care, until their illness finally robs them of their lives. The vast majority of us would balk at the options presented to terminally ill people in their final months. Our law is broken and has unacceptable consequences for dying people. By failing to act, our Government is ignoring the pleas of terminally ill people, and 82% of the public who support assisted dying. Meanwhile, California and Colorado last year joined four other US states in bringing in assisted dying legislation. Canada implemented a similar law. Developments are expected in Australia later this year. Why are dying Britons not allowed the same kindness, compassion and respect? Last year,, mogul fashion house D&G made what Forbes noted was their "smartest move in years", when they launched a new collection of abayas and headscarves under their label. D&G is repeatedly being hailed as 'progressive' and their announcement is supposedly an exciting development in the fashion realm, but for some Muslim women, there is nothing exceptional or remotely noteworthy about this line at all. Why should D&G be applauded for something that is at its core, primarily just a calculated business move devoid of any real intention to change the fashion world to be more inclusive of its Muslim audience? When you take into account the fact that D&G operates about 13 stores alone in the UAE and numerous others in the surrounding Gulf States along with the fact that the sale of personal luxury goods in the Middle East hit $8.7 billion in 2015 -- up from $6.8 billion the year before, it's hard to see where the sincere push for newfound inclusivity and not that of monetary standing comes in. Don't forget too, that the models who sport the collection in the ad campaigns are all white, non-Middle Eastern, non-Muslim women. That alone should say a lot, but it's what many people miss. Essentially, D&G are (as most Western neoliberal capitalists would) monopolizing something that does not belong to them. They are profiting from the pseudo "incorporation" of a cultural and religious piece of clothing into their line that normally, they would take offense to and would label as an oppressive uniform. In fact, the majority of the Western world would consider the abaya and the headscarf as items of clothing that supposedly rid women of their personal agency. We hear this argument time and time again when it comes to the dress choice - keyword: choice - of Muslim women. Yet when you sprinkle some crystals to the sleeves, stitch some lace to the fringes and stamp your name, label, and price tag on it, it's seen by the mainstream media as "fashionable", "beautiful" and not "oppressive" or "backwards." Advertisement Model wearing Louella Holiday Collection piece by American fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad Another problem that the fashion house is posing with its new collection is that it is marring the line between the Middle Eastern consumer vs. the Muslim consumer. The two are not the same, but according to D&G, culture and faith are the same thing. It's quite clear that the fashion line is being marketed to the wealthy cohort of Middle Easterners in the Gulf and Arab states as opposed to the millions of Muslims living in the other parts of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the West. Why is the world so taken aback and amazed by D&G's move? Why is there no mainstream or high end coverage or inclusion of the hundreds of Malaysian Muslim abaya fashion designers or the thousands of British and North American Muslim fashion bloggers and designers that have been pushing for inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry for years? Why does no one talk about how Muslim women are already fashioning their abayas in highly creative and chic ways? Why has D&G reduced Muslim women to just abayas and headscarves? Why is there not an effort to create and incorporate more innovative and varied pieces that Muslim women can choose to wear? Amena Khan, British YouTube blogger, entrepreneur, face of new Loreal campaign. NYmag made it a point to say that, "what stands out in particular about Dolce & Gabbana's take is that it gives the lie to the idea that one can't follow trends and have fun with fashion while also following a religious dress code." They also mention that, "'modest' doesn't have to equate to dowdy, boring, or head-to-toe neutrals. It's not just about lowering hemlines and extending sleeves, but preserving the runway aesthetic that got everyone so excited in the first place." As offensive as it sounds, apparently "modest" fashion in the eyes of these high end fashion 'experts' seems to be synonymous with "boring" and "dowdy." Which is exactly the problem because the reality is quite the contrary, but here you have D&G presenting a case that suggests that without these Western labels, Muslim fashion is just boring. As shown in the above photo of Ibtihaj Muhammad's piece, Muslim designers' creations are far from boring. On the contrary, actually. We are the ones who can anticipate our needs and tastes, not some multibillion dollar corporation that never cared about us til today. This subtle propaganda distorts the narrative that some Muslim women in the fashion industry are trying so hard to engage in and change. Advertisement Dina Torkia Dina Torkia, a British Muslim fashion blogger who last year launched her own line of scarves and modest western clothing that she herself designed, took to her website earlier this week to express her frustration: "I feel like I should be happy, ecstatic even, perhaps eternally grateful? That's what seems to be the general reaction to this news so far. But, I can't help but feel incredibly underwhelmed, possibly even a tiny bit insulted by the collection. I've dreamed the day a major design house would officially recognize us, hijab clad muslim women and finally 'cater' to us. But my dream wasn't resulting in a line of lacey, embroidered traditional abayas and matching scarves. Something I've grown up with and a look that every Muslim woman is all too familiar with. Something that the local 'abayas r us' in Brummy might have. Or if you fancy something a little more luxury, 'abaya gold' in Dubai would suffice. I dreamed of being able to look at signature gowns on the runway and imagine myself in one, hijab and all. I dreamed of being included in the mainstream of haute couture & whilst D&G have managed to recognize us with this collection, they've also managed to exclude us. Fashion conscious Muslim women in the form of bloggers, designers & stylists have been taking centre stage for a good few years showing the world that modesty & style can coincide with faith. With barely a nod of applaud or recognition, until D&G fancies putting their stamp all over a very traditional middle eastern style & claim it's originality. So Thank you, but no thank you." Dear President-Elect Trump, You will soon have control of the United States nuclear arsenal. If it is ever used, it could kill almost every American, as well as the rest of humanity, due to the impacts of the smoke from fires that would be ignited, which would cool Earth's surface and kill virtually all crops in the ensuing nuclear winter. You now have the opportunity to prevent this from ever happening, by quickly reducing our nuclear arsenal, saving us hundreds of billions of dollars in the process. Doing so will win you a Nobel Peace Prize. Here are the facts: 1. There are currently 15,350 nuclear weapons on the planet, with Russia (7300) and the United States (7000) accounting for almost all of them. The other seven nuclear nations are France (300), China (260), UK (215), Pakistan (130), India (120), Israel (80), and North Korea (10). The New START treaty, signed by Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev in 2010, requires each side by next year to reduce deployed warheads to a maximum of about 2000 each, but the treaty does not limit the much larger number of weapons that are in storage or reserve. The United States has embarked on a modernization program for our nuclear arsenal that will cost about $1,000,000,000,000 (1 trillion dollars) over the next 30 years. What a waste of money for weapons we can never use! Please cancel this modernization program, and consider all the other things we could do with this money. Advertisement 2. In the 1980s, American and Russian scientists, working together, discovered that smoke from fires ignited by nuclear explosions would be so dense that it would block out the sun, turning Earth cold, dark, and dry, killing plants, and preventing agriculture for at least a year. In the last decade, working with some of the same scientists, particularly Richard Turco, Brian Toon, and Georgiy Stenchikov, and using modern climate models and computers, I found that this nuclear winter theory was correct, that the effects would persist for more than a decade, and that the New START-reduced nuclear arsenals will still be able to produce this nuclear winter. It is an unfortunate fact that cities burn. San Francisco burned for three days and nights after the earthquake in 1906. Tokyo, Hamburg, Dresden, Darmstadt, and multiple Japanese cities burned after bombing in World War II. Some modern buildings burn even more easily, as can be seen in the skyscraper fires started with discarded cigarettes in Dubai. Modern megacities would produce a lot more smoke than the assumptions made in previous studies. We also found that if either the United States or Russia attacked the other with their current arsenal, it would produce so much climate change that it would kill everyone in the country that did the attacking, even if there was no retaliation. This means we live in a world of Self-Assured Destruction (SAD) in addition to Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD). Thus any nation threatening a first strike attack would be acting as a suicide bomber. In addition, we found that a very small nuclear war between any two nuclear nations, using only 100 or so small, Hiroshima-size atomic bombs, with a total explosive power of much less than 1% of the current global arsenal, could produce enough smoke to cause climate change unprecedented in recorded human history. It would not be full nuclear winter, but it could sentence 1 to 2 billion people to death by starvation. Advertisement To prevent the possibility of a nuclear winter, the United States and Russia need to immediately reduce their arsenals to the same levels as all the other nuclear states, a couple hundred. After all, how many do you need to use as a deterrent? A couple? To prevent the nuclear famine that would result from even a very small number of weapons targeted on cities and industrial areas, these arsenals need drastic reductions. 3. Partially as a result of the growing awareness of the global impacts on climate and food that would result from a nuclear war, three international conferences on the humanitarian impacts of nuclear war were held in Norway in March, 2013, in Mexico in February, 2014, and in Austria in December, 2014. This world-wide movement resulted in the Open-Ended Working Group meetings of the United Nations in 2016, culminating in a U.N. General Assembly resolution to have negotiations March 27-31 and from June 15 to July 7, 2017 toward a worldwide ban on nuclear weapons; the resolution was supported by 113 nations. The United States voted against this resolution, but now is your chance to change U.S. policy and support this ban on nuclear weapons next year. Put these dates on your calendar, and plan to attend and make a speech supporting the ban along with President Putin. The weapons cannot be used without killing us all, so let's ban them. The world has banned chemical weapons, biological weapons, cluster munitions, and land mines, but not the worst weapons of mass destruction of all, nuclear weapons. As discussed above, they cannot be used in any rational way. Nuclear weapons cannot be used to fight terrorism or cyber threats. However, there have been many instances when nuclear weapons were almost used by accident or confusion. One can also imagine hackers getting access. Now is your chance to make the world much safer by ridding it of this threat. 4. Proliferation of nuclear weapons has already produced nine nuclear states. As we all know, Iran was on track to become the tenth one, but was stopped by an international agreement, done in collaboration with Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the European Union. This has made the world much safer and sends a message about the international community's willingness to stop other nations from obtaining nuclear weapons. You have an obligation to reiterate U.S. support for this agreement. Any attempts to dismantle it will result in Iran getting nuclear weapons sooner and will embolden other countries wishing to move in the same direction. Advertisement 5. There are several first steps you can take to make the world safer. A. You can change our nuclear policy to one of no first use of nuclear weapons. There are no circumstances in which we should use nuclear weapons to attack anyone. We can defend the United States with our modern, precision-guided weapons, which do not require wholesale slaughter of innocent civilians. B. You can take U.S. land-based missiles off of hair-trigger alert. Any use of nuclear weapons requires deliberate thought, not immediate reaction during a time of panic and possible misinformation. What a message of peace this will be to the world. C. You can stand down our land-based missiles and begin to dismantle them as part of a rapid reduction of our nuclear arsenal. No treaty with Russia is needed, and President George H. W. Bush set a precedent for this by reducing our nuclear arsenal as the Soviet Union was coming apart. This unilateral action will have the two-fold effect of making accidental nuclear war much less likely and setting the world on a path to reducing the threat of global nuclear war and nuclear winter. Your presidency is an unprecedented opportunity for positive change in the world. Reducing the threat of nuclear war and nuclear winter will make the United States safer and richer, and cement your status as a world leader. Take advantage of the new relationship between the United States and Russia, and become a real winner. Sincerely, Alan Robock To say that I was deeply disappointed by Donald Trump's choice of Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary would be an understatement. Her lack of experience, questionable record with school choice and, the largely dismal results of her philanthropic endeavors are just a few reasons for my concern. However, from a policy perspective, this disappointment did not feel shocking given my lack of confidence in both democrats and republicans regarding education issues. Obama's signature policy, Race to The Top, and the politics of Arne Duncan (both during his tenure leading Chicago public schools and later as Secretary of Education) did not fit my ideal of what is needed for American public education. With that said, what really packed the gut-punch with DeVos's nomination was the personal hypocrisy that existed between her philanthropic actions and her ardent support of school choice. The ideology of school choice, which has been at the center of DeVos's education based philanthropy, is grounded in the belief that PK-12 education functions best as a marketplace where students, parents, teachers and administrators are left free (or freer) from the constraints of state and federal bureaucracies to make the choices reflective of individual school or community needs. Despite this, DeVos's career and philanthropic investments to date have highlighted her distrust in parents and children to make such choices. It is this proven disconnect from the true meaning of individual freedom that I find dangerous and deeply concerning for students and families. DeVos and her family's support of organizations such as the Family Research Council, whose policies blatantly target and persecute individual liberties, indicates a leader who has little regard for the needs or safety of our nations students and families. Advertisement Regardless of your stance on school choice, DeVos's leadership and programmatic support to date is questionable at best. As many have highlighted, the track record of her education focused philanthropy in Michigan, largely funneled via the Great Lakes Education Project, has by most measures failed. DeVos and her husband have put their money into multiple channels from lawmakers to local efforts to expand choice in Michigan over nearly the last 10 years. However, despite this flow of money and support, Michigan consistently ranks lowest in the country in terms of student achievement on a number of metrics. DeVos has supported a choice mechanism that lacks the structure required for student, parent and community success. Within Michigan, DeVos has championed for-profit charter schools, virtual charter schools and private school vouchers. Each of these structures often undermines public education for many students and leaves countless without a choice. Additionally, DeVos has supported a system that is run by a multiple charting agencies. Unsurprisingly, this system ended up bureaucratic and disorganized leaving not only the chartering process difficult but, more importantly, creating an incredibly challenging landscape for parents and students to navigate. If Michigan is any indication, DeVos lacks the understanding of effective program management to implement successful policies for our nations schools. Advertisement To be sure, program management can, and often is, delegated to various deputy secretaries and other staff. But personal convictions can guide a department into dangerous places. The beliefs of a department head not only sets the tone for an agency, but also can green-light policies at the local level beyond the federal agency's reach. Through her philanthropy DeVos has put support behind some troubling organizations. One such organization is the Family Research Council (FRC). The Southern Poverty Law Center lists the Family Research Council as an anti-LGBTQ extremist group and its Washington office was created due in large part to the support of the DeVos family. The FRC champions conversion therapy, a practice that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation through, often psychologically damaging, practices veiled as "therapy". Suffice to say, advocacy for such policies not only infringes on personal liberties but directly puts students and families in incredibly unsafe and dangerous positions. When the Secretary of Education has a history of supporting such policies, it sends the message to local agencies that harmful and discriminatory policies are acceptable. In philanthropy, particularly the large-scale philanthropy that DeVos and her family engage in, it would be overly simplistic to assume that DeVos herself supports specific FRC policies such as conversion therapy. However, as the soon-to-be head of a department that is meant to protect students right to learn in a safe environment, the fact that she has not spoken out against the harmful policies supported by the FRC is deeply concerning. Silence on an issue, particularly in a place of power that DeVos has held and will continue to hold, can lead to real damage for schools, communities, students and families. However, to say that she has merely been "silent" would be equally untrue. DeVos and her husband championed and provided financial support to amend the Michigan constitution to ban same-sex marriage. By championing the two-tiered system that the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional, DeVos is making the statement that some families are less deserving than others. Such deeply discriminatory beliefs cannot be held by someone charged with overseeing the education of our nations children. The political implication of this particular philanthropy presents a clear lack of trust in the moral fiber of individuals and families to make the correct, supportive and loving decision about themselves or their own children. This distrust runs contrary to the rhetoric around school choice, which often rest on the neo-liberal (somewhat libertarian) ideal that parents can and should be able to act autonomously to gather all information needed to make a decision about where to send their child to school. Advertisement "Justice delayed is justice denied" is a legal adage of uncertain origin. It implies if legal relief is possible for an individual that has experienced injury, but is not given promptly, it is the same as no justice at all. For many of America's poor, justice has been denied for decades. When Lyndon Johnson pressed Capitol Hill to approve the federal Bail Reform Act in 1966 he planned the new law as an enlightened model for states that had never modified their bail and bond procedures. "All too frequently, we lock up men for weeks, months and years -- before they get their day in court -- only as they can't afford bail," Johnson told Congress. Advertisement The legislation mandated federal jurists to look at a person's neighborhood ties and criminal past and measure them against hazards of pretrial freedom. When he signed the bill, Johnson praised the legislation. The 36th President said it put the country "at the door of a new era" in criminal justice. 50 years later, not many states have passed the threshold. The use of cash bond is yet the dominant practice and often comes with dire consequences for individuals too broke to buy their freedom. Just a small number of states have eliminated the use of monetary bail. Some states are contemplating changes and others still look the other way. While states have been hesitant to buy into bail system reform, numerous lawsuits have been filed to prompt changes in cities. Advertisement As recently as November, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera called for the abolition of cash bail for indigent defendants and stated he would not defend the city against a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court which challenges the city's use of bail before arraignment. In early November, 2016, legal advocates sued Florissant, a primarily white city just north of Ferguson, Missouri. The suit accuses the city of operating a debtors' prison that unfairly targets black drivers. In 2014, over 70-percent of vehicle stops involved a black motorist despite only 27-percent of the city population being black. Between 2011 and 2015, the city picked up 3.3 million a year through its municipal court -- about 12-percent of the city's revenue. New Mexico In November, New Mexico citizens spoke out for a constitutional amendment to change the state's bail system. The Amendment gives New Mexico jurists the authority to deny bail when prosecutors provide evidence that a defendant is too dangerous to be walking around free while waiting for trial. The amendment also prohibits the confinement of offenders who aren't determined to be threatening or a flight risk merely because of economic inability to afford bail. Reforming New Mexico's bail system is part of a wider campaign to change criminal justice policies that disproportionately harm the poor and people of color. New Mexico's move follows statewide changes in Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey and Oregon. Nevada The cash bail system works like this in Nevada and around the nation. When a person is arrested, they are booked into jail. A jurist assigns a bond amount which may range from $100 to hundreds of thousands -- or more. The arrestee's ability to pay or the potential of the arrestee being a flight risk is not considered. Advertisement Some of the bail bond companies do try to keep some humanity about their work. "We do the best we can to help our clients, but our hands are often tied by the courts," said Taylor Barton, CEO of 24/7 Bail Bonds in Las Vegas. A wealthy defendant could go free immediately based on the agreement that they'll give up their bond money if they fail to keep scheduled court appointments. Some defendants secure their freedom through for-profit bail bond businesses. Those companies charge a non-refundable premium which can be paid over time. There's a lot of money to be made from people who could not pay for their freedom. Earlier this year, critics documented a bail bondsman's marketing in Las Vegas which included handing out free merchandise in poor communities and opening an office near one of the most dangerous intersections. Advocates for a change in the law say bail bonds companies exploit crime and poverty all to boost the bottom line. Washington DC Groups like the ACLU are pushing for broader alternatives to cash bail. The civil liberties group maintains a holistic review to consider a defendant's likelihood to jump bail would be preferential. While Washington is caught up in the unfolding drama about the extent and motives of Russian hacking and possible attempted manipulation of the 2016 American presidential election, another story is playing out around threats to "punish" the United Nations. On Jan.5, the United States House of Representatives voted to repudiate the Security Council resolution on Dec. 23 that condemned Israel for its unending building of settlements on Palestinian land. The UN was not the only target in this Congressional move. The administration of President Barack Obama and his secretary of state, John Kerry, were also censured for abstaining in the 15-member Security Council and allowing the resolution to pass 14-0. There is nothing legal or procedural that Congress can do to reverse the resolution. Advertisement The "passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 undermined the long-standing position of the United States to oppose and veto United Nations Security Council resolutions that seek to impose solutions to final status issues, or are one-sided and anti-Israel, reversing decades of bipartisan agreement," the House resolution said. It added that the resolution "undermines the prospect of Israelis and Palestinians resuming productive, direct negotiations." Days after the Dec. 23 vote at the UN, Kerry further enraged Israeli supporters in Congress and President-elect Donald Trump when he warned in a speech at the State Department after the decision to abstain that Israel has a fundamental choice to make as it continues encroaching into Palestinian territory. "But here is a fundamental reality," Kerry said. "If the choice is one state, Israel can either be Jewish or Democratic, it cannot be both. And it won't ever really at peace." Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey and one of the leaders of the charge in Congress, asserted, "With over three thousand years of Jewish history bound up in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, it is preposterous to assert that Israel has no legitimacy in defending its connections to this extraordinary heritage." Advertisement The vote in Congress to "repudiate" the resolution condemning Israeli expansion was welcomed by Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, who hailed the bipartisan nature of the support for Israel. "I look forward to working with the new American administration to end the bias against Israel at the UN and to usher in a new era of accountability in the parliament of nations," he added. At the same time that the House of Representatives disavowed the Security Council resolution and Obama policy on Israel, members of the US Senate were beginning to work on legislation, promised late last year by Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, to cut funds for the UN. It is unclear how long it will take to complete this proposal or how devastating the cuts could be, but with Trump tweeting insults about the UN as "just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time," defunding measures could likely be endorsed in the White House. Representative Smith, who pressed for the "repudiation" resolution in the House of Representatives, is chairman of the subcommittee that monitors US relations with the UN and other international organizations, and he has a long record of opposition to them. He has been the leader of an anti-abortion caucus in Congress for 34 years and was instrumental in having US contributions to the UN Population Fund, or UNFPA, eliminated twice -- under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Smith, a deeply religious and dedicated Roman Catholic, who opposes abortion for any reason and is at best ambivalent about family planning, has been focused particularly on China and its one-child policy. That has been abandoned as the Chinese government sees its workforce is not keeping up with demand. Advertisement Smith's determined opposition to funding UNFPA overrode the findings of a White House delegation sent to China in the spring of 2002 that found no evidence that the Population Fund was complicit in coercive and brutal forced abortions. Colin Powell, secretary of state at the time, agreed that funds to UNFPA, which he said did "invaluable work," should be released, but Bush cut them off. The money at stake, $34 million annually, was not a lot but it hurt. Other nations tried to fill the gap, and Jane Roberts, an American teacher in California, and a colleague founded an ad hoc organization called 34 Million Friends of UNFPA, asking for donations. Roberts said in a recent email that she was gearing up for another campaign. The Population Fund is the world's largest provider of family planning and works in more than 150 countries and territories that together contain a large majority of the global population. Under the motto "Delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled," it has made great strides in improving maternal and child health. Film is incredibly democratic and accessible, it's probably the best option if you actually want to change the world, not just re-decorate it. - Banksy Giving voice to the millions of children who are sold into sex slavery, in India and beyond, this film adaptation of Patricia McCormick's haunting novel SOLD launches its digital release on January 10, 2017, after copping numerous awards on the film festival circuit. It is available for download on a variety of platforms (see below) in a wide-ranging, grassroots effort to fund the 'Taught Not Trafficked' campaign - one of the latest initiatives to combat what experts estimate is now a $150 billion criminal industry. 'Taught Not Trafficked' builds classrooms for children in Nepal, and provides safe housing, healing programs and vocational training for survivors of trafficking. Advertisement Drenched in the vivid colors of its shooting locations, SOLD is anchored by powerful performances by 13-year-old newcomer Niyar Sakia as a young girl trafficked from her home in Nepal, and Bollywood actress Sushmita Mukerjee in the role of the cruel brothel madam. Gillian Anderson and David Arquette join Tillotama Some (Monsoon Wedding), Seema Biswas (Water, Bandit Queen) and Ankur Vikal (Slumdog Millionaire) in this gripping depiction of one girl's hellish journey and eventual rescue - a composite story stitched from numerous real accounts. Backing the film are award-winning Impact producer Jane Charles and executive producer Emma Thompson, the two-time Academy award-winner and passionate anti-trafficking spokesperson. Academy-award winning director and co-writer Jeffrey Brown handles the explosive story with sensitivity. "From its inception, SOLD was created as a tool for change, and as the engine driving the 'Taught Not Trafficked' campaign," Brown explains. "In the first 12 months our team will work with over 2000 survivors at five NGO's and with three businesses which exclusively employ trafficking survivors. By Year 5 we hope to be employing and healing 350,000 survivors in India, Nepal, and other countries." The team hopes that individuals and organizations will take advantage of the digital release to arrange screenings in their communities to raise awareness of the global child trafficking phenomenon - and to raise funds for the NGO's on the ground in these countries. A mobilization kit on the film's website provides an invaluable guide for those who would like to help spread the word. Advertisement The feature-length version of SOLD runs 90 minutes and is available on platforms including In Demand, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vimeo, Charter Communications, Dish, Cox, Sudden Link, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Verizon Fits, Rogers, and Shaw. A 50-minute PG-13 version of SOLD can also be purchased or leased for screenings through Roco Films. Trailer: Troy Seppala, student of Communication at the University of Colorado, is in the first generation of his family to attend university. He transferred to CU-Boulder from a community college in his hometown of Vancouver, WA. Now entering his final semester before graduation, he is still navigating the uncertainties that many First Gen college students face every day. With no history of higher education in your family, what led you to pursue a college education? Growing up, I never saw myself in academia. My parents were self-made high school dropouts, and I was an uninspired student. University just wasn't in my plan, but let's be honest: I didn't really have a plan. I was content taking a few courses at the local community college and didn't realize that the next rung up the ladder was within reach. Then one day my family took a trip out to Boulder, Colorado, to look at the university for my brother. I instantly fell in love. On a whim, I decided to apply because something felt so right about Boulder, so romantic. It wasn't in my haphazard life plan at all, but here I am: a college senior on my way to graduating. How prepared were you for the transition into the college atmosphere? The road here was not a smooth one: it was full of potholes and detours. I started off taking courses at my local community college as as a high school senior through a program called Running Start. I did not have an intention of going to University until I saw CU and decided to transfer. I did make many mistakes throughout my academic career, both professional and personal, which could have easily been avoided had I had a mentor or guidance of some sort. But, being a first generation college student, I did not have the mentorship of my parents. I did not have their university experience to learn from, and they were not able to give me the advice I desperately needed. I was underprepared, to say the least. Advertisement What was it like for you to adjust to life at university? College is exciting, adventurous, and awe-inspiring. But it is also terrifying and lonely. We take eighteen-year-olds who are so used to the comfort of Mom and Dad, throw them out of the nest and cross our fingers that they land on their own two feet. But it's hard. Especially when you have no mentorship. I switched majors several times, each time attempting to mold myself into exactly what I thought my professors and peers wanted me to be. I dropped the ball on many choices I made, even when I thought I was making the right one. It got to the point where I took two semesters off because I simply had no idea what I was doing or how to navigate this new, big world. College felt daunting enough as it was, and that made the inevitable work world feel all the more terrifying. You are now approaching graduation. How do you overcome the obstacles you faced as a First Gen college student, and how do you feel that the experience as a First Gen student is different than that of your peers? Lessons learned, I suppose. Eventually I found my footing and the path I wanted to take; but I took the long way 'round. I just didn't understand the academic world: what was expected of me, how to perform appropriately, what resources were available to me, the importance of networking, so and on so forth. It was all just so new to me. Don't get me wrong, my university experience was magnificent. I lived and I learned, and I'm all the better for it. I just never expected being a first generation college student to be so challenging. That's not to say that the experience of every student doesn't have its obstacles. It's just that the experience of a first generation college student is a unique one: a unique one that I was not fully prepared to take on. After my experience as a first generation college student I have learned the necessary tools to navigate college in order to set myself up for the professional realm. I would advise all first generation college students, all students in fact, to build relationships with their professors and advisors. Maintaining relationships with faculty and staff gives access to professionals who are passionate about academia and are always willing the answer the many, many questions and concerns that come up. The job hunt as a first generation student is daunting, but the resources available at a university campus are pivotal. First generation students have to work even harder than their more privileged peers to unearth opportunities they need to get ahead. With the right mentality, and the resources available, first generation college students can feasibly achieve what they set out to do. Advertisement The following post was originally published at The Hill on January 5, 2017. As President-elect Trump considers submitting a fiscal year 2018 budget request to Congress, scores of government funding issues will be intensely debated. America's investment in global health is one area that should stand outside the political fray. There are few issues that have won such consistent bipartisan support or, at a fraction of 1 percent of the federal budget, have produced such concrete economic, security and humanitarian gains for the country and the world. Global health programming has expanded significantly over the last two decades, with the U.S. playing a leadership role. As Vice President-elect Pence said during the 2008 reauthorization of the U.S. global AIDS program: "The United States has a moral obligation to lead the world in confronting the pandemic of HIV/AIDS." Advertisement The impact of these investments has been startling. Since 1990, the number of annual child deaths has been cut by more than one half. More than 18.2 million people are now receiving life-saving AIDS treatment. The malaria death rate among children under age 5 is down 69 percent since 2000. Efforts to diagnose and treat tuberculosis (TB), a disease that has plagued humanity for centuries, have saved millions of lives in the same period. This is an impressive track record, but the job is far from done. In fact, continued and increased investment in global health provides an important opportunity to build on bipartisan support, end major epidemics, and realize enormous humanitarian and economic benefits. There are four points to consider as the new President and Congress begin their work. First, it is important to maintain the bipartisan support for global health established over eight Congresses and two presidential administrations. Republican and Democratic policymakers agree that, together, investments in public-private partnerships like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) and bilateral programs like the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) are among our greatest foreign policy successes. Advertisement These programs reinforce each other's work across the globe, achieving steadily increasing transparency and financial efficiency, scaling up effective programs and complementing each other's efforts to ensure that U.S. resources are deployed for maximum impact. Second, while the primary goal of global health programs is to save lives, investing in ending epidemics has considerable economic return on investment. Just maintaining the current U.S. commitment to the Global Fund alone could support at least $96.7 billion in economic gains. U.S. investment in the Global Fund leverages resources -- requiring a two-thirds match from other donors, and incentivizing countries receiving grants to increase ownership of their disease programs over time. When people are healthy, they have more capacity to purchase American goods and services. The 20 million people whose lives have been saved through Global Fund-supported programs live mainly in developing countries which are increasingly critical to the U.S. economy. U.S. exports to developing countries have grown by more than 400 percent over the last 20 years. Today, they total more than $600 billion annually and are greater than U.S. exports to China, Europe and Japan combined. Advertisement Third, we have been reminded repeatedly by outbreaks such as Zika and Ebola that disease knows no borders. Containment, prevention and evidence-based treatment of epidemics are national security matters that we cannot afford to underestimate or underfund. U.S. investments in disease programs support strengthened health infrastructure to help prevent future deadly threats from spreading. Finally, investing in global health is an essential part of U.S. diplomacy and national security. A 2015 Bipartisan Policy Center case study found that American efforts to support global health also have key secondary effects on state stability, public opinion of the U.S., and socio-economic development. By helping to build more stable and capable partners, global health efforts in turn boost U.S. national security objectives. But our efforts against deadly epidemics remain underfunded. U.S. investment in global health represents just 0.25 percent of the federal budget, and has remained flat for four years. By Christopher Zoukis While there is plenty of information out there on how to attend college in-person or online, there is very little about how to do so via correspondence. This is the method of study that the majority of prisoners are limited to because they lack the ability to attend classes in-person and don't generally have access to computers or the internet. In an effort to help prisoners and their family members locate suitable distance learning offerings, the following guidelines are presented: Locating College Correspondence Programs The hard truth is that there just aren't nearly as many college correspondence course providers as there used to be. This is largely due to the advent of Internet-based learning modalities. As such, quality offerings are limited. Advertisement The top three college correspondence course providers are Adams State University, Upper Iowa University, and Colorado State University at Pueblo. These three schools have quality, established correspondence programs that many prisoners have successfully participated in. For a more complete profiling of these programs, along with other college correspondence programs and correspondence programs at other levels of study, consider my book Prison Education Guide or the correspondence program profiles at PrisonEducation.com. Evaluate Each School's Offerings After locating quality college correspondence programs, the next step is to evaluate each school's offerings. For the most part, correspondence program providers tend not to offer all that many courses that are accessible to prisoners. This is because many correspondence courses require students to have the use of a DVD player, computer, or other media player. Luckily, there are programs that are entirely paper-based. These tend to consist of textbooks, paper study guides (which direct the student to read certain textbook chapters and complete certain assignments), and written lessons, all of which can be completed entirely through the mail. All three of the above course providers foot this bill. After verifying that the correspondence program is paper-based, it's time to think about the program's offerings. One of the reasons that Adams State University is so well-regarded is that they offer a wide variety of courses and degrees. For example, they currently offer certificate programs in paralegal studies, associates degrees in arts and science, and bachelors degrees in English/liberal arts, political science, history, interdisciplinary studies, and business administration. They even offer a Masters in Business Administration via correspondence education. They are the only regionally accredited college correspondence course provider to do so. Advertisement Upper Iowa University also offers a large number of certificates, along with associates and bachelors degree offerings, while Colorado State University at Pueblo offers bachelors degrees in social sciences and sociology. Both schools are also regionally accredited. Verify Accreditation Once one or several potential programs are selected, it's now time to evaluate their accreditation status. This is a particularly important area in correspondence education as there are plenty of degree mills out there. The key with correspondence education providers, as with regular colleges and universities, is their accreditation. Virtually every quality institution of higher learning is accredited by one of the six regional accreditation bodies that are approved by both the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). For easy reference, the six are as follows: - Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Accreditation - New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education - North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission - Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges - Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities A word of caution is due as it concerns the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) (formerly the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)). This organization is a quality organization that focuses on distance education providers, but its focus is primarily on the educational institution offering courses via distance learning. If a school is accredited by both the DEAC and a regional accreditation association (see above), then this is a quality school. But if they are not also accredited by one of the above regional accreditation associations, then there could be an issue. A school generally must be accredited by one of the above regional accreditation agencies in order for their degrees to be approved for state licensure and their credits to be transferrable to other colleges and universities. Prison Policies and Course Approval With the college correspondence program selected, the next step is for the incarcerated student to speak with a member of their Education Department to ensure that they are approved to take such correspondence courses. This is usually just a formality where someone with the title of "College Coordinator" will place the incarcerated student on a list of approved students. This way the inmate will be allowed to receive their textbooks and course study guides in the mail. This staff member will also proctor all examinations that the school sends, so it's important for the incarcerated student to be on good terms with this prison staff member. Enroll and Complete Courses The final two steps are to order courses and complete them. Ordering courses is typically accomplished by the incarcerated student filling out a course order form (which is usually located in the particular school's correspondence course catalog) and either affixing payment (in the form of an institutional check) or sending the course order form to a family member for them to do so. Once the school receives the order form and payment, the courses will be mailed to the incarcerated student. At that point it is up to the student to fulfill all course requirements (e.g., readings, lessons, and examinations). Mental illness is a serious problem in the jails and prisons of the United States. Between 1960 and 1980, policy shifts led to the elimination of virtually all long-term inpatient psychiatric beds, and the construction of hundreds of prisons and jails. Many of those newly built jail and prison cells have become occupied by mentally ill individuals. But jails and prisons were not built with the mentally ill in mind. Correctional employees have traditionally received no training in dealing with mentally ill inmates. Correctional health care providers are ill equipped to care for and manage the seriously mentally ill inmate. And as a rule, correctional settings such as jails and prisons tend to exacerbate mental illness. Mental illness can present a significant challenge to prison administrators. With the usage of isolation now essentially normalized across the nation, challenging inmates are often managed through maximum control units. Maximum control units are, of course, places of complete isolation. The mentally ill often find themselves in solitary confinement for no reason other than their illness, or the manifestation thereof. Advertisement Up to 50 percent of all prisoners in isolation are seriously mentally ill. This is double the rate of serious mental illness among prisoners in general population, and more than 10 times the rate of serious mental illness among the United States population. Thus, it should surprise no one that suicide rates in isolation are much higher than in the prison general population. In 2004, for instance, an expert on the psychological effects of solitary confinement testified in federal court that 73 percent of all suicides in California prisons were in the isolation units. As of August 2014, 79 percent of all California prison suicides took place in isolation. And it is estimated that 50 percent of all prisoner suicides in the United States took place in isolation, despite isolation units holding only 10 percent of the country's prison population. The high rates of mental illness and suicide in isolation units are not solely a result of management decisions to house mentally ill inmates in isolation, however. Prisoners become mentally ill as a result of placement in solitary confinement. This is not news; the United States Supreme Court -- in 1890 -- described solitary confinement as a practice leading to insanity and suicide. And Charles Dickens and Alex de Tocqueville both roundly denounced solitary confinement as torture over a century ago. Placing the mentally ill in isolation is a form of torture, and the fact that it goes on is a blight on this country. The statistics don't lie: a mentally ill prisoner locked in isolation is at an unacceptably high risk of suicide. For the average American, this issue is a case of "out of sight, out of mind." It's time people opened their eyes to what's really going on. Advertisement Donald Trump's pledge to drain the swamp in Washington has already turned out to be a cruel hoax on the working class voters who believed it, as his transition quickly leaned on insider lobbyists and his administration is filling with the corporate elites and Goldman Sachs bankers he attacked during the campaign. But you might think that at least Democratic Party-affiliated lobbyists would suffer some in a city where lobby firms even color-code their rosters, red for Republicans and blue for Democrats, because lobbying is often based on revolving door partisan appeals, and the Democrats are completely out of power. But homo lobbius is a resilient species, and top Democratic lobbyists are pursuing their survival strategies. For example, Democratic mega-lobbyist Tony Podesta (disclosure: my wonderful landlord in the early nineties) is publicly fawning over the Trump family, informing the Boston Globe that daughter Ivanka Trump "is a great businesswoman. She is a really interesting person..." and telling the New York Times that "[i]t will be great" to have Ivanka's family living in his Kalorama neighborhood. Advertisement But long-time Democratic power lawyer-lobbyist Jamie Gorelick has gone a step further: It emerged over the weekend that she has been hired to represent Ivanka's husband, Jared Kushner, as he addresses the legal ethics issues related to him joining Donald Trump's administration. Kushner, a real estate executive with no government experience, has just been named to serve in the White House job as senior adviser to Trump. Kushner, according to the Times, "has been described by numerous transition staff members as the first among equals in Mr. Trump's high command." Some experts on legal ethics and Democrats in Congress have argued that Trump appointing Kushner might violate a federal law barring the hiring of family members, including sons-in-law, for federal jobs, a law enacted after President John F. Kennedy installed his brother Robert as attorney general. Gorelick has been making the rounds, speaking on a Trump transition conference call with reporters, insisting that the White House is not a federal agency within the coverage of this anti-nepotism law and explaining how Kushner will divest and restructure assets to avoid conflicts of interest. Gorelick, a partner at the law firm Wilmer Hale, would seem an odd choice to directly serve the family of Donald Trump. After all, Trump is the man who told Hillary Clinton during a debate last fall that if he were elected, "you'd be in jail." And Gorelick, she has long been on the Clinton team, at least we thought. Gorelick served in Bill Clinton's administration as deputy attorney general, the number two official at the Justice Department, and she was mentioned as a candidate to be Hillary Clinton's attorney general. Gorelick has donated more than $171,200 to federal candidates or committees since 1997, mostly to Democrats, with $11,000 of those contributions going to Hillary Clinton's Senate and presidential campaigns. Advertisement In 2015, Gorelick represented the Clinton Foundation, on whose board of directors Hillary Clinton served from 2013 to 2015, in its successful defense against a lawsuit brought by conservative activist Larry Klayman. Gorelick also led efforts to criticize FBI Director James Comey's "October surprise" letter to Congress regarding newly-discovered emails on a computer linked to one of Hillary Clinton's aides. But to those who have followed Gorelick's career over the years, her assisting the Trumps in pushing the ethical envelope is no surprise. She is a symbol of revolving door Washington, where well-educated, highly-capable people trade on government experience and connections to help special interests get their way over everyone else. After leaving the Clinton administration, Gorelick served as vice chair of Fannie Mae, the giant mortgage lender, from 1998 to 2003, and received some $25.6 million in compensation, including bonuses. In 2006, DC-based Fannie Mae was fined $400 million for accounting manipulation tied to executives' bonuses that occurred from 1998 to 2004; Gorelick was not charged with any wrongdoing. Fannie Mae's increasingly risky business strategy in the 2000s eventually required a huge taxpayer bailout. At WilmerHale, Gorelick has represented a wide range of major corporate clients. Federal disclosure forms show she has lobbied for Google, JPMorgan Chase, Lazard Freres and others. She represented BP, pressing to limit government efforts to hold the energy giant responsible for the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Gorelick also lobbied from 2009 to 2010 on behalf of student loan giant Sallie Mae as part of an intense effort by that company and big banks to block the Obama administration's effort to reform the student loan system by eliminating nonsensical, wasteful loan subsidies to private lenders. The Obama administration ultimately prevailed over Gorelick and the other special interest lobbyists, and the reform has saved billions for students and taxpayers. Advertisement Later, Gorelick represented another special interest--one caught engaging in abuses against military service members. In 2016, Gorelick successfully pressed the Pentagon on behalf of the country's biggest for-profit college, the University of Phoenix, to lift a suspension barring the school from recruiting on military bases -- despite the school having been caught red-handed engaging in recruiting violations, and despite its dismal record serving troops and other students. The University of Phoenix has been getting as much as $3.8 billion annually from taxpayers, but its toxic mix of high prices and low spending on instruction has left many students with overwhelming debt. In recent years, the University of Phoenix has been under investigation for fraud and other misconduct by the US Department of Education, Department of Defense, Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Securities and Exchange Commission and attorneys general of California, Delaware, Florida and Massachusetts. And now, Trump. Elite Washingtonians will argue that Gorelick is simply providing wise legal counsel to the Trump family, helping to ensure that they comply with the law. But in addition to the fact that her arguments aggressively press against at least the spirit, if not the letter, of the ethics laws, there is the question of whether Gorelick should be lending her skills and Democratic credentials to the Trump cause. Because for many people, Democrats, Republicans, and independents, this is not a normal presidency. Trump promised to put Hillary Clinton in jail. And now Hillary Clinton's lawyer, Bill Clinton's deputy attorney general, is getting paid to vouch for the the Trump family's ethics and help them assume full powers in the White House. Anything is possible in Washington. If you have enough money to buy people. NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 9: (L to R) President-elect Donald Trump looks on as French businessman Bernard Arnault, chief executive officer of LVMH, speak to reporters at Trump Tower, January 9, 2017 in New York City. President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team are in the process of filling cabinet and other high level positions for the new administration. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Corruption in high places is hardly a new story in this country, yet Donald Trump seems determined to take corruption to a new level. He, of course, is setting the path himself, refusing to follow a longstanding precedent whereby presidents put their assets in a blind trust so that they are not in a position to profit personally from their policies. Trump has done the opposite, evidenced by including his business partners (i.e. his kids) in important meetings with foreign officials. Not surprisingly, the lack of concern for ethics in his own dealings has spilled over into his picks for top administration positions. While his cabinet is filled with the incredibly rich who, thanks to Trump's proposed tax breaks, will be newly incentivized to steal, there are two individuals who stand out: Steven Mnuchin, Trump's pick for Treasury Secretary, and Andrew Puzder, Trump's choice for Labor secretary. Advertisement These two nominees sat at the top of major corporations that had large scale violations of the law. They may not have known of the illegalities, but as CEOs, they have the responsibility to ensure that their companies are following the law. Furthermore, if both are approved, they will be in a position where they are responsible for enforcing the laws that their own companies violated. In Mnuchin's case, OneWest Bank, which he co-founded and ran, had a practice of rushing evictions to foreclose on underwater homeowners following the collapse of the housing bubble. An article in the Intercept by David Dayen reports on a memo from the California Attorney General's office detailing the banks abuses. The article details a variety of dubious and illegal practices the bank pursued to dispossess homeowners. In the former category, it mentions an instance where OneWestbank pursued a foreclosure over a 27 cent payment shortfall. In the latter case, the memo documents backdated mortgage contracts. In several cases, the date listed was prior to date when OneWestBank came into existence. This sort of backdating would be a clear case of fraud. The attorney general's staff recommended a civil case against the bank, which Attorney General Kamala Harris (now Senator Kamala Harris) chose not to pursue. As Treasury Secretary, Mnuchin will be overseeing a department that has substantial supervisory responsibilities over the banking system. Puzder's run-in with the law is perhaps somewhat less egregious than Mnunchin's, but also involves violating laws that he will be expected to enforce if approved for his position. Puzder runs CKE Restaurants, which is the parent company for both Hardee's and Carl's Jr. Burger chain. According to the Huffington Post, Hardee's was forced to pay $58,000 in back pay to workers who were not paid overtime wages that were owed. There were also a number of instances in which franchisees of the companies were required to give back pay to workers who had been denied overtime they were owed. Advertisement One of the responsibilities of the Labor Department is enforcing wage and hour laws, which includes making sure that employers make required payments. While it is usually good to have a person as Labor Secretary who has familiarity with these laws, being the target of an enforcement action is not the best sort of familiarity. It raises the obvious question of whether Puzder is likely to take seriously his responsibilities to protect workers or whether he will have more sympathy with the employers seeking to evade the law, possibly including his former colleagues. These are the sort of conflicts of interest and questionable practices that would ordinarily be drawing considerable attention in the media as Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration. Unfortunately, they have been largely ignored as issues like Republican plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act and gutting the Office of Congressional Ethics have occupied center stage. While these other issues are certainly important, they should not distract enough attention to allow Trump to install cabinet members whose conflicts of interest and past practices make them unqualified for their positions. But the conflicts and questionable practices by his cabinet picks pale in comparison with Trump's plan to maintain his business empire even as he assumes the presidency. It speaks to the incredible degradation of ethical standards that this could be tolerated. Every president in the last half-century, of both parties, has put their assets in a blind trust upon assuming the office. Co-authored by Vicki Shabo 2016 was a historic year for adoption of some critically important policies and practices that improve the quality of jobs and, with them, economic security for workers and their families. Companies of all sizes stepped up at an impressive rate to implement or expand fair pay and paid leave protections, and the year brought unprecedented advances at the local, state and federal levels to promote fair pay, prohibit discrimination against pregnant employees, allow workers to earn paid sick days, and provide paid family and/or medical leave. Those advances bring slow but certain progress toward closing the gender wage gap that punishes women, and especially women of color, and beginning to ameliorate the estimated $21 billion families lose when they need time off for family and medical needs. New York state adopted the nation's fourth paid family and medical leave law; it will be the nation's strongest law providing wage and job protection to working parents and family caregivers. Three new statewide paid sick days laws were enacted, giving workers the right to earn paid sick time they can use to recover from the flu, take a child or parent to see a doctor, or address consequences of domestic violence. When they take effect, nearly 40 jurisdictions covering seven states and more than half of our 10 most populous cities will guarantee workers the right to earn paid sick time. A new federal rule will also ultimately guarantee paid sick time to more than a million people who work on federal contracts. It is noteworthy that progress on these issues is no longer concentrated only in deep blue states. In 2016, nearly 60 percent of Arizona voters approved a statewide paid sick days law (at the same time they re-elected John McCain and helped elect Donald Trump). And lawmakers in jurisdictions in Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina and Texas put paid parental or family leave policies in place for municipal workers. These advances confirm the growing consensus that these protections are important and have widespread benefits. Advertisement It's also notable that some of 2016's most innovative new laws offer real hope for helping solve intractable problems that have long limited women's advancement. The new Massachusetts fair pay law, for instance, limits the salary histories prospective employers can collect from job applicants, which has long perpetuated pay disparities and disadvantaged women's wages over their careers. And a paid family and medical leave plan passed by lawmakers in the District of Columbia will create an entirely new insurance program from scratch; when it takes effect, it will be the country's first such law in a jurisdiction without an existing temporary disability insurance framework. 2016 also saw welcome shifts in business practices by a growing number of employers. Dozens of private companies - both large and small, and across sectors - adopted family friendly workplace policies, often with great pride and fanfare. From Deloitte to Chobani to Levi Strauss & Co., companies enhanced the momentum for workplace policies that support families, businesses and bottom lines. There may be other benefits, too; a bipartisan election eve/election night survey found that voters overwhelmingly say they are more willing to patronize companies that provide paid family and medical leave than companies that do not. In 2016, we saw the kind of progress that, just a few years ago, those of us who pioneered these workplace protections could only dream about. Credit belongs to ever-more-savvy advocates working with federal, state and local lawmakers to give everyone fair pay and a fair shot, to the forward-thinking business leaders who are adopting family friendly policies, and to champions in the Obama administration who have long recognized that fair and family friendly workplaces are the foundation of a strong economy. This kind of accelerated, incremental progress offers enormous promise: It creates models that work, generates evidence that workplaces that reject discrimination and help people manage the dual demands of job and family are strong and productive, and points to a better way for workers and businesses alike. In a normal political climate, the country would be poised for federal advances, including passage by Congress of the Healthy Families Act, to put a national paid sick days standard in place; the Family And Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, to give all workers access to some wage replacement when they need to take family or medical leave; and the Paycheck Fairness and Pregnant Workers Fairness Acts, to strengthen protections against pay and pregnancy discrimination. Congressional action is essential if these protections are to reach those who need them most - especially low-wage workers and those in states that have not prioritized these policies. But this isn't a normal political climate, and therein lies the peril. The nation is poised for progress, but it will only come if lawmakers recognize that strengthening our economy will require paying as much attention to the kinds of jobs that are available as they pay to creating or keeping jobs in the United States. Jobs that pay women less than men for comparable work - that discriminate against pregnant employees - that allow only higher-wage workers to earn paid sick time - and that provide no wage replacement when illness strikes, babies are born and family members need care - undermine our collective goals. Despite the progress we saw in 2016, there is a tremendous amount of work still to do. Workers and their families will suffer terribly if a divisive climate stops our progress in its tracks. Advertisement Our opportunity - and challenge - as 2017 begins is to ensure that lawmakers, from both parties and at all levels, understand the urgent imperative to build on 2016's promise. We must continue demonstrating the value of tested solutions that will strengthen our greatest asset - our workforce - if we are to build a strong economy that works for us all. It may be an effort to continue Bernie Sander's legacy by re-introducing the "free college" movement. It may also be a way to recast the Democratic Party in its "return to the working class defender" role. Or, it may be that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is staking his claim to be one of the new crop of Democratic contenders after the end of the Bush and Clinton American political dynasties. Whatever the reason, Gov. Cuomo's proposals on making college affordable and halting student debt will be watched closely. Gov. Cuomo proposed last week to offer free tuition at New York's large, comprehensive statewide university systems. Significantly, it would be the first program to expand the free college tuition promise from two to four years. Currently, Tennessee and Oregon have two-year options available. Advertisement Cuomo's plan, called the Excelsior Scholarship, would provide free college tuition at New York's public two- and four-year institutions to students whose families make up to $125,000 a year. Gov. Cuomo will phase in the program over three years, ending in 2019. It's meant to provide immediate relief and establish a track record - all before the 2020 campaign. Students will need to be enrolled full-time to participate in the Excelsior Scholarship. It will also be a "last dollar" strategy after existing state and federal grants have been applied to tuition costs. Cuomo's office estimated that about 80 percent of New Yorkers make less than $125,000 per annum and about 940,000 of them have college-eligible dependents. $163 Million Cost is Fraction of New York's $10+ Billion Higher Ed Budget The program is projected to cost $163 million annually once the state completes its phase in. New York already has an existing Tuition Assistance Program that provides about $1 billion in support. When capital projects and additional services are factored in, New York spent about $10.7 billion on higher education in 2016. Governor Cuomo deserves praise as an activist and innovator by offering a potential remedy to rising tuition costs and high levels of student debt. Some critics point out that many lower-income students already qualify for enough aid to cover tuition costs. They note his proposal does not cover the full cost of attendance beyond tuition. Additionally, about one-third of the students attend the CUNY and SUNY systems part-time and would likely not be eligible to participate in the program. Advertisement As you might imagine, skeptical Republicans want to look at the cost of this new entitlement program. In a sense, it's a little like the opening salvos on the Affordable Care Act. Like access to health care, there is strong public support to address college debt. The federal government has already invested billions in grants and loans extended to millions of Americans through popular existing programs like the Pell grant. Set against this national backdrop, New York represents an excellent test case. With two huge state university systems in place as the foundation of a comprehensive higher education platform, New York is also the home to the country's largest collection of private colleges and universities. Many of these private colleges serve their local communities admitting predominantly New York State residents. They share the same admissions market with their public neighbors. What Impact Will Excelsior Scholarship Have on Private Colleges? The first and most obvious question is what will happen to New York when its statewide admissions recruiting is thrown into chaos and disarray when Mr. Cuomo's proposal disproportionately tilts the scales toward public sector institutions? Since the less well-endowed private colleges are heavily tuition dependent, what impact will the migration of large numbers of students to public colleges and universities have on the viability and durability of local private institutions? Advertisement It is unreasonable to assume that increasing the college going rates will have a net neutral effect on the size of private college admission classes after the state government intervenes to price out private colleges from the competition for incoming students. Can New York's Public Higher Ed Handle Influx of Students? Further, can the community college and upper division public college and university systems handle the projected influx of students given their current faculty and staff levels, programmatic base, and facilities infrastructure? Is it fair to have the state government expect them to do so? If not, what is the real "all in" cost of Mr. Cuomo's proposal? Third, does the admission of larger numbers into the public sector pipeline translate into worsening persistence and graduation rates as the numbers are not matched by corresponding spending increases, including in counseling and support services that are critical to making expanding public sector opportunities viable? There is considerable danger in having government argue in complex higher education communities like New York that government-aligned institutions like CUNY and SUNY can be redeployed to solve problems like student debt and the college-going rate. Let me be clear here. They are part of the solution and their funding should reflect their enormous value to their localities, regions, and the state. The history of New York suggests that the best solution is a thoughtful collaborative one that values education where it happens. The economic vitality of the state going forward will depend on it. Review of Closing the Courthouse Door: How Your Constitutional Rights Became Unenforceable. By Erwin Chemerinsky. Yale University Press. 262 pp. $32.50 On October 6, 1976, Los Angeles police officers stopped Adolpho Lyons, a twenty-four year-old African American, for driving with a defective taillight. With guns drawn, four cops ordered Lyons to get out of his car, spread his legs, and put his hands on top of his head. After he was patted down, Lyons dropped his hands; an officer slammed them back, applying his forearm to the throat in a chokehold. Lyons fainted. When he recovered, he was spitting blood and had urinated and defecated. The police issued a citation for the broken taillight and released him. Lyons filed a complaint, alleging police misconduct and denial of his Fourth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment constitutional rights. In a 5-4 decision, the United States Supreme Court declared that Lyons did not have "standing" to seek an injunction to stop the LAPD from employing the "carotid hold" in nonthreatening situations. Writing for the majority, Justice Byron White explained that absent a likelihood that he would be choked again, Lyons was no more entitled to seek this remedy than any other citizen of Los Angeles. In his dissent, Justice Thurgood Marshall pointed out that the decision meant that no one could sue the LAPD and the City of Los Angeles; it immunized chokeholds - or "any policy that authorizes persistent deprivations of constitutional rights." Advertisement In Closing the Courthouse Door, Erwin Chemerinsky, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, School of Law, documents the hostility of the Rehnquist and Roberts courts to the enforcement of citizens' constitutional rights. That hostility comes in a multitude of forms: restrictions on who has standing to sue; an expansion of immunity for the federal government, state governments, and government officials; a narrowing of the right of habeas corpus; changes in pleading rules; abstention doctrines; and limitations on class action suits. Clear, cogent, passionate and persuasive, Closing the Courthouse Door demonstrates that the recent record of the federal judiciary cannot be reconciled with John Marshall's claim in Marbury v. Madison: "The very essence of civil liberty consists in the right of every individual to claim the protection of the laws, whenever he receives an injury." Closing the Courthouse Door is awash in examples of disturbing decisions of the Supreme Court. In The United States v. Stanley, the Court held that the federal government was immune for damages for severe injuries resulting from the administration of LSD (without the serviceman's knowledge) in an army experiment. As he shrugged off Justice O'Connor's claim that the treatment of Stanley was "so far beyond the bounds of human decency that as a matter of law it simply cannot be considered part of the military mission," Justice Scalia also decreed that in suits against military officers no remedy was available "for injuries that arise out of or are in the course of activity incident to service." In a series of decisions, Chemerinsky reveals, the Court has decided that prosecutors, police, and prosecutors' investigators cannot be sued for money damages, even if they knowingly and intentionally lie under oath. Taxpayers have been denied standing to challenge alleged violations of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Court has declined to hear cases alleging partisan gerrymandering because they are "political questions." And habeas corpus, a basic right designed to provide relief to individuals convicted or sentenced in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States, is now granted by federal district courts in only 12.4% of capital cases and a miniscule three tenths of one percent of non-capital cases. Advertisement In Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, Chemerinsky adds, five Supreme Court justices concluded that a class action suit initiated by 1.5 million female workers alleging sex discrimination in pay and promotions could not go forward because the company had an official non-discrimination policy; the actions were due to decisions made by supervisors across the country; and therefore the plaintiffs could not show sufficient "commonality" to their claims. The remedy for employment discrimination, the majority implied, was for each individual to pursue a separate claim. These conclusions came despite 120 affidavits (about personnel policies and corporate culture) and statistical evidence indicating that female employees at Wal-Mart fill 70% of hourly jobs, get less pay than males doing comparable work, and occupy only 33 % of management positions. Subsequent decisions, according to Chemerinsky, have compelled litigants to use arbitration rather than court adjudication, a remedy strongly favored by businesses. Although at times, Chemerinsky approaches an absolutist position in favor of standing (to enforce limits on government power found in the Constitution), he acknowledges that there are some instances in which partial grants of immunity are justified. He also confesses that he is plagued by doubts about whether the reforms he supports are likely to be implemented, doubts that surely have intensified with the election of Donald Trump. The once Never Trump Utah senator quickly came around, even comparing the former president to a Mormon hero, and is now in danger of losing his seat. Outgoing State Rep. Kit Roupe (R-Colorado Springs) has cleansed a false "public service announcement" from her Facebook page. In May, Roupe shared the fake-news item, which falsely claimed that the "trend of wearing pants below your butt" was started by prisoners who wanted to "signal" that they were "willing to have sex with other prisoners." "If it was false, and it came to my attention that it was false, then of course I would [remove it]" Roupe told me. Advertisement Roupe removed the sagging-pants fake news item after it was cited in a December BigMedia.org investigation of fake news appearing on the Facebook pages of state legislators. Asked if she always deletes Facebook items once she finds out they're fake or inaccurate, Roupe said, "Yeah, once I know that it's false. I mean, sometimes you can tell when it's false and sometimes you can't." In this case, the sagging-pants falsehood had been proven bogus by Snopes about a year before Roupe posted it. "Sometimes I'll [post something on Facebook] to spontaneously combust conversation, not to claim that it's news, but to get people to talk about stuff." Advertisement While I disagree that state legislators like Roupe should spread rumors to ignite conversation, I give Roupe big credit for removing fake news from her Facebook page and thereby advancing the cause of fact-based discourse. Roupe told me she didn't remember the sagging-pants item specifically and that she manages her own Facebook page. So she would have been the one to remove it. Roupe's personal Facebook policy regarding fake news is similar to the guidelines in the Fake News Pledge that BigMedia.org is asking legislators to sign. It reads, in part, that if a legislator posts a fake news item that's "deemed unproven or false or inaccurate by Snopes, Politifact, Factcheck.org, or by a respected news outlet, information from my Facebook page will be removed as soon as possible-or detailed reasons for not deleting it will be provided." Roupe did not post reasons for deleting the sagging-pants fake news item. Roupe, who's loss in the November election means she'll be leaving the State Legislature this week, declined to sign The Fake News Pledge, telling me in an email that it's "moot" due to her imminent departure. She did not respond to my request to sign the Fake News Pledge for ordinary citizens. Fake news is defined in the pledge as "inaccurate information, packaged to look somehow like news." The "Public Service Announcement" that Roupe removed from her Facebook page stated: "For all those who think it's nice to walk around with your pants below your butt...read the following explanation: The trend was born in the United States' jails, where prisoners who were willing to have sex with other prisoners needed to invent a signal that would go unnoticed by the guards so they wouldn't suffer consequences. So, by partially showing their butts, they showed that they were available to be penetrated by other inmates. Click 'share' if you want to join the cause for a better dressed and more educated world." In its post debunking this fake news, Snopes wrote: Snopes: "While sagging did gain its start in the U.S. prison system, it was not a clothes-wearing style authored by imprisoned homosexuals intent upon advertising their interest in casual flings. Sagging pants became the behind-the-bars thing thanks to ill-fitting prison-issue garb: some of those incarcerated were provided with clothing a few sizes too large. That oversizing, coupled with the lack of belts in the big house, led to a great number of jailbirds whose pants were falling off their arses. (Belts are not permitted in most correctional facilities because all too often the lifeless bodies of their inmate owners have been found hanging from them.)" When my husband and I quit our corporate jobs two years ago and headed to Costa Rica we needed a break. We got that break for the year we were there. We bought a car and lived as "local" as we could. We dealt with the water shortages and dust from the dirt roads. We shopped at the local grocery store and went to the beach daily. We never went on any tourist outings, we just lived. We immersed ourselves in the culture and tried to experience Costa Rica as a life, not just a vacation Last fall we spent two months in Nice, France. We approached it with the same attitude, why travel, when we can live. We realized after the first month that we didn't know any of the tourist's sites or popular restaurants. Our days were spent with daily visits to the park, long walks around Vieux Nice, the Promenade, and playing at the beautiful blue water beach. We would get croissants at our favorite patisserie daily along with a baguette and some fruits and vegetables for from the market. It's 2017 and in this day where anything is explorable on the internet, these are the types of vacations people need to be having. After all, why are we on vacation? Advertisement Vacation for the 9-5/corporate employee ends up being as stressful as the situation you left, I know I have been there. Trying to see and do everything and cramming in every sightseeing excursion. Checking every box and taking the most pictures possible to share on social media. The irony is all the pictures end up on a hard drive never to be seen again. From my experience, seeing landmarks are fine but going to a foreign market for a few days in a row to get groceries is not only really living, but my ideal vacation. Hardly anyone goes to experience the local culture and live in a way they aren't used to. The next vacation you take, immerse yourself in the culture and really experience what life is like. Take a deep breath and enjoy the little moments, as those add up to the big memories. Take mental photos and relish every moment. The report from heads of American intelligence agencies has confirmed the obvious: Russia deliberately tried to influence the outcome of the American election in favor of Donald Trump. The agencies' report found no evidence that the Russians tried to electronically change vote totals; they were content to mess with our heads, and in that, they did quite well. I find complaints about these Russian actions by some US leaders laughable. The hard truth is that, by making adroit use of our weaknesses, Russia beat us at our own game. There were three main parts to the Russian strategy. The first involved hacking into the internal email systems of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) looking for whatever they could find that, exposed, might damage the Clinton campaign. Most of what they found was harmless "boiler room" talk, but they also found emails that made Clinton look hypocritical or worse, especially in the public descriptions she made of her relationships with Wall Street. Others detailed how the Clinton campaign, and some members of the DNC, actively connived to sabotage the campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clinton's primary opponent. Disseminated by WikiLeaks, this hacked information, in a race made close by many other factors, hurt the credibility of Clinton and her campaign. Advertisement Truth be told, it was the DNC's own fault for being as vulnerable as they were. They'd been repeatedly warned by the FBI that Russian-based hackers we're trying to break into their internal email systems but they did nothing to protect themselves; the FBI, in its own dereliction of duty, did not emphatically follow up on its warnings. The Russian hacks into the DNC were not even state-of-the-art, we are now told, and could easily have been thwarted had the DNC made even a modest effort to do so. And, of course, the DNC has only themselves to blame for there being damaging "dirt" for the Russian hackers to find in the first place. The second prong of the Russian strategy was to use an army of trolls to invent and then disseminate as widely as possible over social media "fake news" stories that made Clinton look bad. What should worry us most is not that the Russians disseminated fake news (they were hardly alone in doing so)--but that so many Americans were gullible enough to swallow it. The American electorate has become so unaware, so captive by highly partisan sources of information to the exclusion of all others, that too many of us have lost our ability to sort what's true from what isn't. Millions of Americans--taught by relentless ideologues to "trust their guts" over "experts," "facts," and "science"--have become extremely vulnerable to clever manipulators of their emotions; they believe even the most ridiculous lies if they're repeated often enough and with enough passion. The third element of Russian strategy is to use RT, its own global news station, to focus on stories, opinions and analysis that favored Trump over Clinton. RT has a viewership in the millions. Advertisement [Note: I am a regular commentator on RT, mostly on issues of national security and the Middle East. My interviews offer a balanced view of important global issues, free of propaganda by any side. I regularly criticize Russian actions on-air.] What drives many US Cold Warriors nuts is that RT is very open about its aim to challenge western domination of global news, and to offer alternative views and analysis, including those from a Russian point of view--just as Voice of America has done for the US for decades. How dare they? Welcome to the new multipolar world, folks, where no one can control global communications. The cyberspace is no one's property and the Russians have as much right to use it as anybody else. It's just that we Americans are used to our points of view flying around the world far more than we are used to contrary views from others landing in our living rooms, laptops, smart phones and tablets. Finally, American criticisms of Russia's attempts to influence our elections are a classic case of pot calling the kettle black. Interfering in others' governance is a black art form that the US perfected in places like Iran and Chile. Our tool kit has included everything from violent regime change and vote rigging to gentler methods, including pumping cash into election campaigns and using US-funded organizations to train factions we favored in how to win elections. From 1946 to 2000, according to Carnegie Mellon University's Dov Levin in a recent LA Times article, the US interfered in foreign elections 81 times compared to 36 times by the Russians. Next steps? Cyberwarfare and social media disinformation campaigns are games that anybody can play and some people may be playing them better than we are. While few think that Russian meddling was a decisive factor in Trump's victory, that the Russians did as well as they did should be a source of deep embarrassment to the US. The President-elect's announcement that he'll up-level our own cyberwarfare game is one I hope he follows through on. Advertisement Meanwhile, give the Russians their due. They outsmarted us this time around. It should never happen again. Once upon a time, in a political universe far, far away, presidents and presidential candidates were obliged to weigh in on an esoteric laboratory procedure that extracted stem cells from human embryos, and on an innovative veterinary practice that enabled mammals to be cloned. In that exotic time and place, profound moral questions were vigorously debated in the media and in the Oval Office by big thinkers on the left and right, faith-based and secular. Presidential commissions furrowed their collective brows while scientists worried about their freedom to inquire, and policy wonks chewed over the spiritual implications of new biology for the body politic. Through it all, the politics of emerging biotech were rough and heated but, relatively speaking, the debate was profound and usually dignified. Advertisement As often happens, matters were cooled by events and non-events. No human clones appeared, despite promises by fringe groups of imminent deliveries. Using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a guide, scientists figured out how to obtain potent stem cells without destroying human embryos, and a president specified new ethical controls while approving new embryonic lines for research, as scientists claimed they were still needed. Since then, many laboratories have focused more on non-embryo-derived cells, though the hoped-for replacement of diseased tissues by means of stem cell biology has not fully come to pass. Though off of page one, stem cells have proven useful as a research platform, including in the confirmation of the Zika virus's effects on the fetal brain. Now comes Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) as the secretary-designate of the US Department of Health and Human Services. As a member of Congress, Price voted against a 2005 bill to allow hESC research, as well as a later bill that would have expanded research on more hESC lines. These votes aligned with his 100% pro-life stance, as measured by the National Right to Life Committee. Still in place is a 1995 law that prohibits using federal funds to destroy human embryos for research, known as the Dickey-Wicker amendment. Shortly after taking office, President Barack Obama ordered that more funding be made available for research on more lines. The US National Institutes of Health currently lists 369 hESC lines as permissible for use in federally funded research. When President Obama took office there were 21. Would a Secretary Price seek to reverse President Obama's 2009 executive order? If he did, what form would it take and what effect would that have? Price would surely have the support of Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who, as a member of Congress, also opposed hESC research. As members of Congress, Price and Pence staked their hopes on pluripotent stem cells. Advertisement There is much reason to believe that the Trump administration will hand cultural issues to social conservatives, especially those involving biotech. A reversal would make good political sense as it would send a 'thank you' message to the conservative evangelicals who finally rallied to the Trump-Pence ticket. As for the effect of new limitations on the science, a 2015 paper found that both cell types are still being used, with a few hESC lines still the gold standard, though less so than they once were. Perhaps of more interest is that the experiments are diversifying, rather than converging, so some laboratories are going with one form of potent cell, some with the other, depending on what problems they're working on. This looks like it adds up to a net positive for conservative politics and a question mark for science. But that would be too easy. New limitations on hESC research could blockade research on poorly understood aspects of human reproduction. Consider for example the humble yolk sac, anomalies of which are often implicated in miscarriage. Taking some cells off the registry because they were approved after a certain arbitrary date would wreak havoc on those projects that relied on them. Prohibiting new lines from being registered could hinder research that requires hESCs with different characteristics from those currently available. The politics aren't so clear, either. There are strongly anti-regulatory elements in the prospective government, sentiments that might not want to cede biotech to China. And there are national security implications. A few months ago James Clapper, the director of National Intelligence, identified genome editing as a novel biological weapons threat. The president-elect conspicuously included "curing disease" as one of his goals in a YouTube video before Thanksgiving. Secretary-designate Price has Obamacare to repeal and replace. With lots on its plate, the new administration might decide to let sleeping cells lie. Forget about the yoga studio. Conference room, bank vault, kitchen area, and game room are just a few of the unique spaces that were brought up when I spoke to some of San Francisco's top office yoga professionals. Working as an office yoga teacher is something altogether unique from working at a studio, and comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Maryam Sharifzadeh, the CEO of OfficeYoga.com, knows this, and is hosting San Francisco's first Office Yoga Teacher Training this March to help yoga teachers break into the growing industry. Her main challenge? Finding qualified teachers. The general 200 hour training doesn't prepare teachers for the population an instructor encounters when teaching in a corporate environment. Beyond that, Sharifzadeh hopes to support other entrepreneurial yogis starting their own office yoga businesses. After all, her first year teaching office yoga, Maryam made $31,000 working five hours per week. OfficeYoga.com CEO Maryam Sharifzadeh (third from left) and a group of office yoga students Many companies are beginning to discover the benefits of having regular yoga and meditation instruction during the work day. Studies in the Journal of Occupational Psychology and the Journal of Occupational Medicine have shown that mind-body stress reduction programs, offered in the workplace, have been effective in reducing work-related stress. In a randomized controlled trial, 239 participants of a national insurance carrier were given 12 weeks of either yoga or mindfulness training with accompanied at-home support. Individuals were then measured for stress levels, in addition to sleep quality, mood, and productivity. Those who received training had a marked reduction in perceived stress and sleep difficulty. Advertisement There are many other medical studies that have proven the benefit of yoga in the workplace. But employees aren't the only ones benefitting from the office yoga industry. Teachers are experiencing benefits, as well. "The group size is much more intimate. Most of the students already know each other, too. You see the same group of students every week. You learn their bodies and movement patterns much faster than in a studio through consistent attendance." says Sharifzadeh. She started her company in 2012, with her first client, Moovweb. They have been a client ever since. "I've really developed a great relationship with the employees at the companies I teach. I consider them my friends and happy to share the practice with them. I get to see the changes and hear stories of how yoga has directly benefitted them at work and in their personal lives." Advertisement Building relationships with students is one of the benefits of being an office yoga instructor Building close relationships with consistent students is one of the greatest perks of being an office yoga teacher. Many employees have their first yoga experiences in office yoga. Michelle McManus, a yoga teacher who contracts with OfficeYoga.com, had her first client in 2014. "Maryam was growing Office Yoga and was looking for someone to help sub. Just so happened, I was hoping to teach full time. I started subbing for Maryam at Design Map in San Francisco. I fell in love with the DM yogis, and we transitioned the group over to me full time shortly after subbing!" The true talent of an office yoga teacher comes from being able to negotiate awkward spaces. McManus describes what she's used to: "Being an office yoga teacher is the best. You can see the relief in people's faces when you show up. It's a true gift to take a break during the day and move your body. I literally teach in a kitchen of a start up. We move the sofa, rug, and coffee table out of the way to make space to move. Your students have been sitting in chair, staring at a computer, all day. Most of the time, other people are still working at their desks while you're teaching. Kind of odd, but totally awesome. They get the yoga too, they just don't know it." Chandra Lovejoy, another San Francisco office yoga instructor, emphasized the importance of setting boundaries for those who are practicing in the office yoga environment and those that are still working. Advertisement "I have had experiences where people are working away at their desk, while others are practicing yoga just a few feet away. Music is a helpful tool to drown out noise but sometimes one must acknowledge the elephant in the room and then learn to move past it. As teachers we simply remind our students (and ourselves) to come back to the collective intention of the practice via breath and mind-body connection." An office yoga instructor must learn how to use any space for yoga Although it can be a huge challenge to learn how to instruct yoga in an office environment, it is clear that office yoga teachers firmly believe in what they are bringing to workplace communities. Lovejoy says it best when she described her feelings about being an office yoga instructor. "I feel honored and privileged to teach yoga in general and especially to those who work in an office for most of their day and evening. I believe this is very important work; breath control, meditation, and mindful movement of the body is key for optimal health and well-being. To bring this practice to people in their work environment is extremely rewarding." As the office yoga industry grows, so will the office yoga teaching workforce. Sharifzadeh is excited to be moving the industry forward, and equipping instructors with the tools to be the best office yoga instructors they can be. Even though teaching office yoga can be a challenge, Sharifzadeh notes that the benefits far outweigh the challenges. President of the UN's 70th General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, and Mette Holm recently spent 15 months in New York while he was in office at the UN. Since their return to Denmark in September they have co-authored a book on their experiences at the UN as well as in New York City. This is the second excerpt from the book, adapted and translated from the Danish. Very few chapters in the book were written by only one of the co-authors; this one, Chapter 19, was written by Lykketoft alone. Informal dialogue with Antonio Guterres (left) UN Photo It came as a surprise to most that we managed to open the process of selecting a new Secretary General of the United Nation. Here too, the Security Council's permanent members had so far been opposed, and the UN's first eight Secretary Generals have been presented to the General Assembly for rubber stamping after opaque backroom dealings in the Security Council. On October 13, 2016, the UN General Assembly elected Antonio Guterres as the UN's ninth Secretary General, effective 1 January, 2017. It was a great and moving moment: Never in the history of the UN has it been more convincing that the best man was indeed elected to become Secretary General. This was explicitly stated in all the welcome speeches; as a tribute to the Secretary General-elect, and also as praise and a result of the completely new and different election process, which I spearheaded as President of the General Assembly. Advertisement I knew Antonio Guterres from his time as Portugal's socialist Prime Minister 1995-2002 as a man of strong opinion and great vigour. Antonio also served as chairman of the Socialist International, the global association of socialist and social democratic parties. In this capacity, he led a large meeting with African leaders in Maputo, Mozambique, in November 2000, which I attended for the Danish Social Democratic Party, Denmark's governing party at the time. Guterres' close connection with Africa contributed to making him front runner in the race to become Secretary General. Most important, however, were likely his tireless and honourable efforts as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 2005-2015, which in many countries' assessment made him the most appropriate candidate in this point in time - in a world with 65 million people displaced from their homes because of war and persecution. The post as Secretary General is the most important in the UN. The SG is 'government' and administrative leader. The UN Charter also provides the SG with a wide range of opportunities of initiative, including to convene the Security Council and call for action against threats to international peace and security. From his - or her - position, the SG must exude moral authority and demonstrate exceptional diplomatic and political skill to unify interests and end conflicts. Furthermore, there's need for an inspired SG with ideas, courage and strength to modernise and streamline the mighty UN-machine, which suffers from too many silos and bureaucratic procedures. If anyone can handle this seemingly impossible role at this point in time, it is Antonio Guterres. Here's how the way was paved for his selection: When we arrived at the United Nations in the summer of 2015, interest in the election of the new SG was already massive. Everywhere were lively discussions on how this election could be conducted in transparency and with the actual participation of all UN member states. Advertisement The views were plenty. Most consistent was the perception that a more open process would be conducive to the selection of a strong and independent personality. Many energetically advocated making UN's equality target specific by selecting the first woman as SG; and there were strong views on regional rotation, where Eastern Europe as the only region that hadn't yet delivered an SG claimed to be next in line. Encouraged by the active and broad participation in the debate on the sustainability goals (SDGs), civil society demanded that interested citizens of the world had opportunity to discuss the candidates as well as with them, and make their views known; among them not least the new NGO 1for7Billion, an association of more than 750 NGOs who claim to represent 170 million people, and whose name expresses the requirement that the person in UN's top job is not just a pig in the middle of the big powers, but a true representative of all humanity. The UN Charter only very briefly states that the Secretary General is elected by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. It says nothing about the process leading up to the election, nothing about regional rotation, nor the job specific content or duration of the tenure. And the wording in the English version of the Charter is even outdated and inappropriate, clearly stating that the SG must be a man; the Russian version uses the word for human. Fortunately, in this particular case everyone agrees to interpret from the Russian version of the Charter. Historically, the process has pivoted around the Security Council's role as 'appointment committee'. The five permanent member states' veto power in the Security Council in effect meant that it was they who must agree on which candidate to present to the General Assembly. Negotiations on candidates have often been lengthy and opaque. And it always ended up with the Security Council bringing only one name forward, and every time with a suggested term of five years, with the possibility of extending with one more term. Advertisement So, for the first 70 years, the General Assembly's election of the SG has basically been rubber stamping a difficult birth in the Security Council. The first eight SGs were very different personalities, who worked on the world stage under strongly changing conditions during and after the Cold War, while the United Nations membership grew from 51 to 193 states. The Security Council's five permanent members, the US, USSR/Russia, China, UK and France, seemed reluctant to nominate a strong and independent personality for the office. Dag Hammarskjold and Kofi Annan were examples of officials, who'd been expected to keep a low profile; instead, they rose to the challenge and proved both willing and able to wrestle with the major powers. There's nothing new in the member states' demands for real influence on the election of the Secretary General. It has been criticized that the Security Council deliberations took place in secret. Other UN member states and the world public often didn't even know whom or what the Security Council discussed - in the formerly smoke shrouded - back rooms. Even less known were secret agreements on the consecutive distribution of top posts in the UN system, in order to secure support for the various candidates. Only afterwards was it obvious that such agreements existed, and were the way for major powers to secure key posts in the UN system. Now that Guterres has taken office, it will be interesting to see whether - or how - this system has been perpetuated. Up until 2015 the explicit desire for a new selection process was never followed by action. The wishes were repeated in the 69th session's final days in September 2015 with a unanimously adopted resolution on 'revitalisation' of the work of the General Assembly. The resolution called for organising an 'informal dialogue' between the General Assembly and each candidate to the post of SG. Advertisement As President of the 70th General Assembly, I was determined to push the process forward this time. The first hurdle was that according to the resolution, the process was to be initiated with a joint letter from the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council. No doubt, this was at the request of the Security Council's five permanent members in order to avoid attempts at shifting the balance of power between the Assembly and the Council. Referring to the resolution, and without much success, I set out with a draft letter. Presidency of the Security Council rotates between members every month, and the current president can only sign a letter if all 15 members agree on the text. Russia's ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, had numerous suggestions for revising the text and little understanding of the need to change things. Like so much at the UN, for a good while it looked as if we weren't even going to get started. In the absence of a permanent president, the Council appointed British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft to author the letter along with me. UK is one of the five permanent members - and Matthew is staunchly in favour of openness in the SG election. Both Matthew's team and my highly competent staff member on the issue, Meena Syed from Norway, were losing heart in the light of Russian opposition. But in early December 2015 Matthew suggested that he and Vitaly came by my office to see if the three of us together could work out a text. My team never expected more than the meeting might enlighten us on the major obstacles of agreeing on a text. But, figuring that the actual wording of the text was subordinate to giving me, as PGA, free reins to initiate a new process without interference from the Security Council, I tried, full speed, to meet the Russian proposals. Quite remarkably, we succeeded. Vitaly left the office saying that if this was really so important to me, then fine. No one would be interested in the procedure anyway, he said, implying that, as always, anything of importance would surely take place in the Security Council. Much to Vitaly's credit, a few months later he admitted to me that he'd been mistaken. Advertisement In my cabinet, we immediately started calling for proposals for candidates and drawing up details of the so-called informal dialogue, which was a two-hour examination of each candidate separately, transmitted live as well as subsequently around the world on the web. Candidates were required to provide a written presentation of their vision for the United Nations and the office. During the examination, they had 10 minutes to present themselves and their vision for the UN; the rest was a dialogue with member states asking - often very specific - questions, and the candidates answering. In between we screened two or three videos with questions from civil society, which the candidate had to answer. Thousands of other questions were put to the candidates via social media, and we picked a few key questions in real time and passed them on. The candidates also participated in public meetings outside the UN and around the world. 13 candidates were put forward. Eight from Eastern Europe, including five from the former Yugoslavia and two from Bulgaria. Seven were women. I personally chaired 12 of the 13 dialogues with the candidates. Not everyone was keen on the idea of sitting for the exam in the General Assembly, cameras rolling. A few of them - Irina Bokova from Bulgaria and Srgjan Kerim of Macedonia - tried to excuse themselves in order to avoid the very public dialogue. Considerable pressure on their advisors and their countries' permanent representatives in New York made them change their minds and participate. Most likely, the two had an inkling that they would hardly come out winners. And most likely, other candidates too were well aware that their chances were minimal, but used the opportunity to position themselves on the international stage in order to, perhaps at a later stage, come into consideration for other international assignments. For example, it wouldn't be at all surprising, if Slovakia's foreign minister emerges as Eastern Europe's candidate for the PGA 2017-2018. Advertisement There's little doubt that the idea of a woman or an Eastern European (or both) would have stood a better chance, had the region been able to agree on a single candidate. Because Bulgaria very early on presented a female candidate, the most qualified and agreeable woman candidate from Eastern Europe, the EU Commission's Bulgarian Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva, was only allowed to enter the race a few weeks before the decision was made. Such late arrival in the run-up would have made no difference in the past, when everything was decided shrouded in secrecy in a Security Council back room. But the new process changed conditions irrevocably: The Security Council can only consider candidates, who have been introduced in the General Assembly through the informal dialogue. When Georgieva finally arrived in the process, the party was almost over, although she, too, made it to the presentation in the General Assembly, chaired by my successor. Trusteeship Council - or simply: Finn Juhl Hall UN Photo Most appropriately, the dialogues took place in the Trusteeship Council, which we Danes call the Finn Juhl Hall, as it was designed by the Danish architect Finn Juhl as a gift from Denmark, both originally in the early 1950es, and in the refurbished version of 2013; along with the General Assembly Hall it is one of the UN Headquarters' most magnificent rooms. The dialogues turned out to be a true crowd-puller. All members' seats were packed, as were the staff's and visitors'. The dialogues provided an opportunity to get to know the candidates, their priorities and personalities, for the first time. And it became a unique platform for discussing the UN's major challenges, sustainable development, war and peace, respect for human rights and the need for administrative reforms. A very large part of member states' ambassadors, the US, Britain and France included, participated actively in the debates. Russia and China were present, observed keenly, but remained silent. Further to the mandatory dialogues, along with the TV-station al-Jazeera, we organised a live broadcast of a town hall meeting between 10 of the candidates in the General Assembly Hall in July. The debate was chaired by two of al-Jazeera's excellent and experienced journalists, and all other media had free access to broadcast the debate, live or on tape, in its entirety or in excerpts. Advertisement Across the globe, acouple of hundred million people followed the debate. Afterwards it was made available on-line. Vitaly Churkin resented the live broadcast of the town hall debate. He questioned our right to conduct a live debate, and why al-Jazeera had been given the task. I replied that all along, I had expressed the wish to present the candidates to a world-wide audience, and thus it shouldn't come as a surprise. Strangely, al-Jazeera was the only channel that felt up to the challenge, including sharing the broadcast with all other interested TV channels. 'Hopefully, you'll do no such thing again', Vitaly said. 'Perhaps,' I replied, 'and Russian television can have the assignment next time!' That was the end of that. A number of countries wanted the Security Council to present more SG-nominees than one for the General Assembly to vote on, as well as a fixed term of seven years rather than the usual five years with the possibility of extension with another term; the latter to give the new SG greater independence from the major powers from the outset. These two proposals never came to a vote. The first paled as the wide consensus for Guterres gradually materialised. This was good, as a vote could have weakened the new leader's authority; and the new process granted the member states influence. Neither was the second proposal upheld. This may have been due to the amusing suggestion by former SG Kofi Annan, while we were having lunch: Not being able to be re-elected might sound like a grand idea to UN ambassadors in New York. But many heads of state, not least in Africa, might turn up their noses at the thought of establishing such a principle - at home or abroad! Kofi Annan, too, was full of praise for the new process for the selection of a new Secretary General. Of the 13 candidates, Antonio Guterres made the strongest impression by far, both in his dialogue with the General Assembly and in the town hall debate with nine other candidates. This is what I believe as well as the conviction of everyone else I have talked to. Even though many of us had hoped, for the sake of equality that a woman came out best, we must also welcome the fact that the best candidate won. Advertisement There's absolutely no doubt that the dialogue and debate affected the member states' decision. And the five permanent members with veto power were more obliged than ever before to consider the opinion of their friends and allies outside the Security Council. It was perhaps the first time that the 10 countries elected by the General Assembly to the Security Council for a two-year term, felt like true representatives of the other 178 member countries and listened to their opinion. Before the process started, a cynic, who has been with the UN for several years, stated: 'It won't be Guterres. He is neither a woman, nor from Eastern Europe, and he is too intelligent and strong minded for the major powers.' Fortunately, our friend was wrong! From July to October, the Security Council held six straw-polls. Through them all, Antonio Guterres enjoyed consistent support from the vast majority of the 15 Council members - and he was opposed by the fewest. In the first as well as the last round, no country voted against Guterres. 13 were for - including the perm five - and two neutral. So, we crossed the finishing line with flying colours! As President of the Security Council in October 2016, Russia's Vitaly Churkin received unanimous support to nominate Antonio Guterres. And back home in Denmark, we watched when Vitaly proudly announced that Antonio Guterres had won the last straw-poll uncontested. This was a nice departure from the first five straw-polls, which obsolete forces in the Security Council desperately tried to keep secret from the General Assembly and other interested parties. Never the less, results were on Twitter within half an hour, leaked by pro-transparency members. It was foolish to try to keep the results secret, and after the first straw-poll, I wrote as much in an open letter to the Security Council - a letter which pleased the General Assembly and reform-minded members of the Security Council. But, this too, was history when, unanimously and in high spirits, the General Assembly accepted the recommendation of Antonio Guterres as UN Secretary General on the 13th of October 2016 with standing ovation. Advertisement My husband, Mogens Lykketoft, and I recently spent 15 months in New York during his tenure as President of the UN General Assembly. Since our return to Denmark in September we have written a book on our experiences at the UN and in New York City, I Verdens tjeneste (Serving the World), published in December 2016 by Rosinante & Co. The above is from chapter 19. We hope to have the book published in English in the near future. This is our third co-authored book; the first was on China (2006), the second on Myanmar (2012) Read the first translated excerpt from 'I verdens tjeneste - 15 maneder for FN' (Serving the World - 15 months for the UN), Trump's United States may be a threat to United Nations. I have two pressing questions about which I need your help. The two might appear to be unrelated but what ties them together is an Islamophobic radio host who works for a group on the Southern Poverty Law Center's list of hate groups. Here they are: Is it acceptable to lie if you're lying for Jesus? What's the opposite of plagiarism? These two questions stem from comments that Bryan Fischer made on his radio show last week. Drawing on his background as a pastor, he proudly discussed how he fought a "knucklehead" member of the Boise city council who wanted to remove a statue commemorating the Ten Commandments from a city park. Although Fischer failed and the statue was removed because of the establishment clause of the first amendment of the US Constitution, now, years later, he's still angry. Fischer tied this event to his antipathy for those with religious beliefs different from his and claimed that unless someone is devoted to Jesus Christ and to "the public acknowledgement of the Ten Commandments," s/he is a traitor. Advertisement Alluding to George Washington's Farewell Address as his source, Fischer said: George Washington said, "Look, a guy cannot be considered a patriot, he cannot be considered a patriotic American, if he labors to subvert either Christianity or the Ten Commandments." The essence of what it means to be a patriot, according to George Washington, the definition of patriotism, the essence of patriotism, is a man who is a sincerely devoted follower of Jesus Christ and seeks to live his life by the Ten Commandments, who adheres to Christianity and to the Ten Commandments. That is the definition and the mark and the hallmark of a patriot. He concludes with the following amazing statement: "You want to find a traitor to your country, find somebody who is actively working to oppose Christianity and oppose the public acknowledgment of the Ten Commandments. You are looking, my friend, right there at an American traitor." Here's the full audio clip to show you I'm not making this up! The fact is, however, that George Washington never said what Fischer claimed he said. In his Farewell Address, Washington made a far more generic point. He said, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men & citizens." Hardly the rousing defense of Jesus Christ Fischer claims. Advertisement Similarly, in his 1790 Letter to Touro Synagogue, Washington said something in direct opposition to what Fischer claims. In response to a letter from Moses Seixas, warden of the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, looking for assurance of religious freedom for Jews, Washington demonstrated a very different understanding of good citizenship and patriotism than that offered by Fischer: The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. So, no, Washington certainly didn't claim that only "a sincerely devoted follower of Jesus Christ" can be a patriot. And, no, you can't look to someone's religion to decide if that person is a traitor. Fischer has a penchant for castigating those with religious beliefs that differ from his. One example will make this point. In a piece he published a while back entitled "Islam and the First Amendment: privileges but not rights," Fischer claimed "From a constitutional point of view, Muslims have no First Amendment right to build mosques in America." While Fischer might well be a bigot, he's certainly not an idiot. He has to know that his claims about Washington are untrue and that point returns me to my two questions. Advertisement Years ago, I was ambushed by Ken Ham, the head of Answers in Genesis, the organization in charge of the two Kentucky creationist theme parks called The Creation Museum and Ark Encounter, when I agreed to do an interview on a fundamentalist Christian radio show. To my surprise, Ken was on the show ready to debate me. As I wrote years ago, "When asked why neither the host nor Ken had the courtesy to inform me that I was to participate in a debate rather than in an interview, I was told that they believed that I wouldn't have accepted their offer had I been told the truth. When I questioned them about the deception, I was told that since the debate was to further God's wishes, a minor deception of this sort was acceptable." What Ham did seems similar to what Fischer has done: deceiving or lying to, in their minds, further God's wishes. If this sort of behavior is acceptable, what, really, does it mean to be a Christian? We all know that plagiarism means taking of someone else's words or ideas and claiming them as your own. What is it called when you take your own words and claim that they were uttered by someone else? What is the appropriate terminology for the reverse of plagiarism, for this is exactly what Bryan Fischer did and he has to know it. This article first appeared on Rabble.ie In Latin America communities resisting the corporate destruction of their lands speak of being up against a logic of "extractivism," a term which Naomi Klein popularised in her book This Changes Everything. In recent years, Northern Ireland has seen terrorism--and to a lesser degree sectarianism--recede in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement. A new -ism has risen in the power-sharing of the peace process. We are witnessing the government-backed roll-out of extractivism: wilful destruction of the commons for private profit. Northern Ireland may be nominally "post-conflict" but it is still only nearly normal--where else would a current Environment Minister claim, as the DUP's Michelle McIlveen did, that there is no need to develop climate change legislation? This is a logic completely disconnected from the realities of the 21st Century. Advertisement In the real world, of course, the 1 degree Celsius global warming which humans have already caused is wreaking havoc on millions of lives worldwide, with more frequent and severe droughts leading to prolonged famines in many countries and fuelling conflicts. A further warming of two degrees Celsius would lead to conditions that are, according to renowned climate scientist Kevin Anderson, "incompatible with an organised global community." Painfully aware of this planetary emergency, social movements pressured governments to include a goal of keeping global average temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The Agreement became law this November, and almost all countries have submitted plans to reduce their emissions. The world is moving towards de-carbonization. Though the direction is clear, the speed of travel is too slow. Current pledges under the Paris Agreement, if fulfilled, would still result in warming between 2.7 and 7.3 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. There is no time for dawdling: according to UNEP the next 3 years are make or break for meeting the 1.5 degree goal. Developed countries such as the UK have accepted that they should be taking the lead in the effort to cut carbon emissions while also supporting developing countries to achieve sustainable development. Although analysis has shown that the rich countries have not been taking on their fair share of the effort, and their mid-term targets are also a long way from being fair, they at least recognise the moral imperative to act. Advertisement Following this imperative, the 2008 UK Climate Change Act introduced a legally binding target: reduce overall emissions 35% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% by 2050. But this only applies to aggregate UK emissions rate--Northern Ireland is not required to take on its own fair share of the effort within the UK. According the the Committee on Climate Change (a statutory body set up to advise the UK government), "it's implicit that all the countries contribute to the required reductions", although there are no specific targets for any of the home nations. Trump's pick for HHS Secretary, Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), is one of the worst members of Congress in terms of disclosing required information about his donors (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) BY: ASHLEY BALCERZAK Turns out the Federal Election Commission isn't happy with him either, calling out the nominee for lousy disclosure on the campaign finance reports he turned in last year. Advertisement A Jan. 8 letter from the agency to Price's campaign points out that there is no employer or occupation given for many of the donors listed on his most recent report -- in fact, it comes out to about 30 percent. Instead, the campaign entered "Information Requested" in the corresponding column -- which doesn't satisfy the FEC's requirement. Over the entire two-year 2016 cycle, Price failed to give any info about a donor's occupation for $111,577 in contributions through Nov. 28, or 13.2 percent of all the money he raised. Donors of an additional $1,350 are labeled vaguely as "businessman," "entrepreneur" and the like, descriptions that don't exactly clear up the picture. Compared with his peers, Price looks pretty dismal. Among members of Congress who won their races this cycle, he's among the 25 worst on quality of disclosure. The average figure for "full disclosure" -- no missing data -- for these lawmakers is 96.2 percent, and the median is 98.1 percent, more than 10 percentage points above Price. And the Georgia Republican's 13.2 percent of entries without a company or occupation is astronomical compared to the median of .51 percent, or average of .83 percent, for all Congress. Reporting employment data for all congressional winners in 2016 The worst of the bunch is Republican Claudia Tenney, newly elected to New York's District 22, whose entries were incomplete for $141,000 in donations, or 36.9 percent of what she raised. Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), another of Trump's tapped picks for his administration, failed to properly report only 1.1 percent of donors' occupations. Four members of Congress boast incomplete data for contributors giving what adds up to millions of dollars: Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) with $7.3 million, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) with $2.1 million, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) with $1.4 million and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) with $1.3 million. (To play around in the data yourself, see our spreadsheet.) The election agency told Price to demonstrate that "best efforts" were made to get all the required info. Best efforts probably aren't as strenuous as you think they are. Price only needs to ask donors one more time for their job titles. If the donor refuses, Price is off the hook. Advertisement Price is supposed to prove he asked that second time; otherwise, he risks a civil penalty, could have to take an FEC compliance course or face an audit, according to FEC press officer Christian Hilland. (The FEC cannot speak specifically about ongoing cases.) Rep. Price's campaign did not respond to a request for comment. The largest incomplete line item in his last report, a $2,700 contribution in October, came from a Robert A. Yellowlees in Atlanta, Georgia. A quick Google search pulls up a page for a member of the Emory Global Health Advisory Board with the same name. This Yellowlees is the retired board chairman of Global Payments Inc., NDCHealth and National Data Corporation, and starting his career with IBM. He also serves on the boards of Woodruff Arts Center and the High Museum of Art and Aperture Foundation. (His family, incidentally gave $400,000 to the High Museum of Art in 2014.) What's the big deal about this kind of missing data on donors? "Congress required campaigns to seek occupation and employer information from campaign contributors so the public would know who was supporting each candidate," said Brett Kappel, a partner at Akerman LLP. "The information allows the public to know whether a candidate is supported by members of a specific trade or profession as well as whether they are supported by a specific company." Employer data is key to the work of the Center for Responsive Politics. Political giving patterns by employees can show how an organization is trying to exert influence in Washington, since corporations cannot give through their own treasuries and their PAC contributions often tell just part of the story. While we can't know the motivation behind every contribution, the Center's research has found correlations between individuals' contributions and their employers' interests. With this required field left blank, voters are left with an incomplete picture of the interests that may be attempting to sway their elected officials. Advertisement Price's confirmation hearing is tentatively set for Jan. 18. In a Financial Times article that appeared in 2014, British leadership scholar David Collinson argued that the introduction of '"McDonaldised" US-style audit cultures stifled rather than enhanced the quality of research in business schools in the UK. One of the things that attracted his attention was the management practice of using the publication of peer-reviewed articles in specific journals as the only yardstick for assessing the relevance of scholarly research activity. Oddly enough, this excludes measures for what outsiders might still consider the core business of any school, i.e. the quality of teaching. Business schools are letting us down This is not the only misgiving one can formulate against a system that claims the high ground, but falls short on delivery. Historians of science have long understood that many breakthroughs take place at the margins, or outside the scientific mainstream. At times they even have to battle it out against prevailing paradigms. This explains the inertia that innovators have to overcome before they can rally a critical mass of early adopters. This in itself is not new. And neither is it a reason for concern, providing a marketplace for competing ideas continues to exist. It is here, however, that business schools are letting us down, by demolishing the marketplace and making way for a research monoculture: most journals on the various 'quality lists' brandished by university managers as their New Bible - and a crucial simplifier of their strategizing - adhere to one or another form of positivist empiricism. Unfortunately, many contributions in this school excel not in sense-making, but in the slightness of the increments they add to already existing theory. Meanwhile, equally legitimate alternative or critical lines of enquiry and methodologies are given the cold shoulder by the cream of the crop of journals. Advertisement A mechanistic approach to organizations The performative assessment culture that is increasing its footprint in business schools also dismisses intellectual output other than articles in quality lists journals. This emulation of practice in the natural sciences was justified in the past, when the discipline of business and management still had to establish its scientific credibility. Nowadays, however, there is no reason why the discipline should continue to limit the venue and form of debate to such a small number of outlets and channels, and to one type of scientific contribution. The raison d'etre of the natural sciences is different from that of business and management, and the generation of relevant knowledge needs to take this into account. An overly mechanistic approach to organizations is even counterproductive, as it tends to minimize both the human factor and unpredictability. Recent calls that business schools are becoming irrelevant base themselves on the observation that, instead of addressing real-world problems or informing modern management practice, the apparent purpose of much of their research is to provide a forum for a new type of scholasticism, whose loftiness serves nobody but the 'paradigm community'. Intellectual eco-systems of heterodoxy and alterity While the charge sheet against the turn taken by many business schools is beginning to be established by critical scholars (another topical issue are retractions of articles in top journals, and similar on-goings), this is not my main point. Intriguingly, Collinson also touched upon the fact that it was in pockets of the much-criticized US educational system that intellectual eco-systems of heterodoxy and alterity were weathering the ongoing storm. The fetishisation of audit culture then is a truly British, and European, phenomenon, and can be partly explained by the lack of philanthropism on par with the United States. Advertisement The European disciples are equally likely to sleep through another minor revolution that is currently taking place across the Atlantic. In a study published in 2011 and titled Rethinking Undergraduate Business Education: Liberal Learning for the Profession, the influential Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching urged a major reconfiguration of management education. Liberal learning for the Profession It has to be recalled that the last time a major shake-up occurred in the discipline, in 1959, this was based on recommendations from the same entity. While the criticism then had been that business schools were not sufficiently distinct from vocational schools, and had to become more solidly embedded in the academe, the new Carnegie paradigm holds that management education today is off target: it produces managers who have an unwarranted faith in linear one-way causation and an instrumentalist frame of mind, both of which incapacitate thinking outside the box and comprehending the bigger picture. The new study insinuates that this is the worst possible position to be in for confronting the sustainability challenge. It therefore calls for a new generation of mindful and integrative thinkers, manager-humanists and leaders capable of reconciling opposites, and argues that this educational goal can only be achieved through an inclusion, in business school curricula, of the systemic skills taught through the liberal arts and humanities. Remodifying the focus of management education In concrete terms, this means that the modes of thought which became the focus of management education after 1959 (logical empiricism, rational choice and agency theory, or LERCAT) are outdated and have to give way to an emphasis on the new modes of analytical thinking, multiple framing, reflective exploration of meaning, and practical reasoning. This puts the new Carnegie paradigm at odds with the recent direction taken by many management schools. It is equally out of phase with the factory model that underlies not only the way research contributions are assessed, but also the 'product' that is outputted at the end of the line. Advertisement However, contrary to the situation in 1959, when there were only a handful of business schools in the world (and these were concentrated in a small number of places), today's Carnegie recommendations are likely to run into a barrage of hostile fire, or be ignored. With a never-ending torrent of candidates from emerging economies for competitive places at reputable Western business schools, deans inaccessible to reasoned argument do have the option of putting their heads in the sand and playing ostrich. The role of modern philanthropy Donald Trump won the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. He managed to pass the required 270 threshhold by capturing rust belt states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan. He also won in part due to Utah, since all 6 of Utah's electoral votes went to Trump. This may have surprised some people since Trump's polling in Utah was quite low due to a high disdain for him among many Mormons. However, when push came to shove many Mormon voters showed their true colors, choosing political party over morals and values. Some might say this is an unfair accusation. I would argue that in fact, my assertion is putting it too mildly. Mormon voters pride themselves in being people with a high moral code and sense of ethics. Somehow, though there were enough Mormons who threw those beliefs out the window and instead chose a man who is the antithesis of everything Mormons support and believe in. Now there may be a myriad of reasons Mormon voters chose Trump. Most can be boiled down to party and political affiliation which seemed to supersede all other reasoning. It seems that millions of Mormons just cannot let go of their conservative ideology, even when it was Trump, the was the most unqualified person running against the most qualified person - Hillary Clinton. Many Mormons are Republican party loyalists first and church members second. I say this because no active, faithful, and believing Mormon can say that almost any of Trump's statements and actions align with any church values. Advertisement If you are a Mormon Trump voter, here are the things the man you voted for has done: Called undocumented Mexican immigrants rapists and called for building a wall between Mexico and the U.S. Laughed at those who served in our military like Republican Senator John McCain Mocked a reporter with a disability Proposed a ban on all Muslims from coming into the country Promoted violence and hate when referencing protestors at his rallies. Insulted and demeaned women and sexualized their bodies When Mormon Trump voters cast their ballot on November 4th, they voted for a man who has done everything listed above and much more. If you are a Mormon Trump voter you cannot profess to believe in civility when you voted for a man who believes insults and fear are how we should communicate in this country. You can't talk about religious freedom and "fairness for all" when you helped elect a man who demonizes our immigrant Muslim brothers and sisters. You can't talk about honor and respect towards women and motherhood when you voted for a man who goes around making crass sexual jokes about women and brags about sexually assaulting them. You can't teach your kids the importance of honesty and then turn around and help put a man into the White House who believes lying and cheating workers out of pay is the way you run a business. You can't teach a primary lesson about treating others with kindness when you chose a man for president who thrives off being a bully and a bigot. To do these things would be hypocritical, of which Mormon Trump voters are completely guilty of. US Attorney General Loretta Lynch speaks during a Naturalization Ceremony for new US Citizens at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC, November 17, 2016. / AFP / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) Dear Attorney General Loretta Lynch: News outlets are reporting that you are about to settle the criminal case with Takata airbag defect case for nearly $1 billion and the Volkswagen emissions cheating case for nearly $2 billion. On the VW case, the New York Times reported that "the company or one of its corporate entities is expected to plead guilty to criminal charges as part of the deal." Advertisement On the Takata case, the New York Times reported that "one point that remains unresolved is whether there will be any guilty plea to criminal misconduct, either by the company or one of its subsidiaries." Takata's defective airbags have been linked to at least 11 deaths and more than 180 injuries in the United States. As you know, Clarence Ditlow, an engineer and lawyer who headed the Center for Auto Safety for many decades, passed away last year. In early 2016, Mr. Ditlow appeared on my weekly radio program - The Ralph Nader Radio Hour - and called for criminal charges to be brought against Takata and VW and its executives. Advertisement Ditlow called the Volkswagen diesel case one of the most egregious corporate crime cases in history. "This is one of the most egregious corporate crimes I have ever seen," Mr. Ditlow said. "When the Environmental Protection Agency set tough new standards for diesel engines, Volkswagen quickly discovered that its technology wouldn't meet the new standards. But, what they did is, instead of sending their engineers to work, designing a new system to clean up the diesel, they sent their engineers to work developing a computer program that would instruct the diesel engine to only work the emission controls during the test procedure. And, when the diesel is out in the real world on the highway, to turn off the emission controls. So, in order to do this you have to have engineers who deliberately programmed into the computer system a cheat device, which would turn off the emission controls. Clear knowledge. Clear intent. And they got caught." Ditlow said that "in the U.S. there are nearly 500,000 of these diesels with the cheat devices on them." "Across the world there are many millions, as many as 11 million vehicles in every country, polluting the atmosphere, causing adverse health effects. And, one study here in the U.S. said that there be as many as 60 deaths due to this corporate crime by Volkswagen." "I mean, we're not talking about a petty crime here. What we're talking about is a gross corporate crime. These diesels emit up to 40 times the amount of emissions that they are allowed to. And, it's very fine particulates that are coming out of the diesel. It's nitrogen oxides. And, it's going into the lungs of individuals, and if you're particularly sensitive you are quite likely to suffer disease and illness and ultimately death." Advertisement "The government in the U.S. the governments throughout Europe and the rest of the world ... send the responsible executives to jail," Ditlow said. "This is not something that a rogue engineer did. This is something that management approved, because, you cannot sell a car unless you get it certified by EPA. And, top management always looks at that. Because, if it can't sell the car, you're not going to make money. And, the way they made money this time was they cheated." On Takata, Mr. Ditlow said this: "Up through the year 2000, almost every airbag inflator made worldwide, including by Takata, used sodium azide as a propellant. Very stable. If it broke down it just simply degraded and there were no adverse effects. If you had to replace it, you had to replace it. But, what Takata did in the beginning of 2001 was to change the propellant to ammonium nitrate, an incredibly powerful explosive. It's what Terry McVeigh used to bring down the government office building in Oklahoma City. It's what a lot of terrorists in the Mideast are using in the improvised explosive devises. And so, yet this propellant that Takata used, it was known to degrade, known to explode, they put it into the airbag inflator to save, once again, a few pennies per inflator. And so, they knew immediately, once these inflators were put into production that they were failing, they were exploding, and when they exploded they sent the shrapnel of the housing into the occupant compartment. And, if you're behind the steering wheel and you had no other choice at that time, you are very likely to be killed or seriously injured." To bring justice to the victims of the Takata and VW criminal actions, I ask that you not just fine the companies and agree to deferred prosecution agreements, or a guilty plea against some subsidiary of the company - but bring the full weight of the criminal law - against both the parent company and responsible executives. The recent trend of settling major corporate crime cases with deferred or non prosecution agreements has undermined the criminal justice system and sent a message that we live in a society with a two tier system of justice - deferred and non prosecutions for the powerful, guilty pleas and jail for the powerless. Advertisement Whoever it was that leaked to the New York Times that "one point that remains unresolved [in the Takata case] is whether there will be any guilty plea to criminal misconduct, either by the company or one of its subsidiaries" was testing the public's sentiment on this issue. Whatever your next stop in the legal field - be it corporate law firm, Wall Street, academia, or public interest group - rest assured your judgment in these cases will go a long way to help define your legal legacy as Attorney General. Sincerely, Photo: Sun Sentinel via Getty Images In the immediate aftermath of the shooting rampage at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, journalists and law enforcement officials were scrambling for details. Yet even as the news broke that five people were killed and six others wounded, the social media universe had another, odd preoccupation. After early reports described the suspect, Esteban Santiago, 26, as a "white Hispanic," Twitter users and alt-right sites seemed to lose their collective minds. "What is White Hispanic? Fort Lauderdale shooters ethnicity sets Twitter abuzz," noted the International Business Times. "White Hispanic" became one of the top-trending Twitter terms of the day. Although it is not a phrase we hear in everyday use, "white Hispanic" is an accurate description of Santiago. The term does not reflect a political agenda; it reflects reality. The rush to condemn media outlets over using it is a wholly unnecessary distraction from a horrific event that still has many unanswered questions. Thousands of social media users certainly took issue with the term "white Hispanic." "What's a white Hispanic? Is that the same kind of thing as a black polar bear?" tweeted one commenter. Another asked, "So after white Hispanic, can white African American be far behind?" Advertisement These folks are apparently unaware of the nuances of Hispanic identity. The U.S. Census Bureau defines Hispanic/Latino as referring to "a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race." They key words here are regardless of race. In fact, Hispanics can be white, black, Asian, or multiracial. That's because the term "Hispanic," like "Latino," refers to an ethnicity, not a race. And a majority of Hispanics actually self-identify as white. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 53 percent of Hispanics chose "white " as their race, while 36 percent chose "some other race." The confusion over "white Hispanic" is understandable given that it is not a term in common usage. Many Americans are likely used to thinking of race, literally, in black and white terms, without grasping where Hispanics fit into such categories. But it is also important to keep things in context. The term was used when a breaking news story was unfolding in real time, when very little was known about Santiago. Journalists and law enforcement were simply trying to fill in the blanks surrounding the suspect's identity. That didn't stop some far-right outlets from inventing political motives. "Apparently "white Hispanic" is a term the liberal media lays on a person of Hispanic descent who does something bad," wrote a columnist in BizPac Review, "otherwise the person would be a proud Hispanic or a "hard-working Hispanic, or even just Hispanic." Other conservative commentators accused news outlets of lightening a photo of Santiago, to make him appear whiter - an allegation debunked by The Daily Beast. Advertisement If this controversy sounds familiar, it is because we have been here before. In 2013, George Zimmerman, then accused of shooting Trayvon Martin, was called a "white Hispanic" in the media, and similar outrage erupted. Yet even then, the clunky term fit. Zimmerman, the son of a Hispanic mother and a white father, could indeed be considered "white Hispanic." On a broader level, these debates over ethnic and racial terms perhaps reveal a level of discomfort with the changing face of America - as well as some flat-out bigotry. After author Tariq Nasheed tweeted that the Fort Lauderdale suspect was "white Hispanic," he received a torrent of online abuse, including the N-word and other race-based insults. Why does a term like "white Hispanic" upset some people so much, while using the N-word does not? Unfortunately, arguing over whether the Fort Lauderdale suspect should have been classified as "white Hispanic" distracts from more important issues. What was the suspect's motivation in gunning down innocent people in a crowded air terminal? Given his history of mental health problems, why was it so easy for him to access deadly weapons? Was he suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder related to his time serving in the military in Iraq? Every one of these questions warrants more discussion and consideration than Santiago's race or heritage. SKOKIE, IL - JUNE 24: Older, traditional food stamps are displayed June 24, 2004 at an Illinois Department of Human Services office in Skokie, Illinois. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman has announced all 50 states and the U.S. territories now provide Food Stamp Program benefits with EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards instead of the traditional paper coupon stamps. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images) What Is a Country For? Cross-posted with TomDispatch.com Many of the folks I know are getting ready to play serious defense in 2017, and theyre not wrong. Before we take up our three-point stance on the national line of scrimmage, however, maybe we should ask ourselves not only what were fighting against, but what were fighting for. What kind of United States of America do we actually want? Maybe, in fact, we could start by asking: What is a country for? What should a country do? Why do people establish countries in the first place? Playing Defense There is, without question, much that will need defending over the next four years, so much that people fought and died for in the twentieth century, so much that is threatened by the ascendancy of Donald Trump, the white nationalist right, and the Republican Party. Advertisement The twentieth century saw the introduction of many significant laws, regulations, and -- yes -- entitlements: benefits to which we have a right by virtue of living in, and in many cases being citizens of, this country. We could start earlier, but lets begin with the 1935 National Labor Relations Act. It established the right of workers to collectively negotiate wages and working conditions with their employers and made collective bargaining the official policy of the United States. This policy faces an immediate threat. Identical Republican-sponsored bills in the House and Senate would end the right of unions to require the workers they represent to pay union dues. These bills would, in other words, reproduce at the federal level the so-called right-to-work (more accurately, right-to-starve) laws already in place in more than half the states. If -- or as seems likely, when -- they pass, millions of workers will face the potential loss of the power of collective bargaining and find themselves negotiating with employers as lonely individuals. Then there was the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, which guaranteed a minimum wage and overtime pay to many workers (although not, notably, those laboring in agricultural fields or inside other peoples homes -- workplaces then occupied primarily by African Americans, and later by other people of color as well). Advertisement Andrew F. Puzder, Donald Trumps pick for secretary of labor, opposes the very idea of a minimum wage. This shouldnt be too surprising, since his current day job is as CEO of the parent company of two fast-food franchise operations, Hardees and Carls Jr. We could mention other New Deal-era victories under threat: Social Security, unemployment insurance, food stamps (now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP), and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (now known as TANF for Temporary Aid to Needy Families, or more commonly simply as welfare), which was created to promote the wellbeing of children in families facing poverty. In the coming Trump years, we can expect predation on all these programs -- from renewed efforts to privatize Social Security to further restrictions on welfare. Indeed, former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, Trumps transition team point man on Social Security, is a firm believer in privatization, the idea that the federal government should encourage people to gamble on the stock market rather than rely on a guaranteed government pension. The one entitlement program that will probably survive unscathed is SNAP, because its primary beneficiaries are not the people who use it to buy groceries but the giant agricultural corporations it indirectly subsidizes. Its no accident that, unlike other entitlement programs, SNAP is administered by the Department of Agriculture. Then there was the 1937 Housing Act, designed to provide financial support to cities so they could improve the housing stock of poor people, which eventually led to the creation of the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Ben Carson we are about to have a HUD secretary who, in addition to having announced that hes not qualified to head a federal agency, doesnt believe in the very programs HUD exists to support. Advertisement And so it goes with the victories of the second half of the twentieth century. In Jeff Sessions, for instance, we have a potential attorney general staunchly opposed to the civil and voting rights won by African Americans (and women of all races, in the case of the 1964 Civil Rights Act). In Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, well have a climate-change denier and fossil-fuel advocate running the Environmental Protection Agency. Medicare entitles -- theres that word again -- older people and some with chronic illnesses to federally subsidized healthcare. Its introduction in 1965 ended the once-common newspaper and TV stories about senior citizens eating pet food because they couldnt afford both medicine and groceries. That program, too, will reportedly be under threat. Theres more to defend. Take widespread access to birth control, now covered by health insurance under Obamacare. Im old enough to remember having to pretend I was married to get a doctor to prescribe The Pill, and being grateful for the Supreme Courts 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that guaranteed me a legal abortion, when a gynecologist told me I couldnt conceive. (He was wrong.) Then there are the guarantees of civil rights for LGB (if not yet T) people won in the 1990s, culminating in the astonishing 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges granting marriage rights to same-sex couples. All of this could be wiped out with a couple of Trumpian Supreme Court picks. Nor should we forget that in addition to peoples rights, there are actual people to defend in the brave new world of Trumplandia, or at least to help defend themselves: immigrants, Muslims, African Americans -- especially young black men -- as well as people facing poverty and homelessness. One potentially unexpected benefit of the coming period: so many of us are likely to be under attack in one way or another that we will recognize the need for broad-based coalitions, working at every level of society and throughout its institutions. Such groups already exist, some more developed than others. Im thinking, for example, of United for Peace and Justice, which came together to oppose Bush-era wars and domestic policies, the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, a national coalition of community organizations led by people of color, and National Peoples Action, another effective coalition of community organizations, to name just three. On the state level, there is the powerful work of the Moral Mondays project, led by the North Carolina NAACP and its president, the Reverend William J. Barber II. In my own backyard, there are the many community groups that make up San Francisco Rising and Oakland Rising. Advertisement Such multi-issue organizations can be sources of solidarity for people and groups focused on important single issues, from the Fight for Fifteen (dollars an hour minimum wage) to opposing the bizarrely-named First Amendment Defense Act, which would protect the right of proprietors of public accommodations to refuse service to people whose presence in their establishments violates a religious belief or moral conviction that: (1) marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or (2) sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage. Defense Matters, But We Need More As important as such defensive actions will be, we're going to need something beyond a good defense: a coherent reason why all these disparate things are worth defending. We need to be able to say why black lives, womens lives, workers lives, brown and immigrant lives matter in the first place. We need a vision of a society in which not only do all peoples lives matter, but where they all have the possibility of being good lives. We need a picture of what a country is for, so that as we fight, we understand not only the horrors we oppose, but what it is we desire. Fortunately, we dont have to start any description of what a good human life consists of from scratch. People have been discussing the subject for at least as long as theyve left written records, and probably far longer. In the third century BCE, for example, Aristotle proposed that the good life -- happiness -- consists of developing and using both our intellectual and moral capacities to the fullest possible extent across an entire lifetime. The good life meant learning and then practicing wisdom, courage, justice, and generosity -- along with some lesser virtues, like being entertaining at a dinner party. Aristotle wasnt an idiot, however. He also knew that people need the basics of survival -- food, clothing, shelter, health, and friendship -- if they are to be happy. Not surprisingly, he had a distinctly limited idea about which human beings could actually achieve such happiness. It boiled down to men of wealth who had the leisure to develop their abilities. His understanding of the good life left a lot of people, including women, slaves, and children, out of the circle of the fully human. Advertisement Although it may sound strange to twenty-first-century American ears, Aristotle also thought that the purpose of government was to help people (at least those he thought were capable of it) to live happy lives, in part by making laws that would guide them into developing the capacities crucial to that state. Who nowadays thinks that happiness is the governments business? Perhaps more of us should. After all, the Founding Fathers did. We Hold These Truths... Where should we who seek to defend our country against the advance of what some are now going so far as to call fascism enter this conversation about the purpose of government? It might make sense to take a look at a single sentence written by a group of white men, among them slaveholders, who also thought happiness was the governments business. Im referring, of course, to the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Its much-quoted second sentence reads in full: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Political philosopher Danielle Allen has pointed out that modern versions of the Declarations text update the original punctuation with a period after happiness. But that full stop obscures the whole point of the sentence. Not only do people self-evidently possess unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but the very reason we form governments in the first place is to secure those rights. Furthermore, when a government -- rather than protecting life, liberty, and happiness -- becomes destructive of them, we have the right to abolish it and put a better one in its place, always keeping in mind that the purpose of any new government should be to effect the peoples safety and happiness. Advertisement Of course, beginning any conversation with those words from the Declaration raises the obvious question: Whos we? Can those of us who are women, people of color, descendants of slaves and/or slaveholders, all claim participation in that we? Should we want to? Allen, who describes herself as biracial and a feminist, addresses the contradictions inherent in claiming this document for our own in her valuable book Our Declaration. She concludes that we not only can, we must. There is too much at stake for us to cede equality to a white, male minority. Life, Liberty... What would it mean to take seriously the idea that people create governments so they can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? What would the United States look like if that were its purpose? Lets start with life. Its reasonable to think that the Declarations authors were following the ideas of another dead white man, John Locke, who believed that people create governments so that they dont have to spend all their time and energy preventing other people from hurting them, or taking revenge when theyve been hurt. Instead, people delegate this authority to governments. But what has the U.S. government done with those delegated powers? Over the last 15 years of what we still call the war on terror, Americans have been told repeatedly that we have to choose between life and liberty, between security and freedom. We cant have both. Do we want to be safe from terrorists? Then we must allow mass collection of our telephone and Internet-use data. And we must create a registry of Muslims living in this country. Do we want to be safe on our streets? Then we must allow federal and state governments to keep 2.2 million people locked up and another 4.5 million on probation or parole. Ours is the largest prison population in the world, in raw numbers and in proportion to our population. Safety on the street, were told, also demands an increase in the amount of daily video surveillance Americans experience. And thats just to start down a long list of the ways our liberties have been curtailed in these years. At the same time, successive Congresses and administrations have cut the programs that once helped sustain life in this country. Now, with the threatened repeal of Obamacare (and so the potential loss of medical insurance for at least 20 million Americans), the Republicans may literally cut off the lives of people who depend on that program for treatments that help them survive. The preamble of the Constitution also establishes the importance of life, liberty, and happiness, with slightly different language. In it, We the people establish that Constitution for the following purposes: to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity Is it possible that our common defence is not, in fact, aided by maintaining the worlds most powerful military, garrisoning the planet, and endlessly projecting power across the globe? After all, the United States is protected by an ocean off each coast and friendly countries on our northern and southern borders (although we may not always deal with them as friends should be treated). Certainly, I want my government to defend me from invading armies; on the other hand, Im not convinced my safety is increased when the United States does the invading. Its useful, too, as we think about the purpose of government, to consider the idea of the general Welfare. This phrase implies something important: my welfare, my good life, is bound up with yours. The people established the Constitution to promote the welfare of all of us, and not of a tiny, mega-rich minority, which is now running our government. We could do worse than reclaim the importance of the general welfare, with its suggestion that it is the primary business of any decent government to promote our wellbeing. Advertisement ...And the Pursuit of Happiness Surely the definition of the good life, of happiness itself, is such a personal thing that it cant be the subject of legislation or the object of government. Perhaps thats true, but Id like to introduce one more thinker here, also white, and, sadly, deceased: the political philosopher Iris Marion Young. In her Justice and the Politics of Difference, she offered a definition of a good human life. We can say, she argued, that a society is more or less a just one depending on the degree to which it satisfies basic physical needs, and equally importantly (as Aristotle also believed), supports the institutional conditions necessary for people to participate in self-development. To her, that means learning and using satisfying and expansive skills, as well as the expression of our experience, feelings, and perspective on social life in contexts where others can listen. But self-development and expression, she says, are not sufficient for a good life. We also need self-determination -- that is, participation in the decisions that affect our lives and how we live them. We have much to defend, but we also should have a vision to advance. As we fight against a secretary of education who abhors public schools, we should also be fighting for the right of all of us to develop and use those expansive and satisfying skills -- from reading and writing to creating and doing -- that make life worth living. In a society with less and less demand for non-robotic workers, education will be more important than ever, not just so people can earn their livings, but also so that their lives are valuable and valued. As we fight against an administration of generals and billionaires, we should also be fighting for a country where we are free to express ourselves in language, dress, song, and ritual, without fear of finding ourselves on a registry or all our communications in the files of a spy agency. As we fight against a president elected by a minority of voters, we fight for a country in which we can take part in the decisions that affect all aspects of our lives. For many years Ive opposed most of what my country stands for in the world. As a result, I often tended to see its founding documents as so many beautiful but meaningless promises spoken in our time to convince us and the world that the coups, invasions, and occupations we engaged in do represent life and liberty. Advertisement But what if we were actually to take those words at face value? Not naively, but with the bitter nuance of the black poet Langston Hughes who, recognizing both the promise and the sham, wrote: O, let America be America again -- The land that never has been yet -- And yet must be -- the land where every man is free. The land thats mine -- the poor mans, Indians, Negros, ME -- Who made America, Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain, Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain, Must bring back our mighty dream again. Maybe its not so strange that, in these dismal times, I find my hope in a dream, now hundreds of years old, of a country dedicated to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I guess its time to develop those satisfying and expansive skills of thinking, organizing, and acting to bring back that mighty dream again, that dream of a land that never has been yet -- but will be. Protocol dictates that the outgoing President leaves a note to be read by his successor upon taking office. This practice began when Ronald Reagan left a note for his successor George H.W. Bush, admonishing him: "Don't let the turkey's get you down." The President then welcomes his successor to the White House. The outgoing and incoming Presidents sip coffee together in the Blue Room before entering a limousine, which will take both Presidents to the Inauguration ceremonies. Once noon strikes on January 20 (The date was March 4 until 1937), the Chief Justice of the United States swears in the new President. The new President then observes the Inaugural Parade. About 100 White House employees under the tutelage of the Chief Usher then rush to move out the outgoing President's belongings and supplant them with the new President's belongings. During the Inauguration, the Inaugural Parade and Inaugural Ball, the expectation is that the President's residence will be transformed from the carpeting in the Oval Office to the clothing in the closets. Advertisement It is worth noting that there have been times when the outgoing President refused to attend the Inauguration of the new President. In 1801, John Adams, who lost a vituperative campaign to Thomas Jefferson, traveled directly home to Massachusetts without meeting Jefferson. Adams was livid at Jefferson, who had hired political pamphleteer James Callender to destroy Adams' reputation during the Presidential campaign. Callender successfully spread a mendacious story that Adams' ambition was to invade France if elected. His son John Quincy Adams followed suit in 1829. He did not even welcome his successor to the Executive Mansion (now called the White House). The two electoral combatants had been engaged in a political battle royale. Adams' supporters called Jackson's wife Rachel an "adulteress" because she had not completed her divorce from her first husband. Mrs. Jackson died days before the election. An inflamed Jackson put the blame on Adams for his wife's death, averring: "May God Almighty forgive her murderers as I know she forgave them. I never can." This day was also historical in that Jackson was the first commoner to assume the Presidency. Many of the "common folk" who elected him traveled to the nation's Capital, some arriving at the Executive Mansion even before the President arrived. The crowd became increasingly inebriated on the orange rum punch, causing the event to devolve quickly into an unruly mob of obnoxious drunkards. As the large crowd pressed toward the new President, Jackson feared that he might be suffocated from the disorderly and unruly mob, and subsequently fled the Mansion through a first floor window, seeking refuge in a nearby hotel. Inauguration Day in 1889 was a rainy day, forcing outgoing President Grover Cleveland, who Benjamin Harrison had just defeated, the indignity of holding an umbrella over Harrison during the downpour. Earlier that day, as the Cleveland's were leaving the Executive Mansion, First Lady Frances Cleveland eerily told the White House Staff to "Take care of the place. We'll be back." Sure enough, after beating Harrison in 1892, the Cleveland's were back in power for a non-consecutive four-year term. Advertisement Sometimes Presidents continue to work on the last day of their Presidency. In 1845, outgoing President John Tyler signed legislation declaring Florida the twenty-seventh state in the Union. However, Tyler also suffered a setback that day when Congress achieved the requisite 2/3 vote of both houses of the U.S. Congress to override his veto of proposed legislation to eliminate the President's plenary Executive authority to purchase revenue-cutter ships. This was the first Presidential veto to be overridden in U.S. History. In 1913, on his last day in office, William Howard Taft signed legislation creating the Federal Department of Labor as a Cabinet Department. The department today employs over 17,000 people. In 2001, Transition Day came on a Saturday, the day when the President traditionally delivers his weekly radio address. Bill Clinton did not cancel the address, instead using the occasion to actuate a pledge he made "to work until the last hour of the last day." Clinton announced that his administration is "awarding more than $100 million to fund 1,400 more police officers in communities throughout our land." More controversial, Clinton used his last day in office to issue 140 Presidential pardons, including a pardon for financier Mark Rich, a fugitive living in Switzerland who was charged with 51 counts of tax evasion in the U.S. Rich's wife, Denise Rich, was a major donor to the Bill Clinton Presidential Library and Museum and to the U.S. Senate campaign of Clinton's wife Hillary. This pardon led to a federal investigation. Federal prosecutors ruled that Clinton had not operated illegally. Perhaps the most agonizing Presidential last day occurred in 1981. Outgoing President Jimmy Carter spent most of the last two days as President assiduously trying to win the release of the hostages seized by Iranian students in 1979. The next to last day in office the U.S. and Iranian governments agreed to The Algiers Accords. The U.S. agreed not to interfere in Iran's internal affairs and in turn, Iran agreed to immediately release the 52 Americans it was holding hostage. However, Carter's nemesis, Ayatollah Rudolph Khomeini, did not officially release the hostages until Carter's term officially expired, allowing the new President, Ronald Reagan, not Carter, to announce the freeing of the hostages. Advertisement The limousine ride itself can be awkward when two Presidents from different political parties are forced to sit next to each other for the ride to the capitol. In 1953, outgoing President Harry S. Truman viewed Eisenhower with derision for his failure to condemn U.S. Senator Joe McCarthy (R-WI) after McCarthy suggested that Secretary of Defense George Marshall was enveloped in a Communist conspiracy. Truman branded Eisenhower "a coward." Moreover, Truman thought little of Eisenhower's political dexterity, deadpanning: "The General doesn't know any more about politics than a pig knows about Sunday." Eisenhower returned the contempt, refusing to meet Truman in the White House for the traditional coffee. He instead waited in the limousine until Truman came out. The banter on the ride down Pennsylvania Avenue was contentious. During the ride to the Inauguration, Eisenhower asked Truman who had ordered his son John to return form active duty in the Korean War to attend his father's inauguration. Eisenhower feared that the public would view this as his son receiving preferential treatment. Truman testily retorted in the third person: "The President of the United States ordered your son to attend your inauguration. The President thought it was right and proper for your son to witness the swearing-in of his father to the Presidency. If you think somebody was trying to embarrass you by this order, then the President assumes full responsibility." The two men had a rapprochement later in life, becoming good friends. U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally, in Prescott Valley, Arizona, U.S., October 4, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar After twenty-two novels, my new book, Fever Swamp, is an account of the 2016 campaign focused on the rise of Donald Trump. This project began with weekly columns in The Huffington Post, to which I've added extensive annotations and original writings -- all in an effort to explain what happened, assess how this presidency will challenge our society, and encourage Americans of all political stripes to stand up for what is best in us. I'm often asked why I abandoned fiction to write about the reality which gave us Donald Trump. But this strange, dramatic and unpredictable campaign rewarded the central component of any good fiction -- the study of character and, in particular, this character. Understanding Trump is central to understanding what our society has become, where we are going, and how best to fight for the country we should be. For Trump is the product, not the cause, of the corrosive divisions which have separated Americans from each other, and from any common understanding of our national purpose -- or even of what is true. Advertisement To an unprecedented degree, our president-elect is the product of, and the purveyor of, fictions -- and dangerous ones at that. I began writing about these issues in September 2015. One spur was a truly alarming perception: the Republican presidential debates had become a transmissions from an alternative America conjured from some mass distemper. Nothing much anyone said made sense in terms of truth or reason. A menacing mythology hung in the air. Mexicans were pouring over our borders; Muslims in New Jersey were celebrating 9/11; Obamacare was as bad as slavery; the Chinese were occupying Syria. These assertions, and many like them, were staples of the debates. And an audience full of people who looked like much like everyone else, but a lot more Caucasian, were cheering wildly. The characters were equally bizarre. The dominant figure kept insulting everyone else and claimed to be close to Vladimir Putin, a murderous autocrat he had never met. The only black man spoke largely in indecipherable haiku. The only woman seemed mean as a snake, a spectacularly failed ex- CEO who relied on mendacious talking points. The young guy kept repeating the same hysterical attacks on Barack Obama with the near comical ferocity of a chihuahua yipping through a screen door. And the guy who looked like Joseph McCarthy sounded like a televangelist too insincere for all but true believers to believe. Advertisement Nor was the America they described the flawed country many of us could recognize. It was a dystopian tyranny and yet, oddly, an enfeebled nation which only a strongman could save. But this was not happening in a movie, but in the America of 2016, and Donald Trump was an increasingly serious candidate for president of the United States. This was why I undertook to write about the campaign. For it quickly became apparent that the normal tools of analysis did not apply to this race and, in particular, to Donald Trump. From the outset, no matter what he said or did, his support within Republican primary voters -- and then the electorate as a whole -- grew in numbers and intensity. But why? A critical reason was the GOP's indifference to the economic anxieties of its voting base -- struggling whites. Another -- which cannot be glossed over -- is that Trump ripped the scab off the base's racial anxieties, scapegoating Mexicans, Muslims and minorities. Still another was his fantastical vision of American renewal: restoring manufacturing jobs lost to automation; repealing the realities of the global economy; walling off Mexico; commencing trade wars with China, and crushing ISIS with one blow of his iron fist. Beneath this lurked a craving for authority embodied by a man who reveled in the role of superhero. A man who promised his followers that only his greatness could make America great again. A man who conjured a fantasy world from the polarization, disinformation and dysfunction his party had done so much to create -- until millions of our fellow citizens saw him as their last chance in a threatening world, a human Powerball ticket. But even as Trump seized his party's nomination, dangerous portents accumulated regarding his internal makeup. He seemed to have no second act at all -- raising grave questions about what drove a persona he seemed unable to change. Particularly startling was his constant pursuit of petty personal grievances, his seeming addiction to the toxic tropes of bigotry, and a penchant for lying so pervasive that truth lost all objective meaning. His inner world seemed to include no one but himself. And yet, paradoxically, his candidacy held up a mirror to the anger and alienation from which he sprang. Advertisement For the drama of Donald Trump was far greater than one man's psychodrama. He had hijacked a major political party whose erstwhile leaders, by and large, acted like hostages to a political terrorist -- parsing, rationalizing, enabling, and sometimes joining in to drag the campaign ever deeper into a fever swamp where truth, honor and civility went to die. They had been tiptoeing on the edge of this swamp for years, and now they were knee-deep, shouting that Trump alone would save us from the dreaded Hillary Clinton. And so a growing number of Americans countenanced a candidate transcendently unfit in terms of preparation, character or emotional stability. Worse, many came to believe in the fictions he spun -- no matter what. They believed him when he claimed that America was flooded with ISIS operatives from Syria; that thousands of illegal aliens were poised to vote against him; the statistically non- existent voter fraud was rampant; that America's electoral machinery was rigged. They believed his incredible denials when a growing list of women accused him of sexual predation. And when he departed from all tradition by refusing to commit to honoring the election results, they applauded. Trump was no longer running a campaign -- he was dividing the country by driving a stake through the heart of our civic traditions. A candidacy which began as farce was ending in tragedy, with a cost as yet unknown. So now what? When a president is so barren of knowledge or principles, it is hard to say. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell will be full of plans, aiming to bend Trump to their purposes. New Republican vistas will be plucked from the old conservative wish list -- repealing Obamacare, reversing our commitment to combat climate change, abandoning the Iran nuclear deal, passing tax cuts for the wealthy, and appointing a Scalia clone to the Supreme Court. But what of the brave new world Trump promised his supporters -- most notably the base voters whose concerns are not those of Paul Ryan? What of tariffs, trade wars, tearing up NAFTA, infrastructure spending, and term limits? What of protecting entitlements, middle-class tax relief and preserving at least some of the protections of Obamacare? Will Trump end up as a Trojan horse for Ryan and McConnell? If so, what happens when his voters discover that their hero is surrounded by the elite he campaigned against -- a vacant and blustering captive of the system he proposed to upend, and whose own ethical and moral squalor makes the swamp he promised to drain more rancid than ever before? Advertisement That could well be the price of electing a demagogue who will say whatever serves him in the moment and whose campaign, above everything else, exemplified an utter lack of conscience. Either Trump becomes a tool of the Republican establishment, content with playing monarch, or he will be at war with his own party. His domestic cabinet appointments are bewildering -- a gaggle of traditional conservatives divorced from the populist message of his campaign. But one thing is certain -- his ignorance and instability will lead to risk at home and abroad, worsened by a fractious team of advisors throwing elbows at each other. And only one thing could make this even worse -- an opposition party which is cynical and self-serving, content to let Trump wallow in his own mess at whatever cost to the country. That is the ultimate message of Fever Swamp. Not simply the Democratic Party, but all those who care about our country, must do our level best to reach across the divides Trump widened to address the ills that he exploited. We must stand up for decency, diversity, civility, inclusion, the rule of law and genuine opportunity for all. We must always remember that what makes America great is that which makes it good. And we must never forget who this man is, and what our country yet can be if we strive to make it so. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) testifies at a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Sessions to become U.S. attorney general on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. January 10, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque "Ironic" is an overused word. And yet, how else can you describe what's going on this week in Washington? The Republican president-elect says he wants "extreme vetting" for Syrian refugee families who already face years of scrutiny. Meanwhile, the Senate's Republican leader is ramming Trump's well-heeled nominees through the Senate review process in just a few chaotic days. Forget "extreme vetting." These nominees won't even face ordinary vetting. Instead, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is greasing the skids for some highly questionable appointees. And he's doing it by hamstringing the government's "corruption prevention organization" -- which makes the GOP's stand on corruption unclear, at best. Advertisement House Republicans certainly betrayed a pro-corruption bias last week when they attempted to gut the House Ethics Committee. That effort was beaten back by a wave of voter calls and complaints, but the intent seemed clear: They wanted more freedom to exploit their offices for personal gain (and perhaps to make it harder to investigate fellow House member Tom Price's questionable dealings before he's named Secretary of Health and Human Services). Now, McConnell is pushing appointees through the nomination process before they've even completed the disclosure and review process with the Government Ethics Office (GEO). The importance of that process can't be overstated. As a joint letter from Richard W. Painter and Norman L. Eisen (the ethics lawyers for George W. Bush and Barack Obama, respectively) explains, the GEO process identifies potential conflicts and brings them to the Senate's attention before they are confirmed. It also works with nominees on finding solutions to their conflicts, negotiating jointly acceptable solutions and presenting those to the Senate as well. How unusual is this McConnell/Trump end-run around the ethics process? In response to an inquiry from Sens. Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, the head of the GEO wrote: "I am not aware of any occasion in the four decades since OGE was established when the Senate held a confirmation hearing before the nominee had completed the ethics review process."* Advertisement Trump and his nominees are already parading around the halls of government as if they, and not you, owned the place. Emails published last week showed that the Trump transition team has been ignoring the Government Ethics Office since they began planning for the transfer of power. A contempt for ethics, like so many other unpleasant things, flows downhill. Trump himself has displayed an alarmingly cavalier attitude toward the conflicts in his own business holdings. Some of Trump's nominees deserve especially careful scrutiny. As Painter and Eisen note, Trump's pick for Education Secretary "likely has potential conflicts of interest with respect to education." Betsy DeVos has reportedly invested in a for-profit charter school company (one that was the subject of a devastating New York Times expose some years back). DeVos has also indirectly invested in an online student lending firm, according to the ethics attorneys. As Secretary of Education, she will oversee the nation's $1.4 trillion in student debt -- 86 percent of which is held directly by the government. DeVos has not provided her ethics information as of this writing. Then there's Rep. Price, Trump's pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. According to a report in the the not-so-liberal Wall Street Journal, Price traded more than $300,000 in medical company stocks while he was a member of Congress, while also "sponsoring and advocating legislation that potentially could affect those companies' stocks." Advertisement Those stocks included an August 2016 investment of between $50,000 and $100,000 in an Australian biomedical firm. "The stock has since doubled in price," the Journal reports. James Mattis, Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, serves on the board of General Dynamics. According to its annual report, General Dynamics did nearly $15 billion in business with the Department of Defense in 2015. With Steve Mnuchin, Trump's choice for Treasury Secretary, it's hard to know where to begin. How about here? A confidential memo leaked to journalist David Dayen indicated that staffers in the California Attorney General's office found "widespread misconduct" at OneWest, the mortgage bank run by Mnuchin. Labor Secretary designee Andy Puzder? At least one restaurant owned by his corporation is being investigated by the department he's been tapped to lead. Advertisement The firm run by Wilbur Ross, Trump's pick for Commerce Secretary, recently paid a $2.3 million fine for not properly disclosing fees to investors. Gary Cohn, tapped by Trump to run the Council of Economic Advisors, ran Goldman Sachs while it committed fraud and other offenses that led to billions of dollars in fines and settlements. Concerns like these make McConnell's ethical sidestepping even more troublesome. Even some conservatives are starting to worry. Jennifer Rubin writes, "Telling Trump that he must sell his businesses is not an easy task ... Nevertheless, Republicans disregard the issue and pave the way for an ethics disaster that could ensnare the entire party." Did we say "ironic" earlier? We should have said "hypocritical." Sen. Chuck Schumer released a letter this week comprised of a slightly marked-up copy of a letter Mitch McConnell issued in 2009, back when Barack Obama was preparing to take office. It listed eight items that must be completed before a nomination is submitted to the Senate - items withheld by some key Trump nominees. The 2009 McConnell letter concludes: "These common sense standards and long standing practices will ensure that the Senate has had the opportunity to fairly review a nominee's record and to make an informed decision prior to a vote." "Grow up," McConnell mockingly says now to Democrats who express the same concerns. A breakdown in the process could lead to chaos. As Painter and Eisen note in their letter, violations of anti-conflict laws "bear criminal penalties." By confirming nominees before the ethics process is complete, senators could be setting the stage for an eventual legal spectacle at the highest levels of government -- assuming, of course, that we still have prosecutors willing to enforce the law and judges willing to uphold it. That's one more reason why, especially in the age of Trump, senators must reject any nominee who fails to make the necessary disclosures. Voters should let their senators know they expect them to do their jobs. _________ Aston, PA, USA - September 22, 2016: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump delivers a speech at a rally in Aston, Pennsylvania. Let's pass a War Powers Resolution for "election meddling" in other people's countries. In other words: Let's pass a law that before the executive branch can meddle in elections in other people's countries, a proposal to do so has to be debated and authorized - or rejected - by Congress. Historically, from the point of view of many people in Washington, meddling in other people's elections was a free hit. Advertisement But, with recent advances in technology, it may be the case that it's now much easier for foreigners, including non-state actors, to meddle in U.S. elections than it used to be. Thus, the probability of blowback from meddling in other people's elections may have significantly increased. Historically, most people in the U.S. clearly have not been bothered very much if the U.S. government meddles in other people's elections; indeed, many Americans have welcomed it. But mostly they haven't cared. But, reportedly, a bunch of Americans do care if foreigners meddle in our elections. So, if it's the case now that messing around in other people's elections significantly increases the probability that other people will mess around in our elections, a bunch of Americans might care about that and want to have a say in the foreign policy choices that might lead to blowback. This is the sort of situation for which the War Powers Resolution was created. The War Powers Resolution is supposed to help prevent the executive branch from unilaterally deciding to entangle us in a military conflict, contrary to the intent of the Constitution that the decision to engage in military conflict should be taken by Congress. The WPR doesn't just say the President needs Congress' permission to invade somebody else's country. It says the President needs Congress' permission to put U.S. forces anywhere they are likely to get entangled in military conflict. It was hoped that this formulation would help prevent the President from sneaking us into a war. Advertisement If election meddling might be considered a form of "war," then Congress should have to explicitly authorize it before the President can do it. Since it might blow back. So, for example, the U.S. intervention that helped topple the democratically-elected government of Ukraine should have been explicitly authorized by Congress or voted down, after full Congressional and public debate. The U.S. intervention that "overthrew a presidential election" in Haiti, as former AP Haiti correspondent Jonathan Katz put it, should have been voted up or down by Congress. The U.S. intervention that protected the coup in Honduras should have been voted up or down. And, going forward, any proposed U.S. intervention to interfere with a democratic election or undermine a democratically elected government should be explicitly authorized or rejected by Congress, after full Congressional and public debate. Furthermore, Congress should require that if the U.S. government receives credible information about a potential coup attempt in a country with a democratically elected government with which the U.S. has diplomatic relations, that information must be disclosed somehow. Congress could require notifying the government threatened by the coup. Or, Congress could require notifying Congressional committees, so there would be a paper trail of what the U.S. government knew and when they knew it; this would be a form of indirect pressure for notifying the targeted government. We're facing the prospect of a government literally of the Exxons, by the Goldman Sachses and for the Kochs. President-Elect Donald Trump's cabinet and top nominees draw more deeply from an extremist faction of the corporate class than any in memory, and likely in history. We are witnessing the wholesale corporate takeover of the American government. Nothing more plainly shows Trump's complete cynicism and dishonesty than his absolute betrayal of the core claim of his campaign - to rid Washington of corruption, cronyism and insider dealing. The corporate interests who he properly alleged in the campaign buy politicians will now themselves be directly in charge of the government. Advertisement With this cabinet, it is a virtual certainty that this administration will be the most corrupt and scandal prone in American history. And it is absolute certainty that, by design, they will pursue a policy agenda that serves the interests of the corporate class against and does deep harm to the American people. To understand the scope of what we are facing, it's useful for a moment to step back and consider not just one or two of Trump's nominees, but the totality of his handover to corporate interests: Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who has strong ties to Koch Industries and raked in eye-popping sums from the finance sector, construction industry, pharmaceutical industry and chemical industry; Rex Tillerson, Trump's secretary of state pick, spent his entire career at Exxon Mobil, which is not just among the world's largest oil companies, but the corporation most responsible for spreading climate denial and intimidating climate activists. Steven Mnuchin, treasury secretary nominee and longtime Goldman Sachs executive, through a hedge fund took over the failed IndyMac, turned it into One West and went on a foreclosure rampage, engaging in robosigning and other abuses such that one judge found the bank to have engaged in practices that were ""harsh, repugnant, shocking and repulsive." General James Mattis, the pick for secretary of defense, has spun through the revolving door, leaving the military to serve on the board of General Dynamics, a multinational military contractor, and the scandal-ridden Theranos, a start-up company which misled investors and consumers about its blood-testing technology. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), under consideration for attorney general, despite a racist record that disqualified him from a federal judgeship three decades ago, and who has a record of gentle treatment of the finance, tobacco and other industries. Betsy DeVos, named to be education secretary, is a billionaire scion and whose husband is heir to the Amway fortune, is a purveyor of extremist education privatization proposals and has herself invested in for-profit education companies. Elaine Chao, up to run the U.S. Department of Transportation, who served on the board of directors of Wells Fargo during the cross-selling scandal, as well as a half dozen other corporate boards. Former Goldman Sachs executive Gary Cohn, slated to head the National Economic Council, who led Goldman Sachs as it profited off the housing market collapse in part by misleading its own clients; Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, Trump's pick to the run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, believes that climate science is "far from settled," has repeatedly sued the agency he will be tasked with leading, and as Oklahoma attorney general sent letters to federal agencies that were literally drafted by Devon Energy, one of the state's largest oil and gas corporations. Steve Bannon, a special adviser to Trump who once ran and may maintain undisclosed business or other ties with Breitbart.com, a far-right, racist website, and is a former Goldman Sachs executive; Linda McMahon, picked to run the Small Business Administration, who as World Wrestling Entertainment CEO helped ensure the wrestling industry remained largely unregulated, putting the health and safety of wrestlers at risk; Andy Puzder, who is to head the U.S. Department of Labor, the long-time mogul in charge of the Hardee's and Carl's Jr. fast-food chains, companies known for being anti-worker and anti-union, and who opposes many or all of the most important, recent, pro-worker initiatives of the Obama Labor Department, including a rule to ensure that worker are properly compensated for overtime. Wilbur Ross, a billionaire whose firm has profited from buying distressed firms and cutting workers' benefits, named to take the post of secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Carl Icahn, named as Trump's "special advisor on regulatory affairs," is the emblematic corporate raider and epitomizes predatory corporate capitalism, with financial holdings that give him a direct stake in many of the matters about which he will be advising the president. In any prior administration, it would have been a tempest if even one of these individuals had been named to the cabinet. The totality of the harm these individuals can inflict on America is hard to overstate. Consider some of the particulars. First, the Trump administration with a huge assist from Senate Republicans is displaying a stunningly cavalier attitude toward ethics rules. Nominees for cabinet positions are being rushed through Senate confirmation hearings without full vetting of ethical issues (as well as security issues). States the head of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), the agency in charge of ethics reviews: "It has left some nominees with potentially unknown or potentially unresolved ethics issues shortly before their scheduled hearings. I am not aware of any occasion in the four decades since OGE was established when the Senate held a confirmation hearing before the nominee had completed the ethics review process." In 2009, now-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell demanded that no hearing be held on a cabinet nominee until ethics reviews were complete - now, well, not so much. Now, Senator McConnell says these are picayune and technical requirements and the process of governing must proceed. But he's wrong. The ethics pre-clearance process - by which nominees disclose their financial holdings and work with the OGE on an arrangement of divestitures and commitments to recuse themselves from issues relating to current and former investments - is vital to avoid transgressing criminal conflict of interest standards. It is the moment when there is, or should be, the most attention to conflict of interest rules. If attention is not paid now, it is a virtual certainty that scandal will emerge later. Second, the unprecedented wealth and corporate entanglements of cabinet nominees means those inevitable scandals won't just involve conferring relatively small benefits on favored businesses. It means that policy-making itself will be corrupted. Consider the case of Carl Icahn. The corporate raider is known for his aggressive investment strategies that involve complex disputes about securities laws and has been implicated in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations over wrongdoing himself. Now Icahn has reportedly played a major role in selecting Trump's nominee to chair the SEC. Even more troublingly, Icahn had a key role in vetting Trump's candidates to run the EPA, and had enthused over the selection of Scott Pruitt, the Oklahoma attorney general who has shown much more loyalty to oil-and-gas interests than environmental protection. Icahn has a controlling stake in CVR Energy Inc., which claims pending EPA rules will cost it hundreds of millions of dollars, and Icahn has stridently attacked EPA's renewable fuel standards and shows no compunction about using his influence to get them removed. Are we all going to breathe dirtier air just to help Icahn earn his next few hundred million dollars? It's entirely possible. Third, even if the legal conflict issues are resolved, the bigger revolving-door problem will nonetheless pervade this administration. The revolving door refers to people moving back-and-forth between government and industry positions, and particularly between corporate jobs and in regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over past and future employers. People passing through the revolving door into government bring with them the views they had in the private sector, and project those corporate interests as governmental policy. People passing through the revolving door back into the private sector may capitalize on their prior associations; even more important is what they do while in government in anticipation of going back to corporate jobs. This revolving door problem will define the Trump administration. Exxon's worldview will now fundamentally shape the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, including over the transcendentally important matter of negotiating global climate accords. The agency charged with enforcing worker protections will be headed by a fast-food chain mogul who has run afoul of those very standards. The Defense Department is to be headed by a retired general who rushed to join the board of directors of one the largest military contractors just five months after retiring from the marines. The Goldman Sachs view will once again control economic policy-making (Gary Cohn at the White House) and have a controlling power in financial regulation (Steven Mnuchin at Treasury). And on and on. Advertisement Fourth, these aren't just your every day corporatists and billionaires. We know from extensive poll and survey data that the super rich generally see the world very differently than the rest of us. But the Trump picks go way beyond that, hailing from an extremist faction of the super rich. Education Secretary pick Betsy DeVos's primarily qualification is that she is an extremist, corporate libertarian ideologue. She has paid a great deal of attention to public education, with the primary objective of gutting it, in favor of vouchers and for-profit enterprises. Says education historian Diane Ravitch, "Never has anyone been appointed to lead in the past 150 years who was hostile to public education." DeVos and her husband and their family are part of what is colloquially known as the "Koch network" of corporate libertarian zillionaires, and the Koch Brothers are poised to have a surprisingly far-reaching influence in the Trump administration, given their hostility to the president-elect. "Trump has surrounded himself with people tied to the Kochs," reports Politico in an article titled "Trump's Koch Administration," referencing Devos, Pence, White House Counsel Don McGahn and a host of operatives on the transition team; more, including Marc Short, former financial director for the Kochs' Freedom Partners, who will serve as White House legislative affairs director, have since joined the White House staff-in-waiting. Fifth, all of this matters more than it might in other administrations because of the, shall we say, unconventional governing style expected of the incoming president. The cabinet members are going to have unprecedented degrees of autonomy to pursue their preferred agendas. Those in and around the transition, and those who have had prior business dealings with Trump, tell Politico that Trump "doesn't usually like getting into day-to-day minutiae or taking lengthy briefings on issues. He doesn't have particularly strong feelings on the intricacies of some government issues and agencies, these people say, and would rather focus on high-profile issues, publicity and his brand." Not only will the cabinet officials be given lots of latitude, Trump will encourage them to carry out extremist agendas - even if Trump himself has little idea what changes are merited or what they are doing. Advertisement I opened up Facebook this past Wednesday and saw a horrifying breaking news story. Four black young adults in Chicago kidnapped a white teenager and attacked him. They taped his mouth shut, forced him to drink toilet water and scalped him, among other things. During the attack, the attackers yelled "F*** Donald Trump" and "F*** white people" at the victim. The attack was filmed and streamed on Facebook Live. As the story developed, it was revealed that the victim was mentally disabled and the four attackers were taken into custody. The video of the attack quickly made its way onto YouTube and clips were being posted on Twitter. The victim was eventually found by police and taken to a hospital. He was said to be treated for undisclosed injuries. I felt both disturbed and angry as the story was developing. I was horrified that the young man had to go through such a traumatic experience. I was enraged at the blatant racism and hatred directed at him from his attackers. In my mind, there was no question that this was a racially motivated hate crime. It couldn't be denied. After all, there's video evidence of the victim being yelled at in regards to his race. Advertisement However, it wouldn't be that easy. It seemed like the authorities in Chicago didn't want to admit the attack was racially motivated. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson claimed that there was no evidence to prove the attack was based on politics or race. Call me crazy, but I think a video of the attackers shouting, "F*** Donald Trump" and "F*** white people" at the victim was all the evidence they needed. It was later revealed that the four attackers would be charged with a hate crime as well as kidnapping. However, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi claimed investigators concluded the man was attacked because he has special needs. They claim his race wasn't a motive for the attack. I don't remember hearing the attackers shouting things at the victim in regards to his mental disability. The words I heard them yell had to do with Donald Trump and white people. This blatant denial of the true motive behind this attack makes me angry. Imagine if the races were reversed in this scenario. The authorities would rightly label it a racially motivated hate crime and everyone would discuss it as such. There is a common argument that the dictionary definition of racism is too simplistic. Some people claim that racism actually has to do with "power plus privilege." In other words, white people can't experience racism. I disagree wholeheartedly. I don't think those people understand how to classify something as racist. It has to do with the way human beings treat each other. A white person still has a race. If someone discriminates against them based on that race, it is racism whether you like it or not. Advertisement The Greenway. Yep, you read right: Paris to London on a bicycle. Even though England is an island and there is a sea between the two countries, a specially designed itinerary is in place for the brave, willing, and ready, to undertake the voyage. The possible path leads bikers (not of the motor kind) on a mostly serene countryside journey where cows and steeples are more likely to be part of the decor than trucks and toll highways. Between Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris and the London Eye, the 406 kilometer-long path, also meant for walkers and horse-riders, is mostly used by bicycles. Originally designed to offer a mostly traffic-free experience, L' Avenue Verte/The Greenway is a joint Anglo-French initiative. Advertisement But, wait, there is water. Yes, at some point, the crossing of water is inevitable, since the English Channel (part of the Atlantic Ocean) gets in the way. It is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and expands to 350 miles long. The Channel crossing is made, not at the narrowest point between the two lands, but with the ferry between Dieppe (France) and Newhaven (UK), with the Trans-Manche service from Normandy; Manche means channel in French. The Avenue Verte is especially marked for cyclists between the two capitals. In France, after departing from a meeting point at the central cathedral, the small roads and green paths take you across seven French departments, meandering along fields, farmlands, rivers, and occasional hill, although the terrain is mostly pretty flat all along. On the British side, the Avenue Verte follows the National Cycle Network of routes, from the coast to Sussex and into London. On the French side, portions of the former Dieppe to Paris railway is used for some for 40 kms. Advertisement Two slightly different versions. The Greenway is in fact, two. One option is a shorter western route of 247 miles (398km) and a longer eastern one of 287 miles (462km). The difference between the two is in the scenery. The eastern option crosses more historic towns, and the western option stays more rural with more quiet water views and the visit of the Vexin, a protected regional nature preserve. Both routes are quite easy and should not pose any physical challenges to riders in regular shape, fit enough to bicycle. Sometimes riding on concrete, sometimes on grass, dirt roads or muddy forest trails, the Avenue Verte is clearly marked all along the way, and no one has gotten lost yet! Outside of Paris, the Avenue Verte passes through the idyllic landscapes so well painted by impressionist masters such as Renoir and Monet. Before arriving in London, the lovely Cuckoo Trail finishes your pastoral journey on a fantasy note. Weather can be wild. Even though the roads are always open, surely a large part of the voyage would be to enjoy nice cool weather, neither too hot nor too cold, with no rain in sight and not too much wind either, please. Some brave souls travel the greenway all year long in any weather, but what's the fun in that? Accommodations along the way are left for the riders to decide. Some hotels, castles, B&B, pensions, and campgrounds are indicated on roadmap and on the official guide along the trek, as well as plenty of restaurants and other places to eat and rest. Both the French and the English countryside have plenty to offer as far as food and sleep options. Advertisement And you can return with the cheap Eurostar train, which allows you to take your bike in, either as luggage, delaying its arrival by a day or so - or simply with you as the equivalent of a carry-on piece in a plane. Charges apply. Group departures are also available, usually through biking clubs. More info here. Bon voyage! Whether you're CEO of a mega-brand or owner of a doggy daycare start-up, investing in your personal brand is always a sound investment in your company. When the individual at the helm has the right image and reputation, they impact everything from boosting the company brand to forging emotional connections with employees, investors, customers, and media. When done right, personal branding builds mind and market share alike and influences the bottom line. Done wrong, it can sap a company's image and financials. This is especially important to remember today, when a CEO's every value, opinion, comment, and characteristic is up for public review. So, how do you get it right? Look to an exemplar: Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly. Gary has been indispensable in propelling Southwest as the world's largest low-cost carrier. He's also helped secure it as a mainstay on Fortune magazine's list of the most admired companies in the world. (It ranked seventh in 2016.) Advertisement A 30-year Southwest veteran, Gary began his career as Controller, moving up the ranks as Chief Financial Officer, V.P. Finance, Executive V.P. and CFO, and finally CEO and Vice Chairman in July 2004. In 2008, he added "Chairman" and "President" to his resume. This is his story -- and brand. Setting the Tone Not too long ago, CEOs were sequestered in their ivory towers, far from the spotlight. But today, the CEO is the face of the company. They must be visible internally, externally, and virtually. "The CEO is in a high-profile role and sets an example," Gary told me during a recent interview. "I try to aspire to set a good one, and model the behaviors that we value and expect at Southwest Airlines." Gary sees part of his duty as rallying employees around an inclusive culture. There has never been a single layoff or furlough at Southwest, and employees are well-compensated -- two traits Gary takes special pride in. "We still believe that we are in the people business, and it's our people that make the culture so strong," he explained. "Southwest has done a great job taking care of people over a long period of time." Advertisement Gary's leadership style can best be described as collaborative. "I really enjoy the team aspect of what we do here at Southwest," he said. "No one person can know or do it all. And the more we can collaborate and work together as a team, the better product we will have." Gary and Southwest also place a premium on fun, even if that's simply bringing people together to celebrate birthdays, share stories, or reward good work. "We always encourage employees to be themselves -- sharing a song, a joke," he said. "It's the little things that make the culture very rich and make the experience of Southwest very different." One of those "little things"? Halloween, when employees get decked out in costume. Gary has gone as George Washington and Gene Simmons in years past. Gary rocks it as Gene Simmons of Kiss at annual Halloween event. Photo courtesy Southwest Airlines The Power of 'We' Gary knows he alone cannot be Southwest's brand ambassador. At the airline, all employees (more than 53,000) are encouraged to embrace the company's mission: taking care of customers. This philosophy is built into everything from internal emails to advertising and social media. Recruiting the right people is also paramount. Gary believes in "hiring for attitude and training for skill" to perpetuate an already-strong culture. It's not easy. There's a tremendous amount of competition in the airline industry. That's why outstanding services -- and not just attractive pricing -- is key. "More today than ever, [our] service aspect or our people really set us apart," he said. "When I describe service, I'm not talking about first class or frills and amenities. Our people serve our customers as if they were guests in their own home." Many studies reveal employees with high job satisfaction are generally more productive, engaged, and loyal to their companies. There's proof of this at Southwest, where several employees are 40-plus year veterans. Gary notes many of these workers started in entry-level positions and worked their way up to leadership. Advertisement On the workplace review website Glassdoor, Southwest is rated one of the top places to work in the U.S. Excerpts from employees include: "Every leader I've met has always made me feel like my work was appreciated and made a difference." "This is my first airline job and I feel I hit the jackpot by choosing Southwest as my last place of employment. I'm 28 and plan to stay until I retire!" "I've never had a CEO of a company walk down the hall and know my name." Broadcasting That Personal Brand Modern CEOs are expected to have an active social media presence. They understand that social media increases transparency and accessibility and instills confidence. They're also expected to project a personal brand that aligns with the company brand. Gary and Southwest excel at this, maintaining a fun, cohesive voice across all communication channels. It works. The Southwest fan page has more fans than any other airline: 5.3 million. The experts agree with Gary's approach. According to Allison Kluger, a management professor at Stanford and former producer for The View, "These days, the CEO wants to be visible, serve as the embodiment of the brand and understands that the culture reflects his or her values in a very outward facing manner. Today's CEOs want their values to permeate the company brand." Southwest welcomes Customers at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba. Photography by Ashlee Duncan/Southwest Airlines Advertisement Transformation and Growth As with any major company, there have been challenges. Still, Southwest has managed to grow spectacularly regardless of spiking energy prices, fierce competition, and recessions. The company is always innovating. Consider its new, just-launched reservation system. And late last month, the airline added Havana as its 100th destination. Gary is confident that there is potential to add 50 more North American destinations. He believes there's even more ahead: "We have huge opportunities to grow the airline over the next five years. I think Southwest airlines is one of the top companies in the world, not just the top airline." He adds: "The focus on the reliability and hospitality will be very important to sustain that." The 2016 elections threw a bucket of cold water into the face of free-trade orthodoxy. It's no surprise that voters in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere are deeply discouraged by decades of failed promises of boon from establishment leaders. The real surprise is, what took us so long? We need a new approach to globalization that does as much for workers and the environment as it does for global investors. Everyone I know wants trade and globalization. However, we have managed globalization badly. Our failed "neoliberal" approach has been to manage globalization through trade deals, written by and for the interests of global companies. The neoliberal vision is a fully integrated global economy, where national identities are blurred, shareholder interests have top priority, public interests are devalued, and gains go almost entirely to investors. Advertisement Nothing in trade theory or history says global economic integration is a good idea. In this neoliberal vision, markets will solve all our problems, government is bad, and power and influence should favor those who already have plenty of both. A growing number of economists and policy-makers recognize that neoliberalism is exhausted, politically unstable, and increasingly reckless. Martin Wolf, the most influential living British economist, argues that our failed market orthodoxy weakens Democracy. What Wolf sees in Europe is doubled in the US political experience. The collapse of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a 12-country NAFTA clone, is a historic event. TPP was radioactive all through the presidential campaign, for good reason - voters have lost trust in the neoliberal NAFTA approach to globalization. The discussion has started on a new approach. Representative Sander Levin and economist Simon Johnson recognize that our distorted power relationships and insistence on maximum possible trade cannot solve our problems. Advertisement Jeff Faux makes it crystal clear. It's time to start over. "The trade policy of the last quarter century is now bankrupt, economically and politically. This is the moment for America to go back to the drawing board and rethink strategies for competing in the global economy in ways that raise living standards for all." Go back to the purpose for any political economy - what policies bring economic security, and balance interests fairly so we can prosper together? The AFL-CIO's proposal starts at ground zero - eliminate the special dispute settlement system popularized in NAFTA and duplicated in subsequent trade deals. This "investor-state-dispute-settlement" system, known as ISDS, operates on a simple principle. Sure, governments can regulate, but they must pay investors for "unfairness" of policy changes that interfere with trade. Under NAFTA-style neoliberalism, the governance principle is that investments are sacred, and public interest operates in whatever policy space is left. By ditching that neoliberal corporate-centric principle, we make it clear that public interest is legitimate and meaningful. Advertisement We are happy to balance public interests with investor interests, fairly. That's what we do under the US Constitution. Other modern democracies do that in their own legal tradition. It may be obvious, but worth saying. Public policies come from a political system. We don't really have a global political system. We will need to build public interests into our globalization policies at national and international levels. And we must address the two defining problems of our time, inequality and climate change. These are the market failures of global proportions. We absolutely need public policies to solve them. Inequality comes from too much power at the top and too little power for workers and communities. Workers can claim a share of the gains they create if they have good jobs that create gains, and they have economic and political power to claim their share of those gains. Every country in the world has an industrial strategy for creating jobs and sharing gains. Ours sucks. Advertisement We had strong manufacturing strategies when we industrialized in the 19th century, and again in the mid-20th century. China, Korea, Japan, Germany and other countries have effective manufacturing strategies. We could start by saying we want an effective manufacturing strategy. Climate change is arguably the biggest market failure in human history. The Sierra Club's discussion paper introduces a new mechanism for balancing public and business interests. First, we acknowledge that environmentally sustainable policies are in our national interests. All countries share that interest, and most have made commitments to meet environmental standards. The Sierra Cub's discussion paper introduces a "border adjustment" mechanism to encourage countries to honor their voluntary commitments. The paper also calls for an independent body to investigate compliance to those commitments, hear disputes, and impose sanctions. When a country meets its environmental commitments, tariffs are low. When a country falls short of its commitments, sanctions or "border adjustments" would apply to products from that country. The discussion paper starts with a fundamental political value. "Trade and investment should be treated as tools for advancing public interest objectives - not ends in and of themselves." If we had a Constitution for globalization, that value would be in the preamble. It would frame the rest of the provisions. We don't need "maximum possible trade." The optimal level of trade may be less than what we have now. Just sayin'. Advertisement The Sierra Club paper gets to the trust issue eating at our national political spirit. "Above all, if the legitimacy of our democratic political systems is to be maintained, economic policy must be orientated towards promoting the interests of the many not the few; in the first place would be the citizenry, to whom the politicians are accountable. If we fail to do this, the basis of our political order seems likely to founder." Furthermore, this is not a question of the US national interests versus other countries' national interests. Remember - our NAFTA-style neoliberal approach puts the 1% in each country at odds with workers and communities in each country. That can be rearranged, so that we trade, and we share the gains from globalization, and deal with inequality, and manage climate change. The Sierra Club discussion paper takes a big step toward restoring trust. We need to rehabilitate public interest as a legitimate purpose of public policy. The "border adjustment" mechanism strengthens institutions of civil society and puts public interest directly into our national trade policy. This approach to trade would work equally well in terms of labor rights and human rights. Countries around the world have endorsed labor standards, such as no slave labor or forced labor; no child labor; no discrimination on the basis of religion, country of origin, gender; freedom to form unions; no human trafficking. The border adjustment mechanism could be expanded to investigate, hear disputes, and impose sanctions regarding labor rights and human trafficking. The mechanism applies equally well to commitments made for investors(!!) - currency manipulation, state-owned enterprises, illegal expropriations, patent and licensing violations and so on. Advertisement At the height of the George W. Bush years, a bit of a TomDispatch piece would sometimes be reposted at a right-wing website with a disparaging comment, and I'd suddenly be deluged with abusive emails (many homophobic) that regularly advised me to take my whatever and get out of Dodge. Though I was born in New York City, as was my father (my mother's hometown was Chicago), the phrase invariably brought to bear was "go back to..." and the only question was where. There were small numbers of correspondents who insisted I should "go back to Russia" or even the Soviet Union (as if that imperial entity hadn't imploded in 1991), but that rang a tad hollow in early 2003. So often, the country of choice was France (not exactly the worst place on Earth to be sent back to, by the way, if you value your morning croissant). In those days, as you may remember, France (like Germany) had refused to support the Bush administration in its glorious upcoming invasion of Iraq and so French fries in the House of Representatives' cafeteria had been renamed "freedom fries" and French toast "freedom toast." At the time, the French were sometimes referred to derisively as "cheese-eating surrender monkeys," and the French-German opposition to Iraq labeled (in imitation of Bush's "axis of evil" for Iraq, Iran, and North Korea) "axis of weasel." I still remember how viscerally I reacted to those angry emails urging me to leave this country of mine. In those days, I remember saying privately to friends that, if "nationalist" hadn't been a curse word here (at the time, we Americans were invariably "patriots" or "superpatriots" and only foreigners were "nationalists" or "ultra-nationalists"), I would have called myself an American nationalist. Given the surprising way that phrase has entered our vocabulary in the age of Trump, I'd have to find another phrase today, but the essence of it was simple enough. This was my country. I had grown up dreaming of serving it. No matter what it did, or how I felt it betrayed me (or my idea of it), I considered it then -- and consider it now -- my responsibility and I simply couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Thirteen years later, with panicked or disgusted progressives talking about heading for New Zealand or Canada, nothing has changed for me on that score. Advertisement Shock, surprise, handwringing, sadness, recrimination, and analysis by social commentators, academics, activists, and politicians themselves followed the 2016 presidential election. Certainly there have been no shortage of explanations as to how a rich white man with no political experience, multiple failed businesses and marriages, who is on trial for sexual assault, whose recent claim to fame involves starring on a reality television series, and whose supporters feature bumper stickers reading things like "Trump that Bitch" will become the 45th president of the United States. As many of these commentaries have pointed out, this election is the perfect storm of intersecting inequalities: inequalities of class, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nation among others. Indeed, the anger that fueled this election reflects the conservative and populist movements across the globe in recent years. Sociological research and theory on masculinity and gender inequality explain, in part, the success of a man who uses "locker room talk," regularly objectifies women, calls them "nasty," and looms over them in a way that is recognized as dangerous by survivors of violent relationships or sexual harassment. The easy answer is that men are voting for the continuation of an unequal gender system that privileges them. Advertisement Economically struggling white men were among the most eager to embrace (or overlook?) Trump's support for gender inequality. 53% of men voted for Trump, while 41% voted for Clinton. 72% of white men with no college education supported Trump; less than one-quarter of that group voted for Clinton. Given Trump's advocacy of gendered (and raced) inequality, this may come as little surprise. What might be more complicated to explain is that 62% of white women with less than a college education and 45% of college-educated white women voted for Trump, too. It's not just men voting in men's "interest." It's women as well. This might be best understood with a concept that never gained much traction in the sociology of men and masculinities, but is worth revisiting--sociologist Arthur Brittan's concept of "masculinism." As Brittan wrote almost three decades ago, "Masculinity refers to those aspects of men's behavior that fluctuate over time.... Masculinism is the ideology that justifies and naturalizes male domination... Moreover, the masculine ideology is not subject to the vagaries of fashion - it tends to be relatively resistant to change" (here). Brittan's work reminds us that, despite incredible change, ideologies that justify inequality are most visible when the forms of inequality they justify are under siege. It is under those moments that we get a good look at how ideologies perpetuate inequality. When systems of inequality are challenged, questioned, and made to sweat, ideologies can't be passively relied upon to work for those in power. They require work, renewed efforts to maintain legitimacy if they are to stand up to such attacks. Masculinism was publicly challenged this election; a spotlight was shown on forms of privilege and inequality that are rarely so visible to the naked eye. The workings of masculinism might have been intensified by a sort of collective version of what social psychologists refer to as "moral licensing." Research shows that when people are presented with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are good, moral people, they are more apt to follow that opportunity by expressing support for inequalities that they might otherwise not be willing to admit to. That is, given the opportunity to demonstrate that we are "good" people, we're more likely to engage in "bad" behavior. Social psychological research discovered that, for instance, we're more likely to support racially prejudiced views after having been primed with an opportunity to say that we'd be willing to vote for a Black presidential candidate. When we demonstrate "good" moral qualities publicly, we feel more justified in supporting systems of inequality in public ways, too. Advertisement On a collective level, this process might look something like this: We became a liberal enough nation to accept a Black president. We became a liberal enough nation to even consider a woman president. From this perspective, electing a Black president didn't usher in a post-racial society; in fact, it might have morally licensed the expression of more intensified racist sentiments. The fact that for the first time a woman was one of the major party presidential candidates may have had a similar effect, morally licensing many to feel justified in supporting the misogyny, racism, and xenophobia that characterized this election. Considered this way, the election of Donald Trump is at least partially the result of the "progress" we've been making. Ideologies like masculinism--those ideologies that uphold the durable systems of inequality in societies--are resilient. Indeed, they may even be intensified by the gains made by marginalized groups over the past several decades. This election, perhaps, is a testament to the work that has been done to challenge inequalities and a reminder that such gains are never fully secured. 2017 is just under two weeks old and with Kenya's presidential elections scheduled for sometimes during the year, I decided to forgo the customary year-in-review write-up and review the performance of the incumbent Jubilee Coalition against its stated campaign promises. To write the review, I pulled out a copy of the coalition's "Harmonized Coalition Manifesto" loftily titled "Transforming Kenya: Securing Kenya's Prosperity 2013-2017". Each of the four (4) coalition partners offered their take on Jubilee's vision for the divided and violence- & corruption-weary country. Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta offered to "unleash the energy, dynamism and strength of the Kenyan people."Mr. William Ruto promised to "deliver change in the key areas which represent the (country's) core ideals....."Ms. Charity Ngilu, the sole woman in the quartet was confident that the coalition would offer "new solutions" that "address many of the wrongs in (Kenya)".Finally, Mr. Najib Balala, cognizant of the insecurity plaguing the country committed "bold leadership and bold decisions" to address the "insecurity.....and porous borders". Advertisement Summarized, Jubilee Coalition offered a platform that promised to: - Put food and clean water on every Kenyan table- Ensure that every child in Kenya gets quality education- Create wealth- Ensure that every Kenyan gets quality and affordable healthcare- Empower Kenyan women to take their rightful place in developing this country- Keep Kenya safe and secure both internally and externally- Develop a cogent foreign relations and trade policy for Kenya Reviewed against the last four years, only the most partisan toady can conclude that Jubilee has delivered on its campaign promises. In a survey conducted by the much-maligned polling firm IPSOS Research, Kenyans listed hunger, corruption and the high cost of living as their main concerns. On the promises to (a) "put food and clean water on every Kenyans table", (b) "keep Kenya safe and secure", and (c) "create wealth", a plurality of Kenyans surveyed concluded that the ruling party had not delivered. Additionally, using the persistent scandals that have plagued Kenya's institutions of learning as benchmarks, it is not unreasonable to conclude that Jubilee has failed to deliver on its assurance "that every child in Kenya (will) get quality education". The failure to deliver on this pledge also illustrated every ism that continues to define Jubilee's time in office: gross corruption, utter incompetence and wanton violence and destruction of property. Advertisement Jubilee's pledge to "(E)nsure that every Kenyan gets quality and affordable healthcare" would be laughable if it did not directly impact lives. Former President Mwai Kibaki's trip to South Africa for "specialized treatment" and the many reports of Kenyans stuck in foreign countries because they cannot pay for medical services already rendered say it all: Jubilee has not delivered on said pledge. Again unsurprising, efforts at providing healthcare were engulfed in gross malfeasance this time implicating the president's immediate family! One would be hard-pressed to argue that women took "their rightful place" in developing Kenya given Gov. Kidero's assault on Ms. Rachel Shebesh and the delayed action against crooner Koffi Olomide's bone-headed caught-on-camera attack on one of his dancers. Kenyans also ho-hummed Moses Kuria's vile threat against Mbita MP Millicent Odhiambo (who reportedly received a Christmas card from the president -- in a contrived attempt to "go high" ostensibly because his sycophant Mr. Kuria and Ms. Odhiambo had both "gone low"). Mr. Kenyatta conveniently forgot his repeatedly less-than-high characterization of his opponents throughout his time in office. The country also witnessed the sexist personal attacks on former Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru and Miguna Miguna's racist rants against Esther Passaris (with host Jeff Koinange's tacit acquiescence). In the one bright spot for Jubilee, I'd offer that Kenya developed "cogent foreign relations and trade policy" albeit at a price. Besides successfully rallying the African Union (AU) to save Mr. Kenyatta and Mr. Ruto in their crimes-against-humanity cases at The Hague, the highlight of Jubilee's 1st term saw outgoing American President and part-Kenyan Luo Barack Obama bring the full prestige and might of the American Presidency to Kenya. Advertisement Mr. Obama's visit was followed by that of the equally popular global icon Pope Francis. The country also hosted a series of high profile international gatherings including the Tokyo International Conference of African Development (TICAD). A while back I offered that President Obama (had) prematurely lauded Mr. Kenyatta's "war against corruption": My perspective was lent credence by none other than Pope Francis who called out the rot that is land-grabbing and the sugary taste of gains ill-gotten through the endemic corruption. The high-profile visits allowed the global press to shine a spotlight on Kenya and literally and figuratively reveal where the bodies are! Jubilee oversaw continuation of projects such as the uber expensive Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project -- set in motion BEFORE they came into office. The self-titled "digital duo" also oversaw expansion of the electrification of primary schools and villages not to mention the tarmacking of roads across Kenya. These mega-projects required massive infusions of cash the country had to borrow from her newest best friend China and through floatation of the Eurobond. Like clockwork, appropriation of funds from the latter (Eurobond) mutated into yet another scandal implicating the party stalwarts. The party's inability to stem corruption was first driven home when Mr. Kenyatta sought the services of the African Governance Initiative (AGI), a group headed by Jubilee's erstwhile whipping boy Mr. Tony Blair. The former British Prime Minister was brought in to oversee "delivery" of mega-projects such as SGR, Konza Technology City and the Lamu Port South Sudan and Ethiopia Transport corridor (LAPSSET) with minimal "eating of chicken". Jubilee's signature laptop-for-primary-schools campaign promise also became mired in fights between competing tenderpreneurs; in the process becoming one more symbol of the corruption that has characterized the Kenyatta Administration. It thus comes as no surprise that during their time in office, Mr. Kenyatta, his deputy Mr. Ruto and their families and friends have all been at the epicenter of one form of gross malfeasance or another. Finally, between 2013 to 2015, Jubilee was a party unable to keep Kenyans safe and secure largely because of incompetent, ill-equipped, unprofessional and scandal-plagued law enforcement and security apparatus -- unsurprisingly led by corrupt and incompetent leadership. Not only was Mr. Kenyatta's government unable to hold accountable corrupt and incompetent security and law enforcement personnel, the president and his national security team seemed incapable of formulating a coherent strategy in response to the repeated attacks. Advertisement In reviewing President Kenyatta and DP Ruto's time in office beginning 2013, the following images crystallize that period: 1. Gruesome pictures of Garissa University students laying lifeless on the cement floor and that of little Portia Walton running towards Abdul Haji -- both after deadly attacks by al-Shabaab extremists.2. A chastened presidential confidante and former CS Anne Waiguru, resigning after her self-characterization as a "whistleblower" in the NYS scandal, pardon the pun, blew up.3. An indignant and defeated President Kenyatta passing the (corruption) buck to everyone except himself during a "summit" on -- corruption.4. Two MPs announcing that they were headed to Germany to seek treatments for injuries sustained during a fight that erupted during parliamentary "debates"! For Vladimir Putin: one of those extra long telescoping leashes to control his new pet. For Ronald McDonald: an extended vacation until the creepy clown sightings subside. 4 years ought to do it. For Melania Trump: a couple of grey hairs to give her some gravitas. Cuff & collar. For Kim Kardashian: an itinerary of Melania Trump's movements so she can study up for 2024. For Donald Trump: who is proud of saying anything that flies into his head: a tiny rabid West African Ruby- Throated Hummingbird. For Speaker of the House Paul Ryan: a whip, a chair and thigh high boots for when he has to deal with the Executive branch. For Elizabeth Warren: a set of portable Klieg lights to stay front and center for the foreseeable future. For Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony Kennedy & Stephen Breyer: the finest health care available. For each Democrat in Congress: a 55 gallon drum of Vitamin D to put a little spine in their spine. For Billy Bush: a job in the Trump administration's protocol division where all he does is follow POTUS around saying "The Donald scores again." For Kellyanne Conway: a nap. Starting to look a little ragged around the edges. For Anthony Weiner: a one- way ticket to a deserted South Sea Island populated mostly by poisonous snakes and omnivorous snails. For Huma Abedin: a closed circuit camera recording every second. For Roger Ailes: an appointment with the same counseling group now attended by Bill Cosby. For the American Public: a case of antacid in order to get through the heartless pummeling the spineless cheered on by the clueless. For the new host of Celebrity Apprentice, Arnold Schwarzenegger: his own kill phrase, something like, "You won't be back." For British Prime Minister Theresa May: A copy of the Kama Sutra to discover a position that will allow her to twist out of Brexit. For Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto: a wall on the border to control our immigration. For Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: same thing. For Samsung: the quick introduction of the Galaxy VIII. For Rudy Giuliani: a muzzle. Permanent. Steel. Welded with titanium rivets. For Bashar Al Assad: something quick and painless: heart attack in bed. For NATO Commanders: a gift subscription to the Coffee of the Week Club. Decaf option declined. For Hillary Clinton: proof. Hutchinson contracts with a collection agency for unpaid utility bills Contract with Topeka-based collector could double collections on unpaid city bills, but it will significantly increase cost for debtors The Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe (IAB Europe) is dismayed by the European Commissions proposal for a new ePrivacy Regulation, the next iteration of the infamous cookie law. The Commission had the perfect opportunity to prove its serious about better and smarter regulation by repealing an outdated and unnecessary cookie law, said Townsend Feehan, CEO of IAB Europe. But instead, DG Connect has rammed through a proposal for yet more regulation before it was possible to determine whether new rules are really needed, given that the new data protection rules adopted only year ago addressing virtually the same subject matter are yet to be applied in practice. While the Commission finally acknowledged the important role of advertising for funding free content online, it does so at the same time as presenting a law that as a practical matter would undeniably damage the advertising business model without achieving any real benefits for users from a privacy and data protection point of view said Feehan. People who thought cookie banners were annoying, will be disappointed to hear that things wont get better, Feehan warned. Without significant improvements to the proposed text, users would have to actively change the settings of every single device and app they use, and more actively deal with constant requests for permission for the use of harmless cookies when visiting websites and using other digital services. We hope the co-legislators will assess this proposal on the merits and take good account of constructive industry suggestions that would better protect user privacy, while putting less of a burden on their time, attention and patience, concluded Feehan. Anbang Insurance Group of China is looking to invest in a project to redevelop a New York building owned by Kushner Companies, a real estate firm headed by Jared Kushner, a son-in-law of US President-elect Donald Trump.The New York Times published an article about Jared Kushner, which detailed a meeting between him and Anbangs chairman Wu Xiaohui in November, a few days after Trump emerged as the winner of the US election. The parties talked about the renovation of a 41-storey building located at 666 Fifth Avenue in New York, which was bought by Kushner Companies in 2008 for US$1.8 billion.The deal has yet to be completed, and some major points are still under negotiation, said the newspaper.Kushner is the husband of Trumps daughter Ivanka and is CEO of Kushner Companies. He is also being considered for a White House post after his father-in-law assumes the presidency on January 20. If he were to accept the position, he would have to divest and distance himself from the family business.Chinese insurer Anbang, which started out as an auto insurer in 2004, is one of the most aggressive buyers of overseas assets, having spent over US$30 billion to acquire luxury hotels, insurance firms, and other properties, most notably the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. Authors Note: The European Union adopted in April last year the General Data Protection Regulation, which has the potential to change the way cyber insurance is offered around the world. The rule takes full effect in 2018. BDO Consulting Technology Advisory Services managing director Judy Selby took time to field Insurance Businesss questions on the matter. Here are her answers. IB: How do you see the EU regulation changing the US regulatory environment? JS: Generally speaking, US enterprises that handle or process the personal data of EU citizens will be subject to the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)regardless of where the company is headquartered. This means that US entities that transfer data to, from or within the EU will need to prepare to meet the regulations new requirements. The GDPR imposes liability on both the data controller and the processor, so these changes can have a significant impact on those conducting investigations or processing protected data. This includes when a US law firm or e-discovery service provider collects, processes and hosts data. Since some of the GDPR provisions are stricter than US laws and regulations, many US businesses will need to tighten up their data protection standards to continue operating with EU citizens data. One notable difference between the EU and the US is the EUs stronger emphasis on individual data privacy rights; this can be seen in the GDPRs inclusion of EU citizens right to be forgotten. If a data subject makes this request, the controller must erase the subjects personal data without undue delay, typically within a month. The controller must also inform other controllers about the individuals objection. This makes it difficult for investigators, as they might find potentially relevant evidence temporarily or permanently unavailableeven though retaining that data may be legal in other jurisdictions or the erasure request may ultimately be unwarranted. The balancing of GDPR regulations with US regulations will be challenging. Data processors will need to update their risk models, protocols for handling data, and contract terms and conditions. Companies may consider establishing in-country resources to avoid transporting data across borders and risking a complaint or enforcement at the border. They may also need to engage local counsel who have experience working with relevant data protection authorities (DPAs). It is also possible that DPAs may prohibit European clients from dealing with US vendors that do not comply with the new regulations. IB: How do you see this affecting companies that earn revenues from using user data for commercial purposes? How do you see the US government and business community responding to the new commercial environment these rules will create? JS: The GDPR requirements are lengthy and complexand as such, companies may see a temporary slow-down in business or increase in costs as they adjust to the new regulation. Much of the potential impact also depends on how well companies disclose their practices and obtain consent, and how data subjects choose to respond to their newly defined rights. Under the GDPR, organizations must inform all data subjects of their rights prior to collecting their data. Subjects must then give explicit consent for any sensitive data to be used, and organizations must be able to show proof of this consent upon request. After the data is collected, data subjects can object to the data being used in any way (for example, for direct marketing purposes), as well as request the right to be forgotten (as aforementioned). Firms handling significant amounts of sensitive data must appoint a data protection officer (DPO) to oversee the implementation of these regulations. As a result, companies will need be prepared to share a detailed analysis of their data flow, access, use and security controls, as well as policies and procedures, when asked. This increase in regulatory burden may cause some companies to increase their service fees to offset the additional costs. Organizations with fewer resources may also struggle to navigate and respond to data subjects requests and complaints in time, slowing down other business processes. Overall, companies will need to rethink their contracting and consent processes and their interactions with new and current customers. Finally, there are heavy financial penalties for non-compliance: 20 million or 4% of annual worldwide turnover for groups of companies (whichever is greater). Larger organizations, particularly those in the technology industry, need to especially prepare, as non-compliance can result in billions of dollars in fines. IB: How will this affect online commercial activity between the EU and the rest of the world? Do you see the new regulation changing the way current online commerce is conducted across the globe? How? JS: Cross-border data transfers and online commercial activity will be more stringently regulated under the GDPR. Data exporters will need to not only gain data subjects consent to use and transport their data, but must also ensure that their subjects are sufficiently informed about the risks of transfer. Data subjects can also ask to receive back their personal data in a structured and commonly used format so that it can easily be transferred to another data controller (known as data portability). Figuring out how to meet all these requests in a timely manner without interrupting daily business operations will be a challenge. In addition, companies must ensure they have justifiable reasons for transferring personal data to jurisdictions with inadequate data protection regulation. These issues may make online commercial activity between developed countries and emerging markets, or those with fewer data protection regulations, difficult. IB: How will the new rules help shape the future of cyber insurance? JS: The cyber insurance industry is already expecting a huge amount of growth over the next several years, as companies drive to protect themselves from the recent surge in cyber-attacks. This growth will be further fuelled by the implementation of new regulations, including the GDPR. GDPR requirements likely will drive many companies to re-assess their current cyber insurance coverage to determine whether or not they are sufficiently covered for potential GDPR-related liabilities. Coverage for breach response will be particularly important in light of the GDPRs rigorous breach reporting requirements. Under the regulation, a personal data breach is a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, personal data transmitted, stored or otherwise processed. If a breach should occur, the data controller must notify its relevant DPA within 72 hours of awareness, when feasible. It must also notify the affected data subjects if the breach is likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals (notification does not have to occur if the breach does not). The GDPR also includes content requirements for notifications and sets forth limited exceptions to the notification rules. Comprehensive data breach response coverage, therefore, will be invaluable to help insureds comply with their GDPR obligations. But breach response should not be the only area of concern. In addition to securing coverage for those liabilities, companies also should ensure that they have coverage for regulatory fines and penalties and for the wrongful or unlawful collection of data. Because there is no standard cyber policy, potential insureds must carefully consider their coverage options and negotiate for coverage that will meet their needs. For insurers, the GDPR will require insurers to reassess their current products to determine if they adequately meet the liabilities imposed by the new regulation. In addition, insurers should be especially diligent when considering coverage for potential insureds, making sure to consider all potential data and operational risks that could lead to liability under the GDPR. For example, insurers should undertake to understand how their insureds collect and store protected data, and their relationships with third-parties involved in controlling and processing this data. IB: What are the advantages and drawbacks of the new regulation? JS: One big advantage of the GDPR is that, for most purposes, businesses will now need to deal with only one supervisory authority in the EU, rather than a different one for each EU state. One-stop shopping will simplify processes and reduce costs for companies that conduct business across several EU member states. Nevertheless, the more stringent requirements will add an additional compliance burden and significant operational challenges for many companies, forcing the creation and implementation of entirely new ways of managing data that may not have existed before. In addition, EU citizens have the right to approach a DPA to lodge complaints at any time, which companies must now deal with in a timely manner. This may lead to additional costs and significant delays to business. In the extreme case, data controllers that do not set up the proper controls in time may find themselves unable to do business in the EU until they do so. IB: How do you foresee the effectiveness of the rule in preventing major cyber-attacks in the future? JS: Under the regulations Security of Processing (Article 32) provision, controllers and processors will be required to implement technical and organizational measures to cement a security level in line with the potential risk. Appropriate measures range from ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data processing systems and services to the regular testing and evaluation of these systems. Data controllers must also conduct risk assessments to ensure that they understand the level of risks that they may be subject to, and how to best prevent them. The GDPRs security provisions therefore may help mitigate the risk of future cyberattacks. IB: How will the Privacy by Design and Default provision affect the delivery of services based on machine learning technology? JS: The Privacy by Design and Privacy by Default principles are meant to ensure that stronger privacy controls are embedded in a systems core functionality from the very beginning. First, the former requires services and businesses to account for the protection of any consumer data it uses during the entire lifecycle of the development of a product or service. The latter automatically affords consumers the principle of least privilege when it comes to the personal data newly acquired products or services can access from them. For products and services to gain access to more of their personal data, consumers will have to manually approve that access. Since machine learning technology requires a great deal of data usage, companies using AI or developing AI products need to understand how GDPRs frameworks apply in design. For example, since AI often uses existing data to generate more data (i.e. in the case of predicting the behaviour of certain groups), it is important that this newly generated data is also protected. However, knowing whether explicit consent was sufficiently given for companies to use and/or share this newly generated data can be unclear, as machine learning often infers personal details that were not originally intentionally shared. This will require organizations to thoroughly examine their product development processes and adjust internal controls so theyre in compliance with these new data protection principles. IB: Is the two-year adoption period adequate time for insurers to cope with the major changes that are expected to take place with its implementation? JS: While two years may have seemed like a long time, the GDPR will create significant operational demands that will make timely compliance quite challenging. Many organizations (especially non-European ones) will need to completely transform the way they collect and use personal information. The GDPR also contains numerous documentation requirements that will require considerable thought and effort, and the ability to accommodate the regulations new data subject rights may require major technical revamps. Insurers themselves will also need to prepare quickly. The anticipated increase in demand for cyber coverage must be met with adequate and knowledgeable underwriting and claims administration capabilities, so insurers should start thinking about how to hire and train people to fill those roles. IB: What are the key points for compliance that insurers must look out for with the new rules? JS: As mentioned, insurers will need to be cognizant of the fast turnaround time for reporting data breaches, as well as all the notification requirements should one occur. They will need deep knowledge of their insureds data management systems, and how to find critical information quickly should a data subject issue a request or complaint. They will also need to develop underwriting standards to adequately assess an entitys GDPR-risk exposure when considering policy issuance. Related stories: Private cyber insurance provides adequate risk coverage: study Morning Briefing: Cyber insurance market set to reach $14 billion Ieo, located around 150 km southwest of Jeju Island, is the subject of a dispute as the exclusive economic zones of the two sides overlap there. Around 10 Chinese military jets intruded into Korea's air defense identification zone near the submerged rocks of Ieo on Monday for about four hours. "Some 10 Chinese bombers and other military aircraft flew into our air defense identification zone several times between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.," a military official here said. "The [Korean] Air Force scrambled around 10 fighter jets in response." This is not the first time that Chinese military aircraft have flown in the zone, but the latest intrusion involved the largest number of aircraft. Korea apparently warned the Chinese planes and protested to the Chinese side through a hotline. Japan's Defense Ministry also confirmed that six Chinese bombers and one surveillance aircraft flew over the Straits of Korea and into the East Sea. Two Chinese fighter planes flew over the Straits of Korea in January of last year and three more did so in August. The air defense identification zone does not constitute territorial airspace but is established in order to identify air traffic. It is common protocol for aircraft entering another country's air defense identification zone to request permission. "The intrusion appears to send warning messages to Korea over its deployment of a U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery as well as to Japan over the territorial dispute over the Senkaku or Diaoyu Islands," a government official said. The New Year is already being hit with its first cyber news with California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones releasing a report on Friday stating hackers who accessed the health records of 78 million Americans in 2014 could have been working for a foreign government.The attack on Anthem almost three years ago was followed by similar breaches on other health insurers and on Friday cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said it had Medium Confidence the hack was state sponsored.In this bold new world of everything cyber, where do the chips lay in the cyber insurance field?You have a whole host of insurance brokers and wholesalers, and other than the very large ones, I see them really struggling to figure out what is the best approach to mitigating cyber risk, James R. Woods, Co-leader of Mayer Browns Global Insurance Industry Group said. They dont have a lot of capital to be spending in this area but the interesting thing is these companies all possess personal identifying information that needs to be properly protected.Costs of cyber insurance are notoriously prohibitive and geared towards major corporations.This becomes a problem for everyone when smaller organizations are contracted out by larger ones, providing a pathway for hackers to access big companies even when they have strong cyber security.Mid-level capitalized companies or lower capitalized companies I think are still playing a bit of a waiting game and are still trying to get their arms around what they can do, what they can afford to do and what they have to do. Woods said.Those with more significant capitalization, the large insurers, theyre taking this very seriously and crafting mechanisms to protect themselves from cyber-attacksTrisura Insurance is asking its clients in all industries and of all sizes to review their mobile devices and software security systems in light of cybers increasingly high profile and a progressively tougher regulatory landscape.Clients both big and small should conduct an audit of their existing cybersecurity position, including an evaluation of who and what is connected to their systems and networks, what is running on their systems and networks and whether they have technology in place to prevent, detect and deal with most breaches, Michael Kalakauskas, the Senior Underwriter in Trisuras Specialty Insurance department said.These organizations should also consult cyber experts regularly if they do introduce new devices to their businesses or personal lives.Kalakauskas noted Internet of Things devices like wireless webcams, routers and smart home security gadgets are connected to networks and people, connections that could have vulnerabilities and are worth examining.Greater cooperation is what James Woods wants examined, with a focus on practicality top of mind.Lets realize they (companies) arent inviting hacking they are victims of hacks, its somewhat unfair to put them in a defensive posture, Woods said. The regulators, the government and the industry should be working together to craft appropriate regulations with which the industry can actually comply. Members of the American Legion Riders of Dalton pose with local law enforcement on Monday morning at an appreciation breakfast. Road captain Neil Raymond, left, Vice President John Herrera and President Michael Lefebvre present Sheriff Thomas Bowler with a plaque. Hinsdale Chief Susan Rathbun with Officers Tyler Miller and Kristen Burgess. Police Chief Roberta Sarnacki and Officer Charles "Chip" Whiting III representing Otis. State Police Trooper Andrew Fox, left, Lt. Dave Buell and Trooper O'Neill from the Lee barracks. Lee Police Sgt. Craig DeSantis and Officer Chad Cummings pose. Officer Ted Crosby representing the West Stockbridge Police Department. Great Barrington Police Chief William Walsh holds his department's plaque. The Cheshire barracks is represented by Lt. James Dalton and Trooper Glen Lagerwall. Troop B's commanding officer Maj. Barry O'Brien receives a plaque for the troop and a certificate of appreciation. Cindy Raymond, the group's photographer and historian, gets everyone into position. PreviousNext American Legion Riders Host Appreciation Event for Law Enforcement Michael Lefebvre, founding president of the Riders, welcomes guests to the event in Dalton on Monday morning. DALTON, Mass. The American Legion Riders of Post 155 on Monday morning recognized the many police departments that ensure the safety of its two annual motorcycle rides. The tradition started a few years ago, said Michael Lefebvre, Massachusetts founding president, as a way to recognize officers' help with traffic control, and to show an appreciation of their daily efforts to protect and serve. "I think we should appreciate law enforcement, they do nothing but good for us," he said on Monday morning as the Riders prepared to present plaques and letters during the National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day breakfast at the post home. "They do traffic control for us knock on wood we've had this 16 years in the Berkshires and we haven't had an accident yet. There's a lot of motorcycle runs for charities and benefits and unfortunately, there's a lot of accidents ... 100 percent, they've backed us and been there and I feel they're unappreciated." State police, Berkshire County Sheriff Thomas Bowler and representatives from departments in South Berkshire and the hill towns attended the buffet breakfast. "It's a great group, that's why I came up here today," said Great Barrington Police Chief William Walsh. The organization raises money for a number of veterans' causes, participates in parades and escorts the remains of veterans to funerals. A ride on Memorial Day for members raises scholarship money for students pursuing careers in law enforcement and the much larger Freedom Ride in August raises money for veterans. The group changes up the routes each year, passing through different towns. Walsh said the group doesn't "put a lot on us, they're all squared away" in terms of coordination. But it's rare, he said, for someone to go out of their way to show the force this kind of recognition. "Most come by and say 'thank you' and that's OK," he said. "This, it's a nice little breakfast today and I appreciate it." On a lighter note, Raymond acknowledged, "there's nothing more disconcerting than a large group of loud motorcyclists rolling through a community ... while you don't think it's much from the standpoint of our not having any kind of an impact, it makes this flow so much easier. ... without your assistance it wouldn't be as beneficial and easy as it has been so far." Departments sending representatives this year were Hinsdale, Otis, Lee, West Stockbridge, Great Barrington; and from the Lee and Cheshire barracks of Troop B; and Bowler representing the sheriff's department. Departments that were unable to send representatives were Becket, Cummington, Stockbridge, Dalton and Windsor. Bowler said his department supports the organization whenever it has an event, including with its own motorcycle unit. "This organization is great with the fundraisers they do in support of veterans," he said. "It's an organization that's very, very dedicated to a wonderful cause supporting our veterans and those killed in action. ... "It's a great tribute to law enforcement for what we do to support this organization. This is just a great sign of community collaboration." The Selectmen's office was packed on Monday with firefighters and supporters to discuss the future of the ambulance service. Lanesborough Considering Privatizing Ambulance Service Selectmen Henry 'Hank' Sayers said his idea would be to mimic what is done in the city of Pittsfield with the town's response to calls. LANESBOROUGH, Mass. The Board of Selectmen have a proposal to privatize the ambulance service. But the Fire Department, which runs the town's volunteer ambulance now, is fighting to keep it. The town's ambulance service has been facing tough financial times for the last few years and slowly depleting its reserves. Selectman Henry "Hank" Sayers recently reached out to County Ambulance in Pittsfield about a service contract and the for-profit service agreed to provide 24-7 coverage at no cost to the town. County Ambulance would receive the income from insurances and patient billing associated with each ride. "Our idea originally was when an ambulance call came in, the police, Fire Department, and County would be dispatched all at the same time, with Lanesborough Fire responding with a rescue instead of an ambulance," Sayers said. The model is somewhat like the city of Pittsfield has and the emergency medical technicians on the Lanesborough Fire Department would still act as first responders when available, passing on the transportation to the hospital aspect to the private company. County would be sending an EMT and a paramedic, bringing in an additional level of skill than available in the town's service. Sayers estimates that 75 percent of the town's calls are already being handled solely by County Ambulance because of a shortage of volunteers available in town to respond. "They only were responding to 25 percent of the calls and County was already doing the other 75 percent of the calls," Sayers said. "The way it is set up right now is a set of tones go off for our town ambulance. Two minutes later another set of tones go off and they wait a couple of minutes. If nobody signs on for a response then they dispatch County. So it is a four-minute delay before they dispatch County." Town Manager Paul Sieloff said County initially proposed a three-year contract, but settled on doing it for three months instead as a trial. But that also means the Lanesborough Ambulance Service will be parking its vehicle for that duration. "There is still a role for the Fire Department EMTs if this were to go forward in that they would race forward with the rescue truck to the site and stabilize the patient. They may be able to get [more volunteers to respond] if they know they will just have to go to the site and they don't have to spend as much as an hour and a half going to the hospital, cleaning out the truck, filling out the paperwork, and all the computer stuff. They are there just to medically get there and offer their skill set to the people in need," Sieloff said. The issues plaguing the service recently is a combination of unpaid bills and the number of times volunteers are unavailable to take calls. Fire Chief Charlie Durfee says there are only six EMTs on the department and work and family obligations often lead them to be unavailable, thus missing opportunities for additional revenue. "People aren't paying their bill. We have like $50,000 in unpaid debt from people who aren't paying their bill. We are getting out of the door the best we can. We are a small town, pretty much six or seven EMTs take the calls, we get out of the door as much as we can. But people aren't paying their bill," Durfee said. Those two financial forces have been working against the service over the last few years. Just to offset operations, the service has dipped into its reserve funds to the tune of about $10,000. At that rate, there is only a few more years left before it would have to ask the town to contribute to keep it going. And that coincides with the time when the town would be needing a new ambulance at a cost of somewhere in the $230,000 range. "The ambulance is going to have to be replaced and those ambulances are very expensive. If they are only getting modest use, 20 percent of the time, that is a big investment for the town," Sieloff said. "We don't want to eliminate EMTs. They are valuable at an ambulance call, at fire calls, or an accident, to have people with that level of skill above a first responder is very helpful. I'd like to have as many EMTs over there we can get." EMS Deputy Chief JD Hebert believes the service can turn things around and is hoping for a little more time to show that. One aspect could be adding additional EMTs to the roster, a move Sieloff says would cost the town minimal. The insurance cost is around $500 per person. But, that is also if the town has volunteers willing to join on as EMTs. "I believe in the potential of our department to get better at what we are doing," Hebert said. "I believe our system works and I believe it should not be touched." PJ Pannesco said the department doesn't want the issue to lead to anger between the Selectmen and firefighters, or between the firefighters and County, but he does hope to have a chance to save the town's volunteer ambulance service. While firefighter PJ Pannesco reminded the Selectmen that while the service has dipped into its own reserves, it has yet to ask the town for additional help. The Lanesborough Ambulance Service is funded through an enterprise fund from revenues from the transports the volunteers do make. "The town is not losing money. The ambulance is paid for. We provide the service as volunteers," Pannesco said. But the day when the taxpayers will be asked could be coming, and coming sooner rather than later. Sayers estimates the option of turning it into a full-time service would cost the town in excess of $300,000 a year, which may be too much for the town's coffers. The contract with County went before the Board of Selectmen on Monday night and a large number of firefighters packed the Selectmen's office in opposition to the move. The Selectmen responded with high praise for the work the first responders do and set a meeting for next Tuesday to sit and meet with the department about the issue. "I don't agree with getting rid of the ambulance all together," said Board of Selectmen Chairman John Goerlach. While Sayers said, "the ambulance squad has been doing an excellent job when they respond. There has not been a single resident left out in the cold." Next week, both sides will come together in hopes to find a solution. The Fire Department will present ideas to improve the system they have. Selectman Robert Ericson is asking for a "comprehensive" look at the issue from both sides. "I would like a visual in how this is all going to play out and the names and quantity of people to make whatever it is happen," Ericson said. "I would like to see a whole comprehensive picture of what we are talking about." Resident Dominica D'Avella called on a similar analysis including effects on response time, any proposed alternatives, the long-term impacts on the service. And she wants the public to be part of the discussion, adding that she believes the majority of the residents would be supportive of subsidizing the service somewhat to keep it going if needed. Durfee called the whole "tough situation" and sees both points of view. On one hand, the town's taxes are a concern. On the other, the town has a group of dedicated volunteers working hard to keep the residents safe. But whether those two sides can come together is yet to be seen. "Our guys want to keep doing it because it is their heart and soul. That's what we've always done and that's what I've done for 36 years on the Fire Department. [The Selectmen] are looking at the money aspect," Durfee said. Collins Center senior associate Monica Lamboy said the full report will be presented at the end of the month. She and three other representatives reviewed their findings so far. heshire and Adams residents filled the Cheshire Elementary School Computer Lab to hear the Collins Center's initial findings. PreviousNext Collins Center Initial Findings Say Adams-Cheshire Has to Change Bill Lupini said enrollment will continue to decrease with fewer young families in the area. The district is already about 300 students below capacity. CHESHIRE, Mass. Initial findings of the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District study are clear: Something has to change. The University of Massachusetts' Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management was commissioned to study the state of the school district and supply recommendations for its future. This may include closing an elementary school. Interim Superintendent Robert Putnam said the Collins Center's findings will inform the fiscal 2018 budget, which he assumes will already have a $370,000 increase in fixed costs. This amount will be needed just to maintain the district's current operations. "Change has to happen and [the Collins Center] have made reference to the cuts that have been made over the past three years, all of which have put students at a disadvantage," Putnam said. "So the changes are going to occur." Collins' four representatives presented the first two parts of their report to the School Committee on Monday night and went over some of the trends they found in the communities and information they gathered from community conversations. Although options for new educational models and cost-saving measures will not be unveiled until the end of the month, senior associate Monica Lamboy said things will have to change. "Something needs to change because the trend line of the district's budget is probably not a good direction," Lamboy said. "Change is scary, change is difficult and people don't like it but we are going to say up front something is going to have to change." Putnam said while he and the administration await the final report they have been developing "tabletop scenarios" if the district has to close a school to shift students around to balance the budget. He said for the entire year they have studies the costs of closing each school and the pros and cons. Chairman Paul Butler explained during the well-attended meeting that although the decision will be made by the committee, there is no intention to make it without public input along with the Collins Center's report. "It is not going to be one vote and we want to hear from the community because this is going to be a long process and a lot of important decisions will have to be made," Butler said. "We want to improve education while making it affordable, whether that includes closing a building or not we don't know we have to see the final report." Collins Center representative Michael Johnson said their own recommendations will be influenced by the community and guided by the information gathered at the three community input sessions held in November. "By identifying values and metrics associated with particular recommendations we can keep ourselves honest," he said. "We can challenge ourselves not to make recommendations that have no obvious support in the community or that do not clearly express community values." He added that some of the findings the Collins Center will take into consideration are strengthening the community, improving the in-school experience, improving educational outcomes, improving district operations and making the district financially stable. Lamboy shared some of the Collins Center's values that will also inform their recommendations, which include maximizing funding in the classroom, use the best spaces efficiently, place students in the middle of all decisions, show transparency and accountability in all decisions and consider the concept of "small town" collaboration instead of autonomy. "This district has been in place since 1965; that is 51 years," Lamboy said. "The two communities have to work in a collaborative way and move forward instead of in a divisive way." Michael Johnson said Collins Center's recommendations will be guided by community values. "When the state contribution is going down, the towns' contribution has to go up at a greater rate to sustain the relatively modest increase in your year-to-year spending," Kingsley said. He said over a five-year period Adams had increased their school spending by 38 percent and Cheshire 24 percent, although the High School renovation is factored into this increase. Lamboy also shared some state spending averages and said that ACRSD per pupil spending lower than the state average and in 2015 were $1,200 lower than the average. She said the district spends 39 percent less than the state average on professional development, 41 percent less on instructional material and 49 percent less on guidance counseling and testing. It is 25.5 percent higher on benefits and fixed charges that benefit current employees and retirees. Lamboy said ways to combat this increased percentage this will be addressed in the final report. Spending on teachers is lower than the state average and spending on specialty teachers is 86 percent lower than the state average. Lamboy touched on the facilities and noted by Massachusetts School Building Authority standards all the schools are operating under capacity Cheshire at almost 50 percent less. "Overall, based on the square footage, the three buildings have enough space for 1,655 students," Lamboy said. "We are at 1,300 right now." Class sizes are also under the average and both elementary schools have maintenance issues. Cheshire needs to replace a lift for handicapped accessibility at a cost of $68,000 and a section of the roof; Plunkett also needs to replace a lift at a cost of $38,000 as well as roof repairs to the tune of $300,000. Lamboy added that other repairs need to be made to Plunkett but they have yet to price out the projects. She said both schools could benefit from a renovation and it may be an option to work with the state and renovate one of the buildings. Elton Ogden of Berkshire Housing Development Corporation addresses the Williamstown Board of Selectmen on Monday. Williamstown Donates Cole Avenue Site for Affordable Housing Selectmen Jeffrey Thomas, left, and Hugh Daley each asked last month to take more time to consider the land donation. On Monday, Daley voted for the deal. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Board of Selectmen on Monday decided to donate the town-owned property at 330 Cole Ave. to the developer vying to build 46 units of affordable housing at the site. The vote came after the president and CEO of Berkshire Housing Development Corp. explained how the town contribution will improve the chances that the program will be funded. Elton Ogden, who also spoke at the meeting, sent the board a letter outlining the impact of potential town support. Berkshire Housing and the Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development recently applied for funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank. "Berkshire Housing Development Corp. recently learned it missed [funding] by 2.5 points," Town Manager Jason Hoch told the board. "Donated land is worth five points. This has the ability to tip the scale on that." Likewise, the commonwealth's Department of Housing and Community Development offers more points in its scoring system for projects that have financial support from the community. Even without the town backing on its side, Berkshire Housing recently got some good news from Boston about its application for low-income housing tax credits to fund the project at the former Photech Mill site. "Over 100 applications were submitted [in the current round of funding], and I know many applications did not make it through the pre-application phase," Ogden told the selectmen. "We received an email today from DHCD inviting us into the funding round. I'm happy about that. It's a good step. Now, we have an opportunity to compete for the funding this year." Ogden in the past has told town officials that he expects the 330 Cole Ave. proposal to take at least two funding rounds before it wins approval because of the high demand for affordable housing funds across the commonwealth. Last month , Ogden and Hoch came to the Selectmen with the proposal to change the option to purchase the land previously negotiated between the town and Berkshire Housing. The deal in place would have seen the developer pay $139,800 for the land the assessed value as proposed in the developer's response to the town's 2014 request for proposals. Two selectmen asked for more information and time to consider the change, asking for more information about the potential benefit in terms of state funding and questioning the increased development cost cited for changing terms of the deal. Selectmen Hugh Daley opened Monday's discussion by saying he was satisfied that the change made sense. "[Selectwoman Jane Patton] made a valid point: If not this, then what for that property," Daley said. Daley also noted that the town would fairly quickly recoup its investment of the in-kind contribution from property tax revenue. Selectman Jeffrey Thomas agreed that the fiscal benefit of getting the property into private hands makes sense. He continued to question the notion of the town helping the developers with increased cost for the project. "I'd rather there not be language in what we agree to regarding the cost increase because I'm not comfortable with the precedent that the town of Williamstown could be responsible for cost increases," Thomas said. Hoch explained that the cost increase rationale was necessary to avoid starting the procurement process all over again with a new RFP. "When the procurement was done via the RFP, the set of conditions was put out, and both responding parties responded based on the market conditions at the time," Hoch said. Hoch told the BOS that he worked out the change in the land deal with the help of Town Counsel, and that the commonwealth's procurement laws allow changes if conditions have changed on the ground." Thomas ultimately abstained from the vote to change the agreement, which passed by a vote of 4-0-1. In other business Monday, the Board of Selectmen reviewed the progress that has been made in the last year on the recommendations of the ad hoc Economic Development Committee, which issued its report at the end of 2015. The board accepted a report that looked at what actions have been taken on more than 50 recommendations of the committee, which spent a year studying how the town can improve the climate for economic success. Thomas, who chaired the EDC before he was elected to the Board of Selectmen, noted that the committee's recommendation to consider "amending zoning bylaws to encourage greater flexibility and allowance of more uses by right or special permit rather than by variance," came to fruition in part last May when town meeting OK'd zoning changes that opened more opportunities for home businesses. Hogeland reported that another of the EDC's key recommendations broadband access spurred creation of a working group that includes himself and Hoch. Hogeland said that group plans to release its report and seek public input soon. Also Monday, the board heard a report from Hoch about the occupancy at the town's most recent affordable housing project, the senior apartments at Highland Woods. Specifically, he told the board that a census of occupants found that 33 of the 40 units were occupied by residents of the town before they moved into the complex; another was occupied by someone who was living in New Lebanon, N.Y., but had lived at the Spruces mobile home park before Tropical Storm Irene. "That's an important number to get out there," Daley said. "Specifically, Highland Woods was in service of the the residents of Williamstown." Speaking of service, the town will be looking for three residents to serve on town boards and committees. Hoch told the board that on Tuesday he will be posting on the town website a call for nominees to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Sign Commission and Conservation Commission, each of which has one vacancy. The deadline to submit citizen interest forms is Feb. 7. The Defense Ministry here on Monday warned that North Korea "seems to be capable" of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile from a mobile launcher. In a press briefing, ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun said, "We're keeping a close watch on the North's big anniversaries this year as possible dates for an ICBM launch." Earlier, on Sunday, a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman told KCNA, "We will launch an ICBM any time from any location determined by the supreme leadership." The Kwangmyongsong long-range rocket which the North launched in February last year could be converted into an ICBM capable of striking the U.S. mainland, but it can only be launched from fixed launch pads and takes days to prepare and fuel. But the Defense Ministry spokesman here said the KN-08 or the improved KN-14 could be launched from a 16-wheeled mobile launch vehicle without being immediately noticed by South Korea and the U.S. U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told NBC on Sunday the U.S. would shoot down a North Korean ICBM "if it were coming towards our territory or the territory of our friends and allies." New findings detail structure of immature Zika virus West Lafayette, Indiana - Researchers at Purdue University have determined the high-resolution structure of immature Zika virus, a step toward better understanding how the virus infects host cells and spreads. Zika belongs to a family of viruses called flaviviruses, which includes dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitic viruses. Although only the mature forms of flaviviruses are considered infectious, the virus population secreted from host cells is a mixture of mature, partially mature and immature virus particles. It is, therefore, probable that the immature form of Zika also plays a role in virus infection and spread, said Michael Rossmann, Purdues Hanley Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences. The research team was led by Rossmann, with Richard Kuhn, both professors in Purdues Department of Biological Sciences, as well as postdoctoral research associate Vidya Mangala Prasad. Findings are detailed in a research paper appearing online Monday (Jan. 9) in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology and it will be published in a future print issue of the journal. I think these findings open the door to begin to explore the assembly process of the virus, said Kuhn, director of the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D). We see clear differences between the structure of the immature virus and the mature virus. Not only are there differences in the outer structure, but the inner core must also undergo some significant changes during maturation. We need to study what these changes are and why they occur. Rossmann and Kuhn also led a team that last year determined the structure of the mature Zika virus. Research into a viruss structure provides insights important to the development of effective antiviral treatments and vaccines. The researchers used a technique called cryo-electron microscopy to reconstruct the immature viruss structure at 9 Angstroms resolution, or about a thousand times better resolution than would be possible with a conventional light microscope. The genome of the virus is housed inside a protective envelope that includes a lipid membrane, an envelope protein, a precursor membrane protein and a capsid protein. The Purdue researchers are the first to learn the position of the capsid protein in the immature virus, which plays the critical role of recognizing the viruss genetic material and acts as a chaperone to guide these RNA strands into the virus for assembly. The envelope protein is essential for the viruss binding, attachment and fusion to host cells during the infection process. The membrane protein cleaves from the mature virus as it is released from the host to infect other cells. A map of the immature viruss structure revealed details about the proteins, showing that the envelope and precursor membrane proteins are arranged in 60 spike-like features on the viruss surface, whereas the capsid protein is located on the internal side of the lipid membrane. The structure differs from the mature Zika virus in that the membrane protein in the mature virus is covered by the envelope protein. Both proteins exist on the surface of the immature version of the virus. Findings also show differences between the immature Zika virus and immature versions of other flaviviruses. Notably, it contains a partially ordered capsid protein shell that is less prominent in other immature flaviviruses. The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, has been associated with a birth defect called microcephaly that causes brain damage and an abnormally small head in babies born to mothers infected during pregnancy. The virus also has been associated with the autoimmune disease Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can lead to temporary paralysis. The current Zika epidemic started in Brazil in 2015. However, the residues that are responsible for the Zikas pathogenicity are largely unknown, Rossmann said. The structure of the virus is likely to play a major role in the disease. Rossmann and Kuhn have studied flaviviruses for about 15 years and were the first to map the structure of any flavivirus, starting with the dengue virus in 2002 and West Nile in 2003. The Nature Structural & Molecular Biology paper was authored by Mangala Prasad; staff scientist Andrew S. Miller; assistant research scientist Thomas Klose; former doctoral student Devika Sirohi; laboratory manager Geeta Buda; Wen Jiang, a professor of biological sciences and chemistry; Kuhn; and Rossmann. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health. FTC Charges Defendants with Selling Fake Payday Loan Debt Portfolios Washington, DC - The Federal Trade Commission has charged a Kansas man and his companies with selling portfolios of fake payday loan debts that debt collectors used to get people to pay on debts they did not owe. At the FTCs request, a federal court halted the operation pending litigation. According to the FTC, Joel Jerome Tucker, SQ Capital LLC, JT Holdings Inc. and HPD LLC sold lists of fake loans supposedly made by a phony lender, Castle Peak, or by an online loan provider known as 500FastCash. The listings had the social security and bank account numbers of people who supposedly owed money. Debt buyers and collection agencies subsequently used this information to persuade people that the debts were real and/or to get them to pay the fake debts. The FTC alleges that the defendants listed loans the named lenders did not make, and falsely claimed that purported borrowers had failed to repay debts they never owed. It also alleges that the defendants did not have the authority to sell debts of the lenders they named. The complaint alleges that these practices provided the means for deceptive statements, and were unfair, in violation of the FTC Act. To add credibility to the fake 500FastCash payday loans, Joel Tucker invoked the name of his brother, racecar driver and payday loan vendor Scott A Tucker. In 2012, the FTC brought an action against Scott Tucker and others engaged in payday lending under various names, including 500FastCash. In October 2016, a federal court ruled that Scott Tucker must pay $1.3 billion for deceiving and illegally charging consumers undisclosed and inflated fees. In 2015, a co-defendant in that case, 500FastCash trademark owner Red Cedar Services Inc. agreed to pay $2.2 million and cancel consumer loans to settle FTC charges that it illegally charged consumers undisclosed and inflated fees. The FTC previously brought actions against two collectors that used Joel Tuckers fake loan portfolios: Delaware Solutions, whose defendants were banned from the debt collection business in a settlement with the FTC and the New York Attorney Generals office, and Stark Law LLC. After this complaint was filed against Joel Tucker and his companies, the court granted the FTCs request for a preliminary injunction that prohibits the defendants from selling fake debt. The FTC seeks to permanently end the unlawful practice. The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint was 3-0. It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Suicide Attack in Sinai Washington, DC - The United States strongly condemns todays suicide attack at security checkpoints in northern Sinai, which killed at least nine people and wounded dozens more. We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wish a quick recovery for the injured. The United States strongly supports Egypts security, and we will continue to work with the Egyptian government to counter terrorism. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Not very long into last year I sat down at my laptop and wrote these words: The day Thomas turns 46 begins with the news that David Bowie has died. Well, thats just great, thinks Thomas. And on my birthday as well. Its fiction, the opening lines to chapter six of my novel Calling Major Tom. But its also not fiction as well, because the day I turned 46 began with the news that David Bowie had died. That day was 11 January 2016. Bowie had died the day before, but the news filtered through to most of us the next morning. At that point, I wasnt writing a book titled Calling Major Tom. The novel wasnt even a twinkle in my eye. But just a little over a week later I would indeed be writing that book. Calling Major Tom isnt about David Bowie, but he quietly haunts it. Before he died, I probably hadnt thought about him too much, not until the release of Blackstar, his final studio album, released on his 69th birthday, two days before he would die. Recommended 7 books that will change the way you work in 2017 I was pleased that Bowie had released a new album. He was one of those figures who were always part of the landscape of my life, even if I didnt obsessively collect his records, even if I never saw him play live. Space Oddity was released six months to the day before I was born, and I feel I must have absorbed it by osmosis even while in the womb. It is one of those songs you just know, intuitively, completely. I can remember the irradiated Day-Glo video for Ashes to Ashes giving me post-apocalyptic nightmares, being deliciously disturbed by the sleeve to Diamond Dogs. A girl who lived in our street wrote SHAZ LUVS BOWIE on every schoolbag she ever owned, as long as I knew her. What Calling Major Tom is about is Thomas Major, a grumpy, curmudgeonly man who happens to share a birthday with me. Thomas, by dint of a series of admittedly audacious happenings and coincidences (with which I hope the reader will stash their disbelief in the overhead locker and allow themselves to be carried along), ends up being the first human being to go on a manned flight to Mars. We meet him just a day or two after the launch, enjoying the isolation and the feeling that hes left Earth behind forever. David Bowie: his songs and ideas have resonated with audiences for nearly 50 years (Rex) Through flashbacks we see that Thomas Major has not had a very good life, and has been dogged by tragedy some of it unavoidable, some of his own making that has led him to the point where hes quite happy to settle into the role of grouchy misanthrope with only one real love: music. But then he dials a wrong number from space, his signal bouncing off a satellite network around the Earth and accidentally putting him into direct contact with the rather dysfunctional Ormerod family in Wigan. Culture news in pictures Show all 33 1 /33 Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures 30 September 2016 An employee hangs works of art with "Grand Teatro" by Marino Marini (R) and bronze sculpture "Sfera N.3" by Arnaldo Pomodoro seen ahead of a Contemporary Art auction on 7 October, at Sotheby's in London REUTERS Culture news in pictures 29 September 2016 Street art by Portuguese artist Odeith is seen in Dresden, during an exhibition "Magic City - art of the streets" AFP/Getty Images Culture news in pictures 28 September 2016 Dancers attend a photocall for the new "THE ONE Grand Show" at Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin, Germany REUTERS Culture news in pictures 28 September 2016 With an array of thrift store china, humorous souvenirs and handmade tile adorning its walls and floors, the Mosaic Tile House in Venice stands as a monument to two decades of artistic collaboration between Cheri Pann and husband Gonzalo Duran REUTERS Culture news in pictures 27 September 2016 A gallery assistant poses amongst work by Anthea Hamilton from her nominated show "Lichen! Libido!(London!) Chastity!" at a preview of the Turner Prize in London REUTERS Culture news in pictures 27 September 2016 A technician wearing virtual reality glasses checks his installation in three British public telephone booths, set up outside the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, Netherlands. The installation allows visitors a 3-D look into the museum which has twenty-two paintings belonging to the British Royal Collection, on loan for an exhibit from 29 September 2016 till 8 January 2017 AP Culture news in pictures 26 September 2016 An Indian artist dressed as Hindu god Shiva performs on a chariot as he participates in a religious procession 'Ravan ki Barat' held to mark the forthcoming Dussehra festival in Allahabad AFP/Getty Images Culture news in pictures 26 September 2016 Jean-Michel Basquiat's 'Air Power', 1984, is displayed at the Bowie/Collector media preview at Sotheby's in New York AFP/Getty Culture news in pictures 25 September 2016 A woman looks at an untitled painting by Albert Oehlen during the opening of an exhibition of works by German artists Georg Baselitz and Albert Oehlen in Reutlingen, Germany. The exhibition runs at the Kunstverein (art society) Reutlingen until 15 January 2017 EPA Culture news in pictures 24 September 2016 Fan BingBing (C) attends the closing ceremony of the 64th San Sebastian Film Festival at Kursaal in San Sebastian, Spain Getty Images Culture news in pictures 23 September 2016 A view of the artwork 'You Are Metamorphosing' (1964) as part of the exhibition 'Retrospektive' of Japanese artist Tetsumi Kudo at Fridericianum in Kassel, Germany. The exhibition runs from 25 September 2016 to 1 January 2017 EPA Culture news in pictures 22 September 2016 Jo Applin from the Courtauld Institute of Art looks at Green Tilework in Live Flesh by Adriana Vareja, which features in a new exhibition, Flesh, at York Art Gallery. The new exhibition features works by Degas, Chardin, Francis Bacon and Sarah Lucas, showing how flesh has been portrayed by artists over the last 600 years PA Culture news in pictures 21 September 2016 Performers Sean Atkins and Sally Miller standing in for the characters played by Asa Butterfield and Ella Purnell during a photocall for Tim Burton's "Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children" at Potters Field Park in London Getty Images Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A detail from the blanket 'Alpine Cattle Drive' from 1926 by artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner is displayed at the 'Hamburger Bahnhof - Museum for Contemporary Arts' in Berlin. The exhibition named 'Ernst Ludwig Kirchner - Hieroglyphen' showing the complete collection of Berlin's Nationalgallerie works of the German artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and will run from 23 September 2016 until 26 February 2017 AP Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A man looks at portrait photos by US photographer Bruce Gilden in the exhibition 'Masters of Photography' at the photokina in Cologne, Germany. The trade fair on photography, photokina, schowcases some 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and runs from 20 to 25 September. The event also features various photo exhibitions EPA Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A woman looks at 'Blue Poles', 1952 by Jackson Pollock during a photocall at the Royal Academy of Arts, London PA Culture news in pictures 19 September 2016 Art installation The Refusal of Time, a collaboration with Philip Miller, Catherine Meyburgh and Peter Galison, which features as part of the William Kentridge exhibition Thick Time, showing from 21 September to 15 January at the Whitechapel Gallery in London PA Culture news in pictures 18 September 2016 Artists creating one off designs at the Mm6 Maison Margiela presentation during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer collections 2017 in London Getty Images Culture news in pictures 18 September 2016 Bethenny Frankel attends the special screening of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Edition release on Blu-Ray and DVD in New York City Getty Images for Walt Disney Stu Culture news in pictures 17 September 2016 Visitors attend the 2016 Oktoberfest beer festival at Theresienwiese in Munich, Germany Getty Images Culture news in pictures 16 September 2016 Visitors looks at British artist Damien Hirst work of art 'The Incomplete Truth', during the 13th Yalta Annual Meeting entitled 'The World, Europe and Ukraine: storms of changes', organised by the Yalta European Strategy (YES) in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation at the Mystetsky Arsenal Art Center in Kiev AP Culture news in pictures 16 September 2016 Tracey Emin's "My Bed" is exhibited at the Tate Liverpool as part of the exhibition Tracey Emin And William Blake In Focus, which highlights surprising links between the two artists Getty Images Culture news in pictures 15 September 2016 Musician Dave Grohl (L) joins musician Tom Morello of Prophets of Rage onstage at the Forum in Inglewood, California Getty Images Culture news in pictures 14 September 2016 Model feebee poses as part of art installation "Narcissism : Dazzle room" made by artist Shigeki Matsuyama at rooms33 fashion and design exhibition in Tokyo. Matsuyama's installation features a strong contrast of black and white, which he learned from dazzle camouflage used mainly in World War I AP Culture news in pictures 13 September 2016 Visitors look at artworks by Chinese painter Cui Ruzhuo during the exhibition 'Glossiness of Uncarved Jade' held at the exhibition hall 'Manezh' in St. Petersburg, Russia. More than 200 paintings by the Chinese artist are presented until 25 September EPA Culture news in pictures 12 September 2016 A visitor looks at Raphael's painting 'Extase de Sainte Cecile', 1515, from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence during the opening of a Raphael exhibition at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow, Russia. The first Russian exhibition of the works of the Italian Renaissance artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino includes eight paintings and three drawings which come from Italy. Th exhibit opens to the public from 13 September to 11 December EPA Culture news in pictures 11 September 2016 Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd perform during Otis Redding 75th Birthday Celebration - Rehearsals at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia Getty Images for Otis Redding 75 Culture news in pictures 10 September 2016 Sakari Oramo conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Chorus and the BBC Singers at the Last Night of the Proms 2016 at the Royal Albert Hall in London PA Culture news in pictures 9 September 2016 A visitor walks past a piece entitled "Fruitcake" by Joana Vasconcelo, during the Beyond Limits selling exhibition at Chatsworth House near Bakewell REUTERS Culture news in pictures 8 September 2016 A sculpture of a crescent standing on the 2,140 meters high mountain 'Freiheit' (German for 'freedom'), in the Alpstein region of the Appenzell alps, eastern Switzerland. The sculpture is lighted during the nights by means of solar panels. The 38-year-old Swiss artist and atheist Christian Meier set the crescent on the peak to start a debate on the meaning of religious symbols - as summit crosses - on mountains. 'Because so many peaks have crosses on them, it struck me as a great idea to put up an equally absurd contrast'. 'Naturally I wanted to provoke in a fun way. But it goes beyond that. The actions of an artist should be food for thought, both visually and in content' EPA Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures The Ormerods are Gladys, who's surfing the edges of dementia, and her grandchildren, intelligent but bullied James, 10, and Ellie, who at 15 is trying to hold the family together while their father is in prison. What follows is a dialogue between Thomas and the Ormerods, and the prospect that Thomas, though farther away from the Ormerods than any other person on Earth, might be the only person who can help them. And Thomas discovers that other people might not actually be the hell that hes let himself believe they are. The previous year for me had been one of upheaval. In the middle of 2015 I was made redundant from the local newspaper where Id worked for 14 years, marking the end of 26 years of continuous employment, again almost to the day, with the regional press, a career Id begun when I was 19. With support from my family I embarked on a career as a freelance journalist, something Id always wanted to do but never had the courage to until I was pushed, and over the following six months made something of a success of it, working for most of the UK nationals in some form or other. Id also taken on some part-time lecturing work imparting my knowledge to the journalists of the future (the irony wasnt lost on me), and it was while at one of these sessions, on 19 January 2016, a little over a week after Bowie had died, that Sam Eades from Orion contacted me via my agent, John Jarrold. It was a weird time: my freelance career was burgeoning, I was enjoying the lecturing, and I was glad to be out of an industry that was on its backside; the flip side of that was I always loved working in local papers but was just frustrated by the swingeing cuts (which is a phrase youll only ever find in local papers) which came along with increasing frequency. I was disappointed that a Victorian fantasy trilogy Id written hadn't done better, and worried this might signal the end of my fiction-writing career. More pressingly, my dad was just about beginning several stretches in hospital with a battery of illnesses that would eventually end very badly. A conversation ensued with Sam Eades at Orion. She was part of a team setting up a new commercial fiction imprint, Trapeze. Shed enjoyed some of the work Id done as a freelance journalist, and thought I might be a good fit for the imprint. It was the sort of call any writer dreams about. We started talking ideas and both remembered that just before Christmas Tim Peake, the British astronaut on the International Space Station, had made a wrong-number call to a retired teacher. Imagine, we both said, if that had ended up in an ongoing dialogue between a spaceman and a pensioner. Recommended Book sales the week before Christmas were highest in 10 years Like Major Tom, one of us said. Crossed with Coronation Street, added the other. I cant remember now which was which, in the white heat of a creative phone call where ideas were tumbling around like rogue satellites. But, eight days after my 46th birthday, a little more than a week after David Bowie died, the plot of Calling Major Tom was suddenly laid out before me, just minutes after the concept had been born. David Bowie died a year ago today. I was born 47 years ago tomorrow. And on 19 January, a year to the day that the idea was formed, Calling Major Tom gets its ebook publication, ahead of paperback release on 29 June. Its not really a book about space in the same way that its not really a book about David Bowie. Its a book about love and friendship, loneliness and sadness, and realising that life is not always what we think it is. I thought about dedicating the book in some way to Bowie, but there was no need; I didnt know him, after all, and the book is shot through with him anyway, like a song heard on someone elses radio, or a peeling bill-poster half-seen through a bus-window. In the end I dedicated it to my wife and children, and when the book comes out it will be in memory of my dad. Id finished it before he died at the end of September, but hell never read it. To be honest, it isnt really his thing anyway. But while writing Calling Major Tom, I did realise that no matter how bad things seem or actually are, there is always hope. And we can find out sometimes in the most remarkable and unexpected ways that even if like Thomas we give up on the world, sometimes the world doesnt give up on us. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} I woke up in Los Angeles. Which was fine, except I was meant to be 8,000 miles away in Melbourne. I was supposed to be in Melbourne to give the opening talk at the international David Bowie conference, in about 24 hours. The flight time from LA to Melbourne is 14 hours. I didnt have a flight booked and I didnt have any luggage. It was July 2015, and I was in an airport hotel with hair the colour and cut of David Bowie in The Man Who Fell To Earth, circa 1976. I had nothing else except the clothes I was wearing a suit from 1973 and a small black carry-on bag. It had all gone wrong the day before, on a flight from San Diego to LA. The flight was meant to be a short hop, taking an hour. But it took three hours, and so my connection left without me, and my luggage was lost. Brooker's book Stardust Forever tells about his experiences while being Bowie for a year (Samatha LaBas) Technically, it was a bit of a disaster. But in a way, it was all going perfectly. I embraced the sense of lostness, of being dislocated out of time and space: the wandering around LAX airport, the glossy anonymity of the airport hotel. I rode the shuttle buses in loops around the 1961, space-age architecture of the Theme Building, the airports Futureland-style flying saucer. Staring out of another window at planes taking off and landing, I noticed that a wall was stencilled with the message GROUND CONTROL. It was literally a sign. I took it as a good sign. I was doing it right. I was one month into an immersive research project, which would ultimately lead to a book. It had started as an attempt to enter into the experiences of David Bowie to surround myself with the culture he had engaged with, to gain some understanding of his thought processes, and how they shaped his art. I was listening to nothing but music from the early to mid-1970s, reading the novels of Evelyn Waugh in paperback and wearing only vintage clothes. The 24 hours in LA gave me an opportunity to consume nothing but coffee. I walked down long, empty corridors, seeing where my sleepless, caffeinated thoughts fell. I sat down and recorded them as fragmented snatches, on scraps of paper tucked into the back of Vile Bodies. Bowie, after all, had written Jean Genie on a Greyhound bus, the rhythm of its wheels between Cleveland, Memphis and Manhattan driving the blues riff. Drive-In Saturday, meanwhile, was inspired by a glimpse of silver domes from a train at 2am, somewhere between Seattle and Phoenix. Bowies songs of the period span Americas states and states of mind, from the New Yorks a go-go of Jean Genie through Panic in Detroit to the Hollywood highs of Watch that Man. His LPs of the time are travel albums, snapshots of a man stranded and allowing himself to go a little insane: a man abandoning his previous, English self in the new world, a man watching through windows. His own LA period was a spiral into paranoia and hallucination, fuelled by stimulants and insomnia. I let myself explore how it felt to be lost in Los Angeles, if only for a short while. Next morning, I woke up on a plane. I say morning but Id long since lost track of time and its zones. The plane landed in Melbourne. An academic drove me into town, to my hotel. Get changed, he said, and Ill be waiting outside. He wanted to drive me straight to the university, to give my first lecture. I washed my face, unpacked a cream linen suit. I drank a few cups of coffee. Half an hour later 90 minutes after landing I stood in front of a hundred strangers and strung sentences together. They clapped at the end. He drove me back to the hotel. Ill pick you up at five, he said. Youll want to sleep. I thought I wanted to sleep, but it turned out that I couldnt. My body clock was too screwed up. So I sat on the bed. It wasnt a glamorous hotel. It wasnt glamorous at all. It had white walls, a kettle, metal clothes hangers on a rail. After a few hours, I stood up and began to get ready. I unpacked my red wig, my blue suit, my turquoise eyeshadow, my orange blusher. The bathroom was little more than a closet. When I was finished, I went out to the hotel reception to wait for my new friend, the academic. I was now in full regalia, a tribute to the 1973 video of the 1971 track Life On Mars. The guy behind the counter looked at me. Im going to a David Bowie thing, I explained. Fair play, mate, he nodded. The academic drove me to the opening of the David Bowie Is exhibition, in downtown Melbourne. It was evening now. I realised it also was winter now; it had been summer the day before. I switched from coffee to champagne. People immediately came up to me asking for photographs. I obliged, of course. A strange thing happens at moments like this. They know youre not David Bowie, but they want to pretend you are, and they want you to pretend you are. They want you to be an avatar. So you find yourself doing the poses, the pouts. You find yourself preening and standing in an angular fashion, and performing in an airy manner, with an exaggerated version of your own London accent and a pronounced laugh, like he did. The same way he adopted the style and delivery of Anthony Newley: struttling like a peacock, declaiming like a grown-up urchin from Oliver! or an early-Seventies incarnation of Oscar Wilde. They know youre not Bowie, but youre the nearest substitute at the time. And you act it, until you almost believe it. After a few more glasses of champagne, it becomes easier for everyone to believe it. Later, I woke up and didnt know where I was. I searched for my phone I was cheating, still using a smartphone and found it somewhere in the white cell of my hotel room. It was still July, and I was still in Melbourne. In an hour, I was due to give two radio interviews. I drank a few cups of coffee. My blue eyeshadow was a strong pigment: it had lasted overnight. I didnt need to reapply it. I successfully strung together sentences, somehow. I gave another lecture, this time in mid-Seventies Bowie drag. It was a big lecture to a big audience, in a big theatre. Afterwards, lots of people knew who I was, though I didnt know them. When I tried to get away from the crowd, to have a coffee on my own, people would come and sit with me, starting conversations or just carrying on conversations, as if theyd been talking to me beforehand in their heads. I dont know if they expected me to know who they were. These strange things happen; these strange dynamics of almost-fame, borrowed celebrity. I didnt get any peace or privacy. Maybe I asked for that. I didnt get much sleep. After a while, I stopped trying. After five days, I caught another flight. It took me via Dubai where, once again, nobody knew me at all it was a relief. I woke up. It was still July. It was summer again. I was in London. It was 2015. It was 1975, in my ongoing year of David Bowie. Planning ahead, I booked my tickets for Berlin. Will Brookers year of immersive research into David Bowie resulted in the book Forever Stardust, published on 8 January by I B Tauris, and the documentary Being Bowie, published in NECSUS. Will Brooker is professor of film and cultural studies at Kingston University. This article was originally published on The Conversation Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hot from a record-breaking victory at the Golden Globes, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's La La Land has been nominated for an astounding 11 BAFTA Awards. While Barry Jenkins' Moonlight had previously been seen as the Damien Chazelle directed film's main rival, it was only nominated for four awards. Instead, sci-fi epic Arrival and Tom Ford's Nocturnal Animals are the musical's closest competitors, picking up nine nominations apiece. British film, Ken Loach's astounding I, Daniel Blake leads the pack with five nominations, including best film. Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them also picked five nominations. As with every awards announcement, there were some snubs: most notably, Martin Scorsese's epic Silence failed to pick up any nominations, while British film American Honey only picked up one. Game of Thrones actor Sophie Turner and Preacher's Dominic Cooper revealed the nominations on Tuesday, the full ceremony hosted by Stephen Fry taking place on the 12 February at the Royal Albert Hall. Films to get excited about in 2017 Show all 13 1 /13 Films to get excited about in 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Star Wars: The Last Jedi Director: Rian Johnson Rian Johnson Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Lupita Nyong'o Plot: No details yet, but it will continue directly on from Rey coming face-to-face with Luke at the end of The Force Awakens. Release Date: 15 December 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Thor: Ragnarok Director: Taika Waititi Taika Waititi Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban, and Mark Ruffalo Plot: Story details are minimal as of now, but Thor's third return to screen has already been teased to feature a loose adaptation of the famous 'Planet Hulk' storyline. Release Date: 27 October 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 You Were Never Really Here Director: Lynne Ramsay Lynne Ramsay Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Alessandro Nivola Plot: A war veteran's attempt to save a young girl from a sex trafficking ring goes horribly wrong. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Annihilation Director: Alex Garland Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac Plot: A biologist's husband disappears. She thus puts her name forward for an expedition into an environmental disaster zone, but does not quite find what she's expecting. The expedition team is made up of the biologist, an anthropologist, a psychologist, and a surveyor. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Wonderstruck (image from Far From Heaven) Director: Todd Haynes Cast: Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, and Amy Hargreaves Plot: The story of a young boy in the Midwest is told simultaneously with a tale about a young girl in New York from fifty years ago as they both seek the same mysterious connection. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Mother (image of Darren Aronofsky) Director: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson, and Ed Harris Plot: A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Killing of a Sacred Deer (image from The Lobster) Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Alicia Silverstone Plot: A surgeon forms a familial bond with a sinister teenage boy, with disastrous results. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Blade Runner 2049 Director: Denis Villeneuve Denis Villeneuve Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto Plot: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Release Date: 6 October 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Lady Bird (image of director Greta Gerwig) Director: Greta Gerwig Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Lucas Hedges Plot: The adventures of a young woman living in Northern California for a year. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara (image of director Steven Spielberg and star Mark Rylance) Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Mark Rylance, Oscar Isaac Plot: The Kidnapping Of Edgardo Mortara recounts the story of a young Jewish boy in Bologna, Italy in 1858 who, having been secretly baptized, is forcibly taken from his family to be raised as a Christian. His parents' struggle to free their son becomes part of a larger political battle that pits the Papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 How to Talk to Girls at Parties Director: John Cameron Mitchell John Cameron Mitchell Cast: Elle Fanning, Ruth Wilson, and Nicole Kidman Plot: An alien touring the galaxy breaks away from her group and meets two young inhabitants of the most dangerous place in the universe: the London suburb of Croydon. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Dark Tower Director: Nikolaj Arcel Nikolaj Arcel Cast: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, and Tom Taylor Plot: Gunslinger Roland Deschain roams an Old West-like landscape in search of the dark tower, in the hopes that reaching it will preserve his dying world. Release Date: 28 July 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Suburbicon Director: George Clooney George Clooney Cast: Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Josh Brolin, and Oscar Isaac Plot: A crime mystery set in the quiet family town of Suburbicon during the 1950s, where the best and worst of humanity is hilariously reflected through the deeds of seemingly ordinary people. When a home invasion turns deadly, a picture-perfect family turns to blackmail, revenge and betrayal. Release Date: 24 November Here are the nominations in full: Best Film Arrival I, Daniel Blake La La Land Manchester By The Sea Moonlight Best Leading Actor Andrew Garfield - Hacksaw Ridge Casey Affleck - Manchester by the Sea Jake Gyllenhaal - Nocturnal Animals Ryan Gosling - La La Land Viggo Mortensen - Captain Fantastic Best Leading Actress Amy Adams - Arrival Emily Blunt - The Girl on the Train Emma Stone - La La Land Meryl Streep - Florence Foster Jenkins Natalie Portman - Jackie Outstanding British Film American Honey Denial Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them I, Daniel Blake Notes on Blindness Under the Shadow Best Supporting Actress Hayley Squires - I, Daniel Blake Michelle Williams - Manchester By The Sea Naomie Harris - Moonlight Nicole Kidman - Lion Viola Davies - Fences Best Supporting Actor Aaron Taylor Johnson - Nocturnal Animals Dev Patel - Lion Hugh Grant - Florence Foster Jenkins Jeff Bridges - Hell or High Water Mahershala Ali - Moonlight Best Adapted Screenplay Eric Heisserer - Arrival Robert Schenkkan & Andrew Knight - Hacksaw Ridge Theodore Melfi & Allison Schroeder - Hidden Figures Luke Davies - Lion Tom Ford - Nocturnal Animals Best Original Screenplay Taylor Sheridan - Hell or High Water Paul Laverty - I, Daniel Blake Damien Chazelle - La La Land Kenneth Lonergan - Manchester By The Sea Barry Jenkins - Moonlight Best Director Denis Villeneuve - Arrival Ken Loach - I, Daniel Blake Damien Chazelle - La La Land Kenneth Lonergan - Manchester By The Sea Tom Ford - Nocturnal Animals You can see the full list of nominations including Best British Short Film, Original Music, and Costume Design here. Last week nominations for the Bafta Rising Star Award were announced, with Spider-Man actor Tom Holland the current favourite. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Since Donald Trump announced he was running for President of the United States, numerous fellow celebrities have spoken out against his candidacy, whether through videos directed by Joss Whedon or via Twitter. Following his victory over Hilary Clinton last year, those famous folks have upped the anti, Meryl Streep notably calling out Trump at the Golden Globes. On 20 January - AKA Trumps inauguration/the end of days - The Womens March on Washington will take place, with numerous famous faces joining the action. Leading the pack is America Ferrera, who will be joined by the likes of Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, and Cher. Ferrera said in a statement: Since the election, so many fear that their voices will go unheard. As artists, women, and most importantly dedicated Americans, it is critical that we stand together in solidarity for the protection, dignity and rights of our communities. Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Show all 14 1 /14 Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Isis: "Some of the candidates, they went in and didnt know the air conditioner didnt work and sweated like dogs, and they didnt know the room was too big because they didnt have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?" Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On immigration: "I will build a great wall and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Free Trade: "Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people." PAUL J. RICHARDS | AFP | Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Mexicans: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists." Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On China: "I just sold an apartment for $15 million to somebody from China. Am I supposed to dislike them?... I love China. The biggest bank in the world is from China. You know where their United States headquarters is located? In this building, in Trump Tower." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On work: "If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable." AP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On success: "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On life: "Everything in life is luck." AFP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On ambition: "You have to think anyway, so why not think big?" Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On his opponents: "Bush is totally in favour of Common Core. I don't see how he can possibly get the nomination. He's weak on immigration. He's in favour of Common Core. How the hell can you vote for this guy? You just can't do it." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Obamacare: "You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high. It's virtually useless. And remember the $5 billion web site?... I have so many web sites, I have them all over the place. I hire people, they do a web site. It costs me $3." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Barack Obama: "Obama is going to be out playing golf. He might be on one of my courses. I would invite him. I have the best courses in the world. I have one right next to the White House." PA Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On himself: "Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On America: "The American Dream is dead. But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before and we will make America great again." GETTY Immigrant rights, worker rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights, racial justice and environmental rights are not special interests, they affect us all and should be every Americans concern. Other celebrities who will be joining the march include Olivia Wilde, Uzo Aduba, Constance Wu, Hari Nef, Julianne Moore, Debra Messing, Patricia Arquette, Chelsea Handler, Amy Schumer, Danielle Brooks, and Frances McDormand. The march is not exclusively taking place in Washington, despite the name: dozens of cities around the country will host marches. Recently, numerous Hollywood royalty spoke out against Trump at the Golden Globes, including Streep, Hugh Laurie, and Viola Davis. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} NYC duo Jasmine Golestaneh and Eddie Cooper - aka Tempers - have a particularly good brand of electronic combines dark disco beats with buoyant pop. Following the bands 2015 debut full-length Services they're set to release a new EP, Fundamental Fantasy, on 24 February. "Fundamental Fantasy is about exploring the creative scenery of romantic illusions," the band says. "Our need for them, how we justify them to ourselves, that moment when the imagined story line collides with reality... It is about celebrating fantasies swelling and getting undone, so we can pick up the pieces and craft new ones that serve us better." We're premiering the band's track 'Further' - check it out below: Q&A with Tempers What are you listening to at the moment? I have been loving the new Nicolas Jaar album, Sirens. Also, I'm having an obsessive moment with the soundtrack for Paris, Texas by Ry Cooder. What are your plans for 2017? Our new EP Fundamental Fantasy comes out February 24. Well be playing at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and were looking to do some European touring this summer. Right now we are immersed in writing new material, and it's taking on wild and unanticipated shapes. What was the first gig you played and whats been the best so far? The first Tempers show was at an art festival, in an old barn overlooking a frozen waterfall. We performed in darkness aside from a red siren light blaring, it was quite magical. The best show experience was at the Volcano Extravaganza festival on the island of Stromboli last summer. We played on the open deck of a nightclub, with the ocean and an active volcano smoking behind us. Unlike anything else! Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Britains climate change minister has warned the election of Donald Trump as US president is a very big challenge to the worlds efforts to prevent global temperatures spiralling out of control. Speaking to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee which deals with global warming following the abolition of the Department for Energy and Climate Change by Theresa May Nick Hurd said the UK would seek to use some of its hard-earned influence with the US to persuade Mr Trump not to ditch its international commitments to reduce fossil fuel emissions. But he suggested he was awaiting the controversial Republicans accession to power with some trepidation. Mr Trump has described climate change as a hoax perpetrated by China and, since his election, has appointed a number of climate science deniers to powerful positions in his administration. The US election result came as last years main conference on climate change was being held in Morocco, designed to make sure the promises made in the Paris Agreement were put into practise. On day two Donald Trump was elected as the next president of the United States and, given what he has said on the campaign trail, that clearly was a very big challenge to that conference, Mr Hurd said. And I think the response to that was quite telling, not least in the Marrakech proclamation that was I think was a very clear statement of solidarity in the international community behind the Paris Agreement and a desire to press on. This had been, he said, very positive and very important at that time. I dont know what actual action Donald Trump is going to take, no-one here knows. We can speculate but we dont know. Theres obviously some risk, said Mr Hurd, a minister in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Asked what was the UK Governments contingency plan if the US pulls out of international climate agreements, he said its primary commitment was to ensure the UK delivered on its own promises at the lowest possible cost. But he added: We will continue to use our influence, which I think is real because its been hard earned over quite a long time now, to do what we can to influence others to do their part, and that includes the US administration. Once we see what the reality is of the plans of the Trump administration, then the international community will have to respond. We will be part of that response. But he added: Its not appropriate for us to talk about contingency plans. Archie Young, an official who leads international climate negotiations who was also giving evidence to the committee, said the UK and US and a long history of working together despite sometimes disagreeing. We will be obviously hoping we can continue to co-operate and making sure we speak the truth and we explain our point of view and also work with the various parts of US society so we can continue this movement, he said. 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 Perhaps unusually, Mr Hurd, a minister in the Conservative Government, found himself praising a Democratic US President, Barack Obama, and the leaders of Communist China for helping to bring about a step-change in action on climate change. This is not something thats going to move at a very rapid pace, but what changed, and I pay full tribute to the Obama administration and full tribute to the Chinese was their change of gear that was instrumental in that speed of ratification, he said. We have seen a step-change in terms of momentum. But he added: The Trump election is a challenge to that, theres no getting away from that. Mr Hurd said the UK was playing a leadership role in the world on climate change, but this would only continue if it fulfilled its commitments. One of the benefits of this, he said, would be the UK could take advantages of business opportunities resulting from the shift to a low-carbon economy. Theres a very big economic opportunity here which we need to capitalise on, he said. For anyone concerned about the absence of climate change from the name of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Mr Hurd offered some reassurance. It is a very important part of what the department has done, even though its not on the tin, he said. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Professional kitchens tend to be testosterone-fuelled, male-dominated spaces. And although domestic cooking is largely still associated with women, most of the worlds top restaurants are run by men. So it was particularly noteworthy when Karen Keygnaert was awarded a Michelin star - but even more so when she decided to give it back. Keygnaert is the only Michelin-starred female chef of Flanders, the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium, and is about to launch a restaurant where the kitchen staff are all female - but she doesnt want it to be associated with Michelin stars. This is not the first time a chef has refused a star, and, curiously, it seems to be particularly common for chefs from Flanders: Jo Bussels, Christophe Van den Berghe and Frederick Dhooge have all refused stars over the past years. Similarly, top chef Jason Blanckaert gave it all up to start a sustainable business and Vincent Florizoone said he never wants a Michelin star because it would spoil - rather than enrich - his restaurant, according to Munchies. Keyngaerts restaurant AQi has had a Michelin star for five years, which was awarded two years after opening. She is planning on opening her new restaurant, which just so happens to have a solely female staff, this March, but believes a Michelin star has become more of a curse than a blessing in todays economy. People go to star restaurants just to go for a festive occasion, to dine long and extensive, but personnel costs have become so high that its unpayable, she explained to Munchies. Guests will also come with a different expectation. They expect certain products, such as lobster or lamb, but as purchase prices rise they find it difficult to accept that the prices of the menus are going up as well. Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Lee Skeet Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Lee Skeet Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Smoked Cornish deer tartare, wild nettle salsa and goats curd Lee Skeet Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Roast Cornish duck, carrots cooked in duck fat, lobster sauce Lee Skeet Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Roast chicken consomme, squid noodles, wild herbs Lee Skeet Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Roast cauliflower, clams, grapes and chervil Lee Skeet Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Pappardelle of pheasant and clams Lee Skeet Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Grilled scallop and oyster mushroom, kombu stock Lee Skeet Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Earl grey and orange millefuille Chef Lee Skeet's Michelin-inspired pub grub pop-ups - in pictures Barbecued turbot, cauliflower, shiitake and beef roasting juices The Skinny Bib Dining-out culture has changed, and increasingly, people are after casual, fun, relaxed dinners, which typically arent associated with Michelin stars. With a Michelin star comes a lot of pressure: The star brings along a whole circus thats outdated. If theres even a crease in the menu card or a crease in the tablecloth, people soon end their sentence with: I dont think that belongs to a star restaurant, Keygnaert explains. In her new restaurant, Cantine Copine, she wants diners to feel comfortable and not have to worry about if theyre dressed appropriately. The trouble is, you cant actually return a Michelin star: The only thing you can do to get rid of your star is by not filling in the form when you receive another one again, says Keygnaert. Recommended The best pub in Britain has been revealed by Michelin As for her all-female team, thats simply the way Keygnaert most enjoys cooking: Its much quieter and theres less competition, she says. I cant tolerate all the messing around and I can do without all the macho behaviour as well. She also says that shes found it hard being the boss of men, particularly older ones, as they are more reluctant to accept her authority. Despite that, she didnt set out to hire just women, it was accidental: When I search for new employees, I dont look at the gender, but at their personality and competence. Accident or not, an all-female kitchen is certainly a welcome change from the norm. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Ashamed by the governments response to the refugee crisis in her native country Hungary and desperate to help the situation in some small way, Berlin-based writer and semi-professional cook Anna Gyulai Gaal looked to food as a starting point. To build bridges between locals and newcomers in the German capital, she decided to invite refugees to host dinners in her home. I know how it feels to be a newcomer somewhere, not knowing the language, not having a grasp of the culture, the 30-year-old who also runs a Hungarian kitchen told The Independent. Estimates suggest that since the war began in 2011, at least 200,000 Syrians have entered Germany. While reporting on refugee camps, Gyulai Gaal learned that most forms of emergency accommodation in Germany do not have kitchens. She found this heartbreaking. Food is such an easy and great way to connect, why not to open up our home? she thought. Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Show all 5 1 /5 Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Twice a month, Syrian refugees cook for and dine with guests who pay 38 (33) per head. After Gyulai Gaal has paid for ingredients and taxes, the rest of the money goes to the chefs. The exchange enables the cooks, all of whom have been women so far, to indulge in a taste of home while Berliners learn about their citys new residents and encounter new flavours. Since the first dinner a year ago, about seven women have formed the core group of cooks. Some of the dishes they cook were entirely new to me. The stuffed mini-courgettes and aubergines, called Mehshi, or the Kebbah, the deep fried bulgur balls, filled with minced lamb and walnuts came as a surprise with their rich flavours. Or my personal favourite, the south Syrian chicken-onion pie, the Rgaga." Gyulai Gaal admits that, at first, there were some awkward moments between the cooks and the guests, but that she has worked to iron these out. Over time, relationships have flourished. Some of them spoke good English when we met, some nothing but Arabic. As their German is developing, totally new aspects of their personalities are opening up. Its amazing. Eventually we learn that we not all that different. Weve had many special moments in the past 12 months. Sometimes it can be emotional, sometimes rather cheerful, it depends on the guests too and on the chemistry between all of us. One those moments was the visit of a Greek lady and her daughter who actually helped the arriving boats to shore in Greece a couple of months earlier. Recommended A Hackney restaurant is tackling prejudice against refugees It was a very touching moment. The daughter, living in Berlin, has come to most of the dinners ever since. She is a new friend to all of us. If the women feel comfortable enough, we will talk about the terrifying events of their lives. What they had to leave behind, how worried are they for their loved ones that are still in Syria, how uncertain their life was a year ago. They often show photos of their family members. Some are dead, some are still alive in the middle of the war, and about some they have no information. They just have hope. But Gyulai Gaal is careful to ensure that hardship isnt the only topic of conversation, to save the dinners from becoming crisis porn. I am always trying to lead conversations into directions other than just How did you get to Europe? Was it scary? because these women have so much to offer and their journey is just a little part of it. Im trying to avoid the disaster tourism at our dinners. Yet, Gyulai Gaal doesnt underplay the significance of her small effort in the face of an overwhelming crisis. These dinners are more than just a meal for everyone involved. I think both parties have an image of each other and these dinners help to understand that these images are often false. I do believe that by offering my home and my time and a little bit of money two Saturdays a month, I make life a tiny bit better, a tiny bit more cheerful and purposeful. Not only for the lives of the cooks but my own and often some of the guests, too. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A scientist has registered a patent for a vaccination against the common cold a condition doctors have long thought could only be beaten by bed rest and plenty of fluids. Rudolf Valenta, an allergy expert at the Medical University of Vienna, is behind the research into rhinovirus, the microbes responsible for runny noses and sore throats. The common cold is considered difficult to treat and protect against because it has so many different strains. But Professor Valenta told The Independent the bodys immune system tends to attack the centre of the virus, which isnt the most effective way to fight the disease. Instead, his vaccine focuses on the viruss shell, which facilitates infection by attaching itself to mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, nasal passages and stomach. "We've taken pieces of the rhinovirus shell, the right pieces, and attached it to a carrier protein," he said. "Its a very old principle, to refocus the antibody response." "The diversity [of different types of the virus] is less of an issue than getting the right spot on the virus." The common cold can cause sneezing, a runny nose and sore throat (Getty Images) The vaccine encourages the body to recognise and develop defences against the outer part of rhinoviruses, which are similar in all different strains. Colds are caught by inhaling or otherwise coming into contact with infected droplets spread by coughing and sneezing. Profesor Valenta said the vaccine could be ready to administer to patients in six to eight years. With the first protein we built, we have very good inhibition [of the disease] already. We believe that we are on a really good track with what were doing, he said. If we get also the trial funded properly, it could be done between six to eight years. We know how to build the vaccines and get it to the clinic. This is really in reach. Jonathan Ball, Professor of Molecular Virology at the University of Nottingham, told The Independent the researchers might be onto something but filing a patent was a long way away from having an approved vaccine. The Zika virus - in pictures Show all 5 1 /5 The Zika virus - in pictures The Zika virus - in pictures A three-month-old, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil. A rise in microcephaly cases is thought to have been caused by the spread of the Zika virus in affected countries Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A mother holds her baby who has microcephaly Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A five-month-old baby, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A pediatric infectologist examines a two-month-old baby, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A baby affected with microcephaly Rhinoviruses are renowned for their variability and their ability to mutate in order escape our immunity and cause reinfections throughout life, he said. There are more than a 100 different flavours and finding a vaccine that will protect against all of these will be tricky. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The maker of Mr Kipling cakes and Bisto gravy is in talks with some of its biggest retail customers about cranking up prices as a result of the twin pressures of the tumbling pound and rising commodity prices. Premier Foods, which has in the past already said that it would take action to limit the impact of the Brexit-hit pound on shop prices, said that it was considering rises on a case-by-case basis as a last resort. Recommended Record number of businesses say they will raise prices within months On average we are considering rises around the mid-single digit mark, a spokesperson said, adding that the company was talking to individual retail customers about particular categories and brands of products. In November, the Premier Foods recorded an 8.7m loss for the first half of 2016, in contrast to a 5.1m loss for the same period of the previous year. At the time it also said that results had been hit by warmer weather triggering a drop in demand for gravy, soup and stock sales. Premier Foods is due to publish a trading update for the third quarter on 18 January. 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 week high street retailer Next warned shoppers that they could face price rises of up to 5 per cent in 2017 due to the falling pound in the wake of the UKs decision to quit the EU, with cost pressures likely hitting annual profits by up to 14 per cent. Some economists have forecast sterling will slump to a fresh all-time low when Prime Minister Theresa May starts official proceedings to leave the bloc. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A stinging academic critique of the Treasurys economic impact analysis of Britain leaving the European Union, widely hailed by Brexiteers last week, has been sharply criticised by leading trade economists. A report by the Centre for Business Research at the University of Cambridge was widely publicised by the media, featuring prominently in the Daily Mail, Daily Express and The Times. Dr Graham Gudgin of the CBR criticised the Treasurys analysis, which predicted a major hit to the UK economy by 2030 if the UK experienced a hard Brexit, in unusually strident terms describing it as very flawed and very partisan. Dr Gudgin said he suspected Treasury civil servants had been leaned on by ministers to produce the results David Cameron and George Osborne wanted. This echoed the complaints of many Brexiteers during the referendum campaign about the Treasurys work. The former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith approvingly cited the Cambridge report in an opinion column for The Sun and Dr Gudgin himself was interviewed on the BBC Today programme on Friday where he reiterated his view that the Treasurys report had been unscientific and partisan. The main criticism the Cambridge report authors made of the Treasurys work was that its economists had used a so-called gravity model to calculate the likely loss of trade for the UK from exiting the EUs single market. The Treasury said British GDP could be lower by between 4.6 and 7.8 per cent by 2030 relative to staying in, equivalent to a cost of 4,300 for each of the UKs households. The Cambridge report says that the Treasurys gravity model which assumes that countries naturally tend to do more trade with other countries that are geographically nearer to them is controversial and as applied by the Treasury is flawed. But a number of respected trade economists contacted by The Independent have defended the Treasurys analysis and criticised, in turn, the analysis of the CBR. The HMT [Treasury] use of gravity model was perfectly in line with best practice. It was classic evidence-based policy analysis, said Richard Baldwin, Professor of International Economics at The Graduate Institute of Geneva. Gudgin is using evidence this way a drunk uses a lamp post for support, not illumination. Richard Baldwin Professor Baldwin went on to accuse Mr Gudgin himself of engaging in policy-based evidence making and using evidence the way a drunk uses a lamp post for support, not illumination. Other trade economists also endorsed the Treasurys methodology. The gravity model has a great deal of predictive power and the exercise that they [Cambridge] did to show that it was fragile was not very valid, said Alan Winter, Professor of Economics at the University of Sussex and director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory. Theres absolutely no controversy about gravity models, said Swati Dhingra, assistant professor at the London School of Economics, also pointing out that gravity models are the subject of the second chapter of the new handbook of international economics. Thomas Sampson, also an assistant professor at the LSE, added that the Cambridge teams own analysis was itself methodologically flawed. They arbitrarily drop some of the fixed effects [on bilateral trade] from their gravity equation. That step is completely non-kosher and likely to lead to biased estimates of the effect of EU membership on trade, he said. Other economists said the Cambridge analysis used an unreliably small number of data observations to reach its headline conclusions. James O'Brien asked a Brexiteer a very simple question and the answer won't surprise you The view that UK trade volumes will benefit from leaving the single market is held by only a tiny minority of trade economists. The majority opinion as revealed in numerous surveys of the profession is that UK trade will be lower and that the cost of this would not be offset by new trade agreements that Britain may be able to forge outside the bloc. The Treasurys estimate of the negative impact of Brexit by 2030 was in the same ballpark as estimates from the National Institute for Economic Research, the OECD, Oxford Economics and the London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance. The one formal study which pointed to a boost to GDP came from a group called Economists for Brexit, which predicted a four per cent boost to GDP relative to otherwise by the end of the next decade. Even the Cambridge study shows a negative long-term effect on UK trade and GDP from leaving the EU. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Yahoo's chief executive Marissa Mayer is to step down from the board and part of the company is to change its name if a $4.8bn (3.95bn) deal with Verizon goes ahead. Ms Mayer, along with Yahoo co-founder David Filo and four other board members, will leave the group if the deal goes through, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. The move comes amid news that the deal with Verizon was thrown into doubt following a fresh hacking scandal at Yahoo which was revealed last month. Yahoo said hackers stole date from more than a billion user accounts in August 2013, in a separate attack from one it had disclosed in September, in which 500 million accounts were compromised. The hack is thought to be the biggest in history, and last week Verizon said it would evaluate the situation as Yahoo investigates and would review the new development before reaching any final conclusions. The company plans to change its name to Altaba after it turns over its email, websites, mobile apps and advertising tools to Verizon. The new name is meant to reflect Yahoo's transformation into a holding company for investments in China's e-commerce leader Alibaba Group and Yahoo Japan that are worth about more than 40 billion dollars (33bn) in total. In the SEC filing, Yahoo said: In light of the fact that following the Closing the Company will operate as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Board has determined that, immediately following the Closing, the size of the Board will be reduced to five (5) directors. Tor Braham, Eric Brandt, Catherine Friedman, Thomas McInerney and Jeffrey Smith will continue to serve as directors of the Company following the Closing, and Mr Brandt will serve as Chairman of the Board. Each of David Filo, Eddy Hartenstein, Richard Hill, Marissa Mayer, Jane Shaw and Maynard Webb has indicated that he or she intends to resign from the Board effective upon the Closing, and that his or her intention to resign is not due to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices. Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Show all 20 1 /20 Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Angela Merkel German Chancellor AFP/Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Hillary Clinton U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Reuters Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Janet Yellen Federal Reserve Chair Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Melinda Gates Co-founder of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation AFP/Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Mary Barra General Motors Co. Chairman and CEO Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Christine Lagarde Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Sheryl Sandbert COO of Facebook Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Susan Wojcicki CEO of YouTube Getty Images for GLAAD Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Meg Whitman Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Ana Patricia Botin Santander Bank's president AFP/Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Ginni Rometty IBM Chairman, President and CEO Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Park Geun-Hye President of South Korea Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Michelle Obama U.S. first lady Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Indra Nooyi Chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Angela Ahrendts Apple senior vice president Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Abigail Johnson President and CEO of Fidelity Investments and chairman of Fidelity International Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Tsai Ing-wen Taiwan President AFP/Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Michelle Bachelet Chile President AFP/Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Federica Mogherini High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy AFP/Getty Images Forbes top 20 most powerful women in the world Safra Catz Oracle president Getty Images Ms Mayer was Yahoos sixth chief executive, who had tried to turn round the company. She left Google to join the company in 2012, taking a pay package worth more than $59m. She was the worlds highest paid female chief executive in 2014, and if the deal with Verizon goes ahead, is expected to walk away from Yahoo with a severance package of approximately $55m. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Post Office is to close and franchise 37 Crown offices, axing 300 staff as well as 127 specialist roles, the Communication Workers Union has said. There are currently around 11,500 post office branches across the UK, of which 300 are directly managed by the Post Office and known as Crown offices. These are larger branches, commonly found on high streets. Around 13 per cent will now be closed and replaced with smaller outlets inside other retailers. Dave Ward, general secretary of the CWU, said that while the Government spent Monday talking about building a shared society, Tuesday's announcement shows we are reaching the point where we will have little left to share. The CWU will not accept this and we will be stepping up our political and industrial campaign to fight for the future of the Post Office, Mr Ward said. Thousands of Post Office workers staged five days of strike action in the week before Christmas in protest over rounds of closures and a dispute over pensions. The latest job cuts are part of the Post Office's ten-year cost-cutting plan, which includes the transfer of 61 branches to WH Smith over the next twelve months. Roger Gale, Post Offices sales and trade marketing director, said the company was merely seeking partners to run its branches, which would relocate inside retail stores. This is the arrangement in the vast majority of its 11,600 Post Office locations, Gale said, adding that the changes were necessary due to changing consumer habits and the high cost of running retail stores. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. We will take time to identify the right partners over the coming months and all proposals will be subject to local consultation, Mr Gale said. Post Office has a strong record of supporting people through change and we will be keeping affected staff fully informed as we develop our plans. A full list of the Crown Post Offices which will be franchised: Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Snap, the company behind the messaging app Snapchat, has established international headquarters in London, in an apparent vote of confidence for post-Brexit Britain. The California-based tech company, which is preparing for a $25bn (21bn) stock market float, will make the UK its main hub outside the US. Snap's decision sets the company apart from top US tech companies Apple, Facebook or Microsoft, which have chosen countries such as Ireland or Luxembourg as their EU base, taking advantage of lower tax regimes there. The UK already has one of the lowest corporation tax rates but plans to cut it further have helped boost Britain's allure for multinationals. Claire Valoti, general manager of Snap in the UK, said: We believe in the UK creative industries." The UK is where our advertising clients are, where more than 10m daily Snapchatters are, and where weve already begun to hire talent. A Snap spokeswoman told The Independent: I am happy to confirm that the UK is the Snap Inc familys hub outside the US. The UKs strong creative industries make this a great place to build a global business. EU orders Apple to pay up to 13 billion euros tax to Ireland Snap has 75 staff in the UK, up from less than 10 last year, with an office in London's Soho. The company said it plans to open a new site nearby soon. The decision comes as US firms face growing criticism from EU regulators and the public over their tax avoidance tactics. In December, McDonalds announced plans to switch its tax base to the UK from Luxembourg, where its fiscal arrangements were under attack. In Luxembourg, two tax rulings in 2009 claimed that the fast-food giant had paid zero corporation tax, despite being based in and making profits over 250m (210m) in the country. 5 tax avoiding companies in the UK Show all 5 1 /5 5 tax avoiding companies in the UK 5 tax avoiding companies in the UK Facebook Facebook paid 4327 in corporation tax in 2014, after it made a pre-tax loss of 28.5 million, according to filings at Companies House. That's less tax that new average UK employee pays on their salary. 5 tax avoiding companies in the UK Amazon Amazons UK business paid just 11.9m in corporation tax last year, even though the online retail giant took 5.3bn in sales from British shoppers. 5 tax avoiding companies in the UK Google So well known for avoiding tax that it had the 'Google tax' on multinationals that move profits to low-tax countries named after it. Alarm bells started ringing in 2012, when Google revealed it payed only 11.6 million to the Treasury, despite taking 3.4 billion in the UK. 5 tax avoiding companies in the UK Uber Uber paid 22,134 in UK corporation tax last year despite making an 866,000 profit. 5 tax avoiding companies in the UK Starbucks In October, the European Commission ruled that Starbucks' tax deal in the EU was illegal, ordering it to pay pay between 20-30 million to the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Google in November announced it is going ahead with its plan to build headquarters in Londons Kings Cross in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the EU. The EU in August ordered Apple to pay back as much as 13bn plus interest over tax arrangements with Ireland that regulators said were illegal. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Restaurant company Whitbread has apologised for adding pork to its beef lasagne before updating its menus. The company, whose outlets include the Whitbread Inns restaurants as well as Beefeater Grill and Brewers Fayre, made the alteration to its online menus on Monday despite changing the recipe in September. Whitbread said that the physical menus in all of its restaurants were updated when the recipe was changed, and were therefore not affected by the discrepancy, dismissing some media reports. A spokesperson for the company told The Independent: As most people will be aware, a traditional Italian lasagne recipe would typically include a beef and pork ragu. We are confident, therefore, that our customers would have been presented with the correct menu when ordering their meal. We mistakenly, and with no ill intent, missed updating the online menus for our Table Table and Whitbread Inns brands, but as soon as we were alerted to this we corrected them. Although many traditional recipes for lasagne include both beef and pork, the mistake risks offending Jews and Muslims, whose religion forbids them to eat pork. Biggest business scandals in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Biggest business scandals in pictures Biggest business scandals in pictures Volkswagen emissions scandal VW admitted to rigging its US emission tests so that diesel-powered cars would looks like they were emitting less nitrous oxide, which can damage the ozone layer and contribute to respiratory diseases. Around 11 million cars worldwide were affected. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals Martin Shkreli became known as the most hated man in the world after his drug company, Turing, increased the price of a 62-year-old drug that treated HIV patients by 5,000% to $750 a pill. He was charged with illegally taking stock from Retrophin, a biotechnology firm he started in 2011, and using it pay off debts from unrelated business dealings. Shkreli, who maintains he is innocent, and says there is little evidence of fraud because his investors didn't lose money. Biggest business scandals in pictures Panama Papers: Millions of leaked documents expose how worlds rich and powerful hid money - April 2016 Millions of confidential documents have been leaked from one of the worlds most secretive law firms, exposing how the rich and powerful have hidden their money. Dictators and other heads of state have been accused of laundering money, avoiding sanctions and evading tax, according to the unprecedented cache of papers that show the inner workings of the law firm Mossack Fonseca, which is based in Panama. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Google's tax avoidance Google reached a deal with the HM Revenue and Customs to pay back 130 million in so-called back-taxes that have been due since 2005. George Osborne championed the deal as a major success. But European MEPs have since called for the Chancellor to appear in front of the committee on tax rulings to explain the tax deal. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Rogue trader A French court cut the damages owed by rogue trader Jerome Kerviel from 4.9bn (4.2bn) to just 1m (860,000). The court ruled on that Kerviel was partly responsible for massive losses suffered in 2008 by his former employer Societe Generale through his reckless trades. Kerviel has consistently maintained that bosses at the French bank knew what he was doing all along. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Barclays CEO under investigation for trying to identify whistleblower - Monday Paril 10 Authorities have launched an investigation into Barclays chief executive officer Jes Staley for trying to identify a whistleblower, the bank said on Monday. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) are both investigating Mr Staley after the bank notified them that Mr Staley had tried to identify the author of two anonymous letters, which were sent to the board and a senior executive in June 2016. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures UK to crack down on bank money laundering after reports of 65bn Russian scam, City minister says - March 2017 The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has vowed that the Government will crack down on money laundering practices, after several of the UK's biggest banks were accused of processing money from a Russian scam, believed to involve up to $80bn (65bn). Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former HBOS bankers convicted of bribery and fraud over 245m loan scam - February 2017 Two former HBOS bankers were among six people found guilty of bribery and fraud that cost customers and shareholders hundreds of millions of pounds, the BBC reports. Lynden Scourfield, 54, a manager at HBOS, forced struggling clients to use the services of his friends David Mills, 60, and Michael Bancroft, 73. In return, the two businessmen arranged sex parties, cash and lavish gifts. On Monday, the three were convicted at Southwark Crown Court on accounts including bribery, fraud and money laundering. Mark Dobson, another manager at HBOS, Alison Mills, and John Cartwright were also convicted. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Lloyds chief apologises for damage caused by affair allegations - August 2016 Antonio Horta-Osorio, the chief executive of Lloyds Bank, has broken his silence over allegations about his private life admitting he regrets any "damage done to the group's reputation". In a message sent to the bank's 75,000 employees, the banker said that anyone can make mistakes while insisting that staff had to maintain the highest professional standards. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Christine Lagarde faces court over 340m Bernard Tapie payment - July 2016 The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, must stand trial in France over a payment of 403 million (now 340m, then 290m) to tycoon Bernard Tapie, a France's highest appeals court has ruled. The court rejected Ms Lagarde's appeal against a judge's order in December for her to stand trial over allegations of negligence in her handling of the affair. Ms Lagarde could risk a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros if convicted. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures HSBC senior manager arrested in FX rigging investigation at JFK airport in New York - July 2016 A senior executive at HSBC has been arrested at New York's JFK airport for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to rig currency benchmarks, according to reports. Mark Johnson, global head of foreign exchange cash trading in London, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday. He will appear before a federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Bloomberg said. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Former PwC employees found guilty in 'Luxleaks' tax scandal - June 2016 Two ex- PricewaterhouseCoopers staffers were found guilty in Luxembourg of stealing confidential tax files that helped unleash a global scandal over generous fiscal deals for hundreds of international companies. Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet face suspended sentences of 12 months and 9 months and were ordered to pay fines of 1,500 (1,230) and 1,000 (822) for their role in the so-called LuxLeaks scandal. Despite the minimal sentences, the ruling was described by Deltours lawyer as shocking and a terrible anomaly. The ruling puts on guard future whistle-blowers, Deltour told reporters.The LuxLeaks revelations sped beyond Luxembourg, causing European Union regulators to expand a tax-subsidy probe and propose new laws to fight corporate tax dodging, while EU lawmakers created a special committee to probe fiscal deals across the 28-nation bloc. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Goldman Sachs dealmakers lavished Libyan officials with prostitutes to win contract - June 2016 A former Goldman Sachs dealmaker trying to persuade Gadaffi-era Libya to invest $1 billion with the investment bank procured prostitutes and invited Libyan officials to lavish parties in the hope of winning the business, the High Court heard on Monday June 13.The Libyan Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund is suing Goldman Sachs for inappropriately coercing its naive staff into giving its sovereign wealth fund cash to the bank to invest in products they did not understand. The products were designed to generate big profits for Goldman, the LIA claims.Goldman denies wrongdoing and says the LIA was treated as an arms-length customer Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Former boss of BHS said his life was threatened - June 2016 Darren Topp, the former boss of BHS, has said former owner Dominic Chappell threatened to kill him when he challenged him over a 1.5 million transfer out of the business. MPs on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee asked Mr Topp about a 1.5 million transfer Mr Chappell made from BHS to a company called BHS Sweden. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley admits paying workers below the minimum wage - June 2016 Mike Ashley admitted paying Sports Direct employees below the minimum wage at a hearing in front of MPs. The company founder said that workers were paid less than the statutory minimum because of bottlenecks at security in an admission that could result in sanctions from HMRC. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Mitsubishi admits improper fuel tests - April 2016 Mitsubishi has admitted to using false fuel methods dating back to 1991. The scale of the scandal is only just coming to light after it was revealed in April that data was falsified in the testing of four types of cars, including two Nissan cars. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Quindell, the scandal-ridden insurance firm Quindell was once a darling of AIM but its share price fell in April 2014 when its accounting practices were attacked in a stinging research note by US short seller Gotham City. In August the group was forced to disclose that the 107 million pre-tax profit it had reported for 2013 was incorrect, and it had in fact suffered a 64million loss. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Toshiba Accounting Scandal The boss of Toshiba, the Japanese technology giant, resigned in disgrace in the wake of one of the countrys biggest ever accounting scandals. His exit came two months after the company revealed that it was investigating accounting irregularities. An independent investigatory panel said that Toshibas management had inflated its reported profits by up to 152 billion yen (780m) between 2008 and 2014. Biggest business scandals in pictures FIFA Corruption Scandal Fifa, football's world governing body, has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption since the summer of 2015, when the US Department of Justice indicted several top executives. It has now claimed the careers of two of the most powerful men in football, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and Uefa President Michel Platini, after they were banned for eight years from all football-related activities by Fifa's ethics committee. A Swiss criminal investigation into the pair is ongoing. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Libor fraudster City trader Tom Hayes, 35, has become the first person to be convicted of rigging Libor rates following a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. Hayes worked as a trader in yen derivatives at UBS before joining the American bank Citigroup in Tokyo. He was fired from Citigroup following an investigation into his trading methods. He returned to the UK in December 2012 and was arrested following a two-and-a-half year criminal investigation by the SFO. Getty Whitebread was also involved in the horsemeat scandal of 2013. Tests at the time found that supplier Creative Food provided the restaurant group with lasagne that contained horse DNA. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Angelina Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt have reached an agreement to handle their divorce in a private forum and will work together to reunify their family, the actors announced in a joint statement. Their statement released Monday night to The Associated Press said that they will keep future details of their divorce confidential by using a private judge. The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues, their statement read. The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification. The statement is the first joint comment from the actors on their divorce since Jolie Pitt filed to end their marriage in September. At the time, one of her attorneys stated the petition was filed for the health of the family. Authorities investigated allegations that Pitt was abusive toward his 15-year-old son on a private flight, but sources familiar with the cases said the actor was cleared of any wrongdoing. Private judges are often used in high-profile divorce cases, keeping many details of a breakup out of the public eye while a final judgement is negotiated. Custody of their six children has been the primary issue in the divorce, with Jolie Pitt initially seeking sole physical custody. California law favours joint custody in divorce cases, although final arrangements are often agreed to by parents and formalized in a written agreement. Pitt and Jolie were married for two years and together for 12 years after becoming close while filming 2005's Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures Show all 35 1 /35 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2014 Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the World Premiere of Disney's "Maleficent" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures November 2015 Actress/director Angelina Jolie Pitt and husband actor Brad Pitt arrive at the AFI FEST 2015 presented by Audi opening night gala premiere of Universal Pictures' "By The Sea" at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures June 2014 Angelina Jolie, Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and her partner actor Brad Pitt, look at displayed pictures of victims of violence during the third day of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London. Pitt added his A-list support to his partner Angelina Jolie's efforts to eradicate rape in war zones when he joined her in a flashbulb-popping appearance at a global conference in London AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures March 2014 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the Oscars held at Hollywood & Highland Cente in Hollywood Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures February 2014 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the EE British Academy Film Awards 2014 at The Royal Opera House in London Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures November 2013 Angelina Jolie, Maddox Jolie-Pitt and actor Brad Pitt arrive at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures February 2012 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the Cinema for Peace Gala ceremony at the Konzerthaus Am Gendarmenmarkt during day five of the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival Getty Images for Cinema for Peac Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures January 2012 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt arrive on the red carpet for the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures November 2011 Accompanied by their children, Brad Pitt and Angellina Jolie appear before photographers upon their arrival at Haneda Airport in Tokyo AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2011 Brad Pitt and Angelina Joiie attend the Premiere of DreamWorks Animation's "Kung Fu Panda 2" at Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2011 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend "The Tree Of Life" premiere during the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures November 2010 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (with camera) on the 'Romeo and Juliette' film set in Budapest, Hungary Rex Features Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures July 2010 Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt arrive at the premiere of Sony Pictures' "Salt" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures December 2009 Brad Pitt Angelina Jolie and their son Maddox arrive at the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' and Spyglass Entertainment's "Invictus" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Theater in Beverly Hills Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2009 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the Inglourious Basterds Premiere held at the Palais Des Festivals during the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures January 2009 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at Narita International Airport with their children (L to R) Maddox, Vivienne, Zahara and Knox in Narita, Chiba, Japan Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures January 2009 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pose on the red carpet for the German premiere of the film 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' in Berlin AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures December 2008 Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt arrive at the premiere of Paramount's "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" held at Mann's Village Theatre on Decemeber 8, 2008 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2008 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pose as they arrive to attend the screening of US actor and director Clint Eastwood's film 'The Exchange' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2008 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pose as they arrive for the screening of US directors John Stevenson and Mark Osborne's film 'Kung Fu Panda' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures January 2008 Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt attend the cocktail party during the 14th annual Screen Actors Guild awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures September 2007 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford premiere on the Day 5 of the 64th Annual Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2007 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie depart the premiere for the film 'Ocean's Thirteen' at the Palais des Festivals during the 60th International Cannes Film Festival Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2007 Angelina Jolie poses as she arrives with actor and producer Brad Pitt at the Festival Palace in Cannes AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures May 2007 Angelina Jolie and her husband Brad Pitt, have a drink in a Prague restaurant "U Sevce Matouse" ("At Matous' Shoemaker") prior to the shooting of Jolie's new film "Wanted". The couple and their children Maddox, Pax Thien, Zahara and Shiloh Nouvel, arrived in Prague aboard a private plane. They are to spend five weeks in Prague AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures January 2007 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures January 2007 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at Newmarket Films premiere of "God Grew Tired of Us" at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures December 2006 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the World Premiere of "The Good Shepherd" presented by Universal Pictures at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures November 2006 Brad Pitt and his partner Angelina Jolie ride on a motorcycle on a busy street in downtown Ho Chi Minh city. Jolie and Pitt are expected to adopt a three-year-old Vietnamese AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures November 2006 Angelina Jolie holds daughter Zahara as husband Brad Pitt carries son Maddox during a stroll on the seafront promenade at the historic Gateway of India AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures June 2006 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt give a press conference at a Swakopmund hotel. Hollywood's hottest couple became the proud parents of daughter Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt on 27 May in Namibia AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures January 2006 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt leave Hotel Belvedere in Davos . UN goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie was in Davos for the World Economic Forum AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures January 2006 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt leaving the session opened by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan "A new Mindset for the UN" at the the World Economic Forum in Davos AFP/Getty Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures November 2005 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, accompanied by Jolie's children, arrive at Narita Airport in suburban Tokyo) AFP/Getty Images Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt relationship in pictures June 2005 (L-R) Regency Enterprises' David Matalon, actor Brad Pitt, Producer Arnon Milchan, actress Angelina Jolie and News Corp. President/Chief operating officer Peter Chernin arrive at the premiere of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" at the Mann Village Theater in Westwood Getty Images Their divorce, and every filing in it, has attracted international attention. Last month, Pitt sought to seal custody records in the case, and a hearing had been scheduled for next week on the issue. Both actors have kept a relatively low profile since their breakup was announced, although Pitt made an appearance onstage at Sunday's Golden Globes to spirited applause. AP For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Clare Hollingworth, the journalist who broke the news of the Second World War, has died at 105. The former Daily Telegraph correspondent crossed the Polish-German frontier in 1939 and witnessed thousands of German tanks lined up to invade Poland during her first week at the paper. The Foreign Correspondents Club paid tribute to the veteran journalists enduring legacy. The FCC is very sad to announce the passing of its much beloved member Clare Hollingworth at age 105, the club said in a statement on Tuesday. Clare had a remarkable career as a foreign correspondent, beginning with the scoop of the century when she reported the start of World War II. Notable deaths in 2016 Show all 42 1 /42 Notable deaths in 2016 Notable deaths in 2016 Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, businesswoman, film historian, and humanitarian. She died on December 28 in Los Angeles Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Actress Carrie Fisher died on December 27 aged 60 Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Comedian and Actor Ricky Harris died on December 26 aged 54 Rex Notable deaths in 2016 British singer George Michael died on 25 December aged 53 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Rick Parfitt OBE was an English musician, best known for being a singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist in the rock band Status Quo. He died on December 24 in Marbella, Spain Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Lord Jenkin of Roding died at the age of 90 on the 21 December PA wire Notable deaths in 2016 Rabbi Lionel Blue died on the 19 December Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Zsa Zsa Gabor died on December 18 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Leonard Cohen died on 7 November Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Grand secretary of the Orange Order Drew Nelson died on 10 October aged 60 after a short illness PA Notable deaths in 2016 Aaron Pryor, the relentless junior welterweight died Sunday, Oct. 9, at the age of 60 at his home in Cincinnati after a long battle with heart disease AP Notable deaths in 2016 Polish Director Andrzej Wajda died on October 9, aged 90 Reuters Notable deaths in 2016 Stylianos Pattakos has died following a stroke on 8th October. He was 103 years old. AP Notable deaths in 2016 Dickie Jeeps, was an English rugby union player who played for Northampton. He represented and captained both the England national rugby union team and the British Lions in the 1950s and 1960s. He died on 8th October. He was 84 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Duke of Westminster Billionaire landowner the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor has died on 9 August, aged 64 Rex Features Notable deaths in 2016 Christina Knudsen Sir Roger Moores stepdaughter Christina Knudsen has died from cancer on 25 July at teh age of 47 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Caroline Aherne The actress Caroline Aherne has died from cancer on 2 July at the age of 52 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Christina Grimmie Christina Grimmie, 22, who was an American singer and songwriter, known for her participation in the NBC singing competition The Voice, was signing autographs at a concert venue in Orlando on 10 June when an assailant shot her. Grimmie was transported to a local hospital where she died from her wounds on 11 June Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Kimbo Slice Former UFC and Bellator MMA fighter Kimbo Slice died after being admitted to hospital in Florida on 6 June, aged 42 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Muhammad Ali The three-time former heavyweight world champion died after being admitted to hospital with a respiratory illness on 3 June, aged 74 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Sally Brampton Brampton who was the launch editor of the UK edition of Elle magazine has died on 10 May, aged 60 Grant Triplow/REX/Shutterstock Notable deaths in 2016 Billy Paul The soul singer Billy Paul, who was best known for his single Me and Mrs Jones, has died on 24 April, aged 81 Noel Vasquez/Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Prince Prince, the legendary musician, has been found dead at his Paisley Park recording studio on 21 April. He was 57 Notable deaths in 2016 Chyna WWE icon Joan Laurer dies aged 45 after being found at California home on 20 April Notable deaths in 2016 Victoria Wood The five-time Bafta-winning actress and comedian Victoria Wood has died on 20 April at her London home after a short illness with cancer. She was 62 Notable deaths in 2016 David Gest The entertainer and former husband of Liza Minnelli, David Gest has been found dead on 12 April in the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Warf, London. He was 62-years-old PA Notable deaths in 2016 Denise Robertson Denise Robertson, an agony aunt on This Morning for over 30 years, has died on 1 April, aged 83 Notable deaths in 2016 Zaha Hadid Dame Zaha Hadid, the prominent architect best known for designs such as the London Olympic Aquatic Centre and the Guangzhou Opera House, has died of a heart attack on 31 March, aged 65 2010 AFP Notable deaths in 2016 Ronnie Corbett British entertainer Ronnie Corbett has passed away on 31 March at the age of 85 2014 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Imre Kertesz Hungarian writer and Holocaust survivor Imre Kertesz, who won the 2002 Nobel Literature Prize, has died on 31 March, at the age of 86 REUTERS Notable deaths in 2016 Rob Ford Rob Ford, the former controversial mayor of Toronto, has died following a battle with a rare form of cancer. The 46-year-old passed away at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto on 22 March Notable deaths in 2016 Joey Feek Joey (left) passed away in March after a two-year cancer illness. She was part of country music duo, Joey + Rory, with her husband Rory (right) Jason Merritt/Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Umberto Eco Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco died 19 February 2016 aged 84 EPA Notable deaths in 2016 Harper Lee Harper Lee, the American novelist known for writing 'To Kill a Mockingbird', died February 19, 2016 aged 89 2005 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Vanity Vanity, pictured performing in 1983, died aged 57 REX Features Notable deaths in 2016 Dave Mirra The BMX legend's body found inside truck with gunshot wound after apparent suicide aged 41 Notable deaths in 2016 Harry Harpham The former miner became Sheffield Labour MP in May after many years as a local councillor. He died after succumbing to cancer, at the age of 61. Notable deaths in 2016 Dale Griffin The Mott the Hoople drummer died on January 17, aged 67 REX Notable deaths in 2016 Rene Angelil Celine Dion's husband and manager Rene Angelil has lost his battle with cancer on 14 January, aged 73 2011 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Alan Rickman Legendary actor Alan Rickman has died on 14 January at the age of 69 after battle with pancreatic cancer. He is largely regarded as one of the most beloved British actors of our generation with roles in Love Actually, Die Hard, Michael Collins, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and an illustrious stage career 2015 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Maurice White The Earth, Wind & Fire founder died aged 74. The nine-piece band sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and won six Grammy awards Notable deaths in 2016 Lawrence Phillips Former NFL star found dead in prison cell on 13 January in suspected suicide, aged 40 AFP/Getty Images Tara Joseph, the FCC president, added: We are very sad to hear about Clares passing. She was a tremendous inspiration to us all and a treasured member of our club. We were so pleased that we could celebrate her 105th birthday with her this past year. Clare Hollingworth during her time as a war correspondent Hollingworths family released a statement on the Facebook page Celebrate Clare Hollingworth. We are sad to announce that after an illustrious career spanning a century of news, celebrated war correspondent Clare Hollingworth died this evening in Hong Kong, it read. Although Clare made her name by getting the scoop on WWII from the frontlines in Poland that event arguably overshadowed some equally impressive achievements. During the research for Clare's recently published biography Of Fortunes & War: Clare Hollingworth, first of the female war correspondents her great nephew Patrick Garrett uncovered documents detailing her work saving been two and three thousand souls from the Nazis, on the eve of WWII. During the war Clare was all over the Balkans, the Middle East, and North Africa. She was in Palestine for the final runup to the foundation of Israel. She covered the civil war in Algeria, and was in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam during their conflicts. She was one of the first western correspondents in China at the tail end of the Cultural Revolution. And aged 70, when most people are beginning to think about retiring, Clare upped sticks and set up a new life in Hong Kong. Clare pushed the boundaries for women in journalism, and though she has gone, her legacy will certainly live on. Explaining her need to be on top of the story, the journalist once told a radio interviewer: I enjoy action. I enjoy being in a plane when theyre bombing something. Speaking to The Independent in an interview last year, Hollingworth explained why she thought the Nazis would ultimately be defeated when she sat in a British diplomats car watching Gerd von Runstedts legions preparing to invade Poland. I thought theyd lose the war, she said. Because they didnt care about people. The FCC said details of the funeral arrangements and a wake at the club would be announced later. In October she celebrated her 105th birthday at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Hong Kong where she was a regular patron. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The confirmation hearing for Donald Trumps nomination for Attorney General began with a raucous disruption when two protesters wearing white sheets and Ku Klux Klan hats were escorted from the hearing. Even before Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions was sworn in to begin his testimony the two men began standing in chairs in the Senate hearing room, and claimed they were the senators supporters. Jefferson Beauregard, you speak for the people, one of them said, calling the nominee by his first and middle name, according to the New York Daily News. Mr Sessions was once turned down for a position as federal judge (AP) As police escorted the two men out, one of them shouted: You cant arrest me, were white. White people dont get arrested. Im a white man! Code Pink founder Medea Benjamin claimed credit for the KKK-themed protesters, claiming the ejected men were part of her group. Mr Sessions was the first of Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees to face the confirmation process at Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Mr Sessions 1986 nomination to a federal district judgeship was ended amid accusations that he had made racist comments during his time at the Department of Justice. Democrats have pointed to those allegations in concert with the Justice Departments oversight of issues such as voting rights and minority rights as reasons they are concerned about his nomination. Thirty years ago, the Senate rejected Sessions appointment to a federal judgeship because he was deemed too extreme then, Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile said in a statement. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Oscar-winner Natalie Portman has said actresses are still being put in roles as objects of desire too often. The star, who campaigned for Hillary Clinton in the run-up to the US presidential election, said there is still a lack of decent female parts in Hollywood - and suggested that society has a problem with female leaders. Portman, 35, told Radio Times: We are so often put in roles as objects of desire, with a male view, as opposed to subjects of desire with complex weaknesses, and moments of strength and focus - and you can be all of those things. Asked whether things are improving in Hollywood, with such roles for women increasing, she said: No. She said: We're having a problem with female leadership - in business, in government, in storytelling. I think it has to do with being a boss. We're still having a problem, first with women in that position, and second there are so many obstacles in their way. Portman, who is expecting her second child with husband Benjamin Millepied, said while seeing Clinton defeated by Donald Trump was not what she had wanted, there is a silver lining. Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Show all 22 1 /22 Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes (L-R) Actors Trevante Rhodes and Naomie Harris, director Barry Jenkins, actors Ashton Sanders, Janelle Monae and Mahershala Ali of 'Moonlight,' winner of Best Motion Picture - Drama, pose in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actresses Priyanka Chopra (L) and Sofia Vergara attend the 18th Annual Post-Golden Globes Party hosted by Warner Bros. Pictures and InStyle at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Frazer Harrison/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actress Tracee Ellis Ross arrives at the 74th annual Golden Globe Awards, January 8, 2017, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actress Janelle Monae (L) and director Barry Jenkins of "Moonlight," winner of Best Motion Picture - Drama, pose in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Priyanka Chopra arrives at the 74th annual Golden Globe Awards, January 8, 2017, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 08: In this handout photo provided by NBCUniversal, actor Ashton Sanders, producer Adele Romanski, producer Jeremy Kleiner, director Barry Jenkins, actor Trevante Rhodes, cinematographer James Laxton, actress Naomie Harris and producer Dede Gardner of "Moonlight" accept the award for Best Motion Picture - Drama for "Moonlight" onstage during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Paul Drinkwater/NBC via Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actress Tracee Ellis Ross, winner of Best Performance in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for 'Black-ish,' poses in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 08: In this handout photo provided by NBCUniversal, (L-R) producer Adele Romanski, director Barry Jenkins, actress Janelle Monae and producer Dede Gardner and the cast and crew of "Moonlight" accept the award for Best Motion Picture - Drama for "Moonlight" onstage during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Paul Drinkwater/NBC via Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actor Tom Hiddleston, winner of Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film for 'The Night Manager,' poses in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Sistine Stallone Scarlet Stallone and Sophia Stallone arrive at the 74th annual Golden Globe Awards, January 8, 2017, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. AFP/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Model Kendall Jenner and television personality Kylie Jenner attend the Universal, NBC, Focus Features, E! Entertainment Golden Globes after party sponsored by Chrysler on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Jesse Grant/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 08: Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, winner of Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for 'Nocturnal Animals,' poses in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, winners of the Best Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Motion Picture ? Comedy or Musical for 'La La Land', pose in the press room at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017. Rock Beck/AFP/Getty Images Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Director Paul Verhoeven, winner of Best Foreign Language Film for 'Elle,' poses in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actor Hugh Laurie, winner of Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film for 'The Night Manager,' poses in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Images) Kevin Winter/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actress Isabelle Huppert, winner of Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama for 'Elle,' and director Paul Verhoeven, winner of Best Foreign Language Film for 'Elle,' pose in the press room at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. AFP/Getty Images Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actor Ryan Gosling, actress Emma Stone and filmmaker Damien Chazelle pose in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes (L-R) Songwriters Benj Pasek, Justin Hurwitz and Justin Paul, winners of Best Original Song for 'City of Stars' from 'La La Land,' pose in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Rock Beck/AFP/Getty Images Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Cast and crew of 'Atlanta,' winners of Best Series - Musical or Comedy, pose in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes In this handout photo provided by NBCUniversal, Meryl Streep accepts Cecil B. DeMille Award during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes Actress Meryl Streep, recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award, poses in the press room during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Scenes from the 2017 Golden Globes BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 08: Writer Stephen Glover (L) and actor/writer Donald Glover, winners of Best Series - Musical or Comedy for 'Atlanta,' attend the 18th Annual Post-Golden Globes Party hosted by Warner Bros. Pictures and InStyle at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images It's that I feel very engaged politically and I think a lot of other people do, too, said the actress, who portrays Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in new film Jackie. It has woken people up, to be engaged citizens in a different way. PA For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Picture a wunderkind. The names of tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg, Evan Spiegel, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates tend to come to mind when we're thinking about people who achieved extraordinary success at a young age. However, the idea of the young prodigy isn't really a modern phenomenon. From Alexander the Great to Alexander Hamilton, here are 17 individuals throughout history who accomplished incredible things early in life: Alexander the Great conquered countries at 18 (Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) Hellenistic conqueror Alexander the Great accomplished extraordinary things during his short time on earth. After the assassination of his father, Philip II of Macedon, Alexander ascended to the throne. Two years later, at the age of 18, he began expanding his domain. He spent most of his reign conquering lands from Greece to India. The result was one of the largest ancient empires and the spread of Hellenistic culture throughout the Mediterranean world. Alexander never lost a battle. In the end, he simply burned out, succumbing to a fever at the age of 32. Augustus Caesar (Octavian) became a Roman Senator at 20 Today, Augustus is remembered as the first emperor of Rome. However, his career began long before securing this unprecedented role in 27 B.C.E. In 44 BCE, Augustus was still known as Octavian. He was Julius Caesar's 19-year-old grand nephew, adopted son, and heir. On the Ides of March, Caesar was assassinated while the teenage Octavian was undergoing military training. Instead of fleeing in the aftermath of the murder, Caesar's heir returned to Rome and threw himself into the simmering political intrigue. For years, he navigated multiple shifting alliances, mass killings, and all-out war. Octavian finally prevailed in 31 B.C.E. when his forces defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, according to Roman-Empire.net. Joan of Arc turned a war around at 17 (Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) The bloody Hundred Years' War devastated medieval France. However, in 1429, a teenage peasant girl helped turn things around for the country. Backed by a small coterie of supporters, Joan of Arc managed to convince her country's leadership to give her a commanding role in the army. She was 17 years old when she chopped off her hair, donned men's clothes, and rode off to battle, according to History.com. Nine days after she arrived at the besieged city of Orleans, Joan beat back the English forces and became a national hero. Unfortunately, she was eventually captured, given a sham trial, and burned at the stake by the English. She was only 19 when she was executed. The charges were debunked and she was declared a martyr several decades too late. Centuries later, Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint in 1920. Blaise Pascal developed a calculator at 19 17th century French mathematician Blaise Pascal was ahead of his time on a number of fronts. When he was 12, he began studying geometry. Seven years later, he began developing a handheld calculator. Keep in mind, this was 1642 the era before mass production. Pascal was a bit too far ahead of his time and the "Pascaline" calculator never made any money, as Biography.com reported. Nonetheless, Pascal still went on to enjoy success as an influential mathematician, philosopher and physicist. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote his first symphony at 8 (Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) Mozart was something of a 18th-century child star. He acquired enormous fame and success at an early age, only to burn out later in life. The influential composer grew up listening to his father teach his older sister Nannerl piano. In "The Compleat Mozart" by Neal Zaslaw and William Cowdery, Nannerl recalled her brother's early talents: "At the age of five, he was already composing little pieces, which he played to his father who wrote them down." With the help of his father, Mozart wrote his first symphony when he was eight. As children, Nannerl and Mozart toured around Europe, performing in various royal courts as child prodigies, according to Biography.com. Mozart's ensuing career resulted in over 600 works but little financial stability. He passed away at the age of 35, having changed the world of music forever. Phillis Wheatley published her first book of poems at age 20 At the age of 20, Phillis Wheatley became the first ever African-American woman to be recognized as a published poet. Wheatley had been sold into slavery as a child and purchased in Boston by tailor John Wheatley. His family taught Wheatley to read and encouraged her to write poetry. When her "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" debuted in 1773, it sparked conversation from the North American colonies to London. Wheatley became "a household name among literate colonists," according to the Poetry Foundation. The next year, Wheatley was emancipated when John Wheatley died. Phillis Wheatley continued to write and publish poetry for the rest of her life. Unfortunately, she fell upon hard times later in life and died penniless at the age of 31. Alexander Hamilton became Washington's aide-de-camp at 22 At the start of his career, Hamilton really was just like his country young, scrappy, and hungry. Thanks to the success of Lin Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway musical, the American public is slowly becoming more acquainted with the story of Hamilton's astronomical rise to success. Orphaned on the Caribbean island of Nevis at the age of 13, he supported himself and his brother by clerking for a local merchant. Eventually, prominent individuals on the island raised funds to send the bookish boy to King's College (now Columbia University) in the North American colonies. When war broke out, he joined up with the rebelling colonists and ended up serving as General George Washington's chief staff aide. Hamilton was only 21 when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. He proved himself to be a valuable addition to Washington's staff, although he eventually resigned in order to pursue glory on the battlefield (he eventually led a charge to seize a redoubt at the Battle of Yorktown). The connections he formed early on in the military, in addition to his budding legal career, served him well. At the age of 32, Hamilton ended up on the New York delegation of the Constitutional Convention. With some assistance from James Madison and John Jay, he wrote the Federalist Papers, which helped secure the ratification of the new, stronger Constitution. Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette turned the tide of the Revolutionary War at 19 Wikimedia Commons As it turns out, many of America's Founding Fathers were quite young when the Revolutionary War broke out. The Marquis de Lafayette was only 19 years old when he sailed from France to help the British North American colonies win their freedom. Defying orders from his own government, the Marquis (whose real name was Gilbert du Motier) swung by Continental Congress in 1777 and volunteered to serve the colonial cause for free. Upon joining the Continental Army, Lafayette befriended General George Washington. However, the young aristocrat's most important contribution didn't occur on the field of battle. He helped convince the French monarch King Louis XVI to intercede on behalf of the American rebels. These efforts paid off in 1780, according to USHistory.org, when the French sent forces to aid Washington. This proved especially crucial at the Battle of Yorktown, where Lafayette and other French allies helped defeat English commander Lord Charles Cornwallis. It wasn't immediately apparent at the time, but the battle would secure the colonies' independence. So, as it turns out, the US may never have been founded had a teenager with romantic ideals not decided to run off and join a rebellion. James Madison joined the Continental Congress at 29 Long before he drafted the Constitution or became president, James Madison had a reputation for taking on a lot at once. A Virginia native, "Jemmy" traveled up north to attend the College of New Jersey (now called Princeton University). He apparently overdid his studies and nearly had a nervous breakdown, but he still managed to graduate in 1771. He was 25 years old when the colonies declared independence in 1776. However, Madison had fragile health, stood 5'4, and weighed around 100 pounds. Instead of seeking out a combat role like many other young Founding Fathers, he went into politics. In 1780, he represented Virginia in the Continental Congress at the age of 29. Originally, he was the youngest member of the Congress. As Revolutionary-War.net noted, he quickly acquired a reputation as a legislative work horse. William Pitt the Younger became prime minister of England at 24 To this day, William Pitt the Younger is still the youngest person to ever become Prime Minister of England. The politician rose to power in 1783 at the age of 24. He ascended to the position under a cloud of controversy, according to the BBC. King George III had threatened to abdicate rather than allow George Fox back into the role. Pitt lost an election in Parliament, but refused to resign and ended up winning a general election the following year. As Encyclopedia Britannica outlines, Pitt's tenure was marked by all sorts of global upheaval, including the French Revolution and various wars with Napoleon Bonaparte. The young, standoffish minister's popularity was low amongst his contemporaries, but he was also known as an adept debater and administrator. Mary Shelley published 'Frankenstein' at 20 Wikimedia Commons Born in 1797, Mary Shelley was the daughter of philosophers Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin. As a teenager, she eloped with her father's student, Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. However, according to the Poetry Foundation, tragedy and hardship struck when their first daughter passed away in 1815 just a few hours after birth. The next summer in Switzerland, the 18-year-old passed the time with a group of friends, including leading Romantic poet Lord Byron. The young people passed around ghost tales, according to Biography.com and Byron proposed that they all write one themselves. This casual challenge amongst friends inspired Shelley to write the classic novel "Frankenstein." The book was published two years later, when she was 20 years old. Galusha Pennypacker was appointed brigadier general at 20 This Pennsylvania native was the youngest person to hold the rank of brigadier general in US history. He joined the Union Army around the age of 16, according to his New York Times obituary. There is some historical debate over Pennypacker's exact age (in an era before widespread government IDs, it wasn't uncommon for people to simply forget their date of birth). Regardless, Pennypacker's subsequent rise through the ranks over the course of the war was quite dramatic and rapid. In 1865, during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, the young then-colonel was shot in the hip while leading a dangerous charge, as Mainline Today reported. In recognition of his bravery, he received the Medal of Honor and was promoted to the position of brigadier at the age of 20. Pennypacker instantly became a bit of a celebrity, thanks to his youth. He had been too young to even vote for Abraham Lincoln, the very president who appointed him. Ida B. Wells fought segregation at 27 Ida B. Wells was born in 1862, several months before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. At 16, Mississippi native began working as a school teacher to help support her younger siblings after their parents died. Following in the footsteps of her activist parents, Wells began to take an interest in ending segregation. She eventually moved to Memphis and began writing in local newspapers. In 1889, at the age of 27, she became the co-owner and editor of "Free Speech and Headlight," a publication that focused on issues pertaining to racism and segregation. That same year, her friend Thomas Moss's successful grocery store was raided by a white mob. Three men were shot in the ensuing chaos and Moss was arrested. Before the case could go to trial, a mob invaded the local jail and lynched Moss, along with two other men, according to PBS. This inspired Wells to become an investigative journalist. She shone a spotlight on how lynching served as a tool to oppress African Americans. Her work endangered her life she had to carry a pistol for safety. Her first pamphlet "Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases" was published in 1892, when she was 30. Nellie Bly exposed a dysfunctional mental asylum at 23 (Wikimedia Commons) This famous American investigative journalist kicked off her career at the age of 16. According to nellieblyonline.org, the teen-aged Elizabeth Jane Cochrane wrote a retort to a sexist article in the Pittsburgh Dispatch in 1880. The editor of the paper wrote back, offering her a job. She accepted and began publishing under the pseudonym Nellie Bly (the name of a popular song at the time). At the age of 21, she took on a foreign correspondent in assignment, but was forced to flee the country after criticizing the Mexican government for imprisoning a local journalist. Tired of being pressured to take on theater and arts reviews, she quit, traveled to New York City, and talked her way into a job at Joseph Pulitzer's New York World. For her first big assignment, she pretended to suffer from amnesia and delusions and was committed to the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island, according to PBS. She experienced firsthand the rancid provisions, abusive staff, and rats. Upon her release, Bly published a report that turned into a book called "Ten Days in a Mad-House," prompting questions about the treatment of the mentally ill. In 1889, the young journalist earned even more fame after embarking upon a solo trip around the world. Bly sought to top the protagonist of Jules Vernes's "Around the World in 80 Days." She ended up beating out Phileas Fogg and competitors from other papers alike when she arrived back in New York City in 72 days. Lawrence Bragg won the Nobel Prize at 25 (Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) In 1915, Australian-born physicist Lawrence Bragg won the Nobel Prize for his work researching and examining crystal structures with X-rays. He was only 25 years old. At the time, he was the youngest ever Nobel laureate, according to NobelPrize.org. He was only surpassed in 2014, when activist Malala Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein exposed the Watergate scandal at 29 and 28 In 1972, a story about a burglary at the Democratic Party national Headquarters snowballed into a scandal that would engulf the federal government and bring down US President Richard Nixon. At the center of it all were two young Washington Post reporters diligently reporting on the Watergate scandal. Bob Woodward was 29 and Carl Bernstein was 28 when they were first assigned the story together. In an interview with NPR, Woodward and Bernstein recalled uncovering the connection between the Watergate break-in and other underhanded tactics and Nixon's re-election campaign. Their story resulted in a book, a Hollywood film starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, and a Pulitzer. Nadia Comeneci achieved Olympic victory at 14 (Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) This 14-year-old Romanian gymnast vaulted, swung, and flipped to victory at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Comeneci was the first ever gymnast to score a perfect 10.0 at an Olympic gymnastics event. That year, she also accumulated three gold medals and six more perfect scores, according to Biography.com. However, Comeneci wasn't finished, yet. Four years later, she went on to win two more gold medals at the Moscow Summer Olympics. These stunning before-and-after photos are helping an Instagram star launch a fitness empire A YouTube star with 7.5 million subscribers explains how she makes money and how the industry is changing A star is hurtling towards our solar system and could knock millions of asteroids straight towards Earth Read the original article on Business Insider UK. 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Scientists say they are well on the way to resurrecting an ancient species of super-cow revered by the Nazis after it went extinct nearly 400 years ago. The auroch roamed the grassy plains of Europe for 250,000 years until it died out in Poland in 1627, and Adolf Hitler's followers tried to breed a similar beast as part of their Aryan mythology. Now conservationists who believe the bovine ancestor was key to preserving the continent's ecosystem have said they are 'rewilding' the fourth generation of their experimental auroch replacement as part of the Tauros Project. Founder and ecologist Ronald Goderie told CNN: "We thought we needed a grazer that is fully self-sufficient in case of big predators...and could do the job of grazing big wild areas. We reasoned that this animal would have to resemble an auroch. "We see progress not only in looks and behavior but also in de-domestication of the animals." In conjunction with the Rewilding Europe group, the Tauros, bred from a number of current species with auroch ancestry, have been released into areas of Spain, Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Romania, where they have had to contend with wolves and other predators. Mr Goderie believes that by 2025, the seventh generation of neo-aurochs will be as close as possible to the originals. In 2015 a British farmer was forced to kill off half his herd of auroch-derived Heck cattle because they kept trying to kill him. The aggressive breed was produced by German zoologists and brothers Heinz and Lutz Heck, whom the Nazi party commissioned to produce a breed of cattle based on the aurochs, a taller and leaner animal than today's cows. Derek Gow said: "What the Germans did with their breeding programme was create something truly primeval. "When the Germans were selecting them to create this animal they used Spanish fighting cattle to give them the shape and ferocity they wanted." He turned the rogue cows into very tasty sausages that tasted a bit like venison, he said. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Britain could lose the most senior military position it holds in Nato after Brexit, experts have warned amid concern over how the break with Europe could affect the UKs defence capabilities. The Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) said the post of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander (DSACEUR) held by Britain for more than 60 years could be transferred to an EU member to retain links to the union. France is reportedly among the countries vying to take the position, which ranks at number two in the alliances military command structure, with only the American Supreme Allied Commander above. An unofficial delegation of French military officials arrived in Washington in September to argue their armed forces were better placed than the UK to lead Nato in Europe after Brexit. NATO leaders consider future in Afghanistan They were at pains to point out how useful the French military could be as an ally and their track record in getting things done in troublespots where the US was not as strong as it wished to be, a source told The Times. A briefing on the UKs foreign and security policy after Brexit released by Rusi on Tuesday warned that discussions were being held among Nato members over transferring the position of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander (DSACEUR) to an EU member. A Ministry of Defence (MoD) source told The Independent it does not view the loss of the post as a realistic prospect. It is a position we have held since 1951 and its not something we are considering giving up, he added. Professor Malcolm Chalmers, Rusis deputy director-general, said the role is essential to offer Nato military assets to EU missions under the Berlin Plus agreement. A second DSACEUR position could be recreated like the one held by Germany during the Cold War, he said, or the UK could take the position of Chief of Staff instead. Whatever the outcome, the substantive consequences of such changes are likely to be relatively limited, Mr Chalmers said. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty Even so, the fact that they are already being raised is a clear message that the UKs role and influence within Nato cannot be entirely ring-fenced from the consequences of Brexit. The Berlin Plus agreement is currently in effect for a mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina under the control of current DSACEUR General Sir Adrian Bradshaw. Lt-Gen Sir James Everard was named as his successor last year and will take up the post in March. Announcing the appointment, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the fact that Britain holds such a senior military role underlines our leading role in Nato. The UK is leaving the EU but we are not leaving Europe, the MoD said in a statement. We will continue to play a leading role in European security and with the second biggest defence budget in Nato we will deliver on all our commitments. This includes providing Natos Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. A spokesperson for Nato would not be drawn on whether any changes to the position or to Britains role in the military alliance was being considered in light of the vote for Brexit. He said military appointments were subjected to a flags to post process, meaning individuals were selected by their home nation, and confirmed Lt-Gen Everards appointment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Childrens author Helen Bailey was plied with sedatives by her partner for several months before he "probably suffocated" her, a court has heard. Ms Bailey's body was discovered by police beneath the grounds of her Royston home in July, alongside that of her dog. The 51-year-old writer, who wrote a number of popular books for adolescents starring the character Electra Brown, went missing two months before, in April, when she was last seen walking her dog. Ms Baileys partner, Ian Stewart, was charged with her murder, as well as perverting the course of justice for allegedly reporting her as missing to the police and hiding her body and preventing lawful burial. Mr Stewart, 56, to whom Ms Bailey was engaged, denies all accusations. St Albans Crown Court heard the couple had met online following the death of Ms Bailey's husband, John Sinfield in 2011, and moved in together a year after they met, buying the house in Royston for around 1.5 million. They had made arrangements for Mr Stewart to obtain the house and substantial financial advantage in the event of Ms Bailey's death before the wedding, the jury heard. Ms Bailey was said to be very successful and worth around 4 million, earning around 5,000 a month in royalties from her books. Opening the trial, prosecutor Stuart Trimmer QC said: The crown say this was simply a long-planned, deliberate killing, a cynically executed murder that had money as its driving motive. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images 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 Mr Trimmer said Mr Stewart had been giving Ms Bailey sleeping pills for several months before killing her on 11 April 2016, adding that he killed her, probably by suffocation whilst she was sedated by the drugs he administered. A drug used to treat insomnia, Zoplicone, was found in her system, which had been prescribed to Mr Stewart, the court was told. It is alleged that a charade followed the murder, as Mr Stewart sent texts to his partner's phone, despite allegedly having possession of it himself, and supported a media campaign to trace her. He paid for posters and flyers and attended a dog walk organised by a campaign group called Where is Helen Bailey?, the court heard. Mr Stewart is then alleged to have casually obstructed the police investigation, lying to officers who were aiding the search, as well as going on holiday to Spain in June 2016. Ms Bailey's dog, Boris, was also killed by Stewart at some stage to add credence to the theory that Ms Bailey had gone missing as she was devoted to him, Mr Trimmer said. The trial continues. Additional reporting by PA Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A central London council has been warned it risks "another Rotherham" sexual abuse scandal if it does not deal with the thousands of children thought to be taught at illegal schools. Hackney Council is at the centre of a child protection scandal after an investigation by The Independent found more than 1,000 boys in the borough are currently missing from registered schools and are instead thought to be educated in illegal ultra-Orthodox Jewish yeshivas. At a meeting of Hackney Council's Children and Young People Scrutiny Board, which is holding an inquiry into unregistered Jewish schools, Chair Councillor Christopher Kennedy said: "We worried there might be another Rotherham situation in Hackney if we didn't take action when we were told there were all these missing children on the school register." His comments came as religious leaders told Hackney council they felt being pressured to teach a particular agenda by Ofsted. Jospeh Stauber, headteacher of the registered Talmud Torah Yetev Lev primary school for children in Hackney, warned councillors: "Don't try to tell us what to learn with the children when it's against our religion. That's why we keep on hiding." Hackney is home to a large ultra-Orthodox Jewish Charedi community, which is regarded as insular and practices a strict 19th-century interpretation of the faith. Engagement with the secular world is for many deeply taboo and boys over the age of 13 are expected to learn the Old Testament in Yeshivas where they are taught in Yiddish rather than go to secondary schools and gain GCSEs. One former pupil at an illegal school in Hackney told The Independent they went to "extreme lengths" to stop him learning English. "Education is all about preparing people to make their own choices. The very ethos of these schools is to do the exact opposite and to isolate people from secular society," he said. The huge risks facing children attending unregistered schools were further outlined by evidence from Rory MacCallum, Senior Professional Advisor to the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Board. Mr MacCallum said paedophiles were present in "every community" which is why teachers need to be vetted and subject to regulation, adding: "I can sit here and reel off a list of names of loads of individuals in positions of trust who have subsequently been found out as having a deviant sexual interest in children. That is worst-case scenario. That type of stuff happens everywhere." Speaking after the committee to The Independent, Mr MacCallum denied that the Charedi community was "complacent" about child abuse but said some individuals could do more. "I'm not getting the sense that the whole community is complacent. As with every other community there will be people there who are complacent, and there will be people who aren't." As well as sexual abuse, children in unregistered schools identified by Hackney council are at risk from physical harm, with Hackney London Fire Brigade Commander Steve Dudeney telling the committee there had been fires at five of 32 suspected illegal schools identified by the council, a figure he described as "high". Separately, the fire brigade found evidence children may be sleeping at three of the illegal schools. But after being presented with evidence from Mr MacCallum, Rabbi Judah Baumgarten of the Union of Orthodox Hebrew congregations said safeguarding would be enacted if Jewish schools were not told to teach a particular curriculum by Ofsted. "If safeguarding was a standalone requirement I don't think we would have a problem." He added: "Any safeguarding is as important and maybe even possibly -- I venture to say -- more important than other communities." The Rabbi was told by Hackney Councillor Margaret Gordon: "Any organisation before the question of regulation of education comes up ought to be taking the issues of child protection seriously and ought to be happy to demonstrate that. To say 'we're not prepared to do that while it's linked to Ofsted' is disingenuous." Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Britains justice system is racist and should not be trusted by ethnic minorities, one of the UKs only black judges has suggested. Peter Herbert, a part-time crown court judge, said his treatment was a sad reflection on the judiciary after being disciplined for speaking out against the verdict of a fellow judge. The justice system was riddled with casual discrimination, he added. Mr Herbert had criticised the decision of the election commissioner, a fellow judge, to ban Lutfur Rahman, the former mayor of Tower Hamlets, from standing for public office. Rahman was found guilty of electoral fraud in April 2015. At rally in the former mayors defence, Mr Herbert, who is also chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, said the decision was based on a belief that ethnic minorities were not regarded as British. Judges are generally expected not to comment on the rulings of a colleague. At the same event, Mr Herbert also suggested ethnic minorities should not place their faith in a justice system that had not been designed for them and instead should take direct action, according to The Times. A four-person disciplinary panel criticised Mr Herberts actions but said he should not be formally punished, short of being given formal advice and reminded about his responsibilities. Brexit racism and the fightback Show all 9 1 /9 Brexit racism and the fightback Brexit racism and the fightback Demonstrators protest against an increase in post-ref racism at London's March for Europe in July 2016 PA Brexit racism and the fightback These cards were found near a school in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the day after the EU referendum Twitter/@howgilb Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback Romford, Essex, June 25 @diamondgeezer Brexit racism and the fightback A worker at this Romanian food shop was asleep upstairs at the time of this arson attack in Norwich on July 8, but escaped unharmed. Hundreds later participated in a love bombing rally outside the shop to express their opposition to racism and their support of the shop owners. JustGiving/Helen Linehan Brexit racism and the fightback This neo-Nazi sticker was spotted in Glasgow on June 26 Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback But after news emerged of neo-Nazi stickers appearing in Glasgow, some in the city struck back with slogans of their own. Courtesy of Eoin Palmer Brexit racism and the fightback Getty Brexit racism and the fightback More signs began to appear in some parts of the UK, created by people who wanted to show their opposition to post-referendum racism Courtesy of Bernadette Russell It also concluded the anti-racism campaigner had been badly treated after he was pressured by a senior judge to give him up his work until the disciplinary process had finished. A suitably senior person should apologise to him, the panel said. Speaking about his experience, Mr Herbert said: As one of the few judges of African descent in the UK, who sits in three jurisdictions, with a consistent record of fighting within the system for justice and equality, to be treated in this manner is a sad reflection on the judiciary itself. Currently only around 5 per cent of judges in the UK are non-white. Mr Herbert said his treatment was evidence of prejudice within the judiciary. There are fewer overt racial remarks but the systematic casual discrimination in criminal justice and every other jurisdiction persists. The High Court judiciary are particularly isolated from the real world of diverse modern Britain, he said. Mr Herbert highlighted a recent incident in which a Supreme Court judge, Lord Neuberger, appeared to criticise his colleague, Lady Justice Hale, for comments she made relating to the court case on whether Parliament must b home e given a say on Brexit. Lord Neuberger was not disciplined for the remarks. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Afghan children are dying of hunger with a total of 9.3 million people in the country are in need of aid, the United Nations humanitarian arm has warned. The latest news about the dire situation in the conflict-hit country comes amid pressure on the British government from Tory backbenchers and right-wing newspapers to slash international aid spending. The Independent also reported in April that the Home Office has been deporting three times as many teenagers to conflict hit countries including Afghanistan than had previously been admitted. Recommended A fresh humanitarian crisis approaches in Afghanistan Priti Patel, the International Development Secretary, has laid out measures to spread the aid budget according to core Conservative principles which aid charities have warned may mean compromising on assistance. In September Ms Patel announced 750m for Afghan aid projects between 2017 and 2020 with an emphasis on creating a more stable country, especially for women and girls. Downing Street strongly hinted last month that the 0.7 per cent aid target would be reviewed by the end of the Parliament, saying the policys future would rightly be left for the manifesto. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a Humanitarian Needs Overview for Afghanistan, noting a 13 per cent increase in people in need of aid in the last year. Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous, and most violent, crisis ridden countries in the world, the report stated. The fighting killed a record 8,397 civilians in the first nine months of 2016, and displaced half a million by November. More than a quarter of all Afghan provinces have rates of malnutrition above 15 per cent, officially classifying them as emergencies. Most of the people who require assistance for malnutrition in the country are children under the age of five 1.3 million out of 1.8 million. 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 Twin suicide bomb blasts in Kabul kill up to 50 people on Monday, the countrys interior ministry said putting an end to a period of relative calm in the countrys capital. There is also ongoing violence in the province of Helmand, the focus of the Taliban insurancy. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson has made a drastic U-turn over his position on Donald Trump after talks with the US President-elects senior advisers in New York. Speaking after the meetings, the Foreign Secretary praised the Republicans exciting agenda for change and promised a close working relationship between the UK Government and the Trump administration. Mr Johnson had previously called the businessman clearly out of his mind, accused him of quite stupefying ignorance that makes him unfit for office and said he would not visit New York because of the real risk of meeting Donald Trump. The apparent U-turn comes after the Foreign Secretary met Steve Bannon, Mr Trumps chief strategist and the former chairman of far-right website Breitbart News, and the President-elects son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in New York. He also met senior members of Congress in Washington, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Paul Ryan. After the meetings, Mr Johnson heaped praise on Mr Trump and declared the UK would be first in line for a post-Brexit trade-deal with the US. He said: Clearly, the Trump administration-to-be has a very exciting agenda of change. One thing that wont change, though, is the closeness of the relationship between the US and the UK. We are the number two contributor to defence in Nato. We are Americas principal partner in working for global security and, of course, we are great campaigners for free trade. We hear that we are first in line to do a great free trade deal with the United States. So, its going to be a very exciting year for both our countries. The reference to the UK being first in line could be seen as a rebuke to Barack Obama, who during the EU referendum campaign claimed Britain would be at the back of the queue for a trade deal with the US if it voted to leave the European Union. Mr Johnson backed the Leave side during the campaign. 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 The UK Government is determined to build a relationship with Mr Trumps team following a rocky start. The President-elect spoke to 10 other world leaders after his election before having a conversation with Theresa May. He then suggested Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader, should be appointed as the UK ambassador to the US. Mr Johnsons previous comments have not helped relations. After Mr Trump proposed a ban on Muslims entering the US and claimed some parts of London were no-go areas, the then Mayor of London said the Republican was clearly out of his mind and betraying a quite stupefying ignorance that makes him unfit to hold the office of president of the United States. Mr Johnsons trip to New York came as Theresa May admitted she found Donald Trumps comments about women unacceptable. Asked about the businessmans boasts about sexually assaulting women, the Prime Minister said: I think thats unacceptable, but in fact Donald Trump himself has said that and has apologised for it. The relationship that the UK has with the United States is about something much bigger than just the relationship between the two individuals as president and prime minister. At the same time, Mr Trump tweeted he was looking forward to meeting Mrs May later this year. He said: I look very much forward to meeting Prime Minister Theresa May in Washington in the Spring. Britain, a longtime U.S. ally, is very special! Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May has been urged by a senior Conservative to clarify if Britain will attempt to remain a member of the tariff-free single market after Brexit. At a speech in London, Andrew Tyrie, who is also chairman of the influential Treasury Select Committee in Westminster, said the Prime Ministers plan to set out broad objectives in the coming weeks was welcome, if not overdue. It comes after Ms May said at the weekend that Britain cannot expect to hold on to bits of its membership with the EU after Brexit and insisted she intended to deliver a really good, ambitious trade deal. A document is needed that enables a full and considered consultation with Parliament and the public, Mr Tyrie added at the DLA Piper Future of the City dinner. He also called for Ms May to set out whether the Government will seek a transitional deal as it negotiates Britain's exit from the EU. Mr Tyrie continued: First, there is the question of whether the UK will seek to remain a member of the single market, or if not, seek at least to obtain equivalent access for trade in goods and services. Clarity on this point would enable Britain to start making a crucial point to our counterparties: the four freedoms of the single market are neither immutable nor irretrievably interdependent. In any case, the EU will have to address the consequences of flows of people within its borders on a scale not envisaged when the Treaty of Rome was signed in 1957. Second, the UK needs to decide whether to participate in a customs union with the EU. If not binary, most of the options are relatively clear cut," he added. "From inside a customs union, the UK would continue to share the EU's common external tariff, leaving little scope for global leadership in free trade. From outside, the UK would have the freedom to pursue an independent trade policy, albeit at the cost of new administrative impediments to UK-EU trade. Third, and perhaps most important of all, the Government should take the opportunity to clarify whether the UK will seek transitional arrangements under Article 50. This provides that the EU Treaties may continue to apply to the UK, for an agreed period, after the withdrawal negotiations have been completed. This is a very important but apparently misunderstood provision. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty Mr Tyrie, who had previously called for an early, full and detailed explanation of the governments negotiating position in September last year, said, however, that the Prime Ministers New Year message rightly talked about securing a deal with the EU that commanded the support of both Leave and Remain voters. That matters a lot, he said. There is almost certainly a majority in the country and a cross-party majority in Parliament for a continued close economic and political relationship with the EU from outside. Safeguarding the economic well being of the country probably requires a relationship that is considerably deeper than that provided for under WTO rules. Given the need to build a broad-based support for its position, at home and abroad, the sooner the Government can provide clarity, the better. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May could risk the peace process in Northern Ireland over concerns she is pandering to the Democratic Unionist Party so they will back her Brexit plans, a leading Northern Irish politician has warned. Naomi Long, who is leader of the anti-sectarian Alliance Party, told The Independent there were growing concerns in Northern Ireland that the Prime Ministers impartiality on the peace process is being compromised by a need to keep the DUP onside. The DUP has eight MPs at Westminster, which could prove essential support for the Conservatives who currently have a slim majority in the House of Commons. Amid growing concerns that some pro-EU MPs could rebel against Ms May, securing support from the DUP is being seen as increasingly important in order to deliver her plans for the UK's withdrawal from the EU. On Monday, Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness resigned, effectively ending power-sharing at Stormont. He cited concerns over the DUPs arrogance in how it has handled allegations of a major financial scandal, known as the cash for ash affair. His DUP counterpart Arlene Foster is accused of mishandling a Government project on renewable energy, which has cost the taxpayer more than 400m. Speaking to The Independent, Ms Long said: There is a growing perception in Northern Ireland that the potential usefulness of DUP votes in Westminster to advance Brexit may be compromising the UK Governments willingness to challenge the DUP and ability to act as honest broker and impartial guardians of the Good Friday Agreement. Arlene Foster: Instability due to Sinn Fein's "selfish" actions She warned failure to do so could result in the permanent collapse of the political institutions. Ms Long, who represents the East Belfast constituency, revealed she had written to Ms Mays Government on two occasions last month, warning of Stormonts imminent collapse and urging action. She says the Government failed to act, which fuelled turmoil in Northern Ireland and led to Mr McGuinness resignation. The letters, seen by The Independent, urge the Government to launch an inquiry into the cash for ash financial scandal, warning failure of the executive to properly address this issue could have very significant consequences [which could] present a serious threat to the stability of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland [and] could trigger the collapse of the executive. Ms Long said the Government failed to take her warnings seriously and did not act. She told The Independent: It has been clear that the current government, led by Theresa May, is completely tone deaf to the issues in Northern Ireland with neither the experience nor frankly the interest to recognise the political sensitivities. The cash for ash scandal allegations relate to the Renewable Heat Initiative which was designed in 2012 to encourage local businesses to use renewable energy sources. However, the scheme appears to have had serious flaws, resulting in a loophole which meant businesses were given a financial incentive to burn fuel pointlessly. Ms Foster, who became First Minister last year, was the minister in charge of the scheme at the time and has subsequently come under considerable criticism. The allegations emerged via a whistle-blower in November and intensified in December when one of Ms Fosters party colleagues, Jonathan Bell, alleged she had asked civil servants to alter documents to reduce the appearance of her role in the affair. Northern Ireland: Walkout in Stormont over Arlene Foster statement on energy scheme She denies any wrongdoing and says she has been unfairly represented in the media. She resisted calls to resign and survived an attempted vote of no confidence at Stormont. Under power-sharing rules, Mr McGuinness resignation means Ms Foster also loses her position as both must participate equally in government. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire now has a week to announce Northern Ireland will face new elections. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Office told The Independent: This is complete nonsense. Since the issue emerged, the Secretary of State has been closely engaged with leaders of all NI political parties in a bid to ease tensions and to find a way forward. Both the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister have made clear that this Government is firmly and fully committed to the Belfast Agreement and its successors and will continue to uphold these, and the principles they set out, in full. Mr Brokenshire has been in contact with Ms Long this week and is meeting her tomorrow to discuss these matters in more detail. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} HMRCs programme of closing over a hundred tax offices will not save anywhere near as much money as it had expected over the next decade, a watchdog has warned. The tax authority is moving from 170 offices to 17 regional offices in a bid to cut costs and create hubs but a longstanding deal with a private sector contractor is understood to be reducing the planned savings. The National Audit Office says HMRC now believes only 212 million will be made in efficiency savings by 2026, down from 499 million it had predicted in its November 2015 business case a cut of 57 per cent. Recommended HMRC swears off private contractors for tax credits work The 10-year running cost for HMRCs estate will be 22 per cent higher (600m) than previously anticipated according to the NAO, with more than half of this due to the higher than anticipated running costs for its new buildings. Civil service trade unions, which campaigned against the closures, called for a halt to the programme. PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: With costs rising and the cracks beginning to show, it is now imperative that HMRC halts these plans and allows MPs and the public to have their say. Cutting thousands of HMRC staff in recent years has hit the services it provides to the public, yet the department and this Tory government are ploughing ahead with poorly thought through plans that would mean thousands more job cuts. Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: HMRC has improved the handling of its current contract with Mapeley and achieved better outcomes, though significant risks remain. Looking ahead, HMRC has acknowledged its original plan for regional centres was unrealistic and is now re-considering the scope and timing of the programme. It should step back and consider whether this strategy still best supports its wider business transformation and will deliver the sustainable cost savings it set out to achieve in the long run. Liberal Democrat shadow chancellor, Susan Kramer, said HMRC had been utterly reckless with its approach to the closures. Their actions cost jobs in local HMRC centres and cut businesses and taxpayers off from advice and yet they are now saying the move will cost over 300m over the next decade, she said. These HMRC offices that have closed were the final part of government infrastructure that was in a lot of towns throughout the UK, with them gone, and the jobs, it means another nail in the coffin for many small and rural communities. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images 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 The NAO report is a damming verdict on an organisation that seems as bad at spending money as it is from collecting it from the richest individuals who owe it. AN HMRC spokesperson said: HMRCs employees are currently spread across 159 offices around the country, many of which are a legacy of the 1960s and 1970s ranging in size from around 6,000 people to fewer than ten. Our 13 new Regional Centres are an essential part of our work to modernise HMRC and provide an even better service for our customers, while delivering annual savings to the taxpayer of over 80 million from 2025-26. It also means modern offices for our staff, with the latest technology, better collaboration between teams, local training and wider career opportunities. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Jeremy Corbyns leadership relaunch descended into a day of chaos when he was forced into embarrassing climbdowns on both immigration and high pay. The Labour leader left some of his MPs in despair when an apparent pledge to accept the end of free movement of all EU citizens after Brexit was dumped within hours. His relaunch speech stating he is not wedded to freedom of movement was altered, confusingly, by adding: But I dont want that to be misinterpreted, nor do we rule it out. Recommended Corbyn muddies water over Labour immigration policy On high pay, Mr Corbyn sparked even greater confusion, when he suddenly floated then quickly dropped an ill-thought out proposal to impose a legal maximum salary. It was replaced by a plan for maximum pay ratios, but only at companies taking Government contracts. Any salary above 150,000 at those firms would also have to be signed off by the Cabinet Office, as those of high-earners in the public sector currently are. However, even those tough proposals could not disguise the U-turn. A spokesman told The Independent that, on high pay, Mr Corbyn had mis-spoke. Patrick McLoughlin, the Conservative Party chairman, called it a day of chaos, saying: Jeremy Corbyns day has gone from bad to worse with his relaunch descending further into chaos. Jeremy Corbyn calls for 'high earnings cap' to reduce inequality Today he showed that Labour simply will not take control over immigration, by saying that he doesnt rule out keeping freedom of movement. He suggested a new 100 per cent tax rate, which he U-turned on within hours. Mr Corbyn proposed an across-the-board maximum pay cap during a radio interview ahead of his first major speech of the year even though it was billed as focusing on Britain's future after Brexit. But former close advisers branded the idea totally idiotic, lunatic and incoherent, while a frontbench ally refused to back the policy. Instead, speaking in Peterborough, Mr Corbyn suggested the pay ratio cap, set at 20:1, which would impose a ceiling of about 350,000 in any company paying the living wage. The chief executive of key Government contractors Capita (2.7m) and G4S (2.5m), for example, earned many times that sum last year. Mr Corbyn also floated a kitemark scheme for companies with agreed pay ratios, or for worker-majority boards to be required to sign off executive pay. He told Labour activists in Peterborough: This is not about limiting aspiration or penalising success, it's about recognising that success is a collective effort and rewards must be shared. We cannot have the CEO paying less tax than the cleaner and pretending they are worth thousands times more than the lowest paid staff. But, asked about the climbdown, he said: You could set a limit on top pay. I think it is probably better to look at the ratio issue, because that would then indeed encourage wage rises lower down and ensure a better sharing of the resources and profits in an organisation. Later, the spokesman said: He mis-spoke in that interview. What Jeremy was talking about was pay ratios thats what we have been looking at. However, Mr Corbyn had gone on to discuss the idea of an over-arching pay cap in a second interview, with Sky, after initially raising it on BBC Radio 4. On immigration, Mr Corbyn had been expected to say: Labour is not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle. The late addition, urging the words not to be misinterpreted, reflected Mr Corbyn continuing to put retaining full single market access ahead of controlling EU migration. That suggested no real change in policy, despite growing numbers of Labour MPs urging him to accept post-Brexit immigration restrictions, to avoid electoral disaster. In interviews, Mr Corbyn also made clear his priority remained tackling exploitation of migrant workers and he refused to say he wanted to cut the numbers arriving. But, asked whether he would rule out visas for EU workers post-Brexit, Mr Corbyn said: Nothing is ruled out at this stage. Mr Corbyn also parroted Brexiteers by suggesting savings from EU contributions could fund some of the 350m-a-week notoriously promised for the NHS by Leave campaigners. Yet respected bodies including the Institute for Fiscal Studies have concluded such savings will be dwarfed by the lost tax receipts from lower growth after Brexit. And, asked on Radio 4, if he would join the picket lines of striking Southern Rail workers, Mr Corbyn said: Yes I would because I think Southern Rail have behaved in a terrible manner. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Jeremy Corbyn is to attempt to copy Donald Trump as he aims to get his leadership of the Labour Party back on track. The left-wingers advisers have adopted a new strategy that includes many of the tactics used by the US President-elect, including attacks on the media and intentionally drawing attention to negative stories. Mr Corbyns inner circle are said to be alarmed at the partys poll ratings, which currently see it trailing the Conservatives by between 10 and 15 points. One senior party official told Politico: What we have been doing has not worked, we know that. There is no bunker mentality. We have got to change tack. Labour strategists believe their best advantage is the fact Mr Corbyn is seen as honest and authentic a strength they hope to exploit in the coming months. The new strategy was agreed at a meeting of senior staffers during the Christmas break and is endorsed by Mr Corbyn himself. During the US presidential election campaign, Mr Trump frequently highlighted attacks on him by mainstream media outlets, such as CNN and The New York Times, as evidence of him taking on the establishment a tactic Mr Corbyn is expected to adopt. A Corbyn adviser said: Were going to use the levity of the media against them. We have been in a constant defensive mode and that just hasnt worked. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Show all 11 1 /11 The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He called Hezbollah and Hamas friends True. In a speech made to the Stop the War Coalition in 2009, Mr Corbyn called representatives from both groups friends after inviting them to Parliament. He later told Channel 4 he wanted both groups, who have factions designated as international terror organisations, to be part of the debate for the Middle East peace process. I use (the word friends) in a collective way, saying our friends are prepared to talk, he added. Does it mean I agree with Hamas and what it does? No. Does it mean I agree with Hezbollah and what they do? No. Reuters The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn thinks the death of Osama bin Laden was a tragedy Partly false. David Cameron used this as a line of attack at the Conservative Party conference but appears to have left out all context from Mr Corbyns original remarks. In an 2011 interview on Iranian television, the then-backbencher said the fact the al-Qaeda leader was not put on trial was the tragedy, continuing: The World Trade Center was a tragedy, the attack on Afghanistan was a tragedy, the war in Iraq was a tragedy. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He is haunted by the legacy of his evil great-great-grandfather False. A Daily Express expose revealed that the Labour leaders ancestor, James Sargent, was the despotic master of a Victorian workhouse. Addressing the report at the Labour conference, Mr Corbyn said he had never heard of him before, adding: I want to take this opportunity to apologise for not doing the decent thing and going back in time and having a chat with him about his appalling behaviour. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn raised a motion about pigeon bombs in Parliament This one is true. On 21 May 2004, Mr Corbyn raised an early day motion entitled pigeon bombs, proposing that the House register being appalled but barely surprised that MI5 reportedly proposed to load pigeons with explosives as a weapon. The motion continued: The House believes that humans represent the most obscene, perverted, cruel, uncivilised and lethal species ever to inhabit the planet and looks forward to the day when the inevitable asteroid slams into the earth and wipes them out thus giving nature the opportunity to start again. It was not carried. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He rides a Communist bicycle False. A report in The Times referred to Mr Corbyn, known for his cycling, riding a Chairman Mao-style bicycle earlier this year. Less thorough journalists might have referred to it as just a bicycle, but no, so we have to conclude that whenever we see somebody on a bicycle from now on, there goes another supporter of Chairman Mao, he later joked. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn 'Jeremy Corbyn will appoint a special minister for Jews' False so far. The Sun report in December was allegedly based on a rumour passed to the paper by a Daily Express columnist who has written pieces critical of the Labour leader in the past. The minister did not materialise in his shadow cabinet. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn wishes Britain would abolish its Army False. Another gem from The Sun took comments made at a Hiroshima remembrance parade in August 2012 where Mr Corbyn supported Costa Ricas move to abolish it armed forces. Wouldnt it be wonderful if every politician around the worldabolished the army and took pride in the fact that they dont have an army, he added. The caveat that every politician must take the step suggests Mr Corbyn does not support UK disarmament just yet. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn stole sandwiches meant for veterans False. The Guido Fawkes blog claimed that the Labour leader took sandwiches meant for veterans at at Battle of Britain memorial service in September but a photo later emerged showing him being handed one by Costa volunteers, who later confirmed they were given to all guests. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He missed the induction into the Queens privy council True. After much speculation about Mr Corbyns republican views and willingness to bow to the monarch, his office confirmed that he did not attend the official induction to the privy council because of a prior engagement, but did not rule out joining the body. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn refuses to sing the national anthem. Partly true. The Labour leader was filmed standing in silence as God Save the Queen was sung at a Battle of Britain remembrance service but will reportedly sing it in future. Mr Corbyn was elusive on the issue in an interview, saying he would show memorials respect in the proper way, but sources said he would sing the anthem at future occasions. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cheese True. The group lists its purpose as the following: To increase awareness of issues surrounding the dairy industry and focus on economic issues affecting the dairy industry and producers. Senior Labour officials are said to have become more relaxed about message discipline and now favour a let Corbyn be Corbyn strategy, in which the leader will be free to speak his mind even if it results in negative publicity. After the Labour leader was criticised for not being visible over Christmas, his team have reached a stage where they believe bad publicity is better than no publicity. Labour also plans to use Trump-style rallies to get its message across and secure media coverage. Mr Corbyns previous rallies have frequently attracted thousands of supporters but were dismissed by opponents as preaching to the converted and having little impact on the wider electorate. As part of a potential speaking tour, Mr Corbyns team want to use promises of infrastructure investment to win over voters across the country. Mr Trumps pledges of new spending in various US states helped convince swing voters in key states, and Labour hopes its promise of a 500bn investment boost will be similarly successful. An adviser said: When you go somewhere and say well build this bridge or this bypass, then it becomes tangible, something they can vote for. Brexit for bankers and corporate world 'not good enough' says Corbyn in New Year's message Mr Corbyns team will seek to portray him as an anti-establishment figure in the hope of riding a wave of populist sentiment that has rolled across the west in the recent years. This shift is already becoming apparent, with a spokesman for the Labour leader telling The Independent: Labour under Jeremy Corbyn will be taking its case to every part of Britain in the coming months with a radical policy platform, offering the only genuine alternative to a failed parliamentary political establishment and the fake anti-elitists of the hard right. Mr Trumps election in the US was preceded by success for populist politicians in Greece and Spain, the rise of Ukip in UK and the Scottish National Party unseating Labour in Scotland. Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right French Front National, is expected to do well in this years presidential election, as is left-wing populist Jean-Luc Melenchon. In Italy, comedian Beppe Grillos populist message has catapulted him onto the political stage. Labour hopes Mr Corbyn will be next in line for success. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Jeremy Corbyn has abandoned his outright support for the continued free movement of EU citizens, saying he now wants reasonably managed migration. In a landmark speech, the Labour leader will bow to growing voices in his party by accepting that post-Brexit restrictions on immigration will be part of the negotiations. The rethink will come just weeks after Mr Corbyn stood up for free movement to the despair of Labour MPs who believe the stance guaranteed doom at the next election. He claimed any work visa scheme would be fraught with difficulties and would penalise British people hoping to cross the Channel to work. But, in a speech setting out Labours approach to Brexit, Mr Corbyn will change course, saying: Labour is not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle. But nor can we afford to lose full access to the European markets on which so many British businesses and jobs depend. Changes to the way migration rules operate from the EU will be part of the negotiations. Labour supports fair rules and reasonably managed migration as part of the post-Brexit relationship with the EU. Speaking in Peterborough where 61 per cent of people voted Leave in the referendum Mr Corbyn will vow not to copy the Tories by making false promises on immigration targets. Theresa May avoids directly answering four questions in a row on Brexit But he is not expected to set out what reasonably managed migration means in practical terms after his deputy, Tom Watson, said it was too early for Labour to have a detailed immigration policy. Sir Keir Starmer, Labours Brexit spokesman, has backed the restriction of only allowing people to cross borders if they have a job not to look for work. Two key Labour MPs, Emma Reynolds and Stephen Kinnock, have gone further advocating a two-tier system admitting highly skilled people for specific jobs, but with sector-based quotas for the lower-skilled. Controversially for many Labour MPs and supporters, Mr Corbyn will also insist Britain can be better off after Brexit. He will argue it can allow a Labour Government to shift the country to the Left, by claiming back powers to run the economy differently. He will say: We will also press to repatriate powers from Brussels for the British government to develop a genuine industrial strategy essential for the economy of the future. Tory Governments have hidden behind EU state aid rules because they dont want to intervene. But EU rules can also be a block on the action thats needed to support our economy, decent jobs and living standards. Labour will use state aid powers in a drive to build a new economy, based on new technology and the green industries of the future. And he will add: A Labour Brexit would take back control over our jobs market which has been seriously damaged by years of reckless deregulation. Labour will ensure all workers have equal rights at work from day one and require collective bargaining agreements in key sectors, so that workers cannot be undercut. The speech has been billed as an attempt to relaunch Mr Corbyn after disastrous poll ratings, focusing on his anti-elitist credentials. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Green Party has accused Labour of capitulating to the Tories on immigration after Jeremy Corbyn said he would accept the end of European freedom of movement. The Labour leader will say in a speech in Peterborough this morning that his party would push for fair and reasonably managed migration and that it was not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle. He will say Britain cannot afford to lose full access to the European markets on which so many British businesses and jobs depend but that changes to migration rules will be on the table. Recommended Green Party leader Caroline Lucas calls for second EU referendum Caroline Lucas, the MP for Brighton Pavilion and co-leader of the Green Party, accused Mr Corbyn of handing the post-referendum process to the Conservatives on a plate. In the space of a few short weeks Jeremy Corbyn has gone from backing free movement in Europe to joining the Conservatives plans for Brexit by abandoning his commitment to it, she said ahead of the speech. This capitulation to the Tories is astounding, especially considering that it means sacrificing membership of the single market and putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. The Labour Party is handing the post-referendum process to the Conservatives on a plate. First they risk throwing Britain off the brexit cliff edge by voting with them to trigger Article 50 prematurely and now they seem set to sacrifice our access to the single market by joining the Tory blame game on free movement. At a time when we need a real opposition more than ever we're seeing Labour dancing to the Tories' Brexit tune. Jeremy Corbyn is reversing his stance on immigration (Getty) She said the Green Party believed the UK should remain in the single market and that letting EU nationals come to live and work in the UK was part of the deal. The co-leader added: The Green Party will continue to defend free movement, and stand up for the rights of people from across Europe who have come here to live, work and study." With the Conservatives, Ukip and Labour happy with the ending of free movement, the Greens and some Liberal Democrats remain the only parties signed up to the open borders policy. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty Mr Corbyn, previously a supporter of free movement, has come under sustained pressure from MPs inside his party to reverse his stance in recent months. Deputy leader Tom Watson said on Sunday that Labour would lose the next election if the party backed the "status quo" on migration, while MPs including Stephen Kinnock called for a "two-tier" system to admit skilled workers. The move by the leadership may upset some activists close to Mr Corbyn, however. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} EU Commissioner Phil Hogan has said Nigel Farage is acting like a juvenile delinquent by continuing to seek to influence the UKs relationship with the EU following the Brexit vote. Mr Hogan called on the MEP to resign from his job in Brussels and said he should not play an active role in deciding the future direction of Britain. The Commissioner also emphatically rejected claims made by Mr Farage that Ireland may follow Britain out of the EU, saying the Eurosceptic completely underestimates Irish people's deep and longstanding links with the peoples of mainland Europe. The controversial former Ukip leader had said earlier in January he believed public opinion in Ireland was "going to move in our [Britain's] direction" after Article 50 was triggered. But in an interview with the Irish Independent, Mr Hogan dismissed the Eurosceptic as a "juvenile delinquent hanging around corners in Brussels telling others what to do about the EU". While admitting Mr Farage had played a pivotal role in the Brexit vote, he said: "Now, he has no clue how the country should proceed. "He has demanded that the Prime Minister should produce a plan but he has none himself." Mr Hogan also told the paper that if the Mr Farage was serious in his negative views about the EU, he should resign his position. In early January, Britain's ambassador to the European Union abruptly resigned, without immediately giving any reason. He was the second senior British EU official to quit, after Jonathan Hill stood down as Britain's European Commissioner in June. Nigel Farage's most controversial moments Show all 12 1 /12 Nigel Farage's most controversial moments Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he unveiled that 'breaking point' poster during the referendum Mr Farage was accused of deploying Nazi-style propaganda when he unveiled a poster showing Syrian refugees travelling to Europe under the next Breaking point. Users on social media were quick to compare the advert to a Nazi propaganda film with similar visuals and featuring Jewish refugees. The poster was particularly controversial because it was unveiled the morning of the killing of Labour MP Jo Cox Rex Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said hed be concerned if his neighbours were Romanian In May 2014 Mr Farage was accused of a racial slur against Romanians after he suggested he would be concerned living next to a house of them. I was asked if a group of Romanian men moved in next to you, would you be concerned? And if you lived in London, I think you would be, he told LBC radio during an interview. Asked whether he would also object to living next to German children, he said: You know the difference Bongarts/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the EU campaign was won 'without a bullet being fired' Nigel Farage has said the next Prime Minister has to be a Leave supporter AFP/Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he resigned as Ukip leader and came back days later After failing to win the seat of South Thanet at the general election, Nigel Farage stepped down as Ukip leader as he had promised to do during the campaign. Days later on 11 May he un-resigned and said he would stay after being convinced by supporters within the party. Well see how long his resignation lasts this time AP/Matt Dunham Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he blamed immigrants for making him late Mr Farage turned up late to a 25-a-head meet the leader style event in Port Talbot, Wales in December 2014. Asked why he was late, he blamed immigrants. It took me six hours and 15 minutes to get here - it should have taken three-and-a-half to four, he said. That has nothing to do with professionalism, what it does have to do with is a country in which the population is going through the roof chiefly because of open-door immigration and the fact that the M4 is not as navigable as it used to be Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he wanted to ban immigrants with HIV from Britain Mr Farage has used his platform as Ukip leader call for people with HIV to be banned from coming to Britain. Asked in an interview with Newsweek Europe in October 2014 who he thought should be allowed to come to the UK, he said: People who do not have HIV, to be frank. Thats a good start. And people with a skill. He also repeated similar comments in the 2015 general election leadership debates Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he defended the use of a racial slur against Chinese people Defending one of Ukips candidates, who used the word ch**ky to describe a Chinese person, Mr Farage said: If you and your mates were going out for a Chinese, what do you say you're going for?" When he was told by the presented that he honestly would not use the slur, Mr Farage replied: A lot would Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said parts of Britain were like a foreign land The Ukip leader used his 2014 conference speech to declare parts of Britain as being like a foreign land. He told his audience in Torquay that parts of the country were unrecognisable because of the number of foreigners there. Mr Farage has also previously said he felt uncomfortable when people spoke other language on a train Screengrab Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the British army should be deployed to France At the height of trouble at Britains Calais border Mr Farage proposed a novel solution. The Ukip leader called for the British army to be sent to France to put down a migrant rebellion. In all civil emergencies like this we have an army, we have a bit of a Territorial Army as well and we have a very, very overburdened police force and border agency, he said. If in a crisis to make sure weve actually got the manpower to check lorries coming in, to stop people illegally coming to Britain, if in those circumstances we can use the army or other forces then why not AFP/Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said breastfeeding women should sit in the corner Mr Farage sparked protests from mothers after he told women to sit on the corner if they wanted to breastfeed their children. I think that given that some people feel very embarrassed by it, it isnt too difficult to breastfeed a baby in a way that's not openly ostentatious, Mr Farage said. He added: "Or perhaps sit in the corner, or whatever it might be AFP/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the gender pay gap exists because women are worth less At a Q&A on the European Union in January 2014 Mr Farage said there was no discrimination against women causing the gender pay gap. Instead, he said, women were paid less because they were simply worth far less than many of their male counterparts. A woman who has a client base, has a child and takes two or three years off - she is worth far less to her employer when she comes back than when she went away because that client base won't be stuck as rigidly to her portfolio, he said Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said he actually couldnt guarantee 350m to the NHS after Brexit During the EU referendum campaign the Leave side pledged to spend 350 million a week on the National Health Service claiming that this is what the UK sends to Brussels. Nigel Farage didnt speak out against this figure and also pledged to spend EU cash on the health service and other public services himself. Then the day of the election result he suddenly changed his tone, saying he couldnt guarantee the cash for the NHS and that to pledge to do so was a mistake Getty In further statements made in the Irish Times, Mr Hogan said the Republic of Ireland's relationship with the UK would have to change in a post-Brexit Europe. He said: "Our common interest with the UK in many areas has been a defining characteristic of our EU membership to date." But he said this would now be an "enormous mistake" in Brexit negotiations. In June's referendum, the UK voted to leave the EU by 52 per cent to 48 per cent, although Northern Ireland voted to remain by a 56 per cent majority. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Millions in Ukip funding has been left hanging by a thread after populist Italian Five Star MEPs voted to leave the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy (EFDD) faction and planned to join their former adversaries in the pro-EU alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Nigel Farage, who is still Chair of the EFDD, lashed out at Five Star leader Beppe Grillo, saying he had joined the establishment. But the Five Star MEPs were later rejected by the centrists in the ALDE, leaving their future uncertain. Now, Ukips finances are in a vulnerable position. To qualify for EU funding, a group in the European parliament must have at least 20 members drawn from at least six countries. However, the surprise departure of 17 Five Star MEPs from the EFDD has left the group with just seven members from six countries outside of Britain. And 20 of the EFDDs current 27 members are from Ukip. One more departure and the group would collapse. At stake is financing to the tune of 80,000 (69,898.87) per MEP, amounting to a boon of around 1.4 million a year to Ukip. The party already has significant money problems and this threat to funding will be another unwelcome headache for party leader Paul Nuttall. Nigel Farage raged at the Five Star leader, saying: Beppe Grillo will now join the Euro-fanatic establishment of ALDE which supports TTIP, mass immigration and an EU Army, but oppose direct democracy. Beppe Grillo: The man behind Italy's "No" victory Five Star have joined the EU establishment. Ukip said Five Star was free to choose to stay or quit a political relationship. Mr Grillo, regarded as a former ally of Mr Farages, called the online vote in a surprise move on Sunday, perhaps foreseeing that the inevitable loss of British MEPs from EFDD would end the cash flow to Five Star MEPs. Explaining the move in a blog post, he said: Recent events in Europe, such as Brexit, have led us to reconsider the nature of the EFDD group. The rise and rise of Ukip the new party of the protest voter Show all 3 1 /3 The rise and rise of Ukip the new party of the protest voter The rise and rise of Ukip the new party of the protest voter 30-ukipprotest-gt.jpg Getty Images The rise and rise of Ukip the new party of the protest voter 30-ukipprotest2-gt.jpg Getty Images The rise and rise of Ukip the new party of the protest voter 30-ukipprotest3-gt.jpg Getty Images With the extraordinary success of the leave campaign, Ukip achieved its political objective: to leave the European Union. Let's discuss the concrete facts: Farage has already abandoned the leadership of his party and British MEPs will leave the European parliament in the next legislature. Until then, our British colleagues will be focused on developing the choices that will determine the UK's political future. The decision of populist Five Star to apply to join the ALDE came as a surprise to some. Led by Guy Verhofstadt, it is a liberal group which supports closer European ties. These differences were also acknowledged by the ALDE. In Mr Verhofstadts statement rejecting the Five Star application, he said: I have come to the conclusion that there are not enough guarantees to push forward a common agenda to reform Europe. "There is insufficient common ground to proceed with the request of the Five Star Movement to join the ALDE Group. There remain fundamental differences on key European issues. "However, on issues of shared interest, such as the environment, transparency and direct democracy, the ALDE Group and the Five Star Movement will continue to work closely together. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Pressure is growing on ministers to finally enact a promised law to trap internet groomers of children, after new figures showed hundreds of offences every year in Scotland. The Independent revealed in October that a crackdown first pledged by David Cameron way back in 2014 has still not come into force in England and Wales, angering charities. The NSPCC accused the Government of putting thousands of young people at risk by failing to put through the "commencement order" needed to implement the new law and close a loophole. It believed it had won a campaign - to make it illegal for an adult to communicate with a child for the purpose of sexual gratification - when Mr Cameron gave his personal backing. Now the charity has published statistics showing that almost 400 offences are recorded in Scotland every year, under similar legislation. In 2015-16, police recorded 199 offences of communicating indecently (younger child) and a further 182 offences involving an older child. The numbers have been on the rise since the law was changed in Scotland in 2010, with 347 offences in 2013-14 and 354 the following year. Yet, in England and Wales, the loophole has still not been closed despite the legislation passing almost two years ago, on the eve of the 2015 general election. Ministers have refused to explain the delay but, in a parliamentary answer on the subject last year, one suggested there were "other justice priorities". Peter Wanless, the NSPCCs chief executive, has written to Justice Secretary Liz Truss to demand that the law is put into force immediately. He pointed out that, over six years, the police in Scotland had recorded 1,537 offences and that legislation is now also in place in Northern Ireland. Mr Wanless said: In too many cases, the police have been left powerless to take action to protect children who are increasingly being targeted by abusers online. The public have backed our campaign, Parliament has agreed to it and Scotland shows that young victims are bravely coming forward and beginning to reveal the sickening numbers of adults targeting children for abuse, so we cannot understand why the Government is dragging its feet. It is an unacceptable and baffling delay in equipping police in England and Wales in the battle against criminals who are intent on targeting children. Mr Cameron spoke powerfully in December 2014 about his fears for his own children online, when he backed the legislation. The then-Prime Minister said he recognised the loophole that allowed paedophiles who solicit explicit pictures of children to escape punishment if it cannot be proved they have received an illegal image. The new law would allow police and prosecutors to pursue those who send text messages or "fish" for victims online irrespective of the outcome of their behaviour, he pledged. Mr Cameron vowed: There can be no grey areas here. If you ask a child to take their clothes off and send a picture, you are as guilty as if you did that in person. Just as it is illegal to produce and possess images of child abuse, now we are making it illegal to solicit these images too. The new offence would include activities such as talking about sex to a child via a chat room or social network, or sending sexually explicit text messages to a child, as well as inviting a child to communicate sexually. Last year, justice minister Oliver Heald stated: "The Government remains committed to commencing section 67 of the Serious Crime Act 2015. "We are continuing to consider its implementation carefully whilst also considering our other justice priorities." Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Britain exported 500 cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia in an arms deal dating back to when Margaret Thatcher was in power, the Defence Secretary has admitted. Sir Michael Fallon revealed the official figures, which relate to exports signed off by the British government between 1986 to 1989, after it emerged that a limited number of the weapons had been sold to the autocracy and are still in its stockpile. The weapons are now banned after Britain signed a treaty in 2010, but Sir Michael said last month he was satisfied the bombs had not been used to breach international law. Saudi Arabia last month admitted using the British weapons in Yemen. It has now told the British Government that it will no longer use the weapons, but has not yet confirmed that it has destroyed them, Foreign Office minister Tobias Ellwood told the House of Commons on Tuesday. The revelation comes a month ahead of a High Court challenge by Campaign Against the Arms Trade over the UKs continuing sale of bombs to Saudi Arabia despite allegations that they are being used to commit war crimes in Yemen. Observers report that Saudi forces have hit schools, hospitals, wedding parties and food factories in the country during their intervention against Houthi rebels, which has been going on for more than a year. The UNs aid agency has said the country is descending into a humanitarian catastrophe, with at least 19 million people in need of aid. In a letter to Tory MP Philip Hollobone, Sir Michael confirmed: The UK delivered 500 BL755 cluster munitions under a government-to-government agreement signed in 1986. The final delivery was made in 1989. Amnesty International has previously accused Prime Minister Theresa May of burying her head in the sand over the issue, given the "clear risk that UK weapons could be used to commit breaches of international humanitarian law in Yemen". Cluster bombs are particularly dangerous to civilians because they regularly leave behind unexploded bomblets that kill civilians long after a war is ended. They also by their nature are designed to have a wide area of effect. Liberal Democrat shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Brake said: The fact so many British-made cluster bombs were sold and are now being used in Yemen is a stain on the UK's reputation worldwide. Michael Fallon has an urgent responsibility to address this shameful legacy, by suspending arms sales to the Saudi regime and putting pressure on it stop using these horrific weapons. Margaret Thatcher was in power during the 'government-to-government' deal (Getty) Most people are rightly sickened by the bombing of innocent civilians in Yemen. Our Government must end its complicity in this brutal conflict immediately. Between 7 and 9 February the High Court will hear the judicial review into whether British arms exports to Saudi Arabia breach international law, following an application by Campaign Against the Arms Trade. Andrew Smith of CAAT said: This legal action will set a very important precedent. For almost two years now, UK arms have been central to the devastation of Yemen and the humanitarian crisis it has caused. 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty The fact that UK aircraft and bombs are being used in the destruction is a terrible sign of how the UK government is putting arms company profits ahead of human lives. Since Saudi Arabias campaign started in March 2015 the UK has licensed around 3bn worth of arms including 2.2bn of so-called ML10 licence aircraft and drones, 1.1bn ML4 licences, which include bombs and missiles, and 430,000 ML6 licences, which includes armoured vehicles and tanks. Last month Theresa May rejected a call for the UK to stop the sales following a US decision to halt a shipment of guided bombs. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} With vital establishment brickwork still to be undone, Nigel Farage had no choice but to host his inaugural LBC radio phone-in show from an undisclosed but presumably gold-leafed location, here in America. Its only eleven days until his new BFF has some inaugurating of his own to be getting on with, and with upwards of 45 people and possibly even three of the original line up of Buck's Fizz expected to gather on the national mall in DC next Friday, you cant blame Nige for wanting to beat the traffic. Besides, Brexit is nothing if not a global business, and he was only moments in before he was taking calls from an angry Texan and a British call centre manager in the Philippines. Not every caller began their three minutes of chat with the great man by telling him what a privilege it was and how he had changed history, but most did and there was no immediate evidence to suggest that Nigel minded too much. Well thats very sweet of you, he told one. Now back to my question. Do you trust Theresa May to make a success of Brexit? (The short answer: no). Recommended Nigel Farage has no response to caller who points out his hypocrisy An opinion microscope powerful enough to distinguish between Nigel Farage and Alan Partridge has not yet been invented (though there are strong hints that Partridge might not be so willing to condone an inadvertently self-confessed sexual assaulter) and as such it is difficult not to work out whether Farages forays into phone-in radio are a case of life imitating art or art imitating life? As the four-time Ukip leader reached the end of an extended crescendo on the Prime Ministers dastardly prevarications over the triggering of Article 50, it came almost as a shock when he didn't then reach for the lever on the mix deck and announce: Keep your clubs away from his young, its Seal! I counted a rough ratio of five leave callers per remainer, not quite in proportion with the 48-52 national split but when put through the self-selecting prism of people who want to spend their Monday nights on the phone to Nigel Farage these werent terrible numbers. And therell be more tonight, and tomorrow, and the day after that. Four nights a week its Nigel hour now, 7pm to 8pm. As Wilfred Owen once almost pondered: Was it for this I wanted my life back for? Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It is rare for an issue to prompt all sectors of the British press into being on the same page, so to speak. But from the local Birmingham Mail, to tabloids including The Sun, to The Guardian and The Sunday Times broadsheets and almost every other British newspaper on the shelf the view is clear: dark times lie ahead if the Government brings the legislation known as Section 40 into force. Section 40 forms part of the Crime and Courts Act 2013. It governs the allocation of costs in libel cases. What its implementation effectively means is that any publisher not signed up to a recognised regulator (of which Impress is the sole example at present) risks enormous expense if it is taken to court, where the judge can direct it to pay both sides costs win or lose. The Sunday Times says such rules would have prevented it from exposing cyclist Lance Armstrong as a drug user. Other scandals, such as MPs expenses or the sex abuse cases in Rotherham, may never have come to light if Section 40 had been in force at the time because the risk of court costs would have been too high. Recommended Meghan Markle complains about press intrusion in Ipso letter That it might be in force soon is a result of the Royal Charter on self-regulation of the press, which is clearly a contradiction in terms. If approved by the Privy Council-created Royal Charter, the press cannot be engaged in self-regulation. It was never recommended by the Leveson Inquiry into press culture and ethics it was created by the Government. To make matters worse, legislation was passed to penalise news media publishers who refuse to be subject to state-approved regulation. Sections 34 to 42 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 set out harsh sanctions on publishers who do not conform. The state-funded quango, the Press Recognition Panel, then approved Impress to be the regulator. But Impress is largely bankrolled by a family trust connected to media victim and Hacked Off campaigner Max Mosley, and not one significant national, regional or local news publisher wants anything to do with it. Max Mosley: alls fair in Section 40 (AFP) Private Eye, the UKs number one best-selling news and current affairs magazine, has long performed a courageous role in pursuing investigative journalism that other news publishers were too terrified of publishing. It has always eschewed having any truck with press regulation and taken its chances in the casino chamber of litigation. And when the dice in most UK media law cases are loaded in favour of claimants with the burden of proof on media defendants (a position that does not exist in criminal law or any other form of civil negligence) Private Eye has always known that the stakes are high. The magazine lost when former police superintendent Gordon Anglesea sued the magazine and three other publishers over child abuse allegations in 1994. Anglesea picked up 375,000 in damages which he was free to spend until he was last year finally convicted of sexual offences against children. The double jeopardy in media law that faces Private Eye and other news publishers includes a legal costs system of conditional fee arrangements condemned as the highest in Europe and ruled as a breach of Article 10, the right to freedom of expression by the European Court of Human Rights. But this has not been reformed. Instead the Crime and Courts Act has given the green light for courts to award exemplary damages to punish recalcitrant news publishers such as Private Eye. To discriminate and create such outrageous legal prejudice for any news publisher that refuses the heel of state approved press regulation is a gross breach of natural justice. It is a breach of English common law, the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and indeed, the United Nations Charter on Human Rights. Indeed, media freedom NGOs including Index on Censorship, Charter 19, PEN, and Reporters without Borders are opposed to, or critical of Section 40. Pressed freedom There is no pressing social need to implement it. It is not necessary in a democratic society. It will generate a genuine and disturbing chilling effect on British journalism. After his death in 2011, it emerged that Savile was a prolific paedophile and sexual abuser (PA) Serial rapist and paedophile Jimmy Savile enjoyed the immunity that establishment approval and gongs gave him, safe in the knowledge that newspaper publishers had no chance of defending any libel action he would have launched. He knew the newspapers had to prove their case, while he did not have to prove his. The credibility of his vulnerable victims with their troubled backgrounds would have been annihilated in court by expensive QCs. And Section 40 would have given Savile the pleasure of knowing the defending newspaper had to pay for his legal costs had any libel verdict gone against him. The history of British media law is littered with scenarios of successful libel actions that turned out to be stories that were substantially true, and secret privacy actions where the truth was regarded as a matter of public interest. News media publishers rightly regard the Section 40 sanction for not signing up to regulation by Impress as oppressive, bullying and anti-democratic. And the press industry already has its own substantially reformed independent self-regulator, IPSO, with a low-cost arbitration route. It has been externally reviewed as largely Leveson compliant. Enacting Section 40 will mean news publishers will have no choice but to avoid any publication that risks any kind of media legal action. It would be the death of critical and investigative journalism. If news is what somebody wants to keep out of the newspapers, then Section 40 will achieve just that. In its place will remain the advertising, publicity and propaganda somebody always wants to keep in. The Government is running a public consultation on Section 40, which closes Tuesday at 5pm. To have your say, visit this website or submit your comments by email to Culture Secretary Karen Bradley, email presspolicy@culture.gov.uk Tim Crook is a professor in media and communication (Goldsmiths), visiting professor of broadcast journalism (Birmingham City University) and chair of the professional standards board at Goldsmiths, University of London. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com) Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Bernie Sanders has hit back at a Trump-backing businessman who complained about regulations and tax under Barack Obama, by reminding him that a large proportion of income goes to the richest few and saying he had "no concern" for his income. During an event at CNN town hall, Mr Sanders was asked by a member of the audience why business owners didnt get more support from the state under the current administration. The man, identified as Jim Jacobs from Pennsylvania, said: My question is this: Im a business owner and we keep getting kicked in the teeth by this administration, Jacobs asserted. Its regulation after regulation and tax after tax. What Donald Trump does understand is the complexities of business and to reward the person who takes the risk. My question is: this country was founded on entrepreneurship. Why is this administration so against the business owner? Please tell me. Mr Sanders responded by saying: I dont think this administration, the Obama Administration youre referring to, is so against the business owner. When Mr Jacobs retorted sarcastically: Oh, really? Mr Sanders shot back: I dont know your income, and Im not concerned about your income. Obama did raise taxes on the top one per cent or two per cent, and I would have gone further. Five per cent of all new income generated today goes to the top one per cent, so you and I may have a difference. But yeah, I do believe that billionaires and multi-millionaires should be paying more in taxes. Mr Jacobs responded by saying: Im business owner, Im not a multi-billionaire, Im not a millionaire. You havent lived until youve put a payroll on your credit card. This is the reality of the backbone of this country. Mr Sanders then fired back: Well, the backbone of this country, I think we should support entrepreneurship. We should support small business. But I am not supportive of large multi-national corporations that make millions and dont pay a nickel in taxes, nor am I supportive of those corporations who throw American workers out on the street and move to China or Mexico. World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Show all 29 1 /29 World reaction to President Trump: In pictures World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty Images World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mosul , Iraq Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures New Delhi, India Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Karachi, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kabul, Afghanistan AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem. Israel Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Moscow, Russia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Seoul, South Korea AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Peshawar, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Hyderabad, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kolkata, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Aleppo, Syria Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem, Israel EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Baghdad, Iraq Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Tokyo, Japan Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico Getty Mr Sanders has openly criticised Mr Trump and his supporters a number of times since the election, branding the President-elect a pathological liar. Last week, the Vermont senator took a giant print-out of one of Donald Trump's tweets to a debate the Affordable Care Act in the Senate, to make it clear that if Mr Trump did away with the act he would be reneging on a promise made to voters. In December, Mr Sanders urged Congress to stop Donald Trump launching a Cold War-style nuclear arms race, tweeting: It's a miracle a nuclear weapon hasn't been used in war since 1945. Congress can't allow the Tweeter in Chief to start a nuclear arms race. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The senate confirmation hearing of Donald Trumps chosen education secretary has been delayed after the Office of Government Ethics requested more time to carry out a background check amid concerns that she and her family have consistently bankrolled Republican senators. Betsy DeVos, the billionaire and education reformer, has funded $818,000 to 20 current Republican senators, according to the Washington Post. In an unusual move, her senate confirmation hearing has been delayed until 17 January. Ms DeVos was not immediately available for comment. Her family gave $250,000 to five of the 12 politicians who sit on the Committee of Health, Education, Labour and Pensions, as shown by Federal Election Commission records. Critics have suggested this funding could cause a conflict of interest when she becomes part of that committee herself. The five members - Richard Burr, Lisa Murkowski, Tim Scott, Bill Cassidy and Todd Young - have each received more than $40,000 from the family over the last four years. The committee chairman, senator Lamar Alexander, has not received any direct donations. Mr Alexander and Democratic senator Patty Murray released a joint statement about the delayed hearing but did not mention the fundraising concerns. They said the delay came "at the request of the Senate leadership to accommodate the Senate schedule." Ms DeVos, a heir of the Amway fortune, made a small percentage of those donations herself: at least $31,400 to committee members and $96,000 to all senators. Yet many of those senators received donations from Ms DeVos, her husband, parents and siblings, on the same day, amounting to larger total donations from the family as a whole. Ms DeVoss supporters said she and her family have made political contributions for decades because they were ideologically aligned with Republicans, not because they were plotting for her to enter the government. Since 1989 they have given more than $20.2 million to Republican candidates, party committees and lobbying groups, as shown by OpenSecrets.org. In the 2016 cycle alone, they donated $10 million. The numbers provide a stark contrast to the rallying cry of "drain the swamp" from the President-elect, who vowed to rid Washington DC of large, lobbying powers and corporate interests. "If you accept the faulty premise that political contributions create a conflict of interest, then any amount is problematic," said Ed Patru, spokesman for Friends of Betsy DeVos, a group of supporters, told the Washington Post. "I dont remember a single Democrat, citing conflicts of interest, recusing themselves from a vote on billionaires like Penny Pritzker." Donald Trump's controversial cabinet Billionaire Ms Pritzker donated $20,000 to Democratic senators who then voted on her confirmation as President Barack Obamas commerce secretary. Bernie Sanders and a group of Democrats have also urged Ms DeVos to pay more than $5 million of election fines accrued by her former SuperPAC. She is strongly pro-school choice, expanding charter schools and funding religious schools, which would arguably divert funds from free educational institutions. Diane Ravitch, a research professor of education at New York University and former assistant secretary of education and counsellor to the secretary of education under President George H W Bush, said Ms DeVos threatened the "cornerstone of democracy". "She has no experience or qualifications for the job. She is a lobbyist for alternatives to public schools," she said "Eighty-five percent of the students in the US attend public schools. Her only plan is to weaken and destroy them by diverting public money to charter schools and vouchers for religious schools." Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Last week, a Canadian judge banned an anti-abortion group from airing graphic ads on transit buses in the city of Grande Prairie, Alberta. The proposed advertisement in question displays images of fetuses and reads, Abortion kills children. End the killing. In the ruling, Judge C. S. Anderson explained that the citys decision was made to protect women and children who could be negatively affected by witnessing the public advertisement. They may not be familiar with the word abortion, but they can read and understand that something kills children, the judge wrote in the decision, according to the Canadian Press. Expression of this kind may lead to emotional responses from the various people who make use of public transit and other users of the road, creating a hostile and uncomfortable environment. The judge argues that the ads can potentially cause psychological harm to women who have had abortions or are thinking about having one. Joyce Arthur of the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada told the news agency that she believes the ruling will inspire communities to reject ads that carry the potential of confusing and instilling fear in children. 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 Before the ruling, an anti-abortion group called the Canadian Center for Bioethical Reform appealed the citys decision to decline running the ads. Now, theyre criticizing the judges decision. If government can tell its citizens whats upsetting and what isnt upsetting in their speech, then democracy is threatened and, indeed, progress is threatened, legal counsel for the group told reporters. That might sound like a nice argument, but progress is actually threatened when women cant go out in public without being confronted and criticized for the choices they make about their reproductive health. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Fast good giant Dairy Queen, famed for its soft serve ice cream, has closed one of its stores and ended its relationship with the owner after police said he proudly admitted using a racial slur to a customer. Deianeira Ford said the DQ outlet in Zion, Illinois, had mixed up her order at the drive-through window. When owner Jim Crichton refused to correct the order, she asked for refund. He refused to give one, and he then started yelling racist epithets at her. It was really just upsetting especially with having my children in the car, Ms Ford told the Associated Press. I mean, no one deserves to be treated like that. Protesters gathered at the store, 50 miles from Chicago, over the weekend (ABC News ) (ABC News) Ms Ford said that at that point, she telephoned for the police. Reports said that when police arrived at the store, around 50 miles from Chicago, they found her visibly upset and crying. When the officer went inside, he said Mr Crichton was angry and was pacing continually back and forth 180 degrees around me. The Washington Post said the officer wrote in his report Crichton boastfully told me he would be happy to go to jail over the issue, and proudly admitted to using the racist slur. Mr Crichton also told the officer he was fed up with black people and continued to freely use the slur in the conversation, the paper said. The incident prompted protesters to gather outside the Dairy Queen last Saturday. Ms Ford said she has a lawyer and is considering legal action. Meanwhile, Mr Crichton apologised in a statement provided by American Dairy Queen Corporation and said he would undergo sensitivity training. My actions were inexcusable and unacceptable, he said. I can only ask for forgiveness and try to make it up to all involved. Dairy Queen in a statement called Mr Crichtons statements reprehensible and said his behaviour did not represent the restaurants values. Im disgusted and discouraged by the comments made by this business owner, Police Chief Stephen Dumyahn said. I reached out to Miss Ford to tell her that this does not represent the diverse community of Zion. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has appointed Robert Kennedy Jr, a prominent vaccine conspiracy theorist, to chair a commission on "vaccination safety and scientific integrity". Mr Kennedy accepted the request at Trump Tower where they talked about vaccines and immunisations, according to the President-elects press secretary Sean Spicer. Both men share a belief that there is a link between vaccines and autism. The theory has been repeatedly debunked and the Center for Disease Control said on its website that there not "any link" to the neurodevelopmental disorder. Recommended One in three Donald Trump supporters believe vaccines cause autism "President Trump has some doubts about the current vaccine policies and he has questions about it," said Mr Kennedy. "He says his opinion doesnt matter, but science does matter. And we ought to be reading the science, and we ought to be debating the science." The President-elect tweeted about the supposed link as early as 2012, around the same time he claimed on social media that climate change was a hoax invented by the Chinese. "I am totally in favour of vaccines," Mr Trump said during a primary season debate in 2015. "But I want smaller doses over a longer period of time. Same exact amount, but you take this little beautiful baby, and you pumpI mean, it looks just like its meant for a horse, not for a child, and weve had so many instances, people that work for me. ... [in which] a child, a beautiful child went to have the vaccine, and came back and a week later had a tremendous fever, got very, very sick, now is autistic." Mr Kennedy, the eldest son of senator Robert Kennedy, is also an environmental advocate, and told reporters that Mr Trump had told him he was a very strong supporter of solar energy. During his meeting, executives from oil company BHP were also at Trump Tower. But more recently Mr Kennedy has devoted his time to the issue of vaccines, writing a book and producing a documentary on the subject. "They get the shot, that night they have a fever of a hundred and three, they go to sleep, and three months later their brain is gone," Mr Kennedy said at one screening in 2015 in California. "This is a holocaust, what this is doing to our country." He later apologised for the comment. Asked at Trump Tower what his famous late relatives would have thought of President Trump, he replied: I think that President Trump can be any kind of President he wants to be. Hes probably come into office less encumbered by ideology or by obligations than by anybody has been in political office who has won the presidency, at least since Andrew Jackson. You know, I think, well see what happens. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump is poised to appoint a man as his Attorney General who has been dogged by claims of racism and bigotry throughout his career. The President-elect has already named Steve Bannon, who is hailed by white supremacists, and Michael Flynn, who has backed some of the USs most notorious anti-Muslim activists, to his transition team. But it looks like he is about to make his most controversial appointment yet. Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican, was nominated to the Attorney General role in November, and was poised to be questioned on Tuesday by senators in Washington who will judge his suitability for the role. Mr Sessions was denied a federal judge role 30 years ago due to allegations of racial discrimination, making him only the second person in 50 years to have his appointment blocked by the Senate. Before denying him the role, the Senate Judiciary Committee had heard several allegations accusing Mr Sessions of racism. In one instance, the Republican was said to have dismissed organisations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the ACLU as un-American and suggested a white civil rights attorney was a race traitor for taking on a voting rights case in Alabama during the 1980s. In a separate incident, he referred to a black local government official as the n*****, while senators also heard that Mr Sessions had called a black official in his office boy and instructed him to be careful what he said to white people. Mr Sessions denied the allegations of racism throughout the process, telling the committee: I deny as strongly as I can express it that I am insensitive to the concerns of blacks. World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Show all 29 1 /29 World reaction to President Trump: In pictures World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty Images World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mosul , Iraq Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures New Delhi, India Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Karachi, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kabul, Afghanistan AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem. Israel Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Moscow, Russia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Seoul, South Korea AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Peshawar, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Hyderabad, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kolkata, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Aleppo, Syria Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem, Israel EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Baghdad, Iraq Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Tokyo, Japan Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico Getty Mr Sessions has opposed nearly every immigration bill that has come before the Senate in the past two decades that has included a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally. He has also fought legal immigration, including guest worker programmes for illegal immigrants and visa programmes for foreign workers in science, math and high-tech. In 2007, he got a bill passed essentially banning for 10 years federal contractors who hire illegal immigrants. More recently, Mr Sessions has courted controversy by attacking the Black Lives Matter protest movement, which he called really radical and blamed for a spike in violent crime in some US cities. The selection of the long-standing supporter of Mr Trump has been met with criticism from numerous professionals and campaign groups. Last week, a group of more than 1,100 law school professors from across the US sent a letter to Congress urging the Senate to reject Mr Sessions' appointment. The letter, signed by professors from 170 law schools in 48 states, including prominent legal scholars including Laurence H Tribe of Harvard Law School and Geoffrey R Stone of the University of Chicago Law School, stated: We are convinced that Jeff Sessions will not fairly enforce our nations laws and promote justice and equality in the United States. Nothing in Senator Sessions public life since 1986 has convinced us that he is a different man than the 39-year-old attorney who was deemed too racially insensitive to be a federal district court judge. In another open letter, signed by 200 campaign groups, the Leadership Conference on Human Rights wrote: Senator Sessions has a 30-year record of racial insensitivity, bias against immigrants, disregard for the rule of law and hostility to the protection of civil rights that makes him unfit to serve as the attorney general of the United States. The Senate is required to approve a presidents major appointments, but the Democrats with a minority will not have the power to block any of Mr Trumps picks if Mr Sessions has full Republican support. With Mr Sessions having formed relationships with colleagues in the upper chamber over the last 20 years, he is likely to be approved. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} More than 630 companies and investors have called on Donald Trump and the Republican-dominated Congress to continue the move to a low-carbon economy, warning that failing to do so would put American prosperity at risk. The US President-elect has talked about scrapping the United States international commitments to tackle global warming, such as the Paris Agreement, dismissed climate change as a hoax, and appointed a string of climate science deniers to senior positions in his administration. His election has been described as a very big challenge to the worlds efforts to address the problem by UK Climate Change Minister Nick Hurd. In a joint statement, leading companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, General Mills, Kelloggs, General Mills, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Unilever, appealed to Mr Trump to reconsider his apparent views. We want the US economy to be energy efficient and powered by low-carbon energy, they said. Cost-effective and innovative solutions can help us achieve these objectives. Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk. But the right action now will create jobs and boost US competitiveness. More than 530 companies, which collectively have revenues amounting to nearly $1.15 trillion (about 950bn) a year and employ about 1.8 million people, signed the statement. The 100 investors include the New York State Common Retirement Fund, the California State Teachers Retirement System and other firms that manage assets worth more than $2 trillion. Trump comments on Paris Climate deal Anna Walker, senior director of global policy and advocacy at another signatory to the statement, Levi Strauss & Co, said: Its imperative that businesses take an active role in meeting the goals set out by the Paris climate agreement. It will be critical that we work together to ensure the US maintains its climate leadership, ultimately ensuring our nations long-term economic prosperity. And Jonas Kron, senior vice president at Trillium Asset Management, said huge sums of money were going into the low-carbon sector. With tens of billions of dollars of US renewable energy investment in the works this year alone, and far more globally, the question for American political leadership is whether they want to harness this momentum and potential for economic growth, he said. It is critically important to realise this is an opportunity that state policymakers can take advantage of, too, not just national leaders. 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 The signatories called for the people soon to be the United States political leaders to continue policies designed promote a low-carbon economy at home and abroad. And they specifically asked Mr Trump not to remove the US from the signatories of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trumps nominee for Secretary of State was a top executive of an oil giant who did business with Iran, Syria and Sudan while the countries were under US sanctions. Rex Tillerson was CEO of ExxonMobil who conducted business with the nations through a European subsidiary. All of the countries faced sanctions from the US for sponsoring terrorism. The 64-year-old's connections to the countries are likely to surface at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. From 2003 to 2006 ExxonMobil made $53.2 million in sales to Iran, $600,000 in sales to Sudan and $1.1 million in sales to Syria, according to filings at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seen by American Bridge. The business was conducted by Infineum, in which ExxonMobil owned a 50 per cent share. The sales were not illegal as they did not involve any US employees and were consistent with legal requirements. These are all legal activities complying with the sanctions at the time," Alan Jeffers, media manager at ExxonMobil, told USA Today. "We didnt feel they were material because of the size of the transactions. They (Infineum) have an independent management that operates the entity. And its not a U.S. entity, Mr Jeffers added. Mr Tillerson was a senior vice president at ExxonMobil in 2001, president and director in 2004 and became chairman and chief executive 2006. Senator Bob Menendez said Mr Tillersons record and actions as CEO of ExxonMobil were not in keeping for a prospective diplomat. "Finding loopholes to make lucrative business deals with geo-political adversaries, while showing no clear regard for US national interests, is not a resume builder for a prospective diplomat-in-chief," Mr Menendez said. "This is one of the many issues I look forward to hearing more about during the upcoming confirmation hearings. 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 Mr Tillerson's company also has billions of dollars in oil contracts with Russia that can only go forward if the US lifts its sanctions against the country, The New York Times reported. While the Texan has ample experience dealing with other nations, he has worked strictly as a businessman, not a diplomat. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trumps son-in-law is to shed a raft of positions and shares to avoid potential conflicts of interest when he takes up his new role as senior White House adviser. Jared Kushner, who is married to the President-elects daughter Ivanka, will not be paid for his post working on trade and the Middle East but the appointment has raised alarm over his business links. The 36-year-old has taken legal counsel that the position does not violate anti-nepotism laws, transition officials said, and does not require confirmation from the US Senate, unlike other cabinet posts. Johnson meets Trump team: Britain 'first in line' for US trade deal But in order to comply with federal laws and after consulting the Office of Government Ethics, Mr Kushner will take a number of steps to divest substantial assets. His legal adviser, Jamie Gorelick, said he would resign from his positions as chief executive of the Kushner Companies and as publisher of the New York Observer and divest from any interests in the weekly newspaper, Thrive Capital, the 666 Fifth Avenue office building in Manhattan and any foreign investments. In addition, Mr Kushner will remove himself from participating in matters that could have a direct effect on his remaining financial interests. They include real estate in the New York area, his wifes interest in the new Trump hotel in Washington and the Ivanka Trump Brand fashion business, representatives said. He will file a public financial disclosure form. Democrats on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee have asked the US government to review a number of legal issues over Mr Kushners appointment. In a letter to the Justice Department and US Office of Government Ethics, the group said the resignations and divestments announced so far may not be sufficient to avoid potential conflicts. Jared Kushner with his wife, Ivanka Trump (Getty Images for People.com) Moreover, Mr Kushners White House position may allow him to influence policy that benefits his business interests, the committee members said, citing taxation as one example. The New York Times reported that Mr Kushner met with the chairman of the Anbang Insurance Group, a company with links to the Chinese government, days after the presidential election over development plans for 666 Fifth Avenue. As well as numerous foreign investments from countries including China and Russia, the newspaper reported that his real estate firm, Kushner Companies, took a loan from Goldman Sachs, which additionally invested in Mr Kushners technology company Cadre. He was said to be a leading voice urging Mr Trump to appoint the banks president, Gary Cohn, as his chief economic adviser. Other lenders to his businesses allegedly include Israels largest bank, Bank Hapoalim, which is under investigation by the US Justice Department over allegations it helps wealthy Americans evade tax. The President-elect announced the appointment on Monday, saying Mr Kushner was a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition. Ms Gorelick, who served as Deputy Attorney General in Bill Clintons administration, said Mr Trumps appointment of his son-in-law did not violate a 1967 anti-nepotism law. She said Congress authorised the President to hire White House office staff without regard to federal personnel laws like the anti-nepotism statute in 1978, and that court rulings had determined the White House was not an agency as defined under the anti-nepotism law. 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 I'm not saying that there isn't an argument on the other side, and I respect the people who have made the argument on the other side. I just think we have the better argument, Ms Gorelick added. Mr Kushner, a New York property developer, emerged as an important voice early in his father-in-law's presidential campaign, being involved in personnel decisions, strategy and fundraising. Ms Trump has been a close adviser to the President-elect but will not take on a role in her father's administration but will focus on settling her family in Washington. The couple will undertake significant divestments of their wide-ranging financial portfolios as they prepare for their move to Washington from New York. Mr Kushner is to work closely with incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and senior strategist Steve Bannon in advising the new President. Mr Trump has vowed to rewrite international trade deals to make them more favourable to the US, as well as pledging to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, despite international concern over damage to long-standing American support for a two-state solution. It is not the first time Presidents have roused controversy over alleged nepotism. Bill Clinton was criticised in 1993 for choosing his wife to lead his healthcare reform drive, while John F Kennedy chose his brother Robert as Attorney General after being elected in 1960. Additional reporting by Reuters Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} George Clooney has given his support to Meryl Streep after her scathing rebuke of Donald Trump at the Golden Globes. The actress used the first major televised US event since the Republican billionaires victory and the last high-profile Hollywood event before his inauguration to condemn the President-elect for imitating a disabled reporter. She said his impression legitimised bullying and gave permission for others to do the same. The speech prompted a Twitter tirade from Mr Trump who claimed Streep was one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood and was a Hillary flunky who lost big. Clooney, an ardent Hillary Clinton supporter, addressed Streeps speech at a reception hosted by The Clooney Foundation for Justice on Monday. Arent you supposed to be running the country? Clooney asked Mr Trump rhetorically in response to his Twitter rant, reports The Guardian. I didnt vote for him, I dont support him, I dont think hes the right choice," he continued. Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Show all 14 1 /14 Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A lesbian couple kisses in front of mural depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a barbecue bar 'Keule Ruke' on May 19, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Barcroft Media/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A lesbian couple kisses in front of mural depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a barbecue bar 'Keule Ruke' on May 19, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Barcroft Media/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural VILNIUS, LITHUANIA - NOVEMBER 23: A woman walks past a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A woman walks past a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A child walks past a graffiti depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a bar in the old town in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis) AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural People walk past a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A man photographs a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A young woman walks past a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the slogan "make everything great again," in reference to Trump's campaign slogan of "Make America Great Again," on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A morning commuter stops to look at a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Restaurant owner Dominykas Ceckauskas pose next to a mural on the wall of his establishment depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. / AFP / Petras Malukas (Photo credit should read PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/Getty Images) Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A passerby photographs a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Getty At this moment in our lives we have to hope that he doesnt destroy everything. The reality is you have to hope he will do a decent job because if the United States fails, really terrible things happen, so you have to hope that he can. However, he concluded that he didn't "see any signs of it". Clooney was speaking a reception for a a Netflix documentary, The White Helmets, which is set in Aleppo, Syria, and parts of Turkey in early 2016 and follows the lives of the rescue volunteers in Syria. In her viral speech, Streep said Mr Trumps imitation of a disabled reporter was the one performance this year which shocked her. She argued it filtered down into the attitudes of wider society. There was one performance this year that stunned me. It sank its hooks in my heart, she said as she accepted the Cecil B DeMille award. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. Someone he outranked in privilege, power and the capacity to fight back. Streep is referring to the incident when Mr Trump mocked the New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski during a rally in November 2015. At the time the Republican billionaire was widely condemned for mocking Mr Kovaleski who had disputed Mr Trumps claim he witnessed thousands of Muslims in New Jersey celebrating on the day of the 9/11 attacks. Mr Trump jerked his arms in a manner which poked fun at the reporters condition. Mr Kovaleski has arthrogryposis, a congenital condition affecting how his joints move. The Republican denied the fact he mocked him at the time and has continued to do so. For the 100th time, I never mocked a disabled reporter (would never do that) but simply showed him groveling when he totally changed a 16 year old story that he had written in order to make me look bad, Mr Trump tweeted on Monday. Just more very dishonest media! Streeps speech, which also pleaded for Hollywood to support the Committee to Project Journalists, has triggered a boost in donations to the organisation which promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A woman charged with murdering and dismembering her adopted daughter in a shared rape and murder fantasy with her boyfriend was a child welfare worker, it has been revealed. Sara Packer, 41, allegedly watched as 14-year-old Grace Packer was raped by Jacob Sullivan, beaten and strangled. Grace's body was later dumped in a forest in Pennsylvania. Mr Sullivan, 44, was arrested by Bucks County detectives and formally charged with rape and murder on Sunday morning over the death, while Ms Packer was arraigned on charges including criminal homicide, rape and abuse of a corpse. Now authorities have said Ms Packer worked as an adoption supervisor for seven years at the Northampton County Children, Youth and Families Division, WKBN said. Court documents claim the couple began plotting to kill the girl in the autumn of 2015. Mr Sullivan told detectives that he and Sara Packer drove Grace to their new home in Quakertown on July 8, 2016. Once inside, Mr Sullivan allegedly struck the teenager in the face and then raped her in the attic as her adoptive mother watched. Mr Sullivan allegedly told detectives he had raped Grace previously and that the girl's adopted mother enjoyed watching. They forced her to take an overdose of over-the-counter drugs, assuming that would kill her, court documents said. But finding her alive when they returned many hours later, Mr Sullivan strangled her to death, he allegedly told detectives. The pair kept the body in the attic for nearly four months, covering it with cat litter to mask the smell, authorities said. Ahead of their court appearance, Mr Sullivan allegedly said: "I'm sorry for what I did." But they did not enter pleas, WKBN said. They were denied bail. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Female soldiers in the US Army will now be allowed to wear the hijab just as long as it is made from flame-resistant material. New regulations will allow soldiers to wear turbans, beards and hijabs in most circumstances unless the head coverings present a "specific, concrete hazard ... that cannot be mitigated by reasonable measures". They were welcomed by the Sikh Coalition. The rules say hijabs and turbans must be made from "a subdued material in a colour that closely resembles the assigned uniform" or, if the soldier is wearing combat gear, camouflage material. Personnel can be ordered to use fire-resistant cloth. The new rules allow accommodations for head coverings and beards to be approved at a lower command level. In a memo, Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning said: "Since 2009, religious accommodation requests requiring a waiver for uniform wear and grooming have largely fallen into one of three faith practices: the wear of a hijab; the wear of a beard; and the wear of a turban or under-turban/patka, with uncut beard and uncut hair. "Based on the successful examples of soldiers currently serving with these accommodations, I have determined that brigade-level commanders may approve requests for these accommodations. "All soldiers must wear the Advanced Combat Helmet and other protective headgear in accordance with the applicable technical manuals. As necessary, soldiers will modify the placement and style of their hair to achieve a proper fit. Removal of pads from helmets for fit or comfort is not permitted except as authorised by the applicable technical manual." It follows a lawsuit by decorated Sikh soldier Capt Simratpal Singh. Harsimran Kaur, of the Sikh Coalition, said: "While we still seek a permanent policy change that enables all religious minorities to freely serve without exception, we are pleased with the progress that this new policy represents for religious tolerance and diversity by our nations largest employer." An Army spokesman said: "The Army has reviewed its policies to ensure we allow every opportunity for qualified soldiers to serve, regardless of their faith background." Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Alabama senator and soon-to-be attorney general Jeff Sessions brought an unlikely prop to his senate confirmation hearing. As his colleague described him as a thoughtful and respectful man, he held a little girl on his lap, with bunches in her hair and holding a dolly. The unusual companion at the formal, lengthy hearing will likely serve as a positive decoy from the senators controversial record, which includes making racist comments about a black lawyer, and making jokes about the Ku Klux Klan. He was once deemed to be too racist to serve as a federal judge. Mr Sessions has flatly denied any racism and argued that during his career he prosecuted members of the KKK. The senate confirmation is the last formality before Mr Sessions is appointed to overview the entire just system in the US. Democratic senator Dianne Feinstein said at the hearing that Mr Sessions would have an "awesome responsibility" and warned him against carrying out Mr Trump's order to investigate former rival Hillary Clinton. "That model is broken," she said. Mr Sessions top aide helped the President-elect Donald Trump to communicate his immigration policy, which has been described as bigoted and discriminatory against Hispanics and Muslims. The senator also chaired Mr Trumps national security advisory committee, which proposed a Muslim registry and to build a wall along the Mexico border. He also advised Mr Trump on choosing Indiana governor Mike Pence as vice president, a man who has consistently fought to reduce womens reproductive rights in his home state. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The City of Los Angeles needs to borrow tens of millions of dollars to pay high-profile lawsuits according to a new report from the City Administrative Office. In recent years, the city has agreed to pay back millions of dollars in settlements stemming from lawsuits over citizens wrongfully convicted of crimes, disability rights, and people killed by Los Angeles Police Department officers. Now, the city is struggling to keep up. The Los Angeles Times reports that the new analysis recommends the city to raise money with a bond and pay the money back over the course of 10 years. In one suggested scenario, the city would take out a $70-million bond and pay back $9 million each year in principal and interest. Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Show all 19 1 /19 Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protestors demand justice for Philando Castile on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protestors lie in an intersection during a demonstration for Philando Castile on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protestors lie in an intersection during a demonstration for Philando Castile on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protestors demand justice for Philando Castile on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protesters march throughout New York City. Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protesters march throughout New York City. Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protesters are arrested by NYPD as they call for justice throughout New York City. Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Protesters are arrested by NYPD as they call for justice throughout New York City. AFP/Getty Images Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Images Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police AFP/Getty Images Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Getty Protests and outrage across the US following killings by police Getty Budget officials are urged the city on Monday to take out the bond immediately thanks to $135 million in pay outs owed this fiscal year. Were going to be in the same boat next fiscal year its every year, Councilman Mitchell Englander said, explaining why he was the only member to vote against the measure that was approved 4-1. City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana said hes repeatedly warned officials to increase the budget to payoff the liability lawsuits. Ideally we would have budgeted more, he told the Times. In the previous fiscal year, the city paid $110 million in legal settlements, according to the citys budget staffers. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Meryl Streeps rebuke of Donald Trump at the Golden Globes had a predictable outcome. It was widely lauded by Hollywood stars and prompted a Twitter tirade from the President-elect. However there was an altogether more unexpected consequence. The emotionally charged acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award, in which Streep attacked the billionaire developer for imitating a disabled reporter, has triggered a slew of donations to the Committee to Protect Journalists. In her call to action, Streep urged the Hollywood community to support the organisation which promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists. So I only ask the famously well-heeled Hollywood Foreign Press and all of us in our community to join me in supporting the Committee to Protect Journalists, Streep said as she accepted the Cecil B DeMille award on Sunday night. Because were gonna need them going forward, and theyll need us to safeguard the truth. The head of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Joel Simon, has said the organisation received 500 new donations overnight and a couple hundred more over the course of Monday. They continue to come in and its mostly average people based on the size of the donation, so thats really encouraging. Obviously, separately, its just enormous visibility and resonance about whats at stake here, Simon told the Hollywood Reporter. Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Show all 14 1 /14 Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A lesbian couple kisses in front of mural depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a barbecue bar 'Keule Ruke' on May 19, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Barcroft Media/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A lesbian couple kisses in front of mural depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a barbecue bar 'Keule Ruke' on May 19, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Barcroft Media/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural VILNIUS, LITHUANIA - NOVEMBER 23: A woman walks past a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A woman walks past a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A child walks past a graffiti depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a bar in the old town in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis) AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural People walk past a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A man photographs a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A young woman walks past a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the slogan "make everything great again," in reference to Trump's campaign slogan of "Make America Great Again," on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A morning commuter stops to look at a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Restaurant owner Dominykas Ceckauskas pose next to a mural on the wall of his establishment depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. / AFP / Petras Malukas (Photo credit should read PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/Getty Images) Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A passerby photographs a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Getty The thing about Meryl Streep is that were used to journalists championing this issue. She said the press needs to go out there and do what it needs to do and needs to be defended by all of us. Simon commented on the fact Mr Trump does not like being criticised by the press and questioned whether this anger would translate into concrete policy once he is inaugurated in ten days time. Trump does not like to be criticised in the media. The media will criticise him and expose him in ways he doesnt like. Hell be angry, no question. Will it just be angry rants and tweets, or will it be translated into policies that are detrimental to how the media functions? Well see. Recommended Donald Trump launches into Twitter tirade against Meryl Streep Streeps viral speech about Mr Trump prompted a characteristic Twitter tirade from the Republican. He said she was one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood and is a Hillary flunky who lost big. He also denied the fact he had imitated a disabled reporter. For the 100th time, I never mocked a disabled reporter (would never do that) but simply showed him groveling when he totally changed a 16 year old story that he had written in order to make me look bad. Just more very dishonest media! In November 2015, Mr Trump was widely condemned for mocking Mr Kovaleski who had disputed Mr Trumps claim he witnessed thousands of Muslims in New Jersey celebrating on the day of the 9/11 attacks. Mr Trump jerked and flailed his arms in a manner which poked fun at the reporters condition. Mr Kovaleski has arthrogryposis, a congenital condition affecting how his joints move. There was one performance this year that stunned me. It sank its hooks in my heart, Streep said in her speech. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. Someone he outranked in privilege, power and the capacity to fight back. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Russian hackers successfully penetrated Republican groups and campaigns, FBI director James Comey has said. The cyber attacks gained access to state level groups and some "old" Republican National Committee (RNC) domains, he claimed. Yet Mr Comey told the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that none of the obtained information had yet been leaked. He also said he was not aware of any successful hacks of GOP Presidential campaigns. Mr Comey told the panel: "There was evidence of hacking directed at state-level organisations, state-level campaigns, and the RNC, but old domains of the RNC, meaning old emails they weren't using." He added: "None of that was released." Mr Comey said the hackers had "got far deeper and wider into the [Democratic National Committee] than the RNC," but that "similar techniques" were used to hack both the RNC as the DNC. The FBI director declined to comment on whether the FBI has investigated any links between associates of President-elect Donald Trump and Russia, saying he could not discuss the matter in a public forum. 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 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told the panel on Tuesday the FBI had "high confidence" in its conclusion that Russia launched cyber attacks on the election to "denigrate" Hillary Clinton. "We have multiple high quality sources that contribute to that assessment," he said. "Attributing cyber operations is difficult but not impossible." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Animal trainers have been caught on camera tying down an endangered Siberian tiger for visitors to sit on and have their photos taken. The footage is believed to have been taken at a circus in Hunan province, southern China. The video shows the tiger being aggressively tied by its body and legs to a metal table, before tourists take turns to sit on its back. A bear can also be seen prowling around in a cage in the background. It is unclear who recorded it, but the clip has racked up 88,000 views since it was posted on iqiyi.com, a Chinese video-sharing platform. One child can be heard in the video crying: Im scared, Im scared, as his mother tries to put him on the animal. A circus worker continues to encourage visitors to sit on the cool tiger. Perhaps this can keep you away from the devils and bring you wealth too," he adds. One child can be heard in the video crying: Im scared, Im scared" (iqiyi.com) The tiger is shown having its straps untied before it darts back into its cage at the end of the video. Elisa Allen, Director, PETA UK, told MailOnline: No tiger would trade freedom for captivity, to be caged, dominated, tied down, whipped, and used as a prop for a tacky photo. The only way to make these highly intelligent and powerful hunters pose for the camera is to keep them under constant threat of punishment, intimidate them, and restrain them. Where not to visit if you love animals Show all 9 1 /9 Where not to visit if you love animals Where not to visit if you love animals Monkey shows Chimpanzees are forced to perform demeaning tricks on leashes and are often subject to cruel training techniques. Animals who are confined to small, barren enclosures and forced to perform unsurprisingly show symptoms of stress and depression. Chimpanzees have been documented rocking back and forth, sucking their lips, salivating and swaying against enclosure perimeters in distress. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Marine parks Some parks confine orcas to concrete tanks and force them to perform meaningless tricks for food - many die in captivity. Orcas are highly intelligent and social mammals who may suffer immensely, both physically and mentally, when they're held in captivity. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Tiger shows Tigers are forced to live in an unnatural and barren environment and have to endure interactions with a constant stream of tourists. Since tigers never lose their wild instincts, across the world they are reportedly drugged, mutilated and restrained in order to make them safe for the public. However, every year, incidents of tiger maulings are reported at this type of tourist attraction. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Donkey rides Sunning on the beach is great for humans we can take a quick dip or catch a bite to eat when we get too hot or hungry. But it's pure hell for donkeys who are confined to the beach and forced to cart children around on the hot sand. Some donkey-ride operators at beach resorts in the UK even keep the animals chained together at all times. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Swimming with dolphins Some marine parks use bottlenose dolphins in performances and offer visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins. Unfortunately, people are often unaware that these animals are captured in the wild and torn from their families or traded between different parks around the world. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Canned hunting Lions are confined to fenced areas so that they can easily be cornered, with no chance of escape. Most of them will have been bred in captivity and then taken from their mothers to be hand-reared by the cub-petting industry. When they get too big, they may be drugged before they are released into a "hunting" enclosure. Because these animals are usually kept in fenced enclosures (ranging in size from just a few square yards to thousands of acres), they never stand a chance of surviving. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Running of the Bulls Every year, tourists travel to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls. The bulls who are forced to slip and slide down the town's narrow cobblestone streets are chased straight into the bullring. They are then taunted, stabbed repeatedly and finally killed by the matador in front of a jeering crowd. The majority of Spaniards reject bullfighting, but tourists are keeping the cruel industry on its last legs. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Horse-drawn carriages City streets are no place for horses. The animals toil in all weather extremes, suffering from respiratory distress from breathing in exhaust fumes as well as numerous hoof, leg and back problems from walking on pavement all day long. As easily spooked prey animals, horses subjected to the loud noises and unexpected sounds of city streets are likely to be involved in accidents, even deadly ones. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Zoos The zoo community regards the animals it keeps as commodities, and animals are regularly bought, sold, borrowed and traded without any regard for established relationships. Zoos breed animals because the presence of babies draws visitors and boosts revenue, yet often, there's nowhere to put the offspring as they grow, and they are killed, as we saw with Marius the giraffe in Denmark. Some zoos have introduced evening events with loud music and alcohol which disrupt the incarcerated animals even further. EPA This tiger was bound and strapped so tightly that he couldn't even lift his head, while a caged bear paced around and around in the background, showing the psychological damage that's commonly seen in animals used in circuses. The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger, is officially endangered. Although numbers have increased since the 1980s, only about 540 are thought to be left in the wild. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to confront and if necessary kill any local officials who are involved in the countrys illegal drug trade, it has been reported. The outspoken leader has compiled a so-called narco-list containing an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 names of mayors, governors, police officers and other public officials, and says he will now begin to act on it. I would call for the mayors and we would speak privately. I will really tell them: Look for your name in the narco-list. Son of a whore, if your name is there, you have a problem. I will really kill you, Mr Duterte said on Monday, according to a translation by CNN Philippines. One person on the list has already been killed in an apparent shootout with police. Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom from a town in Maguindanao province was killed during an anti-drug operation in October. Recommended Rodrigo Duterte says some of his family have joined Isis The President said in November that he would hand the list in full to the Supreme Court, Senate and House of Representatives in a bid to win its support for his anti-drugs drive. But according to CNN, three people who have been publicly named by Mr Duterte as being on the list have denied involvement in the drug trade. Former Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz, former Iligan City Rep. Vicente Belmonte and former Lugait, Misamis Oriental Mayor Wellie Lim called into question the accuracy of the list and requested meetings with the President. Mr Duterte has previously apologised to three other officials who he said were included in the first draft of the list erroneously. The Supreme Court separately cleared three judges named on the list, following its own investigation. The President continues to spark controversy with his outspoken statements and public stunts. He has thrown the future of US-Philippine relations into question with angry outbursts directed at the US President Barack Obama, while scaling back military ties with the former colonial power. In October, Mr Duterte told his outgoing US counterpart to "go to hell" and said America had refused to sell some weapons to his country. Instead, the Philippines has turned to Russia and China for growing military collaboration. On Monday, a minister said Moscow and Manila were finalising a security deal that would allow their leaders to exchange visits and observe military drills. Last week, Mr Duterte toured a Russian anti-submarine warship as it made port in the Philippine capital, and said he hoped Russia would become his country's ally and protector. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A marriage guide handed out to newly-weds in Turkey has prompted anger after suggesting husbands whose wives who do not "beautify" themselves should beat them, and that children as young as 10 can get married. The book, called "Marriage and Family Life", also reportedly claims that after being beaten, women should serve their husbands coffee while wearing "flirtatious" outfits. The guide, by former religious affairs department employee Hasan Caliskan, was handed out in two districts but drew the ire of MP Fatma Kaplan Hurriyet, who told the Turkish Parliament it "considers women as sheep". According to Sol International, she said: "My hairs stood on end as I continued to read it. "The book mentions the details of the nuptial night. It mentions the right of sexual exploitation, obedience to the husband, and it says that the good woman is one who is obedient, that a woman cannot go out without the knowledge of her husband, and that she must wear flirtatious dresses and try to please her husband when he beats her. "If I read this book to you, which has been completely built upon the mans sexual life with expressions in it, such as If you do not abide by these methods, your child will be an imbecile, If you talk while having sex, your child will be a stutterer, or The wife must be skillful in domestic work and doing her husbands work, you would blush like a tomato." The 394-page manual was said to have been handed to new couples in the city of Kutahya, and a similar version given out in Pamukkale. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Anders Breivik has given a Nazi salute to a court that will rule on whether his human rights have been violated in prison. Norways government is trying to overturn the verdict that it violated Breiviks human rights by keeping him in isolation. A judge from Oslo District Court said the country had violated a ban on inhuman and degrading treatment. Dressed in a dark suit, Breivik stared briefly at reporters while making the salute but didnt speak. Judge Oystein Hermansen asked him not to repeat the salute, saying it insulted the dignity of the court. It also disturbs what we are dealing with here, Judge Hermansen said, brushing aside attempts by Breivik to defend his action. The 37-year-old right-wing extremist, who killed 77 people in a bomb and shooting rampage in 2011, sued the government last year. He argued that his solitary confinement, frequent strip searches and the fact that he was often handcuffed during the early part of his incarceration violated his human rights. But lawyers representing the government said that he enjoys better prison conditions than some inmates in Norway. They also warned that he remains a threat and should continue to be held in solitary confinement. The government is appealing a surprise decision in April by the Oslo District Court, which sided with Breiviks claims that his isolation in the maximum-security Skien prison breaches the European Convention on Human Rights. The ruling said the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment represents a fundamental value in a democratic society. This applies no matter what also in the treatment of terrorists and killers. It also ordered the government to pay Breiviks legal costs of 331,000 kroner (32,000). However, it dismissed his claim that his right to respect for private and family life was violated by restrictions on contacts with other right-wing extremists. 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 Speaking for the state, Fredrik Sejersted said the governments view is that Breiviks prison conditions dont violate his human rights. Describing the killer as Norways most expensive prisoner, Mr Sejersted said that in many ways they are better than [those] of other prisoners to compensate for the fact that he cannot make contact with other inmates. That is far from violating human rights, he said. Breivik was convicted of mass murder and terrorism in 2012 and given a 21-year prison sentence that can be extended for as long as hes deemed dangerous to society. Legal experts say he will likely be locked up for life. He is being held in isolation in a three-room cell complex where he can play video games, watch TV and exercise. He has also complained about the quality of the prison food, having to eat with plastic utensils and not being able to communicate with sympathisers. The government has rejected his complaints, saying he is treated humanely despite the severity of his crimes and that he must be separated from other inmates for safety reasons. Breivik had carefully planned the attacks on 22 July, 2011. He set off a car bomb outside the government headquarters in Oslo, killing eight people and wounding dozens. Dressed in a police uniform, Breivik then drove to the island of Utoya, about 25 miles away, where he opened fire on the annual summer camp of the left-wing Labour Partys youth wing. 69 people there were killed, most of them teenagers, before he surrendered to police. At the time of the attacks, Breivik claimed to be the commander of a secret Christian military order plotting an anti-Muslim revolution in Europe, but now describes himself as a traditional neo-Nazi. Mr Sejersted described Breivik as Norways most dangerous man at the time of the attacks and warned of the difficulty to assess how dangerous he will be tomorrow, next year or in 10 years. But he has strengthened his right-wing beliefs, Mr Sjerested told the court. The hearing continues on Wednesday in a makeshift courtroom in the gym of Telemark prison in Skien, southern Norway, where Breivik is incarcerated. Government attorneys will continue to state their case before Breivik is heard on Thursday. Six days have been reserved for the hearings by the Borgarting Court of Appeal. A ruling is expected in February. Associated Press contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An attacker has been killed after what officials believe was an attempted suicide bombing at a police headquarters in the Turkish city of Gaziantep. The man attempted to enter the building on Tuesday before being shot dead in a gun battle with officers, with his body left lying on the ground. Numan Kurtulmus, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister, said a police operation was underway to locate a second attacker who remained on the run. Recommended Huge explosion outside courthouse in Turkey One police officer was wounded in the clash and taken to hospital for treatment, the Gaziantep governor's office said. Footage showed office workers running for cover as dozens of armed police took positions to protect the security headquarters. Disposal teams were being deployed to search for any explosive devices. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Gaziantep police station was previously targeted in May, when two police officers were killed and 22 people wounded in a car bombing linked to Isis. The city, near the Syrian border, was also the site of a terror attack blamed on Isis in August, where a suicide bomber killed more than 50 people at a Kurdish wedding. In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party Show all 9 1 /9 In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party People talk to medics in an ambulance near the scene of an attack in Istanbul on 1 January 2017 AP In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party People near the scene of an attack in Istanbul on 1 January 2017 AP In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party Police secure area near an Istanbul nightclub, Turkey, January 1, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party Ambulances line up on a road leading to a nightclub where a gun attack took place during a New Year party in Istanbul, Turkey Reuters In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party Turkish special force police officers and ambulances are seen at the site of an armed attack January 1, 2017 in Istanbul Getty In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party People embrace near the scene of an attack in Istanbul, on New Year's Day AP In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party Medics carry a wounded person after an attack at a popular nightclub in Istanbul on 1 January AP In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party Turkish police secure the area at Ortakoy district under Bosphorus Bridge after the attack on Reina nightclub Getty Images In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party People leave a nightclub in Istanbul after it was attacked on 1 January AP Tuesday's attack follows a wave of attacks targeting civilians carried out by Isis and Kurdish extremist groups across Turkey. The country is still reeling from a mass shooting in the early hours of New Year's Day, where an Isis supporter massacred 39 people celebrating inside a famous Istanbul night club. Four days later, attackers who officials suspect were Kurdish militants clashed with police and detonated a car bomb in Izmir, killing a police officer and a court employee. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government is backing Syrian opposition fighters to push back both Isis and Kurdish militias in northern Syria, as well as fighting a long-running insurgency by Kurdish groups in southern and eastern Turkey. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Iceland has a new government after the centre-right Independence, Reform and Bright Future parties agreed to form a coalition, potentially paving the way for the country to join the European Union. As part of the new settlement Iceland's parliament will be given a vote on whether to hold a referendum on joining the 28-member bloc. The coalition will hold 32 of the 63 seats in parliament - just enough to give it a majority. Independence Party leader Bjarni Benediktsson will become prime minister (Getty) The Independence Party - which opposes EU membership - will have 21 seats, making it the largest party in the coalition. The other two parties - with a combined 11 seats - favour joining the EU. The deal brings to an end three months of stalemate following October's general election. The three parties failed in their attempt to form a coalition in November and the Left Greens and the Pirate Party also made unsuccessful attempts to form a government. Iceland applied to join the EU in 2009 after parliament voted to enter talks. But officials walked away from the negotiations in 2013 after an election saw Eurosceptic parties take power. Early indications suggest MPs may back a referendum on EU membership although a poll conducted at the end of last year showed a majority of Icelanders are against joining the union. Just 26 per cent favoured EU membership against 53 who were against it in the December survey. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Norway is about to become the first country in the world to turn off FM radio. From 11.11.11am local time on 11 January, Frequency Modulation broadcasting in the remote arctic circle town of Bod will be turned off for good. The small town is to be the first to make the countrys permanent switch to digital radio, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. But the move, which the government says is necessary modernisation, has not been without controversy. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is already popular in Norway, with 70 per cent of households regularly tuning in to one of the 26 available nationwide channels which include versions of the five main FM channels which will soon be off air. The government claims the move will free up cash for broadcasters to invest in programming, while providing a clearer and more reliable network that can better cut through the country's sparsely populated and rocky terrain. Fast radio bursts: the most mysterious message in the universe Culture Minister Linda Hofstad Helleland has said she is "quite comfortable" that the nation of "early adapters" was ready to embrace the digital future. But critics have said there are holes in the plan and local polls have found two thirds of the public think the government is moving too fast. "Norway is not prepared for this, said Svein Larsen of the Norwegian Local Radio Association. There are millions of radios in homes, cottages and boats that won't work any more and only around 25 per cent of cars in Norway have digital radios or adapters." The Ten Best Digital Radios Show all 10 1 /10 The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios The Ten Best Digital Radios In particular, there are anxieties that emergency broadcasts could be missed by people without the proper technology. Up to 20 million analogue receivers will be rendered obsolete, particularly in the estimated 2.3 million cars without DAB radios. Motorists who want to continue to tune in can buy a new radio for 4,000 kroner (385) or an adapter for around 1,500 kroner (144). However, some have said they will just listen on their smartphones. The cost will also be a pressing issue for the elderly, some of whom rely on the radio as a link to the outside world. A domestic DAB set costs around 1,000 kroner (96). Associated Press contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Russian health ministry has unveiled plans to ban the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2015. The radical move would make Russia the first country to take such a stringent anti-tobacco stance. Russia has long been tolerant of smoking, and public restrictions were only introduced in 2013. But legislation introduced since then has toughened the law considerably. However, even by the proposals advocates, there are doubts as to how enforceable any ban on selling to an entire generation of people would be. There were also concerns that fake tobacco sold on the black market could be even worse for public health. But Nikolai Gerasimenko, a member of Russian parliaments health committee, maintained: This goal is absolutely ideologically correct, The Times reported. Impact of smoking on lungs A Kremlin spokesman said such a ban would need serious consideration and consultation with other ministries. Such a move is likely to provoke fury among tobacco companies but Russia has already made some strong progress against smoking. The worst jobs for your health Show all 10 1 /10 The worst jobs for your health The worst jobs for your health 10. Surgical and medical assistants, technologists, and technicians Overall unhealthiness score: 57.3 What they do: Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel and perform medical laboratory tests. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to disease and infections: 88 2. Exposure to contaminants: 80 3. Exposure to hazardous conditions: 69 The worst jobs for your health 9. Stationary engineers and boiler operators Overall unhealthiness score: 57.7 What they do: Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 99 2. Exposure to hazardous conditions: 89 3. Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 84 The worst jobs for your health 8. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators Overall unhealthiness score: 58.2 What they do: Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 97 2. Exposure to hazardous conditions: 80 3. Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 74 The worst jobs for your health 7. Histotechnologists and histologic technicians Overall unhealthiness score: 59.0 What they do: Prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to hazardous conditions: 88 2. Exposure to contaminants: 76 3. Exposure to disease and infections: 75 The worst jobs for your health 6. Immigration and customs inspectors Overall unhealthiness score: 59.3 What they do: Investigate and inspect people, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the US or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 78 2. Exposure to disease and infections: 63 3. Exposure to radiation: 62 The worst jobs for your health 5. Podiatrists Overall unhealthiness score: 60.2 What they do: Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to disease and infections: 87 2. Exposure to radiation: 69 3. Exposure to contaminants: 67 The worst jobs for your health 4. Veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and laboratory animal caretakers and veterinary technologists and technicians What they do: Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals and perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to disease and infections: 81 2. Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 75 3. Exposure to contaminants: 74 The worst jobs for your health 3. Anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and anesthesiologist assistants Overall unhealthiness score: 62.3 What they do: Administer anesthetics or sedatives during medical procedures, and help patients in recovering from anesthesia. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to disease and infections: 94 2. Exposure to contaminants: 80 3. Exposure to radiation: 74 The worst jobs for your health 2. Flight attendants What they do: Provide personal services to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of airline passengers during flight. Greet passengers, verify tickets, explain use of safety equipment, and serve food or beverages. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 88 2. Exposure to disease and infections: 77 3. Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings: 69 The worst jobs for your health 1. Dentists, dental surgeons, and dental assistants Overall unhealthiness score: 65.4 What they do: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care. Top three health risks: 1. Exposure to contaminants: 84 2. Exposure to disease and infections: 75 3. Time spent sitting: 67 The number of smokers dropped by ten per cent in 2016, according to Tass news agency. At 31 per cent of the population, it is the country's lowest rate rate in years. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Two-thirds of all new HIV cases in Europe are being recorded in just one country Russia. More than a million Russians now live with the virus and that number is expected to nearly double in the next decade, in what has been called Europe's HIV epidemic. The statistics were revealed in a report by the European Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation, which found that 153,407 people across Europe were newly diagnosed with the illness in 2015. Of these, 64 per cent of all cases were registered in Russia equal to 98,177 people which is up from the 60 per cent of all cases in Europe a year earlier. (Statista (Statista) The UK is in third place after Ukraine, with 6,078 new HIV diagnoses in 2015, the latest figures show. HIV transmission is still a major concern in Europe," the report warns. Despite significant efforts dedicated to the prevention and control of HIV in Europe, the number of new HIV diagnoses has not declined substantially over the last decade in the western part of the region and has more than doubled in the east. The report said the increases were being driven mainly by heterosexual transmission in Russia and eastern Europe and in men who have sex with men in western and central regions. It calls for a new action plan to tackle the HIV epidemic in Europe and end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. HIV in numbers But devising a continent-wide health plan will be tricky as the experience of individual countries varies wildly. While Croatia attributes more than 80 per cent of new HIV diagnoses in 2015 to sex between men, in Estonia less than 10 per cent of new cases are recorded with that mode of transmission. Likewise, in Belgium a tiny fraction less than five per cent of cases are blamed on injecting drug users, while in neighbouring Luxembourg around 30 per cent of new diagnoses are needle-related. Aidsmap, which interpreted the findings, said the 98,177 new cases recorded in Russia last year equated to one HIV diagnosis for every 1,493 Russians. That compared with one diagnosis for every 13,157 people across the rest of the continent. HIV diagnoses in Russia have more than doubled over the last ten years, up 133 per cent since 2006 and 15 per cent in just a year. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Russias most wealthy men have reportedly become $29bn richer since the election of Donald Trump. Russian President Vladimir Putins closest allies are among those who have benefited in part from the rising value of Russian stocks and the rouble. Oil and gas tycoon Gennady Timchenko who in 2014 was hit with US sanctions due to his close ties with the Russian leader has seen his estimated 23 per cent stake in gas company Novotek rocket by $1.8bn (1.5bn), business magazine Forbes reported. Russia's richest man, Leonid Mikhelson, saw the biggest increase to his fortune. Also a major shareholder in Novotek, he has gained an estimated $1.9bn since Mr Trump's election, bringing his net worth to $18.2bn. The two billionaires are also invested in Mocow-based petrochemical company Sibur, alongside the Russian leader's son-in-law, Kirill Shamalov. In total, billionaires in Russia have grown their riches by $29bn (25bn), Forbes estimated. Since Mr Trump's unexpected election triumph, American billionaires have increased their net worth by an average of 2.8 per cent, while Russian billionaires have boosted their fortunes by 7.1 per cent, according to the wealth-tracking site. Russia's oligarchs have also benefitted from Russia's currency growing stronger. The ruble fell 55 per cent against the US dollar over 2014 and 2015, but rose 20 per cent in 2016, a gain largely attributed to rising oil prices. Russian-US relations have deteriorated after Washington accused Moscow of attempting to influence the country's election result through hacking. In December, President Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the cyber attack. Yet Mr Putin surprised many observers when he announced he would not reciprocate by expelling US diplomats. Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Show all 14 1 /14 Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A lesbian couple kisses in front of mural depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a barbecue bar 'Keule Ruke' on May 19, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Barcroft Media/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A lesbian couple kisses in front of mural depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a barbecue bar 'Keule Ruke' on May 19, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Barcroft Media/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural VILNIUS, LITHUANIA - NOVEMBER 23: A woman walks past a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A woman walks past a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A child walks past a graffiti depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on the walls of a bar in the old town in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, May 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis) AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural People walk past a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A man photographs a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural AP Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A young woman walks past a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the slogan "make everything great again," in reference to Trump's campaign slogan of "Make America Great Again," on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A morning commuter stops to look at a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Restaurant owner Dominykas Ceckauskas pose next to a mural on the wall of his establishment depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016. Kestutis Girnius, associate professor of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius university, told AFP -This graffiti expresses the fear of some Lithuanians that Donald Trump is likely to kowtow to Vladimir Putin and be indifferent to Lithuanias security concerns. Trump has notoriously stated that Putin is a strong leader, and that NATO is obsolete and expensive. / AFP / Petras Malukas (Photo credit should read PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/Getty Images) Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural A passerby photographs a mural showing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (R) blowing marijuana smoke into the mouth of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the wall of a bar-b-que restaurant on November 23, 2016 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Many people in the three Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are concerned that Russia, because Trump has expressed both admiration for Putin and doubt over defending NATO member states, will be emboldened to intervene militarily in the Baltics. Sean Gallup/Getty Trump and Putin passionately kiss in street mural Getty The Russian leader said he would instead consider the actions of the President-elect, when deciding on further steps in Russia-US relations. Mr Trump has repeatedly indicated he will seek to strengthen US ties with Moscow when he enters office. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hundreds of thousands lined the streets of Tehran on Tuesday to mourn former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani wailing in grief as his body was interred at a shrine alongside the leader of the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Rafsanjanis final resting place near the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, reflected his legacy as one of the pillars of Irans clerical-dominated political system, as he served in later years as a go-between for hard-liners and reformists. But even his funeral highlighted the divisions still at play. Parts of the crowd along his funeral procession at one point chanted in support of opposition leaders under house arrest. Other politicians did not attend the memorial. Throngs filled main thoroughfares of the capital, with many chanting, beating their chests and wailing in the style of mourning common among Shiite Muslims. The funeral for Rafsanjani, who died Sunday at age 82 after a heart attack, drew both the elite and ordinary people. Shops and schools were closed in national mourning. Top government and clerical officials first held a funeral service at Tehran University. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed by Rafsanjanis casket, as other dignitaries knelt before the coffin on which his white clerics turban was placed. Mourners reached out their hands toward the coffin. Just behind Ayatollah Khamenei was President Hassan Rouhani, whose moderate administration reached the recent nuclear deal with world powers. Rouhani, who is all but certain to run for re-election in May, is viewed as embodying Rafsanjanis realist vision. Hard-liners also took part in the ceremony, like the head of Iran's judiciary, Sadeq Larijani, who stood near his moderate brother, parliament speaker Ali Larijani. Also among them was Qassem Soleimani, a general who heads the Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations like the war in Syria. 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 Both Mr Soleimani and Rafsanjani are from Irans southeastern province of Kerman and worked together during the war with Iraq in the 1980s. In my opinion, Mr Hashemi remained the same person from the beginning until the end and held his line in all stages of his life, Mr Soleimani told state television in a rare public interview. Nevertheless, Mr Hashemi sometimes used different tactics. Apparently banned from the funeral was former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, a reformist who remains popular among the young but is deeply disliked by hard-liners. State media have banned the broadcasting of any images of Khatami. There was also no word of hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attending the ceremony, though he offered condolences on Monday. There was no love lost between the two as Mr Ahmadinejad defeated Rafsanjani in Irans 2005 presidential election and later drew his dismay over the crackdown following his contested re-election in 2009. Outside, mourners carried posters bearing Rafsanjanis image as his casket slowly made his way through the crowds in the streets. I rarely attend religious ceremonies, but I am here as an Iranian who cannot forget Rafsanjani's contribution to developing the political sphere in favor of people in recent years, said Nima Sheikhi, a computer teacher at a private school. I am here to say goodbye to a man who dedicated his life to making Iran better, said Reza Babaei, a cleric from the eastern town of Birjand near the Afghan border. He founded the university in my city and developed our region when he was in power. Officials put the number of participants in the funeral at over 2 million, though that figure could not be independently verified. Irans internal politics also were on display. The semi-official ILNA news agency said that on the sidelines of the funeral, prominent moderate lawmaker Ali Motahari was asked by several mourners to free opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi from the house arrest the two have been under since 2011. Our message is clear: The house arrest should be lifted, some chanted. Police and security forces did not react to the chants, nor others that followed and could be heard in state television footage. Rafsanjani's casket later arrived at the ornate, massive shrine to Khomeini, who led the revolution that toppled the American-backed shah. Rafsanjani's interment there marked a rare privilege inside of Iran's system, where clerics dominate the levers of power. Only Khomeini's son Ahmad, who died in 1995 and served as a close aide to his father, had been buried next to his tomb before Tuesday. Rafsanjani, a close aide to both Khomeini and Khamenei, served as president from 1989 to 1997. He helped launch Iran's nuclear program and then pushed for reconciliation with the West. Internally, however, his legacy remains mixed. He was massively wealthy and a veteran at manoeuvring within Irans opaque political system. He was considered a protector of the moderates, but others distrusted him because he was such an insider and because of accusations he was involved in killing dissidents during his eight-year presidency, which he always denied. Hard-liners distrusted him because of his support of moderates and sought to sideline him, with little success. His absence in balancing the competing powers, however, will affect Iran going forward, especially as the country edges closer to picking a new supreme leader. The unexpected death of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani could be the first scene in Irans nascent leadership transition theatre, whose subsequent acts are probably yet to be written, said Mehdi Khalaji, a fellow at The Washington Institute. Associated Press For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A suicide bomber has blown himself up in the Afghan capital of Kabul, quickly followed by a car bomb nearby in what appears to be have been a coordinated operation, authorities said. At least 21 people had died and 45 more wounded were taken to hospital after Tuesday's attacks, public health ministry spokesperson Ismail Kawasi said. Initial eyewitness estimates pointed to around 50 casualties. The attacks occurred at rush hour in an busy area home to government and legal offices, and were immediately claimed by the Taliban, who apparently targeted a minibus carrying Afghan intelligence agency staff and members of parliament. The incidents come after a period of relative calm in Afghanistan's capital despite the years of Taliban insurgency aimed at overthrowing the government and removing foreign soldiers from Afghan soil. Earlier on Tuesday, Lashkar Gar in southern Helmand province was also hit by a suicide bomber in an attack that killed seven people. The assailant had targeted a guesthouse used by a local intelligence officer, and both military personnel and civilians were among the dead, the local police chief said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but Helmand is the centre of the fight against the Taliban. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Palestinian leaders have threatened to withdraw their recognition of Israel if President-elect Donald Trump moves the US embassy to Jerusalem, according to a senior adviser to the Palestinian president. The Palestinian authorities have also called for protests against the potential move in mosques and churches. During his election campaign, Mr Trump vowed to relocate the US diplomatic operation to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, prompting intense criticism from both the international community and security analysts, who warned the symbolic move could spark violence. High-ranking negotiator Mohammad Shtayyeh said such a move would be a slap on the face of the international community that would bring an end to the two-state solution, the Financial Times reported. Mr Shtayyeh promised that the Palestinian authorities would retaliate if it went ahead saying: One of the measures we are considering seriously [is] that the issue of mutual recognition between the The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and Israel is not any more valid, he said. The recognition of Israel by the PLO an umbrella group representing Palestinian political factions was a key outcome of the Oslo peace accords signed in 1993. Mr Shtayyeh claimed the Palestinian authorities had received warnings that Mr Trump may announce the move during his inauguration speech on 20 January from American circles and diplomatic friends. Earlier on Tuesday Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wrote to the incoming US President claiming the proposal would have a "disastrous impact on the peace process". One influential imam said it was as good as a declaration of war". Jerusalem is significant in a number of religious traditions and its status has been disputed for decades. While Israel considers the city its capital, Palestinians claim east Jerusalem would be the capital of any future Palestinian state. Israel annexed much of the city illegally in 1967 and it is likely to be part of any eventual peace agreement. 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 Mr Trump's election promises to move the embassy have been supported by his appointment of figures who are pro-Israeli settlements, including hardliner David Friedman, who will serve as the US ambassador to Israel. Mr Friedman has previously called President Barack Obama an anti-Semite and suggested that Jewish Americans who advocate a two-state solution are "far worse" than those who policed their fellow Jews in Nazi concentration camps. In December, senior Trump aide Kellyanne Conway said moving the embassy would be a "big priority for the incoming administration. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has expressed his concern to US president-elect Donald Trump over proposed plans to move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Mr Trump promised to move the US diplomatic operation to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv during his election campaign, a move widely criticised by most of the international community and security analysts, who warned the symbolic move could spark violence. The suggestion was echoed by Mr Trumps pick for ambassador to Israel, hardliner David Friedman, when his appointment was announced in December. It has since been reiterated by transition team spokesperson Jason Miller, who said Mr Trump remains firmly committed to the idea. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in 1967 in a move that is not internationally recognised and claims the entire city as its capital - as do Palestinians. Several senior Palestinian officials have said moving the embassy would hinder moves towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One influential imam said it was as good as a declaration of war. On Tuesday, the long-serving PA President, Mahmoud Abbas, added his voice to the concerns in an official letter which aimed to dissaude Mr Trump from the idea, Palestinian news agency Wafa reported. Israel: From independence to intifada Show all 7 1 /7 Israel: From independence to intifada Israel: From independence to intifada 26973.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26974.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26975.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26976.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26977.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26985.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Israel: From independence to intifada 26986.bin Robert Capa/Magnum The move would have a disastrous impact on the peace process, on the two-state solution and on the stability and security of the entire region, Mr Abbas wrote. Wafa did not specify when the letter had been delivered. It was one of several to world leaders, including the UK, Germany, France, China and Russia, calling on them to spare no effort in convincing the US not to move its embassy. The Israeli administration has welcomed the idea after decades of trying to encourage other US presidents to make the move. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A new study has found that the civil war in Syria has had a drastic effect on rivers and fresh water resources in both Syria and neighbouring Jordan. While drought caused by both climate change and resource mismanagement has been a problem in Syria for decades, fighting and forced displacement has turned the issue into a full-scale crisis. Researchers from Stanford University, unable to collect data on the ground, used composite satellite imagery to assess how water is being used and managed in the active war zone. The change in river flows was so huge that the effects could be clearly seen in the photos, the study's co-author and principal investigator Professor Steven Gorelick noted. Mr Gorelick's team found that in the south of the county, there is now so little agricultural activity that the amount of land being irrigated has shrunk by 49 per cent. The 11 reservoirs in the Syrian-controlled Yarmouk-Jordan River basin, essential for Syrias agricultural production and all other human activity, have also halved in size over the last three years. Many of them have been intensely fought over, and reservoirs under rebel control in particular have been badly managed, since the opposition lacks the technical expertise or staff to run them properly. More than three times as much water than three years ago from the Yarmouk basin now flows into water-poor Jordan. 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 However, the study noted that the benefits of the precious extra resource in the country are to some extent offset by the demand created by the 1.3million Syrians who have fled to Jordan as refugees. In September aid agencies warned that Syrias deteriorating water security would increasingly cause disease and fuel migration, as well as deepen pollution and water scarcity problems over the border in Lebanon. Currently, fighting in the Wadi Barada valley near Damascus has left 5.5 million people in the capital without water. Rebels turned off some supplies, and others were bombed in government air strikes. The UN said last week it is worried about potential disease outbreaks in affected areas. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Turkish parliament has voted to advance a bill on constitutional reform that would allow sitting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stay in office until 2029. Under the proposed far-reaching changes to the executive branch of government, the power to appoint and dismiss government ministers would become the purview of the president rather than the prime minister. The reform would also allow Mr Erdogan to become leader of the ruling party while in office again, and possibly stay in power for another 12 years. At Monday's debate on the lengthy bill, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the reform would resolve the problem of Turkey having two executive authorities. There needs to be one authority in the executive branch, he said. Two captains sink the ship, there needs to be one captain. Mr Erdogans ruling AK party argues that Turkeys current fragile security situation needs strong leadership, but opponents have already voiced fears about the authoritarian nature of the bill. The reform legislation must be supported by at least 330 of the 550 members of the assembly to go to a nationwide referendum, expected in the spring. Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes Show all 8 1 /8 Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Just a week before he was elected President, he called Erdogan Amberin Zaman, the Turkey correspondent for 'The Economist', a "shameless militant woman disguised under the name of a journalist" after she had asked an opposition leader whether "Muslim society is able to question" the authorities. "Know your place," Erdogan said. "They gave you a pen and you are writing a column in a newspaper. "And then they invite you to a TV channel owned by Dogan media group and you insult at a society of 99 per cent Muslims," he said he said according to Today's Zaman newspaper. Sascha Schuermann/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Turkish people are pictured chanting slogans during an anti-government protest on Taksim square in Istanbul, on 29 June, 2013. The protests were sparked by brutal police action against a local conservation battle to save Istanbul's Gezi Park, and soon turned into nationwide demonstrations against the government. Amid the protests - the worst in Turkey for years - Erdogan accused demonstrators of being "arm-in-arm with terrorism," according to Reuters. "This is a protest organized by extremist elements. We will not give away anything to those who live arm-in-arm with terrorism," he said. GURCAN OZTURK/AFP/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes During last years protests, activists used social media to organise and disseminate information. Several dozen tweeters were arrested following the protests, according to local media reports. Erdogan responded by calling the technology a "menace". "There is now a menace which is called Twitter," Erdogan said. "The best examples of lies can be found there. To me, social media is the worst menace to society," BBC New reported. Vladimir Astapkovich/RIA Novosti via Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Not helping to allay accusations of authoritarianism, after Turkish police detained 49 people, including well-known business people and those close to the ruling party, Erdeogan ominously told reporter that Turkey "is not a banana republic" that can be affected by unnamed "operations", according to Today's Zaman newspaper. People who are backed by the media and certain funders cannot change this country," he said. "People backed by certain dark gangs both inside and outside Turkey cannot mess with the country's path. They cannot change conditions in Turkey. Turkey is not a country that anyone can launch an operation into. The [Turkish] nation will not allow that. The AK Party, which is governing this nation, will not allow this." Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Friends and relatives of the miners who died in an explosion at the Soma mine are pictured praying following the burial in Soma cemetery of the last body to be recovered from the mine in May 2014. At the time, the then-Prime Minister badly misjudged the Soma mining disaster, in which 301 workers died. He told the relatives of dead and dying miners that "these types of incidents are ordinary things", following allegations that the government had ignored safety concerns about the privately owned mine, the Guardian reported. In his defence, Erdogan recounted in a separate speech a list of mining disasters which occurred abroad, including a British disaster in 1862, and one in America "which has every kind of technology". Oli Scarff/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Palestinians pictured attending Friday noon prayers in a destroyed mosque that was hit by Israeli strikes, in Gaza City. As Prime Minister, Erdogan has condemned Israel, accusing it of deliberately killing Palestinian mothers and warned that the it would "drown in the blood it sheds." Speaking to thousands of supporters during a rally in Istanbul ahead of the 10 August election, Reuters reported him as saying: "Just like Hitler, who sought to establish a race free of all faults, Israel is chasing after the same target." "They kill women so that they will not give birth to Palestinians; they kill babies so that they won't grow up; they kill men so they can't defend their country ... They will drown in the blood they shed," he said. AP Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Amid the worst protests in Turkey for years which had spread across dozens of cities last June, Erdogan accused demonstrators of being "arm-in-arm with terrorism," according to Reuters. A demonstration to halt construction in a park in an Istanbul square grew into mass protests against a heavy-handed police crackdown and what opponents called Erdogan's authoritarian policies. "This is a protest organized by extremist elements," Erdogan said before departing on a trip to North Africa. "We will not give away anything to those who live arm-in-arm with terrorism," he said. Sascha Schuermann/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes In March 2014, Erdogan accused a 15-year-old boy who died from injuries sustained in last year's anti-government protests of being linked to terrorism. Berkin Elvan, who became a symbol of anti-government protests, had gone to pick up bread when he was hit with a teargas canister - sending him into a nine-month coma before he passed away. In a speech broadcast on state TV, Erdogan said of Berkin: "This kid with steel marbles in his pockets, with a slingshot in his hand, his face covered with a scarf, who had been taken up into terror organisations, was unfortunately subjected to pepper gas. How could the police determine how old that person was who had a scarf on his face and was hurling steel marbles with a slingshot in his hand? ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Overnight on Mondays initial vote, 480 representatives voted, 134 of whom voted against advancing the bill. Discussions on the proposed laws content are expected to continue until January 24. President Erdogan has steadily consolidated his control of Turkeys branches of government since his election in 2014. There has been a particular crackdown on members of the opposition, academics, journalists and rights activists since a failed military coup in July last year, after which the government declared a state of emergency. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Five decades of occupation is what led an Israeli soldier, Elor Azaria, to shoot an incapacitated Palestinian man lying on the ground in the head, with 67 per cent of the country now supporting a pardon for his conviction. It is 50 years of occupation that drives someone to take a knife and stab a person in the chest while they wait for their friends by the walls of Old City. It's what leads to a truck being driven into a public bus stop killing four people. It is what causes a Palestinian woman to tell me shes terrified of getting into a car accident in Jerusalem, in case the police think shes a terrorist and shoot her on the spot in front of her children. The constant slew of violence coming out of Israel and the occupied territories is a having a detrimental effect on how young Jewish people, like myself, relate to Israel, its history and its politics. Research produced in 2015 shows that 87 per cent of Jews in the UK feel a connection to Israel and believe in its right to exist. But among my peers there is also a growing frustration and distress at a constant cycle of oppression, violence and retaliation; at a political system headed by a recalcitrant Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who would rather spend his days swapping tweets with Donald Trump than move forward with a peaceful vision for Israel and a just alternative to the status quo. Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Show all 12 1 /12 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The fire in my heart is beyond my ribs. You left me beloved - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Let me get enough of you, as Im still hungry for your smile my son - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict They besiege me in my homeland so I flew to heaven - Rodaina Al Agha, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict And I am still facing the pain all by myself - Lama Shakshak, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My brother, I watched you go while my heart was tearing - Helen Mo'amar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My new doll is lonely in the rubble - Ayah Sha'ath, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict When a soul hugs another soul they never split, even in death - Ismail Matar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Everyone is gone and I stayed alone to make the world witness the injustice done to me - Hamza Shaheen, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The hand that carries the arms carries roses too - Madeeha Al Majayda, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My eyes tell you about a dream that overcame the fence - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict A childhood caught in an unjust siege - Hadeel Quidh, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict All the details are torn after you - Hamza Shaheen, 17 My generation hasnt lived through an existential threat to Israels existence. For me, my relationship with Israel began with the Rabin assassination, the second intifada, and two wars in Gaza all episodes of extreme aggression that, in my view, seem underpinned by the dehumanisation of Palestinians. Recommended A dangerous political crisis is looming in Northern Ireland The problem with the status quo in Israel is that in order to sustain it, you must believe that the people you are ruling over are going to try and hurt you. There is growing generation of young people whose only interaction with the "other side" is through violence and mistrust, whether that be a suicide attack carried out against Israelis or settlers cutting down olive trees owned by Palestinians in the south Hebron Hills. Last summer I spent time in the West Bank with a Jewish group carrying out solidarity work with Palestinian communities. It demonstrated the power of human relationships in challenging narratives that are created around the "other". It is fundamentally important that those of us who care about finding a resolution to the conflict build human relationships across dividing lines, to facilitate empathy and understanding among the resentment that overwhelms conversations about Israel and the occupied territories. We must try as best we can to challenge a cycle of violence that currently engulfs this conflict in order to not get lost in the despair of it all. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It would be rather ironic, considering his unabated series of failures as a prime minister, if Benjamin Netanyahus downfall were to be the result of greed, sheer hedonism and an unscrupulous abuse of power to fortify his political position. Netanyahu has little to show for nearly eleven years in power over the span of twenty years. A peace agreement with the Palestinians seems only a remote possibility; his settlement policies alienate most of the world; and around a third of children in Israel are living below the poverty line. This is just a partial litany of the many shortcomings of his governments down the years. Yet, it is those constant allegations of corruption that cause him the most political harm as they have engulfed the Netanyahu family over the last two decades. In the last few weeks the Attorney General, one of the Prime Ministers close allies, could not prevent a formal police investigation, which may potentially bring an end to Netanyahus political life. Needless to say the Prime Minister has the right to presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, the two recent allegations against him, even if they wont end in a conviction or in indictment, still smack of at least morally corrupt behaviour. For instance, the Prime Ministers taste for cigars and his wifes for pink champagne were allegedly satisfied by wealthy businessmen with economic interests in Israel. Netanyahu congratulates Trump Whether there will be enough evidence to indict Netanyahu or not, the many ordinary Israelis that face the daily struggle to cope with the rising cost of living are bound to find this behaviour distasteful. The more serious scandal, and one that came as a complete surprise, is an alleged attempt by the Prime Minister to cut a deal with the owner of the Yediot Haronot newspaper, Arnon Mozes. They apparently discussed that, in exchange for the newspaper toning down its criticism against Netanyahu, the latter would assist the newspaper in improving its market share in the print press. Netanyahu and Mozes are sworn enemies who have done the utmost to harm each other, exchanging verbal blows at every opportunity. It seems that at the same time they may have been more interested in their own vested interests than the ones of the country. If this proves to be true, it undermines even further the publics trust both in the media and the political system, a trust that already enjoys a very low level of confidence. The Netanyahus are no stranger to controversy over their lifestyle, who finances it and how they treat their employees. Their behaviour is driven by an unabated sense of entitlement. Sara Netanyahu has already been found guilty of abusive and humiliating treatment of a maintenance worker in their residence, and was previously ordered by a court to pay compensation for mistreatment to another caretaker at the official home. More recently it was suggested that one of Netanyahus closest confidants, his private lawyer (who happens to also be a relative of his), had financially benefited from Israels purchase of submarines and missile boats from Germany. Netanyahu has denied the allegations. But it is the accumulation of these affairs which casts doubt about the suitability of the Prime Minister to stay in his job. Whether criminal charges are going to be pressed or not, there is a strong sense of a leader who lacks judgement on both the most urgent issues his country faces and, in addition, one who cant tell the difference between his private matters and ones of the state. It is very unlikely that Netanyahu will voluntarily relinquish power without an indictment. In the meantime he will do what he does best surviving in power and blaming everyone for conspiring against him, employing the nationalist-populist card to cling to power. Whether he can manage it depends to a large extent on the independence and courage of the police and the general prosecution. Professor Yossi Mekelberg is an Associate Fellow of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House and Head of the International Relations Programme at Regents University, London Concerns are rising that some Irish firms exposed to the UK market could shift operations to Britain amid rising fears the country will pull out of the single market. As Enterprise Ireland warned exporting companies to prepare for a so-called 'hard' Brexit, the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) reiterated that some manufacturing firms here are looking at getting their goods made in Britain instead of Ireland, to avoid potential barriers or tariffs to trade. It comes just a day after British Prime Minister Theresa May hinted that the UK will leave the single market and pledged to lay out her strategy for Brexit in the coming weeks. Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland chief executive, said the agency is telling companies they need to be prepared for whatever Brexit throws up. "What we have to do is plan for a 'hard Brexit'. If it turns out to be better than that, so be it, but we are telling our companies you have to plan for a 'hard Brexit' and put in place the building blocks today to be able to deal with whatever Brexit throws up," Ms Sinnamon said. Ms May sent the pound falling yesterday after she said in an interview on Sunday that Britain would be able to control its borders and suggested the UK would seek its own trading deal with the rest of the European Union post-Brexit. At the launch of its end of year results, Ms Sinnamon said that by preparing for a 'hard Brexit', companies that are exposed to the UK market have to be as innovative and competitive as possible. She also urged companies to look at alternative markets. "Companies are also developing strategies in terms of hedging and sourcing to be able to reduce the exposure (to the UK), but long term what we are seeing is a strategic shift and people will have to look at a long-term plan and balance their markets more so than they have done in the past," she said. Ms Sinnamon, however, said she had not heard of any Enterprise Ireland-backed firms considering shifting operations or staff to Britain yet. But Simon McKeever, head of the Irish Exporters Association, said firms here remain concerned about access to the UK market, to the point they are either looking at manufacturing their products there instead of Ireland, or shifting staff. "If Brexit actually happens and they want to maintain market share, they will need to either put more people over there, and because the UK market is so big for some companies, they may have to start producing goods over there to avoid any kind of barriers to trade," Mr McKeever told the Irish Independent. He said the currency pressure had been taken off companies in the run up to Christmas as the pound had gained in strength. But he said that could change as the deadline for triggering Article 50 nears. "As we move towards this end of March deadline with Brexit, I would have thought that you're going to be heading into more volatility on the exchange rate which will bring some of that back," Mr McKeever said. "Companies need to make long-term plans. If you're afraid the UK is going to be outside of the EU, it's not really about the exchange rate, it's more about the tariffs and the invisible barriers to trade. If 25-40pc of your business is in the UK, and you can produce the thing cheaper over there, labour is cheaper, there's good support from the British government to set up businesses in high unemployment areas, you'd want to be considering it." Meanwhile, Enterprise Ireland (EI) announced more than 200,000 people are now employed by Enterprise Ireland-supported companies - the highest in the history of the agency. A total of 19,244 jobs were created in EI-backed firms last year, with a net increase, when job losses are taken into account, of 9,117. AN underspend of 86m was accumulated by the Department of Agriculture last year, new figures reveal. Although the latest Exchequer returns, available on the Department of Finance website, do not offer a breakdown of where the underspend was made, Fianna Fail Deputy, Eamon O Cuiv, says the figures confirm that spending is significantly behind. I believe the vast majority of the underspend is on the Rural Development Programme - TAMS, GLAS and the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP). Its consistent year on year. Unless the Government starts beefing schemes up and moving spending forward they will find it hard to reach budget targets by 2020, he said. Despite statements from the Department of Agriculture that it is fully committed to spending the full amount of the RDP, Eamon O Cuiv, FF spokesperson for arts, heritage and regional and rural affairs says his biggest fear is that the national RDP spend - 2.19bn - will not be met by the time it finishes in 2020. At the moment my greatest concern is that the money wont be spent. I dont believe it was ever intended to be spent because the figures never ever stacked up and they still dont he said. Last month, payments worth 36m, commenced to 19,500 farmers, who complied with 2016 requirements, under BDGP. Meanwhile, the latest batch of GLAS participants have commenced their five-year contracts starting this month. On TAMS, a Department of Agriculture spokesperson said it is a demand led scheme. Payments can only be made when work is done and valid payment claim is submitted by applicant. Cuts to basic payments may be on the cards under looming Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, an EU agricultural expert has warned. As talks on the shape of CAP policy post-2020 are expected to intensify over the coming months, experts say the impact of Brexit and pressure to meet the EU's 2030 climate change targets are leading to further uncertainty. Mairead McGuinness, MEP and vice president of the European Parliament, has also weighed in, saying she is concerned that there isn't enough "political headspace" to deal with the future of fundamental EU policy. "The issue of who is getting what from the CAP is very divisive. The CAP is not a social welfare policy, it is a policy designed around ensuring food supply to European consumers and to support European farmers." She warned that Irish farmers may soon lose existing payments for areas currently classified in old CAP parlance as "less favoured areas". "It looks like some areas will be removed from this category of disadvantage, and payments will be removed from some farmers," she said. Alan Matthews, professor emeritus of European Agricultural Policy in the Department of Economics at Trinity College Dublin, said budget curtailments, increased emphasis on environmental objectives and a rethink of risk management lies ahead for the sector. "It's early days yet but I think, in general, we probably will see that the European Union budget it is going to come under pressure," he said. "The last time around they succeeded in more or less keeping the budget constant in nominal terms, but this time around it will be harder to repeat. The reality is there will probably be less money." Prof Matthews said the UK's decision to leave the EU compounds these concerns. The current CAP runs up to 2020 - the end of the bloc's long-term budget. It is worth around 56bn a year to farmers across all member states. Ireland gets around 1.5bn. However, by the time the current CAP runs out, the UK will have left the EU, leaving less cash in the bloc's coffers. "Brexit is potentially a hammer blow for Irish agriculture. If Brexit occurs over the next couple of years, before the next CAP comes into force, that will also mean there is less money in the kitty, the UK is such a big net contributor. So I think that is another reason to expect that the money will be lower," Prof Matthews added. Speaking at last month's Agricultural Conference in Brussels, Phil Hogan, Agriculture Commissioner, who will publish a paper on how to simplify and modernise the CAP this year, highlighted the need to "reconsider the effectiveness" of the toolkit available. He raised questions on whether existing tools intervene sufficiently and quickly enough at times of crisis and suggested that farmers should have "greater built-in measures" to help in difficult times on the basis of a risk management. "It is my determination that basic income support and an effective safety net will continue as an essential element of any new CAP through a system of direct payments," he said. However, he also warned farmers that "the new CAP will have to have a higher level of environmental ambition" than before in order to help the bloc meet its more stringent 2030 climate targets. "Our farmers and related actors will have to focus on the challenge and innovate as never before," Hogan said. "When they [farmers] start to lead from the front in terms of sustainable intensification, they will be delivering products of the highest quality with impeccable environmental credentials. "That's what the market wants." Prof Matthews anticipates that any new environmental objectives will be tackled through changes to the second pillar of CAP. However, that would ultimately mean less money would be available in Pillar I. "There may be some further incentives in the Pillar II rural development side of things because I can't really see how you can use Pillar I payment to target climate on a per hectare basis, they are not very targeted to a specific objective. "If there is less money, and we stick with the two pillar structure of the CAP, the big decision presumably will be should we try to protect Pillar I, the direct payment, at the expense of heavier cuts in Pillar II? Or should it go the other way around to maintain the Pillar II-type schemes at the expense of less money for Pillar I?" he asked. "If we take the commissioner seriously on the environmental issues and sustainability issues, his instinct might be to protect the Pillar II budget." Prof Matthews said such a move would rankle with many farmers. "There will be winners and losers. Obviously existing farmers are going to scream. But I think for new farmers who are coming in, they will be able to access land more cheaply. I think probably it's not going to affect them. "If payments come down, lands gets cheaper and farmers who use rented land will actually be able to get land cheaper," he said. Irish farmers who break farm safety rules will risk losing their EU grants, Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said. Mr Hogan said he was reluctantly coming to this conclusion in the light of the large toll of deaths from farm accidents in 2016. He said the rate of serious workplace accidents was reducing in Ireland and across the EU but no such progress was happening in farming where 21 Irish people were killed in 2016. The Commissioner said progress was being made and two EU-backed schemes were, TAMS 2 and the Green Cert, were laying great emphasis on farm safety, especially for young farmers. But we have to do more in the light of the recent accidents and heart-breaking tragedies which have hit so many farm families in 2016, Mr Hogan told the Irish Independent. The EU Commissioner said farmers can already lose grant money if they breach pollution control rules or other issues like animal welfare. He said it is time to consider including farm safety in the so-called cross compliance regime to help preserve human life. The Health and Safety Authority (HAS) last week revealed that 21 people died in farm accidents in 2016. It was down from a record high of 30 fatalities in 2014 but an increase of the 2015 death toll of 18. HAS chief executive, Martin OHalloran, welcomed the Commissioners comments saying the EUs main safety focus has been on non-farm sectors up to now. He said farming was just 6pc of the workforce but accounted for 50pc of workplace deaths and many of them involved elderly people. It is completely disproportionate and it is time to take some radical action like zoning hazardous parts of farms and excluding elderly and very young people from these dangerous places, Mr OHalloran said. Commissioner Hogan said the changes will form part of exploratory talks opening this year on a new farm price regime which will apply until after 2020. These talks will enmesh with the ongoing Brexit negotiation which are due to open at the end of March and take two years. A lively start to the calf trade has cast doubt on predictions that prices would collapse this spring. Strong farmer and dealer demand for stock at Bandon Mart yesterday and at New Ross on Saturday resulted in a brisk trade with plenty of takers for good quality calves. Jim Bush of New Ross Mart said the weekend calf sale was the best held at the Wexford centre in more than three years. Although three shippers were present at Bandon Mart, just one was actively buying calves. However, stiff competition between farmers and dealers drove the trade for the 400 calves on offer. Shipping-type Friesian bulls at Bandon sold from 50/hd to 120/hd, with heavier farmer-type calves making 120-170/hd. Mart manager, Tom McCarthy, said autumn-born Friesians were in keen demand and made up to 250-260/hd. Meanwhile, fancy prices were paid for the continental bulls on offer, with prices ranging from 400/hd to 470/hd. There was a number of Hereford and Angus calves on offer. The bulls sold for 250-350/hd, while the heifers made from 210/hd to 340/hd. In New Ross, Jim Bush described the trade for four to five-week-old Friesian bulls as "crazy". These sold for 200/hd to 355/hd, with Friesians between two and three weeks old making 120-200/hd. Continental bull prices ranged from 320/hd to 485/hd, with the top price paid for a Belgian Blue. Continental heifers made from 300/hd to 445/hd. Hereford and Angus bulls sold for 275-440/hd, while the heifers made from 220/hd to 385/hd. Commenting on the Bandon sale, Tom McCarthy said early sellers of calves invariably secured a 10-20 bonus from farmers anxious to have strong calves ready to go to grass in March. While he accepted the real tone of the trade would not be set until the full flow of calves hit the marts in February, McCarthy predicted that 2017 could be "a funny year". He pointed out that a lot of dairy cows had been put in calf to Angus and Hereford bulls last summer and this could attract more farmer buyers for these calves. Veal units in the Netherlands and Belgium have traditionally taken excess bull calves from the Irish dairy herd. However, demand was back substantially in 2016, with exports falling by close to 38pc. The export of these calves is also likely to be hit by Cork Marts' decision to exit the calf export business. Pre-tax profits at Glen Electric, the Northern Ireland-based division of electric appliance giant Glen Dimplex, more than halved last year to 19.35m (18.2m), but only because of a boost in support for worthy causes. The engineering, science and technology education sectors were given a major boost as the philanthropic Naughton Foundation received a 20.5m cash injection. The foundation was established in 1994 by one of Ireland's most successful industrialists, Martin Naughton and his wife, Carmel, with the goal of supporting worthwhile causes in the arts and education. One of the primary aims of the foundation is to fund a scholarship programme to increase its support for Leaving Certificate students who would like to study engineering, mathematics, science and technology at third level. The scholarship programme was established in 2008. It initially applied only to students from counties Louth, Meath and Monaghan, but has expanded nationwide. Mr Naughton established one of Ireland's most successful manufacturing companies, Glen Dimplex, in 1973. Accounts just filed by Glen Electric, the Northern Ireland-based division of Glen Dimplex show the family-owned company donated 17.8m (20.5m) to the Naughton Foundation last year. In total, the firm donated 18.3m to charities last year. The donation resulted in pre-tax profits more than halving to 19.35m (22.2m) at Glen Electric Ltd in the 12 months to the end of March last. Glen Electric Ltd is estimated to account for around half of Glen Dimplex's overall business. Revenues at Glen Electric last year declined by 5.5pc from 765.49m to 723.22m (832m). Glen Electric is the largest manufacturer of domestic heating appliances in the world. It is one of the largest employers on the island of Ireland employing 4,830. The firm last year paid a dividend of 1.6m. The group's balance sheet remains very strong with shareholder funds standing at 361m at the end of March last. The firm's net assets included cash totalling 241m. Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has announced the appointment of four members of the Financial Services Ombudsman Council. Former Irish Independent Business Editor and Corporate Communications Consultant Maeve Dineen will serve as Chair of the Council. Chief Executive, Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) Demott M. Jewell, solicitor Elizabeth Walsh and Health Insurance Authority CEO Don Gallagher were also appointed to the Council. The term of office of some Council members expired on some October 28 last year and these appointments were made following a public competition held by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). PAS specifically sought candidates with expertise in the areas of consumer protection issues, the financial services industry and the pensions industry. The appointments came into effect on Monday, January 9. The Financial Services Ombudsman Councils role includes include setting guidelines under which the Financial Services Ombudsman is to operate, setting levies and charges payable for the performance of the Financial Services Ombudsman, appointment of the Financial Services Ombudsman and advising the minister and the Financial Services Ombudsman. The Council has no role with respect to how the Financial Services Ombudsman deals with complaints. Maeve Dineen is a former Business Editor and Farming Editor at the Irish Independent, and is a former presenter on RTEs Ear to the Ground. The profitable Aer Lingus brand could be used to launch a new IAG global long-haul service based in Barcelona offering flights to destinations such as Tokyo and Buenos Aires IAG's airlines, which include Aer Lingus, carried more than 100 million passengers last year - the first time in its six-year history that the group has broken through the 100 million barrier. Figures released by IAG yesterday showed that it carried 100.6 million passengers in 2016. That was a 14pc increase in 2015. Last year was the first full year of ownership for IAG of Aer Lingus, which it acquired in August 2015 for 1.3bn. IAG's other airlines include British Airways, Iberia and Vueling. IAG ceo Willie Walsh said the group had gone from "strength to strength" and added that its flights last year were, on average, 81.6pc full. He also praised Iberia, which IAG has massively restructured since it merged with British Airways in 2010 to effectively form IAG. Mr Walsh said that Iberia has now become both "financially and operationally stronger". IAG also said that no final decision has been made regarding its so-called "next generation" long-haul operation that will be based in Barcelona from June, using two Airbus A330 jets. Destinations being considered for the service include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Havana and Santiago de Chile. "Options for the new operation include setting up a new airline or [to] consider using existing resources from IAG's airlines," said IAG. Mr Walsh has previously acknowledged that the Aer Lingus brand could be used to set up a base outside Ireland. Group IAG traffic for 2016, measured in revenue passenger kilometres, was 9.7pc higher than in 2015. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, was up 9.4pc. Aer Lingus is the most profitable unit within IAG. During the third quarter it had a 29.7pc operating margin. That was more than the 18.6pc at British Airways, the 17.4pc at Vueling, and 15.9pc at Iberia. Aer Lingus has rapidly expanded its transatlantic services under IAG's ownership. Last year it launched a new route between Dublin and Hartford, Connecticut, and also relaunched its service between Dublin and Los Angeles. This year, it will inaugurate a service between Dublin and Miami. IAG's traffic statistics published yesterday show that revenue passenger kilometres at Aer Lingus were 11.7pc higher in December, and available seat kilometres were up 11.1pc. If 2016 was full of political surprises, this year has the potential to deliver even more. Later this month, Donald Trump will take over as US president, with all the uncertainty that will bring. In Europe, March will set the tone. It's the month the Dutch head to elections that could score a win for the anti-establishment Party for Freedom led by Geert Wilders; the UK will formally trigger the process to leave the European Union and Chancellor Angela Merkel will get a sense of how furious Germans are over the refugee crisis in a state poll that could presage trouble in the coming general election. To discern which events investors cannot afford to ignore, above is a calendar and some insights on what analysts, including Bloomberg Intelligence, are on the lookout for. "March will be the first real political hurdle for Europe in 2017," said Maxime Sbaihi, an economist at Bloomberg Intelligence in London. Brexit is key, but for him the Dutch elections are almost more important. "The fact that the eurosceptic party is currently polling first makes the Dutch vote one of the most risky of 2017," he said. "Contrary to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands is a euro member and a pioneer country of European construction so shaky politics there could have more significant consequences for the region than the Brexit vote in 2016." Things then start hotting up in the euro area's biggest economies. In France, the National Front's Marine Le Pen is in second place in the contest for May's presidential election. Whatever way the votes go, her campaign will shape French policy into next year. In Germany, Merkel will face re-election in the autumn. In Italy, a snap vote at any point will give the populist Five Star Movement an opening. Eurasia Group analysts led by Mujtaba Rahman see a Le Pen victory as the single biggest risk and assign it a probability of 30pc. In a note to clients, Eurasia wrote that her win "would push France's euro membership to the precipice if markets lose confidence in the conditional nature" of the European Central Bank's bond-buying program. ECB President Mario Draghi, who in 2012 committed to do "whatever it takes" to preserve the single currency, is bracing himself for the worst. At a briefing of leaders at a December summit in Brussels, he singled out the unusual number of elections as one of the biggest challenges for the EU this year. Not all the inflection points are European in nature. Turkey's unpredictable political trajectory, Russia's Vladimir Putin flexing his muscles and what exactly Donald Trump will do as president all have the potential to unnerve the region from outside. With so much depending on the kind of relationship Putin and Trump will strike, Europe will be the setting for some of their most interesting interactions. The two men have yet to meet face-to-face and it might just happen in May at an ancient Greek theatre on the island of Sicily where Italy hosts the G7 summit. Yahoo will change its name to Altaba if the Verizon deal goes ahead Yahoo that it would rename itself Altaba and Chief Executive Officer Marissa Mayer would step down from the board after the closing of its deal with Verizon Communications Inc. Yahoo has a deal to sell its core internet business, which includes its digital advertising, email and media assets, to Verizon for $4.83bn. The terms of that deal could be amended - or the transaction may even be called off - after Yahoo last year disclosed two separate data breaches; one involving some 500 million customer accounts and the second involving over a billion. Verizon executives have said that while they see a strong strategic fit with Yahoo, they are still investigating the data breaches. Five other Yahoo directors would also resign after the deal closes, Yahoo said in a regulatory filing on Monday. The remaining directors will govern Altaba, a holding company whose primary assets will be a 15 percent stake in Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and 35.5pc stake in Yahoo Japan. The new company also named Eric Brandt chairman of the board, effective Jan. 9. KBC Bank has become the latest mainstream lender to sell loans to a third party. The bank confirmed that it has sold what it said was a small portfolio of loans to another entity. It said that the transaction related to homes and investment properties that had now been sold, but not all the original mortgage debt had been cleared. It comes weeks before the Belgian-owned lender is due to make a decision on whether to exit the Irish market. The call by its Belgian parent on whether to stick with KBC Ireland, and possibly ramp up the brand, or exit the now profitable business will be announced along with its financial results on February 9, the bank said last week. Now it has emerged that KBC Bank has sold loans to credit-servicing and debt-collection firm Cabot Financial Ireland. Cabot is regulated as a credit servicing firm, but does not have a banking licence. The move to sell - the first time KBC Ireland has sold loans - has prompted fears about the future of the bank here. It comes after a renewed focus on the sale of mortgages across the banking system to vulture funds. The sale of the KBC portfolio is understood to involve more than 100 loans - most of which related to buy-to-let properties that have been sold - but money is still owned on the original mortgages. "KBC Bank Ireland can confirm the sale of a small portfolio of loans relating to unsecured residual mortgage balances where the properties have already been sold," said the bank. "KBC has notified affected customers, and their existing contractual rights and protections will transfer with the sale." The bank would not say how many loans were sold, but insisted it had only sold debts where a home or buy-to-let property was surrendered to the bank, but money was still owed on the original loan. It is understood the loan portfolio sale does not relate to any decisions on the future of the brand here. One poster on Askaboutmoney.com outlined how a residual debt he owes was sold to Cabot, even though he is due to take out a new KBC mortgage. David Hall of the Irish Mortgage Brokers Association said the sale of the loans was causing fear among borrowers, and raised questions about the future of the bank here. "It also points to the fact that no-one should hand back the keys of a home until they have a deal on the residual debt owed," he said. Meanwhile, a banking trade union said there was "significant concern" among KBC Bank staff about the bank's future. The general secretary of the Financial Services Union, Larry Broderick, said: "This uncertainty cannot be allowed to hang over bank staff for the next month." He said it was not clear if the bank would retain its operations as they are in this country. The bank could also decide to merge with another bank, or sell it on, he said. When three Irish sisters launched their fashion website with an aim to cut through the hassle of online shopping, their offering was an immediate hit. Dubliners Jennie Grace and Sarah McGinn started out as popular fashion bloggers and spearheaded Prowlster before creating Opsh which became the epitome of an Irish start-up success story. At their peak, their tech-savvy personalised site secured almost 1m in funding from UK investors and Enterprise Ireland. But the dream has come to end - which will no doubt be quite a surprise to many of the site's fans. "It is with great sadness that we have decided to step down as directors of Opsh.com," a release from the entrepreneurs read. "Ultimately we fell victim to the notoriously difficult investment chasm - the chasm that exists when a sparky start-up needs to move into a global-looking machine. And so, for some of you this wont come as a surprise. "There is a distinctly unsexy side to running a start-up that made every effort to push-through almost impossible. https://twitter.com/McGinnSisters/status/818509309986439168 "Perhaps what will come as a surprise is just how long we battled, fought and pivoted our way through adversity - a testament to our sheer determination, but ultimately unsustainable. We have built an incredible brand with Opsh - but its now time for us to step away." Despite having no background in technology or business, the trio positioned themselves firmly inside the emerging tech space and grew a large and talented team, building up a significant client base. Thanking everyone who has helped them along in their journey - from their first staff member to the media who "gave three unknown sisters" a chance - the McGinns hope that others can learn from their experience. "We hope we have left some blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs or people who just want to #getahead. That alone makes it worthwhile," they said. "On a personal level, we have amassed a vast amount of knowledge and skills that we hope to share, but also apply to the next chapter in our lives, whatever that may be." "We always stood for collaboration, not competition and our motto was to stay sassy, creative, smart, kind and kickass...This isnt the end of the road for the Mc Ginn Sisters, and were sure there are plenty more exciting times to come." A man who left Ireland ten years ago "with nothing" has made over 1m from blogging about visiting every country in the world - and wants to share how he did it. Johnny Ward caught the travelling bug straight after he finished college but didn't have the finances for a jet setting lifestyle. His extraordinary adventures of how he's managed to visit every country in the world - bar just three - have helped, not only finance his wanderlust, but also make him a millionaire. Born in Galway, Johnny moved with his mother and sister in Northern Ireland where he lived until he went to college in the UK. "I grew up in a single parent family and we were on social welfare benefits until I was 13. We had nothing - no car, no holidays, no heating!," he told independent.ie. "I studied International Economics in college [which may seem like it would help with what I'm doing now but it doesn't at all!] but I wanted to take a year out to travel before I settled down to work in the City." Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook India Credit: Facebook India Credit: Facebook Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook With no money in the bank, Johnny's solution was to work in summer camps for disadvantaged children in the New York, allowing him just enough funds to spend several months travelling the US. "I was on the breadline - I literally and completely ran out of money," he said. "My flight, which was paid for through the summer camp, flew back into London. I couldn't even afford the train ticket back to my sister's house in London so I bought it with my Mam's card and my sister paid for my flight back to Ireland." At the age of 22, Johnny found himself back at home with no money, an aversion to the idea of the corporate world and a longing to see the world. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close India Credit: Facebook India Credit: Facebook Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp India Credit: Facebook "I just Googled how to travel with no money, how to earn money in a short space of time. I signed up for five weeks of clinical trials for medical research and they paid me 3,000 for it," he said. "I paid off a bit of debt I'd worked up when I was in Las Vegas and then used the rest to pay for a TEFL course and buy a one way ticket to Thailand." Chiang Mai was where Johnny's journey really began teaching English, studying Thai and saving enough money from his 400 a week salary to put on his travelling hat again. "I was saying a big 'F*** You' to the real world; I was loving my life," said Johnny. Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Sikandara Credit: Facebook Sikandara Credit: Facebook Northern India Credit: Facebook Johnny mapping out his travels from Bangkok Credit: Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sikandara Credit: Facebook "It was cool even though I was constantly broke. Every time I ran out of money I would just go back and teach English for another few months." "I was budgeting as low as $7 a day and managed to spend about two years travelling around Asia." A turning point for Johnny came when he turned 26 and believed that he needed to do "something in an office" as the hunger for a more sustainable source of income began to grow. "I loved the adventure I was having - it was amazing and I'm so grateful that I got to experience things like the 72 hour buses and zero class trains," he said. "But I wasn't getting any younger and I felt like I needed to get some corporate experience and save some money". Expand Expand Previous Next Close Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dashaswmedha Ghat, Ganga, Varanasi Credit: Facebook Johnny flew from Asia to Australia and managed to get a job within a matter of days in a conference company as a sales rep. Despite the attractive salary and a good relationship with his manager, Johnny quit his job after six months believing that he'd made a terrible mistake. But then he was offered a visa, a job change and a pay hike from the same company. "I think that was another big turning point for me. Now I look back and think that it actually was the making of me but I agreed to stay on at the time. It was cowardly as I knew I wasn't happy. Within four months I'd quit again and flew one-way to Zimbabwe." This time, Johnny was in a much better financial situation. He'd saved $30,000 and had built his blog ["I paid a guy $100 to do it for me"] during the year he spent in Australia. "I'd heard rumours about people making a career from blogging. I looked at those and thought they were boring and middle class," he said. "They were nothing like the crazy experiences I had. I hitch hiked on a cargo ship to China with no visa. I wanted to tell people about that." Six months after Johnny had been given his blog serious attention, his very first advertiser contacted him to place an ad for $85 - and he thought it was a joke. "I thought it was my old work colleagues taking the p*** out of me so I took the p*** back until I realised the guy was for real. That was when I realised that I could genuinely make money from this thing - and could realise my goal of visiting every country in the world." Read More Johnny's revenue began to ramp up every month and soon he was earning just as much from blogging as he was from teaching English. He was "living the dream" but soon his entrepreneur cogs started to turn. "If I could make this much money from my own website, I wondered how much I could make from several. So I started expanding my website portfolio, deciding on which websites to buy." Now Johnny has more than one hundred sites that are managed by his "saviour tech guy Aghosh" and employed a number of content writers and sales reps to cover the copy writing, advertising and corporate social content. "I travelled from Bangkok to Ireland for Christmas, wanting to make the journey without taking any flights. I had a great time partying along the way, deciding which websites to buy. Every month, it just kept increasing and expanding, I had to turn the PayPal notifications off on my phone as the money was just flowing in." Johnny is still close to his mother and sister and checked in with them for advice as he said he feels like he suffers from "imposter syndrome". "I still can't believe it sometimes. It still blows my mind. In the last three years Ive cracked the $1,000,000 barrier of making money online. In those three years, my best month was almost $60,000 and my worst was just shy of $12,000." He spends nine months of the year travelling the world and the other three in his "second home" in Thailand where he met his flight attendant girlfriend. "We met five years ago when I just started to focus on blogging. At the time, I was so broke that on our first date I couldn't afford coke and popcorn at the movies!," he said. Johnny hopes to conquer the last three countries on his list by the end of February but he has other projects that he is working on. "I felt like I was so lucky that I needed to give something back - and so the GiveBack GiveAway was born. We work on community development focused projects to improve the lives of those who need it, such as buying stalls for single mothers in Senegal so they can sell at the markets with dignity, supplying bicycles and donations to schools in Battambang." Aside from the charity and his digital media company Step4WardMedia.com, Johnny has created an education start up in Hong Kong and started a small dentist marketing agency. But, regardless of how far he's come, his mantra remains the same. "If youre not happy, a good salary isnt progress, its financial prison. Life is meant to be lived, not sold to the highest bidder. I want to live now, today so I make sure I do exactly that. Every single day." The online classified advertising site Backpage.com abruptly shut its "adult" section, yielding to a campaign by state and federal government officials to close a service they contend promotes prostitution and human trafficking. The unexpected move came hours after a U.S. Senate subcommittee released a report accusing Backpage of actively editing posts on the site to remove evidence of child sex trafficking. In announcing its decision, Backpage said it was the victim of government censorship. Backpage attorneys said executives would appear at a subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, but would not testify. U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Claire McCaskill, however, said their subcommittee found Backpage had been far more complicit in sex trafficking than previously known. "Backpage's response wasn't to deny what we said. It was to shut down their site," they said in a statement. "That's not 'censorship' - it's validation of our findings." The company vowed to continue its legal battles, which have become an important test for the entire internet industry of whether online platforms can be held liable for the content posted on their sites. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld a Backpage victory by refusing to revive a lawsuit filed by three young women who claimed the website facilitated their forced prostitution. Backpage is also the target of criminal action in California, where former Attorney General Kamala Harris filed charges of pimping and money-laundering against Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer and the company's controlling shareholders, Michael Lacey and James Larkin. In its announcement on Monday, Backpage cited praise from law enforcement agencies and child-protection organizations who said the site had been helpful in rooting out human trafficking. "Like the decision by Craigslist to remove its adult category in 2010, this announcement is the culmination of years of effort by government at various levels to exert pressure on Backpage.com and to make it too costly to continue," it said. Such a machine would be the first of its kind to deliver the convenience of one-cup dispensers, such as Keurig and Nespresso's coffee machines, but for alcoholic beverages. Brewer Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev) and coffee maker Keurig Green Mountain have teamed up to develop a counter-top appliance that could dispense alcoholic drinks in the home. The companies have announced a research and development joint venture that will focus on the North American market with the aim of developing a system that could work with beer, spirits, cocktails and mixers. Such a machine would be the first of its kind to deliver the convenience of one-cup dispensers, such as Keurig and Nespresso's coffee machines, but for alcoholic beverages. It also marks the first formal collaboration by the two groups. The venture will build on the technology used in the Keurig KOLD machine, which was discontinued after disappointing sales. It will also make use of AB InBev's brewing and packaging technology. The companies did not disclose financial terms for the venture or any other details about the machine, the drink brands to be used or any potential regulatory requirements. Keurig is part of privately held JAB Holding, the investment vehicle of Austria's billionaire Reimann family. JAB has built a sizeable presence in the coffee sector through an aggressive acquisition spree over the past few years. JAB chief executive Olivier Goudet is also the chairman of AB InBev, the world's largest beer maker with brands including Budweiser and Stella Artois. Last year it completed a $100bn-plus merger with SabMiller, with the combined group selling more than a quarter of all beers sold worldwide. AB InBev agreed to sell brands including Pilsner Urquell from the Czech Republic, and Poland's Tyskie and Lech to secure competition clearance for the deal. Japanese brewer Asahi agreed to buy those brands and others for 7.3bn last month - building on its purchase of Peroni and Grolsch. The deal is expected to complete in the first half of this year. Reuters Fiat Chrysler has said thousands of news jobs it announced in the US is not related to Donald Trump - despite a series of tweets in which the President-elect appears to take credit - and that the firm's chief executive had not even spoken to him. The car manufacturer announced its plan on Sunday to spend $1bn to expand plants in Ohio and Michigan and create 2,000 more jobs in the country. A news release issued by the company stated the move was part of a plan that had been first conceived in 2015. Shortly after the announcement, the President-elect tweeted his thanks to the company. It's finally happening - Fiat Chrysler just announced plans to invest $1BILLION in Michigan and Ohio plants, adding 2000 jobs. This after... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2017 Ford said last week that it will expand in Michigan and U.S. instead of building a BILLION dollar plant in Mexico. Thank you Ford & Fiat C! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2017 It's finally happening - Fiat Chrysler just announced plans to invest $1BILLION in Michigan and Ohio plants, adding 2000 jobs, he wrote on Twitter. This after Ford said last week that it will expand in Michigan and U.S. instead of building a BILLION dollar plant in Mexico. Thank you Ford & Fiat C! He did not directly take credit for the move, but his implication that his "America First" policy might be related to the move was mistaken, according to company spokeswoman Jodi Tinson. "All of the plans were conceived in 2015 and articulated in 2016 and now we have come full circle [to implementing them]," she told The Independent. When asked if the company chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, had even had any direct conversations with Mr Trump, she said: "No". When asked if Mr Trump and his politics had any effect on the company decisions, she also said they had not. The company first announced its plan in an investor presentation in 2015, describing what it saw as a consumer trend from cars to SUVs and trucks, and a resulting demand for larger vehicles in the US. The company no longer builds small cars at all. The news comes after Ford CEO Mark Fields said his companys decision to ditch plans to build a new factory in Mexico and instead invest $700m into a Michigan plant, creating 700 jobs, was not related to Mr Trump. The President-elect, however, tweeted that the news about Ford was "just the beginning". Mr Trump has taken credit for other company moves, including Sprints decision to create 5,000 jobs in the US - a decision made before he won the election - and claiming that he would save jobs at air conditioning company Carrier from moving to Mexico. Carrier decided to save fewer than half its jobs at the plant in Indiana, and the union leader Chuck Jones claimed Mr Trump was lying his a** off. The arrest of Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt caught the company's management by surprise, sales chief Juergen Stackmann said yesterday. Volkswagen executive Schmidt, who headed the company's US regulatory compliance office in the US from 2014 to March 2015, was arrested on Saturday in Florida on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with the automaker's emissions-cheating scandal, according to a source briefed on the matter. He was due to appear in Federal Court in Miami, Florida, overnight, a spokeswoman for the United States Attorney's office in Detroit said. "We even don't know if there is a connection (to Dieselgate)," Oliver Stackmann told Reuters on the sidelines of the Detroit auto show, adding he expects more clarity "in the coming days". A British law firm has launched a legal action against Volkswagen that seeks thousands of pounds of compensation each for UK drivers affected by the carmaker's emissions scandal. Meanwhile, the German company is involved in lawsuits in several countries after admitting it cheated diesel emissions tests. Expand Close Hinrich Woebcken, CEO of Volkswagen North America, talks about the 2018 Tiguan sports utility vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show on January 9, 2017, in Detroit. Photo: AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hinrich Woebcken, CEO of Volkswagen North America, talks about the 2018 Tiguan sports utility vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show on January 9, 2017, in Detroit. Photo: AP In Britain, Europe's second-biggest vehicle market, 1.2 million cars are affected and Harcus Sinclair UK, which is being supported by Slater and Gordon, said around 10,000 drivers had already signed up to the legal action before Monday's launch. The firm will pursue a group action at the High Court and is asking other drivers affected to come forward and join the case. "We will argue that you received a vehicle that should never have been licensed for sale because it did not meet the required emissions standards," the firm said on its website. "We believe that the Court will assess the difference between what you paid for your vehicle and the inherent value of what you actually received." A spokesman for Volkswagen said the company would "robustly" defend itself in the case and reiterated it did not believe customers would lose out due to the scandal. "We expect no decline in the residual values of the affected vehicles as a result of this issue," he said. Last year, a Spanish court ruled in favour of a buyer of a Volkswagen car with altered emissions software, ordering two of the German firm's local units to pay a 5,000 fine to the car's owner. But the British authorities have been accused by some consumers and lawmakers of being too slow to act for not pursuing compensation or criminal proceedings. Volkswagen has been hit hard in Britain since the scandal erupted. Sales of VW cars are down 7.5pc in 2016 while the overall market rose. (Reuters) Former secretary of the Department of Finance, Governor of the Central Bank and 'architect of the Irish economy', TK Whitaker has died. Tributes have poured in from near and far, with President Michael D Higgins calling him "as fine an Irishman as there has been," while Enda Kenny said Dr Whitaker is "incomparable and irreplaceable" and a "national treasure." 1. Work life Dr Whitaker, who was born in 1916, worked as both an economist and a public servant. In the wake of his death, President Michael D. Higgins described his work as "the embodiment of the finest qualities and aspirations of the Irish people." Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Ex-Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Finance Secretary TK Whitaker board a plane for talks with then British PM Harold Wilson in 1966 The 1967 meeting between Jack Lynch and Terence O'Neill at Stormont, with TK Whitaker in the background. Whitaker had played a major role in making it happen. The then finance minister Charles Haughey is formally presented with the first of Irelands new decimal coins by Dr TK Whitaker, who was governor of the Central Bank, in September 1969. Picture: Irish Photo Archive. Two generations of government finance gurus come face to face as Brian Lenihan and TK Whitaker chat at a book launch Something to smile about - Taoiseach Enda Kenny launching the memoirs of finance guru TK Whitaker. Photo: Mark Condren DR. TK Whitaker, Ireland's 'greatest economic thinker'. TK Whitaker outside the building at DkIT named in his honour. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ex-Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Finance Secretary TK Whitaker board a plane for talks with then British PM Harold Wilson in 1966 2. Economy He was 39-years-old when he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Finance in 1956. Mr Whitaker was one of the driving forces behind the First Programme for Economic Expansion 1958 - 1963. 3. Central Bank Whitaker's role as Governor of the Central Bank, during a period of economic instability in the 1970s, has a relevance today in light of the recent banking collapse. Maintaining the autonomy of the Central Bank vis-a-vis both the Government and the Commercial Banking system, in 1970 he successfully resisted Government attempts to obtain statutory control over the implementation of credit policy - a move, as he told the Minister for Finance, he "did not consider to be in the national interest". 4. Seanad Eireann He was nominated by then Fianna Fail Taoiseach Jack Lynch as a member of the 14th Seanad Eireann. He served as a non-party senator from 1977-1981. 5. Expertise T.K. Whitaker was President of the Economic and Social Research Institute from 1974 until 1987 and Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry into the Penal System 1983-1985 6. Northern Ireland He was dedicated in search of peace in Northern Ireland. President Higgins even said that "The Good Friday Agreement would be unimaginable without T.K. Whitaker." 7. Achievements Dr Whitaker also served as Chancellor of the National University of Ireland from 1976 to 1996. He also served as President of the Royal Irish Academy. 8. Love for 'Gaeilge' His love for the Irish language was renowned, with the collection of Irish poetry, An Duanaire: Poems of the Dispossessed 1600-1900, edited by Sean O Tuama and Thomas Kinsella was dedicated to Whitaker. 9. Honour Described by several Taoisigh as the State's finest public servant, he was named Irish Man of the 20th century in a public vote in 2001. 10. Death He died around a month after his 100th birthday, which was in December 2016. Whitaker married Nora Fogarty in 1941; with whom he had six children; Brian, David, Ken, Gerry, Catherine, and Raymond. After the death of his first wife in 1994, he was wed to Mary Moore in 2005. First Minister Arlene Foster outside 10 Downing Street in London in October. Photo: Reuters Northern Ireland's outgoing First Minister Arlene Foster has said she is open for discussions with Sinn Fein in the next few days following the shock resignation of Martin McGuinness. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on Monday over Arlene Foster's refusal to stand aside during an investigation into the failed Renewable Heating Incentive. Expand Close McGuinness called on Foster to stand aside in his signed resignation. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp McGuinness called on Foster to stand aside in his signed resignation. Photo: Reuters The move by Mr McGuinness under the structure of Stormont's Executive Office also forces Mrs Foster from office. Mr McGuinness said Mrs Foster's refusal to show humility over the scandal was "indicative of a deep seated arrogance which is inflicting enormous damage on the Executive, the Assembly and the entire body politic". Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday the DUP leader said she had been "disgracefully maligned in the most vicious manner" over the RHI scandal. She said that it was important that the "truth" came out. Mrs Foster said she is calling for an investigation into the RHI to be set up under 2005 Inquiries Act. That would mean a public inquiry which would compel witnesses to attend and documents to be produced. The DUP leader has said she hopes the process of getting the inquiry under way can start by the end of the week. Earlier today Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire told the House of Commons that the current situation in Northern Ireland is grave and that the clock was ticking on an election. As he urged the political parties to find a way around the current impasse he said it was "entirely premature and unhelpful" to talk about the suspension of the devolved institutions. A cliff and sea rescue was stood down last night after the missing man was found in a nearby pub, totally unaware of the operation that had been launched to find him. At around 7:30pm, Gardai contacted the Valentia Coastguard for assistance in the search for a man in his 40s who was thought to be in danger after a concerned taxi driver reported him missing. The taxi driver had brought the man to Ballybunion in County Kerry and was worried due the line of questioning which had taken place. A post on the Ballybunion Rescue Facebook Page stated that the taxi driver became worried when the man "enquired as to how to get to the cliffs, and given that it was dark and the weather was bad at the time." A spokesperson for Valentia Coastguard told Independent.ie: "At around 7:30pm yesterday evening a man was reported missing in and around the ladies' beach area of Ballybunion. The local coast guard was tasked to the area and the helicopter rescue 115 was also called. "The man was found shortly after safe and well in a nearby pub." Ballybunion Sea and Rescue and Ballybunion Coast Guard were coordinated to assist the search at 7:37pm. The man was found at around 8:40pm and was totally unaware of the operation that had just been launched. The operation was recorded as a false alarm with good intent. A man with 474 previous convictions, who has the longest criminal record in Ireland and the UK, has been jailed again. Eamonn Lynch, (43), with an address at Glentain Manor, Letterkenny, was jailed for five months for his role in two burglaries in Co Donegal in 2012 and 2014. The father of eight, originally from Derry City, also holds the record in the UK and Ireland for the most road traffic offence convictions. He has 276 convictions for road offences, 114 of them for driving whilst disqualified. He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Letterkenny District Court to thefts in east Donegal while he was living in this jurisdiction. Detective Sergeant Michael Galvin said Lynch and another man were caught on CCTV as they stole a generator from the rear of Bradleys shop at Crossroads, Killygordon on September 6, 2012. At 4am on July 18, 2014, Lynch and two other men had broken into the home of Kevin Doherty in St Johnston and stolen a Toshiba laptop and two mobile phones. They also stole car keys and house keys from a car parked outside another house in the area However members of a local community alert scheme raised the alarm and Lynch was later arrested as he tried to escape across nearby fields. Lynch was later given bail. His solicitor Frank Dorrian said Lynch had a history of problems with drugs and alcohol. Judge Paul Kelly jailed Lynch for a total of five months for burglary and theft. An unqualified electrician and gas fitter has been given three months to pay 5,000 for carrying out dangerous work at a house in Dublin. Tradesman, Noel Perrin (63) of Tymon Lawn, Old Bawn, Tallaght, Dublin is being prosecuted by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in connection with works he did in a house at Rutland Avenue, Crumlin, in Dublin from August 2015 until April last year. On Tuesday sentencing was adjourned until April and he was ordered to pay compensation and to come up with prosecution costs. He had pleaded guilty in October to carrying out works without being a registered gas installer or electrical contractor and describing himself in a manner likely to suggest he was qualified. Last month, solicitor Shane Reynolds, for CER, told Judge John Brennan at Dublin District Court that the owner of the house contacted a builder to carry out upgrades at her home. The work was subcontracted to Perrin who did gas and electrical work without being qualified. The work was found to be so unsafe that Gas Networks Ireland would not fit a gas meter, Mr Reynolds said. The electrical work was also found to be unsafe as well, he added. The offence can result in a fine of 5,000 per offence as well as a possible six-month sentence. The case had been adjourned until Tuesday for him to pay 4,105 compensation to the home owner, who had to pay a qualified tradesman take over the job. The accused brought 1,300 to court and the judge allowed him a three month adjournment to come up with the rest of the compensation as well as another 1,000 in prosecution costs. He has been warned that if the compensation and costs were paid that would be taken into account when the judge assesses what fine, if any, should be imposed. A Dublin youth, who was identified on Facebook after he took part in the vicious mugging of a woman in Dublin, will be sentenced next month. The Dublin Childrens Court heard yesterday the terrified woman (31) moved house as a result of the robbery and was afraid to be on her own following the incident in Balbriggan on August 30, 2015. The 17-year-old boy said he gave in to peer pressure put on him by a teenage girl when he took part in the mugging. The court has also heard that the boy and a suspected accomplice were identified via Facebook after the woman allegedly saw photos of them on the website, which she then showed to gardai. Earlier, the boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, indicated he was contesting the case but, when the hearing was about to commence, his counsel told Judge John OConnor that there was a guilty plea. Garda Kevin Fitzpatrick told the judge the incident happened just after 1am, when the woman was walking through a housing estate. She was approached from behind by two boys and one girl, who were in their mid-teens at the time. One of them grabbed her handbag from her shoulder, a struggle ensued and she let go after a few minutes, Gda Fitzpatrick said. Her bag, which contained 90, house keys, make-up and her bank cards, was taken. When later arrested, the youth made several admissions in relation to his involvement. Gda Fitzpatrick said the teenager told gardai he had been with a female co-accused who wanted to go out robbing. He said the boy told him he reluctantly went along with it. The court heard that the woman was hit by a co-accused during the robbery, but the teenager refuted claims he had also hit her. He also denied producing a knife and said it was probably a pen. The court heard the teenager had two vehicle theft convictions and two more relating to an unauthorised collection. The boy, who was accompanied to court by his mother, remained silent during the hearing. Giving her victim impact statement, the woman said she is now more weary, adding, I would feel so unsafe. The judge described the robbery as nasty and told the victim he hoped nothing like that ever happened to her again. He adjourned sentencing until February to allow a probation report to be prepared. A teenage girl is due to face a hearing later this month in connection with the incident. Una Sinnott initially considered dentistry as her third-level study choice but, in the end, her passion for agriculture won out. The 18-year-old from Knockbrandon, Co Wexford, is from a farming background and has always had a keen interest in agriculture and agricultural science. That interest was nurtured in Colaiste Bhride, Carnew, Co. Wicklow, where in fifth year she was part of a team at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, with a project aimed at reducing the 'carbon hoofprint' of cattle. Una is now a first-year BSc Agricultural Science student at University College Dublin (UCD). But her first introduction to the college was actually when she was still at school and attended its School of Agriculture and Food Science programme as part of the UCD Summer School. That year, she was also part of a team that entered an agricultural science competition, which led to them winning five Angus calves that they raised and then later sold on. Una credits her Leaving Cert agricultural science teacher, Dr Suzanne Eivers, with further strengthening her love of the subject, a passion that continues in UCD. "Choose something that you love and major in that area - you will enjoy it so much more" is her mantra. Although a self-confessed homebird, Una says that she doesn't miss home at all. She lives on campus and, from day one, immersed herself into life at Belfield. She was elected class rep and is involved in Belfield FM, the Ag Soc and the St Vincent de Paul Society, and is a member of the UCD camogie team. The latter is certainly no surprise, as Una was part of the Wexford senior ladies' team who won the Leinster final in 2016. The final happened to be on the weekend before her Leaving Cert, which concerned her mother more than it did Una. Her negotiating skills with her mother may be owed in part to her love of debating in school, which she has carried on into UCD. She is now captain and the only first-year on a team aiming to represent UCD in the Great Agri-Food Debate next month. Una's preferred career path is to work in agri-related media, an avenue she has already developed through relationships with farming publications and Belfield FM, as well as creating podcasts for South East Radio. Dubliner Stephen Reid was lucky to have been offered his top choices on both CAO lists when he left school. Having grown up under a Dublin Airport flight path, his interest in aviation ultimately triumphed. Instead of accepting a place on a Level 8 (honours) biomedical engineering degree in a Dublin university, Stephen opted for the Level 7 (ordinary degree) BEng in Aircraft Systems at IT Carlow. Considering his friends, like most Dubliners, were choosing to stay in the capital for their third-level study, it was a big step for Stephen. But the move is not one he regretted. "It was a good thing; I got to experience college life in a way that many of my friends did not," says Stephen, a native of Clarehall and a former pupil of St Paul's College, Raheny. After he started in Carlow, the institute introduced a Level 8 course in the same field, and Stephen's was the first class to undertake it. He was one of only five graduates last year. "So, as it turned out, I got my Level 8 in four years," he says. The BEng in Aircraft Systems is the only course of its kind in the country, and Stephen's story is a perfect example of the attractive opportunities for graduates in the fast-growing aviation industry. Within two months of leaving college, Stephen (22) landed a job with Ryanair, as maintenance coordinator for Northern Europe, based at the airline's headquarters in Swords, Co Dublin. This particular job involved organising the maintenance of Ryanair aircraft across 17 bases in Europe - scheduled maintenance as well as the unforeseen, such as engine blowouts. "It's going very well," says Stephen. An understatement considering that, after only a few months with the company, he starts 2017 with a promotion. As project engineer, he now widens his area of responsibility to Ryanair's 53 bases in Europe. Katherine Donnelly The main closing date for applications to UCAS, the centralised agency for admissions to college in Britain and Northern Ireland, is Sunday, January 15. That is the closing date for the vast majority of courses. At this stage, students should have their applications as complete as possible, if not already sent. Unlike the CAO, in the UK system institutions judge you based on more than just your exam results. The application entails students completing a personal statement and providing an academic reference and information about work experience. As well as the extra work involved in preparing an application, bear in mind that UCAS will send the completed application to each institution for their consideration as soon as they receive it. So, it is beneficial to apply as early as possible. After the Brexit vote, there was some uncertainty about the future status of EU students in UK colleges, but the UK government has confirmed that EU citizens who enter a UK course in 2017 will be entitled to the same fees, supports and benefits as UK students for the duration of their studies. This offers some security for Irish students considering applying for UCAS this year. All UCAS applications are made online through ucas.com. Students should first use this site to search for courses and institutions they may be interested in. Then they should browse for information on Irish Leaving Cert entry requirements (including a tariff calculator), fees and any other requirements, such as aptitude testing. Students may apply for up to five courses in a normal UCAS application. A major difference between UCAS applications and CAO applications is the personal statement. This is an essential element of the process and Irish students often underestimate its importance. A personal statement is the applicant's chance to 'sell' themselves and it needs to explain why the college should choose the applicant. While including any work experience or extra-curricular activities relevant to the course is important, applicants must also give an idea of their academic interests and work style. The reference should be from someone who can comment on the student's academic style and suitability for the course, often a subject teacher. See ucas.com for advice on how to write references and personal statements. Other EU options Universities across Europe offer courses through English, even in countries where English is not the main language. Many of these courses have lower entry requirements than Irish courses, as well as low fees. All EU citizens can benefit from access to any college in the EU, in addition to any supports available to students within those countries. For those who may be considering such an option, now is the time to fully explore these possibilities and to apply. EUNICAS is an applications service that will assist students in applying for courses in Europe. For more information, visit eunicas.ie and studyineurope.eu. 1st year students from Loreto Foxtock, Margot Moore and Aimee ONeill at the launch of the 53rd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition kicks off tomorrow at the RDS. Amid a series of controlled balloon explosions and dramatic puffs of dry ice, the BT Young Scientist was launched with a bang and another record-breaking year with a record number of entries The iconic event now in its 53rd year, will see students address social issues such as the global migrant crisis as well as striving to make innovations in the digital sphere. Its a far cry from the very first Young Scientist Exhibition held at the Mansion House in 1965 which saw 17 year old John Monahan from Kildare win for his project in demonstrating chemical reactions during digestion. Currently Vice-President of Research and Development at the cutting edge Synthetic Biologics in California, Dr Monahan is also a judge of this years competition. Hell get off his plane on Wednesday and come straight to the exhibition, confirmed Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, paying tribute to Dr Monahans long-standing commitment to the Exhibition down the years. Mr Walsh said this is yet another record-breaking year for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, with the highest number of entries to date, with over 2,900 projects. Just 550 of these projects will be exhibited at the RDS due to space restraints. The quality of the projects on show this year is extraordinary, Mr Walsh said. The projects span four categories Technology, Biological & Ecological, Social & Behavioural Sciences and Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Margot Moore (13) a first year student at Loretto College Foxrock, Co Dublin took part in a project based on binocular vision. The students found that reading and writing skills are improved when one eye is covered with an eye patch, she explained, while balance and judgement were not altered in any way by the covering of one eye. She said they hadnt found out why but thought that it could be that it is easier to focus with one eye while wearing an eye patch. Also at Loretto Foxrock, Aimee ONeill (12) took part in a project titled The Great Gluten Free Bake Off. Students tried to find a cake most similar to a plain control cake baked in the usual way with normal flour. They found that a cake baked with gluten-free flour but without the recommended stabiliser produced a tastier result but the cake hardened more quickly, she said. In tests, 59pc picked the control cake while 41pc picked the gluten-free option, said Aimee. That was surprising because it was so close, she added. President Michael D Higgins will officially open the exhibition at a special ceremony tomorrow, with the ceremony streamed live on Facebook from 2pm. The winner will be announced on Friday and presented with a cheque for 5,000, the BTYSTE perpetual trophy and a trip to the European Space Research and Technology Centre in the Netherlands. Founder of the Young Scientist Exhibition Dr Tony Scott, who attended the launch, said they had expected the entries to plateau over the years but this has not happened with more and more entries every year. It says something for the young people that they want to explore science and the excitement of science, he said. He said the success of the Exhibition is a four legged stool supported by the young people themselves, teachers, parents and sponsors. If one of these fails, it falls down, he said. Asked if he felt proud of what he had created, he corrected: Its not what I created, its what the young people created. The early years were very different, he said, quipping that some of the entries then would not make it in to the exhibition today. And he said the development of things like the computer and the growth of science can be charted in the catalogues of entries. There had been too many standout projects to mention, said Dr Scott but particularly recalled Ronan McNulty currently another judge in the contest who had entered as a schoolboy in 1985 with a project which had managed to print the music of his father, a blind composer, as it was played via a simple zx computer. Ronan still has that very equipment, said Dr Scott. A 74-year-old man is in a critical condition after he was struck by a car last night. The incident occurred shortly before 10pm on a local road at Bough, near Scotstown in Co Monaghan. Emergency services attended the scene and the man was treated by paramedics. He was rushed to Cavan General Hospital by ambulance. The driver of the car, a man in his twenties, was uninjured in the incident. Garda Forensic Collision investigators are now examining the scene of the collision and local traffic diversions will remain in place until later this evening. Anyone with information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station 047-77200 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. More than 40 hospitals face the prospect of strikes by support staff after they accused their employer of giving nurses extra holidays and training courses. Siptu said the HSE awarded nurses two extra days of annual leave over two years, and funded training, in a deal the support staff were not part of in 2015. More than 31,000 workers, including porters, home helpers, cleaners and healthcare assistants, are also demanding that they are given the same right as clerical officers to job evaluations that could entitle them to move up a grade. As a result, their pay would rise. The union is also in dispute with the HSE over the treatment of interns, which it claims are being rigidly put on point one of their salary scales - while individuals that were recruited recently sometimes start at the top of the scale. Siptu has released a list of 40 hospitals where staff will be balloted from January 23 and warned that more may be affected. Staff at hospitals including the Mater, St James's, St Vincent's, Connolly Hospital, Tallaght Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, the Coombe, Central Mental Hospital, Our Lady's Hospice and the Central Remedial Hospital in Dublin will be balloted. Voting will also take place at Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda, Cavan General Hospital, Mullingar General Hospital and Cork University Hospital. Siptu health division organiser Paul Bell said the hospitals were selected due to his members' belief that the issues in dispute were particularly "acute" there. "It is expected that additional hospitals will be added to this initial list of facilities to be balloted," he said. He said the HSE and Department of Health's decision to give concessions to nurses working in emergency departments that had not been extended to other workers was a central issue for Siptu members. "In the result of strike action, our members will do everything in their power to ensure that the disruption for the public is minimised," he said. The ballot result will be announced on February 13. A cross-party delegation from the Dail met with Ibrahim Halawa in Cairo this morning and have described the horrific ordeal the Dubliner has been through. Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy took to social media after his meeting with Mr Halawa, highlighting that all the young man wants is to come home. Ibrahim is in a max security prison reserved for those convicted of serious crimes, yet hasn't been convicted of anything! #FreeIbrahim Paul Murphy (@paulmurphyAAA) January 10, 2017 Ibrahim told us that in a previous prison he was tortured, hit with metal bars and cut with metal chains. #FreeIbrahim Paul Murphy (@paulmurphyAAA) January 10, 2017 Ibrahim: "Life is moving on and I'm still behind bars." #FreeIbrahim Paul Murphy (@paulmurphyAAA) January 10, 2017 Ibrahim is currently on hunger strike. He fainted yesterday as a result of low blood sugar and received a glucose injection. #FreeIbrahim Paul Murphy (@paulmurphyAAA) January 10, 2017 Just out of prison after meeting Ibrahim Halawa. His main message was "I want to go home." #FreeIbrahim Paul Murphy (@paulmurphyAAA) January 10, 2017 Mr Halawa is currently on hunger strike and fainted on Monday due to low blood sugar levels. Ibrahim had heart trouble 3 months ago, saw a Doctor who said he needed to have a heart 'echo', but it still hasn't happened, the Dublin South West TD tweeted. Ibrahim told us that in a previous prison he was tortured, hit with metal bars and cut with metal chains. Ibrahim explained he entered prison when he was 17, is 21 now. Has missed birth of his niece, hasn't seen sisters or father. Expand Close Nosayba (left) and Somaia Halawa, sisters of Ibrahim Halawa, in Dublin campaigning for his release / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nosayba (left) and Somaia Halawa, sisters of Ibrahim Halawa, in Dublin campaigning for his release From Firhouse in Dublin and the son of prominent Muslim cleric Sheikh Hussein Halawa, Ibrahim Halawa was detained in a mosque near Ramses Square in Cairo as the Muslim Brotherhood held a "day of rage" over the removal of their elected president Mohamed Morsi in August 2013. The student marked his 21st birthday in a Cairo jail in the weeks before Christmas. He is awaiting the start of a mass trial, three years on from his detention during a crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for January 17. Eamon Ryan, Green Party TD and member of the delegation, said the ultimate goal of the visit was to help secure Mr Halawa's freedom. The hope is for Ibrahim's return and that an all-party delegation provides a clear diplomatic message that supports his case for return and helps to make that happen," he said. The other members of the delegation who travelled to Cairo include Brendan Howlin;; Fianna Fail foreign affairs spokesman Darragh OBrien; Sinn Feins housing spokesman Eoin O Broin; Fine Gael TD Colm Brophy and Independent TD Noel Grealish. Samuel Patrick Moore (47) of Springbank Close, in West Belfast, appeared at Antrim Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and admitted three charges Photo: Reuters An Irish man was removed by police from an easyJet flight at Belfast International Airport after telling a female member of cabin crew: "I'm going to stick a f**king gun to your head". Samuel Patrick Moore (47) of Springbank Close, in West Belfast, appeared at Antrim Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and admitted three charges: behaving in a threatening manner onboard an aircraft; failing to obey a lawful command on an aircraft and being drunk on a plane. A prosecutor said Moore, who was using a walking stick in court, was on a flight going to Manchester at 5pm on Friday September 9 last year. Police were called after a report of a drunk and disruptive passenger after he had been asked to leave but refused. Officers escorted him off the flight. He had been shouting and swearing and the flight was delayed after a crew member was so distressed she had to go off duty. A new flight crew member had to be brought in. When questioned, Moore said he was taking pain relief which mixed with one beer and a double whiskey he had in the airport bar and his recollection of the incident was hazy. District Judge Peter King noted a crew member said she felt threatened when Moore said to her "I'm going to stick a f**king gun to your head". The judge said a pre-sentence report was needed and adjourned the case until February. An Irish woman who died while on holiday in Morocco has been named locally. Yvonne Slaughter, aged in her fifties, died tragically in the resort of Agadir on January 8. The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed they are providing assistance to the woman's family in Co Kildare. Local reports sad the woman was preparing to cross the street in the resort of Agadir when she was struck by a car. Expand Close The accident happened near the city of Agadir / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The accident happened near the city of Agadir It is understood the driver fled the scene but was caught by citizens who handed him over to police. It is suspected the motorist may have been drink-driving. An estimated 3,000 people were killed in road accidents in Morocco in the first 10 months of 2016, according to figures from the Ministry of Equipment and Transport. A total of seven Irish people died in the African country between 2009 and 2015, according to figures provided by the Department. He has done the state some service: TK Whitaker with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2014 Picture: Mark Condren Renowned economist TK Whitaker has died. The former secretary of the Department of Finance and Governor of the Central Bank turned 100 last month. Described by several Taoisigh as the State's finest public servant, he was named Irish Man of the 20th century in a public vote in 2001. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "TK Whitaker was in every sense a national treasure. He had an innate understanding of our patrimony - what we inherit from our ancestors - our ingenuity, our elegance, our intellect, our artistry, industry and kindness, and how we could put this to work for our country and our people. "TK Whitaker changed life, lives and generations in Ireland. In the last decades, he more than any other person was responsible for transforming our economy and public life. "He had a rare vision for our country and its future. He was a gentleman and patriot. Today, as a nation, we mourn the passing of this outstanding man. We celebrate and give thanks for his exemplary achievements on behalf of Ireland." Expand Close DR. TK Whitaker, Ireland's 'greatest economic thinker'. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp DR. TK Whitaker, Ireland's 'greatest economic thinker'. Mr Kenny concluded: "In modern Irish history, TK Whitaker is both incomparable and irreplaceable. President Michael D. Higgins also paid tributes to Mr Whitaker in a statement which read: "Born in 1916, T.K. Whitakers lifes work is stands as the embodiment of the finest qualities and aspirations of the Irish people. "As an economist and as a public servant, he contributed enormously to the building of an independent Ireland. He was recognised for this in the popular vote of him as the most influential Irish person of the last century." President Higgins added: "He understood Ireland and its people at a profound level, but what is more, he loved Ireland deeply", before stating "I had the privilege and also the great pleasure to know Dr. Whitaker. His great energy and intellectual rigour was matched by an irresistible personal charm. He was as inspiring as he was impressive, and as fine an Irishman as there has been." Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has also paid tribute to Mr Whitaker. "During his 30 years in the Department of Finance ,13 of which he spent in its most senior role, he demonstrated his skill and positive influence in both managing the Department itself, and strategically guiding national economic policies," he said in a statement. "His appointment to the most senior role within the Department of Finance came during a period of economic stagnation. Together with a small team of officials, Whitaker prepared his ground-breaking report, Economic Development, in 1958...It provided a framework that would influence Irish economic policy for decades to come," he added. "We remember the man and his family at this time, we also recall the great achievements he has had in public policy and thank him for his contribution to public life in Ireland." Central Bank Governor Philip R. Lane paid tribute to T.K. Whitaker, who served as Central Bank Governor from 1969 to 1976. Governor Lane said; It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of T.K. Whitaker. "He was a dedicated public servant, deeply committed to the well-being of the Irish people. "His vision of Ireland as an open, dynamic economy has provided the platform for Irish economic policy for the last sixty years. During his tenure at the Central Bank, Governor Whitaker led the modernisation of the Central Bank and the expansion of its mandate, which enabled it to address challenges such as the first oil shock, the modernisation of the domestic financial sector, increased volatility in the international financial system and significant inflationary pressures. "He was also a consistent voice in providing independent economic advice to the government throughout this period. "In the Central Bank, he is also remembered for important initiatives such as increased opportunities for female staff and reformed management structures. Foreign Affairs minister Charlie Flanagan said on Twitter: "Saddened at the passing of TK Whitaker after a century. As the Father of modern Ireland we acknowledge his vision with appreciation." Fianna Fail TD Sean Haughey posted a tribute on Twitter describing Mr Whittaker as "an outstanding public servant who played a pivotal role in the creation of modern Ireland. "May he rest in peace," he added. NUIG released a statement expressing their condolences. "In a career defined by innovation and dedication, Dr TK Whitaker led the transformation of Irish economic policy which has shaped modern Ireland. "His service to the State continued long beyond his retirement in 1976 and had a major impact on many of facets of Irish life with more than 40 organisations having benefited from his wisdom and leadership." In 1956, aged 39, Mr Whitaker became secretary of the Department of Finance. Against a background of economic stagnation, rampant emigration and an atmosphere of national despondency, in 1958 he devised Economic Development, a blueprint for the economic regeneration of the country. Whitakers later achievements, included his Governorship of the Central Bank, his service as head of the ESRI and the National University of Ireland, his appointment to both Seanad Eireann and the Council of State, as well as his contribution to improving relations with Northern Ireland. Detailed, meticulous and practical, written in a style and language aimed at the ordinary citizen as much as at politicians, he offered a radical remedy: the replacement of non-productive by productive capital expenditure, the introduction of free trade and an end to the isolation and protectionism of the previous era. An RTE news reporter has been praised for "keeping his cool" after a group of young men interrupted his live broadcast. Business editor David Murphy was speaking about the new database for fraudulent insurance claims on the Six One broadcast this evening. As he neared the end of his report a group of young men jumped in front of the camera and screamed. Instead of losing his cool Mr Murphy simply paused, allowing the producers to cut back to the studio. No point blaming it on every young Irish person - Assholes are assholes, now and in the past @davidhall75 @davidmurphyRTE @rtenews Derek Mooney (@dsmooney) January 10, 2017 @davidhall75 not a licence fee payer among them! Lucky souls. Probably don't even watch @RTE @davidmurphyRTE .@rtenews Conor McWade (@Conor1960) January 10, 2017 His professional reaction has won him a number of admirers online with many praising his "cool head" under pressure. And while there is praise for Mr Murphy twitter users have branded those who interrupted the broadcast as 'absolute gobs***es'. This is the second time in recent days that reporters have seen their live broadcasts interrupted. RTE's Religious and Social Affairs Correspondent Joe Little was reporting from outside the Citizen's Assembly at the weekend when his broadcast was briefly interrupted by an Pro-Life protester who entered his camera shot while holding up a banner which read: "You Must Not Kill: abortion is murder". Without losing his cool or engaging the protester too much, Little handled the interruption like a gentleman. Eyeing the protester in the way a weary parent would a bold child, Little reprimanded him with an "I beg your pardon" before gently pushing him out of shot. And it was straight back to business. TK Whitaker's long life of public service parallels the history of the modern Irish state in whose economic, financial, social, educational, political and cultural evolution he played a pivotal role. In 1956, aged 39, he became secretary of the Department of Finance. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Ex-Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Finance Secretary TK Whitaker board a plane for talks with then British PM Harold Wilson in 1966 The 1967 meeting between Jack Lynch and Terence O'Neill at Stormont, with TK Whitaker in the background. Whitaker had played a major role in making it happen. The then finance minister Charles Haughey is formally presented with the first of Irelands new decimal coins by Dr TK Whitaker, who was governor of the Central Bank, in September 1969. Picture: Irish Photo Archive. Two generations of government finance gurus come face to face as Brian Lenihan and TK Whitaker chat at a book launch Something to smile about - Taoiseach Enda Kenny launching the memoirs of finance guru TK Whitaker. Photo: Mark Condren DR. TK Whitaker, Ireland's 'greatest economic thinker'. TK Whitaker outside the building at DkIT named in his honour. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ex-Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Finance Secretary TK Whitaker board a plane for talks with then British PM Harold Wilson in 1966 Against a background of economic stagnation, rampant emigration and an atmosphere of national despondency, in 1958 he devised Economic Development, a blueprint for the economic regeneration of the country. Detailed, meticulous and practical, written in a style and language aimed at the ordinary citizen as much as at politicians, he offered a radical remedy: the replacement of non-productive by productive capital expenditure, the introduction of free trade and an end to the isolation and protectionism of the previous era. Above all, Economic Development offered hope and a way out of the economic quagmire in which Ireland and its people were bound and led to a period of growth, optimism and equilibrium in State finances. Whitaker's role as Governor of the Central Bank, during a period of economic instability in the 1970s, has a relevance today in light of the recent banking collapse. Maintaining the autonomy of the Central Bank vis-a-vis both the Government and the commercial banking system, in 1970 he successfully resisted government attempts to obtain statutory control over the implementation of credit policy - a move, as he told the Minister for Finance, he "did not consider to be in the national interest". He ensured the Bank fulfilled its statutory obligation in relation to credit control (especially to the over-heating building industry) stemmed the inflow of foreign capital and resisted numerous government attempts to fund non-productive expenditure out of Central Bank coffers. In the area of regulation and supervision, under his governorship, the Central Bank's control over the Irish banking system evolved and strengthened. During the 1960s, Whitaker spear-headed Ireland's convoluted path towards the European Economic Community, leading many delegations to European capitals. His later unease that the idealism, the community ethos - the 'elan vital' as he refers to it - that motivated the EEC's founding fathers, were being sidelined has an echo today in view of the sense of disconnect and disillusionment apparent within the EU. Between 1967 and 1997, he played a behind-the-scenes role in the search for peace in Northern Ireland. Historic As far back as the 1950s, he initiated cross-border relationships with his opposite numbers in the Northern Ireland administration and in 1965 arranged the historic meeting between Sean Lemass and Captain Terence O'Neill. In 1969 he wrote Jack Lynch's famous Tralee Speech which, for the first time, committed the government to a policy of reunification by the principle of consent. In the 1970s he embarked on a series of meetings with contacts in the public service and banking sectors in Northern Ireland and in the UK from which many policy documents emanated which, in turn, informed government policy both in the Republic and in the UK. One of his own policy documents, 'Northern Ireland - A Possible Solution', which he wrote in 1971 is, in reality, the basis of the Good Friday Agreement almost 30 years later. His approach to the Irish language, both in his personal and public life, and as first chairman of Bord na Gaeilge, was one of practical application, from his promotion of bilingualism as a national policy, to the preservation of the remaining Gaeltachts. In a world exposed to ever-changing technological advances and to the standardisation and globalisation of every aspect of life, including culture and language, as he now notes, government policy is no longer enough to ensure the survival of the Irish language. It requires an acknowledgement that the language is worth saving and we have the will as a society to ensure that it does. During his lifetime, Whitaker has received numerous national and international honours. It is to the credit of the ordinary Irish public, however, who saw through the subjectivity of historical and political iconology and the tinsel of celebrity, to confer the accolade 'Irishman of the 20th Century' on a former public servant, someone whose work over many decades transformed and improved the lives of generations, who spoke his mind with integrity and honesty on matters of public concern and who neither sought nor acquired personal gain in the process. Anne Chambers is the author of 'TK Whitaker: Portrait of a Patriot'. This is an edited copy of an article from the 'Sunday Independent' last month, printed ahead of TK Whitaker's 100th birthday. Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has described party colleague Martin McGuinness as very resilient, and said he hoped his party colleague would be back to full health soon. Mr McGuinness resigned on Monday as Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland but insisted that his health had absolutely nothing to do with the decision. He said his resignation was over the handling of a botched energy scheme that could cost Northern Ireland taxpayers up to 490m (564m). Speaking on RTEs Drivetime, Gerry Adams said that Mr McGuinness is obviously ill but is receiving the best medical treatment possible. He's very resilient, he's getting the very, very best of medical treatment, so hopefully - and if people pray, they should pray - hopefully he will be back to himself before too long. "I myself have received many messages from former combatants, from former RUC people, from the Protestant community, all saying give our best wishes to Martin." Sinn Fein has not disclosed details of the illness, but it has been reported by RTE that he has a rare heart condition. His decision to resign effectively triggers an election in Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein has seven days to nominate someone else to replace Mr McGuinness - which the party is not expected to do - or the secretary of state must call an election. Mr Adams stated that Mr McGuinness was left in an "untenable position". "He's invested ten years. He worked with Ian Paisley when people said that wasn't possible. He worked with Peter Robinson. He's a tireless worker. He's reached out and discommoded Republicans at time with his outreach. "So you can be sure that him coming to this decision, with our full support, was done reluctantly. It was the last thing that Martin wanted to do." In his resignation letter, which was sent to Speaker Robin Newton of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr McGuinness called for an election. "We now need an election to allow the people to make their own judgment on these issues democratically at the ballot box," he wrote. The First Minister has refused to stand aside, without prejudice, pending a preliminary report from an investigation. That position is not credible or tenable," he said in his resignation letter. "The DUP's handling of this issues has been completely out of step with the public mood which is rightly outraged at the squandering of public money and the allegations of misconduct and corruption," he added. Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness speak to journalists outside 10 Downing Street in October last year Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez Sinn Feins Conor Murphy, who has been considered as a possible replacement for Martin McGuinness, talks on his phone as he walks past a painting of the late DUP leader Ian Paisley at Stormont yesterday Photo: Charles McQuillan, Getty Images Belligerent even now, Mrs Foster is claiming Mr McGuinnesss position is political rather than principled, although the cash-for ash story is the biggest public finance scandal in Stormonts history Picture: PA Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in 2012 Picture: Pacemaker Martin McGuinness with masked IRA men at the funeral of Brendan Burns in 1988 Martin McGuinness with Ian Paisley in Stormont after being sworn in as ministers in 2007 Picture: Paul Faith/PA Mary Lou McDonald, Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness arrive at Leinster House for talks with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in 2007. Photo: PA First Minister Arlene Foster outside 10 Downing Street in London in October. Photo: Reuters Martin McGuinness announces his resignation as deputy First Minister at Stormont yesterday McGuinness called on Foster to stand aside in his signed resignation. Photo: Reuters Martin McGuinness is to stand down as Deputy First Minister and trigger a new Assembly election. It follows a row between Sinn Fein and the DUP over a green energy scheme that has landed the taxpayer with an estimated bill of 490m (563m) over the next 20 years. Mr McGuinness made repeated calls for First Minister Arlene Foster to stand aside while an independent probe is held into a scheme initiated under her watch. Now he has forced her from the joint office. 1. What happens now? The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have ceased to hold office but may still exercise their functions for a week. If Sinn Fein fails to nominate a replacement for Mr McGuinness within seven days new elections will be called by Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire. Some sort of talks process is likely after Mr Brokenshire said the Stormont parties should work together to find a way forward. Read More 2. Why did Mr McGuinness resign? He had warned of "grave consequences" if Mrs Foster did not temporarily step aside to allow a fully independent inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The RHI is a Government-subsidy scheme established in 2012 by then economy minister Mrs Foster to encourage businesses to switch from burning fossil fuels to greener sources like wood pellets. 3. Why did it run into difficulties? It was supposed to pay a proportion of fuel costs, but tariffs were set too high, meaning that for every 1 (1.15) participants spent on fuel, they received 1.60 in subsidy payments. This created a "burn to earn" incentive - with applicants able to access free heat and make a sizeable profit while doing so. Claims of widespread abuse include a farmer allegedly set to pocket around 1m in the next 20 years for heating an empty shed. Cost controls to prevent such an overspend were incorporated into a similar RHI scheme in Great Britain, but were absent in Northern Ireland. The total cost is projected to be more than 1bn over the next 20 years. While the UK treasury will pick up the bill for most of it, an expected overspend of around 490m will not be covered and will come out of the block grant for public services in Northern Ireland. 4. What happened when efforts to control costs were announced? A move to introduce a tiered payment scheme in 2015 was met by a flurry of applicants trying to get on to the old system before the date set for the changes. Almost 1,000 applied in three months - around the same number from over the previous three years. The deluge of new applications is a key factor in the massive overspend, and opposition politicians have demanded answers around the spike. When the cost controls were introduced the scheme limped on for a further three months but, after the UK treasury made clear it would not pick up the overspend bill, it was closed for good in February. Read More 5. What was Mrs Foster's role in the RHI? As economy minister, she was in charge of the department that developed the RHI from its inception in 2012 to 2015. Much of the scrutiny on Mrs Foster has focused on how she responded to concerns raised by a whistleblower during that time. There was a flurry of claims about whether the individual raised concerns directly to Mrs Foster, or if she only outlined them after the DUP stalwart passed her on to meet officials. The DUP published an email sent from the whistleblower to Mrs Foster that made no mention of her RHI concerns - the party cited it to demand an apology from those who said she should have done more. However, another email has since emerged, sent directly to Mrs Foster in 2013, that raised specific concerns about the scheme. 6. Why has Mrs Foster's successor in the department been making headlines? After she left the economy portfolio, DUP MLA Jonathan Bell took on oversight of the scheme and ultimately closed it. He broke party ranks to level a series of allegations against Mrs Foster and party advisers in an explosive TV interview. He claimed he tried to pull the shutters down sooner but was dissuaded by Mrs Foster and other DUP advisers. Mrs Foster disputed his account and said she acted to close it sooner. She has accused her opponents of misogyny and said the party was working on steps to recoup the money. Once described as "Britain's number one terrorist", Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness played a major role in the Northern Ireland peace process. Widely accepted as a one-time IRA chief of staff, Mr McGuinness (66) moved from his army role to successfully share political power with one of his deadliest enemies. Not alone did he share power with anti-republican DUP leader Ian Paisley, the two got on so well together they were dubbed the "Chuckle Brothers". Born in 1950, Mr McGuinness is the second eldest of seven children. His father William worked in an iron foundry and the family of nine lived in a two-bedroomed house in the Bogside in Derry. His mother Peggy was originally from Donegal. When he left school at 15 he experienced sectarianism first hand. He was rejected for a job as a mechanic because of his Catholic religion. His determination to fight the Republican battle solidified when Seamus Cusack (28) and Desmond Beattie (19) were shot dead in Derry on the same day by British soldiers in July 1971. Although a former teacher had described Mr McGuinness as a well-mannered student who was "not outstanding in any way", he found his calling as a focused IRA activist. His reputation grew. During the 16 months up to December 1972 a total of 26 British soldiers were killed by the Provisional IRA in Derry. Years later Mr McGuinness said: "I was proud to be a member of the IRA. I am still - 40 years on - proud that I was a member of the IRA. "I believed that in a situation where the community that I came from were being treated like second- and third-class citizens that I had a responsibility to fight back against it. And I don't apologise to anybody for having done that. I think it was the right thing to do." Asked at another point if he felt guilty about people who had died, he responded: "I do have a very deep sense of regret that there was a conflict, and that people lost their lives, and you know, many were responsible for that - and a lot of them wear pinstripe suits in London today. So I think if people want to apportion responsibility and blame for all of that it's going to have to be apportioned and shared out all over the place." In July 1972, Mr McGuinness was part of a seven-member IRA delegation flown to London to meet Northern Ireland Secretary of State William Whitelaw to try to end the Troubles. These talks were unsuccessful. The following year the Special Criminal Court in Dublin sentenced Mr McGuinness to six months in prison for IRA membership. He had been caught in a car containing large quantities of explosives and ammunition. He refused to recognise the court and declared his membership of the IRA. His switch to politics came in 1983 when he contested elections for the British House of Commons. He was finally elected in 1997, after three failed attempts, to represent Mid Ulster. Mr McGuinness refused to take the seat in line with Sinn Fein party policy as it would have involved swearing an oath of allegiance to the British Crown. He was re-elected to the seat in 2001, 2005 and 2010. In the 1990s, the 'Cook Report' on ITV claimed he was "Britain's number one terrorist", fuelling unionist calls for Sinn Fein to be banned. He and other Sinn Fein figures responded with a series of counter-attacks on the 'Cook Report'. Meanwhile, during the 1990s he was the IRA's chief negotiator in secret talks that ultimately brought about the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. This pact ended the conflict, and Mr McGuinness was appointed education minister in the new Northern Ireland Assembly. One of his first decisions was to eliminate the controversial 11-plus examination which he himself had failed 38 years previously. The assembly was suspended after disagreements over issues like policing and the decommissioning of arms, but a new agreement was reached in 2006. Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party became the two largest parties in the assembly and formed a coalition. Mr McGuinness was appointed deputy first minister with DUP leader Mr Paisley as first minister. The two bitter enemies became firm friends and after Mr Paisley's death in 2014 his wife Eileen revealed Mr McGuinness had been very supportive to her family. When Mr Paisley retired in 2008, Mr McGuinness worked as deputy to then-first minister Peter Robinson, who was considered to be even more anti-republican than his predecessor. In 2010, the pair agreed on the transfer of powers from Britain to Northern Ireland and were both re-elected in 2011. Later that year, Mr McGuinness stepped down from his assembly post to run in the presidential election in the South. When he finished third in that race, he returned to the assembly. But his relationship with Arlene Foster, who took over as first minister in 2015, has been far more strained. Mrs Foster spoke of her difficulties with Mr McGuinness because he delivered a graveside oration for the IRA man she believed tried to murder her father. She said, however, she would still work with Mr McGuinness as "the past is the past". He was opposed to Brexit and concerned it would see the return of a "hard Border" between the North and South of Ireland. In recent months he has battled ill-health, although he yesterday insisted it has "absolutely nothing" to do with his resignation. In early December, he withdrew from a planned visit to China on medical advice and Mrs Foster travelled without him. In an interview before Christmas, Mr McGuinness said: "I am being attended to by a wonderful group of doctors and nurses from our health service and I think that's all I have to say about it at the moment." He has never let go of his view that Ireland would be united. "I believe a united Ireland is inevitable. Absolutely, but I believe it can only happen by peaceful and democratic means," he said. 'Scissor Sister' Linda Mulhall is recovering after suffering a broken arm and severe facial injuries in an incident in prison. The 41-year-old, who was convicted of killing Kenyan national Farah Swaleh Noor, was treated in hospital for her injuries after she reportedly fell into a press. She was locked in her en-suite room in the Dochas Centre women's prison at the time. It is understood that she suffered the injuries after becoming "dizzy". Sources at the prison revealed that a detailed investigation with the aid of CCTV established that no-one had entered her room after she was locked into it at 7.30pm on the evening of the incident. "It is for that reason that the incident is not being treated as an assault and the authorities are satisfied that she suffered the injuries in what must have been a very bad fall," the source said. Mulhall spent 13 hours receiving emergency treatment in hospital for her injuries after the incident. "Linda is making a good recovery and she has been involved in no disciplinary issues since that time," the source said. Her behaviour over the past six years has been described as "excellent" by jail insiders and she has not received a 'P19' disciplinary report since 2010 when she refused to take a saliva test. This is in stark contrast to her behaviour when she was disciplined for breaking jail rules around a dozen times between 2007 and 2009. This was for a wide variety of offences including fighting with other inmates and being caught with a mobile phone and a charger. She is due to be released next January but it has been reported that she may apply to be released later this year. She is serving a 15-year manslaughter sentence for brutally butchering her mother's lover Mr Noor in one of the most infamous cases in Irish history. Her younger sister Charlotte Mulhall is serving a life sentence for the gruesome murder. Along with Charlotte, Linda chopped up Mr Noor's body at her mother's home at Richmond Cottage, Ballybough, North Dublin, in 2005. She admitted hitting him "a good few times" on the head with a claw hammer while Charlotte stabbed the 36-year-old up to 20 times with a kitchen knife. Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to use the political upheaval in Stormont to highlight the unique situation faced by Northern Ireland post-Brexit. The resignation of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and looming Stormont Assembly elections have thrown a "sharp focus" on the "fragility" of the situation in the North, a senior source told the Irish Independent. Mr Kenny will highlight the unique challenges faced by Northern Ireland due to the Good Friday Agreement, which is underpinned by the European Union. It comes as Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin warned the chaos in the North is "a source of very serious concern" ahead of the British government's triggering of Article 50, the mechanism for leaving the European Union. Brexit is set to be one of the most divisive issues on the election trail in the North, which faces issues on the future of the Border and trade, and where a majority voted to remain in the EU in last year's referendum. The DUP campaigned for the United Kingdom to leave the EU while Sinn Fein sought a remain vote. DUP First Minister Arlene Foster has already hit out at Sinn Fein for forcing an election while the Executive is dealing with Brexit. "Northern Ireland needs stability, but because of Sinn Fein's selfish actions we now have instability," she said. However, despite the prospect of weeks of uncertainty ahead, the senior Government source here insisted that there will be "no material difference" to the Irish Government's own response to Brexit. They said that a "stable political environment" is preferable regardless of Britain leaving the EU. But the source also added that the events in the North are a "timely reminder" that Ireland is a unique in the context of the Brexit negotiations due to the Good Friday Agreement. Mr Martin pointed out that in the context of Brexit, Northern Ireland is "the region that stands to lose most and requires the greatest level of focus to protect its position". "At a time when people in the North need their representatives to step up to the plate, put differences aside and fight together in the common interest to meet a once in a generation threat, they have been very badly let down by the ruling parties of DUP and Sinn Fein," he said. A spokesman for the Government expressed concern at Mr McGuinness's resignation. He restated the Government's commitment to supporting the Northern Ireland institutions but said that resolving the row over the Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI) rests with the parties in the North. "It is critical now that elections which now seem inevitable see the politicians of Northern Ireland back in the Assembly representing the constituents that put them there," he added. He said Mr Kenny will continue to emphasise the unique situation in Northern Ireland with other European leaders. Mr Kenny will raise the matter at a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy later this week, and at a meeting with the leaders of the other 26 EU countries scheduled for next week. "The Taoiseach will represent Ireland's interests in relation to the Good Friday Agreement," the spokesman said. British Prime Minister Theresa May, who has been forced to deny that her government's approach to Brexit is "muddled", is due to visit Dublin - her first since she took office - later this month. Her talks with the Taoiseach will now take on even greater importance due to the instability in the North. Last month, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said he wanted to "preserve the success" of the Good Friday Agreement after the UK leaves the EU. A 29-year-old woman has been arrested and questioned by gardai investigating the shocking stab murder of 16-year-old Reece Cullen. The Tallaght woman was arrested on Sunday morning in the Bawnlea area and questioned until 9pm before being released without charge. Sources have revealed that she was picked up after gardai carried out analysis of mobile phones linked to the case. She is not a suspect for the fatal stabbing and is not believed to have been present when Reece was attacked. Instead, she was questioned about withholding information about the murder. Her arrest was all about gardai attempting to get a full picture of what actually happened on Thursday afternoon of last week, a source said last night. It is expected that there will be further arrests in this case. The womans arrest was the second in the case. A 14-year-old male chief suspect was questioned all day last Friday about Reeces murder after he presented at Tallaght Garda Station with his mother. Detectives also wish to speak to at least one other teenager they believe was present when Reece was set upon at a house in Kilclare Crescent, Tallaght, at about 3pm last Thursday. A post-mortem examination determined that Reece suffered one stab wound to the heart when he was attacked. His funeral Mass will take place at the Church of St Martin de Porres, Old Bawn, Tallaght, at 10am tomorrow, with his burial taking place afterwards at Kilmashogue Cemetery in Rathfarnham. Yesterday almost 1,500 had been donated on two individual GoFundMe pages, which have been set up to raise 2,000 for the murder victims heartbroken family. Reece was discovered by a female neighbour bleeding to death at the foot of a staircase. He was rushed to Tallaght Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later. It is not the first tragedy to strike the family after Reeces mother Ann Marie Cullen died tragically last September. The innocent family had previously been intimidated by a notorious family in the area, who are linked to a violent drug dealer. Sources stated that Ann Maries home was attacked on several occasions in the months before her death but it is not known if this is in any way linked to last weeks murder. Gardai believe that the murder happened as part of a dispute between two groups of local teenagers, which involved a row that saw one of the groups threatening the other with a pellet gun on at least two occasions over the past month. Reeces girlfriend Sophie (17) described how she was on the phone to him when the attack took place. He was stabbed and I just heard him screaming. Then the phone went off, Sophie told the Herald in an exclusive interview last week. He was just saying he was walking out the front door to come around. Thats when he was struck. He said Im on the way down to you baby, then I heard him screaming, saying My heart, my heart. Then that was it, she said. Speaking from her home alongside her mum Julie, Sophie fought back tears as she bravely spoke about the love of her life. She told how she had heard no argument on the other end of the phone and that Reece had been attacked unexpectedly. Reeces friends called her soon after and told her to get to the hospital immediately. It was horrible, Id never ever wish that feeling on my worst enemy, she said. Her mother said she drove to the hospital, but doesnt even remember the journey. I cant even remember how I drove to the hospital. Then the lads just all came out with their heads shaking, Julie said. The couple had been friends for most of their lives but began seeing each other more seriously about 18 months ago. He was such a loving, caring fella, he kept to himself. He was loved by everyone, nobody had a bad word to say about him, Sophie said before adding that he recently enrolled in a Youthreach programme. The Government has announced plans to encourage people working in the public sector to continue in employment until after they reach the current retirement age of 65. There has been a plan to gradually increase the retirement age to 68 over the coming decade. These new proposals are draconian. Those opting out of work at 65 or before will have their pensions penalised while employers forcing retirement on their workers, unless they can demonstrate just cause, will also suffer penalties. We are told this approach is to help end the anomaly of people retiring at 65, but not being entitled, currently, to receive the State pension until 66. That is the virtue that is the spin, but in this instance the Government is trying to make a virtue out of necessity, and this is the pension crisis that is about to assail us as our population ages. Neither is it a move driven simply by the altruism of allowing willing, skilled, and reliable people to bring their strengths to the workforce. Nor is the motivation springing from an admiration for the wisdom of the elderly. Instead it is the changing demographics. Even before this proposal was announced last week, many new employees were being given contracts without any stated retirement age in anticipation of this change. I fully support the benefits of working past the age of 65 for those who want to and for those who do not, to move on to the next phase of their lives, which, with increasing longevity may span a further 20 years, most of which will be disability-free. People often say they wished they had retired earlier such is the enjoyment and fulfilment they are finding. Some retire because they are burnt out and feel they have no more to give. Others, forced to retire under the current law, are less sanguine and speak with some nostalgia, and a touch of bitterness, that their usefulness and role in society is transmuting into emptiness and long days doing, for the most part, nothing much. I frequently see people professionally who have retired with little thought or planning devoted to it, who then develop a depressive illness. Loneliness, the absence of camaraderie coupled with the lack of any meaningful alternatives to work and the perception of being relegated to a repository for the aged, can lead to crippling depression. A sense of hopelessness stifles any purpose that life may have without the structure, and organisational friendships, that work provides. Some professions are more protected against the adverse consequences of forced retirement than others, as they allow for continuing employment, albeit in other forms. Those in the private sector are also somewhat protected. For example doctors can continue to work in private practice while teachers cover period of leave for their colleagues. Trades people can also opt to continue in self-employment unlike civil servants or bank officials who are usually bound by their pension. In Britain the trend towards longer working years is well recognised. The Department for Work and Pensions (2015) has identified a large increase in the percentage of people over the age of 65 who are in employment, doubling from 4.9pc to 10.2pc over the past 30 years. And for those over 70 the proportion has grown from 5.5pc to 9.9pc in the past 10 years. Later life working may sweep Europe as the population ages. But what about stepping aside to allow a smooth transition to new blood? Should the creativity of youth not be allowed to germinate? Have the young not got a right to earn a living and prosper as much as elders are entitled to have their experience cherished? There will always be a tension between these competing perspectives and society to date has opted for the former - ask any middle-aged person recently made redundant if they can compete with a younger person in the jobs market and the answer is a resounding "no". But with the changing international demographic, this trend is likely to be reversed. Many who are currently in employment will be unhappy at being forced to work past the usual age of retirement at 65 while others will excitedly anticipate such a move. If workers are offered a choice then this could be a win-win scenario and the mental health problems that accrue post-retirement would disappear, while also capitalising on the experience and knowledge of those who believe they are "too young to retire". It remains to be seen if the "stick" will work in this instance. I suspect that even supporters of the principle, like me, may revolt against the approach. Kampots main attraction is its relaxing riverside setting though there is a sizable town set back from the river Phnom Penh, the land-locked and bustling capital of Cambodia, might not be an ideal place for an Irishman to wait out the heat - but it is a fascinating and vibrant city Its hot. This was the response my friend gave me when I asked her how her recent visit to Cambodia had been. We were sitting in a cafe in neighbouring Vietnam, and I was about to cross the border myself. Very hot, she reaffirmed. She was not, as it turns out, wrong. The next day, as I sat in a rattling bus, barrelling towards Cambodias capital, Phnom Penh, through red, dusty, barren flatlands, I could confirm that it was, indeed, very hot. In fairness, Cambodia was experiencing its longest drought in some 50 years, and with lakes and rivers drying up, animals collapsing from heat, and arid croplands thirsting for rain. Expand Close Kampots main attraction is its relaxing riverside setting though there is a sizable town set back from the river / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kampots main attraction is its relaxing riverside setting though there is a sizable town set back from the river The country had more things to worry about than the comfort of a lone Irishman on his first visit. Within hours of arriving in Phnom Penh I had decided that the land-locked, busy capital city was not an ideal place to wait out the heat. The next day I hopped on a bus to southern, riverside Kampot. The Kampong Bay River flowed wide and steadily, drought or no drought, and I found myself a $6 (5.70)/night riverside bungalow. I lazed away my mornings and afternoons by the water, and in the cooler evenings strolled into the town centre to choose dinner from the tables of tasty, point-and-pick Khmer curries offered by local restaurants. Cambodias food is often unfairly overlooked next to the better-known and popular cuisines of its Thai and Vietnamese neighbours. While rather milder than other fare in the region, Cambodian dishes are well-balanced and tasty. Fish, amply supplied by a rich network of rivers, lakes, and coastline, feature heavily, as do plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs. A national (and personal) favourite is fish amok a thick coconut and fish curry, steam-cooked in a banana leaf. The road-system of Cambodia means that nearly all cross-country journeys must pass through Phnom Penh, and, sure enough, I found myself back in the baking capital before too long. I made the best of the heat, spending long stretches of the afternoon in the Blue Lime Hotels shaded pool, and sampling the citys buzzing, neon-lit nightlife (and 50c-a-glass draft beer) in the evenings. In order to learn more about Cambodias history I visited the infamous Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Here, some 20,000 victims were executed and dumped in mass graves at the hands of the brutal revolutionaries, the Khmer Rouge, who took control of the country between 1975 and 1979. I visited early one morning and plugged in the audio guide that was provided. If I had arrived accidentally I might not have guessed the significance of the place after the Khmer Rouge were overthrown, angry, impoverished locals looted and destroyed many of the buildings on the complex. The brutality described over my earphones seemed at odds with the peace of the shady, quiet former orchard. Like many visitors to Cambodia, I felt compelled to contribute something to the still-recovering country. Ample opportunities exist for people to do so, although some are more reputable and effective than others. After some research I made contact with the Educating Centre for Community (ECC) school near Siem Reap, north-western Cambodia a locally run organisation that gives free language lessons to locals of all ages. They agreed to host me for two weeks, providing accommodation and three daily meals in exchange for a $5 per day donation and a few hours of daily English practice with students. Cambodias renewed status as a popular tourist destination has led to development mainly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. To break up my journey as I travelled between the two, I stopped off in less-visited Kampong Cham. At first I was unsure of my choice the place seemed unnaturally quiet. In the cooler evening the streets livened up slightly, but still, the lack of activity was unnerving after the bustle of the capital. I was soon charmed, however, after renting a bicycle and spending a day exploring the leafy streets, rural villages, and heavily laden fruit trees of traffic-free river-island Koh Paen, accessible from Kampong Cham via a precarious bamboo bridge that is washed away each rainy season only to be built again several months later. Having eventually arrived at Siem Reap bus station, and after negotiating with the throng of tuk-tuk drivers waiting there, I sped towards the ECC school grounds on the edge of town. I rolled into the courtyard in the early afternoon and a warm, grinning local woman strolled out to welcome me. She introduced herself as Savon. But you must call me Mama, she then insisted, explaining that volunteers were treated as part of the family. I soon discovered how genuine that sentiment was volunteers lived upstairs in the family house, shared meals, and borrowed the familys bicycles and mopeds. I was introduced to my new housemates an array of twelve short and long-term volunteers from around the world and an assortment of Savons relatives. As I had arrived on the weekend there were no classes. I decided to use the time to see the local sights. Siem Reap is popular among tourists mainly as a base for exploring the extraordinary nearby temples of Angkor, raised by the Cambodian god-kings of old. I arranged for a driver to pick me up at 4.30am to catch the sunrise over the main attraction, Angkor Wat. He failed to show up, but, luckily, tuk-tuks are not hard to find at any hour near busy Siem Reap. I flagged one down from the main road and was soon on my way. Built as the earthly representation of Mt Meru, the heavenly home of the Hindu gods, Angkor Wat is suitably impressive. The first approach is truly awe-inspiring. The 190 metre-wide moat surrounding the worlds largest religious building is crossed by a broad sandstone bridge, on the other side of which rise crumbling towers and mysterious brick ruins. Lining the outer walls of the central temple, 800 metres of intricate bas-reliefs recreate epic battles between ancient deities. A short drive away, in the centre of the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom, sits Bayon, a temple commissioned by the enigmatic king Jayavarman VII. I climbed up to the third floor, where 216 smiling faces of Avolokiteshvara (the Buddhist embodiment of compassion), mounted upon 54 towers, seemed to give me my full attention as I wandered between them. Next up was Ta Prohm, a temple being incrementally overwhelmed by nature. Huge centuries-old trees, creeping vines, and clinging mosses continue the slow process of returning the towers, courtyards, and corridors to the jungle. The scene is said to be close to what European explorers found centuries ago when they rediscovered the once-abandoned Angkor temples. By this time the afternoon heat was becoming intense. After a long, lazy roadside lunch my driver dropped me back to the school, stopping at a few more peripheral but interesting temples along the way. A few days later the rains finally came, and with a vengeance. Torrents fell from the sky, murky rivulets and ponds formed in the sandy soil as thunder roared overhead and I stood in my outdoor, tin-roofed classroom waiting for my first beginner students to arrive. I had my lesson plan in hand, and advice from other teachers and the volunteer handbook in mind. Only two boys, having just come from their Cambodian school, braved the storm, and, despite feeling prepared, I was relieved to have been given a soft start. Over the next few weeks I was lucky enough to get to know those two students, and many others, very well. Their enthusiasm and company was a delight. As the first generation whose parents did not live through Khmer Rouge rule, they could look more to the seemingly brighter future of their home than to its grim past. One almost cant help but trace the peaks and troughs of Cambodian history while visiting the country. The inspired highs of the Khmer empire are reflected in the glories of Angkor. The period of French colonisation has left beautiful architecture and a penchant for good bakeries. Powerful and important reminders of the brutal Khmer Rouge rule remain in museums and mass-graves scattered across the land. Development today, often rapid, is giving rise to an optimism among the long-suffering Khmer people. However, a stay there is not just about the past its about exotic foods, kind and warm locals, and happening cities. These things plus chilled-out waterside towns combine to make Cambodia a country that keeps one firmly captivated by the present too. Getting there Expand Close Conor bids us cheers from Kampot Riverside / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Conor bids us cheers from Kampot Riverside Conor bids us cheers from Kampot Riverside A visa can be issued to Irish citizens holding a valid passport and two passport-sized photos at most ports of entry. The cost is $30 (29)and the visa lasts one month, although it can be extended by one more month once you are in the country. Alternatively, a visa can easily be arranged at any Cambodian Embassy, or online at www.evisa.gov.kh. You should spend some time considering when to visit. Cambodias weather system is one of the simplest in South East Asia. The country experiences a distinct dry season between October and April and wet season between May and September. The hottest months are between March and June, with temperatures topping 35C. The coolest months are between October and December, when temperatures hover around a perfectly manageable 25C. TAKE THREE: Top attractions Tuol Sleng Museum Expand Close Tuol Sleng Museum / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tuol Sleng Museum A must for anyone compelled to learn more about Cambodias disturbing past. Before the advent of Khmer Rouge rule, this complex was a high school. When the revolutionaries overtook Phnom Penh they converted it into Security Prison 21, their biggest and busiest detention and torture centre. The prison employees were meticulous with their records, and today the museum houses displays of prisoner photographs. Temples of Angkor Expand Close Temples of Angkor / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Temples of Angkor Undoubtedly and deservedly the most popular tourist spot in Cambodia, the temples of Angkor are a testament to the genius, tenacity and abilities of the ancient Khmer empire. The staggering Angkor Wat, bizarre Bayon, and jungle-claimed Ta Prohm are among the most well known, but dozens more of equal intrigue are spread throughout the area. Utterly unique and utterly captivating. Sambor Prei Kuk Expand Close Sambor Prei Kuk / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sambor Prei Kuk Almost all visits to Cambodia involve plying the highway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The 6-7hr journey doesnt have to be tackled in one go, however, and there are several smaller towns worth stopping at along the way. Kampong Thom is one, home to Cambodias most impressive set of pre-Angkorian temples, Sambor Prei Kuk. It is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. You can't be a little bit pregnant, as the saying goes. The EU, however, could be described as being so. We're witnessing a period of gestation of unknown duration for a yet-to-be-determined species. This is one of the EU's big problems. There is no comparison between the Europe of today and the Europe of the first half of the 20th century. The EU has done much good, but we seem to be stumbling towards greater integration and greater disintegration simultaneously. There is no agreement as to where the EU is headed. There is no vision. No individual, government or institution has the mandate to lead or bring any vision they may have to bear. There is no coherent vision regarding federalism/co-federalism, how to address the design flaws of the euro, fiscal integration, a banking union, Eurobonds, tax harmonisation, debt relief or youth unemployment. For example, to my knowledge, no currency union that wasn't also a political/federal union has ever survived. Greater political integration might seem inevitable if we are to avoid continued economic and financial instability, but will EU citizens support ceding more political and fiscal powers to EU institutions? It seems that such hard decisions might never be made. That din you hear is the rattle of multiple cans being kicked down the road. We ignore the absence of a vision for the EU and the need for greater transparency and accountability at our peril. If these concerns are not addressed, people will continue to feel alienated and marginalised and this will be reflected at the ballot box across Europe. It has already begun. If you have no idea of where you're headed, the likelihood is you won't get there. Don't be surprised if people get disillusioned and gravitate towards those offering a 'clearer' vision in the coming years. Rob Sadlier Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 Hogan has broken protocol The EU commissioner for agriculture, Phil Hogan, has entered the debate about Ireland's future in the European Union and strongly criticised the position taken by the British government (Irish Independent, January 9). In choosing to enter the fray at this critical moment in the EU deliberations on Brexit, Mr Hogan has compromised his own position and that of the European Commission. The Treaty on European Union (Title III, Article 17.3) states explicitly that "in carrying out its responsibilities, the commission shall be completely independent", and that members of the commission shall neither seek nor take instruction from any government or other institution, body, office or entity. It is thus wholly inappropriate for a member of the commission to take such a partisan position prior to an EU negotiation. At the very least, they could be seen to prejudice the position of the commission toward the UK as London moves to trigger Article 50. On taking up his position in Brussels, Mr Hogan undertook to act in the EU interest, rather than the Irish national interest. Yet Mr Hogan's interview is studded with references to Irish negotiating positions on Brexit. I cannot remember a precedent for an Irish commissioner ever departing from the established norms of behaviour around partisan intervention in EU negotiations. Mr Hogan undoubtedly feels strongly about the potential impact on Ireland of a so-called 'hard Brexit'. But this is not the appropriate channel through which to deliver his message. Professor John O'Brennan Maynooth University, Co Kildare Mental hospitals have no place Another year has passed without any aspect of 'Vision for Change' being implemented. This is no great surprise as the ultimate aim of 'Vision for Change' is the elimination of the current mental hospitals as they exist today. I urge Health Minister Simon Harris to tackle the power of the major psychiatric hospitals. They have existed for centuries and have far outlived their usefulness and effectiveness. There has to be a better way. James McWalter Mullingar, Co Westmeath Young can make the old happy I was lucky to be in the company of several generations of relatives recently. At one point a young mother with her baby, perhaps a year old, walked past us. Unsurprisingly, everyone stopped and gave both mother and child a warm greeting. Instantly questions arrived, with cooing and smiles and silly waves. That simple interaction created a smile that stayed with us for the rest of the evening. The biggest reaction was among the elderly grandparents. Later it occurred to me that a relationship should be built up between our children and their local nursing homes all over Ireland. This could be done through our schools, in particular our junior and senior infants. A simple half-hour visit by supervised children to a nursing home once a month would be so uplifting for those older residents, and it would also create a connection for our children to the older members of our society. Perhaps Children's Minister Katherine Zappone and Junior Minister Helen McEntee could put it on the agenda. We don't need money to make this happen, just a little forward planning. Our older relatives in nursing homes will thank you. Damien Carroll Dublin 24 Meryl can keep her opinions It's that time of year when an unelected and extremely wealthy elite lectures and talks down to the plebs for not knowing their rightful place and daring to dissent from received wisdom. Yes, it's film industry self-congratulation time again. The luvvies in the US are particularly gung-ho this year, due to their presidential candidate of choice, Hillary Clinton (another elitist individual), flunking in the recent election. Meryl Streep, who surely deserves the award for 'the most over-acting actress of the century', reverted totally to type in her cringeworthy, embarrassing acceptance speech. I don't know of any other occupation in which you are allowed to indulge your half-baked, adolescent views, and get plaudits for it. Mind you, the plaudits come primarily from her like-minded, pampered peers. Pathetic. Can they not just stick to play-acting? Eric Conway Navan, Co Meath Fear of penalty pints? Did the armed gardai on the M50 drink-drive checkpoint think some driver would pull a pint on them? John Williams Clonmel, Co Tipperary Naomie Harris is widely tipped to get a Bafta best supporting actress nod Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake is among the films competing for the best film Bafta Gritty British drama I, Daniel Blake will take on exuberant Hollywood musical La La Land at the EE British Academy Film Awards, while Andrew Garfield and Emily Blunt are among the acting nominees. Ken Loach's unflinching examination of life in the UK benefits system, which won the coveted Palme d'Or prize at the Cannes festival, will compete for the best film Bafta against the starry love letter to Los Angeles, which won a record seven Golden Globes earlier this week. Also vying for best film will be sci-fi movie Arrival, melancholy drama Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight, a coming of age story about a gay black man growing up in Miami. Garfield scored a leading actor nod for his role as a combat medic in Mel Gibson's Second World War film Hacksaw Ridge, while Blunt picked up leading actress nomination for her starring turn in The Girl On The Train. While Garfield's performance has won critical praise, he faces stiff competition from Casey Affleck, who has already won a Golden Globe for his performance in Manchester By The Sea. They will both compete against La La Land's Ryan Gosling, who also scored a Golden Globe, Jake Gyllenhaal for Nocturnal Animals and Viggo Mortensen for Captain Fantastic. Blunt will go head to head with Meryl Streep for the film Florence Foster Jenkins, Amy Adams for Arrival, Golden Globe winner Emma Stone for La La Land and Natalie Portman for her portrayal of the former First Lady in Jackie. Hugh Grant could land a supporting actor award for his role as Streep's devoted husband in Florence Foster Jenkins. He faces competition from fellow British stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who triumphed at the Globes for Nocturnal Animals, and Dev Patel for Lion, as well as American actors Jeff Bridges for Hell Or High Water, and Mahershala Ali Moonlight. Skyfall star Naomie Harris has scored a nomination for best supporting actress for her role as a crack addict in Moonlight, alongside I, Daniel Blake's Hayley Squires, Manchester By The Sea's Michelle Williams, Lion star Nicole Kidman and Viola Davis for Fences. La La Land is nominated in 11 categories, including best film. Arrival and Nocturnal Animals both receive nine nominations and Manchester By The Sea has six. Video of the Day I, Daniel Blake, the Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, as well as Hacksaw Ridge and Lion received five nominations each. I, Daniel Blake's nods include mentions for director Loach and original screenplay writer Paul Laverty, as well as outstanding British film, a category which also includes Fantastic Beasts. Disney films Moana, Finding Dory and Zootropolis will compete against Kubo And The Two Strings for best animated film. The awards will be handed out at a star-studded ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on February 12. Models Louise Byrne and Karen Fitzpatrick showcase some of the designs Picture: Photocall Ireland's largest international creative trade show will return to the RDS from January 22 to 25 for its 41st year. Some 450 exhibitors will showcase the best of Irish fashion and textile design at Showcase 2017. Last year, a total of 5,300 buyers attended and sales orders of up to 21m were placed. This year's new initiative, TextISLE, focuses on the creative potential of Irish textiles in fashion and homeware. Factories such as Avoca and Magee are participating in TextISLE, as are designers Peter O'Brien, Mairead Whisker and Emma Manley. For more information, visit www.showcaseireland.com. Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Coleman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Coleman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Coleman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Colman, from Castleknock in Dublin, and Aoife, from Dalkey, met while working together as trainee solicitors and have been a couple for just over six years. When Colman decided to pop the big question, he sent Aoife out for the day on a false errand and when she returned to their apartment later, he was ready and waiting to propose. The pair decided to have their Catholic ceremony in Bangor Erris, Co Mayo, as Aoife has family ties to the area. Their priest for the mass was a relative of Aoife's who flew in from New York especially for the nuptials. Having visited Mount Falcon Estate previously, Aoife and Colman both loved it as a venue and knew it would be ideal for their winter wedding. Expand Close Aoife and Coleman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Aoife and Coleman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Aoife found her dream dress in Myrtle Ivory in Dublin, and the bridesmaids wore silver dresses from Brown Thomas, while Colman's suit was by Louis Copeland. The couple wanted to make their day personal and involve family wherever possible, so they used family addresses as table names, and had framed pictures of their parents' and grandparents' weddings near their guestbook at the reception. After their elegant winter wedding, Aoife and Coleman took off to the sun for a honeymoon spent between Argentina and Brazil, where they had both previously spent time travelling, and where they were excited to return together as newlyweds. * Words by Dee Finnerty. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com Expand Close Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Aoife and Colman on their wedding day. Photography by Will O'Reilly, visit willoreilly.com If you would like your wedding featured here, email weddings@independent.ie A member of the Afghan security forces stands guard near the site of the blasts in Kabul (AP/Rahmat Gul) The death toll from twin bombings in the Afghan capital Kabul has increased to 38, with civilians and military personnel among those killed. Mohibullah Zeer, an official in the Public Health Ministry, said another 72 people were injured in the attack, which took place near government and legislative offices. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said a suicide bomber struck first, followed by a car bomb, and four police officers were among those killed. The Taliban, which is waging a 15-year war against the Afghan government, said it was behind the attack. Ghulam Faroq Naziri, a politician from the western Herat province, said another MP from the same province, Rahima Jami, was wounded. It appeared to be the deadliest attack in Kabul since July, when two suicide bombers struck a demonstration held by Hazaras, a Shiite Muslim ethnic group, killing 80 people. That attack was claimed by a local affiliate of the Islamic State group. The fighting in Afghanistan tends to taper off during the winter months, when mountain supply routes used by the insurgents are impassable. Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber on foot struck in the southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, said Gen Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The target of the attack was a guest house used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, he said. Those killed include civilian and military personnel, and six others were wounded in the attack, Gen Kemtoz said. A car full of explosives was found nearby. The Taliban also claimed that attack. In the southern Kandahar province, two explosions inside the governor's compound killed five people and wounded another 12, including Gov Homayun Azizi, his spokesman said. The spokesman, Samim Khpolwak, who was lightly wounded, said it was not yet clear what caused the blasts. An attack within the heavily guarded compound would indicate a major security breach. AP Seventeen suspects including a veteran 72-year-old gangster and three women were arrested in France yesterday in connection with the robbery of the reality television star Kim Kardashian as a result of a DNA match from the crime scene. Her lawyer said that judges may ask her to confront the suspects as part of the inquiry. Among the detained are five believed to be the armed masked men who robbed the 36-year-old of around 10m worth of jewellery - including her 4m engagement ring - after tying her up in her Paris apartment early on October 3. The gang had struck at around 3am inside the exclusive apartment block where Ms Kardashian had been staying while attending Paris Fashion Week. Her bodyguard was out of the flat at the time. CCTV caught some of the thieves calmly arriving and leaving the building on bikes, some disguised as police officers. After a three-month investigation, officers conducted a series of raids early yesterday in Le Raincy, in the north-eastern Paris suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis, in Vincennes to the east, as well as Rouen, northern France and Grasse - France's perfume capital on the Riviera. Paris prosecutors said the robbers were a "mixed bunch", with the youngest aged 23 and the oldest 72. Three women were also detained for questioning. Most were known to police, who also recovered piles of cash during the raids. Police sources said the group appeared to consist of individuals from the travelling community and a few old-school gangsters from the Paris suburbs who had "come together to pool their skills" in the heist. The oldest had previous convictions for armed robbery, while the main protagonists, in their fifties, had an "impressive hit list" of previous illicit acts, from hold-ups to fake money and drug trafficking. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the man move the ambulance in Pelican Lane, Newbury A Mini Cooper driver climbed into an ambulance and moved it while a patient was being treated inside to free up a car parking space, Thames Valley Police said. The motorist got into the cab of the vehicle as it was parked in Malt Court, Pelican Lane, Newbury, at about 2.10pm on December 29. The man moved the ambulance before driving his red Mini Cooper into a parking space which the emergency vehicle had been blocking. The sudden movement caused "distress and discomfort to the patient" who was being treated at the time, police said. Investigating officer PC Nick Easener said: "There was no communication between the offender and the ambulance crew prior to the ambulance being moved. "The offender moved the ambulance in order to free up a parking space for himself, without considering if anyone was receiving treatment at the time. "His actions could have had very serious consequences for the patient, who was receiving emergency care." Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. The suspect is described as a white man in his 50s and 5ft 10ins tall. He had messy hair and was wearing a dark khaki jacket, light blue jeans and suede boots. He was driving a red Mini Cooper with a registration plate starting RJ60. Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have agreed to keep their divorce battle private US Jolie: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are to conduct their divorce in private and work to reunify their family, the former couple have announced. The actors released a joint statement stating that they would keep future details of their divorce confidential by utilising a private judge. Their statement said: "The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues. "The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification." Pitt, 53, and Jolie, 41 were together for 12 years and married for two years before Jolie filed for divorce in September. AP The statement is the first joint comment from the actors on their divorce since Jolie filed to end their marriage in September. At the time, one of her lawyers stated the petition was filed "for the health of the family". Authorities investigated allegations that Pitt was abusive towards his 15-year-old son on a private flight, but sources familiar with the cases said the actor was cleared of any wrongdoing. Private judges are often used in high-profile divorce cases, keeping many details of a break-up out of the public eye while a final judgment is negotiated. Custody of their six children has been the primary issue in the divorce, with Jolie initially seeking sole physical custody. California law favours joint custody in divorce cases, although final arrangements are often agreed to by parents and formalised in a written agreement. Pitt and Jolie were married for two years and together for 12 after becoming close while filming Mr & Mrs Smith in 2005. Their divorce, and every filing in it, has attracted international attention. Last month, Pitt sought to seal custody records in the case, and a hearing had been scheduled for next week on the issue. Both actors have kept a relatively low profile since their break-up was announced, although Pitt made an appearance on stage at Sunday's Golden Globes to spirited applause. AP Barack Obama is set to deliver his final speech as US president (AP/Carolyn Kaster) Barack Obama is returning to Chicago for one final speech - a parting plea to Americans not to lose faith in their future, no matter what they think about their next president. His final address as president, in the city where he launched his political career, is his last chance to try to define what his presidency meant for America. In a Facebook post previewing his speech, which will be delivered in front of thousands in McCormick Place, Mr Obama said: "We've run our leg in a long relay of progress, knowing that our work will always be unfinished. "And we've reaffirmed the belief that we can make a difference with our own hands, in our own time." Mr Obama has said he is leaving his eight years in office with two basic lessons: that Americans are fundamentally good, and that change can happen. "The system will respond to ordinary people coming together to try to move the country in a better direction," he said ahead of the speech. During the election, Mr Obama and the Democrats warned against a Donald Trump presidency in apocalyptic terms. His daunting task now - the closing act of his political career - is to explain how his vision of America remains relevant and achievable for Democrats in the Trump era. Mr Obama was determined not to simply recite a history of the last eight years, and directed his team to craft an address that would feel "bigger than politics" and speak to all Americans - including those who voted for Mr Trump. His chief speechwriter Cody Keenan started writing last month while Mr Obama was on holiday in Hawaii, handing him the first draft on the flight home. By late Monday, Mr Obama was immersed in a fourth draft, with Mr Keenan thought to have stayed at the White House all night to help perfect the final message. Ahead of his speech, Mr Obama acknowledged that the chaos of Washington makes it easy to lose sight of the role American citizens play in democracy. He said that while he leaves office with his work unfinished, he believes his administration made the US "a stronger place for the generations that will follow ours". First Lady Michelle Obama and vice-president Joe Biden will also attend the speech. For Mr Obama, it will be his final trip aboard Air Force One as president. Though he and his party were dealt a devastating blow in November's election, Mr Obama leaves office as a relatively popular president viewed favourably by 57% of Americans, according to an Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research poll released the day before his speech. That puts him on a par with former president Bill Clinton's popularity as he left office. Yet Americans remain deeply divided over Mr Obama's legacy, with fewer than half saying they are better off eight years later - or that Mr Obama brought the country together. Two in three Americans said he did not keep his promises, though most of those said he had tried to do so but could not. AP Justin Trudeau has made changes to his cabinet ahead of a change in leadership in Washington Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shaken up his cabinet less than two weeks before Donald Trump's inauguration as US president. Mr Trudeau named Chrystia Freeland as the new foreign minister amid concern that Mr Trump will renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Ms Freeland was trade minister when she oversaw last year's ratification of the Canada-European Union free trade agreement after initial concerns that Europe would not approve it. The former journalist of Ukrainian descent is barred from Russia - something she has called an honour. John McCallum, who oversaw the arrival of more than 39,000 Syrian refugees as immigration minister, is retiring from parliament to become ambassador to China as Mr Trudeau embarks on a free trade agreement with the Asian country. Ahmed Hussen, a Somali refugee, was named Canada's new immigration minister. Charlotte Church has publicly hit out on Twitter at Donald Trump, after his people allegedly asked her to sing at his inauguration. She is the latest in a string of celebrities to openly criticise the president-elect. @realDonaldTrump Your staff have asked me to sing at your inauguration, a simple Internet search would show I think you're a tyrant. Bye Charlotte Church (@charlottechurch) January 10, 2017 Church tweeted Trump, writing: "Your staff have asked me to sing at your inauguration, a simple Internet search would show I think you're a tyrant. Bye". However, some seem skeptical that she was asked. Television presenter Piers Morgan wrote: "Oh pur-lease, he's never heard of you, you ridiculous creature". On the other hand, there have been rumours that the Trump team is struggling to get stars to perform at the inauguration. Donald Trump is struggling to find big name stars to appear at festivities surrounding his inauguration, according to Hollywood insiders. Mr Trump's team is aiming to raise $75 million to spend on lavish events, including a concert on the National Mall, to celebrate his taking office and wants to attract internationally famous performers. But one agent asked to help with recruiting stars said he couldn't find anyone "not even for a billion dollars" following the divisive campaign fought by Mr Trump. Top performers usually waive their six-figure fees for appearing at presidential inaugurations. Mr Trump's team denied it was offering to pay performance fees. A spokesman said: No one with any official position or official relationship with the presidential inaugural committee is engaging in the conduct described. "We are focused on organising an exciting and uniting celebration of freedom and democracy." Grammy-winning musician John Legend told the BBC he is "not surprised at all" that few stars are willing to perform at the inauguration. "Creative people tend to reject bigotry and hate," he said. "We tend to be more liberal-minded. When we see somebody that's preaching division and hate and bigotry, it's unlikely he'll get a lot of creative people that want to be associated with him." However, speculation has been mounting that Kanye West could be in line to perform, after the star was seen entering Trump Tower. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] A court appeal by a couple who were fined in Switzerland for keeping their daughters out of mandatory mixed-gender school swimming lessons for reasons linked to their Muslim faith has been rejected. The European Court of Human Rights decision upholds a Swiss federal court ruling that education officials had not violated the Turkish-born family's rights of freedom of conscience and religion in the case in Basel dating back to 2008. In a summary of the ruling announced on Tuesday, the European court based in Strasbourg acknowledged "interference" in freedom of religion - but that public school had a "special role" in integration, particularly of children of foreign origin. Such issues of compulsory public education and religious belief have prompted similar cases in neighbouring Germany and Liechtenstein in recent years. Under Basel school system rules, attending swimming classes is mandatory for all school pupils and exemptions are possible only once they reach puberty. The girls were aged seven and nine when their parents first became aware that no exemption was allowed, according to the ruling. The court noted that Swiss authorities had taken steps to ease the family's concerns, such as by allowing for individual, separate showers and allowing for the wearing of a "burkini", or body-covering swimwear used by some Muslim women. The girls' mother refused that option, arguing that "the burkini didn't erase the contours" of their bodies - and the family believed that wearing one would "stigmatise" its wearer, the ruling said. The parents kept their daughters out of the swimming classes. Two years after the case emerged, education officials in Basel ordered the family to pay a total of 1,400 Swiss francs (about 1,150 today) for repeatedly violating the rules. AP Meredith Kercher was killed at a house in Perugia, Italy An appeals court in Florence has rejected a bid for a new trial and possible acquittal of the only person convicted of the 2007 murder of British university student Meredith Kercher. Rudy Hermann Guede, an Ivorian, is serving a 16-year sentence for the murder of Ms Kercher, found stabbed in her bedroom in a house she shared in Perugia with American student Amanda Knox. Ms Knox and her former Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, after a series of convictions and acquittal, were ultimately exonerated of the murder by Italy's top criminal tribunal, the Court of Cassation. Guede was in court for the court's decision, after an hour's deliberation. When the Cassation court upheld Guede's conviction in 2010, it ruled he did not act alone but did not name any accomplices. His lawyers argued that conclusion conflicts with the acquittals of Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito. Italy's justice system involves two levels of appeals. Convictions are not considered final until all appeals are exhausted, a process that can take years. Revising final verdicts is extremely rare in Italy. The Florence court did not elaborate on why it rejected Guede's bid. His lawyer, Tommaso Pietrocarlo, said the defence will consider appealing to the Cassation court on the same issue that failed to persuade the lower level tribunal. Guede has always denied killing Ms Kercher. Guede was initially sentenced to 30 years in prison, reduced on a previous appeal to 16 years. Last year, for good behaviour behind bars, Guede was allowed an overnight stay at a house run by volunteers assisting inmates. In a case closely followed in the United States, Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito steadfastly proclaimed their innocence. Their judicial saga included time in prison following convictions, and release after an acquittal, before being definitively acquitted of the murder in 2015. AP Drug could see dental fillings become a thing of the past. Dental fillings could be consigned to history after scientists discovered a drug already used for Alzheimer's patients can encourage tooth regrowth and repair cavities. Researchers at King's College London found the drug Tideglusib stimulates the stem cells contained in the pulp of teeth so they generate new dentine - the mineralised material under the enamel. Teeth already have the capability of regenerating dentine if the pulp inside the tooth becomes exposed through a trauma or infection, but can only naturally make a very thin layer, and not enough to fill the deep cavities caused by tooth decay. But Tideglusib switches off an enzyme called GSK-3 which prevents dentine from carrying on forming. Scientists showed it is possible to soak a small biodegradable sponge with the drug and insert it into a cavity, where it triggers the growth of dentine and repairs the damage within six weeks. The tiny sponges are made out of collagen so they melt away over time, leaving only the repaired tooth. Cavities "The simplicity of our approach makes it ideal as a clinical dental product for the natural treatment of large cavities, by providing both pulp protection and restoring dentine," Professor Paul Sharpe, lead author of the study, of the Dental Institute, from King's College London, said. "In addition, using a drug that has already been tested in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease provides a real opportunity to get this dental treatment quickly into clinics." Currently dentists use man-made cements or fillings, such as calcium and silicon-based products, to treat larger cavities and fill holes in teeth. But this cement remains in the tooth and fails to disintegrate, meaning the normal mineral level of the tooth is never completely restored. However, the new technique could reduce the need for fillings of cements, which are prone to infection and often need replacing a number of times. When fillings fail or infection occurs, dentists have to remove and fill an area that is larger than what is affected, and after multiple treatments the tooth may eventually need to be extracted. "This is an extremely interesting and novel approach which shows great promise and we will look forward to it being translated into clinical application that could undoubtedly be a progressive step in the treatment of dental disease," Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation , said. "While fillings have remained highly effective in repairing large cavities, they are susceptible to wear-and-tear and can occasionally be in need of repair and replacement." ( Daily Telegraph, London) British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (L) meets with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R) in the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 9, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Britain is "first in line" for a trade deal with the US, Boris Johnson has said after talks with Donald Trump's senior advisers. The closeness of the relationship between the UK and US will not change once the president-elect takes office, the British Foreign Secretary insisted. Mr Johnson, who once joked that he would not visit parts of New York because of the "real risk of meeting Donald Trump", lavished praised on the Republican's "exciting agenda of change". Read More Barack Obama warned during the EU referendum campaign that Britain would be at the "back of the queue" for a trading agreement. Expand Close British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson meets with House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson meets with House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) But Mr Johnson said: "Clearly, the Trump administration-to-be has a very exciting agenda of change. One thing that won't change though is the closeness of the relationship between the US and the UK. "We are the number two contributor to defence in Nato. We are America's principal partner in working for global security and, of course, we are great campaigners for free trade. "We hear that we are first in line to do a great free trade deal with the United States. So, it's going to be a very exciting year for both our countries." Read More Mr Johnson met Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and the president-elect's chief strategist Steve Bannon after flying to New York on Sunday on a hastily arranged trip and has been meeting other key Republicans in Washington. The meeting came after Theresa May condemned Mr Trump's comments about groping women as "unacceptable". But she indicated the "special relationship" between the UK and US would flourish when he was in the White House. Mrs May, who is expected to meet Mr Trump in the spring, said she has had two "very good, positive" conversations with Mr Trump. Floral tributes are left near the Woodthorpe area of York, after a teenager was arrested nearby following the death of a seven-year-old girl. (Photo: PA) Police activity outside a property in the Woodthorpe area of York, after a teenager was arrested nearby following the death of a seven-year-old girl. (Photo: PA) Police activity outside a property in the Woodthorpe area of York, after a teenager was arrested nearby following the death of a seven-year-old girl. (Photo: PA) Police activity in the Woodthorpe area of York, where a teenager was arrested Monday after the death of a seven-year-old girl. (Photo: PA Wire) Police activity in the Woodthorpe area of York, where a teenager was arrested Monday after the death of a seven-year-old girl (Photo: PA Wire) Police activity in the Woodthorpe area of York, where a teenager was arrested Monday after the death of a seven-year-old girl (Photo: PA) Katie Rough, a seven-year-old girl who died after sustaining serious injuries in an attack in York. (Photo: North Yorkshire Police) A seven-year-old girl who died after she was found seriously injured on a playing field has been named by police as Katie Rough. She was found down a track with life-threatening injuries on Monday after police were called to an address in the Woodthorpe area of the city. Katie was taken to hospital but died a short time later, North Yorkshire Police said. A 15-year-old girl was arrested and remains in police custody. Witnesses earlier described how Katie's mother, named locally as Alison Rough, was seen crying on her knees in the street and pleading for help after her daughter was injured. Residents living in Alness Drive said Mrs Rough asked them to call an ambulance for Katie - who was described in tributes as "darling princess" - saying "I think she's killed her". Rob McCartney, 50, said he saw the young girl lying in the field near the quiet cul-de-sac. He said: "The mother came running up the street shouting for help and saying 'Get an ambulance'. "I put my shoes on, went up the side of the house. I could see a young girl lying in the field, police were already attending to her." Mr McCartney added: "(The mother) was back and forth, obviously very, very distraught and who I think was the father turned up. "I spoke to her later, asked if she was okay and she said 'No, no, she's my little girl'. "She said 'I think she's killed her'." A woman living in a house by a track leading to the playing field said: "The mother was on her knees in the middle of the road, crying and saying things. "It was quite distressing." Neighbours said children often used the playing field during the summer and it was regularly visited by dog walkers. The area was cordoned off on Tuesday while forensic officers examined the scene. A white tent could be seen on the playing field. Mourners arrived throughout the day to lay flowers in the street. One couple, believed to be the young girl's grandparents, left a bouquet with a card, which read: "Night, night my darling princess Katie, love Nana and Grandad." At the family's home, just less than a mile away from the scene, two police vans were parked outside and an officer was seen entering and leaving the property carrying equipment. On Tuesday evening, police appealed for anyone who may have seen the two girls in the area of Morrell Court, Bellhouse Way, Osprey Close and Alness Drive between 3pm and 5pm on Monday to get in touch. A force spokesman said: "The investigation into Katie's death is ongoing. "Katie's family are devastated by this tragic event and have asked for their privacy to be respected at this extremely distressing time. "Police are appealing for witnesses who were in the area of Morrell Court, Bellhouse Way, Osprey Close and Alness Drive between 3pm and 5pm on Monday 9 January, and may have seen two girls, one aged 15 years old and the other seven years old, to get in touch. "If you have any information that could assist the investigation please dial 101, select option one, speak to the Force Control Room and ask to be put through to the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Major Investigation Team. "Please use reference number 12170004685 when passing on any information." Digital economy big job creator From:Xinhua | 2017-01-09 11:34 China's digital economy is predicted to create over 400 million jobs by 2035, a new report has said. The Internet-based economy could be worth US$16 trillion by then, said a Boston Consulting Group report, released at a new economy summit sponsored by Alibaba Group on Saturday. Alibaba, Chinas biggest online trader, may generate over 100 million of those jobs, according to the report, with 30 million created last year. As jobs are created, digital technology like cloud computing and artificial intelligence will increasingly replace more manpower, the report said. Meanwhile, 20 percent of the worlds population will become self-employed or freelance via the Internet in the next decade, Alibaba Vice President Gao Hongbing said at the summit. The digital economy will surpass the manufacturing sector in scale and account for a quarter of the worlds economy, Gao said. An Oxford University building has been turned into a homeless shelter by squatters, who are hoping to make it a more permanent alternative for those formerly sleeping on the streets. (Stock image) An Oxford University building has been turned into a homeless shelter by squatters, who are hoping to make it a more permanent alternative for those formerly sleeping on the streets. Fourteen homeless people are now sleeping in the building, which has its own cooking and washing facilities. They have been there since New Year's Eve, and according to a change.org petition, want to stay for longer. The group, called Iffley Open House, has petitioned Wadham College, which owns the building, to let the homeless people stay. The building has been lying empty, as it is due to be renovated and converted into student accommodation. Students from the university are involved in the initiative, according to the Cherwell, Oxford's student newspaper. Along with students, local residents, housing activists and Green Party members are involved in the squatting initiative. A spokesperson for Wadham College has responded to the squatters, telling the Cherwell: Wadham is investigating the ramifications of this move, with particular concern for the safety of those who are sleeping rough in an old and dilapidated building, including in areas that are not designed for residential use. The College will be making every effort to speak to representatives of this homeless group as well as local residents, safety experts and the site developers. Wadham is currently awaiting planning permission for redevelopment of the site as student accommodation, significantly relieving pressure on local housing stock. As part of this project, Wadham College has undertaken to contribute more than 900,000 (1,035,039) towards social housing provision in Oxford. Wadham College is particularly concerned about the problems of homelessness in Oxfordshire and to this end has a longstanding relationship with the Gatehouse homeless project. The College regularly fundraises for homeless organisations and donated much of the furniture from the Iffley Road site to a homeless charity. Iffley Open House has written an open letter to the college, which says: "The situation for rough sleepers and homeless people in Oxford is now at a critical point. Oxford University and colleges like Wadham own dozens of buildings across the city which lie empty, some of which have been empty for almost a decade, that could be repurposed as shelters, social housing and social spaces. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Police activity in the Woodthorpe area of York, where a teenager was arrested Monday after the death of a seven-year-old girl. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire The mother of a seven-year-old girl who died after she was found seriously injured on a playing field was seen crying on her knees in the street after she arrived at the scene, according to witnesses. A 15-year-old girl was arrested after police were called to an address in Woodthorpe, York, and found the victim down a nearby track with life-threatening injuries. The girl was taken to hospital but died a short time later, North Yorkshire Police said. A woman living in the house by the track said a woman arrived in the street by car on Monday afternoon. We are investigating the death of a 7-year-old girl in #York. A 15-year-old girl has been arrested. More info: https://t.co/qAqZmN0U80 NorthYorkshirePolice (@NYorksPolice) January 10, 2017 She described how she saw the mother on her knees crying in the road. She added: "I arrived in my car behind the mother. Expand Close The grandparents of the victim leave a floral tribute near Alness Drive in the Woodthorpe area of York, where a teenager was arrested Monday after the death of a seven-year-old girl. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The grandparents of the victim leave a floral tribute near Alness Drive in the Woodthorpe area of York, where a teenager was arrested Monday after the death of a seven-year-old girl. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire "I wasn't quite sure what was going on, it wasn't until I spoke to the police that I found out. "The mother was on her knees in the middle of the road, crying and saying things. "It was quite distressing." The woman, who did not want to be named, said the family did not live in the street of six red-brick detached houses. She said: "We've all been here a long time, there's no children in this street." The woman said children often played on the field in the summer. Alness Drive is a quiet street lined with red-brick detached homes, lying to the south east of the city centre. On Tuesday morning, the grass track leading from the quiet cul-de-sac to a playing field was cordoned off. A white tent could be seen on the playing field beyond the cordon. A single police van was parked on the driveway of a house neighbouring the track to the field. A force spokesman said: "Police were called shortly after 4.30pm on Monday 9 January to an address in Alness Drive in York. "Officers attended and, upon visiting a scene nearby, they found a seven-year-old girl with life-threatening injuries. "An ambulance attended and the girl was taken to York District Hospital, where she sadly died a short time later. "A 15-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with the incident. She remains in police custody for questioning. "Officers remain at the scene while the investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death of the girl continues." The York City and East neighbourhood policing team tweeted: "Difficult late shift for all York staff with tragic death of a 7 year old. Thoughts go out to family members." Czech President Milos Zeman has urged citizens to arm themselves against a possible "super-Holocaust" carried out by Muslim terrorists. According to The Washington Post, gun purchases spiked after the announcement despite there being fewer than 4,000 Muslims in the country which has a population of 10 million. The country is trying to make a constitutional change that will allow citizens use guns against terrorists. Read More The parliament must approve the law which they say will save lives if an attack occurs and police are unable to make it to the scene. Gun controls in the Czech Republic are lenient. Residents must be 21, pass a gun knowledge check and have no criminal record. In the wake of terrorist attacks across Europe gun controls have become a controversial topic. Amid tighter EU laws on gun access, despite the outcome of the Czech parliament vote on the terrorist-hunting measure, gun laws in the Czech Republic are going to get stricter, according to The Washington Post. Suspected Islamic extremists could be forced to wear electronic tags without trial in Germany, under radical new proposals put forward by the country's justice minister. Heiko Maas said he wanted to extend the use of electronic ankle tags to those deemed a potential terror threat even if they have not been convicted of any crime. The proposals come as senior ministers in Angela Merkel's government prepare to meet today to discuss security reforms in the wake of last month's Christmas market terror attack in Berlin, in which 12 people died. Anis Amri, the attacker, was able to move freely around Germany despite being identified as a terror threat because police could not secure enough evidence to arrest him. Mr Maas called for a "preventive offensive" against the threat from Islamic extremism. "The use of ankle tags should not be only available for convicted criminals after release from prison, but for those identified as a general threat as well," he said. Under current German law, electronic tags are only possible for convicted sex offenders after their release from prison. ( Daily Telegraph, London) The Queen walks with then German president Roman Herzog through Waterloo Chamber prior to a state dinner held at Windsor Castle Former German president Roman Herzog has died aged 82. Mr Herzog pressed Germany to embrace economic reform in the 1990s during his presidency and also stressed the importance of remembering the Nazi Holocaust. Current President Joachim Gauck paid tribute on Tuesday to Mr Herzog, whom he described as "a distinctive personality". Mr Herzog served as the chief justice of Germany's highest court before winning the presidency in 1994, four years after reunification. He was one of the first leaders to address Germany's resistance to reform and its growing economic stagnation at a time when then chancellor Helmut Kohl's 16-year tenure was coming to a close. Germany was struggling with double-digit unemployment, amid worries that its labour market was too inflexible. AP Mr Herzog drew an unfavourable comparison between the dynamism of Asia and the stagnation in Germany, pointing to problems with bureaucracy and regulation, and a resistance to change. "Germany must feel a jolt," Mr Herzog said in a 1997 speech, urging Germans to set aside greed and pull together to overcome "a sense of paralysis." "Pessimism has become a normal mindset in our country," he said. "Those who want to delay or prevent major reforms need to be aware that our nation will pay a high price for this." However, the president, while seen as the nation's moral conscience, has a largely ceremonial job and reform was slow to come. The following year, centre-left Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder came to power saying that one of his government's tasks would be to modernize the country and deal with a "reform backlog". But it would still be several more years before Germany embarked in earnest on painful reform of the welfare state. The reforms that Mr Schroeder finally implemented were unpopular at the time, but they have been widely credited with putting Germany in good shape to weather economic crises. Mr Herzog - who succeeded Richard von Weizsaecker, remembered for urging his country to confront its dark past - also instituted an annual day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust, setting it on Janyary 27, the anniversary of the Auschwitz death camp's liberation. Announcing the decision in 1996, he said remembrance must "remind future generations to be vigilant". Germany's Jewish community praised Mr Herzog's commitment to ensuring that Nazi atrocities not be forgotten. He also reached out to countries that suffered under Nazi occupation, pleading for forgiveness when he travelled to Poland on the 50th anniversary of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. He spoke out firmly against lingering property claims by some Germans in regions that were part of Germany before its borders were moved westward at the end of World War II. Mr Herzog left office when his first term expired in 1999 and was replaced by Johannes Rau, a member of Mr Schroeder's Social Democrats. Mr Herzog was born on April 5, 1934, in Landshut in Bavaria. His father worked at a snuff factory and later directed the local museum. He studied law at Munich University. He was brought into politics by Mr Kohl, then governor of Rhineland-Palatinate state, who named him the region's chief representative in Bonn in 1973. He later served as culture minister and interior minister in the south-western state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Mr Herzog was named vice president of the Federal Constitutional Court in 1983 and was elevated to chief justice in 1987. He is survived by his second wife, Alexandra. AP The scene of the plane crash on Middle Island in Queensland Photo via: LifeFlight An Irish woman is fighting for life and a British woman has died after a light plane crash in Australia. The Irish woman, aged 21, sustained head injuries in the accident and was rushed to hospital. "[She] was flown to Rockhampton Base Hospital and later transported to Brisbane for treatment of a head injury, where she remains in a critical condition," Queensland Police said in a statement. The women, were among four people on the aircraft when it came down at around 11am on Tuesday on Middle Island, near Agnes Water, in Queensland, local police said. The pilot, a man aged in his sixties, was taken to hospital in a serious condition and a 13-year-old boy was transferred to be treated for minor injuries, the Bundaberg RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter team said. Those involved are believed to have been tourists taking a day trip to the island. "We are aware of the case and we are providing consular assistance," a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said. It is understood that the teenage boy involved in the crash is local. Aviation authorities will now take over the investigation and determine the cause of the crash. "Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day," police said in a statement. Local media are reporting that paramedics fought to save the deceased woman's life for an hour before she died at the scene. The plane belonged to a tour company called 1770 Castway, which offers adventure tours. The tour company expressed sympathy with the family in a post on it's Facebook page. "On behalf of everyone at 1770 Castaway, we offer our deepest condolences to the families and all the loved ones of those involved in the Middle Island tragedy," the company said. "In respecting the due process of several investigations and in not wanting to preempt the outcome of those inquiries, we cannot offer any comment regarding the circumstances of the accident and we would ask that the privacy of all concerned be respected at this very difficult time. "1770 Castaway is offering all the investigators its full co-operation. Thank you." ABC news has reported that a second plane was also flying in the area when it saw the plane go down. The second aircraft landed and called for the emergency services. Bystanders attempted to help the victims of the crash and performed CPR on those involved until authorities arrived. LifeFlight, a rapid response rescue crew, issued the follow statement after attending the scene of the crash. "The LifeFlight helicopter was tasked to Bustard Head just after 11am by the Queensland Police Service to help search for the Cirrus SR22 single-engine aircraft which crashed with four people on board. "The wreckage was located a short time later and the LifeFlight helicopter landed on the beach nearby to assist treating the pilot and passengers. The area where the plane was found is only accessible by boat or aircraft. "The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter medical crew treated and transported the pilot of the SR22 - a male in his 60s - to Bundaberg Base Hospital suffering multi-trauma injuries. "He was transported in a serious condition. "Sadly one person was declared deceased at the scene. Two other survivors were airlifted by another air-medical operator to Rockhampton Hospital for further treatment. "The occupants were tourists who were reportedly camping on the island," the statement added. Additional reporting by Press Association A fighter from the Free Syrian Army plays with a dog at a checkpoint captured from Isil near the town of Qabasin, 30km from Aleppo. Photo: Nazeer al-Khatib/AFP/Getty Images A US Navy destroyer fired multiple warning shots at Iranian patrol boats as they sped toward the destroyer at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, US officials have said. The crew of the USS Mahan fired the warning shots after attempting to establish contact with the Iranians and after dropping smoke flares, the officials said. The US Navy occasionally has confrontations with Iranian naval forces in the Persian Gulf, but they do not usually reach the point of prompting warning shots. The US officials said the Mahan was in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday when the Iranian boats sped toward it and failed to halt despite "cautionary moves". There were conflicting initial reports on whether the Americans and Iranians had established radio communication before the warning shots were fired. Elsewhere, US special forces carried out a secret raid in eastern Syria on Sunday, killing a number of Isil fighters. Commandos parachuted down from four Apache helicopters around 2.30pm on Sunday, according to local activists. They set up roadblocks around the town of al-Kubar, between the Isil-held cities of Deir Ezzor and the group's de facto capital Raqqa. At least 25 jihadists were killed in the two-hour operation, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. Some of the captives, and the bodies of those killed, were flown out of the country. It is not yet clear what their target was, but some local activists suggested the raid may have been a hostage rescue bid. "Our information is that it was to rescue hostages, and that one of the Daesh [Isil] leaders went without force, so we believe that the arrests of members by coalition came by accident," an activist with the anti-Isil Sound and Picture organisation said. "There is an important secret prison in the area. And we think there were westerners in it, but we don't have names because Isil put the area under siege after the landing." US Central Command confirmed that "an operation was conducted in that area". The US-led coalition has carried out only a handful of such raids in Syria and Iraq since joining the war against Isil. In July 2014, Delta Force commandos attempted a rescue of American hostages held by Isil in a prison in Raqqa. However, they arrived too late and US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid worker Kayla Mueller had been moved days earlier. ( Daily Telegraph London) Customers have rallied round a Virginia waitress who received a note from a couple who said they "don't tip black people". Kelly Carter, who works at Anita's New Mexico Style Cafe, said the two customers left a receipt with the written message: "Great service don't tip black people." She said the couple appeared to be in their mid-20s and had spent $30.52 (29) on food. Tommy Tellex, the restaurant owner, said the response from the community since the incident on Saturday had been "phenomenal". Hatred will not be tolerated and we will not keep quiet. This has been confirmed and did happen per Mgr @ Anita's in Ashburn. pic.twitter.com/UKaLCaKf9h Loudoun County NAACP (@NAACP_Loudoun) January 8, 2017 A YouCaring had raised more than $1,200 (1,132) for her and people had been coming into the restaurant to give her cash, he told the BBC. She has a following, he was quoted as saying by WJLA. Her philosophy for customer service is way beyond the norm. And we're really happy to have her. Ms Carter, who said one of the customers had even commented on how much she liked the breakfast she had served her, said she would not let the incident affect her. "[The customer] didn't hurt me. He only hurt himself. He only makes me stronger, she said. She also said she would recognise them if they returned and she would be happy to serve them. "Just me serving them will let them know they did not get the best of me. And I truly mean that," she said. Mr Tellez, who described the note as "appalling, disheartening, and outrageous", said Ms Carter had "handled it very well" and approved of her wish to serve the couple again. "Two wrongs don't make a right", he told the BBC. Waiting staff rely on tips in the US, and the standard tip in a restaurant is 15-20 per cent. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] A man in the US is reportedly facing charges of attempted murder after he fired a number of gunshots at his wife after she took a bite of his toasted cheese sandwich. Baltimore ABC station WNEP reports on the shocking incident which took place in a town called Dundalk in the state of Maryland on Sunday. According to reports, Daniel Brian Blackwell became angry after his wife took a bite out of his toasted cheese sandwich. Police reports say that Blackwell initially fired one shot from the basement through the floor of the kitchen above where his wife was making dinner. Soon after, the wife heard three more gunshots, the projectiles of which came through the kitchen floor near where she was standing, Baltimore County Police said in a statement released to the media. Luckily none of the shots hit anyone and Blackwell's wife fled the house with three teenagers and called the police. A three-hour standoff then began which ended when Blackwell was subdued with pepper spray. Blackwell has been charged with attempted first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and various firearms violations. He remains in police custody in hospital. Last week in the UK a woman was sentenced to six months behind bars after she stabbed her boyfriend for eating all her chips. Hillary Clintons failure to connect with US voters through a massive investment in social media could lead to a resurgence in more traditional political advertising methods such as newspapers and radio. Mrs Clinton employed more than 100 people in her digital team and spent tens of millions of dollars trying to win over millennials with a series of hi-tech messages on Facebook. Experts said she might have been better off buying newspaper or local television adverts in the handful of key states she unexpectedly lost. Older voters receiving their coverage of the election through local newspapers were more likely to vote there. Expand Close Donald Trump / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump Hillary Clinton should get all her money back. It didnt work, said John Geer, professor of political science at Vanderbilt University, Nashville. Anyone who relies on 18 to 24 year olds as a group, unfortunately, what we would call those candidates are losers. Because they never turn out. We are in a situation where we should re-evaluate the money they are pouring into these adverts, it seems crazy. He said that candidates should not underestimate the power of the traditional platforms such as newspapers and radio. During the campaign Bill Clinton, the former president, advocated unsuccessfully for targeting blue collar workers in the rust belt states by more traditional means. However, Mrs Clintons digital team, sitting in their Brooklyn headquarters under a Swipe Right for Hillary banner, were told to think out of the box and appeal to young voters on social media, using outlets including Snapchat and Pinterest. A total of 30 young staff members were assigned to film her on the campaign trail and post the slickly edited videos on Facebook. Ideas her campaign and supporting groups came up with included a four-part comic book series on Facebook called Trumps America. The costly adverts showed a caricature of Donald Trump in a grimy New York setting, saying I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot someone, and viewers were invited to move around the screen for different views. The project was aimed at voters in their 20s in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Mrs Clinton ended up losing all of those states apart from New Hampshire. Expand Close Son-in-law Jared Kushner. Photo: Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Son-in-law Jared Kushner. Photo: Getty Images The failure of her digital and social media operation has led to an inquest over how Democrats should try to reach voters next time. Her big problem was not reaching working class voters in about three key states, said Justin Holmes, assistant professor of political science at the University of Iowa. With social media you can target specific groups, but they were focused on young women and Latinos. If anything, if the Clinton campaign had bought a few more ads in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin newspapers she might have won. He said click-through rates on social media adverts had been terrible. Buying a Facebook advert was cheap but like preaching to the choir. Its a lot of people who have already made up their minds. There is some value in mobilising people who already support you, but those other people are harder to reach, he said. He added that with television advertising becoming increasingly fragmented among all the different channels, one more successful route may be sponsored content on news websites. Total US election spending, including the presidential, state, and local races, showed a sharp rise in digital advertising. It made up 14.4pc of the total spent in 2016 compared with 1.7pc in 2012. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Anders Behring Breivik in an image taken from his online manifesto Anders Behring Breivik raises his right hand at the start of his appeal case in Borgarting Court of Appeal. (Lise Aaserud/NTB Scanpix via AP) Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik made a neo-Nazi salute as he walked quietly into a courtroom at a high security prison. Judges are reviewing a government appeal against a ruling that his solitary confinement was inhumane and violated human rights. The 37-year-old right-wing extremist, who killed 77 people in a bomb and shooting rampage in 2011, sued the government last year - saying his solitary confinement, frequent strip searches and the fact that he was often handcuffed during the early part of his incarceration violated his human rights. Dressed in a dark suit, the bearded Breivik stared briefly at reporters while making the salute. The government is appealing against a surprise decision by the Oslo District Court, which sided with Breivik's claims that his isolation in the maximum-security Skien prison breaches the European Convention on Human Rights. The ruling said "the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment represents a fundamental value in a democratic society. This applies no matter what - also in the treatment of terrorists and killers". It also ordered the government to pay Breivik's legal costs of 331,000 kroner (34,000). However, it dismissed his claim that his right to respect for private and family life was violated by restrictions on contacts with other right-wing extremists. Breivik was convicted of mass murder and terrorism in 2012 and given a 21-year prison sentence that can be extended for as long as he is deemed dangerous to society. Legal experts say it is likely he will be locked up for life. He is being held in isolation in a three-cell complex where he can play video games, watch TV and exercise. He has also complained about the quality of the prison food, having to eat with plastic utensils and not being able to communicate with sympathisers. The government has rejected his complaints, saying he is treated humanely despite the severity of his crimes and that he must be separated from other inmates for safety reasons. Breivik had carefully planned the attacks on July 22, 2011. He set off a car bomb outside the government headquarters in Oslo, killing eight people and wounding dozens. Dressed in a police uniform, Breivik then drove to the island of Utoya, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) away, where he opened fire on the annual summer camp of the left-wing Labour Party's youth wing. Sixty-nine people there were killed, most of them teenagers, before he surrendered to police. At the time of the attacks, Breivik claimed to be the commander of a secret Christian military order plotting an anti-Muslim revolution in Europe, but now describes himself as a traditional neo-Nazi who prays to the Viking god Odin. He made a Nazi salute to journalists at the start of his human rights case last year. The massacre shocked the quiet Scandinavian country and many feel Breivik has had too much attention and visibility. The case is being heard by the Borgarting Court of Appeals in a makeshift courtroom in the gym of Skien prison in southern Norway, where Breivik is incarcerated. Six days have been reserved for the hearings. Judge Oystein Hermanstein said a ruling is expected in February. AP Sen. Jeff Sessions has said that if he is confirmed as attorney general, he would recuse himself from investigations relating to Hillary Clinton's email server. Mr Sessions was asked by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley how he would handle the Clinton probe. The Alabama senator said because of some of the comments he made during the presidential election campaign, "the proper thing to do would be to recuse myself". In further comments to the committee, Mr Sessions also said he does not support a ban on Muslims entering the United States. President-election Donald Trump proposed a temporary ban on Muslim immigrants during the Republican primary campaign, drawing sharp criticism from both parties. During the general election, he shifted his rhetoric to focus on temporarily halting immigration from an unspecified list of countries with ties to terrorism. But he did not disavow the Muslim ban, which is still prominently displayed on his campaign website. Mr Sessions reiterated Mr Trump's position of stronger vetting of potential terrorists at his confirmation hearing, but he denounced a ban on Muslim. "I do not support the idea that Muslims should be denied entry to the United States," he said. He did, however, express support for keeping the Guantanamo Bay detention camp on Cuba open. He said he believes it is a safe place to house suspected terrorists captured overseas and should continue to be used. That perspective differs from the viewpoint of the Obama administration, which has transferred prisoners to other countries in hopes of ultimately closing the facility. In the last eight years, the Justice Department has moved to bring militants captured abroad to American courts, rather than placing them in Guantanamo and treating them as military detainees. Nosayba (left) and Somaia Halawa, sisters of Ibrahim Halawa, in Dublin campaigning for his release A group of TDs have pleaded with Ibrahim Halawa to end his hunger strike while they visited the Irish citizen's in an Egyptian Prison. Eight TDs, led by Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, met with Mr Halawa for more than an hour today where they also urged him not to give up hope. Mr Halawa (21) has been in prison for more than three years without trial after being arrested at a Cairo demonstration against the the ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood government in 2013. The TDs will raise his case with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi tomorrow. Mr O Fearghail told Independent.ie that despite the hunger strike, Mr Halawa "looked remarkably well" and was "in good spirits". Mr Halawa has been on hunger strike intermitently during his lengthy detention Read More Mr O Fearghail said: "before Christmas he felt unwell and collapsed and came off it [a previous hunger strike] and then went on it again quite recently. Every member of the delegation was at pains to encourage him to desist from that approach." He said that Mr Halawa has "deep frustration that matters hadn't been resolved". "He repeatedly said all he wants to do is to return home," Mr O Fearghail. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who is also on the trip, said: "Hes been to court 17 times and not had a trial" but he said the TDs' message to the young man from Tallaght was "Keep up hope. Dont give up." Mr O Fearghail said the delegation expect to meet the president tomorrow. "We'll be pleading with him to recognise our concern about a young Irish citizen, a child at the time of what has been alleged, and we'll be appealing to him to release him under whatever mechanism he decides to use." Mr Ryan said Mr Halawa's family "are rightly calling for his return and now the Irish Parliament with its single unified voice is saying the same. "Were hoping that the Egyptian authorities will be able to make that happen very, very quickly," he added. Three doctors at a hospital in the Naples area of Italy have been suspended for treating A&E patients while they were lying on the floor. Antonietta Costantini, manager of the public health district that includes Nola hospital, justified the suspensions, saying the doctors should have told administrators the A&E had a stretcher shortage. But health minister Beatrice Lorenzin defended the doctors, saying they were "heroes" who did the best they could under trying circumstances. Flu and a meningitis scare flooded Italian emergency rooms over the holiday period, when many doctors were on leave. The suspensions were ordered after someone uploaded a video to the internet showing doctors at Nola hospital tending to a patient lying directly on the floor and others on blankets spread out on the floor. AP Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security has said closing the country's borders to the "illegal movement of people and things" will be his top priority. Retired Marine John Kelly outlined his priorities in a detailed questionnaire to senators which was released ahead of his confirmation hearing. Mr Kelly embraced the president-elect's call for a strong border wall with Mexico, saying that achieving his top priority of shutting down illegal movements "starts with physical obstacles like a border wall and supporting surveillance technologies". He said it will also require constant patrols from federal and local law enforcement. The confirmation of Mr Kelly is almost assured, but members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee are likely to use Tuesday's hearing to debate the tough immigration and border security policies that were centre to Mr Trump's presidential campaign. Mr Kelly is one of several retired generals chosen for top positions by the incoming president, raising some concerns about undue military influence in his administration. But Mr Kelly is widely respected by Democrats and Republicans alike, and his military experience is applicable to his Homeland Security role. He is the former head of the military's Southern Command, based in south Florida, which routinely works with the Department of Homeland Security to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling. The military command has also partnered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a part of Homeland Security, to help rescue unaccompanied child immigrants trying to make their way from Central America to the United States alone. In the questionnaire, Mr Kelly said he is committed to telling "truth to power". The commitment addresses concerns that some have about the president-elect's willingness to take in points of view that clash with his own. Mr Kelly told the committee that his greatest successes during 40-plus years in the military are "taking care of my people, speaking 'truth to power', and successfully completing every mission I have ever been assigned". He said he has worked with many senior US officials during his career, and "I never hesitated to disagree with any of them, or make difficult recommendations when appropriate". In newly released ethics disclosures, Mr Kelly said that if confirmed he will resign positions with multiple consulting and government contractor firms and defence contractor DynCorp. Mr Kelly joined the Marine Corps in 1970. He is a battle-hardened, blunt-talking veteran who served three tours in Iraq. He was also the highest-ranking officer to lose a child in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. His son, Marine 1st Lt Robert Kelly, was killed in November 2010 in Afghanistan. Mr Kelly would be the fifth person to lead the department, which includes agencies that protect the president, respond to disasters, enforce immigration laws, protect the nation's coastlines, stop drug smuggling and secure air travel. In his statement for the committee, he said he has a "profound respect for the rule of law" and as secretary "will always strive to uphold it". AP Under the proposal, VW would agree to 'a guilty plea' over the emissions scandal Car giant Volkswagen has said it is in "advanced talks" with US authorities on a proposed settlement that contains 4.3 billion dollars (3.5 billion) in criminal and civil fines over its diesel emissions scandal. The draft settlement would require the company to strengthen compliance efforts, including the appointment of an independent monitor. A statement from VW said that under the proposal, it would agree to "a guilty plea" to criminal law provisions. The draft deal would need to be approved by Volkswagen's board and US courts. Volkswagen has admitted equipping diesel cars with software that turned up emissions controls when the car was being tested, and turned them down during normal driving, improving engine performance but exceeding emission limits. The company has agreed to a 15 billion US dollars (12.3 billion) civil settlement with environmental authorities and car owners in the US. Volkswagen said its management board of top executives, which includes CEO Matthias Mueller, and its board of directors would deal with the settlement "in the very short term", as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. "A final conclusion of the settlement agreement is further subject to the execution by the competent US authorities and to the approval of the competent US courts," the company added. The penalties would exceed what the company has set aside to cover costs from the scandal but the specific impact on 2016 earnings "cannot be defined at present". So it is here! Rangoon has been in news for around a year. After all, it is rare to see a period film being made out of Bollywood. Moreover, with Vishal Bhardwaj at the helm of direction and an interesting cast comprising of Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor at his disposal, one expects something spectacular indeed. As for the canvas, stage and setting, one wouldn't have compromised for anything lesser, what with producer Sajid Nadiadwala beginning his 2017 campaign with Rangoon. Expectations were expectedly huge! Thankfully, the promo manages to justify the expectations and manages to establish good enough intrigue that makes you look forward to what does the team have in the offering! As was always a known fact, Rangoon is a triangular love story set in the time of war. Hence, when the film opens with a war sequence set in 1944 (during World War II), you know that Rangoon is not a frivolous affair in the offering. In fact it is interesting to see how the plot line of the film emerges out of the war setting, what with Kangana Ranaut's character of Julia (reportedly based on Fearless Nadia) coming on board to perform in Burma in order to fetch moolah for the war. As the master plan is brought into action by Saif Ali Khan (looking suave and sophisticated as only he can), the fun begins! 'Bloody hell'! Well, that's what you end up exclaiming too as the roller coaster ride begins. Well, literally, as Kangana hops on in a train that leads her from (then) Bombay to Burma. The man entrusted to do the job? Shahid Kapoor! As a soldier who becomes Kangana's companion on this rail trip, he changes tracks - no pun intended - to be her lover as well, something that justifies the punch words for Rangoon - Love. War. Deceit! It is quite apparent that Vishal Bhardwaj had a certain vision in mind and Sajid Nadiadwala was a willing partner to ensure that all man, material and money was put into place in order to have it all executed. With fair deal of drama in the offering along with action, what is impressive too is to hear some trademark dialogue delivery by Kangana Ranaut which has turned out to be her strength actually. Shahid Kapoor, reuniting with Vishal Bhardwaj after Kaminey and Haider, may not be required to go high on theatrics this time around but when it comes to Saif, Langda Tyagi` from Omkara, it is remarkable to see how he truly looks and acts an entirely different part! The promo has come at a time when the industry is indeed looking forward to some interesting films in the pipeline for 2017. With the film set to release in less than 50 days from now (on 24th February), one waits to see what does the team of Rangoon have to offer more in days to come. Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder JMC Projects India secures new orders of Rs2,277 crore; Stock gains 2.6% JMC Projects (India) Limited (JMC), a leading Civil Engineering and EPC Company has secured new orders of Rs2,277 crores. The details are as follows: Water Projects in India of... November 04, 2022 | 2:08 pm Lupin receives USFDA tentative approval for Drospirenone Tablets Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) has announced that it has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug ... November 04, 2022 | 1:26 pm Bloomberg Report: Pegatron Corp starts production of iPhone 14 in India Pegatron Corp., a Taiwanese contract manufacturer for Apple Inc., has begun producing the most recent iPhone 14 model in India. Pegatron is now the second Apple supplier to manufacture th... November 04, 2022 | 12:48 pm JMC Projects India allots NCDs for Rs100 crore; Stock rallies over 3.5% The Management Committee of the Board of Directors of JMC Projects (India) Limited at its meeting held on November 04, 2022 has allotted 1000 Repo Rate, Unsecured, Rated, Listed, Rede... November 04, 2022 | 12:34 pm Nykaa receives shareholders' approval for bonus issue and ESOP; Stock down 1% The Board of the lifestyle retailer FSN E-Commerce Ventures Limited (Nykaa), on October 3, 2022, approved Bonus Issue of Equity Shares in the proportion of 5 (Five) fully paid-up Equity Sh... November 04, 2022 | 12:03 pm Tribal immunity at issue in gaming employee dispute from Connecticut By Andrew Bahl Follow @AndrewBahl Indianz.Com Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Supreme Court met on Monday to hear the first, and so far only, Indian law case on the docket. The eight justices took up Lewis v. Clarke , a sovereign immunity case from Connecticut. The dispute stems from a 2011 traffic accident involving a non-Indian couple and an employee of the Mohegan Tribe The couple -- Brian and Michelle Lewis -- sued the driver, William Clarke, instead of the tribe in an effort to avoid sovereignty issues. But the Connecticut Supreme Court dismissed their claim anyway, ruling that the tribe's immunity extends to Clarke because he was carrying out his duties as an employee of the Mohegan Sun gaming facility. That should make the case fairly straightforward, according to Clarke's attorney. Neal Katyal , a former Obama administration official, said tribal governments deserve to be treated like any other. If Clarke were a federal employee, a foreign employee, or a Connecticut state one, this suit would be barred, Katyal told the court. There's no reason the rule should be different for tribes." Justice Stephen Breyer was among a handful of members of the court who pushed back against the notion that Clarke was immune due to his status as a tribal employee. He noted that the October 2011 accident did not occur at the casino or on the reservation. That seems to me pushing the notion of tribal sovereign immunity off the reservation into a place where there are just no remedies for victims at all," Breyer said. But Katyal said individual states have negotiated gaming compacts to funnel certain legal challenges through state courts. The Mohegans also hear lawsuits in their own court system -- the Lewises did not pursue that avenue, however. Now what these folks are asking for is to renegotiate that compact and ask for something up and beyond what the state of Connecticut has provided, Katyal said. Eric Miller , an attorney for the copule, argued that his clients aren't seeking to treat tribes differently. The Supreme Court has consistently held that state or federal employees acting in an individual capacity can be sued, he said, so tribes should not enjoy special protections. This court has repeatedly applied [sovereign immunity] to individual capacity actions against federal and state employees, and it applies equally when the defendant is an employee of an Indian tribe, Miller said during oral arguments, which lasted about an hour. We're talking about a claim that arose under Connecticut law from an accident on a Connecticut highway, not on the reservation, and the tribe does not have the authority to define the process for handling that claim, Miller said later. That's subject to Connecticut law. The Department of Justice filed a brief in support of the Lewises, arguing that the tribe's immunity does not extend to Clarke because he is being sued in his "personal" capacity. Yet Assistant Solicitor General Ann OConnell said that if the case were sent back to a lower court, Clarke could be given an opportunity to raise a claim of "official" immunity instead, which would shield him from the lawsuit anyway. It particularly makes sense that tribal sovereign immunity wouldn't apply here because there's a coordinate doctrine of official immunity that applies in personal-capacity suits, OConnell argued. And we think official immunity does, as a matter of federal common law, apply to tribal employees that it should extend to the scope of the federal common law. The Supreme Court last took up tribal immunity in Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community . By a 5-4 vote in May 2014 , the justices held that the state of Michigan could not sue the Bay Mills Indian Community because neither the tribe, nor Congress, waived its sovereignty. The court has since declined to hear other sovereign immunity cases but Lewis v. Clarke apparently drew their interest since it involves a tribal employee rather than a tribe itself. Katyal, incidentally, represented the Bay Mills Indian Community in the 2014 case. The argument took place as the court continues without a ninth member following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia last year. His absence leaves open the possibility for a 4-4 deadlock, which would represent a victory for Clarke because it would leave the Connecticut decision intact. Still, the outcome in Bay Mills appears to tip the scales in Clarke's favor because the five justices who affirmed tribal immunity in 2014 remain on the court. The four who were in the minority have dropped to three with the passing of Scalia. "Once again, Tribal Nations across the country hope that the Supreme Court will respect their historical sovereignty and right to fair and equal treatment of it," said Tim Purdon, a former U.S. Attorney from North Dakota who is now in private practice U.S. Supreme Court Documents: Connecticut Supreme Court Decision: Lewis v. Clarke (March 15, 2016) U.S. Supreme Court Decision: Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (May 27, 2014) Join the Conversation Related Stories: Supreme Court schedules oral argument in tribal immunity case (12/06) Matthew Fletcher: Supreme Court case poses new risks to tribes (11/14) Supreme Court opens new term with tribal immunity on the docket (10/04) Supreme Court accepts case involving Mohegan Tribe employee (9/29) Mohegan Tribe casino worker wins case due to sovereign immunity (03/08) Mohegan Tribe's casino employee faces lawsuit over accident (6/23) Utahs New National Monument Marks Big Win for the Protection of Indigenous Cultural Sites By permanently protecting an area rich in indigenous cultural history, Obama has shown that some things are worth more than money.By Jacqueline KeelerYES! Magazine On Dec. 28, with only 22 days left in office, President Obama set aside nearly 1.35 million acres in southeastern Utahs San Juan County as the Bears Ears National Monument. The announcement capped several years of work by a unique tribal coalition that proposed this first-in-the-nation monument to be comanaged by tribes and the federal government. Obama also designated 300,000 acres at Gold Butte in Nevada, homelands of the Paiute people, ironically, near militant rancher Cliven Bundys cattle operation. The national monumentproposed by the Bears Ears Inter-tribal Coalition, which includes the Navajo Nation, the Pueblo of Zuni, the Ute Mountain Ute, Ute tribe, and Hopi tribewill preserve an area rich in biodiversity and human history amid one of the countrys most iconic landscapes. It, and the political battle that continues to stem from it, also raises a greater question for a nation at odds with itself: What is the value of land? This is at the heart of land disputes from the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in Oregon to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota. Does the value of unspoiled wildness, the cultural heritage of indigenous people, and their ancestral connection to the land outweigh the exploitation of oil, coal, timber, grassland, and water to create wealth? Every time I hear something new and great, like the rediscovery of a bean species or something our ancestors learned to grow during a great drought historically, [I know] we wouldnt make those discoveries if it all gets destroyed and thrown in a pile of rubbish, said Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk, Ute Mountain Ute tribal councilwoman and coalition chairwoman. It takes a page out of our history, she said. The name Bears Earscalled the same in the languages of each of the regional tribesrefers to a pair of red sandstone buttes that rise 2,000 feet above juniper-covered Cedar Mesa. The surrounding area encompasses some 100,000 culturally significant sites, including cliff dwellings, burial sites, and ancient roads that span thousands of years of human history. Like the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East, Bears Ears has served as a nursery for many cultures in the Southwest and holds ancient remains dating back as much as 13,000 years. Examples include the stunning House on Fire and Moon House, built by Ancestral Puebloans around 800 years ago. These stone towers and multilevel cliff houses, as well as the more humble remains of early Navajo hogans, display the incredible ingenuity that this unique landscape has fostered. For Navajo people, Bears Ears also holds significance as the birthplace of the great 19th century Navajo leader Chief Manuelito, who led a resistance against the forced removal of his people. Cedar Mesa Moon House in the new Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. Photo: Bureau of Land Management Today, these sites are under threat of looting and destruction. Global positioning systems and social media sharing have made visible places that were previously only known to a few. All of the 1.35 million acres now protected were previously public lands owned by the American people and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. However, without the national monument designation, the BLM could afford only two law enforcement officers to patrol it. Under so little oversight, entire petroglyphs had been cut from canyon walls and trucked away. In 2014, San Juan County Commissioner Phil Lyman joined forces with Ryan Bundy, son of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, to conduct an illegal, armed ATV ride over an ancient Puebloan village in Recapture Canyon, now within the monuments boundaries. The rally, about which Lyman expressed last minute apprehension to the gathered crowd of sagebrush militia and local media, was staged to protest the governments closure of a road to protect ancient artifacts and graves. Lyman was later convicted of two federal misdemeanors, fined, and sentenced to 10 days in jail. But in San Juan County, hostility toward Native Americans has not been isolated to historical sites. In early 2016, the Navajo Nation sued the county for violations of the Voting Rights Act. A U.S. district court sided with the Navajo, finding that the county had race-based motives in how it gerrymandered Navajo voters into a single district to prevent them from asserting influence over the county. The lawsuit included statements made by Lyman telling Navajos they had lost the war and had no right to comment on public land management. In July, U.S. Reps. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, and Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, introduced to Congress the Public Lands Initiative Bill as an alternative to the Inter-Tribal Coalitions national monument proposal. Their bill not only proposed removing protections of 18 million acres of federal land in Utah, but also sought to take 100,000 acres of land from the Ute tribe and open it up to oil and mining companies without tribal consultation. Ute leaders including Lopez-Whiteskunk said that Bishop and Chaffetz never mentioned this audacious land grab, written into a bill designed to protect Bears Ears, to the tribes. This disrespect is echoed at not only the county level of Utah government but also at the state. I was very, very shocked by the way I was treated by the Utah Legislature, Lopez-Whiteskunk said. I felt belittled and disrespected because the legislature, the committee cut me off I didnt respond back in a negative manner. But it left me feeling very disrespected as a tribal leader. This lack of respect at the local level forced the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition to turn to Obama and seek national monument designation for lands that hold both historical and future potential for the five tribes. Cedar Mesa Grand Gulch in the new Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. Photo: Bureau of Land Management What we are seeking to do with the Bears Ears National Monument is to stabilize our community and to bring the youth back to the reality of the natural world, said Willie Grey Eyes, Dine elder, president of the Utah Dine Bikeyah, and former tribal councilman. We want to teach them how to utilize these resources in a way that not only benefits them in their pocket, but spirituality This circle of relationships continues a cycle where the youth know how to protect these natural resources and how to utilize it in a sustainable way. This desire for harmonycalled Hozho in Navajohas been met with threats of violence. In an interview with the Washington Post in June, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, warned, I would hope that my fellow Utahans would not use violence, but there are some deeply held positions that cannot just be ignored. And yet, contrary to how Hatch may characterize his constituents, a clear majority of Utah voters supported protecting Bears Ears as a national monument in a 2016 survey commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Despite this, newly minted Utah Attorney General Sean Rayes said he plans to file a lawsuit to fight what some view as an overreach of presidential power. Echoing this concern, a crowd of hundreds gathered in Monticello on Dec. 29 to protest the designation, calling on President-elect Trump to undo the decision. Previous courts, however, have upheld the Antiquities Act. A glance west across the Colorado River may offer some insight into how these battles have played out previously. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was controversial when it was designated under the same authority by then-President Bill Clinton in 1996. By 2008, job opportunities in the surrounding counties had grown by 38 percent, per capita income by 30 percent; Utahans now consider the designation to be a good thing for the state by a margin of more than 2 to 1. Had Escalantes 1.8 million acres of unspoiled natural beauty been rolled over for resource extraction, scientists may not have discovered the tens of thousands of dinosaur fossils, 46 previously unidentified species of bees, or the ancient Anasazi sites that it holds. Were here to take care of it. Were here to look after it. Were here to preserve it, said Jonah Yellowman, a Navajo elder. If you take care of it and look after itits going to take care of you, youre going to get healed from it, and youre going to heal the land, too. This is at the heart of the unique monument proposal brought forward by five Native American nations, indigenous grassroots community members, and environmentalists. What worth does the past hold? Is there more value in mining, a quick dollar, and the right to ride an ATV unbounded? This is the question Obama heard at Bears Ears and Gold Butte. Although Native Americans are still waiting to hear what will happen at Standing Rock and face the prospect of a combative Trump presidency, in this moment we can see an America where the future, the past, and the land are in harmony. Join the Conversation Unlike Tesla and Google, whore hard at work making innovative automobiles in-house by marrying hardware and software, Microsofts focusing on empowering existing car manufacturers to build next-gen smartcars based on Microsoft Azure cloud and Cortana voice-assistant through the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform. Where Tesla and Google are trying to compete with existing car manufacturers, Microsofts busy building a set of cloud services to work with (and not compete) car manufacturers and help usher in the connected, smartcar revolution faster on public roads all over the world. Unlike Android Auto and iOS CarPlay which are standalone operating systems installed on certain cars, Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform aims to be different: it will largely reside on the cloud aiming to address five priorities for car companies: predictive maintenance, improving in-car productivity, advanced navigation, customer insights, and helping build autonomous driving capabilities. Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform Based on Microsoft Azure Cloud Services Aims to revolutionise cars in the near future In a blog post, Microsofts EVP for Business Development, Peggy Johnson said as much, "This is not an in-car operating system or a 'finished product, it's a living, agile platform that starts with the cloud as the foundation." Microsoft made this announcement at the recently concluded CES 2017 expo in Las Vegas, USA. Through the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform, Microsoft wants car manufacturers to deploy a host of sensors to capture data points and process all of the data on its Azure cloud backbone. So imagine a car in the not so distant future which will not only have Cortana voice-assistant built into it, but also able to read your mails, calendar and be able to auto calculate navigation route to your next meeting -- without any external input of any kind. It will also, obviously, include some form of Office 365 apps, so read Word document, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations -- all inside your smartcar. Pretty cool, eh? BMW has implemented Microsoft Cortana voice assistant in a concept car So whos jumping onto the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform? Renault-Nissan Alliance officially announced during CES 2017 that Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform will power its next-generation, connected vehicles with advanced navigation, predictive maintenance, remote monitoring of car features and more. BMW is also partnering with Microsoft, presenting its vision for the in-car application of Microsofts Cortana at CES 2017. This means that the voice-controlled capabilities already offered by Microsoft Cortana on a home PC or smartphone could in the future also be available on board a BMW vehicle. Skype for Business Demo in A Volvo Car Last week, Volvo Cars announced that it will introduce Skype for Business to its new 90 Series cars. Volvo showcased a demo of Skype for Business in a new XC90 inside the Ericsson booth at CES 2017. If nature calls when youre out and about in Mumbai next, relief maybe just a fingertip away, if youre on an Android phone. Mumbais Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Monday launched Mumbai Toilet Locator app which lets you search for any public toilet within the city premises. The Mumbai Toilet Locator app is available for download on Android through Google Play Store (or alternatively click on this link https://goo.gl/cygBTz) The app is easy to operate allowing any inconvenienced on-the-go user to fire it up on their Android phones, and locate anyone of the over 800 pay-and-use toilets and restrooms aggregated by the BMC through their precise GPS location. The situation with urban open defecation in India is truly appalling More locations of public toilets currently missing and not reachable through the Mumbai Toilet Locator app will soon be added and the list will be continually expanded, according to a senior official from BMCs department of Solid Waste Management. Recently, Google Maps also allows you to search for public toilets and restrooms in NCR and Madhya Pradesh. Its no secret that India has more mobile phones than toilets. Having such a list of public toilets available through the convenience of an Android app will help reduce the number of open defecation and urination, even in urban areas. Pakistan will count transgender people in its national census for the first time when it surveys its population in March this year following a top court ruling on Monday. Lahore High Court issued the order to the government, National Database and Registration Authority, and the interior ministry with a government official assuring the court that the transgender community will be part of the 2017 census. Reuters Lahore High Court Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed the order, issuing directives to enforce the transgender community's basic rights. The move was welcomed by Pakistan's transgender community. "We are glad that we will be counted as will be other people," transgender rights worker Almas Bobby told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Hope we get equal citizenship and equal status." There are no official figures on the number of transgender people living in Pakistan but advocacy group Trans Action estimates there are at least 500,000 in the country with a population of 190 million. Reuters In 2012, Pakistan's Supreme Court declared equal rights for transgender citizens, including the right to inherit property and assets, preceded a year earlier by the right to vote. But shunned by mainstream society, transgender individuals in Pakistan are still often forced into begging, prostitution or dancing to earn a living. However, transgender people are also sometimes venerated in the South Asian tradition of according spiritual powers to eunuchs and others who fall outside traditional gender divisions. Reuters Leaving both India, Pakistan and even the first world countries, Nepal in 2011 became the first country to allow its people to register as a gender other than male and female. In 2013 Germany became the first European country to allow parents of babies born with no clearly-defined gender characteristics to leave the 'male/female' field on birth certificates blank, creating a 'third sex' category. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh can choose from three genders for their passports. Pakistan, estimated to be the sixth largest country by population, will conduct its national census in March following a gap of nearly 19 years. The last census was carried out in 1998 when the population was calculated at 132 million people. Yesterday, Pakistan fired its first submarine-launched cruise missile - or so it claims. #Pakistan successfully test fired first Submarine launched Cruise Missile Babur-3. Rg 450 Km. #COAS congrats Nation and the team involved. pic.twitter.com/YRNei5oF65 Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) January 9, 2017 The country, which has condemned India's nuclear capabilities in the past said it launched the nuclear-capable Babur-3 missile from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean. CGI, special effects? A satellite imagery analyst in Pathankot has recently published a series of tweets attempting to prove that Pakistan has faked the missile launch, instead using a CGI image of a missile. Colonel (Retd) Vinayak Bhat also told India Today that the launch video published by the Pakistan Army is computer-generated. He referenced the missile colour changing from white to orange in the official video, and the impossibly high speed of the missile. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/babur-3-missile-launch-video-fake-pakistan-nuclear-missile/1/853818.html flapship.com About Babur-3 The Pakistani military said the Babur-3 missile was capable of delivering various types of payloads and will provide Pakistan with a Credible Second Strike Capability, augmenting deterrence. The Babur-3 is a sea-based variant of the ground-launched Babur-2 missile, which was tested in December. The military said the missile had features such as underwater controlled propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation. Last year, Pakistan said it was seriously concerned by Indias test of anti-ballistic missiles which media reports said could intercept incoming nuclear weapons. India's first self-made long-range artillery gun, Dhanush, has landed in the Capital after 4 relentless years of testing at Ladakh and Rajasthan. Two Dhanush guns will be showcased during the grand Republic Day parade this January 26, India Today reported. agencies It is a mark of pride for the howitzer gun, which was most popular as the subject of an investigation of weapons procurement. Also read: #MakeInIndia Wins Again As Desi Howitzer Shoots Faster, Better Than Swiss Bofors Gun As reported in 2015, The desi howitzer can outgun the original Swedish Bofors 155mm artillery gun in range, accuracy, reliability, angle of fire and shoot-and-scoot capabilities. The 155mm howitzers are the first to be acquired by the Indian Army since the infamous Bofors scandal torpedoed all its artillery modernisation plans in the mid-1980s. When India bought the Bofors gun back in the 80s, the plan was to also build the gun in India. After three decades, DRDO decided to build the gun here in India and surprisingly exceeded itself. The new gun, called Dhanush, is better than the original in most respects. Upgraded from a 39 calibre to 45 calibre, the gun's range now reaches 38 km instead of 27 km of the original. The gun has cleared the Army's tests with flying colours and an initial order for 114 guns has been placed. A total of 414 guns may be ordered. Also read: These Are The Big Guns Of The Indian Army You Need To Know About Also read After Claiming #MakeInIndia Howitzer Guns Are Better, India Still Buys 145 From America On a Sunday college trip to the Taj Mahal, a group of Manipur students were allegedly stopped by CISF personnel, who demanded their proof of nationality. ap The students were on an all-India educational tour, and belong to the Central Agricultural University in Imphal. They were barred entry to the monument, as they "resembled foreigners", the Indian Express reported. Also read: Sushma Swaraj Apologizes To Manipuri Girl Who Faced Racism At Delhi Airport, Assures Swift Action However, it was not a security concern for the CISF personnel - they allegedly wanted the Manipuri students to pay the Rs. 1000 entry fee ticket for foreigners (Indian citizens pay a nominal Rs. 40) The CISF personnel weren't even convinced by the students ID cards ,and a letter stating that they were on a national tour. Only students with Aadhar cards were allowed entry as 'Indians'. It was only upon the intervention of the tourism police that the students were allowed entry. "The students alleged that CISF personnel misbehaved with them and that they were asked to show their nationality proof. They then called the tourism police, who reached the spot and intervened to allow the students to enter," RP Pandey, SHO of the Tourism police station, told Indian Express. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI has ordered an inquiry. Also read: Tourists Flocking To Take Pictures With The Taj Mahal Unable To Do So Because Of Smog On November 8, in an unexpected evening address, the Indian Prime Minister declared the government's decision to pull Rs 1000 & 500 notes out of the system and hardly anything has been the same since. But two months in to it, the country's evil minds are seeking resort in trivial matters. (Also read: Income Tax Department Has Noted Rs 4,807 Crore As Black Money Amidst Deposits, Rs 112 Crore Seized In New Notes!) In yet another incident, Delhi Police arrested 2 persons for printing fake currency. Currency worth Rs 6.1 lakh was seized from them. Delhi Police arrests 2 persons for printing fake currency (new Rs 500&2000 notes) through computers; fake currency worth Rs 6.1 lakh seized pic.twitter.com/f2Er7C3Xpc ANI (@ANI_news) January 10, 2017 The two were using computers to execute the task. (Also read: Demonetisation Chokes Terror Funding, Pak Shuts Down 2 Fake Currency Presses, 60% Dip In Violence Across Valley) Earlier on January 9, four persons, including a woman, were arrested and fake currency notes with a face value of Rs 41,000 were seized from them in Muzaffarnagar. In fact, even school children were caught photocopying the new currency in Shajapur in Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday launched the first phase of Mumbai-WiFi project, activating 500 WiFi spots across the city. "Mumbai-Wifi is India's largest public WiFi service and one of the largest globally," he tweeted, fulfilling the promise to provide WiFi connectivity across the city. The chief minister said that 1,200 WiFi hotspots will go live by May 1 this year as the government will monitor connectivity and browsing speeds. Read more here 1. Obama Gives America's Highest Honour To Four Indian American Scientists AP US President Barack Obama on Tuesday chose four Indian-American scientists for the highest honour given by the US government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. The honour is recognition for keeping the US on the cutting edge with their innovations. Read more here 2. Manipuri Students Barred From Entering Taj Mahal, Because They 'Resembled Foreigners' ap On a Sunday college trip to the Taj Mahal, a group of Manipur students were allegedly stopped by CISF personnel, who demanded their proof of nationality. The students were on an all-India educational tour, and belong to the Central Agricultural University in Imphal. They were barred entry to the monument, as they "resembled foreigners", the Indian Express reported. Read more here 3. First Make-In-India Artillery Gun Will Be Showcased At Republic Day Parade This Year agencies India's first self-made long-range artillery gun, Dhanush, has landed in the Capital after 4 relentless years of testing at Ladakh and Rajasthan. Two Dhanush guns will be showcased during the grand Republic Day parade this January 26. It is a mark of pride for the howitzer gun, which was most popular as the subject of an investigation of weapons procurement. Read more here 4. Paytm Announces Collaboration With 41,000 Petrol Pumps Across 550 Districts In India Now, Pay for fuel with Paytm at a Petrol Pump near you at 0% Transaction Fee. Ab Petrol ke liye, #PaytmKaro ! pic.twitter.com/CltalBO2O7 Paytm (@Paytm) January 9, 2017 Paytm has announced its partnership with more than 41,000 petrol pumps across 550+ districts in India to enable its cashless payment solution. Under the partnership, two and four wheeler owners can now pay their fuel bills at zero surcharges using Paytm and get rid of the hassles of tendering exact change, and it seems Paytm's cashless payment solution has been welcomed by the country's oil industry. Read more here 5. INS Khanderi, Indian Navy's Second Scorpene Class Submarine To Be Launched Tomorrow BCCL Khanderi, the second Kalvari class submarine, will be launched at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) here on January 12. Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre will preside over the function to initiate the launch of Khanderi (Yard 11876). The launch will start a trail of events, which will lead to the separation of the submarine from the pontoon on which it is being assembled and its final setting afloat, an official release said. Read more here WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has reiterated that WikiLeaks did not get the hacked emails of Hilary Clinton from the Russian government. Assange, who is currently living inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London also rejected last week's US intelligence report on Russian hacking of the Presidential elections calling it politically motivated. He added that there was no evidence that Russian actors gave WikiLeaks hacked material. Reuters The report had said Russian intelligence agencies gave stolen Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails to WikiLeaks, which then released them to the public. He did not provide any clues about the source of the documents, so it was unclear whether they were provided to WikiLeaks from Russian proxies. It had claimed that Russia conducted a campaign to help influence the election in favor of President-elect Donald Trump and disparage Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Reuters The leaked emails of Clinton and her campaign manager John Podesta had resulted in many voters questioning her credibility and is believed to have played a key role in her shock defeat in the election. US President Barack Obama on Tuesday chose four Indian-American scientists for the highest honour given by the US government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. The honour is recognition for keeping the US on the cutting edge with their innovations. AP The four are part of the list of 102 scientists and researchers who are recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). These scientists are Pankaj Lal from Montclair State University, Kaushik Chowdhury from Northeastern University, Manish Arora from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Aradhna Tripati from University of California, Los Angeles. AP "I congratulate these outstanding scientists and engineers on their impactful work," Obama said. "These innovators are working to help keep the United States on the cutting edge, showing that Federal investments in science lead to advancements that expand our knowledge of the world around us and contribute to our economy." AP "Established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, the Presidential Early Career Awards highlight the key role that the Administration places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation to grow our economy and tackle our greatest challenges," the White House said. It seems that if Emiratis put together their pet collection, it could rival a jungle, or at least a reasonably well stocked zoo. Cheetahs, leopards, and other dangerous and exotic cats that Saudis own as pets will have to be returned to the government starting 28 January. The newly passed Law on Regulation of Ownership of Dangerous Animals bans "all types of wild and domesticated but dangerous animals" as a pets, Gulf News reported. Only licensed zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, breeding and research centres are now allowed to keep wild or exotic animals. The new law also demands a leash on dogs at all times when in public - violaters will be fined anywhere between Dh10,000 - Dh100,000. Surprisingly, even pit bulls, Dobermans, and Mastiffs, have been banned. Imported animals of all kinds must be registered, and owners must carry official certificates issued by authorities. There's also the provision of stiff fines for anyone who uses their animals who attack people. If anyone is even seen in public with a leopard, cheetah or any other exotic animal, they can be jailed for 6 months and fined between Dh10,000 and Dh 500,000. Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. The Adamawa State Police Command have confirmed the death of the two mobile police officers declared missing on Sunday following an attack by suspected Fulani militia on three villages in Demsa Local Government Area of the state. Confirming the report, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Othman Abubakar, told journalists on Monday that the men were found drowned in a River. Mr. Othman, who did not give details, said the police were still hunting for the attackers and so far no arrest had been made. The police had on Sunday declared three mobile policemen dead and two missing along with four rifles following an attack by suspected herdsmen on Kwayine, Gidan Dadi and Karlahi villages of Demsa Local Government Area. The police officers were among those drafted to contain tension in the communities after clashes that followed the killing of 47 cattle in the area. Governor Muhammad Bindow had condemned the attack, which occurred less than 24-hours after a government delegation on peace building mission visited the area. The governor in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ahmad Sajoh, directed security agencies to deploy more personnel to the area. He described the attack as unfortunate and sad especially coming after recent peace and confidence building efforts. The Governor feels highly disturbed that after he had sent delegations on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday to interface with the different communities in the area, a clash could occur so soon thereafter. He assured residents of governments resolve to restore peace to the affected areas and protect the lives of every citizen. Mr. Bindow saluted the gallantry of the police in confronting the attackers and urged them not to relent until normalcy is fully restored. A prosecution witness, in the ongoing trial of suspended Federal High Court Judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and Godwin Obla (SAN) yesterday told a Lagos High Court in Ikeja that the embattled judge used the address of an uncompleted building to open a corporate account for her company, Nigel and Colive. The witness, Adewale Oshodi, who is an employee of Diamond Bank Plc, told the court that though the bank discovered this fact, it still open the account for the judge in good faith because of her position as a Federal High Court judge. The EFCC had arraigned Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia and Obla on a 30-count charge of conspiracy to pervert justice by allegedly giving and receiving a bribe of N5 million. The EFCC had also alleged that about $793,800 passed through the Justice Ajumogobias domiciliary accounts between 2012 and 2015 and that she allegedly used the money to buy a house in London. The two accounts, Access Bank (0002649223) and Diamond Bank (0032091183) have since been frozen by the EFCC. Five of the charges are centered on an alleged N4m bribe given to the judge by the senior advocate while the remaining 26 charges are on the huge amounts that passed through the accounts of Ofili-Ajumogobia and her alleged inability to explain her source of wealth. The other charges filed against the judge border on forgery, lying, unlawful enrichment and other related offenses. They both pleaded not guilty to the charge. Oshodi, who claimed he was the account officer to the judge, also told the court that Justice Ajumogobia had approached Diamond Bank requesting that a Corporate account be opened for the company. The witness also said, For opening the corporate account, it was mandatory that we verify the address of the company. When we visited the address at 18, Layi Bende Street, Fajuyi Estate, we discovered that the building was still under construction. We opened the corporate account for the company in good faith because of the defendants position as a Federal High Court judge, and also because the property belongs to her, Oshodi said. The witness further told the court that as Ajumogobias account officer, he helped her manage her account, 00299288474, 003209118, domiciled in Diamond Bank. Oshodi also testified that he made cash deposits in Ajumogobias accounts, shuttling between her chambers at Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, and her house. The witness also recalled that sometimes in May, 2015 he collected $120,000 from Ajumogobia who directed him to deposit $10,000 weekly in her dollar account for a period of twelve weeks.. He also recalled that Ajumogobia also sent one Alhaji to with $20,000 to help deposit in her account. She normally calls me if she needs assistance in converting naira to dollar. I either go her chambers or her house to pick up the cash. I also fill the bank tellers on her behalf and the money would be credited to her account. On May 3, 2015, she gave me $10,000 in her office which I helped transfer to a company, Silver Steps Incorporated in the UK, he said. Earlier before the witness was led in evidence by EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to to Ajumogobia Olawale Akonni SAN had asked for an adjournment, informing the court of a pending application asking the EFCC to provide some documents in relation to the case. My Lord we need to have those documents in order to have a clearer picture of the whole case, Akonni argued. The trial Judge, Justice Hakeem Oshodi however adjourned the matter till January 30, for continuation of trial and hearing of the pending application. Source: Leadership Not more than 1,25o Boko Haram suspects has been released the Nigerian Army after they were cleared of any ties with the terrorist group. This was contained in a statement released on Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State by Brigadier-General Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 division of the Nigerian Army. According to him, the suspects were released in seven batches after clearance. He said, We are keeping this regular release because the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, want us to ensure that it is only people who have contact and connection with Boko Haram, that have insurgency issues to sort that should be detained so that those who do not have contact should be released. By the end of this January and February another batch of detainees would be cleared. The ICRC wants us to collaborate in the area of welfare for our detainees and we have assured them that we are going to continue doing our best interns of welfare in accordance with the international practice. Our approach in handling detained suspects is multi agency so what we do is we collaborate with NGOs so that once there is gap in what we are doing they will tell us. In terms of feeding, we are providing solid Nigerian foods for the detainees; good food supplement that would enhance their wellbeing, access to exercise and the best of accommodation. We are hoping that things will get better in 2017, he said. The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has recorded major successes against Boko Haram terrorists and kidnappers across the country. In a report released today by Tony Opuiyo on behalf of the agency, the secret service said its operatives arrested on 10th of January in Oko Oba area of Lagos state four suspected fleeing members of the Boko Haram and nine others in various parts of the country. The suspects picked in Lagos were identified as Fanayi Bukar Hassan, Butame Hassan, Kologoni Bukar, and Amina Abubakar. They were suspected to have fled to Lagos State to evade arrest in the ongoing military offensive in the North East. The service also today arrested a kingpin of the sect, Abdullahi Mohammed, in Okene town, Adavi LGA, Kogi State. Mohammed was said to be responsible for the coordination of Boko Haram activities in Okene axis of Kogi State. Operatives of the agency also said two fleeing Boko Haram terrorists were arrested at Mutum Biyu in Gassol LGA, Taraba State on New Years day. The suspects, Bale Kolomi GREMA and Kolomi ADBA-AJI were arrested in a mosque after they had fled Marte, Borno State, where they were involved in Boko haram terrorist activities. On 7 January, one Muhammad AUWAL was arrested at Andaza village, Kiyawa LGA of Bauchi State in connection with terrorist activities. AUWAL who was arrested with the sum of three hundred thousand Naira (N300,000.00) on him, is believed to be a drug supplier to the Boko Haram sect in Sambisa Forest. In addition, two suspected Boko Haram insurgents, Ibrahim MALA and Abdallah MODU were arrested on 6 January at Amba and Gudi villages of Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State. The suspects who are indigenes of Maiduguri, Borno State, had fled the military action in Borno State and were regrouping in the State under different trade covers. While Modu sells childrens wears, MALA, who trades in perfumes, confessed to his membership of the sect and disclosed that he (Mala) joined the Yusufiyya faction in 2007. Similarly, Abdulkarim DAHIRU, a key terrorist commander and an indigene of Okengwa, Okene LGA of Kogi State, was arrested at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. Suspect was identified as the main coordinator of several kidnappings as well as other robbery activities in Kogi and Edo States. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, senior special assistant to the president on foreign affairs and diaspora, has said that the federal government is on standby to evacuate Nigerians in the Gambia if the need arises. As the crisis continues to thicken, as a result of the refusal of President Yahaya Jammeh to step down after losing the election, and supporters of Adama Barrow, the winner, pledging to swear him in on January 19 after Jammehs tenure elapses. The Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is presently meeting with leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the situation in the Gambia. In another development, Dabiri responded to a Twitter users question yesterday, where she stated that Nigeria was prepared to relocate its citizens should the need arise. According to the tweet from a man simply called Daud,@abikedabiri Please what is the government doing to evacuate Nigerians in Gambia? They will be target if things get out of hands. Dabiris response was, Hopefully not. Optimistic in intervention of our heads of state. However, Nigeria on standby if evacuation needed. Source: Leadership Calvary Baptist Church in Washington D.C. said Sally Sarratt and Maria Swearingen will begin their new jobs on February 26. It is thought this could be the first time a lesbian couple have been chosen to lead a Baptist church. Spokeswoman Carol Blythe was quoted by the Religion News Service as saying: We look for the best people in the world and thats who they were, were very excited. The pair have both been serving in ministry separately until now. We have found it so easy to fall in love with Calvary and its longstanding commitment to be a voice of justice and compassion for those who perpetually find the wholeness of their humanity disregarded and maligned, the couple said. A lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Professor Gabriel Okayi, on Monday was gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen at his residence in Asase community in North Bank area of Makurdi. The gunmen, it was learnt stormed the house of the university don at about 3:00 am and shot him severally in the back. Prof Okayi, who until his death was a professor of Aquatic Pollution in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture was said to have dedicated his new car on Sunday at Foundation Faith Church in North Bank, Makurdi. The State Police Commissioner, Bashir Makama, who confirmed his death while speaking with newsmen said the late professor had woken up from sleep and observed that his dogs were not let loose as usually done at night. As he stepped out of the house to release the dogs, some gunmen hiding inside his compound shot him in the back as he turned to enter his house, killing him instantly, he explained. Makama added that investigation into the gruesome killing had commenced. A male Japanese macaque has been caught trying to mate with a female Sika deer. The incident occurred on Yakushima Island, south of Japan, in November 2015, during macaque breeding season, and its now the subject of a study published in the journal Primates. According to researchers from the University of Strasbourg, the monkey was displaying an example of interspecies sexual behavior, the first seen between the two species. The male mounted the deer and displayed some copulation behaviours, which included about 15 sexual movements over a period of 10 seconds, before dismounting, recalled study co-author Alexandre Bonnefoy, in a statement. Ejaculation seemed to have occurred as the deer licked the seminal liquid after the mount. This might indicate that the sperm could be a good source of protein to the deer. The scientists are quick to note there was no actual penetration, as the monkeys attention was directed at the deers back and not her genital area, something the researchers guess can be explained by the different sizes and builds of the animals. In total, the monkey one low in his troops social hierarchy, say the scientists was observed trying to mount two female deer, neither of which seemed interested in reciprocating. One of his objects of desire tried to ditch the monkey, as can be seen in the video below. That did not stop the primate from displaying so-called mate-guarding behaviour, chasing other males of his troop away. The two creatures live equitably alongside each other in Japan. The deer eat food the monkeys drop from trees and even eat the primates waste. Meanwhile, the macaques have been known to groom the deer and even ride them, in a manner more playful than the one witnessed here. The researchers have not been able to learn the exact cause of the event. In the end, it may have been a lack of ladies that saw the monkey take his chances with another species. The most realistic hypothesis would be that of mate deprivation, the scientists wrote, which states that males with limited access to females are more likely to display this behaviour. The Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, did not use the funds of the Nigeria High Commission in London to pay his medical bills during his recent visit for emergency medical treatment according to the presidency. In a statement by the senior special assistant media to the President, Garba Shehu, described the allegations contained in a report published by an online news medium, as totally incorrect, misleading and a fabrication. According to him, the Nigeria High Commission in London did not at any time ever settle the medical bills or any other bills for that matter as Abba Kyari personally took responsibility for paying his own bills as this is by the Chief of Staffs choice. Shehu said the Chief of staff pays for his medicals, his taxi and accommodation in the U.K in spite of the high office he occupies, even when there is no rule that says he cannot be catered for by government. The statement reads in parts : For the records, Kyari was rushed out of Nigeria for an emergency medical treatment on the fateful December 1st, 2016. To receive him on arrival, the Wellington Hospital needed to have cash deposited, or in the absence of this, a letter of guarantee. In order to meet this condition, the Nigeria High Commission in London wrote the Letter of Guarantee to the hospital for treatment to commence. The role of the High Commission didnt involve financial commitments on behalf of Kyari. The Letter of Guarantee from the High Commission was meant to meet the routine requirements of the Wellington Hospital since the patient in question (Kyari) didnt possess the UK National Health Insurance. Apart from senior government officials, other reputable Nigerians are issued with such guarantee letters to hospitals. A guarantor is not liable unless there is a default, but this wasnt the case with Abba Kyari who paid all his medical bills by himself as he had done on previous occasions. Hospital records are available for verification to show that the Nigeria High Commission in London didnt spend a penny on Kyari, as its involvement didnt go beyond the issuance of the letter of guarantee to the Wellington Hospital. Source: Leadership Nigerian newspaper headlines January 10, 2017. Punch The naira is expected to weaken further in the forwards market despite measures implemented by the Federal Government to mitigate the situation. Vanguard Nigeria is the worlds 14th largest troops contributing nation to UN Peacekeeping operations, according to the latest data published by the UN peacekeeping. Guardian The Senate resumes plenary today with the N7.289 trillion 2017 budget topmost on its agenda. Thisday In spite of the federal governments claim that it has defeated the Boko Haram insurgents ravaging the North-east of the country, the bloodbath in that region continued on Sunday as eight persons were dispatched to the great beyond by suicide bombers in separate attacks in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Leadership The Adamawa Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the dead bodies of two mobile policemen, who were missing in action in an attack by Fulani herdsmen in Demsa Local Government Area of the state. Premium Times Nigerias manufacturing sector performed dismally in 2016 as manufacturers faced several challenges which affected them negatively. The Sun A human rights advocacy group, the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has called on Pastor Enoch Adeboye to rescind his resignation as the General Overseer of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). The Nation Consumers of the Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been paying through the nose to buy the product because of scarcity. They now pay between N350 and N450 per litre from retailers in their neighborhoods. The secret trial of embattled leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has commenced on Tuesday morning in Abuja, Premium Times reports. Kanu arrived the court premises for the commencement of his secret trial amidst heavy security. Journalists were barred from gaining access to the courtroom. Kanu was transported to court in an enclosed Hilux van while an open Hilux with prison officers followed closely. However, only journalists with Federal High Court tags were allowed to enter the court. Some of the journalists had complained that the tags were not made available to them even when they had applied for it long time ago. Some journalists were later allowed in after Mr. Kanus lawyer intervened. Kanu and three others, David Nwawuisi, Benjamin Madubugwu and Chidiebere Onwudiwe, are accused of treasonable felony. The judge, Binta Nyako, had ruled in December 2016 that witnesses would be allowed some degree of protection. The counsels and the defendants will see the witnesses. The witnesses will have special entrances to and outside the court, the judge said. Mrs. Nyako also said the court would allow the witnesses to be shielded with screen-guards. She said the court would set aside two days for rehearsals on how the witnesses will come into the court and depart from the court. The ruling was enforced, on Tuesday, with screen-guards shielding the judge, defendant and witnesses from the rest of the court. The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Tuesday said it had discovered Count down Timers used by Boko Haram terrorists to detonate explosives. The Commandant of the corps, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the disclosure while speaking with reporters in Maiduguri, the state capital. Abdullahi said that the instruments were discovered by men of the Disaster Management Unit of the command at the scene of Sundays bomb blast in Kalari area of the state capital. The digital timer countdown displayed served the purpose of allowing the planter of bomb or suicide bomber to know the time to explode his Improvised Explosive Device. Since we now know what they are using; the security agencies would trace the roots of where these gadgets are coming from. To this end, we appeal to people to be vigilant and proactive in their respective environment. They should also assist the security agencies with relevant information to nip Boko Haram activities and other crimes in the bud, the commandant said. An official of Diamond Bank Plc, Ademola Oshodi, has revealed he helped Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia wire thousands of United States of American dollars to a company named Silver Steps Incorporated in the United Kingdom. Oshodi made this starling revelation before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Monday. According to the banker, he picked up a cash of $120,000 from the judges chambers on May 10, 2013, and assisted him (Ofili-Ajumogobi) to wire the money to the UK company in tranches of $10,000 over 12 days. Asked why he split the transaction, Oshodi said it was because the bank has a daily maximum deposit of $10,000, adding that the bulk of the $120,000 was kept in the custody of Diamond Bank till May 30, 2013, when the last $10,000 was wired. I filled the tellers for the transactions on behalf of Honourable Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia. I wrote the name of Honourable Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia as the payee on the tellers, the banker said. Oshodi had appeared on Monday in continuation of his testimony before Justice Hakeem Oshodi, where Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Godwin Obla, are being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for alleged bribery and unlawful enrichment. The judge and the SAN were arraigned on 30 counts on November 28, 2016. The EFCC, in the charges, alleged that Obla, while appearing in a suit number FHC/L/C/482c/2010 before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, offered a gratification of N5m to the judge to allegedly induce the judge to refrain from acting in the exercise of her official duties as a public official. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia was also accused of receiving a total of $793,800 in several tranches from different sources between 2012 and 2015 so as to have a significant increase in your assets that you cannot reasonably explain the increase in relation to your lawful income. The EFCC claimed that the judge and the SAN acted contrary to sections 64 (1) and 97 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, No. 11, 2011. But they both pleaded not guilty to the offences after which Justice Oshodi granted them bail on self recognisance. The trial continued on Monday despite a spirited effort by Justice Ofili-Ajumogobias counsel, Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN), to make Justice Oshodi halt the hearing. Also admitted as exhibits were the statement of no fewer than five accounts (both naira and domiciliary) owned by Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, including one in the name of her company, Nigel & Colive Limited. The witness said, Apart from the naira and dollar accounts, there is a corporate account named Nigel & Colive Ltd. with number 0036103685. The account was opened in September 2013. The address of Nigel & Colive is No 18 Lai Deinde Street, Fajuyi Estate. We made physical visitation to the address at 18 Lai Deinde Street and at the location, we found out that it was still under construction but because Honourable Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is our customer and we knew that the property belonged to her, we proceeded to open the account, the witness said. Further proceedings in the case have been adjourned till January 30, 2017, Punch reports. Source: Dailypost According to TMZ, heres why the power couple Nicki Minaj and Meek mill broke up their relationship: Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill broke up after a nuclear fight during her birthday weekend last month and it wasnt about cheating. Sources close to the ex-couple tell us they werent getting along in Turks and Caicos, because he was hanging with friends and not paying attention to her. She went nuts on him, he got pissed and left the island without her, and she said, Screw this, and ended the relationship. Just that simple. There are reports Meek had been cheating with a woman named Sonye Rasool and thats what set off Nicki. Sonye claims she and Meek hooked up years before Nicki, but fully denies any cheating and adds shes about to file defamation lawsuits against several outlets. She also says she understands truth is a defense, but has no fear. Its interesting the breakup appears to be over the small stuff, which makes you wonder if the door is still open. The billionaire head of China's biggest e-commerce retailer met with President-elect Donald Trump on Monday to promote his site by dangling the possibility of a million new U.S. jobs. Jack Ma met Trump in New York and the two talked U.S.-China trade and specifically small business. Ma promoted Alibaba as a platform through which U.S. small businesses could sell products to consumers in China and Southeast Asia. [ Give yourself a technology career advantage with InfoWorld's Deep Dive technology reports and Computerworld's career trends reports. GET A 15% DISCOUNT through Jan. 15, 2017: Use code 8TIISZ4Z. ] By doing that, up to a million new jobs could be created at a million small businesses, Alibaba said. Alibaba didn't commit to hiring new staff in the U.S. itself. "We mainly talked about small business, and young people and selling American agricultural products to China," said Ma. He said he envisaged most of the jobs being created in the U.S. Midwest agricultural sector, and also mentioned garments, fruits, and wines as possible goods that could be successfully sold to Chinese consumers. "Jack and I are going to do some great things," Trump said to reporters after the meeting without commenting further. Alibaba operates a hugely successful e-commerce site in China and has been expanding overseas to compete directly with Amazon through AliExpress. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing for the company. At the end of 2016, its Taobao marketplace, a consumer-to-consumer site much like eBay, was placed on the U.S. Trade Representative's list of "notorious markets." These are online and offline market places that enable "substantial copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting." Taobao had been on the list previously but was taken off four years ago. Its return prompted the company to question whether the decision was based on the election of Trump and what was viewed as his anti-China trade stance. In recent weeks, Alibaba has announced a crackdown on counterfeit goods on its online marketplaces, including filing lawsuits against Taobao sellers. Nordzucker sees yields rise The Nordzucker Group has almost reached the end of the 2016/2017 beet campaign, saying that it has recorded above-average sugar yields, the result of continuous investment in the company's sites. The Nordzucker Group has almost reached the end of the 2016/2017 beet campaign, saying that it has recorded above-average sugar yields. The 13 plants were operating for an average of 104 days, a figure that was once again higher than in the previous year. In total, Nordzucker processed some 15 million tonnes of beet in its 13 plants (previous year: 12.5 million tonnes). With most other plants having already ended the campaign in the past few days, those in Uelzen (Germany), Ortofta (Sweden) and Opalenica (Poland) will be following suit in the days ahead. At just one plant, Trencianska Tepla in Slovakia, the campaign will run until 22 January 2017 following a record harvest. We have conducted an overall stable campaign at our plants this year. Only at the beginning of it did some of our plants have to deal with a greater proportion of weeds, said Axel Aumuller, Chief Operating Officer. First and foremost, this is the result of continuous investment in our sites and our targeted and centrally managed maintenance efforts. All this is necessary to continue producing in a competitive manner and in line with market requirements. Looking ahead to 2017, Aumuller notes that the year will herald a sea change due to the abolition of sugar quotas and minimum beet prices in the EU. This years sugar yield is above the long-term average in all of the countries in which the group operates, with particularly outstanding results achieved in some growing regions, the company said, noting that Slovakia stands out particularly strongly this year. We had overall favourable weather, which was extremely conducive to the growth of the beet. The good result, however, is also due to our cultivation advice and close working relationship with the farmers, said Dr Lars Gorissen, Chief Agricultural Officer. We are moving in the right direction and will increase our yields further; our beet will stay competitive in the future. European Central Bank leader doubles down on rate increases AP - 1 hour ago The head of the European Central Bank underlined the banks determination to fight rampant inflation with more interest rate increases on top of recent record hikes $SPX : 3,751.18 (+0.84%) $DOWI : 32,321.12 (+1.00%) $IUXX : 10,773.86 (+0.78%) Strong Cotton Market Continues into Friday Barchart - 1 hour ago After the rally through the week, the weeks final trade day enters the last trading session with overnight gains of as much as 355 points. Front month cotton futures ended with another triple digit... CTZ22 : 86.91 (+4.71%) CTH23 : 85.27 (+3.77%) CTK23 : 84.63 (+3.21%) Cattle Gather Cash Trade Insights after Thursday Barchart - 1 hour ago Cattle futures ended the session mixed with a 55 cent gain in Dec and a 5 cent gain in the August 23 contract. The other nearby futures fell by 2 to 20 cents. Thursdays cash market was confirmed... LEZ22 : 151.700 (-0.16%) LEG23 : 154.425 (-0.29%) LEJ23 : 157.950 (-0.22%) GFX22 : 177.675 (-0.18%) GFF23 : 179.225 (-0.11%) Last Trade Day for Lean Hogs Barchart - 1 hour ago Hog market faces the Friday session before heading into the weekend. Lean hog futures held onto minimal gains in the December contract on Thursday, while the other nearby contracts dropped by 2 to 20 cents.... HEZ22 : 83.125 (-0.30%) HEJ23 : 92.775 (+0.24%) KMZ22 : 94.000s (+0.16%) 4 Cent Gains for Morning Corn Barchart - 1 hour ago Morning prices are up by 2 to 4 1/2 cents mostly led by Dec and Mar on their march tpwards the $7 mark. Dec futures are up by 4 1/4, trading near the highs into Friday, but the bottom 3rd of the weeks... ZCZ22 : 681-0 (+0.26%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.7731 (+0.26%) ZCH23 : 686-4 (+0.26%) ZCK23 : 686-2 (+0.22%) Morning Soy Futures Strong into Friday Barchart - 1 hour ago Overnight action in the soybean market left futures in the black for the weeks last trade day. Beans are 11 to 16 1/2 cents higher, meal prices are $5.10 to $5.90 in the black, and BO prices are up... ZSX22 : 1451-0 (+1.70%) ZSPAUS.CM : 14.2380 (+1.80%) ZSF23 : 1462-2 (+1.76%) ZSH23 : 1469-0 (+1.73%) Affordable Self Storage, which operates three facilities in New York, is seeking approval to build a new location in Greenport, N.Y. Owner Todd Bawright presented a site plan to the planning board last week. If its approved, he hopes to build the facility this spring, according to the source. The 4-acre property at Fairview Avenue and Kipp Lane is north of the town. The self-storage plans include a 16,000-square-foot, temperature-controlled building. The facility will be built without a rental office and wont require any permanent utilities such as water or sewer. The property has room for expansion, but Bawright has no plans to pursue additional development at this time, the source reported. During the first board meeting, Sandra Kipp, a board member and the owner of Kipps Mobile Home Park, voiced concerns about the public using Kipp Lane, on which she resides. Its currently a private, residential road. "Mr. Bawright reached out to me over the summer and said the building was going to be on the east side, not the west side," Kipp said. "He said he was going to set it way back, close to the road." About 100 feet of the road would be used for public access, said Bawright, adding the property will have low-traffic use. "Its so low. When its full, there might be four trips a day. Once your things are in there, you only go over every now and then. Its nice to have a business that can have that low traffic and still be serving the public, serving a need and paying taxes," he said. The board also discussed the 10-by-12-foot digital sign proposed for the site at its Dec. 27 meeting. Planning board chairman Edward Stiffler asked Bawright to reconsider the signs size and type. A perspective view of the property from U.S. Route 9 will be shown to board members at the next meeting to demonstrate the distance between the sign and the road, Bawright said. "Its over 100 feet from the road, so we just want potential customers to be able to see the self-storage space," he added. Bawright plans to submit site-plan revisions to the board before its next meeting this month. Affordable Self Storage operates facilities in Hudson, Kingston and Rhinebeck, N.Y. Update 9/18/18 Janus will host its second educational workshop this year at the Hyatt Centric in Santa Barbara, Calif., Nov. 5-6. Event topics will include self-storage automation, building and site conversions, facility remodeling and additions, insurance and property protection, marketing, staffing and company culture, technology, financing, and others. Itll also include live demonstrations, according to a press release. Janus representatives speaking at the event include Bagley, Bix, Ponti and Roc Hughes, vice president of the R3 Division. Additional speakers will include Morrow; Christina Alvino, owner of FineView Marketing; John Manes, CEO of Pinnacle Storage; and AJ Osborne, co-owner of Keylock Storage. The event will include a Q&A with facility operators. We are so excited to be hosting another Janus Road Tour workshop this year in Santa Barbara. Our Key West event was extremely successful, and we cant wait to see you in sunny California, Hughes said. 7/11/18 Janus will host a two-day Road Tour at the Marriott Key West Beachside Hotel in Key West, Fla., July 30 and 31. Event topics will include self-storage automation, site conversions, facility remodeling and additions, technology, financing, security, and others. Janus representatives speaking at the event include Troy Bix, president of the R3 Division; Terry Bagley, vice president of business development; Jim Ponti, regional sales manager; and Blake Robinson, national sales manager. Travis Morrow, president of the self-storage division for Strat Property Management Inc., will also present. The event will include a Q&A with facility operators. 1/10/17 Janus International Group LLC, a manufacturer of self-storage roll-up doors and building components, has announced the dates for its 2017 Road Tour, a series of free full-day workshops designed to educate self-storage owners and investors on industry feasibility, finance and development. Specific topics include conversions, renovations, unit mix, relocatable units, ADA compliance, security and others. The upcoming workshop dates and locations are: Feb. 23, Charlotte, N.C. May 4, Chicago June 15, Southern California Nov. 2, San Antonio Interested parties can register by e-mailing [email protected] or via the Events page on JanusIntl.com. Headquartered in Temple, Ga., Janus has eight U.S. locations as well as manufacturing facilities in Europe and Mexico. A plant in Brazil is expected to open soon. The company is owned by Saw Mill Capital Partners LP, a New York-based private equity investment fund managed by Saw Mill Capital LLC. Sources: Janus International Group, Janus Road Tour Janus International Group LLC, The Self-Storage Experts at Janus International Announce 2nd Janus Road Tour Workshop of the Year The Trump bump for financials looks to have real bite, a new survey finds good news for banks and the fund managers who love them. After a two-year lull in the performance of financial services stocks, investors are suddenly hot on the sector again, a survey published this week shows. Some 40 percent of investors polled by Morgan Stanleys financials research team think these stocks will be the best performers of 2017, according to the survey, published this week. Investors are particularly bullish on large-cap banks, with three quarters of respondents expecting multiples of large-cap banks to expand. (Morgan Stanley itself is more conservative in its estimate, expecting bank multiples to remain stable at around 12 percent.) The reason for investors enthusiasm? In a word, Trump. Financial services stocks got a sudden jolt on Tuesday, November 8, with the surprise election of Donald Trump as 45th President of United States and the GOPs sweep of Congress. Investors are predicting that a Republican-controlled White House, House of Representatives, and Senate will translate to a light regulatory touch for financial services firms. Trump has already promised to repeal the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the 2010 bill that increased bank oversight in response to the 2008 financial collapse. This would also dismantle the so-called Volcker Rule, the Dodd-Frank provision that prohibits proprietary trading on the part of banks. Following the election, financial stocks rallied rising more than 20 percent in the last quarter of 2016 and investors think they have further to run in 2017. Thats good news for investors who specialize in the sector. Take Nick Adams. A partner with Wellington Management, the notoriously tight-lipped, privately held, $998 billion money manager, Adams runs the Bay Pond Partners hedge fund. His specialty is financial services stocks. Adams, who manages money for the New Jersey State Investment Council, among other investors, has something of a reputation for volatility. For the first six months of 2016, his fund was down 27.6 percent, making it one of the worst-performing funds in the HSBC Investment Funds Performance Review, which tracks the returns of more than 400 hedge funds. Then everything changed. By November 30, 2016, Adams fund reduced its decline to 10.21 percent, having gained 7.2 percent in that month alone. As of September 30, 2016, financials were among the worst-performing sectors of the S&P, gaining only 1.51 percent. But their fourth-quarter gains led them to become the second-best-performing sector, behind only energy. Goldman Sachs is among those expecting financials to do well. Their US Quarterly Chatbook, published January 6, recommends that investors overweight financials and information technology in 2017. This content is from: Video 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. The industry needs to work together to help raise awareness in the cyber market, one expert has said. The cyber insurance market has continued its development throughout 2016 according to Callum McMillan, national commercial manager - financial lines at Zurich Financial Services Australia, but more needs to be done to help raise awareness of the cover. Brokers have done a great job and we cant expect brokers to do all the work, the whole industry needs to be working together, McMillan told Insurance Business. While McMillan has been pleased by different parties in the industry helping to drive awareness around cyber risk, particularly in the SME space, more can still be done. Vulnerabilities continue to grow and SMEs are now a low hanging fruit for a cyber criminal as many cannot maintain the levels of security needed to stave off attacks. Because of the great connectivity these days, there are also increased vulnerabilities, particularly for SMEs who probably werent aware of the fact that they are such an obvious target, McMillan continued. In the past SMEs havent been aware that they are an obvious target to cyber crime, but there has certainly been an increased understanding that SMEs can be targeted, and the negative impact this can have on their business as well as on any third parties that they work with. Using an analogy that all Australians can understand, McMillan said that the current cyber insurance market mirrors the Slip-Slop-Slap skin cancer campaign launched in the 1980s. Cyber insurance remains just one layer of cyber risk and a business that ignores one facet of cyber runs the risk of being burned. The expected launch of mandatory breach notifications in 2017 are set to have an impact on the cyber market in Australia, as similar legislation around the world has seen a boost in coverage following legislative changes. McMillan said that changes in contracts will also help drive the market. Insureds, particularly those with Government contracts, are increasingly obliged to ensure that they have adequate cyber insurance in place which could also help increase uptake. For 2017 and beyond, McMillan noted that changes around the D&O aspects of data breaches could be the next phase of development for the cyber market. No longer can a company rely on IT to be responsible for this exposure, it goes all the way up to board and management, McMillan continued. Related stories: Use of personal devices putting companies at risk, says study Innovation key for future success Providers of multi-peril crop insurance (MPCI) are looking forward to government subsidies on premiums despite having a better year of fewer payouts.MPCI provider Latevo told ABC that less than 1% of Aussie farmers avail of MPCI, which makes it more difficult to spread the risk. The low number of participants also means fierce competition among the handful of companies that offer such insurance products.Latevo founder Andrew Trotter noted, however, that the past year has seen fewer crop failures, which meant that, for the first time, the company collected more premiums than it paid out.Latevo, as well as its competitor Sure Season, paid out to farmers in the central-west of NSW who suffered losses from the floods caused by the September 2016 heavy rains. New player Sure Season also paid out to farmers for frost damages in southern Queensland, the central-west and northern areas of NSW and in Western Australia, ABC said.Currently, the Federal Government implements a crop rebate insurance scheme, which offers around a $2,500 rebate for the upfront costs of securing, or attempting to secure, multi-peril crop insurance.The NSW Government, on the other hand, is considering providing a 50% subsidy of up to $30,000 for the first two years per farm business, falling to 25% for three years.Every new business has a gestational period to get up and going and we really do need some greater participation by the farmers or the product wont be here in five years time, Trotter told ABC.The reality is governments are looking at this very closely because they understand we need to get more participation by farmers.Its a cultural shift as farmers have never thought of it before.Brendan Reinheimer, of Sure Season, said that while MPCI still has ways to go before it could go commercial and stand on its own feet, MPCI revenue products did not need any subsidies by the state and federal governments as they do in other countries.Some farmers were using the insurance to help take up forward grain contracts, Trotter told ABC.Effectively, people bought insurance contracts in March [and] April last year; they saw some price spikes for both wheat and pulse prices, he said. So they forward-contracted on those prices for delivery in [the] December-January period.Theyve been able to get far greater return for this years crop than farmers that didnt have that confidence to forward-sell when they didnt know what sort of crop they were going to get. The insurance industry is heading in the right direction when it comes to gender diversity, one industry figure has said, but more can still be done.Kerrie Challenor, deputy chair of ANZIIF s Womens Council and general manager human resources at NTI , told Insurance Business that she firmly believes the insurance industry is still on a journey towards gender equality, and it was never going to be a quick trip.It takes time and although we have talked about it for many years now, proactivity has only happened in recent years, Challenor said.Targets and specific development pipelines for female talent, sponsoring high potential women and development opportunities, has really only taken priority in the last five years if that; talent takes time to develop.Towards the end of 2016, it was announced that only two general insurers had been cited by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WEGA) in their annual list of employers of choice on gender equality.A total of 106 companies in Australia were cited by the body for their work in gender equality and Challenor noted that while the industry is heading in the right direction, there is always an opportunity to do more.We really need to keep thinking of ways to attract women to the industry and into the more senior roles, Challenor continued.We need to start at university offering a career pathway that provides diversity in professional development and flexible working opportunities.The business case for improving equality is strong. Research points to a correlation between diversity in all facets of life in the workplace and improved financial outcomes for businesses.Challenor noted that to better serve a diverse segment of customers, businesses themselves have to mirror this diversity and the differences that employees can bring to businesses challenges lead to increased problem solving.For businesses of any size looking to improve their stance on gender equality, Challenor said that communication is key. Discussions with staff around what they need to help increase diversity in the workplace are important as Challenor advised keeping an approach to diversity as simple as possible.Every business, regardless of size, can have targets; commensurate to the size of their organisation, Challenor said.What is measured is done and that is never truer than in respect to equality targets. The life insurance industry has been charged by mental health groups with turning a deaf ear to calls to end discrimination, and of engaging in unethical and potentially unlawful treatment of people with mental health conditions, it has been reported.In submissions to a life insurance parliamentary inquiry, beyondblue and Mental Health Australia, long-time advocates against insurance discrimination, said the industrys exclusions of people with mental health symptoms was discriminatory and not based on any assessment of an individuals condition, The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reported.It is unethical, and potentially unlawful, for life insurers to offer policies with broad, blanket exclusions for any type of mental health condition in the absence of robust actuarial and statistical data, said Frank Quinlan, Mental Health Australia chief executive.Georgie Harman, Beyondblue chief executive, said the groups efforts in tackling the issue with the insurance industry since 2002 had made very little progress, citing the exclusion of mental health standards in the Financial Services Councils Code of Practice as one of its failures, the report said.Despite all efforts over many years we continue to hear negative experiences of the insurance industry from everyday Australians affected by depression and anxiety, she wrote.And we continue to hear the same, often contradictory, reasons from the industry in reply.Quinlan echoed the sentiment, saying their groups decade-long efforts had limited impact.Insurers continue to make spurious use of health information to justify refusing insurance or rejecting claims, he said. This highlights the need now for more rigorous reform and oversight of the industry by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and other relevant agencies.Harman said the industry employs a one size fits all approach in assessing mental illness that was both unfair and harmful.In addition to infringing on peoples access to insurance products, it creates a ripple effect of reinforcing self and community stigma, she said.A test case for mental health discrimination involved Melbourne University student Ella Ingram, who was denied her claim for a cancelled trip by QBE due to what was described as a blanket exclusion of mental illness. In December last year, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruled that the company had unlawfully discriminated against Ingram based on her disability. How assured are financial services execs in their cyber capabilities? The Australian arm of a global insurance giant has lost its head of innovation to an ASX-listed fintech vendor, it has been reported.Brenton Charnley, head of innovation at Metlife Australia, joined Cre8tek as chief commercial officer earlier this month, nextmedia reported.At Metlife Australia, Charnley was responsible for driving customer service improvements and embedding innovation within the companys local operations. He joined the US insurer in January 2016 just as it was starting a tech overhaul, which included the implementation of a new CRM system, led by Tim Batten, CIO at Metlife and former Woolworths Marketplace tech chief.Before joining Metlife Australia, Charnley worked at KPMG Australia for eight years, including as the firms innovation manager for three years. He was responsible for overseeing the firms elevate 61 startup accelerator program, the report said.In his new role as Cre8tek chief commercial officer, he will be leading the companys strategy and new business activities, with responsibilities extending across operations and finance, nextmedia said. A trio of significant earthquakes that struck a remote part of western Nevada along the Sierra Mountains eastern last month were big enough to cause as much as $1 billion in damage if they had been centered beneath a big city, a leading expert said. The first of two magnitude 5.7 quakes and a third that registered 5.5 resulted in no injuries or reports of significant damage. The epicenter was east of the Nevada-California line near rural Hawthorne about 100 miles southeast of Lake Tahoe and 90 miles south of Reno. Thankfully, its not underneath a big city because a sequence of 5.7s could certainly do a lot of damage, said Graham Kent, director of the University of Nevadas Seismological Laboratory. If you put this underneath Reno, we are probably looking at a $1 billion event, probably with some fatalities and many casualties, he told The Associated Press. Its much better to be beneath a ranch 20 miles outside of Hawthorne. The biggest quakes were followed by a series of smaller aftershocks, including two in the magnitude 4 range and at least a dozen larger than magnitude 3. Kent said it should serve as a reminder that Nevadans live in the third-most seismically active state in the nation behind California and Alaska. Its another wake-up call, said Kent, who said they have been studying the seismically active region around Hawthorne since a swarm of thousands of smaller earthquakes were recorded there over a two-month period in 2011. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Earthquake Chinas Anbang Insurance Group is in talks to invest in a project to redevelop a flagship New York City building owned by Kushner Companies, the family real estate business run by U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to a person familiar with the discussions. The talks to revitalize the 41-floor building located at 666 Fifth Avenue, were first reported by the New York Times on Saturday in an extensive article about Jared Kushner that detailed a November meeting between him and Anbang Chairman Wu Xiaohui days after Trump won the presidential election. The deal has not been completed and key points remain in discussion, the newspaper reported, citing representatives for Jared Kushner. A source, who was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed the talks to Reuters but did not elaborate. Representatives for Kushner and Trump did not respond to requests by Reuters for comment, while Anbang declined to comment. Kushner is married to Trumps daughter Ivanka and is the chief executive of Kushner Companies. He is believed to be in consideration for a senior White House role as a trusted confidant to his father-in-law, who takes office Jan. 20. Kushner is studying with lawyers how he would have to divest and distance himself from the family business if he were to take a role in the Trump administration, the New York Times reported. Kushner will also have to determine whether federal anti-conflict of interest laws, which prohibit the hiring of a family member, including a son-in-law, would preclude him working in a government run by Trump. Privately-owned Anbang, established in 2004 as an auto insurer, has emerged as one of Chinas most aggressive acquirers of overseas assets in the past two years, spending more than $30 billion buying luxury hotels, insurers and other property assets. It owns the famed Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. The Fifth Avenue building was purchased by Kushner Companies in 2006 for $1.8 billion, which at the time was the highest sales price for a single building in Manhattan. (Reporting by Greg Roumeliotis in New York and Ginger Gibson in Washington; Writing by Mary Milliken; Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Chris Reese) Topics New York Everest Insurance has continued the expansion of its property underwriting team with several Eastern region hires. Patrick Mulready has been appointed vice president of the Everest Wholesale Property Division based in Boston, Mass. With more than ten years of property underwriting experience and relationships across the country with key wholesalers, Mulreadys addition to the team serves to further cement Everests near- and long-term goals of providing value-added and differentiated service to its trading partners. Mulready previously held roles of increasing responsibility at Lexington Insurance, where he was most recently a property unit manager overseeing a wholesale property portfolio. Additionally, Helena Meirhino has joined Everests Boston office as an underwriting manager in the Wholesale Property Division. Meirhino joins from Zurich Insurance, where she was most recently a senior underwriter specializing in large account property. She brings fifteen years of industry experience, in which she also previously held multi-line and multi-segment underwriting roles at both CNA and Allianz. Her background will serve to compliment Everests property growth plans. Lauren Valencia has joined Everests Boston office as a senior property underwriter in the Wholesale Division. Valencia joins the team from Allied World Assurance Company, where she was most recently a senior underwriter in its property division. She brings more than five years of underwriting experience, in which she worked at Connecticut Underwriters Inc. prior to joining AWAC. In addition, Mark Baroni has joined the Everest Retail Property team as a vice president in the East region. Baroni joins Everest from Axis, where he was a vice president handling the primary, excess and facultative property portfolio in the national and middle market segments. With more than 19 years of insurance experience, Baroni has a deep understanding of analyzing complex risks for global and domestic property clients. Prior to his 14 years at Axis, he was at CNA and St. Paul Companies. While there, he focused on catastrophe modeling and large account business. This expansion of, and investment in, all three property divisions Wholesale, Retail and Inland Marine speaks to the opportunity that we see in the overall property marketplace as well as our continued desire to better serve our brokers and clients in each segment by continuing to add resources to deliver upon the Everest brand promise, said Erik Nikodem, head of property at Everest Insurance, in a company press release. Source: Everest Insurance Topics Underwriting Property Ascension Risk Services, a diversified wholesale broker and managing general agent, has launched a new office in Omaha, Neb., and named Bria Christensen as vice president. Christensen will be responsible for growing the region and the companys presence in the Great Plains and will have a focus on property, casualty as well as transportation related risks. Prior to joining Ascension Risk Services, Christensen was a district sales manager for Iowa Mutual. Christensen also held various positions with Auto-Owners Insurance. Christensen also holds various industry designations, including CPCU, CLCS, AU, API and AINS. Ascension Risk Services, a Lone Rock Capital Partners Company, is headquartered in Madison, Wis., with regional offices in Omaha, Neb.; Boulder, Colo.; and Stockton and Sacramento, Calif. The company specializes in all areas of property/casualty, as well as transportation related risks. The company is privately held and has 10 employees. Source: Ascension Risk Services Topics Nebraska An Illinois roofing contractor has once again been cited and fined by federal safety officials for exposing workers to fall hazards. Proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties total $214,782. Robert Barringer III, operating as Barringer Brothers Roofing, has a history of violations and has been placed in OSHAs Severe Violator Enforcement Program. The agency has cited Robert Barringer III previously doing business under different variations of the name Barringer Brothers. The current citations, for four willful and two serious safety violations, came following an inspection at a home construction site in Troy, which found workers exposed to fall hazards. Roofers were observed working at heights greater than six feet without adequate fall protection on July 1, 2016. OSHA says falls cause four of every 10 deaths in the construction industry. Inspectors also noted other hazards in July, including employees without eye protection using nail guns, and failure to initiate and maintain an accident prevention program. Barringer Brothers Roofing has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Source: OSHA Related: Topics Workers' Compensation Contractors Illinois Ryan Specialty Group LLC has named Charlie Rosson senior vice president. Rosson is based in San Francisco, Calif. He will work to develop RSG penetration with brokers on a national basis. He has 23 years of experience in the insurance industry. He was most recently the CEO of Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. The firm announced in September that Rosson was stepping down. RSG is an international specialty insurance organization, which includes a wholesale brokerage firm, underwriting companies and specialty services. Independent agency owners spend their entire careers worrying about the risks and exposures of others. Managing the risks of their own agencies can take a backseat to helping their clients. While agents appreciate the importance of errors and omissions (E&O) coverage and the need for a strong risk management approach, they are at times a little like the childhood fable of the cobblers children having no shoes, says Mark Angelucci, resident senior vice president and E&O segment leader, Utica National Insurance Group. They are so focused on their clients insurance needs that they can neglect their own, Angelucci said. Many agents treat their clients better than they do themselves. Agents E&O is vital to protecting the agencys hard earned assets and reputation, according to Sabrena Sally, senior vice president, Westport Insurance Corp., which serves as an underwriting carrier for the Big Is Professional Liability Program. In the same way agencies recommend their customers periodically assess their risks, agencies too should review their E&O coverage versus their exposure, Sally said. According to Insurance Journals 2016 Agency E&O Survey, the majority (83.5 percent) of agency owners purchase E&O coverage to protect their agencys assets. Agents should be alert to many of the same issues they weigh when they are recommending coverages for their clients. Coverage terms and limits relevant to the exposures of the agencys operations, the experience of the carrier in the agents E&O space, the reputation of the carriers claims team, the longevity and stability of the association program through which the coverage is being purchased all of these are important considerations when purchasing agency E&O, Sally said. According to Sally, there are certain questions agency owners should be asking at the time of purchasing insurance: Has their agency experienced growth? Has their customer base changed to include insuring higher values and limits or customers with higher exposures? Has the ownership structure of the agency changed to one which might prefer higher limits? Also, has the agency moved from a sole proprietor to a partnership or incorporated with multiple owners? Angelucci believes that a good relationship with their E&O underwriter can provide agents with additional coverage and limits options that might have been overlooked. In addition to buying the right agency E&O coverage, agents must stay focused on risk management within their agencies just as they tell their clients to implement workplace safety measures and adopt best practices. Knowledge and Time Coverage knowledge is one area where agencies can always strengthen themselves and their employees, says Chris Burand, founder and owner of Burand & Associates LLC, based in Pueblo, Colo., which provides agency management consulting services including agency E&O exposure reviews. Agencies are still being sued for failure to provide the right coverage to insureds, and often this occurs with less experienced agency staff, he said. Some agents just dont know their coverages well enough. Its not only that they dont understand their coverages, they also dont understand what coverages their clients often need, Burand adds. I see that a lot. Burand says that while continuing education is important, so is putting in the time and effort needed to properly address the needs of every client and eliminate this E&O exposure. The best agents are good at thoroughly understanding what their clients needs are, he says, and they take the time make the time to find out what those needs are. They really do a good job of searching the marketplace for the policies that fit those needs closest, Burand says. Westports Sally believes agencies are becoming more knowledgeable about the coverages available for their customers and are using technology to increase efficiency in providing that coverage. But in her view, where agencies struggle the most is in finding a consistent balance in their workload. The struggle remains in balancing the need to perform all transactions the same way every time, and to document each transaction, balancing that against being customer friendly, and managing the daily work flow, she said. For example, the best documentation would consist of a detailed analysis of a commercial customers exposures, insurance options to address each one, with the customer signing off on declined coverages. In theory that approach is best, but Sally understands the real-world environment and that demands placed on todays independent agents make that practice difficult. In a business that is still relationship based, this is not always achievable, she said. In addition, we are human beings. The best processes and procedures are still prone to human error. Best Defenses Proper documentation, consistent policies and procedures and coverage knowledge are an agents best defenses when it comes to E&O, the experts agree. For years, the leading cause of claims against agents has been lack of coverage or inadequate coverage. Failure to procure coverage, obtain coverage in adequate limits its the knowledge-based errors that make up half of all the errors in an agency, said Mark Wolf, vice president for Big I Advantage. Youve got the general errors that people make. They just make mistakes. They dont place the coverage. They dont check to make sure an excess policy is follow form, Wolf said. Mistakes happen and thats why agency E&O coverage is there to respond. Then, there are the knowledge-based errors, Wolf said, which can be avoided. The best way to combat these is to specialize, Wolf said. You really need to be a specialist in todays world, Wolf said. Specialists know the market, know the coverages available, and can potentially avoid knowledge-based errors, he adds. Specialists, especially in certain coverage areas, are definitely a much better risk, he said. People that dabble are going to have claims and if youre dabbling in something that has high-severity risks, youre going to be looking at very large claims. Mark D. Harris is president and CEO of Quadrant Insurance Managers, a national program administrator, managing general agency and wholesaler based in Westerville, Ohio, that has been writing agency E&O programs since 1989. Harris says larger agencies may face different E&O problems than their smaller counterparts. Small agents may struggle with obtaining and properly documenting coverage rejections from a client for example, rejections of flood and excess flood insurance, Harris said. So there needs to be a procedure that demands client acceptance or rejection of the terms offered, as well as certain disclaimers and warranties on every proposal to protect themselves. Its a tall order and for small agencies it will be really hard, Harris admits. But those kinds of policies and procedures protect agencies from E&O claims, he said. Harris says agencies that excel in E&O risk management have management that insists on excellence in product delivery and is always involved in the process, he says. Staff stability is also important. We have seen E&O losses follow staff turnover or when they experience difficulty replacing staff. Oftentimes, management focus is on something other than quality or client satisfaction, like driving revenue, Harris said. All agencies must drive revenue but not at the expense of agency E&O, he added. Technology Helps Technology makes E&O risk management easier today. If used properly, technology can also be an agencys best defense in an E&O situation, Harris said. Agency management systems allow agencies to more readily verify that policies and procedures are adhered to, according to Harris. But technology can also be a double-edged sword, offering a place to store documentation but also asking it obvious if an agency promises to do something and doesnt fulfill that promise. Technology can help if a claim ends up in E&O litigation, says Bob McCabe, partner at Houston-based law firm Thompson Coe, which specializes in agency E&O coverage litigation. Technology certainly makes it easier to track things when people are utilizing agency management systems, McCabe said. Files are better managed than they were in years past, he said. Agencies could improve their storing of emails to and from clients, making sure that these emails make it into the agency management systems, McCabe advised. I find a lot of times there may be a function where if you send me an email then Ive got to get that email into the file once I receive it and a lot of people dont and instead leave it in their inbox or delete it. Then we have to drag it out later, he said. The best E&O defense is about being able to document conversations and being able to show that documentation later, McCabe said. By and large most agents are doing a good job and are doing what they should do. But when someone has a claim that doesnt get paid because of a policy exclusion or policy that expired or a piece of property wasnt scheduled, or something else, the insured will oftentimes say they didnt discuss that with their agent, or was told something else. Proper documentation and saving those email conversations will get agents away from the he said, she said problem. The more things I have in my favor to back up what the client (agent) said, the better chance I have to convince a jury, McCabe added. Signed Applications Westports Sally warns about an increasing number of claims stemming from carriers use of online application processes that do not require an affirmative signature of the applicant prior to binding coverage. Unless the agency takes steps to document their file regarding the application information represented by the customer, the agency may face a classic he said, she said situation should an E&O claim arise and there is no signed application in the file, Sally said. Angelucci has seen court cases involving agents or insureds material misrepresentations (from the carriers perspective) with the carrier bringing an action against the agent for the value of the claim. Obtaining signed applications, use of exposure checklists and being thorough in understanding a clients operation are the best way to avoid these types of claims, Angelucci said. Technology Hurts Technology can also contribute to E&O concerns. The 2016 Agency E&O survey respondents listed privacy and cyber-related exposure as areas where they feel most vulnerable to an E&O claim. One agency owner wrote: The interplay between the E&O policy, technology E&O, and cyber/privacy coverage will be important as more agencies diversify the method in which they interact with clients/carriers. We feel its a major area of concern, Harris said. There is always the possibility that absent an exclusion and, sometimes with an exclusion, a court could find coverage for cyber in the E&O policy. Most agency E&O policies have exclusions for cyber or will have throw-in coverage. Many carriers have gone to a baby cyber policy,' Harris said, and add breach coverage but its not robust coverage. Others put sublimits on cyber coverage. The real issue is dilution of the limits. If someone is going to put cyber (on an E&O policy) as a throw-in, make sure they are not diluting limits, he said. These advisors agree that just as agents tell their clients that cyber exposures are becoming so important that coverage should be on a separate policy, so are they important enough for an agency to have a separate policy. Angelucci advises agents to look for policies that include breach notification services, not just reimbursement for expenses incurred for notification. Social Media New E&O exposures are emerging. One is business defamation as it relates to social media, where negative comments made about a competitor are looked at as libelous, according to Uticas Angelucci. The use of social media is becoming an increasing part of how agents interact with their clients, he said. Agencies need to communicate with clients about the proper way to make requests. If an action occurs via social media it should be documented in their agency management system. Angelucci says an agency must strike a balance when making claims about its agencys capabilities versus a competitor. n Factual statements must be used and you must be cautious about any reference to a third party or competitor, he said. The most common type of defamation claim in an E&O context concern statements made to clients or prospects. Social media creates the potential for any statement to be communicated to a much larger audience than a statement made in person, he noted. In cases against agents for E&O claims, agency websites and marketing materials (which could include social media posts or blogs) are used as evidence to argue the merit of a claim. Thus agencies need to be cautious about making any statements, especially unflattering ones, about others on social media. This is where a well written social media policy for agency employees is important, Angelucci said. Angelucci offered the following tips for a good staff social media policy: Lay out which social media tools are acceptable or not acceptable for business use. Detail the need to be careful about disclosing confidential customer information on any social media sites. Be sure that everyone who may use social media sites for the company understands the behavioral expectations when communicating in this forum (respectful, honest, accurate, etc.). Determine what correspondence or requests the agency will accept from customers or prospective customers with these tools and how to properly document and handle them. For example, will you take an endorsement request via a Facebook posting? If so, do you expect a screen shot of the request to be copied to the customers file in your agency management system? Or will your agency not accept any requests except via phone call or written correspondence? Expectations need to be specifically laid out in either situation, Angelucci said. The complete 2016 Agency E&O Survey is available from Insurance Journals Research and Trends division. Insurance Journal thanks Demotech Inc., its official research partner, for providing analysis once again for this years survey.The survey obtained responses from 297 agency owners across the country from Sept. 26, 2016 to Oct. 21, 2016. This article is an edited and abbreviated version of an article that originally appeared in Insurance Journal print magazine. Topics Carriers Agencies Claims InsurTech Tech Human Resources Risk Management The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that a woman can pursue a wrongful-death lawsuit against an obstetrician after a miscarriage when she was five to six weeks pregnant. Justices last month reversed a trial judges order dismissing the wrongful-death claim. In the civil case ruling, the justices cited a 2009 state law making it a crime to kill or harm an unborn child in utero at any stage of development. The case involved a newly pregnant woman experiencing abdominal cramping and fever. The physician suspected an ectopic pregnancy and administered an injection to stop the progression. It was determined later that the pregnancy was uterine. The woman sued, arguing that the injection caused pregnancy loss. The physician said that the pregnancy was already failing and that she followed standard practices. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Alabama The owner of a now-closed beef-jerky maker in West Virginia is being sued by the federal government for firing an employee who tried to call 911 to help a co-worker with a severed thumb. John M. Bachman, who owned the Lone Star Western Beef plant in Fairmont, could be forced to pay back wages and punitive damages to the employee as a result of the lawsuit, which the U.S. Labor Department filed Thursday against him and his company in federal court in Clarksburg. The lawsuit said that when a band saw severed part of a workers right thumb in July 2014, his co-worker applied pressure to the wound while using her cell phone to call 911. But before responders could answer, Bachman allegedly ordered her to hang up, and she was fired two days later. Instead of calling an ambulance, Bachman collected the severed part of Chris Cranes thumb and told a supervisor to take him to an urgent care clinic. Crane was ultimately transferred to a hospital, where efforts to reattach the thumb were unsuccessful, the lawsuit said. The co-worker, Michele Butler-Savage, told a U.S. agriculture inspector later that day that Bachman did not fully clean or sanitize the area of the plant where the accident happened. She also mentioned a lack of personal protective equipment. After she was fired, she filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which found the company violated federal whistleblower protections for workers who report violations of the law. OSHA regional administrator Richard Mendelson said Butler-Savages effort to show basic human decency was protected under federal safety and health laws. Lone Star Western Beef punished an employee for seeking emergency medical care for a seriously injured co-worker, Mendelson said. No worker should have to fear retaliation from their employer for calling 911 in an emergency, or taking other action to report a workplace safety or health incident. Bachman didnt immediately return a message left at a telephone number listed on the companys website. In January 2015, the plant closed and relocated to Reading, Pennsylvania, the Labor Department said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Virginia Florida-based workers compensation carrier Normandy Insurance Co. has expanded its coverage into Georgia, bringing the total number of states it offers coverage to two. The company also writes coverage in Florida. In addition to expanding its operations into Georgia, Normandy also brought all claims operations in-house in 2016 and has been assigned a Demotech Financial Stability Rating of A. Normandys Senior Vice President Jayson Buechler said the company is looking at moving into other states. Normandy offers workers compensation products to small and mid-size business owners. Founded in 2008, Normandy provides coverage to a wide range of businesses. The company is headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Fla. Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Georgia A former theater professor at Dixie State University in Utah who was found not guilty of assaulting a student is suing university faculty and staff members for more than $22 million over his termination. The Spectrum of St. George reported Varlo Davenport is seeking reinstatement to his job. The suit filed Friday comes six months after Davenport was acquitted of assault for allegedly grabbing a students hair and pulling her head back during an acting class in 2014. During trial, Davenports attorneys argued the contact was part of an acting technique to help actors access emotions relating to characters they may be playing. Davenports lawsuit claims he was targeted by the university, even as evidence mounted to support that the student hadnt been hurt. DSU spokesman Jyl Hall says the university hasnt yet been served with the complaint. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Education Universities Orellana Sanchez, Sazo y Asociados, S.C will trade as RSM and will adopt the RSM global brand. Based in Guatemala City, the firm employs 50 members of staff led by four partners. RSM already had a presence in Guatemala before acquiring Orellana Sanchez, Sazo y Asociados. It is estimated to be the sixth largest audit firm in the country, providing assurance services, tax compliance and advisory services, business process outsourcing and general advisory services. The Cabinet will today approve accepting up to 40 children from the former refugee camp in Calais in France. Children's Minister Katherine Zappone will outline how the child and family agency TUSLA will oversee the management of the young people. A cross-party delegation from the Dail will ask the Egyptian government to let Ibrahim Halawa come home today. They will meet with the Dubliner in jail in Cairo this morning amid fears over his declining health. Senior Sinn Fein figures have refused to say if Martin McGuinness will run as a candidate in the now imminent Stormont election, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith of the Irish Examiner. They have also refused to say if party leader Gerry Adams may return to Northern Ireland to fill the void if his colleague retires. Mr Adams and deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald declined to clarify the situation as they separately confirmed a Stormont election is now "inevitable" and that no deal can be struck with the DUP to prevent a return to the ballot boxes. Speaking to reporters at Leinster House 24 hours after a frail Mr McGuinness confirmed he is stepping down as Northern Ireland's deputy first minister, triggering an election, Ms McDonald said the decision was taken by him alone. The Sinn Fein deputy leader said she and other senior officials were told about the move last Sunday and were fully supportive of the reasoning for why Mr McGuinness was stepping down. However, despite widespread rumours over Mr McGuinness's health and confirmation from his own party that he is suffering from a serious medical condition, Ms McDonald refused to say if he will run in the now imminent election. "Martin will come back to that issue himself, he was asked that question yesterday. I can't answer a question on his behalf, that is entirely a matter for himself," she said. Asked if Mr McGuinness had given any indication of whether he will run as a candidate again or if he will now retire from politics at an internal meeting with the Sinn Fein officer board last Sunday, Ms McDonald said the issue was not raised. "He wasn't asked, he will make that decision himself and I expect you will be made known of that decision as and when it's made. The call will be his call and his alone. "At a personal level this is a big decision for Martin. Martin has on a personal level invested a lot in the peace process, and these institutions, and let me tell you he didn't take this decision lightly," she said. The comment was repeated by Sinn Fein leader and Louth TD Gerry Adams, who told RTE Radio Mr McGuinness "will make clear his intentions" in the coming days. Asked by reporters at Leinster House if Mr Adams could potentially fill any void left by McGuinness should he not return to politics, Ms McDonald said no decision has yet been made by Northern Ireland's deputy first minister on what decision he will make. The comments were made as both Mr Adams and Ms McDonald stressed an election in Northern Ireland is now "inevitable" and that there is no possibility of a deal being struck with the DUP to prevent a return to the ballot boxes. Despite under-fire DUP leader and current Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster saying she is willing to set up an immediate inquiry into the 'cash for ash' scandal which officially caused the Stormont strife, Mr Adams and Ms McDonald said unless Ms Foster resigns and confirms she will not seek to return as first minister the offer does not go far enough. Taoiseach Enda Kenny and British prime minister Theresa May have spoken directly tonight about the Northern Ireland government collapse, as the Dublin and London governments attempted to find a way to prevent a now imminent election in the province, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith, Irish Examiner. The two government leaders held direct talks for 15 minutes this evening as Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan separately spoke with Northern Ireland secretary of state James Brokenshire and the leaders of all parties in Northern Ireland in a bid to resolve the crisis. On Monday, Northern Ireland deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned from his position, a situation that has sparked the collapse of the Stormont power-sharing government as the first minister and deputy first minister posts are linked to each other. The senior Sinn Fein official took the decision due to the ongoing renewable heat incentive scandal, which risks costing the province more than 500m over the next 20 years and is mired in corruption claims linked to the DUP. However, despite the official explanation, questions continue to be raised over Mr McGuinness's health and whether this had anything to do with his decision to step aside. In a bid to prevent what she termed a "bruising" election at the same time as Britain is set to trigger its departure from the EU, on Tuesday afternoon DUP leader Arlene Foster offered to open an inquiry into the incentive scheme and begin talks immediately with Sinn Fein. However, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald have rejected the deal, saying the fact Ms Foster will not guarantee she will not seek to return as first minister means an election is now "inevitable". In response to the growing crisis, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and British prime minister Theresa May spoke directly with each other by phone for 15 minutes on Tuesday night. An Irish Government spokesperson said both leaders "agreed that the situation is very serious" and that the Dublin and London governments "would work together closely over the coming period" and will "maintain close contact" before Ms May's planned visit to Ireland later this month. Separately, the spokesperson said Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan and Northern Ireland secretary of state James Brokenshire "will work closely together over the coming days to see if a way forward can be found before an election has to be triggered". This separate interact also began on Tuesday night, with Mr Flanagan speaking to Mr Brokenshire, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Alliance leader Naomi Long, while he also spoke with Mr McGuinness on Monday night. Police in the US are responding to reports of a hostage stand-off near the University of Alabama campus. Campus officials sent an alert on twitter, saying police from the university and city received a report of a robbery and hostage situation at an Alabama Credit Union branch. Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security has said closing the country's borders to the "illegal movement of people and things" will be his top priority. Retired Marine John Kelly outlined his priorities in a detailed questionnaire to senators which was released ahead of his confirmation hearing. Mr Kelly embraced the president-elect's call for a strong border wall with Mexico, saying that achieving his top priority of shutting down illegal movements "starts with physical obstacles like a border wall and supporting surveillance technologies". He said it will also require constant patrols from federal and local law enforcement. The confirmation of Mr Kelly is almost assured, but members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee are likely to use Tuesday's hearing to debate the tough immigration and border security policies that were centre to Mr Trump's presidential campaign. Mr Kelly is one of several retired generals chosen for top positions by the incoming president, raising some concerns about undue military influence in his administration. But Mr Kelly is widely respected by Democrats and Republicans alike, and his military experience is applicable to his Homeland Security role. He is the former head of the military's Southern Command, based in south Florida, which routinely works with the Department of Homeland Security to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling. The military command has also partnered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a part of Homeland Security, to help rescue unaccompanied child immigrants trying to make their way from Central America to the United States alone. Gen. Kelly will be announced at his confirmation heading by former Defense Secretary Bob Gates. Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) January 10, 2017 In the questionnaire, Mr Kelly said he is committed to telling "truth to power". The commitment addresses concerns that some have about the president-elect's willingness to take in points of view that clash with his own. Mr Kelly told the committee that his greatest successes during 40-plus years in the military are "taking care of my people, speaking 'truth to power', and successfully completing every mission I have ever been assigned". He said he has worked with many senior US officials during his career, and "I never hesitated to disagree with any of them, or make difficult recommendations when appropriate". In newly released ethics disclosures, Mr Kelly said that if confirmed he will resign positions with multiple consulting and government contractor firms and defence contractor DynCorp. Mr Kelly joined the Marine Corps in 1970. He is a battle-hardened, blunt-talking veteran who served three tours in Iraq. He was also the highest-ranking officer to lose a child in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. His son, Marine 1st Lt Robert Kelly, was killed in November 2010 in Afghanistan. Mr Kelly would be the fifth person to lead the department, which includes agencies that protect the president, respond to disasters, enforce immigration laws, protect the nation's coastlines, stop drug smuggling and secure air travel. In his statement for the committee, he said he has a "profound respect for the rule of law" and as secretary "will always strive to uphold it". AP Asked yesterday about UK development agencies apparently courting Irish food companies, Enterprise Ireland chief executive Julie Sinnamon said that no client companies have indicated a willingness to move to the UK. The food sector is one of Irelands most vulnerable areas to Brexit, as over half of our 10bn yearly food exports go directly to the UK. Ms Sinnamon was launching Enterprise Irelands new four-year strategy and reviewing its last. She said that Irish firms should be prepared for a hard Brexit, where the UK has no access to the single market. It has been suggested that such an outcome could wipe 12bn off the Irish economy over five years. Also in attendance, Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell-OConnor said that the Government was prepared for every eventuality regarding Brexit. Enterprise Ireland yesterday said 45,592 net new jobs were created by client firms between 2014 and the end of 2016; beating its 40,000 target. That brought to 201,108 the number of people employed by Enterprise Ireland- supported companies; a record high for the agency. By 2020, Enterprise Ireland is targeting 60,000 new jobs in client firms and an increase in client export values to 26bn per year. Increasing the level of exports to destinations other than the UK including a 50% rise in exports to the EU is also on the to-do list. While Ms Sinnamon admitted the new targets are ambitious, she said we aim to build on this success and ensure that Irish enterprise is well positioned to continue to succeed globally, particularly in the context of Brexit. While Ms Sinnamon and Ms Mitchell-OConnor stressed the importance of Irish exporters broadening their international presence, both said consolidating links to the UK, post-Brexit, will still be vital. We need to make sure Irish companies are availing of the most lucrative opportunities in the UK, Ms Sinnamon said. She said that Enterprise Ireland will be working to drive innovation in client firms, with an aim to reach a target of 1.25bn in R&D expenditure per year by 2020, and improve their competitiveness through its Competitiveness and Lean programmes, which will provide targeted supports. Ms Mitchell-OConnor said she was very confident that Enterprise Ireland and the IDA have enough resources and experience to deal with threats posed by Brexit. Analysts have been expecting a spring or autumn 2017 sale of 25% of the States 99% holding in AIB for some time. However, when unveiling the Governments sales advisers last month, Finance Minister Michael Noonan put no fixed timeframe on a sale and hinted that the process could stretch into 2018. KBC has carried out a review of its long-term plans in Ireland for over two years, saying it had not ruled out any option for its bank here which employs around 1,000 people, and it would announce its decision about the banks decision when it releases its 2016 earnings, on February 9. However, Larry Broderick, general secretary of the Financial Services Union, yesterday urged the bank to bring forward its decision because he said it was unfair to keep staff on tenterhooks. Recently, a lot of attention has focused on issues such as the help-to-buy scheme, the altering of the Central Bank mortgage regulations, rent control and homelessness. In Budget 2017, the Government outlined a scheme that will provide first-time buyers with a rebate of income tax paid over the previous four years of up to 5% of the purchase price of a new home, up to a maximum value of 400,000. While the measure may boost prices, the Government is hoping that it will also provide some level of certainty to developers regarding housing demand, thereby boosting house building activity. The much debated Central Bank regulations that were introduced back in early 2015 have also been amended. First-time buyers will now be able to apply for a 90% loan-to-value mortgage without a price limit. However, the 3.5 times loan-to-income ratio remains in place. Meanwhile, the Government introduced a 4% annual cap on rent increases in Dublin and Cork City at the end of last year, with the potential for it to apply to other areas as well. The key issue remains the shortfall in supply and there are signs of a pick-up in supply. Housing completions were up over 17% in the year to October compared to the same period in 2015. Based on this run rate, completions should reach 15,000 units for 2016. Crucially, while the projected 15,000 completions for last year compares favourably to 2015s figure of 12,660, it is still well short of the estimated 25,000 to 30,000 units required per annum to meet housing demand. Based on current supply dynamics, it could be 2019, at the earliest, before new house building reaches anywhere near the required level on an annual basis. The mismatch between supply and demand is evident across a broad range of indicators for the housing sector. The new CSO residential property price index, which now includes cash purchases as well as mortgage transactions, shows house prices rising by 7% in year-on-year terms in October. House price inflation outside of Dublin remains higher than in the capital. At the same time, the rate of rent inflation is very high although there are tentative signs that the pace of increase may be slowing somewhat. The level of stock available to rent or buy also continues to fall. According to the latest daft.ie data, the number of properties available to rent nationally fell below 4,000 last year from a peak of 27,000 back in 2009. Likewise, the stock of properties for sale continues to decline, falling by 14% in December from year-earlier levels. There were fewer than 22,000 properties for sale across the country at the end of 2016, down from a peak of over 60,000. The lack of supply of residential properties is also acting as a headwind to growth in the mortgage market. The shortage of housing is also giving rise to serious social problems, with growing numbers of homeless people and families being forced to live in unsuitable accommodation such as hotels. Housing, then, is likely to remain the key domestic political issue in 2017. Oliver Mangan is chief economist at AIB. Greeshma is accused of poisoning to death her 23-year-old male friend Sharon Raj after he refused to break up with her. Leading game designers and top executives in firms like Google and Twitter will be joined by women with high-ranking roles in multinationals such as Accenture, Stryker, and Johnson & Johnson, to inspire female students to follow in their footsteps. The initiative began three years ago, when three Cork businesswomen held the first I Wish event locally, but Cork and Dublin will each host two days of speakers and exhibitions this February. The idea is to change the gender imbalance in science, technology, engineering, and maths (Stem) studies by showcasing the success stories of women in those disciplines. There will also be young female entrepreneurs from a variety of Stem backgrounds, talking about their careers, as well as young women with careers in traditionally male-dominated areas, such as engineering and maths, said Gillian Keating, one of the I Wish founders. The events will combine panels of speakers talking about how they got into their careers, but will also be an opportunity to meet exhibitors from companies looking for bright young people to join them in the Stem fields. One of the speakers is Ciara Judge, who is involved in a number of entrepreneurial initiatives. She was a joint winner of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition four years ago, along with classmates from Kinsale Community School, Co Cork. Meanwhile, 550 projects are preparing to try and emulate that feat in the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition at the RDS, Dublin, this week. For those already hoping to start college later this year, the Choices for College supplement, in this Thursdays Irish Examiner , has advice from experts on how to fill in the Central Applications Office (CAO) form, on new Leaving Certificate grades and CAO points from this year, and a full list of points for all CAO courses in 2016 The foundation operates loss-making Russborough House in Co Wicklow and it sparked a public outcry in 2015 when it announced the sale of its Old Masters series in order to keep the 18th century Georgian mansion open to visitors. After a series of emergency meetings with Minister for Arts and Heritage Heather Humphreys, the foundation postponed the planned auction at Christies in London. However, telecoms billionaire Denis OBrien and co-owner of the Merrion Hotel, Lochlann Quinn, stepped in to purchase two of the paintings and donate them back to the State, giving them to the National Gallery. In such cases, donors are entitled to 80% of the price written off in their tax liabilities. Now, new accounts show that the foundation realised 5.8m from the sale of the two paintings and other smaller disposals in 2015. Mr OBrien purchased Head of a Bearded Man by Rubens for a reported 3.5m while Mr Quinn purchased for 2m A Village Kermesse Near Antwerp by David Teniers the Younger, a 17th-century Flemish artist. In her statement attached to the accounts just filed with the Companies Office, chair of the Beit Foundation, Judith Woodworth, said that without the sale of the paintings, the Beit Foundation recorded a deficit of 399,000 on its ordinary activities in 2015. A large contributor to the operating loss in 2015 was the foundations legal and professional fee bill soaring almost 10-fold from 10,787 to 100,865. The bill represents almost a third of the 235,000 in income generated by Russborough House in admissions in 2015. However, the controversy around the future of Russborough House in 2015 coincided with its admission income increasing by 27%, from 185,000 to the 235,000. In her statement, Ms Woodworth said that 2015 was a challenging year for all involved with the Alfred Beit Foundation. She pointed out that in the three years to the end of December 2015, the foundation had a cumulative deficit of 811,000. She said that in the same three-year period, the foundation incurred combined costs of 1.06m on repairs and maintenance and security the foundations security bill for 2015 worked out at 2,860 per week. Clearly, this level of deficit cannot continue and it is our ambition to establish a sustainable, long term future for Russborough to enable it to be enjoyed and appreciated by increasing numbers of people, Ms Woodworth said. Well over 100,000 people visited Russborough in 2015 and this forms a solid basis for increasing revenue levels into the future whilst the introduction of a pay-in car park in 2015 was accepted by the vast majority of people as a way of them contributing to the future survival of Russborough as a visitor attraction of national and international repute. Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone will bring a memo to the Cabinet today to give effect to a Dail motion to begin the intake of 200 unaccompanied minors who had been living in the unofficial camp before it was demolished. The cross party Dail motion to help unaccompanied children in The Jungle camp was agreed in November. Ms Zappone said: These children have been bombed or placed in flimsy boats by ruthless people smugglers or sold into human trafficking. Only those with the coldest of hearts would not be moved into action. No child wishing to reach the safety of our communities should be confronted by barriers. Ireland has a human- itarian record that is second to none and we have a duty to these children who are vulnerable and open to exploitation, she said ahead of the first cabinet meeting of this year. Officials from Ms Zappones office and the Child and Family Agency Tusla met with their French counterparts last week to establish legal avenues, interview and validation processes for the unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to come to Ireland. Around 40 unaccompanied minors will initially be assessed in France, and a timeframe is to be agreed for children who have been assessed and approved to relocate to Ireland. The full year cost to Tusla to provide the new places for the unaccompanied minors is estimated to be around 10m. Separately, Junior Finance Minister Eoghan Murphy is to bring the International Financial Services Action Plan 2017 to the Government which will focus on bringing high-skilled jobs to the regions and capitalising on Brexit. Mr Murphy has previously said the second financial services hub outside Dublin must be developed and Cork would be the ideal location for this. Council chief executive Tim Lucey made the disclosure yesterday after concern was raised by some councillors that in the midst of the housing crisis, the local authority had not taken up all the offers that it could have. Mr Lucey said the council knew from experience there were areas in the county where social housing applicants would not relocate to for one reason or another. The Irish Examiner understands they are primarily in remote rural areas with little or no services. Mr Lucey was responding to questions from Cllr Des OGrady who wanted to know why the county council had not taken up all the offers of 709 houses made by Nama since 2012. Mr OGrady said if this figure was accurate it was extremely worrying when there were more than 7,000 people on the councils approved waiting list and there were so many homeless people sleeping rough. Other councillors echoed his words, with Cllr Melissa Mullane in particular saying she was very concerned about the issue. There were over 5,000 families homeless this Christmas and more than 2,000 children sleeping in hotels and B&Bs [nationally]. Every single house acquired by the council makes a difference, Mr OGrady said as standing orders were suspended to debate the issue. Mr Lucey said that in fact, during that time frame, Nama had identified 806 houses which might be of use to the local authority. Nama, he said, subsequently withdrew the offer on 371, probably because in the interim it had sold them off to the private sector. It is futile to take houses where there is no demand, Mr Lucey said adding that the council refused a further seven homes as they were deemed not suitable for social housing. He said, to date, 322 Nama properties were being taken over by the county council. So far the council has completed or is about to complete contracts for the transfer of the houses. The chief executive said that some were being held up because they would require significant refurbishment in order to bring them up to the standard required to rent them out to social housing tenants. Mr OGrady thanked him for the figures, but wanted to know why the council refused to take up the offer of 106 homes. Cllr Paul Hayes said councillors were very frustrated about the length of time it was taking to get tenants into previously owned Nama properties. He too asked for further information about why the council refused offers of so many homes from Nama. Mr Lucey reiterated that they were in areas of no demand. He said he would get the councils director of housing to go into more detail about that a forthcoming meeting of the councils special purposes committee on housing. The Government last night appealed for calm in Stormont in the wake of Mr McGuinness resignation. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said he regretted the circumstances which have led to Mr McGuinness decision. The Government is very mindful of the need to protect the integrity of the principles and institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. If, as appears likely, new elections to the assembly will now be required, it behoves all parties to act responsibly in word and deed, so that the political institutions of the agreement will not be damaged in the longer term. Mr Flanagan spoke to Mr McGuinness and also to the British Secretary of State to Northern Ireland James Brokenshire. As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish Government will continue to work with the British government and the political parties to advance political stability, reconciliation and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland, Mr Flanagan added. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said it is with a sense of dismay that he has watched the so-called cash for ash scandal unfold. It was my hope that an agreement could be reached to facilitate a robust inquiry into this scandal. However, the decision of Mr McGuinness to resign his position and Sinn Feins demand for new elections means that will now happen. Instead, the stage is now being set for a bitter election campaign that will not address any of the issues that led us to this point, and the future of the institutions is thrown into serious doubt. Mr Martin said Sinn Feins decision would appear to do very little to address any of the underlying problems, and does nothing to deal with the challenge of limiting taxpayer exposure. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the public understand that there is one reason for this potential election Arlene Fosters arrogance. The SDLP is ready to fight an election. Last May, the executive offered a fresh start and have now failed we will offer the public the chance of change. The public also knows that those behind cash for ash scandal can now enjoy a two month break from any effective public inquiry or police investigation. The Sinn Fein statement references the attacks by the DUP on Irish identity and culture, and on the equality agenda. All of those statements and sentiments are true and I agree with them all. The DUP have governed disgracefully and it has extended well beyond the leadership of Arlene Foster. Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt said Mr McGuinness resignation was not the way to resolve the scandal. Sinn Fein should have stayed, to hold the first minister to account, to force a public inquiry and to vote on the much-needed cost controls on the scheme. Instead, they have prioritised self-interest, as always. This is Sinn Fein letting the DUP off the hook. The public mood clearly indicates they want the facts of the RHI debacle exposed. To move straight to an election without this taking place is farcical. They had a choice between the integrity of the institutions and electoral advantage and they appear to have chosen the latter. This is simply further proof of the DUP and Sinn Feins inability to govern. This scandal prone executive has had 10 years to get it right, thats longer than most get in a mature democracy. They promised a fresh start, but delivered a fresh crisis of momentous scale. Ten years of valient service in Office Of First&DeputyFirst Minister Martin McGuinness signs resignation letter. GRMA chara 4 all Ur work. pic.twitter.com/1i4ezDTF5h Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) January 9, 2017 Q&A What happens now? The first and deputy first minister have ceased to hold office but may still exercise their functions for a week. If Sinn Fein fail to nominate a replacement for Martin McGuinness within seven days, elections will be called by Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire. Some sort of talks process is likely after he said the parties should work together to find a way forward. Why did McGuinness resign from his post? He had warned of grave consequences if Arlene Foster did not temporarily step aside to allow a fully independent inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. The government-subsidy scheme was set up in 2012 by the then economy minister to encourage businesses to switch from burning fossil fuels to greener sources like wood pellets. Why did it run into trouble? It was supposed to pay a proportion of fuel costs, but tariffs were set too high, meaning for every 1 participants spent on fuel, they received 1.60 in subsidy payments. Claims of widespread abuse include a farmer allegedly set to pocket around 1m in the next 20 years for heating an empty shed. Cost controls were incorporated into a similar scheme in Great Britain, but were absent in the North. The total cost is projected to be more than 1bn over the next 20 years. While the Treasury will pick up the bill for most of it, an expected overspend of around 490m will not be covered and will come out of the Norths block grant . What happened when cost controls were announced? A move to introduce a tiered payment scheme in 2015 was met by a flurry of applicants trying to get on to the old system before the date set for the changes. Almost 1,000 applied in three months around the same number from over the previous three years. Opposition politicians have demanded answers around the spike. When the cost controls were introduced, the scheme limped on for a further three months but, after the Treasury made clear it would not pick up the overspend bill, it closed for good in February. What was Fosters role? As economy minister, she was in charge of the department that developed the RHI from 2012 to 2015. Much of the scrutiny has focused on how she responded to concerns raised by a whistleblower during that time. There was a flurry of claims about whether the individual raised concerns directly to Foster, or if she only outlined them after the DUP stalwart passed her on to meet officials. The DUP published an email sent from the whistleblower to Foster that made no mention of her RHI concerns. However, another email has since emerged, sent directly to Foster in 2013, that raised specific concerns about the scheme. Why has Fosters successor in the department been making headlines? After she left the economy portfolio, DUP MLA Jonathan Bell took on oversight of the scheme and ultimately closed it. He levelled a series of allegations against Foster and party advisers in an explosive TV interview. He claimed he tried to pull the shutters down sooner but was dissuaded by Foster and other DUP advisers. Foster disputed his account and said she acted to close it sooner. She has accused her opponents of misogyny and said the party was working on steps to recoup the money. Dail Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fail TD Sean O Fearghail made the comment before flying to the middle eastern country with a cross-party group of TDs for a series of high-level meetings with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and other officials. The week-long visit d1 which will also see the Irish delegation today meet directly with Mr Halawa, who has been held in a Cairo jail without trial since August 2013 has been organised to allow future bilateral deal discussions on communications, agriculture, trade and tourism. On Saturday, a march organised by Donal OBrien, a voluntary worker at UHLs emergency department, will proceed from the hospital gates at midday. The hospitals emergency department had the highest trolley numbers in the country during last weeks pile-up and yesterday it remained one of the worst affected. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisations trolley watch showed there were 33 admitted patients in UHL and 28 in UHW awaiting a bed yesterday. Overcrowding reached a record high of 612 last week. The INMOs latest Trolley and Ward Watch report put the figure at 466. Mr OBrien said it was time people showed they had had enough of UHLs trolley crisis and that non-accountability was the problem. We can blame the minister for the whole lot, and the buck stops with him, but we all have to take a share of this blame: doctors, nurses, management and the public, he said. While the new 18m emergency department is expected to alleviate pressure when it opens in May, it will not reduce trolley figures. UHLs chief clinical director surgeon Paul Burke said the hospital needed more beds to get people off trolleys quicker. Dr Burke said the hospital would have to increase its bed capacity from 400 to 550 over the next five years. Meanwhile, people in the south-east will gather in Waterford City on Saturday to highlight the need for a second cardiac catheter laboratory at UHW. A march organised by the South East Patient Advocacy Group will start at 2pm at Ballybricken in Waterford. We need this service. We demand this service. Our lives are being put at risk every single day by this government, said group founder, Hilary ONeill. Junior Minister John Halligan said Waterford cardiologists had recommended establishing a mobile laboratory in addition to the hospitals day cardiac laboratory. The consultants told Mr Halligan the HSE would soon realise the need for a permanent second laboratory. However, Ms ONeill said the mobile laboratory was an attempt to fudge the issue and said no half measures or sticking plasters would be acceptable. Chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond visited Ireland to discuss the unique relationship between this country and the UK which, he stressed, has never been more important or as complex. Speaking after the meeting Mr Noonan said: Ireland has a strong and unequivocal position on what Brexit means for Ireland and how we intend to deal with that. Ireland remains a committed EU member state and will be part of the EU 27 team for the forthcoming negotiations. Inland Fisheries Ireland said it hoped any future applications for fish farms should take note of the findings of the research, which analysed sea lice levels over 25 years from more than 20,000 sea trout. The sea trout were sampled from 94 separate river and lake systems in Ireland and Scotland at varying distances from salmon farms and one of the authors of the report, Dr Paddy Gargan, said the findings were the culmination of 25 years of study. Dr Gargan, who is a Senior Research Officer at Inland Fisheries Ireland, said angling tourism in places like Connemara had been severely affected and that steps needed to be taken to limit the scale and effect of lice infestation on fish farms so as to protect wild fish. The research, contained in international journal Aquaculture Environment Interactions, showed that sea trout captured closer to salmon farms had significantly higher levels of lice infestation and were found to be of reduced weight. It said sea trout was particularly vulnerable to sea lice. According to the report, the effect of the increased lice infestation was most evident in years of less rainfall, when a sea trout of average length (180mm) caught within 10 kilometres of a farm could weigh up to 10g less than fish of similar length caught more than 40 kilometres from a farm. The study covered the entire coasts of west Ireland and Scotland and accounted for variability in temperature and rainfall. Dr Gargan said the research nails down the science and showed that high lice levels were associated with fish farms, particularly every second year, just before large fish in fish farms are harvested. What we are saying is you need to ensure that in that second year that you have practically no lice on your farm to impact these [wild] fish going to sea, he said. Dr Gargan said regulations in the sector needed to be implemented consistently and that this was the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. He also said that areas such as Connemara had been a mecca for angling tourism and that has much depleted since the 1990s. We have iconic species, like sea trout, that have suffered a collapse in Connemara. The issue of fish farms has proved controversial in recent years. Just last week it was reported that a West Cork salmon farm application will be considered at a hearing in Bantry next month. Dr Cathal Gallagher, Head of Research and Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: This country is known as a unique angling destination as a result of its indigenous wild fish species and beautiful scenery. Continued investment in research is necessary to ensure the conservation and protection of our fisheries resource. www.int-res.com/articles/aei2016/8/q008p597.pdf Editorial: 10 Students from Ard Scoil na Mara secondary school in Tramore, CBS Midleton and Edmund Rice college in Carrigaline, Co Cork, joined the High Hopes choir at Carrigaline Court Hotel yesterday to present the petition to the minister. The students from the Edmund Rice school have launched a campaign to end homelessness as part of their focus on social justice issues. Alannah Dalton from Ard Scoil na Mara said prior to being educated about homelessness she walked past people on the streets with no real understanding of their plight. We never realised that they were just unlucky. That they were just people who lost their jobs. It broke our hearts to see the reality. I learned to be grateful for everything that I have. It is unbelievable that people dont have a home or a chance to have a warm shower on a daily basis. It is just people at the end of the day. They are just humans like we are. I hate to think of homeless children going to school on empty bellies, she said. Jacques Kinane from Midleton CBS in Co Cork said he always thought homeless people were just individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol. But then we saw the human side of homelessness when we met the High Hopes choir. We talked about how they are real people too and it can happen to anyone. There are people in hotels who we dont see every day. So we have to advocate for them so they can get where they need to be, he said. The students said they were more motivated when the number of homeless children climbed above 2,400 in the autumn. They are also aware that students in each of their schools are living in families at risk of losing their homes. Mark Hartery of Ard Scoil na Mara said they wanted to be the generation to end homelessness in Ireland. We dont want to grow up in an Ireland that cannot provide homes for people. That is not the Ireland that represents us, he said. Rapper Jimmy OBrien, who is a member of the High Hopes choir, said he was heartened by the response of the students. Its a great turnout. Homelessness is a major thing at the moment and hopefully we will see improvements. When you look at Apollo House over Christmas it made young people really want to get involved. Mr Coveney promised the students that he would put an end to families being accommodated in hotels and emergency shelters. The bigger parties, including Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, have outlined their different streams of income as well as how those monies, including donations and state grants, were spent. The report released by the Standards in Public Office (Sipo) Commission is the first of its kind after new legislation and looked at the statement of accounts for parties, both large and small. Up to 22 political parties were considered registered during 2015, the year analysed, but not all of them provided adequate information for the inspection of accounts. Eight parties were deemed not compliant including the Catholic Democrats, the Communist Party of Ireland, Direct Democracy Ireland, the Workers Party, as well as Independents 4 Change. A number of parties, it was concluded, submitted accounts where there were queries outstanding including the Anti-Austerity Alliance and People before Profit while the Socialist Party was only deemed partly compliant with the Sipo request. But Sipo has concluded that the process of having accounts sufficiently audited may be too onerous and unreasonable for smaller parties and as such has recommended that they, in future, be exempt. The commission is of the view that placing the same onerous obligations on parties with very little income and expenditure, and that are not in receipt of monies from the State, is unreasonable, its report recommended. This recommendation will be considered by the Department of Environment. A separate 292-page document of the accounts for the political parties revealed the detail around spending, donations, assets, and expenditure as well as which parties received the most funding. There was a by-election in Carlow-Kilkenny during the year and many parties said their funding, in part, went towards preparing this, other elections, and the same-sex marriage referendum. Fine Gael in 2015 received a total income of 7.2m but spent some 7.6m, its accounts show. Its staff costs amounted to 2.5m and it employed 52 people. The accounts show it spent 200,000 on website costs and new media expenditure. It also reported fundraising of 736,000 for the year. Fianna Fail reported that it had seen a fall in state funding of 2.3m or 45% in 2011 after its bruising election then. Its debt at the end of 2015 was 1.5m. Its total income in 2015 was 5.1m but the party spent 5.2m. It also raised over 526,000 during the year, from its superdraw and collections among areas. The party employed 57 by the end of the year. Labour, which was in government during 2015, outlined how its income amounted to 3.8m (3.6m of which came from the state) while it spent 4.4m during 2015. The party spent 1.6m on its 33 staff during the year, 212,000 of which went to key management. Elsewhere, the report outlines accounts for Sinn Fein. It says the party took in 2.8m but spent 2.6m. This included 1.2m on staff, 1.2m on administration as well as 54,000 on its 1916 campaign. The party also holds assets in its offices in Dublin and Belfast amounting to 1.6m. WHEN Olwen Fouere by chance came across a copy of Laurent Gaudes play Sodome, My Love in 2009, it turned out to be the start of a sustained artistic relationship. Fouere, the Breton-Irish performer, went on to stage a world premiere of Gaudes work at the Project Theatre in 2010. Now, the pair are working together again, with Fouere having translated Danse, Morob, a piece Gaude wrote with her in mind. It is, like Gaudes other work, both allusive and elusive, a magic-realist fable in which a woman, led by a pack of dogs, searches for her father. There is, though, a very specific anchor to the real world in the play. It becomes apparent when we realise that the father served in Long Kesh prison, or the Maze, as Fouere has it in her adaptation, mythological overtones very much intended. With the mixture of Irish history, and nationalist struggle, and a daughters inheritance, its not hard to see Foueres shadow. She grew up in Ireland after her father, a Breton activist and journalist, moved here to escape trial on charges of wartime collaboration. He was subsequently exonerated after voluntarily returning to France. I do identify with it, but on an emotional level, not on a political level, says Fouere, as we sit in a bar near the Project after a days rehearsals. I am very invested in the legacy aspect of radical political action. Where does it go, once there has been a change? Those people who are then marginalised, what happens to them? Very often they are forgotten about, or not honoured. I feel in this country the fact that there is a big level of ignorance in relation to the hunger strikes of 1980-81. But it is so much a part of our history. Foueres character in the play, referred to only as She, literally carries her father at one point, and this burden is one Fouere is keen to honour as an artist, too. She and some of the shows creative team met Laurence McKeown, one of the Maze hunger strikers. I would have felt very uncertain about mentioning the name [of the prison] without having engaged in some way, says Fouere, who met McKeown first at an academic symposium about the hunger strikes. We had a great afternoon with him. It made me feel a lot happier because I felt a huge sense of responsibility. He came to a run through and his feedback was excellent. Any production that would do justice to Gaudes vision would have to balance the references to the North without being overwhelmed by them. That was my worry, that people would go Ah, thats what its about, agrees Fouere, whose next project is a part in Enda Walshs Ballyturk at the Abbey. Its not not about the North, but its not only about that, and that is what we were grappling with. But that is its beauty. Its not a piece of psychological drama. Despite that, the piece manages to contain powerful scenes that could have fit into a kitchen-sink approach, in particular when the father emerges from prison a changed man, unable to accept his familys embrace. That fault line, between the historic and the domestic, is an often neglected aspect of the history of political struggle. The mother really got to Laurence, says Fouere, because that really did happen, he said, that the person who comes out is so different to the person who went in. Again, Fouere can speak from personal experience, her father having been imprisoned in the 1970s, when he was arrested on suspicion of involvement with the Front de Liberation de la Bretagne. He was released in an amnesty after more than 100 days in Pariss La Sante prison. He met Mesrine, there, she says with a laugh in reference to the notorious French criminal who inspired the recent two-part film. On a more serious note, she notes: My mother had dementia and she would say about her carers, I think theyre going to put me in prison. Yet even from that scene, the play does not step heavily. The fathers disappearance could be that of Mad Sweeney, into the trees. Laurent manages to say so much, says Fouere, what hes created is a complete non-polemic piece of theatre. Well, the sun is setting on your naughty buy. The days of circumventing the often terrifying price of patented original mid-century masterpieces is coming to an end. Flagrant democratisation of industrially manufacturered design by imitators and replicators is about to become illegal in the UK, and well-honed Irish tut-tuts and pressure from the EU, will ensure our copyright laws follow suit in the near future. The end of the era of furniture and a lot of lighting marketed as inspired by, (insert offended 20th century makers name here), has resulted from the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 in the UK. Giving way to an EU directive, aided by lobbying from within the British design community, this brings industrial design into line with the legal respect given to writing, music and photography. The protection for designs deemed of sufficient artistic craftsmanship will be extended from 25 to 70 years after the designer dies. Thats right 70 years after the creator dies, not 70 years after the piece blossomed off the drawing board. So, for commercial favourites by say, Arne Jacobsen who died in 1971, that would keep his work under license until 2041, translating to a whopping 771 for a modest, spiny AJ floor lamp c1960, with all its pert credentials intact. The AJ is marketed as a tasteful homage by Voga in Ireland for 169. A Wegner Wishbone chair (Carl Hansen & Sons, best price Ambiente Direct 575 in beech), a common sight here and wheedled in shape all over the shops, only falls out of patent in 2077 in the UK and the rest of Europe. CA Design of Dublin currently offer a similar chair in walnut, without license, but completely legal at the moment for 225. cadesign.ie. A six-month amnesty allowed UK retailers to dump their wares from July of 2016, brought forward from 2020 largely through the efforts of design house Vitra (sorely burned by the replica business in the UK and the Far East). On January 28, the jig is up. Pieces made from 1988 will have similar protection with Registered Design Rights and even if the maker fails to register the piece, it is understood to be protected for 15 years from outright imitation. A further amendment by the Intellectual Property Office has been introduced to copyright certain designs works made prior to June 1, 1957, and these will be protected in law in the UK from the April 1. Intellectual property law and license-holding might just seem like spoiling the field for ordinary consumers who just love a great and groovy line and couldnt give a monkeys if Fritz Hansens designs or the profits of the firms present day executives, were being compromised. However, theres more. With a free-for-all in replication, and faceless makers (shaded by the term our suppliers by the vendor) churning out sofas, lamps, side tables and loungers, there was very often no control on quality referenced from the original article. All we could cling to was the word of the shop front online or off. Ultimately this not only infuriated the designers estate and the license-holders, but hurt the public who ended up with the worst tat at a still considerable price. In my travels I have seen sumptuously beautiful examples of reproduced items sold here in Ireland, outside the proper patent (made in China) and other horrible, badly rendered copies Le Corbusier chairs and Isamu Noguchi coffee tables literally falling apart. Still, the inescapable elitism of iconic modernist design today is troubling. The reality that many items even those drawn and intended for factory production in relatively cheap materials and in a few key pieces in some cases (formed plastic is a doddle to run up) are in fact only available to the wealthy. In some cases, the very wealthy. Many creatives working through the 1950s and 1960s, including Ray and Charles Eames were outspoken advocates of affordable great design available to all. I recently ate from a fairly well executed faked Eifel (DSW) chair in a McDonalds outlet in Co Waterford would the Eamess have approved of this egalitarian spirit? UK retailers of these 20th century wannabes are counting down. Soon, Im afraid, its back to staring at the unattainable originals online and elsewhere, for the rest of us. To align with the rest of Europe, its more than likely that retailers of 20th century iconic furniture in Ireland, including CA Design (which champions some new design as well as nods to mid-century), and Voga (retail refugees from the UK and now based in Kildare), ZinZan and others Irish sellers, will be forced to either close, or shift focus. Small alterations in the features, shape and finish may play havoc with enforcing the new legislation, and with the UK leaving the European Union, who knows that may actually happen from January 28 to April 1. You have been warned. We will not be spared, and in the end, Im afraid ending the Mad Man party is the right and only proper thing to do, despite the design-democracy affect. Imagine this: The president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, sits down this week to write an open letter. The new year unfolds before him in his mind. Its challenges are vast, existential. Only the truth will serve. My Fellow Europeans (he might write), Its not the fashion, as in the United States, to quote from the Bible. But, now, it feels appropriate. The line that comes to mind is: Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. We in Europe have sown good seeds. No more war (the Balkans in the 90s aside). The championing of liberal democracy. The maintenance (with strains) of social health and welfare systems. These are good crops. Its my job to lead the Commission, the business end of the European Union, drafting the plans, policies, programmes. But I think its time not just to boost the EU (which I do a lot), but to face the bad choices made in the sowing department. If we dont, well end in the ditch which our many critics already think we inhabit. Its increasingly obvious that the creation of the euro was a bad idea. Joseph Stiglitz, the US economist who got a Nobel and who likes to criticise everybody, insists in his new book that either the currency must be broken up, or a northern zone of states that benefit from the euro be separated from a larger, southern circle which dont. Of course, I and others pooh pooh-ed the idea, especially as Stiglitz had written that I was trying to hold the EU together through the use of threats and fear after Brexit; and by calling me, a former prime minister, the proud architect of Luxembourgs massive corporate tax-avoidance schemes. Since this is truth-telling time, I have to admit given the leaks from closed-door EU committees showing I fought to kill any robust measures on tax avoidance he has a point. The euro was more a means to closer political integration than a mere common currency. But we have to ask ourselves: Do we really want it? Britain is leaving us, and that removes a constant critic of both the euro and closer union. So we can leap ahead! But whos proposing it? Theres a way, but wheres the will? The Guardian economics editor wrote recently that if we carry on with the euro we will need a single banking system, a Europe-wide treasury, and a democratically elected finance minister with the power to raise money in Germany and spend it in Greece. Any takers? Mrs Merkel? Ive been too imprecise about immigration. I gave a talk last August in which I said that we should show solidarity to refugees, and added that borders were the worst inventions ever made by politicians. Sounds like something said after too good a lunch. Im for solidarity these people are truly the wretched of the earth but we cant go on adding more and more thousands to those already here not with fears of terrorism, not with mass unemployment, not with Europeans, including first generation immigrants now citizens, rebelling. We have to look the issue in the face, and determine what is politically possible. Solidarity isnt just taking in endless numbers. It can also be making the countries from which they come safe, habitable, developing. Might that not be better for all? And yes, it would be a big shift. Some seeds we havent sown have been in the defence department. Most of our members assign less, sometimes much less, than the 2% of GDP they promised. Some, as the Spaniards and the Belgians spend less than 1%. And truth will out again my dear Luxembourg spends less than half a percent, and its the second-richest country in the world. The soft power we are so proud of is possible only under the hard power umbrella of the US, which pays for most of Nato. Were now faced with an aggressive Russia, and though a number of my fellow leaders take something of the Donald Trump line that Vladimir Putin isnt so bad, we should be clear that hes trying to disunite us (as if we needed the help!) And we should stop pussy-footing around the Central European states such as Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, which pour scorn on the EUs policies, in some cases cozy up to Putin but gladly take the EUs subsidies. As the German political scientist Claus Offe said recently, they are developing ethnically exclusive nationalism and populism, which do not fit the image of liberal democracy. Worse still, they are spreading (these ideas) in the old member states as well. We thought we were missionaries of liberal democracy. Instead, we are learning from them how to be illiberal. We have to stop pandering to these countries, if we want to retain the values we talk about so much. In March, the Netherlands will hold a general election: Will Geert Wilders of the anti-EU Freedom Party, currently the most popular party there, emerge as the new prime minister? In April, the first of the two rounds for the French presidential election is expected to show Marine LePen of the Front National as the winner, but polls show that she will be beaten by a centrist candidate in the May run-off. Could she do a Trump (no-one thought Trump could?) In the autumn, well see if Angela Merkel can survive as leader after the German elections, and how well the anti-immigration Alternativ fur Deutschland will do. I make no predictions, but I guess the nationalists will do well. The 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which created whats become the EU, is on March 25. I dont foresee a joyful, all-European party. Our Italian hosts are talking rather of a relaunching of the EU project. Im for that. But it has to be one hell of a relaunch. If 2017 isnt to be a disaster for the Unloved of Brussels, we have to make clear what we will and wont do about the currency, how we can staunch the immigration flood and assist the wretched while keeping the trust of our citizens, how help the states to tackle the dearth of jobs, especially for the young and ditch all the dreams. At 60, its about time to stop dreaming, no? John Lloyd co-founded the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford, where he is senior research fellow Burma Burma Army Seizes Four KIA Bases KIA soldiers on patrol in 2016 in Kachin States Chipwi Township. / J Paing / The Irrawaddy RANGOON The Burma Army seized four more bases from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) by using ground and air forces, the Ministry of Defense has reported. We took four bases in total from KIA insurgents. There were seven casualties from the enemies side and we seized some guns and ammunition, stated the defense report issued on January 8. The Burma Army has intensified its military offensive against the KIA since December, during which time it has taken seven bases in total, including two strategic mountain outposts: Laing Paung and Gideon. The Ministry of Defense report also described the KIA leadershipas motivated by business interests andsuggested that they had attempted to destroy peace efforts in the country. It accused them of using internally displaced people as human shields, and of initiating the current bout of fighting. DaungKhar, a Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) technical team head and KIA leader, confirmed that the Burmese military took four of their bases in Kachin States Waingmaw Township, after fighting broke out in five locations near the seized Laing Paung post. He added that fighting had occurred in two additional townships: Tanai in Kachin State and Kutkai in northern Shan State. DaungKhar also said that the KIOs technical team, based in Myitkyina, had been warned by the military that it would be held responsible if any blasts were to occur in the state capital. The KIA is among Burmas ethnic armed groups that did not sign the 2015 nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) with the government and the Burma Army, citing a lack of inclusivity. Pressure to become signatories to the NCA persists, DaungKhar said. If we sign it, what will happen? If we dont, what will happen? We have the right to think it over, he explained. He added that members of the KIA were disappointed by the silence from the elected National League for Democracy government, led by State Counselor DawAung San SuuKyi, regarding the Burma Army offensive in the countrys north. Many of our Kachin people voted for the NLD, but the NLD is ignoring the voices of our people now, DaungKhar said. Burma Israel Rejects Call to Suspend Weapons Exports to Burma Min Aung Hlaing tours a naval base and defense manufacturers in Israel in September 2015. Israels defense ministry rejected a call from human rights activists and lawyers in the country to suspend military exports to Burma. Jerusalem-based human rights lawyer Eitay Mack told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that the Israeli defense ministry said in a letter sent on Jan. 8 that it would go ahead with exports of military equipment to Burma as they were approved by the foreign ministry and stood within international law. He said that after the ministrys rejection he would file an urgent petition with the Israeli Supreme Court in an attempt to prevent the export. Eitay Mack and other activists wrote to head of the Israeli Ministry of Defenses export control department Racheli Chen in December 2016 and called for a review of all defense export licenses purchased by the Burma Army. It stated that the Burma Army still wages war with ethnic minorities in northern and eastern Burma, while also committing serious human rights violations against the Rohingya Muslim minority in western Burma. It is surprising that the State of Israel, while struggling for continued sanctions against Iran, has no qualms about ignoring the US and EU sanctions against Burma for the most severe crimes being committed there, read the letter dated Dec. 11. During his visit to Israel in September 2015, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing along with military officials from Burmas Air Force and Navy toured the offices Elbit Systems, an Israel-based defense manufacturing company, Israeli Aerospace Industries and its subsidiary, Elta Systems Ltd. Eitay Mack said that Elbit Systems and another manufacturer TAR Ideal Concepts had signed deals to provide security equipment to the Burma Army. They also toured an Israeli naval base, the countrys Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv and a memorial to fallen soldiers in the Gaza Strip. Reports and pictures of the trip were revealed on the Burma Army chiefs Facebook, saying that he had spoken with Israeli representatives about purchasing military equipment and training The ministry also told Eitay Mack they would not comment on deals with specific states. The secrecy is strange given the fact that the head of the Burma Army already published details of his visit to Israel in September 2015 and his Naypyidaw meeting with the head of the Israeli defense exports in August 2016, Eitay Mack told The Irrawaddy. Burma Mon Educators Work to Preserve Ethnic Traditions A Mon traditional dance performance at the golden jubilee of the Mon Literature and Culture Committee on Jan 8, 2017. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy RANGOON Instruction in ethnic languages at government primary schools still faces challenges, although the Burman-dominated country officially allowed classes at the early primary level three years ago, according to ethnic Mon educators. Mon educators told The Irrawaddy about the challenges of teaching ethnic languages at the golden jubilee of the Mon Literature and Culture Committee (MLCC), where more than 500 ethnic Mon university students, teachers, professors, and ministers gathered in Rangoon on Sunday. I learned the Mon language until I was in 2nd grade. I wanted to learn more and kept learning from my older brothers, said Mi Nang Yamone, a 20-year-old university student. She studied in a monastic class for three more years as a primary student. From 1981 to 2010, Mon language was mainly taught through monastic classes during summer break, from March to May. Discrimination persists between Burmese and Mon language teachers at school, in term of facilities and furniture, even though the state parliament has approved instruction of both, as well as differences in curriculum and salary. Mi Than Mon, a Mon language teacher at the government primary school in Mudon town, Mon State taught at a monastic school since 2011 and joined the government school in 2014. Mon language should be taught as a subject like Bamar Sar [Burmese language] at secondary and high schools, as well as at university. Now we are only able to teach it until 3rd grade, she said, adding that informal language instruction was going nowhere. She urged for government support to encourage the children to love the ancient language. Childrens interest in the Mon language is very low, partially due to a lack of encouragement. Children who excel in the language are not put on the annual list of outstanding students, she told The Irrawaddy. Instead, dedicated teachers use their own money to award those outstanding students. The government salary for ethnic language teachers is 30,000 kyats per month (about US$20), but the payment is made as a lump sum after 10 months, even though public school teachers are paid monthly throughout the year. If the ethnic languages were taught in their respective states and the government provided salaries, it would be great news, said Naing Tin Oo, a professor at the Cooperative University in Thanlyin and chairman of the Golden Jubilee organizing committee. Nai Cham Toik, another leader of the MLCC echoed the challenges of preserving Mon literature and culture, as there are fewer people who speak, read and write Mon. Fortunately, the MLCC provides Mon language training for young people both at the primary and university levels in Rangoon, said Mi Pyone Pyone Aye, an educator and librarian at the National Library. The MLCC was formed in 1966, when all organizations were dismissed years after the coup of Gen Ne Win. The golden jubilee is intended to raise awareness about Mon literature and culture and features exhibits of Mon historical books, traditional dress, symbols, dance and musical instruments, said committee leaders. When we started MLCC it was difficult but we carried on the task. We want the young people to know about it so they can pass it on to younger generations, said Naing Tin Oo. Burma UN Rapporteur Blocked on Kachin State Visit UN Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma Yanghee Lee in Rangoon in July 2016. / Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters RANGOON The UNs special rapporteur on human rights in Burma Yanghee Lee was restricted from visiting areas of conflict-torn Kachin State on Monday, according to her spokesperson. She was not allowed to travel to Laiza and Hpakant, spokesperson U Aye Win told The Irrawaddy Tuesday, adding that the rapporteurs team visited camps for internally displaced persons run by the Kachin Baptist Convention outside state capital Myitkyina instead. Yanghee Lee arrived in Burma on Sunday and will spend 12 days assessing human rights abuses in the country. A statement released before the visit said she was expected to visit Myitkyina, Hpakant, and the border town of Laizahome to the headquarters of the ethnic armed group the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). On Monday evening The Voice of America (VOA) reported that Yanghee Lee said she had experienced inconvenience during her visit to Kachin State. VOA quoted Yanghee Lee as saying she had received no cooperation from both the Union and Kachin State governmentI was not allowed to visit the places which I applied to visit. That really harms my rights and duties, she reportedly went on to say. My responsibility is to look for injustices and human rights violations, [the government] did not allow me to visit the places where human rights violations are taking place. A representative of the Joint Strategy Team (JST)a coalition of nine NGOs in Kachin and Shan states that met with Yanghee Lee on Mondaytold The Irrawaddy that the UN rapporteur appeared dissatisfied with her tour of Kachin State. In the one hour meeting representatives of the JST expressed concern over a burgeoning number of displaced persons following recent clashes between the Burma Army and armed ethnic groups in Kachin and Shan states, Myittar Foundations Executive Director Sai Samm Kham said. Representatives told the UN rapporteur that the state government had prevented the NGOs from delivering aid to Mong Ko town of Muse Township, Shan State where houses were damaged by government airstrikes, according to Sai Samm Kham. Sai Samm Kham said the NGOs also expressed concern over the whereabouts of two Kachin pastors who disappeared on Christmas Eve in Mong Ko after being summoned by the army. The two men had helped journalists from Rangoon report on the situation in Mong Ko. The restriction of movement by the Burma Army in northern Shan State demanding identification at military checkpoints was another issue raised. He said Yanghee Lee asked participants whether recent skirmishes would harm the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi-led peace process or not. Participants responded that the conflict between the KIA and the Burma Army had now reached its fifth year and that pain and hate is now deeply rooted in some ethnic Kachins. Some say they dont want to hear the word peace anymore, they want independence, Sai Samm Kham said. Yanghee Lee will travel to troubled northern Arakan State on January 13 and is scheduled to spend three days in Maungdaw Township, according to Arakan State government office secretary U Tin Maung Swe. The exact locations will be finalised based on the security situation, he said. Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 (12:26 pm) - Score 1,984 The telecoms regulator has today granted a request by mobile operator EE (BT) for two new licence variations, which would for example enable them to use 4G (LTE) in the unpaired frequencies of 1899.9 1909.9MHz (Spectrum Access 2100MHz licence) and support the new Emergency Services Network. The two changes (listed below) are part of the Home Offices (Government) decision in 2015 to appoint EE as the main provider for a new 1.2bn Emergency Services Network (ESN), which was previously run by Airwave at a cost of around 3bn and using TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) technology. The TETRA network is very slow (dialup style data rates) and expensive, but it also delivers some exceptionally wide coverage (97% of the UKs landmass) and matching that with 4G is going to require a lot of work (here) and some regulatory tweaks. EEs Requested Spectrum Access Licence Changes * A variation of its Spectrum Access 2100 Hz licence to permit the use of LTE technology in the unpaired frequencies 1899.9 to 1909.9MHz; and * A variation of its Spectrum Access 800MHz / 2.6GHz and 1800MHz licences to permit the use of mobile transmit frequencies to connect additional temporary base stations to its network at powers up to 31 dBm e.i.r.p in the 800MHz and 1800MHz bands, for use as gateways for the new emergency services network. In its preliminary decision last year Ofcom found that granting the requests is an efficient use of the spectrum and would benefit citizens and consumers and, following a final consultation, these changes have today been given full approval (here). Most of this reflects changes that will only be used by the ESN side of EEs network (i.e. consumers will use different services). It looks like feathered dinosaurs are closer to reality than those scaly dinosaurs found in fiction films like Godzilla. A recent study reveals the feathered tail which was preserved in amber belongs to baby dinosaur which existed about 99 million years ago. The dinosaur tail was preserved in a apricot-sized amber together with plant debris. Lida Xing, a paleontologist at Beijing's China University of Geosciences saw the amber in a marker in Myanmar in 2015. The seller believed it contained a preserved plant however, Xing suspected it contains something more valuable and persuaded the Dexu Institute of Paleontology to buy it. True enough, aside from insects and plant fragments the semi-translucent stone was revealed to contain a tail, measuring about 1.4 inches long. In a study published in Current Biology, it was revealed that the tail has eight vertebrae encased by soft tissues which includes skin, ligaments, and muscles. The researchers studied the amber using CT scans and other microscopic exams. Researchers revealed the tail belonged to a non-avialan theropod, probably a juvenile coelurosaur which existed on Earth about million years ago. The baby dinosaur, which the researchers nicknamed "Eva," was most likely got a portion of its tail stuck in tree resin. The researchers added that since dinosaurs can't shed their feathers like other animals, Eva probably died soon after. "The more we see these feathered dinosaurs and how widespread the feathers are, things like a scaly velociraptor seem less and less likely and they've become a lot more bird like in the overall view," Ryan McKellar, a paleontologist at the Royal Saskatchwan Museum in Canada told CNN. "They're not quite the Godzilla-style scaly monsters we once thought," he added. The discovery of the dinosaur tail also highlighted the unique preservation potential of amber, which poses a great help to the discovery of other preserved fossils in the future. For years, people are reportedly thinking that Samsung and Apple have been on a stiff competition in being the first among anything. With this, some thought that Samsung already lost its edge when the battery explosion issues surfaced online. However, Samsung seems to be handling the situation very well. As a matter of fact, Samsung is allegedly helping Apple in achieving excellent smartphones. Samsung Provides OLED Panels For iPhone 8, Is Samsung Already Backing-Out Against Stiff Competitor? According to Forbes, it all started when LG made OLED panels for Apple. Weird as it may seem, but the company that keeps on trying to go on top is helping Apple maintain its much-coveted position. And up until now, there is no clarification as to how true all the allegations and the speculations are but Samsung is reportedly giving the curved OLED panels for iPhone 8. Apple and Samsung have been popular because of their battle with smartphone supremacy. Even online, the two leading tech companies went through series of comparisons and reviews with each other. With this, people are asking: why would Samsung help iPhone 8 reach the top? Reasons Behind Samsung Helping Apple Revealed, Samsung Not Intimidated At All Sources reiterated that Samsung is an established empire and smartphone is just a great part of it. It's like having a chess set with the phones being the pawn. The company already made a name for itself in every area known in this world. As a matter of fact, Samsung still earned a staggering $7.76 billion amidst Galaxy Note 7 issues. This is yet the best quarterly profit attained by Samsung. Some news told that the reason for its huge profit is mainly because of its OLED panels. It has been on-demand these past few days. To add on this, even huge companies started promoting Samsung's high-contrast, true-black screens. Cosmetic products and treatments are usually meant for making the aesthetic aspect of a person to look good, but little did we know that it can actually be a culprit to a life changing disease. England's public health (PHE) officials are currently investigating the possibility of blood-borne viruses such as HIV being transmitted through a commonly available over the counter cosmetic treatment. The said investigation of these products has come after the three members of staff working in North West beauty salons has allegedly suffered needlestick injuries while carrying out needle microdermabrasion. HIV Spread Because Of Cosmetic Products Now Being Investigated According to reports revealed by Telegraph, a certain procedure known as needle microdermabrasion has allegedly risen in popularity in recent years and is available in beauty salons and cosmetic surgeries, the said procedure involves a handset, with a needle-studded cylindrical roller attached to it, being moved across the face. PHE experts believe that this process can consequently create multiple small punctures which can result in bleeding and the generation of serous fluid where it has been applied. Thus, it was found that if there would be needlestick injuries from salon staff or cross-contamination to clients occurs, there would be a serious risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Furthermore, in one of his statements reported by Free Malaysia Today, former president of the Malaysian Medical Association, Dr. H Krishna Kumar has revealed that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be possibly be transmitted during invasive procedures such as certain cosmetic treatments. He said that this is most likely the reason why local barbers use disposable blades, because when you shave, you can injure yourself and reach the blood vessels which can then spread blood-borne diseases like HIV. Dr. Kumar has highly emphasized the fact that beauticians who were not trained to prevent blood-borne diseases are the ones who commonly performs cosmetic treatments and not doctors who were apparently experts. Ultimately, the former Malaysian Medical Association president has claimed that until the Public Health England has completed its investigations, there's no way of affirming the said transmission and its possibilities. Elisabeth Scharfenberg, German opposition spokeswoman on care policy, faced backlash after suggesting that authorities could finance sexual assistance for patients requiring nursing care. She said that doctors can issue free sex-on-prescription to their patients. Patients Who Are Not Capable Of Paying A Sex Worker Can Show Proof Of Medical Need Prostitution has been legal in Germany since 2002 and brothels currently operate across the country. Scharfenberg told newspaper Welt am Sonntag that she could imagine authorities financing sexual assistance." The newspaper said that Scharfenberg's suggestion has its roots in a system based in the Netherlands, where applicants who are not capable of paying for a sex worker can just show proof of medical need. This means that patients would need to get a doctor's approval before filling a sex prescription, Fox News said. This would confirm that they are indeed unable to to achieve sexual satisfaction in other ways and unable to pay sex workers on their own. Local officials could provide information about "offers of this kind in the area," as well as grant the necessary funds, Scharfenberg added. Prostitutes Are Already Offering A Wide Range Of Services To Nursing Home Patients Nursing home workers confirm that prostitutes already offer a wide range of services to patients. The services vary from "affectionate touching" to sexual intercourse. However, there is no legal framework to claim those expenses as medical care in Germany. Vanessa del Rae, a sexual advisor for nursing homes, told the Welt am Sonntag that these prostitutes are a "blessing" for those in need of care. However, some lawmakers do not agree. Karl Lauterbach, Governing Social Democrats lawmaker said that country did not "need paid prostitution in homes for the elderly, and certainly not on prescription," Time reported. Professor Wilhelm Frieling-Sonnenberg, who specializes in researching medical care, said that the idea is "contemptuous towards human dignity." With 6GB RAM smartphones widely available in the market, it looks like this year is going to be the time where we will see 8GB RAM devices become a more common sight. Latest leaks suggest that Samsung's Galaxy S8 could be the first ever Android device to sport this much RAM and it could also come with an internal memory running at a much faster pace. Well, That being said revealed a new 8GB RAM module which is designed for mobile, and this has led to speculation that the company's RAM module could be finding its way into the Galaxy S8 and as well as Apple's iPhone 8. iPhone 8 And Samsung 8 Rumored To Use UltraFast Internal Memory And Ram We should take note that SK Hynix is Samsung's main rival in Korea as far as memory making components are concerned. It would be surprising if Samsung will collaborate with its major competitor. Moreover, SK Hynix is believed to have produced memory components for companies such as Apple, though we doubt that the iPhone 8 will come along with 8GB of RAM. In that case, SK Hynix's technology involving in two 8 Gigabit pieces connected in a dual-channel config, that is then stacked in four layers. According to the sources, the company claims that this new design will result in the component taking up to 30% less space than present LPDDR4 mobile chips, and is 20% more efficient. iPhone 8 And Samsung 8 Rumored To Launch This Coming March The company also tipped that their RAM modules may find their way into 2017's high-end smartphones, however, they didn't mention any company by name. Also, a Korean source stated that the chip may be destined for both Apple and Samsung's 2017 flagships. The SK Hynix's new memory chip is set to be used in Samsung's Galaxy S8 and Apple's iPhone 8, which are predicted to be released in April and September, respectively, this 2017. The Russian app market might no longer offer social media LinkedIn since Russia forced Cupertino company Apple and search giant Google to remove this mobile app. This represents the latest chapter in a long battle that this nation has had with this site. However, even when this situation started some months ago, many believes that this might a way of diverting attention from the Russian hackings situation, in which the U.S. intelligence agencies blamed the Kremlin for being behind the DNC and John Podestas email hack. LinkedIn Remained Accessible After The Latest Ban According to the International Business Times, Apple confirmed that it was told by Russian authorities to remove LinkedIn app a month ago, while Google explained that it wouldn't confirm that this social network was removed from the country, but recognized that it adheres to the local laws in the nations in which it operates. Of course, this comes after the communications regulator in Russia Roskomnadzor, who ordered internet service providers in the region to block access to LinkedIn last November, since a court ruled the firm failed to adhere a 2014 law which demanded that all data collected on Russian citizens must be stored domestically. Nevertheless, even when the ban was approved, LinkedIns app remained available in iOS app storefronts and in any Android mobile device. In fact, the social network was accessible with the use of a virtual private network, but the situation has changed and now is practically impossible. Given this situation, LinkedIn explained that it was extremely disappointed of the court's ruling. Apple And Google Are Participating In Russias Censorship As reported by Fortune, the LinkedIns situation could be a considered as an indirect form of censorship, since the law empowers Russia states control over any company that holds information on Russian citizens. Also, this is an event that shows how many tech giants usually submit to any kind of government action that limit the freedom of speech, as long as its businesses remain untouched. As reported in a previous article, one of the most famous cases is the U.S. tech companies that work in Russia that are willing to adhere to rules that represent an authoritarian way to censor anyone who wants to say something that doesnt fit the local governments interest. Unfortunately, Apple and Googles willingness to remove LinkedIn is another episode of a situation that doesn't seem to manifest a weak moment. Dr. William T. Cefalu is soon to leave his duties as the executive director Pennington Biomedical Research Center to become the chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association. Celufu has been the executive director for Pennington since 2012, and will acquire a position in the diabetes association on Feb. 20. He will replace Dr. Robert E. Ratner, who retired at the end of 2016. Celufu said in a statement that diabetes remains one of the world's major chronic disease threats, and the association has an incredible human responsibility to change the trajectory of the disease. He added, as a Louisianian and a physician, he has seen diabetes impact his state first hand. This new role is an immense opportunity for him to continue to significantly influence mortality, health and quality of life for so many, and he looks forward to the challenges. Celufu was born in New Orleans and grew up in Amite. He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University and LSU Medical School. At the University of Vermont College of Medicine, he taught and led clinical trials. But eventually he returned to Louisiana to take over as chief of Pennington's Division of Nutrition and Chronic Diseases in 2005. President and chief executive officer of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Adam Knapp said Cefalu's move could dispense Pennington with the same kind of national relation and networking opening that detecting gravitational waves did for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory in Livingston Parish. He added that LIGO was once unknown, but when they detected gravitational waves in 2016, they are now well known globally. According to the The Advocate, Knapp added on appraisal to Cefalu, referred to him as one of the most important assets in Baton Rouge. Celafu said in a statement that the American Diabetes Association is a scientific organization competing for research fund is a challenge. He added that it meant to him that being the scientific and clinical director of the American Diabetes Association that he could use the expertise of Pennington. Pennington administrators they will begin search to find replacement for Celafu. C. Kris Kirkpatrick, chairman of the board of the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation said that it is such an honor that Celafu was asked to join and fight against diabetes. He also said that this proves the caliber of the members of Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation is really explicit. According to the KATC, the American Diabetes Association says that Cefalu has more than 30 years of research related to diabetes. He is more than enough for the position being granted to him. And that LSU also credits Celafu for personally drawing $50 million in scientific grants and contracts for Pennington researches. Celafu as the new chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association is expected to perform very well in his new duties and responsibilities. Right now, we've heard and read the words "Surface Phone" more often than actual smartphones that are coming in this year. The alleged new phone from Microsoft has been mentioned a ton of times online while the company has kept mum on the matters regarding it. While it's already very easy to assume that the Surface Phone is actually coming in anytime soon, fans can't really put in 100 percent of their trust on it as long as Microsoft does not acknowledge the said device. Microsoft CEO Talks About Smartphone Plans Microsoft is in no way selfish in sharing information on its future smartphone plans. However, the company never mentions the Surface Phone whenever they talk about its future plans. Yes, they intend to introduce new smartphones. However, no one's assured that one of them will be the long-rumored Surface Phone. What Microsoft points out is that it will continue to be present in the smartphone market. Whether or not there is a Surface Phone coming up, no one has confirmed. What the company says is that their next smartphone will still be focused on differentiating itself from the rest. It will still focus on what it does best. This includes security, manageability, and PC-level greatness, as per an ONMSFT report. Although this still falls in line with what the Surface Phone is rumored to come with, Microsoft's failure to recognize its existence is still keeping the said phone from being a sure deal. Microsoft Surface Phone Continues To Leak The thing about the Surface Phone is that it continues to be leaked online. Huge waves of rumors surface online almost on a daily basis. This is why even though Microsoft is being quite serious in snubbing the topic that is the Surface Phone, the discussions about it still doesn't stop. One of the recent leaks regarding the Surface Phone talked about the device being prepped up for a trial production. It was said that ODM Pegatron, the same company responsible for the production of the Surface Studio, will also be responsible for the development of the rumored phone. Additionally, a few days ago, a leaked image of the alleged Surface Phone has also surfaced online. This said image has supposedly appeared in China and it looks pretty much how you would expect a Surface Phone to look like. This image leak is quite a big deal especially since it came at a time when rumors about the Surface Phone are at its strongest point. Nevertheless, this image has easily been debunked by Phone Arena saying that the pictures can be a Lumia prototype from the past. Chances That The Surface Phone Isn't Coming With all these leaks that come and go, there's still a big chance that no Surface Phone is showing up soon. Even if the device does exist behind Microsoft's closed doors, it could still remain hidden from the public. The company might have purposely stayed away from confirming the existence of the Surface Phone for the sole reason that it's not ready yet and Microsoft doesn't want to promise something that they aren't a hundred percent sure will be ready for unveiling soon enough. Needless to say, these are just some of the possible angles to look at it and until Microsoft actually says that the Surface Phone is existing or non-existing, nothing is confirmed as of the moment. St. Jude cardiac devices can be hacked the FDA confirmed it. The FDA added once hacker successfully hacked the device they could deplete the battery of input incorrect pacing or shocks. The pacemaker and defibrillators are used to monitor and control heart function of patients. These devices could also prevent heart attacks. A software patch was developed by St. Jude to fix the St. vulnerabilities. The said the patch will automatically be applied to affected devices starting Monday. For the devices to receive the patch, the Merlin@home Transmitter must be plugged in and linked to the Merlin.net network. However, there were no cases where patients were harmed as a result of the devices' vulnerability. FDA said that patients could still use St. Jude cardiac devices. Abbot Laboratories, which recently acquired St. Jude cardiac devices in a deal worth $ 25 billion dollars, said they are working together with FDA and DHS to upgrade the security of the affected devices. Candace Steele Flippin, a spokeswoman for Abbott told CNN in an email that as they have been doing for years they will continue to actively address cyber security risks and potential vulnerabilities and enhance our systems. The vulnerability was found in the transmitter that reads the device's data and remotely shares it with physicians. FDA said hackers could access it's transmitter and control the device. According to the Fox 61 News, Muddy Waters, founder Carson Block published a report claiming St. Jude's devices could be hacked and that he was sorting the stock, August 2016. St. Jude claimed that the statement above was untrue and filed a lawsuit against the firm. According to the Medscape, FDA conducted benefits and risk regarding the usage of Merlin@home Transmitter and has found out that the health benefits to patients of continued use of the device outweigh the cybersecurity risks. The confirmation of the vulnerability of the St. Jude cardiac devices is a reminder that there is danger in internet connected devices. Because of this the FDA published guidance for manufacturers on how to proactively address cybersecurity risks, December. The University of Michigan Nurse Council is not happy about the name change that the former Michigan Medicine made. According to a news release on the Michigan Nurses Association website, the name change had disregarded the well-established brand and well earned community respect including the global recognition. It is also said that the new name fails to reflect the broad mission of the UMHS. The name change was still legislated despite issues raised by the nurse managers, said Katie Oppenheim. Katie Oppenheim is the chair of the U-M Professional Nurse Council, an affiliate of the Michigan Nurses Association. She said that they feel that the action encompasses what they are all about, which is health and whoever is providing it. And that she believes that the employees provide more than medicine they provide all forms of care. University of Michigan Nurse Council made a petition on their website opposing the name change. Oppenheim said that the change excludes those who provide care in countless other areas outside of administering medicine. Oppenheim added that what this is all about is that the university wanted a name that is inclusive. And that the term Michigan Medicine is exclusionary in that it doesn't enclose the whole system. And that people are cared for by nurses, occupational and physical therapists and receive assistance from areas like clerical and environmental services. According to the MLive News, the new name reflects on recent changes on in the organization. Which include the appointment of a single leader for both the University of Michigan Medical School and Medical Affairs for the University of Michigan. Dr. Marschall S. Runge the University of Michigan President and also the head of UMHS made a couple of changes regarding top positions. This happened during the 2015 Board of Regents Meeting. In which includes adding two management positions and an additional duty for Runge. Runge was also assigned to be in charge on both the medical school and hospital operations. According to the ABC 12 News that the new name replaces the University of Michigan Health System. The University of Michigan Medical School's name will not change, but the school is a part of Michigan Medicine. Heather Roe, the vice president of the University of Michigan Nurse Council believes the term medicine has negative connotations. She added that people only seek medicine once you are really sick. She emphasized that UMHS's mission is broader than that. She also said that for the University of Michigan Nurse Council they believe that they deserve a name that makes it clear that they support health comprehensively, not just through medicine but also with education, prevention,research and other professional supports including nursing. Researchers from Purdue University takes a leap on understanding how ZIka virus infects host cells and spreads by investigating the structure of immature Zika virus. Their findings might also be useful in providing information for developing effective treatment and vaccines. Primarily, Zika is spread by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito. However, the virus can also be transmitted from a mother to an unborn child during pregnancy and through blood transmission or sexual intercourse with a person infected with the virus. Only the mature form of the virus is considered infectious, but the virus secreted from host cells also include partially mature and immature virus particles. Researchers believes the immature form of Zika is involved in the virus infection and spread. In a study published in the journal, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, on Monday, Jan. 9. Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to reconstruct the structure of an immature Zika virus. This provides an image which has thousand times better resolution than the standard light microscope. The researchers learned that the capsid protein is located on the internal side of the lipid membrane, which is important in the recognizing its role in virus assembly. They also learned the difference between the mature and immature virus. The immature Zika virus contains partially ordered capsid protein shell which is less seen in other immature flaviviruses like those of dengue and yellow fever. "We see clear differences between the structure of the immature virus and the mature virus. Not only are there differences in the outer structure, but the inner core must also undergo some significant changes during maturation. We need to study what these changes are and why they occur," said Richard Kuhn, researcher and professors in Purdue's Department of Biological Sciences said in a press release by Purdue University. He added that this findings could lead to new discoveries in the assembly process of Zika virus. The families of three Americans killed in ISIS terror attacks are suing Twitter for allegedly knowingly providing support for the terrorist group and acting as a "powerful weapon for terrorism." The suit was filed over the weekend in a federal court in New York City on behalf of the relatives of three U.S. nationals who were killed by ISIS in the March 22, 2016, terrorist attacks in Brussels and the Nov. 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris. At least 32 people died in the Brussels attack and about 130 in the attack in Paris. [To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page.] The suit alleges that Twitter has violated, and continues to violate, the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act. The plaintiffs are asking for a jury trial and monetary damages to be determined at trial. Twitter did not reply to a request for comment. "Twitter's social media platform and services provide tremendous utility and value to ISIS as a tool to connect its members and to facilitate the terrorist group's ability to communicate, recruit members, plan and carry out attacks, and strike fear in its enemies," the suit alleges. "ISIS has used Twitter to cultivate and maintain an image of brutality, to instill greater fear and intimidation, and to appear unstoppable ..." The lawsuit also contends that specifically for the Brussels and Paris attacks, ISIS used Twitter to issue threats, as well as to announce and celebrate the attacks. The lawsuit was filed by the family of siblings Alexander Pinczowski and Sascha Pinczowski, who were killed in Brussels, and the family of Nohemi Gonzalez, who was killed in Paris. Last year, another lawsuit was filed by Gonzalez's father against Twitter, Facebook and YouTube for allegedly knowingly allowing ISIS to "use their social networks as a tool for spreading extremist propaganda, raising funds and attracting new recruits." In December, the families of three victims of the June shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, sued Facebook, Twitter and Google, the owner of YouTube, for allegedly "providing support to the Islamic State." Forty-nine people were killed in the attack. The question, if either case goes to trial, is whether a social network can be held responsible for the actions of any of its users. "While I certainly can sympathize with the families, it's hard for me to see how Twitter can be held responsible for the rise of ISIS and their terror activities," said Dan Olds, an analyst with OrionX. "Let's imagine the world a few decades ago, before the internet. Would someone try to hold AT&T responsible for criminal activities that were planned over the telephone? Or is the printing press manufacturer responsible for magazines that encourage terrorism that were printed using presses they built and sold? " In response to the attacks, Twitter took steps to prevent terrorists from using its network. In August, the company reported that in the previous six months, it had suspended 235,000 accounts for violating its policies related to the promotion of terrorism. That was in addition to 125,000 accounts that been suspended since mid-2015, bringing the total number of terrorist-related suspended accounts to 360,000. "We strongly condemn these acts and remain committed to eliminating the promotion of violence or terrorism on our platform," the company said in a blog post at the time. Judith Hurwitz, an analyst with Hurwitz & Associates, said it would be a significant challenge for Twitter to keep terrorists completely off its site. "Perhaps Twitter could do a better job identifying users who are terrorists," she said, saying the company would likely need advanced machine learning tools to weed out the bad players. "Of course, it would have to be advanced Remember that terrorists are very good at adapting. If they are thrown off of the system, they can come back with a different persona and try to game the system." Brad Shimmin, an analyst with Current Analysis, said social networks like Twitter, Facebook and Google can't be held responsible for their users' actions. "There is no way of effectively policing those sites based upon affiliation or behavior," Shimmin said. "Twitter itself has gone to some extreme measures to single out and remove accounts engaged in this sort of thing. That will help, and I think such efforts are a moral responsibility for Twitter and other social networking vendors, but those actions can't rule out future misuse." Olds said it would be impossible for Twitter to keep terrorists from using its site 100% of the time, but the company could do a better job of curtailing it. "Terrorist messages should be able to be rooted out with some solid language processing software," Olds said. "I'd like to see them do more along these lines. The technology is there, they just need to adapt it to anti-terrorist tasks." If Twitter loses the lawsuit and is ordered to pay significant damages, the impact on other social networks would be chilling, he said. "Social networks would be forced to keep a much closer eye on user activities and crack down on anything that could be interpreted as 'bad,' " Olds said. "The end result would be self-imposed censorship on the part of the nets, which would greatly upset many users. But I just don't see this happening at least not with this case." Get unlimited access to all content and features at ivpressonline.com with our Full Online Access Subscription. Read our E-Edition, the digital replica of the print newspaper online, access content in exclusive sections including Family, Teen, Business, Databases, Farm and more. This option does not include daily home delivery of the Imperial Valley Press newspaper. For home delivery service, please select Premium or Premium Plus. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. https://www.johnnyfd.com/2017/01/why-you-should-start-with-dropshipping.html Best Business Model for 2017? It's almost funny that when I first got into dropshipping in 2013 people online would say it was too late and that it was dead. That first store not only replaced my full time corporate income for the next couple of years, it eventually sold for $60,000 Then people told me I got lucky and that it couldn't happen again especially not in 2015, it worried me I started a second store with Larissa, my girlfriend at the time and that too has been a success and continues to bring both of us income every month. Now that it's 2017, it's a bit ironic that the same people online that said dropshipping was dead in 2013 are now preaching it as the hot new business model. Well, those people can chase all of the trends they want, I'm going to continue to do what works. Watch this video first as an overview, then keep reading for all of the details including breakdowns of the pros and cons of starting yourself. Why Dropship in 2017? Why Physical Products? Even though I'm a huge fan of digitally deliverable products, it's actually a terrible way for most people to start. The honest truth is that starting any business is difficult and most people aren't meant to be hugely successful entrepreneurs. Most people don't have the hard work, dedication, or even the willingness to do what it takes it become a successful business owner. That being said, if you can't sell someone a piece of furniture that they're looking to buy anyways, there's no way in hell you'll be able to find and convince someone to buy a digital product that they didn't even know they needed in the first place. If I told you to sell any of the furniture items in the photo above, I'm sure most of you could do it. There are plenty of places online that people are already looking to buy couches, tables, and chairs, and all you have to do is list it there, take good photos, and match the lowest priced competitor. If you wanted to go the extra mile you could offer free shipping, great customer service or another incentive for them to buy it from you rather than someone else. Now, if I told you to sell this ebook below, or even worse, for you to go out and create something out of thin air such as software, online tools or something else that only exists in the online cloud, how would you go about selling it? Where would you find your customers, and what would you even price it at? Have you ever noticed that some digital products sell for upwards of $500, while something seemingly similar can sell for as low as $1? The reason why physical products are king to start with is because it's easier to wrap your head around selling when it's your first business. Honestly, if you can't sell someone a table that everyone in the world knows is worth $299, there's no way in hell you'll be able to sell someone a digital product or piece or be successful creating a piece of software to sell for the same price. Why Dropshipping over FBA? There's a ton of hype right now about Amazon FBA (fulfilled by Amazon) and there is good reason for it. A lot of people are making a ton of money from selling items on Amazon. Similar to dropshipping, you don't need a warehouse and you can be location independent as you can run your business from anywhere. But the reason why I still prefer and recomend the dropshipping model for most people is because there is less upfront cost and a lower time frame to start being profitable compared to Amazon. Even though it's possible to get away with just ordering few thousand dollars worth of products for your first run with Amazon and some people save time by completely skipping ordering a sample or any quality assurance, in reality the people who are actually successful are willing to spend $10,000 and a few months more on their products to do it right. They other reason why I prefer starting a dropshipping store over an Amazon FBA business is because you aren't tied to one platform. The reason why we use Shopify, take payments through Stripe, work with the suppliers we use and advertise through Google and Facebook is because those are currently the best options and not because we have to use any of them in particular. If any of that changes in 2017 we'll just switch over to what's working better. With Amazon FBA, you can't do that. You're 100% controlled by Amazon and you are completely locked into their world. When everything is working in your favor, it's incredible, but if Amazon decides to make any small change, you could get f$%ked. Downsides of Dropshipping I'd love to say that dropshipping is perfect, but it's not. All businesses a ton of hard work, dedication and a certain level of investment and skill. The biggest downsides to dropshipping is the low barrier to entry. Since anyone can use templates like Shopify to create an online store in less than a week, other people can copy your niche and try to compete with you quite easily. This is the main reason why most dropshippers are so secretive with their niches and website urls. Other downsides that people often repeat online aren't actual downsides but sound like they could be. One argument is that there are lower margins with drop shipping than with other forms of ecommerce. The reason why it's not really a downside is the fact that there's no upfront costs for inventory so technically your margins are 1,000%. It'd be nice to have to higher than 25-35% margins, but it's not an actual downside when you're not paying upfront for inventory. Other people say that all of the good niches are already taken. These are the same people who first heard of dropshipping years ago, but never took action then, and are just looking for excuses on why they shouldn't put in the effort to start now. While it's true that there are a lot more competitors, the fact is the ecommerce industry is growing each and every year. Two years ago I never even heard of Wayfair or Hayneedle which are both dropshipping based ecommerce businesses. Last year Wayfair made $179.1 million in profit which is 24% margins. The smaller company, Hayneedle just got bought for $90 Million. As more and more people start buying things online instead of retail stores, the more opportunities there will be with dropshipping. Who Should Dropship? I'll start with who shouldn't start a dropshipping store in 2017. If you have a successful business or valuable skill that you can bring online, there's no reason you should abandon that, start over, and learn everything from scratch. For example, if you are a programer, go partner up with a successful online marketer and create a cool app or tool or continue to sell your services online. If you live in a country that doesn't currently buy things online and you don't want the difficulties and added hardship of trying to be the first, you shouldn't get into dropshipping. Honestly, I wish dropshipping was already established in places like Thailand where I live or South Africa where Larissa lives, but it's not. Being the first to successful crack ecommerce in these countries or in India will surely produce billionaires, but that's most likely not going to be you or me. If you live in a country where people are already comfortable with buying things online, using their credit card online, and reciving packages via Fedex, then dropshipping will work for you as long as you follow the right formula. Those countries as of January 2017 are the U.S, Canada, Australia and most of Western Europe especially Holland, Sweden, and a few others. Two years ago everyone complained that dropshipping didn't work in Australia, yet now it's the country that has the most successful dropship lifestyle members due to them being first movers and the lack of competition. How to Start Dropshipping The first thing you need to do if you want to start a successful dropshipping business is to decide how much time, effort and money you are willing and able to put in. The path to starting a successful dropship store should only take you 2 months, but nothing in life in guaranteed and it may end up taking you twice as long especially if you have other work or life obligations. If you want to do it correctly and give yourself the best chance of success, make sure you have 2-3 months to dedicate 30 hours a week to learning and implementing. Aside from the cost of education and mentorship, starting your actual dropshipping store will only cost you $200-$400 including the ads you'll need to run to get started. Below is a PDF of discounts for all of the courses, tools, and software I personally use to start and run my dropshipping stores. If you want the best chance of success, I highly suggest you invest in If you want the best chance of success, I highly suggest you invest in Anton's Dropshipping training course and follow his teachings step by step. It's what I followed to start both of my stores, which in total have made me over $200,000 in profit since. He offers a few different packages, but when I started all he had was his Blueprint course which is all you actually need to build a successful store. The other packages are helpful for people who want the site built for them or to have someone to call and talk to over the phone if you get stuck. Best of Luck in 2017 It's an amazing feeling to have the freedom of being able to choose where we live, work and spend our time. If you know dropshipping is the best path for you, but can't currently afford Warm Regards, Johnny FD Like this Post? Share it! Regardless of the path you take, I sincerely hope everyone starts some type of online business in 2017. The benefits are enormous and until you start, you won't even realize how many doors of opportunity it opens for you. Being a location independent business owner allows you to save a ton of money on rent, living expenses, and even taxes. Being able to fly to Thailand, Australia or Europe to attend a business conference means you can write off your business class flight, transportation and hotel room.It's an amazing feeling to have the freedom of being able to choose where we live, work and spend our time. If you know dropshipping is the best path for you, but can't currently afford Anton's course , then make it your goal to be able to save up enough or make more money so that you can. I've written a mega blog post on how to get started even if you're broke that everyone can follow with success as long as you are willing to put in the work needed. Here's to an amazing 2017 filled with success, travel and adventure!Warm Regards,Johnny FD Dropshipping changed my life and has made me the success I am today. If it wasn't for me starting my first dropshipping store a few years ago, there would be a huge chance I'd still be broke today. Last year I made close to six figures in profit just my dropshipping businesses and on top of that it's allowed me to make a ton more through other streams of income that wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the capital, confidence and experience I've gotten from starting my dropship store.But even with all of that being said and all of the benefits there are a tons downsides to the drop shipping business model as well. In this post I'm going to break down exactly what the bad sides are, include who definitely shouldn't start a dropship store, and more importantly who should and why it may still be the best business model for most people as their first online business venture. It's still the best way to start your first online business, especially for digital nomads and those who wish to be location independent. Keep reading for my 2017 guide to all things dropshipping.The reason why I still recomend the dropshipping route for most people I met or talk to online as their first online business is because it's still the most straightforward, proven, and is relatively low cost to startup. There are very few businesses you can start in just a few months and for less than a few thousand dollars.Even with more people getting into the space and more compeitiors, there is more opportunity than ever with new products being invested and released everyday, software that makes the process easier, and new ways to advertise, get customers and get paid. But the main reason why I recomend dropshipping as your first business venture is because it's the easiest and cheapest way to get into physical products and ecommerce without having to deal with inventory. Dropshipping allows you to have access to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of inventory without pre-buying or warehousing any of your own. Email Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday. Unifi expands Repreve reach to Vietnam Unifi Inc. said Monday it has signed a licensing agreement with Century Synthetic Fiber Corp. to manufacture, sell and distribute its Repreve recycled yarn in Vietnam. Unifi Textiles (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., its subsidiary in China, will manage sales and distribution of the Repreve yarn exported from Vietnam. Century Synthetic is one of the largest polyester yarn manufacturers in Vietnam. Vietnam has been a region of focus for brands and retailers over the past few years, said Tom Caudle, president of Unifi, said in a statement. The growth in the region cannot be ignored, with exports of $27 billion of apparel and textiles in 2015, and expectations to grow to $30 billion in 2016. In the past 18 months, Repreve distribution also has been expanded to Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Turkey. Repreve, which debuted in 2005, has become a pivotal link between global apparel marketers and consumers. Among Unifis customers are Adidas, Dockers, New Balance, The North Face, Polartec and Timberland. The Greensboro companys largest plant is in Yadkinville, where it has nearly 1,000 employees. Richard Craver Gov. Cuomo proposes ban on bad financial officials N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is citing the recent scandal at Wells Fargo & Co. in a proposal to allow the state to ban people from the financial industry if they are found to have committed egregious and deceptive acts. Cuomo, a Democrat, announced a proposal late Saturday to give his superintendent of financial services the power to disqualify what the administration called bad actors in the banking and insurance business. Under the legislation proposed by the governor, the person would be subject to a hearing before the superintendent could issue the ban. Cuomo says that as the financial capital of the world, New York must have zero tolerance for people in the financial industry who seek to defraud customers. The Associated Press Bolt gets top car award; Pacifica top utility vehicle DETROIT The Chevy Bolt has been named top car in North America, an important milestone for a car General Motors hopes will finally get Americans hooked on electric vehicles. The Honda Ridgeline grabbed the honor for top truck. Utility vehicles were honored separately for the first time, with the Pacifica minivan from Fiat Chrysler snagging that award.The honors were announced Monday morning at Detroits Cobo Center as the North American International Auto Show kicked into high gear. The Associated Press Credit card spending jumped in November WASHINGTON Consumers increased their borrowing in November at the fastest pace in three months.Total borrowing in November climbed $24.5 billion, compared to a smaller $16.2 billion in October, the Federal Reserve reported Monday. The increase pushed total debt to a fresh record of $3.75 trillion. The acceleration reflected a big jump in the category that covers credit card debt, which rose $11 billion, compared to a much smaller $2.4 billion increase in October. It was the largest monthly advance since March and was a good sign at the start of the holiday shopping season. The Associated Press The political battleground over expanding the states Medicaid program took a predictable federal turn this week. Nine of the states 10 House Republicans, including Reps. Virginia Foxx (5th District), Mark Walker (6th) and Ted Budd (13th), signed a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requesting that officials reject a request from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. The only House Republican not to sign the letter was Rep. Walter Jones (3rd). On Tuesday, the state's three Democratic House representatives responded with their own letter to CMS in which they said expansion could save the lives of hundreds of North Carolinians. The representatives are G.K. Butterfield (1st), David Price (4th) and Alma Adams (13th). "There is little question that the General Assembly, in restricting access to health care for North Carolina's most vulnerable populations, acted out of partisan ideology rather than concern for good governance," the Democratic House members said. Meanwhile, outgoing U.S. health secretary Sylvia Burwell was quoted by McClatchy on Monday as saying North Carolina may get a quick answer on Cooper's request once it is submitted. We will process the governors proposal as expeditiously as possible when we get it. Cooper, on his sixth day as governor, made his formal request Friday for the expansion, which could benefit more than 500,000 North Carolinians. The GOP congressional letter to CMS was very similar in nature to the letter sent Thursday by N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland. In each letter, the Republican lawmakers cited the 2013 state law that prohibits the executive branch from pursuing state Medicaid expansion. A law signed by former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory that is being challenged by Cooper. Regardless of the legality of Gov. Coopers proposal, approving this request in the final days of President Obamas administration, when President-elect (Donald) Trump won overwhelmingly on a platform of repealing and replacing Obamacare, would be a slap in the face to North Carolina voters, said Rep. Robert Pittenger (9th). Cooper said Friday that expanding the state Medicaid program is North Carolina common sense. We can receive between $3 billion and $4 billion to pay for care that hospitals and other providers now give away. Currently, Medicaid covers about 1.9 million North Carolinians, and is a $14 billion a year program. Coopers first step consisted of submitting a letter and a draft plan to Medicare. He plans to submit his formal amendment request by Jan. 16. Coopers plan amends the Medicaid reform waiver request submitted June 1 by the McCrory administration. That plan focuses on creating a hybrid oversight solution involving for-profit insurers and not-for-profit health care systems with no expansion. U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th, announced bipartisan legislation last week aimed at shedding more light on possible unfunded mandates that local governments and private-sector employers may incur as a result of new rules set by federal regulatory bodies. The bill has been referred to committee. A similar version passed the U.S. House last year but did not make it through the U.S. Senate. Every year, Washington imposes thousands of rules on local governments and small businesses, Foxx said. Hidden in those rules are costly mandates that stretch state and city budgets and make it harder for businesses to hire. This legislation will help restore transparency and hold Washington bureaucrats accountable for the true cost in dollars and in jobs that federal dictates pose to the economy, Foxx said. The bill would close loopholes in a 1995 law that was supposed to shield local governments from the possible sticker shock of new regulations. In Winston-Salem, City Manager Lee Garrity said the city supports transparency in federal mandates that clearly show the implementation costs for local governments. While in many cases the city also supports the policy and objectives of the mandate, we are always concerned about fairness and the cost impacts for citizens and businesses, Garrity said. Foxx worked with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, on the bill, known as H.R. 50, the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act. While he was a member of the Texas legislature, Cuellar helped pass legislation designed to prevent the state government from passing unfunded mandates onto local governments there. As a House member, Cuellar had something similar in mind. This bill would require the federal government to measure and consider the total cost of the regulations they impose. Rep. Foxx and I will work in a bipartisan manner to stop unfunded mandates to local government, Cuellar said. Foxx aides said the bill would set clearer requirements under which federal agencies would disclose the cost of mandates: Those affected would be able to comment on proposed mandates. Federal agencies would provide members of Congress and the public with better tools to figure out the real cost of regulations. The bill would require an accountability mechanism that ensures federal agencies abide by the bill as well as the 1995 law, known as the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Dudley Watts, the Forsyth County manager, echoed what Garrity said: The legislation seems to promise a greater awareness of how federal legislation impacts the communities. The bureaucracy to implement a program in communities that usually involves a state intermediary creates a chasm between the federal government and cities and counties where unintended consequences flourish. Efforts to identify these and work through them on the front end is a good move, Watts said. Forsyth County forms part of the 5th Congressional District in Northwest North Carolina. The district comprises all or part of several other counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin counties as well as two precincts in Catawba County. The bill co-sponsored by Foxx and Cuellar has also received backing from a coalition of seven organizations representing state and local governments: the National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, Council of State governments, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the International City/County Management Association. The newest North Carolina Business Court, located at Wake Forest School of Law, is hearing its first case Tuesday, according to court officials. With the installation of the states fourth business court, Wake Forest Law joins a small number of law schools in the nation that are home to a working court. The court provides a forum for students to see an actual working court in action as the majority of the hearings are open to the public. "What a great way to start our new year," said Ann Gibbs, Associate Dean of Administrative and Student Services. The scheduled trial, which began at 10 a.m., is between Vogler Reynolda Road, LLC and SCI N.C. Funeral Services Inc. The court will hear cases, which are assigned by the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, involving complex and significant issues of corporate and commercial law. A formal dedication ceremony is planned for 5 p.m. Jan. 18. RALEIGH An 85-year-old Surry County man who died from prolonged exposure to cold is North Carolina's second fatality from the winter storm, state officials said Monday as the bitter cold dug into the state for another day. The man died Monday after falling outside his home and being exposed to the cold, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a news release. On Sunday, a woman died in Montgomery County when the car in which she was riding hit a tree. Meanwhile, officials say the State Highway Patrol responded to 1,650 accidents and more than 3,600 calls for service from Friday evening through Monday morning. Cooper said 63 of 115 school districts closed Monday while several others opened late. The closings and delays continued into Tuesday and included Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Power outages hit a peak of about 30,200 and had dropped to about 1,600 customers Monday, the governor said. The state of emergency that Cooper declared for the entire state expires at noon Tuesday when temperatures are expected to get above freezing. Because temperatures have remained below freezing, Cooper warned that ice and snow may still create a danger on secondary roads Tuesday. Lows fell into the single digits in the early-morning hours of Monday in the expected western North Carolina locations such as Boone and Jefferson. The National Weather Service also reported single-digit temperatures in Ahoskie in northeastern North Carolina and in the central part of the state, including Salisbury and Burlington. The executive order for the state of emergency as issued Friday for all 100 counties to allow authorities to move heavy equipment around the state to prepare for and respond to the storm. Two hikers and a dog were among those rescued during the storm. In Haywood County, two day-hikers who had lost their way in the Shining Rock Wilderness area were rescued on Sunday by search teams. Dozens of search and rescue technicians covered thousands of acres on foot Friday and Saturday looking for the lost pair. A State Highway Patrol helicopter with thermal infrared equipment located the hikers, and an N.C. Heloaquatic Rescue Team pulled them off the mountain in an N.C. National Guard helicopter. In Orange County, rescuers saved a dog named Petey who fell into water near Mebane. Pete was struggling to keep his head above water about 30 feet to 40 feet from shore, local media outlets reported. Rescuers broke a path in the ice and pulled Petey into a boat. It's unknown exactly how long Petey was in the water. Summerville, SC (29483) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 79F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Reddit Email 0 Shares Shalom Goldman | (Informed Comment) | While US support for Israel has never been stronger (witness the 38 billion dollar aid package signed by the president in December) the perception among many in the US and Israel is that the Obama administration has been inimical to Israels best interests, and that the Trump team will be more pro-Israel than any preceding administration. If the inauguration plans are any indication, Israel advocates will be front and center at the inauguration and throughout Trumps presidency To some extent the differences between Obama and Trump on Israel are matters of rhetoric and style. While Democrats, having recognized and solidly backed Israel since the days of Harry Truman and having developed the special relationship (his words) under Jack Kennedyspeak of Israel in terms diplomatic and contractual, recent Republican administrations, influenced by the Christian Right, speak of Israel in terms tinged with religiosity. Thus David M. Friedman, Trumps choice for the next ambassador to Israel, referred recently to Jerusalem as Israels eternal capital a phrase popularized by Netanyahu and his government officials. Hearing this from a man soon to be an American diplomat, I wondered whether the Trump appointee to the Quai Dorsay will refer to Paris as Frances eternal capital. In Washington a biblical view of Israel has been developing for decades and I expect that pronouncements issuing from the new team at the White House will reflect this rhetorical trend. In the early 1980s, with the rise of the so-called Moral Majority and the election of Ronald Reagan, political rhetoric about Israel and the Middle East became tinged with scriptural references. Reagan spoke of Armageddon in more that one address, and according to historian Michael Oren (later Israeli ambassador to Washington) Reagan in fact revered IsraelRaised in the restorationist-minded Disciples of Christ church and closely associated with pro-Zionist American evangelicals, he was religiously attached to Israel. And in case Reagan and his Republican successors slipped in their commitment to biblical Israel , and to the Israeli Rights vision of a Greater Israel that included the disputed Palestinian territories, Falwell and his Religious Right colleagues were sure to remind themand in tones that were themselves quite biblical. In 1982 Jerry Falwell told Ronald Reagan that the president had to be supportive of Israel and its policies. Why? Because Gods attitude toward the nations is dictated by the nations attitude toward Israel. Jerry Falwell died in 2007, but his son Jerry Falwell Jr, can be counted on to remind Trump of his responsibilities. And while Trump actual opinions on any issue remain a mystery (an eternal mystery perhaps) the political and social opinions of the Vice President-elect , Mike Pence, are well known. Especially when it comes to the US relationship to Israel. He has dubbed Israel our most cherished ally. As I noted in a July , 20016 Informed Comment article: In December 2014, Pence spent nine days in Israel on a Christmas pilgrimage sponsored by John Hagees Christians United For Israel. Katie Glueck, Politicos astute correspondent, noted at the time that Israel has become a routine stop for politicians with national ambitions, and that the Indiana governors long sojourn in Israel was a move sure to stoke speculation about his presidential ambitions. While in Israel, Pence was invited to address a meeting of the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce. And here too he invoked the heartland image. As governor from the heart of the heartland I say with conviction: Israel is not merely our strongest ally in the Middle East. Israel is our most cherished ally and a beacon of hope in a troubled region of the world. A few weeks ago the Israeli press leaked the news that the Trump team wanted Netanyahu to attend the inauguration. As of now this request is still under consideration by the Israeli government. And the Times of Israel noted that Trump is aggresively pursuing Netanyahu to comply. While Bibl may not be at the Washington extravaganza, he would no doubt approve of two Christian Zionist-identified acts who will be there: Two announcements this week by the Trump transition team are squarely on the side of team Israel as understood by Netanyahu, Trump, Pence , David Friedman and others. Paula White, the prosperity gospel preacher chosen by Trump to lead a prayer at the inauguration, is an ardent Christian Zionist. She has spoken of her many visits to Israel over the past thirty years and last year invited members of her megachurch to join her on a tour of Israel that would enable them to spiritually connect with your roots. While inviting them to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, she did not display the humility one would think appropriate to the reference. She concluded the video ad for her tour inviting her followers to journey with me and God. Joining Paula White and other Christian conservatives at the festivities is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Though over 35,000 people have signed a petition asking the choir to withdraw from the inauguration, the LDS Church has no plan to cancel the choirs appearance. The LDS Church is the original American Christian Zionist group. Its commitment to the return of the Jews to Zion dates from the founding of the church by Joseph Smith in the 1830s. Among the choirs most popular albums is Live In Jerusalem which opens with a rousing rendition of Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem (Now theres an idea for the Washington extravaganza.). The albums cover photo is of the choir members assembled in front of the Dome of the Rock on Jerusalems Temple Mount/ Haram. One hopes that Trumps choices for ambassadors to Arab and Muslim states know better that to give the album photo as gift to their diplomatic counterparts in their host countries. Shalom Goldman is professor of religion at Middlebury College. He has authored numerous books, including Zeal for Zion: Christians, Jews, and the Promised Land and Gods Sacred Tongue: Hebrew and the American Imagination. His most recent book is Jewish-Christian Difference and Modern Jewish Identity. Reddit Email 0 Shares TeleSur | I believe we will accelerate dialogue when Mr. Trump takes office, Erdogan said. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday he believed relations with Washington would improve under President-elect Donald Trump and that the two NATO allies would reach an easier consensus on regional issues. Ties between the United States and Turkey which has the second largest army in the NATO alliance and is key to the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq have deteriorated sharply since a failed military coup in July. Erdogan and the government blame the abortive putsch on Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic cleric who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, and want him extradited. Gulen denies involvement in the coup. Ankara has also been angered by U.S. support for a Kurdish militia group fighting the Islamic State group in Syria. Turkey sees the group as an extension of the PKK, which has waged a three-decade insurgency for Kurdish autonomy in southeastern Turkey and has been behind a spate of recent bombings. I believe we will accelerate dialogue when Mr Trump takes office, Erdogan told a conference of Turkish ambassadors. I believe we will reach a consensus with Mr Trump, particularly on regional issues. via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole Euronews: Turkey: hundreds protest plans to expand President Erdogans powers Reddit Email 604 Shares Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) We are now on the brink of a new form of government, undreamed of by Aristotle, who spoke of monarchy, aristocracy and democracy. We are headed to a psychopathocracy, which has something in common with the degraded form of classical regime types that Aristotle warned against (he thought monarchy can deteriorate into despotism, aristocracy into oligarchy, and democracy into demagoguery). Psychopathocracy is the rule of persons who lack a basic ability to empathize with others, to feel their pain or to feel guilty about harming them. Psychopathocracy is different from mere bad policy. We can all disagree about the direction of government or particular initiatives. Often people backing a policy that harms others do not understand the harm, or think it is averting a greater harm. It isnt true that all high politicians are psychopaths who dont care about injury being done to people. And high politicians have put in programs like social security that have lifted millions of elders out of poverty over decades. They did it because they cared about people. About 1% of the population is comprised of born psychopaths. The condition of a lack of conscience and inability to empathize with the pain of others or feel remorse may well be a condition one is born with, and in a third of cases can be tested for with an MRI scan. It is thought that another 5 percent of the population loses its ability to empathize through brain damage, trauma or other sorts of physical or psychological injuries. It is further thought that about 12% of the population is easily manipulated by psychopaths into pyschopath-like behavior or ideas. This 18% of the population is potentially extremely dangerous. They do not have a feedback loop for emotional or physical distress. They are the sort of people who would run somebody over and flee the scene without calling for medical help for the victim. Psychopaths in power are dangerous because of their inability to feel the pain of others. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney set of a chain of events in motion that left hundreds of thousands of Iraqis dead and displaced from their homes (i.e. made homeless) 4 million of Iraqs 30 million people. This is not to mention the 4,486 Us troops killed the 500,000 wounded physically or psychologically). They set up a chain of events that led to a dangerous cult, Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) taking over 40% of Iraqi territory. But if you ask them if they regret what they did, they so no. And I think they are being honest. They cannot empathize with the victims they helped create. Politicians who want to deprive people of their health care so as to lower taxes on billionaires, who want to make women bear the babies of their rapists, who want to torture helpless prisoners, who want to burn fossil fuels for profit when they endanger the planet, who want to carpet bomb or nuke millions of non-combatants to get at a few guerrillas these are psychopaths. Psychopaths are not necessarily criminal or violent, though there are four times as many psychopaths in prison as in the general population. All serial killers are psychopaths. Fraudsters like Bernie Madoff are psychopaths. CEOs of corporations and successful politicians are also disproportionately likely to be psychopaths. Robert Hare developed a 20-point checklist for the condition, which, however, does not exactly overlap with the definition in DSM-V, the description of mental conditions put out by the American Psychiatric Association. Hare did some of his research in prisons and so his checklist is skewed a bit for criminal activity. You dont need to be a psychologist to recognize that Donald J. Trump and several nominees to his incoming administration exhibit obvious signs of psychopathy. Having psychopaths in the White House is not unprecedented. It seems pretty obvious that Dick Nixon, a pathological liar who actually derailed the 1968 peace negotiations with Vietnam to keep his rival Hubert Humphrey from looking good to the voters, had this condition. Untold American soldiers and Vietnamese peasants died so Nixon could be president. What is remarkable about Trump and his cronies is that their hatred is raw and broad-spectrum. Mexican-Americans, African-Americans, Muslim-Americans, white liberals (coded by the Neo-Nazis as N-lovers) and some of them dont like Jews very much. That is, they seem to hate an absolute majority of the American population. Trumps psychopathy is evident in his exaggerated estimation of himself, his need constantly to troll the public for stimulation, his superficial charm, his need to lie, his inability to feel remorse or guilt, his emotional shallowness, his promiscuity and lack of impulse control and serial sexual assault, his use of bankruptcy to avoid paying his creditors and his attraction to a business like casinos which preys on people (many games in casinos are skewed for the House at rates of 11% and on up even to 20%). Trump is more disciplined and single-minded about his career than most psychopaths manage, but otherwise he seems a classic case. He also suffers from a distinct but related condition, of narcissistic personality disorder. Many of the people around Trump, who speak for him on television, who are tapped to advise him on national security, on the environment, on issues like net neutrality, also exhibit clear signs of psychopathy. Since only about 3 million Americans are born psychopaths, the idea that a whole group of them is moving into power in Washington together is pretty scary. And remember that some 38 million Americans are so ethically and emotionally fragile that they will easily fall under the spell of the psychopaths. That is, if directed to beat up members of minorities, they will gladly do so. Since about a third of psychopaths can now be diagnosed with an MRI for brain abnormalities, maybe it is desirable that candidates for high office in business and government be scanned: Psychcentral writes, a study found that [cold-blooded psychopathic] offenders displayed significantly reduced grey matter volumes in the anterior rostral prefrontal cortex and temporal poles compared to [impulsive psychopathic] offenders and healthy non-offenders. Until such scanning can be carried out, the safest thing is to assume that someone who talks and acts like a psychopath is one. You cannot reason with a psychopath, you cannot shame such a person or appeal to their better instincts. There is no point in writing open letters to them. The usual way of dealing with politicians who develop some wild ideas in the course of their search for voters and campaign funds will not work. The only thing you can do is recognize their damaged character and try to protect yourself and others from it. When they encourage minorities to be beaten up, we have to stop that. When they encourage universities to put professors on trial, we have to reject that. When they begin beating drums for war, we have to try to avert it. Pressuring the normal people in Congress can be done (they responded quickly to angry telephone calls about plans to weaken ethics requirements for people in congress). - Related video: Inside Edition: Donald Trump Faces Backlash for Calling Mexican Immigrants Rapists JURIST Guest Columnist Victor B. Flatt of Universtiy of North Carolina School of Law discusses the recent withdrawal of arctic lands from drilling by President Obama On Dec. 20, 2016, President Obama withdrew all of the northern Atlantic Ocean and most of the Arctic Ocean under federal jurisdiction from oil exploration and production. The President used the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), where section 12 gives the President the power to withdraw from disposition any of the unleased lands of the outer Continental Shelf. This section of the Act has been used previously by presidents, including President Clinton, to temporarily withdraw continental shelf lands from leasing, or permanently withdraw very small tracts from leasing. This is the first time that a President has invoked this section to ostensibly withdraw a large part of the Continental Shelf from disposition with no time expiration. The major legal question this presents is whether a future president, in this case President-elect Trump, can un-withdraw said lands and make them available again for oil exploration and production. Unlike a statute governing onshore federal lands, the language of OCSLA specifically says a President can from time to time, withdraw federal lands from leasing but does not have any parallel language about putting federal lands back in to availability. The answer to the legal question is really unknowable at this time. Laws are to be construed to give effect to the intent of Congress in the laws passage. There are many canons of statutory construction to assist with this determination, the most direct of which is to look at the specific language of the statute. Under that rubric, it would seem that a new President does not have the authority to reinstate withdrawn lands. On the other hand, past practice, which allowed temporary withdrawal, might suggest otherwise. What is more interesting, however, is that regardless of whether the land can be reinstated by a new President or whether Republicans will risk political capital to amend the law, accomplishing the same thing, is that these offshore lands will likely never see any commercial oil exploration or production. First of all, OCSLA has a very specific procedure which requires opening of land in five year blocks before any auction can occur. The lands withdrawn by President Obama were not part of the available lands in the 2017-2022 five year block. No subsequent President can change that short of having a new law passed. Moreover, the political situation in the Atlantic and the economic situation in the Arctic are not conducive to these lands ever being put into production. The offshore Atlantic area has been temporarily unavailable for leasing since OCSLA was passed because the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states have strong opposition to any leasing of the area. While the state of Alaska supports offshore federal leasing because of the importance of the oil services industry to the states economy, the technical and environmental difficulties do not allow for any economical extraction. After a ten year, 7 billion dollar debacle, Shell became the last major oil company to withdraw from offshore Arctic drilling in 2015, with no success at even drilling an exploratory well. Why then did Obama take this step, and why are people advising President Trump or the Republican Congressional majority to reverse it? I can only assume it is to send political messages. Donald Trump and the Congressional Republicans can send the signal that they intend to strongly support the oil and gas industry as promised. The Obama decision, on the other hand, seems more calculated. Until his re-election in 2012, the Obama administration assiduously pursued an all of the above energy strategy, that felt spectacularly wrong after the Macondo Well explosion (on the same day that Obama announced the opening of parts the Atlantic Ocean for exploration). Withdrawing these federal lands from oil and gas exploration provides a retro-activism (along with the decision on the Keystone XL pipeline and the more recent Dakota Access pipeline) that may influence future historians to view his presidency as one that was environmentally protective. While more calculated, the changing Obama positions make sense from a practical point of view. When the economy needed recovery and oil was expensive, President Obama encouraged American oil production. At this point in time the situation has changed. Oils price has plummeted and unless Saudi Arabia significantly cuts its production, American production on marginal sites makes no economic sense. The Republicans would argue otherwise that more domestic oil production is necessary for the country, when in fact it would be uneconomical and present severe ecological risks. So, while it is possible that we will spend years in a legal battle to determine exactly what the word withdraw means in this section of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as is often the case, this really isnt a legal issue but a political issues dressed as a legal one. Victor B. Flatt is the Tom & Elizabeth Taft Distinguished Professor in Environmental Law at the University of North Carolina among many other honors. He has been published in multiple law journals on environmental topics and most recently focused on the regulatory and legislative tools needed to address climate change. Suggested citation: Victor B. Flatt, Presidential Power and Arctic Drilling: A Political Fight, JURIST Forum, Jan. 7, 2017, https://www.jurist.org/forum/2017/01/Victor-Flatt-arctic-drilling.php. JURIST Guest Columnist Stephen Cooper [bio] discusses the story of Benny King and the criminalization of addiction Benny King is a gregarious, good-hearted, God-fearing 53-year-old black man from Alabama who shouldnt be in prison. But he is. Mr. King is serving 14-months at the federal correctional institution in Jesup, Georgia, for violating conditions of his supervised release; conditions ordered as part of Kings sentence over eleven years ago, in 2005, for bank fraud. Mr. Kings underlying conduct in that nonviolent, low-level federal criminal case (involving stolen checks) bears no relation to his current incarceration other than the fact that, it too, like the entirety of Kings nonviolent criminal history, was a byproduct of decades-long untreated drug addiction. You see, just like hundreds of thousands of poor, disproportionately black and brown Americans sidelined from American life stuffed out of sight in state and federal penal institutions across the U.S. King is serving time for one, and only one, unconscionable reason: he suffers from a substance abuse problem. He drinks. Mr. King started drinking when he was just twelve years old and the problem got worse at age 14 when his mother died; it became worse still, a bare three years later, when his father passed, too. Poverty, tragedy and alcohol abuse are a multi-generational scourge in the King family. And for Benny King, as with many alcoholics, when the alcohol flows other substances quickly join stream; marijuana, cocaine, whatevers around. As anyone who has battled drug addiction knows (or equally, has had a friend or loved one fight that hellacious war), once the substance-spigot starts its drip the situation often spirals, becoming impossible without effective, often repeated, long-term inpatient drug treatment to stop. Thats why what happened this past November 16 in a courtroom in Montgomery, Alabama when Senior U.S. District Judge W. Harold Albritton III threw the proverbial book at Mr. King because he relapsed, using alcohol and drugs in the wake of his sisters death should outrage every American who cares about reducing our abominably bloated prison population. Using an official transcript for reference, here is an abbreviated version of the proceedings: Judge Albritton: Mr. King, you are charged with two violations. Its alleged that you violated the special condition that required you to participate in a program for substance abuse. You violated that term of your supervision by showing up at Herring House, where you were to be given treatment, and they would not admit you because you had been drinking alcohol. The second violation is a charge that you violated the standard condition that you refrain from excessive use of alcohol or any controlled substance. Assistant Federal Defender Donnie W. Bethel: I have a few things I would like to say, Your Honor. Mr. King was arrested on a Thursday. The following Saturday, his sister passed away from cancer. It was an older sister, 12 years his senior. It was a sister who, after his mother died when Mr. King was a boy, had essentially been his surrogate mother. We were back in court on a preliminary hearing that following week, and at that point I asked for him to be released on bond so he could attend his sisters funeral. That was vehemently opposed by the prosecution, by probation, by the United States Marshal Service, which I am still befuddled by. I know what its like to lose a sibling. I was really taken aback that theres such a lack of basic Christian compassion in the criminal justice system, that we would do everything we could to deny a man simply the opportunity to attend his sisters funeral. I convinced Judge Moore to release him to my custody. Everybody was thrilled that Mr. King was able to attend the funeral. At the funeral, he played the piano and he sang. Hes actually a talented musician. And before I left that day, every member of his family made a point in coming to me and thanking me for taking the time out of my weekend to bring Mr. King up there to attend his sisters funeral. And I say that only to make this point. This isnt a violation that involves Mr. King out on the street with a gun; Mr. King selling dope; Mr. King committing some other crime, burglary, theft of property. Mr. King has a drug problem. Mr. King knows he has a drug problem. Thats what this case is about. He would like another opportunity to go to the Herring House to get some drug treatment, because thats what he needs. And I think weve become so callous, so used to in the federal criminal justice system to shipping people off to prison, that nobody would bat an eye if, for having a drink and getting high, were going to send Benny King off to prison for 14 months. I think we need to step back and say, lets stop doing the easy thing, and lets do the right thing. Mr. King, tell the judge what your plan is after youre released. Mr. King: My plan is to go to Florida, be with my fiancee, get married. Ive already started the process of enrolling for a GED to get my diploma. And Im going to take some college courses at night. Im going to work doing paving and construction, and also Im working for a church called New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Ft. Myers, Florida. I violated, Your Honor. And I know you cant overlook that, and I dont expect you to. But I was when I left and went home and saw my sister. And she was fading away, and I just which was no excuse, but I used that as an excuse to drink. And when I drink, I get high. I violated, and I apologize, and I ask the mercy of the Court. But Im just going to be honest with everybody. Im tired. Benny King is tired today. Im tired. Im not trying to pacify nobody ears. Mr. Bethel: Hes 52 years old. Give him another chance. Let him go to the Herring House. Hes clean now. Hes not going to be positive when he shows up down there this time. Lets get him straightened out. Lets just do what we were planning to do a month ago. Assistant United States Attorney Curtis Ivy, Jr.: So coming forward now with all these great plans and ideas is an easy thing, but its not going to work. Whats proper in this case is 14 months imprisonment with no supervised release to follow. Mr. Bethel: Anybody who thinks that its easy for a drug addict not to use drugs has never had someone close to them whos been a drug addict. I have. Its not easy. No matter what you do to help them, no matter how much they go through, it is the most difficult thing Ive ever seen in my life for someone to overcome a drug addiction. And thats what were talking about. Talking about criminalizing this case, drug addiction. Judge Albritton: Under the law, being a drug addict is not a defense. In this case, Mr. King has been given more than one opportunity to try to get himself straightened out. Im sympathetic with you and Im sorry about your sisters death. This time Im going to sentence you to the maximum under the sentencing guidelines of 14 months, with no supervised release to follow. Youll be on your own after that. The court system and the probation office and everybody has done all they can to help you break your habit. Just a day after Benny King was maxed out by Judge Albritton in Alabama, The Washington Posts Lenny Bernstein wrote about a new landmark report [PDF] authored by the U.S. Surgeon General calling the drug crisis a moral test for America. Distressingly, the report noted that, [i]n 2015, substance abuse disorders affected 20.8 million people in the U.S., as many as those with diabetes, and 1 times as many as those with cancer. Yet, only one in ten receives treatment. Echoing Benny Kings defense counsel, the Surgeon General said: We would never tolerate a situation where only one in 10 people with cancer or diabetes gets treatment, and yet we do that with substance abuse disorders. Regardless of persistent beliefs, addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing. And then, just a month after Benny King began his newly imposed $31,000+ taxpayer-funded prison term over four hours away by car from his fiancee and family a rigorous, scholarly study by the Brennan Center for Justice convincingly demonstrated that 39% of prisoners in the U.S. should not be in prison. Specifically, the study found (1) that 39% of the nationwide prison population (576,000 people) is behind bars with little public safety rationale, and (2) 25% of prisoners (364,000 people), almost all non-violent, lower-level offenders, would be better served by alternatives to incarceration such as treatment, community service, or probation. Benny King is one of these sad, sad, stories in the sea of the overly incarcerated. Writing about another equally sad case with many parallels to Benny King, Tamra Ryan, CEO of the Womens Bean Project, wrote: Jessie is now back in prison and we are unlikely to hear from her again. While she may not have access to drugs in prison, she will also likely not receive drug treatment. Instead, she will do her time and, at some point, start over again without addressing the underlying issues that led to her relapse. Jessies addiction and inability to cope with stressors have been criminalized. Ryan concluded the time has come to address the underlying issue of addiction with treatment, not punishment, so that the potential of the individual is not wasted. Exactly. We dont need more drug addicted people like Benny King or Jessie filling up this nations jails and prisons. Theyre already overly full. Weve got to start moving in the other direction. Now. Stephen Cooper is a former D.C. public defender who worked as an assistant federal public defender in Alabama between 2012 and 2015. He has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers in the United States and overseas. He writes full-time and lives in Woodland Hills, California. Follow him on Twitter @SteveCooperEsq Suggested citation: Stephen Cooper, Benny King and the criminalization of addiction in America, JURIST Hotline, Jan. 10, 2017, http://jurist.org/hotline/2017/01/Stephen-Cooper-benny-king.php The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) [advocacy website] filed a lawsuit [complaint, PDF] in the US District Court for the Western District of Kentucky [official website] Monday challenging new abortion requirements. The filing challenges House Bill 2 [materials], a law requiring an ultrasound be performed before an abortion may be undertaken, which passed early in the legislative session [JURIST report]. HB 2 leaves no exception for cases of rape or incest. The ACLU alleges [press release] that the law is nearly identical to a North Carolina law struck down [JURIST report] in a unanimous Fourth Circuit decision [document, PDF] 2014. Plaintiffs in the case include three physicians and an outpatient abortion facility. Reproductive rights [JURIST backgrounder] are facing increasing scrutiny as conservatives take over legislatures at the state and national levels. However, federal courts have struck down some laws that limit access to abortions. In June the Supreme Court ruled [JURIST report] that a Texas Law burdened a womans access to an abortion so greatly it violated the Fourteenth Amendment [text] pursuant to the courts analysis in Planned Parenthood v. Casey [text]. The European Court of Human Rights [official website] (ECHR) issued a ruling [judgment, in French] Tuesday refusing to exempt two Swiss Muslim students from compulsory mixed sex swimming lessons for religious reasons. The court explained [press release, PDF] that the students right to manifest their religion had been interfered with by the schools requirement that they take mixed swimming lessons. However, the court decided that the interference served a legitimate purpose: protection of foreign pupils from any form of social exclusion. The court decided that the role that schools play in integrating foreign students into their new social environment outweighed the interference with foreign students religious freedoms. The balance of religious freedoms and social cohesion has been a contentious issue in Europe, and the battle has played itself out in swimming waters. In September a French court upheld [JURIST report] a local ban on full-body burkini swimsuits. In August the French Council of State [official website, French] overturned [JURIST report] a ban on burkinis in the city of Cannes. Burkini bans were part of the French response to the killing of 84 people in July by a crazed truck driver on Bastille Day. [JURIST] The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) [official website] arrested Volkswagen [corporate website] executive Oliver Schmidt, a German citizen, on Saturday on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States [NYT report]. Schmidt, who was arrested in Florida, is accused of participating in a conspiracy to keep American regulators from finding out that diesel cars were programmed to cheat on emissions tests. In 2014, Schmidt tried to convince American regulators that the excess emissions were accidental in a sworn affidavit. Schmidt is scheduled to appear [Reuters report] in a Detroit court on Monday. VW is facing legal difficulty around the world over the emissions scandal. In December the European Union decided to take action [JURIST report] against seven member states over the emissions scandal. That same week, South Korea announced that it plans to fine [JURIST report] VW over false advertising. In October, a Spanish court ordered [JURIST report] Volkswagen to pay damages to a VW vehicle owner who purchased his car in 2011. A US judge approved [JURIST report] a $14.7 billion settlement in October between VW and the US Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the state of California and car owners who filed a class action lawsuit over the companys emissions scandal. In September a German court said VW faces over [JURIST report] USD $8.2 billion in damage claims from investors. That same month, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission sued [JURIST report] VW and its local subsidiary for misleading customers. In August a district court in Germany ruled [JURIST report] that a collective complaint against VW may move forward. Last March the US FTC filed suit [JURIST report] against VW for false advertising. The Supreme Court of Gambia has postponed until May the suit President Yahya Jammeh [BBC profile] filed after he was defeated by Adama Barrow in the countrys general election. Chief justice Emmanuel Fagbenle said that the seven-member panel that will be overseeing the case will not all be available until May [BBC report]. Jammeh, who is backed by the countrys military, has stated that serious and unacceptable abnormalities occurred during the course of the election and will not hand over the presidency. It is unclear what will happen when Jammehs term ends on January 18. Last month Jammeh said that he would challenge the election results before his countrys Supreme Court [JURIST report]. This past November, Human Rights Watch reported that intimidation of opposition leaders was threatening [JURIST report] a fair election in Gambia. This report came after the Gambian government announced that it would be leaving [JURIST report] the International Criminal Court (ICC). During the televised statement, Information Minister Sheriff Bojang criticized the court for ignoring western atrocities, referring to the ICC as an International Caucasian Court. Jammeh had previously called upon the court to investigate the death of African migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to access Europe. Instead, Gambia alleges, the ICC has been disproportionately scrutinizing African leaders. Gambias intended departure was the third by an African nation. Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] and other international and local human rights groups on Tuesday asserted [press release] that the Pakistan government should investigate whether four missing anti-Taliban activists were abducted by the Taliban. HRW noted that the four men were all vocal critics of militant religious groups and Pakistans military establishment, making them prime targets for reprisals. According to HRW, The governments failure to provide information on the fate or whereabouts of a person taken into custody amounts to an enforced disappearance, which is a serious violation of international human rights law. In August 2015 the Pakistan Supreme Court ruled [JURIST report] to allow military trials for terrorism suspects. Military trials could make it easier for Pakistan courts to impose the death penalty. In May 2015 Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed [JURIST report] to cooperate in their struggle against terrorism in the region. In July 2014 Pakistan passed [JURIST report] an anti-terrorism bill that allows police to use lethal force, search buildings without a warrant, and detain suspects for up to 60 days so long as authorities have reasonable apprehension of [the] commission of a scheduled offense. A 2011 report [official website, PDF] by the Pakistan Minister of Finance said that the War on Terror has cost Pakistan billions of dollars and more than 35,000 lives. [JURIST] Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions [official profile] began his confirmation hearing on Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee [official website] for the position of attorney general in the cabinet of President-elect Donald Trump [transition website]. During the hearing, he was pressed [NYT live feed and report] by committee members as to his ability to be independent against Trump. He was also challenged on his prior support waterboarding, and Trumps references to a Muslim ban. Sessions now states that he would not support any Muslim ban pursued by Trump, and that under the current law waterboarding is absolutely improper and illegal. Sessions also stated he would recuse himself in the event of any investigation into Hillary Clintons e-mails or the Clinton Foundation [official website]. Throughout the nomination process Sessions has been criticized for his previous comments regarding race, but in the hearing he now offers a forceful denial of those comments. Senator Cory Booker [official website] plans to testify against [CNN report] Sessions Wednesday, marking the first time a sitting Senator has ever testified against another sitting senator in a cabinet confirmation hearing. The Republican senator and former US attorney had been the first senate member to support Trump [JURIST report] during his presidential campaign, and he later worked with Trump to construct immigration, trade and counterterrorism policies. He is expected [Politico report] to be confirmed since the Republicans will likely have a 52-48 advantage over Democrats in the committee. Sessions will not need to meet a 60-vote threshold for nomination since the requirement has been repealed, and therefore he will likely face little difficulty unless Republicans defect. Upon choosing Sessions for the attorney general position, Trump also chose [Guardian report] Republican Representative Mike Pompeo as the director of the CIA and retired general Michael Flynn as his national security adviser. Both of the chosen candidates are believed to share Trumps views regarding surveillance, espionage and foreign policy. Trump must still make official announcements regarding top positions such as the secretary of state, secretary of defense and treasury secretary. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta signed a controversial law [document, PDF] Monday that may impact the August elections. The law enables a paper recount of votes in the event that the electronic systems fail. Though a victory for the majority Jubilee party, who claim it will add stability to the voting process, members of the opposition Cord party have expressed concern [Star report] that the law will enable election rigging during recounting. The failure of electronic voting systems would not be new to KenyaRaila Odinga, who leads the opposition party, lost the 2013 presidential election [JURIST report] to Kenyatta after the electronic voting systems malfunctioned on a wide scale. in October Kenyatta made headlines [JURIST report] for commuting all death sentences in Kenya. However, he remains a controversial figure internationally. Kenyatta was investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) [official website] for inciting post-election violence in 2007 and 2008, but the charges were ultimately withdrawn [JURIST report] for lack of evidence. [JURIST] Liberty [advocacy website], a UK-based advocacy group, announced [ press release] Tuesday that it had met its crowding funding goal to launch a legal challenge against recently passed surveillance legislation. Among other provisions, the Investigatory Powers Act [official website] allows the government to record the Internet history of every UK citizen for up to a year. Liberty is primarily concerned that the totality of the act will amount to an unprecedented level of invasion of privacy. In its press release, the Director of Liberty, Martha Spurrier, stated the reasons behind the action. Last year, this Government exploited fear and distraction to quietly create the most extreme surveillance regime of any democracy in history. Hundreds of thousands of people have since called for this Acts repeal because they see it for what it isan unprecedented, unjustified assault on our freedom. We hope anybody with an interest in defending our democracy, privacy, press freedom, fair trials, protest rights, free speech and the safety and cybersecurity of everyone in the UK will support this crowdfunded challenge, and make 2017 the year we reclaim our rights. At the time this article was written, the crowdsourcing website [official website] had raised 18,485 (USD $22,475). The UK is among several countries that have attempted to pass surveillance laws in the past year. In December the EU Court of Justice stated [official statement, PDF] that laws such as this one violated [JURIST report] EU standards. However, as the UK is leaving the EU, the impact of this statement could be of little consequence. Also last month the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern [JURIST report] over three counter-terrorism measures proposed in the Netherlands. In October a UN expert on free expression said claims that Yahoo allowed the US government to search hundreds of millions of consumer e-mails raise serious human rights concerns. [JURIST report] [JURIST] A UN Independent Expert has warned [press release] that increasing austerity measures to the American territory will threaten residents human rights. Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky [official profile], the Independent Expert, stated that ensuring financial stability, controlling public debt and reducing budget deficits are important goals, but should not be achieved at the expense of human rights. Puerto Rican austerity measures, designed to deal with the ballooning debt, have included tax increases, salary freezes, suspension of collective bargaining agreements, and a reduction in government employment contracts. Bohoslavsky stated that these measures have only deepened the economic recession, caused higher unemployment, accelerated emigration from the island, reduced tax revenues and resulted in a downward spiral of fiscal and economic contraction. Currently, nearly half of all Puerto Ricans live below the poverty line, and its estimated that 70% of single parent households and 57% of children are affected by poverty. Bohoslavsky warned that further spending cuts will not assist in economic recovery but will only undermine the administration of essential public services such as health, education, and social security. Bohoslavsky urged that planned reform measures not undermine access to health food, housing, and social security and create financial breathing space for Puerto Rico to implement growth-enhancing reforms. For several years, Puerto Rico has been facing a severe financial, economic and social crisis. Currently, the island, a territory of the US, is no longer able to service its public debt of around $71.5 billion. The Puerto Rican legislature passed a bill [JURIST report] in April that would allow the island territory to enter into a state of fiscal emergency and begin the negotiation process toward a one-year debt moratorium. The territory has been suffering from a massive recession [BBC report] since 2006. However, the Puerto Rico Electronic Power Authority, a major player in the economic crisis, reached a deal [Bloomberg report] to restructure its debt in December. This deal is the first of many restructuring plans to alleviate the governments debt. In February, the Puerto Rico Legislature passed a bill [text, PDF, in Spanish] that would restructure the islands debt, which was then estimated to be $9 billion [JURIST report]. A new report [text, PDF] released Monday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) [official website] shows that children in Afghanistan are bearing the brunt of the nutritional crisis, despite attempts at administering food aid. OCHA has concluded that currently there are 9.3 million people in the country in need of aid, an increase of 13 percent from last year that is being attributed to a spreading of violence across the country. As violence spread, people became displaced, with the figure rising to half a million people by November. Over half of those numbers of displaced persons were children. As people were forced from their homes, access to food and proper nutrition became the problem. More than a fourth of Afghan provinces have malnutrition rates over 15 percent, which leaves them above emergency thresholds. This is due to a lack of crop production, producing less than 2015 by a gap of 1.2 million metric tons. 1.8 million people in the country require assistance due to malnutrition, 1.3 million of whom are children. The UN is concerned that these conditions will create an atmosphere that will lead to the children being exposed to higher risk of abuse, exploitation and hunger. The current conflict in Afghanistan is one of a long line of conflicts in the country, which continue to expose its citizens to rigorous living conditions and exposes them to harm. In November the International Criminal Court (ICC) [official website] stated that during the war in 2001, the US may have been guilty of committing war crimes [JURIST report] against the Afghan people. In October the UN released a report finding that an attack by Islamic State militants [JURIST report] on a peaceful demonstration may have been a war crime. Also in October a German court ruled [JURIST report] that there would be no compensation to Afghan families that were victims of a 2009 airstrike, due to no compensation for violation of international humanitarian law. In September the UN called for an investigation [JURIST report] into a US airstrike that killed 15 people in Afghanistan, which was intended to target Islamic State (IS) militants. The Venezuelan Supreme Court [official website, in Spanish] on Monday annulled Parliaments decision to begin impeachment proceedings against President Nicolas Maduro [BBC profile], ruling that the action went beyond Parliaments constitutional power [press release, in spanish]. The High Court reaffirmed a decision they had issued last November, in which it ordered the countrys parliament to refrain from continuing the procedure of declaring political responsibilitt against the president of the Republic. The National Assembly had approved a resolution earlier Monday declaring that Maduro had abandoned his post and failed to perform his duties as president. There has been considerable legislative tension between the pro-government controlled Supreme Tribunal of Justice and the opposition-majority National Assembly of Venezuela following the December 2015 election. Last November the National Assembly postponed a symbolic trial of in an effort to ease political tension in the nation [JURIST report]. In October the National Assembly voted to open criminal impeachment proceedings [JURIST report] against Maduro, alleging that he manipulated the constitution to remain in power. That same month the Assembly also declared [JURIST report] that there is a breakdown of constitutional order and that the government had staged a coup by blocking an attempt to remove Maduro from power. In June government officials asked the Supreme Court to deny a referendum [JURIST report] to remove Maduro proposed by opposition leaders. In April Venezuelas opposition-led parliament approved [JURIST report] new referendum rules. In March the Supreme Tribunal of Justice ruled that the Venezuelan national assembly may not review the appointment of 13 justices [JURIST report] to the high court by the Socialist Party. News that Mazda is hoping for a 30% fuel efficiency gain on an HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition) engine to be introduced on the next generation Mazda3 in late 2018 brings this technology back into focus. Courtesy of just-autos research service, QUBE, we provide a summary of HCCI technology and look at associated OEM activity. Within an HCCI engines cylinders, heat and pressure are used to ignite the air/fuel mixture without the aid of a traditional spark-generated (Spark Ignition SI) flame roughly analogous to the combustion process of a diesel engine. Heat is a necessary enabler for the HCCI process, so traditional spark ignition is used when the engine is cold to generate heat within the cylinders and instigate auto-ignition of the mixture. HCCIs efficiency comes from reduced pumping losses, burning fuel faster at lower temperatures and reducing the heat energy lost during the combustion process. Consequently, less carbon dioxide is released because the engines operation in HCCI mode is more efficient. During HCCI mode, the engine approaches the efficiency of a diesel, but unlike a diesel, it requires only a conventional exhaust system. Diesel engines require more elaborate and more expensive exhaust aftertreatment to reduce emissions. HCCI is the ultimate combustion method for achieving both CO2 reduction and clean exhaust using auto-ignition of gasoline, as in a diesel engine. Lower-temperature combustion compared to ordinary gasoline engines, results in nearly no NOx emissions. It offers the highest potential heat efficiency among internal-combustion engine systems, leading to projections of major cuts in CO2 emissions. Current HCCI technology allows only a limited range of stable combustion, and expanding that is the challenge ahead. Therefore, HCCI offers the hope of making the gasoline engine as efficient as the diesel engine. HCCI or Controlled Auto Ignition (CAI for gasoline engines) engines bridge diesel and gasoline technologies by combining the homogenous mixture injections from gasoline engines and diesel-like compression ignition of lean burn fuel-air mixtures. For HCCI, the fuel-air mixture is auto-ignited by the pressure and temperature of the diesel mixture, while for CAI the gasoline mixture is ignited by residual burned gases. The exhaust gases from an HCCI/CAI engine contain only trace amounts of harmful compounds such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) and soot (PM) as combustion temperature does not exceed 1,300 degrees Celsius when such emissions can form. As a result, the HCCI/CAI engine offers high thermal efficiency and, when operating at part loads, excellent fuel economy and a reduction in CO2 emissions. However, while HCCI or CAI is very appealing due to the inherently lower NOx emissions due to lower combustion temperatures mapping the ignition points of the fuel precisely has been difficult to achieve. Additionally while a high compression ratio would seem the logical path to achieve auto-ignition, research has shown that compression ratios above 12:1 cause knocking issues during full-load operation. Therefore, many solutions are now looking at using high-levels of EGR to provide the thermal energy required for auto-ignition and one way of providing this is through valve actuation strategies including early closure of the exhaust valve to cause recompression. So, as noted previously, fully variable valvetrain control perhaps via camless technologies can be seen as an important stepping stone toward HCCI adoption. With auto-ignition difficult to predict, particularly for gasoline engines, over a wide range of engine speeds it may be that the first CAI engine to come to market will only operate in auto-ignition mode at low engine speed ranges An interview carried out by just-auto with the supplier Continental detailed the following issues preventing immediate HCCI/CAI adoption by OEMs: More refinement of control strategies is needed to guarantee fuel economy under realistic driving conditions and under production tolerances Validation is necessary for the feasibility of three-way catalyst only technology for Euro 6 under production conditions (part-to-part tolerances). The NOx emissions have to stay low enough within the normalised driving cycle. The need for additional De-NOx technology would deteriorate the fuel economy/cost relationship The assumption being that on-cost compared to a state-of-the-art GDI engine is limited to variable valve lift on the exhaust side and the cylinder pressure sensor, with that on-cost offset by only using three-way catalyst technology and no additional exhaust aftertreatment A just-auto interview with Delphis Dr Sebastian Schilling, Engineering Director Europe, Gasoline EMS & Powertrain Products elicited further inhibitors to HCCI/CAI adoption including: the introduction of a fast-acting variable cam-phaser in combination with an appropriate variable valve lift system as a necessary control of NVH especially for the transitions between HCCI/CAI and normal SI modes of operation in order for customers to accept it However, both Delphi and Continental agreed that the major issue for HCCI/CAI is the need for very precise systems direct injection, sophisticated valvetrain hardware and cylinder pressure systems for controlling the air and fuel pathways and ensuring auto-ignition occurs as a predicted event. The impediments to adoption are expected to be resolved, with introduction date estimates for the first production ready HCCI/CAI engines varying in the years approaching 2020. Nearly all of the major OEMs are known to be working on the technology along with suppliers and several have shown concepts. BMWs engine family future proofed for HCCI In 2011, BMW revealed that its new B-family of engines three-, four- and six-cylinder diesel and petrols which debuted in 2014 were future proofed to accommodate future technology, including hybridisation and HCCI. The HCCI admission was something of a surprise as in 2007 BMW had stated that it would wait and see on the technology and not commit. Bosch and DOE project In 2012, Bosch announced it was leading a US$12 million project funded by the US Department Of Energy to develop an advanced light duty petrol engine. The project called ACCESS (Advanced Combustion Controls Enabling Systems and Solutions) investigated HCCI as part of its multi-mode combustion investigations which included spark-assisted compression ignition (SACI) and spark ignition in conjunction with external EGR. Bosch was joined in the partnership by AVL, Emitec, the University of Michigan and Stanford University. A review of the project was given by Bosch in 2014, with Bosch noting the drawbacks of HCCI operation being the familiar limited operating range and noisy combustion and the benefits being its low NOx fomation and high thermal efficiency. Daimler F700 concept Mercedes-Benzs 2008 technology showcase sedan, the F700, featured a plethora of fuel saving engine technology such as ISAG, VVC and mild hybridisation while the engine itself was a 1.8L direct injection twin-turbo featuring both HCCI and VCR. The engine, dubbed the DiesOtto, put out 258hp with 400Nm of torque, comparable to Mercedes 3.5L V6 of the time. Mercedes estimated that the combined effect of all the technology on the F700 was a 47.5% fuel saving when compared to the S350 model. Furthermore, following an interview at the 2014 Paris motor show, it was reported that Daimlers future three-, four- and six-cylinder modular inline engines (M25x) would feature variable compression ratio and homogeneous charge compression ignition technologies. Delphi and GDCI Delphi, as discussed in a May 2016 just-auto interview is running a test Gasoline Direct Compression Ignition (GDCI) engine that operates without a spark across its entire operating range. Delphi has seemingly accepted that the lack of control from homogeneous charge necessitates a different approach. Using low temperature combustion and tight charge stratification the demonstrator four-cylinder engine has managed a 13-18% fuel economy gain. Delphi is targeting its GDCI technology for showrooms by the mid-2020s. GM and HCCI Back in 2008, a HCCI prototype by GM was demonstrated. The engine was derived from GMs 2.2L L850 Ecotec engine. GMs concept operated as a spark ignition engine at start-up and at speeds over 55 mph. GM combined the HCCI technology with direct injection and variable valve actuation and claimed that its prototype could be built for 50% of a diesel engines cost but operate at 80% of its efficiency. To try and extend the operating range of its HCCI concept GM revealed in 2011, via an SAE paper, that it was working on different VVA strategies including positive and negative valve overlap to improve the thermal efficiency of its HCCI prototype via reducing pumping losses and lowering residual gas so more air is introduced to the mixture. Furthermore, in 2013 GM published a paper in the International Journal of Engine Research that further explored valve overlap strategies together with injection timing and external EGR for HCCI engines at low loads to predict auto-ignition timing and characteristics. Honda moving away from HCCI to HLSI Back in 2005, it was reported that Honda was close to readying a prototype HCCI engine. The engine was said to be 30% more fuel-efficient than the 2006 MY Honda Civic engine. The HCCI engine was reportedly the result of advances made by Hondas Advanced Powertrain Research Centre, which had been founded to deliver a gasoline engine with 40-50% thermal efficiency. However, since 2005 reports on Hondas progress with a light vehicle HCCI engine were scant, although it had earlier experience with a prototype 2-stroke motorcycle engine using a form of HCCI that Honda called Active Radical Combustion. Nevertheless, Hondas research on HCCI progresses with its online R&D resource showing that much of the companys recent HCCI R&D has been focussed on low engine speed auto ignition, with development of a so-called spark assisted HCCI engine at the fore. With the spark assisted HCCI engine a miniscule amount of fuel is spark plug ignited to kick-start the auto ignition process but at a controlled level. In 2013, at the Aachen engine colloquium, Honda presented its Homogeneous Lean Charge Spark Ignition (HLSI) concept, which seeks to blend the best of HCCI and lean-burn engines, while eliminating the drawbacks of each, with test results for HLSI presented at the SAEs 2014 High Efficiency IC Engine Symposium. Briefly, HLSI entails a homogeneous premixture that gives the HCCI benefits of low NOx and high thermal efficiency but with the stable and controllable combustion of lean-burn, therefore ridding traditional lean-burn engines of the burden of the lean-NOx catalyst (LNC). Hyundai In November 2013, at its Michigan technical centre, Hyundai highlighted its forthcoming GDCI engine. GDCI, gasoline direct compression ignition, is a 1.8L engine developed in conjunction with Delphi, the University of Wisconsin-Madisons Engine Research Consultants (WERC) and Wayne State University with both a supercharger and turbocharger which Hyundai expects to offer the same performance as a 2.0L turbodiesel engine but with greater efficiency. The GDCI is the result of a four-year US$15 million research programme. In production, Hyundai expects the cost of the engine to be less than that of a comparable diesel. Delphis role in the project has been to develop the combustion system and to produce a fully variable valvetrain, complete with electronic cam phasers. The VVA system uses exhaust valve overlap on the intake stroke via an extra cam lobe to garner better internal EGR control. It is understood that the GDCI engine operates throughout the load range, although at warm-up intake warming may be necessary, and the project team are keen to insist that the GDCI is not an HCCI engine. The engine uses unique piston-crown geometry and intake tract design with EGR rates of 25-40%, which assists the engine in avoiding HCCIs uncontrolled combustion issues. It is speculated that the engine will make its production debut in the next generation Sonata around 2020. Mazda Of the OEMs, it could be that Mazda is the first to introduce the technology as it explicitly referenced HCCI as the next stage in its gasoline engine technology roadmap when it launched its Skyactiv-D and Skyactiv-G engines. It has told Nikkei that it expects to debut the technology on the next generation Mazda3 in 2018. With its Skyactiv technology suites, Mazda has eschewed todays trend for downsized direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engines as it says the benefits of HCCI will be eroded by operating at the higher loads of downsized turbocharged engines. HCCI engines achieve their greatest fuel economy benefits at part load an environment downsized turbocharged engines are designed to stay out to achieve their required reduction in pumping losses. Mazda estimates that Skyactiv engines with HCCI will use 30% less fuel than their predecessor. Mazda plans to use HCCI both a low load and part load thanks to VVA allowing precise control over internal EGR. After the May 2015 agreement between Toyota and Mazda to jointly develop technologies, it will be interesting to see whether Toyota and Mazda collaborate to couple Toyotas hybrid technology with Mazdas HCCI technology. VWs two-pronged attack VW has developed HCCI prototypes using diesel and petrol engines as the base. Its petrol engine is called GCI and was demonstrated in 2007 on a 1.6L FSI engine but enhanced by Audis VVA system. VW used the VVA system to alternate between standard FSI mode and HCCI mode, depending on operating load, through different camshaft contours and through valve operating strategies to introduce internal EGR. The GCI engine also did without cylinder pressure sensors, instead relying on newly developed algorithms for the engine management system. The diesel option, dubbed Combined Combustion System (CCS), was demonstrated in 2005 and uses HCCI to instigate earlier ignition to reduce combustion chamber temperature and therefore NOx emissions. Additionally, the fuel is burnt over a longer period which is advantageous to fuel economy. However, for VW fuel economy seemed to be a secondary consideration in CCSs development it sees CCS as a way to avoid expensive exhaust gas aftertreatment and saw a NOx and particulate matter benefit of 50%. Additionally, VW recommended the adoption of biomass gas-to-liquid fuels to increase the benefit to 80%. Are you looking for the latest OEM and supplier automotive competitive analysis, component sector forecasts, and automotive technology intelligence to assist with strategic business decisions? QUBE The automotive database for the auto industry NEWSLETTER Sign up Tick the boxes of the newsletters you would like to receive. Just Style Daily Update The top stories of the day delivered to you every weekday. Just Style Weekly Update A weekly roundup of the latest news and analysis, sent every Monday. Just Style Magazine The industry's most comprehensive news and information delivered every quarter. Dallas, 01/10/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/ Eberstein & Witherite 1-800Car-Wreck is proud to announce its participation in, and sponsorship of, the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration and Parade. The Dallas-based law firm is one of an estimated 200 participants that includes community organizations, church groups, youth groups, nonprofit organizations, bands, drill teams and local businesses. We are honored to take part in this event, which celebrates the life, achievements and principles of a man that I greatly admire, said Attorney Amy Witherite, founding partner of Eberstein & Witherite, the law firm of 1-800-Car-Wreck. Just to be a part of all the goodwill that you feel at the many events surrounding this celebration is incredibly affirming about our ability to come together as a community. #1800CarWreck #MLKDAY Event Schedule Details The schedule of events includes a free Celebration Fair on Friday, January 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and a Candle Lighting Ceremony later that same day at 7:00 p.m. Both will take place at the MLK Recreation Center, which is located at 2901 Pennsylvania Avenue in Dallas. An Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, with keynote speaker Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University in New Orleans, presiding over the festivities. Attendance to the gala is $85 per person. There will also be an Afterglow Event at the Fairmont Hotels Regency Ballroom immediately following the conclusion of the Awards Gala. Anyone who purchases a ticket for the Awards Gala will automatically receive admittance to the Afterglow Event. The free parade, which will take place on Monday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m., will conclude the weekends festivities. 1-800-Car-Wreck will have a float in the parade, and members of the firm will be handing out candy and other items. This is one of the highlights of the year for me, stated Raquel Daniels Vice President of Marketing Celebrating Dr. King is important and allows me and others to remember all his great works. It gives us a chance to give back to our community and to interact with the people that make this city so special. ABOUT Dallas-based law firm of Eberstein & Witherite, LLP, is a forefront personal injury law firm helping injured Texans and their families obtain compensation for damages sustained as a result of negligent individuals and large corporations. Their founding partner, attorneys, and legal team are committed to providing the highest quality of legal representation in the area to ensure they deliver one thing: results. Eberstein & Witherite, LLP, excel in providing personalized service to their clients in business litigation suits, personal injury cases, and bad faith insurance claims. Media Contact Lucy Tiseo Eberstein & Witherite, LLP Phone: 800-779-6665 Email: [email protected] Connect with Eberstein & Witherite on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ source: http://1800carwreck.tv/1800carwreck-announces-participation-35th-annual-martin-luther-king-jr-birthday-celebration-parade.html Social Media Tags:#1800CarWreck, #MLKDAY, Eberstein & Witherite, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Newsroom powered by Online Press Release Distribution SubmitMyPressRelease.com Like Us on Facebook It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print Ah Firefly. Im not sure Ill ever get over the premature ending of that most wonderful of series! This line is from the theme song, called The Ballad of Serenity a sad tale of a soldier who has seen lands burn and seas boil, seen far too many comrades and loved ones die and now roams the galaxy in his spaceship, Serenity. But the message is surely much broader and more positive too Wherever we travel, the sky belongs to all of us! Far enough back in time that this was taken on film and the negative scanned to digital, this is from our first trip to Namibia. We fell head over heels for the beauty of the Namib Desert; the deep red dunes covered in May by golden blonde grass that rippled as the wind raced through it, the enigmatic fairy circles thousands and thousands of them, like freckles marking the landscape, as we flew overhead on our arrival; the fascinating flora and fauna that give this place its Living Desert nickname. And our gorgeous luxury safari camp, Wolwedans, in the NamibRand Nature Reserve; each of the chalets sits upon a raised platform and houses a huge canopied bed, ensuite bathroom and chairs on the deck; two of the walls are made of thick canvas that can be rolled up and left completely open throughout the night so that you go to sleep to the twinkling of stars and galaxies and wake to the cold air and warm light of sunrise, watching the sunlight race across the dunes, changing the colours through every shade of red, amber and gold. More Kavey Eats Travel Quotes. You are welcome to save or share this via Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram provided you do not alter the image or crop out the attribution text. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 306 Shares Share How can a doctor resist an essay entitled, The Sickness Unto Death? Kierkegaard, the darkest of the bleak existentialists, begins by asking, Is despair an excellence or a defect? Can despair be an excellence? It is December in Oregon, the rain comes down in sheets, with only a few hours daily of half-light. Kierkegaards winters in 1840 Denmark must have felt a lot like this, so I press on. In despairing over something, he really despaired over himself, and now he wants to be rid of himself. In my hospital medicine practice, I see a lot of death and dying. Most weeks I attend to 2 to 3 patients with imminently terminal diagnoses, either arranging hospice at home upon discharge, or assisting with actual symptom management of their final few breaths. Are my dying patients in despair? And if they are, is this an excellence or a defect? Or perhaps the essay refers to my own existential predicament as I face my inability to perform my duty to heal? Most of my dying patients seem inexplicably at peace, whereas their families and I are clearly despairing. Thus to be sick unto death is to be unable to die, yet not as if there were hope of life; no, the hopelessness is that there is not even the ultimate hope, death. Kierkegaard refers of course to the Christian faith of physical death not signifying ultimate death, that in fact physical death is the ultimate hope. But the essay also refers to an earthly despair as well: There is not one single living human being who does not despair a little, who does not harbor an unrest, an inner strife I have seen patients sick unto death even as they were young and quite alive. My hospital is on the front lines of Americas heroin epidemic, and if there is any substance that manifests Kierkegaardian despair, it is heroin. This week I am caring for a 30-year-old woman who arrived in the emergency department with a fever of 103, rigors and pinpoint pupils. Her body hurt all over, but mostly when she took a breath, when the pain radiated to the middle of her upper back. Her left forearm had needle tracks with a palpable corded vein where the poison had clotted and scarred injection sites. There is a wild look in heroin eyes that radiates despair. The reader knows how this story proceeds, for it is a Greek tragedy with its ending foretold before the story even begins. The heroine has a fatal flaw. A heart valve infection from dirty needles and dirty drugs right sided endocarditis with septic pulmonary emboli. Blood cultures with Staphylococcus aureus. Homeless. A boyfriend who brings a backpack to her hospital room and spends a lot of time in the bathroom. The standard of treatment for this woman would be intravenous antibiotics for weeks; we used to recommend six. But the logistics of that are impossible. How to maintain an IV line in someone who would rather use it as access for the next high? How to deliver medications at home when there is no home? Various infectious disease studies have experimented with a shorter treatment course, down to even two weeks of IV antibiotics. Even this will be nearly impossible for her to accomplish. The addict lives entirely for the moment and cannot conceive of tomorrow, much less two weeks from now. Just two months ago she delivered a baby, could not stay clean, and lost her infant to state protective services. If she could not stay clean for her own baby, how will she do so for a mere life-threatening blood infection? My patient has no hope for life, nor even for death, because she cannot conceive even of death. When I talk about life threatening, her eyes wander to the window. She has no conception of any future. And without the ultimate hope of death, she is truly in despair, without even the benefits of despairing, and thereby perhaps changing her life. Not to be in despair must signify the destroyed possibility of being able to be in despair; if a person is truly not to be in despair, he must at every moment destroy the possibility. Kierkegaards dark essay may actually be about light. The possibility of despair may be essential to the human endeavor of hope. The sickness unto death has a double meaning. Cancer and heart failure are sicknesses unto death, but so is the loss of despair. As one Kierkegaard commentator puts it, to despair is precisely to act in accordance with the facts, to give up the attempt because the goal is impossible. The double meaning of despair takes on a cutting edge in the setting of hospice. The formula for all despair is to want to be rid of oneself. The addict despairs in this sense. But the hospice patient has accepted despair and thereby rid himself of it because he no longer wants to be rid of himself, and has finally, and perhaps for the first time in his life, accepted himself. The Portland rain continues. Dont despair. Kjell Benson is a hospitalist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 241 Shares Share I learned recently that the Massachusetts legislature passed the latest installment of the naturopathic licensing bill S.2335 in the final minutes of the 2016 legislative session. The bill is currently sitting on Governor Charlie Bakers desk. He has a few days to sign the bill, which would make Massachusetts the 19th state to license naturopaths. If he does nothing, S.2335 will die from a pocket veto. Senate Bill 2335 is asking a lot. It allows naturopaths in Massachusetts to call themselves doctor, diagnose disease, order lab work, treat patients of any age, and essentially work as a physician I encourage readers, and lawmakers, to check out Jann Bellamys post detailing S.2335 at the Science-Based Medicine website. Naturopaths are not qualified to manage any kind of medical care. As a former licensed naturopathic doctor myself, I have seen first-hand how licensing naturopaths to act as doctors results in harm and needless expenses. I practiced naturopathy for three years. I witnessed harm inflicted on patients in every naturopathic clinic where I worked. In all cases, the naturopaths at fault were practicing just as they had been trained to do. But the treatments were ineffective and costly at best; at worst, they were deadly. In 2014, I worked for a naturopath who treated cancer patients. I assisted this naturopath with his treatments of intravenous herbal medicines and highly concentrated vitamins, water fasts, and a non-FDA approved chemotherapeutic drug that was illegally imported from overseas called Ukrain. He charged patients thousands of dollars for these injections. The FDA had denied approval of Ukrain for any medical condition due to concerns of quality assurance and safety. The inventor of this drug is currently serving jail time for committing commercial fraud. Upon discovering that my boss was engaged in illegal activity, I quit and reported his actions to the Arizona naturopathic regulatory board. The board completed a cursory investigation, which resulted in my former boss receiving a letter of reprimand. It seemed to make no difference that patients lost thousands of dollars on bogus medical care. It also did not seem to matter that many of these patients were diagnosed with late-stage or terminal disease. Several of them died in the midst of receiving injections. This naturopath continues to treat cancer patients in Arizona. In fact, he holds the title fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology. In the eyes of the naturopathic profession, he represents the best of what naturopathic medicine can offer to cancer patients. Cancer is a home-hitting topic for naturopath Amy Rothenberg who is leading the Massachusetts licensing effort and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. She speaks freely about actively pursing medical therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation alongside naturopathic therapies like herbs, vitamin injections, and oxygen gas delivered in a closed, pressurized chamber. Naturopaths frequently claim, and I learned in school, that naturopathic therapies delivered in conjunction with medical care help chemotherapy work better and prevent cancer from reoccurring. After finishing her breast cancer treatments, Rothenberg elected to have her ovaries removed when genetic testing revealed she was a carrier for a genetic mutation that increases the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Early stage cancer was found in her ovaries, and she needed to undergo cancer treatment once again. Rothenberg fails to mention that none of the alternative cancer treatments she pursued have been proven to work or to be safe. The vast majority of medical oncologists do not provide these treatments. Alternative therapies are also very expensive and not covered by insurance. One patient at my former practice accumulated close to $50,000 in credit card debt paying for alternative cancer therapies just like the ones Rothenberg used. This patient died while still receiving naturopathic care. Alternative cancer therapies are largely considered to be medical fraud, just like Rothenbergs specialty in homeopathy. She and her husband are the founders of the New England School of Homeopathy and a research center called Herscu Laboratory, which seems to support homeopathic research. Homeopathy is an archaic practice of medicine using infinitesimal amounts of substances diluted in water to the point where no original material remains. The therapy has been debunked and is widely considered by medical experts to be bogus. The U.S. government agrees. The Federal Trade Commission now requires homeopathic products to state that there is no scientific evidence backing homeopathic health claims. As health policy researcher Timothy Caulfield states, To be believe homeopathy works is to believe in magic. Rothenberg is a believer. At the FDA hearing on homeopathy, Rothenberg argued against evaluating homeopathy for safety and efficacy, even though her husband runs a research facility dedicated to studying it. She admitted that she treats half her patients exclusively with homeopathy, while they receive effective care by medical doctors in conjunction. I believe her patients are being swindled. There is no doubt that the champion of S.2335 is driving up health care costs for Massachusettss residents. Governor Baker, I know naturopaths are nice people. I know their sound bites are appealing. I know that on the surface naturopathy sounds wholesome and safe. I know these things because I used to lobby for naturopathy, and I was good at it. Based on my experiences from both sides of the issue, Ive provided a quick deconstruction of the six naturopathic talking points being used to promote licensing legislation in Massachusetts: 1. Naturopathic doctors are general practitioners who are medical specialists in natural therapies FALSE Naturopaths are not trained as general practitioners or primary care physicians. They receive less training in pharmacology and drug management than nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Naturopaths complete several hundred hours in training at an alternative medicine clinic, while physicians receive tens of thousand of hours of clinical training in hospitals and medical facilities. 2. Naturopathic doctors graduate from 4-year residential graduate-level medical colleges FALSE Naturopaths attend naturopathic programs, not medical schools. Naturopathic practitioners accredit naturopathic programs. Medical schools are not affiliated with naturopathic programs. Unlike medical programs, naturopathic curricula have not been reviewed by experts in medical education. This is intentional. A review would expose the large amount of pseudoscience taught to naturopathic students as if it is real medicine. For example, the naturopathic curriculum includes three times as many coursework hours in homeopathy compared to pharmacology. 3. Naturopathic doctors are well-respected members of the health care community FALSE Naturopaths are fringe alternative practitioners vying to get their foot in the door. Their livelihood depends on licensing because it provides them with state-sponsored legitimacy, which leads to mandated insurance reimbursement of naturopathic services. Naturopathic doctors are widely considered to be charlatans, quacks, and witch doctors. They are willing to bend the truth in order to make political gains. 4. Naturopathic doctors have demonstrated an excellent record of safety UNPROVEN Naturopaths claim their licensing boards keep records of safety. This is false. The boards keep records of complaints, not safety. Naturopaths also cite medical liability insurance carrier data as sources of safety records. As far as I can tell, this data does not exist. But I do know that most insurance companies that cover naturopaths cater exclusively to alternative medicine providers, which would make it difficult to compare their data with medical malpractice insurance providers. 5. Naturopathic doctors are licensed in 18 states IRRELEVANT Naturopaths are not licensed in 32 states. It is illegal to practice naturopathy in two states: South Carolina and Tennessee. 6. Naturopathic doctors are seen as vital contributors of science-based expertise in the field of natural medicine FALSE Naturopaths are widely regarded as science-denying swindlers. (And here.) Naturopathy does not save lives. Naturopathy does not save money. And naturopathy does not provide patients with safe medical options. The naturopaths who are pushing for licensure are in effect no different from lay naturopaths, who they admonish. What makes Amy Rothenberg any better than a naturopath who received an online degree if she is exclusively practicing homeopathy a debunked system of medicine based on 200-year-old theories that has been repeatedly discredited by rigorous scientific studies? Giving naturopaths a license to practice medicine allows under-trained practitioners to bypass medical school and dangerously experiment on patients while charging them huge sums of money. Keep your residents safe. Veto S.2335. Governor Charlie Bakers office can be reached at (617) 725-4005. Britt Marie Hermes is a former naturopathic doctor who blogs at Naturopathic Diaries. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 519 Shares Share Are physicians unruly children? Thats the attitude I see at hospital C-suite meetings. (As in, Our doctors are protesting our new unproven proton beam therapy center. How cute! They think they know how hospitals work: Even cuter, they think their opinion matters.) Chuckles all around. That smiling dismissiveness doesnt surprise me. Call me cynical, but when people have power over other people, they become contemptuous. And in todays world hospital executives have that power over their interchangeable, expendable physicians. Their ridicule is regretful, but almost fitting. After all, many physicians they patronize once took that same attitude toward their patients. At least, though, that behind-the-scenes contempt is sincere. What I resent more is articles like one I just read: The best way hospitals can engage physicians, nurses, and staff. Engaging physicians is very much in vogue these days. The purpose is to tactfully bring physicians around to the institutions way of doing things. These articles always have the same advice to bring doctors into line: build trust, make physicians partners, convert physician champions, have an engaging style, and (my favorite) make change not about saving money but their desire to help patients. That last strategy must really offend doctors. Theyre asked to change their behavior to help their patients, but they know the bottom line is money and they know where any money they save will accrue: to the suits wholl then crow to their colleagues about bringing their restive doctors into line. Ive seen business interests make this plea for physicians to sacrifice for your patients time and again. The strategy, in effect, makes physicians hostages. The refrain is: Were slashing your salary, but we know youll keep working hard for your patients. Or were making you an employee, but we know you wont compromise care for your patients sake. When I was in TV, I saw this same technique used against reporters. Business interests use your professionalism as leverage against you. It offends me. The one thing that always seems to be missing in these engagement strategies is how physicians will also benefit financially from changing their behavior. They know they wont. They know the whole exercise is just kabuki theater; a polite exercise in saving face. They know the real message is do it or else. (Kind of like the government patiently explaining why its your civic responsibility to pay your taxes. Theyd prefer not to use the word jail.) Flagrantly ignoring the obvious (i.e., who really benefits from more physician engagement) is just one more way business flaunts its dominance over doctors. And then theres that second pretense: That unlike everyone else in society, doctors arent primarily interested in money; theyre more interested in helping their patients. Business pretends to honor physicians for their unique humanitarian attitude. In truth, that lie is just one more tool to undermine them. The current flurry of engagement how-tos strike me as manipulative and demeaning. But executives are confident unruly children are incapable of reading between the lines. Michael Breen is a physician who now heads a marketing firm. Image credit: Shutterstock.com On Tuesday night, the United Independent School District will be holding a Board Meeting to discuss items for the upcoming 2017- 2018 school year. Two agenda items include: - The proposed boundary changes for various campuses for the next school year. - The new "A-F" accountability ratings with district and campus results. Tonight on KGNS News at Ten, we'll have more information about what the Board has to say on these items. 1 of 5 Hrithik`s new photoshoot will make every heart skip a beat The Greek God of Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan did a steamy photo shoot where he showed off his sexy abs and hot bare-chested avatar in full swing. Dressed in a white shirt and a black trouser, Hrithik looks breathtakingly hot as he flaunts his chiseled abs and a toned body in the photos clicked by Greek photographer Errikos Andreou. He has turned 43 years old today. He also revealed that he would be spending some quality time with kids and loved ones on his birthday. At present, Hrithik is prepping up for his next release Kaabil with Yami Gautam which is scheduled to release on 25 January 2017. Read More... It has been argued that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Having seen, from a distance, the replica of Kilkenny Castle outside New York, I'm not sure. Judge for yourselves from the photos above at the location where scenes from the film, Scent Of a Woman starring Al Pacino were shot. Anyway, it all started with a recent tour of the Guggenheim Museum in New York where one of the porters asked a group of Irish tourists from which part of the country they hailed. When they replied Kilkenny, he asked if they had ever heard of the Guggenheim's Castle at Sands Point, Long Island modelled on Kilkenny Castle. The real story is that Howard Gould, the son of railroad tycoon Jay Gould and his wife, actress Katherine Clemmons, purchased the property in 1900. The 100,000 sq ft limestone house. modelled on Kilkenny Castle was designed by architect Augustus N. Allen in 1902. It was intended to be the main residence on the estate, but, when Mrs Gould decided that it did not suit her, Mr Gould built another mansion for her, close by. Castle Gould then served as the stable, carriage house, and servants quarters. In 1912, they sold the property to Daniel Guggenheim, who changed the estates name to Hempstead House. Five years later he donated it to the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences. Today, it is known as the Sands Point Preserve, and is run as a park offering acres of woodland for visitors to explore. Its also frequently used for filming, and houses the Visitor Centre, Great Hall, and a 7,000-square-foot New York State-certified sound stage called the Black Box. It is about 45 minutes by taxi from the centre of New York. However, it's a pale imitation of the original. You hear it all the time: No pain, no gain. Or when it comes to investing: No risk, no reward. You learn about a guy who made a killing on some hot stock, and you think if you don't make that same kind of bold move with your investments, you're missing out. For most individuals, it isn't so. You usually don't have to take tremendous risks to make money or get ahead. In fact, a portfolio with lower volatility sometimes is a safer way to go. Subscribe to Kiplingers Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Save up to 74% Sign up for Kiplingers Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice - straight to your e-mail. Sign up Helping people understand their true level of risk is a personal mission for me. My dad was a plant worker, but he had saved a lot of money with his 401(k), his lump-sum pension and his thrift savings account. Then, when he retired in 1998, he moved his money to a large brokerage firm. And in a matter of about two yearsbetween 2000 and 2002he saw 50% of that money disappear. He was just 58 when he retired, so not only did he lose that money, but also he had to withdraw money from his savings to live on because he wasn't old enough to start taking Social Security benefits. He finally came to me in 2003, when I had established myself as a financial adviser. He said he couldn't sleep anymore. He needed my help. It took us a long time to get him where he was comfortable again, and he never fully recovered. He died young, and I suspect the stress of what happened to his money is part of what killed him. That event still drives me. I try to prevent people from going through the grief and anxiety my dad experienced. Retirement is supposed to be a happy time of life! It's my job to give people good information so they know how to evaluate the level of risk they're dealing with. Often, I'll show them two portfolios as an example, and ask which they would choose. Portfolio one includes an index-linked mutual fund that has an average annual return of 5.6% over 15 years. Portfolio two, a low-volatility strategy, has an average return of 5.35%. And of course, they choose the one with the higher return. But here's the thing: If you started with $1 million in the first portfolio on January 1, 2000, and never took any money out, at the end of 2015, you'd have just $1.8 million. That's not a 5.6% return. You'd have experienced huge losses during that 15-year periodincluding 9% in 2000, nearly 12% in 2001, 22% in 2002 and 37% in 2008. Now, there were years when there were big gains as well. But if you suffer huge losses, that absorbs the real money. Portfolio two only had a 5.35% average return for the same 15-year period, but the difference is that in years when there were losses, they were much smaller losses. So when the market was coming back, there was much less to recover. In our low-volatility approach, you'd have ended up with more than $2.2 million. So how do you determine volatility? At our practice, we use the sharpe ratio. Designed in 1966 by Nobel Prize-winner William Sharpe, it will show pretty clearly what level of risk you're taking. But you have to do the mathor have your adviser do it for you. So here's the end of my story: When my dad passed away, he left his money to his grandchildren, three of whom are my children, and I had to help them decide how they should invest it. Dad had stressed so much over his money that I couldn't live with myself if we lost money in high-risk investments. And even though they're young, I positioned the grandkids' money in a safer environment. That doesn't mean it isn't growing. It is. And with hopefully smaller losses over time, it can outperform riskier investments. As a society, we have been taught we have to take big risks to reap big rewards. But when you marry money and math together, low volatility can win the race. Christy Smith is an Investment Adviser Representative and founder of The Presley Group and Presley Wealth Management, which focuses on retirement planning and insurance. She has a radio talk show and has written two books. Advisory services are offered through Eqis Capital Management Inc. ("EQIS") a Registered Investment Adviser, and may only be offered in states where registered. EQIS does not provide insurance products or services. This is not an offer to sell securities or provide investment advice, which may be done only after a client suitability review is conducted and appropriate disclosures made. Neither The Presley Group nor EQIS provide tax or legal advice. The Presley Group LLC and EQIS Capital Management Inc. are not affiliated. Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article. MANILA, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The Philippine central bank is prepared to intervene in the currency market to smooth any sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate, its governor said on Tuesday. "What we don't want to see in the market is so much volatility," said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco, speaking at a forum with newspaper columnists. "The BSP is prepared to smoothen sharp fluctuations to the rate to maintain an orderly adjustment in the exchange rate, either going up or going down. It's symmetrical," he said. The peso , which has gained less than 1 percent against the U.S. dollar so far this year, was the third worst performing currency in Asia in 2016. (Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales, writing by Enrico dela Cruz; Editing by Shri Navaratnam) HANOI, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0114 GMT. Jan 10 Jan 9 USD/VND mid-point 22,167 22,168 USD/VND interbank 22,580/22,585 22,520/22,540 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.32/36.64 36.29/36.61 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, Jan 10 (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 0405 GMT. Jan 10 Jan 9 USD/VND mid-point 22,167 22,168 USD/VND interbank 22,567/22,570 22,520/22,540 USD/VND unofficial 22,850/22,880 22,920/22,940 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.33/36.65 36.29/36.61 Interbank offered rates Overnight 4.0-5.2 4.5-5.3 1 week 4.5-5.2 4.7-5.3 1 month 5.0-5.4 5.0-5.4 3 months 5.2-5.4 5.1-5.4 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; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Britain will be in the "front seat" to negotiate a new trade deal with the incoming administration of Donald Trump, a top Republican in the United States Senate said, the BBC reported. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said after meeting British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson that a trade deal between the two countries would be a priority as Britain prepares to leave the European Union. Ahead of the Brexit vote, President Barack Obama exhorted Britons to stay in the EU and warned that if they left they would be at "the back of the queue" for a U.S. trade deal. Corker said Johnson knows "full well" that "there is no way the United Kingdom is going to take a back seat". "They will take a front seat and I think it will be our priority to make sure that we deal with them on a trade agreement initially but in all respects in a way that demonstrates the long-term friendship that we've had for so long," Corker was quoted as saying by the BBC. Trump, while a candidate for the U.S. presidency, hailed Brexit as a "great thing" when visiting Scotland the day after the vote though Britain cannot sign a trade deal until it leaves the EU which under current plans will likely be in 2019. After visits to see aides in Trump Tower in New York and meet members of Congress in Washington, Johnson said: "Clearly, the Trump administration-to-be has a very exciting agenda of change. One thing that won't change, though, is the closeness of the relationship between the US and the UK. "We are America's principal partner in working for global security and, of course, we are great campaigners for free trade," Johnson was quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper. "We hear that we are first in line to do a great free trade deal with the United States. So, it's going to be a very exciting year for both our countries," Johnson said. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Michael Holden) LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Oil exports from Iraq's southern ports in the first nine days of January have held steady at December's record high, according to loading data and an industry source, despite the start of an OPEC agreement to cut production. Shipments so far this month have averaged above 3.50 million barrels per day (bpd), according to the loading data tracked by Reuters and by the industry source. In all of December, Iraq's southern exports reached a record high of 3.51 million bpd, Iraq's oil ministry said on Monday. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries started implementing an agreement to cut production on Jan. 1. Iraq has said it will cut production by 200,000 bpd as part of the deal. However, Iraq's Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi said December's high export rate would not affect Iraq's decision to lower its production in January. (Reporting by Alex Lawler; Editing by Ruth Pitchford) TOKYO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Most Japanese government bond prices fell on Tuesday with the yield curve steepening on caution ahead of a 30-year JGB auction scheduled for the next day. The 10-year JGB yield rose 0.5 basis point to 0.055 percent while the 20-year yield rose 1.0 basis point to 0.600 percent . The 30-year yield rose 1.0 basis point to 0.745 percent . Market players are reluctant to chase JGBs higher for now ahead of 800 billion yen 30-year JGB auction on Wednesday, despite falls in Japanese stock prices, which typically tend to help safe-haven assets such as bonds. The shorter end of the curve was supported by strong investor demand. The two-year notes yield dipped 2.0 basis points to a two-month low of minus 0.235 percent as results of the Bank of Japan's buying in the maturities around two year bonds on Tuesday showed a scarcity of willing sellers. The five-year yield stood flat at minus 0.125 percent. The spreads between the 20-year yield and shorter maturities such as two- and five-year yield have widened to their biggest levels since late February. The price of the 10-year JGB futures rose 0.03 point to 150.19 . (Reporting by Tokyo Markets Team; Editing by Richard Borsuk) (Adds quote from union leader, paragraph 8) By Anthony Esposito and Antonio De la Jara SANTIAGO, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Operations at Canadian miner Yamana Gold Inc's El Penon mine in Chile have been suspended for five days after one of its two unions representing underground workers went on strike and blockaded access to the mine, a union leader said on Tuesday. Workers affiliated with union No. 2 at the mine in Chile's arid north rejected the company's final offer, downed tools and blocked access to El Penon, the union president, Eduardo Puelles, told Reuters. The strike started seven days ago. Two days after that, workers blocked the access roads, said Puelles, whose union represents 500 workers. El Penon is Yamana's second biggest gold mine by output. It produced 164,445 ounces of gold in the first nine months of 2016, equal to about 17 percent of the company's gold output. "The company wants to cut benefits we already got in prior negotiations, so we cut access roads to the mine five days ago ... operations are completely suspended," said Puelles. Union No. 2 asked for an 8 percent pay increase and other benefits, but the company was only willing to offer a 2 percent salary increase, he added. Yamana's final offer took into account current commodity prices, the production and cost outlook for the mine and recent collective bargaining settlements at other mines in Chile, Yamana said in a statement late on Monday. "It's true that copper prices have seen its ups and downs, but this mine produces gold and silver and those prices have been more stable, they have remained near their average of the last few years," Puelles said. The gold price , which rose sharply in the first half of last year, has fallen about 10 percent in the past four months. The other union at El Penon will begin government-mediated talks with the company on Thursday, the last chance for both sides to reach a deal before those workers can legally strike. Puelles said that if those talks fail, "they will join us in the strike." Representatives at the other union were not immediately available to comment. Yamana said on Monday that striking workers had been picketing and damaged some equipment. Asked if further talks with the unions were planned, a company spokesman said Yamana was "committed to reaching a resolution." The Toronto-based company also said it had reached collective bargaining agreements with workers at its Minera Florida operation, also in Chile, and that the mine and plant were operating at full capacity. Shares in Yamana finished 0.72 percent higher at C$4.22 on the Toronto Stock Exchange, in line with other gold stocks. (Additional reporting by Nicole Mordant in Vancouver; Editing by David Gregorio and Peter Cooney) LONDON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - An excess of Nigerian crude oil weighed on differentials on Tuesday, while buyers were made more wary due to a threatened increase in hostilities by militants in the oil-producing Delta region. * Medium and heavy crude oil grades were in high demand due to the strong pull from Asia. A still-narrow spread between Brent and Dubai crudes. * Kuwait raised its official selling price to Asia, following increases from Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which compete with West Africa to supply crude to eastern refineries. * Striking Nigerian oil workers closed the Oleh crude flow station in Warri, they said. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called for a three-day strike at Chevron CVX.N and Exxon Mobil XOM.N fuel depots from Wednesday, which is expected to affect oil products. * Shell subsidiary SPDC re-opened the Trans Niger Pipeline on Jan. 8, after closing it on Jan. 3 due to a fire. There was not yet a revised loading schedule for Bonny Light, which is exported via the pipeline. NIGERIA * A variety of Nigerian crudes were experiencing loading delays, including Qua Iboe, Erha, Usan and Bonny Light. The issues made them less attractive to potential buyers, traders said, and there were some 30 February-loading cargoes left. * A threat from militants to resume hostilities has also raised concerns about further disruptions to supplies. * Nevertheless, refiners in Canada and the United States showed some interest, with Monroe Energy, Irving Oil and Philadelphia Energy Solutions booking vessels to carry Nigerian oil west. ANGOLA * Firm buying interest, particularly from China's Unipec, had helped whittle down Angolan cargoes, with roughly a handful of February-loading cargoes left for sale. * Lighter grades were selling more slowly, but the full programme was on track to sell out before the March plan is issued early next week. * China's Unipec has purchased grades including Pazflor, Nemba, Saxi and Dalia from Sonangol, ExxonMobil and others in recent weeks. * The sellers had cut differentials to dated Brent before the cargoes began to trade in earnest, so most deals were below the previous month's levels. TENDERS * Part one of a tender from India's IOC closed today, with another part closing Wednesday and an award expected Thursday. * In recent tenders, it has taken a mix of Nigerian and Angolan crude. (Reporting by Libby George; Editing by Greg Mahlich) By Senor John Stringer formerly coNZervative (and perhaps again). Things get a bit grave today. One of the top tourist visits in Buneos Aries is their famous cemetery. This is raised to street level like that of the Romans as a series of mausoleums because the water table is so high. It is a mini city of family crypts with streets that you can wander about and houses of the dead you can look in to. You can actually see the coffins and small staircases wind down into basements where other coffins are stacked. Others are altars with boxes of ashes. Sometimes windows are broken and you could reach in and touch the coffins (death at arms reach). People do death in different ways (like the Mexicans and their Day of Death; or the Etruscan death feasts; Irish wakes; Maori tangis) and this is quite a good way to be buried I think. It is very much like the Appian Way into Rome -reflecting the Argys love of Italian as well as French culture where family mausoleums lined the main road into the city. Like the Romans the Argentinians are all about showing off and this is about family pre-eminence. Some crypts are well maintained, others have fallen in to disrepair (as families become poor or no longer exist). These can be bought and sold like homes or renovated and traded. That is only way to enter the cemetery (dead) or if you are a family member with an existing mausoleum. Above: disrepair and a Christian as well as Jewish crypt. People forget that all early Christians (including Jesus) were Jews at the same time and the first Christian church community was Jewish meeting daily in the Jewish Temple. Above a chap over which hangs a Damocles Sword. Argentinian sculpture and statues are all about the military. Below: some cool bark on a tree outside the crypts. And below is Eva Peron (Evita)s grave. This is the most visited grave and it is her family grave with other members of her family (her maiden name). It is quite modest and this is because it was here before she died at 33 of cervical cancer and Juan Peron re-married (twice). His third wife is still alive so there is no joint mausoleum to Eva and General Juan Peron. His third wife became President of Argentina and has the distinction of being the first President of any country in the world. She is now 85 and lives in Milan. Nearby to the cemetery and tucked away in the suburb of Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires, is the beautiful bookshop El Ateneo Grand Splendid. This is a refurbished grand theatre so we walk there with a couple from the UK and browse the books obviously mostly in Spanish but many English readers are scattered throughout. It is beautiful and the stage is a converted cafe. Tomorrow: the vibrancy of Buenos Arties street life and culture and The Tango. ~ J. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Cloudy with periods of rain. Thunder possible. High 43F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Evening rain followed by a mix of rain and snow overnight. Low 31F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precip 100%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. By Lee Hyo-sik Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors face growing pressure to produce more cars in the United States, with many of their global rivals rushing to announce multibillion-dollar investment plans in the world's largest car market, analysts said Tuesday. Ford and General Motors, but also Volvo, Toyota and other non-American companies have given in to threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump who is demanding carmakers make vehicles in the United States if they want to sell them to American consumers. Trump has threatened to slap a "border tax" on vehicles imported from Mexico to discourage carmakers from building new plants there. "There is no doubt that Hyundai and Kia are increasingly concerned about the incoming Trump administration, which will certainly increase tariffs on imported vehicles and take other steps to force carmakers to produce cars in the United States," Shinhan Financial Investment analyst Jung Yong-jin said. "The companies will not make a hasty decision but closely monitor the situation in the United States." Hyundai operates a manufacturing facility in the U.S. state of Alabama, capable of producing 370,000 cars annually, while Kia manufactures 340,000 a year at its Georgia plant. Last September, Kia also opened a plant in Monterrey, Mexico, capable of producing 400,000 vehicles a year. It manufactures the K3 compact sedan and other popular models, most of which are shipped to and sold in the United States. "Hyundai and Kia will not hastily announce plans to construct new automotive plants in the United States because it costs hundreds of millions of dollars," Jung said. "In addition, U.S. carmakers are not expanding as fast as they used to so the idea of increasing production has become less attractive. It is also risky to bet too much on Trump because his presidency may end in only four years." However, if the Trump administration imposes high tariffs on cars imported from Mexico and elsewhere, this would seriously hurt Kia's Mexico plant, forcing the company to come up with an alternative plan, the analyst said. "Given Hyundai-Kia's management style, the carmakers will not likely take action preemptively. But if Kia's Mexico plant cannot function as a production base for the U.S. market, they will then do something about it," Jung said. Despite growing concerns over Trump's protectionist moves against global carmakers, Hyundai and Kia said nothing has been decided yet as to whether they would build a new plant or expand existing facilities in the United States. "We haven't decided what we will do in response to changes in U.S. politics," a Hyundai Motor Group official said. "It is not that we need new facilities for the North American market. We believe our three plants can sufficiently meet the demand." He said Hyundai and Kia differ from their global competitors, adding that Kia already completed construction of its Mexico plant. "Ford, General Motors, Toyota and others canceled plans to build new plants in Mexico and instead decided to produce cars in the United States, following Trump's hostile rhetoric against them. Given this view, Hyundai and Kia are different," the official said. "But if Kia's Mexico plant cannot function as a production base for the U.S. market because Trump imposes tariffs on imported vehicles, we will then think about how we will meet the car demand in the United States." On Monday (local time), Toyota said it will invest $10 billion in the United States over the next five years, in response to Trump's hostility toward import cars. The Japanese carmaker had initially planned to produce its Corolla sedans for the U.S. market in Mexico. Fiat-Chrysler also said it will invest $1 billion into two manufacturing plants in Michigan and Ohio to produce three Jeep models, while Swedish carmaker Volvo plans to make its next generation of S60 mid-sized sedans in the United States in 2018. Last week, Ford canceled a 1.6 billion plan to build a plant in Mexico and instead decided to expand operations in Michigan. General Motors decided not to stop importing cars from Mexico. By Kim Tae-gyu Olympus Korea Tuesday unveiled two high-end external flash units tailored to its flagship mirrorless camera, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, which was introduced late last year. The Korean affiliate of the Tokyo-based camera manufacturer hopes that the FL-900R and the STF-8 wins the hearts and minds of photographers by meeting their needs. The FL-900R electronic flash is dust-, splash- and freeze-proof so that it enables people to take pictures even during the coldest days of winter when the mercury drops to minus 10 degrees Celsius. When paired with the E-M1 Mark II, the flash boasts 10 frames per second (fps) sequential tracking speed, the fastest in its class. Plus, its recycle time at full power is just 2.5 seconds. The other product, the STF-8 twin flash, is the world's first flash that features durable weatherproofing, which Olympus says will give users peace of mind when shooting in various extreme conditions. Designed to weather low temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius, it is also dust-, splash- and freeze-proof. That's why Olympus Korea claims that it is a perfect fit for the weatherproof E-M1 Mark II. The price tags of the FL-900R and the STF-8 are 699,000 won and 599,000 won, respectively. In addition, the Korean affiliate came up with a premium camera system backpack, the CBG-12, priced at 349,000 won, and a multi-purpose case, the CS-50SF, priced 39,000 won and an advanced underwater housing of the PT-EP14 priced 1.59 million won. "Since its launch last year, the E-M1 Mark II customers report they love the E-MI camera. We expect that the top-end flashes and quality accessories introduced this month will add value to the camera," an Olympus Korea official said. The E-M1 Mark II offers functions comparable to a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) as it is capable of 18 fps sequential shooting with continuous autofocus, or 60 frames in single autofocus mode. Olympus Korea projects that the device will draw both professional and amateur users. A model poses with Hyundai Motor's Ioniq autonomous concept sedan during the 2017 North American International Auto Show at the COBO Center in Detroit, Michigan, Tuesday (KST). / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor By Jhoo Dong-chan Hyundai Motor is showcasing its eco-friendly Ioniq sedan for the first time in the United States at this year's North American International Auto Show. According to Hyundai Motor, Tuesday, the car demonstrates the automaker's latest IT technologies with the Ioniq Electric and Hybrid vehicles as well as the company's autonomous concept vehicle during the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at the COBO Center in Detroit, Michigan, Tuesday (KST). A Hyundai Motor official said the Ioniq Electric and Hybrid cars will likely debut in the U.S. next month, and the automaker highlighted the excellence of the car's differentiated fuel efficiency at this year's NAIAS. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the Ioniq Hybrid vehicle (HEV) which gets 58 miles per gallon (MPG), the best fuel efficiency among competing models such as Toyota's third-generation Prius. The Prius HEV has a certified fuel efficiency of 56 MPG, the official added. Hyundai Motor is also showcasing its latest self-driving technologies with the Ioniq autonomous concept vehicle, which demonstrated its self-driving ability at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week. The automaker also introduced its plan for future mobility through a video it displayed on the large LED screen at the exhibition booth Freedom in Mobility, Clean Mobility and Connected Mobility. The video explained that Hyundai Motor is enhancing its safety technologies by developing artificial intelligence to counter potential accidents. Hyundai already unveiled its autonomous driving technologies with the Ioniq electric vehicle sedan at the Los Angeles International Motor Show last year, and showcased its night-time self-driving technologies with the local media in Las Vegas last month. Clean Mobility, Hyundai's second vision for future mobility, is the automaker's vision to help reduce emissions and introduce eco-friendly vehicles. Hyundai Motor said it is putting its utmost efforts into developing eco-friendly engines as alternatives to conventional gasoline and diesel engines. Hyundai's last vision for future mobility, Connected Mobility, is the automaker's goal of making a vehicle an information hub. By Yoon Ja-young China banned imports of 19 Korean cosmetics products amid rising tensions over Korea's decision to allow the deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here. According to Yonhap News Agency, Chinese authorities have recently refused to approve imports of 11 tons of cosmetics. Beijing announced that 28 cosmetics products failed to win approval for import, and among them 19 were Korean. It includes shampoo by CJ Lion, body wash products by Aekyung, lotion and other cosmetics by Iaso, and mask packs from by some mid-sized producers. The authorities cited diverse reasons such as changes in ingredients. The rejection is regarded as part of economic retaliation by China, which includes bans on K-pop and K-drama stars and airliners' chartered flights between the two countries ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. Korea and the United States chose to install THAAD here amid increasing threats from North Korea, but China has been claiming that the system would threaten its security. Korean cosmetics, which are popular among Chinese consumers, were feared to be the next target. China's state-run Global Times also issued threats over THAAD. "Department stores in Seoul may be popular among Chinese tourists, however, these tourists haven't forgotten their identity. Chinese people have a clear mind about the situation on the Korean Peninsula and will not sacrifice the national interest for Korean cosmetics if Seoul chooses to side with the U.S," it said in its Jan. 7 edition. Composer Will Aronson, left, and lyricist Hue Park / Courtesy of Lee Soo-jin Aronson, Park duo win success in Korea, eye Broadway By Kwon Mee-yoo The theater industry goes into its slow season as the big winter holiday season passes by, but the heat over "Maybe Happy Ending," a small show about two robots that fall in love with each other staged at Daemyung Culture Factory in Daehangno, northeastern Seoul, shows no signs of cooling down. The heartwarming show revolves around two old-fashioned "helper-bots" Oliver and Claire, living in a robots-only apartment on the outskirts of Seoul, who have been replaced by newer models. They live an isolated life, stuck in their home, but they set out on a trip to Jeju Island together with different goals for Oliver, it was to find his former master James, while Claire wanted to see fireflies. The show is a new work from composer Will Aronson and lyricist Hue Park, the duo behind the hit Korean musical "Bungee Jump." This time, they teamed up to write the script together Aronson composed the music and Park put words to it. "We worked really hard. I feel like I couldn't do harder than this. I was really nervous before the curtain went up. In a sense the show is so us, has our sensibility. We kept telling each other that we shouldn't take (the response) personally, but we couldn't stop it. All the characters Oliver, Claire and even James share lots of our personalities, we were really afraid of people thinking these characters as not cool or too weird," Park said. It all began with Damon Albarn's song "Everyday Robots," Aronson recalled. "We were working on a different show with a larger cast, but Hue suggested writing a musical about robots, not futuristic but romantic. He also said one of the robots should play the jazz trombone," Aronson said. The playing the instrument part was deleted from Oliver while developing the character, but his taste in jazz remained throughout. "The initial idea we came up with was more sci-fi, futuristic and avant-garde. It became a love story of two robots as we developed and trimmed down the idea," Park said. "Even if we write about robots, our natural inclination is to write about people. In the end, for us, telling a story about robots was a great way to actually talk about other things we care about. "Many of people can relate the story to some phase of their life. There are times when we are alone in our room and happy and one day you start discovering a larger world. When you become aware of love, suddenly you are capable of more sadness because you can have loss. For us, it was a fresher way to show something we experience with people," Aronson added. There is little exposition about the helper-bots or the near future time period of the show, as it is not a show about robots but people and relationships. Aiming for Broadway The show was commissioned and sponsored by the Wooran Foundation and developed in both Korean and English from the beginning, reflecting the bilingual nature of the creators. The two come from very different backgrounds, but they seem to finish each other's sentences. Park said their background might influence what they write together, but that doesn't really affect the collaboration. "If you trust each other a lot, then it's really good if you are different. But, because that kind of trust is rare, often you want to work with someone who is like you. If someone is like you, you both will be able to judge in the exact same way," Aronson said. "If you are working with someone different than you, you might have different appeals. That can be great when the trust is there. It can take the collaboration to an exciting new direction. We have not only different cultural backgrounds but also different artistic sensibilities, but they overlap enough to trust each other." Park said, "Will is hardworking, has great work ethics and is one of the most talented people I've ever met. I always feel luck to collaborate with such a driven person. Even though we have known each other for years, I'm a foreigner (in New York) and it is encouraging to have an open-minded, not-so-calculated partner who is able to come up with new ideas." Aronson said he feels safe in artistic experiments with Park. "First, you want to work with someone who brings so much artistic value to the project and Hue is a great artist _ his sensibility and craft skills with lyrics are very rare. He also has great taste and I feel very comfortable trying anything, like doing really crazy things because he will put a stop if I go too far. It means I can take risks." While preparing for the Korean production, Aronson and Park also worked on the English version of the show in the U.S., by conducting workshops in New York and inviting theater producers. Luckily, the show appealed to Americans as well and they signed with a prominent Broadway producer to develop the show for a bigger stage. The English version has a different working title, "What I Learned from People," due to the differences in nuance. What is interesting is the duo insisted on using names of specific places such as Seoul and Jeju Island, which could sound unfamiliar in the U.S. "We set up as the same in both productions from the beginning. It was crucial to keep the show unique," Park said. Oliver spends all his time in his room, learning about the world through radio and the internet. It's something all modern people can relate to and somewhat similar to Japan's Hikikomori culture, so we don't want to change the setting in the English version." Still there is a long way before the show properly hits Broadway or Off-Broadway but the match-made duo are ready to pursue the biggest dream for a playwright. "I know this is not the biggest show in Korea now, but still a couple hundred of people come to see the show every night and respond to the sensibility of the show. I think it's incredible and I'm grateful for that. And we are excited to go through the same process in America," Park said. The musical runs until March 5. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 02-766-7667. Christians surpassed Buddhists in their number for the first time in Korea, according to Statistics Korea's census from 2015. / Korea Times file By Ko Dong-hwan For the first time, more Koreans consider themselves non-believers than those who say they are believers, the latest census shows. Non-believers accounted for 56.1 percent of the population 27.5 million in the Statistics Korea 2015 Population and Housing Census. The figure has jumped almost 10 percent from 10 years ago, according to the report. While respondents were mainly into non-Catholic Christians, Buddhists and Catholics, Christians totaled 9.68 million (19.7 percent), topping the number of Buddhists 7.62 million (15.5 percent) for the first time. The footage shows a drunken Kim Dong-seon, 27, the youngest of the Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn's three sons, assaulting employees in a bar in Seoul's upscale Gangnam district in the early morning of last Thursday. / Screencaptured from YouTube By Hong Dam-young Video footage shows the Hanwha Group Chairman's youngest son in a bar attack, according to cable TV network YTN on Tuesday. The footage shows a drunken Kim Dong-seon, 29, the youngest of Chairman Kim Seung-youn's three sons, assaulting employees in a bar in Seoul's upscale Gangnam district in the early morning of last Thursday. In the video, Kim crawls up to a table and repeatedly smacks an employee's head and face. Kim was arrested on the spot on charges of violence and obstruction of business. Asia's biggest drone exhibition "Drone Show Korea 2017" will be held in Haeundae, Busan, from Jan. 19-21. / Courtesy of Drone Show Korea By Hong Dam-young Asia's biggest drone exhibition "Drone Show Korea 2017" will be held in Haeundae, Busan, from Jan. 19-21. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the city government, the exhibition will feature 350 booths from 80 companies at BEXCO Exhibition Hall in a bigger show than the last year, according to Yonhap news agency. More than 30 experts in the drone industry will discuss its future. "Visitors will be able to get a glimpse of the industry's future, especially its application to air traffic control and the GPS system," said a local government official. "There is also a variety of participatory events for the public to learn how to handle drones correctly, such as Drone Flying Experience." Several public institutions including the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Public Safety and Security, and the Aviation Safety Technology Center will also attend the event to seek ways to apply drone technology to their services. For more information, visit www.droneshowkorea.com or contact 051-740-7409. By Choi Ha-young Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will receive the Rose of Sharon Medal, one of the highest honors from the government for his contributions to the country, according to the Prime Minister's Office, Tuesday. The medal will be awarded as soon as Ban returns home, Thursday. "Ban contributed to enhancing the nation's international status while working as the U.N. chief for 10 years," a government official said. "This is regardless of what he will do in Korea after returning from New York. This is in recognition of his work as the U.N. chief." Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday it is still considering whether to hold a welcome-home event for Ban, who was the country's foreign minister from 2004 to 2006. It previously said it scaled down celebrations for him out of concerns that such an event might cause a political dispute, as Ban has virtually declared his presidential bid. "We will briefly greet Ban at the airport and coordinate his meetings with high-ranking government officials, but this is a conventional procedure when international leaders visit here," said a ministry official. "We are being cautious so that it is not interpreted politically." Earlier, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said the ministry was considering "doing something" for Ban for his role in international peace and elevating Korea's status abroad. However, the government's ceremony has produced a strong backlash from liberal politicians who are against Ban's challenge to the presidency. The election is possibly slated for early this year. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has defined a welcome home event for Ban as "presidential election interference." DPK leader Rep. Choo Mi-ae urged Ban to turn down a ceremony, even if it is offered. Ban is being courted by several parties as a presidential candidate. Not only the ruling Saenuri Party but also its breakaway group Bareun Jeongdang and the minor opposition People's Party are eager to recruit Ban. Ban will have busy schedule After arriving home, Ban plans to visit the May 18th National Cemetery, a symbol of the democratization movement, and Paengmok Harbor on Jindo Island to pay his respects to the victims of the Sewol ferry sinking. Numerous opposition presidential hopefuls have visited the harbor since the beginning of the New Year. "Ban's visit to the harbor means a separation from President Park," said Bae Jong-chan, the chief director of political pollster Research and Research. "He is aiming to deliver a message of integration across ideology, region and generation." After the schedule, Ban is likely to meet the wife of the late President Roh Moo-hyun, Kwon Yang-sook, at Bongha Village, Roh's hometown in South Gyeongsang Province. Ban has long been criticized as a "betrayer" for his indifference to Roh who supported his career to become the U.N. chief. "Ban didn't offer his condolences to Roh, to make points to incumbent President Park," said Roh's core associate, South Chungcheong Governor An Hee-jung. "It's such a shame that he now says he visited Roh's tomb secretly two years after Roh's death." Ban is also being criticized by opposition parties for his past praise of a "comfort women" agreement between Korea and Japan in December 2015, one of impeached President Park Geun-hye's diplomatic legacies. Beijing's action seen as protest to THAAD deployment By Jun Ji-hye Chinese military aircraft entered Korea's air defense zone near Jeju Island dozens of times last year in an apparent show of force against neighboring countries, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Tuesday. Ten planes including six bombers entered the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) over Ieodo, a submerged rock controlled by Korea, without prior notification, Monday. The planes flew into the KADIZ several times from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., prompting Seoul to counter by sending 10 fighter jets including F-15Ks and KF-16s to the area. Also, eight of the Chinese planes flew into the Japanese Air Defense Identification Zone (JADIZ), according to NHK. The Chinese action might be the latest in a series of retaliatory steps against Korea's decision to allow the deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system here, observers said. Situated about 149 kilometers southwest of Jeju Island, Ieodo is an area where the air defense zones of Korea, China and Japan overlap. In November 2013, China unilaterally expanded its own zone to cover the airspace over Ieodo and other islands off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. In December of the same year, Korea announced an expansion of the KADIZ to counter the Chinese move, which also included airspace over Ieodo and the southern islands of Marado and Hongdo. By Kang Seung-woo The government nullified the passport of Chung Yoo-ra, Tuesday, the daughter of the central figure in a corruption scandal that has unseated President Park Geun-hye, paving the way for her deportation from Denmark. However, it remains to be seen whether the Danish authorities will expel Chung to Korea soon due to an ongoing investigation. Chung, who has been in custody since she was arrested on Jan. 1 on charges of staying in Denmark illegally, is suspected of receiving preferential treatment from Ewha Womans University in admissions and grading as well as favors related to her dressage career from Samsung Electronics on the back of her mother's ties to President Park. She has been wanted by investigators since her mother was indicted in November on charges of abusing power to gain various business and personal favors. "As Chung failed to turn in her passport by Jan. 9, we invalidated it," a ministry official said. On Jan. 3, the ministry ordered Chung to turn in her passport in a bid to pressure her to return home and face investigation, but she did not comply by the given deadline. Under the law, a passport becomes invalid a week after such an order is issued. The ministry notified the Danish authorities and Interpol of the decision to prevent Chung from using her passport. The government believes the measure will pave the way for her deportation to her home country because the passport nullification has made her an illegal alien. If Danish authorities decide to expel her, Chung will face questioning by the independent counsel team looking into the corruption and influence-peddling scandal. President Park was impeached on Dec. 9 over her connection to the scandal. However, it remains uncertain if the Danish authorities will deport Chung immediately. Although Chung is an illegal alien in Denmark, the country is expected to detain her until all judicial proceedings against her are finished. The independent counsel team recently sent an extradition request as well as legal documents on the allegations against her to the Danish prosecution, but Mohammad Ahsan, deputy director at Denmark's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, said her extradition may take a few weeks, citing the high volume of documents in the request that need to be studied completely. In addition, even if the Danish prosecution decides to deport Chung, she can appeal the decision, which can prolong the extradition process, as evidenced by her recent hiring of a high-profile Danish attorney. By Kim Hyo-jin In Myung-jin, interim leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, said Tuesday that he is considering expelling impeached President Park Geun-hye from the party. "I'm collecting opinions from party members about this while taking public opinion into consideration," In said during a radio interview. In, the newly-appointed chief, has pressured key loyalists of Park to leave the party as part of his efforts to resuscitate it in the fallout of the corruption scandal involving the President and her confidant Choi Soon-sil. Whether to sever the relations with the impeached President has been another issue for In amid aggravated public opinion against her. Park has appealed to keep her party membership in the post-impeachment stage but it has been a burden for the party as it is seeking to shake off the tarnished image caused by the corruption scandal ahead of the presidential election possibly slated for early this year. In indicated that it could take time to be sorted out, saying, "It's really tricky now that she has been impeached by the Assembly. The meaning of her presidency matters more than that of her party membership for now." Meanwhile, In has ratcheted up his reformist push in the party in defiance of key loyalists to Park Rep. Suh Chung-won, an eight-term lawmaker and the de-facto leader of the pro-Park faction, and Rep. Choi Kyung-hwan, a former finance minister under the Park administration. He started establishing the leadership committee, Monday, by appointing former Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-soo and Rep. Park Wan-soo as its members. Floor leader Rep. Chung Woo-taik and chief policymaker Rep. Lee Hyun-jae were appointed as ex officio members. He barely managed to summon the loyalists-controlled party's national standing committee and get approval of his nominations at a second attempt. The first attempt to hold the committee meeting fell through last week as the key Park followers leaned on its members not to attend, party officials said. The officials expected that In would gain momentum in his push to oust Park loyalists with the newly-formed leadership body. In urged the key loyalists to quit the party during the first meeting of the leadership committee. "I hope those who are still wielding power in factional politics will back off and stop resisting the flow for reform," he said. Reprimanding the loyalists, In said, "What they have shown in the process of sabotaging the party's national committee meeting can be likened to the obsolete politics from the 1950s." The new leadership body will be able to form a party ethics committee. It can officially expel party members with two-thirds of the support from the party lawmakers. Suh has strongly resisted In's call to leave the party, labeling him a "tyrant." He filed a lawsuit against In, Monday, for a breach of the law on political parties and defamation of members. #PM-trapped miners PM urges utmost efforts to rescue 2 trapped miners Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Friday called for utmost efforts to rescue two miners trapped underground for 10 days. They have been isolated in a vertical shaft about 190 mete... The three-member rock and roll/blues band Billy Carter. / Courtesy of Billy Carter By Jon Dunbar The three-piece rock and roll/blues band Billy Carter begins a six-city tour of Korea this weekend. Starting with Daegu and Daejeon, they'll also swing by Gwangju, Jeonju, Busan and Seoul the following weekends, playing shows across Korea each Friday and Saturday to support small local music scenes and share a stage with the indie bands there. "Each city has its own atmosphere," said Billy Carter's lead vocalist Kim Goyang, who also plays keyboard for Seoul ska-punk band Skasucks. "Whenever I play outside of Seoul, I could feel the people really enjoy and appreciate gigs. That's really cheering and thankful." Billy Carter began when Kim started playing acoustic blues in 2011 with Kim Jina, former frontwoman of punk band Kickscotch. They spent a year in the U.K., touring extensively. Back in Korea in 2014 they started afresh, adding Lee Hyun-joon on drums, forming today's incarnation of the band. Their latest release, "Here I Am," passes their rock and blues influences through a psychedelic kaleidoscope. With their off-the-rails physical performances, they've become a staple in Seoul's music scene, making the top six in the 2015 K-Rookies battle of the bands and earning three nominations at the 2016 Korean Music Awards (KMAs). "Hongdae nowadays is huge and has lots of gigs every weekend," Kim said, "but still I hope there are more scenes all over the country with their own character of each city." The tour starts this Friday at 8 p.m. at Daegu's Club Heavy, performing with local indie band March Kings. Saturday at 7 p.m., they're in Daejeon's Budgie Live Hall with local punk legends Burning Hepburn and Smoking Goose. The following week, they hit the Jeolla region with Jeonju rock duo 57, first hitting Gwangju's Club Nevermind on Jan. 20, then Jeonju Creative Support Center with local band Nonifi on Jan. 21. "It's the first time for us to perform in Gwangju," Kim said. "So excited!" Next month they have two shows in Busan, first in Basement with local rock group Say Sue Me on Feb. 3 then at Realize with punk band Stoned and rock duo B9 on Feb. 4. The weekend tour ends Saturday, Feb. 11 with a homecoming concert at Hongdae's Club FF, with Seoul bands Diealright, Whatever That Means, Wasted Johnny's and National Pigeon Unity. "Billy Carter is not a big or famous band but still I want to try more on making gigs outside of Seoul," Kim said, "even if it costs a lot." For more information visit facebook.com/blyctr for more. By Joseph S. Nye, Jr. CAMBRIDGE As US President-elect Donald Trump prepares his administration's policy toward China, he should be wary of two major traps that history has set for him. The "Thucydides Trap," cited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, refers to the warning by the ancient Greek historian that cataclysmic war can erupt if an established power (like the United States) becomes too fearful of a rising power (like China). But Trump also has to worry about the "Kindleberger Trap": a China that seems too weak rather than too strong. Charles Kindleberger, an intellectual architect of the Marshall Plan who later taught at MIT, argued that the disastrous decade of the 1930s was caused when the US replaced Britain as the largest global power but failed to take on Britain's role in providing global public goods. The result was the collapse of the global system into depression, genocide, and world war. Today, as China's power grows, will it help provide global public goods? In domestic politics, governments produce public goods such as policing or a clean environment, from which all citizens can benefit and none are excluded. At the global level, public goods such as a stable climate, financial stability, or freedom of the seas are provided by coalitions led by the largest powers. Small countries have little incentive to pay for such global public goods. Because their small contributions make little difference to whether they benefit or not, it is rational for them to ride for free. But the largest powers can see the effect and feel the benefit of their contributions. So it is rational for the largest countries to lead. When they do not, global public goods are under-produced. When Britain became too weak to play that role after World War I, an isolationist US continued to be a free rider, with disastrous results. Some observers worry that as China's power grows, it will free ride rather than contribute to an international order that it did not create. So far, the record is mixed. China benefits from the United Nations system, where it has a veto in the Security Council. It is now the second-largest funder of UN peacekeeping forces, and it participated in UN programs related to Ebola and climate change. China has also benefited greatly from multilateral economic institutions like the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. In 2015, China launched the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which some saw as an alternative to the World Bank; but the new institution adheres to international rules and cooperates with the World Bank. On the other hand, China's rejection of a Permanent Court of Arbitration judgment last year against its territorial claims in the South China Sea raises troublesome questions. Thus far, however, Chinese behavior has sought not to overthrow the liberal world order from which it benefits, but to increase its influence within it. If pressed and isolated by Trump's policy, however, will China become a disruptive free rider that pushes the world into a Kindleberger Trap? Trump must also worry about the better-known Thucydides Trap: a China that seems too strong rather than too weak. There is nothing inevitable about this trap, and its effects are often exaggerated. For example, the political scientist Graham Allison has argued that in 12 of 16 cases since 1500 when an established power has confronted a rising power, the result has been a major war. But these numbers are not accurate, because it is not clear what constitutes a "case." For example, Britain was the dominant world power in the mid-nineteenth century, but it let Prussia create a powerful new German empire in the heart of the European continent. Of course, Britain did fight Germany a half-century later, in 1914, but should that be counted as one case or two? World War I was not simply a case of an established Britain responding to a rising Germany. In addition to the rise of Germany, WWI was caused by the fear in Germany of Russia's growing power, the fear of rising Slavic nationalism in a declining Austria-Hungary, as well as myriad other factors that differed from ancient Greece. As for current analogies, today's power gap between the US and China is much greater than that between Germany and Britain in 1914. Metaphors can be useful as general precautions, but they become dangerous when they convey a sense of historical inexorableness. Even the classical Greek case is not as straightforward as Thucydides made it seem. He claimed that the cause of the second Peloponnesian War was the growth of the power of Athens and the fear it caused in Sparta. But the Yale historian Donald Kagan has shown that Athenian power was in fact not growing. Before the war broke out in 431 BC, the balance of power had begun to stabilize. Athenian policy mistakes made the Spartans think that war might be worth the risk. Athens' growth caused the first Peloponnesian War earlier in the century, but then a Thirty-Year Truce doused the fire. Kagan argues that to start the second, disastrous war, a spark needed to land on one of the rare bits of kindling that had not been thoroughly drenched and then continually and vigorously fanned by poor policy choices. In other words, the war was caused not by impersonal forces, but by bad decisions in difficult circumstances. That is the danger that Trump confronts with China today. He must worry about a China that is simultaneously too weak and too strong. To achieve his objectives, he must avoid the Kindleberger trap as well as the Thucydides trap. But, above all, he must avoid the miscalculations, misperceptions, and rash judgments that plague human history. Joseph S. Nye Jr. is a professor at Harvard and author of Is the American Century Over? Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate. A soot-covered North Korean factory worker takes off his gloves at the Pyongyang 326 Electric Wire Factory in Pyongyang, North Korea, Tuesday. The country's leader, Kim Jong-un, made the call on New Year's day for the nation to keep building up its nuclear and long-range missile capacity, which have brought severe international sanctions, while at the same time expanding the economy to lift the nation's standard of living. / AP-Yonhap By Yi Whan-woo U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is likely to unveil tough stance against North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs at a press conference, Wednesday, analysts said Tuesday. This will be Trump's first press conference since his victory in the November election, before which he held two opposing views of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un proposing "hamburger talks" on the one hand and calling him a "maniac" on the other. Trump may put aside the friendly overture and instead may speak about Kim and his regime in a hawkish tone, which may provide a glimpse of his administration's policy toward the reclusive nation. The analysts speculated that the North Korean leader provoked the macho and unpredictable U.S. president-elect in his New Year message. Kim said his country was close to test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The ICBM could strike the U.S. mainland theoretically. Trump tweeted about Kim's speech, Jan. 2, that "It won't happen!" "It's uncertain whether Trump meant to downplay North Korea's nuclear weapons capability or was issuing a warning to Pyongyang about firing an ICBM toward the U.S.," said Kim Yeoul-soo, an international politics professor at Sungshin Women's University. "However, given Trump's volatile and unpredictable nature, it makes more sense to me that Trump meant to threaten North Korea on his Twitter post. In this context, Trump is likely to give a warning to Pyongyang at the press conference." The professor, however, said that Trump has yet to give details on possible measures to be taken by his administration on the North. A U.S. expert at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) voiced a similar view, citing that North Korea has demanded that the incoming Trump administration recognize it as a nuclear state. "Carrots and sticks are the two possible options that Trump has in dealing with North Korea for its denuclearization," said Kim Hyun-wook, a KNDA professor. "But it will be meaningless to recognize Pyongyang as a nuclear state as a precondition to resume dialogue. I think Trump may be left with putting pressure on the Kim regime to give up its nuclear weapons." Park Won-gon, an international relations professor at Handong Global University, said Trump may mention the Kim regime while highlighting the row between the U.S. and China and bringing up issues about U.S. national security. "For Trump, everything will be about costs and profits and he will not be interested in denuclearization of North Korea unless such an issue concerns economic and other U.S. national interests," Park said. "Given this climate, Trump may ask China to exercise more leverage on North Korea as part of efforts to press Beijing. He also may touch on North Korea while talking about U.S. national security and threats posed by Pyongyang." Park also said Trump is unlikely to impose "secondary boycott" on North Korea. "Such a boycott mostly targets Chinese businesses and it will ultimately hurt the U.S. economy, which Trump doesn't want to happen," he explained. By Lee Seong-hyon South Korea is a latecomer when it comes to public diplomacy. It can learn from Taiwan's experience, especially its public diplomacy with the United States. It's a fitting proposition because there is a view that South Korea, under Park Geun-hye, displayed the appearance of "tilting" towards China at the expense of the U.S., its major ally. Meanwhile, the recent phone conversation between U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen was hailed as a victory for Taiwan's lobby. In fact, it can also be viewed as a victory for Taiwan's public diplomacy that has had a robust presence in the U.S. for decades. The difference between Taiwan and South Korea is that Seoul has a formal alliance with Washington that leads Koreans to believe that the U.S. will defend them in case of a war. In this institutionalized alliance system, South Korea didn't feel the dire need to invest amply in public diplomacy towards the U.S., being allies, friendship was taken for granted. The relationship was seen as something that required little maintenance and greasing. On the contrary, Taiwan doesn't have a formal alliance with the U.S. It also lost U.N.-member statehood to China in 1971 when the world body chose to recognize the People's Republic of China (P.R.C.). Feeling vulnerable, Taiwan early on invested heavily in public diplomacy with the U.S., hoping that the world's superpower would stand by Taiwan in times of trouble in the geopolitical jungle. The origin of Taiwan's public diplomacy can be traced to May-ling Soong (Soong Mei-ling), who later became Chiang Kai-shek (Jiang Jieshi)'s wife. In 1917, she graduated from Wellesley College, an exclusive all-female college, comparable to South Korea's Ewha Womans University. Many graduates of Wellesley were married to American political figures and Soong's alma mater connection also turned out very helpful for her networking in the U.S. Soong herself was a charismatic figure. Having been versed in both Chinese and western culture, Soong gained popularity in the U.S. with her talent for public speaking and personal charm. She was on the cover of Time magazine three times and addressed the U.S. Congress in 1943. When she visited the U.S. again, a crowd of 30,000 gathered to see her. Life magazine called her the "most powerful women in the world." Overall, Soong is widely regarded as having paved the way for Taiwan's public diplomacy in the United States. Even today Taiwan maintains a close network with the U.S. Congress. The Congressional Taiwan Caucus, for example, is the second largest country caucus with 137 members. The Korea Caucus, for reference, had only 58 members, as of 2013. A defining feature of Taiwan's public diplomacy is its utilization of Taiwanese-Americans in the U.S. who engage their local politicians. Of notable is the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA). Founded in 1982, the organization has branch offices in each state and deploys outreach to the local congressmen and senators. Their engagement in the local community and local concerns naturally make them a powerful constituency in U.S. politics. On the other hand, South Korea's public diplomacy is centered around holding conferences and cultural events, organized by Korean delegations visiting the U.S., with the help of the Korean embassy. In a nutshell, the Taiwan public diplomacy is more locally grounded; the Korean public diplomacy is more like a one-time event. Another contrast is that Taiwan's public diplomacy tends not to emphasize the term "public diplomacy," while South Korea openly features its diplomacy prominently. For instance, South Korea holds many government-sponsored conferences abroad, literally titled "public diplomacy forum." Taiwan is subtler, using instead wordings such as "international exchange," wishing to avoid the negative connotations of "propaganda," embedded in the term public diplomacy. In addition, Taiwan's outreach toward the U.S. is on a "party-to-party" basis, while that of South Korea is on a "government-to-government" basis. Taken together, for a public diplomacy strategy to succeed, first, it is helpful to have some distance from the government. Even though it is funded by the government, the government doesn't have to be in the front seat and visible all the time. Taiwan intentionally keeps the government "invisible" in conducting public diplomacy. The Korean government seems to be too eager to be shown out front. Second, Korea should engage in strategic thinking about whether it is more effective to achieve a goal through lobbying or public diplomacy. Lobbying is legal in the United States. Public diplomacy is a long-term process. Lobbying is about a pending issue. They can have a synergetic effect, as seen in the Trump-Tsai phone call. They can, however, backfire when unscrupulously combined; South Korea has suffered one such case recently. Third, South Korea should not only think about public diplomacy "toward" the U.S., but also "with" the U.S. Instead of making one-sided crusades to earn the hearts and minds of Americans, it should also find new agenda items that both Korean and American citizens can engage in together. People bond easily when they work together for a common cause. For instance, lately, the U.S. has ramped up its campaign for freedom of information in North Korea seeing that as a major way of raising North Korean citizens' awareness of the outside world by sending USBs, DVDs, and radios into North Korea. There are already likeminded American and Korean NGOs involved in this new digital public diplomacy frontier. Lee Seong-hyon, Ph.D., is a research fellow at the Sejong Institute. Reach him atsunnybbsfs@gmail.com Presidential runners must be prudent and cool-headed Korean diplomacy faces tough challenges on all fronts. Japan has recalled its ambassador to Seoul and a consul general in Busan to protest a civic group's installation of a statue symbolizing Tokyo's wartime sex slavery before the Japanese consulate in Busan. Our neighbor also halted talks on a bilateral currency swap agreement with Seoul. In his NHK interview, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged South Korea to show sincerity in implementing the ''comfort women'' agreement reached in late 2015. We are speechless with the nonsensical reality that the assailants who committed a crime against humanity chide the victims. China has been hell-bent on retaliating in response to Seoul's decision to host a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system here. The country with the world's second-largest economy admitted this last week when a group of opposition lawmakers visited. We cannot but feel the arrogance of a neighboring superpower, which has cut off all official channels and is trying to inflame our internal schism by rolling out the red carpet for our senseless lawmakers. The Trump administration's inauguration next week will also produce formidable challenges. Even at this moment, it is hard to know what his policies on the Korean Peninsula will be. Given that during his campaign the president-elect asked Seoul to pay more to keep American troops here, our anxiety is growing. The magnitude of diplomatic challenges facing Korea is serious indeed amid a leadership vacuum caused by the parliamentary impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. But a bigger problem is that parties and presidential hopefuls are competing fiercely to overturn sensitive diplomatic agreements even at the risk of hurting our alliance with Washington. Woo Sang-ho, floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, claims Seoul should return the 1 billion yen it received from Japan and nullify the comfort women accord, and most opposition contenders support his argument. The opposition parties also call for shelving the THAAD deployment or withdrawing its agreement, citing China's retaliation. But it is hard to know what the backlash might be. Trump, who sees all relations as deals, might want to pull U.S. servicemen out of the peninsula. Especially on the THHAD issue, there is fear that Seoul will set a bad precedent of yielding to Beijing's pressure, let alone damage the Seoul-Washington alliance. One of the most important principles in diplomacy is consistency. Unless this is upheld, nations cannot trust each other. There is no doubt that agreements must be honored. All this requires our presidential runners to be more prudent and cool-headed about security and diplomatic issues. A fundamental change of policy direction must come following a significant policy review after taking power. University students in Korea pose after being selected as this year's LG Electronics' Assistive Technology Education & Competition program participants, at the firm's headquarters in Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of LG Electronics By Lee Min-hyung LG Electronics said Tuesday that it will help students in Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) develop a mobile application for disabled people. The Seoul-based company has recently selected a group of 10 university students in Korea, offering them education courses such as computer coding and cultural differences between the two countries. Following the month-long pre-education program, the company will send them to the UAE next month. They will then team up with local university students there to jointly develop the application for the handicapped. The application will be available for downloading around July. "The program is expected to foster cultural exchanges between the two countries," Choi Yong-geun, president at LG Electronics Gulf, said in a statement. "Students' creative outcomes are expected to contribute to the lives of disabled people there." The move comes as part of the firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help those in need. The company has been running the program, called Assistive Technology Education & Competition, since last year, by teaming up with Seoul National University and Sharjah City of Humanitarian Services there. Last year, the firm helped students develop an app, helping people with dementia save photos and information in their surroundings in real-time. LG also introduced a gaming app for autistic children, which teaches them economic concepts. "I, as an engineering student and a hearing-impaired person, decided to apply for the program, because I want to help other disabled people to live more convenient lives," Seong Jae-hoon, one of the selected student for this year's program, said. By Lee Min-hyung Samsung Electronics has begun a software update to cap the battery charging capacity of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone at 15 percent, in a desperate bid to retrieve all remaining handsets here. This is the latest in a series of countermeasures to kill the ill-fated handset due to lingering safety concerns over its reported battery fires. Since late last year, the firm prevented unreturned Note 7 devices from charging and connecting to mobile networks in Australia and Canada. The company, however, did not adopt the relatively hard-line measures in the Korean market, as its return rate here remains lower than overseas markets. "For each marketplace, we adopt different measures to retrieve the handset, as we have to conduct a thorough discussion with regulatory bodies and mobile carriers for each country," a Samsung Electronics spokeswoman said. "In Korea, more than 95 percent of Note 7 users have so far returned their devices." But the company still remains in dilemma over its policy here, as the latest software update is not mandatory for Korean users. Currently, the company cannot force users to update their devices via the software update, leading some remaining customers to continue to use the handset. "For now, no specific measures have been drawn to resolve the issue," said the official. "We can only encourage existing Note 7 users to return their devices by notifying them of the software update." The much-hyped handset made its global debut in mid-August. Korea was the second-largest market in terms of its sales volume of some 550,000, following some 1.9 million in the U.S. In the U.S. market, the company has agreed with the country's major mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile over the measure to kill the device. Verizon previously rejected the Samsung request, as the firm was of the position that this could cause problems in the case of emergencies. But starting Jan. 5, the company also joined the move, restricting Note 7 users there from charging their handsets at all. For Korea, the company started restricting the Note 7 battery from charging over 60 percent. The measure took effect to some extent, helping raise the return rate here above 90 percent. But concerns that continuing reports over its possible fires can tarnish the firm's brand image, the company has decided to tighten charging to 15 percent. At the instance of President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia, the high level ECOWAS mediation mission led by Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari has pushed forward its visit to Banjul, the capital of Gambia, to Friday. President Buharis office disclosed this on Tuesday, according to Premium Times. In accepting to postpone the visit earlier planned to take place on Wednesday, President Buhari, who is mediating alongside John Mahama, the immediate past president of Ghana, said the delay notwithstanding, the mandate of the ECOWAS will be accomplished. President Buhari reiterated the appeal on Monday by ECOWAS leaders that Gambian leaders do everything they can to douse tension in the West African country, which has led citizens to leave the country for fear of violence. The Nigerian leader said ECOWAS is committed to the resolution of the crisis through inclusive dialogue with respect to the constitution and the will of the people of Gambia. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates PRESS RELEASE Committee for the Republic Launches Ending Presidential Wars Initiative Jan. 9, 2017 (EIRNS)In June of 2013, Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina introduced H. Con. Resolution 40, stating that whereas the Constitution "entrusted decisions to initiate offensive warfare not in self-defense exclusively to the U.S. Congress," the Presidentthat is, Obama "is prohibited under the Constitution from the offensive use of the United States Armed Forces in Syria without prior express authorization by an Act of Congress," and any defiance of that constitutional limitation on his authority "would constitute an impeachable high crime and misdemeanor under Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution." The Congress failed to implement that proper and needed action, but the "Committee for the Republic," a politically-diverse and well-connected group founded by former diplomat Chas Freeman, last week launched a similar initiative, this time aimed to keep President-to-be Trump from being forced into continuing Obamas unconstitutional war policies. At their Jan. 5 meeting in Washington, D.C., the Committee kicked off a "No Presidential Wars" campaign, focused on getting current Congressmen and -women to sign a pledge that they, if a Representative, will support an article of impeachment against any President who commences war against either a state or non-state actor without a declaration of war duly enacted by Congress as required under Article I, section 8, clause 11 of the Constitution, or, if a Senator, will vote to convict said President under such impeachment. Speakers referred to the nine known wars in which the U.S.under Obamais currently engaged without Congressional authorization, including the wars against ISIS and Al Qaeda, as well as in Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Successive presidents have launched wars and belligerent activities which "have murdered millions of foreigners and generated increasingly savage blowback against us and our allies and friends," and "have burdened our posterity with previously unimaginable levels of debt," Chas Freeman said in his remarks to the meeting. "We must ensure that future wars are not launched by secret councils in the Sit[uation] Room, that the purposes, costs, and potential benefits of using American military power are forthrightly debated in Congress." Constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein motivated the pledge, citing Nixons removal from office as the Constitutions finest hour, a standard for today. Washington, D.C., Tea Party head Thomas Whitmore spoke of mobilizing the energy of recent "citizen uprisings"including in the "raw nerve" struck by both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trumptowards their Congressmen to sign the pledge to end the "continuous Presidential wars." Rep. Thomas Massie, a co-sponsor of Joness H. Con. Res. 40, spoke at the meeting; Rep. Jones reportedly planned to attend, but could not do so, due to last-minute Congressional business. German automaker Volkswagen said Tuesday that it was in advanced talks with United States authorities over a proposed settlement in its diesel emissions scandal under which the company would pay $4.3 billion in criminal and civil fines. The draft settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Customs and Border Protection would include the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee the companys compliance and control measures for three years. A company statement issued Tuesday said that under the proposal, Volkswagen would agree to a guilty plea to criminal law provisions. Advertisement The draft would need to be approved by Volkswagens boards and by U.S. courts. Volkswagen said its management board of top executives, which includes Chief Executive Matthias Mueller, and its board of directors would deal with the issue in the very short term, as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. A final conclusion of the settlement agreement is further subject to the execution by the competent U.S. authorities and to the approval of the competent U.S. courts, the company said. The penalties would exceed the amounts Volkswagen has set aside to cover costs from the scandal, but the specific impact on 2016 earnings cannot be defined at present, the statement said. Volkswagen already had deducted $19.2 billion from earnings to account for the expected costs of fines, settlements and recalls. The company has admitted to equipping diesel cars with software that turned up emissions controls when the car was being tested, and turned them down during normal driving, improving engine performance but exceeding emission limits. Volkswagen has reached a $15-billion civil settlement with environmental authorities and car owners in the U.S. under which it agreed to buy back up to 500,000 vehicles. The company also faces an investor lawsuit and criminal investigation in Germany. In all, some 11 million vehicles worldwide were equipped with the cheating software. The scandal was revealed in September 2015, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation. Then-CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned and was succeeded by Mueller. The company has apologized and brought in U.S. law firm Jones Day to investigate. Oliver Schmidt, the companys former head of U.S. environmental compliance, was arrested over the weekend in Florida. Another employee, engineer James Liang, has pleaded guilty in the criminal case. Volkswagen would not be the first automaker to reach a high-dollar settlement with the U.S. Justice Department. In a 2014 agreement with the department, Toyota agreed to pay a $1.2-billion fine over unintended acceleration problems. Similarly, General Motors agreed in 2015 to pay $900 million to resolve a deadly ignition-switch scandal, striking a deal that avoided criminal charges against individual executives. ALSO Snapchat in 2017: 7 predictions about whats next Trumps tweets are a new challenge for automakers Meet the Hollywood producer at the center of a scandal shaking the Israeli government UPDATES: 2 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with details, comments and background information. This article was originally published at 11:50 a.m. As my colleague Lisa Mascaro is reporting Monday, Congressional Republicans are still planning to push through a package of bills sponsored by the National Rifle Assn. aimed at making it easier to purchase silencers. Thats happening even as gun-safety experts observe that silencers might have increased the carnage of Sundays Las Vegas Strip massacre, as the sound of gunfire prompted many people to run for cover; suppressing the sound could have left more people exposed to injury for longer, while also making it more difficult for law-enforcement officials to pinpoint the source of the gunfire. I addressed the silencer issue in the column reprinted below, which originally ran on Jan. 10. Im reposting it now because of its dismal relevance to current events. ------------------------------ Advertisement The gun lobby certainly is adept at promoting counterintuitive (and probably counterproductive) policy positions, such as that the answer to gun violence in America is more guns. Politicians certainly are adept at giving their bills titles that conceal their purpose, like calling a bill that narrows privacy rights and constrains civil liberties the Patriot Act. Put these proclivities together, and you get the Hearing Protection Act, introduced Monday by Reps. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and John Carter (R-Texas). From the title alone, youd have no idea that its about deregulating the sale of gun silencers. Silencers are part of the appeal of the militarized firearm. The industry sells them as an add-on. Kristen Rand, Violence Policy Center Stiff federal regulations on silencers date back to 1934, when they were enacted as part of a crackdown on machine guns and other instruments of mobster violence. (Thanks to the Washington Posts Michael Rosenwald for some of this history.) In recent years, theyve stuck in the gun lobbys craw, as do most restrictions on the sale of firearms and related equipment. But treating the use of silencers as a public health issue is a relatively new twist. It was first tried in connection with a precursor bill to the Duncan-Carter measure that was introduced in 2015 and died in committee. The silencer industry also has a new high-profile celebrity endorser: Donald Trump Jr., an avid hunter who can be seen in a promotional video for Utah-based SilencerCo. Advocates of the measure say silencers, or suppressors, to use the preferred industry term, have been given a bad rap by Hollywood and pulp fiction. They says silencers dont normally reduce the noise of a gunshot to the quiet thump, like a fist hitting a pillow, that one hears in James Bond movies, but only enough to stave off hearing loss and allow hunters to hear each other in the wild. A video featured on the website Bearing Arms (whose editor, Bob Owens, contributed a pro-silencer op-ed to the Los Angeles Times last year) tries to make the case that even with silencers, gunshots fired inside a home remain distinct and unmistakable. Actually, the sound of at least the lower-powered silenced weapons in the clip might be difficult to identify as gunshots; you be the judge. Suppressors do not make guns silent or dangerous, Rep. Carter said in introducing the bill. They are simply a form of hearing protection, both for the shooter and their hunting dogs. Public misunderstanding about silencers has made them harder to buy than guns themselves. Under the 1934 National Firearms Act, buyers must specifically register, undergo a federal screening that can take nine months and pay a $200 tax. (The tax hasnt been raised since the 1930s, when it was deemed high enough to discourage virtually any sales.) Those are the same restrictions governing hand grenades and land mines, though of course there isnt an industry push to expand sales of those devices. In eight states, including California, New York and Massachusetts, civilian ownership of silencers is banned outright. Manufacturers say its illogical to raise a higher bars to silencer purchases than gun purchases, but this is a double-edged sword. They may be right, but thats an argument for making guns as hard to buy as silencers, rather than the other way around. Gun control advocates dont buy these pro-silencer arguments and neither should you. The argument that silencer sales promote public health by protecting hearing is a smokescreen, they say, for a deregulatory initiative that would largely benefit the firearms industry while increasing the dangers of firearm violence. Theres no evidence of a public health issue associated with hearing loss from gunfire, says Kristin Brown of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. There is evidence of a public health crisis from gun violence, and we think thats where legislative efforts should be directed. Others point to indications that silencers can reduce public awareness of developing firearm attacks and interfere with law enforcement. That appeared to happen in the 2013 Southern California murder rampage of former Los Angeles police Officer Christopher Dorner. As The Times reported, Dorners early morning killing of a couple in a parked car in Irvine initially went undetected, even though he loosed 14 gunshots apparently with a silenced weapon. Later in the rampage, when Dorner was cornered in the San Bernardino National Forest, his use of a silenced sniper rifle made it difficult for sheriffs deputies under fire to pinpoint his position. Silencer makers themselves boast that the equipment makes rifles more accurate and allows more rapid follow-up shots by reducing recoil and muzzle flip, in the words of a promotional brochure from Advanced Armament Corp. That raises the prospect of even more carnage from determined mass shooters. Gun violence activists see the push for silencer deregulation as largely a marketing ploy by the manufacturing industry. The industry is focused on producing and selling military-style firearms, observes Kristen Rand, legislative director of the Violence Policy Center. Silencers are part of the appeal of the militarized firearm. The industry sells them as an add-on. That may explain Donald Trump Jr.s real role as an advocate. His endorsement is highly unlikely to expand acceptance of a gun deregulation among those who already favor stricter controls; but it may help to sell silencers to gun buyers already aligned with his fathers politics. The real flaw in the silencer lobbys efforts, however, may be the patent obviousness of their fakery. Calling the Duncan-Carter bill the Hearing Protection Act is so absurdly transparent an effort to deceive that voters may be prompted to ask an obvious question: What are they hiding? Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Return to Michael Hiltziks blog. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has been a cable news talking head for 20 years. But hes never been more popular than he is right now as his 2-month-old Fox News show Tucker Carlson Tonight, which on Monday moves into the 9 p.m. Eastern time period to replace NBC-bound Megyn Kelly. After being chosen by Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of Fox News parent 21st Century Fox, to take over the 7 p.m. slot on Nov. 14, Carlson boosted the ratings 23% year-to-year in December. Carlson, 47, talks about his recent promotion and why its been years since hes worn a bow tie. Youve been a part of the cable news scene for a long time, and now youre hot all of a sudden. Why do you think that is? I work for Fox. I put on decent shows that nobody watched because nobody watched the channels I was working for. Im not being falsely modest. I think Ive probably gotten a little better over 20 years. But the network youre on is all important. I know its true, because Ive worked for all of them. Fox News has a big audience, and Im a beneficiary of that. Advertisement A year ago, before the primaries began, you wrote a piece for Politico about Donald Trumps appeal that turned out to be pretty prescient, even though it opened with a vulgar answering machine message he once left you. What did you get about his candidacy that others missed? I could sympathize with some of Trumps themes. I wasnt sold on Trump the man, thats for sure. But he was saying things that nobody in D.C., where I live, would even dare to consider. He was doing it from a very specific frame is this or that policy good for the person making 40 grand a year? He was looking at things in a very different way, and I appreciate that. I hunt and fish a lot and so Im in rural areas a lot. That gets me out of Washington. I was noticing that people I know who live in rural areas were much more receptive to Trump than I ever thought they would be and to Bernie Sanders, by the way. The answer to that is economic populism resonates because our economic system is not serving a lot of people. And people have become convinced that Washington serves itself. And theyre right on both counts. The problem with Trump and still is hes so florid and so mesmerizing and interesting or appalling, depending on your point of view hes just so big as a presence that he tends to obscure what hes saying. One of the most famous video clips of you is when Jon Stewart told you on CNNs Crossfire in 2004 that the debate show was hurting America. Now hes off the air and youre back in prime time. Thoughts? After a long lull, by the way there really was a long period where there was no debate on television at all. There were a lot of people agreeing with anchors. I dont find that interesting. I dont think debate is scary. I think it helps people understand whats at stake. I think debate is noble. I think we need more debate, not less debate, and I never understood that critique. When you say debate is bad, youre saying, Shut up and obey. Im not into that at all. Have you ever been converted on a position by someone you have had on a show? The death penalty, probably. I dont have a lot of sympathy for criminals, and I was reflexively for the death penalty. I got into a debate on the subject and someone delivered a calm and, I thought, pretty thoughtful rebuttal that won me over. Youve been championed by Murdoch since he took over Fox News. Why does he like you so much? I dont know. Im grateful that he does. I can tell you what I like about him. Hes a newsman. If he asked you whats on the front page of the Wall Street Journal that day, he can tell whether youve read it or not. Hes read every story. Hes very grounded by newsprint. I like that. You dont wear the bow tie anymore. No. That went away more than 10 years ago when I worked at MSNBC. I was walking through Penn Station and yet another person screamed obscenities at me, and I thought, You know, this is pointlessly provocative. It was one of countless bow tie-inspired confrontations. Im happy to defend my views. I dont want to have to defend my neckwear every day. People really hate you when you wear a bow tie. I didnt really know that because my wife liked it and my father wore one. Whats behind the hatred? I think it may have been in the 50s, 60s and early 70s, a lot of pediatricians wore bow ties. Peoples memories of bow ties are being stared down on by some sadistic doctor who is jamming a needle into your butt. They could never disentangle that memory from me. Thats the best guess Ive got. stephen.battaglio@latimes.com Twitter: @SteveBattaglio Fox News settled a sexual harassment complaint by a former employee in September against its biggest prime time-star, Bill OReilly, and the divisions co-president, Jack Abernethy. Former Fox News personality Juliet Huddy claimed in a letter from her lawyers sent last August that her opportunities at the company ended in retaliation for not submitting to sexual advances by OReilly that began in 2011. She also said Abernethy had made unwanted advances towards her. For the record: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described the first name of Jack Abernethy. No lawsuit was filed against OReilly or Abernethy, who was promoted to his post in August after the letter was received and was signed to a long-term contract following the settlement payment made in September. The agreement was first reported on the website Lawnewz.com. Advertisement The settlement shows the sexual harassment issue continues to shadow Fox News even after the ouster of former Chairman Roger Ailes, who was accused of sexual harassment in a lawsuit by former anchor Gretchen Carlson. The suit prompted 21st Century Fox to launch an internal investigation into Ailes conduct toward Carlson and other women at Fox News, including Megyn Kelly, the popular anchor who recently announced her move to NBC. The cable news juggernaut settled that lawsuit in September with a $20-million payment to Carlson. But other women have come forward with allegations, suggesting that sexually inappropriate behavior had been rooted in the culture of the company. Huddy received a six-figure monetary settlement from the company in return for agreeing not to file suit, according to people familiar with the discussions but not authorized to comment. Fox News denied the claims against OReilly and Abernethy. Juliet Huddys letter of intent to sue contained substantial falsehoods which both men vehemently denied, said a statement from Fox News. Attorneys for Huddy could not be reached for comment. OReilly, 67, is the top-rated personality in all of cable news. His 8 p.m. Eastern time program The OReilly Factor is the tent pole for the networks prime-time lineup. His current contract with Fox News expires this year. Huddy first joined Fox News in 1998. She was the co-host of a Fox syndicated talk show that aired on broadcast stations in 2007 and then in 2011 went on to appear regularly on The OReilly Factor segments. Huddy claimed that OReilly propositioned her on numerous occasions and tried to kiss her during a visit to his home in Manhasset, N.Y. The letter also describes other occasions when OReilly allegedly repeatedly attempted to get Huddy to have sex with him. After rebuffing OReilly, Huddy said she was not asked to appear on his program which is so popular it has served as a springboard for other on-air talent at Fox. She was eventually assigned to a predawn newscast on the local New York Fox TV station WNYW. She remained in that position until last September. Huddy is the daughter of John Huddy, a former Fox News consultant and close longtime associate to Ailes. John Huddy was among a group of Ailes loyalists who were purged from Fox News shortly after the executives exit. The incident with Huddy is not the first time Fox News has settled a sexual harassment charge against OReilly. In October 2004, OReilly was sued by a former associate producer, Andrea Mackris, who said he initiated phone sex and regularly used lewd language with her at work and in dinner conversations. OReilly countersued and called Mackris allegations a shakedown. A settlement was reached hours before a scheduled court hearing on evidence in the case that was said to include tapes of OReillys lurid phone calls. To read the article in Spanish, click here stephen.battaglio@latimes.com Twitter: @SteveBattaglio Nearly four years after American Honda Motor Co. yanked its media planning business from advertising agency RPA, the car company is shifting gears again by returning the coveted account to its longtime partner. Late last week, Honda restored RPA, one of the largest ad shops in the Los Angeles region, as the agency of record for media planning and ad buying for its Honda and Acura brands. RPA is one of the few major ad agencies that remains independent rather than being a division of a large ad holding company. The Santa Monica firm is expected to increase its staff by about 100 people to work on the Honda media planning account. RPA currently employs about 550 people and also handles ads for Southwest Airlines, the AM/PM convenience store chain, Farmers Insurance and La-Z-Boy. Advertisement American Honda, based in Torrance, said RPA will replace the New York buying firm MediaVest in April. MediaVest had scooped up the Honda account in 2013 following a high-profile agency review, which dealt a heartbreaking loss to RPA. The Honda account covers about $600 million in annual ad spending. A MediaVest spokesman declined to comment Monday. RPA which formed in 1986 as Rubin Postaer & Associates to handle Hondas advertising needs has continuously held Hondas separate creative advertising account, designing and producing commercial spots and digital advertising for the Honda brand. RPA is working on a Super Bowl spot for Hondas CR-V vehicle. In a media landscape that is increasingly content, social and data driven we made a decision to return to a more consolidated structure, Tom Peyton, Hondas vice president of national marketing operations, said in a statement announcing the switch. We expect to realize even greater effectiveness with an agency placing content it creates. Another agency, Mullen, will continue to create ads for the Acura car line. Boston-based MullenLowe landed the Acura creative account in 2013, and then opened an office in El Segundo. This move speaks to the shift toward agency rebundling, and RPAs ability as an independent, holistic agency to align strategy, creative, media and production (including digital) all under one roof, Bill Hagelstein, chief executive of RPA, said in a statement. Hondas decision represents another big loss for MediaVest, which is part of the Paris-based advertising holding giant Publicis. Last year, the firm lost the Wal-Mart ad-buying account. MediaVest has picked up several smaller accounts, including media planning for USAA insurance company and Viacom Inc.s MTV networks. meg.james@latimes.com @MegJamesLAT Two Republican senators are asking President-elect Donald Trump to quickly remove Richard Cordray, the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, setting up a potential legal and political showdown over the controversial agency. Its time to fire King Richard, said Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and like many Republicans a harsh critic of the agency created by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial regulatory overhaul. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that Ed Mierzwinski worked for the U.S. Public Interest Group. He works for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Underneath the CFPBs Orwellian acronym is an attack on the American idea that the people who write our laws are accountable to the American people, Sasse said. President-elect Trump has the authority to remove Mr. Cordray and thats exactly what the American people deserve. Advertisement Sasse and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) have written to Vice President-elect Mike Pence requesting that Trump take the action promptly after his inauguration. The lawmakers cited an October federal appeals court ruling that the independent consumer bureaus structure is unconstitutional because it gives the director too much power. The U.S. labor forces guy problem: Lots of men dont have a job and arent looking for one Under Dodd-Frank, the director serves a five-year term and can be removed only for cause, such as neglect of duty. In a 2-1 ruling, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that structure was a violation of the Constitutions separation of powers because it limited the presidents authority. The solution from the court was to strike down the laws for cause provision, meaning the president could remove the consumer bureau director for any reason, the same as with other executive branch appointees. The CFPB is appealing the ruling, asking all of the courts judges to review it. That challenge has led some legal scholars to argue that it could pose legal problems for Trump to remove Cordray immediately upon taking the White House. Cordrays term doesnt expire until July 2018. The move also would ignite a political dispute with Democrats such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who came up with the idea of the agency and helped launch it as an Obama administration aide. Supporters note the bureau has returned more than $11 billion in refunds for consumers and helped to unravel Wells Fargo & Co.s unauthorized accounts scandal. Mr. Cordray is an extraordinary director who has done exactly what Congress told him to do defend consumers and rebuild the financial system after a massive collapse just eight years ago, said Ed Mierzwinski, consumer program director at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. And now youve got senators pandering toward powerful special interests [trying to have him removed]. The court hasnt yet accepted the appeal, meaning the panels ruling is not formally in effect. And there is the risk the court could overturn the ruling, restoring the consumer bureaus structure as set up by Dodd-Frank. Cordray also could sue to challenge his removal. And he wont resign, said consumer bureau spokeswoman Jen Howard. Director Cordray was confirmed by a bipartisan group of 66 senators to serve a term until July 2018 and has no plans to step down, she said. Sasse and Lee argued in their letter, sent to Pence on Monday, that Trump has the constitutional authority to remove Cordray. And they said Trump has a good reason: Cordray has pursued costly regulatory policies that are radically opposed to the Trump administrations pro-growth agenda. How Trump could use the presidency to help his own business interests Republicans have complained that the bureau wields too much power over financial products and that its attempts to help consumers with new regulations on mortgages, payday loans and other lending have restricted access to credit. GOP critics also have opposed the bureaus structure, which includes a single director and a budget funded from the Federal Reserve that avoids the congressional appropriations process. Republicans have unsuccessfully pushed legislation to change the agencys leadership to a bipartisan commission and subject its funding to annual appropriations that would give lawmakers more leverage over bureau policies. Obama has threatened to veto any such changes. Those legislative initiatives stand a much better chance with Trump in the White House, although Warren and Senate Democrats would probably try to block any bill changing the bureaus structure. Trump has promised to dismantle Dodd-Frank. And a sweeping proposal by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) to replace the law would rename the bureau the Consumer Financial Opportunity Commission, replace the single director with five commissioners and subject it to congressional appropriations. Even if Trump doesnt remove Cordray, House and Senate Republicans have the majorities needed to overturn bureau actions they oppose. They couldnt take such a step under President Obama because he would have vetoed the disapproval legislation, said Edward Mills, a policy analyst at investment bank FBR Capital Markets. And when Cordrays term expires, Trump will be able to nominate a replacement with a less aggressive approach to regulation, Mills said. I would expect that new director to likely significantly reduce the agenda and/or staff and focus of the bureau, he said. jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com Follow @JimPuzzanghera on Twitter ALSO The era of super-low interest rates might be ending. Whats in it for you? Trumps victory could spell the end of the FCCs net neutrality regulations Trump hammered the Federal Reserve as a candidate. As president, he could quickly reshape it UPDATES: 11:55 a.m.: This article was updated with comment from Edward Mills of FBR Capital Markets. 9:50 a.m.: This article was updated with comment from Ed Mierzwinski of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. 7:40 a.m.: This article was updated with comment from a CFPB spokeswoman. This article originally was published at 6:55 a.m. Yahoo Chief Executive Marissa Mayer will step down from the board of directors and the Internet giant will change its name to Altaba Inc. after the companys pending sale to Verizon closes, according to a Monday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Verizon announced plans in July to acquire Yahoo for approximately $4.83 billion. The deal doesnt include Yahoos share in the Chinese online retail giant Alibaba or Yahoo Japan. Mayer, a former Google exec who joined Yahoo as chief executive in 2012, previously said she would continue working for the company after the acquisition. For me personally, Im planning to stay. I love Yahoo, and I believe in all of you. Its important to me to see Yahoo into its next chapter, she wrote in an email to employees after the sale was announced. Advertisement In addition to Mayer, five other directors would resign from the board after the deal closes, according to Mondays filing. As for the name change, the Wall Street Journal reported that the new name is a combination of the words alternate and Alibaba, citing a person familiar with the matter. Since the sale was announced, Yahoo revealed that two separate hacks compromised around 1.5 billion user accounts. Verizon is now reconsidering its acquisition, according to Fortune, which reported last month that it wants to change the terms of the sale to reflect the economic damage from the two hacks. In Mondays filing, Yahoo warned that its name change and board resignations were contingent upon whether Verizon decides to renegotiate the sale. This article originally appeared on PCMag.com. ALSO Candy maker Mars is buying L.A. animal hospital chain VCA for $7.7 billion VW executive who was in charge of U.S. emissions rules is arrested Downtown Los Angeles hasnt seen this much construction since the 1920s Many Americans were outraged by Republican lawmakers attempt last week to get rid of Congress independent ethics watchdog and instead oversee themselves. House Republicans backed off after their offices were flooded with angry messages and after Tweeter-in-Chief Donald Trump questioned the timing of the move (although he didnt say gutting the Office of Congressional Ethics was a bad idea). What I was left wondering was this: If Americans were so quick to recognize the ridiculousness of allowing the foxes to guard the congressional hen house, why are they seemingly so apathetic about Republicans declared goals of deregulating big banks and shutting down the highly successful Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? Clearly many of us believe lawmakers cant be left to police themselves when it comes to keeping their noses clean. Yet were cool with giving more regulatory freedom to banks, credit card issuers, mortgage lenders, payday-loan companies and other financial firms with long track records of mischief and malfeasance? Advertisement Id say its more a matter of what the public understands, said Ross Levine, a professor of banking and finance at UC Berkeley. Ethics is clear-cut. Its easy to understand. Financial regulation is supercomplicated. True. But thats not to say that the value of reasonable oversight cant be put into simple terms. On Monday, for example, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered a pair of medical debt collectors to pay more than $577,000 in relief to thousands of consumers for falsely representing that letters and calls were from attorneys ... when no attorney had yet reviewed the account. And last week, two of the top credit bureaus, TransUnion and Equifax, agreed to pay more than $23 million in fines and restitution after the bureau charged them with deliberately misleading and cheating members of the public. The bureau said the companies tricked people by offering access to credit scores that were not typically used by lenders, often making them useless as tools for determining ones creditworthiness. The companies also didnt make clear that credit-related services that appeared to be free or to cost only a buck actually involved a monthly fee of at least $16. These are only the latest examples of the CFPB performing its role as a financial watchdog. Since it opened for business five years ago, the bureau estimates it has returned about $12 billion to some 27 million consumers harmed by deceitful or questionable financial practices. Yet eviscerating the bureau is high on the to-do list of both Trump and Republican lawmakers. Trump has vowed to dismantle Dodd-Frank, the financial reform law that put banks on a tighter leash and created the CFPB after the 2007 subprime mortgage crisis. House Republicans last week passed a bill, known as the REINS Act, that would limit federal agencies rule-making ability. Excessive regulation means higher prices, lower wages, fewer jobs, less economic growth and a less competitive America, declared Bob Goodlatte, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. The Republicans no-rules-are-good-rules stance mirrors that of many business leaders, who say the market can do an adequate job of ensuring good behavior by corporate players. Needless to say, thats like a kid with crumbs on his face saying he can be trusted not to take any cookies. Theres a need for oversight because weve seen what happens without oversight, said Lawrence Harris, a professor of finance and business economics at USC. Its pretty obvious that theres a need to regulate financial institutions. Case in point: Wells Fargo. The bank was fined $185 million in September for opening as many as 2 million customer accounts without permission. The bad behavior dated back to 2011, federal authorities said. Most experts I spoke with said it never hurts to reexamine regulations and tweak rules as needed. While a regulation may be well-intended, its implementation may have unintended consequences. Dodd-Frank was aimed primarily at getting the biggest banks to straighten up and fly right. But setting the laws compliance threshold at $50 billion in assets caused many smaller institutions to be saddled with needlessly burdensome rules. That could be fixed by raising the asset threshold to $100 billion or more. Wholesale deregulation, on the other hand, is seen as an invitation to disaster. Deregulation is the fuel that will bring about the next financial crisis, said Kristin Johnson, a Georgetown University law professor who focuses on financial markets. UC Berkeleys Levine said that if lawmakers want to make truly effective changes, they should go after not individual companies or industries but the senior executives that lead them. The entire problem with regulation is that it doesnt target the correct people the decision makers, Levine said. Again, look at Wells Fargo. That $185-million fine certainly punished shareholders. In the wake of the scandal, the banks stock fell nearly 10% to the lowest level since early 2014. Yet the companys then-CEO, John Stumpf, was able to step down with a stock and retirement payout estimated at $134 million. Carrie Tolstedt, the Wells Fargo exec who oversaw the division that opened all those bogus accounts, exited the bank with an almost $125-million payday. Neither she nor Stumpf faced any civil or criminal charges. If Republicans sincerely want to revamp regulations, they should hold senior managers accountable for a companys unethical behavior. But we know where GOP lawmakers stand on ethics, dont we? David Lazarus column runs Tuesdays and Fridays. He also can be seen daily on KTLA-TV Channel 5 and followed on Twitter @Davidlaz. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com. ALSO Some Obamacare advice for Republicans: First do no harm Lands End, after years of struggle, searches for its retail mojo Trump, who doesnt settle lawsuits, gets OK to settle Trump U lawsuit The company behind the messaging mobile app Snapchat will place its European base in Britain, a vote of confidence in the countrys economy after the vote to leave the European Union. Los Angeles-based Snap Inc.s decision runs counter to those of tech giants such as Apple Inc. and Google Inc., which have chosen to locate their bases in lower-tax countries such as Ireland. It also comes amid public frustration over alleged tax avoidance schemes of multinational corporations. Snap, which has 75 staff members in Britain, will pay British corporation tax on its international profits. Advertisement Claire Valoti, general manager of Snap Group in Britain, says the company believes in Britains creative industries. Snap has 150 million users a day worldwide and is planning its initial U.S. stock offering with a reported valuation of up to $25 billion. Read more: Snapchat in 2017: 7 predictions about whats to come The Britain news comes shortly after Snaps decision to lease about a large amount of office space in Santa Monica, possibly the companys largest real estate move yet. Read more: Snap is expanding into 300,000 square feet of Santa Monica office space ALSO Snapchat in 2017: 7 predictions about whats next Trumps tweets are a new challenge for automakers Meet the Hollywood producer at the center of a scandal shaking the Israeli government Director Denis Villeneuves Arrival may be an alien movie, but you wont hear the sounds of warp speed, Martian death rays or beeping robots in it, say supervising sound editor Sylvain Bellemare and re-recording mixer Bernard Gariepy Strobl. Denis really insisted on having a sound that was not electronic, Bellemare says of the film starring Amy Adams as a linguist trying to communicate with an alien species. He wanted to do another type of science fiction. So he wanted to use an approach of [making] the sound really organic. Bellemare and Gariepy Strobl knew what they were in for, having worked together on several previous films, including Villeneuves 2008 short Next Floor. Advertisement Sylvain and I met through the corridors of a sound post-production facility, and we got along quite well, says Gariepy Strobl. And creatively, we complement each other very well. Kenneth Turan reviews Arrival directed by Denis Villeneuve, starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma, and Mark OBrien. Video by Jason H. Neubert. How did you create an organic sound for Arrival? Bellemare: The first thing that probably will touch people is the sound of the heptapods [or aliens]. They started with Dave Whitehead, who is the wonderful sound designer living in New Zealand who works on many Peter Jackson films. And they really started the design of those organic voices with animals, basically, which is an old trick in sound design. Gariepy Strobl: There were definitely some marine animals that were used in it that we can recognize, some whales in the recipe. And sometimes it was Daves voice that he used and treated in ways. So its a huge blend of a lot of different elements. Bellemare: And you can say that on another topic, the sound of the vessel [or spacecraft] itself, we had decided to use natural sounds also. And that was really initiated with my partner Olivier Calvert, who was the sound designer responsible for that section. And we really made the vessel like theres a mountain moving. We dont hear any engine. We just hear the movement of the rocks and this ice. Gariepy Strobl: And all the communication tools that were used. Bellemare: Basically, we had 11 different devices for communication. They were all made of certain types of walkie-talkies and devices. What was the setup? Bellemare: So there are the voices of the actors in ProTools, in the recording system. And then we send that signal through the full-range speakers that Bernard had built. So the walkie-talkie is really standing close to the speaker. That goes to the receptor walkie-talkie, which is in another room. And that receptor outputs the signal, and that signal is being recorded by a microphone. Did you record all of the dialogue this way? Gariepy Strobl: You know, dialogue in a film is never over until the film is screening, so we had to be able to include new lines or changes all the way until the end. I created a whole bunch of presets using many different [software] plugins to try to re-create the same sound [as the walkie-talkie set-up]. And it would match very closely to what was recorded in the recording session with those devices. Amy Adams discusses the geopolitical overtones of Arrival" and the importance of communication in the wake of the presidential election. How did you create the sound of the hazmat suits? Bellemare: We made the foley [or sound effects recording] in Paris with Nicolas Becker, who is a well-known foley artist that worked on different big productions, such as Gravity, for instance, where the sound is absolutely astonishing. So they took the hazmat suit to re-create the foley in studio. Gariepy Strobl: There was a lot of breathing that was re-recorded in ADR [or recording sessions after the filming] to make us feel her anxiety and her situation. Whats your proudest success on this film? Bellemare: Denis is always a filmmaker who wants to create a certain mood that is not directly part of the story, but is there under the skin, somewhere under the script. There are a lot of places where the characters are more in the shadows and dark than the light. That was the challenge also with the sound, to create this certain mood. Gariepy Strobl: Im proud of the way the film conveys a very strong emotional and very naturalist link to Louise [Adams]. And that was a goal I had the first time I saw the film, the way the camera is always on her. And I really wanted the sound to convey this, and to be part of her own experience and not seeing her experience from an outside point of view. Im quite happy with the way it turned out. calendar@latimes.com Two documentaries shortlisted for the Oscar nominations, The Eagle Huntress, directed by Otto Bell, and Life, Animated, from Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams, showcase two remarkable young people on their own sorts of heros journey. Each overcomes mammoth hurdles: Aisholpan Nurgaiv, in Eagle Huntress, becomes the first female to learn to hunt with eagles in 12 generations of her Kazakh family, and Owen Suskind, in Life, Animated, is a young man with regressive autism who teaches himself how to communicate and interact with the world via Disney films. Here, the directors take us through their documentaries. The Eagle Huntress Advertisement The film stems from a photograph taken by Israeli photographer Asher Svidensky originally on the BBC. As your first film, what made you know this was the story you had to tell? A lot of people saw that photograph I now know. I still remember working away in my cubicle in NYC and thought the photo was just otherworldly; could this be a film? What is the story? Once I dissected the photograph: incredible setting in the Altai Mountains; a young girl training with the largest species of golden eagle in the world and Aisholpan, the heroine, smiling and looking so angelic, I moved fast. I found the photographer on Facebook, we had a Skype call, and very quickly I had him and me on a plane to Mongolia to meet the family. Kenneth Turan reviews The Eagle Huntress. At what stage did you realize you had something so extraordinary? That first afternoon [meeting the family]. Theres a small window of days to remove a baby eaglet from its nest and that afternoon the father was taking Aisholpan to retrieve one. He asked, Is this something youd be interested in filming? I wasnt prepared but we made it work and when I saw that little girl I mean if I had Hollywoods best costume and set designers I couldnt have done anything better. This girl with a ribbon in her hair scaling and rappelling down the side of these mountains and hypnotizing the baby eagle with her hands and staring down the mother eagle circling overhead, I just thought, This is something really quite remarkable. Whose idea was it to have the kind of Greek chorus of elder naysayers bashing the idea of a girl becoming an eagle huntress? It came to me as I interviewed other village eagle hunters, and they all said the same thing. When asked if there was a female eagle hunter: Jok, Jok, Jok! [No, No, No!] After Aisholpan won the annual festival, beating out 70 older and more experienced male eagle hunters in the key speed contest, in which the eagle must fly from a nearby mountaintop to the hunters out-stretched arm, with a record-breaking speed of five seconds [her father, a three-time champion eagle hunter, did it in 11 seconds] they then said, OK, but can she hunt? That will be their real test. Which, of course, she did and which was the important part for Aisholpan. Its why I didnt end the film with the big rah-rah victory circle, but with her later literally riding off into the sunset with her father. What did Aisholpan and her family think when they first saw the film? It was at Sundance and it was nerve racking, but thankfully they loved it. The Comanche people, who feel a connection to Mongolia, were kind enough to bring their eagle and there was a beautiful smoke and naming ceremony where they gave Aisholpan a Native American name: She Who Prospers with Eagles. It was quite emotional. How has she taken to this newfound global celebration she appears somewhat shy on film? Im pleased to say there hasnt been a big culture shock. They havent moved out of their ger [nomadic dwelling]; theyre not moving to the city anytime soon, though things have changed. She got a scholarship to one of the best schools in Mongolia and I made them a participant in the film (when it sold to Sony Picture Classics) and shell be able to study medicine wherever she wants in the world. Life, Animated You worked with Owens dad, Ron Suskind, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, for years before the film. When did you realize Owen would be a good film subject? When Ron was writing his very personal book about his son, he came to me and said, I think this would make a great film. I totally, wholeheartedly agreed. I knew about the Disney Club where Owens classmates learn about life from classic Disney films that help them make sense of the world and what it means to be human and to connect with other people. To me, this is about the power of story, which is literally Owens life. Each single moment of his day and every challenge he faces, he finds a Disney clip and story to help him make sense of the world. So hes like a computer data spreadsheet of Disney film? Absolutely. He knows every single voice from every film from the 50s onward and can do all the voices and different characters and knows every single line, ever. He also knows every voice-over actor and every single job, hes a walking Wonderful World of Disney IMDB. Had you interacted with an autistic person in a significant way before? I had no knowledge of autism. And so the challenge for me was to get inside his head and tell the story from his perspective. I came up with using the Interrotron [an interviewing device developed by documentarian Errol Morris] and Id pop up on a screen with a lens behind me and Owen, who is very comfortable with screens, looked directly at me and talked. Hes the only one in the film looking directly at the camera and audience and tells his own story. Is Owen comfortable with his newfound fame? He loves it. Its amazing how comfortable he is with his new role. The other day at a Q&A, someone asked him how he felt being a celebrity and he said, Im not a celebrity; celebrities are out for themselves. Im just someone who is being celebrated this year. Id say Owen is a pure person. And so people respond and react to that. With audiences, I call it the Owen Effect. People are beside themselves, yelling and on their feet and hes high-fiving and takes the stage. He does a Disney voice and says, I feel the love in this room. If he wants to belt out a Disney song, he will. Its magical. What have you learned about people with autism that you didnt understand prior? Owen is someone totally sensitive to everything around him. I used to think autistic people lacked empathy Owen has more. Its how they process and express it thats different. He also doesnt have the bubble around himself we all have; worrying what other people think. Hes not self-conscious at all. So Owen is who he is. Its 1 in 44 boys; a really high number born today on the autism scale and its a whole population of people have been left behind who, as Owen explains it, people look past on the street. I hope this film helps change that. Your films seem to showcase alienated outsiders; is this something that stems from your past? Absolutely. I grew up feeling a sense of alienation as a black gay man and I was in my own fantasy world. For me, every film is personal, it has to be, to tell a great story. I didnt have role models; I didnt have people like me when I was growing up. I didnt see them on screen. I didnt even have them in life. I had a single mother, very poor family, in an environment where I shouldnt have thrived, the odds were against me and yet I succeeded See the most read stories this hour calendar@latimes.com ALSO: The documentaries Tower and The Ivory Game examine very different kinds of killings When director Nanfu Wang learned that her debut film Hooligan Sparrow had made the feature documentary Oscar shortlist last month, she was of course excited but also a little anxious. Part political thriller, part travelogue, part character study, the film sheds unflattering light on Chinas secret police and, sure enough, within days of the Academy Award announcement, government authorities visited Wangs family in China. Speaking calmly by phone from her current home in Brooklyn, Wang says, National security people had been monitoring me and told my family to warn me not to say anything negative about China. Wang began ruffling bureaucratic feathers in 2013, when she spent the summer documenting the travails of activist sex worker Ye Haiyan, a.k.a. Hooligan Sparrow. Enrolled at New York Universitys news and documentary graduate program, Wang read on the Internet about Haiyans campaign to expose conditions in the countrys notorious $2 brothels and decided to tackle the topic. The day she landed in China, Wang abruptly shifted focus to a disturbing scandal unfolding in Hainan province. There, six elementary school girls were allegedly sexually violated by their principal and another man at a local hotel. Sparrow told me she was planning to protest the rape case and I realized at that point the story wasnt going to be about sex workers anymore, Wang recalls. The rape case became the trigger for a film thats really about how far the government goes to silence dissent. Advertisement Wang traveled light. In her backpack she carried a Canon DSLR camera, a small point-and-shoot, a pair of glasses embedded with a tiny camera and an audio recorder. Its all she needed to film the schoolyard demonstration where Sparrow brandished a sign reading, Hey Principal, get a room with me and leave the kids alone. Shortly after the protest, Wang documented a group of unidentified men removing Sparrow from the apartment she shared with her 13-year-old daughter. When Sparrow returned home, she was pressured to leave town. From there, we were basically on the run, says Wang, who immersed herself in the story to the point where she too became part of the action. Hounded throughout five Chinese provinces, Sparrow and her resilient child eventually found refuge in a rural village. Meanwhile, Wang herself became a target of government surveillance. Standing outside a courtroom to film a hearing for human rights lawyer Wang Yu, Wang captured shaky hand-held footage of seeming civilians as they tried to grab her camera. Later, authorities questioned Wang for five hours and demanded to see her footage. The crafty filmmaker had already arranged for friends to smuggle her hard drives out of the country. I prepared a hard drive filled with a bunch of random landscapes that Id filmed along the way, and thats what I gave to the authorities, says Wang, who secretly recorded the interrogation. The whole time they were questioning me, I couldnt move and I felt like the recorder was burning my leg. Luckily, they didnt search me. Wang, who grew up in a small village, never even saw a documentary film until she moved to the U.S. at age 25. The making of Hooligan Sparrow opened her eyes to stealthy forces that had been hiding in plain sight throughout her youth. Its like the movie The Truman Show, where the guy realizes at the end of the movie his entire life was a lie. Thats pretty much how I felt when I got involved in this protest and realized there were all these secret police on the streets monitoring people. Some of my old friends dont even believe what I tell them. They say, You went to the U.S. for two years and now you come back and youre so critical! After she returned to New York, Wang spent a year editing the raw footage, joined forces with executive producers Andy Cohen and Alison Klayman (Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry) and watched Hooligan Sparrow become a sensation on the film festival circuit. Looking back on her summer of living dangerously, she muses, It was scary but from a documentary filmmaking standpoint, Im grateful things happened the way they did. If I ended up making a story exactly the same as I imagined it at the start, that would be very boring. For me, this is the charm of documentary filmmaking. See the most read stories this hour calendar@latimes.com At a 1988 dinner following the premiere of Martin Scorseses controversial testament of faith, The Last Temptation of Christ, Paul Moore, then the Episcopal bishop of New York, told Scorsese about a book he should read. Within a day or two, Moore sent the filmmaker a copy of Silence, Shusaku Endos novel about two Jesuit priests who travel to Japan in 1639 to find their mentor, a man rumored to have renounced his beliefs under torture. When Scorsese began reading the novel a year later, he found he couldnt shake the story of its conflicted main character, Father Sebastiao Rodrigues, a man working through his own pride and doubts in his quest to serve his God. Scorsese came close to making Silence several times in the intervening decades. Now that he has, he views the finished film as a stripping away of everything extraneous to get to the essence, the spiritual. We sat down with the 74-year-old director to talk about that essence and what he calls the never-ending pilgrimage of making Silence and understanding the truth found in Endos cherished novel. Advertisement Theres a through line between The Last Temptation of Christ and Silence. Both movies raise questions about the foundations of faith and both speak to people who have doubt and despair Which is everybody. Everybody! Were weak! Thats why I loved the westerns when I was a kid. We were stronger. Shane is strong. Watching them compensated for my own feelings of weakness. Of course, it depends on what you describe as real strength and character. You can hit someone and they stay hit for a while. [Laughs] But that kind of strength is deceptive and not real. We see that brutality often in your films. Does working through depravity and darkness help you find a path to decency? Yes. The negative aspects of being human very often involve brutality and violence and the capability of violence. And you have to understand it. Or at least be ready to understand it. Thats all kinds. And I dont mean, Lets be outre and say The Age of Innocence is violent. But a Jesuit in Rome the other day said it was a terribly violent film. You turn a card over and its all these different signs and signals of this tribe, which youre ostracized from and its devastating. Betrayal another element found in so many of your movies. In the foreword to a recent edition of Silence, you said that in order for Christianity to live, it needs not just the figure of Christ but the figure of Judas as well. What do you mean by that? Judas was Gods instrument for the sacrifice of Jesus. Did he want to betray Jesus? I dont think so. Thats what we were trying to get across in Last Temptation. History labels him as the ultimate betrayer, but he was just doing the job that God had assigned him. In Silence, the Judas figure, Kichijiro, keeps popping up so often, in fact, his appearances become a form of comic relief. Oh, absolutely! Its him again! The thing about Kichijiro is that he ends up being the teacher. Hes the vehicle for compassion, helping Rodrigues understand weakness. Also: Kichijiro does say, Its so unfair. If I had been born a few years before, there would have been no persecution. I could have been a good Christian. As if hes not a good Christian because hes afraid. Or because he gives up all the time. It fascinates me. He comes back and begs for forgiveness and says, I promise to be stronger next time. And he does mean it, but he cant do it. I think thats all of us. Thats humanity. Why do you think youre so drawn to betrayal and traitors? I think it goes back to the asthma I had as a kid. I was very much kept at home. Movie theater, church, go home. My parents had moved to Sunnyside, Queens, in 42, but my father had a fight with the landlord and we were thrown out and sent back to where my father was born, which was 241 Elizabeth Street, my grandparents apartment. It was a pretty bad place, the Bowery, in the old days when the Bowery was the end of life. And one of the predominant themes of living there was betrayal. And often the betrayal was deadly deadly or ostracized in humiliation. Maybe it was that asthmatic or maybe it was just me, but I became ultra-sensitive. I sensed danger around all the time. I wouldnt say I was fearful. I was just realistic. [Laughs] There were constant stories about people who informed. And many would wind up dead or missing. So I grew up with that until I was 18, and then I moved to America, which for me was NYU. But Ive never stopped being fascinated with stories of betrayal. You were handed a copy of Silence right after Last Temptation premiered. Have your religious beliefs changed in the decades it took to make the movie? The religious quest that brought me to Last Temptation took me to a certain point. Silence demanded more an understanding of true faith. I know that sounds pretentious. But thats what it is. Sorry. Thats who I am. I am a product of the mid-20th century New York Catholic Church. A priest at St. Patricks Old Cathedral, Father Francis Principe, was my greatest mentor. Martin Scorsese For better or worse, I am a product of the mid-20th century New York Catholic Church. A priest at St. Patricks Old Cathedral, Father Francis Principe, was my greatest mentor. He was there from when I was 11 until I was 17. He was a real guide, a street priest. He taught us, You dont have to get married at 21 like your parents or grandparents. Find your calling. Find your own way. An extraordinary man who possessed such love. I wanted to join in his footsteps, but I could not. I didnt have the real vocation. I looked at Father Principe and saw an absence of ego. I couldnt understand how he let go his pride in order to serve. In a way, Silence is an attempt to work through that question almost 60 years later. Because thats the very thing Rodrigues is struggling with as well. Hes also struggling with the idea that God wont listen to him. Or wondering if God is even there. You remember in Raging Bull, Jake LaMotta sitting in front of that mirror at the very end, years later, and he accepts himself? Thats the beginning of God listening to him. But hes got to forgive himself first. And a lot of people cant do that. I struggle with that. We all do. Constantly through Silence you hear the phrase, I will not abandon you. I will not abandon you, Father. But what if no ones listening? Ultimately, God tells Rodrigues, I suffered beside you. I was never silent. Yet you still suffer. You dont become St. Teresa of Avila. You dont become a mystic Sufi. That takes so much work. I admire them. They can transcend themselves and go into another realm. Thats one of the reasons I did the George Harrison film [Living in the Material World]. I dont know if he got it. But he was looking to transcend this world. You premiered Silence at the Vatican and Pope Francis told you he hoped the movie bears much fruit. Thats quite a different response than Last Temptation received. Somebody in Rome just asked, What do you think is the difference? Well, this one theyll see. With Last Temptation, it never had a chance. Are you interested in how evangelical Christians will respond to the new movie? Im curious. But I no longer feel like I have to convince anyone of anything. And with Last Temptation you did? Yes. Because I was being accused. And the movie may have been irreverent. It may have been what some people call blasphemy. Again, when you talk about it, it feels like a defense. And I dont want to do that. But understanding the human nature of Jesus he has to be fully divine and fully human. And the teaching at Catholic schools emphasized the divine to the point where, if Jesus showed up in your classroom, youd expect him to glow in the dark. So I wanted to get into that duality. But it was seen as a provocation. But the provocation was to think. What does Christianity mean to you now, after making Silence? It means a minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour relationship with Christ thats been given to you. And thats not easy. This is purely a layman talking. Im not a theologian. I cant argue the Trinity. But that relationship with Christ, thats not something to take for granted. And then you try to live your life as reasonably and considerately as possible. And maybe more. Then you have to go further. Thats what Christianity means to me. You have to give an example of who you are and how you behave and how you treat people. And maybe someone will look and say, I want to be like him. See the most-read stories this hour glenn.whipp@latimes.com Twitter: @glennwhipp ALSO: Directors of Zootopia explain how the Disney film with racial allegory grew more timely as it was being made Colin Farrell likes his storytelling on the provocative side, as with The Lobster Through Hacksaw and Silence, Andrew Garfield searches: I want to know how to live Mass killings of very different sorts are explored in two documentary films shortlisted for the Academy Awards. Keith Maitland re-creates the 1966 mass shooting at the University of Texas in Austin in Tower, while Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani investigate the daily slaughter of African elephants for profit in The Ivory Game. Here is a look at both films. Tower No one took selfies in 1966. There was no 24-hour news cycle. America wasnt yet a media-saturated society. The lack of that kind of documentation posed a challenge to filmmaker Keith Maitland, who in Tower re-creates the horrific day on Aug. 1 of that year when sniper Charles Whitman killed 14 people in under two hours and wounded dozens from a tower perch at the University of Texas at Austin. Advertisement There is archival footage of the event, which he makes use of, but the countrys first mass campus shooting had been left much unexplored over the subsequent 50 years, Maitland said. Ive been curious about the subject most of my life, said the filmmaker, a Texas native and 1998 University of Texas graduate who uses animation to reconstruct the shooting from the perspectives of multiple witnesses and victims. Tower, which won the Grand Jury Prize for documentary feature at this years South by Southwest Film Festival, is shortlisted among 15 titles for Academy Award consideration. From the get-go, I imagined it as an animated film, said Maitland, who drew on journalist Pamela Colloffs 2006 oral history, published in Texas Monthly, and his own extensive interviews with survivors. It has an immediacy and an intimacy. This story needed that. Much of the film is in black-and-white rotoscope animation, which is based on images from live-action footage. The process, guided by animator Craig Staggs of Austin-based Minnow Mountain, was popularized by another local filmmaker, Richard Linklater, in the 2001 film Waking Life. Maitland constructed a screenplay from the interviews, and gave actors of a similar age and bearing as the subjects were in 1966 verbatim dialogue for live-action scenes, many of which he shot in his backyard. As the story progresses, Maitlands conversations with the real-life subjects come to light. The most poignant testimony is that of Claire Wilson, a then-pregnant 18-year-old who was shot at the beginning of Whitmans spree. A fellow student named Rita races to her aid before others work up the courage to rescue her. Its heroism of a kind you dont get exposed to, Maitland said. Theres all these stories about cowboys and Indians, and its all about throwing the big punch. To me, the most heroic person on that day is the redheaded coed who risks everything to offer comfort to another person. The Ivory Game They werent far into shooting The Ivory Game when filmmakers Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani realized that the project wasnt to be a predictable save-the-elephants documentary after all. The men were rolling undercover with investigative teams in pursuit of illegal poachers, following a trail across several African nations including Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya, and on to China. There, the ivory trade captures rarefied prices while, according to the film, an endangered elephant is killed every 15 minutes. We started dealing with all these people who were like spies in a way or undercover agents, Ladkani said. They had all these code names for people like Omega and Alpha. We have only seen this in movies before: spy thrillers. We couldnt shoot it any differently. Paced by risky encounters with poachers and black marketeers, the film, whose executive producers include Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Allens Vulcan Productions, used surveillance cameras and often saw its crew in potential danger. You find ways to protect yourself and the crew, said Davidson, whose Rwandan-set short documentary Open Heart was nominated for an Academy Award in 2013. You have to look at the characters who are risking their lives every day. The gamble may already have had an impact. China recently announced its intention to eliminate the legal trade of ivory by the end of the year. That was just the most unbelievable news, Ladkani said. The filmmakers had been circulating the documentary in China, through unofficial channels, in hopes of it reaching government officials. Feedback has been positive. Were seeing the ultimate payoff right now, Davidson said. If the filmmakers return this year to screen The Ivory Game at a Chinese film festival, the experience will likely be much calmer than a near-catastrophic encounter captured in the film. One of the films subjects, Andrea Crosta, founder of the whistleblower website WildLeaks, has a close call when a hidden camera is exposed during an undercover operation in a Beijing ivory store, and makes a run for it. The team also hastened to make a getaway. They were traffickers related to the Beijing police, Ladkani said. We had to flee Beijing. What Davidson calls the films elevated style is meant to serve a purpose. Its a tense, ecological thriller with a very, very urgent deadline that we hope people will pay attention to, he said. This is a film you cant be afraid to watch because you might see a dead elephant. See the most read stories this hour calendar@latimes.com ALSO: Documentaries The Eagle Huntress and Life, Animated explore the worlds of two very different young people Nice guy Chris Messina is thankful Ben Affleck saw his inner gangster for Live by Night Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Pitt have agreed to keep a lid on it. The couple, who have been trading bitter, publicly available custody salvos in court since she filed for divorce Sept. 19, are now working with a private judge and will present a united front from here on out, they said in their first joint statement since the split. The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues, they said Monday night in a joint statement confirmed by the Los Angeles Times. Advertisement When Jolie filed for divorce, she asked for full physical and joint legal custody of their six children. In Pitts response, he asked for joint physical and legal custody. The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification, the couples legalese-heavy statement continued. Jolies filing came as a complete shock to Pitt, a source close to the couple told People in September. It was prompted, ultimately, by a spat between Pitt and their eldest son, Maddox, on a private plane inbound to L.A. from France. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie sell New Orleans house purchased after Katrina Though an investigation into the incident was not confirmed by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, a source familiar with the inquiry said there was no finding of abuse by Pitt. The FBI closed its review of the situation in November, with no charges filed. The Hollywood A-listers reached an informal, private temporary custody agreement at the end of September, but a court filing by Jolie weeks later made its details public. In early December, Pitts first request that their custody dealings be sealed was rejected by a judge. Jolies team labeled Pitts effort as a thinly veiled attempt to shield himself, rather than the minor children, from public view. Though the names of therapists making decisions about Pitts access to his kids had been revealed, a judge said the case didnt yet meet the requirements to be sealed. Pitt pressed the issue again a couple of weeks later, saying that Jolie had no self-regulating mechanism and was determined to ignore even agreed upon standards relating to the childrens best interest. A hearing had been scheduled for January, CNN reported. Right after Jolie filed for divorce, Stacy Phillips, a family law attorney with Blank Rome in Century City, said she found one aspect of the actress filing a bit odd: The fact that Jolie was asking for sole physical custody of the kids but joint legal custody, which includes the ability to make decisions about the childrens lives. If somebodys not capable of having custodial time, then one would surmise that theyre not capable of making decisions, she told The Times. But the fact that all six kids three of them adopted and three of them born to the couple were listed on the petition with Pitt and Jolie as mother and father is a good thing. The pair of Oscar winners, whose separation date was Sept. 15, 2016, were legally married Aug. 14, 2014, and followed that up on Aug. 23 with a nondenominational ceremony held at their chateau in Provence, France, after a two-year engagement. They met while working on the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith, when Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. cdz@latimes.com Twitter: @theCDZ ALSO Kim Kardashians Paris chauffeur among 17 robbery suspects arrested in France Not every marriage should happen ... and other messages from the Brangelina divorce He loves them, he loves them not: A look at Donald Trumps volatile celebrity friendships Why the Angelina Jolie-Brad Pitt marriage mattered so much in modern Hollywood Kim Kardashian Wests driver on the night she was held at gunpoint and robbed in Paris was among the 17 suspects arrested Monday, French officials said, suggesting that the October armed robbery was an inside job. Gary Madar, 27, and his brother, Michael Madar, 40, both worked for the same private livery company, according to officials who spoke to the Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity. Gary Madar was Kardashians driver the night of the robbery and would have known where she went and when, police told E! News. Five of the suspects are known burglars, police said. Advertisement The suspects, who range in age from 23 to 72 and include three women, were arrested in multiple raids Monday morning in and around Paris, police told AP. Guns and nearly $150,000 in cash were found. Kim Kardashians robbery ordeal, from begging for her life to dealing with the aftermath On the one hand, it will perhaps mean the jewels will be recovered, Kardashians attorney in France told a French magazine Monday (translation via CNN), and on the other hand it puts an end to disgraceful speculation by some people, who thought it clever to pretend this robbery was a set-up or a publicity stunt by Madame Kardashian. Theyre going to shoot me in the back, a tearful Kardashian tells her sisters, recalling her thoughts during the robbery, in a Keeping Up With the Kardashians promo spot that came out Friday. Theres no way out. It makes me so upset to think about it. DNA evidence from Kardashians hotel room where she was bound and gagged and threatened with death as robbers stole millions of dollars worth of jewelry reportedly led police to the suspects. Some of the 17 who were arrested had criminal records, an official told the AP. A spokeswoman for the Paris police did not say whether the five people seen on surveillance footage were among those arrested, the New York Times said. Kardashian, who has been out of the public eye since the robbery, was photographed Monday night with husband Kanye West when they went out for sushi in Bel-Air. The reality TV star also disappeared from social media after the traumatic experience but returned last week with photos and videos of herself, West and their children, North and Saint. To read the article in Spanish, click here. cdz@latimes.com @theCDZ ALSO Lamar Odom is out of rehab. Next stop: reality TV? Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie agree to settle divorce privately Guess who dropped by Trump Tower to chat with the president-elect? Kanye West, of course Mark your calendars: The original Ghost in the Shell movie will be hitting theaters for a limited run in February. Lionsgate and Funimation have announced that Mamoru Oshiis 1995 anime film will return to the big screen for a two-day engagement. The original Japanese version (with English subtitles) will be shown Feb. 7, while those who prefer the English-dubbed film will have to wait until Feb. 8. Ghost in the Shell is truly a seminal work in anime cinema and it helped firmly establish a market for the genre with U.S. movie audiences, said Gen Fukunaga, Funimation founder and chief executive in a press release. Were excited to be partnering with Lionsgate to bring the original Ghost in the Shell movie back to U.S. theaters. Advertisement See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Based on the manga series by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell is set in a fictional Japanese city in a future where the line between techonlogy and biology is blurred. The film follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, who leads a covert task force within the Japanese National Public Safety Commission (called Section 9) that specializes in combating cyberterrorists. Kusanagi herself exists within this nexus of humanity and technology as a consciousness that inhabits a cybernetic body. The character knows very little of her human past. The special screenings will come ahead of the release of the new Rupert Sanders-helmed Ghost in the Shell film. The live-action adaptation is scheduled to hit theaters March 31. Scarlett Johansson is cast in the role of The Major, a move that some have denounced as another example of Hollywood whitewashing. The February screenings of the original film will be held at 110 theaters across the United States. Tickets are available online. tracy.brown@latimes.com Twitter: @tracycbrown AEG Lives ties to anti-LGBT groups nothing more than fake news, says Philip Anschutz Coachella in 2016. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) Following news this week that the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival had booked Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce to lead its 2017 lineup, the owner of the company that oversees the festivals organizers has come under fire for his political interests. According to a widely picked-up report in Uproxx, Philip F. Anschutz, the owner of AEG, whose AEG Live division is the worlds second largest presenter of live music, sports and entertainment after Live Nation, has donated to a number of anti-LGBTQ groups such as Alliance Defending Freedom, National Christian Foundation and Family Research Council. A number of these organizations have been listed as extremist groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Because AEG Live oversees Coachella promoter Goldenvoice, people have taken to social media to question if anyone should drop hundreds of dollars for the destination festival out of fear that their money would fund anti-gay groups. General admission passes to Coachella sold out in an hour on Wednesday. In a statement to The Times on Thursday, Anschutz said he was unaware of the anti-LGBTQ work done by any of the organizations he had supported and that he had ceased all contributions after learning. Recent claims published in the media that I am anti-LGBTQ are nothing more than fake news it is all garbage. I unequivocally support the rights of all people without regard to sexual orientation, the statement read. We are fortunate to employ a wealth of diverse individuals throughout our family of companies, all of whom are important to us the only criteria on which they are judged is the quality of their job performance; we do not tolerate discrimination in any form. Anschutz is one of the richest people in America, amassing fortunes in oil, railroads, telecom and real estate on top of his entertainment endeavors (he came in at No. 42 on Forbes U.S. billionaires list last year) and the conservative dealings of his foundation were reported by the Washington Post over the summer in a piece that labeled him as one of the enemies of equality. His foundation was said to have donated $110,000 to Alliance Defending Freedom, a group that advocates for your right to freely live out your faith; $50,000 to National Christian Foundation, an organization that funds groups that have worked to fight LGBT rights; and $30,000 to Family Research Council, which is labeled as an extremist group by the SPLC. The contributions were made between 2010 and 2013. Anschutz said he and his foundation contribute to numerous organizations that pursue a wide range of causes. Neither I nor the Foundation fund any organization with the purpose or expectation that it would finance anti-LGBTQ initiatives, the statement continued, and when it has come to my attention or the attention of The Anschutz Foundation that certain organizations either the Foundation or I have funded have been supporting such causes, we have immediately ceased all contributions to such groups. A savage. A ghost. A madman. No one quite knows what to make of James Delaney (Tom Hardy) when he returns to England, seemingly from the dead after going down in a slave ship nearly a decade ago off the Gold Coast of Africa. One thing is for sure: Hes not the same young man who in left London in 1804 as an exceptional corporal in East India Trading Co. Hes now brooding, disturbed and occasionally mumbles in a Native American dialect that scares the xenophobic population of Regency-period London. Unraveling the mystery behind his disappearance which involves the horrors of the slave trade, hidden family secrets and corporate corruption is at the heart of the dark, compelling and often haunting eight-part miniseries Taboo, debuting Tuesday on FX. Advertisement The BBC 1 production is produced by Oscar-winner Ridley Scott and features an impressive cast of British talent, half of whom youve seen in Game of Thrones (or pick any other notable English drama of the last two years): Jonathan Pryce, David Hayman, Nicholas Woodeson and Roger Ashton-Griffiths. And Taboo finds its creators Steven Knight and Tom Hardy working together again after their success on another wonderfully grim drama (is there any other kind from the Brits do these days?), Peaky Blinders. Hardy continues his mastery of the deeply disturbed man (Alfie Solomons of Blinders, the murderous John Fitzgerald of Revenant) with Delaney, a man whose unnerving, dead-eyed stare is rivaled only by that of Oliver Reeds Bill Sykes in Oliver Twist. Though most everyone around Delaney would prefer to write him off as utterly mad, they cant ignore the menacing man in the dusty black coat and top hat. Since his father died hes become sole heir to the family shipping business and a strategic swath of coast in the Pacific Northwest, and the all-powerful East India Trading Co. shipping empire wants what he has. The head of the corrupt shipping company, Sir Stuart Strange (Pryce), is willing to do whatever it takes to acquire the estate, while Delaneys half sister, Zilpha (Oona Chaplin), has her own designs on their late fathers assets. Delaney and his sibling, however, have been romantically involved, so theres more to their dealings than just shillings and land deeds any questions as to why the shows called Taboo? Like Peaky Blinders, Taboo is not easy watching. It requires intense focus to keep track of historical references, multiple characters and the complex storylines of his scheming enemies (or are they the good guys?). Subplots include characters navigating the British governments strained relations with America in the War of 1812, complicated big business schemes that make Goldman Sachs look like rank amateurs and heartbreaking takes on the shipping trades most shameful line of business: the slave trade. But its worth the effort. Like Clive Owen as Dr. John Thackery in The Knick, a similarly bleak but smart period drama about New York, Hardy gives us such a magnetic central character with Delaney that he alone could carry the drama. But the theme here of big business versus individual morality, and the idea that sometimes the most eccentric among us are not crazy they just know more make Taboo one of the more unique and thoughtful offerings of the new year. Madness, after all, runs in Delaneys family. As an old family servant recalls to Delaney, Your father spoke in a language that was like ravens fighting. But is it madness or the echoes of a burdened conscience? In the younger Delaneys case, it seems the evil deeds he did while under the employ of the trading company have made him the man he is today. Early in the series he appears complicit in the transport of slaves. But then we find out that, at some point, he went rogue, left the company and is now taking revenge by building his own empire. But is that because of the horrors he witnessed on that slave ship? The flashbacks he has of his time at sea are of caged African men being trapped in a ship thats going down. Sometimes the bodies of those he presumably enslaved have come back to haunt him. His PTSD is, of course, misunderstood among those who populate the stuffy parlors, smoky pubs and rotting docks of early 19th century London. Strange behavior and customs have possessed the once-respectable gentleman; he has mysterious tribal tattoos and scarring, presumably from Africa, mumbles in an utterly foreign dialect and would rather kneel naked by a fire than sip tea in a parlor. Rumor has it he lived and slept with savages and may have even been a cannibal. At least one fight scene seems to back up the latter accusation. But then, London itself is no picnic. Dirty prostitution dens, men who seem to shower less than the people of Westeros, autopsies so gruesome they of course require stomach-turning close ups. Through it all, Delaney reveals a little more about himself that perhaps makes him a little less terrifying or at least more fallible than frightening. Taboo Where: FX When: 10 p.m. Tuesday Rating: TV-MA (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 17) lorraine.ali@latimes.com @LorraineAli ALSO Review: Emerald City takes a dark but ponderous journey down the yellow brick road Grab a slice of cherry pie! Showtime sets Twin Peaks premiere date Review: Right down to its title, The Mick seems designed to provoke rather than entertain Why both sides are a little wrong in the Meryl Streep-Donald Trump battle Sean Penn had no intention to rabble-rouse when he took to the stage at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday night. Instead, the actor and activist, who has thrown his considerable clout behind the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, quoted Thomas Jefferson, fondly introduced his children Dylan and Hopper, and spoke from his heart at the charitys annual Haiti Rising Gala. This is a weird year, said Penn. I didnt write much of a speech because I didnt know what speech to write. This is post the age of reason. Ive never lived here. Founded in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, J/P HRO has gone from 30 Americans on the ground to 160 Haitians running the operation today. They were were able to kick into action when Hurricane Matthew struck last year. Advertisement On a jam-packed Golden Globes weekend, the event at which tables cost up to $100,000 drew the likes of Jeremy Renner, Jason Segel, Ed Norton, Connie Britton and Nick Jonas. The scene at the sixth event included Leonardo DiCaprio bidding $100,000 for a 1967 Toyota Land Cruiser once owned by Julia Roberts and a surprise performance by Beck, who capped off the night by performing his song Where Its At. Tonight is important because its helping my country, said Haitian native Garcelle Beauvais, who will be in the upcoming movie Spider-Man: Homecoming, as she looked for her table inside the Montages ballroom. The fact that Sean Penn has been this committed for this long is really remarkable. Hes stayed true to Haiti. Master of ceremonies Bill Maher joked about Penns apparent ubiquity when there is a disaster. He truly is a man of action, said Maher. When you need someone to show up in a rowboat when theres a flood, or interview El Chapo He went to Damascus last year. Syria. Even Mormon missionaries wont go to Syria. Actor Rainn Wilson and his wife went to Haiti immediately after the earthquake, stayed in tents and did art workshops with young girls. We fell in love with the organization, he said. Theres a giant chunk of Port-au-Prince that they have utterly transformed. Celebritiesat the sixth event included, Diane Kruger, left, Garcelle Beauvais, master of ceremonies Bill Maher, Soleil Moon Frye and Jason Segel. (Michael Kovac / Getty Images ) J/P HROs biggest goal now was to fortify the countrys infrastructure, said its chief executive, Ann Lee. Were moving away from the traditional charity model, she said. We want to focus on systems rather than symptoms, and to tackle issues of vulnerability that create these conditions. On the red carpet, Soleil Moon Frye, actress and a co-founder of organic childrens clothing label the Little Seed, told us has she has been to the country several times since the earthquake, and, on her first visit, saw 60,000 people living in tents. The fact that I can go back now and see that theyve moved into sustainable homes I love that I get to be a part of this. In an age where there is so much need, donors to any philanthropic cause should do their research, and commit, said Wilson. Find out what organization is making the biggest difference, and then support the hell out of it. One of the things about giving internationally is that its cost-effective in Haiti, you can send someone to school for a year on $500. If you want to make the best possible impact, give to education. This years gala is certain to have an impact; organizers said that thanks to the live auction proceeds along with financial commitments from the French government, the World Bank and the Parker Foundation the event raised a record $37 million to fund J/P HROs initiatives in Haiti. image@latimes.com @latimesimage ALSO: Golden Globes 2017 red carpet: necklines plunge and metallics shine A tale of two after-parties: Lithgow talks The Crown, Tracee Ellis Ross swaps the gown Beyonce, pussy bows and a Paris Fashion Week jewelry heist: 2016s top fashion moments From a Beverly Boulevard restaurant closure to a new bar downtown, heres whats happening in the L.A. restaurant and drink world. Bar Clacson: If the superheroes of the bar world came together to form a band, this would be it. Cedd Moses and Eric Needleman of 213 Hospitality, along with Eric Alperin of the Varnish and Richard Boccato of Dutch Kills in Queens, N.Y., are behind a new downtown L.A. bar and restaurant called Bar Clacson (which means horn in Italian), scheduled to open Jan. 17. Bar Clacson will have an all-day menu of dine-in and grab-and-go items overseen by 213 Hospitalitys director of restaurants, Jeff Marino. Menu items will include pastries, panini (with bread from Coles French Dip) and a selection of cured meats and cheeses (from DTLA Cheese). Alperin and Boccato will lead the bar program. Bar Clacson boasts the first indoor petanque (a popular game) court as well as a patio area. 351 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. For the record: An earlier version of this article said Dutch Kills is in Brooklyn, N.Y. Its in Queens. Tartine is coming: Lauded pastry chef Elisabeth Prueitt and her husband, baker Chad Robertson, are bringing their San Francisco bakery and restaurant empire to downtown Los Angeles. The two have teamed up with chef and Phoenix-based pizza guru Chris Bianco, restaurateur and developer William Chait, hospitality veteran Carl Schuster, both Brian Lovejoy and Greg Steltenpohl of Califia Farms and coffee industry leader Chris Jordan to open Tartine Manufactory at the Row DTLA in October. Included in this multilevel, 38,500-square-foot space is the Tartine Craft Bakery + Mill, where Prueitt and Robertson will create their breads, pastries and pastas; the Coffee Roastery & Lab (a joint venture with Califia Farms); the Market + Market Restaurant (run by Tartine and Bianco), with products curated by Bianco as well as some produced in-house. This will include cheese, charcuterie, sandwiches and pizzas; an L.A. version of the San Francisco Tartine Cookies & Cream, with coffee, doughnuts and ice cream; and a restaurant (also run by Tartine and Bianco) will be open for dinner only, with a private dining room, wine room and dry aging room for meat. The restaurant is expected to open in February 2018. The market is expected to open in November. 746 Terminal St., Los Angeles, www.tartinemanufactory.com. Restaurant week: Dine L.A., the two-week, biannual event presented by the L.A. Tourism and Convention Board, is back. Between Jan. 13 and Jan. 27, restaurants across the city will offer special prix-fixe menus. So in other words, this is your chance to eat at some of the places on your restaurant bucket list for less than you might normally spend there: a $20 lunch at Pizzeria Mozza and a $45 dinner at Petrossian. And in the case of the Bellwether in Studio City, its $29 for your choice of three items from the regular menu. www.discoverlosangeles.com. Advertisement Noodle party: Nissin (Cup Noodles) and the Orange County-based food website FoodBeast are hosting what they are calling a noodle and Asian-food themed festival called Noods Noods Noods on Saturday in Santa Ana. You can expect items such as deep-fried uni pasta from Anchor Hitch; ramen from Mess Hall Canteen and sushi tacos from Norigami. The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., with VIP sessions from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 and VIP tickets are $50 or more. More details and tickets can be purchased at www.noodsnoodsnoods.com. 120 W. 5th St. Santa Ana. Au revoir: Terrine on Beverly Boulevard has closed after two years. Partner Stephane Bombet of Bombet Hospitality Group and chef Kris Morningstar closed the French-leaning restaurant on New Years Day. Terrine was known for its lively patio, cocktails, Morningstars impressive assiette de charcuteries and for being the place that restaurant people liked to go to. In his review, Jonathan Gold described Terrine as a clubhouse by the local chefs community. Especially late at night, restaurant people sometimes seem to outnumber civilians. Bombets other restaurants include Faith & Flower in downtown and Hanjip in Culver City. 8265 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Hollywood nightlife: The Peppermint Club, a new live music space by the h.wood Group and Interscope Records, will open in Hollywood on Wednesday. The Peppermint Club takes over the space formerly occupied by Henrys. A short list of cocktails and snacks will be available, including a namesake cocktail made with Absolut vodka, Meletti Cioccolato and Giffard Menthe Pastille. 8713 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, www.hwoodgroup.com/the-peppermint-club. Still hungry? Halal Guys will open its fifth SoCal location in West Hollywood this spring. The Hello Kitty cafe truck will be in Arcadia on Saturday and in Torrance Sunday. Elysian has a new remodeled bar, expanded cocktail program, new hours and a seasonal dinner menu. Jenn.Harris@latimes.com @Jenn_Harris_ ALSO: Bill Coleman of Coleman Family Farms, a fixture at L.A. farmers markets, dies at 75 This Mad Max'-themed truck serves pambazos (salsa-dipped sandwiches) with 12 hot sauces Republiques new wine director is now one of the most influential Latina sommeliers in the country UPDATES: 1:35 p.m. This article was updated with more information about Bar Clacson. This article was originally published at 9 a.m. The cast and creators of The Good Fight, the much-anticipated spinoff of The Good Wife, appeared Monday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Pasadena. But, like at the Golden Globes Sunday night (and more or less every day since Nov. 8), all anyone could talk about was Donald Trump. In this case, at least, the subject seemed germane. The Good Wife, which premiered in the early days of the Obama administration in 2009, centered on the wife of a Chicago politician who returns to work as a lawyer following her husbands prostitution scandal. Over the course of seven seasons, it struck a balance between legal procedural and political commentary, tackling hot-button issues including surveillance, gun control and police brutality. Advertisement The new series, which will debut on the CBS All Access streaming service on Feb. 19, picks up a year after the end of The Good Wife. Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) loses her retirement savings in a Bernie Madoff-like Ponzi scheme and goes to work at a predominantly African American law firm. Shes also estranged from her husband, played by Gary Cole, following his infidelities. (Their love is yet another casualty of 2016 sigh.) Much like The Good Wife, The Good Fight will go beyond cases of the week to explore broader social, technological and political themes resonant in the era of Trump. If The Good Wife was always a little about the Obama years, [Trump] gives shape to a new show, said Robert King, co-creator with his wife, Michelle King, who described Trumps win as a fertile source of creative inspiration. What was good was the world changed on us. The Good Fight will examine cultural changes, particularly the confusion between whats real and whats not real, he added. For Diane, a liberal feminist who prominently displayed a framed picture of herself with Hillary Clinton in her office, the electoral outcome is nearly as devastating as her financial losses. Baranksi recalled filming the pilot episode on election night and learning that Trump had been projected the winner. We were all in free fall, she said. And I think the interesting thing is you have a lead character who is in more of a practical free fall in a similar way to what the country is feeling right now, like how do you take the next step up when theres no foundation? Where are we? Where are we morally? During their tenure on The Good Wife, the Kings were vocal about the creative limitations of a broadcast show. Their new home online means they no longer have to contend with the standards and practices department. Viewers can expect longer running times for each episode, and occasionally coarse language. But dont expect Diane to drop a torrent of F-bombs just for the sake of it. Youre not going to hear them sound drastically different, said Michelle King. And regardless of The Good Fights venue, the series will retain the same political nuance that won its predecessor widespread acclaim. What we have always tried to do is present all our characters as intelligent, thinking beings, whether they have conservative points of view or liberal points of view, said Michelle King, and thats not going to change. The owner of the Mammoth Grove Hotel built his business in the heart of the Calaveras North Grove, where he hoped to attract wealthy Bay Area travelers to a forest full of majestic trees. But by the late 1800s, giant-sequoia tourism was heating up, and entrepreneurs were looking for an edge. One of the hotels competitors even carved a tunnel through a tree in Yosemite National Park, an innovation that proved a hit. So the landowner decided to cut a hole through his own tree, settling on one with a 33-foot-wide base that already had a burn scar. It was an effective move. Advertisement In the roughly 130 years since it was hollowed out, the so-called Pioneer Cabin Tree has taken on iconic status in a state filled with famous trees. Thousands of visitors have walked, ridden carriages and driven cars through the almost 2,000-year-old tunnel tree. At least, that is, until Sunday. A massive storm that wreaked havoc on Northern California pounded the area with 8 inches of rain, 6 inches of snow and gusty winds. By Sunday afternoon, the towering tree fell into a river of mud apparently without much of a sound. I came around the bend, braced myself, and then I just stopped. Im sure my mouth dropped open, said Jim Allday, a docent at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, who was among the first to see the downed tree. Even though I knew what I was going to be seeing, it was shocking. The base of the tree and many of its shallow roots had been yanked out, said Allday, 72. The tunnel was no longer visible; the tree had crumbled. It wasnt a tree, Allday said. It was ... splintered wood. Officials quickly closed the 1.5-mile loop that sent people to the tree, said Tony Tealdi, supervising ranger with California State Parks. The plan is to leave the tree in its resting place, Tealdi said Monday. Environmental scientists are out there right now, figuring out where to move the trail so people can come out and give a proper memorial to the tree. Early indications suggest that whenever the path is reopened, there will be no shortage of mourners. A Facebook post announcing that the Pioneer Cabin Tree had fallen had been shared more than 17,000 times and had elicited more than 2,500 comments by Monday evening. Fans of the tree posted photos of themselves smiling beneath its giant gap. Many fondly recalled childhood moments of a parent driving them through the tunnel. Some bemoaned the fact that they would not be able to share similar memories with their own kids. Went to Big Trees [State Park] so many times in my youth, so glad I was able to get a few of my kids back to see these amazing giants and now sad my younger ones will never get to walk through this one, wrote Jennie Lyn Soper, who added tearful emojis to her comment. It sucks, said Stephanie Adams, a 25-year-old Modesto nursing student who said she visited the tree for the first time just last week. I definitely wanted to go back. Still others said they were just grateful to have seen the tree before it fell. When youre standing underneath it, you can feel how wide it is in a way that you dont when youre walking around it, said Lucas Gruber, a 28-year-old digital designer in San Francisco. Youre not going to be able to ever experience something like that in our lifetimes. Allday said there are only a few tunnel trees remaining in California. Yosemites Wawona Tree failed in the late 1960s during a severe winter. The National Park Service blames heavy snow, wet soil and the trees tunnel for its demise. California State Parks Supervising Ranger Tony Tealdi pauses by the roots of the fallen tree. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press ) On Monday, officials did not pinpoint what caused the Pioneer Cabin Tree to splinter, but Tealdi said the huge cut in the tree has long affected its ability to support its own growth and reduced its ability to resist fire. Allday said the tree was almost dead 99%. It had just one branch left with a tuft of green on it, and it had taken on an alarming lean. When the wet weather had turned the soil to mud, the trees shallow roots could more easily wiggle free. People would joke, When is it going to fall? Maybe 100 years, maybe tomorrow, Allday said. The docent, who lives just three miles outside the park, estimates hes walked past the Pioneer Cabin Tree hundreds of times. Hes watched people get married under it on summer weekends and shown fascinated tourists the names and dates that were carved into the tree with kitchen knives more than a century ago. Photos from that period appear to show fascinated men and women in straw hats and sun hats peering up into the trees vast infrastructure. No less a naturalist than John Muir described the forest of Calaveras Big Trees State Park as a flowering glade in the very heart of the woods. And although a piece of that history is lost now, Allday said, its not that most visitors have some great affection for the tree itself. Thats not why so many say they are sad. To most people, Allday said, the loss of the tree means the loss of the memories. matt.stevens@latimes.com Twitter: @ByMattStevens ALSO L.A. needs to borrow millions to cover legal payouts, city report says Hollyweed prankster surrenders to LAPD, arrested in trespassing case, police say Backpage shuts down adult section, citing government pressure and unlawful censorship campaign To the editor: In the fall of 1970, I was in Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico when our drill instructors took us on a long run to the front entrance of the base adjacent to its full-sized copy of the Iwo Jima memorial. There, they put us at ease allowing us to see and hear a large Vietnam war protest on the other side. Some our 200 officer candidates grew increasingly agitated over the demonstration and we were quickly called to attention. (San Diegos Rep. Duncan Hunter pulled down a controversial student painting from a U.S. Capitol wall, Jan. 6) In colorful, Marine Corps language, our commanding officer, a major, spoke eloquently about the 1st Amendment to the Constitution and reminded us that it was our duty to defend even protests against us. Perhaps someone should remind Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine), a former Marine, that all not all Marines agree with him and that his removal of painting found offensive from Capitol Hill is potentially dangerous in a democracy. Advertisement Richard J. Follett, Van Nuys .. To the editor: A winning piece of art gets pulled. I will not get into the quality of the work or take sides in the controversy, but I will criticize the reaction to it. Our big, brave Marine, together with the police groups that found the work offensive, havent got the guts to face a serious problems they have. And the picture should hang on the wall right where it was to remind them of the work they must do to resolve them. W.R. Frederick, Tarzana Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook The third and latest storm to hit the state within a week is expected to inundate rivers in Northern California and flood parts of Napa Valley wine country, while also blanketing the frigid Sierra Nevada in heavy snowfall, according to state officials. The storm, which is expected to last through Thursday, could dump up to 7 feet of snow across the Sierra, greatly bolstering the states snow-water supply. Mountain snowpack on Tuesday measured 135% of the seasonal average, according to the California Department of Water Resources. On Monday, it was at 126% of its average for this time of year. Advertisement A few big storms alone wont end Californias six-year drought. However, the appearance this year of a Pineapple Express a type of atmospheric river originating in the tropics is making a welcome dent in Californias water deficit. Officials released water from the Folsom Lake reservoir and several others as a flood-control measure Monday. For the first time in 11 years, the floodgates of the Sacramento River also were opened, releasing a wall of water downstream into the Yolo Bypass, one of several drainage areas designed to catch floodwater. The National Weather Service warned farmers in that region to move farming equipment and livestock out of the way. The impending storm is expected to usher in several feet of snow in higher elevations and inches of rain in the foothills and valleys. By the end of the week, the total for the year could already be up to 20 feet. That means a generous addition to the Sierra Nevada snowpack, a precious water supply that California cities and farms rely on when it melts in the spring and summer. Whiteout conditions caused by blowing snow on U.S. 395 near Convict Lake, Calif., Monday afternoon. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) We havent seen an event of this magnitude in at least a decade, state climatologist Mike Anderson said. The storms over the weekend were relatively warm, meaning snow fell only at high elevations. Some of that snow melted fairly quickly, creating raging rivers and flooding across the region. But the latest storm will be colder, allowing more of the snow to stick. Thats good news for the states water-collection system, which relies on snow remaining in the Sierra Nevada into the spring. The colder storms bring with them the threat of blizzard and whiteout conditions, as well as avalanches. The NWS issued a blizzard warning Tuesday, and heavy snow closed Interstate 80 and U.S. 395. Forecasters warned of wind gusts topping 150 mph, drifting snow and zero visibility at high elevations. There also were fears of more flooding, with new warnings issued for the Napa and Russian rivers. Its not over yet, said Alex Hoon, a meteorologist in the National Weather Services Reno station. Many Northern California communities are still reeling from rainfall that left tens of thousands of households without power, cut off main transportation arteries, stranded motorists and felled trees, including a giant sequoia that served as a tunnel in Calaveras County. Residents along the Napa River in St. Helena have been warned the river could flood by Tuesday afternoon, washing out crops and eroding land. In the Sacramento Valley, rain and melting snow continue to fill the Sacramento river, and forecasters warn that the waterway will flood a county park by Tuesday afternoon. Water levels are expected to begin receding by early Wednesday. The risk and timing of flooding along state rivers is a matter of topography. A relatively narrow waterway like the Russian River, which snakes between steep mountains and hillsides that shed rainfall quickly, poses a greater risk of immediate flooding, according to Anderson, the state climatologist. Forecasters anticipate that the Russian River likely will flood again Wednesday, affecting hundreds of residents in Guerneville. The Sacramento River, however which is bigger and draws water from forests up to 100 miles away rises more slowly in times of heavy rain. It takes three days for water from Shasta to get down to Sacramento, Anderson said. So even after we get past the storm, we want to manage the flood space because its going to take a few days for it to get through the system. Workers have been monitoring the states rivers around the clock since the weekend and will continue to do so until possibly Friday, said Doug Carlson, a spokesman for the state Department of Water Resources. Were not going to take our foot off the pedal here, he said. The Union Pacific Railroad at Norden was washed out by rain Sunday night, cutting off Amtrak passenger and freight trains into and out of California. A Union Pacific spokesman said the railroad expected to have the line reopened by Monday evening. Interstate 80 reopened Monday morning heading east, but westbound drivers attempting to enter California were stopped at the border. Those who could show they had business in Truckee were allowed through, but for the rest, the remnants of a giant mudslide from Sunday evening kept the road closed. Heavy-machinery operators had made progress overnight, said California Highway Patrol Officer Peter Mann, but water cascading off the Donner Summit slope was the next problem. We have a river on the interstate, Mann said. Other key highways including Interstate 280, U.S. 395 and U.S. 101 were closed for periods because of hazardous conditions, such as mudslides. Residents in the ski town of Mammoth Lakes spent the weekend rushing to fill sandbags to protect their homes amid gusty winds, thunder and lightning. Still, the slush that filled their streets seeped into their homes and garages. Sonoma County officials issued voluntary evacuation orders to hundreds of households near swollen rivers. Picnic tables on campgrounds were submerged after the Truckee River overflowed. Ten homes in the Carmel Valley were flooded late Sunday after a river swelled from the heavy rain, authorities said. In Nevada, Gov. Brian Sandoval declared a state of emergency. 1 / 67 Surfer and Huntington Beach lifeguard Jachin Hamborg watches the dramatic sky and waves after surfing following his lifeguarding shift at dusk at the Huntington Beach pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 67 A man is silhouetted against a dramatic sky at sunset while walking on the Huntington Beach pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 67 A pedestrian takes to flight crossing 4th Street in Santa Ana after heavy rain flooded the area. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 67 Snowplows clear Highway 18 during a storm on Jan. 12, 2017, in Running Springs. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 67 Jessica Pompa and Albert Arroyo make a snowman at Firehouse Park in Running Springs. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 67 Michelle Graves keeps an eye on the sky as she waits to cross Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 67 Laurel Canyon Boulevard remained closed in both directions Thursday morning in the Hollywood Hills after part of a homes concrete foundation tumbled down a hillside after a round of rainfall. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 67 News crews gather on Laurel Canyon Blvd, which remained closed in both directions Thursday morning in the Hollywood Hills when part of a homes concrete foundation tumbled down a hillside after a round of rainfall. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 67 A pedestrian wades through a flooded 4th Street in Santa Ana. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 67 Traffic moved slowly on a snowy Highway 18 in the Running Springs area. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 67 Members of a film crew shelter under umbrellas as the rain comes down in front of L.A. City Hall. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 67 A pedestrian wades through a flooded 4th Street in Santa Ana carrying her daughter. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 67 A man crossing the street gets caught in a heavy burst of rain on 4th Street in Santa Ana. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 67 A Guernville resident walks down steps toward the foodwater surrounding his home. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) 15 / 67 A portable toilet is submerged in floodwaters at a vineyard in Forestville. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) 16 / 67 A woman walks through water from a king tide that flooded onto the Embarcadero in San Francisco on Wednesday. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press) 17 / 67 Caltrans worker Brad Larson is whipped by high winds on Tuesday as he mans a checkpoint closing all northbound traffic at U.S. 395 and State Route 203 near Mammoth Lakes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 67 Caltrans worker Mark Reistetter tells a Reno-bound truck driver his options at a checkpoint closing all northbound traffic at U.S. 395 and State Route 203 near Mammoth Lakes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 67 More than 100 trucks line Main Street in Lone Pine on Tuesday, stranded as U.S. 395 closed to high-profile vehicles in both directions because of high winds. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 67 A Mammoth Mountain employee directing traffic is dwarfed by a snow removal vehicle on Minaret Road leading to the Mammoth Mountain ski area in Mammoth Lakes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 67 A tow truck driver pulls a pickup truck out of a snowbank in the median of U.S. 395 near Mammoth Lakes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 67 Clouds drift over the Owens Valley in a view from above Round Valley near Bishop. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 67 Emma Soriano jumps in a puddle on the Manhattan Beach Pier after posing for pictures for her dad. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 67 With the Manhattan Beach Pier in the distance, surfers scan the waves of Hermosa Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 67 Morgan Harris of Hermosa Beach rides home along The Strand after a couple of hours of surfing south of Hermosa Beach. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 67 A biker at Hermosa Beach, where people were dealing with a lingering rainstorm. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 67 A break in a series of storms moving across California highlights the snow-covered White Mountains looming over U.S. Highway 395 in Crowley Lake. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 67 Traffic moves slowly at the Donner Pass Road exit on snowy Interstate 80 in Soda Springs. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 67 The Green Church, a beloved landmark along U.S. 395, is partly obscured by snow during a break in a series of storms in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 67 Snow falls along Interstate 80 at Exit 184 in Truckee. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 67 A break in a series of storms in the Eastern Sierra Nevada highlights the snow-covered White Mountains near Convict Lake. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 67 A plow removes freshly fallen snow along Donner Pass Road in Soda Springs, Calif. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 67 On a snowy day, a sign makes it clear that chains are required on this stretch of Interstate 80 in Truckee. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 67 Snow-covered mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for Crowley Lake. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 67 Jack Ryan and his family came out to see firsthand water cresting the south bank of the American River, flooding American River Parkway in Sacramentos Discovery Park. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 67 Folsom Lake continues to rise as the Folsom reservoir releases water into the American River. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 67 Caltrans worker Wendy Payne clears debris after heavy rains caused flooding along Highway 89 near Truckee. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 67 Traffic is backed up while CalTrans removes falling rocks and mud which closed one westbound lane along Interstate 80 east of Truckee, near Floriston, Calif. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 67 Wendy Payne of CalTrans clears debris along Highway 89 near Truckee. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 67 Christian Ochoa of CalTrans removes debris to allow water to flow into the Truckee River. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times ) 41 / 67 Park Ranger Cullen Tucker walks across a bridge during a rain storm on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. (Gary Kazanjian / Associated Press) 42 / 67 Resident June Barnard checks the level of the Truckee River at Bridge 11 along Highway 89. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 67 Mammoth Mountain ski patrolman Cliff Klock, left, and Forest Service member Jeff Karl fire a 105-millimeter howitzer on Sunday to mitigate avalanche paths at the top of the ski area in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 67 Mammoth Mountain ski patrolman Cliff Klock prepares to load a 105-millimeter shell into the breach of a 1943 howitzer. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 67 Heavy rains and ice dams cause flooding along Donner Pass Road in high Sierra Nevada, Soda Springs, CA, Jan. 8, 2017. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 67 A CHP officer proclaims aw man! as he is photographed after becoming stuck in heavy snow in the median of US 395 near Crowley Lake as snow falls on the Eastern Sierra Nevada. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 67 Monique Long hauls sandbags from her SUV to make a barrier to divert the rain and melting snow from flooding her garage, while her friend Jenna Shropshire, right, helps shovel snow, in Truckee, Calif. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 67 Mitch Brown operates a skid steer removing snow so water can flow freely preventing flooding in Soda Springs, Calif. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 67 Skiers coming off the mountain endured rainy conditions all day at the Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, in Norden, Calif. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 67 The train passes under an avalanche tunnel near the Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, in Norden, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2017. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 67 Caltrans snowplows clear heavy snow from the northbound lanes oh highway 395 as snow falls on the Eastern Sierra near Sherwin Summit, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 67 A sign at Wawona and Glacier Point roads alerts visitors that roads into Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park are closed. (Silvia Flores / Associated Press) 53 / 67 Actor Max Baer Jr., left, talks with emergency responders after flipping over his SUV in white-out conditions while traveling northbound on U.S. 395 near Crowley Lake as heavy snow falls on the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Calif. The star of The Beverly Hillbillies said his was not injured. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 54 / 67 A snowcat moves snow in near whiteout conditions on the slopes at Mammoth Mountain. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 67 A CHP officer maintains a checkpoint to ensure vehicles are compliant with R2 chain restrictions on the northbound 395 just north of Bishop as snow falls on the Eastern Sierra Nevada. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 67 Caltrans crews have a road-flooded sign in case of heavy rain and snow near the Eastern Sierra Nevada town of June Lake, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 57 / 67 Caltrans avalanche crew members Sky Greytak, right, and Pat Brannen, left, prepare to set off explosive charges remotely from a laptop during avalanche control operations near the Eastern Sierra Nevada town. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 67 Caltrans snowplow operator Mike Morgan prepares to turn his plow around after making loops on the 395 between Bishop and Toms Place, a route he drives 12 hours a day clearing heavy snow in the Eastern Sierra. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 67 Mammoth Mountain employees clear paths as snow falls lightly Saturday morning. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 60 / 67 A car spun out and off the road just outside Bishop in sloppy road conditions as the snowfall level fell below 5000. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 61 / 67 California Highway Patrol has established a chain checkpoint near Bishop. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 62 / 67 Supermarket shoppers stock up before the big storm. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 63 / 67 Snow covers vehicles in a parking lot in Mammoth Lakes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 64 / 67 Snow covers vehicles in a parking lot in Mammoth Lakes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 65 / 67 Jorge Gaydam digs out his truck in a parking lot. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 67 Snow blankets the Sierra Nevada crest north of Bishop along U.S. Highway 395 in Round Valley. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 67 / 67 A plow removes snow from state Highway 203 in Mammoth Lakes. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Yosemite National Park closed the popular Yosemite Valley because of flooding worries over the weekend, but reopened it Tuesday. The Merced River in Yosemite Valley reached flood stage at Pohono Bridge on Sunday. The river peaked at 12.7 feet at 4 a.m. The park is assessing the impacts and will address any repair needs in the coming days and weeks. Although there was no major flooding in Yosemite Valley, its roads and sewer systems were affected. Authorities were trying to determine whether the deaths of three people in the Bay Area one killed by a falling tree, the other two by car accidents were related to the storm. In Southern California, more wet weather is on the way. A pair of storms predicted to move through the region throughout the week will bring moderate rains Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, while a much colder storm Thursday and Friday could drop snow levels as low as 4,000 feet. Rain will spread over Ventura and Los Angeles counties, the weather service said, followed by light showers through Wednesday night. That storm could bring 1/4 to 3/4 inches of rain. Snow levels could drop to 3,500 feet or lower Thursday afternoon, resulting in winter driving conditions in mountain areas. Snow and slick roadways may jam the commute in mountain passes, including Interstate 5 through the Grapevine. Rain and snow showers will continue in Ventura and Los Angeles counties through Friday afternoon. Forecasters said this weeks earlier storm dropped .77 inches of rain in downtown Los Angeles, bringing the rain total to 7.21 inches since Oct. 1. The 30-year average during this time of year is 4.95 inches, said Jayme Laber, a hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Were above average for this time of year in downtown L.A., Laber said. Thats a good thing, considering weve had 5 years of drought. paige.stjohn@latimes.com louis.sahagun@latimes.com joseph.serna@latimes.com corina.knoll@latimes.com St. John reported from Truckee, Sahagun from Mammoth Lakes, and Knoll and Serna from Los Angeles. Times staff writers Matt Hamilton, Sarah Parvini and Veronica Rocha contributed to this report. ALSO An iconic California tree becomes a casualty of this weeks storm How much rain did we get? Ask the iRain app, created at UC Irvine Skiers and snowboarders are inundating resorts, paying higher lift prices UPDATES: 1:20 p.m.: This article was updated with Napa Valley flooding forecasts and predictions of intense wind gusts. 11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with river flooding forecasts. 8:44 a.m.: This article was updated with a revised forecast. 7:30 a.m.: This article was updated to add a blizzard warning. This article was originally published at 5 a.m. High winds and blizzard conditions prompted travel warnings and road closures in the eastern Sierra Nevada on Tuesday as another powerful storm moved through Northern California. The National Weather Service warned that the atmospheric river storm will generate high winds and heavy snow through at least Wednesday. Bottom line: Do not travel in the eastern Sierra, the Weather Services Reno office wrote in a forecast Tuesday morning. Life threatening blizzard conditions are occurring in places and will continue through Wednesday morning. The next 24 hours will be very active to say the least. The Weather Service warned that wind gusts of up to 60 mph will create whiteout conditions along with heavy snow, accumulating up to 10 feet of snow in higher elevations and several feet at lower altitudes. Mono County law enforcement officials reported visibility at only 10 feet in some areas, according to the Weather Service. The storm triggered a number of wind- and snow-related road closures. That included a 115-mile stretch of U.S. Route 395 from Pearsonville north to Bishop closed because of high winds that were kicking up dust and limiting visibility. That closure was lifted for passenger vehicles Tuesday morning, but high-profile vehicles still were prohibited from Pearsonville to Lone Pine, according to Florene Trainor, a Caltrans spokeswoman. Authorities also closed U.S. 395 from a mile north of State Route 203, near Mammoth Lakes, to Bridgeport, because of whiteout conditions, Trainor said. There also were fears of more flooding, with new warnings issued for the Napa, Russian, Eel and Sacramento rivers. The risk and timing of flooding along state rivers is a matter of topography. A relatively narrow waterway like the Russian River, which snakes between steep mountains and hillsides that shed rainfall quickly, poses a greater risk of immediate flooding, according to state climatologist Mike Anderson. Forecasters anticipate that the Russian River likely will flood again Wednesday, affecting hundreds of residents in Guerneville. The Sacramento River, however which is bigger and draws water from forests up to 100 miles away rises more slowly in times of heavy rain. It takes three days for water from Shasta to get down to Sacramento, Anderson said. So even after we get past the storm, we want to manage the flood space because its going to take a few days for it to get through the system. Workers have been monitoring the states rivers around the clock since the weekend and will continue to do so until possibly Friday, said Doug Carlson, a spokesman for the state Department of Water Resources. Were not going to take our foot off the pedal here, he said. By the end of the week, the total snow accumulation in the Sierra Nevada could reach 20 feet, the National Weather Service said. That would add greatly to the existing Sierra Nevada snowpack, which functions as a natural, albeit seasonal, storage reservoir for California water. On Tuesday, the snowpack measured 135% of average for this time of year, according to the California Department of Water Resources. We havent seen an event of this magnitude in at least a decade, Anderson said. But the next rounds of storms will be colder, meaning more of the snow will stick. Thats good news for the states water-collection systems, which rely on snow remaining in the Sierra Nevada into the spring. Residents, businesses and government agencies are now preparing for a whole different type of storm, even while they scramble to access and address the damage from the last onslaught. Union Pacific Railroad tracks at Norden near Lake Tahoe were washed out by rain Sunday night, cutting off Amtrak passenger and freight trains into and out of California. A Union Pacific spokesman said the railroad expected to have the line reopened by Monday evening. ALSO Once teetering, Mono Lake is revived by heavy rains, snow Storms are making a dent in California's drought; 7 feet of snow expected in some areas On Mammoth Mountain, avalanche control requires bringing out a big gun the 105-millimeter Howitzer UPDATES: 11:25 a.m.: This article was updated with travel warnings and road closures. 10:30 a.m.: This article was updated with a forecast of potential flooding. This article was originally published at 8:20 a.m. Backpage.com, one of the worlds largest classified ad websites and a frequent target in the political battle against sex trafficking, closed its adult ads section Monday in the United States, claiming to be the victim of a government witch hunt. The extraordinary move came shortly after the release of a scathing U.S. Senate report that accused Backpage of hiding criminal activity by deleting terms from ads that indicated sex trafficking or prostitution, including of children. The abrupt closure came on the eve of the scheduled testimony of Backpages founders, Michael Lacey and James Larkin, and the sites CEO, Carl Ferrer, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee on investigations. Advertisement The Senate panel issued the report after an acrimonious investigation. Backpage balked at a subpoena to turn over company materials to investigators, but the panel secured a federal court order to force compliance. The Senate committees review of the company documents, totaling more than 1.1-million pages, found evidence that Backpage knowingly facilitated prostitution and child sex trafficking, according to the report. The business was highly profitable and experienced explosive growth, from $5.3 million in gross revenue in 2008 to $135 million in 2014. To keep problematic ads online, the company edited them. One moderator said he removed material that was obviously indicative of prostitution but the post remained published. According to the report, the moderator testified under oath: [M]y responsibility was to make the ads OK to run live on the site, because having to get rid of the ad altogether was bad for business. It was common knowledge at the company that ads in the adult section were for prostitution, one moderator said, adding that a co-worker used the site to procure prostitutes, according to the report. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who led the bipartisan Senate investigation into the website, said Backpages move to shutter its adult ads attested to the damning evidence their team uncovered. We reported the evidence that Backpage has been far more complicit in online sex trafficking than anyone previously knew, they said in a statement. Backpages response wasnt to deny what we said. It was to shut down their site. Thats not censorship its validation of our findings. By late Monday, visitors to Backpage saw censored tags in red font under the adult sections menu of escorts, body rubs and strippers. Other sections remained operative, including for cars, real estate and childcare. Online, Backpage published full statements from the company as well as supporters who view government efforts to shutter the website as unlawful attempts to stifle free speech. Like the decision by Craigslist to remove its adult category in 2010, this announcement is the culmination of years of effort by government at various levels to exert pressure on Backpage.com and to make it too costly to continue, Backpage said. The website also said that the end of its adult ads section would do little to end human trafficking. Lois Lee, founder of Children of the Night, a Van Nuys-based nonprofit that rescues children from sex work, credited Backpage with helping detectives locate missing or exploited children and ultimately prosecute pimps. She lamented the end of the site as a critical investigative tool. Its a sad day for Americas children victimized by prostitution, Lee said in a statement. The site has long positioned itself as a champion of online speech freedoms and has relied on the Communications Decency Act of 1996, a federal statute that immunizes website operators from the content of users ads. A Sacramento County judge cited the law in December when he tossed out pimping charges filed against Lacey, Larkin and Ferrer by former state Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris. A new set of charges was filed in late December, accusing the trio of laundering earnings from escorts as well as pimping children and adult women. In a separate statement, Lacey and Larkin congratulated their efforts to augment law that protects online speech and privacy rights, and recounted their years of legal battles, including the recent prosecution attempt by Harris. The men said they intend to sue Harris, who has since been elected to the Senate, for bringing the case despite knowing it had no basis in law. Lacey and Larkin the former owners of alternative weekly newspapers such as Phoenix New Times and the Village Voice also said they sold their ownership interest in Backpage two years ago, contradicting the Senate report. The congressional investigation report states that Larkin and Lackey retain significant financial and operational control over Backpage. Today, the censors have prevailed. We get it, the men said in their statement. But the shutdown of Backpages adult classified advertising is an assault on the 1st Amendment. We maintain hope for a more robust and unbowed Internet in the future. matt.hamilton@latimes.com Twitter: @MattHjourno ALSO Pimping charges against Backpage.com chief executive tossed out by judge Backpage says criminal charges by Kamala Harris are election year stunt Editorial: Kamala Harris futile attack on Backpage.com UPDATES: 10:10 p.m.: This article was updated with additional background and minor editing. 8:45 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Sens. Rob Portman and Claire McCaskill. This article was originally published at 8:15 p.m. Real estate developers have long been a pivotal part of political fundraising at Los Angeles City Hall, bankrolling the campaigns of mayors, City Council members and other elected officials. That phenomenon has fueled persistent suspicions that campaign contributions not established planning rules influence the votes of local lawmakers as they approve shopping malls, hotel towers and other building projects. Now a handful of Los Angeles lawmakers are calling for a ban on such donations from real estate developers, saying they want to counter the perception that money drives those decisions. Advertisement The proposal, unveiled Tuesday by City Council members David Ryu, Joe Buscaino, Paul Krekorian, Paul Koretz and Mike Bonin, would direct city officials to draft a new law that would prohibit donations from development companies and their principals during, and shortly after, city reviews of their building projects. There has been a widely held perception that bad development decisions get made at the city as a result of the relationships that developers have with council members through campaign contributions, Krekorian said. And I think its important that we dispel that perception. The ban is being pushed at a time of increased scrutiny of real estate developers, their fundraising activities and their political clout at City Hall. With a municipal election two months away, Mayor Eric Garcetti and several council members face challengers who have been highlighting public frustration over large-scale development projects. A bruising campaign is underway over a ballot measure that would temporarily halt the approval of some building projects. The proposed ban also follows a series of stories by The Times about the influx of political contributions as development projects are reviewed at City Hall. In October, a Times investigation found that donors with direct and indirect ties to real estate developer Samuel Leung gave more than $600,000 to support L.A.-area politicians as his 352-unit Sea Breeze apartment project was being vetted at City Hall. Sea Breeze was approved over the objections of both city planners and Garcettis own appointees. The Times also examined campaign contributions made by businessman Rick Caruso, the developer of a 20-story apartment project being considered near the Beverly Center. Caruso and his associates have provided more than $476,000 to L.A. politicians and their pet causes over the last five years. Backers of Measure S, which takes aim at development projects that need zoning changes and other special approvals, praised council members for proposing the ban. But they also said the proposal backed up their claim that donations are corrupting the planning process. Its an admission of guilt, said Richard Close, president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. and a proponent of Measure S. Opponents of Measure S said they were also pleased by the proposed ban, arguing that it tackles issues the ballot measure fails to address. But some business leaders questioned the narrow focus on developers. Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., argued that are other donors also have a stake in the citys planning process. If theyre going to ban contributions from developers, then they should ban them from labor unions too, Waldman said. Los Angeles already prohibits political contributions from companies that are bidding on city contracts. Expanding that ban to real estate interests could spark a legal challenge, experts said. If youre a real estate developer who is suddenly told that you cant contribute, I think theres no question that a challenge would be brought, said Derek Muller, associate professor at Pepperdine University School of Law. It would be a close call for a court. Ryu, one of the authors of the proposed ban, pledged not to accept campaign contributions from developers with current or upcoming city projects when he ran for office in 2015. The city should ban such donations citywide to restore trust with voters, he said. Still, the proposal may not ultimately cover some of the biggest recipients of developers money. A Ryu spokesman said the initiative would likely not apply to city ballot measure committees, which can accept donations of any size, or behested donations, which are made to charities or other organizations at an elected officials request. In addition, one political consultant said he fears that a prohibition on giving would simply prompt real estate developers to direct their money into independent expenditure committees. Those campaign committees cannot coordinate their activities with the candidates they support. They also face no legal limits on how much money they can accept. Those committees would then spend big on behalf of their favored candidates, said political consultant Michael Soneff. Money would shift to committees that lack contribution limits and accountability, he said. Three of the five council members who signed the proposal Buscaino, Bonin and Koretz are running in the March 7 election. Bonin and Koretz, as well as other incumbents, face challengers who have publicly promised not to accept campaign contributions from developers seeking city approval for their projects. Among them is attorney Jesse Max Creed, who is running against Koretz and described the proposed ban as cynical. Koretz has long had the opportunity to stop such contributions and is only doing so now during a reelection fight, Creed said. My campaign is calling Koretz out for his real estate contributions, and now hes trying to be a born-again good-government person, he said. Koretz said as recently as six months ago, the council would not have been able to muster enough votes to carry out a developer donation ban. But the Measure S campaign and The Times coverage of developer contributions have fueled a public perception that there is a pay-to-play culture at City Hall, he said. Koretz said he does not believe such a culture exists. But its time to address the perception, he said. Thats not a good reputation for the city to have, whether its real or not, he said. david.zahniser@latimes.com Twitter: @davidzahniser emily.alpert@latimes.com Twitter: @LATimesEmily UPDATES: 5:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional reporting and editing. 1:55 p.m.: This article was updated with a response from Councilman Paul Koretz to criticism from his opponent. 1:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details and reaction to the proposal. This article was originally published at 11:25 a.m. Syed Raheel Farook, whose younger brother was one of the two terrorists who killed 14 people at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino in December 2015, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to commit a crime in relation to a marriage fraud case for which he was charged months after the attack. FBI agents arrested Farook; his wife, Tatiana Farook; and her sister, Mariya Chernykh, in April on charges of marriage fraud. The charges stemmed from Chernykhs marriage to Enrique Marquez, who was charged with buying weapons used by Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, in the Dec. 2, 2015, attack. Chernykh is a Russian citizen, and prosecutors said she married Marquez to obtain legal U.S. residency, even though the two did not live together and never actually had a marriage ceremony. Advertisement Syed Raheel Farook and his wife, Tatiana, helped the couple plan and execute the fraud, prosecutors said. The case against the elder Farook, his wife and sister-in-law, was not related to the Dec. 2 shootings. However, authorities learned of the marriage scheme in the aftermath of the attack. Farook, who is free on bail, is scheduled to be sentenced in November. Farook faces a maximum of five years in federal prison under the charge. His attorney, Ron Cordova, declined to comment on why Farook agreed to plead guilty. ALSO Carrie Fisher died of cardiac arrest, Debbie Reynolds of stroke, L.A. coroner says L.A. politicians propose banning campaign contributions from developers Heroin resurgence an unintended consequence of attempt to curb OxyContin abuse, study finds In an attempt to stem abuse of OxyContin, Purdue Pharma spent a decade and several hundred million dollars developing a version of the painkiller that was more difficult to snort, smoke or inject. Since those abuse-deterrent pills debuted six years ago, misuse of OxyContin has fallen and the company has touted them as proof of its efforts to end the opioid epidemic. But a study released Monday found that rather than curtail deaths, the change in OxyContin contributed heavily to a surge in heroin overdoses across the country and that as a result there was no net reduction in overall overdose deaths. Experts have long blamed skyrocketing heroin use on painkiller addicts transitioning to the cheaper, more easily available street opioid. But the study by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and Rand Corp. was the first large-scale research to tie the alarming growth in heroin deaths to Purdues introduction of new pills. Our results imply that a substantial share of the dramatic increase in heroin deaths since 2010 can be attributed to the reformulation of OxyContin, the authors wrote. Advertisement In response to the study, the company issued a statement noting that government officials have been urging drug companies to develop abuse-deterrent painkillers like the reformulated OxyContin. The Food and Drug Administration has approved eight abuse-deterrent opioids, three of them made by Purdue. Abuse-deterrent OxyContin does not prevent the most common way of abusing the drug simply swallowing whole pills but it has cut back on abuse of the painkiller by 40%, according to some estimates. The White House, FDA, and DEA [Drug Enforcement Administration] consider abuse-deterrent technology to be an important part of a comprehensive approach toward combating prescription drug abuse that also includes prevention and treatment, the statement said. More than 7 million Americans are estimated to have abused OxyContin since its 1996 debut with some regions of the country more seriously affected. The researchers from Penns Wharton School and Rand analyzed levels of OxyContin abuse on a state-by-state basis in the years leading up to the pill reformulation and then looked at deaths from heroin in a three-year period after the change. They found that heroin deaths more than tripled, from 3,000 in 2010 to 10,500 in 2014. And states where OxyContin abuse rates were the highest experienced the largest increases in heroin deaths, the authors wrote. Washington University School of Medicine professor Theodore J. Cicero, who separately has studied the role that OxyContin reformulation played in heroin addiction, said he found the Penn-Rand study credible. Underlying their conclusions is the agony of withdrawal from opioids like OxyContin, he said. Addicts suddenly deprived pills they can inject or smoke feel like they are going to die and the only relief is another opiate, Cicero said. He said that looking back it is difficult to understand why experts in the field didnt see that reformulation would lead to increased heroin use. Its hard to imagine that all of us, the FDA included, didnt pick up on this as a possibility, he said. The study authors referred to the deaths as an unintended consequence and one, Rand health economist Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, said Purdue deserved credit for trying to address a problem. She said that the study looked narrowly at what she called the worst of the outcomes death because data was available. The researchers were not able to tally people who had responded to the drug reformulation by getting clean or calculate the number of people who did not abuse it in the first place because of the change to the pill. We cant say there was no benefit from the reformulation, Pacula said. We dont know what the outcomes will be in terms of lives saved. harriet.ryan@latimes.com @latimesharriet ALSO OxyContin goes global Were only just getting started Maker of painkiller OxyContin loses legal battle to keep lawsuit records secret How black-market OxyContin spurred a towns descent into crime, addiction and heartbreak Night after night, Lynne Westmore Bloom clung to the rocks above the Malibu Canyon tunnel, preparing her canvas. She chipped at the flecks of old graffiti, pulled away the brittle bushes and sketched out the outline of what would be her gift to L.A. and the morning commuters who couldnt possibly miss it through their windshields. One morning in the fall of 1966, it emerged in full form: a naked lady, 60 feet tall, slightly pink, a fistful of yellow flowers in her right hand and an amused (or frightened, perhaps) look on her face. Advertisement Even in a city that had such a healthy appetite for the offbeat and strange, the Pink Lady of Malibu Canyon seemed to tower above it all, even if only until county work crews figured out how to cover it up. City-bound commuters slowed to gawk, drivers pulled to the shoulder to snap pictures, and news crews crawled through the canyon to cover the spectacle. Soon, the Pink Lady went as viral as was humanly possible in the pre-social media days. Lynne Westmore Bloom said her intention with the Pink Lady was to give the community a playful alternative to the faded graffiti. (George Fry/Los Angeles Times ) As work crews wrestled with their task, high-pressure hoses were used to try to blast away the mural, and when that failed, workers mopped paint stripper onto the rock. Finally they hoisted up buckets and covered the Pink Lady with brown paint. I usually dont have a feeling that everything I do is precious, Bloom said in a 1991 interview with The Times. But in this case, I became its mother, and it became important to me to save her. It was the most ridiculous thing I had ever seen. Bloom, who grew up in a family of Hollywood makeup artists and had a long career as a multi-media artist, died Friday in Encinitas, her husband said. She was 81. In addition to her husband, she is survived by son Stephen Seemayer, an independent filmmaker; a grandson and a great-grandson. William Bloom said his wife initially exalted in the attention showered on the Pink Lady, but later worried it might overshadow her more serious artwork, which was exhibited at the Orlando Gallery in Sherman Oaks, the San Diego Art Institute and at Cal State Northridge. Bloom said her intention with the Pink Lady was not to make a statement or create a highway distraction, but merely give the community a playful alternative to the faded graffiti she found to be an eyesore. Not everyone agreed. City politicians blasted the mural as an obscenity, and she received both death threats and marriage proposals. And an arts council asked her to judge a painting created by apes. The attention, she said, eventually cost her a job as a legal secretary. Bloom later sued the county for $1 million for the loss of her artwork and for invasion of privacy. In turn, the county sued her for the cost of erasing the Pink Lady. Both cases were tossed out of court the countys after it was determined that the hillside above the tunnel was owned by an individual, not the county. The notoriety had a positive side too. Galleries suddenly sought her out for showings, a television producer tried to secure rights to her story, and she became a godmother in the emerging public art scene in L.A. A Facebook group still roots for the return of the 60-foot mural, hoping among other things that the elements will eventually take a toll on the countys brown paint and the Pink Lady will reappear. Bloom said she thought about the mural with less frequency as the years past. But there was one detail that still gnawed at her. I was never happy with the mouth, she said. There was a rock protruding through the lips, and I thought I could do something about it. If I had more time. steve.marble@latimes.com @StephenMarble At the Republican National Convention last July, retired Army Gen. Michael Flynn famously led Donald Trumps supporters in angry chants of Lock her up! to demand prosecution of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Flynn has suggested that Americans should fear all Muslims, and argued that terrorism committed by Muslims is rooted in mainstream Islam. Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL, he tweeted last February. So on Tuesday, when Flynn made his first public comments since President-elect Trump picked him to be the next White House national security advisor, a packed hall at the U.S. Institute of Peace waited to hear what the fiery former commander and provocative Trump advisor had to say. Advertisement Flynn couldnt have been more gracious. After he was introduced by Susan Rice, the outgoing national security advisor, he gushed, That was an amazing speech. He confessed that he was in awe of Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of State who had campaigned for Clinton and who sat in the audience. Rice and Albright have shown grace, dignity, elegance, commitment to this country, he declared. Flynn spoke for just over 10 minutes and offered no details or specific policy ideas to outline his plans in the White House. Reporters were not given time to ask questions. Trump will stand up for American values overseas in an unapologetic defense of liberty that is the core value of American exceptionalism, Flynn said. We have always been the indispensable nation, and we always will be, he said. He remarks, though larded with foreign policy platitudes, seemed designed to reassure U.S. allies and skeptics at home that the incoming president will not adopt a more isolationist approach to world affairs than previous administrations. The world needs us and in fact demands it, he said. What makes our country exceptional is what we are defending every day, and thats freedom, Flynn said. Flynn said the White House National Security Council will help form policy, make sure it is carried out by government agencies, and will ensure that Trump is properly prepared to work with Congress and to make decisions on foreign policy and national security issues. He said nothing about what steps Trump will take to fulfill his vow to improve relations with Russia, as the president-elect has suggested, or whether he agrees with the Obama administration that Russia sought to interfere in the 2016 presidential campaign. Flynn spoke shortly before FBI Director James B. Comey, CIA Director John Brennan, National Security Agency Director Michael S. Rogers and Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper testified before Congress for the first time since they released a joint report Friday concluding that Russian President Vladimir had aspired to help Trump win and to harm Clintons chances. In addition to stealing and leaking emails from the Democratic National Committee and Clintons campaign, hackers backed by Russian intelligence penetrated and stole data from state-level Republican servers and old Republican National Committee domains, Comey told the Senate Intelligence Committee. But he said none of that data was leaked, and that the FBI saw no evidence that the hackers had accessed Trump campaign computers or current RNC servers. Flynn, who was fired as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014, sat beside Putin in 2015 in a paid appearance at a dinner hosted by Russia Today, a Russian-government-funded English-language outlet. RT, as the network is known, openly supported Trump last year and played a major role in Russian efforts to spread disinformation and propaganda during the U.S. election, according to the intelligence report. As a senior Army intelligence officer, Flynn was a fierce critic of U.S. counter-terrorism operations. He argued that the federal government as a whole and the military in particular were poorly organized to defeat militant groups that relied on secrecy and terror tactics. He was fired as chief of the DIA, the Pentagons main spying agency, after he was critical of what he claimed was the Obama administrations unwillingness to take more forceful action against Islamist militants overseas. It infuriates me when our president bans criticism of our enemies, and I am certain that we cannot win this war unless we are free to call our enemies by their proper names: radical jihadis, failed tyrants, and so forth, Flynn wrote in a New York Post opinion article in 2015, claiming he was fired for his views. If our leaders were interested in winning, they would have to design a strategy to destroy this global enemy, he wrote. But they dont see the global war. Instead, they timidly nibble around the edges of the battlefields from Africa to the Middle East, and act as if each fight, whether in Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Libya or Afghanistan, can be peacefully resolved by diplomatic effort. Staff writer David S. Cloud in Washington contributed to this report. brian.bennett@latimes.com Twitter: @ByBrianBennett ALSO When Trump says he wants to deport criminals, he means something starkly different than Obama Yes, Trump can boost deportations and gut the Dreamer program for young immigrants An outsider takes charge of the Border Patrol and yes, hell wear the green uniform UPDATES: 12:33 p.m.: This article was updated with details from Tuesdays Senate Intelligence Committee hearing This article was originally published at 11:30 a.m. For more than a year, Donald Trump has rallied supporters by vowing to build a big beautiful wall along the nearly 2,000-mile-long border with Mexico, calling it crucial to stop migrants, drugs and criminals from entering the United States. John Kelly, the president-elects choice to head the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for guarding the nations borders, said Tuesday that a wall wont solve the problem. Kelly, a retired four-star general, told his Senate confirmation hearing that cutting the flow of migrants and illegal drugs would require addressing rising violence and lack of opportunity in poverty-stricken countries in Central and South America, not just building a wall. Advertisement A physical barrier in and of itself will not do the job, Kelly told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. It has to be really a layered defense. Kelly endorsed using diplomacy and targeted foreign aid, not just arrests and deportations, to boost border security. He called for increasing counter-narcotics aid, investment and other assistance to Central America and as far south as Peru and Colombia, as well as for creating a drug demand reduction campaign in the United States. He said most migrants from the region who enter the U.S. are looking for jobs and to escape drug-fueled gang violence back home. In written answers to committee questions, Kelly said he had only briefly discussed the wall with Trump and had no discussions with him about who would pay for it. Rather than building a single long wall, he suggested one that would funnel the flow in certain directions and into specific cul-de-sacs as part of a multilayered defense that would include more border patrols, aerial drones, ground sensors and other devices. Kelly is expected to win easy Senate confirmation. No lawmaker on the panel voiced opposition to him. If confirmed, he would be the fifth head of a massive department that was cobbled together from 22 agencies after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It now has an annual budget of $41 billion and 240,000 employees who are responsible for border security, immigration control, cybersecurity, screening passengers at airports and other tasks. The sharpest questioning came from Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), who was elected in November, over the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. DACA, as the program begun by President Obama is known, defers deportations for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, grew up here and committed no crimes. Harris pressed Kelly about whether he would use the DACA information to identify and deport people. She asked him to honor the Obama administrations promise not to use DACA applications to assist in deportations. Kelly said convicted criminals and other categories of undocumented immigrants might be a higher priority for removal, though he acknowledged he had not had discussions with Trumps advisors about immigration policy. Theres a big spectrum of people who need to be dealt with in terms of deportation, he said. I would guess that [DACA applicants] might not be the highest priority for deportations, Kelly said. He added, I promise you that I will be involved in the discussion. Kelly also seemed to raise questions about Trumps vow to use extreme vetting of refugees and immigrants to prevent Islamic militants from entering the country. You cant guarantee 100%, and if you are taking in large numbers of people from places where you really cant vet them very well you do the best you can, Kelly said. A native of Boston, Kelly enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970 after high school and became an officer after graduating from the Naval Academy. Known for his blunt, hard-driving style, he served three tours in Iraq. His son, Marine Lt. Robert Kelly, was killed in November 2010 in Afghanistan. Kelly has experience in Washington as a top military aide to two Defense secretaries, and as a Marine Corps liaison to Congress. He served as head of U.S. Southern Command before he retired. The Pentagon command is responsible for U.S. military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean and works closely with the Department of Homeland Security to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling. Lawmakers from both parties noted that Kellys time at Southern Command prepared him for many of the same problems he would confront at Homeland Security. Like Trump, Kelly made clear that he believed tougher measures were needed to interdict migrants crossing the southwest border from Mexico. He recounted visiting the border with law enforcement officers recently and observing several people climb over a chain-link fence, part of the barriers that already exist along parts of the border. He said the officers did not move to arrest the fence-jumpers. Whats the use? he said, describing the officers attitude of the futility of holding back migrants. Thats not good for morale. If confirmed, he said his priority would be to let the people who are tasked with protecting the border do their job. Border Patrol agents and other U.S. authorities apprehended 408,870 people on or near the border including 137,366 children and their families, mostly from Central America in the just-ended 2016 fiscal year, according to U.S. records. Thats up from 331,333 people the previous year, but down from 2014 and 2013. Most of those apprehended in the last year came from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, countries struggling with drug-related violence and extreme poverty. Net migration from Mexico has remained in negative territory for several years, according to U.S. and Mexico census data, with more people returning home to Mexico than entering the U.S. illegally each year. Read more on the transition to Trump The focus on the wall that Trump has promised to build comes amid growing confusion about who would pay for it. Trump has suggested it would cost about $10 billion, but outside estimates are double or triple that. After repeatedly vowing on the campaign trail that he would force Mexico to shoulder the cost, Trump in October suggested he would get Mexico to reimburse the costs a step Mexican officials have said is out of the question. After Trumps aides signaled last week that he would ask Congress to find the money, Trump tweeted, The dishonest media does not report that any money spent on building the Great Wall (for sake of speed), will be paid back by Mexico later! david.cloud@latimes.com Twitter: @davidcloudLAT ALSO: Thousands of California soldiers forced to repay enlistment bonuses a decade after going to war Defense secretary orders Pentagon to stop seeking repayment of California National Guard bonuses Congress proposals would let California National Guard soldiers keep millions in bonuses UPDATES: 3:50 p.m. Updated with details from Kellys testimony This story was published at 12:10 p.m. On a chilly Saturday afternoon in December, Sean Davis was tending bar at the American Legion in northeast Portland. Before him a dozen twentysomething musicians and visual artists were plotting an artistic response to Donald Trumps election. If Hillary Clinton was president, theyd all be asleep right now, joked the 43-year-old Davis. Bearded and burly, Davis was the only military veteran in the room, which wasnt unusual at Post 134. The post commander, he is leading an experiment of sorts. Advertisement He believes that if the American Legion, a 97-year-old organization that helps veterans obtain government benefits and offers social support to them and their families, is going to survive a rapid decline in the veteran population, it must become more inclusive and open its doors to entire communities, not just veterans. Post 134 looks a lot like left-wing Portland. It is strikingly young and feisty and plays host to indie-rock shows, sexual assault survivor groups, Sunday morning childrens bands, literary events, a food pantry, annual missionary trips to Haiti and trivia nights catering to gays, lesbians and transgender people. As far as I know, were the very first post to ever sign someone who was born a woman into the Sons of the American Legion, and someone who was born a man into the [Womens] Auxiliary, says Davis, a writing instructor at two local community colleges who fights wildfires during the summer. With fewer than 1% of Americans serving in the recent wars, the gap between the military and the rest of society has never been greater. Davis wants to help bridge it, which in his view requires upending some traditions at the American Legion. Leo Brill, one of the musicians who had come to join the anti-Trump effort, said the Legion had become an important part of the neighborhood. This is kind of a space that has the same values that we do, which is using art to make a difference in the community, said the 24-year-old, who performs in a punk band called Mouthbreather. This last week, amid an extreme cold spell, Davis turned the post into a 24-hour warming shelter. Two dozen homeless people veterans and nonveterans alike slept there Sunday night on donated cots. Sean Davis, right, helps a man find a hat in piles of donated clothes at American Legion Post 134 in Portland. (Kristyna Wentz-Graff / For The Times ) Davis said the post could anchor the transformation of the entire neighborhood into Haight-Ashbury here in Portland. Born to a teen mother who never finished high school, Davis grew up poor in rural Oregon. Deciding the military offered him a way out, he enlisted in the Army in 1993. The day after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, two years after Davis had left the military to study art, he reenlisted in the National Guard. He was on patrol in Iraq in 2004 when an improvised explosive device went off. He was left with several broken bones and a brain injury that affects his breathing. The blast earned him a Purple Heart and ended his military career. He moved back to Oregon and took a job as a waiter while he tried to figure out what to do next. I went from conducting high-end missions to taking peoples orders for shrimp, he recalled. Those were the worst times of my life. I was pretty suicidal. I thought everyone had forgotten about me, that nobody was invested in the war. Using his rehab allowance, Davis graduated from college and went on to earn a masters degree in writing. In 2009, he decided to check out Post 134, housed in a gray quonset hut on Alberta Street that was built in the early 1950s by a mother who lost her son in World War II. It fit the stereotype of a smoky lounge filled with white-whiskered vets. Davis was immediately put off by what he perceived as a rude bartender and an exclusive, cliquish atmosphere. Even as a Purple Heart combat veteran, I just felt like I didnt belong there, he recalled. They just used it as a place to drink cheap alcohol. Sean Davis outside American Legion Post 134. He was awarded a Purple Heart during his service in Iraq. (Kristyna Wentz-Graff / For The Times ) But in June 2014, around the anniversary of his getting injured, Davis was feeling alone. I wanted to be around people who would understand, he said. So he returned to the post and asked how he could get involved. To his surprise, the old men said they hadnt seen their commander in months and asked if he wanted the job. Without really thinking about it, he said yes. Davis proceeded to invite veterans hed served with in Iraq to his post and soon installed a leadership slate that would support his rabble-rousing agenda. His latest plan is to scrap the Legions groups for relatives the Sons of the American Legion and the Womens Auxiliary. Instead, he said, relatives, regardless of gender, will simply be known as allies. There was no negativity in their hearts when they set it up that way, but I have people coming into my post who say, I dont want to join something called a ladies auxiliary, he said. The American Legion, which had 3.3 million members nationally at its height in 1947, still has 14,000 active posts and 2 million members nationwide. But only about 30,000 are veterans under the age of 40. The Department of Veterans Affairs projects that over the next 25 years, the veteran population will fall from 21 million to 15 million and continue to decline. The drop-off presents a major challenge for the Legion, which has long relied on membership dues to keep its posts operating and to pay for its programs. State and national officials have been pushing Davis to increase membership at the post. He said he had doubled membership to 350 veterans, though some are in arrears on their $40 annual dues, but he resents that focus. The older generation of American Legionnaires care more about membership than helping their communities, he said. Jim Willis, a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran and the Oregon state commander, said he appreciated much of what Davis was doing, but felt that membership was just as important. Thats how youre able to fund your programs, he said. As for the plan to eliminate gender groups for relatives and to call them allies instead, Willis said Davis should respect tradition. I dont care, necessarily, what he calls them within his post, but to change it from the current sons and the auxiliary, thats just not something I can support, he said. Davis said bar revenue covered all the needs of Post 134. On any given day, its hopping, often with more nonveterans than veterans. The day after the anti-Trump artists met, for instance, a group of families from a local elementary school shared a breakfast buffet and swigged Pabst while a childrens band rocked onstage. I want to make positive change however possible, Sean Davis said. (Kristyna Wentz-Graff / For The Times ) The post still holds veteran-only events, such as meetings in which those with combat experience come to discuss traumatic memories. But Davis said he believed that some of the greatest benefits to veterans would come from mixing with people who never served. For all his willingness to challenge the American Legion orthodoxy, Davis said he also appreciated its stature. I know so many veterans starting nonprofits to do something, and Im like, Why reinvent the wheel? he said. Hey, Im with the American Legion. I have instant credibility. Being the post commander has also raised Davis stature. This year he ran for mayor in a campaign managed by the post bartender and finished fifth among 15 candidates. He insisted he had no plans to run again. He recently dabbled with running for Oregon commander of the American Legion but changed his mind, saying hes happy running Post 134. I want to make positive change however possible, he said. Seely is a special correspondent. ALSO Meryl Streep overrated? Donald Trump fires the latest salvo in the culture wars Supreme Court weighs the right to a refund for people who paid fines before they were freed Is this the year the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will be targeted for oil drilling? Neil Gorsuch could fall somewhere between his hero, Justice Scalia, and former boss, centrist Justice Kennedy By David Savage Judge Neil M. Gorsuch was resting midway down a Colorado ski slope last year when his cellphone rang with the news that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia had died. I immediately lost what breath I had left, Gorsuch recalled in an April speech, and I am not embarrassed to admit that I couldnt see the rest of the way down the mountain for the tears. Now, as President Trumps pick to replace Scalia on the high court, Gorsuch is seen by many on the right as a fitting replacement for the iconic jurist that Gorsuch considered a lion of the law. Like Scalia, Gorsuch, 49, who serves on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, is a well-respected conservative who believes judges should decide cases based on the law as it was understood when passed, not on how they think it should be. Hes a clear, impassioned writer, albeit without Scalias flare for biting sarcasm. But Gorsuch also evokes the qualities of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, for whom Gorsuch worked as a law clerk. (If confirmed, Gorsuch would join three justices who previously clerked on the high court, but he would be the first ever to serve alongside the justice he or she worked for.) Like Kennedy, 80, Gorsuch is a Westerner with a polite, congenial manner who at times has won praise from liberals. He may be more conservative than Kennedy when it comes to expanding individual rights, but he seems to lack Scalias fervor for overturning liberal precedents from decades past. Which way Gorsuch skews could be pivotal for the future of the court. Conservatives clearly hope hell be more like Scalia than Kennedy, a centrist swing vote who has often joined liberals on issues such as gay marriage and abortion. Some conservatives have even expressed hope that Gorsuchs personal history with Kennedy might enable him to draw the Reagan-appointee back toward the right. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump chooses Neil Gorsuch, a conservative seen as likely to be confirmed, for Supreme Court By Michael A. Memoli President Trump nominated federal Judge Neil M. Gorsuch on Tuesday to the Supreme Court to fill the seat of the late Antonin Scalia, choosing from his short list an appeals court judge from Denver seen as most likely to win Senate confirmation. Because Scalia was a stalwart conservative, Trumps choice is not likely to change the balance of the court. But it does set the stage for a bruising partisan fight over a man who could help determine law on gun rights, immigration, police use of force and transgender rights. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump administration is radicalizing Democratic voters, creating a challenge for the party, Rep. Adam Schiff says By Sarah D. Wire (Mark Wilson / Getty Images) As protests spread over policy announcements from the Trump administration, Democrats must work to encourage participation in politics, but face a danger of the party becoming too radicalized, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) said Tuesday. The radical nature of this government is radicalizing Democrats, and thats going to pose a real challenge to the Democratic Party, which is to draw on the energy and the activism and the passion that is out there, but not let it turn us into what we despised about the tea party, Schiff said. During a meeting with reporters and editors in the Los Angeles Times Washington bureau, Schiff also discussed his role as the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Select Intelligence Committee under a Trump administration and how Democrats will manage in the minority. Ever since the election, party leaders have been debating: Did we lose because we were too far to the left and we had too small a tent, or did we lose because we are too mainstream and didnt energize the base? Schiff asked. We are obviously having that debate, but theres a whole new element, which is the reaction to the Trump administration that makes this different in kind, certainly different in intensity, than I think weve ever seen after an election, he said. The more radical the administration is, the more radicalized our base becomes, which just feeds the Breitbart crowd, and who knows where that ends. Democratic leaders have to channel public reaction to Trumps actions into progress, rather than deadlock, Schiff said. Reaction to Democrats seen as working with the Trump administration has been strong. Monday night, for example, protesters marched on Sen. Dianne Feinsteins home and office voicing fears she would back Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general. The senator from California announced Tuesday that she would oppose Sessions. Several groups calling themselves indivisible have popped up in cities across the country as focal points for efforts to organize. We have two of the most capable strategists as the head of our House and Senate Democrats, Schiff added, referring to House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco and Senate Democratic leader Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York. If anybody can grapple with this, they can, but its going to be a challenging and moving target day to day. I just hope that we can channel that energy in a way where we can provide a check on this administration because Ive never been more worried about the countrys future than I am right now, he said. Schiff said part of his role as the ranking Democrat on the House Select Intelligence Committee will be pushing back when the Trump administration puts out inaccurate information about the intelligence community and its findings. Trump has repeatedly dismissed or sought to minimize the intelligence communitys findings that Russia sought to intervene in the 2016 election to benefit him. Schiff said hes concerned about what else the administration might be willing to dismiss. I think that will be kind of a new frontier, he said. How do we contradict a president making representations about what the intelligence community has to say when the information is classified? Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump administration signals that some temporary bans on entry into the U.S. could become permanent By Brian Bennett Trumps orders put a greater emphasis on deporting those convicted of crimes and those in the country illegally who were charged with crimes not yet adjudicated The Trump administration doubled down Tuesday on its commitment to transforming the nations border law enforcement, signaling that some of the temporary bans on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries are likely to be made permanent and elevating a deportations official to run the top immigration enforcement agency. Administration officials, led by newly sworn-in Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, moved to allay the havoc that marked the roll-out of the ban and another on refugees. They briefed reporters and planned to head to Capitol Hill later today in an apparent effort to smooth relations after reports that lawmakers and other stakeholders were left out of the crafting of the executive order on toughened vetting at border entry points. In a news conference, Kelly and other top Homeland Security officials conceded some problems, including poor communication. But they insisted that all court orders were followed over the weekend, rebutted reports that some legal residents were denied access to attorneys at airports and said they everyone detained by border agents was treated with dignity and respect. The vast majority of the 1.7 billion Muslims that live on this planet, the vast majority of them have, all other things being equal, have access to the United States, Kelly told reporters. And a relatively small number right now are being held up for a period of time until we can take a look at what their procedures are, he said, seeming to acknowledge that mostly Muslims have been affected by the ban. The moves signaled that the White House remained committed to remaking border law enforcement even in the face of widespread confusion and condemnation of President Trumps order. Kelly said for the first time that the some of the restrictions that caused confusion and sparked protests over the weekend could be extended well into the future. Some of those countries that are currently on the list may not be taken off the list anytime soon, he said. Trump also named a longtime deportation officer, Thomas D. Homan, as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homan, who will oversee the execution of Trumps immigration enforcement order, was most recently in charge of the agencys 5,000 deportation officers, a force Trump said he would triple to 15,000. Trumps orders put a greater emphasis on deporting not only those convicted of crimes, but also people in the country illegally who were charged with crimes not yet adjudicated, those who receive an improper welfare benefit and even those who have not been charged but are believed to have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House tries to ban the word ban, hours after president uses it himself By Noah Bierman This is not a ban, spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters in a fiery news briefing. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) President Trump used the word ban in a tweet as recently as Monday to describe his new executive order suspending travel from seven Muslim-majority countries and halting the refugee program for several months. But facing backlash from many directions, the White House adamantly insisted Tuesday that the word is verboten. This is not a ban, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters in a fiery news briefing. When we use words like travel ban, he said later, that misrepresents what it is. Its seven countries previously identified by the Obama administration, where, frankly, we dont get the information that we need for people coming into this country. In fact, people from the seven banned countries Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Libya cannot enter the United States under the order. Spicer appeared to be making a renewed effort to distinguish the order from the all-out ban on Muslims entering the country that Trump proposed during the campaign. Many around the world see the newest policy as an outgrowth of that proposal. Trump himself conceded a religious connection when he said in an interview on Friday that he wanted to make it easier for Syrian Christians to enter the country. And former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani told Fox News that the order sprang from a group he formed at Trumps request to create a legal framework that would accomplish the campaign goal of a Muslim ban. But amid confusion and worldwide criticism in recent days, the Trump administration has tried to temper some of the more incendiary rhetoric around the proposal. Even the words extreme vetting, a favorite Trump slogan, were called into question by Spicer on Tuesday. Calling for tougher vetting [of] individual travelers from seven nations is not extreme, he said. It is reasonable and necessary to protect our country. But changing the ban branding around the program at this point will be difficult. Heres Trumps tweet from Monday: If the ban were announced with a one week notice, the "bad" would rush into our country during that week. A lot of bad "dudes" out there! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 And Spicer himself used the term ban as recently as Sunday: Sean Spiceer today: This is not a Muslim ban. It is not a travel ban. Sean Spicer in White House press release, Jan. 29: pic.twitter.com/axTM1m66nM Dominic Holden (@dominicholden) January 31, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate confirms Elaine Chao as secretary of Transportation By Associated Press Elaine Chao testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Jan. 11, 2017. (Zach Gibson / AP) The Senate has confirmed Elaine Chao to serve as Transportation secretary in the Trump administration. The vote was 93 to 6 on Tuesday. Chao is an experienced Washington hand. She was Labor secretary under President George W. Bush and is the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Chao would be a lead actor in pursuing Trumps promise to invest $1 trillion to improve highways, rail service and other infrastructure projects. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Speaker Paul Ryan defends Trumps immigrant and refugee ban, as Congress grumbles about being left out By Lisa Mascaro "What is happening is something we support... we need to make sure that the vetting standards are up to snuff," Paul Ryan says of travel ban pic.twitter.com/iX6YkOLkLl CBS News (@CBSNews) January 31, 2017 House Speaker Paul D. Ryan on Tuesday stood by President Trumps temporary ban on refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations and indicated that he was confident the administration could fix the confusing rollout without action from Congress. What is happening is something we support, said Ryan, whose office was the target of a sit-in by protesters opposed to Trumps order. We need to pause and we need to make sure that the vetting standards are up to snuff so we can guarantee the safety and security of our country. Congress was blindsided by Trumps executive action -- Ryan learned about it as the public did when the White House announced it Friday afternoon. Many GOP lawmakers have raised concerns. During a private meeting in the Capitol basement Tuesday, Republican lawmakers were counseled on how to handle protesters and office sit-ins happening across the country. Its regrettable that there was some confusion on the rollout of this, Ryan said. No one wanted to see people with green cards or special immigrant visas, like translators, get caught up in all of this. Ryan also said he was concerned the ban could be used as propaganda by terrorist groups. The rhetoric surrounding this could be used as a recruiting tool, and I think thats dangerous, he said. Still, Republicans leaders as well as rank-and-file GOP lawmakers largely agreed with the presidents move to halt refugee admissions for 120 days, and to temporarily ban citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries, unless they are Christians or other religious minorities. The president was well within his right to issue an executive order, said Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), chairman of the House Rules Committee. Do I feel let out? I feel like everybody was left out, he said. I wish they communicated it. I wish they had gotten more information to people. I wish they had measured three times and sawed once. Lawmakers have shown little appetite for Congress to get involved, and suggested the chaos that erupted at airports over the weekend was just part of a learning curve at the White House. I support the thrust of the executive order, said Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.), who nevertheless said the administration should have been better prepared and will need to get your act together. Last year, Ryan had strongly condemned Trumps campaign-trail call for a Muslim ban. In recent days, Ryan, like other congressional leaders, was forced to dial up the administration with his questions and concerns about the order, conferring Monday with Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. I am very pleased and confident that he is, on a going-forward basis, going to make sure that things are done correctly, Ryan said. Pressed on whether Congress would have a role, Ryan did not indicate any immediate legislative action. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrats boycott Senate committee votes on Price, Mnuchin By Jim Puzzanghera Senate Democrats speak with reporters after boycotting Finance Committee confirmation votes. (JIM WATSON / AFP/Getty Images) Senate Democrats on Tuesday boycotted a committee vote on two of President Trumps top Cabinet nominees -- Tom Price to lead Health and Human Services and Steve Mnuchin to be Treasury secretary. Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) blasted the Democratic move as he sat in a hearing room with only Republicans on the dais. They ought to be embarrassed. Its the most pathetic treatment Ive seen in my 40 years in the United States Senate, Hatch said. I think they should stop posturing and acting like idiots, he said. At least one Democrat needs to be present for the committee to vote on the nominations, Hatch said. He recessed the hearing until further notice, saying he hoped a vote could take place later Tuesday. But asked mid-afternoon if he thought the committee would be able to meet Tuesday, Hatch said it doesnt look like it. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the committees top Democrat, said Price and Mnuchin have misled the public and held back important information about their backgrounds. Until questions are answered, Democrats believe the committee should not move forward with either nomination, Wyden said. This is about getting answers to questions, plain and simple, he said. Ethics laws are not optional, and nominees do not have a right to treat disclosure like a shell game. Today @SenateFinance Democrats refused to move forward with nominations of Mnuchin & Price. Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) January 31, 2017 The litany of ethics revelations regarding @RepTomPrice are strong evidence that he cannot be allowed to have control of #Medicare. Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) January 31, 2017 Mr. Mnuchin continued to fail to come clean on shady foreclosure practices that hurt Americans. Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) January 31, 2017 Liberal groups cheered the boycott while Senate Republican leaders decried it as Democratic obstructionism. They are manufacturing issues on a daily basis to drag this process out, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kent.) said of the confirmations of Trumps nominees. I dont see how they can explain to the American people how it is appropriate to prevent the administration from getting up and getting started, he said. Democrats have said Mnuchin, a wealthy Wall Street executive, misled the committee in his response to a written question about foreclosures at Pasadenas OneWest Bank while he ran it from 2009-15. Democrats pointed to a report Sunday by the Columbus Dispatch that Mnuchin denied that OneWest engaged in so-called robo-signing of mortgage documents. The paper said its analysis of nearly four dozen foreclosure cases in Ohios Franklin County in 2010 showed that the bank frequently used robo-signers. The Columbus Dispatch cited a foreclosure involving a mortgage signed by Erica Johnson-Seck, a OneWest vice president who said in a deposition in a 2009 Florida case that she signed an average of 750 documents a week. Barney Keller, a spokesman for Mnuchin, said Monday that several courts had dismissed cases involving allegations of robo-signing by Johnson-Seck. The media is picking on a hardworking bank employee whose reputation has been maligned but whose work has been upheld by numerous courts all around the country in the face of scurrilous and false allegations, Keller said. Democrats also have problems with Price, a six-term congressman and former orthopedic surgeon who has distinguished himself in conservative circles for his staunch opposition to the Affordable Care Act and his plans to slash federal healthcare spending. His nomination has become among Trumps most controversial, in part because of his hostility to government safety net programs, including Medicaid and Medicare. Democrats have also been increasingly critical of Prices extensive trading in healthcare stocks while he has been in Congress, and in some cases while he has pushed legislation that would benefit his portfolio. Price has denied any wrongdoing. Also drawing criticism is Prices purchase of discounted shares in an Australian biotech firm, Innate Immunotherapeutics, which he was offered through a private deal not available to general shareholders. Price also denied that this was improper, and Senate Republicans have rallied to his side, saying he did not violate any ethics rules. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said he and the other Democrats on the committee want Mnuchin and Price to explain their lies either in person before the committee or in new written answers. I want them to disclose this information that they seem not to want to disclose, Brown said. 12:10 p.m.: This post was updated with additional comments from Hatch as well as from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Sherrod Brown. 8:00 a.m.: This post has been updated with additional information and background. 8:07 a.m.: This post has been updated with additional information. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House aides who wrote Trumps travel ban see it as just the start By Brian Bennett (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Even as confusion, internal dissent and widespread condemnation greeted President Trumps travel ban and crackdown on refugees this weekend, senior White House aides say they are only getting started. Trump and his aides justified Fridays executive order, which blocked travel from seven majority-Muslim countries for 90 days and halted refugees from around the world for 120, on security grounds an issue that they say they take seriously. But their ultimate goal is far broader. Trumps top advisors on immigration, including chief strategist Steve Bannon and senior advisor Stephen Miller, see themselves as launching a radical experiment to fundamentally transform how the U.S. decides who is allowed into the country and to block a generation of people who, in their view, wont assimilate into American society. That project may live or die in the next three months, as the Trump administration reviews whether and how to expand the visa ban and alter vetting procedures. White House aides are considering new, onerous security checks that could effectively limit travel into the U.S. by people from majority-Muslim countries to a trickle. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Why corporations cant risk keeping silent about Trumps immigration ban By David Pierson Starbucks Chief Executive Howard Schultz said the Seattle coffee company is developing plans to hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years. (Richard Drew / Associated Press) Corporate America generally prefers to stay quiet about partisan politics. Pick one side of a hot-button issue, the thinking goes, and youll risk losing customers on the other side. But like so many norms before it, President Trump has turned this one on its head. A growing number of companies are deciding its a bigger risk to their investors and bottom line to stay quiet than it is to protest Trumps ban on refugees and travel from seven Muslim-majority nations, betting vocal opposition to the executive order scores them a moral and fiscal victory. While it was possible for companies to take a wait-and-see approach leading up to Trumps inauguration, many firms can no longer ignore the White Houses policy given the effect the order is already having on employees either stranded or fearful of traveling. Only a week ago it seemed foolish to speak out against a president who has admonished individual companies on social media such as Carrier, Boeing and General Motors. Now the pendulum has swung the other way. Companies, mostly in technology but increasingly in other sectors, have decided that its not enough just to speak out against the immigration order. They believe that they must also take headline-grabbing action. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Op-Ed: Trump is taking the Bannon Way, and it will end in disaster By Jonah Goldberg Bannon has said hes a Leninist' but hes really more of a Trotskyist because he fancies himself the leader of an international populist-nationalist right wing movement, exporting anti-'globalist' revolution. In that role, his status as an enabler of Trumps instinct to shoot or tweet from the hip seems especially ominous. The Bannon way might work on the campaign trail, but it doesnt translate into good governance. Its possible and one must hope that Trump can learn this fact on the job. But what if he doesnt? He could put the country in serious peril. Jonah Goldberg Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump will leave LGBTQ protections in place By Associated Press (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) The White House says President Trump will leave intact a 2014 executive order that protects federal workers from anti-LGBTQ discrimination. In a statement released early Tuesday, the White House said Trump is determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including the LGBTQ community and that he continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election. The Trump administration has vowed to roll back much of President Obamas work from the last eight years and had been scrutinizing the 2014 order. The directive protects people from LGBTQ discrimination while working for federal contractors. The recent statement says the protections will remain intact at the direction of Trump. Here is the text of Obamas executive order, signed on July 21, 2014: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including 40 U.S.C. 121, and in order to provide for a uniform policy for the Federal Government to prohibit discrimination and take further steps to promote economy and efficiency in Federal Government procurement by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Amending Executive Order 11478 . The first sentence of section 1 of Executive Order 11478 of August 8, 1969, as amended, is revised by substituting sexual orientation, gender identity for sexual orientation. Sec. 2. Amending Executive Order 11246 . Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, as amended, is hereby further amended as follows: (a) The first sentence of numbered paragraph (1) of section 202 is revised by substituting sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin for sex, or national origin. (b) The second sentence of numbered paragraph (1) of section 202 is revised by substituting sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin for sex or national origin. (c) Numbered paragraph (2) of section 202 is revised by substituting sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin for sex or national origin. (d) Paragraph (d) of section 203 is revised by substituting sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin for sex or national origin. Sec. 3. Regulations . Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Labor shall prepare regulations to implement the requirements of section 2 of this order. Sec. 4. General Provisions . (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an agency or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. Sec. 5. Effective Date . This order shall become effective immediately, and section 2 of this order shall apply to contracts entered into on or after the effective date of the rules promulgated by the Department of Labor under section 3 of this order. Update 6:45 a.m.: This article was updated with the text of the 2014 executive order. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump fires Justice Departments top official after she refuses to defend his refugee ban By David Lauter Sally Yates. (J. David Ake / Associated Press) President Trump fired acting Atty. Gen. Sally Yates on Monday, just hours after she announced that the department would not defend his controversial executive order banning refugees and travelers from certain countries. Yates has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States, the White House said in a statement. It is time to get serious about protecting our country. The move came after Yates sent a letter to Justice Department lawyers saying that she questioned the lawfulness of Trumps executive order. My responsibility is to ensure that the position of the Department of Justice is not only legally defensible, but is informed by our best view of what the law is after consideration of all the facts, Yates wrote. At present, I am not convinced that the defense of the executive order is consistent with these responsibilities, nor am I convinced that the executive order is lawful, she wrote. Consequently, for as long as I am the acting attorney general, the Department of Justice will not present arguments in defense of the executive order unless and until I become convinced that it is appropriate to do so. Yates was a holdover from the Obama administration. But because Trumps nominee for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, has not been confirmed and no other senior Justice Department officials have been appointed, firing her was expected to cause significant problems within the department. Among other issues, Yates is the only person in the department currently authorized to sign warrants for wiretapping in foreign espionage cases involving the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Trump replaced Yates with Dana J. Boente, a three-decade veteran of the Justice Department who was appointed in 2015 by former President Obama as U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Virginia. 6:37 p.m.: The story was updated with Trumps decision to fire Yates. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print U.S. service member killed in Yemen identified as Navy SEAL from Illinois By Jeanette Steele The Pentagon on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. servicemember in a raid in Yemen targeting al-Qaeda, marking the first American combat death under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. A Navy SEAL from the Virginia-based elite unit known as SEAL Team 6 was killed Sunday during an unusual nighttime raid that put U.S. troops on the ground against Al Qaeda leaders in the middle of war-torn Yemen. The fallen sailor was identified Monday as Chief Special Warfare Operator William Ryan Owens, 36, of Peoria, Ill.. Three other Americans were wounded in the raid and an MV-22 Osprey had to be destroyed after the aircraft suffered a hard landing and couldnt fly. Another U.S. service member was injured in that crash. The raid marked the first known counter-terrorism operation and first confirmed combat fatality under President Trump. Steele writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Protests against Trumps ban on certain immigrants continue across the country By Ann M. Simmons Protesters rally at Los Angeles International Airport on Jan. 29, demonstrating against the immigration ban imposed by President Trump. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) After a weekend of turmoil at many of the nations airports following President Trumps executive order to suspend the U.S. refugee program and temporarily prohibit entry to citizens of seven predominantly Muslim nations, federal officials said all people being detained on arrival to the U.S. had been released. But that hasnt put a stop to demands to lift the travel ban. Protests continued to be held and organized throughout the country incluidng in New York, New Orleans, Colorado and Connecticut. According to Ground Game, an online platform for organizing, at least a dozen demonstrations were planned for this week in what the group described as a fight against Islamophobia and Fascism. Calls to rally, demonstrate and protest swept social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook. In Louisville, Ky., a rally was planned for Monday evening at the Muhammad Ali Center, in what organizers said would be a gathering for American values and to voice support for our nation and our city, which was founded and is strengthened by immigrants. In Hattiesburg, Miss., there was call to join a peaceful vigil in solidarity with refugees, immigrants, and Muslims on the University of Southern Mississippi campus on Monday evening. Declaring that Jersey City stands with our Muslim and immigrant community, organizers in that New Jersey city called on people to come to a pedestrian mall on Monday to stand in solidarity and peace as we show our strength in diversity as one of the most diverse cities in the nation. Other demonstrations were planned for later in the week in cities nationwide, including Tuesday in Tuscon, where organizers encouraged people to stand in solidarity with Senator (John) McCains strong public statement opposing the executive order banning refugees and Legal Permanent Residents from Muslim countries! Similar actions were planned on Tuesday at the South Carolina State House in Columbia and at the Worchester City Hall and Common in Massachusetts, while organizers in San Francisco, under the banner #NoBanNoWallSF, urged residents to join the resistance against Donald Trumps racist and exclusionary Executive Orders on Saturday. We will not allow our country to be divided by hate and religious persecution, read a statement from #NoBanNoWallSF posted on Facebook. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Obama carefully weighs in on refugee ban, says he is heartened by public response By Michael A. Memoli (Jim Watson / AFP/Getty Images) Former President Obama has offered his first public comment on the conduct of his successor, saying through a spokesman that he is heartened by public demonstrations against the Trump administrations controversial move to temporarily ban refugees and block all admissions from seven countries. President Obama is heartened by the level of engagement taking place in communities around the country, Kevin Lewis, a spokesperson for the former president, said in a statement emailed to reporters Monday. In his final official speech as President, he spoke about the important role of citizen and how all Americans have a responsibility to be the guardians of our democracy--not just during an election but every day. Citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble, organize and have their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect to see when American values are at stake. Lewis also said in the statement that Obama fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion. Trump aides deny that his executive order, released Friday, involves religious discrimination. The order temporarily blocked travel to the U.S. by residents of seven predominantly Muslim nations, but left many of the Islamic worlds largest population centers unaffected, they note. The order also included an exception for believers of minority religions in those countries, a provision that Trump explicitly said would help Christians. Obamas statement is notable less for its content than for the fact that it was issued at all. It reflected the delicate balance he feels he must strike between showing a degree of deference to the new president and speaking out on issues he sees as critically important. The statement tiptoed around the content of the order, focusing more on the former presidents interest in citizen engagement. Obama said before leaving office that he expected to choose carefully when to comment on the actions of his successor and would focus less on normal functioning of politics and more on certain issues or certain moments where I think our core values may be at stake, as he put it in his final news conference. Mondays statement did point, though, to comments Obama made at a news conference in November 2015, when he called the idea of a religious test for immigration policy shameful and not American. We dont have religious tests to our compassion, he said at the time. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement GOP-led Congress worries about its role in the Trump era By Lisa Mascaro Its what congressional Republicans had long dreamed about: a majority in both chambers to advance conservative policies and a president from the same party to sign them into law. But the Trump White House isnt turning out exactly the way they envisioned. The GOP establishment is experiencing whiplash after a week of President Trump bulldozing through the norms of policy and protocol dashing off executive orders without warning, escalating a diplomatic crisis with the countrys closest southern neighbor, triggering global confusion with a new refugee policy and generally hijacking party leaders agenda and replacing it with his own. Rather than the hoped-for collaborative new relationship between the White House and Congress, GOP officials complain that Trump is brushing aside their advice, failing to fully engage on drafting tough legislative packages like tax reform and Obamacare, and bypassing Congress by relying on executive actions, something they frequently complained about under President Obama. At the same time, Trumps unilateral moves continue to blindside Republicans and direct the national focus toward topics many in the party would rather avoid, whether thats how to pay for building the border wall with Mexico, warming ties with Russia, investigating false claims about voter fraud or, most recently, implementing sweeping new policies on refugees and visas. In the name of party unity, many Republicans so far have refrained from publicly attacking the new president. But for some, the new refugee policy crossed the line, signaling the first major rift in their already fraught partnership. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Washington state sues Trump over immigration order By Mark Z. Barabak President Trump signed an executive order Friday that suspends all immigration for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Opening a new legal front, lawyers for the state of Washington filed suit Monday seeking to block President Trumps executive order temporarily banning foreign refugees from entering the United States. No one is above the law, not even the president, Atty. Gen. Bob Ferguson said in announcing the federal lawsuit. And in the courtroom, it is not the loudest voice that prevails. Its the Constitution. Over the weekend, a federal judge in Brooklyn issued an order curtailing portions of Trumps executive order, issued Friday, which temporary halts migration from seven predominantly Muslim countries for at least 90 days and also closed the nation to refugees for at least the next four months. Other challenges are pending. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Seattle was the first taken by a state attorney general, and its provenance was no surprise. Washington state and others along the West Coast voted overwhelmingly for Democrat Hillary Clinton in November and have emerged as a hotbed of anti-Trump sentiment. We will not yield, said Democratic Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, who joined Ferguson at a Seattle news conference. We will not be leveraged. We will not be threatened. We will not be intimidated. We will not be bullied by this. Trumps order, which has sparked demonstrations across the country, brought an outpouring of objection from Insleys Democratic colleagues around the country. President Trumps recent executive orders that divide and discriminate do not reflect the values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution or the principles we stand for as Oregonians, said Gov. Kate Brown. A single executive order does not define who we are as a country, said Connecticut Gov. Daniel P. Malloy. We are a nation of immigrants and must continue to fight for the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses yearning to breath free. In Massachusetts, another state that voted overwhelmingly for Clinton, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker joined the chorus of Democratic criticism, saying the travel ban would undermine the international relations forged by the states business, academic and healthcare communities. The confusion for families is real. The unexpected disruption for law-abiding people is real, Baker said. Thankfully, the federal courts will have an opportunity to straighten this out and it is my hope they do so, and do so quickly. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print How a top conservative radio host took on Trump, lost his audience and faith, but gained a new perspective By Mark Z. Barabak Charlie Sykes, right, interviews Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) before Wisconsins 2016 primary (Morry Gash/Associated Press) For nearly 25 years, Charlie Sykes was one of the most powerful and influential voices in Wisconsin. He cheer-led policies that turned this historically progressive state into a model of conservative governance. He made and destroyed political careers, using his perch on Milwaukee talk radio to help vault figures such as House Speaker Paul Ryan and Gov. Scott Walker to national prominence. But for the moment Sykes was speechless. He sank into the brown leather banquette of a suburban steakhouse. He stammered. He sighed. When youve devoted your whole life to certain beliefs and you think now they have been undermined and that you might have been deluded about things, he began. So. So. Um... In 2016 Sykes emerged as one of Donald Trumps most prominent critics, a stance that outraged listeners, strained longstanding friendships and left him questioning much of what he once held true. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pentagon compiling a list of Iraqis who aided the U.S. military and wants them shielded from Trumps travel ban By W.J. Hennigan The Pentagon is compiling a list of Iraqi citizens who have worked with the U.S. military and is recommending that they be exempt from President Trumps temporary ban on entry to the U.S. by people from Iraq and six other predominantly Muslim countries, according to the U.S. military. The move could potentially shield tens of thousands of Iraqi interpreters, advisors, and others who have assisted the American military from the presidents controversial executive action that blocked visitors from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen. Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters Monday that the list will include names of individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to helping the United States. Even people that are doing seemingly benign things in support of us whether as a linguist, a driver, anything else they often do that at great personal risk, he said. So people who take these risks are really making a tangible signal of support to the United States, and thats something that will, and should be, recognized. The list would not require any changes to the presidents order, but rather serve as guidance to the Department of Homeland Security and the White House in implementing the new policy. White House spokesman Sean Spicer later pushed back against blanket exemptions. We recognize that people have served this country, we should make sure that in those cases theyre helped out, he said. But that doesnt mean that we just give them a pass. Trump, who signed the order at the Pentagon on Friday, did not consult Defense Secretary James N. Mattis or Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the temporary suspensions of entry to visitors from the seven nations, according to U.S. officials. The executive action put the U.S. military in a difficult position because it works closely with the Iraqi government on a range of issues, including the fight against Islamic State, which necessitates travel between the two countries. For instance, Iraqi military pilots train to fly F-16 fighter jets at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Its not clear those pilots, who are active in the fight against Islamic State, could arrive in the U.S. for the training. 1:10 p.m.: This post was updated with White House response. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump signs order on rulemaking: For every regulation added, agencies have to cut 2 others By Noah Bierman (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump signed an executive order Monday designed to fulfill his campaign pledge reduce red tape for businesses. The two-page order requires that when a federal agency proposes new regulations, it shall identify at least two existing regulations to be repealed. We want to make the life easier for small businesses and big business, Trump said Monday from the Roosevelt Room of the White House, where he met with nine representatives of the small-business sector. Trump said he hoped to see up to 75% of federal regulations eliminated during his presidency. Regulation has been horrible for big business, but its been worse for small business, Trump said. He also reiterated his promise to gut the Dodd-Frank Act, the financial regulatory overhaul that was passed after the financial crisis. Dodd-Frank is a disaster, he said. Were going to be doing a big number on Dodd-Frank. Consumer advocates who backed the law say that eliminating it would help Wall Street and other players in the financial sector at the expense of consumers. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print U.S. diplomats to protest Trumps travel ban order By Tracy Wilkinson Protesters of President Trumps immigration order block traffic at LAX. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) A number of U.S. diplomats are condemning President Trumps ban on some Muslim immigrants and visitors, saying the abrupt order does not make the U.S. safer and will only stoke anti-American fervor overseas. The complaint, being made through the State Departments so-called dissent channel, echoes criticism coming from human rights attorneys, legal experts and lawmakers from both political parties, as well as world leaders. It is significant because it represents the viewpoint of the men and women who must carry out Trumps unconventional and often provocative foreign policy. A policy which closes our doors to over 200-million legitimate travelers in the hopes of preventing a small number of travelers who intend to harm Americans ... will not achieve its aim of making our country safer, said a draft version of the memo that was circulating Monday and was reviewed by the Los Angeles Times. It was first reported by ABC News. Moreover, such a policy runs counter to core American values of non-discrimination, fair play and extending a warm welcome to foreign visitors and immigrants. The White House was quickly dismissive of the dissent and seemed to suggest the diplomats should quit if they disagree with a policy. Trump spokesman Sean Spicer said the diplomats raising of opposition does call into question whether or not they should continue to work in the State Department. It was not clear how many officials would sign the memo. Dissent channel memos are in theory not made public. The mechanism is designed to allow diplomats to offer an alternative policy without fear of retaliation. Acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner confirmed the existence of the memo but declined to comment on its contents. The dissent channel is a longstanding official vehicle for State Department employees to convey alternative views and perspectives on policy issues, he said. "... It allows State employees to express divergent policy views candidly and privately to senior leadership. The agency is still waiting for a boss. Trumps pick for secretary of State, former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, is expected to be confirmed by the Senate this week. The last time a dissent-channel memo was reported publicly was last year, when about 50 diplomats protested Obama administration policy in Syria, which they described as inaction. 12:20 p.m.: This story was updated with White House comment. 8:40 a.m.: This story was updated with comment from a State Department spokesman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump to announce his Supreme Court choice Tuesday -- in prime time By Michael A. Memoli (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump will announce his first Supreme Court nomination in prime time on Tuesday, he tweeted this morning. I have made my decision on who I will nominate for The United States Supreme Court. It will be announced live on Tuesday at 8:00 P.M. (W.H.) Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 The announcement was moved up two days amid the continued fallout from the executive action Trump signed temporarily banning refugee admissions from some countries. Trump had tweeted last week that he would announce his high-court decision Thursday. In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network on Friday, Trump said his administration was doing some final vetting of his choice to replace the late Antonin Scalia, and that the pick would be from among the list of 20 names he issued during the election campaign. I think the person I pick will be big, big, he said. I think people are going to love it. I think evangelicals, Christians will love my pick. And will be represented very fairly. Times Supreme Court reporter David Savage profiled each of the leading contenders: Judge Thomas Hardiman of the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Neil M. Gorsuch of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, and Judge William H. Pryor Jr. from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The move could prompt a major clash with Senate Democrats, who have warned the president against a choice outside what they consider the mainstream. Some are threatening to block any choice in retaliation for Senate Republicans refusal to even hold hearings on President Obamas choice to replace Scalia, Merrick Garland. Democrats 2013 change to Senate rules that allowed most nominations to advance with a simple majority vote exempted Supreme Court nominations, meaning that Democrats could potentially filibuster the choice. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) appeared to rule out any further rule change in an interview last week, though Trump urged him to consider doing so. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As Hollywood gathered at the SAG Awards, some entertainers joined LAX protest Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Advertisement This New York doctor went to visit family in Sudan, and now hes stuck By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Dr. Kamal Fadlalla (Dr. Kamal Fadlalla / For The Times) Dr. Kamal Fadlalla, a hospital resident who has been working in New York for the last 20 months, was stuck in Sudan on Sunday, having gone there to see his family earlier this month. He had left Jan. 13, was due to return Feb. 4 but tried to return on Friday after hearing about President Trumps executive order on immigration, which suspended entry for people from seven countries, including Sudan. He made it past passport control, all the way to the gate at the airport in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital. One hour before departure they called my name, he said, and summoned him to the ticket counter, along with other New York-bound Sudanese passengers. When I got to the counter, they said there was a notice from Customs and Border Protection that ... they had to offload us from the flight. I was shocked. Fadlalla, 33, hoped for a reprieve as other passengers gathered, all stuck. One family, they came back from Dubai, she was a mother of three or four kids. She was waiting overnight at the Dubai airport. There were also two passengers turned back from New York, he said. It was a very tough night on me, He stayed for several hours, then returned to his mothers home in Madani, two hours south. Fadlalla is a second-year resident in internal medicine at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn. He is hoping to specialize in hematology and oncology. The Committee for Interns and Residents found an attorney to represent him, he said, but he had not received any news about how a New York federal judges ruling late Saturday, which halted the deportations of people who had arrived in the U.S. with valid visas, could affect him. I dont know what Im going to do. My vacation is going to end and I have to join the hospital next week. Its going to be tough on me, Fadlalla said. I dont know for how long Im going to stay here. I dont know what Im going to do. My visa is valid for three months. Im really stuck. I have my house there, my utilities, my work, my patients, my colleagues. It was my life for the past 20 months. And Im stuck here. Fadlalla is from northern Sudan, and describes himself as a moderate Muslim. He said the executive order wont make the U.S. safer by barring valid visa holders like him because, Ive been through the whole process of visa interviews. He had planned to take board exams next year, and if he misses them, his schooling will be delayed. He had wanted to stay and work in New York, too. All my life is there. Now Im stuck here. I dont know what to do, he said. Its going to really affect my life, my patients, my colleagues and their work schedule. He said the executive order has shocked others in Sudan, too. Theyre talking about human rights. Everybody knows the United States is about freedom, he said. Everybody knows America is a free country, a country of chances for everybody. Still, people have hope in those protesting at airports all over the United States and attorneys who have volunteered to help immigrants and refugees, he said. He said the order is especially worrying for aspiring Sudanese medical residents who have been preparing to match with a hospital in March to study in the United States. A lot of my colleagues who are preparing for exams are really, really worried about this, Fadlalla said. Im really worried about the future of these young people. They study a lot and spend a lot of money, a lot of effort to enter the United States. Im concerned about my future and my colleagues future. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias congressional Republicans hold their fire on Trumps refugee order By Sarah D. Wire Only a few of the states 14 Republican representatives have publicly commented on an executive order signed by President Trump on Friday that barred refugees and green card holders from seven countries from entering the country. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) released a statement Sunday night saying that some tweaks are needed, but that his background as chairman of the House Select Intelligence Committee leads him to support the executive order. In light of attempts by jihadist groups to infiltrate fighters into refugee flows to the West, along with Europes tragic experience coping with this problem, the Trump administrations executive order on refugees is a common-sense security measure to prevent terror attacks on the homeland, Nunes said. While accommodations should be made for green card holders and those whove assisted the U.S. armed forces, this is a useful temporary measure on seven nations of concern until we can verify who is entering the United States. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) told the Washington Post that the executive order is the right call to keep America safe, but he hopes the cases of people traveling on visas who were prevented from reentering the country are resolved quickly. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) said Sunday on Twitter that the rollout has created confusion, and that executive orders arent the way to fix the countrys long-term problems. View Twitter post View Twitter post Several of Californias 38 Democratic congressional representatives and the states two senators were out in force over the weekend demanding the release of refugees and green card holders as well as an end to the executive order. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) announced she would file two pieces of legislation in response. One would immediately rescind the presidents order. The second would limit executive authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to prevent a president from unilaterally banning groups of immigrants. Its clear that the president gave little consideration to the chaos and heartbreak that would result from this order, she said in a statement. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) joined protesters outside the White House on Sunday afternoon. We will fight against racism. We will fight against anti-Muslim rhetoric. We will fight against those who will marginalize who we are. pic.twitter.com/R54f3MDhvo Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 29, 2017 In Los Angeles, Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) and Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) joined protesters at Los Angeles International Airport. On Saturday, Reps. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), Nanette Barragan (D-San Pedro) and Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) joined the initial protests at the airport, and worked to get some of those being held released. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) accompanied protesters at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday. Congresswoman @MaxineWaters is here at LAX protest leading the crowd in the chant "no ban, no wall, you build it up we'll tear it down" pic.twitter.com/iNEmkVVkmW Javier Panzar (@jpanzar) January 29, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Legal moves come too late for Iranian man who arrived at LAX after Trumps order By Matt Hamilton Ali Vayeghan arrived at 7:15 p.m. Friday from Tehran. He was going to stay with relatives, then go to Indiana, to join his wife, who arrived in the U.S. four months ahead of him, and his son. But he never emerged from customs. His niece said he was put on a plane to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at 3:15 p.m. Saturday. The ACLU was trying to prevent his deportation but arrived with paperwork 45 minutes too late. The family spoke to him by phone after he landed in Dubai, where he was waiting to be put on a flight to Tehran. Hes literally crying in the airport in Dubai, Ali Vayeghans niece, Marjan Vayghan, said. On Sunday afternoon, a federal judge in Los Angeles ordered authorities to transport Vayeghan back to the U.S. and admit him under the terms of his visa, which is set to expire Feb. 14. U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee said in her order that Vayeghan had demonstrated a strong likelihood of success in establishing that removal violates the Establishment Clause, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and his rights to Equal Protection guaranteed by the United States Constitution. But by the time the order came down, Vayeghan was on a plane bound for Tehran. Federal judge in LA has issued order allowing Iranian man deported from LAX yesterday to be admitted to US pic.twitter.com/yPth0xEQpv Matt Hamilton (@MattHjourno) January 29, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The political climate is a hot topic at the Screen Actors Guild awards The Actor statue watches over the red carpet at the Shrine Auditorium. (Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press) Stars on the red carpet and at the winners podium tonight in Los Angeles are not keeping their mouths shut on current affairs. The 23rd Screen Actors Guild awards are being held at the Shrine Auditorium. Heres what they have had to say so far: I want you all to know that I am the daughter of an immigrant. My father fled religious persecution in Nazi-occupied France, and Im an American patriot, and I love this country, and because I love this country, I am horrified by its blemishes and this immigrant ban is a blemish and it is un-American. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, accepting her award for her role in Veep We need to vote. Had we all voted, we wouldnt be here. You dont like it, you dont have nothing to say if you didnt vote. Get a clipboard, get organized and get in it. Dont sit back on the sidelines. Get in it. This is a fight for the country right now. Its worth fighting for. Courtney B. Vance, nominated for his performance in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story For the first time ever in my lifetime, Ive been concerned about where its going to go. It doesnt seem to be that its going to go in a very positive direction. Claire Foy, nominated for her role as Queen Elizabeth in the Netflix series The Crown Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Green card holders will not be blocked by Trumps order, Homeland Security says By David Lauter (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) The Trump administration backed away from one of the most controversial parts of its new executive order on immigration Sunday evening, saying that permanent U.S. residents in most cases will not be affected by the new rules. Since the president issued the order Friday, confusion has been rampant over the effects on permanent residents, noncitizens who hold so-called green cards that allow them to live and work legally in the U.S. Many were stopped and detained at airports for many hours on Friday and Saturday and, in some cases, reported that they had been threatened with being returned to their home countries. An undetermined number of other green card holders were stopped from boarding U.S.-bound planes. Late Sunday, however, the secretary of Homeland Security, retired Gen. John Kelly, issued a statement changing the policy. Statement By Secretary John Kelly On The Entry Of Lawful Permanent Residents Into The United States https://t.co/Es1qivoR3J pic.twitter.com/hffMK2MOQC Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 29, 2017 I hereby deem the entry of lawful permanent residents to be in the national interest, Kelly wrote. Green card holders from one of the seven countries covered by the 90-day ban will still need to request a waiver to gain reentry to the U.S. if they have traveled abroad. But unless officials have significant derogatory information about a green card holder that indicates a serious threat to public safety and welfare, lawful permanent resident status will be a dispositive factor in deciding the case, Kellys statement said. A White House official, briefing reporters about the change in policy, said that about 170 people have applied for a waiver to the ban so far, and all 170 have received a waiver and have been allowed to enter the U.S. The seven countries affected by the ban are Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Uber fights immigration order -- and #DeleteUber hashtag -- with $3-million legal fund for drivers By Tracey Lien Hours after Lyfts co-founders announced a $1-million donation to the American Civil Liberties Union to defend the Constitution, Uber Chief Executive Travis Kalanick pulled out his pocket book as well. Kalanick promised in a Facebook post that the company would create a $3-million legal defense fund to help drivers affected by the Trump administrations move to restrict immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries. The fund will help drivers with immigration and translation services. Kalanick also said the San Francisco ride-hailing company will provide 24/7 legal support to drivers stuck outside the country and compensate them for lost earnings. Drivers eligible for assistance were directed to contact the company via an online form. Although the announcement was greeted with some support on Facebook and Twitter, many saw it as too little too late. The company had come under fire a day earlier for advertising on Twitter that it was operating at New Yorks Kennedy International Airport during a taxi strike protesting the executive order. That gaffe, coupled with Kalanicks involvement in a panel advising President Trump on economic issues, helped spawn the Twitter hashtag #DeleteUber, which encouraged customers to delete the app from their phones in protest. You are 20 hours too late, one person wrote in response to Kalanicks Facebook post. Still deleted my account today, wrote another. Though Kalanick issued a statement on Saturday opposing the executive order, it didnt stop thousands of Twitter users from adopting the trending the #DeleteUber hashtag to decry Ubers actions. They accused the company of attempting to profit from the strike and prioritizing business interests over a moral imperative. Celebrities also jumped on the bandwagon, with actor and activist George Takei on Sunday tweeting to his 2.9 million followers: Lyft donates $1mil to ACLU while Uber doubles down on its support for Trump. #DeleteUber. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 75-year-old grandmother from Iran tells the story of her detention at LAX By Alene Tchekmedyian Siavosh Naji-Talakar of Phoenix hugs his grandmother Marzieh Moosavizadeh after she was released from detention at LAX early Sunday morning. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Marzieh Moosavizadeh and her grandson follow a routine when she visits almost every year from Iran. The 75-year-old, who travels in a wheelchair and speaks little English, struggles to find direct flights to Phoenix, where he and his family live. So they meet in Los Angeles and he escorts her on the last leg of her trip. This time was different. Moosavizadeh landed at Los Angeles International Airport a day after President Trump signed an executive order banning citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran, from entering the United States. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement GOP senators call executive order a self-inflicted wound. Trump calls them wrong and weak By Matt Ballinger McCain and Graham in 2013. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and John McCain of Arizona released a statement Sunday saying that confusion at U.S. airports shows that President Trumps executive order on immigration was not properly vetted. Such a hasty process risks harmful results, the Republicans statement read. We should not stop green-card holders from returning to the country they call home. We should not stop those who have served as interpreters for our military and diplomats from seeking refuge in the country they risked their lives to help. And we should not turn our backs on those refugees who have been shown through extensive vetting to pose no demonstrable threat to our nation. It went on: Ultimately, we fear this executive order will become a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism. The president responded on Twitter: The joint statement of former presidential candidates John McCain & Lindsey Graham is wrong - they are sadly weak on immigration. The two... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2017 ...Senators should focus their energies on ISIS, illegal immigration and border security instead of always looking to start World War III. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print At least 600 people wait to greet Syrians arriving in Phoenix By Nigel Duara Elijah Chavez and Brandi Hernandez protest in Phoenix (Nigel Duara/Los Angeles Times) A Phoenix-bound British Airways flight was scheduled to arrive from London at Sunday evening carrying several Syrians. A protest of about 600 people was waiting at a Phoenix international airport terminal for the flight to arrive. The outcome when these people arrive is uncertain at best, said Tanveer Shah, an Arizona attorney in private practice who volunteers with the ACLU. Shah said Syrians on board the flight would, in the best case, walk off the plane without a problem. But given the outcomes in other cities on Saturday and Sunday, Shah said it was incumbent on civil liberties attorneys to be there when the plane arrives. We have staff attorneys here ... who are prepared to file emergency pleadings, Shah said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print When Muslims got blocked at American airports, U.S. veterans rushed to help By Matt Pearce (G. Morty Ortega / Getty Images) Jeffrey Buchalter was reflooring his foyer in Chesapeake Beach, Md., and listening to MSNBC over the weekend when he heard the news: An Iraqi who had worked with American forces as an interpreter had been stopped from entering the U.S. under a new executive order on immigration from President Trump. The story stopped him cold. Buchalter, an Army veteran who works as a law-enforcement instructor at the Department of Homeland Security, had served multiple tours of duty as a military policeman in Iraq, service that cost him dearly. He was decorated for injuries sustained from gunfire and improvised explosive devices. Exams revealed hed suffered herniated discs, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, and he spent 2 years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center trying to get right. But he was still alive, and now the married father of two children. And he believes thats thanks in part to the work of Iraqi interpreters who acted as guides during his work in their country. So he told his younger daughter and son they were going to take a trip: a two-hour drive to Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., where, for the first time in his life, Buchalter would join a protest. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Demonstrators against Trumps immigration limits and a few who like them surge through LAX By Javier Panzar The crowd at LAX is getting bigger and bigger. pic.twitter.com/dJ281TETXj Javier Panzar (@jpanzar) January 29, 2017 Thousands of people filled the international terminal at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday afternoon to call for the release of an unknown number of people being detained by immigration authorities. Filling the arrivals section of the terminal and spilling into the street outside, the throng chanted, Let them in, and Love, not hate, makes America great. Jacob Kemper, a 35-year-old Army veteran who fought two tours in Iraq, said he was infuriated to think soldiers he fought alongside might be denied entry to the country. I really dont care about religion, but I really hate oppression, he said, holding a sign that read, I Fought Next To Muslims. Shay Soltani, a network engineer, fled the Iranian revolution 40 years ago and still has family members in Iran. She doesnt know if she will be able to see them again. As she and hundreds of others marched through the airport, she said she was horrified by Trumps order. I am so hurt by this, she said. He is against freedom of speech and the constitution and everything I believe in as an American. Meanwhile, about a dozen counter-protesters popped up on the other side of the street, holding signs that said X-treme vetting and Keep Refugees Out. They said they were tired of immigrants entering the U.S. illegally, which they said jeopardizes the safety of American citizens. Chanell Temple, 63, of Los Angeles said she was sick of watching immigrants here illegally steal benefits and services from American citizens, specifically veterans and homeless people who need aid. I worked out here for 40 years and they are coming here and taking everything away, said Temple, a former bookkeeper who said she lost her job and healthcare after she was fired for an inability to speak Spanish. Raul Rodriguez Jr., coordinator of a group called America First Latinos, said he was concerned about what he considers a surge in crimes committed against Americans by those who are in the country illegally. They are lawbreakers. They have violated federal law and they need to be deported, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Silicon Valley execs speak out against immigration ban By Tracey Lien Technology executives are speaking out against President Trumps executive order on immigration, highlighting how the ban hurts their businesses. Leaders of companies that include Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, Dropbox and Twitter denounced it over the weekend. Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do, said Apple chief executive Tim Cook in a memo to employees. In my conversations with officials here in Washington this week, Ive made it clear that Apple believes deeply in the importance of immigration both to our company and to our nations future. General Electric Co. chief executive Jeff Immelt said Sunday that businesses with global operations must balance working with the new administration while also supporting their workers and partners. We have many employees from the named countries and we do business all over the region, Immelt said in a statement. These employees and customers are critical to our success and they are our friends and partners. We stand with them and will work with the U.S. administration to strive to find the balance between the need for security and the movement of law abiding people. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print LAX protest grows as families wait Meg Heatherly, 27, of Los Angeles holds a Shame sign during a protest at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. city attorney barred from seeing detainees at LAX By James Queally Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer said he was repeatedly denied access to federal detainees or an attorney who could discuss the situation with him at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Federal officials have declined to discuss the LAX detentions or respond to Feuers criticisms. While he was at the airport, Feuer said he was approached by a woman who claimed her father, suffering from Parkinsons disease, was among the detainees. It is those kind of real stories that are at stake because of this outrageous action by the feds. It is time not only for officials in my position, but all Americans, should find this a breathtaking violation of rights. Mike Feuer Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democratic attorneys general from 15 states condemn Trump immigration order By Ann M. Simmons California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) More than a dozen Democratic attorneys general from states across the country have condemned the Trump administrations executive order suspending acceptance of refugees and have vowed to oppose it to ensure that as few people as possible suffer from the chaotic situation that it has created. In a communique Sunday, the group said: As the chief legal officers for over 130 million Americans and foreign residents of our states, we condemn President Trumps unconstitutional, un-American and unlawful Executive Order and will work together to ensure the federal government obeys the Constitution, respects our history as a nation of immigrants, and does not unlawfully target anyone because of their national origin or faith. The executive order places an indefinite ban on refugees from Syria and prohibits citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering as refugees for four months. It also places a suspension on admissions of other citizens of those countries. The legal officials represent 15 states. They include California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and his contemporaries in Washington, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia. Religious liberty has been, and always will be, a bedrock principle of our country, and no president can change that truth, the attorneys general said in the statement. They praised the decision of multiple federal courts to order a stay on some aspects of the order. We are confident that the Executive Order will ultimately be struck down by the courts, the statement said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 13 people who had been detained at LAX have been released, source says By James Queally Protesters at LAX on Sunday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Thirteen people who were detained Saturday night at Los Angeles International Airports Terminal 2 were eventually released, a law enforcement source told The Times. Each of them held green cards, which grant permanent residency in the U.S. The source, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation at the airport, could not provide detention figures for the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which has been the center of protest activity. Thats where protesters were gathering Sunday. Nurse Jamie Shoemaker, 51, of Los Angeles held an American flag in one hand and carried a sign that read, Muslims are welcome here, racists and fascists are not. She called Trumps order un-American. This is not the country I want, she said. This is not the country I grew up in. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrats in Congress drafting legislation to repeal Trumps refugee ban, pressuring GOP for support By Lisa Mascaro Sen. Chuck Schumer becomes emotional speaking against Pres. Trump's immigration order, calling it "mean-spirited and un-American." pic.twitter.com/NkhUdpaNyV ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 29, 2017 Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Democrats will introduce legislation as soon as Monday to stop President Trumps actions temporarily banning refugees and arrivals from certain Muslim countries. House Democrats are taking similar legislative action, and lawmakers from both chambers will rally Monday evening at the Supreme Court to protest Trumps orders. This executive order was mean-spirited and un-American, said Schumer, the New York Democrat, choking up as he stood with immigrants and refugees at a press conference Sunday. It must be reversed immediately. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said House Democrats are exploring legal options, including an amicus brief in support of the ACLU lawsuit against the actions. The chances of passing a bill through the Republican-controlled Congress are slim, as most GOP leaders and lawmakers have not objected to Trumps ban. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Sunday that while he was personally opposed to a religious test on admissions, it was best left to the courts to resolve the issue. Its hopefully going to be decided in the courts as to whether or not this has gone too far, McConnell said on ABCs This Week. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) expressed his support Friday for Trumps action. A handful of Republicans, though, are uneasy with Trumps orders, and have spoken against them. Schumer noted that just few more Republicans would be needed to reach the 60-vote threshold for advancing Senate legislation. Maybe we can pass something in Congress, Schumer said. Its up to Republicans. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Emotional reunion at JFK airport after release of elderly Sudanese man from immigration detention By Barbara Demick Tears and hugs at JFK's international arrivals as a detainee is released, reuniting father with son. More families wait, cheering. pic.twitter.com/WrVpoocWjY Jack Smith IV (@JackSmithIV) January 29, 2017 For those immigrants temporarily detained under a new Trump administration executive order at New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport, attorneys have put a priority on getting some of the older detainees released to their families. One small victory for the lawyers was the case of Yassin Abdelrhman, a 76-year-old green card holder from Sudan who had been detained after a trip home to visit family. He was released about noon on Sunday after being detained for 30 hours. Soon, he was reunited with his sons. He is a strong individual, but he has some health challenges, said U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who had been working on their case. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Iranian director Asghar Farhadi will not attend Oscars Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi after winning an Oscar in 2012. ((Allen J. Schaben/ Los Angeles Times) ) In a statement to the New York Times today, Oscar-winning Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi said he no longer planned to attend this years ceremony. Farhadis film The Salesman is nominated in the foreign language film category. Farhadi had initially hoped to attend despite the prohibition on visitors from Iran. But he said he had decided the possibility of this presence is being accompanied by ifs and buts which are in no way acceptable to me even if exceptions were to be made for my trip. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print How an Iranian Fulbright scholar got into the U.S.: We found a lawyer who found a lawyer who found a lawyer By Barbara Demick Iranian students in front of a makeshift law office in JFKs Terminal 4. (Barbara Demick / Los Angeles Times) Perhaps nothing encapsulates the chaos emanating from President Trumps executive order better than what happened with Ukrainian Airlines Flight 232. The regularly scheduled flight to Kiev had to turn around on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy Airport early Sunday after a federal judge issued a stay of a deportation order of dozens of foreigners, including a 32-year-old Iranian linguist who is a doctoral candidate and former Fulbright scholar. With just minutes to spare, Vahideh Rasekhi -- helped by volunteer lawyers and her smart phone managed to prevent the flight from taking off. She had arrived Saturday afternoon, but was blocked from entering the United States by the executive order barring arrivals of citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia and Libya. Around midnight, she was put on the Ukrainian Air flight to return to Tehran, via Kiev. We found a lawyer who found a lawyer who found a lawyer, said Mehdi Namazi, 29, a friend who has been waiting for her at the airport. The lawyers were showing officials a copy of the order issued a few hours earlier by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn. It was all very confusing. They were arguing as the plane was taxiing, Namazi said. According to one lawyer, Melissa Trent, Rasekhi herself was walking up and down the aisles arguing for the plane not to take off. She knew that if the plane left she would never get back to the United States again, Trent said. Rasekhi spent most of Sunday in detention with other Iranians, but was released into the United States at around 3 p.m.. A dozen Iranian friends had been waiting inside the airports Terminal 4 amid a clutter of discarded coffee cups and half-eaten donuts in front of a diner that had been turned into a makeshift law office. Another Iranian student was waiting for her parents, who were taken into detention after arriving on another flight I havent seen them in 3-1/2 years. They dont speak English. But Im hopeful, said the student, who gave her name as Sahar. The students were both furious at the way their country had been targeted by Trumps order and touched by the outpouring of support from the volunteer lawyers. We see two different Americas here. There is this order banning us, and than there are all these people here who came to the airport. If it werent for these volunteers, she would have been deported, said Namazi. Im very depressed. We feel betrayed by this country that we invested so much energy and hope into. We are all graduate students, professors, PhDs, engineers. To say this is for national security, it doesnt add up, said Tahmineh Tabrizian, 33, another friend of Rasekhis. She said her own parents had planned to come to the United States and had spent $14,000 on tickets and visas and would now have to cancel their trip. Rasekhi, who has lived in the United States for a decade, was a Fulbright scholar at UC Santa Barbara and received a masters degree at Fresno State University, according to a resume supplied by one of her friends. She had been studying for a PhD at Stony Brook University on Long Island. She had gone to Tehran over the Christmas break to visit her parents and was on her way back to resume her studies when she was detained. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Protests begin again at LAX on Sunday morning By Genaro Molina Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Protesters in Tel Aviv compare Trump immigration order to Israeli refugee policies By Joshua Mitnick Demonstrators in Tel Aviv protest U.S. President Trumps new immigration order. (Joshua Mitnick / Los Angeles Times) Holding signs reading Refugees Welcome and chanting No Ban, No Wall, Sanctuary for All, several dozen demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv on Sunday to join protests in the U.S. against President Trumps new immigration policy. Mia Zur Szpiro, a 36-year-old filmmaker, said she felt compelled to demonstrate because her parents survived the Holocaust. We are a country of immigrants, and to me it was astounding that this [order] was passed on Holocaust Memorial Day, she said. Its wrong to stereotype, and its wrong to send people who are in need back into the face of danger and the risk of death. Elliot Vaisbrub Glassenberg, a protest organizer and migrant rights activist, compared the new U.S. policy to Israeli policies toward tens of thousands of Eritrean and Sudanese migrants who crossed into the country illegally from Egypts Sinai desert. The policies that Trump has enacted are no worse than the policies that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu has enacted for years here such as not allowing any non-Jews to be given refugee status in Israel, except for a select few. Togod Omar, a native of Sudan who was at the protest, said he applied for political asylum in Israel three years ago, and is still waiting. He said Sudanese friends hoping to be resettled in the U.S. were upset by the new executive order. Trump doesnt understand whats going on in Sudan, Omar said. You cant punish the Sudanese people for what the Islamic government is doing. You cant banish someone because of their religion. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print President Trump hits majority disapproval in record time, Gallup finds By David Lauter Days until achieving MAJORITY disapproval from @Gallup Reagan: 727 Bush I: 1336 Clinton: 573 Bush II: 1205 Obama: 936 Trump: 8. days. pic.twitter.com/kv2fy0Qsbp Will Jordan (@williamjordann) January 29, 2017 President Trumps actions during his first week in office have appeared to be aimed at the voters who already supported him, not at reaching out to the rest, and thats taken a rapid toll on his support, which was already historically low. Gallup, which has measured job approval for presidents for decades, shows Trumps approval so far at 45%, with 48% disapproving. Thats an average of several days polling. The daily trend lines are not kind to the new administration. As of Saturday, 51% of Americans disapproved of Trumps performance. Thats a record for the speed of getting to majority disapproval. By comparison, President George W. Bush hit majority disapproval six months into his second term, in June 2005, and remained in negative territory for the rest of his tenure. President Obama did not hit 51% disapproval until August of 2011, during the crisis over the federal debt ceiling that summer. His approval rebounded later that year, but he had a second period of majority disapproval during late 2013 and much of 2014. He ended his term with widespread approval and 37% of Americans disapproving. Trump Job Approval: Approve 45% (-1); Disapprove 48% (+3). Get the full trend https://t.co/BjTUhf0NAM. GallupNews (@GallupNews) January 27, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Hundreds of travelers were caught in limbo over rushed visa ban By Brian Bennett (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Hundreds of travelers were blocked from entering the U.S. or prevented from boarding flights in the hours after President Trump signed his order banning arrivals from seven predominantly Muslim countries, according to the Department of Homeland Security. In the order, Trump temporarily suspended refugee admissions and banned travelers from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Scores of people from those countries were aboard airplanes flying toward the U.S. when Trump signed his executive order on Friday afternoon, setting off waves of confusion among border officials and the traveling public. Upon landing at U.S. airports, 109 people from the listed countries were detained by immigration officials and prevented from entering the U.S., officials said. The department had approved 81 waivers to the new travel ban by Saturday afternoon, the official said, but at least some of the people detained on arrival were sent back to their countries of origin. Court orders issued Saturday evening required U.S. border officials to stop returning people who had already arrived with valid visas. It is unclear how many people were deported before the orders were issued. It is also unclear if the Trump administration has fully complied with those orders. In addition to the people who arrived in the U.S. and were detained, as of 3 p.m. on Saturday, an additional 173 travelers from the listed countries had been stopped from boarding flights to the U.S., a Homeland Security official said in a statement. The department did not make an official available to describe the actions and the agencys response. As many as 3,250 travelers may have been inconvenienced by the new visa restrictions, officials for the department said in a statement Sunday. Yesterday, less than 1% of the more than 325,000 international air travelers who arrive every day were inconvenienced while enhanced security measures were implemented, the statement read. The department will comply with court orders, the statement said. But no evidence was given to confirm this. Lawyers seeking to meet with detainees at Dulles International Airport outside of Washington and at San Francisco have said that they were blocked by officials on Sunday. The Department of Homeland Security will comply with judicial orders, faithfully enforce our immigration laws, and implement President Trumps executive orders to ensure that those entering the United States do not pose a threat to our country or the American people, according to the departments statement. All of the visa holders and travelers from the listed countries blocked from entering the U.S. since Friday already had gone through multiple steps of security screening that checked their biographical information and travel history against U.S. terrorism databases. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House seems to back down on part of new vetting policy By Christi Parsons The White House on Sunday appeared to back down on a key part of President Trumps tough new immigration order, signaling that travelers trying to enter the country from seven banned countries will be allowed in if they hold green cards. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said that these legal permanent residents are exempt from the travel ban moving forward, even though over the weekend other administration officials said the rule did apply to them. The apparent reversal came amid a national controversy over the new Trump order that temporarily halts the entry of all refugees to the U.S. and any traveler from seven majority Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Federal judges across the country have blocked parts of the presidents executive actions since they came down on Friday, mostly preventing the deportation of some travelers who ran into the first wave of implementation over the weekend. The back-and-forth over the green-card holders reflected a generalized confusion about the new order, which also bars Syrian refugees from entering the United States indefinitely. Lawyers for some of the affected immigrants said border agents seemed uncertain about the new rules and were disagreeing with one another about which travelers were affected and which were not. Further complicating the picture was a statement from the Department of Homeland Security asserting that its agents would enforce all of Trumps orders while also complying with judicial orders. As some of the orders block deportation, that left individual officers to try to figure out which priorities to honor. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Op-Ed: Trumps cruel, illegal refugee executive order By Erwin Chemerinsky Protesters demonstrate at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Saturday. (Stephanie Keith / Getty Images) Barring individuals fleeing persecution from entering the United States is simply inhumane. Adding irony to injury, Trumps executive order was issued on Holocaust Remembrance Day, which should have been an occasion to atone for turning away refugees during the 1930ssome of whom then died in concentration camps. For example, in 1939, the United States turned away the St. Louis, a boat filled with refugees, many of them German Jews. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 254 passengers from the St. Louis died in the Holocaust. Erwin Chemerinsky Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Lyft pledges to donate $1 million to ACLU following Trumps immigration order By Tracey Lien (Richard Vogel / Associated Press) Tech executives had been mostly quiet for the first week of Donald Trumps presidency but that changed after his controversial executive order restricting refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. Executive after executive spent Saturday tweeting and posting messages to Facebook decrying the administrations actions. Lyft co-founders John Zimmer and Logan Green went a step further: On Sunday, they announced they would donate $1 million to the American Civil Liberties Union over the next four years. Banning people of a particular faith or creed, race or identity, sexuality or ethnicity, from entering the U.S. is antithetical to both Lyft and our nations core values, the co-founders wrote in an email to Lyft customers. We stand firmly against the actions, and will no Good morning. Its Tuesday, Jan. 10, and heres whats happening across California: TOP STORIES No drought this week A few big storms alone wont end the six-year drought, but there were growing signs that the so-called atmospheric river was making a major dent. By the end of the week the total snowfall for the year in some mountain areas could top 20 feet. That means a generous addition to the Sierra Nevada snowpack, a precious water supply that California cities and farms rely on when it melts in the spring and summer. On Monday, it was at 126% of its average for this time of year. Los Angeles Times Advertisement Framed? When officers arrived at Angela Diazs condo last June in response to her 911 call, police said, they found her in tears, with a ripped shirt and red marks on her neck. A man had just tried to rape her in her garage, she said. Detectives became convinced the attack was plotted by her husbands ex-fiancee, who soon faced 10 felony charges and the possibility of life in prison. It was a bizarre enough case, but on Monday it took an even stranger turn: Authorities say they were fooled. Los Angeles Times Bill comes due For several years now, the Los Angeles City Council has repeatedly settled high-profile and costly lawsuits brought against the city, agreeing to spend millions to end litigation brought by a grieving family, the wrongfully convicted, or disabled groups. Now the bill has come due. Budget officials say the city needs to immediately borrow tens of millions of dollars to avoid dipping into its emergency reserve fund after payouts are expected to hit $135 million this fiscal year. Los Angeles Times L.A. STORIES Beverly Hills drive: Can Rodeo Drive, the home of Rolls-Royce and Porsche, become a testing ground for geeky self-driving cars? Thats what Beverly Hills wants. Curbed Los Angeles Diversity push: USC has hired a leading expert on campus diversity and racial equity to launch a new research center on campus. Shaun R. Harper will join the USC Rossier School of Education in July as a professor and founder of the USC Race and Equity Center. Los Angeles Times Theme park crime: Police reports show that crime rates at Southern California theme parks are extremely low, but each park wrestles with unique crime problems such as shoplifting at Universal Studios Hollywood and car burglary at Knotts Berry Farm. At Disneyland, reports of counterfeit money are more common than incidents of grand theft or credit card fraud. Los Angeles Times Making a statement: The small San Gabriel Valley city of La Puente is considering declaring itself a sanctuary for immigrants as well as Muslims, the disabled and gay people. Pasadena Star-News POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT Big day: The four big questions as Gov. Jerry Brown is set to release his state budget on Tuesday (healthcare is probably the biggest). Sacramento Bee Political influencer: From his one-bedroom apartment in West Hollywood, Rob Pyers, 41, anchors one of the most trusted compendiums on state politics and, despite his distaste for many aspects of the Sacramento political orbit, is quickly becoming the ultimate insider in the often-opaque world of campaign finance. His passion for organizing massive amounts of data has transformed the publication and made his Twitter feed a go-to resource for some of Sacramentos top operatives. Los Angeles Times Trumps organizer: Thomas Barrack is a well-known figure in Hollywood. Now, his close friendship with Donald Trump has made him one of the most influential Californians in the inner circle of the president-elect. Trump put Barrack in charge of planning his Jan. 20 inauguration. Barrack is the founder and executive chairman of Colony Capital Inc., a Los Angeles investment giant that manages more than $60 billion in assets, much of it for Arab clients. Los Angeles Times Remembering Nixon: Celebrating what would have been Richard Nixons 104th birthday at his library in Yorba Linda. Orange County Register CRIME AND COURTS LAX spooks: Inside LAXs own in-house anti-terrorism unit, which tests a theory that there can be useful intelligence gathered at the very local level. The Atlantic Lies in trial: A bizarre case out of Orange County on how taxpayers are footing the bill as the county argues a social worker didnt know lying in court was wrong. OC Weekly Sign writer: A Pomona artist was arrested Monday on suspicion of trespassing in connection with altering the Hollywood sign to read HOLLYWeeD on New Years Day. Los Angeles Times DROUGHT AND CLIMATE A lot of water: The series of storms over the last few weeks in the Sierra Nevada has been very good to Lake Tahoe. According to the National Weather Service, the lake has gained about 33.6 billion gallons of water since Jan. 1 and the lake has risen about one foot. Los Angeles Times Water falling: One sign of Southern Californias new wet streak: The famed waterfall on Dana Point Harbor Drive is flowing again. Orange County Register Rain app: Want to measure the rain? UC Irvine researchers have an app for that. Los Angeles Times CALIFORNIA CULTURE Golden brawl: Are there any winners in the Donald Trump vs. Meryl Streep culture war? Los Angeles Times High-end trash barge: At first the glance, a trash-collecting barge in the middle of Newport Bay might seem out of character in the tony seaside area. But Los Angeles Times La La La: La La Land is a vintage Los Angeles tale in many ways, including in the way men get whatever they want and women stay on the sidelines, this writer argues. Los Angeles Review of Books California squeeze: A critical look at Californias economic boom, and why for all this wealth the middle class cant afford to live here. Wall Street Journal CALIFORNIA ALMANAC Los Angeles area: Cloudy with highs in the low 60s. San Diego: Partly cloudy with highs in the low to mid-60s. San Francisco area: Rainy with highs in the upper 50s. Sacramento: Rainy with highs in the mid-50s. AND FINALLY Todays California memory comes from Judi Kanaster Haase: On Sunday, Jan. 9, 1949, my family traveled to Mt. Wilson for our first snow experience. All I did was complain how cold it was and how my feet were completely frozen. Just as I was getting used to it, I began to enjoy the snow. By then the day had ended and we had to return home to San Pedro. That night I prayed for snow. Imagine my surprise the next day when I woke up to discover that it had snowed during the night! I was 8 years old and my prayer had been answered! If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.) Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Shelby Grad. Senate committees have planned hearings this week on nine of President-elect Donald Trumps most important cabinet appointees, including his nominees for secretary of State, secretary of Defense and attorney general. On Wednesday a day when Trump is already expected to dominate news coverage by holding his first formal news conference since July no fewer than five confirmation hearings are likely to be in progress. Democrats in the Senate are understandably furious that the nominees are being rushed through the confirmation process and insist they wont receive the searching scrutiny they require. Jamming all these hearings into one or two days, making members run from committee to committee, makes no sense, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Monday. My big concern now is to try to be in two places at one time, Sen. Dianne Feinstein told the Wall Street Journal. We share the Democrats concern (and worry as well that the media wont have the resources or the space to cover all the hearings adequately). Republicans point out that its customary for the Senate to hold confirmation hearings before a president is inaugurated and to clump proceedings together in the same week, but the fact remains that five hearings in a single day is extremely unusual. Advertisement And there were significant reasons not to rush confirmation of some of Trumps nominees. Some Trump nominees seem uncomfortable with, if not hostile to, the core missions of the departments they have been chosen to administer. For one thing, some nominees havent completed a required ethics review. The fact that Trumps proposed Cabinet includes so many wealthy individuals makes such a review both challenging and important. The potential conflicts of interests are enormous and the Senate needs to consider them carefully. Furthermore, these candidates require extreme vetting. They could end up being unusually important and influential because the president they will serve has no government experience whatsoever and will be especially reliant on his advisors. On top of that, many of them have no experience in government to provide insight into how they would discharge public responsibilities. That is most dramatically the case with Rex Tillerson, the chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil, whom Trump has chosen to be secretary of State. Tillerson would serve as Americas chief diplomat at a time of continuing violence in the Middle East, a wave of reactionary nationalism in Europe and provocative military action by China. Yet his experience in foreign affairs is essentially that of a businessman cutting deals and his most important contacts, with Russia, are of significant concern to senators already alarmed by Trumps praise for Vladimir Putin. Another reason for greater diligence by the Senate is that some Trump nominees seem uncomfortable with, if not hostile to, the core missions of the departments they have been chosen to administer. Sen. Jeff Sessions, the Alabama Republican nominated to be attorney general, for instance, would be responsible for supervising the Civil Rights Division and enforcing what is left of the Voting Rights Act a law he once suggested was an intrusion on states rights (though he voted to extend it in 2006). Civil rights activists are virtually unanimous in fearing that he wouldnt aggressively vindicate the rights of minorities; the burden is on him to convince the Senate otherwise. He also will, and should, be asked about allegations in 1986 that he had made racially insensitive comments, a factor in the Judiciary Committees refusal to recommend him for a federal judgeship. Likewise, philanthropist Betsy DeVos, whom Trump has nominated to be secretary of Education, is such a fierce advocate of charter schools and vouchers for private schools that her commitment to traditional public education has been called into question. She must not only assure senators that she recognizes the important role played by the public schools in which the vast majority of American children receive their education but also explain her plans and strategies for improving them. There is a final reason why the Senate must not be a rubber stamp for Trumps nominees. The president-elect has made it clear that he intends to seek advice from an influential kitchen cabinet of friends, family members and business associates. (On Monday it was reported that Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, would join the White House as an unpaid senior advisor.) Cabinet members and other officials who must receive Senate confirmation arent mere creatures of the president; they have an obligation to the Congress and the country to abide by the commitments they make in the confirmation process. In this unorthodox administration it is especially important that those officials be men and women of character, intelligence and good judgment. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Every entrepreneur used to dream of selling shares in an initial public offering, or IPO, and listing those shares for trading on a national stock exchange. Now many strive to avoid that fate. The number of public companies has shrunk by more than one-third during a time when the U.S. economy has more than doubled in size. In 1997, there were 9,113 public companies in the U.S. At the end of 2016, there were fewer than 6,000. The real action is no longer in public offerings but in private deals, and the best opportunities increasingly are open only to big investors, such as sovereign wealth funds and private equity firms. Its not an exaggeration to say that the IPO market is in the beginning of a death spiral as observers assume that any company that resorts to raising money in an IPO must already have been rejected by the more sophisticated investors in the private capital markets. This is a stark reversal, since IPOs long were the funding mechanism of choice for the best corporations. A tragedy of the new normal is that the public equity markets are fast becoming a suckers game. Small investors never see the better investment opportunities because they are open only to institutions. As a result, our markets are no longer democratic, they are elitist. Advertisement It may seem as though the demise of the public company is no big deal. After all, capital is only money, and since companies that once got funding from IPOs can now tap private sources, there are no losers other than a few traders, investment bankers and, of course, the stock exchanges. But this view fails to account for the fact that investing in public companies long has been the principal way that individuals saved for retirement. The trend away from IPOs has dire consequences for regular people as investment opportunities for mutual fund managers as well as individuals shrink. The IPO allowed small investors to share in the upside potential of the company. One drawback to going public is shareholders sometimes excessive focus on short-term stock price fluctuations. Although investors in private deals care as much about performance as investors in IPOs, IPO investors tend to have a less sophisticated understanding of the challenges facing the companies whose shares they own. This knowledge deficit often leads public company investors to be excessively concerned about quarterly earnings reports. But litigation and regulation are the real pathologies driving IPOs to the brink of extinction. Public companies invite lawsuits because opportunistic plaintiffs lawyers can round up a couple of investors as clients and bring lucrative class action suits against companies, boards and top managers ostensibly on behalf of all investors. Despite evidence of the frivolous nature of many of these suits, judges have proven unwilling to impose sanctions on meritless complaints or even to refrain from awarding generous attorneys fees and costs with shareholders money. It is much more costly for investors to sue privately held companies because private company investors generally have to pay their lawyers fees out of their own pockets. They must also obtain a payout from the defendants in order to recoup the costs of litigating. Regulation is another big problem for public companies. The Securities Act of 1933 prohibits not only actual sales of securities but even the offering of securities to investors until the SECs Division of Corporation Finance signs off on hundreds of pages of disclosures and accounting information. After a company has gone public, company officials are barred from interacting with stock market analysts to explain what their company is doing unless these conversations are made public. This makes it hard for new issuers to explain their businesses in any detail, particularly since competitors are among those most acutely interested in these disclosures. Errors in disclosure, regardless of how innocent or inadvertent, are severely punished. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 both greatly increased the risks of being an officer of a public company. Sarbanes-Oxley added to the criminal code provisions that require CEOs and chief financial officers to certify every three months that their companies SEC filings, including audited financial statements, fully comply with myriad reporting requirements, and that the information in the complex filings fairly presents the companys financial position. Public company officers are subject to penalties of up to 10 years in prison for getting the certifications wrong. The say on pay provisions of Dodd-Frank require that companies submit the compensation packages of their top officers to their shareholders for an advisory vote. This may be a good practice for poor managers to follow, but good managers who are navigating a public company through tough times often find themselves targeted for making unpopular decisions. There was a time when the entire venture capital industry was based on the strategy of investing in a young company and then cashing out by taking them public a few years later. The IPO allowed small investors to share in the upside potential of the company. As IPOs fade in importance, so too will individual and small institutional investors. Wealth will be created less democratically with vast swathes of investment opportunities closed to the public. This, in turn, will exacerbate the increasingly acute problem of economic inequality that already is chipping away at the fabric of American society. Jonathan Macey is Sam Harris Professor of Corporate Law, Corporate Finance and Securities Law at Yale Law School. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Code Pink may get a bad rap, disrupting as it does seemingly every significant event on Capitol Hill. But the most hysterical performances at Tuesdays serially interrupted Senate confirmation hearing for attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions came not from scrappy protesters, but from the august senators within. I would like to begin, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said to Sessions, with the second largest criminal industry in this country, which is now believe it or not, by revenues produced human sex trafficking. In other words, the California senator wished to lead off her critical cross-examination of the nations likely next top cop with a factually insane claim that will probably give him more power. Advertisement There is a well-established connection between moral panic...and laws that produce grotesque injustices. In order for human sex trafficking to be the second largest criminal industry in the United States, it would at minimum need to supplant illegal narcotics (roughly $100 billion a year, according to a 2014 Rand Corp. estimate), or Medicare fraud (in the ballpark of $60 billion, according to the Government Accountability Office in 2015). So distant is reality from those numbers that even the commonly cited figure of $9.8 billion a year for all trafficking and keep in mind that human smuggling dwarfs sex trafficking was given four Pinocchios by Washington Post fact-checker Glenn Kessler. Feinstein wasnt done. Trafficking victims, she warned, average 12 to 14 in age. (Four Pinocchios, judged Kessler.) These fake numbers have consequences. Congress has leaned on such bogus statistics by periodically ratcheting up the penalties of the 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act the 2015 reauthorization, for example, made websites liable for sex trafficking if a minor is found to have advertised services there. In 2014 alone, 31 states passed new laws concerning human trafficking, Elizabeth Nolan Brown wrote in Reason magazine 15 months ago. Since the start of 2015, at least 22 states have done so. And who is being prosecuted? Besides publishers such as Backpage.com, which shut down its Adult section this week after relentless pressure (including concurrent hearings on Capitol Hill on Monday), the criminals apprehended are disproportionately adult females who work in the sex industry by choice. There is a well-established connection between moral panic over disfavored behaviors and laws that produce grotesque injustices. What boggles the mind is how this clear causation seems to elude lawmakers even in the midst of a conversation about the enforcement of federal law. In fact, the best parts of Tuesdays hearings came when senators grilled Sessions over his opposition to scaling back previous hysteria-based overreaches, such as disparities in sentencings involving crack and powder cocaine. (The Alabama senator voted in favor of one such reform, but stands opposed to making the recalibrated sentences retroactive for people still languishing in prison.) Yet those moments were outnumbered by Judiciary Committee members trying to egg Sessions on to enforce laws against the monsters hiding under their beds. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) favorably cited a new Utah bill that describes pornography as a public health epidemic, and encouraged Sessions to reopen the Justice Departments porno task force. As recently as President Obamas first term, that unit was producing prosecutions that could have put pornographers in jail for as long as 32 years. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was a one-man hysteria generator, with each question designed to give the federal government more power. What did Sessions think about the Obama administration interpreting the Wire Act in a way to allow online video poker? I was shocked, Sessions replied. Do you believe the threats to the homeland are growing or lessening? Graham asked. Growing, said the likely next attorney general. Gitmo? Keep er open. Try suspected terrorists like criminals? Hell no! There are excellent reasons to oppose Sessions nomination, beginning with his enthusiastic support for the evil practice of civil asset forfeiture, by which the government can lawfully seize the property of citizens who havent even been charged with a crime. (Ninety-five percent of asset forfeiture cases, he has ludicrously claimed in the past, involve people who have done nothing in their lives but sell dope.) But maybe the most terrifying thing about the man is that he so faithfully reproduces the basic posture of his fellow senators: Everything is a threat, evidence be damned, and the federal government needs more power to keep us safe. We are at a point in this country where officials in the Justice Department cant even tell you the number of federal crimes, the average American (according to the calculations of the civil libertarian Harvey Silverglate) commits three felonies a day, and there is no observable political penalty for grotesquely exaggerating real problems. Jeff Sessions might not be a good pick for AG, but maybe hes the honest one. Matt Welch is editor at large of Reason, a magazine published by the libertarian Reason Foundation, and a contributing writer to Opinion. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook In the 2018 governors race, Gavin Newsom leads the pack in fundraising Gavin Newsom, the first major candidate to jump into CA's 2018 governor's race, narrowly lead the pack in 2016 fundraising w/ $4.27 million Phil Willon (@philwillon) February 1, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Schwarzenegger: Were going through some difficult moments ... but I guarantee we will work our way out of this By Seema Mehta (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Tuesday that the United States had faced trying times and political crises before, and has always persevered. Yes, were going through some difficult moments right now, as we have in the past, but I guarantee we will work our way out of this, Schwarzenegger said, speaking at an electoral reform event at the University of Southern California. He recalled immigrating to the United States and seeing the violent protests at the Democratic National Convention in 1968, Watergate and the economic troubles during President Jimmy Carters tenure. One thing you can count on in America is even though it falls every so often as we all do it dusts itself off, gets up and gets going again, Schwarzenegger said. That is why its the number one country in the world. Although Schwarzenegger did not mention President Donald Trump by name during his remarks, the comments appeared to be a reference to the turbulence since Trump took office less than two weeks ago. Tensions between Schwarzenegger, who replaced Trump as the host of Celebrity Apprentice, and the new president and fellow Republican have been escalating. On Monday, Schwarzenegger called the implementation of Trumps temporary ban on immigration from several Muslim-majority countries crazy. The previous week, Schwarzenegger slammed Trumps pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt, as a hypocrite. Earlier in January, Trump mocked Schwarzenegger for the first ratings of Celebrity Apprentice after the former governor took over as the host. During the presidential campaign, Schwarzenegger repeatedly made clear his disdain for Trump, pointedly casting his ballot in the California primary for Ohio Gov. John Kasich after he had dropped out. On Tuesday, Schwarzenegger was headlining an event about redistricting reform at his namesake institute at USC. He did not respond to reporters questions after the event. While governor, Schwarzenegger championed electoral reform, including an ultimately successful effort to take the redrawing of congressional and legislative districts away from politicians and give them instead to an independent commission. Both political parties have long tried to use gerrymandering to create districts that favor their politicians. But David Daley, author of The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal Americas Democracy, argued that Republicans were able to make unprecedented changes in the 2010 redistricting that will have long-lasting effects on this nations politics because of a confluence of factors, including unprecedented technology such as mapping software, and a flood of anonymous money due to the Citizens United ruling. In 2010, gerrymandering enters its steroid era, Daley said. The end result, he said, was that while the nation remained relatively closely divided between the two parties, the GOP was able to exponentially expand its hold of statehouses, governors mansions and congressional seats. Speakers urged Californians to take the lessons they had learned through the states redistricting reform and try to help voters apply them in other states, through the initiative, or legislative or legal systems. We are the model for the rest of the nation and that is why we in California have to do everything we can to pull together all the things that happen successfully in California and nationwide, Schwarzenegger said. Because the rest of the states are waiting for us. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Top Democratic donor Tom Steyer is planning a larger role opposing President Trump By Chris Megerian On Sunday, Tom Steyer was holding a cardboard sign saying not on my watch at San Franciscos airport, one of thousands protesting President Trumps order preventing visitors from several predominantly Muslim countries. I went out there to participate, but also to listen, he said. Like other liberal leaders, hes been hunting for the right approach to counter Trump. Now the deep-pocketed Democratic donor is launching a new effort that could expand the scope of NextGen Climate, the San Francisco-based organization he created and funded. Although Steyer expects to stay active on environmental issues the onetime hedge fund manager is best known for advocating stronger steps to fight climate change and support clean energy hes looking to play a more expansive role in opposing Trump. The number of issues that have to be addressed are broader, he said in an interview, pointing to Trumps statements on issues such as voting that he considers to be a broader attack on fundamental American rights. In a video posted on Tuesday night, Steyer says, I promise to do everything in my power to stand up to Trump and asks for the publics thoughts on what next steps should be taken. Steyer spent $74 million in the 2014 midterm election, and then millions more last year to support Hillary Clinton and other Democrats. Although results have been mixed Republicans gained ground in both years Steyer said the experiences have positioned NextGen to educate and mobilize voters across the country. There are very few people who are set up organizationally to do what were trying to do, he said. Steyer has already played a role in opposing Trumps nominees, running advertisements criticizing his choice for secretary of State, former Exxon Mobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson. Besides simply fighting Trump, Steyer also hopes to project an alternative view of the country one that comes with a dose of California sunshine. America can pursue a much more optimistic, a much more prosperous, a much more equitable and a much healthier future, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Former aide is preparing to run for Rep. Grace Napolitanos seat if she retires By Javier Panzar Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk), who turned 80 last year, has not made plans to retire. But one San Gabriel Valley politician is raising funds to run in case Napolitano does decide to bow out after 10 terms in Congress. Mary Ann Lutz, the former mayor of Monrovia and a former aide to Napolitano, reported having $101,000 in the bank to run for Napolitanos 32nd Congressional District seat, according to a new filing with the Federal Election Commission. But Lutz says she will run only if Napolitano retires. I have enormous respect for my former boss, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, and would never run against her for any office, Lutz said in a statement. In the event that the 32nd Congressional District seat eventually opens up, I plan to run, and run aggressively. Napolitano suffered a minor stroke last February that affected her ability to write and slightly slowed her walk. She continued her reelection campaign and beat state Assemblyman Roger Hernandez (D-West Covina), who effectively ended his campaign in August after a judge granted his ex-wifes request for a domestic violence restraining order against him. During an interview with The Times a day before the November election, Napolitano said the health of her 90-year-old husband would be a key factor in her decision on whether to run for an 11th term in 2018. I would love to stay but it depends, she said. I will be ready to hang it up when I am ready. Lutz was elected in 2003 to the City Council in Monrovia, a city of 36,000 in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, and was elected mayor in 2009. She lost her reelection bid in 2015 and went on to work for Napolitano as an advisor on water issues. Lutz raised $26,000 and loaned her campaign committee an additional $75,000. Napolitano has $144,692 in the bank if she wants to run again. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State Senate committee votes in favor of funding legal aid for immigrants in California facing deportation By Jazmine Ulloa (John Moore / Getty Images) A state legislative bill seeking to expand legal services for immigrants in the U.S. illegally moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday on a 5-2 vote. The bill, introduced by state Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego), would create a legal defense program funded with state money that would provide lawyers for immigrants caught in deportation or removal proceedings. It comes roughly three years after the Unaccompanied Undocumented Minors program began providing state-funded legal services for young refugees fleeing gang violence in Central America. Hueso said the measure faced new urgency given President Trumps executive orders last week on immigration. This is a bill protecting Californians, protecting their families, but also protecting Californias economic prominence, Hueso said. I hope we can all stand united on this and say, Yes, we stand by our immigrant community in California. Members of the committee raised concerns about whether it whittled away at defense services available for detainees convicted of certain crimes and over how the state would be able to afford it amid a looming deficit and budget cuts from the federal government. It is well-meaning, but it is a whole different agency that we are setting up in an expedited way, Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California assemblyman wants state to make cleaner purchases By Chris Megerian (Alexis Cuarezma / For The Times) A California lawmaker wants state officials to consider greenhouse gas emissions when making new purchases, a proposal that would add a new wrinkle to the bidding process for government contracts. Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) said the legislation (AB 262) would harness the states enormous buying power to support clean manufacturing. The measure, which includes state agencies and university systems, would affect the purchase of materials such as asphalt, cement, steel and glass for projects such as hospitals, dormitories and roads. Companies bidding on state contracts would be required to report greenhouse gas emissions generated by the manufacturing and transportation of supplies. Officials would then factor that information into their decision. Given Californias goal of slashing emissions, Bonta said he hopes that the legislation puts the states money where its values are. He doesnt expect the requirement to report more information would be a significant burden on companies seeking contracts. This will just be one more piece of information that will need to be added, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print First of several immigrant protection bills clears state Senate Public Safety Committee By Jazmine Ulloa (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) As national debate and protests have taken place over President Donald Trumps executive actions on immigration and refugees, the state Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday passed the first of several bills aimed at protecting immigrants in California. Senate Bill 54, introduced by Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to investigate, detain, report or arrest persons for the purposes of immigration enforcement. The proposal, dubbed the California Values Act, also aims to protect immigrants personal data, requiring state agencies to review their confidentiality policies and to ensure that they are only collecting information necessary to their departments. It moved out of committee with a 5-2 vote. Long line of advocates, lawyers in support SB 54, prohibiting law enforcement agencies from using resources for immigrants enforcement. pic.twitter.com/G0IV9ihRjE Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) January 31, 2017 The bill seeks to strengthen immigrant protections threatened under Trumps executive actions. In orders signed last week, the president pledged to cut federal dollars from so-called sanctuary cities, which have policies limiting the cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. At a committee hearing Tuesday, De Leon said the proposal builds on the California Trust Act, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed in October 2013. The state law prevents law enforcement agencies from detaining immigrants longer than necessary for minor crimes so that federal immigration authorities can take them into custody. A long line of immigrant advocates, lawyers and lobbyists rose in support of the bill, saying it would continue to help law enforcement officials build trust within immigrant communities and allow more victims and witnesses to report crime. Democratic members in the committee urged their Republican colleagues to vote for the legislation and move away from Trumps rhetoric, which they said stereotyped immigrants as criminals. They pointed to low crime rates in immigrant communities and stressed that many police chiefs do not want to enforce immigration laws. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), chair of the committee, said people across California were under economic stress that could be manipulated into fear. All of us want hardened criminals prosecuted under the law, she said. All of us. But what we are watching now is a pitting of people against each other, a targeting of immigrants. Opponents were not swayed. They said the bills language was too broad and could prevent communication among police agencies at different levels of government, allowing dangerous criminals to escape prosecution. Im concerned that you are basically making the state of California a de facto sanctuary state, Sen. Jeff Stone (R-Murrieta) told De Leon. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California lawmakers seek stricter enforcement, more transparency at state toxics control agency By Melanie Mason Jose Gomez, at his home on South Hicks Avenue in East Los Angeles, is among thousands whose yards have been tested for contamination from the former Exide plant. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Assembly Democrats unveiled a package of five bills Tuesday aimed at reforming the state agency tasked with regulating toxic substances. The Department of Toxic Substances Control has been roundly criticized for its flat-footed response in regulating and cleaning up pollution from the now-closed Exide battery recycling plant in Vernon. A Los Angeles Times review in 2015 found the department knew for years that the plant was violating environmental regulations but was slow to act on it. Too many communities, including communities I represent, have been harmed by toxic emissions that were released into their neighborhoods emissions that could and should have been stopped, Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said in a statement. The goal of this legislative package is a more transparent, accountable, and responsive Department of Toxic Substances Control and safer and healthier communities throughout California. The proposed legislation includes: AB 245 by Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), which would require hazardous waste facilities to comply with higher financial assurance requirements to make sure there are adequate funds for contamination cleanup. AB 249 (Gomez), which would increase maximum penalties the department can assess to match what the federal government can assess in similar situations. AB 248 by Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-San Bernardino), which would require hazardous waste facilities to submit permit renewals two years prior to the current permits expiration to avoid lapses. AB 246 by Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), which would promote the use of fence line monitoring by facilities to better detect leaks. AB 247 by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), which would create a statewide task force focused on reducing lead poisoning in the state. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Dianne Feinstein says she will vote no on Jeff Sessions nomination for U.S. attorney general By Sarah D. Wire California Sen. Dianne Feinstein announced this morning that she will vote no on the nomination of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for U.S. attorney general. The statement comes after protestors visited Feinsteins home and office out of concern that she may vote in favor of the nomination. Protesters marched on her home and California offices last night. #CASen https://t.co/U0HhsJxwTB Sarah D. Wire (@sarahdwire) January 31, 2017 JUST NOW: On Sessions attorney general nomination: I must vote no. pic.twitter.com/lfQnX5Khug Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) January 31, 2017 It is very difficult to reconcile for me the independence and objectivity necessary for the position of attorney general with the partisanship this nominee has demonstrated, Feinstein said Tuesday. We are being asked to determine whether this nominees record demonstrates that he will have the objectivity to enforce the law for all Americans and be an independent attorney general and not an arm of the White House. Feinstein is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which votes today on the confirmation of Sessions to be President Trumps attorney general. Feinstein pointed to former acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Sally Yates as an example of what she is looking for. Yates was fired Monday, just hours after she announced that the Justice Department would not defend Trumps controversial executive order banning refugees and travelers from certain countries. Yesterday, early in the evening, we clearly saw what a truly independent attorney general doesI have no confidence that Senator Sessions will do that, Feinstein said. Instead, he has been the fiercest, most dedicated, and most loyal promoter in Congress of the Trump agenda, and has played a critical role as the clearinghouse for policy and philosophy to undergird the implementation of that agenda. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Where do Californias members of Congress stand on President Trumps refugee order? By Sarah D. Wire Noor Hindi, left, and Shah Najjar, middle, join the protest at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) President Trumps executive order Friday, which blocked U.S. entry to refugees and nationals of seven Muslim-majority nations, brought thousands of Americans to the nations airports in protest over the weekend. Several Democrats from Californias 54-member congressional delegation joined constituents at airports, and lobbied customs and Border Patrol officials to release the detained visa holders. Many of the states 14 Republican representatives were initially silent on the executive order. Several have since voiced their support, while others were critical of the orders rollout. Heres a look at what each member of the California congressional delegation has said about the executive order: Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California state Senate passes resolution condemning President Trumps refugee ban By Jazmine Ulloa Protesters are held back by airport police on Sunday at LAX. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) After nearly two hours of debate, the state Senate on Monday passed a resolution that condemned President Trumps executive order banning immigrants and refugees from seven predominantly Muslim countries, calling it discriminatory overreach. Democrats introduced the resolution after the presidents order Friday spurred a weekend of protests and chaos at airports across the country. The resolution denounces Trumps actions and urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to comply with federal court orders permitting detainees to have timely access to counsel. It cleared the Senate floor with a 26-11 vote largely along party lines, reflecting the national rift over Trumps immigration order. Two Republican members abstained. On the Senate floor, Democrats called the executive order an affront on religious freedom that panders to fear and foments discrimination, and said it would not further public safety. Reaching to members across the aisle, they said the resolution was not about partisanship or opposing Trump, but about protecting American institutions. In a fiery speech, state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) said the order is unconstitutional and violates fundamental rights. You see this is how we end up with fascism and totalitarianism, she said. Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) said she did not want four more years of executive orders crafted in the cover of darkness. But Republican members said that President Obama had taken similar actions and that they had a duty to their constituents, who were worried about national security and a vetting process they said did not stop terrorists from entering the nations borders. Obama has rejected comparisons of his policy to Trumps. We do not welcome those who have come here to harm us, Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) said, urging a no vote. We cannot ignore contemporary reality. Our enemies do not reside beyond our shores. They are within. The resolution states that 134 million people are temporarily barred from entering or reentering the United States, including nationals with dual citizenship. Hundreds of thousands with visas are also blocked, it says. The resolution also denounces the manner in which the executive order was executed, saying it was not fully vetted by the departments tasked with protecting the nations national security interests. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State attorneys general met in Florida to strategize on how to counter Trump, Becerra says By Patrick McGreevy California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra. ((Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) ) A joint statement by 15 attorneys general over the weekend condemning President Trumps refugee order grew out of a meeting in Florida between California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and some of his concerned counterparts, Becerra said Monday. Becerra gathered Thursday in Fort Lauderdale with other attorneys general, including Washington Atty. Gen. Bob Ferguson, to strategize about responding to the Trump administration on various issues. The meeting took place at the annual winter conference of the Democratic Attorneys General Assn. Several of the AGs have been in communication, Becerra said in an interview with The Times. We made it very clear in our joint statement that we are going to do everything we can to make sure that the unlawful, unconstitutional executive orders by the Trump administration dont see the light of day. Officials who signed the joint statement included legal representatives from Washington, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Virginia. On Monday, Ferguson announced he was suing Trump over the executive order that suspended refugee entries for 120 days and barred entry to the U.S. for 90 days for those traveling from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Becerra said that he had been in contact with Ferguson and that the option to pursue legal action is under consideration for California. Thats one of many avenues of how we are looking to approach this, Becerra said. As a result of the Florida meeting, Becerra said, the top lawyers from the 15 states are collaborating on how to address various Trump directives. Everyone is doing a little bit of something, he said. Everyones trying to figure out how best to address this. Florida Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi, a Republican, did not attend the meeting, Becerra said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California warily watches President Trump while pushing forward on climate change By Chris Megerian (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Its been a decade since California set its first target for slashing greenhouse gas emissions, one of several policies that has made the state an international leader in the fight against global warming. So while President Trump suggests hes going to roll back the countrys environmental regulations, state leaders insist they wont be knocked off track here. This is when you do your best work, said John Laird, secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. We cant worry about pulling back just to sink with everyone else who isnt moving at all. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Duncan Hunter urges Trump to make an executive order exemption for Iraqis who aided U.S. military By Sarah D. Wire Reps. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) are asking President Trump to approve waivers to his executive order for Iraqis who helped the American military. Hunter and Kinzinger, who both served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said in the letter to Trump that they supported a request from Defense Secretary James N. Mattis that visa reviews for some Iraqis be fast-tracked. For the safety of these courageous individuals and their families, and in the interest of our national security, its critical that we make this exception and do so swiftly, the congressmen said in a statement. The executive order Trump signed Friday bars all refugee entries for 120 days, blocks Syrian refugees indefinitely and bars for 90 days the entry of citizens from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia. Some of the earliest stories of people caught up in the ban included military interpreters from Iraq who had visas. We respectfully ask that you take this action to ensure these individuals are not put in any further danger. Doing so would send a strong signal to those who show such immense courage to advance U.S. security interests at a risk to their own safety, as well as the many veterans and warfighters whove relied on the service of these individuals for their own protection and to accomplish their objectives, their letter states. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Democrats in the California Legislature move to condemn President Trumps immigration orders Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes voices his misgivings about refugee order By Patrick McGreevy Assembly Minority Leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) speaks in the Capitol on Jan. 11. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley on Monday joined a number of GOP politicians who are voicing misgivings about President Trumps order temporarily barring refugees from some majority-Muslim countries from entering the country. Religious liberty is a core value of our nation. My ancestors immigrated to America to flee religious persecution, Mayes said in a statement. While bolstering our national security is important, when forced to decide between security and liberty, I will always side with liberty. He is concerned about them [the orders], said Matt Mahon, a spokesman for the assemblyman. Trumps directives suspended refugee entries for 120 days and barred entry to the U.S. for 90 days for those traveling from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other ranking Democrats demand emergency meeting on refugee ban By Sarah D. Wire After two days of protests across the country over President Trumps order Friday banning refugees from seven countries, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) and the ranking Democrats of three committees that oversee immigration issues are demanding a meeting with President Trumps new Homeland Security secretary, John F. Kelly. The move by Trump prevented green card and visa holders from reentering the country, and led to the detention of more than a hundred people landing at U.S. airports with valid entry documents. Late Saturday, a federal judge in New York issued a temporary stay against the deportation of anyone who had arrived with a valid visa. The letter demanding the meeting, signed by Lofgren, Judiciary Committee ranking member John Conyers (D-Mich.), Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Elliot Engel (D-N.Y.), calls for it be scheduled by the close of business Wednesday. The Democrats also ask for more information about how the order is being implemented, whether the stays placed by federal judges over the weekend are being followed and whether green card holders are affected. Only two days after the order was signed it is clear that it has already led to panic and disorder, not to mention protests, the letter states. This is apparently due in part to the lack of internal administration review prior to its issuance as well as a lack of clarity and guidance provided thereafter. Lofgren, a former immigration attorney and the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committees Immigration Subcommittee, also plans to file legislation today to rescind the executive order. Getting such legislation through the House could be difficult with Speaker Paul Ryan supporting the executive order. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is proposing similar legislation in the Senate. House and Senate Democrats plan to hold a rally against the order outside the Supreme Court Monday evening. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement As California Democrats blast Trumps refugee order, Republicans in the congressional delegation hold their fire By Sarah D. Wire Only a few of the states 14 Republican representatives have publicly commented on an executive order signed by President Trump on Friday that barred refugees and green card holders from seven countries from entering the U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) released a statement Sunday night saying some tweaks are needed, but his background as chairman of the House Select Intelligence Committee leads him to support the executive order. In light of attempts by jihadist groups to infiltrate fighters into refugee flows to the West, along with Europes tragic experience coping with this problem, the Trump administrations executive order on refugees is a common-sense security measure to prevent terror attacks on the homeland. While accommodations should be made for green card holders and those whove assisted the U.S. armed forces, this is a useful temporary measure on seven nations of concern until we can verify who is entering the United States, he said. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) told the Washington Post that pausing the intake of refugees from terror hotspots is the right call to keep America safe, but he hopes the cases of people traveling on visas who were prevented from reentering the country are resolved quickly. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) said on Twitter on Sunday that the rollout has created confusion, and that executive orders arent the way to fix the countrys long-term problems. View Twitter post View Twitter post Several of Californias 38 Democratic congressional representatives and the states two senators were out in force over the weekend demanding the release of refugees and green card holders, and an end to the executive order. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) announced two pieces of legislation shell file in response. One would immediately rescind the presidents order. The second would limit executive authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to prevent a president from unilaterally banning groups of immigrants. Its clear that the president gave little consideration to the chaos and heartbreak that would result from this order, she said in a statement. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) joined protesters outside the White House Sunday afternoon. We will fight against racism. We will fight against anti-Muslim rhetoric. We will fight against those who will marginalize who we are. pic.twitter.com/R54f3MDhvo Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 29, 2017 In Los Angeles, Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) and Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) joined protesters at Los Angeles International Airport. On Saturday, Reps. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), Nanette Barragan (D-San Pedro) and Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) joined the initial protests at the airport, and worked to get some of those being held released. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) accompanied protesters at San Francisco International Airport Sunday. Congresswoman @MaxineWaters is here at LAX protest leading the crowd in the chant "no ban, no wall, you build it up we'll tear it down" pic.twitter.com/iNEmkVVkmW Javier Panzar (@jpanzar) January 29, 2017 2:31 p.m. Jan. 30: This post was updated to clarify Rep. Ed Royces statement about the executive order. It was originally published Jan. 29. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra condemns Trumps refugee order and explores challenge By Patrick McGreevy Assyrian Christians, who fled unrest in Syria and Iraq, attend Mass at St. Georges Assyrian Church in Jdeideh, Lebanon. Trumps directive provides an exception for religious minorities. ( (AFP/Getty Images)) California state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra on Saturday condemned an executive order by President Donald Trump barring people from some Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. and said he is consulting with legal advisors over a way to challenge the directive. Trump has suspended all refugee entries for 120 days and barred entry to the U.S. for 90 days for those traveling from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Justice in America doesnt live or die on the stroke of one mans pen regardless of how high his office, Becerra said in a statement late Saturday, less than a week after taking office. The Trump Administrations anti-religion, anti-refugee executive order is in so many ways unjust and anti-American He said the order discriminates against people based on their faith and denies entry to those with fears of death and persecution. I have conferred with my team, and we are reaching out to others as well, to find every avenue possible to defend our family members and those who live permanently in our communities who may be barred from re-entry into America, Becerra said. The Trump executive order should not stand and must be confronted as a constitutional overreach, he added. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California Politics Podcast: Reactions to President Trumps first week By John Myers Even before the weekend controversy and protests, Californias top elected officials spent much of the last week reacting to the first moves by President Donald Trump. On this weeks California Politics Podcast, we take a closer look at the sharp words offered by Gov. Jerry Brown in his State of the State speech when it comes to the new politics of Washington. We also focus much of this weeks discussion around three big topics that caught the attention of a number of California lawmakers: immigration moves by Trump; the rough week that was for the nations environmental protection enforcers; and rekindled but unproven allegations of widespread voter fraud. Im joined by Marisa Lagos of KQED News and Anthony York of the Grizzly Bear Project. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown will undergo new round of treatment for prostate cancer, but wont miss any work By John Myers Gov. Jerry Brown, who first was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, will begin a new round of treatment for the disease, his office reported on Saturday. Brown, 78, will maintain his duties as governor during the treatment, according to his staff. No additional details were provided about how long the treatment will take, or what prompted its timing. Fortunately this is not extensive disease, can be readily treated with a short course of radiotherapy, and there are not expected to be any significant side effects, said Dr. Eric Small, a UC San Francisco oncologist, in an emailed statement provided to reporters. The prognosis for Gov. Brown is excellent. Brown initially learned he had prostate cancer in late 2012 and underwent similar treatment for several weeks. The governor has also been treated for basal cell carcinoma a type of skin cancer twice in the past nine years, with reconstructive surgery on the right side of his nose in 2011. With almost two years remaining on his final term in office, Brown is already the oldest governor in California history. He often made a point of pointing out his physical fitness in his return to the job in 2011, including a 2012 challenge to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie of a 3-mile race, a push-up contest and a chin-up contest. Though hes been treated in San Francisco, the governor and First Lady Anne Gust Brown now live full-time in the historic governors mansion in Sacramento after moving out of Oakland last year. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra takes a jab at the Trump administration when asked about the battles to come Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Proposed law would make penalties for using fake immigration papers the same as those for using fake drivers license By Jazmine Ulloa A proposed California law seeks to ensure that a person who uses false documents to conceal their citizenship status faces the same punishment as a person who uses a fake drivers license. The legislation by Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) would amend the penal code to make both crimes wobblers, meaning prosecutors would have the discretion to charge suspects in such cases with either felony offenses or lower-level misdemeanors. Under the proposal, the repercussions for defendants would be the same: If convicted of a misdemeanor, offenders would have to serve up to one year in county jail, while a felony conviction would mean up to 16 months in county jail, or two or three years in prison. A spokesman for Bocangera said the measure was introduced as a proactive response to President Trumps hard-line stance on immigration and would reverse part of Proposition 187, a controversial ballot measure to deny public services, such as education and healthcare, to immigrants in the country illegally. The proposition, approved by voters in 1994, requires any person who uses false immigration records to face felony charges. Bocangeras bill amending those provisions would need a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and the state Senate to pass. Today, if an underage college student uses a fake ID to purchase a six-pack of beer, he or she can be charged with a misdemeanor, Bocanegra said in a statement. However, if an immigrant is caught using that same fake ID, he or she is automatically charged with a felony and is subject to five years in prison. This is fundamentally unfair. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Fearing catastrophe, Californias Gov. Jerry Brown wants the worlds leaders to stop goofing off By Chris Megerian Gov. Jerry Brown pointedly criticized world leaders for goofing off instead of addressing looming problems with climate change and nuclear weapons during a radio interview on Friday. Theyre really averting their gaze, he said. And that is dangerous, very dangerous. Brown has become increasingly outspoken about issues he describes as existential threats to humanity, and the election of Donald Trump has only made him more concerned. During the interview, he spoke in sweeping terms about the need to support scientific research in the face of political denial. Darkness cannot totally extinguish the light, Brown said while criticizing Republicans for refusing to accept the scientific consensus around climate change and the need for dramatic changes to confront global warming. @JerryBrownGov in our studio (in fact, in my chair!) as he chats w/ Ira Flatow on @scifri pic.twitter.com/kIyGBFQW9X Beth Ruyak (@CapRadioRuyak) January 27, 2017 At another point, Brown mused that humans have accumulated vast power without a corresponding increase in wisdom. That creates a gap between the power to destroy and the wisdom to control those destructive forces. Brown reiterated his plan to push forward Californias policies on climate change even if Trump follows through on the federal governments plans. Were going to do everything we can to stay on track, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Some California lawmakers say its time to expand how the state defines violent crime By Jazmine Ulloa As California undergoes the largest overhaul of prison parole in a generation, some lawmakers and law enforcement officials say its time to revisit how the state legally defines a violent crime. Gov. Jerry Browns Proposition 57, which voters overwhelmingly approved in November, continues a statewide effort to increase rehabilitation services and decrease the prison population. Among its provisions, the initiative gives the state parole board greater latitude to consider the early release of prisoners who have served their primary sentences, and whose crimes are not designated as violent under the California penal code. But since the early days of the ballot measure campaign, debate has brewed over just who the law will benefit, with prosecutors saying that short and porous list excludes certain rape crimes and other dangerous offenses. This legislative session, the discussion moves to the Capitol. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Fearing deletion, Tom Steyer copies Environmental Protection Agency website on climate change By Chris Megerian (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) With President Trump in the White House, information about climate change has been disappearing from government websites. Some fear the same thing could happen with the Environmental Protection Agency. Now the advocacy organization run by environmentalist and political donor Tom Steyer is taking steps to preserve the information. We will not allow Trump and the oil corporations to push us towards an Orwellian world full of official lies and misinformation. Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) January 27, 2017 NextGen Climate copied the website and made it available at SaveOurEPA.com. As Americans, we will not allow Donald Trump to erase the truth or rewrite history, Steyer said in a statement. This information belongs to the people, and the public has a right to know the truth. Trump has taken other steps that have alarmed environmentalists. For example, he greenlighted two oil pipelines that had been stopped by former President Obama. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print For California, a return to center stage in the 2020 presidential contest By Mark Z. Barabak (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) Kamala Harris hadnt even arrived in Washington to take up her job as Californias spanking-new U.S. senator when the chatter began: Kamala for president! Never mind her disavowals Seriously? or the fact that the first balloting of the 2020 race is, at a minimum, 1,000-plus days away. The soul-sapping election of Donald Trump has Democrats desperately looking far, far down the road. Usually the candidates start sending signals, said Jim Demers, a longtime party strategist in New Hampshire, the state that traditionally holds the first presidential primary. This time Im hearing activists begging for the race to begin. With a wide-open contest (read: not a Clinton or Obama in sight), the list of would-be contenders, real and imagined, is lengthy, even by the prodigious standards of this early stage. Whats different in 2020 is that California huge in population, mighty in economic power, desperate to matter in presidential politics figures to be at the center of speculation in a way it hasnt for a generation. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Theres a major fight on the way over Trumps plans for sanctuary cities By Liam Dillon Immigrant workers marching in Los Angeles in 2014. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times) Cities in California are gearing up for a legal fight against President Trumps plans to take away federal dollars from so-called sanctuary cities. These cities typically are defined as those that dont cooperate with federal immigration officials for deportation purposes, and the new president wants to strip them of funding unless they start doing so. But the language in Trumps executive order on the issue is vague, and San Francisco officials believe their city is already exempt from the mandate. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Fighting Trumps border wall on environmental grounds probably wont win in court By Liam Dillon A pair of fences separates Mexico, left, and the U.S. south of San Diego. (Bill Wechter / AFP) California political leaders are seeking all sorts of strategies to fight President Trumps plans to build a wall along the border with Mexico. One strategy thats likely to fail is a lawsuit based on state and federal environmental laws, legal experts said. Congress already has given the federal government broad authority to waive environmental laws to build a border fence and the courts have upheld that power. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Calexit organizers can now start collecting signatures to get California secession on the ballot By Christine Mai-Duc Supporters of the campaign for California to secede from the United States can now begin collecting the hundreds of thousands of signatures they need to get a proposed Calexit initiative on the ballot. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla cleared the proposed initiative to begin collecting signatures on Thursday. If the measure gets on the ballot and gains approval by a majority of voters, it would repeal clauses in the California Constitution stating that the state is an inseparable part of the United States and that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, according to the title and summary prepared by the state attorney generals office. The measure would place another question on the ballot in 2019, asking whether California should become a separate country. If at least half of registered voters participate in that vote, with at least 55% of those voting to approve, the results would be treated as Californias declaration of independence. The current measures fiscal effect is dependent on various factors, writes the states nonpartisan legislative analyst, and if it succeeds would result in major, but unknown budgetary impacts. The proposals backers, known as Yes California, have argued that the state is culturally out of step with the rest of the U.S. and that California pays more money to the federal government than it receives in spending. The election of President Trump has only strengthened their argument, they say. California loses [by] being a part of America culturally and financially, said Marcus Ruiz Evans, one of the groups founders. It could be a nation all its own, everybody knows that. The only question is if they want to break off. Its unclear how the group will collect the required 585,407 valid signatures from registered voters over the next 180 days to qualify for the ballot. A campaign committee, Yes California Independence Committee, has raised no funds so far, according to records from the secretary of state. But Evans says that his group has more than 7,000 volunteers (significantly down from a 13,000 estimate in December) ready to gather signatures and that voters can expect to see signature gatherers on the streets in the next couple of days. Yes California says that even if the proposed initiative does land on the ballot and voters approve it, such an unprecedented move to secede would need to receive approval of at least a majority of the states in the union, among other legal hurdles. Evans says hes not fazed. America already hates California, and America votes on emotions, he said. I think wed have the votes today if we held it. UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: This post has been updated to clarify that the proposed initiative would place a future vote on Californias secession on the ballot in 2019. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Ted Lieu is trolling Donald Trump, and he hopes youre watching By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Ted Lieu is now placing an asterisk next to President Trumps name in news releases. Its the Torrance Democrats way of drawing attention to his concerns about the new administration, he said. Sometimes the best way to respond to crazy is with satire, Lieu said. Never before have I had this feeling where our leader is potentially unhinged and has a problem with the truth, and that is highly disturbing for the leader of the free world. So Ive decided Im just going to point that out as much as I can. The asterisk leads readers to the bottom of the email, where a postscript says: ***In addition to losing the popular vote, Trump as of January 20, 2017 is in violation of the Emoluments Clause set forth in Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution due to massive conflicts of interests and his refusal to put his global business holdings in blind trusts. Trump also benefitted from Vladimir Putin ordering a multifaceted and brazen Russian influence and cyber hacking campaign with the goals of undermining faith in the U.S. democratic process, denigrating Secretary Clintons electability, and helping Trumps election chances. Trump and his press secretary also routinely make stuff up. The sophomore congressman said he initially planned to give Trump the benefit of the doubt, hoping his rhetoric was a campaign tactic and that he would pivot to uniting the country following the election. Then Lieu listened to the presidents inaugural speech. I was hoping he would govern different than how he campaigned, he said. I came to the conclusion that it would be worse for America to normalize him. Lieu followed the addition to his news releases with a Cloud of Illegitimacy Clock that counts the time since Trumps swearing-in, which is how long Lieu says Trump has been in violation of the Constitution by not divesting from his businesses or putting them in a blind trust. The Constitution bans government officials from receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments. Next he posted a series of tweets mocking White House spokesman Sean Spicer for giving incorrect figures on how many people attended the inauguration, and top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway for using the term alternative facts. Was charged $2.99 for coffee listed at $2.59. That's why I have trust issues. Oh, and the fact that @seanspicer at #WhiteHouse makes shit up Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 23, 2017 Ive decided that the administration using alternative facts is more profane than anything that I could say, he said. When the administration lies, they just need to be called out on that. If they are going to lie about stupid little things, like crowd size, imagine what theyre going to say when they roll out their healthcare plan, whenever that might be. Lieu has needled Trump in responses to several executive orders this week, including by saying he would bet a nice bottle of California wine that the Administration will be unable to find a credible witness to testify under oath to the allegation that 3-5 million people illegally cast votes in 2016, and by mentioning the inauguration crowd while talking about Trumps proposed border wall. Lieu said hes absolutely hoping Trump will respond. I think satire is an effective way to highlight issues, and I want the American people to see who this president really is, because in 22 months they get to vote again on every member of Congress, and that will be a referendum on Donald Trump, Lieu said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Democrats propose adding third, nonbinary gender option for drivers licenses and other official documents By Melanie Mason View Twitter post California drivers licenses and birth certificates could have a third option for gender in addition to male or female under legislation unveiled Thursday by Democratic lawmakers. The bill by state Sens. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) would establish a new nonbinary gender marker for official state documents. Lawmakers framed the measure as an expansion of rights for transgender, intersex and other people who do not identify as male or female. It will keep California at the forefront of LGBTQ civil rights, Atkins said at a Capitol news conference. The bill, SB 179, also would streamline the process for people to change their gender on such documents. It would remove the requirement that an individual obtain a sworn statement from a physician certifying medical treatment for gender transition. It also would create a process for people younger than 18 to apply for a change of gender on their birth certificate. Jo Michael, of Equality California, a gay rights advocacy group, said the bill had personal resonance. Michael identifies as transgender and nonbinary. For the first time, Californians like me could have accurate gender markers that truly reflect who we are, Michael said. Wiener said the proposal places California in stark relief to other states in the country, including North Carolina, where a high-profile law regulating transgender peoples use of public bathrooms roiled the state. As the LGBT community but especially the trans community is under assault in this country, California needs to go in the opposite direction and embrace the trans community and support the trans community and modernize these laws, he said. The legislation does not specify what the alternate gender marker would be, but other countries that have implemented such a policy, such as Australia and New Zealand, have used the letter X alongside M for male and F for female, according to Sasha Buchert of the Transgender Law Center. Atkins, who is a lesbian and a member of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus, said this proposal marks an evolution for her in better understanding the concerns of the transgender and intersex community. She authored a law in 2014 that ensures death certificates reflect a persons gender identity, an experience she said made her more aware of the bureaucratic hurdles that transgender people often face. This years bill, she said, is moving us forward into a new world, where acceptance is ... letting people be who they tell you they are. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder will visit Sacramento to meet with Democratic legislators next month By Melanie Mason (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) California lawmakers will have a chance to meet the Legislatures new outside counsel on Feb. 7, when former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. travels to the state to address Senate and Assembly Democrats. Holder, leading a team of attorneys from the firm Covington & Burling, has been hired by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) to serve as outside counsel as the state prepares a legal strategy to deal with the administration of President Trump. But Senate and Assembly staff officials said his invitation to meet with lawmakers was extended prior to the contract, which begins in February, and that Holder is making the trip on his own personal time. His travel and accommodations expenses will not be paid with state funds, and his appearances will not be part of his billable hours, they said. Holder will address Senate Democrats at their annual policy retreat, and will speak to the Assembly Democratic caucus. His visit comes soon after state Democratic leaders this week denounced Trumps executive orders on immigration and pledged to take his administration to court should other legislative means of resistance fail. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A guide to the guessing game that is the 2018 California governors race By Phil Willon While the race to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown already has attracted a small cadre of well-known Democrats, the behind-the-scenes strategizing, cajoling and guessing games surrounding a handful of other potential contenders could create havoc in whats expected to be Californias biggest political showdown since 2010. Among those watching closely are the candidates already definitely in the running, including Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Treasurer John Chiang. Delaine Eastin, who spent eight years as Californias top education official, announced she was running in November and officially launched her campaign and fundraising operation on Thursday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print This is not a monarchy: California Senate leader Kevin de Leon bashes Trumps immigration orders By Jazmine Ulloa (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) California Senate leader Kevin de Leon took another shot at President Trump and his executive orders on immigration Wednesday night, calling his threat to withhold federal dollars from so-called sanctuary cities political blackmail and political vengeance. In an interview on the MSNBC show The Last Word with Lawrence ODonnell, De Leon said California was working with former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. to study all of its legal options to oppose the directives. Under the 10th Amendment, the state Senate leader said, the federal government cannot commandeer and force local municipalities and police agencies from carrying out their work. The appearance came hours after Trump signed orders to temporarily halt the U.S. refugee program, cut funding for cities that offer immigrants protections and order federal officials to construct a U.S.-Mexico border wall. California will not become a cog in the Trump deportation machine, De Leon said. This is not a monarchy, and I know he fancies himself as a king, but this is a republic. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print President Trumps voter fraud allegation is a lie, says Californias top elections officer By John Myers Secretary of State Alex Padilla. (Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press) With President Donald Trump rehashing last years accusation of widespread voter fraud in California and elsewhere, the states top elections official is also restating his take: Its not true. When the president says millions of illegal ballots are cast, thats simply not the case, said Secretary of State Alex Padilla in an interview on CNN Wednesday. Its a lie. As was the case when Trump made the accusation in November, theres no evidence of such a broad attempt to sway the outcome in California. The president lost the Golden State to Democrat Hillary Clinton by almost 4.3 million votes. Trumps announcement on Wednesday of a major investigation into voter fraud reignited the issue, even though there was also Republican skepticism in the wake of the new round of accusations. Is it a question of millions of people? Thats a pretty steep hill to climb, said Assemblyman Matthew Harper (R-Huntington Beach), the vice chairman of the Assemblys elections committee. Youd have to have a very strong coordinated effort across California to pull that off. Harper said he believes the better discussion is whether new, independent audit capabilities need to be in place to examine election results. Others, though, were sharply critical of the presidents motives. Allegations of widespread voter fraud are not just alternative facts, they are a calculated and sinister attempt at voter suppression that takes a page from this nations bleak history of segregation, said Laphonza Butler, president of the state council of the Service Employees International Union. In the CNN interview, Padilla said he worried the president was sowing doubt in an effort to legitimize efforts such as a purging of voter rolls. I hope that its not a sign of things to come, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Intelligence committee led by Californians investigating Russian influence in 2016 election By Sarah D. Wire The House Select Intelligence Committee is examining allegations that the Russian government tried to influence the 2016 election, Republican Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes and ranking Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff said in a statement Wednesday. The two Californians said the committee is looking at Russian cyber activity and other active measures directed against the U.S. It also will examine links between Russia and people working for political campaigns as well as the federal response to Russia, including leaks of classified assessments from the intelligence community. The statement does not specifically mention President Trump, the assessment of the U.S. intelligence community that Russia attempted to intervene in the presidential election to ensure he would win or news that Trumps national security advisor was in frequent contact with the Russian ambassador as President Obama was considering sanctions against Russia. This issue is not about party, but about country. The Committee will continue to follow the facts wherever they may lead, the statement said. The Senate Intelligence Committee, on which Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) serves, also is investigating Russian interference in the election, and the U.S. response. Two Republican senators have joined a number of House and Senate Democrats, including House Select Intelligence Committee member Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) in pushing for a nonpartisan independent commission to examine the issue. Nunes, who served on Trumps transition committee, has previously said he doesnt think an independent commission is necessary. The statement also asked the new, Trump-appointed heads of intelligence agencies to bring documents requested by the committee directly to committee members. It will not be adequate to review these documents, expected to be in the thousands of pages, at the agencies. They should be delivered to the House Intelligence Committee to provide members adequate time to examine their content, it states. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print No stamp, no problem: Lawmaker says postage-paid ballots should be available to all Californians By John Myers (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) California voters would no longer have to scrounge around in search of a stamp to mail in their ballot under new legislation introduced this week at the state Capitol. We want to make sure voters dont have any barriers, said Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), the bills author. Ballot envelopes sent by elections officials would be marked as prepaid postage and the postage costs would be paid for by individual counties. A key question will be the cost for mailing in as many as 10 million ballots statewide. Not all ballots will weigh the same, given the numerous city and county measures that also are considered in regularly scheduled elections. The initial language of Assembly Bill 216 doesnt offer specifics on reimbursing counties, though Gonzalez Fletcher said she expects the proposals ultimate cost could be under $2 million, if the law also makes clear that voters can still place a stamp on their ballot. Regardless, postage fees are likely to be deemed a mandated cost that state government must cover. Gonzalez Fletcher said the advent of email and online bill-paying services have meant that fewer voters have stamps readily available, with busy working Californians scrambling just to find the time to exercise their right to vote. It starts to feel like a very small poll tax, she said. The proposal is another example of the steady evolution of elections conducted less by the ballot box than the mailbox in California, as more than half of all registered voters now permanently receive absentee ballots. A number of the states most populous counties are expected to soon embrace a sweeping new law shifting elections away from neighborhood polling places and toward a substantial number of votes being cast by mail. This is welcome legislation, said Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation. Requiring voters to pay for ballot postage sends a message that the government is putting up obstacles to make it more difficult to vote. In many cases, ballots placed in the mail without proper postage are already being delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Some counties in California have offered prepaid postage in the past, but the vast majority have not. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California improves grades from anti-smoking group with barrage of anti-tobacco laws By Patrick McGreevy California led other states in adopting a flurry of new laws restricting tobacco products last year, resulting in a big improvement in the states grades from the American Lung Assn. In a report released Wednesday, the health group boosted the states grade for the level of tobacco taxes from an F last year to a B, in recognition that California voters in November approved a $2-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax. The Legislature last year also adopted a half-dozen new laws, including an increase in the minimum age for smoking from 18 to 21 and an expansion of a smoking ban in public places, including restaurants and theaters, to also include use of electronic cigarettes. The states grade for smoke-free air policies rose from a B to an A, while California received a B for restricting tobacco to young people. The group gave the state an incomplete for funding of tobacco prevention programs because officials have not yet started collecting money from the tobacco tax increase in Proposition 56. In 2016, Californians fought back against Big Tobaccos grip on our state, said David Pogue, chairman of the American Lung Assn. in Californias governing board. Tobacco-related illnesses remain the single most preventable cause of disease and death in California, and were proud to reaffirm ourselves as a national leader in the effort to reduce smoking rates and exposure to secondhand smoke and to protect our children from a lifetime of addiction. The group cited the lack of significant new tobacco laws passed in Los Angeles for its decision to leave the citys C grade unchanged. El Monte and West Hollywood passed some new tobacco policies and raised their grades. Santa Ana earned a C, but was at top of the list in Orange County, where almost all the other cities received Fs, officials said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Kamala Harris pushes Trumps budget director pick on timely disaster relief By Sarah D. Wire Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) pushed President Trumps budget chief pick Tuesday on whether hed advise the new Republican leader to offer timely disaster relief, especially to states like California that face earthquakes, fires, floods and other natural disasters. Can you assure me that when natural disasters hit various parts of the country like California, that you will be willing to put the immediate interests of people in need as the first priority for you, or will you insist that the budget cuts be made before agreeing to provide critical assistance to those victims? Harris asked Rep. Mick Mulvaney during a confirmation hearing Tuesday. The South Carolina Republican asked for spending cuts to offset billions in relief funding after Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. There is a proper federal role in dealing with natural disaster relief, Mulvaney said in response to Harris questioning. Sandy is a tremendous example of something so large, its simply too large for one state or local government to deal with, it is an appropriate function of the federal government. Harris pushed a second time, So can you assure me that if a natural disaster hits other states, like California for example, that you will not hold up relief for the state, waiting to determine whether there are going to be budget cuts or cuts in order to provide that relief? Or are you going to sit back and crunch the numbers while people are waiting for help? Mulvaney replied, No, I see my role in that particular circumstance as advising the president. Mr. President, heres what weve done it in the past, heres how it worked out, heres how I think we should proceed in this circumstance and heres why. And then whatever the president says to do, I will enforce. Harris is still weighing how to vote on Mulvaneys confirmation, her staff said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump is a hot topic in Californias race for governor, but not in a good way By Phil Willon Donald Trump at the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame in April. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) One of the most talked about politicians in Californias 2018 governors campaign isnt even running. Rarely does a day go by when Republican President Donald Trump isnt used as a political pinata by one of the top Democrats in the race. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom took some jabs Tuesday when he addressed the California Legislature before Gov. Jerry Browns annual State of the State speech. Newsom mocked the Trump administration for its reliance on alternative facts a phrase used by a Trump senior advisor when defending inflated inauguration crowd figures and took a subtle shot at the presidents comment about American carnage in the nations cities. The insecurity of this man is near incomprehensible. These lies damage our democracy & country's reputation-Shameful https://t.co/ib7i6DqfH8 Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 24, 2017 On Monday, state Treasurer John Chiang criticized Trump for doubting the scientific evidence of climate change. President Trump may believe global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing noncompetitive, Chiang said. We Californians stand with the scientific community and the 195 nations that have declared climate change is an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to human societies and the planet. When Antonio Villaraigosa announced his bid for governor right after the general election, the former Los Angeles mayor was sure to include a dig at Trump. Im running because I think the answer to the divisiveness we see in the country right now is unity, and the answer to fear is hope, he said. Last May, Villaraigosa compared Trump to segregationist George Wallace. Californias former superintendent of public instruction, Delaine Eastin, last week ripped Trump for nominating Betsy DeVos for Education secretary. Eastin said DeVos, a charter school advocate and Republican fundraiser from Michigan, was a threat to public education in the country. In speeches, in fundraising emails, in tweets and Facebook posts, the Democrats have liberally excoriated Trump while largely avoiding lobbing any criticism at one another. Its a safe and easy tactic that appeals to a sizeable majority of voters in left-leaning California. In the November election, Trump was trounced by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in California losing to her by more than 4.2 million votes. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a Republican being urged to run by fellow party members, has also rebuked Trump in the past. In May, Faulconer said he rejected Trumps divisive rhetoric about women and immigrants. Faulconer was absent at Trumps inauguration and skipped a Trump campaign rally in San Diego last spring. For any Republican to have a legitimate shot in the governors race, or any statewide election, the more distance they put between themselves and Trump the better, said GOP political consultant Rob Stutzman. Its important that youre not on the record gushing about Trump, Stutzman said. 3:30 p.m.: This story was updated to correct the title of Delaine Eastin. She is a former state superintendent of public instruction. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias House members vote along party lines on permanently banning federal funds for abortion By Sarah D. Wire Californias House delegation split along party lines Tuesday on a bill to permanently prohibit the use of certain federal funds for abortions. President Trump promised the anti-abortion community during the campaign that he would make the funding ban commonly called the Hyde Amendment permanent. It passed the House 238-183 and goes next to the Senate. The 52 members who represent California in the House split along party lines, with 36 Democrats against for it, and 14 Republicans voting for it. Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) and Jim Costa (D-Lieu) did not vote. Their staffs each said the member would have joined Democrats in voting against the measure. If passed by the Senate, it would permanently prohibit federal funding from being used to cover abortion costs except in cases of rape, incest or if the mothers life is in danger. It effects government employees health plans, Medicaid and health insurance plans offered under the Affordable Care Act. The amendment has been added to the annual appropriations bill for the past 40 years and the bill approved by the House Tuesday would make it permanent. During debate on the House floor Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) called the bill a womens health catastrophe that will keep poor women on Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act from having access to insurance. In effect it makes abortion only an option for the wealthy, she said. Previous versions of the bill twice passed the House but were not considered by the Senate while President Obama was in office. 11:09 a.m. Jan. 25: An earlier version of this article reported that Democrats voted for the bill and Republicans voted against the bill. It was the opposite. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California lawmakers to weigh whether younger children should be allowed to testify in custody cases By Jazmine Ulloa California lawmakers will weigh whether family courts should allow children as young as 10 to testify before judges regarding parent custody or visitation rights. A bill filed by state Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino) would lower the current threshold from age 14 to enable more children to express their wishes in court, some of whom she said could find themselves in life-threatening situations. The legislation was co-sponsored by the California Protective Parents Assn. and the Center for Judicial Excellence. Neither current law nor the bill would require children to testify in family cases unless they choose to. In a statement, Levya called the proposal an important child safety measure. As a family court makes critical life decisions for children, it makes sense for them to be granted a greater voice in court proceedings since they can contribute essential information before final decisions are made, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Support for California secession is up, one poll says By Phil Willon Students from several high schools rally at City Hall in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 14 after walking out of class to protest the election of Donald Trump. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press) Californians support for a breakaway California republic has increased, one poll has found. One-third of state residents support peacefully seceding from the United States, up from 20% since Californians were last asked the same question in 2014, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll. The polls margin of error for the California answers was plus or minus 5 percentage points. Still, half of Californians opposed the idea of succession, though Democrats were more inclined to support it than Republicans. The survey found that 60% of Republicans gave the idea of peacefully seceding a thumbs down compared with 48% of Democrats and 50% of independents. Nationally, 22% of those polled supported having their state break away from the U.S., according to the survey. A Calexit campaign already is underway to make California an independent nation. The effort faces extremely long odds. The poll surveyed 14,000 adults nationwide, and 500 in California, from Dec. 6 to Jan. 19. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown defiantly tells lawmakers California is not turning back in face of Trump and GOP proposals By John Myers Gov. Jerry Brown used his State of the State speech on Tuesday to promise a forceful defense of Californias efforts on climate change, healthcare and assistance to those in the country illegally against new proposals by President Donald Trump and national Republican leadership. California is not turning back, Brown said to applause. Not now, not ever. The governors remarks, delivered in front of lawmakers and state elected officials in the Assembly chambers, came just four days after President Trumps forceful inaugural address that signaled a dramatic new course for the federal government. While he never mentioned the president by name during the 16-minute speech, Brown said there are disturbing signs as to whats on the horizon. We have seen the bald assertion of alternative facts, whatever those are, he said, a reference to top Trump advisor Kellyanne Conways weekend comments on NBCs Meet the Press. We have heard the blatant attacks on science. Familiar signposts of our democracy truth, civility, working together have been obscured or swept aside. The annual event in the chamber of the state Assembly was unusual from the outset. Just minutes before beginning his speech, Brown gave the oath of office to Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, the former Los Angeles congressman confirmed to the post on Monday afternoon by the state Senate. Legislators have had a decidedly unusual start to their new two-year session. After a raucous opening day in December that laid bare wounds from the presidential race, lawmakers were presented two weeks ago with Browns projection of a $1.6-billion budget deficit looming on the states fiscal horizon. But the sea change in national politics has been a persistent buzz in the state Capitol, and Brown promised a strong defense of Californias unique view on major policy issues. The governor made a special mention of the issue of illegal immigration, offering perhaps his strongest words to date. Let me be clear, the governor said, his voice rising. We will defend everybody every man, woman and child who has come here for a better life and has contributed to the well-being of our state. Even with those critiques, the governor veered from his prepared remarks to praise Trumps call for a new focus on infrastructure projects. I say, Amen to that, man! he said. And Brown urged members of the Legislature to reject the bitter partisan divisions of this moment in the nations history. Democrats are in the majority, but Republicans represent real Californians, too, he said to bipartisan applause. We have generally been civil to one another and avoided the rancor of Washington. I urge you to go even further and look for new ways to work beyond party and act as Californians first. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Xavier Becerra takes oath of office, is first Latino to become California attorney general By Patrick McGreevy Xavier Becerra ((Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) ) Minutes after resigning his seat in Congress on Tuesday, Xavier Becerra took the oath of office as Californias new attorney general, and he immediately made plans for a sit-down with sheriffs from throughout the state to talk about law enforcement issues. Becerra, 58, was given the oath of office at the Capitol by Gov. Jerry Brown, who predicted earlier that Xavier will be a champion for all Californians. The ceremony was held before Brown was scheduled to deliver his annual State of the State address, and a day after Becerra received final confirmation by the state Senate. I will do my utmost to uphold your faith in me to serve as our great states next chief law enforcement officer and legal advocate, Becerra said in a letter to Brown on Tuesday, letting him know he had resigned from Congress. And while I leave Congress with mixed emotions, I am ready to begin my work as Attorney General. Californias hard-working families are counting on us, and we wont let them down, Becerra said. Becerra was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife, physician Carolina Reyes, two of his three daughters, and his parents, both immigrants from Mexico. Brown appointed Becerra to fill a vacancy after former Atty. Gen.l Kamala Harris won election to a seat in the U.S. Senate. Becerra has pledged to challenge any attempts by the new administration of President Trump to roll back state policies on immigration, civil rights and the environment. Brown noted his appointees background during his speech. Like so many others, he is the son of immigrants who saw California as a place where, through grit and determination, they could realize their dreams, Brown said. And they are not alone, millions of Californians have come here from Mexico and a hundred other countries, making our state what it is today: vibrant, even turbulent, and a beacon of hope to the rest of the world. The first Latino to become state attorney general in California spent the last two weeks meeting with dozens of legislators as he went through confirmation hearings in both houses. Governor Brown and state legislators have already shared valuable ideas on our path forward, Becerra said in a statement after his confirmation. And next week I hope to sit down with sheriffs from across our state to begin our work together keeping our families safe and enforcing our laws fairly. The first focus on local law enforcement was welcomed by Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood, president of the California State Sheriffs Assn. He wants to start with law enforcement in the San Joaquin Valley, and I think thats a really positive step, Youngblood said. Im impressed with his credentials. Im impressed with his background, and I think hes going to be a good attorney general. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Watch: Gov. Jerry Brown delivers his State of the State address Gov. Jerry Brown will deliver his State of the State address at 10 a.m. PST. Watch live here: Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Xavier Becerras resignation from Congress took effect at 9:15 a.m.; he calls serving a distinct honor Xavier Becerra has submitted letter of resignation from Congress ahead of swearing in for California attorney general today Patrick McGreevy (@mcgreevy99) January 24, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias senators split on CIA director confirmation By Sarah D. Wire Californias senators split Monday night on the confirmation of Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), President Trumps pick to lead the CIA. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who serves on the Senate Select Intelligence Committee and backed Pompeo, said in a statement that Pompeo gave straightforward answers to her questions, and that House colleagues called him smart, hardworking and devoted to protecting our country. Congressman Pompeo has committed to following the law regarding torture, promised to provide objective analysis of Irans compliance with the nuclear agreement and insisted that he would continue to keep the Senate Intelligence Committee fully informed of CIA activities, Feinstein said. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said in a statement that she appreciated that Pompeo was responsive, engaging, and has made a number of positive commitments during the confirmation process, but said she couldnt vote for him after looking at his entire record on issues such as torture, surveillance, and the collection and use of metadata. Pompeo was confirmed 66 to 32 Monday evening. Thirteen Democrats joined Feinstein in voting for him. While House members dont get to vote for confirmation, the leaders of the House Select Intelligence Committee, Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) and ranking Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) joined Feinstein in congratulating Pompeo for his confirmation. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Kamala Harris moves into some familiar digs on Capitol Hill By Sarah D. Wire (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and her staff can begin moving today into her official Senate office, the same space she interned in as a college student. Few offices can hold a staff as large as the ones allocated to the California members and as expected, Harris was assigned an office in the Hart Senate Office Building, the same space occupied by former Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). Harris can start moving in this morning, her staff said. Back home, Harris plans to have state offices in Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco, her staff said. It is a bit of a change from Boxer, who had additional offices in Oakland and Riverside, but did not have an office in San Francisco. The space in Washington should feel familiar. It was occupied by Sen. Alan Cranston (D-Calif.) when Harris interned for him as a mailroom clerk for a summer when she was a Howard University student in the 1980s. Two floors up in the same building is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). Except for states where staff size is a consideration, Senate offices are assigned based on seniority and sitting senators have months to decide if they want to move offices. That means some new senators could spend months working out of temporary space. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Assembly speaker taps former Obama spokesman for communications strategy By Melanie Mason Bill Burton (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) With Californias face-off against Washington, D.C., getting widespread attention, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon has turned to a veteran of national politics to help shape his public image: White House veteran Bill Burton. Burton, who once worked as deputy press secretary in the Obama administration, was hired this month by Rendon, a Democrat from Paramount, for communications strategy. Now a managing partner in the Los Angeles office for SKDKnickerbocker, a prominent liberal public affairs firm, Burton said he relished being involved in California politics, which he said sets a model for liberals nationwide. With President Trump and congressional Republicans controlling the national agenda, Speaker Rendon and his incredible staff are at the center of some of the most important progressive fights in the country and we couldnt be more excited to be helping any way we can, he said. Burton said his services, paid for out of Rendons campaign account, are meant to offer a more intentional approach to how hes been dealing with media a recognition, he said, of Rendons and Californias elevated role in national politics. Rendon is not the only legislative Democrat to be represented by SKDKnickerbocker. Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia of Bell Gardens also is a client. The firm also worked with Democratic Reps. Grace Napolitano and Linda Sanchez in their reelection bids, as well as freshman Rep. Nanette Barragan in her heated congressional race against fellow Democrat, former state Sen. Isadore Hall. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement State Senate votes for final confirmation of Xavier Becerra as state attorney general By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown, left, appointed Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles) as state attorney general. ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) The state Senate on Monday voted 26-9 in favor of final confirmation of Rep. Xavier Becerra as Californias attorney general, putting on watch a veteran politician who has promised to block efforts by President Trump to roll back state policies on immigration, civil rights and the environment. Becerra, a Los Angeles Democrat and 12-term congressman, is set to take the oath of office on Tuesday before Gov. Jerry Browns State of the State address. As Attorney General, Xavier will be a champion for all Californians, Brown said in a statement after the party-line vote. Brown appointed Becerra as the states first Latino attorney general to fill the vacancy left when former state Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon said Becerra will be an effective counter force to Trump, who has threatened mass deportations and the repeal of some environmental laws. Many of us know him personally and can attest to his character, to his integrity and to his qualifications, De Leon said of Becerra. He will be a strong partner for our state to help us work with the federal government when we can and to resist when we must. State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) said Becerra understands the challenges ahead. He will indeed vigorously defend the values of our state by taking the fight to the federal government when necessary, said Jackson, who chairs the state Senate Judiciary Committee. Becerra, 58, said during two weeks of confirmation hearings that he would also fight any attempt to weaken environmental protections or adopt stop-and-frisk police policies that allow officers to search anyone on the street. All Republican senators voted against Becerra or withheld their vote. I think when you are the top cop you have to enforce the law to the fullest extent, said state Sen. Joel Anderson (R-San Diego) before he voted against Becerra. Opponents cited Becerras support for sanctuary cities that refuse to have their officers help enforce immigration laws. San Francisco prohibits local authorities from holding immigrants for immigration officials if they have no violent felonies on their records and do not currently face charges. Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities. Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) also opposed Becerra, saying he is worried that the antagonistic tone being set by Democratic lawmakers with Becerra could put at risk the $86 billion the state and its cities gets annually from the federal government. I dont want to jeopardize those funds, Moorlach said. Becerra said he was humbled by the vote and ready to get working.He plans to meet soon with county sheriffs to discuss local law enforcement issues. As I embark on this new journey, my compass will be the experiences of hard-working families like the one I grew up in, Becerra said. As the son of immigrants, I know how important it is to protect the rights and dreams of every aspiring American. I will make sure no headwinds from outside our state can knock us down. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Attorney general nominee Becerra questioned on guns, death penalty and pot during confirmation hearings By Patrick McGreevy Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles), shown at a gun violence event in June, was selected by Gov. Jerry Brown to be Californias next attorney general. ((Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) ) In two weeks of confirmation hearings, state attorney general nominee Xavier Becerra has been asked for his position on many issues, including new gun control laws, the states death penalty policy and the recent voter approval of an initiative that legalized recreational marijuana use. The 12-term congressman is up for a possible final confirmation vote Monday in the state Senate. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California attorney general nominee Xavier Becerra is warned against suing Trump early and often By Patrick McGreevy Rep. Xavier Becerra (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) With Xavier Becerra facing a final confirmation vote Monday for state attorney general, two former high-level officials in the office are warning against drowning President Trump in lawsuits. The pressure to sue Trump early and often is a trap, according to Michael Troncos, former chief counsel in the California attorney generals office, and Debbie Mesloh, a former senior advisor to the California attorney general, writing in an op-ed piece published by the Los Angeles Times. In this right-wing political moment, a major legal case on our climate change laws or our policies benefiting (young immigrant) Dreamers may well lead to a Trump White House victory, establishing precedents that far outlast this presidency, the two write. In fact, the cases Becerra chooses not to bring may be among his most important achievements. Courts cant rule on whats not before them. Troncos and Mesloh said California will be up against a U.S. Supreme Court remade in Trumps image, and that [a]sking a federal court to overturn federal immigration policies could be a fools errand. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California cities would have to make it easier to build houses under new legislation By Liam Dillon California cities that are falling behind on housing production goals set by the state would be forced to remove some of their development restrictions under legislation from a Bay Area state senator. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) released new details in his bill, SB 35, Monday morning that would require cities to approve new housing in areas already zoned for high-density development provided developers set aside some units for low-income residents. The bills provisions would only apply in cities where growth isnt keeping pace with housing production targets developed by the state every eight years that are designed to ensure California has enough homes for its growing population to live affordably. Right now, thats not happening. The states median home price of $485,800 is more than 2 1/2 times the national average, with the states poorest residents the hardest hit. And in the most recent eight-year housing cycle ending in 2014, production was less than half of the state target. Wiener, a former San Francisco supervisor, said Californias affordability crisis requires the state to involve its U .S. lawmakers appear prepared to grant Donald Trumps pick for secretary of Defense an exception to circumvent a law that mandates civilian control of the military. Federal law dictates that the person leading the Pentagon cannot have served in uniform in the last seven years. Former Gen. James N. Mattis, who retired from the Marines in 2013, needs Congress to pass a law to get around that restriction. The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to begin his confirmation hearing on Thursday, but the panel scrutinized the current law for more than two hours Tuesday with two experts, who also signaled little opposition to approving what amounts to a waiver. Advertisement Eliot Cohen, a former senior Pentagon and State Department official who is now professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University, defended civilian control of the military, which he called central to the American experience since colonial times. Cohen, who publicly warned other conservatives from serving in a Trump administration after the November election, said a waiver was appropriate in this case because Mattis could help prevent what he called wildly stupid, dangerous or illegal actions by the incoming White House. I have sharply criticized President Obamas policies, but my concerns pale in comparison with the sense of alarm I feel about the judgment and dispositions of the incoming White House team, Cohen told the committee. There is no doubt in my mind that a Secretary Mattis would be a stabilizing and moderating force, preventing wildly stupid, dangerous or illegal things from happening, he added. Mattis, who served four decades in the Marines, headed U.S. Central Command in his final three years and commanded forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known as a military thinker and strategist, he is well-respected inside and outside the military. Kathleen Hicks, director of the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, also recommended granting the waiver the first since Congress agreed to let Army Gen. George C. Marshall become secretary of Defense in 1950. I am persuaded not only by his expert grasp of the most important security issues our nation faces but also by his clear commitment to and embodiment of the principles of civilian control of the military, she said, citing Warriors and Citizens, a publication that Mattis recently co-edited. Cohen and Hicks warned that permanently amending or eradicating the law would be detrimental to national security by encouraging politicization of the military, but that Mattis merited an exception. The sentiment was echoed by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the committee, who reiterated his strong support for the retired four-star general during the hearing. There is no military officer I have met in my lifetime with a deeper understanding of civil-military relations than James Mattis, " McCain said. His character, judgment and commitment to defending our nation and its Constitution have earned him the trust of our next commander in chief, members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, and so many serving in our armed forces. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the ranking member of the committee, requested the hearing ahead of the vote on the waiver, which is expected to take place on Thursday. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who previously had said she would not support granting an exception, was the lone opponent at the hearing. She said she is concerned that Trump also chose recently retired generals to head the National Security Council and the Department of Homeland Security. She warned about the impact so many generals may have on our overall national security policy. william.hennigan@latimes.com Twitter: @wjhenn ALSO: Climate change is real: Just ask the Pentagon Overweight, tattooed, stoned? The Pentagon may still want you Captured battlefield cellphones, computers are helping the U.S. target and kill Islamic States leaders Energized by Republican moves to roll back the Affordable Care Act, leading patient advocates, consumer groups, labor unions and Democratic officials are mobilizing a nationwide campaign to defend the law and protect millions of Americans who depend on the law and other government health programs. The campaign, which is quickly ramping up ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration next week, aims to reshape the debate over the law after years in which the public conversation has been dominated by its critics. But Obamacare supporters believe that as Republicans push to gut the 6-year-old law, Americans, including many who voted for Trump, will come to appreciate its protections and fight to keep them. Advertisement This is about one of the most important things in every persons life: the basics of your health, outgoing Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said in a speech Monday. This is real, and it affects everyones lives. That is whats different, when the conversation shifts from the rhetoric to reality. Already, there are signs of this new dynamic, as a growing number of Republicans voice concerns about rushing to repeal Obamacare without first outlining a replacement, something the GOP has yet to do. Polls show thin support for the Republican strategy to repeal now but delay a replacement. No major organizations representing patients, physicians, hospitals or others in the nations healthcare system back the GOP approach. And Trump enters office with historically low public confidence, a weakness that Obamacare defenders figure to exploit. Democratic senators kept up the pressure Monday, taking to the Senate floor and using Facebook to challenge the Republican repeal effort. In a play on Trumps signature campaign line, Democrats promise that the GOP strategy would make America sick again. Activists planned a national effort Tuesday to get Americans to call members of Congress and urge them to vote against legislation that would roll back the law. This is as important to us as a presidential campaign, said Mary Kay Henry, president of Service Employees International Union, whose 2-million members played a central role in helping pass Obamacare and are expected to be critical in defending it. The order is daunting. Republicans, who will control both the White House and Congress for the first time in more than decade, credit their victories in part to a relentless campaign against Obamacare. And with some Americans struggling with large insurance premiums, GOP lawmakers have had no trouble finding horror stories to bolster their repeal effort. Obamacare is ripping apart at the seams, and things are only getting worse, Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.) said in the partys weekly radio address. The Tennessee insurance market has experienced some of the worst turmoil in the country over the last year. At the same time, Democrats have taken a hands-off approach to the law in recent years, wary of being linked to its struggles. But as this new chapter in the healthcare debate begins, they have some key advantages. Democrats who were always a little squirrely on robustly defending the Affordable Care Act are on very firm ground in fighting repeal, said Sen. Christopher S. Murphy (D-Conn.). Though public opinion about Obamacare is still split, most provisions of the law are extremely popular, even with Republican voters. That may fuel a major backlash if the GOP moves to take them away. Eight in 10 Americans in another poll say they like provisions in the law that eliminate out-of-pocket costs for many preventive services such as cancer screenings or provide federal aid to states so they can expand Medicaid coverage for poor patients. The same strong majority supports the laws system of insurance marketplaces such as HealthCare.gov in which people who dont get coverage through an employer can shop for health plans. And 80% of Americans favor the government subsidies provided through the law to help low- and moderate-income people buy insurance. GOP leaders have called for major cutbacks in Medicaid and a fundamental change in insurance rules that would guarantee coverage only for people who didnt have gaps in coverage. Republicans also would no longer require insurers to offer basic benefits. Democrats plan to prominently feature people who stand to lose some of these protections if the law is scrapped. President Obama, in an interview last week with Vox, called out Natoma Canfield, a cancer survivor who struggled to obtain affordable insurance before the law was enacted. When most people, even if theyre not Obama supporters, hear Natomas story or the stories of other people who have been helped, they know its wrong to just take away their healthcare, Obama said. And it becomes less about whos winning here in Washington. It becomes about how are we doing right by our fellow Americans. At a meeting with congressional Democrats last week, the president encouraged lawmakers to look at the successful approach the nascent tea party movement took in 2009 and 2010 against Obamacare including flooding lawmakers town hall meetings in their districts. Also aiding the Obamacare defense could be in the GOPs interest to make broader changes to other popular safety net programs, including Medicaid and Medicare. Medicare provides coverage to more than 50-million elderly and disabled Americans. And Medicaid covers more than 70 million poor children, adults and seniors, many of whom depend on the program for nursing home coverage. Leading Republicans including House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), Trumps pick to be health secretary have advocated major cuts in the programs that probably would slash coverage for the poor and shift more healthcare costs onto seniors. This is not just about the Affordable Care Act, said Richard Kirsch, former national campaign manager of Health Care for America Now, a coalition of liberal grass-roots groups that played a pivotal role in helping pass Obamacare in 2009 and 2010. They are talking about replacing Medicare, cutting funding for Medicaid. This would be devastating to affordability and accessibility of healthcare for millions of Americans, and we are going to be making it clear that this is one big attack on peoples health. Kirsch is helping restart the campaign, which has already organized demonstrations in 19 states. On Capitol Hill, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin), who is leading messaging efforts for younger voters on Obamacare, said the fate of the entitlement programs will also figure prominently in Democratic lawmakers efforts. More than ever, the familys income is tied together, he said, summarizing the message as: Dont end my moms Medicare. Dont take my dads healthcare. If our parents healthcare security is in jeopardy, the whole familys financial security is in jeopardy. noam.levey@latimes.com | @noamlevey michael.memoli@latimes.com | @mikememoli ALSO: Trump and the GOP are charging forward with Obamacare repeal, but few are eager to follow Rolling out Obamacare was chaotic, but a repeal could be much worse Trump pledged to protect Medicare. His choice for health secretary has other ideas Sen. Jeff Sessions forcefully defended his civil rights record Tuesday and pledged, if confirmed as the nations next attorney general, to put aside his personal views and uphold laws protecting abortion and same-sex marriage. Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee as President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Justice Department, Sessions also vowed to recuse himself from decisions involving former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clintons handling of classified material. The daylong confirmation hearing was a mostly collegial affair with fellow senators politely prodding the 70-year-old former federal prosecutor to explain his record on issues ranging from torture to immigration. Advertisement As a longtime member of the committee now reviewing his expected nomination to become the nations top law enforcement officer, Sessions has sat on the opposite side of the witness table for five previous confirmation hearings for attorney general candidates. So its no surprise that the seasoned Alabama lawmaker avoided any self-inflicted wounds during his testimony, keeping his composure amid questioning and periodic disruptions from protesters in the audience. When pressed on his opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, for example, the conservative senator told Democratic colleagues that both issues had been settled by the Supreme Court and that he would abide by those decisions. Similarly, on the use of waterboarding against terrorism suspects, which Sessions has previously supported, he said Congress had clearly outlawed the practice. Session began his testimony by offering his most steadfast denial yet of allegations that as a U.S. attorney in the 1980s he had improperly targeted civil rights advocates for prosecution on voter fraud charges and had made racially insensitive comments about the Ku Klux Klan and minorities. These are damnably false charges, Sessions said, adding that he did not harbor the race-based animosities I am accused of. I did not. Those accusations, made by fellow Justice Department attorneys at the time, helped torpedo Sessions 1986 nomination by President Reagan to become a federal judge. There was an organized effort to caricature me as something that wasnt true, he said. It was very painful. I didnt know how to respond and didnt respond very well. I hope my tenure in this body has shown you that the caricature that was created of me was not accurate. It wasnt accurate then and its not accurate now. Sessions is again being assailed by civil rights groups, who point to his Senate record of voting against hate-crime legislation, immigration reform and efforts to ban torture as evidence that he would not fairly enforce the laws protecting minorities. Sessions testified he hoped to work closely with local police and would aggressively combat gun violence, gang crimes and drug trafficking. He said he felt criticism of police misconduct should be narrowly focused on the right basis because too often mistakes are used to to smear whole departments and that places those officers at greater risk. The senator did not stray from his long-held hard-line views on immigration enforcement, testifying he would aggressively prosecute those who repeatedly violate our borders and support rescinding an Obama administration program that deferred deportation of hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, those brought to the country illegally as children. It is very questionable constitutionally, Sessions said of President Obamas 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. He did not say whether he believed the 742,000 immigrants protected under the program should be deported. An unabashed opponent of marijuana use, Sessions was noncommittal about whether he might use his authority to resume raids of pot-growing operations and dispensaries. Such law enforcement actions, deeply unpopular in states like California and Colorado, were effectively halted in recent years. Marijuana is now legal for recreational use in both those states, among others. On counter-terrorism, Sessions said he would fight the scourge of radical Islam and believed that the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should continue to house terrorism suspects. Obama was unable to fulfill his pledge to close the prison, which still holds 55 detainees, 19 of whom have been cleared for release. Sessions added that he does not support the idea that Muslims as a religious group should be denied admissions to the United States, a position Trump once backed. The hearing is scheduled to continue Wednesday with a long list of witnesses, including Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, who said he will take the unprecedented step of opposing a fellow senators candidacy for a Cabinet job. Sessions was the first of Trumps Cabinet contenders to begin what is expected to be a combative confirmation process over the next few weeks. Sessions, one of the most conservative members of Congress, is widely expected to win confirmation from his colleagues in the Republican-controlled Senate. No sitting U.S. senator has ever been rejected for a Cabinet position, and GOP senators on the committee offered nothing but unstinting support on Tuesday. Even so, Sessions has a long and complicated history on racial matters, and the toughest questions posed by senators focused on how he would deal with civil rights laws, hate crimes and access to the polls. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the committee, set a tough tone by saying that since the election, many citizens have expressed deep anxiety about the direction of this country and whether this nominee will enforce the law fairly, evenly and without personal bias. Today we are not being asked to evaluate him as a senator, the California senator said, acknowledging that many of her Democratic colleagues like Sessions personally and professionally. Will he be independent of the White House? Will he tell the president no when necessary? Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) grew testy when questioning Sessions about several civil rights lawsuits Sessions had listed on his Senate questionnaire as examples of significant cases that Sessions personally litigated during his career. The Trump transition team later said that the cases were worthy of being mentioned, even though Sessions had not been actively involved in them. Franken suggested that the Trump campaign or Sessions were trying to inflate his civil rights accomplishments. Sessions replied that he had listed the cases because they were historic and that they were the kind of cases that were national in scope, and deserved be listed on the form. The would-be attorney general waded into many of controversial issues that have long dogged the Justice Department, including whether it should reopen its investigation into Clintons use of a private email server while serving as secretary of State. The FBI and Justice Department decided that criminal charges were not warranted despite having determined that Clinton and her aides unintentionally sent classified information over the system. During the campaign, Trump said he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the matter but has since backed off that pledge. Sessions, the first senator to endorse Trumps presidential bid, said he would recuse himself from any Clinton-related matters because he had often attacked her on the campaign trail. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) asked whether Sessions believed Russia was behind the the hacks of the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. Emails hacked from the DNC and Podestas email account disrupted the Clinton campaign, and the intelligence community and the FBI have concluded that the cyberattacks were ordered by high-ranking Russian officials with the goal of hurting Clinton and helping Trump. Sessions said he had not been briefed on the investigation but has no reason to doubt the findings. As attorney general, Sessions would play a large role in helping decide how to respond to such an attack during Trumps tenure. When a nation uses their improperly gained information to take policy positions that impact another nations democracy or their approach to any issue, then that raises real serious matters, Sessions said. Trump, by contrast, has questioned the intelligence findings of Russian hacking, calling the assertions an effort to delegitimize his election. Sessions sidestepped questions about whether he would recuse himself from any investigations involving Russia and the Trump campaign, saying he had not publicly commented on that and would review any such case to determine whether it should stay within the jurisdiction of the attorney general or not. Follow @delwilber on Twitter del.wilber@latimes.com ALSO: Tracking down guns used in crimes and terror attacks is still surprisingly low-tech Aspiring agents learn from mistakes of FBIs shameful investigation of Martin Luther King Jr. How these Brooklyn prosecutors work to get innocent convicts out of prison UPDATES: 2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional testimony and background. 6:35 a.m.: This article was updated after the beginning of the hearing. This article was originally published at 3 a.m. Rex Tillersons supporters portray him as an exemplary, up-by-the-bootstraps Eagle Scout who went on to lead the global petroleum conglomerate Exxon Mobil and who is perfectly suited to serve as Donald Trumps secretary of State. But even Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are expected to hit the Texas oilman with tough questions Wednesday at the start of a two-day confirmation hearing that will explore his record, his financing and his thinking especially about Russia. As chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corp., Tillerson championed energy development projects in Russia and developed such close personal ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is one of the few Americans ever awarded Russias Order of Friendship. Advertisement Their relationship has raised questions about whether Tillerson would take a forceful position against an adversary that, U.S. intelligence agencies say, used hacked emails, propaganda and fake news to try to help Trump win in November and to harm Democratic nominee Hillary Clintons chances. Tillerson is probably the only one of Trumps Cabinet picks who may get roughed up by fellow Republicans. Several, including Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Marco Rubio of Florida, have said they are deeply worried about any attempts by the incoming Trump administration to ignore Russias role in the 2016 campaign and its aggression in Ukraine and elsewhere. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who heads the Senate committee that must confirm Tillersons nomination, said the oilman is within the mainstream of GOP foreign policy orthodoxy, which has a cautious if not hostile attitude toward Russia. The question, Corker has acknowledged, is whether Tillerson will be able to shape and change Trumps attitudes. The president-elect has repeatedly praised Putin and has yet to publicly accept the intelligence communitys findings on Russian interference in the U.S. election. Democrats made clear they will also focus on Tillersons views on Russia. I just want to make sure that the team is not naive, frankly, about Russias capacity and Russias intent, said Sen. Tim Kaine, (D-Va.), who ran for vice president on Clintons ticket. Tillerson is also likely to face a barrage of questions about his finances, human rights and global warming. He has released financial disclosure documents, but not his tax returns. The documents show a personal worth of about $400 million, primarily from Exxon Mobil stock. According to the filings, Tillerson also owns stock in Royal Dutch Shell a competitor of Exxon Mobil Walmart, Sony, Walt Disney and KFC chains in China. He has promised to divest his stock portfolio if he is confirmed as secretary of State. He also promised to put $180 million in retirement benefits from Exxon Mobil in a blind trust. Additionally, Tillerson promised in letters to the Office of Government Ethics that he would recuse himself from any matters relating to Exxon Mobil, where he spent his entire career, if he is confirmed. As head of Exxon Mobil, he sometimes made oil exploration and production deals that ran counter to official U.S. foreign policy. In 2011, for example, he negotiated directly with the semi-autonomous government of the oil-rich, Kurdish section of Iraq, ignoring the Obama administrations efforts to shore up a federal Iraqi government in Baghdad. He also oversaw Exxon Mobils dealings, through a third-party entity, with countries that the United States had sanctions against, including Iran and Sudan. In his filings with the ethics office, Tillerson said he has resigned from the American Petroleum Institute, the industrys trade organization, and planned to resign from the Boy Scouts of America, where he has served as national president. If confirmed as secretary of state, I will not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter in which I know that I have a financial interest directly and [could be] predictably affected by the matter, Tillerson wrote. Outside agencies, which largely saw the Obama administration as supportive of human rights concerns, expressed alarm at Tillersons willingness to make oil deals with autocrats in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere. We simply dont know what [Tillerson] thinks about human rights, and we need to, said Margaret Huang, executive director of the U.S. branch of Amnesty International. In Russia, will he be willing to press for reforms on very serious human rights abuses, or will he be reluctant given his long relationship with Putin and other Kremlin officials, she asked. Numerous lawsuits over the last decade, when Tillerson led Exxon Mobil, accused the oil giant of human rights abuses and environmental problems in projects from Latin America to Indonesia. Many of the suits remain in litigation. Tillerson met with Corker and other senators last week, and some Democrats were encouraged by what they said was his acknowledgement of science that says man-made carbon emissions are leading to climate change. Trump has dismissed global warming as a hoax, and has indicated he will not support the Paris Agreement, an international accord that requires signatories to lower carbon emissions to specific targets over time. tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter ALSO Obamas goodbye: A reminder of the message of hope that got him elected This California Republican is hoping hell have more luck with his immigration reform idea under Trump Who are Trumps friends? One is Thomas Barrack, a Californian who could shape his views on the Middle East Less than four years after declaring Californias budget balanced for the foreseeable future, Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday said the state is projected to run a $1.6-billion deficit by next summer a noticeable shift in the states fiscal stability that could worsen under federal spending cuts championed by President-elect Donald Trump. The trajectory of revenue growth is declining, Brown said in unveiling his $179.5-billion plan for the fiscal year that begins in July. The governors sober assessment comes on the heels of several months of lagging tax revenue collections, a change in the states fortunes that could stifle his fellow Democrats call for additional spending and give fuel to Republican demands for additional cuts. Advertisement Browns budget advisors lowered the official tax revenue forecast, in part, because of slower than expected growth in wages. They also reduced expectations for sales and corporate taxes because of broader national trends. Brown proposed to address the deficit primarily by slowing the growth in spending on public schools by $1.7 billion, a change that brings funding down to the minimum required by formulas enshrined in Californias Constitution. The governor also proposed scrapping $1.5 billion worth of spending ideas left over from last years budget negotiations, including higher subsidies for child-care programs and awarding new college scholarships to California students from middle-class families. To manage unreliability requires prudence, Brown said of his decisions to address the projected budget shortfall. The governors fiscal blueprint is the ceremonial first pitch in Sacramentos annual budget writing season, and, as such, the details will shift in coming months to address changing fiscal conditions. That could include any effort by the nations ruling Republicans to rethink any of the $105 billion in federal funding promises the state expects to receive for a variety of services. The most consequential of those is the $16.1-billion subsidy for Medi-Cal, the program offering healthcare to the states most needy, provided through the Affordable Care Act. Those funds have helped the state add more than 3.8 million people to the Medi-Cal system, a network of providers that reaches one in every three Californians. Republican leaders in Congress and the president-elect have vowed to repeal the law championed by President Obama, though they have yet to identify when or how that will happen. That uncertainty is why Browns new budget plan does not officially lay out a path forward, though the governor made it clear on Tuesday that he thinks GOP leaders should rethink their political promises in regard to Obamacare. Thats very bold and, I think, a move that isnt very consistent with decency, the governor said Tuesday. He also offered national leaders some advice as they weigh the merits of various federal subsidies. I dont think this country needs any more divisive kinds of moves that divide the poor and the rich, split the middle class and all those other things that will be the result if the rhetorical thrust, as suggested in the last few weeks, becomes the operational reality in Washington, Brown said. Gov. Jerry Brown often gets his way when it comes to tax revenue forecasts, and thats a big deal But the governor offered a dash of his own brand of raw politics Tuesday by asking legislators to approve an extension of Californias system for buying and trading greenhouse gas pollution credits. That cap-and-trade program faces an uncertain future beyond 2020, as business groups have challenged its legality in court. On Tuesday, Brown proposed that the Legislature officially reauthorize the program which would require a supermajority vote in both houses and hinted that he might otherwise block the spending of $2.2 billion in proceeds from the auctions of those credits. Given the fact that the federal government is going in the opposite direction, Brown said of the climate change debate, I would think that Californians want to strengthen their own commitment. Advocates for social services, though, saw the budget plan as lacking any new strength for the states most needy. This is just a very conservative budget that really doesnt do anything to reduce poverty in the state of California, said Mike Herald of the Western Center on Law and Poverty, who pointed to a lack of new money for welfare assistance efforts or affordable housing. The governors budget also offers less than expected for backers of Proposition 56, last years tobacco tax increase earmarked to boost healthcare funding. While Brown pegs the taxs infusion of new money at $1.2 billion, it is offset by overall sagging tax revenues, and therefore, unlikely to boost the reimbursement rates sought by doctors who treat Medi-Cal patients. Democrats, in general, sounded positive notes about the governors proposal. One key source of early criticism, though, was his plan to phase out the scholarships offered to middle-class students attending University of California and Cal State campuses. The budget proposes to renew scholarships for 37,000 current recipients but offers no new assistance beyond that. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said the plan, coupled with proposed tuition increases, would be unfair. We must work to keep college affordable for California students, he said, and I will not support burdening them with higher fees and greater student debt. In all, Browns budget continues a long trend toward allowing additional spending while restraining the political desires of Democrats to do more. And while it doesnt spell out a specific need to respond to changes pushed by Trump and congressional Republicans that are on the horizon, the governor made clear that all budget decisions in Sacramento are in some way subject to the national debate. Thats why were going to have to hold on to our hat here, he said. Its going to be a rough ride. john.myers@latimes.com Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast. Los Angeles Times staff writer Melanie Mason contributed to this report. ALSO: Even after voters approved more taxes, Californias budget could be lean in 2017 Californias budget will continue to rely on taxes from the rich under Prop. 55 Updates from Sacramento Huntington Beach police fired shots during a pursuit of four burglary suspects early Tuesday before two 18-year-old men and two juveniles were arrested on suspicion of trying to break into a business that once housed a marijuana dispensary. Police received a call at 12:17 a.m. about a burglary in progress in the 17500 block of Griffin Lane. When officers arrived, four people fled the business, according to Huntington Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Marlatt. Marlatt said officers interrupted the suspects before they were able to enter, and nothing was taken. Its unclear whether any products were in the business. Officers chased the four, and at some point an officer fired shots, Marlatt said. No one was hit, she said. Marlatt didnt say why the officer fired. A police dog took down one of the suspects, enabling officers to make an arrest, Marlatt said. The man was treated at a hospital for minor injuries. The three other suspects also were taken into custody. Francisco Sosa of Corona, Justin Lopez of Orange and two juveniles whom police did not identify because they are minors were arrested on suspicion of burglary, resisting arrest and conspiracy, Marlatt said. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN The hotly contested proposal to build housing, retail space, a hotel and community parks on Banning Ranch could hit a major roadblock next week. Staff of the California Coastal Commission is recommending that the commissioners, who have final say over coastal development projects statewide, deny Newport Banning Ranch LLCs plan to build 1,375 homes, a 75-room boutique hotel, 75,000 square feet of retail and several parks on about 95 acres of the 401-acre expanse. The commission is scheduled to take up the issue during its Oct. 7 meeting in Long Beach. Project plans show that oil operations that have been on the site since about 1944 would be condensed to 16.5 acres and that about 261 acres would remain open space. However, a commission staff report expressed opposition to the project because the land is home to sensitive coastal species including the threatened California gnatcatcher, the rare vernal pool system and one of the few remaining significant areas of native grassland. It also is known to contain Native American archaeological resources, the report said. The staff also noted that an earthquake fault runs near the eastern side of the site, meaning that structures must be located outside the fault zone roughly 50 feet from fault traces. Commission staff recognize that the proposed project offers some benefits, including condensing the oil production to a portion of the property and subsequently cleaning up the remainder, establishing a coordinated habitat restoration and conservation plan for the south arroyo and lowlands wetlands and developing public parks, public trails and a visitor-serving resort, according to the report. However, these benefits are entwined with substantial impacts to highly sensitive resources and permanent loss of a very rare and valuable ecosystem that cannot be replicated. Staff suggested that the benefits could be incorporated into a less-intense development plan. Chris Yelich, a principal with Brooks Street, a real estate development firm in Newport Beach that is associated with the project, said the development would benefit Costa Mesa and Newport Beach residents by reducing the oil operations and opening the land to the public, which for decades has been blocked from accessing it. Were looking forward to going before the Coastal Commission to talk about our plans for the site, Yelich said. Yelich said the Banning Ranch Conservancy, a preservation group that opposes development at the site, has presented misleading information in its quest to defeat the project, including claims about the groups ability to purchase the land. They havent raised a penny, he said. However, Steve Ray, the conservancys executive director, said the organization has raised about $5 million. Information from the Orange County assessors office indicates the Banning Ranch property is worth more than $30 million. The developer and the preservation group have butted heads over the project for more than three years. After the Newport Beach City Council approved the proposal in 2012, the Banning Ranch Conservancy filed a lawsuit alleging that the city violated its general plan, which prioritizes open space in West Newport. The conservancy argues that the city did not work with the Coastal Commission in prioritizing specific areas of preservation, in violation of city law. The group also alleges that the projects environmental report did not detail mitigation measures for the developments potential effects, according to court documents. The case has made its way through Orange County Superior Court and Californias 4th District Court of Appeal and will next be heard by the California Supreme Court on a yet-undetermined date. In the meantime, Ray said, the commission staffs report is an important development. It is very heartening that the Coastal Commission staff has studied all the issues, understands them and has come to the same conclusion that this project is totally unacceptable on this property, Ray said. The city of Costa Mesa recently launched a new section of its website dedicated to homeless solutions. The page, costamesaca.gov, provides various links from the Network for Homeless Solutions, a group that includes city staff, nonprofits and private groups. The page also provides information about how to get help, general information about homelessness and success stories. The website notes how the network has launched a collaborative effort with local businesses and property owners to address criminal activity or code concerns on commercial properties. Outreach efforts include meeting directly with property and business owners and distributing informational materials specifically addressing issues related to commercial properties. For more information, residents can call the networks hotline at (714) 754-4977. Two suicide bombs targeted a minibus in west Kabul on Tuesday, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80, Afghan officials said. A suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed vehicle toward the minibus as it neared the Afghan parliament building and then detonated the explosives, said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. A second explosion occurred moments later, after people rushed to help the victims of the first blast, Sediqqi said. Advertisement Wahidullah Majroh, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health, said many of the wounded and the bodies of the dead had arrived at hospitals, and we are working to identify the victims. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a brief statement that the target was Afghan intelligence forces. Hasib Sediqi, spokesman for the Afghan intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, denied that the agency was the target. The compound near the blast used to belong to the agency but now is a parliament facility, he said. Abdul Hakim, who lives near the bombing site, said he saw a scene of chaos. I ran outside with my brother and saw several vehicles taking the injured, said Hakim, 20. I saw more than 40 people, including security forces, were killed and injured. Ghulam Faroq Naziri, a lawmaker from Herat province in western Afghanistan, said another member of parliament from that province, Rahima Jami, was wounded, the Associated Press reported. Separately, five people were killed and 12 injured when an explosion struck a guesthouse belonging to the governor of the southern province of Kandahar. Kandahar Gov. Humayun Azizi and the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Kabul, Juma Kaabi, were wounded in the blast, said the governors spokesman, Samim Khpalwak. The deputy governor, Abdul Ali Shamsi, was among those killed, police said. No group immediately claimed responsibility for that attack. Faizy is a special correspondent. ALSO The elaborate ceremony that says everything you need to know about India-Pakistan tensions Protests ignited by gasoline price hikes continue to roil Mexico Eat, pray, love the Communist Party: a road trip through Tibetan lands, guided by China UPDATES: 11 a.m.: This article was updated with details on victims of the Kandahar explosion. 8:50 a.m.: This article was updated with a separate blast in Kandahar province. 8:25 a.m.: This article was updated with the new toll of dead and wounded. 6:25 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting, including a death toll. 5:54 a.m.: This article was updated with reports of injuries. This article was originally published at 5:25 a.m. Iraqi forces this week reached a bridge over the Tigris River that bisects the city of Mosul, gaining a strategic advantage over Islamic State militants whom commanders described as increasingly desperate. I saw many ISIL run away, said Maj. Gen. Najim Jabouri, Iraqi army commander for the Mosul offensive, using an acronym for the militant group as he returned from the front line in Mosul on Monday. Some of them go to another bank of the river. Some of them run to Rashidiyah, [to] the north of Mosul. Nearly three months after an offensive was launched to recapture the city, Iraqi forces still face significant challenges. Advertisement Iraqi soldiers and federal police moved aggressively to encircle the city late last month, approaching from the north, south and southeast with U.S.-led coalition air support destroying the last of five bridges over the Tigris that Islamic State had relied on for supplies. As fighting intensified, so did civilian casualties, with more than 3,800 Mosul residents hospitalized for traumatic injuries, mostly gunshot wounds, according to the United Nations. The government had urged Mosul residents to shelter in their homes, but many have run out of food and water, and wells are running dry, the U.N. said. Iraqis move their belongings in Mosuls Zahra neighborhood on Jan. 8, 2017, as they flee with other civilians during military operations against Islamic State. (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP/Getty Images ) The number of civilians displaced from the city increased sharply late last month from previous weeks, then dropped to about 1,000 a day this month, the U.N. said, with more than 135,000 displaced as a result of the offensive that started Oct. 17. Before the conflict, Mosul had a population of 1.2 million. Camps for the displaced on the citys outskirts, many created just before the offensive started, are nearly full, according to the U.N. Iraqi forces have been approaching steadily from the east since the start of the offensive, seizing about 70% of the citys east side, where Jabouri said Islamic State is collapsing, having lost control of its headquarters, its apartments, Al Salam hospital and other strategic locations. As Iraqi soldiers fight for control of Mosul University on the east side, Jabouri said they have employed urban warfare tactics, blocking roads to cut off the militants supply routes and stationing snipers in high-rise buildings that give us good range so we can attack. But about 2,000 militants have retreated to the west side, where they built a stronghold even before the offensive, according to residents who have fled and those still in the city. There the fighters have been hiding among civilians in hospitals, schools and mosques, Jabouri said. Very soon some operations will begin on the west side of the river, he said. Sabah Numan, a spokesman for the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, which has led the push into the city, said militants are encircled and trapped. They now cant go out, he said, and show decreasing resistance. Numan said the citys east side could be entirely freed within days, and, if they order us to go further, we are ready for that. He said Iraqi troops, assisted by U.S. forces, have been protecting civilians while targeting areas where Islamic State fighters had been shooting and launching mortars indiscriminately. Patrick Martin, an Iraq analyst at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, said Iraqi forces have made significant progress to clear terrain. Airstrikes late last month that destroyed the Tigris bridges stemmed the ability of ISIS to send [suicide car bombs] into eastern Mosul, said Martin, using another acronym for Islamic State. Iraqi forces have stumbled at times, surging westward too fast last month and being forced to recapture Al Salam hospital after losing it to Islamic State, he said. But they have learned from their mistakes, Martin said. They still face major challenges as they try to maintain control of areas they have cleared of militants, he said. The battle for Mosul: How to free 1 million residents without killing them To say they reached a certain geographical point doesnt mean they have cleared everything behind them. It takes longer to actually make sure those neighborhoods are clear, he said. He said Iraqi troops also still face stiff resistance from militants who have the advantage of an extensive tunnel network below the city. Iraqi forces are working more closely than ever with the U.S.-led coalition, which has 5,000 troops stationed across the country supporting the offensive. About 450 U.S. forces are assisting in Mosul, behind the front line. U.S. Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, commander of U.S.-coalition ground forces in Iraq (and no relation to Patrick Martin) said it was a sign of progress that Iraqi troops had reached the river, but not necessarily a turning point. This is a very difficult fight. So you enjoy the progress that you have but youre mindful of the complexity of the battle, Martin said by phone from his headquarters in Baghdad on Monday. As militants ranks thin, they have grown more desperate, he said, burning buildings as they flee, using less sophisticated and explosive suicide car bombs, less indirect fire on Iraqi forces and civilians. Their capacity is waning, Martin said. A challenge going forward will be the Sunni militants tendency to morph from army to insurgency. In recent days, Baghdad has been hit with a series of suicide bomb attacks in busy Shiite areas of the city that have killed dozens of people. Martin called the bombings acts of desperation trying to draw the attention of the government of Iraq away from the fight in Mosul. He said he has spoken with an Iraqi commander responsible for Baghdad security who assured him theyre mitigating that. Another challenge will be winning the hearts and minds of Mosuls mostly Sunni residents so alienated by the Shiite-dominated national government two years ago that many embraced the invading militants. Martin said the coalition has helped Iraqi forces to assist the liberated population so they have less incentive to go somewhere else to get what they need. Jabouri said Mosul residents are supporting the Iraqi army in its fight against Islamic State. They help the security forces to find them. The image of ISIL is not like before, the Iraqi commander said. We work very hard to make bridges between the security forces and the people. My view is that whoever wins the people, wins the battle. Always I talk to my troops about that. I think we made a good foundation for a new relationship. molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com Twitter: @mollyhf ALSO In the battle for Mosul, everybodys taking selfies and some of them may be incriminating The Krispy Kreme Familia and the black market doughnuts of Juarez Death of former Iranian leader Rafsanjani could be blow to moderates In comments to a Brazilian newspaper, Sawiris said he plans to travel to Brazil in the next two weeks to discuss his plans for the country's fourth-biggest telecoms company All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced. 19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc. Apple has been compelled to pull out its New York Times app from the Chinese domain, owing to some censorship issues from the Chinese government. This is not the first time the Chinese government has coerced American-based news websites to cease operations in the country. The motives behind this harsh treatment of foreign websites and applications in China are unclear, but their repercussions are considerably detrimental. More and more Chinese people won't have access to global and international news. This means that their sentiments on universal issues will always remain barred, hence isolating the Chinese people from global consciousness.According to CNET, the concerned Chinese bodies authorized Apple to halt any operations of the New York Times app in China, including the firm's Chinese and English versions on iTunes store. Fred Sainz, who is Apple's spokesman aired his view on why Apple had to comply with the demands from the Chinese authorities. He outlined that in the past the New York Times app has been receiving massive pressure from the government to terminate its undertakings in China. Disproportionate censoring of the app's content from the Chinese government has meant that users of the app have been receiving scanty and substandard information. New York Times on its part has been censoring their content so as to keep the app afloat in China and to ensure that it stays in line with the local regulations.Unfortunately, even after so many efforts to comply, the New York Times App has been eventually terminated temporarily on China's iTunes store. Fortune editors confirmed that Eileen Murphy, who is the New York Times spokeswoman is pushing for restoration of the app in China, as she told Reuters. Apple is at a tight spot to comply with all the orders issued by the Chinese government. In the past they have had to withdraw several news apps from their Chinese store, in a bid to protect their interests in the Chinese market. China is a high potential market for Apple products and this explains why the company wouldn't hesitate to withdraw an app if the authorities asked for it. New year comes with new reports and suggestion and as per a new report Apple is going to launch three all new iPad models in different sizes, the new iPads will be in three different sizes which are 9.7 inches, 12.9 inches and a middle child that measures somewhere between 10 inches and 10.5 inches. As per The Verge this prediction comes from respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo at KGI securities, according to Kuo Apple products based on supply chain information for years, but it's difficult to believe his prediction because he is often right than wrong. As per BGR the iPads lineup from Apple qill include a lower cost iPad which will come with a 9.7 inches display, a new iPad with a display of 10 to 10.5 inches and a 12.9 inches iPad Pro 2. Rumours suggested that the reason behind the 10 inches iPad is the enterprises and the education sector in the United States. Meanwhile its existing 9.7-inch iPad might not be the preferred display size for these segments, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro on other hand could be too expensive for such a target audience. It's also expected that Apple's next generation iPad line up is to be unveiled in March this year and also go for sales in the following weeks. The main attraction of the Apple's 2017 products will be the new iPhones as the company is going to celebrate their 10th anniversary of the smartphone. According to several leaks, the company is expected to launch as many as three variants of the iPhone which will arrive in three different display sizes 4.7 inches, 5 inches and 5.5 inches. Rumours also suggest that the 5.5 inches iPhone 8 variant will come with OLED display and a dual-camera setup, while the 5-inches will be retain the dual camera setup and it will come with a LCD display instead. Both the rear camera of iPhone 8 will come with Optical Image Stabilization. Whether or not these predictions are true, the main takeaway here is that Apple faces an increasingly difficult task differentiating its tablet lineup. As the company introduces more mobile screen sizes, it's not clear which model is right for which consumer. NASAs space telescope Hubble found raining comets toward the white star HD 172555. This star is almost 23 million years old and residing almost 95 light years away from earth. This is also identified in different names like HR 7012, IRAS 18405-6455, HIP 92024, TYC 9077-2487-1 etc. However, it is actually a group of the star from the same stellar nursery named, Beta Pictoris. Now scientists have discovered exocomets are rushing towards the stellar groups. Researchers found importance for this study because it is the closest stellar nursery of the solar system. According to Sci-News, Beta Pictoris has both types of objects like 37.5% of massive stars of directly imaged exoplanets and infalling star-grazing bodies. Study leader from NASAs Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland Dr. Carol Grady said in a statement, Seeing these sun-grazing comets in our solar system and in three extrasolar systems means that this activity may be common in young star systems. Back in 2013, Astrophysicist from Paris Institute of Astrophysics and co-authors, Dr. Flavien Kiefer discovered the same thing that exocomets are approaching towards HD 172555. using the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher(HARPS) scientists detected the calcium footprint, which is the most common thing in Comets. NASA report says that Grady and her colleagues started analyzing in 2015. Using the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) and Hubbles Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) Hubble identified the sign of various elements. Hubble made two observation in a six days of a gap. Silicon and carbon gasses were detected moving towards the face of HD 172555 at a speed of 360,000 miles per hour. Although, those speedy gasses are nothing but the broken part of exocomets facing towards the star. Even scientists are also believing that waters on the earth are the gift of comets.Grady and co-authors reported their findings Jan. 6, 2017 at the 229th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Grapevine, Texas. The Volkswagen emission scandal is entering a new stage as the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) arrested the German automaker's former top manager on Saturday for trying to defraud the U.S regulator in the emission test. Oliver Schmidt, who was once in charge of ensuring that VW cars' engines meet the U.S emission standard from 2012 to 2015, was arrested at Miami International Airport while he was about to return home to Germany after having a holiday. He is suspected of intentionally trying to cheat the U.S emission test by installing illegal software on millions of VW cars, as reported by WSJ. Volkswagen declined to give comments on the arrest of its former top manager. Schmidt himself is the second VW employee to be nabbed as an investigation effort. Previously last October, a VW engineer, James Robert Liang was found guilty of defrauding the government. So far he is cooperative with the investigation. Schmidt faced an initial hearing on Monday in Miami and after that, he will be brought to Detroit to stand trial. The German car manufacturer admitted installing illegal device (which is so-called "cheat device") on millions of diesel-powered vehicles sold in the U.S and worldwide to rig the emission test. As a legal consequence, VW had to pay up to $14.7 billion for the proposed settlement, making it one of the largest consumer-class action compensations paid in the States, according to NewYorkTimes. The emission scandal stemmed when in September 2015 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered that VW cars sold in the U.S were equipped with a "cheat device" that detects the time when the test is performed, then changes the performance to get better results. Meanwhile, 10,000 VW car owners in the UK are planning to file a lawsuit against the German auto giant. They are demanding for the compensation following the emission scandal. Chinese mobile company Huawei is currently at work on its next-generation flagship smartphone, the Huawei P10, and P10 Plus. According to the Huawei Consumer Business Group CEO Yu Chengdon, the successors towards last year's P9 and P9 Plus are already slated for a March or April release. This would sound reliably credible, considering that Huawei's P8 and P9 series were also released in April. Specs & Features for the P10 and P10 Plus PhoneArena has already pointed towards formidable spec sheets in store for the upcoming P10 series. Huawei is expected to incorporate its very own Kirin 960 processor, pairing it with 6GB worth of RAM. The top-of-the-line chip features four high-powered Cortex-A73 and four lower-powered Cortex-A53 CPU cores to go along with the Mali-G71 MP8 GPU. Huawei is also partnering up with Leica again to deliver a dual camera setup, possibly dedicating the second camera towards enhancing image quality just like on the P9. According to GSMArena, Other rumored features would include an on-screen fingerprint sensor, wireless charging, and an impressive dual-edge display. Other updates from Huawei Aside from these already impressive specs, Huawei is also said to be working on the P10 Lite to go along with two new phones that are codenamed, Victoria and Vicky. They are highly rumored as the successors to the Nova series, making them most likely budget devices. As of now, no timeframe has been given for their official release. Just recently, Huawei released the Mate 9 phablet in the United States. The $600 phone features a spacious 5.9-inch 1080p resolution screen and is also still powered by the Kirin 960 processor and features a custom-built silicon by Huawei-owned HiSilicon. The powerful chip also comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB worth of storage. The device also features a fingerprint sensor and a dual-camera setup. South Africa's leader Jacob Zuma promised more job opportunities for the country's black majority as the ruling party ANC celebrated its 105th anniversary on January 8, 2017, at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg. While addressing the crowd, Zuma expressed its optimism that the country's economy will achieve a 2.9 percent growth as forecast in 2017 despite facing a slow recovery. He added that the government had to take decisive steps to boost economic inclusions for black people. The African National Congress, the ruling party since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, suffered from a declining support in the country's local elections last August. The party's support dropped 8 percent points to reach 54.5 percent. However, the party still gained control in South Africa's main cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and port city Port Elizabeth, Bloomberg wrote. Zuma himself is facing resignation calls voiced by some ANC senior members following the Constitutional Court's rule last March that he intentionally refused to repay taxpayers money spent on his private house. The campaign to topple him reached its momentum on November 2, 2016, when the anti-graft body released a report stating that the 74-year-old leader may have violated the code of ethics in a relationship with Gupta family. The report explained that the Guptas may have used its influence on Zuma's cabinet and got a special treatment as the family is linked with Zuma's son coal business. The Democratic Alliance, the country's main opposition party stated that the poor election results show how South Africans have started losing trusts in ANC. Zuma's speech in the ANC anniversary indicated that he was unable to tackle the internal rifts within the party. ANC will choose its next leader in December this year. The winner is likely to be the country's president when the election is held in 2019, as Aljazeera reported. According to the country's constitution, Zuma must step down as his term ends in 2019 after serving as a president for two periods. The famous Sequoia tree that gave way for so many vehicles through its trunk and made a bunch of unforgettable memories for a lot of tourists as well as the people in California is sadly no more after the storms in the United States West Cost thwacked the giant. It is popularly called as the Pioneer Cabin tree that had a tunnel through its trunk carved out in such a way that it can easily accommodate a car. It is indeed sad that a 2,000-year-old 'majestic' Sequoia had been felled into a pile of dead wood after the storm, which the Calaveras Big Trees Association said was "just too much for it." Fans Mourn the Tree's Demise A Number of fans who share their fond memories with the tree are upset about the news and a few have expressed it to the Associated Press. According to Brown a retired middle school teacher from San Francisco Bay Area who is 65 years old said that seeing the tree in the dead state was as though someone in her family had passed away. Brown's family for four generations had spent numerous hours near the Sequoia and the other tourists from across the globe who used to visit her. A Michigan Printer Traveler Says "He Won't Forget The Tree" John and Lesly Ripper who got introduced to the giant tree through the Brown family expressed that they were totally blown away by the sight of the gigantic tree. John Ripper, who is a 55-year-old printer from Northville, Michigan said that he had traveled to 70 different countries across the globe. He said that he, however, would never be able to forget the memorable moments of touching and walking under the Sequoia. Ripper also had expressed that it was unbelievable to know that such a massive tree was felled down by a storm. The Sequoia Died In A Snap of a Few Seconds He added that the tree was gone in the blink of the eye within seconds and that the giant tree that everyone will remember will be lying as a plain sight of the dead giant from now. From kids to elders many visitors have gone awe over the stunningly huge size of the Sequoia and the ability go inside it. The Sequoia History The Sequoia drive-thru was created in the 1880s by carving out the trunk to allow cars and pedestrians to cross it. The diameter of the tree was as large as 22 feet and it lived for more than 1000 years said a supervising ranger named Toni Taeldi at California State Parks. It is notable that the Sequoias are the largest tree species on Earth that can reach a maximum diameter of 27 feet. However, they have shallow roots that make them prone to toppling. The Storms That Killed The Tree The heaviest rain mixed with rain and snow for about 10 to 15 inches hit the states of California and Nevada in the last week. This led to the emergency evacuation of about 5000 people. It is indeed unfortunate that the giant tree had to succumb to the spring winter storms. Jan 10, 2017, 11:19am ET GM expects Chevy Cruze Diesel to surpass 50 mpg The redesigned model only needs an extra four mpg to hit the 50 mpg benchmark on the highway. General Motors appears confident the next-generation Cruze Diesel is capable of reaching the 50-mpg benchmark. The outgoing Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel achieved a 46-mpg EPA estimate for highway operation, "better than any non-hybrid passenger car in America" at the time, requiring just four extra miles per gallon to reach the higher echelon. The revamped model takes advantage of GM's new 9T50 nine-speed automatic transmission, adding three more gears than its predecessor. In the Malibu, the gearbox is said to bring a three-percent increase in fuel efficiency. A six-speed manual will be available to woo former Volkswagen owners. The new Cruze also benefits from a newly designed 1.6-liter turbodiesel mill with a lighter aluminum cylinder block. It will deliver 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, GM has not announced specific figures for the new Cruze Diesel's EPA-estimated highway rating, but development chief Mark Reuss told Automotive News "I think it will start with a five." Jan 10, 2017, 2:02am ET Honda planning new standalone hybrid, hybrid truck The Insight\'s successor will arrive next year. Honda will launch at least two new hybrid models by the end of the decade. The first will be a dedicated hybrid, meaning it will be a new model rather than a gasoline-electric version of an existing model. Tentatively set to replace the Insight, it will use the two-motor hybrid tech that currently powers the Accord Hybrid. We don't know whether it will resurrect the Insight nameplate. Honda promises that more details will be released in the coming months. The two-motor hybrid drivetrain will also power a light truck, according to the Japanese company. The term "light truck" can refer to a SUV, a pickup, or a van. This is idle speculation, but Honda could be preparing a hybrid version of the Ridgeline ready to fight the diesel-powered Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins for the segment's fuel efficiency crown. Honda wants two-thirds of its sales in 2030 to come from electrified vehicles. The company is consequently making large investments in electrified drivetrains. "Half of the all-new models Honda will launch in the United States in the coming two years will be electrified vehicles," said Takahiro Hachigo, Honda's president and CEO. "In the long term, electrified vehicles are key to the future of carbon-free mobility," he added. The hybrid model will be assembled in the United States, and it's scheduled to arrive in showrooms next year. Honda hasn't announced when we'll see the light truck. Photo by Byron Hurd. Jan 10, 2017, 3:46pm ET VW confirms $4.3 billion settlement with DoJ The penalty has pushed costs beyond the $19.2 billion USD that VW has already set aside. Volkswagen has reportedly agreed to pay $4.3 billion to settle criminal and civil charges handed down by the US Department of Justice. Terms of the settlement require the company to plead guilty to criminal wrongdoing in the diesel emissions scandal, according to details reported by Reuters. Confirming earlier speculation, an outside auditor will also be installed to closely watch the automaker's compliance and reform efforts. Recent reports suggest the supervisory board was set to meet on Wednesday to approve the agreement. The latest report now suggests the supervisory board and management board could meet as early as today to rubber-stamp the deal, while the guilty plea could be submitted on Wednesday. The company had set aside $19.2 billion USD to pay for settlements, fines, repairs and other costs associated with the emissions 'defeat' device. The $4.3 billion penalty is said to have exceeded remaining funds. VW still faces significant payouts as lawsuits and separate government investigations move forward in the US and abroad. A drunken New York woman is accused of causing a disturbance and assaulting a city police officer at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. Charged is Xiaoyi "Monica" Zhang, 26, of Corona. City officers shortly after 11 a.m. Sunday were dispatched to the casino, 77 Sands Blvd., for a report of a female patron under the influence of suspected drugs and alcohol. A security manager had already turned Zhang away due to her being unable to stand straight and having delayed reactions, court records indicate. When officers met with Zhang, she had bloodshot glassy eyes and could not focus, police said. She then allegedly began yelling, cursing and being uncooperative with police in front of patrons who were dining in the vicinity. An officer used a "wrist lock" maneuver on Zhang to place her in handcuffs. Police searched Zhang and found an unknown white powdery substance in her possession. As an officer tried to place Zhang in back of the patrol vehicle, she went on to kick the officer in the chest, leg and arm several times before the door could be shut, police said. Zhang is charged with aggravated assault on a police reporter, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and drug-related offenses. She was arraigned before District Judge Robert Hawke, who set bail at $15,000. In lieu of bail, Zhang was taken to Northampton County Prison. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Pennsylvania lawmakers' efforts to replace the state's school property tax with higher sales and personal income taxes is an attack on local school district control, according to Bethlehem Area School District officials. Bethlehem schools Superintendent Joseph Roy (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo) Monday night the district began its 2017-18 budget process with an overhead view of district priorities and a recent financial history. The administration plans to release preliminary budget figures at next week's finance committee meeting. Most of Monday night's discussion focused on the multiple legislative hurdles Bethlehem and other public schools will face at both the state and federal level in the coming year. Superintendent Joseph Roy said that the concept of community-based neighborhood, public schools run by locally elected board members is being challenged at all levels of government. He urged local activism to combat this. President-elect Donald Trump's education secretary nominee Betsy Devos is a billionaire advocate of school choice that's pushed for charter school and voucher expansion, Roy noted. And Pennsylvania's Legislature may finally have the Republican majority needed to kill the school property tax and effect a $14 billion tax shift. Seventy percent of the Bethlehem Area School District's funding comes from local taxpayers and the proposal puts that in a volatile limbo, Roy said. It remains to be seen if Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf would veto such a bill axing the school property tax or if it could be overridden. If the school property tax is nixed, it would mean that 98 percent of the district's funding rests in the hands of Pennsylvanian's highly functioning state Legislature, Roy said wryly. "It basically ends local control," Roy, who was just named Pennsylvania superintendent of the year, said. "It is a radical, radical change in public (education in the state)." If the school property tax was repealed, districts would no longer bill property owners annually. From July 1, 2017 on, districts would receive their state reimbursements quarterly with a cost of living adjustment. Lawmakers backing HB/SB 76, known as the Property Tax Independence Act, say their constituents have made it clear that the school property tax -- the one tax with the ability to leave you homeless -- is the most hated. State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D- Lehigh/Northampton, is joining the senate effort. Asking all #PASenate members to support our #PropertyTax Reform proposal in the new legislative session for 2017-18. https://t.co/HiY8Lf7hJr Senator Lisa Boscola (@SenLisaBoscola) January 6, 2017 Bethlehem school board President Michael Faccinetto said Boscola is supporting a bill that will absolve large commercial property owners, like Wal-Mart, Target and the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, of paying school taxes. And shifts the tax burden onto the working poor, renters and small business owners, he said. "If you think your landlord is going to lower your rent since he doesn't pay property taxes," Faccinetto said, "let me know how that goes." Currently, school property taxes generate $14 billion annually. The bill proposal calls for raising the sales tax from 6 to 7 percent and covering a wide range of services and products now exempt. Clothing (items more than $50) and food would be subject to sales tax. The personal income tax would go from 3.07 percent to 4.95 percent. City and county government would continue to collect property taxes. School taxes make up the biggest portion of most property tax bills. "Your property taxes won't go away," Faccinetto said. "You'll still have a massive property tax bill you will get every year." Roy emphasized that Harrisburg's inaction on charter school and employee pension reform have repeatedly forced local school boards to do lawmaker's dirty work and raise taxes. "These are state-policy-created problems that the state needs to fix," Roy said. "Unfortunately, they are looking at making it worse for public education" Since 2011-12, Bethlehem school taxes have risen by 17.15 percent as the district grappled with soaring charter school tuition and pension payments. When those expenses are taken out of the budget, district spending has risen by 5 percent in the last three years while educational programs have expanded, Roy said. Bethlehem's charter tuition costs rose from $9.4 million in 2011-12 to almost $26 million this year, while pension contributions rose from 8.65 percent of payroll to 30 percent. The state no longer reimburses districts for a portion of their charter school costs, so charters now account for 9 percent of the district's budget. Business manager Stacy M. Gober pointed out that 13.2 percent of the Bethlehem Area tax levy goes straight to charters. "Free charter schools are not free," Gober said. "They are costing our taxpayers and our residents." The basics of the proposal Lawmakers promise that the new revenue HB/SB 76 generates would replace school funding dollar-for-dollar, although a study by the Independent Fiscal Office predicted a $1 billion deficit within a year or two of implementation. Backers say they've solved this. School districts would be able to keep collecting a portion of their school property taxes to pay off debt services that was on the books as of Dec. 31, 2016. Any district that wants to spend above its state allowance would have to ask voters via referendum to approve increasing the personal income tax or earned income tax. Act 1 of 2006 was meant to get school property tax increases under control by setting an annual increase cap and forcing a voter referendum to exceed it. But state approved exceptions have allowed districts to avoid taking their budgets to the voters. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. After firing his lawyer, taking him back and rejecting two plea deals, the robber of a Downtown Easton dollar store took a deal after jurors were empaneled for his trial. Jonny Sanders was sentenced Tuesday to 12 to 30 years in state prison after pleading guilty to robbery, resisting arrest and possession of a firearm by a felon. Sanders pointed two guns at the clerk at the Family Dollar store Jan. 8, then took off with $486. He fled and hid. Lafayette College was locked down until Sanders was found above Bushkill and North Delaware drives. Sanders fought with multiple officers and had to be subdued with a Taser before surrendering. Had he gone to trial he faced a 45- to 90-year sentence, in part due to two previous robbery convictions. He often bickered with Northampton County Judge Michael Koury and with his attorney, Anthony Rybak. Sanders rejected a recommended sentence of 18 to 36 years in a plea deal offered last week. It's unclear why the terms of the deal changed Tuesday. Assistant District Attorney John Obrecht had no comment and Rybak didn't immediately return a phone message. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. It was a rare occurrence at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township, but one an Easton couple won't soon forget. Lynn Hartranft-Fortebuono had gone to the shelter with her boyfriend, Randy Grube, last Thursday to see about adopting a beagle named Penny. She was ready to pay the $250 fee for the 7-year-old, who had come from a rescue in Virginia. Then, in a flash, Penny was being mauled by a pit bull mix named Oreo. "I'm not exaggerating," Grube said in a telephone interview. "The dog literally chewed the dog apart. The dog's throat was hanging out, the jaw was just hanging out. There was blood everywhere." "It was like a murder scene," Hartranft-Fortebuono said in a separate call, "and I am not lying when I say that this pit bull was shaking the dog in its mouth and the blood was flying like in slow motion." Penny, right, is seen with another beagle from a rescue in Virginia, on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, shortly before she was attacked. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) Penny was rushed for treatment and ended up in surgery at the 24-hour Quakertown Veterinary Clinic, according to the couple. As of Saturday, she was stable, said Kelly Bauer, executive director at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare. Bauer was not in the office Monday for an update, and clinic spokeswoman Adele Averill said she could provide an animal's condition only to the owner. "We have never had an incident like this at all," Bauer said. Due to the severity of the attack and the potential for a recurrence, Oreo was euthanized soon after the attack at the recommendation of the center's behavioral committee comprising board members, management and staff, said Bauer. The incident unfolded as Oreo was being walked by an experienced volunteer toward the walking trails beside the 1165 Island Park Road shelter and Penny was near the parking lot, also under the control of an experience volunteer, Bauer said. Oreo broke free, and his walker fell over, as the attack began. For Grube, the scariest part is that it occurred in an area frequented by families with children who come to visit the animals and perhaps find a pet. He feels Oreo should have been walked elsewhere on the property, and been wearing a muzzle. "If that was somebody's child, a baby, walking on the grass or something, that dog would have ripped that person apart," he said. Grube said he called Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast to report the incident. State police said they directed him to contact Northampton County's dog warden, Kathy Andrews, who deferred comment to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Bonnie McCann, spokeswoman for the department, confirmed an incident report was filed and that it remained under investigation. Bauer said Oreo, who had lived at the shelter for eight months, had no bite history while in the center's care or at his previous home. "It was not as though we took a dog that had multiple bites and were allowing him to roam free," Bauer said. "This was a dog who unfortunately became aggressive with another dog." The incident was traumatic for visitors and center staff and volunteers alike, said Bauer. Bauer stressed that Oreo was not a pure pit bull, and that pit bull was not even his dominant breed. Her concern is that pit bulls have a bad-enough reputation already. "I will tell you that unfortunately pit bulls, they do get a bad reputation," she said. "They are oftentimes the dogs that are surrendered the most to us for many different reasons. But again I think it's about reputation and it's an unfair reputation and I think it's unfair to label them in any way." Pit bulls, as a breed, are very loyal, a trait that can be exploited for evil in dog-fighting circles, Bauer said. Their build also makes an attack more severe. "Unfortunately they have very strong jaws," she said. "They have very strong teeth. So if they do bite, it definitely does more damage than if a smaller dog bites. "However it doesn't make them any more dangerous or aggressive especially if they don't have a history of violence, which this dog did not." The costs of the incident are being borne by the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, which is supported primarily by contributions, in addition to spay/neuter fees and other services. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. An Upper Saucon Township man admitted in federal court that he sent and owned child pornography. Keith Tostevin pleaded guilty to the crimes Wednesday, Jan. 4, before U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Schmehl in Reading. He admitted that on July 7, 2015, he sent images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and that on Feb. 3, 2016, he owned images of children under 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Sentencing is scheduled for April 5 before Schmehl. Tostevin remains on house arrest with electronic monitoring. He may not possess firearms or have unsupervised contact with children while on bail, court records say. He is permitted supervised visits with his children, ages 16 and 14. Records say he's living with his sister in the 5000 block of Aberdene Street in Upper Saucon Township while out on bail. He formerly lived in Upper Macungie Township. Bail remains set at $50,000 unsecured. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. An alleged bank robber told officers he would be going to jail for the rest of his life while placed into handcuffs at the Penn Jersey gas station. Cleon Harrison Edwards, 49, of the 400 block of Old Forge Drive in Bath, was arrested just before 5 p.m. Friday at the Route 512 gas station -- about a mile from the robbery. A Colonial Regional police officer en route to the report of a PNC bank robbery in Bath spotted the tan minivan that matched the description of the bandit's getaway vehicle, police said. Police said Edwards entered the PNC Bank on North Walnut Street wearing a ski mask, gloves and green hooded sweatshirt. He then walked up to a teller, put a blue duffel bag onto the counter and said, "Fill the bag. Hurry," according to court records. Edwards had his hand inside the sleeve of his sweatshirt to make it look like he was holding a gun, police said. The teller filled the bag with $2,150 in cash and Edwards fled in the minivan, according to police. The officer spotting the minivan at the gas station ordered Edwards to the ground and placed him into handcuffs. The green hooded sweatshirt, blue duffel bag and a toy gun were found on the passenger seat. Edwards allegedly confessed to the crime. He was arraigned Friday before District Judge Robert Hawke, who set bail at $100,000. In lieu of bail, Edwards was taken to Northampton County Prison, where he remained Monday. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. New Jersey has lost $47 million for an offshore wind project. This is because Gov. Chris Christie has been blocking offshore wind funds for the last six years, sacrificing our environment and jobs for his political ambitions. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. The Department of Energy has withdrawn funding from the Fishermen's Energy wind project, which would have used six windmills to produce enough energy to power 15,000 homes. The Board of Public Utilities has continued to block approval, even though the ratepayer advocate said it met the economic tests and was a good deal for the ratepayers. New Jersey was supposed to be the first state with offshore wind. Rhode Island has windmills in place and New York is ready to follow, but we are lagging behind because of Christie. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management leased acres off our coast for windmills, enough to meet a third of the state's energy needs. The administration's failure to establish a funding mechanism has stymied billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. There are billions of dollars in private investment waiting to come into New Jersey, as well as state tax credits just sitting there. Wind power would jump-start the coastal economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our impact on climate change. However, we may not see it until we get a new governor. Jeff Tittel Director, New Jersey Sierra Club Trenton Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions faced the Senate Judiciary Committee today to make his case to lead the Justice Department in the Trump administration, fending off attacks from Democrats. Sen. Jeff Sessions. Sessions rebuffed accusations that he has espoused racist positions, including allegations of sympathy for the Ku Klux Klan, which he termed "damnably false." He also said he never called the NAACP "un-American." He acknowledged the history of discrimination and denial of voting rights to African-Americans, and pledged to uphold federal laws to protect those rights. In 1986, Sessions was rejected by the Judiciary Committee for a federal judgeship in 1986 after testimony was presented that he had made racist remarks. Sessions said he would recuse himself from any criminal investigation involving Hillary Clinton. Asked how he would deal with the possible deportation of "dreamers" (immigrants who came to the U.S. as young children), he said he intends to enforce the laws of the land. He gave similar replies to questions about abortion, gun control and gay marriage rights, pledging to uphold Supreme Court rulings on those issues. What do you think? Has Sessions demonstrated he is worthy to be attorney general? Should he be confirmed? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to elaborate in the comments section. After over 80 years in existence, the iconic Newbridge Silverware brand is set to venture outside the county for the first time to open a new store in Belfast. The company, which boasts supermodel Naomi Campbell as its brand ambassador, is due to open a new flagship store on Arthur's Street towards the end of February. Belfast is a very busy, upcoming vibrant city and we felt we needed a presence there, said a company spokesperson. She confirmed the new premises won't be kitted out with a restaurant or museum, which are currently in situ in Newbridge. There will be five to six new positions created by the new store. When asked if Newbridge Silverware had plans to expand into other locations, the company said not presently. Founded in the 1930's as a cutlery manufacturer, the company later branched out into tableware, giftware and jewellery. It also developed the Museum of Style Icons and displays costumes and clothing worn by some of the most famous people on earth. Dresses worn by Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Bette Davis have been exhibited at the Kildare tourist attraction, as have stage costumes worn by Michael Jackson. Actress Amy Huberman has also designed a range of jewellery for Newbridge Silverware. According to Failte Ireland the museum attracted 350,000 visitors in 2015. A Kildare politician is to meet Ibrahim Halawa in prison today on a visit to Egypt. Ceann Comhairle, Sean O'Fearghail is leading a delegation to Egypt in a bid to secure the release of the 21 year-old from prison. Speaking yesterday before he flew out to the middle east, O Fearghail said; This is one of the largest diplomatic delegations we have sent out. Our purpose is two fold to strengthen and develop relations with Egypt, the Egyptian parliament and government and, number two, to press for the immediate release of Ibrahim Halawa, he said. The visit was initially put forward by Dep Eamon Ryan, and the Ceann Comhairle was invited to lead the cross party delegation. Plans were being formulated for the trip as far back as September, and the Ceann Comhairle said the Egyptian ambassador to Ireland, Soha Gendi has been hugely helpful in assisting with the arrangements. On foot of these moves, an invitation was issued by the speaker of the Eygptian Parliament, Ali Abdel Aal. The delegation is due back on Friday and it has a very busy itinerary including meetings with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, several government ministers and the secretary general of the Arab League. There is going to be a series of high powered meetings and we hope we can develop and build a positive relationship with Egypt, he said. Over three years ago, Mr Halawa was imprissioned in Egypt over political protests. His family in Dublin say they are worried about his health and claim he has gone on hunger strike for at least the third time since he was jailed. They have been constantly campaigning for his release. The Firhouse native is the son of Muslim cleric Sheikh Hussein Halawa. He was detained in a mosque near Ramses Square in Cairo as the Muslim Brotherhood held a day of rage over the removal of their elected president Mohamed Morsi in August 2013. He is awaiting trial, but his case has been frequently adjourned. The case has been scheduled to come up again in court on January 17. THE local community and many others have come to the rescue of a north Kildare primary school which was demolished by fire at the weekend. Weston Primary Montessori school, on the grounds of MU Barnhall Rugby Club, which has twenty six pupils, was burned to the ground in the early hours of Sunday morning, last. Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire. School spokesperson, Christine Savage, from Celbridge, a member of the schools board, said that they were overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone, including the rugby club, into whose clubhouse premises, the school moved on Monday morning. The club were fantastic, she said, helping with the move. The prefab building, which is owned by the rugby club, lies on the grounds of MU Barnhall club, close to the clubhouse. There was no damage to the clubhouse. Ms Savage said there were people in the school building up to 8.00pm on the Saturday night, preparing for the opening on Monday morning. She said they do not know what started the fire and are awaiting information back from the Gardai and Fire Services. Ms Savage said the school is now looking for new temporary accommodation. She said they were hopeful of one option but they are awaiting confirmation on that. She said have been bowled over by the response from everyone, from the parents of the children at the school to TD, Frank ORourke, to the Parents Association of Primrose Hill Church of Ireland school. Because all the books and materials belonging to the children were destroyed, the Association began to look for books on Sunday, said Ms Savage. I dont think we will ever be able to thank them all enough. Ms Savage also said that a number of school book publishers were on very quickly to donate books. The school has 12 primary pupils and 14 in the preschool section, working under the guidance of principal, Gail Hartigan. It has a preschool and school element with pupils coming from Leixlip, Celbridge and Maynooth in north Kildare and Lucan. A new student joined them on Monday and another is due next Monday, said Ms Savage. The school was formed in July 2016 by the teachers and parents of the former Glebe Primary Montessori School which was established in 1978. Leitrim County Councillors have backed a renewed call for the HSE to employ a full-time replacement for the school dentist on leave in the Ballinamore and Mohill area. Dr Susan Butler, the dentist serving the area, is undertaking additional training and is currently on leave until mid 2017. In September 2016, Sinn Fein councillor, Caroline Mulvey, started a petition calling for a replacement to be provided for the school dentist. The HSE had indicated that Dr Butler would not be replaced full-time in her absence but a two day service - one day in Ballinamore and one in Mohill - would be put in place instead. At the time a motion was also forwarded to the HSE asking for a full time replacement for the service. In a letter sent to Leitrim County Council in late November last year, a spokesperson for the HSE detailed how Dr Butler was undertaking a course in Advanced Restorative Dentistry in London. The course was expected to be completed in mid 2017 and after this Dr Butler intended to return to her position. "As this was a short term absence it was decided that a dental team based in Markievicz House would provide a service to the Mohill and Ballinamore clinics in her absence. The dentist providing this service lives in the area and it was decided he would be best placed to maintain the service, having some local personal knowledge, noted the letter from the HSE. It was noted that this replacement service commenced in September 2016 and so far has been able to continue any ongoing treatment to the population and also deal with any dental emergencies. Emergency dental treatment is also being provided by the other dental team in the area based in Carrick-on-Shannon and evening clinics are also being carried out to provide primary care orthodontics to Dr Butler's patients. However Cllr Mulvey has expressed her dissatisfaction with the current arrangement. Speaking at Monday's meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Mulvey said the provision of a full time school dentist for the area was an absolute necessity adding it simply wasn't sufficient to provide cover for just two days a week in the absence of Dr Butler. Cllr Mulvey proposed that the Council contact the HSE and stress the need to put a full time school dentist in place with immediate effect. With sleet and snow being forecast by Met Eireann for later this week, Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, has urged people to be winter ready and take all necessary precautions. Speaking today Minister Ross said: I would urge all people to heed the advice of the agencies and take all necessary precautions if out during the severe weather. If travelling I would advise that you plan your route and check local information , allow extra time, drive slowly and carefully and stay safe. Useful information on how to prepare for severe weather can be found on the Be Winter Ready website available here. The Department also publish a Transport Information for Severe Weather page here. This page outlines where to find information on weather, roads, public transport and road safety during severe weather. It includes contact details for local authorities, and links to each local authority winter service plan. These plans outline plans for dealing with winter weather, including the priority salting routes for each local authority. As of January 2, 2017, salt usage to-date this winter amounted to 38,400 tonnes, with stocks of 203,500 tonnes of salt remaining. Transport Infrastructure Ireland provides details of motorway and national road conditions on www.tii.ie and www.tiitraffic.ie. Local authorities will publicise local roads closures, and a number of local authorities provide mobile alert services which include updates on any such closures. Information on traffic and road closures can also be found on the AA Roadwatch website available here and on local media websites and local radio stations. The Road Safety Authority also has information and safety advice for drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians on their website, www.rsa.ie. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. We're sorry that the ministry you were looking for is no longer available on LightSource.com. However, below are some great ministries that offer related content. Enjoy the inspiration, encouragement, and Biblical challenge from these LightSource.com ministry partners! THE TROLLEY crisis at University Hospital Limerick is still the worst in the country, according to new figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. The daily INMO statistics show that there were 44 patients on A&E trolleys and on additional trolleys and beds in the wards at UHL, on Tuesday morning. This rate is also level with Cork University Hospital overcrowding. Following a study of the INMO statistics over the past year, overcrowding rates tend to reach their peak on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick highest in country again, leveling with CUH, with 44 patients on trolleys @Limerick_Leader Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) January 10, 2017 Last Wednesday, UHL peaked national records for the third time in two months, with 66 patients on trolleys. The following day, there were 60 patients on trolleys. Though this halved to 33 patients on Monday morning, UHL still had the highest rate of overcrowding in the country, leveling with South Tipperary General Hospital. This Saturday, a people's protest will take place outside UHL at 12pm, against the recent overcrowding in the emergency department. Visiting restrictions are currently in place at the hospital, as frontline staff tackle one of the worst virus outbreaks in the country, with at least nine patients confirmed with seasonal influenza on Monday. A hospital spokesperson said that the Christmas-New Year period was exceptionally busy, with the flu-like illnesses contributing the large attendance at the emergency department. AER Lingus has confirmed that its daily morning service from Shannon to Heathrow will now depart at the earlier time of 7.30am. The move is being seen as a more business-friendly schedule, according to airport bosses, while it has also been hailed by Limerick Chamber of Commerce. The schedule change comes into effect from March 26, with arrival times into Shannon subtely changing as a result. Aer Lingus Director of Communications, Declan Kearney, said the more business-friendly schedule would also increase the onward-connection options with our partner airlines as a result. Welcoming the news, Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas said: The schedule change by Aer Lingus brings the morning departure forward by one hour and 20 minutes, giving our business customers the benefit of a fuller day in London whilst also providing more efficient connectivity options beyond Heathrow to Europe and the rest of the world. This is a very welcome announcement for the business community along the western seaboard. In addition the return flight from Heathrow now lands in Shannon at 11.15am with the last departure to Heathrow moving to 7.00pm, from the earlier 5.25pm, allowing those visiting the region on business a longer business day also. It also creates greater outbound leisure options to a range of international destinations serviced from Heathrow with 80 airlines flying to 185 destinations in 84 countries. We would strongly encourage all business travelers in the region to support this improved schedule on what is our busiest and most important year round route. CEO of Limerick Chamber, James Ring, said the move was a positive one for the region. London is one of the most important cities in the world for international businesses operating in this region and very significant numbers travel there daily from here, he said. We have heard from many multi-national executives investing here over the past few years about the influence Shannon had in terms of their decision to locate here and having earlier access to Heathrow daily will also boost our chances of attracting further FDI here. Up to now, the first flight of the day from Shannon to Heathrow landed at around 10:20am and you then had get to your destination. With the earlier departure, you can land in Heathrow at around 9am, which means you could potentially make a meeting or be at your desk in the city centre by 10am. This means you can almost work a full-day in London. The move to 7pm of the last evening flight to Heathrow is also beneficial as it enables people flying in from there to get more from their day here doing business. Not least in the post-Brexit era, it is critically important that doing business in and with the UK is as easy as possible. Thankfully Aer Lingus and Shannon have combined to make it so. We had a really positive 2016 here in the region and are excited about what lies ahead for 2017. This is certainly a good start. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. 2016 was the second hottest year for the U.S. in more than 120 years of record keeping, government scientists announced on Monday, marking 20 above-average years in a row. Every state had a temperature ranking at least in the top seven, with two, Georgia and Alaska, recording their hottest year. The announcement comes a week before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which released the U.S. data, and NASA are expected to announce that 2016 set the record for the hottest year globally. Both the global record and the U.S. near-record are largely attributable to greenhouse gas-driven warming of the planet. Both records also come amid a shift in the tenor of the discussion on U.S. climate policy after the election of Donald Trump to the presidency. Trump, who has previously called climate change a "hoax," has chosen several cabinet nominees who reject the established science of climate change to cabinet positions; Senate confirmation hearings begin this week. In addition to the pervasive warmth over the last year, the U.S. also had to deal with 15 weather and climate disasters that each caused more than $1 billion in damage. Together, they totalled more than $46 billion in losses and included several disastrous rain-driven flooding events. There Were a Crazy Number of Record Highs in 2016 Where to Follow the Climate Action in 2017 Heat Is On for 2017, Just Not Record-Setting These events, along with continued drought, lay bare the challenge for the country to learn how to cope with and prepare for a changing climate, said Deke Arndt, the climate monitoring chief of NOAAs National Centers for Environmental Information. The temperature for the contiguous U.S. was 2.9F above the 20th century average for 2016, displacing 2015 and ranking only behind 2012, when searing heat waves hit the middle of the country. More notable than the back-to-back second place years, Arndt said, was that 2016 was the 20th consecutive warmer-than-normal year for the U.S. and that the five hottest years for the country have all happened since 1998. Those streaks mirror global trends, with 15 of the 16 hottest years on record occurring in the 21st century and no record cold year globally since 1911. Next week, both NOAA and NASA will release their global temperature numbers for 2016, which is expected to beat out 2015 as the hottest year on record. While El Nino played a role in boosting temperatures in both years, scientists have shown that human-caused warming is the main reason that global and U.S. temperatures have reached such heights. Weather stations in the U.S. that are having a warmer than normal, colder than normal and record hot year. (Image credit: Climate Central) Another signal of global warming was apparent in the U.S. temperature data, namely, that daily minimum temperatures are warming faster than maximum temperatures. This trend is expected because it is easier to warm up colder places and times of the day than already warm ones. "That's been a recurring occurrence this decade, both in big averages and in the number and breadth of local extremes," Arndt said in an email. On the regional and state level, 2016 was the warmest year on record for the Southeast. Georgia was record warm, while most other states in the region ranked in the top two or three years. The exceptional warmth combined with an unusual dearth of rain to help fuel major drought and wildfires in the region. Alaska saw its hottest year on record for the third year in a row since records there began in 1925; since then, the state's average temperature has risen by 0.30 degrees Fahrenheit per decade. On the local scale, Barrow, the northernmost city in the U.S., had an annual average temperature 7.1 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1981-2010 average. Other temperature departures in the state included: Nome at 5.1 degrees Fahrenheit above the average, Fairbanks at 3.9 degrees Fahrenheit, Anchorage at 4.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and Juneau at 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. See more The warmth of 2016 wasn't just confined to these regions, though, with almost every state recording a temperature in the top 10 percent of the record. The U.S. also had to contend the second highest number of billion-dollar disasters in the past 37 years. These included four inland flooding events, including those that inundated parts of Texas and Louisiana after torrential rains. A team working with Climate Central's World Weather Attribution program found that the odds of having an event like the stunning 1 to 2 feet of rain that fell in the Baton Rouge area in August had doubled over the past century because of global warming. Since 1980, no year had seen more than two billion-dollar inland flood events. "The number of regional flooding events that we had this year seemed unprecedented, and through the lens of billion-dollar disasters, it was unprecedented," Arndt said. Those heavy rains and floods contrasted with the droughts that have plagued several parts of the country over the past few years. In fact, every year since 2013 has seen higher than normal precipitation on average nationally, while the West and Southern Plains in particular have been deep in drought. "To be dealing with big droughts while having 'wet' years means we've had a lot of rain fall in the wet places, and unusually low rainfall in the dry places," Arndt said. "That's quite consistent with expectations of an enhanced hydrological cycle in a warmed world, and I would love to see the climate attribution science community look into this." See more Arndt said that while we have dealt with all of these types of events before, and have been dealing with them for generations, the major heat, rain and drought of 2016 underscores how climate extremes have increasingly impacted the nation in recent years and the need to adapt to help fortify our physical and economic assets in the face of them. How such adaptation efforts will play out over the next few years is a major source of uncertainty and worry for climate science and clean energy advocates, who are concerned that the incoming Trump administration will undo many of the policies enacted by President Obama. The President-elect, for example, has pledged to pull the U.S. out of the landmark Paris climate accord, which aims to curtail greenhouse gas emissions to limit the amount of warming that occurs this century, as well as to shore up the floundering U.S. coal industry. Two of Trump's cabinet nominees Rick Perry, nominated for secretary of energy, and Scott Pruitt, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency have both rejected the conclusions of accepted climate science and have indicated they would roll back many of the Obama administration's climate policies. The nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, has been the chief executive of ExxonMobil, and while he has said he accepts climate science, environmental advocates worry that his lifelong service in the industry will result in more fossil fuel-friendly policies at the national and international level. You May Also Like: Large Iceberg Poised to Break Off From Antarctica U.S. on Track to Become Net Energy Exporter by 2026 Potential for Collapse of Key Atlantic Current Rises Exxons $180 Million Deal With Trumps Pick for State Originally published on Climate Central. As the Earth warms up, you may want to lay off the shellfish: Warmer ocean waters are linked to increased and possibly dangerous levels of domoic acid, a toxin in shellfish and other marine animals that can make people sick, a new study finds. Researchers looked at more than two decades' worth of data, from 1991 to 2015, and compared ocean water conditions off the Oregon coast (using measures of climate variability such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), which looks at factors including not only temperatures but also ocean current) with the levels of domoic acid in Oregon's razor clams (Siliqua patula). [7 Foods You Can Overdose On] The results showed that in the years when the climate was warmer including years with higher ocean temperatures and changes in ocean currents the levels of domoic acid in the razor clams were higher, the researchers said in a statement fromOregon State University. Specifically, the researchers' analysis of the data from this period showed that the five years with the highest levels of annual domoic acid were also the five years with the warmest ocean conditions. Domoic acid is a neurotoxin. The compound is produced by marine algae, and accumulates in animals that consume that algae, at increasingly higher levels up the food chain. People who ingest it can develop a neurological disorder called domoic acid poisoning (DAP), also referred to as amnesic shellfish poisoning, which involves symptoms such as stomach pains, diarrhea, seizures, numbing of the face, memory loss and, in rare cases, death. Domoic acid was first identified as a health threat in 1987, and levels of it have been monitored along the United States' western coast since 1991. Humans generally develop DAP after ingesting shellfish or anchovies; cooking or freezing the fish or shellfish does not lower the compound's toxicity. To help guard against this risk, agencies such as the Oregon Department of Agriculture monitor the domoic-acid levels of shellfish every two to four weeks, and suspend shellfish harvesting if they find that the level of domoic acid in shellfish tissue exceeds 20 parts per million. As of 2016, just over 70 percent of the approximately 1,500 razor clams sampled in Oregon since 1992 had domoic-acid levels below 20 parts per million, Morgaine McKibben, lead author of the paper and a doctoral student at Oregon State University, told Live Science. Oregon has seen no deaths or documented sicknesses related to domoic acid, as standard testing has prevented the harvesting of toxic shellfish, said study co-author Matthew Hunter, a researcher at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. [Top 5 Ways to Reduce Toxins in Homes] In the study, the researchers also created a model that tracks climate conditions in an effort to predict large increases in the levels of the toxin. The researchers plan to make the model freely available in order to help authorities make important management decisions about fishing areas in Oregon, Washington and California, they said. However, the researchers noted in the study that, even though testing showed that their model is strongly predictive of when an increase will occur, it might still generate false positives, or occasionally miss a domoic-acid event. But even still, "this is a significant study," Judith McDowell, a senior scientist and associate dean at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who was not involved in the research, told Live Science. Ultimately, McDowell said, the model could help reduce the public health risks by alerting agencies when shellfish are dangerous for human consumption. "The biggest takeaway is that the ocean temperatures are changing, and that has the potential for more frequent and more extreme harmful algal blooms that have significant implication[s] [for] not only fisheries but also natural resources and human health," Hunter told Live Science. Originally published on Live Science. Silk proteins were found in tombs at Jiahu in the Henan Province in central China. Shown here, grottoes in Henan Province. The oldest evidence of silk made by silkworms has been found buried in 8,500-year-old tombs in China, revealing that people may have used the luxurious material thousands of years earlier than previously thought, a new study finds. Silk was a rare luxury good in the ancient world. Its fame helped give a name to the Silk Road, the legendary network of trade routes that once connected the East and West from China to Rome. The secret of how to make silk was first discovered in China. According to Chinese legend, after a silkworm cocoon dropped into the teacup of the wife of the Yellow Emperor, she found that the cocoon could unravel to yield about 3,300 feet (1 kilometer) of thread. To learn more about the origins of silk, scientists investigated ruins dating back 9,000 years at Jiahu in the middle of Henan Province in central China. Previously at this site, scientists had unearthed bone flutes that are the earliest known playable musical instruments on Earth, as well as what may be the earliest Chinese writing. [In Photos: Ancient Silk Road Cemetery Contains Carvings of Mythical Creatures] Old tales suggested that silkworm breeding and silk weaving began around this area, said study co-author Decai Gong, an archaeologist at the University of Science and Technology of China at Hefei. In addition, prior work at Jiahu revealed that the area's warm and humid climate favored the growth of mulberry trees, whose leaves are the sole food of silkworms. The scientists collected soil samples from three tombs at Jiahu. Chemical analyses revealed evidence of silk proteins in two of the three tombs, one of which dated back 8,500 years. This is "the earliest evidence of silk in ancient China," Gong told Live Science. Previously, the oldest evidence of silk dated back 5,000 years from China, the researchers said. Although it's difficult to figure out exactly how silk was used at this site, the researchers suggested that these people were perhaps buried in silk garments. Evidence supporting that idea came from bone needles and weaving tools found at the site, which suggested that "Jiahu's residents possessed basic weaving and sewing skills," Gong said. "There is a possibility that the silk was made into fabric." In their future research, the scientists will hunt for other signs of silk at this and other sites, Gong said. He and his colleagues detailed their findings online Dec. 12 in the journal PLOS ONE. Original article on Live Science. Blue Lasso (Image credit: Matty Smith, Ocean Art Competition 2016) A Pacific Man-of-War (Physalia utriciulus) floats in the darkness in Bushrangers Bay, New South Wales, Australia. This dramatic shot was captured by photographer Matty Smith and won Best of Show in Underwater Photography Guide's 2016 Ocean Art Contest. Pacific Man-of-Wars are siphonophores, organisms made up of multiple polyps working together as one unit. [Read more about the ocean photography winners] Tentacle Tornado (Image credit: Geo Cloete, Ocean Art Competition 2016) A train of box jellyfish (Carybdea branchi) aggregate on the Atlantic seaboard off Cape Town, South Africa. Little is known about what jellyfish form these columns, according to photographer Geo Cloete, who took the top prize in the Ocean Art competition's Marine Life Behavior category for this unworldly shot. The World of a Pike (Image credit: Tobias Dahlin, Ocean Art Competition 2016) A lopsided grin from a shy pike took first place in the Ocean Art competition's Cold Water category. This colorful scene was captured by photographer Tobias Dahlin in a lake called Skallinge in southwestern Sweden. Bait Ball Cocoon (Image credit: Lawrence Alex Wu, Ocean Art Competition 2016) A school of glass fish swirls around a diver in Hin Deang, Thailand in the winning photograph in the compact behavior category of the 2016 Ocean Art Competition. According to photographer Lawrence Alex Wu, the fish were in a panic, attempting to escape a school of larger predatory fish. [Read more about the ocean photography winners] Our Enchanted Forest (Image credit: Lawrence Alex Wu, Ocean Art Competition 2016) Tiny trees? No, this is a shot of the inside of a common sea squirt. It's also the winner in the compact macro category of the 2016 Ocean Art Competition by Underwater Photography Guide. Photographer Lawrence Alex Wu took this photo in Anilao in the Phillippines. Each tree-like structure is about 0.7 inches (2 centimeters) tall. Photographic Chaos (Image credit: Stephen Holinski, 2016 Ocean Art Competition) What do you do when your photographic subjects aren't cooperating? Turn the experience into a prize-winning photograph, of course. This shot of curious Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) won the compact wide-angle category of the 2016 Ocean Art Competition. Photographer Stephen Holinski captured the "photographic madness" of diving with sea lions, as he put it, off the coast of Hornby Island in British Columbia. Predatory and Prey (Image credit: Jenny Stromvoll, 2016 Ocean Art Competition) A tiny sea swallow feeds on the tentacles of a Man-of-War in the shallows of Ponta Bay, Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique. Strong northeast winds push Man-of-Wars, or bluebottles, into the bay, leading to many strandings, according to photographer Jenny Stromvoll. Stromvoll took first place in the mirrorless photography behavior category of the 2016 Ocean Art Competition for this shot. [Read more about the ocean photography winners] First Blue Ring (Image credit: Scipione Mannacio Soderini, 2016 Ocean Art Competition) Scipione Mannacio Soderini had never seen a blue ring octopus in the wild before the day that he took this shot, which won first prize in the mirrorless macro category of the 2016 Ocean Art Competition. Blue ring octopuses are venomous, and their bites can even be fatal to humans, but Soderini said that this specimen, found in Puerto Galera, Mindoro in the Philippines, was calm and curious. Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Image credit: Eugene Kitsios, 2016 Ocean Art Competition) A spotted Atlantic dolphin swims playfully in Bimini, Bahamas. Photographer Eugene Kitsios won the mirrorless wide-angle category in the 2016 Ocean Art Competition for this shot of the smiling marine mammal. Under My Umbrella (Image credit: Catalin Cracium, 2016 Ocean Art Competition) Mary Jane Paula, a free-diving instructor and the deepest Filipina freediver, poses in this whimsical shot by Catalin Cracium. The photo won the novice DSLR category in the 2016 Ocean Art Competition. It was taken in Barrcuda Lake, Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Cracium and Paula are about 30 feet (9 meters) deep. Nudibranch Love (Image credit: Rafael Cosme, 2016 Ocean Art Competition) Ah, nudibranch love. Two marine mollusks mate in this award-winning shot by photographer Rafael Cosme, taken in Tulamben, Indonesia. The figure in the background is the photographer's wife. The shot took first place in the nudibranch category of the 2016 Ocean Art Competition. This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. In today's data-rich world, companies, governments and individuals want to analyze anything and everything they can get their hands on and the World Wide Web has loads of information. At present, the most easily indexed material from the web is text. But as much as 89 to 96 percent (opens in new tab) of the content on the internet is actually something else images, video, audio, in all thousands of different kinds of nontextual data types. Further, the vast majority of online content isn't available in a form that's easily indexed by electronic archiving systems like Google's. Rather, it requires a user to log in, or it is provided dynamically by a program running when a user visits the page. If we're going to catalog online human knowledge, we need to be sure we can get to and recognize all of it, and that we can do so automatically. How can we teach computers to recognize, index and search all the different types of material that's available online? Thanks to federal efforts in the global fight against human trafficking and weapons dealing, my research forms the basis for a new tool that can help with this effort. Understanding what's deep The "deep web" and the "dark web" are often discussed in the context of scary news or films like "Deep Web," in which young and intelligent criminals are getting away with illicit activities such as drug dealing and human trafficking or even worse. But what do these terms mean? The "deep web" has existed ever since businesses and organizations, including universities, put large databases online in ways people could not directly view. Rather than allowing anyone to get students' phone numbers and email addresses, for example, many universities require people to log in as members of the campus community before searching online directories for contact information. Online services such as Dropbox and Gmail are publicly accessible and part of the World Wide Web but indexing a user's files and emails on these sites does require an individual login, which our project does not get involved with. The "surface web" is the online world we can see shopping sites, businesses' information pages, news organizations and so on. The "deep web" is closely related, but less visible, to human users and in some ways more importantly to search engines exploring the web to catalog it. I tend to describe the "deep web" as those parts of the public internet that: Require a user to first fill out a login form, Involve dynamic content like AJAX or Javascript, or Present images, video and other information in ways that aren't typically indexed properly by search services. What's dark? The "dark web," by contrast, are pages some of which may also have "deep web" elements that are hosted by web servers using the anonymous web protocol called Tor. Originally developed by U.S. Defense Department researchers to secure sensitive information, Tor was released into the public domain in 2004. Like many secure systems such as the WhatsApp messaging app, its original purpose was for good, but has also been used by criminals hiding behind the system's anonymity. Some people run Tor sites handling illicit activity, such as drug trafficking, weapons and human trafficking and even murder for hire. The U.S. government has been interested in trying to find ways to use modern information technology and computer science to combat these criminal activities. In 2014, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (more commonly known as DARPA), a part of the Defense Department, launched a program called Memex to fight human trafficking with these tools. Specifically, Memex wanted to create a search index that would help law enforcement identify human trafficking operations online in particular by mining the deep and dark web. One of the key systems used by the project's teams of scholars, government workers and industry experts was one I helped develop, called Apache Tika. The digital Babel fish' Tika is often referred to as the "digital Babel fish," a play on a creature called the "Babel fish" in the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" book series. Once inserted into a person's ear, the Babel fish allowed her to understand any language spoken. Tika lets users understand any file and the information contained within it. When Tika examines a file, it automatically identifies what kind of file it is such as a photo, video or audio. It does this with a curated taxonomy of information about files: their name, their extension, a sort of "digital fingerprint. When it encounters a file whose name ends in ".MP4," for example, Tika assumes it's a video file stored in the MPEG-4 format. By directly analyzing the data in the file, Tika can confirm or refute that assumption all video, audio, image and other files must begin with specific codes saying what format their data is stored in. Once a file's type is identified, Tika uses specific tools to extract its content such as Apache PDFBox for PDF files, or Tesseract for capturing text from images. In addition to content, other forensic information or "metadata" is captured including the file's creation date, who edited it last, and what language the file is authored in. From there, Tika uses advanced techniques like Named Entity Recognition (NER) to further analyze the text. NER identifies proper nouns and sentence structure, and then fits this information to databases of people, places and things, identifying not just whom the text is talking about, but where, and why they are doing it. This technique helped Tika to automatically identify offshore shell corporations (the things); where they were located; and who (people) was storing their money in them as part of the Panama Papers scandal that exposed financial corruption among global political, societal and technical leaders. Identifying illegal activity Improvements to Tika during the Memex project made it even better at handling multimedia and other content found on the deep and dark web. Now Tika can process and identify images with common human trafficking themes. For example, it can automatically process and analyze text in images a victim alias or an indication about how to contact them and certain types of image properties such as camera lighting. In some images and videos, Tika can identify the people, places and things that appear. Additional software can help Tika find automatic weapons and identify a weapon's serial number. That can help to track down whether it is stolen or not. Employing Tika to monitor the deep and dark web continuously could help identify human- and weapons-trafficking situations shortly after the photos are posted online. That could stop a crime from occurring and save lives. Memex is not yet powerful enough to handle all of the content that's out there, nor to comprehensively assist law enforcement, contribute to humanitarian efforts to stop human trafficking and even interact with commercial search engines. It will take more work, but we're making it easier to achieve those goals. Tika and related software packages are part of an open source software library available on DARPA's Open Catalog to anyone in law enforcement, the intelligence community or the public at large who wants to shine a light into the deep and the dark. Christian Mattmann, Director, Information Retrieval and Data Science Group and Adjunct Associate Professor, USC and Principal Data Scientist, NASA This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Modern medicine often feels like magic: A technician pricks your skin, draws a drop of blood and whisks it away into another room. Oftentimes, this gives the doctor enough information to make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. But for people in developing countries, these kinds of diagnostics can be more science fiction than reality. Modern medicine relies heavily on technology, like centrifuges, that are costly, bulky and require electricity. In many places around the world, this kind of equipment can be hard to come by. But in a new study published online today (Jan. 10) in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering (opens in new tab), researchers described an inexpensive, hand-powered centrifuge that's based on an ancient toy and could help doctors working in developing countries. The centrifuge is the workhorse of modern medical laboratories. The device spins samples at high speeds to separate particles or cells based on size and density, effectively concentrating specific components. Most diagnostics "are like looking for a needle in a haystack," said Manu Prakash, lead researcher on the new study and an assistant professor of bioengineering at Stanford University. A centrifuge, Prakash said, puts all the needles in one place, making them easier to find. [10 Technologies That Will Transform Your Life] Unfortunately, even the simplest modern centrifuges are burdensome for doctors in the field. Prakash, who won a 2016 MacArthur "genius" award, is a leader in the so-called frugal science movement, which aims to devise low-cost solutions for complex technologies. Prakash is best known for developing the Foldscope, an origami-like paper microscope that costs about $1.50. In the past, researchers explored common household items, such as egg beaters and salad spinners, as alternatives to the centrifuge, but these devices gave poorer results than modern diagnostic tests. A simple blood test using these tools required more than 10 minutes to separate cells, compared with 2 minutes for commercial centrifuges. So instead of using these items, Prakash and his colleagues focused on spinning toys. "We tested many toys, like the top and yo-yo," study lead author M. Saad Bhamla, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University, told Live Science. "We wanted to find the most effective way of converting physical energy into rotational energy." The researchers found that a toy known most commonly as the whirligig had the greatest potential as a centrifuge. By tweaking the basic design, they were able to achieve speeds of up to 125,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), the fastest speeds reported for a hand-powered device, the researchers said. (They have submitted an application to the Guinness World Records, they wrote.) Also known as a button spinner, buzzer or spinning disk, the whirligig is one of the most ancient toys and can be found all over the world. It is a simplistic child's toy, with a button or disk threaded through two strings that are affixed to handles. A child begins by winding the strings and then pulling on the handles to make the threads unwind and the button spin. Pulling and relaxing the strings repeatedly makes the button spin faster. [The Cool Physics of 7 Classic Toys] Using a paper disk and fishing wire, the researchers modified the whirligig, turning it into a hand-powered centrifuge that costs about 20 cents to make. They called their device a "paperfuge" and tested it against modern centrifuges to measure red blood cell counts. To do so, Prakash and his team loaded a finger prick of blood into a capillary tube and placed that into a sealed plastic straw that was mounted onto the paper disk. "With a conventional centrifuge, the [blood test] will take about 2 minutes and that [centrifuge] will cost about $1,000," Bhamla said. "And in a minute and a half, we can achieve the exact same result at a cost of $0.20 without electricity." The researchers' results were similar in tests for malaria parasites. To better understand how the paperfuge works and how to optimize it for different types of diagnostics, Prakash and his colleagues generated a mathematical model for the movement of the disk. "It is quite an unconventional centrifuge," Prakash said. "It's an oscillatory centrifuge, so it flips direction." Most centrifuges spin in only one direction but the paperfuge reverses during its spin, which may limit the volume of liquid that it can separate, he added. Prakash and Bhamla also found that the toy is essentially self-winding. The spinning disk has inertia that causes the strings to twist. When a person adds force by pulling on the handles, the strings become supercoiled, with twists looping back on themselves, Prakash said. "These supertwists give torque and result in twisting of the disk," he said. "It is amazing how little force it takes." Prakash and his team are now taking the paperfuge out into the field. "Our current work has put about 100 paperfuges into the hands of clinical partners and health care workers in Madagascar," Prakash said, "in the front line of developing countries where almost nothing is available." At the same time, the researchers are testing other versions of the paperfuge, using 3D-printed plastics and different designs in hopes of applying the technology to other diagnostic tests, Prakash said. Original article on Live Science. Law enforcement officials across the state and country aided in capturing a dozen of Texas' most wanted sex offenders in 2016, online records show. Each of the offenders was male, but not everyone was found in Texas one was caught in Mexico, and another in California, according to Texas Department of Public Safety records. They were wanted on various charges including failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements, sexual assault of a child and rape. Ruth Negga's charm offensive in the US continued unabated last night as she visited Jimmy Kimmel for a late night chat and proceeded to delight as only she can. Negga talked about growing up in Ireland (naturally) back when we only had two channels (remember those days?) as well as Sunday's Golden Globes and getting a shoutout from Meryl Streep during her speech on the night which, as you can imagine, is mind-boggling for any young actor. It also turns out that Negga took her cousin David, AKA the luckiest relation in all of Ireland after Rita Farrell, to the Golden Globes although she was at home in bed by 11pm, so not the wild night that could have been (fingers crossed David had a night out for both of them). Negga also talked about her intimate W Magazine cover with Natalie Portman who she only met five minutes before getting very up close and personal with. All in all, we think it's safe to say Negga is charming the pants off America right now. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. With January, the awards season is now in full swing at your local ODEON cinema & we have two pairs of ODEON tickets to give away!Just leave a comment and tell us which of these you're most looking forward to seeing. Competition closes 23rd of January. Hacksaw Ridge, La La Land, Jackie and Manchester By The Sea are all heavy favourites for this year's Oscars, but there's also broader choices like xXx 3: The Return of Xander Cage and Sing in there as well. Here's a rundown of everything coming to your local ODEON cinema this January. JANUARY 13th Live By Night Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, Ben Affleck directs and stars in this period gangster film about the prodigal son of a Boston police captain who moves to Florida and begins a bootlegging operation with a number of well-known gangsters. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Brendan Gleeson, Sienna Miller and Zoe Saldana, Live By Night is Affleck's third venture into the crime genre. La La Land Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone star in the second film by Whiplash director Damien Chazelle. Seb (Gosling) is a struggling musician who's trying to open his own jazz club in Los Angeles whilst Mia (Stone) is an aspiring actress who's going nowhere. However, when the two meet, their dreams begin to come together and their relationship blossoms over the course of a year in Los Angeles. One part romance, one part musical, La La Land is an ode to old-school Hollywood that's received huge praise and is tipped for huge success at this year's Oscars. Manchester By The Sea Casey Affleck stars in this affecting drama about an emotionally damaged janitor who's forced to return to his hometown following the death of his brother. Whilst attending to the funeral arrangements, he's shocked to learn that his brother has named him legal guardian over his nephew, played by Lucas Hedges. Underworld: Blood Wars Kate Beckinsale returns for the sixth Underworld film, this time squaring off against Charles Dance and Theo James as she attempts to keep her daughter safe from both the Lycans and Vampires. JANUARY 20th Jackie Natalie Portman stars in this affecting biopic about the days and weeks after the death of JFK, as told through the eyes of Jackie Kennedy. Directed by Pablo Larrain, Jackie features both incredible cinematography and one of Portman's best performances as Jackie Kennedy. Split M. Night Shyamalan directs James McAvoy in this disturbing horror-thriller about a young man with 23 distinct personalities. Having kidnapped three young girls, they must work together to see if one of the distinct personalities in their captor can help them escape before the 24th personality - the most dangerous one - surfaces. xXx 3: The Return of Xander Cage Vin Diesel reprises his role as Xander Cage, the extreme athlete-turned-spy. Coming out of his self-imposed exile, Xander Cage races against the clock to recover Pandora's Box, a weapon of mass destruction that the villainous Xiang, played by Rogue One's Donnie Yen, is trying to get his hands on. Lion Based on the true story of Saroo Brierly, Dev Patel plays a young Indian man who has been adopted by Australian parents and attempts to reconnect with his biological parents in India by locating them via Google Maps. This drama also stars Nicole Kidman and David Wenham as Saroo's adoptive parents and Rooney Mara as his girlfriend, Lucy. JANUARY 27th Sing Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson and Seth MacFarlane star in this animated musical comedy about a talking koala bear's plan to relaunch his struggling theatre with a singing competition. Drawing in contestants from all walks of life - including a mountain gorilla's who being forced into a life of crime, and a mother of twenty-four piglets - all of them have to find their voice and sing if they want to a cool $100,000 prize. T2: Trainspotting Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud and the rest of the gang from Trainspotting are back in this long-awaited sequel set twenty years after the original. Now living a clean life in Amsterdam, Renton returns to Scotland to make amends with Spud and Sick Boy whilst avoiding Begbie, who's recently been released from prison and is on the warpath looking for Renton. Hacksaw Ridge Andrew Garfield stars in Mel Gibson's epic war movie about the first conscientious objector to receive a Medal of Honour. Garfield plays Desmond Doss, a Seventh Day Adventist who refuses to take up arms during World War II and instead enlists as a Combat Medic. Denial Rachel Weisz, Timothy Spall and Tom Wilkinson star in this true-life story based on the legal trial between historians David Irving (Spall) and Deborah Lipstadt (Weisz), who was sued by Irving for trying to portray him as a Holocaust denier. The story is an incredible one and became a landmark case in libel law in the United Kingdom, all of which is faithfully told here. This Competition is now closed. Congratulations to our winners Mattthew345 & Niamh35 Check out our latest E-Edition Accessible anytime and anywhere on your desktop, tablet and smart phone devices. The Lodi News e-Edition is enhanced with the latest digital tools, including RSS feeds, social networking and much more. Check out our latest E-edition! Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: January 10 2017 The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced a competition that will expand access to entrepreneurial education microloans to previously incarcerated individuals. The pilot initiative connects formerly incarcerated individuals to entrepreneurial training, education and microloans, with a specific focus on those who are parents. New York, NY - January 5, 2017 - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced a competition that will expand access to entrepreneurial education microloans to previously incarcerated individuals. Tameka Montgomery, Associate Administrator for the SBAs Office of Entrepreneurial Development said, Entrepreneurship and small business ownership are proven paths toward wealth creation and financial independence, especially for people who might otherwise feel trapped by their circumstancesWith the training and startup tools provided through this competition, these citizens can finally start to rebuild their lives and build relationships with their families and communities. Known as The Aspire Challenge, this SBA contest will make up to 16 awards of $75,000 to organizations for a total of $1.2 million across the nation to assist in delivering entrepreneurial training and microloan assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals. The Aspire Challenge will build on the momentum of the Aspire Entrepreneurship Initiative, a public-private partnership announced in August 2016 between the SBA, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and microlender Justine Petersen. The pilot initiative connects formerly incarcerated individuals to entrepreneurial training, education and microloans, with a specific focus on those who are parents. With approximately 60 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals remaining unemployed one year after release, self-employment must be seen as a viable alternative. The competition will award prizes to entrepreneurial support organizations that propose innovative solutions to equipping returning citizens with the tools they need to succeed in entrepreneurship. SBA New York District Director Beth Goldberg welcomed the initiative and invites New York organizations to apply for the contest. This new initiative is especially important because it pledges support to a vital part of the economy. These entrepreneurs often prove to be the most resilient, turning previous life difficulties into successful businesses. The SBA will award the prizes to organizations through the online competition platform, www.challenge.gov. The competition is open to all for-profit and non-profit entities and organizations, and they must have an account in the System for Award Management (SAM). The submission period opens December 29, 2016 and will end on February 12, 2017. The SBA anticipates that winners will be announced no later than March 14, 2017. Background Approximately 60 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals remain unemployed one year after their release, raising the risk of recidivism and resulting in lost lifetime earnings. This cycle has major implications for American families as nearly half of all U.S. children have at least one parent with a criminal record. In 2015, SBA expanded its Microloan Program to small business owners currently on probation or parole. The Aspire Entrepreneurship Initiative and the Aspire Challenge expand on policy changes to give formerly incarcerated individuals the opportunity to generate income and create economic prosperity for their families. About the SBA New York District Office: The SBA New York District Office delivers its programs and services throughout New York City, Long Island and the downstate counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Our Long Island Branch Office Services Long Island. Visit www.sba.gov/ny for more information including resource partners, lenders, workshops, success stories and other resources to help businesses start, grow and succeed. Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: January 10 2017 Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued a statement in response to Governor Cuomos voting rights proposal. Schneiderman: "In addition to the proposals announced by Governor Cuomo today, we must enact changes that support greater voter participation, such as finally consolidating New York's unnecessary three primary schedule to a single day, and making it easier for New Yorkers to vote in the party primary of their choice." New York, NY - January 8, 2017 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomos voting rights proposal: "As my Civil Rights Bureau detailed in an exhaustive report last month, New Yorkers face some of the highest barriers to voting of any state in the country. There is no good reason New York lags the country, lacking early voting, same day voter registration, and streamlined online voter registration. That's why last month I announced I will introduce the NY Votes Act, which will provide a comprehensive roadmap to fixing our state's broken voting system. "On Primary Day last year, my office's voter hotline received ten times more voter complaints than anytime in history, with over 1,500 New Yorkers reporting cases of long lines, inaccurate voter rolls, and confusing and inconsistent policies at polling places across New York. That needs to change. "In addition to the proposals announced by Governor Cuomo today, we must enact changes that support greater voter participation, such as finally consolidating New York's unnecessary three primary schedule to a single day, and making it easier for New Yorkers to vote in the party primary of their choice. "I commend Governor Cuomo for proposing common sense reforms to our voting system. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo, the legislature, and everyday New Yorkers across our state to address the systemic problems in New York's voting laws. New York must become a national leader in voting rights by expanding and protecting the rights of all New Yorkers to cast their vote. "Our guiding principle on voting rights should be simple: any law that makes voting easier is a good law--any law that makes voting harder, is a bad one. I look forward to making that principle a reality this legislative session." Nature & Weather, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: January 10 2017 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today called on the Long Island Power Authority to approve a 90 megawatt offshore wind project 30 miles southeast of Montauk. Farmingdale, NY - January 10, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today called on the Long Island Power Authority to approve a 90 megawatt offshore wind project 30 miles southeast of Montauk. The project will be the nation's largest offshore wind farm and will not be visible from Long Island's beaches. He also proposed an unprecedented commitment to develop up to 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030, enough power generation for 1.25 million homes and the largest commitment in U.S. history. The projects will be developed out of view from the coast and in close collaboration with local communities and stakeholders. The Offshore Wind Master Plan will outline the path forward for this unprecedented commitment to offshore wind and will be completed by the end of 2017. "New York's unparalleled commitment to offshore wind power will create new, high-paying jobs, reduce our carbon footprint, establish a new, reliable source of energy for millions of New Yorkers, and solidify New York's status as a national clean energy leader," Governor Cuomo said. "The Offshore Wind Master Plan will establish a bold strategy to harness this untapped resource in New York and provide a new source of energy to power a brighter, greener future for all." Offshore wind is critical to meeting the goal outlined in the Governor's Clean Energy Standard to meet 50 percent of New York's electricity needs with renewable sources by 2030. As part of this proposal, the Governor also calls on state agencies to ensure a 79,000 acre lease area capable of siting approximately 800 megawatts of offshore wind off of the Rockaway Peninsula is developed cost-effectively and responsibly to customers. In addition, Governor Cuomo directs the Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to undertake a comprehensive study to determine the most rapid, cost-effective, and responsible pathway to reach 100 percent renewable energy statewide. The State will engage academic partners to draw upon existing clean energy research and seek input from other key stakeholders. Long Island Projects Governor Cuomo called on the Long Island Power Authority to approve the nation's largest offshore wind farm. The project, a 90 megawatt development 30 miles southeast of Montauk, is the first step toward developing an area that can host up to 1,000 megawatts of offshore wind power. In an indication of offshore wind's growing attractiveness as a power source, the proposed project is the most innovative and least cost way to meet the growing power needs of the South Fork and to provide cleaner energy for Long Island. The Long Island Power Authority has indicated that contract negotiations are close to final, and the project will be voted on at its January meeting. The Governor called on LIPA to vote to approve the project and ensure it is developed responsibly and cost-effectively for all stakeholders. A second project will provide approximately 800 megawatts of offshore wind power in an area 17 miles south of the Rockaway Peninsula. In December, the international energy company Statoil Wind US LLC won an auction from the federal government to lease the area for wind energy development. The Governor is calling on the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to work with Statoil to ensure the project delivers power cost-effectively and responsibly to customers. NYSERDA will also help ensure the needs of affected stakeholders like fishermen, maritime industries, coastal communities, and labor are met. The company won the lease for $42.5 million, demonstrating the powerful commercial interest in developing offshore wind for New York State. Offshore Wind Master Plan With some of the most favorable conditions for offshore wind in the United States, the coast of Long Island has the potential to bring an enormous amount of renewable energy, and substantial job creation and economic development benefits to all New Yorkers. To reap these benefits, Governor Cuomo calls for the cost-effective and environmentally responsible development of up to 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind power in the Atlantic Ocean by 2030 outside of the viewshed of the Long Island coast and in close collaboration with communities and stakeholders. This commitment will be advanced through the states Offshore Wind Master Plan which will be completed by the end of 2017. The plan will establish a commitment for the responsible development of New York's offshore wind resources in ways that benefit electricity customers and protect the environment. Offshore wind will protect the environment by reducing emissions and spur new investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, creating high-quality jobs across the state. The State will ensure that the visual impacts of offshore wind turbines will be minimized through appropriate siting. New offshore wind turbine foundation technologies will allow construction in deeper water, further offshore and out of sightlines from the coast. About Reforming the Energy Vision Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. Reforming the Energy Vision is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and generating 50 percent of the state's electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030. Already, Reforming the Energy Vision has driven 750 percent growth in the statewide solar capacity, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. Reforming the Energy Vision is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about Reforming the Energy Vision, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow @Rev4NY. If you are unsure of just how bad the security situation is inside Afghanistan, this report from AFP should tell you everything you need to know. Afghan officials are calling for the establishment of a Taliban safe zone that presumably would allow the group to ween itself off of Pakistani influence and enter the much discussed and ever elusive peace process. Normally this type of report could easily be dismissed out of hand as the musings of some ambitious or naive Afghan politician. But given that it originated from General Abdul Raziq, the chief of police for Kandahar who, as AFP put it, is one of the staunchest anti-Taliban figures, it must be taken seriously. Raziq has been at the forefront of almost every major offensive against the Taliban in Kandahar, Helmand, and Uruzgan over the past decade. He has been the target of multiple assassination attempts, including several suicide attacks. If Raziq is describing the Taliban as his countrymen and sons of this soil, then it is clear he doesnt believe he can hold the line in the south in the medium to long term. From the AFP report: Afghan officials are pushing to create a safe zone for Taliban insurgents in a bid to wean them away from traditional sanctuaries inside Pakistan, in a radical and contentious strategy to de-escalate the conflict. The plan underscores desperation in Afghanistan for out-of-the-box solutions to tackle the 15-year insurgency, as peace bids repeatedly fail and US-backed forces suffer record casualties in stalemated fighting. If implemented, the strategy aimed at undercutting Pakistans influence over the Taliban could, for better or for worse, be a game changer in a strife-torn nation where ceding territory to insurgents is seen as tantamount to partition. I urge the Taliban to return to Afghanistan. We should make a safe zone for them and their families, Kandahar police chief Abdul Raziq told a gathering of religious scholars and tribal elders last month. We can no longer rely on foreign governments and embassies to end the war. The Taliban belong to this country, they are sons of this soil. Some Afghan politicians are dismissive of this plan and rightly note that the Taliban already controls significant tracts of land in Afghanistan (for a rough estimate of what the Taliban control and contest in Afghanistan, see this map created by FDDs Long War Journal): The government shouldnt be giving safe zones to terrorists, warned former Helmand governor Sher Mohammed Akhundzada, while some observers dismissed the strategy as illogical as the Taliban already control vast swathes of Afghan territory. All of this rests on the mistaken belief that the Taliban is interested in negotiating a peace agreement and joining the Afghan political process. The Taliban has deftly used the process of establishing peace talks to extract concessions, such as freeing the Taliban Five who were held at Guantanamo Bay. The Taliban has consistently said its goal is the reestablishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the full withdrawal of foreign troops. Given that the Taliban control more territory today than at any time since the US invasion in the fall of 2001, and the Afghan government and military are clearly losing ground, it is fanciful to believe that the Taliban will make concessions now. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. The US State Department listed Ali Daamoush and Mustafa Mughniyeh, both members of Hezbollahs senior leadership, as specially designated global terrorists today. The designation sanctions individuals who have either carried out terrorist attacks against the United States or who pose a significant threat of to its national security. Ali Daamoush is a Shiite cleric and the head of Hezbollahs Foreign Relations Department (FRD), which engages in covert terrorist operations around the world on behalf of the Shiite organization, including recruiting operatives and intelligence gathering. He is also an aide to the groups leader, Hassan Nasrallah, often representing him at functions, rallies and other public occasions. Daamoush was born in south Lebanons port city of Sidon on Oct. 21, 1962. In 1977, he moved to the Shiite holy city of Najaf, Iraq, to study but was imprisoned and deported shortly thereafter by Saddam Husseins government. After Ayatollah Khomeini took power in Iran in the wake of the 1979 Revolution, Daamoush traveled to Iran to study in the holy city of Qom, where he remained until 1993. In 1994, Daamoush officially joined Hezbollah. There, he served for four years as a member of the Shiite groups Sharia council. He then joined its executive council, serving as the head of its central cultural committee from 1988-2001, before finally heading the FRD in 2001. Mustafa Mughniyeh was born in Jan. 1987 in Tehran. He is the elder son of Hezbollahs former military commander Imad Mughniyeh, who was assassinated in Damascus in 2008, and the nephew of previous commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in Syria last May. Mustafas younger brother, Jihad, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jan. 2015 in the Golan Heights. Mustafa is also a ranking member of Hezbollah in his own right. The group has assigned him to some of its most high-ranking positions, but ordered him to remain in the shadows to protect his identity. Identifying photos of Mustafa have scarcely surfaced. In 2005, at the age of 18, he began accompanying his father on operational missions. After his fathers assassination, Mustafa gravitated toward his maternal uncle Badreddine, serving in his security detail. Mustafa coordinated the movements of Hezbollah leaders between Lebanon, Syria and Iran, was also entrusted with their personal security. He was also allegedly assigned by Nasrallah and Qassem Soleimani the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force to command Hezbollahs Golan Heights front after his brothers demise. Rumors even arose that after Badreddines assassination, Mustafa was tapped to replace him as Hezbollahs military commander. As a consequences of the State Department designation, US persons are prohibited from transacting or dealing with Daghmoush or Mughniyeh, and their assets or property in the United States will be frozen or seized. David Daoud is an Arabic-Language Analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. A Taliban suicide assault team killed and wounded more than 100 people in a coordinated attack that targeted intelligence officials and government workers today in the Afghan capital of Kabul. The attack included a blast that preyed on first responders who rushed in to help those injured in the initial bombing. Afghan officials said at least 38 people were killed and 70 more were wounded in the double bombing that took place as a convoy of parliament staff was leaving the offices in Darulaman Road in PD6, or Police District 6, according to TOLONews. The first suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the entrance to parliaments offices, then the second bomber struck as first responders arrived at the scene of the attack. Among those killed was the head of the National Directorate of Security for Police District 6, TOLONews reported. A female member of parliament was also wounded. The Taliban claimed credit for the deadly blasts in a statement released on Voice of Jihad, its official propaganda website. The jihadist group admitted it deliberately targeted first responders. According to the Taliban, the first suicide bomber hit a mini bus ferrying workers of NDS [National Directorate of Security] 5th Directorate, while the second targeted the Quick Reaction Force troops and other intelligence personnel gathered at the site. Todays attack is similar to another executed by the Taliban on June 30, 2016. In that attack, a suicide bomber hit a bus transporting police cadets in Kabul. The second suicide bomber then detonated his explosives as emergency personnel rendered aid to the victims of the first blast. [See FDDs Long War Journal report, Taliban suicide bombers target police cadets, first responders in Kabul attack.] The Taliban has launched several high-profile attacks in the capital since last summer. Other targets include the Afghan Ministry of Defense, the home of a member of parliament, and Canadian embassy personnel. Suicide bombers were from the Talibans Martyr Battalion In its statement claiming credit for todays attack, the Taliban said both of the attackers were from the Martyr Battalion of Islamic Emirate who successfully reached their targets and handed the enemy a heavy blow. In the past, the Taliban has claimed that it has thousands of fully armed martyrdom seekers at its disposal to conduct attacks inside Afghanistan and has provided some information on the structure of its martyrdom units. The Taliban has identified two key leaders of its Suicide Groups. Mullah Taj Mir Jawad has been described as the head of a martyrdom-seekers battalion. Jawad swore allegiance to Mullah Mansour, the groups previous emir, in a video released in Sept. 2015. Qari Abdul Raouf Zakir, the commander of the Talibans suicide groups, also swore allegiance to Mullah Mansour in the same video. Qari Zakir, who was designated as a terrorist by the State Department in Nov. 2012, has long commanded the Haqqani Networks suicide operations. The Haqqani Network is an al Qaeda-linked Taliban subgroup that operates throughout Afghanistan and is based in Pakistan, where it is supported by Pakistans military and the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate. Sirajuddin Haqqani, the operational commander of the Haqqani Network, serves as one of two deputies to Mullah Habaitullah, the emir of the Taliban, and as the head of the Talibans military. The Taliban has also promoted suicide teams in its propaganda. The Muaskar ul Fida, one of several suicide squads operating in Afghanistan, previously swore allegiance to the Talibans last emir in Nov. 2015. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Culture / Art Republik Jan 10, 2017 | By Vimi Haridasan Art Stage Singapore 2017 returns 12-15 January with an exciting line-up of works by young emerging artists of the Asian art market. This year, Richard Koh Fine Art will showcase the innovative work of 27-year-old Malaysian artist Hings Lim titled Reciprocity at its Art Stage booth. Last August, the gallery showcased the same installation in Lims very first solo show with Richard Koh Fine Art in Kuala Lumpur and was met with appraisals from the public and art critics alike. Reciprocity is a compelling artwork that has been created outside the studio setting as a result of active public participation. For this creative project, Lim invited Kuala Lumpurs minority communities, foreign workers, immigrants, and refugees to be collaborators. The young artist visited various marginalised towns and areas of interest where these different communities lived. With the installation site set up within these public spaces, open streets and sheltered compounds, participants were given makeshift mark-making tools such as a handled bicycle wheel, acrylic paint and canvas. The participants were encouraged to express themselves by using their set of tools to paint around the temporary installation site. What resulted from this were exquisite abstract expressionist works created spontaneously by his participants. While Lim did not require a long period of time to create this artwork, he did this as an experiment to examine the relationship between the authorship and the artist. He also wanted to highlight the disappearance of the artists touch when engaging non-artists walking by to make art. Within each canvas, one can observe the varying degrees of curiosity, hesitation and consciousness each participating bystander possessed in wielding the paint wheels. I have always been interested in blurring the distinction between life and art. This project brings art directly to the community, with its creation relying on their participation. When social interactions serve as a form of art, it destroys the barrier between art and audience, says Lim. This multidisciplinary artist, who also majored in photography at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Fine Art School, centres his work on challenging the conventions of art and exploring its social, cultural and political functions. Many of his earlier works involve examining the social experience between art and life. In fact, Lim is no stranger to community-based, interactive project. Back in 2011, the young artist and his team brought their ideas and tools to school children from small towns, inviting them to make art with ready-mades like toys and miscellaneous industrial objects that had been transformed into paint tools. He was awarded the Petronas-P.Ramlee Chairs Award for his outstanding contribution to community arts and research. As a passionate advocate for community arts, he is still involved in organising workshops with the National Visual Arts Gallery in Malaysia. Richard Koh Fine Art has been in operation since 2005 and is regarded as a pioneer who introduced Asian and South-east Asian contemporary art to Malaysia and the region. Returning to this years Art Stage Singapore, the gallery is delighted to showcase Reciprocity by Hings Lim, along with other remarkable artworks by young emerging artists represented exclusively by the gallery. Culture / Art Republik Sitting in its new home, Art Porters features the art work of the Indonesian artist who uses humor to connect to his audience with his latest show Jan 10, 2017 | By Vimi Haridasan With a brand new home at Spottiswoode Park road, the gallery known as Art Porters is all set to host the works of Indonesian artist Naufal Abshar from his Is this Fate? exhibit. At the same time, the gallery will be featuring his work at Art Stage Singapore 2017. Known for his bright and vibrant paintings, the artist adds touches of humor to his creations. The artist either includes laughter or satirical joke texts in his artworks to express his protest for certain issues. An alumnus of Lasalle College of The Arts and Goldsmiths of London University, Naufal created the concept of the HAHA series upon his graduation. The artist shows us the various contexts in which humor is expressed in the Asian context and how it serves as means to bridge the link between humans. In his latest solo show, Naufal narrates the story and complexity of life through puzzle paintings. His philosophy is that humans have the freedom to choose their path in life, regardless of their social, religious and economic backgrounds. He also encourages individuals to curate or create their own story from his puzzle paintings thus shifting their perspective of the artwork. For instance, visitors to the Art Porters gallery can change the head of a robot figure with that of an astronaut figure, lending an interesting twist to the story. His selection by the gallery is no accident either. Art Porters is a gallery that gravitates towards artists and art works of a contemporary nature. Is this Fate? will show from January 11 to February 28 at the Art Porters Gallery. Lifestyle / Travel From Sudan to the Maldives to the Philippines, divers in search of inspiration can load up on ideas for their next underwater adventures, such as exploring shipwrecks all around the world. Heres a look at some of the historical relics divers can discover: Jan 10, 2017 | By AFP Relaxnews Museums arent the only places to discover the rich and diverse histories of the world. Some of the worlds most important heritage sites are, in fact, underwater, where the wreckages of ships, airplanes, cars and other artificial structures lie at the bottom of the ocean floor. If youre looking to combine your love for diving, history and travel in a scuba diving holiday, explore these amazing historical dive sites around the world from Sudan and the Maldives to the Philippines: Scapa Flow Scotland The Orkney Islands are an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland, where 74 ships from the German Navys fleet were detained at the end of the First World War as they waited to learn what fate Allied forces decided for their future. However, the fleets Rear Admiral decided to scuttle the ships to prevent them falling into the hands of the British Navy in 1919. The body of water known as Scapa Flow (pictured above) is one of the worlds largest shipwreck graveyards. USAT Liberty Bali, Indonesia Bali is one of the worlds best-known diving destinations with welcoming waters for underwater explorers and a wealth of diving schools offering PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification courses. Its also a great place for less experienced divers to try shipwreck exploration, as the seabed off the north-east of the island is the final resting place of USAT Liberty. Located just 25 meters from the shore, this US Army cargo ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during the Second World War. It was intentionally beached at Tulamben after sustaining damage, but lava flow from the Mount Agung volcano pushed the wreck back into the sea in 1963. SS Thistlegorm Egypt The wreck of this British Merchant Navy ship, carrying military equipment to troops during the Second World War, is a must-dive in the Suez Canal. Situated 30 meters underwater, the 126-meter long cargo ship remains almost entirely intact. It sunk after being bombed by the German air force in 1941, with the explosion of munitions in its holds ultimately sealing its fate. Divers exploring the wreck will see cargo such as a locomotive, an anti-aircraft gun, trucks, motorcycles and more. At least two dives are required to fully explore the wreckage. Hawaii Pearl Harbour shipwrecks The consequences of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, an important US naval base during the Second World War, have created a hotspot for divers looking to explore history first hand. The wrecks from this major event in world history arent easily accessible. However, the site is home to other war relics, such as the YO-257, a US Navy Yard Oiler that was scuttled off Hawaii to create an artificial reef. Chuuk Lagoon Micronesia In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Micronesia is home to a huge underwater graveyard of Japanese shipwrecks from the countrys large WW2 naval base in the region. The US Army attacked the fleet in 1944. Today, divers can explore several Japanese shipwrecks around the islands of Dublon, Eten, Fefan and Uman. Highlights include the Fujikawa Maru, which is covered in coral, and the Shinkoku Maru, where a sick bay and operating table are visible. Divers can also spot a submarine which, rather than being bombed, sunk when the crew forgot to close the hatches. Umbria Sudan At Port Sudan in the Red Sea, the Umbria is considered one of the most stunning shipwrecks for divers, made famous by filmmaker Hans Haas and French naval officer and explorer Jacques Cousteau. The 153-meter long Italian vessel remains intact and can even be explored inside. Divers will easily identify the propeller of the ship, which was scuttled by its crew after being detained by British officers in 1940. The Umbria was, in fact, secretly carrying a shipment of bombs. Step Back in Time to Ageless Positano and Experience the Jewel of the Amalfi Coast Nestled against the cliffs, this picturesque town offers an unforgettable experience for those willing to approach its shores. From stunning interactions with nature to the height of fashionable shopping, there is something for everyone in Positano.Believed to be founded in the 9century, Positano was long cut off from the world due to its remote locale. Rediscovered and rejuvenated in the 1950s, the village has remained a destination for artists, celebrities and discerning travelers. Its narrow, steep stone streets are lined with wisteria-draped hotels, cafes and boutiques, providing the best the area has to offer: the famous Positano made-to-measure sandals, limoncello made with lemons from nearby groves, and authentic Moda Positano clothing born here in the 60s.Visitors can begin their adventures in Positano by staying in one of the numerous luxurious private villas the town offers, and choosing the accommodations that best fit them. Try a stone fortress overlooking the sea that dates back to the 1200s and live the history of this enchanting village, while still enjoying lavish modern amenities. Or sample the offerings of a more contemporary getaway with infinity pools and an on-site elevator. Whatever your preference, staying in local, authentic accommodations will allow you to experience the town in a way no hotel can hope to match.Visitors should explore the area thoroughly, as much is seemingly hidden from the unknowing traveler. For nature lovers, try hiking the rugged hills to view a stunning panorama of colors and experience the true beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Connecting the tiny hamlet of Nocelle (part of Positano) with Agerola is the aptly named The Path of the Gods, a footpath that offers majestic views of the Mediterranean and the nearby island of Capri. There are multiple access points to the path, depending on the degree of difficulty desired.With its dramatic shoreline, the area is also known for its magnificent beaches especially the Marina Grande, one of the largest and most popular beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Here you can enjoy the sun, beaches and calming turquoise waters, or witness the village rising behind you, with unparalleled vistas of the majolica-tiled dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Fornillo Beach, accessed from the Marina Grande by a romantic walk between the sea and the cliffs, offers a more peaceful sunbathing experience. The area also has a number of secluded beaches, including Arienzo Beach. Its sheltered shoreline is sometimes called the 300 steps beach because of the number of steps needed to descend it, but the trip is worth it, as the strand faces southwest and gets more sun than any other beach in Positano.Positano may seem intimidating at first glance, with its steep streets, rocky cliffs, and fortified walls and watchtowers, but the people are welcoming to visitors eager to explore and discover all the delights secreted there. From meandering ancient pathways that cross the city to a centuries-old chapel overlooking the stunning beach, Positano offers the discerning traveler a private escape to a bygone era. As John Steinbeck said, Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.---Carrington Italia creates tailor-made Italian experiences through its network of luxury villas on the renowned Amalfi Coast of Italy. With a local presence in Positano, Carrington Italia's bilingual team sets a new standard of excellence for custom holidays. To learn more about Carrington Italia, please visit www.CarringtonItalia.com , call (844) 550-5805 or email info@carringtonitalia.com The 2 billionth time must be the charm because Apples critics have been declared right by the Wall Street Journal. Christopher Mims explains Why Apples Critics Are Right This Time. (Tip o the antlers to @papanic, Nathan Larsen and @JonyIveParody.) First of all, saying Apples critics are right is like saying Eating mold is delicious. Blue cheese might be delicious, but most molds that are not. (In this analogy, Rob Enderle is the black mold of Apple critics.) Almost since the birth of Apple Inc., critics have declared it was headed in the wrong direction. Critics like Christopher Mims! Mims said just a year and a half ago that Apple should kill off the Mac. Is this criticism now also correct? Because it sure wasnt then. No, it is still not correct, not even according to Mims. Ironically, Mims now cites neglect of the Mac line of computers as one of the criticisms thats now correct. Also still incorrect is the time back in 2012 when Mims said Apple has peaked for real, this time. For real, they had not. Its very confusing trying to keep up on what criticisms of Apple are currently valid and which have been resigned to the memory hole. In 1997, when the company was 90 days from bankruptcy and Steve Jobs returned to save it, that criticism was correct. While things arent remotely as bad today, Apples critics are correct again. Why, youd have to go all the way back to 2014 to find comparable revenue and profit results for Apple! Please, bring out the novelty-sized giant fork and stick it in the side of One Infinite Loop. Will the last person out of Cupertino please turn out the lights? So, for arent remotely as bad read still freakin incredible. Mims main argument focuses on Siri and how lame it is compared to other virtual assistants like Alexa (which only speaks English and German). Not surprisingly, the only place youll find the word privacy on the page containing Mims article is the link to the Journals privacy policy. Privacy is the word that must never be spoken when discussing the merits of virtual assistants, because its obvious Apples the only one that cares about it. While Apple might be behind in this market, its helpful to recall the netbook criticism of 2009. Apples behind, pundits cried! Itll never catch up! Even their own fans are hacking netbooks to run OS X! Then Apple made the iPad and lightweight laptops that werent pieces of crap and now nobody talks about netbooks anymore. Theres no denying that 2016 was not Apples best year and, yes, some criticism of the company is, as always, warranted. Also, its less the current state of affairs than the trend thats concerning. But as is usually the case with Apple, things arent as dire as theyre made out to be. Apples relationship with the government in China is complicated, to say the least. And recently, things got more entangled. Over the holidays, Apple removed the New York Times app from the Chinese App Store, citing local regulations. In this weeks episode of The iPhone Show, Oscar takes a closer look at the mysterious reasoning that might have led Apple to such a drastic step: Censoring an American newspapers iPhone app in a foreign country. Of course, China is not just any foreign countryit plays a vital role in the manufacturing of the iPhone. And it turns out that the Chinese government has been offering Apples main manufacturing partner, Foxconn, some pretty size-able subsidies, all which were reported by the New York Times. But could these government perks give Apple enough motivation to be complicit in Chinas censorship of the internet and surveillance of its users? Does Apple have a responsibility, especially after standing up to the FBI? Watch the episode above to learn more about this sticky situation, and tell us what you think. Does the New York Times mobile app somehow endanger Chinas national security and disrupt social order. If so, should Apple stand up for freedom of the press or stick to its own interest and follow the foreign regulations? Let us know on Macworlds Facebook page and Twitter feed. Previously on The iPhone Show: How these iPhone apps disrupted the mobile game in 2016 ACCESS-SMC presents at the Houses of Parliament 9 January 2017 The All Party Parliamentary Group on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (APPMG) will be meeting at the Houses of Parliament this Tuesday to discuss components of the 2016 World Malaria Report. The World Health Organization released this report, which reviewed successes in the reduction of malaria cases and mortality, last month in December. Since 2010, the 2016 World Malaria Report revealed malaria mortality rates among children under five years old have fallen by 35%. The UNITAID funded ACCESS-SMC project has been supporting national malaria control programs since 2014 in the Sahel region of Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing preventative malaria treatments for children during the rainy season when they are most at risk. Diego Moroso, Regional Project Director for the Malaria Consortium-led ACCESS-SMC project, will present recent data demonstrating the impact of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in the Sahel region of Sub-Saharan Africa. The presentation will explore how the project is helping to shape the market for SP+AQ, and will demonstrate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of SMC at scale in reducing cases of malaria. The event will also include a presentation on the allocation of resources to combat malaria by Dr. Peter Winskill, who is working on a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded project to develop mathematical models to guide and evaluate malaria control and elimination programs in malaria endemic areas. To read the latest Learning Brief on ACCESS-SMC, click here. Click here to view the presentation 'Transforming the malaria landscape in the Sahel: seasonal malaria chemoprevention' presented at the APPMG meeting. If you would like to read the 2016 World Malaria report, click here. Related projects The UKIPO wants to change the law to allow more automation in patent examination proceedings and update its digital services Basil & Alred: Assurance, Tax & Advisory Since opening its door in 2011 Basil & Alred has grown to become one of the leading professional services firms operating in Tanzania. Offering full-service assurance, tax and advisory expertise, with a team led by partners of some 40 years cumulative experience in public accounting spearheaded by Godfrey Mramba the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer chiefly responsible for tax advisory and corporate development. Prior to founding Basil & Alred, Godfrey was the Managing Director and Vice President of Coeur Tanzania Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Coeur dAlene Mines Corporation (Coeur), one of the largest Silver Miners in the World. Where he spent seven years as Managing Director before transferring back to his native Tanzania to take charge of its Tanzanian subsidiary. Prior to Coeur, Mr. Mramba had worked as an auditor with Ernst & Young in the United States. Working extensively with mutual funds, wealth management firms and venture capital funds as well as across a range of clients in the technology, food and manufacturing sectors. Services Offering: assurance services across internal control attestation services and all other assurance related services. Basil & Alreds professionals will examine and vouchsafe a companys financial statements through forensic financial and internal control audits. Focusing not only on financial statement related processes, but also on the more granular business drivers such as associated risk and their concomitant effects on financial statement accounts. Better enabling their clients management teams to gain a clearer picture of their organisations financial performance. On advisory services whereby Basil & Alred conduct special assignments based on a client need and not limited to a special purpose audit, financial due diligence and internal process review. Assisting companies faced with challenges such as M&A activity or strategic threats such as competition, fraud or technological changes that pose a systemic risk to their operations. As well as in offering core advisory services in areas such as revenue assurance, performance improvement and risk management. All better enabling and equipping their clients with a more effective means to forge an enhanced depth of understanding and more thus effectively manage their business risks and improve business processes and operating efficiency. Whilst of course assuring the validity and clarity of their business information. Specifically encompassing Internal audit & control and IT applications. On the taxation side, with international attitudes to taxation constantly shifting and with governments around the world continually instituting new tax regulations. Tax authorities are becoming increasingly adroit in tax code enforcement and collection. Basil & Alreds professionals therefore offer a range of services designed to tackle this more onerous paradigm. Including, tax compliance services, (helping their clients comply with the law in various jurisdictions) and across value added tax (VAT), pay as your earn (PAYE), as well as corporate, individual and withholding taxes. Basil & Alred can also be prevailed upon to prepare monthly, semi-annual and annual tax returns. The firm also offers a comprehensive health check which entails a detailed review of the various taxes that an individual company is required to comply with including; excise duty, corporate tax, employee taxes, withholding taxes and value added taxes, stamp duty and even skills & developments levies. All of which will assist companies in identifying areas with any potential tax risk. Thus reducing potential tax exposure and thereby avoiding undue penalties. All designed to identify potential strategic tax planning opportunities that a company can take advantage of and optimizing an entities overall tax position. Mitigating any nasty surprises. Particularly in the event of a Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) audit. All of which helps their clients to proactively manage tax risk, enhance compliance. Whilst further reducing exposures and future compliance costs. Advantages of Basil & Alred In terms of some of the major advantages of going through a local Tanzanian firm such As Basil & Alred for tax consultancy. As opposed to one of the more established major multinational big four firms. The value proposition is simple and compelling and as CEO Godfrey Mramba stressed, We all have the big firm experience, but we do it better and for less. It does not mean that we are cheap, rather that you get more value for your money. We know the country and we are not as large as some of our colleagues. Which means you get a better turnaround time. Whilst he also emphasised their relative accessibility, We are also available. If you were to call me, you could reach me quite easily compared to some of our colleagues in the bigger firms. So you can reach me as the managing partner easier than reaching a managing partner at a much bigger firm and because they are dealing with much more. So that is our advantage. Quick turnaround, same service, but our service is superiorly delivered, and value for money. The firm also has a range of domestic expertise and market knowledge pertaining to local laws in Tanzania, such as on the hot-button issue of why the implementation of VAT between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania should be postponed. They are frequently called upon to pass comment and provide commentary in the media. Believing in this case that most of the concerns regarding the application and possible implementation challenges will be taken in to account before the Finance Act, 2016/17 is ratified. Or in another cause celebre on the downside of proposed new tax measures proposed the 2016/2017 national budget. On which salient issue Godfrey Mramba has opined, It is my hope that the Parliament will debate the budget constructively to engender a revision or improvement in taxation After all, the goal is to widen the tax base and collect more taxes by creating a taxpayer friendly regime. As Godfrey Mramba characterised his firms ethos, It is the way in which we do our jobs, the attention to detail that we offer, and the knowledge and the involvement that we have at a senior level in Tanzania. With a long-term vision is to becoming a regional firm Basil & Alred have to be considered the partner of choice in the East African region. TODAY'S WORD is agerasia (ag-rah-as-ah). Example: She used her husband as an example of agerasia. Even at 65, he was still hiking and camping through the woods without any problems. MONDAY'S WORD was rambunctious (ram-bunk-shus). It means uncontrollably exuberant. Example: As soon as the door opened, the kids went tearing outside, clearly happy to be rambunctious and play in the snow. How was the wind? While the snow was falling on Friday, the Stroller found himself in the middle of an interesting conversation with Jason Blackburn. His dad William is a frequent contributor to our letters and in fact he's got one in today. But the topic on Friday wasn't letters, it was weather folklore. Jason passed on something his grandpa used to say, a predictor the Stroller had never heard before. The way it goes, you're supposed to observe what the weather does on Epiphany, which this year was observed last Friday. If the wind blows south, it means warmth and growth for the year. If it blows west, more good news, as it'll be a good year for fishing. Now comes the not so great part. If it's blowing north on Epiphany, then it'll be a long winter. If it's blowing northeast, then not only will the winter be long, but it'll be a rough one. Well, according to the National Weather Service, the wind on Friday was blowing north, as the storm headed northeast. If any of that's true, the Stroller won't mind the snow. It's more the temperatures in the single digits that's the problem. Do your families have any tales about how to predict the weather? Send me an email at brian.carlton@martinsvillebulletin.com and we can talk about it. Rescheduled Well, it looks like we spoke too soon. As the ice and snow didnt do much melting on Monday, Patrick Henry Community College has rescheduled its information sessions that were supposed to be held today. The sessions were regarding the Miss PHCC Scholarship Pageant. Instead, they will be held Thursday at noon and 6 p.m., both in West Hall Room 227. The snow also claimed a bluegrass concert as a victim. The Southern Gentlemen Bluegrass Band were expected to perform at the Bassett Historical Center, but due to the weather, that show has been canceled. We dont know yet when itll be rescheduled. Back to the plow If this were the old days, I mean the really old days, anyone working on a farm would have gotten a free meal Monday. According to the Farmer's Almanac, the first Monday after Epiphany was called Plough Monday. It's when the men went back to work after the holiday. Well, they technically called it work. See, the tradition in the 1700s and early 1800s was to dress up in clean white smocks and drag a plow through the village or town, collecting money for the plow light kept burning in the church throughout the year. You had to be prepared to entertain, as singing and dancing was involved. Then in the evening, the farmers went home and fixed a meal for their workers. TRIVIA QUESTION: The legend of the groundhog seeing his shadow is a big part of winter folklore. Where did that come from? The answer will be in tomorrow's Stroller TRIVIA ANSWER: Overnight, the temperature got a little frosty, hitting 4 degrees at one point. But what is the coldest temperature ever recorded? The answer is something so cold the Stroller doesn't even want to contemplate it. On July 21, 1983, the Russian Vostok Station in Antarctica recorded a temperature of -128.6 Fahrenheit. That's just slightly chilly. A work by Markus Lupertz at a Shanghai exhibition. [Photo provided to China Daily] The burgeoning art market in China has attracted solo shows featuring many prominent contemporary artists from abroad. Deng Zhangyu reports. The year gone by has witnessed many solo shows by influential Western contemporary artists in China as the Chinese appetite for art has increasingly become more global. Audiences in China's first-tier cities are embracing contemporary artists highly rated in the art worldbut not known to a broader publicsuch as Olafur Eliasson, Albert Giacometti and Anselm Kiefer after having been bombarded in the past few years with shows featuring Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, who now find a market in second-tier cities like Chengdu and Hangzhou. The burgeoning art market in China is now attracting prominent artists to hold solo shows in the country. These shows are held either in Beijing, which has a large group of artists, or in Shanghai, a city that houses most of the country's private museums and is a major center for the trading of contemporary art. Here are some of the exhibitions held in 2016 in chronological order. Lei Guiyuan's artistic achievements are celebrated at a retrospective exhibition showing his designs, sketches and paintings. [Photo provided to China Daily] An ongoing exhibition at the Tsinghua University Art Museum celebrates Lei Guiyuan, through his manuscripts, drafts, paintings, calligraphic pieces, ceramics and textiles based on his designs. Lin Qi reports. 'Poetry is about life. So it is with design," said Lei Guiyuan (1906-89), the father of Chinese modern design. Lei, who heralded the modernization of Chinese design, founded the country's first designers group, the Shanghai Industrial Artists Association, in 1934. Lei, who published several design books based on his study of traditional handicrafts and antiques, also helped establish China's first modern design school in Chengdu in 1939, the "wartime capital" during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45). Now, an ongoing exhibition to show Lei's achievements is being held at the Tsinghua University Art Museum. On show are dozens of his manuscripts, drafts, paintings, calligraphic pieces, ceramics and textiles based his designs. The exhibition, Design Life, also marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts and Design, formerly the Central Academy of Arts and Design, where Lei served as the first deputy head. Born in an official's family, Lei was brought up by his grandfather, a former diplomat at the court of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), in his ancestral home in Shanghai. At 15, Lei joined his father, who was the director at the library of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. He later enrolled at the Beiping Fine Art School, now the Central Academy of Fine Arts. SBA 504 Loans offered statewide! Real estate and equipment, acquisitions, renovation, and new construction. Low, fixed-rates up to 25 years with as little as 10% down. Geoff Feiss, general manager of the Montana Telecommunications Association http://telecomassn.org/ , praised the states rural telecom providers Monday during a presentation before City Club Missoula http://www.cityclubmissoula.com/ . He also panned a local effort to establish an open-access broadband network, calling it "risky business." Late last year and in an effort to beat back longstanding myths about the states lack of broadband infrastructure, the Montana Telecommunications Association released a report http://www.broadbandmt.com/ lauding the progress rural carriers have made in extending service into the states distant reaches. By Martin Kidston/Missoula Current Full Story: http://www.missoulacurrent.com/business/2017/01/montana-broadband-fiber/ BroadbandUSA Community Connectivity Webinar Series, 1/12 & 1/18, Online http://www.matr.net/events.phtml?showdetail=6262 Articles about Connectivity & Communications: http://www.matr.net/news.phtml?showall=1&catlabel=Connectivity+%26+Communications&cat_id=11 MISSOULA, Mont. ? The Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation (MICDC) is excited to announce the rollout of its new, affordable Mobile Home Improvement Loan Program. The program aims to help people who live in mobile homes make improvements to their home without taking on high-interest debt. Laila Huson of Missoula was the first to be approved for the new loan program. Her $3,200 loan will enable her to get a new roof on the home she shares with her young sons. ?Every year, we go up on the roof to try to seal the leaks, but it?s an aluminum roof ? with the hot and cold expanding and contracting, it?s a regular problem,? Laila said. ?Most places where I could get a loan would charge a 36% interest rate and require me to use my car as collateral. If I missed a payment due to illness, I could lose my only means of transportation.? ?Most people would feel like this is a situation with a requirement for collateral or an outrageous interest rate,? Laila said. ?When I first heard about it (the Mobile Home Improvement Loan), I didn?t believe it. But this is not hype ? they (MICDC) are there to help.? Mobile home owners have a significantly harder time finding financing for home repairs, which can lead to uncomfortable and unhealthy living conditions. The Mobile Home Improvement Loans can be used by mobile home owners for almost any home repair or upgrade. MICDC has applications pending from homeowners for winterization, heating and cooling, flooring, new windows and energy-efficiency upgrades. The loans can also be used by mobile home communities for improvements such as playgrounds, lighting, signage and landscaping. The amount the borrower pays monthly is on a sliding scale and based on the borrowers? monthly income and expenses. Mobile Home Improvement Loans are available to residents of mobile home communities in Montana and Idaho. ?We are excited to provide low-cost loans to help residents of mobile home communities make their homes nicer and more livable,? said Dave Glaser, President of MICDC. ?By providing this funding, we are helping people solve health and safety challenges that would otherwise go unaddressed.? MICDC launched the Mobile Home Improvement Loan program in response to needs it saw while providing financing for other communities. MICDC has worked with NeighborWorks Montana to help three mobile home communities establish resident-owned communities (ROCs) and finance the acquisition of the land under their homes. This gives the residents long-term security and control over maintenance needs for a safe, healthy community. When MICDC entered these communities, however, it found other problems that were not being addressed. ?When we work with a community to finance a ROC loan, it always uncovers community infrastructure problems like unsafe playgrounds and water systems, as well as individual homeowner needs like leaky roofs and broken windows,? said Catherine Jones, Development Director at MICDC. ?We decided that in addition to helping mobile home communities form ROCs and buy the land, we?d seek funding to help them address other issues related to health, safety and well-being.? To apply for a Mobile Home Improvement Loan for an individual mobile home or a mobile home community, contact Julie Ehlers at 844-728-9234 ext. 225. Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation The Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation (MICDC) provides consulting services and financing to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Montana and Idaho, as well as affordable housing solutions in Montana. MICDC was one of the first Community Development Finance Institutions in the country to be certified by the U.S. Treasury, and its powerful New Markets Tax Credit Program has brought hundreds of millions of dollars to Montana and Idaho and created thousands of jobs. Since its start in 1986, the nonprofit MICDC has grown to over $400 million in loans under management, with offices in Missoula, Bozeman and Boise. Learn more at http://mtcdc.org/. A la suite dune representation du Whip de lOpposition selon laquelle le Deputy Chairman of Committees etant present dans la chambre alors que le chauffeur de ce dernier a ete en quarantaine a cause de la Covid-19. Dans son ruling, le Speaker a indique que cela ne devrait pas etre a matter of concern apres les informations quil a obtenu du ministere de la Sante et un Acting Regional Public Health Superintendent du Communicable Disease Control Unit. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Update: According to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, wanted suspect, Lawrence Walker III, has been located. We thank the public for their assistance. McDowell County sheriffs deputies are on the hunt for a man facing child sex charges. Lawrence Anthony Walker, 22, is wanted on two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child and one count of sex offense by a person in a parental role. He was charged in September last year after it came to light that he had inappropriate sexual contact with a female acquaintance who was 6 during the time of the crimes and 16 when they were reported. Lawrence is described as a white male who stands 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information concerning Walkers whereabouts is asked to call Detective Paul Alkire at the McDowell County Sheriffs Office at 652-2237 or McDowell County Crimestoppers at 65-CRIME (652-7463). Now, you can also text your tips to Crimestoppers. Text MCDOWELLTIPS and your information to 274637 (CRIMES). With Crimestoppers, your identity remains anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward. African jihadist group Boko Haram literally trains boy soldiers to rape women The world at large is in a horrific predicament. Terrorist organizations all over the world are growing every single day and the results of this are the stuff of nightmares. While ISIS is certainly the most well known of the current terrorist groups plaguing the earth, the African jihadis known as Boko Haram deserve to be exposed for their twisted nature as well. In an upsetting report, it has now been revealed that the young soldiers that are recruited by Boko Haram are being taught to rape women. In an article published by The Daily Beast, Philip Obaji Jr. discusses his time spent with young militants working with Boko Haram in the northern part of Nigeria. A 15-year-old referred to as Ahmed broke down how he was abducted from his home and forced to join the evil terrorist organization. Obaji Jr. reports, For the next two days, the young boys, most of whom were about Ahmeds age, watched as their commanders raped women and young girls abducted in earlier raids. The lesson for the boys was clear: They were learning to subdue a struggling victim during sexual assault. It is a horrific story that is guaranteed to upset everyone who reads it, but these kinds of events have been increasingly common outside of the United States. In countries that refuse to acknowledge the dangers of allowing radical Islamic extremism to run rampant, groups like Boko Haram have managed to take over completely. They force the young to join their ranks and terrorize everyone who dares stand up to them. They do whatever they want which seems to include raping innocent women. Stories like this perfectly express why we should take the threat of Islam much more seriously than we currently are. While Boko Haram has yet to make its way to the United States, these horrific events will only gain traction if there are not proper repercussions. After so many attacks from radical Islam, one has to wonder what will be the breaking point. At what point will the powers that be come together and put a stop to these acts of terrorism? There is no possible way to excuse the actions of these twisted monsters. There is nothing that can possibly make it acceptable to teach children how to rape women. Yet, that is what is happening here. Its time to take a stand, avoid political correctness and do whatever we can to put an end to this madness. Sources: Breitbart.com Metro.co.uk TheDailyBeast.com by Tobi Elkin , Staff Writer @tobielkin, January 10, 2017 When news broke last week that Medium, the writer-friendly online publication, was laying off one-third of its staff (about 50 people), it wasnt all that shocking. Online publications routinely shed jobs, retool, and refocus. Often they get acquired or close up shop altogether. Medium is different in many ways from the typical online publication. Its a place where any type of writer can express themselves. It's also often a venue for influencersone of the buzzwords I love to hateto bloviate, make corporate announcements, or advance what passes for a trend. Not all influencer posts on Medium are like that, but perhaps you know what I mean. The layoffs essentially spell the end of Mediums branded content business, Promoted Stories. The publication looked to that business to generate ad revenue. In this way, it was doing what most other publishers are: leaning on branded content to help prop up a broken advertising model. advertisement advertisement In a blog post announcing the layoffs and reboot, Medium CEO Ev Williams reiterated what drove him to create the publication in the first place: [I]ts clear that the broken system is ad-driven media on the Internet. It simply doesnt serve people. In fact, its not designed to. The vast majority of articles, videos, and other content we all consume on a daily basis is paid fordirectly or indirectlyby corporations who are funding it in order to advance their goals. And it is measured, amplified, and rewarded based on its ability to do that. Period. As a result, we getwell, what we get. And its getting worse. Williams' words bear repeating: The broken system is ad-driven media. I agree. So whats the way outor through? Publishers certainly cant rely solely on branded content to get them out of the hole. It may be award-winning and engaging"and in many cases, adds significantly to publishers' revenues. But Williams is going for something more here. Hes trying to figure out how to overhaul a moribund system and in so doing, incent writers who are sharing their ideas. He writes that writers should be rewarded on their ability to enlighten and inform, not simply their ability to attract a few seconds of attention. It remains to be seen how Medium will create a new publishing and revenue-generating model. Of course paid subscriptions are one way to go. Publishers can also purchase memberships for readers on Medium. It's interesting, for example, that The New York Times actually saw the number of new subscriptions increase when it removed its paywall during the election. The main point is this: Medium wants to reduce its dependence on digital advertising and branded content and come up with a new way to monetize. What that will be is unclear. The pact or value exchange between readers and publishersthat readers must accept some form of advertising or sponsored content in order to gain access to free contentis worn and frayed. New hybrid models are needed. Bravo to Williams for continuing the quest to find the right solution(s) for Medium. by Chuck Martin , Staff Writer, January 9, 2017 License plates are about to be turned into digital screens that display the traditional number information when the car is moving but convert to digital advertising when the car is parked. In a sign that the connected car is going to involve more than just Internet connectivity, a company at the auto show in Detroit this week is introducing a digital license plate. The rPlate and information platform comes from Reviver in partnership with motor vehicle departments. The smart license plate is an IoT platform that includes DMV registration automation, hyper-local messaging and vehicle management. I caught up with Neville Boston, CEO and founder of Reviver, who was at the auto show to discuss some of potential of the new plates, which house a GPS, accelerometer, RF sensors and storage. Initially targeted to fleets of cars, such as rental companies, the connected plates could become highly targeted mini-billboards. The rPlate is the same size as a standard license plate and has an anti-reflective screen. Advertising could be sent to license plates based on location, according to Boston. For example, a Procter & Gamble brand could be broadcast to cars all parked with a certain distance of a particular store that carried that product. In a Home Depot parking lot, you could send ads that speak to whats in a store, Boston said. Prototype plates already are operational in California and Reviver has approvals from state legislators in Florida and California and preliminary approval from Arizonas DMV, according to Boston. The 8-year-old company plans to launch the rPlates in Texas, Arizona, California and Florida by the end of this year. Messages on the plates could dynamically change based on geolocation configuration. Already included in the plates are programming for emergency broadcasts like extreme weather warnings or Amber Alerts, as well as VIN-specific recall notifications. The plate also can automate the payment of toll road charges and parking fees. Reviver works with the local DMV with the DMV having approval of the types of advertising and messaging that could be sent through the Reviver rPlate platform. Its always a partnership with a DMV, said Boston. Its a public-private partnership. The rPlate is about automating really simple things. Whether consumers will want their car to become a moving billboard, the cost of messages delivered per plate (dreading a cost-per-plate metric) and the extent of state approvals, among a host of other issues, are yet to be determined. But in true IoT fashion, anything that moves can be tracked. And license plates are constantly on the move. Theyre just not going to remain static. As the battle to help professionals communicate continues to heat up, Australian software giant Atlassian is buying Trello for $425 million. The company intends to keep the Trello service and brand intact. A popular team collaboration software maker, Trello competes with Slack, Microsoft and Google in their efforts to help business types communicate and organize their ideas. Our small idea was to take the paradigm of a sticky note on a wall and turn it into a tool that allowed people to collaborate in real time, Trello CEO Michael Pryor notes in a new blog post. After about five years of operation, Trello presently boasts about 19 million users and numerous enterprise clients from the United Nations to the Red Cross. Under Atlassian's umbrella, Pryor says he envisions a scenario in which hundreds of millions of Trello users collaborate in teams however they like, with their imaginations being the only constraint for what they can accomplish. advertisement advertisement That, of course, is if those professionals don't choose any one of several competing communication platforms. Slack, in particular, has quickly established itself as a company to watch in the white-hot mobile messaging space. Standing apart from rival messaging services -- namely Facebook -- Slack has convinced subscribers to fork over monthly fees for premium features. Facebook, for its part, recently rolled out Work Chat -- a messaging app designed specifically for business teams. (Between its WhatsApp unit and Facebook Messenger, Facebook already dominates the mobile-messaging space.) Microsoft, meanwhile, recently debuted Teams -- a chat-based workspace in Office 365. Its naturally integrated with the familiar Office applications and is built from the ground up on the Office 365 global, secure cloud, Kirk Koenigsbauer,corporate vice president for the Office team, said upon the launch of Teams. To encourage engagement, Microsoft Teams supports persistent and threaded chats. By default, conversations are visible to the entire time, but private discussions available as an option. Of course, Skype is integrated into Teams -- so users can participate in voice and video conferences -- along with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneNote, Planner, Power BI and Delve. by Tobi Elkin @tobielkin, January 9, 2017 Rocket Fuel late Monday announced a restructuring that it says will enable the company to continue its transformation into a SaaS-based (software as a service) platform company. In so doing, the company said it eliminated 93 jobs, or 11% of the companys headcount, and shuffled executive responsibilities. The job cuts were in services and administrative roles, according to the company. The organizational changes announced will focus on the companys predictive marketing platform solutions and media services businesses. The company said David Gosen currently SVP and managing director of international will expand his role to become GM, platform solutions & international, and Simon Hayhurst, currently SVP of product, will become GM of media services. All marketing functions have been consolidated under CMO Eric Duerr. CRO Rick Songs team continues to sell platform solutions and media services. Rocket Fuels media services business still comprises the majority of its business 80% as of the third quarter while the platform business stood at 19%. The company is looking to grow the platform business while keeping its media services business. advertisement advertisement Rocket Fuel also said it has continued to streamline its operations consolidating offices and in some cases, moving to less expensive office space. These changes, employee cuts, and other cost-cutting measures are projected to help reduce operating expenses by approximately $20 million annually, according to the company. The question is: How do you create a profitable business? Our expense structure was too big for what were doing, said Rocket Fuel CEO Randy Wootton. Wootton touted the companys accomplishments, noting that it had experienced 141% growth in its platform business in third-quarter 2016 and signed its first platform agreement with a U.S. agency holding company, which it didnt name. Wootton stressed that the restructuring was needed in order to continue the companys ongoing transformation into a predictive marketing platform provider. How do we simplify our story? Wootton asked. How do you structure profitable business units? He emphasized that the job cuts involved employees who supported small-business customers and handled administrative and human resources functions. He said there were no cuts in engineering and that there are, in fact, 30 openings for engineers. We are redirecting capacity to fuel growth in our platform solutions business, Wootton said. by Tobi Elkin @tobielkin, January 10, 2017 Spongecell, a provider of programmatic creative technology, on Tuesday announced the release of a new HTML5-based video format thats designed to help advertisers work with personalized, data-driven interactive video on a cross-device basis. In launching the new format, Spongecell aims to segue from Flash to offer customers personalized video. "HTML5 ads are leaner, run across all devices, and can easily be built with self-service tools. Flash ads, on the other hand, slow down page load times, can't run on tablet and mobile and require product knowledge of Flash to build them," Ben Kartzman, Spongecell CEO, told Real-Time Daily in an email. Among the features of the new format: --Data-driven video: The new video ad format allows advertisers to reach consumers with relevant messaging and video content informed by first- and third-party data, plus any turnkey data based on location, weather, date, and time of day. advertisement advertisement --Shoppable product carousels: Advertisers can dynamically pull in their product catalogs to offer a range of product recommendations, including products trending in their markets or retarget consumers with previously viewed products. --Visibility into ad interactions: In contrast to the VAST (Video Ad Serving Template) in-stream ad format that runs cross-device, but only tracks click-throughs, HTML5 in-stream offers granular tracking of campaign success metrics including engagement rate, time spent, and interactions, according to the company. --Self-service platform: Advertisers can build, target, and traffic their HTML5 in-stream units using Spongecells ad studio and decision engine. Kartzman said 2016 was a pivotal year for the ad industry in terms of accepting programmatic creative technology to create personalized marketing. He said he expects that as video grows in overall digital ad market share including in the programmatic space, brands are will increasingly demand the ability to reach the right consumer at the right time with the right message on a cross-device basis at scale. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, January 10, 2017 At the close of the sale of Yahoo's "core assets" to Verizon, the remaining portion of the Internet icon's business will become Altaba. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission filing published Tuesday also reveals the size of the Board will be reduced to five directors: Tor Braham, Eric Brandt, Catherine Friedman, Thomas McInerney and Jeffrey Smith. Brandt will serve as Chairman of the Board. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer will step down, along with Yahoo co-founder David Filo; Eddy Hartenstein; Richard Hill; and Jane Shaw; and Maynard Webb will resign on closing of the sale. Yahoo will keep its 15% stake in Alibaba and 35.5% stake in Yahoo Japan. Both will remain under the new investment company Altaba as the rest of Yahoo integrates with Verizon, according to one report. Altaba will hold $36 billion in shares of Alibaba after Verizon takes control of the rest of the company. by Sara Guaglione , January 10, 2017 Nearly two dozen staffers will leave The Seattle Times, as a result of the daily newspapers falling ad revenue. While digital subscriber revenue at the newspaper has grown, the increases arent sufficient to offset structural advertising losses, executive editor Don Shelton said in an email to newsroom employees Friday, informing them that 23 people are expected to leave, including five non-union staff members who have taken buyouts. Seattle Times EVP and CFO Alan Fisco warned employees of potential cuts in December, and said the paper is "forced to join the rest of the industry in adjusting to ever-lower advertising revenue. Industry advertising trends worsened in the second half of the year nationally. This trend is anticipated to continue for 2017." Fourteen newsroom union members, which include reporters, desk editors and news page designers, among others, were notified Friday they would likely be laid off if not enough people signed up for voluntary buyouts. advertisement advertisement Union members will have until Jan. 20 to request buyouts. Two employees have decided to leave. Two others accepted jobs at The Seattle Times outside the newsroom. Their former positions wont be replaced. Shelton added these numbers could change going forward. The newspaper will undergo a restructuring soon. The Seattle Times has about 170 newsroom employees and is the largest newspaper organization in the Pacific Northwest. The newspaper went through a similar downsizing process a year ago. Fifteen staffers took the buyouts and left at that time. "We are into the bone," a staffer told Seattles weekly arts and culture newspaper The Stranger. "Every cut means news won't get covered. I question how we can do it." Shelton has made his 2017 plans for The Seattle Times clear: The paper will focus on posting content earlier and more often, with fewer layers of editing. Some posts will be shorter, and the paper will aggregate content from other sources. There will also be changes to some beat coverage. The paper's print product will continue to publish seven days a week. The Seattle Times was founded in 1896 by the Blethen family. Its current publisher and CEO, Frank Blethen, is the fourth generation to oversee the paper. The Seattle Times did not immediately respond to requests for comment at press time. by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, January 10, 2017 Backpage won a significant court battle this week, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to revive a lawsuit by a group of teens who tried to sue the company for allegedly facilitating sex trafficking. But the company may have lost its larger war. Late last night, on the eve of a Senate hearing, the company removed all "adult" escort ads and replaced them with a link reading "censored." This morning, lawmakers on the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations repeatedly condemned the company for allegedly facilitating sex trafficking. Sen. Bob Portman (R-Ohio) kicked off the proceeding by referencing a new Senate report that, in his opinion, "conclusively shows that Backpage has been more deeply complicit in online sex trafficking than anyone imagined." The report concluded that Backpage's editing process -- which involved deleting words and images "suggestive of illegal conduct" from ads -- "sanitized the content of millions of advertisements and hid important evidence from law enforcement," Portman said. advertisement advertisement Backpage executives refused to testify at the hearing. The Senate report also noted that Backpage's revenue spiked after Craigslist shuttered its adult listings in 2010. Backpage's gross revenue went from $29 million that year to $135 million in 2014, according to the report. That shouldn't have been a surprise, given that everyone who had considered the issue predicted that Craigslist's ads would inevitably migrate to other sites. Portman and other lawmakers argue that Backpage's edits to users' ads deprive the company of the protections of the Communications Decency Act, which says that Web sites aren't responsible for crimes by users. In fact, however, numerous judges have ruled that sites don't lose their protections by editing users' posts. Just last month, Judge Michael G. Bowman in Sacramento specifically rejected a claim by former Attorney General (now Senator) Kamala Harris that Backpage lost its protections by editing ads. "Assuming that ... the ad went from expressing intent to advertise prostitution to express a desire to 'date,' the People are essentially complaining that Backpage staff scrubbed the original ad, removing any hint of illegality," Bowman wrote in a ruling dismissing criminal charges against Backpage executives. "If this was the alleged content 'manipulation,' the content was modified from being illegal to legal. Surely the AG is not seeking to hold Defendants liable for posting a legal ad." For his part, Portman suggested today that lawmakers will explore revising the Communications Decency Act in a way to "end the facilitation of online sex trafficking" at sites like Backpage. As their recent investment and acquisition histories demonstrate, artificial intelligence is key to the futures of every tech titan from Apple to Facebook. Whether these companies like it or not, a new research-based fund -- the Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund -- has been formed to judge the ethical merits of their AI endeavors. The $27 million fund is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a nonprofit led by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, among other investor Artificial intelligence agents will impact our lives in every society, stated Alberto Ibarguen, president of Knight Foundation. We want to influence the outcome by ensuring ethical behavior and governance that includes the interests of the diverse communities that will be affected. The MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University have signed on to serve as founding academic institutions for the initiative. advertisement advertisement Hoffman and the Omidyar Network each committed $10 million to the fund, while Knight Foundation committed $5 million. With the MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center, they will form a governing board to distribute awards and facilitate related activities. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Jim Pallotta, founder of the Raptor Group, have each committed $1 million to the fund, which is expected to grow as other funders come on board. Older adults who go to the emergency department (ED) for an illness or injury are at increased risk for disability and decline in physical abilities up to six months later, according to a study by Yale researchers. The study was published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. Most adults aged 65 and older who visit the emergency department each year are treated and sent home. Previous work by senior author Thomas M. Gill, M.D., the Humana Foundation Professor of Medicine (geriatrics) at Yale School of Medicine, and his colleagues showed that older adults are more likely to experience disability and declines in function after a hospitalization. But few studies have examined what happens in this population after a visit to and discharge from the ED. For their study, the Yale team used prospective data collected on more than 700 older adults over 14 years. The researchers used a scoring system to assess the presence and severity of disability among adults who had visited the ED and been discharged, been hospitalized after an ED visit, or not come to the ED at all (the control group). The research team also analyzed nursing home admissions and mortality after an ED visit. The researchers found that the discharged group had significantly higher disability scores than the control group. Those patients were also more likely to be living in a nursing home, and to die, in the six-month period after going to the ED. Participants who had been hospitalized had the highest disability scores. "We know that if older persons go to the hospital and are admitted, they are at increased risk of disability and functional decline. This study shows that patients discharged from the ED, meaning that they were deemed well enough to return home, are also at risk for functional decline," said first author Justine M. Nagurney, M.D., a resident in Emergency Medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital. "We should be doing something to address that." Strategies to address the problem might include assessments of function in the ED, which could be conducted by care transition coordinators or geriatric specialists, Nagurney noted. For example, some EDs employ geriatric advanced practice nurses to assess patients' risk for functional decline. "Patients may benefit from ED-based initiatives to evaluate and potentially intervene upon changes in disability status," she said. The estimated additional cost of medical care and long-term care for newly disabled older adults in the United States is $26 billion per year, the authors noted. The study is part of the Precipitating Events Project at Yale, an ongoing, longitudinal study of community-living older adults designed to investigate the factors contributing to disability. The study was supported in part by the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at Yale School of Medicine, the National Institute on Aging, and the John A. Hartford Foundation Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine and Training. Article: Emergency Department Visits Without Hospitalization Are Associated With Functional Decline in Older Persons, Justine M. Nagurney, MD, William Fleischman, MD, MHS, Ling Han, MD, PhD, Linda Leo-Summers, MPH, Heather G. Allore, PhD, Thomas M. Gill, MD, Annals of Emergency Medicine, doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.09.018, published online 6 January 2017. An international research team, led by the University of Bristol, has provided the first clues to understand how the mcr-1 gene protects bacteria from colistin - a 'last resort' antibiotic used to treat life-threatening bacterial infections that do not respond to other treatment options. Last year, members of the team, led by Dr Jim Spencer from the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, in collaboration with colleagues from Oxford, Cardiff, Diamond Light Source, Thailand and China, identified mcr-1 as the first colistin-resistance gene that could be passed between bacteria, enabling resistance to spread rapidly within a bacterial population. Since then, the mcr-1 gene has been detected in common bacteria, such as E. coli, in China, the United States and across Europe first in farm animals and recently - worryingly - in human patients. The spread of mcr-1 has been linked to agricultural use of colistin, indicating that transmission between animals and humans may take place. In response to these findings the Chinese government has now banned use of colistin in animal feed. Colistin acts by binding to, and disrupting, the outer surface of bacteria. Bacteria carrying the mcr-1 gene make a protein that modifies the bacterial surface to reduce colistin binding, making the organism resistant. In their work the team used X-rays produced at Diamond's crystallography beamlines to generate detailed pictures of the portion of this protein responsible for this modification, and with this information identified key features that are necessary for it to function. They also constructed computer models of the chemical reaction that leads to resistance. This provides the first clues as to how mcr-1 acts within the bacterial cell, as well as information essential to efforts to identify ways of blocking MCR-1 function that could restore the activity of colistin against bacteria carrying mcr-1. This work was funded by the UK Medical Research (MRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences (BBSRC) and Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPSRC) Research Councils, the Royal Society of Chemistry and government agencies from China and Thailand. Essential to the study was the involvement of researchers from multiple disciplines, including medical and veterinary microbiologists and organic, inorganic and computational chemists. In particular BristolBridge, an EPSRC-funded research initiative at the University of Bristol that aims to engage researchers in the physical sciences and engineering with the problem of antimicrobial resistance, helped bring to the project expertise in inorganic and computational chemistry which proved invaluable in understanding the experimental results. Professor Adrian Mulholland, co-author of the study and Principal Investigator for the BristolBridge initiative, based in the School of Chemistry, said: "The importance of understanding colistin resistance can hardly be overstated: it is rapidly emerging threat to public health. "Our results illuminate the structural and (for the first time) mechanistic basis of transferable colistin resistance conferred by mcr-1, thanks to the combination of biological, chemical and computational expertise brought to bear on this project. "We are confident that our findings will drive efforts to understand mcr-1-mediated resistance and ultimately help identify routes towards overcoming MCR-1 activity in harmful bacteria." India January 10, 2017 Ireland Ireland Binish Chudgar Newcastle Ireland India US$ 1 billion Europe India January 2015 London Ireland Ireland Gaurang Darji AHMEDABAD,/PRNewswire/ --Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. ('Intas'), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Accord Healthcare Ltd. ('Accord'), announced it has completed the deal to acquire Actavis UK Ltd. & Actavis Ireland Ltd. ('Actavis UK &') from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ('Teva'), for an enterprise value of 603 million payable in cash. The transaction is part of the European Commission's anti-trust divestiture requirements arising from Teva's acquisition of Allergan's generics business.Following the completion of the acquisition, Accord strengthens its footprint in the UK andretail market to become a leading player in the industry at European level, while Intas becomes a top 20 generic player globally. The combination with Actavis UK Ltd. and Actavis Ireland gives Accord an exciting opportunity to build on its already strong position in the market, providing the Company with increased access to UK and Irish retail and hospital markets. The combination of these two high performing businesses, expands Accord's UK manufacturing presence with the addition of the GMP Barnstaple site owned by Actavis, resulting in a combined regional base revenue of more than half a billion euros per year, and a workforce of more than 1,000 employees."The completion of this acquisition captures a great opportunity for growth and demonstrates Intas' commitment to greater European expansion," says Mr, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Intas. "The joining of these two companies means we can continue our successful European operating path, which started more than a decade ago. We are a leading generics player in the UK market, with a clear plan for continued growth and development of the Barnstaple site and the Actavis team. Through our subsidiary, Accord Healthcare, we are welcoming the Actavis team into the Intas family and will ensure a smooth integration of the two businesses," Chudgar added.This acquisition further demonstrates Accord's commitment to UK manufacturing, adding to the recent significant investment to reinstate a facility in. The Barnstaple plant will become one of Accord's four UK sites, ensuring the company has one of the most extensive local supply chains to service pharmacies, clinicians, hospitals and wholesalers across UK and, and into Europe.Intas is among the top-10 Indian pharmaceutical companies and the largest privately-held pharmaceutical company in, with annual turnover in excess of, of which 60% comes from international operations.The group has an extensive geographic footprint with presence in 70 countries worldwide and more than 80% of export revenue coming from US, UK and EU.Intas operates over 10 manufacturing facilities worldwide. These facilities have regulatory approvals from multiple global agencies and enjoy an excellent reputation for quality and compliance. The group has capabilities to produce a wide variety of dosage forms including solid orals, liquids, lyophilized sterile preparations, creams, drops and injectables.Intas employs 12,000 people globally with over 400 located in. The company employs over 800 scientists; spends approximately 6% of sales on R&D per annum and has been granted 27 international patents.In addition to generics formulation, R&D is focused on value-added products such as biosimilars, value-added and improved generics using novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) and innovative active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).Intas has the largest commercialised portfolio of biosimilars inand is the first Indian pharmaceutical company to launch a biosimilar in the EU.Intas is privately held, based in Ahmedabad India, and backed by two leading financial investors, Temasek and ChrysCapitalAccord is a fully-owned subsidiary of Intas, managing its European activities with presence in over 30 European markets with headquarters in London.Accord operates in both primary and secondary care segments with a large European portfolio of more than 6,000 products approvals across 220 molecules. It has a strong product pipeline with 43 molecules under registration and 121 under development.Accord has been established for more than 10 years in the UK and supplies over 80m packs of medicines per year. The company holds contracts with, and supplies to, all major UK wholesalers, NHS hospitals and The Department of Health. Accord's product portfolio is increasingly focused on complex products with higher technological and clinical requirements. For example, Accord Healthcare launched their first biosimilar, Accofil, in, providing an affordable alternative for patients treated with filgrastim. This launch represented the first European biosimilar product developed and produced by an Indian based manufacturer.Accord already operates an EU GMP manufacturing site in Haverhill, UK and an EU test and release laboratory inAccord, recently received the prestigious 'Company of the Year 2016' and 'Company of the Year EMEA 2016' Generics Bulletin Awards.Actavis UK has grown rapidly to become a leading supplier of generic pharmaceuticals in the UK. This success is built upon a strong 175-year UK manufacturing heritage, with over 10% of total UK generic medicines manufactured at the Barnstaple manufacturing facility. Actavis UK supports 85% of UK pharmacists' category M dispensing needs; supporting patients to receive the medicines they need when they need them.Actavis first entered the Irish market in 2008 with just 15 products and a commitment to provide Irish retail and hospital pharmacists with long-term sustainable value across a broad product portfolio and outstanding customer service. This commitment, based on a partnership approach with pharmacists, has helped Actavis to grow to be a leading generic supplier inwith a portfolio of over 100 products.Disclaimer:The trade mark Actavis is used under licence by Teva Pharmaceuticals Europegaurangdarji@oneadvt.com +91-9925038960 Sr. General Manager - Corporate Affairs One Advertising & Communication Services Ltd. Advertisement Miscarriage refers to a pregnancy loss in women that occurs before 20 weeks of gestation. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), miscarriage is one of the common types of pregnancy loss. Hormonal problems, maternal age, lifestyle problems like smoking, drug use, malnutrition can all be a cause for a miscarriage. There is a 20-35% chance of miscarriage in women who are between the age of 35-45 years. And a 50% chance of miscarriage in women above the age of 45. Eating healthy, exercising regularly and managing stress may help to prevent miscarriage. Mary D. Stephenson et.al., Luteal start vaginal micronized progesterone improves pregnancy success in women with recurrent pregnancy loss, Fertility and Sterility; (2017) DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.11.029 What Does Progesterone Do? - (http://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/what-do-hormones-do/progesterone) Progesterone - (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604017.html) Miscarriage - (http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/miscarriage/) Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced by the corpus luteum (temporary endocrine gland). It helps the endometrium to prepare for pregnancy after ovulation.The research team studied the effects of micronized plant-derived progesterone hormone in 116 women who had multiple pregnancy losses.Thewas created by Harvey J Kliman, M.D., director of the Reproductive and Placental Research Unit in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine and was used to determine whether the endometrium is healthy and can sustain the embryo.The research team also focused onwhich can assess recurrent pregnancy loss in patients.Women who had abnormal nCycline levels were prescribed progesterone hormone for two days after ovulation ( time during which the uterine lining matures for pregnancy).The scientists believed that progesterone hormone could cause the endometrium to produce more secretions.Kliman, said, "The endometrium feeds the baby until the eighth week of pregnancy. Then at 9 to 10 weeks the mother's blood takes over to feed the embryo.""In this subset of women experiencing multiple early miscarriages, we assume that their embryos were literally starving to death"."They attached, but they were not getting enough food. When we give progesterone back to these women, the endometrium makes more nutrients and prevents their pregnancy loss," Klimann, added.The researcher also said, thatKliman worked along with Mary Stephenson, M.D., and Dr. Theresa S. Falcon-Cullinan Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois at Chicago,director of the University of Illinois Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program.Stephenson, said, "We are very pleased to find that these results reinforce the evidence that"The positive results show us that next we need to study progesterone as a treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss with a prospective randomized trial to validate the findings."Source: Medindia Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends. Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice. Priyanka Chopras big Hollywood debut is nearing its release and all of India is awaiting it eagerly, because of course, PC is known to own the throne wherever she goes! YouTube The first trailer of Baywatch released some time ago and fans were underwhelmed by Priyanka Chopras blink and miss performance. If you missed it, here it is! Well, the new trailer more than makes up for the disappointment that the first trailer was. Priyanka Chopra as Victoria Leeds, the antagonist, looks sizzling hot! Of course, theres Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Zac Efron too but whos even looking? Not when theres Priyanka Chopra at her hottest. Alternate Foreign Minister G. Katrougalos will visit Berlin on 11 January 2017. During his visit, Mr. Katrougalos is to meet with the German Minister of State for Europe, Mr. Roth, as well as with German MPs and trade union leaders. On the margins of his visit, Mr. Katrougalos will meet with Greek correspondents and give an interview to Deutsche Welle. PORT AUSTIN An estimated $50,000 worth of damage occurred to a wooden shed behind a residence located on Pointe aux Barques Road Saturday morning. According to Port Austin Fire Chief Don Zimmerman, firefighters were called to the scene just after 8 a.m., where a neighbor spotted the fire coming out of the 30-by-40-foot shed and phoned it in. "Basically, it appeared that the woodshed might have overheated that's where it started," said Zimmerman. "The fire was coming out of the back of the wall of the chimney when we got there." Zimmerman said there was another shed just behind it, but firefighters were able to get there in time to prevent that shed from igniting. He said the second shed may have sustained a little smoke damage though. The fire destroyed the inside of the shed, including all of its contents, which contained tools and a fish shanty, among other items. The property is owned by Keith Williams. Firefighters were on scene for about an hour and a half. Port Austin firefighters received a full assist from the Kinde Fire Department. BAD AXE The case against a Port Austin man, who provided a deadly drug that killed his wife, came to a close this week as he was hauled away for a minimum sentence of nearly eight years in the states prison system. Brandon S. Lopez entered Huron County Circuit Judge Gerald M. Prills courtroom donned in orange and shackled in chains on Monday to be sentenced for the death of his wife, Carol Lopez, roughly two years ago. A Huron County Sheriffs Office deputy found Carol unresponsive on or about March 9 or 10, 2015. Authorities searched the Caseville home she was found in and seized substances later revealed as cocaine and fentanyl. According to previous testimony, Lopez cooked up what he thought was heroin, loaded the syringe and gave it to his wife. The heroin, however, ended up being fentanyl, a synthentic painkiller the Drug Enforcement Agency says is 100 times more powerful than morphine and up to 50 times that of heroin. Following an autopsy, fentanyl was found in her blood and Lopez was arrested last March. The 34-year-old took a plea bargain in September and as a result pleaded no contest to delivery of a controlled substance causing death, and the remaining drug-related charges were dismissed. At sentencing, Walt Salens, Lopezs attorney, expressed to the court the remorse his client has shown since he took the case. Every time I visited with Mr. Lopez at the jail, hes told me he wishes it was him instead of her, Salens said, adding the incident was very unfortunate for all parties involved. Salens told Prill that Lopez loved his wife and their children and tried to support them whenever possible. He has a longtime substance abuse problem, Salens referred to the pre-sentence investigation report. At the age of 17, Lopez began receiving psychological treatment, Salens said, and he can now function in life without the substances because of treatment. He has done whatever is necessary to straighten his life out, Salens said. As his attorney finished his final statements, Lopez pulled out a handwritten note from his chest pocket. I am truly scared for my life and my childrens lives, Lopez read. I lost my best friend. I lost my family. Lopez told the court numerous times how sorry he was for everything that happened. I truly hate that shes gone, he said as family members wiped tears away. I hate it. Friends Ive once had have turned their backs on me. People have told me it shouldve been me (who died), he added. Im with them. I wish it wouldve been me. Lopez described his wife as someone who brought him happiness and could make all of his existing problems disappear. Im at peace right now with God, Lopez concluded. I ask for forgiveness. I am sorry. I truly am sorry. Huron County Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski then called a family member of the victim to give an impact statement. The family member highlighted many characteristics that made Carol a memorable person as he read from a prepared letter. Carol was a smart, funny and happy energetic woman, he said while holding back tears. The relative reflected on Carols life and the type of mother she was to her children. This crime has ripped my family to shreds, he said. I lost my only best friend and partner growing up. The world lost a bright, shiny light. Following the relatives statements, Rutkowski said any amount over four and a half micrograms of fentanyl can be fatal and the autopsy revealed Carol had 19 micrograms in her blood at the time of her death. The reason Carol Lopez died right away is because she wasnt a regular user of this (fentanyl) controlled substance, Rutkowski said, noting Lopez claimed he and his wife took the same amount that night. The prosecutor said there are current charges pending against Lopez for allegedly beating up an inmate while incarcerated in the Huron County Jail. He has a mean spirit in him, Rutkowski said. As Prill reviewed what he called an extremely difficult case, he referred to a similar case from a few years ago. In 2015, Prill sentenced an Elkton woman to four years and eight months in prison for an identical charge Lopez pleaded to. The woman was convicted by a jury of fatally injecting her boyfriend with heroin and remains locked up in the Michigan prison system. What we cannot lose sight of here is Carol period, Prill said. Her life was cut short because of that poison. You provided it. She injected it. Shes gone. Prill noted when he sentenced the Elkton woman, she was sentenced at the lower end of the guidelines because of her criminal history which was nonexistent at the time. Mr. Lopez, you are going to live with your spouses death, Prill said. You will live with this for the rest of your life. Lopez was sentenced to seven and a half years 25 years maximum in the Michigan prison system with credit for 294 days served. The following companies are subsidiares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft: ABFS I Incorporated, ABS MB Ltd., Alex. Brown Financial Services Incorporated, Alex. Brown Investments Incorporated, Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft mbH, Ambidexter GmbH i.L., Argent Incorporated, BHW - Gesellschaft fur Wohnungswirtschaft mbH, BHW Bausparkasse Aktiengesellschaft, BHW Holding GmbH, BT Globenet Nominees Limited, Bainpro Nominees Pty Ltd, Baldur Mortgages Limited, Bankers Trust Investments Limited, Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC) Inc., Berkshire Mortgage Finance, Betriebs-Center fur Banken AG, Better Financial Services GmbH, Better Payment Germany GmbH, Borfield Sociedad Anonima, Breaking Wave DB Limited, Cardales UK Limited, Cardea Real Estate S.r.l., Cathay Advisory (Beijing) Co. 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Sociedad Anenima Espanola, Deutsche CIB Centre Private Limited, Deutsche Capital Finance (2000) Limited, Deutsche Capital Hong Kong Limited, Deutsche Capital Markets Australia Limited, Deutsche Capital Partners China Limited, Deutsche Cayman Ltd., Deutsche Custody N.V., Deutsche Domus New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Equities India Private Limited, Deutsche Finance No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Foras New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur lmmobilien-Leasing mit beschrenkter Haftung, Deutsche Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Group Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited, Deutsche Group Services Pty Limited, Deutsche Grundbesitz Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., Deutsche Grundbesitz-Anlagegesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Deutsche Holdings (BTI) Limited, Deutsche Holdings (Grand Duchy), Deutsche Holdings (Luxembourg) S.El r.l., Deutsche Holdings Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 3 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 4 Limited, Deutsche India Holdings Private Limited, Deutsche India Private Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services (Ireland) Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services Limited, Deutsche International Custodial Services Limited, Deutsche Investments (Netherlands) N.V., Deutsche Investments India Private Limited, Deutsche Investor Services Private Limited, Deutsche Knowledge Services Pte. Ltd., Deutsche Leasing New York Corp., Deutsche Mexico Holdings S.a. r.|., Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Limited, Deutsche Mortgage & Asset Receiving Corporation, Deutsche Nederland N.V., Deutsche New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Nominees Limited, Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office AG, Deutsche Overseas Issuance New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Postbank, Deutsche Postbank Finance Center Objekt GmbH, Deutsche Private Asset Management Limited, Deutsche Securities (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Securities (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities Asia Limited, Deutsche Securities Australia Limited, Deutsche Securities Inc., Deutsche Securities Israel Ltd., Deutsche Securities Korea Co., Deutsche Securities Mauritius Limited, Deutsche Securities SA. de C.V.. Casla de Bolsa, Deutsche Securities Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Services (Cl) Limited, Deutsche Services Polska Sp. z o.o., Deutsche StiftungsTrust GmbH, Deutsche Strategic Investment Holdings Yugen Kaisha, Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, Deutsche Trustee Services (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Trustees Malaysia Berhad, Deutsche Wealth Management S.G.I.I.C. SA., Deutsche lmmobilien Leasing GmbH, Deutsches lnstitut fur Altersvorsorge GmbH, Durian (Luxembourg) S.a. r.l., EC EUROPA IMMOBILIEN FONDS NR. 3 GmbH & CO. KG i.l., Elizabethan Holdings Limited, Elizabethan Management Limited, European Value Added I (Alternate GP.) LLP, Fiduciaria Sant Andrea S.r.l., Finanzberatungsgesellschaft mbH der Deutschen Bank, Funfte SAB Treuhand und Verwaltung GmbH & Co. Suhl "Rimbachzentrum" KG, G Finance Holding Corp., German American Capital Corporation, Grundstucksgesellschaft Frankfurt Bockenheimer LandstraBe GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Miesbaden LuisenstraBe/Kirchgasse GbR, Hollandsche Bank-Unie, ISTRON Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs-GmbH, IVAF l Manager S.a.r.l., Immobilienfonds Buro-Center Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben I GbR, J R Nominees (Pty) Ltd, Joint Stock Company Deutsche Bank DBU, Jyogashima Godo Kaisha, KEBA Gesellschaft fur interne Services mbH, Kidson Pte Ltd, Konsul lnkasso GmbH, LA Water Holdings Limited, LAWL Pte. Ltd., Leasing Verwaltungsgesellschaft Waltersdorf mbH, Leonardo lll Initial GP Limited, MEF I Manager. S. a r.|., MIT Holdings Inc., Maher Terminals Holdings (Toronto) Limited, Morgan Grenfell & Company, MortgageIT, MortgagelT Inc., MortgagelT Securities Corp., OOO "Deutsche Bank TechCentIe", OOO "Deutsche Bank", OPB Verwaltungs- und Treuhand GmbH, OPB-Oktava GmbH, OPB-Quarta GmbH, OPPENHEIM Capital Advisory GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Manager GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, PADUS Grundstcks-VermietungsgeseIlschaft mbH, PB Factoring GmbH, PB Spezial-lnvestmentaktiengesellschatt mit Teilgesellschaftsvermogen, PCC Services GmbH der Deutschen Bank, PT Deutsche Sekuritas Indonesia, Pan Australian Nominees Pty Ltd, Plantation Bay. Inc., Postbank Akademie und Service GmbH, Postbank Beteiligungen GmbH, Postbank Direkt GmbH, Postbank Filialvertrieb AG, Postbank Finanzberatung AG, Postbank Leasing GmbH, Postbank lmmobilien GmbH, Quantiguous, R.B.M. Nominees Pty Ltd, RREEF, RREEF America LLC., RREEF China REIT Management Limited, RREEF European Value Added I (G.P.) Limited, RREEF Fund Holding Co., RREEF India Advisers Private Limited, RREEF Management LLC., RoPro U.S. Holding Inc., Route 28 Receivables. LLC, SAB Real Estate Verwaltungs GmbH, SAGITA Grundstucks-Vermielungsgesellschaft mbH, SAPIO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, Sal. Oppenheim, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. Beteiligungs GmbH, Sharps SP l LLC, Stelvio lmmobiliare S.r.l., Suddeutsche Vermeigensvewvaitung Gesellschaft mit beschrenkter Haftung, TELO Beleiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Tempurrite Leasing Limited, Thai Asset Enforcement and Recovery Asset Management Company Limited, Treuinvest Service GmbH, Triplereason Umited, VOB-ZVD Processing GmbH, WEPLA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Wealthspur Investment Ltd., World Trading (Delaware) Inc., lmmobilienfonds BuroCenter Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben II GbR, lmmobilienfonds Wohn- und Gescheftshaus Koln-Blumenberg V GbR, and norisbank GmbH. Read More Juniper Networks, Inc. designs, develops, and sells network products and services worldwide. The company offers routing products, such as ACX series universal access routers to deploy high-bandwidth services; MX series Ethernet routers that function as a universal edge platform; PTX series packet transport routers; wide-area network SDN controllers; and session smart routers. It also provides switching products, including EX series Ethernet switches to address the access, aggregation, and core layer switching requirements of micro branch, branch office, and campus environments; QFX series of core, spine, and top-of-rack data center switches; and juniper access points, which provide Wi-Fi access and performance. In addition, the company offers security products comprising SRX series services gateways for the data center; Branch SRX family provides an integrated and next-generation firewall; virtual firewall that delivers various features of physical firewalls; and advanced malware protection, a cloud-based service and Juniper ATP. Further, it offers Junos OS, a network operating system; Contrail networking, which provides an open-source and standards-based platform for SDN; Mist AI-driven Wired, Wireless, and WAN assurance solutions to set and measure key metrics; Mist AI-driven Marvis Virtual Network Assistant, which identifies the root cause of issues; Juniper Paragon Automation, a modular portfolio of cloud-native software applications; and Juniper Apstra to automate the network lifecycle in a single system. Additionally, the company provides software-as-a-service, technical support, maintenance, and professional services, as well as education and training programs. It sells its products through direct sales, distributors, value-added resellers, and original equipment manufacturers to end-users in the cloud, service provider, and enterprise markets. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. The following companies are subsidiares of MetLife: 10700 WILSHIRE LLC, 1201 TAB MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET OWNER LLC, 150 NORTH RIVERSIDE PE MEMBER LLC, 1925 WJC OWNER LLC, 23RD STREET INVESTMENTS INC., 500 GRANT STREET ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 500 GRANT STREET GP LLC, 6104 HOLLYWOOD LLC, AFP GENESIS ADMINISTRADORA DE FONDOS Y FIDECOMISOS S.A., AGENVITA S.R.L., ALICO HELLAS SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ALICO OPERATIONS LLC, American Life Insurance Company, BEST MARKET S.A., BLOCK VISION HOLDINGS CORPORATION, BLOCK VISION OF TEXAS INC., BORDERLAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED, BOULEVARD RESIDENTIAL LLC, BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER LLC, CC HOLDCO MANAGER LLC, CHESTNUT FLATS WIND LLC, CLOSED JOINT-STOCK COMPANY MASTER-D, COMPANIA INVERSORA METLIFE S.A., CORPORATE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC, COVA LIFE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, DAVIS VISION INC., DAVISVISION IPA INC., DELAWARE AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, EURO CL INVESTMENTS LLC, EXCELENCIA OPERATIVA Y TECNOLOGICA S.A de C.V., FORTISSIMO CO. LTD, FUNDACION METLIFE MEXICO A.C., GLOBAL PROPERTIES INC., General American Life Insurance Company, Grand Bank N.A., HASKELL EAST VILLAGE LLC, HOUSING FUND MANAGER LLC, INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES LIMITED, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO DOS LIMITADA, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO TRES LIMITADA, LHC HOLDINGS LLC, LHCW HOLDINGS LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING 2002 LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING LLC, LHCW HOTEL OPERATING COMPANY 2002 LLC, LUMENLAB MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., Logan Circle Partners, MARKETPLACE RESIDENCES LLC, MC PORTFOLIO JV MEMBER LLC, MCJV LLC, MCPP OWNERS LLC, MCRE BLOCK 40 LP, MEC HEALTH CARE INC., MET 1065 HOTEL LLC, MET CANADA SOLAR ULC, METLIFE 1007 STEWART LLC, METLIFE 1201 TAB MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MANAGER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 555 12TH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 8280 MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ACOMA OWNER LLC, METLIFE ADMINISTRADORA DE FUNDOS MULTIPATROCINADOS LTDA., METLIFE ALTERNATIVES GP LLC, METLIFE ASHTON AUSTIN OWNER LLC, METLIFE ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., METLIFE ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE ASIA SERVICES SDN. BHD, METLIFE ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP., METLIFE ASSIGNMENT COMPANY INC., METLIFE BORO STATION MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMINO RAMON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMPUS AT SGV MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAPITAL CREDIT L.P., METLIFE CAPITAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, METLIFE CAPITAL TRUST IV, METLIFE CB W/A LLC, METLIFE CC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CHILE ADMINISTRADORA DE MUTUOS HIPOTECARIOS S.A., METLIFE CHILE INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS DE VIDA S.A., METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS GENERALES S.A., METLIFE CHINO MEMBER LLC, METLIFE COLOMBIA SEGUROS de VIDA S.A., METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CONSQUARE MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CONSUMER SERVICES INC., METLIFE CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CREDIT CORP., METLIFE DIGITAL VENTURES INC., METLIFE ENHANCED CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE EU HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE INSURANCE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LLC., METLIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES CO. LTD, METLIFE FM HOTEL MEMBER LLC, METLIFE FUNDING INC., METLIFE GENERAL INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE GLOBAL BENEFITS LTD., METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY I GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY II GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION S.A. De C.V., METLIFE GLOBAL INC., METLIFE GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE GROUP INC., METLIFE HCMJV 1 GP LLC, METLIFE HCMJV 1 LP LLC, METLIFE HEALTH PLANS INC., METLIFE HOLDINGS INC., METLIFE HOME LOANS LLC, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE PTE. LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT TRUST, METLIFE INSURANCE BROKERAGE INC., METLIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF KOREA LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE K.K., METLIFE INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HF PARTNERS LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND I LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND II LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND III LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND IV LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND V LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VI LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VII LP, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT EUROPE LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENTS ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS SECURITIES LLC, METLIFE INVESTORS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, METLIFE INVESTORS GROUP LLC, METLIFE IRELAND TREASURY D.A.C., METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND LP, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS BLOCKER LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS LLC, METLIFE LATIN AMERICA ASESORIAS E INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE LEGAL PLANS INC., METLIFE LEGAL PLANS OF FLORIDA INC., METLIFE LHH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE S.A., METLIFE LOAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT FUND LP, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT MASTER FUND LP, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MAS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO HOLDINGS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT FUND II LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP II LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT II RATED FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL GP LLC, METLIFE MMPD II SPECIAL LLC, METLIFE MULTI-FAMILY PARTNERS III LLC, METLIFE OBS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE OFC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ONTARIO STREET MEMBR LLC, METLIFE PARK TOWER MEMBER LLC, METLIFE PENSION TRUSTEES LIMITED, METLIFE PENSIONES MEXICO S.A., METLIFE PET INSURANCE SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE PLANOS ODONTOLOGICOS LTDA., METLIFE POWSZECHNE TOWARTZYSTWO EMERYTALNE S.A., METLIFE PRIVATE EQUITY HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE PROPERTIES VENTURES LLC, METLIFE RC SF MEMBER LLC, METLIFE REAL ESTATE LENDING LLC, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF BERMUDA LTD., METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF CHARLESTON, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF VERMONT, METLIFE RETIREMENT SERVICES LLC, METLIFE SECURITIZATION DEPOSITOR LLC, METLIFE SEGUROS S.A., METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FINCO LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FUND LP, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING GP LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING HOLDINGS LP, METLIFE SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE SERVICES CYPRUS LTD., METLIFE SERVICES EAST PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE SERVICES EEIG, METLIFE SERVICES EOOD, METLIFE SERVICES SOCIEDAD LIMITADA, METLIFE SERVICES SP Z.O.O, METLIFE SERVICIOS S.A., METLIFE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL FUND GP LLC, METLIFE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL FUND LP, METLIFE SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD., METLIFE SOLUTIONS S.A.S., METLIFE SP HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE STRATEGIC HOTEL DEBT FUND GP LLC, METLIFE SYNDICATED BANK LOAN LUX GP S.A.R.L., METLIFE THR INVESTOR LLC, METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO FUNDUSZY INWESTYCYJNYCH S.A., METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO UBEZPIECZEN NA ZYCIE I REASEKURACJI S.A., METLIFE TOWER RESOURCES GROUP INC., METLIFE TREAT TOWERS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, METROPOLITAN GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LLC, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN LIFE SEGUROS E PREVIDENCIA PRIVADA S.A., METROPOLITAN LIFE SOCIETATE de ADMINISTRARE a UNUI FOND de PENSII ADMINISTRAT PRIVAT S.A., METROPOLITAN TOWER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN TOWER REALTY COMPANY INC., MEX DF PROPERTIES LLC, MFA FINANCING VEHICLE CTR1 LLC, MIDTOWN HEIGHTS LLC, MIM CAMPUS AT SGV MANAGER LLC, MIM CLAL GENERAL PARTNER LLC, MIM CM SYNDICATOR LLC, MIM EMD GP LLC, MIM I LLC, MIM LS GP LLC, MIM METWEST INTERNATIONAL MANAGER LLC, MIM ML-AI VENTURE 5 MANAGER LLC, MIM OMD MANAGER LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OF GEORGIA 1 LLC, MIM SPOKANE INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MIM THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MISSOURI REINSURANCE INC., ML 300 THIRD MEMBER LLC, ML ARMATURE MEMBER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MANAGER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MEMBER LLC, ML CAPACITACION COMERCIAL S.A. DE C.V., ML CERRITOS TC MEMBER LLC, ML CLAL MEMBER LLC, ML CORNER 63 MEMBER LLC, ML DOLPHIN GP LLC, ML DOLPHIN MEZZ LLC, ML HUDSON MEMBER LLC, ML MATSON MILLS MEMBER LLC, ML MILILANI MEMBER LLC, ML OMD MEMBER LLC, ML ONE BEDMINSTER LLC, ML PORT CHESTER SC MEMBER LLC, ML SENTINEL SQUARE MEMBER LLC, ML SLOANS LAKE MEMEBR LLC, ML SOUTHLANDS MEMBER LLC, ML SOUTHMORE LLC, ML SPOKANE INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML SWAN GP LLC, ML SWAN MEZZ LLC, ML TERRACES LLC, ML THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML VENTURE 1 MANAGER S. DE R. L. DE C.V., ML VENTURE 1 SERVICER LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 1 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 2 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 3 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 4 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 5 LLC, ML-URS PORT CHESTER SC MANAGER LLC, MLIA MANAGER I LLC, MLIA PARK TOWER MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF COLONY MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF MANAGER LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS II LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS LLC, MLIC CB HOLDINGS LLC, MLJ US FEEDER LLC, MM GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER S.A. DE C.V., MMP CEDAR STREET OWNER LLC, MMP CEDAR STREET REIT LLC, MMP HOLDINGS III LLC, MMP OLIVIAN OWNER LLC, MMP OLIVIAN REIT LLC, MMP OWNERS III LLC, MMP OWNERS LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK OWNER LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK REIT LLC, MNQM TRUST 2020, MREF 425 MKT LLC, MSHDF HOLDCO I LLC, MSV IRVINE PROPERTY LLC, MTL LEASING LLC, MTU HOTEL OWNER LLC, NATILOPORTEM HOLDINGS LLC, NEWBURY INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, OCONEE GOLF COMPANY LLC, OCONEE HOTEL COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC, OCONEE MARINA COMPANY LLC, OMI MLIC INVESTMENTS LIMITED, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL NORTH LLC, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL SOUTH LLC, PARK TOWER JV MEMBER LLC, PARK TOWER REIT INC., PJSC METLIFE, PLAZA DRIVE PROPERTIES LLC, PREFCO FOURTEEN LLC, PREFCO XIV HOLDINGS LLC, PROVIDA INTERNACIONAL S.A., SAFEGUARD HEALTH ENTERPRISES INC., SAFEGUARD HEALTH PLANS INC., SAFEHEALTH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, SOUTHCREEK INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS LLC, ST. JAMES FLEET INVESTMENTS TWO LIMITED, SUPERIOR PROCUREMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION BENEFIT MANAGEMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION HOLDINGS INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE PLAN OF WISCONSIN INC., SUPERIOR VISION OF NEW JERSEY INC., SUPERIOR VISION SERVICES INC., Safeguard Health Enterprises, Security First Group Inc., THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH AVENUE MEZZANINE LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL HOLDING LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL OWNER, THE DIRECT CALL CENTRE PTY LIMITED, TRANSMOUNTAIN LAND & LIVESTOCK COMPANY, UVC INDEPENDENT PRACTICE ASSOCIATION INC., VERSANT HEALTH CONSOLIDATIONS CORP., VERSANT HEALTH HOLDCO INC., VERSANT HEALTH INC., VERSANT HEALTH LAB LLC, VIRIDIAN MIRACLE MILE LLC, VISION 21 MANAGED EYE CARE OF TAMPA BAY INC., VISION 21 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, VISION TWENTY-ONE MANAGED EYE CARE IPA INC., Versant Health, WDV ACQUISITION CORP., WFP 1000 HOLDING COMPANY GP LLC, WHITE OAK ROYALTY COMPANY, WHITE TRACT II LLC, and Willing. Read More Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its advice centers, RBC insurance stores, and mobile advisors; digital, mobile, and social platforms; independent brokers; and travel partners. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset servicing, custody, payments, and treasury services to financial and other investors; and fund and investment administration, shareholder, private capital, performance measurement and compliance monitoring, distribution, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, foreign exchange, and global securities finance services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, advisory services, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V.. Read More Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go. Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune... Briarwood Mall A view of the Briarwood Mall from above Ann Arbor on Oct. 23, 2014. (Patrick Record | The Ann Arbor News) ANN ARBOR, MI - A retail store and a salon are closing their doors at Ann Arbor's Briarwood Mall, while a new restaurant is opening there by the end of January. The Yankee Candle store, open since June 2013, closed its doors Monday, Jan. 9, according to Beth George, supervisor of public relations at Bandy Carroll Hellige, which handles public relations for Briarwood. Representatives from The Yankee Candle Company Inc. could not be reached for comment. Soon to join Yankee Candle is Regis Salon, which a store manager said is closing Saturday, Jan. 21. Fast-casual restaurant Sozo Japanese Grill is opening by the end of January near Tricho in the south JCPenney corridor, according to the Briarwood Mall directory. Sean Green and Sky Chen are partners of Sozo Japanese Grill, which Green said is about "99 percent finished." "It's a completely new, invented menu," Green said. "Every dish we make, the root is based off a certain type of Japanese cuisine, but always combined with a modern twist of flavor." Green explained "sozo" means creation in Japanese, a fitting moniker for a restaurant that plans to serve never-before-seen food items like the appetizer Flaming Balls: cream cheese wrapped in fried rice and panko breading, served with a spicy mayonnaise. "Dishes like that, you're not going to find anywhere else in Michigan," Green said. Get a preview of the menu here. The franchise owner of the Mrs. Fields located in the Briarwood Mall opened a Which Wich location near the California Pizza Kitchen at the end of 2016. um A lawsuit filed against the University of Michigan by a former student kicked out of school for violating the school's sexual misconduct policy has been dismissed by a federal judge. MLive file photo ANN ARBOR, MI - A lawsuit filed against the University of Michigan by a former student kicked out of school for violating the school's sexual misconduct policy has been dismissed by a federal judge. The former U-M student, identified as "John Doe," filed the suit on Sept. 1 with the U.S. District Court against several University of Michigan employees, claiming he was forced to sign a voluntary permanent separation agreement with the university on June 27 based on an "improper and erroneous determination" by a University Appeals Board that said he violated U-M's sexual misconduct policy. Court records show the lawsuit was dismissed by U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson on Jan. 5, who asserted the plaintiff's claim that his due process was violated was not accurate. "As to Doe's own testimony, as noted previously, the appeal panel found his account of the sexual encounter significantly less credible because of his abrupt reversal during his interview with police wherein he conceded that his account was 'wrong' and the complainant's was 'right,' with the exception that he continued to insist that he never heard the complainant say 'no sex,'" the judgment states. "Again, nothing about the panel's rationale for discounting Doe's testimony suggests that it did so because of his sex or gender." "The decision was supported by an ample factual record, developed after an exhaustive investigation," Lawson's judgment stated. "It is evident from the record that there certainly was 'some factual basis' for the decision, and Doe has not identified any way in which the panel's elaboration of that basis was arbitrary, irrational, or unreasoned. He has not stated a claim for violation of his rights under the Due Process Clause." In response to the suit filed by John Doe, the female, identified as "Jane Doe," who is a student at U-M, filed a suit in Washtenaw County Circuit Court on Sept. 21, claiming assault and battery stemming from the alleged sexual assault, as well as a breach of contract over the male's decision to seek re-admission to U-M after he agreed to permanently withdraw from the university. That lawsuit remains open, with a case evaluation scheduled for March 22. The male's initial agreement to withdraw from the university came after an appeals board reversed an initial decision by U-M's Office for Institutional Equality that previously concluded he did not violate the policy. U-M's appeals board reversed the decision on May 25, stating the male "should have been found responsible for violating the policy." The late-night party at issue was held at the male's fraternity house, when the female was a freshman at U-M. According to the female's lawsuit, she was an inexperienced drinker and had consumed "much alcohol" that night, arriving at the party intoxicated. The male's lawsuit claims he was not aware the female had been consuming alcohol before she arrived at the house. While at the house, she was served a shot of vodka in the male's room upstairs after meeting her earlier in the evening. After the shot, they proceeded to go back downstairs to dance, and eventually started kissing before they went back upstairs to his room. The two then had sex, the lawsuit states. The two's accounts regarding the sexual encounter differed. The female's lawsuit claims she "became disoriented and slipped in and out of a hazy black-out state" before dancing with the male downstairs, claiming she eventually was "paralyzed" from the amount of alcohol in her system. As the two went back up to the male's room, the female's lawsuit states she told him "no sex." The male later put a trash can next to the victim after realizing she was about to vomit, according to the female's lawsuit. A female witness later observed the female "crying, naked, swaying a lot, with slurred speech, vomit in her hair, a flushed face, and unable to stand or walk on her own," according to the lawsuit. The male's lawsuit claimed it is "uncontested that the complainant did not have difficulty dancing or talking." The witness called some friends and helped the female out of the fraternity house, taking her back to her dorm room. Later in the evening, the female went to the hospital, where medical personnel administered a rape kit. No criminal charges were filed against the male. Instead, the female went to the U-M Office for Institutional Equality, which found there was not enough evidence to determine whether a sexual assault had occurred. The investigator's report concluded that "based on a thorough review and analysis of the evidence obtained during the investigation, it is determined that the preponderance of the evidence does not support the conclusion that the respondent engaged in unwanted touching of sexual nature in violation of the (sexual misconduct policy)." The appeals board -- made up of two faculty members and a student -- overturned the result. U-M Spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the university was happy the judgment supported its process for handling sexual misconduct on campus. "We are gratified that the federal court affirmed the university's sexual misconduct process," Fitzgerald said in the statement. "The court carefully reviewed the facts of the case and concluded that the university's finding of sexual misconduct and imposition of discipline were reasonable based upon those facts." WEBSTER TOWNSHIP, MI - A fire is no way to start your week or your year, but there are worse things that can happen, one area resident said from outside her burned home on Monday, Jan. 9. Firefighter's were called about 2:30 p.m. Monday to the fire on Glen Eagles Court in Webster Township. Though the matter remains under investigation, Dexter Area Fire Chief Robert Smith said a 911 call indicated the house fire may have started from a car fire that broke out while someone was working on a car in the home's garage The home is expected to be a total loss, but homeowner Julie Rosen, 57, said she's thankful the most important aspects of her life - her 21-year-old son and her pets, who were home at the time - got out safely. "You reach for the things that are important," she said. "Everything else is just stuff." Smith said firefighters - who came from Dexter, Hamburg Township, Northfield Township, Scio Township, Ann Arbor Township, Putnam Township and Green Oak Township - could see smoke from the fire three or four miles away when they responded. "It had a pretty good start on us before we got set up and got operations underway," he said. The fire spread quickly to the roof and attic, and firefighters were forced to work from the exterior of the structure to attempt to douse the flames, Smith said. Firefighters remained on scene working as smoke continued to waft from the garage at about 4:45 p.m. As of 6:30 p.m., firefighters had cleared the scene. Neighbor Katie Urban, 29, said she was working from home she heard popping noises and saw smoke outside her window, but she originally thought someone simply had a bonfire going. When she saw additional smoke and flames, she sent her husband, Mike, 30, to check on the situation. He found the garage of his neighbor's home engulfed in flames. "It was pretty surreal," he said. "I've never seen anything like it." Janet Torno, 68, who also lives in the neighborhood, said she was impressed by how quickly and calmly firefighters got to the scene after several neighbors called 911. She said a man working on water main construction near her home pointed the flames out to her, and by the time she arrived to the home to watch the flames from across the street, the fire department was on scene. After the terror of seeing the flames, their presence was "reassuring," she said. The American Red Cross and Helping Area Response Teams, which acts as a support service to first responders, both responded to the fire, as well. 94 Jackson Road closed.png (Courtesy | MDOT) UPDATE: I-94 reopened at 8:40 a.m. ANN ARBOR, MI - Westbound Interstate-94 near Jackson Road is closed early Tuesday, Jan. 10 in Ann Arbor because of a jack-knifed semi-truck. The Michigan Department of Transportation reported the closure at 4:59 a.m. The incident is just west of Jackson Road on I-94. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office advises drivers to avoid the area. Huron Valley Ambulance took one person in stable condition to the hospital, said spokesman Chad French. After overnight and morning snowfall, road conditions in the Ann Arbor area are leading to slide outs and crashes. Close Many tech and gadget experts present at Las Vegas CES 2017 say that Amazon's Alexa is the breakout star of this year's tech show. This news is said to have placed Apple in a tight spot as Amazon's Alexa is threatening to take over the voice-assistance and voice-first interface it has dominated for years. In the midst of the threat that Amazon's Alexa is posing against Siri, pundits still believe that Alexa or any other smart voice assistant/virtual assistant is still far from being competitive with Apple's Siri. It can be remembered that when Siri was introduced in 2011, all other tech companies, including Google and Microsoft, was saying that it was a wrong move for Apple to take. However, the increase in the sale of Apple devices prove these tech companies wrong. With all the improvements that other tech companies have introduced to their voice assistant/virtual assistant, there are still some features that Siri is far and ahead. First key feature of Apple's Siri is that it is way ahead in the breadth of language category compared to all voice assistants in the market today, this includes Google Allo, Microsoft Cortana and the Amazon Alexa. Siri also has the clear advantage in the manner it presents answers to questions that users throw at it. Also, the Apple voice assistant plays with the company's strength in accessibility and in securing the privacy of its users. Aside from playing with its strength, Apple has also decided to bring Siri to compete within the field pioneered by other tech companies for their voice assistants. Apple has introduced Siri in its Macbooks to battle with Google and Microsoft's voice assistants on PC. Apple also took Amazon in its own game by introducing Siri in TV appliances. Apple also further expanded Siri's reach as it incorporated the smart virtual/voice assistant to its wearable products. Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Close GPU enthusiasts jumped for joy when Nvidia bought itself the 2017 international CES keynote. However, those restlessly waiting for the company to announce the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti were dismayed. There was no mention of the company's highly-anticipated flagship graphics card at the event but that's about to change. Nvidia is reportedly gearing up to unleash the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti sometime in March this year. The release date could coincide with the PAX East gaming festival slated to kick off March 10 in Boston, to be precise. No prizes for guessing, the GTX 1080 Ti is going to be toe-to-toe with the Vega 10 GPU family from AMD. The Vega 10 GPUs are likely to hit the stores either in June 2017 or ahead of the GTX 1080 Ti, according to WCCFTech. Basically, the Vega 10 GPUs will arrive latest by March. The report cites an undisclosed NVIDIA AIB employee who divulged the company's plan to launch the 16nm GTX 1080 Ti marginally ahead of the Vega GPU cards. It looks like NVIDIA intentionally plans to postpone the upgrade of the GTX 1080, realizing this will pit the original card against the Radeon RX 500 card series that are likely to arrive next month. The whole idea behind this is to buy some time to put finishing touches to the GTX 1080 Ti. The GTX 1080 Ti is likely to undergo some minor alterations, allowing its immediate precursor to retain NVIDIA's topmost position once Vega hits the market and boots out the GeForce GTX 1080, the report suggests. The Vega GPU demo shown at the recently concluded Las Vegas event did not leave even an iota of doubt about the Vega 10's capabilities to oust NVIDIA not only in terms of performance but also in pricing. As Vega GPU has been demoed to have the capacity to effortlessly overthrow the GTX 1080 and outsell it with a comparatively lower price tag, it is imperative for Nvidia to further polish GTX 1080 Ti with utmost focus on the two determinants. There's hearsay that AMD will release Vega 10 bearing dual-GPU that is expected to be a spitting image of the GTX 1080 Ti in terms of performance tweaks. It remains to be seen whether or not NVIDIA will opt to lower the price below the $1000 mark in order to maintain its top spot in the market. The GTX 1080 Ti will feature the GP102-based core and will pack not less than 10GB of GDDR5X VRAM. According to a report on TweakTown, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti will be up for grabs in all variants starting the day it launches. In other words, GPU enthusiasts do not need to skepticize about it being a limited launch with only Founders Edition cards. Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Close It has been a great start of the year with so many new consumer electronic products getting launched at the CES 2017, the grand annual Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event had over 175,000 attendees who joined the show that revealed the different devices from the World's top tech giants. With Internet of Things becoming more and more reality in the recent days and gaining a good deal of growth momentum, the show was entirely run on the central theme of connected devices. However, Car Tech stole the entire centre stage, presenting the world of innovative automotive that will rule the future. Here is the list of top 10 innovative products at CES 2017, as reported by BGR. Top 10 Innovative Products At CES 2017 It was indeed the biggest event. Here is the list of top ten most innovative consumer electronic products that were presented at the CES 2017, which rose above the expectations of customers as well as the other competitive products. 1. Tesla's Faraday Future FF 91, an entirely new breed in the automobile market that is scheduled for production in 2018 2. LG's Razor Thin 2.59 mm thick Signature OLED TV W7 that will come with 4K UHD and unique magnetic mounting system. 3. Ford's integration of Amazon's voice-powered assistant Alexa in Ford SYNC 3 AppLink allows home and car management making drivers do everything from their fingertips. 4. Samsung Chromebook Plus and the S-Pen Stylus offers Android Support Laptop Cum Tablet shipping with Google Play Store out of the box from Feb. 5, 2017. 5. Energous WattUp is an innovation in long-range wireless charging solution. 6. AirTV Player is an Android TV box with HDTV Antenna that offers a high-resolution of 1080p Full HD. 7. TPCast for HTC Vive is a Wireless VR device that offers best VR experience at a cost as low as $215. 8. ODG R-8 and R-9 Smart glasses are an Augmented reality supported Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset destined powered smart glass offering a 50-degree field of view and resolution of 1080p. 9. Neonode's AirBar enables touchscreen facility on Mac Laptops. 10. Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed is the latest "smart bed" that can monitor sleep of each person and adjusts on its own to ensure sound sleep for its users, as reported by Gizmodo. These innovative products at CES 2017 show that they are truly above the bar in innovation. These products show that the world is unleashing technology to its full capacity every time! Do you think we missed any important product in our list of 10 Most Innovative products At CES 2017? Let us know in the comments section below. Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Close Lenovo was the star of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017, raking in 58 awards and introducing a wide array of products. Fans were particularly excited about the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 series. Journal Sentinel wrote that the Consumer Technology Association previously chose 35 products worthy of the CES 2017 Best of Innovations Award. The association defined awardees as a product or technology that scores above the threshold set for a given category. The multiple awardees are selected among 28 categories. Lenovo reportedly won 58 awards for 17 of its products. Indian Express revealed that Lenovo unveiled the enhanced version of its ThinkPad X1 laptops at CES 2017. The list of Lenovo devices launched at the event include the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, ThinkPad X1 Carbon and ThinkPad X1 Tablet. The company also featured new Legion laptops, a multimedia controller, Miix 720 with Lenovo Active Pen 2, smart assistant, smart storage and Phab 2 Pro apps. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon will showcase a smaller and lighter version in 2017. The notebook now has a weight of 1.14 kg, a 14-inch IPS display, a better TrackPoint and an improved Microsoft Precision Touchpad with physical buttons. The device also includes an improved processor, longer battery life and new connectivity ports. It has the Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE-A wireless WAN with up to three times faster LTE speeds. As for connectivity, the new ThinkPad device has ThunderboltTM 3 ports, HDMI, and type-A USB 3.0 ports. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon will come in black and silver variants. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon also boasts of added security. The notebook includes an IR camera with face recognition support for enhanced biometric authentication. It also has a Match-on-Chip touch fingerprint sensor and FIDO-enabled biometric authentication support for PayPal. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga has the same security and connectivity features as the X1 Carbon. The notebook/tablet hybrid device has a 14-inch OLED screen, an Intel Iris Graphics processor and 15 hours of battery life. The new keyboard can fully retract to convert the laptop into a tablet. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet (2017) has also been improved to feature a 2-in-1 design, with port expansion and extra battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga are set to launch in February 2017, while the X1 Tablet is due in March. More updates and details are expected soon. Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. [January 10, 2017] Shang Peng Gao Ke Launches Annovae Skin Care in China HONG KONG, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Shang Peng Gao Ke, the international health company, introduced its new Annovae skin solutions line in Hong Kong and the PRC. The highly anticipated Annovae range complements the company's new high-performance nutritional solutions with the aim of helping consumers achieve healthier, younger-looking skin from the outside in. Comprehensive skin care regimen aims to help defend against environmental stress Developed in response to the ever-present smog, dust, dirt and environmental debris that increasingly threaten skin health, Annovae skin solutions combine scientifically advanced ingredients with patent-pending technologies. All five formulations are dermatologist-tested and made in the USA and the UK, with the goal of addressing seven key aspects of a healthy complexion and youthful appearance: Clarity, Texture, Tone, Radiance, Brightness, Suppleness, and Firmness. Annovae Clear Skin System is a simple, daily four-step approach that promises to deliver asmoother, more radiant complexion. It utilizes patent-pending prebiotic technologies, based on research that supports their unique skin-nourishing properties. Abundant in foods like raw chicory root, garlic, and bananas, prebiotics are traditionally a popular remedy for natural digestive support. Applied topically, prebiotics deliver a potent balance of skin-friendly nutrients believed to help revive and detox overwrought skin, for a healthier appearance. Featuring these high-performance prebiotic ingredients combined with powerful antioxidants, exfoliating fruit enzymes and other beneficial botanicals, Annovae Clear Skin System is formulated to deep cleanse, treat, protect, and clarify in four simple steps consisting of Facial Cleanser, Treatment Serum, Protecting Moisturizer, and Zap It spot treatment. Advanced formula targets the visible signs of premature aging Annovae Instant Facial Lift Serum combines rare botanical extracts, unique complex minerals, and the highly sought-after peptide Argireline--a trendsetting beauty industry innovation--to target the first signs of premature skin aging. Touted as a breakthrough formula, this serum visibly diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improved look of crow's feet and under-eye puffiness, minimized appearance of pores and a brighter, more youthful complexion. About Shang Peng Gao Ke Shang Peng Gao Ke develops unique American-made specialty products specifically for the PRC, and then cross-border markets these online exclusively through the personal referrals of eCommerce Marketing Agents. Shang Peng Health is committed to delivering the latest advancements in IT and health products and services to help enhance the quality of life for all customers. For further information, please speak with your Shang Peng Health representative, or visit www.annovae.cn Before we launch into another year of stories about the issues, people, and programs that impact Detroit kids, we wanted to revisit the best-read 2016 Michigan Nightlight stories from Model D. (In case youre not familiar, Michigan Nightlight is our series of solutions-focused stories about improving outcomes for vulnerable children.) Another widely-read article, Our three-part series on motherhood and entrepreneurship showcasing five Detroit-area women also attracted many interested readers. Two one-minute videos visually and musically recap the mother entrepreneur stories. You'll find them Finally, the early fall We covered this story with an understanding that children are often first affected when water is shut off or contaminated. If you haven't had a chance to read these pieces, please do. We look forward to bringing you more Michigan Nightlight stories in 2017. Michigan Nightlight is a series of stories about the programs and people that positively impact the lives of Michigan kids. It is made possible with funding from the strengthening their neighborhoods through art takes a look at how designing t-shirts and beautifying alleyways in southwest Detroit has helped youth deal with conflict, stay on track in school, and better connect to peers and adults who care about neighborhood vitality. A program highlighted in the story, The Alley Project, has given young graffiti artists, once characterized as delinquents, an outlet to paint and a platform to be celebrated as artists. Keeping the Peace , covered a program of Wayne State University's Center for Peace and Conflict. At the weeklong Ralph Bunche Summer Institute, students from high schools across metro Detroit learn about diversity, social justice, race relations and civil rights. In the story, we heard from 16-year old Dale French, who hopes to be an advocate for conflict resolution in his Macomb County community. Another youth, Scott Hallett from Hamtramck, said: "I always thought that they would just shoot our ideas down because we're not adults yet. I now know that people will listen to us if what we're saying is valid." The first story looked at how entrepreneurship can contribute to family stability and impact the local ecosystem. "While entrepreneurship has around-the-clock demands, many women still consider it a preferred pathway to achieving both financial and family stability, rather than being someone else's employee," writes Melinda Clynes.looked at how mother entrepreneurs managed gender and race stereotypes, and the third and final piece illustrated how entrepreneurship allows women the flexibility to be attentive to their children's needsfrom meeting kids at the bus stop to tucking them in at night to being amazing role models. here and here feature on Carol Miller , a proponent for clean and accessible water, was also a popular read. For Miller, a water-quality engineering professor at Wayne State University, the 2016 Detroit water shutoffs troubled her in profound ways. "Shutoffs don't save money," she said in the article. "You're not saving significant quantities of money by shutting off water to all these people, you're making a statement." W.K. Kellogg Foundation . Read more in the series here business K'taka to have excess power of over 1500 MW next year: Minister JSW Energy signed a short-term power purchase agreement with Karnataka State Electricity Board. DK Shivakumar of the Energy Department at the Government of Karnataka speaking to CNCB-TV18 confirmed the news saying the government has tied up with the company for 600-750 MW of power. you are here: business OnePlus steps up India play, opens experience store in Bengaluru For Shenzhen-headquartered OnePlus, India is a more important market than China. That explains why the premium smartphone maker has selected Bengaluru for its first-ever physical store. CNBC-TV18 report this store is just the tip of the iceberg where OnePlus is concerned. business RBI's autonomy a fundamental fact & we have to maintain it:Jalan Speaking to CNBC-TV18 Former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan said that while everybody concedes that the growth rate will go down, the magnitude of the fall varies. Ex-choir director in Bucks County pleads no contest to molesting two students, secretly filming another Friends In Pink is still on the radar and growing every year January 09, 2017 ISIS, Al-Qaeda And The U.S. Airforce Wage War On Syria's Public Utilities There is a campaign underway to destroy Syria's public utilities. Al-Qaeda, ISIS and the U.S. airforce are involved. Their action is coordinated. That is an outrageous statement? No such coordination would ever happen? Consider: The idea of the Islamic State was "born" in the U.S. military prison camp Bucca in Iraq. Many of its future leader were interned there and had time and space to develop their philosophy and to plan their future operations. In 2012 the Defense Intelligence Agency warned of the rise of an Islamic State entity in Syria and Iraq: THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A DECLARED OR UNDECLARED SALAFIST PRINCIPALITY IN EASTERN SYRIA (HASAKA AND DER ZOR), AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE SUPPORTING POWERS TO THE OPPOSITION WANT, IN ORDER TO ISOLATE THE SYRIAN REGIME. In an August 2014 NYT interview with Thomas Friedman President Obama said that the U.S. knew about the dangers of ISIS but did nothing to stop its expansion in Iraq because it could be used to oust then Prime Minister Maliki: The reason, the president added, that we did not just start taking a bunch of airstrikes all across Iraq as soon as ISIL came in was because that would have taken the pressure off of [Prime Minister Nuri Kamal] al-Maliki. In a recent talk with some U.S. paid members of the Syrian opposition Secretary of State Kerry (video - 25:50) made a similar point but wuth regard to Syria: "And we know that this was growing, we were watching, we saw that DAESH was growing in strength, and we thought Assad was threatened" Kerry told the Syrians. "(We) thought, however," he continued. "we could probably manage that Assad might then negotiate. But instead of negotiating he got Putin to support him." There are doubts that the U.S. was only watching from afar. The beginning and growth of ISIS was financed by U.S. Gulf "allies" which are subordinated to U.S. wishes. When the Obama administration had to start bombing ISIS after it killed a U.S. journalist the few bombs its airforce dropped were hitting an "ISIS fighting position" or an "ISIS excavator". That wasn't a serious campaign. Meanwhile thousands of Turkish tanker trucks were waiting in the deserts to load oil from ISIS controlled wells to sell it to Turkey. Only after the Russian President Putin showed satellite pictures of those huge truck columns to his colleagues at a G20 meeting did the U.S. start to attack this major source of ISIS finances. At the end of last year the U.S. military bombed a Syrian government position in Deir Ezzor where some 100,000 Syrians are besieged by ISIS. It killed more than Syrian 100 troops and enabled ISIS to take important hill positions that may eventually help it to conquer the city. This was an intentional strike. Currently a campaign is waged by the Takfiri forces opposing the Syrian government and by the U.S. to deprive the people under its protection of all public utilities - water, gas and electricity. After the start of the current blocking of the water supplies to Damascus and its 5-6 million inhabitants we noted: This shut down is part of a wider, seemingly coordinated strategy to deprive all government held areas of utility supplies. Two days ago the Islamic State shut down a major water intake for Aleppo from the Euphrates. High voltage electricity masts on lines feeding Damascus have been destroyed and repair teams, unlike before, denied access. Gas supplies to parts of Damascus are also cut. This campaign against basic infrastructure has since continued. U.S. support "rebel" groups take part in it. Al-Qaeda in Syria, aka Jabhat al Nusra, does its share in Wadi Barada. The U.S. military just bombed another Syrian power station. In 2015 it had already waged a campaign against such installations creating huge material damages. Since three days Deir Ezzor and surroundings have no electricity at all. Yesterday ISIS again joined the campaign and blew up a huge gas processing facility in Hayyan in east Homs. Hayyan is the largest such station in Syria and provided electricity, heating gas and cooking gas for all of south Syria including the capital Damascus. This is a systematic, wide ranging campaign against Syrian infrastructure designed to deprive the people living under government protection of the basic necessities. If you would ask the U.S. government it would of course say that such a campaign does not exist and is totally not coordinated by the U.S. and its Gulf proxies. It is just coincidence that U.S. supported "rebels", al-Qaeda, ISIS and the U.S. airforce all hit the same category of targets in Syria at the very same moment of their war against the Syrian people. In knowledge of the top U.S. sources quoted above I would be inclined to doubt such an assertion. The campaign is in prelude to the next stage of the war for which all involved parties currently prepare. As Obama still gives the orders we can expect it to be more vicious and with even more propaganda support than his failed "defense" of his proxy forces in east-Aleppo. Posted by b on January 9, 2017 at 20:39 UTC | Permalink Comments next page Editor's note: The following story contains some graphic descriptions and may be disturbing to some readers. A Hollywood script could likely not match the horror that was Grace Packers last days at the hands of her adoptive mother and her adoptive mothers boyfriend, according to the latest accounts from investigators. Grace, who spent nearly a year living in Burke County in 2015, went missing in July and hunters found her dismembered remains in a wooded area near a reservoir in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 31, according to Bucks County, Pennsylvania officials. Grace attended Heritage Middle School, Hallyburton Academy and Draughn High School in the eighth and ninth grades between January 2015 and November 2015 before re-enrolling in school in Pennsylvania, according to Burke County Public Schools officials. Jacob Sullivan, 44, was arrested Saturday after telling several workers at Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health in Abington, Pennsylvania, that he was responsible for killing Grace, 14, according to a release from the Bucks County, Pennsylvania District Attorneys Office. Sullivan has been charged with homicide, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful restraint, kidnapping, possessing instruments of crime, endangering the welfare of a child, abuse of corpse, simple assault, tampering with physical evidence, and corresponding conspiracy charges, according to the release. Im sorry for what I did, he told reporters as he was led into the courthouse, the release said. About three hours after Sullivans arrest, Sara Packer was arrested in Horsham Township on charges of homicide, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, possessing instruments of crime, endangering the welfare of a child, abuse of corpse, simple assault, tampering with physical evidence, and conspiracy to commit rape and each of the above crimes. After telling hospital workers of his crime, Bucks County detectives questioned him further and a probable cause affidavit said Sullivan revealed in detail how the girl was assaulted and killed over the course of about 18 hours, according to the D.A.s release. Bucks County District Attorney Matthew D. Weintraub said Sullivan and Sara Packer, Graces adoptive mother, conspired to beat, rape, poison and ultimately strangle the teen. Weintraub, saying that Grace suffered terribly before dying, called her killing a rape-murder fantasy that was shared by Jacob Sullivan and Sara Packer, and they acted it out, according to the release. In an interview with investigators on Saturday, Sullivan described the girls slaying as something he and Sara Packer had been plotting since Grace returned from a stay with extended family in North Carolina in late 2015, according to the release from the Bucks County District Attorneys Office. On the morning of July 8, Sullivan told detectives he and Sara Packer drove Grace, still sleepy and in pajamas, from their residence in Abington to a new home in Richland Township, Bucks County. After they entered the house, Sullivan said, he struck Grace several times in her face, splitting her lip. The two adults then took the teen to the third floor of the residence, where Sara Packer watched as Sullivan raped her daughter, the release said. The Bucks County District Attorneys Office says Sara Packer then left to buy Tylenol PM and other drugs to sedate Grace. Telling her the drugs would help minimize her pain from the assaults, the adults gave her an overdose of pills, then bound and gagged her and left her to die in the hot attic, Sullivan told officials. According to the D.A.s release, Packer and Sullivan left the house for the rest of the day. When they returned at 3 a.m. on July 9, they found Grace still alive, Sullivan told officials. He strangled and suffocated her until she died. Packer and Sullivan then packed Graces body in cat litter to mask the odor and left it in the attic for three months, the release said. Three days after killing Grace, police said, Sara Packer filed a missing person report with Abington Township Police, saying that her daughter had disappeared and likely had run away, according to the D.A.s release. Sara Packer then allegedly withheld critical information and gave misleading statements to investigators working to find Grace, resulting in Packers arrest in November on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and obstructing the administration of law. She is awaiting trial on those charges in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, according to the release. Authorities say after numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact Packer through August, on Sept. 7, investigators learned Grace and her younger brother had been withdrawn from Abington School District. The investigation later revealed Packer had moved about 35 miles north to Quakertown without telling police and her 12-year-old adopted son, Grace's biological brother, had been enrolled in Quakertown School District. Authorities said Packer kept cashing her daughter's monthly $700 Social Security checks and updated disability forms in August without mentioning the girl's disappearance. It's unclear what the girl's disability was. A probable cause affidavit said two weeks before Graces dismembered body was found, Sara Packer was captured on video buying a bow saw and two extra blades at a tractor supply store in Richland Township, according to the D.A.s release. A forensic anthropologist who examined the saw and Grace Packers body determined the scarring and tool marks on her bones were made by an alternating tooth saw blade similar to that of the bow saw. Unfortunately, Grace Packer was a disposable child to these people, Weintraub said of the girl who was taken in as a foster child at age 3 and later adopted by the woman now charged with killing her. Graces biological mother, Rose Hunsicker, had her parental rights stripped from her in 2004, according to NBC Pennsylvania. Who will now speak for Grace Packer? We will, Weintraub said, casting the alleged crimes as a potential death penalty case. According to the Bucks County District Attorneys Office, Sullivan was hospitalized since Dec. 30, when he was found unresponsive from a prescription drug overdose at his home in Horsham in an apparent suicide attempt. Sara Packer, 41, also was found unresponsive the same day from a drug overdose, the result of a self-described suicide pact she had made with Sullivan, the affidavit said. Sullivan was denied bail and ordered held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility pending a preliminary hearing on Jan. 20, according to the District Attorneys release. Sara Packer also was denied bail and ordered held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing for her is set for the same time and location as Sullivan's. We believe Sara Packer was complicit in her daughters murder, Weintraub said in a release. Sara Packer previously had worked as an adoption supervisor for a children's welfare agency, authorities said Monday. Sara Packer worked as a supervisor for the Northampton County Children, Youth and Families Division for adoptions from 2003 to 2010, when she was suspended, the county said. Weintraub lauded the efforts of investigators in all three counties, and said a number of helpful hints had come from the public. The case was investigated by Bucks, Montgomery and Luzerne C ounty detectives, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Abington Township Police Department. Authorities remain interested in speaking to anyone with additional information about Grace Packers disappearance and death. Anyone with such information is urged to contact Bucks County detectives at 215-945-3100 or at buckscrimetips@buckscounty.org. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Sharon McBrayer is a staff writer and can be reached at smcbrayer@morganton.com or at 828-432-8946. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Voters who successfully sued to throw out 28 North Carolina legislative districts urged the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to preserve a lower court demand that boundaries be redrawn very soon so there can be special elections this fall. State GOP legislative leaders asked the Supreme Court last month for a delay seeking to block the order of a three-judge panel that the remapping be completed by March 15. On Monday, the voters' attorneys filed a response with Chief Justice John Roberts. Without special elections, the next round of General Assembly elections would be held in late 2018. Control of the state legislature is at stake: The GOP currently holds majorities large enough to override any vetoes by Democrat Roy Cooper, who took office as governor this month. Special elections could cut the two-year terms of several dozen legislators in half, forcing them to run again just months from now. Millions of people living in the gerrymandered districts since they were first drawn in 2011 should not have to wait nearly another two years to be represented by people in constitutional boundaries, Anita Earls, the chief attorney for the voters, wrote to Roberts. The three-judge appellate panel last August decided that the Senate and House districts were illegal racial gerrymanders. Those who sued said they were drawn intentionally to create more predominantly white and Republican districts by effectively stuffing black voters into adjacent Democratic districts. Lawyers for the state asked the court to rule on a delay by this Wednesday, when the legislature reconvenes, saying lawmakers shouldn't have to spend the first weeks of the session redrawing boundaries they believe ultimately will be upheld. Roberts, who considers emergency appeals for North Carolina, isn't obligated to rule by Wednesday, however, and can refer the matter to the entire current eight-member court. The state's attorneys also said a delay is justified because the Supreme Court already heard oral arguments in lawsuits involving congressional districts in North Carolina and state legislative districts in Virginia, and its decisions in those cases are pending. The justices' eventual ruling could provide guidance about the use of race in North Carolina's maps, the attorneys said. But Earls wrote Monday that it's unlikely the August ruling would be vacated, because GOP lawmakers disregarded traditional redistricting criteria "for race-based imperatives" as they created a "crazy quilt of bizarrely shaped districts." State attorneys also pointed out that the North Carolina Supreme Court twice upheld the maps after similar racial challenges, but Earls wrote that federal courts aren't boxed in by state decisions on matters of federal constitutional rights. Cooper was the attorney general for 16 years before narrowly defeating Republican Gov. Pat McCrory in November. A lawyer in Cooper's office has helped defend the maps on behalf of the state. When asked whether Democrat Josh Stein, the new attorney general, would continue the defense, spokeswoman Laura Brewer wrote in an email that Stein hasn't made any decisions on his office's position on this situation or other matters he's reviewing. Life for a modern monarch is often a jeweled prison, with an excess of tedium and a dearth of authority. Anyone who detests the idea of royals can take satisfaction in how insignificant they have become. But their adaptation to this shrunken role sheds a revealing light on Donald Trump. In its first season, the Netflix series "The Crown" depicts the early years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. What becomes more obvious with each episode is that not only does the young sovereign lack the commanding power of William the Conqueror or Henry VIII but also she can rarely get her way even on outwardly trivial matters. She doesn't want to live at Buckingham Palace. She doesn't want to deprive her children of their father's surname. She doesn't want to quash her sister's marriage plans. Over and over, though, she capitulates. Watching, I kept wishing she would rise up and declare, "I'm the freaking queen of England, and I'll do as I damn well please!" She never does. Reverence for the past stands in the way. Though the great powers of the British crown have been taken away by Parliament, the cramped discretion Elizabeth endures is also one of her own choice. She could rebel against the suffocating conventions because really, who's to stop her? But she accepts her duty to follow tradition. The American presidency has many powers, some stipulated in the Constitution and some established by those who occupied the White House. But presidents have usually observed certain long-standing norms meant to foster respect for the office, promote national cohesion and encourage democratic compromise. In Britain, the prime minister is the head of government and the queen is the head of state. Here, the president is both, acting as both the chief executive of the federal government and the ceremonial leader of the nation. The latter role has been shaped over centuries by men who recognized the limits and gravity of the office they held. Trump, however, accepts no limits or norms of behavior, insisting on doing exactly what suits him. He refuses to make public his tax returns. He includes his children, who are also his business partners, in meetings about government business. He pops off on Twitter whenever the urge strikes. He tramples over ethical boundaries. He insults his critics. He exalts himself. He behaves with a sense of entitlement that brooks no opposition. It's hard to recall that in 1998, congressional Republicans were so appalled by Bill Clinton's illicit affair and brazen deceptions that they impeached him. In his 2000 campaign, George W. Bush made a pointed promise to "uphold the honor and dignity of the office." That's an obligation dating back to George Washington. On the website of the Miller Center at the University of Virginia, historian Stephen Knott writes that our first president never "sought to use his office for personal empowerment or gain. Neither did he shelter his friends for the sake of their friendships when conflicts of interest arose." His "restraint, solemnity, judiciousness, and nonpartisan stance created an image of presidential greatness, or dignity, that dominates the office even today." Or did. It may not take Trump long to make Americans forget there was a time when presidents practiced such virtues. Once, a leader who defended a Russian dictator while mocking U.S. intelligence professionals would have been pilloried as an appeaser, if not a traitor. But Trump has shown how easily the outrageous can come to seem ordinary. His rise brings to mind Daniel Patrick Moynihan's 1993 essay, "Defining Deviancy Down," which lamented the collapse of standards of behavior and the resulting epidemic of violent crime. "We have been re-defining deviancy so as to exempt much conduct previously stigmatized," he wrote, "and also quietly raising the 'normal' level in categories where behavior is now abnormal by any earlier standard." In short, "we are getting used to a lot of behavior that is not good for us." It can't be good for a president to cultivate ignorance, to undermine bipartisan policies on a whim, to bully private companies or to demonize anyone who crosses him. Trump's style is at war with the concept of the office as a public trust. George Washington endeavored to define the presidency in a way that affirmed he was not a monarch like the one Americans had rebelled against. Today, the queen of England behaves in a manner reminiscent of Washington, while the president-elect impersonates a czar. Steve Chapman blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chapman. Follow him on Twitter @SteveChapman13 or at www.facebook.com/stevechapman13. To find out more about Chapman, visit www.creators.com. Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive. To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 77F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 67F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. I have asked Chad Kusner to address this question for this week's Ask the Expert Column. Contact Chad Kusner at 888-927-7760 or [email protected]. Part II: My clients call and say they have already obtained their own credit report. Then I run their report and my results are significantly different. How do I make sense of it all? Allison from Indiana Last week I brought up the concept of a movie when discussing the movements of credit scores. This week we will delve deeper with regard to explaining this analogy. Whatever is going on in that "scene" in your credit movie is used to generate your scores. Because the scenes or accounts on our credit are constantly changing, we can never truly know what our scores are at any given time. Account balances can change, new inquiries can report, collections can show up, late payments can post and so forth. Credit reporting is not exactly "real time," which means that, if I use a credit card today, the new balance will not be reflected on my report tomorrow. With that being said, it is relatively fluid and things can change literally overnight. We won't know what may have changed or what our scores are until we hit pause or submit. The process of how are scores are generated is cause for an entirely different topic. In the interim, the next time someone says "I have an 800 credit score," you can correct them and say "your score WAS 800 last time you hit pause!" As always thanks for reading, I hope you found this helpful, as my goal is to help you understand the mad, mad world of credit reporting. Chad Kusner Dave Hershman has been the leading author and a top speaker for the industry for decades with six books authored and hundreds of articles published. His website is www.originationpro.com. If you have a reaction to this commentary or another question you would like answered in this column? Email Dave directly at [email protected]. Many in the mortgage and real estate community are praising the recent Obama administration decision to lower FHA mortgage insurance premiums but the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee isnt happy about the move.The FHA is reducing its premiums from 0.85% to 0.60%, a move which real estate professionals say will put homeownership within reach for more people.The high cost of mortgage insurance has unfortunately put those opportunities out of reach for many young, first-time- and lower-income borrowers. Now, we have a real opportunity to get back on track, said William E. Brown, president of the National Association of Realtors.But Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) said that the move was cynical and put taxpayers at risk.It seems the Obama administrations parting gift to hardworking taxpayers is to put them at greater risk of footing the bill for yet another bailout, Hensarling said. Just three years ago the taxpayers had to spend $1.7 billion to bail out the FHA. Lowering premiums to below market rates now only puts the FHA in a more precarious financial condition.Hensarling said the administration was playing politics with the FHA in a way that endangered the agencys integrity.To be successful, the FHA must be fiscally sound, with a clearly defined mission, to ensure homeownership opportunities for creditworthy first-time homebuyers and low-income families, he said. Lowering FHA premiums now is counterproductive to achieving these goals and puts the U.S. taxpayer at greater risk. ODESSA In the digital age, many people seeking higher education have pursued online degrees. The trend extends to online offerings at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, which were recently ranked for affordability and business programs. Last week, the website OnlineU ranked UTPB as No. 21 on its national list of affordable online colleges for 2017. Another website, College Choice, ranked the university as No. 4 on its list of best online business schools in Texas for 2016. The rankings add to a history of recognition for UTPBs online programs. President David Watts said the recent lists reflect the universitys commitment to educating students while offering convenience. More universities are putting curriculum programs online, Watts said. We recognize that higher education is expanding. Students from across Texas and other states and countries have the opportunity to take online courses through UTPB. Watts said the online option is also beneficial for people living in Midland or even closer to campus. Even for folks who live near the university, online increases flexibility, Watts said. Instead of driving over, theyre able to log onto their computers and work on their classes. For the OnlineU ranking, the Washington state-based organization SR Education Group researched the tuitions of institutions that offered at least 10 online bachelors degree programs. Taitum Ridgway, marketing manager for SR Education Group, said the ranking offers transparency about tuition as online programs gain popularity. Its very difficult to find standardized information about college tuition, especially for online programs, Ridgway said. Theres no standard way colleges list them. The College Choice ranking for online business programs scores Texas institutions for reputation and return on investment, according to its website. The ranking comes after UTPB began offering its own online master of business administration program following a previous partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. UTPB also recently appeared in rankings from Affordable Colleges Online, which measured cost and programming. Watts said the university is determined to balance affordability and quality. We have a commitment to doing both, Watts said. Almost all the programs we offer have received recognition. Also, we have independent professional accreditations. UTPB offers online bachelors degrees in several subject areas, including business administration, communication, nursing and psychology. Students also have the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees in business and education fields. But pursuing an online degree doesnt appeal to every student, Watts said. The real advantage to the face-to-face program is the level of interaction they have with other students and faculty members, Watts said. Online isnt for everyone. They have to be well-motivated and prepared to do a substantial amount of their work independently. Taking classes at UTPBs campus is about $2,000 cheaper than online tuition, making it even more affordable than the OnlineU ranking, according to Watts. Theres an economic advantage and an interaction advantage with faculty and students for coming to face-to-face classes, Watts said. Online is a different venue for us to offer high-quality, low-cost options to people in Texas and beyond. Just one day before the start of the 85th Legislature, efforts to improve transportation in West Texas got a small shot in the arm. Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock filed a bill Monday seeking to direct the Texas Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study that would see Interstate 27 extend south of Lubbock to Laredo. The bill supports the activities of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance, a Lubbock-based organization that seeks the conversion of the congressionally recognized ports-to-plains corridor into interstate-grade highway and designated as I-27. The project is a long time coming. The ports-to-plains highway has been talked about for as long as I can remember, Burrows told the Reporter-Telegram. I-27 is unique among interstates in that its southern terminus does not connect to another interstate. Now is the right time to pursue a feasibility study to get it connected, Burrows said, because pro-infrastructure president-elect Donald Trump will soon take over as the nations executive. Ideally, once we have a new president, who called for a large infrastructure package to be delivered from the federal government, I want Texas to be in the best place to potentially highlight this project as one of the opportunities to do infrastructure expansion, Burrows said. The question on many minds, however, is where I-27 will go. The bill does not lay out the route. It would be improper for my bill to tell TxDOT what the route ought to be, Burrows said. TxDOT needs to determine the route. According to a map provided by Ports-to-Plains, the corridor has one of two options at Lamesa: continue south on U.S. Highway 87 through Big Spring or head into Midland via State Highway 349 and continue south on SH 158. Both options meet at Sterling City. Burrows said he doesnt have a preferred route but that he has heard the most talk about going through Big Spring with possibly a spur heading through Midland. Ports-to-Plains President Michael Reeves said Monday that its possible both routes could be designated as I-27. When you look at whats happening with I-69 in East Texas, they have a couple of different stretches designated. Same with I-35; you have I-35 east and west in Fort Worth and Dallas, he said. I dont think it would be unprecedented to have both of those segments designated. But thats why you have a feasibility study -- to let the professionals and engineers look at it. What might work in Midlands favor is the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliances push to re-designate the I-14 projects western terminus. I-14 is the centerpiece of the congressionally approved Gulf Coast Strategic Highway project, known as Ports to Forts. MOTRAN and other organizations support moving I-14s western terminus from I-10 and U.S. 190 to a point in western Ector County along I-20, then heading south on what is currently SH 158 and U.S. 87 to Brady. Reeves said having I-27 and I-14 on the same route would be beneficial. Its a wonderful opportunity to get two interstates for the price of one. Overlapping them would be a way to stretch that transportation dollar. Burrows and Reeves said having I-27 extend completely to Laredo will be important for several reasons, but namely because a large amount of freight transported between the U.S. and Mexico through Laredo along I-35 has created tremendous congestion on that interstate. Having an interstate corridor traveling north-south to the west would serve the entire western United States, particularly fast-growing areas such as Denver. The potential economic benefits for West Texans cant be underestimated, Reeves said. He cited a recent TxDOT freight mobility study that determined more than 73 percent of the Texas population and 82 percent of the states employment are projected to be located within 5 miles of an interstate by 2040. I-27 could give the whole region a boost, he said. Burrows offered similar sentiments. Its a really good project for West Texas and our industries, including oil and gas. With a new president in place that wants to see new infrastructure come together, I want Texas to be in a position to show I-27 as a great opportunity for that investment. The bill is HB 869; to read it, visit www.capitol.state.tx.us. Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes. New members inducted into Institute of ... New Melones, Jan. 5, 2017, ahead of weekend weather episode. View Photos Sonora, CA As current wet weather increases inflow at New Melones and other state reservoirs, a public response period extension is giving folks more time to add their thoughts to a controversial water agency proposal. Last fall, Tri-Dam Project partners, the Oakdale Irrigation (OID) and South San Joaquin (SSJID) irrigation districts, which developed and maintain the Donnells, Beardsley and Tulloch water projects on the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River, led resistance efforts against a proposed plan by the State Water Resources Control Board that would dramatically increase water releases from the Stan and two other rivers, purportedly for the primary benefit of salmon habitat. OID General Manager Steve Knell points out that during a December public hearing on the plan Tri-Dam, in concert with the Bureau of Reclamation, presented an alternative solution that would both protect the fish and conserve precious water resources for multiple benefits instead of flushing them downstream. He also reports that public outcry in the form of over 500 letters from a Save the Stan campaign has resulted in the water board agreeing to solicit public comments until March 17. Too, he adds with hopeful optimism, Governor Jerry Brown is adding pressure by requiring that the board settle related river basin issues with stakeholders in a timely manner. Melones: A Worst-looking Reservoir Shoo-in? New Melones, currently sitting at 51 percent of its historic average for this time of year and 29 percent of its total capacity, and Lake Perris, located in the southern terminus of the California State Water Project near Moreno Valley, remain by far the lowest of the states 12 major reservoirs under constant monitor. (Click left image box for the latest pictorial graph as well as an image of Melones at 46 percent of historic average, ahead of this past weekends rains). Perris levels are currently reported at 47 percent of historic average and 37 percent of its total storage ability. Melones is in bad shape, storage-wise. When you look across the stateit is the worst-looking reservoir in the system, Knell comments wryly. Chief among the reasons, he maintains, is because Melones is severely over-allocated with demands downstream that well-exceed the inflow. You essentially pull down storage each and every year, more so than the other reservoirsyou cannot continue to do this so as a result of these four years of droughtMelones just fell off the face of the earth as far as storage. If significant changes are not instituted to the water boards way of managing project resources according to a biological opinion established back in 2009, before the latest drought and without more comprehensive consideration of multiple other variables such as local economic impacts, Knell says, We are going to be dealing with almost like regulatory drought from here on out. Most Reservoirs Reading Above Average Besides New Melones, the only major Northern California reservoir below 100 percent of its average for January is Trinity Lake, northwest of Redding, currently at 78 percent of its historic average and 53 percent of capacity. In contrast, Lake Don Pedro currently comes the closest of the states half-dozen northern region reservoirs to achieving somewhere near capacity levels; its levels now reportedly at roughly 80 percent of its total storage and 120 percent of its historic average. In other regional numbers, Lake Shasta, also riding at 120 percent of its historic average is listed at 76 percent of capacity. Folsom Lakes respective readings are at 104 and 51 percent; Lake Oroville is at 102 and 64 percent; and Lake McClure reported at 106 and 48 percent. Members of the public who would still like to weigh in on the water boards proposal may read more on its website (click here). Hard-copy letters may be directed to Jeanine Townsend, Clerk to the Board; State Water Resources Control Board, 1001 I Street, 24th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814-0100. They may also be faxed to 916 341-5620. Comment letters may be submitted electronically via e-mail at commentletters@waterboards.ca.gov. Those submitting this way are asked to indicate in the subject line: Comment Letter 2016 Bay-Delta Plan Amendment & SED. For more details on the Save the Stans position, which also offers quick links to send an e-letter, click here. The David-vs.-Goliath saga continues between two major Central Florida airports. Orlando International Airport and Orlando-Melbourne International Airport have been in a battle over the use of The City Beautiful's name in the title. Melbourne official calls name 'vital part of our marketing' Melbourne airport is about 70 miles from theme parks Both staffs to meet soon, consider resolution On Monday, the Melbourne Airport Authority voted to continue using its current name after a presentation showed the word "Orlando" being used in airport marketing as far back as 1999. Board member Bill Potter called it a blatant attempt to limit competition. "It's not a matter of fighting back, it's just asserting that we are doing nothing improper, and this is a vital part of our marketing. And we will continue to do it," Potter said. The Melbourne airport is located some 70 miles away from Orlando theme parks. The use of the word "Orlando" has OIA officials up in arms previously saying it has passengers confused, many thinking they were flying in much closer to Orlando. But it hasn't stopped the airport authority from utilizing the name "Orlando" for a marketing tool. "If we are to grow this airport, we have to help people understand we are in the Central Florida market," Potter said. Dawn Maxfield and coworker Thea Furney routinely fly out of Orlando-Melbourne International Airport on business. Furney used to fly out of Orlando International instead and encourages travelers from other areas to fly in and out of the Space Coast. "I would consider driving the extra miles here to get in and out quickly," she said. We're told the Greater Orlando Airport Authority and Orlando-Melbourne staffers will be meeting soon to find a resolution outside of the courtroom. Many people in Central Florida are mourning the deaths of Orlando police officer Master Sgt. Debra Clayton and Orange County Deputy Norman Lewis. Pulse nightclub offered its condolences to the law enforcement community. In a message posted to its Facebook page, Pulse said: Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to Orlando Police Department. Today, 2 heroes were taken from our city. We stand with you. Last June, 49 people were killed during an attack at the nightclub. Clayton, 42, was shot Monday morning outside a Walmart located on Princeton Street while trying to detain murder suspect Markeith Loyd. She was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she died. Lewis, who was responding to the shooting on his motorcycle, was hit by a car. He was taken to ORMC where he died. A candlelight vigil for both is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Walmart on Princeton Street, where Clayton was killed. A reward of $60,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Loyd. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. (The Gofundme.com site is not managed by Bay News 9/News 13. For more information on how the site works and the rules visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety) President Barack Obama is set to deliver his final address to the nation Tuesday night ten days before Donald Trump is sworn-in as his successor. White House aides say Obama will use his farewell speech to defend his accomplishments and lay out his hopes for the future. President Obama to deliver farewell address Tuesday at 8 p.m. White House: President's speech will be optimistic Hundreds will see the president's speech live in his hometown of Chicago IN-DEPTH: D.C. Digest | The Inauguration of Donald J. Trump Nearly every president since George Washington has delivered some form of farewell address, and President Obama continues that tradition. The man whose soaring speeches helped him win the White House eight years ago will deliver his final speech to the nation as president. "This is really a forward-looking speech about how people can continue to rise up together and make change happen," White House Communications Director Jen Psaki said. The president will defend what he views as his major achievements: including his signature health care law and his efforts to fight climate change and turn the economy around. Even though Obamas successor President-elect Donald Trump threatens to undo Obamas progressive legacy, do not expect to hear mention of it Tuesday night. "This isnt a political speech," Psaki said. "Its not even a policy speech. This is an optimistic speech." The president is delivering the speech in Chicago, the city where his improbable rise to become America's first black president all began. "I chose Chicago not only because its my home where I met my wife and we started a family -- but also because its really where my career in public service began." "This is unique," said White House Communications Director Psaki. "As far as we know there hasnt been a president whos gone back to their home town (to deliver a farewell address) and this just shows you how important Chicago is to the president." This weekend, hundreds of people braved the bitter cold in Chicago to get a free ticket to see the farewell speech in person as Barack Obama closes out his presidential career. AMARILLO Dr. Brent Auvermann has been selected as the new center director at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Amarillo, following the retirement of longtime director Dr. John Sweeten. Auvermann is a professor in Texas A&M Universitys department of biological and agricultural engineering, with a dual-appointment in both the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. He will begin his new duties Feb. 1. Dr. Auvermann is recognized by his colleagues, commodity leaders, state and federal agencies, and livestock producers for his subject matter expertise and common-sense approach to solving complex issues, said Dr. Craig Nessler, AgriLife Research director in College Station, in making the announcement. We are confident his leadership abilities will continue to build our Amarillo centers role of importance not only to the Panhandle but to the entire state, as the faculty there strive to meet the needs of our clientele in the areas of agriculture and human health and well-being, Nessler said. Im thrilled about the next stage of my Aggie career, Auvermann said. I love the Panhandle, I love the people here and I love agricultural research. My wife, Jennifer, and I are so grateful for this opportunity. Auvermann earned his bachelors and masters degrees from Texas A&M and his doctorate at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. He joined the AgriLife faculty in Amarillo in 1995. He is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in environmental systems engineering applied to concentrated animal feeding operations. He has published research on air pollution emissions and abatement, nutrient management, evaluating biofuel feedstocks, carcass disposal and agricultural water use. Since 2002, a primary focus of his research has been continuous monitoring of cattle feedlot dust. He has collected one of the worlds largest data repositories from in-field continuous monitoring of dust from commercial cattle feedlots. Auvermann has been requested to speak at conferences throughout North America and serves as a research partner with faculty/scientists in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Minnesota, New Mexico and Alberta, Canada. Since 2008, he has served on the national Extension team that produced the web-based National Air Quality Site Assessment Tool for beef, dairy, swine and poultry operations, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service. As a result of his expertise in mitigation techniques for controlling dust from cattle feedlot surfaces, he was the primary technical advisor to USDA-NRCS engineers in Texas during the design and implementation of the Atmospheric Resource Quality Management initiative for cattle feedlot under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Auvermann also led a multistate Extension and research team that provided a detailed technical review of dairy environmental regulations proposed by the New Mexico Water Quality Conservation Commission and the New Mexico Environment Department. In 2008-2009, he served as the primary technical advisor to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Pinal County Air Quality Control District during the design of a Beneficial Management Practices standard for open-lot cattle feedlots and dairies. He co-moderated a 2010 national workshop for standardized reporting of air emissions from livestock and poultry operations, jointly sponsored by the EPA and the USDA Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality. He also served on the USDA National Working Group on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock and Poultry. In 2012, he was named to an EPA Science Advisory Board expert panel to review the agencys methodology for estimating air emissions from animal feeding operations. Auvermann is an award-winning researcher. He was a member of the air quality team that won the 2009 Vice Chancellors Award in Excellence for Research. In 2010, as a team member, he received the Governors Texas Environmental Excellence Award-Agriculture from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. He was a member of a team of engineers and scientists that won the National Excellence in Multistate Research Award from a USDA Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy, and he was recognized by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers as the G.B. Gunlogson Countryside Engineering Award winner for 2013. LUBBOCK In unrelated cases, two Lubbock men, who each pleaded guilty in September 2016 to one count of attempted enticement of a minor, were sentenced Jan. 6 to hefty federal prison sentences, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas. Dustin Mathew Buckaloo, 29, of Lubbock was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 162 months in federal prison. Patrick Wong, 36, was sentenced by Judge Cummings to 120 months in federal prison. According to documents filed in Buckaloos case, from approximately July 9 through July 23, 2016, Buckaloo used Facebook messaging to communicate with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, who was, in fact, an undercover officer. In the communications, he knowingly persuaded, induced and enticed, and attempted to entice this person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, to engage in sexual activity with him. On July 23, 2016, Buckaloo made arrangements to meet the person he believed was the minor girl, and he was arrested when he arrived at the agreed-upon location. According to documents filed in Wongs case, from approximately June 26, 2016, through Aug. 9, 2016, Wong used Facebook messaging to communicate with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, who was, in fact, an undercover officer. In these communications, Wong knowingly persuaded, induced and enticed, and attempted to entice this person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, to engage in sexual activity with him. On Aug. 9, 2016, Wong made arrangements to meet the person he believed was the minor girl, and he was arrested when he arrived at the agreed-upon location. The cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. The Lubbock County Sheriffs Office and the FBI investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy was in charge of the prosecutions. HARTFORD A group of immigrants and advocates Monday urged U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal to oppose the confirmation of fellow Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Sessions, R-Alabama, is one of two nominees by President-elect Donald Trump scheduled for a confirmation hearing Tuesday in the Senate. The other is Gen. John F. Kelly, Trumps pick for Homeland Security secretary. Advocates for undocumented immigrants met Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, Monday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to present him with a letter urging him to vote against Sessions. Alok Bhatt, spokesman for the Connecticut Immigrant Rights Alliance, raised concerns about Sessions comments and votes in the U.S. Senate. When it comes to protecting the entire body politic of the United States, I feel like we need someone who is capable of doing that without the kind of manifest prejudices and biases that Mr. Sessions has expressed, he said. The letter given to Blumenthal refers to Sessions judicial nomination in 1986. The Senate Judiciary Committee rejected the nomination by a 10-8 vote after testimony about racist comments Sessions made while he was U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. Groups signing the letter also raised concerns about Sessions comments on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which he has called an intrusive piece of legislation, and his opposition to immigration reform proposals to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers. The letter was signed by Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, unions, and immigrant, religious, and community groups. Blumenthal said he has serious concerns about Sessions nomination, and vowed to ask very penetrating, tough questions. At this point in our history, when our civil rights and liberties are so threatened, we need to make sure that the attorney general is a champion of protecting those rights and liberties, he said. Sessions nomination has drawn support from conservative groups like the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which praised him for his immigration stance. As Americas top attorney, Senator Sessions would put an end to the flagrant violation of federal immigration law by the more than 300 sanctuary cities and jurisdictions across the nation, FAIR President Dan Stein said in a statement in November. For too long now, sanctuary cities have been all but ignored by the federal government, despite the undisputed fact that they serve as a beacon to illegal immigration. msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino Annie Mulligan/Freelance Laura Murillo, president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, spoke to members of President-elect Donald Trumps transition team Tuesday in Washington. Murillo brought up several issues in the hourslong private meeting, including tax reform, health care reform, immigration, economic development, small business development, trade and NAFTA. Evan Sernoffsky / Evan Sernoffsky Authorities Monday identified the two men man killed last week in a triple-shooting that broke out inside a taqueria located in a strip mall in east San Jose. San Jose resident Daniel Maldonado, 21, and 31-year-old Hugo Sanchez of Sunnyvale were both pronounced dead at the scene in the South Bay citys first and second homicides of 2017, according to the San Jose Police Department. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Houston man was sentenced to 12 years in prison Tuesday for his part in a street-racing crash that killed a Baptist minister and his wife last year. Alexis De La Rosa Sosa, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony racing and two counts of failure to stop and render aid in exchange for the sentence. After he was sentenced, and one of the couple's adult sons gave a victim impact statement, Sosa turned to the gallery and spoke to dozens of friends and family in court for the sentencing. "I would like to ask that you forgive me. Since that day God has transformed me," Sosa told them through a translator. "I ask that you forgive me." THE ARREST: Suspect sought in Tuesday's fatal hit-and-run has turned himself in The couple, who had been married more than 30 years, were killed in northwest Harris County after returning home from visiting a niece and her newborn baby at a local hospital. The couple's 2004 BMW was struck by Sosa's 2006 Chevrolet pickup as he ran a red light while street racing with another vehicle on April 12. Jesse Estrada, 60, was co-pastor at Iglesia Nuevo Amanecer Bautista and owner of J J & Sons Remodeling. Maria Sabillon, 68, was a retired home caregiver for special needs children. During the sentencing in state District Judge Catherine Evans' court, one of the couple's sons said he forgave Sosa. THE CRASH: Minister, wife killed in crash with suspected street racer "I don't hate you, I actually pray for you and your family," Allan Sabillon said from the witness stand. "Because that's what my parents, and God, would want." After the brief hearing, Sabillon and two brothers publicly urged the other driver in the race to turn himself in. That driver, who was in a dark-colored Dodge Charger, has never been identified. brian.rogers@chron.com twitter.com/brianjrogers Brian Lockhart / Brian Lockhart Second-term state Rep. Andre Baker, D-Bridgeport, has been named regional vice chairman of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. NBCSL has over the years championed and supported innovative policies that have enriched the lives of many constituents and communities in need, Baker said in a statement. I am looking forward to working with all of the dedicated members of the Caucus that represent many communities across the nation on issues that affect all of us. rex tillerson exxonmobil The Senate confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of state pick, Rex Tillerson, is set for Wednesday, and he might be in for a tough battle. While Tillerson, the former Exxon Mobil CEO, is likely to be confirmed as the next secretary of state, he'll face tough questioning from senators. We've taken a look at the three major areas of concern Tillerson is likely to be grilled on during his hearing. Russia ties Tillerson's ties to Russia go back nearly two decades. Tillerson met Russian President Vladimir Putin in 1999, according to Bloomberg, when Tillerson first represented Exxon's interests in Russia while it was under Boris Yeltsin's leadership. And Tillerson has also worked with Rosneft, a major Russian state-run corporation, since the 1990s. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told NPR that he expects questions about Tillerson's ties to Russia during his confirmation hearing. "He did business with Russia. He was able to get things done there," Cardin said. "And those relationships will be subject to questioning during the confirmation hearings." But Sen. Bob Corker, a Republican from Tennessee who is the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, told NPR that Tillerson's views on Russia "are not, in any way, out of the mainstream." Ian Bremmer, a geopolitical expert and the president of Eurasia Group, also speculated that Tillerson's ties to Russia might not be a bad thing. "He's a strong executive," Bremmer said last month. "He has a better relationship with Putin than anyone else Trump could have chosen, and before we dismiss that as a bad thing, we should consider the benefits of better communications with a guy that has a demonstrated ability to make all kinds of trouble for Washington." rex tillerson vladimir putin Story continues And several sources familiar with Tillerson's meetings with senators told CNN that Tillerson acknowledged the need to get tough on Russia. "He indicated that he knew what Putin was about and that you need to deal with Russia from a position of strength," one staffer told CNN. "He framed his relationship with Putin as one where he felt he could talk to him frankly and that he was prepared to do that." But other senators are more skeptical. Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham, both Republicans, have publicly expressed concerns about Tillerson's past dealings with the Kremlin. McCain said recently that he still has concerns about Tillerson even after meeting with him. And Graham said on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that Tillerson has "to convince me, and I think other members of the body, that he sees Russia as a disruptive force." Trump cozied up to Russia during his campaign for president, and some critics have expressed concern about his reluctance to admit the Kremlin's role in hacking that was aimed at interfering in the presidential election. rex tillerson vladimir putin exxon russia Business dealings Tillerson has moved to cut his financial ties to Exxon and stepped down from his position as CEO on January 1, but some have called into question how his business dealings would shape his views if he were confirmed as secretary of state. Several of Exxon's projects in Russia worth tens of billions of dollars have been put on hold because of sanctions the US has imposed on the country, according to The New York Times. The US imposed sanctions on Russia in 2014 after the country annexed Crimea, which had been part of Ukraine. Former Exxon board member William George told The Wall Street Journal that Tillerson opposed the sanctions at the time. Michael Klare, a professor at Hampshire College and the author of "The Race for What's Left," a book about the rush for oil in the thawing Arctic, told The Times, "As secretary of state, he would be called upon to negotiate with world leaders like Vladimir Putin." "In these negotiations, one has to wonder what would influence the types of deals he is making," he said. "Questions arise over whether his actions would be benefiting his company or the interests of the United States and its allies." According to CNN, Tillerson told senators in his meeting with them that sanctions could be a useful tool. But he didn't express support for any sanctions in particular. CNN also reported that Senate aides were reviewing Exxon's plan to pay out Tillerson's holdings in the company. Exxon's plan would give him about $180 million to put into a blind trust. Rex Tillerson Lack of government experience If Tillerson is confirmed, he'd be the first secretary of state with no experience in the public sector. The media was quick to note after Trump nominated Tillerson that he lacked government experience. CNN noted that Tillerson "will have to explain why his own lack of formal foreign policy experience is not a disqualifying feature of his resume." But others have pointed out that he traveled the world and negotiated with foreign heads of state during his time at Exxon. A former Exxon employee who's now at the Brookings Institution made the case for Tillerson as secretary of state. "A lot of the negative/shocked reactions to Rex Tillerson as SecState seem to come from people with limited understanding of private sector," Suzanne Maloney wrote on Twitter last month. "Presumption that Tillerson must be a pro-Putin ideologue because he/[Exxon] did business successfully in Putin's Russia is simplistic and patronizing." "Oil folks know stuff: Anyone who manages multibillion-dollar, multidecade projects needs deep, nuanced understanding of political context," she continued. "In this sense, Tillerson's business experience gives him very different lens than other execs in Trump cabinet and very relevant for diplomacy." NOW WATCH: Watch Former CIA director James Woolsey explain why he wont advise the Trump transition team anymore More From Business Insider Albany Four down, two to go. Gov. Andrew Cuomo will wrap up his six-city State of the State regional rollout tour on Wednesday with speeches in Syracuse and the University at Albany Performing Arts Center. That speech, which is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., will mark the first time since Gov. Al Smith began the tradition of giving State of the State speeches that the address will be delivered somewhere in the city other than the state Capitol complex. Traditions aside, it's the substance of Cuomo's speech that will chart his course at the Capitol for the months ahead. Over the past week the governor has outlined plans for free tuition at state colleges, child care tax credits and voting reforms, among others and over the past two days regional plans for New York City, Buffalo, the Hudson Valley and Long Island. In his first four speeches, Cuomo has stressed the need to create efficiencies in local governments, to provide clean drinking water to New Yorkers, to have ride-hailing services outside of New York City and to address anger from the middle class to continue New York's service as the progressive beacon of the nation. Nearing the finish line of his tour, notably absent from the governor's rhetoric thus far have been ethics and government reform. Politico New York reported earlier this week that Cuomo is saving his reform proposals for the speech in Albany, where they likely are to resonate the loudest among residents with inside-the-beltway mindsets. The Cuomo administration did not tip its hand on Tuesday as to what is in store for ethics. It's likely the governor would re-purpose some of the proposals he pushed both during the 2016 legislative session and as he negotiated an ultimately ill-fated trade for a pay raise for state lawmakers late last year. Cuomo has sought restrictions on lawmakers' outside incomes and term limits, limits on campaign donations from those involved in the state contracting process and more review of potential conflicts of interest involving the outside incomes of lawmakers and the executive. Reforms of the state procurement process have emerged in the wake of an upstate economic development corruption scandal that involves men with long-standing relationships with the governor. The New York Public Interest Research Group's Blair Horner said there are three areas still in need of more reform: The use of legislative offices for private gain, pay-to-play schemes involving the executive and independent oversight of government. "They're all feasible if the governor wants to try to make them happen," Horner said. "But for example when he was pushing for the ethics proposals during the discussion over the pay raise, he didn't do anything to galvanize the public. When he wanted a $15 minimum wage increase and paid family leave, he did a whole dog and pony show across the whole state. ... Ethics at the moment is more of a priority on the public relations side and less of a priority on the policy side, not just for the governor but for the Legislature as well." As the governor closes out his speech tour, he has built up his 2017 agenda as addressing middle class anger. Appearing at a SUNY school, Cuomo will tout his plan to provide free tuition to SUNY and CUNY colleges to those who come from families with annual income less than $125,000 per year. He also will hit on New York's economic progress in terms of added private-sector jobs and lower unemployment, his affinity for the Regional Economic Development Council (for which he is proposing another round of awards worth $750 million) and some sort of regionally focused plan for the Albany area. "The question is: When he faces voters a year-and-a-half from now, what's more important to them?" Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said. "All the various ethics proposals that he passed and didn't get passed? Or is it jobs? Is it the economy? Is it getting things moving forward? To me, I think that's what voters are going to be paying more attention to than ethics in government." mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10 Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed Tuesday a local-government efficiency program that would require county executives to bring together local officials to develop a cost-savings plan that would be put to the voters on this November's ballot. The plan, presented during Cuomo's third of six regional State of the State speeches, is aimed at applying pressure via the ballot box on local officials to find a way to decrease the local tax burden. County officials must meet with local officials and submit a draft plan for shared services and efficiencies to county legislatures by Aug. 1, under the governor's proposal. Legislatures would have 45 days to review the plan, and if they don't act, it automatically would be placed on the ballot. If the plan is not approved by a majority of voters this November, the county government would have to prepare a new plan for consideration in November 2018. Cuomo's office said the plan would require legislation to implement. "I need you to call your senators and say, 'You work for me; get this done otherwise you can pay my property taxes next time,'" Cuomo said later in the day in a speech on Long Island, the fourth of the tour. At Farmingdale State College, the governor proposed the creation of recovery high schools aimed at helping students recovering from addiction finish their education. More Information Cuomo's big picture for New York unfolds Additional proposals from the governor's 2017 plans include: Civil rights/criminal justice: Cuomo wants to create a new hate crimes unit and develop a public-private partnership with the legal profession to ensure that new immigrants receive legal help if they need it. He spoke of boosting legal services for indigent New Yorkers. Last month, he vetoed a bill that would have had the state pick up those costs, which are now borne by counties. He said it would have been too costly. Boosting life sciences research and development: Cuomo wants to grow the nonprofit New York Genome Center, which explores genetics' role in life sciences and health care. He plans a $650 million package of tax breaks, grants and private investment to create a life sciences cluster for use by pharmaceutical firms and others in the health care field. Environmental protection: Cuomo called for eastern states that are part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cap-and-trade program, to further reduce emissions. Women's rights: Cuomo reiterated his support for abortion rights. He backed a ban on employers asking job-seekers about their past pay, and he said he will seek to require state contractors to report the gender and pay of employees. - Rick Karlin and Matthew Hamilton See More Collapse This is not the first time the state has weighed the creation of such high schools, which was discussed during the work of a task force the governor convened on addiction at the end of the last legislative session. The schools are part of a six-point addiction plan Cuomo unveiled Tuesday afternoon. The governor wants to add fentanyl to the state's controlled substances schedule and eliminate prior authorization requirements to make substance use disorder treatment available to all. Cuomo's latest proposals also included linking existing multi-use trails that run along the Erie Canal and Hudson Valley and building out extensions to cover central tourism areas of the state with a path for biking, walking and other activities. The 750-mile Empire State Trail would run from Buffalo to Albany and from New York City to the Canadian border and would include 350 miles of new trail. The full cost for it is $200 million, and Cuomo plans to seek $53 million for the first of three phases of construction in the upcoming state budget with construction completed by 2020. mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10 BROOKFIELD - Several former students said they are concerned about a proposal to eliminate a part-time writing center advisor position at Brookfield High School. The cut is part of Superintendent John Bariles 2017-2018 budget proposal. It would eliminate $18,000 from the budget, allowing the schools to add reading teachers to the high school and the middle school. Principal Marc Balanda told the Board of Education at its Wednesday meeting that he hopes to rework the schools writing center, where students currently go to receive writing and some math help from their peers. Under Balandas plan, the center would move to the library and offer tutoring in more topics, including reading and critical thinking. There is really an energy here to make this a hub, a library learning commons is what its called, he said. Because its meant to be more than just a library where people are sitting there quietly and not getting work done. We want this to be an inviting center, and by setting it up at that far side of the library as students come in, its welcoming. While National Honors Society students tutor peers in various topics, Balanda said this is only for 25 minutes every other day, which is not long enough. He said his proposal would mean a greater number of students would receive help on more subjects. Since the center is for peer tutoring, students do most of the work, not an advisor, Balanda said. This means the core purpose of the center will stay the same, he said. Teachers from each department could also assist students in the center during their free periods. The face-to-face conversations about writing and editing, that is not going to go away, he said. But several former students who tutored in the writing center during their time at the high school told board members Wednesday that eliminating the advisor position would be a mistake. One of the students, Nick OConnor, said having English teachers use their free periods to help in the center would not be effective. It doesnt bring the same passion and attention that the one writing center adviser could possibly bring, he said. With one writing center advisor, there is one system, so theres not different perspectives bringing in their own ideas. Zachary Mangold was a math tutor for all four years of high school before he graduated in June. Mangold said the centers advisor was instrumental in helping he and the other tutors edit their college essays. The writing center advisor, for me and for all of us, was not just there to make sure we did our work, to make sure the tutors help the tutees, to make sure that everything was documented and the process went smoothly, he said. She was there to [not just] make the environment that I had and all of us have fond memories of, but to help out the tutors and tutees themselves Mangold said Monday that last week he visited one of his old English teachers, who told him others were concerned they would not have time to help in the center on top of their grading and class planning. She also agrees [the adviser is] a very important position and the English teachers dont have time and it would really be an unnecessary burden on them, Mangold said. Balanda and Barile did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hoosick Falls U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand on Tuesday called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to expedite the process for adding contaminated areas of Hoosick Falls to the list of federal Superfund sites. The request comes as EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is poised to step down from her leadership position as part of the transition of President-elect Donald Trump's administration. Hoosick Falls was among eight sites across the country that the EPA in September recommended be added to the National Priorities List of hazardous waste sites. It's unclear whether Trump's administration, including a new EPA administrator, will ask to delay the EPA's pending Superfund recommendations until Trump's appointees can review the circumstances of each site. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics owns a manufacturing plant on McCaffrey Street in Hoosick Falls that has been a focus of the contamination of the village's water supplies. The company formally opposed adding its Hoosick Falls site to the federal Superfund list. A letter sent Tuesday to McCarthy, Schumer and Gillibrand, both Democrats from New York, said adding the contaminated sites in Hoosick Falls to the National Priorities List would give the small Rensselaer County community "access to vital federal resources that will help the community more adequately investigate and remediate the health and environmental risks caused by the widespread perfluorinated compound perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination." The EPA normally announces new federal Superfund sites twice a year, in the spring and fall. The EPA completed its research on the Hoosick Falls sites and said the findings indicated the level of pollution supported the agency's recommendation. The man-made manufacturing chemical perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, polluted public and private water supplies and groundwater in the village and town of Hoosick. The Superfund designation would enable the federal government to seek reimbursement and assistance from Saint-Gobain and Honeywell International, which acquired a company that previously owned the manufacturing plant, as well as any other companies found responsible for the pollution. The EPA's recommendation to designate areas of Hoosick Falls as a federal Superfund site comes less than a year after the Saint-Gobain plant was declared a state Superfund site. That designation allowed the state to list PFOA, which has been linked to cancer and other serious diseases, as a hazardous substance. blyons@timesunion.com 518-454-5547 @brendan_lyonstu BRIDGEPORT - A convicted felon, who police said held a Georgia woman and her five children in a cold basement for more than two days with no food and water, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to kidnapping charges. Not guilty, 42-year-old Marlo Macklin replied when asked by Superior Court Judge John Kavanewsky Jr. how he pleaded to charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, first-degree assault, first-degree strangulation and five counts of risk of injury to a child. Macklin asked for a trial by jury. The judge then continued the case to Feb. 2. Macklin, who is also charged with violating a prior probation on a 2013 assault conviction, is being held in lieu of $500,000 bond. Police said they went to Macklins home on Laurel Avenue on Dec. 21 after receiving information that the mother and her children, a 13-year-old boy, 4-year-old twins, a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old, had not been seen for several days. Macklin and the 41-year-old mother had formerly been boyfriend and girlfriend, police said, but the woman had left him and fled home to Georgia. At the house they said they were met by Macklins sister, Sandra Ouattara and her boyfriend, Charles Washington who denied there were any children in the house and refused to let police inside. Officers returned that night with reinforcements and forced their way as Ouattara and Washington screamed for them to get out, that there were no children there, police said. As Sgt. James Geremia headed down the basement stairs, Ouattara still screaming behind him, he said he heard a childs cry. At the far end I observed a huddle of children tucked into the corner. The mother was with them and looked helpless as well, he stated in his report. The condition these victims were being held were inhumane at best, the basement was cold, dark, there were no blankets, some of the children had no pants or shoes and it was disturbing to look at. Several empty juice bottles and a bucket placed on the floor for the family to use for waste. Police said when they entered the house they noticed that Ouattara had been cooking dinner for herself and Washington. They said they brought the children, who said they had not eaten in days, to the kitchen and fed them the food Ouattara had made. All were then taken to Bridgeport Hospital. Ouattara and Washington were charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, hindering prosecution and risk of injury to children and are each being held in lieu of $300,000 bond. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany The executive director of the state Committee on Open Government said in an advisory opinion that the state Senate's new rule barring the use of cellphones as recording devices within the chamber and its public galleries without the permission of the Senate secretary violates the state's Open Meeting Law. The Senate, controlled by the Republican conference, adopted the rule last week. Robert Freeman's conclusion, in a five-page letter to state Sen. Brad Hoylman dated Monday, finds that the rule is clearly contrary to state law. He notes that decades of legal precedent defines what constitutes a "public body" and requires that such bodies must make their proceedings available for photography, audio and video recording and broadcast. While the state Appellate Division, in a 1985 decision, said that such bodies may make rules to ensure that audio recording devices are not so obtrusive as to get in the way of their proceedings, "the nature and use of the equipment were the factors considered by the Court in determining whether its presence affected the deliberative process, not the privacy or sensibilities of those who chose to speak." Freeman concludes that COOG has previously advised "that a public body clearly has the authority to adopt rules to prevent verbal interruptions, shouting or other outbursts, as well as slanderous or obscene language. Similarly, I believe that a public body may regulate movement in order to preclude interference with meetings that would prevent those in attendance from observing or hearing the deliberative process." But while the Senate may therefore ban the use of cellphones in the chamber to conduct telephonic communication from the disruptive use of a ringtone to the resulting chat "when the cellular telephone is used to record public proceedings silently and unobtrusively, as in the case of its use in the Senate gallery, a prohibition of its use in that situation would, in my opinion, be contrary to" Open Meetings Law and legal precedent. Freeman's letter was copied to Senate Secretary Frank Patience. COOG advisory opinions don't carry the force of law, but they can serve as a blueprint for any legal challenge to a particular decision, rule or policy that violates the state's transparency laws. Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat, said that he was eager to hear the Senate leadership's response to the COOG opinion. "I think it's confirmation that the Open Meetings Law guarantees the public and the press unfiltered access to our government," he said. He noted that Republicans during last week's debate on the rule couldn't offer up a single example of cellphone recording disrupting the business of the chamber. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Hoylman said. A spokesman for the GOP majority did not respond to a request for comment. The ban on cellphone recordings also extends to the Senate's lobby areas, though those spaces aren't governed by Open Meetings Law. cseiler@timesunion.com 518-454-5619 @CaseySeiler This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW MILFORD A bill introduced last week in the General Assembly would require the state to extend commuter rail service northward from Danbury to New Milford. Newly elected Rep. Bill Buckbee, R- New Milford, introduced the bill on Friday, making it the first measure he introduced. Im excited, Buckbee said. As soon as I was sworn in I signed the paperwork on this to get it going. Bringing commuter service back has been discussed in town for years, Buckbee said, and was an important issue many constituents brought up to him while he was on the campaign trail. He and Mayor David Gronbach have also discussed the idea. Its something that can really increase vitality downtown, Buckbee said. Commuter service would help downtown businesses and raise property values, he said. He noted that accessibility of passenger rail has helped boost downtowns in Stamford and Norwalk, and has made them more attractive to millenials. Gronbach said having rail access to New York and growing Connecticut cities might encourage more people to move to New Milford, where houses are cheaper than in southern Fairfield County. Commuter rail would provide access that we dont have right now to those hotbeds of employment, Gronbach said. Both said commeter service also could alleviate traffic on Route 7. The Housatonic Rail Road Company, which owns the line from Danbury to the Massachusetts border, discontinued passenger service in the 1970s. Talk of reviving the service has repeatedly surfaced, and there have been several studies on the issue. The company has proposed a passenger route from Pittsfield, Mass., to New Milford and Danbury and continuing to Stamford. There might also be an option to continue the line west from Danbury to Metro Norths Harlem Line station in Southeast, N.Y. Exact locations of stations are still being worked out, according to Housatonic Rail Road Companys website. Before the commuting service can begin, the tracks and railbed need to be upgraded to accomodate passenger trains at passenger speeds, according to the company's website. Only freight trains use the tracks now. Extending the service from Danbury to New Milford is expected to cost about $450 million, according to Gov. Dannel P. Malloys 30-year transportation plan. The cost covers upgrading the tracks, adding passing sidings, renovating or building stations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, installing a new signal system and buying new locomotives and passenger cars, said Judd Everhart, a DOT spokesman. Everhart said the extension is still included in the 30-year plan, but a study of the Danbury branch completed in fall 2016 showed that expansion isnt yet viable because of the high cost and low ridership projections. It remains, however, as an option to further consider at a future time. The state budget has money set aside for commuter rail, which Buckbee said might be a potential source of funds. While the transportation committee reviews the bill, Buckbee is researching studies completed on the line and working with other representatives to determine costs and possible stops, if any, between Danbury and New Milford. It's baby steps, he said. He said the ideal location for the New Milford stop would be the existing train station in downtown, but an earlier study stated it might be hard to attach a platform to the building, so other sites are being considered. Gronbach also said the train station would be a good location, which shouldnt interfere with the plans to move Gallery 25 there now. Hes also organizing a forum of local leaders along the rail line to discuss the pros and cons of bringing passenger service back. Local municipalities need to be at the forefront of this effort, rather than relying on Hartford to carry the water for us, Gronbach said. Buckbee remains hopeful. Our fingers are crossed," he said. kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345 SHELTON-Members of Save Our Shelton are expected to make their concerns known on signs as they demonstrate in front of city hall before the Planning and Zoning Commission vote on the controversial massive project believe to be one of the biggest ever planned for Fairfield County. We are going to be out in force carrying signs making our position known, said Greg Tetro, one of the leaders of Save Our Shelton which was formed to block approval of the massive 1 million square foot of residential and retail space spanning 121 acres off Bridgeport Avenue. Im even bringing material for people to make their own signs. We need everyone here. Tetro asked members of his group to beginning gathering at 6 p.m. Jan. 10 outside City Hall on Hill Street. We probably have 5,000 members who are opposed to the project, said Tetro. Were going to be closely watching which Planning and Zoning members vote in favor of it and remember that come election time in November. During the Tuesday night meeting, commission members can approve, reject or grant a zoning change from the current one acre resident and light industrial to a planned development community. The latter would allow the commission to retain some control over the project. Tonight could be the culmination of a year of hearings and commission work sessions on the project being developed by Serge Papageorge of Trumbull. At one point nearly 900 residents turned out to oppose the project during a meeting at the Shelton Intermediate School. At a later meeting, Dominick Thomas, a Derby lawyer, who represents the developers, announced that the nine-story planned residential tower would be reduced to four to five stories. Also the developers planned to scrap an assisted living center. Still the project located across from Long Hill Cross Road on Bridgeport Avenue near Buddington Road and Mill Street would abut both the Blue Dot and Paugussett Trails. It would require blasting a ledge and adding additional lanes for traffic. The citys Conservation Commission has gone on record opposing the development. The developers want to pave over 125 acres of wooded land that contains a historic hiking trail (pre-colonial Indian trail--part of the CT Blue Trail system), is a natural wildlife habitat and contains wetlands with the Far Mill River running along one side, said David Ellis, a Huntington Street resident who is opposed to the project. The property has road frontage in a light industrial zone on the eastern side but penetrates deep into residential zoning and abuts the back yards of many families' homes on the other three sides. Ellis said the buildings, parking garage and parking lots will further congest streets and make the roads more deadly than they are. The project falls between exits 12 and 13 of Route 8. Tetro said if the Commission approves the project, Save Our Shelton will look to the next steps which include challenging approval by the Inlands Wetlands Commission and appealing to the Zoning Board of Appeals before taking the matter to court. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., went through the familiar ritual Tuesday of softening previous hard-edge statements on race, defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and other hot-button topics in order to win Senate confirmation. Appearing at the opening day of two days of hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sessions dismissed a past pledge to appoint a special prosecutor to look into Clintons private email server, saying he was simply being a ``politician. Sessions also said he never hollered Lock her up! at any Trump rally, although he acknowledged hearing choruses of it numerous times. Charges of racially insensitive remarks that derailed his confirmation for a federal judgeship in 1986 were based on lies, he said. Sessions pledged to abide by civil rights and voting rights laws, and said that Supreme Court precedents governing abortion and gay marriage were settled law. The Department of Justice must never falter in its obligation to protect the civil rights of every American, particularly those who are most vulnerable, Sessions told the Judiciary panel. Protesters, including several in Ku Klux Klan garb, disrupted the day-long hearing several times. All were quickly escorted out by police. Sessions, 70, was an early Senate backer of Trump and the president-elect rewarded him handsomely for his loyalty. With deep roots in the conservatism of rural Alabama, Sessions has been a right-of-center voice in the Senate and as a member of the very committee now examining him. For the most part, Sessions stood his ground in a courtly way. His Democratic colleagues were quick to pick apart his record on immigration, hate crimes, closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay and a host of other subjects. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., brought up the 2005 tape in which Trump brags about being able to get away with grabbing womens genitals because he is a celebrity. Asked by Leahy whether such conduct constitutes sexual assault, Sessions replied, Clearly, it is. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., himself a former state attorney general and U.S. attorney, questioned Sessions on whether as a senator, hed decline to vote on his own confirmations as well as those of other Trump nominees. Blumenthal focused on a series of conflicts of interest that Trump faces as a New York real estate developer with worldwide business interests. He asked whether Sessions, if confirmed, would appoint a special prosecutor to look into Deutsche Bank for, among other things, its involvement in the mortgage-backed securities scandal that undergirded the 2007-08 financial crisis. The bank reportedly is trying to restructure a $300 million debt owed by Trump. You dont want to be in the position of every time an issue comes up, the attorney general has to recuse, Sessions said. Nevertheless, he added, appointing a special prosecutor is a useful tool in the right circumstances. Blumenthal also asked once he is sworn into office Jan. 20, Trump would run afoul of the emoluments clause of the Constitution, which blocks federal officials from receiving income from foreign governments. Several of Trumps development deals overseas involve investments of foreign governments. Sessions sidestepped the question, telling Blumenthal, Im not aware of the precise factual situation that would be in play. In response to another Blumenthal question, Sessions said he supported background checks. But he appeared to oppose expansion of background checks to include private sales at gun shows or elsewhere, saying, in some instances, its not practical. When you inherit a gun from your grandfather, Im not sure it requires a background check. Among those supporting Sessions is former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman. Do I agree with everything he has ever said or done? Of course not, Lieberman wrote to the committee, as reported by the Capitol Hill publication Roll Call. But I dont agree with everything anyone I know has ever said or done, including myself. Most people change during their lives, learning from experience, and therefore deserve to be judged on the totality of their lifes work, with greater weight given to more recent behavior. Contact Dan Freedman at dan@hearstdc.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With the Memorial Day and "Tax Day Floods" of 2016, and major flood events in 2015 on Halloween and yet another Memorial Day weekend, the issue of urban flooding is a frequent topic of discussion between city planners and the community in Houston, and it's only getting more heated. The Texas Tribune highlighted a major question in the debate in a December examination of the problem in the Bayou City called, "Boomtown, Flood Town: Can Houston engineer its way out of flooding?" The answer to that question is still being sussed out, but the city of Bellaire has decided to jump in on existing efforts. For a number of years the city has rounded up and recycled residents' Christmas trees as they were thrown out on curb sides and donated them to a Surfside Beach nonprofit, which places them on the beach to restore sand dunes. This past Christmas they were able to partner again with the nonprofit to help protect the coastline. Dunes help protect barrier islands from storm surge and are vital to flood protection - which, in turn, provides flood prevention farther inland, said Brittany Eck, press secretary for the Texas General Land Office, who works to preserve coastlines and natural land resources in Texas. Eck says that by lining up the Christmas trees end-to-end and securing them into place, it creates vegetation that will trap sand as the wind picks it up and will slowly build into a dune. "It's our beach re-nourishment," said Gregg Bisso, president of Save Our Beach Association, the nonprofit group collecting and placing the trees. "We take the old Christmas trees after they've served their time during the Christmas season and bring them to the beach." He said it takes about 1,000 trees to cover one mile of beach. Surfside Beach is a small coastal community in Brazoria County south of Galveston, near Freeport. Bisso says SOBA has been using the Christmas tree method since the 1970s, and in peak years they will collect between 3,000 to 4,000 trees. One record year saw 15,000 trees trucked in from surrounding communities. Eck said that Brazoria County, located in one of five coastal regions on the Texas GLO map, is the only county in Texas that they are aware of which uses the Christmas tree method. Region 16 is comprised of Brazoria, Harris, Magnolia, Galveston and Chambers counties, among others. "We're strengthening the existing dunes, and placing them in areas where there are no dunes, where there's been a washout because of high waves," said Bisso. According to the The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, barrier islands are the first line of defense for coastal communities, and they absorb storm energy in the form of wind and waves. Bisso admits that he had no idea how important barrier islands were to mainland communities until he moved to Surfside five years ago from Spring. His organization brought special bins to the City of Bellaire to store the trees until early January when they came back and picked them up for the trip to the coast. Shawn Cox, administrative services manager with the department of public works at City of Bellaire said the city was first contacted by SOBA, and started working with them in 2010. "Since then the City has reached out to them annually to provide this service to our residents," said Cox. "But it is not a service the SOBA has been able to provide annually." Old trees - with no flocking - can be brought to the main entrance of Surfside Beach and placed on the ground anytime year-round, and someone from SOBA will be by to pick it up. Learn more about Save Our Beach at sobatx.org. Former Exxon Mobil (XOM) CEO Rex Tillerson 's confirmation hearing to become the nation's top diplomat will be a highly contentious event, if statements from Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are any indication. Most of the Democrats on the committee and one Republican Sen. Marco Rubio have said they have serious concerns about Tillerson's nomination. The other Republican committee members either praised Tillerson's business experience in brief comments or have not issued official statements on the pick. The Wednesday hearing was always bound to be remarkable. Tillerson will be the first modern nominee for secretary of State who is better known as a businessman than a statesman or civil servant. But Exxon's business ties to Russia have raised the hackles of many politicians in light of President-elect Donald Trump 's denial until recently that Russia was behind cyberattacks on U.S. targets during the 2016 election and sought to undermine the U.S. democratic process. The hearing gives lawmakers the opportunity to scrutinize the incoming president's foreign policy agenda. Even before entering office, Trump has upended long-standing diplomatic norms, and Democrats have been blunt when it comes to Trump's vision. "I found many of President-elect Trump's foreign policy statements as a candidate, and now as the next president of the United States, to be disturbing at best and frightening at worst," said the committee's ranking Democrat, Ben Cardin of Maryland. Here are the main themes to watch in Tillerson's confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Some see Tillerson's nomination as part of Trump's efforts to forge a friendlier relationship with Russia, and many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are deeply skeptical of that endeavor. Exxon was in the process of helping Russia's state-owned Rosneft explore for oil and gas in the Arctic and other locations when the United States and European Union slapped Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Crimea and its military interference in Ukraine. Story continues Tillerson Talk: The words senators used in their initial statements Tillerson opposed the sanctions and upset the White House by sending an Exxon executive to a Russian business forum last year. Democrats flagged those issues in public statements, and some have even questioned Tillerson's loyalty to the country. "Mr. Tillerson has demonstrated he knows the corporate world and can put his shareholders' interests first, but can he be a respected secretary of State that puts the national security interests of the American people first? It remains to be seen," Cardin said last month. Among Republicans, 2016 presidential contender Rubio, who sparred often with Trump on the campaign trail, has expressed the most explicit skepticism of Tillerson's suitability for the office, saying he has "serious concerns about his nomination." Both GOP and Democratic committee members have expressed support for hitting Russia with further penalties after revelations of its meddling in U.S. elections. Senators will likely press Tillerson on whether the incoming administration plans to roll back existing sanctions on Russia. Tackling climate change has been a major push under the Obama administration. The Paris Agreement, an international deal to cut carbon emissions, has been one of Secretary of State John Kerry's signature achievements. Exxon, the world's most valuable publicly traded energy company, has been accused of misleading the public on climate change, so the issue might seem like an easy target for Democrats. That might not be the case. In recent years, Tillerson has led Exxon's shift toward acknowledging the effects of climate change and supporting a carbon tax to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Some say the move was motivated by public relations and a desire to front run environmental policy that could be even more detrimental to Exxon's business, but whatever the case, Tillerson will likely be prepared to tackle questions on climate change. While many Democrats raised questions about Exxon's record on climate change after Tillerson's nomination and are sure to do so on Wednesday Sen. Tom Udall said he was "pleased" to learn about Tillerson's position after meeting with him last week. Still, the gulf between Tillerson and Trump's public position on climate change could present another line of attack. "I'm encouraged that, contrary to the extreme statements by President-elect Trump, Mr. Tillerson believes in science and sees value in the United States remaining a party to the Paris Agreement," Udall said. Some Democrats softened their language on Tillerson after meeting with him last week, but another theme emerged: Tillerson and Trump have differences on more than just climate change. Those difference may create flash points on Wednesday. Sen. Christopher Coons of Delaware told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" last week, "there is a real tension between his expressed views in our conversation yesterday and the views of President-elect Trump, so I look forward to exploring that tension further in the upcoming confirmation hearings." Udall expressed concern last week about whether the Trump team is on the same page. In a statement Udall said, "While I was impressed by Mr. Tillerson's direct answers to my questions, he was unable to clarify what President-elect Trump's policies and positions will be." A number of Democrats have questioned whether the lifelong oilman's experience negotiating energy deals qualifies him to serve as the nation's top diplomat. "Having no practical experience in diplomacy, Mr. Tillerson has no proven knowledge or regard for the norms and necessities that so much of our modern diplomatic and security efforts depend upon," Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey said last month. It's also possible Democrats will try to trip up Tillerson with questions they believe are beyond his realm of expertise, but they may be surprised by the depth of his knowledge. Energy experts recently told The New York Times that Tillerson is well-versed in the affairs of a handful of countries. Still, Tillerson will likely be confronted with a range of questions on hot-button issues, including the Iran nuclear agreement, the Syrian civil war and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Trump has advocated a U.S. foreign policy that is wary of overseas entanglements. He has also raised the prospect of pulling out of NATO the military backbone of the Western world for almost 75 years if treaty members do not contribute more to its funding. That plays well with libertarian-leaning Republican Sen. Rand Paul , who has said he will keep an open mind on Tillerson. Paul publicly criticized John Bolton and Rudy Giuliani , two early considerations for secretary of State, as being too hawkish. Tillerson will have to square Trump's vision with the more hawkish views of some Republican committee members and bipartisan support for NATO. One day after Trump announced Tillerson as his pick, Rubio and Democratic Sen. Edward Markey wrote a letter to Trump "calling on him to strengthen our system of alliances, including NATO and the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty, and long-standing nuclear nonproliferation policies." CNBC's John Schoen contributed to this story. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Residential development is underway near the Newpoint Estates and Creekmont communites, despite opposition from local property owners. City Council in Missouri City approved 5-2 an ordinance at a meeting Jan. 3 that okayed development of a 95-acre property located south and west of Creekmont and north of Newpoint Estates. The ordinance changed the property's zoning from a Suburban district to a Planned Development district. Councilmembers Yolanda Ford and Chris Preston voted against the ordinance. The vote on Jan. 3 came after months of resistance from Newpoint Estates and Creekmont residents, who argued the density of the development would increase traffic and flooding in the area. Representatives from the engineering firm Jones and Carter, which submitted the zoning application on behalf of developer Ashton Woods, said at meetings throughout the summer and fall that the development would not worsen flooding. At the Jan. 3 meeting, Missouri City Assistant City Manager Scott Elmer said the development would not drain onto neighbors' properties. But the residents who packed city hall that night thought otherwise, responding to Elmer's assurances with shouts of, "You know that's not right, Scott." Called Shipman's Cove, the development's schematic plan shows a community similar to Creekmont. The plan includes 278 single-family homes on about a quarter of an acre each, and a detention space of over 20 acres. Newpoint Estates and Creekmont residents called for the city to follow the its master plan, which had designated that area to have homes on at least an acre, similar to those in Newpoint Estates. The ordinance passed Jan. 3 included an amendment to Missouri City's master plan. The process for passing this ordinance only added to resident concerns. Missouri City's charter requires each ordinance to have two readings. The ordinance was thought to have failed on its first reading in September, when city attorney E. Joyce Iyamu determined six of the seven city council members needed to vote yes for it to pass. Only five did. Ford and Preston voted against the ordinance in September as well. Later, Iyamu said further research into the law led her to conclude just four votes were necessary. Concurrently, Missouri City was threatened with a lawsuit, which was discussed in close session at special meetings on Nov. 21 and Dec. 5. In December, city council voted 5 to 2 to modify the minutes from the Sept. 6 meeting to reflect the ordinance passing on its first reading. Ford and Preston voted against changing the minutes. At the meeting Jan. 3, residents continued to demand answers. "It's not really fair that you line the pockets of a developer so that you can line the city's pockets with tax money by destroying the value of my property," nearby property owner Jeff Becker said. "It's just wrong." Added nearby property owner Joe DeLeon: "Please be more accountable, transparent and honest with the citizens that have come here to object to such a high density development." At Large Position 1 Councilmember Jerry Wyatt tried to give context to the zoning and drainage processes. "What we're doing here is no different than what we did before you got here, that created Creekmont," he said during the Jan. 3 meeting. In an effort to prevent traffic in Newpoint, District D Councilmember Floyd Emery, who represents part of the affected areas, amended the ordinance to remove a 911 gate that would have allowed emergency access to Shipman's Cove through Newpoint. Instead, he proposed adding a fence to the vacant lot that would have housed the gate, which could be knocked down should a serious emergency, such as flooding, occur. There will still be emergency access into and out of Shipman's Cove at the area of the development bordering Creekmont. "It's just one of those things that is not an easy decision to make either way," Mayor Allen Owen said. "You end up in court maybe one way or the other, but we're going to do what we feel like needs to be done." St. Joseph Medical Center The Perez family welcomed a baby boy as the first infant born in 2017 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Houston's first hospital. Ulises Perez Jr. made his appearance at 2:19 a.m. weighing in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces after 28 hours of labor and delivery. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Another home in the Houston Heights is being torn down to make way for progress in the neighborhood. The 3,600-square-foot brick building on Bayland Avenue built in 1920 was owned by the same family for almost 100 years, said Spencer Schyma who lives on the first floor with roommate and professional photographer, Andrew Hemingway. Schyma lived in the home for a spell when he was 11 and his father rented one of the upstairs units, but recently moved back in with Hemingway in 2016. Over the last 30 years at least one person in Schyma's family has rented an apartment in the home, whether his uncle who still lives upstairs, or his mother and father. When the 26-year-old decided to move in early in 2016, he approached Virginia Young, the 100-year-old owner and she allowed Schyma and Hemingway to rent the first level, two bedrooms and two baths, for $900 per month. When Young died this year in car accident, Ginny Roberts, Virginia's daughter inherited the home. On a November morning, Hemingway, 27, woke to the sound of workers outside of his window. He went outside to find men surveying the property and affixing notices to the windows stating various code violations. Days later the two received a letter from the new owner telling them they had 30 days to vacate the home as it was being sold and would be torn down by the new owner. Schyma and Hemingway fell in love with the character of the home and Hemingway has used the retro, pink bathroom tiles and spacious hard-wood rooms for photo shoots. During 2016 Lights in the Heights, Schyma said 20,000 people walked down the avenue, and hundreds meandered in and out of the house, admiring the 20th Century architecture. "I wish I would have lived here sooner," said Schyma. "You can imagine what it would have looked like 100 years ago." But circumstances seem to be conspiring to not only make way for the new at the corner of Bayland near Studewood, but for the two young men as well. Hemingway is throwing his belongings into a storage unit, cramming his photo equipment into his car and taking off for other parts of Texas and Colorado. The day before they received the notice to vacate, Schyma found out his steak business was being pushed out of Onion Creek where he's been grilling ribeyes and baked potatoes on Monday and Wednesday nights for years. He's turning the demolition of his work and home into an opportunity for a new start. Just after Jan. 1, he left for Sonoma County, California to study at a Tibetan Buddhist retreat for six months. "After that, who knows," he said. Passages for Women will host the fifth annual Boots and Bling Luncheon, Fashion Show and Marketplace benefiting the Passages for Women Center on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Junior League of Houston, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The show will be emceed by former KPRC Channel 2 anchor Courtney Zavala and features fashions from Pinto Ranch to get people ready for the rodeo. In addition, local vendors will have a marketplace of clothing, jewelry and items for the home for attendees to browse before and after the show. When the Texas Legislature convenes in Austin for the 85th session this January, there will be a plethora of issues to be debated. Although Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Joe Straus all have a list of priorities, it is highly unlikely that they will all get addressed. Lt. Gov. Patrick has openly said there is not enough time to address all of the issues during the regular session. Gov. Abbott seems to be taking a more wait-and-see approach on his priority issues this session. He appears to be watching what will be happening at the federal level in Washington, D.C. with the new Trump administration. With that said, at a minimum he wants the legislature to address sanctuary cities, school funding as well as property taxes. Unlike Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has a more detailed list of legislative priorities. In November, he released his 10 legislative priorities for the 85th Legislative Session. At the top of the list is passing a balanced budget. Some of the other issues on the list include property tax reform, sanctuary cities, photo voter ID, women's privacy (also known as the bathroom bill) and school choice. Lt. Gov. Patrick has been spending considerable time focusing on school choice and giving parents the option to use education vouchers. Speaker Straus has made it clear that he will focus on child welfare and cleaning up Child Protective Services (CPS). The embattled agency has been under investigation for everything from staff that has falsified documents and lied to child abuse and neglect. In addition to cleaning up CPS, Speaker Straus would like to see the legislature address higher education and mental health. Like the governor and lieutenant governor, he wants to address public school funding and property tax reform. In addition to the issues that the three legislative leaders have put forth, there are others that the legislature will be debating during the 85th session. The legislature will be looking at the franchise tax and changes to it. Some possible changes include considering whether or not to provide more exemptions for business as well as losses being carried over to subsequent years. Additional changes could include reinstating the research and development tax credit, exempting compensation to certain independent contractors and reducing the inventory tax. In addition to tax issues, the legislature will be looking at transportation and funding for roads. This includes legislation on toll roads, evaluating the current state fuel tax, and the use of fees such as the vehicle registration fee to help fund the construction of roads. As it relates to building more roads, one last issue to keep an eye on is the fight over property rights and eminent domain. This will potentially impact the building of new roads and transportation infrastructure as well as, energy, water and water management. This issue has been simmering for a number of years in Texas. It has come to the forefront with the property rights debate and the highspeed rail project that is proposed to go from Dallas to Houston. This issue has people on both sides who are very passionate and it has the potential to become a big deal. However, it will be competing with the bathroom bill, education, child welfare and other emotionally charged issues. As the legislature convenes and moves through the session there will likely be five to six thousand bills filed. Regardless of which issues legislators, the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker see as important, one thing we can count on is that everything will hinge on the budget. The budget is tighter this session due to a slowdown in oil & gas. Something else we can count on is that the legislature will arrive in Austin in early January and finish their work in 140 days. Well, maybe. Perhaps we will see a special session. Andrew Biar is president of Strategic Public Affairs. The firm provides government relations, communication and stakeholder outreach services at the local, state and federal levels with offices in Austin, Houston and Washington, D.C. Social media is here to stay. It is a part of our lives, a fun way to connect. It has become a primary way to communicate and share with friends, family, colleagues, and the community as a whole. Though it is intended for good, there are those who would use social media for bad. There was a prime example of the potential for malicious and criminal use of Facebook this week. Four people under the age of 25 have been charged with a hate crime in a kidnapping and torture case. Though it happened in Chicago, the crime was broadcast everywhere on social media. The four perpetrators committed the acts live, on Facebook. The Case The Facebook footage showed the victim bound and gagged. The media feed showed each of the four perpetrators taunting and shouting at the young man. He was beaten. His clothes were slashed. His head was bleeding. On camera, the four perpetrators spoke to the Facebook audience. All four were visible on the video, which lasted for hours. Comments and criticisms streamed in. The brazen crime was broadcast for all to see. The participants in the crime appeared to have little concern for any consequences. They were ultimately arrested and will face punishment in a Chicago courtroom. The Crimes The crime is shocking, not only because it is such a hateful act, but because it was broadcast live on Facebook with seeming impunity. Thankfully, it is not typical of the common use of Facebook. Few crimes are committed, filmed, and broadcast live on social media. Regardless, there are some risks associated with Facebook. Users should be aware of common misuses of Facebook. Know the risks of certain types of criminal activity and protect yourself from harm. Scams. Because Facebook is a vehicle for sharing personal information, it may leave some persons vulnerable to scams. Simply by observing Facebook posts, con artists may develop stories or scams that appear to be real. Before engaging in any activity that requires sending money or providing financial identification information, question the solicitation. Never share information or send money without verifying the identity of the caller or the nature of the need. Though the caller may have personal information or reference known family members or friends, consider carefully before taking action. Bullying. Cyberbullying is a common concern for students who are active on Facebook. The anonymity provided by some social media may contribute to the issue. Even when the poster is identified, Facebook is a common vehicle of bully behavior. Parents should monitor Facebook and refuse to tolerate bullying. Stalking. Facebook users are routinely warned about the potential for stalking by sexual predators. Online, predators have access to potential victims and the opportunity to lure them. Just as you would protect a child from the community in a mall or crowded public area, protect your child online. Monitor their activity and preclude them from talking online with persons you do not know. Facebook is entertaining and fun. When used appropriately, it is safe. Know the risks and avoid those who would use it to further criminal activity. Stay safe on social media. Katherine Cabaniss is the Judge in the 248th District Court in Harris County. She was formerly a prosecutor and Executive Director of Crime Stoppers. Contact her at cabanissk@yahoo.com. Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston presents Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre from Jan. 13 through Feb. 12. Dance Month is celebrating 37 seasons of showcasing prominent choreographers, master teachers, companies and dancers. Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre and the Adult Department come together to present Arts in the Afternoon Towards the Gypsy Roads on Friday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Make reservations for lunch and then follow with a show in the Kaplan Theatre that includes poetry in Ladino, Sephardic dance, Flamenco Paterneras, and other Flamenco styles accompanied by canto hondo (deep singing) and Spanish guitar. Towards the Gypsy Roads was conceived by Marisol Monasterio and honored by the Houston Press as one of the 100 creatives in 2012 for her unusual voice and emotional performance. Israeli Contemporary Performance Art with Amy Morrow and Idan Sharabi launches opening weekend of Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre. The Gaga/dancer master class with Morrow and Sharabi is Saturday, Jan. 14 from noon-3 p.m. The Gaga/dancer class is for students 16 and older. A free informal showing will be from 3:30 4:30 p.m. with Morrow and Sharabi. Gaga is the movement language which Ohad Naharin developed and which is applied in daily practice and exercises by the Batsheva Dance Company. Gaga has two tracks: Gaga/dancers and Gaga/people. It is a way of learning and strengthening one's body and adding flexibility, stamina, and agility while lightening the senses and imagination. The Houston premiere of the film, "Mr. Gaga" will be Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. in the Kaplan Theatre. "Mr. Gaga" is an award-winning documentary about Ohad Naharin and Batsheva Dance Company by celebrated directors Tomer Heymann and Barak Heymann of Heymann Brothers films & K now Productions. The director Tomer Heymann will be in attendance. Filmmakers were allowed eight years in the studio to tell the story of Naharin one of the most important choreographers of the time. A question-and-answer segment with Heymann and a Gaga/people class with Morrow will follow the film. All dance performances take place in the Kaplan Theatre at the J. Master classes are in the J's dance studio. Visit www.erjcchouston.org/dancemonth for information. Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre is funded in part by the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Patron for the Arts, a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment and RBC Wealth Management. Marriot Houston Westchase is the official hotel for Dance Month. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A chance encounter last year between two former Silsbee High School classmates led to the recent expansion of Big Thicket National Preserve by more than 68 acres. Earl Stover III, a district judge in Hardin County, said when he ran into Ellen Buchanan, the president of the Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust, they started talking about a piece of land that Stover's parents owned in Hardin County next to the preserve. Earl "Smokey" Stover, a former judge on the 9th Court of Appeals who died in 2000, and his wife, Juanita Stover, bought the 68.4-acre plot in the 1960s as an investment with the intention of donating it to the preserve after it was established, Stover said. Stover said that after his meeting with Buchanan, the family decided it was time to donate the land. "My mother's getting older, and it seemed like it was a good time to get the process finished," Stover said. The family finalized the transfer of the land on Big Sandy Creek to the conservation group The Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust on Dec. 21. The land, which includes hardwoods, pines and cypress-lined creeks, will join the more than 112,000 acres that make up the national wildlife preserve established in 1974. Buchanan said the organization is "very pleased" with the donation. The new addition will be beneficial it has bodies of water that can act as a buffer during heavy rains and prevent flooding in the preserve, Buchanan said. The donation ensures the land will remain undeveloped, preserving the beauty of the Big Thicket, she said. "If you don't have development and don't have runoff from oil and concrete, you don't have runoff into the water," Buchanan said. "The people of Hardin and Tyler counties have been good to the Stover family," Stover said. "We are pleased to be able to give back to the people of Southeast Texas." NKrebs@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/natalie_krebs This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Therapists in California can be required to report patients who have looked at child pornography on the Internet despite the therapists claim that their clients are entitled to confidentiality and pose no threat to children, a state appeals court ruled Monday. Finding no legitimate privacy rights at stake, the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles upheld a 2015 state law that expanded the previous ban on child pornography to include images viewed online. State law for decades had required members of certain professions, including family therapists and clinical counselors, to notify police or child welfare agencies if their patients produced or viewed child porn. The privacy interest of patients who communicate that they watch child pornography is outweighed by the states interest in identifying and protecting sexually abused children, Presiding Justice Roger Boren said in the 3-0 ruling. Although communications between patients and their doctors or therapists are confidential, Boren said, that confidentiality is not absolute and must give way to the need to protect crime victims. He said viewing sexual images of children is a crime in California that victimizes children and helps to finance further exploitation. Not only is it illegal, the conduct is reprehensible, shameful and abhorred by any decent and normal standards of society, Boren said. He said patients who share such information with their therapists have no constitutionally protected privacy interest and must be reported. The law was challenged by an alcohol and drug counselor and two marriage and family therapists, whose practices included sexual addiction. They said patients who spoke of viewing child pornography images typically had no criminal record or history of sexual abuse of children, had no access to children at home or at work, and were ashamed of their attraction to minors. Requiring therapists to report on their patients would destroy the patients trust and discourage them from speaking candidly or from seeking therapy at all, the therapists lawyers argued. But the court said the law protects children from emotional as well as physical abuse. A report to authorities may disrupt the proliferation of child pornography and deter the underlying conduct of viewing children who have already been sexually exploited, Boren said. Even if the reporting requirement interferes with therapy, he said, no fundamental privacy interest guarantees treatment for a sexual disorder that causes a patient to indulge in the criminal conduct of viewing Internet child pornography. Lawyers for the therapists could not be reached for comment. They could ask the state Supreme Court to review the ruling. The Edwardsville Childrens Museum is teaming up with King Arthur Flour and the Main Street Community Center to host Bake for Good: Kids! from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22 at the MSCC. Participants will be baking a double batch of homemade rolls and donating half to the MSCCs Meals on Wheels Program while also preparing homemade pizzas for lunch. Education Director of the ECM Abby Schwent said after having several successful cooking programs at the museum, she was eager to add this one to the mix. Over the summer, I applied to get a Bake for Good Scholarship from King Arthur Flour and I actually won, which was wonderful. So I went to Vermont for a week and I took an Artisan bread baking class and when I was there, I was talking to them about what we do at the museum. So thats kind of how this partnership came about. They do a program called Bake for Good: Kids! and they havent done one in this area yetits really special because they are sending us all of the ingredients for free and they are sending us everything from papers to bread bags to flours involved and all of that, and then we are going to bake at the Main Street Community Center they are also partnering with us because we dont have ovens at the museumthey were happy to partner with us, Schwent said. Children ages 8 and up are eligible to participate. Registration is free and ongoing; however, space is limited to 25 participants. The deadline to register will be a week prior to the event on Friday, Jan. 20. Schwent said aside from the kids being able to experiment with their own cooking skills, the program is beneficial in more ways than one. The other piece that goes along with this program that makes this so special is that kids not only learn to bake bread but they also learn about the power of doing good because they bake rolls and theyre doing a double batch. So each kid will get half of theirs to take home and then theyre going to donate the other half to the Meals on Wheels Program at the Main Street Community Center so its kind of perfect how that worked out. Were really excited about it, she said. We have already had a lot of people register for it so I expect it to be full. Schwent said she hopes the kids can take away not only the skills they are learning for the future, but also know that they can help make a difference in the community. I hope that they see that they can make something I hope they can find a sense of accomplishment from being able to make that recipe and I hope that they see, even though they are little, they can still make a difference and make things better for someone else, she said. Schwent said the support of King Arthur Flour and the MSCC are vital to this program, and the ECM is very grateful. We really appreciate the support of King Arthur Flour and the Main Street Community Center; we couldnt pull it off without them, she said. Participants can register for the Bake for Good: Kids! program by calling the museum at 618-692-2904, stopping by the museum, or sending them an e-mail at operations@edwardsvillechildrensmuseum.org. For more information, search Bake for Good: Kids! on Facebook. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Salvadoran man who kidnapped San Antonio Archbishop Patrick Flores and his secretary in June 2000 has been sentenced to 65 years in prison. A jury of seven women and five men deliberated for more than six hours Wednesday before recommending a sentence for Nelson Antonio Escolero, 42, of 65 years for the kidnapping of Flores and 25 years for the kidnapping of Myrtle Sanchez. The sentences will run concurrently; he must serve half of the 65-year term before he is eligible for parole. Flores, the top-ranking Roman Catholic in Texas, had described Escolero as "sick and desperate" on the day he held the archbishop and his longtime secretary hostage for nine hours with what he claimed to be a homemade hand grenade. Flores said Escolero came to him with a list of government officials to call on his behalf to fix an immigration problem. When he tried to direct the man to the church's immigration agency, the archbishop said, Escolero pushed him to the floor and threatened to detonate the grenade. Escolero was convicted last week of two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Defense attorney Pat Hancock expressed disappointment with the verdict. The defense argued Escolero was innocent by reason of insanity and was suffering from delusions when he took the hostages. Bexar County Assistant District Attorney Kevin O'Connell said Escolero's past troubles with the law indicated that he knew the difference between right and wrong. Courtesy photo A felon has been arrested for allegedly failing to comply with his sex offender registration requirements, according to Laredo police. On Monday, Santos Benavides, 51, was served with a warrant charging him with sex offenders duty to register. Police said he failed to notify them of a change in his address. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK Douglas Fraser looks out the window of his business at Main and Wall streets and asks how elderly customers and delivery trucks will get to his door if apartments go up in the municipal parking lot outside . It could kill us because actually we get deliveries around back, said Fraser, president of Connecticut Surgical Supplies, Inc. at 14 Main St. We have people coming in on crutches and in wheelchairs, or handicapped, and without this access its going to be really tough for them to get in here. At issue is the future of the 91-space Main/High Street Lot, where Wall Street-based developer M.F. DiScala & Co. and partner EDG Properties are looking to build Head of the Harbor North. Conceptual plans show a five-story, 80-unit apartment building rising along High Street and a two-story, 8,000-square-foot retail building on Main Street. Public invited to view parking plan At a public information meeting Jan. 18, representatives of the Norwalk Parking Authority and M.F. DiScala will discuss the temporary parking plan, the structure of the replacement parking and any potential area wide parking impacts associated with the proposed development and construction. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. in Room 231 of Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave. M.F. DiScala has proposed a temporary parking plan for during construction and permanent replacement plan for afterward. The temporary plan calls for, among other things, directing motorists to the Mechanic Street Lot and Yankee Doodle Garage to the west. Collectively, the two municipal parking facilities provide 500 parking spaces, according to DiScala. Long term, M.F. DiScala would replace the 91 spaces in the High Street Lot with 63 covered spaces in a new public parking garage and 28 surfaces spaces. The spaces would be for the public and separate from those used by Head of the Harbor North residents. Kathryn Hebert, the citys administrative services manager, said the Parking Authority would manage the new 91 public spaces. Alan Webber, chief financial officer for M.F. DiScala, said the company is negotiating with the city regarding the lot. We are negotiating an option agreement with the City whereby when we are ready to pull permits, the City sells us the land and the compensation for the sale is we build them a new level, clean, lit, secure parking garage (with) 91 parking spaces for them to operate at no cost to the City, Webber wrote in an email explaining the plan. The cost of the garage is estimated at about $33,000/space or about $3,000,000, which would be our cost so we are effectively paying $3,000,000 for the land. Not all support plan Not all are on board with the plan. Sophia Maragos, whose family co-owns much of the building that wraps around the corner of Main and Wall streets, predicts the prolific apartment construction and loss of municipal parking will hurt businesses. The construction is going to hurt all those businesses not just in the stores rented on our property but all over, further down on Main Street too, Maragos said. Motorists can just use the Yankee Doodle Garage? Thats a hike. Adolph Neaderland, retired owner of Sound Control Technologies at 28 Knight St., said motorists cannot turn off Knight Street onto Route 1 on a Friday afternoon because of heavy traffic. He also is opposes ongoing apartment construction. Jackie Lightfield, co-founder of the nonprofit economic development and community organization Norwalk 2.0 and chairwoman of the Norwalk Center Task Force, described the parking plan for Head of the Harbor North as outdated. Its an outdated plan from the early 2000s when no one wanted to invest in downtown Norwalk and it needs to be revisited, Lightfield said. Every other developer whos investing in building housing in downtown Norwalk is purchasing private property, so why do we suddenly need to give away public assets? But Michael D. McGuire, redeveloper of 64 Wall St. and president of the Austin McGuire Co., a commercial real estate appraisal firm at that address, rejects that Head of the Harbor North will harm parking in the neighborhood. In addition to the Yankee Doodle Garage, Head of the Harbor South and Wall Street Place two other mixed-used development projects will add parking to the neighborhood, he said. McGuire lends his support to Head of the Harbor North provided the city is appropriately compensated for the right to develop above the High Street Lot and that adequate additional spaces are provided in close proximity during construction such that the existing businesses are not adversely affected. For McGuire, the real problem are Parking Authority rates and policies. He said the removal of parking meters years ago left on-street spaces occupied by employees rather than open to customers. He wants officials to reconsider their entire parking philosophy and bring back a train station to the Wall Street neighborhood. If they had put a train station down here, they would not have needed to incentivize development, McGuire said. The Main Street Lot would not be the first municipal lot to be sold to a private developer as part of Wall Street redevelopment. The city sold the Isaac Street Parking Lot to Wall Street Place developer POKO Partners for $1 with the understanding that there would be a net gain in parking spaces in the neighborhood after Wall Street Place is completed. Syracuse NASA has selected a central New York woman for a mission to space that will make her the first African-American woman to live on the International Space Station as a crew member. Syracuse native Jeanette Epps will serve as a flight engineer for a mission that's scheduled to launch from Kazakhstan in May 2018. She'll be the first black woman to be a resident of the space station, which other African-American women have visited. The Corcoran High School graduate has been working toward traveling to space since she became one of just nine people chosen for NASA's 20th astronaut class from a pool of 3,500 applicants in 2009. Epps earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Le Moyne College in 1992 and completed a master's of science in 1994. She received her doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland in 2000. For the first time since he was elected House speaker in 2009, Joe Straus walked into the lower chamber on Tuesday without a clear leadership challenger. And two years after facing a rare contested vote for speaker, Straus was re-elected unanimously by House members on the opening day of the 85th Legislature for a record-tying fifth term. He joins former House Speakers Pete Laney and Gib Lewis for the longest tenures presiding over the House. Following the 150-0 vote, Straus took the oath of office and made clear in a speech to a packed House chamber what his legislative philosophy would be for the upcoming session. Compromise has become a dirty word in politics, Straus said. Its a good word in this House. Straus has long been criticized by some in his party as being too moderate, drawing primary challenges from Tea Party candidates. But hes easily held onto his San Antonio-based seat. Straus easy re-election as House speaker Tuesday was a departure from 2015 when he faced a Republican challenger from Frisco Republican Scott Turner who forced the first contested vote for speaker since 1975. All but 19 House members voted for Straus that year. Among those members who backed Turner two years ago was Republican state Rep. Mark Keough of The Woodlands who this year reversed course and seconded Straus nomination as speaker. In his speech to the chamber, Keough recalled that earlier fight in lending his support to Straus. I watched as he was aggressively argued against by, in many cases, great men much younger than him and his age, and the scriptures rang out to me again Do not rebuke an older man, Keough told the chamber. Speaker Straus stood there and he took it and he acted with a statesmanship and a concern for the whole House that I was blown away. Along with Keough, Democratic state Rep. Poncho Nevarez of Eagle Pass was among those who seconded Straus' nomination Tuesday. In his address to the House, Straus laid out his legislative priorities, including investing in the states mental health system, fixing the states broken school finance system and reforming the states embattled child welfare system. In the months ahead, we will come to this chamber to deliberate thousands of your ideas, Straus said after taking the oath of office. We will have moments of levity and tension and unity. We will disagree on some legislation and agree on much more. And in what could have been veiled jab at a so-called bathroom bill proposed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republicans, Straus encouraged the House to consider policies that invite economic activity to the state and not turn it away. Senate Bill 6, one of Patricks legislative priorities for this legislation session, would prevent transgender Texans from using bathrooms that match their biological sex in some buildings. Business groups and LGBT advocates have warned that anti-LGBT legislation, including Senate Bill 6, could lead to a costly economic fallout in Texas. Patrick, for his part, issued a statement noting he has already laid out 25 priorities for the session. "In all our deliberations, maintaining our conservative principles and protecting Texas values will be our top priority," Patrick said. The upper chamber, which also gaveled in on Tuesday, elected state Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, to serve as president pro tem, a ceremonial position that makes him third in line for the governorship. State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, nominated Seliger for the post, and the nomination was seconded by four other senators: Kirk Watson, D-Austin; Charles Perry, R-Lubbock; Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls; and Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo. In similar, brief remarks to both chambers, Gov. Greg Abbott said he was looking forward to another "historic session" in which lawmakers tackle the state's big issues. Hell lay out his own legislative priorities in the coming weeks in a State of the State speech to a joint session of both chambers. LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - Click to tweet: .@Allegiant kicks off the new year announcing 17 new routes and service from one new city #GetAway #YourWay http://gofly.us/Afoyy Allegiant (ALGT) today is celebrating the start of the new year by announcing 17 new routes, a new base of operations and service from a new U.S. city: Louisville, Kentucky. To celebrate this expansion, the company is offering one-way fares on the new routes for as low as $42.* "Our presence in Florida continues to grow as we announce our largest expansion into a Florida destination in the company's history," said Jude Bricker, Allegiant chief operating officer. "A new base in Destin / Fort Walton Beach will allow us to better serve travelers, including those in Louisville, Kentucky, who we welcome today as a brand new city in our network." New routes announced include: Seasonal nonstop service to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) from: Kansas City, Missouri -- begins May 3, 2017 with fares as low as $49* Austin, Texas -- begins May 4, 2017 with fares as low as $56* Cleveland -- begins May 12, 2017 with fares as low as $42* Peoria, Illinois -- begins May 24, 2017 with fares as low as $69* Louisville, Kentucky -- begins May 24, 2017 with fares as low as $65* Columbus, Ohio -- begins May 25, 2017 with fares as low as $65* Springfield, Missouri -- begins May 25, 2017 with fares as low as $59* Indianapolis -- begins May 26, 2017 with fares as low as $56* Washington, D.C. / Baltimore -- begins May 31, 2017 with fares as low as $59* Pittsburgh -- begins May 31, 2017 with fares as low as $42* New York City / Newark, New Jersey -- begins June 2, 2017 with fares as low as $49* Seasonal nonstop service to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) from: Louisville, Kentucky -- begins May 26, 2017 with fares as low as $44* Year-round nonstop service to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) from: Indianapolis -- begins May 19, 2017 with fares as low as $60* Story continues Year-round nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) from: Louisville, Kentucky -- begins May 19, 2017 with fares as low as $64* Year-round nonstop service to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) from: Louisville, Kentucky -- begins May 25, 2017 with fares as low as $69* Year-round nonstop service to Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB) from: Louisville, Kentucky -- begins May 24, 2017 with fares as low as $49* Year-round nonstop service to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) from: Louisville, Kentucky -- begins May 24, 2017 with fares as low as $49* All routes will operate twice weekly. Allegiant offers a unique option to travelers with low base fares and savings on rental cars, hotels and activity and attraction tickets. Travelers can book their entire vacation with Allegiant for less. *About the introductory one-way fares: Seats are limited. Price includes taxes and fees. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by Jan. 13, 2017 for travel by August 15, 2017. Price displayed reflects purchase by debit card; purchase by credit card subject to surcharge not to exceed $8 each way per passenger. See Allegiant.com for details. For optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply. Allegiant Las Vegas-based Allegiant (ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The airline offers industry-low fares on an all-jet fleet while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars and attraction tickets. All can be purchased only through the company website, Allegiant.com. Beginning with one aircraft and one route in 1999, the company has grown to over 80 aircraft and more than 300 routes across the country with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF. ArcelorMittal MT has signed two long-term renewal contracts for the purchase of oxygen, nitrogen and argon with Air Liquide. Air Liquide will be supplying these gases to ArcelorMittals manufacturing facilities in the industrial port regions of Fos-sur-Mer and Dunkirk in France. Another contract for a new long-term supply to ArcelorMittals production unit in Ghent, Belgium has also been signed between the companies. Air Liquide plans to extend its pipeline network in Benelux to support ArcelorMittals growing needs for industrial gases. The gases are required for application in a number of processes in the steel industry. The use of these gases helps improve the efficiency and energy performance of steelworks, while also reducing atmospheric emissions. Argon is used to produce high quality steel. These three facilities of ArcelorMittal produce high value added steel which is used in the automotive, construction as well as packaging industries, and for other industrial applications. Air Liquides existing pipelines will continue providing the gases to the Fos-sur-Mer and Dunkirk facility and the Ghent facility will now be added to the companys pipeline network. The Air Liquide pipeline networks ensure consistency, performance and supply flexibility that is required for ArcelorMittal and are connected to several air separation units (ASUs) for the same. Air Liquide currently operates a pipeline network of 4,700 kilometers in Europe, making it the worlds most extensive network. ArcelorMittals shares have gained 42.5% in the last six months, outperforming the Zacks categorized Steel-Producers industrys gain of about 32.1% over the same period, supported by its focus on lowering debt as well as costs. The company is on track with its cost reduction actions. Cash savings in 2016 are expected to be over $1 billion, partly due to lower capital spending and reduced interest expenses resulting from debt cuts. Story continues The company swung to a profit in the third quarter of 2016, from a loss incurred in the prior year quarter. The company posted a net income of $680 million or 22 cents per share. However, revenues declined 6.8% year over year to $14,523 million in the quarter, affected by lower steel shipments and steel prices. ArcelorMittal Price ArcelorMittal Price | ArcelorMittal Quote Zacks Rank & Key Pick ArcelorMittal currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked companies in the steel space include Commercial Metals Company CMC, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Steel Dynamics, Inc. STLD and AK Steel Holding Corporation AKS, both carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Commercial Metals has an expected long-term growth rate of around 22%. Steel Dynamics has an expected long-term growth rate of 12%. AK Steel has an expected long-term growth rate of 5%. Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest tickers for the entirety of 2017? Who wouldn't? These 10 are painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks to buy and hold. Be among the very first to see them >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AK Steel Holding Corporation (AKS): Free Stock Analysis Report Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD): Free Stock Analysis Report ArcelorMittal (MT): Free Stock Analysis Report Commercial Metals Company (CMC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Garik Hayrapetyan, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Armenia's assistant representive, speaks during an interview with AFP in Yerevan (AFP Photo/Karen MINASYAN) (AFP/File) Yerevan (AFP) - Ani Kirakosyan says she is afraid of getting pregnant because if the ultrasound shows the foetus is a girl she will have to consider having an abortion. In ex-Soviet Armenia -- where families traditionally prefer sons -- women are often pressured to have sex-selective abortions to get rid of girl babies. "Relatives were consoling me when I gave birth to my first daughter," said Kirakosyan, a 27-year-old resident of the Armenian capital, Yerevan. "But when my second daughter was born, my mother-in-law told me that there must be no more girls, that I must finally bear my husband a son." The majority-Christian Caucasus country of some three million has the third highest rate of abortions of female foetuses in the world, a figure that rose sharply after the breakup of the Soviet Union. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reported that there were 114 boys born to 100 girls in 2012. The natural norm would be 102-106 male births to 100 female ones. Sex-discriminatory abortions become more prevalent with second and subsequent children, and account for around 1,400 unborn girls each year. "In 10 to 20 years, we will face a shortage of women and -- combined with a dramatic decline in fertility rates -- that will lead to a serious demographic crisis," warned Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Armenia's assistant representative. "By 2060, some 100,000 potential mothers will not have been born in Armenia. We will become a society of single men." Armenia trails only China, which ended its one-child limit a year ago, and its Caucasus neighbour, majority-Muslim Azerbaijan, where 53 percent of newborn children were boys in the first quarter of 2016, according to official figures. Some analysts have linked the shared trend for sex-selective abortions in Armenia and Azerbaijan to their violent territorial dispute since 1994 over the Nagorny Karabakh region, suggesting it has promoted a sense of insecurity and a desire for male defenders. Story continues The UNFPA attributed Armenia's sex-discriminatory abortions to "patriarchal structures" and a trend for smaller families, as well as easy access to prenatal scans and abortions. - 'More backstreet abortions' - Abortion is still the primary means of family planning in Armenia, as it was in the Soviet era, and it is available free of charge on the state health service. In mid-2016, the Armenian parliament adopted legislation aimed at reversing the female foeticide trend. The new measures include doctors compulsorily questioning women on their motives for wanting an abortion and refusing those driven by gender selection. The legislation also bars terminations after 12 weeks unless there is a risk to a woman's health, she was raped or is a single mother. But Armenian women's rights groups have denounced the new legal measures, saying they will not work in a patriarchal society and will only lead to more illegal and unsafe abortions, endangering women's health. "If we forbid abortions, there will be more backstreet abortions and higher female mortality rates," Anush Poghosyan of the Yerevan-based Women's Resource Centre told AFP. "We have to address the problem's origin -- that is patriarchal mentality and widespread poverty -- and not its consequence," she said. "If women and men were given equal opportunities, if a woman could be as successful as a man, as influential and as financially independent, no parent would distinguish between having a son or a daughter." The UNFPA's Hayrapetyan said that recent media discussion of the problem has encouraged debate about the reasons behind cultural norms. "The paradox in Armenian society is that many people may not want having a daughter before she is born, but once she is here, a daughter is just as loved and cherished as a son," he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Groves residents could get an extended stay hotel, a medical center and an assisted living community among other new businesses that are geared towards senior citizens in the location of the city's former Super Kmart. Representatives of the property's owner, Dallas-based Ryan T. Enterprise Inc., and Galaxy Realty Investment, a Houston-based development firm, presented a preliminary plan to revitalize the 25-acre plot to the Groves City Council on Monday night. The plan includes building three new structures on the property, including an assisted living facility with 200 beds and 24-hour care and a medical center with an aquatic therapy center, physicians' offices and a pharmacy. The existing 172,000 square-foot building that formerly housed the Super Kmart will be transformed into a commercial center. City of Groves The property, located between Twin City Highway and Texas 73 alongside the city's border with Port Arthur, has been mostly unused since the Super Kmart closed in 2003. It is in one of the city's "most desirable locations," said Groves City Manager D.E. Sosa. "It's a very bold undertaking, but sometimes you need bold," said Sosa. "That's prime property." Michael Cao, a representative of Ryan T. Enterprises, said they were still uncertain of the exact plan for the retail space. It could house retail businesses, warehouses or a combination of both, he said. Port Arthur-based Flowserve currently uses leases part of the building to use as a warehouse, he said. Parts the former Super Kmart building have been used as warehouse space and a staging area for construction crews, but it has not been fully occupied since the store closed in 2003, said Sosa. Cao said they are planning to donating some of the land to the city to extend W. Jefferson Street to reach Twin City Highway and create a road that runs parallel to the highway behind the fast food establishments on the property's southern edge. The only way now to access the fast food restaurants and the area behind it is for drivers to use Twin City Highway, which Sosa called "a major safety issue." Lan Nguyen, of Galaxy Realty Investment, said his group is interested in developing facilities for senior citizens because 15 percent of Groves' population and 13 percent of Port Arthur's population is over the age of 55. Cao said the plans were still "very preliminary," and the owners are still securing investors. The purpose of the presentation was to put "investors at ease to know the city has our back," he said. "Our main goal is to bring more population into Groves and more money into Groves and create more jobs," said Nguyen. Groves Mayor Brad P. Bailey said he supports the plan and feels it will help bring more development to the city. "I've seen the Walmart close. I've seen the Super Kmart close and I've seen two hurricanes," Bailey said. "To see it come to this, it's great." NKrebs@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/natalie_krebs A San Antonio airman is recovering from wounds sustained in the recent Fort Lauderdale airport shooting that claimed the lives of five people. The Air Force on Tuesday revealed few details about the victim, Senior Master Sgt. Christopher B. Prather, saying that neither he nor his family wanted to talk with the media. Prather, who is stationed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, was one of six people wounded in the Jan. 6 shooting. Five others were killed when a passenger who had arrived at the airport pulled a handgun from his checked baggage and began firing. He soon surrendered. The Air Force issued a brief statement saying Prather is an active duty member of the services Installation and Mission Support Center on Lackland, and has worked there since August 2016, when he came to Texas from the Air Combat Commands headquarters in Langley, Virginia. He conducts manning, force development and career field management in his specialty for airmen in the command he supports. The Air Force requests the public and media respect the privacy of Sergeant Prather and his family during this time of healing and recovery, it said. The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center did not provide details of Prathers injuries, describe his condition or say where he is being treated. The center supports civil engineering, Security Forces, contracting, financial management, and morale, health and welfare operations at 77 Air Force bases worldwide, and has been in San Antonio since April 6, 2015. It is similar to the Armys Installation Management Command, which is headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Friends commenting on Prathers Facebook page offered prayers for a speedy recovery. One of them, Jakki Cunningham Perry, wrote, Thank God for his grace, mercy & protection! Can't wait to see you in person and hug ya! She punctuated the message with a happy face. Authorities identified the airport gunman as Esteban Santiago, a 26-year-old Iraq war veteran who the Associated Press said had been discharged for unsatisfactory performance last year from the Army National Guard. Investigators said Santiago told them he bought a one-way ticket as part of a planned attack. Armed with two magazines, he fired 15 rounds at passengers using a Walther 9mm semiautomatic handgun. Both magazines were emptied, the Associated Press reported. He could face the death penalty. sigc@express-news.net SAN ANTONIO A 61-year-old man was arrested Monday for a homicide that occurred in 2015 where a woman's body was found burning on the side of the road in San Antonio, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Antonio Nunez Jr. faces a first-degree murder charge in the killing of Lisa R. Carter, said BCSO spokeswoman Rosanne Hughes. RELATED: Body found burning in Southeast Bexar County last year identified Nunez was walked in front of media Tuesday afternoon, during which time he denied burning Carters body. I didnt burn her body, I threw her ass out, Nunez said while being walked to the Central Magistrates Office in downtown San Antonio. Nunez said Carter was his ex-girlfriend and that they had previously been in an argument over another woman. Today is a really important day for the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, BCSO spokeswoman Rosanne Hughes said Tuesday in a news conference. We had a major break in this case. The family of this victim finally has some sense of closure. RELATED: SAFD: 150-pound tortoise knocks over heating lamp, sets neighbors house on fire Hughes said in a news release the victim and the suspect had been in and out of a relationship for many years, and the relationship included violence. Nunez was taken into custody Monday without incident at his residence in the 16100 block of Rosa Street after receiving enough evidence and phone calls to warrant an arrest, Hughes said. At about 5 a.m. Aug. 17, 2015, a passing motorist saw a badly burned body on the side of the road in the 8200 block of South W.W. White Road. The woman was wearing metal earrings, a metal necklace, a metal bracelet and a purple-and-white-colored bracelet, according to a previous BCSO news release. The woman, later identified as Carter, was identified via her jewelry and DNA testing in December 2016. Hughes said investigators also found a fraction of a fingerprint belonging to Carter, which helped them identify her. RELATED: Police: Man flees after crashing into Whataburger on West Side Hughes did not comment on the possible motive to the homicide. If convicted, Nunez faces five to 99 years or life in prison for the murder charge. Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Four people were injured by smoke inhalation Monday after a 28-year-old man allegedly set fire to a pile of clothes in a North Texas Walmart, according to authorities. Police say Jairo Briceno-Barrientos started the fire around 1:40 p.m. in the clothing section of a Walmart in the 700 block of West Princeton Drive in Princeton, Texas, which is located just north of Dallas. RELATED: Sheriff: Central Texas woman 'mutilated' 5-year-old daughter during altercation with relative Princeton Assistant Fire Chief Steven Deffibaugh said the man set fire to clothing at the store and firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze "really quickly," partly because clothing doesn't burn well. "Fires like that are not sustainable fires," Deffibaugh said. "It would normally have to have some kind of assistant." Four people were treated for smoke inhalation after the fire was put out. Princeton police posted image stills from Walmart security cameras to Facebook, asking for public assistance in identifying the suspect. In one of the security stills, the suspect is seen carrying a jug of yellow liquid. Shortly after his photos were published online, Briceno-Barrientos was spotted walking near the Walmart where he allegedly started the fire. He was arrested on arson charges. RELATED: SAFD: 150-pound tortoise knocks over heating lamp, sets neighbor's house on fire Police are currently working to determine Briceno-Barriento's motive for starting the fire. He now faces one count of arson causing bodily injury or death, a first-degree felony. He also faces a misdemeanor traffic charge out of McKinney. He remains jailed in the Collin County Jail. cdowns@mysa.com Twitter: @calebjdowns This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Central Texas woman who is being held in a capital murder case that shocked authorities was previously treated for substance abuse and diagnosed with several mental disorders prior to the killing, according to new court documents obtained by mySA.com. Krystle Villanueva, 24, was admitted in late 2015 to a facility in Buda for substance abuse, including marijuana, crack and meth. During that time in treatment, Villanueva was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to an arrest affidavit obtained from Hays County. RELATED: Sheriff: Central Texas woman mutilated 5-year-old daughter during altercation with relative Villanueva faces a capital murder charge in the stabbing death of her 5-year-old daughter, Giovanna Larae Hernandez. She also faces a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing her father-in-law multiple times, her arrest affidavit said. The Hays County Sheriffs Office responded at about 12:51 p.m. Thursday to the 200 block of Willow Terrace in Kyle, where a man had notified 911 that he had been stabbed. The man, who was later identified as Eustorgio Arellanno-Uresti, had stab wounds to the forehead, back and left shoulder. He identified Villanueva as the suspect who stabbed him and said she was inside the home with her daughter. He believed the girl may had been hurt, according to the affidavit. RELATED: Schertz man allegedly punched teenage girl in the face after making sandwiches The male stabbing victim was found with a 10-inch knife in his back pocket, which may have been the weapon used in the stabbing. He was transported to Seton Hays Hospital via EMS, the affidavit said. When Hays County law enforcement learned that Villanueva may have injured a child in the assault, the SWAT unit was called to the scene and forced entry into the home. They found Villanueva nude inside the home after apparently taking a shower. SWAT members also found a young girl, Hernandez, dead inside one of the bedrooms. Villanueva was then taken into custody. RELATED: Police: Man arrested for shooting at Northeast Side gas station The father-in-law who was stabbed told police he had walked into the kitchen to prepare lunch when he heard Hernandez crying somewhere else in the home. Villanueva then walked into the kitchen and started stabbing him. He said he tried to take the knife away from her and also bit her on the hand during the assault. According to a previous report, Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler said this is one of the worse cases Ive ever seen. Its probably the most horrific case in Hays County history, Cutler said in a press conference Friday. Our hearts are heavy here today with the loss of a beautiful 5-year-old girl. If convicted, Villanueva faces life in prison or the death penalty, according to the Texas Penal Code. Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN ANTONIO Two men were arrested in connection with a Jan. 2 shootout in the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant that spilled over into a bowling alley on the North Side. Danthony Dixon, 21, and Demetric Mackey, 19, now face charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Mackey, who was arrested Wednesday, bonded out of jail Friday. Dixon remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $150,000 bond. Police say the gunfire began around 7:40 p.m. on Jan. 2 in the parking lot of the China Sea restaurant in the 4300 block of Thousand Oaks Drive. RELATED: Documents show Texas mother accused in 5-year-old's killing has history of drug use, mental illness The victims in the shooting, 18-year-old Steven Joyner and 29-year-old Ashley Williams, who are in a romantic relationship, had gone to the restaurant to eat, according to the documents. As Joyner pulled into a parking spot, he noticed a blue pickup truck pull in behind his car and a brown Buick park next to the driver's side of his car. At that point, he realized the suspects had "followed him to the location to ambush him," according to the police report. The suspects, now identified as Dixon and Mackey, then allegedly began to open fire on Joyner and Williams while they were inside the car. According to an arrest affidavit, at least 30 shots were fired. RELATED: 61-year-old charged in death of woman whose body was found burned in 2015 Joyner was shot in his head, lower back and lower left leg. Williams was shot in her neck and hand. Despite their injuries, the couple was able to bail out of the car and run into the nearby Brunswick Bowling Alley. According to a police report, there were "blood trails" leading from the car to the bowling alley. Authorities responded to the bowling alley, where Joyner told police that he knew Dixon and that Dixon allegedly had tried to rob him earlier that week and had broken into Williams' apartment. The two were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com cdowns@mysa.com Twitter: @calebjdowns To the editor: In a recent letter to the editor, Mike Bass made a string of specious arguments that cannot go unchallenged. 1. While Bass considers the WRUD to have been greatly beneficial in the past dealing with "our" needs, the fact is the WRUD has served as a beneficial tool to one entity and one only, that of the developer who formed it. It was born to fund developer roads, which like all other roads are transferred to the county for maintenance at taxpayers' expense. 2. Bass also claims the WRUD does not fund projects outside of The Woodlands' territorial boundaries. I've been made aware that embedded in the WRUD enabling legislation, formulated by the developer in 1991, is the power to spend WRUD funds inside or outside the boundaries of the WRUD. Funds have already been spent outside WRUD boundaries in Creekside, no? 3. Bass says there should be no worry about the WRUD funding the Woodlands Parkway extension. However, to my knowledge, there is nothing stopping the WRUD board from doing so at this time. 4. The assertion that the WRUD greatly benefits the residents in The Woodlands since it only includes commercial properties within its territories, in a property tax "only" on these commercial properties, is frankly loaded with the arrogance of a redistributive bureaucrat with no conscience or regard of private property. It's the age old-envy "willing to enrich some at the expense of others." The WRUD currently has about 45 residents for voting purposes among whom only three are "officially" developer recognized. If Bass will be transparent about the identity of those three privileged voters, who have been exclusively empowered by the developer in a twisted modern-day form of feudalism to take from unsuspecting "commercial" tenants to give to the Lord developer's road projects via taxation and to vote for future bonds, then perhaps public opinion may have an effect on the future existence of such an arrangement. 5. While Bass believes the board has been partly successful in dealing with the issue of voter representation by encouraging major business taxpayers to nominate representatives to run for election to the WRUD board, the fact is the public needs to realize that any "business taxpayer" elected in this manner will just be another developer-pick who can only be voted in by the handpicked "privileged voters" above in item 4. It will be a case of developer-picked millionaire/billionaire-developer-voters, electing developer-sensitive board members, as usual. 6. And finally, Bass said the WRUD also created two more positions on its board to allow the county and The Woodlands Township to appoint a representative to the board. The reality is, one can substitute the word "developer" for "WRUD" at any time for the true perspective here. Handpicked board members have voted for the developers' "will" since 1991. Two dual-purpose elected officials, of which one is a major proponent of the Woodlands Parkway extension, is not contributing to residential voter control of the WRUD. No, the township board does not need to recognize the WRUD's "benefits." Instead, it should decry its existence and illegitimate formation that relied on captive voters that are on the developers' payroll, a gerrymander to exclude all the residents of The Woodlands, alternately bulldozing residences when it suited the developer and awarding special residence land-use to new crony voters at its own will. Since it appears that our local DA is unwilling to act on this, particularly the MUD Rent-A-Voters, the township should call for an FBI investigation into this unethical, if not illegal practice. John Wertz Vetting Committee Chair Montgomery County Tea Party Columnist's misleading info To the editor: Michael Seiler wrote a guest column in Sunday's Courier. At the bottom of it, where a guest writer is described to the reader, it is said that Seiler has been successful as a prosecutor, judge and defense lawyer. Seiler was not a successful judge. He agreed to forgo his bench, his nomination for re-election, his judicial status and judicial pension in lieu of being prosecuted by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office for misusing juror information. The Courier covered this story. Shame on the editor who forced Seiler's misdeeds to have to be brought up again. Seiler ought to be able to make his amends and work to rebuild his reputation without this newspaper's misleading its readers about his situation. Bob Mabry The huge winter storms in California are expected to result in an improvement in the most severe drought conditions in both the northern and southern portions of the state. This weekend's storm broke some records set in the late 1970s, and was being compared with a Godzilla-like storm that impacted the state a decade ago. "They are just getting hammered right now," said David Miskus, a senior meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and one of the authors of the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor. "It's been a good year so far and is long overdue." Miskus said there's a good chance we might see major improvements out in the Western drought situation due to the recent precipitation totals. As of last Thursday, about 68 percent of the state was still in drought, and about 38 percent was in the worst category "extreme" or "exceptional" drought conditions. Besides Central California, the Southern California region including Los Angeles and San Diego are still technically in elevated drought conditions, according to the last Drought Monitor. This weekend's storm brought precipitation of 2 to 5 inches in some drought-stricken areas of the Central Valley and around 3 to 9 inches in the Shasta Mountains, according to the National Weather Service. Along the foothills and slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, meanwhile, around 4 to 10 inches of precipitation was recorded and some areas were at up to 13 inches. There were reports of flooding of streets, small streams, creeks and even rivers as well as rock slides throughout the state. Also, several major reservoirs in the state were releasing water for flood control purposes. Chris Hintz, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Sacramento, said this is the biggest storm the region has seen in at least a decade. "We're comparing it to the storms we had in December 2005," he said. Story continues Back in 2005, there were storms before Christmas that continued into January and produced rainfall that resulted in severe flooding in portions of Northern California and damages back then totaling around $300 million. Similar to 2005, flooding from the latest storms has included areas along the Russian River in Northern California. In Sonoma and Mendocino counties, flood levels along the river crested early Monday and were expected to remain high possibly through the middle of the week. In the Bay area, there also was flooding reported over the weekend in portions of Santa Clara County. Several people were reported rescued in San Jose on Sunday when their vehicle became trapped by the rising waters. Portions of Monterey County along the Central Coast also experienced flooding. The Big Sur River inundated a camping area and closed several parks in the area. Indeed, most of the precipitation from the weekend storm was isolated in Northern and Central California since the system weakened when it did shift south. As for snow, there were reports from the Sierra Avalanche Center of avalanches taking place over the weekend and continued dangers. Snow levels went up to 8,000 feet on early Saturday and by Sunday there was snow reported to be falling at elevations of around 5,000 feet. Hintz said the next storm was forecast to strike Tuesday with upwards of 7 feet of snow forecast in parts of the higher Sierra Nevada mountain range. That's good news for the state's snowpack, which supplies about 30 percent of the state's water needs as it melts in the spring and sustains the state through the hot and dry summer months. The state conducted a snowpack survey last week , which showed frozen water supply in the Sierras at just 53 percent of the early-January average. This weekend storms were part of what's called an atmospheric river, or what's sometimes known as a "pineapple express" storm because it originates off the Hawaiian Islands and draws moisture from the tropics. Tuesday's storm also a tropical storm is forecast to produce only about half of the precipitation totals of this weekend's storm, according to Hintz. The Central Valley, where the bulk of agriculture production takes place in California, has been one region hard hit by the six-year drought. But this weekend's rainfall in the Central Valley brought welcome relief. "We are in better shape than prior years," said Central Valley farmer Dan Errotabere, who grows, nuts, grapes, garlic and other crops in Fresno County. Still, he said the concern is the area will get a lot of rain now and then "it shuts off and doesn't rain again." The rain has been helpful to farmers because it has meant there's more water in storage available for future use. The storm also has been a boost to local cities in the Central Valley such as Fresno. As of Monday, Fresno had more than 170 percent of the historic average rainfall for this time of year. The National Weather Service also reported that Fresno set a 24-hour record for rainfall Sunday that beat the previous record set that date in 1979. Elsewhere, San Francisco International Airport is at about 147 percent of its normal rainfall for this time of year. Rainfall in downtown Sacramento over the last 24 hours set a record dating back to 2001, and the city is now at about 176 percent of the historic average rainfall for this time of year. Downtown LA received less than an inch of rain from the storms this weekend and Monday, although parts of Santa Barbara County received up to 3 inches of rainfall. After the storm, LA stood at about 142 percent of normal rainfall for this time of year. More From CNBC The city of Chicago is conducting a long, bloody experiment in what happens to a gang-ridden municipality in the absence of effective policing. It is keeping the morgue depressingly busy. Seven hundred sixty-two people were murdered in the city in 2016, a nearly unheard of 50 percent increase over the year before. This is more than New York and Los Angeles both larger cities combined, and the worst figure in 20 years. While everyone on the left pays obeisance to the slogan Black Lives Matter, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel runs a jurisdiction where black lives have been getting cheaper almost by the day, especially in its poorest areas. The lions share of Chicagos spike of violence has occurred in five of Chicagos 22 police districts. Eighty percent of the victims were rated by the police department as likely to be involved in gun violence, which means that the city is adept at identifying people as potential victims just not at keeping them from getting shot. Holiday weekends in Chicago reliably provide fodder for cable TV in the astonishing tallies of shootings and murders (a dozen people killed and 27 shootings over the Christmas weekend). Overall, more than 4,300 people were shot in the city last year. A woman told CNN she told her kids from a very young age what to do when they hear gunshots, a grim maternal duty in a city where gunplay is so routine. The equation that accounts for the rising body count is simple: As the Chicago police have become less aggressive, the gangs have become more aggressive and more people have been killed. Chicago demonstrates that in swathes of inner-city America, you can have a chastened, passive police department, or a modicum of public order, but not both. Chicagos authorities courted the anti-police agitation of the past few years with their desperate mishandling of the controversial shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, killed by an officer in 2014. The city avoided releasing the dashcam video of the incident for a year, until after Rahm Emanuels re-election. When it finally did, the police representations about the threat represented by McDonald looked to be false (the cop who shot him is now awaiting trial on murder charges). With the police on their back heels, the city further hamstrung them. It discouraged minor drug arrests. It required the police to fill out two-page contact cards (with 70 different fields) whenever stopping anyone. These forms are then forwarded on to the American Civil Liberties Union. The city would have been much better served by forthrightness in the McDonald case from the beginning, coupled with vigorous support of tough-minded, forward-leaning policing. Instead, it got the worst of both worlds. Fearful of becoming the next viral video, harassed and mocked when out doing their job in tough neighborhoods, beleaguered by paperwork, the police have suffered a crisis in morale and clearly pulled back. Documents obtained by 60 Minutes show an 80 percent drop in stops from almost 50,000 in August 2015 to under 9,000 a year later, and arrests dropping from roughly 10,000 to 7,000. This reduced police presence on the streets has been a boon only to anti-police ideologues (the ACLU welcomes it) and the citys myriad gangs. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says that the surge in violence has been driven by emboldened offenders who acted without a fear of penalty from the criminal-justice system. There is much about Chicago that cant be readily fixed, but it is fully within the citys power to make its criminal offenders feel less emboldened. Chicago simply needs to stop, arrest and jail more dangerous people. The only alternative is the continuation of the citys current experiment in chaos that is making the city unlivable. comments.lowry@nationalreview.com One of the most confusing shifts of the Trump ascendancy is, on reflection, one of the most clarifying. Donald Trumps, Sarah Palins and Sean Hannitys embrace of Julian Assange who has made a career of illegally obtaining and releasing documents damaging to American interests is not just a puzzling policy shift. It is the triumph of ideology over, well, every other principle or commitment. Not long ago, Trump recommended the death penalty for Assange. Now he publicly sides with him against the American intelligence services. Palin urged America to go after Assange with the same urgency we pursue al-Qaeda. Now, we have seen her abject pleading: Julian, I apologize. Hannity once called for Assanges arrest. Now he provides a sympathetic platform for Assanges (and thus Vladimir Putins) views. The president-elect of the United States is elevating a man whom the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, holds responsible for putting the lives of operatives in direct danger. The 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee is bowing and scraping to the man who materially aided the Taliban. Fox News is now an outlet for the Russian version of events. If I were a prospective intelligence asset an Iranian nuclear scientist, say, or a North Korean general why in the world would I cooperate with a country that cant keep secrets and apparently doesnt care to? How will the CIA and other intelligence agencies deal day to day with a president who distrusts and publicly defames them? But the most illuminating question is this: What changed about Assange between these dramatically evolved judgments? Nothing. Except that Assange hurt John Podesta, Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party. We are dealing with political and moral argument at this level: Trump is good. Assange helped him. So Assange is good. This is a childs view of ethics. The enemy of my enemy may be my friend. Or he may be an international fugitive who effectively exposed intelligence sources and methods and gave advantages to Americas enemies. It is Ethics 201 that some principles should be universally applied, even when they conflict with our immediate interests or the interests of our own tribe (however that is defined). Where do those principles come from? There is the Golden Rule, which pops up, in different forms, in many religions. There is the moral example of parents and mentors, imprinted on our souls. There are various philosophic systems that force us to consider the views and interests of others. Being an American is to belong to a flawed but wonderful tribe. Considering yourself a Republican or Democrat, a conservative or a liberal, the member of a church or club all can be appropriate forms of loyalty. Our views and loves naturally bring us into contact and friendship with those who share our views and loves. The problem comes in the order of the loves (with credit to Augustine). The argument we are seeing on Assange if it hurts liberals, it is good is a disordered and destructive form of service to Trumpism. And it is particularly disturbing in this case, because Assange has purposely and undeniably hurt our country. So it appears that the tribalism of ideology is actually deeper and more profound than the tribalism of being an American. I know this endorsement of politically expedient subversion has happened on the left as well. Those who deny it those who can only identify destructive tribalism in others are part of the problem. Assange was a hero in seedier back streets of the left when he seemed to be an opponent of militarism and imperialism. Now: Trump is bad. Assange is helping Trump. So Assange is bad (and the CIA is suddenly the voice of reason). But this problem is currently more pronounced on the right, since it controls just about everything in Washington. For some right-wing populists, anyone who opposes Trump is the enemy. The same attitude, shifted to the White House, might be applied by the president as: Anyone who opposes me is the enemy. This would be the beginning of a nightmare. michaelgerson@washpost.com Coming from a presidential candidate, Donald Trumps misty-eyed admiration of Russia and its autocratic leader was weird. Coming from a president-elect, its nothing short of alarming. I repeat the questions I asked back in September: Whats the deal with Trump and Russia? Does he have financial entanglements with Russian banks, businesses or billionaires that color his views? If not, as he claims, then why wont he release the personal and business tax returns that could put the matter to rest? The latest sign of Trumps infatuation is his refusal to accept the conclusion of the U.S. intelligence community that Russian state-sponsored hackers meddled in our election a risky and provocative operation that could only have been authorized by Vladimir Putin. It could be somebody else, Trump told reporters on New Years Eve. And I also know things that other people dont know, and so they cannot be sure of the situation. The president-elect added that I know a lot about hacking, and hacking is a very hard thing to prove. It is unclear how Trump could know even a little about hacking, since he rarely uses computers. In my experience, experts on cybersecurity know how to use a web browser. Trump was scheduled to receive a full briefing on the issue Friday from senior officials, including FBI Director James Comey and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. President Obama has seen the evidence and was convinced enough to impose new sanctions against Russia as punishment. When Putin decided not to reciprocate, given that Obama will soon leave office, Trump offered this glowing comment on Twitter: Great move on delay (by V. Putin) I always knew he was very smart! Trump has argued that since the CIA was in error about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, it may well be wrong about Russian hacking. Thats like saying that since Trump was wrong when he claimed early in the campaign to have seen thousands of Muslims celebrating in New Jersey on 9/11, everything he has said since may well be exaggerated, half-baked or a flat-out lie. On second thought, maybe I should choose a different analogy. One possible reason for Trumps stubbornness is that intelligence officials believe the intent of the hacking was not merely to shake public confidence in the U.S. electoral process, but to help Trump win the election. Perhaps believing that the legitimacy of his victory is being impugned, Trump is willing to take the founder of WikiLeaks a fugitive from justice on sexual assault allegations at his word. Another possible explanation is that Trump is deliberately making a huge shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the other two global superpowers. Not only has he been much more indulgent of Russia than recent presidents, he has also taken a much tougher and more confrontational line toward China. On New Years Eve, as Trump prepared to host a black-tie gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, two members of the Senate Armed Services Committee John McCain, R-Ariz., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. joined Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., in meeting with front-line Ukrainian troops who are defending their country against Russian-backed military aggression. In 2014, Putin annexed Crimea by force. A few years earlier, he sent troops into the sovereign nation of Georgia. The senators made clear they want tougher sanctions against Russia. Perhaps McCain and his colleagues will get to the bottom of why Trump, who sounds like such a tough guy with regard to the rest of the world, is such a pussycat when it comes to Russia. Senate committees can issue wide-reaching subpoenas, and should. eugenerobinson@washpost.com Were not certain that it is the correct legal tactic ultimately, but a motion that presses federal judges in San Antonio for a ruling on redistricting maps which are credibly argued to be discriminatory and unconstitutional actually posits the right question. After three election cycles, why havent the three judges ruled on the maps that determine who represents Texans in the state and U.S. House? The state Senate map is not being challenged here. Plaintiffs in the legal challenge to the 2011 district maps filed the joint motion, asking the judges to rule by Jan. 17. After that, they say they will seek relief at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs include the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the Texas Latino Redistricting Task Force and the League of United Latin American Citizens, but not in this motion the U.S. Justice Department, an absence easy to understand. Because of the election and Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions nomination by the president elect to be attorney general, the agency might be in a bit of transition. This is a motion about procedure, not the merits though after three elections and more than two years after two full evidentiary hearings, the plaintiffs lack of patience is perfectly understandable. Correct that. The Texans alleged to have been denied adequate representation because flawed maps dont properly account for the states changing demographics deserve a ruling. And they deserved it a few state and U.S. House elections ago. On purely procedural grounds, if the three federal judges fail to rule and give this matter the urgency it deserves, the plaintiffs essentially have no choice but to go to the 5th Circuit, among the most conservative courts in the country, for relief. Any challenge to a ruling by the federal judges in San Antonio on the merits would go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. We understand that the U.S. District Court in San Antonio is extremely busy and has full dockets. But it is difficult to understand why so much time has been allowed to lapse. The question of whether this is ultimately the correct tactic lies in the uncertainty in the civil rights landscape under a new administration after the Jan. 21 inauguration. The path forward is further complicated by a potentially deadlocked 4-4 Supreme Court because the Senate unjustly refused to confirm President Obamas nominee and the addition of a Supreme Court nominee from Donald Trump. But the San Antonio Court has had the opportunity to weigh the evidence in this case. It should meet the Jan. 17 deadline or adequately explain to the plaintiffs and who they represent why it cannot. With the new session of the Legislature beginning today, Gov. Greg Abbott should encourage lawmakers to do the right thing. Not "right" as in political right, because that's a given. With Republicans in firm control of the House and Senate, it's understood that conservative values will prevail. And there's nothing wrong with that. Yet lawmakers also should be wary of veering too far to the right. For example, if the state comptroller estimates a $6 billion shortfall just to preserve current services - and he has - it's hard to see tax cuts in the new session, as some conservatives have promised ... because they like to cut taxes. That's where the real "right" thing comes into play, as in the correct thing. Over the next five months, every state official in Austin should be focused on building a state budget that helps the most people in the best ways with the least cost. Every lawmaker shares in that responsibility, from the greenest freshman to the most experienced war horse. But the governor is at the top of that pyramid, and in the end it will be up to him to either sign bills into law or veto them. It's an important responsibility, and Abbott should exercise it wisely. In political terms, he should do so without looking over his shoulder at Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick, more conservative than Abbott or House Speaker Joe Straus, can be the tail that wags the dog in this session. Many Republicans don't want him to call them insufficiently conservative - even though they are pretty conservative. Patrick has pledged not to "primary" Abbott in 2018 or ever, that is, run against him in a Republican primary by claiming Abbott is insufficiently conservative. He even said Texans could "put it in cement." That should encourage Abbott to put the best interests of Texas ahead of anything else. And voters should not be misled by false claims that he or other state officials are selling out conservative principles just because they don't embrace every hard-right idea. The final budget will be "right" in political terms. In practical terms, it also must make the right choices to keep Texas moving forward over the next two years. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Ty Pozzobon, a 25-year-old professional bull rider who frequently visited Texas, passed away Monday, officials confirmed to the Merritt Herald. Pozzobon, who is a native of Merritt, British Columbia, was a professional bull rider for eight years, according to the Professional Bull Riders website. The bull rider's death is not being considered suspicious, according to the Herald report, and police are turning over the investigation to the the coroner. Ty Pozzobon was a cowboy through and through and loved being a professional bull rider, said Sean Gleason, PBR CEO in a statement. His infectious personality and enthusiasm for doing what he loved touched so many of us, and we will remember him always. Pozzobon's last competitive trip to Texas was in September 2016, when he rode in the Fredericksburg, TX PBR Touring Pro Division, according to PBR. RELATED: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo announces 2017 performers In February 2016, Pozzobon posted a video on Facebook from his recent visit to San Antonio, where he celebrated his performance in the first round of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Pozzobon was the 2016 Professional Bull Riders Canada champion and four-time PBR world finalist, the Calgary Sun reported. The cause of his death has not been released. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 A video of desperate Zimbabwean border jumpers trying to cross flooded Limpopo River into South Africa has surfaced on social media. In the video, the daring border jumpers are seen crossing the river while three-quarters of their bodies are submerged in water. Meanwhile, at least 11 Zimbabweans who attempted to cross the crocodile-infested Limpopo River into South Africa died after a boat carrying eight of them reportedly capsized, while the other three were swept away in different incidents, on Sunday. Beitbridge Police District Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo told News24 that only one body had been recovered since. So far a body has been recovered, but yet to be identified, he said. He added that two more bodies were located in the river, on the South African side. Two more bodies are in the river, but on the SA side and to retrieve them, theres [the] need [for the] services of a helicopter because the water current is strong, he said. Zimbabwe polices Aub-Aqua Unit, had been trying to get the bodies since Sunday when they were reported to authorities, but no headway had been made. Nyongo said they had informed the South African Police Services (SAPS) who were expected to dispatch a helicopter to the area. MyZimbabwe/News24 Breaking News via Email GOVERNMENT has given greenlight for schools to charge fees in United States (US) dollars, leading to calls for formal dollarisation as the majority of the countrys workforce earn in Zimbabwe dollars. This follows a public outcry among parents after schools withheld end of term results for thousands of pupils who failed to pay their fees in full for the second term which ended on Thursday. Some schools were demanding outstanding fees in US$, arguing that they had been eroded by inflation which climbed to 256,9% last month, from 191,65% in June. Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said schools could charge fees in United States dollars to recoup operational costs Some parents have been disregarding reminders by school authorities to pay school fees. So those parents who have their childrens results withheld should go and engage school authorities and discuss the way forward, he said. It is justifiable for schools to demand the fees arrears according to the prevailing interbank rate. Schools can charge the fees in foreign currency and accept forex from parents, but in accordance with the prevailing interbank rate. However, schools must not force parents to pay in foreign currency exclusively. A latest survey by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) said parents and guardians could no longer afford paying school fees, with only 26% able to meet education expenses for their children, as poverty levels in the country remain high. School heads have also been refusing to register Ordinary and Advanced Level Zimbabwe School Examinations Council candidates who had not paid their fees in full. Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said giving schools the greenlight to peg fees in US dollars was a recipe for disaster for workers earning in Zimbabwe dollars. Since the government is saying it has not yet dollarised, it must not allow schools to charge in forex. What it means is the government has totally lost control over the education sector, Zhou said. Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads president Munyaradzi Majoni said: This is a clear admission that the US$ is the only practical currency. Yesterday, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) said a family of five now required $281 000 a month to survive, up from $240 000 in June as the local currency tumbles and prices of basics and services skyrocket. According to CCZ acting executive director Rosemary Mpofu, the food basket increased by 21,53% from June to July 2022. The cost of living continues to go up as highlighted by the July consumer basket, Mpofu said. The cost of living, as measured by the CCZs low-income urban earners monthly basket for a family of six, increased from the end of June figure of $240 014,45 to $281 062,83 by end of July 2022, showing an increase of $41 048. Economists warned citizens to brace for more price hikes, with the price of bread set to go up again after the Grain Marketing Board increased the price of wheat by 30%. Economist Gift Mugano said: There is a need for the government to remove distortions in foreign exchange and gold markets by liberalising the exchange rates. For the avoidance of doubt, as long as there are distortions, it is clear that any policy prescribed around the same market will fail. Government must place emphasis on the commodity exchange as an effective vehicle for financing and market of agricultural commodities as opposed to the current arrangement where the financing and marketing of agricultural commodities is largely in the hands of the government. NewsDay Breaking News via Email At least 11 Zimbabweans who attempted to cross the crocodile-infested Limpopo River into South Africa are feared dead after a boat carrying eight of them reportedly capsized, while the other three were swept away in different incidents, on Sunday. Beitbridge Police District Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo told News24 that only one body had been recovered since. So far a body has been recovered, but yet to be identified, he said. He added that two more bodies were located in the river, on the South African side. Two more bodies are in the river, but on the SA side and to retrieve them, theres [the] need [for the] services of a helicopter because the water current is strong, he said. Zimbabwe polices Aub-Aqua Unit, had been trying to get the bodies since Sunday when they were reported to authorities, but no headway had been made. Nyongo said they had informed the South African Police Services (SAPS) who were expected to dispatch a helicopter to the area. News was rife in the Beitbridge town that a boat carrying eight people capsized on Sunday near Gate 7 east of the border post, but Nyongo said: We have not received that report; at times people do not report these incidents and that is cause for concern. Sources in Beitbridge alleged that the eight believed to have drowned were seen in an inflated boat near Dite Village, 40 kilometres east and downstream from the bridge. Crossing the river is cheaper, but riskier than going through the border post. Speaking to journalists, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said they had observed the trend of illegally crossing into South Africa through the border and they had put in place firewalls to curb it. What we have learnt is that these people come by cars from Zimbabwe. The car stops on the other side of the border and whoever doesnt have documents, then moves out of the car and the driver who is documented will go in and pick [up] the person who crossed illegally on the other side, he said. Motsoaledi also claimed that corrupt members of Zimbabwes border patrol unit allowed undocumented Zimbabweans to cross into South Africa. SAPS Limpopo spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo was not available for comment, but police and military personnel from both countries were working together in an operation not to cross border crimes and significant arrests had been made on both sides of the border. News24 Breaking News via Email The latest NACS Convenience Matters podcast looks at how fuels-related trends in 2016 could affect the market in 2017. ALEXANDRIA, Va. Consumer sentiment about the economy has traditionally been lockstep with gas prices: when prices fall, consumer optimism increases. But as 2017 begins, consumer confidence is at a record high, according to four years of consumer tracking data by NACSeven though gas prices began to climb in December 2016 and are higher now than a year ago. With fuel prices largely out of the control of retailers, what do recent market developments mean for fuels retailers in 2017and what are the broad trends that will shape the industryboth at the pump and inside the store? Thats the subject of the latest NACS Convenience Matters podcast. In the latest episode, Consumer Sentiment and Gas Prices in 2017, cohosts Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives, and John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute, discuss what factors may affect the fuels market in 2017and what retailers are doing to help control their destinies. Traditionally, retailers cite three factors that can greatly affect their businesses: the weather, the economy and oil pricesand all three are largely out of their control. But increasingly, retailers are focusing more attention on other factors of their business over which they have controland they are finding new ways to attract more customers, Lenard said. The episode can be downloaded on iTunes or Google Play by searching for Convenience Matters. It is also available at nacsonline.com/podcasts. A new Convenience Matters podcast will be released every week, focusing on topics related to convenience stores. Since its launch in February 2016, it has been downloaded in more than 50 countries. ALEXANDRIA, Va. The NACS Human Resources Forum is the premier program designed to educate and connect HR professionals working in the convenience and fuel retailing industry. For more than 20 years, this highly engaged group of peers has gathered annually to share case studies and best practices, connect with old friends, network with new contacts and expand their knowledge and skills. At the upcoming NACS HR Forum, March 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee, attendees will receive actionable information on topics specific to their profession. National-caliber speakers and industry peers will also provide in-depth insights about: Best practices on how to find and keep the right talent Ways to manage rising labor and benefit costs New laws and regulations that impact the convenience industry HR Forum attendees create lasting relationships with industry peers through networking with other participants and through sharing ideas. This valuable experience helps attendees build a strong peer network that can function as a personal board of advisors to help with work issues and opportunities throughout the year and in years to come. Dont miss this unique opportunity to grow your career and strengthen your business at an event dedicated to your specific industry and profession. Learn more and register at nacsonline.com/hrforum. Yves here. The Hill had a good opinion piece on the same topic covered in this Real News Network interview. Key sections of the article, Congress must stop undermining agencies that protect Americans by Jeremy Symons, associate vice president of climate change policy at the Environmental Defense Fund: Holding the narrowest of majorities in Congress, Republicans are unable to rewrite the bipartisan laws that created these agencies. Instead, under the guise of regulatory reform, Republican congressional leaders are pushing a series of bills that would weaken federal agencies by impairing their ability to carry out their basic responsibilities under the law to ensure our families are protected against unsafe or unfair products, pollution and practices. Rather than challenge popular agencies openly, some in Congress hope to hobble them with one fell swoop of bills that prevent their ability to update rules and regulationsin essence, a slow-rolling shutdown of government safety. These reforms will not just affect environmental protections like clean air and water, but also critical safeguards for children and families across all spheres of life, including food safety, workplace protections, financial protections, consumer product safety and more The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which passed in the House of Representatives on Jan. 5, is a bill that aims to obstruct even basic protections by requiring all new covered regulations to be approved by both chambers of Congress. Under REINS Act, If either branch of Congress does not approve any covered rule within 70 legislative days, the rule becomes null and void and cannot be re-issued. This effectively gives one chamber of Congress veto power over any new significant public health and safety protection, no matter how non-controversial or sensible it may be. With the power to block crucial standards resting in the hands of just one chamber of Congress, the REINS Act would give enormous power to deep-pocketed, powerful lobbyists in Washington who favor the status quo. If there is one thing corporate lobbyists are good at, its stopping Congress from getting things done. With the REINS Act in place, Congressional gridlock would create a permanent system of regulatory stagnation and obsolescence that is unable to protect our safety, health and wellbeing in a rapidly changing world The Midnight Rules Review Act, which also passed in the House last week, would allow Congress to disapprove multiple rules finalized near the end of a presidents term in one single vote. However, under current law, Congress already has the authority to review and reject these rules. But this bill is only about one thinghiding the ball. By bundling many rules together, the sponsors hope to undermine accountability and avoid public scrutiny about what rules are being rolled back. KIM BROWN: Welcome to The Real News Network. Im Kim Brown in Baltimore. On Thursday evening, the newly convened Republican-led Congress pushed through a regulatory reform introduced as S21(?) the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny, or REINS Act. It passed the House in a 237-187 vote, and the Koch brothers front group FreedomWorks have praised the passage of the reform. The environmental group The National Resource Defense Council put out a statement condemning the move saying, Industry would no longer have an incentive to work with regulatory agencies to craft sensible regulations and it allows Congress to overturn virtually any rule that they disliked. And our next guest says that the REINS Act could weaken the ability of the federal regulatory agencies to do their jobs and that it its origin is in fact the Koch brothers own organization the American Legislative Council. Joining us from Indianapolis, Indiana, is Steve Horn. Steve is a research fellow for DeSmog Blog. Hes also a Contributing Editor at CounterPunch magazine and a freelance investigative journalist whose work is featured in The Intercept, The Guardian, Vice News, Truthout and other publications. His recent article is GOP Congress, Trump Already pushing Koch Industries Bill to Hobble Regulatory Agencies. Steve, welcome back to The Real News. STEVE HORN: Good to be back on. Thanks for having me. KIM BROWN: So, Steve, help us unpack this if you could. So, what exactly is the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny, or the REINS Act? STEVE HORN: There are two answers to that question. The first one is: whats in the bill? Basically what the bill says and does, is it gives Congress 70 days to review any regulation put forward by a federal agency. If they do not move on that within 70 days, say, they just purposely stall, that regulation goes by the wayside. Then theres, they cant just do it vaguely, there has to be some sort of measurement. So, its called, anything that is a major rule, which is defined as anything that costs over $100 million for businesses, which isnt really very much because I think thats actually defined as businesses-at-large in the United States, thats obviously only a tiny fraction of the U.S. economy. But then even if it didnt reach that $100 million mark in costs, there are other caveats in there about other sorts of costs, whether its on consumers and others. So, basically there are several carve-outs that make it pretty easy for that to kick in. So, if it meets those criteria, then they have 70 days to review whether or not they want the regulation to go forward and they can choose to kick it by the wayside. So, thats sort of the first answer. The second answer is sort of who came up with this idea? And what my investigation shows, is that, basically, this has been an idea for the past over a half decade now of, you know, Koch Industries and Koch-funded think tanks and advocacy groups like Americans for Prosperity. So, theres that part that kind of opened up the whole bigger part of the story for me. KIM BROWN: Well, Steve, lets take a look at a clip of Speaker Paul Ryans Opening Day speech to the 115th Congress: PAUL RYAN: This is the kind of thing that most of us only dreamed about. I know because I used to dream about this a lot. (laughs) The people have given us unified government and it wasnt because they were feeling generous. It was because they want results. KIM BROWN: Well, this is not like Martin Luther Kings I have a dream, Steve. So, what is the dream that Paul Ryan is talking about? And what is the connection here to the FreedomWorks and Charles and David Koch? STEVE HORN: Yeah. The speech that Paul Ryan gave basically pertained to the fact that, look, they have all three branches of government. They have the Supreme Court, most likely, going forward, because Trump was elected, a majority there. They have Congress in both chambers and they have Trump. So, Trump has come out in support of this bill, actually that gets to the bigger story. You know, how are David and Charles Koch involved? Interestingly enough, the one time where Trump came out and talked about this particular piece of legislation was in a quote he gave to a guy by the name of Phil Kerpen. Phil Kerpen is a guy who, for several years, worked as the VP of Policy for Americans for Prosperity, which is a front group that was created by Koch Industries back in the late 2000s during the Obamacare debates. And Phil Kerpen, basically, now he doesnt work for Americans for Prosperity anymore, he works for a group as the President for American Commitment. But, on the record, he did say that he was in support of REIN so it raised the question of, why is he talking to Kerpen? If you look back at Kerpens record, he authored a book called Democracy Derailed about how Obamas regulations were, basically, usurping democracy in the United States. He created something called Obamachart.com which is a chart of all the regulations that were put forward by President Obama. And he said that the one solution to all of these regulations to stop this agenda would be the REINS Act you see the REINS Act at the bottom of that chart as the panacea for the problem. And so, you look now, American Commitment, Phil Kerpens organization has its own petition in support of this bill. It has garnered over 100,000 signatures. And you can look at their social media feed theyre promoting this bill. As you mentioned, FreedomWorks is promoting it. Americans for Prosperity is promoting it. So, its very clear this is something that is being pushed by Koch Industries through its front groups. But also, if you look at the lobbying records for this bill over the past half-decade in its various iterations its always been called the REINS Act but its never been passed Koch Industries has lobbied for it every single time that the bill has appeared at the federal level. And one more interesting thing is in Wisconsin theres a version of this bill, also called the REINS Act. It was first introduced in 2016 and then was reintroduced, actually, already at the beginning of this year. If you look at the lobbying records in Wisconsin, two names that appear once again are Koch Industries and Americans for Prosperity. So, although Donald Trump, you know, he was outspoken about the fact that he would not hold a meeting with the Koch brothers during the campaign cycle he said that all the other Republicans were puppets for taking their money and doing their bidding. And now it looks very likely that if this thing does get through the Senate, that Donald Trump would be doing the bidding of the Koch brothers. KIM BROWN: So, we saw earlier this week that there was a push-back on the Republican-dominated Congress trying to gut the Independent Office of Congressional Ethics. But REINS seems to have passed relatively quietly. So, do you expect more push-back on this? Or, does the Senate or President also have to pass it? STEVE HORN: Yeah, the President still has to pass it and the Senate would have to pass it. I dont expect it to move until after Obama is out of office, obviously. Obama has already vetoed this type of bill before and come out against it through his Office of Management and Budget, which is the agency that has to determine whether or not its a major rule, as I mentioned. So, its really unclear if it will for sure go through the Senate but it already has been introduced. I think it has 29 co-sponsors in the Senate. So, if it does move through the Senate, they do now have a President who is on the record supporting the bill. So, now I think its just a question of if theyll start pushing this after hes inaugurated on January 20th. KIM BROWN: So, give us an idea, Steve, of the type of regulations that could possibly be rolled back or stricken entirely should the REINS Act actually be signed into law by President-elect Trump and should it pass the Senate, as well? STEVE HORN: So, this bill only covers any introduced regulation. It does not have retroactive type of grip. So, anything that was proposed in the past, the REINS Act does not cover. It just says that if a presidents regulatory agencies do propose something then it has to go through this review. So, most likely, it wont be anything that Trump does any way. Hes not going to be proposing any sorts of environmental, worker safety any public-interest regulation, its a good bet that Donald Trump wont be introducing it. But, you know, it could be something that a Democrat in the future introduces and then now its a law but it could be the law of the land that has to go through this sort of review. I think that the irony of it is that it already goes through a major review to begin with, through something called the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, or OIRA, which has been criticized actually for doing its cost/benefit reviews and shooting down a lot of good regulations on the grounds that it would be too costly, usually from a business perspective. So, this kind of already exists, but this is just a way for Congress and, you know, bought-and-paid-for politicians in Congress to have another say over this and, basically, just stall it before it even gets to OIRA. KIM BROWN: Okay, Steve, so let me try to play devils advocate for a moment here because what the Koch brothers and people aligned with them, and conservatives in general, say that there are job-killing regulations and we need to eliminate these job-killing regulations and all the red tape on business in order to stimulate jobs and stimulate the economy. And its hard for business to grow with all these regulations in place. So, what do you say to that? STEVE HORN: Well, they make that argument, which Ill cover in a second. Theyre also making a more simple argument on this one that its unconstitutional right now. That the Constitution is being violated by Congress not having a say over those regulations, which there might be some merit to it. I dont know if its ever been tried in the court system. I could see that being something that they might try as a legal challenge in the Federal Court system going forward because it seems like it at least has some legitimacy. And I havent really seen that argued before. But, in terms of the jobs-killing regulations and the faceless bureaucrats that came up a lot yesterday on the House floor, you know, there are arguments to be made that these regulations dont really have a lot of teeth, anyway. Theyre not stopping industry. They have to be a little more careful on what they emit, for example, for air emissions or, you know, at the workplace, they prevent work hazards to workers. I dont think that theres been that much credible evidence that these are actually putting businesses out of work, except for when they say that it costs so much that they have to kill jobs. And I just dont think that thats the major cause of job loss per se, but thats the argument that that side makes. And I think that thats all based, sort of, on this premise that corporate profits reign supreme, that because they have to do this, theyll make a little bit less profit and thats bad for them. And then that goes to what Trump says, Well, we have to off-shore jobs. We have to thats why new jobs are moving to Mexico, is because of these strangulating regulations. But, of course, the over-arching premise is that their CEOs are still being paid billions upon billions of dollars their companies are making plenty of money. So, when we talking about these things in terms of jobs-killing, it is usually framed in a misleading way. You know, its basically is always from the perspective of corporate profits. KIM BROWN: Indeed. Well, we will certainly monitor the passage of the REINS Act as it possibly moves through the other Chamber of Congress. Weve been joined by Steve Horn. Steve is a research fellow for DeSmog Blog. Hes also a Contributing Editor at CounterPunch magazine. You can check out Steves work across the web. Hes been on The Intercept, The Guardian, Vice News, Truthout and other publications. And you should check out his most recent article titled, GOP Congress, Trump Already Pushing Koch Industries Bill to Hobble Regulatory Agencies. Steve, we appreciate you joining us today, thank you. STEVE HORN: Thanks again for having me. KIM BROWN: And thanks for watching The Real News Network. At least some Republicans seem mindful of the concept, If you break it, you own it. Even though Obamacare polls as having more opponents than supporters (see here and here), many of the people who have benefitted from the program are strong supporters. In addition, those who have gotten coverage via Medicaid expansion may not realize that the ACA is the reason. And even with a majority of the public typically polling as not liking Obamacare, only 20% are willing to ditch it with no replacement. So it should not come as surprise to find that the Republicans, finding themselves in the unexpected position of being able to end Obamacare, are in a squabble over what to do about the, um, opportunity. Obamacare repeal was not a Trump priority and as Lambert has pointed out, Trump has even made statements that sound remarkably un-Republican, like copy the Canadians. But it appears that regardless of what Trump is willing to do regarding Obamacare, he seems cognizant of the risk of creating disarray and being blamed for ita concern he oddly does not have on other issues. Its likely that this caution is purely cynical: that he understands how complicated implementing a replacement or even a stopgap would be, and he does not want Congress spending time on the Republican party bete noire of Obamacare to the detriment of pushing through Trumps priority items, particularly early in his term when he has the best chance to take ground quickly. And the Republicans are divided enough to potentially forestall quick action. Politico and Bloomberg put different spins on the same story. Politico goes with the party line: GOP leaders vow to plow ahead with Obamacare repeal. The wee problem is that GOP leadership isnt what it is cracked up to be. Remember how Boehner was repeatedly unable to bring the unruly Tea Party faction to heel? And one of the first acts of the incoming House, to gut its own ethics office, turned into a PR disaster and was quickly scuttled. That means theres good reason to regard the fracture over what path to take with Obamacare as serious. From Bloomberg: A breakaway group of five moderate Senate Republicans pushed Monday to delay a bill repealing Obamacare until March potentially enough pressure to force the partys leadership to comply. The step is the latest sign of some Republicans growing uneasiness about their leaderships plan to repeal the law with no consensus on a replacement as part of an effort to deliver swiftly on one of President-elect Donald Trumps top campaign promises. Senators Bob Corker of Tennessee, Rob Portman of Ohio, Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska offered an amendment Monday to the budget resolution that would extend the target date for the committees to write an Obamacare repeal bill to March 3 from Jan. 27. The story points out that any more than one defection in the Senate would stymie their plan to use budget reconciliation to kill Obamacare before Trump is sworn in. And the ranks of the refusniks is growing: On Monday, more senators said they agreed with a delay on the tax front, including Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Senate Republican, told reporters that the taxes used to subsidize insurance for millions of Americans could be dealt with later this year in a larger tax overhaul. Republicans senators are also grappling with the risks of repealing the law before a replacement is ready. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he wants to see a pretty darn specific proposal to replace Obamacare before its repealed. Huffington Posts whip count has a solid six Republican Senators not willing to repeal Obamacare immediately, and another three nervous: Anxiety about repealing Obamacare without a replacement got a lot more visible in the U.S. Senate on Monday evening, as a half-dozen Republican senators called publicly for slowing down the process. Its not clear how strongly these senators feel about it, or whether they are willing to defy party leadership over how and when efforts to repeal Obamacare proceed. But at least three other GOP senators have now expressed reservations about eliminating the Affordable Care Act without first settling on an alternative. That brings the total to nine well more than the three defections it would take to deprive Republicans of the majority they would likely need to get repeal through Congress. And the House isnt fully on board either. Back to Bloomberg: On the House side, the new chairman of the conservative Freedom Caucus said his group wants to see more details about an Obamacare replacement before voting on the budget resolution. We hope they would see the prudence of waiting, Representative Mark Meadows of North Carolina said Monday night. Needless to say, there are many substantive issues to be addressed. Some Congressmen want a quick end to Obamacare, while others want a gradual phase-over/out. Some want a replacement scheme that still offers broad coverage, which will be a difficult sell to small government purists. So the Republican failure to create a consensus around what to do about their hated Obamacare looks about to deliver Trump a lucky break. But Republican divisions may not serve him so well on other fronts. The Cabinet pick that is arguably the most important for Trump to have approved, Rex Tillerson, is also the one most in jeopardy thanks to diehard Cold Warriors like John McCain being firmly opposed to Trumps plans to improve relations with Russia. Oil companies conduct their own foreign policy, and so an oil executive like Tillerson is one of the few routes open to Trump to get someone outside the Department of State/CIA apparatus with high level foreign experience, and better yet, good working relations with top Russian officials. By contrast, even though Trump may like and want to reward Steve Mnuchin (and other Cabinet nominees), hes short on relevant experience and could readily be replaced in the unlikely event he were voted down. (Mind you, having any Cabinet pick nixed would be a big proof that Trumps position with his own party is tenuous, but Tillerson would be a very serious loss for Trump). Its one thing for Trump to have the chips fall his way, as they appear to be doing with Obamacare. Well see over the coming weeks and months if he can exploit divisions, as opposed to merely create them. 2D materials enhance a 3D world (Nanowerk News) In the past decade, two-dimensional, 2D, materials have captured the fascination of a steadily increasing number of scientists. These materials, whose defining feature is having a thickness of only one to very few atoms, can be made of a variety of different elements or combinations thereof. Scientists enchantment with 2D materials began with Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselovs Nobel Prize winning experiment: creating a 2D material using a lump of graphite and common adhesive tape. This ingeniously simple experiment yielded an incredible material: graphene. This ultra-light material is roughly 200 times stronger than steel and is a superb conductor. Once scientists discovered that graphene had more impressive properties than its bulk component graphite, they decided to investigate other 2D materials to see if this was a universal property. Christopher Petoukhoff, a Rutgers University graduate student working in the Femtosecond Spectroscopy Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), studies a 2D material, made of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ). His research focuses on the 2D materials optoelectronic applications, or how the material can detect and absorb light. Optoelectronics are ubiquitous in todays world, from the photodetectors in automatic doors and hand dryers, to solar cells, to LED lights, but as anyone who has stood in front of an automatic sink desperately waving their hands around to get it to work will tell you, there is plenty of room for improvement. The 2D MoS 2 is particularly interesting for use in photodetectors because of its capability of absorbing the same amount of light as 50nm of the currently used silicon-based technologies, while being 70 times thinner. This schematic depicts the 2D layer of MoS 2 used in these experiments. As seen here, the layer is only three atoms thick, yet demonstrates amazing optical properties. Petoukhoff, under the supervision of Professor Keshav Dani, seeks to improve optoelectronic devices by adding a 2D layer of MoS 2 to an organic semiconductor, which has similar absorption strengths as MoS 2 . The theory behind using both materials is that the interaction between the MoS 2 layer and the organic semiconductor should lead to efficient charge transfer. Petoukhoffs research, published in ACS Nano ("Ultrafast Charge Transfer and Enhanced Absorption in MoS 2 Organic van der Waals Heterojunctions Using Plasmonic Metasurfaces"), demonstrates for the first time that charge transfer between these two layers occurs at an ultra-fast timescale, on the order of less than 100 femtoseconds, or one tenth of one millionth of one millionth of a second. The thinness of these materials, however, becomes a limiting factor in their efficiency as photovoltaics, or light-energy conversion devices. Light absorbing devices, such as solar cells and photodetectors, require a certain amount of optical thickness in order to absorb photons, rather than allowing them to pass through. To overcome this, researchers from the Femtosecond Spectroscopy Unit added an array of silver nanoparticles, or a plasmonic metasurface, to the organic semiconductor-MoS 2 hybrid to focus and localize the light in the device. The addition of the metasurface increases the optical thickness of the material while capitalizing on the unique properties of the ultra-thin active layer, which ultimately increase the total absorption. This figure depicts the organic semiconductor, in this case P3HT:PCBM in red, with a 2D MoS 2 layer on a silver plasmonic metasurface. Photo credit: Instagram From Cosmopolitan While Hillary Clinton has mostly been laying low since last November's election, she made a rare public appearance Sunday afternoon to attend the final performance of The Color Purple on Broadway - and those in attendance couldn't have been happier to see her. Unlike Vice president-elect Mike Pence's recent trip to Hamilton, the former secretary of state was greeted with boundless excitement when she entered the theater. Alongside husband Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton, the Democratic nominee received multiple standing ovations both before and after the show - and even got a shout-out after the performance was finished. Theres a lot of really awesome famous and notable people here today, actress Patrice Covington said, according to the New York Times. "Im not going to call all of them out - I know you already know them." She then paused and waved at Clinton's seat, which caused the audience to cheer once again. The Color Purple is a musical based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, following the story of a young black woman in rural Georgia at the turn of the 20th century. The show won the Tony Award for best revival of a musical in 2016. Follow Gina on Twitter. You Might Also Like Summer heat for the winter (Nanowerk News) Can thermal solar energy be stored until wintertime? Within a European research consortium Empa scientists and their colleagues have spent four years studying this question by pitting three different techniques against each other. We are still a far cry from a sustainable energy supply: in 2014, 71 percent of all privately-owned apartments and houses in Switzerland were heated with fossil fuels, and 60 percent of the hot water consumed in private households is generated in this way. In other words, a considerable amount of fossil energy could be saved if we were able to store heat from sunny summer days until wintertime and retrieve it at the flick of a switch. Is there a way to do this? It certainly looks like it. Since autumn of 2016, following several years of research, Empa has a plant on a lab scale in operation that works reliably and is able to store heat in the long term. But the road to get there was long and winding. The theory behind this kind of heat storage is fairly straightforward: if you pour water into a beaker containing solid or concentrated sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the mixture heats up. The dilution is exothermic: chemical energy is released in the form of heat. Moreover, sodium hydroxide solution is highly hygroscopic and able to absorb water vapor. The condensation heat obtained as a result warms up the sodium hydroxide solution even more. Benjamin Fumey at his test facilty in the lab. The heat cycle has been working since fall of 2016. Summer heat in a storage tank The other way round is also possible: if we feed energy into a dilute sodium hydroxide solution in the form of heat, the water evaporates; the sodium hydroxide solution will get more concentrated and thus stores the supplied energy. This solution can be kept for months and even years, or transported in tanks. If it comes into contact with water (vapor) again, the stored heat is re-released. So much for the theory, anyway. But could the beaker experiment be replicated on a scale capable of storing enough energy for a single-family household? Empa researchers Robert Weber and Benjamin Fumey rolled up their sleeves and got down to work. They used an insulated sea container as an experimental laboratory on Empas campus in Dubendorf a safety precaution as concentrated sodium hydroxide solution is highly corrosive. If the system were to spring a leak, it would be preferable for the aggressive liquid to slosh through the container instead of Empas laboratory building. Unfortunately, the so-called COMTES prototype didnt work as anticipated. The researchers had opted for a falling film evaporator a system used in the food industry to condense orange juice into a concentrate, for instance. Instead of flowing correctly around the heat exchanger, however, the thick sodium hydroxide solution formed large drops. It absorbed too little water vapor and the amount of heat that was transferred remained too low. Then Fumey had a brainwave: the viscous storage medium should trickle along a pipe in a spiral, absorb water vapor on the way and transfer the generated heat to the pipe. The reverse charging the medium should also be possible using the same technique, only the other way round. It worked. And the best thing about it: spiral-shaped heat exchangers are already available ex stock heat exchangers from flow water heaters. Heat exchangers from instant water heaters provided the solution: the sodium hydroxide solution spirals along a pipe, absorbs water vapor and emits heat. Fumey then optimized the lab system further: which fluctuations in NaOH concentration are optimal for efficiency? Which temperatures should the inflowing and outflowing water have? Water vapor at a temperature of five to ten degrees is required to drain the store. This water vapor can be produced with heat from a geothermal probe, for instance. In the process, 50-percent sodium hydroxide solution runs down the outside of the spiral heat exchanger pipe and is thinned to 30 percent in the steam atmosphere. The water inside the pipe heats up to around 50 degrees Celsius which makes it just the ticket for floor heating. "Charged" sodium hydroxide While replenishing the store, the 30-percent, discharged sodium hydroxide solution trickles downwards around the spiral pipe. Inside the pipe flows 60-degree hot water, which can be produced by a solar collector, for instance. The water from the sodium hydroxide solution evaporates; the water vapor is removed and condensed. The condensation heat is conducted into a geothermal probe, where it is stored. The sodium hydroxide solution that leaves the heat exchanger after charging is concentrated to 50 percent again, i.e. charged with thermal energy. This method enables solar energy to be stored in the form of chemical energy from the summer until the wintertime, says Fumey. And thats not all: the stored heat can also be transported elsewhere in the form of concentrated sodium hydroxide solution, which makes it flexible to use. The search for industrial partners to help build a compact household system on the basis of the Empa lab model has now begun. The next prototype of the sodium hydroxide storage system could then be used in NEST, for example. COMTES: European heat storage technology contest In the realm of the European research project COMTES, three different heat storage system demonstrators were pitted against each other from 2012 to the spring of 2016. Project group A (Austria, Germany) studied the storage of water in zeolites. These microporous silicate minerals are found as additives in detergents or as a coolant in self-cooling beer kegs, for instance. They are hygroscopic and emit heat when they become moist. Project group B (Switzerland, Northern Ireland) studied the storage of heat at a test plant with concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (see article on the left). See all storage projects in Switzerland www.sccer-hae.ch Hubble captures 'shadow play' caused by possible planet (Nanowerk News) Searching for planets around other stars is a tricky business. They're so small and faint that it's hard to spot them. But a possible planet in a nearby stellar system may be betraying its presence in a unique way: by a shadow that is sweeping across the face of a vast pancake-shaped gas-and-dust disk surrounding a young star. The planet itself is not casting the shadow. But it is doing some heavy lifting by gravitationally pulling on material near the star and warping the inner part of the disk. The twisted, misaligned inner disk is casting its shadow across the surface of the outer disk. These images, taken a year apart by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, reveal a shadow moving counterclockwise around a gas-and-dust disk encircling the young star TW Hydrae. The two images at the top, taken by the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, show an uneven brightness across the disk. Through enhanced image processing (images at bottom), the darkening becomes even more apparent. These enhanced images allowed astronomers to determine the reason for the changes in brightness. The dimmer areas of the disk, at top left, are caused by a shadow spreading across the outer disk. The dotted lines approximate the shadow's coverage. The long arrows show how far the shadow has moved in a year (from 2015-2016), which is roughly 20 degrees. Based on Hubble archival data, astronomers determined that the shadow completes a rotation around the central star every 16 years. They know the feature is a shadow because dust and gas in the disk do not orbit the star nearly that quickly. So, the feature must not be part of the physical disk. The shadow may be caused by the gravitational effect of an unseen planet orbiting close to the star. The planet pulls up material from the main disk, creating a warped inner disk. The twisted disk blocks light from the star and casts a shadow onto the disk's outer region. (Image: NASA, ESA, and J. Debes (STScI)) (click on image to enlarge) A team of astronomers led by John Debes of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland say this scenario is the most plausible explanation for the shadow they spotted in the stellar system TW Hydrae, located 192 light-years away in the constellation Hydra, also known as the Female Water Snake. The star is roughly 8 million years old and slightly less massive than our sun. Debes' team uncovered the phenomenon while analyzing 18 years' worth of archival observations taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. "This is the very first disk where we have so many images over such a long period of time, therefore allowing us to see this interesting effect," Debes said. "That gives us hope that this shadow phenomenon may be fairly common in young stellar systems." Debes presented his team's results Jan. 7 at the winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Grapevine, Texas. Debes' first clue to the phenomenon was a brightness in the disk that changed with position. Astronomers using Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) first noted this brightness asymmetry in 2005. But they had only one set of observations, and could not make a definitive determination about the nature of the mystery feature. Searching the archive, Debes' team put together six images from several different epochs. The observations were made by STIS and by the Hubble's Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS). This diagram reveals the proposed structure of a gas-and-dust disk surrounding the nearby, young star TW Hydrae.The illustration shows an inner disk that is tilted due to the gravitational influence of an unseen companion, which is orbiting just outside the disk.The tilted inner disk is the best explanation for a shadow covering part of the disk's outer region. The warped disk is blocking light from the star and casting the shadow across the disk. The nature of the darkening was first revealed in Hubble Space Telescope archival observations, which showed that the feature moved around the star at a much faster rate than any phenomenon that would be physically linked to the slowly rotating disk.TW Hydrae is about 8 million years old and resides 192 light-years from Earth. (Image: NASA, ESA, and A. Feild (STScI)) STIS is equipped with a coronagraph that blocks starlight to within about 1 billion miles from the star, allowing Hubble to look as close to the star as Saturn is to our sun. Over time, the structure appeared to move in counter-clockwise fashion around the disk, until, in 2016, it was in the same position as it was in images taken in 2000. This 16-year period puzzled Debes. He originally thought the feature was part of the disk, but the short period meant that the feature was moving way too fast to be physically in the disk. Under the laws of gravity, disks rotate at glacial speeds. The outermost parts of the TW Hydrae disk would take centuries to complete one rotation. "The fact that I saw the same motion over 10 billion miles from the star was pretty significant, and told me that I was seeing something that was imprinted on the outer disk rather than something that was happening directly in the disk itself," Debes said. "The best explanation is that the feature is a shadow moving across the surface of the disk." Debes concluded that whatever was making the shadow must be deep inside the 41-billion-mile-wide disk, so close to the star it cannot be imaged by Hubble or any other present-day telescope. The most likely way to create a shadow is to have an inner disk that is tilted relative to the outer disk. In fact, submillimeter observations of TW Hydrae by the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile suggested a possible warp in the inner disk. But what causes disks to warp? "The most plausible scenario is the gravitational influence of an unseen planet, which is pulling material out of the plane of the disk and twisting the inner disk," Debes explained. "The misaligned disk is inside the planet's orbit." Given the relatively short 16-year period of the clocklike moving shadow, the planet is estimated to be about 100 million miles from the star -- about as close as Earth is from the sun. The planet would be roughly the size of Jupiter to have enough gravity to pull the material up out of the plane of the main disk. The planet's gravitational pull causes the disk to wobble, or precess, around the star, giving the shadow its 16-year rotational period. Recent observations of TW Hydrae by ALMA in Chile add credence to the presence of a planet. ALMA revealed a gap in the disk roughly 93 million miles from TW Hydrae. A gap is significant, because it could be the signature of an unseen planet clearing away a path in the disk. Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum. An international rower who has overcome numerous life challenges has appealed to people with mental health issues to avail of the support services that are available in their communities. Thirty one year old Clonmel man, Kevin Wall, who attempted to take his own life in February 2013, has appealed to people afflicted by mental health issues living in South Tipperary to approach C-Saw(Community Suicide Awareness Workers), the voluntary suicide awareness and education group established in Clonmel over three years ago. Kevin, who was born with cerebral palsy, has found himself in difficult places with depression and mental health issues over the years, but continues to fight each setback to get his life back on track. At the moment, he is enjoying a four week break in Clonmel, before returning to Sydney where he is based. Following his attempt to take his own life while living in Perth, he spent some time in hospital before returning to Clonmel to recuperate.He went back to Australia later that year and now has permanent resident status and is hopeful his current application for citizenship will be successful. Following that experience he is now urging people who may have similar tendencies to speak to someone and to get help. The former Clonmel Rowing Club vice captain, who has represented Ireland in the sport, is now focussed on fulfilling his dream of becoming a Paralympian for Australia in Tokyo in 2020.He just missed out on previous attempts to represent Ireland in London in 2012 and Australia in Rio 2016 and he is hoping Tokyo will prove third time lucky for him. I have had a lot of disappointments and setbacks over the last few years but I am determined to achieve my dream said Kevin who started rowing at eleven years old. Kevin has had many setbacks of a sporting nature but his biggest challenge came came in 2013 when he attempted to take his own life while living in Perth. A mechanic by trade, he was experiencing some difficulties in his personal life and was being bullied at work. The most important thing for anybody who finds themselves in the position I was in is to talk and that is how C-Saw comes in and how important it is to have such services in the community he says. He is full of praise for the work that C-Saw are doing in Clonmel and in communities throughout South Tipperary. They are doing fantastic work, it is a very valuable service. They save lives. We should not be afraid to talk about mental health issues, it should be as openly spoken about as other health issues. If that was the case it would be easier for people to go to C-saw and other services that are there for people with mental health issues, he said. Two Republican senators sent a letter to Vice President-elect Mike Pence calling for the removal of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray. Sens. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., and Mike Lee, R- Utah, argued in a three-page letter dated Tuesday that President-elect Donald Trump has the legal authority to remove Cordray. "We write to request that promptly after his inauguration, President Trump remove Richard Cordray from his position as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," the senators wrote. "Removing Director Cordray would also uphold the American idea of limited government, because Director Cordray has vigorously supported the unconstitutional independence of the CFPB and pursued a regulatory agenda that is harmful to the American people." The letter said that over the last 80 years, the federal government has "blurred the lines" between the executive branch and Congress by delegating lawmaking authority to agencies, "including a 'headless fourth branch' of independent agencies unaccountable to the public or the president." "The CFPB is the single-most egregious example of this practice," the senators said in the letter, which did not name other independent agencies. The senators cited a court case, PHH Corp. v. CFPB, and a November ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the D.C. Circuit that found the CFPB's structure is unconstitutional. Though that ruling is being appealed by the CFPB, the senators allege that Cordray can be removed immediately. However, legal experts have noted that if the full D.C. Circuit agrees to hear an appeal, the panels ruling is voided. "Despite this appeal, the president retains constitutional authority to remove the director until a valid court order says otherwise," the senators wrote. The letter stated that Cordray has pursued "costly regulatory policies that are radically opposed to the Trump Administration's pro-growth agenda." "Under Director Cordray's disastrous tenure, the CFPB has repeatedly advanced 'unnecessary regulations that kill jobs,' 'bloat government' and have an enormous impact on our economy, communities and individual Americans from coast to coast," the letter says. The senators also wrote that the CFPB's regulations have disproportionately burdened credit unions and community banks. The letter said a new CFPB director could improve regulatory policy and restore the rule of law. "Director Cordray's removal will be the first marker in the long process of rolling back an agency that combines the powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches into the hands of a few unaccountable Washington elites," the senators said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is using the phony account-opening scandal at Wells Fargo as justification to further expand the enforcement powers of his state's banking regulator. Over the weekend, Cuomo unveiled a proposal that would to give the state Department of Financial Services widely viewed as one of the nation's most-aggressive state regulators the authority to ban from the industry individual bankers who have harmed consumers through "egregious and deceptive" behavior. Though the agency has no jurisdiction over Wells, a federally chartered institution, Cuomo said that the Wells fiasco is an example of why regulators need to be even more vigilant in enforcing consumer protection laws. "The excesses and abuses at the center of the Wells Fargo scandal is unacceptable and New York, in its role as a regulator, is seeking to take bold stepsand ensure these bad actors are barred from working in this industry once and for all," Cuomo said in a news release Sunday. Industry experts said the proposal shows the New York regulator once again positioning itself to take a more aggressive approach to financial regulation than its federal counterparts. Federal regulators currently have the authority to ban bankers from the industry, at both state and nationally chartered banks. Cuomo's proposal would give the state of New York the power to act on its own accord, stepping in to ban bankers where federal agencies choose not to act. "The state is taking a little more activist approach," said Joseph Simon, partner at the New York law firm Cullen and Dykman. Simon noted that he was "surprised" by the proposal, given that the legal process for banning bankers is clearly spelled out at the federal level. "New York has a very aggressive or wants to be a very aggressive financial services regulator," said Denver Edwards, an attorney at Bressler Amery Ross in New York. "I think many states including New York are frustrated by the federal government or federal agencies not bringing cases against culpable parties." The proposal was part of a broader legislative agenda unveiled by Cuomo, which will be discussed in a series of State of the State speeches across New York this week. The state's Superintendent of Financial Services Maria Vullo has taken a muscular approach to financial regulation, following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Benjamin Lawsky. The agency this fall unveiled ambitious new cyber security rules, which include provisions aimed at strengthening data encryption that go beyond what federal agencies have proposed. It has also taken a tough stance on anti-money laundering, and last year approved the first U.S.-based exchange of Ether, an emerging crypto currency. The state agency oversees a number of major Wall Street players, including Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank. It also regulates a number of regional players, including M&T Bank in Buffalo, New York Community in Westbury, N.Y., and Signature Bank in New York City. An official legislative proposal on giving the Department of Financial Services the authority to ban individual bankers has not yet been submitted in the state legislature. According to a press release from the governor's office, the proposal would the give agency the ability to ban bankers from working in New York, following an administrative hearing. No other details were provided. "It is still in the early stages," said Richard Loconte, a spokesperson for the agency. Bankers are expected to fight the measure. "I have no doubt that there will be a lot of lobbying to curtail this or further define what kind of activities would be considered 'egregious' activities," Edwards said. A spokesperson for the New York Bankers Association declined to comment because an official legislative proposal has not yet been submitted. One key area to watch as the legislative debate develops is how the law would apply beyond New York. Though New York regulators only have authority over New York-chartered banks, it's an open question whether other states would recognize a ban as well. "I don't think that's necessarily clear," Edwards said. Also at important to watch is how, exactly, the state sets up the legal processes for bankers to appeal and contest their state-level bans. The move shows the agency putting consumer protection at the top of its agenda, Edwards said. He added that the timing of the announcement is significant, in that it comes as federal agencies are expected to take a lighter touch on enforcement matters under President-elect Donald Trump. As part of its broader legislative agenda, the Cuomo administration also unveiled new protections for curtailing abusive practices on foreclosures and reverse mortgages for elderly consumers. Under the proposal, the agency would create a training program for bank employees, to help them recognize fraud and signs of financial abuse. "Exploitation of seniors is a particularly heartless and heinous crime and this administration is committed to doing everything in its power to stop this abuse," Cuomo said in a press release Monday. US Navy uss lassen In a brief but illuminating interview, US Navy Vice Admiral Tom Rowden, the commander of the US Navy's Surface forces, told Defense News' Christopher P. Cavas a key difference between the ships of the US and Chinese navies. Cavas asked Rowden about China commissioning a 4,000 ton frigate and deploying it just six weeks later, a start-to-finish speed inconceivable in the US Navy, where ships undergo many rounds of testing and often take more than one year to deploy. chinese destroyer military PLA When asked about the differences between the US and China's processes, Rowden explained that while a US and a Chinese ship may both appear combat-ready,"[o]ne of them couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag and the other one will rock anything that it comes up against." Rowden couched his criticism well, but the meaning is clear. The US doesn't test its ships for fun, or to spend excess money in the budget, but "to be 100 percent confident in the ship and confident in the execution of any mission leadership may give them." Rowden wouldn't speculate much on China's process, but he made himself clear to begin with. Tensions between China and the US stand at a high over perceived shifts in US policy towards Taiwan, China's seizure of a US Navy drone, and years of China militarizing the South China Sea and bullying its neighbors. Surely Rowden has sized up China's fleet and its rapidly burgeoning navy, and his assessment in this interview is telling. NOW WATCH: 5 military vehicles you can actually buy More From Business Insider The national foreclosure inventory fell by 30% year over year in November, according to CoreLogic. As of November, the foreclosure inventory represented 325,000, or 0.8% of all homes with a mortgage, down from 465,000 homes, or 1.2%, a year earlier, CoreLogic said Tuesday. Similarly, the number of completed foreclosures fell by 25.9% during the same time span to 26,000. The number of mortgages in serious delinquency, meaning they were 90 days or more past due including loans in foreclosure or REO, decreased 22.1% from November 2015 to November 2016 to 1 million mortgages, or 2.5%, in serious delinquency. The continued drop in defaults in part stems from rising home prices, according to CoreLogic CEO and President Anand Nallathambi. But the serious delinquency rate, though down overall, varies from state to state. "The decline in serious delinquency has been substantial, but the default rate remains high in select markets," Frank Nothaft, chief economist for CoreLogic, said in a news release. "Serious delinquency rates were the highest in New Jersey and New York at 5.6% and 5%, respectively. In contrast, the lowest delinquency rate occurred in Colorado at 0.9% where a strong job market and home-price growth have enabled more homeowners to stay current." (Natural News) For weeks, the left-wing media has been absurdly claiming that patriot websites and a Republican President elect are working for the Russians. The truth is exactly the flip side: Democrats have been working with the Russians for decades to subvert American culture, destabilize Americas institutions and overrun the U.S. government with Marxist-communist leftist infiltrators who despise liberty and the Constitution. For example, CNNs Chris Cuomo is a blatant communist sympathizer who celebrated the murderous Castro regime by claiming Castro lifted everyone up. After Castros death, CNN talking heads gushed for days about how glorious Castro was, apparently oblivious to the mass political executions of men, women and children committed by Castro over decades of exploitation and tyranny. The exact words of Cuomo leave no doubt that he worships communist dictators: What is the point of this communist regime if it is not to truly make everyone equal not at the lowest level; not by demoralizing everyone; but lifting everyone up? #Calexit movement has already opened an embassy in Moscow Even right now, the #Calexit secession movement in California run entirely by radical left-wing activists has already set up an embassy in Moscow, and they are gaining support from communist collaborators in the Obama regime to fund the effort and turn California into a communist beachhead in North America. To really understand whats happening across America today, you need to watch a film called The Enemies Within. You can find it at this website. This powerful documentary details the communist collaborators inside the U.S. government who are right now operating as members of Congress in the U.S. Capitol. Many of them, the film reveals, could not pass an FBI background check because they have so many ties with anti-American communist groups such as Communist Party USA, Democratic Socialists of America, Workers World Party, the Institute for Policy Studies, Council for a Livable World and other radical anti-American organizations Watch the trailer here: Anti-American left-wing media has achieved 3 out of 4 steps necessary for a Soviet-style overthrow of the United States The silent coup taking place in America right now is a communist takeover being pushed by the mainstream media, Hollywood, academia and government infiltrators and subversives. Hollywood is deeply involved in the evil plot, pushing out propaganda shows like The Americans which portrays Russian spies as heroes in America. A sci-fi show called Continuum labels anti-establishment liberty groups terrorists while portraying the strong female lead as a hero for hunting down and killing those who seek liberty. (Shes called a protector and works for the globalist corporate monopolists who already overthrew the government.) Nearly the entire institution of Hollywood is widely infiltrated by Marxists, communists and radical left-wing subversives who use television, movies and even video games to push grotesque cultural subversion themes like transgenderism (Amazon Prime), attacks on white history, attacks on the police (ESPN), attacks on males (every TV commercial) and attacks on logic and reason. Former Soviet-era deception expert Yuri Bezmenov laid out a blueprint for communist subversion of any targeted nation back in the 1980s. That blueprint looks remarkably like what Obama and the radical left just pulled off over the last eight years with the help of the lying mainstream media and cultural subversion via movies, TV, Jon Stewart, fake news, false flags and an overthrow of the public education system (Common Core, an anti-education indoctrination / obedience scheme). Bezmenov is well known for saying: The highest art of warfare is not to fight at all but to subvert anything of value in the country of your enemy until such time that the perception of reality of your enemy is screwed up to such an extent that he does not perceive you as an enemy, and that your system, your civilization and your ambitions look to your enemy as an alternative, if not desirable then at least feasible. Thats the ultimate purpose, the final stage of subversion, after which you can simply take your enemy without a single shot being fired. Watch his lecture in the video below. Disinformation, deception and the art of subversion To really get up to speed on all this, I strongly recommend a book called Disinformation: Former Spy Chief Reveals Secret Strategies for Undermining Freedom, Attacking Religion, and Promoting Terrorism. This book starts off with details of how President Bill Clinton seized upon the black church hate crime hoax of the 1990s to foment hatred toward whites and Christianity, perfectly following the blueprint of Soviet-style demoralization, destabilization and subversion. The book is a tour de force of radical left-wing deception tactics being widely used today by Sen. Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and of course Barack Obama. Almost everything they do is patterned off KGB-developed communist subversion tactics to destroy liberty and democracy while demoralizing and punishing those who believe in religion, law enforcement or equal justice. The entire point of the Obama regime was to destroy rationality across American society and replace it with mass mental illness (transgenderism, philosophical monopolism, social engineering obedience, anti-science climate change propaganda, politically correct language police and so on). Another similar book with more modern details is called Demonic: How the Liberal Mob Is Endangering America by Ann Coulter. Demonic reveals astonishing historical details of how leftists not only overthrow governments, but then they usually kill their own subversives after the takeover, having decided their own people were useful idiots to achieve the coup. The Yuri Bezmenov lectures Yuri Bezmenov explains the four stages of subversion in his remarkable historical lecture found in this video: As youll discover from watching the video, America is currently in stage 3 crisis. Thats the point where Bezmenov says that if things arent immediately reversed, the only way to get back to liberty is through military control of the country. In other words, once the minds of leftists are so polluted (Meryl Shreep), indoctrinated (Matt Demon), made mentally ill (Rosie ODumbbell) or completely obliterated by radical leftist disinfo (John McCain, a RINO), the radical left can only be defeated, says Bezmenov, with military force. Theyre beyond the reach of education, self-realization, login or reason of any kind. Their minds have been obliterated by communist-Marxist programming and social engineering. Does anyone doubt, after observing the complete insanity of the radical left today, that most of those people are beyond reason? Theyre been so mind controlled by communist / Marxist / leftist propaganda that they will never accept ideas rooted in liberty. Rush Limbaugh calls them a special kind of stupid, and Michael Savage calls them mentally ill. In truth, its actually a combination of stupidity, indoctrination, mental illness and delusional paranoia. But in a greater sense, all these leftists are victims of propaganda. Their minds have been taken over via cultural and institutional subversion. This is all deliberate. P.S. Also watch this incredible interview with Yuri Bezmenov by G. Edward Griffin (the video looks like its from the 1980s). Its just astonishing what youll learn about cultural subversion in this video: Obamas last eight years were ripped right out of the KGBs subversion playbook Ive carefully watched the Bezmenov video (and you should too), taking the following notes. As you read these notes, notice how perfectly this matches with the agenda of Obama and the radical left, including the transgender push, the attacks on Christianity, the complete obliteration of public education and the vilification of law enforcement: * Espionage only occupies 10 15% of time, money and manpower activities of the KGB. * The other 85% of the KGB activity is subversion. * The aim is to destroy the country of your enemy. * Subversion activity is overt and easily observable. * According to western laws, subversion is not a crime. * Subverters are exchange students, diplomats, actors * Subversion is a two-way activity. The enemy must be willing to be subverted. * You cannot subvert the Soviet Union because the borders are closed. * Subversion can only be successful when the agent of subversion has a responsive target. * The USA is a receptive target of subversion. * Sun-Tzu was the first expert in subversion in ancient China. * He said it is inefficient to fight on the battlefield. * The basics of subversion are taught to every student of the KGB in the USSR. The four stages of subversion from Yuri Bezmenov, Soviet KGB subversion expert Demoralization. It takes 15 20 years to demoralize a society. It includes influencing (infiltration, propaganda, etc.) of various areas where public opinion is shaped: Religion, educational system, social life, administration, law enforcement systems, military and labor-employer relations. Exploit the people within the society who are ideologically opposed to the system. Use small groups of agents from foreign nations. Distract people from real faith and replace it with artificial faiths in other systems. In education, distract them from learning something constructive, pragmatic and efficient. Instead of mathematics, chemistry, history, teach them sexuality, home economy, anything to distract. In social life, replace traditionally established institutions with fake organizations. Take away the initiative from people, take away the natural links between individuals and replace them with bureaucratically controlled systems. Establish social workers institutions ruled by bureaucracy. Eliminate the family and replace the main concern with the paycheck from the government. In government, replace elected officials with un-elected bureaucrats who control the people. In the major media like the New York Times, you dont have to be an excellent journalist. You have to be exactly a mediocre journalist. For the power structure: It is slowly eroded by those who do not have qualifications nor the will of the people. Law enforcement: Put into place a slow substitution of basic moral principles, where someone who used to be a criminal is now considered a victim. Labor relations: Destroy the traditionally established links of bargaining between employer and employee. Obedient workers follow their leaders. Democracy is not a system of equality. It is a system where diverse people of different backgrounds have the chance to compete and thrive. Destabilization. Destabilize all the accepted institutions and organizations of your enemy. There is no crime if a professor introduces a course of communism or Marxism into a California college. The radicalization of negotiations between labor and employers. Normalizing violent protests. The media places itself in opposition to society, to alienate the people. Subversive sleepers now become leaders in society and actively include themselves in the political process. Now, homosexuals make it a political issue to demand human rights and instigate violent clashes. Black against white. It doesnt matter, its about creating antagonistic clashes. This is destabilization. The sleepers are KGB agents. They become leaders to destabilize the targeted nation. Thus, the agent is already a respected citizen of the United States. He even gets money from the government for his struggle labeled human rights. Crisis. The process starts when the legitimate bodies of power cannot function anymore. Instead, artificial bodies are injected into society, such as non-elected committees. They claim power on how to run your life. If power is denied to them, they take it by force. They are often half-baked intellectuals from Harvard or somewhere, they think they know the answers to social problems. The population at large is looking for a savior to solve the crisis that has been artificially created. They call for socialist government, centralized power. A savior is needed. The savior is then provided as the foreign nation, or the sleeper agents, they call it a revolution. They say, I will lead you. The two alternatives here are: 1) Civil war. 2) Invasion. Normalization. This stage is to make the subversion results seem normal to the people. Your country is normalized. At this point, the workers dont demand a revolution anymore. This is stabilizing the country by force. Activists, liberals, social workers, homosexuals, professors and Marxists are being eliminated because they are not needed anymore. The new owners need stability to exploit the nation and take advantage of the victory. The Marxists shoot their own revolutionaries. Once the subverted culture is normalized, the only way to reverse the course of the country is through military intervention. The most difficult and simplest answer against subversion is to start it before the demoralization stage. Bring back religion to restore stability to society. (Halt cultural Marxism from marching forward.) As part of normalization, allow the criminals to have civil rights and bring crisis to the country. To defend against this, do not allow them to take political power do not elect them into power. It must be driven into the heads of the American voters that a person like that is an enemy of the state. Restriction of certain freedoms would prevent sliding into crisis. To curb unlimited power of the trade unions would save the economy from collapse. To introduce a law to stop private companies of raping public opinions in the direction of consumerism. No company must have a right to force you into buying more unless you want. Demoralization is the easiest thing to reverse. Restrict the import of propaganda. The unrestrained import of Soviet journalists it has to be stopped. They wont be offended, they will respect America more. My colleague appears on Nightline and Ted Koppel asks him, What do you think? What can he think? He is a propaganda mouthpiece for the Soviet empire. The process of demoralization will not start at all if the country prevents the importation of foreign ideology. You dont have to shoot every foreigner but when he offers you junk in the disguise of shiny something, you have to tell him, No. We have our own junk. If the country is strong enough to stop the importation of ideas which are foreign, then the whole chain of subversion can be prevented. Many societies throughout history collapsed the moment they lost religion. The idea of human beings as intelligent, moral agents of God can prevent collapse. But all the technology and computers will not prevent collapse. No one will fight to defend 2+2=4 but millions will fight to protect God and religious faith. The answer to ideological subversion is very simple. You dont have to shoot people. You simply have to have faith and prevent subversion not to be a victim of subversion. Strike not with force but with the superiority of your intellect. (Natural News) The Environmental Protection Agency is very likely the most abusive, over-regulatory, economy-killing bureaucracy within the federal government. Now, Im adding irresponsible to that list. Longtime readers of Natural News will recall the Gold King Mine spill in Colorado in August 2015, which saw more than 3 million gallons of contaminated water rife with mining chemicals and heavy metals leach into surrounding major waterways and tributaries. This disaster was created by a contracting crew working on behalf of the EPA. It took legal action and over a year in court to force the agency to pony up for the damage caused by the spill. But as usual, the EPA continues to skirt is obligation to repay all the monies owed to interested parties as well as clean up after itself, like the agency would require any private company to do. One of the injured and aggrieved parties is the Native American Navajo Nation, which is accusing the Obama administration of refusing to clean up the damage caused by the EPA, the Mexico Star is reporting. The August 2015 spill saw contaminated water from the mine spill into the nearby Animas River, then leach into the San Juan River, which flows through about 200 miles of Navajo territory. In addition to tainting Navajo lands, the spill also tainted waterways in three states: Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. Other states joining in suit against EPA After being exposed to the air, iron sulfide in the contaminated water formed a sulfuric acid, which turned the water a bright mustard-orange color. The Navajo Nations water supply has been severely compromised as a result of the spill, said Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch. Tragically, we wont know the full extent of the impacts the heavy metals released in the spill will have on our people for some time because those impacts generally only become observable in the long term. She added that the Navajo government has already spent millions of dollars responding to the crisis, adding that just to mitigate the damage to the nations water supplyand not to mention long-term health needs and other impactsit is expected to cost in excess of $100 million to secure alternative water supplies, more water treatment and monitor the water well into the future. But none of that matters much to Obamas EPA. Earlier in December, Navajo Nation attorneys submitted a claim to the agency for more than $160 million, in order to cover costs that the nation has spent in the aftermath of the spill. The amount requested also factored in cost estimates of long-term medical care, as well as monitoring of soil, groundwater, crops and livestock on Navajo Nation lands. In addition, the amount requested would also cover expected costs for the building and operation of an alternative water supply, as well as treatment systems for areas affected by the spill. And while the EPA has already admitted responsibility for the spill, it has rejected all but $602,000 of those claims on the grounds that, on Aug. 19two weeks after the spillthe agency tested the waters in the San Juan River and allegedly found metal concentrations had gone back to pre-event levels. Native lives dont matter That, of course, says nothing about the long-term damage done to groundwater, soil and other natural resources. The immediate traces of heavy metals from the spill were gone, so as far as the EPA is concerned, thats the end of it. The EPAs evaluation of costs is consistent with the agencys legal authorities and the requirements under the Superfund, an EPA spokesperson told VOA, as cited by the Mexico Star. The agency can only reimburse documented and allowable incurred response costs submitted by government partners. In May, New Mexico also filed suit against the EPA, alleging injuries from the spill, as well as the state of Colorado. Utah is also considering a suit against EPA. Branch said that Navajo Nation plans to appeal the EPAs rejection of its claims before the early January 2017 filing deadline. She also expressed her disappointment in President Obama. The Obama administrations response has reinforced the message that Native lives dont matter, Branch said. And the EPA has focused their energy on minimizing potential legal liability to themselves, rather than ensuring cleanup and protection of the environment. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for Natural News and News Target, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: BigGovernment.news NaturalNews.com MexicoStar.com (Natural News) If you havent figured out by now that President Obama is doing all he can to sabotage and trip up President-elect Donald J. Trump before he takes office, then youre not paying attention. As time runs out on his presidency, he is doing everything he can to make Trumps first years in office as chaotic and treacherous as possible. To wit, Obama just signed an executive order designating a massive amount of land in Nevada and Utah as the Golden Butte National Monumenta portion of which just happens to be near lands owned and operated by Cliven Bundy, who, along with supporters, engaged in an armed standoff with Bureau of Land Management personnel just a few years ago over long-claimed grazing rights for Bundys cattle. And the grab does include land that the Bundys have used to graze their cattle. Is Obama exacting some payback, while at the same time attempting to provoke an armed incident which he would certainly use for his own political advantage while disrupting the incoming Trump administration? It sure looks that way. As reported by Intellihub, the massive new land grab includes the very site of the Bundy Ranch standoff, in addition to land very close to the Bundy Ranch itself. With this move Obama has possibly triggered another armed standoff while also heading off any moves set to be made by incoming President Donald Trump, the site reported. Administration says environment, Native Americans prompted action but, as usual, thats not true According to a fact sheet published by the White House, Obamas order designates two new national monuments, protecting sacred sites, spectacular scenery, and important natural and cultural resources in the desert landscapes of southeastern Utah and southern Nevada. The creation of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah and the Gold Butte National Monument in Nevada follow years of robust public input from tribes, local elected officials, and diverse stakeholders, and draws from legislation introduced in Congress. The fact sheet also acknowledged that the radical Obama has also taken away more land from states and the people than any previous president, as if thats something to be proud of. Add to that the fact that the federal government already owned more than 85 percent of all lands in Nevada, while owning a sizeable portion of Utahs land as well. Intellihub reported that at present, its difficult to know actually how much land Obama just grabbed, under the phony guise of environmental protection and deference to Native American tribes. In an interview, Jason Vantatenhove, national media director for Oathkeepers and founder of Ex-Media, told Natural News there were several political implications to the grab. This will wind up in the political arena, he said, adding that in reality, unlike what the White House is claiming, there are actually a number of indigenous tribes fighting against it, as well as local political leaders. Vantatenhove said the administrations lie about taking action on behalf of Native Americans to preserve their land is par for the course. He said hes learned that over the years, having been at the first Bundy standoff as well as other citizen actions against the federal government, including the Malheur standoff in Oregon in January and, more recently, the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. Follow the money? At present, he told Natural News, there are no plans for armed militia groups to take up positions near the Bundy Ranch, and there have been no moves by federal agencies to mark off the new federal preserves. But that could change at a moments notice. And he did say that some groups had put calls out to their members to prepare to move to the area. This Golden Butte area doesnt include the Bundy Ranch but it does include a good portion of their grazing allotment, where the original legal conflict began in 2014, Vantatenhove said. And that could certainly inflame the issue because the Bundys have invested a lot of money in the infrastructure there, including cultivating and developing water sources. Cliven, along with sons Ryan and Ammon, remain in jail on charges stemming from the Malheur standoff. Vantatenhove also speculated that there could be a financial reason for the land grab. He noted that the Golden Butte region contained one of the countrys largest gold reserves, and is also home to several deposits of very valuable minerals. Just follow the money, he said. You look at Malheur, its the same thing. Its got one of the worlds richest deposits of uranium, which is vital in the manufacture of nuclear energy and nuclear missiles, as well as gold, he said. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for Natural News and News Target, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com OregonLive.com (Natural News) Publicly, President-elect Donald J. Trump has said his interactions with President Obama have been cordial and courteous. But it has become evident that the outgoing president, petulant and arrogant as always, is going out of his way to leave as many landmines as possible for the incoming administration, politically and geopolitically speaking. Geopolitical bomb-throwing In recent days, the Obama State Departmentled by the hapless and one-time presidential loser John Kerryonce again put Israel at risk by abstaining from a vote at the United Nations Security Council condemning the Jewish states inherent right to expand settlements in its own territory. Rather than use its veto power, Obama directed Kerry to cast no vote at all, allowing the measure to sail on to a 14-0 approval. It was the first time the U.S. government has ever allowed a vote to occur condemning our key (and really only true) ally in the Middle East. As if that werent enough, Kerry then delivered a speech in which he actually said Israel has a choice: It can either be democratic (as defined by the Obama administration, not by the Israeli people) or it can be Jewish, but not both. Thats like Israel saying the U.S. cannot be democratic and Christian at the same time, which is, of course, preposterous. Thats not all. Youve no doubt heard the narrative that Russia hacked the election to favor Trump. Months before his stunning upset of two-time presidential loser Hillary Clinton, the Obama administration began creating the narrative that Russian operatives were attempting to hack into U.S. election systems. As Cyberwar.news reported: The FBI described the threat as credible as well as significant, an eight on a scale of one to 10, according to Matt Roberts, a spokesman for Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan (R), said last week. As a result of the hack, Reagan ordered the states voter registration system shut down for nearly a week. The Obama administration even offered to help states protect their systems, but states declined the offer, perhaps because they didnt believe the threat existed. Ironically, one of the declining states was Georgia, whose secretary of state claimed after the Nov. 8 election that state systems were electronically tampered withby computers whose addresses led back to the Department of Homeland Security, reported Glitch.news. So the die was cast well before the Obama White Houseaided, as usual, by the mainstream mediabegan spreading its phony Russia story, likely to further discredit Trump and de-legitimize his victory. Worse, Obama has now sanctioned Russia for its non-existent interference, leaving the Trump White House to deal with a major world power right off the bat. Domestically, Obama is also causing havoc In addition to leaving problems for Trump to fix around the world, Obama is also filling his remaining days in office setting domestic political traps for the Trump administration. Consider: The administration is rushing to import and resettle as many refugees as possible from war-torn regions of the Middle Eastareas rife with terrorist organizations. As The Daily Caller reports, the administration is resettling significantly more refugees in the final weeks of 2016 than the previous year, regardless of what states think or say. The goal, of course, is to put Trump on the hot seat when he attempts to make good on his promise to ban Muslim immigration until such time as the U.S. government can adequately vet potential new arrivals from parts of the world whose people are culturally at odds with Western democratic principles. In recent days, Obama huddled on Capitol Hill with congressional Democrats in an attempt to develop a strategy to block repeal of Obamacare. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced in December Senate Republicans first goal was to repeal the law that has put such a massive financial burden on tens of millions of Americans in the form of higher monthly premiums, higher deductibles and less access to affordable care. Obama issued an executive order declaring a massive swath of Utah and Nevada as two new federal reserves, thereby preventing those lands from being mined for natural resources. He also signed an order banning oil exploration in parts of the Artic and Atlantic Oceans. He granted clemency to hundreds of dangerous criminals, including drug dealers who targeted kids. The outgoing president has also made clear he plans to stay in Washington, D.C.ostensibly to allow his youngest daughter to finish high school (highly irregular, considering all other ex-presidents in recent memory left the nations capital far behind as soon as their terms expired). But what he will also do is carp at and snipe the Trump administration every chance he gets, especially when Trump and his team begin to dismantle much of the damage Obama legacy. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for Natural News and News Target, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: TheNationalSentinel.com NewsTarget.com CNN.com DailyCaller.com Glitch.news Cyberwar.news (Natural News) In what some are already calling an unholy alliance, McDonalds has just opened a new restaurant located of all places in the Vatican. Yes, the golden arches have popped up next to St. Peters Basilica, and many people are unhappy about the fact, arguing that the fast food giant has no place in such a spiritually significant and historic setting. Critics of the Vaticans agreement to lease the property located about 100 yards from the Vatican State include high-ranking members of the clergy. From Vice: When plans for the McDonalds, known as the McVatican, were announced in October, Cardinal Elio Sgreccia told La Repubblica that the restaurant was a disgrace that served food that I would never eat. He added that the money spent on renting the real estate, for which McDonalds is shelling out roughly $31,000 per month, should be used to help the poor instead. McVatican offends cultural, culinary purists Placing a McDonalds in such a location seems incongruous on so many levels. It does reek of blasphemy to open such a modernist monstrosity next to some of the worlds most revered architectural marvels, and to even consider serving Big Macs and McNuggets in the culinary paradise that is Rome should be classified as a punishable offense. Its a business decision that ignores the culinary tradition of Roman cuisine, said the cardinal. Others echoed Cardinal Sgreccias sentiments, including a citizens group which is protesting the McDonalds opening over its potentially negative impact on the cultural ambiance of the area. From The Guardian: The Committee for the Protection of Borgo was the first group to raise the alarm over the proposed restaurant. It said the fast food chain would distort the area and inflict a decisive blow on an already wounded animal given the abundance of mini-markets and stands selling religious trinkets in the area. In fact, the area around the Vatican is already home to several fast food outlets. Theres a McDonalds near the Vatican Library and another one 200 yards away from that one (with a Burger King located in-between). What makes this McDonalds unique is that it is located on Vatican-owned property which, incidentally, formerly housed a religious bookstore. Critics say the property should be leased to an entity more in line with the Catholic Churchs mission, or at least one that reflects the neighborhoods cultural heritage. Co-branding scheme in the works? But in many ways, its a perfect marriage; McDonalds and the Catholic Church have a lot in common. Both are found in every corner of the globe, and both generate staggering amounts of money mostly collected from poor people. Its not hard to imagine a co-branding scheme perhaps priests could begin offering a supersized option for the wafers and wine distributed during communion? Maybe the Mickey D sign could list how many souls are being saved along with the number of hamburgers being served? And maybe a little product placement in the Bible wouldnt hurt, either how about a miracle of the loaves and McFishes? Seriously, it shouldnt be such a surprise that the two entities are now connected they both operate at a global level and their goals truly arent so disparate. Both make it their mission to reach as many people as possible, and both depend on income primarily gleaned from the lower economic strata of the population. It may not be long before one can obtain physical and spiritual sustenance under one roof or arch, as the case may be in every major city in the world. This may mark the beginning of a long and prosperous partnership between two financial powerhouses. Imagine how many billions could be served and saved at the same time Sources: Munchies.Vice.com TheGuardian.com Fox5NY.com NBCNews.com Anyialah Greer, 9, was referred for tonsillectomy to cure her sleep apnea, but after the operation, she never woke up. According to Inside Edition, Greer never fully regained consciousness despite doctors telling that she would wake up 15 minutes after the surgery. The child died just a few hours after the surgery. Gambrell is planning to press charge against Detroit Medical Center, which owns the Children's Hospital of Michigan, where Greer underwent the surgery just weeks before the Christmas. Detroit News said the procedure which normally lasts only for 40 minutes took two hours to finish. Medical reports obtained by Gambrell and shared with The Detroit News indicate Greer could have had an obstructed airway, issues with anesthesia or an undetected heart condition before dying of cardiac arrest. "Under federal law, you can't discharge people unless they're in stable condition. I don't know how she could be considered stable when she died just hours after discharge," Gambrell's attorney, James J. Harrington IV, who specializes in taking cases concerning medical malpractice said. Bianca Siegel, the ear, nose, and throat specialist who conducted the surgery issued the discharge order. In an interview with New York Daily News, Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, professor and chairman of otolaryngology at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn said tonsillectomy is a low-risk procedure and the the third most common childhood surgery, second only to circumcision and ear tubes. This is why Gambrell is still trying to figure out how such kind of surgery would lead to her daughter's untimely death. Meanwhile, the Children's Hospital released a statement about Greer's death, saying: "We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Anyialah. We take the care and service we provide to our patients very seriously and we are here to support the family during this difficult time." Autopsy reports are not yet on hand. Don't fret, skiers and snowboarders. After a weekend of heavy rain and flooding in the Sierra Nevada, the latest round of winter weather on Tuesday is dumping several feet of fluffy, dry powder on the mountain range. A system moving across Northern California on Tuesday and Wednesday is expected to dump two to five feet of fresh snow along the Lake Tahoe shore level. Elevations above 7,000 feet could accumulate four to seven feet. To winter lovers' delight, even more snow could fall during the second half of the week as well. The latest heavy snowfall has prompted a slew of warnings in the area, according to the National Weather Service. Blizzard and avalanche warnings are in effect until Wednesday morning. A winter storm warning and a flood warning are also in effect until Thursday. Aside from the substantial snow, gale force winds throughout Tuesday and Wednesday along ridge lines could reach 135 mph to 145 mph at times. Those dangerous conditions prompted some Lake Tahoe ski resorts, such as Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, to close completely on Tuesday. A number of other resorts, including Northstar, are warning skiers and snowboarders to be prepared for delays. Folks not already hunkering down near Lake Tahoe won't have the easiest time traveling to the area. Interstate-80 as of Tuesday morning is closed from Colfax to the California-Nevada stateline. Highway 50 travelers excluding those with four-wheel drive vehicles are required to carry chains. The drive from the Central Valley to South Lake Tahoe could take several hours. An elderly man and two police officers attempting to rescue him fell through the ice in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on Tuesday afternoon. According to police, the man fell through the ice at Fresh Pond in the area of 18 Clearwater Drive. The person was not far from shore and was extricated by officials. The man was ice fishing with friends when he fell through. His friends attempted to tie rope around his waist to pull him out but were unable to rescue him. Two officers went onto the ice to rescue the man but they fell through as well. The officers were able to keep themselves and the man afloat until they could be rescued. All three were transported to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston for evaluation. NOTE: NBC Chicago will offer a live stream of the speech beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday right here. President Barack Obama will return to Chicago Tuesday for his farewell address at McCormick Place, and that could mean traffic troubles for some commuters. The president is expected to arrive at O'Hare International Airport during the early evening hours but it remains unclear how he will be traveling to the event from there. He may take a helicopter and land near Soldier Field, though with a High Wind Warning in effect in the area that options is unlikely. If he does fly from O'Hare, he could then motorcade to McCormick Place, which would in turn cause rolling street closures in the area. This could cause even further delays in the area surrounding McCormick Place, which is currently under construction. The Illinois Department of Transportation is reconstructing the northbound Lake Shore Drive ramp to the outbound Stevenson Expressway. Obama could also motorcade to the event from the airport, which would also cause rolling street closures on whichever route he chooses to take, particularly on area expressways during the late-afternoon rush. There's also speculation he may go to dinner at a Hyde Park eatery before the event. Chicago's Museum Campus institutions will close at 2 p.m. ahead of anticipated traffic in the area. Admission to the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium will end at 1:15 p.m. and at 1 p.m. at the Field Museum. Due to high winds, Cermak was "closed until further notice" between Indiana and Calumet streets for pedestrians and motor vehicles, according to a spokesperson for McCormick Place. "Pedestrians coming from public transit will be directed through the West Building of McCormick Place, entering through Gate 41, and from there into the South building for security screening," the traffic alert read. "Local detours are in place for auto traffic. For visitors planning to park in Lot A, enter through 24th Place." Doors at the McCormick Place open at 5 p.m. and the speech is slated to begin at 8 p.m. CT. Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., six trains leaving the Metra station at Millennium Station will stop at McCormick Place. The farewell address is expected to be followed by a "family reunion" for Obama's former campaign staffers, according to a notice sent to Obama alumni and obtained by The Associated Press. Obama will not stay in Chicago following the event, and is expected to instead return to Washington D.C. that evening. For more on how to get to the event, click here. Meryl Streep's acceptance speech after receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes turned out to be the opening volley in a war of words with President-elect Donald Trumpbut a pair of Chicago pundits recently defended the actresses stance. Im sorry the president elect felt he needed to engageand by the way, I think she is a very fine actress, said David Axelrod, former chief strategist for President Barack Obama. And he wasnt alone. Her saying it on that platform may not have been a big deal to some people, but saying it now in this moment of such hatred and violence and discordit matters, Rikeesha Phelon, a prominent Illinois communications professional, told NBC 5. The comments came Monday at a City Club address preceding Tuesdays farewell speech from Obama in Chicago. The actress never mentioned Trump by name in her speech, but it was clear who her target was in pointedly saying that a performance from the past year that stunned her came from the campaign trail. She noted an incident where "the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country" imitated a disabled reporter from The New York Times. Streep said "when the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose." Trump responded in a series of early morning tweets, calling Streep "one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood" and "a Hillary flunky who lost big." He also defended himself against claims that he was mocking Times reporter Serge Kovaleski. Streep's comments on Trump also drew a backlash among conservatives on social media, including Senator John McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, a Fox News host who has been critical of Trump. One person was killed and another wounded in a shooting that took place near the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago Monday morning, authorities said. The shooting happened just before 11 a.m. near the Interstate 290's Cicero Avenue ramp. Illinois State Police said there was a report of shots fired near Lexington Street and Kolmar Avenue, but no shots were fired on the expressway. Police said the victims were in a vehicle driving eastbound on Lexington when a black SUV pulled alongside them in traffic and someone in the vehicle opened fire. A 21-year-old man was shot in the head while sitting in the back seat of the car and a 23-year-old man was also shot in the head while sitting in the front seat of the car. The 26-year-old driver of the vehicle was not hurt and transported the victims to West Suburban Hospital in critical condition. The 21-year-old man later died of his injuries and the 23-year-old's condition was stabilized before he was transported to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, according to authorities. A vehicle that may have been involved in the shooting crashed near the ramp to Cicero Avenue following the incident, according to state police, but Chicago police did not confirm that information. Area North detectives are investigating, police said. Check back for details on this developing story. If a rotten utility pole falls onto a tree in a suburban backyard, who is responsible for picking it up? It appears that homeowners in the Chicago area are having a hard time getting answers to that question. Vance Cole said his patience was put to the test after a utility pole fell onto a tree in his Park Forest backyard more than a year ago, preventing him from replacing his fence and threatening his and his neighbors safety. "If this pole falls, it's going to knock out everyone in this system all the way down the street here," Cole told NBC 5 Responds. Cole thought getting it removed would be a snap, but his request to get rid of the rotten pole quickly became very complicated once he started making phone calls to ComEd, AT&T and Comcast. Everyone would give me a different story, Cole said. No, this guy is in charge, this guys in charge, this guys in charge. One thing that was clear was that before the old pole could be removed, the lines attached to it had to be connected to the new pole. What wasnt clear was whose job it was do that -- a question Cole said launched more than a year of finger pointing. First, he called ComEd. They said they cant until the other utility companies take their line off the rotten pole," Cole said. Then, Comcast. "They came out three times asking for a Comcast box, Cole lamented. I want the line off the pole." Then, AT&T, which also had lines there. "For six to eight months, Im getting the runaround game, Cole said. This has got to stop. Something has to happen. Watchdog group Citizens Utility Board told NBC 5 Responds complaints like Coles are common. CUB sees one or two cases like this every month, and also referees the issue, trying to get whomever owns the pole in question in this case, Com Ed to take the lead on getting the wires safely switched. His patience exhausted, Cole called NBC 5 Responds. Thats when the utilities responded. AT&T moved its wires, Comcast did the same and cut part of the damaged pole, clearing the way for ComEd to remove the rest, and giving Cole the green light to put up his new fence. "Thanks NBC 5 Responds, I couldn't have done it without you," Cole said. NOTE: NBC Chicago will offer a live stream of the speech beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday right here. President Barack Obama will return to Chicago Tuesday for his farewell address at McCormick Place, prompting several institutions at nearby Museum Campus to close early. Last admission at the Field Museum will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, while the final entrance to both the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium will be allowed at 1:15 p.m., according to a statement from the museums. The organizations plan to close early in order to "accommodate anticipated campus and traffic impacts relating to President Obamas farewell address at neighboring McCormick Place," the statement reads. The speech is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. CST and doors open at 5 p.m. at McCormick Place - but attendees are encouraged to arrive at or before that time. Those arriving late may not be permitted to attend. All attendees will be subject to "airport-like security" and should bring as few personal iterms as possible. Bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liguids, and signs will not be allowed in the venue. It remains unclear exactly when the president will arrive in Chicago and how he will be traveling to the event. If Obama lands at O'Hare International Airport, he may take a helicopter and land near Soldier Field. If that happens, he could then motorcade to McCormick Place, which would in turn cause rolling street closures in the area. He could also motorcade to the event from the airport, which would also cause rolling street closures on whichever route he chooses to take. The CTA is offering additional service to accommodate those traveling to McCormick Place for the speech, the agency said in a release. The CTA will operate longer trains on the Green Line from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. Wednesday, and the #3 King Drive bus route will run more frequently from 4 p.m. until approximately 7 p.m. A president renowned for his soaring oratory, Barack Obama delivered plenty of memorable statements in eight years in the White House. NBC News collected 15 quotes that best capture his legacy as his tenure in the White House comes to a close. They cover everything from civil rights to the killing of Osama bin Laden to a roast of Donald Trump way back in 2011. It all started in Chicago on Election Night in 2008, when he told supporters in Grant Park: "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." An 83-year-old man who was reported missing from Coventry has been found safe and he is with his family, police said Tuesday morning. Don Minton left his residence on South Street at 11:30 a.m. Monday to go to a store in Bolton and was reported missing when he did not return. On Tuesday police said that Minton was found and is safe. Governor Dan Malloy addressed hundreds of business owners and leaders from across the Hartford area Monday morning. The address was part of his post-week push to rein in spending on pensions and benefits in the wake of his seventh State of the State Address. The governor said at times he's confused by lawmakers from both the Democrat and Republican parties who claim they're in favor of a more efficient state government in Connecticut. When I have a leader of the legislature tells me we need smaller government but he doesnt believe in laying people off, and somehow I should force an agreement to be reached without having the tools to allow that to happen, youre speaking out of both sides of your mouth," he told the group at the event sponsored by the MetroHartford Alliance and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. Joe Brennan, President and CEO of CBIA, said he was happy to hear the governor focus on reining in spending for state employees, because that could lead to a smart spending of state funds, as well as fend off the possibility of tax increases for businesses and individuals. He says the opposite is not what residents and employers want. So what happens is, you squeeze out funding for needed human service programs or for transportation infrastructure improvements and the things we really need that will continue to grow our economy so the fact that the governor is trying to tackle that head on I think is the most promising thing. One person who liked what she heard was Capri Frank, who handles marketing and sales for Miller Foods, a food manufacturer and distributor based in Avon. A family business, Miller employs 25 people and manufactures both pet and human food products. She says as a small business, it's harder to deal with major state policy changes than people may realize. "It trickles down and larger business has the ability to manage it a little bit better but those type of things make it hard. Those kinds of things make it harder." She says she likes what the governor has had to say so far because he sounds like he is trying to run a business with the way he's discussing labor, benefit, and other state obligations that cost taxpayers billions. She says if small businesses can take those steps, then so can the state. When youre in small business you have to buckle down, you have to renegotiate," Frank said. "You have to find ways." Westport police have arrested a home health care aid who is accused of stealing $12,000 from an elderly client. Fantasia Best, 30, of Stratford, worked for the elderly victim from October 2015 to April 2016 and used the victims ATM card to withdraw money for herself several times, according to police. Police said they identified Best through help from the victim, as well as from ATM camera footage from the Bank of America at 1815 Post Road East. Police stopped Best on Jan. 6 and she was held on a $12,000 bond. She is due in court in Norwalk on Jan. 17 to answer to several charges, including third-degree identity theft, illegal use of credit card and second-degree larceny. Some of the cars involved in the massive 25-vehicle pileup on Interstate 91 in Middletown Saturday were badly damaged and a Cromwell body shop is busy working on repairing several of them. Several of the cars towed to Bishops Automotive in Cromwell are missing bumpers and have shattered windows and dented wheels. Heavy front end damage, you know side damage all over here. You got the whole other side of all the vehicles as well, Jason Hickton, the first tow truck driver on the scene, said. The whole part quarter here was basically all gone as well. [It] was like from a movie, you know just coming up over the on ramp on the hill and just seeing all the truck sideways, cars sideways, he said. It was pretty intense. Before Hickton arrived at the pileup on the southbound lanes near exit 21, first class trooper Vincent Gogluicci, of Connecticut State Police, was the first of the first responders there. Conditions were awful. Driving down there was very treacherous. At some points I was going 3 miles per hour just to make it safely to the scene. Visibility was poor -- maybe 50 feet or so, Trooper Gogluicci said. In his 16 years with State Police, he has never seen anything like it. People were walking around dazed, obviously confused, cold, unsure of what just happened, he said. Thirty people were taken to the hospital and Gogluicci is thankful none of them had serious injuries. When you get there its just hope that you can help tend to the injured, let the fire department, the paramedics, the EMTs start doing their jobs because the patient care and tending to the injured are our number one concern, Gogluicci said. He believes the icy roadways caused the 25-vehicle pileup and recommends to try not to drive when you have snowy and icy conditions like those on Saturday. If you decide to drive, police recommend you keep plenty of space between you and the car in front of you and to take it slow. More than 300,000 people in Connecticut are directly benefiting from coverage through the Affordable Care Act. One third of those people are covered through what are known as, Qualifying Health Plans, sold through Access Health Connecticut, and the rest are covered through Medicaid expansion. Another group of people are those covered by other regulations contained in the 2010 landmark legislation, like those who cannot be barred from purchasing insurance because a of preexisting condition. One of those people is Colleen Brunetti of West Hartford. Brunetti lives with a condition called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, and was diagnosed before Obamacare became the law of the land. I dont think anyone knows what that might look like if the current rules and regulations that protect people like me get thrown out," Brunetti said, Monday. She receives medications each month that are valued at more than $250,000 and are covered by insurance for now. She describes the possibility of losing coverage as a result of having a preexisting condition, "terrifying." "There would be absolutely no guarantee that the medications that I rely on every month to keep me alive would be accessible any more, or care with my doctor. The state of Connecticut also has a lot at stake. The state relies on more than $1.36 billion in federal funds to pay for the Medicaid expansion population. That's money that pays for hospitals to care for those patients. Programs like Medicaid and Medicare are the financial backbones of the federal healthcare system, and a repeal could remove millions across the country from those covered. Republicans have said they are working on a replacement for Obamacare, but it's unclear what that would look like. Some have even said they would want to keep provisions like allowing young people to stay on their parents coverage up to age 26, and ensuring that people like Colleen with preexisting conditions can get covered. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who's vowed to work to keep the law intact, said if it gets repealed without a replacement, it could throw the entire healthcare economy into a tailspin. Just completely decimating it or destroying it without replacing it is a recipe for catastrophe," Blumenthal said. "It would be catastrophic chaos and cost for millions of Americans and for thousands of people here in Connecticut. An employee for a transportation company and a customer were killed and two other people injured after a head-on crash that closed Route 69 at the Prospect-Waterbury line Tuesday, according to Prospect police. A green van and a small black SUV collided on the Waterbury side of the town border and both victims who died were in the SUV, police said. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was pronounced at the hospital. The SUV belongs to Suburban Transportation and NBC Connecticut reached out to the company, but the person who answered would not comment on the incident. Police have identified the people killed as the SUV's driver, Adolfo Villar, 64, of Waterbury, and his passenger, 64-year-old Bonnie Moore, also of Waterbury. The investigation is in the preliminary stages, but police said they think Villar was trying to illegally pass the van when the crash happened. Two people who were in the van were taken to a hospital to be treated. Their injuries are not life-threatening. American Airlines is adding a daily flight from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Billings, Montana in June. The Billings Gazette reports that officials announced the new non-stop flight Monday. They say a federal grant and incentives from local organizations totaling about $1.3 million is helping to launch the flight service June 2. Billings Logan International Airport officials say the new flights will help open up Billings businesses to markets in the South, Latin America and the Caribbean. Monday's announcement comes after American Airlines began direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth to Bozeman's Yellowstone International Airport last spring. Airline officials say the success of the Bozeman flights has shown there was enough demand in Montana to support the Billings expansion. Police officials said they've fired an Austin officer after he broke into the home of a fellow officer who had ended a romantic relationship with him. A disciplinary memo released Monday shows Michael Stone was dismissed from the force Friday by interim police Chief Brian Manley. An internal affairs investigation determined Stone had repeatedly lied about the incident, which occurred in July at the woman's Kyle home. Officials said he used an electronic code to enter the woman's garage and then forced his way through a door to gain entry to the home. The woman then confronted Stone. Stone returned to the home weeks later, prompting the woman to call Kyle police. Austin police commanders said Stone committed criminal mischief, was untruthful to investigators and brought discredit to the department. Because of the drastic spike in violent crime in 2016, officials with the Dallas Police Department are changing the way they police by increasing their presence and educating the youth. Dallas reported a nearly 30 percent spike in murders in the city for 2016. The department recognized the problem and interim Chief of Police David Pughes said they have worked hard to address it. "We had a huge increase in property crimes, homicides, overall crime that we hadn't seen in a long time, we put together an approach to reduce that crime and we were effective," said Pughes. The increase in crime is being attributed to the staffing shortage caused by the ongoing battle with the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System. Residents in South Dallas near Fair Park told NBC 5 that it's working. They say they've seen less gang activity, drug deals and shootings. "I notice a lot more police activity, police cars driving by," said longtime Fair Park resident Exzavier Davis. "They stop crime, criminals from committing crimes, people are afraid to go to jail." The department also has a plan to work with community leaders and church congregations. Those meetings are scheduled for this week. A 35-year-old man arrested in Colorado in connection with the killing of his wife and infant son in Fort Worth has been extradited to North Texas. Craig Vandewege was transported from the Garfield County Jail in Colorado Monday night to the Tarrant County Jail. Fort Worth police said Vandewege called 911 Dec. 15 to report he came home from work and found his wife, Shanna Riddle Vandewege, and their 3-month-old son, Diederik, dead. Their throats had been slashed, officials said. Vandewege was later seen in Colorado where police said he borrowed a phone from a 7-Eleven clerk and was overheard talking about a murder. The clerk called 911. When Colorado police later pulled Vandewege over for speeding, he calmly told them his wife and son had been murdered. He added that he was having a "long week" because he was being blamed. A police report states Vandewege had four guns and ammunition with him in the vehicle. Vandewege told officers that his family moved from the Denver area in early 2016 and that he had returned to bury them. He also said he was on his way to Las Vegas because he had heard three people had been arrested in connection with the deaths of his wife and son. Glenwood Springs police said the officers arrested Vandewege for not having insurance and speeding because he could pose a threat to public safety "in his state with numerous loaded firearms." Vandewege was set to be released from custody when Glenwood Springs police received a warrant from Fort Worth to arrest him for suspicion of murder. Vandewege is expected to appear in a Tarrant County court on Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. At a school in South Dallas, students are already discussing the legacy of President Barack Obama. "We're here to turn young men into impactful leaders," said Principal Michael Bland. Students said the images hanging on the walls give them reason to believe. "Mr. Obama means hope to me," said freshman Alex Martinez. "Because I'm a minority. I'm a Latino." "He leaves a legacy of inspiration," said senior Jamarcus Preston. "I try to emulate myself after him," added senior Taylon Owens. The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy opened six years ago. It's a Dallas Independent School District magnet campus for young men in grades six through 12. "We are the first all-male, single-gender public school in the state of Texas," said Bland. "We happen to be named after the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama." And being first comes with responsibility, said Bland. "For many in the African-American community, the idea of having an African-American president in the United States seemed impossible," he said. But Obama did it. "I think of fearlessness," said Owens. "He could have easily not ran for president, knowing that no one before him of color has won." And now these students know they can reach great heights, too. "I believe that anything can happen with my future," added Martinez. "And I can shape my future into being whatever I make it." "You just gotta persevere and keep going," said Preston. "Don't look back, and if you do look back, you look back to get advice and then go forward." On Jan. 20 the 45th president of the United States will take the oath of office, and 21 students from Southern Methodist University's presidential inaugurals class will be there to witness history. "I am extremely excited," said SMU sophomore Alex Twiss. "I can't wait!" Students signed up for and were accepted into the class before they knew who would win the election. Some were Donald Trump supporters. Others were not. "I voted for Hillary Clinton," Twiss said. "My interest isn't about seeing the president I voted for. It's about seeing the peaceful transition." "I was really excited about this election because it was the first time I got to vote," said SMU freshman Ana Torubara, who also supported Clinton. She's going to the inauguration, too. "I think there is something to be said about listening to people who don't agree with you." As part of the class, students had to participate in the democratic process. They wrote to Congressional representatives to try to get tickets to the inaugural. "I wrote letters. I called. I did everything," said Twiss, laughing. "I didn't want to be that one student that didn't get an invite." Twiss secured five extra invitations to the event and shared them with classmates who weren't so lucky. The class is a study of that peaceful transition of power, the rhetoric of an inaugural address and the pomp and circumstance that goes with it all. "One of the things I hope they learn from this is you've got to fight passionately for the things you believe in," said professor Rita Kirk. "But sometimes you don't always win." What to Know Jan. 10 -- 85th Legislature convenes at noon; session ends after 140 days on May 29. June 18 (20th day following adjournment) is the last day the governor can sign or veto bills passed in the regular session. Aug. 28 (91st day following adjournment) is the date that bills without specific, or immediate, effective dates become law. Texas legislators opened the state's 85th Legislature Tuesday, the first time they've convened since June 2015. Opening day is reserved for pomp and circumstance, as lawmakers take oaths of office and their families pose for pictures. "This is what we were elected to do, what we have been working for. We have big challenegs ahead for the state we also have great opportunities," said Republican Rep. Jeff Leach, from District 67. Republicans hold majorities in both chambers and control all Texas statewide offices. Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversee the Senate, are both entering their second legislative sessions since their 2014 elections. Before opening the 85th session, Patrick released the following statement: "As the Capitol welcomes legislators from all over the State of Texas, I am proud to gavel-in the opening of the Texas Senate for the 85th session of the Texas Legislature. Our state faces many challenges this session, but I have great confidence in the commitment of the hard-working senators of this state and the people of Texas who elected them. In all our deliberations, maintaining our conservative principles and protecting Texas values will be our top priority." 2:25 p.m. Update House Speaker Joe Straus has marked his re-election as head of the chamber by offering what appeared to be a veiled swipe at a transgender bathroom bill cheered by top conservatives. The San Antonio Republican told the Texas House on Tuesday that, "This state should invite economic opportunity, not turn it away." Straus didn't specifically mention the Texas version of a bill approved to national uproar in North Carolina last year. It would ban transgender people from using public bathrooms of their choice. Business groups say the bill could cost the state billions of dollars in lost revenue. Straus previously has suggested it's not a top priority. But Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the Texas Senate, has vowed to fight for the bill at all cost. "I think the votes will probably be in the Senate. I think there will be the votes to get it out of the senate, but I dont think it will become law in the State of Texas," Dallas Democratic State Senator Royce West said of that bill. 1:15 p.m. Update Republican Joe Straus will serve a record-tying fifth term as the powerful speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Straus faced no competition Tuesday and won a unanimous 150-0 vote. It was a sharp departure from previous sessions, when far-right conservative groups who criticize Straus as a moderate backed longshot challengers against him. Straus is popular among both Republicans and Democrats, who see him an even hand and not a provocative firebrand like other GOP leaders. One legislator who tried to unseat Straus in 2013 even seconded his nomination this time. 1:05 p.m. Update Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has opened a Texas legislative session that will likely eventually feature bitter partisan battles by urging lawmakers to put aside their differences. Abbott told the Senate on Tuesday: "We may bring different political perspectives, but we unite under one Capitol dome." Those words were conciliatory, but the coming 140-day session likely won't be. A tighter-than-usual state budget and a potential policy showdown over a North Carolina-style transgender bathroom bill are already raising tensions. And things are likely to get even testier in the face of promises by the Republican majority to cut taxes and fix a broken child welfare system. 12:40 p.m. Update A state representative who reneged on previous plans to resign amid a criminal investigation into misusing campaign funds has reported to the Texas House for the opening day of the legislative session. Austin Democratic Rep. Dawnna Dukes arrived on the floor Tuesday escorted by the House sergeant at arms after the pledge of allegiance and national anthem. Dukes was sworn in for her 12th term moments later. The Texas Rangers are investigating accusations she misused her legislative staff and campaign funds. Dukes announced in September that she was stepping down at the end of 2016, citing medical concerns. That announcement came too late for her to be replaced on the ballot and she was re-elected in November. On Twitter, Dukes now says her constituents didn't want her to resign. 12:10 p.m. Update The state House and Senate have gaveled in, formally beginning Texas' 140-day legislative session. Lawmakers were taking oaths of office on Tuesday, but planned to concentrate more on ceremony rather than policy. The Legislature is prohibited from passing most bills in the early going, meaning little gets accomplished for the first few weeks. Tensions could rise soon, though, over a cash crunch and North Carolina-style transgender bathroom bill championed by top conservatives. The prolonged oil price slump has hurt state revenue, meaning the Texas budget approved this session could be tighter than previous incarnations. Also sure to shape the session is President-elect Donald Trump and his policy moves. For starters, Trump's promises to wall off the U.S.-Mexico border may save Texas money in its border security budget. 11:40 a.m. Update NBC 5's Julie Fine walks between the House and Senate chambers at the Texas State Capitol in the hour before the 85th Legislative session begins. Watch her Facebook Live video below. 11:10 a.m. Update Elders representing various religious faiths are praying for lawmakers to remember society's neediest on the Texas Legislature's opening day. More than a dozen religious leaders held a prayer service on the Capitol steps. Behind them, the line of people waiting to enter the building grew on a windy but balmy Tuesday. The faithful urged the Republican-controlled Legislature to, as Pastor Ronald Smith of Houston's New Mount Calvary Baptist Church put it, "Remember the least, the last, the left out." The prolonged oil slump is squeezing the state budget, fueling fears of social service cuts. The prayer service featured a Muslim call to prayer, the blowing of the Jewish shofar, or ram's horn, Sikh, Buddhist and Christian blessings and a prayer in Spanish and English. A favorite destination for many Bay Area campers and day trippers Big Sur on the Central Coast just 90 minutes from San Jose, California was battered by weekend storms. A San Francisco Chronicle reporter shot video of the Big Sur river rushing through the Riverside cabins and campgrounds. One of the most beloved parks, Andrew Molera State Park, was under a deluge of water on Monday. And a local blogger and her helpers captured many of the dramatic images of the flooding. The Monterey County Sheriffalso issued a warning for people to "turn around before you drown." A log jam of debris also burst loose Sunday, as trees and rocks started flowing freely down the Big Sur River. Courtesy Jim Allday As a result of the weather, several state Big Sur parks were closed Monday, including Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur and Pfeiffer Beach because of the hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service. The small town was hit with several mudslides, debris flow and flooding, including one on Monday by the cliff-side restaurant Nepenthe. Despite that, Stan Russell, executive director of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, said "everyone seems to be doing fine," he told NBC Bay Area. "Everyone took cover and let the storm roll over us, for the most part." Big Sur is often described as the "greatest meeting of land and water in the world," and is a rugged area where the river and the Pacific Ocean meet. If you've ever spent a day at Disneyland Resort, it is likely that, at some point, you held something tightly in the palm of your hand. It may have been a Donald Duck toy, or a light saber, or an autograph book, or a balloon string, or a dill pickle, or all of the above. And while we wouldn't advise you to unhand your balloon or light saber, we will pause here to suggest that while the dill pickle at the famous theme park are tangy tubes of sour sublimeness, there are, from time to time, other tidbits to try at the Anaheim destination. And when the Food & Wine Festival arrives at Disney California Adventure, those tidbits greatly multiply, for a month-plus emphasis is placed on gourmet goodies, mealtime favorites, and fresh new flavors from innovative chefs. The festival, which was set on hold a few years back as Cars Land rose, is a springtime staple of the newer theme park, a hallmark that will again spread out, via Festival Marketplaces and other must-visit locations, from March 10 through April 16, 2017. Disneyland Resort revealed the dates on Monday, Jan. 9, with the announcement that "even more Festival Marketplaces" would be part of the foodie fun in 2017, as well as "Festival-inspired menus at existing restaurants and eateries..." The interaction, learn-a-lot element has traditionally been a big part of the Food & Wine Festival since its 2006 start, and that will continue in 2017 via "seminars, demonstrations, and presentations." Guy Fieri, Duff Goldman, and several more chefs'll pay the park a visit during the festival's run. As for tickets? They'll be available beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 1. As for the aforementioned pickle, or a churro, or ice cream in a waffle cone, or a chocolate-dipped pineapple spear, or another classic Disney treat? For sure, you should get your go-to goodie if you're at the park. Don't completely unhand it, is what we're saying. But when some fresh flavors unfurl in the spring, via the Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure, setting aside that pickle or churro for an hour or two, while you try zingy dishes and bites, gives theme-park eating a whole new dimension. A local artist suspected of altering the Hollywood Sign on New Year's morning to make it read "Hollyweed'' surrendered to Los Angeles police Monday and was booked on suspicion of trespassing. Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, surrendered at the LAPD's Hollywood station, accompanied by his attorney, shortly after noon, according to City Councilman David Ryu's office and county jail records. He was booked and released on $1,000 bail around 2:40 p.m., according to jail records. He was given a tentative court date of Feb. 15, pending a decision on whether he will be charged. City surveillance cameras locked on the iconic sign captured a man dressed in black as he scaled down the sign and carefully placed tarps on the structure to make it read "Hollyweed'' around 3 a.m. Jan. 1, said Sgt. Guy Juneau of the LAPD's Security Services Division. The tarp was taken down about 11:15 a.m. that day and the sign restored to "Hollywood." The incident was being investigated as misdemeanor trespassing, as opposed to vandalism, because the sign was not damaged in any way, police said. In an interview two days later with the online magazine Vice, Fernandez -- who goes by the moniker "Jesus Hands'' -- said the effort was inspired by a similar 1976 alteration of the sign carried out by Cal State Northridge art student Danny Finegood, who changed the sign to "Hollyweed'' as part of a school art project in response to a recent relaxation of marijuana laws. Finegood got an A grade on his project. "That inspired me, and I dug a bit and found he did some other installs over the years with friends,'' Fernandez said. "... So on the bottom of the left of the 'O,' I wrote, 'A tribute to Mr. Finegood.' The main goal of the piece, however, is to bring about conversation.'' California voters in November approved a measure legalizing recreational marijuana use. Fernandez posted a photo of the "Hollyweed'' sign on his Instagram page, with the caption "In all it's glory.'' Hundreds of people commented on the photo, praising the work. Responding to one of the first people to post a compliment, Fernandez wrote "Thanks Compa!!'' Ryu said he is pushing to have Fernandez prosecuted. "The Hollywood Sign has seen many alteration attempts over the years for people seeking notoriety or commercial gain,'' Ryu said. `"Pranks of this nature deplete the resources of our valuable public safety personnel, in both responding to the prank and in responding to the increased crowds and copycat attempts that these incidents generate." An off-duty Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy fired shots during a confrontation Monday in San Bernardino and a wounded man was later taken into custody, authorities said. The deputy was not injured in the shooting, according to Deputy Kim Alexander of the Sheriff's Information Bureau. She referred additional questions about the shooting to San Bernardino police. The shooting occurred about 1:45 p.m. in the area of Mountain View Avenue and 43rd Street, according to San Bernardino police spokeswoman Eileen Hards, who told the Los Angeles Times the deputy had gotten into an altercation with at least two suspects. The wounded suspect was taken to a hospital but a second suspect remained outstanding, Hards said. Jonathan Albin, an Uber driver, said he heard bursts of gunfire. When he stepped outside, he found the windshield of his car was blown out by bullets. "I noticed there was debris all over the passenger seat. I walked around to the front and a bullet had hit the windshield," he said. Hetty Chang contributed to this report. BERLIN, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Germany's Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Monday that no Bombardier plants in Germany will be closed after a newspaper reported the Canadian company was considering closing plants and cutting a quarter of its workforce of 8,500. "It's not the case that the plants will be closed," Gabriel said, referring to a newspaper report by Handelsblatt business daily. "The question at stake is how can the plants be developed further?" Gabriel said after a meeting in Berlin with company officials and state leaders from Brandenburg and Saxony. The newspaper cited industry sources saying Bombardier Transportation is considering closing plants in Germany as part of a plan to cut more than a quarter of the German workforce of 8,500 employees. Bombardier Inc had said in October it would cut 7,500 jobs, mostly in its train-making division, in a second round of layoffs announced last year, following extended delays and budget overruns in its aerospace business. The plants most at risk are those in the towns of Goerlitz and Bautzen, the paper said, adding that 2,500 jobs could go in Germany. Bombardier Transportation declined to comment to the paper, saying only that no decisions had been taken yet. (Reporting by Andreas Kenner; writing by Erik Kirschbaum; Editing by Adrian Croft) An attempted murder suspect was arrested early Tuesday at the end of an erratic 90-minute chase that led to an overnight closure on the southbound 405 Freeway in the Sepulveda Pass. The chase began around 10:45 p.m. Monday in the Reseda area, according to Officer Mike Lopez of the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Unit. The driver in the bizarre chase, which varied from low to high speeds to complete stops, was identified as 32-year-old Marcos Tulio Flores, who police described as a documented gang member. Police confirmed there was an exchange of gunfire during the pursuit. An officer opened fire at the suspect near Getty Center Drive, said LAPD spokesman Josh Rubenstein. The suspect was not hit. The suspect led police on an erratic chase that caused the 405 Freeway to be shut down in both directions. He was finally taken into custody by SWAT officers, with the help of a police K9, on the southbound freeway in the Sepulveda Pass area. He was taken to the hospital and was being treated. There were no reports of injuries to civilians or officers in the chase, police said. Flores is suspected of shooting the 36-year-old victim in the early morning hours Sunday in the 17500 block of Gilmore Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The victim was shot in the upper body and remains hospitalized in critical condition, police said. A motive for the shooting has not been disclosed. The car connected to the shooting was the one police were believed to be chasing and was described as a gray 2004 Acura TL with the California license plate 7ELH285. Flores will be booked on attempted murder charges, Rubenstein said. The southbound 405 Freeway from the 101 Freeway to Sunset Boulevard was closed through Tuesday morning for the investigation. The road reopened at about 6:30 a.m. Anyone with information about the shooting was urged to call detectives with the LAPD's West Valley Division at (818) 374-7746 or (818) 374-7880. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222- TIPS. A Southern California woman accused of posting "rape fantasy" ads to encourage men to assault the pregnant wife of a U.S. marshal has been cleared of any wrongdoing, after an investigation revealed the alleged victim had fabricated the story to frame her husband's ex-fiancee, prosecutors said Monday. All charges against Michelle Suzanne Hadley, who spent months behind bars, have been dropped and she has been fully exonerated, the Orange County District Attorney's Office said in a news release. Prosecutors now believe 31-year-old Angela Maria Diaz of Phoenix made the story up to frame her romantic rival, who had been engaged to the marshal for about two years before he married Diaz. "Ms. Hadley is an innocent victim of a diabolical scheme," District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said in the release. Diaz allegedly posted ads on Craigslist last summer posing as Hadley, inviting men to act out her "rape fantasies" even if she screamed or resisted, prosecutors said. Anaheim police said they stopped at least two men who intended to reach Diaz's house. In an attempt to bolster her story, Diaz also called 911 and reported that she chased away a home intruder who attempted to rape her, prosecutors said. Hadley was arrested after Diaz allegedly staged an attempted sexual assault on herself in which she had red marks on her neck and breast, City News Service reported. Diaz told police that Hadley was stalking her and she had no involvement in the Craigslist ads. Diaz also took out a restraining order against Hadley. Hadley was released when investigators found cracks in Diaz's story and suspected the emails had been faked. Diaz was arrested in Arizona and charged Friday with counts including kidnapping, false imprisonment, perjury and grand theft. She also faces 21 misdemeanor counts of falsely reporting a crime to a peace officer. Diaz is also accused of faking cervical cancer, faking a pregnancy, pretending to be an attorney and posing as two of her husband's ex-girlfriends in emails, prosecutors said. Additionally, she allegedly altered a paycheck to add $2,000. It was not immediately clear if Diaz has an attorney. A Florida administrative law judge has concluded that Dr. Osak Omulepu committed medical malpractice for what went wrong in 2015 while he performed Brazilian Butt Lifts on two women in Miami. The recommended order comes more than two months after a medical malpractice hearing on complaints from four women who say they were injured during plastic surgery procedures performed by Omulepu in spring 2015. Administrative Law Judge Mary Creasy issued a decision Friday that said the state proved six of the nine counts Omulepu faced alleging violations of standard of care and not documenting medical records properly. She recommended Omulepu face a fine and probation. But for Nyosha Fowler, who spent 28 days in a coma, the news of the recommended order was received with mixed emotions. I guess some justice feels better than not justice at all, said Fowler, 37. Fowler and Donna McRae are two of the women who testified during the hearing. They say their organs were punctured during cosmetic procedures on the same day in May 2015. Searching for a bigger backside, Fowler, the mother of two boys, traveled from Michigan to Miami to have the popular BBL procedure done. I was at the hospital for four months for an experience that was supposed to be an in-and-out procedure, Fowler told NBC 6 Investigators in October. Her mother, Rosaland Durham, testified she confronted Omulepu at the hospital where her daughter was taken after surgery. According to Creasys decision, Durham said he admitted that he messed up and suggested that his instrument cuts through muscle and fat like butter and may have contributed to the perforation. The order also says that Omulepu pushed the cannula at an inappropriate angle through a thick layer of muscle called the abdominal wall. A surgeon is required to operate with a level of skill and care to be able to discern between subcutaneous fat and muscle tissue while passing the cannula through the patient. A cannula is a thin-long metal rod attached to a suctioning device, used to remove fat from a patient. In a Brazilian Butt Lift, fat is taken from the stomach or back in a liposuction procedure and is then injected into the patients backside, leaving the appearance of a larger, firmer behind. Fowler was admitted at a local hospital and doctors found she had a hole in her colon, which was leaking fluid into her abdominal cavity, records said. After Donna McRae underwent the BBL procedure on May 15, 2015, she says she experienced extreme pain that wouldnt go away. McRae was admitted to Westchester Hospital. During exploratory surgery, surgeons found she had several punctures in her liver as well as damage to her chest and abdominal wall, documents show. Im still dealing with the effects of the surgery, emotionally and physically, McRaes said during an interview in October. The judge found the evidence presented at the hearing proved allegations that Omulepu damaged McRaes and Fowlers organs during the surgeries. Petitioner demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the puncture of the patients internal organs was the result of the respondents violation of the standard of care and improper angling of the cannula during the procedures, the recommended order said. Creasy recommended two years probation, a reprimand for medical record violations and a fine of $14,000 plus costs. Attorney Monica Felder Rodriguez, who represents Omulepu, said in an email, she was pleased that not all the allegations were proven and that the recommended penalty allows Omulepu to continue to practice medicine. However, we believe that the judge improperly allowed evidence in this case and made findings regarding facts that were not in the complaint, as well as making other procedural errors which affected Dr. Omulepus right to due process, and we will be filing exceptions to the findings with the Board of Medicine, who will be issuing a Final Order in this case (as the judges opinion is only a recommended order), she wrote. Both sides have 15 days to submit their objections before the order goes in front of the Florida Board of Medicine. The board of medicine will take those into consideration before taking a vote to accept the order or make any changes. Both Fowler and McRae hoped Omulepu would lose his medical license. Even so, Fowler is determined to follow her case until the end. Shes planning to travel to Florida when the state board of medicine votes in her case. Ill be there, Fowler said. A bank robbing suspect started giving away the money in Miami Beach during a bizarre incident that included an Uber driver, a bomb threat and a rant about war with Russia, according to Facebook Live footage from the scene, witnesses and news reports. Officials said the incident began with a bank robbery at a Navy Federal Credit Union in Brickell and ended with two people detained on Miami Beach Monday night. The drama appears to have begun when user "Mikebilly So-Focused" posted a live video of the robbery with the caption "omg 911 i need help." The video shows a man in a jacket and tie speaking with an employee before he receives a pink envelope full of cash and then goes on a rant. Raw video of a suspected bank robbery that was streamed on Facebook Live. "I'm gonna surrender once I say my message," he says. "I'm gonna surrender, alright. Once I give away this money to people who are poor then I'll surrender, I'll answer to the judges, I'll answer to the media. I just want to speak before Congress, I want people to listen to me and for them to stop lying to us. They're lying to us, they're telling us that Russia hacked the election and they're trying to start a war, they're going to kill us all." During the live video the Facebook user comments that he's a hostage and that the suspect has a bomb. Friends wrote on the post that the Facebook user is an Uber driver. A second live video posted on Facebook appears to show the suspect riding as a passenger in a car driven by the Facebook user. The suspect speaks in Spanish then explains in English that he wants to speak with the news media. A second live video posted on Facebook appears to show the suspect riding as a passenger in a car driven by the Facebook user. The suspect speaks in Spanish then explains in English that he wants to speak with the news media. "Anyone that has a point of view like mine that wants peace on the planet or countries to merge, I don't want us to fight a war with Russia. Why are we leading to another world war? That's what the U.N. is for. That means the U.N. isn't working, that means that our government is not playing nice with other people, and it's not because we don't want to, it's because our leaders are not doing what they're supposed to do. They're lying to us. They're lying, they're not leading properly. I'm just very suspicious, I just have to say it it's very dreadful to say, I think they're being bribed, I think they let themselves be led by special interest groups and maybe what I'm saying will get me killed." A third Facebook live video shows the driver talking with the suspect and saying he has a bomb. At one point he asks the suspect to show the bomb but the suspect instead shows the envelope of money. A short time later, the suspect was spotted on Ocean Drive near 9th Street, where witnesses said he was handing out money to strangers. Photos taken by witnesses appeared to show the same man from the Facebook videos holding the pink envelope and surrounded by people. Miami Beach police responded to the scene and two people were taken into custody, officials said. A bomb squad also responded to check out a car, which was deemed safe, officials said. #Breaking: Active PD investigation along Ocean Drive between 8-10 Street, road closed due to posible bomb threat. 2 people detained. Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) January 9, 2017 The FBI on Tuesday identified the suspect as 35-year-old Enrique Antonio Gamez, of Miramar. Gamez was in federal custody and is facing federal charges, officials said. It wasn't clear if he had an attorney. NBC 6s Stephanie Bertini reports on the two people arrested after allegedly robbing a bank and making a bomb threat on Miami Beach. The driver and Facebook user, whose name wasn't given, was released and won't face charges, FBI officials said. Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security favors a wall to secure the border with Mexico but said Tuesday that such a structure alone won't be enough. "A physical barrier in and of itself will not do the job," retired Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly told members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during a confirmation hearing. "Certainly it has to be a layered approach." Kelly said in a lengthy questionnaire to senators that if confirmed as the fifth Homeland Security secretary his top priority would be stopping the "illegal movement of people and things." Answering questions about his plans to secure the border, stop the flow of drugs and curb illegal border crossings, Kelly told lawmakers border security shouldn't only focus on the frontier with Mexico, but "1,500 miles south" in Central America. He said the U.S. should help address violence in a trio of Central American countries Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala along with demand for drugs in the United States to stem both the flow of drugs and people seeking refuge from violence. Kelly's confirmation is almost assured a reality expressed by both Republican and Democratic senators Tuesday but members of the committee nonetheless pressed him to specify his stances on immigration enforcement, border security and some of Trump's more controversial suggestions during the campaign, including the possibility of a registration system for Muslim immigrants. Kelly told lawmakers he does not support any registration of people in the United States based on ethnicity or religion. He also said he accepts with "high confidence" reports from the intelligence community that Russia attempted to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. The normally blunt-talking Marine walked a fine line in his answers about how Trump's Homeland Security Department will carry out efforts to find and deport immigrants living in the country illegally. Asked about the fate of young immigrants protected from deportation by President Barack Obama, Kelly told Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California that "the law would guide him" in every decision he will make if confirmed. He added that he did not anticipate young immigrants who have not committed crimes in the United States being a top enforcement priority. "There's a big spectrum of people who need to be dealt with," Kelly said. "Those categories would be prioritized. I would guess this category might not be the highest priority for removal." Kelly is one of several retired generals tapped for top positions by Trump. That has raised some concerns about undue military influence in his administration, weakening the American tradition of civilian control of government. But Kelly is widely respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. As the former head of the military's Southern Command, based in South Florida, he routinely worked with the Department of Homeland Security to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling. In the questionnaire, Kelly said he is committed to telling "truth to power." The commitment addresses concerns that some lawmakers have about the president-elect's willingness to take in points of view that clash with his own. Kelly told the committee that his greatest successes during 40-plus years in the military are "taking care of my people, speaking 'truth to power,' and successfully completing every mission I have ever been assigned." He said he has worked with many senior U.S. officials during his career. "I never hesitated to disagree with any of them, or make difficult recommendations when appropriate," Kelly said. Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, the panel's ranking Democrat, said his answer was "music to my ears" and promised that Kelly would hear from her often if she didn't think he was following through on the pledge. In newly released ethics disclosures, Kelly said that if confirmed he will resign positions with multiple consulting and government contractor firms and defense contractor DynCorp. Kelly listed his salary with DynCorp, a company awarded a 2016 contract from DHS to train Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, as more than $166,000. Kelly joined the Marine Corps in 1970. He is a battle-hardened veteran who served three tours in Iraq. He was also the highest-ranking officer to lose a child in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. His son, Marine 1st Lt. Robert Kelly, was killed in November 2010 in Afghanistan. Eleven police officers with the Jersey City Police Department have been put on restricted duty amid a federal criminal investigation in connection with an alleged private security and no-show job scandal, the I-Team has learned. A group of Jersey City officers allegedly ran their own security operation, which is not permitted while on duty, at times demanding cash payments from construction firms to avoid city rules and administrative fees. "For some time, we have been working with the FBI on an investigation into allegations of misconduct by a number of members of the Jersey City Police Department regarding the off-duty program," city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said. "At this point in the investigation, we have made the decision to take an administrative action to remove the firearms of 11 active members and place them on non-enforcement duties. This remains an ongoing investigation." Officials familiar with the probe say that in many cases, off-duty officers were paid even though they did not show up at sites where private security is required, including construction zones and utility work. Some cops also allegedly told drivers of oversized vehicles that they had to pay off-duty officers directly in order to get escorted through city streets. One officer has already pleaded guilty to helping run the scheme: former Jersey City police officer Juan Romaniello pleaded guilty in federal court last year, admitting that he took over $200,000 in impromper payments and never paid taxes on that money, and that his illegal security scheme ran for about six years. What was not known at the time was how many other officers were allegedly involved. When asked about the investigation last month, FBI spokesman Michael Whitaker said, Per official policy, the FBI cannot confirm or deny the existence or non-existence of an investigation. However, combating public corruption is the FBIs top criminal investigative priority and we encourage the public to call the FBI with any information. The investigation comes after four other Jersey City officers were arrested in a separate county case involving alleged overtime abuse and no-show jobs, including for work assignments at the Pulaski Skyway. Former Captain Joseph Ascolese, Lt. Kelly Chesler and officers Michael Maietti and Michael ONeil deny any wrongdoing. Investigators say off-duty officers can earn up to $120 an hour for private security work, with the city getting extra service fees to cover administrative costs, overhead and out-of-pocket expenses. Officials did not say if any developers and business owners are facing scrutiny or if they were victims allegedly shaken down by the officers allegedly involved. Warning: The details of this story are extremely graphic and could be disturbing to some readers. A woman whose teenage daughter's dismembered remains were found in the woods last fall remained behind bars Monday charged along with her boyfriend with killing the girl in a "rape-murder fantasy" the couple shared, a prosecutor said. Jacob Sullivan, 44, of Horsham, Montgomery County, was arrested Saturday and accused of raping and killing Grace Packer, 14, of Abington Township. Police also said Sara Packer, Graces mother and Sullivan's girlfriend, aided Sullivan in the crime; helped him dispose of the teens body; and then formed a suicide pact with him. "The hours and the days leading up to her murder were probably the most horrible and traumatic that any person should ever have had to experience," Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said Sunday. On the morning of July 8, Grace, who Sara Packer adopted, was taken to the attic of a Quakertown, Bucks County house the couple rented, where she was beaten and then raped by Sullivan as her mother watched, an affidavit said. She was then poisoned, bound and gagged and left for dead, Weintraub said. When the couple returned hours later, they discovered Grace was still alive, so Sullivan choked her to death, Weintraub said. The couple packed Grace's body with cat litter to mask decomposition smells and stored it in the attic, said investigators. Officials allege they dismembered the body in October after being scared by a police visit. [[410012095, C]] The girl's torso was found by two hunters in a Luzerne County park on Oct. 31, and K-9 teams found the legs and arms nearby, the criminal complaint said. A Bucks County judge arraigned both Sullivan and Sara Packer early Sunday. They didn't enter pleas and were denied bail -- taken to Bucks County Prison ahead of Jan. 20 preliminary hearings on criminal homicide, rape, kidnapping, assault, abuse of a corpse and various other charges. "I'm sorry for what I did to the girl," Sullivan said as he was led to the courthouse in handcuffs early Sunday morning. Packer said nothing as she was led into court. "The question is how could any mother do this to a child. To their child," said Weintraub. "I don't have an answer. I'm bereft." Investigators say Sullivan was involved in a polyamorous relationship with Sara Packer and another woman. On Dec. 30, 2016, Sullivans other girlfriend called 911 and told the dispatcher she had found him barely conscious and unresponsive inside their home in Horsham. She also believed he had overdosed on pills. The dispatcher then asked her if she knew why Sullivan would do that. Medics arrived and Sullivan was taken to Abington Hospital where he was placed in critical condition and treated for a drug overdose. Police interviewed Sullivans girlfriend and also found a handwritten suicide note at the home. Later that night, Sullivans girlfriend called 911 a second time. She told the dispatcher that after police and medics had left, she found Sara Packer unresponsive inside the bathroom of the home. The woman told officials she then drove her to Abington Hospital. Police determined that both Sullivan and Packer had entered a suicide pact and tried to kill themselves by overdosing on drugs. [[410019295, C]] Staff members at Abington Memorial Hospital contacted investigators and told them that during the overnight hours Friday into Saturday, Sullivan admitted he was responsible for the murder of Sara Packers 14-year-old adopted daughter, Grace Packer. He also claimed that Sara Packer was his accomplice, according to the affidavit. The hospital staff also told investigators they believed Sullivan admitted he had killed Grace to his family members when they visited him in the hospital. During an interview with investigators, Sullivan then admitted he and Packer had plotted Graces murder, said investigators. Sullivan allegedly claimed they began planning the murder in the fall of 2015 after Grace returned from living with a family member in North Carolina. On July 11, Sara Packer went to the Abington Township Police Department and reported Grace was missing. She allegedly lied to police and told them prior to her daughter's disappearance, she sent Grace to her room following an argument over the teen asking to visit one of her friends. Police noted that Sara Packer couldnt provide an address or name of the friend however, according to the affidavit. Packer also allegedly told police Grace took $300 in cash from the home and that she had left the house in the past. Police then made several attempts to reach Packer as they searched for Grace over the next two months. But she allegedly ignored them and was uncooperative with the investigation. Police then visited Packers Abington Township home on Sept. 7 but discovered she had moved without notifying them, according to the affidavit. Police then learned Packer had enrolled her 12-year-old adopted son, who is also Graces biological brother, into the Quakertown School District without notifying them, according to the affidavit. Police then received a phone message from Packer apologizing to them for not notifying them of the move, investigators said. She also allegedly told them she had notified all of Graces relatives that she went missing. But investigators later determined she had not told her relatives about Grace's disappearance at that time. While the search for Grace carried on, police said Sara continued to collect a $712 a month Social Security check in the girl's name -- failing to notify the agency that she was missing. Since the girl's disappearance, the mother spent $3,616.03 of the funds, court documents state. [[238427591, C]] What to Know Senate confirmation hearings for Donald Trump's cabinet picks begin today in Washington, D.C. President Obama gives his farewell speech in Chicago tonight Police in Florida are continuing their search for a man suspected of shooting one officer to death Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here. Senate Confirmation Hearings Begin Facing a week of high-profile tests for his administration-in-waiting, President-elect Donald Trump predicted Monday that all of his Cabinet picks would win Senate confirmation even as Democrats charged that Trump's team was ignoring standard vetting protocol. Trump's confidence comes as lawmakers in both parties eagerly await the submission of background material from Cabinet picks, including billionaires whose extensive personal financial dealings have never faced public scrutiny. Senate Democrats will challenge Trump's pick for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, when he appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee over his hard-line stand on immigration, past record on civil rights and whether he supports community policing. Obamas Farewell Speech President Obama will deliver his farewell speech in Chicago on Tuesday night. Tickets for the event were snatched up quickly when they became available Saturday morning. Thousands woke up early to line up at McCormick Place for the chance to get free tickets, which were given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets for the event are selling for thousands of dollars online. State of State Tour in NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo is heading to the suburbs to deliver his latest state of the state address, a day after he kicked off his statewide tour in New York City. Speaking at the World Trade Center Monday, the governor said that New York state must stand as an alternative to the policies and pronouncements of President-elect Donald Trump and show the nation progressive achievements, racial and religious tolerance. Death Penalty for Church Shooter? Jurors are expected to begin deliberations Tuesday as to whether Dylann Roof will receive the death penalty or life in prison for the 2015 massacre at a historic black church in South Carolina that left nine Bible study participants dead. Last month, the same jury took less than two hours to find Roof guilty of all 33 federal counts against him, including hate crimes and obstruction of religion. Manhunt for Orlando Cop Killer A veteran Orlando police officer was fatally shot Monday morning and a sheriff's deputy was killed in a vehicle accident while searching for the suspect in the slaying, authorities said. Authorities have launched a massive manhunt for 41-year-old Markeith Loyd in connection with the shooting. Echos Order Dollhouses En Masse A San Diego TV stations report on Friday about an Amazon Echo and how a young girl in Texas accidentally bought a dollhouse and 4 pounds of cookies through the smart speaker prompted a slew of dollhouse orders across the region. At-Home Booze Maker in the Works Keurig, the maker of single-cup coffee machines, says it is teaming up with beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev to build an at-home booze maker. The companies said Friday that they hope to create a product that could whip up beer, cocktails and spirits. Cost of Raising Kids on the Rise The Department of Agriculture says the estimated cost of raising a child from birth through age 17 is $233,610, or as much as almost $14,000 annually. That's the average for a middle-income couple with two children. It's a bit more expensive in urban parts of the country, and less so in rural areas. The estimate released Monday is based on 2015 numbers, so a baby born this year is likely to cost even more. The thin blue line that was painted on a New Jersey street last fall in support of local police is actually illegal, according to federal officials, but the town's mayor is vowing to keep the blue line, even if it means defying federal regulation. The town of Mahwah had the blue line painted in front of the local police station in October at the request of a resident who wanted to show gratitude for keeping the community consistently ranked among the safest in the state. But in a letter dated Dec. 8, federal highway official Mark Keherli told Mahwah officials that blue paint is only to be used for specific reasons, like handicapped parking spots. He writes that there are other ways to honor law enforcement officers "that do not involve the modification of a traffic control device, which can put the road user at risk due to misinterpretation of its meaning." A spokesman for the Federal Highway Administration spokesman added in a statement to NBC 4, We appreciate and understand the efforts by local governments and others that convey support for law enforcement officers. However, the yellow lines down the center of a road are meant to control traffic and modification of that marking could cause confusion, accidents and fatalities. Our number one priority is the safety of all drivers." But residents don't see the problem. "In the middle of the street in front of the police station, I wouldn't think for a second it's a handicapped spot," said Stephen Soria. "If they're showing support for the police, it should be no big deal," he said. Mahwah's mayor says he will defy the federal standard, and keep the blue line on Franklin Turnpike outside police headquarters. "Mayors don't usually do things that are also illegal, but if you want to call this line illegal, that's all right with me," said Mayor William LaForet. Mahwah has its own line-painting machines and leftover blue paint, so the cost was small, elected officials said. Though the line outside the police station is fading, it will be repainted in the spring. LaForet said, "We will repaint that, and it will remain until I have to go out there and physically have to remove it myself.' The thin blue line was a morale booster for Mahwah police, according to Chief James Batelli. He said Monday that bureaucrats in Washington should use common sense and focus on "real" problems. "If you look at the bridges and infrastructure around the country, I think they should have more important things to worry about," he said. So far, 15 towns in Bergen County have added blue lines in between the double yellow lines outside their police stations. In a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx dated Jan. 9, Rep. Josh Gottheimer said he "understands the desire for uniformity in roadway planning," but thinks the case of the blue line should be re-evaluated. The blue lines, he wrote, don't stretch the full length of the street, and "these simple actions have been an important symbol," he said. "The federal government should not force communities to choose between supporting law enforcement and federal roadway standards," wrote Gottheimer. "This should be a town by town decision." What to Know Gov. Cuomo continues his statewide tour on Long Island and in Westchester County on Tuesday On Monday, the governor launched his road trip at the World Trace Center, where he said New York State must counterbalance President Trump Cuomo will be in Syracuse and Albany later this week; top lawmakers are skipping his speeches amid tense relations in Albany Gov. Andrew Cuomo is heading to the suburbs to deliver his latest state of the state address, a day after he kicked off his statewide tour in New York City. The Democratic governor is scheduled to give twin speeches on Long Island and in Westchester County on Tuesday. Instead of a single state of the state speech to lawmakers, Cuomo plans to deliver remarks at six locations around the state this week. He started Monday with addresses in New York City and Buffalo, touching on proposals to give middle-class students free tuition to state universities, allow Uber to expand upstate and rewrite state voting laws to make it easier for citizens to cast a ballot. Speaking at the World Trade Center Monday, the governor said that New York state must stand as an alternative to the policies and pronouncements of President-elect Donald Trump and show the nation progressive achievements, racial and religious tolerance and that big investments in education and infrastructure can create a dynamic economy that works for all. Governors traditionally deliver the address to lawmakers in the state Capitol, but Cuomo's administration said this year's approach is an effort to communicate directly with New Yorkers. He'll travel to Syracue and Albany later this week. Top lawmakers are skipping the speeches in a sign of the tense relationship between lawmakers and Cuomo. Many lawmakers blame the governor for killing their first pay raise in 18 years last month. What to Know The captain of the NYPD's 94th precinct in Greenpoint apologized for comments he made about rape at a community meeting The captain took to Twitter on Monday night to apologize, writing, "My sincerest apologies for the comments I've made" A women's group protested outside the 94th precinct station house Tuesday An NYPD commander's comments implying that stranger rape is worse than acquaintance rape were insensitive, the police commissioner said. "The NYPD takes rape and sexual assault seriously, and we investigate every report thoroughly," Police Commissioner James O'Neill said in an editorial in Tuesday's Daily News. Women's groups have protested since Capt. Peter Rose of Brooklyn's 94th Precinct made a distinction last week between acquaintance rapes and "total-abomination rapes where strangers are being dragged off the streets." Rose's remarks were first reported by DNAinfo. In an interview with the news site, he also said: "If there's a true stranger rape, a random guy picks up a stranger off the street, those are the troubling ones. That person has, like, no moral standards." O'Neill said the comments left "the misleading and inaccurate impression" that the NYPD treats stranger rapes and acquaintance rapes differently. He listed steps the department is taking to increase the percentage of rape victims who report the crimes, such as creating a special hotline for rape and sexual assault. Rose himself took to Twitter on Monday to apologize for his comments. "I failed to communicate accurately how I respond to reports of rape, and the actions the Department takes as a whole," Rose wrote. "An apology was warranted, but an apology doesn't fix the problem," Jane Manning, director of advocacy for NOW-NYC's partner organization, Women's Justice Now, said in a statement. "The police want victims to come forward and report rape, but how are victims going to feel confident a reported rape will be taken seriously when the commanding officer of a police department says some rapes are less serious?" About two dozen members of the New York City chapter of the National Organization for Women protested outside Rose's Greenpoint precinct Tuesday, many of them chanting, "Every rape is a crime." "To suggest that any rape 'is less serious' revictimizes survivors of rape, creates a climate where women are more reluctant to report rape and stands between countless sexual assault victims and justice," chapter head Sonia Ossorio said. What to Know NYPD Detective Steven McDonald died days after suffering a heart attack at his Long Island home The hero cop was shot in the throat by a brazen teen in 1986 and became a paraplegic His son, Conor, joined the NYPD in 2010 and was promoted to his father's rank in January 2016 An NYPD detective who became paralyzed from the neck down after he was shot on the job 30 years ago has died just days after suffering a heart attack. NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, who became an international voice for peace after he publicly forgave the gunman, died Tuesday, the department said. He was 59, and had been hospitalized since suffering a heart attack Friday. News of his death sparked a groundswell of condolences on social media; Twitter erupted with remembrances for the police officer who touched so many lives, both at home and abroad. No one could have predicted that Steven would touch so many people, in New York and around the world, NYPD Commissioner James ONeill said in a statement. Like so many cops, Steven joined the NYPD to make a difference in peoples lives. And he accomplished that every day. He is a model for each of us as we go about our daily lives." Det. McDonald, 59, who loved cops/community/life & @NYRangers, has passed. Source of inspiration & incredible hope to people the world over. pic.twitter.com/GT73wIhJ3y Commissioner O'Neill (@NYPDONeill) January 10, 2017 McDonald was left a paraplegic and dependent on a wheelchair and ventilator after he was shot in the throat by 15-year-old Shavon Jones in 1986 while on patrol in Central Park. He publicly forgave Jones, who died in a motorcycle accident shortly after he was released from prison. When he was shot, doctors told his wife, Patti McDonald, that he wouldn't live through the afternoon. In the years after the shooting, McDonald became one of the world's foremost pilgrims for peace. He took his message of forgiveness to Israel, Northern Ireland and Bosnia. Patrolmen's Benevolent Association boss Pat Lynch called McDonald "the most courageous and forgiving man I have ever known." [[410290325, C]] Very Sad Day for the NYPD and NY Finest Baseball Club. A true hero, Det. Steven McDonald has passed away. Please... https://t.co/vAh7x85Ke2 NYPD Baseball (@NYPDBaseball) January 10, 2017 The New York Rangers established the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award in his honor following the 1987-88 season. Named in his honor, the annual award is given to the Rangers player who goes beyond the normal call of duty. McDonald was a huge fan of the team, and every season, the team honored him and his family on the ice. Rest In Peace Steven McDonald. Our friend. Our hero. Above and beyond. pic.twitter.com/6xOHSGnlyO New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 10, 2017 The hero detective was an iconic figure of sacrifice for the NYPD and inspired many, including his own son Conor, who followed in his father's footsteps by joining the NYPD in 2010. [NATL-DO NOT USE] In Memoriam: Influential People We've Lost in 2017 "The city of New York did a lot of great things for my family in 1986 when my father was shot," he said at a press conference following his 2010 swearing in ceremony at York College. "I want to do my best to protect and serve the people that helped give my family a second life." In September, the elder McDonald donned his navy blue police uniform to see his son receive a gold detective's shield during his promotion ceremony. He told the Daily News that the promotion was very emotional. Conor McDonald's shield number is the same as a friend of his father who was instrumental in his recovery. [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city is heartbroken by the loss of McDonald, "who for 30 years has been this city's greatest example of heroism and grace." He recounted his last conversation with the detective late last year and said "his words encouraged all of us to continue to bring police and communities closer together." De Blasio added in the statement, "We are blessed that NYPD Detective Sergeant Conor McDonald continues in his father's footsteps and will ensure his legacy lives on in the greatest police department in the world." "The story of Detective Steven McDonald needs to be understood across the United States, especially as we work to heal the wounds of the past," he said. "There is no greater example of honor and service to others. Let it be our mission to continue his work." Gov. Andrew Cuomo said McDonald "set the standard of excellence and demonstrated unparalleled resilience and compassion," and that he "represents the very best of New York." Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in a statement that he was "an icony of mercy and forgiveness, a prophet of the dignity of all human life, a shining example of the best of what the New York Police Department represents, a loving husband and father, and a fervent and faithful Catholic." Queens District Attorney Richard Brown called the death of McDonald an "insurmountable loss for the children of New York City. "He so generously lent his time to youth anti-violence initiatives like my offices STAR Track (Straight Talk About Risks) program, which helps children in Far Rockaway 'say no to violence' by avoiding gangs, drugs and guns," Brown said in a statement. "Stevens example has had an immeasurable impact on the path that these children will take in life." A service for McDonald will be held at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral at 9.30 a.m. this Friday. What to Know Federal investigators had been looking into whether the Port Authority board had the authority to divert funds to the Pulaski projects The Port Authority has agreed to pay $400,000 as part of the settlement The agency said it also implemented several key governance reforms in the wake of the investigation The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will pay $400,000 to settle charges it misled investors by failing to disclose disputes within the agency about the legality of a scheme to use the authority's money to repair New Jersey roads. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced the settlement Tuesday. The SEC says the Port Authority sold $2.3 billion worth of bonds to investors without revealing internal discussions about whether certain projects, including the Pulaski Skyway, were legal to pursue. The Port Authority says no bond proceeds were used to fund the projects, so no bondholders suffered losses. The agency says it has redoubled efforts to adhere to the highest ethical standards. A Sudanese diplomat accused of rubbing against a woman on a Manhattan subway this week had his arrest voided because he has diplomatic immunity, according to police and multiple published reports. Mohammad Abdalla Ali, 49, was riding a No. 4 train around 2 p.m. Monday out of Grand Central when he allegedly rubbed up against the 38-year-old woman. Police say he was charged with forcible touching, but once he presented papers affirming his diplomatic status, he was released. Debjani Roy, the deputy director of Hollaback, an organization focused on decreasing harassment, said she was disturbed to hear Ali would not be charged further for the alleged crime. "What's disturbing about it is that there are zero consequences for this behavior," she said. "The fact that the survivor knows this person is out there and there are no consequences is potentially devastating." But the diplomat was legally protected from charges by the Vienna Convention, an international treaty, New York attorney Daniel Arshack said. "One of the elements of the convention is that diplomats of a certain level will not be charged with crimes while they are clocked with their diplomatic status in a foreign country," he said. He said the treaty gave United States diplomats the same immunity overseas. However there could be other consequences for the diplomat. For example the United States government could demand a person with diplomatic immunity be excluded from the country, Arshack said. "There is professional fallout for him, it's just that were not going to actually prosecute him criminally." The NYPD said it notified the U.S. State Department of the matter and referred questions to the Manhattan district attorney's office. The State Department said it was aware of the incident. "We are in touch with the NYPD and the Mayors office so that we are able to take appropriate steps, as needed, to address this matter," a spokesperson told NBC 4 New York. The district attorney's office said there were no public documents available for release because Ali wasn't formally charged. The Sudanese Mission to the United Nations didn't immediately respond to calls or email requests for comment. What to Know Threats were called in to Jewish centers in five states Monday Federal authorities are joining local law enforcement in the investigation No injuries have been reported and sweeps of the evacuated buildings have not turned up any explosive devices Bomb threats were made against Jewish Community Centers in several states Monday, prompting evacuations. Threats were made to at least seven JCCs in Florida, New Jersey, Delaware, Tennessee and North Carolina, according to police and local news reports. It wasn't clear if they were connected. No injuries or actual explosives have been reported. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is aware of the threats, national spokesman Dillon McConnell said. He did not say whether the incidents were linked. NBC reached out to the FBI for comment as well. In the Miami area, two JCCs were evacuated within minutes of each other after phoned-in threats. Authorities swept both buildings, where students were in class, and found no explosives, NBC Miami reported. The JCC on Palisades in Tenafly, New Jersey, sent out a text alert saying it evacuated after a bomb threat shortly after noon, according to NBC New York. The precise nature of the threat wasn't clear, but the JCC said police were investigating and people were seen walking back into the building about 90 minutes after the text was sent. Police in Wilmington, Delaware, were investigating a bomb threat at the Siegel Jewish Community Center, according to a statement. The Jewish Community Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, also received a bomb threat, told NBC News that a sweep was conducted "out of an abundance of caution," with no threats discovered. And in West Nashville, Tennessee, the majority of about 100 people in the Gordon Jewish Community Center were evacuated after a bomb threat was called in to the desk, the Tennessean reported. There, too, the all-clear was called. Last week, bomb threats targeted two Jewish centers in central Florida and two Jewish preschools in Tampa. Authorities said no explosives were found. A former Fox News personality who accused Bill O'Reilly of sexual harassment was paid a sum in the high six figures by the network's parent company in exchange for her silence and agreement not to sue, The New York Times reported Tuesday. The employee, Juliet Huddy, said O'Reilly, the network's biggest star, pursued a sexual relationship with her in 2011. When she rebuffed O'Reilly's advances, he tried to derail her career, the Times reported, citing a letter from her lawyers to Fox News it obtained. The secret agreement was reportedly struck between Huddy and network parent 21st Century Fox in September, weeks after Roger Ailes was ousted as network chairman amid a sexual harassment scandal. A Huddy representative had no comment. A Fox News spokeswoman said the letter contains "substantial falsehoods." NBC News reached out Huddy's attorney, who said on behalf of his client she had "no comment." Sara Packer, the woman charged this weekend in her adoptive daughter's dismemberment, was fired by Northampton County in April 2010 from a supervisory role in the county's Children, Youth and Families divison, where she worked for more than seven years. The county administrator cited "the seriousness of these allegations of misconduct" in a 2010 termination letter provided to NBC10.com, though the allegations themselves remain unclear. Packer was arrested over the weekend and charged with criminal homicide, conspiracy-forcible rape, kidnapping and numerous other charges for her alleged role in the killing of her adopted daughter, Grace Packer. Jacob Sullivan, Sara Packer's live-in boyfriend, was also charged with criminal homicide, rape and other related charges for allegedly carrying out what authorities described as a gruesome rape and murder. Both suspects are being held without bail in Bucks County. Sara Packer's termination letter, dated April 15, 2010, indicated that Packer worked as a caseworker supervisor in the county Children, Youth and Family agency. It was provided to NBC10.com through a right-to-know request. The exact reason for her termination was redacted by the county solicitor's office, which cited the reason for the redaction as "references to state agency investigations which are not subject to public disclosure." County administrator Kevin Dolan wrote in the letter that Packer initially told him of what were eventually deemed fireable offenses on Jan. 20, 2010. Sara Packer, a former adoption supervisor, has been charged with killing her 14-year-old daughter as part of a sexual fantasy with her boyfriend. NBC10s Deanna Durante spoke exclusively with Packers ex-husband about the charges she now faces. She also delves deeper into her past when she worked as a child welfare supervisor. "Based on the seriousness of these allegations of misconduct, you were suspended without pay effective January 20, 2010, pending the completion of the investigation," Dolan wrote. Bucks County District Attorney's Office The letter goes on to note that the termination was based in part on documents Packer provided and that her "undisputed actions" violated the county's ethics and disciplinary employee codes. Northampton County Controller Stephen Barron Jr. told NBC10 Philadelphia on Monday he is demanding those who work for the county take a good look into the case files Sara Packer worked on and supervised. "She represents the worst of a children and youth worker," he said. Another record provided to NBC10.com showed Packer's employment record with Northampton County. She was hired Jan. 13, 2003 as a caseworker in Children, Youth and Family. Her starting salary was $26,621. Six months later, her probationary period ended. In September 2005, she was given a raise and promotion. In July 2007, she again received a promotion, this year to casework supervisor. By December 2009, after 10 raises, Packer received a pay increase to $44,662 a year. A month later, she was suspended without pay. The record indicated "termination (involuntary)" on April 15, 2010. Her firing occurred two months before a Lehigh County detective received a report of possible child sexual abuse by Sara Packer's then-husband, David Packer, according to a criminal affidavit filed in Lehigh County later that year. David Packer eventually pleaded guilty to statutory sexual assault after authorities charged him with allegedly assaulting two underage children. The criminal affidavits in the cases indicated one victim was an adopted child of David Packer and another was his foster child. Authorities have since said that Sara and David Packer fostered numerous children over a period stretching more than a decade. Grace Packer, 14 years old when she disappeared in July of last year, was adopted along with her brother by the Packers in 2004. It remains unclear exactly how many children the Packers adopted. Grace and her brother were adopted in Berks County. Grace's dismembered body was found Oct. 31 last year in a wooded area of Luzerne County by two hunters. Montgomery County authorities charged Sara Packer in November with obstruction of justice for allegedly hindering the investigation of her disappearance. She was living in Abington when Grace reportedly disappeared, but moved to Quakertown in Bucks County with the boyfriend, Sullivan. Authorities allege that Sullivan beat, raped and murdered Grace Packer in the attic of the house in Quakertown while Sara Packer watched. They allegedly stored the girl's body in cat litter for months before allegedly dumping her body in the woods. Sullivan allegedly confessed last week in a Bucks County hospital after he and Sara Packer failed in a joint suicide attempt. Packer and Sullivan didn't enter pleas when in court on Sunday and were denied bail; no attorney information was available for them. One of the songwriters who just won a Golden Globe for the modern day musical La La Land hails from Montgomery County. Benj Pasek, 31, who grew up in Ardmore, was one of the co-writers behind City of Stars, which won Best Original Song at the 2017 Golden Globes. Paseks mom Kathy Hirsh-Pasek watched it all unfold on NBC10 Sunday night. I dont know if I was nervous as much as I was so excited that he even had the opportunity to be acknowledged by his peers for the work that he did, she said. How cool was that? During his acceptance speech, Pasek thanked musical theater nerds everywhere, which especially resonated with his drama teacher Terry Guerin at Friends Central School in Wynnewood. This is really, really awesome, Guerin told NBC10. Guerin said she knew Pasek was talented as she watched him hone his craft both on and off the stage while he was a high school student. Now shes happy that the world knows it too. I was screaming and yelling and I got texts from friends who know that he was a student here, she said. Pasek currently has a musical on Broadway called Dear Evan Hanson. He also hosted a group of Friends Central drama students in New York. Despite the many high profile projects hes involved in, Pasek hasnt forgotten where he came from and who helped him along the way. Hes very much in touch and hes supporting us now, Guerin said. Which is wonderful. Republican Gov. Chris Christie said Tuesday that he will focus in his final year in office on New Jersey's drug epidemic, promising to limit the supply of opioid drugs doctors can initially prescribe and seeking legislation to require insurers to pay for at least six months of drug treatment. Christie turned the majority of his seventh state of the state address, usually a speech about the governor's various priorities, into an impassioned plan to tackle a drug crisis that is claiming hundreds of lives a year. "I will not have the blood of addicted New Jerseyans on my hands because we waited to act," Christie said. "I will not willingly watch another 1,600 of our citizens die and watch their families mourn and suffer." Nearly 1,600 people in New Jersey died from drug overdoses in 2015, an increase of about 20 percent over 2014, according to data from the state medical examiner's office. Most of those came from opioids, including heroin and fentanyl. Democratic leaders applauded Christie's focus on drug treatment, but also said that there are other major issues facing the state that lawmakers and Christie need to deal with, including school funding. "If you closed your eyes, you would think you were hearing a Democrat giving a speech," said Democratic senate President Steve Sweeney. "We welcome this conversation on addiction. We need conversations on a whole host of other issues." Christie has focused much of his time in office on the issue of drug addiction, and also made addressing the opioid epidemic a key plank in his unsuccessful presidential campaign. While in office, he has expanded drug courts and signed measures that include expanding the use of the overdose-prevention drug naloxone and a prescription monitoring program. Among Christie's policy proposals outlined Tuesday: He said that he was having his attorney general put together regulations to require that doctors only initially prescribe a five-day supply of opioid drugs for acute pain, instead of a 30-day ration. A handful of states, including Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine, have enacted similar restrictions in the past year. Christie said that he was changing rules so that 18- and 19-year-olds can be considered children to cut down on waiting lists for treatment beds. He called on state lawmakers to approve a change to require insurers to pay for at least six months of drug treatment. The state's largest health insurer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, said Tuesday it's willing to work with him on the idea. He said that the state will put together a school curriculum to teach children starting in kindergarten about avoid opioid abuse. Christie also announced a new phone and online helpline at reachnj.gov and 1-844-ReachNJ. The speech drew praise from advocates in the state's drug treatment community. Debra Wentz, chief executive of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, called Christie's speech "inspirational and powerful." "It's extremely powerful to take ownership of eliminating the stigma against addiction and to expand multiple (ideas) addressing that," Wentz said. "The stigma is there. But when you have someone who is the governor who repeatedly makes this their platform, it's powerful and it's strong." What follows is Gov. Christie's entire speech: This is the seventh time I have had the honor to step before the Legislature and the people of New Jersey to perform one of my duties as Governor. Article V, Section I, Paragraph 12 creates the constitutional requirement to report on the State of the State. As the one person independently elected by all New Jerseyans to state government, the Governor is the only person truly able to give the people this report. For me, service to the people of this state has been my central responsibility every day of my life for the last fifteen years, first as U.S. Attorney and now as Governor. As I enter my eighth year as Governor, it is my honor and privilege to report on the State of the State I call home for me and my family. The State of the State is goodhaving boldly dealt with so many of the long-term problems we inherited in 2010, having an economy which continues to grow and now ready to use 2017 to confront problems that still need solving. I stand here today prepared to give every ounce of energy I have to make 2017 a year where we solve more big problems for our citizens. Lets start with the central issues of our economy. Since we entered office seven years ago in the depths of the recession, New Jersey has created 278,000 new private sector jobs. We now have had seven consecutive years of job growth in our private sector. All the jobs lost in the great recession have been recovered. At the same time, we have kept our promise to reverse the outlandish growth of government which was created in the decade before our arrival. We have eliminated 10,000 government jobs at the state level and 21,000 thousand more in county and local government through our effective property tax cap. That is 31,000 jobs eliminated in seven years. We promised a smaller government and we have delivered. In state government, all of this was done without any layoffs; it was all done through effective management and fiscal discipline with the peoples money. Existing home sales, always a good barometer of the health of a states economy, rose over 15% last year. Home sales are growing and New Jersey is growing with them. As a result, look at what has happened to the state unemployment rate: at 9.8% when we entered office, to 5% today, nearly cut in half. 445,000 New Jerseyans out of work when we came to Trenton; 50% fewer unemployed today. While the pundits and prognosticators always see the glass half empty, for New Jersey families who were out of work in 2010, the glass is fuller; much, much fuller as we enter 2017 and we should be proud of the work we have done to make it so. We have also restored responsible budgeting to New Jersey government. Discretionary spending by state government is $2.3 billion less in actual dollars than it was nine years ago. That means that nearly every additional dollar we collected in taxes has gone to deal with our historic problems: pension payments, health insurance premiums and debt service. This year, we will make a $1.9 billion payment to the pension fund, the largest in state history. That will bring our total payments to the pension system to $6.3 billion, twice as much as Governors Whitman, DiFrancesco, McGreevey, Codey and Corzine combined. This Administration has been, far and away, the most generous to the pension system in the last 23 years. Despite the fact that we have not been able to pay every penny we had hoped to after our landmark 2011 reforms, those reforms have been working. The Supreme Court supported our reforms despite a failed, expensive assault by the public sector unions. We have done more to restore solvency to this broken system than any recent group of leaders in this city. There is more to do and I will present more ideas to finish the job we started in 2011 when I present you with my 2018 budget. Until then, we should acknowledge and be proud of the fact that we have passed reforms that will save the pension system nearly $120 billion over 30 years and that we have doubled the states contribution to the system over what was paid into it in the sixteen years before we arrived. That is progress and there will be more to come. Finally, 2017 will be the first year since 1996 that New Jersey citizens will see broad based tax cuts. Thats right, for the first time in over 20 years, New Jerseyans will actually see taxes go down this year. This was a partisan fight for six years, as my Republican colleagues and I regularly called for tax cuts, and our Democratic colleagues regularly said no. I want to thank my Republican friends in this chamber for standing strong for six years, so that these tax cuts could finally become a reality in year seven. To my Democratic friends in this chamber, thanks to you for making 2017 a year when New Jerseyans can finally get tax relief and it is tax relief we can all be proud of. In 2017, our sales tax will be cut for the first time in decades. The even better newsit will be cut again on January 1, 2018. 520 million dollars in relief for every New Jerseyan who pays the sales taxso that means each and every New Jerseyan. In 2017, the working poor in New Jersey will get even more assistance to raise their families. When we entered office the Earned Income Tax Credit was 25%. In 2015, we increased the credit to 30% and last week we increased it again to 35%. We are in the top 10% of states in providing this tax relief to the working poor and we should be proud that we are helping families who are already helping themselves. 2017 will also be an even better year for seniors on a fixed income. We will begin to exclude from state income taxes even more retirement income for seniors. In four years, seniors will be able to make $100,000 in retirement income and pay no state income taxes. This will help our seniors stay in our state and live an even better life after they choose to stay. This will keep families together and reward seniors who have planned for their retirement responsibly. In 2017, the death tax will be put on life support and, by 2018, the death tax in New Jersey will officially be dead itself. People often flee our state in their senior years because we tax them to death while they live here. To add to the burden, we then tax them again more than any other state AFTER they die. People will now be able to choose New Jersey rather than one of the other 49 states in their later years because we will stop soaking them in their senior years. New Jerseys estate tax has risen from a $675,000 exclusion to a $2 million exclusion on January 1st. On January 1, 2018, New Jersey will no longer have any estate tax at all. This will be game changing tax reform for New Jerseys economy, our families and their small businesses. Finally, in 2017, our veterans will be honored for their service in our military by our tax code. New Jersey veterans who are honorably discharged from service will get their own personal exemption from state income taxes. Their service to our nation deserves nothing less. Imagine thatRepublicans and Democrats coming together to lower taxes for all New Jerseyans. It took seven years to get it done but we should be proud that taxpayers will get to keep more of their own money in 2017 than they did last year. As people sit and listen to a State of the State speech they often wonder how many of the goals and aspirations a Governor details actually get accomplished? Lets review the goals I set in this speech in 2016 and what we were able to accomplish together. I called on the legislature to finally eliminate the death tax in New Jersey and as you know we did it. We know that in our cities charter schools are providing extraordinary opportunities to students and their families for a brighter future. That is why thousands of families are still on waiting lists to get in to a quality charter school. We promised to loosen regulations that are choking the growth and expansion of charter schools in our urban centers. This past week, the State Board of Education advanced efforts to make charter schools in New Jersey even more effective by allowing them to be even more innovative. We promised a 100 million dollar increase in funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment. In this area we exceeded our promise by adding 127 million dollars to increase access to these vital human services for the most vulnerable in our state. We promised to open the first certified drug abuse treatment facility for New Jersey prison inmates in state history. This spring, a 696 bed facility will open and every inmate who enters will receive first class drug and alcohol abuse treatment before they leave prison. Our successful recovery coach program was working in 2015 in five counties, so we promised to more than double that amount in 2016 to 11 of our counties. The program puts counselors into hospital emergency rooms to help people begin the road to recovery in a way that gives them a greater chance of success. We promised greater opportunity for recovering addicts to reclaim their lives and now in more than half of New Jerseys counties, just as we promised, recovery coaches are doing just that. Those were the five central promises of the 2016 State of the State speech and I am proud to say on each and every one of them we delivered. So when you listen to todays speech the people of New Jersey should have the same level of confidence that we will achieve the goals we set today. There are so many issues that I could look back on with pride. So many future issues I could look to with a sense of urgency. So many stories from the last year I could relate to you with wonder. But I am not going to do that today. For that, I guess you are all just going to have to wait for the book. And wait. And wait. But seriously, I am not going to do it because our state faces a crisis which is more urgent to New Jerseys families than any other issue we could confront. A crisis which is destroying families. One that is ripping the very fabric of our state. The crisis of drug addiction. On December 21st we held a candlelight vigil on the steps of the State House. Over 750 people from all over the state attended to show their solidarity with our efforts and their concern for their fellow citizens. In the group that night was Pam Garozzo, an employee of the Department of Education. Pam has been a passionate drug awareness and prevention advocate for years. Her reasons are personal. Her son Carlos has battled addiction since he was 16 years old. During his periods of sobriety, Carlos volunteered his time running support groups for fellow addicts and enjoying a successful job. He spent time with his family and friends and they fought his addiction with him as a family. Pam came to the vigil on December 21st to rejoice in Carloss latest 10 months of uninterrupted sobriety and the gifts that sobriety brought to Carlos and his family. Two days later, on December 23rd, Carlos had relapsed and was found in Pams cardead at 23 years old from a heroin overdose. Today, I extend my deepest sympathy to Pam for her enormous loss and thank her for her advocacy for and support of other families whose lives have been ravaged by this awful disease. Today is for people like Pamtogether we will save lives and by doing so honor the lives of those who we have lost like your dear son Carlos. Through the pain of her enormous loss, Pam still has the strength and courage to be here today with her husband. We owe her not only our sympathy but our gratitude for her commitment to others. This is the face of the epidemic of addiction that is ravaging our state and its people. In fact, it is ravaging our entire country. Yet, very few people want to talk about it. We want to continue to pretend that it is isolated to one class of people or one type of family in our state. We want to continue to take the same approaches we have taken for thirty years or moreto jail those who have this disease. We want to close our eyes and hope this scourge passes by our own homesif we hope and pray just hard enough to make it so. Well, hoping and praying alone will not make it better. Arresting, jailing and stigmatizing the victims will not make it better. Our friends are dying. Our neighbors are dying. Our co-workers are dying. Our children are dying. Every day. In numbers we can no longer ignore. I am the leader of this state. I have been its leader for the last 2,546 days. I will be its leader for the next 373 days. I have been committed to this every day of my Governorship and I need you to join me today and feel the same sense of urgency. Let me be clear to every New Jerseyan both in this chamber and in all of our 21 counties. Drug addiction is a disease. It is not a moral failing. It is a disease that can be treated. By treating the disease with the methods we know and treating its victims with understanding and compassion, we have a chance to save lives. And each of those lives are an individual gift from God. There can be no calling more clear, no matter your faith, than the calling to save lives. We have taken some admirable steps. We have made some progress. But it is clearly not enough. I can tell by reading the growing statistics. I can see it by watching the growing costs to our budgets. I can feel it by looking into the eyes of too many loved ones who have lost someone so close and so dear that you can see their hearts actually breaking. Beyond the human cost, which is incalculable, there is a real cost to every part of life in New Jersey. You care about our children? Well, it is affecting our education system. Children coming to school high or tortured by a drug culture at home cannot learn. You care about our health care system? Well, it is affecting the medical community. The costs of this epidemic is putting a burden on our system which we will not be able to bear in the years to come. You care about law and order and safety in our streets? Well, it is affecting how we fight crime. Police are in danger, citizens are at risk as drug addiction causes behavior that law enforcement finds impossible to handle. You care about the economy and jobs? Well, it is affecting the financial security of every person it touches. Jobs lost, savings wasted, potential ruinedall by a culture of addiction. None of it adds to our economyit stalls it. You care about your own family? Well, only through the grace of God has it not touched your family already. You are among the lucky ones and your luck could run out at any moment. This Administration has done more than any in New Jersey history on the issue of addiction. We are proud of what we have done, but it has not been enough. We must do more. Drug overdose deaths escalated by nearly 22 percent in New Jersey between the year 2014 and 2015, largely due to opioids. There was a 30 percent increase in heroin deaths over the previous year, and triple the number of deaths caused by the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which has up to 50 times the potency of heroin. Nearly 1,600 people lost their lives to drugs in New Jersey in 2015. That is more than four times the number of murders in New Jersey in 2015. That is three times the number of people that were killed in car accidents in 2015. Nationally, for the very first time in 2015, deaths from heroin overdoses alone surpassed deaths by firearm homicides. And the fatalities in New Jersey in 2015 would have been greater when you factor in the number of people whose lives were saved after receiving the overdose-reversal medication Narcan. It was this Administration which made Narcan available in every county. We also provided training for law enforcement and EMTs on how to safely use it to save lives. Has it worked? We had 10,000 Narcan deployments in 2016. Some 10,000 lives that would have been lost without Narcan. Add that to the 1,600 victims who didnt make it. That means we could have lost more than 10,000 lives without our aggressive action on Narcan. Absolutely unthinkablebut likely if we had not acted boldly. And then there are the countless lives of those who are addicted but not yet captured by a statistic the ones we need to reach out to before it is too late. According to the Surgeon General, an American dies every 19 minutes from an overdose of heroin or prescription opioids. Nearly 50,000 people died in 2014 of a drug overdose. In that same report, the Surgeon General tells us that the age of first use of alcohol or any illicit drug vastly increases the rate of addiction. In other words, the earlier you try ANY illicit drug the greater the risk of addiction to other drugs. I want all the advocates of legalizing recreational marijuana to listen to these numbers. If you try any drug by the age of 13, you have a 70% chance of developing addiction in the next seven years. Addicted by the time you are twenty years old. I hope that this will give pause to those who are blindly pushing ahead to legalize another illicit drug in our state for tax revenue or by saying it will cause no harm. The statistics prove you wrong. Dead wrong. One in twelve high school seniors report using Vicodin. One in twenty use OxyContin. 467,000 children between 12-17 years old use prescription pain medication; 168,000 are addicted. The prescribing rates for these drugs to this age group doubled between 1994 and 2007. Use of these drugs often leads to abuse of and addiction to heroin as a cheaper and more readily available alternative. These are not just numbers; they are real people. The 17-year-old captain of the high school football team who hurts his knee and gets OxyContin. The nineteen year old girl who gets 30 Percocet for the removal of two wisdom teeth. Good, achieving, normal children on the path to a bright future until their lives are derailed and turned upside down by the careless abundance of opioids in our state. I have a comprehensive plan to fight this fight more aggressively. There is nothing more important that I could do in my last 373 days as Governor. Lets work to save lives together and lets start today. First, lets deal with the basics. If you dont know where to find help, you cannot get help for your family. We need to make treatment easier to locate and more accessible to families and individuals in crisis. We need one place every family in New Jersey can go for help. Today, my Administration is launching a one-stop website and a hotline to make it easier to access treatment. The website will put addiction information in one place and help eliminate the question families often face when seeking help where do I go? Who do I turn to? It will enhance public awareness regarding treatment options, provide insurance guidance, identify locations of state licensed rehabilitation facilities for children and adults, and share information on employment support programs for those in recovery. The website will include updates on the programs being offered by state agencies, and list private and nonprofit contact information. One website and one phone number to help guide people through what can be a daunting bureaucracy, especially for those in crisis. We cannot reach those in need if the path to help is confusing. We will launch an aggressive public relations campaign to inform every family in need where they can go for help. After today, you can dial 1-844-REACH-NJ or go to REACHNJ.GOV. (The help line and website will be live after 2 p.m. today). Next, in addition to providing better information access, last year, we increased funding for treatment by more than $127 million dollars for behavioral health providers. We will propose that funding again for the next years budget. While we are making progress on expanding capacity to meet the growing crisis, we need to do even more. Current regulations do not allow us to treat 18 and 19 year olds as children in our system. This leaves us with empty treatment beds intended for our youth and overcrowding for those 18 years of age or older. We do not have the luxury of allowing any treatment beds to remain empty. Therefore, I am changing this rule. We will invest an additional $12 million dollars to open more beds for this very vulnerable population. This expansion by the Department of Children and Families to allow their licensed residential facilities to treat 18-and 19-year olds will open another 200 beds to hundreds of young people seeking help. We must do everything we can to keep our children off of waiting lists for treatment. The wait may be more than they can bear. Next, I am directing Commissioner Harrington to develop new, specific curriculum in every school on opioids. We will implement a new, robust curriculum that will be tailored to every age group. The message will be simple and direct and start in kindergartenthe medicine in Mom and Dads medicine cabinet is not safe for you to use just because a doctor gave it to them. We will also expand Commissioner Lanigans Project Pridewhich brings minimum security prisoners to middle schools and high schools to share how drug abuse lead them to addiction and prison. Next, we need to acknowledge that the path to recovery is a lifelong one. We have many young people who enter our colleges and universities already having received treatment for addiction. How do we drop them into the life-changing pressure cooker that college is for any student without the appropriate atmosphere of support? In order to further support New Jerseys students who have been caught in the addiction epidemic, I will be increasing funding by $1 million for college housing programs set up for students in recovery. They are called recovery dorms and they are a lifeline for students who want to succeed in the classroom and have their recovery continue as they learn. These housing programs provide a community for students in need of counseling and additional supports. Attending college for any child can be challenging, but it can be particularly difficult for students in recovery; there is often a culture of partying and students living on campus may be exposed to added temptations in their dorms. Safe havens such as recovery dorms are critical in our fight against addiction, which is a life-long battle to maintain sobriety. Next, the effort to support those who exit treatment and are in recovery cannot stop at the college campus. Sober living homes need to be available throughout the state to give opportunities to those in recovery to live in a supportive setting during the very delicate early months of recovery. Thats why I have been working with Senator Joe Vitale to create a more flexible environment that encourages Cooperative Sober Living Homes in New Jersey. We need to ease an overly restrictive statutory, regulatory and code environment for residences that provide supportive and substance-free housing in our communities. And we need to welcome these supportive living arrangements into our neighborhoods. If we want to have a chance to defeat this epidemic, we cannot have a prejudicial attitude towards having these homes in any of our 565 municipalities. They serve a very beneficial use and purpose for our state. Remember, today the nonviolent recovering person in that home in your neighborhood may be a stranger; tomorrow, it may be your own child. These residences provide yet another safe haven to help those in recovery get back on their feet and back into society sober and productive. We cannot preach the benefits of treatment and then fail those in recovery by denying them access to a safe, supportive home. The person who brought these ideas to me is another example of how this crisis can touch any family and how those who are in recovery can truly change lives if we give them the tools to help them to help themselves. I first met AJ when he was 11 years old. I attended his bar mitzvah. When AJ graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, I hired him to work as a member of my advance team in the Governors Office. I was proud to have him as a member of my team. But AJ had a problem and a secret. He dabbled with alcohol in high school and college and then stumbled on to prescription pain killers. By age 19, painkillers and alcohol were a regular part of his life. By the time he came to work for me, he had become a full blown heroin addict. He would travel to North Camden on his way to the State Capitol to buy heroin for the day. AJ got caught by a family friend buying drugs and went to a 28-day program. AJ found his way around the system, left the facility and lived on the street. AJ watched a close friend die from his addiction. He watched another one go to jail. He knew there were only two choices left for himdie or have the strength to get sober. After much hard work and now having a few years of sobriety, AJ asked to come see me at the State House. He told me he came to make amends for the ways he felt he had disgraced the Office of the Governor by his conduct and how he had betrayed our relationship. I asked AJ how he had done it and how I could use his experience to help others. He is the architect of the sober living reforms I just outlined based on his experience and the experience of others. Now AJ is opening a substance abuse treatment center in February in New JerseyVictory Bay Recovery Center in Laurel Springs, just 15 minutes from where AJ grew up and where he fell victim to addiction. AJ will continue to change and save lives. He told me that people think that being an addict is a death sentence or an unbearable burden. He disagrees. He is grateful to be in recovery and he believes that the fulfillment and joy that helping others brings to his life will keep him from relapsing and using drugs again. Who is AJ? He is AJ Solomon, the son of BPU Commissioner Dianne Solomon and New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Lee Solomon. Two extraordinary citizens. Two extraordinary parents. You see, AJs story is not an uncommon story; it just has an uncommon ending. AJ cant wait to see how the next chapters of his life unfold and neither can Ior his Mom and Dad. I love you AJand I am thrilled about how you have chosen to spend the rest of your lifeyour long and productive life. Next, whether leaving a treatment center to a sober living home or leaving prison after having received treatment for the disease that led you to a life of crime, the road to recovery is made even longer and the road to relapse even shorter if the person in recovery cannot find a job. That is why I advocated for the reforms we have made to the bail system effective just 10 days ago. We now have a criminal justice system that will permit our judges to keep the truly dangerous sociopath behind bars, will release those non-violent offenders who have only remained in jail because they are poor and end the predatory bail system that has lobbyists roaming these halls advocating to keep people behind bars unless their clients are permitted to profit from their release. We ended this antiquated system in a bi-partisan effort and starting in 2017, all of New Jersey will benefit from our efforts. We know the greatest predictor of personal success in every way is a job. Employment is a long term factor towards reducing recidivism. Thanks to our bi-partisan efforts with Senator Cunningham, we have "banned the box", which was a barrier to employment. As we all know there are many more barriers, which is why we will be working with Koch Industries and their General Counsel Mark Holden to work collaboratively with New Jersey based companies to challenge ourselves and long accepted exclusions for employment of the formerly incarcerated. This March we will host an Employment Opportunity Summit of the business, legal, and human resources executives to ensure that New Jersey is at the forefront of helping people get back to work and become productive citizens and taxpayers. That will help those who have been incarcerated, been addicted and been left behind to have an opportunity to reclaim their lives and not go backwards to addiction and jail. Next, we must honestly confront the economic barriers to receiving treatment for addiction. The wealthy in our society have few, if any, economic barriers to treatment. They have the financial means to pay whatever the costs are to get treatment for their loved ones. Through our efforts over the last three years, we have eliminated many of the barriers for the poor to receive treatment as well. When I expanded Medicaid eligibility in New Jersey by Executive Order in 2013, it created a sea change in the availability of drug treatment for the poor in New Jersey. In 2016, 14,357 Medicaid recipients are receiving drug addiction treatment. This represents a five-fold increase over 2013. A five-fold increase for the poor in New Jersey. Due to the reforms we advocated, the cost per recipient is also down 7.7 percent. Who has the biggest economic barriers to treatment? The working men and women of the middle class of New Jersey. Not wealthy enough to pay privately. Too high an income to qualify for even expanded Medicaid. They are dependent on a health insurance industry that too often finds a way to say no. Well, as a guy who grew up in a middle class New Jersey family, I say that is unacceptable. Whether your child lives or dies should not be subject to a denial letter from an insurance company. On behalf of our middle class being attacked by the double whammy of the addiction crisis and denied coverage by our insurance industry, I demand we end this today together. I am calling on Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Prieto to join with Republican Leaders Kean and Bramnick as the sponsors of a new law to mandate that no citizen with health insurance can be denied coverage for the first six months of in-patient or outpatient drug rehabilitation treatment. Lets face it; no family puts their loved one into in-patient drug treatment unless it is absolutely necessary, unless every other alternative has been tried. Rather than support, compassion and coverage, they are met too often by questioning, red tape and denials by insurers who happily take their premiums at the same time. No more pre-approvals. No more medical necessity reviews prior to admission by an insurance company bureaucrat. No more denials that can cost lives. Treatment first. Hope first. Lets end the insurance company run-around. I challenge you to pass this law in the next 30 days. I will sign it the day you land it on my desk. Together, we can save lives immediately. Middle class families living the nightmare of addiction of a loved one do not deserve the double dose of agonydenial by an insurance company leading to the death of a loved one. Next, I am announcing an additional $5 million for the statewide expansion of a successful pilot program on pediatric behavioral health. This program provides telehealth hubs with a psychiatrist on call for pediatricians. The participating pediatricians receive training on how to screen our children for behavioral health conditions and substance abuse issues. The program then provides an immediate connection to a specialist while the parents and child are in the office. In urgent cases, a face-to-face consultation is available within hours on the very same day. No longer weeks of waiting for a specialist when we know that hours can make a difference between life and death. Next, we must step up prevention efforts in all corners of New Jersey. We know that the majority of heroin addicts first became addicted through the use of prescription opioids. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, four out of every five new heroin users got started by misusing prescription painkillers. As a result, today I am directing Attorney General Porrino to use emergency rule-making and other regulatory reform to limit the supply of opioid-based pain medications that physicians, dentists and other licensed health care providers prescribe to patients presenting with acute pain. Presently in New Jersey, authorized health care providers can write initial prescriptions for opioid painkillers that provide up to a 30-day supply. This is dangerous, ill-advised and absolutely unnecessary. We know addiction to opioids can occur within days, we must work against potential addiction and overdose -- by limiting supply to five days that can be obtained at the outset of treatment. Prescribers would be required to consult the patient, assess their need and only then provide further authorization for additional quantities. According to the CDC, in 2012, health care providers wrote 259 million prescriptions for opioid pain medication, enough for every adult in the United States to have a bottle of pills. Opioid prescriptions per capita increased 7.3 percent from 2007 to 2012, with opioid prescribing rates increasing more for family practice, general practice, and internal medicine compared with other specialties. This trend must be curbed. A blanket 30-day opiate prescription window is excessive, and the ability of prescribers to order a months worth of powerful, opiate-based pain medications is contributing to the drug crisis in a significant way. Limiting the supply of opioid-based pain medication is just one step to prevent addiction before it starts. If necessary, Attorney General Porrino should open an investigation of the prescribing practices of our medical community and their interaction with the industry manufacturing these drugs. Profit, by physicians or the pharmaceutical industry, must never be a rationale for contributing to the death of our citizens by overprescribing of these drugs. Our battle against the plague of addiction has been aided by powerful allies in the faith community, leaders who know that personal pain demands both a willingness to surrender to grace, and a caring community to lift up those in crisis. I created the Facing Addiction Task Force in the private sector chaired by Pastor Joe Carter of The New Hope Baptist Church in Newark and former Governor Jim McGreevey to keep these issues front and center. They have worked together to address addiction from many angles--prevention, treatment, recovery, helping people as they leave rehab or incarceration, supporting individuals in recovery with housing, health care, employment. They are outstanding New Jerseyans who have answered the call from this Governor and their fellow citizens to serve families in desperate need and to save lives. They have my sincere thanks and I am confident that they have yours as well. Since they cannot do it alone, I am also creating the Governors Task Force on Drug Abuse Control- which will focus on mounting a coordinated attack on drug abuse by working with all areas of state government to fight this complex problem together. How complex? Within the Attorney Generals Office alone, multiple agencies have a role to play in the effort to deter narcotics trafficking, drug diversion, drug abuse and drug addiction. The Departments of Education, Health, Corrections and Human Services also have crucial roles to play. And so, our response must utilize every tool available within state government as well as those at the federal level, in order to bring all we have to this fight. This Task Force will spearhead a multi-pronged, multi-agency attack on the addiction crisis. As Chairman, I am naming my former Chief Counsel and current Schools Development Authority CEO Charles McKenna. His background as my Chief Counsel gives him the knowledge of every corner of state government. His experience as a federal prosecutor gives him an understanding on the role of enforcement. His history as the head of Homeland Security gives him an appreciation of how this crisis threatens our safety. His success at SDA in building schools on time and on budget has shown everyone that he knows how to solve seemingly intractable problems. I thank him for his willingness to take on this additional roleI know he will help us save lives. Finally, we need some help from our federal partners to address this crisis. We need the federal government to remove outdated barriers to substance abuse care that limit access to the neediest. Federal Medicaid funds cannot currently be used for people who are receiving inpatient substance abuse treatment in a facility with more than 16 beds. The feds call these facilities Institutes for Mental Diseases and make us use only state funds for this type of treatment. This is ridiculous and antiquated thinking. If we remove this barrier and utilize the federal match, we could double the Medicaid beds available for drug abuse treatment. I am directing Commissioner Connolly to call upon new CMS Administrator Seema Verma, a state innovator in Indiana and someone we worked closely with during the Trump transition, to remove this roadblock to care and call upon our congressional delegation to lead this fight in the Congress. Eligibility for drug abuse treatment should not be determined by how many beds are in the facility where you seek treatment. This is the Christie plan to attack the epidemic of drug addiction in our state. I am ready to work with and listen to anyone with more ideas on how to address this issue. I am willing to accept ideas from any corner of this state; from any political party; from any level of government. What I am absolutely unwilling to accept is inaction. I will not have the blood of addicted New Jerseyans on my hands by waiting to act. I will not willingly watch another 1,600 of our citizens die and watch their families mourn and suffer. We cannot waste another minute of our time in leadership on the next partisan-fueled fake scandal. While our friends are dying, we cannot permit the worst partisans in this town to lead the discussion towards politically motivated, media sensationalized nonsense. If we dont reject this conduct by the loudest few, we will be paralyzed by these self-interested actors who care more about the next attack of the day than about truly solving problems affecting New Jersey families. Our fellow citizens who are facing the disease of addiction do not deserve to be stigmatized. They do not deserve to be locked up in jail purely due to their disease. They do not deserve to be living on the street. They do not deserve to be going without necessary treatment or medication because they slipped through the cracks of our complex and confusing health care system. They do not deserve a life without hope. They do not deserve this fate. They are our husbands and wives. They are our brothers and sisters. They are our sons and daughters. We have the capacity to give them the tools they need to recover and we cannot fail to do so. This is perhaps the single most important issue to every New Jersey family we will have the chance to address while I am Governor. During our campaign for President, it was often said that we were the loudest voice discussing this challenge for our nation. Now, as I stand here in New Jersey in my final year as Governor, I want us to make New Jersey the example for our entire nation on how to compassionately and effectively help families through this personal hell. If we do it right, we will save lives not only in New Jersey, but all across America. Some will call this plan aggressive. I do not believe it is possible to be too aggressive in fighting this epidemic. I know this is a very different State of the State address. But when our children our dying in the street, New Jersey should be offended if I came up here and gave a typical political speech. They will be even more offended if we do not act on my plan without delay. The challenge is enormous but I know we have the resolve to meet it. That resolve, for me, is fueled by the memory of a friend. When I entered law school at Seton Hall in the fall of 1984, I was lucky enough to meet a group of friends who I have kept for a lifetime. The closest were our first year study group; the people who I studied with for all of our first year final exams. There were nine of us. We have been fortunate and successful professionally. Three have become very successful private practice lawyers in New Jersey. One is an Assistant County Prosecutor. Three are New Jersey Superior Court Judges. One became US Attorney and Governor of New Jersey. We have been blessed personally. All of us have been married and we have 20 children among us. One of us was particularly gifted. He had the best GPA. He was on the Law Review. He got a great judicial clerkship after graduation. He joined an outstanding law firm. He was the first among us to be named partner of his firm. In every way professionally, he was an outstanding lawyer and a great success. He married a beautiful and talented woman. Together, they had three incredible children. They bought a great home in the New Jersey suburbs. They enjoyed family vacations together with many of us. We all grew into adulthood together. By the way, he was also the best looking among us and even as we got older, he was an athlete that kept in great shape. He was an avid runner. He was very annoying. His running led to back pain. His back pain led to pain killers. One night I got a call from his wife. She told me that he was addicted to the pills and alcohol and that she had asked him to leave. He was living with his parents and he needed us, his old friends, to have an intervention and convince him to seek treatment. A group of us went. We convinced him to go. That began a nearly 10-year odyssey. Multiple attempts at sobriety. Lots of counseling. Lots of help and support from those old friends and others. In the process, he lost his job. He lost his license to drive. He lost his marriage. He lost the right to see his children. He lost a second home. He spent through all his money, including his retirement funds. Then nearly three years ago, Mary Pat and I got the call we had been dreading for years. Our friend had been found dead, alone in a motel room with an empty bottle of Percocet and an empty quart of vodka. He was 52 years old. By every way we measure success in our society, our friend had made it. Great education. Great career. Wonderful wife. Beautiful children. Fabulous home. Plenty of money. Good looking. Successful. The American Dream. I sat at his funeral with our friends and helplessly watched his family grieve. I thought to myself, there but for the grace of God go I. It can happen to anyone. We have to start treating this disease and not just jailing its victims. We need to give them the tools they need to recover. We need to stop judging and start understanding this simple truthevery life is precious, every life is an individual gift from God and no life is beyond redemption. President Kennedy defined in his inaugural address nearly 56 years ago what public service and elective office should be all about, he said, With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth Gods work must truly be our own. That is what public service is for me and what I will dedicate my final year as Governor to for all of New Jerseys families. Nothing could personify Gods work here on earth more than saving liveseach and every life we can save. That mission is my mission over the next 373 days as Governor. I hope you will join me in this mission. God bless you. God bless America. And God bless the great state of New Jersey. Over 30 organizations will team up to march against right wing extremism in Philadelphia on Martin Luther King Day. The ensemble-- also known as the MLK D.A.R.E Coalition-- announced on Facebook that they will gather at 6th and Market streets on Monday, Jan 16 at 11:00 a.m for the March for a Better America. Marchers will then head south to Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for a public demonstration at noon. Some of the groups who will march include the Pennsylvania chapter of Black Lives Matter, Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower & Rebuild (P.O.W.E.R), Philadelphia Student Union, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Black Clergy of Philadelphia, and many more. As the nation prepares for Donald Trumps presidential inauguration the same week, MLK D.A.R.E Coalition said in a statement the march will protest the "ascension of right wing extremism into the highest levels of American public life." Several protests and demonstrations are also slated to take place in Philadelphia during inauguration week, including a march for womens rights scheduled for the day after Trumps inauguration. For more information on the March for Better America," click here. One of the regions leading startups is moving its headquarters to New York City. Monetate CEO Lucinda Duncalfe told the Business Journal in an interview Monday that the digital marketing and e-commerce personalization company is shifting its flagship office from Conshohocken to Manhattan to bring the company closer to its big-name brand clients and a greater talent pool both key parts of a strategic shift in the eight-year-old companys new direction. We really think its critical to be close to our clients, and they tend to be in the retail and fashion end of the marketing ecosystem, said Duncalfe, who sat on the companys board since its found in 2008 and was brought on as CEO in 2014 to led the company from its startup to growth stages. Its Conshohocken office will remain open at its current staffing level. The company crafts software for major brands including The North Face, National Geographic, QVC and Office Depot that allows them to personalize individual customer experiences online using machine learning and a one-to-one personalization platform. That kind of technology allows a brand to notify customers about items that fits their needs, and can learn to present them in they way they prefer. A shopper who wants to see just a photo and a price as they shop get just that, while the customer who likes to see a full list of details front-and-center gets a different experience. To read the full article, click here. For more business news, visit Philadelphia Business Journal. Temple University has landed atop the list of colleges where more young women, or "sugar babies," are letting older men, or "sugar daddies," pay off their higher education bills. The North Philadelphia public university increased its total number of "sugar babies" by 296 in 2016, the greatest total of new subscribers to SeekingArrangement.coms Sugar Baby University site, said the site. The new sign-ups bring Temple's total student body seeking money for tuition to 1,068, said Seeking Arrangement. The site claims that the sugar daddies -- either men or women -- are benefactors who help young women not only pay tuition but also offer job and mentorship opportunities. Each sugar daddy can have up the 4 "babies" each with "no strings attached," says the site. "Babies" can "find a mentor," "be pampered" and/or "date experienced men." Seeking Arrangement CEO and founder Brandon Wade claims his site helps students leave college with less debt. Students earn on average $2,440 a month toward tuition, said the site. "Students are tired of hearing politicians hyperbole about what they might do to resolve the student debt crisis," said Wade. New York University, Arizona State University, Georgia State University and Texas State University rounded out the site's Top 5 schools for new "babies." "Every successful relationship is an arrangement between two parties," says Wade on the site. "In business, partners sign business agreements that outline their objectives and expectations. Likewise, romantic relationships can only work if two people agree on what they expect, and what they can give and receive from each other." Temple University declined comment saying that Seeking Arrangement didnt deserve any more publicity. "We have no comment other than to marvel at how media outlets continue to give this company free advertising," said the university. [[238427591, C]] Parts of California and Nevada braced for another powerful storm after getting lashed by downpours that flooded roads, homes and vineyards and toppled a storied giant sequoia. Northern California was soaked by more than a foot of rain over a 72-hour period that ended early Monday, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate and leaving thousands without power. The heavy rains forced rivers out of their banks and toppled trees, among them the famed "Pioneer Cabin" in Calaveras Big Trees State Park that had a drive-thru tunnel carved into its base more than a century ago. In Southern California, scattered light showers are possible during the late morning and afternoon. Most of the day will be dry before a stronger system moves in early Thursday, providing the southern part of the state with a brief break before another strong storm bears down on the region late Tuesday and into Wednesday. A mudslide early Tuesday closed southbound Kanan Dume Road, about one mile north of Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu. Authorities warned of more possible mudslides in recent wildfire burn areas after a weekend of stormy weather that authorities called the heaviest rain in a decade. In the Sierra Nevada mountains, a winter storm warning was in effect until Thursday morning with the potential for blizzard and white-out conditions. Four to 8 feet of snow are forecast through Thursday above 7,000 feet, and the Lake Tahoe area could get between 2 to 5 feet of snow. Avalanche concerns kept some California ski areas closed for a second day Monday in the Sierra Nevada. In the San Francisco Bay Area, a coastal flood advisory was in effect from Tuesday through Friday, with a forecast for up to 7-foot "king tides" that could pose a flooding risk for coastal roadways, said Steve Anderson, a National Weather Service forecaster in Monterey, California. Flood warnings and a high-wind watch was also in effect Tuesday for the Russian River, which rose to its highest level since 2006 and spilled over its banks early Monday, flooding roads and vineyards and forcing schools to close across the area. "It's been about 10 years since we've experienced this kind of rainfall," Anderson said Monday. He said the storm system arriving Tuesday was not as potent as over weekend but could still cause problems. "The big concern is flash flooding, rapid rises on creeks and the Russian River coming out of its banks again." Parts of California's wine country in Sonoma County were among the hardest hit, with up to 13 inches of rain from Friday-early Monday. Rolling hills and vineyards along the scenic route known as River Road were submerged Monday with just the tips of the vines visible in completely flooded fields. Melba Martinelli, who lives in the Russian River town of Guerneville, was wading through her yard Monday in knee-high rain boots, surrounded by flooded streets. "I'm watching the water come up higher and higher, and my boots are almost going underwater now," Martinelli said. "The river is coming up the street now. It's pretty scary." In nearby Forestville, rescuers launched rafts and used a helicopter to search for people cut off by rising water. Authorities said the mostly dry conditions Monday were a relief. Such gaps between storms are "what saves us from the big water," Forestville Fire Chief Max Ming said. "People hunker down and wait for it to get past." To the south near Los Angeles, commuters were warned of possible highway flooding and mudslides in hilly areas. The area will see off-and-on rain Wednesday through Friday due to a pair of storm systems. The back-to-back storms that hit California and Nevada since last week are part of an "atmospheric river" weather system that draws precipitation from the Pacific Ocean as far west as Hawaii. That kind of system, also known as the "pineapple express," poses catastrophic risks for areas hit by the heaviest rain. Despite the bad weather in some parts, Yosemite National Park was forecasting a return to normal. The park planned to reopen the valley floor to visitors Tuesday morning after it was closed through the weekend and Monday because of a storm-swollen river, park spokesman Scott Gediman said. He said guests will be allowed back in starting at 8 a.m. for day visitors. Park workers were checking the extent of damage from the storm to water and sewer systems, he said. The heavy rains prompted California's Department of Water Resources to open about a half dozen of the Sacramento Weir gates around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday to prevent flooding from the swollen Sacramento River. The dam is nearly 2,000 feet in length and consists of 48 gates that are removed manually. They were last opened in December 2005. "They were a little bit rusty," department spokesman Ted Thomas said, "but they were able to open them fine." Emergency workers in Nevada voluntarily evacuated about 1,300 people from 400 homes in a Reno neighborhood as the Truckee River overflowed and drainage ditches backed up. Schools were canceled Monday in Reno and Sparks, and Gov. Brian Sandoval told all nonessential state government workers to stay home Monday after he declared a state of emergency. After touring the two cities, Sandoval said no serious injuries were reported during the flooding, which authorities had feared might be the worst in a decade. "It's bittersweet because it wasn't as bad as it could have been," Sandoval said. "But to those people affected, it was really hard on them." Saudi Arabia has deployed US-manufactured F-15 fighter jets in large numbers for its sometimes controversial bombing campaign in neighbouring Yemen (AFP Photo/FAYEZ NURELDINE) (AFP/File) Sanaa (AFP) - An air strike by the Saudi-led coalition near a school in rebel-held northern Yemen on Tuesday killed five people including two children, a medical and local official said. Thirteen other people were wounded in the strike that hit a market near Al-Falah school in the district of Nihm, northeast of the capital Sanaa, the sources said. "An air strike by the Saudi aggression hit near the school, about 200 metres (yards) away," a Nihm local official told AFP, requesting not to be named. "The deputy principal of the school was moving around to call students for attending morning queue but he faced his fate," resident Mohammed Ali told AFP. A medical source at Kuwait Hospital in Sanaa confirmed the casualty toll, saying two children were among the dead. A government military official had told AFP earlier that the school was hit by two missiles by mistake, accusing the Shiite Huthi rebels of keeping armoured vehicles nearby. The rebels' saba.ye news website said eight people had been killed and 15 wounded, adding that the air strike hit the vicinity of the school. Human rights groups have repeatedly criticised the coalition over the civilian death toll from the bombing campaign it launched in March 2015. In August, an air strike on a Koranic school in Saada province, a rebel stronghold in the far north, killed 10 children and wounded 28 other people, prompting a UN call for a swift investigation. But a probe commissioned by the coalition found the closest targets hit by warplanes were 10 kilometres (six miles) away from the school. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called on Washington, London and Paris to stop their deliveries of bombs and other weapons to Riyadh because of concerns over civilian casualties. More than 7,000 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition launched its intervention, many of them civilians killed in its air strikes. Washington has scaled back its logistics and intelligence support for the coalition's air war because of concerns about its targeting. County Animal Services removed nearly four dozen dogs from a Jamul home after a series of complaints about the number of dogs on the property. When animal control officials investigated complaints, they found 53 dogs at the home in east Jamul - including two litters of puppies. Current County regulations only allow for six adult dogs on a property in an unincorporated area, unless the property is zoned otherwise or has a special permit. In this case, County regulations applied. The dogs were healthy and cared for, animal control officers said, and the property owner cooperated and was grateful for the help. The owner said several of her dogs had puppies and she could not find homes for them. This was a case where the owner let the animal situation get away from her, said County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson in a statement. She had dogs that werent spayed and neutered. Within a short time, they bred and the population ballooned to more than 50 dogs. When animal control officers met with the homeowner on Jan. 4, she relinquished ten dogs - all border collie blends aged five months to one year old. When officers returned several days later, they took 12 more dogs, two litters of puppies and their mothers. One litter of five Chihuahua blend puppies was just two weeks old. A second litter of five Shih Tzu puppies was only four weeks old. Saturday, the owner relinquished 25 more dogs: all adults that included border collies, border collie blends, toy and miniature poodles, and more. The homeowner kept six dogs. All animals were taken to the County's facility in Bonita and checked by a veterinarian. Some were transfered to local rescue groups and some were made available for adoption. The San Diego Humane Society took in nine dogs. Additionally, the homeowner had five goats, two horses and several pigs on her land. Animal Services put her in touch with a rescue group that may be able to take in some of those animals. Some of the dogs are still available for adoption. Visit the County of San Diego's website to look for available animals. A San Diego judge sentencing a man convicted of violently sexually assaulting a woman on a La Jolla sidewalk had a strong message for the 25-year-old man. Marco Antonio Villasenor, of Oxnard, Calif., was convicted of following a woman down a La Jolla street, throwing her to the ground and sexually assaulting her. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. When handing out the sentence, Judge Louis Hanoian said the 25-year-old demonstrated "a total lack of awareness" of what he had done. "The idea that you're sorry is absurd. There is no, there is no remorse," said Hanoian. Villasenor's attorney said his client maintains his innocence and maintains the jury reached an incorrect verdict. Judge Hanoian said he had been thinking about the case in recent days before the sentencing, especially in light of his 24 years on the bench. "In the 24 years I have been on the bench, I have never heard a more preposterous story come from the witness stand in my career," said Judge Louis Hanoian. "The idea, the thought, that Jane Doe welcomed the advances out in La Jolla on that particular day were preposterous, they were absurd." The victim also spoke during the sentencing, detailing the effects of that traumatic night and the trail on her. "The fact that he has no remorse, as he clearly demonstrated during testimony, where he lied under oath, shows that he is not sorry and that he does not think that what he did was wrong," the victim said during her impact statement. Villasenor was ordered to register for life as a sex offender. He was initially charged with suspicion of assault with intent to commit rape, felony sexual battery and forced penetration with a foreign object. San Diego police said last March, the 25-year-old victim was walking to her car parked along the 7700 block of Exchange Place in La Jolla just after 9 p.m. Suddenly, a man walking behind her ran toward her, grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground, police said. The man started sexually assaulting her, police said, but she managed to fight him off, screamed for help and called 911. The suspect, who ran away, was found by officers a short time later walking in the 7700 block of Fay Avenue. Police said the woman identified the man, Villasenor, as her assailant. San Diegans across the County are planning the make the trip to Washington, D.C. to witness history as President-elect Donald J. Trump is inaugurated. I think the energy is going to be amazing, said Mayra Estrada. Estrada works as a program specialist at UC San Diego. As a first generation Mexican-American, immigration is an important issue for her. She first planned the trip to D.C. for inauguration in September with her sister. Yet, when Clinton lost the presidential race in November, the two decided they should still go. It's important to be there to be the voice, Estrada said. It's important for us to just be present. A group of high school students at La Jolla Country Day School are preparing to make the trip as well. I'm so excited. I can't wait, said senior Landon Nutt. He and 77 others will go to inauguration and the inaugural ball. The students will meet with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For Nutt and his classmates, this is an opportunity to get broader sense of American politics. San Diego is a bubble," said senior Remy Reya. "La Jolla Country Day is a bubble and one of the greatest things about this opportunity is see the broader political spectrum." Unlike Nutt, Reya does not identify as a Republican. Still, hes using this trip as an opportunity to take in opposing views and build. We're all people. We're all Americans, he said. [We should] be able to see past those political lines that divide us and really understand each other for the people we are and not let ideology or political views tear us apart. Reya said hes hopeful about the direction the country is headed in. I do have hope for the next four years, for the next eight years, for the rest of my life," he said. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is asking for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to allow them to charge customers more to cover costs of the 2007 wildfires. SDG&E wants to charge $1.70 more every month for the next six years to recover $379 million in costs from the wildfires. A public meeting was held in Escondido on Monday evening. Hundreds of people gathered at the conference center to share their thoughts on the proposed rate hike. Some argued that customers should not have to pay for the damage caused by the wildfires adding that it should be the SDG&E's responsibility. "They want to spit in our face and have us be charged for the bill that they paid, plus all the people not even involved in the fire," said Janice Shaffer. Shaffer was among the group of people at the meeting who had lost their home in the fires. "To me its unconscionable, and as a stockholder, SDG&E needs to pay," another fire victim told NBC 7. "The rate hike should not be given to those who are victimized." CalFire determined that SDG&E lines caused the fires but the company argued that they were not at fault. "We understand the impact of this fire and we are truly sorry," said Dave Gier, Vice President of Electric Transmission with SDG&E. He added: "We believe the damage caused by those fires were out of our control." According to SDG&E spokesman Hanan Eisenman, in the Witch Fire, wind caused two lines to touch and in the Guejito, it caused a cable bundle to break. During the Rice Fire, a broken tree branch blew off and hit power lines. "The fires were caused by the unprecedented Santa Ana winds we had that day," Eisenman said. He added that the winds were a common denominator for all the fires. A CPUC hearing will be held on Jan. 23. For anyone unable to attend Monday night's meeting, you can email your comments to the CPUC at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or go to their website for more information. A San Diego State University student who initially reported being pushed and verbally assaulted by two men in a parking garage has decided not to pursue charges, SDSU Police said Tuesday. A Muslim student wearing a hijab told police she was confronted by two men in a stairwell in the Parking Lot #12 structure on November 10. She told investigators the men, described as in their early 20s, made comments about President-elect Donald Trump and the Muslim community and then took her purse and backpack. SDSU Police confirmed the report and launched an investigation into what they described as a hate crime. Eight weeks later, the student was not willing to testify and decided she no longer wanted to pursue the matter criminally, according to police. In the initial report, police said the men took the womans car keys and ran off. The student's vehicle was missing from the parking garage. The student's report of a stolen vehicle was unfounded since the student forgot where she had parked, SDSU Police Lt. Greg Noll said. "The remaining portion of the investigation included looking at all surveillance video, re-contacting the victim on several occasions and attempting to verify statements related to the entire case," Noll said. Although the woman has indicated she was attacked, police have suspended the case because the victim no longer wants to cooperate, Noll said. San Diegans looking for a new getaway this summer are in luck! Southwest Airlines has announced it will add nonstop service from San Diego to five new destinations in just a few months. Starting June 4, locals will be able to fly to Boise, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah year-round from San Diego International Airport. The flights will be once a day. The airline will also add seasonal nonstop flights to three new destinations: Newark, Spokane and Indianapolis. The new service to those three locations will be offered through the end of the airline's current summer schedule, which runs through Aug. 14. Details are available on the Southwest website. At the moment, Alaska Airlines is the only airline flying nonstop to Boise. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines fly direct to Newark, a popular hub for New York City travelers. Delta Airlines and Alaska are the only two airlines that fly nonstop to Salt Lake City right now. Zachary Mensen, of Southwest Airline's Business Performance & Planning department said the new service additions are part of the airline's ongoing mission to be the hometown carrier for San Diego travelers "to every place that San Diegans want to fly." "That means offering more nonstop service than anyone else to the places San Diegans want to go. As the largest domestic carrier, and the biggest airline in the West, the list of nonstop destinations is already long. Our additions to the summer schedule help us to cross off more destinations on the wish list and put them onto Southwest.com as options for travelers," Mensen said. Currently, Southwest Airlines says it carries more than 3,100 passengers daily, each way, traveling to and from San Diego International Airport within California. With the airline's summer schedule, Southwest will offer San Diego travelers nonstop service to 30 destinations. Travelers looking to nab a sweet deal to these new cities from San Diego should hurry - the airline is offering a promotion with fares as low as $89 to Boise and fares as low as $59 to Salt Lake City, so long as travelers purchase them before midnight on Jan. 26. Travel under that deal will be valid June 4 through Aug. 14. A former aide to Baltimore's mayor has been charged with making illegal contributions to the mayor's campaign, prompting officials on Monday to cancel his planned swearing-in ceremony for a vacant seat in the Maryland House of Delegates. Gary Brown Jr., a Democrat who was a legislative aide to new Mayor Catherine Pugh when she was still a state senator, has been charged with six counts of election law violations, State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt announced. Brown had recently been nominated to the House vacancy. Prosecutors allege that Brown, who worked on Pugh's campaign, deposited $18,000 in cash between Jan. 13, 2016 and April 9, 2016 into accounts of his mother, stepfather and brother last year and then contributed it in their names to Pugh's campaign. The maximum allowed by an individual is $6,000. "Election laws are in place to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and foster transparency in the regulation of campaign contributions," Davitt said in a statement. "Illegal straw contributions in names other than one's own to evade such laws cannot be tolerated." Brown, who was indicted Friday by the Baltimore City grand jury, told The Baltimore Sun he hadn't yet seen the charges and declined to comment. Online court records didn't list an attorney for him. "I am saddened by the allegations, and just learned about the charges along with the public," Pugh, a Democrat who began a four-year term last month, said in a statement. "Still, Mr. Brown is presumed innocent while the investigations continue. It would be inappropriate to provide any further comments." Brown had been scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday to Baltimore's 40th District seat, which opened up when former Del. Barbara Robinson was appointed to fill Pugh's state Senate seat. Brown was nominated by the 40th District's delegation to the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee, and Republican Gov. Larry Hogan forwarded the nomination to House Speaker Michael Busch's office. Hogan has since rescinded the appointment, his spokesman Doug Mayer said. Alexandra Hughes, the speaker's chief of staff, announced the cancellation of the ceremony shortly after the indictment was announced Monday. Coming days before the start of Maryland's 90-day legislative session, the indictment is the latest legal and ethical concern in the House of Delegates to become public. Last week, federal prosecutors announced that two elected officials, one now out of office, are targets of a public corruption probe and expected to be charged in a bribery scheme that already has resulted in charges against two Prince George's County liquor board officials and two business owners. The two officials were unnamed. Prosecutors allege that bribes involved passage of a "Sunday Sales Bill," which established up to 100 Sunday liquor sales permits in the county. Separately, a legislative ethics panel has been reviewing a lawmaker who helped design the state's medical marijuana law and who was listed as a consultant for a company in line to be licensed to grow and process the drug. Del. Dan Morhaim, a Democrat, has said he followed ethics rules and regulations and that he was cooperating with the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics. On Monday, the speaker announced that he was reassigning Morhaim, an emergency room physician, from the House Health and Government Operations Committee to the House Judiciary Committee. Morhaim had served on the health panel since 2003. The man shot and killed on Sunday in Temple Hills, Maryland, has been identified, police said. The victim is Jermaine Roach, 25, of Kenton Place in Temple Hills. About 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Prince George's County police responded to a shooting in the area of Hill Park Dr. and Dunlap St. Officers found Roach with gunshot wounds outside. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case. Anyone with information should call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text PGPD, plus your message, to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online. Metro asked a court to dismiss legal claims against it for a deadly smoke incident at L'Enfant Plaza in 2015, arguing that it has immunity from the lawsuits -- and putting the blame on D.C. first-responders. In a filing in federal court Monday, Metro denied all liability, arguing it is a government-created agency that can't be sued and adding that the D.C. Fire and EMS (FEMS) department is responsible for rescuing or evacuating passengers on its trains. And Metro filed a cross-claim against the District of Columbia, saying firefighters and paramedics ignored critical information coming from WMATA. It claims D.C. Fire sent an inexperienced battalion commander to the scene, who failed to manage the response. "The D.C. FEMS Incident Commander failed to learn the critical fact that passengers on Train 302 were inside the tunnel and that the tunnel and train were filling with smoke. The Metro Transit Police Deputy Chief tried to communicate this critical piece of information to the Incident Commander several times, and each time the Incident Commander rolled up his vehicle window and drove off," Metro's claim reads. It also claims that D.C. Fire didn't give Metro quick access to an above-ground communications facility that Metro believed was key to fixing emergency radios in the tunnel. "As a result of DC Fire and Emergency Services' utter disregard for its duties in responding to such emergencies, Metrorail passengers experienced injuries that were more severe than they otherwise would have been, and the event ended in tragedy," reads Metro's claim against D.C. government. When asked about the claims, Metro said it would not comment on pending lawsuits. D.C. FEMS has not yet responded to the suit. "I cannot respond to their legal claims," D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Tuesday afternoon. "There will be an opportunity for us to respond to their legal claims, and well do it in the legal process. What I will tell riders is that their fire department is ready to respond." Bowser commended first-responders for running into harms way to save people that day two years ago. But for their actions, we dont even know what the severity of that incident could have been, she said. Bowser said she called a news conference Tuesday because "I wanted to be perfectly clear that the D.C. Fire and emergency system is ready and able to respond." "We have our opinion," said Fire Chief Gregory Dean, who was not chief at the time of the incident. "We think that we have a great fire department, we think our people are well trained, ready to go and we will continue to improve on that." But that's exactly what Metro says did not happen on that deadly day at L'Enfant Plaza. On the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2015, smoke filled a tunnel just beyond the L'Enfant Plaza Metrorail station. A Yellow Line train encountered the smoke and stopped in the tunnel. The train filled with smoke; Carol Glover, a 61-year-old commuter from Virginia, died in the smoke-filled train. Passengers said they were ordered to stay on the train. Some took their lives in their hands and evacuated on their own. The smoke was eventually traced to an electrical malfunction that sent thick, black smoke into the tunnel. An investigation found Glover died of acute respiratory failure due to smoke exposure. The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a list of 43 findings that it says led to the the deadly L'Enfant Plaza incident including improperly secured and covered power cables, water problems, poor training and lack of procedures and proper maintenance. The deadly incident was part of the reason that the federal government took oversight of Metro safety in the fall. It also led to more than 80 lawsuits against Metro on behalf of passengers who lived through the ordeal. Those passengers have said they struggle with complications from smoke inhalation and from the trauma of the day. A 20-year-old father has been charged with child abuse after he shook his 5-month-old son and the infant later died, prosecutors say. Roger Lee Miller Jr., of Silver Spring, Maryland, was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of child abuse in connection to the death of Darrell Lee Barnes, Montgomery County police said Tuesday. County prosecutors believe Miller shook the baby. Police say Miller called 911 about 8:10 a.m. Oct. 28 and said his son was struggling to breathe, bleeding from the nose and vomiting. First responders arrived at the infant's mothers home on the 1500 block of Heather Hollow Circle in Silver Spring and transported him to Holy Cross Hospital. There, doctors determined Darrell had suffered trauma to the head. The infant was transferred to Childrens National Medical Center in D.C., and Montgomery County police were contacted. Two days later, little Darrell died. Medical personnel determined his injuries "were not sustained accidentally," police said. Autopsy results are pending. Miller was charged with first-degree child abuse resulting in severe physical injury and first-degree child abuse resulting in death. Miller's lawyer said his client denies he caused the baby's injuries. The lawyer said Miller had no criminal record as an adult. As a juvenile, he was charged with a sex offense. Miller's mother appeared in court Tuesday to support her son. "There's plenty of good about him. That's all you need to know," she said. The baby's mother told police her child was healthy and alert when she left him about 6:20 a.m. Oct. 28. Miller was the only person with the baby when he was hurt, police said. Prosecutors said that at one point Miller tried to blame the child's mother on his death. Authorities ruled out the notion that she had been involved. Montgomery County State's Attorney spokesman Ramon Korionoff pleaded with parents and caregivers to never shake a baby. "A five-month-old child -- whether they're crying or despondent or having problems with their digestion or with their sleep patterns -- shaking them to the point of nose bleeding and severe trauma is not appropriate behavior," he said. Miller was held without bond. If convicted, he faces as long as 65 years in prison. He is due in court in early February. Betsinefe (Madagascar) (AFP) - The dusty figure is lowered slowly into the ground like a bucket into a well, armed with just a crowbar, a shovel and an old, unreliable headlamp. In the surrounding countryside, bodies rise and sink from hundreds of holes just wide enough for a man. Children run between the rubble and the smell of cooking wafts from the makeshift shelters where women crouch over pots. Guards armed with hunting rifles stand by, turning the settlement of Betsinefe into a threatening scene. In the world of Madagascan sapphire mining, there are few rules. Sapphires were first discovered in Madagascar in the late 1990s, and already the Indian Ocean island is one of the world's largest producers of the precious stones. Its 250-kilometre-long (155-mile) deposit is among the biggest in the world and has sparked a sapphire rush. Activity at this informal, though not entirely illegal, mine in the southwest of the country was suspended recently by authorities after scuffles broke out between villagers and would-be miners flocking in from the rest of the island. Andry Razafindrakoto, a 19-year-old student from the nearest big town of Tulear, was one of the many hoping to make their fortune. "I came here to mine sapphires because it's difficult to find work in other areas," he told AFP. When he sold his haul of stones for some four million ariary ($1,200), he bought his own equipment and today manages a small team of nine miners. - 'Sometimes we find nothing' - But success stories are rare. Like most of his fellow miners, Albert Soja does not earn wages for his countless, gruelling trips underground. To make money, he must find and sell stones. "Of course it's scary, but when you want to succeed, you have to take risks," he said, a woollen beanie pulled tightly on his head despite the suffocating heat. "Just digging the hole itself takes time, almost two weeks." "Sometimes we find nothing... it can take months to find something interesting." Story continues Without sapphires to sell, he depends on the mine "bosses" -- gem shop owners, usually of Sri Lankan origin, in the neighbouring town of Sakaraha -- for a few handfuls of rice or manioc to survive. "The bosses pay for our food and materials, which helps us hold out. Without their help, we would starve," said Soja. "After that, we're obliged to sell them the stones we find." - Lucrative trade - Sitting behind his desk in his gem shop in Sakaraha, Sunil W.J. -- as he calls himself -- examined his latest buy of blue and pink and light yellow sapphires under a lamp. His two "bodyguards" toured the surrounding mines to collect the stones and pay for miners' food. The best finds are sent to Sri Lanka, to be polished, cut and sold, Sunil explained. Theoretically, the extraction of sapphires is regulated by Madagascar's mining code, which insists on permits and the redistribution of a share of the taxes to benefit local municipalities. In practice, the industry is largely unregulated, but it is a lucrative trade, said Sunil. A stone that fetches $300 in Sri Lanka costs him less than a tenth of the price to buy from a miner in Madagascar. On the question of taxes, Sunil was less certain of his figures, but said he paid a 10 percent export tax to authorities in the capital Antananarivo. "These small sapphire mines are beyond the control of the state, so there are no official statistics," Mines Minister Ying Vah Zafilahy told AFP, vowing industry reform to bring them under formal regulation. A local elected official in Sakaraha, who asked to remain anonymous, said the municipality was not receiving any taxes or income from the many mining operations underway. "Some days are better than others, but this business has a future," said Sunil, laughing. "Flip or Flop's" Tarek El Moussa has filed for divorce from wife Christina. The HGTV couple have officially taken the necessary steps to legally separate, according to People magazine, which first broke the news. Their decision to move forward with the split comes nearly a month after the pair, who are parents to 6-year-old daughter Taylor and 1-year-old son Brayden, announced they were separating after seven years of marriage. Possible trouble in paradise first came to light earlier last year when police visited the El Moussa family's Orange County, Southern California, home in May following a "call of a possibly suicidal male with a gun." Tarek allegedly ran from the house with a gun, only dropping the firearm after a helicopter spotted him and police commanded him to do so. Tarek told police he did not intend to harm himself--he just wanted to "blow off some steam." According to the El Moussas, the incident was a "misunderstanding," as Tarek merely went "on a hike and took a gun for protection from mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and rattlesnakes." HGTV Flip or Flop Stars Announce Separation Christina is said to be dating family contractor Gary Anderson. According to reports, Gary was the one who told police in May that he'd witnessed Tarek flee the family home with a weapon. In a statement, the exes confirmed they "dated other people following the separation," but said neither was "ready to announce anything in terms of another relationship." The former couple previously stated that they would continue to work together post-split for the show, however, E! News learned new episodes of "Flip or Flop" will only be filmed in 2017 to fulfill contractual obligations. Said a source, "The show will end after that." In a previous statement, HGTV told E! News, "We admire and appreciate Tarek and Christina's great work on 'Flip or Flop.' When it comes to matters related to their own family, we respect their privacy and honor any decision that works best for them and their children. HGTV is currently airing episodes of 'Flip or Flop' and the series will continue production as scheduled." Regardless of what happens with their personal relationship, the home-improvement gurus have made it a point to declare that their focus will always be on the children. The exes previously told E! News in a statement, "During the [separation] 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." A woman has been found shot to death inside a Brockton, Massachusetts, apartment and her boyfriend was found dead of an apparent suicide. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office says 30-year-old Eugenia Gomes Monteiro was found Monday evening suffering from gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say they were searching for Monteiro's boyfriend, 38-year-old Matias Andrade as a person of interest. The district attorney's office says Andrade was found dead in a wooded area off Interstate 93 in Braintree around midnight. The investigation is ongoing. Boston police say their information about a child left alone on a school bus was incorrect. Police are now saying they responded to a 911 call from a person telling them a child was abandoned in a car. In fact, the person left the child in the car while they went into the post office. They returned to the car and drove away with the child. Boston police earlier said say they were responding to a report that a child was left alone on a school bus Tuesday morning. Police responded to the intersection of Washington Street and Malcolm X Boulevard in the city's Roxbury neighborhood. The age of the child was never released. A Willington man is accused of driving drunk and causing an accident when his vehicle crossed over the center line and struck a police cruiser, state police said. According to police, Edward Lukas, 60, was driving on Route 32 near Ademec Road in Willington Sunday afternoon when he crossed the center line and hit a police cruiser traveling the opposite directions. The occupants of the other car suffered minor injuries. Police said Lukas admitted to drinking alcohol before the accident and had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. He failed field sobriety tests and was arrested. Lukas was charged with operating under the influence, traveling unreasonably fast for conditions, failure to drive in proper lane, and failure to carry registration/insurance identification. He was issued a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Monday. A former high school IT head in Brandon, Vermont, has been charged with stealing computers to settle a drug debt. The Rutland Herald reports 34-year-old Matthew Fredette, of Rutland, pleaded not guilty on Monday to grand larceny. Fredette has been released on conditions including that he keep out of Otter Valley Union High School and continue drug treatment. School staff told police Fredette had been asked to distribute eight new computers on Oct. 11. Fredette went on medical leave three days later. Seventeen other computers were also later discovered missing. Police say Fredette acknowledged he gave the computers away to settle a drug debt, but would try to get them back. They say none were returned. The district says Fredette is no longer with the school. Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry returned Monday to Massachusetts, where he served 28 years as a U.S. senator. Kerry tells NBC Boston he would have loved to have stayed at his post. "It's a great job. I could certainly keep going for a while," he said. "But I'm excited by what we've been able to achieve." Kerry would like his legacy to include the Paris climate agreement, lifting of sanctions on Cuba, and perhaps most notably, the Iran nuclear deal. All that could be a thing of the past if President-elect Donald Trump does what he has said he will do. But Kerry isn't giving up on those parts of his legacy just yet. "There's a great difference between campaigning and governing, we have discovered," Kerry said. "We've already seen many things on which the president-elect has already changed, so let's wait and see how the administration governs. I'm not going to prejudge, I'm not going to get into hypotheticals." Climate change has been a signature issue for Kerry for decades on election day, Kerry was on his way to Antarctica to witness the impact it's had on the frozen continent. "I learned first-hand from the scientists there how fragile everything is and the accelerated pace of change which they are trying to quantify and define," Kerry said. "It's very, very alarming. I mean, ice that is, in some places, three miles deep, but which is unstable today." He also gave a peak into his post-inauguration plans. Police say the man was taking part in a bicycle race in Chrlestown, Rhode Island, when he crashed into a parked pickup truck. "I'm going to be, you know, a citizen. Citizen Kerry," he said. "I'm going to engage in the private sector activities, but I'm also going to engage in a continuation of my life and my life's work on conflict and peace resolution of conflicts in various places around the world, as well as focused on oceans and climate change." While Kerry says he has no plans to run for office again, he adds that he hasn't ruled anything out. He also confirmed that he briefly thought about a 2016 presidential run. "Very fleetingly, I thought about it when I saw the problems of what was happening in the campaign," he said. "But it was late, and too late, and I never really thought about it in any meticulously serious way." Kerry has carefully avoided criticism of Trump, citing diplomatic appropriateness. Police in Boston are searching for three men who they say robbed a gas station in Roslindale on Monday night. The robbery happened at about 8:20 p.m. at the Alfa Auto Fuel on Washington Street. Police said one of the three robbers was armed with a gun. One officer who responded to the scene tried running after the men and fired one shot during the chase. Police said no one was shot or hurt during the incident but the robbers are still on the run. Anyone with information is urged to call Boston Police. A Vermont lawmaker says the House Judiciary Committee is likely to consider the further decriminalization of marijuana - or even its legalization - in the current session. Democratic Rep. Maxine Grad, the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, says the decriminalization of marijuana has been working well in Vermont. Grad, of Moretown, tells the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus she's uncomfortable with current law that makes possessing one type of marijuana a civil violation while possession of another type remains a criminal offense. Last year, the Senate passed legislation that would have created a legal, regulated marijuana market in Vermont, but the measure was easily defeated in the House. New Republican Gov. Phil Scott has said he is in no hurry to legalize marijuana. Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police are investigating the death of a woman found shot on Monday as a homicide, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office. Authorities said police received a 911 call from a family member at about 6 p.m. to report that the woman had been found shot at 16 Lexington Street. When officers arrived to the apartment, the victim was found suffering from gunshot wounds. The woman, identified as Eugenia Gomes Monteiro, 30, of Brockton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police had been searching for a white Honda Civic driven by the victims boyfriend, Matias Andrade, 39, of Brockton. By 8 p.m., authorities had located the car but had not located Andrade. State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office, Brockton Police and Boston Police are all investigating the incident. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Brockton Detectives at 508-941-0234 or State Police at 508-923-4014. Maine's Sen. Susan Collins is facing a backlash from constituents after introducing Jeff Sessions at his attorney general confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. Her support for Sessions has angered some supporters, who held protests outside her offices in Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta and Biddeford. "I hope Sen. Collins understands that Maine people are not going to stand for this," said Diane Russell, who organized the statewide protest. Groups in each location rallied outside Collins' office, delivered a signed letter and waited in line to express their opposition to her staff. "I think history is knocking on her door," said Tony McCann in Portland. "I hope she answers it." The protesters said Collins may be ruining her reputation as a moderate Republican, and they worry that as attorney general, Sessions would threaten civil liberties. "I have never witnessed anything to suggest that Senator Sessions is anything other than a dedicated public servant and a decent man," Collins said in Session's confirmation hearing. "I have every confidence that Jeff Sessions will execute the office of Attorney General honestly, faithfully, and fully in the pursuit of justice." Sessions, a longtime lawmaker from Alabama, faced intense scrutiny over his past record on civil rights, immigration and community policing. According to protest organizers, there were 100 people at the Portland rally, and about 20-30 people at the other four locations Tuesday. Tributes paid to South Norfolk priest of 30 years Tributes paid to South Norfolk priest of 30 years Tributes have been paid to South Norfolk priest and community stalwart Rev Ben Sasada, who has died aged 83. Last year, I flew to Calgary, Canada, to host an executive roundtable on behalf of Intel and two partner organizations. I got off the plane, pulled out my phone and opened my Uber app. It has become my standard travel routine. Except this time, there were no Uber cars to be hadbylaw changes in 2015 forced the transportation company to cease operations. The fees imposed were too much, the company said. One of the sponsoring vendor executives opened the meeting by asking, Whats up with Calgary? Do you guys want to stay stuck in the past? + Also on Network World: How to be a CTO in the age of digital disruption (and live to tell about it) + The Calgary city council has since approved new bylaws that make the citys licensing fee structure more favourable for the company, CBC News reported. And Uber is operating again in the city. Calgary is not alone in pushing back against companies that disrupt the norm. All over the world, cities are struggling to cope with the impact that technology companies are having on local business, regulatory compliance and tax revenue. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo issued a battle cry after the unannounced launch of Amazon Primes same-day service within the city limits. The city of Anaheim, California, placed a moratorium on short-term rentals in an effort to protect their lucrative hotel industry from the encroachment of Airbnb. Chicago has imposed a 9 percent amusement tax on Netflix and other streaming servicesa move other cities across the country are now considering. Until now, the story of digital disruption has been about new, fast-moving, technology-fueled start-ups dispensing with old, staid, afraid-to-change industry stalwarts. It made for a dramatic storyline, but it was like watching a National Geographic special where the fast cheetah catches the old, tired and slow-moving zebra: thrilling, but not too surprising. The fights breaking out between cities and tech companies, however, portends a darker, more complex story of digital disruptionand this story is just beginning. The real face of digital disruption While Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Amazon and their many tech industry brethren may be disrupting industrial age industries, they are also having a broader impact as they transform the fundamental mechanisms by which society operates. Oversight regulations, taxation and community development efforts have worked because there were physical and legal structures that bound a city to the organizations operating within it. You couldnt sustain meaningful operations somewhere without having physical roots there as well. That meant the city could regulate and tax you with relative ease. The advent of digital technologies is now fundamentally changing that paradigm. Airbnb operates over 16,000 rooms in New York, but without any physical presence. Companies such as Uber and Netflix can serve massive segments of a local population using only their technology platforms. It represents a fundamental disruption of the societal normand its leaving cities without an obvious way to adapt and compensate for their loss of control and revenue. So, in city after city, they have chosen instead to fight. But they will soon find themselves on the wrong side of history. Real disruption: Coming soon to a location near you Cities are the first to experience the true dissociative nature of digital disruption. It is not just about upending industries. Disruptionand the larger digital transformation storyis about the decoupling of the physical, legal and structural connections that have bound society together. In the digital era, those connections can form, flow and change freelyoften with little or no transactional cost. The result is a world that looks and operates very differently than what we knowand most important, a world in which the old rules, operating paradigms and management models will no longer apply. Our cities are the first to experience it as they grapple to understand how to regulate, tax and control technology platforms that are not bound to their municipalities in almost any way. The changes were experiencing are significant. However, they are merely the opening salvo in what will be a tumultuous time of transformation affecting nearly every aspect of how we live and work. The disrupted future Advanced technology platforms, primarily powered by various forms of artificial intelligence and machine learning, are accelerating this decoupling. The rise of autonomous vehicles threatens numerous industries, but it also will alter some fundamental ways in which society works. In a world in which individuals do not own cars and in which they never actually park anywhere, the landscape of our cities and suburban neighborhoodsfiguratively and literallywill change. Gas taxes, earmarked (at least theoretically) for road development and improvement will evaporate with the dominance of electric vehicles. As commuting becomes more comfortable and less congested and automated delivery brings anything to our doors, how will it affect lifestyle choices and the resulting home and commercial real estate values? And how will that affect things such as education and other public services that rely on the associated tax dollars? The widespread ramifications of the dissociative nature of digital disruption will transform our way of life from a neat and orderly societal arrangement to one that is highly fluid and almost entirely disconnected from the local community. Advanced technologies will repeat this effect across every industry and in almost every facet of societyand it will happen faster than any of us can imagine. Our choice to make Government institutions, companies and each of us individually have a simple choice to make: Will we embrace this future and endeavor to find our path forward or will we fight it? In Calgary, only Councilman Evan Wooley voted against the new strict bylaws aimed at Uber and other ride-sharing services, saying that they had missed an opportunity to help the city evolve for the future. In far too many of our corporate, government and educational institutions, its the same story: People choose to fight this future rather than embrace it. In the late 1980s, I got a sneak peek at what would become the internet. I failed to understand its significance and, therefore, failed to act upon my early knowledge of the future. In later years, I often wistfully wondered what my fate might have held had I seized upon the running head start that was mine for the taking. The truth is none of us knows exactly how this is all going to play out. But I do know this: This is another chance at a head startand its no time to fight the future. A couple of years ago I wrote about an innovative company called EdgeConneX that was focused on improving the internet experience by extending the internets edge into new markets. While there are many content delivery networks and internet optimization companies focused on this task, EdgeConneXs approach has been to push the actual edge of the internet into new markets. All major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, are internet edge locations. EdgeConneX has expanded the edge to next tier cities such as Miami, Seattle and San Diego. Its customers are the content providers, media companies and fiber providers that deliver services to consumers and businesses. The vendors that leverage EdgeConneX are able to offer high-quality and faster services at a lower cost compared with backhauling traffic to the next closest point. + Also on Network World: Expanding the internet edge is critical to supporting digital transformation + Recently the company announced it was taking the concept of Edge Data Centers to the sea with the creation of next-generation Edge Landing Stations (ELS), which is a combination of an Edge Data Center connected to a subsea cable station and dark fiber. The EdgeConneX ELS enables cloud providers and media companies to implement faster and more reliable network architectures in new locations with efficient backhaul interconnections. The ELS locations facilitate deployments of new landing sites away from traditional, established locations. These new sites can be strategically located to existing fiber to increase route diversity and increase uptime with failover schemes across critical routes. Why the move to Edge Landing Stations The move to ELS is happening because a fundamental change in infrastructure drivers is underway. In the past, telecom companies funded and built the subsea cables and have done this for decades. They built the internet highways by land or by sea and sold the fiber to other providers that offered lit services to hundreds of companies. Now, telecos have been somewhat replaced by the internet companies, as they have the largest need to push traffic all over the globe. When this shift happened, it changed the focus of networks from fiber to paths to content routing. As Facebook and others became the funding parties, they brought with them a thought that an edge could be more efficiently placed to capture the data at the nearest point off the cable and route traffic from there. EdgeConneX partners with Electric Lightwave The first ELS partner is Electric Lightwave, an enterprise-class networking and communications fiber provider. It will use the ELS to terminate its domestic subsea cable directly into the San Diego Edge Data Center. The ELS will use Electric Lightwaves fiber network to directly connect to the transpacific subsea cables. The EdgeConneX ELS will provide a direct gateway between the Pacific subsea system and the terrestrial network, enabling a direct but highly diverse set of network routes on the West Coast. The ELS offers business customers carrier-neutral, enterprise-class colocation services with a wide range of connectivity options in the San Diego Data Center, including Cox, MegaPort and a variety of content providers. The partnership with EdgeConneX enables Electric Lightwave to consolidate its network access presence in the San Diego area while obviating the need for traditional backhaul connections. Businesses can leverage the ELS to collocate and interconnect into their providers with the most direct route along the West Coast that requires connectivity into and out of San Diego. Electric Lightwave currently has quite the expansive network of direct connections. The partnership with EdgeConneX now gives its customers access to five major submarine cables, including the China-U.S., Asia-American Gateway, Japan-U.S. South, Southern Cross and TPC-5 Cable Networks. The mission of EdgeConneX has been to expand the edge of the internet, and it has done a good job of building Edge Data Centers in next-tier cities. The Edge Landing Stations extend the companys vision to subsea connections, which pushes the internet edge across the Pacific right now and in the future to other oceans. If you can't find Intel's Joule developer boards in your country, it's because shipments have been held up. Intel's Joule 570x and 550x are powerful computer boards that can be built as a PC, or be used to build robots, drones, or smart devices. But Intel is now seeking government certification so the boards can be cleared for shipment in those countries. Joule shipments have currently been blocked in a number of countries, including Taiwan, Japan, and Israel, all of which have active technology markets where hobbyists design hardware. Users that have ordered Joule boards from retailers abroad can't receive shipments in the blocked countries. China is not listed on the page describing the blocked shipments, and Intel can ship and sell the device in Hong Kong. Intel is currently going through the certification process in blocked countries, which may take some time. The Joule boards are on sale in countries like U.S. and Canada, where the certification process was quick. Device makers have to get certifications from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and other regulatory agencies before putting hardware on sale. Some of the certifications depend on the communications technologies and materials used to make the board. Intel couldn't provide a specific date on when Joule shipments will start in other countries. However, as the boards are certified in countries, shipments will start. Intel will keep its website updated to signify where the Joule boards are available, a company spokesman said. Joule is similar to the Raspberry Pi 3 and targeted at hobbyists and device makers, but it is more powerful. It also has features not found on Raspberry Pi 3 like 4K video and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The boards are based on Atom x86 processors. The first Joule to go on sale was the 570x, back in August. It is priced at US $219 on Mouser. Recently, the 550x went on sale for $179. The boards can also be bought with development kits, but that costs more. VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GQC) (M1W.F) (M1W.F) ("GoldQuest" or the "Company") is pleased to report a polymetallic discovery named Cachimbo from the latest 4 hole batch of drill results of its ongoing minimum 40 hole, 10,000 metre 2016/17 drill program on its 100% owned Tireo concessions in the Dominican Republic. The Company made this discovery on the third target of the twenty targets being tested in this campaign. Drillhole number TIR-16-09, intersected a new Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) zone which returned high grades of precious and base metals -- notably gold and zinc -- on three horizons (see Table 1 below). This new discovery is located 20.5 kilometres south of GoldQuest's multi-million ounce Romero gold/copper project (see Tables 3 and 4 below). "This discovery once again validates our rigorous exploration approach in the previously unexplored large Tireo Belt land package," commented Bill Fisher, GoldQuest's Executive Chairman. "The discovery of high grade zinc is especially fortuitous since zinc prices have risen 75% during the last year. With this discovery on merely the 3rd target of 20 such targets, we are optimistic as to the potential of the district, as VMS mineralization often occurs in clusters. Along with the Romero project in full permitting mode, GoldQuest is well-funded and positioned to be one of the most active mineral exploration and development companies of 2017 as we explore the emerging Tireo Belt which has the potential to become a mining district." About the Cachimbo Discovery The Cachimbo discovery is confirmed as VMS mineralization. VMS orebodies host some of the largest and richest mines in the world including Kidd Creek in Canada and Rio Tinto in Spain. The high level of precious metals intersected in Cachimbo are particularly encouraging. The discovery hole is collared 80 metres from at-surface sampling that returned 167 g/t (5.4 oz/t) of gold. The new mineralization is open in both directions along strike. Story continues Importantly, the Cachimbo discovery hole displays a 60 metre mineralized package from 51 metres depth to 111 metres depth with multiple significant horizons. The upper horizon returned 4.6 metres grading 4.5 g/t gold and 73 g/t silver with minor base metals from 56.4 metres depth and the main VMS horizon was discovered below with a 4.9 metre interval grading 13.8 g/t gold 74 g/t silver, 11.8 % zinc and 1.1% copper and 0.7% lead within a wider horizon of 15 metres grading 5.3 g/t gold, 31 g/t silver 4.2 % zinc and 0.4% copper and 0.3% lead from 70 metre depth. The ongoing drilling program is on hole 14 in this campaign targeting a separate zone approximately 8 kilometres to the north of hole TIR-16-09. Further drilling at Cachimbo is anticipated to take place systematically once the Company has tested the remaining 17 exploration targets along the belt. Areas where drilling identifies significant mineralization, such as Cachimbo, or high potential for mineralization will be considered for follow up drilling. Table 1. Tireo Drilling Intersections Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) TIR-16-07 164.0 174.9 10.9 0.35 1.78 0.01 0.08 TIR-16-08 No significant results TIR-16-09 51.2 60.96 9.76 2.54 39.97 0.07 0.52 Including 56.39 60.96 4.57 4.50 72.60 0.52 3.51 And 70.0 85.24 15.24 5.27 30.62 0.42 4.21 Including 73.15 78.04 4.89 13.75 73.73 1.12 11.78 And 99.06 111.03 11.97 0.56 11.86 0.02 0.33 TIR-16-11 4.57 50 45.43 0.45 6.02 0.02 0.12 *Interval grades are calculated using uncapped assays. Gold values did not exceed 20.7 gpt. Intervals may not represent true widths. There is insufficient drilling to determine the orientation of the mineralized bodies at this time. Table 2. Collar locations and hole directions for Tireo holes Hole_ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Final Depth TIR-16-07 266666 2097339 1207 270 -85 427.33 TIR-16-08 267001 2097517 1245 270 -80 347.47 TIR-16-09 266307 2097280 1179 270 -80 185.23 TIR-16-11 266258 2097330 1155 0 -90 259.69 The hole locations are shown on the map found here: http://www.goldquestcorp.com/images/Tireo_Drilling_Update_January_2017.pdf The Company will release the results of the remaining drill results in batches as the assay results become available. Romero Project: Table 3. Mineral Resource Estimate for Romero Project Category Zone Tonnes Au (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) Ag (g/t) AuEq (g/t) Au Ounces AuEq Ounces Indicated Romero 18,390,000 2.57 0.65 0.31 4.2 3.43 1,520,000 2,028,000 Romero South 1,840,000 3.69 0.25 0.18 1.6 4.01 218,000 237,000 Total Indicated Mineral Resources 20,230,000 2.6 0.61 0.30 4.0 3.48 1,738,000 2,265,000 Inferred Romero 2,120,000 1.80 0.39 0.36 3.2 2.32 123,000 158,000 Romero South 900,000 2.57 0.20 0.21 2.1 2.84 74,000 82,000 Total Inferred Mineral Resources 3,020,000 2.03 0.33 0.32 2.9 2.47 197,000 240,000 (1) Effective data for the Mineral Resource is September 27, 2016 (2) Mineral Resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing or other relevant issues. (3) The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in the estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category. (4) Gold Equivalent Metal prices used were $1,400/oz Au, $20.00/oz Ag and $2.50/lb Cu and recoveries of 78.1% for gold, 94.6% for copper and 58.6% for silver. (5) Columns may not calculate precisely due to rounding errors. Table 4. Mineral Reserve Estimate for Romero Project The Probable Mineral Reserves are the economically minable portions of the Indicated Mineral Resource. Mine Tonnes Au Ag Cu Au Eq (1) Reserves (Cut off $70 (g/t) (oz) (g/t) (oz) (%) (M lb) (g/t) (oz) NSR) (2) Total Probable 7,031,000 3.72 840,000 4.33 980,000 0.88 136 4.9 1,117,000 (1) Gold equivalent metal prices $1,300/oz Au, $20.00/oz Ag and $2.50/lb Cu (2) Cut-off NSR metal prices: Cu $2.50/lb Au $1,250/oz Ag $17.00/oz; Recovery: Cu-96.8 Au-71.7 Ag-54.4, Payable: Cu-96.5 Au-90.0 Ag-95.0, TCRC: $257.83/dmt, Cu concentrate 20% QA/QC As part of the Company's Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures (QA/QC), most of the high grade intervals are reassayed and the Company is awaiting these check samples. In addition, systematic reassaying of intervals is in progress, to confirm compliance of blanks and duplicates checks. The Company also reviews results from Certified Standard Reference materials (CRSM or Standards), which are inserted at a rate of five per 100 samples. Within the results disclosed herein there were two samples that had results above the recommended tolerances for zinc. Both of the samples were in a batch from hole TIR-16-08 which had no significant results. In GoldQuest's drill programs, composite intervals were chosen using a combination of geological criteria and mineralization, averaging around two metres core length. The drill core is cut in half with one half of the core sample shipped to ACME Labs by GoldQuest technicians. The remaining half of the core is kept at the Company core shack for future assay verification, or any other further investigation. Assays within intervals below the 0.005 g/t detection limit for Au were given a zero value. All drill samples were prepared and screened by ACME Labs (Vancouver); metallic fire assay and multielement ICPMS were assayed by ACME Analytical Laboratories (Vancouver). Gold values are determined by standard fire assay with an AA finish, or, if over 10.0 g/t Au, were reassayed and completed with a gravimetric finish. Copper and zinc values exceeding 0.2% were re-assayed with a 4-acid digestion and AAS finish. When zinc values exceeded 10% a classic titration was carried out for zinc. QA/QC included the insertion and continual monitoring of numerous standards, blanks and duplicates into the sample stream, at random intervals within each batch. The comprehensive GoldQuest Quality Assurance and Quality Control protocols can be viewed on GoldQuest's website at: http://www.goldquestcorp.com/index.php/corporate/corporategovernance. The information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jeremy Niemi, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of GoldQuest and a Qualified Person for the technical information in this press release under NI 43101 standards. About GoldQuest GoldQuest is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with projects in the Dominican Republic. GoldQuest is traded on the TSXV under the symbol GQC and in Frankfurt/Berlin with symbol M1W. Forwardlooking statements: Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forwardlooking information that involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forwardlooking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the 2015 drill program, the results of the drill program and the interpretation of the results of the drill program, further drilling, the timing of drilling and assay results, mineral resource estimates, the merits of the Company's mineral properties, future drill programs and studies, and the Company's plans and exploration programs for its mineral properties, including the timing of such plans and programs. In certain cases, forwardlooking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "has proven", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "potential", "likelihood", "appears", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "at least", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forwardlooking 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 forwardlooking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to uncertainties inherent in drill results and the estimation of mineral resources; commodity prices; changes in general economic conditions; market sentiment; currency exchange rates; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to raise funds through equity financings; risks inherent in mineral exploration; risks related to operations in foreign countries; future prices of metals; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; title disputes or claims; limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of litigation. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forwardlooking 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 forwardlooking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, do not place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and the Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forwardlooking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. Forwardlooking statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, including expectations regarding mineral exploration and development costs; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource estimates; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Incident could have had "serious consequences" say police POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a member of the public released the handbrake of an ambulance while a patient was receiving emergency care in the back. The impatient motorist sneaked into the cab of the ambulance, which was parked in Malt Court, Pelican Lane in Newbury, on December 29 at about 2.10pm in order to move the emergency vehicle which had been blocking his parking spot. He released the handbrake, causing a sudden jolt, and moved the ambulance which had been parked across the bay. The offender then brazenly drove his vehicle into the vacant spot. Police say the unexpected movement of the ambulance caused distress and discomfort to the patient who was being treated at the time. The offender is a white man, aged about 50 and is about 5ft10ins with a slim build. He had sandy or grey messy hair and was wearing a dark khaki coloured jacket, light blue jeans and suede boots. He was driving a red Mini Cooper with a registration plate starting RJ60. Investigating officer PC Nick Easener, based at Newbury police station, said: There was no communication between the offender and the ambulance crew prior to the ambulance being moved. The offender moved the ambulance in order to free up a parking space for himself, without considering if anyone was receiving treatment at the time. His actions could have had very serious consequences for the patient, who was receiving emergency care. There were other members of the public in the area at the time of the incident, and I am appealing for anyone with any information to come forward and contact the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101. If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court. Forecasters issue weather warning as region braces itself for cold snap THE first snowfall of the year could hit West Berkshire later this week with temperatures expected to plummet. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow across the south of England on Thursday (January 12) as the region braces itself for the imminent cold snap. The mild temperatures experienced at the beginning of the week are expected to give way to wintry conditions with snow, ice and heavy winds forecast. Experts have warned of the possibility of travel disruption as well as interruptions to power supplies and other utilities in some areas. A Met Office forecaster said: "Rain moving eastwards across the south of the UK on Thursday may turn to snow in places. "Whilst this is unlikely, there is a small chance of snow settling with disruption to road, rail and air services as well as interruptions to power supplies and other utilities. "Associated heavy rain and strong winds may prove additional hazards." By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Dispelling doubts on the quality of Chinese solar equipment, Power Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that India is looking at affordable power and not the country of its origin. India imported solar and photovoltaic cells worth $826 million from China during April-September 2016. We are looking at ensuring that power cost remains affordable in India and within that, as long as quality is maintained in a globally integrated world, we dont see where the equipment comes from, Goyal told reporters on the sidelines of the 7th India-Japan Energy Forum. India has also sought Japans expertise in providing stable and adequate power across the country, as well as for developing battery-powered cars as part of its sales target of 6-7 million units. Speaking on the scope of India-Japan cooperation, Goyal said that the forum is a platform to engage with the island nation for mutual benefit in energy sector by working towards bringing Japanese expertise in cutting edge engineering and technology to India. They should cooperate on long term contracts which would stabilise the factor for Renewable Energy Trust that India is currently putting. Grid integration, stability and electrical mobility are major priorities for the government, the minister added. He noted that Indias power demand is likely to expand four-fold in the next 15 years to become one of the largest energy markets globally. Goyal reiterated Indias target of adding 100 GW of solar power generation capacity by 2020. NEW DELHI: Dispelling doubts on the quality of Chinese solar equipment, Power Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that India is looking at affordable power and not the country of its origin. India imported solar and photovoltaic cells worth $826 million from China during April-September 2016. We are looking at ensuring that power cost remains affordable in India and within that, as long as quality is maintained in a globally integrated world, we dont see where the equipment comes from, Goyal told reporters on the sidelines of the 7th India-Japan Energy Forum. India has also sought Japans expertise in providing stable and adequate power across the country, as well as for developing battery-powered cars as part of its sales target of 6-7 million units. Speaking on the scope of India-Japan cooperation, Goyal said that the forum is a platform to engage with the island nation for mutual benefit in energy sector by working towards bringing Japanese expertise in cutting edge engineering and technology to India. They should cooperate on long term contracts which would stabilise the factor for Renewable Energy Trust that India is currently putting. Grid integration, stability and electrical mobility are major priorities for the government, the minister added. He noted that Indias power demand is likely to expand four-fold in the next 15 years to become one of the largest energy markets globally. Goyal reiterated Indias target of adding 100 GW of solar power generation capacity by 2020. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Continuing on its overdrive over On-Time Performance (OTP), Indias low-cost carrier, SpiceJet on Tuesday said it has clocked the highest industry OTP for the key metro of Delhi for December 2016 as per the data released by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the developer of Delhis IGI Airport. SpiceJet in a statement said this is the 3rd month in a row that SpiceJet has topped on OTP in Delhi. OTP of an airline is a measure of its punctuality in its operations one of the key issues which travellers take note before booking their air tickets. With a score of 70 per cent and 60 per cent for departure and arrival respectively SpiceJet was at the top of the list on the critical industry parameter. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to come up with operational data on Indias domestic civil aviation sector for the December 2016 period around January 20 this month. With SpiceJet at the top in OTP rankings in Delhi, according to the figures provided by SpiceJet, Air Asia stood second on OTP with 68 per cent and 60 per cent in departure and arrival and IndiGo at third with 64 per cent and 56 per cent. Similarly, Vistara stood at fourth on OTPs at Delhi with 64 per cent and 55 per cent in departure and arrivals, while GoAir stood fifth, Air India sixth with 60 per cent and 46 per cent, at Jet Airways clocking seventh on OTP with close to half of its flights getting delayed at 59 per cent and 55 per cent for departures and arrivals respectively. SpiceJet has also been clocking a Passenger Load Factor (PLF) of over 90% for 20 months in a row, the airline said. PLF gives the per centage of seats accommodated by airlines in any of its flights. On January 7, The New Indian Express reported about the national carrier, Air India taking umbrage to SpiceJets advertisement campaign on OTP which according to Air India CMD, Ashwani Lohani showed the state-run airline in a poor light. NEW DELHI: Continuing on its overdrive over On-Time Performance (OTP), Indias low-cost carrier, SpiceJet on Tuesday said it has clocked the highest industry OTP for the key metro of Delhi for December 2016 as per the data released by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the developer of Delhis IGI Airport. SpiceJet in a statement said this is the 3rd month in a row that SpiceJet has topped on OTP in Delhi. OTP of an airline is a measure of its punctuality in its operations one of the key issues which travellers take note before booking their air tickets. With a score of 70 per cent and 60 per cent for departure and arrival respectively SpiceJet was at the top of the list on the critical industry parameter. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to come up with operational data on Indias domestic civil aviation sector for the December 2016 period around January 20 this month. With SpiceJet at the top in OTP rankings in Delhi, according to the figures provided by SpiceJet, Air Asia stood second on OTP with 68 per cent and 60 per cent in departure and arrival and IndiGo at third with 64 per cent and 56 per cent. Similarly, Vistara stood at fourth on OTPs at Delhi with 64 per cent and 55 per cent in departure and arrivals, while GoAir stood fifth, Air India sixth with 60 per cent and 46 per cent, at Jet Airways clocking seventh on OTP with close to half of its flights getting delayed at 59 per cent and 55 per cent for departures and arrivals respectively. SpiceJet has also been clocking a Passenger Load Factor (PLF) of over 90% for 20 months in a row, the airline said. PLF gives the per centage of seats accommodated by airlines in any of its flights. On January 7, The New Indian Express reported about the national carrier, Air India taking umbrage to SpiceJets advertisement campaign on OTP which according to Air India CMD, Ashwani Lohani showed the state-run airline in a poor light. By PTI NEW DELHI: German luxury carmaker BMW has appointed Vikram Pawah (45) as the President of India operations with effect from March 1, 2017. Pawah brings more than 25 years of international experience both in the automotive and non-automotive industry. Most recently, he was the Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India. Frank Schloeder (42), acting president, BMW Group India will return to BMW Group Headquarters in Germany, where he will assume the position of Head of Business Steering - Luxury Class. "India is a growing market with great potential for mobility products and services. With his broad experience in the automotive industry and his country specific know-how, Pawah brings excellent preconditions to strengthen our position in the Indian market," BMW Group Asia Pacific and South Africa Senior Vice-President Hendrik von Kuenheim said in a statement. Pawah graduated in Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Delhi University and holds an MBA in International and Strategic Management from Victoria University in Melbourne. NEW DELHI: German luxury carmaker BMW has appointed Vikram Pawah (45) as the President of India operations with effect from March 1, 2017. Pawah brings more than 25 years of international experience both in the automotive and non-automotive industry. Most recently, he was the Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India. Frank Schloeder (42), acting president, BMW Group India will return to BMW Group Headquarters in Germany, where he will assume the position of Head of Business Steering - Luxury Class. "India is a growing market with great potential for mobility products and services. With his broad experience in the automotive industry and his country specific know-how, Pawah brings excellent preconditions to strengthen our position in the Indian market," BMW Group Asia Pacific and South Africa Senior Vice-President Hendrik von Kuenheim said in a statement. Pawah graduated in Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Delhi University and holds an MBA in International and Strategic Management from Victoria University in Melbourne. By Express News Service BENGALURU: A person hailing from North East and working in Bengaluru was admitted to NIMHANS hospital after he was found in unconscious state on Friday night. Members of North East Solidarity alleged that he was thrown out of a running vehicle. He is said to be comatose at present. The victim had been identified as Khuadun Khangham (22), from Longding district in Arunachal Pradesh working in a hotel as a waiter. The incident is said to have taken place near Sony Signal in Koramangala on January 6 around 1 AM while he was returning from work. A friend of the victim who did not want to be named, said, It seems he was thrown out of a running vehicle. Police are investigating and have assured us that they will examine all the CCTV footage. The members of North East Solidarity in Bengaluru, are in contact with Sandeep Goel, the deputy general of police of Arunachal Pradesh over the incident. The victim is now being treated in NIMHANS hospital and doctors have confirmed that he is out of danger. There are multiple injuries on his body including on his head and limbs, added his friend. South East deputy commissioner of police Boralingaiah said, We have registered the case in Koramangala Police Station and investigations are underway. Police sources said that the footage did not give a clear idea about what had happened on the fateful night. City police commissioner Praveen Sood tweeted that the police would start an outreach programme for people from north eastern parts residing in Bengaluru and DCP South East would be the nodal officer for this programme. BENGALURU: A person hailing from North East and working in Bengaluru was admitted to NIMHANS hospital after he was found in unconscious state on Friday night. Members of North East Solidarity alleged that he was thrown out of a running vehicle. He is said to be comatose at present. The victim had been identified as Khuadun Khangham (22), from Longding district in Arunachal Pradesh working in a hotel as a waiter. The incident is said to have taken place near Sony Signal in Koramangala on January 6 around 1 AM while he was returning from work. A friend of the victim who did not want to be named, said, It seems he was thrown out of a running vehicle. Police are investigating and have assured us that they will examine all the CCTV footage. The members of North East Solidarity in Bengaluru, are in contact with Sandeep Goel, the deputy general of police of Arunachal Pradesh over the incident. The victim is now being treated in NIMHANS hospital and doctors have confirmed that he is out of danger. There are multiple injuries on his body including on his head and limbs, added his friend. South East deputy commissioner of police Boralingaiah said, We have registered the case in Koramangala Police Station and investigations are underway. Police sources said that the footage did not give a clear idea about what had happened on the fateful night. City police commissioner Praveen Sood tweeted that the police would start an outreach programme for people from north eastern parts residing in Bengaluru and DCP South East would be the nodal officer for this programme. By Express News Service DELHI: Delhi police arrested two graphic designers from Southwest Delhi's Bindapur area with fake notes of new currency. According to the police, they seized total around Rs 6.5 lakh out of which 6.1 lakh rupees were fake. "Accused have successfully spent fake currency of worth rupees 20,000 locally. Further investigation is underway," Surender Kumar, DCP South West said. According to the police, accused are well qualified and aware about various softwares related to picture editing. They also got some real currency to make fake currency through a computer software. Cops raided their premises on Monday late night. DELHI: Delhi police arrested two graphic designers from Southwest Delhi's Bindapur area with fake notes of new currency. According to the police, they seized total around Rs 6.5 lakh out of which 6.1 lakh rupees were fake. "Accused have successfully spent fake currency of worth rupees 20,000 locally. Further investigation is underway," Surender Kumar, DCP South West said. According to the police, accused are well qualified and aware about various softwares related to picture editing. They also got some real currency to make fake currency through a computer software. Cops raided their premises on Monday late night. By ANI NEW DELHI: Sanitation workers on Tuesday dumped garbage outside the residence of Trilokpuris Aam Admi Party(AAP) MLA Raju Dhingan in protest against the negligence of both the Delhi government and the Centre. On Monday, after meeting a delegation of sanitation workers, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters that Rs. 119 crore has been provided to the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) for providing salaries. The indefinite strike by the sanitation workers of the EDMC, which entered its fourth day today, left the trans-Yamuna region reeling under a garbage crisis, with waste dumped in the open in several areas from Laxmi Nagar to Patparganj. NEW DELHI: Sanitation workers on Tuesday dumped garbage outside the residence of Trilokpuris Aam Admi Party(AAP) MLA Raju Dhingan in protest against the negligence of both the Delhi government and the Centre. On Monday, after meeting a delegation of sanitation workers, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters that Rs. 119 crore has been provided to the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) for providing salaries. The indefinite strike by the sanitation workers of the EDMC, which entered its fourth day today, left the trans-Yamuna region reeling under a garbage crisis, with waste dumped in the open in several areas from Laxmi Nagar to Patparganj. Haricharan P By Express News Service In her decade-long career, actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been part of films that have been largely categorised as commercial. While she has no qualms about being part of such films, she says she has reached a pointed in her career where shed like to experiment with interesting roles. Having recently announced that she will be reprising Kangana Ranauts role in the Tamil remake of Queen, she has pleasantly surprised everybody by signing Pellichoopulu remake. Its a great time to experiment with interesting roles. At the same time, I also want to be part of commercial films and strike a perfect balance, she told City Express. Contrary to the popular belief that commercial films are those that are hero-centric, Tamannaah believes even films like Queen and Pellichoopulu are extremely commercial. In my opinion, commercial films are those that are watched by the masses. Although made on a shoe-string budget Pellichoopulu earned around `26 crore because it was watched by a lot of people. Nobody knew about Queen when it had released but it slowly picked up momentum and people started thronging to cinemas to watch it. I watched Queen in the 8th week. If this is not commercial, then I dont know what is, she said. Thrilled about Pellichoopulu remake, she is really looking forward to work with Gautham Vasudev Menon. Gautham is producing the film. When he had approached me with the offer, I hadnt watched Pellichoopulu yet but heard great things about the film. When I finally watched it, I instantly liked it and decided to be part of the film. Its a lovely new-age romance with a very strong female protagonist. Gautham is known for portraying women in his film strongly and I was certain that nobody understands the genre really well like him. The film will be directed by Senthil Veerasaamy, an erstwhile assistant of Gautham, and its slated to go on floors soon. In her decade-long career, actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been part of films that have been largely categorised as commercial. While she has no qualms about being part of such films, she says she has reached a pointed in her career where shed like to experiment with interesting roles. Having recently announced that she will be reprising Kangana Ranauts role in the Tamil remake of Queen, she has pleasantly surprised everybody by signing Pellichoopulu remake. Its a great time to experiment with interesting roles. At the same time, I also want to be part of commercial films and strike a perfect balance, she told City Express. Contrary to the popular belief that commercial films are those that are hero-centric, Tamannaah believes even films like Queen and Pellichoopulu are extremely commercial. In my opinion, commercial films are those that are watched by the masses. Although made on a shoe-string budget Pellichoopulu earned around `26 crore because it was watched by a lot of people. Nobody knew about Queen when it had released but it slowly picked up momentum and people started thronging to cinemas to watch it. I watched Queen in the 8th week. If this is not commercial, then I dont know what is, she said. Thrilled about Pellichoopulu remake, she is really looking forward to work with Gautham Vasudev Menon. Gautham is producing the film. When he had approached me with the offer, I hadnt watched Pellichoopulu yet but heard great things about the film. When I finally watched it, I instantly liked it and decided to be part of the film. Its a lovely new-age romance with a very strong female protagonist. Gautham is known for portraying women in his film strongly and I was certain that nobody understands the genre really well like him. The film will be directed by Senthil Veerasaamy, an erstwhile assistant of Gautham, and its slated to go on floors soon. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: In a U-turn in its strident criticism against prohibition imposed in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar-led government, the states Opposition BJP on Tuesday confirmed that it would participate in the statewide human chain planned by the state government on January 21. Bihars JD(U)-RJD-Congress coalition government is busy making preparations for the proposed 11,000-km human chain, which aims to set a record for being the worlds longest, in order to reflect the state peoples support for prohibition. Chief Minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar had on Monday called upon all political parties to support the initiative. We (BJP) not only support the programme of a human chain but will also join it, said BJP state president Nityanand Rai. Total prohibition has been an issue favoured by BJP. Leaders of our party had urged the chief minister to make it a statewide programme and we are happy he has accepted our proposal, he added. Considering BJPs constant criticism of the new prohibition law enacted by the grand alliance government headed by Kumar, the saffron partys sudden willingness to join the human chain is widely seen as a change of heart attributed to a perceived rise in bonhomie between Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some political analysts see in it a quid pro quo as Kumar supported demonetisation and then Modi, during his visit to Patna on January 5, praised Kumar for his prohibition campaign in glowing words. BJPs decision of joining human chain on 21st for prohibition has nothing to do with PM's speech in Patna, said senior BJP leader and former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi in a tweet to dispel speculation. JD(U) welcomed BJPs decision as the right step. RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who asked his partys leaders and workers to take part in the human chain, declined to comment. Although Congress welcomed BJPs decision, it reminded the saffron party of its previous resistance to prohibition. BJP decided to join the exercise after the successful implementation of the prohibition law. It is BJPs afterthought. When the law was being introduced in the legislature, BJP had walked out, said state Congress president and education minister Ashok Chaudhary. PATNA: In a U-turn in its strident criticism against prohibition imposed in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar-led government, the states Opposition BJP on Tuesday confirmed that it would participate in the statewide human chain planned by the state government on January 21. Bihars JD(U)-RJD-Congress coalition government is busy making preparations for the proposed 11,000-km human chain, which aims to set a record for being the worlds longest, in order to reflect the state peoples support for prohibition. Chief Minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar had on Monday called upon all political parties to support the initiative. We (BJP) not only support the programme of a human chain but will also join it, said BJP state president Nityanand Rai. Total prohibition has been an issue favoured by BJP. Leaders of our party had urged the chief minister to make it a statewide programme and we are happy he has accepted our proposal, he added. Considering BJPs constant criticism of the new prohibition law enacted by the grand alliance government headed by Kumar, the saffron partys sudden willingness to join the human chain is widely seen as a change of heart attributed to a perceived rise in bonhomie between Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some political analysts see in it a quid pro quo as Kumar supported demonetisation and then Modi, during his visit to Patna on January 5, praised Kumar for his prohibition campaign in glowing words. BJPs decision of joining human chain on 21st for prohibition has nothing to do with PM's speech in Patna, said senior BJP leader and former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi in a tweet to dispel speculation. JD(U) welcomed BJPs decision as the right step. RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who asked his partys leaders and workers to take part in the human chain, declined to comment. Although Congress welcomed BJPs decision, it reminded the saffron party of its previous resistance to prohibition. BJP decided to join the exercise after the successful implementation of the prohibition law. It is BJPs afterthought. When the law was being introduced in the legislature, BJP had walked out, said state Congress president and education minister Ashok Chaudhary. By Express News Service PATNA: An Opposition MLA in Bihar on Tuesday made teenage girl students of a residential school for Scheduled Caste communities cringe as a result of his probing questions about the alleged gang-rape and murder of one of their schoolmates. Most girl students at Ambedkar Government Girls High School at Dighi Mazirabad in Vaishali district were lost for words to answer questions asked by Lallan Paswan, the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) legislator from Chenari. The girls, already shocked after the mysterious death of a class X student on the residential school premises three days ago, were visibly upset by the way Paswan, himself from an SC community, worded his questions and persisted to elicit their answers. Which part of her (dead girl) body was full of blood? Was it the lower half of the body? asked Paswan to about three dozen girls, aged between 10 and 15, during his visit to the school. When one girl answered yes, he said: This means she was gang-raped before being murdered. Why are you afraid of speaking up the truth? If criminals enter the hostel and into your room and this happens to you, what will you do if you do not speak now? Paswan then went on to ask several other questions to the girls regarding the death of Dika Kumari, whose body was found lying in a pool of blood close to a drain near the main gate of the school-cum-hostel campus on Sunday. Local residents staged violent demonstrations outside the school on Monday demanding suspension of senior officials of the district welfare department. Although it was alleged that Kumari was gang-raped before being killed, Vaishali SP Rakesh Kumar said on Tuesday, citing the report of a post-mortem conducted by a panel of four doctors, that she was not raped and the cause of her death would be known after examination of the viscera. Even while the MLAs controversial role as an investigator and his insensitivity in speaking to young girls were widely criticised, he boasted of his ability to detect criminals. No criminal can stay unknown for long if I am allowed to interrogate. Even Osama bin Laden was found out and killed, he said. Sources said RLSP chief and Union minister Upendra Kushwaha berated Paswan for his action. Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav demanded Paswans arrest for asking questions to girls that one cannot ask ones daughters. PATNA: An Opposition MLA in Bihar on Tuesday made teenage girl students of a residential school for Scheduled Caste communities cringe as a result of his probing questions about the alleged gang-rape and murder of one of their schoolmates. Most girl students at Ambedkar Government Girls High School at Dighi Mazirabad in Vaishali district were lost for words to answer questions asked by Lallan Paswan, the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) legislator from Chenari. The girls, already shocked after the mysterious death of a class X student on the residential school premises three days ago, were visibly upset by the way Paswan, himself from an SC community, worded his questions and persisted to elicit their answers. Which part of her (dead girl) body was full of blood? Was it the lower half of the body? asked Paswan to about three dozen girls, aged between 10 and 15, during his visit to the school. When one girl answered yes, he said: This means she was gang-raped before being murdered. Why are you afraid of speaking up the truth? If criminals enter the hostel and into your room and this happens to you, what will you do if you do not speak now? Paswan then went on to ask several other questions to the girls regarding the death of Dika Kumari, whose body was found lying in a pool of blood close to a drain near the main gate of the school-cum-hostel campus on Sunday. Local residents staged violent demonstrations outside the school on Monday demanding suspension of senior officials of the district welfare department. Although it was alleged that Kumari was gang-raped before being killed, Vaishali SP Rakesh Kumar said on Tuesday, citing the report of a post-mortem conducted by a panel of four doctors, that she was not raped and the cause of her death would be known after examination of the viscera. Even while the MLAs controversial role as an investigator and his insensitivity in speaking to young girls were widely criticised, he boasted of his ability to detect criminals. No criminal can stay unknown for long if I am allowed to interrogate. Even Osama bin Laden was found out and killed, he said. Sources said RLSP chief and Union minister Upendra Kushwaha berated Paswan for his action. Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav demanded Paswans arrest for asking questions to girls that one cannot ask ones daughters. By Express News Service Accusing BSP supremo Mayawati of seeking votes in the name of caste, a BJP leader moved the Election Commission against her for releasing a caste-wise list of her party candidates. Mayawati, during her press conference on December 24 and January 3, presented caste-wise details of ticket distribution, clearly stating that her party has given tickets to how many Muslims, backwards, scheduled castes and others, BJP leader Neeraj Shankar Saxena said. Countering him, BSP leader Sudhindra Bhadoria said, We wanted to tell people that we are not a party of Dalits only, but a party where Muslims, OBCs, upper castes, other communities...Everybody is under one umbrella. Look at their track record. What have they been saying? (BJP MP) Sakshi Maharaj said Muslims are responsible for population boom. Amit Shah, during Bihar elections, said that if the BJP lost, there will be celebrations in Pakistan. Look at what other leaders like Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti are saying. Accusing BSP supremo Mayawati of seeking votes in the name of caste, a BJP leader moved the Election Commission against her for releasing a caste-wise list of her party candidates. Mayawati, during her press conference on December 24 and January 3, presented caste-wise details of ticket distribution, clearly stating that her party has given tickets to how many Muslims, backwards, scheduled castes and others, BJP leader Neeraj Shankar Saxena said. Countering him, BSP leader Sudhindra Bhadoria said, We wanted to tell people that we are not a party of Dalits only, but a party where Muslims, OBCs, upper castes, other communities...Everybody is under one umbrella. Look at their track record. What have they been saying? (BJP MP) Sakshi Maharaj said Muslims are responsible for population boom. Amit Shah, during Bihar elections, said that if the BJP lost, there will be celebrations in Pakistan. Look at what other leaders like Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti are saying. By PTI NEW DELHI: Supreme Court today said it would consider the issue of maintainability raised by the Centre on a plea seeking an SIT probe into alleged irregularities in the purchase of an Agusta helicopter for VVIP use by the Chhattisgarh government and look into the CAG report on the matter. While dealing with the plea filed by Swaraj Abhiyan, a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi said the issue of maintainability would arise as it would deal with the question whether applying for registration as a political party takes away an organisation's right to raise issues relating to the economy of the country. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that petitioner Swaraj Abhiyan has applied to Election Commission for registration as a political party called 'Swaraj India' and the issue relating to purchase of the helicopter has been gone into by the CAG as well as Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Chhattisgarh Assembly. "We will hear after four weeks (the issue of) maintainability of the plea and also the CAG report. Cases like 2G and Coal are fundamentally based on CAG reports. We will see the CAG report (in the matter)," the bench said. When senior advocate Shanti Bhushan, appearing for Swaraj Abhiyan, said in the 2G case, the apex court had held that such petitions are maintainable, the bench said, "we want this controversy to rest". "Assuming if one has applied for registration as a political party, does it take away his right to raise such issue relating to economy of the country? We will deal with it," the bench said. However, Bhushan told the bench that Swaraj Abhiyan and Swaraj India were separate organisations. On the issue of maintainability of the plea, Rohatgi said some of the petitioners in the matter were either politicians or related to political parties and they were "scandalising" the issue. He said the helicopter was purchased almost 10 years ago after tendering process and there was no violation of fundamental rights as claimed by the petitioners. "Even if (petitioners) feel that an alleged offence has been committed, they have to go to police first. They have come to the court. How will the Supreme Court answer this? Documents of CAG and PAC of the Assembly are there," he said. Bhushan alleged that helicopter was purchased at a higher price by the state government. However, the bench observed, "whether a state minister or the Chief Minister should have a helicopter or not, we will not enter into that area. We don't think we should encroach into that area". To this, Bhushan said, "I am only saying it should have been purchased from the company and not through middleman". On the allegation by Bhushan that tender floated by state government was for a single vendor, the bench asked Rohatgi "how can a tender be floated for one vendor only?" To this, the Attorney General said certain specifications were required for the helicopter and ultimately it was purchased after tendering process. "Where is the question of any criminality? The CAG, PAC of the Assembly has looked into it," he said. When the counsel for one of the petitioners claimed that names of a prominent politician from the state and his kin were there in the Panama papers, the bench shot back, "Don't mix it. We are not hearing Panama matter". The apex court observed, "since 2006, PILs are taking a different turn. We don't mind it but there must by genuineness in PILs". During arguments, Bhushan said CBI was already probing a case of purchase of choppers from AgustaWestland by the Centre so "what is the problem if this matter is also investigated". Rohatgi said in the case which is being probed by CBI, it was discovered that there was involvement of middlemen and "India doesn't allow middlemen". "The Centre acted. The Ministry of Defence acted. They have cancelled some contracts. Litigation is going on. CBI is probing the case but that has nothing to do with the helicopter purchased by Chhattisgarh government way back in 2006-07." At the fag end of hearing, the bench detagged from the main issue a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe by CBI and Enforcement Directorate in AgustaWestland helicopter scam case and allegation that some mediapersons took bribes from foreign arms dealers in connection with the deal. The bench listed this plea for hearing after six weeks. NEW DELHI: Supreme Court today said it would consider the issue of maintainability raised by the Centre on a plea seeking an SIT probe into alleged irregularities in the purchase of an Agusta helicopter for VVIP use by the Chhattisgarh government and look into the CAG report on the matter. While dealing with the plea filed by Swaraj Abhiyan, a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi said the issue of maintainability would arise as it would deal with the question whether applying for registration as a political party takes away an organisation's right to raise issues relating to the economy of the country. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that petitioner Swaraj Abhiyan has applied to Election Commission for registration as a political party called 'Swaraj India' and the issue relating to purchase of the helicopter has been gone into by the CAG as well as Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Chhattisgarh Assembly. "We will hear after four weeks (the issue of) maintainability of the plea and also the CAG report. Cases like 2G and Coal are fundamentally based on CAG reports. We will see the CAG report (in the matter)," the bench said. When senior advocate Shanti Bhushan, appearing for Swaraj Abhiyan, said in the 2G case, the apex court had held that such petitions are maintainable, the bench said, "we want this controversy to rest". "Assuming if one has applied for registration as a political party, does it take away his right to raise such issue relating to economy of the country? We will deal with it," the bench said. However, Bhushan told the bench that Swaraj Abhiyan and Swaraj India were separate organisations. On the issue of maintainability of the plea, Rohatgi said some of the petitioners in the matter were either politicians or related to political parties and they were "scandalising" the issue. He said the helicopter was purchased almost 10 years ago after tendering process and there was no violation of fundamental rights as claimed by the petitioners. "Even if (petitioners) feel that an alleged offence has been committed, they have to go to police first. They have come to the court. How will the Supreme Court answer this? Documents of CAG and PAC of the Assembly are there," he said. Bhushan alleged that helicopter was purchased at a higher price by the state government. However, the bench observed, "whether a state minister or the Chief Minister should have a helicopter or not, we will not enter into that area. We don't think we should encroach into that area". To this, Bhushan said, "I am only saying it should have been purchased from the company and not through middleman". On the allegation by Bhushan that tender floated by state government was for a single vendor, the bench asked Rohatgi "how can a tender be floated for one vendor only?" To this, the Attorney General said certain specifications were required for the helicopter and ultimately it was purchased after tendering process. "Where is the question of any criminality? The CAG, PAC of the Assembly has looked into it," he said. When the counsel for one of the petitioners claimed that names of a prominent politician from the state and his kin were there in the Panama papers, the bench shot back, "Don't mix it. We are not hearing Panama matter". The apex court observed, "since 2006, PILs are taking a different turn. We don't mind it but there must by genuineness in PILs". During arguments, Bhushan said CBI was already probing a case of purchase of choppers from AgustaWestland by the Centre so "what is the problem if this matter is also investigated". Rohatgi said in the case which is being probed by CBI, it was discovered that there was involvement of middlemen and "India doesn't allow middlemen". "The Centre acted. The Ministry of Defence acted. They have cancelled some contracts. Litigation is going on. CBI is probing the case but that has nothing to do with the helicopter purchased by Chhattisgarh government way back in 2006-07." At the fag end of hearing, the bench detagged from the main issue a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe by CBI and Enforcement Directorate in AgustaWestland helicopter scam case and allegation that some mediapersons took bribes from foreign arms dealers in connection with the deal. The bench listed this plea for hearing after six weeks. By PTI WASHINGTON: The hotline established in 2015 between Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to exist after the outgoing US President hands over the baton to his successor Donald Trump on January 20, a presidential aide has suggested. It is the only new hotline that was established during the eight years of Obama Administration, reflecting on deepening of India-US ties. "I'd be surprised if that was something that was discontinued," said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. "Typically, those kinds of arrangements are intended to persist beyond just one presidential term," he said in response to a question yesterday. The decision to establish the hotline was finalised during Obama's historic visit to India in 2015 to attend the annual Republic Day parade on January 26 as its chief guest. Modi had then said the effort was part of their exercise to give the critical partnership between two countries "a new thrust and sustained attention." After its established later that year, the two leaders have frequently interacted over the hotline even though only a few of those conversations have appeared in public domain. At least one of those conversations lasted for more than an hour, according to the US Ambassador to India. India is only the fourth country after Russia, Britain and China with which the US has a hotline. For India, this is the first hotline at the level of the head of state. In 2004, India and Pakistan agreed to establish hotlines at the level of foreign secretaries, and in 2010 New Delhi and Beijing announced to establish a hotline at the foreign ministry level. WASHINGTON: The hotline established in 2015 between Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to exist after the outgoing US President hands over the baton to his successor Donald Trump on January 20, a presidential aide has suggested. It is the only new hotline that was established during the eight years of Obama Administration, reflecting on deepening of India-US ties. "I'd be surprised if that was something that was discontinued," said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. "Typically, those kinds of arrangements are intended to persist beyond just one presidential term," he said in response to a question yesterday. The decision to establish the hotline was finalised during Obama's historic visit to India in 2015 to attend the annual Republic Day parade on January 26 as its chief guest. Modi had then said the effort was part of their exercise to give the critical partnership between two countries "a new thrust and sustained attention." After its established later that year, the two leaders have frequently interacted over the hotline even though only a few of those conversations have appeared in public domain. At least one of those conversations lasted for more than an hour, according to the US Ambassador to India. India is only the fourth country after Russia, Britain and China with which the US has a hotline. For India, this is the first hotline at the level of the head of state. In 2004, India and Pakistan agreed to establish hotlines at the level of foreign secretaries, and in 2010 New Delhi and Beijing announced to establish a hotline at the foreign ministry level. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Indias energy quest has taken it to east-central Africa as it decided to elevate its partnership with landlocked country Rwanda to a strategic level. Rwanda's visiting President Paul Kagame invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to work out collaboration on exploring the methane reserves in his country. Rwanda is presently recovering from the ethnic civil war that culminated in government-sponsored genocide in the mid-1990s in which an estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by dominant Hutu forces in 100 days. During the 1994 genocide, Indian peace keepers had laid down their lives for peace in Rwanda. And the joint statement of the two leaders said that India is positively considering opening a resident Mission in Kigali (the capital and largest city of Rwanda). It is with this background, India is seeking to support the reconciliation and post-conflict peace processes in the African country. The partnership is strategic for us. President Kagame has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Rwanda and discuss the possibility of joint gas exploration, an official privy to the talks told the New Indian Express. President Kagame has been in the government in Rwanda since his rebel army killed thousands of people during the genocide. Since then the country has been epitome stability in the region with strong infrastructure, stable government and proximity to markets in east and southern Africa. The two countries acknowledging their common experiences with colonialism decided to work towards doubling their bilateral trade. In the five years between 2011-2015, the bilateral trade has reached $526 million.Presently, Rwanda's economy is growing at high pace. It is rebuilding its economy and India stands to gain a lot from this partnership, the official said. Also the population in Rwanda is very low at 11.78 million and Indian nationals stand to gain as Indian investment will create employment opportunities for people emigrating from here to the African country. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), between 2011 and 2016, Rwanda registered 66 investment projects from India valued at $317.5 million that has created over 3800 jobs in various fields including telecommunication, hospitality and education. However, India is far behind from China that has already moved to turn this landlocked African country with little resources is fast becoming the hub of Chinese investment in Africa. Beijing has been investing heavily in building schools, roads, hotels and hospitals in the country. So much so Rwanda's foreign ministry has been designed and constructed by Chinese engineers. NEW DELHI: Indias energy quest has taken it to east-central Africa as it decided to elevate its partnership with landlocked country Rwanda to a strategic level. Rwanda's visiting President Paul Kagame invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to work out collaboration on exploring the methane reserves in his country. Rwanda is presently recovering from the ethnic civil war that culminated in government-sponsored genocide in the mid-1990s in which an estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by dominant Hutu forces in 100 days. During the 1994 genocide, Indian peace keepers had laid down their lives for peace in Rwanda. And the joint statement of the two leaders said that India is positively considering opening a resident Mission in Kigali (the capital and largest city of Rwanda). It is with this background, India is seeking to support the reconciliation and post-conflict peace processes in the African country. The partnership is strategic for us. President Kagame has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Rwanda and discuss the possibility of joint gas exploration, an official privy to the talks told the New Indian Express. President Kagame has been in the government in Rwanda since his rebel army killed thousands of people during the genocide. Since then the country has been epitome stability in the region with strong infrastructure, stable government and proximity to markets in east and southern Africa. The two countries acknowledging their common experiences with colonialism decided to work towards doubling their bilateral trade. In the five years between 2011-2015, the bilateral trade has reached $526 million.Presently, Rwanda's economy is growing at high pace. It is rebuilding its economy and India stands to gain a lot from this partnership, the official said. Also the population in Rwanda is very low at 11.78 million and Indian nationals stand to gain as Indian investment will create employment opportunities for people emigrating from here to the African country. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), between 2011 and 2016, Rwanda registered 66 investment projects from India valued at $317.5 million that has created over 3800 jobs in various fields including telecommunication, hospitality and education. However, India is far behind from China that has already moved to turn this landlocked African country with little resources is fast becoming the hub of Chinese investment in Africa. Beijing has been investing heavily in building schools, roads, hotels and hospitals in the country. So much so Rwanda's foreign ministry has been designed and constructed by Chinese engineers. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Its Uttar Pradesh prospects in a quandary, the Congress on Monday seemed to put all its hope behind the Punjab polls with the release of a please-all manifesto by former prime minister Manmohan Singh. The sardar card was in full play, as the Congress promised everything from a farm loan waiver to free power, smartphones, textbooks and doles to be in striking distancing of power, lost to the Akali-BJP combine 10 years ago. Throwing his reform legacy out of the window, Manmohan unveiled a manifesto that promised a bag full of freebies. This, even as he extolled the virtues of an economic development model that could bring Punjab out of its current morass, the debt burden. Singh charged the Akali-BJP of misgovernance and offered Capt Amarinder Singh as the answer to all ills. Captains leadership, Singh said is badly needed by Punjab. The challenge before Punjab is to rise above all this din and recognise that the people need a better tomorrow. This election manifesto is a forward-looking visionary document that will undo the damage done to the Punjab economy by the state government in the last 10 years, he said. With Badals the ruling clan of Punjab being aided Prime Minister Narendra Modis famed election speeches, and the AAP biting at its votebank, its not business as ususal for the Congress. The party is trying every trick under its sleeves to clinch the polls in its favour. The former prime minister was brought in for some extra heft to the manifesto release. Singh said Punjab, which was hit by terrorism first, suffered a double whammy when the fiscal situation was ruined by the Akalis. Amarinder, he claimed, will undo all this damage...with higher per capita income, better wealth distribution, better employment prospects and better infrastructure. On his part, Amarinder Singh announced that the state would generate as many as 25 lakh jobs within the next five years to provide employment to all youth in the state. The Caption also promised to crack down on drugs and corruption, and bring a new industrial policy within 90 days, besides promising an end to the VIP culture, bring sweeping economic reforms and total transparency in governance. He also promised free houses to homeless Dalits/SCs/OBCs and one job for every family. NEW DELHI: Its Uttar Pradesh prospects in a quandary, the Congress on Monday seemed to put all its hope behind the Punjab polls with the release of a please-all manifesto by former prime minister Manmohan Singh. The sardar card was in full play, as the Congress promised everything from a farm loan waiver to free power, smartphones, textbooks and doles to be in striking distancing of power, lost to the Akali-BJP combine 10 years ago. Throwing his reform legacy out of the window, Manmohan unveiled a manifesto that promised a bag full of freebies. This, even as he extolled the virtues of an economic development model that could bring Punjab out of its current morass, the debt burden. Singh charged the Akali-BJP of misgovernance and offered Capt Amarinder Singh as the answer to all ills. Captains leadership, Singh said is badly needed by Punjab. The challenge before Punjab is to rise above all this din and recognise that the people need a better tomorrow. This election manifesto is a forward-looking visionary document that will undo the damage done to the Punjab economy by the state government in the last 10 years, he said. With Badals the ruling clan of Punjab being aided Prime Minister Narendra Modis famed election speeches, and the AAP biting at its votebank, its not business as ususal for the Congress. The party is trying every trick under its sleeves to clinch the polls in its favour. The former prime minister was brought in for some extra heft to the manifesto release. Singh said Punjab, which was hit by terrorism first, suffered a double whammy when the fiscal situation was ruined by the Akalis. Amarinder, he claimed, will undo all this damage...with higher per capita income, better wealth distribution, better employment prospects and better infrastructure. On his part, Amarinder Singh announced that the state would generate as many as 25 lakh jobs within the next five years to provide employment to all youth in the state. The Caption also promised to crack down on drugs and corruption, and bring a new industrial policy within 90 days, besides promising an end to the VIP culture, bring sweeping economic reforms and total transparency in governance. He also promised free houses to homeless Dalits/SCs/OBCs and one job for every family. By IANS NEW DELHI: Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using his mother for political benefit, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday urged him to allow her to live at the Prime Minister's residence. "I keep my mother with me. Take her blessings every day but don't broadcast it to the whole world. I do not make my mother stand in the queue for political benefit," Kejriwal tweeted. The Aam Aadmi Party leader's remarks came after Modi visited Gandhinagar to meet his mother and later tweeted about it. "Skipped Yoga and went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together," Modi tweeted earlier. The Prime Minister's 97-year-old mother Hiraba lives with his brother in Gandhinagar. Responding to Modi's tweet, Kejriwal said the Prime Minister should let his mother live with him as his residence was "big enough". "According to Hindu religion and culture, one should keep his mother and wife with him. Prime Minister's residence is quite big. Have a little heart," Kejriwal told Modi. NEW DELHI: Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using his mother for political benefit, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday urged him to allow her to live at the Prime Minister's residence. "I keep my mother with me. Take her blessings every day but don't broadcast it to the whole world. I do not make my mother stand in the queue for political benefit," Kejriwal tweeted. The Aam Aadmi Party leader's remarks came after Modi visited Gandhinagar to meet his mother and later tweeted about it. "Skipped Yoga and went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together," Modi tweeted earlier. The Prime Minister's 97-year-old mother Hiraba lives with his brother in Gandhinagar. Responding to Modi's tweet, Kejriwal said the Prime Minister should let his mother live with him as his residence was "big enough". "According to Hindu religion and culture, one should keep his mother and wife with him. Prime Minister's residence is quite big. Have a little heart," Kejriwal told Modi. By Online Desk Union home minister Rajnath Singh has ordered an inquiry into the allegations made by a constable of Border Security Force (BSF) about the deplorable conditions in the forces. In a Facebook video that is being shared widely on social media, he talks about the food provided to the personnel deployed at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. I have seen a video regarding a BSF jawan's plight. I have asked the HS to immediately seek a report from the BSF & take appropriate action. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 9, 2017 The video that was about 4 minutes long has been posted by 40-year-old TB Yadav who is in his uniform and is also carrying a rifle. While identifying himself, Yadav said that he belongs to the 29 Battalion and in three separate videos mentioned that the food that the troops are served is of poor quality. The jawans, he claims, have to go empty stomach at times because of the inedible food. "We only get a parantha and tea in breakfast, which is without any pickle or vegetables... we slog for 11 hours and must stand throughout the duty hours. For lunch, we get dal which only has haldi (turmeric) and salt, with roti. This is the quality of the food we get ... how can a jawan do his duty?" Yadav further says that he is not blaming the government for their plight. Rather, it is his higher-ups and officers who "sell off" the essentials procured for them "illegally" and pocket the money. "No one shows our plight. This is deliberate cruelty and injustice against us," Yadav said. He demanded a probe into the matter while saying that he is well 'aware of the aftermath' that he is likely to encounter, after the video. The Border Security Force in a tweet said that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident, and a senior official has reached the location. BSF is highly sensitive to the welfare of tps.Individual aberrations,if any,are enquired into.A senior officer has already rchd the location https://t.co/3fH7qZdV5P BSF (@BSF_India) January 9, 2017 A day after the video went viral, the netizens expressed their outrage on social media. Here are some of the reactions with BSF jawan as a popular search and #Foo4Soldiers and #saveoursoldiers as hashtags. I feel sorry for that BSF jawan. While they protect us and we enjoy our pizza & burgers, they don't even get to eat a proper meal. That Delhi Girl! (@ankitabardhan) January 10, 2017 BSF Jawan - hope tht there is a system to voice out opinions instead of sum1 forced2 raise their voice on social media. Tc of our heroes pls Soon patriots will name BSF jawan will as anti national and issue visa to Pakistan.#saveoursoldiers Dane (@danedevambadan) January 10, 2017 The BSF Jawan Video is totally heartbreaking! This ghotala must be unraveled asap. No matter how big of a name, they have to be punished! Anurakti Sharma (@anuraktisharma) January 10, 2017 Whatever said and done,our Soldiers and Farmers need to be taken better care of. Proper food needs to reach them all.#Food4Soldiers pic.twitter.com/5WG9btYabs Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 10, 2017 #Food4Soldiers This is extremely unfortunate , and we are moving towards digitization .. Suhas Deshmukh (@SuhasD_85) January 10, 2017 #Food4Soldiers @virendersehwag Not only have to improve lot of things for soldiers .. as a soldier am experiencing everything since 10 years Happy new year (@rv_chowdary) January 10, 2017 Union home minister Rajnath Singh has ordered an inquiry into the allegations made by a constable of Border Security Force (BSF) about the deplorable conditions in the forces. In a Facebook video that is being shared widely on social media, he talks about the food provided to the personnel deployed at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. I have seen a video regarding a BSF jawan's plight. I have asked the HS to immediately seek a report from the BSF & take appropriate action. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 9, 2017 The video that was about 4 minutes long has been posted by 40-year-old TB Yadav who is in his uniform and is also carrying a rifle. While identifying himself, Yadav said that he belongs to the 29 Battalion and in three separate videos mentioned that the food that the troops are served is of poor quality. The jawans, he claims, have to go empty stomach at times because of the inedible food. "We only get a parantha and tea in breakfast, which is without any pickle or vegetables... we slog for 11 hours and must stand throughout the duty hours. For lunch, we get dal which only has haldi (turmeric) and salt, with roti. This is the quality of the food we get ... how can a jawan do his duty?" Yadav further says that he is not blaming the government for their plight. Rather, it is his higher-ups and officers who "sell off" the essentials procured for them "illegally" and pocket the money. "No one shows our plight. This is deliberate cruelty and injustice against us," Yadav said. He demanded a probe into the matter while saying that he is well 'aware of the aftermath' that he is likely to encounter, after the video. The Border Security Force in a tweet said that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident, and a senior official has reached the location. BSF is highly sensitive to the welfare of tps.Individual aberrations,if any,are enquired into.A senior officer has already rchd the location https://t.co/3fH7qZdV5P BSF (@BSF_India) January 9, 2017 A day after the video went viral, the netizens expressed their outrage on social media. Here are some of the reactions with BSF jawan as a popular search and #Foo4Soldiers and #saveoursoldiers as hashtags. I feel sorry for that BSF jawan. While they protect us and we enjoy our pizza & burgers, they don't even get to eat a proper meal. That Delhi Girl! (@ankitabardhan) January 10, 2017 BSF Jawan - hope tht there is a system to voice out opinions instead of sum1 forced2 raise their voice on social media. Tc of our heroes pls PK (@pkakkad) January 10, 2017 Soon patriots will name BSF jawan will as anti national and issue visa to Pakistan.#saveoursoldiers Dane (@danedevambadan) January 10, 2017 The BSF Jawan Video is totally heartbreaking! This ghotala must be unraveled asap. No matter how big of a name, they have to be punished! Anurakti Sharma (@anuraktisharma) January 10, 2017 Whatever said and done,our Soldiers and Farmers need to be taken better care of. Proper food needs to reach them all.#Food4Soldiers pic.twitter.com/5WG9btYabs Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 10, 2017 #Food4Soldiers This is extremely unfortunate , and we are moving towards digitization .. Suhas Deshmukh (@SuhasD_85) January 10, 2017 #Food4Soldiers @virendersehwag Not only have to improve lot of things for soldiers .. as a soldier am experiencing everything since 10 years Happy new year (@rv_chowdary) January 10, 2017 Express News Service LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI : In a major departure from his stubborn attitude in the ongoing party feud, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav sprang a surprise late on Monday evening declaring that Akhilesh Yadav would be the next Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh if the party won the Assembly elections. Akhilesh will be the next Chief Minister and there is no doubt about it, Mulayam, who was seen in a different mood, said late on Monday night. Mulayams statement, seen as an olive branch extended to the Akhilesh camp, is apparently a fresh bid by the party patriarch to end the crisis that could hurt the party in the upcoming polls. However, political experts feel that it is also his desperate attempt to take his son out of the grip of his cousin Ram Gopal Yadav who has been Akhileshs chief adviser in the entire feud. Mulayam had been advocating, at all possible fora, that the Chief Minister Minister would be chosen after the elections by the MLAs voted to power by the people in keeping with the party tradition. Now, it's for the first time that he has changed his stance and said that Akhilesh would be the Chief Ministerial candidate. Addressing the media all by himself, Shivpal and Amar Singh conspicuously absent, a relaxed Mulayam denied any rift or bickering in the party or family. Party mein koi toot-phoot nahi hai (There is no bickering in the party), he asserted saying that it was united and fully prepared to go to the polls. Mulayam's statement came at the end of a highly charged day of sparring over the party symbol. With the very real threat looming of a total freeze of the party symbol, the cycle, the party leaders are expected to make one last attempt to pull back from brinkmanship and work out at least a patchwork truce. Mulayam is likely to meet his son, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, again on Tuesday to try and clinch the modalities of a viable formulato stave off the disaster of an Uttar Pradesh election without the SP in the fray. This comes even as the Election Commission is expected to decide in the next couple of days the basic question of who will ride the Samajwadi 'cycle' into the hustings, if at all. Previous formulas of truce had floundered at one point or the other. And since even claims of majority support were being disputed, even a total freeze on the symbol was within the realms of possibilityhence the last-ditch effort. LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI : In a major departure from his stubborn attitude in the ongoing party feud, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav sprang a surprise late on Monday evening declaring that Akhilesh Yadav would be the next Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh if the party won the Assembly elections. Akhilesh will be the next Chief Minister and there is no doubt about it, Mulayam, who was seen in a different mood, said late on Monday night. Mulayams statement, seen as an olive branch extended to the Akhilesh camp, is apparently a fresh bid by the party patriarch to end the crisis that could hurt the party in the upcoming polls. However, political experts feel that it is also his desperate attempt to take his son out of the grip of his cousin Ram Gopal Yadav who has been Akhileshs chief adviser in the entire feud. Mulayam had been advocating, at all possible fora, that the Chief Minister Minister would be chosen after the elections by the MLAs voted to power by the people in keeping with the party tradition. Now, it's for the first time that he has changed his stance and said that Akhilesh would be the Chief Ministerial candidate. Addressing the media all by himself, Shivpal and Amar Singh conspicuously absent, a relaxed Mulayam denied any rift or bickering in the party or family. Party mein koi toot-phoot nahi hai (There is no bickering in the party), he asserted saying that it was united and fully prepared to go to the polls. Mulayam's statement came at the end of a highly charged day of sparring over the party symbol. With the very real threat looming of a total freeze of the party symbol, the cycle, the party leaders are expected to make one last attempt to pull back from brinkmanship and work out at least a patchwork truce. Mulayam is likely to meet his son, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, again on Tuesday to try and clinch the modalities of a viable formulato stave off the disaster of an Uttar Pradesh election without the SP in the fray. This comes even as the Election Commission is expected to decide in the next couple of days the basic question of who will ride the Samajwadi 'cycle' into the hustings, if at all. Previous formulas of truce had floundered at one point or the other. And since even claims of majority support were being disputed, even a total freeze on the symbol was within the realms of possibilityhence the last-ditch effort. By IANS NEW DELHI: While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is still reconciling the quantum of demonetised currency that has been returned to banks by the December 30, 2016 deadline, NITI Aayog Member Bibek Debroy feels about 10 per cent of such notes won't return to the system. "Even now, Rs 1.6 lakh crore is what will be missing at the end of it all. Those are the figures. If I take a base of roughly rounding off demonetised currency around Rs 16 lakh crore, 10 per cent of it is about Rs 1.6 lakh crore," Debroy told IANS in an interview. "Figures say that still Rs 1.5 lakh crore that has not come back. There is still a gap. People have made estimates that may be 10 per cent will not come back," he added. Some reports have said about 97 per cent of the demonetised currency notes worth Rs 14.97 lakh crore have been deposited back as on December 30. The government had earlier estimated that about Rs 15.4 lakh crore of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes -- or 86 per cent of cash in circulation -- will be taken out of the system. Meanwhile, the central bank has cast doubts on its own estimates. "The periodical SBN (specified bank notes) figures released by us were based on aggregation of accounting entries done at the large number of currency chests all over the country," it said. The last figure released by the RBI was that deposits of Rs 12.44 lakh crore have been received till December 10, 2016. "Now that the scheme has come to an end these figures would need to be reconciled with physical cash balances to eliminate accounting errors/possible double counts. Till this is completed, any estimate may not indicate the actual numbers of the SBNs that have been returned," RBI had said. Debroy said the bulk of the old currency coming in is a positive indication. "I can look at it as a positive thing. If it doesn't come back, then that currency is destroyed. It reduces RBI's liability to that extent. For the amount that comes into the system, people will have to pay taxes, penalties, that is the money that actually comes to the government," he said. The scrutiny of the money deposited in banks, however will take time, he added. Debroy also said demonetisation has checked the disproportionate cash in the Indian society, and that the cash-GDP ratio in India is way higher than its other Asian counterparts. "Around 2000, the cash-GDP ratio in India used to be around 9 per cent while today it has gone up to 13 per cent. Obviously the use of cash is disproportionately high to what is required for transaction purposes," he said. As per official data, Sri Lanka, for example, has cash-GDP ratio of just 3.5 per cent, Bangladesh has 5 per cent, while Pakistan has 9 per cent. Quite clearly, there is excess cash in India that needs to be reduced, Debroy said. He said about 97 per cent of households in India have bank accounts, though it is a separate matter that for various reasons they have not been encouraged. NEW DELHI: While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is still reconciling the quantum of demonetised currency that has been returned to banks by the December 30, 2016 deadline, NITI Aayog Member Bibek Debroy feels about 10 per cent of such notes won't return to the system. "Even now, Rs 1.6 lakh crore is what will be missing at the end of it all. Those are the figures. If I take a base of roughly rounding off demonetised currency around Rs 16 lakh crore, 10 per cent of it is about Rs 1.6 lakh crore," Debroy told IANS in an interview. "Figures say that still Rs 1.5 lakh crore that has not come back. There is still a gap. People have made estimates that may be 10 per cent will not come back," he added. Some reports have said about 97 per cent of the demonetised currency notes worth Rs 14.97 lakh crore have been deposited back as on December 30. The government had earlier estimated that about Rs 15.4 lakh crore of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes -- or 86 per cent of cash in circulation -- will be taken out of the system. Meanwhile, the central bank has cast doubts on its own estimates. "The periodical SBN (specified bank notes) figures released by us were based on aggregation of accounting entries done at the large number of currency chests all over the country," it said. The last figure released by the RBI was that deposits of Rs 12.44 lakh crore have been received till December 10, 2016. "Now that the scheme has come to an end these figures would need to be reconciled with physical cash balances to eliminate accounting errors/possible double counts. Till this is completed, any estimate may not indicate the actual numbers of the SBNs that have been returned," RBI had said. Debroy said the bulk of the old currency coming in is a positive indication. "I can look at it as a positive thing. If it doesn't come back, then that currency is destroyed. It reduces RBI's liability to that extent. For the amount that comes into the system, people will have to pay taxes, penalties, that is the money that actually comes to the government," he said. The scrutiny of the money deposited in banks, however will take time, he added. Debroy also said demonetisation has checked the disproportionate cash in the Indian society, and that the cash-GDP ratio in India is way higher than its other Asian counterparts. "Around 2000, the cash-GDP ratio in India used to be around 9 per cent while today it has gone up to 13 per cent. Obviously the use of cash is disproportionately high to what is required for transaction purposes," he said. As per official data, Sri Lanka, for example, has cash-GDP ratio of just 3.5 per cent, Bangladesh has 5 per cent, while Pakistan has 9 per cent. Quite clearly, there is excess cash in India that needs to be reduced, Debroy said. He said about 97 per cent of households in India have bank accounts, though it is a separate matter that for various reasons they have not been encouraged. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service MOHALI: Confirming the speculations, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday hinted that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal could be next chief minister of Punjab. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress had earlier alleged that Kejriwal could be next CM of the State, as the party had decided not to declare its chief ministerial candidate before the polls. Addressing a public meeting at Balongi in Mohali, Sisodia gave fresh gun-powder to SAD and Congress as he said, When you are voting, think that you are voting for Arvind Kejriwal. Your vote is in the name of Kejriwal. Later, Sisodia did not rule out the possibility of Kejriwal being Punjab CM as he said, Why are you asking me. The MLAs will decide who the CM will be. This is being interpreted in the political circles as Kejriwal is the party's chief ministerial candidate for Punjab, as the State goes to polls on February 4. The local AAP leadership tried to play down the comments of Sisodia as they termed that the BJP asks for votes in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and they are doing the same in Uttar Pradesh, while the ruling SAD-BJP alliance is asking for votes in the name of Parkash Singh Badal and Punjab Congress asks for votes in the name of Capt Amarinder Singh. Hitting at AAP, Punjab deputy chief minister and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Aam Aadmi Partys conspiracy to foist outsider Arvind Kejriwal on Punjab was out in the open with Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia announcing the move at an orchestrated event in Mohali. The cat is out of the bag. Kejriwal has been salivating to become chief minister of Punjab since two years now and finally the party has made the announcement after clearing all the road blocks in his way, he said. First, the party state convener and senior most leader Suchha Singh Chottepur was thrown out of the party as he was a well-known Sikh face and could have posed a challenge to Kejriwal. After this the party scuttled the chances of Bhagwant Mann and Himmat Singh Shergill by making them contest against me and S Bikram Singh Majitha respectively, Badal said. Now with all the road blocks removed Sisodia has come to Punjab to make the announcement in a carefully orchestrated move to the accompaniment of drums and calibrated sloganeering, he said. The party including Kejriwal kept saying that a Punjabi will be chosen as its chief ministerial face but has now chosen a Haryanvi who has already bartered away the interests of Punjab on the SYL to Haryana. If Kejriwal comes to power all the interests of the State including those of Chandigarh as well as Punjabi speaking areas also stand to be sold to Haryana, said Badal. Cat is out of the bag. Recent events prove that Kejri wanted to be CM all along & was only fooling people with misleading statements. Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 .@ArvindKejriwal is fond of U turns & lies. He earlier said that a Punjabi will be party CM candidate. Now he has jumped into fray himself. Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 With Haryanvi Kejriwal as CM candidate, what will be fate of SYL, Chd as well as Punjabi speaking areas of Punjab still left in Haryana? Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 Arvind Kejriwal has finally exposed his obsessive and abominable lust for Punjabs chief ministerial position, Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh said, lambasting the AAP leader for misleading the people of the State with his shameful lies. Reacting sharply to AAP leader Manish Sisodia's exhortation at a rally asking people to vote for AAP with Kejriwal as the chief ministerial candidate, Capt Amarinder said the AAPs national convenor had proven what the Congress had all along been maintaining that he had his eyes on the top post in the unfortunate event of his party coming to power in Punjab. Kejriwal's ugly intentions had been thoroughly exposed with this development, which had shown what a slimy liar the Delhi chief minister was, said Amarinder, adding that the AAP leader had been playing unabashedly with the sentiments of the people of Punjab since he stepped on its soil. The entire campaign of AAP, led by Kejriwal, was founded on lies which the man was trying desperately to force the people to swallow with all kinds of electoral gimmicks and promises that they had no intention of keeping, said that Punjab Congress president. Kejriwal, who is known for cheating and defrauding people in Delhi, had been resorting to similar tactics in Punjab which he wanted to grab by hook or crook, said Amarinder. MOHALI: Confirming the speculations, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday hinted that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal could be next chief minister of Punjab. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress had earlier alleged that Kejriwal could be next CM of the State, as the party had decided not to declare its chief ministerial candidate before the polls. Addressing a public meeting at Balongi in Mohali, Sisodia gave fresh gun-powder to SAD and Congress as he said, When you are voting, think that you are voting for Arvind Kejriwal. Your vote is in the name of Kejriwal. Later, Sisodia did not rule out the possibility of Kejriwal being Punjab CM as he said, Why are you asking me. The MLAs will decide who the CM will be. This is being interpreted in the political circles as Kejriwal is the party's chief ministerial candidate for Punjab, as the State goes to polls on February 4. The local AAP leadership tried to play down the comments of Sisodia as they termed that the BJP asks for votes in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and they are doing the same in Uttar Pradesh, while the ruling SAD-BJP alliance is asking for votes in the name of Parkash Singh Badal and Punjab Congress asks for votes in the name of Capt Amarinder Singh. Hitting at AAP, Punjab deputy chief minister and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Aam Aadmi Partys conspiracy to foist outsider Arvind Kejriwal on Punjab was out in the open with Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia announcing the move at an orchestrated event in Mohali. The cat is out of the bag. Kejriwal has been salivating to become chief minister of Punjab since two years now and finally the party has made the announcement after clearing all the road blocks in his way, he said. First, the party state convener and senior most leader Suchha Singh Chottepur was thrown out of the party as he was a well-known Sikh face and could have posed a challenge to Kejriwal. After this the party scuttled the chances of Bhagwant Mann and Himmat Singh Shergill by making them contest against me and S Bikram Singh Majitha respectively, Badal said. Now with all the road blocks removed Sisodia has come to Punjab to make the announcement in a carefully orchestrated move to the accompaniment of drums and calibrated sloganeering, he said. The party including Kejriwal kept saying that a Punjabi will be chosen as its chief ministerial face but has now chosen a Haryanvi who has already bartered away the interests of Punjab on the SYL to Haryana. If Kejriwal comes to power all the interests of the State including those of Chandigarh as well as Punjabi speaking areas also stand to be sold to Haryana, said Badal. Cat is out of the bag. Recent events prove that Kejri wanted to be CM all along & was only fooling people with misleading statements. Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 .@ArvindKejriwal is fond of U turns & lies. He earlier said that a Punjabi will be party CM candidate. Now he has jumped into fray himself. Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 With Haryanvi Kejriwal as CM candidate, what will be fate of SYL, Chd as well as Punjabi speaking areas of Punjab still left in Haryana? Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 Arvind Kejriwal has finally exposed his obsessive and abominable lust for Punjabs chief ministerial position, Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh said, lambasting the AAP leader for misleading the people of the State with his shameful lies. Reacting sharply to AAP leader Manish Sisodia's exhortation at a rally asking people to vote for AAP with Kejriwal as the chief ministerial candidate, Capt Amarinder said the AAPs national convenor had proven what the Congress had all along been maintaining that he had his eyes on the top post in the unfortunate event of his party coming to power in Punjab. Kejriwal's ugly intentions had been thoroughly exposed with this development, which had shown what a slimy liar the Delhi chief minister was, said Amarinder, adding that the AAP leader had been playing unabashedly with the sentiments of the people of Punjab since he stepped on its soil. The entire campaign of AAP, led by Kejriwal, was founded on lies which the man was trying desperately to force the people to swallow with all kinds of electoral gimmicks and promises that they had no intention of keeping, said that Punjab Congress president. Kejriwal, who is known for cheating and defrauding people in Delhi, had been resorting to similar tactics in Punjab which he wanted to grab by hook or crook, said Amarinder. Vikram Sharma By Express News Service MUZAFFARNAGAR (UP) : Phugana is a village some two hours from Muzaffarnagar. Locally its called a village of khandahars, ruins. The streets are lined with destroyed houses, shops and desecrated places of worship. These are the ruins of the communal riots of August 2013 but from the walls licked black by the flames youd think it happened yesterday. Until then, this had been a dusty village of 2500 Muslim families living peacefully alongside 18,000 Jats. The land-owning Jats are beneficiaries of the Green Revolution of the 1970s and 80s and today wield great influence over Muzaffarnagars administration. After the riots of August-September 2013, Muslim families fled villages like Phugana and have been resettled in colonies like Shamli, a few kilometres away from Phugana. I met one refugee Saleem there. A house destroyed in the August 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots | Express Saleem has fond memories of Phuganas Badi Masjid where he used to perform his namaz everyday. Its located in a bylane and one has to pass by a number of Jat houses to reach it. Inside the mosque, the debris is still piled up and the bush has overrun the compound. The walls seem to have been bulldozed with boulders, giving you a sense of the scale of the rioters fury. Saleem dreads to remember. We were surrounded by armed men, who abused us and went about destroying our property. I begged them to spare the mosque but they paid no heed. My brother was bludgeoned to death but I was saved by people from the same community. We locked our house and fled the village just like hundreds of others, he says. Saleem says a return to Phugana is impossible. The situation may be peaceful now but we have had enough. Some families did try to return but they were terrorised and forced to leave for good, he says. Today Phugana stands much as the refugees left it. Except, some new houses have come up where Muslim properties once stood. Some say the fleeing families sold out at throwaway prices or were coearced into doing so. However, local accounts say that the refugees fled leaving behind their valuables, which was duly plundered. No police complaints were lodged. Although more than three years have passed by, the administration has not made an effort to ensure that the riot victims get back to their original homes. They have only widened the gap between the two communities by resettling them in other villages, which means that they have separate colonies for different communities, says Syed Anwar, another man from Phugana who has been resettled in Loi village. But the big question remains as to what happens to these abandoned properties? As of now, there is no plan of action with regard to these abandoned properties. Many house owners have kept them locked with a hope that they would be able to return some day. But when will that day come, I cannot say, said a local official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Haji Mohiuddin, who lost his relative in the riots, says that though they do want to return, the administration has to provide them security. But the administration seems to be on the side of the Jats. MUZAFFARNAGAR (UP) : Phugana is a village some two hours from Muzaffarnagar. Locally its called a village of khandahars, ruins. The streets are lined with destroyed houses, shops and desecrated places of worship. These are the ruins of the communal riots of August 2013 but from the walls licked black by the flames youd think it happened yesterday. Until then, this had been a dusty village of 2500 Muslim families living peacefully alongside 18,000 Jats. The land-owning Jats are beneficiaries of the Green Revolution of the 1970s and 80s and today wield great influence over Muzaffarnagars administration. After the riots of August-September 2013, Muslim families fled villages like Phugana and have been resettled in colonies like Shamli, a few kilometres away from Phugana. I met one refugee Saleem there. A house destroyed in the August 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots | Express Saleem has fond memories of Phuganas Badi Masjid where he used to perform his namaz everyday. Its located in a bylane and one has to pass by a number of Jat houses to reach it. Inside the mosque, the debris is still piled up and the bush has overrun the compound. The walls seem to have been bulldozed with boulders, giving you a sense of the scale of the rioters fury. Saleem dreads to remember. We were surrounded by armed men, who abused us and went about destroying our property. I begged them to spare the mosque but they paid no heed. My brother was bludgeoned to death but I was saved by people from the same community. We locked our house and fled the village just like hundreds of others, he says. Saleem says a return to Phugana is impossible. The situation may be peaceful now but we have had enough. Some families did try to return but they were terrorised and forced to leave for good, he says. Today Phugana stands much as the refugees left it. Except, some new houses have come up where Muslim properties once stood. Some say the fleeing families sold out at throwaway prices or were coearced into doing so. However, local accounts say that the refugees fled leaving behind their valuables, which was duly plundered. No police complaints were lodged. Although more than three years have passed by, the administration has not made an effort to ensure that the riot victims get back to their original homes. They have only widened the gap between the two communities by resettling them in other villages, which means that they have separate colonies for different communities, says Syed Anwar, another man from Phugana who has been resettled in Loi village. But the big question remains as to what happens to these abandoned properties? As of now, there is no plan of action with regard to these abandoned properties. Many house owners have kept them locked with a hope that they would be able to return some day. But when will that day come, I cannot say, said a local official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Haji Mohiuddin, who lost his relative in the riots, says that though they do want to return, the administration has to provide them security. But the administration seems to be on the side of the Jats. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The search for the next Lokayukta of Karnataka may finally be over. Consensus has evolved around the name of retired Karnataka High Court judge P Vishwanath Shetty. His name was finalised in the high-level committee meeting chaired by CM Siddaramaiah to head the anti-corruption agency. Apart from Siddaramaiah, who is the chairman, the high-level committee to select the Lokayukta comprises the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court SK Mukherjee, Assembly Speaker KB Koliwad, Legislative Council Chairman DH Shankaramurthy, Leaders of the Opposition in the two Houses of the legislature Jagadish Shettar and KS Eshwarappa as its members. The names of Justices P Vishwanath Shetty, NK Patil and Anandbyra Reddy were discussed for the post and the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court has conveyed his consent for all the three names. The state government will soon recommend his name to Governor Vajubhai Vala for appointment as the Lokayukta, Siddaramaiah said after the meeting. The anti-corruption agency has remained headless since the ignominious exit of former Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao in December 2015. Governor Vala had rejected the earlier recommendation of the state government to appoint Justice SR Nayak, the present chairman of the Karnataka State Law Commission, for the post. BENGALURU: The search for the next Lokayukta of Karnataka may finally be over. Consensus has evolved around the name of retired Karnataka High Court judge P Vishwanath Shetty. His name was finalised in the high-level committee meeting chaired by CM Siddaramaiah to head the anti-corruption agency. Apart from Siddaramaiah, who is the chairman, the high-level committee to select the Lokayukta comprises the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court SK Mukherjee, Assembly Speaker KB Koliwad, Legislative Council Chairman DH Shankaramurthy, Leaders of the Opposition in the two Houses of the legislature Jagadish Shettar and KS Eshwarappa as its members. The names of Justices P Vishwanath Shetty, NK Patil and Anandbyra Reddy were discussed for the post and the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court has conveyed his consent for all the three names. The state government will soon recommend his name to Governor Vajubhai Vala for appointment as the Lokayukta, Siddaramaiah said after the meeting. The anti-corruption agency has remained headless since the ignominious exit of former Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao in December 2015. Governor Vala had rejected the earlier recommendation of the state government to appoint Justice SR Nayak, the present chairman of the Karnataka State Law Commission, for the post. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The simmering feud between state BJP president BS Yeddyurappa and senior party leader KS Eshwarappa reached an anticlimax on Tuesday, with the party suspending Eshwarappa aide and former Bengaluru mayor D Venkatesh Murthy. The strong action was taken over anti-party activities, or more specifically, activities of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, of which Murthy is general secretary. A letter by the BJP city president P N Sadashiva stated that despite being a member of the BJP, Murthy was working against party interests in Basavanagudi Assembly constituency and Bengaluru city. Sadashiva also stated that Murthy had not replied to a show cause notice and hence was being suspended from the primary membership of the party. The action against three-time corporator Murthy is seen as a strong message to Eshwarappa, who is Leader of Opposition in the Council, to refrain from propping up the Rayanna Brigade. Despite repeated warnings from both state and central leadership, Eshwarappa had refused to dissociate himself from the Brigade. On Tuesday morning too, Eshwarappa who was attending a Brigade convention in Kalaburagi, brazenly announced that since Yeddyurappa rejected the support of the Brigade, they had decided to keep a distance from the BJP and build it as an apolitical group. The Brigade does not intend to work for the success of Yeddyurappa or BJP in the elections. As of now the Brigade has given liberty to its members to contest from any party or back any party forwarding the cause of dalits and oppressed class, Eshwarappa said. The Brigade, floated to mobilise backward classes for the upcoming Assembly elections, has been a cause of friction between rivals Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa. Over the past few months, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav and Muralidhar Rao, the general secretary in charge of Karnataka affairs, had on different occasions issued a strict warning to members not to undertake any activities outside BJP or face disciplinary action. But Eshwarappa had continued holding massive conventions across Karnataka. Another convention is scheduled in Padmanabhanagar in Bengaluru on Wednesday. BENGALURU: The simmering feud between state BJP president BS Yeddyurappa and senior party leader KS Eshwarappa reached an anticlimax on Tuesday, with the party suspending Eshwarappa aide and former Bengaluru mayor D Venkatesh Murthy. The strong action was taken over anti-party activities, or more specifically, activities of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, of which Murthy is general secretary. A letter by the BJP city president P N Sadashiva stated that despite being a member of the BJP, Murthy was working against party interests in Basavanagudi Assembly constituency and Bengaluru city. Sadashiva also stated that Murthy had not replied to a show cause notice and hence was being suspended from the primary membership of the party. The action against three-time corporator Murthy is seen as a strong message to Eshwarappa, who is Leader of Opposition in the Council, to refrain from propping up the Rayanna Brigade. Despite repeated warnings from both state and central leadership, Eshwarappa had refused to dissociate himself from the Brigade. On Tuesday morning too, Eshwarappa who was attending a Brigade convention in Kalaburagi, brazenly announced that since Yeddyurappa rejected the support of the Brigade, they had decided to keep a distance from the BJP and build it as an apolitical group. The Brigade does not intend to work for the success of Yeddyurappa or BJP in the elections. As of now the Brigade has given liberty to its members to contest from any party or back any party forwarding the cause of dalits and oppressed class, Eshwarappa said. The Brigade, floated to mobilise backward classes for the upcoming Assembly elections, has been a cause of friction between rivals Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa. Over the past few months, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav and Muralidhar Rao, the general secretary in charge of Karnataka affairs, had on different occasions issued a strict warning to members not to undertake any activities outside BJP or face disciplinary action. But Eshwarappa had continued holding massive conventions across Karnataka. Another convention is scheduled in Padmanabhanagar in Bengaluru on Wednesday. By Express News Service KALABURAGI: The BJP took a stern view of its party members being involved in the activities of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade and suspended its general secretary D Venkatesh Murthy for anti-party activities. A letter by BJP president P N Sadashiva stated that being a member of the BJP, he was working against the interests of the party in Basavanagudi Assembly constituency (Bengaluru) and Bengaluru city. Sadashiva also stated that Murthy had not replied to a show cause notice issued to him and hence he was being suspended from the primary membership of the party. Murthy is an ex-corporator from BJP and was also the Mayor of Bengaluru in 2012-13. Meanwhile, the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade has distanced itself from BJP, said mentor of Sangooli Rayanna Brigade K S Eshwarappa here on Tuesday. The friction between state president Yeddyurappa and senior leader Eshwarappa over the formation of the Brigade has been evident over the past few months and Eshwarappa has been warned by senior BJP leaders in Delhi to not get involved with the Brigade. Eshwarappa who was here to attend district level convention of the Brigade, told press persons that initially the Brigade had plans to support BJP so that it could establish majority in the elections to State Assembly in scheduled for 2018. He said he had also conveyed to state president Yeddyurappa several times that the Brigade is keen to help BJP in gaining majority of seats. "But from the beginning Yeddyurappa opposed the formation of the Brigade and has openly told that he does need support from Brigade to become chief minister and the people would support him and would bring BJP to power. As Yeddyurappa rejected the support of Brigade, we have decided to keep distance from BJP and to build it apolitically. The Brigade would not work for the success of Yeddyurappa or BJP in the elections. As of now the Brigade will give liberty to its members to stand elections from any party or to support any party which supports the cause of Dalits and oppressed class," Eshwarappa announced. Eshwarappa made it clear that individually he supported BJP and its dictates till he remained in the party. When asked whether he was planning to quit the party, he evaded any answer. Eshwarappa said that the change of the policy of Brigade not to support any political party as an organisation was done as per the advice of many religious leaders. The brigade would respect the seers of Mutts and would follow their guidance. Many leaders of various political parties have joined Brigade, he claimed. When asked whether the Brigade would harm the prospects of BJP, Eshwarappa said that BJP and Brigade were different and there was no relation between them. "As of now we have planned to strengthen the Brigade in ten districts of North/Hyderabad Karnataka in the first phase and in the second phase the base would be extended to other parts of the State, Eshwarappa said. He admitted that he went to New Delhi recently with a few RSS leaders to convince the BJP high command that Brigade would not harm the prospects of BJP. "They heard us patiently, but did not react," Eshwarappa said. KALABURAGI: The BJP took a stern view of its party members being involved in the activities of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade and suspended its general secretary D Venkatesh Murthy for anti-party activities. A letter by BJP president P N Sadashiva stated that being a member of the BJP, he was working against the interests of the party in Basavanagudi Assembly constituency (Bengaluru) and Bengaluru city. Sadashiva also stated that Murthy had not replied to a show cause notice issued to him and hence he was being suspended from the primary membership of the party. Murthy is an ex-corporator from BJP and was also the Mayor of Bengaluru in 2012-13. Meanwhile, the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade has distanced itself from BJP, said mentor of Sangooli Rayanna Brigade K S Eshwarappa here on Tuesday. The friction between state president Yeddyurappa and senior leader Eshwarappa over the formation of the Brigade has been evident over the past few months and Eshwarappa has been warned by senior BJP leaders in Delhi to not get involved with the Brigade. Eshwarappa who was here to attend district level convention of the Brigade, told press persons that initially the Brigade had plans to support BJP so that it could establish majority in the elections to State Assembly in scheduled for 2018. He said he had also conveyed to state president Yeddyurappa several times that the Brigade is keen to help BJP in gaining majority of seats. "But from the beginning Yeddyurappa opposed the formation of the Brigade and has openly told that he does need support from Brigade to become chief minister and the people would support him and would bring BJP to power. As Yeddyurappa rejected the support of Brigade, we have decided to keep distance from BJP and to build it apolitically. The Brigade would not work for the success of Yeddyurappa or BJP in the elections. As of now the Brigade will give liberty to its members to stand elections from any party or to support any party which supports the cause of Dalits and oppressed class," Eshwarappa announced. Eshwarappa made it clear that individually he supported BJP and its dictates till he remained in the party. When asked whether he was planning to quit the party, he evaded any answer. Eshwarappa said that the change of the policy of Brigade not to support any political party as an organisation was done as per the advice of many religious leaders. The brigade would respect the seers of Mutts and would follow their guidance. Many leaders of various political parties have joined Brigade, he claimed. When asked whether the Brigade would harm the prospects of BJP, Eshwarappa said that BJP and Brigade were different and there was no relation between them. "As of now we have planned to strengthen the Brigade in ten districts of North/Hyderabad Karnataka in the first phase and in the second phase the base would be extended to other parts of the State, Eshwarappa said. He admitted that he went to New Delhi recently with a few RSS leaders to convince the BJP high command that Brigade would not harm the prospects of BJP. "They heard us patiently, but did not react," Eshwarappa said. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Coming down heavily on the Centre over withdrawing the legal tender of high denomination notes, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday termed the exercise as Tuglakian and a "brutal economic attack" on the people and the banking system in the nation. Addressing the 28th annual national conference of the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) here, he said, "The Indian people and our banking system have been subjected to most brutal economic attack over the past couple of months following the announcement of demonetisation on November 8." He alleged that a conscious effort was on to undermine the nationalised banks and the cooperative banks for the benefit of vested interests. Stating that the currency-ban has shaken the core of the cooperative banking system, the "lifeline of rural India", he said the cooperatives have suffered "collateral damage." "The collateral damage of the Tuglakian reform is that the cooperative banks were virtually forced to down their shutters," he said adding this was particularly so in Kerala which in the last decade had resisted the Vaidyanathan Committee recommendations. According to him the credit societies in Kerala, with a combined deposit of Rs 1.2 lakh crore, were the strongest in the country. Referring to the Centre's move to merge State Bank of India (SBI) and its subsidiaries, against which a sustained movement is on in Kerala, the Marxist veteran said even prior to the attacks on banks through demonetisation, the assault on regional banks has begun. "The Kerala Government passed a resolution in the Assembly asking the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to withdraw the decision to merge SBI and its subsidiaries. All the legislators voted in favour of the resolution but for the lone BJP member," he said. Vijayan recalled that the High Court of Kerala had issued notices to the Union Finance Ministry, RBI, SBI, SBT and the State Government on a petition seeking to stop the merger. Raising concerns over the adverse effect of the proposed merger, he said it would deprive job opportunities, besides leading to the closure of half of the State Bank of Travancore (SBT) branches in Kerala. Hitting out at the move, he said the attack on the regional, autonomous institutions was "part of a political design" to do away with federalism and build a 'monolithic nation' by submerging all "ethnic identities." The Kerala Chief Minister called upon the workers and trade unions to continue to fight so that the effort of homogenisation of the heterogeneous society and institutions could be resisted. CHENNAI: Coming down heavily on the Centre over withdrawing the legal tender of high denomination notes, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday termed the exercise as Tuglakian and a "brutal economic attack" on the people and the banking system in the nation. Addressing the 28th annual national conference of the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) here, he said, "The Indian people and our banking system have been subjected to most brutal economic attack over the past couple of months following the announcement of demonetisation on November 8." He alleged that a conscious effort was on to undermine the nationalised banks and the cooperative banks for the benefit of vested interests. Stating that the currency-ban has shaken the core of the cooperative banking system, the "lifeline of rural India", he said the cooperatives have suffered "collateral damage." "The collateral damage of the Tuglakian reform is that the cooperative banks were virtually forced to down their shutters," he said adding this was particularly so in Kerala which in the last decade had resisted the Vaidyanathan Committee recommendations. According to him the credit societies in Kerala, with a combined deposit of Rs 1.2 lakh crore, were the strongest in the country. Referring to the Centre's move to merge State Bank of India (SBI) and its subsidiaries, against which a sustained movement is on in Kerala, the Marxist veteran said even prior to the attacks on banks through demonetisation, the assault on regional banks has begun. "The Kerala Government passed a resolution in the Assembly asking the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to withdraw the decision to merge SBI and its subsidiaries. All the legislators voted in favour of the resolution but for the lone BJP member," he said. Vijayan recalled that the High Court of Kerala had issued notices to the Union Finance Ministry, RBI, SBI, SBT and the State Government on a petition seeking to stop the merger. Raising concerns over the adverse effect of the proposed merger, he said it would deprive job opportunities, besides leading to the closure of half of the State Bank of Travancore (SBT) branches in Kerala. Hitting out at the move, he said the attack on the regional, autonomous institutions was "part of a political design" to do away with federalism and build a 'monolithic nation' by submerging all "ethnic identities." The Kerala Chief Minister called upon the workers and trade unions to continue to fight so that the effort of homogenisation of the heterogeneous society and institutions could be resisted. By Express News Service TALCHER/PARADIP : The SDJM Court in Talcher granted bail to Mahima Mishra, Managing Director of Odisha Stevedores Limited (OSL), on Monday and rejected the plea by local police to take him on seven-day remand for questioning in connection with a firing case. On the other hand, the Madhupatna Police in Cuttack was allowed to take Mishra on one day remand by JMFC-Kujang in Jagatsinghpur district.The SDJM court granted bail to Mishra following the decision of Orissa High Court. Mishra had apparently obtained bail in the case from the HC in 2012, but had not appeared before the police. He was taken back to Kujang jail after the hearing. On January 11, 2011, the manager of a private coal transport company, Abhaya Ganguly was shot at by some miscreants. Although he escaped the attack, Ganguly registered a case against Mishra. Subsequently, Mishra got an anticipatory bail from the High Court which is still in force. Police are yet to submit the chargesheet in court as there was no progress in the investigation. A similar case is also pending in Motanga police station in Dhenkanal district which is related to violence on the premises of Bhusan Steel Limited. In Jagatsinghpur district, the JMFC-Kujang allowed Madhupatna Police to take Mishra on a days remand for questioning him on his alleged links with 2013 Press Chhack bomb hurling case in Cuttack. Meanwhile, Executive Director of OSL, Basant Kumar Bal, who was arrested along with Mishra for his alleged links in the SSL manager Mahendra Swain murder case, has moved the District and Sessions Judge Court in Jagatsinghpur seeking bail. He is currently under treatment at the SCB Medical, Cuttack. In another development, the Paradip police on Monday issued notices to Mishras sons and directors of OSL - Chandan and Charchit - and an employee of the company, Rabindra Nath Dalei to appear before the police by January 11 in connection with the Swain murder case. TALCHER/PARADIP : The SDJM Court in Talcher granted bail to Mahima Mishra, Managing Director of Odisha Stevedores Limited (OSL), on Monday and rejected the plea by local police to take him on seven-day remand for questioning in connection with a firing case. On the other hand, the Madhupatna Police in Cuttack was allowed to take Mishra on one day remand by JMFC-Kujang in Jagatsinghpur district.The SDJM court granted bail to Mishra following the decision of Orissa High Court. Mishra had apparently obtained bail in the case from the HC in 2012, but had not appeared before the police. He was taken back to Kujang jail after the hearing. On January 11, 2011, the manager of a private coal transport company, Abhaya Ganguly was shot at by some miscreants. Although he escaped the attack, Ganguly registered a case against Mishra. Subsequently, Mishra got an anticipatory bail from the High Court which is still in force. Police are yet to submit the chargesheet in court as there was no progress in the investigation. A similar case is also pending in Motanga police station in Dhenkanal district which is related to violence on the premises of Bhusan Steel Limited. In Jagatsinghpur district, the JMFC-Kujang allowed Madhupatna Police to take Mishra on a days remand for questioning him on his alleged links with 2013 Press Chhack bomb hurling case in Cuttack. Meanwhile, Executive Director of OSL, Basant Kumar Bal, who was arrested along with Mishra for his alleged links in the SSL manager Mahendra Swain murder case, has moved the District and Sessions Judge Court in Jagatsinghpur seeking bail. He is currently under treatment at the SCB Medical, Cuttack. In another development, the Paradip police on Monday issued notices to Mishras sons and directors of OSL - Chandan and Charchit - and an employee of the company, Rabindra Nath Dalei to appear before the police by January 11 in connection with the Swain murder case. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Private bus tickets for Pongal season booked via RedBus.com app will be valid. Rumours were spread that tickets booked through the app will not be accepted by buses. A Afzal, Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Owners Association president, said, "Rumours have been spread by the brokers' association that ticket booked through RedBus for Pongal will be invalid. This is however false. Omni bus owners have no role to play in this." He added that a warning was issued to RedBus earlier to prevent surge pricing around festivals and the minor conflict ceased there. "The brokers' association that was unhappy with this decided to use media as a tool to create panic," he said. CHENNAI: Private bus tickets for Pongal season booked via RedBus.com app will be valid. Rumours were spread that tickets booked through the app will not be accepted by buses. A Afzal, Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Owners Association president, said, "Rumours have been spread by the brokers' association that ticket booked through RedBus for Pongal will be invalid. This is however false. Omni bus owners have no role to play in this." He added that a warning was issued to RedBus earlier to prevent surge pricing around festivals and the minor conflict ceased there. "The brokers' association that was unhappy with this decided to use media as a tool to create panic," he said. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: In a setback to Telangana state government, the Supreme Court on Monday quashed its special leave petition (SLP) seeking project-wise allocations of Krishna waters among all the beneficiary states. The Telangana government approached the Supreme Court challenging the Brijesh Kumar Tribunals order which said according to Section 89 (a) and (b) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, project- wise water allocations and water availability is limited to two Telugu states only. The tribunal rejected the state governments plea to make Karnataka and Maharashtra as parties of the project-wise allocations. The state government had filed an SLP in the Supreme Court challenging Brijesh Kumar tribunals directions last month. The apex court stated that the project-wise allocations were limited to AP and TS, as per the section 89 of the AP Reorganisation Act and made it clear that the Act could not be applied to Maharashtra and Karnataka states. The AP Reorganisation Act was meant for bifurcation of assets, liabilities and employees between the successor states of AP and TS. Likewise, the sibling states should also distribute Krishna waters, the apex court stated while quashing the SLP of the state government. However, the apex court said that the other petitions pending before the Supreme Court on Krishna water disputes would continue. The Telangana government also filed petitions challenging the Brijesh Kumar Tribunals main award of allocation of total Krishna waters. It also wanted constitution of a fresh tribunal to hear its arguments. The apex court will hear all these petitions. Following the dismissal of the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the state government in the Supreme Court, challenging Brijesh Kumar Tribunals order on Krishna water sharing, Opposition parties accused ruling TRS of not showing proper interest to get states legitimate share in river waters. The government is more interested in taking up new irrigation projects and changing the alignments of under-construction irrigation projects in order to pay more money to contractors for reasons best known to all. But it is not putting in proper efforts to get TS share in river waters for the same projects, TPCC general secretary Dasoju Sravan criticised. While interacting with scribes here on Monday, the Congress leader wanted to know why the TRS government in the State is unable to exert pressure on the Centre to allocate proportionate share to newly formed Telangana State in Krishna waters. Of late, the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has become a good friend of the BJP. He has been praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the skies, ever since demonetisation of high value currency notes. But, I dont understand why the same Chief Minister, who has such a good rapport with the Prime Minister,is unable to convince the Centre to distribute equal share of Krishna waters to Telangana,he criticised. Instead of spending lakhs of rupees for the advocates to argue Telangana case in various courts, the TRS leadership should send all its MPs to the Prime Minister to request him to resolve the issue, the Congress leader advised. Mentioning that the government had even invited tenders from the eligible contractors for the construction of Palamuru Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, Dindi project and other projects across Krishna River, Sravan wanted to know how the government could proceed to construct the projects without ensuring availability of water for the same. TDP State unit working president A Revanth Reddy too found fault with the State government for the SCs decision to dismiss SLP filed by the State government challenging Brijesh Kumar Tribunals order. HYDERABAD: In a setback to Telangana state government, the Supreme Court on Monday quashed its special leave petition (SLP) seeking project-wise allocations of Krishna waters among all the beneficiary states. The Telangana government approached the Supreme Court challenging the Brijesh Kumar Tribunals order which said according to Section 89 (a) and (b) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, project- wise water allocations and water availability is limited to two Telugu states only. The tribunal rejected the state governments plea to make Karnataka and Maharashtra as parties of the project-wise allocations. The state government had filed an SLP in the Supreme Court challenging Brijesh Kumar tribunals directions last month. The apex court stated that the project-wise allocations were limited to AP and TS, as per the section 89 of the AP Reorganisation Act and made it clear that the Act could not be applied to Maharashtra and Karnataka states. The AP Reorganisation Act was meant for bifurcation of assets, liabilities and employees between the successor states of AP and TS. Likewise, the sibling states should also distribute Krishna waters, the apex court stated while quashing the SLP of the state government. However, the apex court said that the other petitions pending before the Supreme Court on Krishna water disputes would continue. The Telangana government also filed petitions challenging the Brijesh Kumar Tribunals main award of allocation of total Krishna waters. It also wanted constitution of a fresh tribunal to hear its arguments. The apex court will hear all these petitions. Following the dismissal of the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the state government in the Supreme Court, challenging Brijesh Kumar Tribunals order on Krishna water sharing, Opposition parties accused ruling TRS of not showing proper interest to get states legitimate share in river waters. The government is more interested in taking up new irrigation projects and changing the alignments of under-construction irrigation projects in order to pay more money to contractors for reasons best known to all. But it is not putting in proper efforts to get TS share in river waters for the same projects, TPCC general secretary Dasoju Sravan criticised. While interacting with scribes here on Monday, the Congress leader wanted to know why the TRS government in the State is unable to exert pressure on the Centre to allocate proportionate share to newly formed Telangana State in Krishna waters. Of late, the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has become a good friend of the BJP. He has been praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the skies, ever since demonetisation of high value currency notes. But, I dont understand why the same Chief Minister, who has such a good rapport with the Prime Minister,is unable to convince the Centre to distribute equal share of Krishna waters to Telangana,he criticised. Instead of spending lakhs of rupees for the advocates to argue Telangana case in various courts, the TRS leadership should send all its MPs to the Prime Minister to request him to resolve the issue, the Congress leader advised. Mentioning that the government had even invited tenders from the eligible contractors for the construction of Palamuru Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, Dindi project and other projects across Krishna River, Sravan wanted to know how the government could proceed to construct the projects without ensuring availability of water for the same. TDP State unit working president A Revanth Reddy too found fault with the State government for the SCs decision to dismiss SLP filed by the State government challenging Brijesh Kumar Tribunals order. By AFP WASHINGTON: Islamic State group fighters are increasingly less capable of using trucks packed with explosives against Iraqi troops in Mosul, a sign of their growing weakness, the Pentagon said Monday. "We see fewer and fewer VBIED than we had previously in Mosul," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said, using the acronym for vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Iraqi forces fear the trucks -- vehicles stuffed with explosives, sometimes protected by makeshift armor and driven by suicide bombers. Among other signs of the IS group's mounting difficulties are "a lot" of desertions among the jihadists, Davis said. "We are seeing ISIL people leave their positions, try to disappear and make a break for it," he said, using an alternate acronym for the IS group. "It a sign of the fact that they recognize their defeat as imminent." Iraqi forces believe they will take the entire eastern part of the city, Iraq's second-largest, within a few days. They will then turn to sections of the city west of the Tiger River, where the jihadists are still firmly entrenched. The coalition has destroyed 134 bomb-laden trucks with air strikes since the start of the operation to take Mosul in mid-October, Davis said. With bridges across the river destroyed by bombing, IS fighters have improvised ways to cross the Tigris. They place wooden planks across missing sections to enable pedestrians to cross, use cranes to move vehicles across damaged bridges and send goods down on slides, Davis said. The jihadists are also facing "resistance from within the city" in areas troops are approaching, he added. "The people are very quick to turn against them, too, and help drive them out," Davis said. "But that's particularly when (the Iraqi Security Forces) get really close to taking places." Officials say it could be months before Iraqi forces are able to completely retake Iraq's second city, where hundreds of thousands of civilians still live. WASHINGTON: Islamic State group fighters are increasingly less capable of using trucks packed with explosives against Iraqi troops in Mosul, a sign of their growing weakness, the Pentagon said Monday. "We see fewer and fewer VBIED than we had previously in Mosul," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said, using the acronym for vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Iraqi forces fear the trucks -- vehicles stuffed with explosives, sometimes protected by makeshift armor and driven by suicide bombers. Among other signs of the IS group's mounting difficulties are "a lot" of desertions among the jihadists, Davis said. "We are seeing ISIL people leave their positions, try to disappear and make a break for it," he said, using an alternate acronym for the IS group. "It a sign of the fact that they recognize their defeat as imminent." Iraqi forces believe they will take the entire eastern part of the city, Iraq's second-largest, within a few days. They will then turn to sections of the city west of the Tiger River, where the jihadists are still firmly entrenched. The coalition has destroyed 134 bomb-laden trucks with air strikes since the start of the operation to take Mosul in mid-October, Davis said. With bridges across the river destroyed by bombing, IS fighters have improvised ways to cross the Tigris. They place wooden planks across missing sections to enable pedestrians to cross, use cranes to move vehicles across damaged bridges and send goods down on slides, Davis said. The jihadists are also facing "resistance from within the city" in areas troops are approaching, he added. "The people are very quick to turn against them, too, and help drive them out," Davis said. "But that's particularly when (the Iraqi Security Forces) get really close to taking places." Officials say it could be months before Iraqi forces are able to completely retake Iraq's second city, where hundreds of thousands of civilians still live. By Associated Press AMMAN: Jordan's Religious Affairs Ministry says it has dismissed 15 mosque preachers and is disciplining seven for refusing to pray for the souls of Jordanian troops killed in recent gun battles with Islamic militants. Eleven members of the security forces were killed Dec. 18 and 20 in the Jordanian province of Karak. A Canadian tourist and two Jordanian civilians were also killed, along with five gunmen. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the initial attack. The ministry statement, published in Jordanian media Tuesday, did not say why the preachers refused to comply with a nationwide call to hold memorial prayers following the attacks. Some mosque preachers in Jordan are followers of an ultraconservative stream of Islam that also serves as the ideological foundation of IS. AMMAN: Jordan's Religious Affairs Ministry says it has dismissed 15 mosque preachers and is disciplining seven for refusing to pray for the souls of Jordanian troops killed in recent gun battles with Islamic militants. Eleven members of the security forces were killed Dec. 18 and 20 in the Jordanian province of Karak. A Canadian tourist and two Jordanian civilians were also killed, along with five gunmen. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the initial attack. The ministry statement, published in Jordanian media Tuesday, did not say why the preachers refused to comply with a nationwide call to hold memorial prayers following the attacks. Some mosque preachers in Jordan are followers of an ultraconservative stream of Islam that also serves as the ideological foundation of IS. By Associated Press TEHRAN: Hundreds of thousands of mourners flooded the streets of Tehran on Tuesday, beating their chests and wailing in grief for the late Iranian leader Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei held prayers by Rafsanjani's casket, as other dignitaries knelt before the coffin, putting their hands on it for one final embrace. Also on hand was President Hassan Rouhani, whose moderate administration led the recent nuclear negotiations with world powers. Rouhani, who is all but certain to run for re-election in May, is viewed as embodying Rafsanjani's realist vision. Hard-liners also took part in the ceremony Tuesday, which was a public holiday across the country. Mourners carried posters bearing Rafsanjani's image. "I rarely attend religious ceremonies, but I am here as an Iranian who cannot forget Rafsanjani's contribution to developing political sphere in favor of people in recent years," said Nima Sheikhi, a computer teacher at a private school. Seen among the crowd of mourners on Monday was also Qassem Soleimani, a general who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations like the war in Syria. Rafsanjani's casket later was slowly driven through the streets to the shrine of the late Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini. There, he will be buried by the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the rule of the American-backed shah. Rafsanjani, a close aide to both Khomeini and Khamenei, served as president from 1989 to 1997. His life mirrored Iran's modern history. He served as the right-hand man of Khomeini. He led the military during the ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. He helped launch Iran's nuclear program and then pushed for reconciliation with the West. In the years after Khomeini's 1989 death, Rafsanjani represented one of an ever-shrinking number of leaders directly tied to the Islamic Revolution. Internally, however, his legacy remains mixed. He was massively wealthy and a veteran at maneuvering within Iran's opaque political system. He was considered a protector of the moderates, but many reformers distrusted him because he was such an insider and because of accusations he was involved in killing dissidents during his eight-year presidency. Hard-liners distrusted him because of his support of moderates and sought to sideline him, but he was too powerful and entrenched to be discounted. TEHRAN: Hundreds of thousands of mourners flooded the streets of Tehran on Tuesday, beating their chests and wailing in grief for the late Iranian leader Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died over the weekend at the age of 82. The crowds filled main thoroughfares of the capital as top government and clerical officials held a funeral service at Tehran University. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei held prayers by Rafsanjani's casket, as other dignitaries knelt before the coffin, putting their hands on it for one final embrace. Also on hand was President Hassan Rouhani, whose moderate administration led the recent nuclear negotiations with world powers. Rouhani, who is all but certain to run for re-election in May, is viewed as embodying Rafsanjani's realist vision. Hard-liners also took part in the ceremony Tuesday, which was a public holiday across the country. Mourners carried posters bearing Rafsanjani's image. "I rarely attend religious ceremonies, but I am here as an Iranian who cannot forget Rafsanjani's contribution to developing political sphere in favor of people in recent years," said Nima Sheikhi, a computer teacher at a private school. Seen among the crowd of mourners on Monday was also Qassem Soleimani, a general who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations like the war in Syria. Rafsanjani's casket later was slowly driven through the streets to the shrine of the late Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini. There, he will be buried by the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the rule of the American-backed shah. Rafsanjani, a close aide to both Khomeini and Khamenei, served as president from 1989 to 1997. His life mirrored Iran's modern history. He served as the right-hand man of Khomeini. He led the military during the ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. He helped launch Iran's nuclear program and then pushed for reconciliation with the West. In the years after Khomeini's 1989 death, Rafsanjani represented one of an ever-shrinking number of leaders directly tied to the Islamic Revolution. Internally, however, his legacy remains mixed. He was massively wealthy and a veteran at maneuvering within Iran's opaque political system. He was considered a protector of the moderates, but many reformers distrusted him because he was such an insider and because of accusations he was involved in killing dissidents during his eight-year presidency. Hard-liners distrusted him because of his support of moderates and sought to sideline him, but he was too powerful and entrenched to be discounted. By PTI WARSAW: Zygmunt Bauman, one of the most prominent and prolific European sociologists of recent decades, has died at the age of 91. The Polish-born left-wing thinker's works explored the fluidity of identity in the modern world, the Holocaust, consumerism and globalisation. Bauman died at his home in Leeds, England, on Monday surrounded by his family, according to Anna Zejdler-Janiszewska, a Warsaw-based philosophy professor and friend of Bauman's who was informed of his death by his wife. Renowned for an approach that incorporated philosophy and other disciplines, Bauman was a strong moral voice for the poor and dispossessed in a world upended by globalisation. Whether he was writing about the Holocaust or globalization, his focus remained on how humans can create a dignified life through ethical decisions. He wrote more than 50 books, notably "Modernity and the Holocaust," a 1989 release in which he differed with many other thinkers who saw the barbarism of the Holocaust as a breakdown in modernity. Bauman viewed the mass exterminations of Jews as the very outcome of such pillars of modernity as industrialisation and rationalized bureaucracy. "It was the rational world of modern civilization that made the Holocaust thinkable," Bauman wrote. In the 1990s, Bauman coined the term "liquid modernity" to describe a contemporary world in such flux that individuals are left rootless and bereft of any predictable frames of reference. In books including "Liquid Times" and "Liquid Modernity" he explored the frailty of human connection in such times and the insecurity that a constantly changing world creates. "In a liquid modern life there are no permanent bonds, and any that we take up for a time must be tied loosely so that they can be untied again, as quickly and as effortlessly as possible, when circumstances change," Bauman wrote. In informing friends in Poland of his death Monday, Bauman's wife wrote that he had gone "to liquid eternity." In Poland, he was a controversial figure in some circles. In 2006, a right-wing historian uncovered documents showing that Bauman served as an officer in a Stalinist-era military organisation, the Internal Security Corps, which was helping to impose communism on the nation by killing resisters to the regime. Bauman acknowledged belonging to that unit, but he insisted that he only had a desk job. No evidence has surfaced linking him to any killings. WARSAW: Zygmunt Bauman, one of the most prominent and prolific European sociologists of recent decades, has died at the age of 91. The Polish-born left-wing thinker's works explored the fluidity of identity in the modern world, the Holocaust, consumerism and globalisation. Bauman died at his home in Leeds, England, on Monday surrounded by his family, according to Anna Zejdler-Janiszewska, a Warsaw-based philosophy professor and friend of Bauman's who was informed of his death by his wife. Renowned for an approach that incorporated philosophy and other disciplines, Bauman was a strong moral voice for the poor and dispossessed in a world upended by globalisation. Whether he was writing about the Holocaust or globalization, his focus remained on how humans can create a dignified life through ethical decisions. He wrote more than 50 books, notably "Modernity and the Holocaust," a 1989 release in which he differed with many other thinkers who saw the barbarism of the Holocaust as a breakdown in modernity. Bauman viewed the mass exterminations of Jews as the very outcome of such pillars of modernity as industrialisation and rationalized bureaucracy. "It was the rational world of modern civilization that made the Holocaust thinkable," Bauman wrote. In the 1990s, Bauman coined the term "liquid modernity" to describe a contemporary world in such flux that individuals are left rootless and bereft of any predictable frames of reference. In books including "Liquid Times" and "Liquid Modernity" he explored the frailty of human connection in such times and the insecurity that a constantly changing world creates. "In a liquid modern life there are no permanent bonds, and any that we take up for a time must be tied loosely so that they can be untied again, as quickly and as effortlessly as possible, when circumstances change," Bauman wrote. In informing friends in Poland of his death Monday, Bauman's wife wrote that he had gone "to liquid eternity." In Poland, he was a controversial figure in some circles. In 2006, a right-wing historian uncovered documents showing that Bauman served as an officer in a Stalinist-era military organisation, the Internal Security Corps, which was helping to impose communism on the nation by killing resisters to the regime. Bauman acknowledged belonging to that unit, but he insisted that he only had a desk job. No evidence has surfaced linking him to any killings. By Associated Press KABUL: Bombings across three Afghan cities including Kabul killed around 50 people today, in a day of carnage that shattered a relative lull in violence as Taliban insurgents escalate a deadly winter campaign. At least nine people died when explosives hidden in a sofa detonated inside the governor's compound in southern Kandahar during a visit by the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan, who escaped the attack with injuries. Just hours earlier, twin Taliban blasts in Kabul tore through employees exiting a parliament annexe, which houses the offices of lawmakers, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80 others. And today, a Taliban suicide bomber killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province, as the militants ramp up nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually wanes. The carnage underscores growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where US-backed forces are struggling to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency as well as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants. Kandahar's governor and UAE envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi were wounded by flames from the explosion, but many others were burned beyond recognition, provincial police chief Abdul Raziq told AFP. He said around a dozen people were killed in the bombing, but local Tolo News gave a death toll of nine. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility. But the Taliban said they were behind the Kabul blasts. In the first explosion, a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a minibus transporting government employees. As rescuers reached the scene, a car bomb exploded. Among the 30 dead were four policemen who were killed in the second explosion when they rushed to help the victims of the first blast. Health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh warned that the toll was expected to rise as many of the wounded were battling for their lives in hospital. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they were behind the twin blasts, adding the victims were mostly Afghan intelligence agents. The insurgents are known to exaggerate battlefield claims. "The deaths of scores of civilians in today's Kabul bomb attacks indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives," Amnesty International said in a statement. "An immediate, impartial and independent investigation must be carried out to secure justice for the victims and their families." KABUL: Bombings across three Afghan cities including Kabul killed around 50 people today, in a day of carnage that shattered a relative lull in violence as Taliban insurgents escalate a deadly winter campaign. At least nine people died when explosives hidden in a sofa detonated inside the governor's compound in southern Kandahar during a visit by the UAE ambassador to Afghanistan, who escaped the attack with injuries. Just hours earlier, twin Taliban blasts in Kabul tore through employees exiting a parliament annexe, which houses the offices of lawmakers, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80 others. And today, a Taliban suicide bomber killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the capital of volatile Helmand province, as the militants ramp up nationwide attacks despite the onset of winter, when fighting usually wanes. The carnage underscores growing insecurity in Afghanistan, where US-backed forces are struggling to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency as well as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants. Kandahar's governor and UAE envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi were wounded by flames from the explosion, but many others were burned beyond recognition, provincial police chief Abdul Raziq told AFP. He said around a dozen people were killed in the bombing, but local Tolo News gave a death toll of nine. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility. But the Taliban said they were behind the Kabul blasts. In the first explosion, a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a minibus transporting government employees. As rescuers reached the scene, a car bomb exploded. Among the 30 dead were four policemen who were killed in the second explosion when they rushed to help the victims of the first blast. Health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh warned that the toll was expected to rise as many of the wounded were battling for their lives in hospital. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they were behind the twin blasts, adding the victims were mostly Afghan intelligence agents. The insurgents are known to exaggerate battlefield claims. "The deaths of scores of civilians in today's Kabul bomb attacks indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives," Amnesty International said in a statement. "An immediate, impartial and independent investigation must be carried out to secure justice for the victims and their families." By PTI MIAMI: An Orlando police officer died today after confronting and being shot by a suspected murderer, triggering a manhunt in which a county sheriff died in a motorcycle crash. Sergeant Debra Clayton, a mother of two, was fatally shot early Monday morning, Orlando Police Chief John Mina told journalists. A 17-year-veteran of the department, Clayton had been attempting to arrest a suspect in the murder of a pregnant woman when he gunned her down. While searching for the gunman an Orange County deputy sheriff riding his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle that turned in front of him. He was taken to a nearby hospital and died of his injuries, according to Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared a day of mourning in the city following the incidents. Several schools in the vicinity of the ongoing manhunt remained on lockdown. MIAMI: An Orlando police officer died today after confronting and being shot by a suspected murderer, triggering a manhunt in which a county sheriff died in a motorcycle crash. Sergeant Debra Clayton, a mother of two, was fatally shot early Monday morning, Orlando Police Chief John Mina told journalists. A 17-year-veteran of the department, Clayton had been attempting to arrest a suspect in the murder of a pregnant woman when he gunned her down. While searching for the gunman an Orange County deputy sheriff riding his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle that turned in front of him. He was taken to a nearby hospital and died of his injuries, according to Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared a day of mourning in the city following the incidents. Several schools in the vicinity of the ongoing manhunt remained on lockdown. By AFP WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday blacklisted Russian President Vladimir Putin's reputed top enforcer and the prime suspects in the murder of ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko in London a decade ago. The US Treasury added Russia's senior federal investigator Alexander Bastrykin and alleged assassins Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun to the Magnitsky Act sanctions list. Announcing the decision, the State Department did not detail what the new targets are accused of, but the move comes at a time of increased diplomatic tension with Moscow. "Each of the most recently added names was considered after extensive research," spokesman John Kirby said. Kirby said the targeted names have "roles in the repressive machinery of Russia's law enforcement systems, as well as individuals involved in notorious human rights violations." The US slaps sanctions on Putin ally and two agents alleged to have poisoned ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko https://t.co/GdoVIZkLcI pic.twitter.com/i8WSZcbyEN AFP news agency (@AFP) January 10, 2017 President Barack Obama's outgoing administration has accused the Kremlin of using cyber espionage, targeted leaks and propaganda in a bid to influence November's White House race. US President-elect Donald Trump was angered when American intelligence agencies warned of the Russian hacking, alleging that they were behind a "witch hunt" to tarnish his win. Moscow has scornfully rejected the charges, echoing Trump's "witch hunt" charge. But Washington has already expelled 35 Russian diplomats in response and Monday's decision targeted a close Putin ally. Asked why Obama's final update to the Magnitsky Act had still not included Putin himself, a senior administration official said Washington does not want a complete breakdown in ties. Polonium-laced tea "We need to preserve the possibility of working with Russia in areas in which it is in the US national interest," the official told AFP, on condition of anonymity. "This includes pressing for diplomatic solutions to the crises in Syria and eastern Ukraine," he added. "Our goal in imposing sanctions is to change behavior," he said. "We have taken steps to make clear that interference in US democratic processes will not go unanswered." Bastrykin is one of the Russian president's most powerful allies and is head of an investigative agency that had led crackdowns on domestic dissidents. He famously once had to apologize to a journalist after allegedly threatening to have him killed, and he has targeted foreign NGOs accused of meddling in Russian politics. Britain has identified Lugovoi and Kovtun as main suspects in the death of Litvinenko, who succumbed to radiation poisoning in London in 2006 after drinking polonium-laced tea. In January last year, after a British inquiry, judge Robert Owen said he was sure that Lugovoi and Kovtun had put polonium-210 in Litvinenko's tea at a hotel on November 1, 2006. Litvinenko was a former Russian agent turned freelance investigator who had collaborated with British intelligence. The British inquiry concluded that the murder had probably been ordered by the then head of Russia's FSB intelligence agency and had been personally approved by Putin himself. British intelligence Lugovoi, a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, has denied the charge, which is based in part on still classified evidence gathered by the British security services. Russia has refused to extradite the men for questioning. The Magnitsky Act was originally passed to enable US officials to impose sanctions on Russians implicated in the 2009 prison death of Russian tax fraud whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. But more individuals have been blacklisted over the years. The target list now includes 44 names of those whose assets under US jurisdiction are frozen, and who are barred from doing business with Americans or receiving US visas. The act allows for the designation of those implicated in the murder, torture or persecution of those who reveal corruption in Russia, Kirby explained. The US authorities also added two less well-known officials, Stanislav Gordievsky and Gennady Plaksin, to the list. WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday blacklisted Russian President Vladimir Putin's reputed top enforcer and the prime suspects in the murder of ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko in London a decade ago. The US Treasury added Russia's senior federal investigator Alexander Bastrykin and alleged assassins Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun to the Magnitsky Act sanctions list. Announcing the decision, the State Department did not detail what the new targets are accused of, but the move comes at a time of increased diplomatic tension with Moscow. "Each of the most recently added names was considered after extensive research," spokesman John Kirby said. Kirby said the targeted names have "roles in the repressive machinery of Russia's law enforcement systems, as well as individuals involved in notorious human rights violations." The US slaps sanctions on Putin ally and two agents alleged to have poisoned ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko https://t.co/GdoVIZkLcI pic.twitter.com/i8WSZcbyEN AFP news agency (@AFP) January 10, 2017 President Barack Obama's outgoing administration has accused the Kremlin of using cyber espionage, targeted leaks and propaganda in a bid to influence November's White House race. US President-elect Donald Trump was angered when American intelligence agencies warned of the Russian hacking, alleging that they were behind a "witch hunt" to tarnish his win. Moscow has scornfully rejected the charges, echoing Trump's "witch hunt" charge. But Washington has already expelled 35 Russian diplomats in response and Monday's decision targeted a close Putin ally. Asked why Obama's final update to the Magnitsky Act had still not included Putin himself, a senior administration official said Washington does not want a complete breakdown in ties. Polonium-laced tea "We need to preserve the possibility of working with Russia in areas in which it is in the US national interest," the official told AFP, on condition of anonymity. "This includes pressing for diplomatic solutions to the crises in Syria and eastern Ukraine," he added. "Our goal in imposing sanctions is to change behavior," he said. "We have taken steps to make clear that interference in US democratic processes will not go unanswered." Bastrykin is one of the Russian president's most powerful allies and is head of an investigative agency that had led crackdowns on domestic dissidents. He famously once had to apologize to a journalist after allegedly threatening to have him killed, and he has targeted foreign NGOs accused of meddling in Russian politics. Britain has identified Lugovoi and Kovtun as main suspects in the death of Litvinenko, who succumbed to radiation poisoning in London in 2006 after drinking polonium-laced tea. In January last year, after a British inquiry, judge Robert Owen said he was sure that Lugovoi and Kovtun had put polonium-210 in Litvinenko's tea at a hotel on November 1, 2006. Litvinenko was a former Russian agent turned freelance investigator who had collaborated with British intelligence. The British inquiry concluded that the murder had probably been ordered by the then head of Russia's FSB intelligence agency and had been personally approved by Putin himself. British intelligence Lugovoi, a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, has denied the charge, which is based in part on still classified evidence gathered by the British security services. Russia has refused to extradite the men for questioning. The Magnitsky Act was originally passed to enable US officials to impose sanctions on Russians implicated in the 2009 prison death of Russian tax fraud whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. But more individuals have been blacklisted over the years. The target list now includes 44 names of those whose assets under US jurisdiction are frozen, and who are barred from doing business with Americans or receiving US visas. The act allows for the designation of those implicated in the murder, torture or persecution of those who reveal corruption in Russia, Kirby explained. The US authorities also added two less well-known officials, Stanislav Gordievsky and Gennady Plaksin, to the list. Currency Ban: Jaitley slams Rahul Gandhi New Delhi, Jan 8 : Two months after the government on Nov 8 announced banning of old Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday attacked Rahul Gandhi over attacking the move and said the Congress vice-president only thought about disrupting the next session of Parliament while Prime Minister Narendra Modi planned about technology driven cleaner economy. (Posted on 08 January 2017, 1667572130 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 08 January 2017, 1667572130 173O212O198O32) There was a marked difference in the approach of the Prime Minister and his opponents, Jaitley said in his blog post.The Prime Minister was being futuristic, and thinking of a more modern, technology driven cleaner economy. He is now speaking of cleaning the political funding systems, he said.His opponents want a cash dominated, cash generating and cash exchange system to continue, Jaitley said.The difference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi was clear - the Prime Minister was thinking of the next generation while Rahul Gandhi was only looking at how to disrupt the next Session of Parliament, the Union Finance Minister said. Sorry, that page not found! Please visit our Home Page for latest updates NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 9, 2017 / Born and raised in New York, a prominent real estate expert and altruistic business executive, Jacob Frydman amply joined the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE) to show his admirable and generous support of its Released Time program of Greater New York. Devoted to his Jewish heritage and continuing his philanthropic efforts, Frydman dedicates much of his time and capital to various organizations and programs aimed at helping people in struggling communities. The Released Time program helps Jewish youth in public schools by educating them about the history, customs, and prayers of Judaism. Since its creation in 1941, NCFJE's initiative has inspired more than a quarter of a million Jewish boys and girls in New York City, Rockland County, Long Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New England, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California to discover the history of their heritage. The program has expanded and now services more than 125 sites in the New York City area. Throughout the year, each Wednesday afternoon during the last hour of school, dedicated instructors instill the joy of Judaism and create a warm atmosphere of religion and acceptance for over 900 students currently enrolled in the program. The classes are available at every public school in New York, free of charge. Rabbi Hanoch Hecht of The Rhinebeck Jewish Center was the one who introduced Frydman to this initiative and continues to praise Frydman for his sustained commitment and the work he is doing for the community. Jacob Frydman understands the importance of reaching out to young people and believes it is imperative that children within the Released Time program, who come from households that experience a range of economic and social hardships, are nurtured just as attentively as any other. Not a stranger to making a difference in the lives of the new generation, in 2013 Jacob founded a scholarship fund, helping countless American students gain access to higher education and inspiring them to reach their full potential. The program awarded $100,000, over three years, to students who best answered the question, "How Do I Invest in My Future?" Over his 30-year career, Jacob Frydman made a positive and lasting impression with the real estate investment industry. Through his vast experience in structuring, financing, and executing highly complex real estate transactions, he has acquired over five million square feet of American property and has participated in investments valued at over $2 billion. He often speaks at Columbia University and in the Master's Lecturer series at New York Law School, discussing business, law, and ethical elements of real estate management to aspiring students. Frydman is an avid philanthropist, who cares greatly for his Jewish community, and supports of many other charitable committees, including The Chabad of Dutchess County and The Brem Foundation, which focuses on the eradication of breast cancer among women and men in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Jacob Frydman - Blog - JacobFrydmanNews.com: http://JacobFrydmanNews.com Jacob Frydman -- Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/jacob-frydman Jacob Frydman -- On the Development of New High Performance Office Space: http://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/Jacob+Frydman+--+On+the+Development+of+New+High+Performance+Office+Space/11911116.html Contact Information: JacobFrydmanNews.com contact@jacobfrydmannews.com www.JacobFrydmanNews.com SOURCE: Jacob Frydman Union Home Minister inaugurates CISF Eastern Sector Headquarter and lays foundation stone of the CISF Residential Complex in Ranchi New Delhi, Jan 8 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) has taken a big hit after the demonetisation. (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572131 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572131 173O212O198O32) LWE problem can be resolved through sustained efforts in a few years, he added.Rajnath Singh was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the CISF Eastern Sector Headquarter and laying foundation stone of the CISF Residential Complex in Ranchi on Sunday during his daylong visit to Jharkhand.The Union Home Minister said violence has no place in a democracy. LWE groups should abjure violence, he added.Rajnath Singh said certain anti-India forces do not like to see India growing.{image_1}They resort to violence and terror. We need to fight against terrorism, he added.The Union Home Minister praised the CISF as being unique, terming it as a multi-dimensional force facing many challenges.It is guarding not only strategic installations but also operating in LWE areas, he noted. Assuring funds to the CISF, Rajnath Singh said that when infrastructure of any force is developed it helps in strengthening the capabilities of our forces.In his address, Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Raghubar Das highlighted the initiatives taken by the State Government against the LWE problem.He announced allotment of 100 acres of land to CISF for the Central Training School.{image_2}The Union Home Minister later reviewed the LWE situation in Jharkhand state at a meeting with the Chief Minister and Senior Officers.Director General, CISF, O P Singh said for the first time a Dog Training School has been established in CISF campus at 2nd Res. Bn Ranchi.During his visit, Rajnath Singh planted a sapling at the CISF Eastern Sector Headquarters in Ranchi.Urban Development Minister, Jharkhand, C P Singh and local MP Ram Tahal Choudhary were among the other dignitaries present on the occasion. HDFC ERGO launches trade credit insurance policy securing trade receivables New Delhi , Jan 9 : HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, India's third largest non-life insurance provider in the private sector, announced the launch of its new policy for corporate, the Trade Credit Insurance Policy. (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572133 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/insurance-news.php (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572133 173O212O198O32) The new policy, also known as Credit Insurance Policy, safeguards suppliers against the risks of non-payment for the goods or services delivered to the buyers. Under this, the insurer covers a portfolio of buyers and pays an agreed percentage of the invoice or receivables that remain unpaid as a result of insolvency, bankruptcy or protracted default.Liberalization and globalization has exposed the exponentially growing Indian businesses to various risks, many of which are beyond suppliers' control. The failure of the buyer to pay for the goods or services purchased is the greatest risk that may threaten the survival of a supplier.This reality has brought to focus the importance of Credit Insurance as a risk mitigation tool to protect interests of businesses against the risk of client defaults."With the advent of globalization, trading opportunities have grown manifold which in turn has made managing receivables even more complex. No industry or company is immune from trade credit risk and the failure of a buyer to pay for the goods or services purchased can have a catastrophic impact on the viability of a supplier. Trade Credit Insurance will provide a safety net for supplier to do business with peace of mind. The policy acts as a risk mitigation tool, playing a pivotal role in the trading cycle of a company by protecting its profit, cash flows, sales growth, the balance sheet and a company's customer base," said Executive Director HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, Anuj Tyagi.The Trade Credit Insurance Policy covers the business of the insured against the commercial risks of their buyer's default. Under the policy, the insurer covers a portfolio of buyers and pays an agreed percentage of an invoice or receivable that remains unpaid. The causes of loss covered under this policy are:Insolvency: The insured business entity can protect its business against the risk of non-payment if a buyer becomes insolvent.Prot racted Default: When buyer fails to pay the receivable within a pre-defined period calculated from the due date of payment of the receivable.HDFC ERGO's Trade Credit Insurance Policy will be available for all Indian companies big and small, manufacturers as well as service providers and from SMEs to multinationals to cover them against trade credit risk that they face in the course of their business.With this new policy, HDFC ERGO is playing a proactive role in helping customers trade more securely and helping businesses taking prudent risk management decisions about who to trade with.For more information on the policy and the full range of HDFC ERGO Insurance products, please contact your local broker or HDFC ERGO representative. Also, for further details on risk factors, exclusions, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure before concluding the sale. (ANI-NewsVoir) Bengal Chamber organises B2B meeting with Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce Kolkata, Jan 9 : The Bengal Chamber on Friday organized a B2B meeting with the delegation of The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce here. (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572134 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/west-bengal-news.php (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572134 173O212O198O32) The objective of this trade mission is to strengthen the bilateral Trade relationships between Canada and India.The delegation members of the Indo-Canada Chamber has intended to visit 7 Indian cities-Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and New Delhi.{image_1}After the recent visit of PM Narendra Modi to Canada, the two sides agreed to elevate the bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. India-Canada bilateral relations have seen a transformation in recent years underpinned by shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement, regular high level interactions and long-standing people-to-people ties.Over the past decade, Canada and India have witnessed a remarkable growth in two-way trade and investment, people-to-people ties and bilateral cooperation.{image_2}The two-way trade has increased from C$ 4.2 billion in 2010 to C$6.4 billion in 2014 and again by 29% to C$8.233 billion in 2015. Though India accounts for only 0.7% of Canadas global tradeIndia and Canada have also established institutionalised mechanisms to promote bilateral economic ties including Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment; Trade Policy Consultations at the level of Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce; and the Economic and Financial Sector Policy.{image_3}The major items of India exports to Canada include gems, jewellery and precious stones, pharmaceutical products, readymade garments, textiles, organic chemicals, light engineering goods, iron steel articles, etc. Indias import from Canada include pulses, newsprint, wood pulp, asbestos, potash, iron scrap, copper, minerals and industrial chemicals.In the recent years the Indian companies have invested in the IT, software, steel and natural resources sectors. Substantial operations in Canada include Aditya Birla Group, Essar Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Steel Minerals Canada, Tech Mahindra, WIPRO, Infosys Technology, Jubilant Life Sciences, Abellon Energy Inc, IFFCO and Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (GSFC).Two Banks, State Bank of India and ICICI, have seven and nine branches respectively in Canada. ISIC partners Vaidyaraja to establish Multi Medicine Facility in Delhi New Delhi, Jan 9 : Indian Spinal Injuries Centre is partnering Netherlands-based Ayurvedic medicine chain Vaidyaraja to start a multi-medicine facility in India that will bring all streams of alternative medicine including Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and many more indigenous medical systems under the same banner. (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572135 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572135 173O212O198O32) The multi-medicine facility will not only bring multiple alternative medicine systems together but will also promote scientific research involving studying, testing and recording ancient and traditional medicines and therapies.It will also invest heavily in researching and testing of products available in traditional medical systems, to establish scientific proofs of their efficacy.The facility will have medical systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Tibetian, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, as well as accepted and credible cures from traditional Indian localized and tribal medical systems, all dispensed under the same banner along with modern medicine.This is the first of its kind facility that envisages bringing together all available medical systems in India under one roof. People have for centuries benefited from indigenous, herbal and nature-based treatments. Even a number of indigenous tribes in India have preserved their age-old traditional treatment systems which are efficacious and can benefit the larger world. Our multi-medicine facility has been designed to bring together all such sources of rich information and help them grow for the larger good of mankind. We will record and monitor all treatments as per best practices in the world, which we already do in our clinics in Europe and India, says Dr Sangitha Khosla, one of the Founders of Vaidyaraja which works extensively in The Netherlands, Lithuania and other parts of Europe, besides India.The Founders of the facility Drs Sangitha and Virje Khosla have been active practitioners of natural health care practice since 1985.Their practice was developed on the basis of traditional family natural health care practiced by their grandfather.Most traditional medicine streams are based on established knowledge and practices relating to promotion of positive health and prevention of diseases. Arguably Indias most famous export, Yoga is providing benefits to people across the world today.When it comes to different streams of medicine, it is not an either or scenario. Different medical systems have been developed by different civilizations over centuries and all of them have valuable medical benefits that need to be preserved and further bolstered. We believe that all available medical systems can co-exist and borrow from each other and patients can benefit by their collective knowledge together. Our multi-medicine facility will help promote research and scientific testing to establish evidence-based medical practice, says Dr. H S Chhabra, Chief of Spine Service Medical Director at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi.Image: www.isiconline.org BJP-led Assam govt extends term of KAAC to another six months Guwahati, Jan 9 : : The BJP-led Assam government had extended term of the present Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to another six months. (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572136 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572136 173O212O198O32) On Monday, the Hills Areas department of the state government had issued a notification to extend the council tenure.The notification (HAD.265/2011/79) ordered by the Assam governor said that, the State Election Commission has informed that, it will not be practicable to hold the election to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council before January 13 due to unavoidable circumstances arising out of publication of the electoral roll on Dec 31, 2016.In this regard, the Assam governor in exercise of powers conferred as per Paragraph-2, (6A) of the sixth schedule to the constitution of India is pleased to extend the term of the council for a period of six months with effect from January 13 or till the date of 1st sitting after completion of the fresh poll to the KAAC to be conducted by the Assam State Election Commission, said in the notification issued by the Hills Areas department.The present BJP-led council of KAAC tenure will be ended on Jan 13.Recently, the opposition Congress and Hills State Demand Committee (HSDC) had urged the Assam governor intervention to hold the council poll immediately.The team comprised by former MP Dr Jayanta Rongpi, former MLA Bidyasing Engleng and Ashok Teron asked the governor to take necessary action to hold the council poll before Jan 13 next.But, all speculations ended on Monday after the Assam government extended term of the BJP-led council to six months.The last council poll was held on Jan 4, 2012.(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)Image: Google Maps Telangana Govt. to celebrate Osmania University's 100th year anniversary Hyderabad (Telangana) , Jan. 9 : Preparations are in full swing for Osmania University's centenary celebrations. (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572136 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/andhra-pradesh-news.php (Posted on 09 January 2017, 1667572136 173O212O198O32) Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Kadiyam Srihari, has said the government is taking the event prestigiously and grand celebrations are being planned by ministers.Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has already held a meeting in order to plan the celebrations.Srihari is closely supervising the event plans and has decided to celebrate the on April 26th, 27th and 28th.Osmania University is named after its founder, Nawab Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad who rather through a farman or Royal Charter, brought the University into existence in 1918.The Central University is the seventh oldest in India, the third oldest in south India and the first to be established in the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad. Nothing more farcical than Mulayam Singh's 'united SP' statement, ridicules BJP New Delhi , Jan. 10 : Taking a potshot at the Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav for his 'united SP' statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday said nothing could be more farcical than what the former has said, adding that he was only fooling his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572140 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572140 173O212O198O32) "There cannot be anything more farcical than what Mulayam Singh Yadav ji is saying. He claims that the Samajwadi Party is united, then how come do they have two national presidents as of now? Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav himself claims to be the national president and Akhilesh Yadav also says I am the national president," BJP leader G. V. L. Narsimha Rao told ANI.Questioning Mulayam Singh's move of going to the Election Commission on Monday, Rao further said that claims of uniting is far away from truth, adding that they are heading for a massive defeat in the upcoming state elections."Why did he go to the Election Commission if his party was not split? And now he claims they are united. There can be nothing farther from truth, nothing more farcical. His claim of Akhilesh Yadav being the next chief minister is only an attempt to fool his own son because Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav and everyone in the Samajwadi Party know that they are heading for a massive defeat in Uttar Pradesh polls," he said.Terming the ongoing feud in the Samajwadi Party a 'drama', Rao said it is a never ending process and such statements by Mulayam Singh were only for media consumption."I think the drama in the Samajwadi Party is never ending and far from getting over. Akhilesh Yadav has completely betrayed Mulayam Singh Yadav. Mulayam Singh Yadav seems completely shocked by the development and therefore making statements only for media consumption," he said.In a move signifying a possible end to the prolonged family feud once and for all, Mulayam Singh, on Monday, asserted that Akhilesh Yadav is the face of the party for the next chief minister of the state, adding that the party stands united.Speaking to ANI, Mulayam stated that the SP is united and will soon set out to campaign across the state as one."For the benefit of the entire state, our party stands united. There is no question of any division whatsoever in the party and we will begin campaigning soon. Akhilesh will be the next chief minister, there is no doubt about that," he said. Post Tsai Ing-wen's U.S. stopover, China reiterates 'firm opposition' to U.S.-Taiwan engagement Beijing [China], Jan. 10 : Reacting to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott, China has reiterated its firm opposition to the U.S-Taiwan diplomatic engagement. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572141 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572141 173O212O198O32) "I want to reiterate that we are firmly opposed to the Taiwan leader's contact with any US officials in any form and engagement in actions that disrupt and undermine China-US relations during the so-called transit," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a press briefing on Monday.He urged all relevant people from the U.S. to abide by the one-China policy and the principles of the three Joint Communiques while advising them to "cautiously handle Taiwan-related issues so as not to harm the overall interests of China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits."The Taiwanese President met the U.S. officials while passing through the state on her way to Nicaragua, Salvador and Guatemala."This is not about the PRC [People's Republic of China]. This is about the US relationship with Taiwan, an ally we are legally bound to defend. The Chinese do not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit," Cruz said in a statement after meeting Tsai Ing-wen.Cruz said he and Tsai discussed "arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic relations", and that he hoped to increase trade between Texas and Taiwanese markets.In a separate statement, Abbott said the issues discussed with Tsai were energy, trade relations and commercial ties between Taiwan and Texas. PM Modi skips yoga to catch-up with mother for breakfast Gandhinagar (Gujarat) , Jan. 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday through a tweet informed that he skipped his morning yoga session and instead went to meet his mother, Hiraben in Gandhinagar. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572142 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572142 173O212O198O32) "Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together," Prime Minister Modi twitted.The PM's 97-year-old mother, resides with his younger brother Pankaj Modi on the outskirts of Gandhinagar.The Prime Minister landed in Gujarat yesterday. He will inaugurate the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 today. EC issues notice to Sakshi Maharaj for violation of Model Code of Conduct New Delhi , Jan. 10 : The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday issued a notice for 'violation of Model Code of Conduct' against Unnao Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sakshi Maharaj for blaming a particular community for the population explosion in the country. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572142 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572142 173O212O198O32) The EC however sought a reply by tomorrow.Sakshi Maharaj recently stirred a fresh controversy saying, "this population rise in not because of the Hindus. Population has risen due to those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children."Despite drawing flak for his offensive statement Sakshi Maharaj again stirred up a controversy on Saturday, saying that it is not acceptable to have four wives and 40 children, adding that he should be rewarded for not having child."The population is increasing by the day. A woman is not a machine. It is not acceptable to have four wives, 40 children and three divorces," Maharaj told ANI."We should be rewarded, as I have four brothers and we all are unmarried and thus we don't have any child," the BJP leader added. Pak lawmakers concerned over disappearance of activists Islamabad [Pakistan], Jan. 10 : Senators and Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) have called for attention notices expressing grave concern over the mysterious disappearance of four Pakistani activists. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572145 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572145 173O212O198O32) The matter about the disappearance of activists was discussed in the upper house.Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani referred the matter to the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights.Separate calling attention notices were also submitted by PPP lawmakers in the National Assembly and the Senate expressing concern over law enforcement agencies inability to track down Salman Haider, who has been missing since Friday night.They also called for a discussion on the issue.The calling attention notice, moved by senators Sherry Rehman, Farhatullah Babar, Sassui Palijo and Rubina Khalid, called the attention of Interior Minister to the disappearance of the activists."To date law enforcement agencies have failed to provide answers regarding their whereabouts. This is a serious issue that merits a response from the Minister on the floor of the house," the Dawn quoted the notice, as saying.Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has directed the concerned authorities to speed up efforts to find out Haider as soon as possible.Various organisations are protesting in Pakistan for the release of abducted social media activists. * Petrobras breaks lull in LatAm primaries with US$4bn issue * LatAm retailer Falabella to invest US$4bn in region * Fitch cuts Odebrecht rig notes to CC from CCC By Mike Gambale NEW YORK, Jan 9 (IFR) - Below is a recap of primary issuance activity in the LatAm primary market on Monday: Number of deals priced: 1 Total issuance volume: US$4bn PETROBRAS Brazilian state-owned oil company Petrobras announced a new bond sale on Monday as it seeks to finance a debt tender. The company is approaching accounts with five and 10-year bonds. Bradesco, Citigroup, HSBC, Itau and Morgan Stanley are acting as leads. IPT: 5-year 6.5% area, 10-year 7.5% area GUIDANCE: 5-year 6.25% area, 10-year 7.50% area. Area = (+/- 0.125bp) LAUNCH: Total US$4bn; US$2bn 5-year at 6.125%, US$2bn 10-year at 7.375% PRICED:US$2bn 5-year; par; 6.125%Y; US$2bn 10-year; par; 7.375%Y BOOK: Over US$20bn at guidance PIPELINE Metro de Santiago is marketing a possible 30-year issue through Bank of America Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan. The borrower was in Los Angeles on Monday and will head to London on January 11, New York on January 12 and 13 and Boston on January 17. Investors calls will also be held on January 16. Expected ratings are A+/A by S&P and Fitch. The new 30 year may carry an optional redemption before maturity. Argentine energy company Pampa Energia will kick off roadshows this week as it looks to market a new US dollar bond. The borrower will be in Boston on January 10, in New York on January 11 and 12, in Los Angeles on January 13 and in London on January 16. The company is looking to raise up to US$500m size and considering tenors of five, seven or 10 years. Expected ratings are B3/B-/B+. Citigroup and Deutsche Bank are acting as joint bookrunners, with Credit Agricole and Santander acting as co-managers. Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), an airport operator in the Dominican Republic, is marketing a new US dollar bond that will fund a tender and consent solicitation for outstanding debt. Story continues The borrower was in London and Los Angeles on Monday and will head to Boston on January 10 and New York on January 11. JP Morgan and Scotiabank have been mandated as joint bookrunners to arrange meetings. Expected ratings are BB-/Ba3 by S&P and Moody's. Proceeds will go to fund a tender and consent solicitation for Aerodom's 9.25% senior secured notes due 2019 and for general corporate purposes. Brazilian power company Neoenergia is considering a possible US dollar bond debut this year after sending out requests for proposals in late 2016, two market sources told IFR. Neoenergia Group's principal shareholders are Banco do Brasil's pension fund Previ, with a 49.01% stake, and Spain's Iberdrola with a 39% stake, according to the company's website. Brazilian bioenergy company Raizen started fixed-income investor meetings this week to market a possible US dollar bond. The borrower will visit accounts in London, New York and Boston between January 9 and 11. Expected ratings are BBB-/BBB by S&P and Fitch. Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bradesco, Citigroup, JP Morgan and Santander have been mandate to coordinate roadshows. The Republic of Honduras, rated B2/B+, has hired Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Citigroup for a US dollar bond roadshow, a bank on the deal told IFR. This week, the borrower will visit investors in Los Angeles, Boston and New York, where it will end marketing for the deal on January 11. Argentina power company Genneia is marketing a US dollar bond with an intermediate tenor through Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Itau and JP Morgan. This week, the company will be in New York, Boston and Los Angeles, where it will end investor meetings on January 11. Ratings are expected to be B3/B+ by Moody's and Fitch. Brazilian pulp and paper company Fibria Celulose is roadshowing an SEC registered senior unsecured 2027 US dollar denominated Green bond. The borrower was in New York and London on Monday and will head to New York and Boston on Tuesday. BNP Paribas, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, HSBC and JP Morgan have been mandated to arrange the investor meetings. Ratings are BBB-/BBB- (negative/stable) by S&P and Fitch. Argentina's Finance Minister Luis Caputo said last month that the administration was considering tapping the debt markets in January, according to Reuters. Local press have been reporting that the sovereign is looking at an up to US$10bn deal. The country needs US$22bn of debt financing this year, plus an additional US$21bn for refinancing needs, Caputo said. Paraguay is considering raising up to US$550m in the bond market in March, Reuters quoted Finance Minister Santiago Pena saying. Inversiones Atlantida, the largest financial group in Honduras, has finished roadshows to market a potential debut US dollar bond through Oppenheimer. Expected ratings are B/B by S&P and Fitch. Argentina's Province of Entre Rios has finished roadshows ahead of a possible US dollar bond. Citigroup, HSBC and Santander organized investor meetings. Expected ratings are B-/B by S&P and Fitch. Colombian glass company Tecnoglass has wrapped up investor meetings ahead of an up to US$225m debut dollar bond with a tenor of between five and seven years. Expected ratings are Ba3/BB- by Moody's and Fitch. Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley have been mandated as joint bookrunners. (Reporting by Mike Gambale; Editing by Paul Kilby) Vistara completes 2 years New Delhi, Jan 10 : Airline major Vistara, which carries the legacy of two iconic brands - Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines -has marked two years of successful operations on Monday. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572147 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/travel-india-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572147 173O212O198O32) With a rapidly growing network that connects 20 destinations across India and a fleet of 13 A320s, serving more than 500 flights a week at present, Vistara boasts of having grown significantly in the last two years in its commitment to redefine the air travel experience in India.Based on customers demand, Vistara increased its frequency between Delhi and Pune, starting today, to twice a day.The airline now offers a daily morning and evening departure from Delhi, except on Saturdays.Sharing its success and happiness, Vistara, in association with the NGO, Round Table India, took off with a group of less-privileged children and enabled a Flight of Fantasy for them to Ahmedabad, giving wings to their aspirations and adding memories of a lifetime to their childhood.The children had a day packed with fun-filled and educational activities in Ahmedabad, where they visited the Gandhi Ashram, play-acted the professions of their dreams at Kankaria Kids City and went on a boat ride to have the time of their lives.Going further ahead in its commitment to give back to the society, Vistara employees are contributing towards an education fund that will be given to the airlines NGO partner, Salaam Balak Trust, which works for the homeless and street children in New Delhi.To celebrate the momentous milestone with its customers, Vistara has curated an exclusive menu of delectable desserts like Banana Praline Bavarois and Toasted Almond Chocolate Parfait, which is being served on especially designed tray mats and boxes with the heartfelt gratitudeCommenting on the joyous occasion, Phee Teik Yeoh, CEO, Vistara said, We complete two years today and we are still as excited as we were on the day Vistara was born! It is extremely heartening to see that we have carved a niche for ourselves in the Indian aviation industry with our extraordinary products and services. Together with my entire team, I say a big thank you to each and every customer and trade partner of ours, who has believed in us and helped us become stronger and more confident. It has been a challenging, yet extremely satisfying journey so far, and we promise to continue offering a seamless, world-class flying experience to our customers. PM Modi visits UK Pavilion at Vibrant Gujarat Gandhinagar (Gujarat) , Jan.10 : The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) India is leading a large delegation of 65 people from 30 innovative UK companies to this year's Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which runs from 9-13 January 2017 in Gandhinagar. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572148 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572148 173O212O198O32) The UK is a country partner for the summit and will be showcasing the UK's capability in the life sciences sector with a particular focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing and development.UK Life Sciences companies will be participating in the trade mission with the aim of forging new partnerships. The Life Sciences Mission will visit Vibrant Gujarat from 9-11 January and then move on to Mumbai for an event on 12 January.Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi along with Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani visited the UK Pavilion of Vibrant Gujarat on 9 January. Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, British High Commissioner to India, will be leading the UK delegation at the Summit.Sir Dominic said: "We are thrilled to have the Indian Prime Minister visit the UK Pavilion which showcases different aspects of the UK's offer to India, including business, culture, education and tourism. PM Narendra Modi has called the UK and India an "unbeatable combination"."It is remarkable that a large percentage of medicines prescribed in the UK are 'Made in India' and a demonstration of how our two countries are so successfully working together in the healthcare and life science sectors. These medicines make an important contribution to controlling the costs of healthcare provided through our National Health Service.We have chosen to focus our country session at Vibrant Gujarat on life sciences and, in particular, the area of pharmaceutical manufacture and development. This is because we believe the UK is a natural partner to India in this sector and that we can do much more together.The UK is a recognised global leader in medical research, with a proven track record of innovation, cutting-edge technology and commercialisation, on all of which it can collaborate with India who is a global leader in generic drug manufacturing."Sir Dominic will call on the Chief Minister of Gujarat along with Geoff Wain, Deputy High Commissioner to Gujarat, for a one-on-one meeting to discuss deeper collaboration between the State of Gujarat and the UK. He will also open the UK's country session at Vibrant Gujarat on 11 January and visit the UK pavilion at the Summit. The UK pavilion has inputs from the Department for International Trade, British Council and Visit Britain.The UK has one of the world's leading Life Science sectors. Over the past 60 years there has been a revolution in the number, specificity and safety of human medicines with the UK playing an important role in this process. The UK life sciences sector has over 5600 companies generating A60bn worth of revenue to the country's economy. Mukesh Ambani praises PM Modi for changing mindset of citizens New Delhi , Jan 10 : Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Mukesh Ambani on Tuesday applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contribution towards Gujarat adding that there has been no such leader in the history who has been able to change the mindset of so many people in such a short while. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572148 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572148 173O212O198O32) "Modi ji first transformed Gujarat, now India. No leader has changed the mindset of so many people in such a short while," said Mukesh Ambani while speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Jamnagar."We are proud that Reliance is also a Gujarati company. For me, this is a sacred land. Our cumulative investment in Gujarat stands over USD 45 billion," he said.Adding to this he said that so far Reliance has provided sustained employment to over two lakh people, which has contributed to Gujarat's export competitiveness."Reliance Jio to connect all schools, colleges, medical institutions and hospitals in Gujarat so that the future generation can have access to information in the coming year," he added stating that over 90 percent population of Gujarat is covered under Jio's 4G LT network. Bangladesh would have developed 30 years ago had Bangabandhu not been assassinated: Hasina Dhaka [Bangladesh], Jan. 10 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Tuesday that the country would have acquired developed status 30 years ago had Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman not been assassinated. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572151 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572151 173O212O198O32) She was addressing a rally marking Bangabandhu's homecoming day at Suhrawardy Udyan.The Dhaka Tribune quoted Hasina, as saying that a deep-rooted conspiracy was hatched to kill Sheikh Mujib Rehman.The Prime Minister said a vested quarter grabbed power in the country and freed all war criminals following the assassination of Bangabandhu.She added that Bangladesh's overall development was halted post his assassination.Hasina asserted that her government is continuing with the standards introduced Bangabandhu shortly.The rally was attended by thousands of supporters, activists and leaders of the ruling Awami League . Modi has converted Gujarat into new India's manufacturing hub, says Ratan Tata New Delhi , Jan 10 : Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata on Tuesday said that Gujarat has become the most progressive state under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision executed for the all-round development. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572151 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572151 173O212O198O32) "PM Modi has made Gujarat a manufacturing hub. It has become one of the leading state, which ushers in the new India," said the salt-to-software conglomerate Ratan Tata."The Vibrant Gujarat Summit is a manifestation of the unparalleled vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and today we see the Vibrant Gujarat Summit having been transformed into a global industrial summit attracting the top business and political leaders from all over the world," said Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.The Adani Group chairman also highlighted that the group will invest Rs. 490 billion in Gujarat over the next five years.He asserted that while Adani wilmar will be doubling its manufacturing capacity in the state, Adani port will invest Rs. 167 billion to expand ports in Gujarat.Adding to this he further stated that the group's investment in solar and wind will exceed Rs. 23,000 crore by 2021. The Adani Group will also be building a 10 million tonne cement plant in the state. Sagoon files for Regulation A+, plans to raise USD 20 million starting February 2017 New Delhi , Jan.10 : Sagoon (www.sagoon.com), a US/India based social commerce startup, announced the filing of a Regulation A+ (MINI-IPO) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer an investment opportunity mostly to a large pool of potential public investors who already are a part of Sagoon users, fans and supporters. (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572152 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 10 January 2017, 1667572152 173O212O198O32) After the offering is qualified by the SEC, the company plans to sell 869,564 shares of Class C Common Stock at $23 per share; the minimum investment will be 13 shares, costing $299. The offering will be conducted on a best efforts basis through our own website www.sagoon.com/invest, where the Offering Circular relating to the offering will be posted.Govinda Giri, the founder of Sagoon, said, "I always wanted to offer this opportunity to my own community, and all those fans and supporters who believe in our dream, so that each one of them gets a chance to help us change the world and receives the potential financial benefits that Sagoon aims to share.""We believe that we are the pioneer of social media monetisation, which is one the biggest innovations in the social media landscape. Our mission is to build a rewarding life through the innovative social path: Connect. Share. Earn. This could be an excellent opportunity for anyone who has faith in our mission. Currently, we are accepting 'indication of interests' from potential investors and once we are qualified by the SEC, people from India, US, Canada and other parts of the worldwill be able to convert their interest into aninvestmentas long as it's legal in their country," Giri added. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy with gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Windy. Thunderstorms becoming likely late. Low 59F. Winds SSE at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Higher wind gusts possible. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have developed a new system to assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity while a patient is awake and analyze sleep-wake activity, using his or her smartphone. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, it is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from the malady, with 80 percent of moderate to severe OSA cases undiagnosed. "We've developed technology that could help diagnose OSA and sleep disorders in a convenient way," says Dr. Yaniv Zigel, head of BGU's Biomedical Signal Processing Research Lab (BSP) and Prof. Ariel Tarasiuk, Ph.D., head of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Unit at Soroka University Medical Center in Beer-Sheva. "The audio-analysis application can record speech signals from awake subjects. Now, we will be able to get a fast, OSA severity estimation without an overnight sleep study." Currently, patients are diagnosed using polysomnography (PSG) to record brain waves, blood oxygen level, heart rate, breathing, and eye and leg movements overnight. The new system, which does not require contact sensors, can be installed onto a smartphone or other device that utilizes ambient microphones. It both analyzes speech while the user is awake and records and evaluates overnight breathing sounds using new technology that is simpler to use and significantly less expensive than PSG. "All sleep studies conducted in laboratory or at-home settings currently require subjects to be connected to numerous electrodes and sensors," explains Eliran Dafna, a BGU Ph.D. student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering who developed the breathing-sound system in the BSP lab. "Processing the data on sleep-wake states and corresponding aspects of physiology is time-consuming, tedious and costly because of its complexity and the need for technical expertise. The market is begging for a better solution." Researchers have tested the new speech and breathing sound analysis systems on more than 350 subjects, along with PSG, in laboratory and at-home settings. They were able to reliably evaluate sleep quality parameters such as sleep-wake activity, snoring severity and OSA using this system. "We are excited about this non-contact sleep tracking system, which does not require patients to wear uncomfortable monitoring equipment on their body," says Prof. Tarasiuk. "This application can also be very useful for CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine users who want to check the effectiveness of their sleep apnea therapy." Devices incorporating the speech-analysis system may be portable or stationary, and could be available also in public locations or clinics. The researchers are moving forward to commercialize the system. Dr. Guido Pintacuda THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES ...insight from the worlds leading experts Solid-state NMR spectroscopy is a technique used by scientists to provide valuable information in the analysis of solid materials. It provides unique and specific insights into the structure, dynamics, and reactivity of all kinds of materials. At the Institute of Analytical Sciences in Lyon, France, a group of scientists are working on ways to make solid-state NMR a routine tool that researchers can use to characterize a wide range of important systems in biology and chemistry research. Solid-state NMR can be applied to a large range of chemically and biologically relevant targets that cannot be studied using other techniques. Ultra-High Field Solid State NMR for Complex Biological Molecules Play Ultra-High Field Solid State NMR for Complex Biological Molecules from AZoNetwork on Vimeo. In an interview with News Medical, group leader Dr. Guido Pintacuda, highlighted some of the methods the team are developing to bring new and increasingly complex biomolecular targets within the reach of solid-state NMR. In the majority of pharmaceutical development and research, structural insight into samples is provided by X-ray crystallography. Since samples that cannot be crystallized cannot benefit from this insight, Pintacuda and team are developing solid-state NMR that can be applied instead, in order to try and bring new classes of molecules into pharmaceutical development. Examples of targets the team are interested in include protein assemblies, nucleic acid complexes and, more recently, membrane proteins. Membrane proteins, which are the cell gatekeepers and essential to cell function, are extremely difficult to characterize by any other technique; they are difficult to crystallize and often very difficult to solubilize without distortions. Therefore, the development of a proper solid-state NMR technique is crucial to studying these samples correctly at the atomic level, in the native environment, said Pintacuda. Pintacuda is particularly interested in samples containing paramagnetic metal ions, which are crucial to catalyzing important reactions in the biological and chemical world. The electronic structure of a metal ion is intimately connected to activity and reactivity, he explained, and by using NMR, key biophysical parameters can be directly accessed that are not accessible even when a molecule can be crystallized. In the laboratory, the group have used solid-state NMR at the highest magnetic field currently available, which Pintacuda explained is vital because sensitivity and resolution are tightly related to magnetic field size. Working at this high magnetic field, the team have been able to really push the limit of their approach, tackling more complex and larger substrates than it is possible to at a lower field. Pintacuda believes the availability of higher magnetic fields will make solid-state NMR a routine characterization technique for wider classes of molecules, of large molecular weight or available in very limited quantities. What may look like an incremental change in magnetic field has a tremendous impact in terms of the complexity of the samples that can be analyzed and would bring large classes of molecules such as larger membrane proteins, which are now inaccessible to any other technique, within the scope of solid-state NMR. Dr Guido Pintacuda, Institute of Analytical Sciences, Lyon, France. Working together with others in the field, the researchers have pioneered an approach based on very fast magic-angle spinning and very small rotors that enables the rapid rotation of a sample, for unprecedented benefits in resolution and sensitivity. This will also be helpful in expanding the size of the membrane proteins that can be analyzed by solid-state NMR. Membrane proteins account for around 20 to 30% of all existing proteins and 50% of current drug targets. Yet, they make up less than 1% of the proteins characterized in the Protein Data Bank, a collection of the protein structures so far known about today. Therefore, the potential for structural and dynamical characterization of these important targets by solid-state NMR, is immense. The proof of concept for these molecules shows that solid-state NMR, an increase in magnetic field and possibly in magic-angle spinning speeds with faster probes, will make a large majority of these samples accessible in a fully protonated form said Pintacuda. This in itself would already be revolutionary, but there are further classes of molecules that lie outside even the scope of these latest developments and these too may well eventually become accessible when the next generation of magnets becomes available: They will then drive the next generation of magnets, of even higher magnetic fields. Commenting on the history of NMR, Pintacuda points out how, since the beginning, there has always been collaboration with other techniques, with NMR providing specific and complementary information. He thinks this should continue to be the case in the future: We often see that our technique can also bridge different areas of science, and that the very same technique, approach, equipment and expertise are not specific to biomolecular research but can be applied to other problems in materials science and chemistry. Johns Hopkins researchers who conducted a dozen focus groups with 70 straight and gay/bisexual Hispanic and African-American males ages 15 to 24 report that gaining a better understanding of the context in which young men grow up will allow health care providers to improve this population's use of sexual and reproductive health care. In a report of the research, published Jan. 6 in the Journal of Adolescent Health, the investigators say the sessions revealed the important influences of these young men's social ecology on their use of such care, including the role of personal experiences and social interactions with family, peers and health care providers. For example, fears of sexually transmitted infections testing, having a choice in the provider they see, and a lack of clear messages about why to access the sexual and reproductive health care that young women receive were identified as common barriers to such care among these young men. The focus groups were conducted between April 2013 and May 2014, and facilitated by trained male staff members matched by race/ethnicity. "This study tells the story of how the health care system is not well-set up to serve young men's sexual and reproductive health care because it's often viewed as women's domain," says Arik Marcell, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the paper's first author. Few men also have received sexual and reproductive care (SRH) because historically, few clinical guidelines have outlined care that providers should deliver to this population, and few public health efforts have focused on engaging this population in SRH, he adds. In an attempt to document young males' direct perceptions about SRH use, Marcell and his team held 60- to 90-minute focus group discussions with 70 males. Sixty-six percent (46 of 70) of participants were African-American, and the remaining 34 percent were Hispanic. In self-reported histories, 84 percent (59 of 70) were heterosexual, and the remaining 16 percent were gay or bisexual. The research team recruited participants from eight community settings, such as recreation centers, faith-based organizations and LGBT organizations, across Baltimore. Eight focus groups were conducted in English, and four were conducted in Spanish. The research team says results of a five-minute self-administered questionnaire participants completed before the focus groups were conducted found that just over half of participants (38 of 70) had a regular source of care and health insurance (36 of 70). In the last year, the majority of participants 47 of 70 reported having had a physical exam, 35 said they received HIV testing and 27 received testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the focus group sessions, some young men shared the belief that condom use protected them from HIV and other STIs, and they did not see the benefit for STI testing, whereas other young men made decisions to get tested based on self-assessed engagement in risky behaviors. Many said that in the absence of physical symptoms, they saw no reason to seek care or they feared results of a positive test for an STI. These young men also discussed wanting people in their lives to talk about sexual and reproductive health, and cited their mothers and health care providers as being very helpful sources of sexual and reproductive health information. However, some young men, especially adolescents, didn't always know where to go for sexual and reproductive health care and reported relying on their friends. Some participants also discussed needing greater self-confidence when asking and answering questions about their health in general, especially about their sexual health. The focus group discussions also revealed that heterosexual male adolescent participants preferred female providers if given a choice, Hispanic participants preferred Spanish-speaking providers and gay/bisexual young adults did not want providers to judge them based solely on their sexual orientation. Long wait times at clinics, costs and concerns about privacy also emerged as deterrents to seeking sexual and reproductive health care, in addition to the stigma of being seen at certain types of clinics (e.g., STI clinics). "This study adds to a small body of evidence that no one particular factor is responsible for young men's lack of engagement in SRH use. We need to think about working at multiple levels to effect change rather than focusing solely on the individual level, which may place undue blame on the individual," says Marcell. Future research, Marcell says, focuses in part on a new program called Project Connect Baltimore (www.Y2CONNECT.org) that trains people who work in community settings, rather than only clinics, to talk with young men about SRH care and how to get it. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. The National Eye Institute, part of NIH, is highlighting key facts about this blinding disease, important tips for prevention and treatment, and research updates you may not know about. 1) More than 2.7 million Americans over age 40 have glaucoma. That number is estimated to more than double by 2050. Though glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in developed countries, increased awareness and ongoing research may reduce the health burden of glaucoma. 2) Anyone can develop glaucoma. Though it's more common in people over the age of 45, babies and children can get a rare form of early onset glaucoma. The following groups are at higher risk of glaucoma: - African Americans over age 40 - People over age 60, especially Mexican Americans - People with a family history of glaucoma 3) Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to catch glaucoma early. During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, drops are placed in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupil. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine the back of your eye and look for signs of damage or problems. People at higher risk of glaucoma should usually be examined every one to two years. 4) Don't wait for symptoms. Lack of awareness and lack of symptoms prevent people from getting glaucoma diagnosed early, notes Jullia Rosdahl, M.D., Ph.D., of the National Eye Health Education Program and Duke Eye Center. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision. Over time, central (straight-ahead) vision is also affected. 5) Glaucoma damages the eye's optic nerve. The optic nerve is like a data cable coming out of the back of your eye. It carries visual information to your brain. Glaucoma damages the nerve cells or "wires" in the cable, disrupting the flow of visual information. 6) Once glaucoma damages your optic nerve, lost vision cannot be restored. Early detection combined with treatment can slow or stop glaucoma progression. 7) Eye pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma. However, not every person with increased eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and glaucoma can develop without increased eye pressure. 8) The only clinically proven treatment for glaucoma is to lower eye pressure. Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid. Others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye. 9) A new drug-delivery system is currently being tested. NEI-funded researchers are testing a drug-dispensing contact lens that may be easier to use than drops or pills. 10) Studies in the laboratory and with patients are making key discoveries and giving new hope. Researchers at NEI are studying how to protect retinal ganglion cells, the cells that make up the optic nerve. NEI-funded researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis turned patient-derived stem cells into retinal ganglion cells. Recent NEI-funded analysis identified three additional genes that contribute to the most common type of glaucoma. Scientists at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University found that high expression of a short gene may contribute to destructive eye pressures in glaucoma. NEI-funded researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai developed a method to test potential glaucoma treatments and study disease progression Get all the facts about glaucoma from the National Eye Institute, and spread awareness with NEI's National Eye Health Education Program. The NEI does not pay for individual eye care, but if you are in need of financial aid to assess or treat an eye problem such as glaucoma, these programs may help: https://nei.nih.gov/health/financialaid. A study conducted by LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health is the first to demonstrate that parents who are concerned about their neighborhoods restrict their children's outdoor play. The study is published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The LSU Health New Orleans team designed the study to identify factors that may reduce physical activity among adolescents. "Physical inactivity is a major contributing factor to the obesity epidemic, and a large portion of the adolescent population in the US doesn't meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily vigorous physical activity," notes senior author Melinda Sothern, PhD, CEP, Research Professor at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health. "We were interested in exploring some of the possible reasons." The research team measured parents/guardians' and adolescent participants' responses to a questionnaire, and they evaluated neighborhood characteristics. Adolescents who are free to play outdoors and travel actively without adult supervision accumulate more physical activity than those who are not; therefore understanding whether parental perceptions of their neighborhood impact physical activity-related parenting behaviors may be crucial to improving overall activity among adolescents. "Parents who do not trust their neighbors or feel they have no control over neighborhood problems were more likely to restrict their child's outdoor play," says lead author Maura Kepper, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health. In this small study, though, the self-reported responses did not seem to indicate that the parents' concerns altered their children's physical activity levels. The role of the physical environment was not clear, yet this exploratory study illustrates the need for further research in larger, more diverse samples of children and adolescents. "Furthermore, we found that the neighborhood physical environment, such as the presence of graffiti and blighted property in the neighborhood, worsened the problem," says Kepper, who now also has an appointment at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. "Therefore, a child's ability to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity may be limited. This research is an important first step to identifying targets for community-based programs that seek to facilitate trust and control among neighbors that is needed to increase outdoor play among children and adolescents, especially within poor physical environments." New retrospective study in CHEST found procalcitonin testing at admission reduced the length of stay and total cost of care Each year, over $20 billion dollars is spent on sepsis care, making it the most expensive condition managed in U.S. hospitals. Sepsis does not only carry a heavy economic cost, but a human one as well. A dangerous and often deadly condition, sepsis affects more than a million Americans every year and the cases continue to increase. A new study in the January issue of CHEST examines whether procalcitonin (PCT) testing helps to more effectively manage sepsis care. Investigators found that the use of PCT screening on the first day of ICU admission was linked to significantly shorter hospital stays, as well as an overall decrease in cost of care. Currently, there is not an accepted "gold standard" test for determining whether a patient has sepsis, so the disease presents a diagnostic challenge for practitioners. An incorrect sepsis diagnosis can result in poor patient outcomes linked to the unnecessary use of antibiotics, including increased length of hospital stay, Clostridium difficile infections, and higher than necessary health care costs. In an effort to find novel approaches to diagnosing sepsis, PCT screening has recently gained momentum as a viable screening tool. PCT is a precursor of calcitonin. "Despite the emergence of PCT as a diagnostic criterion for sepsis in the 2012 Surviving Sepsis Guidelines, PCT testing has not been uniformly adopted, in part because of cost considerations," explained lead investigator Robert A. Balk, MD, J. Bailey Carter, MD, Professor of Medicine, and Director of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Rush Medical College and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. "This study demonstrated that the use of PCT testing on the first day of ICU care was associated with significantly lower hospital and ICU length of stay. There was also a significant difference in the total hospital, ICU and pharmacy costs when day one PCT testing was used in adult critically ill patients." The retrospective study examined 15,041,827 patient cases from the Premier Healthcare database, of whom 730,088 had a potential sepsis, SIRS, septicemia, or shock-related diagnosis on admission or discharge. All patients included in the study were 18 years of age or older and admitted to the ICU. Patients were divided into two groups by whether they had received PCT screening on their first day in the ICU or not. Investigators discovered that PCT-guided care on day one was associated with a multitude of positive outcomes including significantly shorter hospital and ICU stays and significantly decreased total hospital, room and board, pharmacy, and antibiotic costs. Despite a slight increase in laboratory costs, they also found that among the PCT patients, antibiotic exposure was lower and they were less likely to be transferred to acute care, skilled nursing, intermediate care, or long-term care facilities. In fact, the study revealed that patients receiving PCT testing on day one of ICU admission averaged 1.2 fewer hospital days than patients who were not screened and saved an average of $2,759 on their total hospital costs. "This study is important because it validates the ability of PCT testing to favorably impact outcomes of critically ill patients when used according to the FDA cleared guideline," said Dr. Balk. "The study population was quite large and extremely diverse. The use of procalcitonin was evaluated over nearly a 3.5-year period and in a variety of clinical settings including academic and nonacademic institutions. The cost savings were real and consequential, exceeding the potential increased costs of laboratory testing associated with PCT testing on ICU admission." According to this new analysis, PCT screening on the first day of ICU admission seems to be a promising diagnostic tool to help shorten hospital stays, as well as helping to make sepsis treatment more cost-effective. Early identification of sepsis patients can also help combat negative outcomes since proper treatment techniques can be implemented as soon as a diagnosis is made. "The significance and mechanisms surrounding the observed clinical outcomes warrant additional evaluation," concluded Dr. Balk. Researchers at Purdue University have determined the high-resolution structure of immature Zika virus, a step toward better understanding how the virus infects host cells and spreads. Zika belongs to a family of viruses called flaviviruses, which includes dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitic viruses. Although only the mature forms of flaviviruses are considered infectious, the virus population secreted from host cells is a mixture of mature, partially mature and immature virus particles. "It is, therefore, probable that the immature form of Zika also plays a role in virus infection and spread," said Michael Rossmann, Purdue's Hanley Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences. The research team was led by Rossmann, with Richard Kuhn, both professors in Purdue's Department of Biological Sciences, as well as postdoctoral research associate Vidya Mangala Prasad. Findings are detailed in a research paper appearing online Monday (Jan. 9) in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology and it will be published in a future print issue of the journal. "I think these findings open the door to begin to explore the assembly process of the virus," said Kuhn, director of the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D). "We see clear differences between the structure of the immature virus and the mature virus. Not only are there differences in the outer structure, but the inner core must also undergo some significant changes during maturation. We need to study what these changes are and why they occur." Rossmann and Kuhn also led a team that last year determined the structure of the mature Zika virus. Research into a virus's structure provides insights important to the development of effective antiviral treatments and vaccines. The researchers used a technique called cryo-electron microscopy to reconstruct the immature virus's structure at 9 Angstroms resolution, or about a thousand times better resolution than would be possible with a conventional light microscope. The genome of the virus is housed inside a protective envelope that includes a lipid membrane, an envelope protein, a precursor membrane protein and a capsid protein. The Purdue researchers are the first to learn the position of the capsid protein in the immature virus, which plays the critical role of recognizing the virus's genetic material and acts as a chaperone to guide these RNA strands into the virus for assembly. The envelope protein is essential for the virus's binding, attachment and fusion to host cells during the infection process. The membrane protein cleaves from the mature virus as it is released from the host to infect other cells. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today A map of the immature virus's structure revealed details about the proteins, showing that the envelope and precursor membrane proteins are arranged in 60 spike-like features on the virus's surface, whereas the capsid protein is located on the internal side of the lipid membrane. The structure differs from the mature Zika virus in that the membrane protein in the mature virus is covered by the envelope protein. Both proteins exist on the surface of the immature version of the virus. Findings also show differences between the immature Zika virus and immature versions of other flaviviruses. Notably, it contains a "partially ordered capsid protein shell" that is less prominent in other immature flaviviruses. The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, has been associated with a birth defect called microcephaly that causes brain damage and an abnormally small head in babies born to mothers infected during pregnancy. The virus also has been associated with the autoimmune disease Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can lead to temporary paralysis. The current Zika epidemic started in Brazil in 2015. "However, the residues that are responsible for the Zika's pathogenicity are largely unknown," Rossmann said. The structure of the virus is likely to play a major role in the disease. Rossmann and Kuhn have studied flaviviruses for about 15 years and were the first to map the structure of any flavivirus, starting with the dengue virus in 2002 and West Nile in 2003. Canadian prostate cancer researchers have discovered the genetic fingerprint that explains why up to 30 per cent of men with potentially curable localized prostate cancer develop aggressive disease that spreads following radiotherapy or surgery. The findings, published online today in Nature, could help clinicians personalize effective, targeted therapies from the moment of diagnosis, says co-principal investigator Robert Bristow, clinician-scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network. Dr. Bristow is also a Professor in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto. He talks about the research here. In the Nature study, Dr. Bristow, co-principal investigator Dr. Paul Boutros from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, lead author Dr. Michael Fraser, and collaborators at Laval University in Quebec City, analyzed the tumours of 500 Canadian men in the general population with localized, non-inherited prostate cancer. In a related study also published today, in Nature Communications, Drs. Bristow and Boutros cracked the genetic code to show why BRCA-2 inherited disease turns lethal in rare cases where men have inherited a BRCA2 gene mutation that affects the repair of DNA damage in cells. "We used specialized state-of-the-art DNA sequencing techniques to focus on the genetics of prostate cancers to better understand what is so different from one man's disease to another man's disease," says Dr. Bristow. "These genetic fingerprints had high accuracy in being able to discern those men who do well with surgery or radiotherapy and those men that already have early spread of their disease outside the prostate gland. This information gives us new precision about the treatment response of men with prostate cancer, and important clues as to how to better treat one set of men versus the other to improve cure rates overall." Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The next step will be to translate this research finding into a molecular diagnostic tool that can be used in the clinic. Dr. Bristow says: "We will be testing 500 more men over the next two to three years to accomplish that. It is an exciting era in prostate cancer research. We will soon be able to identify in the clinic the exact genetic state of a man's cancer and react on a patient-to-patient basis to cure more men worldwide. " Drs. Bristow and Boutros co-lead the Canadian Prostate Cancer Genome Network (CPC-GENE), the world-leading prostate cancer sequencing program. The research published today builds on their previous published discoveries: first molecular portrait of localized, multi-focal prostate cancer and a new gene subgroup driving it (Nature Genetics, May 25, 2015); development of a genetic test to identify which men are at highest risk for their prostate cancer to recur after localized treatment with surgery or radiotherapy (Lancet Oncology, Nov 13, 2014). Dr. Bristow says that although most men present with localized, potentially curable disease, more than 200,000 men die of it every year when tallied across all countries. "The richness of information in our genetic findings today will enable us to further sort individual patients into appropriate groups of risk for spread of their disease and effect cures in men who otherwise might have been incurable." Today, Touch Surgery, the leading mobile surgical simulation platform, in partnership with DAQRI, the worlds leading enterprise Augmented Reality (AR) company have launched new surgical training capabilities, enabling people to perform next to real life surgical procedures. The development brings AR into the OR allowing surgeons to practice surgery in a virtual operating room on a virtual patient, with the aim of improving access to high quality surgical care globally. Co-founder and CEO Jean Nehme, M.D. said: Our mission is to power the educational platform that trains surgeons and enables greater global access for safe surgery. To date, we have delivered our content to surgeons via mobile devices in preparation for entering the OR. Our latest developments in augmented reality platforms allows us to extend our support to the surgeons across the world. Our ability to deliver procedural content to wearable devices is a major step in fulfilling our mission to be a key resource for surgeons along the pathway from resident to attending. Touch Surgery has transformed surgical education by digitizing over 225 surgical procedures made available for a community of over 1.5 million users. Furthermore, the Touch Surgery Virtual Residency Program (VRP) is now being used in over 25 training programs to support formal training globally. Brian Mullins, Founder and CEO at DAQRI said: Theres no denying that with the help of technology like DAQRI Smart Glasses, medical training globally is vastly improving. No longer do surgeons need to refer to outdated books or medical journals they can learn the process of a surgical procedure in an almost real life scenario, and then receive feedback. By partnering with Touch Surgery, we are able to help surgeons practice their skills, learn new ones and ultimately enhance the worldwide access patients have to quality medical care. We believe that DAQRI Smart Glasses are the ideal device for the surgical theatre and are excited about the possibilities that AR and VR bring to the healthcare industry in providing an interactive training platform for the medical professionals of tomorrow, but also the opportunity to refresh the knowledge of those working in the industry today. To accelerate its technological innovations, Touch Surgery has announced several new hires including Paul Ryan, VP of content and former head of technologies at Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) and Danail Stoyanov, R&D Lead, and assistant professor of Surgical Computer Vision at University College London. Paul and Danail join the team at Touch Surgerys headquarters in London. By clicking "Allow All" you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage and support us in providing free open access scientific content. More info. If you or your wife were from my Ministry and such a request for transfer was made on twitter, I would have sent a suspension order by now. https://t.co/LImngQwFh6 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 8, 2017 @SushmaSwaraj @governorswaraj hello madam please help my wife get passport cleared. I am forced to live without her in US. Passport issues. Sanjay (@sanjay_pandita1) January 8, 2017 Sushma Swaraj is known for keeping her cool and responding promptly to people's grievances, but a request by a Pune-based techie for transfer of his wife from Jhansi Railway division so the couple could live together left the External Affairs Minister livid."If you or your wife were from my Ministry and such a request for transfer was made on Twitter, I would have sent a suspension order by now," Swaraj tweeted in a terse response to the request by Smit Raj.Earlier, Raj, a software engineer, who goes by the handle @smitraj07, reached out to Swaraj requesting her for help to secure transfer for his wife. "@SushmaSwaraj Can u plz help us in ending our banwas in India? My wife is in Jhansi Rly employee and I work in Pune in IT. Been a year+," he had said in his tweet.While responding to Raj's tweet, Swaraj also tagged Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu who in turn expressed his inability to help the man, saying only the Railway Board was empowered to take decisions in such matters. "Thanks @SushmaSwaraj ji for bringing it to my notice. As per policy laid by me, I don't look into transfers. Railway Board empowered for same," Prabhu, also known for his quick response to people's problems and grievances, tweeted.Raj had also tweeted a document claiming that government rules promote posting of husband and wife in the same place while comparing his situation to 'banwas' (exile), the term used by Swaraj while responding to a US-based man's request for granting his wife's passport. "Ohh ! This banwas should end soon. @CPVIndia," Swaraj had then tweeted to a request by one Sanjay Pandita. He had earlier tweeted "@SushmaSwaraj @governorswaraj hello madam please help my wife get passport cleared. I am forced to live without her in US. Passport issues." New Delhi: A section of East Delhi sanitation workers called off their five-day-old strike after receiving two months' salaries late on Monday. A meeting with all sanitation workers unions was successful with negotiations made regarding calling off the strike, an East Delhi Municipal Corporation official said. "They have called off the strike. The refuse removal depot at Jhilmil has been freed of protesters and trucks are now being sent for garbage lifting," he said. However, leaders of MCD Swachata Karmchari Union said they will take a call on ending their strike after consulting members on Tuesday. "We will consult sanitation workers in a meeting before taking a decision about the strike," said Sanjay Gehlot, president of the union. Earlier on Monday, after meeting a delegation of sanitation workers, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters that Rs 119 crore has been provided to East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) for providing salaries. He took to Twitter to claim that the AAP government has given to the MCDs more funds than any other government. "Where is all this money going? Who is bungling all the money?" he said in the tweet posting details of funds allocated to the civic bodies in the past five years. The Deputy CM had also met the EDMC commissioner, mayor, and representatives of RWAs to discuss the situation. Earlier, in a meeting with the mayor and the commissioner of EDMC, sanitation workers unions left notes that they would resume duty from tonight. But municipal corporation officials said the work was not resumed because the sanitation workers wanted to discuss the matter further. Ashley Tellis will always be remembered by journalists based in Delhi who closely followed the Indo-US nuclear negotiations as the go-to person whenever there was a deadlock between both sides. He was always the emissary who found common ground in sometimes intractable positions. Having served as former US Ambassador Robert Blackwills adviser here in Delhi, Mr. Tellis is familiar with the ways of Lutyens Delhi and how to operate the levers of power in South Block. At around the same time Tellis was posted in Delhi, Dr. S Jaishankar who is now Foreign Secretary was in the Americas desk in the MEA. Both these men played an important role in seeing through the nuclear deal often times burning the midnight oil. So both these men have their task cut out in steering Indo-US ties through a challenging phase when Americas priorities will be different under President Trump and when its authority is being increasingly challenged by an assertive China in the wider Asian region. Tellis is currently a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He grew in Mumbai where he did both his Bachelors and Masters from the prestigious St. Xaviers College. His teachers and fellow students remember him as an extremely bright student and also someone who was always willing to help. Always spotted in the canteen with a book and pen by his side, Tellis is known to have had a fascinating understanding of war history, even though he was a student of Economics. After Xaviers, Tellis migrated to the US to complete his Ph.D from the University of Chicago. He has served both in the US Diplomatic Corps as well as in think tanks like the RAND Corporation. Tellis had a fascinating story about how and why George Bush was so good to India despite being a fairly unpopular President overall. Apparently, Bush after his election victory invited some of his closest advisers to his ranch in Texas to talk foreign policy. After about an hours discussion about the Middle East, China and Europe, discussing various security and strategic challenges, Bush took a globe, rotated it, looked at China, then looked at India and said, if we are to contain China, then why dont we look at India more closely? After all, they are a big country and they are a democracy. What better country to counter China? Tellis then rubbed his stomach and told eagerly attentive journalists, Bush thought from the gut. Whats interesting is, Mr. Tellis didnt have the most charitable things to say about his prospective boss Donald Trump until recently. On his last trip to India, this is what Tellis said about Donald Trump. Hopefully, the US will not ever enjoy a Trump presidency it is simply impossible to predict what a President Trump would mean for US-India relations or for that matter any other issue. Trump is incredibly erratic in the way he approaches the world and that seems to be his distinctive personality trait. Tellis went on to say that the billionaire is not well informed about policy issues and asserted that US-India issues might not be on his priority list. Given this statement, itll be interesting to see if Trump would give Tellis the job. And even if he did, if Mr. Tellis would accept it. The committee is headed by Dr Panagariya. Read the document, and you need not watch Kapil Sharma comedy show, he said as his co-delegates responded with laughter. Unlike Planning Commission in the earlier days, there seems to be little dialogue with the people now, he said, underscoring the need for more transparency in the Aayogs functioning. On the one hand, you talk about reducing prices of drugs, and on the other, the Aayog says take away drug price fixing powers vested in the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, he said. The choice of venue, though purely coincidental, only added a tinge of paradoxical humour to the entire proceedings: RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch holding the bi-annual review meeting on the performance of Niti Aayog at the India International Centre.Niti Aayog is an institution born out of Prime Minister Narendra Modis first speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, replacing one of the most conspicuous remnants of the Nehruvian socialism the Planning Commission of India with its swadeshi avatar to pursue cooperative federalism in both letter and spirit.So on Tuesday at IIC, while the Lutyenss gentry outside soaked in a mellowed afternoon sun on manicured lawns and nibbled atta biscuits dunked in masala tea, Swadeshi Jagran Manch delegates from across the country, sat around an olive-green hexagonal table on the second floor conference room to dissect and debate the Niti Aayogs second report card.Invites for the event were also sent to all the Aayog members. Only Bibek Debroy turned up for a while during the pre-lunch session. Vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya sent in a mail expressing his inability to participate in the wake of budget preparations. I look forward to meeting you in the future to hear about the deliberations, he wrote.The absence did not go down well with former Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) chairman Dr RK Tyagi. When his turn came, Tyagi was unsparing. These members are found more in the media than at Aayog. Tyagi also took a dig at the incumbent dispensation.The Swadeshi Jagran Manch should have quarterly meetings with Aayog to review the working. And commission members should be present, he said.Subhash Sharma, Chandigarh-based agriculture economist associated with SJM, was more specific in his criticism. Sharma minced no words while commenting on the Niti Aayog task force mandated to prepare a report on poverty alleviation.The BJP was unsparing when the then Planning Commission under UPA II pegged the Below Poverty Line at Rs 32 per capita per day. Now, they are speaking like Montek Singh Ahluwalia, he said.The threads are picked up by Shivaji Sarkar, professor at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi.SJM has, of late, taken exception to the Aayogs views on two issues genetically modified crops and health.There seems to be no synchronisation between the aims and policies of the political leadership and the Aayog, said SJM leader Ashwani Mahajan.While the government is attempting to provide succour to the poor, the policy papers emanating from the Aayog tell a different story.RSS has used affiliates like the SJM as safety valves in the past to flag issues linked to its core constituency and ideology.During the Vajpayee regime, it was RSS stalwart and trade-unionist Dattopant Thengdi who led the charge. Thengdi matched the then BJP leadership both in stature and experience.These, however, are different times. Home Ministry seeks a fact report by tomorrow from BSF over jawan's claim that poor quality food was being served to the soldiers. ANI (@ANI_news) January 10, 2017 Taken serious note of a BSF Jawan video. But during my regular visit to border posts I find high level of satisfactions amongst the jawans. Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 10, 2017 An immediate result of constable Tej Bahadur Yadavs viral video has been an unofficial clampdown on the use of cellular phones at some of the battalion kitchens and common areas. Company commanders are keeping a close eye. Perhaps other paramilitary forces are keeping a watch on their men and their phones.Tej Bahadur used his cell phone and social media to complain of the poor quality of ration. In the video(s) posted on Facebook, which have since then received more than 10 lakh views, Yadav shows a watery soup-like dal, with turmeric, salt and without lentils, and burnt chapatti that was served in various meals. There is a tumbler of tea and an open tiffin in the background.Instead of addressing the red flags the constable raised in the videos, the BSF has chosen a well-rehearsed response launching an enquiry and sending a senior officer to the location. A BSF statement gives details about Yadavs difficult past. A habitual offender of absenteeism without permission, chronic alcoholism, misbehaving and using force with superior officers, besides other acts against good order and discipline. For such reasons, individual has served mostly in headquarters under supervision of some dedicated superior officer. In spite of him being a bad hat, proper time has been devoted for individual's improvement as welfare to the individual, the statement said.Just why a man with such a troubled past was posted to what seems like a sensitive location is anyones guess.Security forces, including paramilitary forces, have strict rules and guidelines about talking to the media and information sharing. In all likelihood, Yadav will face disciplinary action, once media attention slips from the poor quality of ration that is being supplied to jawans at the border. Perhaps, preempting this Yadav has already sought voluntary retirement from the BSF, effective January 31.The last time a serving paramilitary jawan became a whistleblower, to complain about poor treatment, he was suspended. In 2014, News18.com carried the revelations of Sujoy Mondal , a CRPF jawan who came on camera and spoke about how Standard Operating Procedures were flouted during a Naxal operation. He spoke about terrible serving conditions and lack of help from his superiors. Investigation and an enquiry later, Sujoy Mondal was removed from the force.In another report, that appeared in The Hindu in 2014, a commando at a camp of the CRPFs elite anti-Naxal CoBRA force in Darbha, told the newspaper: I am so sick of eating potatoes, soybean nuggets and one type of dal. How am I supposed to fight for a state that cannot even ensure a supply of vegetables for me?While Yadavs allegations are not comparable to that of Sujoy Mondals, they point to a systemic rot in the system. Yadav in the video accuses officers of illegally selling off supplies meant for troops and added soldiers have to go to bed hungry at times. The BSF has dismissed these allegations further adding that Yadav had been posted at the location just 10 days ago.A 2014 Ministry of Home Affairs order says ration for a BSF jawan posted at the Line of Control should be at par with a soldier of the Indian Army. The government was allocating Rs 2,900/month per soldier. There is an additional special allowance of Rs 191 /month per soldier for dry fruits alone. Clearly most of this didnt reach the plates of Tej Bahadur and his colleagues.Deficiencies in ration supply chain practices and procurements have been brought to light in the past. The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has pointed in the past as to how troops consume dry rations even 6-28 months after the expiry. In the case of fresh vegetables and fruits, 74% of the items issued to units by supply depots were not in accordance with the prescribed norms.Towards the end of the video, Tej Bahadur says: We ourselves unload the ration provided, so we know, but we don't get to eat it. Its a tragic, grim reality of what soldiers at the border are facing inadequate food. This time, the enemy is this side of the border. Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day Gujarat visit for the Vibrant Summit, skipped his daily yoga session this morning to meet his mother Hiraba, who lives at Raisan village.Through a tweet, Modi said he went to meet his mother early this morning and had breakfast together.Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal used it as an opportunity to take a dig at Modi"I live with my mother, take her blessings everyday but don't advertise it to the world. I also don't make my mother stand in a bank queue for politics," he tweeted.Ninety seven-year-old Hiraba lives with Modi's younger brother Pankaj Modi at Raisan village near the state capital.Modi is in Gujarat for the eighth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Mahatma Mandir here.On Monday, he inaugurated redevelopment project of Gandhinagar Railway Station, Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show, international exchange at GIFT City and Nobel Prize Exhibition at Science City in Ahmedabad.On Tuesday, he is scheduled to open the Vibrant Summit at around 3:30 PM. The eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, 2017, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad in the presence of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and interim chairman of Tata group Ratan Tata among other dignitaries. Around 20 heads of states and ministers representing governments across the world have attended the previous editions of this global summit. This time, 12 nations are partner countries for the event USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Sweden and the UAE. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said India is a bright spot in the global economy where the rising middle class offers a huge market potential to investors. Heres a recap: Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. Mumbai: Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur, who will next be seen in OK Jaanu, says he wants to experiment with various roles and even genres of films. Aditya, who has mostly played a lover boy in movies like Aashiqui 2, Dawaat-e-ishq and Fitoor, told the media here: I would love to experiment with different genres of films. I know that right now I have the image of a romantic hero, but I want to do an action and comedy... I am open to it." Talking about OK Jaanu, in which he is paired with Shraddha Kapoor, Aditya said: "When it comes to Ok Jaanu, I think though I've played lover in my earlier films, none of them were a light-hearted romantic film like this. So I think people will get to see a different side." Staring his career as a video jockey on a youth channel, Aditya made his debut in Bollywood with the multi-starrer London Dreams in 2009. He got his first big break as a lead actor in 2013 with Aashiqui 2. After a superhit film like Aashiqui 2, the actor is coming up with only one film in a year. Why is he keeping a slow pace? "I think I have to say yes to more scripts, maybe. I think I am too choosy about my scripts and always look for a perfect one." Directed by Shaad Ali, Ok Jaanu will release on Friday. Meryl Streep needs to teach Bollywood how to write a speech, grow a spine, and you know, generally accept awards. Ankur Pathak (@aktalkies) January 9, 2017 LOLing hard at all the Bollywood people who will say WHOA RESPECT MERYL STREEP, but won't speak up against Raj Thackeray here. Rohan (@mojorojo) January 9, 2017 Bollywood: What a stance by #MerylStreep, against power. Now let's resume giving awards to cliche tripe because power trumps good movies. Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) January 9, 2017 To those asking why no Bollywood actor can ever give a speech like Meryl Streep, remember what we did with Aamir Khan? #Okthanxbye Harneet Singh (@Harneetsin) January 9, 2017 All these Bollywood stars, who are praising Meryl Streep, were in hibernation when SRK faced issues. So,don't you dare question his silence. Priya (@PlotBusterr) January 9, 2017 Meryl Streeps powerful speech at the Golden Globes awards has been widely appreciated world over. The actress, who received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award at the gala slammed President-elect Donald Trump for not being compassionate and using his position to bully the less powerful. The actress said, This instinct to humiliate when it's modeled by someone in the public platform by someone powerful it filters down into everybody's life. Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence, highlighting an incident where Trump had humiliated a disabled journalist.Bollywood cheered and praised Streep for her speech. Actress Anushka Sharma wrote a heartfelt note in reference to Streeps speech on her social media page explaining that actors, by the nature of their work, are liberal and non-judgmental. Seeing things for what they are, as they are observing, understanding, empathizing and then portraying that person on screen who very different from who they may be as people, the actress wrote.In order to do this and to enter the lives of people who are different from us, and let you feel what that feels like, they have to have the absolute freedom from judgemnet.The actress in her note subtly highlighted how often, an actors stand on certain matters are misinterpreted. When they dont want to see another persons point of view, that their perspective in life is the only one they feel should hold true. Then, in the long run the artist fails to grow too.Curbing my need to be liberal is stomping on my right to be a better actor, the actress wrote in the poignant note.Post Streeps speech, while Boillywood has been lauding the actress, many have also criticized Bollywood actors for not taking a stand on issues or standing up to what is right.There were perhaps a few, who spoke in defense of the Bollywood stars.Perhaps Anushkas heartfelt note would explain a lot on why actors in India shy away from commenting on issues. Happiest happy birthday to you #sacrecoeur #happiestsoulsaretheprettiest #limitless A photo posted by Sussanne Khan (@suzkr) on Jan 9, 2017 at 9:32pm PST Who said you couldn't be friends with your ex? Sussanne Khan and Hrithik Roshan's fairy tale marriage may have come to an end but the two are still friends.Recently, Hrithik was seen holidaying with Sussanne's family in Dubai where the two brought in the new year and now Sussanne has posted the sweetest message for Hrithik on his 43rd birthday.The actor, who is gearing up for his next release Kaabil, has always maintained that he and Sussanne have maintained their freindship post break up.Sussanne has often spoken in defense of her ex husband specially when the actor was going through a bitter legal battle with actress Kangana Ranaut. These two surely can inspire a lot of people who find it difficult to maintain a cordial relationship with their partner post break-up. Mumbai: Veteran actor Tom Alter has taken on a role as celebrated author Ruskin Bond in a new short film, its maker Bhargav Saikia has revealed. Saikia, whose Kashmir-set independent thriller production Kaafiron Ki Namaaz and horror short film Awakenings was widely acclaimed, is happy to welcome the actor on board for his new project, which narrates one of Bond's short stories. The director-producer did not wish to name which story of the noted author he has picked to translate to the screen. Talking about roping in Tom Alter for the role, Saikia told IANS that his extensive acting experience in films, theatre and television, and his close friendship with the author, will be an asset to the film. While Saikia is looking forward to a "fruitful collaboration" with the actor, he is happy that he has Bond's support for the film too. "I met Ruskin Bond sir in Landour (near Mussoorie) last year and he was very kind to grant me the permission to make a short film on one of his stories," Saikia said and clarified that his film is not a biopic on Ruskin Bond. Other cast members of the project are yet to be revealed. India's much loved author, Ruskin Bond, is 82 and continues to enthrall readers with his stories, mostly themed on nature. Earlier, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj had adapted two of his stories for the film medium. The films made were The Blue Umbrella and 7 Khoon Maaf. Lucknow: UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday met his father and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, sending signals of a rapprochement between the bickering factions in the ruling party. The 90-minute one-to-one meeting at Mulayam's residence took place against the backdrop of the SP patriarch yesterday declaring his son as the chief ministerial candidate of the party. In signs of reconciliation, Akhilesh walked down to his father's bungalow next door - the houses are interconnected - for the crucial meeting, the outcome of which will definitely have a bearing on SP's electoral prospects in the poll-bound state. Party insiders said Akhilesh's warring uncle Shivpal Yadav and Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh, often described as an outsider in the Yadav clan, were not present at today's father-son meeting. After the meeting, Akhilesh proceeded to the Chief Minister's residence without responding to media questions. Tuesday's meeting was held after a significant climbdown by Mulayam, who had last night said, "Akhilesh will be the Chief Minister after the election, there is no confusion about it." The last such meeting between father and son last week had failed to end the impasse in the party which saw a vertical split as Akhilesh was anointed SP chief in place of Mulayam. Amid a bitter tussle for control over the party, Mulayam had never projected Akhilesh as SP chief ministerial candidate and had rather asserted several times that only he will decide who will be the CM if SP came back to power in UP, where assembly elections will be held in seven phases from next month. Party observers pointed out that the absence of Shivpal and Amar Singh at today's meeting was quite significant as their presence might have put off Akhilesh who is not on the same page with his uncle and the Rajya Sabha MP. They said Mulayam perhaps wanted to settle the matter once and for all by not inviting them for the talks. Akhilesh's rebellion against his father veers around a demand that Shivpal and Amar Singh be removed from decision making. The Chief Minister accuses them of instigating Mulayam against him. Mulayam, however, has so far not indicated that he could meet his son's demand for his two close aides. Ramgopal Yadav, another uncle of Akhilesh, is on the side of the chief minister and is often accused by the Mulayam camp of misguiding the son. Ramgopal has spearheaded Akhilesh's solo campaign, calling a party meeting on January 1 in which the Chief Minister was declared Samajwadi Party president in place of his father. He also carried to the Election Commission six boxes of documents to prove that Akhilesh commands the loyalty of most party leaders and lawmakers and so is the real leader of the Samajwadi Party and must be permitted to retain the party's 'cycle' symbol to contest the UP elections. But, in the process, he invited the wrath of Mulayam who demanded derecognition of Ramgopal as leader of SP in Rajya Sabha following his expulsion from the party. Mulayam wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari informing him about the expulsion of Ramgopal from the party and, in effect, as its leader in the Upper House. He also urged Ansari to shift Ramgopal's seat to the back benches following his expulsion from the party. Bengaluru: The in-fighting within the Karnataka BJP is out in the open now, with Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council KS Eshwarappa admitting as much during a press conference in Kalaburgi in north Karnataka on Tuesday. Eshwarappa, who has been in the news for having launched an apolitical organisation called the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade to work for the depressed classes, said that installing BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa as the next chief minister of Karnataka is not one of the goals of his brigade. Eshwarappa has earlier been deputy CM in the BJP government until 2013, and continues to be one of BJPs main leaders in the State. Initially, we had said one of our aims is to make Yeddyurappa the CM. But Yeddyurappa himself has said that he doesnt need the support of any brigade, the people of Karnataka will make him the CM. When he has said that, why should the brigades members support him? So we have changed our stance on this, said Eshwarappa at the press conference. The rift between the two heavy-weights of the BJP has been growing wider in recent weeks, ever since Eshwarappa launched this brigade to unite people from SC, ST and OBC communities ahead of Assembly elections slated for mid-2018. While admitting there are internal differences in the State BJP, Eshwarappa said he hopes these would be sorted out soon. We have decided to go by the advice of religious mutt heads who have been guiding us (in the brigade) so far. We are not against any person or any party. But we will not support any political party either. At the time of elections, members can support any party they want, Eshwarappa said. He claimed that he had informed both the BJP and the RSS about the goals of the brigade and hoped for the RSS support in the brigades goals. A politician starting an apolitical organisation had already raised enough eye-brows, but with Tuesdays press conference, the party seems to be battling rebellion within, now more than ever. Srinagar: Congress with other Opposition parties in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will move a no-confidence motion against speaker Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday alleging partiality. Gupta is behaving in a partial manner and not upholding respect and dignity of Chair, Congress Legislative party leader Nawang Rigzin Jora told reporters here on Tuesday. Speaker Kavinder Gupta has falsely accused me of raising slogans (inside the assembly) which are against the national interest. Congress was protesting against the atrocities and misrule of this government and total failure of law and order machinery in the state, he said. Jora said the Congress MLAs were raising slogans like PDP ka kya farman, Kashmir banega kabristan (what is PDPs call, Kashmir should become a graveyard) and PDP ki kya pehachan, Kashmir banega Nagpur (what is PDPs identity, Kashmir will become Nagpur). The slogans were misinterpreted by the chair, Jora said, adding it is very unfortunate that the Speaker is being misused by the BJP and PDP to further their own agenda by spreading lies and confusion in the House. We are also meeting the governor on this issue, he said. Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry, has locked horns with the Congress government of the Union Territory and its chief minister V Narayanaswamy. In this interview to CNN-News18's Poornima Murali, she says the performance of the UT government is far from satisfactory and that she is only fulfilling her Constitutional role. Excerpts: Q: How do you look at the performance of the Puducherry government so far? Are you taking matters into your own hands because you feel a lot more has to be done? As regards their performance, its far from satisfactory. They have yet to grapple with long-standing administrative and financial issues besides raising resources. Also, I have been cautioning them not to depend on only borrowing money. Q: While hearing a petition by Delhis AAP government challenging an earlier High Court order that said the Lieutenant Governor enjoyed discretionary power, the Supreme Court had observed that the government elected by the people had certain powers and rights. The matter is now listed for January 18, 2017. However, you seem to hold that as L-G you could choose to overlook the legislature. Doesnt it violate the SC observation? I am in no way overlooking the legislature. I am not coming in the way of their power of legislation. I am only fulfilling my administrative responsibilities as laid down by law for an administrator. Q: If the legislature can be overruled in matters of finance, policy matters and public service, why have a legislature at all? What is the role of the elected representatives of the people then? They came and told me Madam you are expected to be a figure head. I told them I am a functioning administrator/Lt Governor appointed by the President of India to act as his eyes and ears and uphold the Constitution as my oath. Please read the law and rules carefully. Q: There have been allegations that you are not releasing the funds and in turn stalling the progress of UT. How do you defend this? I am ensuring financial prudence, which did not exist in the past. Puducherry is in a debt trap already. It is borrowing to pay the interest. Even the borrowing capacity now is less than interest to be paid. It will get worse by every year if we do not improve matters. The elected representatives must raise resources. Which is not still done. Nor much deliberated on. Q: There are a few complaints that you dont follow through on promises made. What is your take on this? A: Give me one example! I can establish everything I say, please see my Twitter media section. It will tell you what is being improved by sheer hard work. Cat is out of the bag. Recent events prove that Kejri wanted to be CM all along & was only fooling people with misleading statements. Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 .@ArvindKejriwal is fond of U turns & lies. He earlier said that a Punjabi will be party CM candidate. Now he has jumped into fray himself. Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 With Haryanvi Kejriwal as CM candidate, what will be fate of SYL, Chd as well as Punjabi speaking areas of Punjab still left in Haryana? Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) January 10, 2017 i: Is Arvind Kejriwal headed for Punjab? Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia's appeal to Punjab to vote in the name of Kejriwal has kicked up a row with the Opposition alleging that AAP is planning to install Kejriwal as Punjab chief minister should it come to power."Ye samajh ke vote do ki aap Arvind Kejriwal ko vote de rahe ho. Aapka vote Kejriwal ke naam pe hai, (Vote for us thinking that you are voting for Kejriwal)" Sisodia told a public meeting in Mohali on Tuesday.Multiple opinion polls have showed that AAP is leading the race in Punjab where the ruling BJP-SAD combine is bogged down with anti-incumbency while Congress is enmeshed in faction fights. However, the AAP had so far shied away from naming a CM candidate and has repeatedly refuted speculation that Kejriwal could be Punjab CM should the AAP get a simple majority.Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Badal was quick to latch on the Sisodia statement. "By asking people to vote for Arvind Kejrwal as CM of Punjab, Sisodia has exposed their plan. AAP has proven it doesnt trust Punjabis," he tweeted.I ask Punjabis to evaluate the actions of this anti-Punjab party & reject attempts to foist outsiders on the State @ArvindKejriwal (sic), Badal tweeted.Next in line was Captain Amarinder Singh, the Congress CM hopeful."After months of beating around the bush, truth of Arvind Kejriwal and his nefarious ambitions come out," he tweeted.Hitting back, the AAP claimed Sisodia was misquoted. Kejriwal is the face of AAP, and votes are being asked in the name of Kejriwal. This is an electoral strategy... other parties do the same, said AAPs Atishi Marlena.In one of his recent rallies, Kejriwal had announced that a Dalit will be the deputy chief minister of Punjab if his party comes to power in the state.Recently, Dr Balbir Singh, the AAP candidate against former Punjab CM and Congress leader Capt Amarinder Singh, had told News18 categorically that Kejriwal was not in the race to be CM of Punjab."The Chief Minister will be from Punjab. Our National Convener, on record, and our national spokespersons, Raghav Chadda and Sanjay Singh, have said on record that CM will be from Punjab and Kejriwal has the mandate of the people of Delhi for five years and will rule Delhi. Speculation about Arvind Kejriwal becoming CM is to sidetrack issues," he had said.State Assembly polls in Punjab is scheduled for February 4 and results will be announced on March 11. Italian police arrested two people on Tuesday for hacking into thousands of email accounts, including those of European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and former prime minister Matteo Renzi."There were tens of thousands of email accounts hacked, and among them were accounts belonging to bankers, businessmen and even several cardinals in the Vatican," Roberto Di Legami, director of the specialised cyber police unit that conducted the investigation, told Reuters.How the information may have been used is still under investigation, he said. It is still not clear exactly how much information was collected and how important it may have been, he said.Police have sequestered a server in Rome containing thousands of files, but 99 percent of the data was stored in the United States, Di Legami said. The information will be shipped back in coming days but it will take some time before it can be analysed. Recanati, Italy (Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews/ clodio / Istock) Jaisalmer, India ( Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews/ GorazdBertalanic / Istock) Viljandi, Estonia (Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews / Luik3 / Istock) Ait Benhaddou, Morocco (Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews/ Max1893 / Istock) Borobudur, Indonesia (Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews/ MasterLu / Istock) Uluru, Australia (Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews/ Wyco / Istock) Barichara, Colombia (Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews/ Devasahayam Chandra Dhas / Istock) Vezelay, France (Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews/ digital_eye / Istock) Flores, Guatemala (Photo courtesy: AFP Relaxnews/ snoofek / Istock) According to an international survey carried out by Booking.com, travellers in 2017 are hungry for new travel experiences, taking them off the beaten track and away from well-known destinations. To satisfy adventurous appetites, the accommodation reservation platform has used traveller recommendation data to draw up a list of lesser-known destinations for culture vultures to discover this year.The study, which polled 34,000 travellers in 17 countries, found that 66% of respondents were looking for new travel experiences in 2017. The site recommends getting adventurous with trips to destinations that are less well-known on the global travel scene, overshadowed by famous hotspots like Paris, London and Rome. In fact, an alternative destination in Italy comes top of Booking's list. In a land with a strong musical tradition, Recanati, in the Province of Macerata, is a small town on the Adriatic coast with almost 22,000 residents which is a historical center of accordion making.Also in Europe, the hotel reservation site suggests intrepid travellers with a taste for culture head to Viljandi in Estonia or Vezelay in France.Destinations further off the beaten track include the Indian city of Jaisalmer, in second place. Located on the border with Pakistan, this fortified city is gaining interest among travellers and appeals to the curiosity of amateur historians thanks to its strategic location at a crossroads between India, Persia and the West. Another historical hotspot on the list is Borobudur, a Buddhist monument on the Indonesian island of Java. Built around 800 C.E., this lesser-known site is sure to please culturally-minded travellers looking for an alternative to Bali.Barichara in Colombia also makes the list, at a time when the country is gaining ground as an upcoming destination for 2017 in all kinds of travel rankings.Booking.com's top culture destinations for travellers looking to head off the beaten track Strongly condemn the terror attack in Kabul & condole loss of innocent lives. India stands with Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2017 : Two large bombings near government offices in Afghanistan's capital on Tuesday killed at least 38 people, including civilians and military personnel, officials said.Mohibullah Zeer, an official in the Public Health Ministry, said another 72 people were wounded in the attack. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said a suicide bomber struck first, followed by a car bomb, adding that four police officers are among those killed.The Taliban, which is waging a 15-year war against the US-backed government, claimed the mid-afternoon attack, which took place near government and legislative offices. Ghulam Faroq Naziri, a lawmaker from the western Herat province, said another MP from the same province, Rahima Jami, was wounded.Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber on foot struck in the southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, said Gen Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, he said.Those killed include civilian and military personnel, and six others were wounded in the attack, Kemtoz said. A car full of explosives was found nearby.No one claimed responsibility for the Helmand attack, but it bore the hallmarks of the Taliban. Washington: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says last week's U.S. intelligence report on Russian hacking was politically motivated and publicly provided no evidence that Russian actors gave WikiLeaks hacked material. The report said Russian intelligence agencies gave stolen Democratic National Committee emails to WikiLeaks, which then released them to the public. Assange reiterated his claim that WikiLeaks did not get the hacked emails from Russia's government. He did not provide any clues about the source of the documents, so it was unclear whether they were provided to WikiLeaks from Russian proxies. Assange spoke today in an online internet news conference about the intelligence report, which claims Russia conducted a campaign to help influence the election in favor of President-elect Donald Trump and disparage Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton Mosul: The leaflet dropped from the skies over Mosul urged Islamic State militants to give themselves up. "Who will look after your families if you are killed?" read the message, found on the ground in an apartment complex on the city's northern edge. Sent by the Iraqi government, it appears to have been ignored. At the bottom of a stairwell in one of the apartment blocks lay the corpses of three militants who must have known they would lose against the overwhelming numbers and firepower of their opponents. Iraqi forces backed by a U.S.-led coalition took the Hadba apartment complex several days ago as the campaign to drive Islamic State out of Mosul gains momentum in the city's east. A tour arranged for Reuters to show off the government forces' latest gains showed how the militants, though vastly outnumbered and overpowered, are still putting up a fight for their largest urban stronghold. Beneath blankets thrown over their remains, the militants appear to have fought on even after being gravely wounded. One had a makeshift splint on his leg, and a big skidmark of blood indicated a militant may have dragged himself into cover, or been pulled by the others. The lower half of one insurgent's body was blown off before he had a chance to detonate the suicide belt still tied around his waist. "We came from here and hit him with a rocket," said an Iraqi soldier, retracing his steps through the outdoor passage they used to come up on the militants from behind. The complex is made up of more than 160 blocks -- the three-storey buildings now giving Iraqi forces an added advantage over the enemy, which is being pushed back towards the Tigris river bisecting Mosul from north to south. Some Iraqi units further south reached the banks of the Tigris over the weekend -- a milestone in the offensive that began when the elite counterterrorism service (CTS) pushed into Mosul from the east in October. The western half of the city remains fully under Islamic State control and retaking it from Islamic State is likely to be complicated by narrow alleys. TRIP WIRES The pastel-colored apartment blocks show marks of heavy fighting and the sound of gunfire was audible nearby. Spirits were high among the soldiers, who broke into song and dance for the camera, and posed for photographs with Islamic State flags they had torn down. Victory in Mosul would deal a symbolic and perhaps lethal blow to Islamic State's self-styled caliphate. But the group has recently demonstrated the insurgent tactics to which it will likely revert as it loses territory. Dozens of civilians have been killed in bomb blasts in Baghdad since the start of the year and the militants have attacked security forces in areas retaken from them. Touring the compound, Major-General Najm al-Jubbouri said Islamic State had hit back with four to five car bombs during and after the battle, but they were detonated before hitting their target. Islamic State newsletters were scattered on the ground outside the entrance to the mosque inside the compound, hailing attacks carried out by its fighters against Iraqi forces. A ground floor apartment served as a real estate office for Islamic State, which rented out the apartments of those who fled to people displaced from other parts of Mosul or beyond during the two years they ruled over the city. Another Islamic State flyer warned civilians against informing the security forces about the location of militants. All civilians were evacuated during and after the battle and government soldiers now appear in the windows of their apartments. Sheets are stretched across the balconies -- in some cases for privacy, but also so that Islamic State snipers could see Iraqi forces without being spotted. "Some of the doors were rigged with trip wires," said the head of one of the battalions that retook the apartments, whose name, Colonel Ibrahim, has been graffitied on the walls by his men. He said his men had broken into one apartment and found a discarded suicide belt and a cup of tea, still steaming hot, suggesting at least one of the militants chose to flee rather than fight on. Islamabad: Human rights activists in Pakistan on Tuesday rallied to protest the disappearance of four activists over the past one week and asked the government to take measures to locate them. Leftist liberals accuse that security agencies or militants might be behind the forced disappearances though nobody has claimed responsibility for the abduction. Protest rallies were held in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, where journalists, civil society supporters and rights activists demanded urgent measures to find the four missing activists. The missing activist include Salman Haider, a poet and university professor, who disappeared on Friday in Islamabad. Two days before bloggers Waqas Goraya and his cousin Asim Saeed went missing from Lahore. Ahmad Raza Naseer, another blogger suffering from polio, was abducted yesterday in Sheikhupura near Lahore. The disappearance echoed in the Senate, the upper house of parliament, on Monday where opposition pressed government to recover the activists. Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan said that all steps were being taken to recover the missing activists. "Safe recovery of the missing social activists is a priority of the government," Kahn said while briefing lawmakers in Senate on the missing activists. "The government neither pursues the policy of getting its own citizens disappeared nor will tolerate this," Radio Pakistan quoted the minister as saying. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Human Rights Watch expressed serious concern over the disappearance of the activists and asked Pakistan government to locate them. Protest rallies were held in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, where journalists, civil society supporters and rights activists demanded urgent measures to find the four missing activists. Washington/Chicago: Barack Obama closes the book on his presidency on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in India) with a farewell speech in Chicago that will try to lift supporters felled by Donald Trump's shock victory.His final speech as president, before thousands who will gather at McCormick Place, is his last chance to try to define what his presidency meant for America. It's a fitting bookend to what he started eight years ago.It was in Chicago in 2008 that the nation's first black president declared victory, and where over the years he tried to cultivate his brand of optimism in American politics."I'll be thinking back to being a young community organiser, pretty much fresh out of school, and feeling as if my faith in America's ability to bring about change in our democracy has been vindicated," Obama said in a White House video previewing his speech.Diehard fans many African-Americans have braved Chicago's frigid winter to collect free tickets, which now sell for upwards of $1,000 a piece on Craigslist.The First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden will come along for the ride.Obama's cross-country trek would be a sentimental trip down memory lane, were it not slap-bang in the middle of a tumultuous presidential handover.Trump has smashed conventions, vowed to efface Obama's legacy and hurled personal insults left and right.The 2016 election campaign has raised serious questions about the resilience of US democracy.In a virtually unprecedented move, US intelligence has accused the Kremlin of tipping the electoral scales in Trump's favour.Democrats, cast into the political wilderness with the loss of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives plus a majority of statehouses, are struggling to regroup.With an approval rating hovering around 55 percent, Obama will hope to steel them for new battles ahead.Obamas chief speechwriter, Cody Keenan, started writing the address last month while Obama was vacationing in Hawaii, handing him the first draft on the flight home. By late Monday Obama was immersed in a fourth draft, with Keenan expected to stay at the White House all night to help perfect Obama's final message."It's not going to be like an anti-Trump speech, it's not going to be a red meat, rabble rousing thing, it will be statesman-like but it will also be true to him," Keenan told AFP. "It will tell a story."Trump's unorthodox politics has thrown 55-year-old Obama's transition and post-presidency plans into flux.Obama, having vowed a smooth handover of power, finds himself being increasingly critical of Trump as he prepares to leave office on January 20.After that there will still be a holiday and an autobiography, but Obama could find himself being dragged back into the political fray if Trump were to enact a Muslim registry or deport adults brought to the United States years ago by their parents.Having vowed to take a backseat in politics, Obama's second act could yet be as politically engaged as Jimmy Carter whose post-presidency has remade his image as an elder statesman.Many Obama aides who had planned to take exotic holidays or launch coffer-replenishing forays into the private sector are also reassessing their future and mulling a return to the political trenches.Obama's foundation is already gearing up for a quasi-political role funneling idealistic youngsters into public life.Presidents since George Washington have delivered a farewell address of sorts.Washington's final 7,641-word message which is still read once a year in the Senate by tradition contained warnings about factionalism and interference by foreign powers that seem oddly prescient.But speechwriter Keenan sees few obvious templates: "Bush and Clinton did theirs from here (the White House), George H.W. Bush went to West Point, gave a foreign policy speech," he told AFP. "They are all totally different."The trip to Chicago is not just for nostalgia, Keenan indicated."The thread that has run though his career from his days as community organizer to the Oval Office is the idea that if you get ordinary people together and get them educated, get them empowered, get them to act on something, that's when good things happen," he said."For him, as someone who started as a community organiser, whose campaign was powered by young people, ordinary people, we decided we wanted to go back to Chicago.""Chicago is not just his hometown, it's where his career started."And now it is also where Obama's presidential career will effectively end. Washington: Senior U.S. Republican and Democratic senators will introduce legislation on Tuesday seeking to impose a wide range of sanctions on Russia over its cyber activities and actions in Syria and Ukraine. The legislation is sponsored by 10 senators - Republicans John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, Ben Sasse and Rob Portman and Democrats Ben Cardin, Robert Menendez, Jeanne Shaheen, Amy Klobuchar and Richard Durbin. The bipartisan support increases the measure's chances of being passed by the Republican-led Congress. A House of Representatives aide said Russia sanctions legislation also was being prepared in that chamber. It could set up a showdown with the administration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20 and has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. The measure is being introduced a day before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee holds its confirmation hearing for Trump's nominee to be secretary of state, former Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson. Many lawmakers from both parties have raised questions about the decades Tillerson spent working with Russia's government as an executive at the oil company, and his ties to Putin. His hearing, set for Wednesday and Thursday, is expected to largely focus on those issues. According to a preliminary summary seen by Reuters, the bill would impose visa bans and freeze the assets of people "who engage in significant activities undermining the cyber security of public or private infrastructure and democratic institutions" or aids such activities. It would impose sanctions on those who engage with the Russian defense or intelligence sectors, which could affect international companies doing business with Russia. It also puts into law sanctions on Russia that President Barack Obama imposed via executive order late last month. U.S. lawmakers have long called for a tougher response to Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and intervention in the Syrian civil war on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Their impatience has increased since U.S. intelligence agencies released a non-classified version of a report Friday saying Putin ordered a campaign to try to sway the 2016 U.S. election in favor of Trump. The bill also sets new sanctions over Ukraine and Syria, including putting into law four executive orders from the Obama administration sanctioning Russia over its actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Among other things, it would mandate sanctions on investments of $20 million or more in Russia's ability to develop its petroleum and natural gas resources. Lynchburg voters looking to cast their ballots in the special election for the 22nd Senate District today are encountering an unusual snag in the democratic process voting precincts out of ballots. For voter Leighton Dodd, who said he planned to vote for Democrat Ryant Washington, he told The News & Advance that he tried to vote at 11:30 a.m. at Bedford Hills School precinct, but there were no ballots. When he came back after lunch, around 1 p.m. the precinct had run out again. To not have enough ballots is ridiculous, Dodd said as he sat in a line of 30 voters who were waiting for more ballots to be delivered so that they could cast their votes in the special election. Dodd expressed concern that the ballot snafu could affect the election. Thats quite absurd, reacted voter Bruce Blankinship when he heard the Bedford Hills precinct was out of ballots, as he headed out on his lunch break to vote for Republican Mark Peake. Blankinship also worried over how the issues with the special election could affect the end result. Blankinship left the precinct without voting, but said he would return to cast his ballot after work. At nearly 2 p.m. more than 400 voters had been through the Bedford Hills precinct, according to election official Mariana Boska. The precinct had at least three rounds of ballots delivered. However, Aaron Evans, who was standing outside Bedford Hills to promote the Republican ballot, said that around 50 people had left without voting since the precinct did not have ballots available. A similar issue was observed Tuesday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church polling site where bal-lots ran out. A whole lot more people [voted] than anticipated, said the precincts Election Chief Natalie Robinson. As of 1 p.m., she estimated that 400 voters had cast their ballots at First Presbyterian Church. Candidate Mark Peake said he was both frustrated and disappointed with the ballot blunder. Weve had people leave Bedford Hills, weve had people leave here, Peake said as he campaigned outside of First Presbyterian Church around 1 p.m. Its frustrating to see people leave. Tripp Duerson, who voted for Peake said the voting process had been smooth when he voted at First Presbyterian Church shortly after 1 p.m. and he was not concerned with a hand count of ballots. Earlier Although some Lynchburg city precincts ran out of paper ballots by 11 a.m. Tuesday, no valid city voter has been turned away from the special election for the 22nd Senate District, according to Registrar Karen Patterson. Patterson said she learned some precincts were running out of pre-printed ballots between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesday, but that election officials were quickly directed to using electronic handicap accessible machines. With these machines, voters push a button to pick their candidate and the machine prints out a paper copy, she said. The city should have plenty of the blank paper that feeds this machine, she said, to last through the day. Things are going along fine. Lynchburg has at no point been without ballots, Patterson said at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. Everyone is able to vote, and everything is okay. The registrars office also dispatched photocopied emergency ballots. If used, these ballots must be hand-counted. Polls close at 7 p.m. I think we might have some hand-counted, but were not expecting an over-abundance, Patterson said. The registrars office printed 1,350 ballots, she said. Her office and the electoral board used previous voter turnout history to estimate how many ballots they would need. The special election will determine whether Lynchburg Republican Mark Peake, Democrat Ryant Washington or Independent Joe Hines will fill the seat vacated by Rep. Tom Garrett, R-5th. The winner is scheduled to be sworn into the office Wednesday when the 2017 General Assembly convenes. At just after 9 a.m., election workers at the First Presbyterian Church precinct had already seen a higher number of voters than were expected to visit all day, precinct workers said. The precinct had been allocated 100 ballots originally, but asked for and received additional ballots. As of 9:20 a.m., 104 people had cast ballots there. Amherst and Appomattox county registrars are not concerned about any of their precincts running out of ballots. "We just err on the side of a little higher" than we need, Appomattox County Registrar Sabrina Smith said Tuesday afternoon. Theres no savior out there. Thats a line from Lords Prayer, a song written by TV Smith for the Lords of the Church, a band that trafficked in 1980s melodic punk. Heres some more: There aint no savior out there Your stairway to heaven leads nowhere Dont look to me for emancipation You are your only salvation. Thats my message to Americans who want to resist Donald Trump and his works or more precisely, the policies of the most right-wing cabinet in American history. Waiting for divine intervention is lunacy. If youre serious about slowing down the Pencites, youd better get ready to take them on yourselves. You sure wont be able to count on the Democratic Party. Take Trumps cabinet nominees please! In the old days, Democrats would only have needed 40 senate seats to filibuster a would-be attorney general accused of racism, an energy secretary who forgot the name of his own department and a sitting CEO of ExxonMobil as secretary of state. Unfortunately for the republic, then-Majority Leader Harry Reid was such a fool that he thought Democrats would never lose another election. So, in a fit of staggering historicity, he eliminated the filibuster for most nominees in 2013. As a result, Trump will probably get all his picks, perhaps minus Sessions because hes widely disliked by his colleagues. OK, so unless youre a character in the too generously reviewed movie Arrival, whats past is past, no do-overs. But Democrats dont seem to have much appetite for anti-Trump combat even when you consider their new self-imposed limits. Democrats approach to policy is likely to boil down to let the Republicans do what they want, then take the blame when they overreach. They may even let the GOP repeal the Affordable Care Act, the Obama Administrations sole major policy achievement. Republicans are about to learn that theres a big difference between being against something and being for something, said Rep. Steve Israel, a New York Democrat. Theyve already stumbled out of the gate, and we should let them continue to stumble. Unasked: How many Americans will die for a smart tactic? On the nominees, look for bureaucratic foot-dragging of approvals with procedural votes and other stalling tactics. I dont want to needlessly prevent President Trump from being successful, Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware told The Politico. But accelerating the confirmation of unacceptable candidates who have views that are outside the mainstream is not constructive. In the end, though, those unacceptable candidates will get their gigs. Dems even plan to try to find common ground on rebuilding infrastructure an admirable goal that Ive pushed for years. But Trumpism is already so extreme that Democrats ought to ask themselves whether theyre missing the fuhrer for the trees: is it possible to get behind an autobahn without endorsing the tyrant who builds it? If they really wanted to mount a resistance to Trump, Congressional Democrats could do so with considerably more vigor. Notably, any single senator can place a personal hold on a nominee or bill. Theres no time limit or limit on the number of holds. In 2008, for example, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom Coburn placed a hold against a funding bill for 12 federal programs. A hold only goes away one of two ways: the senator lifts it, or the 60 percent of the Senate votes against it. Democrats could use the hold to replace the filibuster Reid got rid of. But theres no reason to believe Democrats will put up a serious fight against the Trumpists. In the end, a hybrid strategy might make the most sense for Democrats use Trump and the GOP as a foil and slow them where they can while seeking to pick one or two areas where his aspirations coincide with their values, CNN muses. A las Barricadas! this is not. Democratic impotence is nothing new; since the 1970s, leaders have pushed the partys ideology to the right while abandoning every pretense of resistance to the expansion of the corporate gangster capitalism that grinds up working and middle-class peoples hopes and aspirations. Now that Trump is about to impose an especially right-wing (heres another punk reference, to The Clash) clampdown on ordinary Americans, the Democratic Party will lie completely exposed in the full glory of its uselessness. Screw the Dems. You are your only salvation. Rall is a syndicated writer and cartoonist for ANewDominion.net and Skewed.net. His latest book is Trump: A Graphic Biography, an examination of the life of the Republican president-elect in comics form. Contact him through his website, Rall.com. Liberals, let the right run with it I think progressives in our country need to admit to themselves its time to let the right-wing conservative philosophy play itself out, and theres no better place to start then public education. Many conservatives, including parents, teachers and administrators, hate the concept of public education. So I propose the Trump Department of Education submit a proposal allowing school districts to opt out of the public education system. This would allow districts to unburden themselves of the rules and regulations that comes with accepting federal dollars. Districts could adopt Christianity or any other religion as their faith of choice without fear of government interference. Creationism? Absolutely. How the Civil War was really about something other than the economics of slavery? Go for it. Lets call it self-funding for freedom. Since state and local funding make up virtually all school districts core operating budgets, this should not pose a huge fiscal issue, especially given the freedom from tyranny they receive in return. Fewer teachers with fewer benefits, only volunteer teacher aides, larger class sizes, no extracurriculars (except boys sports, of course) and consolidated bus routes. Done. Let freedom ring! Of course, citizens of school districts that choose this option give up eligibility for federal Pell Grants, and districts could no longer receive dollars for special education, early childhood programs, Title 1 grants and teacher incentive programs. This would also require opting out of the USDA School Breakfast and Lunch programs. After all, ask almost any conservative, and theyll gladly tell you that all the liberals benefiting from such programs dont deserve it anyway because education is a luxury not a necessity, especially with all the good factory jobs on their way back to the U.S. of A. The next logical step would be freeing many rural counties from their dependence on state sales tax subsidies. Those subsidies are just like crack cocaine to rural local government officials. It causes them to sell their constituents freedom by taking handouts from the dirty socialists in Northern Virginia. My guess is the NoVa folks would be glad to cease subsidizing rural Virginia. So its a win-win! Fun facts many rural counties in Virginia and elsewhere are returned more in state tax dollars than they contributed. Likewise, they receive a disproportionate share of state education funding. Doesnt sound conservative to me. Fake America Great Again. WALTER DANIELS Lynchburg Home News Sports Social Obituaries Events Letters Scott, Nate work at Growing Freedom for Idaho January 10, 2017 Heather Scott The Idaho Legislature will have the opportunity to support a strong agenda for Growing Freedom in Idaho during the 2017 Legislative Session. The agenda, driven by citizen input and geared toward cultivating greater personal freedoms for Idahoans, was released last week by Representatives Heather Scott (R-1A) and Ronald Nate (R-34A). The Growing Freedom for Idaho Agenda is part of a larger website called GrowingFreedomforIdaho.com. The website was created to help citizens follow bills through committees, comment to appropriate legislators who are responsible for passing, killing, or holding bills in committee (the process by which many important ideas are never allowed to be heard by the full legislative body), and provide information about the ways citizens can be more involved with government accountability. The site will also offer a quick guide to all bills being proposed in the House and a brief description of what the consequences of passing those bills will be to citizens. The 2017 Growing Freedom for Idaho Agenda currently includes over 60 bills arranged by categories important to liberty. Categories include Lower Taxes, Less Government, More Freedom and More Transparency. Each of the bills are focused on returning personal freedoms to Idahoans as well as undoing past infringements. Legislators who favor "the People" over "establishment policies" are showing a strong willingness to support this new Growing Freedom for Idaho Agenda. With Idaho facing another year of revenues exceeding projections (a surplus of at least $130 million), constituents across the state should be encouraged to direct their legislators to respect the rights of taxpayers to keep their hard-earned incomes and actively support the Growing Freedom for Idaho agenda of reducing tax burdens on Idaho workers, families and businesses. Representatives Scott and Nate encourage all Idahoans to contact their district legislators and remind them the vast majority of Idaho citizens value freedom, natural rights, and our Constitution, which was established to protect these rights. Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail! SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - January 10, 2017) - Revenue Management Systems, a Mercator Company (RMS), is proud to announce that it has been selected to provide PenAir with its state-of-the-art revenue management, inventory control, and reporting tools. airRM will enable PenAir to identify sales opportunities, maximize passenger revenues, closely control pricing, and analyze performance. airRM is a continually evolving airline revenue management system with ground-breaking tools that integrate and display a wealth of critical information from multiple sources, enabling airlines to make better and more profitable decisions. The solution is currently used by more than 80 of the most successful carriers in the world. "For more than six decades, PenAir has been delivering high-quality airline services to the Alaskan community, and in recent years has extended its network throughout the Lower 48. We are thrilled to welcome PenAir, a pioneering regional airline, to the growing number of carriers using airRM. By leveraging airRM's innovative technology, the airline will be able to maximize revenue opportunities and achieve future growth plans across existing and new markets," said Chris Anthony, Senior Director of Sales & Support - Americas at RMS. About Pen Air PenAir is one of the largest regional airlines in Alaska and the Northeast U. S., and one of the largest operators of Saab 340 aircraft in the United States. The airline is a codeshare partner with Alaska Airlines and has electronic ticketing agreements with Alaska, Delta, United and several other carriers. More information about Pen Air may be found at www.penair.com. About RMS Revenue Management Systems, a Mercator Company has been developing airline revenue management systems in cooperation with some of the most successful airlines in the world today. Their most popular product, airRM, is used by over 80 airlines including Tiger Airways, Ryanair, AirAsia, Virgin America, flydubai, and Jetstar. RMS products help their users realize higher revenues and increased staff productivity. RMS, founded in 1996, was acquired by Mercator, a leading provider of software platforms and product-led solutions to the global travel, transportation, and logistics industry in April 2016. RMS is headquartered in Seattle, Washington (USA) with offices in Australia, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Spain, and Singapore. More information about airRM and RMS may be found at www.revenuemanagement.com. About Mercator Mercator is a leading provider of software platforms and product-led solutions to the global travel, transportation, and logistics industry. The company helps move the world in the safest, fastest, and smartest ways possible. Every day, over 3 million passenger journeys and 70,000 tons of cargo are processed with Mercator products, enabling them to analyze large streams of data and deliver actionable insights that drive value for their customers. For more information about Mercator please visit www.mercator.com. Schol winner doc says he did not breach contract Dr Ryan Wellington, in March of last year, was ordered by Justice Nadia Kangaloo to repay over $3 million to the government when he failed to attend the start of the civil trial brought against him by the Office of the Attorney General. Kangaloo declined to grant an adjournment to Wellingtons lawyer and entered judgment against him. He appealed and his case was sent back to the judge for determination. Wellingtons lawyer, Ravi Heffes Doon, submitted that there was no requirement in the contract for the scholarship winner to report to the Ministry of Public Administration in person. An ordinary reasonable person would have made a phone call, Heffes Doon said. His client in testimony said he did so on two occasions after he completed his studies in Ireland. Heffes Doon said there could only have been a breach of the contract if Wellington refused an offer of employment from the ministry, which he did not as he was never offered a position. Wellington, who currently lives in Australia, in his testimony before Kangaloo at the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain, claimed that after writing his final exams at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in May 2009, he wrote the Ministry of Public Administration, which managed the Government scholarship programme at the time. He said that he received no response and after several months he decided to contact the ministry via telephone. Wellington said he was told that he could not be offered a job as he had not immediately returned to T&T upon the completion of his degree. He said he doubted he had to return in person for immediate placement in the Ministry of Health. I did have reason to doubt that, Wellington responded. If I had no intention of coming back, I would not have made the phone call and be now incurring $3 million worth of debt, he said in response to questions put to him by the ministrys attorney, Lesley Ann Lucky Samaroo. Parties are to file submissions and will return for oral submissions on March 10. The Education Ministry, which filed the action against the scholarship winner, alleged that Wellington signed an agreement after being awarded an open scholarship in 2003 to obtain a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland. For the five years of his studies, the Government paid Wellingtons tuition fees and he was given textbook and personal maintenance allowances. Under the agreement, Wellington, as is the case with other scholars, was required to repay the Government if he failed to work in TT for the period of their foreign studies. Kangaloo had ordered that Wellington repay the $1,734,994.30 expended by the Government on his studies in addition to $1,328,764.64 in interest calculated at the rate of 7.75 percent from the date of his graduation. The judge had also ordered him to pay legal costs incurred by the State in the sum of $194,227.98. The State was also represented by attorneys Nadine Nabbie and Kendra Mark, while attorney Kyle Rudder also appeared for Wellington. One teen safe, another goes missing Malikah Timothy, police said, has been missing for the past three days. Police added that Mariah Modeste, who went missing seven days ago, returned home on Sunday evening. Police said both teenagers reside at the same district in Vistabella, but their disappearances are not linked to each other. According to a police report, Malikah left her Purcell Street, Vistabella home to visit an aunt at Indian Walk in Princes Town. Reports are that the teenager never showed up at her aunts residence. Her father Marlon Timothy said that calls to his daughters cell phone went unanswered. Marlon said his daughter left home shortly after 7 am on January 7, to visit the aunt. In giving a description, in a media release, police said Malikah is of African descent, 5 feet 1 inch tall and brown in complexion. She has long black hair and brown eyes. As police officers continue their search for Malikah, they are also pleading with members of the public to call the nearest police station if they have any information that could help them locate her. Meanwhile, the family of Mariah Modeste are breathing a sigh of relief as they said she is back home and unharmed. Mariahs mother Diana Saroop yesterday said she was happy that her daughter was back home. Saroop said that the time her daughter was unaccounted for, she could not sleep. As a mother you are scared to know your daughter is out there and not home. I did not know where she was and I still dont know where she was, but the police are investigating that issue, Saroop said. I am just glad she is back home safe. Saroop believes her daughter was influenced negatively by friends and has decided to send the child to stay at her fathers home in Mayaro. I will not give up on her. She needs guidance and as parents we have to come together to be there for our children, Saroop said. Three schools close early on day one of new term Doodhai said the St. Joseph Girls RC, Iere Government Primary in Princes Town and Penal R.C. schools ended their day at noon yesterday. St. Joseph Girls continues to undergo electrical repairs; Iere Government had a problem with a pump, and Penal R.C still has structural issues. In fact, Penal R.C. will stay closed today. The Sangre Chiquito Presbyterian Primary did not open yesterday. The Ministry said, Students returned to their classrooms this morning as the Ministry of Education confirms the reopening of all schools. Over the last three weeks, the Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Educational Facilities Company Limited (EFCL), undertook repairs and maintenance projects to ensure the readiness of schools and a successful reopening for a new academic term. Chairman: CALs New York route begins to show profits Responding yesterday, to a number of questions on issues pertinent to the operations of the national and regional carrier at the Joint Select Committee on State Enterprises inquiring into the operation of the regional carrier, Mohammed said, I can firmly say that we are making that turn on profitability. I am happy to inform that we have turned around (the) New York (route). I believe the initiatives that we have been working on have begun to bear fruit, he said. We do believe that in 2018 we should be able to break even. Our numbers indicate that 2016 was better than 2015. Our numbers suggest that 2017 will be better than 2016. We are hopeful that by 2018, CAL perhaps will no longer be a burden on the taxpayers. On its assets, Mohammed said that CAL operates 17 aircraft, five of which it owns. The remaining 12 are leased. The aircraft may not be new, he said, but they were safe and reliable. He said CAL was conducting a fleet review to capture, not only passengers needs, but the types of aircraft best suited to fly certain routes, reliability and costs. Noting that routes previously run by Air Jamaica and taken over by CAL were not doing well, and apart from Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana to John F Kennedy International Airport in New York which is one of our cash cows as it were, member Fazal Karim asked if CAL intended to drop any route and engage new routes. The airlines believes that it should continue on the routes currently served, Mohammed said. With two of its five ATR 72-600 issues resolved, Mohammed said adding, We believe that there is a window of opportunity that we can grow the airline regionally without the addition of aircraft. The ATRs had been a source of concern in recent weeks and two had been out of commission. One has been on a flight test and is due to be back in operation. CAL was also looking at a new route in the region for which the ATR could be used, has made a application for the destination and was awaiting a response from the regulators. He did not name the route and at the end of the hearing, Mohammed was not prepared to answer any question from the media. In relation to CALs safety record and the incident involving CAL and Fly Jamaica aircraft at the CJIA last year in which the wing of the Fly Jamaica plane was clipped by a CAL aircraft, Mohammed said the incident was still being investigated. On the 2011 incident in which a CAL aircraft overrun the runway at CJIA, CAL Acting Chief Executive Officer Jagmohan Singh said the cause was human error. The incident investigated by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) with the help of the United States National Safety Transport Board. We were informed very early in the investigation of what may have occurred that caused the incident, he said. With that information, he said, the airline immediately started remedial training for all its crews including pilots and flight attendants. In the aviation business, he said that the majority of accidents or incidents can be put down to human error. It is important to learn from aviation incidents and accidents and take correct actions in training of crews. We carried out full training and when the report was eventually laid, we found that we had conducted most, if not all of the training needed for the crews, he said. Diaz: I have not quit He was admitted to hospital last week and underwent successful angioplasty surgery to unclog blocked arteries in his heart. In the wake of Diazs health woes, Richard Forteau has been installed as Acting President of the pan body. On the weekend, Assistant Secretary Cindy Rosemin resigned from the executive citing lack of transparency and leadership as her reasons for doing so. Also leaving the executive on the weekend was Aquil Arrindell, who quit as Education Officer. Panmen have been demanding that Diaz and his executive tender their resignations and for a new executive to be elected citing several irregularities the latest of which was the issuing of cheques individually valued at $1,000 to panmen as appearance fees for the 2016 Panorama competition, but said cheques not being honoured and cashed when taken by the recipient to the bank. Panmen staged protests last week outside PanTrinbagos office in Port-of- Spain. An emergency meeting carded for Saturday last, was called off after Diaz collapsed. Yesterday, the remaining board members including Ag President Forteau, Michael Joseph (PRO), Keith St Cyr (External Relations Officer), Andrew Salvador (Treasurer) and trustees Allan Augustus and Trevor Reid plus regional chair persons Carlon Harewood (East), Gerard Mendez (North), Marie Toby (Tobago) and David Balbosa (South) were in a meeting for most of yesterday. Last year, Byron Serrette tendered his resignation as VP. Pan activists Dane Gulston, Gregory Lindsay and a third person joined the meeting after lunch and remained there until very late yesterday. Contacted last evening, Gulston said that in his personal opinion nothing fruitful had come out of the meeting which lasted for several hours. A meeting with band representatives and the executive has been called for today to discuss the issue of the bounced PanTrinbago cheques. OPEC secretary general Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo (L) holds a joint press conference with Kuwaiti Oil Minister Essam al-Marzuq in Kuwait City on January 9, 2017 (AFP Photo/Yasser Al-Zayyat) (AFP) Kuwait City (AFP) - Kuwaiti Oil Minister Essam al-Marzouk, whose country heads a committee to monitor crude output cuts, on Monday described as encouraging production reductions announced so far. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed in November to cut its production by 1.2 million barrels per day starting January to reduce a global supply glut that had kept prices painfully low. A group of 14 non-OPEC producers, led by the world's top crude producer Russia, agreed in December to lower their output by another 600,000 bpd, making the total pledged cuts at 1.8 million bpd. "So far, all Gulf producers, Iraq and Russia have announced their commitment to the cuts," Marzouk told a news conference after talks with OPEC secretary general Mohammad Barkindo. "These commitments make up between 60 percent and 70 percent of the pledged cuts" from the beginning of January, said the minister. "We expect the compliance to the cuts to be big because of its impact on boosting prices." Kuwait heads the five-member Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee set up to monitor compliance with the pledged cuts. Marzouk said he discussed with Barkindo mechanisms to monitor the cuts by OPEC and non-OPEC members. The Kuwaiti minister said they discussed monitoring output of each member country and also the level of exports with the assistance of international companies. Barkindo described as historic the agreement between the 24 OPEC and non-OPEC producers. Marzouk said the committee would meet in Vienna on January 21 and 22 to finalise the monitoring mechanisms. Trump: 'I'll Very, Very, Very Probably Do It Again' (Newser) Dairy Queen has given the boot to one of its franchisees after he allegedly unleashed a racist tirade against a customer. Deianeira Ford visited a Zion, Ill., DQ on Wednesday with her two young children and asked for a refund after her order was mixed up. Owner James Crichton gave her one, though she says he also started yelling at her. "He called me and my children n------," Ford tells the Washington Post. "He said I can go back to where I came from." She called 911 and the responding officer spoke to Crichton, who, per the police report, "proudly admitted to calling Ford a n-----" and ranted about his other black customers. But since he hadn't committed a crime, there was nothing police could do. It ended up being Ford's own Facebook post that resulted in big consequences for Crichton. Her post about the incident went viral, and on Saturday, dozens of demonstrators gatheredinitially, they planned to protest the store and call for a boycott, the Lake County News-Sun reports. Instead, the gathering was a celebration, because on Friday Dairy Queen announced it was shutting down the location and terminating Crichton's franchise rights. DQ called Crichton's actions "inexcusable, reprehensible, and unacceptable," and Crichton himself apologized via a DQ statement. (Crichton had previously told the News-Sun Ford's story was "99% lies.") Ford's attorney tells the Post that legal action may still be taken against Dairy Queen, because since Ford came forward, other customers and employees of that location have shared similar stories. (A shopper's tirade got her banned from JCPenney.) (Newser) Standing nearly as tall as an elephant, the aurochs grazed for 250,000 years until its extinction in 1627. But its story may not end there: Scientists say they are close to resurrecting the "supercow," once the largest land mammal in Europe, reports CNN. In search of herbivores to maintain land areas at risk of becoming barren, geneticists began breeding aurochs descendants with similar cattle breeds in 2008 and found they could "produce animals far closer to the aurochs than we would have expected," says Ronald Goderie of the Tauros Project. Fourth-generation beasts have now been introduced in Croatia, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Romania, with promising results. "We see progress not only in looks and behavior but also in de-domestication of the animals," says Goderie, noting one herd has learned to defend itself against wolves. The hope is that they will become part of the ecosystem to maintain land for other animals. But a rep for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature says it's unclear "whether primarily wetland forests like the aurochs used to inhabit still exist, whether it could negatively impact wild or domestic plants or animals, and if it might endanger people." Indeed, a British farmer had to kill some of his aurochs-descended cattle in 2015 because they tried to kill him, per the Independent. That species, however, came from a Nazi breeding program that used Spanish fighting cattle. (Tinder could save giant pandas from extinction.) (Newser) If 22 years in prison seems harsh for stealing a TV remote control, Eric Bramwell probably agreesbut, based on his past criminal history, authorities in Illinois say it's a well-deserved sentence. Per the Chicago Tribune, the 35-year-old Melrose Park man was handed his fate on Wednesday by DuPage County Judge Robert Miller after being found guilty in November for stealing a remote from a Wheaton apartment complex's common area. But prosecutors say other burglaries of other remotesand actual TV setshe committed in six suburbs dating back to 2014 were what allowed for the extended sentence, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "Mr. Bramwell's illegal activity and his history have finally caught up with him," said State's Attorney Robert Berlin. What finally did Bramwell in: A glove was dropped during the August 1, 2015, remote disappearance, and the DNA from the glove matched with Bramwell's, whose records were in a database for convicted felons. At 17, Bramwell was nabbed by Franklin Park cops and admitted to being the "ringleader" in a series of home break-ins that netted him and his accomplices jewelry, power tools, and other items they could pawn. Bramwellwho received an additional six months in jail from Judge Miller in November for uttering profanities in courtwill need to put in 11 years behind bars before he's up for parole. "Regardless of what was stolen, Mr. Bramwell repeatedly thumbed his nose at the law," said Berlin. (A Minnesota burglar forgot to log out of Facebook before he left the scene of the crime.) (Newser) A Michigan man is fuming after he left his car running in a drivewayand got a ticket. "Every person warms up their car," Nick Taylor tells WDIV. "We live in Michigan!" Taylor, 24, left the car idling unlocked at his girlfriend's house on a frigid morning last week. When he returned a few minutes later, he spied the $128 ticket for leaving a vehicle unattended. Taylor posted a photo of the ticket on his Facebook page and railed against the "dip----" Roseville police officer who left it there for "wasting the taxpayer's money." (He later "retracted" the insult.) The post has been shared nearly 14,000 times, but Police Chief James Berlin wasn't backing down, saying you can't leave vehicles running. "This is purely a public safety issue," he tells Fox2. "You see it all the time, people hop in a running car and steal them. Something bad happens when that occurs." And because of the original insult, Berlin says he's not about to tear up the ticket. One footnote for those who practice Taylor's habit of warming up the car: Mechanics say the old-school ritual is no longer necessary in the era of fuel-injected engines, notes USA Today. In fact, today's cars tend to warm up more quickly being driven rather than idling. (This driver faced DUI charges, though he had only caffeine in his system.) (Newser) President-elect Donald Trump appointed his influential son-in-law Jared Kushner as a White House senior adviser Monday, putting the young real estate executive in position to exert broad sway over both domestic and foreign policy, particularly Middle East issues and trade negotiations. Trump has come to rely heavily on Kushner, who is married to the president-elect's daughter Ivanka. Since the election, the political novice has been one of the transition team's main liaisons to foreign governments, communicating with Israeli officials and meeting Sunday with Britain's foreign minister. He's also huddled with congressional leaders and helped interview Cabinet candidates. In a statement, Trump said Kushner will be an "invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda," the AP reports. Ivanka Trump, who also played a significant role advising her father during the presidential campaign, will not be taking a formal White House position. Transition officials said the mother of three young children wanted to focus on moving her family from New York to Washington. Kushner's own eligibility for the White House could be challenged, given a 1967 law meant to bar government officials from hiring relatives. Kushner lawyer Jamie Gorelick argued Monday that the law does not apply to the West Wing. She cited a later congressional measure to allow the president "unfettered" and "sweeping" authority in hiring staff. Kushner will resign as CEO of his family's real estate company and as publisher of the New York Observer. He will also divest "substantial assets," Gorelick said. The lawyer said Kushner would not be taking a salary. (Read more Jared Kushner stories.) (Newser) The alleged Hollyweed prankster has been apprehended. Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, turned himself in to Los Angeles Police Department detectives Monday on suspicion of trespassing in the wee hours of New Year's Day in order to alter the iconic Hollywood sign to read "Hollyweed," reports the Los Angeles Times, which refers to Fernandez as an artist from Pomona. He was booked on a misdemeanor trespassing offense and released on bail. Fernandez allegedly scaled the ladders of the sign and hung tarps to make the Os look like Es; the sign was not damaged. Fernandez told Vice days after the incident that he and his "creative partner/former wife" were behind the prank. They said the prank was an attempt to reframe the 2016 election in positive terms; it was during that election that California legalized recreational marijuana use. "Sometimes in order to create that conversation, you have to be OK with the consequences," Fernandez told Vice. "I'm very proactive about marijuana." The prank led Hollywood to tighten up security around the sign. (Read more Hollywood stories.) (Newser) Let the fighting begin: The confirmation hearing for Sen. Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, is scheduled for Tuesday, and in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee made public Monday, Trump critic and Gold Star father Khizr Khan spoke out against Sessions. "Thirty years ago, a bipartisan group of senators rejected Mr. Sessions' nomination to be a federal judge. His record since then does not give us any reason to believe that those senators were in error," the letter reads, per CNN. Sessions has been accused of calling the NAACP and the ACLU "un-American," joking about the KKK, and calling a black assistant US attorney who worked for him "boy," among other things. That's just the beginning of the controversy swirling around Sessions: Speaking of 30 years ago, NPR looks at the 1986 hearings related to Sessions' nomination as a federal judge, noting that there are two accounts of those hearingsboth of them true. One of the reasons Sessions failed to become a federal judge: the "voter fraud case [he] lost and can't escape," which the New York Times delves into. In the 1980s, Sessions "played a crucial role in ensuring that the lynching of 19-year-old Michael Donald by two members of the Ku Klux Klan was investigated and punished" as the US attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, the Atlantic notes. But the "real story" is much more complicated than it would seem. USA Today notes that a group of black pastors rallied for Sessions Monday, insisting he's not a racist. Over at the Washington Post, Larry Thompson, deputy US attorney general from 2001 to 2003, argues that Sessions deserves the AG post. The Chicago Tribune looks at what Democrats will use to challenge Sessions, including his record on immigration and community policing. Roll Call reports Sen. Cory Booker will testify against Sessions, and explains why it's an "unprecedented" move. BuzzFeed lists four things to watch for during Sessions' confirmation hearing. Finally, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution takes a look at Sessions via his own words, offering up a series of illuminating quotes. (Read more Jeff Sessions stories.) (Newser) It's a convoluted story and, it turns out, a "diabolical" one. A California woman arrested over the summer and charged with posting "rape fantasy" ads on Craigslist that invited men to violate her ex-fiance's new wife has been cleared. It turns out the wife was allegedly behind the twisted caper, and now she's in jail, the Los Angeles Times reports. Michelle Hadley, 30, "is an innocent victim of a diabolical scheme," Orange Country DA Tony Rackauckas said Monday. The case made national headlines after Hadley was accused of posting ads urging men to rape Angela Maria Diaz, the pregnant wife of her ex, and ignore Diaz's screams and protests. Last June, Diaz called 911 tearfully telling cops that a man tried to rape her in her garage. Cops busted Hadley, who spent 88 days in jail, but now say Diaz, 31, was behind it all. The break in the case came when authorities were able to determine the IP addresses associated with the ads led to Diaz's and her father's homes; Diaz allegedly used software that made the emails look as if they were sent by Hadley. The Daily Beast reports the emails contained links to images of aborted fetuses and headless humans; one email allegedly read, "I am his treasure princess, you are nothing." Another member of the DA's office calls Diaz a "serial con artist" who allegedly faked being pregnant and having cervical cancer. Authorities don't believe Diaz's husbandan unnamed US marshal who married Diaz in February after meeting her via online dating the month prior, per KTLAwas in on the plot. Now Hadley, who once faced life in prison, says she'll go back to her MBA studies. Diaz faces up to 12 years, 8 months in prison and 11 years in county jail if convicted. (This woman was cleared in a zookeeper love triangle.) (Newser) When Li Risheng was 7, he endured one of the most horrible betrayals a child can experience: being sold by his own mother. "It was a rainy day, two of my mum's friends came to our home," Li, now 20, tells Guangzhou Daily, via the South China Morning Post, of the day he was taken away. "They wanted to take me out after a meal, but my father refused. They then sneaked me out." Li was sold to a family that eventually moved to Yunfu in Guangdong province. He tried to escape several times, but he was always returned to his new home, and because of his age, he couldn't recall (or never knew) where his real hometown was. When Li was in fifth grade, however, he became a migrant worker and started traveling for workand a chance stop years later at a roadside eatery began to unravel his mystery. Per the London Times, Li was working in Yunnan province in early 2016 when he stopped at a small restaurant. His mealfried oysters covered in rice pastebrought childhood memories bubbling up, and the restaurant owner told him it was a specialty dish from a district in the Guangdong town of Maoming. A missing-children organization he'd worked with arranged for him to give a DNA sample; that sample was sent to Maoming police, who tracked down a man named Li Shengxiong whose son had been taken years ago. His DNA was also retrieved, and it was a match. Father and son were reunited in early January, where they "were pictured crying uncontrollably in each other's arms," per Yahoo7 News. Li is now being called Ye Fengqiang. There's no word on whether Li's mom is still in the picture, though she could face criminal charges. (A mom reunited in June with her abducted son after 21 years.) (Newser) Oklahoma City police have released surveillance photos of a man involved in an apparent failed abduction in the hope that the public will help identify him. The manHispanic or Native American, heavy set, and about 6 feet tallwas seen grabbing an 8-year-old boy at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds where a wrestling tournament was being held on Friday. He attempted to leave with the child, but let him go when the boy began kicking and screaming, police say, per KOKH. The man was seen wearing a navy collared shirt possibly with the letters "AOG" on the front, which might help identify him, police say. "We certainly want to talk to him to see what his intentions were, what was going on with him," a police master sergeant tells News 9. He adds the boy acted just as he should have done by making a scene. The child's mother says "we are sickened beyond belief and want parents to be reminded there are predators lurking nearby." (Read more Oklahoma stories.) (Newser) A young reporter for the Daily Telegraph was journeying from Poland to Germany in August 1939 when she spotted what would turn out to be the "scoop of the century": German troops huddled along the border, per the BBC. Adolf Hitler invaded Poland on Sept. 1, 1939, jump-starting World War II, and although Clare Hollingworth's Telegraph story on those troops didn't cite her by name (articles often didn't have bylines back then), it was her reporting coup. Hollingworth died Tuesday in Hong Kong, her home for more than three decades, at the age of 105, a family friend confirmed to AFP, via the Guardian. "We are sad to announce that after an illustrious career spanning a century of news, celebrated war correspondent Clare Hollingworth died this evening in Hong Kong," a post on the Celebrate Clare Hollingworth Facebook page read. The headline that accompanied her breaking story in the Telegraph, after she'd been on the job for less than a week, read "1,000 tanks massed on Polish borderTen divisions reported ready for swift [action]." She also scooped the Nazis spilling over into Poland a few days later, as well as penned an exclusive on British spy Kim Philby in 1963, though the Guardian didn't run it for fear of being sued for libel. Her reporting work took her all over the world, including to conflicts in Vietnam, the Middle East, and China. She even came close to death in 1946 when she was just yards away from a bomb blast in Jerusalem that killed almost 100 people. She nabbed the James Cameron Award for Journalism in 1994, as well as other reporting honors. She's survived by a stepdaughter, Hilary, as well as a niece, Jennifer, and a nephew, Richard. The Guardian delves more into her fascinating life. (Read more obituary stories.) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani will be buried in the shrine of the ayatollah who led Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, the same man who once proclaimed "the revolution is alive as long as Rafsanjani is alive." The direction of that revolution and Iran's cleric-ruled political system looks less clear following Rafsanjani's death Sunday at 82. He long served as a balance in the extremes of Iranian political thought, a go-between for reformers who seek outreach to the world and hard-liners who press for confrontation with the West. Without his behind-the-scenes influence advocating pragmatism, some fear that one side may feel free to try to overcome the other in particular, that hard-liners could take off the gloves against moderates who have made gains in recent years. President Hassan Rouhani's nuclear detente with world powers is seen as embodying Rafsanjani's realist vision. Rouhani is all but certain to stand for re-election in May. With Rafsanjani's death, that vote now takes on an even greater importance as does the decision looming in the coming years on who will replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "The political gravitas that Rafsanjani had went beyond political factions," said Adnan Tabatabai, an Iran analyst based in Germany who is the CEO of the Center for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient. "He was one of the pillars, one of the powerbrokers that everyone knew that as long as he's there, somehow there will be a balance preserving the system." Rafsanjani's life mirrored Iran's modern history. He served as the right-hand man of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the charismatic leader of the 1979 revolution. He led the military during the ruinous war with Iraq in the 1980s. He helped launch Iran's nuclear program and then pushed for reconciliation with the West. In the years after Khomeini's 1989 death, Rafsanjani represented one of an ever-shrinking number of leaders directly tied to the Islamic Revolution. Even the nation's sworn enemy, the Iranian opposition group in exile called the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, acknowledged his role as the "one of the two pillars and key to the equilibrium" of the country. Story continues The condolences coming from Gulf Arab countries on Rafsanjani's death show how even Iran's rivals saw him as someone with whom they could work, analysts say. Internally, however, his legacy remains mixed. He was massively wealthy and a veteran at maneuvering within Iran's opaque political system. He was considered a protector of the moderates, but many reformers distrusted him because he was such an insider and because of accusations he was involved in killing dissidents during his eight-year presidency. Hard-liners distrusted him because of his support of moderates and sought to sideline him, but he was too powerful and entrenched to be discounted. "I do think having one of the major revolutionary political heavyweights passing will have ramifications in a major level in terms of how domestic policy is shaped," said Ellie Geranmayeh, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "Without him being in the picture, it means that the other political heavyweights in the system now have more force to push for their ideas." That may not immediately affect the presidential election. Rouhani is expected to compete on the back of the nuclear deal, and there are no major hard-liners immediately known to be planning to challenge him. However, there were clear worries that without Rafsanjani, tensions could rise between reformers and hard-liners, weakening Iran on the eve of Donald Trump's presidency in the United States. Trump has threatened to renegotiate the nuclear deal and challenge Iran militarily if provoked in the Persian Gulf. Columnist Firouz Mahboobi warned in the Monday's pro-reform newspaper Noavaran that reformers and hard-liners must avoid any "ill-considered and rash behavior" that could disturb the election. The two camps must act with "intelligence and broadmindedness." He said it is a dangerous time to lose Rafsanjani "given his role in balancing domestic policy and defusing the plots of unfriendly countries," particularly with Trump about to be inaugurated. Rafsanjani's loss likely will be a greater factor whenever it becomes time to select Iran's next supreme leader. Under Iran's theocratic government, voters democratically elect lawmakers and a president. However, the government is ultimately overseen by clerics. At the top is the office of the supreme leader, who is head of state and the highest-ranking political and religious figure in the country. Rafsanjani served on the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body that will pick the next supreme leader. Who will replace the 77-year-old Khamenei has become a growing question in recent years, especially after the ayatollah underwent prostate surgery in 2014. With Rafsanjani gone, it's unclear who will serve as a counterweight in the selection process to hard-liners, including those in the Revolutionary Guard, a powerful paramilitary organization with vast financial interests. The Guard was far weaker immediately after Khomeini's death than it is today. It has built a substantial business empire within Iran and wages foreign operations in countries like war-ravaged Syria on behalf of embattled President Bashar Assad. "Because Khamenei has outlived Rafsanjani, the Assembly of Experts will lose a powerful voice that could have helped nudge the selection of the next supreme leader in a more moderate direction," the private U.S. intelligence firm STRATFOR said. Still, Rafsanjani's long life and relevance in Iranian politics show he will be hard to replace as the country decides the direction of its revolution. "He has been, for people inside of Iran, the face of the evolution of the revolutionary figures," Geranmayeh said. "He himself evolved over the years while maintaining a very influential role in the political system, in ways perhaps others couldn't have survived doing." ___ EDITOR'S NOTE: Jon Gambrell, an Associated Press reporter since 2006, has covered the Middle East from Cairo and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, since 2013. ___ Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap. His work can be found at http://apne.ws/2galNpz. (Newser) Albert Woodfox, the last of the famous "Angola Three," was released from prison last February after pleading no contest to manslaughter in the 1972 killing of prison guard Brent Miller. In a piece for the New Yorker, Rachel Aviv offers some insight into the "reserved" and "humble" 69-year-old now trying to adapt to the outside world since his release, after more than 40 years behind bars, most of it spent in solitary confinement. "I get apprehensive when somebody asks me ... 'What does it feel like to be free?'" he says. His typical reply: "Ask me in 20 years." Aviv dives into the details leading up to his imprisonment, including a rough childhood growing up in New Orleans, as well as his involvement with the Black Panthers in NYC and then in Louisiana's Angola Prison, where he was sent in the mid-'60s after being convicted for armed robbery. It was after Miller's murder and Woodfox's conviction for it when he became intimately acquainted with Closed Cell Restricted, or CCRthe unit where the 6-by-9-foot cells he'd call home for the next 40-plus years were located. Despite being described as a "model prisoner," Woodfox remained in solitary. He didn't see outside light for more than five years in CCR; he was permitted to walk outside of his cell for an hour a day. (A small outdoor exercise area was added to CCR in 1978.) "Woodfox often woke up gasping," Aviv writes. "He felt that the walls of the cell were squeezing him to death." When Woodfox was transferred to a different prison in 2008, he was once more placed in solitarymaking his 2016 release a huge adjustment. Once out, he found a usual day of "moving from the kitchen to the bathroom to the living room" took "more steps than his entire exercise regimen in prison," Aviv notes. Since then Woodfox has found his "street legs," and he's now an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement. "It's the same old America," he notes. Yet on nights when he can't sleep, Woodfox resorts to an old pacing routine he used in solitary to calm himself. "The only thing I can do is walk it off. And I move on," he says. (Woodfox's extraordinary tale of a life spent in isolation here.) New Delhi: Mukesh Ambani on Tuesday said that Reliance Industries will complete investment of Rs 1.25 lakh crore in refinery and petrochemical expansion projects in Gujarat by March, exceeding commitments made by Rs 10,000 crore. Speaking at the 8th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, he described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "a great transformative leader" who first transformed Gujarat and is now transforming India with a series of historic and visionary initiatives. "No leader in the world has changed the mindset and behavior of so many people in such a short period," he said as he went on to site examples of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India, Make in India, Skill India and Start Up India initiatives. These initiatives, he said, have won the respect of the world and "no wonder this has resulted in India receiving its highest foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent times." Ambani said Reliance will exceed the commitment it made on investing in projects in the state by Rs 10,000 crore. "Our global scale of investment is an expression of our commitment and faith in the Gujarat story. Our cumulative investment in the state of Gujarat is over Rs 2,40,000 crore, that is over USD 45 billion. It is the biggest investment made by Indian corporate in a single state," he said. Of this, Reliance has invested more than Rs 1,25,000 crore in Gujarat in the past four years. "I am happy to report that we have invested Rs 10,000 crore more than what we had committed (in previous Vibrant Gujarat Summits)." "All these investments will be completed by March 2017. These investments provide sustained employment, both direct and indirect, to over 2 lakh people and contribute to Gujarat's export competitiveness," he said. Talking about his group's recently launched high-speed 4G broadband and mobile network under Jio brand, he said in 2014-15, only 35 per cent of Gujarat's population had access to 3G network. "But today, more than 90 per cent of the state population is covered by Jio and by Diwali, 100 per cent of the state will be covered," he said. "I am proud to say that Gujarat is the first state in India to cross the 50-lakh subscriber mark in Jio in less than 90 days. It proves that innovation in India always takes off from this great state." In the coming year, Jio will connect lakhs of merchants and shops to create a commerce and payment network to support Prime Minister's cash-less digital vision, he said. New Delhi: Businessmen and manufacturers in Mumbai and Pune have been hit hard by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move. 70 per cent of the businessmen in financial capital of Mumbai and the manufacturing hub of Pune along with nearby areas bore the blunt of currency ban on daily basis transactions, says a SBI research report. The report also found that construction sector and the informal roadside vendors have been impacted greatly. 55 per cent and 71 per cent respondents said that their business came down by over 50 per cent. The survey was conducted between December 30 and January 3. Sectors such as construction and the informal roadside vendors are the worst hit by note-ban, an report said on Tuesday. A total of 175 responses were recorded and analysed of which 40 per cent respondents were from premier business locations of Mumbai and the remaining 60 per cent were from Pune and nearby areas. Main finding of the report # 15 per cent of cash-based transactions adopted digital modes in the weeks following demonetisation. # Around Rs 25,000 crore worth of cash based transactions migrated to digital modes in the last 2 months. # While 69 per cent of the respondents said that they have been impacted. # 63 per cent of the sample still supported the demonetisation. # The respondents said the lack of supply of lower denomination notes resulted in more chaos. # The prevalence of digital mode of payments in chemist shops and even in automobile stores has possibly resulted in only marginal impact on their sales, says the survey. # Within the textile sector, shopkeepers dealing with retail segment have been more impacted than those in the wholesale segment. Moreover, the wedding season has been disappointing with sales dipping significantly.The gems and jewellery sector has also been hit with declining sales. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest Business News, Economy News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Dehradun: Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat was hospitalised on Tuesday after his blood pressure shot up and he complained of pain in the neck with doctors attending him advising him rest. The 69-year-old CM was rushed to the Doon Medical College and Hospital for check-up. However, the chief minister was discharged and brought back to his residence at Bijapur Guest House after being advised rest by the doctors. Rawat was at the hospital for nearly an hour. The chief minister had sustained a neck injury in a flight to Delhi in June 2014. New Delhi: A constable was attacked and two other policemen were verbally abused when they objected to rash driving by a group of youths, who were allegedly in an inebriated state, in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj area, police said on Tuesday. Last night, police constables Mohd Alam, Prithwiraj and Sushil were on duty at Masudpur near Malik Hotel. At around 11 PM an over speeding car, which was being driven rashly, was about to ram into the barricades, but the driver manged to apply brakes on time, a senior police officer said. When the constables warned the driver of the car, the three-four youths sitting inside the car who were in inebriated state attacked Alam and verbally abused two other policemen, the officer said, adding Alam was injured on his left knee. By the time they contacted the police station and called for help, the accused fled. However, the constables managed to note down the car number and police is scanning the ownership details of the vehicle, the police officer said. A case under sections 186 (obstructing public servant indischarge of public functions), 353 (Assault or criminal forceto deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332(assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC has been registered. CCTV footage in the area is being scanned and teams have been formed to nab the accused, police said. P New Delhi: Announcing its decision to fight the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls on its own, BJP ally Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), which is headed by Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha, on Tuesday finalised its candidates for over 75 seats. The Bihar-based party's election committee met in New Delhi to finalise its candidates and suggested it may contest more than 100 assembly seats in the politically crucial state. The decision comes after BJP showed little inclination to rope in Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) in its alliance,which includes some small regional parties like Apna Dal for UP polls. Meanwhile, BJP sources played down the decision, sayingRLSP has negligible presence on the ground in UP and itsalliance with the saffron party is confined to Bihar. BJP noted that even Shiv Sena, one of its oldest allies,has been fighting elections in the state on its own. UP will go to elections in seven phases between February 11 and March 8, while the counting of votes will take placeon March 11. The Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha consists of 403 assembly seats. Mumbai: A special MCOCA court in Mumbai issued a production warrant against Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Yasin Bhatkal and six others in connection with the 2011 triple blasts case. "The court issued a production warrant against Bhatkal, who is presently lodged in Cherlapally central prison in Hyderabad," an ATS official said. The official added that the court also issued warrants against three other accused lodged in the same jail. "Apart from them, production warrants were also issued for an accused lodged in Tihar jail in New Delhi and two others in Parappana Agrahara central jail in Bangalore," the official added. Special MCOCA judge VV Patil directed that all the seven accused be brought before him on January 27. Explosions at Opera House, Zaveri Bazaar and Dadar West here on July 13, 2011, had claimed 26 lives and injured 130 others. According to police, the Indian Mujahideen had carried out these blasts and Yasin Bhatkal played an important role in procuring the explosives. Riyaz Bhatkal, Dubai-based Muzaffar Kolah and Tehseen Akhtar Shaikh are also the wanted accused in the case. On December 19 last year, a special NIA court in Hyderabad awarded capital punishment to Yasin and four others in the case related to twin blasts in Dilsukhnagar area on February 21, 2013, in which eighteen people were killed. Guwahati: Assam government has decided to establish a state school of drama on the lines of National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, state Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told in Guwahati on Tuesday. The government will establish a state school of drama on the lines of National School of Drama to provide proper training to young artistes where they can hone their dramatic skills, Sonowal said. The NSD is an autonomous theatre training institute under the Ministry of Culture. Addressing the closing ceremony of the 55th session of Assam Natya Sanmilan in Tinsukia, Sonowal said, Theatre is an important art form that reflects the strengths and weaknesses of society and the young generation must be inspired to take up this art and make meaningful contribution to the society through it. Artistes serve as the voice of people and society and the government was committed to protect their interests, the Chief Minister said. He pointed out that Assams Vaishnava saint Srimanta Sankardeva had used the medium of drama to propagate his message of unity and harmony in society and theatre activists of today must take inspiration from his ideals. He handed over a cheque of Rs 3 lakh to Assam Natya Sanmilan (ANS) and announced that a land would be allotted to it for setting up its permanent office at Guwahati. New Delhi: Ever since Om Swami was thrown out of Bigg Boss 10, the contestant has been going brouhaha about his 'forceful' eviction. Om Swami was thrown out of BB10 after he spilled his pee on Bani J and Rohan Mehra. He has been blabbering about Bigg Boss 10, Salman Khan and even the housemates. During his exclusive interview with News Nation, Om Swami has revealed that he was kidnapped by the Bigg Boss makers. He claimed that host Salman Khan visited him inside the Bigg Boss house on December 30 and awarded him with the title of 'King of footage'. Also Read: Bigg Boss 10: Post eviction, Om Swami reveals why he threw his urine on Rohan Mehra and Bani J The self-proclaimed god man also asserted that he got into an argument with Khan after he the 'Sultan' star told Swami that he is more dangerous than Om's guards. Besides, Swami also revealed that Bigg Boss is scripted and that he was threatened to be killed for not following the script of the show. In fact, Swami had also threatened that he won't let the grand finale happen if he isn't invited back on the show. Notably, this is not the first time Om Swami has been claiming such things about the popular reality show and Salman Khan. In fact, he had said similar things during his other interviews as well. Also Read: Here's how Salman Khan reacted to Om Swami's being thrown out of Bigg Boss 10 Here we bring you what all Om Swami has said post being kicked out of Bigg Boss 10: 1. During his interview to Sudarshan Channel, Om Swami stated, "Salman is against Hindutva. He wants to degrade the Hindu culture in front of the entire world. He has joined hands with underworld dons like Hafiz Saeed to succeed in his mission." 2. Om also said, The makers of the show kidnapped me and took away my licensed revolver. If they would have allowed me to take it inside the home, nobody could have stopped me from being the winner. 3. "I was threatened by Salman Khan and the makers to follow their script and commands, else they would have got me killed by the inmates," Swami told ANI. 4. In the same interview, he also claimed, "These people used to give me drugs in the name of medicines. On the day when I entered the Bigg Boss house, I was given something to drink which had drugs. Since then, my mental health was such that I started saying whatever the script read". 5. Om Swami also told ANI, "In the past 10 seasons, this one in particular, had the highest TRP till the time I was in the house. The TRP is zero now. Hence, Salman Khan and the makers are now calling me to come back as a wild card entry". 6. He added, I have told them I will come only on one condition. Salman should rub his nose on my feet at the press conference that Im holding on January 10 at the Press Club of India here and apologise to me. This was not all. 7. During his interview to Dibang on Bigg Boss 10, Om Swami had threatened to sabotage the grand finale. Since Salman is a traitor, I will take one lakh people with me on January 28 and beat him black and blue on stage. I will not kill him because I want to torture him," Swami told ANI We wonder if Om Swami will stick to his words and how the Bigg Boss makers will react to his threatening. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal on Tuesday met senior BJP leaders at the party headquarters in New Delhi. He is expected to campaign for party in assembly elections in five states. Actor Jackie Shroff is also likely to campaign for the party. Rampal, a model turned actor, met the party general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and later heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he was impressed with the work of his government and wanted to work for the party. Vijayvargiya said Rampal can campaign in assembly elections. Asked if he will join the party, the BJP leader said it could be possible. Party sources said Shroff may also campaign for them. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The preliminary postmortem report of Om Puri has added a new twist in his death case as it suggests that the veteran actor died of a head injury. So far, it was reported that Puri had died of a massive heart attack on Friday at his residence. Apparently, there have been speculations of a foul play in the Puri's death after it was reported that he had a four centimeter long and one hand a half inch deep wound at his head. Mumbai Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) for Om Puris demise. However, a senior Police official ruled out any foul play. Though he did agreed with the fact the Om didn't die out of natural causes. "We suspect that Puri died of heart-attack, however, it will be confirmed after viscera report. After suffering the cardiac arrest, he might have fallen causing the injury on his forehead. He was alone at home and there was no sign of forced entry. At this stage, we have ruled out possibility of any foul play," the police official told a leading daily. On the other hand, producer Khalid Kidwai, during the investigation, also asserted that Om Puri was intoxicated at the time of his death. Kidwai was reportedly with Puri hours before his death. He also stated that Puri wanted to meet his son and even had an argument with his estranged wife. Also Read: Naseeruddin Shah on Om Puri's demise: 'Death has relieved him from all stress' "Om Puri wanted to meet his son Ishan on Thursday evening. So we (Kidwai and Om Puri) went to Trishul building where his ex-wife Nandita lives with Ishan but were unable to meet them as both Nandita and Ishan had gone for a party. Om Puri then had an argument over the phone with Nandita and asked them to come soon as he wanted to meet his son," Khalid was quoted as saying. "He poured a drink in his glass and waited for almost 45 minutes at Nanditas flat. But when they did not turn up, he took the glass and liquor bottle and started drinking in the car. After finishing the drink, we left," he added. Om and Nandita had called off their 26 years in early 2016. They had opted for judicial separation under which they are a married couple legally but have their separate lives and cannot interfere in each other's matter. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to Delhi Government and East Delhi Municipal Corporation. The East MCD was directed by the court to immediately pay salaries of its employees including sanitation workers. The Court directed East MCD and Delhi government to file their response in 2 weeks. The court also asked civic agency to ensure cleaning of garbage from roads from Wednesday. Delhi government also informed the Delhi High Court on Wednesday about the recent payment of Rs 119 crore to East Delhi Municipal Corporation. Earlier, sanitation workers of East Delhi municipal Corporation on Monday held a massive protest against Delhi government and Centre over the issue of salary hike. Earlier people complained of garbage strewn on roads in Laxmi Nagar as sanitation workers continue with their strike. Lakmi Nagar is one of the busiest and congested areas of Delhi. Garbage is piling up since last week, not only is the smell a big problem but we also fear spread of diseases, said a resident of Laxmi Nagar region of Delhi. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Responding to Election Commission's notice to him for his controversial remark, BJP leader Sakshi Maharaj on TUesday said, "I didn't mean to hurt sentiments of any community. You can watch the video, have not named any community." "I expressed concern on increasing population in the country," he said. Earlier in the day, the Election Commission issued notice to the BJP leader for violation of Model Code of Conduct by his controversial remark on Muslim population. The commission has sought his reply by Wednesday. The Unao legislator had on January 7 sparked a row with his controversial statement on Muslims. Ahead of the crucial polls in Uttar Pradesh, Sakshi Maharaj said that Muslims and not Hindus are responsible for the sharp rise in population in the country. "Population is increased by those who support the concept of four wives and 40 children." Meanwhile, the Elections Commission has sought report on Sakshi Maharaj's speech from the Meerut District Magistrate. Clearly speaking against the Muslim community, Sakshi Maharaj also spoke against the practice of triple talaq, asking the government to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as soon as possible. He also said that Hindus were not having enough children. "Hindu ghataa aur desh bataa," he said. "Whether Hindu or Muslim, mothers are not machines," he added. The BJP distanced itself from the controversy. Reacting to Maharaj's remarks, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that such remarks could not be BJP's position. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Delhi Police has registered an FIR against YouTube kissing prankster Sumit Verma, days after his kissing video went viral on social media. In the viral video, Sumit was seen kissing random women in Connaught Place as a prank and running away. This video caught a rage amongst the audience and drew a lot of criticism on social media. Delhi Police spokesperson Dependra Pathak confirmed the news and said that the FIR has been registered by the EOW under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC and 67 (punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the IT Act. He also stated that the Cyber Cell has also written to Facebook and YouTube asking them to provide the details of person who uploaded the video. "We request both social networking sites to share details of the service provider with us. We have also asked them to remove the videos from their websites, Pathak added. It was also reported that the social media platforms, where the video was being circulated, told the cops that they can share data only after legal action is initiated into the matter. "Now than an FIR has been registered, it will be easy for the investigating officer (IO) to approach the service providers, including YouTube and Facebook, to identify the source through which the video was uploaded," a police official was quoted as saying. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: One militant was killed on Tuesday in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir's north Bandipora district, police said. Security forces launched search operations in Parray Mohalla in Hajin area after getting specific intelligence inputs. While the forces were conducting the search operation, the hiding militant opened fire on them. One militant was killed in the ensuing encounter. The identity and group affiliation of the militant was not immediately known. With PTI Inputs For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with heads of states, ministers and leaders from the business community on Tuesday in Gandhinagar at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.A A brain child of the prime minister, the biennial summit was started with the aim to attract investment in Gujarat. Here are the highlights of Modi's speech: # FDI in last two fiscals was 60% higher than in previous two years. India is a leading recipient of capital in Asia Pacific region: PM # We have become sixth largest manufacturing country in the world: PM Modi # Make in India has become the biggest brand that India ever had: PM Modi # My government is strongly committed to continue the economic reforms. We have placed highest emphasis on ease of doing business: PM Modi # A India is on a threshold of becoming world's most digitised economy: PM Modi # Despite the global slowdown, we have registered excellent growth. India is a bright spot in the global economy: PM Modi # In doing this, digital technology has played a key role. I often say that e-governance is easy and effective governance: PM Modi # It is our vision and mission to bring a paradigm shift in our policies and economy: PM Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar # We have seen in last two and a half year that it is possible to deliver quick results in democratic setup as well: PM Modi # Gujarat, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also represents the business spirit of India: PM Narendra Modi # I express my gratitude to the partner countries and other organisations for this event, particularly thank Japan and Canada: PM Modi # PM Modi inaugurates the coffee table book and policy documents at the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with several heads of state and ministers on Tuesday who have converged in Gandhinagar for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Modi will formally inaugurate the 8th edition of the summit on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Prime Minister held bilateral talks withleaders of Rwanda, Serbia, Japan and Denmark. "A crisp January morning in Gandhinagar begins with fulldelegation level talks. PM with President @PaulKagame ofRwanda @VibrantGujarat," Swarup tweeted. A crisp January morning in Gandhinagar begins with full delegation level talks. PM with President @PaulKagame of Rwanda @VibrantGujarat pic.twitter.com/F8WV3KwAFR Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 10, 2017 A brain child of the prime minister, the biennial summit was started with the aim to attract investment in Gujarat. PM Modi had inaugurated Indias first international exchange India INX at the International Financial Service Centre (IFSC) of GIFT City in Gandhinagar on Monday. The summit is joined by 12 countries and seven global organisations as partner countries and organisations. ALSO READ | PM Modi skips yoga, spends quality time with mother Heeraben in hometown Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, UAE, UK, and USA are the twelve countries which have partnered with the Summit. Here are the live updates: # PM, you first transformed Gujarat, now you are transforming India through a series of steps and initiatives: Mukesh Ambani #Mr. Guillaume Pepy, CEO, SNCF and Mr. Jean - Bernard Levy, CEO of EDF met PM Modi #PM Narendra Modi holds 2nd bilateral with Aleksandar VuAiA , Serbian PM #PM Modi meets Uri Ariel (Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel) in Gandhinagar #PM Narendra Modi meets UAE Cabinet Minister Dr. Rashid bin Ahmed bin Fahad #Russian Deputy PM Rogozin meets PM Narendra Modi during Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit #Mr. Seko Hiroshige, Japan's Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry met PM Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar #Denmark's Minister for Energy, Utilities & Climate, Mr. larsclilleholt held discussions with the Prime Minister of a wide range of issues #PM Modi meets Serbian PM Aleksandar VuAiA in Gandhinagar #PM Narendra Modi witnesses the exchange of an MoU on Forensic Sciences cooperation and Rwanda's accession to the International Solar Alliance PM #NarendraModi witnesses the exchange of an MoU on Forensic Sciences cooperation and Rwanda's accession to the Intern'l Solar Alliance. pic.twitter.com/VPRSzqoslm News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 10, 2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Gandhi Nagar: On Monday Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Piotr Glinsks called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of trade and investment, scientific research and waste management. In the meeting Modi appreciated Polish support for Indias membership of Missile Technology Control Regime and its bid for NSG membership, official sources said. Glinsks to attend the Vibrant Gujarat summit, beginning on Tuesday. In the meeting, Modi also invited participation by Poland in the coal mining sector where India has opened up for FDI. He said Poland could be a very attractive location for shooting of Bollywood movies. Also Read: PM Modi skips yoga, spends quality time with mother Heeraben in hometown Modi also said India would support Polish plans to push forward air connectivity and that the e-Visa scheme would benefit visitors from Poland, the sources said. The PM recognized the world class Polish expertise in waste, solid and waste water management and said it could be very useful in our smart cities project, the sources said adding there was a comprehensive review of bilateral relations in the meeting. Favouring deepening of trade ties, Modi also talked about change in rules for import of Polish apples, trade going up by 22 per cent, and Indian companies investing more than USD 2 billion in Poland. Recalling the longstanding relationship between India, Gujarat in particular, and Poland, Modi said Poland was the first country to extend help when Gujarat faced an earthquake. He also recalled that Junagadh had provided succor to more than 1000 Poles who had come from Siberia, the sources said. The Polish Dy PM observed that deep ties had existed between Poland and Gujarat since World War II. He said Poland wanted to work with India especially in coal mining, green technology and recognizing this opportunity he had come with a large business delegation. He invited PM to visit Poland at an early date, the sources added. He said Poland also looked forward to cooperation with India in effecting UN reform. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Pune: Congress MLA Jaykumar Gore, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment, was on Tuesday arrested and produced in a local court which remanded him in police custody till January 12. Police said Gore, MLA from Satara district, who was booked in November last year after a woman had filed a police complaint alleging he was harassing her by sending lewd and vulgar messages and seeking sexual favours, surrendered before police this morning, following which he was formally arrested. After he produced himself in the police station today, we arrested him in the case. Thereafter, he was produced in a local court, which remanded him in police custody till January 12, said an inspector attached to Satara City police station. The Bombay High Court had yesterday rejected the pre-arrest bail plea of the legislator. Police had said that Gore had absconded from the MLA hostel in Mumbai after the HC rejected his anticipatory bail plea. Gore represents Man assembly constituency in Satara district. A case had been registered against him under IPC sections 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-D (stalking), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) and relevant sections of Information Technology Act. The complainant, who organised skill-development programmes in the district, had met Gore in connection with some work. However, Gore had allegedly began to send her vulgar messages, photos and sought sexual favours, police said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Probing into journalist Rajdev Ranjans murder case, CBI has asked Superintendent of Siwan Jail to give details about the meeting happened between Mohd Shahabuddin and Bihar Minority Affairs minister Abdul Gaffur. Although no official confirmation has come up about the orders on the meeting which took place on March 3, 2016. According to sources, CBI wants to know that why the minister met Shahabuddin and were all the jail manuals were followed during the meeting. Also CBI wants to know that how long the meeting lasted. Notably the pictures of the meeting had went viral after which then Jail Superintendent Radhe Shyam Suman was suspended. Earlier, jailed RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin had created yet another controversy with his purported selfie showing his changed look inside Siwan prison going viral on the social media. In the wake of the controversy, the Siwan district administration has conducted raids inside the jail. Officer in-charge of Muffasil police station Vinay Pratap Singh had confirmed the raids inside Siwan jail and said three mobile phones, four sim cards and two mobile batterieswere seized. He, however, did not divulge if anything was seized from the cell of the controversial RJD leader. Siwan jail officials denied that a selfie was clicked by Shahabuddin and said some well-wisher who might have come to meet him could have taken the photo and posted it on the social media. Shahabuddin, a four-time RJD MP from Siwan, is currently lodged in Siwan jail after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail granted by the Patna High Court in connection with the killing of the prime witness in the murder of two brothers by pouring acid on them. According to jail officials, Shahabuddin is also been able to put up good health. Doctors say that his blood count has really gone low. Medical teams have taken him for tests and he is under constant surveillance. Notorious and known for muscle-flexing, Shahabuddin is facing over 36 cases, including of murder and kidnapping. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A city-based author has alleged his book which has a setting in the 1980s in Jawaharlal Nehru University was denied reading permission at the ongoing New Delhi World Book Fair, a claim dismissed by the organisers. The book's publishers Speaking Tiger sought to distance itself saying, "We have nothing much to say about the decision." The author, Avijit Ghosh, took to Facebook to express his disappointment. "Friends, my JNU novel, 'Up Campus Down Campus', was denied reading at the ongoing World Book Fair. "First, the organisers didn't want to give a platform to a novel on JNU for some reason in their mind. Second, AAP leader Ashutosh, my hostel mate then at Periyar, was the fellow discussant. We -- the book and us -- seem to be guilty by suspicion," he wrote on Facebook. Ghosh's 'Up Campus, Down Campus' celebrates JNU's "uniqueness", while mapping the aspirations, raging hormonesand moral conflicts of small-town boys who arrive in citycampuses every year. The book was one of the three that my publishers, Speaking Tiger, wanted to organise a discussion and reading on. "National Book Trust, the organisers, asked only for 'UpCampus Down Campus'. Within a hour or two, they said, no," he said in a post. According to Ghosh, the book that was released last year soon after JNU was in news for wrong reasons, was denied reading without any explanation. "No explanation was given by NBT to the publisher. The present NBT chairman is a former editor of 'Panchjanya'. In the absence of explanation, I can only speculate on their act. NBT, however, denied any foul play and said it had a setprogramme schedule to follow to accommodate maximum number ofparticipants. "We have not cancelled anything. We have a programmeschedule and try to accommodate maximum number ofparticipants. Also, they (Speaking Tiger) did not come and request us again to conduct the reading," Badeo Bhai Sharma,Chairman of NBT, said. Also Read: New Delhi World book fair gets underway at Pragati Maidan, 800 publishers from over 20 foreign countries will participate Reacting to Ghosh's claims, Sharma said, "It is their thinking, but we do not discriminate. All book and authors are equally important for us." In a statement, Speaking Tiger said, "The book fair isorganised by the NBT and it is for them to decide what eventsthey want to host. It doesn't affect the book in any way.There'll be other opportunities for book readings and discussions. " It went on to say, "NBT informed us on 2nd January thatthe scheduled book reading and discussion had been cancelled,and that they would refund the fee that we had paid." Pakistan: Afghan officials are pushing to create a 'safe zone" for Taliban insurgents in a bid to push them away from traditional sanctuaries inside Pakistan, in a radical and contentious strategy to de-escalate the conflict. The plan underscores desperation in Afghanistan for out- of-the-box solutions to tackle the 15-year insurgency, as peace bids repeatedly fail and US-backed forces suffer record casualties in stalemated fighting. If implemented, the strategy - aimed at undercutting Pakistan's influence over the Taliban - could, for better or for worse, be a game changer in a strife-torn nation where ceding territory to insurgents is seen as tantamount to partition."I urge the Taliban to return to Afghanistan. We should make a safe zone for them and their families," Kandahar police chief Abdul Raziq told a gathering of religious scholars and tribal elders last month. "We can no longer rely on foreign governments and embassies to end the war. The Taliban belong to this country, they are sons of this soil. "That Raziq, arguably the most powerful commander in southern Afghanistan and long one of the staunchest anti- Taliban figures, would suggest such an idea amplified the shockwaves it created."The government shouldn't be giving safe zones to terrorists," warned former Helmand governor Sher Mohammed Akhundzada, while some observers dismissed the strategy as "illogical" as the Taliban already control vast swathes of Afghan territory. Raziq did not respond to repeated requests for an interview, but a senior security official told AFP the government's goal "is to bring the Taliban from Pakistan to Afghanistan"."We will separate a territory for them to come with their families. Then whether they want to fight or talk peace, they will be relieved from the pressure of Pakistan," he said, speaking anonymously. Pakistan began supporting the Taliban movement of the 1990s as part of its policy of "strategic depth" against nemesis India.Seen by many Afghans as the biggest obstacle to lasting peace, Islamabad has long been accused of playing a "double game" in Afghanistan: endorsing Washington's war on terrorism since the 9/11 attacks, while nurturing militant sanctuaries. After years of official denial, a top Pakistani official in 2016 admitted for the first time the Taliban enjoys safe haven inside his country, which Islamabad uses as a "lever" to pressure the group into talks with Kabul. However, Pakistan has hosted multiple rounds of talks ostensibly to jumpstart a peace process - without result. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bengaluru: Indian Space Research Organisation and French Space agency (CNES) on Monday signed a partnership agreement in satellite launch technology. The agreement was signed between ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar and CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall in the presence of visiting French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Marc Ayrault. Space cooperation between France and India spans over 50years and is one of the cornerstones of the Indo-French strategic partnership. Ayrault, accompanied by the French delegation, was given a guided tour of ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry Tracking and CommandNetwork) by the ISRO chairman, according to a French Consulate release. Also Read: Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner to be named senior advisor in White House ISTRAC monitors Indian space missions, including the two Indo-French satellites currently in orbit for collecting data to track climate change. ISRO is the second partner of CNES, in terms of volume, after NASA. Of comparable size and sharing similar objectives, the space programs of both countries are complementary, it was noted. Strengthening the CNES-ISRO partnership will enable France to benefit from the Indian model of streamlining the costs of space programs. Later, Ayrault met Rahul Narayan, CEO of leading Indian "New Space" start-up, Axiom Research Labs. This start-up put forward Team Indus, the only Indian team competing for the Google Lunar XPRIZE, a global competition for engineers and entrepreneurs to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration. USD 20 million will be granted to the first private company that successfully lands a module on the Moon, places a robot that explores at least 500 metres and transmits high-definition videos and images back to Earth. As Team Indus races to design an all-terrain rover byend-2017 for this lunar mission, the French Space Agency will provide it with cameras, the release said. In the presence of the Minister, Narayan and Le Gall signed an agreement for equipping Axiom Research Lab's lunar rover with two latest-generation CASPEX micro-cameras, developed by CNES in partnership with French firm 3DPlus. In joining forces with Team Indus on this first private mission to land a rover on the moon, CNES is sending French technology for the first time on lunar terrain, the release said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mexico City : Mexicos new foreign minister vowed that his country will negotiate with US President-elect Donald Trumps administration without fear. President Enrique Pena Nieto brought former finance minister Luis Videgaray back to his cabinet last week to seek constructive relations with Trump, who has vowed to upend trade ties with Mexico. Videgaray had resigned as finance minister in September, a week after it was revealed that he orchestrated a much-criticized pre-election meeting between Trump and Pena Nieto in Mexico City. We will negotiate with great confidence in ourselves, without fear, knowing how important Mexico is for the United States in economic, social and political terms, Videgaray said yesterday at a meeting with Mexican ambassadors. Trump has angered Mexicans with his anti-immigrant rhetoric and his vow to make the neighboring country pay for a giant wall along their border. The Republican billionaire, who takes office on January 20, has also caused the peso to plunge as investors fret over his plan to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada. He has also pledged to slap import tariffs of as much as 35 per cent on companies that ship jobs abroad. Trump made similar threats to US auto-maker General Motors and Japans Toyota last week for making cars in Mexico, while Ford announced the cancellation of a new USD 1.6 billion factory in the neighboring country. Despite concerns about Trumps protectionist policies, exports of Mexican-made cars to the United States rose by 9.6 per cent in December compared to the same month in 2015, according to the Mexican Automobile Industry Association (AMIA). Trump was elected on November 8. AMIA president Eduardo Solis said the United States would have to withdraw from NAFTA in order to impose tariffs because the pacts rules keep such import taxes for cars at zero percent. The Mexican government could also take legal action at the World Trade Organization if tariffs of more than 2.5 per cent are imposed on light vehicles and 25 per cent on pickup trucks, Solis said. The five biggest exporters of Mexican-made cars by volume in 2016 were GM, Nissan, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and Volkswagen, while Toyota was eighth. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: Outgoing US President Barack Obama will make a final ride on Air Force One to his hometown of Chicago to deliver a major speech at the end of his successful eight years of presidency, a top American official has said. This is also likely to be Obamas final out of town travel as the 44th President of the US before he would pass on the baton to Donald Trump at a swearing-in ceremony on January 20. Obama has rented a house to live in Washington DC for the next two years for his youngest daughter to complete her studies. Unlike in India, the former Presidents in the US are not provided a government accommodation. However, he and his family members would be receiving secret service protection.At this point, the trip to Chicago will be President Obamas final trip outside of Washington, DC as President of the United States, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest confirmed on Sunday. Also read | Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner to be named senior advisor in White House I think it is likely to be his last Air Force One flight although it is obviously tradition for the former President to take one last flight aboard the presidential aircraft at the conclusion of the inauguration, he said. Even though Obamas would be moving to a city resident after January 20, he would be taking the last customary Air Force One flight after Trump is sworn in as his successor. Earnest did not say where Obama would be headed to for his last Air Force One flight. The President and First Lady will be leaving town shortly after the inaugural ceremony. But they will return, of course, to their rented house here in Washington, DC, he said. Also read | In rare praise Obama finds Trump 'very engaging and gregarious' Obama who is known for his oratory skills is scheduled to deliver a major address to the nation from his hometown on Tuesday night. Earnest said the President was still working on the draft. I would say that the Presidents participation in the writing of this speech is commensurate with his role in the writing of other major speeches, which is to say that the President is heavily involved, he said. President is committed to delivering a forward-looking speech that will examine briefly the significant progress that the US has made in the last eight years, he said. But it will take a closer look and hell spend more time talking about what the President believes is necessary for us to confront the challenges that lie ahead, he said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington : A day after Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met in Houston, the White House has brushed off any role in the meeting and said such a move does not have any bearing on the US' continued pursuit of the one-China policy. Cruz met Tsai in Houston to discuss ties and furthering economic cooperation between "our two nations", infuriating Beijing which warned against "undermining" China-US relations by such actions. Also Read:#mce_temp_url# US urges nuclear weapons States to exercise restraint in use and testing of nuke capabilities White House brushed off any role for itself for the meeting between the Taiwanese President and Senator Cruz, who had lost to Trump in the Republican primary elections. "The meeting was one that was arranged at Senator Cruz's own initiative, as far as I know. It certainly was not coordinated or encouraged by the administration. And the meeting does not have any bearing whatsoever on our continued pursuit of a one-China policy that benefits the United States and Taiwan," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference yesterday. The US policy with regard to Taiwan has not changed, he said. "The President and this administration have pursued that one China policy in the same way that previous administrations have because we believe that it best serves the national security interests of the United States. We also happen to believe it serves well the interests of our friends in Taiwan. "So I am not sure whether or not Senator Cruz and his team was acting on behalf of the President-elect. They obviously have a unique relationship and obviously, the incoming administration will determine whether or not to continue this policy once President-elect Trump takes office on January 20. But as of now, there is nothing about the meeting that took place over the weekend that in any way changed US policy with regard to Taiwan," Earnest said. In addition to Cruz, Republican Congressman from Texas Joe Barton also hosted Tsai Ing-wen in Houston on Saturday. Congressman Barton introduced President Tsai at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. The trip constituted the first visit by President Tsai to the US since assuming office. "Last fall, President Tsai graciously invited me to her home. I was grateful to return the favour in Texas. A continued, open dialogue between Taiwan and the United States will help advance both nations," Barton said. China on Monday reaffirmed its opposition to any contacts between US officials and Taiwan's government China considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province to be brought back within its fold, by force if necessary. China is opposed to any official contact between foreign governments with the leaders of the self-governing island. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Afghanistan saw three deadly bombings on Tuesday in Kabul and Kandhar cities that left at least 47 people dead and scores wounded. A bomb blast at a guesthouse in Kandahar killed at least nine people and left scores injured including an ambassador from UAE, its envoy and a governor, ANI quoted TOLO news as saying. Afghanistan's Capital city suffered maximum casualties when two coordinated bombings near the Parliament building killed at least 38 people including civilians and military personnel, officials said. Mohibullah Zeer, an official in the public health ministry, said another 72 people were wounded in the attack. Read | Afghans officials push for making Taliban safe zone to outflank Pakistan Interior ministry spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi said a suicide bomber struck first, followed by a car bomb, adding that four police officers are among those killed. The Taliban, which is waging a 15-year war against the US-backed government, claimed the mid-afternoon attack, which took place near government and legislative offices. Ghulam Faroq Naziri, a lawmaker from the western Herat province, said another MP from the same province, Rahima Jami, was wounded. Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber on foot struck in the southern Helmand province, killing at least seven people, said Gen Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The target of the attack was a guesthouse used by a provincial intelligence official in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, he said. Those killed include civilian and military personnel, and six others were wounded in the attack, Kemtoz said. A car full of explosives was found nearby. No one claimed responsibility for the Helmand attack, but it bore the hallmarks of the Taliban. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New York: Donald Trump may now regard Meryl Streep as overrated but just over a year ago the President-elect had named her among his favourite actresses and had hailed her as excellent. Streep, an ardent supporter of Trumps rival Hillary Clinton, slammed the next US President in her scathing speech while accepting the Cecil B DeMille Award at the Golden Globes on Monday. The three-time Oscar winner took swipes at Trumps divisive rhetoric without naming him as she cautioned against powerful people using their position to bully others. Responding to Streeps comments, Trump tweeted, Meryl Streep, one of the most overrated actresses in Hollywood, doesnt know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a Hillary flunky who lost big. Trumps critical remarks were in sharp contrast to the comments he made in 2015. Asked during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter if there were any actresses in particular he loved, Trump answered, Julia Roberts is terrific, and many others. Meryl Streep is excellent; shes a fine person, too. The problem is Ill name three or four or five and then the hundred that I know will be insulted, and I dont mean to insult them, he had said. During Streeps speech, the actress called out Trumps recent performance, referring to the moment when the president-elect mocked The New York Times Serge Kovaleski, a disabled reporter. There was nothing good about it, but it did its job. I still cant get it out my head because it wasnt in a movie; it was in real life. That instinct to humiliate when its modeled by someone in a public platform, it filters down into everyones life because it gives permission for others to do the same, she had said. Trump had fired back, calling her a Hillary lover. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. By Victoria Bryan FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Ireland's Ryanair (RYA.I) has overtaken Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) as Europe's biggest airline by passenger numbers after the German carrier on Tuesday reported a meagre 1.8 percent rise in the number of people it flew in 2016. Lufthansa's 109.7 million passengers last year fell short of the 117 million passengers reported by low-cost carrier Ryanair last week, a 15 percent increase on the previous year, as Ryanair pulled in passengers with low prices. The year saw strong performances from other budget carriers, with Norwegian Air Shuttle (NWC.OL) reporting passenger numbers up 14 percent to 29 million and Wizz Air (WIZZ.L) up 19 percent to 22.7 million. EasyJet (EZJ.L), which suffered more than low-cost rivals from strikes in France and tourists avoiding destinations hit by attacks, grew passenger numbers 6.6 percent to 74.5 million. Lufthansa is expanding its Eurowings budget brand to try and regain market share lost in Europe and it is set to grow fast this year with deals to lease planes and crew from Air Berlin (AB1.DE), plus take over Brussels Airlines. However, Ryanair has set its sights on Germany as one of the countries in which it wants to expand and will in the summer start flying from Lufthansa's home base of Frankfurt. Lufthansa remains the largest airline group in Europe in terms of revenue because it does more long-haul flying and has its own catering and aircraft maintenance units. Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) reported a 4 percent rise in group passengers to 93.4 million, helped by low-cost unit Transavia, which carried 23 percent more passengers. IAG (ICAG.L) carried 100.6 million people in 2016, an increase of 14 percent and overtaking its Franco-Dutch rival, after it acquired Aer Lingus in August 2015. (Additional reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Christoph Steitz and Adrian Croft) Navy destroyer fires warning shots at Iranian vessels in Strait of Hormuz In the latest incident of high-seas tension between the U.S. and Iran, a Navy guided-missile destroyer fired a series of warning shots at four Iranian vessels after the Islamic Republics boats closed in at a high rate of speed in the Strait of Hormuz, Fox News confirmed on Monday. Article by FoxNews.com The USS Mahan tried to order the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard boats to stop via bridge-to-bridge radio communication, but the vessels didnt respond to the request, prompting the destroyer to fire three warning shots with a .50 caliber machine gun Sunday morning, a U.S. defense official said. After the shots were fired, the Iranian boats stopped the approach, Cmdr. Bill Urban, spokesman for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, told Fox News. The Iranian vessels sailed within 890 yards of the Mahan, which had been escorting two U.S. Navy warships. Those two ships were the USS Makin Island, a large deck amphibious assault ship with 1,000 U.S. Marines, dozens of helicopters and Marine Harrier jets aboard, and a U.S. Navy oiler. In addition to the machine gun warning shots, a Navy helicopter dropped a smoke float. The only communication between the Iranian vessels and the U.S. warships was one Iranian boat asking for the hull number of the U.S. Navy vessels. In recent days Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps has conducted an annual exercise in the strait simulating maneuvers necessary to shut down the entrance to the Persian Gulf via swarm tactics deploying a large number of small armed vessels. The simulations are ongoing, a U.S. defense official tells Fox News. Sundays incident was only the most recent Iranian provocation of U.S. ships or aircraft in the region. Among the notable incidents: In late November, an Iranian small boat in the Strait of Hormuz trained a machine gun on a U.S. Navy helicopter. U.S. warships have been targeted by rebels in Yemen who are being supplied and supported by Iran. In September, Iran threatened to shoot down Navy aircraft it said was encroaching on its airspace. In early September, seven Iranian boats harassed a U.S. Navy ship in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. military noted Iran harassed U.S. Navy warships through unprofessional interactions at least 35 times in 2016, a jump of more than 50 percent from the previous year, a U.S. official told Fox News. Second time since August that a U.S. vessel has fired warning shots at #Iranian ships for aggressive action in Strait of Hormuz/Persian Gulf https://t.co/4qViK6SmnF Fox News Research (@FoxNewsResearch) January 9, 2017 In September, Present-elect Donald Trump said any Iranian vessels that harassed U.S. Navy warships would be shot out of the water. Fox News recently flew out to the USS George H. W. Bush to see her final work ups in the Atlantic before deploying. The commanding officer of the ship said Irans behavior in the past year amounted to school yard antics. There are currently no U.S. aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East after the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower returned to Norfolk and the USS George H. W. Bush had its deployment delayed. There is, however, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship with helicopters, jets and more than 1,000 marines in the region. Fox News Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report. Read more at: foxnews.com Submit a correction >> This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW MILFORD In a rare move, Mayor David Gronbach broke a Town Council tie Monday night, allowing plans for a 20-megawatt solar project on Candlewood Mountain to move forward. The council voted 5-4 to approve the Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement, which sets the amount the energy company and developers will pay during the 20 years the solar panels operate. The payments will increase during the deal, sending about $2.7 million to the town over two decades. To me, this is the best place, said Councilman Frank Wargo, adding that the project would triple the amount of revenue over the 20 years than what is paid in taxes on the site now. Council members Walter Bayer, Katy Francis, Scott Chamberlain and Mary Jane Lundgren opposed the agreement. Support for the agreement does not necessarily mean council members support the project, which still must be approved by the Connecticut Siting Council. During Monday nights vote, Councilwoman Jessica Richardson pointed out she did not support the project, but she couldnt see a reason to reject the agreement. The vote came after more than an hour of public comment that saw about a dozen residents speak out against the solar proposal and several others speak in favor of it. No one opposed the idea of solar panels, just the proposed location. I love solar panels, but this is not the place for them, resident Phil Dobson said. Under the proposal, Ameresco Solar would lease the land from Commercial Services Realty and erect the panels about 600 feet up the 880-foot mountain, with the lowest panels located about 100 feet from homes on Candlewood Mountain Road. The electricity would enter the grid at the Rocky River power station. The project calls for about 80 acres of the mountain to be turned into meadow to accommodate the panels. This means about 50 or 60 acres of trees would have to be cut down, which many residents have criticized. Removing the trees and disrupting the rural views were the most common concerns raised by the public and Francis. Supporters said it is a good energy source that will help Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island meet their goals to have 20 percent of their energy come from alternative methods by 2020. Joel Lindsay, with Ameresco Solar, told the council and residents that the panels wouldnt be seen through the tree barrier and that there wasnt a more invisible site. Other arguments against the proposal include the possibility of a glare that could interfere with pilots or disrupt views of the mountain, potential erosion because the site is on a hill, removing the mature trees, hurting property values and affecting residents ability to enjoy the rural countryside. The project could also affect businesses such as Candlewood Light Farm, which hosts weddings near the proposed site and uses local vendors for those events. The developer has also said the panels arent visible from the ground and there wont be a lot of activity around them. If approved, construction would start this fall and the panels would be operational by fall 2018. kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345 RIDGEFIELD The Board of Education made no decision Monday about how to reconfigure school assignments to deal with declining enrollment, but its already clearly that many parents dont like any of the options. The meeting, which was held in Scotts Ridge Middle Schools auditorium, featured a presentation from the consulting firm Milone & MacBroom of three possible scenarios for restructuring Ridgefield public schools. The report was the latest in an ongoing study of how to address the declining student enrollment and best use the towns school buildings. The options included changing how the six elementary schools feed into the two middle schools; rebalancing the populations of the elementary schools with whats called pocket redistricting; or closing Scotland Elementary School and reconfiguring the grade system to a PK-4 and 5-8 model from the existing K-5 and 6-8 structure. Before Milone & MacBroom presented their evaluations of these plans, however, residents took to the microphone to express their concerns with taking any action. Big changes require big reasons, said one parent, Bradley Sanderson. What are we really trying to change? We dont fully understand what the cost going forward is of doing nothing. Without understanding that we cant determine a solution. The consultants research, which began in July, used a 10-year enrollment projection to determine the best and most cost-efficient way to keep schools at the ideal 90 percent capacity. The latest projection suggests the district, which now has nearly 5,000 students, will lose about a tenth of them by 2026-27. The most controversial option for both board members and parents was that of closing Scotland Elementary School and switching to a PK-4 and 5-8 system. Milone & MacBroom reported that this would mean assigning 25 to 30 percent of elementary students and 7 percent of middle school students to different schools. Superintendent Karen Baldwin said personnel savings through closing Scotland would most likely be less than $200,000. Some board members worried about the emotional toll such big changes would have on students. The pressure, anxiety and stress of leaving a familiar school at that age would be detrimental, board member Tracy OConnor said, questioning whether the savings involved would be worth moving so many children to new schools. A few parents also wondered whether puttihg fifth- and eighth-graders into the same schools would create too large an age gap. One audience member noted that this would mean students entering middle school would be as young as nine years old. Option two, which would redistrict 4 percent of elementary students in mostly the northern districts, faced similar pushback. This is small, short-term thinking, said Jennifer Joynt. Transitions are hard and this is a needless one that would be devastating to these kids. The consulting firms presentation reported that this scenario would resolve the slight overcrowding at Scotland Elementary School and create a more balanced distribution of elementary-aged children. Milone & Macbroom have provided enrollment projections for many other districts in the area, and use birth rates, housing sales and other factors to make their predictions. Some who spoke at the meeting questioned whether these projections are definite enough to warrant such sweeping changes, or whether such decisions should be made on enrollment trends at all. Closing a school will only mean that when enrollment increases again, theres going to be another problem, Lisa DelGuidice said. You close a school, eventually youre going to have to open a school. In September, the School Board was forced to hire three new teachers . The Board used savings in other areas to cover the unforeseen $128,000 cost of the new hires. Board Chairman Frances Walton wrapped up Mondays discussion by listing what the board should consider further: savings, educational costs and transportation. The issue will be revisited at the boards Jan. 23 meeting. Ridgefield residents have a right to know why their fire chief was placed on administrative leave last month by the Fire Commission and Board of Selectmen, whose members are one and the same. But First Selectman Rudy Marconi is refusing to release the draft of an investigative report by Human Resources Director Laurie Fernandez into the unexplained policy violations by then-Fire Chief Kevin Tappe. State Freedom of Information laws are clear on this: The report is public information. Marconi should adhere to FOI and release the report immediately. The longtime first selectman considers the report a draft that will not be completed because Tappe resigned on Jan. 4 and therefore it need not become public. But that interpretation is incorrect the draft report is a public document, discussed at meetings of public officials, and taxpayers have a right to know what is in it. More Information Why was Ridgefield's fire chief put on administrative leave last month? See More Collapse Granted, some members of the public might deem it indecorous to air potentially embarrassing actions by the man who was their fire chief. We understand that sentiment. But hiding information is not proper either. In the vacuum of answers about what led to the discipline against the 64-year-old Tappe, people are left to imagine all sorts of scenarios, most of which would not be true. Tappe is experienced in firefighting. He came to the Ridgefield Fire Department in June, 2007 with 20.5 years of experience in the Stamford department, rising to deputy chief there. He was an adjunct instructor with the Connecticut Fire Academy for 22 years. In September 2014 he became the top officer of the Ridgefield Department, supervising two stations with about 35 career firefighters who respond to the fire, rescue and emergency medical needs of the town. Yet the terms of the separation agreement signed last week order Tappe to not contact any town employee or enter the Fire Department, except to remove his personal items, among other stipulations. What happened to trigger the Dec. 22 administrative leave and subsequent sternly worded separation of this public safety official? Ridgefield taxpayers also have an embedded interest in the facts because they are paying Tappes salary until his official retirement on April 30. When he became chief two years ago his annual salary was $101,831. FOI case law maintains that investigative reports of public officials are public, even if they resign. Connecticut Superior Court in 2009 upheld the FOI Commissions ruling that documents sought by the Journal Inquirer, a newspaper based in Manchester, related to the discipline of an Enfield police lieutenant were public, for example. Hearst Connecticut Media, which includes The News-Times, intends to file a complaint with the FOI Commission and to seek release of the investigation report, a public record. The public has a right to know why an experienced, high-ranking, public official was placed on paid leave before resigning and elected officials must know they are accountable, foremost, to the public. India-Japan FTA implementation needs to be expedited: Sitharaman Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the pace of implementation of the India-Japan free trade agreement needs to be stepped up further, an official statement here said. "She (Sitharaman) stated that the pace of implementation of India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been rather steady and needed to be enhanced with faster pace to tap the huge potential of India-Japan bilateral trade," the Indian Commerce Ministry statement said, following a meeting here on Monday between Sitharaman and Japanese Economy and Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko. Concurring with Sitharaman's view on the huge potential for expanding Indo-Japanese cooperation, Seko said that 25 Japanese companies are participating in the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat investors summit, it added. According to the statement, the Japanese side requested that the issue of transfer pricing assessment and other ones, as raised periodically by Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India, need to be resolved to attract greater Japanese investment into India. Expressing interest in enhancing cooperation with India on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), the Japanese delegation offered to train Indian IPR examiners in Japan, it said, adding that Seko also extended an invitation to 100 IPR Examiners for training in Japan. On her part, Sitharaman requested the Japanese side to take steps to increase Indian exports to Japan of sesame seeds, Surimi fish and generic drugs. "She said that the Japanese Industrial Townships (JITs) in India would be transformational and will bring in significant Japanese investments and further strengthen India-Japan economic cooperation," the Commerce Ministry said. Sitharaman also mentioned that India plans to build a Logistics University, for which Japan's cooperation would be required. Earlier on Monday, Seko met union Power Minister Piyush Goyal here and they jointly inaugurated the 7th India-Japan Energy Forum. Speaking on the occasion, Goyal pointed to the history of technical cooperation between the two nations, from the Maruti Suzuki automobiles to the Shinkasen bullet train, the formal agreement for which was signed in November 2016. --IANS bc/sm/bg Iraqi troops kill 125 IS terrorists Iraq,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Baghdad, Jan 10 (IANS) Iraqi troops killed 125 Islamic State (IS) terrorists and took control of two new neighbourhoods in Mosul on Tuesday, military officials said. Anti-terror forces stormed al-Sukar neighbourhood on the eastern front of Mosul killing more than 25 militants, a senior commander said. The forces also destroyed a mortar launcher and an IS car bomb in an operation supported by the international coalition, Efe news reported. The commander explained that the forces of the federal police and army's IX brigade completely dominated the districts of Palestine and Doumiz on the southeast axis and have advanced to liberate the Sumar neighbourhood. The commander noted that Iraqi and the US-led international coalition warplanes destroyed several machines of the radical organisation on Tuesday morning. Iraqi troops, backed by Kurdish Peshmergas and Shia militias, as well as aviation and military advisers from the international anti-terrorist coalition, are seeking to remove IS from areas it occupied in June 2014 in northern Iraq in the offensive launched last October. --IANS ksk/dg Portuguese PM arrives in Goa Goa,National,Diplomacy,Business/Economy, Tue, 10 Jan 2017 IANS Panaji, Jan 10 (IANS) Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa landed in Goa, late on Tuesday, on a three-day official visit to the coastal state. Costa, who is of Goan origin, was received at the INS Hansa base by Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza and Portuguese Consul General Rui Baceira. Costa, who had arrived in India on January 7, has already signed various pacts dealing with defence, security, I-T, renewable energy sectors and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before visiting Bengaluru and Gujarat. In Goa, Costa has a packed agenda which includes meeting top officials and attending several social and cultural events. He will receive a civic reception in the state capital in presence of prominent citizens of the state on Wednesday. Costa, whose family hailed from Margao town in South Goa, will also release the English translation of his father Orlando Costa's book "Sem Caras Nem Coroas" on Wednesday. He will also undertake two walking tours in the state capital's heritage areas, before visiting his ancestral home for a meal with close friends and family. Costa will leave for Portugal via Mumbai early on Friday morning. The Prime Minister's visit to Goa has already attracted controversy here, with regional political parties demanding an apology from Costa, for the atrocities committed by colonial Portuguese rulers in Goa, which was ruled by them for 451 years. --IANS maya/vd Iraqi forces advance into IS stronghold in Mosul Burkina Faso,Terrorism, Wed, 11 Jan 2017 IANS Mosul, Jan 11 (IANS) Iraqi security forces on Tuesday advanced further inside the eastern side of the Islamic State (IS) stronghold in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, as fierce clashes continued against the terrorists, the Iraqi military said. In the eastern front, the elite forces of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) completely freed the neighbourhood of Sukkar and made significant progress in the adjacent neighbourhood of Siddeeq, amid fierce clashes with IS terrorists, Xinhua quoted a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command as saying. The battles in the two neighbourhoods left some 20 terrorists killed and a booby-trapped car destroyed, the statement said. Meanwhile, the CTS commandos freed al-Dhubbat neighbourhood and took part of the adjacent neighbourhood of al-Maliyah, leaving dozens of IS terrorists killed and two of their car bombs destroyed, the source said. Several governmental offices were recaptured during Tuesday's advance, including communication complex, provincial electricity department and a security headquarters, the source added. The latest CTS advance pushed the IS terrorists to blow up sections of two bridges to prevent the government forces from launching operations to retake the western side of Mosul across the Tigris, according to the statement. Mosul's five bridges across the Tigris had already been partially damaged by the US-led coalition airstrikes to slow the movement of the IS terrorists between the two sides of the city. --IANS sku/ Survey findings reveal generational divide on citizens' expectations of how government engages them TORONTO, Jan. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadians want their government to consult with them directly when determining future enhancements to government services, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Accenture, which asked Canadians to rank top priorities for the future of government services. Respondents to the online survey were asked to identify which of following five actions related to the provision of government services was most important to them: Providing more services online; Engaging the public personally more often to determine the future of government services; Matching or exceeding commercial service levels; Providing access to more services from a smartphone; and Putting more emphasis on the face-to-face experience. Personally engaging citizens more frequently to determine the future of government services was cited most often by nearly half (48 percent) of respondents, followed closely by 'Providing more services online,' 'Matching or exceeding commercial services levels' and 'Putting more emphasis on the face-to-face experience,' at 45 percent, 45 percent and 44 percent, respectively. 'Improving access to government services via smartphone' was cited least often, at 17 percent. "Canadians' expectations of government service and interaction continue to evolve and the bar is getting higher daily as online and mobile technology changes how we work and live across every generation," said Dave Telka, a managing director in Accenture's Public Service practice in Canada. "The move toward a more digitally enabled citizen base is only getting stronger, and Canadians' expectations for services are influenced by what they're experiencing for commercial transactions such as online banking, Uber or Amazon. In this digital era, when citizens are looking at how government offers services, citizens are expecting to have a similar customer experience." The underlying findings demonstrated clear generational preferences, reflecting a shift toward greater digital engagement with the younger generations. Specifically: Millennial (aged 18-34) Canadians want government to provide more services online (cited by 55 percent of this group), engage the public more often to determine the future of government services (51 percent), match or exceed commercial service levels (36 percent), access more services from a smartphone (30 percent), and put more emphasis on the face-to-face experience (29 percent). (aged 18-34) Canadians want government to provide more services online (cited by 55 percent of this group), engage the public more often to determine the future of government services (51 percent), match or exceed commercial service levels (36 percent), access more services from a smartphone (30 percent), and put more emphasis on the face-to-face experience (29 percent). Gen X (aged 35-54) Canadians want government to match or exceed commercial service levels (48 percent), put more emphasis on the face-to-face experience (47 percent), engage the public more often to determine the future of government services (46 percent), provide more services online (45 percent), access more services from a smartphone (14 percent). (aged 35-54) Canadians want government to match or exceed commercial service levels (48 percent), put more emphasis on the face-to-face experience (47 percent), engage the public more often to determine the future of government services (46 percent), provide more services online (45 percent), access more services from a smartphone (14 percent). Boomer (aged 55+) Canadians want government to focus on enhancing the face-to-face experience (54 percent), matching or exceeding commercial service levels (49 percent), more engagement (49 percent), providing more services online more generally (38 percent), the ability to access more government services from their smartphone (10 percent). "For now, Boomers prefer in-person experiences but are moving to adapting to new online experiences, while Millennials want more online experiences and are more willing to leave personal interactions behind, and Gen X'ers want to have it all, bridging between the personal and online government service experiences," Telka said. "This will change in the coming years, as more and more Boomers and Gen X'ers have increasingly positive digital customer experiences. As a result, government must stay directly engaged with each of these groups in order to be able to design personalized services that meet their citizens' needs." The survey results also reveal that priorities for the enhancement of government services vary by region, where there might be differing expectations from, and experiences with, various levels of government. In particular: Residents of Alberta and Quebec are the most likely to want government to engage citizens more often, cited by 54 percent and 53 percent of respondents in those regions, with those in Atlantic Canada and British Columbiaat 44 percent and 41 percent, respectivelythe least likely to cite increased engagement as a priority. and are the most likely to want government to engage citizens more often, cited by 54 percent and 53 percent of respondents in those regions, with those in and British Columbiaat 44 percent and 41 percent, respectivelythe least likely to cite increased engagement as a priority. With regards to providing more services online, Atlantic Canada (53 percent) is most likely to prioritize this enhancement, followed by Ontario (48 percent), residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (45 percent), Quebec (44 percent), Alberta (43 percent) and British Columbia (37 percent). (53 percent) is most likely to prioritize this enhancement, followed by (48 percent), residents of and (45 percent), (44 percent), (43 percent) and (37 percent). When it comes to exceeding commercial service levels, British Columbia residents (57 percent) are by far the most likely to prioritize this enhancement, followed by those in Quebec (46 percent), Ontario (43 percent), Alberta (42 percent), Atlantic Canada (41 percent), and those in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (35 percent). residents (57 percent) are by far the most likely to prioritize this enhancement, followed by those in (46 percent), (43 percent), (42 percent), (41 percent), and those in and (35 percent). On placing more emphasis on face-to-face interaction, those in Quebec (47 percent) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (47 percent) are slightly more likely to prioritize this area than Ontario (44 percent), British Columbia (44 percent), Atlantic Canada (43 percent), and Alberta (41 percent). (47 percent) and and (47 percent) are slightly more likely to prioritize this area than (44 percent), (44 percent), (43 percent), and (41 percent). Although a low priority among residents of all regions, the ability to access services by smartphone was cited most often by residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba , at 23 percent, followed by those in Alberta (20 percent), British Columbia (20 percent), Atlantic Canada (19 percent), Ontario (18 percent) and Quebec (11 percent). Methodology Ipsos, on behalf of Accenture, conducted an online poll of 1,000 Canadians aged 18+ between Nov 11 and 15, 2016. Quotas and weighting were employed to ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the Canadian population according to census information. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the results are considered accurate to within +/- 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what the results would have been had all Canadians been polled. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions underpinned by the world's largest delivery network Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 394,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com. SOURCE Accenture For further information: Theresa Ebden, Accenture, [email protected], +1 416 358 6741 Related Links http://www.accenture.ca WHITEHORSE, Jan. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor, today announced an investment of $375,000 to support improvements and expansion of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation's Nakwat'a Ku (Potlatch House) in Whitehorse, Yukon. The Nakwat'a Ku is a central gathering place for citizens of Kwanlin Dun, other Yukon First Nations, and the broader Whitehorse community. The renovations will reflect the culture, art, and history of the people of Kwanlin Dun, better equip the building to meet increasing use, and improve safety and functionality of the community space. Quotes "With the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150), we are making a real, positive impact in communities across Canada . Investing in these renovations will improve a safe and welcoming space for the Indigenous people of Kwanlin Dun First Nation. Open, community spaces like the Nakwat'a Ku are what bring people together to both celebrate our individuality and promote community-wide collaboration." Larry Bagnell Member of Parliament for Yukon "Nakwat'a Ku is a significant meeting place for our citizens and the people of Whitehorse. The renovations we are undertaking provide work to our businesses, improve the safety of and accessibility for all who visit here and, most importantly, reflect our culture, traditions and history. Nakwat'a Ku means potlatch house. Potlatches are an important part of First Nation tradition - once denied, and now revived. Potlatches are gatherings that not only mark the passing of a life but also celebrate major events such as births & weddings; here, in this building, we have also hosted potlatches to celebrate the land. We thank CanNor and the Community Development Fund for their financial contributions to improve and prolong the existence of this important community building. Chief Doris Bill Kwanlin Dun First Nation "The improved functionality of the Nakwat'a Ku Potlatch House will ensure it remains a central community gathering space for the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Whitehorse community for years to come. Spaces like the Nakwat'a Ku are vital to community well-being and I look forward to the positive social and economic benefits that the Potlatch House will continue to bring its community." Ranj Pillai Minister of Economic Development Government of Yukon Quick Facts For the Nakwat'a Ku Potlatch House renovations, CanNor is contributing $375,000 in addition to a $50,000 investment from the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and $75,000 from the Government of Yukon . in addition to a investment from the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and from the Government of . As outlined in Budget 2016, an additional $150 million will be provided over two years for CIP 150, bringing the total funding available to $300 million across the country. The program supports projects to renovate, expand and improve spaces such as community centres, parks and arenas across Canada as part of the Government of Canada's celebration of the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. CIP 150 is delivered by CanNor in the North. For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) For further information: Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Krisandra Reid, Communications Advisor, Yukon Region, 867-667-3210; Kwanlin Dun First Nation, Marie-Louise Boylan, Communications Manager, 867-663-7800 ext.112; Government of Yukon, Diana Dryburgh, Communications Advisor, Government of Yukon, 867-667-5378 Related Links http://www.cannor.gc.ca Parks Canada public consultations start today. OTTAWA, Jan. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - As part of Parks Canada's largest consultation ever, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, invites all Canadians to share their views through "Let's Talk Parks, Canada!" a consultation on the future of national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas. From January 9 to 27, 2017, Canadians can help shape the future of Canada's amazing network of heritage places by joining the discussion. They can participate by visiting our interactive comment page at www.letstalkparkscanada.ca and fill out a short questionnaire or use a Do-It-Yourself kit to hold their own consultation event to gather, discuss, and report back to the Minister. Follow us on ParksCanada or Environment and Natural Resources in Canada Facebook accounts and use the hashtag #TalkParks on Twitter. Canadians are also welcome to attend public engagement events that will be held in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax. Quick Facts Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world. manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world. The Parks Canada Agency Act requires the Minister responsible for Parks Canada to allow Canadians to provide feedback on Parks Canada's responsibilities every two years. The Minister must respond to the recommendations of the consultations within 180 days. We invite you to read Parks Canada's State of Canada's Natural and Cultural Heritage Places report to help in your discussions and provide you with information on the progress in establishing protected areas and designating people, places and events of historic significance. Natural and Cultural Heritage Places report to help in your discussions and provide you with information on the progress in establishing protected areas and designating people, places and events of historic significance. Previous consultations have addressed a wide variety of topics, such as heritage conservation, visitor experience, and inspiring Canadian youth to connect with our shared natural and cultural heritage. Quote "I'm excited to launch Let's Talk Parks, Canada! It is fitting that, as our country celebrates its 150th birthday, we will come together and consider the future of Canada's treasured places. This is the largest consultation ever undertaken on the work of Parks Canada. We can all play a part in forming the future of our national heritage treasures. Let's work together to continue to protect and present these special places for future generations." Catherine McKenna Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada Related Links www.letstalkparkscanada.ca https://twitter.com/ec_minister https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentandNaturalResourcesinCanada https://twitter.com/ParksCanada https://www.facebook.com/ParksCanada/ SOURCE Parks Canada For further information: Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected], http://www.twitter.com/parkscanada Related Links http://www.pc.gc.ca/ jared kushner Jared Kushner, President-elect Donald Trump's son-in-law, will step down as publisher of New York media publication the Observer now that he has accepted a job in Trump's administration. Kushner will "no longer have an ownership stake" in the Observer business or play any role in its affairs, the company said. It's not clear to what extent the 35-year-old Kushner will divest himself financially from the business, with CNN reporting that the stake will go into a family trust. Kushner will be a senior adviser to Trump, focusing on domestic and foreign policy, particularly on issues related to the Middle East and international trade. Kushner, whose fortune lies in his family's real-estate business, will also step down as the CEO of Kushner Companies. Trump's daughter Ivanka, who is married to Kushner, will also step down from her executive position in the Trump Organization, but will take no formal role in the administration. Kushner's Observer Kushner bought the iconic New York newspaper in 2006 for $10 million, when it was called the New York Observer and still had a print edition (discontinued in November). Since buying the Observer, which insiders say gave him a voice in New York society, Kushner has tried several strategies to turn it into a modern national media company, and make it the center of a mini media empire. His moves as the Observer's publisher have brought both praise and criticism. "He bought absolutely, positively, a dying publication in the Observer," a former top employee recently told Business Insider. "It was a cultural icon, but it was also within hours of becoming a cultural relic. So when you change something, everyone gets upset, and Jared changed it because what it was couldn't possibly continue to exist financially." (For a full rundown of Kushner's quest to become a media mogul, see our feature on the subject). Recently, rumors had been floating around New York media circles that Kushner had been trying to quietly sell the Observer. But though Kushner will no longer have a stake in the Observer, it doesn't seem that he has found a buyer. CNN's Dylan Byer's reported that Kushner's lawyers indicated that, "It is going to the family trust." Story continues Joseph Meyer, Kushner's brother-in-law who has been the CEO of Observer Media Group since 2013, will serve as publisher. Here is the memo that Meyer sent to the Observer staff, which the company provided to Business Insider: Dear Team: As youve certainly been reading, our publisher Jared Kushner, has taken an official role in the incoming administration. I will be taking over as Observer publisher and Jared will no longer have an ownership stake in the Observer. He has also resigned from our editorial board and will play no role in the publications affairs going forward. Jared has been a dedicated and passionate publisher. I know you join me and everyone at Observer in thanking him for his years of service to this beloved institution and wishing him nothing but the best as he meets challenges ahead. Observer has just finished an amazing year of growth and development. I could not be more excited to face the coming year together with you all. Sincerely, Joseph Meyer Chairman & CEO Observer Media NOW WATCH: Weed, crab legs, and a mermaid inside the massive marijuana-mansion party thrown by Instagram's 'Marijuana Don' More From Business Insider Medical cannabis industry association welcomes newest member OTTAWA, Jan. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Cannabis Canada Association is pleased to announce WeedMD as the association's newest member. WeedMD, based in Alymer, Ontario, is a Licensed Producer of Medical Cannabis under Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). With the addition of WeedMD, Cannabis Canada continues to increase its position as the leading organization of companies that currently hold Health Canada licenses to cultivate and sell medical cannabis. "We are very pleased to welcome WeedMD to Cannabis Canada Association," said Colette Rivet, the Association's Executive Director. "WeedMD is joining the Association at an important time as the Government of Canada is expected to table legislation for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Canada later this year." "It is important for WeedMD to be part of the united voice of Canada's legal, regulated producers and sellers of cannabis," said Bruce Dawson-Scully, WeedMD's President and CEO. "We look forward to working closely with the Association, our industry colleagues and all levels of government as a new regime for legal and regulated cannabis in Canada takes shape in the coming years." About Cannabis Canada Association Cannabis Canada is the leading organization of Canada's Licensed Producers of Medical Cannabis under Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The Association's mission is to act as the national voice for our members in their promotion of industry standards; support the development, growth and integrity of the regulated cannabis industry; and serve as a trusted resource on issues related to the safe and responsible use of cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes. Members of Cannabis Canada share a philosophy of both patient-centric care and improved public health, and are committed to product safety and quality, secure and reliable access and the promotion of the safe and effective use of cannabis. Website: www.cann-can.ca About WeedMD WeedMD Rx Inc. is a Canadian company licensed to produce medical marijuana under Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations ("ACMPR") and operates a 25,000 square foot, scalable, state-of-the-art production facility in Aylmer, Ontario. WeedMD's mission is to supply a wide selection of cannabis and cannabis-related products that meet the high standard of quality clients deserve. Website: www.weedmd.com SOURCE Cannabis Canada Association For further information: Colette Rivet, Executive Director, Cannabis Canada Association, 613-407-1080, [email protected] Related Links www.cmcia.ca According to the results of the UN 2015 World Population Revision, the world population reached 7.3 billion as of mid-2015, implying that the world has added approximately one billion people in the span of the last twelve years. Sixty per cent of the global population lives in Asia (4.4 billion), 16 per cent in Africa (1.2 billion), 10 per cent in Europe (738 million), 9 per cent in Latin America and the Caribbean (634 million), and the remaining 5 per cent in Northern America (358 million) and Oceania (39 million). China (1.4 billion) and India (1.3 billion) remain the two largest countries of the world, both with more than 1 billion people, representing 19 and 18 per cent of the worlds population, respectively. At the country level, much of the overall increase between now and 2050 is projected to occur either in high-fertility countries, mainly in Africa, or in countries with large populations. During 2015-2050, half of the worlds population growth is expected to be concentrated in nine countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Indonesia and Uganda, listed according to the size of their contribution to the total growth. According to the medium variant of the 2015 Revision, global fertility is projected to fall from 2.5 children per woman in 2010-2015 to 2.4 in 2025-2030 and 2.0 in 2095-2100. Steep reductions are projected for the least developed countries, from 4.3 in 2010-2015 to 3.5 in 2025-2030 and 2.1 in 2095-2100. However, for countries with high fertility there is significant uncertainty in the projection of fertility, even in the 15-year horizon of the post-2015 development agenda, and more so in the long-term projection to 2100. Slower-than-projected fertility declines would result in much higher population totals in all subsequent time periods. For example, a scenario in which all countries had a fertility rate that was consistently half a child higher than in the medium variant would produce a population of 16.6 billion in 2100, more than 5 billion higher than the medium-variant projection. Globally, life expectancy at birth is projected to rise from 70 years in 2010-2015 to 77 years in 2045-2050 and to 83 years in 2095-2100. Africa is projected to gain about 19 years of life expectancy by the end of the century, reaching 70 years in 2045-2050 and 78 years in 2095-2100. Such increases are contingent on further reductions in the spread of HIV, and combating successfully other infectious as well as non-communicable diseases. Both Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean are projected to gain 13-14 years of life expectancy by 2095-2100, while Europe, Northern America and Oceania are projected to gain 10-11 years. Why World population will likely be higher than 9.75 billion in 2050 1. The UN has been revising its population projections higher for the last 15-20 years. They have kept expecting the birthrate in Africa to decline faster than it actually has 2. The population census in African and many other poorer countries tend to be out of date. Which means the most recent census is old and inaccurate. This tends to mean an undercount. China likely has an undercount of 10-30 million because of the second and third child being hidden because of the one child policy. World population is likely already 7.5 billion and not 7.3 billion. 3. China will move completely away from population control by 2020 and shift to encouraging more children. This will likely mean that Chinas population will not fall much after 2030. 4. There will be more improvements in medicine that will further increase life expectency. Technology Review also has a world population graphic. SOURCES United Nations, Technology Review Thousands of teachers in public primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Kwara say they have embarked on fasting and prayer to ensure pay... Thousands of teachers in public primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Kwara say they have embarked on fasting and prayer to ensure payment of their six months salary arrears by state government. The Deputy Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Alhaji Toyin Salihu, disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in llorin on Monday.Salihu, who also the Principal of Sheikh AbdulKadir College, llorin, said that the teachers action was for Gods intervention for the payment of their salary arrears. He said that though the fasting and prayers were voluntary for both Christians and Muslim teachers, it would continue until God accepts their request.The NUT Deputy Chairman said that the government had commenced full monthly payment for the teachers salary, but that they were yet to receive their six months salary arrears. Salihu said that the unpaid six months arrears had added to the untold hardship being experienced by the teachers and their relations. Effort to speak with the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ademola Banu on the issue proved abortive.NAN correspondent sent text message to Banu and visited his office, for his comment on the issue but he did not respond. Normal academic activities were, however, in progress in some of the primary and junior secondary schools visited in some parts of llorin, the state capital. Teachers in public primary and junior secondary schools embarked on strike in 2016 over unpaid several months of salaries. Oxford University has announced the appointment of a U.S.-based Nigerian, Wale Adebanwi, to the prestigious Rhodes Professorship in Race... Oxford University has announced the appointment of a U.S.-based Nigerian, Wale Adebanwi, to the prestigious Rhodes Professorship in Race Relations in the School of African and Interdisciplinary Area Studies.The appointment was recently announced in the university gazette.Mr. Adebanwi who is currently a professor at the University of California, Davis, United States, will also be a Fellow of the St. Anthonys College, Oxford effective July 1.Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the worlds second oldest university in continuous operation. The university has produced 28 Nobel laureates, 27 British Prime Ministers and many foreign heads of state.The Rhodes Professorship in Race Relations is named for Cecil Rhodes, British businessman, mining magnate and politician in South Africa who served as Prime Minister of Cape Colony from 1890-1896. The professorship was established by the Rhodesian Selection Trust Mining Company in 1954 at Oxford.Mr. Adebanwi is the first black scholar to be appointed to the endowed Chair since it was created more than 60 years ago. He was preceded by three distinguished scholars.The new Rhodes Professor was a Bill and Melinda Gates Scholar at Cambridge University. He holds two PhDs, one in political science from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the other in social anthropology from the University of Cambridge, UK.In September 2014, alongside three other former Gates Scholars, his amazing success since graduating from Cambridge was acknowledged by the worlds richest man, Bill Gates, who funded his scholarship at Cambridge more than a decade ago. Gatess acknowledgement of Mr. Adebanwi was part of the video message he sent to a gathering of current and former Gate Scholars at Cambridge University during the Gates Cambridge Biennial 2016.Mr. Adebanwi has published widely in the areas of nationalism and ethnic Studies, media and communication, corruption and politics, democracy and democratization, cultural politics, spatial politics, urban studies, and social theory and social thought. In his most recent book Nation as Grand Narrative: The Nigerian Press and the Politics of Meaning, published in 2016, Mr. Adebanwi focuses his multi-disciplinary scholarship on salient issues in Nigerias troubled history, examining how debates in the newspaper press shaped the narratives as well as the configuration of power. His influential book, Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency was published by Cambridge University in 2014. His 2012 book Authority Stealing: Anti-corruption War and Democratic Politics in Post-Military Nigeria was selected as one of the three Best Books on Africa in 2013 by the journal, Foreign Affairs.The newly appointed Rhodes Professor is the editor or co-editor of 10 books. He has served as co-editor of Journal of Contemporary African Studies and is currently co-editor of Africa: Journal of the International African Institute. Adebanwi, who was formerly a lecturer in political science at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, is a visiting professor at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. He has held visiting fellowships at St Anthonys College, Oxford, and the Centre for African Studies in Leiden, The Netherlands, and a Rockefeller fellowship for Academic Writing Residency at its Bellagio Centre, Italy. In 2005, he was a co-winner of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Research grant.Previously, Mr. Adebanwi served as reporter, writer and columnist for various publications in Nigeria, among them Nigerian Tribune, The Punch and TheNEWS. Staff of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have shunned an invitation for a meeting with a factional chairman of the party, Ali Sheriff. Staff of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have shunned an invitation for a meeting with a factional chairman of the party, Ali Sheriff.The staff, who met under the auspices of the PDP Staff Welfare Forum on Monday in Abuja, said they decided to shun the meeting with Mr. Sheriff because, unlike, the other factional chairman, Ahmed Makarfi, he never called for the reopening of the secretariat complex.The Police have sealed the Wadata Plaza secretariat of the PDP since May 22 last year following a parallel national convention that saw the party divided.The partys national officers led by former Borno Governor, Ali Sheriff, were sacked and an interim team announced in Port Harcourt on May 21, 2016.The convention appointed former Kaduna Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, as chairman and a former senator, Ben Obi, as National Secretary.Mr. Sheriff, however, insists he remains the national chairman.A statement from the Welfare Committee said Mondays meeting which had about 80 members of staff present unanimously voted to reject the invitation by Senator Sheriff.They said they decided to reject the invitation because while the National Caretaker Committee under the able leadership of Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, spoke in support of the call for the national secretariat of the party to be opened for Party activities, Senator Sheriff in a statement by his spokesman, Hon. Bernard Mikko rejected the call for the reopening of the National Secretariat which was seen by the staff as an affront to the progress and rebuilding process in the PDP.The staff also queried the yardstick for the invitation by Mr. Sheriff, accusing him of not working for the growth and development of the party.The staff accused him of tacitly working against the party, as seen in his activities that reduced the fortune of the PDP in the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states.The staff also queried the deaf-silence by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff on various salient national issues especially the recklessness and misgovernance of the APC-led administration. The head of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC, Jim Obazee, has been sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari. The army yesterday warned Nigerians of the new tactic being used by Boko Haram. Yesterdays announcement came as suicide bombers struc... The army yesterday warned Nigerians of the new tactic being used by Boko Haram.Yesterdays announcement came as suicide bombers struck again on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.Apart from the three suicide bombers who were killed, a member of the Civilian JTF also died.Spokesman of the, Army 7 Division, Col. Mustafa Anka,said: This is to draw the attention of the general public to recent trend used by desperate remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT). Recently, two female suicide bombers knocked at the door of one Bulama and Usman about 200 meters apart in Kalari general area of Maiduguri. The daughter of Bulama opened the door, while Usman himself opened his own door immediately the suicide bombers detonated their suicide vest, in the process killing the unsuspected little girl, Usman and the two female suicide bombers.The general public is hereby advised to be cautious and wary of strange persons knocking at their doors. Security is a collective responsibility; the public is to engage in neighborhood watch. Suspicious movement of persons should be reported to security agents without any delay. The public is once again reminded that curfew is still enforced by 10pm daily, any defaulters will be prosecuted accordingly.During the Maiduguri blast, a security source said three of the dead were the three suicide bombers, all females, while the other one is an operative of the Civilian JTF in the state.More than two loud bangs from the explosions were heard on Sunday night at about 10.30pm, sending many residents into panic.Another security source said the multiple explosions occurred at Kaleri village in Gwange general area outskirt of Maiduguri.Borno state police spokesman Victor Isuku who confirmed the incident, said the two separate attacks were recorded on Sunday night, orchestrated by Boko Haram suicide bombers in an attempt to infiltrate Maiduguri.Isuku said: At about 2020hrs of yesterday 8/1/2017, three male suicide bombers shot sporadically and attempted to infiltrate Maiduguri via Garki Muna village close to a military checkpoint. The IED strapped to their bodies exploded killing all of them, and a civilian JTF, Two Ak47 rifles were recovered, while one was completely destroyed as a result of the explosion.Then about 2230hrs same date, there were two suicide bombers attack at Kaleri area of Gwange. Four persons including two female suicide bombers died in the explosion. Both scenes were swept and rendered safe for public access by personnel from EOD, FSARS and patrol teams of the command at the wee hours of today. Normalcy has since returned to these areas, the statement reads. The Nigerian government has suspended a corporate governance code issued by the countrys Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC. The Nigerian government has suspended a corporate governance code issued by the countrys Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC.The Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechuckwu Enelamah, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday, after President Muhammadu Buharis sack of the Executive Secretary of FRC, Jim Obazee.Mr. Obazees sack followed exit of Enoch Adeboye as the Nigerian overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God in compliance with the suspended FRC governance code for not-for-profit organisations, including civil society and religious organisations.Mr. Adeboye, arguably Nigerias most influential Christian cleric, had on Saturday complained about the governments interest in Church activities.The governance code sought to provide financial reporting, transparency and accountability standards for not-for-profit organizations.Among others, it provided that founders or leaders of not-for-profit organizations would not head governance of their organisations for more than 20 years, and could not also pass baton to their family members.While the code received positive reactions by people who consider it necessary to ensure accountability, it also suffered knocks by those expressing concerns it was targeting faith organisations, especially the Church.In his statement, the minister said the code stood suspended pending its review and consultation with stakeholders.Mr. Enelamah reassured of Nigerias commitment to enhancing market and ease of doing business in the country. United States Ambassador to Nigeria W. Stuart Symington and his key staff have met Acting Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC... United States Ambassador to Nigeria W. Stuart Symington and his key staff have met Acting Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) Chairman Ibrahim Magu on the allegations levelled against him by the Department of State Services (DSS). The meeting was held on Friday, a source revealed.Magu was said to have told the team that he was innocent of all the allegations raised by the security agency, which aborted his confirmation as EFCC Chairman by the Senate.It was an informal session, the source said.It was learnt that the session was part of the Embassys interest in the nations anti-corruption campaign.It was gathered that the interaction might assist the US team to have a broader appraisal of the controversy on Magus nomination, which was not considered by the Upper Chamber.The source said: The US Embassy took on Magu on every issue in the DSS report to ascertain whether or not he committed the infractions levelled against him.The team wanted to know if Magu had indeed failed the integrity test which made the United States to support him.The Acting EFCC chairman responded to every issue without betraying his emotion. At the end, Magu said he was innocent of all the allegations against him.He said he has also responded to the query given to him by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), the source said, pleading not to be named because he is not allowed to talk to the media on the issue.Responding to a question, the source said: The U.S. Embassy team was satisfied with Magus response. The Ambassador and others later took a photograph with him.With this session, we are hopeful that the US support for the anti-corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari will be more enhanced, the source added.Following the persistent intrigues over Magus fate, some donor agencies, anti-graft war partners and foreign missions have been anxious about the future of the battle.Most of them were said to be sympathetic to the retention of Magu whom they have rated high.The DSS alleged that Magus accommodation in Abuja was paid for by a corrupt businessman and that he flew first class to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj, contrary to federal governments directive to its officials not to travel in the elite cabin.Magu was also accused of being illegally in possession of confidential EFCC documents when he was a director in 2007.He was queried by Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami who was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the allegations. TENAFLY-- A Jewish community center was evacuated around noon Monday after the facility received a bomb threat, the center said. Kaplen JCC of the Palisades said via Facebook around 1 p.m. that all children and adults got out safely and that the police were investigating. The center subsequently announced that police found nothing and that the building was safe. The center later re-opened and its programs for the day resumed. The JCC has reopened. The police have completed a thorough sweep of the JCC and have deemed the threat not credible... Posted by Kaplen JCC on the Palisades on Monday, January 9, 2017 WNBC 4 in New York reported that the JCC in Tenafly was one of a number of Jewish community facilities that received threats in four other states, including in Florida, Maryland, Tennessee and South Carolina. Nothing was found in sweeps of those facilities. Tenafly Chief of Police Robert said in a statement the center received a phone call, prompting a sweep by the Bergen County Sheriff's bomb squad. The matter was under investigation. Anyone with information is being asked to call police at 201-568-5100. Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook. UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Some army officers, rebel groups and criminal networks in Congo are still illegally exploiting the country's gold and mineral riches despite government and military bans, U.N. experts said in a report circulated Monday. The panel of experts monitoring sanctions against Congo said gold remains by far the mineral most used to finance rebel and criminal groups. It names several senior officers implicated in gold exploitation and trade, "on occasion in collaboration with private companies." The report to the U.N. Security Council said a gold-tracing program has not yet become operational and efforts for the government to control its natural resources are impeded by "the impunity enjoyed by wrongdoers," corruption by a wide range of parties, and loopholes in implementing bans and monitoring. It noted violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, citing the continuing use of children by rebel groups in eastern Congo and "killings, kidnapping and destruction of property" in the Beni and Rutshuru areas of the eastern province of North Kivu. The experts also accused South Sudan's opposition leader and former vice president, Riek Machar, of entering Congo with military equipment last August in violation of the arms embargo against all non-government groups. Machar was fleeing fighting with South Sudan forces loyal to President Salva Kiir that erupted in the capital, Juba. On the key issue of Congo's vast natural resources, the panel said its preliminary investigations showed that "most gold produced in the country continued to be smuggled through neighboring countries to Dubai, United Arab Emirates." The report said the UAE has worked with the experts but "unfortunately" the panel's recommendations to Burundi, Uganda and the UAE to tackle the smuggling and reduce the quantity of gold illegally exported and sold in those countries have not been implemented. The experts said they were aware Congo's army began investigating three generals and two colonels in South Kivu in September for their alleged involvement in gold exploitation and two of the officers were suspended. Story continues While this was welcome, the report said, a senior army officer involved in the process told the experts in November "that the investigations had already ended and that there would be no prosecution." The experts expressed concern that "a failure by the Congolese authorities to prosecute would maintain a cycle of impunity" and undermine efforts to end the involvement of army officers in exploiting natural resources. In comparison with gold, the experts said, rebels have had fewer opportunities to interfere in the supply chain of three other valuable minerals tin, tantalum and tungsten but it cited a case of an armed group still earning money from these minerals. The experts also said armed groups in Congo receive only "minimal financing" from ivory poaching, with the most revenue going to foreign groups. The panel called on Congo's government to investigate and prosecute military officers allegedly involved in natural resources exploitation, to continue investigating the South Kivu officers, and to comply with mining regulations. CHERRY HILL TWP. -- A Connecticut woman is suing Cherry Hill-headquartered TD Bank over its allegedly "unlawful" overdraft fee that charges users who don't replenish their bank accounts within 10 days. Per the class action lawsuit filed Jan. 4 on behalf of Shaina Dorsey by Marlton-based lawyer Stephen DeNittis, the sustained overdraft charge of $20 is imposed after an initial charge of $35 for the overdraft itself and exceeds the limit permitted by the National Bank Act. "Unlike an initial overdraft fee, the Sustained Fee for Overdrawn Accounts is an additional charge to a customer for which the bank has provided nothing new in the way of services," the lawsuit reads. "The charge is based solely on the alleged indebtedness to the bank remaining unpaid by the customer for a period of time." According to the suit, Dorsey's checking account went into "overdraft" status in Aug. 15, 2016 and remained that way until Sept. 8, 2016. The $20 fee on Aug. 26, 2016 was in addition to six other fees totaling $210 "for transactions that created her 'overdraft' status in the first place." A TD Bank spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation. TD Bank's "Personal Deposit Agreement," which is quoted in the lawsuit, states that the institution "may charge a fee" for overdrawn accounts after 10 days, including ones with overdraft protection. The lawsuit cites U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau statistics that show "sustained negative balance" fees as a proliferating -- and purportedly profitable -- issue. A July 2014 report also shows that customers charged such a fee soon transfer funds, thus the bank's credit extension is "typically very short-term." The lawsuit further claims that transactions causing a sustained overdrawn fee are often for $50 or less. The class action suit claims that the fees are technically interest charged at an illegal rate and, when factoring for the legally permitted rates, are tens of times greater than what could be imposed. The lawsuit seeks plaintiffs who use TD Bank and were hit with the extended overdraft charges. Readers seeking additional information on the suit should visit: http://www.denittislaw.com/ Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles Will defensive end Connor Barwin (98) return to the Eagles in 2017? (Bill Streicher | USA TODAY Sports) Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin isn't exactly holding back about his desire to stay in Philadelphia, saying this Tuesday during an appearance on Comcast SportsNet. "Yes, I would take a pay cut," Barwin said. "I mean, my plan is to stay here. You know, people talk about my contract and I think, I like to think, I'm a reasonable person and I feel like I'll work with the Eagles and we'll restructure and make some kind of deal that works for everybody." Barwin is set to have a cap hit of $8.35 million in 2017, the fifth year of a six-year, $36 million contract he signed in 2013. If the Eagles release Barwin, they would save $7.75 million. The Eagles and Barwin have not yet had talks about restructuring his contract, but those talks are expected to take place, a source close to the situation informed NJ Advance Media on the condition of anonymity. For a team that is set to go into this upcoming free agency period with just $3.5 million in cap space, cutting Barwin could be a move they make to give themselves more options in terms of signing free agents. Barwin finished the 2016 season with 34 tackles and five sacks in 713 snaps, the second most of any defensive end on the team. One reason the Eagles could decide to move on from Barwin is the deal they gave defensive end Vinny Curry last offseason, a five-year, $47 million contract, the second biggest along the defensive line. Despite the big deal, Curry played just 435 snaps this past season, close to 300 less than Barwin. With the money they are set to pay Curry next season (a $9 million cap hit), the Eagles won't want to see him on the bench. It is possible the Eagles could trade Barwin, as he is considered a good outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and is just two seasons removed from making the Pro Bowl at that position. THE NO-HUDDLE SHOW: Are we still all-in on Carson Wentz? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Soundcloud or iHeartRadio. Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook. Volkswagen admitted in 2015 that it installed software in 11 million cars worldwide that reduced emissions of harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) (AFP Photo/Odd Andersen) London (AFP) - Thousands of car owners in Britain have signed up to a collective legal action against German carmaker Volkswagen over the emissions-cheating "Dieselgate" scandal, lawyers said Monday. Law firm Harcus Sinclair UK said in a statement that it had filed a group litigation order at London's High Court, which will hold its first hearing on January 30. Damon Parker, head of litigation at Harcus Sinclair, added that 10,000 individuals and a handful of companies are part of the action, seeking compensation of several thousand pounds per car. The law firm added it was the first group litigation order in relation to the scandal in Britain, where it affected 1.2 million Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen vehicles. The Dieselgate scandal blew open when Volkswagen admitted in September 2015 that it installed software in 11 million cars worldwide that reduced emissions of harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) when it detected the vehicle was undergoing tests. "We have paved the way for consumers who trusted but were let down by VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda to seek redress through our courts," said Parker in a statement. "It is only right that UK car owners affected by the scandal have the opportunity to seek compensation. We have secured funding so that those affected can bring this claim against VW at no cost to themselves. "The group action aims to ensure that, if VW is found to have misled consumers about the environmental damage caused by their cars, they are penalised accordingly so as to discourage this sort of behaviour from happening again." In reaction, Volkswagen said it would defend itself "robustly", adding it had not yet received the claims. "We have been notified that Harcus Sinclair intends to bring proceedings against Volkswagen on behalf of 77 claimants in the English High court in relation to the NOx emissions issue," VW said in a brief statement. "As we have previously said, we intend to defend such claims robustly. We havent received the claim yet, so we cannot comment further." Story continues The scandal sparked an avalanche of compensation demands from customers, investors and regulatory authorities. VW has set aside about 18 billion euros ($19 billion) to cover repairs, buy-backs and legal costs linked to the scandal, but experts believe the final bill will be much higher. Volkswagen has already agreed a $15.7 billion settlement with the US authorities and owners of affected vehicles. However the company has thus far refused to compensate its customers in Europe. Separately on Monday, VW announced that sales revved 2.8 percent higher to 5.99 million vehicles in 2016, despite strong headwinds from Dieselgate. Should Louisiana sell naming rights to fund TOPS? Board of Regents staff says yes This photo shows the existing Industrial Canal navigation lock and the three main bridges that cross it. Only the St. Claude Avenue bridge will be replaced as part of the project. The new bridge will be about the same height as the one there now. Volkswagen is on the up. The German company looks likely to have pipped Toyota to the title of the worlds biggest-selling automaker in 2016, despite a never-ending stream of dispiriting about its Dieselgate scandal. The reason is simple: in 2015, the German group had two separate crises. In addition to the diesel woes, it had a shockingly bad year in China, its most important market outside Europe, where it initially missed a shift in consumer preferences towards sport utility vehicles and crossovers. In 2016, as Dieselgate dominated the news flow in the U.S., VW was quietly putting its problems in China behind it: sales there rose over 12% to 3.98 million - almost 40% of a global sales total of 10.312 million, according to figures released by the company Tuesday. To judge by the stock markets reaction, that operational turnaround is much more important than the final acts of the Dieselgate scandal. The companys preferred stock in Frankfurt hit its highest level since the diesel scandal broke on Tuesday in reaction to the sales news. Dieselgate, when it broke, had initially wiped over 60 billion euros ($64 billion) off VWs market value. But analysts forecasts of the likely actual damage soon coalesced around 30 billion euros. So far this year, the company has paid some $17.5 billion to settle civil claims from the Justice Department and environmental regulators, and smooth the ruffled feathers of its U.S. dealers and customers. Its also paid smaller fines in countries such as South Korea, which also last week became the first country to jail a VW executive in connection with the scandal. Read More: Inside Volkswagen's Emissions Scandal But the general market view is that the bulk of the financial damage from Dieselgate is now accounted for, and that outstanding lawsuits against it will still leave the total bill well short of that 30 billion euro benchmark. How far short is another question. The company cleared up one of the biggest remaining variables on Tuesday, announcing that it is in advanced talks to settle the Department of Justices criminal investigation with a guilty plea and fines of around $4.3 billion (bringing the total in U.S. settlements to $21.8 billion). That will ensure that Dieselgate hits this years earnings too, but the company doesnt yet know how much by. Story continues Resolving the U.S. criminal investigation still leaves it facing another one in Germany, as well as civil actions in both countries from investors about its failure to warn them in a timely manner of the extent of the scandal. A German Musterklage, a lawsuit representing an individual shareholder that could be used as a template for thousands more, was filed by law firm MyRight and accepted by a court in Braunschweig last week. Tuesdays announcement of an imminent settlement appears to have been precipitated by a growing body of evidence from former employees who had agreed to turn states evidence. On Monday, VWs former head of compliance in the U.S., Oliver Schmidt, was arraigned and charged with conspiring to defraud U.S. regulators on the basis of new FBI evidence. The charges unsealed in a Florida court included a direct assertion that top management had chosen to continue lying to regulators even after Schmidt and others had briefed them on the issue of defeat devices (designed to trick emissions testers) in July 2015. James Liang had become the first VW employee to turn states evidence in September as part of a plea bargain. But on Tuesday, the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported that at least five VW employees have now turned states evidence, and that two of them have alleged that both VW brand head Herbert Diess and former Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn knew about the issue no later than July 2015. Winterkorn had resigned within days of the scandal breaking in September 2015. He has always insisted that he knew nothing of the defeat devices, and that line has been central to VWs strategy of damage limitation ever since, a strategy that has deflected blame on to a small group of supposedly rogue engineering executives below the C-suite. A spokeswoman for VW said in an e-mailed statement that Volkswagen continues to cooperate with the Department of Justice as we work to resolve remaining matters in the United States. It would not be appropriate to comment on any ongoing investigations or to discuss personnel matters." VWs statement Tuesday confirmed that it would be agreeing to a statement of facts about its deception. That will be closely parsed by the investors suing VW for details of who knew how much, when. That will have a big bearing on efforts to prove management complicity in keeping bad news from the stock market. Its still too early to say how much more such an admission could cost it. Germany has no tradition of handing down punitive fines to companies that are important employers and taxpayers. However, U.S. investors were told last week by federal judge Charles Breyer that their complaint against VW could be heard in a U.S. court too, with a nod to the Germans groups New York-listed depositary receipts. As such, those hoping that VW could walk away from Dieselgate with substantial change out of 30 billion euros might still end up disappointed. UPDATE: This story has been updated to include the news of Volkswagens statement about talks to settle the DoJs criminal case. See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com WASHINGTON (AP) The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all. If your home came with unhappy surprises like leaks, cracks, broken mechanical systems, or other defects, the financial responsibility might not be yours alone. What if something was wrong with your house at the time of purchase and someonethe seller, the property seller's real estate agent, or the inspectorcould have or should have told you about it beforehand, but failed to do so? Such problems can come to light days, weeks, or years after the sale, leaving you angry and wondering whether you really have to shoulder the entire financial burden. In such cases, you might actually be able to ask the responsible person to pitch in, and take the matter to court if they don't. Ideally, you'll be able to resolve matters without filing a lawsuit suit. To give you a picture of what might be ahead, however, this article will analyze: who might be held legally responsible, and whether going forward with a lawsuit makes sense. Minor Home Defects or Natural Aging Aren't Grounds for a Lawsuit You probably knew when you bought the house that it wasn't in perfect condition. Some problems, such as a crack in the front walk, might have been obvious. Others, such as aging plumbing, the seller might have told you about in the course of the sale. (In most states, laws require home sellers to disclose all "material" defects to prospective buyers.) Your home inspector, assuming you hired one, probably also told you about a few problems. Then after the sale, your home probably continued its normal process of aging and decaying, leaving you to deal with the consequences. None of these sorts of issues provide any grounds upon which to run back to the seller to complain. Will your insurance company cover the damage? If so, there may be no need to take action on your own. For how to work with your insurance company, see After the Fire or Disaster: Dealing with Your Insurance Company. Could the Home Seller Be Held Legally Responsible? Even if you think you've been wronged, you can't sue everyone who was involved in the sale of your home. The home seller is the first one to consider, of course. As mentioned, nearly every U.S. state has laws requiring sellers to advise buyers of certain defects in the property, typically by filling out a standard disclosure form before the sale is completed. (This responsibility remains even if you bought the house "as is.") The form usually asks the seller to state whether the property has certain features (like appliances, a roof, a foundation, systems for electricity, water, and heating, and more) and then to rate or describe their condition. Some states' disclosure laws are more comprehensive than others, and if a feature isn't on the list, the seller might not be required to speak up. Also, the seller isn't usually required to scout out problems. If there's clearly a place on the form where the seller should have stated a problem but denied it, your job is to try to figure out whether the seller in fact knew about it. For example, if the seller patched over or hid problem areas, or if the neighbors have told you about the seller's efforts to deal with a problem, the evidence is on your side. And even if you're in one of the few states with no mandated seller disclosures, it might be possible, particularly in an egregious situation, to sue the seller for: negligence fraud breach of contract breach of warranty, or negligent misrepresentation. Could the Seller's Real Estate Agent Be Held Legally Responsible? Some states' laws make sellers' real estate agents liable for failing to disclose problems they observed or were told of by the sellers, though often their duties are fairly limited. Check your state's disclosure laws and try to figure out whether the problem would have been apparent to the broker, but not to you, before the sale. Could Your Home Inspector Be Held Legally Responsible? Hopefully, you got a home inspection before buying. In theory, the inspector should have spotted problems that the seller wasn't aware of, or was turning a blind eye to. If the inspector missed problems that an expert (a professional peer) should have noticed, the inspector might be on the hook; that is, legally liable. Read over your inspection report to see what it said about the area in question. Some buyers are embarrassed to find that the problem is spelled out right in the report, or falls within an area that the inspector rightfully excluded from the report. But in other cases, the inspector failed to meet basic standards of professional competence. Do You Have a Solid Case? Once you've figured out the possible responsible parties, you'll want to know whether their actionor inactionmight entitle you to compensation. If your situation meets the criteria below, you might have a good case. We've collapsed a few legal principles into this list, but it will apply to most situations in most U.S. states. The defect was there before you bought the home. The seller couldn't have hidden problems that didn't exist during the period of ownership. Again, problems that started post-purchase or that are a natural result of the home's aging or your lapses in maintenance are yours to deal with. Of course, determining when a problem started can get complicated. For example, a blockage in your sewer line could be a new problem, or it could be a recurrence of a long-time issue with roots growing into the pipes. You might need a professional's analysis. But if the problem could have started before you bought the house, keep reading. The seller couldn't have hidden problems that didn't exist during the period of ownership. Again, problems that started post-purchase or that are a natural result of the home's aging or your lapses in maintenance are yours to deal with. Of course, determining when a problem started can get complicated. For example, a blockage in your sewer line could be a new problem, or it could be a recurrence of a long-time issue with roots growing into the pipes. You might need a professional's analysis. But if the problem could have started before you bought the house, keep reading. It's not an obvious defect that you could have seen yourself before buying. If there was a huge crack running across the living room ceiling at the open house and you've only now decided to bring it up, no dice. But if the crack was hidden by a false ceiling, the matter might be worth pursuing. Don't worry if your inspector should have seen the problem. That just means you've got a potential claim against the inspector, too. If there was a huge crack running across the living room ceiling at the open house and you've only now decided to bring it up, no dice. But if the crack was hidden by a false ceiling, the matter might be worth pursuing. Don't worry if your inspector should have seen the problem. That just means you've got a potential claim against the inspector, too. No one told you about the defect before the sale, or someone actually lied to you about it. The responsible party might have been the seller, the seller's agent, or the inspector, as explained above. The responsible party might have been the seller, the seller's agent, or the inspector, as explained above. You relied on the lies or nondisclosures. This one's usually easy. If, for example, you took the seller's word that a remodel job was up to code in deciding to buy or in setting your price, you acted in reliance. This one's usually easy. If, for example, you took the seller's word that a remodel job was up to code in deciding to buy or in setting your price, you acted in reliance. You've incurred monetary damage as a result. Your costs of repairs or related damages (such as destruction of your personal property due to a flooded basement, or a decrease in your property value due to an undisclosed environmental hazard) will become legally speaking, the "damages" that you may collecteven if you haven't paid any out-of-pocket costs yet (for example, you need a new foundation but haven't actually hired a contractor to build it). But don't expect to collect damages that go beyond the house itself, such as for your pain and suffering or lost time. Your costs of repairs or related damages (such as destruction of your personal property due to a flooded basement, or a decrease in your property value due to an undisclosed environmental hazard) will become legally speaking, the "damages" that you may collecteven if you haven't paid any out-of-pocket costs yet (for example, you need a new foundation but haven't actually hired a contractor to build it). But don't expect to collect damages that go beyond the house itself, such as for your pain and suffering or lost time. You're within any appropriate deadlines ("statutes of limitation"). Every state puts limits on how long you have, from the date you discover a problem or reasonably should have discovered it, to sue someone. The legislators don't want you dragging the seller into court 20 years after the sale, when no one recalls what happened. Most statutes of limitations are somewhere between two and ten years, but this will depend on where you are and what type of claim you have. Even if you think you meet the above criteria, remember that in an actual lawsuit, it will be your job to convince a judge. Hence the more evidence you can start gathering, the better. Legal Basis for Filing a Lawsuit In legalese, you could potentially sue someone based on any of the following principles, or some combination of them: Again, the law in your state will govern which theory might best fit your case. Where to Sue Over Home Defects Your main options for actually filing a lawsuit include: small claims court, if the damages are under a certain limit, or state court. Filing in small claims court allows you to proceed with your case without a lot of the expensive administrative hassles of a "regular" lawsuit. You can represent yourself (in some states, attorneys are actually forbidden), the rules are typically not as rigid, and your case should be resolved relatively quickly. However, every state places a dollar limit on the amount of damages you can sue forusually somewhere between $1,500 and $15,000. To find your state's exact limit, see 50-State Chart of Small Claims Court Limits. Even if your damages are over the limitfor example, if the repairs cost $8,000 and the limit is $5,000bringing a suit for $5,000 and forgetting about the rest might make economic sense because you will save time and attorney's fees. If the amount of monetary damages you're asking for exceeds the small claims court limit, your next option is filing suit in state court, most likely with the help of an attorney. Some attorneys will take this type of case on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay a fee upfront but pay a large percentage (30-40%) of the damage award. You might still be responsible for paying court costs and other fees, plus expenses such as the attorney's phone calls and postage. Or, the court may award reimbursement of attorney's fees as part of your damages. Welcome to nonleaguedaily.coms news provision, your go-to source for all non league updates, rumours, interviews, and much more besides. Founded by a team with a genuine passion for the world of non league football, nonleaguedaily.com understands exactly what supporters of the so-called lower leagues are looking for. You want the high-quality reporting, in-depth analysis, and match reporting that matches that is more commonly found in the journalism for the top flights, but with the focus firmly fixed on the national leagues. We understand that your passion, interest, and dedication is constant, and we believe you need a news service that matches that commitment with its own dedication and thoroughness so thats what you can expect from our site. The latest non league news, as and when it happens Conventionally, non league news has always travelled fairly slowly, especially when compared to the instantaneous, constant breaking news cycles found in the upper leagues. Tales are told on terraces, rumours passed between pub patrons and circled between supporters at the latest game, often forced to remain somewhat local initially before word eventually spreads to other locales. For us, this slow spread may be fairly organic in nature, but it simply isnt compatible with the modern football environment. Its also not conducive to the current fast-paced, always-available media landscape, nor the way that people tend to consume news nowadays. Thats why we have put together a non league news source that fans can turn to for the latest updates, as and when they happen, and as and when you want to read them. Non-league news now is the only acceptable speed at Betting.co.uk. We update our non-league football news coverage constantly, bringing you all the latest developments and seeking to spread the word as quickly and accurately as possible. So if youre wondering whats happening both with your local team and with the lower leagues as a whole, you can visit us for non league news now, and be confident the stories you find are completely up to date. News reported by passionate fans Our efforts to bring you the very best non league football news are undeniably a professional concern, and one that we take seriously. We are if youll excuse the uncharacteristic tooting of our own horns good at what we do, and we know that the efforts we make in this regard are one of the reasons our site has enjoyed such success thus far. However, everyone who writes for us also shares our readers enthusiasm for non league football. Were not just churning out content in the hopes of cashing in on a professional dream; were here because we want to be, and will always be dedicated and committed to non league football as an entity and thriving in the experience of being able to talk about our favourite subject whenever we can. We create non-league news now that is written by genuine fans and enthusiasts, for fans. We know what you want to know and what matters most to an ardent non league supporter, and we always ensure that focusing on these elements is our guiding principle as we seek to solidify our status as an online non league paper fans can always rely on. When compiling non league news, we think with the mind of a fan first and foremost. We cover the angles and stories that we find compelling and that we know our fellow non league enthusiasts also care about. News doesnt have to be dry and formulaic, in our opinion. When its written by people who are genuinely as fascinated by the stories they are reporting on as their readership will be, we believe news can be interesting, compelling, and even have a sense of personality and humour. News content written with passion and expertise We believe that thanks to our dedication, insightfulness, and commitment to our subject matter of non league today, we are offering the best of both worlds to those searching for an online non league paper. We give you the professional approach we feel is appropriate for news about one of the most intriguing aspects of UK football; an aspect that we genuinely feel does not receive the interest and plaudits that it should be generating. Nevertheless, we dont let that professionalism take over everything we do: we remain committed fans, nurturing our own personal interest in non league football and ensuring every word we compose is infused with a sense of passion and dedication that enhances the posts we create. Its therefore obvious that our non-league content today isnt ever going to be dry, basic, or put together by a tired staff writer who has never heard of any team below the Championship before they rush off to the pub for the evening. Our writers are genuine experts: were covering non league football because we want to, because we believe in it, and because its where our strengths lie. The result is informed content that capitalises on our deep knowledge of the history, as well as the present-day realities, of non league football in the UK. Beyond news: the nonleaguedaily.com interview series One of our goals with nonleaguedaily.com is to not just dryly report the news from an outsiders perspective, effectively regurgitating press releases that are devoid of genuinely illuminating information. We also go right to the source of the stories: the managers and club insiders who have direct experience, and often influence, on the sport and how it is managed. We regularly conduct interviews as part of our news provision, asking the questions that are on everyones lips and providing the best possible view into the non league world. We have reporters pitchside at matches, microphone to hand and plentiful questions ready to be asked. The end result for you, the reader, is the kind of information and close-up looks into the non league world that just cant be found anywhere else. As our commitment to providing interesting interviews amply demonstrates, we want to be involved in breaking the stories that everyone then talks about, rather than following along and focusing solely on what everyone already knows. If youre looking for leading content that you cant find anywhere else, and that goes right to the centre of the non league world, then you can turn to nonleaguedaily.com for all the benefits of a conventional non league paper, but in electronic, easily-accessed form. A host of other content to enjoy alongside the non league today Our focus on providing non league news will always be maintained: we consider this aspect the most important of what we do, and it will always be the recipient of our time, dedication, and interest. Well be here, a consistent and trustworthy news portal, for as long as non league football news exists. With that said, when you have read up on the latest goings-on, were here with further content for you to enjoy. Naturally, given our partnership with leading brand Betting.co.uk, we provide guidelines for those interested in the world of sports betting. Well help you find the best UK bookmaker with our plentiful coverage of existing brands; ideal if youre looking to put your newfound knowledge, courtesy of us, about non league to use and place a few bets. Furthermore, we also provide highlights of all the latest UK betting offers, so you can ensure youre achieving the best value with all the latest betting deals whenever youre betting on the latest non league matches. Youll find all of this coverage is as consistent and reliable as our non league news provision, Non league features and deep dives Returning to the world of non league football, we also provide a range of feature content that goes deeper and further into the non league world than ever before. Less instantaneously topical but still hugely relevant to the modern game, our features are the dream deep dives that we feel non league fans deserve. Were always striving to do better, offer more, and ensure that non league fans can enjoy the same wealth of content as followers of the top tiers, so you can expect top-flight content with the same commitment and dedication as found throughout the upper echelons of the sport. So whether youre looking to find the most recent non league football news, seeking a new bookmaker for your non league bets, or hoping to delve deep into a niche non league-related topic, nonleaguedaily.com is always going to be worth a visit. Return to nonleaguedaily.com for all your non league news needs Weve told you what you can expect from nonleaguedaily.coms news; now we need to put our confidence where our promises are, make sure we deliver on those promises, and establish trust as an online non league paper you can trust. We look forward to welcoming you back to our news section and showcasing the best we have to offer, from exciting new non league interviews to cutting-edge news to transfer speculation. If you want to truly have your finger on the non league pulse, then nonleaguedaily.com is always going to be here for you. FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit. A former North Platte travel agent will serve prison time for stealing money from at least 20 customers. Ella Mae Sculley, 58, was sentenced Monday in Lincoln County District Court to three to six years in prison for theft by deception. Sculley was arrested after a Moorefield couple reported that a family trip to Hawaii, planned through the North Platte travel agent, didnt pan out. Despite having paid more than $18,000, the couple learned their trip was never scheduled. Investigation showed Sculley received the payment but didnt book the trip. Once that got into the paper, we had 19 more victims come forward, said Lincoln County Attorney Rebecca Harling. Some customers received less of a vacation than they thought they paid for. Others, like the first couple, lost everything. The court received 19 letters of support on behalf of Sculley. Despite those, theres 20 victims, Harling said, that we know of. Sculleys attorney, Russ Jones, apologized to the victims of Sculleys theft. After having knee surgery, he said, Sculley fell behind on payments and resorted to robbing Peter to pay Paul. She is working through her troubles, including depression, he said. Jones said although Sculley had past prior convictions including for theft she used her time on probation to pay restitution in full. He asked she be given the opportunity to do so again and added that her son had offered to help. If she failed to pay the victims back, "then you can send her to prison, he said. Harling said she had to make a tough call in recommending prison those sentenced to prison do not pay restitution. I think all of us want to make the victims whole, she said, but she said she also didnt want Sculley to get off easy. Given the amount of money that Sculley stole, I dont know that we would get restitution, anyway, she said. Sculley gave a tearful apology for the thefts before Judge Donald Rowlands sentenced her. Rowlands agreed with Harling, in that Sculley likely would be unable to pay such a substantial amount of money back. If this was a first offense or if there were fewer victims, the court might look on this differently, he said. He also noted Sculleys prior convictions, saying, You obviously have not learned your lesson. Sculley cried audibly as Rowlands read the sentence. Jones asked that Sculley be given a day to report for prison, as her grandchild was being born at the time of the hearing. Harling said her only objection was the potential of creating a slippery slope for future defendants. Some defendants who are sentenced to jail are given time to settle matters and report later. But Harling said that prison sentences carry a heavier risk of a defendant fleeing. Rowlands agreed that prison sentences should begin immediately, and Sculley was transferred to prison Monday afternoon. LINCOLN Gov. Pete Ricketts wants to move oversight of Nebraskas veterans homes to the State Department of Veterans Affairs, saying the change would better assist those whove served in the military while tapping federal funds to help cover $1.4 million in expenses currently paid by the state. The governor urged Nebraska lawmakers on Monday to pass a bill that would transfer management of the states four veterans homes out of the Department of Health and Human Services, where it has been since 1996. The Division of Veterans Homes operates residential centers in Bellevue, Norfolk, Grand Island and Scottsbluff, providing about 550 veterans and their spouses with services including assisted living and skilled nursing care. Merging the division with the Veterans Affairs Department just makes sense, the governor said Monday during a State Capitol press conference attended by more than 50 military veterans. What we hope to accomplish is to create a one-stop shop for all our veterans, Ricketts said. Officials with several veterans service groups applauded the concept. Beth Linn of Scottsbluff, commander of the American Legion of Nebraska, called such a change long overdue. This legislation puts the care and treatment of our veterans where it belongs, she said. John Hilgert, director of the Veterans Affairs Department, said he first heard the idea discussed in the mid-1990s when he was a state senator from Omaha. It just never was made a priority until now, he added. Hilgert has long managed the homes, but putting them directly under the control of his department would allow $1.4 million currently spent from the states general fund to be covered by the federal government, he said. John McNally, deputy director of the state VA, said the funds come from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which pays for the care of some veterans. Currently, those funds go to HHS. The merger could help maximize those funds by allowing state veterans services officers to work more closely with veterans home employees on getting all claims filed and getting them handled promptly. A bill to authorize the merger will be introduced on the governors behalf by State Sen. John Murante of Gretna, who chairs the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. He predicted the committee will be receptive to the proposal. None of the nearly 900 HHS employees who currently work in the homes will be laid off or required to reapply for their jobs if lawmakers adopt the change, Hilgert said. Ron Ingram of Papillion, who served as an Army medic in the Vietnam War and is a volunteer at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue, said he believes the change would better serve the states veterans. But Mike Marvin, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, the largest state employee union, called the transfer a mistake. He said Hilgert has been in charge while staff turnover at the homes has reached alarming proportions. According to the State Personnel Almanac, turnover among staff care technicians reached 94 percent in 2015. McNally responded by saying that Hilgert could re-evaluate all aspects of the homes if the transfer goes through. He said the re-evaluation could include recommendations about employee pay levels. With 143,000 military veterans living in Nebraska, Hilgert said he expects the number of veterans who will someday reside in the states homes to increase. In related news, Hilgert said construction of the new veterans home in Kearney remains on schedule to open in fall 2018. The home will replace the one currently operating in Grand Island. "The Biggest Loser" season 14 winner Danni Allen will appear at the grand opening of a new Planet Fitness gym in Hobart. Allen, who shrunk from 258 pounds to 137 pounds in the 2013 taping of the show, will sign autographs, take pictures and dispense workout advice from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the new gym at 1901 E. 37th Ave. in Hobart. A grand opening ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. Allen lost nearly half her body weight 121 pounds total during the long-running inspirational weight loss show on NBC. As part of the appearance, she'll exercise with select gym members during two separate training sessions at the new 18,000-square-foot Planet Fitness behind the Paragon Restaurant. "We are ecstatic to bring Planet Fitness to Hobart, Planet Fitness franchisee Kristine Raimondo said. Our Schererville, Hammond, and Crown Point clubs have been so well received, we want to continue providing residents of Northwest Indiana with a high-quality fitness experience at an affordable cost. We look forward to continuing this expectation in Hobart. The new gym in Hobart has 26 flat-screen televisions, brand new exercise equipment, HydroMassage beds, tanning booths, and a 30-minute express circuit for those who can only cram a quick workout into their busy schedules. New Hampshire-based Planet Fitness is known for offering free pizza and bagels once a month, and banning "lunkhead" behaviors like grunting or dropping weights in an intimidating way. The fast-growing "everyman" gym now has 1,200 locations and 8.7 million members across the country. The new Hobart gym is open 24 hours during weekdays, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call 219-940-3956. PORTAGE Charges were filed Monday in the weekend shooting of a 20-year-old Portage man, and police are asking the public to help find a man suspected to have a role in the shooting. Isaih Darnell-Lenburg, 19, of Portage, was charged Monday with aiding an aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony. Darnell-Lenburg is described as white, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. According to court documents, Darnell-Lenburg is believed to have driven the getaway car after the shooting. Police said the victim, who lives in the 1700 block of Lincoln Street, was apparently shot with some type of high-powered rifle. Police believe he was shot in the back and the bullet exited from his lower pelvic region. Police said the victim underwent surgery and on Monday was in serious but stable condition. Police were called at 12:24 p.m. Saturday to the 1700 block of Lincoln Street for a report of a gunshot in the area. A witness told police she was inside her home, heard a loud noise outside, and went to her window, where she saw the victim lying on his back in the driveway. She said he struggled to get to his feet, and eventually crawled into his breezeway. She said she saw other men in the breezeway "acting frantic." According to court documents, an SUV pulled up in front of the house and two of the men in the driveway left with the driver of the SUV. Police said another man at the scene tried to catch up with the vehicle but was left behind. He ran from the area, police said. Another neighbor told police he saw the SUV as he was returning to his home. After he went inside, his wife saw two men with large bags run to the vehicle. Believing someone's home had been burglarized, the neighbor got into his own vehicle and followed the SUV into Gary, where he eventually lost sight of it. The victim told police the three "intruders" broke into his home while he was asleep and beat him up. He told police the driver of the SUV was Darnell-Lenburg, who was described as the victim's friend. The victim told police the intruders were wearing all black and ski masks and that he did not recognize them. According to court documents, detectives learned that Darnell-Lenburg's mother owned an SUV that matched the description given by witnesses. She told police her son called her about 1:30 p.m. Saturday to tell her the SUV was parked in an alley in Gary, and that she had a friend drive her to pick up the vehicle. She told police she did not know why her son left the vehicle in the alley. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Darnell-Lenburg or about other possible suspects should contact Capt. Joe Reynolds at 219-764-5704, or leave a message at the Portage Police Department Facebook page. HOBART Police are looking for a man suspected of stealing a donation jar. A man entered a gas station near 61st Avenue and Interstate 65 at 9:51 p.m. Dec. 28 and engaged the clerk in conversation. Police said once the clerk walked away, the man reached over the counter and grabbed a Children's Miracle donation jar before exiting the gas station. The suspect is described a black and about 50 years old. A witness told police he thought he recognized the suspect from his childhood neighborhood in Merrillville and that his name may be Steve. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. James Gonzalez at 219-942-4405 or jgonzalez@cityofhobart.org. LAPORTE The LaPorte County Sheriff's Department is investigating two recent residential burglaries and the burglary of a business, all in the northeast section of the county. The first residential burglary occurred between 4 and 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 3 in the 4400 East block of County Road 800 North, police said. Forced entry was made into the home, and several firearms were taken. Some of the firearms were kept in a safe, which was later found near county roads 500 East and 900 North. The second residential burglary occurred between 3 and 11 p.m. Jan. 5 in the 3900 East block of County Road 800 North, police said. A handgun and cash were taken in the burglary. Police said they responded during the early morning hours Saturday to a burglary at Jenny Raes Restaurant, in the 5000 East block of U.S. 20 near Rolling Prairie. Entry was gained by forcing a back door open. Though nothing was taken in the burglary, the stores cash register was found outside, police said. Technicians were able to recover physical evidence at the scenes of all three burglaries, police said. Investigators also have learned that prior to the residential burglaries, neighbors reported seeing a red minivan and a black coupe, possibly a Hyundai, in the areas. Sheriffs police ask that anyone with information regarding these crimes call 219-326-7700. The department also encourage residemts to report suspicious activity. CROWN POINT A local judge ruled Friday that Darren Vann can take his constitutional challenge of the state's death penalty to a higher court. Vann, who is charged with murder in the slaying of seven women, filed a motion Aug. 5 requesting that Judge Samuel L. Cappas rule that the state's death penalty statutes violated his constitutional rights. Vann, 44, of Gary, argued jurors in Indiana should be instructed that the aggravating factors in favor of execution must outweigh the mitigating factors beyond a reasonable doubt, but currently the state does not require jurors to use the reasonable doubt standard in considering punishment. Vann further argued the state's statutes currently allow the judge to impose death if the jury fails to reach a conclusion, which is beyond the judge's powers. Cappas denied Vann's motion on Nov. 14. Cappas determined that federal law only requires the jury to decide beyond a reasonable doubt whether a defendant is eligible for the death penalty, not whether to impose that penalty. Cappas also stated the state's death penalty statutes would be unconstitutional only if the jury's decision on punishment is advisory, and may be disregarded by the judge in favor of a contrary sentence. Vann requested Cappas allow him to appeal the judge's decision in a Dec. 13 motion, which was not opposed by the state. Vann is currently the only defendant in Lake County facing the death penalty after he was charged in October 2014 in the murder of two women at local motels. Vann was charged in March in the deaths of five more women after their bodies were found decomposing in vacant buildings throughout Gary. INDIANAPOLIS Gov. Eric Holcomb did not wait long to follow through on his campaign promise to vigorously combat Indiana's drug abuse epidemic. The Republican signed an executive order mere hours after his inauguration Monday creating the position of executive director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement. The order charges that person with coordinating all state and private-sector efforts to reduce drug use in Indiana. "Since 1999, Indiana has seen a 500 percent increase in drug overdose deaths. This is an epidemic tragically affecting Hoosiers from every walk of life in every part of our state," Holcomb said. "This new position will provide the urgent and concerted attention required to effectively reduce the impact drug addiction is having on families, individuals and children." The governor appointed Jim McClelland, the retired CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, to the post. As a sign of McClelland's importance, he was given a Statehouse office just steps away from Holcomb's office suite. McClelland will serve as the governor's representative and chairman of the recently established Indiana Commission to Combat Drug Abuse, which is tasked with keeping tabs on substance abuse across Indiana and promoting treatment and prevention programs. In addition, McClelland is authorized to interact, engage and coordinate with any state employee or agency, as needed, to respond to the drug epidemic. "This dangerous and destructive trend of drug abuse in our state requires urgent and concerted action by all elements of Indiana state government in order to promptly and effectively reduce the terrible impact this epidemic is having on Indiana's citizens," Holcomb said. Besides the significant rise in drug overdose deaths, the prevalence of drug abuse in Indiana has resulted in the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV infections tied to the shared use of dirty needles for injecting heroin and other opioid drugs. Indiana also saw the most pharmacy robberies of any state in both 2015 and 2016 as drug users resorted to crime to get their fix, or bypass the state's increasingly strict opioid prescribing laws. Holcomb this year is asking the Republican-controlled General Assembly to enhance the criminal penalties for robbery when a perpetrator targets a pharmacy. At the same time, he wants lawmakers to make it easier for counties to set up needle exchange programs to reduce infectious disease tied to drug abuse. GARY Several shootings and a stabbing last weekend left five people wounded, police said. A 25-year-old man was shot multiple times about 5 a.m. Sunday in the 1400 block of East 35th Place, police said. The man, whose last known address was in Merrillville, ran to a nearby residence for help. He was taken to a local hospital and later transferred to an Illinois hospital, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sgt. William Fazekas at 219-881-1210. Police responded about 3:45 p.m. Saturday to Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus in Merrillville after a 20-year-old Merrillville man and a 20-year-old Gary man showed up there with gunshot wounds, Lt. Thomas Pawlak said. The men told police they were in a vehicle in the 400 block of Morningside Avenue in the city's Glen Park section when they heard shots. Each man was shot multiple times, and one of them drove the vehicle to the hospital, Pawlak said. About 9:40 p.m. Saturday, police responded to the 4500 block of East 13th Place for a shooting. Two men knocked on a 53-year-old resident's door and asked if the man was home, police said. When the man showed up at his door, the pair barged in and hit the man several times in the face, Pawlak said. The man was shot as he fought back. The 53-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to his thigh and was taken to a local hospital, he said. Anyone with information about Saturday's shootings is asked to call Detective Sgt. Gregory Wolf at 219-881-1210. On Friday afternoon, police found a 39-year-old Gary man lying faceup on the ground with multiple stab wounds, Pawlak said. The man fought with police and medics, and the circumstances surrounding his stabbing remained unclear Monday, police said. He suffered about 10 stab wounds. Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call Detective Sgt. Jon Basaldua at 219-881-1210. The Gary Police Department's anonymous crime tip line is 866-CRIME-GP. CROWN POINT A 21-year-old Hammond man was sentenced Monday to four years in prison for reckless homicide in the unintentional shooting death of 19-year-old Temetreis Fields. Anfernee D. White told Judge Diane Boswell at the hearing he was sorry he caused Fields' death when he accidentally discharged a firearm March 21, 2017 at a residence in the 4900 block of Aster Street in East Chicago. The men were allegedly smoking marijuana when White fired the gun, which struck Fields' in the neck, according to court records. White was on bail at the time of the shooting for carrying a handgun without a license, records state. The defendant said Fields was a friend he knew for seven years and he thought often about what happened. I've never been in bad trouble in my life, White said. But prosecutor Judith Massa said White's actions were reckless, and as a result a 19-year-old man with plans to attend college instead was buried. Jones' mother, Monica Webster, told the judge her son donated his organs, which saved the lives of six other people. She said it was a never-ending nightmare knowing her son was dead and she could not sleep. I have visions of my son lying in the casket and being lowered into the grave, his final resting place, she said. White's oldest sister, Jessica Luckett, said she felt an incredible weight of guilt because she was not there to protect her brother. I've never wanted to say goodbye, because goodbyes are forever, she said, her eyes closed tight as she sobbed. But I had to say goodbye to my brother. Massa said at the hearing White's was the third homicide case Boswell has presided over since the start of the new year. White was provided credit for the 295 days he has been jailed while awaiting adjudication. White pleaded guilty to reckless homicide Dec. 5, according to records. CROWN POINT Two 18-year-old men were charged Saturday with murder in the shooting death of 21-year-old Angel Rivera in East Chicago. Deandre R. Bass and Devion T. Jones are alleged to have shot Rivera at about 12:46 p.m. Dec. 26 at the intersection of East Chicago and Alexander avenues, according to a probable cause affidavit. Police were dispatched to the scene after the city's gunfire locator indicated five gunshots were fired in the area, the affidavit states. Three spent .45 caliber shell casings were found in front of a building at 701 E. Chicago Ave., according to the affidavit. Police learned Rivera was transported to St. Catherine's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A witness at the hospital told police he and Rivera were sitting in his vehicle at the intersection when a second vehicle pulled up and fired several shots at Rivera through the passenger-side window, the affidavit states. Police obtained surveillance footage from a nearby business that showed the suspect vehicle was a tan-colored Chevrolet Impala with a temporary license plate, the affidavit states. The Chevrolet Impala matched the description of a suspect vehicle reported at the scene of the Dec. 2 homicide of 22-year-old Terance Jackson, according to the affidavit. Police learned through investigation the suspects in Jackson's shooting used the aliases Dman and Djones, the affidavit states. Bass, who uses the alias Dman, was stopped by an East Chicago police officer Dec. 10 operating a Chevrolet Impala with a temporary license plate, the affidavit states. Police obtained surveillance footage from the East Chicago Maintenance Building that showed Bass and Jones leaving Bass' residence in the 4700 block of Larkspur Street in a Chevrolet Impala near the time of Rivera's shooting, the affidavit states. The men returned in the vehicle about one minute after Rivera is believed to have been shot, according to the affidavit. Police executed a search warrant at Bass' residence on Jan. 6 and the men were arrested, the affidavit states. Both men denied shooting Rivera, but they provided contradictory statements about their whereabouts on the day of the shooting, the affidavit states. Both men are being held without bond. EAST CHICAGO U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, said Monday he was unhappy with how EPA handled the release of information about lead found in drinking water at 18 of 43 homes in the USS Lead Superfund site. The congressman told residents at a forum at City Hall the EPA failed to tell individual homeowners the cause of the high lead results in their water and the resources available to them. The city's water filtration plants meet all federal and environmental standards, and they are not the source of the lead in residents' drinking water, Visclosky said. Chris Korleski, EPA Region 5 water division director, said after the meeting that employees from the federal agency called each of the residents in early December about drinking water testing. EPA employees read from a prepared script, which stated it's likely a large percentage of service lines in East Chicago are made from lead. "We thought that we were making it clear here that the issue was in the service lines or the home's plumbing," Korleski said. Residents at each of the 43 homes tested were given water filters with instructions on how to maintain them, he said. EPA worked with the city and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management during the week residents were notified, and documents posted at the city's website state how lead gets into drinking water, he said. The city recently announced EPA found high lead levels in water at some of the homes in the Superfund site as part of a pilot program to determine if excavation would cause lead to flake from service lines and enter the water supply. The high lead levels were found before excavation was started; EPA has not yet released results from post-excavation testing. City officials have said the lead came from aging service lines, not the city filtration plants or water mains. East Chicago, like many cities in the United States, has many aging lead service lines. City and EPA officials have said no additional water testing is planned. IDEM advised the city in September to change its corrosion control blend to further prevent lead from leaching into the into customer service lines, documents show. The change will help protect all city residents, officials said. Visclosky said he is working to designate a staff member in his office to work specifically with Superfund residents. His office is also researching funding to provide water filters to residents, he said. "I cannot promise anything, but we will continue to work as hard as possible," he said. Several residents asked if Visclosky would support a request for an emergency declaration to bring in additional funding to deal with the crisis. The congressman said Mayor Anthony Copeland submitted a request for a declaration to the governor's office, and residents will need to inquire in Indianapolis about its status. Visclosky also reiterated that he and other elected federal officials are seeking funding for demolition of the West Calumet Housing Complex while simultaneously working on identifying funding to help its more than 1,000 residents relocate. About one-third of the families at the complex have moved, he said. Lead and arsenic contamination in the soil at the complex in some cases was found to be more than 200 times the EPA's allowable limit for residential use. The complex is located in one of three residential cleanup zones in the USS Lead Superfund site, which includes the entire Calumet neighborhood and the USS Lead factory site off Kennedy Avenue. The EPA began cleanup in the middle and eastern parts of the neighborhood last summer but suspended work for the winter. Lead in the soil is not related to lead in the drinking water, officials said. VALPARAISO City officials on Tuesday heard plans for a new business where customers will be in a hurry to leave. Ronald "Bucky" Bachurek, of Chesterton, owner of Survival Escape Rooms, presented plans for his new business at 1555 W. Lincolnway, Suite 103, to the city's Site Review Committee. Bachurek said he hopes to open in March. Bachurek, 50, who retired from the banking industry, said he did some acting in a haunted house and fell in love with the idea of providing customers with an exciting experience. The escape rooms will have a variety of themes, but will not be horror themed, he said. All of the rooms will be family friendly and he hopes to attract families who will bring children and grandparents to solve puzzles inside a room before the clock runs out. Typical session will run one hour, he said. And despite the name, no one is locked in a room. Customers can leave at any time. But if a customer leaves, he or she cannot re-enter the room. Customers are constantly watched by a game master, someone who will monitor the puzzle and give clues, if necessary or change up a puzzle to ensure the participants are having a good time. Bachurek said he chose Valparaiso because it's a growing community and because he hopes to attract students from Valparaiso University. Designer Colin Dwyer-Keon hopes to book groups from local companies and use the puzzle-solving session as a team-building experience. The building, which also houses Four Fathers Brewing, has two floors. They will operate three rooms, each with a different puzzle, which will typically have six to eight players at a time. The cost will be about $30 per person, with a discount for students, Bachurek said. City officials had few comments about the plans for the business, but said a second restroom might be required by state law. For more information, go to the Survival Escape Rooms Facebook page, or call (312) 313-2742. Espionage Escape Rooms owners came before the city's Site Review Committee in November and plan to open Friday at 103 E. Morthland Drive. ELKHART, Ind. Two proposed bills in the Indiana Legislature aim to exempt out-of-state buyers of recreational vehicles from having to pay state sales tax, even if their states don't have a reciprocal agreement in place. Forty-one states currently have reciprocal agreements with Indiana that exempts the 7 percent state sales tax, The Elkhart Truth reported. Residents of the other nine states, which include Michigan, Florida and California, could potentially pay the tax in addition to sales tax in their home state. Republican state Sen. Blake Doriot said numerous RV dealers have told him they've lost significant business due to out-of-state buyers going elsewhere to avoid double taxation, which he says impacts RV dealers as well as other industries in Elkhart County. Bills regarding the state sales tax have been proposed in the past but none have been considered. That's in part because, as the Legislative Services Agencies' fiscal analysis accompanying the bill states, it would "reduce sales tax revenue to the state by a potentially significant amount." For the 2018 fiscal year, the agency estimates the state could lose a total of $2.6 million in revenue and $2.8 million in 2019. But Ron Breymier, spokesman of the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association-Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council, argued that the analysis is shortsighted and doesn't show the actual impact changes to the sales tax system could have on the RV industry. "The state is using 2012 Bureau of Motor Vehicle records to compile its stats and there is no sales data," he disputed. Breymier said the RV industry is armed with an abundance of information that he hopes can be used to sway hesitant lawmakers. A recent study of the RV industry shows it has a $9.5 billion impact on the state's economy and that it employs over 22,500 local residents. Breymier said the Legislative Service Agency has not accounted for the large number of RVs that are already sold out of state and aren't required to pay any sales tax in Indiana. "When the bill was first introduced all states were required to pay Indiana sales tax, but that has been slowly chipped away and now we are down to nine. Those nine however are critical states," he said. After its president was arrested and indicted last year on corruption charges, the citys correction officers union is trying to flex its political muscle ahead of this years citywide elections. NY1 has exclusively obtained a new mailer the union is sending out in City Councilman Danny Dromms Queens district. It slams him for allegedly focusing more on crime on Rikers Island than in his own district. Dromm has been a vocal supporter of shutting Rikers Island down. "The intent is to let politicians like Danny Dromm know that correction officers are tired of being used as a scapegoat or demonized," said COBA President Elias Husamudeen. In response, Dromm released a statement: "This flyer illustrates the twisted logic and misplaced priorities of a failed leadership desperate to change the subject from its legacy of corruption," the statement read in part. "I will never back down from doing what is right for my community regardless of the opposition. With less than two weeks to go as Commander-in-Chief, President Obama is preparing to deliver his farewell address tonight from his hometown of Chicago. The President will be joined by First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the McCormick Place convention center. His advisers say his speech will focus on the country's future, and how the American people can help build on his successes and move the nation forward. The address continues a tradition set in 1796 when George Washington addressed the American people for the last time as president. NY1 will bring you the President's remarks live at 9 p.m. NEW YORK - A beloved NYPD detective who was left paralyzed from the neck down following an infamous 1986 shooting in Central Park died Tuesday. Steven McDonald suffered a heart attack last Friday on Long Island and never regained consciousness. The NYPD says he died surrounded by family at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset after being taken off life support on Tuesday morning. He was 59 years old. The department honored him with a procession outside the hospital. NYPD officers gathered as McDonald's body was taken away in an police ambulance. "He's a terrific guy, a tremendous person," said Chief James Secreto of NYPD Housing. "They don't come like him. They just don't come like him, any better a person than him." McDonald's faith and perseverance, his upbeat outlook despite his paralysis and his decision to forgive his shooter made him an inspiration to many. McDonald was on an undercover patrol in Central Park one afternoon in 1986 when he stopped a group of teens who he though had a gun. Shavod Jones, 15, pulled out a handgun and shot him. "Shot me in the head and then shot me in the throat, and I as I laid on the ground, he stepped over me and fired a third shot into me," McDonald recalled in an interview with NY1s Dean Meminger last month. McDonald later forgave Jones, who died in a motorcycle crash a four days after he was paroled from prison in 1995. Jones served 8 1/2 years of a sentence issued under guidelines for juvenile offenders. Doctors initially estimated McDonald would live for only five years after the shooting, but with the help of a ventilator, he beat their prognosis, and remained on the NYPD, receiving a promotion to detective. He spent several days a week telling his story to other officers and community members, using it to spread a message of peace, and for police and the communities they patrol to better understand each other. He also was an advocate of suicide prevention, having once contemplated taking his own life. In a meeting with officers in the 33rd Precinct in Washington Heights last month, McDonald encouraged them to use professional tactics to protect themselves and the community. "I want them all to be safe," McDonald said afterward. "I don't want anybody to be hurt like I was hurt. As far as the community, I have always seen the best in them. We work very well together." McDonalds son Conor is a sergeant in the NYPD, following in his fathers footsteps. Both father and son credited Steven McDonalds forgiveness of the teen that shot him with prolonging his life. "If he did not let love in and forgive Shavod Jones, I don't think my dad would be here," Conor McDonald told NY1 last month. "I think that hate would have eaten him alive and he would be six feet under right now, and I would not have the relationship that I have." "He transcended the hatred and was able to publicly forgive his assailant. That takes a special human being," said Michael Palladino, president of the Detectives' Endowment Association. In a statement, Mayor de Blasio said McDonald "for 30 years has been this city's greatest example of heroism and grace." "The story of Detective Steven McDonald needs to be understood across the United States, especially as we work to heal the wounds of the past. There is no greater example of honor and service to others. Let it be our mission to continue his work," de Blasio's statement reads, in part. The Mayor's Office says flags have been lowered to half-staff by order of the mayor as a sign of respect for McDonald. Tributes to McDonald from prominent members of the law enforcement community poured in Tuesday afternoon after his death was announced. Det. McDonald, 59, who loved cops/community/life & @NYRangers, has passed. Source of inspiration & incredible hope to people the world over. pic.twitter.com/GT73wIhJ3y Commissioner O'Neill (@NYPDONeill) January 10, 2017 There are no words. New York City Police Detective Steven McDonald, EOW: January 10, 2017. Shot in the line of duty July 12, 1986. #RIP pic.twitter.com/11RTqMexb7 Bernard B. Kerik (@BernardKerik) January 10, 2017 In a statement, PBA President Pat Lynch said, "Steven McDonald was the most courageous and forgiving man I have ever known. Despite the tremendous pain in his life, both physical and emotional, his concern for his fellow police officers and for the people of New York City never wavered. Since that fateful day in 1986, Steven dedicated his life to fighting hate and encouraging forgiveness through his actions. He was a powerful force for all that is good and is an inspiration to all of us. His, was a life well lived. We join his family, a true New York City police family, his friends and fellow officers in prayer and mourning the loss of a truly special man. He was a true American hero." McDonald was a big Rangers fan. The team named an award after him and presented it every year to a player who "goes above and beyond the normal call of duty." The team posted a video tribute to McDonald Tuesday afternoon on Twitter. Rest In Peace Steven McDonald. Our friend. Our hero. Above and beyond. pic.twitter.com/6xOHSGnlyO New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 10, 2017 McDonald's survivors include his son and his wife, Patricia Ann Norris-McDonald, who was his caregiver. According to the NYPD's ceremonial unit, a viewing for McDonald will be held Wednesday and Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on both days, at St. Agnes Parish Center in Rockville Centre on Long Island. His funeral will be held Friday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan. No warmth? No matter to some hearty fishermen who were out along the city's waters on Monday despite the bone-chilling temperatures. Our Ruschell Boone tells us about a group of men who've been fishing along Jamaica Bay every winter for decades. Fishing is not just a summer pastime in New York. No matter how cold or dark it gets, fishermen are casting their lines into Jamaica Bay. "That's all we do," said one fisherman. "All year mommy. All year round." This man who goes by the name Ramon jokes that they are the Polar Bear fishing crew. One by one they trekked through the snow in 20 degree temperatures to the Canarsie Pier from the parking lot. Another fisherman from Ridgewood in Queens, said he hopes to catch a few herring before going to work, but on this afternoon, the only thing biting is the wind. "Gotta wait," he said. "Gotta learn how to have patience." That stoic persistence is key to catching fish, because you never know how long it's going to take. "It could be a couple of minutes," he said. "It could be a couple of hours." Many of these men have been fishing here for decades. This time of the year, they are trying to catch Atlantic herring cold-water fish that tend to move into the city's shallow bays and inlets when winter sets in. "We eat them or sometimes we just take them, save them, and use them in April when the fishing season begins," said another fisherman. Watching these men on the pier, it was clear there is a lot more to this than fishing. "You get to meet people you know," one said. "That's all that counts. It's better than being home." So they waited and cracked a few jokes a few at my expense because they said I wasn't dressed warmly enough. By nightfall, I was cold. I was not wearing three pants and five shirts. Lucky for me the darker it got the more fish they caught. The herring become more plentiful at night, feeding on plankton that moves closer to the surface, attracted by the pier lights. By dinnertime, the crowd on the pier had grown to more than a dozen, the most all day. After catching three or four fish, some of the men headed for home. Others stayed on, enjoying the frigid winter fishing, made warmer by friendships. For example, Gary D. Cohn, the president of Goldman Sachs, who was recently appointed to lead Mr. Trumps National Economic Council, will have to sell all his stock in Goldman. Or take Rex Tillerson, Mr. Trumps pick to be secretary of state, who will be divesting his shares in Exxon Mobil. Ordinarily, doing so would cause them to have a tax bill worth tens of millions of dollars. Instead, they will most likely put their assets in index funds or in a diversified blind trust, and then pay the tax bill on those assets when they sell them. Henry M. Paulson, the former chairman and chief executive of Goldman Sachs, is perhaps the most famous appointee to have used the tax deferral, when he became secretary of the Treasury under President George W. Bush in 2006. People noted at the time that Mr. Paulson was the beneficiary of a law that had been signed by his new bosss father. The tax treatment has been called a boondoggle for the rich. Ms. Warren, along with three other senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Dianne Feinstein of California, all Democrats have introduced legislation to limit to $1 million the amount of capital gains that can be deferred, preventing, as they put it, billionaires from reaping outsized tax write-offs. A Wall Street Journal analysis suggested the executives could save tens of millions in dollars in taxes. Its inappropriate for the federal government to provide excessive tax breaks to Cabinet members in return for complying with ethics rules, Ms. Feinstein said in a statement last week. Public service is an honor, and billionaires shouldnt require federal tax breaks for their service. But the senators seem to not appreciate that the tax law is hardly an inducement to leave a high position for public service. To believe that the tax treatment is a huge boon would oddly assume that a chief executive was leaving for the government because he or she was preparing to dump all of the stock in their company in the next three months. SAN FRANCISCO The fate of Yahoos $4.8 billion sale of its internet business to Verizon Communications may be uncertain. But in case it goes through, Yahoo has plans for what will remain. In a regulatory filing, the company said on Monday that when that deal closed, it would rename itself Altaba. Moreover, more than half of the companys current board members including Marissa Mayer, its chief executive would step down. Why Altaba? It is essentially a play on the single biggest asset that would remain of Yahoo if and when the deal with Verizon closes: a 15 percent stake in the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. Altaba would also own a 35.5 percent stake in Yahoo Japan. (A Yahoo spokeswoman declined to comment.) Delivering the first of six State of the State addresses planned around the state this week, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday located the cure to the nations political fever in New York State, implicitly offering himself as an antidote to a president-elect whose name went unmentioned. New York knows that our progressive principles of acceptance and diversity are not the enemy of our middle class, and we know that middle-class success is not the enemy of our progressive beliefs, he said. In fact, it was the progressive policies that created the nations middle class in the first place. Ahead of his scheduled stops in western and central New York, on Long Island, in Westchester County and in Albany, Mr. Cuomos remarks in a light-filled room at 1 World Trade Center colored largely within state lines. But remarkably for a politician who has avoided even the appearance of White House ambitions since entering the governors mansion in 2011, his speech also seemed aimed at an audience outside New York. He hasnt taken office yet, but Donald Trump is lost, wandering in a labyrinth of lies and trying to drag the country in with him. Witness his reaction to being called out on Sunday by Meryl Streep. Speaking at the Golden Globes, she said she had been stunned and heartbroken to see him mock a reporter with a physical disability. It happened at a speech in 2015 in South Carolina. Mr. Trumps target was Serge Kovaleski, of The Times, who has arthrogryposis, a condition that leaves his right arm and hand bent and rigid. You ought to see this guy, Mr. Trump told his audience, flailing his own right arm and hand in the air, making spastic movements, disgracing himself. The act was contemptible, and in a way unbelievable: a future president showing the maturity and schoolyard viciousness of an 8-year-old. Our family would have gone bankrupt without Medicaid, she said. It saved us. The Medicaid system covers millions of working families, older people, children and people with disabilities. In fact, 40 percent of Medicaid spending goes to the disabled. Half of long-term care in America, mainly for older people, is through Medicaid. And nearly half of the children born in the United States are in the Medicaid system. The trouble with traditional health data warehouses, specialists say, is that they resemble digital vaults. It is difficult and time-consuming to get information in or out, and only people with specialized skills can use them. But the new cloud-based technology, using internet-era software, is flexible and interactive. It opens the door to real-time monitoring of emerging disease clusters, billing patterns and program effects. For example, did the percentage of low birth-weight babies decline after a Medicaid program was put in place? If so, how much? This kind of data can help move health care policy from a partisan ideological debate to one informed by knowing who the people affected are and what will likely happen to Medicaid recipients, said Drew Altman, president of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit health policy research organization. Though young, Ms. Kim has spent years learning hard-earned lessons about health care. At Google, she was a product manager on Google Health, a failed effort to attract millions of people to use its free, online personal health records. Health care is hard, and humility is important, Ms. Kim said. You cant just put technology on something and assume its going to work. You really have to understand the ecosystem in health care. My personal take is its a statement of where we are in this country, said Michael Feinstein, the chief executive of the Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, in Rockville. Theres some thought amongst some people that hate speech and hate crimes are O.K. and anti-Semitism is O.K., and I think that is reflective of sort of the political discourse that weve had in this country. Mr. Feinstein said about 300 people had been in the Rockville center when the threat was made, including about 200 preschoolers. After the threat in Delaware, parents were called to pick up preschool and day school students. In South Carolina, Mr. Abels said staff members and patrons attending exercise classes had to leave. About three hours later, he said, the authorities said it was safe to return, leaving many to wonder what had happened. It could be anything from hate groups to a terrorist situation, Mr. Abels said. I think its probably more on the hate group side, because it was just a scare. He said he believed it was designed to be psychologically disorienting and scary and just disruptive. Jerry Silverman, the president and chief executive of the Jewish Federations of North America, said the threats were part of a disturbing trend toward normalizing hate speech. It was less than three years ago that a former Ku Klux Klan leader killed three people outside Jewish facilities in Overland Park, Kan. And in November, after the presidential election, the Anti-Defamation League posted a warning about a reported uptick in hate speech and anti-Semitism. Some members of the alt-right, a far-right fringe movement that embraces elements of anti-Semitic, racist and anti-immigrant positions, perceived the victory of President-elect Donald J. Trump as validation for their cause and have become increasingly visible in recent months. Mr. Trump, who has a Jewish daughter and son-in-law, has disavowed the alt-right. After President-elect Donald J. Trump announced Monday that he would appoint his son-in-law, the real estate investor Jared Kushner, as a senior White House adviser, lawyers for Mr. Kushner said he would sell many of his assets to avoid myriad potential conflicts of interest. But because he plans to sell to his brother or to a family trust controlled by his mother, some ethics lawyers interviewed questioned how meaningful the divestiture would be. Jamie S. Gorelick, a lawyer who is advising Mr. Kushner on how to deal with the ethical issues he will have to navigate while advising Mr. Trump on topics that could affect his bottom line, said Mr. Kushner would sell his interest in about 35 investments, including his familys flagship office tower on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. He also plans to restructure his role in his remaining holdings so he will not be involved in managing them, Ms. Gorelick said. In addition, she said, he will sell his common stocks; resign as chief executive of Kushner Companies, his family business; and sell The New York Observer. He will also recuse himself from decisions that could affect his remaining holdings, as well as those of his wife, Ivanka Trump. He will be treated as any other person entering public service, said Ms. Gorelick, a partner at WilmerHale and a deputy attorney general under President Bill Clinton. Top executives from state hospital associations will fly to Washington this week to develop their strategy. Many also plan to visit offices on Capitol Hill, where they will warn of the potential damage if Congress repeals the health law without guaranteeing similar coverage for those who would lose it. A coalition of consumers and liberal advocacy groups is spending more than $2 million on television advertisements urging Congress to stop its attack on the law. The ads, by the Alliance for Healthcare Security, are aimed at a handful of Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Jeff Flake and John McCain of Arizona, Susan Collins of Maine, Dean Heller of Nevada, Lamar Alexander and Mr. Corker of Tennessee, and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia. But by Washington standards, that is a pittance. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, an industry lobbying group, set aside $150 million in 2009 to support the laws passage. Some lobbyists have tacitly accepted the likelihood that major provisions of the health law will be repealed, setting their sights instead on shaping its replacement. They fear that if they come out strongly in opposition to repealing the law, they will lose their seats at the table as congressional Republicans and the Trump administration negotiate a replacement. For now, passage of the budget resolution this week looks likely. The real fight is expected to come two to three weeks from now, when two House committees and two Senate committees produce legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act and must answer to Republicans who say a replacement measure must be ready at the same time. At least a half-dozen Republican senators have expressed doubts about the Republican leadership strategy of using the budget resolution to fast-track legislation to repeal the law, with a delayed effective date to allow time to find a replacement in the future. After the legislators discovered what they had voted for, many said they were horrified. Tucked away in the new pages was a provision that would have made it much harder for local bodies like school boards to raise money through property tax increases. Michigan schools will likely suffer the brunt of the impact because the vast majority rely on periodic voter approval of local operating levy renewals for property taxes, the ratings agency Moodys wrote of the measure the following month. I was fooled into voting for something I opposed, said Dave Pagel, a Republican representative. I consider it the worst vote Ive made. The chief culprits, according to Mr. Pagel and others at the state Capitol when the bill passed, were lobbyists closely tied to the DeVoses. Tony Daunt, a spokesman for the Michigan Freedom Fund, a nonprofit headed by the DeVoses longtime political aide, and whose political spending arm they have funded generously, said the group was part of the discussion process with people in the legislature about the proposal and had consistently expressed support for the policy. The law was later blocked by a federal judge, but the group has vowed to try again. Radical Suspicions Ms. DeVoss advocates see in these fights the toughness to take on entrenched opponents of expanding reforms like charter schools and vouchers. In promoting Ms. DeVos in The Washington Post, Mitt Romney, the Republican Partys 2012 presidential nominee, emphasized that her wealth gave her the independence to be someone who isnt financially biased shaping education. He added, DeVos doesnt need the job now, nor will she be looking for an education job later. But critics see someone with an unmistakable agenda. The signs are there that she will do something radical, said Jack Jennings, a former general counsel for the House education committee. Trump wouldnt have appointed this woman for this position if he didnt intend something radical. Full-size tour buses, once an oddity, cruise down Hyde Park Boulevard with some frequency now. People can occasionally be seen pulling over with cameras outside a nondescript shopping center along 53rd Street, where an easy-to-overlook plaque notes the Obamas first date, during which Barack Obama bought Michelle Robinson ice cream from a Baskin-Robbins shop that has since become a Subway. For a place that has not forgotten being called the Second City by a New Yorker writer long ago, Chicago had watched its standing, in the eyes of the coasts, rise along with Mr. Obamas. Chicagoans were entrusted with important posts in Washington, and many of them, along with the first family, had roots on the South Side, rather than on the richer and whiter North Side. At points during the eight-year term, Chicago voices seemed to be everywhere. Both Valerie Jarrett and David Axelrod, who is now back in Hyde Park at the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, were senior advisers. Chicago cabinet members included Arne Duncan (education) and Penny Pritzker (commerce). Austan Goolsbee, another Hyde Parker, was an economic adviser, and Desiree Rogers was an early White House social secretary. And Mr. Obamas first-term chiefs of staff included William M. Daley, the brother of Chicagos former mayor, and Rahm Emanuel, who was later elected mayor. But it is not just the shutting of that pipeline that causes concern. In Mr. Obamas old neighborhood, the notion that Mr. Trump was soon to step in left some speaking of the presidents farewell speech in terms more akin to a funeral than a celebration. Many recalled watching an ebullient re-election evening here in 2012, when President Obama appeared at McCormick Place a bookend, it now seems, to Tuesday night. Others recounted how they had felt as they watched his 2008 victory from Grant Park, the citys downtown front yard along the lake, where he addressed thousands with the gleaming Chicago skyline as a backdrop. WASHINGTON In a vivid illustration of the tensions between the United States and Iran, an American Navy warship fired warning shots at Iranian boats that were racing toward it near the Strait of Hormuz, Defense Department officials said on Monday. The episode occurred Sunday when four Iranian fast boats came within 900 yards of the U.S.S. Mahan, a guided missile destroyer that was escorting an amphibious warship with 1,000 Marines on board and a Navy oiler. When the Iranian boats did not respond to a radio call and flares signaling them to stop, the American destroyer fired three warning shots with a .50-caliber machine gun. A Navy helicopter also dropped smoke grenades. There was no damage to the Iranian vessels, and they did not return fire. It was the first time the Navy had fired warning shots at an Iranian boat since Aug. 24. Though the boats approaches are essentially a form of harassment, they point to the risk of military confrontation in a region that is bristling with Western, Arab and Iranian forces. President-elect Donald J. Trump vowed during the presidential campaign to take military action against Iranian ships that approached American vessels in a threatening manner. President Obama gives what is expected to be the last speech of his administration. Being Mary Jane begins a new season with a new job in a new place. And Tom Hardy in Taboo, a drama he created with his father plays a shipping heir returned from the dead. Whats on TV PRESIDENT OBAMAS FAREWELL ADDRESS 9 p.m. on ABC, CBS, Fox, Fox News, NBC and PBS. The president will speak from Chicago as, he wrote in an email to supporters, a chance to say thank you for this amazing journey, to celebrate the ways youve changed this country for the better these past eight years, and to offer some thoughts on where we all go from here. BEING MARY JANE 9 p.m. on BET. Be careful what you wish for: Season 4 sends Mary Jane Paul (Gabrielle Union) to New York for a new gig as a correspondent on a national morning news show. But working with her idol, the anchor Ronda Sales (Valarie Pettiford), isnt all its cracked up to be. Neither is toiling under her old nemesis, Justin Talbot (Michael Ealy), now a producer. But this being Mary Jane, love in the form of Lee Truitt (Chike Okonkwo), a British comedian is in the air. So far, much news about growth has focused on downtown, where Dan Gilbert, the billionaire owner of Quicken Loans, is a vocal booster, and on Midtown, home to businesses like the luxury brand Shinola. A light rail under construction will soon link the two neighborhoods, doubling down on their redevelopment. All that said, Detroit is a large city with limited resources. It sprawls across 139 square miles (two and a half times the size of Miami), a preponderance of which remain blighted and empty, with few near-term prospects for prosperity. I made a pilgrimage to Sister Pie, a cozy corner bakery opened a few years ago by a gifted Brooklyn transplant in the troubled West Village area, where more new shops and restaurants have lately settled. West Village is being advertised as another pocket of resurgence. You sometimes even hear the G word gentrification bandied around. But drive a block or so from Sister Pie and youll still find street after street of boarded-up houses. This is where the new lights come in. Theyre spread all across town. The project cost $185 million, paid by the city and the state. The Public Lighting Authority of Detroit, backed by the mayor, received a critical assist from the Obama administration: Energy Department experts advised local officials to swap out the old, costly, broken-down sodium lamps, which vandals had been stripping bare for copper wire. They recommended LED technology. Investments by the Obama administration in energy-efficient lighting have reduced costs, making LEDs feasible for a city like Detroit. Three years ago, nearly half the 88,000 streetlights in the city were out of commission. The more potent LED lights allow the authority to replace those 88,000 old fixtures with 65,000 new ones, strong enough for you to read one of those glossy magazines after dark. HUMAN ACTS By Han Kang Translated by Deborah Smith 218 pp. Hogarth. $22. In Korean, Hello (ahnyoung hasehyo) literally translates to Are you at peace? This question-greeting is delivered as a statement, of course, but a certain poignancy cant be ignored especially if one considers the violent history of the Korean Peninsula. This slice of land, with China and Japan on either side and Russia in the far north, has suffered invasions, wars, colonialism, occupation and military dictatorships. And South Korea itself, known (without irony) as the Land of the Morning Calm, has as its upstairs neighbor a spoiled tyrant with trapezoidal hair who boasts too often of his small cache of nuclear weapons. Much Korean blood has been shed, and sometimes the bloodletting has been inflicted by the peninsulas own people. In early 1980, after the assassination of the authoritarian South Korean president Park Chung-hee (father to current president Park Geun-hye, now under impeachment), the nation which had been living under limited martial law seemed destined for change. The economy was declining. Demonstrations were on the rise. Students, professors, artists and laborers ordinary unarmed citizens protested and demanded a fair and free election and the lifting of martial law. Parks protege Gen. Chun Doo-hwan saw an opportunity to maneuver himself into the Blue House. Chun seized power and, using the North Korea card, declared full martial law throughout the nation. He shut down universities, banned political activity and arrested student leaders as well as political rivals. Order was established in most of the country, but not in Gwangju. In Gwangju, a city located some 160 miles south of Seoul, troops brutally and indiscriminately assaulted not only protesters but bystanders too. Gwangju, however, fought back. Arming themselves any way they could, Gwangju residents forced out the military, and for five days in May the city practiced self-governance. Mothers cooked meals for the community, taxi drivers shuttled pro-democracy rebels wherever they needed to go. Some residents stood in long lines to donate blood, and some, as young as middle schoolers, helped care for and identify the bodies. This is where Han Kangs novel Human Acts begins. Dong-ho, a 15-year-old boy in search of the corpse of his best friend, ends up volunteering at the municipal gymnasium, where some of the corpses are being stored. Han is smart to focus not on the gruesomeness of Dong-hos work which would be redundant, melodramatic and expected but on its mundanity: There was nothing technically difficult about the tasks youd been assigned. Seun-ju and Eun-sook had already done most of the heavy work, which involved covering plywood or Styrofoam boards with plastic, then lifting the corpses on top of these boards. They also washed the necks and faces with a cloth, ran a comb through the matted hair to tidy it a bit, then wrapped the bodies in plastic in an effort to combat the smell. In the meantime, you made a note in your ledger of gender, approximate age, what clothes they were wearing and what brand of shoes, and assigned each corpse a number. You then wrote the same number on a scrap of paper, pinned it to the corpses chest, and covered them up to the neck with one of the white cloths. If there is a benefit, it allows executives to diversify out of their own stock. But if they want to cash out and buy a house, for example, they will pay the full tax bill. Some, like Steven T. Mnuchin, the nominee for Treasury secretary, may actually lose money on some of the assets they have to sell because their holdings are in illiquid assets, like private equity funds, that have to be offloaded at a discount. Of all the potential conflicts of interest that Mr. Trump and his cabinet picks may present, the tax treatment they receive in this instance is not one of them, Mr. Sorkin writes. Quotation of the Day What we are seeing now is, after the initial chaos of the Trump transition, that his nominees are now complying with the requirements of the law. Norman L. Eisen, former chief White House ethics lawyer under President Obama. Jared Kushner, who will become senior White House adviser to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, plans to sell some of his real estate holdings and other assets. Mr. Eisen said that his decision to divest raised pressure on Mr. Trump to follow suit. Executive Trip Helps F.B.I. It is a rare feat for the F.B.I. arresting an overseas corporate executive accused of wrongdoing. But they were able to do it on Saturday when Oliver Schmidt, an executive at Volkswagen, traveled to the United States. They swooped in on him as he prepared to leave Miami International Airport for Germany, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the case. Mr. Schmidt played a central role in covering up Volkswagens diesel emissions cheating, according to an affidavit from an F.B.I. officer that was unsealed on Monday. The case against him sheds more doubt on Volkswagens assertions that top executives did not understand the full scale of wrongdoing at the company until September 2015. Mr. Schmidt briefed executives in detail months earlier, in July, according to the criminal complaint, filed in federal court in Michigan. LONDON The publisher of The Daily Mirror, a left-wing British tabloid, said on Tuesday that it was in early-stage talks to acquire a minority stake in a new company that would include assets of the Northern & Shell Media Group, which publishes two rival right-wing tabloids, The Daily Express and The Daily Star. Trinity Mirror, which publishes more than 150 newspapers in Britain and Ireland, including The Manchester Evening News, had shown interest in Northern & Shells newspaper brands as recently as two years ago. But no deal was reached, and Trinity Mirror instead purchased the newspaper publisher Local World Holdings in November 2015 for 187.4 million pounds, or about $229 million, including debt. Tuesdays announcement came after Richard Desmond, the Northern & Shell Media Group chairman and founder, used his Twitter account to play down news reports that he was in talks to sell his newspapers. No offer has been made and there is no certainty that any agreement will be reached, Trinity Mirror said in a news release. Milo Yiannopoulos the infamous internet troll, Donald J. Trump supporter and editor at Breitbart News has compared Islam to cancer, mocked transgender people and suggested that women who are harassed online should stay off the web. Last July, he was permanently barred from Twitter for violating the platforms rules against hate speech and harassment. So when Threshold Editions, a conservative imprint at Simon & Schuster, gave him a six-figure publishing contract, the blowback was swift and furious. There were calls for a boycott of all of the companys books, a vast catalog of some 2,000 titles from 50 imprints. Some of Simon & Schusters authors including Karen Hunter, Danielle Henderson and Bradley Trevor Greive denounced the publisher on social media. The Chicago Review of Books said it would not review any of the companys books this year. The criticism highlights the minefield that publishers face as they try to court an emerging market of young conservatives who identify with extreme right-wing stances on issues like immigration and gender equality positions embodied with devious, irreverent glee by Mr. Yiannopoulos that they feel are undermining the nation. Many liberals and moderates say, however, those positions amount to outright racism and misogyny. And the issue has cast an uncomfortable spotlight on a lucrative but often overlooked niche within the largely left-leaning publishing world. Every major publishing house has a conservative imprint Penguin Random House has two, Sentinel and Crown Forum and maintains a stable of right-wing authors who may not attend literary festivals or mingle at the National Book Awards but command a sizable audience in red state America. President Obama leaves office on Jan. 20 after eight years. How will you remember our current president? What is his legacy, as both a man and as a leader? Last week, The New York Times invited readers to reflect on President Obamas successes and failures, and how they will remember him. Selected Letters to the Editor were published Sunday, Jan. 8. In Reflections on Obama, two New York Times readers wrote: Just as Jackie Robinson was perfectly cast for his historic breakthrough, so, too, was Barack Obama. He emerged from relative obscurity as a beacon of hope and change. And, despite the roadblocks and setbacks, he remains so. The Obama presidency has been consequential. Especially impressive is his bold leadership on some of the most significant issues of our time, from health care reform to climate change to a nuclear deal with Iran that was once unimaginable. But it is Mr. Obama the man I will remember most. The personal indignities to which he was subjected, from birtherism to other acts of disrespect and contempt, are a disgrace. Yet he never lost his own dignity or grace. It was an Amazing Grace epitomized by his leading this hymn at the funeral for nine African-Americans massacred in Charleston. Now, with his successor inspiring more fear than hope, President Obama is urging us not to despair. Rather than apocalyptic, hes still optimistic. Lets follow his lead. Those of us who share his values should continue to work tirelessly toward the progressive ideals he has espoused. Barack Obamas story will always represent the unique promise of America. SAM BROMBERG, Delray Beach, Fla. President Obamas domestic legacy is one of thoughtful policy successes, and a failure to publicize and celebrate those achievements. This contradiction is best illustrated by the fact that the majority of Americans polled opposed Obamacare despite overwhelming public support for its individual provisions. More than $800 billion was spent under the 2009 stimulus package, but ordinary Americans couldnt point to a single bridge built or job saved by it. Mr. Obama, a cerebral technocrat, seemed to operate on the assumption that his nuanced policy solutions would speak for themselves. Despite his soaring speeches, he never learned how to convince Americans that his agenda was working. Mr. Obamas shortcomings in flaunting his achievements are further accentuated by his successors flair for it. The economy added 156,000 jobs in December, but it was 800 jobs at a Carrier factory in Indiana that captured the national spotlight. SAM SKOVGAARD, Denver Students: Read the entire article, then tell us: What will you remember about President Obama, both as a man and as a leader? The letters from Times readers expressed both positive and negative remembrances of Mr. Obama. Did you have an opinion before reading the letters? Did your answer change after reading others letters? If so, explain how, and why. What do you predict Donald J. Trumps legacy as president will be? What do you think you will you say about him as a man and as a leader when he leaves office? Mythmaking by Duterte has its corollary in the journalists and the crowds that gather eagerly at the scenes of the killings, where rumor flies faster than facts. A Barbie doll, all blond hair and pink clothing, lay near Angels body. After much discussion, the crowd, based on no actual evidence, settled on the theory that Jerico had given her the doll as a symbol of their romance. Angels open-coffin wake was held at the end of a tiny alley in Quezon City. A sister and one friend sat stoically on their own until a church group showed up to sing a hymn. Angels real name, it turned out, was Ericka Fernandez, and she was the third of seven children. One of her sisters denied that Angel had ever used drugs it was a made-up story, she said. Likewise, she said the Barbie-doll romance was invented by neighbors according to her, Angel and Jerico werent a couple anymore at the time of their murders, and Angel had bought the doll herself as a gift for a family member. The coffin was half open, revealing a girl in a white dress with large, poorly concealed sutures holding her neck together. A few doors down, women played a raucous dice game. Jericos wake was held about a mile away, and better attended, if only because it took place in a busy footpath. The coffin stood on display in front of his uncles house, as food vendors plied their offerings nearby and children skipped underfoot. A dog napped under the half-open coffin. Jerico was innocent, said his father, Rommel Camitan. Hes not a pusher. Hundred percent, sir. Not a pusher. For me he is a good son. Ask our neighbors. Camitan sat on a plastic stool in the street, sheltered by a tarp that friends had strung overhead. Without enough cash on hand for a funeral, the family was buying another week by having Jericos body injected with more preservative against the tropical heat. Inside the coffin, illuminated by a light-up Jesus, Jerico had been cleaned up, though the thick makeup could not conceal the zigzag split in his forehead. A week after death, one of his eyes was caving in. Despite his anguish, Camitan endorsed Dutertes campaign. All this talk of finishing drugs and the drug war is good, Camitan said. But he has to be sure that their target is the right person. He added: There have been cases around here. Usually they are pushers or addicts. Good people had nothing to fear, he told me. The only ones who should feel afraid are the ones who did something wrong. There is no certain or easy way to get off Dutertes list. The mayor who died in his jail cell had flown to Manila to clear his name, and the barangay kapitan Art Jimenez tried before he was gunned down in traffic. After learning that he was named as a drug personality, Jimenez presented himself at Police Station 3. Sagpang, the National Police station commander, told me that a drug-screening team gave Jimenez a test: no trace of methamphetamines or cannabis in his system. But Sagpang still insisted that Jimenez had been involved in the drug trade at a higher level, protecting two Muslim drug pushers, according to his sources. The kapitans driver and bodyguard that day were also drug users, he said he seemed surprised that both were wounded in the assassination but survived. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. Cuba operates as if it had two parties, President Raul Castro joked in his main report to the Seventh Congress of the Cuban Communist Party last April: Fidel leads one and I, the other. This was more than just a joke: Fidel Castro, Raul Castros brother and the former president, had criticized President Obamas visit to Havana a month earlier in official publications. It was the first public split between the brothers on an issue of such importance. President Obamas Cuba policy change, announced in December 2014, drove a wedge through the Cuban leadership, making manifest the differences between government hard-liners and soft-liners. For the balance of 2016, the hard-liners dominated official communications, republishing tales of American perfidy over the previous two centuries. During the same period, however, Raul Castros senior team negotiated and signed many practical agreements to alter American-Cuban relations. Fidel Castro is now dead; the ossified government he nurtured is vanishing as well. Since taking power in 2008, Raul Castro has made many domestic and foreign policy changes that happen to be in line with key foreign policy priorities of the American president-elect, Donald J. Trump, and at the same time open up Cubas economy, and society. A deal-making Trump presidency will find a deal-honoring Raul Castro presidency. The agreements that the Trump administration will inherit, reached under Mr. Trumps three predecessors, serve both the interests of the United States and Cuba as well as the presumed Trump presidential agenda. Reversing or scaling back such agreements, as Mr. Trump has threatened to do, will make it more difficult for him to fulfill that agenda. Last year, more than half a million visitors from the United States had set foot in Cuba and American commercial airlines now fly regularly between the United States and Cuban cities. Earlier in the Obama presidency, the United States government liberalized rules on sending money transfers to Cuba, and much of it informally financed the re-emergence of a Cuban private business sector. The number of small- business licenses now exceeds a half-million in a country of 11.2 million people. Money transfers from the United States fund a Cuban civil society independent of the state for the first time in a half-century. Last month, President Obama lifted sanctions against Myanmar, citing substantial progress in improving human rights following the historic election victory of the Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party in November 2015. Tragically, that praise is proving premature. Hopes that Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi would bring an end to the brutal repression of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority, lie dashed by a military campaign against the Rohingya in Rakhine State that began after an attack on a police station on Oct. 9. Since then, some 34,000 people have fled over the border to Bangladesh amid allegations of murder and rape by military forces, and satellite images of burned villages. At least 86 people have been killed. Yet, a commission appointed by Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi concluded last week that there were no cases of genocide and religious persecution in the region. Human rights groups rightly accuse the commission of a whitewash. In an effort to muzzle reporting, Myanmars government has barred independent journalists from the region, and dismissed reports of abuses as fake news and fake rape. When House Republicans abandoned their plan to gut an independent ethics office last week, it showed the power of public opinion. It also offered a playbook for Democrats in 2017. As soon as news of the original plan broke late last Monday afternoon, social media exploded with outrage. Phone calls poured in to Capitol Hill the next morning. At 10 a.m., Donald Trump distanced himself from the plan, and by midafternoon Republicans had folded. Weve seen this script before, but it has recently come from the political right more often than the left. The Tea Party and its allies managed to alter President Obamas 2009 stimulus and 2010 health care law, as well as help block climate, preschool and infrastructure bills. Remember, some of those victories came when Republicans didnt control the White House or Congress. But they had other advantages: a focused message, a strong organization and a whole lot of passion. They influenced policy by striking political fear into members of Congress. A pragmatic and skilled behind-the-scenes operator, Ayatollah Rafsanjani remained committed to the revolution that deposed Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi but felt that establishing relations with the United States was the best way to ensure the future of Irans theocratic system. To that end, he advocated not only a warmer attitude toward the West but also more personal freedoms and free-market reforms at home. He sometimes ran afoul of the hard-liners, but generally got away with it because of his close ties with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who spearheaded the 1979 revolution, and his successor as supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Despite his considerable influence, Ayatollah Rafsanjani was blocked from running for president himself in 2013. But his support helped secure the election of Mr. Rouhani, as it had for Mohammad Khatami, a former president who has been sidelined by conservative opponents for years. Without Ayatollah Rafsanjanis help, Mr. Rouhani may have a tougher time winning re-election in May. Mr. Rouhani has other problems apart from the loss of a valued ally. He promised Iranians that he would turn around the economy, which had suffered from sanctions imposed by the United States and other major powers, including lack of access to the international financial system. Many of these sanctions were lifted after the nuclear deal, and foreign businesses seem eager to do business. But the country has not seen the quick growth many expected and Mr. Rouhani had hoped for. Mr. Trump has vowed to tear up the nuclear deal. He has threatened to make sure that Revolutionary Guards boats in the Persian Gulf are shot out of the water if they make gestures at American destroyers there. He has chosen a national security adviser and a C.I.A. director who are both adamantly opposed to the deal, regardless of the consequences of ending it. And his nominee for defense secretary has made it clear that he views Iran as the primary threat. The first time I went to Santa Fe, I went out for a morning run and the city willed me to fall in love with it. The sunny sky, sweeping views and smell of the pinyon the natural beauty captured my soul. That was three decades ago. I never stopped going back. Now I have a home there, and I dip into the city to explore its rich history, culture and food scene. There are 15 art museums, there are annual Hispanic, folk and Indian markets. I delve into them at the expense of exploring the unspoiled beauty that first drew me. Last year, I decided, I would build a visit around the rugged landscape that surrounds Santa Fe. I would follow the lead of Emily, an interior designer and my best friend out there, who would plan two day trips to her favorite spots outside the city. Emily knows the area well. She grew up in a house on the original Mabel Dodge Luhan compound in Taos and has lived in or near Santa Fe for most of her life. We had gone on many adventures, from a hike in the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument to celebrating Christmas Eve at the Taos Pueblo bonfire. But there was plenty to offer closer to Santa Fe itself. The thing about northern New Mexico, Emily said, is that you can spend an entire day within a five-mile radius and still get a huge history lesson ranging from prehistoric times to today. Last year, for example, with social inequality such a high-profile issue, one heavyweight charitable organization, the James Irvine Foundation, chose to stop spending on the arts and switch all of its future giving toward addressing poverty. The move has important repercussions: In 2015 the Irvine Foundation gave $15.45 million to the arts, more than a fifth of the foundations total grants. So on Tuesday culture fans were given a reason to cheer when the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation announced a plan to spend $8 million on performing arts projects in the Bay Area over the next five years. A panel of experts convened by the foundation will help select 50 works from artists in the Bay Area. The performances will include dance, theater, music and performance art. Theres much more of a demand for arts than we can hope to fulfill, said Larry Kramer, the president of the foundation, which gets its funding from the fortune made from one of the founders of Hewlett-Packard, the pioneering computer company. BALTIMORE With just days until Donald J. Trump is sworn in as president, the Obama administration is making a last-minute push for police overhauls in two of the nations most violent cities, Baltimore and Chicago, where officers have been accused of routinely mistreating African-Americans. In Chicago, where a city task force appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel concluded that the police have no regard for the sanctity of life when it comes to people of color, the Justice Department is rushing to wrap up a sweeping investigation into police patterns and practices, prompted by the release of a chilling video that showed a white officer shooting a black teenager. The findings are expected to be released before Jan. 20, Inauguration Day. Such an investigation is typically the first step toward a consent decree in which a police department is required to make significant changes under court supervision. But in Chicago, President Obamas Justice Department is running out of time to pursue such an order, and activists fear that the Trump administration will abandon the effort. Here in Baltimore, where Justice Department officials have already released a blistering report accusing the police of systematic racial bias, negotiators for the city and the Obama administration are getting very close to agreement on a consent decree, Mayor Catherine E. Pugh said. An announcement is likely on Thursday; the United States attorney general, Loretta E. Lynch, is scheduled to deliver a speech on community policing at the University of Baltimore. The officers also called torture both unnecessary and counterproductive, adding that it violates our core values as a nation. Our greatest strength is our commitment to the rule of law and to the principles embedded in our Constitution, the letter continued. Our servicemen and women need to know that our leaders do not condone torture or detainee abuse of any kind. During the presidential campaign, Mr. Trump said he would bring back waterboarding and more for the interrogation of terrorism suspects contending that torture works, and even if it doesnt work, they deserve it anyway. The letter makes clear that Mr. Mattis, Mr. Trumps pick for defense secretary, is not alone in recoiling against torture. Those signing also included a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Hugh H. Shelton; a former commander of the Central Command, Gen. Joseph Hoar; and four former commanders of the Southern Command: Gen. Douglas Fraser, Gen. James T. Hill, Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey and Adm. James G. Stavridis, who went on to be the NATO supreme allied commander. The list also included two former directors of the National Security Agency, Gen. Keith Alexander and Adm. Bobby Ray Inman; a commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Charles C. Krulak; and chiefs of staff of the Army and the Air Force, Gen. Dennis J. Reimer and Gen. Merrill A. McPeak. Obama trade negotiators parting shot In public, President Obama and his top officials have been careful to keep the smiles pasted on their faces when it comes to their successors, but Michael Froman, Mr. Obamas United States trade representative, will let the smile slip this morning in a speech billed as a farewell address. In prepared remarks, Mr. Froman does not mention Mr. Trump by name, but he leaves little doubt that he disdains the incoming presidents views on trade, particularly Mr. Trumps opposition to a proposed trade agreement among Pacific Rim nations that Mr. Froman labored on for years. CHICAGO President Obama delivered a nostalgic and hopeful farewell address to the nation on Tuesday evening, but warned both the divided country he led for eight years and his successor not to shrink from the challenges of economic inequality, racial strife, political isolation and voter apathy that still threaten its ideal of democracy. Mr. Obama returned to the city that nurtured his political career and his improbable journey from Hyde Park to Pennsylvania Avenue, just 10 days before he will leave the White House to Donald J. Trump. In his final speech to the nation, the president expressed his belief that even the deepest ideological divides can be bridged by an active, engaged populace. After eight years as your president, I still believe that, Mr. Obama told a large crowd at McCormick Place, the cavernous lakeside convention center where he thanked supporters after his re-election in 2012. And its not just my belief. Its the beating heart of our American idea our bold experiment in self-government. Tearing up as he concluded the final speech of a remarkable political career, Mr. Obama thanked his wife, his daughters, his vice president (the scrappy kid from Scranton) and the army of supporters who helped sweep the first African-American into the White House. WASHINGTON Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, President-elect Donald J. Trumps choice for national security adviser, traveled to Moscow about a year after he took charge of the Defense Intelligence Agency to cultivate what he saw as natural allies in the fight against Islamist militants: Russias spy agencies. It was June 2013, a briefly optimistic moment for both the Americans and Russians, and Mr. Flynn hoped to take advantage of it. During the trip, he met with the chief of the Russian military intelligence unit known as the G.R.U. the same agency that has since been implicated in interference in the 2016 presidential election and held an hourlong discussion with midranking officers at its headquarters. Relations with Moscow have soured significantly since then, yet Mr. Flynn has grown only more vehement about the need for the United States to cultivate Russia as an ally. He even returned to Moscow in 2015, a year after he was forced into retirement from the Defense Intelligence Agency, to give a paid speech for RT, the Russian English-language news organization, which American intelligence agencies have deemed a propaganda tool in the Russian election-meddling. During that trip he also tried repeatedly to meet officers at the C.I.As station in Moscow housed inside the American Embassy to press for closer ties with Russias spies. But C.I.A. officers in Moscow, who have an adversarial relationship with Russia, declined to meet with him. KABUL, Afghanistan A double bombing by the Taliban near the Afghan Parliament office compound in Kabul on Tuesday killed dozens of people during the early-evening rush hour, officials said. The assault in the Afghan capital was the deadliest of several high-profile attacks on Tuesday, including an explosion at a government guesthouse in the southern province of Kandahar that wounded the provincial governor and the visiting ambassador of the United Arab Emirates. Wahidullah Majrooh, a spokesman for the Afghan Health Ministry, said 80 injured people and 30 bodies were taken to Kabul hospitals. Many officials feared that the number of casualties would rise. The Taliban issued a statement claiming responsibility for the Parliament bombings. One witness who was inside the compound said the attack started when a suicide bomber detonated explosives nearby. Then, as security forces gathered in the area a few minutes later, a car bomb detonated on the busy road that passes in front of the compound, the witness said. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. BEIJING President-elect Donald J. Trump has called climate change a hoax created by China and said he would withdraw from the global Paris Agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions. That threat has lent new urgency to a question that has loomed over the agreement since it was signed in 2015: whether China will properly report and submit its carbon emissions data for verification. Like some other nations, China, the worlds biggest polluter, has refused to accept international monitoring of its emissions and says it will provide data to outside observers. In the past, conflicting data about the countrys energy use has raised questions about accuracy. Under President Obama, American officials worked to pressure China and other developing nations to provide more accurate data, viewing that as a difficult but critical part of establishing clear global benchmarks in climate change policy. He said it was true that some Rohingya, enraged by years of mistreatment by Myanmar forces, had organized themselves into a crude militant force, but that Myanmar had dramatically exaggerated its proportions and seriousness. Rohingyas are frustrated, and they are picking up sticks and making a call to defend themselves, he said. Now, if they find a farmer who has a machete at home, they say, You are engaged in terrorism. An analysis released last month by the International Crisis Group took a serious view of the new militant group, which it says is financed and organized by Rohingya emigres in Saudi Arabia. Further violence, it warned, could accelerate radicalization among the Rohingya, who could become willing instruments of transnational jihadist groups. In interviews in and around the Kutupalong and Leda refugee camps here, Rohingya who fled Myanmar in recent weeks said that military personnel initially went house to house seeking adult men, and then proceeded to rape women and burn homes. Many new arrivals are from Kyet Yoepin, a village where 245 buildings were destroyed during a two-day sweep in mid-October, according to Human Rights Watch. Muhammad Shafiq, who is in his mid-20s, said he was at home with his family when he heard gunfire. Soldiers in camouflage banged on the door, then shot at it, he said. When he let them in, he said, they took the women away, and lined up the men. Mr. Shafiq said that when a soldier grabbed his sisters hand, he lunged at him, fearful the soldier intended to rape her, and was beaten so severely that the soldiers left him for dead. Later, he bolted with one of his children and was grazed by a soldiers bullet on his elbow. He crawled for an hour on his hands and knees through a rice field, then watched, from a safe vantage point, as troops set fire to what remained of Kyet Yoepin. With Labour trailing the governing Conservatives in opinion polls, and the Liberal Democrats coming out strongly against leaving the bloc, Mr. Corbyn is trying to reach out to traditional Labour voters who are angry about job losses and low wages and who voted for a British exit from the bloc and for the U.K. Independence Party, which favors strict limits on immigration. This month, one of Mr. Corbyns supporters, Len McCluskey, the general secretary of Britains largest trade union, Unite, suggested in an interview with the Labour-supporting newspaper Mirror that if Labours polls did not improve before the next election, Mr. Corbyn and John McDonnell, his main ally and the partys spokesman on the economy, might quit their posts. Lets suppose we are not having a snap election, Mr. McCluskey said. It buys into this question of what happens if we get to 2019 and opinion polls are still awful. The truth is, everybody would examine that situation, including Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell. These two are not egomaniacs; they are not desperate to cling on to power for powers sake. Mr. McCluskey later said Mr. Corbyn had his full support, but the damage was done. Mr. Corbyn has been a divisive leader, and he faced down a fierce but badly organized internal challenge in the autumn. That was less than a year after he won the leadership in a surprise vote, after Labour did so badly in the May 2015 elections that his predecessor, the more moderate leftist Ed Miliband, resigned. Superficially, Mr. Corbyns position has stabilized since last year, when an open feud with more centrist lawmakers culminated in the unsuccessful challenge to his leadership. Since that debacle, from which Mr. Corbyn emerged with an increased mandate from party members and supporters, his many Labour Party critics in Parliament have pulled back from outright confrontation, aware that they risked being blamed for causing poor poll ratings by provoking internal divisions. But the crisis within the party has not gone away, especially given fears that many Labour legislators could lose their seats in the next election. Internal critics are biding their time, with many devoting their political energies to working on important parliamentary committees. There were so many people 2.5 million by official estimates that many of the dignitaries and family members invited to the campus were marooned in their cars amid the crowds. Some hid behind curtains; others waved at the collection of camera phones. One of Mr. Rafsanjanis daughters, Faezeh Hashemi, was photographed sticking her head out of the window of a bus and flashing a victory sign. She and her brother Mehdi have been harassed by hard-liners for their growing support of reformists and moderates seeking change in Iran. The daughter, an activist for womens rights and personal freedoms, was jailed in 2011 for making anti-regime propaganda, while her brother was given leave to attend the funeral from prison, where he was sent on embezzlement charges. In recent years their father, long a staunch conservative, became an unexpected hero to Irans middle class. Mr. Rafsanjani sympathized with some demands made by protesters during the so-called Green Revolution, the antigovernment demonstrations following the disputed re-election victory of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009. They saw him as a lone voice representing their beliefs in Irans establishment. Such deviations from the official line were put aside by the authorities on Tuesday. In death it seemed that Mr. Rafsanjani was to be remembered for his revolutionary credentials, not for his criticisms. Potential troublemakers were not invited. The former reformist president, Mohammad Khatami, who was supported by Mr. Rafsanjani, was told not to attend, local websites said. The same apparatus that normally churns out posters showing Uncle Sam with blood dripping from his teeth to burn during state-backed anti-American demonstrations, now printed pictures of Mr. Rafsanjani, extolling him as a man of history, who is immortal. Volkswagen has reached a deal with the U.S. government to pay $4.3 billion to resolve a federal criminal investigation into its cheating on emissions tests, the company said Tuesday. As part of the settlement with federal officials, the company will plead guilty to criminal charges. The deal is not yet official, as the companys management board must still approve. The vote could come on Tuesday or Wednesday. The $4.3 billion total includes both criminal and civil fines, and the civil part of the fines include environmental and customs-related penalties. The details were provided by the company in a financial disclosure. Volkswagen is expected to plead guilty to charges including wire fraud, violating the Clean Air Act and customs fraud, said two people briefed on the settlement. The people could not talk publicly about the deal because it is not yet final. An intensive investigation into the manipulation of diesel emissions tests began more than a year ago, and it involves U.S. and German investigators and prosecutors. A resolution of the criminal investigation in the United States would allow Volkswagen to try to move past a scandal that has hobbled its business. The criminal case against Volkswagen, and the expected guilty plea, have set it apart from other recent auto industry investigations. In settlements with General Motors and Toyota over their handling of safety defects, for example, the companies agreed to pay large fines, but did not plead guilty. Prosecutors are also mulling criminal charges against Takata, the Japanese manufacturer under criminal investigation for its defective air bags. Werner Escher, the longtime executive director of domestic and international markets at South Coast Plaza, died Friday at age 85. Often described as the man who put the luxury mall on the map, Escher traveled from Paris to Beijing promoting South Coast Plaza as a must-see luxury shopping mecca. The Newport Beach resident spent nearly 50 years touting the mall to shoppers near and far. Werner personified the best of South Coast Plaza and was larger than life, said Debra Gunn Downing, spokeswoman for South Coast Plaza, in a statement. He focused on excellence, was adept at navigating diplomatic issues and made friends all over the world while promoting South Coast Plaza. He was loyal and dedicated, spending more than half of his life working for the company. We are immensely thankful for all he has done and accomplished and are grateful to his wife Diane and their family for the time he spent at South Coast Plaza. One of the last coups he secured for the center: nabbing Din Tai Fung. Escher said he knew it would be a good fit for South Coast Plaza. Having a Chinese restaurant with worldwide cachet also filled a hole in the malls culinary offerings, he told the Register when Din Tai Fung opened in 2014. There was a void, he said. We have French, Italian, Mexican, Japanese but we didnt have Chinese represented. Open two years, the chain known for its Shanghai-style soup dumplings remains one of the toughest tables at South Coast Plaza, which turns 50 years old this year. Theres nothing like it. Its a burst of heaven in your mouth, Escher said. Mert Wallen, a Southern California restaurant real estate consultant, met Escher more than 40 years ago through a mutual friend, Henry Segerstrom. He was a very dynamic man in marketing. He created the Asian tourism to South Coast Plaza, Wallen said of Escher. Selling luxury shopping came easy for Escher, Wallen said. South Coast Plaza was his love. Amar Santana, executive chef and owner of Vaca in the theater district, said Escher was a fun-loving guy who lived in the moment. One of his favorite memories was running into Escher at a Chinese New Year party in Los Angeles. Back then, Santana was a rising star, leading the kitchen at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdales at South Coast Plaza. The two wound up spending the evening together, laughing and toasting their good fortune. He was the funniest, happiest person, said Santana, who later left Charlie Palmers to open his own restaurant in Laguna Beach. You can tell when he was in the room his laugh was hard to miss. Eschers career began far from the retail scene. He played football for the UCLA Bruins in the 1950s, then got a teaching credential and MBA and pursued a Ph.D. at the university. He left after being offered a job as a reporter at the now-defunct Beverly Hills Times. He later moved into aerospace, becoming head of marketing at Douglas Missile Space Systems in Santa Monica. He joined South Coast Plaza in 1968 as director of public relations after meeting the Segerstroms, the family that owns the shopping center, as he helped Douglas Missile relocate to Huntington Beach. At the time, we just had a two-lane highway out front, no freeway access and no (shopper) traffic, he said. My job was to build traffic. In the early 1970s, Escher ran into a representative of the U.S. Travel Association who happened to mention a new research paper the group had done about what tourists want to do when they travel. He said the No. 1 activity of people who travel was shopping, then dining, Escher recalled. He got a copy of the report and it got him to thinking about Japan. Escher knew the culture, having spent part of the Korean War in Japan working for what is now the American Forces Press Services. By the 1970s, the Japanese economy was booming. The Japanese loved luxury brands and were willing to spend. Japan seemed like prime territory to promote South Coast Plaza as a tourist destination. Escher pitched his bosses on the idea of scouting for shoppers abroad, cautioning it might take up to five years to develop substantial Japanese tourism. He got the go-ahead and was off to Japan. His target: the Japanese Travel Bureau and the major tour operators, because they were key to getting South Coast Plaza on tourists itineraries. Busloads of Japanese tourists soon were lined up outside South Coast Plazas doors, well ahead of Eschers five-year deadline. When tour buses start coming, you know you have arrived, he said. It was a home run. By 1993, South Coast Plaza was so well-known that it was included in California Dream, up to that time the states biggest tourism campaign in Japan. Escher soon was traveling to Canada, Mexico and Europe, talking up South Coast Plaza as a destination. Using the template he developed for Japan, he made his first foray into China in 2004, well ahead of the travel experts who only recently pegged the Chinese as the next big wave of luxury travelers. Your antenna has to be up, Escher said of his early call on Chinese tourism. You have to be mindful of events, not just in the present but aware of the future. Daughter Sally Niebuhr said her father was devoted to his career and his family. Every day he supported us and gave us a tremendous amount of confidence and love. He was the most incredible father anyone could ask for, she said. Escher is survived by his wife Diane, children Erik Escher, Sally (Escher) Niebuhr, and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers,donations can be made in Eschers name to the Then Now Forever Fund at woodenathleticfund.com. Staff writers Nancy Luna and Hannah Madans contributed to this report. A U.S. Senate subcommittee released a report Monday that accused advertising website Backpage.com of concealing evidence of criminal activity by systematically editing its adult ads to remove words that indicate sex trafficking. The report cites internal documents showing that 70 to 80 percent of the ads are edited to conceal the true nature of the underlying transaction. The report also says that despite public claims to the contrary, the true beneficial owners of the company are CEO Carl Ferrer and former owners James Larkin and Michael Lacey. The report says the men concealed their ownership interest through a complex chain of domestic and international shell companies. Ferrer, Lacey and Larkin are scheduled to testify Tuesday before the Senates Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which released the report on Backpage late Monday. Critics say the website has become an increasingly popular vehicle for commercial sexual exploitation. Senate investigators have called Backpage a market leader in sex advertising and it has been linked to hundreds of reported cases of sex trafficking. Lawyers for the website have said the company does more than any other online classified site to prevent the trafficking of minors. They argue that Congress wrote the law to preserve free speech on the Internet by giving immunity to websites for items posted by third-party users. A spokesman for Backpage.com said the site shuttered the adult section of its website in the U.S. Monday night and a replaced it with a red censored sign that protests what it calls unconstitutional government censorship. The page urges readers to protect Internet free speech and contact advocacy groups that support Internet privacy. It also asked readers to use social media to support #freespeech and donate to groups that rescue children from prostitution. Also Monday, the Supreme Court said it wont hear an appeal from three sex trafficking victims who accuse Backpage.com of helping to promote the exploitation of children. The justices left in place a lower court ruling that said federal law shields Backpage from liability because the site is just hosting content created by people who use it. The women say they were sold as prostitutes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island through advertisements for escort services on the site when they were as young as 15. They say Backpage is not protected by the Communications Decency Act because the company not only hosted the ads, but created a marketplace that makes child sex trafficking easier. Backpage has denied those allegations. A federal judge threw out the lawsuit and the federal appeals court in Boston upheld that ruling. Twenty-one states had signed onto a brief urging the high court to take up the case, arguing that federal law does not protect websites that help create or develop third-party content. In a separate case last month, a California judge rejected pimping charges against Ferrer, Lacey and Larkin, citing federal free speech laws. California officials have said they intend to pursue new charges against the company based on new evidence. Prosecutors have alleged that more than 90 percent of Backpages revenue millions of dollars each month comes from adult escort ads that use coded language and nearly nude photos to offer sex for money. Rides at Knotts Berry Farm will be glowing pink at night as the farm supports breast cancer research. As part of the event, those who visit Knotts Berry Farm purchase special pink admission tickets through March 5. This is the fourth year the farm has partnered with Susan G. Komen Orange County to raise money to research the disease calling the event Knotts for the Cure. The special tickets cost $41 $44 for those ages 3 and up, versus the normal $75 one-day admission with a part of the proceeds going to the foundation. The tickets can only be purchased online at knotts.com. The farm will have special pink event Knotts for the Cure T-shirts on sale throughout the park for $14.99, with some of the proceeds from their sale benefiting the foundation. The shirts are available online or at the following places at the farm: Casa California, Snoopys Camp Store, Snoopy Headquarters and the Gold Trails Hotel. As part of the campaign, special lighting at the park will turn many of its rides pink at night, including Supreme Scream and the Calico Mine Train Ride. Pink will also be the theme of other park decorations during this time too. Contact the writer: meades@scng.com or follow on twitter @markaeades At a giant Best Buy repair shop in Brooks, Ky., Geek Squad technicians work on computers owned by people across the country, delving into them to retrieve lost data. Over several years, a handful of those workers have notified the FBI when they see signs of child pornography, earning payments from the agency. The existence of the informants within one of the countrys most popular computer-repair services was revealed in the case of an Orange County doctor facing federal charges after his hard drive was flagged by a technician. The doctors lawyers found that the FBI had cultivated eight confidential human sources in the Geek Squad over four years, according to a judges order, with all of them receiving some payment. If customers turn over their computers for repair, do they forfeit their expectation of privacy, and their Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable searches? And if an informant is paid, does it compromise their credibility or effectively convert them into an agent of the government? If Best Buy serves as an arm of the government, then a warrant or specific consent is needed. And the judge in the child pornography case against Mark Rettenmaier, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney, is going to allow defense attorneys to probe the relationship between Best Buy and the FBI at a hearing in Santa Ana starting Wednesday. Their relationship is so cozy, said defense attorney James D. Riddet, and so extensive that it turns searches by Best Buy into government searches. If theyre going to set up that network between Best Buy supervisors and FBI agents, you run the risk that Best Buy is a branch of the FBI. The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment. Federal prosecutors have argued that when a technician doing repairs stumbles across images of child pornography and the government wasnt aware of the search, the technician is clearly not performing the search with the intent of assisting law enforcement efforts. Best Buy spokesman Jeff Shelman said in a statement this week that Best Buy and Geek Squad have no relationship with the FBI. From time to time, our repair agents discover material that may be child pornography, and we have a legal and moral obligation to turn that material over to law enforcement. We are proud of our policy and share it with our customers before we begin any repair. Shelman added, Any circumstances in which an employee received payment from the FBI is the result of extremely poor individual judgment, is not something we tolerate, and is certainly not a part of our normal business behavior. Court records do not detail how often or how much the technicians were paid, other than one $500 payment to one supervisor. The case started in 2011 when Rettenmaier, a gynecological oncologist, took his HP Pavilion desktop to the Best Buy in Mission Viejo because it wouldnt boot up. Technicians told him he had a faulty hard drive. If he wanted to retain information from the hard drive, he would need the Geek Squads data recovery services in Kentucky. Rettenmaier signed a service order that prosecutors argue waived any right to raise a Fourth Amendment claim, because it contained the admonition: I am on notice that any product containing child pornography will be turned over to the authorities. A technician located a photo that Riddet described as a nude prepubescent girl on a bed. The image was supposedly on unallocated space, which is where deleted items reside on a computer until they are overwritten when the space is needed. Unallocated space is not easily accessed it requires special forensic software. Prosecutors said that the Geek Squad technician who searched the unallocated space was merely trying to recover all the data Rettenmaier had asked to be restored. Riddet argued that the technician was going beyond the regular search to deleted material to find evidence the FBI might want. In addition, a federal appeals court has ruled that pornography found on unallocated space is insufficient to prove that the user possessed it, because information about when it was accessed, altered or deleted is no longer available. There was no evidence of how the contraband got onto Dr. Rettenmaiers hard drive, Riddet wrote, and it could have gotten there before he possessed the computer or against his will. Poor use of taxes Re: State funds 1st U.S. inmate sex reassignment surgery [News, Jan. 6]: After paying $100,000 for a cold-blooded killer to become a different sex, California says that our federal government will reimburse us about 95 percent. Since California became a sanctuary state, Im not sure the feds will give us anything. We also offer nightgowns, scarves and necklaces in mens facilities. So, if you are seriously not happy with the body that God bestowed upon you, just kill someone in California. The sky is the limit on what our state will do for you. I have nothing bad to say about LGBTQ people. I couldnt care less and have no right to judge. I am upset that my California taxes are not being spent on things that we could really use in this state. The victims family must feel a little confused. This state seriously spends way too much of our hard-earned money for the craziest things. Mary Diek, Trabuco Canyon Check the Constitution The stupidity of our court system sometimes amazes me. Terry Thornton said: The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires that prisons provide inmates with medically necessary treatment for medical and mental health conditions, including inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria. What? How did the court system get this from the Eighth Amendment? The Eighth Amendment states: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Thats it. It has nothing to do with medical care, mental health and especially gender dysphoria. What a crock. Mike Carter, Tustin FBI on the case? Re: Authorities: 5 dead, 8 wounded in Florida airport shooting [News, Jan. 6]: The FBI is investigating the shooting at the Ft. Lauderdale airport. Is that the same FBI that had contact with the shooter months ago but thought he was just a little crazy? The same FBI that investigated the Boston bombers and the Orlando nightclub shooter and found nothing to worry about? The same FBI that should have investigated the female shooter in San Bernardino before granting her a visa? The same FBI that couldnt find intent by Hillary Clinton to violate a statute that doesnt require intent? Good luck with this investigation. Fixing this problem has to start at the top. Lloyd Schwengel, Brea Rachel Perez intricately rotated the glassblowing pipe clockwise. The shiny, glowing, gooey-looking substance at the end of her stick mimicked the appearance of honey. It wasnt honey that she stretched and molded into thin, long rods when hardened and cooled, the substance would become delicate, breakable glass. Last month, during one of Cal State Fullertons Monday afternoon glassblowing classes, Perez a general studio art student worked on her final project of the semester. After about one year enrolled in glass courses at the university, she set out to create a glass beetle. Assisting her in creating the art piece was fellow arts student Avery Anderson. The pair spotted one another, ensuring each had the appropriate materials readily available. They walked across the CSUF Visual Arts glass studio and placed the pipe into the 2,200-degree reheating space used when the glass begins to cool. A minute later, the pair dipped the glass in a pail of water to slightly cool it; this allows the glass to better mold. On a bench, they worked together to shape the glass at the end of the stick. During molding, the glass temperature must remain between 1,800 to 2,000 degrees. If the glass is too hot or too cold, it wont mold correctly. In this stage the glass can be stretched, blown or twisted into shape. Perez, 24, describes the glass medium as a little challenging but rewarding. She cited the most difficult part of the process as not being able to touch the artwork until it is completed. (The glass) does what it wants and you just have to go with it, Perez said. When youre all done with it, it kind of amazes you what you can do. In recent years, the College of the Arts has experienced a growing interest in its glass program. Founded in 1960, the program was formed three years after CSUF was founded, making it one of the universitys oldest programs. An anonymous donor recently gifted the college $300,000 for the expansion of the glass program, its studio space, curriculum and new equipment. Alumna Hiromi Takizawa is at the helm of the newly invigorated program. My goal is to build a safe, energy-efficient and sustainable glass studio, said Takizawa, assistant professor of art and glass program coordinator. (The donation) will have an impact not only on students, but also the arts community, she said. Alumna steps in Creating art from glass goes back to about 3000 B.C. In the United States, however, it is very new and unique, Takizawa said. She estimates the glassblowing fad started in the United States about 50 years ago. Glass has such a rich history as a craft, Takizawa said. It is a functional and expressive medium. For example, a glass vase could be just that a functioning vase. But the glass patterns on the vase can also tell a story and relay the emotions of the artist, Takizawa said. CSUF offers a graduate program in glass, as well as courses for undergraduate students. About 150 students work with glass in the College of the Arts; about 30 specialize in the art medium. The glass program has previously lacked advancements because working with the medium is more costly and safety-concerning than any other art medium on campus, she said. The donated funds will allow the studio to upgrade its dated machinery and equipment, including the incorporation of energy-efficient equipment. Looking further into the future, the College of the Arts hopes to expand its glass studio, allowing for the program to double in size. The donation will also allow Takizawa to bring professional glass artists to campus. In the upcoming semester, local artist Greg Price will visit the campus for a four-month residency. As a former student of the CSUF glass program, Takizawa is confident she knows what enhancements the program needs in order to expand and thrive. The recent donation has allowed her the means to bring her ideas to life. Takizawa, who was born in Nagano, Japan, graduated from CSUF in 2005 with a bachelors degree in art and 2007 with a masters degree in art-glass. After graduating from CSUF, she traveled the United States, teaching glass workshops at various institutions. I knew right away the first day of school, Takizawa said of her passion for glass. I tried it because it was very different. I can tell a story with the materials transparency, she said. She joined CSUF in 2015. Students and college leaders agree that Takizawa has brought new life and a new vision to the glass program. The modest professor gives all the credit to her students passion. Her energetic and youthful personality is evident when she chats with her students. Perhaps it is knowing that she was once in their shoes, working on her own masterpieces in the very studio they are now working in today that allows students to connect with Takizawa. Hiromi just really inspires me, Perez said. You can tell that she loves what she does. Teamwork is vital With almost every other art medium, the artist works alone. Sure there might be an assistant or apprentice involved, but the artist primarily works independently. With glass, however, working together is the norm. Artists help one another handle, mold and transfer the glass from one station to the next. Its fragility makes it difficult for one person to handle. This is because the work on the rapidly-cooling glass needs to happen quick; having a second pair of hands to assist can be the difference between artwork being successfully molded or collapsing. Its kind of crucial because of how fast glass cools, said 21-year-old graphic design student Emily Brasch. Its a lot of things to juggle but when it works, it works seamlessly, she said. Its like a dance; its about getting in that groove. Besides the practicality, serving as a partner to another classmate allows students to learn from mistakes and become exposed to how other student artists work so they can replicate those skills in their own work, Brasch said. Its just another way the glass art medium is so different from others. Almost all glass-blowing techniques require an assistant. Thats what makes glass-working unique, Takizawa said. You have to communicate with each other while working on a piece and make sure each of your assistants is aware of what the next step is in making the piece. Oftentimes this can form a bond between the gaffer and the gaffers assistants. A gaffer is an individual who works with glass. Not too hot or cold After a night in the annealer to cool off and harden, the glass art is moved by students to an even smaller area of the studio to be cut and polished. Its a very intricate medium, Brasch said. Youre faced with a new problem every time. You constantly have to figure out how to fix something. It looks easy to execute, but it is quite the opposite. If it cools too quickly, it will harden; if it gets too hot, it may collapse. In fact, one of the most common problems a glass art novice faces is having their glass piece collapse. There is a perfect window of time when they are reheating glass, not too hot, but not too cold it takes a while to find the right temperature range for beginners, Takizawa said. Case in point, glass art newcomer Brasch set out to make a capsule-shaped glass sculpture for a semester project. Her final product was a glass. Mid-molding, her piece collapsed, but all wasnt lost. Instead of focusing on what should have been, she worked to salvage her artwork. Working with glass has taught Brasch patience and how to go with the flow when things dont end up working out the way she envisioned, she said. Because there is a void of a glass art community in the Orange County arts sphere, Takizawa hopes to create a strong glass presence on the CSUF campus. She hopes the recent donation and subsequent expansion efforts are only the beginning of mass exposure for the program and its students. I want this studio to be a fully functional state-of-the-art facility, which includes an international exchange program and visiting artist program, Takizawa said. I want this program to be the hub of the Southern California glass community and to be a launching pad for my students success. Select students glass artwork is on display and on sale at the CSUF Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana through Feb. 12. Contact the writer: amarcos@scng.com MISSION VIEJO After seeing a pair of swastikas etched at Pavion Park last month one on a tree, another on a wall Jenna Gerstner was unsure what to tell her two sons. I contemplated how to tell my children about racism, she said as she shared her story in front of hundreds gathered at the park Monday night. She reached out to Rabbi Rachel Kort at Temple Beth El in Aliso Viejo, who coordinated with leaders of the Orange County Islamic Foundation mosque and Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Rancho Santa Margarita. The result of the collaboration was A Place for Every Family, a multifaith gathering to show children to respond to hate with love and inclusion. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); Leaders of the three religious organizations stood together Monday afternoon as a symbol of unity. Mission Viejo city leaders, Orange County Sheriffs Department officials, representatives of Rep. Mimi Walters and state Sen. Patricia Bates, and Rabbi Peter Levi, the Anti-Defamation Leagues regional director in Orange County, also were in attendance. We have continuous conversations with our children about being Muslim in this day and age, said Maisoon Mangrio, 38, of Mission Viejo, who brought her 9- and 11-year-old daughters. There is intolerance, which is why we brought them here. We wanted them to see the community coming together. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); Mission Viejo resident Mario Gallegos, 41, brought his 6-year-old daughter, Lily. Gallegos, a member of Shepherd of the Hills, and other parents in attendance, said its challenging to find the right approach to telling their children about hate and racism. Its a difficult thing, he said, but the best approach is to express warmth and love: You dont need to be afraid; the community supports us. This needs to stay a place for family. Sarah Eagle of Laguna Hills took her 5-month-old son, Henry, to the event. Eagle, 33, attends Temple Beth El, but stressed the importance of surrounding her family with different faiths and cultures. You try to be as honest as much as possible, she said. I try to explain in an age-appropriate way without scaring them or masking whats going on. Bill Burger of Rancho Santa Margarita, whose wife, Liz, spoke to the crowd Monday, has helped with other multifaith events. He said hes seen power in messages about inclusion and love. The couple attended the event with their three children. With our children, were always trying to make them understand that differences and diversity are strengths, Burger, 37, said. We want to stand up for others in the community, and this is a great opportunity to do something. The graffiti at Pavion Park is part of a string of recent hate-related vandalism in Orange County. Last month, Rusty Kennedy, executive director of the OC Human Relations Commission, said the number of hate incidents and hate crimes increased substantially in the days after the November election. As of Dec. 15, 33 hate incidents and six hate crimes were reported in the county in the 34 days prior, he said. Kort said leaders of the three congregations are already starting conversations about having diversity playdates more frequently. These friendships are going to continue to grow, she said. Contact the writer: npercy@scng.com SANTA ANA A Brea man who used his rehabilitation clinics to submit millions of dollars in false Medicare claims was sentenced this week to more than a decade in federal prison, even as he awaits sentencing in a second health care fraud case. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Santa Ana, ordered Simon Hong on Monday to spend 121 months behind bars and to pay nearly $3 million in restitution, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Hong, 55, was convicted last year of 19 felonies, including those for health care fraud, making illegal kickbacks and identity theft. Authorities accused Hong, also known as Seong Wook Hong, of running the Medicare fraud scheme through several medical clinics he owned in Los Angeles County, including Hongs Medical Management, CMH Practice Solution, and HK Practice and Solution. In 2009-13, Hong and his associates received about $2.9 million in reimbursements, of which Hong was accused of pocketing about $1.6 million. Authorities say that Hong recruited Medicare beneficiaries for massage and acupuncture treatments. Those type of services arent eligible for Medicare reimbursement, so prosecutors say Hong falsely claimed that the patients had received physical therapy. Eight others, including two Buena Park men, a Fullerton man and two Irvine men, have admitted to their roles in the Medicare scheme and are serving 15 months to 51 months in federal lockup. Last month, Hong also pleaded guilty to committing health care fraud in a separate scheme, which federal authorities say involved claims for occupational- and physical-therapy services that were not actually provided to patients. The Medicare losses in the second scheme are estimated at $2.4 million, according to the Department of Justice. Hong is scheduled to be sentenced in the second scheme on March 6. Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com Its a journal where academic peer-review essay writing meets everyday topics. These topics pertain specifically to California and its social, cultural and political trials, successes and happenings. Boom: A Journal of California recently made the move to Cal State Fullerton from its previous home sites of UC Davis and UCLA due to CSUF University Honors lecturer Jason Sexton being named the publications editor. California has that dynamic of various cultures that I think in some ways means we have some things to offer to the rest of the country, Sexton said. The extreme differences among Californians are pretty easy to see, he said. And thats a pretty wonderful thing about what makes us different in the world. Boom: A Journal of California, previously a print publication, is now the free and exclusively online publication, Boom California. Many of the journals past articles are also available for viewing on the revamped website, although full e-copies of back issues are available for free here: http://boom.ucpress.edu. Through peer-reviewed essays written by academics, Boom seeks to educate not just Californians but the world about what makes California unique and the issues that matter most to the states inhabitants, Sexton said. We want to tell these stories and also raise issues from different perspectives that highlight our diverse and inclusive values, he said. Boom wants to focus on issues including immigration, race, gender, labor, poverty, housing, health, food, inequality, social justice, underrepresented communities and Californias culture, values and ideals. Throughout the year Sexton will reach out to experts, professors, advocates, journalists, authors, researchers and scholars for written content and peer review. This upcoming semester Sexton has a team of CSUF students who will serve as editorial assistants. He is also searching for fundraising, grant and partnership opportunities to expand the journal in the coming years. One of the obstacles Sexton faces is challenging what the general public thinks when people hear peer-reviewed journal, which usually signals it isnt intended for a general public audience, he said. Stating this up front as our aim should help, and generating the best kind of accessible work will keep the tone reader-friendly, he said. I think the student assistants will help here by gauging reading levels; and yet good writing is hard to do, especially if expected to be scholarly. So this will be a process, and some of it will only be enhanced with funding to facilitate this, especially in cultivating underrepresented writers who may benefit from additional editorial help whether from the scholarly or accessibility side. Another challenge he faces is transforming the journal from a print to online publication, as well as moving its print subscribers online and growing the number of interested readers. However one major benefit of swapping the journal onto an online platform will be the ability to instantly make articles available for viewing, Sexton said. Beginning this month, Boom will introduce three to four articles every month on its website. While previously only some of the journals articles were peer reviewed, the online journal will include majority peer-reviewed articles. We are continuing to be a voice that is reliable for California culture, but with this increasing focus on the issues of the state, Sexton said. Sexton will also build the journals social media presence in order to learn more about trending topics and issues. He hopes that at the very least, articles will create conversation amongst Californians. We are connecting the past to the future, he said. We are raising bigger questions. For Sexton, it made sense to bring the 6-year-old journal to CSUF. We educate the heart of California; it is the peoples university. That is what makes me excited about Boom being here, he said. He hopes its presence on the campus will encourage students, faculty and staff to become involved in the journal. Sexton plans to host free forums on campus on Boom topics. Boom may find itself in a special place, a place that is not only telling the stories of California but uplifting the ideals of Californians, he said Contact the writer: amarcos@scng.com Jared Kushner will become a senior White House adviser to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, cementing the New York real estate executives role as a powerful and at times decisive influence on the president-elect. Trump described his son-in-law as a tremendous asset and trusted adviser throughout the campaign and transition in a statement early Monday evening announcing the appointment. Kushner, who married Trumps daughter Ivanka in 2009, is closer to Donald Trump than any other adviser, and has provided input on all of his father-in-laws hiring decisions. The main thing with Jared, a transition official said, is that hes got Trumps back and Trump knows it. Ivanka Trump, who also participated in her fathers campaign decisions, has no plans to enter the administration and plans to restructure her portfolio of holdings, said Jamie S. Gorelick, Kushners lawyer. But she plans to step down from the management of the Trump Organization and the Ivanka Trump fashion brand, Gorelick said. Kushner, whose appointment has been challenged on the basis of a 1967 federal anti-nepotism law, plans to sell most of his New York holdings, his stake in his familys real estate business and other assets to his brother and a trust overseen by his mother, Gorelick said. The move was a significant, even central, one for Donald Trump, who values familial loyalty above all else and, like Kushner, was groomed to run his fathers real estate empire. Kushner will be the first among equals, in the words of one former campaign official. Kushner is expected to play the same role in the White House that he has had in the transition, with the counselors Stephen K. Bannon and Kellyanne Conway providing the president-elect with strategic, messaging and communications advice, and Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee and the incoming chief of staff, running day-to-day operations in the West Wing. Kushner will not take a salary and plans to work on issues involving the Middle East and Israel, as well as collaborate with Trumps choice for commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, on matters involving free trade, Gorelick said. The scion of a prominent Democratic family active in New Jersey politics, Kushner, 35, has no governmental experience and had never played an active role in a campaign before he began to advise Trump. As his father-in-law began to rise in the primary contests, Kushner, a Harvard graduate, occupied a steadying, stabilizing role. And he underwent something of a personal political transformation, coming to believe in Trumps fiery and conservative economic message after spending months crisscrossing red and swing-state America with the campaign. Gas price protests continue on the Mexican side of the border near San Diego, a state of unrest that, over the past few days, has intermittently delayed crossing for hours at a time. The latest protests were late Monday, when about 70 demonstrators gathered at the El Chaparral port of entry in Tijuana, amassing at the border to protest amid nationwide unrest over that countrys gas price hikes. The demonstrators blocked customs officials from checking vehicles entering Mexico for several hours, allowing cars to pass southbound across the border without screening or fees. The protest ended around 7 p.m., with protesters pledging to return again today. The situation is a little bit out of control, said Albert Rivera, a pastor in Tijuana who has been observing the protests in Baja California. There is no single one person in charge. It is just the citizens; they are devastated. Officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in San Diego said Mondays protests were more subdued than those that took place over the weekend, when U.S. authorities shut down traffic into Mexico at El Chaparral for several hours on both Saturday and Sunday, acting at the behest of their Mexican counterparts. The demonstrations Monday marked the beginning of the second week of protests in Mexico after the governments New Years Day decision to deregulate fuel prices, a move that bumped up the price of gas by as much as 20 percent. The Mexican government has defended the increase in gas prices as part of a broad overhaul in energy policy aimed at ending the states monopoly over the fuel industry. For decades, Mexico has controlled and subsidized fuel prices through the state-run oil monopoly Pemex, but the government plans to allow gas prices to fluctuate according to the market by the end of 2017, in part to attract outside investment to Mexicos oil industry. But the move has sparked widespread outrage and protests. Over the past week four people have been killed and more than 1,500 arrested in demonstrations that have included looting, road blockades and large marches, including those that shut down the border crossing in Tijuana over the weekend. Col. James Anderson, a military intelligence officer for Nixon's Western Whitehouse, has his photo taken next to a portrait of President Nixon during a commemoration for the 104th birthday of America's 37th President at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda on Monday. (Photo by Matt Masin, Orange County Register, SCNG) Here is what we learned about this administration in the wake of purported Russian phishing of Clinton Campaign Manager John Podestas email. Valuable DNC secrets were protected by an elaborate set of fail-safe passwords, namely password. This followed years of high-level DNC meetings where attendees openly discussed their mothers maiden names, the names of their first pets, and their favorite movies on their Facebook pages. The hacking of government computers has been going on for years. CIA Director Brennans AOL account was hacked. Twelve federal agencies, including the White House, IRS, State Department and Defense Department, have been hacked just since 2009. To Obama, apparently this was no biggie. But if a hacker hacks DNC political hack John Podestas Gmail account, then President Obama orders a very public investigation. If you cyber-attack government, that is OK and you get a stern warning to Cut it out. Keep in mind, the DNC is a private organization; all of the twelve hacks mentioned above are our government. So hack our government and you get told by Obama to Cut it out. Monkey with his political machine? Sanctions! The ever-petulant Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats. Trump is not even president yet, and hes already getting foreigners out of America. He has declared himself the best president-elect ever! In essence, getting the intelligence agencies to doctor the Benghazi report and arguably Bushs team spinning yellowcake and WMD stories in Iraq show how partisan these agencies have become. Some intelligence group changed the talking points on Benghazi to blame a YouTube video so it didnt hurt Obama leading up to his re-election in November of 2012. The real lesson learned in the intelligence communities intel report sweepstakes was to please the president when he asked them to look into this. They knew what he wanted them to say. In areas the feds do control, the IRS leaked Trumps tax returns. Access Hollywood tapes were disseminated without his permission but there was no interest in pursuing any investigation, because those incursions hurt their opponent. Im walking a narrow plank here and might get arrested next week for questioning these clandestine agencies, but we should determine if we have too many of them. Whats worth stealing from our government? You look at Joe Biden and cannot imagine someone wanting to know what he knows. A two-year investigation byThe Washington Post, published in 2010, discovered a Top Secret America hidden from public view and lacking in thorough oversight. After nine years of unprecedented spending and growth, the result is that the system put in place to keep the United States safe is so massive that its effectiveness is impossible to determine. The investigations other findings included: Some 1,271 government organizations and 1,931 private companies work on programs related to counterterrorism, homeland security and intelligence in about 10,000 locations across the United States. An estimated 854,000 people, nearly 1.5 times as many people as live in Washington, D.C., hold Top-Secret security clearancesthink Edward Snowden. In Washington and the surrounding area, 33 building complexes for top-secret intelligence work are under construction or have been built since September 2001, collectively about 17 million square feet of space. Remember the illegal NSA data-mining monstrosity in Utah? Many security and intelligence agencies do the same work, creating redundancy and waste. For example, 51 federal organizations and military commands, operating in 15 U.S. cities, track the flow of money to and from terrorist networks. These are terrorists who dont have cable TV or processed cheese; maybe tracking their money is not the issue. Analysts who make sense of documents and conversations obtained by foreign and domestic spying share their judgment by publishing some 50,000 intelligence reports each year works routinely ignored except by foreign agents who hack in and read them. For years, the CIA famously tried to kill Castro Bugs Bunny/Roadrunner-style with exploding cigars and poison. Well, at age 90, it looks like the arsenic finally kicked in. Stories abound that our CIA got Nelson Mandela jailed. The intel community also provided intelligence that led to our mistakes in Syria, Libya, and Egypt. We still need a strong, secular Arab leader in the Middle East to enforce order. But we invaded and occupied Iraq, found and hanged him. The intel community also told us to go into Iraq because Saddam Hussein had WMDs and had to go. This totally destabilized the region. Saddam famously had body doubles. If the CIA can find one, I have a plan for them to stabilize Iraq again. Ron Hart is a libertarian oped humorist and awardwinning author, Ron is a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@RonaldHart.com or @RonaldHart on Twitter. No part of state government except the courts is supposed to be more independent and less subject to the sway of politics than the Public Utilities Commission, which decides rates and other practices of Californias largest utilities. Thats why commissioners serve six-year terms, longer even than the governors who appoint them. Its also why they cant be fired, not even by those governors or their successors. And yet few government agencies in California are more craven, more slavishly interested in serving the interests of the huge corporations they regulate, behemoths like Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas and San Diego Gas & Electric. Commissioners also rule on some telephone company mergers, although phone rates for both mobile and land lines are now largely out of their hands. Two new PUC appointees from Gov. Jerry Brown dont figure to change any of this. Its hard to find any PUC decision of the last 50 years running against the financial interests of those it regulates. This may explain the long-running revolving door between the commission and those companies. Two prominent examples: John Bryson, a PUC president during Gov. Jerry Browns first administration in the 1970s, later spent almost 30 years as chairman of SoCal Edison. Moving in the other direction was the disgraced Michael Peevey, an Edison president before becoming head of the commission, where hes alleged to have conspired with Edison executives about how to force consumers to pay most costs for closing the failed San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, largely a victim of Edison mistakes. Rarely has the PUC been more craven than in Browns latest six years. Not only are the interests of SDG&E, where Browns sister Kathleen is a well-paid board member, well cared for. But commissioners often seem to follow Browns orders as if he could fire them which he cannot. In return, Brown allows figures like Peevey great latitude, so long as they pursue his own green-power aims of making California more and more reliant on hyper-expensive wind and solar energy. When Peevey finally left two years ago (hes still under investigation; no one knows where that may lead under a new state attorney general), Brown replaced him with Michael Picker, one of Browns close advisers. This month, with two commissioners termed out, including another disgraced Brown appointee (Mike Florio, whose helping PG&E in a major case forced him to recuse himself from all further PG&E matters), Brown could have named two independent commissioners. Instead, he chose two more of his advisers. Martha Guzman Aceves, 39, has been Browns deputy legislative affairs secretary since 2011. And Clifford Rechtschaffen, 59, has been one of his senior advisers for the same time span, working on climate, energy and environmental issues. Previously, he served Brown during his tenure as attorney general. These folks together make up the right arm of Jerry Brown. Now that he cant fire them at will anymore, how likely are they suddenly to become independent of their longtime boss? One indicator: The PUCs first action after the two appointments was a deceptive filing with a federal appeals court, claiming it has disclosed all documents in the San Onofre case, when at least 65 Brown-Picker emails remain hidden. Only the state Senate holds the power to do something toward creating a degree of independence for this commission, now composed almost wholly of close gubernatorial aides. These are not folks with great experience of consumer issues who know how much utility rates can impact the lives of ordinary Californians. Its high time for the state Senate to start asking them tough questions: Will the newbies promise not to socialize with utility executives? Will they promise to reveal quickly the full content of email and telephone conversations they have with those execs and with Wall Street bankers investing in utility companies? Will they stop the long-running kabuki dance in which utilities ask for much more in every rate increase request than they know they can get, then happily accept less but still much more than had before while the PUC brags on how much it saved consumers? There should be many more questions. But in state history, there has never been a contentious hearing on a PUC appointment. Will that coziness survive the scandals of the last three years? The next two months will tell. Thomas D. Elias is a writer in Southern California. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); http://launch.newsinc.com/js/embed.js DANA POINT Capt. Ryan Downs strategically used the wind to maneuver the Hawaiian Chieftain into place about a mile outside Dana Point Harbor. The wind Saturday was light and variable, good for the Chieftain. The replica 1700s-era cargo ship has a flatter bottom than the two ships it was doing battle with, allowing Downs to tack and spin her more easily. His maneuvering got him out of harms way as cannons from the Lady Washington fired at his stern. In a real battle, that could have rendered his ship useless, with no steering, and proved fatal for many aboard ship. While Downs got away from the Lady Washington, a replica of a 1700s brig, he couldnt out-maneuver the more technologically advanced Spirit of Dana Point, an 1800s schooner replica. The Spirit had the technical advantage, Downs said. We were outclassed by her. Its nice for the home vessel to win. Downs and Ben Saint, captain of the Lady Washington, were participating in a mock cannon battle with the Ocean Institutes Spirit of Dana Point. The two tall ships sailed into Dana Point Harbor last week and are visiting the Ocean Institute until Jan 17, when they will head to the Channel Islands. The ships, from Aberdeen, Wash., are part of the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority. The group, similar to the Ocean Institute, educates visitors on maritime history and its role in shaping the country. The two Aberdeen ships focus on the fur trade in the northwest, while the Spirit of Dana Point is more of a cargo vessel. The Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain sail annually from Aberdeen to ports from British Columbia to San Diego. At each location, they offer three-hour sailing trips giving the public a lesson on the history of the ships and their trade routes. Visitors also get a firsthand glance into the difficult lives of sailors of that era. In winter, the Lady and the Chieftain visit ports in Southern California, taking advantage of the temperate weather. In spring, they sail to San Francisco, traveling between the city and the Columbia River. In summer, they stay in the Puget Sound. This was the first time in more than a decade they have sailed into Dana Point Harbor, said Dan Goldbacher, who directs the Ocean Institutes maritime program and the annual Tall Ships Festival. The festival planned this year from Sept. 8 to 10 draws thousands to the harbor and celebrates Dana Points maritime history and the legacy of tall ships. The Ocean Institute is home to the Spirit, a replica of a 1770s privateer used during the American Revolution and the Pilgrim, a 14-sail brig. Both are used for educational programs and tours. A handful of other tall ships based in Southern California ports come to the annual Tall Ship Festival, which in 2017 will mark its 34th year. Its a tight-knit group, there not as many as there are on the East Coast, Goldbacher said of the tall ships. This is a good opportunity to get ships from the Northwest and to expose the public. It brings more recognition to the Ocean Institute and its mission. Whats a better sign then two giant ships coming into Dana Point Harbor. This way we have more opportunity to educate the public beyond the school groups. Over the weekend, about 200 people came out for ship tours and sails. Mia Battaglia, 17, was among 24 students from Orange Lutheran High School. They, accompanied by two teachers, came out to see the ships as part of a learning and cast-bonding trip for their upcoming musical theater production of Peter and the Starcatcher. The set of their production is an old pirate ship. We wanted to see what its like to see a real pirates ship up close, Battaglia said. We all got to man the sail and to learn pirate lingo. It was eye-opening, she said, to see how much work the ships crew had to do to get it seaworthy and prepared for battle. I just didnt realize how much work went into everything, she said. Everyone on the ship had a job to do and if one person was off, everything was off. When it came down to the final battle scene, Battaglia, of Tustin, and her classmates were ready. When they shot the cannon and you heard the echo, you were supposed to scream, she said. But everyone on our ship screamed every time we heard the cannon go off whether we heard the echo or not. Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@scng.com or on Twitter:@lagunaini Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will serve as a senior adviser to the Trump White House, The Washington Posts John Wagner and Ashley Parker have confirmed. The news isnt surprising, given Kushners closeness to Trump and the fact that his potential role in the administration has been rumored for weeks. But it does open up a can of worms both legally and ethically. The big question looming over the selection is the question of whether Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, actually can work in the White House. To make it happen, hell have to get around an anti-nepotism law that dates to Robert F. Kennedy. As I explained a while back: After President John F. Kennedy appointed his 35-year-old brother, Robert, as attorney general a basically unprecedented move at the time, involving an office for which few thought the younger Kennedy was qualified Congress in 1967 passed an anti-nepotism law. . . . But its not completely clear whether this law applies specifically to White House staff. In other words, Kushner certainly couldnt be a Cabinet secretary, but the Trump team seems to think he could be an adviser. And the possible precedent for that traces back to another famous political family: the Clintons. When President Bill Clinton appointed his wife, Hillary, to head up his health-care efforts, the couple was sued. It wasnt that the filers wanted to nail the Clintons for nepotism, but given that she could not be an official government employee under the law, they argued that the meeting of her health-care task force should be open to the public. The appeals court decision that resulted might have given Kushner and Trump hope to get around the law in 2016, though some experts are dubious. The passage in question is from D.C. Circuit Court Judge Laurence Silberman in a 1993 decision involving Hillary Clintons work in the White House, and it says the court doubted that Congress intended to include the White House or the Executive Office of the President in the law. But its untested in practical terms. And Kushner has long been huddling with lawyers to try to figure out a way around it, including possibly accepting no paycheck and putting his assets in a blind trust, as the New York Times reported in mid-November. (Kushner is a wealthy real estate developer, like Trump, and he owns the New York Observer.) The process had already begun before Monday. Lawyer Jamie Gorelick, who has been working with Kushner, said in a statement this weekend that Kushner has consulted with the Office of Government Ethics and was resigning from his real estate company. Although plans are not finalized, Mr. Kushner would resign from his position at Kushner Companies and divest substantial assets in accordance with federal guidelines, Gorelick said, adding that Kushner would recuse from particular matters that would have a direct and predictable effect on his remaining financial interests. He would also abide by federal rules requiring impartiality in particular matters involving specific parties. Kushner and the incoming Trump administration had previously foreclosed one potentially major conflict of interest involving Kushner, with Trump announcing last month that his oldest sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, would run his business but Ivanka Trump wouldnt. Previously, the plan was for all three of them to run the business. Ivanka Trumps exclusion was seen as an indicator that she, like Kushner, might try to take an official role. And the two of them recently bought a house in Washington. But should Trump attempt to install both Kushner and Ivanka Trump into his administration or even simply involve Ivanka Trump in an unofficial capacity it will likely only ratchet up the debate about whether its appropriate to have ones relatives so close to the levers of power. Whether the 1967 federal anti-nepotism law covers Kushner and Ivanka Trump, its clear that nepotism has been a concern for lawmakers before. Putting two more close members of a presidents family into the White House, should Ivanka Trump have an official role, would certainly revive that debate in a way we havent seen since the Kennedys. In other words, for an incoming administration that already has an unprecedented number of ethical questions and conflicts of interest hanging over it, you can add one to the pile. And for a guy who pledged to drain the swamp, Trump has sure been willing to stretch the ethical and legal bounds of the office hes about to assume. An estimated 12,000 clerical workers and support staff at U.C. campuses and medical centers throughout the state plan to stage a one-strike on Tuesday to protest alleged unfair labor practices and wages that they say are woefully inadequate. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 2010 is advising the public to reschedule all nonessential medical appointments and to avoid all of the U.C.s 10 campuses and five medical centers due to protests, picket lines and long delays. Teamsters Secretary-Treasurer Jason Rabinowitz said Tuesdays action could result in everything from a cancellation of classes and delays in patient billing and collections to disruptions in child care services, student housing and the potential shutdown of some campuses. Rabinowitz said the strike is over the universitys numerous violations of federal and state laws and unfair labor practices, including the failure to bargain in good faith, unlawful delays in bargaining and threatening retaliation against workers for engaging in union activities. U.C. has never closed a contract on time, he said. Their MO is to delay, delay and delay for months or even years at a time. And when a contract is finally reached they dont talk about retroactive pay. The workers current contract expired in November. Labor negotiations began six months before that but talks stalled when both sides failed to reach an agreement. Rabinowitz noted several things employees are unhappy with but subpar wages tops the list. The average pay for these employees is around $20 an hour, he said. But you have to remember that U.C. schools are operating in some of the most expensive areas of the country, like San Francisco, Irvine and Los Angeles. U.C. has proposed a wage increase of 3 percent a year, but Rabinowitz said employees are looking for a bigger pay hike. U.C. released a statement in response to the unions planned action, saying it is still bargaining with the Teamsters and that a strike is presumed to be unlawful under California law while negotiations are still underway. The school said its offering its clerical employees guaranteed, market-competitive wage increases, good benefits and stability. U.C.s offer carries an average pay raise of 18 percent over the next six years as well as excellent health care benefits and retirement options, including a traditional pension plan that very few other employers offer, the school said. U.C. clerical employees earn an annual average salary of $47,300 more than the state average of roughly $39,200 for clerical workers. These U.C. employees typically pay just $384 a year for health insurance for themselves and their children. By comparison, the average American worker typically pays over $5,200 for less generous health coverage and thats just for themselves. An October 2016 report, drawn from a survey conducted by Teamsters Local 2010 and the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College, found that more than two-thirds (70 percent) of U.C.s clerical, administrative and support workers struggle to put adequate food on the table. And another 45 percent of U.C. employees have very low food security, the report said, which means they sometimes skip meals or reduce their food intake due to a lack of resources. The workers have also expressed concerns over proposed changes to their pension plan and health care premiums. The university is trying to move away from the pension plan we have to a 401(k) plan that would be more expensive, riskier and would not guarantee a decent retirement, Rabinowitz said. The university had also agreed to some limits on employee contributions for health care, but they withdrew that yesterday. They would really like to be able to raise our copays at will without any limit. We dont think thats fair. An estimated 600 skilled trades workers with U.C. began their own strike on Friday, also citing unfair labor issues. That action will continue through Tuesday, according to Rabinowitz. We dont want to strike, he said. Its a last resort. Were hoping that the university will come back to the bargaining table in good faith. Japan has one of the highest adoption rates in the world, with over 80,000 legal adoptions recorded every year. Yet when it comes to adopting children, the Asian country is lagging way behind most developed countries. Thats because around 98% of Japanese adoptees are bright young men in their 20s and 30s. At the same time, while studies have shown that family-controlled businesses are generally unsustainable over long periods of time mostly due to the fact that business acumen and intelligence are only partially inherited its interesting to see that not only are a third of Japanese corporations family-run, but they are also clearly outperforming professionally managed companies in almost every way. Statistics show that family firms are more profitable, have a higher market valuation and increased sales compared to their rivals. Even more curious is that giants like Suzuki, Toyota or Matsui Securities have managed to keep it all in the family for over a hundred years, and other family businesses for even longer than that. But what does the remarkable success of family business have to do with the high rate of adult adoption, right? Well, in Japan at least, these two curiosities are very closely linked. Prior to the Second World War, civil code in Japan decreed family wealth could only be passed down through male lines, traditionally to the first born son. So families with no male heirs or with sons deemed unsuitable to take over the family business turned to adoption, but not the kind most of us are used to. Instead of simply adopting a baby or a young boy, they adopted young men who displayed the intelligence and knowledge of business required to ensure that their name and legacy endured until the next generation. And while the law no longer prohibits people from passing down their fortune to female heirs, the age-old tradition of electing a mukoyoshi (or adopted son-in-law) is still very popular in Japan. Osamu Suzuki is the 4th adopted adult to run the company/Photo: Slideshare The vast majority of adoptions in Japan have little to do with kindness and generosity and a lot to do with mercantilism and the fear of losing centuries-old family names. Genes are not that reliable, which is why most family businesses stagnate and eventually go downhill after their founders death. But in Japan, you can find family-run businesses dating back over a millennium. According to Wikipedia the top five worlds oldest businesses are Japanese, with the oldest of them, a Buddhist temple builder called Kongo Gumi, having been founded in the year 578. It remained a family-run business until 2006, when it was absorbed by the Takamatsu Construction Group. The mukoyoshi tradition simply allows Japanese family businesses to cheat the fate that other family companies usually succumb to. While some people may see the Japanese adult adoption as wrong or just plain weird, studies have found that it is a very effective way of keeping family businesses healthy over long periods of time. According to The New Economy, adopting highly qualified adults to head family businesses has the triple effect of displacing untalented blood heirs, eliciting better performance from managers who stand to be placed on a fast-track to ownership by becoming an adopted son, and encouraging proactivity among blood heirs who live under constant threat of being replaced by a superior adopted son. These internal pressures to excel translate into serious investment dollars. Today, there are a host of matchmaking companies and marriage consultants specializing in recruiting adult adoptees for Japanese companies. There is definitely demand because the birth rate in Japan has been falling and many parents just have a daughter, says Chieko Date, the founder of a matchmaking site for woman looking for husbands willing to get adopted by their families. And many men are looking for opportunities to use their business skills outside the corporate world because in this economy, climbing up the corporate ladder is much harder. Photo: Slideshare Prospective voluntary adoptees obviously have a lot to gain from this as well. Not only are they awarded a high executive honor, but their families are often rewarded with large sums of money for accepting that their heir give up the family name and take on that of the adopters. Its a good business deal, especially for families with multiple male heirs. I see no problem in changing my family name because I see it as a nickname given by the government for the family registry, says Tsunemaru Tanaka, who signed up for Dates website. I am confident that my skills can be useful so if there is a chance for me to inherit a family business and make it successful, that would be good for everyone. But while many Japanese families turn to adult adoption as a pragmatic way of preserving their name and legacy, child adoption in the country is almost taboo. Its an incredibly sad situation, Eriko Takahashi, Program Director of Disability and Social Welfare at Nippon Foundation, told Tokyo Weekly. In Japan roughly 39,000 kids are in care right now; however, only around 300 adoptions are arranged through the child advisory services annually. Then there are about 100 through private bodies. It is nowhere near enough. And when they do decide to adopt children, Hajime Youji claims that it is almost never a complete strangers child. Its always a case of adoption from relative with too many kids, he writes on Quora. Lets face it, red wine and sweat are the bane of stylish clothing. No matter how careful you try to be, you can only dodge wine stains for so long, and theres really no escaping those yellowish sweat stains around the armpits. Theyll make you throw away an otherwise perfectly good shirt, but theres really no other way around it. Or is there? Amsterdam-based startup Labfresh claims to have come up with a range of cotton shirt and ties that make all sorts of problematic stains a non-issue. Not only that, but it supposedly prevents any smells from adhering to the fabric and is wrinkle resistant, requiring only minimal ironing. It sounds too good to be true, but Labfresh founders Kasper Brandi Petersen and Lotte Fink claim that their innovative INDUO technology can do all that and more, while preserving the cotton shirts natural feel. It is like cotton, but better! Labfresh claims. The INDUO technology blocks out all fluid and bacteria before it enters the fabric. Therefore you can rinse off almost any substance with ease. To achieve this we work on every aspect of the fabric from the cotton selected to the way the yarns are spun and then woven. Our cotton is also treated so that the fibers are transformed to their very core, unlike other existing technologies, which can remain on the surface and wash off. Before reaching out to the Kickstarter community in a crowdfunding campaign, Labfresh co-founder Kasper Brandi Petersen claims to have tested the effectiveness of their smart shirts personally. He has been running, biking and dancing in them for over 100 hours, and also exposed them to all kinds of tough liquids like red wine, sriracha sauce, olive oil and more. After washing the samples more than 40 times and confirmed the INDUO technology was still very effective, he knew they were on to something. Another thing that makes Labfresh cotton shirts different from other stain-resistant clothing is the fact that they are breathable. Instead of making them completely water proof, they chose to preserve the cottons natural properties, allowing the sweat to evaporate through the fabric, while leaving the body and the shirt relatively dry. However, Kasper guarantees that despite not being 100% waterproof, the shirt repels decent amounts of liquids and dries up extremely fast. Labfresh does clarify that while they have been able to wash any liquid off their shirts with water, if you rub a substance into the fabric with force it will eventually stain and you have to put it in the washer to get the stain off. The INDUO technology ensures that the shirts remain fresh for considerably longer than regular cotton shirts, but the number of days they can be worn ultimately depends on the person wearing them. The smart textile also make the cotton shirts wrinkle resistant, and while Labfresh does recommend ironing after every wash for a perfectly crisp look, tough wrinkles will never be a problem. Labfresh shirts are made up of 98% INDUO cotton and 2% elastane, for maximum comfort. While the company is currently only offering shirts and ties, following the success of their Kickstarter campaign theyve raised over 47,000 in just 8 days they are looking into creating a whole range of stain and odour-resistant clothing. Labfresh smart cotton shirts are priced at 119, but if you pledge to their crowdfunding campaign you can preorder them with a 20 discount. via VICE Munchies Brian Ellis One need only catch a breaking news event to see citizen journalisms dramatic impact on todays society. When a young man rammed his car into a gathering of students at The Ohio State University and then started attacking people with a knife, Facebook posts showing students barricading themselves in classrooms were on the air within the first news cycle. Some of the first up-close images from the crime scene were taken by students posting pictures on their social channels. Bystander videos of recent police shootings of unarmed suspects have placed law enforcement organizations across the country under a microscope of media scrutiny. News organizations like CNN are even offering viewers advice on how to participate: Once youre in a safe place, you can get your story to us by posting on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #CNNiReport. The shifting landscape is also impacted by the way consumers get their news. According to a 2016 study from the Pew Research Institute, 62 percent of adults get news on social media, up from 49 percent in 2012. Online channels have now surpassed both radio and print as the preferred channel for news among Americans. With 72 percent of the U.S. population carrying smartphones, technology is now enabling consumers to access news no matter where they are, any time of day. That technology also has empowered a new generation to take a more active role in sharing news. I often remind CEOs that at this very moment, dozens of citizen journalists are walking their office halls waiting for their 15 seconds of fame. As some organizations have discovered the hard way, this trend has a tremendous impact on a crisis teams ability to respond to an emerging crisis. Todays digital platforms enable citizen journalists to report live from the scene faster than news organizations can arrive on the scene. They have also opened a pathway for some to spread fake news to further their cause. Social platforms provide unfiltered access to breaking news events in a fashion never experienced before. The speed in which a company needs to be prepared to respond has shifted from hours to minutes. Unfortunately, far too many CEOs arent ready to respond that rapidly. Through PadillaCRTs Crisis IQ tool, we recently gathered data on 75 organizations from multiple industries about their ability to respond quickly to a crisis situation. The results were humbling: 42 percent of respondents had never or rarely practiced their crisis response plan. Only 18 percent believed they would be able to have an approved statement ready to go within the first 30 minutes. Fewer than 30 percent noted that they were prepared to respond on social media within 15 minutes. Far too many organizations are choosing to wing it in an era where social media and digital platforms can spread misinformation like wildfire. While social media trends and technology can certainly create challenges, they also create opportunities for the company that is prepared to take advantage of them. It simply requires a different mindset to managing a crisis, one that demands a willingness to play offense rather than defense. The explosion of the internet and new technology platforms have created a need for an endless stream of content. That is especially true during a crisis event. With a demand to fill time or space, journalists will jump on any speck of new information so they can demonstrate that they are first or have the latest information. This creates an opportunity for those in the eye of the storm to feed that beast with information and images that guide the story down a more accurate path. The key is you have to be ready before the crisis strikes. All it takes is to follow three simple steps: Message for your primary threats now Every organization that I have worked with already knows the primary threats facing the company. Very few of them have taken that information and acted upon it from a communications perspective. We counsel our clients to create issues papers that identify the preventative steps taken to mitigate the risk, the high-level action steps to address the situation, as well as the key messages that we would use to address the issue. The documents not only give them a head start in speeding up their response, but they also provide a level of confidence to senior leadership that you have a plan of action to address the threat. Utilize social channels to tell your story While todays digital tools can accelerate the spread of news, they also create opportunities to take your story directly to the consumer instead of depending on others to tell your story. We recommend that companies develop dark sites on at least their number one threat so they can launch a website dedicated to the issue within the first hour. At first, these sites focus on the actions and plans you have in place to address the issue including images and videos that can be shared on social platforms. For instance, in cases regarding product recalls, the website may discuss the organizations quality control efforts, include video of the production process and cover steps the company takes to ensure a safe supply chain. Leverage your own citizen journalists One of the great values of having strong social media platforms is the benefit of fans defending your brand in a crisis. After devastating tornados slammed Tuscaloosa, Alabama Power encouraged their followers to post images of their crews working day and night to restore power to counter critics complaining that it was taking too long. Within a few hours, pictures were popping up from across the region featuring positive comments from customers about the sacrifices the crews were making to turn the lights back on. Another advantage of playing offense in a crisis situation is the ability to quickly counter misinformation caused by the citizen journalist. With the right digital tools in place, your team will have the ability to offer a different perspective based on fact, not fiction. *** Brian Ellis is Executive Vice President of PadillaCRT. Costco executives are set to be back in front of the Fremont City Council tonight, asking for approval of government incentives, including $1.35 million in economic-development grants. Costco also will seek routine revisions to its agreement with the city to build a poultry processing plant south of town. The changes to the companys redevelopment agreement with Costco are similar to revisions to a broader redevelopment plan the council approved in December. They reflect revisions to the project timeline, an increase in plant size and more tax-increment financing than originally approved. The total cost of the project would be $275 million, up from $180 million. The plant has been expanded to accommodate additional automated chicken deboning equipment and a larger intake room for truckloads of live birds. About $18.3 million of the construction cost would be paid for through tax-increment financing, up from $13.5 million. TIF is a way of using future property tax revenue to pay for public infrastructure associated with private development. Also tonight, the council will: Be asked to approve a $1 million grant from the citys economic development fund, and $350,000 in grants from an economic enhancement fund, for property purchase, construction and equipment purchase. The grants are technically loans, but Costco wont have to repay principal or interest as long as it meets certain milestones for capital investment and job creation. Costco says in paperwork that the project will create up to 1,000 jobs. Up to 820 of those involve production work starting at $15 an hour. About 100 jobs will be supervisory or professional roles paying between $45,000 and $350,000 a year. Be asked to approve clawback provisions for a $2 million economic development incentive Costco will get from Fremont to defray some of the costs of extending utilities to the proposed site. Costco agrees to operate its plant for at least 15 years and to meet yearly minimum utility consumption requirements, or it will repay all or some of the incentive, according to the proposed agreement. Consider an agreement in which Costco would reimburse the city for up to $41,661, covering the cost of the city hiring an outside firm to review and approve building plans for the project. Fremont has hired Omaha engineering firm HDR for the work. Costco now looks to start site preparation work this spring and open the plant by March 2019. The plant will slaughter and process up to 2 million chickens a week and will provide whole and cut chicken to Costcos warehouse stores. Opponents continue to fight the project, saying it will harm water and air quality, among other concerns. The city is fighting a lawsuit from residents who say it was wrong to designate productive farmland as blighted for the purpose of allowing tax-increment financing. The project manager for Lincoln Premium Poultry, the firm that will operate the plant for Costco, said the changes that expanded the size of the plant were made in part in response to opponents concerns about humane treatment of the birds and working conditions for employees. We are doing the right thing in terms of animal welfare, employee welfare, engineering and traffic studies and the site itself, said Walt Shafer of Lincoln Premium. The City Council meets at 6:45 p.m. for a study session, followed by a 7 p.m. regular meeting, both at 400 E. Military Ave in Fremont. SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (AP) Polaris Industries will stop making its Victory motorcycles so it can focus on its Indian Motorcycle brand and other products. Polaris announced Monday that it is shutting down the unprofitable Victory brand after 18 years. The motorcycles were produced at the Minneapolis-based companys Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Spearfish, South Dakota, plants. The company decided that its Indian Motorcycle brand has better growth prospects, Polaris CEO Scott Wine said. This decision will improve the profitability of Polaris and our global motorcycle business, and will materially improve our competitive stance in the industry. Polaris said it lost money on Victory in three of the past five years after sales of the heavyweight motorcycles peaked in 2012. The brand represented only about 3 percent of Polaris total sales. Jefferies analyst Trevor Young said the move was a surprise, but it will likely help Indian Motorcycle sales. The Indian brand is second only to Harley-Davidson in the market. Over the medium-term, we think this is a positive, as it appears Polaris is doubling down on Indian, Young said. The company will detail its profit outlook for the year when it releases its fourth-quarter earnings report on Jan. 24. Wine said the decision to exit Victory was an incredibly difficult decision for me, my team and the Polaris board of directors. Over the past 18 years, we have invested not only resources, but our hearts and souls, into forging the Victory Motorcycles brand, and we are exceptionally proud of what our team has accomplished. UBS analyst Robin Farley noted the move will eliminate an American motorcycle brand, but Harley-Davidson may not be able to take advantage of it because its customer base is aging and Indian Motorcycle has been gaining market share. Polaris said it will help dealers liquidate their remaining Victory motorcycles, and it will continue producing parts for the bikes for 10 more years. About 400 dealers nationwide sold Victory motorcycles, although about 150 of those also sell Indian motorcycles. In addition to motorcycles, Polaris makes ATVS, snowmobiles, the three-wheeled Slingshot roadster and other vehicles. Polaris plants in Iowa and South Dakota will continue producing Indian motorcycles. Its not clear how many jobs will be lost at those plants. The product change comes amid a tough time for Polaris, which has battled recalls of its four wheel ATVs and Indian Motorcycles due to the potential risk of fire. This article contains material from Tribune News Service. U.S. prosecutors are planning to charge high-level Volkswagen executives based in Germany over the automakers diesel-cheating scandal, said a person familiar with the matter. Meanwhile, Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt was arrested in Miami on Saturday, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Detroit, and accused of misleading regulators. He was charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S., according to a complaint made public on Monday in Detroit. The U.S. affidavit against Schmidt lays out what could be a road map to charges against higher-level executives. Volkswagens senior officials in Wolfsburg, Germany, were told in July 2015 of the existence, purpose and characteristics of the device that lowered emissions on diesel cars when it detected it was having environmental testing, the U.S. alleged. VW admitted its efforts to skirt environmental standards in September 2015. VW employees assured VW executive management that U.S. regulators were not aware of the defeat device, according to the court filing. Rather than advocate for disclosure of the defeat device to U.S. regulators, VW executive management authorized its continued concealment. The person familiar with the investigation declined to specify when charges against more senior-level executives may be filed or whether the executives to be charged are still employed by the automaker. Volkswagen is nearing a multibillion-dollar settlement with the Justice Department to resolve a criminal investigation into the diesel-cheating allegations, which could be announced as soon as this week, Bloomberg reported last week. The government and Volkswagen have been trying to reach a settlement by Jan. 20 before the Trump administration comes into office and replaces the political appointees who have been overseeing the diesel-cheating case. VW also faces a criminal probe and lawsuits in Germany. We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. LINCOLN Jim Scheer rejects the idea that the curse, May you live in interesting times, applies to him more than past speakers of the Nebraska Legislature. True, he assumes the critical leadership role in a year when a major revenue shortfall will increase pressure for spending cuts. At the same time, some of his fellow senators, the governor and special interests are calling for tax reductions. And he was elected last week on a remarkable day in which the Legislatures conservative majority swept Republicans into leadership of all but two of the 14 standing committees. The votes prompted Democrats and some moderate Republicans to wonder whether the power play may have fractured the Legislatures long tradition of nonpartisanship. In an interview, Scheer waved off the suggestion that he will now have to guide a Legislature more concerned with partisan score-keeping than in other eras. The legislative process should not be about winning and losing, he said, it should be about getting better. Getting the Legislature to work now rests to a significant degree with a 63-year-old insurance agent and auto-parts store owner who said it was never his goal to be speaker. But that changed last session, at the end of his first four-year term, when Scheer said several colleagues from both parties urged him to run. Last week, he was elected 27-22 over Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg. Although both lawmakers are registered Republicans, Williams was the choice of most Democrats and moderate members of his own party. Scheer described himself as a problem-solver and mediator who is not overly partisan. Friends and colleagues both in and out of the Legislature said Scheer is thoughtful and intelligent. He asks questions and appears to listen to responses. They also said once he makes up his mind on an issue, he can hold firm. When asked about his temperament, Scheer said It takes a lot to get me mad. I try to keep some levity in about everything I do, he said. Because if you dont smile at yourself and you cant laugh, its going to be pretty tough. Because he is from Norfolk, Scheer also has drawn comparisons to predecessor Mike Flood, who is highly regarded for the work he did as speaker from 2007 to 2012. Flood predicted that Scheer will do a great job because of his experience in the Legislature as well as on a local school board, the State Board of Education and two years as Norfolks mayor. Flood said he hasnt offered advice to Scheer about how to approach the office. But he did offer an experienced observation. When you walk into the speakers office, the best day is the first day, he said. The second best day is the last day. A large part of the speakers job involves the behind-the-scenes work necessary to make the Legislature run. That includes setting the daily agenda and communicating closely with committee chairs and individual senators to schedule bills for floor debate. The position requires patience, diplomacy, fairness and firmness. Many compare the job to that of a conductor, air traffic controller or traffic cop. The essential requirement: make the planes, trains and automobiles run on time. A speaker has to be a little bit like a parent, said former Sen. Galen Hadley of Kearney, who served two years as speaker starting in 2015. Loving and nice at times, stern and firm at other times. And I think those are qualities Jim has. Sen. Adam Morfeld had the unique position of sharing the same desk on the Legislature floor with Scheer and Williams. The Lincoln Democrat said he and Scheer share little common ground from a political perspective, but he credited his colleague for being willing to listen to other views. Theres a lot of opportunity for Sen. Scheer to continue the tradition of strong speakers in our body, he said. I think the speaker should be ... an arbiter, a fair arbiter. Sen. Tyson Larson, a Republican lawmaker from ONeill, said Flood was an excellent speaker who was skilled at bringing sides together and making sure senators had their bills ready before they came to the floor. Larson said he thinks Scheer has the same potential. Scheer has lived nearly all of his life in Norfolk. He and his wife, Kristi, have two daughters, one son and six grandchildren. As a young husband pursing a career in Norfolk, Scheer said he developed an interest in the public school system for an obvious reason: He and his wife were expecting their first child. So he ran for school board and won, at about the age of 25. He served on the board for about 20 years, he said. Norfolk businessman John Dinkel grew up with Scheer, they attended the same schools and served on the school board together. Dinkel called his friend a fiscal conservative who put kids first, worked to build consensus among others on the board but also held firmly to his opinions. I think he struck a good balance between taxpayers, students and teachers, Dinkel said. Scheer went on to serve on the State Board of Education from 2004 to 2012. In the Legislature, he has served as vice chairman of the Education Committee and later was elected chairman of the Banking, Commerce and Revenue Committee. Scheer called being a state senator the most enjoyable position Ive ever held, but not the most fulfilling. He said trying to work with 48 other senators cant compare to the close relationships and sense of mission he got from working on the local school board. Before the question could come up, Scheer said he has no further political ambition beyond finishing his second and final term. After that, he just wants to fill his time with his grandchildren. Many senators said they also want a speaker to guard the Legislatures status as an independent branch of government. Thats intended to mean limiting the influence of the governor. Scheer met with Gov. Pete Ricketts last year after he decided to run for speaker. But they never talked about it subsequently and Scheer did not seek the governors endorsement, he said. During his speech to colleagues before last weeks vote, Scheer said he would not be intimidated by any individual or interest group. But he also said the different branches need to cooperate. This isnt a game to see who ends up with the most marbles at the end of the day, he said. People expect those in government to work for them, not against each other. Dispatchers recorded at least 30 crashes involving 48 vehicles by 10 a.m. Omaha police stopped taking accident reports that didnt involve injuries at 8:40 a.m. They resumed responding to such crashes about 11 a.m. Some schools in rural areas across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa closed for the day because of poor driving conditions. The City of Omaha had sent out 24 trucks starting Monday afternoon, said Austin Rowser, Omahas street maintenance engineer. About 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, about 50 additional trucks started spreading salt on major and secondary streets, Rowser said. The heavier-than-expected rain Tuesday morning washed some of the brine away, he said. It was about as effective as you can be with freezing rain, Rowser said of the brine. Its really difficult to treat, because you go from great pavement conditions to horrible pavement conditions in an instant citywide. The citys trucks were still were out Tuesday afternoon. Rowser said he will monitor the weather forecast to decide when to deploy trucks this weekend, when more precipitation is expected. Tuesdays trash collections were halted in the morning in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Tuesday spots that had not yet been picked up will be picked up today, officials said. Today, forecasters said, a cold front is expected to move through, dropping temperatures. Wind chills of about zero to 15 degrees are expected through Friday. Once the weekend arrives, winds are expected to shift again, ushering in warmer air. A more significant weather system was forecast to move into the Plains states this weekend, bringing a chance of accumulating snow. Turman, the teachers aide, said a co-worker who was driving behind her as she left school attempted to stop and help after her car accident, but that womans vehicle slid backward down the street. Everyone was sliding down, she said. It was very dangerous, and Im actually surprised no one else got hurt. A Sarpy County District Court judge said he will take about a week to consider whether a years-old fine levied by a state agency against a Bellevue city councilman can be collected. The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission is seeking to revive a judgment against Pat Shannon totaling $16,832.88, plus interest. The judgment stems from a fine levied against Shannon after a violation of campaign laws in 2004. For years the commission has been unsuccessful in its attempts to collect the money from Shannon. The commission is trying again now because Shannon was sworn in as a Bellevue City Council member last month and draws a salary from that position. Bellevue City Council members are paid $11,000 per year in $423 biweekly installments. Attorneys for Shannon and the commission argued their cases Monday afternoon. Neil Danberg, attorney for the commission, outlined past attempts to collect the fine from Shannon. Danberg said those attempts culminated in an April 2012 deposition in which Shannon said he had no assets to satisfy the judgment and that the Internal Revenue Service had liens on his property. Larry Forman, Shannons attorney, argued that the statutes cited in the commissions argument to revive the judgment only apply when a party is added or someone dies. After the arguments, Sarpy County District Judge George Thompson said he would take the matter under advisement. Shannon did not attend the court hearing. After the hearing, Shannons attorney Larry Forman called the continued attempts to collect the fine a political witch hunt. Pat never did anything wrong, Forman said. He compared what Shannon did to what FedEx would do for a client. During Shannons 2004 race for the Nebraska Legislature, an anonymous flier was distributed that alleged domestic abuse by his opponent, who was going through a divorce. Shannon has long denied creating the flier. U.S. postal inspectors found that the letter was sent with a bulk mail permit held by one of Shannons businesses. According to the commission, Shannon acknowledged that he made copies of the flier on his equipment and stuffed about 7,300 fliers into envelopes. He said his business was paid to do that work by one of his campaign workers. The worker denied that claim. A hearing officer determined that Shannon had written the flier. The commission fined Shannon for eight campaign disclosure violations. We need Ben Sasse now more than ever Your editorial tar-and-feathering of U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse (Sasse makes troubling move, Jan. 6 World-Herald) shows your lack of consideration for the turmoil in our political world and the willingness of one to insert himself for the future of his country. Come Jan. 20, the majority of Americans will not be represented by someone they voted for in the executive branch of our government. Currently, the majority of Americans do not have representation by someone they voted for in the leadership of either the Senate or the House. Within the next several months, a new Supreme Court justice with originalist convictions will be confirmed, and the majority of Americans will not have a court respectful of the Constitution as amended 27 times. This situation in which all three branches of government do not represent the majority of Americans is unprecedented in American history. We are seeing the slow agony of a government of the people, by the people and for the people perishing from the earth. One must respect the commitment of Sasse through his movement to the Judiciary Committee as an attempt to thrust himself into a position where he can make a difference an impact on holding back politically driven emotional sentiments that can take this country down a very dark path for decades. We should be proud of his wisdom, proud of his courage, for what we are seeing is a very patriotic man putting his country first during a time where very few others are. Frank H. Grover II, Glenwood, Iowa Nebraskas flag could use a refresh Two words perfectly describe Nebraskas current state flag: tossed salad. Theres too much going on, and what is depicted on the flag is too small and too cluttered. And lets admit it, the blue and yellow flag is simply dull. It really is a boring flag and should be replaced with something more creative, more imaginative and more appealing to the eye. I dont think many Nebraskans would object to the idea of their state flag being red. We all know what Im suggesting: Cornhusker red. It does seem to be the de facto state color. So why not make it the background of our new Nebraska state flag, along with beautiful greens and maize yellows to depict the cornfields of the Cornhusker State? That would be a good start toward a much more interesting and creative state flag. Kevin Penrod, Omaha Finally, somebody said it Thank you, Susan Bristol, for your letter in the Jan. 6 Public Pulse (Hey guys, you smile!). You expressed all of the emotions most women feel when told to smile. Nancy Bjork, Omaha Come to think of it, Ive never had to ask Im past 60 years old. When I read Matthew Hansens column (Stop telling women to smile, Dec. 29 World-Herald), I realized that Ive never asked or told a woman to smile. I have gotten many women to smile by saying something funny on the spur of the moment. Pondering this, I realized my motives have not been of a sexual or controlling nature. Much more simple than that. Ego. When you get people to smile or laugh, you start thinking, Hey, Im a funny guy. Very gratifying. Tom Gruber Sr., Omaha Investigate what Trump knew of hacking Our intelligence agencies presented evidence that Russia interfered with the 2016 election. I have not seen action taken by Sens. Deb Fischer or Ben Sasse, Reps. Don Bacon, Jeff Fortenberry or Adrian Smith to investigate what President-elect Donald Trump knew about this interference. His statements during the campaign suggest he may have been colluding with Russian President Vladimir Putin. If so, that is treason. Or perhaps because their party prevailed in the election, these Nebraska representatives believe it is best to leave well enough alone. No doubt had the opposing party prevailed, these same representatives would demand an investigation. Yet another example of hypocrisy that dominates this new administration. Theresa Shepard, Omaha The rest of the Russian hacking story I realize that a foreign government influencing our election is not a good thing. There is, however, another way to look at this. Did the Russians lie? No. Did they flood the World Wide Web with horrible untruths about Hillary Clinton? No. Did they hack into our computerized voting machines? No. What the Russians did was expose some simple truths about Hillary that our own government knew (Federal Bureau of Investigations, Central Intelligence Agency, State Department, National Security Agency and the Democratic National Committee) but didnt let the public know. Really, who are the bad guys here? Kim Johnston, Omaha Helping more of us make art The Munroe-Meyer Institute, coupled with its partners at WhyArts, deserve a huge shout-out of thanks for their efforts in helping challenged children participate in the production of Join Us in the Jungle. What an amazing opportunity this is for these young people to show what delightful talents they have. I am certain that this will be etched in their memories for years. Katherine Braunlich, Omaha Akhnoor terror attack: A damaged gate at the GREF camp that was unmanned for a week India oi-Vicky Srinagar, Jan 10: The terrorist attack on the General Reserve Engineer Force camp at Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, is yet another grim reminder of how poor security is at such important locations. [Also Read: 3 GREF workers killed in terror strike at Akhnoor, J&K] Terrorists had on Monday killed three workers at the GREF and even managed to escape with ease as they faced no resistance. This was the first terrorist attack in the Jammu region this year and incidentally took place four days after the new Army Chief General Bipin Rawat visited Akhnoor and Rajouri. The terrorists managed to enter the camp, which is located 2 kilometres away from the Line of Control. How the attack unfolded? The two terrorists managed to sneak into the camp at around 1am on Monday. The main gate had been damaged a week back and there was no one on guard. This helped the terrorists gain easy access to the camp. They targeted a barrack in which four workers were asleep. The terrorists first obtained fuel from an office within the camp and doused the workers in it. They then fired at the workers and even some vehicles in the vicinity. Three of the workers were killed while another was injured. The first barrack had only four workers in it as the rest had gone to their homes due to the weekend. The terrorists, however, did not target another barrack in which there were 12 workers. They did not notice this barrack as the visibility was poor, a source said. Following the attack, the terrorists moved towards the Battal village. They hurled grenades and then moved into the forest area before escaping. There was no resistance until this time. The forces present at an artillery unit present around 200 metres away fired in the air, but the terrorists had by then managed to escape. OneIndia News Anupam Kher to participate in campaign aimed at Narmada conservation India oi-PTI Bhopal, Jan 10: Noted film actor Anupam Kher would participate in 'Namami Devi Narmade - Sewa Yatra,' a five month long campaign to create awareness about the conservation of river Narmada. "Kher has given the consent to participate in 'Namami Devi Narmade - Sewa Yatra,' which will continue till May 11," said an officer with the public relations department of MP government on Tuesday. He said that while giving consent, Kher has termed the campaign as goal-oriented and unique. However, the state government has not informed about the date of Kher's visit. 'Namami Devi Narmade - Sewa Yatra' started from December 11 last year. The officer informed that this 144-day long Yatra would continue till May 11 this year and pass through 1100 towns across the state. This 'Yatra' would cover 3350-km across 16 districts of the state. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had launched this campaign from Amarkantak, source of river Narmada. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 16:24 [IST] Bengaluru: Woman alleges gangrape in moving car India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi A 24 year old woman filed a complaint of gangrape and intimidation against three persons with the Yelahanka police in Bengaluru. The incident is said to have taken place on January 8. The complaint alleges that the trio kidnapped the woman from a village in Kolar and took turns to rape her in a moving car. The woman, in her complaint, also said that they abandoned her near Yelahanka and intimidated her with death threats. The woman approached the Yelahanka police for help. The case has been transferred to Vemagal police station in Kolar for further investigations. The woman has identified the perpetrators in her complaint and search for the trio is currently underway. The Yelahanka police registered case under sections 363, 376 and 506 on the basis of the victim's complaint before transferring the case to Kolar police. OneIndia News Congress is BJP's main rival in Goa polls: Parsekar India oi-PTI Panaji, Jan 9: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said "Congress would be principal opposition party for the BJP" in upcoming state assembly election". "Congress will be principal opposition party for the BJP in the upcoming polls. Though I don't underestimate anybody I don't want to talk about any other alliance," Parsekar told reporters reacting to the proposed alliance between MGP, Goa Suraksha Manch and Shiv Sena. "Alliance which you are speaking about has no sympathy amongst the people of Goa. Their fate would be sealed on the day of counting," he added. "I can feel the pulse of the people. I have not come to this position overnight. I have struggled for 25-30 years and I know to get the pulse," said the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister claimed that the BJP will touch 26 seat mark in the election. "We will not require anybody... We wont require people who betrayed us, insulted us," he added. Voting in Goa will take place on February 4. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 10:01 [IST] BRO Recruitment 2022: Check details for 328 vacancies, last date and salary details here Caught on camera: Woman, child flung into air as car hits the bike Congress slams BJP for inducting a 'MCOCA accused' in party India oi-PTI Mumbai, Jan 11: Congress on Tuesday targeted the ruling BJP for inducting what it said a "MCOCA accused" in the party fold in Pune district, ahead of upcoming elections to Zilla Parishads. In a statement issued, state unit Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said the BJP by admitting Vitthal Shelar in the party has proved that its talks on "morality and probity" in public life are hollow. Shelar joined BJP at a function held in Mawal taluka in Pune district last week, in the presence of BJP MLA and district guardian minister Girish Bapat. A BJP leader in Pune said it was difficult for the party to check antecedents of each and every individual joining them as scores of people are coming to the party fold. However, he said the party will look into this matter. Meanwhile, Congress said the BJP's "conduct" is becoming unsuitable for the party in power. "By inducting Shelar who was arrested under MCOCA and out on bail, the BJP which boasts of morality and probity in public life has exposed itself," Sawant stated. He criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for not acting against "tainted" ministers. "State BJP president Raosaheb Danve publicly asks voters to accept money before casting their vote. There are 21 ministers who face various allegations of irregularities. Still, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gives them a clean chit and also inducts various anti-social elements in the party...When exposed the BJP leaders speak untruth," Sawant stated. He alleged that a large chunk of cash was seized from the BJP leaders post demonetisation. PTI Demonetisation effect: Rs 3-4 lakh crore evaded income in banks now India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Over two months after demonetisation move by the government of India, officials of the Income Tax Department have claimed that about Rs 3-4 lakh crore of evaded income has been deposited into banks. The deposits are being looked at as a result of demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes by the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government. The Income Tax Department is scrutinising details of the deposits according to officials. Over 60 lakh individual bank accounts saw a sum of more than Rs 2 lakh deposited since November 9. The official also added that over Rs 10,700 crore in cash has been deposited in different bank accounts in North-Eastern states since November 9. The same is being scrutinised. The IT department as well as the enforcement directorate officials are looking into deposits of over Rs 16,000 crore in cooperative bank accounts across the country. It can be recalled that the government had not allowed cooperative banks to exchange demonetised motes with new legal tender, a move that had been opposed by left parties. The IT department and ED's crackdown on cooperative banks had thrown up instances of large sums of money being deposited without documentation. Recommended Video Income tax return filing deadline extended beyond July 31 The official also added that Rs 25,000 crore has been deposited into dormant bank accounts post-demonetisation and nearly Rs 80,000 crore has been used for repayment of loans done in cash post-demonetisation. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 13:49 [IST] Indian, French space agencies ink pact on satellite launch technology India oi-PTI Bengaluru, Jan 9: Indian Space Research Organisation and French Space agency (CNES) today signed a partnership agreement in satellite launch technology. The agreement was signed between ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar and CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall in the presence of visiting French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Marc Ayrault. Space cooperation between France and India spans over 50 years and is one of the cornerstones of the Indo-French strategic partnership. Ayrault, accompanied by the French delegation, was given a guided tour of ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network) by the ISRO chairman, according to a French Consulate release here. ISTRAC monitors Indian space missions, including the two Indo-French satellites currently in orbit for collecting data to track climate change. ISRO is the second partner of CNES, in terms of volume, after NASA. Of comparable size and sharing similar objectives, the space programmes of both countries are complementary, it was noted. Strengthening the CNES-ISRO partnership will enable France to benefit from the Indian model of streamlining the costs of space programmes. Later, Ayrault met Rahul Narayan, CEO of leading Indian "NewSpace" start-up, Axiom Research Labs. This start-up put forward TeamIndus, the only Indian team competing for the Google Lunar XPRIZE, a global competition for engineers and entrepreneurs to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration. USD 20 million will be granted to the first private company that successfully lands a module on the Moon, places a robot that explores at least 500 metres and transmits high-definition videos and images back to Earth. As TeamIndus races to design an all-terrain rover by end-2017 for this lunar mission, the French Space Agency will provide it with cameras, the release said. In the presence of the Minister, Narayan and Le Gall signed an agreement for equipping Axiom Research Lab's lunar rover with two latest-generation CASPEX micro-cameras, developed by CNES in partnership with French firm 3DPlus. In joining forces with Team Indus on this first private mission to land a rover on the moon, CNES is sending French technology for the first time on lunar terrain, the release said. PTI Islamic State's rise in Andhra: Chandrababu Naidu is a worried man India oi-Vicky Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Monday made a frantic appeal to the Union Home ministry, seeking better security in the wake of the rising threat by the Islamic State. "The IS is slowly it is establishing its activities. If you sanction Rapid Action Force, it will go a long way to control them," Naidu told the Home ministry. If one were to draw a comparison the threat perception is higher in Telangana when compared with Andhra Pradesh. While this being the case, Intelligence Bureau officials say that there are at least 37 persons on the radar for IS-related activities from both states. All these persons were deradicalised by the intelligence agencies and currently a close watch is being kept on them. The problem could escalate While most of the IS-related activities have been reported from Telangana, agencies warn of the rise of the outfit in Vishakapatanam, Kurnool and Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. While there has not been a direct case registered as yet in AP, residents of this state have found to be in IS territory. Haneed Wassem, 27, from Mancherial, Adilabad died fighting in Syria. Officials suspect that three more from the state are in Syria. In this context one must recall the busting of an IS module in Hyderabad. Four persons were arrested for propagating in favour of the IS. It was revealed during the investigations conducted by the National Investigation Agency that these youth were planning on carrying out blasts at police stations and also recruiting from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Intelligence Bureau officials say that there are problem areas in the state of AP. "The problem is not all that grave when compared to Telangana, but it could very quickly catch on," said an IB official. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 15:22 [IST] Mamata likely to visit Chennai for WB Governor's family function West Bengal to launch more electric, CNG buses to reduce air pollution Schoolgirls in Purulia get self-defence training to fight eve-teasers Man rapes 8-year-old to use her blood for removing obstacles to his marriage Mamata Banerjee blames Modi for deaths due to demonetisation India oi-IANS By Ians English Kolkata, Jan 10: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for over 120 deaths following demonetisation. "Modi babu, you are totally arrogant. You are responsible for 120+ deaths (of) demonetisation victims," she tweeted. The Trinamool Congress on Monday launched three days of nationwide protests demanding Modi's resignation. The party staged demonstrations across the country denouncing the demonetisation move by the government. Post demonetisation, Banerjee launched a scathing attack on Modi and said that the situation in the country was worse than Emergency under Modi. She evern sought a national government minus Modi's presence. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 14:06 [IST] UK PM Liz Truss resigns after 45 days in office, successor to be elected next week Iraq gets a new government after a year of deadlock PM Modi condemns terror attack in Kabul India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jan 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday strongly condemned the terror attack in Kabul and said India stands with Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism. Strongly condemn the terror attack in Kabul & condole loss of innocent lives. India stands with Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2017 Kabul was rocked by twin blasts near the Afghan Parliament in which at least 21 people were killed and 45 were wounded. Taliban insurgents immediately claimed responsibility for the bombings, which struck as employees were exiting the parliament complex. Later, two blasts took place at a guesthouse in Kandahar, where a meeting between UAE envoy, Kandahar' Governor and police chief was underway. [Read more: After Kabul, twin blasts now rock Kandahar] Another blast earlier in the day outside an office of the National Directorate of Security at Lashkargah, left seven people dead and nine injured. PTI Voting for MCD elections in Delhi to be held on December 04, results on December 07 Narendra Modi tweeting about meeting his mother angers Kejriwal India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, Jan 10: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday faced criticism from AAP leaders including Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, when the former tweeted that he had skipped yoga and had breakfast with his mother. Modi, who is in Gujarat to attend the 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit', tweeted that he met his mother on Tuesday morning. He is likely to head to the Mahatma Mandir to meet foreign heads of the state later in the day. Kejriwal, took to Twitter to criticise Modi and said: "I stay with my mother and I seek her blessings everyday and don't boast about it. I don't make my mother stand in a bank queue for politics." Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2017 PM , https://t.co/CT243GTTzc Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 10, 2017 The Delhi CM further added: "Hinduism and Indian culture teach us that you make your aged mother and your wife stay with you. PM's house is big, make your heart bigger." AAP leader Somnath Bharti too hit out at Modi saying that the tweet was a publicity stunt by the PM. PM's 97-year-old mother Hiraba stays in Gujarat and was last seen in public when she had gone to a bank to exchange old currency notes following demonetisation move. OneIndia News Voting for MCD elections in Delhi to be held on December 04, results on December 07 NGT notice to Centre, Delhi over sanitation workers' strike India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Jan 10: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday sought to know from the Delhi government, Union Urban Development Ministry, the East DMC and striking sanitation workers' associations what steps are being taken to solve the problem. The tribunal in its notice also asked these authorities about the steps taken to remove garbage from the streets in east Delhi. Advocate Balendu Shekhar, who appeared for the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), told IANS that a bench headed by NGT Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notice. "In the notice, the NGT Chairman asked what steps all the authorities took to control the situation and remove garbage from the streets in various parts of east Delhi," Shekhar told IANS. Shekhar, on behalf of the East DMC, requested the tribunal to intervene and permanently settle the issue of workers' salaries and dues. According to East DMC officials, the huge difference between the civic body's expenditure and earning is main reason behind the problem, as the annual salaries and pensions total around Rs 1,600 crore while it generates revenue of only Rs 608 crore per annum. The strike of sanitation workers who are protesting non-payment of their salaries for the past three months continued for the fifth day on Tuesday. A section of North DMC employees also went on strike over non-payment of salaries on Tuesday. The Delhi government on Monday released Rs 119 crore to the East DMC but the agitating employees said they would call off the strike only after their salaries were credited into their bank accounts. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which rules all the three municipal corporations of Delhi, was doing politics over garbage in the city at the cost of health and lives of Delhi people. IANS Overzealous Mumbai cops serve IRF notice to IS recruit India oi-Vicky Mumbai, Jan 10: The Mumbai police had to face some embarrassment when they served a notice to an alleged Islamic State recruit, Areeb Majeed, in connection with the Islamic Research Foundation case. [Also Read:Hyderabad ISIS module inspired by Zakir Naik, says NIA] The notice was served to Majeed lodged in the Arthur Road jail by the Dongri police, despite him not being involved in the IRF case. The police has been serving notices to several persons to appear before the judicial tribunal which would be adjudicating the decision to ban the Dr Zakir Naik run NGO, IRF. The police, representing the government would argue before the tribunal justifying the ban, which was issued by the Ministry for Home Affairs in December 2016. Many officers are surprised by the decision of the police to serve a notice on Majeed. The National Investigation Agency which had probed Majeed has not mentioned anywhere about any link he might have had with the IRF. The police have been going through jail records to see if any IRF member is in prison. This would help the police justify the ban on IRF. The notice to Majeed may have been a result of this and due to some confusion, a senior police officer said. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 7:41 [IST] Parasmal Lodha in ED net: TN politicians under scanner India oi-Vicky The law is likely to catch up to many in Tamil Nadu soon with the Enforcement Directorate getting set to take Parasmal Lodha to the state. Lodha was arrested in December by the ED after it was found that he had allegedly helped mining baron Sekhar Reddy convert demonetised notes in large quantity. Lodha was arrested in Mumbai and later taken to New Delhi where he is currently lodged in a jail. The ED had sought a transit remand to take him to Chennai for further investigations. The court had granted the transit remand and the cases relating to Lodha's Tamil Nadu links will be transferred to a court in Chennai. When Lodha's name figured earlier: The ED suspects that Lodha's Chennai links need to be probed to get a larger idea about the alleged modus oprandi. He is currently being investigated for converting Rs 25 crore in demonetised notes into new currency. It is alleged that he did this for Reddy and a Delhi-based lawyer. While this would be one part of the probe, the ED would also be revisiting an earlier case in which Lodha was involved. ED officials say that they are taking one thing at a time. "The earlier case relating to Tamil Nadu too is under our watch and we suspect that it is all inter-linked," an official who did not want to be named informed OneIndia. The older case goes back to an IT raid that was conducted in April 2016. It was election time and a raid had been conducted on a Karur, Tamil Nadu based-businessman C P Anbunathan. The laptop, cellphone and other documents that were seized during the raid revealed several big names which included politicians from Tamil Nadu. Politicians under scanner: The ED, CBI and the IT department have under their radar at least five politicians and nearly 20 Indian Police Service and Indian Administrative Service officers, both serving and retired. Investigators are trying to find out the money trail that led to the purchase of commercial building at Dera in Dubai. It is suspected that this building worth Rs 1,700 crore was purchased for a politician in Tamil Nadu. During the raid at Anbunathan's residence, the IT sleuths seized Rs 4.8 crore in cash apart from other incriminating documents. It is alleged that Anbunathan along with Lodha had parked money to the tune of several thousand crores abroad. Investigators are looking into whether this money was parked for politicians. Scams galore Further the probe also revealed that a chunk of the money was from the proceeds of the controversial coal imports. A separate investigation had been conducted into this case and it officers had even arrested Manoj Kumar Garg, one of the kingpins in the case. An analysis of the documents also went on to show that Anbunathan was allegedly connected to Garg and together they had invested in the commercial building in Dubai. Further investments in a bank at Bangkok is also under the scanner of investigators. Officials say that the case is about laundering money for politicians. "There appears to be a clear modus operandi in the manner in which it was done. The three persons -- Lodha, Anbunathan and Reddy will be able to give more details about this, officials point out. It is alleged that Lodha made several visits to Tamil Nadu post 2011 and he may have introduced Anbunathan to some of the big-wigs. OneIndia News Pongal politics: First victory for Sasikala? India oi-Anusha In what could be looked at as a move to pacify Tamil Nadu over its helplessness in Jallikattu issue, the Union government converted Pongal from the list of 'restricted holiday' to 'closed holiday'. The move came after the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam wrote to the Prime Minister asking for Pongal to be declared as compulsory holiday for central government employees in Tamil Nadu. Within 24 hours of the said letter, a corrigendum was issued to all central government employees in Tamil Nadu stating that Pongal had been listed as closed holiday and Dussera had been reassigned as a restricted holiday. Why the hullabaloo now? Pongal has been a restricted holiday for well over seven years for central government employees in Tamil Nadu. Politics over holiday for the harvest festival sprang up suddenly due to misinformation and muddled Jallikattu situation. Messages about central government 'cancelling holiday for Pongal' started doing the rounds on social networking and messaging apps. The messages sent not just the people of Tamil Nadu but political leaders into a tizzy as well. A holiday that was deemed restricted for years together suddenly garnered attention with people and parties demanding it to be made a compulsory holiday. The Tamil Nadu chief minister wrote to the Centre, which was more than willing to appease a state that is being refused to carry out its traditional sport of Jallikattu during Pongal festivities. AIADMK claims victory to 'Chinamma' The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was very quick to announce that the centre government's move to make Pongal a closed holiday was due to AIADMK's General Secretary Sasikala Natarajan's efforts. The party took to social media to thank 'Chinnamma' for her efforts in ensuring that people of Tamil Nadu got a compulsory holiday for Pongal. The party conveniently sidelined the letter written by CM O Panneerselvam and highlighted Sasikala Natarajan's statement urging the union government to declare Pongal as a compulsory holiday. The AIADMK would like this to be seen as Sasikala's first political victory irrespective of whether she had a role to play in it. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 18:29 [IST] Portugese PM Antonio Costa arrives in Goa India oi-PTI Panaji, Jan 10: Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa on Tuesday arrived in Goa for a two-day trip, during which he will visit his ancestral house and attend a host of events in the coastal state. Costa landed at the airport at around 9.30 pm from where he left for his hotel, a senior Goa government official said. The Portugese PM has several functions lined up during his visit to the state and he will visit his ancestral house. Costa will pay a courtesy call to Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar at the residence of Consul General of Portugal in Goa located at Altinho in Panaji on Wednesday. Later he will meet Goa Governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan. Costa would be visiting India's premier ocean research institute - National Institute of Oceanography - at Dona Paula on his way back from Raj Bhavan. The Portuguese PM is expected have lunch at a five star resort. After that he would be opening a new centre for Portuguese language after which he would visit Institute Menezes Braganza building located in the city. Costa would be given a tribute by the Goan Civil Society at Adil Shah Palace, which was Goa's erstwhile seat of governance. The 55-year-old PM would also be presented with a English translation of the book Sem Flores Nem Coroas written by his father Orlando Costa. He would then address a gathering during the event. On January 12, the prime minister would be visiting a factory in Verna village and has several private functions. He would be visiting his ancestral house in Margao town where he would be having his afternoon meal before leaving to visit Old Goa Churches and Mangeshi Temple in North Goa. Costa will also be attending an event organised by Salgaoncar College of Law. He would also be given a reception by Indo-Portuguese community in a five star hotel near here. PTI Punjab assembly elections 2017: Sisodia seeks votes to 'make Kejriwal CM' India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, appealed to the voters of Punjab to assume that they are choosing Arvind Kejriwal to become CM when they vote for the party. He made the statement during a public rally in Punjab's Mohali and reiterated the same whilst he spoke to the media.. When questioned about the statement, Sisodia chose to dodge questions on possibility of Arvind Kejriwal becoming chief minister of Punjab instead of denying it in entirety. "I only said that when people of Punjab vote, they should vote for AAP as if they were voting to make Arvind Kejriwal their chief minister", Manish Sisodia said. "That will be answered in due time. Let the MLAs decide on that," he said when asked if Kejriwal would become the chief minister of Punjab if the AAP came to power. This statement is in stark contrast to Bhagwant Mann's assurance of only a leader from Punjab becoming the CM if the AAP came to power. Sisodia's statement is being looked at as a hint of Arvind Kejriwal shifting base from Delhi to Punjab. Opposition parties however, claim that they are not surprised and this move of the AAP was expected. "Punjab won't vote for Kejriwal. We are not surprised," said Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Shiromani Akali Dal. Sisodia's statement contradicts Arvind Kejriwal's past pronouncement on not running for elections in Punjab. OneIndia News Punjab: Sukhbir attacks 'outsider' Kejriwal India oi-PTI Chandigarh, Jan 10: The Shiromani Akali Dal on Tuesday alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party was trying to foist "outsider" Arvind Kejriwal on Punjab after scuttling the chances of its own leaders from the state who could have posed a challenge to him. SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal alleged that if a 'Haryanvi' comes to power in the state, the interests of Punjab would be compromised and asserted that voters will not be befooled by AAP. He also warned that the "anti-Centre" stance of Kejriwal will put the state on a collision course with the Union Government and hurt its progress. "The cat is out of the bag. Kejriwal has been salivating to become chief minister of Punjab since two years now and finally the party has made the announcement after clearing all the road blocks in his way," Badal said in a statement. Asking people of Punjab to oppose the move to impose an "outsider" on them, the Deputy CM said, "We are Punjabis foremost and Akalis, Congressmen or BJP supporters later. If an outsider becomes CM of our state, our very existence is at stake". His reaction came after Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, while addressing a rally in Mohali, asked people to vote for AAP in Pujab Assembly polls to see Arvind Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of the state. Sukhbir said the recent developments in the party should be seen in this light. "AAP's first state convenor and senior most leader Suchha Singh Chottepur was thrown out of the party as he was a well know Sikh face and could have posed a challenge to Kejriwal. After this the party scuttled the chances of Bhagwant Mann and Himmat Singh Shergill by making them contest against me and Bikram Singh Majithia respectively. Now with all the road blocks removed, Sisodia has come to Punjab to make the announcement in a carefully orchestrated move to the accompaniment of drums and calibrated sloganeering," alleged Badal. The SAD leader said AAP might have succeeded in its game plan of making Kejriwal the CM candidate of the party, but it would not be able to "befool" Punjabis. "The party including Kejriwal kept saying that a Punjabi will be chosen as its chief ministerial face but has now chosen a Haryanvi who has already bartered away the interests of Punjab on the SYL to Haryana. If Kejriwal comes to power all the interests of the state including those of Chandigarh as well as Punjabi speaking areas also stand to be sold to Haryana," he alleged. Hitting out at Kejriwal, Sukhbir said Kejrwal had a reputation of being a "professional agitationist". "Such a person would put Punjab on a collision course with the Centre," he alleged adding this would impact the procurement of food grain from Punjab and affect the future of farming community. "Punjab will also suffer if the Centre does not give it adequate grants due to the anti-Centre stance taken by Kejriwal," he alleged. PTI Racial attack in Bengaluru? Arunachal youth found injured, unconscious India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi A 22-year-old Arunachal youth was found injured and unconscious by policemen in Koramangala in the wee hours of Sunday. Two days after he was found, the Arunachal student association in Bengaluru filed a complaint suspecting assault in the case. The victim, Khaudan Khangham, was found with injuries less than a kilometre away from a pub where he works as a waiter. The beat policemen who found him admitted him to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences where he is currently under observation. "He was found at around 1.50 am on Sunday. Policemen admitted him to a hospital and we were keeping a tab. We weren't able to get any information from him since he was unconscious. His wallet and phone was intact. It was only on Monday that a students' association came to file a complaint suspecting assault on him. We have taken up the case for investigations," said Boralingaiah, DCP, Southeast. The police have formed two teams to gather more evidence in the case. With no eyewitnesses and the victim still in coma, the police are compelled to rely on CCTV footage in the area to figure what transpired. While the complaint doesn't speak largely about it being a racial attack, members of the Arunachal students association feel that given earlier instances of people from North East being targeted, they were not ready to rule out the possibility of this being a racial attack. The police are currently not ruling out any possibility, either deliberate attack or probable accident. OneIndia News TRS, BJP are two sides of same coin: Rahul Gandhi in Telangana Congress will bring back old pension scheme in Gujarat, if voted to power: Rahul Gandhi Rahul Gandhi may cancel his China visit India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jan 10: Amid criticism of his foreign tours during polls, Rahul Gandhi is unlikely to travel to China on a visit that was expected to take place next week. Gandhi, the Congress vice president, was to lead a party delegation on a week-long visit to Beijing reportedly from January 15 at the invitation of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) as part of the regular party-to-party exchanges between the two countries. AICC had for the past one week not denied reports of the delegation visiting China. "We cannot confirm about the visit, so how can we confirm about the deferment," said a party leader when asked about Rahul's plans to travel to China next week. Rahul has just returned from a week-long foreign vacation, for which he was criticised as five states are going to the polls. PTI SC dismisses Telengana's appeal against Krishna water award India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jan 9: The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a plea by the Telangana government seeking fresh allocation of waters of river Krishna among four riparian states which also include Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. A bench of Justices M B Lokur and P C Pant dismissed the appeal filed by the Telangana government against the order of a tribunal headed by former apex court judge Brijesh Kumar, allotting 1005 TMC feet of water given to undivided Andhra Pradesh among residuary Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The state government had also asked the apex court for a direction to the Centre not to rush with notifying the tribunal verdict of October last year. It had also sought constitution of special tribunal to deal with the allocation of Krishna waters afresh amongst the four riparian states. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 10:10 [IST] The camera sees it all: An eyewitness account from Bengaluru India oi-Oneindia By Maitreyee Boruah Bengaluru, Jan 10: Hello, friends. It's nice to see you all. I am a CCTV camera installed in a small corner of your favourite Brigade Road in Bengaluru. In all probability, you've not noticed me. Nobody does, not just you. While I can see all of you and all of it, you perhaps just look through me. In the most 'vibrant place' (by the virtue of sheer number of footfall Brigade Road witnesses daily) in the city, buzzing with youthful vigour, who would bother to check on a camera? Next time, when you come for a cup of coffee or to meet a friend on Brigade Road, just look around, I am there, looking at you and everyone else closely, as closely as one gets to do so. It is frightening, isn't it? That someone gets to see everything. But trust me, it's scarier for me. What I get to see is not always nice. It can turn any 'normal' person into a lunatic. I am pretty strong for that matter. I am not shattered yet, I don't feel the need to go and see a shrink. My eyes and their sight are still strong, after what I saw on New Year's Eve. Oh that night... I was happy, slightly drunk, like all of you, and even swaying a bit to the foot-tapping music all around me. The most beautiful sight was to see so many of you descending on Brigade Road. Friends, lovers, brothers, sisters... all of you were here with hope in your eyes for a happy 2017. After all, last year saw us going through a lot-- from dancing to the tunes of the regime's diktats (demonetisation) to being distant observers of never-ending wars in faraway lands like Syria. We saw and survived all that. In the midst of all the partying and euphoria, suddenly everything changed. In the blink of an eye that happy evening turned into chaos. Girls, boys, men in uniforms... suddenly everyone started running - while some of you were running after a few women, others were running from you. I immediately gathered my senses and realised it was time to get back to work. After that I didn't miss a single thing and watched everything with my eyes wide open. The rest, as they say is history. Next what I saw was even more horrifying. While all concerned citizens raised alarm against what happened, the police and politicians decided to remain in denial. Our leaders even went on to question the 'morality' of women and justified the night (of horror). But how could I or others like me deny what we saw? Call it a professional hazard or our fate, we are not supposed to turn a blind eye towards the reality. It's my job to see and tell you the truth while it's your choice to follow or ignore that. No matter how many pairs of eyes like me watch and follow you, it won't help unless you open your eyes to the reality around you. Until then, see you! Disclaimer: The events in this article are narrated from a CCTV camera's 'point of view'. Back in 2015, in order to provide 24x7 surveillance across Bengaluru, over 3,500 CCTV cameras were installed in various vantage points and popular spots across the city, under the Mega City Project. On January 2, after Bangalore Mirror, with pictures splashed all over its front page, reported in detail how girls/women were attacked in what we now call the infamous Bengaluru mass molestation episode, CCTV cameras too were drawn into the eye of a controversy. Faced with severe criticism, the Congress government in Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has decided to install 5,000 more CCTV cameras in various sensitive locations across the city. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 12:55 [IST] Delhi HC dismisses plea to stop publication, sale of Salman Khurshid's book : 'Ask people not to buy it' Rahul remains 'No. 1', 'only' choice of Congress rank and file for party chief's post: Khurshid UP assembly election 2017: Salman Khurshid's steady rise in politics India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, Jan 10: The stage is set for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and all parties are gearing up to woo voters in the state. While demonetisation is likely to play a role in the upcoming polls, Congress leader Salman Khurshid few days back expressed his displeasure and said that government facilitated corruption by introducing the Rs 2,000 note. Know more about Khurshid: Date and Place of birth: Khurshid was born on Jan 1, 1953 in Aligarh, UP. Education: Khurshid has a Bachelor's Degree from St Stephen's College, Delhi. He pursued Law from St Edmund Hall, Oxford University. Khurshid also taught law at Trinity College, Oxford University. Political career: Politics runs through Khurshid's family. Khurshid's father, Khurshid Alam Khan was former Union Minister of External Affairs whereas his grandfather, Dr Zakir Hussian was the third President Of India. Khurshid's tryst with politics began after he joined Indira Gandhi's office as an Officer on Special Duty and that is when he was introduced to Indira Gandhi. He slowly then climed the political ladder and later became the Deputy Minister of Commerce. He contested the 15th Lok Sabha elections from Farukkabad, Uttar Pradesh. He handled the Water Resources portfolio, Minority Affairs, Law and Justice in 2011. He given the Ministry of External Affairs in 2012. Khurshid lost the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 from Farukkabad. Controversies: Khurshid courted controversy in 2015 when he praised Pakistan during his visit to the neighbouring country and criticised Narendra Modi. He had praised Nawaz Sharif for attending Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony in India. He had said that the BJP government had failed to respond to Pakistan's peace overtures. OneIndia News Man arrested for 'digital rape' of 6-year-old in Ghaziabad Tech student Faiz Rasheed gets 5 years' jail for FB post on Pulwama attack Vadodara: Altaf Mansuri arrested for throwing petrol bomb at police on Diwali Noida: Two held for cheating people of lakhs using 'magic ink' on cheques UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case UP: Pakistani arrested for violating visa rules India oi-IANS By Ians English Ghaziabad, Jan 10: A Pakistani man was arrested in Ghaziabad on Tuesday for violating visa rules by buying land, getting into the voters' list and obtaining a voter ID, police said. The police stumbled on the identity of Mohammad Younus, from Karachi in Pakistan, who had been living in Dasna on a long-term visa since 1956. He also bought property in his name, a police officer said. "Although he has not been interrogated properly, we are sure he may have opened a bank account also," said the officer. Younus has been booked under the Foreigners Act. IANS UP Election: In seat sharing formula with SP, Congress to pitch for 100 seats India oi-Vicky Lucknow, Jan 10: The Congress, which is gearing up for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2017, will pitch for at least 100 seats if it enters into an alliance with the Samajwadi Party. [Also Read: SP feud: Mulayam says no split, declares Akhilesh as CM candidate] Although alliance talks are yet to be formalised, the Congress feels that if it forge a pact with the SP, then it would seek 100 seats in the 403 member UP assembly. The Congress had put on hold any talks of an alliance as there was a rift within the SP. With Mulayam Singh Yadav announcing on Monday that there is no rift in the party, talks between the leaders of the two parties may commence anytime soon. While Mulayam had indicated that he is not in favour of an alliance, his son Akhilesh had sent feelers to the Congress. The Congress has not committed anything as yet. In fact, it had already drawn out its list of probable candidates for the elections. A Congress leader said that the list drawn out is only of probable candidates. "Our poll advisors have told us that in case of an alliance, we need to pitch for at least 100 seats," added the Congress leader. Hinting an alliance, Akhilesh had recently said that if the two parties come together then they could win at least 300 seats. Although the the top leaders of both parties have not yet had any formal meeting, party workers have been told to be ready for a seat sharing formula. Both the SP and the Congress workers have been told that in case of an alliance, the latter would be given 100 seats. The Congress is desperately looking to improve its tally in UP. In 2012, the Congress had won just 28 seats. A few months later it went on to win a by-poll and increased its tally to 29. However, over the next few years it saw nine of its legislators defect to the BSP, SP and BJP. OneIndia News Cabinet approves MoU between India, Denmark in field of Water Resources Development and Management For beneficiaries of EWS flat a gift from PM Modi like none other PM Modi hands over keys of 3024 EWS flats to beneficiaries under slum rehab plan Vibrant Gujarat summit: Breakfast with mother energises PM Modi for a hectic day India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Gandhinagar, Jan 10: The special bond Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares with his mother Heeraben is known to all. As he was in his home state Gujarat on Tuesday, the PM made it a point to meet his mother, in spite of his hectic schedule. On Monday, Modi began his two-day official trip to the state. He is all set to inaugurate the eighth edition of four-day-long Vibrant Gujarat summit in Gandhinagar on Tuesday afternoon. After meeting Heeraban, Modi tweeted about how he spent his time with his 'beloved' mother. "Skipped Yoga & went to meet mother. Before dawn had breakfast with her. Was great spending time together," Modi tweeted. Heeraben, 97, resides with her younger son Pankaj on the outskirts of Gandhinagar. The PM meets his mother whenever he visits his home state. Moreover, on his every birthday on September 17, the 66-year-old BJP leader goes to meet his mother to seek her blessings. A host of foreign leaders and top global and Indian CEOs will attend the Vibrant Gujarat summit. Modi will interact with some of them ahead of the formal inauguration of the summit at 3pm on Tuesday. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 12:26 [IST] Are you awake?: EAM Jaishankar recalls when he got a call from PM Modi at midnight Several Afghans on Germany's evacuation list have died 13th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan delivered by India Afghanistan: 27 killed in twin blasts in Kabul International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer At least 27 people were killed and 70 others wounded in twin blasts near parliament offices in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, said reports. The blasts occurred when government employees were leaving their offices in the Dar-ul-Aman locality. #UPDATE: Afghan officials confirm 27 dead and 70 wounded in twin explosions in Kabul, reports TOLO News ANI (@ANI_news) January 10, 2017 The exact details of the blasts are not yet clear, some reports claim that at least one of the blasts involved a suicide bomber. Reports also say that Afghan Taliban has claimed the responsibility of the attack. Earlier on Tuesday, a blast outside an office of the National Directorate of Security at Lashkargah, left seven people dead and nine injured. OneIndia News Are you awake?: EAM Jaishankar recalls when he got a call from PM Modi at midnight Several Afghans on Germany's evacuation list have died 13th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan delivered by India After Kabul, twin blasts now rock Kandahar International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Two blasts took place at a guesthouse in Kandahar on Tuesday, where a meeting between UAE envoy, Kandahar' Governor and police chief was underway, said reports. All the three are reportedly safe. Earlier on Tuesday, at least 27 people were killed and 70 others wounded in twin blasts near parliament offices in Kabul, Afghanistan. The blasts occurred when government employees were leaving their offices in the Dar-ul-Aman locality. Reports say that Afghan Taliban has claimed the responsibility of the attack. Another blast earlier in the day outside an office of the National Directorate of Security at Lashkargah, left seven people dead and nine injured. OneIndia News Alibaba's founder meets Trump, plans to help American small business International oi-IANS By Ians English Washington, Jan 10: Jack Ma, founder and chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, on Monday met with US President-elect Donald Trump and discussed plans to help US small businesses sell products to China through the company's platform. "I think the president-elect is very smart, he is very open-minded to listen. I told him my ideas about how to improve trade, especially to improve small business, cross border trade," Xinhua quoted Ma as saying at Trump tower in New York after meeting with Trump. "We specifically talked about ... supporting 1 million small businesses, especially in the Midwest of America. Small businesses on the platform selling products -- agriculture products and America services -- to China and Asia," he said. They also discussed the China-US relationship, which should be "strengthened" and "more friendly", according to Ma. "(Trump) has concerns, and he has solutions, that he wants to discuss with China and us," he said. "We had a great meeting, and a great, great entrepreneur, one of the best in the world. Jack and I are going to do some great things," Trump told reporters after the meeting. Alibaba group said on Monday via its official twitter that the company works with US companies and farmers to sell to over 450 million Chinese consumers on its platform, and it has set a goal of helping one million US small businesses export to China. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 9:48 [IST] Assad wants to negotiate with Syrian rebels International oi-PTI Beirut, Jan 9: Syrian President Bashar Assad said in remarks published today that he was prepared "to negotiate everything" at planned talks later this month in Kazakhstan, seeking to cast himself as a peacemaker after his forces' recapture of Aleppo last month. However, the upcoming talks, brokered by Ankara and Moscow, are still in doubt as Syrian opposition groups have yet to confirm their participation. Syrian activists meanwhile reported what appeared to be a US-led special forces raid on Islamic State militants in eastern Syria. Omar Abou Leila, who runs Deir Ezzor 24, said four helicopters landed in the desert between the IS-held cities of Deir el-Zour and Raqqa on Sunday. Commandos set up checkpoints and intercepted a vehicle carrying several Islamic State militants, killing all of them and flying off with the bodies, he said. "It's an operation that apparently targeted an important figure," Abou Leila told The Associated Press from Germany, where he is based. Deir Ezzor 24 is one of several locally staffed underground groups reporting from IS-held territory. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, another activist-run group, said 25 militants were killed in the ambush. Local witnesses said at least some of the commandos spoke Arabic. There was no immediate comment from the US-led coalition. In the northeastern province of Hassakeh, a car bomb exploded Monday night in the predominantly Kurdish town of Qamishli, wounding several people, including the driver of the vehicle, state TV, the Observatory and a local official said. Jwan Mohammed, a Kurdish official in Qamishli, said security forces detained the driver of the car, who lost his legs in the blast. He said the car blew up in a main square that is home to several security offices. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, but IS had carried out suicide attacks in Kurdish areas in the past. Speaking to French reporters at his Damascus palace, Assad defended his troops' deadly bombardment of eastern Aleppo, saying the alternative would have been to leave the city's civilians to the mercy of "terrorists" a term the government uses for all rebels. Assad questioned the credibility of Syrian opposition groups backed by the West and Saudi Arabia, which make up the bulk of the armed and political opposition to his rule. "There's no limit to negotiations," Assad said, in remarks carried by Syrian state media. "But who is going to be there from the other side, we don't know yet. ... The viability of the conference depends on that." PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 11:29 [IST] Chances of cancer before 50 higher in those born after 1990, says study Drug that 'melts' cancer cells approved for human use International oi-IANS By Ians English Sydney, Jan 10: A drug that could "melt away" cancer cells has been approved for human use in Australia, a media report said on Tuesday. Developed in Melbourne, Venetoclax, which will be sold as Venclexta, has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use by patients with advanced forms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Xinhua news agency reported. The drug, which was approved for use in the US in August 2016, would be made available to patients who have not responded to standard treatments or who have not been able to undergo other therapies. Venetoclax works by blocking the action of the BCL-2 protein which enables cancer cells to survive, a solution that researchers worldwide have been studying for more than 30 years. Doug Hilton, the director at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, said the approval was important for patients with limited options. "Like a lethal arrow, Venetoclax flies straight to the heart of BCL-2," Hilton told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). David Huang, the developer of the drug from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, won the Eureka Prize for Innovation in Medical Research in 2016. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 13:13 [IST] US: Hostage situation in University of Alabama International oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer An unidentified gunman took hostages at the University of Alabama on Tuesday, said reports. It is unknown how many employees of the are in the Alabama Credit Union building. The varsity has issued campus-wide alerts, asking residents to stay away from the area. The incident, at the Alabama Credit Union behind the University's Law School, was initially being suspected as a robbery attempt. Local law enforcement and UAPD have responded to a robbery/hostage situation at the Alabama Credit Union located at 220 Bryant Dr. (1 of 2) The Univ. of Alabama (@UofAlabama) January 10, 2017 Bryant Drive is closed in the area, and we asking everyone to avoid the area. (2 of 2) The Univ. of Alabama (@UofAlabama) January 10, 2017 According to reports, SWAT teams have reached the spot to take control of the situation. Personnel from the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office and the University of Alabama Police Department are also at the spot. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 22:14 [IST] OK! Magazine 04 Nov 2022 Queen Mother 'would have been absolutely horrified' at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Oprah interview, an expert said. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. by Graham Pierrepoint Its the meeting that many have been counting down to with President-elect of the US, Donald Trump, due to be sworn in as the leader of the country in late January, it makes sense that the new President will need to make a few alliances with some of the existing world leaders. While UK Prime Minister Theresa May has only been in the top job since late 2016, she has cemented herself into her role fairly quickly and, as a result, she too has had to make new alliances. In February, May and Trump will meet as the leaders of the UK and US respectively for the first time as Trump takes over the Oval Office from the outgoing Barack Obama, and as Theresa May begins to lead Britain towards the activation of Article 50 thus starting the Brexit negotiation procedure in the coming spring. Certainly, both figures have attained their positions as a result of considerable shift in predictable politics May took over the top UK job from David Cameron after the statesman stepped down, which was following the result of the EU referendum last summer. Trump, meanwhile, emerged as the unlikely winner of a battle which many have continued to assert that Hillary Clinton could have won and as the actual tally of the public vote shows, she more or less did. Indeed, there hasnt been a polling upset of quite this magnitude since George W Bush beat Al Gore to the punch almost two decades ago. May is said to be arranging to visit Trump at some point during February, likely both in an attempt to cement a new alliance and to redress the President-elects relationship with Nigel Farage, the ex-UKIP leader who has been courting media headlines for some time since the result of the EU referendum. Farage was suggested by Trump as a potentially suitable ambassador from the UK to the US, comments which caused a stir in the British media and provoked comments from many. Farage, however, has since taken on a role as part of LBC Radios weeknightly chat show lineup, and is therefore seemingly staying grounded for the time being. Will May prove to Trump that she is the British voice to pay attention to? Will Trump be able to put some of the fears from UK citizens regarding his impending Presidency to bed? It will all come out in the wash, and we will surely know soon enough. Rumble 25 Aug 2022 According to the TPD, SWAT officers had to negotiate with a hostage situation. They confirm at least one victim is involved, plus.. Business Insider 11 Oct 2022 Zuckerberg's metaverse play isn't unusual in the tech world. It's just not one we've often seen pay off outside the world of.. Rumble 03 Nov 2022 KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS: The President has been out on the road and if anyone has been paying attention they heard him speak to the.. Curr: Long Looking to: Sell @ 63.50 As of 3/21/21 @ 8:46pm EST: $60.85 LAST WEEK: We suggested shorting from $66.28 up to $67.98 with stops on a close above $68 and with a target for covering and getting long at $59.65. UPDATE: Crude oil bottomed in the very short-term and should bounce to around $63.50 before heading lower once again. We would hold longs until $63.50 and would then sell those longs and get short. Stops should be honored on a close above $64 and the downside target for covering shorts and getting long will be $53.83. Lorenzo de Medici, Patron, Inspiration, and sometimes Nemesis for Niccolo Machiavelli "He who desires or proposes to change the form of government in a state . . . must needs retain at least the shadow of its ancient customs, so that institutions may not appear to its people to have been changed, though in point of fact the new institutions may be radically different from the old ones. This he must do because men in general are as much affected by what a thing appears to be as by what it is, indeed they are frequently influenced more by appearances than by the reality." Discourse 25 A summary of Discourses 25 -- 27 If a new prince or governor wants to change the form of an existing government, without disturbing or alarming the citizens, he must keep all the outward forms of the original government unchanged. As long as they appear unchanged, the ordinary citizen will fail to notice or be alarmed by their changing functions. People pay more attention to appearances than they do to the realities of the governance. So, the new prince or governor should make as few changes to appearances as possible. The shielding of change is necessary when trying to change any existing government into another form; into a republic, an autocracy, or a princedom. When a conquering prince or despot takes over a government, he must change everything as quickly as possible. He must get rid of all existing offices and their personnel, replacing them with offices having different names and functions. Members of the former government must be imprisoned, killed, or exiled along with anyone thought to oppose the new government. Moving populations and changing the locations of the government disrupt attempts to reinstate the former government. When the take-over has been accomplished, making a peace with the population and providing the population with security is necessary for the new government to continue past the tenure of the initial rulers. Very few people are entirely bad or entirely good. Not being entirely bad can be the weakness that will allow the toppling of a despot. When he is confronted by a moral challenge that he is afraid or unwilling to face, his lack of action may destroy him. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). In his remaining days in office, President Obama has the opportunity to bring some measure of justice to wrongfully-imprisoned Native American activist Leonard Peltier. Peltier has been languishing in prison for over 40 years, following his conviction for murdering two FBI agents during a shootout between law enforcement officers and Lakota Indians on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1975. Peltier is a political prisoner --- one whose arrest, conviction and lengthy incarceration was determined not so much by the facts of the case but by Peltier's activism in the American Indian Movement and the government's desire to suppress a rebellion among Native Americans in the 1970s. The entire process by which Peltier was arrested and tried was fraught with problems. Witness affidavits supporting Peltier's extradition from Canada (where he fled after the shootout) prior to his arrest were gained through coercion; during the trial the government withheld key documents, such as ballistics information, that could have aided the defense; witnesses who testified for the prosecution later recanted and said the FBI had pressured them to implicate Peltier. While Peltier was unsuccessful in an appeal of his conviction, the presiding judge in the appeals hearing, Gerald Heaney, harshly criticized the prosecution for the FBI's "improper conduct" and "clear abuse of the investigative process," according to a report by the Center for Constitutional Rights. It's also noteworthy, that during the appeals hearing, the government admitted that they couldn't prove who actually shot the agents. But the prosecutors still maintained that Peltier was linked to the murders and therefore was guilty. The idea that someone could be convicted and sent to prison for so many years --- based on such a shaky prosecution case, rife with so many legal problems, is an outrage. It is not the kind of thing that is supposed to happen in a democratic republic, with a system that on paper at least is supposed to provide "liberty and justice for all." The Peltier case is more befitting of what happens in a dictatorship. Obama has a chance to end this outrage by granting Peltier's request for clemency. The Native activist has gotten wide support for his plea --- from human rights groups like Amnesty International to Bishop Desmond Tutu to thousands of people signing petitions. And just last week, Peltier got unexpected support from one of the prosecutors in the original case. Former U.S. Attorney James Reynolds told The Guardian newspaper that it was time for the government to "call it quits" and grant leniency to Peltier. In addition to the facts of the case and the wide support Peltier has received, Obama should also consider Peltier's age and his declining health. Now 72, Peltier has suffered a stroke and battled diabetes and a heart condition. This is not the first time Peltier has sought clemency. In 2000, former President Bill Clinton weighed his request for leniency, but ultimately denied it after members of the FBI Agents Association mounted a furious opposition campaign and picketed the White House. The FBI group --- composed of former agents of the federal agency --- are again opposing Peltier's petition. Hopefully President Obama will see the light on this case and not back down. A good sign is that Obama has recently been granting leniency for hundreds of other long-time prisoners --- offenders who were serving excessively long terms for drug convictions. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Newsweek 1965 May 24 - Vietnam War in color, Americans in Action (Image by manhhai) Details DMCA Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump (Credit: AP/Andrew Harnik/Nati Harnik/ euromaidanpress.com From the Folks Who Brought You Iraq's WMDs, Vietnam, and the first Cold War: The Putin-Trump Show Steve Weissman Like TV's worst reality show, the Putin-Trump Show rolls on with a new report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) James Clapper, along with the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and National Security Agency (NSA). The report claims with "high certainty" that Russian president Vladimir Putin directed an influence campaign of cyber-hacking and propaganda that targetted the US elections. It also claims that Russian military intelligence (the GRU) transmitted to WikiLeaks the hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta, Hillary Clinton's campaign chief. According to Reuters, the CIA believes that the GRU passed the emails to WikiLeaks through "third parties." This would not contradict WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's insistence that "our source is not the Russian government and it is not a state party." The unclassified version of the latest intelligence report offers no supporting evidence. Spies, it tells us, need to protect their sources and methods. They do. They also hide behind the same shibboleth to get away with their all-too-frequent lies and misbegotten slam-dunks. They hide their hand when they set up front groups, wage psychological warfare, create their propaganda campaigns, interfere in foreign elections, or topple foreign governments. And ... though forbidden by law ... they frame public debate within the United States, from the Crusade for Freedom of the 1950s to today's Putin-Trump Show. As Trump repeatedly reminds us, the American intelligence community sold us Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). They lied us into the Vietnam War. They lied us into the Cold War. (See Philip Agee and Steve Weissman, "The CIA in Europe," Oui, January 1977.) Yet many historically blind progressives eagerly use the report's assertions to bear-bait Donald Trump. They will learn. A quick clue to their fate comes from the columnist Ann Coulter, one of Trump's earliest supporters and political mentors. "Two sources claim it was Sanders-supporting Dems who leaked to WikiLeaks not Russia," she tweeted. "So, it was communists who leaked, not former communists." The point here should be obvious. In the absence of proof made public, only a damned fool would believe anything the American intelligence community says. Even when Trump turns against Putin, as I predict he will, Intelligence Director James Clapper, the report's chief author, will hardly deserve our trust. Keep in mind March 12, 2013, the day he testified before the U.S. Select Committee on Intelligence. "Does the NSA collect any type of data at all on millions, or hundreds of millions of Americans?" asked Senator Ron Wyden. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Consortium News President Barack Obama addresses the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 20, 2016. (Image by (UN Photo)) Details DMCA For the first time in his eight-year presidency, Barack Obama said no to Israel. When the Security Council voted to condemn Israel for building illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, the Obama administration abstained, allowing the resolution to pass. Resolution 2334 says the settlements have "no legal validity," calls them "a flagrant violation under international law," and demands Israel "immediately and completely cease all settlement activities." Although 2334 is consistent with prior resolutions of the council, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threw a tantrum, calling the US abstention a "declaration of war." In light of Obama's unwavering enabling of Israel's illegal policies, Netanyahu was likely shocked that Obama finally said no. The United States, a permanent member of the council, vetoed a resolution in 2011 that would have condemned the building of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. And in 2014, the U.S. opposed a draft resolution demanding Israel's withdrawal from the West Bank within three years. Since 1967, Israel has transferred more than a half million of its own citizens into Palestinian territories, continuing to build settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. In 2004, the International Court of Justice affirmed that the Palestinian territories are under Israeli occupation and Israel's settlement building violates the Fourth Geneva Convention. A state occupying territory not its own cannot build settlements on that territory and transfer its own citizens into them. Article 8.2(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court (ICC) defines "the transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies" as a war crime. Israel took over the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem by military force in 1967 and has held it under military occupation ever since. Like Security Council Resolution 242, passed in 1967, Resolution 2334 reiterates "the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war." Although Resolution 242 called for "withdrawal of Israel armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict," Israel continues to occupy the Palestinian territories it acquired in the "Six-Day War." "Over 4.5 million Palestinians live in these occupied territories, but are not citizens of Israel," Jimmy Carter wrote in the New York Times. "Most live largely under Israeli military rule, and do not vote in Israel's national elections." Complete Control Israel exercises complete control over every aspect of Palestinian life in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. That includes borders, airspace, ingress and egress of people and goods, and the seashore and waters off the coast of Gaza. The occupation violates fundamental human rights of the Palestinians. A section of the barrier -- erected by Israeli officials to prevent the passage of Palestinians -- with graffiti using President John F. Kennedy's famous quote when facing the Berlin Wall, 'Ich bin ein Berliner.' (Image by (Photo credit: Marc Venezia)) Details DMCA Flavia Pansieri, former U.N. deputy high commissioner for human rights, said last year that human rights violations "fuel and shape the conflict" in the occupied Palestinian territories, adding, "[h]uman rights violations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are both cause and consequence of the military occupation and ongoing violence, in a bitter cyclical process with wider implications for peace and security in the region." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Pakistan Nukes (Image by Hollingsworth) Details DMCA Pakistan fired its first submarine-launched cruise missile Babur-3 on Monday, January 9, 2017, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said. According to Press Trust of India, the launch of the nuclear-capable Babur-3 missile, which has a range of 450 km (280 miles) and was fired from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean, is likely to heighten long-running tension between India and Pakistan. The PTI described the Babu-3 test a show of force for a country that sees its missile development as a deterrent against arch-foe India. The Pakistani military said the Babur-3 missile was "capable of delivering various types of payloads and will provide Pakistan with a Credible Second Strike Capability, augmenting deterrence". An Indian army spokesman confirmed the language meant the missile was equipped to carry nuclear warheads. India successfully tests nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V The Pakistani cruise-missile test came two weeks after India successfully tested its Agni-V intercontinental nuclear-capable ballistic missile on December 26, 2016. The Agni-V has a strike range of 5,000 kilometres. It had been lauded by Indian media for its ability to "cover entire China" and its value as deterrence against possible Chinese aggression. The Times of India said: Once the Agni-V is inducted, India will join the super exclusive club of countries with ICBMs (missiles with a range of over 5,000-5,500 km) alongside the US, Russia, China, France and the UK. "Apart from the shorter-range Prithvi and Dhanush missiles, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) has inducted the Agni-I, Agni-II and Agni-III missiles. While these missiles are mainly geared towards Pakistan, the Agni-IV and Agni-V are specifically meant for deterrence against China. Beijing, of course, is leagues ahead in terms of its missile and nuclear arsenals. But the Indian defense establishment believes the Agni-V is sufficient to take care of existing threat perceptions." China responds to Indian missile test China's state-run daily Global Times in an editorial titled 'India needs to cool its missile fever' admonished New Delhi on January 3, 2017, for 'breaking' United Nations "limits on its development of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missile" following a missile test by India. The Global Times editorial said that Pakistan should have "those privileges in nuclear development that India has" and warned Western countries that "accept India as a nuclear country and are indifferent to the nuclear race between India and Pakistan" that Beijing will not "stand out and stick rigidly to those nuclear rules as necessary". The Chinese daily said that if the UN Security Council has no objection to India producing intercontinental ballistic missiles "which can cover the whole world... let it be". However, it warns, "the range of Pakistan's nuclear missiles will also see an increase." Although China is "sincere in developing friendly ties with India", Global Times cautions that Beijing "will not sit still if India goes too far". Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). " Democrats and their apologists have proven to be far more pathetic than previously witnessed. A quasi-fascist nationalism has erupted, and the blind rush to conflate Donald Trump with Russia has expanded the envelope of delusion. What is it they claim now? And based on what actual evidence? The CIA floated a conspiracy theory to undermine Trump in the Electoral College, a Hail Mary pass after the election upset. Yes, a conspiracy theory, the dangerous kind that puts nuclear-armed nations at each other's throats. "And yet, there is skepticism within the American government, particularly at the F.B.I., that this evidence adds up to proof that the Russians had the specific objective of getting Mr. Trump elected." -NY Times, Dec. 11, 2016 What's more, that's still the case! "Officials reiterated that there is no single intercepted communication that qualifies as a 'smoking gun' on Russia's intention to benefit Trump's candidacy or to claim credit for doing so." -CNN, Jan. 6, 2017 "Reiterated" because the message is clearly not getting through the solid wall of hysteria. That plain truth is clearly the opposite of the propaganda blitzkrieg we have just witnessed, from Saturday Night Live to the usual suspects at the foundation-funded left-leaning propaganda complex, those "gatekeepers." Nor to the nation's political cartoonists, who have led the charge to conflate Trump with Vladimir Putin, even though none of us has seen a single shred of credible evidence. The propaganda tsunami has been so voluminous that it's difficult to recall a previous comparable situation. Only the false 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' bamboozle comes to mind, and we know how that worked out; don't we? Two Minutes' Hate The Democrats have become feral. Irrationally lashing out in every direction, the CIA's conspiracy theory has had the effect that many of those anti-conspiracy theory psycho-babble articles had warned us about! #irony But psychology remains at the core of it all, and it is the psychology of blaming others to avoid taking personal responsibility for negative outcomes. Taking cues from Hillary Clinton herself, there must be Russians hiding under the bed. Of course that's the reason people supported Trump and not glorious Hillary. The alternative is too horrible for them to entertain. What is obscured is the contorted logic that Russia allegedly defeated Clinton by revealing The Truth about her own corruption and lies, her private position versus public position. Impossible to make the case that the Russians are lying, the Democratic Party apologists' only response has been to change the focus of the outrage toward killing the messenger. It's a cheap magic trick, and we've seen this tiresome show before. Most of the corporate US "news" media has bought into this conspiracy theory. It's always a good idea in the mainstream to beat up on Russia, especially when the CIA takes point. There is no downside for jumping on that bandwagon. But "news" is now relegated to an empty label requiring quotation marks, because these outlets refuse to cover the full story: WikiLeaks. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Truthdig Some thoughts on "Russia's Influence Campaign Targeting the 2016 US Presidential Election," the newly released declassified report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. 1. The primary purpose of the declassified report, which offers no evidence to support its assertions that Russia hacked the U.S. presidential election campaign, is to discredit Donald Trump. I am not saying there was no Russian hack of John Podesta's emails. I am saying we have yet to see any tangible proof to back up the accusation. This charge -- Sen. John McCain has likened the alleged effort by Russia to an act of war -- is the first salvo in what will be a relentless campaign by the Republican and Democratic establishment, along with its corporatist allies and the mass media, to destroy the credibility of the president-elect and prepare the way for impeachment. The allegations in the report, amplified in breathtaking pronouncements by a compliant corporate media that operates in a non-fact-based universe every bit as pernicious as that inhabited by Trump, are designed to make Trump look like Vladimir Putin's useful idiot. An orchestrated and sustained campaign of innuendo and character assassination will be directed against Trump. When impeachment is finally proposed, Trump will have little public support and few allies and will have become a figure of open ridicule in the corporate media. 2. The second task of the report is to bolster the McCarthyist smear campaign against independent media, including Truthdig, as witting or unwitting agents of the Russian government. The demise of the English programming of Al-Jazeera and TeleSur, along with the collapse of the nation's public broadcasting, designed to give a voice to those not beholden to corporate or party interests, leaves RT America and Amy Goodman's Democracy Now! as the only two electronic outlets with a national reach that are willing to give a platform to critics of corporate power and imperialism such as Julian Assange, Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning, Ralph Nader, Medea Benjamin, Cornel West, Kshama Sawant, myself and others. Seven pages of the report were dedicated to RT America, on which I have a show called "On Contact." The report vastly inflated the cable network's reach and influence. It also included a few glaring errors, including the statement that "RT introduced two new shows -- 'Breaking the Set' on 4 September and 'Truthseeker' on 2 November -- both overwhelmingly focused on criticism of the US and Western governments as well as the promotion of radical discontent." "Breaking the Set," with Abby Martin, was taken off the air two years ago. It could hardly be tarred with costing Hillary Clinton the election. The barely contained rage of Director of National Intelligence James Clapper at the recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on foreign cyber threats was visible when he spat out that RT was "promoting a particular point of view, disparaging our system, our alleged hypocrisy about human rights, et cetera." His anger was a glimpse into how the establishment seethes with hatred for dissidents. Clapper has lied in the past. He perjured himself in March 2013 when, three months before the revelations of wholesale state surveillance leaked by Snowden, he assured Congress that the National Security Agency was not collecting "any type of data" on the American public. After the corporate state shuts down RT, it will go after Democracy Now! and the handful of progressive sites, including this one, that give these dissidents space. The goal is censorship. 3. The third task of the report is to justify the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization beyond Germany, a violation of the promise Ronald Reagan made to the Soviet Union's Mikhail Gorbachev after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Expanding NATO in Eastern Europe opened up an arms market for the war industry. It made those businesses billions of dollars. New NATO members must buy Western arms that can be integrated into the NATO arsenal. These sales, which are bleeding the strained budgets of countries such as Poland, are predicated on potential hostilities with Russia. If Russia is not a threat, the arms sales plummet. War is a racket. 4. The final task of the report is to give the Democratic Party plausible cover for the catastrophic election defeat it suffered. Clinton initially blamed FBI Director James Comey for her loss before switching to the more easily demonized Putin. The charge of Russian interference essentially boils down to the absurd premise that perhaps hundreds of thousands of Clinton supporters suddenly decided to switch their votes to Trump when they read the leaked emails of Podesta. Either that or they tuned in to RT America and decided to vote for the Green Party. The Democratic Party leadership cannot face, and certainly cannot publicly admit, that its callous betrayal of the working and middle class triggered a nationwide revolt that resulted in the election of Trump. It has been pounded since President Barack Obama took office, losing 68 seats in the House, 12 seats in the Senate and 10 governorships. It lost more than 1,000 elected positions between 2008 and 2012 nationwide. Since 2010, Republicans have replaced 900 Democratic state legislators. If this was a real party, the entire leadership would be sacked. But it is not a real party. It is the shell of a party propped up by corporate money and hyperventilating media. The Democratic Party must maintain the fiction of liberalism just as the Republican Party must maintain the fiction of conservatism. These two parties, however, belong to one party -- the corporate party. They will work in concert, as seen by the alliance between Republican leaders such as McCain and Democratic leaders such as Sen. Chuck Schumer, to get rid of Trump, silence all dissent, enrich the war industry and promote the farce they call democracy. Welcome to our annus horribilis. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. At the height of the George W. Bush years, a bit of a TomDispatchpiece would sometimes be reposted at a right-wing website with a disparaging comment, and I'd suddenly be deluged with abusive emails (many homophobic) that regularly advised me to take my whatever and get out of Dodge. Though I was born in New York City, as was my father (my mother's hometown was Chicago), the phrase invariably brought to bear was "go back to..." and the only question was where. There were small numbers of correspondents who insisted I should "go back to Russia" or even the Soviet Union (as if that imperial entity hadn't imploded in 1991), but that rang a tad hollow in early 2003. So often, the country of choice was France (not exactly the worst place on Earth to be sent back to, by the way, if you value your morning croissant). In those days, as you may remember, France (like Germany) had refused to support the Bush administration in its glorious upcoming invasion of Iraq and so French fries in the House of Representatives' cafeteria had been renamed "freedom fries" and French toast "freedom toast." At the time, the French were sometimes referred to derisively as "cheese-eating surrender monkeys," and the French-German opposition to Iraq labeled (in imitation of Bush's "axis of evil" for Iraq, Iran, and North Korea) "axis of weasel." I still remember how viscerally I reacted to those angry emails urging me to leave this country of mine. In those days, I remember saying privately to friends that, if "nationalist" hadn't been a curse word here (at the time, we Americans were invariably "patriots" or "superpatriots" and only foreigners were "nationalists" or "ultra-nationalists"), I would have called myself an American nationalist. Given the surprising way that phrase has entered our vocabulary in the age of Trump, I'd have to find another phrase today, but the essence of it was simple enough. This was my country. I had grown up dreaming of serving it. No matter what it did, or how I felt it betrayed me (or my idea of it), I considered it then -- and consider it now -- my responsibility and I simply couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Thirteen years later, with panicked or disgusted progressives talking about heading for New Zealand or Canada, nothing has changed for me on that score. TomDispatch remains the way I've translated that youthful urge to serve my country into my adult life. I may "serve" in an oppositional fashion, but in my mind at least, service it is. Whatever its faults, problems, or nightmares, I'm no more willing to give my country up to Donald Trump than I was to hand it over to George W. Bush, or in the Vietnam era, to Richard Nixon. This has never seemed like a choice to me, not in the Nixon era, not in the Bush one, and not in the creepy Mar-a-Lago moment we're now entering. And in this, I don't think I will find myself alone. In fact, today, I find myself in the good company of TomDispatchregular Rebecca Gordon, who has taken the time to consider our situation and raise a question that must be asked: What country is it that we actually want to live in? Tom What Is a Country For? Fighting for the Good Life in Trumplandia By Rebecca Gordon Many of the folks I know are getting ready to play serious defense in 2017, and they're not wrong. Before we take up our three-point stance on the national line of scrimmage, however, maybe we should ask ourselves not only what we're fighting against , but what we're fighting for . What kind of United States of America do we actually want? Maybe, in fact, we could start by asking: What is a country for? What should a country do? Why do people establish countries in the first place? Playing Defense There is, without question, much that will need defending over the next four years, so much that people fought and died for in the twentieth century, so much that is threatened by the ascendancy of Donald Trump, the white nationalist right, and the Republican Party. The twentieth century saw the introduction of many significant laws, regulations, and -- yes -- entitlements: benefits to which we have a right by virtue of living in, and in many cases being citizens of, this country. We could start earlier, but let's begin with the 1935 National Labor Relations Act. It established the right of workers to collectively negotiate wages and working conditions with their employers and made collective bargaining the official "policy of the United States." This policy faces an immediate threat. Identical Republican-sponsored bills in the House and Senate would end the right of unions to require the workers they represent to pay union dues. These bills would, in other words, reproduce at the federal level the so-called right-to-work (more accurately, right-to-starve) laws already in place in more than half the states. If -- or as seems likely, when -- they pass, millions of workers will face the potential loss of the power of collective bargaining and find themselves negotiating with employers as lonely individuals. Then there was the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, which guaranteed a minimum wage and overtime pay to many workers (although not, notably, those laboring in agricultural fields or inside other people's homes -- workplaces then occupied primarily by African Americans, and later by other people of color as well). Andrew F. Puzder, Donald Trump's pick for secretary of labor, opposes the very idea of a minimum wage. This shouldn't be too surprising, since his current day job is as CEO of the parent company of two fast-food franchise operations, Hardee's and Carl's Jr. We could mention other New Deal era victories under threat: Social Security, unemployment insurance, food stamps (now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP), and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (now known as TANF for Temporary Aid to Needy Families, or more commonly simply as "welfare"), which was created to promote the wellbeing of children in families facing poverty. In the coming Trump years, we can expect predation on all these programs -- from renewed efforts to "privatize" Social Security to further restrictions on welfare. Indeed, former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, Trump's transition team point man on Social Security, is a firm believer in "privatization," the idea that the federal government should encourage people to gamble on the stock market rather than rely on a guaranteed government pension. The one entitlement program that will probably survive unscathed is SNAP, because its primary beneficiaries are not the people who use it to buy groceries but the giant agricultural corporations it indirectly subsidizes. It's no accident that, unlike other entitlement programs, SNAP is administered by the Department of Agriculture. Then there was the 1937 Housing Act, designed to provide financial support to cities so they could improve the housing stock of poor people, which eventually led to the creation of the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Ben Carson we are about to have a HUD secretary who, in addition to having announced that he's not qualified to head a federal agency, doesn't believe in the very programs HUD exists to support. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Rob Kall's book is amazing. He's created a real breakthrough, visionary how-to for a sustainable, quality future. Like Saul Alinski's Rules for Radicals, this book is destined to become a classic must-read for all those concerned with social, economic, and environmental justice in today's interconnected world. Story shapes the world and our world needs new stories if we are to survive and thrive. The story of the bottom-up evolution and revolution is one that can change individuals, groups, businesses, religions, and governments for the positive as it shows how bottom-up inclusiveness, connectedness, collaboration, empathy, innovation, and freeform creativity can help unleash the great potentials for good inherent in our very nature. If you want to improve things in your world and the world, first read this book, then apply the suggestions. Change is sure to come." Pamela Jaye Smith, mythologist and author of InnerDrives, Power of the Dark Side, Symbols* Images* Codes* and award-winning writer-producer-director Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Rob Kall's book, Bottom-Up: Tapping the Power of the Connection Revolution has really caused me to relook and reframe many of my thoughts on where our connectedness using social media tools like LinkedIn is headed, and not just for career trajectory but for life. If you are looking for a new perspective on our sometimes zany digital world we live in, this book will keep you reading and may ultimately revise but for sure challenge your current paradigm." Wayne Breitbarth, author of The Power Formula for Linkedin Success: Kick-Start Your Business, Brand, and Job Search Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Rob Kall's book, Bottom-Up, offers a compelling vision of a way of being in the world, bringing insights from different cultures and fields together while offering concrete steps to make the vision a reality. This is one of the rare books that, once you read it, will change the way you see the world and your relationships." Helena Norberg-Hodge, author of Ancient Futures, Producer and co-director of the film The Economics of Happiness, Founder of Local Futures and cofounder of the International Forum on Globalization Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Rob Kalls Bottom-Up: Tapping the Power of the Connection Revolution takes a very holistic view of bottom-up thinking and action, from changes in our psychology to our systems of work, living and governance. As someone who's been working to make bottom-up economics a reality for over 30 years, this book reinforces the need for and potential of redirecting our priorities-- and resources--from the few at the top to the many at the bottom." Anthony Flaccavento, author of Building a Healthy Economy from the Bottom Up Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "In his new book, Bottom-Up, Rob Kall's exploration of top-down and bottom-up forces in our culture, our brains, and our planet provides a deep insight into the challenges we face. He offers pathways we can use to create the changes we need to break free of the war economy and build local peace economies." Jodie Evans, cofounder of Code Pink and Chair of the Women's Media Center Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "We need a more Open digital world -- that's good for business, the economy and the future of humanity. To get there is going to take "bottom-up" effort and Rob Kall's book is an exciting roadmap for how that can happen." Rufus Pollock, author of "The Open Revolution", Founder of Open Knowledge, and formerly Mead Fellow in Economics at the University of Cambridge Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Humans have spent 99 percent of our developmental time in the wild kingdom, which tutored us in what Rob Kall calls bottom-up values?small, local, interdependent, respectful, egalitarian and decentralized -- and which the world desperately needs in order to balance out some of the darker impulses of top-down values. His faith that bottom-up values represent a critical re-balancing act for humanity, if not an outright better mousetrap, is compelling and hard-won, and I offer him a high-five for his courageous inquiry into the deep wisdom inherent in our age-old intimacy with natural rhythms, native intelligences, and interconnectedness." Gregg Levoy, author of Callings and Vital Signs Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "The most effective ways to create a more inclusive, fair-for-all future will be from the bottom up. Rob Kall's book lays out how that would look with a hopeful, pragmatic vision that will change the way you see the world." Dave Zirin, sports editor for The Nation, a columnist for The Progressive, and the author of eight books on the politics of sports, including What's My Name, Fool? Sports and Resistance in the United States and A People's History of Spo Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. RECORD PASSENGER NUMBERS AT DEBRECEN AIRPORT IN 2016 www.debrecenairport.com Debrecen Airport has reported a record year in 2016 for passenger numbers, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth.A total of 284 400 passengers passed through our terminal in 2016, surpassing the total for the previous 12 months by nearly 112,000.Both charter but mainly our scheduled airline partners, Wizz Air and Lufthansa contributed to the rise, with increased capacity on existing routes and the introduction of a raft of new destinations.2016 was an exceptional year at Debrecen International Airport as it celebrated its first new route to Munich Airport from a network airline partner, Lufthansa City Line.This year will see an even greater choice of destinations with the new Tel Aviv service and with the re-launch route to Malmo and hope to get over 300,000 passenger by the end of 2017 at Debrecen Airport.2016 was a fantastic year for year for all those connected with Debrecen Airport and the announcement of all the new routes. We are now firmly established as Hungarys largest regional airport after Budapest Airport. There are a greater number of destinations and more seats available from Debrecen Airport than any other airport in our catchment area so we are unique in terms of choice, said Laszlo TAMAS, Aviation Development Director at Debrecen Airport.We want to thank all our passengers for their continued support and were looking forward to welcoming new passengers in 2017 who will experience our friendly and professional customer service here at Debrecen Airport, he added.Scheduled services as of our next summer season:Lufthansa MunchenWizz Air London LutonWizz Air EindhovenWizz Air Milano-BergamoWizz Air Paris-BeauvaisWizz Air Malmo (from 27/MARCH/2017)Wizz Air Tel Aviv (NEW) (from 26/MARCH/2017)Debrecen International Airport (IATA: DEB, ICAO: LHDC) is the international airport of Debrecen in the Hajdu-Bihar County of Hungary. It is located 5 km (3.1 mi) south southwest of the city center and also easily accessible to adjacent regions of Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine.Laszlo TAMASAviation Development DirectorAIRPORT-DEBRECEN Ltd.E-mail: laszlo.tamas@debrecenairport.comMobile: +36 20 336 1727 Investment Procedure of the Asquith Group Asia, Tokyo Japan http://theasquithgroup.com/ The Asquith Group offers Registered Investment Advisory service on fee-only basis; hence, we do not charge commission for our financial services, in contrast to insurance agents, securities-sales practitioners and wire-house brokers. Our investment counsellors sit beside our clients during meetings to remove any appearance of threat that every decision they make will entail a monetary exposure. Obviously, no one will gain any benefit in promoting anything that brings no benefit. Having a fee-only partner working with the client, you only pay for investment advice, not commissions based on investments bought or sold.Among the clients The Asquith Group serves are endowments, foundations, corporations and high net-value investors. Moreover, as a policy, The Asquith Group is committed to concentrate on the administration of individual and corporate retirement strategies.Our investment method can be best referred to as a balanced investment global value. Balanced, since it involves combining equities, fixed income and cash assets. Global, because it includes international securities. And Value has to do with an equity selection process which emulates the traditional approach, focusing on top-of-the-line firms valued accurately according to earnings and book values.Professional and up-to-date systems are used to monitor client portfolios, allowing The Asquith Group to monitor any significant changes in client holdings. Focus is made on any corporate development that may negatively affect the company's financial status. The Asquith Group adheres to the principle that price/earnings level fluctuations signify an overvalued equity. Quality and valuation changes often point to the direction of selling a stock. Moreover, we recommend that mutual funds, exchange traded funds, and closed-end funds be considered as niche investment options, especially when they are appropriate for the client concerned.The Asquith Group offers Registered Investment Advisory service on fee-only basis; hence, we do not charge commission for our financial services, in contrast to insurance agents, securities-sales practitioners and wire-house brokers. Our investment counsellors sit beside our clients during meetings to remove any appearance of threat that every decision they make will entail a monetary exposure. Obviously, no one will gain any benefit in promoting anything that brings no benefit. Having a fee-only partner working with the client, you only pay for investment advice, not commissions based on investments bought or sold.The Asquith Group Asia, Tokyo JapanAddress: 10F S-GATE Akasaka sanno,2, Akasaka, Minato-ku,Tokyo 107-0052, JapanEmail: info@theasquithgroup.comTel: +81 3 4243 3187Fax: +81 3 6740 2388Website: Elderly and Disabled Assistive Devices Market Global Industry Analysis 2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/82 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/elderly-and-disabled-assistive-devices-market-82 The Global Elderly and Disabled Assistive Devices Market was valued at US$ 14,109.1 million in 2015 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (20162024), according to a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Rapidly aging population in Asia and Latin America is a major factor propelling demand for elderly and disabled assist devices.Asia and Latin America are expected to witness rapid growth in population aged 65 years and above through 2030. The share of elderly population in Asia is expected to increase form 7.9% in 2015 to 12.1% in 2030, as per the report An Aging World: 2015 by the U.S. Census Bureau. Also, increasing prevalence of chronic and acute diseases adds to the growing demand for technologically-advanced assistive devices for elderly and disabled population. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers and rollators, and hearing and vision aids reduces dependence on others to carry out daily activities and improves quality of life of elderly and disabled patients.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:The World Health Organization (WHO) has prepared a comprehensive global disability action plan for 2014 2021. As per this plan, WHO intends to improve access to health services and programs, extend rehabilitation, assistive technology, assistance and support services, and support research on disability and related services. Assistive device manufacturers in the elderly and disabled assist devices market, especially in emerging economies are expected to benefit considerably through this plan.Manufacturers in the elderly and disabled assist devices market are reaching out directly to consumers to increase their sales. Sonova Holding AG follows vertically-integrated business, wherein it also markets products through its retail stores, thus reaching out to customers and offering them customized solutions. The company acquired AudioNova in September 2016a Netherlands-based hearing aid manufacturerwith an aim to double its presence in Europe in terms of retail stores.Melvin ApS launched a robot called Melvin, which aids elderly and disabled people in the toilet. The robot was launched at the RoboBusiness Europe 2016 exhibition. Similarly, Vital Connect, Inc.is developing wearable health sensors that can detect body temperature, heart rate, detect falls and other such incidents in elderly and disabled patients. Such technological developments to increase individual independence and convenience is projected to lead to manifold growth of elderly and disabled assistive devices market in the near future.Key takeaways of the market:The global elderly and disabled assist devices market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for elderly and disabled assist devices is mainly attributed to the factors such as convenience provided by automotive assistive devices to the growing elderly and disabled populationTo know the latest trends and insights prevalent in the elderly and disabled assist devices market, click the link below :Demand for vision and reading aids is analyzed to increase rapidly during the forecast period, owing to increasing incidence of vision impairment among the geriatric populaceHearing aids segment dominates the global elderly and disabled assist devices market (in terms of revenue) and is expected to reach US$ 7,083.5 million by 2017 end. Increasing market penetration, growing average discretionary income, and improved access to hearing aids is driving revenue growth of this segment. Furthermore, baby boomers population is expected to drive growth for hearing aids over the following decade, according to William Demant Holding Group.North America dominated the global elderly and disabled assist devices market in 2015. However, the market for elderly and disabled assistive devices in Asia Pacific is projected to expand significantly at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period (20162024)Intense competition is witnessed among the leading players including Sunrise Medical LLC, GN ReSound Group, Sonova Holding AG, Starkey Hearing Technologies, and William Demant Holding A/S.ABOUT USCOMPANY OVERVIEWCoherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having office at global financial capital in the U.S. Our client base includes players from across all business verticals in over 150 countries worldwide. We are uniquely positioned to help businesses around the globe deliver practical and lasting results through various recommendations about operational improvements, technologies, emerging market trends and new working methods. We offer both customized and syndicated market research reports that help our clients create visionary growth plans to provide traction to their business. We meticulously study emerging trends across various industries at both the global and regional levels to identify new opportunities for our clientele. Our global team of over 100 research analysts and freelance consultants provide market intelligence from the very molecular country level and also provide a global perspective of the market. Our team is of the most vital cog in our robust machinery that gives us the ability to deliver independent insight relying on our cognitive defusion training module.This allows for an objective and unbiased assessment of the market. We pride ourselves in my constantly striving to update our extremely in-depth understanding of the market by closely monitoring and analyzing markets, trends, and emerging best practices, across allfathomable industries under the sun. This enables us to equip our valued clientele with key decisive inputs to capitalize on lucrative growth opportunities in the market and to follow firmly position themselves on a high growth path in the future.CONTACT USCoherent Market Insights303, Astral Court, Above Reliance Fresh,Near Gaikwad Petrol Pump,Aundh, Pune 411045, India.sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Emerging Customer relationship management Analytics Market Research and Technology - CRM Analytics Industry Analysis, Trends, Growth, Demand and Forecast Till 2022 http://www.researchbeam.com/crm-analytics-mnm-market/enquire-about-report http://www.researchbeam.com/crm-analytics-mnm-market Research Beam added report on Global Customer relationship management Analytics Market Technology, Overview, Analysis, Demand, Report, Trends, Growth and Research CRM Analytics Market by Deployment Model (On -premise and On cloud), Type (Customer Analytics, Sales Analytics and Marketing Analytics) - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014 - 2022Research Beam study says CRM Analytics global market registering growth during the forecast period, Enquire About Report @Customer relationship management analytics (CRM analytics) includes different applications that evaluate data about the customers of a company and present it in a way that smarter decisions can be made. Emergence of CRM analytics has enabled enterprises to communicate with their customers faster and convert data accumulated about the consumers into valuable information. As a result, many software enterprises have built products that can analyse customer data intelligently.There are several drivers, restraints and opportunities influencing the market growth worldwide. In the present scenario, customers preferences have become extremely dynamic. CRM helps understand buyers behaviour, interpret attitudes, identify patterns, and further analyse the data insights & structure personalized campaigns for products. This works as a major market driver for CRM analytics. However, concerns over data management, quality & integration has hindered the progress of the market to some extent. Nonetheless, the growing need of an enterprises marketing team to design a plan, execute and evaluate campaigns across different platforms and make smarter decision is likely to create greater opportunities for the market.The CRM analytics market is segmented by types, end-customer, industry, deployment model and geography. Based on types, the market segments discussed in the market research report consist of sales analytics, marketing analytics, customer analytics and others. The end-customers covered in the report includes small and medium business enterprises and large enterprises. Industries served by CRM Analytics market are BFSI, retail, manufacturing, IT & telecom among others. On the basis of deployment model, the market is bifurcated in terms of on premise deployment and on-cloud deployment. Regions explored in the report include North America, Europe, Asia -Pacific and LAMEA. Key market leaders are also covered in the market research report. List of companies discussed in the report includes IBM, Oracle, Accenture, SAS Institute Inc., Infosys and many others.Read Full Report With TOC@KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERSThe report provides a comprehensive analysis of current & future market trends and emerging avenues for the growth of the market across the globeThe report offers insights on competitive landscape, new technological developments, untapped segmentsValue chain analysis of technology suppliers, original equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and key operators is offered in the reportThis report entails the detailed quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations through 20152020, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunitiesThe report offers strategic analysis of financial status of key market players, and highlights market share of key vendorsCRM ANALYTICS MARKET KEY SEGMENTSCRM Analytics Market By Deployment ModelOn -premiseOn cloudCRM Analytics Market By TypeCustomer AnalyticsSales AnalyticsMarketing AnalyticsOthersCRM Analytics Market By End-CustomerSmall & Medium EnterprisesLarge EnterprisesCRM Analytics Market By IndustryBFSIRetailIT and TelecomHospitalityManufacturingWith the arsenal of different search reports, Research Beam helps you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency. With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland, OR 97220 Asia Pacific Automotive Telematics Market Expected To Observer Major Growth By 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-ap-47 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-ap-47 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI) with sharp focus on emerging regions delivers key insights about the Asia Pacific automotive telematics market in its recent report titled, Asia Pacific Automotive Telematics Market Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2014 - 2020. According to this report, the global telematics market is expected to expand at a single-digit CAGR during forecast period 20142020. On the other hand, APAC will demonstrate the fastest growth in the global automotive telematics market at a double-digit CAGR during the forecast period. During this period, the contribution of the telematics market in the Asia Pacific region to the overall market is projected to increase from 26% to 30%, reflecting an increase of 400 BPS.This growth is attributed to high penetration of technologies and steadily increasing GDP. Moreover, Asia Pacific benefits from the presence of established vendors in the commercial vehicle telematics market, which includes PeopleNet, FleetMatics, Trimble, Telogis and Omnitracs. Furthermore, over 42% of the worlds Internet users in Asia (2013), combined with hundreds of millions of 4G users, will fuel growth of the APAC automotive telematics market during the forecast period.FMI lead consultant, Nikhil Kaitwade, sheds light on why Asia Pacific will emerge the fastest growing market in the near future. Telematics in the automotive industry has become increasingly relevant with a palpable emphasis on safety and security globally. New business models combined with increased technology adoption and remote vehicle diagnostics is fuelling growth of the Asia Pacific automotive telematics market, he said.Request For Report Sample@The three key technologies that will drive the Asia Pacific automotive telematics market are:Embedded Technology Currently, this segment dominates the Asia Pacific automotive telematics market. Greater ease of assembly, ease of troubleshooting, reliability of components and fall in cost of electronic parts are factors driving demand for automotive embedded systems in this region. Increasing use of cloud-based telematics will also influence the APAC automotive telematics embedded technology market segment. FMI projects that this segment will display a double-digit CAGR during the forecast period.Tethered Technology The tethered technology segment in the Asia Pacific automotive telematics market will demonstrate the lowest growth at a single-digit CAGR during forecast period 20142020.Smartphone Technology Price advantages and growing smartphone penetration will fuel growth of the smartphone technology segment in the Asia Pacific automotive telematics market. FMI anticipates that evolving smartphone technology will witness the highest CAGR in double digits during the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@Currently, North America dominates the global automotive telematics market, followed by Europe. High penetration of the aforesaid technologies in Asia Pacific combined with saturation of European and North American markets will continue to fuel growth of the APAC automotive telematics market.Elaborating on this trend, Kaitwade further stated, In order to differentiate their product offerings, automotive OEMs are integrating telematics technologies into vehicles they manufacture.In addition, the expanding safety and security end-user segment and increasing prominence of social media in Asia Pacific will drive the automotive telematics market in the region. The safety and security end-user segment is anticipated to dominate the Asia Pacific automotive telematics market between 2014 and 2020 due to increasing consumer focus on safety and security aspects. Growing prominence of social media in the Asia Pacific region will also contribute to the growth of infotainment segment during the forecast period.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Asia Pacific Flexible Glass Market Expected to Grow 36.5% CAGR from 2014 to 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb--60 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb--60 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI) announces the release of its latest report titled, Asia Pacific Flexible Glass, Market Opportunity; 2014 to 2020 Forecast." According to the report, the Asia Pacific flexible glass market is expected to account for $612.7 Mn by 2020, registering a CAGR of 36.5% during the forecast period. Incorporation of flexibility threshold in displays is expected to contribute to the growth of the Asia Pacific flexible glass market over the forecast period.In terms of application, Asia Pacific flexible glass market is mainly segmented into display and solar PV (photovoltaic). Currently, display application segment dominates the Asia Pacific flexible glass market. The display segment was valued at US$ 74.2 Mn in 2013, and is expected to reach US$ 417.3 Mn by 2020, exhibiting a CAGR of 33.4% for the forecast period. Moreover, the development of Roll2Roll process is expected to create a demand for flexible glass in solar PV application. As a result, solar PV is projected to be the fastest growing application segment for the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@The display application is further sub-segmented as smartphones and tablets, curved TV, building mounted displays and, wearables. Among all the aforementioned sub-segments, smartphones & tablets segment is expected to dominate the market with 50.1% of the total revenue share by 2020. However, curved TV is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR of 37.1% during the forecast period. Additionally, influx of new entrants is predicted to fuel the growth of curved TV application segment over the forecast period.Country-wise, the Asia Pacific flexible glass market is segmented into Japan, China, South Korea and others. Japan is the most lucrative market, followed by South Korea and China. Moreover, Japan is expected to contribute 40.0% market share to the Asia Pacific flexible glass market by 2020. The growth of South Korea market is supported by the strong presence of smartphone & TV manufacturers along with growing number of R&D centres in South Korea.Send An Enquiry@Assessing the various factors driving this market, FMI lead analyst, Abhishek S. said, Incorporation of flexibility threshold in displays, development of Roll2Roll process for flexible PV and growing R&D investments in flexible glass by key glass manufacturers are expected to fuel the demand for Asia Pacific flexible glass market.Key players in the Asia Pacific flexible glass market are Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., Corning Inc., Schott AG and Nippon Electric Glass Company Ltd.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: T5 Data Centers Signs County of Los Angeles as Newest Tenant for T5@LA Data Center Facility http://www.t5datacenters.com http://www.t5datacenters.com http://www.t5datacenters.com www.t5datacenters.com County of Los Angeles Migrates from Its Own Data Center to T5@LA to take Advantage of Turnkey Infrastructure Support, Cost Savings, and Expandability.Los Angeles, CA, USA -- T5 Data Centers (), innovators in providing state-of-the-art, customizable and highly reliable computing support environments, has signed the County of Los Angeles as the newest tenant for the company's T5@LA customizable data center. The County will be migrating its data center operations from its own facility to T5@LA to take advantage of the infrastructure support and cost savings offered by T5's wholesale data center, as well as the potential for future expansion.The LA County Board of Supervisors directed an assessment of options to replace the existing outdated data center with either a build, buy, or lease solution. After performing a cost analysis, the County determined that leasing a wholesale data center facility would offer greater flexibility and prove more cost effective than upgrading its current data center operation. After an extensive search, Los Angeles County selected T5@LA because of its secure environment, redundant power systems, and seismic reinforcement, as well as its strategic location. The T5@LA facility also fulfilled the County's immediate operational needs, providing a ready-to-occupy location customizable to their needs with energy and water efficient environment control systems."Winning the County of Los Angeles as a customer validates T5's market advantage - our wholesale data centers are more robust and cost-effective than maintaining your own data center facilities," said Aaron Wangenheim, Chief Operating Officer for T5 Data Centers. "This latest contract also demonstrates that our T5@LA facility is in the right location with the right capabilities for customers throughout the Los Angeles market who need mission-critical computing support."Like all T5 wholesale data centers, T5@LA offers a fully customizable facility that gives customers total control over MEP technology and design. Each data suite is completely autonomous, separated by slab-to-deck, fire-rated walls for secure operations. The T5@LA data center also meets HIPAA, HITECH, and PCI regulations and provides a highly secure operating environment.For more information about T5's retail colocation and data center services, visitAbout T5 Data CentersT5 Data Centers (T5) is a leading national data center owner and operator, committed to delivering customizable, scalable data centers that provide an "always on" computing environment to power mission critical business applications. T5 Data Centers provides enterprise colocation data center services to organizations across North America using proven, best-in-class technology and techniques to design and develop facilities that deliver the lowest possible total cost of operations for its clients. T5 currently has business-critical data center facilities in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, Portland, Charlotte, and Chicago with new projects announced in New York, and Colorado. All of T5's data center projects are purpose-built facilities featuring robust design, redundant and reliable power and telecommunications, and have 24-hour staff to support mission-critical computing applications. For more information, visitContact:Aaron WangenheimT5 Data Centers3344 Peachtree Road, N.E.,Suite 2550Atlanta, GA 30326(415) 292-7700aaron@t5datacenters.com Global Bauxite Mining Market: Latest innovations and key events in the industry by 2020 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3299 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3299 www.persistencemarketresearch.com Bauxite popularly known as aluminum ore is the major source of aluminum. Bauxite is a mixture of minerals such as gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore, iron oxides such as goethite and hematite, clay mineral kaolinite and some amounts of anatase. Bauxite are found majorly in the tropical and sub-tropical regions such as Africa, West Indies, South America, Australia, Asian countries such as India and China and some parts of Europe (in small quantity). Australia is the largest producer and exporter of bauxite globally, with five bauxite mine contributing more than one fourth of the global bauxite production. There are five steps involved in the extraction of bauxite starting with preparation of bauxite area, secondly, bauxite mining, crushing, ore transportation and lastly rehabilitation of land. On an average one square meter of land can extract one metric ton of aluminum.Request for Sample Report:Around 85% of bauxite mined globally is converted to alumina which is further used for the production of aluminum metal. Other major application of bauxite mining is for commercial purpose such as abrasives and refractorys. Automobile industry is the major end-user of aluminum metal owing to associated benefits of aluminum metals such as corrosion-free, high-density and lightweight features.North America has the largest market share for bauxite mining owing to increased aluminum demand in the region. Europe and Asia Pacific region follows North America in bauxite demand. North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecasted period. Europe is expected to witness marginal growth. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness highest growth in the coming future owing to the increasing domestic demand from the automobile industries in the emerging markets of India, China and Japan.Request for Table of content:Due to corrosion-free, high-density and lightweight features, aluminum metal is gaining its important in the automobile industries to manufacture lightweight vehicle parts. This is driving the global demand for bauxite mining. Additionally, growth in the transportation sector such as airplanes, trucks, railcars and marine is further expected to increase the global bauxite mining demand.Owing to the increasing demand of aluminum by the automobile industry have influence the aluminum manufacturing companies to invest more in bauxite extraction business. Some of the major companies operating in the global clinical nutrition products market are Aluminum Corporation of China Limited, Access Industries, Tata Steel Europe Ltd., Halco Mining, Tajik Aluminium Company, Mitsubishi Aluminum Co., Ltd., Queensland Alumina Limited, Nippon Light Metal Company, Ltd., Australian Bauxite Limited, Iranian Aluminium Company and Alumina Limited.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global Chiral Chromatography Columns Market: Set to Grow Exponentially By 2020 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/chiral- www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3331 www.persistencemarketresearch.com Chiral chromatography column is a variant of column chromatography in which the stationary phase contains a single enantiomer of a chiral compound rather than being achiral. In the recent year, due to the technological advancements in the chiral chromatography columns market has led to an increase in the application areas of chiral chromatography columns. For instance, chiral chromatography columns are widely used in different industries such as food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, environmental testing and others. The chiral chromatography columns market is segmented on the basis of materials into plastic, glass and metals. The chiral chromatography columns market can be segmented on the basis of application into liquid chromatography systems, gas chromatography systems, supercritical fluid chromatography systems and thin-layer chromatography systems. The chiral chromatography columns market can be segmented on the basis of end-users into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages, hospitals and others. The liquid chromatography system is the fastest growing segment of the chiral chromatography columns market.Checkout full Report:...North America represents the largest market for chiral chromatography columns. The major factors related to the growth of chiral chromatography columns market in the North America region include large number of conferences related to chiral chromatography columns, regular government investments in the chromatography instrumentation market and large number of research for drug and biological development. Europe is the second largest market for chiral chromatography columns. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for chiral chromatography columns. A business-friendly regulatory policy in the Asia-Pacific region has led to an increase in the R&D activities in this region. Asia-Pacific is hub for clinical trials and has witnessed a high growth in the Clinical Research Organizations (CRO) industry in countries such as China and India. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, in June 2013, 11,496 clinical trials are conducted in the world out of which 3,588 clinical trials are being conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. Growth in the R&D activities and Clinical Research Organiztion industry boosting the demand for chiral chromatography columns.Increase in technological advancements, government investment in chromatography techniques and increasing tie-ups with research laboratories and academic institute are some of the major driving force for chiral chromatography columns market.Request for Sample Report and Table of content @:The major companies operating in the chiral chromatography columns market include Phenomenex, Inc., Waters Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu Corporation, GE Healthcare and Sigma-Aldrich Corporation.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Carbonated Soft Drinks Market By Type,End User:United States Industry Trends and Forecast 2016-2024 http://www.researchbeam.com/united-states-carbonated-soft-drinks-market-report-2016-market/request-sample http://www.researchbeam.com/united-states-carbonated-soft-drinks-market-report-2016-market/enquire-about-report http://www.researchbeam.com/ Research Beam added a report United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Market Report 2016Description:United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Market Report 2016:United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Market Report 2016is a comprehensive study of the recent market trends and consumption analysis in the Europe industry. The report provides an in-depth analysis for the historic period, 20112016 and the forecast period, 20162021. Market overview is offered on the basis of product overview and scope United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Market Report 2016in the Food and Beverage. Furthermore, the study covers a detailed segmentation in terms of types, applications, and regions.Download Sample Report @:Following manufacturers are analyzed: PepsiCo Coca-Cola Uni-President Watsons Tenwow Dr Pepper HAITAI Dydo OKF Perrier evian COFFEE ROASTERS Lotte BiotechUSA Elixia WahahaManufacturing cost analysis is offered based on raw material analysis and cost structure with manufacturing process analysis. The research offers industry chain analysis in terms of upstream raw material sourcing and downstream buyers. Moreover, an extensive analysis of production, consumption, and revenue for each segment is offered for the forecast period.Data & statistics are provided with the help of tables and figures to help manufacturers, investors, and shareholders gain comprehensive understanding. Research conclusions are offered at the end of the report.Get Enquire @Table of Contents:1 Carbonated Soft Drinks Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Carbonated Soft Drinks1.2 Classification of Carbonated Soft Drinks2 United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Competition by Manufacturers3 United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2011-2016)4 United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Sales (Volume) by Application (2011-2016)5 United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis6 Carbonated Soft Drinks Manufacturing Cost Analysis6.1 Carbonated Soft Drinks Key Raw Materials Analysis7 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers8 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders9 Market Effect Factors Analysis9.1 Technology Progress/Risk10 United States Carbonated Soft Drinks Market Forecast (2016-2021)11 Research Findings and ConclusionAbout Us:With the arsenal of different search reports, Research Beam helps you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency. With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Severs Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesU.S. & Canada Toll Free: + 1-800-910-6452International: + 1-503-894-6022UK: + 44-845-528-1300India: +91 20 66346070Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975Email: help@researchbeam.comWeb: Power Management IC market to Develop at 6.1% CAGR between 2013 and 2019 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=749 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com A recent report on the global power management IC market, released by Transparency Market research (TMR), estimates the market to develop at a CAGR of 6.1% during the period from 2013 to 2019 and attain a value of US$46 billion by 2019.Request A Sample Of This Report:The report, titled Power Management IC Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast, 2013 - 2019, also states that in 2012, the market stood at US$29.90 billion.According to the report, the global market for power management IC has been classified into the markets for integrated ASSP power management IC, motor control IC, battery management IC, voltage regulators, and others such as switching controllers, gate drivers, and power factor correction. Among these, the market for integrated ASSP ICs holds the biggest share in the global market for power management ICs.Based on the application, the report categorizes the global power management IC market into the markets for telecom and networking, automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, and others such as military, electronics, and the healthcare industry. In 2012, the automobile industry led the global power management IC market and was followed by the market for consumer electronics. The market for automobiles is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period.The demand for power management IC in the automotive industry from the developing economies in Asia Pacific and Rest of the World is the main factor behind this growth, while the rise in the demand for smart devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones is fuelling the demand for power management ICs in the consumer electronics market, notes the market study.The report also analyzes the regional power management IC markets spread across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. In 2012, the market in Asia Pacific occupied the leading position in the global market for power management ICs. The rise in the usage of the power management ICs in consumer electronics is the key factor that has triggered the growth of this market.The power management IC market in North America ranked second among all the regional markets in 2012. The growth of this market in North America is attributed to the rise in demand for automobiles in the region. The ample presence of market participants in the region has also stimulated the market development in this region.The global market for power management ICs is a concentrated market controlled by a few key players. The market report also evaluates the company profiles of major enterprises operating in the global power management IC market. International Rectiier, Renesas Electronics, Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, ON Semiconductor, Mitsubishi Electric, Dialog Semiconductor PLC, Rohm Co Ltd., Linear Technology, Maxim Integrated, Semtech Corp., Fairchild Semiconductor, and Toshiba are some of the major participants of this market profiled in this report.About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Smart Cards Industrial and Market studies (Contact, Contactless, Dual-interface and Hybrid - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2016 2023 https://goo.gl/iB5QXX Albany, New York, Jan 10,2017"Smart Cards Market (Contact, Contactless, Dual-interface and Hybrid)" The Report covers current Market Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect. Description-Smart cards are IC-based cards that accumulate and retrieve information using various computer systems. Smart cards consist of central processing units and memory units. Smart cards primarily act as a cost-effective way to store, manage, and maintain credentials for their users. This makes these products highly convenient for different applications. In addition, the portability of smart cards enables their extensive adoption across different applications. Currently, smart cards are widely used across sectors such as telecommunications, BFSI, and government. Due to the numerous advantages they offer, smart cards are increasingly used in the healthcare, government IDs (e-passports), and retail sectors. Thus, strong ongoing adoption of smart cards across different sectors is estimated to substantially spur the markets growth in the coming years.Get Sample Report With TOC @The research study titled Smart Cards Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2016 - 2023 provides in-depth analysis of the market and related sub-segments. The report strategically focuses on market segments including different types of smart cards and components. In addition, this report provides market insights and forecasts of the size and growth of each segment across each of the geographic regions. The report includes detailed analysis of prevalent market trends and profiles of key players. In order to provide better understanding of competition in the market, the report offers ecosystem analysis and competitive landscape.The study on the global smart cards market has been conducted with the objective of providing thorough coverage of the underlying technological and socio-economic factors driving the market.The smart cards market is expected to see consistent growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for secure and reliable payment transactions across the retail and BFSI sectors. Moreover, cost-saving schemes for merchants from payments brands such as Visa, MasterCard, and Europay is driving the smart card technology innovations. The decreasing prices of subscriber identification module (SIM) cards and tariff rates are increasing the number of mobile subscribers, and thus further contributing to the growth of the smart cards market. However, factors such as price pressures and technological challenges along with the cost of migrating to smartcard compatible readers affect the adoption of smartcards. Conversely, technological advancements, falling prices, and the introduction of high-end SIMs offer potential opportunities for the growth of the smart cards market.This report studies the current scenario as well as the future market potential for smart cards globally. The market for smart cards has been segmented based on three major parameters: card type, components, and geography. The major types of smart cards used are contact smart cards, contactless smart cards, hybrid smart cards, and dual-interface smart cards. On the basis of components, the smart cards market is segmented into microcontroller-based smart cards and memory-based smart cards. The demand for microcontroller-based smart cards is significantly high owing to the wide adoption of such cards for contactless and dual-interface smart cards. The market size and forecast, in terms of revenue and volume (US$ Mn & Mn units), for each of these segments has been provided for the period from 2013 to 2023, considering 2013 and 2014 as the base years. For 2015, report provides actual data for the first half and estimate for the second half. Also, the report provides market size and forecast in terms of volume (Mn Units) for various segments for the above mentioned period. The report also provides the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for each segment of the market for the forecast period 2016 to 2023.Geographically, the market for global smart cards has been segmented into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. The report also provides a competitive landscape, wherein the market share analysis of leading players in the global smart cards market for the year 2014, in terms of value percentage, has been discussed. The report concludes with the company profiles section, which provides an overview of the major companies operating in the market including strategies deployed by them to gain competitive advantage, annual revenue generated by them in the past two years, and key developments in the market. The companies profiled in this report include the American Express Company, Atos SE, NXP Semiconductors NV, Infineon Technologies AG, Gemalto NV, INSIDE Secure, Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) GmbH, and Texas Instruments, Inc.The global smart cards market is categorized into the following segments: Smart Cards Market, by TypeContact Smart CardsContactless Smart CardsHybrid Smart CardsDual-interface Smart Cards Smart Cards Market, by ComponentMicrocontrollerMemory Card Smart Cards Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle East & Africa (MEA)Latin AmericaResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Text Analytics Market Set to Grow Exponentially During 2016 - 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/7096 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/7096 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ Text analytics can be defined as a process of retrieving information from the available text sources. Text analytics is used for various purposes such as summarization of information, classification, sentimental analysis and data investigation. Text Analytics has become vital for smooth functioning of business across world. Text Analytics software helps its end user to perform data analysis for obtaining useful insights. Text Analytics softwares are capable to process structured as well as unstructured data in a same efficient manner. In text analytics software, natural language processing toolkits are used which are competent enough to overcome any type of language barrier and this toolkit can derive information from any unknown languages. Modern text analytics software offers user friendly interface for better representation and analysis.A sample of this report is available upon request @Globally, need of effective text analytics solution and services is increasing steadily. Factors which are driving the growth of global text analytics service market are growing demand of social media analysis for effective brand building, development of multilingual text analytics to overcome language barriers, increasing concern of financial frauds and growing big data market. On the other hand, factors which are restraining the growth of global text analytics market are lack of awareness among end users about software handling, high deployment cost and compliance issue with present IT infrastructure. However, added advantage of predictive analytics and credibility to analyse big data is expected to create great opportunity for text analytics market in future.Global text analytics market is segmented on the basis of application, organization size, deployment model and verticals. On the basis of application, the global text analytics market can be segmented into, enterprise application, predictive analytics, data analytics application, web-based application, search based applications and others. Predictive analytics segment is expected to be major application segment of global text analytics market during the forecast periodOn the basis of organization size, the global text analytics market can be segmented into small enterprises, medium enterprises and large enterprises.On the basis of deployment model, the global text analytics market can be segmented into on-premise and cloud deployment. Cloud based deployment model expected to gain significant importance during the period of forecast. However, small enterprises are still very much dependent on on-premise modelOn the basis of verticals, the global text analytics market can be segmented into banking, financial serves and insurance (BFSI), healthcare & pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, retail & hospitality, telecommunication, consumer packed goods and othersOn the basis of region, the text analytics market can be segmented into seven regions which includes, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Eastern Europe, Japan and Middle East & Africa region. Further the market is sub-segmented as per the major countries of each region in order to provide better regional analysis of the Text Analytics Market. North America region is expected to dominate the global text analytics market during the period of forecast.Western Europe region is expected to be second largest market in terms of revenue during the forecast period.A TOC of this report is available upon request @Key players in global text analytics market are IBM Corporation, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Attensity Inc., Clarabridge, SAP SE, TIBCO Software Inc., Tableau Software and Oracle among others. Key players are focusing on continuous innovations in the existing text analytics softwares. Hence new product launch is the major development strategy adopted by market players in order to grow in market. In 2014, Linguamatics launched I2E Semantic Enrichment to offer increased return on investment in enterprise search systems.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as application, organization size, deployment model and verticals.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com ICT investment trends in financial Industrial and Market studiessICT investment trends in financial Industrial and Market studiess; Enterprise ICT spending patterns through to the end of 2016 https://goo.gl/DA5PhX Albany, New York, Jan 10,2017"ICT investment trends in financial markets; Enterprise ICT spending patterns through to the end of 2016" The Report covers current Market Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect. Description-Financial institutions are increasingly turning to disruptive ICT solutions such as cloud computing to keep up with the demands of a globally integrated marketplace. Additionally, the shifting business paradigms of the digital empowered market and the growing demand for ICT governance and new regulatory requirements, is driving the ICT investments among institutions. Financial institutions are also using ICT to design products and services that can improve their workforce productivity and are efficient for their end-users.Get Sample Report With TOC @ Key FindingsFinancial market institutions are looking to increase their investments in software in 2015, compared to 2014, to reduce operating overheads, and improve the quality and timeliness of their services.Financial market institutions have started shifting their existing business processes to newer enterprise applications such as customer relationship management (CRM), HR management and financials, to adapt swiftly as well as respond to changing digital channels, and improve their business agility.Trade/ payment automation forms a critical component to the success of the financial institutions, and they are making the largest investment in this operational function in 2015, to facilitate the easy execution of repetitive trading and payment processes. SynopsisICT investment trends in financial markets presents the findings from a survey of 147 financial market institutions regarding their Information & Communications Technology (ICT) investment trends. The survey investigates how financial market institutions currently allocate their ICT budgets across the core areas of enterprise ICT expenditure: hardware, software, IT services, communications, and consulting. Table of Contents1 Trends in ICT budgets1.1 Introduction1.2 Survey demographics1.3 ICT budget changes1.4 ICT budget allocation by core technology area1.4.1 Hardware budget breakdown1.4.2 Software budget breakdowns1.4.3 Third party IT services expenditure1.4.4 Cloud computing budget1.5 ICT budget allocation by function1.6 Outsourced IT functions2 ICT investment priorities and vendor satisfaction2.1 Introduction2.1.1 Enterprise applications2.1.2 Communications & collaboration2.1.3 Cloud computing3 ICT procurement trends3.1 Introduction3.2 Business objectives and IT objectives influencing IT investment strategy3.3 ICT provider selection4 Sector-specific trends4.1 Introduction4.2 IT expenditure plans for specific technology areas4.3 Top three IT projects in sales and management platforms4.4 Top three IT projects in the operations functionResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Singapore: Embracing Smart Nation, Telco/Media Convergence and Fixed/Mobile Competition https://goo.gl/wHDdm6 Albany, New York, Jan 10,2017"Singapore: Embracing Smart Nation, Telco/Media Convergence and Fixed/Mobile Competition" The Report covers current Market Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect. Description-In 2016, Singapore's telecom services market will decline 1.7% over 2015. This is partly due to the substitution of fixed telephony services by mobile voice and OTT apps. Mobile data will remain the largest revenue contributing segment and the growth will be driven by telcos investments to enhance speeds and coverage. In addition, telcos are investigating new areas including 5G technology, smart city/IoT/M2M, cyber security, managed services, OTT video and data analytics to diversify their revenue streams.Get Sample Report With TOC @Key Findings- The overall telecom service revenue in Singapore is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 1.5% during 2016-2021.- Mobile revenue will account for 63.7% of the total telecom revenue in 2021.- The Singapore telecom market will be dominated by Singtel, Star Hub and M1. Operators will continue to invest on 4G coverage expansions and deployment of fiber-optic network to boost the data connectivity to support government's Smart Nation initiative.- The entry of new fixed and mobile operators will result in greater competition.- The country saw the merger of the telco and media regulators and operators are already offering converged telco/media services.-- Synopsis"Singapore: Embracing Smart Nation, Telco/Media Convergence and Fixed/Mobile Competition" a new Country Intelligence Report , provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Singapore today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband and mobile sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Singapore compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Singapore.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice and data from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers overthe next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Singapore's telecommunication market.Reasons To Buy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Singapore telecommunication market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Singapore mobile communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Singapore telecommunication market.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Singapore.ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Trends to Watch in Global Wealth Management Forecast Report Till 2017 Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=909441 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=909441 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/2017-trends-to-watch-in-global-wealth-management-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ Albany, New York, January 10, 2017: The latest report focusing on the Banking Market has been recently added to the online database of Market Research Hubs repository. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the Banking Market. It is entitled as 2017: Trends to Watch in Global Wealth Management.Request for Sample Report:The wealth management industry has been undergoing transformation since the financial crisis, and 2017 will be another year marked with changes to business models and the way providers interact with clients. Many trends observed in 2016 will continue over the next 12 months, with regulation and its costs affecting the financial performance of competitors, and market volatility (often fueled by surprising turns in the geopolitical landscape) keeping portfolio managers busy. Yet 2017 will also be a year of opportunity for competitors that embrace the change and succeed in those areas of the market where growth can be achieved.Key Findings- As market volatility persists, managing the level of investment portfolio risk and clients expectations in terms of returns will be more important than ever.- While the European industry is aware of the updated Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), most wealth managers remain uncertain about its effects on the market.- Regtech solutions are another reason for incumbents to partner with fintech startups. Block chain technology can also be more widely adopted if compliance is ensured.- Purely digital wealth management is not a proposition that will appeal to all HNW investors, but providers will continue to target carefully selected audiences with new robo-advice platforms.- Smaller and local providers will gain market share in the global wealth management space.- M&A activity in mature economies will be driven by competition for the client portfolios of aging independent financial advisors (IFAs) who are approaching retirement.Make an Enquiry:SynopsisThis report informs wealth managers and their strategy teams of the key developments emerging across the industry and how best to respond to these changes. The report examines developments across a number of key areas, from regulation, to product and service trends, to asset allocation drivers. Specifically, the report:- Analyzes the impact of regulatory developments on the industry, looking in particular at MiFID II in Europe and tax amnesties across the world.- Discovers how wealth managers can benefit from the emerging regtech sector and how this may affect the adoption of block chain.- Considers the opportunities in targeting internationally active clients, as well as defining the target audience for robo-advisors.- Assesses the impact that newly developed investment products, such as exchange-traded mutual funds (ETMFs) can have on clients demand for alternative and innovative solutions.- Examines the potential growth and M&A opportunities offered by aging IFAs, as well as the divestment activity of global players.- Reviews the latest asset allocation trends and what is driving the growth of equities and alternative investments in particular.- Draws on our 2016 Global Wealth Managers Survey of 324 executives to provide fact-led insight.Browse Full Info with TOC:ReasonsToBuy- Understand the key trends impacting the wealth management industry in 2016 and how to respond.- Get ready for the advent of the OECDs Common Reporting Standard, and find out how your business needs to prepare.- Discover how HNW asset allocation preferences are set to evolve in 2016 and how to respond.- Gain an insight into the impact of digital disruption across the wealth management value chain and advice on how technology could help your business.Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite: Global Mobile ECG Device Market- AliveCor, Vital Connect, Qardio and Lifewatch Mobile ECG Device http://bit.ly/2idjf9z http://bit.ly/2jczAdl The market research report by QY Research provides detailed study on the overall Mobile ECG Device market size, its financial positions, its unique selling points, key products, and key developments. This research report has segmented the Mobile ECG Device market based on the segments covering all the domains in terms of type, country, region, forecasting revenues, and market share, along with analysis of latest trends in every sub-segment.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The qualitative segmentation of Mobile ECG Device market covered in the report gives in-depth information of the overall market. Furthermore, the market size, share, forecast trends, analysis, sales, supply, production, demand, major manufacturers, end-users, and many other vital factors are comprised in the Market Research Mobile ECG Device report by QY Research. By these comprehensive data, it is simple to take and make precise and accurate decisions taking into consideration the present market situation and the forecasts of the global market, which in turn may result into profitable step for our clients.A competitive landscape that identifies the major competitors of the global market and their market share are further highlighted in the research report. A deliberate profiling of major competitors of the Mobile ECG Device market as well as a inclusive analysis of their current developments, core competencies, and investments in each segment are also elaborated in the research report.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The overall information of the Mobile ECG Device market provided in the report helps our client to make precise and accurate decisions in order to gain maximum profit in this cutthroat competition in the global market. The report comprises various elements such as table, figure, charts, TOCs, chapters, and so on so as to provide a crystal clear data to the client giving a brief of the market and its trends. Thus, the report provides in-depth information of the Mobile ECG Device market in terms of revenue, value, volume, region, and many more.Table of ContentsChapter One Mobile ECG Device Industry Overview1.1 Mobile ECG Device Definition1.2 Mobile ECG Device Classification and Application1.3 Mobile ECG Device Industry Chain Structure1.4 Mobile ECG Device Industry OverviewAbout Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 Conductive Polymers Market - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2027 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/conductive-polymers-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/929 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/ethyl-acetate-market Market Highlights:The Global Conductive Polymers Market has witnessed a positive growth over the recent past and is expected to continue to rise over the forecasted year. The increase in usage of light weight conductive compound, high performance and cost effective products have driven the global market for conductive polymers. Moreover, the conductive polymers properties such as flexible, stable, chemical resistance and strength have accelerated the demand globally.Conductive polymers are mostly used in the application areas such as batteries, capacitors, solar cells, packaging, ESD and EMI protection and among others. Moreover, huge demand from the application side has also become a major contributor to growth in the global market. ESD and EMI protection together are estimated to be the largest application markets.Browse for full report:However, high manufacturing, production and processing cost is expected to hinder the overall market growth. The technological advancements and R&D activities are estimated to open more opportunities for the current leading players in the Conductive Polymer Market.Key Players of Conductive Polymers Market: Heraeus, Dow Chemical Bayer Lubrizol Corporation Henkel Electronics Crosslink ITEK Nano Markets CBI Polymers AnCattRequest a Sample Copy @Segmentation:The global conductive polymers market is segmented on the basis of types and applications. On the basis of type, the global market is segmented into Polyaniline, Polycarbonate, Inherently Conductive Polymers, Polyphenylene-based resins and others. On the basis of application, the global conductive polymers market is segmented into Batteries, Capacitors, ESD & EMI protection, solar cells, packaging and others.Study Objectives of Conductive Polymers Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global conductive polymers market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyse the global conductive polymers market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters five force analysis etc. To provide historic and forecast revenues of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country-level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country-level analysis of the market for segment by product type and applications To provide strategic profiling of the key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Conductive Polymers Market.Regional Analysis of Conductive Polymers Market:The global conductive polymers market is poised to reach $XX billion in 2016 to $XX billion in 2027 at a CAGR of XX%. Geographically, North America is accounted to be the largest regional market for conductive polymers followed by Europe. Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing market for conductive polymer market due to rapid growth in application segments of conductive polymers.Related Report:Global Ethyl Acetate Market Information by Application (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, Laboratories and Others) Forecast To 2027Know more about this report @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.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com United States Hair Colorants Market Analysis 2010-2020 Growth and Forecast Analytics Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=909510 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/hair-colorants-haircare-market-in-united-states-of-america-outlook-to-2020-market-size-growth-and-forecast-analytics-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ Albany, New York, January 10, 2017: The latest report focusing on the Security Market has been recently added to the online database of Market Research Hubs repository. The Global Cyber Security Market 20162026 report offers a detailed analysis of the industry, with market size forecasts covering the next ten years. It is entitled as The Global Cyber Security Market 2016 - 2026. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for Cyber Security, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.Request for Sample Report:Key FindingsThe global cyber security Market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.51% over the forecast period, growing from US$11.9 billion in 2016 to US$18.5 billion by 2026. Increased threats of terrorist attacks, the need to secure maritime and offshore installations, and the growing vulnerability of IT and communication networks to hacking are expected to drive expenditure.SynopsisThe Global Cyber Security Market 20162026 report offers a detailed analysis of the industry, with market size forecasts covering the next ten years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for Cyber Security, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.Browse Full Info with TOC:Reasons To BuyDetermine prospective investment areas based on a detailed trend analysis of the global cyber security market over the next ten yearsGain in-depth understanding about the underlying factors driving demand for different cyber security segments in the top spending countries across the world and identify the opportunities offered by each of themStrengthen your understanding of the market in terms of demand drivers, industry trends, and the latest technological developments, among othersIdentify the major channels that are driving the global cyber security market, providing a clear picture about future opportunities that can be tapped, resulting in revenue expansionChannelize resources by focusing on the ongoing programs that are being undertaken by the defense ministries of different countries within the global cyber security marketMake correct business decisions based on thorough analysis of the total competitive landscape of the sector with detailed profiles of the top cyber security providers around the world which include information about their products, alliances, recent contract wins and financial analysis wherever availableMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite: Worldwide Internet of Things Market - Industrial Applications of IoT Spur Demand for Latest Connected Technologies http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=7214 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Internet of Things Market: SnapshotThe healthcare industry is a key area of interest for most players in the global Internet of things (IoT) market. Not only is the healthcare technology itself constantly evolving, it is also welcoming for all efficient ways to introduce and maintain device connectivity. The immense scope gained by the IoT market from implementing its technologies in the healthcare industry can be seen in the high rates at which connected devices are being integrated in crucial points within a healthcare organization, thus speeding up processes.Another key driver for the Internet of things market that cannot be overlooked is the massive amount of incentives provided by government bodies to key and promising players. Countries such as South Korea are building an open Internet of things environment across the country to improve the abilities of connected divides.The usage of Internet of things is, however, hindered by the potentially high security risk that companies might run into. Security risks are particularly high when it comes to the implementation of IoT processes through cloud-based platforms. While the utility of cloud computing in IoT is exceptionally sought after, the concern of data integrity and security is still deterring many companies from availing these services.Owing to the above factors, the global market for Internet of things is progressing at a highly optimistic CAGR of 21.4% from 2015 to 2021 in terms of revenue. Its revenue is expected to reach US$924.86 bn by the end of 2021.Download PDF brochure for this Report:Massive Growth Scope in Asia Pacific Leads Key Players to Strengthen Regional BaseNorth America is currently the leading region in terms of demand for Internet of things technologies, and will expectedly continue to place the leading demand for it till 2021. The region will, however, lose market share to Asia Pacific and its rapidly growing interest in the Internet of things. By 2021, the Asia Pacific Internet of things market revenue is expected to stand at 21.36% of the global market. The key reason for this massive growth rate is strong demand for IoT in the Asia Pacific manufacturing industry, especially in Indonesia, China, Japan, and India.The demand for Internet of things in North America is still expected to be very high, owing to the developments for incorporating IoT technologies into the industries of healthcare and consumer electronics.Industrial Applications of IoT Spur Demand for Latest Connected TechnologiesBy the end of 2021, the industrial sector is expected to hold a share of 23.40% in the Internet of things market value. It will therefore continue being the leading application segment for IoT technologies owing to the extremely high demand for the use of connected devices on the work floor and the implementation of cloud-based platforms for remote connectivity and improve process efficiency.Some of the key developments occur in the collaborative IoT testbed created by IBM and National Instruments. The resultant potential found for cyber physical systems that can be capable of imparting significant improvements in the productivity of a company poses key implications on the industrial sector as a whole.The key providers of Internet of things products and services include Google, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Apple, Inc., IBM Corp., and Microsoft Corp.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Cosmetic Ingredients Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends Analysis For 2016-2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18080 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cosmetic-ingredients-market.html The cosmetic ingredients market is showing a significant growth in the recent years. With the rising consciousness of physical appearances which in turn is found to boost the self-confidence of people is resulting to the growth in the cosmetic ingredients market during the forecast period. Proper cosmetic formulation with specific chemicals has become an important factor in recent years. Any kind of impurities on the formulation of the cosmetic ingredients market is strictly banned due to safety of the consumers across the globe. Various companies are investing on different projects through research and development to innovate new products and to attract large sections of population and increase the profitability.Download Research Brochure PDF@Among the product innovation, the two things regarding products, which are given prior importance, are time saving products and long lasting products. Time saving products are gaining prime importance as it attracts a large section of busy population in recent years, boosting the growth of the global cosmetic ingredients market. A lot of research is done to focus on the chemicals of cosmetics such as drying nail polish, facial wash, and shaving foam among others. Rapid urbanization, change in lifestyle, and inclination toward several good brands are propelling the cosmetic ingredients market in recent years.On the basis of type, the cosmetic ingredients market is segmented into polymers, emulsifiers, surfactants, UV absorbers, anti-microbial, emollients, and others. The polymer segment showed the fastest growth followed by the surfactant segment during the forecast period. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into skin care, moisturizing, hair care, fragrance, makeup, oral care, and others. The skin care segment held the prime market share owing to the increasing consciousness toward protection of skin and outer appearance among the large sections of the population in recent years. By functionality, the global cosmetic ingredients market is segmented into cleansing and foaming agent, moisturizing, toners, and others. The moisturizing segment holds a significant share, and thus this is boosting the cosmetic ingredients market.On the basis of region, the global cosmetic ingredient market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific is showing a fast growth due to the emerging economics such as China and India. Consciousness toward self-confidence and improvement of the outer physical features are boosting the market during the forecast period. Growing demand for quality beauty products of several brands which are environment friendly to enhance the physical appearance has become the prime importance in recent years. In addition, rising demand for organic cosmetic ingredients is further booming the market of cosmetic ingredients globally. Western Europe is showing a significant market share over the years and is mainly due to the rise in demand for skin care and hair care products. Brazil has shown an impressive growth in the cosmetic ingredients market followed by Latin America. Rapid urbanization from developed and developing countries is further resulting to the growth of the market. However, hindrances such as ban of several ingredients into cosmetic products to ensure safety to the large sections of population have also been observed in the global cosmetic ingredients market. Demand for cosmetic products from both developed and developing countries are generating opportunities for the market during the forecast period.Global key participants operating in the global cosmetic ingredients industry include BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Croda International Plc, Ashland Inc, DuPont Tata & Lyle Bio Products, Sumitomo Group, and Sederma Inc, Rhodia.Browse Full Report@About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Why Cyber Security Services are the most necessary in 2017? http://bit.ly/2ii6wUq http://bit.ly/2ii6wUq Just as in 2016, Cyber Security Services will continue to be decisive for most of the organizations in 2017. A market research by Gartner has suggested that organizations globally spend about 5.6% of their budget on IT security and risk management. But this figure varies from one organization to another depending upon the nature of business, geography, industry sector as well as size of business. Some businesses are trying to incorporate industry best practices for security into their operations to reduce the overall numbers of security vulnerabilities. With a steep rise in technology integration in our day to day lives, security attackers will find new ways to trouble. A couple of cyber security features have become imperative for businesses. Do you have these?Suma Soft Pvt. Ltd. is a global IT risk and security management company that has been actively providing top-notch Cyber Security Services to businesses for over 16 years. Here are a list of must-have IT risk management features that will help you stay away from security breaches:Basics:1) Continuous IT Risk Analysis and Intrusion Detection2) Anti-virus and Malware protection, SPAM and Web filters3) Firewall validation, IDS verification, password cracking4) Business logic testing to prohibit authentication bypass, privilege escalation, unauthorized access to restricted data, etc.5) Social Engineering Attack assessmentAdvanced:1) Security Incident and Event Management tool in a SaaS-delivered format2) Real-time monitoring and reporting3) Static Application Security Testing for thorough source code analysis4) Digital Forensic Investigation and Awareness5) Internal Audit and Vulnerability AssessmentAbout Suma Soft:Suma Soft offers proactive IT risk and security management services for Automotive, Healthcare, Logistics, BFSI, Ecommerce and other industries. Suma Soft is credited with ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System, STQC and CERT-in empanelment.Read more-Suma Soft has been providing Cyber Security Services in USA for past 16+ years.Name: StuartCompany Address: 7880 San Felipe Street, Ste 120, Houston TX 77063-1647Telephone: +1 281 764 1821Email: info@sumasoft.comURL: Bio-Implants Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-873 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-873 www.futuremarketinsights.com An implant is a medical device which replaces, supports or enhances a missing, damaged or existing biological structure. An implant is man-made device which is inserted into the human body cavity. Bio-implants are made from biological cells which are compatible with the human body cells. For instance, bio-implants are used in the treatment of skin burns or sores caused by surgeries. Eye bio-implants are used in the treatment of cornea sores or chemical damages in the eye.Bio-implants Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe advantage of bio-implants over the conventional forms of implants is that bio-implants is a fast method of treatment with negligible complications. The bio-implant owing to its nature builds into the human body organ naturally. The bio-implants are similar in morphology to the original human body tissue. Bio-implants do not necessarily need incisions but bio-implants are pressed through the human body organ. Bio-implants provide lifetime guarantee and heal the human body organ rapidly. However, high treatment costs and reimbursement issues are the factors that could hamper the growth of the global bio-implants market. The bio-implant approvals are regulated by a large number of laws which could act as a hurdle in the global bio-implants market due to this time consuming approval process.Bio-implants Market: SegmentationThe global bio-implants market is classified on the basis of type of implant, therapeutic area and geography.Based on type of implant, the global bio-implants market is segmented into the following:AllograftAutograftXenograftRequest for sample report:Based on therapeutic area, the global bio-implants market is segmented into the following:OrthopedicsDentalOphthalmicOthersBio-implants Market: OverviewThe global bio-implants market is forecast to witness significant growth rates due to the rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure in developed as well as developing regions. The increasing prevalence of chronic health disorders especially in the aging population coupled with rising disposable incomes is expected to propel the growth of the global bio-implants market. The geriatric population is expected to double in 2030 as compared to 2010. This is a major factor that is expected to determine the growth of dental bio-implants and orthopedic bio-implants. The dental therapeutic area subsegment is estimated to account for a significant share in the global bio-implants market. By therapeutic area, orthopedics is the key growth subsegment in the global bio-implants market which is projected to register a high CAGR among other subsegments during the forecast period.Bio-implants Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global bio-implants market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the largest market for bio-implants in terms of revenue due to the large number of players in bio-implants and strong healthcare infrastructure. Europe is the second largest bio-implant market owing to the technological advancements in healthcare and considerably high geriatric population in the region. North America and Europe together account for a major share in the global bio-implants market. The MEA region has witnessed mass productions of bio-implants in diverse therapeutic areas which makes the MEA a potential bio-implant market. Also, the bio-implants in MEA bio-implant market are cheaper as compared to the global prices and are able to meet domestic demand.Request for TOC:Bio-implants Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players identified in global bio-implants market are LifeNet Health, Arthrex, Inc., Clinic Lemanic, Nobel Biocare Services AG, Osprey Biomedical Corporation, Alpha Bio Tec, MiMedx Group, Inc to name a few. The global bio-implants market players are involved in collaborations, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions in order to enhance product development process and expand the global bio-implant footprint.About us:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790Email:sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Australia Ammonia Market To Expand at a CAGR of 6.3% Over the Forecast Period (2016-2024) http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11527 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/australia-ammonia-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/11527 By product type, anhydrous ammonia segment is expected to continue to dominate the market in terms of value and volume share throughout the forecast period (20162024). Production of ammonium nitrate by explosives manufacturers to cater to demand for industrial explosives from the mining sector is anticipated to drive growth of the Australia ammonia market over the forecast period. Also, increasing demand for nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as DAP and MAP is expected to drive volume sales of ammonia during the forecast period. However, volatility in natural gas prices and increasing dependency on fertilizer imports are factors expected to restraint growth of the ammonia market in Australia.A sample of this report is available upon request @On the basis of end use, nitric acid segment is expected to exhibit relatively strong projections by 2024 end, owing to pivotal use of nitric acid both directly and as precursor to other downstream products. The segment is expected to continue to account for major value and volume shares in the Australia ammonia market throughout the forecast period, to account for 46.2% by 2024 in terms of value and expand at a CAGR of 7.9% in terms of volume during the forecast period. Ammonium nitrate segment in the Australia ammonia market is expected to be valued at US$ 172.0 Mn by 2016 end, registering 7.3% Y-o-Y growth over 2015.Persistence Market Research delivers key insights on the Australia ammonia market in its latest report titled, Australia Market Study on Ammonia: Increasing Consumption in Nitric Acid Production to Drive Growth by 2024. The ammonia market in Australia is estimated to register 5.8% Y-o-Y growth in 2016 over 2015 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period (2016-2024).On the basis of application, industrial chemicals segment is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Explosives segment is expected to register the second-highest CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period, to reach value of US$ 298.2 Mn by 2024 end.Western Australia is the largest market for ammonia. The market in the region is estimated to be valued at US$ 230.7 Bn by 2016 end. The ammonia market in New South Wales is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR of 7.2% in terms of value over the forecast period.Request to view Table of content @Key players in the Australia ammonia market include Yara International ASA, Orica Limited, Incitec Pivot Limited, and CSBP Limited (Wesfarmers Limited). The Australia ammonia market is highly consolidated, with limited number of ammonia manufacturers and suppliers. However, major players in the market are focusing on expanding their production of ammonium nitrate to cater to demand for industrial explosives from the mining industry. Increase in ammonium nitrate production is anticipated to significantly increase demand for ammonia and nitric acid.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Non Destructive Testing Market to Exceed US$ 22.0 Billion by 2022 Non Destructive Testing Market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/upcommingreport/non-destructive-testing-ndt-market-by-method-end-user-technique-application-and-region-global-industry-analysis-by-size-share-trends-growth-and-forecast-2015 https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ Florida, January 10: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Market by Method, End-User, Technique, Application & Region Global Industry Analysis by Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2015 2022The Global Non Destructive testing market is projected to reach USD 22.20 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 7.80% from 2015 to 2022.Browse Full Report here:Non Destructive Testing (NDT) is viewed as an essential need in commercial ventures, for example, in aviation industry, oil and gas industry, petroleum industry, and in construction sector. Developments in the NDT equipment market have expanded economically after the presentation of cutting edge X-ray equipment, for example, micro focus X-ray apparatuses, integrated X-ray tubes, glass X-ray tubes with window, radiation protected X-ray tools, etc.Over the past few years, demand for Non Destructive Testing (NDT) services has expanded rapidly. As the US economy has recovered from the depths of the recession and as a result of it corporate profit margins have expanded and fueled capital expenditure. NDT sector will get future boost from the growing technological innovation and as a result NDT services will become more cost effective and efficient for end users.Additionally, the forecast period offers huge potential growth for technologies such as computed tomography, phased array ultrasonic testing, and data management tools as these techniques are more efficient in terms of deriving accurate results.This report provides qualitative and quantitative information about the global NDT market. It identifies the market application gaps, emerging technologies, the need for new product launches, and high potential geographic regions and countries. It also provides a segmentation of the market, tracking the market size, market share, revenue projections, and financial portfolio, covering a broad spectrum of the different methods, end-user, applications, and techniques of NDT industry.Who should buy this report?Aerospace & Defense IndustryAutomotive IndustryOil & Gas IndustryPower PlantsNDT Equipment ManufacturersOriginal Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)Software Solution ProvidersComponent SuppliersTurbine ManufacturersShip Hull Manufacturers etc.Scope of the ReportThis research report categorizes the NDT market into the following segments and sub-segments:Global NDT Market, By Method Ultrasonic testing Radiography testing Liquid Penetrant testing Magnetic particle testing Eddy-current testing Visual inspectionGlobal NDT Market, By End-User Oil & gas industry Aerospace & Defense industry Automotive industry Infrastructure Industry Power generation industryGlobal NDT Market, By Technique Surface Examination technique Volumetric Examination Technique Condition Monitoring technique Integrity Examination technique Other non-destructive techniquesGlobal NDT Market, By Application Flaw detection Leak detection Dimensional measurement Estimation of physical properties Chemical Composition Determination Stress & Structure AnalysisGlobal NDT Market, By Geography G7 Nationso U.S.o Canadao Japano Italyo Franceo Germanyo U.K. BRICS Brazil Russia India China South Africa U.K. South Korea Saudi Arabia Others Rest of the WorldAbout MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Website: Acetic Acid Market to Reach US$ 15 Billion by 2023 Acetic Acid Market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/acetic-acid-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/acetic-acid-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ New York, January 10: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Acetic Acid Market for VAM, PTA, Acetate Esters, Acetic Anhydride and Other Applications - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2015 - 2023Acetic Acid Market states that the market will log more than 9% CAGR through the reports forecast period.Browse Full Report:Acetic acid is an organic compound with strong distinct sour smell. It is colourless and has carbon as its fundamental constituent. Acetic acid is most commonly used to produce VAM (vinyl acetate monomer). Another major application of this acid is in production of acetic anhydride which is useful in photographic films. It also has uses in medical and food industry as it is widely known to be used in vinegar which has extensive uses.Increasing demand for VAM in various industries such as paints, packaging, adhesives and other industries, is a driving factor for global acetic acid market. Owing to its exponential use in production of acetate anhydride is growth factor. China leads the global market followed with largest market share by volume.Download Free Sample Report:The global acetic acid market is segmented based on its application which includes vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride, acetate esters and PTA. The market segments in terms of geographical regions include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (ROW).This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for acetic acid and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for acetic acid market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of coatings with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Celanese, British Petroleum (BP), Jiangsu Sopo (Group) Co., Ltd., Eastman Chemicals, DuPont, Saudi International Petrochemicals and Wacker Chemie. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Acetic Acid Market has been segmented as below:By Application: Acetate Esters Vinyl Acetate Monomer Acetic Anhydride PTABy Geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the World (ROW)About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite: 3D printing Market to Reach US$ 12.0 Billion by 2021 3D printing Market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/global-3d-printing-market-research-report https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/global-3d-printing-market-research-report https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ Florida, January 10: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Global 3D Printing Market Research Report - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2021Global 3D printing market was worth $2,200 million in 2012 and is expected to reach $12,240 million in 2021, growing at a CAGR of 16.8 percent from 2014 to 2021You can view the full report here:3D printing is a process of making a three dimensional (3D) object based on 3D model data using additive materials. It is also known as additive printing technology or additive manufacturing. 3D printing works through an industrial robot or 3D printer. In the printing process, the computer controls the material that is placed in layers to form geometry shapes. In addition, complex designs are manufactured using 3D printing technologies in various fields.Fused Disposition Modeling (FDM), Wax Disposition Modeling (WDM), Stereo-lithography (SLA), Binder-Jetting, Poly-Jet Printing, Selective Laser Sintering, Direct Metal Laser Sintering, Electron Beam Melting (EBM), Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), Three-Dimensional Inkjet Printing (3DP), and other are the technologies that are used in the global 3D printing market.Polymers, metals, ceramics, etc. are the materials used in 3D printing depending on the need of the industry. These materials are further bifurcated such as polymers that includes polylactic acid (PLA), low-density polyethylene, photopolymers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high-density polyethylene, nylon, and others polymers; Metals and alloys are classified as titanium, copper, nickel, cobalt, gold, steel, silver, aluminum, and other metals and alloys; ceramics are bifurcated as glass, silica, quartz, etc., and others segment can be broadly classified as wax, lay wood, metal foil, porcelain, edible materials, clay, paper, etc.Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) are the major sub-segments of polymer materials in the global 3D printing market. These plastics are used for its durability and flexibility with wide color ranges. Metals are strong but expensive material to be used in this industry.Download Free Sample Report:The industries where the 3D printing methods majorly applied are government & defense, aerospace, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, industrial/business machines, education & research, arts, architecture, and forensics. Healthcare is estimated to be the emerging application industry for the forecast period. Aerospace and automotive industries are the driving force in the growth of global 3D printing market.Europe is the leading geography in terms of revenue generation followed by North America. These regions are estimated to flourish in the forecast period. Asia Pacific is an emerging geography in the global 3D printing market. 3D Systems, Inc., Stratasys Ltd., Arcam AB, Envision TEC, EOS, ExOne, Luxexcel Group BV, MakerBot Industries, LLC, Materialise NV, Mcor Technologies Ltd., Microtec Gesellschaft Fur Microcomputervertrieb MBH, Orgnavo Holdings, Inc., Optomec, and Voxeljet AG are the leading companies in the global 3D printing market.Market Research Engine is involved in providing research reports and company profiles in the global 3D printing market in terms of revenue and output/volume. Market drivers, opportunities and restraints are thoroughly studied which influences the market. This study is further utilized for the overall analysis of the market. The 3D printing market is segmented based on the global applications, geographic presence, by products and ingredients. We offer an inclusive category-specific market outlook. We provide access to a comprehensive collection of companies in the industry. The companies can strategize and execute business operations through our competitor analysis. Find the global industry analysis, market size, share, growth, and trends information in our 3D printing profiles.CUSTOMIZATION OF REPORT:We also provide client's business specific and client's requirement specific research reports.Clients can also buy company profiles for global 3D printing market without buying full report.SEGMENTATIONS IN REPORT:3D Printing By TechnologyStereo lithographySelective Laser SinteringElectron Beam MeltingFused Deposition ModelingLaminated Object ManufacturingOthers3D Printing By MaterialPolymersThermoplasticAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)Polylatic Acid (PLA)Polyvinyl AlcoholPolyethylene (PE)NylonPhotopolymerMetals And AlloysTitaniumGoldSilverAluminiumSteelOthersCeramicsGlassSilicaQuartzOthersOthersPaperPorcelainEdible MaterialsClay3D Printing By Application Areas:AerospaceAutomotiveHealthcareConsumer ProductsIndustrial ProductsDefenseEducation and ResearchOthers (Including Architecture, Arts, Etc.)3D Printing By Geography:Asia PacificNorth AmericaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle East And AfricaAbout Market Research EngineMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Website: Clare Hollingworth: British war correspondent dies aged 105 BBC News10 January 2017Clare Hollingworth, the veteran British war correspondent who broke the news that World War Two had started, has died in Hong Kong at the age of 105.Born in Leicester in 1911, Hollingworth broke the story of Germany's invasion of Poland in August 1939.She went on to report from Vietnam, Algeria and the Middle East.Hollingworth was a rookie reporter for the Daily Telegraph when she fell upon "the scoop of the century".It was she who spotted German forces amassed on the Polish border while travelling from Poland to Germany in 1939.Before becoming a reporter, she helped rescue thousands of people from Hitler's forces by arranging British visas.In later life she was a regular at the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) in Hong Kong, where she celebrated her 105th birthday last October.Tara Joseph, president of the FCC, said Hollingworth had been "a tremendous inspiration" and a "treasured member".A statement on the Celebrate Clare Hollingworth Facebook page read: "We are sad to announce that after an illustrious career spanning a century of news... Clare Hollingworth died this evening." IoT in Manufacturing Market to 2025-Industry Analysis, Applications, Opportunities and Trends |The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/iot-in-manufacturing-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000265 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000265 Internet of Things (IoT) has brought everything connected through internet. This connected network offers new opportunities to enhance operations across manufacturing in several sectors of the economy. It also enables industrial machines and equipment to realize and precise for potential failures before they become any disaster. Along with that, it allows objects to operate autonomously while being monitored by any workforces from remote locations.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the IoT in Manufacturing Market to 2025 @The report aims to provide an overview of global IoT in manufacturing market with detailed market segmentation by service, application, end-user verticals, and geography. The global IoT in manufacturing market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. Increase in efficiency with avoidance of unscheduled downtimes in the production cycle are some of the major factors driving IoT in manufacturing market.Request Sample Copy @The objectives of IoT in Manufacturing Market report is as follows: To provide overview of the global IoT in Manufacturing market To analyze and forecast the global IoT in Manufacturing market on the basis of service, application and end-user vertical To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall IoT in Manufacturing market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions To profiles key IoT in manufacturing players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesInquire about discount on this report @Some of the leading players in IoT in manufacturing market are Cisco Systems, Inc., General Electric Company, IBM Corp., Intel Corporation, KUKA Systems Group, Microsoft Corporation, SAP, Siemens AG, PTC and Zebra TechnologiesAbout The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Additive Manufacturing Market to Record an Impressive Growth Rate by 2026 Additive Manufacturing Market, Additive Manufacturing http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11254 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11254 www.persistencemarketresearch.com Additive manufacturing is used for taking the 3D print of objects in various industries such as automotive, healthcare, education, research, government, aerospace, defence, consumer products and industrial. Additive manufacturing is also known as 3D (three dimensional) printing, and it is used to create 3D objects. Computer control is used to create a 3D object, to create the object, additive processes are used. The 3D objects can be customized as per the industry requirement.Sample of this report is available upon request @Products with the complex design can be easily conceptualize and manufactured with the help of additive manufacturing. The usage of 3D printing or additive manufacturing is extensively used for customization of the products. The industries are able to manufacture the products with complex designs with the higher accuracy with the help of additive manufacturing. There are different technologies that are used in the additive manufacturing or 3D printing such as robocasting, fused deposition modeling, stereo lithography, electron beam melting, selective heat sintering, selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, laminated object manufacturing and powder bed. To create a 3D object various materials are used such as plastic, rubber and metal alloys. In the global additive manufacturing market, the most used material type is plastic. The type of plastics that are used as materials for 3D printing are nylon, polylactic acid, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.The growth in the industrialization and demand for products with complex design is propelling the growth of global additive manufacturing market.Additive Manufacturing Market: Drivers and ChallengesGrowth in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, food & beverages and healthcare is fueling the growth of global additive manufacturing market. Demand for additive manufacturing is expected to be significant from dental and medical industries during the forecast period (2015?2025). As the global economy is expected to grow in the near future, the per capita income & consumption in expected to grow as well. Growing population with the high per capita income is propelling the growth for the global additive manufacturing market. In future, the usage of 3D printing or additive manufacturing is expected to grow for designing parts and finished goods. The global additive manufacturing market is also expected to propel during the forecast period, due to the expected price drop in the 3D printers.Currently, the usage of additive manufacturing or 3D printing is on the rise in developed economies, but the usage is limited in the developing economies. The limited penetration of additive manufacturing in the underdeveloped and developing economies is expected to inhibit the growth of the global additive manufacturing market over the forecast period.Additive Manufacturing Market: OverviewThe global additive manufacturing market by value is expected to expand at a CAGR of around 1822% during the forecast period (2015-2025), due to increasing demand for 3D printing from industries such as automotive, dental, manufacturing and healthcare.Additive Manufacturing Market: SegmentationThe global additive manufacturing market can be segmented by end-use industry, by material type, and by regions.Based on end-use industry type, the global Additive Manufacturing market is segmented as: Automotive Manufacturing Healthcare Dental OthersBased on material type, the global additive manufacturing market is segmented as: Plastic Metal alloy Rubber OthersAdditive Manufacturing Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global additive manufacturing market is expected to register a double-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, global Additive Manufacturing market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. In terms of market revenue, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan additive manufacturing market is projected to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Growth in the industries such as automotive, healthcare & manufacturing is fueling the growth of additive manufacturing market in Asia Pacific Excluding Japan. Western Europe and North America are also forecast to register a significant growth in the global additive manufacturing market.Additive Manufacturing Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market participants in global Additive Manufacturing market are MCor Technologies Ltd., Materialise NV, 3D Systems, Inc., ExOne, EOS and Stratasys Ltd.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments by geographies, by end-use industries, and by material type.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments Market Dynamics Market Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Value ChainRegional analysis includes North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico. Brazil) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia) Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.TOC of this report is available upon request @Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics in the industry In-depth market segmentation Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape Strategies of key players and products offered Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective on market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Silica Fibers Market Sizing with Competitive Landscape by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4603 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4603 Silica fiber is a long thin thread made of sodium silicate. Silica fibers are the dominating material in fiber optics due to their excellent properties and characteristics. Silica fibers have superior mechanical strength against bending and pulling, provided that the fiber is not very thick and that the surfaces are well prepared. In addition, cleaving and fusion splicing of silica fibers works fairly well. The mechanical strength of silica fibers can be further improved with a suitable polymer jacket. Silica fibers can be used as reinforcements in polymer, metal and ceramic matrices. The high strength-to-weight and modulus-to-weight (i.e., stiffness-to-weight) ratios of the silica fibers allow the fabrication of composite materials that are superior in physical properties to much heavier homogeneous metal materials. In addition, silica fibers are chemically very stable as compared to other materials.A sample of this report is available upon request @Silica fibers have many applications in automotive, telecommunication, electronics and aerospace industries, due to their superior heat resistance. Silica fibers are used as optical fibers for long distance telecommunications, sensors and fiber optic medical instruments. Huge investments have been made to develop innovative types of silica fibers, which have further increased the performance advantages of silica fibers over fibers based on other materials. Silica fibers can also be used to produce silica acid fibers by a dry spinning method. Silica fibers have properties which make them useful in friction-lining materials. Silica fibers can withstand temperatures of up to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit (1000 C) for long periods or even higher temperatures of 3092 F (1700 C) for short periods of time. Silica fiber heat protection is so effective that silica fiber blankets are used on space shuttles as part of the thermal protection system. The threads are part of the advanced flexible reusable surface insulation. Silica fibers reduce the weight of the insulation and can deal with the heat load encountered upon re-entry. Other applications of fiber optics include imaging for surgical procedures, and as sensors. One surgical application is an endoscope. This tool is made up of bundles of silica fibers and is used to inspect the interior of the body.The growth in key end user industries such as telecommunication and electronics industry is expected to drive the demand for the silica fibers. Demand for silica fibers is growing due to their excellent characteristics such as high temperature insulation, low thermal conductivity and energy efficiency. This has resulted in the increased applications of silica fiber products in diverse industries such as iron and steel, metal, petrochemical, and others. However, development of alternatives could hamper the growth of this market.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region for silica fibers due to growth in telecommunication industry. China is one of the largest market for silica fibers and accounts for majority of the world demand. The demand for silica fiber is growing in North America and other emerging economies of Asia Pacific due their efforts to build Fiber to-the-Node and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) consumption of silica fibers is forecast to lag behind.Request to view Table of content @Global prospects for silica fiber companies appear profitable. The key players in this market are mostly fiber optic companies. Some of the companies operating in this market are Corning, Draka, Prysmian, Nexans, Sumitomo Electric, Fujikura, Yangtze Optical Fiber and Cable Company, Sterlite and Prime Optical Fiber Corporation among others. The growth in fiber optics industry is expected to boost the demand for silica fibers and increase the revenue of silica fiber companies over the next few years.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Silver Amalgam Alloys Market Will Continue to Grow by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4604 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4604 Silver amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper and used for dental applications. Amalgams are generally crystalline in structure with the exception of those with high mercury content which are liquid. Some of the important characteristics of an amalgam are dimensional change, compression strength, flow and creep. The dimensional change characteristics deal with an amalgams ability to expand and contract depending on its use. The compression strength characteristic is the ability of amalgams to resist fracture which is an important prerequisite for any restorative materials. The strength of silver amalgam depends on the composition of the alloy.A sample of this report is available upon request @Silver amalgams alloys are also known as dental amalgams and are used for dental fillings. Silver amalgams are popular dental restorative material because of their low cost, strength, durability and ease of application. They are long lasting, have a better performance than other fillings, applicable for broad range of clinical performance and are of better quality. However, its popularity is diminishing today because of concerns of mercury toxicity, allergic potential and inferior aesthetics quality. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended labeling of dental amalgam products, which includes a warning against using the product in patients who have an allergy to mercury. In addition, it has a warning that dental professionals follow a proper protocol while handling dental amalgams and a statement mentioning the risks and benefits of dental amalgam so that patients and dentist can make informed decisions.The continued use of silver amalgam in dental applications will be a major driving factor for silver amalgam industry. The FDI World Dental Federation has reaffirmed the safety of use of silver amalgams in dentistry and hence it is used by dentists all around the world. Majority of dental restorations depend on silver amalgams and hence it has a significant market. However, development of viable substitutes, growth of dental composites market and lack of awareness could hamper the growth of this market.The market for silver amalgam is worldwide as it is recommended by FDI World Dental Federation for use in its dental applications. The use of silver amalgams is quite popular in Asia Pacific, especially the emerging markets such as China and India due to its low cost and wide availability. The American Dental Association has also approved the use of silver amalgam for dental restorative procedures and hence it is used by majority of dentists in the U.S. However, the use of silver amalgam is declining in Europe with Sweden, Norway, Germany, Denmark, Austria and Finland reducing the use of silver amalgam for dental applications.Request to view Table of content @Some of the key players in this market are DPM limited, Sirona, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Astra Tech, Megagen, Osstem Implant Co. Ltd, Avinent Implant Systems, Zimmer Holdings, Inc, MIS Implants Technologies Ltd, Intra-Lock International and CAMLOG Implant Systems among others. Straumann and Nobel Biocare are leading players in this market with significant global market share. Straumann, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, has collaborated with multiple research institutes, universities and clinics to develop a broad range of dental implant products. The company has presence in major markets of Asia Pacific, South America, Europe and North America. Nobel Biocare, headquartered in Kloten, Switzerland has manufacturing plants for dental implants in Sweden, U.S. and Israel. It offers innovative dental implants and dental prosthetics to its clients and is listed at the SIX Swiss Exchange.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Vanillin (CAS 121-33-5) Market 2016 - Solvay, Borregaard, Evolva, Zhonghua Chemical, Liaoning Shixing, Anhui Bayi Chemical, CNPC-Jilin http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-vanillin-market-outlook-2016-2021-95361 https://goo.gl/Br2kDG http://www.marketresearchstore.com Vanillin is a phenolic aldehyde, which is an organic compound with the molecular formula C8H8O3. Its functional groups include aldehyde, hydroxyl, and ether. It is the primary component of the extract of the vanilla bean. Synthetic vanillin is now used more often than natural vanilla extract as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.Vanillin and ethylvanillin are used by the food industry; ethylvanillin is more expensive, but has a stronger note. It differs from vanillin by having an ethoxy group (OCH2CH3) instead of a methoxy group (OCH3).Browse full report with TOC @Natural "vanilla extract" is a mixture of several hundred different compounds in addition to vanillin. Artificial vanilla flavoring is often a solution of pure vanillin, usually of synthetic origin. Because of the scarcity and expense of natural vanilla extract, synthetic preparation of its predominant component has long been of interest. The first commercial synthesis of vanillin began with the more readily available natural compound eugenol. Today, artificial vanillin is made either from guaiacol or lignin.Vanillin crystals extracted from vanilla extractLignin-based artificial vanilla flavoring is alleged to have a richer flavor profile than oil-based flavoring; the difference is due to the presence of acetovanillone, a minor component in the lignin-derived product that is not found in vanillin synthesized from guaiacol.This report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for Vanillin (CAS 121-33-5) from 2011-2015 and provides extensive market forecasts 2016-2021 by region/country and subsectors. It covers the key technological and market trends in the Vanillin (CAS 121-33-5) market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for Vanillin (CAS 121-33-5), and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.Global Vanillin (CAS 121-33-5) Market Outlook 2016-2021, has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global Vanillin (CAS 121-33-5) market collected from specialized sources. The report covers key technological developments in the recent times and profiles leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies.For sample request click onGlobal Vanillin (CAS 121-33-5) Market : Top ManufacturesSolvay (Belgium)Borregaard (Norway)Evolva (Switzerland)Zhonghua Chemical (China)Liaoning Shixing (China)Anhui Bayi Chemical (China)CNPC-Jilin (China)In this sector, global competitive landscape and supply/demand pattern of Compressor Impeller industry has been provided.In this report analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis and Industry growth is included in the report.About Market Research Store:Market Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Joel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWeb: Talc Market Revenue Predicted To Go Up by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4609 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4609 Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate and is an important industrial and commercial mineral. It has broad applications as an industrial mineral due to its resistance to heat, electricity and acids and oil and grease adsorption. Talc has extensive commercial use because of its luster, softness, purity, fragrance retention, softness and whiteness. It is the softest known mineral and has a rating of 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. It can be scratched by a fingernail and is also sectile that means it can be cut by a knife. It has a specific gravity of 2.5 -2.8 and has clear luster. Talc is slightly soluble in dilute mineral acids and insoluble in water. It is a metamorphic mineral and occurs due to metamorphism of magnesium minerals such as olivine, amphibole, serpentine and pyroxene in presence of water and carbon dioxide. Talc is a tri-octahedral layered mineral and has a similar structure to that of pyrophyllite.A sample of this report is available upon request @Talc can be used as an ingredient in paints, roofing materials, ceramics, insecticides, rubber, talcum powder and insecticides among others. It is also used by the cosmetics industry, pulp and paper industry and food industry. Talc is often used to manufacture laboratory countertops and electrical switchboards due to its resistance to heat, acids and electricity. It is used by the cosmetic industry as a lubricant and as a filler by the pulp and paper industry. Talc is extensively used to make astringent baby powders that prevent rashes covered by a diaper. Talc is used by the pharmaceutical industry as a glidant (a substance that is added to powder to improve its flow ability) and by the food industry as an additive. In the European Union the additive number is E553b. In medicine, talc is used as a pluerodesis agent to prevent pneumothorax or recurrent pleural effusion. Talc is also an effective dispersing agent and anti caking agent and helps fertilizer plants and animal feeds to function efficiently and can be used for fertilizers.The paper and pulp industry remains the largest global end market for talc and is the key driving factor for the talc Industry. The automotive industry, ceramics industry and the paint and coatings industry are the other major consumers of talc. The use of talc as a filler in the paper industry is declining today but the use of talc for the manufacture of under the hood automotive parts is substantially increasing that has further lead to surge in demand for talc by the automotive industry.Asia Pacific is the largest market for talc with China, India, Japan, Bhutan, and South Korea being the key markets in this region. The Indian talc industry is the worlds third largest and continues to grow due to increase in domestic consumption. North America and Europe are other regions with a substantial market share of talc. Austria, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and United Kingdom are the major consumers of talc in Europe.Request to view Table of content @Some of the major companies dominating the talc market are Imerys talc, Mondo Minerals, Golcha Group, American Talc, IMI FABI, Nippon Talc, Minerals Technologies Inc, the Jai Group, Aihai Talc, Behai Talc, Shuiquan Talc, Xin Talc, Haumei Talc, Guiguang Talc and Xin Talc among others. Imerys talc is the worlds leading producer of talc followed by Mondo Minerals.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Japan PVC Market 2016 Ineos Chlorvinyls, Ltd, Axiall Corporation, Solvay and Mexichem S.A.B, PVC Market http://bit.ly/2iZ9e0y http://bit.ly/2jd1OEB Japan PVC Market 2016 Industry Size Share Growth Forecast Research and DevelopmentThe Japan PVC market report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Ineos Chlorvinyls, Ltd, Axiall Corporation, Solvay, Mexichem S.A.B, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc and xinjiang Zhongtai ChemicaL Co., Ltd and more.The Japan PVC Industry report gives a comprehensive account of the Japan PVC market. Details such as the size, key players, segmentation, SWOT analysis, most influential trends, and business environment of the market are mentioned in this report. Furthermore, this report features tables and figures that render a clear perspective of the PVC market. The report features an up-to-date data on key companies product details, revenue figures, and sales. Furthermore, the details also gives the Japan PVC market revenue and its forecasts. The business model strategies of the key firms in the PVC market are also included. Key strengths, weaknesses, and threats shaping the leading players in the market have also been included in this research report.The report gives a detailed overview of the key segments in the market. The fastest and slowest growing market segments are covered in this report. The key emerging opportunities of the fastest growing Japan PVC market segments are also covered in this report. Each segments and sub-segments market size, share, and forecast are available in this report. Additionally, the region-wise segmentation and the trends driving the leading geographical region and the emerging region has been presented in this report.Get Sample Copy of Report @The study on the Japan PVC market also features a history of the tactical mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships activity in the market. Valuable recommendations by senior analysts about investing strategically in research and development can help new entrants or established players penetrate the emerging sectors in the PVC market. Investors will gain a clear insight on the dominant players in this industry and their future forecasts. Furthermore, readers will get a clear perspective on the high demand and the unmet needs of consumers that will enhance the growth of this market.Table of ContentChapter One PVC Industry Overview1.1 PVC Definition1.1.1 PVC Definition1.1.2 Product Specifications1.2 PVC Classification1.3 PVC Application Field1.4 PVC Industry Chain Structure1.5 PVC Industry Regional Overview1.6 PVC Industry Policy Analysis1.7 PVC Industry Related Companies Contact InformationInquiry For Buying @About Us:MarketResearchStore.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803 Trimellitates Market : Global Market Snapshot by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4610 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4610 Trimellitates are additives that increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material. Trimellitates have applications in automobile industry and are used in automobile interiors where resistance to high temperature is required. Trimellitates are colorless to slightly yellow liquids with high boiling points and low vapor pressures; these properties contribute to their high physical stability. In addition, trimellitates have extremely low volatility. Trimellitates are soluble in numerous organic solvents and miscible with ether, alcohol and oils, but essentially insoluble in water. Because of the similarity in structure as well as physicochemical properties, the trimellitates are grouped into a single category containing four substances with carboxylic side chain ester groups ranging from C8-ClO. Trimellitates are manufactured by esterification of trimellitic anhydride (TMA). The basic structure is an aromatic ring with side chains in the 1,2 and 4 positions. Some examples of trimellitates are n-octyl trimellitate, tri-(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate, tri-(n-octyl,n-decyl) trimellitate, trimethyl trimellitate, and tri-(heptyl,nonyl) trimellitate among others.A sample of this report is available upon request @Majority of trimellitates are manufactured for flexible PVC applications. Trimellitates have low volatility and blend with the highest-molecular-weight phthalates and are typically used in high-specification electrical cable insulation and sheathing. Trimelliates have advantage over other plasticizers due to their superior chemical properties and high permanence which increase the shelf life of PVC compounds subjected to elevated temperatures. In addition, trimellitates have applications in construction materials, food packaging, toys, medical devices and automobile industry.The growth in the end user industries is expected to be a major driving factor for the consumption of trimellitates. The growth in wire and cable industry is expected to increase the consumption of trimellitates. Demand for trimellitates is also influenced by general economic conditions. Hence, demand for trimellitates follows the patterns of the major world economies. In addition, rising consumption in emerging economies is expected to boost the consumption of trimellitates. However, availability of substitutes could hamper the growth of this market.Asia Pacific is currently the largest market for trimellites, followed by Europe, North America and rest of the world. The growth of trimelliates market was slow in Asia Pacific due to economic recession but has quickly recovered. India, china, Mongolia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Pakistan, Republic of Korea and Japan are the major markets in Asia Pacific. China has moved towards self sufficiency in manufacture of trimellites but the industry remains highly fragmented. Demand for trimellitates in North America is expected to grow at a moderate rate while demand in Europe is expected to grow at comparatively higher rate.Request to view Table of content @Some of the key players in this market are Exxon Mobil Chemical(U.S.), Shell Chemicals ( U.S), BASF (Germany), Dow Chemical (U.S.), E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (U.S.), Mitsubishi Chemical (Japan), LG Chem (South Korea), AkzoNobel (Netherlands), Sumitomo Chemical (Japan), Mitsui Chemicals (Japan), Toray Industries (Japan), Eastman Chemical Company(U.S.), and Evonik Industries (Germany) among others. Exxon Mobil Chemical manufactures trimellitate plasticizers under the brand name Jayflex. Jayflex trimellitate plasticizers have applications in wire and cable industry that require resistance to high temperatures over long durations and in automobile interiors. BASF manufactures trimellitate plasticizers under the brand name Palatinol. Palatinol TOTM (tri octyl trimellitate) provides desirable properties in vinyl applications which require low volatility, good plasticizer compatibility, resistance to extraction by soapy water and good electrical properties. Palatinol tri octyl trimellitate is suitable for interior automotive applications and wire insulation.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitors Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast, 2014 - 2020 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=222437 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=222437 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitors Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast, 2014 - 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Inorganic corrosion inhibitors are corrosion retarding compounds composed of inorganic chemical moieties. Calcium phosphate, calcium boro silicate, zinc phosphate, strontium phosphosilicate and inorganic compounds with corrosion retarding properties are classified as inorganic corrosion inhibitors. These inhibitors act as a barrier between a metal surface and an electrolyte in order to control corrosion. Corrosion inhibitors help extend equipment life, avoid product contamination and maintain the appearance of metal structures.Inorganic corrosion inhibitors protect the surfaces by cathodic passivation and ion scavenging. Certain inorganic corrosion inhibitors, for instance, calcium phosphate inhibitors provide barrier pigment in addition to ion scavenging and cathodic passivation. Corrosion inhibitors made of zinc, provide tannin blocking and prevent corrosion by anodic passivation and precipitation. Zinc chromate corrosion inhibitors are used to protect aluminum alloys. Zinc free corrosion inhibitors are environmentally safer, they are used in wash primers, water reducible epoxy esters and resins among others. Furthermore, inorganic compounds such as molybdates, phophonates, silicates and triazoles among others are used as inorganic corrosion inhibitors.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The increasing use of inorganic corrosion inhibitors for water treatment applications has been the key driver for the market. In addition, the demand from oil & gas industry is anticipated to fuel the growth of the inorganic corrosion inhibitor market over the next few years. The water treatment industry in China and Western Europe employ inorganic corrosion inhibitors in order to retard and control corrosion on the surfaces with close water contact. The corrosion inhibitors which exhibit very little reactivity with water purification chemicals are used in the water treatment industry. Additionally, the thriving oil & gas industry across the globe makes use of corrosion inhibitors extensively. The pipelines required for the oil & gas transportation from rigs to refineries must be of the highest quality in order to prevent spillage of crude oil. Corrosion in these pipelines weakens the pipes owing to which cracks and fissures develop on their surfaces. Inorganic corrosion inhibitors are used to maintain the quality of these pipes. However, the use of materials such as ceramics and plastics in place of steel is expected to hamper the market of inorganic corrosion inhibitors as these materials are durable and do not corrode. The use of chromium and lead free corrosion inhibitors is expected to open new areas of opportunities for the inorganic corrosion inhibitors market.China, Western Europe and Latin America are some of the largest consumers of corrosion inhibitors. In the U.S. and Europe certain variants of inorganic corrosion inhibitors such as zinc inhibitors fall under the category of restricted use chemicals owing to the environmental harm they cause. However, the flourishing oil & gas industry in North America coupled with the ongoing shale gas exploration makes extensive use of inorganic corrosion inhibitors for the maintenance of pipelines. Furthermore, the growing industrialization in Latin America is expected to drive the market of inorganic corrosion inhibitors within the forecast period. Other industries such as refineries, chemical processing, lubricants, metal processing & metal working industries are also expected to contribute to the growth of this market.Some of the key players in the inorganic corrosion inhibitors market are Ashland Inc, AkzoNobel, GE Water and Process Technologies, Solutia Inc, BASF SE, Champion Technologies Inc, Dai-Ichi Karkaria Ltd, Cortec Corporation, Daubert Cromwell LLC, Dow Chemical Co, Ecolab, Henkel, and W.R Grace Co. among others.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report include- North America- Asia Pacific- Europe- Rest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis of- Market growth drivers- Factors limiting market growth- Current market trends- Market structure- Market projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Reasons for Buying this Report- This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics- It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth- It provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow- It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future- It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors- It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments- It provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Photoresist Chemicals Global Market Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth And Forecast 2014 - 2020 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=222435 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=222435 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Photoresist Chemicals Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth And Forecast 2014 - 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Photoresist materials are organic compounds whose chemical properties change when exposed to UV light due to breaking of chemical bonds. Photoresist are known to be light sensitive material that is used in the manufacture of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and microelectrochemical systems (MEMS). Photoengraving and Photoresist form a patterned coating in the photoresist film. Photoresist are primarily used in the manufacture of integrated circuits and flat panel displays. Photoresist can be positive or negative. Positive photoresist is soluble when exposed to UV light, whereas it is vice versa in the case of negative photoresist. This light sensitive material is applied to the wafer surface treated with HMDS, an adhesion promoter to ensure proper adhesion of photoresist to the wafer substrate.The various chemicals used include poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), phenol formaldehyde resin (DNQ/ Novolac), Poly (methyl glutarimide) (PMGI) AND SU8. These chemicals are applied as liquid and spin coated to apply the chemical uniformly. PMMA is a multipurpose polymeric material suitable for many non-imaging and imaging microelectronic applications. PMMA is widely used as a bonding adhesive, covering for wafer thickening, and as sacrificial layer. It is most commonly applicable as high resolution positive resist for X-ray and deep UV microlithographic processes. Phenol formaldehyde resins are synthetic polymers obtained by reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. Phenol resins are majorly used in manufacturing circuit boards. PMGI resists enable high yield, metal lift-off processing in various applications ranging from data storage to MEMS. SU8 is used as an epoxy based negative photoresist. It was designed as a photoresist for the microelectronic industry to offer high resolution cover for fabrication of semiconductor devices.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Some of the major application areas of photoresist include lithographic processes that include wide range of processes and tools. Other applications include fabrication of printed circuit boards, microelectronics, sand carving and patterning and etching of substrates. The aspects of photoresist technology are absorption at UV and shorter wavelength and electron beam exposure.Growing demand from the electronic industry is expected to be the major driver for photoresist chemicals market. The increasing demand from the construction industry is also expected to fuel demand for photoresist chemicals in the near future.Advances in the lithographic process technologies are expected to introduce new innovations in the photoresist chemicals and materials. Ongoing research is expected to improve the mechanical and imaging properties of photoresist chemicals and materials. Manufacturers through research and development are combining processes to create innovative materials and techniques to enhance the performance of photoresists and produce improved image. Innovations in the manufacturing techniques along with use of chemically amplified photoresist have boosted opportunities for new materials and photoresist chemicals in the market.North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW) are the major segments for photoresist chemicals markets. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest consumer of photoresist chemicals owing to the growing electronic industry in China and Japan. North America and Europe are also expected to boost demand for photoresist chemicals owing to growing construction activities in the regions.Some of the key players profiled in photoresist chemicals market research report include: MG Chemicals, AZ Electronic Materials, Mitsui Chemicals America, Inc, The Dow Chemical Company, RD Chemical Company, Sumica Electronic Materials Inc, DuPont, CHIMEI Corporation, TOK AMERICA, Transene Electronic Chemicals, Honsou Chemical Industry, Kolon Industries Inc, Kemlab, Gaylord Chemical and Samyang Corporation among others.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report include- North America- Asia Pacific- Europe- Rest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis of- Market growth drivers- Factors limiting market growth- Current market trends- Market structure- Market projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Reasons for Buying this Report- This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics- It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth- It provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow- It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future- It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors- It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments- It provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ White House Struggles to Explain Why China Left Unpunished for 2014 HackWhite House Press Secretary Josh Earnest had almost nothing to answer at a press-briefing on Tuesday when asked about why President Barack Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats over hacking allegations but did not expel any Chinese diplomats for the alleged hack of a US government agency.ABC journalist Jon Karl referred to the data breach that took place in 2014 and 2015 at the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As a result of the attack, personal data of over 21 million former and current US government employees was stolen. Media cited US officials blaming China for the hack, although China has rejected any involvement in in the cyberattacks."Why did the White House do nothing publicly in reaction to that hack? Which in some ways, was even more widespread than what we saw here from the Russians?" the journalist asked Earnest.However, the press secretary could not come up with a clear answer.Earnest said that the two cyber incidents are "materially different." In turn, Karl stressed that the OPM hack was a very serious incident and no steps have been taken by Washington in response. "It is true that there was no public announcement about our response, but I cant speak to what response may have been initiated in private," Earnest answered. "But no diplomats expelled, no compounds shut down, no sanctions imposed, correct? You dont do that stuff secretly," the journalist noted. This apparent discrepancy naturally captured the attention of Twitter. Global Solar PV Balance of System Market Size, Technology Review, Cost Analysis and Key Country Analysis to 2020 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=761834 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=761834 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Solar PV Balance of System, Update 2016 - Global Market Size, Technology Review, Cost Analysis, and Key Country Analysis to 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.GlobalDatas latest report "Solar PV Balance of System, Update 2016 - Global Market Size, Technology Review, Cost Analysis, and Key Country Analysis to 2020" provides in-depth analysis of the global solar PV BOS market. The report also provides solar PV BOS market analysis of key countries including the US, Canada, China, Japan, India, Australia, Germany, UK, Italy and South Africa. The research provides historical and forecast data to 2020 for installed capacity, overall BOS cost and BOS market size. The report analyzes the historical and forecast costs and market sizes of BOS components, and provides detailed information on the major trends in the BOS market along with the inverter market share in each of the key countries. The report also provides a regional overview of historical and forecast installed capacity and market sizes of overall BOS.ScopeThe report analyses Solar PV Balance of System market. Its scope includes -- The report gives an introduction to solar PV modules and the BOS.- The report discusses the installed capacity of solar PV plants globally, regionally and separately for each of the key countries.- The report provides the historical and forecasted market size of solar BOS globally, regionally and in each of the key countries considered.- The report also discusses the cost and market size of major components that are part of the BOS and also provides the market share of inverters that form the key component of BOS.- The report summarizes the major trends in the global BOS market, in each region and the key solar PV countries.- The report also discusses the major drivers and restraints to the growth of the solar PV market globally.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Reasons to buyThis report will enable the buyer to -- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historical and forecast data for the solar PV BOS market- Develop strategies based on the latest market trends- Position yourself to maximize potential in the growth of the solar PV BOS market- Identify key partners and business development avenues- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospectsTable of Contents1 Table of Contents 51.1 List of Tables 121.2 List of Figures 172 Introduction 212.1 Solar Photovoltaic Energy 212.2 Solar PV Modules 212.3 Solar PV Balance of System 212.4 Solar PV Balance of System Components 222.4.1 Structures 222.4.2 Inverter 222.4.3 Cables and Transmission 232.4.4 Development Costs 232.4.5 Labor and Installations 232.4.6 Other Overheads 242.5 GlobalData Report Guidance 243 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global 263.1 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global, Overview 263.2 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global, Drivers 283.2.1 Environmental Concern 283.2.2 Favorable Policy and Financial Incentives 303.2.3 Decreasing System Cost 313.2.4 Formation of Solar Alliances at Global Level 323.3 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global, Key Restraints 323.3.1 Uncertainty over Government Support 323.3.2 Infrastructure Bottlenecks 323.3.3 Large Land Requirement 323.4 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global, Installed Capacity, 2010-2020 333.5 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global, Cost Analysis 343.6 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global, Market Size 363.7 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global, Inverter Market Share (%), 2015 383.8 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Global, Market Size by Regions (%), 2015 and 2020 394 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Americas 414.1 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Americas, Overview 414.2 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Americas, Installed Capacity, 2010-2020 424.3 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Americas, Market Size 444.4 Solar PV Balance of System Market, US 454.4.1 Solar PV Balance of System Market, US, Overview 454.4.2 Solar PV Balance of System Market, US, Key Drivers 464.4.3 Solar PV Balance of System Market, US, Key Restraints 474.4.4 Solar PV Balance of System Market, US, Installed Capacity, 2010-2020 474.4.5 Solar PV Balance of System Market, US, Cost Analysis 494.4.6 Solar PV Balance of System Market, US, Market Size 524.5 Solar PV Balance of System Market, US, Inverter Market Share (%), 2015 554.6 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Canada 574.6.1 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Canada, Overview 574.6.2 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Canada, Key Drivers 584.6.3 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Canada, Key Restraints 584.6.4 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Canada, Installed Capacity, 2010-2020 594.6.5 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Canada, Cost Analysis 604.6.6 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Canada, Market Size 634.7 Solar PV Balance of System Market, Canada, Inverter Market Share (%), 2015 67Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Grid Connected Battery Energy Storage System Industry Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis and Forecasts to 2020 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=785539 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=785539 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Grid Connected Battery Energy Storage System - Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis and Forecasts to 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.GlobalDatas latest report "Grid Connected Battery Energy Storage System - Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis and Forecasts to 2020" provides an overview of the energy storage market, defining various energy storage technologies and their maturity level. The report also provides in-depth analysis of the global BESS market and market analysis of key countries including the US, Chile, Germany, Italy, the UK, France, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The report analyzes the regional and country-level BESS market value for the historical (2006-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) periods, the regional and country-level BESS market share by technology and application by 2015, and the competitive landscape for respective countries in 2015.Scope- Analysis of the growth of the energy storage industry with a focus on battery energy storage market and its demand in various key regions, including Asia-Pacific, America and Europe.- Apart from global and regional analysis, the report provides BESS market analysis in key countries including the US, Chile, Germany, Italy, the UK, France, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.- The report provides BESS cost analysis and historic and forecast market size by technology and application.- It provides competitive landscape with profiles of key market players globally and in various countries in 2015.- Brief description of upcoming and under construction projects in the battery storage market.- Qualitative analysis of key regulations, market drivers and restraints impacting the energy storage industry.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Reasons to buyThe report will allow you to -- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing historical and forecast data on BESS market- Develop strategies based on developments in the BESS market- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the BESS market- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategies and prospectsTable of Contents1 Table of Contents 51.1 List of Tables 91.2 List of Figures 132 Introduction 162.1 Energy Storage System Overview 162.1.1 Types of Energy Storage System 162.1.2 Maturity of Energy Storage Technologies 202.1.3 Energy Storage System Cost Analysis 222.2 Rationale for Battery Energy Storage System 242.3 GlobalData Report Guidance 263 Battery Energy Storage System, Market Outlook 273.1 Battery Energy Storage System, Technologies 283.2 Battery Energy Storage System, Applications 313.2.1 Generation-side Applications 323.2.2 Grid-side Applications 343.2.3 End-user Applications (EUA) 343.3 Battery Energy Storage System Cost Analysis 353.4 Disposal of Batteries and its Effect on the Environment 394 Battery Energy Storage System Market, Global 414.1 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Market Overview 414.2 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Market Drivers and Restraints 414.2.1 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Market Drivers 424.2.2 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Market Restraints 444.3 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Market Value, 2010-2020 464.4 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Market Share by Region, 2015 474.5 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Market Share by Technology, 2015 494.6 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Market Share by Application, 2015 504.7 Battery Energy Storage System, Global, Competitive Landscape, 2015 525 Battery Energy Storage System Market, Americas 545.1 Battery Energy Storage System, Americas, Market Overview 545.2 Battery Energy Storage System, Americas, Market Value, 2010-2020 635.3 Battery Energy Storage System, Americas, Market Share by Technology, 2015 645.4 Battery Energy Storage System, Americas, Market Share by Application, 2015 655.5 Battery Energy Storage System, US 675.5.1 Battery Energy Storage System, US, Market Overview 675.5.2 Battery Energy Storage System, US, Market Value, 2010-2020 685.5.3 Battery Energy Storage System, US, Market Share by Technology, 2015 695.5.4 Battery Energy Storage System, US, Market Share by Application, 2015 705.5.5 Battery Energy Storage System, US, Competitive Landscape, 2015 715.6 Battery Energy Storage System, Chile 735.6.1 Battery Energy Storage System, Chile, Market Overview 735.6.2 Battery Energy Storage System, Chile, Market Value, 2010-2020 735.6.3 Battery Energy Storage System, Chile, Market Share by Technology, 2015 745.6.4 Battery Energy Storage System, Chile, Market Share by Application, 2015 755.6.5 Battery Energy Storage System, Chile, Competitive Landscape, 2015 75Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Offshore Support Vessel Market to Maintain Healthy CAGR in Coming Years, 2016 - 2026 Offshore Support Vessel Market, Offshore Support Vessel, Offshore Support, Offshore Support market http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11302 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11302 www.persistencemarketresearch.com Offshore Support Vessel Market: OverviewOffshore Support Vessels are the ships that are designed to transport liquid cargo, stores, materials and equipment and personnel to offshore oil platform that functions deep in the oceans. These vessels include services such as drilling rigs, offshore pipe laying, and oil production platforms utilized in exploration and production activities. These vessels undertake variety of tasks in the supply chain.Sample of this report is available upon request @Offshore Support Vessels are fundamental components for oil & gas industry. There are many types of offshore support vessel that have different properties and functions as per the type of operation. The Asia-Pacific regions such as China, Australia, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia require more volume of offshore support vessels. As a result, it provides a great opportunity to the manufacturers of offshore support vesselsGlobal Offshore Support Vessel Market: SegmentationGlobal Offshore Support Vessel market is segmented into type and region. The global Offshore Support Vessel market can be segmented on the basis of types such as Anchor Handling Towing and Supply (AHTS) vessels, Platform Supply Vessels (PSV), Diving Support Vessels, Remote Operating Vessels (ROV) Support, Multi-Purpose Service Vessel (MPSV), Cable & Pipe Laying Vessels, Standby and Rescue Vessel, Seismic Survey Vessels, Well Stimulation Vessel, Fast Supply Intervention Vessels (FSIV). Region wise, global Offshore Support Vessel market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA).Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global offshore support vessel market is projected to witness a significant growth in terms of CAGR from 2015 to 2025. North America region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecasted period. Middle East is expected to be one of the leading market for offshore support vessels for the coming years. According to FMI forecasts, the market in Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at highest CAGR over the forecast period.Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: DriversOffshore Support Vessel Market is being driven by rising offshore exploration and production activities. Moreover, increasing capital expenditure on offshore oil exploration will also lead to offshore developments. Offshore Support Vessel Market is expected to grow at a higher rate for the forecast period supported by increasing demand of oil & gas.The drivers for this market are increased demand for offshore rig, marine logistics, & others. All these factors together drive the Offshore Support Vessel market during the forecast period.Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: RestraintsCertain restraints that are hampering the growth of global offshore support vessel market to some extent include high maintenance and replacement cost, regulations and environmental effects.Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: Competitive LandscapeKey players in the global offshore support vessel market focus on Developments, investments, expansion, mergers & acquisition, agreements and contracts, new technologies developments, in order to expand their reach and penetrate into the market.Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified in the global Offshore Support Vessel market are Edison Chouest Offshore, Abdon Callais Offshore, Havila Shipping ASA, Farstad Shipping ASA, Gulfmark Offshore Inc., Bourbon Offshore Marine services, Island Offshore Management AS, & others.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Offshore Support Vessel Market Segments Offshore Support Vessel Market Dynamics Historical Actual Market Size, 2012 - 2014 Offshore Support Vessel Market Size & Forecast 2015 to 2025 Supply & Demand Value Chain Offshore Support Vessel Market Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Technology Value Chain Offshore Support Vessel Market Drivers and RestraintsRegional analysis for Offshore Support Vessel Market includes North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico. Brazil) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain) Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia) Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.TOC of this report is available upon request @Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics of the industry In-depth market segmentation Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape Strategies of key players and product offerings Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective towards market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in Denmark, Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares 2016 And Forecast 2030 Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=903097 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=903097 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in Denmark, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" to its huge collection of research reports."Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in Denmark, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market in Denmark.The report provides in depth analysis on global renewable power market and global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in Denmark (includes conventional thermal, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details renewable power market outlook in the country (includes hydro, small hydro, biopower and Solar Photovoltaic (PV)) and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in Denmark Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market. A detailed coverage of renewable energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) is provided in the report. The research also provides company snapshots of some of the major market participants.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalDatas team of industry experts.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ScopeThe report analyses global renewable power market, global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market, Denmark power market, Denmark renewable power market and Denmark Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market. The scope of the research includes -- A brief introduction on global carbon emissions and global primary energy consumption.- An overview on global renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends, generation trends and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources. The information is covered for the historical period 2006-2015 (unless specified) and forecast period 2015-2030.- Renewable power sources include wind (both onshore and offshore), Solar Photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydro power (SHP), biomass, biogas and geothermal.- Detailed overview of the global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity split by major Solar Photovoltaic (PV)power countries in 2015 and key owners information of various regions.- Power market scenario in Denmark and provides detailed market overview, installed capacity and power generation trends by various fuel types (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) with forecasts up to 2030.- An overview on Denmark renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends (2006-2030), generation trends(2006-2030) and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources in 2015.- Detailed overview of Denmark Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming Solar Photovoltaic (PV) projects.- Deal analysis of Denmark Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market. Deals are analyzed on the basis of mergers, acquisitions, partnership, asset finance, debt offering, equity offering, private equity (PE) and venture capitalists (VC).- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of renewable power sources in general and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in particular.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Reasons to buy- The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.- Identify key growth and investment opportunities in Denmark Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential.- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events.- Identify key partners and business development avenues.- Understand and respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Asia-Pacific Vision Care Industry Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Outlook to 2022 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=901187 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=901187 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Asia-Pacific Vision Care Market Outlook to 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "Asia-Pacific Vision Care Market Outlook to 2022", provides key market data on the Asia-Pacific Vision Care market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, volume (in units) and average prices (USD) within market segements - Contact Lenses, Spectacle Lenses, Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions and Microkeratomes.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market segements, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular market and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Scope- Market size and company share data for Vision Care market segements - Contact Lenses, Spectacle Lenses, Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions and Microkeratomes.- Annualized market revenues (USD million) and volume (units) data for each of the market segements. Data is provided from 2008 to 2015 and forecast to 2022.- 2015 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market segements.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Asia-Pacific Vision Care market.- Key players covered include Alcon, Inc., Essilor International, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated and Others.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand capitalize.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 61.2 List of Figures 92 Introduction 122.1 What Is This Report About? 122.2 Vision Care Market Segmentation 122.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report 133 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific 153.1 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 153.2 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific, Category Comparison by Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 173.3 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 183.4 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 203.5 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific, Volume (Units), 2008-2022 223.6 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 243.7 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 263.8 Vision Care Market, Asia-Pacific, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 284 Vision Care Market, Australia 304.1 Vision Care Market, Australia, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 304.2 Vision Care Market, Australia, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 324.2.1 Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions Market, Australia, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 344.2.2 Contact Lenses Market, Australia, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 364.2.3 Spectacle Lenses Market, Australia, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 384.2.4 Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions Market, Australia, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 404.2.5 Contact Lenses Market, Australia, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 424.2.6 Spectacle Lenses Market, Australia, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 444.3 Vision Care Market, Australia, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 464.4 Vision Care Market, Australia, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 484.4.1 Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions Market, Australia, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 504.4.2 Contact Lenses Market, Australia, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 524.4.3 Spectacle Lenses Market, Australia, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 544.4.4 Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions Market, Australia, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 564.4.5 Contact Lenses Market, Australia, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 584.4.6 Spectacle Lenses Market, Australia, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 604.5 Vision Care Market, Australia, Average Price ($), 2008-2022 624.6 Vision Care Market, Australia, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2014-2015 644.7 Vision Care Market, Australia, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 655 Vision Care Market, China 665.1 Vision Care Market, China, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 665.2 Vision Care Market, China, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 685.2.1 Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions Market, China, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 705.2.2 Contact Lenses Market, China, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 725.2.3 Spectacle Lenses Market, China, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 745.2.4 Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions Market, China, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 765.2.5 Contact Lenses Market, China, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 785.2.6 Spectacle Lenses Market, China, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 805.3 Vision Care Market, China, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 825.4 Vision Care Market, China, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 845.4.1 Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions Market, China, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 865.4.2 Contact Lenses Market, China, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 885.4.3 Spectacle Lenses Market, China, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 905.4.4 Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions Market, China, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 925.4.5 Contact Lenses Market, China, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 945.4.6 Spectacle Lenses Market, China, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 965.5 Vision Care Market, China, Average Price ($), 2008-2022 985.6 Vision Care Market, China, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2014-2015 1005.7 Vision Care Market, China, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 101Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Endless Opportunities for Thailands Construction Sector Leads to Growth at CAGR of 6.57% until 2020 Thailand?s Construction Industry http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=901916 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/construction-in-thailand-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ https://twitter.com/MktResearchHub https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-research-hub https://www.facebook.com/MarketResearchHub/ In the recent years, the construction industry in Thailand has made a great presence and is now set to perform better over the forecast period of 2016 to 2020. This information is clearly stated in a new report by Timetric, recently added to the vast portfolio of Market Research Hub (MRH). The study is entitled as, Construction in Thailand, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020 which offers detailed market analysis and insights into the Thai construction industry. The industry outlook seems more positive in terms of growth which is driven by establishing political and economic conditions along with the new investments in residential, infrastructure and commercial construction projects running in Thailand.Request For Sample Report:According to the report, Thailands construction industry is expected to boom within the forecast period. The main factors responsible for this growth are economic expansion, the countrys housing demand and the government investments in public infrastructure and to reduce the logistics costs. Growth is also driven by the countrys development program over 2016 to 2022, under which the government aims for the development in Thai rail, road and transport infrastructure. The government is planning to invest THB1.8 trillion (US$50.8 billion) in 20 key priority infrastructure projects. At present, there are 66 key projects in the pipeline with a combined value of US$46.1 billion under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. These projects include: An urban rail transit system Construction of high-speed rails Toll roads Intercity toll roads Telecommunication Water infrastructure Educational and Healthcare buildingsAt present, Thailand praises itself as the Asian investment hub and the construction sector poses a great impact to its future growth with Thailand having a yearly output of roughly 50 million tons of cement. Also. Timetrics CIC report studies that, the countrys rising population along with urbanization and positive developments in regional economic conditions will support the market during the forecast period i.e. 2016-2022. In real terms, the output value of the industry anticipated to grow rapidly at a CAGR of 6.57% till the end of 2020.The key findings of the report studies that the government is focusing on developing renewable energy sources that will enhance the countrys economy, electricity and power construction market. Under the Alternative Energy Development Plan, the government is planning to produce 19.634.4MW of electricity by 2036. Furthermore, the Airport of Thailand (AOT) is also aiming towards the development of airport to support the domestic tourism industry due to the rise in passenger, cargo and air traffic. Therefore, AOT announced in June 2016 to spend THB200.0 billion (US45.6. billion) to modernize Thailands six international airports in the next 10 years.Access Full Report with TOC:According to the Bank of Thailand, residential property prices have remained flexible in 2015 and it is predicted to be buoyant during the forecast, which is backed by rise in the demand. However, there are several risks connected with the Thai construction industry positive outlook that can hinder the market growth. Some of them are- lack of skilled labor force, fragile political situation, poor contractor management and limited funding.About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Follow Us on:Twitter:LinkedIn:Facebook: Global Diabetes Care Devices Market - Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/909417 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/909417 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report United Kingdom Diabetes Care Devices Market Outlook to 2022 - Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"GlobalDatas new report, "United Kingdom Diabetes Care Devices Market Outlook to 2022", provides key market data on the United Kingdom Diabetes Care Devices market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars and volume (in units) within market categories - Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for the market category, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular category and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.View Report @Scope- Market size for Diabetes Care Devices market categories - Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery.- Annualized market revenues (USD million) and volume (units) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2008 to 2015 and forecast to 2022.- 2015 company shares and distribution shares data for Diabetes Care Devices market.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the United Kingdom Diabetes Care Devices market.- Key players covered include LifeScan Inc, Bayer HealthCare AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and others.Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 51.2 List of Figures 62 Introduction 82.1 What Is This Report About? 82.2 Diabetes Care Devices Market Segmentation 82.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report 93 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom 113.1 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 113.2 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Revenue Mix ($m), 2015 123.3 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Category Contribution by Revenue ($m), 2015 133.4 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 143.5 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 163.6 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Volume (Units), 2008-2022 183.7 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 193.8 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 213.9 Diabetes Care Devices Market, United Kingdom, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 234 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom 254.1 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom, Revenue Mix ($m), 2015 254.2 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom, Segment Contribution (%), 2015 264.3 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 274.4 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 294.4.1 Blood Glucose Meters Market, United Kingdom, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 314.4.2 Blood Glucose Meters Market, United Kingdom, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2015-2022 334.5 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 354.6 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 374.6.1 Blood Glucose Meters Market, United Kingdom, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2008-2015 394.6.2 Blood Glucose Meters Market, United Kingdom, Volume (Units), by Segment, 2015-2022 414.7 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom, Distribution Share by Revenue ($m), 2014-2015 434.8 Glucose Monitoring Market, United Kingdom, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 44Related Reports:Germany Diabetes Care Devices Market Outlook to 2022 - Glucose Monitoring and Insulin DeliverySpain Diabetes Care Devices Market Outlook to 2022 - Glucose Monitoring and Insulin DeliveryMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. Nachiket90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E : sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Market Production, Consumption Forecast 2016 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=760130&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-perovskite-solar-cells-module-market-research-report-2021.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=760130&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.This report on global Perovskite Solar Cells Module market is a research study that answers pertinent questions about the emerging trends and growth opportunities in this industry. It also identifies each of the prominent barriers to growth, apart from identifying the regional trends and trends within various application segments of the global market for Perovskite Solar Cells Module. Collecting historical and recent data from authentic resources, and based on all the factors and trends, the report presents a figurative estimation of the future of the market, along with compound annual growth rate (CAGR).To Get Free Sample Copy of Report visit @The study segments the market by geography into: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. It provides forecasts of revenue of the market as a whole as well as each application segment. The competitive landscape is mapped based on product and technology. This study also offers an overview of pricing trends and ancillary factors that will influence pricing in the global Perovskite Solar Cells Module market. The market study, estimation, and market sizing have been done utilizing a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches.Of special value are the key recommendations and predictions by our analysts, intended to steer your strategic business decisions. The company profiles section of this research service is a compilation of the growth strategies, product portfolio, financial status, and recent developments of key market participants. The report provides detailed industry analysis of the global Perovskite Solar Cells Module market with the help of proven research methodologies such as Porters five forces. The forces analyzed are bargaining power of the buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and the degree of competition.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Perovskite Solar Cells Module Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Perovskite Solar Cells Module1.2 Perovskite Solar Cells Module Segment by Types1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Perovskite Solar Cells Module by Type in 20151.2.2 Type I Overview and Price1.2.2.1 Type I Overview1.2.2.2 Type I Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.3 Type II1.2.3.1 Type I Overview1.2.3.2 Type I Price List in 2015 and 20161.2.4 Type III1.2.4.1 Type I Overview1.2.4.2 Type I Price List in 2015 and 20161.3 Perovskite Solar Cells Module Segment by Application1.3.1 Perovskite Solar Cells Module Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Electric Vehicle and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.3.3 Smart glass and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.3.4 Outdoor furniture and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.3.5 Utility and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.3.6 Portable devices and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.3.7 Others and Major Clients (Buyers) List1.4 Perovskite Solar Cells Module Market by Region1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Perovskite Solar Cells Module (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Sales and Revenue (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.3 Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Perovskite Solar Cells Module Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Perovskite Solar Cells Module Manufacturing Base Distribution and Product Type2.5 Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Expansions2.5.2 New Product Launches2.5.3 Acquisitions2.5.4 Other DevelopmentsGet discount copy @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Nephrology And Urology Devices Market 2017 Global Trends, Shares, Prolific Company Investments & Leading Manufacturer Analysis http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=908237&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-nephrology-and-urology-devices-market-research-report-2017.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm Global Nephrology And Urology Devices Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The cumulative effect of diverse factors has been responsible behind the stability of the global Nephrology And Urology Devices market. While there are a few factors creating hindrances for the market, overall the stability is expected to remain intact through the course of the forecast period between 2016 and 2021. The report offers a granular analysis of the various factors influencing the global Nephrology And Urology Devices marketas trajectory. Those imposing negative impacts while those encouraging its growth is studied in great detail. Besides this, the report also presents insights into the marketas competitive landscape, to help stakeholders have a better perspective about the prevailing vendor landscape.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The global Nephrology And Urology Devices market is segmented based on various parameters, in order to compile a holistic report. It includes exhaustive information obtained from trusted industrial sources and via proven research methodologies. The information thus included is then interspersed with relevant graphs and tables to support the data revealed. The report therefore comes along with a long list of graphs and figures logically compiled to provide an executive-level blueprint of the global Nephrology And Urology Devices market. In addition, chapters are dedicated to gauge the impact of the Porteras five forces on the operations of the market. The analysis has provided insights into the bargaining power of the suppliers, buyers, the competitive rivalry, and threat from new entrants and substitutes.In the end, the report profiles some of the leading players operating in the market to present an in-depth overview of the Nephrology And Urology Devices marketas vendor landscape. SWOT analysis is conducted on the companies profiled to study their strengths and weaknesses. The analysis has also helped the report get relevant data pertaining to the opportunities and threats that these companies are slated to face over the course of the aforementioned forecast period.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Nephrology And Urology Devices Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Nephrology And Urology Devices1.2 Nephrology And Urology Devices Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Nephrology And Urology Devices by Type in 20151.2.2 Dialysis1.2.3 Urinary Stone1.2.4 Ureteral Stents1.2.5 Lithotripters1.2.6 Urinary Incontinence & Pelvic Organ Prolapse1.2.7 Sacral Neuromodulation1.2.8 Vaginal Meshes & Slings1.2.9 Urethral Inserts & Pessaries1.2.10 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia1.2.11 Others1.3 Nephrology And Urology Devices Segment by Application1.3.1 Nephrology And Urology Devices Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Hospitals & Clinics1.3.3 Ambulatory Surgical Centers1.3.4 Application 31.4 Nephrology And Urology Devices Market by Region1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Nephrology And Urology Devices (2011-2021)2 Global Nephrology And Urology Devices Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Nephrology And Urology Devices Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Nephrology And Urology Devices Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Nephrology And Urology Devices Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Nephrology And Urology Devices Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Nephrology And Urology Devices Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Nephrology And Urology Devices Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Nephrology And Urology Devices Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionFor Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States+1-518-621-2074866-997-4948USA-Canada Toll freesales@qyresearchreports.comFor Latest Press Release Visit @ Global Circulating Tumor Cells Industry 2016: Growth Trends, Sales And Market Shares http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=903598&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-circulating-tumor-cells-market-research-report-2016.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=903598&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com Global Circulating Tumor Cells Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The report offers a comprehensive overview of the global Circulating Tumor Cells market. With data covering all important aspects of the market, the report makes it easier for existing and new players to understand the market condition by compiling accurate historical data regarding and verifiable forecast regarding the potential growth prospects of the market over the period between 2016 And 2021. The vast market data in the report has been gathered with the help of primary and secondary research methods. The major factors affecting the growth of the global Circulating Tumor Cells market have been examined and the valuation of the market over the reports forecast period have been projected in the report. Case studies as well as insightful views from industry experts make the report helpful for market players.To Get Free Sample Copy of Report visit @The Circulating Tumor Cells market has been studied in terms of various parameters such as products and applications. The growth of each of the product segments has been projected in the report. The entire supply chain of the Circulating Tumor Cells market has been described in the report, with focus on the various upstream and downstream components. The present demand and supply trends in the market have been mentioned to offer a complete picture of the market.The report also presents detailed insights into the vendor and competitive landscape of the Circulating Tumor Cells market with the help of detailed business profiles some of the key players operating in the global Circulating Tumor Cells market. Data about companies profiled in the report includes specification of their products and services portfolios, financial overview, revenue generation prospects in the future years, and recent developments such as mergers and acquisitions. Through SWOT analysis, the report analyzes the various growth opportunities for the market players. By examining the global Circulating Tumor Cells market and tracing historical statistics, the future outlook of the market has been defined.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Circulating Tumor Cells Market Overview 11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Circulating Tumor Cells 11.2 Circulating Tumor Cells Segment by Types 21.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Circulating Tumor Cells by Types in 2015 21.2.2 CTC enrichment 31.2.3 CTC detection 41.2.4 CTC analysis 51.3 Circulating Tumor Cells Segment by Applications 61.3.1 Circulating Tumor Cells Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2015 61.3.2 Characteristics of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) 91.4 Circulating Tumor Cells Market by Regions 91.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021) 91.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021) 101.4.3 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021) 111.4.4 Asia-Pacific (EX. Europe) Status and Prospect (2011-2021) 121.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Circulating Tumor Cells (2011-2021) 132 Global Circulating Tumor Cells Market Competition by Manufacturers 142.1 Global Circulating Tumor Cells Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016) 142.2 Manufacturers Circulating Tumor Cells Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types 182.3 Circulating Tumor Cells Market Competitive Situation and Trends 192.5.1 Circulating Tumor Cells Market Concentration Rate 192.5.2 Circulating Tumor Cells Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers 202.5.3 Circulating Tumor Cells Market Competitive Situation 212.5.4 Circulating Tumor Cells Market Trends 213 Global Circulating Tumor Cells Revenue, Revenue (Value) by Regions (2011-2016) 233.1 Global Circulating Tumor Cells Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016) 233.3 Global Circulating Tumor Cells Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 253.4 North America Circulating Tumor Cells Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 253.5 China Circulating Tumor Cells Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 253.6 Europe Circulating Tumor Cells Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 263.7 Asia-Pacific (EX. Europe) Circulating Tumor Cells Revenue, Gross Profit and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 26Get discount copy @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Hillary Clinton and her supporters spent a record $1.2 billion for her losing presidential campaign twice as much as the winner, Donald Trump, according to the latest records. The president-elect, who confounded critics during the campaign by saying there was no need to raise or spend $1 billion or more, ended up making do with $600 million. Clintons expensive machine tore through $131.8 million in just the final weeks, finishing with about $839,000 on hand as of Nov. 28. Team Trump spent $94.5 million in the home stretch from Oct. 20 to Nov. 28 and had $7.6 million left. good gawd. think of all the persecuted celebrities that money could have helped. :lol:As Matt Vespa reminds us , Hillary Clinton once offered this zinger about Donald Trumps claims to be a business wizard: What kind of genius loses a billion dollars in a single year? The New York Post has the answer in their review of election-campaign financial disclosures. The final cost of Hillarys futile bid for the presidency including monies spent by the Democratic Party and supporting PACS exceeded $1.2 billion Trump, on the other hand, turned out to be a wiser manager of finances than Hillary guessed:Its easy to laugh at this now that Trump won the election, but Republicans spent most of the campaign worrying about this disparity.Trump had won the primaries on the cheap, spending very little money, but had promised to aggressively raise money for both his own campaign and the RNC once he won the nomination. He spent very little in August, creating even more angst, but the Trump campaign finally began to press the accelerator in September and October.Had Trump lost the election, dont think for a moment that this calculation would have been overlooked as the reason why. The spending disparities in 2012 certainly got a lot of attention, especially the way Mitt Romney got outboxed in the summer. That was the motivation for moving the convention up to July this year, and also for front-loading the primaries. A quicker win would have meant more opportunity for the nominee to conserve some primary resources for playing defense for a few weeks, a strategy that Trump didnt bother with at all anyway. As it turns out, it wasnt necessary this time, anyway.The disparity continued to the bitter end. Well, bitter forteam, anyway:more Global Tissue Heart Valves Market 2016 Shares, Premium Applications, key Development, Overview and Demands http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=745073&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-tissue-heart-valves-industry-2016-market-research-report.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm Global Tissue Heart Valves Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.This report on global Tissue Heart Valves market is a research study that answers pertinent questions about the emerging trends and growth opportunities in this industry. It also identifies each of the prominent barriers to growth, apart from identifying the regional trends and trends within various application segments of the global market for Tissue Heart Valves. Collecting historical and recent data from authentic resources, and based on all the factors and trends, the report presents a figurative estimation of the future of the market, along with compound annual growth rate (CAGR).To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The study segments the market by geography into: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. It provides forecasts of revenue of the market as a whole as well as each application segment. The competitive landscape is mapped based on product and technology. This study also offers an overview of pricing trends and ancillary factors that will influence pricing in the global Tissue Heart Valves market. The market study, estimation, and market sizing have been done utilizing a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches.Of special value are the key recommendations and predictions by our analysts, intended to steer your strategic business decisions. The company profiles section of this research service is a compilation of the growth strategies, product portfolio, financial status, and recent developments of key market participants. The report provides detailed industry analysis of the global Tissue Heart Valves market with the help of proven research methodologies such as Porteras five forces. The forces analyzed are bargaining power of the buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and the degree of competition.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Tissue Heart Valves1.1 Definition and Specifications of Tissue Heart Valves1.1.1 Definition of Tissue Heart Valves1.1.2 Specifications of Tissue Heart Valves1.2 Classification of Tissue Heart Valves1.3 Applications of Tissue Heart Valves1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Tissue Heart Valves1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Tissue Heart Valves1.5.1 Industry Overview of Tissue Heart Valves1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Tissue Heart Valves1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves1.7 Industry News Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Tissue Heart Valves Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Tissue Heart Valves Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Tissue Heart Valves Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Tissue Heart Valves Major Manufacturers in 20154 Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Tissue Heart Valves by Regions, Types and Manufacturers4.1 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Tissue Heart Valves by Regions 2011-20164.2 Global and Major Regions Capacity, Production, Revenue and Growth Rate of Tissue Heart Valves 2011-20164.3 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Tissue Heart Valves by Types 2011-20164.4 Global Capacity, Production and Revenue of Tissue Heart Valves by Manufacturers 2011-2016For Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States+1-518-621-2074866-997-4948USA-Canada Toll freesales@qyresearchreports.comFor Latest Press Release Visit @ Growing Energy Deficit Will Encourage Economies to Invest in Bioenergy Plants, says TMR Bioenergy Market, Bioenergy Industry Research, Global Bioenergy Industry, Bioenergy Industry Share, Bioenergy Market Size, http://bit.ly/2jnJZ4Z http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/global-bioenergy-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The competition in the bioenergy market is being driven by the domination of big players who are adopting innovative strategies to increase their geographical research, finds a new report by Transparency Market Research.Download the Exclusive Report Sample Here :Currently, large companies, such as E. I. du Pont de Numerous and Company, are focusing on establishing its presence in various regions and on strengthening their vertical integration activities by offering a wide range of products that are used for making advanced biofuels, thereby winning business from other operating players. Additionally, companies are also spending a significant amount of their budget on creating brand awareness, which can be seen in the business strategy of companies such as Amyris Incs, notes TMR.Energy Deficit due to Industrialization Propels Bioenergy UsageThe upsurge in energy demand due to increasing industrialization and urbanization have led to a perplexing energy deficit for several countries. Developing countries are especially feeling the pinch as they remain the on the pivot of balancing economic development and watching their carbon footprint as the world face the monumental crisis of global warming. This dilemma has become the major driving force for the progress of bioenergy market in the recent years, as more and more consumers realize its potential to be a reliable, efficient, and renewable source of energy.As bioenergy emits lesser greenhouse gas in comparison to burning of conventional fuel resources, it is being taken seriously while planning the energy mixes in several countries. A TMR analyst says, Bioenergy constitutes 10% of total energy supply in the world and is estimated to be about 80% of the overall renewable energy supply across the globe. The report also predicts that the range of advantages surrounding the adoption of bioenergy will also propel the overall market.Cultivation of Cash Crops Threatens Bioenergy MarketThe biggest restraint in the bioenergy market is its production process that will result in the cultivation of cash crops in the agricultural sector, thereby threatening the pricing system of other crops. Use of cash crops to produce biogas and biofuels is anticipated to create yet another issue of food security over a period of time. Therefore, the correlation between rising food prices and the cultivation of cash crops for supplementing bioenergy is likely to hamper the growth of this market.Against all odds, the bioenergy market still has bright future as several countries are adopting it as an alternative fuel for running vehicles. For instance, biofuels and its variants such as ethanol and biodiesel used as an alternative gas for vehicles are proving to be a lucrative ground for growth.The research report highlights that the opportunity in the global bioenergy market will be worth US$246.52 bn by 2024 rising from US$158.39 bn in 2015 and expanding at a steady CAGR of 4.9% between 2016 and 2024. The increasing adoption of bioethanol as an environment-friendly alternative to gasoline is expected to boost this segment at a CAGR of 3.40% from 2016 and 2024.This review is based on a Transparency Market Research report, titled, Bioenergy Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends and Forecast 2016 2024.The bioenergy market has been segmented as:Bioenergy Market: By Product Type-Bioethanol-Biodiesel-Biogas-OthersBrowse the Full Brochure at :Bioenergy Market: By Application Type-Cooking-Off-grid Electricity Supply-Transportation-OthersBioenergy Market: By Region-North America-U.S.-Canada-Mexico-Europe-Germany-U.K.-France-Rest of Europe-Asia Pacific-China-India-Japan-Rest of Asia Pacific-Rest of World-Brazil-Argentina-Mozambique-OthersTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog : http://cmfeglobalreports.blogspot.com/ RF Equipment Market - Implementation Of 802.11standards Is Expected To Drive The Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=15785 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/rf-equipment-market.html Radio Frequency (RF) is a kind of test instrument which is capable of computing signals which has high frequency in comparison to other test equipment which are commonly used. Radio Frequency equipments are commonly used by engineers who deal in radio frequency. These engineers have special functions which are required to decode the RF signal and characters. Radio frequency transmits radio waves frequency which range between 3 hertz to 300 megahertz. This radio frequency uses an alternating current which is positioned through antenna, generating wireless broadcasting or electromagnetic field which could be used for communicating by transfer of current through antennas.The radio test frequency equipment market is expected to grow at a healthy growth rate over the near future owing to high adoption of 802.11ac. The 802.11ac is a wireless networking standard. The 802.11ac technology uses an extensive bandwidth. This technology enables high-speed WLANs to the end users with the help of 5 GHz band. This is driving the demand for radio frequency test equipments as there is a requirement for testing the networks signals. Growth in MIMO technology is the other major factor which is expected to drive the radio frequency market over the next few years. Rise in demand for a handheld device which may include tablets, smart phones and laptops has led to the growth in demand for high bandwidth and seamless connectivity. Moreover, implementation of 802.11standards is expected to drive the market further as it would enable superior data transmission and faster speed. Some of the factors which are restraining the growth of the global radio frequency equipment market are stringent radio frequency standards which are adopted by government bodies of countries globally.PDF Sample For Technological breakthroughs is @The radio test frequency equipment market by application could be segmented into telecom sector, industrial sector, electronics sector, automotive sector, defense sector and medical sector. This segment is expected to be dominated by smart phones over the next few years. Growth in application of portable computing devices like smart phones and tablets across various sectors is expected to drive the demand in this segment. RF test equipment facilities advance delivery of these test equipments. The radio test frequency equipment market by product can be segmented into vector network analyzer (VNA), spectrum analyzer, signal generator, RF power meters / sensors, oscilloscope, digital millimeters and others.Geographically the global radio frequency test equipment market has been broadly segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. North America led the global radio test frequency market in 2015. The amalgamation of new features in the test equipments and the growth in demand for the electronics sector are some of the key factors driving the RF test equipment market in North America. Asia Pacific is expected to be the most attractive region over the next few years.Some of the key vendors operating in the global radio frequency test equipment market are Agilent Technologies, Advantest, Teradyne, Rohde & Schwarz and Anritsu. Some of the other prominent vendor operating in the market is Aries Electronics, Aspen Electronics, Cobham Antenna Systems, Cobham Wireless and Flann Microwave among others. There is intense competition among the key players operating in the global radio frequency test equipment market. It is necessary for the players to have strong and highly differentiated product line which features best-in-class software. There is growing trend towards development of software which enhances radio frequency test equipments attributes. The key provider of the radio frequency test equipments are focusing their resources at developing software which would find application in wide range of industries so that the end users can have optimal utilization of its products.Market Insight can be Viewed @Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com The Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem 2016-2030: Global Market to grow at a CAGR of 12% to reach over $30 Billion in revenue by 2020 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=804872 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=804872 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Jan 10: Given the increasing prevalence of expensive household goods, cars and consumer electronics, insurance has become an unavoidable and often necessary cost in modern life. Mobile phones, and smartphones in particular are no exception to this trend.Most major wireless carriers, insurance specialists, device OEMs, retailers and even banks now offer insurance plans that cover theft, loss, malfunctions and damage of mobile phones. Many policies now also integrate enhanced technical support and additional protection features such as data backup facilities, allowing users to securely backup their phone data online.SNS Research estimates that the global mobile phone insurance market is expected to account for nearly $20 Billion in revenue by the end of 2016. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 12% over the next four years, eventually accounting for over $30 Billion in revenue by the end of 2020.The "Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem: 2016 2030 Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts" report presents an in-depth assessment of the mobile phone insurance ecosystem including market drivers, challenges, opportunities, value chain, future roadmap, case studies, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also presents market size forecasts from 2016 through to 2030. The forecasts are segmented for 5 regional and 25 country level markets.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Key Findings:The report has the following key findings:- SNS Research estimates that the global mobile phone insurance market is expected to account for nearly $20 Billion in revenue by the end of 2016.- The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 12% over the next four years, eventually accounting for over $30 Billion in revenue by the end of 2020.- In an effort to boost the uptake of mobile phone insurance, wireless carriers and insurance providers have extensively enhanced their insurance offerings with the addition of location tracking, data protection/recovery features and integrated technical support.- The success of mobile phone insurance plans has driven several wireless carriers, such as NTT DoCoMo and Orange, to invest in the sales of other insurance products through mobile phones and their retail outlets.- New insurance models are also beginning to emerge, such as London-based So-Sures social insurance for mobile phones, which allows customers to get up to 80% of their money back, if they and their friends dont claim.- Device OEMs are beginning to invest in tailored plans to suit the specific requirements of certain regional markets. A good example is Xiaomis Mi Protect plan in India, which covers accidental and liquid damage, for as little as $7 per year.Topics Covered:The report covers the following topics:- Mobile phone insurance ecosystem- Market drivers and barriers- Insurance policy structure, distribution channels and key trends- Case studies of mobile phone insurance initiatives- Industry roadmap and value chain- Profiles and strategies of over 40 leading ecosystem players- Strategic recommendations for ecosystem players- Market analysis and forecasts from 2016 till 2030Enquiry at:Key Questions Answered:The report provides answers to the following key questions:- How big is the mobile phone insurance opportunity?- What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?- How is the ecosystem evolving by region?- What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?- Which countries will see the highest percentage of growth?- Who are the key market players and what are their strategies?- What risks are typically covered in mobile phone insurance offerings?- How can insurance plans help wireless carriers in reducing churn?- What strategies should wireless carriers, device OEMs and insurance providers adopt to remain competitive?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Automotive Air Compressor Accessories Market: Demand is Increasing Rapidly in Recent Years 2026 Automotive Air Compressor Accessories Market, Automotive Air Compressor Accessories, Air Compressor, Air Compressor market http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11752 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11752 www.persistencemarketresearch.com Global Automotive Air Compressor Accessories Market: OverviewAir compressor is a mechanical device which is used for pressurizing the air by compression, the air compressor converts the kinetic and potential energy into pneumatic energy. Air compressors are widely used in the automotive industry and finds application at each stage of vehicle assembly. For the safe working of an air compressor some accessories are mounted on air compressor namely pressure regulators, pressure gauges, air filters, pressure relief valves etc. These accessories help in monitoring and regulation of the discharge pressure. The global air compressor market is anticipated to witness a robust a growth in the near future, which in turn will have a positive impact on the global automotive air compressor accessories market worldwide.Sample of this report is available upon request @Global Automotive Air Compressor Accessories Market: Drivers & RestraintsBeing an essential equipment in the automotive industry, the increasing consumption of air compressors in the automotive industry is driving the automotive air compressor accessories demand and thus, growth of automotive air compressor accessories market. Apart from the automotive industry, the automotive service stations also use air compressors for different type of automotive maintenance works, which can also be considered as a plus side for the global automotive air compressor accessories market. In addition, factors such as industrial work safety standards, which defines the safety standards for operating air compressor along with the growth in automotive industry can be considered as growth factors for global automotive air compressor accessories market. However, mounting of accessories is difficult in portable air compressors which hampers growth of global automotive air compressor accessories market.Global Automotive Air Compressor Accessories Market: SegmentationThe global automotive air compressor accessories market is segmented on the basis of types, distribution channel and region.Based on type, the global automotive air compressor accessories market is segmented into: Pressure Gauges Hose Pipes Hose Reels Air Filters Pressure Relief Valves Fittings In-line Lubricators Others (Valve Cores, Nozzles)Based on the distribution channel, the global automotive air compressor accessories market is segmented into: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) AftermarketAutomotive Air Compressor Accessories Market: Regional OutlookBased on regions, global automotive air compressor accessories market is segmented into seven key regions -- North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, APEJ dominates the automotive air compressor accessories market, which is supported by the growth in the market for air compressors in the region. Rapid industrialization in the countries like China, India and South Korea has resulted in lucrative demand for air compressors in the countries, which in turn is increasing the consumption of automotive air compressor accessories market in the region. APEJ region has witnessed a robust growth rate in the automotive industry and is anticipated to be dominating during the forecast period, thus having a positive impact on the market for automotive air compressor in the region.Western Europe is the second largest market in the global automotive air compressor accessories market, which is followed by Japan and North America. Latin America market for automotive air compressor accessories is also expected to pace up during the forecast period as big automotive manufacturers are expanding their business in the Latin America region for tapping the opportunities in the region, which is anticipated to boost the market for automotive air compressor accessories in Latin America. Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa market for automotive air compressor accessories market will show sluggish growth, whereas, the APEJ market is anticipated to record highest CAGR by the end of forecast period.Global Automotive Air Compressor Accessories Market: Key PlayersMajor players identified in the global automotive air compressor accessories market include Airtech Engineers Elgi Equipments Ltd Schrader International, Inc. DEWALT Sears Brands, LLC. Deere & Company Accessorie Air Compressor Systems Sullair (Accudyne Industries)The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments Market Dynamics Market Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Technology Value ChainRegional analysis includes North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico. Brazil, Rest of Latin America) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Rest of Western Europe) Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia, Rest of Eastern Europe) Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand, Rest of APEJ) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC countries, S. Africa, N. Africa, Rest of MEA)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.TOC of this report is available upon request @Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics in the industry In-depth market segmentation Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape Strategies of key players and products offered Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective on market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Smart Glass in Automotive Market Aims Bigger with Technological Innovations, 2016 - 2026 Smart Glass in Automotive Market, Smart Glass in Automotive, Smart Glass in car, Car Smart Glass, http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11758 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11758 www.persistencemarketresearch.com A smart glass is a type of glass that modifies and controls the light properties passing through it as per the variation in the light intensity, fluctuation in voltage and heat variation. Initially the scope of the smart glasses was limited to only construction and architectural purposes but nowadays it has widen to aviation, rail, marine and automotive. Rapid research and development in this segment has attracted many private players and government agencies to invest in this technology. Due to this reason the number of players offering smart glass to the automotive company has increased significantly in the recent years. Also the countries like China and India offer tremendous opportunity for automotive market growth, so smart glass manufacturers are trying to expand their business in these emerging economies. There are wide applications of smart glass in any automotive that includes rear and side view mirror, sunroofs, windshield, backlights and sidelights so the smart glass in automotive has a healthy growth potential in the further future. Also there are safety regulations pertaining to the glass used in automotive these days and this leads to the increased usage of this smart glasses in order to be in line with the norms of a specific region. The global smart glass in automotive market is anticipated to have a lucrative CAGR in the forecasted period.Sample of this report is available upon request @Global Smart Glass in Automotive Market: Drivers and RestrainsIncreasing global automotive market and the essential glasses being deployed in these automotive is the key driving factor for the global smart glass in automotive market. Also automotive consumers are becoming aware about this technology and for their luxury and comfort they are implementing this technology in their vehicles that is bolstering the aftermarket of smart glass. Also mandatory rules and regulations of some countries for the safety and security of the passengers is another factor forcing the vehicle owners to deploy smart glasses, thereby leading to growth of smart glass in automotive market. However, high cost associated with these smart glasses are making people to think twice before opting for this technology. Also in some developing regions vehicles users are not aware about this technology. Aforementioned factors might hamper global smart glass in automotive market growth.Global Smart Glass in Automotive Market: SegmentationOn the basis of technology, the global smart glass in automotive market can be segmented as follows: Electro chromic glass Suspended Particle Device (SPD) glass Thermo chromic glass Polymer dispersed liquid crystals glass Photo chromatics glassOn the basis of applications, the global smart glass in automotive market can be segmented as follows: Side/ rear view mirror Sunroofs Sidelites/ Backlites WindshieldOn the basis of glass type, the global smart glass in automotive market can be segmented as follows: Laminated Tempered OthersOn the basis of vehicle type, the global smart glass in automotive market can be segmented as follows: LCVs HCVs Passenger Cars OthersOn the basis of window type, the global smart glass in automotive market can be segmented as follows: Active smart window Passive smart windowGlobal Smart Glass in Automotive Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global smart glass in automotive market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Western Europe is the leading region in the global smart glass in automotive market due to the deployment of essential smart glasses in the vehicles being manufactured especially in Germany. Asia Pacific is the second major contributor in the global smart glass in automotive market due to presence of automobile giants such as Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Hero MotoCorp Ltd and other companies, which has led towards installation of smart glass in automobiles. Companies such as General Motors Company, The Ford Motor Company are having a significant contribution in the North America, thus making it a considerable market in the global smart glass in automotive market. Japan is well established in the automotive market, so smart glasses are used on a large scale by the automobile manufacturers in this region. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in the global smart glass in automotive market but is anticipated to record modest growth during the forecast period.Global Smart Glass in Automotive Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global smart glass in automotive market are as follows: PPG Industries SAGE Electrochromics Gentex Corp. Research Frontiers, Inc. Hitachi Chemicals Co. Ltd. View, Inc Glass Apps. AGC, Ltd. SmartGlass International Ltd. Scienstry Inc RavenBrick LLC Pleotint, LLCThe research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments Market Dynamics Market Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Technology Value ChainRegional analysis includes North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico. Brazil, Rest of Latin America) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Rest of Western Europe) Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia, Rest of Eastern Europe) Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand, Rest of APEJ) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa, Rest of MEA)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.TOC of this report is available upon request @Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics in the industry In-depth market segmentation Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape Strategies of key players and products offered Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective on market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Future of Global Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems Market: 2016 - 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/13003 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/13003 Clinical Research Information Systems consist of specialised software applications that are designed to assist clinical research. These systems can greatly reduce the cost of R&D and they also support a number of functions and activities within medical research organisations. The Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems Market consists of a category of software applications optimised to handle one or more aspects of clinical research. While they are distinct from Electronic Medical Record Systems (EMR), they usually interoperate with them. Many systems were initially conceived to support individual aspects of medical research like logistics, primary data capture, patient recruitment and so on. Over time, the Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems became monolithic in an attempt act like a one-stop shop for all their client requirements. However, special problems that can only be solved by custom software still come up the proliferation of commercial software in the Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems Market notwithstanding.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The desire to improve administrative efficiency, eliminate duplicate medical tests, and reduce medical errors are the main Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems Market drivers. Studies have shown that individuals trust non-profit hospitals and medical organisations to a much higher extent than the government. Individuals who are sad, anxious, depressed or angry about their current health issues are far more likely to provide access to their Personal Health Information.The three main restraints in the Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems Market are cost, system complexity and psychological factors. Larger Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems require a financial investment almost as much as EMR systems. The size of this, along with the system complexity, make their deployment institution-wide virtually mandatory. Such systems can handle an arbitrary number of studies within a single database design with only the hardware being the limiting factor.In addition to cost, the second Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems Market restraint is complexity. These teams require a diverse team of professionals to operate and maintain like database administrators, software developers and non-technical personnel who are aware of clinical research and the software which can convert an investigators study into an electronic form. Many clients with smaller budgets may hesitate to install these advanced information systems since they may not be able to secure adequate funding or the required support staff.It often happens that influential players in the life sciences industry resist adoption of any new technology. A part of this is due to professional norms: medical practitioners are concerned about treating patients to the best of their ability. They may use their considerable influence to delay the installation of such systems within the medical institute.Request to View Tables of Content @Some companies involved in the Advanced Clinical Research Information Systems Market are Parexel, OpenClinica, BayaTree, Forte Research Systems.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, types and applications.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Con-sumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs en-gagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market is Expected to Gain Popularity Across the Globe http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/13042 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/13042 The role of IT in healthcare has changed the face of the entire industry. The induction of IT in healthcare has added pace in the growth of the healthcare industry and it has also given it a wider spectrum of growth. The marriage of IT and healthcare will have a long-standing effect on the entire healthcare industry. The global healthcare industry is standing at a crucial juncture and it is combating with some of the most deadly diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The rise in the aged population is also creating a challenging climate in front of the healthcare industry. IT is playing a pivotal role in the evolution of healthcare and it is adding fuel to the growth of the research and development. The incorporation of the advanced IT solutions has changed the definition of the patient care and it has also addressed some of the core issues of healthcare such as clinical communication and collaboration. The IT has provided a better and robust platform to healthcare which they are using to enhance their patient outreach. A slew of tools and apps have bridged the gap between patients and physicians. A new wave of funding in healthcare has expedited the growth of the IT in healthcare and ushered in significant changes in the industry through clinical communication and collaboration. Clinical communication and collaboration are playing an important role in the healthcare industry. The emergence of smartphones has also impacted the lives of millions of doctors and medical professionals. The staggering rise in the smartphone use amongst physicians in the last few years have established a strong channel of communication between patients and doctors. The doctors have changed their approach towards Clinical communication and collaboration. Today mobile is a prime source of communication for doctors. The mobiles have successfully toppled the emails and cemented its place in the Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market. The clinical communications are completely dependent upon pace and accuracy which a mobile phone can provide properly. The doctors can not only communicate with team present at the hospital and can fetch timely and regular updates on the patients condition. Can consult a peer doctor and can earn his or her perspective on a particular case.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The Clinical Communication and Collaboration are playing a pivotal role in mass health management. It is not only creating a considerable difference in the healthcare standards, but it is also reforming the set rules of healthcare. There has been a massive boom in the android mobile market which is opening a new window of opportunity of in front of the Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market. The doctors and hospitals are spending a slice of their budget to gear up the mobile communication within the organisation. The use of tablets and mobile phones within hospitals and clinics has increased manifold in the last few years. The surging market of the mobile friendly community apps and multiple social media platforms has widened the scope of clinical communication and collaboration market. The rocketing rose in healthcare friendly apps has made things easier for the healthcare fraternity. The exceptional approach of the healthcare industry towards better communication is also acting as a catalyst for growth for the clinical communication and collaboration market.Though the rocketing android based mobile market has created a proper ground for the development of the Clinical Communication and Collaboration market. But there are certain congruent issues which are stalling the organic rise of the Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market. Though the private stakeholders of the healthcare industry are promoting clinical communication and collaboration, but because of budget restraints, most of the government healthcare facilities are ducking this new procedure of enhanced communication. Though the North American market is flooded with android enabled phones and backed by a robust telecommunication but the regions such as Africa, and some parts of South East Asia is still staying away from the global mobile boom. Thus the market growth of the clinical communication and collaboration is limited in these regions of the world.The clinical collaboration and communication market depends on the overall growth of the healthcare market. The evergreen region for healthcare is North America which will call the shots in this segment as well, but apart from this the regions such as APEJ which is an emerging market for IT and healthcare will show promising growth trends. Backed by massive funding the MEA region might soon confirm its place amongst the big league.To View TOC of this Report is Available Upon Request @The clinical communication and collaboration market is populated with several companies which are contributing in the growth of the market. Doctors and clinicians present around the world use several apps and software to create a strong communication channel with the patients and the medical facilities. Here is a list of the apps such as Epocrates, Doximity, DynaMed Mobile, Isabel which are a part of the extensive Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Con-sumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs en-gagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Stay Charged and Ahead with SoulCRM with More Flexibility than Ever http://www.soulcrm.com/blog/soulcrm-release-notes-version-0-3-0-more-flexible-more-powerful/ SoulCRM is engaged in contemporary features every now and then, so bringing another feather in the cap of SoulCRM with features like Gross profit report wherein users can track the expense against the invoice. For Manufacturers, SoulCRM has given an option in Bill of Materials - Product Serial Code, Quantity, and Price variables are now available in Sales Print.Setup has been categorized for better usability into - Setup, CRM, Sales & Purchase, and Support. Calendar has been launched in (Beta) phase, it would be upgraded gradually upon usage and suggestion. For more updates about gadgets and holiday and new design, please view SoulCRM latest release note 0.3.0MethodologySoulCRM is releasing this version based on valuable suggestions across globe and people writing on support@soulcrm.com, we get the reports and feedback from to team to design the roadmap.More Information:SoulCRM is an emerging CRM designed for Indian Businesses to solve the actual business problems and empower businesses to take improved decisions. Delivering extraordinary experiences to our customers remain at the core of our every activity.303-309, City Center, Opposite Shukan Mall, Science City Road, Sola, Ahmedabad -380060 India Kidney Fibrosis Treatment Market : Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast 2016 - 2020 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=220219 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=220219 Albany, NY, 10 JAN : Fibrosis is a process, which includes the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in body tissues or organs in a repetitive manner. Kidney fibrosis is the major biological process causal for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney fibrosis is an unavoidable outcome of excessive formation of extracellular matrix, which occurs due to every type of CKD. Currently, the kidney fibrosis treatment market is a highly attractive commercial segment owing to the increasing base of patients suffering from various types CKD and renal fibrosis.Some of the commercially available medications used for the treatment of kidney fibrosis disease are as follows:Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitorsAngiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)Renin inhibitorsPirfenidoneVasopeptidase inhibitorsGet PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @It has been observed that any disease, which leads to chronic kidney disorder, might result in renal fibrosis. In terms of geography, North America is the largest market for kidney fibrosis treatment due to the large base of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014, more than 20 million people in the U.S., are suffering from chronic kidney disease of varying severity levels. The organization also states that, in 2011, approximately 113,136 people in the U.S. started taking treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).Thus, this increasing base of kidney disease patients is expected to boosts the sales of kidney fibrosis treatment products. However, other regions such as South East Asia, Middle East and Latin America are some of the potential market where introduction of effective novel therapies might boosts up the overall market growth of kidney fibrosis treatment. Due to the consistent gradient of health concerns and rising awareness among population, these regions are expected to be the lucrative market venture for kidney fibrosis treatment.Some of the major factors driving the growth of this market are increasing base of population suffering from chronic kidney diseases and high incidence rate of renal fibrosis among population. Moreover, development of safe and effective therapeutics for the treatment of kidney fibrosis is contributing to the growth of this market. For instance, in March 2014, a California based biopharmaceutical company, La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, relieved positive results from phase II clinical trial of their proprietary GSC-100 drug molecule in chronic kidney disease (CKD). GSC-100 is a complex polysaccharide with a high molecular weight that inhibits the production of galectin-3, a molecule responsible for scarring or tissue fibrosis. Thus, the introduction of promising drugs in this market is likely to boosts the overall kidney fibrosis treatment market due to the high success and effectiveness rate of these potential molecules. Furthermore, increasing government support for developing novel therapies along with high research and development initiatives on the development of personalized medicines are also expected to fuel the growth of this market.Enquiry @In addition, technological breakthrough such as point-of-care drug delivery systems and increased focus on retaining superior quality of life are some of the factors that might contribute in the growth of this market. However, rise in overall healthcare expenditure and stringent regulatory approvals are some of the market-restraining factors that might hinder the growth of the kidney fibrosis treatment market in future.At present, the kidney fibrosis treatment market is a highly lucrative and promising market due to the increasing base of population suffering from chronic kidney diseases and renal fibrosis. Various pharmaceutical and biotechnology are trying to develop novel therapeutics, which can be used for the treatment of this disorder. Some of the companies involved with the development and commercialization of therapeutic products for the treatment of kidney fibrosis are F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Galectin Therapeutics, Inc., InterMune, Inc., La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, Merck & Co. and Pfizer, Inc., amongst others.ResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States FBI's Comey: Republicans also hacked by RussiaWashington (CNN)Top intelligence officials indicated on Tuesday that the GOP was also a Russian hacking target but that none of the information obtained was leaked.FBI director James Comey told a Senate panel that there was "penetration on the Republican side of the aisle and old Republican National Committee domains" no longer in use.He later added that "there was evidence of hacking directed at state-level organizations, state-level campaigns, and the RNC, but old domains of the RNC, meaning old emails they weren't using. None of that was released."Comey said there was no sign "that the Trump campaign or the current RNC was successfully hacked."Asked by Sen. Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, whether the hacker had the ability to selectively leak that old information, Comey indicated that they did.Comey also assesssed that "they got far deeper and wider into the (Democratic National Committee) than the RNC," adding that "similar techniques were used in both cases."Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told the Senate committee, examining the cyber breaches, that the intelligence community concluded with "high confidence" thatRussia hacked the election to "denigrate" Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and contrast her unfavorably to Republican Donald Trump."We have multiple high quality sources that contribute to that assessment," Clapper said. "Attributing cyber operations is difficult but not impossible."When Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin thought Trump was going to be the likely winner, Clapper responded, "Initially, no. They thought he was a fringe candidate and didn't think that at all." Global Precision Medicine Market to Approach US$ 172.95 Billion by the end of 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/12646 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/precision-medicine-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/12646 The latest report published by Persistence Market Research titled Global Market Study on Precision Medicine: Drug Discovery Technology Segment Estimated to Witness 0.1% Decline in Market Share Between 2016 and 2024". projects some of the crucial aspects of the global precision medicine market after an in-depth research. The report assures that the market will grow manifold and it will register a 14.7% CAGR between 2016 and 2024.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The global expansion of the medicine industry will expand the canvas of the global precision market. Larger investments, better infrastructure, simplified approval process of drugs along with companion diagnostics will impact the structure of the entire climate of the global precision medicine market. The affordable DNA profiling, the bloating cancer population of the globe will create a favorable condition of growth for the global precision medicine market. The proper storage of genome data plays a crucial part in this segment. The emergence of data backed medicare will also drive the global precision market ahead.But the market is combating acute data storage and data privacy issues and it also lacks in systematic approach towards funding and soaring prices of personalized drugs is also creating a blockade in the expansion of the global precision medicine market.The global precision medicine market is bifurcated into multiple parent segments which are further sub-categorized. The primary division of the market is an assimilation of three, region, technology and application. The major technologies which will define the market character in the forthcoming years are bioinformatics, next-gen sequencing and drug discovery technology. The applications segment will showcase fruitful results and oncology will act as the showstopper. The market prediction shows that this segment will bloom and will touch an approximate value of US$ 69 Bn by the end of the assessment period. The approximate registered CAGR of this segment within the assessed period will be above 13.5%. The global population is struggling with some of the acute diseases such as arthritis. A large slice of the aged population is an easy prey of this crippling ailment. The immunology segment will reap maximum benefits from the population affected by arthritis. The immunology segment will gain revenue from the market and the market worth will cross US$ 34 Mn by the end of 2024.The regional market arena has penetrated through different key regions of the globe. The global precision medicine market has extended its boundaries in the last few years. The product has a massive global presence and it is expanding steadily. Apart from North America, Europe, MEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions are other major pockets which are expected to show fruitful outcome in the forthcoming years. The global precision medicine market is expected to perform well in the North American region and it will occupy more than 35% of the market share within the period of prediction. The global precision market in North America will flourish and will probably touch the approximate market value of more than US$ 60 Mn by 2024 end. With a stupendous performance the US and Canada will conquer a lion share of the global precision medicine market of this region predicts the report. The Europe is a consistent market and will crawl up the revenue chart within the forecast period. The global precision market in Europe will ride an estimated CAGR of more than 13% to sew up an average worth of more than US$ 40 Mn by the end of 2024. In Europe the markets spread across Germany and France will shape the destiny of this market. Apart from this the countries such as Spain, UK and Italy will also follow the leading pack during the period of assessment. The APAC region is the rising star of the global precision medicine market. The region will project a CAGR of more than 14% during the period of projection. The market will witness a staggering hike and will touch approximately US$ 35 Mn by the end of 2024. In the APAC region Japan will spearhead the market, China and India will lock horns to accumulate maximum market share during the projected period. The region of Latin America will score considerable revenue during this period. MEA will be a sulking market as less of research activities will dampen the spirit of the precision medicine market.Request to View Tables of Content @The market is evolving fast with the better and bigger market tie-ups. The bonhomie between IT and healthcare is also expediting the market and providing a bigger playground to the stakeholders. Novartis AG, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Eli Lilly And Company, AstraZeneca are contributing massively in the overall development of the global precision medicine market.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Con-sumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs en-gagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Warehouse Management Systems Market By Component; Software; On-premise; Cloud; Services and Application 2016-2024 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=220214 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=220214 Albany, NY, 10 JAN : This report aims to provide a comprehensive strategic analysis of the global warehouse management systems market along with revenue and growth forecasts for the period from 2014 to 2024. With advancements in warehouse management systems and rising demand for warehouse management systems in retail and third party logistics (3PL) application, the warehouse management systems market is expected to experience high growth in the coming decade. Some of the factors supporting the growth of the market worldwide include the emergence of e-commerce and increased technological investment in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, high demand from the health care sector, advent of industry specific warehouse management systems in developed regions such as North America and Europe, increasing awareness of cloud based warehouse management systems, and surge in demand for warehouse management integrated with RFID technology. The impact of these and other macro-micro economic factors has been analyzed while developing the market growth models.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @This research study on the global warehouse management systems market provides a detailed analysis of warehouse management systems deployed for different applications by end-users depending upon their needs. The report offers an in-depth study of the market drivers, restraints, and growth opportunities. Using these factors, the study identifies various trends prominent in the industry and are expected to influence the market growth during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. It includes a comprehensive coverage of the underlying economic and technological factors influencing the warehouse management systems market growth. It provides the competitive landscape of key players in the warehouse management systems market in order to highlight the state of competition therein. The report also provides a detailed competitive analysis of the key players in the market and identifies various business strategies adopted by them. The study explains the penetration within each market segment across various geographies, and how these segments have accelerated the growth of the market as a whole.The global warehouse management systems market is analyzed by segmenting it on the basis of component and application. Based on component, the market is classified into software and services. The software segment further based on the deployment type covers, on-premise and cloud based software. Further, on-premise and cloud based software segments are each fragmented into labor management systems, analytics and optimization and others which includes 3PL billing and yard management. The service segment type covers consulting, system integration, and operations and maintenance services. In terms of application, the global warehouse management systems market is segmented into retail, electronics, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, 3PL, and others which includes books and publishing, and home improvement. Geographically, the global market for warehouse management systems has been segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America. The market size and forecast for each region has been provided for the period from 2014 to 2024 along with the CAGR (%) for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. The study also includes quantitative analysis of the competitive scenario for major countries/regions such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, India, Australia, Indonesia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Brazil in country snippet segments. The analysis by component, application and regions helps in evaluating the present scenario and growth prospects of the warehouse management systems market over the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.Enquiry @A list of recommendations have been provided for new entrants to help them establish a strong presence and for existing market players to take strategic decisions and strengthen their market position in the global warehouse management systems market. The report concludes with the profiles of major players in the warehouse management systems market on the basis of various attributes, such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, SWOT analysis, segment presence, and recent developments. The major players profiled in this report include HighJump Software, Tecsys, Inc., Infor Inc., JDA Software Group, Inc., LogFire Inc., Made4net LLC, Manhattan Associates Inc., Oracle Corporation, Reply, SAP SE, Softeon, Inc. and Synergy Logistics Ltd.ResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States 2020 Competitor Analysis & Market Trends for Global Memory Implants Market http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/9dime7575/global-memory-implants-market-report-2016 http://www.marketintelreports.com/pdfdownload.php?id=9dime7575 http://www.marketintelreports.com/purchase.php?id=9dime7575 www.marketintelreports.com 2016 Global Memory Implants Industry Report is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions of the Memory Implants industry, focusing on the main regions North America Europe AsiaAnd the main countries United States Germany Japan China.Check complete report @The report firstly introduced the Memory Implants basics: definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain overview; industry policies and plans; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Avail more information from Sample Brochure of report @The report includes six parts, dealing with:1. Basic information;2. The Asia Memory Implants industry;3. 3The North American Memory Implants industry;4. The European Memory Implants industry;5. Market entry and investment feasibility;6. The report conclusion.Order a copy of Global Memory Implants Industry 2016 Market Research Report @MarketIntelReports (MIR) aim to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions, we do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.A group of industry veterans who are well experienced in reputed international consulting firms after identifying the sourcing needs of MNCs for market intelligence, have together started this business savior MarketIntelReports.MIR intends to be a one-stop shop with an intuitive design, exhaustive database, expert assistance, secure cart checkout and data privacy integrated. It curates the list of reports, publishers and studies to ensure that the database is constantly updated to dynamically meet the targeted, specific needs of our clients.MarketIntelReports currently has more than 10,000 plus titles and 35+ publishers on our platform and growing consistently to fill the Global Intelligence Demand Supply Gap. We cover more than 15 industry verticals being: Automotive, Electronics, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Chemicals, Building & Construction, Agriculture, Food & Beverages, Banking & Finance, Media and Government, Public Sector Studies.Contact us:Sales ManagerMayur S.2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400,Wilmington,Delaware,19808United Statespr@marketintelreports.comTelephone: 1-302-261-5343 Increasing Maternal Age to Propel Global Prenatal and Newborn Genetic Testing Market to US$8.37 Billion by 2019 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1744 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Genetic testing is a systematic diagnostic and screening technique usually applied to detect risk of genetic disorders in unicellular and multicellular organisms. This technique in a broader sense includes biochemical tests for the detection of possible presence of genetic diseases or mutant forms of genes associated with increased risk of developing genetic disorders. Genetic testing is broadly segmented as newborn screening, diagnostic testing, carrier testing, prenatal testing, pre-implantation testing, predictive and forensic testing. Prenatal and newborn genetic testing market is segmented on the basis of technology and geography. Prenatal and newborn genetic testing refers to the utilization of screening/diagnostic procedures of a fetus or a new born baby to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Patau syndrome and Edward syndrome.The prenatal and newborn genetic testing market by technology is further segmented as diagnostic tests and screening tests. The diagnostic tests segment covers the global market for techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), while screening tests include non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and maternal serum screening (MSS).Download Exclusive Sample Copy of Report -The prenatal and newborn genetic testing market is driven by increasing maternal age and late pregnancies, technological advancements and growing awareness about genetic disorders in the fetus.Diagnostic tests are more effective, accurate and preferred option for detection of chromosome abnormalities compared to the screening methods. PCR technique accounted for the largest share among diagnostic tests category due to its varied applications and high efficiency. On the other hand, aCGH and FISH are most growing and developing diagnostic techniques owing to their high efficiency. While NIPT market (screening methods) is growing at a highest CAGR from 2013 to 2019.North America is the largest market for prenatal and newborn genetic testing owing to the non-invasive nature of NIPT tests that completely eliminates the risk of miscarriage associated with invasive tests such as amniocentesis and CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling). While Asia-Pacific market has a highest CAGR after North America as this market is driven by factors such as developing awareness about genetic testing, high prevalence of genetic diseases, increasing population and economic development. Rest of the World (RoW) is the untapped market due to lack of awareness, cultural barriers in the Gulf and African countries, and weak economic conditions in some African countries.The diagnostic testing techniques market consists of key players such as Bio-Rad Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, Perkin Elmer and Ariosa Diagnostics. Major players of the screening methods market are Sequenom, Inc., Illumina, Inc. and Natera, Inc. Overall Sequenom, Inc. and Verinata Health are the major market players of global prenatal and newborn genetic testing market because of their initial product launch in this market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Focusing the Spot Light on Tahini Industry on Global Dais http://www.topnewspress.com/global-tahini-industry-analysis/874780/ www.TopNewsPress.com Demand for Tahini has scaled significantly over the recent years, its growing usage in preparing food and beverage items is expected to foster the global tahini market over the next couple of years. By the end of 2016, the global production volume for tahini is projected to cross 314 thousand tonnes, which was estimated close to 305 thousand tonnes the previous year. A report published by Persistence Market Research (PMR) finds that the global production volume for tahini is set to reach 423,854 tonnes by 2025.Exposure of authentic Middle-Eastern culinary items on various parts of the world and their increasing demand in Europe and Americas is a major factor driving the popularity of tahini-based food products. In recent times, there has been a staggering rise in demand for tahini spread and hummus across the globe. Moreover, tahini producing companies are implementing aggressive promotional strategies including social media advertising and marketing in order to improve their overall product visibility in the market. Most popular tahini products available in the market include butter and spread, hummus, bakery products, halva, salads, toppings, and gourmet Middle-Eastern tahini items such as Baba Ghanoush. While the availability of an array of tahini flavors will continue to drive the market growth, their increasing adoption in restaurants and eateries is expected to further sustain the growth of the market.For More Info:Top News Press is a daily news site.Members of our team are experienced authors and journalists most of whom contribute to several journals and websites. They are passionate about providing the best and latest news on topics that make a real difference to the enjoyment, prosperity and security of our lives.You can always ask any question via Contact Us page. Ask any questions you have. We do our best to bring the latest news updates and service.With our regards,Top Press News50 Chin Swee Road,#09-04 Thong Chai Building,Singapore 169874International Number - +1-646-568-7751 Leader Biomedical and Urogyn collaborate to bring innovative new procedure Urolastic to India www.urogynbv.com www.leaderbiomedical.com 10 January 2017- Amsterdam, The Netherlands- Urogyn B.V. and Leader Biomedical are proud to announce that Urolastic - an innovative Urinary Stress incontinence product - has been introduced into the product registration process in India. This marks the first step towards bringing a novel therapeutic solution to patients and caregivers in India.Many women suffer from Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), radically affecting their quality of life due to restraining problems. Their social life is negatively influenced by involuntary leakage during coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. Urogyn has developed a product that shares the properties of being injectable, but does not shrink or degrade, thus remaining effective in the longer term. The material will also show up on X-rays and ultrasound, and can be removed if required.Urolastic is an extremely biocompatible rubbery compound that forms in place after injection. The product consists of a dual syringe that is connected to a static mixing tube with a needle. When the dual syringe is compressed, the two components meet and mix in the static mixing tube. The mixed compound is then passed through the needle. This permits small amounts of compound to be placed in the tissue around the urethra. The mixture forms as small flexible balls, which are over time encapsulated in scar tissue.Urogyn B.V. has developed a unique, innovative, cost effective, and above all, female friendly procedure for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women. Our product Urolastic provides a minimally-invasive treatment, which is performed under local anesthesia and delivers long-lasting improvements to the quality of life of the patient. Through our new partnership with Leader Biomedical we are able to bring this state of the art treatment for Urinary Stress incontinence to the Indian market. says Martijn Ligtenberg, COO/CFO, Urogyn B.V.The collaboration with Urogyn allows us to further increase our downstream value chain and supports our vision to continuously improve global access to next generation healthcare to India. We see great promise for this product here and we are diligently evaluating opportunities to carry the product in the Leader Biomedical network globally. As part of this larger goal, the product is expected to be introduced in India in the lag end of FY 2017, adds Basil Babychan, Business Director, Leader Biomedical Group.About Urogyn:Urogyn was founded in 2009 with the ambition of developing new products in the field of urology and gynaecology, based upon a two-component polymer technology. The first products are now used in the treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) for both men and women. More products are expected to be commercially launched in the near future for birth control and treating faecal incontinence ().About Leader Biomedical:Leader Biomedical seeks to become a leader in the supply of biomaterials and surgical implants, improving global markets access to next generation technologies, and medical devices ().Leader Biomedical Europe B.V.Herikerbergweg 300 | Diana Building1101 CT AmsterdamThe Netherlands Aerospace Robotic Market Characteristics, Segmentation, Key Competitor Shares 2021| says BMR Aerospace Robotic https://goo.gl/PZLy8O https://goo.gl/1UELQA http://www.bigmarketresearch.com Big Market Research has added a report, titled, Aerospace Robotic Market A comprehensive information and thorough statistics are offered in the research with the help of tables and figures.Request for sample copy:This report studies Aerospace Robotic in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringKUKA AGFANUC CorporationABB GroupYaskawa Electric CorporationElectroimpactOliver Crispin RoboticsUniversal Robots A/SEnquire full report:Key Points from table of Content:7 Global Aerospace Robotic Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 KUKA AG7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.1.2 Aerospace Robotic Product Type, Application and Specification7.1.3 KUKA AG Aerospace Robotic Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 FANUC Corporation7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.2.2 Aerospace Robotic Product Type, Application and Specification7.2.3 FANUC Corporation Aerospace Robotic Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 ABB Group7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.3.2 Aerospace Robotic Product Type, Application and Specification7.3.3 ABB Group Aerospace Robotic Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Yaskawa Electric Corporation7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.4.2 Aerospace Robotic Product Type, Application and Specification7.4.3 Yaskawa Electric Corporation Aerospace Robotic Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.4.4 Main Business/Business OverviewAbout Big Market Research:Big Market Research uniqueness lies in its highly ethical reports at economical rates because we value your relationship and growth more than money. Your growth is our aim.Our strength is in our research analysts who with their proactive approach can source best and correct information which can be detrimental in organizations success. We follow six sigma standards leaving no scope for error.Contact Big Market Research:Dhananjay Potle5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect :+ 1-503-894-6022Toll Free : + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb: Screen-print Label Market: Excellent Growth Opportunities due to Increasing Need for Anti-Counterfeiting, Track-And-Trace, & Tamper-Evident Features http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18053 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com One of the most vibrant and fast-changing element of the packaging industry is the product label, that not only provide customer with product information, but also replicate the product manufacturers brand by acting as a differentiating factor in product packaging.Screen-print technology can deliver high levels of sophistication regarding multi-process imaging, accurate, speedy automatic dispensing for premium prime labelling applications. Screen-print labels are also the preferred technology for flexible information print labels for example, track-and-trace/barcoding, and in store price-weight applications, using thermal or uncoated paper stocks. The increasing purchasing power of average customers and upswing in the adoption of innovative labelling tools are factors that have led to the significant growth in demand for screen-print label market globally.Download PDF Brochure atScreen-print Label Market - Market Segmentation:The global screen-print label market can be segmented on the basis of material type, ink-system type, durability type, end-use and by region. On the basis of material type screen-print label market can be segmented into paperboard, metal, plastic, glass. On the basis of ink-system type screen-print, label market can be segmented into conventional solvent-based, UV-based, water-based screen printing inks, glass-ceramic inks and others. Based on the durability of the screen-print label, the market can be segmented as a permanent screen-print label and temporary or removable screen-print label. On the basis of end use screen-print label can be segmented into food & beverages, automotive industry, cosmetics and personal care, clothing industry, pharmaceutical industry and others. On the basis of region, screen-print label we have segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa.Screen-print Label Market - Market Dynamics:Screen-print label market is pegged to remain one of the most key forms of labelling. Growth in demand for screen-print label market is expected to be strong for several reasons. Screen printing allows for printing on substrates of any shape, thickness, and size and also for printing front and backside of a clear label to ensure that lettering shines through. Another important factor contributing towards the growth of screen-print label market is that the greater thickness of the ink can be applied to the substrate that allows for creation of effects such as braille, glitter, scratch offs and raised text , that is generally not possible with other printing techniques. One important advantage of the screen printing process is that both flat and round packaging can be printed. In addition, there are also some high-value opportunity areas such as intelligent packaging that uses RFID or features time/temperature or sell-by date indicators. In addition, the increasing need for anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, and tamper-evident features further drives the growth in the screen print label market.However, there are some challenges in the screen-print label market. The rise of flexible packaging and pouches, which do not require an additional label at all can act as a restraint for growth in the screen print label market.Screen-print Label Market - Regional Outlook:Screen-print label market is expected to register a high CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, screen-print label market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the maximum growth in the screen print label market primarily driven by the developing countries like India and China. The rising disposable income, growth in the retail industry, urbanization are some of the factors that contribute to the growth in the developing countries of Asia Pacific. Europe is also expected to experience the healthy growth in the screen print label market as it accounts for over 60% of market share in the overall label market. North America is expected to achieve an above average growth in the screen print label market over the forecast period.Screen-print Label Market - Major Players:Some of the major players identified across the globe in the screen-print label market are Emballator Tectubes, CTL Packaging, CCL Industries, Viva Healthcare Packaging, Vetroplas, JACO Manufacturing Company, Verstraete IML, AFM - American Film & Machinery, Axon, BestCode, Diagraph, An ITW Company, Domino, Domino Digital Printing, EPI Labelers, FoxJet, An ITW Company, Frain Industries, Iconotech, Guangzhou DOY Label Co., Ltd., Xiamen Okay Commodity Co., Ltd.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, product type, material type and end-use.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Spouted Pouches Market is Boosted by Rising Out of Pocket Expenditure http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=14114 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Packaging plays a vital role in product differentiation. Interactive packaging helps companies to stay ahead of their peers. As a result, packaging companies are coming up with many new innovative products in the market. Spout pouches is one such attractive packaging which is in high demand. Spout pouches provides flexible packaging options for the liquid products and is suited best for logistics purpose. Spouted pouches comes in different sizes. All the products are fixed with nozzles. The nozzles are kept in such a way that it creates 90 degree angle of the pouch or in the center of the pouch. Expected increase in demand for beverages among developing economies is expected to boost overall sales of spouted pouches worldwide. Spouted matches market will is expected to expand at a moderate pace between 2016 and 2026.View exclusive Global strategic Business report:Global Spouted Pouches Market Dynamics:Global spouted pouches market is expected to be primarily driven by increasing consumer preference towards beverages. Increasing out of pocket expenditure and increasing consumer spending on food coupled with growing organized retail market is expected to boost overall sales of spouted pouches. Nowadays, spouted pouches is also gaining traction in baby foods market. Increasing environmental awareness has further added to growth in sales of spouted pouches market owing to its reusable property. Besides this increasing the growth of pharmaceutical sector and energy drinks can impact the growth of spouted pouches market positively. Spouted pouches is comparatively cheaper when compared to glasses. As a result, many end-users are inclined towards the product. The design of the spouted pouches is such that it can be used for branding their products. It does not take more spaces on a store shelf compare to the plastic and bottle glasses. Though the market is expected to gain healthy growth over the forecast period, availability of alternative products could pose a major challenge for overall demand for spouted pouches.Global Spouted Pouches Market Segmentation:The global spouted pouches market is segmented on the basis of type of application such as pharmaceutical products, alcoholic beverages, energy drink, lubricating oil, fruit juice, liquid soap. On the basis of size, spouted pouches such as segmented into 100 ml, 200 ml, 350 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml and 1 litter. On the basis of layer, the global spout pouches market can be segmented into two, three and four layer laminates. The global spouted market also can be segmented on the basis of colors of the spouted pouches such as red, green, blue, black, gold, silver etc. On the basis of components, the spouted pouches market can be segmented into straw, cap, film.Global Spouted pouches Market: Regional Outlook:Geographically, the global spouted pouches industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Asia pacific is the most lucrative market over the forecast period for the spouted pouches market for the increasing growth of food & pharmaceutical packaging. Asia Pacific is expected to be primarily driven by China and India where per capita spending has increased manifold over the last five years. Furthermore, the region has witnessed substantial increase in food retail market. Furthermore, ASEAN is expected to contribute a major share to overall demand for spouted pouches in Asia Pacific. Free trade agreement in ASEAN countries could help companies to capitalize on the market. North America and Europe are relatively mature market. However, companies are emphasizing on product innovation and distribution channel to strengthen their market presence in the region. Latin America and MEA are expected to grow at relatively slower pace.Global Spouted Pouches Market Players:The major players identified across the value chain of global spouted pouches market include Tyler, Glenroy Inc, Steripack, AMPAC, Foster packaging, HPM global Inc, Impak corporation, Purity flexpack limited, Swiss pack, WJ packaging solutions etc. In pursuit of growth, spouted pouches manufacturers are likely to invest more in the near future, particularly in the areas of product innovation, mergers and acquisitions and distribution channel.About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: VRAN (Virtualized Radio Access Network) Market to 2030 - vRAN Investments to Grow over 125% CAGR to 2020 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/the-vran-virtualized-radio-access-network-ecosystem-2017-2030-opportunities-challenges-strategies-forecasts.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/enquirybuy.php?reportid=85614 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=85614 MarketResearchNest.com adds The VRAN (Virtualized Radio Access Network) Ecosystem: 2017 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts new report to its research database. The report spread across 220 pages with table and figures in it.The vRAN market is presently at a nascent stage with most investments focused on virtualized small cells for targeted greenfield deployments and pilot engagements for macrocell coverage. However, as mobile operators realize the benefits of RAN virtualization, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 125% over the next three year period. By the end of 2020, SNS Research estimates that vRAN deployments will account for a market worth $2.6 Billion.vRAN (Virtualized Radio Access Network) refers to a RAN (Radio Access Network) implementation where some or all baseband functions are separated from the remote radio unit and run as VNFs (Virtualized Network Functions) on commodity hardware. This approach results in multiple operational benefits including but not limited to TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) reduction, performance gains and scalability. In addition, vRAN enables mobile operators to future-proof their networks for 5G upgrades.Browse full table of contents and data tables atThe "vRAN (Virtualized Radio Access Network) Ecosystem: 2017 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts report presents an in-depth assessment of the vRAN ecosystem including enabling technologies, key trends, market drivers, challenges, standardization, collaborative initiatives, regulatory landscape, deployment models, operator case studies, opportunities, future roadmap, value chain, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also presents forecasts for vRAN investments from 2017 till 2030. The forecasts cover multiple submarkets and 6 regions.The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report. Topics CoveredThe report covers the following topics:- vRAN ecosystem- Market drivers and barriers- vRAN architecture and key functional elements- Baseband functional splitting for vRAN implementation- Fronthaul networking technologies and interface options- Key trends including RAN slicing, RANaaS (RAN as a Service), neutral hosting and MEC (Mobile Edge Computing)- TCO comparison between vRAN and conventional RAN architectures- vRAN deployment models including Cloud RAN and virtualized small cells- Mobile operator case studies- Regulatory landscape, collaborative initiatives and standardization- Industry roadmap and value chain- Profiles and strategies of over 60 leading ecosystem players including vRAN solution providers- Strategic recommendations for ecosystem players including vRAN solution providers and mobile operators- Market analysis and forecasts from 2017 till 2030Inquiry Before Buying atList of Companies Mentioned (Total 102 Companies mentioned)3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 6WIND, ADLINK Technology, Advantech, Airspan Networks, Altiostar Networks, Amarisoft, Argela, Aricent, ARM Holdings, Artemis Networks, Artesyn Embedded Technologies, ASOCS, ASTRI (Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute), Broadband Forum, Broadcom, BT Group, Casa Systems, Cavium, China Mobile, China Unicom, Cisco Systems, Clavister, Cobham Wireless, Comcores, CommAgility, CommScope, Contela, Dali Wireless, Dell Technologies, DT (Deutsche Telekom), eASIC Corporation, EBlink, EE, Ericsson, ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), EURECOM, Facebook, Fujitsu, Hitachi, HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise), Huawei, IBM Corporation, IDT (Integrated Device Technology), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Intel Corporation, ip.access, IS-Wireless, ITU (International Telecommunications Union), JMA Wireless, Kathrein-Werke KG, KT Corporation, Linux Foundation, MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum) and many others.Key Questions AnsweredThe report provides answers to the following key questions:- How big is the vRAN opportunity?- What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?- How is the ecosystem evolving by segment and region?- What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?- Which submarkets will see the highest percentage of growth?- Is centralization a pre-requisite for vRAN implementation?- What are the benefits and drawbacks of each baseband functional split option?- How can vRAN reduce the TCO of RAN deployments?- How can mobile operators future-proof their RAN investments for 5G upgrades?- Who are the key market players and what are their strategies?- What strategies should vRAN solution providers and mobile operators adopt to remain competitive?Key FindingsThe report has the following key findings:- vRAN investments are expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 125% over the next three year period. By the end of 2020, SNS Research estimates that vRAN deployments will account for a market worth $2.6 Billion.- At present, most vRAN investments are focused on virtualized small cells for targeted greenfield deployments and pilot engagements for macrocell coverage.- Mobile operators are exploring multiple baseband functional split options for vRAN implementation, as they seek to ease the transition to 5G networks while reducing fronthaul costs.- The ongoing 5G race is expected to significantly boost vRAN investments over the coming years. SNS Research estimates that approximately $900 Million of all vRAN investments will be directed towards 5G networks by the end of 2020.Order a Purchase Report Copy atMarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and recent database of expert insights on global industries, organizations, products, and trends. Moreover, you always have the option of tapping into the services of our Research Specialists free of charge. Our Research experts have in-depth knowledge of the publishers and the various types of reports in their particular industries. They will help you refine search parameters, locate the full range of available reports, review the scope and methodology of the reports you choose, and give you informed and objective advice to make sure that you are making the right research purchase decision.Mr. Jeet JainSales Manager+1-240-284-8070sales@marketresearchnest.comAnand Nagar, Sinhagad Road,Pune, India - 411 051 Navy Airman, Everett Bloom, son of Deric and Ivy Bloom of rural Pickrell, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, North Chicago. Bloom is a 2016 graduate of Freeman High School in Adams. He is the grandson of Greg Bloom and Jan and Roger Sasse and the great-grandson of LaVon Hansen of Fremont. During this eight-week program, Bloom competed a variety of training which included: classroom study and practical instruction on Naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, also, shipboard and aircraft safety. After completion of A school in Florida, Bloom will report to his duty station here in the United States. Global Industrial Robotics Market: High Preference on Enhancing Industry Standards to Increase Adoption Rate, finds TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3187 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global market for industrial robotics is extremely fragmented in nature, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a research report. The competition among the players is expected to intensify over the next couple of years as the degree of product differentiation is extremely low and the barrier to entry for new participants is also flexible. As a result of this, the leading players are striving to gain the leading position in the global industrial robotics market and rake a considerable share of the pie. The leading companies have a significant scope of progress in emerging countries such as Brazil and India.According to a TMR analyst, The governments in these emerging economies are taking several initiatives to reinforce the industrial sector by improvising productivity. The developing countries basically import components, technology, and machines from developed economies such as Germany, Japan, and France. As a result of this, the developed countries are a potential market for the leading companies to grow their viability largely. The participants in the global industrial robotics market are Invensys PLC., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Siemens AG, Rockwell Automation Inc., Omron Corporation, Kawasaki Robotics, and Schneider Electric SA.Articulated Robots to Lead Market until 2020Based on the type of robot, the global industrial robotics market has been classified into SCARA robots, Cartesian robots, articulated robots, and cylindrical robots. In 2013, the articulated robots section led the market closely trailed by the Cartesian robots category. The other different types of robots such as cylindrical robots and SCARA robots are also projected to exhibit substantial growth due to the rising deployment of industrial robotics in several industry verticals over the coming years. These robots are extensively deployed in industries such as food and beverages, chemical, metals, precision and optics, rubber and plastics, automotive, and electronics among others. The functions that these robots perform include dispensing, painting, cutting and processing, milling, assembling and disassembling, welding and soldering, and materials handling among others.Get More Information :Geographically, currently, Asia Pacific is gaining traction in the global market for industrial robots and is the target region for market players to capitalize on. The growth of this region can be attributed to the robust adoption of advanced technologies and the rising demand for mass manufacturing and re-engineering in the industrial sector. The growth of the automotive sector of this region and rising installation of industrial robots in this sector is further expected to propel the growth of the market in Asia Pacific. The high deployment rate of robots in countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Australia, India, and China is also a chief factor propelling the demand for industrial robots in the region. In 2013, Asia Pacific also held the leading share in the global industrial robotics market.Growing Need for Automation to Lead to Mass Deployment of Industrial RobotsIndustrial robots effectively protect workers and labors from severe injuries and improve the safety standards of the workplace. Hazardous tasks such as the lifting of heavy components, welding, and handling of cold or hot objects can cause health problems and put a workers life in danger. A manufacturing or industrial robot does the same task as workers and in a much efficient and safe manner. In extreme work environment and in situations when high product quality is required in less time, these robots are really useful. They also help in decreasing the turnaround time by quickly carrying out tasks accurately and without interruption. This will help the industrial sector to be completely automated.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Cyber Security Industry :- Market Dynamics ,Demand Drivers ,Trends, Technological Developments , Key Challenges & Forecast http://www.researchbeam.com/the-global-cyber-security-2016-2026-market/request-sample http://www.researchbeam.com/the-global-cyber-security-2016-2026-market/purchase-enquiry http://www.researchbeam.com/the-global-cyber-security-2016-2026-market/enquire-about-report http://www.researchbeam.com/ The Global Cyber Security Market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.51% over the forecast period, growing from US$11.9 billion in 2016 to US$18.5 billion by 2026The Global Cyber Security Market 2016-2026 report offers a detailed analysis of the industry, with market size forecasts covering the next ten years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for Cyber Security, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.Download Sample Report @Key Findings:-The global cyber security Market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.51% over the forecast period, growing from US$11.9 billion in 2016 to US$18.5 billion by 2026. Increased threats of terrorist attacks, the need to secure maritime and offshore installations, and the growing vulnerability of IT and communication networks to hacking are expected to drive expenditure.Synopsis:-The Global Cyber Security Market 2016-2026 report offers a detailed analysis of the industry, with market size forecasts covering the next ten years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for Cyber Security, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.Request for Discount @Reasons to Buy:- Determine prospective investment areas based on a detailed trend analysis of the global cyber security market over the next ten years Gain in-depth understanding about the underlying factors driving demand for different cyber security segments in the top spending countries across the world and identify the opportunities offered by each of them Strengthen your understanding of the market in terms of demand drivers, industry trends, and the latest technological developments, among others Identify the major channels that are driving the global cyber security market, providing a clear picture about future opportunities that can be tapped, resulting in revenue expansion Channelize resources by focusing on the ongoing programs that are being undertaken by the defense ministries of different countries within the global cyber security market Make correct business decisions based on thorough analysis of the total competitive landscape of the sector with detailed profiles of the top cyber security providers around the world which include information about their products, alliances, recent contract wins and financial analysis wherever availableEnquire about Report @Table of Contents: Executive Summary Cyber Security Market- Overview Market Dynamics Demand Drivers: Analysis of factors that trigger spending within the sector Trends: Prevalent practices, industry consolidation and procurement patterns within the market Technological Developments : New products, processes and innovations within the sector Key Challenges: Obstacles affecting sector growth Cyber Security Market- Segment Analysis Regional Review Cyber Security Market- Regional Analysis Trend Analysis - Key Defense Markets Key Programs Analysis Description of key programs Delivery period, units and total expenditure Competitive Landscape AnalysisAbout Us:With the arsenal of different search reports, Research Beam helps you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency. With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Severs Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesU.S. & Canada Toll Free: + 1-800-910-6452International: + 1-503-894-6022UK: + 44-845-528-1300India: +91 20 66346070Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975Email: help@researchbeam.comWeb: Wind Tower Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Trends & Forecast 2024. Wind Tower Market, Wind Tower Market Research, Wind Tower Market Analysis http://bit.ly/2jyJgly http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/wind-tower-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Wind Tower Market: OverviewThe height at which a wind turbine is located is arguably the most important determinant of its performance and efficiency. This is where a wind tower acts as a crucial component. A wind tower is a tall structure, at the upper end of which the nacelle and the wind turbine are mounted. The length of the wind tower depends largely on the energy generation capacity of the turbine and the size of its blades. A wind tower with large blades thats not high enough could cause the blades to come in contact with structures on the ground. Thus, to keep the long blades of the wind turbine clear of the ground and other objects, it is imperative to choose a wind tower with an optimal height.Download the Exclusive Report Sample Here :While it is evident that the sturdiness of a wind tower is crucial, it is important for these components to also be low on maintenance and be able to endure continued exposure to the environment. The height of the wind tower has an impact on power generation the higher the tower the greater wind speeds it exposes the turbine to. Moreover, taller wind towers also take the wind turbine beyond the turbulence zone.Investments in wind towers are determined based on how heavy the nacelle and turbine are. The strength and stability of a wind tower, in turn, is directly influenced by the material it is made of, its gauge, and weight. The application is what primarily influences the design of a wind tower. Thus, wind towers for onshore applications are decidedly different from towers meant for offshore use.Wind Tower Market: Trends and DriversWhile onshore wind farms have now become common in nearly every major country in the world, the boom in the offshore wind energy sector will be both a challenge and an opportunity for the global wind tower market. Offshore environments can be merciless and corrosive, making the right selection of materials and coatings for wind towers important. The installation technique used also becomes important in such a setting. However, there are also several benefits associated with offshore wind generation, which are helping fuel the demand for wind towers for offshore energy farms.That renewable energy is the future is now a well-known fact. Wind and solar energy are expected to occupy a large share in the global energy mix, creating numerous opportunities for the growth of the wind tower market. However, the high maintenance and replacement costs of wind turbines could act as a restraint on the growth of the global wind tower market as well.Backed with ample government support, the prospects of the global wind energy industry seem promising. And this factor will ensure the steady if not tremendous growth of the wind tower market.Wind Tower Market: SegmentationThe types of towers that are available on the market include concrete, lattice, tubular steel, and hybrid towers. A wind tower could make up nearly 30% of the total cost of a wind turbine. Tubular steel towers are the standard in the industry currently but the use of hybrid towers is also rising with the development of lighter yet sturdier materials.Likewise, by application type, the global wind tower market can be segmented into onshore and offshore. With land becoming a precious commodity, many wind farms are now moving offshore into the oceans. This will lead to a higher demand for offshore wind towers, enabling this segment to display a higher growth rate than the onshore wind towers segment.The key companies operating in the global wind tower market include: Suzlon Energy Limited, ENERCON GmbH, CS Wind Corporation, GE, Siemens AG, and others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Browse the Full Brochure at :The study is a source of reliable data on:-Market segments and sub-segments-Market trends and dynamics-Supply and demand-Market size-Current trends/opportunities/challenges-Competitive landscape-Technological breakthroughs-Value chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:-North America (U.S. and Canada)-Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)-Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, --Netherlands, Luxembourg)-Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)-Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)-Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact TMRTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog : http://cmfeglobalreports.blogspot.com/ Business Systems Announced Finalist at FStech Awards www.fstech.co.uk/awards Business Systems (UK) Ltd, leading compliance and performance optimisation solutions provider, today announced that it has been shortlisted for the category Compliance Project of the Year at the FStech Awards 2017. The companys entry described the successful deployment of the Vocal Wordwatch portal by a leading multinational financial institution to address major technology and compliance issues related to its international estate of legacy call recording systems and storage media.At Business Systems, we strive to provide best-in-class solutions that enable financial institutions to effectively evidence regulated communications and meet the ever tightening directives like MiFID II, Solvency II and SMR, said Stephen Thurston, Founding Director, Business Systems. We are honoured to be recognised by FStech and the Awards esteemed panel of judges for our performance and leadership in market surveillance technologies.Business Systems compliance solutions portfolio focuses on helping financial institutions overcome challenges around the management of telephone and electronic communications. Well-supported by the companys professional services to address the markets evolving regulatory requirements, Business Systems delivers trusted solutions. This includes the awarded Vocal Wordwatch, a cutting edge virtualised playback portal that enables organisations who store recordings for compliance purposes, to search, replay and export legacy audio files from different voice recording systems, regardless of location, manufacturer or file format.Now into its 17th year, the FStech Awards recognises excellence and innovation in the field of information technology within the UK and EMEA financial services sector. Winning entries come from financial services institutions and technology suppliers who are leading the way in such areas as social media, customer service, compliance, mobile, online, systems integration, outsourcing and data governance.The awards are independently judged and the winners will be announced at the FStech Awards Gala Dinner & Ceremony on 23 March 2017 at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.Find out more:Business Systems is the UKs largest independent provider of compliance and performance optimisation solutions to organisations with critical communications including Financial Institutions, Public Organisations, Emergency Services and many in-house and outsourced customer service centres. Solutions range from basic call recording (on premise, hosted and mobile) through to quality monitoring, speech analytics and workforce management tools. The company ensures high quality and fit-for-purpose implementations with a range of value added services including project management, consultancy, integration, training, and technical support.Jas Matharu462 London Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4ED.Tel: 020 8326 8200 Becky Feola, Author Of The Eldercare Consultant, Named As Winner In 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading Book Awards Author Becky Feola http://www.beckyfeola.com Becky Feola, author of The Eldercare Consultant, Your Guide to Making the Best Choices Possible, has been named as a winner in the 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading Book Awards Contest. Her honors came as a result of her appearance on The Authors Show. Becky Feola was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process. The Eldercare Consultant, Your Guide to Making the Best Choices Possible, is a comprehensive and easy to understand handbook that clearly outlines strategies for assessing a seniors needs, identifying the best types of assistance, and how to find and put that support in place. Other important topics include how to pay for care, managing family dynamics, handling change and juggling everyones needs.I am honored," Becky stated, "to be included in this years 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading'. 'The Eldercare Consultant' was a direct result of having worked with over a thousand families dealing with aging/ill loved ones and having them insist that I needed to write a book detailing what I had explained to them so that I could reach even more families. This award validates that need and I appreciate the recognition. It is my greatest desire to use this honor to be able to promote The Eldercare Consultant and provide assistance to as many families as possible.Born to be a writer, Becky always loved creating characters and narratives with a special affinity for ghost stories. As an adult her desire to write was put on hold, as a result of lifes twists and turns. By the age of 45, Becky was widowed after supporting her husband through his 11-year battle with Huntingtons Disease. During his final days, she once again felt the presence of spirits and she knew he was passing between worlds. The experience re-ignited her desire to be a writer, as she began the next chapter of her own life.Feola's first book, 'The Eldercare Consultant', provides readers with the knowledge, support, and encouragement they need. Weaving together real-life stories with the essential information needed to make the best decisions, this compassionate and practical guide helps readers:* Spot warning signs of physical and mental decline* Recognize when a loved one needs assistance* Determine the level of care needed* Evaluate the optionsfamily caregiver, home health care, palliative care and more* Understand and manage the costs of care* Make the adjustment as smooth as possible* Avoid caregiver burnout* And much more'The Eldercare Consultant' has a 100% 5 star rating on Amazon. A recent Amazon review stated, Until you are faced with the emotionally-charged challenge associated with locating, securing, and transitioning a loved one to the appropriate living environment, you cannot fully appreciate the immensity of the task. I will be eternally grateful to Becky for helping me through the process when my Mother reached the point where she could no longer live alone. This book provides a treasure of resources and carefully walks you through every conceivable consideration to ensure the perfect selection is made for your loved one.Becky also bring her talent to the fiction genre. Her first novel, 'Winters Child', set in 1928 in Jerome, Arizona tells the tale of the murder of Josephine Wheaton and her unborn child. After spending extensive time in Jerome, including stays at the famous Grand Hotel, the story of Winters Child came to Becky in a vision. Following one of her visits, Becky awoke with the concept for the book, which is currently in production.Becky Feola is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at beckyfeola@gmail.com. The Eldercare Consultant, Your Guide to Making the Best Choices Possible is available at online retail book outlets. More information is available at Becky Feola's website.Award winning author Becky Feola learned the value of hard work and life while being raised on remote cattle ranches in Arizona and Wyoming. During those early years, she developed a keen sense of service and nurturing towards other living creatures while caring for orphaned calves, sick kittens and her colt, Little George.Later in life, she would find herself immersed in an 11-year battle as caregiver after her husband was diagnosed with Huntingtons Disease. The day her husband tried to strangle her during a frightening hallucination was the day Beckys life would change forever. After that incident and subsequent hospitalization, the doctors told her that her husband would never be coming home again. This led to a frantic search for a professional care facility that would tend for her beloved's needs as well or better than she could.Once he passed away in 2005, Becky healed herself by creating two businesses devoted to helping other caregivers find ethical and moral solutions to their needs The NJF Center for Caregivers and Assisted Living Advantage. Now, she has taken that passion a step further with her book 'The Eldercare Consultant, Your Guide to Making the Best Choices Possible'.Becky lives in Phoenix, Arizona and while continuing to provide eldercare services, she is currently working on a novel series.PO Box 1613Shallotte, NC 28459 Fish Processing Market 2016 World Analysis and Forecast to 2024 https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/fish-processing-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/toc/fish-processing-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/fish-processing-market https://zionmarketresearch.wordpress.com/ http://www.zionmarketresearch.com Global Fish Processing Market: OverviewThe practice associated with fish and fish products is known as fish processing. The process begins with the catching of fish and continues until the finished product is reached to the consumer. This finished product is in the ready-to-eat form. It covers all aquatic organisms under fish processing. Fish processing is mainly followed to protect them from decaying. Fish is the extremely perishable food product and hence it needs proper preservation method to extend its shelf life & maintain its nutritional quality. Some dried seafood such as shrimps, dried fish, dried octopus, dried oysters, and many other are gaining popularity among people. Moreover, some of the well-known fish processes used to preserve fish include surimi, curing, salting, drying, and smoking. For example, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and SNV Ghana collaborated to introduce a new fishing technology in order to provide cleaner and healthier fist to meet local as well as international standards.Request Free Sample Report @Global Fish Processing Market: Growth FactorsThis market is mainly driven by health benefits and high nutritional value of the fish and fish products. Growing health concerns and aquaculture industry are contributing to the global non-food processing application market growth. The introduction of modern techniques and motorization of fishing boats are expected to boost the global market in the near future. In addition, government support for fishing activities and technological advancement also fuel the global fish processing market.Global Fish Processing Market: SegmentationThe global fish processing market is segmented on the basis of application as non-food processing application and food processing application. Of these, non-food processing application is the fastest growing application segment in the global market owing to increasing use in the industrial applications. Non-food processing application is further sub-segmented as fertilizers, fish oil, industrial uses, fish meal, and cosmetics. Based on the category, the global market is bifurcated as preserved, frozen, and others. The global market is further divided based on equipment as curing & smoking, slaughtering, deboning, scaling, filleting, skinning, gutting, and others.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Fish Processing Market: Regional AnalysisEurope is the dominating region in the global fish processing market. It is accompanied with abundant facilities such as boats, advanced machinery, and others which are anticipated to boost the global fish processing market in future. In European countries, cold smoking and hot smoking fish preserving methods are used on the large extent. Import for varieties of fish and shrimp from Asian economies will contribute to the global fish processing market growth. Portugal is the fastest growing region in the European country with augmenting demand for sardine, turbot, hake, oysters, clams, and cod. Some European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Poland, and Denmark have fishery as their main occupation and thus they majorly contribute to the GDP growth. They are leading exporters to the North American and European countries.Global Fish Processing Market: Competitive PlayersMajor players dominating the global fish processing market include Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Norway Pelagic ASA, Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, High Liner Foods Incorporated, and Pescanova S.A. Other key players influencing the global market are Marine Harvest ASA, Thai Union Frozen Products PLC, Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., Leroy Seafood Group ASA, and Royal Greenland A/S.Browse detail report @Global Fish Processing Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaWhat Report ProvidesFull in-depth analysis of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsSegmentation details of the marketFormer, on-going, and projected market analysis in terms of volume and valueAssessment of niche industry developmentsMarket share analysisKey strategies of major playersEmerging segments and regional marketsTestimonials to companies in order to fortify their foothold in the marketVisit Our Blog:About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane, Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite: Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Global Market Research Report, Manufacturers, Analysis and Forecast To 2021 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/868272-global-mobile-industrial-hydraulic-filters-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/868272-global-mobile-industrial-hydraulic-filters-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/868272-global-mobile-industrial-hydraulic-filters-market-research-report-2017 www.wiseguyreports.com SUMMARY:Browse the full report @This report studies Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringPallHydacParker HannifinBaldwinSMC CorporationBosch RexrothCaterpillarDonalsonUFI FilterMahleYamashinSchroeder IndustriesCim-TekIkronOMT S.p.AEatonLenz IncGroupe HIFILEEMINJuepaiXinxiang AviationDepaikeChangzheng HydraulicEvotekMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoSuction Side FiltersPressure Side FiltersReturn Side FiltersOff Line FiltersIn-Tank Breather FiltersSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters in each application, can be divided intoConstruction MachineryPetrochemical & Chemical IndustryMining IndustryOthersGet Sample Copy of this Report @Table of ContentGlobal Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Market Research Report 20171 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters1.2 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters by Type in 20151.2.2 Suction Side Filters1.2.3 Pressure Side Filters1.2.4 Return Side Filters1.2.5 Off Line Filters1.2.6 In-Tank Breather Filters1.3 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Segment by Application1.3.1 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Construction Machinery1.3.3 Petrochemical & Chemical Industry1.3.4 Mining Industry1.3.5 Others1.4 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Market by Region1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters (2011-2021)2 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)3.1 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production by Region (2011-2016)3.2 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.3 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.4 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.5 North America Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.6 Europe Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.7 China Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.8 Japan Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.9 Southeast Asia Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.10 India Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)4 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.4 China Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.5 Japan Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.6 Southeast Asia Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.7 India Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)5 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.3 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Price by Type (2011-2016)5.4 Global Mobile Industrial Hydraulic Filters Production Growth by Type (2011-2016)CONTINUEDMake an enquiry @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune, India Pico Solar Photovoltaic-Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis of Top Key Player Forecast To 2021 Pico Solar Photovoltaic Industry https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/851424-global-and-chinese-pico-solar-photovoltaic-industry-2016-market-research-report https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/851424-global-and-chinese-pico-solar-photovoltaic-industry-2016-market-research-report https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=851424 Pico Solar Photovoltaic IndustryReport summaryThe 'Global and Chinese Pico Solar Photovoltaic Industry, 2011-2021 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Pico Solar Photovoltaic industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Pico Solar Photovoltaic manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.Request for Sample Report @Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2011-2016 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Pico Solar Photovoltaic industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export.The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. The report then estimates 2016-2021 market development trends of Pico Solar Photovoltaic industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Pico Solar Photovoltaic Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2021 global and Chinese Pico Solar Photovoltaic industry covering all important parameters.....Leave a Query @Table of ContentsChapter One Introduction of Pico Solar Photovoltaic Industry1.1 Brief Introduction of Pico Solar Photovoltaic1.2 Development of Pico Solar Photovoltaic Industry1.3 Status of Pico Solar Photovoltaic IndustryChapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Pico Solar Photovoltaic2.1 Development of Pico Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology2.2 Analysis of Pico Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology2.3 Trends of Pico Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology.Chapter Three Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers3.1 Company A3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Product Information3.1.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.1.4 Contact Information3.2 Company B3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Product Information3.2.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.2.4 Contact Information3.3 Company C3.2.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Product Information3.3.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.3.4 Contact Information3.4 Company D3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Product Information3.4.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.4.4 Contact Information3.5 Company E3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Product Information3.5.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.5.4 Contact Information3.6 Company F3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Product Information3.5.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.6.4 Contact Information3.7 Company G3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Product Information3.7.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.7.4 Contact Information3.8 Company H3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Product Information3.8.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.8.4 Contact Information............Buy now @Contact US:sales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Biological Machines Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2013 - 2019 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/biological-machines-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2335 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Biological machines are cellular devices designed to perform various functions such as protein expression, sensing, transport, information processing and actuation in a micro-environment. Also known as cellular systems, biological machines are used as tools for biological repair, implants for drug release, synthesis and sensing and also as organ mimics for drug testing. Rapid convergence of engineering and biotechnology is assisting in the development of biological machines. The biological machines market is in its developing phase characterized by under research and development technologies.A number of universities and research organizations are involved in the research and development activities for biological machines. For instance, bioengineers at the University of Illinois are trying to print biobots using 3D printers. The bioengineering department of the university currently aims to develop biological materials that can perform certain biological repair tasks. They have managed to print biobots from a combination of muscle cells and gel, which is a stepping stone towards one day printing of functional organs for implantation. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the research team at the University of Illinois will be developing simple biological materials using muscle cells and then proceed to genetically engineer cells that respond to light in predictable ways, allowing the creation of controllable biobots.This research is being performed at the NSF Science and Technology Center in the U.S., with other research partners at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Georgia Institute of Technology and minority-serving partners at City College of New York, Morehouse College (Atlanta, U.S.) and University of California at Merced (UCM). The NSF had granted USD 25 million in 2010, for a five-year term to establish the Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems Center (EBICS) each at MIT, University of Illinois and the Georgia Institute of Technology.View Full Report at :Besides healthcare, biological machines find applications in other aspects that potentially effect health. Researchers from the Imperial College London have demonstrated a way of developing a new type of biological wire using proteins, which interacts with DNA and act as wires in an electrical circuitry. This new wire has the capability of being re-engineered over and again to create billions of connections between DNA components. Re-wiring of DNA in yeast can aid in performing various tasks such as detecting contaminants in water supplies and recording environmental conditions in the production of biofuels.Once successful, new organs can be designed and implanted using biological robots which have the ability to sense drug or glucose levels in the blood stream and respond accordingly by stimulating or inhibiting the secretion. Biorobots can be used to perform nanoscale tasks inside the human body. Retinal implants, sensory systems, cortical implants, auditory system, nanotube electrodes and other such products can be developed using biological machine technology. Principles of cellular systems are applied to develop these biological machines i.e. implants and nanoscale products that can perform small tasks in the human body.Being at its nascent stage, the biological machines market is profound in the developed countries of North America and Europe. Approval of biological machines by the FDA and other regulatory authorities will require additional time as these machines directly react with the biological systems. The market for biological machines in the developing regions is still far from development owing to slower rate of acceptance and lack of advanced healthcare infrastructure.This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a technological growth map over time to understand the industry growth rateIt provides a seven-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsIt provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsDownload Sample Copy of Report at :About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: COSEC DOOR FMX www.MatrixSecuSol.com About the ProductCOSEC DOOR FMX is a cutting edge multispectral fingerprint based door controller, which boosts security and productivity of modern enterprises.How it WorksThe advanced multispectral technology of COSEC DOOR FMX reads surface and subsurface of a live fingerprint and gives very clear and strong image even if the surface layer is not available due to dirty finger, dry finger, oily finger, poor ridge image or other environment problems. As mentioned, it detects live fingerprint, which ensures access denial of trespassers with fake fingerprints. This unique identification process outperforms all other fingerprint sensors and provides robust, reliable and highly secured biometric information of the user.ApplicationDue to its powerful fingerprint reading algorithm, COSEC DOOR FMX provides high end security and can work in extremely harsh environment where a users fingerprint is difficult to scan.High SecurityHigh security is essential at places where risk of intrusion is high. A few industries where COSEC DOOR FMX can prove useful: Defence Airport R&D Gems and Jewellery BanksDifferent ConditionsCondition IndustryDry Manufacturing,Oil & PetroleumWet or oily Construction SitesMining IndustryManufacturingDirty Construction SitesMining IndustryManufacturingElderly Banks,R&D Centers,Pharma SectorVariable Pressure Mining Industry,ConstructionDamaged Construction SitesMining IndustryManufacturing Contact: MATRIX COMSEC394 GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara+91 93744 74302More@MatrixComSec.comABOUT MATRIXEstablished in 1991, Matrix is a leader in Telecom and Security solutions for modern businesses and enterprises. An innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization; Matrix is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like Video Surveillance solutions, Access Control, Time-Attendance, IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, Terminals, Convergence solution, VoIP Gateways and GSM Gateways. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global footprints in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa through an extensive network of more than 500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many international awards for its innovative products.ABOUT MATRIXEstablished in 1991, Matrix is a leader in Telecom and Security solutions for modern businesses and enterprises. An innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization; Matrix is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like Video Surveillance solutions, Access Control, Time-Attendance, IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, Terminals, Convergence solution, VoIP Gateways and GSM Gateways. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global footprints in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa through an extensive network of more than 500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many international awards for its innovative products.394 GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara-390010 Throw out the rule book? Well, no. But senators have proposed 27 rule changes this session for their book of directives. The change requests come after a tumultuous start to the session that saw the election of almost all Republicans to committee chairs, the election of three freshman senators to committee leadership and controversy in the assignment of committee members. The rules changes will get a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, and senators will debate them senators on Friday. They have proposed changing how chairpersons are elected, the numbers of members on specified committees and how they are to be assigned, the number of days senators can introduce bills, the use of electronic devices in the chamber and committee hearings and the production of fiscal notes. They also want to put in writing the number of hours considered full and fair debate for filibusters, and how offices and chairs in the legislative chamber are assigned. Sen. Burke Harr has an eight-page proposal on how 10-year redistricting is to be accomplished. Several senators proposed changes to appointment of committees, in wake of the controversy this session involving Executive Board and committee assignments that senators argued didnt honor the legislative district caucus recommendations, were too philosophically aligned or not philosophically aligned enough to the makeup of the Legislature. Four proposals for election of committee chairs and officers will be heard by the Rules Committee headed by Lincoln Sen. Mike Hilgers. Two senators have put a spin on the usual argument for a public vote rather than a secret ballot. Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion has submitted two potential changes: Allow the election votes for committee chairs to be secret, but require each senator to sign his or her ballot with name and district he or she represents, to be verified by the clerk. Ballots that are not signed or legible would be invalid. After the votes are tallied, how each member voted would be entered into the Legislative Journal, which is a public document. Kintner also proposed the same procedure for speaker, chair of Committee on Committees and Executive Board, but without the votes being entered into the journal by name. Sen. John Kuehn would change the election of committee chairs, speaker and officers to a voice vote, and the yays and nays of members entered into the Legislative Journal at the request of any of them. Filibusters and cloture votes are the subject of two proposals, one by Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz and one by Hilgers. Filibusters on bills came close to doubling in number last session, rising to 24 times a debate required a cloture vote to stop it. The numbers increase if times of extended debate without a cloture vote are considered. Bolz would put into the rules, rather than have it be by practice and subject to change by the speaker, the definition of full and fair debate on bills to be no less than eight hours on first round, and no less than four hours on each of second round and final reading. Hilgers would change the rule on cloture to require the recorded no votes of one-third of the members, 17 senators, for a cloture motion to fail. Several senators would change the number of members and meeting days for committees. Omaha Sen. John McCollister proposed changing committees that meet three days a week for hearings, such as the Judiciary and Revenue committees, to meet five days. Omaha Sen. Bob Krist would change 14 standing committees to have membership equal to a number divisible by three, which would be six members or nine members. He would also change the numbers of members on the Education and Revenue committees from eight to nine members. Sen. Burke Harr would reduce members on the Agriculture Committee from eight to six, and on the General Affairs and Urban Affairs committees from eight to seven. Other rule change proposals include: Allowance of bill introductions for 12 days in the long session, or odd-numbered years of the two-year legislative term Omaha Sen. John McCollister Communication using a cellphone, tablet or computer between any registered lobbyist and a committee member during a public hearing would be prohibited Kuehn Use of electronic devices, other than those issued by the state, would be prohibited in the chamber during final reading Harr The Clerk of the Legislature would preside over hiring and selection of legislative committee staff and legislative counsels Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen Fiscal notes would be delivered from fiscal analysts to the clerk at least 72 hours, rather than the now required 24, prior to a public hearing, and upon request to determine the impact of a bill, the fiscal note would be prepared within four calendar days rather than five Harr The policies of selection of offices and seating in the Legislature would be put in writing Omaha Sen. Sara Howard No member would be denied use of computers or access to facilities to fulfill their duties as senator, and no member would be required to sign any oath, pledge or other acknowledgement as a condition of that use Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus. Research report covers the Facial Injectable Market Forecasts, 2016 - 2020 http://www.sa-brc.com/Global-Facial-Injectable-Market-Assessment--Forecast-2016---2020/upcomingdetail43 http://www.sa-brc.com/Medical-Devices/upcoming1 www.sa-brc.com Growing popularity of minimally invasive cosmetic surgeries and increasing disposable income has led to substantial growth in the overall cosmetic procedures market. Facial injectable are generally used for skin rejuvenation, reduction or elimination of dark spots and wrinkles, and lip enhancement. The market for facial injectables has been broadly segmented as follows:Botulinum ToxinHyaluronic AcidCollagenPolymers and ParticlesDermal FillersClick For Request TOC@Hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) are commonly used long lasting facial injectable products which are reported to last from 10 months to 15 months depending on injection site. Restylane (Gladrma) and Juvederm (Allergan) are most popular hyaluronic acid facial injectable brands worldwide. Botulinum toxin marketed under brand names Botox (Allergan) and Dysport (Gladerma) is also one of the long standing products in the market. According to The American Academy of Facial Cosmetics, Botulinum toxin procedures for facial rejuvenation are increasing at a rate of about 4.5% annually in the U.S. Furthermore, statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that between 2013 and 2014, hyaluronic acid (HA) filler treatments had increased by over 8%.The global facial injectables market is highly competitive, and dominated by few global players. U.S. leads the overall facial injectable market; however the market is rapidly growing in South-East Asian countries owing to increasing trend for medical tourism. In the recent past there has been a surge of counterfeit products circulating in the Asian market. In 2013, ShanghaiDaily published that some patients had approached physicians with complaints of swollen face after using Botox products purchased online at substantially lower costs. In China, Hongli (Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products) and Botox (Allergan) are the only approved botulinum toxin brands. To tap lucrative market opportunity in the facial injectables market, various fake treatment centers have also emerged in this region.For More Research Reports@In October 2013, Allergan announced that Juvederm Voluma XC was approved in the U.S. as the first and only dermal filler for deep injection to temporarily correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area in adults over the age of 21. Cosmetic Botox accounted for 15% share in the companys revenue in 2013. In 2014, Gladerma (Nestle S.A.) announced that it entered into an agreement with Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. to gain full commercialization rights for Restylane, Perlane, Emervel, Sculptra and Dysport for use in aesthetic dermatology in the U.S. and Canada. These events have changed the global facial injectable market place. Zyderm, Sculptra, Captique, Hylaform, Artefill are other brands competing in the market.About UsSpearhead Acuity Business Research & Consulting Private Limited (SA-BRC) is a premium Life Science business intelligence and data analytics firm. SA-BRC team offers a wide range of business intelligence services to multiple stakeholders such as Medical Device Manufacturers, Service Providers (Hospitals, Payers, etc.), Suppliers, Group Purchase Organizations, Distributors and all other individuals in the entire value chain of healthcare industry. Our research and consulting capabilities extend across several sub-domains within the sphere of Life Sciences such as Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Medical Devices, Veterinary Sciences, Wellness Products and Pharmaceuticals.Contact UsJohn Whitmore10685-B Hazelhurst Drive,Suite 17411Houston, Texas 77043,United StatesPhone: +1(832)-426-3701Email: sales@sa-brc.comWebsite: Fundus Camera Market Forecast and Segments Till 2020 http://www.sa-brc.com/Global-Fundus-Camera-Market-Assessment--Forecast-2016--2020/upcomingdetail44 http://www.sa-brc.com/Medical-Devices/upcoming1 www.sa-brc.com Fundus cameras are ophthalmic devices commonly used for diagnosis of retinal disorders. Retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma are some of the diseases accurately diagnosed with fundus camera. Fundus camera market has been segmented as follows:Mydriatic Fundus CamerasNon-mydriatic Fundus CamerasHybrid Fundus CamerasRetinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) CamerasNon-mydriatic currently holds the largest market share. These cameras do not need bright light and dilating drops for accurate diagnosis. This also eliminates waiting time for pupil adjustment. Non-mydriatic cameras also have different filters which help in image enhancement. Both mydriatic and non-mydriatic cameras come in table-top and handheld settings. Table-top cameras have a higher installed base, hence lead the market. These cameras are also capable of delivering better image quality as compared to handheld cameras. Hybrid fundus camera have advantages over traditional cameras, hence would grow at a faster rate.Click For Request TOC@Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most preventable causes of blindness, which is a threat to over 66 million diabetes patients in India alone. American Academy of Ophthalmology mentions that primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is responsible for approximately 12% of blindness worldwide. The organization also states that POAG prevalence is estimated to be highest in China, and is lower in Europe and India. Diagnosis rate is low in under developed countries in South Africa. It is also possible that majority of the patients in these regions remain undiagnosed. National Eye Institute, U.S. states that age-related macular degeneration affects more than 1.7 million individuals in the U.S. alone. Considering the rapid aging population worldwide this number is expected to grow in the near future. Thus, large percentage of population is expected to demand better ophthalmic care in the future.Rapid distribution of new technology devices in the developing healthcare markets in countries such as Brazil, India, and other countries in the Middle East such as UAE and Qatar would help in faster market growth in these regions.For More Research Reports@The global fundus camera market is experiencing technological development and newer devices are launched with better image quality delivering detailed diagnosis. Volk Optical launched its Volk iNview fundus camera which is compatible with Apple smart phones. In 2016, Epipole Ltd. announced the launch of epiCam C which is a colour hand-held video fundus camera. VX-20 by Kowa Optimed, Inc., iFusion by Optovue, Inc., and X-1 by Canon, Inc. are other popular brands in the market. Canon, Inc., Clarity Medical Systems, Nidek Co., Ltd., CenterVue S.p.A., Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Kowa Optimed, Inc., Optovue, Inc., Optomed Oy (Ltd.), and Topcon Corporation are other leading players in the market.About UsSpearhead Acuity Business Research & Consulting Private Limited (SA-BRC) is a premium Life Science business intelligence and data analytics firm. SA-BRC team offers a wide range of business intelligence services to multiple stakeholders such as Medical Device Manufacturers, Service Providers (Hospitals, Payers, etc.), Suppliers, Group Purchase Organizations, Distributors and all other individuals in the entire value chain of healthcare industry. Our research and consulting capabilities extend across several sub-domains within the sphere of Life Sciences such as Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Medical Devices, Veterinary Sciences, Wellness Products and Pharmaceuticals.Contact UsJohn Whitmore10685-B Hazelhurst Drive,Suite 17411Houston, Texas 77043,United StatesPhone: +1(832)-426-3701Email: sales@sa-brc.comWebsite: Portland ABC affiliate KATU has cut at least two newsroom jobs, including prominent news anchor Natali Marmion, as part of a broader restructuring by parent company Sinclair Broadcast Group. "This was basically a restructuring of the station as we move forward to the year," said KATU general manager John Tamerlano. Marmion had worked KATU (Channel 2) for nearly 20 years, according to her biography on the station's website. She had been knighted as an honorary Royal Rosarian for her community work in Portland. Also laid off was Nick Bradshaw, an assignment manager who is highly regarded by KATU's news staff. He had been with the station since 2009. Tamerlano declined to say whether there were any other cuts in the organization. A Sinclair station in Seattle, ABC affiliate KOMO, recently laid off 10 people, The Seattle Times reported last week. That number included three in KOMO's newsroom. Update, January 10: The Washington Post notes Sinclair has also made a number of cuts at WJLA in Washington, D.C., most recently Maureen Bunyan, a 40-year broadcast veteran who had been at that station since 1999. The Post notes that Sinclair has nearly $5 billion in liabilities following its purchase of several stations from Allbritton Communications. "The traditional business model for network-affiliated TV stations has been to sink roots in the community, develop strong relationships with the audience and build goodwill that pays off in good ratings and high income," Andrew Jay Schwartzman, a lecturer at Georgetown University's law school and a public-interest advocate, told the Post. "The business is usually so profitable that they don't have to squeeze the last dollar out of the station. But Sinclair does." Sinclair told the Post that there is no connection between its personnel cutbacks and the company's financial status. Separately, both KATU and KOMO remain unavailable to Frontier Communications cable TV subscribers amid a prolonged dispute between Sinclair and Frontier unrelated to the layoffs. Viewers' voice KATU is off Frontier's cable network in the Northwest while the two sides fight over terms for carrying Portland's ABC affiliate. If you want to weigh in, here's who to contact: Frontier Communications : Headquarters in Connecticut -- 203-614-5600 Sinclair Broadcast Group : KATU's owner is based in Maryland - 410-568-1500 Federal Communications Commission : The FCC has intervened in such disputes in the past. . Rep. Greg Walden : Powerful congressman from Oregon is chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which has oversight of the FCC and cable TV. Reach his office at (202) 225-6730 or . The stations dropped off Frontier's cable network on New Year's Eve. Frontier was unable to come to terms with Sinclair over terms for carrying the channel. Negotiations continue, according to Tamerlano, but he said he was unable to characterize the status of the talks. In a statement, Frontier said is remains "ready to discuss a fair and reasonable contract extension." Frontier has about 20,000 cable TV subscribers in the Portland area, including Washington County and eastern Multnomah County. The company and cable regulators say subscribers' contracts do not allow them to opt-out because KATU is no longer available on its system, and Frontier says it will not be offering discounts. In addition to the local news, KATU offers such popular ABC programs as "Modern Family," "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," "The Bachelor" and "Dancing with the Stars." Many viewers can still receive KATU free, over the air, with an antenna. In many places even a standard pair of "rabbit ears" atop the TV will do the job. Since Frontier's customers are all in the suburbs, though, they are farther from KATU's Portland transmission towers and so may not receive strong signals. So-called "carriage disputes" have become increasingly common as cable companies and TV networks scramble for revenue in an increasingly competitive TV landscape. It's extremely rare, though, for local network affiliate to drop off a cable system for this long. Ann Goldenberg of the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission said the dispute's duration could reflect changing priorities for cable TV operators. Frontier, for example, heavily promotes its high-speed, fiber-optic internet service on its website - but doesn't mention its cable TV service at all on its main screen. That suggests that in an era of online video, Frontier may be putting its emphasis on internet connections instead of old-fashioned cable TV. And that may bode ill for viewers hoping Frontier and KATU/Sinclair will settle their dispute. "I don't know if this one will be resolved," Goldenberg said. "It's just hard to know what these companies are thinking." -- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699 Firefighters found a butane hash oil lab inside a vacant Oregon City building that caught fire last week, a police captain said Monday. Police are investigating illegal manufacturing of marijuana in the former Oregon City Grille restaurant building, said Oregon City police Capt. Shaun Davis. He said a fire investigator hasn't yet determined the cause of the blaze, which broke out Friday morning. No one was injured, according to a fire district spokesman. People in the area described hearing small explosions after the fire was initially reported, Davis said. He said police haven't made any arrests but that detectives are investigating people of interest. Police are investigating unlawful marijuana manufacture and possession -- both felony crimes -- as well as reckless burning, a misdemeanor. Police have seized marijuana, cannabinoid extract and evidence of illegal BHO manufacturing, Davis said in a news release. Making hash oil, a potent and popular form of cannabis, can be dangerous. Butane, a cheap and flammable solvent, is used to extract tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, from marijuana flowers and leaves. It can quickly fill a room, for example, and something as common as a pilot light can ignite a fireball. Gov. Kate Brown signed a law in 2016 making unlicensed production of marijuana extracts a felony. The provision is intended to target homemade butane hash oil setups. Butane-fueled explosions are relatively common in Oregon and elsewhere. Evidence from a December trailer fire in Springfield was "consistent with" BHO production. A blast rocked a legal marijuana business in Astoria last October, sending two people to Legacy Oregon Burn Center. A BHO-related explosion destroyed a Medford home last August. And Springfield police said a BHO lab was likely to blame for an explosion that propelled part of a home's refrigerator into its front yard in May 2016. The fire district spokesman said Friday's fire was contained to the second story of the former restaurant building, 220 Molalla Ave. -- Jim Ryan jryan@oregonian.com 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015 Noelle Crombie of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report Merrilee Cooley.jpg Merrilee Cooley, 68, of Johnson City was reported missing after her family last saw her on Dec. 26, her daughter-in-law said. Police found her missing car Jan. 5, 2016 with her dead body inside the trunk. (Courtesy of Wendy Eilers Facebook page) Deputies are investigating the death of a missing woman found dead in the trunk of her car as a homicide, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office announced Monday. Merrilee B. Cooley was last seen Dec. 26, and her family reported her disappearance under suspicious circumstances two days later, the sheriff's office said in a news release. Her car was also missing, and Milwaukie police found it at an apartment complex Thursday. An autopsy determined she died in a homicide, deputies said. Deputies ask anyone who has information about the killing or where Cooley had been recently to contact the sheriff's office. Tipsters should reference case No. 16-35366 when calling 503-723-4949 or filling out an online form. -- Jim Ryan and Tony Hernandez Snake River salmon Environmental groups are asking a federal judge to halt improvement projects at several dams on the Snake River. Advocates want to see four dams on the Lower Snake River removed to help salmon. (Torsten Kjellstrand/The Oregonian) Environmental groups are asking a federal court to halt 11 infrastructure projects on four lower Snake River dams in Washington state that could ultimately be removed if a pending review determines the dams need to come out to help salmon. The 45-page notice filed late Monday in Portland, Oregon, estimates the cost of the projects at $110 million. The National Wildlife Federation and the other groups in a separate, 29-page filing also late Monday asked that the federal government be ordered to spill more water in the spring over the four Snake River dams and four more on the Columbia River to help migrating salmon. A federal judge ruled in May that the U.S. government hasn't done enough to improve Northwest salmon runs and ordered an environmental impact statement that's due out in 2021, urging officials to consider removing the dams. The environmental groups contend that infrastructure improvements shouldn't be allowed at the dams during the review. "These kinds of investments should be suspended to ensure a level playing field for all of the alternatives agencies must consider, including the alternative of lower Snake River dam removal," Kevin Lewis of Idaho Rivers United said in a statement. The review process is being conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, an umbrella law that covers the Endangered Species Act. Thirteen species of salmon and steelhead on the Columbia and Snake rivers have been listed as federally protected over the past 25 years. Four of the listed species are found in Idaho. The Snake River dams cited in the documents are Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite. They're the four lowest dams on the 1,000-mile-long Snake River, itself a tributary to the Columbia River. The four dams are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and were built in the 1960s and 1970s. Scott Lawrence, a Seattle-based spokesman for the federal agency, didn't immediately return a call from The Associated Press on Tuesday. The $110 million listed in the document filed Monday is an estimate by the environmental groups that said the Army Corps of Engineers declined to provide precise numbers. The groups say more than half of the money is being spent on Ice Harbor Dam and includes new turbine blades. "The Corps is continuing to commit major capital resources to restoring and extending the useful life of the four lower Snake River dams without hesitation or pause," the court document states. The groups say the expenditures could be used to argue the dams shouldn't be removed -- The Associated Press Forest grove police car The following is a list of calls, provided by the Forest Grove Police Department, that officers responded to during the past week. Jan. 1 * A man called concerned for his safety after his lover's husband found out about the relationship and called him. * Police checked an address after a Beaverton officer reported that a frantic woman on a traffic stop was en-route to Forest Grove to check on her parents involved in a domestic dispute. Officers checked the home and learned the woman's mother lived in Washington state. * A woman called police reporting that a man was threatening her. When officers arrived, the woman asked officers the purpose of their visit and had completely forgotten why she called. Intoxication may have been a factor. Jan. 2 * A caller reported a man yelling at an electric meter. Officers contacted the man, who denied yelling at the meter and said he was simply talking to the house siding. He agreed to move along. * A man reported the theft of his passport even though he has reported it stolen multiple times over the past six months. Police learned the man is suffering from dementia. Jan. 3 * A man was trespassed from a local store after he made remarks about wanting to strangle an employee with a scarf. * A citizen reported vandalism to their vehicle while attending a funeral. * Police responded to assist medical personnel after a 69-year-old man called for help stating he was having a baby. At some point there had been a misunderstanding as it was learned the man was actually having breathing difficulty. Jan. 4 * Police responded to a fight near the high school involving a gun and arrived to find multiple people running. Several people were detained, including a teenage boy who had been armed with a black airsoft gun that looked like an actual handgun. The young man was charged with disorderly conduct and his parents contacted. Officers also explained to the boy and his mother how this could have ended far more tragically than with just an arrest. * Police responded to check on a man reportedly lying down near a bus stop. Officers contacted the man who was conscious and waiting for a bus. The man explained that injury prevented him from sitting. Jan. 5 * After a radio broadcast from the Beaverton area to look for a suspect vehicle in a county case with no plates, an alert Forest Grove officer spotted the car driving through town and stopped it. A sheriff's deputy responded and arrested the driver. * Officers found bag of a suspicious white substance that tested negative for illicit drugs. * A caller reported "despicable people" parked in a handicapped parking spot. Jan. 6 * Police located a man hiding underneath a pick-up truck at 5:30 am on Maple Street. The man said he was "playing a prank" on his friend by taping a cell phone to the underside of the truck in order to make a noise with it. Police confirmed with the truck owner that he knew the man, but he was not amused. The friend was told to leave and not return. * A woman called to report that she was having problems with her boyfriend using an adult website. She wanted police to check the website to see if her boyfriend was posting naked pictures of her. Officers confirmed the woman did not feel in danger and declined to check the website. * Police responded to a dispute between roommates arguing over a dresser. After leaving the address, officers were called back to another dispute between the same two people, this time arguing over a room. Jan. 7 * A woman reported strange activity on her computer that sounded like a virus. She was advised to disconnect from the internet and have the computer serviced. * An officer assisted a motorist stuck in the ice and moved the vehicle safely to the shoulder. * A caller requested a welfare check on her mother after receiving a phone call with an open line with what sounded like other people inside her room. The caller feared her mother might be in some kind of trouble and needed help. It turns out the mother was watching "The Hurt Locker" and had "butt-dialed" her daughter. By David Ignatius WASHINGTON -- The intelligence community's allegation that Russia intervened covertly in the 2016 election describes a significant assault on our democracy. The country needs to know more: The charge needs to be followed up with an independent investigation that continues after Donald Trump becomes president on Jan. 20. Congress should commit now to such a bipartisan inquiry. If there's a possibility that U.S. laws were violated by the Russian political attack, the FBI and the Justice Department should begin a formal legal investigation. The Justice probe could be led by an independent counsel or an experienced U.S. attorney, such as Preet Bharara of the southern district of New York, whom Trump has already said he will reappoint. The allegations about Russian hacking are framed in the unclassified report released last Friday by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, on behalf of the CIA, FBI and NSA. That report made strong charges, but it didn't provide detailed supporting evidence, which is contained in other, classified reports. The allegations are public, in other words, but not the proof. That's a bad mix. Indeed, it's potentially toxic when Trump has criticized the investigation as a "political witch hunt," and Reince Priebus, his choice for White House chief of staff, said the Clapper report is "clearly politically motivated to discredit" Trump's victory. Somehow, this allegation of foreign meddling has to be taken out of politics. Otherwise, it's too incendiary. It could be abused by Trump's critics, or by Trump himself. An independent inquiry is the best way to safeguard the rule of law, and the insistence that nobody is above it. Recall what the intelligence chiefs alleged in the Clapper report: "We assess Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election. ... We also assess Putin and the Russian government aspired to help President-elect Trump's election chances when possible by discrediting Secretary Clinton and publicly contrasting her unfavorably to him." How did Putin organize and implement this manipulative campaign? What funds were used, and from what source? Were any Americans involved in the effort? Did any Americans meet improperly with Russian operatives, in the U.S. or abroad? Does Russia believe it has any leverage over Trump, financial or otherwise? Are remnants of the Russian network still in place? On any such details of the alleged "influence campaign," the report is silent. That's understandable, in terms of protecting sources and methods, but frustrating for those who want hard facts to combat the "post-truth" environment in which people are skeptical of any assertion that lacks proof. At the top of each page of Clapper's report is a reminder: "Conclusions are identical to those in the highly classified assessment but this version does not include the full supporting information on key elements of the influence campaign." I'd argue that there is a genuine public "need to know" more of the supporting information, even if that carries risks. A hint of the secret investigation emerged on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. Chuck Todd pressed Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on whether there were "active investigations going on to try to figure out if there was coordination between campaigns and Moscow." Graham answered that the FBI and other agencies should "get to the bottom of all things Russia when it came to the 2016 ... election. Period." And he added: "I believe that it's happening." Nobody stands to gain more from a careful, unbiased investigation than Trump, assuming the Russians were acting alone. A thorough inquiry would give his presidency the solid legitimacy that any victor desires. It would also dispel worries that his moves toward rapprochement with Russia are tainted. Inevitably, as members of Congress are briefed this week on the classified version of the report, there will be leaks. That will provide more information to the public, which is good, but also more complaints about partisan leaking, which isn't. Incomplete or tendentious news reports could simply muddy the water, rather than fostering clarity. Trump seems to think that he can bury the investigation by treating it as a creation of his political enemies and what he likes to call the "dishonest media." He may well succeed, absent some formal investigative process that's endorsed by bipartisan congressional leaders, or shielded by our legal system. Such an investigation could actually pull a divided country together. Once it began, any attempt to subvert or steer it would be difficult. If it ended favorably for Trump, it would resolve questions that could otherwise haunt his presidency. The alternative is a continuing miasma of speculation and political skullduggery, which would be bad for everyone. David Ignatius' email address is davidignatiuswashpost.com. (c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. A search warrant served at a Colorado Court home has resulted in numerous charges against a Midland couple accused of drug trafficking. Tina Leigh Ornelas, 34, and Ricardo Reyes Cabrera, 42, each face charges of receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, two counts of delivery or manufacture of marijuana, possession of cocaine, felony firearm and possession of psilocybin mushrooms. Cabrera also faces a charge of felon in possession of firearms, as well as habitual second offender notice. The charges were brought by the Midland County Prosecutors Office after the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team served a search warrant at 1329 Colorado Court on the night of Nov. 30. At the time, two suspects, as well as a 13-year-old boy, were at the home. Inside the home, detectives found 15 pounds of processed marijuana, 11 marijuana plants, one handgun that was found to have been reported as stolen in Saginaw, another handgun unregistered to the suspects, three shotguns, about $9,000 in cash, psilocybin mushrooms, and baggies and scales with residue that tested positive for cocaine, an affidavit filed in the cases states. Detectives also located text messages indicating drug sales on cell phones at the home. Ornelas and Cabrera were arraigned on the charges by Midland County District Court Judge Michael D. Carpenter. Carpenter set bond at $600,000 cash or surety for each. The cases have been bound over to the circuit court. Cabrera is being represented by attorney Jeffrey J. Rupp of Saginaw; Ornelas is being represented by attorney Lee Burton of Midland, who was appointed to the case. The four-story, 82,000-square-foot proposal would be at the southeast intersection of Wylie Drive and Valley View Drive and would be accessible via both roads. BLOOMINGTON A 20-year-old woman testified Monday that the man who allegedly raped her later tried to pay her off in return for her dropping the allegations. Trevor Zivney, 20, of Toluca is charged with sexually assaulting the woman at her apartment near Heartland Community College during an Oct. 3, 2015, party. The alleged victim admitted she gave Zivney $30 to purchase alcohol for a group of underage drinkers. When he returned three hours later with a fifth of whiskey, she drank most of the bottle herself, according to her testimony. "I was barely able to hold myself up," the woman told jurors. She identified a vomit-stained shirt she was wearing the night of the incident, which was part of the state's evidence. She said Zivney led her from a bathroom into her bedroom where the alleged attack took place. The woman said she blacked out several times but recalls her weak ability to discourage the sexual activity. "I couldn't move my head without getting sick. I was feeling very helpless," she said. In a text message to her roommate the next morning, the woman claimed, "I was in a way raped last night." In several exchanges between the Zivney and the woman on Facebook, Zivney asked her about why she went to police. "This could ruin my life," he said, adding that "I will pay you cash." In another message, Zivney blamed her binge drinking for the dispute. "We both know it wasn't anything like you said it was," he said. Defense lawyer Steve Skelton argued that the sex was consensual and the allegations came after the woman learned that Zivney had lied to her about his involvement with another woman. That information "prompted the stakes being raised substantially from 'I was in a way raped' to 'I was sexually assaulted by Trevor Zivney,'" Skelton said in his opening remarks. Skelton asked the woman to explain discrepancies in her police statements, including her account of how her clothing was removed and how many times she told Zivney to stop his actions. The woman said could not recall some of her statements. BLOOMINGTON Students with the McLean County Diversity Project know a lot more about the legal system after a visit from the county's top legal officer. And, they were told by State's Attorney Jason Chambers that the decision on whether a criminal charge should be filed is the first step in a complex system that balances multiple interests. The group that includes junior high and high school students does research and holds meetings each year on topics related to diversity. This year, students have heard from speakers on the diversity of justice, with Chambers joining the discussion with students on Sunday. Before the students queried Chambers, he was asked by project director Jeff Schwartz about the use of DNA in criminal cases. Why, Schwartz asked, wouldn't the state welcome the chance to develop new evidence that may be relevant to a defendant's case? "It depends upon what they are asking to be tested. There's not always a direct link, so we have to know where it was located and why it was there," said Chambers. Chambers, who started his second term in December, cited a local murder case where DNA testing has been touted as a possible means of exonerating a man convicted of killing his 3-year-old daughter in 1998. The state agreed to portions of a request from lawyers for Bart McNeil for forensic testing, but opposed testing on a fingerprint collected from a window outside McNeil's apartment, said Chambers. Defense claims that McNeil's former girlfriend, Misook Nowlin, should be considered a suspect are not sufficient to test the fingerprint, said Chambers. "It doesn't mean your ex-girlfriend did the killing. She was in your apartment all the time," the prosecutor said of the defense theory. Normal Community High School senior Aishwarya Shekara asked Chambers, "Do you believe marijuana should be legal?" Changes in Illinois law to lessen penalties for possession of a small amount of marijuana have allowed people to receive an ordinance violation rather than a criminal charge. Chambers took issue with what he considers a deficiency in the new law when it comes to drivers who have used marijuana before getting behind the wheel. A determination of impairment has been an issue in some cases, he said. "My number one concern is people driving after using cannabis. I don't like the fix they made to the cannabis law in Illinois" in terms of public safety, said Chambers. The prosecutor told students that new court programs that address mental health and substance abuse issues that have put people into a cycle of criminal behavior are helping to reduce their return to the courtroom. "Mental health issues are vastly under reported in the criminal justice system. Our goal is to help people get out of that spiral," said Chambers. The decision on when and what charges to file against someone often requires reflection after a review of police reports, said Chambers, citing a 2014 misdemeanor case against former Illinois State University President Timothy Flanagan as an example. Flanagan was charged with disorderly conduct in connection with his angry outburst toward grounds keeping staff at the president's residence on ISU property. He was convicted and given 12 months of court supervision. Chambers said his decision came after thinking about the university official's conduct in the context of a hypothetical situation. "I thought, if this was a 23-year-old young black man acting this way toward a cashier at Wal-Mart, it would have been charged in a heart beat. That's when I decided to charge it and I thought, 'I'm getting talked out of it,'" said Chambers. Diversity students will close their series on justice with a visit by McLean County Public Defender Carla Barnes. Students also are preparing for a trip this summer to Auschwitz and several other sites near Krakow, Poland with Holocaust survivor Eva Kor through the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute, Ind. NORMAL A special prosecutor, appointed last spring to review the travel expenses of Normal City Council member Scott Preston, will not seek charges in the case. State Appellate Prosecutor Tom Brown filed the decision Monday in McLean County Circuit Court. It ends the investigation that began after questions were raised about Preston's travel expenses that included seven out-of-state trips since he was elected in 2013, frequent orders for room service and a record of tardiness in attending conferences he was paid to attend. "After a careful review of all investigatory material provided to me ... I have determined that no credible evidence exists upon which to base a criminal charge," said Brown, who is with the state's attorney appellate prosecutor's office. In a statement Monday, Preston said "I am of course pleased with todays outcome, which the facts have long supported. I welcomed this review, and supported the towns new policies, to ensure these kinds of inadvertent errors will not happen again. I humbly look forward to continuing my service to the people of Normal. Normal city officials declined to comment on the ruling. Questions were raised about Prestons travel expenses on March 29, 2016, after he asked for an expedited payment for a Washington, D.C., trip to the National League of Cities Conference earlier that month. After the $1,493.56 check was issued, Deputy City Manager Pamela Reece noticed a potential double payment of Prestons $249 airfare. Reece brought concerns over other expenses for the March trip to City Manager Mark Peterson, who asked Reece to pull all of Prestons travel records. That review turned up more questionable expenses, including some that were supported solely by credit card statements rather than itemized receipts, a practice allowed by the town's former travel policy. At that point, Peterson and Mayor Chris Koos decided to ask States Attorney Jason Chambers review Preston's records. Chambers, who served on the Normal City Council for nine years before being elected states attorney, recommended the town secure an audit of Prestons travel. He also suggested that an auditor review the towns 12-year-old travel policy. After a review of the audit reports, Chambers filed a motion on Sept. 2 for a special prosecutor to conduct an investigation. He cited his tenure on the council as a potential conflict of interest. At that point, Brown was assigned the case. Prestons travel habits included expensive meals sometimes shared with people not identified on receipts, room service during events where meals were provided and late registration for conferences that caused him to miss the bulk of the event, according to records obtained by The Pantagraph through a Freedom of Information Act request. In a previous interview with The Pantagraph, Preston admitted that his record keeping and spending habits were lacking, adding he paid $616.07 to the town in connection with the March trip to Washington. The reimbursement included a $249 charge for a change in his flight, something the town usually pays for, but Preston said he covered it, given the questions about his travel. "I never intended any harm for the town or the people of Normal. This has been a difficult way to learn a straightforward lesson," Preston said at the time. BLOOMINGTON Fixing Bloomington's aging sewers and many streets in disrepair remain top challenges for the city, said Mayor Tari Renner on Monday in delivering his fourth State of the City address. "It's critical to keep in mind that these challenges and problems did not appear overnight, and they won't be solved overnight," he added. But with recent economic growth and a sales tax increase to help finance capital improvements, Renner said he sees the state of the city as strong. "Weve had some serious challenges over the last year dealing with our streets and infrastructure and growing the local economy to create more jobs, but we are meeting them and are poised to make progress for the future," said Renner. Renner, who faces four challengers in a Feb. 28 primary as he seeks a second term, noted that the city has completed street resurfacing projects over two summers that were paid for with a $10 million bond approved by the City Council in 2013. "That bond along with dedicated revenue sources means we have put $22 million into street resurfacing (since fiscal year 2014)," said Renner, referring to $2.4 million from motor fuel taxes and $2.4 million from the local sales tax dedicated annually for just street and sidewalk improvements. "Now, we are poised to make even more progress in the future as we move forward with Streets 2.0 a much larger bond to help fund the repairs." Funding capital projects and working with Eastland Mall, which is losing three stores, to protect jobs and private investments also are among the challenges ahead, said the mayor. In growing the local economy and job creation, "we have had some major successes most recently of course with Rivian moving into the Mitsubishi plant," said Renner. Renner noted the addition of new stores have helped two faltering shopping centers in Bloomington see new growth. "We have now had a full year of the impact of Hy-Vee in Lakewood Plaza," said Renner. "We created a TIF (tax increment financing) district in the old Colonial Plaza and now we have Dicks sporting goods, HomeGoods and other stores in the new Empire Crossing." The project involving Green Top grocery, Bloomington Cycle and Fitness and Gingerbread on East Washington Street is the first multimillion-dollar investment in Bloomington on the Constitution Trail, he added. A new Kroger Marketplace store is expected to open next year at the southwest corner of College Avenue and Hershey Road, Renner said. There also has been success from revamping two Bloomington cinema complexes into new types of movie-viewing experiences: dine-in and IMAX theaters. Downtown Bloomington is benefiting from the addition of a Route 66 visitors center in the McLean County Museum of History, he said. There has been increased interest by private developers in downtown Bloomington, particularly in constructing a hotel/conference center near the U.S. Cellular Coliseum, said the mayor. Renner also noted that there are 100 fewer full-time city employees than the 850 employed in 2009. "We are delivering the same services to several thousand more citizens than we were seven to ten years ago," he said. "We are doing more with less and we're still moving our city forward. Chicago Sun-Times It's an embarrassment that our criminal justice system sometimes sends an innocent person to prison, often for decades. Compounding the shame, society often fails to do right by these wrongfully convicted people in the most basic ways once they are freed. Illinois does not always provide them with even modest financial compensation, though by law it is obligated to do so. Even at a time when Illinois has big unpaid bills and no budget, this is indefensible. People who have been wrongfully imprisoned, sometimes for many years, need support immediately upon being freed to restart their lives. As long as there is no state budget, people who have been exonerated can't get their money. The best way out of this unconscionable state of affairs would be for Gove. Bruce Rauner and the Legislature to sign off on a budget. But if that is not about to happen and it is not it remains unacceptable to keep innocent people, finally freed, waiting for their just and legal compensation. The (Champaign) News-Gazette It was with an air of triumph that the news media recently reported about a new state law that drafts hairstylists into the war on domestic violence. Illinois, the first state in the nation to do so, now requires that stylists, cosmetologists, aestheticians, hair braiders and nail technicians must receive an hour of abuse-prevention training if they wish to continue in their chosen field. The power of licensing gives the government work-or-no-work power over applicants, and Illinois' legislative policymakers, in their infinite wisdom, have decided that domestic violence is important enough to issue another mandate. There is no doubt that domestic violence is a serious problem, and it may well be that a hairdresser, armed with a phone number or a suggestion, can be helpful on the fringes of this problem. But the bigger question is how far the government ought to be allowed to go to draft private parties into the public effort to address this issue? The (DeKalb) Daily Chronicle For many reform-minded Illinoisans, one of the biggest disappointments of 2016 had to do with a decision they never got the chance to make in the voting booth. The Independent Map Amendment had the potential to reform the Illinois political scene. It would have taken the once-a-decade redistricting process out of politicians' hands (namely Speaker Michael Madigan's) and placed it in the hands of an 11-member citizen redistricting commission. But a lower court judge ruled the proposed amendment unconstitutional, and by a 4-3 vote in August, the Illinois Supreme Court agreed. We're greatly disappointed that Illinois voters were denied the opportunity to institute a far-reaching reform that could have brought real accountability to the Madigan-dominated Illinois General Assembly. With all the wailing and hand-wringing about the small war going on in Chicagos south and west sides, and all the suggestions being made about addressing socioeconomic problems, nobody seems to want to talk about a procedure that has been proven to work: stop and frisk. This is an enforcement policy that has been proven to work in New York City until the do-gooder liberal judges got in the way and ruled the policy was unconstitutional because it was racial profiling. While these people seem to be so concerned about criminals constitutional rights being violated, innocent people are dying on the streets of Chicago. In my opinion the PC police need to get out of the way and take their bleeding heart liberal judges with them. Chicago already has perhaps the most restrictive anti-gun laws in the nation but they are worthless without strong enforcement policies and no-nonsense judges who support the efforts of police. Strong enforcement procedures need to be put back in place, coupled with stiff mandatory prison sentences. If it means reactivating some of Illinois currently closed prisons and increasing the budget of the Department of Corrections, then let it be done. Black lives do matter, and so do the lives of those innocent, law-abiding citizens in Chicagos south and west sides. Get the criminals off the streets. Randall E Carney, Bloomington SPRINGFIELD The Illinois Senate wont vote on a proposed bipartisan compromise to end the states 18-month budget standoff until after the new General Assembly takes office on Wednesday. Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, agreed to hold off on a vote due to concerns among Republicans about voting on a major package of legislation that included tax increases during the waning days of the current General Assembly. We in the Senate recognize the problems (facing the state), and we are potentially close to an agreement on how to solve them, but were not quite there, Cullerton said Monday during a joint news conference with Radogno. He said the plan is to refile legislation that was filed Monday and to move it as quickly as possible to the Senate floor for approval. The House, meanwhile, passed another temporary spending plan Monday that would provide funding for social services and higher education through June, when the states fiscal year ends. The package that was introduced Monday in the Senate would increase the states personal income tax rate from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent and the corporate rate from 5.25 percent to 7 percent. Another component would provide an additional $740 million in funding for social services and $1.1 billion for higher education for the remainder of the states current fiscal year. The Senate also is considering legislation that would authorize borrowing $7 billion to help pay down the states backlog of unpaid bills, which currently stands at $11 billion. Also included are pension reforms that Cullerton has advocated, an increase in the states minimum wage from $8.25 an hour to $11 an hour by 2021, and changes that would make it easier to consolidate units of local government. A gambling expansion measure would create licenses for six new casinos, including one for the proposed Walkers Bluff resort and casino in southern Illinois Williamson County and another for the south suburbs of Chicago. The final package also could include changes to the states workers compensation laws, a referendum on amending the Illinois Constitution to limit lawmakers to 10 years in top legislative leadership positions, and an overhaul of the way the state funds public schools. Cullerton said the package is designed so that it only goes into effect if all the pieces are approved. Radogno said these discussions represent progress amid the ongoing impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled Legislature. One of the big takeaways from this is for the first were acknowledging that we really do need to link the reforms, the revenue and the budget all together, she said. Starting with that premise, weve made tremendous progress on areas of agreement. Radogno said she believes there will be Republican votes on all the pieces of the final package, but members were concerned about voting on it quickly during the lame-duck session. Because of the timing, there was almost no chance of the package being taken up in the House before the current General Assemblys term ends. But passing it would have sent a message that senators on both sides of the aisle were willing to compromise to end the standoff. The crux of the impasse has been Rauners insistence that portions of his pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda be included in budget negotiations and Democrats opposition to linking the two. The governor and his main political nemesis, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, were notably absent from discussions about the Senates plan. At an unrelated appearance in Springfield on Monday morning, Rauner declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal. Meanwhile, the House voted 63-49 to approve a stopgap spending bill that would provide an additional $400 million for higher education and $258 million for social services for the current year. The previous temporary budget for those programs and most other state operations expired Dec. 31. The measure, sponsored by state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, would be paid for with special state funds dedicated to social services and education. Its prospects in the Senate on Tuesday are uncertain. The House also voted 65-45 to approve changes to the states workers compensation system. That measures future in the Senate is also unclear. State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, the measures sponsor, said the changes are an effort to prevent excessive rates for workers compensation insurance. Democrats say insurance companies havent passed on to their customers savings from previous reforms. But state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, who is part of a group of rank-and-file lawmakers thats been negotiating on the issue, said he and other Republican members of the working group werent given any notice that the bill was going to be filed. Brady said he believes it was done as a reaction to the efforts taking place in the Senate. AF&PA Targets Regulations, Taxes, Transportation, Trade Among Top 2017 Advocacy Priorities "Regulations must be designed to provide net benefits based on the best scientific and technical information through a transparent and accountable rulemaking process, with due consideration of the cumulative regulatory burden." Donna Harman, President and CEO, AF&PA. Jan. 10, 2017 (Press Release) - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced 2017 advocacy priorities that include smarter regulations to unleash economic growth, comprehensive tax reform, efficient transportation and trade policies that advance U.S. competitiveness. The association will pursue these over the coming year to support the paper and wood product manufacturing industry's ability to create jobs and grow the economy. "With 900,000 employees in family-wage jobs in large and small communities across 45 states, the forest products industry is the face of U.S. manufacturing. Our future grows even brighter when forward-thinking public policy unleashes our ability to invest, innovate and compete on a greater scale at home and around the globe," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. "We look forward to working with the new Administration and Congress to achieve shared goals of growing the economy and creating opportunity for all Americans. Along that road, we will support policies that ensure regulations do more good than harm. And we will back key steps, including comprehensive tax reform, efficient transportation measures and trade measures that recognize our strong global market position, to set a foundation for economic expansion now and in decades to come." AF&PA's top advocacy priorities for the coming year: Smarter Regulations to Grow the Economy: The cost, complexity and volume of regulations disproportionately affects manufacturers. Regulations must be designed to provide net benefits based on the best scientific and technical information through a transparent and accountable rulemaking process, with due consideration of the cumulative regulatory burden. A top focus remains resolving the regulatory treatment of biomass carbon. In addition, we will work to stem the tide of overreach on air and water regulations affecting the industry, including modernizing the cumbersome air permit process and ensuring reasonable, science-based human health water quality criteria. Comprehensive Tax Reform: Comprehensive reform of our tax system will improve economic growth, job opportunity, capital investment and the competitiveness of U.S.-based businesses and is critical. Lower tax rates are needed for all businesses and reforms should support investment in US manufacturing while recognizing the complex global supply chains that make robust US manufacturing possible. Transportation Efficiency: Our industry's shipping functions must be globally competitive. Safely increasing truck weight limits on federal interstate highways and freight rail system rate and service improvements are necessary and have our support. Trade: U.S. paper and wood product manufacturers need unrestricted access to international markets and a level playing field among international competitors through the elimination of both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Trade agreements that generate substantive economic benefit to U.S. forest products manufacturers and their workers should be maintained. Enforcement of trade agreements and laws that ensure all nations play by the rules so that trade flow are not arbitrarily distorted is essential. AF&PA members' longstanding commitment to actions that promote the industry's sustainability will continue as a priority, as well as our efforts to ensure that federal policies give consumers the right to choose paper-based communications to receive essential government services. In addition to federal policy issues, AF&PA continues to work in several states around the country to address paper and paper-based packaging fees and bans, as well as ensuring that the carbon benefits of the industry's biomass energy is reflected in state-based policies. The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 4 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures approximately $200 billion in products annually, and employs nearly 900,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper. SOURCE: AF&PA Pennsylvania Offers First Quality $1.25 Million to Aid Expansion of Lock Haven Plant Jan. 10, 2017 - The state of Pennsylvania has offered First Quality Enterprises $1.25 million to help finance expansion of its First Quality Tissue plant in Lock Haven. First Quality in November had announced it would add state-of-the-art paper machines at Lock Haven and Anderson, South Carolina. This will be the third paper machine at Lock Haven. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said [on Jan 6] the Department of Community and Economic Development has offered First Quality a $1 million Pennsylvania First program grant and $250,000 in funding for employee training. The company, whose headquarters are in Great Neck, New York, would have to apply for the funding. First Quality also has been encouraged to apply for a $2 million low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, the governor said. The expansion, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2019, is expected to create 184 jobs. The full story is available at: www.pennlive.com. SOURCE: PENN Live (story by John Beauge) Welsh pop star Charlotte Church is the latest artist to turn down performing at Donald Trump's January 20th presidential inauguration; the Welsh chanteuse attained global fame as a child, with her heavenly-singing voice and chart-topping albums. Apparently, her more classical, religious-tinged origins, led Trump's staff to reach out to Ms. Church to see if she would lend her talents to ushering in the coming reign of horror. Unfortunately for them, they don't seem to know how Google works. This was Charlotte's (iconic) reply, via Twitter: @realDonaldTrump Your staff have asked me to sing at your inauguration, a simple Internet search would show I think you're a tyrant. Bye Charlotte Church (@charlottechurch) January 10, 2017 !!!! Header photo via YouTube London's Tate Modern Museum has just announced that it will be hosting a free pop-up Art in collaboration with Central Saint Martins. Hosted in its Switch House space, the project will provide classes and workshops, spanning drawing to performance, to combat the funding crisis currently facing public arts education in the UK. "We are concerned that in the current economic and political climate there is a systematic assault on arts education in the UK," the project's website reads, continuing that, "It is in this cultural climate that we want to place Art School in the museum to examine it. In recreating and reconsidering an art school at Tate we want to think about what forces are currently threatening arts education and what resistance we can offer." The project will be up until January 16. Find out more via the Tate's website here. [h/t The Guardian] Did you know that spanking as a means for disciplining children is banned in 51 countries? That number has recently gone up to 52 as France joins the list. The country has turned this into a law on Dec. 22. The banning is part of the Egalite et Citoyennete (Equality and Citizenship) that Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Marta Santos Pais passed in the French parliament, according to Violence Against Children. It covers the protection of France's 14 million children from corporal punishment but then the law is only symbolic. In other words, a parent or adult cannot be criminally charged for spanking in France and there are no court sanctions attached to it. According to Telegraph, many French parents actually do not favor the ban as 85 percent admit to spanking their kids. This doesn't mean, however, that the new law is useless. Family advocates believe that having the law can still help reduce child abuse and mistreatment as it raises awareness regarding harsh discipline. The stipulations of the law will be given out in family documents or read and advised to newly-married couples. For child support groups and protective agencies, this move is still a victory as it proves decades of research showing spanking and other forms of physical discipline as ineffective. In 2016, researchers at the University of Texas at Austin went over five decades of other studies on the subject. Data from 160,000 children revealed that spanking contributes, instead of corrects, to behavioral problems, according to the press release. Sweden was the first to pass a law banning spanking in 1979. Other countries like Argentina, Brazil, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Mongolia, South Sudan and Ukraine also have similar laws regarding spanking and corporal punishment, according to the Sweden Institute. The United States, on the other hand, has a law going as far back as 1977 that considers corporal punishment as a constitutional right, according to the Supreme Court. But in recent years, American parents have become more aware that spanking bears little positive results. In fact, a study published in the Pediatrics journal has shown that spanking among American parents has reduced from 1988 to 2011, especially in middle-income and highly educated families. There have been calls from advocates and government leaders to also ban corporal punishment in schools. Others have replaced detention and harsh disciplinary actions with more positive tools like meditation, counselling and therapy. Today, the United States is an acknowledged leader in the world when it comes to technology and scientific innovation. This leadership can be traced back some 54 years ago when the U.S. led the race not only to send the first human to space but also to become a leader in math, science, technology and engineering. Americans could not help but reminisce such greatness especially with the release of "Hidden Figures." This movie recalled the events and the American mathematicians who helped John Glenn orbit the earth. With such intelligence and greatness, one could not help but wonder if the U.S. can still hold on to its reputation as the leader of technology and innovation, given the state of its educational system. At present, there's an obvious disconnection or mismatch in the ability possessed by young Americans compared to the skills, which the 21st-century employment opportunities require. Wired said the dismal performance showed by American students in the PISA assessment for reading, math and science is proof of the urgent need to address the underlying problems in public education. Congress tried to remedy this by updating The Perkins Act, also known as the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act. This legislation aimed to reduce the education and labor requirement gap by providing over $1 billion for the country's technical education. As per People Net, there are many vocational programs in the U.S. but these programs do not really prepare students for the requirements of high-quality work opportunities. With the Perkins Act revised, students will have a better chance of meeting the demands of employers and become globally competitive. Many have called the legislation as a great investment in the future of America's young people. The academic sector is also banking on P-TECH, an education model that allows students to earn both a diploma in high school and an associate degree in the field of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The program is expected to arm students with basic STEM education while teaching them critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in the workplace. The P-TECH schools are located primarily in communities that are underserved both in the rural and urban areas. It is expected to be able to reach out to thousands of young students in no time at all. Tonsillectomy is a common childhood practice wherein 530,000 operations are performed annually. That is why it is so shocking to believe that a 9-year-old girl in Detroit named Anyialah Greer died hours after her 40-minute operation. The mother, Sonia Gambrell, was devastated and explained that she can't believe her daughter died from such a common practice. Her daughter was operated in Children's Hospital of Michigan, which is owned by Detroit Medical Center (DMC). Now, Gambrell has decided to sue the hospital. The surgery was done on Dec. 8, after which Greer suffered from cardiac arrest. Autopsy reports were not yet compiled but The Detroit News reported the medical reports suggested some complications that may have put the girl at risk. These complications included an obstructed airway, an undetected heart condition or even anesthesia. According to Gambrell, it was clear that Greer's condition wasn't stable after the operation. However, Dr. Bianca Siegel, the specialist who performed the surgery discharged the girl. The motive of this wrongful action was exposed when Greer died within hours of her discharge. James J. Harrington IV, a partner with Fieger Law of Southfield and specializes in medical malpractice, was introduced to the case. According to Fox 2 Detroit, Harrington was furious and accepted the proposal of representing the Detroit family. He was very concerned with the entire situation and was actively participating in the course of the action taking place. According to Harrington, the actions performed by the Hospital do account for considerable skepticism. He stood by the wrongful discharge and said that Greer's condition cannot be termed as stable if she died hours later. Moreover, Harrington was fixed over questioning every single person involved in the operation, including nurses and the anesthesiologist. To get to the truth, the arrangements and schedules followed in the OR were to be considered as well. Hollywood superstar Nicole Kidman might have it all but she is hoping for something big this year. The 49-year-old actress said that she hopes to have another baby with husband Keith Urban and she's leaving it all up to hope. It's no secret that Kidman has a hard time conceiving and had a miscarriage as a younger woman. Her two older kids with Tom Cruise Isabella, 24, and Connor, 21 were adopted, while she had Sunday Rose with Urban, 8, via surrogacy. Youngest daughter Faith Margaret, 6, was conceived naturally. "After so many years of trying, it was so against the odds," the actress said, per The Sun. "I felt my chances of conceiving again were slimmer and slimmer, and then we got Faith," she added. She was 41 when she gave birth to her last child. Kidman, however, strongly hopes that she gets pregnant again at 49. She revealed that being maternal is a strong family trait. "My sister has six children," she said, according to Daily Mail. "My grandmother had her last child at 49." Her maternal side might have also been the reason why she signed up for her latest movie "Lion." It is based on the life of Australian woman Sue Brierley who adopted a boy from India who tracked down his birth family as an older child. Kidman said that she found a lot of similarities with Brierley and in doing the movie, they have developed a good friendship. "She had that vision, and I had a similar [vision]," the Oscar-winning mom said. "I just always knew I was going to adopt. I just always knew," she added. Meanwhile, the actress revealed that she and ex-husband Tom Cruise are "at peace," according to News Australia. With their kids a lot older, Kidman said that Isabella and Connor have their own lives and need their parents less. But she also said that she will always be their "mother for life." Last year an attempt failed in the Legislature to end a lifetime ban on food stamps for people convicted of drug offenses. This year, a Nebraska state senator has proposed allowing those offenders to receive assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, but with conditions. Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte introduced a bill (LB128) Friday that would allow people with one or more felony convictions for possession or use of controlled drugs, or people with one or two convictions for selling or distributing those drugs, to receive food stamps if they get drug abuse treatment after the most recent conviction. Short of that, they could voluntarily take drug tests, and must test negative for illegal drugs and then be tested randomly at least every six months to qualify. With the bill, a person convicted of three or more felonies involving the sale or distribution of illegal drugs would still be banned from getting food stamps. Last year, Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld introduced a food stamp bill (LB690) to eliminate the ban altogether, which eventually was attached to another bill that failed to pass. Groene tried to amend the drug treatment requirement on to the bill at that time, but that attempt failed. Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz said at the time the amendment was not practical. We have long waiting lists for drug treatment. Drug tests paid out of pocket can be expensive. It would have been administratively burdensome, she said during debate on the bill. Morfeld had made the argument that benefits such as food stamps are critical for people getting out of prison and trying to keep from going back in. If a parolee cant get a job and cant pay for food, the temptation to commit crimes to get money for basic needs is greater, Morfeld and supporters of the change said. Groene has said his idea would require accountability, and would not be throwing people out into society without any help. This is the best thing to do, he said, to allow a person to turn down those opportunities to go out with their peers and party and take drugs, and to go to counseling and treatment and put their families first. Brothers Brendan and JP Byrne have written a book charting their experience with parental alienation and its effects. "Don't Hug Your Mother" tackles their lives as children of divorce and how they grew up without their mother's presence. The Byrne brothers, who live in Ireland, were only 10 and 12 when their parents separated. They had to live with a father who eventually banned them from having contact with their mom or else they would be subjected to physical and psychological punishments. "The result: we did not have any contact with our mother for eighteen years," Brendan wrote via Village Magazine. But as adults, the Bryne brothers began to wonder if their situation was unique. In trying to come to terms with their experiences as children, the brothers learned about the silent family epidemic called parental alienation. They found individuals with similar harrowing experiences they could sympathize with, which has led them to write their story and release the book, "Don't Hug Your Mother." Reviews from Amazon readers cite that the book is an honest first-hand take of children's perspective on parental alienation. Aside from the boys' stories, the book contains actual diary entries written by JP as a child and recounts how they've come to realize that their father has been using them against his ex-wife. "If she goes to hug you, duck out of the hugs," their father supposedly told them during their visits with their mom in the early years of the separation, as related to Patria Devlin on her site. For years, the Bryne brothers were brainwashed and manipulated by their father into believing that their mother didn't want them, until they tracked her in 2008. Reuniting with their mother was expectedly emotional but it also resulted in their father completely disowning them. "To be honest I was kind of delighted," Brendan told Devlin. "He was such a manipulator that I would have felt guilty if I was the one ending contact. I just thought, 'I'm free'," the author added. Parental alienation could be considered as a form of child abuse, according to Fact. Learn more about this in the video below. Gone are the days where school counselors are once called as guidance counselors, simply they do so much more than just guiding. School counselors also help the students with their college and scholarship applications, their career paths and also their mental health and wellness. School counselors play a significant impact when it comes to a student's career path and overall psychological well-being. Though it's initially perceived that guidance counselors are placed in a school to guide and encourage students, Terri Tchorzynski of the Calhoun Area Career Center in Battle Creek, Michigan explained the responsibilities of a school counselor during her interview with NPR. "Our role is different to every student that needs us, and you have to change gears pretty quickly," Marti Guelde, a guidance counselor at South Warren High School said, as reported by Daily News. "I tell students that their education is the one thing that nobody can take away from them, and it is the one thing that belongs to them only. Tchorzynski mentioned that a school counselor's responsibility varies per year or grade level. For college students, she mentioned that they aid students with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), school choices and career path. They also help students on the social-emotional aspects of their daily lives, especially when it comes to the child's behavior and personal problems, may it be at school or at home. Tchorzynski also highlighted the importance and the impact of the student's social and emotional well-being on his or her education. She also mentioned that they help students deal with emotional struggles for them to effectively perform academically. Moreover, Tchorzynski explained that aside from the emotional aspect, they also check the academic aspect of the students' overall standing in school. She mentioned that it is their responsibility to check the attendance and the grades of each student to make sure that they would be ready for high school or college. A study made by the Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago confirmed the Wahakura or flax bassinets are safe even for infants. The researchers found the risk behaviors of infants were the same in both the bassinets and the Wahakura. They also noted the infants who slept in the Wahakura did not only sustained but also increased breastfeeding. The study on the safety of Wahakura bassinet was published in a scientific journal Pediatrics. The researchers confirmed that parents can use the Wahakura as an alternative to sharing the bed with their infant as it is a lot safer. This bassinet is the perfect alternative for those who fear the Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). The study was conducted on 200 pregnant women from New Zealand, who were all given the bassinet for their infants. An infrared video was placed on their homes to check the safety indications for the babies including sleep position and head covering. It was concluded that it was safe and its use helpful among people in high-risk situations. "The study was motivated by the concern that Maori and other indigenous populations have greater rates of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)," Dunedin School of Medicine head Professor Barry Taylor said. "This is likely due to the high prevalence of bed-sharing where there has been smoking in pregnancy - a combination that is a major contributor to risk." According to Scoop, those who are culturally predisposed to bed-sharing should consider the crib. It provides the needed proximity and safe space for sleeping to the infant since it can be used in the bed of the parents. Medical Xpress said the findings of the study will hopefully encourage parents to use the crib for their infants. Governments were also urged to come up with policies that will encourage its use. Meanwhile, a Safe Sleep Program is being developed by the Ministry of Health. Hopefully, the findings of the study will be considered in the creation of the program. What are your thoughts on the Wahakura bassinets? Sound off below. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions A new Apple Store appears to be headed for Milan Italy and more specifically Piazza Liberty. It seems to be some kind of joint venture between Apple and Independent Film Reality Ltd owner of Cinema Apollo. City counsel said "It is an ambitious project and a truly international reach to deliver a new place in the city for the Milanese and visitors." It's going to be one of the most innovative and technologically advanced Apple Stores in the world. There will be a waterfall near the entrance of the store A segment of the local report roughly translates to stating that "The operation, which will lead to the realization of one of the most innovative and technological Apple Store in the world, provides for the lowering of the central part of the Liberty Square with the construction of an amphitheater open to the public and functional to host cultural events [as noted in the concept drawing below]. The amphitheater, made up of steps, will represent the heart of the square and will link the level of the same with another space, located at an intermediate level between the square and the underlying store. "Behind this is a glass screen made from a waterfall, which will mark the entrance to the store at an altitude of -3.24 meters from the plaza level. At the store you can also access from the stairs that will be realized within the so-called "portal", a fully glazed structure whose sides are placed two bowls of water, as well as two flights of stairs on either side of the steps and a lifter in the square to ensure the full accessibility of the shop. They will also be the interior completely renovated that currently house the Apollo cinema, redone flooring, reposition the neighboring grids to Via San Paolo and planted some trees." The report further noted that "The project had the approval of the Archaeological Superintendence Fine arts and landscape for the Metropolitan City of Milan and the City Hall 1. It was established that Apple will have to organize every year at least 8 free public events of great cultural and social terms agreed with the Administration and propose to the City at least 4 more events a year." You can access the original report that was published in late December here. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus. Jonah Goldberg is spot on. I opposed Wikileaks from the beginning. I still do. Im appalled that Russia tried to mess up our elections. Thats up to us Americans to do. I cant help but notice, however, that half of everyone cheering Wikileaks now were cursing it a half dozen years ago. Likewise, half of everyone cursing Assange and illegally exposed documents now were cheering the same a half dozen years ago. And oddly enough, theres nothing really different except who is being embarrassed. Goldberg explains: The only truly relevant new fact is that Assange is a useful tool for Republicans, and all other facts must be bent on the left and right to fit that new reality. Its the basis for our modern political dialogue. Our approach to social issues. Our reaction to events and tragedies. How we apply our principles and standards. Does it advance the agenda? Do we win? Is it helping the narrative? If so, then we react one way. Otherwise, we react another way. I notice some Catholics saying that anything short of total condemnation of Russia and Wikileaks is akin to crawling into bed with Trump and Satan. Yet I remember warning Catholics back in the day who were cheering Assange that maybe, just maybe, he might leak documents from someplace like the Vatican. Or worse for some, the DNC. Its not easy being objective. Especially in a nation that elevates punditry over principles. But the best way to do it is to imagine the same thing youre cheering for being against something you value. It wont solve everything, but its a start. Christ and the Good Thief (c. 1566), by Titian (1490-1576) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** (1996) *** Many evangelical Protestants like to point out that the thief on the cross next to Jesus wasnt baptized and went to heaven anyway (Lk 23:39-43). From this they then conclude that both baptism, and sacraments in general are unnecessary for salvation. This is a weak, insubstantial argument from the get-go, because it presupposes a fallacy of wrongly applying the elements of an extraordinary, exceptional situation to ordinary situations (i.e., the routine infant baptism). Thats as illegitimate as arguing from the hard cases of abortion to unlimited abortion-on-demand. C. S. Lewis said: the rules of chess are what create chess problems. One doesnt ditch the rules upon discovering a potential or perceived problem made possible by the very existence of the rules! The Catholic Church has always recognized the baptism of desire: Those who through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do His will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience those too may achieve eternal salvation. (Vatican II: Constitution on the Church, I, 16; cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1257-1261) In other words, the thief was in this situation. He had the desire for salvation (and, one might say, for baptism), but obviously was in no shape to receive it! But generalizing from this case to everyone is clearly illogical. Furthermore, Paradise in this verse (Lk 23:43) about the thief on the cross (if interpreted literally) is not even referring to heaven, and indeed could not, since Jesus was not yet in heaven on that day (today . . .). He was crucified on Friday and didnt rise from the dead until Sunday. In fact, He didnt ascend to heaven until forty days after that (Acts 1:3, 9-11; cf. Jn 20:17). Between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, He descended into Sheol, or Hades, the place of the dead (both righteous and unrighteous see Luke 16:19-31) to preach to the captives (righteous dead). We know this from passages such as 1 Pet 3:19-20, 4:6, and Eph 4:8-10 (cf. Rom 10:7, Acts 2:27). So, then, Paradise in Luke 23:43 is referring to Sheol, not heaven. The conclusion is inescapable from cross-scriptural exegesis. For example, Kittels Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (an impeccable and standard Protestant linguistic source) holds to this view, which is not just Catholic belief, but that of conservative Protestants as well (see also the reputable Protestant reference New Bible Dictionary, ed. J. D. Douglas, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1962 edition, 935). When some Protestants claim that baptism isnt necessary at all, they are in clear violation of scriptural injunctions or examples (e.g., Mt 28:19; Col 2:11-12; Jn 4:1-2; Eph 4:5; Acts 10:48; Gal 3:27). All Christians (excepting Quakers and the Salvation Army) have held to the necessity of baptism (if not regenerative baptism). There is no option for the believer on this point, provided he is able to be baptized (which the thief was not). Furthermore, baptism is explicitly tied in with salvation in several passages (Acts 2:38; 1 Pet 3:21 [cf. Mk 16:16; Rom 6:3-4], Jn 3:5; Acts 22:16; 1 Cor 6:11; Titus 3:5). These constitute proofs for baptismal regeneration, which is held not only by Catholics, but also by Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, Churches of Christ, and Disciples of Christ. It is certainly as necessary for a Christian to be baptized, as it is to receive Jesus into your heart (which cannot be found in the Bible in those terms), whether or not it is considered regenerative. I was reading through an article on Mother Jones when I came upon this: Education historian Diane Ravitch, who founded the advocacy group Network for Public Education in 2013, described unions as shocked and worried by the DeVos selection in an email to Mother Jones. The previous Republican administrations did not threaten the very existence of public education and teachers unions, she added. This coming four years is an existential threat to a basic Democratic institution: public schools. Trump has picked a Secretary who is hostile to public schools. This is unprecedented. That last bit that I highlighted? That is what has stuck in my craw every time Ive thought about Trumps nomination of Betsy DeVos. Im well aware that Republicans are test-happy when it comes to the public schools. Think No Child Left Behind. Im well aware that Republicans favor vouchers and charter schools. I know all this, but what scares me most about DeVos is not this, but rather her inability to say anything positive at all about the nations public schools. About a month ago, I read an interview (which I now cannot find) in which DeVos was asked whether she supports public schools. DeVos refused to say that she did. She said that she supported public education, which she defined as public moneys being used to fund education, but she refused to state that she supported public schools. She would notor perhaps could notsay it. The last time I checked, one of the most important functions of the Department of Education was to oversee national policy affecting the nations public schools. Shouldnt support for those schoolseven if one also supports school choicebe a prerequisite for the head of that department? Shouldnt wanting those schools to succeed, to serve students well, to receive the resources they need be a requirement? My daughter attends a public elementary school, so yes, this is personal. But you know what? Roughly nine out of ten students in this country attend public schools. Im going to go out on a limb and guess that the vast majority of parents would rather see their childs school improvein resources, in opportunities, in positive student-teacher interactionsthan move their child to another school. I have serious concerns about the frequent reliance on test scores as a measure of school quality. Because students background factors are so differentincome, race, parental educationtest scores alone dont actually say anything at all about school quality. Last summer Michigans School Reform Office announced that it would close every school that had been in the bottom 5% for the past three years at the end of this school yearroughly 100 schools total, dozens of which are located in Detroit. Well you know what? Someone has to be in the bottom 5%. Thats how percentiles work. Why not work to improve these schools rather than shuttering them? I also have concerns about vouchers and charter schools, primarily because both private schools and charter schools are frequently allowed to operate with little or no accountability. There are fundamentalist Christian schools that use the workbook-driven ACE curriculum, eschewing teachers in favor of classroom monitors. Charter schools generally dont have teachers unions, which also creates problemsI have a friend whose husband taught at a charter school for years, and the fact that he could be fired for any reason or none at all put a damper on what he felt he could take to the administration. Kids need teachers with the freedom to advocate for them. But again, all of this is beside the point when it comes to the core of my concerns about DeVos. I understand that Trump won the election and that he was always going to appoint a test-happy Republican nominee who supports vouchers and charter schools. I get that. But would it have been so hard to find someone who both embraces school choice and cares about and values our nations public schools? Surely such people exist! Why pick someone who has made undermining public schools their lifes mission, someone who cannot bring herself to say that she supports our nations public schoolsschools like my daughters? As a parent of two young children, I dont want a Secretary of Education who supports school choice as much I want a Secretary of Education who supports the school I chooseeven if that school is a public school. I have a Patreon! Please support my writing! Before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube made their entry in the media market, the PatnaDaily had already registered its presence in... Senators are introducing a package of bills this week intended to aid in the safety and well being of children in the states child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The bills include several priorities by the Nebraska Childrens Commission. Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz will introduce bills to support young adults leaving probation services without a stable home to which they can return. Those young adults up to age 21 coming out of probation services would be able to opt into the Bridge to Independence program, to receive assistance to medical care and case management, the same as young adults coming out of the foster care system. The goal of the program is to provide successful transitions to adulthood and to avoid homelessness. To qualify, those young people must be working, attending school or getting job training. Another of Bolzs bills would address issues, such as legal custody and parenting time, that can keep children tied up in juvenile court while other matters are resolved. When one parent has been determined to be able to provide a safe, stable home, child welfare involvement can end by using a bridge custody order to transfer the case to district court. Issues such as child support or divorce can then be resolved separately. I think that both of these bills will improve the success and welfare of children in our state, Bolz said. A bill Omaha Sen. Sara Howard plans to introduce would lower caseload size for child welfare workers. The inspector general for the child welfare office has investigated at least 22 deaths or serious injuries of system-involved children in child welfare during the past 2 years. Chief among the challenges Inspector General Julie Rogers found in her investigations was a high caseload burden on Nebraskas child welfare workers the front-line staff working to protect children at risk of abuse or neglect. There were also 36 incidents of sexual abuse of children after they were removed from their homes, Howard said. In the past, bills have set out caseload standards, but the state Department of Health and Human Services has not yet fully complied with those laws. Nebraska children are paying a high price for the way that we are treating our caseworkers, and for the high caseloads that theyre working with, Howard said. These individuals are overburdened, and its our job to do our best to protect them. Howards bill would cost the state $1 million for recruitment and retention of children and family caseworkers. She knows thats a high amount in a year that a near $900 million projected revenue shortfall will take a lot of attention to resolve, she said. But how do senators feel about the deaths of children, she said. Every time we lose a child whos in foster care, we have to look at whether that caseworker had adequate support to do that work. Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks again introduced a bill (LB158) that would provide kids across the state who are charged with crimes access to a lawyer. Often, youth waive their right to a lawyer without adequately understanding what they are giving up, she said. In Southeast Nebraskas Judicial District 1, which includes 11 counties, 36 percent of kids had attorneys in 2015. In Douglas Countys judicial district, 94 percent had attorneys. In Lancaster Countys Judicial District 3, 63 percent had counsel. The Legislature passed a compromise bill (LB894) last session that applied only to juveniles in Lancaster, Sarpy and Douglas counties. Those three most populous counties already provide counsel for youths, but the bill expanded that to consultation with an attorney even if the child is considering waiving his or her rights to one. In other counties, kids and parents are advised of their right to retain an attorney and that the attorney would be paid for if they cant afford one. But that happens only after they get to court, Pansing Brooks said. My legislation will close the gap and ensure that all kids in Nebraska have legal representation early in their case, Pansing Brooks said. US, Italian firms to save Iran's troubled appliance brands Arj and Azmayesh: Report 01/09/17 Source: Press TV Iran says it has started talks with major American and Italian companies to form partnerships with some of its oldest brands of household appliances in what appears to be a policy to prevent their demise. The announcement was made by Abbas Hashemi, the director general for household devices affairs of the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade. Headquarters of Iran's ARJ household production company in Tehran. www.arjco.com Hashemi was quoted by the domestic media as saying that the companies with which talks to were underway on the same front were multinational conglomerate corporation General Electric (GE), the American multinational manufacturer and marketer of home appliances Whirlpool Corporation, and the Italian Ariston Thermo Group. "A number of old plants in which household devices were produced were not renovated over the past decades and the technologies used in them belong to the first day of their establishment," Hashemi told Iran's IRNA news agency. "To the same effect, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade has stepped forward to hand over companies like ARJ and others to the private sector so that they can form joint ventures with reputable foreign brands." azmayesh-group.ir The official emphasized that Iran's private sector alone lacks the capability to make the required investments to revive companies like ARJ and Azmayesh. The solution, he said, is to hand over such companies to the private sector so that they can form joint ventures with foreigners to revive these brands. Established in 1937, ARJ was the first and the biggest producer of home appliances in Iran which started its activities by producing water coolers and refrigerators. It later expanded its production line to include gas heaters, washing machines, freezers and other devices. Azmayesh is ARJ's biggest domestic rival that was established in 1959 to produce an almost similar line of products. Reports emerged in the media in May 2016 that both companies had already gone bankrupt. Officials rejected this at the time but emphasized that both companies would be handed over to the private sector in what they said was part of a plan to salvage them. Rafsanjani: The Death of the Ayatollah Machiavelli 01/10/17 by Eldar Mamedov (source: LobeLog) Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (photo by Hossein Heidarpour published by Iranian daily Sobhe No) In October 2013, I was part of a delegation of the Social-Democratic Group of the European Parliament (EP) to Iran. The trip, which took place shortly before the Geneva nuclear interim agreement was reached between the P5+1 and Iran, was meant as a confidence-building measure between the EU and Iran, aimed at widening the space for diplomacy and re-establishing connections after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's toxic presidency. As such, it was the first official visit from the EP to Iran after a seven-year hiatus provoked by a string of misunderstandings, petty politicking and overbidding from both sides, but mostly due to the Ahmadinejad administration's poisonous rhetoric and flagrant human rights violations, which made it politically unfeasible for mainstream European politicians to visit the country. Among the Iranian officials that the delegation, led by the then-Social-Democratic-Group President Hannes Swoboda, met with in Tehran was the Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. At that time, Rafsanjani was the head of the Expediency Council, an institution he'd created to mediate between the different branches of power in Iran. More importantly, he was imbued with the mystique of someone who, together with the late Ayatollah Khomeini, was perhaps the most consequential leader of the Islamic Republic. Rafsanjani was the ultimate powerbroker, whose political skills and acumen prompted Ali Vaez, the Iran expert at the International Crisis Group, to call him the "Ayatollah Machievelli." Rafsanjani did not defy expectations. On a personal level, in a marked contrast to some decidedly dour characters representing the Islamic Republic, he came across as a gregarious man clearly at ease with a European delegation that comprised several female MPs. He was keenly aware of his place in the history of the Islamic Republic. For instance, he spoke at some length of his role as the "Commander of Reconstruction," as his supporters called him, during the years following the end of the Iran-Iraq war when he served his two terms as Iran's president (1989-1997). Like other Iranian officials meeting their Western counterparts, he didn't fail to complain about the West's backing of Saddam Hussein during that war, or the support that the radical Iranian cult Mojaheddeen-e Khalq (MEK), bitterly opposed to the Islamic Republic and removed from the EU terror list only in 2009, still enjoys in some quarters in the EU and the US. This latter point had an intense personal connotation for Rafsanjani. Like other top figures of the newly minted Islamic Republic, including the current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, he was a target of an assassination attempt by the MEK in a massive terror blast in 1981. Later, in a culmination of a bloody power struggle, the authorities massacred thousands of real and alleged MEK prisoners in what surely remains a stain on the history and reputation of the Islamic Republic. Yet overall in that meeting with the European MPs Ayatollah Rafsanjani lived up to his reputation as a moderate and a proponent of engagement with Europe. He spoke fondly of the days when, in his role as the president, he negotiated the normalization of relations with Germany. This detente included an end to assassinations of the Iranian dissidents in Europe-another dark chapter in the history of the Islamic Republic, in which Rafsanjani was deeply involved - and the beginning of what was known as a "critical dialogue" between the EU and Iran. Despite many false starts in his long career-such as a bold effort to reach out to the United States in 1996 by offering Conoco, an oil major, a $1 billion deal to develop offshore Iranian oil and gas fields, only to be punished with new sanctions by the Clinton administration-Rafsanjani was quite forward-looking and confident that at least Iran's ties with Europe stood a fair chance of prospering. Subsequent events have proved him half right. European diplomacy, spearheaded by the High Representative for the EU Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, played an important role in achieving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It continues to play this role through Mogherini's chairing of the Joint Commission tasked with overseeing the implementation of the JCPOA. European politicians and businesses are busy exploring venues of cooperation with their Iranian counterparts. Iran Task Force, established in the Mogherini-led European External Action Service (EEAS), coordinates the outreach of the EU institutions and confidence-building through concrete projects in areas as diverse as aviation safety and banking. In October 2016, the European Parliament adopted a forward-looking and detailed report emphasizing mutual respect, a relationship of equals (extremely important notions for the Iranians of any persuasion), and further engagement with Iran. And the Council of the EU, the bloc's main foreign policy decision-making body, has ratified this approach by adopting its own Conclusions in November 2016. These developments reflect a certain level of institutionalization of the EU engagement with Iran. The strategy is to create a dense network of connections and interdependencies that would make the survival of the relationship less reliance on single individuals. In this sense, although the EU certainly has reasons to lament Rafsanjani's passing as an influential Iranian advocate for rapprochement, it won't change much in the way the EU engages Iran. If anything, the disappearance of a strong ally of the moderate president Hassan Rouhani, up for a re-election in April 2016, and the uncertainty associated with the Trump presidency, should mobilize the EU to double down on its commitment to normalize relations with Iran. One area where Rafsanjani's hand will clearly be missed is regional security and relations with the Persian Gulf states. In its Global Strategy, adopted in 2016, the EU announced its intention to pursue a balanced engagement with both Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Unlike the US, the EU is well placed to mediate between regional actors, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, to end their proxy wars. Rafsanjani had ties with top GCC leaders and was respected by them as an elder statesman. His passing definitely removes a powerful advocate of lowering tensions with Saudi Arabia and other GCC states. More assertive elements, tied to the Revolutionary Guards, might benefit as a result. This will make the EU's task more difficult. Ultimately, only time will tell whether Ayatollah Rafsanjanis passing is more than a mostly psychological blow to the supporters of closer relations between Iran and the West. That it is not immediately seen as threatening to upend the rapprochement already testifies to the ground covered since that memorable EP visit to Iran in October 2013. Irans foreign policy is in the steady hands of the Rouhani administration and its foreign minister Javad Zarif. The death of Rafsanjani, however, also reminds us that the legacy of moderation and pragmatism can only be safeguarded if it is constantly built upon. That will be the main challenge in the coming months. This article reflects the personal views of the author and not necessarily the opinions of the European Parliament. About the Author Eldar Mamedov has degrees from the University of Latvia and the Diplomatic School in Madrid, Spain. He has worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and as a diplomat in Latvian embassies in Washington D.C. and Madrid. Since 2007, Mamedov has served as a political adviser for the social-democrats in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (EP) and is in charge of the delegation for inter-parliamentary relations between the EP and Iran. PHOTOS: Iran's Rafsanjani Laid To Rest In Tehran 01/10/17 Report by RFE/RL; photos by Islamic Republic News Agency The funeral of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is being held in Tehran. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians jammed streets around Tehran University, where Rafsanjani was laying in state on January 10. A national holiday has been declared. WATCH: Mourners Flock To Funeral Of Former Iranian President Rafsanjani, who served as Iran's president from 1989 to 1997, died of heart failure on January 9 at the age of 82. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, held prayers over Rafsanjani's casket. According to state television, Khamenei participated in the ceremony despite his "differences" with Rafsanjani, who was widely considered a reformist moderate. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holding prayers over Rafsanjani's casket President Hassan Rohani, parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and his brother, judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, were also among the officials who took part in the events. Major General Qassem Suleimani, the hard-line conservative leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' foreign-operations division, also attended. The streets of the capital were festooned with black banners and portraits of Rafsanjani. Fares for public transport were waived. Some videos posted on social media seem to show mourners chanting slogans in support of former President Mohammad Khatami, a political ally of Rafsanjani who is out of favor with the country's current leadership, and reformist leader Hossein Musavi. Musavi and Mehdi Karrubi, both reformist candidates who lost the country's controversial 2009 presidential election, have been under house arrest since 2011 for their role in postelection protests. On January 9, U.S. President Obama's administration issued a statement calling Rafsanjani a "prominent figure throughout the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran" and sending condolences "to his family and loved ones." Rafsanjani will be buried in the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the father of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. With reporting by AP, dpa, and AFP Related Articles: Rafsanjani: The Death of the Ayatollah Machiavelli In October 2013, I was part of a delegation of the Social-Democratic Group of the European Parliament (EP) to Iran. Among the Iranian officials that the delegation, led by the then-Social-Democratic-Group President Hannes Swoboda, met with in Tehran was the Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani... On a personal level, in a marked contrast to some decidedly dour characters representing the Islamic Republic, he came across as a gregarious man clearly at ease with a European delegation that comprised several female MPs. -Eldar Mamedov Iranians Pay Last Respects To Former President Hashemi Rafsanjani Iran has begun three days of mourning for former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died on January 8 of a heart attack at the age of 82. President Hassan Rohani and his administration on January 9 paid respects to Rafsanjani at northern Tehran's Jamaran prayer hall, where Rafsanjani's body was laid out. Death of Iran's Rafsanjani Removes Influential Voice Against Hard-Liners With the death of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Sunday, Iran's political factions knew immediately that any space by reformers to maneuver had just significantly decreased. - Thomas Erdbrink, New York Times Iran Just Lost Its Most Influential Power-Broker. Now, Everything Could Change. The sudden passing of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani could fundamentally redraw the political map in Iran -TIME Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: Iran's evolving revolutionary Iran's former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died on Sunday, was a pivotal figure in the foundation of the Islamic republic in 1979 and he continued to shape it. -AFP Reformist Iranian Journalist Convicted of "Propaganda Against the State" Completes One-Year Prison Sentence 01/10/17 Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran Reformist journalist Reyhaneh Tabatabaie was released from Evin Prison in Tehran on January 5, 2017 after serving a one-year sentence for interviewing Iranian Sunni leaders, posting critical commentary about conservative politicians on Facebook, and publicly supporting reformists. Reformist journalist Reyhaneh Tabatabaie The ongoing campaign of intimidation and prosecution against journalists and other members of the media in Iran by hardliners-which has not only focused on the reformist press but also targeted centrist journalists with close ties to the administration of President Hassan Rouhani-is expected to grow as the country's May 2017 presidential election draws closer. "Why should my daughter be punished for criticizing two presidential candidates on her Facebook page?" Tabatabaie's mother, Shahnaz Siaghi, told the Campaign for Human Rights in Iran in January 2016. "She only expressed her opinion about why she would not vote for them." "The propaganda charge was based on her membership in the National [Reformist] Youth Headquarters during the 2013 presidential elections, participation in a youth gathering in Shahr-e-Kord (city), and insulting two presidential candidates, Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, on her Facebook page," she added. Iranian reformists generally favor more liberal domestic policies and dovish foreign policies than their conservative counterparts and are regularly persecuted by hardliners. Tabatabie has worked for several news outlets in Iran including Chelcheragh and Iran-e Farda, Sina News Network, and newspapers Farhikhtegan, Kalameh Sabz, Bahar and Shargh," according to the semi-official Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA). Tabatabie, 36, was arrested in November 30, 2014 and charged with "propaganda against the state." In November 2015 she was sentenced to one year in prison and banned from working in the media for two years by Judge Abolqasem Salavati of Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court. Previously Tabatabeie served six months in prison between June and November 2014 for "activities aimed at implementing free elections and publishing news about the Green Movement," the peaceful opposition movement that grew out of Iran's widely disputed 2009 presidential election. mSecure password manager review TechRadar Pro Updated In our mSecure password manager review, we take an in-depth look at this password manager to help you decide if its the most secure way to handle your sensitive data. NationBuilder is a cross between a content management system and a customer relationship management (CRM) package, but that's because this membership management platform is geared more towards attracting people to engage with your cause rather than administering them as a group. The original focus of the firm's marketing efforts was towards non-profits and political campaigns, but they are now reaching out to musicians and artists as well as restaurants and anyone trying to generate an online following. For actually managing members in a functioning business, our Editors' Choice winner Zen Planner ($117/Month at Zen Planner)(Opens in a new window) is the best choice for fitness organizations, and Editors' Choice ClubExpress ($24.00 Minimum Monthly Hosting Fee at ClubExpress)(Opens in a new window) has you covered for any type of club. But for attracting members using social media, NationBuilder is worth a look. Pricing and Plans NationBuilder starts at $29 per month ($19 when billed annually) for its Leader plan, which gives you up to 5,000 people in your "nation," 1,000 of which you can email. For $30 per month, you can up that to 10,000 people and 2,000 emailable members, and for $49, you get 15,000 people and 3,000 emailable members, and so on. You can add capacity for up to 175,000 people, and for up to 195,000 people in the $199-per-month Organization plan. The Leader tier also gives you access to NationBuilder's People database with social account matching, email marketing blasts, two "action websites," a Goals dashboard with path workflows, and a module for events and fundraising on top of basic onboarding and 7-day technical support. The Organization tier ups action websites to 10, and adds functionality including text messaging (priced by volume), email A/B testing and scheduling, user-submitted events, an advanced Goals dashboard, and custom permissions. NationBuilder also has custom solutions for larger organizations: a $999-per-month Enterprise tier and a $5,000-per-month Network tier for much larger organizations. Overall, NationBuilder's pricing for small to midsize organizations is on par with that of platforms such as ChamberMaster (39.00 Per Month at ChamberMaster)(Opens in a new window) and StarChapter (Visit Site at StarChapter)(Opens in a new window) , coming in just under the Editors' Choices in both capability and price point (depending on member capacity and communication volume). NationBuilder's obvious competitor is WordPress, which can be used for free for basic content publication. But all the add-ons for generating donations, hosting events, and sending emails can be costly. The 14-day free trial is only about half of the usual 30 days that are offered by other managed services, and, worse, it requires that you enter your credit card information (which will be automatically charged at the end of the trial). Note to NationBuilder: a truly free trial would attract more tire-kickers. Building Your Nation When you first begin using NationBuilder, you define a "broadcaster," which is the name that will be used for email blasts and social media posts. You can then select free add-ons based on your type of organization from a short list. Then you pick a pre-set theme, and your color set and frame outline, and that dictates your overall style. If you've got a web designer handy who is proficient in HTML/CSS coding, you can customize your theme, too, though it would have been nice to see some basic WYSIWYG tools for this purpose. Generating an initial blog post is quick and easy, though for some reason the date on mine was more than two years earlier. You are guided through the process of populating your page with easy tips, and it's relatively simple to link pages. It helps to have some basic knowledge of content management to understand how the pages and modules fit together, but there is plenty of video instruction available if you need to see how it works. Customizing the types of contacts you'll have is a key step to help define the relationships you'll be housing in your database. There are seven pre-defined contact types built in, such as fundraising appeal, volunteer recruitment, and invite, and you can add more in Settings. You can also nest contact types to further identify the ways you contact individual members. Then when you contact a particular member, you can log the type of contact and find out when generating reports which type of contact is most successful for your organization. Free Add-Ons There are six free add-ons that you can select during set-up, and you can add them later when you're ready to use them. The Donation add-on lets you accept credit card donations, while the Volunteer add-on lets you recruit and manage volunteers. The latter allows you to designate a Point Person to your volunteer efforts, who then has access to the organizer. The Member add-on is an obvious module for those who are hoping to use NationBuilder to manage members, and it allows you to tag your members by interest. There is also an Activist add-on, for generating petitions and signatures, and a Customer add-on, for your retail sales. For politicians running for office, the Election add-on is a natural choice. First you define the election cycle, including primary and general elections if applicable, and include the voter registration deadline and maximum donation allowed. You can encourage recurring donations from your members by setting up an installment payment. The Election module matches a member's address with their appropriate federal and state districts, which is handy. You can import voter files from the NationBuilder Election Center from the US, Canada, and the UK. That way you can tell whether a member in your database is a registered voter, and if not, send them a nudge. If you will use a NationBuilder site to accept money, whether for donations, events, or retail items, you'll need to connect to a payment processor, which deduct their fees from the money you accept. Payment processors integrated with NationBuilder are Democracy Engine, Stripe, PayPal, PayPal Payflow Pro, Authorize.net, SagePay and eWay. These operate in a variety of countries, mostly in North America and Europe, those Australia and New Zealand are also covered. This wasn't intended as a retail point-of-sale (POS) system, but it works well as a donation engine or a way to collect membership dues. Targeting people lets you figure out which of the people in your database will be the focus of an upcoming outreach effort, such as email, text blast, event invitation or fundraising appeal. You can filter those in the database in a variety of ways, nesting criteria within categories to your heart's content. You can save filters to use again in the future, then take action on the resulting list. Any action you choose, such as sending an email to a list of people who have not yet RSVPd for an event, is then logged on each member's record. One particularly useful paid add-on is is text messaging, which lets you send text blasts to groups in your "nation." You might want to collect RSVPs for an event via text, or encourage your members to sign a petition. This feature is available only within the US and Canada, though, and will add $14-$599 per month to your fees, depending on the number of texts you send monthly. For an additional $59 per month, you can set up a custom email server. That's good, but for a tool that specializes in marketing to members, it seems as though custom email should have been a core part of the platform. Follow the Paths In the past year, NationBuilder has ditched traditional contact types in favor of a new feature calls "Paths," which serve as workflows to track a supporter journey or membership lifecycle. Paths essentially treat your followers and potential members as CRM leads but where converting a lead is replaced by completing a set goal or goals for the larger "Nation." It's a step-by-step workflow quantifying how an individual supporter is contributing to the whole, adding what amounts to project management (PM) task tracking to member incentives and goals. Paths can be accessed and set up via the People section of the control panel. You can edit default paths or create a new path from scratch. In the People section, click on Path View and then Path Picker to pop up a menu that lists paths currently available in your nation. You can create a path for anything, from becoming a paid member or volunteer to raising a given amount of money or achieving a particular reach milestone on a nation-building social post. When creating or editing a path, you fill out a fairly simple form. Enter the name of the path, the expected completion date, any monetary value associated with the path, and then assign the path to someone in your nation via a drop-down Search menu. Next, tab over to the Steps tab within the path window to lay out discrete milestones the member will need to hit, along their path workflow. So, if the goal is to "become a donor," some steps might include "ask to pledge" all the way to "pledged." Paths are designed to be proactive and build relationships with prospective members and entities outside the organization while better distributing responsibility and accountability within your organization. They should have a specific endpoint in mind as well. Paths can be manually updated or set as automated workflows; they can be triggered when a broadcaster is contacted or when a particular action is taken on the organization website. To edit a path or to mark it as completed, click the drop-down button on the top right-hand side of a path in the list to mark its status: complete, abandoned, or updated with new steps and goals. Organizers can also track path progress, both by clicking on a member's individual profile and on their Paths tab, or by going into the Path View dashboard in the People section of the control panel to view all active paths and the members associated with each path. Path View is also filterable by a number of parameters, such as abandoned paths, due dates, etc. NationBuilder is a different kind of membership management tool than the other products tested in this roundup and, consequently, the Paths feature is a unique one in this roundup, hewing close to a CRM or PM function. It's the most goal-oriented and granular member management feature we tested in any of the tools. Social Media Muscle The key to a successful NationBuilder site is social media management. Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others is interwoven into the platform. You can use your NationBuilder control panel to interact with members on Facebook and Twitter, and generate RSVPs to Facebook events as well. Your members' social profiles are brought into their record in the database, so you'll have photos and bios as well as access to their Friends list. This plays directly into the Paths functionality, allowing you to tie membership goals to individual social media actions. All in all, NationBuilder is a good tool for attracting members, but wasn't designed to manage those members very much in any particular organization. Social media marketing is strong, and though we would have liked to have seen custom email marketing be included as part of the basic feature set, it's good to know it's available for an added cost. If you're looking to attract members to a cause, check out NationBuilder. If you need to manage member activity in some kind of business, you'll need to look at other solutions, like our Editors' Choice winners, Zen Planner and ClubExpress. NationBuilder 4.0 (Opens in a new window) See It Visit Site at NationBuilder (Opens in a new window) MSRP $29.00 Pros Easy way to build a website and generate followers. Captures contact information and cross-matches email addresses to a variety of social media accounts, helping you generate targeted lists. Innovative "path" workflows for member acquisition. Cons All the plug-ins, such as donation management and event planning, are built in, so if you're using something else now (such as on a WordPress-based site), you will have to convert it. The Bottom Line Nation Builder is more about attracting members than managing them within a particular organization or business. But for a single monthly fee, you get a strong membership marketing tool with a wealth of social media-focused tools. Yahoo intends to change its name to Altaba once the sale of its internet portal to Verizon is completed. CEO Marissa Mayer and co-founder David Filo also will leave the company then, Yahoo said in a regulatory filing on Monday. The changes are part of a $4.8 billion dollar deal signed in July 2016 to sell Yahoo.com to Verizon. Once that deal is complete, Yahoo will become an investment company and the board will be reduced from 11 to five people. Altabas main holdings will be stakes in Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba and major Japanese Internet portal Yahoo Japan. The deal with Verizon has been under a cloud since Yahoo disclosed two major breaches of its user database. The latest, which was disclosed in December 2016 but which happened three years earlier, involved the theft of details on a billion users. That makes it the largest internet data breach ever disclosed. IoT isnt all brand-new, cutting-edge technology. In fact, some of its already suffering through painful upgrade cycles. A case in point is the system that tells transit passengers in the tech hub of San Francisco when the next train or bus will arrive. The NextMuni system, based on the third-party platform NextBus, recently began sending out wildly inaccurate forecasts on many lines. Why? Because most trains and buses had been communicating with NextMuni over AT&Ts 2G network, which was decommissioned on Jan. 1. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) said Friday that about 70 percent of its vehicles havent yet been upgraded with newer 3G technology. It was awkward timing, as that same day, the agency was playing up its innovation credentials as it announced a federal grant to fund six transit pilot projects. AT&T warned as early as 2012 that it would shut down the 2G network in 2017, but apparently, that wasnt enough time. Simply put, the deactivation work that affects our vehicles started sooner than expected and outpaced our ongoing upgrade of all Muni vehicles to a new communications and monitoring system, SFMTA said in a blog post. Muni was the first transit agency to adopt the system, back in 2002, which made it fittingly high-tech at the time but now saddles the city with orphaned technology. Network shutdowns are nothing new. Once every decade or so, carriers phase out an older technology so they can reuse the frequencies for other systems that will carry more traffic on the same amount of spectrum. AT&T moved faster than some of its rivals in this case. T-Mobile, which uses the same 2G technology as AT&T, has said it plans to keep its network available until 2020. Verizon plans to keep running its previous-generation system, CDMA, at least through the end of the decade. Sprint expects to keep CDMA into the early 2020s. Its not often that consumers have to rely on these old networks to make calls and get information. But IoT devices, like sensors, street lamps, and in-vehicle systems, havent required the higher data rates of newer technologies, so enterprises and cities have hung on to the old. Upgrading IoT to a new network is also more complicated than buying a new phone. Doing system audits, setting priorities, and budgeting all play into it. The work itself may take six to nine months, counting things like testing systems on the new network, IoT analyst Steve Hilton of MachNation said. Anyone facing the end of a network that connects their devices needs to take it in steps, he said. Get started early in planning, get hardware and software testing started, then do the upgrade, Hilton said. Systems like NextMuni that were designed in a different technological age dont usually allow for swapping in new cellular modules, said Peter Jarich of Current Analysis. No one back then had any idea, he said. San Franciscos high-tech transit plans for its nearly US $12 million grant will bring some of the regions tech stars together with government, a relationship that hasnt always been cozy. Among other things, SFMTA wants to set aside more carpool lanes and tap into services like Uber and Lyft to get more commuters sharing cars. It also plans to test wireless DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) to coordinate traffic lights with transit and emergency vehicles. On Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, the city will set up an electronic toll-collection system that can be adjusted for traffic levels, and it plans to test autonomous electric shuttles to carry people around the island. I made the worst mistake of my life. I had a drug and alcohol problem. I was just a kid with low self esteem and felt hopeless. Those are the words people convicted of felonies in California wrote to Gov. Jerry Brown in recent years, asking him to pardon their crimes. Their clemency applications describe bad decisions and reckless adolescences, lives of poverty and addiction. Drug deals. Accidental shootings. Drunken driving. But they also show transformation through hard work, self-reliance and a devotion to living clean. Steady jobs. Responsible parenting. Sobriety. REALTED: Brown grants 112 pardons and reduces sentence in gang shooting case Theyre the kind of letters Brown likely reviewed in recent weeks as he prepared for his Christmastime tradition of granting pardons to felons who have served their sentences and stayed crime-free for at least a decade. The fourth-term Democratic governor has pardoned more felons than any governor in recent state history, bringing back a custom that faded during the tough-on-crime politics of the 1990s. He has granted more than 700 pardons since 2011, many for drug crimes a stark contrast to his recent predecessors. Between 1991 and 2010, three California governors granted a total of just 28 pardons. On Friday, Brown granted pardons to 112 people who had completed their sentenced more than a decade ago. That puts the states longest-serving governors total at 1,258 pardons. Browns pattern resembles those of earlier governors from both political parties; his father Pat Brown, a Democrat, and Republican Ronald Reagan each granted a few hundred pardons. The younger Browns swing back in favor of mercy reflects a larger trend, also evident in Illinois, Michigan and at the federal level, said P.S. Ruckman Jr., a political scientist who edits the Pardon Power blog. He pointed out that President Barack Obama has commuted more sentences for people convicted of federal crimes than any president since Woodrow Wilson nearly a century ago. The social landscape is definitely changing, Ruckman said. There is kind of a sea change going on, with respect to attitudes about clemency and the pardon power. Even Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez a conservative Republican from Lake Elsinore who has been critical of Browns progressive approach to criminal justice isnt complaining. Ive looked at who he is pardoning, she said, and I cant find one particular case that jars my anger. Theyve already done their time. Its not lessening their punishment and they had to prove to the court that they are upstanding citizens and have stayed out of trouble. So I dont view that aspect of his role as governor as being soft on crime. In California, a pardon does not erase a criminal record but restores rights people lose when convicted of a felony, such as the ability to get certain professional licenses, serve on a jury or own a gun. (A pardon is different from a commutation, which reduces a prison sentence.) Brown, who keeps a large Bible on the coffee table of his office, usually announces pardons at Christmas and Easter. Its a reflection of his Jesuit training as well as a political custom that dates at least to the 19th century. In 1868, President Andrew Johnson granted a Christmas Day pardon to everyone who could have committed treason by rebelling during the Civil War. Christmastime amnesty became more common in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ruckman said, when prison wardens would make lists of inmates who should be freed on the holiday. The large number of pardons for Brown, who declined to comment for this story, follows an earlier spike in incarceration, which eventually led to more felons who could ask for a pardon. But Browns actions also are consistent with his liberal stance on other criminal justice matters. Most recently, he backed Proposition 57 to give more nonviolent offenders a shot at parole. Two years ago, he supported Proposition 47 to move low-level criminals out of state prisons and into local supervision. Passage of both measures demonstrates voters leniency toward people convicted of drug crimes, also a common theme in Browns pardons. Last year on Christmas Eve, Brown pardoned actor Robert Downey Jr. for narcotics crimes he committed in the 1990s a move that was criticized by some because Downey had donated money to Browns re-election campaign and a charter school he founded. This year, Downey and his wife gave $70,000 to Browns campaign for Prop. 57. But celebrities and political donors are not the norm among the criminals Brown has pardoned. Most are regular people who say in their applications to Brown that a pardon will allow them to get a better job, go hunting or volunteer in a school. I would like to be able to get a passport, wrote Kerry Cassidy, who did a year in prison for manufacturing drugs and was pardoned in 2013. I want to be able to vote again, wrote Alan Michael Sanders, who was pardoned in 2012 and served eight months in prison for possession of cocaine for sale. Though California state law allows felons who are not in prison to vote, Sanders needed the pardon to be able to vote in the state where he now lives. Its an example of the collateral consequences of a felony record that ripple through society, said Gabriel J. Chin, a law professor at UC Davis. If felons cant rent an apartment or obtain professional licenses, he said, it makes it harder for them to support themselves and stay away from crime. Obviously if somebody has been convicted of real estate fraud then maybe they shouldnt be allowed to be a real estate agent. But should they not be allowed to have a license as a barber or a taxi driver? Thats very different, Chin said. Is America the land of second chances, or if somebody does something when they are 19 or 20, are they still going to be under this shadow when theyre 80? CALmatters.org is a nonprofit news venture devoted to covering California state policy and politics. Staff writer Ali Tadayon contributed to this report. Cheesecake Factory, Trader Joes, Buffalo Wild Wings those are some of the establishments Lake Elsinore residents are wild about having in their town, a new survey shows. The recently completed random survey of more than 600 residents performed by Encinitas-based True North Research concluded residents are mostly satisfied with the city, but desire more commerce, particularly stores and restaurants that they often leave the city to patronize. More so than in any other survey True North has conducted for a California municipality, Lake Elsinore residents recognize the need for and are strong supporters of economic development, the consultants report on the survey concludes. The City Council is set to receive the report at its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10, in the Lake Elsinore Cultural Center, 183 N. Main St. True North did the survey last year as part of the citys effort to craft a strategic plan called Dream Extreme 2040. Dream Extreme is a city branding slogan playing off its reputation as a mecca for adventurous outdoor recreation such as ski diving, hang gliding and speed boating. True North has done similar work for hundreds of agencies, including Murrieta, Menifee, Temecula, Riverside, Chino, and Rancho Cucamonga. City representatives say the survey will help them make decisions. There were mixed results, and thats not bad because it means there are areas we need to improve on, Councilman Steve Manos said. Of the residents polled, 63 percent rated Lake Elsinore as an excellent or good place to live, but only 22 percent called it an excellent or good place to work. Nearly two-thirds said they were very or somewhat satisfied with municipal services, while 24 percent were very or somewhat dissatisfied. Residents are interested in the lake, with 18 percent saying that improving its environmental condition should be a priority. That was more than any other category. Almost four-fifths of respondents said they patronize stores and restaurants outside the city. When asked what kinds of businesses they would like to see, more than 20 percent of the respondents named Applebees Neighborhood Bar & Grill, the Cheesecake Factory, Sizzler, Whole Foods Market, Trader Joes, Sprouts, Habit Burger, Chick-fil-A and Buffalo Wild Wings. Between 10 percent and 12 percent would like to see Winco, Ralphs, Vons, Walmart, Kohls and Target. Contact the writer: 951-368-9690michaelwilliams@scng.com An Anaheim woman has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and perjury for allegedly framing her husbands ex-fiancee who was arrested last year after authorities first believed she impersonated the wife in ads soliciting rape fantasies on Craigslist. Related Articles July 18, 2017 Ex-girlfriend cleared in Craigslist rape fantasy case sues couple accused of framing her Michelle Suzanne Hadley, 30, of Ontario was arrested in July for allegedly stalking her ex-fiances pregnant wife, 31-year-old Angela Diaz, and responding to rape fantasy ads on Craigslist pretending to be Diaz and prompting strangers to show up. Prosecutors at the time said Hadley also sent Diaz numerous emails threatening her life and the life of her unborn child. But authorities now believe that Diaz was actually the perpetrator behind the Craigslist ads and emails in a effort to frame Hadley. http://launch.newsinc.com/js/embed.js var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); In a new conference Monday, Orange County District Tony Rackauckas said Hadley, who spent more than three months in jail, is an innocent victim of a diabolical scheme. Rackauckas is expected to drop all charges against Hadley, who was released on her own recognizance in October. As important as the filing of charges against Ms. Diaz is the dismissal of the previous complaint and full exoneration of Michelle Hadley, Rackauckas said. I wanted to make sure that Ms. Hadley is cleared in every possible way in the courtroom, and in the court of public opinion. Prosecutors said Hadley dated her former fiance, identified in court records as U.S. Marshals Service agent Ian Diaz, from 2013 to 2015, before he married Angela Diaz. The couple live in Anaheim. Court records show that Angela Diaz filed a restraining order against Hadley in June. Diaz then accused Hadley of violating the restraining order and stalking her. In a story that made national news, Hadley was accused of posing as Diaz and responding to mens ads on Craigslist seeking partners for sexual acts resembling rape. She was accused of sending the men photos of Diaz and telling the responders that she wanted them to have forcible sexual intercourse with her, even if she screamed or resisted, prosecutors said last year. Prosecutors on Monday said it was Diaz who actually responded to the Craigslist ads. Authorizes said she then called 911 and falsely claimed that a man entered her garage and attempted to rape her before she was able to call for help and chase the man away. If convicted, Hadley could have faced life in prison. Rackauckas said authorities had good reason to arrest and charge Hadley at the time for safety concerns, because of the continuing email threats and repeated responses on Craigslist. Complicating the case, prosecutors said, was that Diaz allegedly sent the emails to herself from eight different accounts using private networks and third-party servers to disguise her Internet Protocol (IP) address. After Hadleys arrest, investigators began serving search warrants to uncover the IP addresses linked to the emails, which can take several months, prosecutors said. In September, they got a break in the case when one IP address came back linking emails to Diazs Anaheim condominium in Anaheim, prosecutors said. Investigators began uncovering more emails allegedly sent from Diazs condo, a cell phone and from her fathers home in Arizona. Prosecutors said the case against Diaz further unraveled after authorities investigated her for allegedly altering a paycheck from an employer for $2,000. Police then uncovered, authorities said, other alleged fraud activity including faking cervical cancer, faking a pregnancy, pretending to be an attorney, forging doctors notes and impersonating two of her husbands ex-girlfriends over email. She is awaiting extradition in Arizona and faces up to 23 years in custody if convicted. Among the charges she faces are misdemeanor counts of falsely reporting a crime to police. Hadleys attorney, Michael Guisti, on Monday said Hadley had to drop out of her MBA program at Chapman University and has been afraid to leave her home because of the intense media coverage. He said Hadley, whose he described as vivacious and bubbly, is relieved that the charges will be dropped. She answered every question as she worked with investigators, and investigators generally saw that she was telling the truth, he said. Her lawyer said that Anaheim police should have investigated the case more thoroughly before arresting her. The Police Departments spokesman, Sgt. Daron Wyatt, said he could not go into details. DA Rackauckas said APD did everything right, the sergeant said in a statement. There was a public safety concern with strong evidence indicating Hadley was committing the crimes alleged. A case was presented to the DAs Office, was filed by the DAs Office, and a warrant was issued by a judge, he added. Due to the anticipated litigation, I cannot comment further than that. Investigators are still looking into Diazs motives. According to Orange County Superior Court records, Hadley and Ian Diaz are embroiled in a legal battle over an Anaheim condo the couple had purchased together in 2015 before their split. Hadley last year sued Diaz for breach of contract. In a request for a restraining order filed by Angela Diaz against Hadley in June, Diaz alleged Hadley was harassing her through numerous emails. Ms. Hadley has been emailing me for over one week, repeatedly threatening my life, my marriage, my safety and slandering my husband, Diaz wrote in court records. Ms. Hadley has used over six different email addresses to contact me, despite a request to cease communication. To support her claim, Diaz provided roughly two dozen threatening emails, some containing Biblical references. Youve lost, said one email. I am going to end you. You have no idea who you are with he is a dangerous, aggressive person with no soul. You will suffer. You will feel rape. Stay awake and ponder your demise. I will pray for you. Prosecutors on Monday said they believe the emails were fabricated. Rackauckas said the case remains under investigation. Its often said that true life is stranger than fiction, and the facts of this case make that statement spot on, Rackauckas said. When a person who has committed a crime gets arrested and charged, thats a bad day, but when someone whos innocent gets arrested and charged with a crime, its not just a bad day, its a nightmare. Contact the writer: kpuente@ocregister.com Syed Raheel Farook, the older brother of one of the San Bernardino terrorist attackers, admitted Tuesday, Jan. 10, to conspiring to commit immigration fraud by setting up his Russian sister-in-law in a sham marriage. Farook, 31, of Corona, pleaded guilty to one felony charge in U.S. District Court in Riverside, then left the courthouse without commenting. He remains free on bail ahead of his sentencing hearing, which Judge Jesus Bernal scheduled for Nov. 13. Farook faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. A federal indictment from April said Farook knowingly making a false statement in support of an application for permanent residency for Mariya Chernykh, a Russian citizen and the sister of his wife, Tatiana Farook. In 2014 five years after she came to the U.S. on a three-month visa Chernykh married Farooks former neighbor, Enrique Marquez Jr. Marquez is accused of illegally purchasing the weapons that Syed Rizwan Farook and wife Tashfeen Malik used in the Dec. 2, 2015 shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino that killed 14 people and wounded 22 others. The shooters were killed by police hours later. In the immigration case, Raheel Farooks attorney, Ron M. Cordova, said outside court Tuesday that his client deserves less than the maximum punishment. This is not a crime of greed, this is not a crime of violence, and it has no relation to the horrific events of Dec. 2, Cordova said. What my client did was an act of love. He did it out of love for his wife and she in turn out of love for her sister. Cordova declined to say why Farook changed his plea to guilty. Farooks wife who has a different attorney than her husband and the sister-in-law still face charges in the case. Their trial is scheduled for March. Their attorneys did not return phone and email messages Tuesday. How cases are connected No one has been charged with helping Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik plan or carry out the Inland Regional Center attack, but the investigation has uncovered other alleged crimes. On Dec. 3, court documents allege, a suicidal Marquez called 911 to say his neighbor had used his gun in the attack. Investigators said Marquez eventually told them he and Rizwan Farook had plotted in 2011 and 2012 to attack Riverside City College and the 91 Freeway, but never carried out those plans. Weapons Marquez purchased at that time were used on Dec. 2, authorities say, leading to a charge of conspiring to support terrorists. Marquez also was charged with immigration fraud which is where Raheel Farook comes in. Raheel Farook who was born in Illinois, raised in Riverside, previously served in the U.S. Navy and was described by neighbors as a loan officer with a mail-order bride married Tatiana Gigliotti in 2013. Her sister, Chernykh, was in the U.S. illegally, authorities say. In 2014, according to court documents, Raheel Farook and the Russian sisters arranged a sham marriage between Chernykh and Marquez, who was paid $200 a month to go along with the ruse. Court documents also say the couple did not live together at the Farooks Corona home as they claimed instead, Chernykh allegedly lived with her boyfriend in Ontario, while Marquez lived with his parents in Riverside. Court documents said Raheel and Tatiana Farook claimed to have witnessed the Marquez-Chernykh wedding, then helped maintain the illusion that the two were living as a married couple through other acts of fraud. Farook and the sisters were indicted in April. Whats next Tatiana Farook is charged with the same conspiracy count to which her husband pleaded guilty. Chernykh also is charged with conspiracy, as well as perjury and making material false statements by stating on an immigration document that she and Marquez lived together. Their trial is set for March 28, pending a status conference scheduled for March 13. Marquez is scheduled to go to trial Sept. 28, pending a Sept. 11 status conference, on his charges of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, false statements in the acquisition of firearms, marriage fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents. Todays guilty plea is the result of the thorough investigation into the brutal attack in San Bernardino that took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and tragically affected many more shooting victims and family members, U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said in a news release. Law enforcement and prosecutors in my office continue to seek justice for the victims and the entire community of San Bernardino by uncovering and prosecuting all of the criminal activity related to the terrible events of December 2, Decker said. PREVIOUSLY: Neighbor Enrique Marquez charged with conspiracy to support terrorists (Dec. 17, 2015) Shooters friend was paid to marry Russian wife, affidavit shows (Dec. 17, 2015) Marquezs alleged sham marriage probed (Dec. 18. 2015) FBI searches Corona home of shooters brother, mother (Feb. 18, 2016) San Bernardino shooters brother, 2 Russian women arrested on marriage fraud charges (April 28, 2016) Why killers brother and two Russian sisters were arrested (April 28, 2016) What the federal indictment against Farooks brother and two Russians reveals (April 28, 2016) Trial of brother of San Bernardino terrorist slated for November (Aug. 24, 2016) New dates set for trials of San Bernardino shooters friends, relatives (Nov. 2, 2016) Thousands of clerical workers and administrative support staff waged a strike Tuesday across University of California campuses, including in Los Angeles, Riverside and Irvine, as part of a one-day walkout calling for higher wages and better benefits. At UCR, about 40 protesters picketed two sites on campus during the action by employees represented by the Teamsters. The employees were mostly clerical workers, although child care workers are also represented by the union. UCRs day care center was closed for the day as a result. UC officials and the Teamsters have been in negotiations since last April. Union representatives have said the UC is not negotiating in good faith. A statement from UC President Janet Napolitano said workers are being offered an average 18 percent pay increase over six years. John Valdez, 46, has worked in budget and payroll offices at UCR for nine years. He is the unions on-campus coordinator. He said he would like to see a 4 percent per year increase in pay. The strike, he said is meant to get the attention of UC officials and the public. Im hoping it will show them we are concerned, Valdez said, as a passing truck with the UCR emblem on its door, honked in apparent support of the strikers. I think statewide well have a good impact. Valdez said the UC typically pays lower wages, and cited a study by Occidental College released in October, which reported that 70 percent of workers in clerical or administrative support positions struggle to feed themselves and their families. The report found the workers made an average of $22 per hour and most have college degrees. Striker Leslie Settle, 33, works in the UCR library. An alumni of the campus, she has a masters degree in public administration. She said the $2,200 she takes home every month leaves her living paycheck to paycheck. With a home in Moreno Valley and two children in private school, she said she still contributes regularly to the universitys guardian scholarship program. A pay increase, she said, would mean I would have more of a sustainable living. I could save some money. At UCLA, where union organizers said hundreds walked off the job, research analyst Timothy Mathews of Teamsters Local 2010 said members of the clerical unit were largely protesting wages that havent kept up with (the) cost of living. Union leaders have been negotiating with UC administrators for a new contract for these employees, which include administrative assistants, public safety dispatchers, library assistants and child care teachers, since April after contract negotiations faltered last year, largely over salary increases. The UCLA campus and its medical facilities remained open and operational throughout the strike on Tuesday, said Rebecca Kendall, a senior media relations officer in an email. In a statement, UC said its offering clerical employees at each of its campuses guaranteed, market-competitive wage increases, including an average pay raise of 18 percent over the next six years as well as excellent health care benefits and retirement options. UC clerical employees earn an annual average salary of $47,300 more than the state average of roughly $39,200 for clerical workers, the statement said. These UC employees typically pay just $384 a year for health insurance for themselves and their children. By comparison, the average American worker typically pays over $5,200 for less generous health coverage and thats just for themselves. Income tax filing season officially begins on Jan. 23, but people who are eager to see refunds dont have to wait to get started on their returns. People can submit federal returns through software providers before that date, according to the Internal Revenue Service. But providers wont submit the forms until Jan. 23. But since employers filing deadline for W-2 forms is Jan. 31, many taxpayers are still waiting for income documentation. Form 1099-MISC, used for independent contractors, has the same deadline for nonemployee compensation reported in box 7. The IRS Free File program opens this Friday. It will provide links to commercial tax preparers whose software is available without charge to people who earn less than $64,000 a year. Be aware that those providers offer upsells for a fee including state income tax preparation and insurance. Providers such as Turbo Tax and H&R Block are up and running for the 2017 tax season. For people who earn more than $64,000, the IRS will provide Free File fillable forms online beginning Jan. 23. Although automation has made the tax preparation speedier, it may take longer for some people to get their refunds. Factors include increased security against tax identity fraud and health insurance reporting, according to Liz Estrada of the H&R Block office in Riversides La Sierra neighborhood. For taxpayers in a hurry, companies such as H&R Block offer advances on return. H&R Blocks offering is available for as much as $1,250, according to Estrada, who called it a no-interest loan from MetaBank that is repaid out of the tax refund. The deadline for filing will be April 18, a Tuesday, due to a holiday in the District of Columbia, where the IRS is headquartered. Emancipation Day celebrates Abraham Lincolns signing of a law that ended slavery in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1862. Because April 16 falls on a Sunday this year and a Monday in 2018, it could be 2019 before Tax Day returns to April 15. Contact the writer: fbuck@scng.com or 951-368-9551 Fidelity Bank as part of efforts to improve on its financial inclusion drive has met with its stakeholders to brainstorm and review its financial inclusion agenda with a focus on Inclusive Banking and Agency Banking. The consultative meeting had representatives from Fidelity Bank, Financial Sector Deepening in Africa, (FSDA), and Genesis Analytics to deliberate on how to improve access to formal banking for the over fifteen (15) million unbanked people in Ghana. Fidelity Bank in March, 2014 launched its Agency Banking model with its flagship product, the Smart Account to provide basic financial services to the unbanked and under-banked population. Being the only bank licensed by the Bank of Ghana to operate the Agency Banking Model, Fidelity Bank today has a Smart Account customer base of over three hundred thousand (300 000). The Bank currently has over 900 Agents strategically located nationwide to service these Smart Account holders. These Agents include pharmacy shops, supermarkets, utility vendor points, grocery shops amongst others. In line with its resolve to increase Ghanas bankable population ratio, Fidelity Bank is streamlining its financial inclusion agenda with focused input into its Inclusive Banking and Agency Banking strategy in order to reach out to the unbanked people in Ghana. The divisional Director for Retail at Fidelity Bank, Mr. Julian Opuni noted that Fidelity Bank wants to tailor its value proposition to the target audience to ensure that the goal of banking the underbanked and unbanked is achieved. He added that Fidelity Banks Smart Account is uniquely designed to offer customers convenience; easy way of opening account with minimum KYC in 5 minutes, easy access to cash through 75 branches, 110 ATMS and over 900 Agents, ability to grow money daily with a trusted institution where their money is secured and access to soft loans with minimum turnaround time. Fidelity Banks Director for Inclusive Banking, Esi Mills Robertson in her presentation stated that Fidelity Bank wants to be the lead bank providing commercially viable products and services to the unbanked and under-banked population adding that going forward, Fidelity Bank will revise its strategy to make the Smart Account very competitive and better serve the interest of its customers. The Director for Change Management & Building Services Markets at FSDA, Paul A. M. Musoke commended Fidelity Bank for incorporating Inclusive Banking into its mainstream banking.It is important for the economy that everybody gets access to financial services. In Ghana, Fidelity Bank stands tall because of its financial inclusion drive and you must not lose focus despite the risks associated with it. He pledged the FSDAs continued support to Fidelity Banks financial inclusion effort. Fidelity Bank was issued its universal banking license on June 28 2006, making Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited, the 22nd bank to be licensed by the Bank of Ghana under the new Banking Act, 2004 (Act 673). Since then, the bank has grown to become the largest privately owned bank and the 4th largest in terms of assets. Fidelity Bank is the reigning Bank of the year and the Most Socially Responsible Bank in Ghana. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Four persons including the driver of Akua Donkor, founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) and a 2016 presidential hopeful have been dragged before an Accra Circuit Court for robbery. They are: Yakubu Yusif, Trader and the Central Regional Chairman of the GFP, Banabas Kayase, Driver/secretary of the party, Opoku Agyemang, Trader and Abdul Razak Shaibu, a member of the GPRTU Task Force. Two other accomplices-Joe and Nuamah aka Lion are currently on the run. Charges According to Chief Superintendent Duutu Tuaruka, the six persons on December 30, 2016 at Taifa in Accra conspired to rob the GFP Flagbearer. The prosecution said the accused persons at about 2:30am at Sowutuom, a suburb of Accra robbed Akua at gunpoint and snatched her travelling bag containing plane ticket, Ghanaian passport, Voters ID Card, $30,000 and GH3,000. In a court presided over by Mrs. Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku, the four accused persons variously denied the charges. Akua who was in court with a lady suspected to be her daughter, appeared unfazed with her usual sarcastic smiles. Bail Attempts Vincent Aikins, lawyer for Kayase and Agyemang said there is more to the case than meets the eye and that a critical look at the facts of the prosecution shows that his clients were not part of the crime. He stated that if anything at all, the two ought to have been charged for conspiracy and not robbery insisting at the right time his clients would prove their innocence to the court. Vincent, quoting the famous case between Martin Kpebu and the Attorney-General (AG) said there was currently no case which was non-bailable. The senior lawyer stated that Kayase had been the driver of Akua and that it was unfortunate the case had happened to the accused. Y. Felix Ntoso, lawyer for Razak prayed the court to exercise its jurisdiction to grant bail to his client pending the substantive trial. He argued that the facts of the prosecution did not support the charges especially when it did not tell the specific role Razak played. The trial judge however refused the grant of bail and remanded the four into police custody until January 23, 2017. Facts Prosecuting, C/Supt. Tuaruka said Yusif and Kayase had information that Akua had in her possession $30,000 which she intended to travel with. He said Kayase then agreed with the rest of the accused persons to rob Akua of that amount adding that Opoku called Akua to meet him in his house at Taifa for some discussion. The prosecution noted that the complainant went to the house of Opoku together with Yusif and Kayase where Kayase demanded that Akua hand over all her car keys or else she will not travel. Plot Opoku also demanded that, complainant should hand over all her car keys to him before travelling which she declined, and this brought a misunderstanding between them. Yusif, Kayase and Opoku secretly planned to contract some armed robbers to kill the complainant so that they could share the properties of the complainant including the cars and the cash she brought to Oppongs house. C/Supt. Tuaruka said thereafter Yusif and Kayase called Razak on phone to arrange for Joe and Lion to carry out the operation. The prosecutor said on the said day, Akua together with Yusif and Kayase were on board her vehicle Mitsubishi Pajero with registration GT 6028-16 from Taifa heading towards Kotoka International Airport to catch a flight to the United States of America. Akua decided to pass home and on reaching Sowutuom immediately after the Agbeve Herbal Clinic area, Opoku called Kayase on phone and asked where they have reached while Razak, Joe and Lion were waiting to execute their agenda. Robbery The three armed with guns onboard an unregistered motorbike appeared behind the vehicle stressing that as soon as Kayase spotted the armed men, he reduced the speed showing double hazard trafficator indicating that, the complainant was in the car. Kayase parked the car and the armed men attacked the complainant with guns and demanded that she surrenders the afore-mentioned monies and items, dragged her from the vehicle and escaped. On 31 December, Razak was arrested when he was called by Yusif to come for his share of the booty. When Razak was searched US$4,900 was retrieved from him. Razak admitted the offence and mentioned Joe and Nuamah as his accomplices. He stated that after the operation, they shared all the monies and threw the bag in a nearby bush at Anyaa. Razak led the Police to retrieve the bag together with a vehicle with registration GX 2194-14 which he used. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Gambia's Supreme Court is unlikely to convene to hear a petition by President Yahya Jammeh challenging the results of the 1 December election. This is because most of the judges who are expected to hear the case have left that country. Foreign Judges from Sierra Leone and Nigeria who were also expected to join the panel have refused to fly in. This is all part of pressure being brought to bear on the president to accept defeat and hand over power to President-elect Adama Barrow. Gambian journalist Moodu Lamin Biae reports that there is panic in the country ahead of tomorrow's court case. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders have been meeting in Abuja Monday to discuss a resolution to the crisis. Ghana's immediate former President John Mahama was appointed by the newly sworn President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to as a co-mediator to help mediator Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama said the meeting on Monday deliberated on the current state of affairs in The Gambia and shared views on the way forward. "They agreed on the determination to resolve the Gambian political crises in a manner that at every step of the way, conforms with the constitution of the country and respect the will of the people," he said. According to him, the leaders express particular concern about at the deteriorating situation that has been reported with respect to the security of the country, particularly the closure of some radio stations and media houses, arbitrary arrests and also the refugee's situation with the mass exodus of people to neighbouring countries. The meeting agreed that a certain number of presidents will visit again in two days time to meet with the Gambian President. Those meeting Mr Jammeh include President Buhari, Mr Mahama, President of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Others are the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Special representative of the United Nations as well as a representative of the African Union. "They will meet to discuss with Yahya Jammeh the imperative to respect the constitution," he said. Video below- Source: Freedom Newspaper Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghanaians should always endeavour to offer prayers for the first and second families of the country to help execute the task of managing the affairs of the country efficiently, President Akufo-Addo has said. Mr Akufo-Addo, who made this call during in a speech on Sunday, January 8 at Kyebi in the Eastern Region, when he was hosted by the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, humorously asked Ghanaians to pray for his wife so that she takes it easy on him. The president, in an elated mood, admitted that his wife wanted the best for him but requested prayers for the First Lady so she would not scold him as she used to. Some of the prayers should also go to my beautiful lady, Rebecca, whom the people of Osu have given to me as a wife. She scolds me too much. I know she wants the best for me but pray to God to make her relax a bit, Mr Akufo-Addo indicated. We have come for blessings and also ask all of you to pray for me for wisdom, confidence, and a good heart to be a great president for Ghana. Dont forget Mahamudu Bawumia, too, in your prayers. There is a huge task ahead, so Ghanaians should pray for us. Calling for prayers for Samira Bawumia, wife of the vice-president, Mr Akufo-Addo said: We saw Samira during the campaign, she was very vocal. I think she was the one whose speech worried John Mahama the most. God should protect and guide her so that she can help Bawumia. Mr Akufo-Addo also promised Ghanaians that his government and appointees would work for the wellbeing of Ghanaians and be servants to the nation. Mr Akufo Addo was emphatic that his government would not be domineering, saying: We (the New Patriotic Party government) have come to serve and depict humility in our speech and deeds for Ghanaians to know that we have something good in us for which purpose we persisted until Ghanaians gave us the mandate to govern. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was on Saturday January 7 sworn in as the fifth president of Ghana under the Fourth Republic. Several dignitaries and foreign diplomats graced the occasion, which saw the president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, as the special guest of honour. The presidents of Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, and Kenya, Egdar Lungu, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Uhuru Kenyatta, respectively, were present. Other prominent persons who graced the occasion were Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, Indonesias Joko Widodo, Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Egypts Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali and a representative each from Mauritius and the USA. Africas richest man Aliko Dangote was also present. Members of parliament, opposition political party leaders, the clergy, traditional rulers and a section of Ghanaians clad in white and NPP apparel witnessed the ceremony. Mr Akufo-Addo beat ex-president John Mahama and five other candidates in the December 7 election by securing 53.85 per cent of valid votes cast to win the contest for the presidency. He is expected to implement policies to improve the economy, create jobs, and place the country on a developmental pedestal among others. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video African Center for Energy Policy has warned that Ghana may face power crisis by next month. According to ACEP, the danger the power sector will face could be attributed to a potential disruption in gas supply and the shutting down of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) for maintenance. In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, Policy Advisor for ACEP noted that fuel supply has become more challenging, as thermal generation will continue to dominate the sector. He also attributed the inability of the Asogli Power Plant to generate power to suspension of gas supply from Nigeria - due to Ghanas indebtedness to the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) and N-Gas. video below- Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo has come fire on social media after it emerged that lines from his inauguration speech were lifted from addresses by US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush. The report below first published by CNN, takes a look at other politicians who have also lifted passages without crediting their sources. Politicians speak a lot, and they write a lot. But what happens when the words they speak and write aren't their own? Here are 10 instances when political figures plagiarized. 1. Vice President Joe Biden, 1987: During the 1988 Presidential election, the then-presidential candidate was accused of mimicking a speech that British Labour Party Neil Kinnock delivered just four months prior. Kinnock's speech included the following lines: Why am I the first Kinnock in a thousand generations to be able to get to university? [Pointing to his wife in the audience:] Why is Glenys the first woman in her family in a thousand generations to be able to get to university? Was it because all our predecessors were thick? While Biden said: I started thinking as I was coming over here, why is it that Joe Biden is the first in his family ever to go to a university? [Pointing to his wife in the audience:] Why is it that my wife who is sitting out there in the audience is the first in her family to ever go to college? Is it because our fathers and mothers were not bright? Is it because I'm the first Biden in a thousand generations to get a college and a graduate degree that I was smarter than the rest? The vice president was forced to withdraw from the presidential race after Maureen Dowd of the New York Times exposed his plagiarized speech. Allegations followed that Biden lifted parts of other speeches from Hubert Humphrey, Robert Kennedy, and JFK. 2. Russian President Vladimir Putin, 2006: Researchers from the Brookings Institute accused Putin of plagiarizing his economics dissertation, stealing 16 out of 20 pages from a paper published by the University of Pittsburgh 20 years earlier. "It all boils down to plagiarism," Brookings Institution's Clifford G. Gaddy said at the time. "Whether you're talking about a college-level term paper, not to mention a formal dissertation, there's no question in my mind that this would be plagiarism." 3. White House Aide Timothy Goeglein, 2008: The senior White House official resigned after he admitted copying large sections of an essay he wrote for a newspaper in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Goeglein wrote a weekly column for The News-Sentinel. Nancy Nall, a former columnist, discovered the matching paragraphs and revealed them online. 4. German Defense Secretary Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg, 2011: Guttenberg resigned amidst a scandal involving alleged plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation. Although he denied the accusations, the University of Bayreuth revoked his doctorate title. Guttenberg had been considered a rising star in Merkel's government, but his political career expired with his diploma. The defense secretary received widespread public criticism for borrowing extensively from the Web -- and was nicknamed "Baron zu Googleberg," the "minister for cut-and-paste." 5. Hungarian President Pal Schmitt, 2012: Schmitt, a former Olympic fencing champion, wrote his dissertation in 1992 for the University of Physical Education, which is now part of Semmelweis University in Budapest. In January 2012, the Hungarian HVG weekly reported that a large part of Schmitt's dissertation was copied, and a university investigation confirmed that more than 200 pages of the 215-page document showed "partial similarity" to other works, or were direct translations. The university stripped the president of his doctorate, and he announced his resignation to the Hungarian Parliament on April 2, 2012. 6. Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta 2012: Romania's government became the object of international criticism after Ponta was accused of plagiarizing his doctoral thesis. Ponta dismissed the accusation as a political attack from President Traian Basescu. In 2014, he handed back his doctorate after a panel of Bucharest University academics ruled that he had plagiarized much of his 2003 Ph.D. thesis on the International Criminal Court. 7. Senator Rand Paul, 2013: Paul has been the subject of several plagiarism scandals -- surrounding both his speeches and his book. The first was highlighted when MSNBC's Rachel Maddow pointed out that a speech he made in 2013 was lifted directly from the Wikipedia page of the film "Gattaca". BuzzFeed also reported that he did the same in another speech, pick pocketing from "Stand and Deliver." They went on to report that Paul's book "Government Bullies" was heavily plagiarized without attribution -- highlighting passages stolen from Forbes, the Cato Institute, and the Heritage Foundation. Paul admitted that he didn't attribute the information properly, but not before he said he was "targeted by a bunch of hacks and haters." 8. German Education Minister Annette Schavan, 2013: The University of Dusseldorf stripped Schavan of her Ph.D. after a blogger caught the plagiarism and spent months vigilantly presenting the evidence to the public. The blog "schavanplag" (for "Schavan" and "plagiarism") compared passages of Schavan's 1980 dissertation with sections of written works by other authors -- in multiple instances they matched word for word, or nearly. The blog alleges Schavan did not properly source her work and claimed others' work as her own. The board of the department that awarded her the degree said that there were too many borrowed passages in her dissertation, and found that she had "systematically and deliberately laid claim to intellectual achievements, which she in reality did not produce herself." 9. Senator John Walsh, 2014: The Montana Senator was thrown into a plagiarism scandal regarding his master's thesis for the Army War College. Three quarters of the 20-page document, titled "The Case for Democracy as a Long-Term National Strategy" was found to be plagiarized, the New York Times first reported. The scandal that ensued forced the Senator to withdraw from his reelection campaign. 10. Republican Presidential Candidate Ben Carson, 2015: BuzzFeed News broke the story that Carson had lifted material from a number of books and online sources for his 2012 book "America the Beautiful." They revealed that several sections of the book were copied from a variety of online articles, a CBS News article, and a website titled SocialismSucks.net. "I attempted to appropriately cite and acknowledge all sources in America the Beautiful, but inadvertently missed some. I apologize, and I am working with my editors to rectify the situation," Carson said in a statement his representative, Armstrong Williams, provided to CNN. 12. Barack Obama, 2008: Hillary Clinton 2008 campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson said President Barack Obama had "lifted rhetoric" from Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. "If your whole candidacy is about words, then they should be your own words," then-Sen. Clinton said about Obama at the time. "That's what I think." Obama admitted that he used some of Deval's words at a Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Wisconsin. "Deval and I do trade ideas all the time, and you know he's occasionally used lines of mine," Obama said. "I would add I've noticed on occasion Sen. Clinton has used words of mine as well," Obama added. "As I said before, I really don't think this is too big of a deal." 12. Muhammadu Buhari: Nigeria's President plagiarized quotes from U.S. President Barack Obama in a speech promising change in the West African country, his office said on Friday. Last week, Buhari gave a speech to launch a campaign titled "Change begins with me," part of his credo to end graft in Africa's biggest economy which is gripped by mismanagement and poverty despite sitting on vast energy reserves. But one paragraph in the speech urging Nigerians not to fall back "on the same partisanship, pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our country so long" was copied from Obama's victory speech after his election in November 2008. Source: CNN Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Suspended General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kwabena Agyepong was left red-faced at the inaugural ceremony of President Nana Akufo Addo last Saturday. An awkward encounter ensued between the suspended General Secretary and the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako during the ceremony which caught the attention of several dignitaries who attended the function. Upon spotting Mr. Kwabena Agyepong seated among guests at the ceremony grounds, Mr. Bernard Antwi- Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, personally told the suspended General Secretary to vacate his seat since his presence at the venue wasnt needed. The furore caught the attention of Dr. K.K Sarpong and Jacob Osei Yeboah who swiftly moved in to calm tempers by begging Chairman Wontumi to allow sleeping dogs lie. Hours after the news broke; Peacefmonline.com contacted Mr. Bernard Antwi- Boasiako to find out from him why he acted the way he did against Mr. Kwabena Agyepong. According to him, Mr. Agyepong has never wished the NPP well after he was elected into office and manifested it by fueling day to day bickering in the party. He added that it was under the bad leadership of Mr. Agyepong that several sponsored violent acts broke out in the NPP. I have my ears on the ground as Regional Chairman and I know the role Kwabena Agypong and Afoko played in the violence that took place in the NPP. It even led to death of our late Upper East Regional Chairman Adams Mahama. Such people are not needed in the party. He wasnt part when we struggled to get the party to power. He absence wouldnt mean anything to us if he leaves and he must do that, he said. Kwabena Agyapong was indefinitely suspended after the disciplinary committee of the NPP was petitioned by some members of the party for what they described as gross disrespect and misconduct. The NEC decided by unanimous decision of all 45 members present, to suspend Mr. Agyepong indefinitely from the position of NPP General Secretary. The petitions against Mr. Agyepong included; A) Violation of Article 3(D) of the NPP constitution which enjoins members to publicly uphold the decisions of the party, through various acts including; ii. His disregard for NEC decision on 23rd October, 2015, suspending Mr. Paul Afoko. ii. Various Public statements he made that cast the Party in bad light. B) He engaged in unilateral actions and activities without consultation of, or authorization by the NEC, such as; i. Writing to the Electoral Commission designating only himself and suspended Chairman Afoko as the only authorized signatories. ii. Granting waivers to parliamentary aspirants iii. Non-reference of legal matters to the proper legal Committee of the Party iv. Interference with Constituency primaries against National Appeal Committee decisions and also, Court decisions. v. Misrepresentation/misleading of NEC on status of some constituency primaries vi. He, in conjunction with suspended Chairman Afoko and Sammy Crabbe, launched Party cards without authorizations from NEC. Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ email: [email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Just three days after the curtains closed on his tenure, there is mounting debate between former President John Dramani Mahamas family and a section of the party he led into the 2016 elections over his political future. While his immediate family insists that the former President should call time on local politics, some leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including Mr Kofi Adams, its National Organiser, and Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, have rejected the idea, insisting that Ghanas first one-term President is the NDCs best bet for Election 2020. Speaking to a group of senior journalists ahead of last weekends swearing-in of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, former President Mahamas younger brother and Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, said the former Presidents family had been advising him not to contest the NDC primary to select a candidate for 2020, adding: He (former President Mahama) agreed with us. John has given his all in politics to the NDC and Ghana and we think it is just fair that we allow him to rest. We were very supportive and instrumental in convincing him to partner the late Prof. J.E.A. Mills, and when the time came for him to contest for President, we supported him and advised him to go for itNow we have advised him not to make a comeback in 2020, he said. A case for Mahama 2020? Historically, Ghanaian Presidents since 1992 have always served two terms. Perhaps counting on the fact that currently former President Mahama is the most marketed face in the NDC, Mr Adams said he would reject a decision by the former President not to contest the 2020 presidential election. If he decides not to run for elections, I will be disappointedI will mobilise people against that, he was quoted as saying on Asempa FM. But the first person to have officially stood up for the Mahama 2020 candidature was the immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Vanderpuye, who insisted on Starr FM that former President Mahama would be forced to contest the 2020 elections. However, the former Presidents brother believed that the family was making a better judgement. While appreciating the support from those urging Mr Mahama to stage a comeback, Ibrahim said it is important for those calling for his comeback to also respect the familys judgement. Mahama on his future While his family and some members of his party are poles apart on his future, the former President gave a hint about his future to his peers during an ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, in December last year. "Many people have asked me what my plans are; I have no plans yet. My immediate intention is to take a well-deserved rest after three years of working without a single break. I guess that going forward I'll be more engaged on sub-regional, continental and global matters," he explained. Mahama & diplomacy For those cautioning the President to forget about local politics, their argument is informed by Ghanas voting trend since 1992 which gives two terms to every new government NDC I (1993-2001); the New Patriotic Party (NPP) (2001-2009); and NDC II (2009-2016) and the ex-Presidents performance as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). For those in this school of thought, the Presidents image as a statesman may be crashed if he contests and loses the 2020 elections. Rather, they hold the view that he should pursue international diplomacy in which he had by far excelled, given the way he handled the Ebola crisis in West Africa, the Burkina Faso political crisis after the overthrow of President Blaise Campaore, the Togolese election crisis, as well as his appointment as a member of the group of West African leaders mediating The Gambian crisis. Apart from his role in West Africa, the United Nations also appointed former President Mahama and the Prime Minister of Norway, Ms Erna Solberg, as co-Chairs of a group of 16 eminent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Support new government Mr Mahama courted public support for President Akufo-Addo, calling on Ghanaians, irrespective of their ethnic background, political and religious affiliation, to support the new President and his administration with prayer to successfully steer the affairs of the nation. With the NPP making quiet a number of promises to the electorate ahead of the elections, expectations are high, but Mr Mahama urged Ghanaians to be measured in their expectations and give the new administration time to settle. The fact that Nana Akufo- Addo made promises does not mean as soon as he takes office things will change, as many are expecting things cannot change overnight. He needs time to put things in place before whatever changes he promised will start manifesting, he observed. While admitting that his family would also benefit from a successful NPP administration, he observed that the expectations would not be fulfilled overnight. There are no miracles in governance and so I am pleading with my countrymen and women to be modest in their expectations of Nanas governmentwe should allow them some time to settle down, he said. President Akufo-Addo of the NPP secured 5,716,026 votes, representing 53.85 per cent of the valid votes cast, to beat former President Mahama, who garnered 4,713,277 votes (44.40 per cent) in the December 7 elections. Nana Akufo-Addo was subsequently sworn into office as President last Saturday. Source: Daily Graphic Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Most Ghanaians took to social media to mock president Nana Akuffo Addo because his speech delivered on the inauguration day January 7, was believed to be a plagiarised one. Many have defended the president saying he wasnt wrong after all while some have really bashed him. A-list actress Yvonne Okoro has also chipped in her concern about the whole plagiarism issue. According to her, president Nana Akufo Addo wasnt wrong according to copyright laws and that we should move on as a country to discuss better things. Read Yvonne's tweets below: "Shd we impeach the president nw becos of his speech,by the way accordin 2 our Copyright laws he's nt wrong..Next News Item pls!Cn we move on" Accordin 2 our law is nt plagiarism if the author of the line has been dead for 70yrs,thus any1 cn use tht line without crediting the author "Bush isn't the author of tht line, Woodrow Wilson is the author,didn't hear bush creditin him(Wilson)in his speech.Can we move on now" Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video What is up with Australian air right now? Less than a year ago, it was so pure Aussies were selling it to China in goddamn cans. But since that ridiculous entrepreneurial endeavour in May, things have kind of gone to shit. Melbourne had their tragic, worlds worst episode of thunderstorm asthma in November, and now New South Wales Health has issued a warning for fucking toxic ozone gas? #Sydney air pollution health alert: https://t.co/Kbgcrnh8zt If you have asthma follow your Asthma Action Plan & take medication if necessary NSW Health (@NSWHealth) January 9, 2017 Created through a mix of high temperatures, still weather, and air pollution, these excess levels of harmful ozone are being reported in Sydneys western suburbs. Ozone is the colourless, pungent gas created by car exhaust and industrial fumes, and while its normally flushed away by winds, it can become a respiratory hazard on still days like today. As you might remember, its also the stuff that inhibits harmful ultraviolet rays in our stratosphere (and the thing were currently depleting thanks to increased air pollution). NSW Health issued the aforementioned warning for anyone with respiratory problems, such as asthma, to exercise caution around western Sydney. Their Director of NSW Healths Environmental Health Branch, Dr Ben Scalley, also stressed that ozone levels are higher outdoors than indoors and that parents should limit the time their children with asthma play outside appropriately: Ozone levels reach their peak around 7pm in the evening and tend to be lowest in the morning, so its best to plan outdoor play in the morning when the day is cooler. Asthma sufferers need to follow their Asthma Action Plan and take their relieving medication where necessary. If symptoms get worse, asthma sufferers need to seek medical advice. And as we wrote in our guide to protecting yourself during thunderstorm asthma, prevention can also include things like carrying an inhaler, disposable dust masks, and DIY castor oil packs. However, anyone having trouble breathing should call 000 immediately. Scalley also mentions that people can arrange to have air quality alerts sent to them via SMS or email through the Office of Environment and Heritage website and subscribing to air quality index daily forecasts. Source: ABC. Photo: Matt Blyth / Getty. Christ, these parliamentary expense scandals keep on coming dont they? Youd think Sussan Ley stepping aside as Health Minister would basically be the end of the issue, along with the MPs career. But unlike Bronwyn Bishop, who pointlessly jumped in yesterday to call us all dogs (we already know that Bishop god keep up), Leys scandal continues to grow even after claiming its required scalp. Since the story of Leys dodgy Gold Coast trip broke, weve heard of a bunch of Liberal politicians making similarly subsidised flights, including: Tony Abbott, who made former Liberal politician Santo Santoros 60th party on a Brisbane trip; Mathias Cormann, who claimed for a flight to last years AFL Grand Final; and, in maybe the most nakedly bourgeois incident, Julie Bishop, who went to a goddamn polo game on a trip to Melbourne. Now, as these things often do, the scandal has come full circle, with yet another Ley plane trip under scrutiny. But prepare yourself, dear reader: this is not just your average, extremely-suspicious-yet-also-extremely-commonplace commercial flight paid for by us, the Australian public. No, these were trips reportedly piloted by Ley herself, ones that cost us a buttload more money. Ley, who got her commercial pilots licence at 20, has apparently been chartering flights around her own electorate for years, racking up 120 flights at a cost of about $210,000 since 2014. But according to the SMH, shes also apparently charged taxpayers more than $13,000 to pilot private charter planes along busy capital city routes; as travel records reveal, she charged $6,300 to fly from Canberra to Melbourne in July 2014, and $7000 to travel from Canberra to Adelaide in May 2015, for flights social media demonstrates she piloted herself. And while she had official business for both trips, there isnt really a reason she had to charter a plane in lieu of a cheaper commercial options. At least, no reason Leys spokesperson could provide when questioned on the matter: Sussan Leys travel claims are being independently reviewed by the Departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Finance. Ms Ley, who has stepped aside from her ministerial position, is co-operating fully with these reviews and will await their outcomes. At this stage, it would be premature and inappropriate to be commenting before the release of the findings of these thorough reviews. Now, as much of a non-answer as that is and dodgy as all of these trips sound, we might actually get some structural changes from this nonsense. Acting special minister for state Kelly ODwyer was forced to reiterate tonight that the government would implement recommendations put forward by a review into parliamentary expenses, one that suggests clarifying what official business means for these kind of trips, was initiated by Bronwyn Bishops mess in 2015, and, with only three of 36 recommendations implemented since being published almost a year ago, had basically been ignored before Leys scandal. Richard Di Natale is also arguing that the last few years worth of scandals is grounds for a national anti-corruption watchdog, although, compared to ODwyers plan, this one is much less likely to happen. Because cmon, its the Greens, everyones favourite wholesome, powerless scamps. Still, all things considered, who knew being a politician could be this much borderline-corrupt fun? Source: SMH. Photo: Supplied. Our sprawling west coast state, Western Australia, has produced many trendsetting Aussie icons: Heath Ledger, Tame Impala, Emu Export and Tim Minchin. What they never expected, though? To be responsible for an intended informative video that blew everyones goddamn minds. Moora a tiny WA shire of only 2,000 people has a Facebook page created to provide their locals with regular information about, I dont know, shire stuff. In December they uploaded a video showing how a road is surfaced, thinking itd be a bit interesting the councils social media profile got so much attention that they are now the second-most liked FB page for WAs local areas, coming second only to the City of Perth. The drone-shot footage has been viewed a whopping 14 million times and shared a casual 361K times. We had a lot of views by Christmas, might have been about 5000 which we thought, Geez, thats a lot, but around New Year it just took off, said Mooras chief executive and all-round legendary Strayan bloke Alan Leeson. With the staggering rise in numbers almost too much for the Shire of Moora to handle, the truly decent Leeson thought it only best to suss the whole thing out. We thought, oh, weve been hacked, but its all been checked. While the footage may sound as exciting as watchin some paint dry, its a cracking viewing experience yknow, the classic this is a mundane daily task that looks mind-blowing from a birds eye view thing. I suggested we film the work because a lot of people dont have a perspective about how roads are bitumised, Leeson said. Now that the vid has made Moora so bloody famous, they have 58K likes on Facebook, destined for even bigger and greater things. By the sounds of it, we need a frank guy like Alan Leeson to be running this country your call, mate. Source: WA Today. Photo: Facebook / Shire of Moora. The ridiculously popular Aussie reality show The Block (which I have always interpreted, perhaps unfairly, as Grand Designs on steroids) has opened casting calls for this year. We also have an idea of which rundown building will be getting the special reno treatment/the place that will be the site of a few tantrums and a lot of tears. In December, legal papers were allegedly being drawn for The Block to use the The Gatwick Hotel, an infamous St Kilda establishment that, according to The Age, has become a mecca for the mentally ill, chronic substance abusers, failed criminals on short breaks between prison stretches and the physically damaged. Tragically, the hotel has also seen, in serious cases, murder and fatal drug overdoses. The city of Port Phillip and the Victoria Police were said to literally be begging Channel Nine to take the building off their hands, and it was all but rubber stamped after some months of negotiation. Coupled with the timing of the recent casting call announcement, it looks like the notorious eyesore is gonna be the host of these couples dreams (and probably some worst nightmares). The show stresses that Long term couples, family teams and enduring friendships need only apply, which is disturbing, because we all know these relationships will be tested to the absolute limits and perhaps destroyed. You will NOT be able to work during the shoot period, we are also reminded, which makes sense but is also tragic, especially since former contestants have spoken out about the appallingly low nominal weekly fee that they are provided. (The winners of last year, Karlie and Will, were apparently so broke that they could only eat two minute noodles during their time on the show. Poor bebs). So, if you are keen to have no money, spruce up an abandoned hotel, and lose some loved ones, please do give the application a crack here. Enduring friendships only, obviously. Source: The Daily Mail. Photo: Facebook / PLGRM. In M. Night Shyamalans new psychological thriller Split, James McAvoy plays Kevin, an OCD-suffering psychopath who kidnaps three teenage girls in the middle of the day and keeps them locked up, for purposes unknown. Except that its not Kevin who does the kidnapping; its Dennis, Kevins sinister split personality. Kevin suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder) and has 23 fully realised personalities in total, each with their own mannerisms, histories, and agendas. McAvoy has to embody nine of them. Youve got the severe Patricia, the flamboyant Barry, and the 9-year-old Hedwig and thats just the beginning. Shyamalan called Kevin the most complex character Ive ever written, one that only a handful of actors were up to playing. Luckily, the multi-award winning McAvoy was more than up to the task, and navigates the characters with a technical skill that shows his high-level training (McAvoy graduated from the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama). He deftly jumps from one character to the next, sometimes in the space of a single take. Think Gollum and Smeagol in The Lord of the Rings, or Westworlds robots going from a state of severe distress to total neutrality in the space of a second. Now times that by nine. Whether he was playing a child or a severe woman, he approaches each character with great comfort in his physicality, said Shyamalan. Hed finish a scene and the crew would break into applause because we knew we were watching something extraordinary. PEDESTRIAN.TV spoke to the McAvoy via phone from New York ahead of Splits release, and as is absolutely due course for an actor with three BAFTAs to his name, a Golden Globe nomination, and a place in blockbuster royalty franchise X-Men, we asked him if hed ever shit himself while training. P.TV: So did you really wear a nappy (a la Arnold Schwarzenegger) while bulking up for the role? [Laughs] No, I didnt wear a nappy, and I wasnt inspired by Arnie. I just remember reading an article about when he was deadlifting and squatting at his peak of his Mr Universe career, he used to wear a nappy, because he was scared he would shit himself. I contemplated it once but I didnt do it. Were you ever scared you would? Yeah, quite a few times! I was a bit scared, I was touching tiger, crouching cloth. So how much did you put on? Night said he wanted me to get a bit bulkier, so I said, look, I can either get all skinny and muscly and I can do that real quick by losing some weight and doing reps and all that shit, or I can gain muscle but itll be more bulky than itll be ripped. I didnt have long. I came onto this show quite late in the day, I think Joaquin Phoenix was going to do it, but then I stepped in at the last minute because Joaquin pulled out. So yeah, I didnt have long, but I had 4 or 5 weeks [before filming]. I put on a fairly decent amount a weight in that short amount of time. Id eat about 5000 or 6000 calories a day [thats between about 21,000 and 25,000kj per day, holy hell], actually more than that if I could get it down my neck. And I was powerlifting with a really good powerlifter, a guy in Philly, and he had me squatting and bench pressing and deadlifting, but it was great. For the first time in my life, I really truly enjoyed it. How did it feel to suddenly be so much stronger than normal? Did you start walking around going Yeah I could lift that, I could pick that up? Yeah totally! But you also become a bit obsessed with it. And the minute you stop doing it, give it a couple months, and suddenly its like you were never that person at all. That would do your head in a little bit. No no its good! Its like I was a weightlifter for a while and I was like, a dedicated, training 56 times a week like a fucking crazy person, for like, four months, five months of my life. It was great! I got to have that hobby for a while. I might go back to that at some point, but even if I dont, I got to experience that for a little bit. Thats the beauty of acting, you get to experience bits and bobs of other peoples lives every time you go to work. Okay, so how did you manage nine different characters? I dont know when I was trying to create them I just went with the ones that came naturally. Barry and Dennis came quite easily, Hedwig and Patricia were a little harder, and [REDACTED FOR SPOILERS]. Kevin was quite easy. I got them out the way and then started to hit the few harder ones. We didnt film them in sequence, we did try and keep each day to one character, but that wasnt always successful, we had to make it up. You know, it wasnt that bad, most films feel like that anyway, even if youre only playing one character. And what about when you were jumping between characters in a single take? That was pretty fun actually. I really enjoyed getting to see them all come out at one time, that was one of the fun things for me. Cause you do all this work on the characters, and really, the thing youre dangling in front of the audience is getting to see the changes. Playing a different person is one thing, but the audience want to see the changes, and giving them that extra opportunity is fun and I really loved doing that scene, it comes quite naturally. What was it like going from a massive blockbuster like X-Men [McAvoy plays Professor X] to a self-financed indie flick with a tiny cast? Theres no real difference to me, to be honest with you. Youve maybe got less food and craft services, or you dont have as nice a car driving you to work, but thats kind of it. The rest of it one film set is much like the other, even if theres no money involved. Youre all standing around in the cold, or the heat, and youre all looking at each other just having a conversation in between takes and messing around. The only difference is that with X-Men theres so many of us, all the expectation and all the hard working doesnt just go on one set of shoulders. Whereas on a film like Split theres more pressure on each individual actor, because theres less of us to shoulder that burden individually. How do you deal with that pressure? Well, Im 37 and Ive been doing it for 21 years, so I kind of respond to that pressure quite positively now. And if I dont have that pressure I sometimes get a little bit, I want to have that pressure, I want to be in a position where if this job works its because Im making it work, and if it doesnt its because Ive fucking failed. I want to be in that position of responsibility. Split opens in Australia on January 26. Recently, President of the United States Barack Obama told the former Swedish ambassador Mark Brzezinski his plans for after he gives up that cushy seat in the White House (its only 10 days away, by the way): he was holding out for a job with Spotify. He joked about why Daniel Ek, the founder of Spotify, would want him on board with the company: Cuz I know yall loved my playlist! (If you somehow missed Obamas iconic playlist for Spotify, its HERE.) And just Obamas bloody luck, that cheeky bugger Spotify have popped up a job description that seems absolutely ruddy perfect for him. They just so happen to be looking for a President of Playlists. Ek actually even tweeted the job offer at him: Hey @BarackObama, I heard you were interested in a role at Spotify. Have you seen this one? https://t.co/iragpCowpO Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) January 9, 2017 The job is looking for a candidate who has at least eight years experience running a highly-regarded nation, experience in programming playlists at a federal level, a Nobel Peace Prize, and is one of the greatest speakers of all time. Yeesh, its pretty bloody specific! But we reckon old mate POTUS has it in the bag. The job looks pretty impressive. Yes, its on their actual job page, and you can legitimately put in your resume. Check it out here: spotify.com/us/jobs/view/o0CA4fw0/ NOTE: the author of this article has applied for the role, just in case Obama chokes in the first round of interviews. Im under-qualified, but Im a fast learner and easily adaptable. Ill report back. Dont tell my boss. Cheers. Source: Spotify. Photo: Pool / Getty. The Killers were a huge band back in the days when The O.C. was by far the most superior television program and if you had a flip phone you were basically God. Nevertheless, the Las Vegas band are responsible for irritably catchy tunes like Mr Brightside and Somebody Told Me thatll never leave my brain, if Im honest, and they do still have a solid fanbase. It makes sense, then, that The Killers reckoned they were entitled to free Chinese food for life after they discovered fast food chain Panda Express had used a line from one of their most famous songs as fortune cookie fodder. What the fuck, right? Lets pack it down. The Killers tweeted a fortune that read SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT, either a reference to their song of the same name or maybe a regularly used expression that existed before they did (or perhaps this band has more of an influence on me than I know)? Either way, theyre being pretty chill about it, but they have one request: an unlimited supply of orange chicken until the day they die. Im thinkin orange chicken for life and well let you off the hook for using our stuff. pic.twitter.com/3gJ9FebZVD The Killers (@thekillers) January 8, 2017 Keen not to engage in any form of legal battle, Panda Express had a tongue in-cheek response that was also quite sweet, really. .@thekillers When it comes to #OrangeChickenLove, we always mean it. Panda Express (@PandaExpress) January 9, 2017 I only really have one question: why choose orange chicken? Granted, I dont really know what that is, but if you were going to have Chinese food for life, surely you would want an endless supply of spring rolls? Either way, I have a feeling this could be the beginning of a beautiful partnership. Source: NME. Photo: Getty / Jeff Kravitz. The Roberto Clemente Bridge lit up at night in Pittsburgh. (Brook Ward/Flickr.com) Lisa Wardle | lwardle@pennlive.com 17 places to go in 2017 Pittsburgh is one of only two American destinations that made the cut for "The 17 best places to travel in 2017" by Harper's Bazaar. The state's second-largest city earned the No. 4 spot on Bazaar's list. See what other cities and countries beat it out. Don't Edit This April 19, 2015 photo shows an old brick building in the River Arts District of Asheville, N.C. Nearly two dozen historic buildings in the neighborhood now house more than 180 artists working in a variety of media, from wood and clay to basketry, painting and textiles. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz) 17: Asheville, North Carolina At the very end of the list is this "quaint spot" in North Carolina with an impressive food scene. Three chefs in the area are James Beard Award nominees. Taste the offerings of chef Nate Allen at Knife & Fork and chef Brian Canipelli at Cucina 24. The third nominee, pastry chef Cynthia Wong, now works at Charleston's Butcher & Bee. Asheville also has an expansive craft beer scene and a focus on the arts. Lonely Planet named Asheville the top travel destination in the United States for 2017. Don't Edit President Barack Obama stands with Thich Minh Thong, abbot of the Jade Emperor Pagoda, right, and Duong Ngoc Dung, professor at Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, center, after visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tuesday, May 24, 2016. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most notable and most visited cultural destinations in Ho Chi Minh City. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) 16: Vietnam This destination is a bit farther away than North Carolina, but Bazaar says now is the perfect time to visit Vietnam to experience locals' optimism during a period of peace. Many remember the fall of Saigon, or at least remember reading about it. The area now known as Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit for its historical significance as much as its culture. Don't Edit 15: Scotland For a calm getaway, jet off to enjoy scenic Scotland. The Highlands offer expansive views paired with historic castles and lochs. Maybe you'll even see Nessie. Visit the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow for museums and restaurants. Then tour one of the country's many whisky distilleries. Don't Edit 14: Sanya, China White sand beaches, mountains and resorts make this town on the island province of Hainan a luxurious getaway. Warm weather year-round also means Sanya is a good bet for those willing to travel in the rainy season from May to September. Visitors can stay at St. Regis, Park Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La or EDITION hotels. Don't Edit Don't Edit A member of Ipiales dance group performs in the inaugural parade marking the 15th Iberoamerican Festival of Theater, FITB, in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, March 12, 2016. The festival celebrates the performing arts, including circus, cabaret, musicals, live bands, dance, and theater. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) 13: Colombia Colombia attracts adventurers, nature lovers, partiers and history buffs. The country has fairs and festivals all year long, including Carnival in Rio de Oro and salsa festivals during Cali Fair. For those looking to explore the natural and historical aspects of the country, the oldest city in South America, Santa Marta, sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. Tourists can find lagoons and rainforests within Tayrona National Park. Don't Edit 12: Japan Japan offers pretty much everything: natural beauty, sports, cuisine, culture and adventure. Visit Tokyo for stunning architecture and fashion, or head to Kanazawa to see a castle and one of the country's major gardens. Foodies should not miss a chance to eat wagyu beef in its own country or tour "sweets street" in Marunouchi. Skiiers and bicyclists can partake in the country's many outdoorsy offerings. Don't Edit 11: Madagascar Madagascar's numerous endemic species have earned it the nickname of "the Galapagos of Africa." All of the area's lemurs and most of its amphibians, reptiles and birds cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Six national parks in the country are designated world heritage sites. Resorts cater to those hoping to combine luxury accommodations and experiencing the indigenous wildlife. Visit from April to November to avoid the wet season and potential cyclones. Don't Edit Artist Jan Kubicki carves in ice on a closed section of Zabkowska street, in Warsaw, Poland, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, as the temperature is minus 10 degree Celsius (14 degree Fahrenheit). (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) 10: Warsaw, Poland The sprawling capital is a culture hub and historical wonder. It survived near-destruction at the end of World War II and rebuilt to combine modern structures with restored Gothic architecture for a unique feel. The city is now the most lively in Poland. Fashion festivals are abundant, as are an array of restaurants, bars and clubs. Come in summer for festivals and warmer weather, or venture out in winter for seasonal ice sculptures and the no pants subway ride. Don't Edit 9: Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town is full of beauty. You've probably seen photos of the beaches, bright houses and gardens. Wine country and scenic mountains are just a short distance from town. But leisure isn't all the area has to offer. Hikers can trek up Table Mountain and adrenaline junkies can try swimming with sharks or kite surfing. Also, there are African penguins at Boulders Beach. Don't Edit Don't Edit 8: Israel Though the country is about the size of New Jersey, it is packed with culture and history. Israel is a major destination for Jewish, Muslim and Christian travelers for its role in each religion's sacred texts. As such, historic sites and temples in Jerusalem are must-see destinations. Tel Aviv has a vibrant food and arts scene. Tourists can also enjoy the nearby Dead Sea spas. Don't Edit In this Friday, Sept. 4, 2015 file photo, tourist Stephen Fernandez, center-right, takes photos of a male silverback mountain gorilla from the family of mountain gorillas named Amahoro, which means "peace" in the Rwandan language, in the dense forest on the slopes of Mount Bisoke volcano in Volcanoes National Park, northern Rwanda. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File) 7: Rwanda The "Land of a Thousand Hills" contains many natural attractions, including Volcanoes National Park where half of the world's wild gorillas live and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Tea gardens are also a draw. Safari tours are a premier attraction for those who want to get up close to African wildlife. Hotels in and around national parks mean travelers don't have to trek too far to explore. Don't Edit 6: India's Golden Triangle The Golden Triangle consists of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. All are top tourist destinations for their culture and history. Delhi is a modern city with clubs, hot restaurants and bustling markets. Agra's biggest draw is the Taj Majal, where it is hard to avoid crowds but still worth a visit. And Jaipur "The Pink City" has many ancient forts and monuments known for their color and historical significance as a royal residence. Don't Edit A man prepares his kite to fly during an international kite festival in Alcochete, near Lisbon, Portugal, Sunday, June 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) 5: Portugal Portugal has long been Spain's less-popular neighbor, but it has most things explorers look for when choosing a place to travel: great food, art, history and culture. Lisbon and Porto are both worth visiting for their history and fun festivals, while wine enthusiasts will enjoy the Douro Valley. Don't Edit 4: Pittsburgh Steel City was named America's Most Underrated City and earned the top spot of any city on this list (the top three are all countries). Pittsburgh's culinary offerings ensure visitors and locals will have a hard time running out of things to try. Highlights on Bazaar's list include Umami, Cure and Morcilla in Lawrenceville, as well as downtown destinations tako, Meat & Potatoes and Butcher and The Rye. The city also has some notable vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Bazaar's list also touts Pittsburgh as the birthplace of Andy Warhol and the museum that contains the largest collection of Warhol's work. Of course, the city also has some weirder attractions worth visiting. Among the attractions the list didn't mention: the National Aviary's adorable sloth, Kennywood's charming wooden coasters, an ever-growing craft beer scene, the steepest street in the world (and races that take bicyclists and runners up that street). Don't Edit Don't Edit In this June 26, 2013 photo, people cool off on a hot summer day in Esplanade Park in Helsinki, Finland. In summer, glorious sun-filled days draw picnickers to every available last patch of grass. (AP Photo/Lehtikuva, Martti Kainulainen) 3: Finland In winter, visitors can gaze at the Northern Lights and explore the wintry wonderland. In summer, picnickers take over parks and lake areas. The country is still a less popular tourist destination than its Scandinavian neighbors, providing a bit more quiet than travelers may find elsewhere. Though its central Scandinavian location makes for easy day trips to nearby cities like Stockholm and Oslo. The capital of Helsinki is celebrating 100 years of independence throughout 2017, making now an ideal time to visit. Don't Edit 2: Canada If that Canadian citizenship plan didn't work out, at least you can visit. Canada will celebrate 150 years of independence in 2017 and Montreal is marking its 375th birthday. The French-Canadian city boasts a blend of flavors, art and culture thanks to its European roots and diverse set of modern residents. Outdoorsy types can take a ride on the bike trails or hike through Banff National Park or venture out to Prince Edward Island. Don't Edit In this Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015 photo, tourists take photos during a tour of the Hobbit movie set near Matamata, New Zealand. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) 1: New Zealand New Zealand has a little bit of something for everyone: nature lovers can explore barely disturbed islands and black sand beaches; wine drinkers can tour the vineyards; adrenaline junkies can go bungee jumping or sky diving; nerds can enjoy a "Lord of the Rings" tour. The arts and culture of cities Auckland and Queenstown just add to the experience. Don't Edit Lisa Wardle | lwardle@pennlive.com More travel news and guides If you're looking to stay in Pennsylvania, here are some ideas: There's a dog in there somewhere...and he looks hopeless. But there is a happy ending to this story. Read on. TODAY'S WORD: un soulagement : a relief EXAMPLE SENTENCE: C'etait un soulagement de voir que la mise en bouteilles s'est bien deroulee. It was a relief to see that the wine-bottling unfolded well. ECOUTEZ - Hear Jean-Marc pronounce the example sentence in French: Download Soulagement A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Jean-Marc was highly agitated about the upcoming wine-bottling which would take place at our vineyard. In the organizational phase, nothing was working out. This began when the first bottling truck could not make it up our hairpin allee privee.... From there it was a scramble to find un prestataire, or wine bottling service provider, who could find a way up our driveway. In the end, no one could, so Jean-Marc found another way... He called our friend and fisherman, Jean-Michel. Jean-Michel had a powerful 4X4. The wine bottling machine (on its own giant wagon) could be dropped off at the local pizzeria, Chez Henri, where our friend Jean-Michel would then reel the one ton wagon up our hill! Well, that part went very well, avec une telle efficacite! Thanks, Jean-Michel! If only the same could be said about the bottles delivery. Same problem: getting a large truck up the hill. After many tries, and much strain on Jean-Marc, he finally took the matter into his own hands. Bypassing the transport service, which was stuck at the bottom of the road, he called a local truck rental and transferred all 3000 bottles from the giant truck to la camionnette. Many broken bottles later, the relay truck arrived in front of our cellar. Only now the race was on, at sundown, to get 3000 bottles unloaded from the van. This was done bottle by bottle! I could not believe the scene when I arrived for the last leg of the delivery. Bottles and broken glass everywhere! Jean-Marc, having ordered the second truck, had rushed to the store to buy giant garbage bags in which to catch so many bottles coming off the second truck. Two men stood inside the camionnette, transferring bottles to Jean-marc, who caught them in the giant bags. Jean-Marc had been running a race from the store to the pizzeria back to his winery, and the strain on his face was as big as his racing heart. I stood beside my husband with a giant bag of my own, but I could only catch half the weight in bottles. We hurried back and forth from the van to the cellar, as bottles poured out of the sky. It was dark and cold out when the last bouteille was emptied from the truck. Jean-Marc told me to go inside. "C'est bon. Tu peux rentrer a la maison, cherie." Thinking the trial was behind us, I began making soup and running a hot bath for the weary winemaker, who I expected would arrive any time now. Only he still had not returned from the cellar, an hour later. Fearing the worst (had all those bottles toppled over him?) I headed to the door when the phone rang. Jean-Marc was on his way in, after some final arrangements in the cellar. After the transport disaster, there was no reason to believe the actual wine bottling--scheduled for the next day--would go well. Jean-Marc had every reason to fear more chaos, and so took out all of his soucis in a fitful night of sleep. But the big day came and went, yesterday, and it was a peaceful bottling day at that! Our children's friends came to help us. Though Max was away at school in Montpellier, his good friend Antoine arrived, using all his skills garnered from working in restaurants. A key player in yesterday's production line, he was also a sight to behold as he glided, like Fred Astaire, back and forth from the cellar to where the bottles came off the production line. In between receiving and stocking bottles, Antoine kept the area tidy, sweeping debris out of the way and picking up broken glass from the night before. Jackie ditched a day of school to offer helping hands. She called her friend Pauline and her boyfriend Jeremy, who respectively loaded bottles onto the machine and moved them through to ticketing. And my rockstar sister-in-law showed up, ever ready to help! Cecile's job was to construct the wine boxes in which I, near the end of the line, set the bottles coming off the conveyor belt. Jean-Marc supervised the whole productive chain, moving all the wine in the process - from the tank, where he literally tipped the last drop out of the 2000 liter container, to the last bottle which he stacked, with the help of Fred Astaire, at the back of the cellar. Keeping up with the conveyor belt, which spit out bottles for me to catch, I had to stop every now and then to behold la serenite that washed over the entire enterprise, to cleanse a once-defeated winemaker. If you could only have seen the look on his face. C'etait la paix. We will keep you posted about where to find our wines in the US. For the moment, it will be available in the Spring in OR, TX, DC and Southern CA. We can also ship within France. Please email Jean-Marc (jean-marc@mas-des-brun.com) for more details. Stories you may have missed: The Serenity Prayer in French and in English, click here FRENCH VOCABULARY Increase your vocabulary with these words. More tools here. une allee or voie privee = driveway un prestataire = a service provider avec une telle efficacite = with such efficiency la camionnette = small truck or van une bouteille = bottle un souci = a worry c'est bon = everything is under control tu peux rentrer = you can return a la maison = to home c'etait la paix = it was peace Sen. Jeff Sessions received an unwelcome surprise Tuesday when men dressed as KKK members jumped up on their seats in protest at his attorney general confirmation hearing. The men had "seemingly fake southern accents" while trolling Sessions, who was one of Donald Trump's first Cabinet picks, according to the New York Daily News. According to the Daily News, the men were dragged out of the Senate hearing room by Capitol police. The Daily News reported of the men said, "Thank you so much for being here for the people. White people don't get arrested. You can't arrest me, I'm white! What do we have to do, wait for the inauguration? This is craziness!" Sessions was accused of racism in the 1980s and was rejected by the Senate for a federal judgeship in 1986 on claims that he improperly prosecuted black voting-rights activists and used racially offensive language as a U.S. attorney in Alabama. As The Washington Post noted, Sessions recently supported a Supreme Court decision that killed key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that had protected ballot access for African Americans. According to the Post: "Since joining the Senate in 1997, Sessions has stood against almost every immigration bill that included a path to citizenship for people residing in the United States illegally. He also voted against renewing the federal Violence Against Women Act, has supported a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and opposed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act." During the Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday morning, Sessions fielded questions about his record and denounced the KKK. Earns Best Buy This Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, file photo, shows a Best Buy in Miami. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) At a giant Best Buy repair shop in Brooks, Kentucky, Geek Squad technicians work on computers owned by people across the country, delving into them to retrieve lost data. Over several years, a handful of those workers have notified the FBI when they see signs of child pornography, earning payments from the agency. The existence of the small cadre of informants within one of the country's most popular computer repair services was revealed in the case of a California doctor who is facing federal charges after his hard drive was flagged by a technician. The doctor's lawyers found that the FBI had cultivated eight "confidential human sources" in the Geek Squad over a four-year period, according to a judge's order in the case, with all of them receiving some payment. The case raises issues about privacy and the government use of informants. If a customer turns over their computer for repair, do they forfeit their expectation of privacy, and their Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable searches? And if an informant is paid, does it compromise their credibility or effectively convert them into an agent of the government? Best Buy searching a computer is legal - the customer authorized it, and the law does not prohibit private searches. But if Best Buy serves as an arm of the government, then a warrant or specific consent is needed. And a federal judge in the child pornography case against Mark Rettenmaier is going to allow defense attorneys to probe the relationship between Best Buy and the FBI at a hearing in Los Angeles starting Wednesday. "Their relationship is so cozy," said defense attorney James D. Riddet, "and so extensive that it turns searches by Best Buy into government searches. If they're going to set up that network between Best Buy supervisors and FBI agents, you run the risk that Best Buy is a branch of the FBI." The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment. Federal prosecutors argued in California that when a technician doing repairs "stumbles across images of child pornography" and the government wasn't aware of the search, "the technician is clearly not performing the search with the intent of assisting law enforcement efforts." Best Buy spokesman Jeff Shelsaid in a statement Monday that "Best Buy and Geek Squad have no relationship with the FBI. From time to time, our repair agents discover material that may be child pornography and we have a legal and moral obligation to turn that material over to law enforcement. We are proud of our policy and share it with our customers before we begin any repair." Shelman added, "Any circumstances in which an employee received payment from the FBI is the result of extremely poor individual judgment, is not something we tolerate and is certainly not a part of our normal business behavior." Court records did not detail how often or how much the technicians were paid, other than one $500 payment to one supervisor. But emails between Geek Squad technicians and FBI agents in the Louisville field office indicate a long-running relationship. In revealing those publicly in a Dec. 19 order, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney required technicians and agents to take the witness stand this week. The ruling was first reported by Orange County Weekly. Many of the documents establishing the ties between the FBI and the technicians are sealed, but Carney discussed some in his order. He noted that the FBI acknowledged it considered technician supervisor Justin Meade a confidential human source for all but a few months between October 2008 and November 2012. Different agents handled the Geek Squad technicians, Carney wrote. In October 2009, Agent Jennifer Cardwell emailed Meade to express interest in meeting "to discuss some other ideas for collaboration," Carney disclosed. In an internal FBI communication in July 2010, Agent Tracey L. Riley told her supervisor that "Source reported all has been quiet for about the last 5-6 months, however source agreed that once school started again, they may see an influx of CP [child pornography]." Meade was later identified as the "source." Other internal communications show the "source" referring possible cases to Riley from computers sent to the Geek Squad from across the country. "This two-way thoroughfare of information," Riddet, the defense attorney. argued in his motion to suppress the evidence, "suggests that the FBI considers [Meade] . . . to be a partner in the ongoing effort of law enforcement to detect and prosecute child pornography violators. . . . Here it is very clear that Best Buy, and specifically the supervisor who reports its technician's discovery of 'inappropriate' content on customers' computers, are not only working together, but actually planning to conduct more such searches in the future." The case started in November 2011, when Rettenmaier, a gynecological oncologist in Orange County, Calif., took his HP Pavilion desktop to the Best Buy in Mission Viejo, Calif., because it wouldn't boot up. The technicians at the store told him he had a faulty hard drive. If he wanted to retain information from the hard drive, he would need the Geek Squad's data recovery services in Kentucky. Rettenmaier signed a service order that prosecutors argue "waived any right to raise a Fourth Amendment claim" because it contained the admonition: "I am on notice that any product containing child pornography will be turned over to the authorities." Rettenmaier's hard drive was shipped to Geek Squad City in Brooks, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville. In December 2011, one of Meade's technicians located a photo that Riddet described as a nude prepubescent girl on a bed. In January 2012, court records show Meade emailed Agent Riley in Louisville and said, "We have another one out of California we want you to take a look at, when can you swing by?" Meade did not respond to phone and email messages. Prosecutors acknowledged that the FBI paid him $500 in October 2011, two months before his co-worker discovered the photo. Meade filed a sworn declaration last year that "I do not remember ever being paid by the FBI." The search of Rettenmaier's hard drive has a further wrinkle. The image was located on "unallocated space," which is where deleted items reside on a computer until they are overwritten when the space is needed. Unallocated space is not easily accessed - it requires special forensic software. Prosecutors said that the Geek Squad technician who searched the unallocated space was merely trying to recover all the data Rettenmaier had asked to be restored. Riddet argued that the technician was going beyond the regular search to deleted material to find evidence the FBI might want. In addition, a federal appeals court has ruled that pornography found on unallocated space is insufficient to prove that the user possessed it, since information about when it was accessed, altered or deleted is no longer available. "There was no evidence of how the contraband got onto Dr. Rettenmaier's hard drive," Riddet wrote, "and it could have gotten there before he possessed the computer or against his will." An internal FBI email indicated that agents knew charges were unlikely based on an image in unallocated space. But prosecutors did authorize a search warrant for Rettenmaier's computer and home, which was executed in February 2012. It is unclear why Rettenmaier was not indicted until almost three years later, in November 2014. Judge Carney will allow Rettenmaier's lawyer to question not only the Best Buy technicians and FBI agents involved in the case, but also the federal prosecutor who authorized the searches at the upcoming hearing. "The relationship between the FBI and Best Buy [informants] prior to Rettenmaier's hard drive's repair," Carney wrote, "is relevant to how Meade understood his role as an informant and the possibility of an agency relationship between those who specified [the technician's] procedures and the government." Best Buy's Shelman said, "To be clear, our agents unintentionally find child pornography as they try to make the repairs the customer is paying for. They are not looking for it." He said store policy bars agents from doing "anything other than what is necessary to solve the customer's problem." Stan Goldman, a law professor at Loyola Law School, likened Best Buy's search to the "plain view" doctrine for police: If officers can see something in plain view, they have reason to search or seize it. "Whatever they see while searching within the scope of what they were asked to do would be admissible, in my view," Goldman said. "If they start searching on their own, they've gone beyond what is 'plain view.' " He said what a customer consents to when ordering the work is crucial. "Have people actually understood that they've agreed to have their entire computer searched? I don't think so, but you can't be 100 percent certain." (c) 2017, The Washington Post. Tom Jackman wrote this story. Betsy DeVos Betsy DeVos, selected for Education Secretary by President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a rally, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Democratic senators on Dec. 14, called DeVos to ensure that a political action committee she controlled pays $5.3 million in fines and penalties owed for campaign finance violations in Ohio eight years ago. DeVos' All Children Matter PAC broke Ohio election law by funneling $870,000 in contributions from its nationwide PAC to its Ohio affiliate in 2008. The state of Ohio later fined the group $5 million, but the fine has not yet been paid. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) (Paul Sancya) Just days from the onset of her confirmation hearings, one of the hottest topics on social media on Monday was #DearBetsy, a hashtag campaign directed at President-elect Donald Trump's choice for Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos. The campaign was launched by @EndRapeonCampus and Know Your IX just days before Congress is set to begin confirmation hearing on the Michigan billionaire, whose nomination has sharply divided an already divided Washington. Congress is set to on Wednesday begin the confirmation hearing. DeVos, a former Republican Party state chairman and a longtime school-choice activist generated such tweets as: #DearBetsy - don't weaken enforcement of Title IX. Students shouldn't be forced out of college because they feel unsafe. @BetsyDeVos Grace Rogers (@TheGraceRogers) January 9, 2017 When I was raped my school provided me free counseling thx to Title IX. Ensure other victims get the same https://t.co/0m3nsUFlmt #DearBetsy Dana Bolger (@danabolger) January 9, 2017 Title IX is the federal anti-discrimination law applied to any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. A proponent of vouchers and charter schools, DeVos has come under fire from public school educators. She is credited with steering millions of dollars away from public education. As reported by Politico, Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, wants the hearing postponed until DeVos's finances clear ethics scrutiny. Among those weighing in were PCAR - the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. DeVos also had supporters in the hashtag campaign, including the Log Cabin Republicans. painting.png This is the painting by a high school student creating controversy at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Independent Journal Review) A Democratic U.S. Rep. intends to file a police report over a Republican colleague's removal of a painting influenced by events such as police shootings and events in Ferguson, Missouri, according to CNN. The painting is the work of high school student David Pulpus, who won an art competition sponsored Democratic Rep. William Lacy Clay. It was judged by an independent panel of art professionals, CNN reported. Members of Congress are each allowed to hang a painting in the Cannon tunnel at the Capitol. Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter removed the painting last week and returned it to Clay's office, saying "There's nothing appropriate about a painting that depicts police officers as pigs." At the time the painting was hung, Lacy's office put out a news release stating, "it portrays a colorful landscape of symbolic characters representing social injustice, the tragic events in Ferguson, Missouri, and the lingering elements of inequality in modern American society." CNN also reported, "members of the Congressional Black Caucus will hold an event on Tuesday morning to re-hang the painting that Hunter took down last week, setting off a potential political game of musical chairs." Harrisburg can be a very small city. That point was driven home Monday afternoon when a Dauphin County prosecutor called Glenn Walker Jr. to the witness stand during the murder trial for Walker's son, Glenn Walker III. The younger Walker is charged with killing John Carter, the nephew of city Police Chief Thomas Carter, last Easter Eve. Glenn Walker Jr. said he knew John Carter well. "I grew up with him," he said under questioning by Chief Deputy Public Defender Paul Muller. "We were locked up together" in state prison. Chief Deputy District Attorney Johnny Baer is seeking a first-degree murder conviction and life prison sentence for 19-year-old Glenn Walker III. Baer claims the younger Walker shot 36-year-old John Carter in the back during a fight at Green and Woodbine streets. The dispute erupted because John Carter thought Glenn Walker III and some other young men looked at him menacingly when he rode by them in a car, the prosecutor said. Baer called Walker's dad as a witness to identify his son from videos of a December 2015 shooting incident that police claim ties directly into the murder of the chief's nephew. No one was hurt in that earlier incident outside the Club 1400 at Third and Calder streets. Investigators contend that .45 caliber shell casings found at the scene of the Club 1400 incident match those recovered from the site where John Carter was killed. Glenn Walker Jr., who is in county prison awaiting trial in an unrelated assault case, identified his son from videos taken inside and outside the bar. In one video, Glenn Walker III is seen running backward into the camera's field of vision and raising his right arm twice. Baer claims he was firing a pistol at the time. "Does that appear to be your son and he is shooting a handgun?" the prosecutor asked. "Yes," Glenn Walker Jr. replied. Glenn Walker Jr. said the gunfire erupted when someone hit him on the head with a solid object outside the bar after he argued with a woman over a purchase of incense. He said under Muller's cross-examination that he never saw his son with a gun that night. When John Carter was killed, Glenn Walker III was out on bail on charges stemming from the December 2015 shooting case and for a drug case filed in January 2016. It was evident during Muller's questioning that Glenn Walker Jr. spent more time over the years with John Carter than with his own son. He told Muller he has been behind bars for 15 to 16 years of his son's life. Glenn Walker Jr. said John Carter, who had convictions for drug crimes, was a weightlifter and body-builder, one of the strongest men in the prison. "He sort of stayed to himself," he said. The trial is to resume Tuesday in Judge Deborah E. Curcillo's courtroom. Debra Clayton.png Orlando Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, who died after approaching a suspect on Jan. 9, 2017. (Twitter) A police officer in Florida was fatally shot while pursuing a man suspected of killing his pregnant girlfriend, and another officer died in a motorcycle crash during the chase, CNN reported early Tuesday. As of about 5 a.m., police believed a massive manhunt had pinned the suspect in a small area, according to CNN. Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, 42, was shot outside a Walmart on Monday. Later, an officer identified as Orange County Sheriff's Deputy First Class Norman Lewis died when his motorcycle collided with another vehicle during the chase, CNN reported. The suspect is Markeith Loyd, who allegedly fired at other officers while fleeing in a vehicle. Police officers from throughout the area then joined the search, which involved locking down dozens of schools and door to door searches at apartment complexes. Police were offering a $60,000 reward for information. CNN quoted a sheriff as saying, "To lose two law enforcement officers on this Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day is indeed a tragedy." On Friday, 23-year-old Sean Ryan Hake was fatally shot by police during a domestic disturbance call at his mother's home in Sharon, Pa. Friends and relatives would later confirm that Hake was in the process of transitioning from a woman to a man, something Hake confirms himself in the 2013 YouTube video above. But while there's no indication that Hake's gender was at all relevant to the shooting, it has been to the media coverage that followed. Advocates and friends have criticized media outlets and officials for their inconsistent use of pronouns in discussing Hake's death. Sean Ryan Hake. Photo via Facebook. "Regional media coverage of this story is all over the map. Some outlets completely do injustice to Sean's identity by misgendering and misnaming him. Others describe Sean as a man without any reference at all to his trans identity," reads a post on the website pghlesbian.com. Sharon, Pa., is located roughly 70 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. "All of those things erase an important part of Sean's identity. Whether his identity is part of the sequence of events leading to his death is yet to be determined, but it is certainly relevant to his actual lived life." Friends on Facebook also criticized local reports which they say misidentified Hake by referring to him as a female instead of a male. "They reported he was a female," a friend wrote on Facebook. "His name was Sean Ryan Hake. His license said male. The State of Pennsylvania recognized he was a man." In the above YouTube video posted by Hake in May of 2013, he explains his preference thusly: "I'm Sean Ryan. I am a female-to-male transgender. You can call me Sean. You can call me Ryan. Or you can call me Sean Ryan." In the video, Hake says he was born in California and later moved to Pennsylvania. He was working at a Walmart in Hermitage, Pa., prior to his death, a social media profile indicates. Additional posts also say Hake struggled personally in the years leading up to his death, although the details remain hard to verify at this point. In the now three-year-old YouTube clip, Hake seems to allude to this. His friends, meanwhile, say things only grew more difficult for him in the years that followed. "I don't judge anybody, because what you went through, I probably went through, too," Hake says in the video. He also offers himself as a sounding board for other transgender people with questions. "I can help you," Hake adds. Later he says, "You know, I love you all. I do." It's still unclear what led to Hake's shooting death on Friday. Law enforcement officials in Sharon and Mercer County have yet to respond to messages left by PennLive seeking comment. Initial news reports said it was Hake's mother who called police late Friday evening to report an assault at their home on Tamplin Street in Sharon. One report said the assault may have involved a knife or cutting implement. Officials have yet to answer questions about the encounter, citing an ongoing investigation. According to the Sharon Herald, Mercer County District Attorney Miles Karson Jr. told the paper over the weekend that "Our goal is to have a complete investigation and have complete transparency, but it's going to take a few days." Karson said a press conference was possible on Wednesday, although the DA had yet to confirm as much by Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, criticism of media reports on Hake's death mirrors that leveled at California officials in the wake of a warehouse fire in Oakland, California in December that killed 36 people. In that case, officials were criticized for using legal names and genders of some victims. Elsewhere, amid a broader push for transgender rights, dictionaries have added new gender pronouns, while cities like New York have sought to legally enforce their use, and new reference guides for members of the media have been compiled by GLAAD. An article by the Associated Press citing state police identifies Hake as a male, but also uses the name Sean Marie Hake given by officials. sara-packer-accused-of-killing-grace-packer-PA.jpg Sara Packer, accused, along with her boyfriend, Jacob Patrick Sullivan, of the brutal rape-murder of her 14-year-old adopted daughter, Grace Packer, in Bucks County, Pa., once worked in Pennsylvania as a county adoption supervisor - but there is a checkered past. (screen shot) A woman accused, along with her boyfriend, of the brutal rape-murder of her 14-year-old adopted daughter, Grace Packer, in Bucks County, Pa., once worked in Pennsylvania as a county adoption supervisor - but there is a checkered past to this part of Sara Packer's career. According to our sister website, LehighValleyLive.com, Sara Packer was hired in January 2003 to work in the adoption unit of Northampton County's Department of Human Services. She was then promoted to supervisor and worked with the county until she was suspended without pay on Jan. 15, 2010. Around that time, Packer's then- husband was under investigation in abuse cases involving children. All this, according to LehighValleyLive.com, citing county Controller Stephen Barron Jr. The news website goes on to list a series of child abuse cases against David W. Packer, now 40 and with an address in the 200 block of West 14th Street in Northampton Borough. The crimes stretch from 2006 to 2010 -- and David Packer admitted to the charges in at least one case on June 17, 2010. Eventually, he was deemed a sexually violent predator and forced to register as a Megan's Law offender. However, it is not clear when Sara Packer and David Packer got divorced. Sara Packer drew her last paycheck from the Northampton County Children, Youth and Families Division in May 2010 -- likely the portion of pension money that came out of her paychecks over the years, LehighValleyLive.com reports, adding it wasn't clear if she left her position voluntarily. LeighValleyLive.com reports it doesn't appear Sara Packer adopted Grace Packer through Northampton County. The girl was 3 when Sara Packer took in Grace as a foster child and later adopted her. Sara Packer also has a 12-year-old adopted son. What is clear is sometime after Sara Packer adopted Grace, by all accounts things devolved into a fraught parental relationship that allegedly culminated in Grace Packer's brutal rape and killing on July 8 in a rented house outside of Quakertown in Bucks County. View the crime scene here: According to the Bucks County District Attorney's office, Sara Packer, 41, of Abington Township in Montgomery County, and her boyfriend Jacob Patrick Sullivan, 44, of Horsham in Montgomery County, took Grace from her old home in Abington to their new home in Quakertown on July 8. The pair are charged in the assault and killing of Grace Packer over an 18-hour period, as follows: Soon after arriving at the residence, Sullivan allegedly struck Grace in the face, splitting the girl's lip, investigators said, adding in court documents. After the assault, he took Grace to the third-floor attic where he raped her as Packer watched. Sullivan said he took Viagra in preparation of the rape, adding that Packer was sexually aroused while she watched him carry out the act. He told police that he and Packer discussed the acts before they happened. After the rape, Packer went to get medicine to sedate Grace, telling the girl that it would minimize the pain. Grace vomited up the initial dosage of pills, but Packer and Sullivan gave her more pills. The couple then bound Grace and left her in a cedar closet in the attic to die. Packer and Sullivan returned to the attic around 3 a.m. expecting to find Grace dead of her injuries, the drugging, and from the extreme heat in the confined space. When they discovered she was alive, Sullivan got down on the floor behind Grace, wrapped his arm around her neck and face and "slowly squeezed the life out of her." Sullivan told investigators "it was more physical and took much longer than he expected." Grace's body remained in the attic until mid-October. It was packed with cat litter to mask the odor, Sullivan told police. Thinking police might find the body after a visit to the home in October, the couple moved Grace's body to a second-floor bathroom where they removed her limbs in a bathtub using a saw. The dismembered body was placed two plastic totes and disposed in a remote area of Luzerne County, where it would eventually be found by hunters on Oct. 31, turning the then-missing persons case into a homicide investigation. Chilling details, big questions - and no good answers: John L. Micek Teacher-coach headed to trial on sex charges involving two young girls william-peduto-34c027123bf341af.jpg A new report is raising questions about fundraising activities undertaken by Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto's office and prompting at least one call for an ethics investigation into the matter. Peduto is pictured here in a PennLive file photo. (Keith Srakocic) A new report is raising questions about fundraising activities undertaken by Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto's office and prompting at least one call for an ethics investigation into the matter. The report, published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Sunday, says Kevin Acklin, Mayor Peduto's chief of staff, made calls on his behalf seeking political donations from developers while also serving as head of the city Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) board of directors. The paper refers to Acklin in his URA role as the city's top development official, raising questions about whether the fundraising amounted to undue influence or pay-to-play politics. According to TribLive.com, City Councilwoman Darlene Harris, a potential challenger of Peduto's in the upcoming Democratic primary, has responded by calling for an investigation by the city's Ethics Hearing Board. Harris denied any political motivation in calling for the probe. Meanwhile, Peduto on Monday told the website that Acklin had made calls to 23 people in 2015 for contributions totaling $20,000 to $30,000, and that his campaign has raised a total of $3.3 million in recent years. The mayor also dismissed pay-to-play accusations, saying: "To think that that would have some influence over my decision-making, or Kevin's decision-making, is foolish ... I have a 20-year history of working in professional politics and government where I've been able to take a contribution and say, 'No.' If you can't do that, you shouldn't be in the business." Peduto also told the Post-Gazette that the URA has taken the same approach with all developers, whether they've supported his campaigns or not. He added, "This is a city that's open for business ... not a city that's for sale." The news comes as the city continues its climb out of a decades-long economic slump, largely thanks to the growth of white-collar industries like tech, health care and higher education. With this rebound has come a development and construction boom in corners of the city, one largely funded by private investors and real estate equity investment firms. The Post-Gazette report raises questions about whether Peduto's office has used this boom to benefit his political ambitions, and whether it's offered anything in return. This as Peduto has recently announced his plans to seek a second term in office. A Harrisburg man who was yards away when city Police Chief Thomas Carter's nephew was gunned down testified Tuesday that he didn't see who fired the fatal shot. Taji Abdullah held to that story even after Chief Deputy District Attorney Johnny Baer played a video that the prosecutor said showed Abdullah looking right at the spot on Green Street where 36-year-old John Carter was shot last March 26. "I don't know what I was looking at," Abdullah said. Abdullah's testimony came on the second day of the Dauphin County murder trial of his friend, 20-year-old Glenn Walker III. Police claim Walker shot John Carter in the back after a fight that was spurred by an exchange of glances. Baer is seeking a first-degree murder conviction and life prison sentence for Walker. Abdullah, 19, said the fight erupted after he and John Carter "were staring at each other" as Carter drove by Abdullah's home in the 2200 block of Green Street. He said John Carter got out of his vehicle, walked up to him and "asked me if I wanted some problem." Carter seemed to be reaching toward his waist for something, "so I hit him," Abdullah said. "We started fighting." Walker and another of his friends, Shawn Jones, broke up the fight, then Carter ran down the street, followed by Williams and Jones, Abdullah said. "I was running toward my house and I heard shots, so I got on the ground," he said. "But you didn't see who was shooting?" Baer asked. After a pause Abdullah replied, "No." When Baer asked if he was trying to protect his friends from the witness stand, Abdullah denied it. "I ain't trying' to help nobody," he said. Baer then played the video, taken by a security camera of a home near the shooting scene. The video showed Carter walking up the street, followed by a fight just at the edge of the camera's view. Carter then was filmed running away followed by two other men and Abdullah. Baer asked Abdullah to stop the video at the point where he heard shots fired. The spot Abdullah chose showed Abdullah standing on the sidewalk looking down toward where Carter was shot. Under questioning by Chief Deputy Public Defender Paul Muller, Abdullah said Walker and Jones were visiting him on the day Carter was killed. At the time, Abdullah said, he was recovering from being wounded in the legs in a drive-by shooting. Abdullah insisted that Walker and Jones weren't armed. "Shawn and Glenn didn't have no guns," he said. Louis Williams said he and his wife were driving on Green Street when he saw what looked like a fight about to erupt among some men on the sidewalk. One man, dressed in black jacket and acid-washed jeans, was reaching inside his jacket, he said. Soon, "We heard a pow!" Williams said. Then another shot rang out and "you could feel the impact. It hit the driver's side door." He said he then saw a man fall on the street. Williams insisted repeatedly under Baer's questioning that he never saw anyone shooting. Police claim the man in the acid-washed jeans was Walker. Baer cited a statement Williams gave to Detective Richard Iachini soon after the shooting. In that statement, Williams said he saw one of the men pull a gun and fire, the prosecutor said. "I didn't see the gun," Williams insisted. He said he saw the man in the acid-washed jeans extend his arm right before the shooting started. "You're 100 percent sure you didn't see a gun being fired?" Public Defender Andrea Haynes asked on cross-examination. "I didn't see a gun," Williams repeated. Patrol Officer Nicholas Herbster, the first policeman on the scene, testified that he found Carter on all fours in the street. A crowd had gathered nearby. Herbster said he tried to talk with Carter. "The only thing he would say is that he couldn't breathe," the officer said. "He turned toward me and his entire shirt was soaked in blood." Dr. Wayne Ross, a forensic pathologist, said an autopsy showed Carter was hit in the left upper back by a bullet that pierced his left lung and lodged in the right side of his chest. "Basically, he bled to death," Ross said. WARRENSVILLE -- The cost to repair a Sunoco Logistics pipeline broken in Lycoming County during the Oct. 21 flash flood is estimated at $10 million, a company official said. And more work remains, Richard Bishop, senior manager of pipeline operations, told the Lycoming County Local Emergency Planning Committee Tuesday. Nearly 52,000 gallons of gasoline escaped when part of a bridge over Wallis Run that was washed out by the flooding broke the 8-inch line that carried petroleum products from the Reading area to Rochester and Buffalo, New York. As many as 250 people worked on repairs at times, Bishop said. It was important to get the line back in service, which it was Nov. 12, because Sunoco has 75 percent of the market in that part of New York, he said. Part of the repair work entailed burying approximately 700 feet of pipe at least 35 feet deep near the point where Wallis Run flows into Loyalsock Creek. It was buried only 4 feet before. Emergency repairs were required at 10 other places where the pipeline was exposed, Bishop said. There were 17 other locations upstream along Wallis Run where the pipeline was exposed to a lesser extent, he said. Restoration has been completed at three sites, but it could be the end of the year the rest are finished, he said. A drop in pressure about 3 a.m. on Oct. 21 alerted Sunoco's control center to a problem with the line and it was immediately shut down. None of the gasoline that flowed into Wallis Run, Loyalsock Creek and the Susquehanna River was recovered, Bishop said. A state Department of Environmental Protection investigation into the break is continuing, a spokesman said. DEP had previously said the discharge did not cause issues for communities that take water from the river and there was no evidence aquatic life was affected. In an effort to prevent another stream-related problem in that area, Sunoco has established a link with the National Weather Service website so it has access to Wallis Run flow data and water level, Bishop said. Personnel will be automatically alerted when the stream reaches a certain level, he said. There are valves along the pipeline that can be closed remotely, but others must be done manually, he said. Pennsylvania State Police urge the public to exercise caution when it comes to donating to charities benefiting troopers, including the late Trooper Landon Weaver who was shot Dec. 30 in the line of duty. "Pennsylvania State Police does not participate in the soliciting of funds for the department," said a statement issued by state police in Troop G in Hollidaysburg. In the wake of the death of Trooper Weaver, state police in Troop G say they have received a few reports of telephone solicitations efforts on behalf of causes such as "Pennsylvania State Police fund" and "Trooper Landon Weaver's family." Weaver was shot and killed Dec. 30 by Jason Robison, 32, who was then killed by state troopers who had been tracking him down the following day. State police have said there are several direct ways to contribute to Weaver's family, including a fund at Altoona First Savings Bank and Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation. "The department itself does not conduct fund-raising or charitable work," said the statement. It does endorse fund-raising for certain programs, such as Camp Cadet and Crime Stoppers. Under state regulations, state police are prohibited from permitting an organization to use a member's title, position or other information without approval from the state police commissioner, said the statement. Before making a donation in response to any solicitation, residents should obtain and review written information from the charity, state police say. About $10,354 has been contributed so far to the Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation in Weaver's memory, said spokesman David La Torre. Not all of that will go to Weaver's family, he said, since the charity assists troopers in a variety of needs. So far $13,764 has been raised in one Go Fund Me campaign set up by one of the trooper's classmates from the State Police Academy. A spokesman at Altoona First Savings Bank declined to say how much has been contributed, but said "The community has been very supportive." The Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation accepts donations online or mailed to 3625 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110 There are others Go Fund Me pages for Weaver, and state police Facebook page says this: "The bank information and troopers helping troopers funds are the most direct routes to donate. There are a few Go Fund Me accounts set up and, while we aren't saying they are fraudulent, we can't verify each and every one." Trump Hacking A part of the declassified version Intelligence Community Assessment on Russia's efforts to interfere with the U.S. political process is photographed in Washington, Friday, Jan. 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick) By H.C. Nash Search "post-truth era in U.S. politics" on Google and you'll turn up more than 2.4 million hits. The folks behind the venerable Oxford Dictionaries chose "post-truth" as their Word of the Year in 2016. The OED defines "Post-truth" as "a political culture in which politics (propaganda and media narratives) have become almost entirely disconnected from policy (the subject of legislation)." The term had first been employed in 2010 by David Roberts in an issue of Grist magazine, published in Seattle and focusing on environmental issues. A synonym is "post-factual." Utterly fabricated stories, like conspiracy talk, play heavily into social media's "echo chambers." Alex Jones of AM radio's "Prison Planet" and "Infowars" claims that the mass shooting at Sandy Hook, Connecticut, elementary school in December of 2012 was staged by federal agencies to drum up support for gun control measures. Writing at the rumor- and falsehood-debunking Snopes.com, David Mikkelson observes that there's "been an opening of the sluice gate and everything is pouring through. The bilge keeps coming faster than you can pump." Much of "the bilge" is paranoid, and a great deal of it has fueled the character assassination of Barack Obama. In his famous political treatise The Prince (1532), Machiavelli encouraged the development of "shrewdness and cunning" on the part of political leaders. Richard Nixon carried such a principle to a self-destructive extreme. His personal attorney considered the 37th president "the most transparent liar I have ever known." (Lied even when he didn't have to.) Following Britain's exit from the European Union last year, Arron Banks, a multimillionaire co-founder of the "Leave" movement, proclaimed that "Facts don't work. . . . You've got to connect with people emotionally. It's the Trump success." It's common knowledge that President-elect Donald Trump has claimed that he knows "more than the generals" and more about cyber hacking than the nation's intelligence agencies. One of his most conspicuous allies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin ("Bibi") Netanyahu, feigns a genuine interest in a "two-state solution" with the Palestinians. T Vladimir Putin has lied ad naseum about his nation's military intervention in the Ukraine, and there is no doubt that Russian agencies hacked the Democratic National Committee's computers during the election campaign. Cynicism and incorrigible hubris are the core qualities of such leaders. But the issue of truth and falsity in our time is broader. To President Obama the ubiquity and impact of "the new media" means "Everything is true and nothing is true." How can democracy survive in such an anti-intellectual social and political environment? Charles Pierce, Esquire's writer-at-large, has written that Trump is "The unlikeliest president we've ever had." The man's stark and unsettling "unlikeliness" has played a crucial role in undermining standards of sociopolitical truth-telling. Media have been forced by diffuse popular-opinion currents to "normalize" him. His misrepresentation of facts is written off to his "personality," his "character," the free-market ethic of transactional relativity. "The deal" becomes the end-all and be-all, and the president-elect has become its master manipulator. To what degree does formal education shape public opinion in the United States? The Pew Research Center reported that Hillary Clinton outpaced Trump by 9 percent among college-educated voters, the largest education-linked differential since the 1980 election. And to what degree does "the past" impinge? "The American character," an expression thoroughly explicated by Alexis de Tocqueville, and the title of a 1944 book by Briton D.W. Brogan, has been shaped primarily by revolutionary fervor, conquest, and exploitation. It was shaped most dramatically over time by the spirit of "the frontier." After being briefed by Lewis and Clark following their return from the "Corps of Discovery" expedition to the Pacific in 1806, President Thomas Jefferson predicted it would take 18 generations to settle the West. It took six. Jefferson had underestimated the elan vital of the American people. It is not an exaggeration to speak of "the American character" as opportunistic and mission-minded. It is not an exaggeration to speak of it as essentially rapacious. It is not facile to see in Trump's core constituency a replication of Andrew Jackson's populist overthrow of the gentrified political establishment of the eastern seaboard in the 1820s. It is not a stretch to associate the president-elect with a remark by the nation's 25th president, William McKinley, one of the architects of "Manifest Destiny": "We must be supreme, and our supremacy must be acknowledged!" In the 1940s and 1950s Russian-American novelist/philosopher Ayn Rand published a pair of novels (The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged) that dramatized her central themes of arch-individualism and rational self-interest, termed "Objectivism." Her system enthrones laissez-faire capitalism. (A youthful Alan Greenspan was a passionate disciple.) What would Ayn Rand think of the gross, Gotham-bred egocentricity of the multibillionaire about to become the nation's 45th president, a chum to boot of Russia's Putin, a former KGB officer and currently "strongman" with a grudge against Hillary Clinton? Only in America? H.C. Nash, of Williamsport, is an occasional PennLive Opinion contributor. He is author of the two-volume "Patsy of the Ages: Lee Harvey Oswald and His Nation Half a Century Later." Meryl Streep Actress Meryl Streep arrives with flowers at a memorial service at the homes of Debbie Reynolds and her daughter Carrie Fisher in Los Angeles Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017. Reynolds died Dec. 28 at the age of 84, a day after her daughter died at the age of 60. Streep starred in the film, "Postcards From the Edge," based on Fisher's 1987 semi-autobiographical novel of the same title. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) By Ed Rogers It is a tough time to be a Democrat. The weeks that follow a defeat at the ballot box are never flattering for the losers, but this time around, the Democrats seem to be particularly demoralized. Their melancholy and fatigue appear to be getting worse. Their opposition to President-elect Donald Trump and the Republicans is lame, lazy and leaderless. Eventually they will get their game back, but I admit to feeling some satisfaction watching them struggle as the confirmation hearings for Trump's Cabinet picks get underway. Jeff Sessions, R, my senator from Alabama, appears to be waltzing to his confirmation as attorney general. In response, the best the Democrats can do is roll out an oldie but goody -- specifically, a corny sit-in at one of Sessions' offices. NAACP President Cornell William Brooks (who was, of course, arrested at the recent sit-in) says they are "prepared to sometimes engage in activity that some would describe as radical." Radical? A cliche, '60s-style sit-in? Is that the best they can do? The Democrats are also suddenly outraged that some of Trump's Cabinet picks, namely Betsy DeVos, are also GOP donors. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., wrote in a letter to DeVos ahead of DeVos' hearing that "making large political contributions to 'buy influence' does not qualify you to help set policy for the education of America's school children." That is beyond hypocritical; it is wildly insulting. Since when does being politically active and a good, civic-minded donor disqualify someone from serving in a Cabinet position? Do the Democrats really want to go there? Meanwhile, out in Hollywood, the left is hyperventilating. You have only to look at the breathless adoration from the left for actress Meryl Streep's "Woe is me, Hollywood is the victim" speech on Sunday night at the Golden Globes. Streep, who was -- and still is -- a major Hillary Clinton supporter, attacked Trump and then excused herself, saying "disrespect invites disrespect." The Democratic elites are in the midst of a major pity party. It would almost be funny if it weren't so pathetic. So what is the takeaway for Republicans as the Democrats grasp at straws and try to regain their footing? Republicans must avoid giving the Democrats a hand up as they wallow in defeat and avoid doing what the Democrats want Republicans to do. The mini-scandal of the Republicans' vote to move the independent Office of Congressional Ethics under the oversight of the House Ethics Committee was not a good way to kick off the 115th Congress. Regardless of the merits of the move, the optics played into the Democrats' hands and allowed them to dominate the headlines on the first day, when Republicans should have had the upper hand with a powerful message. And while we're at it, when I read Michael Rosenwald's piece in The Washington Post about the move to make it easier to buy a silencer for your gun, I thought it might be from the Onion, or at the very least, that there might be "April Fools!" written in bold print at the end of the piece. My second thought was that maybe my pals in the newsroom were over-hyping the story to feed a negative stereotype of gun-crazed Republicans. So I called an authentic, smart, tea party Republican I know, and sure enough, the story is for real. A lot of Republicans actually want the federal government to loosen restrictions on gun silencers. What? Think of all the people who are alive today because they heard the sounds of shots fired and escaped to safety. Even in The Washington Post's account of the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting, a driver who was waiting for former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer to arrive is quoted as saying that he heard the gunfire and "immediately dropped to the floor." Gun noise prevents gun deaths, and that's that. To suggest otherwise is ludicrous. There are plenty of good causes Republicans in Congress could be working on and that Donald Trump Jr. could lend his considerable clout to. This is not one of them. The GOP shouldn't go near the gun silencer issue with a 10-foot pole -- even one with a silencer attached. Republicans are about to face a lot of difficult fights in Congress, from the repeal and replacement of Obamacare to implementing tax reform to balancing the budget and paying down our national debt. They need to be smart and laser-focused on the issues that really matter. The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress will have their hands full even without giving the Democrats extra ammo. Ed Rogers is a political consultant and a veteran of the White House and several national campaigns. He is the chairman of the lobbying and communications firm BGR Group, which he founded with former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour in 1991. He wrote this piece for The Washington Post, where it first appeared. MERYL STREEP GOLDEN GLOBES ART.jpg Actor Meryl Streep after the Golden Globes on Sunday night. By Eugene Robinson Seriously? Is President-elect Donald Trump so thin-skinned that even criticism from Meryl Streep triggers a nasty, over-the-top response? What kind of crybaby have Americans elected as their leader? Eugene Robinson (PennLive file) "One of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood," Trump absurdly called the most acclaimed actress of our time, demonstrating that he is no more prepared to become critic in chief than commander in chief. Are there more important things to think and write about than Trump's latest Twitter tantrum? Yes and no. Trump threatens to snatch health insurance coverage from millions, enact huge tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, reverse progress against climate change, destabilize the Western alliance, pick fights with China while cuddling up to Russia -- the big-issues list is long and frightening. But I believe it would be foolish not to examine the personality and the psychological makeup of the man who will soon be in the White House. [How to remove Trump from office] My view, then, is that we cannot ignore his vitriolic tweet storms. No, we should not let them distract us from other news about the incoming administration. But the Twitter rants offer a glimpse into Trump's psyche, and it's not pretty. For anyone who missed the whole thing, Streep received a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes on Sunday night. She began her acceptance speech by apologizing for having lost her voice. But while she could only speak softly, her words took a two-by-four to Trump's fragile ego: "There was one performance this year that stunned me," she said. "It sank its hooks in my heart. Not because it was good. . . . There was nothing good about it. But it was effective, and it did its job. It made its intended audience laugh and show their teeth. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. Someone he outranked in privilege, power and the capacity to fight back. It kind of broke my heart when I saw it. And I still can't get it out of my head because it wasn't in a movie. It was real life." Streep was incorrect in only one fact: The incident to which she referred actually took place at a rally in November 2015 , when candidate Trump mocked New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has a medical condition that limits the motion of his arms. While denouncing Kovaleski, whom I have known for years, Trump gestured similarly to the way the reporter does. "This instinct to humiliate, when it's modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful," Streep said, "it filters down into everybody's life, because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing." Streep was hardly the first critic to attack Trump for that "performance," and she won't be the last. But Trump must have stewed about it all night, because he rose to tweet his response early in the morning, calling her "over-rated" and "a Hillary flunky who lost big." I don't have to defend Streep or Kovaleski -- both can take care of themselves. But Trump's knee-jerk reaction is worthy of comment because it is so typical. The man who is about to become president is enveloped by a shell of self-regard that at first seems armor-like but turns out to be delicate and brittle. He couldn't endure Alec Baldwin's impression of him on "Saturday Night Live," calling it "not funny" and saying that it "just can't get any worse." He reacted to an unflattering piece in Vanity Fair by saying that the magazine is "way down, big trouble, dead!" and that its editor has "no talent." He taunted his replacement on "The Celebrity Apprentice," former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, for having low Nielsen numbers "by comparison to the ratings machine, DJT" -- and noted that Schwarzenegger was not a supporter of his campaign. Conversely, he shows nothing but high regard for anyone who says anything nice about him. Thus he calls Russian President Vladimir Putin "very smart" and quotes him approvingly, despite the fact that intelligence officials say Russia actively meddled in our electoral process. I don't believe Trump's tweets are part of some sophisticated strategy to draw attention from other events and topics. To me, this looks like simple action and reaction. When someone criticizes him publicly in a way that threatens his stature, he seems compelled to hit back. He can't seem to ignore any slight. That's a sign of weakness, not strength -- as Putin and other world leaders surely have figured out. Eugene Robinson is a columnist for The Washington Post, where this piece first appeared. CAPITOL DOME OPINION ART.jpg PennLive file photo (PennLive file photo) By Gary J. English I read the Associated Press report, published on PennLive on Jan. 4, stating the Sen. David Argall, R-Schuylkill, plans to introduce a property tax reform plan that "would increase the income tax rate by 60 percent and hike the state sales tax rate by 17 percent while applying it to a wider range of goods and services, such as groceries, clothing, basic TV, and funeral services." This was followed by an PennLive op-Ed by Sen. Mike Folmer, R-Lebanon, published on Jan. 5, promoting the same proposal, while giving us a history lesson on property tax dating back to 1585. As a homeowner in the Penn Hills School District, Allegheny County I face several years of property tax increases. Auditor General Eugene Depasquale's report confirmed a nearly $20 million shortfall in my school district and an impending criminal investigation. You might think I would be first in line seeking school property tax relief, but I cannot support a proposal that at best, is a tax shift and not true tax relief. A previous version of the bill, introduced in 2015, contains a dizzying 138 pages and uses the term "tax" 583 times and "taxes" 53 times. The bill relies on sales and income tax increases and does not provide any benefit to citizens that rent and increases the tax burden for those that can least afford it by taxing such necessities as food and clothing. This legislation also does not address a shortfall in tax revenue during a downturn in the economy. The bill contains over 10 sections that contain no information other than "reserved." These blank sections leave a lot of uncertainty, tantamount to handing the Commonwealth a blank check. Rather than shifting school financing, the Legislature should focus on the rising costs of education by reforming Pennsylvania's public pension system. Personally, I don't believe the taxpayers should fund public pensions, especially those for the state Legislature, which clearly violates the Constitution Phasing out public education pensions to a 401(k)-style retirement account is a start. Further reductions in education costs can also be achieved with consolidation of school districts which reduces the duplication of support staff and high paid administrators. The passage of former Gov. Ed Rendell's gambling legislation was another false promise. Before the first penny of revenue was collected, special interests had their hands out and got a piece of the revenue pie. The Legislature should restore the gaming revenue intent, true property tax relief. An important historical note: Philadelphia was nearing bankruptcy in 1991, so the Legislature passed tax enabling legislation that allowed Philadelphia to impose a 1 percent sales tax. This does have a negative effect on business, which generates tax revenue for state/local governments. Since then, Philadelphia has needed and enacted a second one-percent sales tax (making it 8-percent), added a $2 per-pack county cigarette tax and most recently a 1.5 cent per-ounce tax on sodas/sugary drinks. Another troubling aspect of the most recent property tax proposal would impose a one-percent statewide sales tax, raising Philadelphia's tax to 9-percent. It would be foolish to believe The Independent Fiscal Office Analysis of the bill, which predicts Philadelphia would see a revenue increase of more than $90 million annually from the increased sales tax. This is just another incentive for Philadelphians to shop across the county/state border in the sales tax-free state of Delaware. This would increase their savings by 9-percent on all of their taxable purchases, save $35/carton on cigarettes and avoid the most recent onerous, 1.5 cent per ounce soda tax. According to a Jan. 17 Philadelphia Inquirer report, Philadelphia is now realizing a $26 million shortfall on projected cigarette taxes. Is it any wonder? The loss of city commerce/consumer shopping would hurt Philadelphia businesses that generate the revenue for the city. History has shown that the first sales tax did not resolve the fiscal problems, rather exacerbated it with the need for rising property tax for five of the last six years; a second sales tax; alcoholic drink tax; cigarette tax, and a sugary drink/soda tax. Adding another 1 percent sales tax would bankrupt Philadelphia, making it a permanent ward of the state and a state taxpayer bailout to follow. I just wonder what the Legislature is thinking. If tax-shifting is the best Legislature can do, then this latest proposal should be dead on arrival. Gary J. English writes from Penn Hills, Allegheny County. Readers may email him at avigilantone@yahoo.com Rob McCord Rob McCord resigned with two years left in his second term as state treasurer before pleading guilty in February 2015 to two counts of attempted extortion. (PennLive archives) This story was updated at 8:20 p.m. Monday to include more information from The Association Press. HARRISBURG -- Federal prosecutors are revealing more details about pay-to-play investigations that have ensnared two former Pennsylvania state treasurers, saying a businessman promised to take "very good care" of one former treasurer and paid another more than $600,000 after leaving office. The new details emerged as prosecutors responded to efforts by lawyers for businessman Richard W. Ireland to get his charges dismissed in federal court in Harrisburg. The case revolves around lucrative state contracts to invest billions of taxpayer dollars. Ireland's lawyers say prosecutors had not shown an explicit exchange of money for an official act to back up 6-month-old charges that Ireland allegedly tried to bribe ex-Pennsylvania state Treasurer Rob McCord with secret campaign contributions. Prosecutors responded in Friday's filing, saying that recorded conversations between Ireland and McCord "make clear specific official actions sought by Ireland in exchange for offers." One of those offers was to "take 'very good care' of McCord, and to put McCord on Ireland's 'payroll' after McCord leaves office," prosecutors said. Prosecutors also said Ireland sought McCord's help in securing a state pension fund contract worth at least $100 million to an asset management company with which Ireland "had a financial relationship." McCord, as treasurer, sat on the board of the State Employees Retirement System. In another conversation, Ireland sought McCord's hiring of a consultant at the Treasury Department who would be favorable to Ireland, prosecutors said. Ireland's intent to pay McCord once McCord left the treasurer's office is evident, prosecutors said, from records showing that Ireland paid another former state treasurer more than $600,000 after that treasurer left office. Prosecutors did not name that previous state treasurer, but one former Pennsylvania treasurer, Barbara Hafer, was charged in July with making false statements to federal agents, allegedly to conceal payments of more than $500,000 from an unnamed businessman's firm. Hafer was treasurer from 1997 to 2005. Ireland, 79, has not been charged in connection with Hafer. Ireland has shared in millions of dollars in fees from the Treasury Department and, with a business partner, given more than $1 million combined in campaign contributions to Democratic and Republican groups, PACs and candidates, including Hafer and McCord. The U.S. attorney's office in Harrisburg declined Monday to say who, exactly, was the former state treasurer allegedly paid by Ireland, or whether the State Employees Retirement System contract was actually awarded to an Ireland-affiliated firm. The retirement system has said it believes it has no direct holdings or investments with any companies owned or operated by Ireland. A lawyer for Ireland, Brian M. Heberlig, declined comment Monday. Ireland's trial is scheduled to start March 9. Hafer's is scheduled for June 12. Her lawyers say she is innocent. McCord is awaiting sentencing in a separate criminal case. McCord resigned with two years left in his second term as state treasurer before pleading guilty in February 2015 to two counts of attempted extortion. McCord admitted that recorded telephone conversations captured him trying to use his position as treasurer to strong-arm state contractors into donating money to his failed 2014 gubernatorial campaign. Pennsylvania's plan to close two state prisons was always going to face resistance, particularly in rural counties where displacing 400 to 700 corrections employees could have an outsized impact. Growing concern about the effect on those communities as well as the prisons that will absorb new inmates will be aired in the Senate--and possibly the House, as well--when the Legislature returns later this month. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called for public hearings prior to an expected decision Jan. 26 about which two of five state prisons will be shuttered by June 30. The Wolf administration announced the plan in response to the growing budget deficit. "If you are going to rip $57 million and 400 jobs out of Luzerne County, our workers and taxpayers at least deserve a public hearing to make their case that SCI-Retreat should remain open," Democratic state Sen. John Yudichak said Monday. About 80 percent of Retreat's 400 employees reside in the same county. State government, generally, is the second largest employer there, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. In his announcement last week, Corrections Secretary John Wetzel pledged to offer alternate employment to any current prison worker within the state system and possibly at a nearby facility. The department would institute a hiring freeze and, over time, retirements will reduce the workforce through attrition. But employment isn't the only concern. Cumberland County's SCI-Camp Hill, for example, is expected to receive 1,000 additional inmates. "I may be convinced this is the right thing to do but, as an elected official in this county and member of this community, I want to hear what makes this a good idea and I want to have a discussion of the potential impacts," Cumberland County DA David Freed said Monday. Local residents can't help but think about bloody prison riots that unfolded across three days in 1989 at the prison, he said. Roughly half of the prison was destroyed or heavily damaged by fire during the riot at an estimated cost of $15 million. In all, 123 people were injured, including 69 staff members, 41 inmates and several first responders. SCI Camp Hill is currently among the least crowded prisons in the state. As of November, it housed 2,718 inmates and was at about 83 percent of its operational or design capacity. It remains unclear how or where inside the prison the additional inmates will be housed although Wetzel said housing units were cleared for the additional beds. "We're all going to think back to what happened when Camp Hill was overcrowded 26 or 27 years ago," Freed said. "We have to be concerned about that. "Even if it's not an issue, it should be addressed by the Department of Corrections and the governor," he added. In addition to the prison's history, Freed said he's also concerned at how the addition of 1,000 resident inmates will have on the local court system. Currently, he said, one criminal case against an inmate takes about one week of court time to adjudicate. "It's almost invariably violence by an inmate against a corrections officer," he said. "When those inmates are charged, they have to be arraigned--generally in the prison--and (the inmate) almost invariably takes it to trial." Freed said adding 1,000 inmates to SCI-Camp Hill will likely mean his office will be taking on additional prosecutions, which can be a resource-intensive proposition. "This is a dramatic and unexpected shift in public safety policy," Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne County, said last week, "one that raises questions about capacity and staffing within the system, and one that will clearly be economically disruptive to the affected communities." Baker's district includes SCI-Waymart, a prison that employs 706 with about 25 percent of that figure residing in Wayne County. The prison is located on a slender portion of Wayne county sandwiched between neighboring Lackawanna and Pike counties, making the true impact of its closing on any one county difficult to measure. Fellow Luzerne County Democratic Rep. Gerald Mullery joined Yudichak in calling for hearings. He raised the prospect that the closings may not reap as much cost-saving as the state expects. "In 2013, DOC closed two prisons because they were deemed expendable, but the Commonwealth could not resell the properties quickly and eventually accepted lower sales prices," Mullery said. "In fact, SCI-Greensburg remained vacant until February 2015, which required $2.5 million in additional upkeep while it sat unused." The state has estimated the savings at about $90 million, depending on which two prisons are ultimately shuttered. On Friday, Wetzel said the plan is to shutter the two prisons for the time being as the state weighs its options. He said one possibility is offering the space to other states or the federal government to house their detainees. Mothballing costs average about $1.8 million per year, according to DOC estimates. The Mercer County delegation, led by Republican Sen. Michele Brooks, also balked at the possible closing of SCI-Mercer. That facility employs 413, about half of whom reside in the county. State government, generally, is the fifth largest employer there. Jennifer Kocher, a spokeswoman for the Senate Republican caucus, confirmed Monday that the judiciary and policy committees are expected to hold at least one hearing after lawmakers return to Harrisburg on Jan. 23. She said Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, is eager to hear the justification for how the DOC selected the five prisons for possible closure, as well as its process for choosing which two will be closed. "We'd expect any of the decisions to be based on safety and security," she said, "as well as economic considerations." J.J. Abbott, a spokesman for Gov. Tom Wolf, said the prison closings are the most significant cost reduction the Department of Corrections can make in response to the "massive budget deficit and revenue shortfall." "The administration will make every effort to hear from every legislator and constituent, whether they oppose or support this cost-saving measure," he said, in a written statement. "We value their input on these matters, which is why we created this interim period with transparency on the facilities targeted for closure." An email account and toll-free number (1-888-316-8950) has been set up for staff, inmate families and others seeking information about the planned closings. This article was updated to include comment from Wolf spokesman J.J. Abbott. FILE - In this May 23, 2009 file photo former German president Roman Herzog, right, and his wife, Baroness Alexandra von Berlichingen, left, arrive in front of the Reichstag, which houses the German parliament Bundestag, prior to the election of the German President in Berlin. Herzog has died, German President Joachim Gauck confirmed Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. He was 82. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer, file) Boyne City Middle School to host viewing of new Rambler Fieldhouse From 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Boyne City Public Schools will welcome students and community members to an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility. U.S. nuclear closure of Indian Point site points to economic meltdown Reuters/Mike Segar The Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, New York, is seen from across the Hudson River, April 6, 2010. Entergy Corp. canceled the planned spinoff of several of its nuclear power plants after hitting regulatory hurdles in New York. NEW YORK Petroleumworld.com 01 10 2017 Nuclear energy is having an economic meltdown. Entergy, a $13 billion company, just agreed to close a plant 30 miles north of New York City, blaming the low cost of natural gas. More operators are bound to follow suit. The Indian Point site has generated controversy for decades. A lightning strike at a nearby power substation triggered a Big Apple blackout in 1977. After the Sept. 11 attacks, fears grew that Indian Point could be a target. The partial meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan ended any political support. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo insisted there was no way to evacuate 17 million people who live in the vicinity. Entergy, which completed its acquisition of Indian Point just five days before 9/11, has been fighting to renew its license for years. The market ultimately forced a retreat, with the facility's two reactors closing by 2021. Abundant shale gas has driven wholesale power prices down by about 45 percent over the past decade, effectively slashing Indian Point's revenue by some $575 million a year. For Entergy, which is shuttering four other sites, wholesaling nuclear no longer make sense. Other utilities are reaching a similar conclusion. Five nuclear plants have been shut down in the past five years and companies plan to retire five more by 2025. Toshiba, meanwhile, lost 42 percent of its market value last month after disclosing multibillion-dollar writedowns. The Tennessee Valley Authority did open a 1.1 megawatt nuclear plant in October, and four other reactors are currently under construction in Georgia and South Carolina. President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to expand the sector, but also seems more inclined to support fossil fuels. After all, he has tapped former Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Exxon Mobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson to be in his cabinet. Putting a price on carbon and allowing it to be traded would ascribe fresh value to the lack of greenhouse-gas emissions in nuclear. Any effort devoted to pushing such a plan at this point, though, probably would be a waste of energy. Vegan eating has skyrocketed in popularity over the course of recent decades, with more than 1,400 plant-based restaurants opening all across the US. While Philadelphia is historically known for cheesesteaks, countless vegan restaurants now call the city home. This is Fifteen books for February 2016. Not a bad total for the month. Could be better but why push it. Behind That Curtain by Earl Derr Biggers is the third of the Charlie Chan series. Charlie has the murder of the former head of Scotland Yard to deal with while he's visiting in California. Entertaining. Another one I read on the Kindle. The set of 6 books were cheap enough that I picked them up. I adapted to the Kindle quite readily but I haven't used it for months as I write this. I'll get back to it eventually. The Mystery At Devil's Paw by Franklin W Dixon is the 38th in the Hardy Boys series and the last to be written before the rewrites started. The brothers travel to Alaska to help their friend Tony with a spot of bother. Joe and Frank Hardy bring their pal Chet Morton with them. They have a run in with a spy right off the bat. Tony tells them that he and his helper Ted have been repeatedly attacked by a gang. Ted's father is missing and there's some trouble with an Indian Burial Mound. The gang turns out to have something to do with the spy, someone get captured but escapes, the story has a typical Hardy happy ending. I need to take another inventory as I write this, I might be down to the last 3 or 4 books of the original series. The Secret Of Red Gate Farm by Carolyn Keene is the 6th in the Nancy Drew series. In the original 1931 edition of the novel Nancy befriends Millie and helps her, and her Aunt, with problems they are having on their farm. There's a nature cult renting space on the farm and Nancy, with her pals George and Bess, take a look at that. I'm still enjoying these novels, though not as much as the Hardy Boys and Keene's own Dana Girls series. I've got a few more to read and they seem to turn up pretty steady at the local Half Price Books stores. The Land Of Stories - The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer is the first book in the series of what is supposed to be six. It's another one of those fractured fairy tales type stories. Alex and Conner Bailey are the main characters. They live with mom and it's been a year since their father has died. Their Grandmother gives them a book that takes them to another world where fairy tale characters are real. They have an adventure that takes them various places and through some danger. We know they survive since there are already 5 books out. It was an entertaining read and I plan to keep going through the series. Rose by Holly Webb was something I bought for the cover. I was delighted to find a nice girl in an orphanage. She has a magical power and lucky for her she gets a position as a maid in a house filled with magic belonging to the alchemist Mr Fountain. Some kids at the orphanage go missing and Rose and Mr Fountain's assistant go looking for them. A nicely written novel that was a joy to read. There are more in the series but I haven't sought them out yet. That's why I write these notes here, as a reminder to follow up on the stuff I have read. Timber Trail Riders 5 - The Mysterious Dude by Michael Murray is another Whitman series. It was about average. Not a keeper. The Great Airport Mystery by Franklin W Dixon is the 9th in the original series of the Hardy Boys. It came out in 1930 and in this story the Hardy Boys get hired to work as factory messengers so they can investigate missing shipments of platinum. When the gang gets onto them they continue in the investigation. Tarzan - The Complete Russ Manning Newspaper Strips Vol 1 is the first of IDW's collection of the Tarzan daily and Sunday newspaper strips by artist Russ Manning. I've been a life long fan of Russ Manning, first coming into contact with his Magnus Robot Fighter comic book in the 1960s. I did read the Tarzan strip when it was new but I have long forgotten the stories. They reproduce the strips from 1967 to 1969 and they look really great. The daily strips had a series of stories that were different from the Sunday strips. The stories mostly feature Tarzan but occasionally they feature his son Korak. Manning digs deep into novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs for all sorts of places and characters. There are 3 more volumes of Russ Manning Tarzan strips. You can see them on the ERBdom website. I think they are well worth having but I'm a big Manning fan, others might find them less than interesting. That's the way it goes, huh. The Magic Thief - Found by Sarah Prineas is the second book in the series. More time spent with Connwaer, thief and apprentice to Magician Nevery Finglas. Plenty of stuff going on. I breezed through it quickly to see what happens next. Onto the 3rd book at some time in the future. Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling is the first book in the series. I read it on the Kindle. It's about the 8th or 9th time. Too lazy to look it up in the old lists. I need to Exel those lists and see what I did read. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets by JK Rowling was read on the Kindle in quick time. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban by JK Rowling was pretty much the same as it ever was. A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz is another Fractured Fairy Tale with Hansel and Gretel visiting 8 other classic Grimm stories. I enjoyed it, funny and witty, I'll be following up on the series at some point. How To Catch A Bogle by Catherine Jinks was something I picked up because it had bogle in the title. Turns out it was a great find. Birdie McAdam works with Alfred the Bogler. She's bait, her beautiful singing voice attracts the critters and Alfred spears them dead. The Bogle's eat children. It's wicked and tough world in that version of Victorian England. Jinks has other books that I have to read, the Evil Genius trilogy, but I don't have the other two books in this series yet. Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by JK Rowling rounds out the month and I'm done. With just 114mm out back, it'd be easy to misclassify the SB 4.5C as a cross-country bike. Its angles tell a different story, though, one of a cross-country bike with a bad attitude, or of a lightning quick trail bike with a penchant for being playful. The 29'' wheeled Yeti, with its Switch Infinity suspension, is efficient - it better be with so little travel - but it's the bike's descending manners that are more surprising. ''Even with 'only' 114mm of rear travel, the SB4.5 is capable of handling seriously rough trails, thanks to the combination of its big wheels, well managed rear travel, and dialed geometry,'' Pinkbike's Mike Kazimer explained in his review of the turquoise flier. ''In fact, if I didn't know better I would have guessed that there was 130mm of travel on tap.'' The bike's relatively progressive geo means that some riders may find it a bit slack if they're used to and hoping for knife-edge type of handling or something more in-line with such little suspension travel. There are also no ISCG 05 tabs, which is excusable-ish despite the SB 4.5C's capabilities, but it's a shame that the sole bottle mount is in a prime location to scoop up as much giardia as possible. SB 4.5C Details Intended use: XC / trail Rear wheel travel: 114mm Wheel size: 29" Carbon fiber frame BB92 bottom bracket Sizes: S, M, L, XL Weight: 25.75 lb / 11.68 kg MSRP: $6,899 USD www.yeticycles.com Intended use: XC / trail Rear wheel travel: 114mm Wheel size: 29" Carbon fiber frame BB92 bottom bracket Sizes: S, M, L, XL Weight: 25.75 lb / 11.68 kg MSRP: $6,899 USD Read the full review Don't let that 114mm of travel fool you, because the SB 4.5C is one hell of a capable bike. It's yet another short-travel machine that uses progressive geometry to remind us that suspension doesn't define a bike, thereby making it tricky to define the SB 4.5C. It's not a pure cross-country rocket, of course, but it's good enough to be nearly anything you want it to be. Progressive geo = FUN Impressively efficient, even for its travel 114mm that feels closer to 130mm Progressive geo = FUN Impressively efficient, even for its travel 114mm that feels closer to 130mm Progressive geo won't be for everyone Sole bottle mount is under the down tube Expensive frame-only option Progressive geo won't be for everyone Sole bottle mount is under the down tube Expensive frame-only option Long this and slacker that is all the rage these days, and there's no doubt that approach works for some riders. But for many others, it makes more sense to stick to classic, proven geometry numbers as used on the 120mm-travel OG Ripley. Call them conservative if you must, but there'll always be a place for a quick handling trail bike that doesn't employ a top tube longer than a FEST Series gap jump. This, the OG version of Ibis' Ripley, gets an updated frame that features more tire clearance and a stiffer rear end, as well as internal cable routing, but it retains the 406mm reach (size large) and 69.2-degree head angle that it had when it was first introduced. The bike's conservative geo, at least compared to the latest crop of trail bikes, makes it a quick handling demon when it comes to technical climbs or any sort of trail that demands near-telekinetic steering prowess. But it also means that it's not as planted as a longer, slacker bike like, say, the Ripley LS that employs more contemporary geometry. Both this and the LS model employ dw link suspension and can be run with anything from a 120mm to a 140mm-travel suspension fork depending on where and how you like to ride. Ripley Details Intended use: XC / trail Rear wheel travel: 120mm Wheel size: 29" Carbon fiber frame Threaded bottom bracket Internal cable routing dw link suspension Weight: 27.3 lb / 12.38 kg MSRP: $3,999 - $7,899 USD, $2,999 frame / shock only www.ibiscycles.com Intended use: XC / trail Rear wheel travel: 120mm Wheel size: 29" Carbon fiber frame Threaded bottom bracket Internal cable routing dw link suspension Weight: 27.3 lb / 12.38 kg MSRP: $3,999 - $7,899 USD, $2,999 frame / shock only Read the full review This ain't a bike for a rider who frequents steep and/or rowdy trails. But if you like to cover a lot of ground, value top-notch climbing manners, and prefer a quick handling package, the Ripley will be a great friend to you. Classic, quick handling geo Efficient dw link suspension One of the best climbers in the biz Classic, quick handling geo Efficient dw link suspension One of the best climbers in the biz Classic, quick handling geo Not as surefooted as some Like to monster truck? The Ripley isn't for you Classic, quick handling geo Not as surefooted as some Like to monster truck? The Ripley isn't for you The T-130C may sound like it's named after a fax machine, but Whyte has created a package that, while not exactly as exciting as a new Yeti, manages to not be a facsimile of the countless other Horst Link-equipped bikes out there. The 27.5'' house-brand carbon wheels with a 30mm internal width, Maxxis High Roller II rubber, and dialed Fox suspension package make it more of a bruiser than the shorter-travel SB 4.5C or Ripley, but it still dishes out solid pedaling manners that won't have you hating life halfway through a long ascent. The Whyte is a solid performer that doesn't really surprise or disappoint, which may make it seem less exciting to some, but the British brand could be just the ticket for a rider who is looking for something different at a trailhead full of Giant, Santa Cruz, and Trek bikes. It also sits in the odd middle ground where it doesn't have the travel of a more capable all-mountain rig but is certainly not as spritely or novel as a next-gen, short-travel trail bike with less suspension and longer and slacker geometry. T-130C Works Details Intended use: trail Rear wheel travel: 130mm Wheel size: 27.5" Carbon fiber front triangle Threaded bottom bracket Sizes: S, M, L, XL Weight: 28 lb / 12.70 kg MSRP: $5,999 USD Whyte USA Intended use: trail Rear wheel travel: 130mm Wheel size: 27.5" Carbon fiber front triangle Threaded bottom bracket Sizes: S, M, L, XL Weight: 28 lb / 12.70 kg MSRP: $5,999 USD Read the full review We'd recommend the T-130 Works to riders searching for a particularly versatile and stout trail bike. It climbs well and does not ask much from its pilot at the controls. It is built tough enough to go the distance, it has an excellent suspension system, and it's brave enough to demonstrate how deep you can go into the abyss with only 130mm of suspension travel. Excellent price considering specs Geo favours descending Will be an uncommon rig at the trailhead Excellent price considering specs Geo favours descending Will be an uncommon rig at the trailhead Integrated seat post clamp is fussy Rubber sealed frame didn't seal that well. Precise cornering and steering may not suit beginners. Integrated seat post clamp is fussy Rubber sealed frame didn't seal that well. Precise cornering and steering may not suit beginners. The Primer is a sweet looking machine that stays true to the appearance Intense has created throughout the rest of their range. Its sleek carbon fiber chassis has a classic profile that communicates lightness, efficiency and a measure of confidence - but with its 29er wheels, up to 130mm-travel rear-end and modestly modern geometry, it appears too balanced and sensible to capture the imaginations of the sport's emerging cult of self-ordained gravity gods. It would be easy to categorize the Primer as a gentleman's trail bike that's targeted at the accomplished rider who has a taste for finer things, and it could fulfill that role quite well. We also discovered, however, that there is a beast lurking beneath the Primer's mild-mannered profile. The Primer 29 may, in fact, be the best performing trail bike that Intense has ever made. The bike's suspension is a modified version of the VPP dual-link configuration dubbed, 'JS Tuned Suspension,' which is said to produce better pedaling performance, and it can deliver either 115 or 130mm of travel, and both settings deliver a smoother ride than those numbers would suggest. Primer 29 Details Intended use: trail Rear wheel travel: 115mm - 130mm Wheel size: 29" Carbon fiber frame 92mm press-fit bottom bracket Weight: 25.43 lb /11.56 kg MSRP: $9,499 USD www.intensecycles.com Intended use: trail Rear wheel travel: 115mm - 130mm Wheel size: 29" Carbon fiber frame 92mm press-fit bottom bracket Weight: 25.43 lb /11.56 kg MSRP: $9,499 USD Read the full review The Primer's easy to live with handling likely comes from a relatively roomy wheelbase that, when combined with a 75-degree seat tube angle, enforces a centralized riding position that sees the pilot have to move their weight around only minimally to get the bike to do as he or she wishes. Throw in excellent pedaling manners and the new Intense is hard to fault. Great handling manners Efficient suspension design Steep seat angle Great handling manners Efficient suspension design Steep seat angle Needs more capable tires. Rear suspension over-extends while climbing with the shock "locked out." Will convert more riders to big wheels. Needs more capable tires. Rear suspension over-extends while climbing with the shock "locked out." Will convert more riders to big wheels. Kona was one of the earlier companies to adopt the long-and-low geometry movement, and their Process series of bikes quickly became legendary thanks to sublime handling and build kits that focused on reliability over low weight. Their 167 and 111 models got most of the attention, with the 134 suffering from a bit of that 'middle child' syndrome. That's a shame because the 134mm-travel Kona makes a great do-it-all bike for someone who's idea of do-it-all really does mean doing everything - large jumps and drops included. The nearly 30lb Kona is a burly machine that a more cross-country focused rider might find to be a bit too much, even though it does pedal admirably well, whereas someone with more courage than the average trail rider is going to be loving life on the 134. The frame is nearly completely aluminum (there's a carbon bridge on the rocker arm, for what it's worth), and the rear-end isn't Boost, which may put off some riders who suffer from FOMO, but others will probably be indifferent to those points. Process 134 DL Details Intended use: trail Rear wheel travel: 134mm Wheel size: 27.5'' Aluminum frame link-driven, single-pivot suspension system Weight: 29.12 lb/ 13.2 kg MSRP: $3,799 USD www.konaworld.com Intended use: trail Rear wheel travel: 134mm Wheel size: 27.5'' Aluminum frame link-driven, single-pivot suspension system Weight: 29.12 lb/ 13.2 kg MSRP: $3,799 USD Read the full review The 134 DL may not have the glitz and glamour of the latest carbon super bikes, but Kona has never been about either of those things. That's more than okay because the 134 is a hoot to ride hard, and you won't be blaming the bike for not doing any jump or drop if you're on it. Burly frame and build kit Confidence inspiring handling Aluminum frame, no Boost Burly frame and build kit Confidence inspiring handling Aluminum frame, no Boost Heavy Sole bottle mount under down tube Aluminum frame, no Boost Heavy Sole bottle mount under down tube Aluminum frame, no Boost If you've read any recent trail bike review, you probably already know the tired old line about how incredibly capable a modern mid-travel bike can be. For the most part, this stopped being news a few years ago. We get it: a lot of these bikes are really friggin great.But, and this is an important 'but,' a lot of them are great inways. What I mean is that while so and so's new rig might blow your mind on one type of terrain, another rider on another continent on another type of trail will have, ahem, another type of experience. So maybe it's time we looked at bike reviews in another way? The most important aspect of a bike test that could always be underscored further is how one machine compares to another. And in these times when there aren't exactly a ton of duds out there, straight-shooting comparisons like that are more important than ever.Please, just don't call it a shootout. Suspension design and travel, wheel size, and especially geometry, all vary widely between the five choices, making the bikes too different in intention (and price) for it to be thought of as anything like that.So, what is a trail bike these days? All of the rigs here have 130mm (ish) or less when it comes to rear-wheel travel, and they're designed to, you know, ride trails. These aren't heavy-hitting all-mountain bikes, although some could be that capable in the right hands, and they're certainly not enduro race bikes, either. What they are, however, is all-around'ers and do-it-all bikes that can be ridden nearly anywhere and everywhere. Whatever you want to call them, below are a few of the most interesting examples that we've ridden over the past twelve months.And the winner is...None of the above. The trail bikes shown here are simply too different to say that just one of them is head and shoulders above the rest in overall performance, but there is some very clear distinction when you parse it down to some of the different types of riders who are out there, so let's do exactly that.Trail riders who enjoy the climb as much as the descent, or cross-country bandits looking for something a hell of a lot more capable than a pure race rig, will be happiest with either the OG or longer and slacker LS Ripley from Ibis. While it's not at home on truly rowdy trails, it is a bike that puts an emphasis on efficiency and nimbleness, and it's my first choice for someone who enjoys covering a lot of ground quickly. And if you want similar efficiency but paired with a bit more relaxed (and capable) personality, the beautiful Yeti SB 4.5C is going to just the ticket.There's an obvious winner when it comes to trail rides that include any type of challenging descending: the Kona 134 DL, of course. She ain't light, which is partly due to the 134 DL's price point, but I'd rather have a chunky bike with sublime handling than a lighter weight one that has me on my tippy toes anytime things get serious. Sure, the black Kona isn't made out of carbon fiber - although they're likely working on a version that is - but it simply doesn't matter how much a bike weighs or what it's made out of when it's this much fun to ride.Want to read even more shootou... er, comparisons? Elijah Davis, 20, was charged with felony assault on an officer. Police say he admitted he had been smoking synthetic marijuana. (Photo: Buffalo PD) A Buffalo, NY, police officer found herself in a fight for her life early Sunday inside her SUV patrol car with a man who had gone berserk on synthetic drugs, authorities said. Moments before that encounter, the suspect, feigning injury sprawled in the middle of the intersection of Main and Barker streets, leaped into the front seat of a car driven by a man who had stopped out of concern, police said. The motorist, who was on his way to work at about 5:30 a.m. Sunday, was armed with a pistol and shot his attacker in the hand. That enabled the motorist to drive a short distance and call 911 on his cellphone. Central District Officer Jasmine Olmstead responded to the call and spotted a bleeding man lying in the intersection at Main and Barker. "She drove up slowly and opened her driver's side door and called out to the man, 'Sir, are you OK?' He jumped on the hood of the patrol car and worked his way over to the open window and climbed onto her lap and started punching her and grabbing for her gun," said Central District Chief Joseph A. Gramaglia. At Erie County Medical Center, Elijah Davis, 20, of Buffalo, admitted to another officer and the doctor treating him that he had been smoking synthetic marijuana and had also consumed "mollies," a lesser known type of ecstasy. Olmstead was also treated at ECMC, later released and placed on injury leave, the chief told Buffalo News. Davis, who remained in police custody, was charged with felony assault of a police officer, and multiple misdemeanor charges of obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and harassment. FN America, LLC, today announced the launch of a completely redesigned, responsive corporate website. The website will provide a streamlined and intuitive environment for FN's customers to locate product information, company updates, and much more. "In 2016, we executed a global rebranding effort to better tell FN's story. We want our customers to know that FN currently supplies the majority of the U.S. military's small arms and applies the same level of pride, craftsmanship, and quality control standards to all of our firearms. Whether they are used to defend our nation's freedom on the battlefield or to protect our personal freedoms here on the home front, FN builds the world's most battle-proven firearms," said Tom Scott, director of marketing for FN America, LLC. "The new website is a critical component of our brand strategy and what customers will notice immediately is the ability to easily navigate to their ideal firearm or area of interest." At first glance, visitors to the site will recognize the company's most legendary military firearms like the FN SCAR, FN Five-seveN, or FN M249 SAW, which will lead them to discover consumer firearms built to those same exacting standards and available for them to own. Visitors can also visit the 'Why buy FN?' page to see what sets FN apart from other firearms manufacturers in the industry, learn which FN products are currently under U.S. military contracts, and about FN's commitment to quality and skilled craftsmanship. Additionally, natural end user categorizations like concealed carry, tactical, home defense, competition, military and law enforcement firearms and accessories have been incorporated, making product information easily navigable and accessible. Within each product page are full, complete product specifications, image gallery with 360-degree image rotation, as well as related products. To experience all of the new features, visit www.fnamerica.com. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Hoping to pressure the Republican Congress into backing down from their goal of repealing the Affordable Care Act once Donald Trump takes office, Democrats stormed the Senate floor and social media on Monday night to outline the damage that would be done if the GOP gets its way. Live video feed of the Senate floor can be seen here. Through a series of live streams on Facebook and speeches likely to go well into the night, Democrats are trying to rally supporters and paint Republicans into a corner as they move to take away health insurance from more than 20 million Republicans likely without any plan to replace the current law. Video: The way were going to win this fight is when millions of people become engaged, Bernie Sanders said in another video. We need all of you involved. Video: Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said the purpose of the all-in effort is to send a clear message to the country, to the American people that, No. 1, were going to do everything we can to prevent Senate Republicans from destroying the Affordable Care Act. Were focused on making sure that we get on the Senate floor and talk about the damaging consequences and the chaos thats going to be created throughout the health care system, he added. A number of Democratic Senators, including Elizabeth Warren, Tim Kaine, and Cory Booker also participated in the offensive. The effort on Monday night is just the beginning of the cross-country effort by the Democrats to save Obamacare from Republican efforts to dismantle it. According to RollCall, there will also be a series of Democratic rallies across the country on Sunday to protests GOP efforts to repeal the law, including an event in Michigan headlined by Democratic Sens. Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, Debbie Stabenow, and Gary Peters. If Mr. Trump allows the Republican Party to go ahead with its plans, it will dismantle the health care system and jeopardize the economic security of millions of Americans, Sanders said, according to RollCall. Our message to the Republicans is simple and straightforward. You are not going to get away with it. You are not going to punish the elderly, disabled veterans, the children, the sick and the poor while you reward your billionaire friends. Its not clear if the Democrats will be successful in protecting President Obamas signature achievement from repeal, but they arent letting the law fall without a fight and theyre making sure Republicans own the damage and chaos that would ensue if its repealed. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer made it official during remarks on the Senate floor; Democrats are prepared to delay confirmation of Trumps cabinet by weeks if the president-elects nominees are not properly vetted. While speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer said: But there is another concern as well. These nominees have, even collectively, very little experience or record in government. Many of them have taken positions quite different from the President-elect. They need to be thoroughly vetted, not just before the U.S. Senate, but before the American people. Jamming all the hearings in one or two days, making members run from committee to committee, makes no sense. After all, theyre going to hold incredibly powerful positions for potentially the next four years. To spend an extra day or two on each nominee; even if it takes several weeks to get through them all in order to carefully consider their nominationsthats well worth it. It is only fair that they are given a thorough and thoughtful vetting and that they abide by the longstanding ethics practices that were established and laid out quite clearly by the Majority Leader himself to ensure Cabinet officials were in good standing to work on behalf of the American people. Some Senate Democrats have expressed a desire to get payback on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for obstructing President Obamas Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland. Make no mistake about it. Democrats are looking to slow down Trumps first hundred day agenda. Republicans and Trump have made it easy for Democrats by withholding information about conflicts of interest while the GOP Senate majority is ready to rubber stamp all Trump nominees. Mitch McConnell set this up by the way he treated Obama, and now Democrats are going give Republicans a taste of their own medicine. Trumps presidency could get off to a very bumpy start if most of his cabinet is stuck in the Senate. Democrats arent forgiving, and they are going to make Republicans remember how they treated Obama for the past eight years. Its payback time. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has three words for Republicans as they prepare to fast-track the confirmation process for Donald Trumps nominees: Not so fast. On Monday, Schumer trolled the GOP by sending Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell the same letter McConnell sent then-Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2009 as President Obamas nominees were going through the confirmation process. Letter: The letter, which Schumer sent to McConnell with only a few revisions, states that the Senate must conduct the appropriate review of these nominations, consistent with the long standing and best practices of committees, regardless of which political party is in the majority. It lists a series of standards each nominee must meet in order to be confirmed. These standards are particularly important given the fact that many of Trumps picks havent provided the proper ethics disclosures. As the Huffington Post noted today, four of the nine Trump nominees scheduled for hearings this week still havent disclosed key financial information to the Office of Government Ethics and two of them are billionaires who have never worked in government. The fact that the president-elects nominees arent being transparent with Congress is just the latest evidence that, despite Trumps phony promise to drain the swamp, it will likely be murkier than ever over the next four years. Republicans may not like it, but theyre about to get a taste of their own medicine. Now, its more imperative than ever that Democrats hold the president-elects picks accountable and dont allow the GOP to fast-track any of them. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Despite the fact that Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner will be working closely with Donald Trump in the White House, both have plans to remain at least somewhat connected to their respective businesses and financial holdings. According to a new report from Vanity Fair, Ivanka has decided to step down from management and operations of the Trump Organization and from her eponymous fashion brand, and will resign from all officer and director positions she currently holds within each of them, according to a statement from Kushners attorney. Sounds good, right? Not so fast. The same report also notes that, despite putting some daylight between her and the Trump Organization, she will get a fixed series of payments from the revenue of a spate of projects. Instead of giving up all the profits, which she should be doing, Ivanka Trump will continue to receive some of them. As ThinkProgress editor Judd Legum points out, this is hardly the way to assure the public that she wont act or advise her father to act on behalf of their business interests instead of the American people. 3. Im pretty sure that Ivanka receiving an ongoing cut of revenues from the Trump Org is not a way to solve her ethical problems. Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) January 10, 2017 When it comes to her husband, Jared Kushner, who will be a senior adviser to Trump after he takes office, he will step down as chief executive of Kushner Companies and publisher of the Observer and will not have any involvement in either, according to Vanity Fair. That also sounds good, right? Not quite. According to the report, Kushner plans to divest from some of his holdings, not all of them. Instead of having all of his business entanglements, hell just have some. As Legum notes in the tweet below, its like saying someone is only a little pregnant. 4. Jared meanwhile will sell some of his holdings. Not really the way it works. Being a little conflicted is like being a little pregnant pic.twitter.com/p3BDHylmei Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) January 10, 2017 While their decision to give up some profits and distance themselves somewhat from their businesses and financial interests may exceed the low bar that Donald Trump has set throughout his time in politics, we shouldnt allow ourselves to be fooled. Even presidents or politicians without business conflicts have been required to meet tougher standards. With Trump and family, who have a web of financial entanglements, its even more imperative these standards be met. They shouldnt be rewarded for giving in a little. Instead, they need to be held accountable until they sever all of their financial ties and show they are committed to serving the people, not themselves. DES MOINES Gov. Terry Branstad used his final Condition of the State speech Tuesday to urge the GOP-run Legislature to seize the opportunities to reshape government in ways that challenge the status quo to improve education, public safety, health care and water quality. This new General Assembly brings new dynamics, new expectations and new opportunities to deliver positive results for Iowans, Branstad said in delivering remarks to a joint legislative convention for the 22nd time in his run as the longest-serving governor in U.S. history. Branstad, who likely will leave office later this year to become U.S. ambassador to China, spoke of past challenges and successes the state has seen while charting a new budget and future expectations for a smaller, smarter government to a statewide televised audience and a Legislature where Republicans control the Senate 29-20-1 and the House 59-40. Today, America and Iowa exist in a challenging world, he said. But we must seize the opportunity to make it a better place. Reaction to the governors 3,231-word speech predictably fell along partisan lines with majority Republicans praising Branstad for what he said, if not for what he didnt say. They agreed with the need to move quickly to deal with a $110 million budget shortfall, but wished Branstad has included tax cuts in his plan. They are open to his proposal to change the states antiquated collective bargaining system by establishing a single comprehensive statewide health care contract for public employees at the state and local level to spread the risk and dramatically reduce costs. However, they were disappointed he didnt propose a major collective bargaining law overhaul similar to that undertaken in Wisconsin. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said House Republicans will like Branstads vision to grow good jobs and careers and share the governors commitment to making education a priority. Democrats agree lawmakers should work together to support Iowa's working families and make sure every family gets a fair shot, said House Minority Leader Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown. But Branstad didnt mention raising the middle class or raising the minimum wage, providing time off for parents with new children and making child care more affordable, or making higher education more affordable. There are some things in there we will be able to work with the governor on, Senate Minority Leader Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, said, but like Smith wished there had been a plan to raise the minimum wage, which was raised in 2007 when Democrats controlled the Legislature and governors office. Differences are to be expected, said Sen. Wally Horn, D-Cedar Rapids, who is in his 45th year as a legislator. He has a Republican philosophy and theres another one called Democrat, and they collide once in a while and theyre going to in this session, he said. Hogg also questioned Branstads claim that under his administration Iowas government is smaller and smarter. If thats the case, why do we have this $113 million budget hole? Hogg said. Its because the economy is not performing the way that Gov. Branstad thinks it is, family incomes have not been going up and under his leadership were falling behind other states. State revenues have been falling behind projections, so Branstad said lawmakers first job will be erasing a roughly $110 million shortfall yet this fiscal year before approving his two-year spending plan that included a $78.8 million increase in state aid to K-12 in fiscal 2018 and $63.5 million the following year. It prioritizes education, health care, economic development and public safety, Branstad said of his two-year budget blueprint, and it redirects family planning money to organizations that focus on providing health care for women and eliminates taxpayer funding for organizations that perform abortions. He said this years budget process should include a commitment to examine every dollar of revenue and expenditure in order to maximize efficiency and respect hardworking taxpayers with an eye on downsizing and streamlining government. To that end, he asking the Legislature to review state boards and commissions to address unnecessary barriers that prevent competition and raise costs. Branstad said he hoped 2017 would be the year to approve a bipartisan water-quality improvement plan that would provide funding for community conservation practices and improvements to wastewater and drinking water facilities via a long-term, dedicated and growing source of revenue. Branstad said a starting point of this years discussion could be a plan that won bipartisan support in the Iowa House last session that proposed to shift $478 million over 13 years to water quality projects from a water-metering tax and the gambling-funded state infrastructure account. Then-majority Senate Democrats balked at that plan fearing it would shift money from other priorities like education. During his remarks, Branstad called the rise in traffic deaths from 315 in 2015 to 402 in 2016 unacceptable in urging legislators to consider recommendations from public safety officials on ways to reverse a troubling trend. Modern technologies should come with new responsibilities, he said. Branstad wants to limit drivers to using hands-free communication devices. I ask that all Iowans join the Iowa law-enforcement community, first responders, the League of Cities, all the major cell-phone carriers, the insurance industry, and the medical community in demanding real change in the laws for distracted and impaired drivers. That sat well with Hogg, but not with some Republicans. I appreciate him raising it. Id like to make more progress than what hes proposing, said Hogg, who would like texting while driving to be a primary offense. Under current law, law enforcement cannot stop a motorist for texting. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brad Zaun, D-Urbandale, did not share that viewpoint. Texting while driving is very dangerous, Zaun said, but so are looking at a GPS device, putting on make-up and eating while driving. How many more laws do we have to pass to protect people from their stupidity? Zaun said. To highlight past challenges the state has overcome, Branstad pointed to successes in Bloomfield, Woodbine and Waterloo and saluted leaders of those communities who were on hand in the House galleries for the governors speech. Similarly, Branstad recognized students from Des Moines, Bondurant-Farrar and Waukee who were on hand for his speech to emphasize the need for STEM and comprehensive computer science initiatives, work-based learning programs, and the administrations Future Ready Iowa effort that seeks to have 70 percent of Iowans in the workforce with education or training beyond high school by 2025. Branstad also paid tribute to his wife, Chris, for her patience and volunteer work, as well as his family for their sacrifices during his years of public service and the prayers and encouragement of friends he has made in Iowas 99 counties during his years in elective office. Ive been so blessed to serve as your governor, leading the state I love, for 22 years. I am confident Iowa will continue to move forward because Iowans care deeply about their neighbors, their communities and creating an even better future, he said. As I approach the U.S. Senate confirmation process my main priority is to continue serving the people of Iowa with the same energy and passion that I have brought to this office each and every day, he added in conclusion. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print *The following is an opinion column by R Muse* There has been a fair amount of despair over the choices dirty Donald Trump has made for his cabinet and several government agencies and departments with good reason. By now one or two Americans likely understand that Trump, or whomever, selected anti-government actors to fill out his administration all have a unique hatred for the agency they will lead to destruction. With Democrats in the minority in the Senate, a condition that will last indefinitely according to experts, there is nothing to stop Republicans from confirming anti-government conservatives to begin openly dismantling the federal government. So, this week as Senate Republicans rush to confirm all of Trumps, or Heritage Foundations, cabinet appointees, it was revealed that many of the Trumps selections have failed to complete background checks and ethics clearances. For over four decades it has been a requirement to allow those in power to at least peruse various documents to make certain cabinet level positions are not being filled by criminals, but this will be the Trump administration and corruption is seemingly a requirement to serve despicable Trump and the Koch brothers. Besides, cabinet-level nominees not releasing their documentation is exactly how Trump concealed his corruption by not releasing his tax returns. Reports are that despite not knowing what kind of people they are anxious to confirm, or if they have ethical problems or conflicts of interests, Senate Republicans are expected to hold up to five hearings on Wednesday alone without properly vetting the appointees. Their pathetically mendacious excuse is that because they are Republicans, they simply want to ensure that the new president has a team in place as quickly as possible to begin dismantling the government. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was absolutely giddy at the prospect of repaying the Koch brothers by finally having a rubber stamp in the White House who will support and defend their effort in going after the federal government across the board, all of it. McConnell said, I believe all the president-elects cabinet appointments will be confirmed; without proper vetting and background checks that just might have kept corrupt and unethical Republicans from decimating their respective departments and agencies. Laughingly, Senate Democrats pretend like they have a voice or influence in the upper chamber to befuddle Trumps nominees and are calling for the confirmation process to be slowed and to spread the hearings out. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said the right thing; spreading out the confirmations would allow the Senate a little more time to vet the nominees. But that is definitely not Trump, the Kochs, or Republicans plan and not going to happen. Remember, even though as Klobuchar said, Our first overarching focus is getting tax returns and ethics forms, that was the entire Democratic Partys overarching focus during the general election campaign and Trump laughed in their faces like Senate Republicans are now doing to their Democratic colleagues. The issue of rushing to confirm the Trumps nominees without proper vetting or background checks is, not only unprecedented, it is a major concern to the Office of Government Ethics chief, Walter M. Shaub Jr. Mr. Shaub sent a letter to Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer (NY) and Elizabeth Warren (MA) stating his consternation over not being given the information to make an honest assessment of the nominees ethics. Mr. Shaub wrote that, the announced hearing schedule for several nominees who have not completed the ethics review process is of great concern to me. Shaub also said that the Republicans packed schedule was putting undue pressure on his office to rush its reviews of the nominees. Something he said had never occurred in over four decades of the Government Ethics Offices existence was the Senate ever considering to hold a single confirmation hearing, much less several in one day, before the background checks and reviews were completed. But that really is the point of Republicans rushing the confirmation process; rubber-stamping Trumps appointees who likely have something to hide. It is not, as lying Republicans claim, to give the new president a team in place as soon as possible or they would have been pressing the nominees to turn over tax returns and ethics forms in a timely manner. They are rushing the nominees through to cover over any unethical records including gifts from lobbyists that prove premeditated conflicts of interest; like the cretin who nominated them. It was exactly the same reason corrupt celebrity Trump refused to release his tax returns; it no surprise Republicans are rushing confirmation without the benefit of tax returns from the Trump nominees. To say the Senate Republican move is unprecedented is an understatement. According to a law professor at the University of Minnesota who also served as the chief ethics counsel to former president George W. Bush, Professor Richard W. Painter said none of the nominees could receive a full vote on the Senate floor before the vetting was complete. And, another former White House ethics counsel, Norman Eisen said the paperwork delays were totally unheard-of. Maybe it was unheard of before Koch Republicans owned the entire federal government, and before a truly corrupt Russian businessman won the White House, but this is 2017 when corruption and unethical practices became a requirement to serve under the Republican banner carried by dishonest Don. One has to give Senate Democrats kudos for promising a valiant attempt to slow the rush to confirm Trump appointees in a day or so. They claim their intent is using all the procedural moves available to slow the process on the Senate floor, possibly spending up to 30 hours per nominee. It is something that has Republicans absolutely furious that their government dismantling crusade cannot begin on Trumps first day in office. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) likely forgot that Republicans refused to even consider confirming many of President Barack Obamas appointees and feigned righteous indignation that fooled no-one. He said, Holding up confirmations just for delays sake is irresponsible and it is dangerous. This is a dangerous world we are living in, and why in the world would we want to make it even more dangerous just to let our colleagues delay for delays sake President-elect Trump getting to fill his cabinet, particularly these important national security offices? Cornyn is demonstrating typical Republican hypocrisy, of course, and yet one cant ignore that he never considered inciting any of Trumps appointees to do what designees have done for over four decades: turn over their tax returns and ethics forms to prevent any delays. Republicans will attempt to ram Trumps nominees down Americans throats without properly vetting them, or checking to see how corrupt they will be in the dangerous world we are living in. And with a corrupt television celebrity occupying the White House and members of his cabinet unwilling to turn over documents necessary to ensure they are not corrupt, 2017 will be the year when America became incredibly dangerous because it appears that the entire government under Republican rule will be as corrupt as the Party standard bearer, Donald Trump. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Houston, we have a problem. Yesterday, the Trump Transition team announced that Trumps son-in-law and visionary Jared Kushner had been named Senior Advisor to the President. This is a problem because, as George Takei has pointed out, This isnt a dynasty. The emperor doesnt get to appoint his son-in-law as chief advisor. There are rules and laws against this. This is a matter of great concern because neither Kushner nor his wife, Trumps daughter Ivanka, who plans to live in the White House in the role of First Lady, plan to divest themselves of their business ties. Like these, brought to our attention by Steven Rattner, who knows a thing or two about Wall Street: Some of Jared Kushner's many conflicts of interest. Even if he manages to skirt anti-nepotism laws, these should disbar him: pic.twitter.com/Ak8XQ6csQV Steven Rattner (@SteveRattner) January 9, 2017 No mention is made of nepotism, let alone 5 U.S. Code 3110 Employment of relatives; restrictions, or of conflicts of interests, in the statement released by the Trump Transition team: President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced Jared Kushner will serve as Senior Advisor to the President. Kushner will work closely with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Chief Strategist Stephen K. Bannon to execute President-elect Trumps agenda. Together, Bannon, Priebus and Kushner have formed an effective leadership team. Kushner, a widely respected businessman and real estate developer was instrumental in formulating and executing the strategy behind President-elect Trumps historic victory in November. Kushner has chosen to forego his salary while serving in the administration. Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration, said President-elect Trump. He has been incredibly successful, in both business and now politics. He will be an invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda, putting the American people first. Chief of Staff Reince Priebus added, Jared is a visionary with a rare ability to communicate with and assemble broad coalitions of support. His entrepreneurial mindset will be a great asset to the team as well as his open mind, adaptability and keen intellect. It is an honor to serve our country, said Kushner. I am energized by the shared passion of the President-elect and the American people and I am humbled by the opportunity to join this very talented team. Aside from the fact that Kushner is not as great as Trump or Kushner seem to think, Media Matters Eric Boehlert asked a question we all be asking frequently for the next four years: Why are news orgs buying Trump team spin that anti-nepotism law on books for 50 yrs somehow doesnt apply to Trump administration? Boehlert is talking about the 1967 federal anti-nepotism statute that is still in force, as CNNs Keith Boykin points out: Trump is about to test the 1967 federal anti-nepotism statute with his appointment of his son-in-law Jared Kushner. https://t.co/vWhGnbGtwW pic.twitter.com/GLM2YsdiQ8 Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) January 9, 2017 So here is Donald Trump flouting not only conflicts of interest concerns but nepotism laws. You will note in the transition statement that Kushner is not taking a salary, no doubt in the hopes that this will let him escape the nepotism laws. Kushner himself declined to comment about nepotism last night. Of course, Trump has already shown us that he doesnt think rules or laws even commonly accepted social norms apply to him. Kellyanne Conway told Morning Joe that there is an exception to the law, even though there were no exceptions for Bill Clinton or Jimmy Carter. Of course, Democrats have to undergo ethics investigations too, and Republicans dont. However, actual people familiar with the law say Conway is not correct. The Wall Street Journal cites Kathleen Clark, a legal ethics expert and professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis, who says not taking a salary doesnt put Kushner in the clear: Its not as though if you can forgo a salary, you can get a carte blanche and ignore ethics rules, said Ms. Clark, adding that a legal challenge may be in the offing. President-elect Trump appears to be attempting to violate the anti-nepotism statute and see whether he can get away with it, she said. Though you can be pretty sure Conways claims aside what lawmakers intended was that the president can hire who he wants as long as it doesnt violate the law, that is precisely what Donald Trump is doing. And so far, its working pretty well, as Republicans in Congress helpfully ignore ethics checks for his cabinet appointees. There is very little likelihood Republicans will do anything to hamper Trump at this point. Our fragile democratic system, our Constitution, work, because everybody agrees to the rules. Donald Trump says rules dont apply to him, and apparently, the Republican Party has agreed that our system of laws, the American experiment itself, counts as nothing beside the wishes of Donald Trump. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print *The following is an opinion column by R Muse* Of all the reasons to miss President Obama, the most important seems to be that he is still working to protect Americans and more importantly the environment everyone lives in. Of course, the environment is not important to most Americans or they would have ceased long ago to consistently send anti-environment oil mongers to Congress, or an inept malcontent who eschews scientific data to the White House. Fortunately, Barack Obama is still the President and despite his tenure is winding down, he is still protecting the environment, the economy, and the American people. A couple of days ago while Americans were glued to Twitter anxiously waiting to catch the latest petulant outrage from Donald Trump, they missed the news that President Obama fairly put a nail in the oil industrys hopes of wiping out the Atlantic Seaboard with oil exploration; they still havent learned from the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Perhaps it was to demonstrate to dumb Don Trump what a real President does for the people, or to stop the oil industry from despoiling the massive Atlantic Seaboard, or to protect marine mammals from oil industry death, but whatever the Presidents motivation, he was decisively thorough. He was also spent his last days in office putting the finishing touches necessary to nail the Atlantic ocean oil exploration coffin shut, and it could be for good. His action to ban a dangerous testing technique along the Atlantic coast is a follow-up to an astute ploy exactly 20 days ago permanently banning oil and gas drilling up and down the Atlantic coast protecting over 3.8 million acres of the Atlantic sea floor from the oil industry. That action was in addition to the President heeding dire warnings from the Pentagon last March when President Obama did the unthinkable and banned oil drilling in the Atlantic. However, there was still the prospect of the industry using another technique, seismic testing, that wasnt covered in the other executive actions until Friday. The White House announced that President Obama denied all permits for seismic testing in the Atlantic, and it was welcomed news to environmentalists and East Coast residents alike who are preparing for an anti-environment administration ready and waiting do its worst. If the media hadnt been mesmerized by the Trump saga and his Tweets, and his lies, and his persistent whining that the world isnt queueing up to kiss his orange behind, it would have reported the good news. The Presidents action wasnt lost on the Oceana campaign director Claire Douglass who was grateful for a President with morals in place to protect Americans instead of the Koch brothers industry. Ms. Douglass said in a statement: We know that seismic airgun blasting is dangerous. Today, we thank the Obama administration for finishing the job in protecting the Atlantic Ocean from offshore drilling activities. With offshore drilling off the table for the near future, there was absolutely no reason to risk the damage that would be caused by seismic airgun blasting in the region. East Coast communities can finally take a well-deserved sigh of relief knowing that their ocean and economies are currently spared from dangerous seismic airgun blasting. As noted above, this latest move completed the Presidents efforts to completely protect the Atlantic Coastal region from oil industry devastation. The President is also protecting sea life that is ravaged by horribly damaging seismic testing. The process, also known as seismic airgun blasting involves blasting the ocean floor with airguns to search for oil. The process is regarded by marine scientists as an extremely loud process that can cause hearing loss in marine mammals and disturb crucial feeding and breeding behaviors. In fact, according to Oceana, the sound generated by seismic testing is so incredibly loud it can be heard up to 2,500 miles away. By canceling the six oil industry permit applications the President protected an area of the Atlantic about twice the size of California; from the New Jersey-Delaware border to the middle of Florida. It is a mammoth area hosting countless thousands of marine mammals including a very substantial fishing industry. The director of the Marine Mammal Protection Project and Land and Wildlife Program at the NRDC, Michael Jasny told ThinkProgress: Seismic blasting is not only the gateway drug to offshore oil and gas development, but it also has enormous environmental harm in itself. Its known to disrupt mammal behavior like foraging and nursing and endangered whales, and compromise fishing by disrupting fish populations over very large areas of ocean. To have proceeded with this folly would have been inimical to the health of our oceans and the communities that depend on them, and irreconcilable with the clean energy future. It isnt the clean energy future that was the primary impetus for staunch community opposition to Atlantic oil and gas exploration and drilling; it was the environmental and economic disaster of allowing the oil industry free rein over Americas oceans and coastal areas. According to Oceania: 120 East Coast municipalities, 1,200 elected officials, and an alliance representing more than 35,000 businesses and 500,000 fishing families have publicly opposed either offshore drilling, seismic airgun blasting, or both. Unlike any Republican alive, President Obama regarded the publics opposition in his decision as much as his intent to leave office protecting the environment and economy from big oil. Apparently, residents up and down the Atlantic coast opposed allowing offshore drilling because they were terrified about the environmental and economic impacts of a Deepwater Horizon (BP) disaster that devastated Gulf Coast communities in 2010 and caused lasting negative impacts for both the areas fishing and tourism industries. It would be devastating for another oil disaster in the Atlantic because as the Center for a Blue Economy reported last year; the tourism and fishing industry accounts for $14.6 billion in revenue for just Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. As the NRDCs Jasny noted, it is possible that the oil industrys new best friend Trump could reverse the ban on seismic blasting as part of his promise to expand offshore drilling, but it would fly in the face of established science. It is worth noting, yet again, that dumb Donnie doesnt understand what science is; especially if it contradicts the wealthy anti-environment cabal he is installing in his unethical cabinet. Besides, President Obamas ban from three weeks ago is permanent. Mr. Jasny said: The science [on seismic airgun blasting] has become, with each passing year, more and more indicative of serious population-level harm on a wide variety of marine species resulting from this activity. If the Trump administration wants to run ragged over science and fact, then we will see them in court. There is little doubt there will be quite a few court dates regarding this atrocious process. However, there is still a ban on gas and oil exploration and drilling that President Obama put in place and disallows Trump, or any future president, from changing it; not that deplorable Don has any more regard for settled law than he does the Constitution. It is why President Obamas use of an all-but-forgotten 1953 law that gave him the legal authority to implement the bans was brilliant and eliminated having to fear that an oil industry puppet in the White House will reverse the decision because the law disallows it. Americans may not all be aware yet, but these final act maneuvers by President Obama will be the last time in a long time that a real President actually works for the good of the people, their environment, and their economy. There is nothing whatsoever that Trump will do for the people and the proof is that in recent memory no living Republican has done anything to benefit the people. That Barack Obama was able to protect Atlantic seaboard residents from oil industry environmental and economic devastation is incredibly good news; that he also protected thousands of species of marine life simply proves that this President is all-encompassing when it comes to protecting life; something Americans are not going to see again for a miserably long time. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A woman was removed from Jeff Sessions Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for literally laughing out loud at Senate Republican attempts to whitewash their colleagues anti-civil rights record. While Sen. Richard Shelby was heaping praise on his fellow Senator from Alabama, he said that Sessions has a record of treating everyone equally. Picture of the Code Pink protester being removed for laughing: Woman with @codepink removed after laughing out loud when one Senator praised Sessions civil rights record. pic.twitter.com/1h4XnMBU0B NAACP (@NAACP) January 10, 2017 Journalists reported that the woman was removed for laughing too loud: A Code Pink protester laughed too loud at Shelby's praise for Sessions so she's out. You LOL you lose. Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) January 10, 2017 Guards kicking out Code Pink member for laughing when Sen. Shelby said Sessions has a record of treating all people equally under the law. Pema Levy (@pemalevy) January 10, 2017 The nation is supposed to keep a straight face while Senate Republicans push a confirmation hearing for a man who has not been properly vetted, refused to comply with the law by completing his disclosure forms, and has an anti-civil rights record. Sessions voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, voted for a constitution ban on same-sex marriage, voted against expanding hate crimes legislation to cover sexual orientation. Sessions once called a black attorney boy, and has described the Civil Rights Act as intrusive. This is not the record of a man who believes in equal and fair treatment under the law. However, dont you dare laugh at Republican propaganda during a confirmation hearing, or security will toss you out. Reality has no home with the Republican majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Pizza has been a constant in Brian Kesslers life, from the time he got a job in a pizzeria as a teenager until the day he met his wife in a pizza joint. Read moreIggy's Pizza Shop is now open in Mount Pleasant Angie Jackson covers crime and breaking news for The Post and Courier. She previously covered the same beat for the Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com in Michigan. When shes not reporting, Angie enjoys teaching yoga and exploring the outdoors. CHARLES CITY McQuillen Place, a three-story complex with retail stores and apartments in downtown Charles City, was first expected to be completed in the spring of 2016, and then the fall of 2016. The $8.6 million complex on the corner of Main and Clark is still not finished, and Charles Thomson of Amelia Management, the developer for the project, said he doesn't have a completion date set. McQuillen Place in Charles City nearing completion CHARLES CITY Construction of McQuillen Place, a three-story complex with retail stores and However, "We have been plugging away and making progress," Thomson said. The interior is complete in the southern third of the building, and the work that still needs to be completed on the exterior is taking place as weather permits, according to Thomson. When completed the building will have 33 apartments on the second and third floors. Retail businesses will be located on the first floor. Thomson said the project is like building 33 houses, which makes it a complicated process. He also said a lack of skilled labor in the Charles City area slowed construction. A lot of people in skilled trades have left North Iowa, while others have switched careers, he added. The weather, particularly last winter, also caused delays, according to Thomson. He said the framing was done off-site by a company in Nebraska because it provided better quality. However, on windy days it was difficult to lift the sections into place, and there were a lot of windy days, according to Thomson. "It was frustrating," he said. But Thomson is happy with the way the completed apartments look. The architect, James Gray of Cornice & Rose in Chicago, avoided the "cookie cutter approach" and designed the spaces so they are flexible, he said. Gray used an open space design. He came up with a floor plan for the kitchen, dining room and living room, and there's an alcove in most units that can be used as an additional bedroom, a library or a home office, according to Thomson. The apartments have high ceilings and oversized windows to let in natural light, he noted. Most of the apartments will have two bedrooms but some one-bedroom and three-bedroom units will be available. Each apartment will have a washer and dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, stove and refrigerator. All the apartments, except for the handicapped-accessible units, will have two bathrooms. That is unusual for apartments, but it was something decided early on in the planning process, according to Thomson. "Couples especially hate to fight over the bathroom," he said. Thomson said there will not be any low-income units, but some apartments will be classified as affordable housing. Simply Essentials, the new poultry processing plant in Charles City, will be renting space for its corporate office on the first floor of the building. Thomson said plenty of other businesses are interested in locating there. The developers purchased four lots of city-owned land for $58,478 so they could build the complex. The land had been vacant since the Union House burned in 1987. Duncan Alexander Burrell Gordon was working the night shift at Industrial Recovery and Recycling, Inc. in Greer when he disappeared. Bits of his remains were found in a recycling shredder. Read moreUpstate recycling plant where worker died fined $34k for 'serious' safety violations A 65-year-old man who pleaded guilty to malicious punishment of a child after allegedly injuring a 14-month-old was sentenced Monday to probation. Gregory Michael Quitter, of Rochester, must also write a letter of apology to the victim and her mother as part of the sentencing for the gross misdemeanor conviction. He'll be on supervised probation for two years. A felony count of third-degree assault-victim under 4 was dismissed as part of the plea agreement in Olmsted County District Court. The case began in September 2015, when the child's mother and grandmother took her to the emergency department of a local hospital for injuries to her face and ear. The injuries were discovered when Quitter returned from taking the child for a walk. The victim's mother said Quitter had offered to take care of the child so she could shower; when he and the toddler returned, the complaint says, Quitter "was sweaty and hunched over and said there was an accident." ADVERTISEMENT The grandmother was in the garage when Quitter brought the child back. She said he was clearly exhibiting symptoms of his Parkinson's disease tremors, so she got him his medication. The grandmother saw bruises on the child when she removed her from the stroller. Quitter told her the toddler fell while on an incline at a park. The child's face was puffy; her cheeks were turning blue and one ear was completely purple. Medical personnel at the hospital said the injuries didn't match the story Quitter told them, and law enforcement was called. Medical reports indicate "extensive bruising." Quitter was interviewed three times. While the story changed a bit each time, the reports say, he consistently said the child fell while running down a steep incline in the park, and repeatedly said how embarrassed he was about the incident. He initially said he picked the toddler up and tried to put her back in the stroller; he was having a Parkinson's tremor, the complaint says, so it took him a while to get her back in. Quitter told investigators he is Italian, and holds onto the child's cheeks with both hands; in fact, he'd grabbed her cheeks both before and after she fell. In addition to the tremors, Quitter reportedly told authorities the Parkinson's makes him "off; mentally out there but not physically in control." The second time he was interviewed, Quitter changed the force with which he'd pinched the child's cheeks, saying it was harder than he'd originally claimed. In a third interview a few days later, Quitter admitted he hadn't told the entire truth initially because he was "ashamed and embarrassed, really." Quitter said the toddler was "a little upset" and "crying some" as he tried to put her in the stroller, and he was very frustrated. ADVERTISEMENT Quitter said he grabbed the child by the cheeks and squeezed them "to calm her and tell her she is alright," the complaint says, admitting he'd squeezed them four to seven times. Quitter denied hitting or punching her. A doctor at the Child Advocacy Center told investigators the injuries to the girl's face couldn't have been caused by a fall or by Quitter simply pinching her. The doctor believed the injuries would have been caused by a slap or an object striking the child's face. MASON CITY | A Mason City woman accused of stealing drugs from patients in Osage and St. Ansgar has now been charged in Cerro Gordo County. Keri Martinez, 33, was arrested Monday night in Cerro Gordo County for one count of felony prohibited acts. She's accused of stealing Oxycontin, a painkiller, from a patient at the IOOF Home on on May 25, 2015, while working as a nurse at the Mason City facility, according to court documents. Nurse accused of taking painkillers from patients in St. Ansgar, Osage OSAGE | A Mason City nurse authorities say stole powerful painkillers from patients in two N Martinez already faced several charges, including felonies, for allegedly stealing Oxycodone from a patient in Osage and both Hydrocodone and Tramadol from a patient in St. Ansgar. Like Oxycontin, the three drugs Martinez is accused of stealing in Mitchell County are powerful painkillers. Charges in both counties were investigated by the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Martinez remained jailed in Cerro Gordo County on Tuesday. Looking to double efforts in addressing affordable housing shortages, the Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity announced its expansion of services into Wabasha and Dodge counties. This means that the Rochester affiliate will oversee all six municipalities in Dodge County: Dodge Center, Hayfield, West Concord, Claremont, Kasson and Mantorville although there was a project in Dodge Center that the organization completed prior to the announcement and all of Wabasha County. Lake City will be a case-by-case basis since it's on the border with Goodhue County. "We're thrilled to work with families and communities from a broader range of our region to ensure that everyone has a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home," said Kevin Worden, executive director of Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity. "The affordable housing crisis affects all of Southeast Minnesota, and we're excited to empower more families to have the strength, stability, and self-reliance that comes from knowing you have decent shelter." Ultimately, this doubles the outreach of the Rochester affiliate. Looking forward to building relationships with government, business and religious leaders throughout the expanded radius, Worden said that Habitat for Humanity is looking to help families in need of assistance get connected. "We have some areas around us that we realize haven't been served by any Habitat for Humanity affiliates for some time," Worden said. "We're really making a long-term commitment to Wabasha, and we'd like to be part of the solution for affordable housing in the county." ADVERTISEMENT This year, the organization hopes to build its first home in Plainview. A family applied to construct a four bedroom house, and the first community informational meeting will be held 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at at Community Presbyterian Church in Plainview. With luck, those interested in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity can form a steering community to help with future projects in Wabasha. Another part of the region, that seeks to fill the need for affordable housing. Where Habitat for Humanity is headed Since 1990, the Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity has been assisting families with affordable housing in the city as well as in eastern Dodge County. Within the last 15 years since its establishment, the organization built between 60 to 65 homes in Rochester, with an additional eight to ten homes in the surrounding communities such as Pine Island, Stewartville and Mantorville. Applications for assistance haven't waned. During the application cycle, while one family may be accepted to receive services from Habitat for Humanity, there are still three or four that they can't build a new house for. "There's absolutely a need that's for responsible home ownership opportunity," Worden said. After this latest expansion, Rochester's Habitat for Humanity won't be looking to do more geographic extensions since other offices are established in other respective counties such as Mower, Winona, and Goodhue, but they'll be seeking to provide other services and alternatives for applicants. "We're working to expand beyond new home construction," Worden said. "We're also looking at more home repairs and home preservation. It's different, and building a new home isn't the perfect solution for everyone, and we want to work with as many families as we can to have affordable, healthy, and safe homes for everyone." ADVERTISEMENT In other words In the summer of 1858, Abraham Lincoln stood before his state convention and warned, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." The apt re Read moreThe danger of an island divided Trump is very lucky in his enemies. Now theyre giving us some real girl-on-girl action, as reported today in the Carlos Slim Times: Womens March on Washington Opens Contentious Dialogues About Race By Farah Stockman Many thousands of women are expected to converge on the nations capital for the Womens March on Washington the day after Donald J. Trumps inauguration. Jennifer Willis no longer plans to be one of them. Ms. Willis, a 50-year-old wedding minister from South Carolina, had looked forward to taking her daughters to the march. Then she read a post on the Facebook page for the march that made her feel unwelcome because she is white. The post, written by a black activist from Brooklyn who is a march volunteer, advised white allies to listen more and talk less. It also chided those who, it said, were only now waking up to racism because of the election. You dont just get to join because now youre scared, too, read the post. I was born scared. Stung by the tone, Ms. Willis canceled her trip. This is a womens march, she said. Were supposed to be allies in equal pay, marriage, adoption. Why is it now about, White women dont understand black women? . . . The video below looks to be just another idiotic Hollywood production celebrating the godhood of Obama, but it must be a production of the Obama administration itself. The thing has been posted by the White House under the official title Yes We Can: People Share Their Most Memorable Moments from the Obama Presidency. Those of you who persist in declaring Obama Muslim are obviously mistaken; the man worships himself. Its the common denominator between him and his followers. In the video, worshipers testify to their Obama moment. Here I would note that the worshipers represent how to put it? a limited cross section of the American people. I awaited the moment of Obamacare. What a moment it was and is. Obamacare appears via Samuel Jackson, a wealthy Hollywood type who wasnt wealthy enough to help his relatives procure health insurance in the dark years Before Obama. Though Michael Jordan hails Obama as the Jackie Robinson of politics the injustice to Robinson is deep no one identifies a moment when Obama improved relations between or among the races. Even propagandists must respect the limits of credulity. My Obama moment will be the moment his term in office expires. In the spirit of the video, however, I might identify my Obama moment as the moment he agreed to the deal with Iran, providing that we would protect Irans nuclear program and forking over billions in tribute and ransom to finance Irans terrorist/military projects. Or it might be the moment when Obama condemned Israel for taking up residence in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem. These moments live on to haunt us but they are not alone. There are so many among which to choose. As Jack Benny put it when threatened to give up his money or his life, Im thinking it over! Via Pajamas Media. In seeking to delay confirmation proceedings for president-elect Trumps Cabinet selections, Democrats cite the need for more time to investigate the nominees for possible conflicts interests. In doing so, they rely on Walter Shaub, director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). He complains that his office is being rushed to clear the Trump picks. It would be much easier to take Shaub seriously if (1) he wasnt a partisan Democrat and (2) the timetable for holding hearings on Trumps selection differed significantly from 2009 when Obamas nominees were up for confirmation. Neither condition is satisfied. Paul Bedard of the Washington Examiner reports that Shaub has strong ties to President Obama, missed Hillary Clintons ethical lapses, and pushed tweets mocking Trump. Shaub was appointed by Obama in 2013 after donating $500 to the presidents reelection. He is not politically neutral. Shaubs partiality seems to have extended to Hillary Clinton. According to America Rising, which cites the reporting of the Examiners Sarah Westwood, his office gave Clinton a pass when it came to her speaking fees and potential help to Clinton Foundation donors: After it was uncovered that Hillary Clinton failed to disclose millions in speech income, Congress called on the OGE to provide them with records related to this lapse in oversight. Curiously, the OGE eventually covered for Clinton when they stated that she did not have to disclose the millions in speech income. When Shaub was brought before Congress however, he struggled to explain why his office acted in this fashion. In addition, Shaubs office was also called out by NPR, of all outfits, for a post-election Twitter storm ridiculing Donald Trump and attempting to pressure him on the issue of divestiture of his financial holdings. Some tweets tried to mimic Trumps style, for example his use of exclamation points. In addition, as NPR reported, they misrepresented his statements by implying that he had promised full divestiture when he had not. NPR discovered Shaubs involvement through a Freedom of Information Act request: New records shared with NPR on Friday show that behind the curious tweets was the head of the OGE himself, Director Walter Shaub Jr. In two emails, dated Nov. 30, just several minutes apart, Shaub sent to OGE Chief of Staff Shelley Finlayson the nine tweets that took the Internet by storm that day. He then followed up with a link to a legal document referenced in one of the tweets and writes: Get all of these tweets posted as soon as humanly possible. Shaubs pro-Democrat, anti-Trump bias is manifest. The other problem with the Democrats attack on the expedited schedule for considering Trumps nominees is that it is consistent with past practice. As Mitch McConnell has pointed out, seven of Barack Obamas nominees were confirmed on the day he was sworn in. Shaub claims that this sort of pace puts undue pressure on his office to examine conflicts. But if it was possible to clear Obamas nominees on a fast track, it should not require a herculean effort to do so for Trumps. In any event, given Shaubs partisanship, Republicans should not put off confirming Trumps nominees on his say-so. The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding Jeff Sessions confirmation hearing today. The committee went at it for three hours and is now taking a lunch break. No one has yet laid a glove on the Alabama Senator. Only Al Franken went after him hard. The ex-comedian succeeded mainly in beclowning himself. The hearings were interrupted several times by the screams of protesters. Their screeching only served to underscore the calm, collected demeanor of Sen. Sessions. Before getting to Frankens clash with Sessions, here a few of the highlights, such as they were. Sen. Susan Collins gave a very nice introductory speech in favor of Sessions. As one of the Senates few moderates, her strong support of the nominee is very helpful. Chairman Grassley took a shot at Eric Holder when he noted that Sessions has committed to saying no to the president when necessary instead of being the presidents wing man, as Holder described himself. It wont be easy to say no to Donald Trump. However, if any Attorney General is likely to do so, it is probably Sessions, a man of substance and stature and who comes from the legislative branch. Sen. Durbin got into a little bit with Sessions over his vote against one version of an amended version of the Violence Against Women Act (Sessions supported the original version and an alternative act to amend it). The dispute came down to whether violence against women that occurs on Indian reservations at the hands of non-Indians should be prosecuted before tribal councils. Sessions was against this. Durbin argued that the amendment, which passed, has worked well because no one has appealed a conviction. Sessions countered that, from the victims standpoint, there are serious questions as to whether prosecutions before the tribal councils have been effective. Sessions won this round. In any case, if the best the Dems can do is to quibble about this kind of procedural matter, then Sessions is home and dry. Lindsey Graham drew a laugh, as he generally does, when he said that Sessions confirmation will resolve the age old question of whether an Attorney General can be confirmed over the objection of 1,400 law professors. Thats the number of law profs who signed a weak public statement against Sessions. So far, there has been scant reliance on the profs statement by Democrats at the hearing. Sessions promised to recuse himself from any consideration about whether to charge Hillary Clinton with a crime. Sen. Whitehouse asked Sessions whether, at any Trump rally, he had joined in the lock her up chant. Sessions said he didnt think he had. The Alabama man reiterated that he will recuse himself on matters relating to a possible prosecution of Clinton given the role of her possible criminality in the election campaign, where he was a strong Trump supporter, and given his call during the election for a special prosecutor in the matter. In response to a question from Chairman Grassley, Sessions affirmed that his would be a true recusal, under the specific procedures that govern one, not the kind of deferral that Attorney General Lynch used. Sen. Klobuchar seemed troubled that Sessions has referred to the Voting Rights Act as intrusive legislation. There is no doubt that the legislation is highly intrusive, and the nominee did not back down from that position. However, he made it clear that the intrusion was warranted when the Act was passed by a dreadful history of racial discrimination especially in the South. Sessions emphasized how much good the legislation has done, and noted that he has voted to reauthorize it. Sessions pledged vigorously to enforce the portions of the law that havent been struck down. Indeed, he promised to enforce all laws, including those with which he disagrees. The Voting Rights Act is not one of the laws he disagrees with. As noted, Sen. Franken was the only Senator who really attacked Sessions. Virtually every Democratic Senator who questioned the nominee was able to cite an important piece of legislation on which he or she had collaborated with Sessions. Franken did not. Whether this is because he hasnt been willing or able to work across the aisle, as his colleagues have done, or because he is too churlish to acknowledge Sessions cooperation, I do not know. Frankens mission was to show that Sessions has misrepresented his record in bringing civil rights cases as a prosecutor. He relied on reporting and op-eds that have appeared in the Washington Post. He does not appear to have done any independent research or, as we shall see, to have given the matter any serious thought. The first misrepresentation was a claim that Sessions made, apparently during an interview, that he brought 20 or 30 civil rights cases. In his written responses to the Committee, Sessions did not make this claim, saying instead that he brought a number of such actions. Franken demanded to know why Sessions had said 20 or 30. Sessions explained that when he gave that answer he didnt have documents in front of him and was relying on his recollection from many years ago. He also noted that there is some ambiguity about how to count such cases. Since Sessions corrected any false impression his original answer might have caused, Frankens line of questioning was piddling. Next Franken tried to show that Sessions hsd misrepresented his role by listing several big civil rights cases as among the most important cases he participated in. Frankens point was that, although Sessions signed the complaint, he hadnt really participated. Franken relied mostly on Gerry Hebert, lead counsel in most of these cases, who has been saying that Sessions basically had no role. Hebert has a history of dishonesty, as Christian Adams has reported. But Sessions had an even better way of dealing with Heberts attack. He quoted at length from gushing testimony Hebert gave in 1986 stating that Sessions played a major role in the civil rights prosecutions that Hebert pursued. As Sessions read this testimony, Franken tried to talk over him. He failed. Using Heberts own words, Sessions destroyed him, and Franken, on this point. In the end, Franken was reduced to saying that, though he is not a lawyer (we can tell), it seems to him that by saying he had filed a case, Sessions implied that he led the case. Um, no. Significantly, no Senator during the morning portion of the hearing, not even Franken, said or implied that Sessions is a racist. This must have been gratifying to Sen. Sessions, whose nomination for a judgeship failed on the basis of bogus racism allegations 30 years ago. Smooth sailing, then, for Sen. Sessions so far. ALSO: I forget to note that Sen. Durbin pushed Sen. Sessions on what will happen to dreamers who have been given relief through President Obamas executive order. He brought a dreamer to the hearing (he also brought a crack cocaine dealer whose sentence Obama commuted). Sessions said that the priority is fixing immigration through legislation. Then, as president-elect Trump has said, we can come up with a solution for dreamers and others who are here illegally but havent otherwise violated the law. Meanwhile, the executive order covering dreamers will be rescinded. Durbin complained that this means the lives of dreamers like the fine fellow he brought to the hearing will be ruined. What nonsense. Their status will simply revert back to what it was for six years under Obama. It did not appear that Durbins guest had been ruined during that time. UPDATE by JOHN: Byron York agrees with Pauls assessment of todays hearing: Sessions showdown fizzles. John has already written about the Trump hate-fest at the Golden Globe awards last night. I want to focus on Meryl Streeps attack on the president-elect. Streep hammered Trump for ridiculing a New York Times reporter [formerly with the Washington Post reporter] with a disability. She said: [T]here was one performance this year that stunned me. It sank its hooks in my heart. Not because it was good; there was nothing good about it. But it was effective and it did its job. It made its intended audience laugh, and show their teeth. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. Someone he outranked in privilege, power and the capacity to fight back. It kind of broke my heart when I saw it, and I still cant get it out of my head, because it wasnt in a movie. It was real life. And this instinct to humiliate, when its modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, it filters down into everybodys life, because it kinda gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence. And when the powerful use their position to bully others we all lose. Trumps mocking of the reporter was disgusting. His denial that he had mocked the guy was pathetic. But David French points out that during the same event in which Streep condemned Trump, she applauded a man who did something far worse. She, and most of the other assembled Hollywood worthies, applauded Roman Polanski who received a Golden Globe award. As French reminds us: Roman Polanski pled guilty to statutory rape and admitted in open court to having sex with his victim when he knew she was only 13 years old. Polanski was 43. In so doing, he avoided trial on a number of more serious charges. Polanski didnt just have sex with the 13 year old. There is strong reason to believe that he raped her, and not just in the statutory sense. French writes: According to [the victims] April 4, 1977 grand-jury testimony, Polanski drove her to Jack Nicholsons house. The actor wasnt home, but his ex-girlfriend Anjelica Huston was there when they arrived. Polanski poured Gailey champagne and they took more photographs. After they shared a quaalude, he instructed her to strip and enter a Jacuzzi, wheredespite her protestshe soon joined her, after removing his own clothes. She lied about having asthma as an excuse to leave the hot tub. Although Gailey repeatedly told him no and asked him to drive her home, he proceeded to perform oral, vaginal, and anal sex on her inside the house. Gailey told the grand jury she was reluctant to resist because she was afraid of Polanski. Polanski fled the United States rather than serve his sentence. He lives overseas, where, according to French, he has directed a number of films starring a cavalcade of Hollywood liberals. If making fun of a veteran reporter who, though disabled, surely has some thick bark on him, sank hooks in Streeps heart, what effect did the rape of a 13 year old girl by a powerful Hollywood director have on her heart? None, or she wouldnt have stood and applauded the pervert last night. The enthusiastic applause by Streep and many others for Polanski, who having fled the U.S. couldnt accept it in person, tells you everything you need to know about Hollywood and its celebrities. The attitude that underlies this reaction helps explain why I almost never watch anything that Hollywood currently grinds out. It helps explains why most Americans dont take the pompous utterances of people like Meryl Streep seriously, why many Americans hate Hollywood, and why the rest of the country should. Here is the video of the reaction to Polanskis award. Streep can be seen standing and clapping at about the 1:10 mark. HAMPTON | A man was picked up in Georgia Monday on a Franklin County warrant for a felony involuntary manslaughter charge filed after an accident that killed a Sheffield woman last year. Sheffield woman killed in crash HAMPTON | A crash that killed a Sheffield woman on Tuesday is under investigation by the Iow Antonio Marecheau of Newman, Georgia, who was driving a semi, ran a stop sign and collided with a van driven by 36-year-old Penny Rust at the intersection of 190th Street and U.S. Highway 65 three miles north of Hampton on Feb. 16, according to the criminal complaint from the Iowa State Patrol. Rust was pronounced dead at the scene. Marecheau told authorities he was using a cell phone as a GPS device, according to the State Patrol. He allegedly said he received and answered a phone call at 6:30 p.m. Dispatch received the first 911 call regarding the collision at 6:31 p.m. Using a hand held cellular device while operating a commercial motor vehicle is a violation of both state and federal code, according to the Iowa State Patrol. If convicted on the involuntary manslaughter charge, Marechau faces up to five years in prison. Mary Pieper The U.S. has declared that the days of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levants (ISIL) are numbered. The group is also called ISIS. The U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement that the ISIL terrorist group was being pushed out of Iraqs second-largest city of Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria, as the counter-ISIL forces were moving to liberate the territories. Pentagon spokesman, Jeff Davis, explained that the coalition forces were consolidating daily on their gains against the mindless terrorist group. Mr. Davis said it was significant that counter-ISIL forces had reached the Tigris River and converged on the three axes from which the Iraqi security forces approached Mosul north, east and southeast and gained control of the eastern end of Mosul. According to him, since Jan. 7, Iraqi security forces have continued to gain territory and consolidate those gains. ISILs days are numbered. ISIL fighters are surrounded on all sides by a superior force, theyre facing resistance from within the city, and theyre being bombarded daily by coalition air and artillery strikes. And ISIL has no ability to reinforce or resupply. We do believe their days there, particularly in eastern Mosul, are numbered and they are beginning to realise it. While friendly forces have pushed their way onto the banks of the Tigris River in the vicinity of the southernmost bridge around Mosul, ISIL fighters over the weekend blew up the last of five bridges, the spokesman said. We are now seeing some makeshift attempts to cross the river on foot using planks, Mr. Davis said. He said on another bridge, where the span over land was taken out by coalition forces, ISIL was observed using a crane to move vehicles across the river, one by one in what Davis called a very painstaking way. Weve also seen them use slides to take cargo in boxes and slide them down onto the ground from the bridges that have coalition-damaged spans. All five bridges around Mosul are unusable, he said. He said after occupying Al Salam Hospital in southeastern Mosul as a fighting position and storage facility for quite a while, ISIL has been forced out of the facility, Mr. Davis said. The Pentagon spokesman also said ISILs morale had declined. Were seeing continued signs of ISIL fighters having loss of morale. Many of them have not been paid in months; weve seen fewer vehicle-borne homemade bombs than we had previously in Mosul, and indications are that ISIL cant respond to coordinated attacks on multiple axes. What Operation Inherent Resolve officials have seen as a lull in morale particularly from the east of Mosul are ISIL desertions and fighters leaving their positions, Davis said. Its a sign of the fact that they recognise their defeat is imminent, he said. The residents of Mosul are increasingly putting up resistance, where people are very quick to turn against ISIL to help drive them out, particularly when the enemy is close to taking territory, Davis said. In Raqqa, Syria, which ISIL proclaims as its capital in that country, counter-ISIL Syrian forces also are moving in on their axes of approach to retake the city from ISIL control, he said. Coming into Raqqa from two axes, the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) has cleared most of the northern axis in the north and from the northwest, toward the southern segment of the city, Mr. Davis said. The Pentagon spokesman added that the SDF personnel are within four kilometers of the city and the Tabqu Dam on the Euphrates River. He called both achievements significant in isolating Raqqa. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to the allegation that he received gratification to approve the controversial Malabu Oil transaction during his tenure. In a statement by his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Jonathan said he did not send businessman Abubakar Aliyu or any other person to receive bribe on his behalf during or after the negotiation. The former president also said he held no secret meeting with parties in the transaction at anytime. More to come. MEANWHILE, READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW. Our attention has been drawn to news reports published mostly by online media which suggested through innuendo, rather than factual evidence, that former President Goodluck Jonathan received kickbacks in the $1.3bn OPL 245 oil block deal involving oil giants ENI and Royal Dutch Shell. With regards to the publication, we wish to make it clear that former President Jonathan was not accused, indicted or charged for corruptly collecting any monies as kickbacks or bribes from ENI by the Italian authorities or any other law enforcement body the world over. In the first place, we have to categorically state that the negotiations and transactions for the oil block deal predate the Presidency of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan which began on 6th May 2010 and ended on 29th May 2015. It may interest those promoting this false narrative to know that all the documents relating to the transactions, issues and decisions of the Federal Government on the Malabo issue, during the Jonathan administration, are in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation/Minister of Justice. As President of Nigeria, there is no doubt that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan met with executives of all the oil majors operating in Nigeria and urged them to, amongst other things, support the growth of the Nigerian oil industry by ramping up their investments and comply with the Local Content Act that he promoted and signed into law. We however wish to state, for emphasis, that at no time did the former President hold private meetings with representatives of ENI to discuss pecuniary issues. All the meetings and discussions former President Jonathan had with ENI, other IOCs and some indigenous operators were conducted officially, and in the presence of relevant Nigerian Government officials and were done in the best interest of the country. We make bold to point out that the former President never sent any Abubakar Aliyu, as the innuendoes in the false report suggest, to ENI, the IOCs or any indigenous operator to seek favour or collect any gratification on his behalf. We will like to point out for the umpteenth time that whether in office or out of office, former President Jonathan does not own any bank account, aircraft or real estate outside Nigeria. Anyone with contrary information is challenged to publicly publish same. As the President who signed the Freedom of Information Act into law, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan lifted the veil on governance and encouraged transparency knowing that evil breeds in secrecy. It is the opinion of the former President that journalists and media houses should take advantage of this law in their investigative journalism, rather than rely on hearsay. We hope that these clarifications will help guide future reports which should be factual. Ikechukwu Eze Media Adviser to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (President 2010-2015) Share this: Twitter Facebook The State Security Service, SSS, said on Tuesday that its operatives arrested 13 Boko Haram suspects in various parts of Nigerian including Lagos State. In a report by Tony Opuiyo on behalf of the agency, the secret service said its operatives on January 10 in Oko Oba area of Lagos State arrested four suspected fleeing members of the Boko Haram. Nine others were also arrested in various parts of the country, the agency, also called DSS, stated. The suspects picked in Lagos were identified as Fanayi Bukar Hassan, Butame Hassan, Kologoni Bukar, and Amina Abubakar. They were suspected to have fled to Lagos to evade arrest in the ongoing military offensive in the north-east. The service also arrested, on January 10, a kingpin of the sect in Okene town, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State. Identified as Abdullahi Mohammed, he was said to be the leader of the Boko Haram sect in Okene and was responsible for the coordination of Boko Haram activities in Okene axis of Kogi State. Operatives of the agency also said two fleeing Boko Haram terrorists were arrested at Mutum Biyu in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State on New Year day. The suspects, Bale Grema and Kolomi Adba-Aji, the agency said, were arrested in a mosque after they had fled Marte, Borno State, where they were involved in Boko Haram activities. On January 7, one Muhammad Auwal was arrested at Andaza village, Kiyawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State in connection with terrorist activities. Mr. Auwal, who was arrested with N300,000 on him, is believed to have been a drug supplier to the Boko Haram sect in Sambisa Forest. In addition, two suspected Boko Haram insurgents, Ibrahim Mala and Abdallah Modu, were arrested on January 6 at Amba and Gudi villages of Kokona Local Government Area, LGA, of Nasarawa State. The suspects who are indigenes of Maiduguri, Borno State, had fled the military action in Borno State and were regrouping in the state under different trade covers, the SSS said. While Mr. Modu sells childrens wears, Mr. Mala, who trades in perfumes, confessed to his membership of the sect and disclosed that he (Mala) joined the Yusufiyya faction in 2007,the agency said. Similarly, Abdulkarim Dahiru, a key terrorist commander and an indigene of Okengwa, Okene LGA of Kogi State, was arrested at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. The suspect was identified as the main coordinator of several kidnappings as well as other robbery activities in Kogi and Edo States, the agency said. The Nigerian military had last month cautioned Nigerians to be wary of Boko Haram members who were said to be fleeing the north-east in droves after losing territory and personnel to Nigerian soldiers. At the instance of President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia, the high level ECOWAS mediation mission led by Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari has pushed forward its visit to Banjul, the capital of Gambia, to Friday. President Buharis office disclosed this on Tuesday. In accepting to postpone the visit earlier planned to take place on Wednesday, President Buhari, who is mediating alongside John Mahama, the immediate past president of Ghana, said the delay notwithstanding, the mandate of the ECOWAS will be accomplished. President Buhari reiterated the appeal on Monday by ECOWAS leaders that Gambian leaders do everything they can to douse tension in the West African country, which has led citizens to leave the country for fear of violence. The Nigerian leader said ECOWAS is committed to the resolution of the crisis through inclusive dialogue with respect to the constitution and the will of the people of Gambia. Share this: Twitter Facebook A 14-year-old boy, Israel Solomon, who fled his parents home in Jos was on Monday intercepted and rescued by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos Police Command at Ojota, Lagos. Solomon, a Birom by tribe, was seen wandering Ojota Bus Stop, when the operatives decided to call him for questioning. He said that his parents live in Mango Junction, opposite Gada Biyu, Jos. He could not give reasons why he ran away from home, according to a police statement. All entreaties to make him give reasons for his actions proved abortive, the statement added. Solomon said the bus conveying him from Jos got to Lagos late Sunday evening, adding that he passed the night sleeping under the foot bridge at the Ojodu Berger Bus Stop. He explained that he was trekking from Ojodu Berger to Ojota when the officer cited him wandering, emphasising that he knew no relatives in Lagos before embarking on the journey. The police said checks on his body did not betray any evidence of physical abuse. He also couldnt give the phone contact of his parents or any of his relatives based in Jos, Plateau. Solomon has been taken to Olusosun Police Station, behind Phillip, Ojota by the RRS Team and would be taken from there to a station where radio signal would be raised to the closest police station to his house in Jos. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Senate on Tuesday summoned the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to appear before it within two days over the planned closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja for six weeks. This followed a motion sponsored by Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, Hope Uzodinma, and co-sponsored by five other senators. The Senate also summoned the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, and Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on the issue. Others also invited are, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Presenting the motion, Mr. Uzodinma expressed concern over the decision by FAAN to close the Airport for six weeks, beginning from March 6, to carry out repairs on the runway. He said while the effort to carry out repairs on the runway was a welcome development, the closure of the only runway was unacceptable. According to him, the closure of the only airport in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) can trigger untold hardship on international and local travelers as well as dent the image of the country. A complete shutdown of the airport will impact negatively on international trade and related activities with multiplier effect that can exact further pressure on an already recessed economy. Plans to divert Abuja bound flights to Kaduna will throw up logistics and security challenges, including endangering lives and property of travelers. All options have not been exhausted to avoid the shutdown of the only airport at our national capital for six weeks. This is including the option of a technical package to allow skeletal air operations at the airport while most repair work is executed at night, he said. Supporting the motion, the Deputy Leader, Bala NAllah, said it was ridiculous that a capital city would be shut down because of renovation. He further said that the move would embarrass Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa. Mr. NAllah urged Mr. Sirika to think outside the box to reconstruct the runway in phases. If the news goes across the globe that the largest city is being shut down, it will create negative economic, political and social impact, he said. This, he said, would be in addition to security hazards associated with moving air travellers to Kaduna Airport. He said that, the fire brigade approach to renovate Kaduna airport cannot withstand the number of flights that will land and take off. However, the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Shehu Sani, opposed the motion on the grounds that Kaduna was ready to host the whole nation as far as international flight was concerned. He said that from lawmakers contribution to the motion, it was obvious that the elites were avoiding the problems they created for themselves. According to him, many of them were afraid of travelling by road from Kaduna to Abuja, should flights be moved to Kaduna, for fear of being kidnapped. This motion is more of an attempt to deny Kaduna the opportunity for people to see the beautiful landscape in the state, he said. In his remarks, the president of the Senate, Mr. Saraki, commended the lawmakers for their contributions. He also commended Mr. Sani for his view on the issue but insisted that considering all facts placed before the senate, a complete closure of the airport would impact negatively on the economy. Mr. Saraki said,There is nowhere in the world where airports are completely shut down. We do not need to go far. Our neighbouring country, Ghana, when it renovated its runway recently, did not shut the entire airport. We must ensure that we do the right thing and those invited should meet with the Senate urgently because the idea of closure is not the best, he said. (NAN) The All Progressives Congress, APC, has welcomed the development in the Nigerian Senate, which led to the replacement of the former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, with Ahmed Lawan. The party in a statement by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Tuesday said it views the change in leadership as concrete expression of faith by the APC Senate Caucus in our efforts to resolve the lingering issues that have trailed the election of Senate leadership. Mr. Lawan from Yobe State was the preferred candidate of the APC leadership to emerge as Senate President on June 9 last year, which could not happen because Bukola Saraki was elected against the wish of the party leadership. The APC leadership had at first ostracized Mr. Saraki and openly vowed that he must be removed. However, recent developments within the party had seen Mr. Saraki warm his way back to the leadership of the APC. Mr. Saraki had at the end of last year led the Senate Caucus of the party to a meeting with the leadership of the APC; the first one since he emerged Senate President. Mr. Ndume told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday that his removal as Senate Leader was because of his public statement that Ibrahim Magu had not been rejected as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, by the Senate. The Senate spokesperson had repeatedly said Mr. Magus nomination had been rejected by the Senate. The APC said on Tuesday that Mr. Ndumes removal as Senate majority leader is good for the party. We believe this is a major step forward in our efforts to reunite the various interest groups in that Senate election, thereby presenting a common legislative front for our great party. We are particularly delighted that the consultations that were initiated towards the end of 2015 between the party caucuses in the National Assembly and the party executives as well as other leading stakeholders of our party has yielded these results and the Senate has demonstrated its willingness to finally submit to the will of the party in this regard, the statement said. The statement recalled that as soon as the issue of election in the Senate occurred, the party leadership had resolved that Mr. Lawan be compensated with the position of Senate Leader. Sadly, that directive was not fully complied with at the time. But we are happy to see this change effected, which represents a significant progress in our efforts to build a strong and united party. With this development therefore, we are confident that the issues arising from the elections in the Senate in 2015 have been put to rest, the party said. APC thanked Mr. Ndume from Borno State for his service and sacrifice to the party, which, it said would not be forgotten. We also congratulate Senator Lawan, the new Senate Leader on his election by the APC caucus in the Senate. We hope he will use his vast experience and knowledge to enhance legislative works to further our partys agenda of change, it said. The party assured Nigerians that it will continue to work with President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve any other pending issues that may have affected it at different levels. However, with this latest development, APC has demonstrated its resilience and capacity to resolve its internal differences in order to realise the true change and transformation that we promised Nigerians, it said. President Andrzej Duda has signed into law education reform bills. The president told reporters on Monday that the constitutional 21-day period during which he had to take a decision regarding the bill was "very difficult but at the same time very usy". "I do not hide that I had many doubts and questions since the matters the bills concern are very difficult on the one hand, and very sensitive on the other. (They are) extremely sensitive because of a very simple reason, because they concern the future of our country, future generations and above all, children and their parents," President Duda said. The president stressed that he had no doubts that "the Polish education system demanded repair and change". Under the education reform, starting from the 2017/2018 school year, Poland is to return to its previous system of eight-year elementary schools followed by four-year high schools or five-year technical schools, with junior high schools no longer in existence. The reform was approved by parliament in mid-December. The current system, based on six-year elementary schools, three-year junior high schools and three-year high schools, was introduced in 1999. (PAP) ( Read 12800 Times) Source : Manipal University Jaipur is organizing fourth International Conference on Transformations in Engineering Education (ICTIEE17) in association with Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE) on January 11-12, 2017.Prof. Krishna Vedula, Dean (Emeritus), University of Massachusetts and Prof. Sandeep Sancheti, President , Manipal University Jaipur who are founding members of IUCEE (Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education) d that the collaboration was founded in 2007 and its objective is to improve the quality and global relevance of engineering education in India. This is accomplished with a networks over 200 international engineering educators. More than 200 colleges from all over India have participated in a variety of IUCEE programs including faculty development workshops, webinars, short courses and certification.Prof. N.N.Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, MUJshared that ICTIEE 2017 will connect engineering educators from all over India with global leaders as well as Industry. Participants will be able to share best practices in engineering education and learn to transform their own institutional efforts to prepare engineering graduates who can address global challenges.The conference at Manipal University Jaipur is unique in nature since more than 30 global leaders in the engineering education from USA, Europe and other countries will share their knowledge and expertise in affecting transformation in engineering education to align it with technology trends and current needs. Apart from this, a large number of national experts who direct and mould the education policy of India and leaders of reputed technical education institutes in India like IITs, IISc, and NITs would also be available to share their vision and experience in implementing the changes. A large number of academicians shall be deliberating on their innovations and ideas about bringing change in pedagogy and modern methods of teaching/learning. Apart from this more than twenty workshops will be conducted.Prof.DevangKhakhar, Director, IIT Bombay will be Chief Guest on the Inaugural function on January 11, 2017. There will be more than 250 participants from all over India during the conference.ICTIEE 2017 is aimed at providing a platform for the stakeholders of Engineering Education to share best practices of transformations in Engineering Education. The major theme for the conference are Industry Academicpartnerships, Outcome Based Education, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Governance and Leadership, Teaching and Learning Innovations and Research Cluster.IUCEE will recognize 16 engineering faculty from all over India as IUCEE Faculty Fellows; 6 of these will be given Outstanding and Distinguished Engineering Educator Awards for excellence in teaching. IUCEE will also recognize 13 engineering institutions from all over India for their remarkable efforts at transforming engineering education during 2016.Manipal University Jaipur is one of the recipient of award from IUCEE and is continuously engaged in bringing innovations and transformations in engineering education by imbibing best practices.Dr. Ramesh Kumar RawatAssociate Professor, Department of Journalism and Mass CommunicationManipal University Jaipur MASON CITY City officials say its appropriate to sell bonds to purchase a fire truck, but not to buy a lawn mower. That was part of the discussion at a council work session Monday night as the council considered putting a capital improvements tax levy up for a public vote. Finance Director Kevin Jacobson said the city sometimes has to sell bonds for purchases that are small but necessary because bonding is the only funding mechanism available. The result can be a 10-year bond issue for an item that might have a five-year lifespan. Were also paying interest on those bonds, he said. A solution is for the city to have in place a capital improvements levy which it could use for pay-as-you-go items or for larger planned projects. Jacobson and City Administrator Brent Trout are recommending, and have received consensus of the council, to ask voters to consider a capital improvements levy of 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. State law allows a levy up to 67 cents per $1,000. Jacobson will make a presentation at the Jan. 17 City Council meeting. Then the council will be asked to put the levy proposal on the ballot for a March 7 vote. A vote of 50 percent-plus-one would be required for approval. The citys plan would be to put the money in reserves. Jacobson said he does not anticipate using it until the citys fiscal year 2018-19. This is matching an asset to a time frame for buying it, he said. Were paying upfront instead of bonding for it. Its a gain for the city and a gain for the taxpayers. Trout said, This will set the city up for many years to come. Jacobson said 21 cities in Iowa are using the levy, including Marshalltown. Fifteen of those are levying at the 67-cent maximum. Funds would be used for such things as vehicle purchases, equipment, accounting software, phone systems, police body cameras and park improvements, among other things. Jacobson said a limitation on capital improvements levy would be because of its inclusion with the debt service levy policy, which is for it to remain at $1.50 to $3 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This means if the debt service levy was at $2.75 per thousand, the capital improvements levy could be no greater than 25 cents per thousand. The Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District and its teachers union finally ratified a new contract last month. But it has not taken effect as the parties still disagree over two provisions in the agreement. The five-year agreement runs from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020. Final raises represent a compromise. Teaching staff receive raises of 3.51 percent retroactive to July 1, 2015; 3.43 percent effective July 1, 2016; then 3.96 percent, 2.93 percent and 2.94 percent in the final three years. There are some modifications to the salary guides. The starting salary for new teachers will rise to $50,000 in the fifth year. Noncertified employees will receive 3 percent raises each year for all five years. The GEHR Education Association ratified the agreement Dec. 11. The school board approved it Dec. 12 but without salary guides, which determine how the funds are distributed each year. Disputes remain over the salary guide for support staff and whether an additional day was added to the teachers work year. The agreement states that salary guides are to be mutually developed and agreed upon. In a news release, the union says they submitted proposed guides more than a week before the ratification and did not get any objections from the board. GEHR labor attorney Joseph Betley said the agreement was ratified pending approval of the guides and not all have been approved. We are working through it, he said. The fact-finders report does include a recommendation for one additional work day, but the union said the recommendation was linked to an additional 0.5 percent cost, which the board did not include. New Jersey Education Association representative Myron Plotkin said the district had agreed in meetings with a super-conciliator that they would give up the extra day. They are not negotiating in good faith, Plotkin said. He said faculty and staff thought they had an agreement and were supposed to start getting their retroactive pay this month. Betley confirmed that the contract will not take effect until all issues are resolved. MAYS LANDING An Atlantic City man has been indicted on charges including endangering the welfare of a child after sending pornographic images to eight children in states across the U.S., the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said Tuesday. Sherman W. Miller, 49, was first arrested Feb. 4, 2016, after a yearlong multistate investigation for allegedly sending electronic images of himself to a youth in Texas, authorities said. Further investigation found Miller, a registered sex offender, was engaging with children in Michigan, Georgia, Massachusetts, California, South Carolina and Mississippi, according to the Prosecutors Office. He was indicted on 12 counts last week by an Atlantic County grand jury. The age range of the victims was 9 to 14 years old, the office said. Authorities allege Miller transmitted still photographs and video of his genitalia. The office said one victim sent images back, which resulted in a first-degree indictment for causing the child to engage in pornography. Miller was charged with seven counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct, endangering the welfare of a child under 14, possession or viewing of child pornography, obscenity, failing to register as a sex offender and failing to register as a sex offender with a change of address. He was convicted in 1995 of aggravated sexual assault in Cape May County, which made him a moderate-risk sex offender, according to the New Jersey State Police sex offender registry. Miller has been in Atlantic County jail since his arrest on $50,000 cash bail. A conviction on the first-degree charge carries a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison. The other charges carry a potential three- to five-year sentence each. First came the 5 to 9 inches of snow Saturday. Then the blustery and biting winds Sunday. Early Monday, it was record cold that had people shivering, pipes freezing and car batteries dying across South Jersey, as Public Works crews entered their fifth straight day of operations tending to the first major storm of the winter. The calls have been coming in all day, both for pipes freezing and for no heat, said Steve Maiman, of Superior Plumbing and Heating in Somers Point. Maiman spent Monday heating frozen pipes and tending to overworked heaters, trying to keep the heat working and water flowing during the coldest temperatures South Jersey has seen in almost two years. The last time temperatures dropped near or below zero was in February 2015. According to the National Weather Service, Millville dropped to 4 degrees below zero, breaking a record low for Jan. 9 that stood for 35 years. Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township bottomed out at zero, just two degrees shy of the record. One call Maiman responded to Monday morning was for frozen pipes at a beachfront condominium complex in Brigantine. In that case, since it was seasonal condos, well let Mother Nature naturally thaw things out over the next day or two, Maiman said. Warmer temperatures are forecast for later this week. Jay Steinmetz, supervising engineer with Atlantic County Public Works, is looking forward to the thaw. Weve been working this storm since last Thursday, when we first began pre-treating the roads, and are still tending to drifting snow and salting icy areas, Steinmetz said. As temperatures rise above freezing and the snow begins to melt, Steinmetz said, his job is not quite done. As the thaw begins, we have to make sure drains are clear of snow and ice, which will be our focus over the next few days, Steinmetz said. While warmer weather is in the forecast, the cold has claimed some casualties. The intense cold killed many car batteries across New Jersey over the last few days. AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Tracy Noble said AAA Roadside Assistance responded to more than 1,300 calls for dead batteries in New Jersey since the weekend and to almost 4,500 calls overall. The effects of extreme cold temperatures on a car can be cumulative, evidenced by our members calls for assistance Monday morning, Noble said. Maiman predicted business would continue to be brisk as the warmer weather returns, which can cause frozen pipes to burst as they thaw. Well be busy most of the week, though these short cold blasts are less problematic than the ones that last a week or more, Maiman said. After the frigid start to the week, a major thaw will arrive in South Jersey starting Tuesday and last the rest of the week. Temperatures are forecast to steadily climb over the next few days, possibly reaching 60 degrees by Thursday. ATLANTIC CITY More hotel rooms tied to conventions are being booked years in advance despite the citys ongoing financial troubles, the resorts convention and visitors bureau reported Monday. Future convention room bookings increased 7 percent in 2016 from the year before, even as talk of a possible municipal bankruptcy scared away some business, said Jim Wood, president and CEO of Meet AC. In one week, we got turned down by seven conventions representing 40,000 room nights because of that news, he said. Meet AC booked a total of 260 meetings and conventions representing 289,422 future hotel room nights for Atlantic City last year, according to the agency. Those meetings are scheduled for the next couple of years. In 2015, the agency booked more than 269,353 rooms for future conventions. Wood made the announcement during the groups annual meeting at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Over the past year, the city has been plagued by negative attention over its finances. Some companies booking conventions have wondered if police would be available to protect those in attendance, Wood said. We think that we would have finished ... with over 300,000 convention room nights sold, if it was not for the bankruptcy news that hit last year, he said. Wood said public perception is more of a challenge than a resort closing. The C-suite executives who make those decisions are reading that, and they are thinking, Is there going to be police and fire? They have to decide if they are going to go to a city that has issues or go to a city like Philadelphia. There are other challenges. The group has had to deal with a dwindling supply of rooms. Tourism and industry data show the resort has lost nearly four out of 10 casino hotel rooms, a result of five casino closings since 2014. The city gained back a small portion of its lost rooms 852 in July, when Bart Blatstein reopened Show-boat as a hotel only. Mayor Don Guardian said as gaming has leveled off, convention business is growing. These are difficult times, and you dont see a lot of positive things coming out of Atlantic City. The issue is getting people here, Guardian said. Meet AC was formed in early 2014. In three years, the group has booked 724 meetings and conventions, which represents more than 689,970 hotel room nights, according to the agency. Putin, Assad should be tried as war criminals In order to maintain his strategic interests in the Mideast, Vladmir Putin, the brutal leader of Russia, admired by the president-elect, has helped Bashar Assad, the president of Syria, retake the city of Alleppo in Syria from rebel forces. Putin has used his air force to level the city and in the process killed thousands of innocent civilians and made thousands homeless refugees. For these horrendous acts Putin and Assad should be tried as war criminals and sent to prison. Meanwhile thousands are suffering. Mark Soifer Vineland Trump, backers selfish I agree with the letter writer who said that not all of Donald Trumps supporters are racist, bigoted or stupid, although there are plenty of those among them. The common denominator among Trump supporters that I have met is the desire to put their own interests before those of everyone else. For Trump, this myopic world view is business as usual. In any other context it is just plain selfishness. Do the people who elected Trump realize that now, as far as he is concerned, they are everyone else? Richard E. Lyon Galloway Township Protecting environment requires understanding Regarding the Dec. 19 stories, Tests inconclusive in Stow Creek bird die-off and Public Eye: Brush pile irritates neighbors: Many lawn care herbicides, insecticides and pesticides contain chemical compounds that have dubious environmental consequences. For example, neonictinoids have been linked to colony collapse disorder in bee populations but are still contained in popular insecticide brands. Such could be the case with specialty products to kill birds. Although a brush pile on a roadside constitutes a physical hazard, brush piles in general are part of a residential wildlife habitat. Whats deemed an eyesore can have value. The typical manicured lawn may appear perfect but may actually be harmful to the equilibrium of the ecological system. In the case of colony collapse disorder and the bee population this is significant since bees pollinate one third of all food that humans consume. An environmentally functional residential lawn that eschews Give-me-convenience-or-give-me-death products may contain a brush pile eyesore and other essential residential wildlife habitat elements (i.e. bird baths, nest boxes, and native plants). The interaction between humankind and the natural world is complex. In modern times, nature demands a sophisticated and sensitive understanding of this relationship to ensure its protection and cultivation. Appropriate environmental stewardship is fully analogous to taking care of a small child. John Raymond Stanks Pomona MASON CITY | A Mason City man was sentenced to up to five years in prison Monday for methamphetamine possession. Ronald B. Bakkum, 49, received that sentence for two felony counts of possession of methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense. A $750 fine on each count was suspended. Bakkum had a container with a crystal-like substance in it believed to be meth among his belongings located in the 900 block of Eighth Street Southeast in Mason City on Aug. 23, according to court records. While an officer was serving a warrant on Bakkum on that charge on Sept. 27 at the intersection of 15th Street and Main Avenue in Clear Lake, Bakkum allegedly told the officer he had a small tin containing two small plastic bags with meth in them in his shoe. Bakkum pleaded guilty to both charges. - Mary Pieper For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. ALDEN | Doris Elaine Stine, 89, of Alden, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at the Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 at Linn's Funeral Home Chapel, Iowa Falls. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, prior to the service at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be directed to: the family of Doris Elaine Stine: c/o Linn's Funeral Home; 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, IA 50126. Linn's Funeral Home, Iowa Falls, is in charge of arrangements. "Better healthcare begins with a high performing lab. Abbott's Alinity family is an unprecedented approach to providing a more efficient, complete lab solution that no competitor in the industry can match," said Brian Blaser, executive vice president, Diagnostics Products, Abbott. "Abbott is bringing meaningful innovation to diagnostic testing, elevating the role it plays in improving clinical decision making and delivering high quality care to patients." Offering a flexible, modular design, the "Alinity c" clinical chemistry system, and the "Alinity i" immunoassay system, can operate individually or as an integrated Alinity ci-series unit, all within half the size of current diagnostics systems. "The Alinity ci has the potential to be a game-changer for our lab, as it is designed to solve many of the issues that we face," said Mario Plebani, M.D., Professor of clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology, School of Medicine, University of Padova Italy. "Every day we see greater demand for tests with fewer resources. The new Alinity systems are easier to use, helping to prevent errors and increase staff efficiency." In addition to greater capacity in a smaller footprint, the Alinity ci-series maintains the high quality performance of Abbott's current systems and has a number of new features based upon customer insights. Features include: Increased loading capacity for samples and tests, and separate lanes to run urgent tests without interrupting lab workflow. Continuous access to solutions and supplies, which gives labs the ability to reload solutions without pausing or stopping instruments or testing cycles for prolonged periods of time. Solution bottles designed to work like a lock and key to ensure the right solutions can only be inserted into the right location. Intuitive menu design and user-friendly interface, common to the Alinity family of instruments, which simplifies training for lab technicians. "To design the Alinity ci Systems, we spent countless hours with our customers in the design phase to ensure that we built a solution for the issues they face every dayincluding higher testing volumes, a lack of staffing and space, and complex, time-intensive processes and instruments," said Dennis Gilbert, Ph.D., vice president, research and development, Diagnostics, Abbott. "The Alinity family of systems simplifies diagnostic testing while delivering results that drive better patient outcomes." Abbott will launch clinical chemistry and immunoassay tests for the Alinity ci-series in phases, with a complete menu of tests available within a year of launch.* Clinical chemistry tests detect the presence of different chemicals in the blood and include tests such as sodium, potassium, glucose and calcium. Immunoassay methods use antibody or antigen recognition to detect complex molecules and provide information related to infectious diseases, hormone levels, cardiac risk factors, cancer, thyroid issues and therapeutic drugs. About Alinity Abbott's Alinity family of harmonized solutions is unprecedented in the diagnostics industry, working together to address the challenges of using multiple diagnostics platforms and simplify diagnostic testing. Alinity systems are designed to be more efficient running more tests in less space, generating test results faster and minimizing human errors while continuing to provide quality results. The Alinity portfolio includes clinical chemistry, immunoassay, blood and plasma screening, point of care, hematology and molecular diagnostics, along with Abbott's AlinIQa first-of-its-kind, holistic suite of professional services that combines expertise with process analysis and informatics. Alinity is helping labs and hospital systems solve some of their most pressing challenges to deliver better patient care with fewer resources. More information is available at abbott.com/alinity. About Abbott: At Abbott, we're committed to helping you live your best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world -- in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals -- that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 74,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve. Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal. *Note: Local product availability may vary depending on geographic location. ______________________________ 1 Abbott Alinity ci Systems Operations Manual. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150928/271488LOGO Related Links http://www.abbott.com SOURCE Abbott LONDON, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON) has today launched Brexit Navigator [www.aon.com/BrexitNavigator], a bespoke and proprietary three step solution designed to help organisations quantify the impact of Brexit risk exposures, and redesign risk management and risk financing structures. Brexit Navigator is supported by an interactive tool that presents scenario-based insights for each of the EU Four Freedoms: Goods, Capital, Services and People, which help assess the impact of Brexit. Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455453/Aon_plc___Logo.jpg Grant Foster, Managing Director UK of Aon Global Risk Consulting commented: "Extensive conversations with clients from different sectors and geographies over the past four months have given us a unique perspective on companies' Brexit concerns. These insights, combined with our deep and extensive expertise in risk advisory and solutions, have enabled us to develop Brexit Navigator." Brexit Navigator is a three step solution, suitable for organisations globally that have operations and business interests in the UK: Baseline, step one Evaluates just how Brexit-ready an organisation is, mapping out the potential risks and opportunities. Evaluates just how Brexit-ready an organisation is, mapping out the potential risks and opportunities. Balance, step two Realigns the risk management and insurance programme to adapt to the new organisational risk tolerance and appetite. Realigns the risk management and insurance programme to adapt to the new organisational risk tolerance and appetite. Horizon, step three Tests the changes introduced to an organisation's programme to help ensure resilience for the future. Eddie McLaughlin, Chief Commercial Officer EMEA, Aon Global Risk Consulting added: "Brexit Navigator is a great example of what we do best at Aon; an innovative solution created by experts who have listened to what our clients need. Like all emerging risks, the sooner an organisation can plan for an eventual outcome the better. Brexit Navigator will help clients measure and respond to risks and opportunities created by Brexit." To find out more about Brexit Navigator, view a short video and request a complimentary demo of our interactive tool, please visit: www.aon.com/BrexitNavigator Visit http://www.aon.com/brexit/ to access Brexit news, insights and materials from Aon. About Aon Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is a leading global provider of risk management, insurance brokerage and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more than 72,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative risk and people solutions. For further information on our capabilities and to learn how we empower results for clients, please visit: http://aon.mediaroom.com. Follow Aon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aon_plc Sign up for News Alerts: http://aon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=58 Aon Media Contact: Name: Madeleine Little Title: Senior Director, External Communications EMEA Email: madeleine.little@aon.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 20 7086 0347 Aon UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FP.AGRC.110.LM Related Links http://www.aon.com SOURCE Aon plc LONDON, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z reveals key learnings to help marketers connect with different generations more effectively across traditional and digital channels A new AdReaction study from Kantar Millward Brown, released today, reveals Gen Z has its own distinct behaviours, attitudes and responses to advertising. The study, AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z is the first-ever comprehensive global study of Gen Z, and provides guidance on how marketers can engage more effectively with this increasingly important group. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160921/410216 ) The study analyses key media consumption patterns, attitudes toward advertising and responses to specific creative approaches, and is based on surveys of more than 23,000 consumers in 39 countries. This is the first time it has been possible to explore the opinions of the first cohort of Gen Z - now aged 16-19 - that are becoming increasingly relevant to brand marketers across a wide variety of categories and products. The Gen Z population numbers approximately two billion globally. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z highlights that Gen Z are even more passionate about music than millennials (43% like to have 'always on' access to music compared to 30% for Gen Y) and more digitally savvy than previous generations. Gen Z are also more difficult to engage; among people who skip ads, they skip three seconds faster per ad on average than Gen X. "Gen Z have grown up in an on-demand world of infinite choice, and this flavours their expectations of advertising. They are much more attracted to ads that allow them to co-create or shape what happens, compared to Gens Y and X, who have a higher preference to link to more information about the brand," said Duncan Southgate, Global Brand Director, Media & Digital at Kantar Millward Brown. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z identifies a number of key opportunities for brands to connect with Gen Z: Don't ignore traditional media: Despite their digitally dominated media consumption, Gen Z can still be impressed by traditional media. While they spend less time with traditional (51% watch an hour or more of TV a day compared to 74% for Gen X), Gen Z are consistently more positive about ad formats such as outdoor, print ads and cinema, TV and radio ads than standard digital alternatives. Respect their online space: Within the digital space Gen Z are more positive than other generations towards mobile rewards video and skippable pre-rolls (which achieve net positive scores of 41% and 15% respectively), but especially damning of invasive ad formats like non-skippable pre-rolls and pop-ups (-36% and -42% respectively). Creative approach makes a difference: Music, humour and celebrities all make Gen Z more receptive to advertising. They are also attracted to ads that allow them to co-create or see what happens when they make a decision. They are more positive towards brands that let them vote for something to happen (31% compared to 25% for Gen Y,) choose an option (28% compared to 25%) or take decisions (27% compared to 22%). However, these attributes alone are no guarantee of success. Design matters: An extremely design-conscious consumer, Gen Z will take note of an ad's aesthetic qualities and appreciate the use of new immersive formats like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Innovation in formats like native ads, sponsored lenses and sponsored filters all attract much stronger approval with Gen Z than other age groups. Be even more social: Gen Z are significantly heavier users of social platforms, not just in terms of the time they spend on them but also the number of platforms they visit. These range well beyond Facebook and YouTube and include Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. 36% of Gen Z globally access Instagram several times a day and 24% access Snapchat at the same frequency, compared to 21% and 10% respectively for Gen Y (those aged 20-34) and 9% and 4% for Gen X (those aged 35-49). Don't apply the same approach globally: Gen Z is not homogenous and local insights reveal further nuances. In China, for example, Gen Z want music in ads to be upbeat, playful and fun. By contrast in Germany, Gen Z seeks music that helps them to understand the message without listening to a voiceover. Using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques combined with ad testing of 31 ads in 10 markets, AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z reveals a generation that, in some areas, are simply a little more extreme in their media attitudes and behaviour, but also have their own distinct traits. Additional key findings include: This is the mobile-first generation with 74% spending more than an hour a day on their mobile device compared to 66% for Gen Y and 55% for Gen X. TV, radio and print consumption are all lower as well with 51% of Gen Z watching an hour or more of TV each day compared to 59% for Gen Y and 74% for Gen X. Gen Z are dramatically more passionate about music and movies. Ads placed in these contexts are far more powerful with this group, with 39% of Gen Z saying music makes them more positive to advertising and 38% reporting that movies have the same effect (compared to just 29% and 28% for Gen X). All generations prefer short videos, but Gen Z like ads less than 10 seconds even more than previous generations, while Gen X is more tolerant of videos up to 20 seconds. Gen Z are slightly more likely to have installed ad blocking software on desktop than older consumers (31% vs 30% for Gen Y and 22% for Gen X) but they are no more likely to have installed a mobile ad blocking app (13% vs 14% for Gen Y and 12% for Gen X). Given their scepticism towards advertising, this makes branded content more attractive to Gen Z. Formats like branded events, social media feeds and celebrity endorsements all score higher for this group globally than older consumers. Gen Y is more positive about user reviews, social media and native information, while Gen X prefers brand information. "No generation is a monolith and Gen Z is no exception. Their upbringing, expectations and access to technology, however, has created a range of attitudes and behaviours that will challenge marketers. Only where brands take all this into consideration will they be successful in engaging this increasingly critical and fast-emerging group of consumers," concluded Southgate. Review the global and country specific results of the AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z report here. About AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z Kantar Millward Brown surveyed more than 23,000 16-49 year old consumers across 39 countries. Qualitative research was also conducted among Gen Z in the US, Germany and China, and 31 TV ads were tested across TV, and digital platforms in 10 countries. The AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z study explores advertising receptivity across three generations to analyze and understand when and where each group is most likely to respond positively to advertising. It also provides marketers globally with practical advice about which creative approaches work best across the three generations. AdReaction studies have been conducted since 2001, delivering insights on consumers' perceptions of advertising, particularly digital formats. AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y and Z addresses key questions facing marketers, including: What are Gen Z's characteristics, desires, likes and dislikes, and how do they want to interact with brands? How do the media attitudes and behaviours of Gen Z differ from Millennials (Gen Y) and Baby Busters (Gen X)? What do marketers need to know to navigate emerging social trends and cultural norms as they develop content and plan media? About Kantar Millward Brown Kantar Millward Brown is a leading global research agency specialising in advertising effectiveness, strategic communication, media and digital, and brand equity research. The company helps clients grow great brands through comprehensive research-based qualitative and quantitative solutions. Kantar Millward Brown operates in more than 55 countries and is part of WPP's Kantar group, one of the world's leading data, insight and consultancy companies. Learn more at http://www.millwardbrown.com. Contact: Alastair Ray Eureka Communications alastair@eurekacomms.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1420 564346 Susan Hickey Kantar Millward Brown Email: susan.hickey@millwardbrown.com Tel: 212-548-4690 SOURCE Kantar Millward Brown EDINBURGH, Scotland, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CALCIVIS, a medical devices company focused on revolutionising the management of tooth decay and enabling preventive dentistry, announces that Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Adam Christie, will present at the Medtech Showcase held at the 9th Annual Biotech Showcase today Tuesday, January 10th 2017 at 10:30-11:00 a.m. Pacific Time, San Francisco, US. The investor and partnering conference attracts pharmaceutical and medtech executives from around the world focused on investment and business development opportunities in the life sciences industry. CEO, Adam Christie, will present an overview of the company and its unique CALCIVIS imaging system, the first technology to allow the live visualisation of active tooth demineralisation, enabling a new standard of preventive care. -Ends- Contacts: Adam Christie, CEO Tel: +44 (0)7795 600571 E-mail: info@calcivis.com David Dible, Katja Stout, Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 207 638 9571 E-mail: calcivis@citigatedr.co.uk About CALCIVIS CALCIVIS is an innovative medical devices company focused on revolutionising the management of dental caries or 'tooth decay'. CALCIVIS brings together novel biotechnology approaches and world-class device development expertise and is at the forefront of applying biotechnology to dentistry. The CALCIVIS imaging system will, for the first time, allow the real-time detection and visualisation of calcium ions released by demineralising caries lesions in routine dental practice. CALCIVIS began operations in 2012 and is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Company has been funded by Archangel Investors Limited and the Scottish Investment Bank, the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise. http://www.calcivis.com SOURCE CALCIVIS BLAINVILLE, Quebec, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Duchesnay is pleased to announced that Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance (NOC) for Mictoryl/Mictoryl Pediatric (propiverine hydrochloride), indicated for symptomatic treatment of urinary incontinence and/or increased urinary frequency and urgency in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). This Notice of Compliance is the culmination of Duchesnay's efforts following the signing of an agreement with the family-owned German pharmaceutical company, Apogepha, specialized in Urology. Duchesnay has also signed an agreement to market Mictoryl in the United States through its subsidiary, Duchesnay USA, once all FDA regulatory reviews have been completed. "OAB is a serious medical condition that affects millions of Canadians each year, including children. However, the medications currently available cause significant side effects, leading many patients to stop treatment. That's why Duchesnay is so pleased to offer this new therapeutic option, which is also indicated for pediatric use," explained Eric Gervais, Executive Vice President of Duchesnay. According to the Canadian Continence Foundation, OAB is a medical term that describes various symptoms caused by involuntary bladder spasms, including urinary frequency, especially at night, and urgency with or without involuntary leakage. These symptoms may occur without obvious cause or be secondary to certain diseases of the nervous system. The Foundation estimates that nearly 1 in 5 Canadians over the age of 35 suffers from overactive bladder. The condition, with frequency and urgency only, affects men and women of all ages, although most are under age 65.* "Health Canada's approval of Mictoryl confirms its excellent safety and efficacy profile in both adults and children. Knowing that this product is about to be launched in North America is a groundbreaking step for Apogepha and demonstrates our ability to leverage our international footprint. We are proud to partner with Duchesnay to bring this product to market," commented Markus Bauer, Managing Director of Apogepha. About Mictoryl Mictoryl is used to treat adults who have difficulty controlling their urinary function due to bladder overactivity and who have symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence. Mictoryl will be available in 30 mg and 45 mg modified-release capsules and is indicated for adults, including those over 65 years of age. Mictoryl Pediatric is used to treat children who have difficulty controlling their urinary function due to bladder overactivity and who have symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence. Mictoryl Pediatric will be available in 5 mg tablets and is indicated for body-weight-adjusted dosing in children 5 years of age who weigh over 35 kg. Children and adolescents with a higher body weight will be prescribed a daily dose of 30 mg propiverine. About Duchesnay Duchesnay is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a long-standing commitment to women's health. In addition to filling the void in terms of scientific research, education and information and developing pharmacological solutions that are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, Duchesnay is equally committed to ensuring women's health and improving their quality of life at every stage. Thus, Duchesnay has broadened its portfolio of products to offer safe and effective therapeutic options that meet the health and quality of life needs of women and their family members at different stages of their lives. To learn more about Duchesnay, visit duchesnay.com. About Apogepha: Apogepha is an independent German pharmaceutical company that specializes in the field of Urology. The company has its own production facilities and developed propiverine, one of the leading medicines for the treatment of overactive bladder in adults and children. Various dosages and formulations of propiverine are available worldwide under trademarks such as Mictonorm and Detrunorm. The patent for the once-daily formulation of propiverine has been approved in most countries. Currently, Apogepha has marketing and distribution partners in more than twenty countries, with a focus on Europe and Asia. To learn more about Apogepha, visit http://www.apogepha.com. *The Canadian Continence Foundation: http://www.canadiancontinence.ca/EN/types-of-urinary-incontinence.php DUCHESNAY Inc., Ron Vaillancourt, Director of Communications, Duchesnay, +1-877-833-7734, rvaillancourt@duchesnay.com; Alida Alepian, Senior Consultant, Capital-Image, +1-514-739-1188, extension 239, aalepian@capital-Image.com SOURCE Duchesnay inc. MONTREAL, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Enerkem Inc. (http://www.enerkem.com) a world leading waste-to-biofuels and renewable chemicals producer, today announced the appointment of Dominique Boies as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. With over 20 years of experience in corporate and financial strategy, investment banking and operations, Mr. Boies brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Enerkem. Prior to joining Enerkem, he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer at RONA where he was responsible for the financial and corporate strategy, investor relations, accounting, financing, treasury and legal affairs. At RONA, he led the company's turnaround as well as the transaction that resulted in the acquisition of RONA by Lowe's valued at C$3.2 billion. Prior to this, Mr. Boies held various senior executive positions at RBC Royal Bank and at the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ), one of the largest institutional fund managers in North America. "We are thrilled to welcome Dominique to Enerkem and to have attracted a financial executive of such high calibre," said Vincent Chornet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Enerkem. "Dominique is a great addition to our seasoned team of executives and his experience is a great asset as we are now growing our commercial footprint around the world." Mr. Boies holds a masters degree in finance from the Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM). He is based at Enerkem's headquarters in Montreal, Quebec. About Enerkem Enerkem makes biofuels and renewable chemicals from waste. With its proprietary technology, Enerkem converts non-recyclable municipal solid waste into methanol, ethanol and other widely used chemical intermediates. Enerkem offers a smart alternative to landfilling and incineration. It helps develop a circular economy where waste becomes a resource to make sustainable products. Headquartered in Canada, Enerkem owns and operates a full-scale commercial facility in Alberta as well as a demonstration plant and a pilot facility in Quebec. The company is developing additional biorefineries in North America, Europe and Asia, based on its modular manufacturing approach. http://www.enerkem.com Media relations: Pierre Boisseau, Senior Director, Communications and Marketing, Enerkem Inc., +1-514 875-0284, x. 251, pboisseau@enerkem.com SOURCE Enerkem Inc. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest and most influential consumer electronics tradeshow in the world, was held from January 5-8, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. World-famous polymer material company and glasses-free 3D industry leader, Kangdexin (KDX), makes a big show at CES, building up a large exhibition stand on site to show its glasses-free 3D products, smart magic mirrors and TouchFound series. To see photos of Kangdexin at CES 2017, please click the link below: http://www.kangdexin.com/language/en/?url=company/news_show/id/267.html KDX's large stand, themed "We bring reality", vividly and clearly showed its core technologies and innovation achievements. At CES, KDX presented its new-tech products and achievements in 9 categories, boasting a stand full of "technical sense and modernization sense". Outstanding among the numerous CES stands, KDX successfully captured the favor of visitors. On the first day of CES, the KDX stand was visited by successive clients and visitors. Executives from world-famous companies like Kodak, Huawei, ZTE, Lenovo, Qualcomm, HP, Skyworth, Changhong, Google, Toshiba, TCL, IGT, KOHLS, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and Unowth visited and expressed their interest in KDX's glasses-free solutions and large-format touch screens, further discussing commercial cooperation and planning to strengthen cooperation in this field. Executives from Google also visited Kangdexin's booth. Glasses-free 3D and large-format touch, based on advanced polymer materials, forms the last business group of KDX's ecology territory. The perfect combination of its 15-year high-tech manufacturing foundation and consumption terminals may drive this business group to be an important growth pole for KDX in 2017 to the extremely possible extent. CES 2017 has helped to further globalize KDX's glasses-free 3D and large-format touch businesses. KDX has developed from a materials manufacturer to eco-operator, from B2B to B2C, from heavy assets to light assets, from industrial management to eco-operation, bringing the company more powerful competitiveness and wider development space. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455047/KDX_CES.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455048/KDX_CES_2.jpg SOURCE KDX DUBLIN, Jan 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Hyperspectral Imaging Systems Market - Global Forecast to 2021" report to their offering. The global hyperspectral imaging systems market is projected to reach USD 12.71 Billion by 2021 from USD 7.41 Billion in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2016 to 2021. A number of factors, such as growing number of research projects using hyperspectral imaging techniques and widening industrial applications of HSI are driving the growth of this market. However, the high cost associated with the use of hyperspectral imaging technology is expected to restrain the growth of this market in the coming years. Hyperspectral cameras combine spectroscopy with digital imaging technique. In 2016, the hyperspectral cameras segment accounted for the largest share. Technological advancements, development of affordable HSI cameras, increasing adoption of hyperspectral technology in defence and industrial applications are some of the factors attributing to the growth of this segment. In 2016, the military surveillance segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. Factors such technological advancements and accuracy & consistency of data are driving the growth of the adoption of hyperspectral imaging systems for military surveillance. Furthermore, the life sciences and medical diagnostics segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during forecast period. This growth can be attributed to recent advances in hyperspectral cameras, image analysis methods, and computational power providing opportunities in medical applications. North America's large share can be attributed to the high adoption of hyperspectral imaging systems in research, growth in research funding, technological advancements, and increasing awareness on the benefits of hyperspectral imaging in commercial industries in this region. In the coming years, the hyperspectral imaging systems market is expected to witness the highest growth in the Asia-Pacific region, with emphasis on India, China, and Japan. Companies Mentioned: Applied Spectral Imaging Bayspec Inc. Chemimage Corporation Corning Incorporated Headwall Photonics, Inc. Norsk Elektro Optikk As Resonon Specim, Spectral Imaging Ltd. Surface Optics Corporation Telops Inc. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Hyperspectral Imaging Systems Market, By Component 7 Hyperspectral Imaging Systems Market, By Application 8 Hyperspectral Imaging Systems Market, By Region 9 Competitive Landscape 10 Company Profiles 11 Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vjjx8t/hyperspectral Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets OCEAN VIEW, Delaware, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Global Industrial Safety Footwear Market Size By Material (Leather, Rubber, Plastic, Waterproof, Polyurethane), By Product (Shoes, Boots), By Application (Construction, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Transport, Mining, Food, Pharmaceutical), Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2024" Industrial Safety Footwear Market size is slated to surpass 300 million pairs by 2024 with product demand growing based on increasing workplace hazards and strong regulatory framework by OSHA, ILO and BSI to ensure employee safety; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160418/799556-a ) Worker exposure to hazards which involve falling objects, chemicals, electrical contact and moving machinery, may risk foot injury. Falls, trips and slips altogether accounted for over 15% of the total incidents which can be prevented by protective wear and industrial safety footwear market products with superior surface grips. They significantly reduce the risk of cut from sharp edges and impact of falling objects, thereby boosting demand. Industrial shoes can bear impact of approximately 200 joules and offers electricity and heat resistant characteristics. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1101 Industrial protective footwear market growth faces a challenge due to cheaper substitute from availability of duplicate and inferior quality products from local manufacturers. Premium or established brands in the industrial safety footwear industry face competition from inexpensive products manufactured by local companies by using low quality or spurious materials. Industrial safety footwear market price is influenced by factors which include raw material quality, purchasing volume, product diversity and established brand equity. These factors have led to differential pricing of individual products across the industry in various countries. Browse key industry insights spread across 320 pages with 419 market data tables & 22 figures & charts from the report, "Industrial Safety Footwear Market Size By Material (Leather, Rubber, Plastic, Waterproof, Polyurethane), By Product (Shoes, Boots), By Application (Construction, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Transport, Mining, Food, Pharmaceutical), Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2024" in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/industrial-safety-footwear-market Key insights from the report include: China industrial safety footwear market from construction applications should witness significant gains, to surpass 30 million pairs by 2024. Strong infrastructure spending along with growing awareness for worker safety should drive regional industry demand. industrial safety footwear market from construction applications should witness significant gains, to surpass 30 million pairs by 2024. Strong infrastructure spending along with growing awareness for worker safety should drive regional industry demand. Germany industrial safety footwear market size from transportation applications should generate close to USD 30 million in sales by 2024. Presence of automobile manufacturing base along with presence of norms to ensure worker safety should boost regional demand. industrial safety footwear market size from transportation applications should generate close to in sales by 2024. Presence of automobile manufacturing base along with presence of norms to ensure worker safety should boost regional demand. Waterproof materials are set to gain at over 6% through 2024; with water & slip resistance being key performance metrics for automobile and chemical applications. Leather remains the preferred material for manufacturing uppers of protective shoes owing to its durability and insulation properties which provide protection against electric shocks. Brazil industrial safety footwear market size from food processing industry should witness strong growth by 2024. Food & processing industry is a significant part of the national economy and is witnessing technical development by acquiring modern machinery. industrial safety footwear market size from food processing industry should witness strong growth by 2024. Food & processing industry is a significant part of the national economy and is witnessing technical development by acquiring modern machinery. MEA, led by South Africa , Saudi Arabia and UAE, may witness significant growth. Favorable government policies to increase construction spending along with expected capacity addition in petrochemical industry should industrial protective shoes market to ensure employee protection against workplace hazards. , and UAE, may witness significant growth. Favorable government policies to increase construction spending along with expected capacity addition in petrochemical industry should industrial protective shoes market to ensure employee protection against workplace hazards. Global industrial safety footwear market share is competitive. Some of the companies operating in the market include V.F. Corporation, Dunlop Boots , Bata Industrials, Uvex Group, Honeywell International, JAL Group France, COFRA, Simon Corporation, Hewats Edinburgh, Liberty Group, and Rock Fall. Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/1101 Industrial safety footwear market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of volume in million pairs and revenue in USD million from 2013 to 2024 , for the following segments: Global Industrial Safety Footwear Market By Material Leather Rubber Plastic Waterproof Polyurethane Global Industrial Safety Footwear Market By Product Shoes Boots Global Industrial Safety Footwear Market By Application Construction Manufacturing Oil & gas Chemicals Transport Mining Food Pharmaceutical The above information is provided for industrial safety footwear market on a regional and country basis for the following: North America U.S. Europe Western Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Netherlands Portugal Belgium Central Europe Poland Austria Czech Republic Slovakia Slovenia Switzerland Nordic Countries Sweden Norway Finland Denmark Asia Pacific China India Japan Indonesia Malaysia Australia Thailand LATAM Brazil MEA Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Browse Related Reports: Industrial Safety Gloves Market Size By Material (Nitrile Gloves, Natural Rubber Gloves, Vinyl Gloves, Neoprene Gloves, Polyethylene Gloves), By Product (Reusable Gloves [Supported Knitted, Knitted, Dipped], Disposable Gloves [Disposable Thin Mill, Cut Gloves. General Purpose Gloves, Chemical Gloves]), By Application (Reusable Gloves [Machinery, Automotive, Metal Fabrication, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Construction, Food Processing, Aviation, Healthcare], Disposable Gloves [Aerospace, Food Processing, Flat Panels, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductors]), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada , Germany , UK, France , Italy , Russia , Poland , China , India , Japan , South Korea , Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand , Brazil , Mexico , South Africa , Saudi Arabia , UAE), Growth Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2023 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/industrial-safety-gloves-market Athletic Footwear Market size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany , UK, Italy , Russia , China , India , Japan , South Korea , Brazil , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , UAE, South Africa ), Price Trend, Competitive Market share & Forecast 2016 - 2023 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/athletic-footwear-market About Global Market Insights Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology. Contact Us: Arun Hegde Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights, Inc. Phone: 1-302-846-7766 Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688 Email: sales@gminsights.com Web: https://www.gminsights.com Blog: https://gminsights.wordpress.com Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc. TEWKSBURY, Massachusetts, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WellPet, LLC, the number-one independent, family-owned natural pet food company, has named Camelle Kent, a member of the company's senior management team, as its new chief executive officer. Kent joined WellPet three years ago and has been serving as WellPet's chief commercial officer, with responsibility for product development, sales and marketing. Kent succeeds Tim Callahan, who has been appointed CEO and president at Berwind, the family company that owns WellPet. The transition became effective as of January 1, 2017. Camelle Kent, CEO, WellPet (PRNewsFoto/WellPet, LLC) Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455416/WellPet_CEO_Camelle_Kent.jpg "I'm incredibly proud of the work Camelle and I have done together over the past three years to build WellPet's business in the U.S. and globally, bringing the benefits of WellPet's high-quality pet food and treats to more pet families," said Callahan. "Camelle has the business acumen, understanding and appreciation of WellPet's culture and customers, and passion for pets that make her a clear choice to lead WellPet." Since joining WellPet in 2013, Kent has helped the company expand into new, fast-growing product categories and regions. That's included a move into raw nutrition with Wellness TruFood and WellPet's acquisition of Sojos and the launch of Wellness in the UK market, as well as growth in Asia Pacific. Prior to joining WellPet in 2013, Kent served in senior global marketing roles for Timberland and Gillette, helping to steer brand and product development informed by consumer insights and working closely with a range of retail customers. At Timberland, Kent was responsible for new, in-store communications that simplified Timberland's positioning as an outdoor lifestyle brand with built-in performance. "I'm deeply honored by and excited about the opportunity to lead WellPet," commented Kent. "WellPet is on the cutting-edge of innovation in natural pet food, and I'm inspired every day by the expertise and commitment of our senior leadership team and the hundreds of team members who are part of the WellPet family." Kent will continue to be based at WellPet's headquarters, north of Boston. A native New Zealander, Kent is a graduate of Auckland University and worked internationally for Gillette before moving to the U.S. WellPet recently unveiled eight new grain-free recipes for cats and dogs under its Wellness Complete Health and Holistic Select brands, extended its popular raw-inspired Wellness TruFood line, and rolled out Sojos' first life-stage foods: Sojos Puppy Complete and Sojos Puppy Treats. To build on this variety, WellPet is gearing up to launch a series of additional grain-free recipes that bridge traditional forms of food with alternative categories, like raw and freeze-dried. More details on these new recipes will be unveiled in the coming months. About WellPet, LLC: WellPet, the number-one, independent, family-owned natural pet food company is home to premium pet food brands Wellness, Old Mother Hubbard, Eagle Pack, Holistic Select and Sojos. For more than 100 years, WellPet has delivered on the promise of doing whatever it takes to make the healthiest natural products for the pets that depends on us. Today, our team of animal lovers, nutritionists and vets are committed to carrying forth our strong heritage, continuing to find new ways to bring innovation, nutritional excellence and product quality to our family of natural brands, always putting pet health first. For more information, visit www.wellpet.com. Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455415/WellPet_Logo.jpg Related Links http://www.wellpet.com SOURCE WellPet, LLC MIT Media Lab and Harvard's Berkman Klein Center to be anchor institutions MIAMI, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the vast potential of artificial intelligence to affect the public interest, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Omidyar Network, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, and others have formed a $27 million fund to apply the humanities, the social sciences and other disciplines to the development of AI. The MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University will serve as founding academic institutions for the initiative, which will be named the Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund. The Fund will support a cross-section of AI ethics and governance projects and activities, both in the United States and internationally. Artificial intelligence and complex algorithms in general, fueled by big data and deep-learning systems, are quickly changing how we live and workfrom the news stories we see, to the loans for which we qualify, to the jobs we perform. Because of this pervasive but often concealed impact, it is imperative that AI research and development be shaped by a broad range of voicesnot only by engineers and corporations, but also by social scientists, ethicists, philosophers, faith leaders, economists, lawyers and policymakers. Hoffman and Omidyar Network each committed $10 million to the fund, while Knight Foundation committed $5 million. With the MIT Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center, they will form a governing board to distribute awards and facilitate other activities that provide meaningful links among activities in the connective tissue between computer sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Jim Pallotta, founder of the Raptor Group, have each committed $1 million to the fund, which is expected to grow as other funders come on board. "Artificial intelligence agents will impact our lives in every society on Earth. Technology and commerce will see to that," said Alberto Ibarguen, president of Knight Foundation. "Since even algorithms have parents and those parents have values that they instill in their algorithmic progeny, we want to influence the outcome by ensuring ethical behavior, and governance that includes the interests of the diverse communities that will be affected." "As a technologist, I'm impressed by the incredible speed at which artificial intelligence technologies are developing. As a philanthropist and humanitarian, I'm eager to ensure that ethical considerations and the human impacts of these technologies are not overlooked. Omidyar Network is participating in the fund to make sure that critical areas like ethics, accountability, and governance, are considered from the earliest stages of design," said Pierre Omidyar, founding partner, Omidyar Network, and a principal of the fund. "There's an urgency to ensure that AI benefits society and minimizes harm," said Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn and partner at venture capital firm Greylock Partners. "AI decision-making can influence many aspects of our world education, transportation, health care, criminal justice, and the economy yet data and code behind those decisions can be largely invisible." The fund seeks to advance AI in the public interest by including the broadest set of voices in discussions and projects addressing the human impacts of AI. Among the issues the fund might address: Communicating complexity: How do we best communicate, through words and processes, the nuances of a complex field like AI? Ethical design: How do we build and design technologies that consider ethical frameworks and moral values as central features of technological innovation? Advancing accountable and fair AI: What kinds of controls do we need to minimize AI's potential harm to society and maximize its benefits? Innovation in the public interest: How do we maintain the ability of engineers and entrepreneurs to innovate, create and profit, while ensuring that society is informed and that the work integrates public interest perspectives? Expanding the table: How do we grow the field to ensure that a range of constituencies are involved with building the tools and analyzing social impact? "AI's rapid development brings along a lot of tough challenges," said Joi Ito, director of the MIT Media Lab. "For example, one of the most critical challenges is how do we make sure that the machines we 'train' don't perpetuate and amplify the same human biases that plague society. How can we best initiate a broader, in-depth discussion about how society will co-evolve with this technology, and connect computer science and social sciences to develop intelligent machines that are not only 'smart,' but also socially responsible?" The Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund will complement and collaborate with existing efforts, such as the upcoming public symposium "AI Now," which is scheduled for July 10 at MIT Media Lab. The Media Lab and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society will leverage the strengths of existing programs and pursue joint efforts that reinforce cross-disciplinary work and encourage collaboration, both in the United States and internationally. Activities that the fund will support include a joint AI fellowship program supporting people who are working to keep human issues at the forefront of AI, including working with international efforts that are underway; convening and supporting a network of people and institutions working to maximize the benefits of AI; funding expert research and other sectors affected by AI's implications; and a thematic focus on the issues of artificial intelligence for the 2018 "Assembly" program. "The thread running through these otherwise-disparate phenomena is a shift of reasoning and judgment away from people," said Jonathan Zittrain, co-founder of the Berkman Klein Center and Professor of Law and Computer Science at Harvard University. "Sometimes that's good, as it can free us up for other pursuits and for deeper undertakings. And sometimes it's profoundly worrisome, as it decouples big decisions from human understanding and accountability. A lot of our work in this area will be to identify and cultivate technologies and practices that promote human autonomy and dignity rather than diminish it." The Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund will be housed at The Miami Foundation. For more on the fund, please read our FAQ. About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. knightfoundation.org About the Omidyar Network Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm dedicated to harnessing the power of markets to create opportunity for people to improve their lives. Established in 2004 by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, the organization invests in and helps scale innovative organizations to catalyze economic and social change. Omidyar Network has committed more than $1 billion to for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations that foster economic advancement and encourage individual participation across multiple initiatives, including Emerging Technology, Education, Financial Inclusion, Governance & Citizen Engagement, and Property Rights. To learn more, visit www.omidyar.com, and follow on Twitter @omidyarnetwork #PositiveReturns. About Reid Hoffman Reid Hoffman is co-founder of LinkedIn and partner at Greylock Partners. An accomplished entrepreneur, executive, and investor, Hoffman has played an integral role in building many of today's leading consumer technology businesses. He is also the co-author of two New York Times best-selling books: The Start-Up of You and The Alliance. About the MIT Media Lab The MIT Media Lab transcends known boundaries and disciplines by actively promoting a unique, antidisciplinary culture that emboldens unconventional mixing and matching of seemingly disparate research areas. The Lab creates disruptive technologies that happen at the edges, pioneering such areas as wearable computing, tangible interfaces, and affective computing. Today, faculty members, research staff, and students at the Lab work in 27 research groups on more than 470 projects that range from digital approaches for treating neurological disorders, to advanced imaging technologies that can "see around a corner," to the world's first "smart" powered ankle-foot prosthesis. Lab researchers are committed to delving into the questions not yet asked, whose answers could radically improve the way people live, learn, express themselves, work, and play. More information at https://www.media.mit.edu/. About the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is dedicated to exploring, understanding, and shaping the development of the digitally-networked environment. A diverse, interdisciplinary community of scholars, practitioners, technologists, policy experts, and advocates, we seek to tackle the most important challenges of the digital age while keeping a focus on tangible real-world impact in the public interest. Our faculty, fellows, staff and affiliates conduct research, build tools and platforms, educate others, form bridges and facilitate dialogue across and among diverse communities. More information at https://cyber.harvard.edu. Related Links http://knightfoundation.org SOURCE Omidyar Network TAIPEI, Taiwan, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NEXCOM has collaborated with ALTECH to enable Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) to swing into action in no time. In response to the public's calls, nearly 1000 emergency trips have been made by vehicles equipped with NEXCOM and ALTECH's rugged mobile solutions which provide geographic information, emergency communications, and incident management to support quick response, safe practices, and operational efficiency for emergency medical services (EMS) and other first responder units. "Mobile solutions aiming to reduce EMT response times are growing in complexity," said Andres Brunet Tena, Project Department Manager of ALTECH Solutions and Consulting. Starting from ambulances being dispatched and all the way through the entire process, technologies can reduce the time and effort associated with ambulance dispatch, travel, and hospital turnaround. "As an IT company focusing on mobile solutions for emergency services and security forces, ALTECH finds that NEXCOM's VTC series of in-vehicle computers are high-quality robust platforms which integrate mobile computing, wireless communication, and device connectivity and guarantee successful project implementations," added Mr. Brunet. When an EMT is mobilized, EMT staff can find GPS coordinates and the fastest route, based on live traffic flow, preloaded to a VTC-enabled ambulance, receive incident updates en route, and arrive on the scene within minutes if it is a life-threatening incident. The EMT can use LTE, TETRA, or satellite channels to communicate a patient's status with a service center which can then notify hospitals of a patient's status and estimated time of arrival to smooth the following patient handover at the hospital, therefore allowing the EMT to go back into service quickly. "ALTECH exploits the VTC's information technology strengths to serve our clients with the most innovative and reliable solutions, so service centers, ambulances, and hospitals' emergency departments can coordinate together to enable patients to be treated promptly on the scene and admitted to hospitals with adequate resources, elevating the efficiency of EMS. In this joint effort, ALTECH's VTC-based mobile solutions have been adopted in medical emergencies, fire rescues, and airport ground operations in Spain," said Leo Chang, Director of NEXCOM Mobile Computing Solutions Business Unit. Currently nearly 1000 ambulances outfitted with ALTECH's VTC-based mobile solutions are operating as a part of Catalonia EMS, Sistema d'Emergencies Mediques (SEM), while a few hundred VTC-equipped ambulances are enrolled in Madrid EMS, Servicio de Urgencia Medica en la Comunidad de Madrid (SUMMA 112). Another 50 units of VTC-based mobile solution are installed in airport trucks and follow-me vehicles to conduct emergency relief and rescue missions for Aena. There are more than 300 service centers in 17 regional autonomous communities across Spain, looking after the health of Spaniards. About NEXCOM: NEXCOM has six businesses: IoT Automation Solutions, Intelligent Digital Security, Internet of Things, Interactive Signage Platform, Mobile Computing Solutions, and Network and Communication Solutions. Under the IoT megatrend, NEXCOM expands its offerings with solutions in emerging applications including IoT, robot, connected cars, Industry 4.0, and industrial security. www.nexcom.com About ALTECH Solutions and Consulting: ALTECH is a Barcelona, Spain-based IT company developing turnkey projects in three areas: Control and Fleet Management using GPS-based systems and integrating TETRA, Tetrapol, GPRS/3G/4G and satellite communications; Security and Access Control using LPR systems and RFID for vehicle and people identification; and Mobile Apps for industrial markets. ALTECH participates in all phases of projects from design to deployment and maintenance. www.altech.es Contact: Liyin Lin Marketing Director Email: liyinlin@nexcom.com.tw Tel: +886 2 8226 7786 ext. 2110 SOURCE NEXCOM HUDDINGE, Sweden, Jan 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The shareholders in Medivir AB are hereby summoned to the Extraordinary General Meeting on Thursday 2 February 2017 at 2.00 p.m. at Konferenscentret 7A Strandvagen, Strandvagen 7, Stockholm, Sweden. Participation Shareholders who wish to participate in the meeting must (a) be recorded in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB on Friday 27 January 2017, and (b), notify the company of their intention to participate in the meeting not later than Friday 27 January 2017 in writing to Medivir AB, Blasieholmsgatan 2, SE-111 48 Stockholm, Sweden. Such notification may also be made by telephone +46 (0)8-5468 31 00, by e-mail to enter@medivir.se or via the company's web site at www.medivir.se. The notification shall set forth the name, address, telephone number (daytime), personal/corporate identity number, the number of shares held and, when applicable, information about representatives and assistants. There are 26,966,037 shares outstanding in the company, whereof 606,358 series A shares and 26,359,679 series B shares corresponding to an aggregate of 32,423,259 votes. The company holds, following delivery of shares within the scope of Medivir's incentive program, which is intended to take place in the coming days, 11,413 treasury shares. Shareholders represented by proxy shall issue a written and dated power of attorney for the proxy or, should the right to vote for the shares be divided among different representatives, the representatives, together with information on the number of shares each representative is entitled to vote for. If the power of attorney is issued on behalf of a legal entity, a certified copy of a registration certificate for the legal entity (or corresponding document), evidencing the authority to issue the proxy, shall be appended. The original of the power of attorney and, when applicable, the registration certificate should be sent to the company at the address indicated above, well before the meeting. A proxy form is available at the company's website, www.medivir.se, and is sent to shareholders who so request. Shareholders whose shares are registered in the name of a nominee through a bank or a securities institution must temporarily re-register their shares in their own names to be entitled to participate in the meeting. Such registration, which may be temporary, must be duly effected in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB on Friday 27 January 2017, and the shareholders must therefore advise their nominees well in advance of this date. The shareholders are reminded of their right to request information in accordance with Chapter 7, Section 32 of the Swedish Companies Act (Sw. aktiebolagslagen). Proposed agenda Election of chairman of the meeting. Preparation and approval of the voting list. Approval of the agenda. Election of two persons to approve the minutes of the meeting. Determination of whether the meeting has been duly convened. The Board of Directors' proposal for resolution on a voluntary redemption programme comprising, a. reduction of the share capital for repayment to the shareholders, and b. bonus issue without issuance of new shares. The Board of Directors' proposal for resolution on a voluntary redemption programme (item 6) The Board of Directors proposes that the general meeting resolves upon a voluntary redemption programme in accordance with the items 6 a b and it is proposed that all resolutions are to be passed as one resolution. Thus, the resolutions under items 6 a - b above must be supported by shareholders representing at least two-thirds of the votes cast as well as the shares represented at the general meeting. An information brochure describing the voluntary redemption programme in more detail will be presented in respect of the Board of Directors' proposal. The information brochure will be available before the application period for redemption commences. Reduction of the share capital for repayment to the shareholders (item 6 a) The Board of Directors proposes that the general meeting resolves to reduce the company's share capital with a maximum of SEK 39,273,057.856234 for repayment to the shareholders. The reduction is to be effected by redemption of a maximum of 6,738,655 shares, whereof 151,589 series A shares and 6,587,066 series B shares, each share with a quota value of approximately SEK 5.83. The reduction is made by way of repayment to the shareholders with a maximum amount of SEK 869,286,495. The possible redeemable number of shares is based on the total number of shares in the company reduced by any treasury shares. The reduction is to be effected through a voluntary redemption programme. For each share in the company, the shareholder receives one redemption right, whereby the redemption rights received for series A shares entitle the holder to redeem series A shares and redemption rights received for series B shares entitle the holder to redeem series B shares. All holders of redemption rights receive an equal right to redeem shares, regardless of share class. Four (4) redemption rights entitle to redemption of one (1) share of the same share class. The company shall pay an amount of SEK 129 for each share redeemed. The redemption proceed per share will exceed the quota value of the share by approximately SEK 123.17. The part of the redemption proceeds exceeding the quota value shall be charged to the company's unrestricted equity according to the balance sheet adopted by the Annual General Meeting 2016. Record day for receiving redemption rights is 9 February 2017. The application period for redemption will commence on 14 February 2017 and runs up to, and including, 28 February 2017. Customary trading with redemption rights and redemption shares in respect of series B shares will be arranged. After effecting the share capital reduction, the share capital of the company will be a minimum of SEK 117,885,712.143766, distributed among not less than 20,227,382 shares, whereof not less than 454,769 series A shares and not less than 19,772,613 series B shares, each share with a quota value of approximately SEK 5.83. According to the latest Annual Report, the amount available under Chapter 17, Section 3, first paragraph of the Companies Act is SEK 1,165,038,322. The amount was adopted at the Annual General Meeting on 3 May 2016. No resolutions on value transfers have been passed thereafter. Bonus issue without issuance of new shares (item 6 b) The Board of Directors proposes that the general meeting resolves on a bonus issue whereby the share capital is increased with SEK 39,273,057.856234 by the transfer of funds from unrestricted equity (according to the balance sheet adopted by the Annual General Meeting 2016). The bonus issue will be effected without issuance of new shares. Following the effected bonus issue the company's share capital will amount to at least SEK 157,158,770, distributed among not less than 20,227,382 shares, whereof not less than 454,769 series A shares and not less than 19,772,613 series B shares. Documentation The Board of Directors' complete proposal and other supporting documentation for resolutions will be held available at the company's offices, Medivir AB, Blasieholmsgatan 2, 111 48 Stockholm,, Sweden, and on www.medivir.se, at the latest three weeks before the general meeting and be sent to shareholders who so request and provide their address. Stockholm, January 2017 Medivir AB (publ) The Board of Directors CONTACT: Ola Burmark +46(0)725-480 580 ola.burmark@medivir.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/medivir/r/notice-of-extraordinary-general-meeting-of-medivir-ab--publ-,c2162927 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/652/2162927/612319.pdf Press release (PDF) SOURCE Medivir MONTVALE, New Jersey, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PENTAX Medical, a division of the HOYA Group, Tokyo, Japan announced today that they have acquired C2 Therapeutics, Redwood City, CA for an undisclosed amount. C2 Therapeutics develops the C2 CryoBalloon Ablation System for the endoscopic ablation of unwanted tissue such as Barrett's esophagus and squamous dysplasia1. This acquisition will help strengthen the company's therapeutic endoscopy portfolio. PENTAX Medical's Global Chief Marketing Officer, David Woods, states: "The C2 CryoBalloon Ablation System has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people around the world with pre-cancerous lesions of the esophagus." Barrett's esophagus and squamous dysplasia are both conditions in which the epithelial cells in the lining of the esophagus abnormally change to form "pre-cursor" lesions. If left untreated, these lesions can progress to esophageal cancer in some patients. The C2 CryoBalloon Ablation System provides the interventional endoscopist with a means to deliver a targeted dose of cryogen (extreme cold) to ablate these tissues immediately. Esophageal cancer is the 6th leading cause of cancer deaths in the world2 with a five-year survival rate of 18%3 and is the fastest growing form of cancer in the United States4 today. Woods continued: "In western cultures, obesity and high incident rates of Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD) have contributed to the estimated 3.3 million5 people living with Barrett's esophagus in the United States. In eastern populations, the epidemiology is different, the prevalent disease is squamous dysplasia. An estimated 10 million6,7 people have squamous dysplasia in Asia and according to some studies over 50% of squamous dysplasia will lead to cancer7. We plan to continue working with thought leaders from around the world to further develop the C2 CryoBalloon Ablation System and commercialize the technology with clinically relevant strategies that meet the therapeutic and economic needs of these targeted patient populations." For PENTAX Medical, this acquisition expands the company's role in the gastroenterology suites around the world from being a provider of advanced imaging for diagnostics, to now providing advanced therapeutic solutions as well. "Our investment in C2 Therapeutics is continued evidence of our commitment to bring best in class imaging along with cutting-edge technology that helps the therapeutic endoscopist access, visualize and treat disease while minimizing trauma and lowering the cost of healthcare," said Gerald W. Bottero, Global President, PENTAX Medical. "We will continue to make additional strategic investments in these areas in the future to improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs." Peter Garcia Meza, President of C2 Therapeutics said: "PENTAX Medical's investment will enable C2 to continue our work with clinicians in the field, build our body of evidence and develop the platform to its full potential." George Triadafilopoulos, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine specializing in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Stanford University School of Medicine says, "Esophageal adenocarcinoma is on the rise in the West while squamous esophageal cancer remains rampant in Asia and Africa. Nevertheless, using various modern endoscopic high-resolution techniques we are increasingly recognizing early and potentially curable esophageal cancer. The use of the CryoBalloon (C2 Therapeutics, Redwood City, CA, USA) allows the endoscopist to noninvasively eradicate pre-cancerous esophageal dysplasia by freezing the abnormal tissue safely, comfortably and effectively. The technology uses an affordable and easy to use platform of a conformable and self-sizing balloon that can be used through the endoscope as a primary, curative therapy. The acquisition of C2 Therapeutics is poised to dramatically expand Pentax from an established diagnostic optical technology into a therapeutic one with a global impact." Indications EU ONLY: The C2 CryoBalloon Ablation System is used to ablate unwanted tissue in the gastrointestinal tract, including treatment of Barrett's Esophagus and squamous dysplasia, by application of extreme cold. About PENTAX Medical PENTAX Medical is a division of HOYA Group. Its mission is to improve the standard of patient care and quality of healthcare delivery by providing the best endoscopic products and services with a focus on QUALITY, CLINICALLY RELEVANT INNOVATION, and SIMPLICITY. Through leading edge R&D and manufacturing, PENTAX Medical provides endoscopic imaging devices and solutions to the global medical community. Headquartered in Japan, PENTAX Medical has a worldwide focus and presence with R&D, regional sales, service, and in-country facilities around the globe. PENTAX Medical employees represent the diverse countries where we do business, allowing us to provide innovative solutions tailored to meet local needs. For more information, please visit www.pentaxmedical.com. About C2 Therapeutics C2 Therapeutics was founded in 2007 to address the limitations of current Barrett's esophagus treatment options. Headquartered in Redwood City, they develop and commercialize the CryoBalloon Ablation technology for the treatment of Barrett's Esophagus and squamous dysplasia. The technology is designed to be economic, efficient and easy to use. C2 Therapeutics' expressed mission is to become the leader in eliminating pre-cancerous conditions and adjunctive treatment in cancer in gastroenterology and pulmonology through unique disposable CryoBalloon technology. For more information, please visit http://www.c2therapeutics.com/. References 1. In the European Union, The CryoBalloon Ablation System is indicated to ablate unwanted tissue in the gastrointestinal tract, including treatment of Barrett's Esophagus and squamous dysplasia with application of extreme cold. In the United States, the device is indicated for the field of general surgery, specifically for endoscopic applications, to include ablation of Barrett's Esophagus with high grade dysplasia only. 2. Philip R Taylor, Christian C Abnet, and Sanford M Dawsey - Squamous dysplasia - the precursor lesion for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3681095/ 3. NIH, National Cancer Institute, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/esoph.html 4. Han-Ze Zhang, Guang-Fu Jin, and Hong-Bing Shen - Epidemiologic differences in esophageal cancer between Asian and Western populations https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3777490/ 5. Stuart J Spechler, MD, Berta M and Cecil O Patterson - Barrett's esophagus: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis http://www.uptodate.com/contents/barretts-esophagus-epidemiology-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis 6. Lin, et al, Epidemiology of Esophageal Cancer in Japan and China, J Epidemiol 2013;23(4):233-242. 7. Philip R. Taylor, Christian C. Abnet and Sanford M. Dawsey, Squamous Dysplasia - The Precursor Lesion for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2013;22:540-552. Related Links http://www.pentaxmedical.com SOURCE HOYA Corporation PENTAX Medical FAIRFAX, Virginia, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- InfoComm International is pleased to announce that its new TIDE conference (Technology. Innovation. Design. Experience.), to be held for the first time at InfoComm 2017, will feature keynote speakers Matthew Luhn, one of the original story creators at Pixar, and virtual reality pioneer Nonny de la Pena. TIDE is a thought-leadership event for examining the strategic impact of audiovisual technology and the AV industry's role within the larger business and technology sectors. The inaugural TIDE conference takes place June 13 in Orlando, Fla., the day before the InfoComm 2017 show floor opens. It will explore the critical role AV plays in crafting stories and how the AV industry can harness the power of storytelling to meet business objectives. The TIDE program was created for design professionals and enterprise technology customers, as well as AV service providers. Matthew Luhn is a writer, story consultant, creative writing instructor and speaker with more than 25 years of experience creating stories and characters for Pixar Animation Studios, The Simpsons, and others. Luhn's Story for Business workshops and keynote addresses train business leaders and entrepreneurs to use storytelling to bridge the gap between heart and business to build brands and business communication. His clients include Adidas, Disney, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Sony and many more. "From CG animation to big data, technology has created so many opportunities for storytellers to forge stronger, more meaningful connections with their audiences. Technology inspires art and art inspires technology," Luhn said. "After my keynote presentation, attendees will have clear understanding of how to craft impactful, personal stories that will help them connect more effectively with their audiences." In addition, virtual reality pioneer Nonny de la Pena will join the TIDE conference as a keynote speaker. As CEO of Emblematic Group, de la Pena uses cutting-edge technologies to tell stories both fictional and news-based that create intense, empathic engagement on the part of viewers. She was selected by Wired magazine as a #MakeTechHuman Agent of Change and has been called "The Godmother of Virtual Reality" by Engadget and The Guardian. A Yale Poynter Media Fellow and a former correspondent for Newsweek, de la Pena has more than 20 years of award-winning experience in print, film and TV. "The impact that virtual, augmented and mixed reality has had on the way we see, hear and feel stories both fiction and the news is ground-breaking. Being in the moment transcends being an observer and connects you to the subject more than any other medium," said de la Pena. Through TIDE's breakout sessions and panel discussions, attendees will explore the role that storytelling plays in building businesses and brands, and how the AV industry can position itself as a creative partner in the process of developing and telling these critical stories. These sessions will provide attendees facetime with the keynote speakers and panel experts. Attendees will also discuss how to incorporate the concepts learned during TIDE in their day-to-day business. "InfoComm is proud to introduce an energetic conference that showcases AV as a truly creative profession," said Jason McGraw, CTS, CAE, Senior Vice President of Expositions, InfoComm International. "The world of AV is getting more and more exciting with extremely fast-paced developments in technology. The speakers and program we have curated for TIDE will show our audience how to tie their creative energy with transformative technology to produce outcomes that drive business goals." The TIDE conference takes place Tuesday, June 13, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando, right across the street from the Orange County Convention Center. To learn more about InfoComm 2017 and TIDE, visit infocommshow.org. Registration is scheduled to open in early February. Prospective attendees can pre-register for TIDE by sending an email with their contact information to tide2017@infocomm.org. About InfoComm International InfoComm International is the global trade association representing the commercial audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, InfoComm has more than 5,400 members, representing over 70,000 AV professionals worldwide, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end users and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV standards, market research and news. Its training, certification and education programs set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers in the Western Hemisphere. InfoComm also produces trade shows in China, Europe, India, Latin America and the Middle East. Additional information is available at infocomm.org. Related Links http://www.infocomm.org SOURCE InfoComm International BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The success of a White House petition last year, calling on the Obama administration "to assist in the liberation of the Azerbaijani provinces occupied by Armenia" has put Armenia under increasing pressure due to the level of awareness it raised, according to Elkhan Suleymanov, the President of the Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan, who initiated the petition. "'We the People' is a serious platform established by the Obama administration in 2011 and the White House response to our petition was real political support to Azerbaijan," said Suleymanov. The petition on "Establishing Justice and Preventing a Great Catastrophe" calls for the immediate withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding provinces and to assist in the prevention of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region because of the dangers posed by the neglected Sarsang dam, which is located in the Armenian-occupied territory. According to the U.S.-based Pew Research Center, this petition has become the second most popular in the history of the platform, receiving more than triple the signatures needed to secure a reply by the Obama administration. In its response in June last year, the White House stressed the importance of "the return of the territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan's control" and urged Armenia and Azerbaijan "to demonstrate restraint and enter into an immediate negotiation on a comprehensive settlement," which would include "a determination on Nagorno-Karabakh's status." The petition was submitted in the wake of Resolution 2085 adopted last year by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which accused Armenia of "environmental aggression and "deliberately depriving" Azerbaijanis of water flowing from the Sarsang reservoir. It also called for "the immediate withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the region concerned." "We had important victories last year," Suleymanov said, adding that sadly Armenia has not reacted to these demands and instead "creates confusion in the international community by presenting itself as a conflict party rather than an aggressor." In addition to PACE, the UN, European Parliament and OSCE have all called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from the Azerbaijani territories. "It is critical that we continue to raise this issue, keep up international pressure and achieve the imposition of sanctions on Armenia," Suleymanov said. SOURCE Azerbaijan Monitor STOCKHOLM, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On 23 December 2016, Axactor AB announced that upon request from certain shareholders (the "Requesting Shareholders"), an extraordinary general meeting is to be held on 20 January 2017, with the agenda to replace the current board of directors and nomination committee and to elect new a board of directors and to elect a new nomination committee. The Requesting Shareholders and the Nomination Committee, which consists of Gunnar Hvammen (leader) and Magnus Tvenge, has since the announcement on 23 December 2016 of the Extraordinary General Meeting, held meetings and discussions regarding potential new members of the board bearing in mind that Axactor AB is going from a start-up company into a new phase, requiring a different structure and involvement from the board of directors. The Requesting Shareholders have after consultation with the Nomination Committee, come up with the following proposal for a new Board of Directors to be elected at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 20 January 2017. - Bjrn Erik Nss (Chairman of the Board from March 1,2017) - Beate Skjerven Nygardshaug - Brita Eilertsen - Merethe Haugli - Terje Mjs - Dag Strmme (temporary Chairman until March 1,2017) - Michael Hylander (deputy board member) Due to Bjrn Erik Nss' current employment with DNB ASA, the Requesting Shareholders and the Nomination Committee in consensus propose that Bjrn Erik will chair the board from 1 March 2017 and that Mr. Dag Strmme acts as chairman of the board in the period from the Extraordinary General Meeting until 1 March 2017. Further, it is proposed that the following new Nomination Committee is elected at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 20 January 2017: - Jarle Sjo Chairman of the Nomination Committee - Magnus Tvenge as re-elected Member of Nomination Committee - Female Norwegian lawyer age 35. Awaiting formal approval of proposed engagement with employer, disclosed and proposed at Extraordinary General Meeting. Further information Gunnar Hvammen, +47 908 99999 Magnus Tvenge, + 47 970 44220 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/axactor-ab/r/proposal-from-certain-shareholders-after-consultation-with-the-nomination-committee-to-the-extraordi,c2163664 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/852/2163664/612777.pdf PDF http://mb.cision.com/Public/852/2163664/86071233391263ed.pdf Proposal for agenda items 7 and 8 - EGM 20 Jan 17 SOURCE Axactor AB CLEAR LAKE Keith Reason of Clear Lake had never seen a ship until he enlisted in the Navy in 1950 and saw the vessel he had been assigned to, the USS Princeton. "That was the biggest thing I had ever seen in my life," said Reason, 85. The attack carrier, which was headed to the waters off the coast of Korea, had a crew of 3,200. It carried 125 aircraft, including Navy fighter planes, a light bomber and a Panther jet. Reason grew up in the town of Lenox in southern Iowa. He enlisted in the Navy in March 1950, two months before he graduated from high school. A few days after graduation he was on his way to San Diego for training. A little over a month later, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea and President Harry Truman ordered U.S. forces to help defend South Korea. All leaves were cancelled, so Reason did not have a chance to go home before being shipped out. Reason was assigned to the boiler room on the USS Princeton. Each crew member would work a four-hour shift and get four hours off before going back on duty for another four-hour shift. The ship had four boiler rooms that provide the steam that powered the vessel. "It was very hot," Reason said, but the work had to be done. The USS Princeton, which had been commissioned in late 1945 and had been decommissioned in 1949, had to be "taken out of mothballs" before its new crew could go onboard, Reason said. The ship reached the waters off the Korean coast in early December. Reason said the pilots aboard the ship included Lt. Guy Bordelon, who was designated a flying ace after downing five enemy aircraft. About 70 percent of the crew on the ship was 18 to 20 years old. The captain "used to speak to us as his kids, and we were," Reason said. Reason said one of the most challenging parts of being on the ship was "you worried all the time." However, everyone knew they still had to do their job, he said. The USS Princeton headed back to the United States after 13 months. Reason then transferred to the USS Oriskany. The ship was short of personnel in the division he was in, and the Navy was asking for volunteers. Reason said he decided to sign up because he was young and unmarried. Reason went aboard the USS Oriskany in January 1953 and returned to Korea. The ship was there until August of that year. When the ship returned to the U.S., Reason was assigned to a Navy pier in Washington state until being discharged form the service in 1954. A friend encouraged him to go to college. Reason said he thought he wasn't "college material," but ultimately decided to enroll at Northeast Missouri State Teacher's College. After receiving his degree in 1958, he started teaching physics and industrial arts in the Sidney area in southwest Iowa. He stayed there for five years. He received his master's degree in botany and taught at Northwood for one year before going to Clear Lake, where he taught high school biology and physics until he retired in 1993. He and his wife, Janice, have been married nearly 58 years. They have two children and five grandchildren. When asked if he would serve in the Korean War if he had to do it all over again, Reason said, "Absolutely." SEGELTORP, Sweden, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In accordance with the proposal by LKQ, the EGM elected Joseph M. Holsten and John S. Quinn as new Board members for the period up to the next AGM. The new elected Board members replace Caroline Berg and Mia Brunell Livfors, who will resign as Board members. The fees resolved on by the Annual General Meeting 2016 shall be allocated between the resigning directors and the elected directors pro rata to their respective service periods from the Annual General Meeting 2016 until the Annual General Meeting 2017. The Board held its statutory meeting after the EGM and elected John S. Quinn as Deputy Chairman. Full details on the proposals adopted by the EGM will be downloaded at: http://www.mekonomen.com/en/corporate-governance/annual-general-meeting/extraordinary-general-meeting/ For further information, please contact: Kenneth Bengtsson, chairman Mekonomen Group, tel: +46 (0)8-464 00 00 Mekonomen AB (publ), Corp. Reg. No: 556392-1971 Box 195 42, SE-104 32 Stockholm, Sweden Tel: +46 (0)8-464 00 00 www.mekonomen.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/mekonomen/r/resolutions-adopted-by-the-extra-general-meeting-of-mekonomen-aktiebolag-on-the-10-january-2017,c2163640 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/550/2163640/612755.pdf Resolutions adopted by the Extra General Meeting of Mekonomen Aktiebolag on the 10 January 2017 SOURCE Mekonomen For 170 years, AP has been breaking news and covering the world's biggest stories, always committed to the highest standards of journalism. The thousands of images produced every day by AP are now available on the Shutterstock enterprise platform in the United Kingdom and the United States. "Following our successful collaboration in the US, this extended deal with AP allows us to reach new parts of the market we haven't yet been able to access and acknowledges the strong demand for Shutterstock's editorial content world-wide," said Ben Pfeifer, SVP of business development at Shutterstock. "Having worked with AP for over nine months now, we're looking forward to our continued relationship with the world's most prominent provider of news content." "Shutterstock has deeply impressed us with their continual innovation, that has transformed editorial distribution. By working with Shutterstock in the UK, we will be able to bring our content to new market sectors," said Alwyn Lindsey, AP's Vice President of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Our global network of photographers will continue to deliver timely content from red carpets to runways, conflicts to elections, shaping the way we see the world." Images from AP are available for license to Shutterstock enterprise customers under editorial use here. About Shutterstock, Inc. Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK), directly and through its group subsidiaries, is a leading global provider of high-quality licensed photographs, vectors, illustrations, videos and music to businesses, marketing agencies and media organizations around the world. Working with its growing community of over 160,000 contributors, Shutterstock adds hundreds of thousands of images each week, and currently has more than 100 million images and more than 5 million video clips available. Headquartered in New York City, with offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, Paris, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley, Shutterstock has customers in more than 150 countries. The company also owns Bigstock, a value-oriented stock media agency; Offset, a high-end image collection; PremiumBeat a curated royalty-free music library; Rex Features, a premier source of editorial images for the world's media; and WebDAM, a cloud-based digital asset management service for businesses. For more information, please visit www.shutterstock.com, and follow Shutterstock on Twitter or Facebook. About AP The Associated Press is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP. On the web: www.ap.org. Related Links http://www.shutterstock.com SOURCE Shutterstock, Inc. WELLINGTON, New Zealand, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New Zealand's economy grew at the fastest annual pace in two years in the third quarter. Surging immigration, record-low borrowing costs and a housing boom are stoking New Zealand's economy, which is among the fastest growing in the developed world. The economy expanded 3.6% in the second quarter from a year earlier, matching estimates and the most since the final quarter of 2014. Gross domestic product grew 0.9% from the first three months of the year. New Zealand's annual growth rate compares with 3.3 percent in Australia, 2.2 percent in the U.K and 1.2 percent in the U.S. New Zealand: #1 place to live In addition to its strong economy and stable political environment, New Zealand offers excellent employment opportunities and a high standard of living and education, amazing educational opportunities along with free basic healthcare for citizens and permanent residents. In this immigrant-friendly multicultural country, some 25% of all 4.6 million residents were born overseas. A global index of the world's best place to live put New Zealand at the top. Researchers at the Legatum Institute think tank ranked New Zealand the highest, despite 26 other countries being wealthier, because of its 'unrivalled ability to turn its wealth into prosperity' - a broader measure than just money. Rankings on the Legatum Prosperity Index are based on income as well as 'wellbeing' measures such as freedom, health, social ties, business opportunities, governance, nature, education and security. People who live in New Zealand (sometimes referred to as "Kiwis") are famous for showing newcomers warm hospitality. Not only is New Zealand one of the world's safest countries to live in, it also offers its residents a relaxed, laidback lifestyle that many find attractive. New Zealand has an excellent work-life balance in which people have time to enjoy life with family and friends. New Zealand Visa Expert is a private company (not affiliated with New Zealand's government or immigration New Zealand) that provides a wide range of professional and marketing services, leads and office administrative support for immigration services and for people who want to check their eligibility to live and work in New Zealand through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa Program and other work visas. For more information about New Zealand's current immigration programs and New Zealand Visa Expert, please visit the company's site at www.newzealandvisaexpert.com, call +64-4-488-0189 or write to support@newzealandvisaexpert.com. SOURCE New Zealand Visa Expert LONDON, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Vote Showcasing Strength and Success Across European Business Opens Today at http://www.businessawardseurope.com Over 400 businesses from 34 countries in Europe are competing to be named their country's 'National Public Champion' as the online public vote is now open in this year's European Business Awards sponsored by RSM. Each company has posted a video on the European Business Awards website http://www.businessawardseurope.com profiling their business success, which the public can view and vote for between now and 1 March 2017. The National Public Champion will be the company that receives the most votes in each country, with the winners announced on 6 March. Last year more than 227,000 people voted as thriving European companies were supported globally by their clients, staff and peers, as well as the general public. The European Business Awards was set up to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. This year it engaged with more than 33,000 businesses at entry stage. Lead sponsor RSM, a provider of audit, tax and consulting services to middle market businesses globally, has supported the European Business Awards since its inception. Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said: "The public vote gives everyone the chance to watch and vote for successful businesses of all sizes and sectors, either home or abroad, with great stories to tell. So please show them your support, go to our web site http://www.businessawardseurope.com and vote today!" Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM, the sixth largest network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms, with a presence in 43 European countries said: "The videos provide a fascinating insight into some of Europe's most inspiring businesses and the story of their success. This is a showcase of European business excellence and a testament that no matter how large or small, old or new, companies who have a true understanding of their financial and business landscape can thrive in all areas. Good luck to everyone in this round of the competition." Immediately after the National Public Champions are announced, a second and final public vote will begin as the companies compete against each other to decide one overall European Public Champion. Separately, the Awards' independent judges will review the videos and select 110 category finalists who will then go on to the Gala Final in May 2017 where the final winners, as well as the European Public Champion, will be announced. Further information about the National Champions and the Awards can be found at http://www.businessawardseurope.com and http://www.rsm.global About the European Business Awards: The European Business Awards' primary purpose is to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. For all citizens of Europe, prosperity, social and healthcare systems are reliant on businesses creating an even stronger, more innovative, successful, international and ethical business community - one that forms the beating heart of an increasingly globalised economy. The European Business Awards programme serves the European business community in three ways: It celebrates and endorses individuals' and organisations' success It provides and promotes examples of excellence for the business community to aspire to It engages with the European business community to create debate on key issues The European Business Awards is now in its 10th year. This year it engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries. Last year's public vote generated over 227,000 votes from across Europe. Sponsors and partners include RSM, ELITE and PR Newswire. http://www.businessawardseurope.com. About RSM RSM is the sixth largest network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms, encompassing over 120 countries, 760 offices and more than 38,000 people internationally. The network's total fee income is US$4.64 billion. RSM is the lead sponsor and corporate champion of the European Business Awards promoting commercial excellence and recognition of entrepreneurial brilliance. RSM is a member of the Forum of Firms, with the shared objective to promote consistent and high quality standards of financial and auditing practices worldwide. RSM is the brand used by a network of independent accounting and advisory firms each of which practices in its own right. RSM International Limited does not itself provide any accounting and advisory services. Member firms are driven by a common vision of providing high quality professional services, both in their domestic markets and in serving the international professional service needs of their client base. http://www.rsm.global About ELITE: ELITE is a full-service programme designed to share best practice and increase growth opportunities for fast growing companies, with a focus on understanding the capital markets. ELITE is an innovative programme based on exclusive training and a tutorship model, supported by access to the business and financial community. Its aim is to prepare companies for their next stage of growth and investment. For further information on the programme, companies and the full list of partners, please go to: http://www.elite-growth.com About PR Newswire: PR Newswire is the leading global provider of PR and corporate communications tools that enable clients to distribute news and rich content. We distribute our client's content across traditional, digital and social media channels in real time with fully actionable reporting and monitoring. Combining the world's largest multi-channel, multi-cultural content distribution and optimisation network with comprehensive workflow tools and platforms, PR Newswire enables the world's enterprises to engage opportunity everywhere it exists. PR Newswire serves tens of thousands of clients from offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information on PR Newswire please visit http://www.prnewswire.co.uk SOURCE European Business Awards and RSM CAMAS, Wash., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A study from Fisher Investments 401(k) Solutions found that eighty percent of millennials say they would prefer to work for a company that offers a 401(k) plan, dispelling a commonly-held belief that millennials are not as interested in 401(k) plans as other generations. Despite their high levels of interest, millennials also tend to be less educated on the ins and outs of retirement planning, with nearly four out of five failing Fisher's 401(k) IQ in the Workplace Quiz. "We're encouraged that the vast majority of millennials recognize that 401(k) plans can be indispensable to meeting their long-term savings goals. However, when you get down to the nuts and bolts of planning, it becomes clear there's an education gap," said Nathan Fisher, Managing Director and founder of Fisher Investments 401(k) Solutions. "What's interesting is the reliance and trust millennials place on advice from their immediate network instead of retirement providers." The Fisher study also found that millennials are more likely than other groups to receive and trust information about retirement planning from individual contacts, whether they be friends, relatives or co-workers, countering the view that younger savers are more reliant on internet-based information and advice. In fact, nearly one in three millennials trust a friend or family member's advice on retirement planning most. In keeping with their desire for individual attention, millennials are more likely than other age groups to wish their retirement provider would reach out to them personally and to know more about their company's 401(k) plans. Millennials at small businesses (those with between 5-200 employees) tend to be less engaged in retirement planning, with nearly 1 in 4 saying they are not enrolled in a plan. Those who are enrolled in a plan are also less likely to receive information from their 401(k) provider than their counterparts at larger companies, and, perhaps most troubling, they are less likely to trust the 401(k) plan offered by their employer. The survey also found some stark differences between millennial women and men. Millennial women are much less confident in their ability to pick the right investments and save enough for retirement than their male peers. They are also less likely to be enrolled in their company's 401(k) plan and more likely to fail the 401(k) IQ Quiz. "This study really strikes at the heart of the assumptions many employers and planners have about the millennial generation," Mr. Fisher continued. "While they are very technologically savvy, millennials are in fact the most likely generation to seek individual rather than web-based information about their retirement plans. We were also surprised to find that a significant gender gap continues to exist when it comes to investing and retirement planning, something that employers and 401(k) providers must address." "As millennials increasingly become the dominant generation in the workplace it is increasingly important that both employers and providers fully understand the differences in how they operate," concluded Nathan Fisher. "It might be easy to look at these results and think the fix is more education sessions. However, what I see is a need to closely examine how we approach education; engaging directly with younger workers and fostering a retirement ready culture within their organizations." About Fisher's 401(k) Wellness in the Workplace Survey Fisher's 401(k) Wellness in the Workplace Survey was conducted by KRC Research, on behalf of Fisher Investments, to explore 401(k) plan knowledge, information access and service satisfaction in employees working for small, medium and large businesses. The survey also included a nine question 401(k) IQ in the Workplace Quiz, to test basic 401(k) knowledge. KRC Research surveyed 1,013 American employees working for companies that offer 401(k) plans. Research was conducted via 10 minute online survey from October 7-11, 2016 amongst respondents from an even mix of demographics and company sizes. About Fisher Investments Fisher Investments 401(k) Solutions is dedicated to bringing superior retirement plan services to small and mid-sized businesses and their employees. Fisher's unique service offering is built on 35+ years of successful wealth management experience and includes our flexible investing platform with actively-managed funds. Business owners will experience the benefit of ongoing support from a dedicated Retirement Counselor whose focus is making the management of a 401(k) retirement plan easier, while helping employees plan for a comfortable retirement. For more information, visit http://www.fisher401k.com/. Media contact: Michael Boonshoft (212)-537-8736 [email protected] SOURCE Fisher Investments ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today its Alinity ci-series instruments for clinical chemistry and immunoassay diagnostics have obtained CE Mark and are now available in Europe and other countries that recognize CE Mark. These innovative testing solutions help labs run more tests in less time, reduce human error and increase testing productivity. "Better healthcare begins with a high performing lab. Abbott's Alinity family is an unprecedented approach to providing a more efficient, complete lab solution that no competitor in the industry can match," said Brian Blaser, executive vice president, Diagnostics Products, Abbott. "Abbott is bringing meaningful innovation to diagnostic testing, elevating the role it plays in improving clinical decision making and delivering high quality care to patients." Offering a flexible, modular design, the "Alinity c" clinical chemistry system, and the "Alinity i" immunoassay system, can operate individually or as an integrated Alinity ci-series unit, all within half the size of current diagnostics systems. "The Alinity ci has the potential to be a game-changer for our lab, as it is designed to solve many of the issues that we face," said Mario Plebani, M.D., Professor of clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology, School of Medicine, University of Padova Italy. "Every day we see greater demand for tests with fewer resources. The new Alinity systems are easier to use, helping to prevent errors and increase staff efficiency." In addition to greater capacity in a smaller footprint, the Alinity ci-series maintains the high quality performance of Abbott's current systems and has a number of new features based upon customer insights. Features include: Increased loading capacity for samples and tests, and separate lanes to run urgent tests without interrupting lab workflow. Continuous access to solutions and supplies, which gives labs the ability to reload solutions without pausing or stopping instruments or testing cycles for prolonged periods of time. Solution bottles designed to work like a lock and key to ensure the right solutions can only be inserted into the right location. Intuitive menu design and user-friendly interface, common to the Alinity family of instruments, which simplifies training for lab technicians. "To design the Alinity ci Systems, we spent countless hours with our customers in the design phase to ensure that we built a solution for the issues they face every dayincluding higher testing volumes, a lack of staffing and space, and complex, time-intensive processes and instruments," said Dennis Gilbert, Ph.D., vice president, research and development, Diagnostics, Abbott. "The Alinity family of systems simplifies diagnostic testing while delivering results that drive better patient outcomes." Abbott will launch clinical chemistry and immunoassay tests for the Alinity ci-series in phases, with a complete menu of tests available within a year of launch.* Clinical chemistry tests detect the presence of different chemicals in the blood and include tests such as sodium, potassium, glucose and calcium. Immunoassay methods use antibody or antigen recognition to detect complex molecules and provide information related to infectious diseases, hormone levels, cardiac risk factors, cancer, thyroid issues and therapeutic drugs. About Alinity Abbott's Alinity family of harmonized solutions is unprecedented in the diagnostics industry, working together to address the challenges of using multiple diagnostics platforms and simplify diagnostic testing. Alinity systems are designed to be more efficient running more tests in less space, generating test results faster and minimizing human errors while continuing to provide quality results. The Alinity portfolio includes clinical chemistry, immunoassay, blood and plasma screening, point of care, hematology and molecular diagnostics, along with Abbott's AlinIQa first-of-its-kind, holistic suite of professional services that combines expertise with process analysis and informatics. Alinity is helping labs and hospital systems solve some of their most pressing challenges to deliver better patient care with fewer resources. More information is available at abbott.com/alinity. About Abbott: At Abbott, we're committed to helping you live your best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world -- in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals -- that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 74,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve. Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal. *Note: Local product availability may vary depending on geographic location. ______________________________ 1 Abbott Alinity ci Systems Operations Manual. SOURCE Abbott Related Links http://www.abbott.com PHOENIX, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, one of the nation's largest networks of independent financial advisory firms, comprised of SagePoint Financial, FSC Securities Corporation, Woodbury Financial and Royal Alliance, today announced several key platform enhancements to help the firm's advisors best serve their clients. To demonstrate the firm's commitment to advisors, Advisor Group is kicking off a 19-city roadshow titled The Future is Now on January 10th in Cambridge, MA, at which newly appointed President and CEO, Jamie Price, Executive Chairman Valerie Brown, and other executives will share the specifics of the platform strategy. "We are making a major investment in our advisors' futures because we believe in their potential for growth when provided with the right platform, tools and pricing to serve the unique needs of all clients. We are squarely in their corner, standing behind them every step of the way," said Advisor Group President & CEO, Jamie Price. "This is an inflection point in our industry that provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to differentiate ourselves and help our advisors to do the same. I could not be more excited for the future of our firm and the advisors we work with every day." Key elements of Advisor Group's new platform strategy include: Continuing to support commission-based business with improved pricing on its brokerage platform to ensure clients are given a choice in how they engage with their financial advisors Enhancing the market-leading advisory platform by reducing fees and charges Introducing a new advisory product, the Genesis Series, that gives clients access to institutional strategists such as Vanguard, American Funds and iShares at lower minimums powered by Envestnet PMC research that gives clients access to institutional strategists such as Vanguard, American Funds and iShares at lower minimums powered by Envestnet PMC research Introducing a new mutual fund only, no-transaction fee platform for commission accounts eliminating IRA custody and transaction fees to allow advisors and clients to more easily consolidate household assets onto the brokerage platform Launching a robust educational program to support rollout of the new DOL-compliant solutions and platform To meet the ongoing desire for education, the firm is launching a modern, digital education platform that will enable advisors to attend virtual conferences including events with live speakers, breakout sessions and peer-to-peer group discussions all from the convenience of their offices. These forums will be recorded, searchable and available online 24/7 on any device. Additionally, the firm will be launching a dedicated DOL/Regulatory Hotline and Wikipedia-like microsite to give advisors access to real-time information and to ensure they are totally equipped to handle whatever changes ultimately get implemented. "Our job as a dedicated partner has always been to equip advisors with the products, technology and tools they need to meet their clients' needs and grow their businesses," said Advisor Group Executive Chairman Valerie Brown. "We believe our platform enhancements not only offer benefits to advisors' clients, but also give advisors a clear competitive edge. Looking at the sheer potential that lies ahead for our advisors and our firm, I can't think of a more exciting time to be in this industry." About Advisor Group Advisor Group Inc. is one of the nation's largest networks of independent financial advisors serving over 5,000 advisors and overseeing approximately $160 billion in client assets. Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, the firm is mission-driven to support the heroic role that advisors can play in the lives of their clients, offering securities and investment advisory services through its subsidiaries FSC Securities Corp., Royal Alliance Associates Inc., SagePoint Financial Inc. and Woodbury Financial Services Inc, as broker/dealers, registered investment advisors and members of FINRA and SIPC. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial advisors and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way. For more information, please visit www.advisorgroup.com Follow Advisor Group into the Future: @AdvisorGroupBD on Twitter #AGFutureIsNow SOURCE Advisor Group Inc. Related Links http://www.advisorgroup.com WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Agri-Pulse, the nation's leading source of farm and food policy information, plans to launch an in-depth editorial series next month, "The Seven Things You Should Know Before You Write the Next Farm Bill," culminating in a Farm Bill Summit at the National Press Club on March 20. Agri-Pulse Farm Bill series and summit "Our editorial team had a bird's eye view of the ups and downs experienced during development of the last farm bill," says Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant. "We think there are some important 'lessons learned' that can help inform and stimulate debate before formal work starts on writing the next bill." Initial sponsors include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sugar Alliance, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Farm Credit, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Crop Insurance Services, Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, FLM+, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, CropLife America, National Farmers Union, Environmental Defense Fund and Land O'Lakes Inc. "Securing programs and policies in the 2018 farm bill that work for America's farm and ranch families requires that all of agriculture works closely together," says American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. "The farm bill series and Summit will provide an essential platform so that congressional and administration staff members are fully aware of the many issues on the collective agenda of America's farmers and ranchers. We are pleased to help facilitate this comprehensive and collaborative effort with Agri-Pulse." Wyant says that this multimedia effort and educational Summit is designed to foster a well-rounded discussion about the future of food and farm policy, as well as a deeper understanding of how all Americans benefit from a comprehensive farm bill. About Agri-Pulse: Agri-Pulse is a trusted source in Washington, D.C., with the largest editorial team focused on food and farm policy coverage. The multimedia company provides a balanced perspective on a wide variety of issues including the farm bill, nutrition, trade, food safety, environment, biotechnology, organic, conservation and crop insurance. For more information about the company, go to www.agri-pulse.com. For interview requests, contact Sara Wyant [email protected] or Mace Thornton [email protected] Media Contact: Jodi Delapaz - [email protected] - 573-873-0800 Related Links Agri-Pulse website This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com/. SOURCE Agri-Pulse Related Links http://www.agri-pulse.com CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Van Lines is excited to be honored with the 2017 Women's Choice Award for America's Most Recommended Moving Company. This award designation is based on a national survey of thousands of women across America who were asked to select from a list of nationally recognized moving brands the moving company they would most highly recommend to family and friends. "The Women's Choice Award's mission is to simplify her life by recognizing brands tried, tested, and highly recommended by women. Making it easy to buy with confidence," said Delia Passi, CEO and Founder. "By carrying the Women's Choice Award seal, brands like Allied Van Lines signify their commitment to empower women to make smart buying choices." "It is an incredible honor to be recognized for the third year in a row as the brand that female consumers prefer and would recommend to their peers," said Lesli Bertoli, vice president and general manager of Allied Van Lines. "We have been doing this for over 89 years and have made it our mission to perfect the moving process so that each move is customized to the customer's wants and needs. It's an important life moment that we handle with the upmost quality and care, so it's extra gratifying that our expertise and attention to detail is recognized with a valuable distinction like this." Women have remarkable spending power and it's continually growing. They currently control the majority of the purchasing decisions for consumer goods in America. Women are also likely to influence or manage big ticket purchases as well as everyday purchases, according to a Nielson Report. That, together with a Forbes article stating that word of mouth has been shown to improve marketing effectiveness by 54%, reveals the significance of being a highly recommended brand by women. Passi commented on how the Women's Choice Award serves as a competitive differentiator in today's cluttered marketplace by explaining, "When a woman is willing to recommend a brand or service to others, it means that business has earned her loyalty. Those are the businesses we wish to recognize for their efforts and commitment to the number one consumer women." "We know recommendations carry great weight in our industry and women are the driving force behind that," said Bertoli. "Thank you to women across America for continuing to trust us in providing a high quality, efficient move experience." "We are pleased to salute Allied Van Lines for earning the Women's Choice Award consecutively three years in a row. Their focus on excellence and commitment to their customers is clearly recognized by women consumers nationwide," said Passi. ABOUT ALLIED VAN LINES Established in 1928, Allied Van Lines, with more than 400 agent locations in North America, is an experienced leader in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is one of the world's largest moving companies and one of the established global brands of SIRVA, Inc., a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers and governments around the world. For more information about Allied Van Lines, visit http://www.allied.com. Allied Van Lines, Inc., U.S. DOT No. 076235. ABOUT THE WOMEN'S CHOICE AWARD The Women's Choice Award sets the standard for helping women to make smarter purchasing choices. The company and its awards identify the brands, products and services that are most recommended and trusted by women. Additionally, they recognize those that deliver a recommendation-worthy customer experience. Awards are based on surveys of thousands of women, as well as research conducted in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. As the leading advocate for female consumers, WomenCertified Inc., home of the Women's Choice Award, created the first national award based on the ratings and preferences of women. Women can visit the official website at www.WomensChoiceAward.com to learn more. MEDIA CONTACT: Erica Guzman | WomenCertified Inc. Violette Sieczka Marketing Manager Marketing Manager, Allied Van Lines T: (954) 922-0846 T: (630) 570-3016 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Allied Van Lines Related Links http://www.allied.com MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh USA, Inc. today announced that Alta Systems, a communications company focused on professional, personable and creative print and mail services, has overhauled its digital print operations with solutions and professional services from Ricoh. Since signing on with Ricoh, Alta Systems has grown its digital print business faster than its traditional offset base by implementing RICOH Pro C7100X, RICOH Pro 8100se and RICOH Pro C901 platforms; utilizing advanced workflow software; and capitalizing on in-depth, expert training. As a result, the Gainesville, Florida-based printer now sees increased uptime, tighter turnaround times and happier customers. Alta Systems first added digital capabilities in 2004 to meet customer needs for short runs, faster turnarounds, variable data printing (VDP) and specialty product offerings. However, after more than a decade in digital, Alta Systems found that component of its business struggling. Presses were often down for days or weeks at a time, lacking both durability and robust support. These long stretches of downtime combined with lack of visibility into and centralized control over workflows to cause dropped deadlines. Customer relationships were suffering, and some even withdrew their business. Alta Systems' management knew a change was needed. "We simply could not provide reliable service with presses breaking down so often," said Rick Nesbit, Owner, Alta Systems. "We needed solutions we could depend on, which meant we needed the right partner that could offer the right hardware and the level of support our shop needed. We learned of Heidelberg's global relationship with Ricoh and instantly saw credibility. Now, I can say that trust was well placed. Our digital operation is incredibly reliable, and now we can produce unbelievable five-color applications, thanks to the RICOH Pro C7100X and Ricoh's pragmatic training. If there is a problem, we know we have a Ricoh expert nearby who is willing and able to drop by and solve it quickly." Together, Alta Systems and Ricoh revamped the entire digital operation. The printer replaced its struggling color devices with a five-color RICOH Pro C7100X, empowering operators to produce creative, eye-catching applications. This platform's 80 ppm speed, 1,200 x 4,800 dpi image quality, broad range of substrate and color capabilities, and reliability, help turn creative, complex jobs around quickly. Alta Systems replaced its struggling monochrome devices with a pair of RICOH Pro 8100se devices, helping make fast turns for even the most demanding jobs manageable. These installations, combined with EFI's Fiery SeeQuence Suite and Fiery JobMaster makeready and workflow management software, enabled jobs to move swiftly through Alta Systems' operation. "Alta Systems turned to Ricoh, at first, for two reasons: our strong partnerships and our unmatched level of service," said Andre Brazeau, Vice President, Production Printing Business Group, Ricoh USA, Inc. "We are proud to build our reputation based on these criteria, which speak to our dedication to always looking for ways to better serve our customers. To that end, it's incredibly encouraging to see how Alta Systems has been able to turn its digital operations around, producing beautiful, outside-the-box applications while also keeping on top of customers' speed, volume and reliability needs." To learn more about Ricoh's work with Alta Systems, please visit: http://rpp.ricoh-usa.com/about/customer-success/alta-systems. For details on Ricoh's full line of products, services and solutions for the production print market, please visit www.rpp.ricoh-usa.com and follow @RicohProPrint on Twitter and Ricoh USA Production Print on LinkedIn. | About Ricoh | Ricoh is a global technology company that has been transforming the way people work for more than 80 years. Under its corporate tagline imagine. change. Ricoh continues to empower companies and individuals with services and technologies that inspire innovation, enhance sustainability and boost business growth. These include document management systems, IT services, production print solutions, visual communications systems, digital cameras, and industrial systems. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2016, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,209 billion yen (approx. 19.6 billion USD). For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com 2017 Ricoh USA, Inc. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies. Contact: John Greco Ricoh USA, Inc. (973) 882-2023 [email protected] Tracey Sheehy Breakaway Communications (212) 616-6003 [email protected] SOURCE Ricoh USA, Inc. Related Links http://www.ricoh-usa.com TROY, Mich., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair has won a benchmarking competition, and as a result Airbus will implement a new pre- and post-processing tool based on Altair's solutions HyperMesh and HyperView as the new platform worldwide. The benchmarking competition, which was initiated by Airbus in early 2016, has led to this agreement between Altair and Airbus. The agreement confirms the worldwide Airbus aircraft migration to HyperWorks Desktop. It demonstrates Altair's competencies in pre- and post-processing and confirms Altair's position as a major player in the Aerospace industry. The agreement will enable a worldwide employment of the HyperWorks Desktop solutions in all Airbus aircraft, effective today. In addition to providing the aforementioned solutions, Altair has also committed to dedicated support of the Airbus teams, which includes: Tighter collaboration between Airbus and Altair teams, to set up a deployment roadmap for integration of Altair solutions in Airbus aircraft. Customization of Altair software according to Airbus' needs and requirements. Training of the Airbus Teams on HyperMesh and HyperView. "We are very happy that Altair won this Airbus benchmarking competition and are now supplying HyperMesh and HyperView to Airbus as their preferred pre-and post-processing solutions," said Dr. Detlef Schneider, Senior Vice President EMEA Operations at Altair. "The agreement proves our position in the aerospace industry as a key provider of high-end simulation and development solutions. It also complements and tightly aligns with the long term consulting collaboration between Airbus and Altair ProductDesign." Altair ProductDesign supports a wide range of industries with engineering consulting and staffing services to help bring the company's clients' products to market faster. Over the past decade, Altair ProductDesign has been supporting Airbus innovations and delivered efficiencies in "Time Compression" and therefore associated cost reduction, driven by synergies between Altair's engineering services and software development teams. Based on an in depth understanding of the Airbus activities, Altair has proposed a number of innovations to provide best-in-class pre- and post- processing tools, to reduce the model build process and to improve process efficiency. About Altair Altair is focused on the development and broad application of simulation technology to synthesize and optimize designs, processes and decisions for improved business performance. Privately held with more than 2,600 employees, Altair is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA and operates more than 45 offices throughout 20 countries. Today, Altair serves more than 5,000 corporate clients across broad industry segments. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com. Media Contacts: Altair Corporate/ Americas Biba A. Bedi +1-757-224-0548 x 406 [email protected] Altair Europe, the Middle East and Africa Evelyn Gebhardt +49 6421 9684351 [email protected] SOURCE Altair Related Links http://www.altair.com MINEOLA, N.Y., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays are over, but unfortunately poverty and hunger are not. Anton Media Group wants to address the situation by supporting the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) in the New Year and holding a food drive at its Mineola and Port Washington offices. Anton Media Group Publisher Angela Susan Anton said, "We at Anton always try to help those in need. This is the time of year to hold a food drive because the shelves of the food pantry empty after the holidays. We are pleased to be able to give back to the community in this way and thank the Mary Brennan INN for all the good they do." President of Anton Media Group Frank Virga said, "It's wonderful that our Port Washington News and Manhasset Press editor Elizabeth Johnson took the initiative to organize this food drive. I know that the guests of the Mary Brennan INN will appreciate the items we collect and donate, especially at this time of year." The Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead addresses the issues of hunger and homelessness on Long Island by providing food, shelter, long-term housing and supportive services in a dignified and respectful manner for those who seek help. It receives an abundance of donations and volunteer inquiries and support during the holiday season. After the holidays are over, it is in need of various items, as well as volunteers, both groups and individuals. The INN serves more than 450,000 meals a year throughout their network of soup kitchens, and distributes food to thousands of men, women and children who are in need each year. The INN also has a food pantry that needs to be restocked constantly. They operate five days a week year-round, serving a hot meal and offering supportive services to anyone who seeks help. The INN is open on most major holidays with the exception of New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and July Fourth. It serves 200-400 meals in a day. The most needed, non-perishable food items include boxes and cans of pasta, tuna, soups, canned meats, vegetables and beans. Any cans with a pop-top that do not require a can opener and cereals, macaroni & cheese and child-friendly foods are always in demand. In addition to donations of food, the INN offers a hot shower for those who need one. There are two showers in the building that require approximately 10,000 towels a year to provide this service to guests. Towels can be new or gently used in good condition. Disposable towels are handed out when the INN runs out of regular bath towels. Travel-sized toiletries of soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste/toothbrush, razors and shaving cream are always needed. Anton Media Group welcomes the community to drop off donations at 132 East Second St., Mineola, NY 11501, as well as the satellite office at 270 Main St., Port Washington, NY 11030, on Thursdays and Fridays between now and Feb. 3. For more about the food drive, visit https://longislandweekly.com/anton-media-group-hosts-post-holiday-food-drive. Visit www.the-inn.org for more information about the INN. Visit www.antonmediagroup.com for more information about Anton Media Group. About Anton Media Group Established in 1984, Anton Media Group consists of community newspapers, magazines, specialty publications and websites which cover local markets throughout Nassau County, New York. Anton delivers high quality hyper-local news as well as targeted niche and lifestyle publications. Our brands, dating back to 1877, have a commitment to deliver trusted and relevant content to the communities we serve. To view our 2017 Media Kit, visit www.antonmediagroup.com. Media contact: Kimberly Dijkstra Web Editor [email protected] ANTON MEDIA GROUP 132 E 2nd Street Mineola, NY 11501 516-747-8282 [email protected] SOURCE Anton Media Group Related Links http://www.antonmediagroup.com Headquartered in Irvine, California, AutoGravity was founded by an international team of digital natives and industry veterans on a mission to realize the full potential of smartphone technology to empower customers with vehicle finance offers. As an early adopter, First Investors can reach digitally-savvy millennials with indirect loan offers through the seamless AutoGravity smartphone experience, sending qualified buyers to the showroom with offer already in hand. "AutoGravity is reinventing the car financing journey by using smartphone technology to provide a better experience for consumers, dealers and lenders," said Andy Hinrichs, founder and CEO of AutoGravity. "Our partnership with First Investors Financial Services reinforces our commitment to provide customers with finance options. Additionally, our indirect lender partners gain direct access to customers looking for vehicle financing. It's a win-win situation." The AutoGravity app connects consumers to lenders and dealerships using a seamless digital platform. Car shoppers can choose any new car, find a dealership that sells the car, apply for financing and select from up to four personalized finance offers. They can then take their chosen offer to the dealership to seamlessly lease or purchase the vehicle they've selected. "Our partnership with AutoGravity helps us reach a new generation of customers and positions us to stay ahead of innovation," said Tommy Moore, President and CEO of First Investors Financial Services. "We are excited to work with AutoGravity and utilize cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of our customers and dealers while enhancing our presence in the market." The AutoGravity app is available via the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store and all web devices at www.autogravity.com. Additional app features and updates are under development, and will be announced soon. About AutoGravity AutoGravity is a FinTech pioneer on a mission to transform car financing by harnessing the power of the smartphone. AutoGravity partners with the world's leading banks and financial services companies to give consumers direct control over how they finance their cars. Available as a native iOS, Android and web app, AutoGravity offers a secure and convenient platform that empowers customers with multiple finance offers within its network of trusted car dealerships. Based in Irvine, California, AutoGravity was founded in 2015 by an international team of digital natives and industry veterans. For more information on AutoGravity, please visit www.autogravity.com and follow @AutoGravityHQ on Twitter. About First Investors Financial Services First Investors Financial Services Group Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiaries ("First Investors") is an automobile finance company founded in 1988 to serve the special finance needs of automobile dealers and consumers. First Investors has created a unique business model that encompasses indirect and direct lending as well as portfolio acquisitions and third-party servicing. This multi-channel approach provides asset and revenue diversification as well as a deep understanding of the auto financing needs of both dealers and customers. For additional detail on First Investors, please visit www.fifsg.com. MEDIA CONTACTS: AutoGravity: Kent Barrett, [email protected] 310-373-0103 Mike Geylin, [email protected] 844-640-2925 First Investors Financial Services Group: Bennie H. Duck, [email protected] 713-273-5116 SOURCE AutoGravity Related Links http://www.autogravity.com NEWPORT BEACH, California, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation Capital Group ("ACG"), the commercial aircraft leasing subsidiary of Pacific Life Insurance Company, has announced the sale of a portfolio of aircraft to a financial investor. The mid-life portfolio consists of in-production A320 and B737 family aircraft. The aircraft are on lease to a globally diverse group of airlines. R.W. Pressprich & Co. acted as the special seller advisor and exclusive placement agent of the equity for this transaction. "We are very pleased to announce this portfolio sale," said Andy Mansell, ACG executive vice president, global head of marketing and trading. "ACG works with many aircraft investors and is an active buyer and seller of aircraft." Steve Welo, managing director at R.W. Pressprich stated: "We are very pleased to have advised and placed the equity for ACG on this transaction. Our creative approach provided a way for ACG to leverage its global operating lease and asset management platform on behalf of financial investors in this sector." About Aviation Capital Group Aviation Capital Group is one of the world's premier full service aircraft asset managers with approximately 415 owned, managed and committed aircraft, which are leased to approximately 90 airlines in approximately 40 countries. ACG was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Life Insurance Company. About R.W. Pressprich & Co R.W. Pressprich & Co. is an institutional broker/dealer established in 1909 and headquartered in New York City. As a FINRA member firm with branch offices in Boston, Chicago, and Minneapolis, Pressprich provides a research-oriented approach for institutional investors. The Pressprich Aviation Finance team, based in Minneapolis, leverages an institutional sales force of 50 specialists with a network of relationships covering North America, Europe and Asia. Gordon Grant Media Relations +1-949-219-4664 [email protected] SOURCE Aviation Capital Group GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Axiom Investors is pleased to announce the promotion of Kurt Polk to the position of President and Edward Azimi to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Since Kurt joined in 2014 as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Distribution, Axiom has expanded its client base, enhanced the firm's client service efforts, and raised several billion dollars in assets under management. Ed Azimi, who joined in 2015 as Deputy Chief Operating Officer, has been critical to optimizing the firm's operational and technology infrastructure to support Axiom's growth. "Kurt and Ed have been terrific partners and they have made outstanding contributions to Axiom's success working alongside the investment team," said Andrew Jacobson, Axiom's CEO and Chief Investment Officer. He added, "With our strong executive leadership and team of experienced portfolio managers, global sector analysts, traders, marketing, operations and compliance specialists, Axiom is very well positioned to deliver excellence in investment management, client service and portfolio oversight." As President, Kurt leads all of Axiom's non-investment activities, and as Chief Operating Officer, Ed manages Axiom's operational and technological infrastructure. Prior to joining Axiom in August 2014, Kurt was CEO at Rainier Investment Management, an institutional asset management firm. During Kurt's 19 year investment career, he has held leadership positions in distribution, business management, and strategy. Prior to entering the investment business, Kurt was an officer in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Texas and Germany. He earned his B.A. in Economics and Business from the Virginia Military Institute and his M.B.A. in Finance from St. Mary's University in Texas. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Ed Azimi joined the firm in June 2015 and has over 21 years of industry experience, having most recently served in leadership roles in operations management at Epoch Investment Partners and Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn. Ed earned his B.B.A. and M.B.A. both in Finance from The Lubin School of Business at Pace University. ABOUT AXIOM INVESTORS Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, and 100% employee owned, Axiom manages global, international, emerging markets, international small cap and US small cap equities with a single guiding philosophy and consistent, disciplined investment process. Axiom cultivates a culture of excellence and renews our uncompromising effort daily to serve our clients around the world in an open, accessible and responsive manner. For more information, visit, https://axiom-investors.com. SOURCE Axiom Investors Related Links http://www.axiom-investors.com TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Customer marketers are the rising stars of marketing teams according to The State of Customer Marketing 2017, a research report conducted by customer marketing advisory firm Koyne Marketing. Influitive, the advocate marketing experts, commissioned the report, which surveyed over 200 CEOs, heads of marketing, and customer success leaders primarily from B2B companies. The new benchmark research reveals that: Customer marketing is on the rise. 93% of organizations expect that their customer marketing efforts will take on greater importance, and 62% will increase their staff or budgets in the area in 2017. There's more to be done. Only 61% were satisfied with the results of current customer marketing efforts, which represents a significant opportunity for growth in the customer marketing arena. A stronger connection to revenue is possible. Less than half of those surveyed said that their customer marketing efforts were tied directly to revenue metrics - including cross sells, upsells, and account renewals. "It is exciting to see that organizations expect customer marketing to increase in importance and budget commitment, and not surprising that there is a gap to realize the potential," said Mark Organ, Founder and CEO of Influitive. "Customer marketing as a function is professionalizing, adopting new ideas, people, strategies, processes and technologies. I have seen this same trend firsthand with the demand generation function a decade ago, and believe customer marketing is similarly transforming into an area of vital importance." The report also identified that the skills customer marketers need to succeed are changing too. Companies identified three main skills as vital to the success of modern customer marketing efforts: relationship building, communication, and customer service. "The skills required from customer marketers are more akin to what's traditionally needed from a star sales representative," said Steve Gershik, CEO of Koyne Marketing. "Today's customer is looking for far more than just a transaction with a brand. So, modern marketing organizations need to hire customer marketers who can focus on deep, authentic relationship building." For further analysis and more detailed findings, download the report: The State of Customer Marketing 2017. About Influitive Influitive is driving the shift from company-centric marketing to advocate marketing. Influitive helps B2B companies to spark, build and sustain a movement behind their brands through the voice of their most passionate advocates. Influitive's advocate marketing platform is purpose-built for driving deep human engagement at scale persistently engaging customers, employees and partners to participate wherever advocacy happens. Influitive makes marketing investments better, giving companies an overwhelming advantage in expanding reach, accelerating sales revenue, and increasing customer retention and growth. To learn more, please visit www.influitive.com. About Koyne Marketing Koyne is a customer marketing advisory and consulting firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Boston and Calgary, Canada. Koyne Marketing helps B2B companies that need assistance with growing advocacy, lowering their customer acquisition costs, reducing customer churn and increasing engagement among existing clients. SOURCE Influitive Related Links http://www.influitive.com NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA), a comprehensive wealth advisory firm, announces their most recent merger. Walden Capital Advisors, a Philadelphia-based RIA with a team of five currently managing $150M, officially merged into Beacon Pointe as of January 1st, 2017. This is the second M&A transaction for BPWA in the past three months. Jill Broder Steinberg, founder of Walden Capital Advisors, brings more than 30 years of investment advisory and investment banking experience to Beacon Pointe. Jill holds a degree in economics from Princeton University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Along with this extensive background, Jill serves on boards and investment committees for several local non-profits (including Live Like Blaine, a nonprofit founded in her daughter's honor). She was selected six times as a Five Star Wealth Manager and published in Philadelphia magazine. Beacon Pointe is a firm that breaks industry demographic stereotypes with an employee base that is more than 50% women, of which many are in leadership roles within the company and the majority of the firm's department heads are women. "Jill and her colleagues are phenomenal assets to the Beacon Pointe Team their culture, their philosophical approach to client service and focus on financial planning resonate extremely well with our firm's approach. We have a lot of talent joining the Beacon Pointe Family smart, driven people with bright futures ahead of them and we are very excited to have them on board," states Matt Cooper President of BPWA. In addition to Jill Steinberg, MBA, Bryan Moylan, CFP joins Beacon Pointe as a Wealth Advisor, Stephanie Vogt, CFA as an Associate Wealth Advisor and Fran Gibson joins as Client Service Manager. Jill states, "We are extremely excited to join forces with the talented Beacon Pointe team and leverage the firm's supportive resources to further enhance our clients' experiences. Our passion for serving and empowering female investors is also an important mission of Beacon Pointe, and our team is very excited about the alignment of philosophies and approaches to helping all clients achieve their financial and life goals." With Walden Capital Advisors merging into BPWA, Beacon Pointe now has additional presence on the East coast, continuing the firm's expansion across the United States. Jill and her team will be working with clients located within the general Philadelphia region, including Central and Southern New Jersey. The merger of Walden Capital Advisors will bring BPWA total assets under management to over $2 Billion. About the Beacon Family of Companies Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) is a national enterprise building partnership dedicated to helping wealth advisors grow their businesses throughout the country. Through shared ownership and affiliation with Beacon Pointe Advisors (BPA), one of the nation's largest independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors allows its partners to leverage BPA's resources and is able to deliver a distinctive investment approach comprised of some of the country's leading investment managers. Beacon Pointe Advisors' mission is to provide highly professional, comprehensive and objective investment and financial advice for both institutions and wealthy families. The Beacon Pointe family of companies, including BPA and BPWA, have over $9.5 billion in combined assets under management (AUM for BPA ($7.5B), AUA for BPA ($530M), and BPWA ($1.5B) as of 3/31/16). For more information on Beacon Pointe please visit www.bpadvisors.com. Twitter: @BPWealthAdvisor Media Contact: Alli Hillgren (949) 718-1634 [email protected] SOURCE Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors Related Links http://www.bpadvisors.com PHOENIX, Arizona, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clairvoyant Expanding Presence in Boston, MA, Seattle, WA, Dallas, TX and Washington DC Clairvoyant LLC, a global technology consulting and services company focussed on big data, announces expansion of its domestic footprint in Four major US locations. Clairvoyant has achieved over 100% business growth in the past few years, providing solutions and services to enterprise customers in the US around the fast expanding Hadoop market. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161129/443552LOGO ) With an acceleration of large enterprises investing in the Hadoop environment, this expansion in key markets will provide Clairvoyant customers local talent, expertise and support. The new centers are located in Boston, MA, Seattle, WA, Dallas, TX and Washington DC. Having a track record of delivering exceptional results to their customers, Clairvoyant aims to provide system integration, data science, big data management services and solutions across these centers. The local centers will help in product and solution development and managed services with a focus on customer engagement. Clairvoyant opened their first international delivery and development center in Pune, India last year and that has scaled to over 75 people. The new centers in US will expand Clairvoyant's reach nationally as well as provide better support and access to talent for customers. "Our new locations will deliver extraordinary Big Data solutions to our enterprise customers," said Chandra Ambadipudi, Chief Executive Officer, Clairvoyant LLC. Additionally, he said, "Our team is excited about the expansion as it will provide a lot of room for growth to individuals as we will continue to expand our service platform and customer base. These centers will also help Clairvoyant focus on building and hiring big data talent in partnership with local Universities." About Clairvoyant: Clairvoyant is an innovative company that is helping businesses redefine their operations and decision making processes by transforming their business data into actionable outcomes. Clairvoyant's products and services facilitate the journey to cloud computing in a cost-effective and agile manner. Our deep vertical knowledge helps support purpose-built solutions to meets our client's unique business requirements. For more information, Please visit: http://www.clairvoyantsoft.com or call on (623) 282-2385. Contact: Vikram Bhalchandra Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Clairvoyant LLC [email protected] SOURCE Clairvoyant LLC RICHMOND, BC, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - bioLytical Laboratories, a world leader in rapid infectious disease tests, today announced receipt of the prestigious Breakthrough Technology Award from Premier Inc. for its INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 rapid point of care diagnostic test. Premier is a healthcare improvement company that unites an alliance of approximately 3,750 hospitals and 130,000 other provider organizations to whom the INSTI HIV test will now been made available at negotiated pricing and terms. "We are very pleased and proud to receive this award from Premier, and to offer Premier's members and their healthcare professionals the benefits of our INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 rapid point of care diagnostic test," said Livleen Veslemes, bioLytical's Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. "This offering further demonstrates our commitment to improve patient care in the United States and support the CDC guidelines which recommend HIV screening be a part of routine clinical care in all health-care settings." Clinicians and other health care system members of Premier selected the innovative INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 rapid point of care diagnostic test based on the product's unique properties and the potential to improve patient care with more routine HIV screening. bioLytical's INSTI HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Antibody Test is a rapid in vitro qualitative test for the detection of antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Type 2 in human whole blood, fingerstick blood, or plasma. The test is intended for use by trained personnel in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinical laboratories, and physician offices as a screening assay capable of providing test results in as little as 60 seconds. The INSTI test kit has a unique immunofiltration "flow-through" design which leads to accelerated and accurate results. About bioLytical Laboratories Inc. bioLytical Laboratories Inc. is a privately owned Canadian company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of rapid, point of care in vitro medical diagnostics using its proprietary INSTI technology platform. With a world-wide footprint of regulatory approvals including US FDA approval, Health Canada approval and CE mark, bioLytical markets and sells its INSTI HIV test globally and INSTI HIV/Syphilis Multiplex test in Europe. The INSTI product line provides highly accurate test results in 60 seconds or less, far faster than the 15-20 minutes required for competitors' tests based on lateral flow technology. bioLytical has an active R&D program with a pipeline that includes tests for diseases such as Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, Hepatitis C and Ebola, among others. The company also provides contract services to adapt the INSTI platform to meet custom functional and technical diagnostic testing requirements. For more information, please visit www.biolytical.com. SOURCE bioLytical Laboratories Related Links http://www.biolytical.com VANCOUVER, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Bravura Ventures Corp. (CSE: BVQ; OTC: BRVVF; FRA: 23B) ("Bravura" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an exploration update for both its Musgrove Creek gold project, near Salmon, Idaho; and its Grew Creek gold project located in the Watson Lake Mining District in southeast Yukon. Musgrove Creek Bravura has received significant information from the U.S Forestry Service ("Forestry") in Idaho with respect to its recently lodged Plan of Operations. The Forestry reviews and approves exploration permits on the lands they manage with Bravura's Musgrove Project falling under such jurisdiction. Forestry has provided an update with respect to timelines and an internal pathway for the approval process. Bravura believes this to be a significant and positive step forward for Musgrove Creek. The below time frames have been provided by Forestry: Checkpoint Due Date Field Review Completed Initiate Public Scoping January 2017 Develop Design Criteria, Mitigation, Monitoring January 2017 Complete Effects Analysis March 1, 2017 EA and Draft DN/FONSI released April 1, 2017 Objection Period April 1 through mid-May, 2017 Resolution (if necessary) Mid-May through July 1, 2017 Implementation Mid-July, 2017 *Timelines are tentative and are subject to change pending outcomes of each checkpoint. The Plan of Operation will be subject to routine public notice periods. Proposed operations under the application may be conducted over a three year period, thus allowing for a flexible drilling program and one that could span multiple field seasons. Proposed operations include the reopening of a total of approximately 2,045 metres of previously- constructed and reclaimed drill roads, the construction of a total of approximately 470 metres of completely new road, and the construction of a total of 14 drill sites each approximately 6 metres by 12 metres in area. As many as 3 drill holes per site may be drilled at each site, for a possible total of up to 42 holes and 12,800 metres of total drilling. Bravura will provide an update on any finalized exploration and drill programs for 2017, with any decision by the U.S Forestry on the Plan of Operations application, as and when received. Grew Creek Bravura is pleased to inform that the company is well underway with an internal desktop review which will determine 'best approach' for seeking independent professional consultants to assist in the initial exploration phase of the project. A review of all historic geochemistry, geophysics, geology and drill information will combine into a decision on next best steps and scope of work for consultants. Bravura will also be eligible to make application to the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program ("YMEP"). The YMEP promotes and enhances mineral prospecting and exploration activities in Yukon. It provides a portion of the risk capital required to locate, explore and develop mineral projects to an advanced exploration stage. Bravura will provide an update on the detail of the application and final submission towards the end of Q1. About Bravura Ventures Corp. Bravura Ventures Corp. is a mineral-exploration resource company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company is currently acquiring, and intends to begin exploring, the advanced exploration-stage Gold Projects. BRAVURA VENTURES CORP. "Greg Burns" _______________________ Greg Burns, Director Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Bravura Ventures Corp. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. 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 may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. SOURCE Bravura Ventures Corp. Related Links http://www.bravuracorp.com/ ATLANTA, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bubbleology (www.bubbleologyusa.com), the premier London-based bubble tea franchise chain, is driving brand growth in the United States, inviting Yelp Elite Squad members to taste their many flavors at Bloomingdale's hosted fairs near their Atlanta location. As part their grand opening in Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta, Bloomingdale's invited Bubbleology to bring their unique take on the Taiwanese favorite via tea tastings and prizes, including a yearlong supply of bubble tea. Bubbleology has invited Yelp Elite Squad members to taste their many flavors at Bloomingdale's hosted fairs near their Atlanta location. "Since our inception more than five years ago, we've strived to bring our customers a superior alternative to their current beverage choices," said Carly Clark, marketing manager at Bubbleology. "For Bubbleology, the opportunity presented by Bloomingdale's to help introduce our brand to the U.S audience searching for that alternative is invaluable." Bubbleology's Bloomingdale's relationship comes in addition to long-standing United Kingdom partnerships with Topshop, a multinational fashion retailer of clothing, shoes, make-up and accessories, Harvey Nichols, a leading luxury retailer and Pernod Ricard, a leader in the wines and spirits sector worldwide and proprietor of such brands as Malibu, Kahlua and Absolut and ODEON cinemas. For more information and full details on the Bubbleology partnerships or franchise opportunity, visit http://bubbleologyusa.com/franchise. About Bubbleology: Bubbleology, a U.K.-based beverage leader specializing in authentic bubble tea, was founded in 2011 in the heart of trend-setting Soho, London. The company currently operates over 70 locations across Europe and the Middle East, in addition to key locations in Topshop's global flagship in Oxford Circus London and in Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge. The Bubbleology team is trained under renowned bubble tea masters in Taiwan, learning the exact science of making the beverage, which requires precise measurements and temperatures to create the trademark and authentic Bubbleology taste. For more information, visit bubbleologyusa.com or connect with Bubbleology on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Media Contact: Rey Perez 708.249.1090 Ext. 464 [email protected] SOURCE Bubbleology Related Links http://bubbleologyusa.com Morgan Ley joins Canaccord Genuity as Managing Director and Head of Consumer & Retail Investment Banking (U.S.) and in addition to leading the sector coverage team, he will be tasked with reinvigorating the firm's distinctive Healthy Living practice. Mark Young joins as Managing Director, Technology Investment Banking (U.S.) and will focus on expanding the firm's Technology coverage to encompass information services and technology-enabled marketing solutions. Both will be based in Boston, MA. "I am pleased to welcome Morgan Ley and Mark Young, who bring a strong complement to our existing Consumer & Retail and Technology capabilities," said Dan Coyne, Senior Managing Director and Head of U.S. Investment Banking for Canaccord Genuity. "Having previously worked with our investment banking team, we expect they will have a seamless transition, allowing us to continue to deliver on our commitment to advancing coverage in our core focus sectors and providing best-in-class investment banking and advisory expertise across our global platform." Morgan Ley brings over 20 years of experience to his role, with significant experience advising mid-market consumer product companies in the health and wellness, food and beverage and direct-to-consumer sectors, in addition to specialty retailers and multi-unit service providers. Prior to joining Canaccord Genuity, Morgan was a Managing Director in the Consumer Investment Banking Group at Raymond James Financial and has also worked at Adams Harkness (acquired by Canaccord Genuity in 2006), SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Tucker Anthony and CS First Boston. He is a graduate of Harvard College. Mark Young has more than 25 years of investment banking advisory experience focused on mid-market growth companies in the technology, business services, and consumer products sectors. Prior to joining Canaccord Genuity, Mark co-led the Business & Information Services investment banking practice at MHT Partners and has also served as a Managing Director at Boston-based Capstone Partners and Adams Harkness (acquired by Canaccord Genuity in 2006). Mark is a graduate of the University of Virginia and is a qualified General Securities Principal. ABOUT CANACCORD GENUITY: Canaccord Genuity is the global capital markets division of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (TSX: CF), offering institutional and corporate clients idea-driven investment banking, merger and acquisition, research, sales and trading services from offices in 10 countries worldwide. Our team of nearly 1,000 capital markets and advisory professionals has industry and transactional expertise in 18 key sectors of the global economy. We are committed to providing valued services to our clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their business and operating as a gold standard independent investment bank expansive in resources and reach, but targeted in industry expertise, market focus and individual client attention. More information is available at www.canaccordgenuity.com ABOUT CANACCORD GENUITY GROUP INC.: Through its principal subsidiaries, the Company is a leading independent, full-service financial services firm, with operations in two principal segments of the securities industry: wealth management and capital markets. Since its establishment in 1950, the Company has been driven by an unwavering commitment to building lasting client relationships. We achieve this by generating value for our individual, institutional and corporate clients through comprehensive investment solutions, brokerage services and investment banking services. The Company has offices in 10 countries worldwide, including Wealth Management offices located in Canada, the UK, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and Australia. Canaccord Genuity, the international capital markets division, operates in Canada, the US, the UK, France, Ireland, Hong Kong, China, Australia and Dubai. To us there are no foreign markets. Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. is publicly traded under the symbol CF on the TSX. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christina Marinoff Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications Phone: 416-687-5507, email: [email protected] www.canaccordgenuitygroup.com SOURCE Canaccord Genuity Inc. ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Porte Brown LLC, www.PorteBrown.com, a Chicagoland accounting firm providing accounting, audit, tax, technology and wealth management services, announces that Patricia Schaeffer, CPA, has been admitted as Partner. Patricia Schaeffer, CPA Pat is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 25 years of experience providing tax consulting and accounting services. Pat manages the Trust & Estate practice at Porte Brown where she assists clients and attorneys with estate and gift tax planning and the related tax preparation. She is a leader of the Tax Practice Group and also heads up the mentor program for the professional staff of the firm. Schaeffer graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in Accounting and Finance. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Illinois CPA Society, the Northwest Estate Planning Council and the North Shore Estate Planning Council. Schaeffer grew up in the Elmhurst, IL and now resides in Arlington Heights. "Pat joined the firm as part of a merger with the firm of Ulbrich & Company, P.C. in 2010. She has set a new standard in our Trust & Estate practice by implementing innovative, leading-edge processes while also applying her outstanding organizational skills to lead the practice group," said Bruce Jones, Managing Partner. "Pat is one of the most genuine people you will find, and we congratulate her as she continues to grow and excel in her career." About Porte Brown Porte Brown LLC is a full service accounting and consulting firm headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Elk Grove Village, Illinois. For more than 70 years, Porte Brown has focused on providing the highest level of service to individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region. In addition to the traditional accounting services such as tax planning and preparation, audit, business valuations, and retirement plan administration. Porte Brown also provides strategic consulting and leading-edge technology implementation for clients in cloud and non-cloud environments. Wealth management services provided by Porte Brown Wealth Management LLC.* Porte Brown serves accounting and consulting clients from offices in Illinois, Indiana and Texas. For more information, visit www.portebrown.com or call 847-956-1040. *Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp., Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Insurance services offered through 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc. Contact: Pam Metzger [email protected] 847-956-1040 www.portebrown.com SOURCE Porte Brown LLC Related Links http://www.portebrown.com LONDON, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanks to the rapid growth in e-commerce industry, the online shopping habits of the Chinese consumers have been gradually developed and deepened. In 2015, the online shopping market sales reached RMB3.8 trillion in 2015, with a CAGR of 50% over the past five years, thus driving a surge in express delivery industry. In 2015, China's express delivery business volume totaled 20.67 billion pieces, up 48% from a year earlier, with a CAGR of 54.6% over the past five years; express delivery revenue came to RMB276.96 billion, up 35.4% from a year earlier, registering a CAGR of 37.0% over the past five years. In H1 2016, the business volume of Chinese express delivery firms reached 13.25 billion pieces, up 56.7% from the same period of last year; the business revenue totaled RMB171.46 billion, a year-on-year growth rate of 43.4%. In the first half of 2016, express delivery revenue saw a rising proportion of up to 69.3% in the postal service industry revenue. Regionally, eastern China constitutes the mainstay of the express delivery industry, with the business volume accounting for as high as 82%, and central and western China 11.2% and 6.8%, respectively. By provinces/municipalities, the top 5 ones in terms of express delivery business are respectively Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing, all of which hold a combined share of 69% in the total business volume. The top 5 provinces/municipalities by express delivery revenue are Guangdong, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Beijing, sweeping an aggregate of 69.6% of the express delivery revenue. In terms of competitive landscape, competition between major players pricks up, including EMS, SF Express, STO, YTO, ZTO, and Yunda. In 2015, China's express delivery market concentration continued to fall, with the top 8 companies by revenue accounting for a combined 77.3% of the total nationwide, and the top four 50.4%. The two rates slid 0.6 percentage point, respectively, compared with a year ago. The decline in industry concentration reflects fiercer competition in China's express delivery market. With the intensifying competition in express delivery industry, major companies are beginning to increase capital to cope with challenges. In 2016, the major four private express delivery firms (SF Express, STO Express, YTO Express, and Yunda Express) happened to venture into capital market through back-door listing. Moreover, it is rumored from time to time that ZTO might go public in the United States. In 2015, after completing the fourth round of financing, Quanfeng Express seeks to be listed in the main board and National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ). Additionally, some enterprises jumpstarted financing process, with TTK Express completing the first two rounds of financing of footing up to over RMB1.5 billion in February and August 2016. Fast Express obtained the first round of financing of RMB250 million in May 2016. The report highlights the followings: Overview of the Chinese express delivery industry, including definition and classification, industry chain, as well as industrial policy and development trends; Overall market size of the Chinese express delivery industry, involving business volume, revenue, business structure, service capability, and future trends, etc. Competitive landscape of the Chinese express delivery industry, including market concentration, business model contrast, and financing and M&A; Regional analysis of the Chinese express delivery industry, including regional competition, and analysis of 12 markets including Guangdong, Shanghai, and Zhejiang; Profile, financial situation, service facilities, service network, and financing of 19 domestic and foreign enterprises including FedEx, DHL, UPS, EMS, China Railway Express, China Air Express, SF Express, STO, YTO, and Yunda. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4170499/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com COLUMBIA, Md., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chiron Technology Services, Inc. ("Chiron") pronounced 'Kai-ron', an infosec engineering and training firm based in Columbia, Maryland, today announced it has been awarded a $50M prime contract with the US Department of Defense (DoD). The five year, competitively awarded contract will deliver Chiron's Information Operations (IO) Role-Based Training to DoD Information Operations Professionals focusing on Cybersecurity Operations, Incident Response, Threat Emulation, and Network Defense. "Chiron is honored to be identified as a strategic DoD partner with this award. Our team of dedicated Subject Matter Experts fully understand the responsibility and critical need to develop a strong pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals," commented Dave Pappas, President of Chiron Technology Services, Inc. About Chiron Technical Services, Inc. Chiron Technology Services, Inc. is a leading cybersecurity firm that provides training and customized engineering services designed to identify and solve our public and private sector clients' most difficult challenges. Contact: Jamie Cyrway Chiron Technology Services, Inc. (410) 672-1522 [email protected] SOURCE Chiron Technology Services, Inc. HOUSTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation kicks off its annual Marketer Roundtable meetings on Jan. 10 with an emphasis on new initiatives, industry trends and best practices. Continuing through Feb. 2 in various cities throughout the company's marketing regions, CITGO marketing personnel will address the following and more: Club CITGO Mobile App updates TriCLEAN TOP TIER promotion updates Trimark of Excellence Mystery Shop Program enhancements CITGO Rewards Credit Card Program updates New Managed Installation Program for branding New vendor partnerships for specialty items "Each year, we look forward to engaging with our Marketers during these meetings to learn about their recent triumphs and challenges, because their feedback helps us tailor our programs with their success in mind," said Alan Flagg, Assistant Vice President of Supply and Marketing for CITGO. "These gatherings also provide us with the chance to share new and exciting CITGO programs for 2017 and show our appreciation for all that our Marketers do to promote the CITGO brand, including their many community engagement efforts." While the main goal of each of the upcoming 18 Roundtable Meetings is to inform and educate branded Marketers on CITGO initiatives for 2017, the meetings also generate enthusiasm and support for the programs that can be shared with Retailers. To find out more or to register for the 2017 CITGO Marketer Roundtable Meetings, contact your local CITGO representative. For more information about CITGO, its products and programs, visit www.citgo.com. About CITGO CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com. SOURCE CITGO Related Links http://www.citgo.com Top 100 most innovative companies shift focus from quantity to quality PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Analytics, formerly the Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters, today announced its highly anticipated list of 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators. The report honors the most innovative corporations and institutions in the world as determined by the robust analysis of unique and proprietary data. The company also unveiled its new brand identity following the sale of the business to Onex Corporation and Baring Private Equity Asia in October 2016. Now in its sixth year, the 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators report reveals a prominent shift in strategy among the world's top innovators. Notably, the volume of patents filed has decreased while grant rates have increased. That trend, combined with a significant commitment to R&D spending, showcases an increased commitment to quality over quantity for commercializing new inventions. Together, the firms on the list generated more than $4 trillion revenue in 2015 and spent more than $227 billion on research and development. On average, the 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators invest 9.1 percent more in R&D than those in the S&P 100, underlining the importance they place on innovation. This year's study also revealed wider diversification within the patent portfolios of the top innovators. Canon, General Electric and Hitachi are investing significantly in medical devices, while Google is developing a self-driving car and Amazon is actively involved in drone technology. The data in this year's report show the path to innovation is no longer a straight line. "Today marks a milestone for Clarivate Analytics as we journey towards the future with the publication of our Top 100 Global Innovators report under our new brand identity," said Jay Nadler, CEO. "We believe the power of innovation is a fundamental driver of economic well-being, competitive advantage and success, which represents the heart of our business to accelerate the pace of innovation. Using insights from the Web of Science, Derwent and Cortellis, our Top 100 Global Innovators methodology is purely data-based and eliminates any ambiguity as to what makes an organization innovative. So, we congratulate those who have made meaningful gains to usher in the next era of global innovation." The Clarivate Analytics 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators methodology is the only objective analysis of patent volume, patent-grant success rates, global reach and invention influence to identify without bias the world's most innovative organizations. The Clarivate Analytics 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators are: 3M Company Fujitsu Nokia Abbott Laboratories General Electric Novartis Advanced Micro Devices Google (now Alphabet Inc.) NTT Air Products Hitachi NXP Semiconductors Aisin Seiki Honda Motor Olympus Alstom Honeywell International Omron Amazon Huawei Oracle Analog Devices IFP Energies Nouvelles Panasonic Apple Intel Philips Arkema InterDigital Qualcomm BASF Johnson & Johnson Renesas Bayer Johnson Controls Roche Becton Dickinson JTEKT Safran Boeing Kawasaki Heavy Industries Saint-Gobain Boston Scientific Kobe Steel Samsung Electronics Bridgestone Komatsu Seagate Bristol-Myers Squibb Kyocera Seiko Epson Broadcom LG Electronics Shin-Etsu Chemical Cannon Lockheed Martin Showa Denko Chevron LSIS Sony CNRS, French National Center for Scientific Research Makita Corporation Sumitomo Electric CEA Marvell Symantec Corning MediaTek TE Connectivity Daikin Industries Medtronic Thales Delphi Automotive Merck Toshiba Dolby Laboratories Micron Total S.A. Dow Chemical Company Microsoft Toyota Motor DuPont Mitsubishi Heavy Industries University of California Emerson Electric NEC Valeo Ericsson Nike Xerox Exxon Mobil Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Xilinx Fraunhofer Nissan Motor Yamaha Fujifilm Nitto Denko Yaskawa Electric Yazaki For more information on the 2016 Clarivate Analytics Top 100 Global Innovators program and to download the report, visit: http://top100innovators.stateofinnovation.com/. For a visual glance of this year's Top 100 Global Innovators visit: http://top100innovators.stateofinnovation.com/content/top-100-global-innovators-infographic. Clarivate Analytics Clarivate Analytics accelerates the pace of innovation by providing trusted insights and analytics to customers around the world, enabling them to discover, protect and commercialize new ideas faster. Formerly the Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, we own and operate a collection of leading subscription-based businesses focused on scientific and academic research, patent analytics and regulatory standards, pharmaceutical and biotech intelligence, trademark protection, domain brand protection and intellectual property management. Clarivate Analytics is now an independent company with over 4,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries and owns wellknown brands that include Web of Science, Cortellis, Thomson Innovation, Derwent World Patents Index, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet, among others. For more information, please visit Clarivate.com. SOURCE Clarivate Analytics The Cheap Shot is being revealed for the first time at this week's Archery Trade Association Show in Indianapolis, Indiana where attendees will have the opportunity to watch video of the product in live tests and interact with the Cheap Shot at Cold Steel's booth. "I didn't grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth, and every dollar I have I've earned the hard way. Sure, I often use expensive broadheads when I'm hunting, but it still hurts when I miss, damage them, or lose my arrow! That's why I invented the Cheap Shot. You can take your best shot every time you draw your bow without worrying about breaking the bank," said Lynn C. Thompson, Cold Steel president and founder. Cold Steel's Cheap Shot broadhead costs about a dollar per piece and comes in two sizes- 125 grain and 100 grain, with both sizes available in 10 or 50 pack options. The product holds multiple patents and is entirely made in the USA from space-age polymer, developed specifically as a substitute for steel. The Cheap Shot is anticipated to become available at the end of February for shipment to consumers. Orders can then be placed online through www.ColdSteel.com or by visiting an authorized Cold Steel dealer. About Cold Steel Cold Steel Inc. is a knife and tool company dedicated to creating the world's strongest, sharpest knives, swords, tomahawks, machetes, cutlery, tools for every day carry: EDC. Quickly adopted by Military, Law Enforcement Special units, Emergency Services Personnel, Self Defense professionals as well as members of the Martial Arts community, Cold Steel quickly became renowned for quality, strength, reliability and dependability in every day carry (EDC). For more information, visit www.ColdSteel.com or contact [email protected]. SOURCE Cold Steel Inc. ATLANTA, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CommuniTake, a leader in enterprise mobile security solutions announced today it has signed a distribution agreement with American International Radio Inc., (AIR) a premier distributor of professional communications solutions and products. With this agreement, CommuniTake will further extend the selling of its IntactPhone secure mobility solution, to enable in-depth protection against mobile cyber-attacks, to multiple markets. With this agreement, American International Radio, Inc. extends its communications product portfolio to include IntactPhone and provide its global reseller community with an advanced mobile cyber security solution to address the threats many organizations are now facing. Mobile cyber-crime has become a significant threat to any organization. It drives a need to create a new, higher level of security to enable organizations connect and operate more safely. CommuniTake's IntactPhone utilizes holistic mobile security approach that far exceeds the capabilities of other alternatives in the market and represents a paradigm shift in the advancement of protected communications. It combines dedicated device and purpose-built operating system along with encrypted communications, fused central governance and built-in remote control technology to enable always-on and always-secure enterprise mobility environment. "It's CommuniTake's pleasure to cooperate with AIR for our one-of-a-kind Intact Mobile Security Suite. We are happy that AIR recognized the quality, robustness, and innovation of our products," Said Ronen Sasson, CEO of CommuniTake Technologies. "With AIR's world-class IT expertise and superior channel coverage, we believe we can provide organizations a highly secure mobile experience, combined with a strong support by local partners." "With mobile becoming a key enabler to conducting business these days, data sensitive organizations are increasingly interested in protecting mobile endpoints and precisely controlling the use of mobile devices," said Dorel Nasui, CEO at AIR. "With cyber security becoming such a significant challenge to our customers, we decided to provide our customers with the best solution we could find. After careful evaluation, we selected CommuniTake's IntactPhone. The addition of IntactPhone to our broad portfolio of solutions improves organizations' ability to protect wireless communications while assuring seamless device performance. Together, we will be able to provide our customers with top-tier solutions that prevent eavesdropping, protect data, and improve productivity." About CommuniTake Technologies CommuniTake delivers a game-changing mobile security and productivity platform. It natively integrates a specially manufactured mobile device, custom-built security-rich OS, encrypted communications, virtual private network, command and control center, and remote takeover technology to provide organizations with powerful in-depth protection against mobile cyber-crime. CommuniTake personnel are a combination of developers from elite military cyber units, as well as hacking experts, ensuring cutting-edge technology. CommuniTake products are used by foremost operators and businesses worldwide. About American International Radio Inc. AIR is a premier technology company, one of the largest Motorola Distributors within EMEA and System Integrator providing Professional Communication Solutions and Mobility & IT Applications for Public Safety, Government, Commercial, Industrial and Transport sectors. AIR began in 1990 and has since grown to direct offices in nine countries and partners in over 60 countries all over the world, including U.S.A, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. AIR corporate headquarters is located in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Visit us online at www.airadio.com Contacts CommuniTake Technologies Inc. Itai Bass; (650) 515-3578 [email protected] www.IntactPhone.com SOURCE CommuniTake Technologies Ltd We think its going to be a tenuous session of the Iowa Legislature. Yes, promises have been made for bipartisan cooperation they always are. Goals are pretty cut and dried on major issues. And the Republican Party, having control of the House, Senate and governors office, appears to have free rein at doing as it please. New Iowa Legislature installed for two years DES MOINES Monday was all about regime change at the Iowa Statehouse. But there were problems before the first gavel fell. The state finds itself in a $100 million hole because of declining tax revenues, which not only looks foreboding for new programs but likely will mean cuts in work force and some programs to keep the current year budget balanced as required by law. Since the budget year is half over, cuts will be even more drastic than they might have been if undertaken earlier. None of this is new, but it behooves Iowans to keep informed on whats going on in Des Moines, and keep in contact with lawmakers on issues they consider important. Know that your opinion counts, that your voice will be heard. In our conversations with state Sen. Amanda Ragan, D-Mason City, before the session, we learned that Iowans were turning to her for help with the Medicaid privatization issue in her role as ranking member of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee. One man was desperate and told Ragan she was his last resort. An expert in the area, Ragan found that man and others ways to seek help they might not have had if not in touch with her. Rep. Sharon Steckman, D-Mason City, a retired teacher, is considered an expert on education matters. Rep. Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, wields considerable power as speaker of the House. Other lawmakers have, or will have, priority areas to work on. Not every legislator can be an expert in everything, nor does every legislator take up a torch for particular issues. But the point is, they know where people can get help or know which direction to point their constituents in. Thats why its important to speak up early on issues you consider important. Its already happening on a large scale. A coalition of progressive groups has pledged to counter any efforts they deem inappropriate by the GOP-controlled Legislature. So, while Medicaid, the K-12 school system have been declared safe by Gov. Terry Branstad, there are any other number of issues that will be considered by Republicans who have vowed to make Iowas government smaller but smarter. Think state services shouldnt be cut? That more troopers should be put on our highways? More emphasis is needed on care for the mentally ill? That water quality must be addressed this session? Or is one of the myriad other issues high on your list? We believe every lawmaker wants to help Iowa the question is, how do they want to do it, how much will it cost and how will it affect you and your communities? Thats where your input is valuable. Help elected officials craft legislation that will be felt immediately and for years to come. DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To help more youth and adults pursue careers in information technology (IT) and to promote diversity in the IT workforce, CompTIA has diversified its philanthropic efforts and established CompTIA Giving. "The IT industry needs more technology professionals and more people need the types of career opportunities offered in tech. One way that CompTIA is tackling this workforce challenge is through social innovation and philanthropy," said Todd Thibodeaux, CEO, CompTIA. "We've pledged more than $3 million in philanthropic dollars to support this work in 2017, which is 5 percent of our annual revenues." CompTIA has separated its philanthropic investments along three branches: Creating IT Futures, CompTIA's main IT charity, which researches and launches new workforce development and STEM programs; NextUp, CompTIA's newest initiative to introduce middle-schoolers to tech careers through mentors and partners; and CompTIA Giving, which supports IT-related charities with financial and volunteer resources. Charles Eaton was named executive vice president of social innovation at CompTIA, while he also will continue to be the CEO of Creating IT Futures. Eaton commented, "We're looking forward to driving several new programs through all 3 philanthropic branches at CompTIA with the goal of shrinking the skills gap so that there are enough qualified IT workers to fill the jobs employers demand. Through CompTIA Giving, CompTIA will make most of its financial donations, while NextUp will focus on partnering and Creating IT Futures will build its own programs." Under CompTIA Giving, the Channel Chief Giving Circle works with industry leaders to identify worthwhile charities and make a $1,000 donation in those leaders' names. The Circle aims to donate $200,000 annually amongst the charities, most of which are focused on getting young people on a pathway to a tech career. CompTIA employees also spend hundreds of hours volunteering at a wide range of local and international charities. Staff get one paid day off to use each year to volunteer at a local charity and can participate in an aggressive charitable matching program in which CompTIA matches dollar-for-dollar to qualifying charities, up to $750 per employee per year. In addition, CompTIA Giving selects other non-profits such as ChiTech, a tech high school in Chicago; Per Scholas, a tech workforce development nonprofit in several U.S. cities; and Women's Audio Mission in San Francisco to support financially and with volunteerism. As another part of CompTIA Giving, CompTIA's member communities and councils will continue to select technology-related charities to make annual donations of $10,000. Since 2013, these communities and councils have donated more than half a million dollars. Charities that would like to be considered for these annual gifts should contact Cathy Alper, director, member communities, CompTIA, at [email protected]. Press Contact: Lisa Fasold Creating IT Futures & CompTIA Giving 630-678-8558 [email protected] SOURCE CompTIA Related Links http://www.comptia.org NEW YORK and LONDON and OSLO, Norway, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Confirmit has launched Confirmit AskMe, a mobile survey app that allows participants to respond to Voice of the Customer, Voice of the Employee and Market Research surveys wherever and whenever it suits them even without an internet connection. Confirmit AskMe has been designed to address the ongoing challenge of survey participation by targeting the rapidly increasing population of consumers and business users who rely on smartphones as their Internet tool of choice. It provides a flexible way to capture rich multimedia and text-based feedback via a single survey link, allowing respondents to choose completion online or offline by downloading the app. Martin Fearnley, Information Innovation Manager at NHBC said: "As the UK's leading independent standard-setting body for new homes, we need to provide our advisors and our customers' staff with tools that can record timely, accurate data about the building sites they're assessing. Confirmit AskMe is the ideal tool for this as not only can our people complete reports regardless of Internet connectivity, but they're able to submit photos to back up their comments, and the app automatically captures geolocation data, so we know that the data provided reflects the correct site. This all then comes together to provide benchmark KPIs for the industry." Terry Lawlor, EVP Product Management at Confirmit explains: "Confirmit AskMe adds yet another layer of flexibility to the Confirmit suite of solutions. It delivers even greater opportunities for insight, whether you are running a VoC program that requires in-store offline surveys, a VoE survey that employees can complete in any location, perhaps during breaks or on their journey to work, or a Market Research study requiring respondents to access surveys multiple times, on the move, or from remote locations." Confirmit AskMe can be used for any type of feedback program and by any respondent, including those with limited connectivity or those who need to complete surveys over a period of time. Multimedia feedback can be captured and stored offline, and then synchronized when connectivity improves, providing a richer layer of insight for feedback captured on the move. In addition to increasing response rates through simple and flexible access, organizations can brand the Confirmit AskMe app to suit their own look and feel, boosting brand engagement and awareness. In addition, no extra design or integration work is required as Confirmit AskMe works seamlessly with organizations' existing Confirmit Horizons environment. Lawlor concludes: "Mobile has quickly moved beyond its designation as a channel to a full-blown catalyst for digital business transformation, with statistics showing that smartphones have overtaken laptops as the number one device for UK and US internet users. "As a result, mobile users are increasingly critical to understanding how people discover, explore, purchase and engage with brands today. Organizations running VoC, VoE and MR programs simply cannot ignore the need to offer flexible mobile feedback methods to capture and understand the wealth of insight that can be shared by the mobile population." Confirmit AskMe is available now on Android and iOS and can be distributed at no cost by Confirmit customers on App Store or Google Play. About Confirmit Confirmit is the world's leading SaaS vendor for multi-channel Voice of the Customer, Voice of the Employee, and Market Research solutions. The company has offices in Oslo (headquarters), Chengdu, Grimstad, London, Moscow, New York, San Francisco, Sydney, Vancouver, and Yaroslavl. Confirmit's software is also distributed through partner resellers in Madrid, Milan, Salvador, and Tokyo. Confirmit powers Global 5000 companies and Market Research agencies worldwide with a wide range of software products for feedback / data collection, panel management, data processing, analysis, and reporting. Customers include Aurora, British Airways, British Standards Institution, Copart, Cross-Tab, Dow Chemical, GfK, GlaxoSmithKline, GMO Research, JTN Research, KeepFactor, Morehead Associates, Nielsen, Research Now, RS Components, QRS, Sony Mobile Communications, and Swisscom. Visit www.confirmit.com for more information. Media Contact: Emma Walter Matter Communications [email protected] 978-518-4820 SOURCE Confirmit Related Links http://www.confirmit.com NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research today opens its 2017 call for nominations. This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose basic or clinical discoveries have made, or have the potential to make, significant contributions toward improving human health. Nominations will be accepted until February 28, 2017 at www.pauljanssenaward.com for consideration by an independent selection committee of world-renowned scientists. A $200,000 cash prize will be awarded to the scientist or group of scientists receiving the Award. The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research honors Dr. Paul Janssen (1926-2003), one of the most productive pharmaceutical scientists of the 20th century. Janssen was responsible for breakthrough treatments in key disease areas including pain management, psychiatry, infectious disease and gastroenterology, and founded Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V., now part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies (NYSE: JNJ). "Dr. Paul devoted his life to making a difference for patients through scientific innovation," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson. "It takes creativity, courage and an unwavering commitment to bring forward new research. That's why we are proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Paul by recognizing those innovative scientists whose discoveries help us better understand and, ultimately, solve the major health issues facing our world today." In 2016, the Dr. Paul Janssen Award recognized Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, Ph.D., of the Tokyo Institute of Technology for his pioneering discoveries concerning the molecular basis of autophagy, which hold promise for better understanding, preventing and treating many diseases. Dr. Ohsumi subsequently won the Nobel Prize for the same work. "Scientific research is crucial to advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying human health and disease," said David Julius, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Physiology at the University of California, San Francisco, and Chair of the 2017 Dr. Paul Janssen Award selection committee. "The selection committee encourages nominations of deserving scientists from academia, industry, government and scientific institutions around the world who exemplify the leadership and passion of Dr. Paul and whose work helps to advance science and medicine." Previous Award winners include: 2016 Yoshinori Ohsumi , Ph.D., Nobel Laureate , Ph.D., Nobel Laureate 2015 Bert Vogelstein , M.D. , M.D. 2014 Emmanuelle Charpentier , Ph.D. and Jennifer Doudna , Ph.D. , Ph.D. and , Ph.D. 2013 David Julius , Ph.D. , Ph.D. 2012 Victor Ambros , Ph.D., and Gary Ruvkun , Ph.D. , Ph.D., and , Ph.D. 2011 Napoleone Ferrara , M.D. , M.D. 2010 Anthony S. Fauci , M.D. and Erik De Clercq , M.D., Ph.D., , M.D. and , M.D., Ph.D., 2009 Axel Ullrich , Ph.D. , Ph.D. 2008 Professor Marc Feldmann , FMedSci, FAA, FRS, Emeritus Professor and Sir Ravinder Maini, FRCP , FMedSci, FRS , FMedSci, FAA, FRS, Emeritus Professor and Sir , FMedSci, FRS 2006 Craig Mello , Ph.D., Nobel Laureate To learn more about past Dr. Paul Janssen Award winners, visit www.pauljanssenaward.com. The 2017 Dr. Paul Janssen Award winner will be announced in spring 2017. About The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research Established by Johnson & Johnson, The Dr. Paul Janssen Award salutes the most passionate and creative scientists in basic or clinical research whose scientific achievements have made, or have strong potential to make, a measurable impact on human health. The Award is named after the scientist who founded Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. in 1953. Known to his colleagues as "Dr. Paul," Janssen helped save millions of lives through his contribution to the discovery and development of more than 80 medicines, four of which remain on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. In 1961, Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. joined the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. Janssen's legacy continues to inspire Johnson & Johnson and its commitment to finding innovative cures for unmet medical needs. Visit www.pauljanssenaward.com for more information. About Johnson & Johnson Caring for the world, one person at a time, inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 126,900 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson operating companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world. SOURCE Johnson & Johnson Related Links http://www.jnj.com NAPERVILLE, Ill., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading independent financial marketing organization (FMO), Dressander|BHC (DBHC) has acquired another prominent FMO, Vick & Associates, as part of its growth plans. DBHC supports agents and financial advisors in providing solutions and products to help clients meet and protect their retirement-planning needs. Vick & Associates was founded in 2013 by Dave Vick. Vick began his financial services career in 1992, becoming a successful planner and top producer. Vick later joined Dressander|BHC as its national sales manager and field mentor before launching Vick & Associates. He is the creator of the ABC Planning Process, author of best-selling book Bat-Socks, Vegas, and Conservative Investing, and was a 2013 Advisor of the Year Finalist. "We're extremely pleased to have Dave Vick back on our team," said Mike Dressander, DBHC President. "Dave is a driving force in our industryhis extensive background in helping advisors grow their businesses will be a huge asset to DBHC." This transaction strengthens DBHC's marketing platform with the addition of various prospecting programs, tools and sales systems. The acquisition is the third by DBHC's parent company, Futurity First Financial Corporation (FFFC), this year and will broaden the market position of the FFFC group of companies as one of the largest distributors of annuities and life insurance in the U.S. "It's good to be home," said Vick, DBHC's new Senior Vice President of Business Development. "I'm happy to be part of a growing and thriving FMO and back with the DBHC family again. DBHC is a thought leader in the DOL space, as well as having service capabilities and the necessary scale to take us to the next level." "We are thrilled to have Vick & Associates as part of the FFFC network of companies," FFFC's CEO, Mike Kalen, said. "Their passion for helping advisors position fixed indexed annuities as part of an overall retirement plan is clear. We now have two industry leaders coming together to provide innovative programs, merge their teams of mentors, and change the status quoall to make our agents and financial professionals more successful." About Dressander|BHC Celebrating 40 Years This year marks Dressander|BHC's (DBHC's) 40th anniversary. DBHC is a billion-dollar, financial marketing organization with a history of helping independent producers and financial advisors increase their annuity and life insurance business. With offices in Houston, TX, Chicago, IL, and now Scottsdale, AZ, DBHC represents more than 40 annuity and life insurance companies and has access to the most of the industry's exclusive distribution products. It provides complete lead-generation systems, marketing strategies and tools, and turnkey seminar solutions to help independent producers see more people and close more business. DBHC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Futurity First Financial Corporation. For more information, please call 800-201-0224 or visit www.dbhc.com. SOURCE Dressander|BHC Related Links http://www.dbhc.com BLAINVILLE, QC, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Duchesnay is pleased to announced that Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance (NOC) for Mictoryl/Mictoryl Pediatric (propiverine hydrochloride), indicated for symptomatic treatment of urinary incontinence and/or increased urinary frequency and urgency in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). This Notice of Compliance is the culmination of Duchesnay's efforts following the signing of an agreement with the family-owned German pharmaceutical company, Apogepha, specialized in Urology. Duchesnay has also signed an agreement to market Mictoryl in the United States through its subsidiary, Duchesnay USA, once all FDA regulatory reviews have been completed. "OAB is a serious medical condition that affects millions of Canadians each year, including children. However, the medications currently available cause significant side effects, leading many patients to stop treatment. That's why Duchesnay is so pleased to offer this new therapeutic option, which is also indicated for pediatric use," explained Eric Gervais, Executive Vice President of Duchesnay. According to the Canadian Continence Foundation, OAB is a medical term that describes various symptoms caused by involuntary bladder spasms, including urinary frequency, especially at night, and urgency with or without involuntary leakage. These symptoms may occur without obvious cause or be secondary to certain diseases of the nervous system. The Foundation estimates that nearly 1 in 5 Canadians over the age of 35 suffers from overactive bladder. The condition, with frequency and urgency only, affects men and women of all ages, although most are under age 65.* "Health Canada's approval of Mictoryl confirms its excellent safety and efficacy profile in both adults and children. Knowing that this product is about to be launched in North America is a groundbreaking step for Apogepha and demonstrates our ability to leverage our international footprint. We are proud to partner with Duchesnay to bring this product to market," commented Markus Bauer, Managing Director of Apogepha. About Mictoryl Mictoryl is used to treat adults who have difficulty controlling their urinary function due to bladder overactivity and who have symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence. Mictoryl will be available in 30 mg and 45 mg modified-release capsules and is indicated for adults, including those over 65 years of age. Mictoryl Pediatric is used to treat children who have difficulty controlling their urinary function due to bladder overactivity and who have symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence. Mictoryl Pediatric will be available in 5 mg tablets and is indicated for body-weight-adjusted dosing in children 5 years of age who weigh over 35 kg. Children and adolescents with a higher body weight will be prescribed a daily dose of 30 mg propiverine. About Duchesnay Duchesnay is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a long-standing commitment to women's health. In addition to filling the void in terms of scientific research, education and information and developing pharmacological solutions that are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, Duchesnay is equally committed to ensuring women's health and improving their quality of life at every stage. Thus, Duchesnay has broadened its portfolio of products to offer safe and effective therapeutic options that meet the health and quality of life needs of women and their family members at different stages of their lives. To learn more about Duchesnay, visit duchesnay.com. About Apogepha: Apogepha is an independent German pharmaceutical company that specializes in the field of Urology. The company has its own production facilities and developed propiverine, one of the leading medicines for the treatment of overactive bladder in adults and children. Various dosages and formulations of propiverine are available worldwide under trademarks such as Mictonorm and Detrunorm. The patent for the once-daily formulation of propiverine has been approved in most countries. Currently, Apogepha has marketing and distribution partners in more than twenty countries, with a focus on Europe and Asia. To learn more about Apogepha, visit www.apogepha.com. *The Canadian Continence Foundation: http://www.canadiancontinence.ca/EN/types-of-urinary-incontinence.php SOURCE Duchesnay inc. Related Links http://www.duchesnay.com/fr/ VANCOUVER, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - eBrisk Video Inc., the market-leading provider of high-quality and high-density H.265/HEVC video encoding solutions, announces that its revolutionary H.265/HEVC video encoder, eBLive A-5000, now enables real-time encoding of four 4K60fps/10bit/HDR video channels on Hewlett Packard Enterprise's (HPE) Edgeline EL4000 1-RU Converged Edge System. The Edgeline EL4000 1-RU Converged Edge System can host up to four m510 cartridges, each with one 16-core Intel Xeon Processor D1587, which is connected to an Intel Arria10-1150 FPGA via the internal PCI express bus. "eBrisk's HEVC density-quality breakthrough on the HPE Edgeline system means that video industry leaders now have a cost-effective platform to deploy high-quality real-time HEVC video transcoding solutions in the broadcast and real-time streaming markets," said Dr. Faouzi Kossentini, CEO of eBrisk Video. The eBLive A-5000 encodes 4K60fps/10bit/HDR video content in real-time using 14 cores of a 16-core Intel Xeon Processor D1587 and 80% of an Intel Arria10-1150 FPGA, achieving almost four times the density of the most competitive HEVC encoder, while also maintaining excellent video quality at bit rates that are typical of broadcast distribution applications. "eBrisk's rich feature set, first deployed in our customer's industry-leading H.265/HEVC solutions almost three years ago, is exceptionally robust and complete. The eBLive A-5000's time-tested features, along with its unprecedented density-quality performance, make it an ideal solution to power broadcast-quality real-time H.265/HEVC video encoding as well as transcoding applications in the cloud," said Dr. Michael Horowitz, CTO of eBrisk Video. To schedule a demonstration of eBrisk's revolutionary eBLive A-5000, please contact Mr. Andrew Talbot, Business Development Manager, at [email protected] or at (604) 808-4743. About eBrisk Video Founded in late 2009 by industry veterans, Vancouver-Canada-based eBrisk Video (http://www.ebriskvideo.com/) is a leading supplier of software-only as well as Intel-FPGA-accelerated broadcast-quality real-time H.265/HEVC video encoding solutions to market makers in the video broadcast and real-time video streaming markets. eBrisk Video develops the highest-density and highest-quality real-time H.265/HEVC video encoding solutions in the market. eBrisk and HPE collaborated on the joint eBLive A-5000/EL4000 solution via the HPE IoT Innovation Lab in Houston, Texas, where innovative edge computing solutions such as the eBLive A-5000 come to fruition. (www.hpe.com/info/iotinnovationlabs) Intel and Intel Xeon Arria are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Edgeline and EL4000 are trademarks of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other words and logos identified as trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective holders. SOURCE eBrisk Video Inc. Related Links www.ebriskvideo.com CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Certification Corporation (NCC) is pleased to announce the outcome of the 2017 election of NCC Board of Directors and Officers. Directors are elected by constituents through a slate approval process and officers are elected by the Board of Directors. New and returning directors are listed below. The full Board of Director listing is available at https://www.nccwebsite.org/NCC-Leadership.aspx New & Renewed Term Appointments: Suzanne L. Staebler, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, FAANP, was re-elected to serve as President of NCC. Suzanne L. Staebler, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, FAANP, was re-elected to serve as President of NCC. Ms. Staebler is currently Associate Professor at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Education DNP, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX MSN, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX BSN, Baylor University, Waco, TX NCC Service Director, NCC Board of Directors 2014 to the present NCC Continuing Education Module Developer/Reviewer NCC Certification NNP-BC, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner since 1992 David McLean, MD, MPH, FACOG, C-EFM, a current director was elected to serve as Vice-President of NCC. Dr. McLean is currently the Medical Director of the Maternal Fetal Center at Valley Children's Hospital, Madera, California. Education MD, University of West Indies, Jamaica MPH, Columbia University, NY NCC Service Director, NCC Board of Directors 2013 to present Member, EFM Content Team 2006 to present NCC Certification C-EFM, Electronic Fetal Monitoring since 2005 Jacki S. Witt, JD, MSN, WHNP-BC, SANE-A, FAANP, a current director, was re-elected to serve as the Secretary-Treasurer of NCC. Ms. Witt is currently Coordinator of Prenatal Education at North Kansas City Hospital, North Kansas City, Missouri and Clinical Associate Professor & Director of Continuing Nursing Education at University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri. Education Post-Master's Nurse, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS Midwifery Certificate, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS JD, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO MSN, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO BSN, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO NCC Service Director, NCC Board of Directors 2013 to present NCC Certification WHNP-BC, Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner since 1993 Jean Salera-Vieira, MS, PNS, APRN-CNS, RNC-OB, C-EFM, a current director and was re-elected to serve as a director of NCC. Ms. Salera-Vieira is currently an Advanced Nurse Clinician-Perinatal at Kent Hospital, Warwick, Rhode Island and Adjunct Faculty at Rhode Island College, Providence, Rhode Island. Education Post-MS Certificate, PNS, University of Washington, Seattle, WA MSN, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI BSN, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI BA in Social Work, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH NCC Service Director, NCC Board of Directors 2014 to present Member, Inpatient Obstetric Content Team Policy Review Committee NCC Certification RNC-OB, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing since 2002 C-EFM, Electronic Fetal Monitoring since 2002 Darla Baker, MS, RNC-OB, CNM, NEA-BC, C-EFM, was elected as a director of NCC. Ms. Baker is currently the Clinical Nurse Manager of the Kettering Medical Center Mother/Baby Unit, Kettering, Ohio. Education M.S. Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA Midwifery Certificate, Institute of Midwifery, Women and Health at Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA B.S. Nursing, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN A.S. Nursing, Kettering College of Medical Arts, Kettering, OH NCC Service NCC Item Writer NCC Certification RNC-OB, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing since 2008 C-EFM, Electronic Fetal Monitoring since 2016 Susan Dendrinos, MSN, RNC-MNN was elected as a director of NCC. Ms. Dendrinos is the Director of Clinical Operations for Specialty Services at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, West Bloomfield, Michigan. Education MSN Administration, Madonna University, Livonia, MI BSN, Madonna University, Livonia, MI Henry Ford School of Nursing, Dearborn, MI NCC Certification RNC-MNN, Maternal Newborn Nursing since 2007 Tami Wallace, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, was elected as the NCC Representative to the Nominating Committee. Ms. Wallace is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Monroe Carrell Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, Clinical Instructor at the School of Nursing Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN and Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist for the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care. Education DNP, Ohio State University, OH MSN, State University of New York at Stony Brook, NY BSN, Ohio State University, OH NCC Certification NNP-BC, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner since 1992 Tara Jane Muir, JD, of Charleston, South Carolina was elected to the NCC Board as a Public Member. Ms. Muir is an Attorney-at-Law specializing in healthcare law. NCC welcomes their knowledge, expertise and support. Outgoing Directors and Officers: Two long-term Directors have left the NCC Board after serving their maximum terms; NCC Past-Vice- President, Heather Gocke, M.S., RNC-OB, CPHRM, LNC, C-EFM and NCC Director, Patsy Queen, RNC-MNN. NCC has been fortunate to have had their wisdom and leadership over the past decade. DropBox Link for Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gsqp0yftacu7new/AABS51UDyrIloMCm8_M5Hi50a?dl=0 ABOUT NCC: NCC is a non-profit organization committed to promoting quality health care to women, neonates and their families. NCC provides certification, recognition and educational programs for nurses, physicians and other licensed health care professionals in the obstetric, gynecologic and neonatal specialties. More than 140,000 licensed health care professionals have been awarded prestigious NCC certifications since its inception in 1975. CONTACT INFORMATION: Cyndi Scovel Consultant, NCC Media & Special Projects The National Certification Corporation (NCC) [email protected] (312) 951-0207 www.nccwebsite.org SOURCE National Certification Corporation DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Employees' Retirement Fund of the City of Dallas (ERF) announced solid investment returns today to support the pensions of the city's civilian employees. The fund reported annualized one-year (2016) returns, net of fees, of 9.08 percent. The fund's annualized returns, net of fees, was 8.82 percent for the past five years and 8.52 percent over thirty years. The fund manages assets of more than $3.2 billion and is more than 80 percent funded. "These returns represent the commitment of our board and professional management to a diversified portfolio of quality conservative investments in partnership with the best internal and external management teams," said John D. Jenkins, Chairman ERF Board of Directors. "City of Dallas employees work hard and contribute a significant amount of their salaries to the pensions they earn when they retire." The ERF Board, Dallas City Council and Dallas voters recently approved changes to the plan that will reduce pension liabilities by $2.15 billion over the next 30 years while maintaining the plan's financial integrity and providing competitive benefits. The adjustment in benefits began in January 2017 for new city employees that takes into account longer life spans for retirees. "These changes will provide future city employees with a secure retirement while assuring that the plan will maintain a strong financial position," said Jenkins. "We appreciate the city council and public's support and will continue to manage the fund for growth through conservative diversified investments." About Employees' Retirement Fund of the City of Dallas The Employees' Retirement Fund of the City of Dallas (ERF) is a $3.2 billion pension plan for the city's permanent civilian employees established in 1944. ERF's Board has the fiduciary responsibility, for 7,000+ civilian employees, 1,000+ deferred vested members, and 6,700+ retirees who depend on the Fund for their retirement. SOURCE Employees Retirement Fund of Dallas Related Links http://www.dallaserf.org/ With over 20 years of experience in corporate and financial strategy, investment banking and operations, Mr. Boies brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Enerkem. Prior to joining Enerkem, he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer at RONA where he was responsible for the financial and corporate strategy, investor relations, accounting, financing, treasury and legal affairs. At RONA, he led the company's turnaround as well as the transaction that resulted in the acquisition of RONA by Lowe's valued at C$3.2 billion. Prior to this, Mr. Boies held various senior executive positions at RBC Royal Bank and at the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ), one of the largest institutional fund managers in North America. "We are thrilled to welcome Dominique to Enerkem and to have attracted a financial executive of such high calibre," said Vincent Chornet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Enerkem. "Dominique is a great addition to our seasoned team of executives and his experience is a great asset as we are now growing our commercial footprint around the world." Mr. Boies holds a masters degree in finance from the Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM). He is based at Enerkem's headquarters in Montreal, Quebec. About Enerkem Enerkem makes biofuels and renewable chemicals from waste. With its proprietary technology, Enerkem converts non-recyclable municipal solid waste into methanol, ethanol and other widely used chemical intermediates. Enerkem offers a smart alternative to landfilling and incineration. It helps develop a circular economy where waste becomes a resource to make sustainable products. Headquartered in Canada, Enerkem owns and operates a full-scale commercial facility in Alberta as well as a demonstration plant and a pilot facility in Quebec. The company is developing additional biorefineries in North America, Europe and Asia, based on its modular manufacturing approach. www.enerkem.com SOURCE ENERKEM INC. Related Links http://www.enerkem.com/ NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dave Coba, CEO and co-founder of European Wax Center (EWC), announced today that EWC has selected DKC as its Public Relations Agency of Record (AOR), responsible for leading the brand's PR strategy and execution of consumer-facing activations and events. "For 2017, we wanted to find a full-service PR agency with a passionate and driven team that would promote our brand through groundbreaking storytelling and strategic media relations. DKC proved to be just that, with its reputation for both creative and strategic story-telling, as well as its superb industry relationships. We are excited to start working with this dynamic agency as they help us continue to build the EWC brand," said Sherry Baker, President, Marketing and Product Development. DKC will drive the media strategy for the 12-year-old leader in the beauty services category by generating media buzz, driving consumer traffic and positioning EWC as the ultimate destination for revealing beautiful skin and helping women feel unapologetically confident through waxing services and a proprietary product portfolio. DKC's responsibilities will include consumer-facing activities, such as media relations, placements, events, content creation, and collaborating with agency partners. With 790 franchises that have been awarded, with close to 600 EWC locations opened and growing every day, DKC will be managing the external communications including the brands ever expanding line of Strut 365 beauty products. DKC will kick off this exciting partnership by launching the EWC's new advertising campaign that further cements its innovative leadership in the beauty industry. "There was an immediate chemistry in the room when the DKC and EWC teams met, we knew that our agencies expertise and creativity would allow us to tell this remarkable brand story successfully," said Sean Cassidy, President of DKC. "EWC has a unique position in the marketplace which is second to none. We are thrilled to join their outstanding team of agencies as we all work together to help support its extraordinary growth." European Wax Center joins the impressive client roster at DKC, one of the largest and most established agencies, with over 250 employees in offices in New York, Chicago and LA, among others. Over the last 25 years, DKC clients have included New Balance, Delta, L'Oreal Paris, Dyson, Jet.com, Ulta and Keds. This unique full-service agency has various practice areas including public relations, social media/digital strategy and branding. ABOUT EUROPEAN WAX CENTER European Wax Center was founded by siblings David and Josh Coba in 2004. The concept was simple: to bring the EWC unique waxing expertise and experience to women throughout the USA. The setting: a modern environment with crisp, clean lines, private waxing suites, providing the most professionally trained waxing experts, with exceptional service. And the first brow, underarm or bikini line wax is always complimentary. Now, a luxurious waxing with proprietary products can be incorporated into everyone's beauty regimen. European Wax Center enables everyone to reveal beautiful skin. As a result, today, European Wax Center is recognized as the fastest growing company in the beauty lifestyle category. For more information about EWC log onto waxcenter.com or like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EuropeanWax and Twitter @EuropeanWax. ABOUT DKC Established in 1991, DKC is one of the top 10 independent firms in the United States by fee revenue. Based in New York City with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, DC and Miami, DKC is a full service public relations, marketing and government affairs company, providing all communications services including strategic counsel and planning, media relations, digital and social media, integrated marketing, executive positioning, crisis management, public affairs, original content development, event production, advertising and branding. The agency's diverse client roster includes Fortune 100 companies, entrepreneurs, non-profits and creative individuals across a broad range of industries. For more information, visit www.dkcnews.com. Find us on Instagram and Twitter @dkcnews or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dkcnews.fb/. SOURCE European Wax Center GREENVILLE, N.C., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- While many make New Year's resolutions to lose weight for vanity reasons, for a host of others, it's a matter of life or death. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.4 million people are diagnosed with diabetes every year, and being overweight raises the risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and having a stroke. For those who are morbidly obese and who already have type 2 diabetes or are in fear of developing diabetes, Diabetes Care, the official journal of the American Diabetes Association finally recognized that bariatric surgery should be considered a standard of care in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This recognition supports the evidence reported more than two decades ago by Dr. Walter Pories, the founding chair of the Department of Surgery at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. "It's been quite remarkable, because the thought was that diabetes was an incurable, progressive disease, but with a fairly simple operation that takes about an hour, you can cure it," said Pories. "We found that diabetes disappears completely between 2-4 days after surgery." Starting in 1980, 837 patients' weight-loss surgery outcomes were meticulously recorded and studied by a group of East Carolina University (ECU) physicians led by Dr. Pories. In 1995, he was the first to report hard evidence that diabetes was no longer a hopeless disease, but could be reversed by bariatric or weight-loss surgery. "It was met with resistance and disbelief, especially when it became apparent that the 'Greenville Gastric Bypass' operation pioneered by Pories also reversed hypertension, decreased the prevalence of cancer, and improved other health issues," said Dr. Betsy Tuttle-Newhall, current chair of ECU's Department of Surgery. The original (1995) abstract shows results indicating that in addition to controlling weight and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), gastric bypass also corrected or alleviated a number of other comorbidities of obesity, including hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiopulmonary failure, arthritis, and infertility. Gastric bypass is now established as an effective and safe therapy for morbid obesity and its associated morbidities. No other therapy has produced such durable and complete control of diabetes mellitus. Pories, 87, is still on faculty at ECU's Brody School of Medicine where he is actively involved in diabetes research and serves as a professor of surgery, biochemistry and kinesiology. He was recently honored as an "Icon in American Surgery" by the American College of Surgeons for his extraordinary contribution to surgery, to medicine and to mankind. Pories is the first North Carolina surgeon to have received this honor. Click here for the full Diabetes Care article and click here for the original 1995 abstract. Contact: Amy Ellis, director of communication for the Brody School of Medicine, [email protected] or (252) 744-3764 SOURCE East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine ZURICH, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fides Treasury Services Ltd., a member of the Credit Suisse Group and the global leader in multi-bank connectivity and communications, today announced that Andreas Lutz has been unanimously appointed by Fides' Board of Directors as chief executive officer effective immediately. Lutz succeeds Fides' previous chief executive, Alain Schmid, who announced his desire to step down in September 2016 to pursue continued service within Fides' parent company, Credit Suisse Ltd. "It is of utmost importance for us to place a sound focus on succession planning. Our priority has been to find the best leader for our clients, employees and partners," said Albert Angehrn, Fides board chairman. "After a thorough and deliberate search both internally and externally, we appointed Andreas Lutz as our new CEO. Andreas has thorough understanding of our clients' needs as well as the dynamics and trends of the treasury and banking markets. With Andreas taking the role of chief executive, we are very confident Fides has the leadership required to drive the next generation of success." Serving both Credit Suisse and Fides for a combined 15 years, Lutz has completely focused on heading sales, marketing and projects for the last three years of his tenure and in 2015 was named as Fides' chief marketing officer. Working closely with his predecessor, Alain Schmid, he has achieved proven success in guiding and delivering on the strategic direction for the firm. Over the past 3 years, Fides has achieved 78% growth in terms of revenues, expanding the company's global footprint into new markets, including the Americas and Asia Pacific. In addition to his responsibilities as chief marketing officer, Lutz has most recently spearheaded the client-driven R&D efforts that have directly resulted in a new product development strategy for the firm. Lutz has overseen the exponential growth in signing over 300 client projects for the firm over the past three years and has been instrumental in identifying and orchestrating Fides' partnership strategies. "I am honored that the board has chosen me to lead Fides into the future and continue the legacy of excellence that we have delivered to the market for over a century," says Andreas Lutz. "My vision is for Fides to continue to be at the forefront of connectivity and transaction communication innovations." ABOUT FIDES Fides is the global leader in multi-bank connectivity and transaction communications. Originally founded in 1910, Fides is an independently operated subsidiary of Credit Suisse. With the industry's largest bank connectivity network, Fides helps over 3,000 active clients communicate with more than 10,000 banks globally. Our geographic reach spans 170 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and the APAC regions. Committed to helping corporations optimally connect and interact with their banks for over a century, Fides' connectivity solutions delivers critical multi-bank account statement, payment workflow, and reporting capabilities that allow treasury and finance teams to easily, accurately, and securely communicate with their banks through any possible channel such as SWIFT, EBICS or any alternative network. Press Contact: Andrea Rahs Marketing & Communication; Email: [email protected], 347-920-1673 SOURCE Fides The work is the culmination of a comprehensive brand strategy and creative development process that Fiverr began with DCX in the summer of 2016. "In Doers We Trust" articulates the ethos of Fiverr's current bootstrapping entrepreneur members -- heroizing them -- with the goal of bringing more into the fold. The campaign positions Fiverr to seize today's emerging zeitgeist of entrepreneurial flexibility, rapid experimentation, and doing more with less. It pushes against bureaucratic overthinking, analysis-paralysis, and excessive whiteboarding. Visit the home of the movement, here: https://www.fiverr.com/in-doers-we-trust "What became clear in our research is that Fiverr users take great pride in being entrepreneurs and identify powerfully with an ideology of lean entrepreneurship," explains Doug Cameron, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of DCX Growth Accelerator. "If you are an entrepreneur, Fiverr is indispensable in that it allows you to compete with much larger businesses. You can use Fiverr to design your logo, build your website, create a video that explains your product, translate this into dozens of languages, and so on, and do this at ten times the speed that it would take a big, bureaucratic company to do it." Adds Peggy de Lange, Fiverr Vice President of Corporate Marketing, "'In Doers We Trust' communicates in a powerful, no-holds-barred way the values and approach our community members and so many others bring to the activity of entrepreneurship. It's an expression of our worldview, and we see it as a rallying cry for millions in our community while building awareness among the countless others that share the same outlook." "Entrepreneurs tend to have an anti-establishment streak, and we wanted to really push this tonally in the creative," DCX Executive Creative Director Tommy Noonan explains. "The campaign's photographers, Platon and Sandro, really embraced this, as did Ryan Hope, our director, who is something of a punk rocker at heart himself." Starting January 9, innovative, brand and product-focused creative campaigns launch on YouTube and Facebook, geo-targeting major entrepreneurial hubs across the United States. Out-of-home creative featuring still visuals of entrepreneurs and real Fiverr community members will begin appearing in key metropolitan rail and mass transit lines, including San Francisco in January, followed by New York City in February. Experiential elements of "In Doers We Trust" including additional out-of-home executions and interactive digital properties will also support the campaign. Click here to view the Fiverr brand anthem on YouTube. About DCX Growth Accelerator Founded in 2015, Brooklyn-based agency DCX Growth Accelerator (DCX) grows brands and businesses by inserting them into the cultural dialogue. Founder Doug Cameron is the co-author of "Cultural Strategy: Using Innovative Ideologies to Build Breakthrough Brands." Clients include The Coca-Cola Company, L'Oreal Group, Remy-Cointreau, Fiverr, Meetup, TY KU Sake, and others. DCX devotes a portion of its profits to driving social change through situationist art stunts: Its #JessesPricedOut and airBnBodega.com campaigns to save Jesse's Deli, threatened by rent increase, earned DCX "Small Agency of the Year, Campaign of the Year, Pro Bono, Gold" at the 2016 Ad Age Small Agency Awards. More recently, Cameron and Executive Creative Director Tommy Noonan created the "Trump Hut," a luxury protest hut in the shape of Donald Trump's hair, which received national and international media attention. To learn more, visit: www.dcx.nyc. About Fiverr Fiverr is the world's largest marketplace for creative and digital services, including graphic design, copywriting, voiceovers, and music and film editing. Fiverr's mission is to democratize lean entrepreneurship by giving entrepreneurs, freelancers, small businesses and even enterprises the resources they need to get things done quickly, flexibly and fearlessly so that they can thrive in the new economy. Fiverr's global community of freelancers have delivered tens of millions of high-quality Gigs from over 100 service categories across 190 countries. We invite you to visit us at fiverr.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. CONTACTS: Sam Katzen for Fiverr ([email protected]) 925-389-6887 Lisa Sanders for DCX ([email protected]) 347-385-2218 SOURCE DCX Growth Accelerator Related Links http://dcx.nyc BOSTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The country's largest touring food truck & craft beer festival company, Food Truck Festivals of America (FTFA), is branching out to new markets in 2017 including Palm Beach, FL, Little Rock, AK, Milwaukee, WI, New Bedford, MA, Louisville, KY and Asheville, NC. "Initially our festivals took place solely in New England," says Anne-Marie Aigner, founder of FTFA. "But the weather was not conducive to having festivals year-round, so, we started chasing the sun." Here's the 2017 schedule: Palm Beach Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Feb. 25 3 rd Annual Great New Mexico Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival April 8 Little Rock Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival April 22 3 rd Annual South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival April 29 2 nd Annual Syracuse Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival May 13 Milwaukee Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival May 20 6 th Annual Worcester Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival June 3 Seacoast Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival June 18 New Bedford Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival July 15 3 rd Annual Providence Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Aug. 5 5 th Annual Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Aug. 12 Louisville Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Sept. 16 5 th Annual Red Hook Food Truck Festival in Portsmouth, NH Oct. 1 Rochester Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Oct. 21 2 nd Annual Wachusett Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Nov 11 Asheville Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Nov 11 Here's a quick look at 2016: Over 100,000 guests attended our 12 festivals 200 breweries participated 55,000 beers were consumed Whoo(pie) Wagon sold 6,000 whoopee pies, totaling 1300 pounds of filling Trolley Dogs sold 12,000 hot dogs = 28 miles of hot dogs, end to end. Shuck Truck shelled 2500 oysters, and 1000 lobster rolls. To buy tickets: www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com. Food Truck Festivals of America (FTFA) has been creating food truck festivals since 2011. FTFA continues to bring food trucks & craft beer together in one place in cities throughout the U.S. SOURCE Food Truck Festivals of America Related Links http://www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- French/West/Vaughan (FWV) one of the nation's largest independently-owned public relations, advertising and digital marketing agencies, today announced the acquisition of Fetching Communications, a leading pet and veterinary PR and marketing firm based in Tampa, Fla. Widely recognized as a marketing innovator in the pet-related consumer products and pet care industries, Fetching will complement FWV's expertise in the equine and consumer lifestyle categories and will be rebranded as FWV Fetching, operating as a wholly-owned division of FWV. Combined, the two firms employ over 100 professionals with fee billings approaching $25 million, which places FWV well within the 20 largest independently-owned PR firms in the country. FWV Fetching will be looking to help companies not endemic to the pet product category gain entry into the pet, pet-owner and pet-lifestyle marketplace. Fetching founder Kristen Levine, one of foremost pet marketing experts in the U.S, will lead the new Pet & Veterinary Practice as Senior Vice President. Fetching CEO Liz Lindley, an attorney who previously worked in Edelman's litigation PR practice in New York City and later in PR for a division of the Washington Post, will serve as Vice President. Fetching employees in New York, Tampa and Columbus, Ohio will be aligned with existing FWV offices to support the rebranded practice in their current roles. The acquisition also includes the Fetching subsidiary PetPR.com, the pet industry's only dedicated news release distribution service. "When we looked at the client cultures of the two agencies, as well as the geographic footprint of our existing offices and the broader capabilities we could extend to Fetching's clients, it became clear that we could build something special together," said Rick French, FWV Chairman & CEO. "Our history of working with pet-related products, equine organizations and equestrian lifestyle brands, together with our consumer marketing expertise, takes our combined capabilities to a level that is unmatched in the pet and veterinary sectors." Over the past two decades, FWV has supported the likes of the U.S. Polo Association, the New York Horse Show, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Professional Bull Riders and Dognition. Levine established Fetching Communications in 2003 as the nation's first marketing and PR firm focused exclusively on the pet and veterinary industries. The company built a national reputation as a trusted marketing and communications resource for pet-positive companies, veterinary practices and related organizations, including the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, PetSafe Brand, Calmz Anxiety Relief System for dogs and John Paul Pet, created by John Paul Mitchell Systems. Today, Levine is a nationally-known speaker, media personality, author and blogger, reaching passionate pet lovers across the country through her website, Kristen Levine Pet Living. "We are ecstatic about integrating our pet and veterinary practice into such a prestigious and respected agency as FWV," said Levine. "Their award-winning work with corporate and consumer clients, together with our unique expertise, will create a powerful agency brand capable of serving a wide range of industries." Prosper Group, led by M&A practice leader David Bosses, served as transaction advisor to Fetching in its negotiations with FWV. Prosper Group is a consulting firm advising owners of marketing communications agencies looking for support in growing revenue, improving profitability and M&A transactions. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., with offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Tampa, FWV will celebrate its 20th year in 2017. The agency earned four separate PR industry Agency of the Year honors in 2016 and was ranked in the Top 10 of the Holmes Report Global Creative Index. About French West Vaughan French West Vaughan (FWV) is one of the nation's leading public relations, public affairs, advertising and digital media agencies, with offices in Raleigh, New York City, Los Angeles and Tampa. National, international and local clients represented by the agency include Wrangler, ABB, Hood River Distillers, Melitta, NATHAN, Fleet Feet, Concord Hospitality, Peter Millar, Paralyzed Veterans of America, International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Moe's Southwest Grill restaurants. FWV is a partner in IPREX, the $200 million network of communication agencies, with 1,500 staff members and 100 offices worldwide. FWV was named North American Consumer Agency of the Year at the 2016 SABRE Awards and Midsize, Consumer and Communications Agency of the Year by Bulldog Reporter. For more information, please visit www.fwv-us.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest or Instagram. About Fetching Communications Founded in 2003, Tampa-based Fetching Communications is a national PR and marketing agency for the pet and veterinary industries led by pet lifestyle and marketing expert Kristen Levine. In 2013, Fetching acquired the news distribution platform PetPR.com. Levine's website, Kristen Levine Pet Living, is read by pet and animal lovers worldwide. She is a 2016 Pet Age Women of Influence Award winner and was recognized in 2015 by the Women in the Pet Industry Network as a Pet Industry Woman of the Year. Media Contact: Charles Upchurch [email protected] 919-277-1175 SOURCE Fetching Communications; French/West/Vaughan Related Links http://www.fetchingcommunications.com GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Navigating the latest tax reporting changes and avoiding filing errors is not always straightforward and can present unique challenges to small and mid-sized businesses. Greatland Corporation, a company that provides W-2, 1099, and 1095 forms and e-filing services to small businesses, is helping answer two of the most basic, but also most critical, questions during this time of year: "Who needs a 1099 or W-2?" and "What is required under the Affordable Care Act?" In short, 1099s and W-2s are two different tax forms used for two types of workers. Independent contractors receive 1099 forms and traditional employees will receive a W-2 every year. It can often be difficult to classify workers, and costly if you make a mistake. A W-2 is the form employers will use to report yearly wage and withholding information. An employer needs to provide this form to employees no later than January 31, 2017. Employees will receive up to four copies of this form to report federal, state and local income and maintain a copy for their own records. By definition, an employee is anyone who performs services for an employer and the employer can control what will be done and how it will be done. This is true even when an employer gives an employee freedom of action. A 1099-MISC is the form businesses use to report miscellaneous income, such as income earned as a contract or freelance worker, as well as fees, royalties, commissions and rental income. If you are an employer who uses contractors or freelance workers whom you paid at least $600 during the year, you must provide them with a 1099-MISC form to report this income. An individual is considered an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not how it will be done. An employer generally does not withhold federal income tax or Social Security/Medicare taxes for independent contractors. Beginning in 2017, for the 2016 reporting year, filers must send W-2 and 1099-MISC recipient copies and submit to the SSA/IRS by January 31, regardless of method (paper or e-file). In many cases, this is months earlier, increasing workload and stress for filers. To further complicate matters, the new filing deadline, as it relates to Form 1099-MISC, only impacts filers reporting nonemployee compensation payments in box 7. Although the overwhelming majority of 1099-MISC filers will report information in box 7, there is bound to be some confusion. Greatland, with more than 40 years of IRS and SSA compliance experience, is trying to help businesses quell the confusion. In its second year of mandatory reporting, the Affordable Care Act requires many employers to offer health insurance coverage to full-time employees and their dependents or risk paying a penalty. The Internal Revenue Service developed Form 1095 for employers to report the offer of that coverage to employees and to the IRS. If a company has at least 50 full-time employees or FTEs (full-time equivalents), they must file a 1095 on behalf of their full-time employees, even for employees who declined to participate in their employer's health plan. Employers and insurers are again expected to comply with all ACA reporting regulations for 2016, making it imperative that businesses understand the filing requirements. In 2015, the IRS initiated ACA reporting with a "good-faith effort" guideline for filers and did not aggressively penalize missteps. The "good-faith effort" leniency has been extended for the 2016 reporting season. However, businesses should still do all they can to accurately complete their forms and file all documents on time in order to avoid penalties. Additionally, the IRS has extended the due date to March 2, 2017 for employers and issuers to provide individuals with recipient copies of Forms 1095-B and 1095-C. The deadlines for filing these forms to IRS are as follows: February 28, 2017 for paper 1095 forms and March 31, 2017 to e-file 1095 forms. It is important to note that all self-insured employers, regardless of size, must report healthcare coverage information to employees and the IRS. Full-time employees are defined as those who worked an average of at least 30 hours per week or 130 service hours in a calendar month. Using this guideline, businesses may discover that they have less than 50 full-time employees, yet still meet the requirements for ACA reporting. Healthcare.gov can act as a helpful resource and has tools such as a full-time equivalent employee calculator to help determine your filing status. Gathering information necessary to complete Form 1095 presents a unique challenge to companies since the form requires data typically stored in the employer's payroll system as well as HIPAA-protected benefits information that is most often included in the employer's human resources software. Businesses can expect additional workload this year in correctly combining this information from two very different regulated databases and importing the data into the 1095 form. "The Affordable Care Act has presented a range of challenges to businesses, due to the heavy workload and regulations necessary to get and stay compliant," said Janice Krueger of Greatland. "Although the good-faith effort has been extended and incorrect filings will not be penalized for calendar year 2016 filing (reported in 2017), employers and insurers are still required to file on time. We always recommend that businesses prepare and gather necessary information as soon as possible in order to remain compliant under the Affordable Care Act." You can find additional filing resources at Greatland's website. About Greatland Greatland (www.greatland.com) is the W-2 and 1099 specialist, focused on providing information, products, and solutions for small to mid-size businesses and accountants. Greatland helps customers navigate annual reporting changes, including extensive expertise about ACA reporting. Through Greatland's subsidiaries Greatland, Nelco, and Broker Forms the company offers an extensive array of specialized products for businesses: W-2 forms, 1099 forms, 1095 forms, business checks, presentation materials, income tax preparation supplies, and mortgage forms. Greatland also offers Yearli, a comprehensive W-2, 1099, and 1095 reporting software and online filing platform. Greatland is an employee-owned company with locations in Grand Rapids, Mich. and Green Bay, Wis. Greatland has an extensive W-2 & 1099 fact center located on its website with answers to many of the top filing questions. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter: @GreatlandCorp SOURCE Greatland Related Links http://www.greatland.com NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Year has seen the operational capabilities of The Heraion Foundation's (HERA) humanitarian efforts soar to new heights. With the recent closure of Yazda, a charity providing treatment for trauma to Yazidi sex slaves among other initiatives, the need for organizations such as HERA to fill the gap has never been greater. With the ongoing recovery of multiple women and children from the hands of ISIS, to the monumental challenge of providing front line medical aid and supplies across war ravaged Mosul, HERA has achieved what few other NGO's operating in the region can. On Christmas Eve, HERA assisted in the recovery and safe escort of nine persons from ISIS captivity. The captive women were sold to ISIS fighters as wives, while the children were forced to undergo indoctrination into extremist ideology. Following a period of rehabilitation and support, the rescued will have the option to enter into a HERA funded school or job-training program, dependent upon age. The battle for Mosul has seen HERA accomplish herculean feats. Operating on the front lines of the conflict, we have delivered thousands of pounds of food, clothing, and essential aid items to families trapped or unable to flee. HERA has been conducting daily missions from our base in Erbil into Mosul with food, clothing, and aid distribution donated to our organization. At times, we have been the only NGO operating on the front lines of the conflict zone. The Heraion Foundation is a U.S.-based, veterans-run 501(c)3 non-profit organization operating in Northern Iraq and Syria. HERA brings a new full-spectrum approach to counter-extremist humanitarianism. We protect civilians at the front lines of extremist conflict by pairing rescue & recovery efforts with a highly scalable ecosystem of long-term education and economic empowerment. In an unstable world where state governments cannot protect civilians, we believe trained humanitarian operators are a necessity. As a veterans-run non-profit, today we use our military and intelligence experience as humanitarian operators to protect the lives of--and deliver aid to--at-risk civilians in failed and fragile states. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE The Heraion Foundation Related Links http://www.heraionfoundation.org Heat Management Portfolio: Exceptional products that deliver on the needs of homebuyers and architects will be showcased: Heat-Zone Technology redirects up to 25 percent of the heat from a fireplace to an adjacent room and reduces wall temperatures above the fireplace. Two kits run simultaneously will reduce up to 50 percent of the heat. Heat Duct Technology redistributes up to 25 percent of the heat to another area of the home via furnace ductwork. Two kits run simultaneously will reduce up to 50 percent of the heat. Heat-Zone Plus takes it to the next level with an automatic fan that allows TVs to be mounted above the fireplace without a mantel or shelf, addressing many designer needs. PowerFlow Heat Management Technology (exclusive to the Heat & Glo PRIMO) allows homeowners to redirect heat into an adjacent room or outside the home so they can enjoy the ambiance of the flames, no matter the season. It also maintains a consistent temperature around the fireplace to allow for limitless finishing options! Exceptional products that deliver on the needs of homebuyers and architects will be showcased: Heat & Glo PRIMO: A sophisticated take on contemporary styling, the PRIMO gives homeowners complete design freedom. Zero restrictions on combustible finishing materials (including material like barn wood) eliminate concerns of overheating or safety hazards and offer the ability to safely hang a TV or valuable art above the fireplace for a completely custom look. Plus, the PRIMO features exclusive PowerFlow Heat Management Technology, which provides heat and flame control at the flip of a switch, allowing homeowners to comfortably enjoy the ambiance and beauty of a fireplace year-round. A sophisticated take on contemporary styling, the PRIMO gives homeowners complete design freedom. Zero restrictions on combustible finishing materials (including material like barn wood) eliminate concerns of overheating or safety hazards and offer the ability to safely hang a TV or valuable art above the fireplace for a completely custom look. Plus, the PRIMO features exclusive PowerFlow Heat Management Technology, which provides heat and flame control at the flip of a switch, allowing homeowners to comfortably enjoy the ambiance and beauty of a fireplace year-round. Heat & Glo Lanai: Offering contemporary style with a colorful firebed, the Lanai extends living areas while adding ambiance to comfortably enjoy outdoor spaces, a common request from builders, architects, and designers. At 51 inches wide, it features rust-resistant stainless steel construction, including a stainless steel interior that reflects and magnifies the flame, as well as a glass wind guard to protect those flames and keep them full and lively. Offering contemporary style with a colorful firebed, the Lanai extends living areas while adding ambiance to comfortably enjoy outdoor spaces, a common request from builders, architects, and designers. At 51 inches wide, it features rust-resistant stainless steel construction, including a stainless steel interior that reflects and magnifies the flame, as well as a glass wind guard to protect those flames and keep them full and lively. Heatilator Novus: The best-selling fireplace for more than two decades, the recently updated Novus is an ideal fit for entry-level homes due to its versatility, excellent venting capabilities, and easy installation nearly anywhere. The best-selling fireplace for more than two decades, the recently updated Novus is an ideal fit for entry-level homes due to its versatility, excellent venting capabilities, and easy installation nearly anywhere. Majestic Echelon II: Active flames and multiple interior options pair to create a unique look for the Echelon II contemporary fireplace. Available in four single-sided and two see-through sizes, it features multiple fronts, surrounds, and media to allow builders to help their homebuyers customize it to their taste. "We know that fireplaces are a key selling feature and differentiator for homebuyers," said Roger Oxford, senior vice president of new construction sales and marketing for Heat & Glo, Heatilator, and Majestic. "They continue to seek amenities that set their homes apart, and our heat management portfolio, paired with our industry-leading, on-trend gas fireplaces, allow builders, architects, and designers to deliver homebuyers the flexibility and customization they want." Heat & Glo will also feature its best-selling 8000CLX, SlimLine, and TRUE fireplaces. Heatilator will have the Crave on-site, and the booth will also showcase the Meridian fireplace from the Majestic brand. Visit booth #W3982 to experience them first-hand! About Heat & Glo Heat & Glo has been the fireplace industry leader in design and innovative technology since its inception by brothers Ron and Dan Shimek in 1975. The brand pioneered direct vent gas technology in 1987 and revolutionized the way fireplaces operate in the years that followed. Today, Heat & Glo continues to develop unmatched technologies, materials and designs in a full line of fireplaces, inserts and accessories. It is the most award-winning U.S. fireplace brand and has been granted more patents than any hearth manufacturer. Heat & Glo is headquartered in Lakeville, Minn. and is a brand of Hearth and Home Technologies. For more information, please visit www.HeatnGlo.com. About Heatilator Heatilator is known as "the first name in fireplaces," and is the #1 preferred brand by builders the most widely recognized, preferred, and installed brand by builders. The brand boasts a rich history and has led the industry in dependability and value for more than 85 years. Headquartered in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Heatilator offers a full lineup of hearth products and is a brand of Hearth & Home Technologies. For more information, please visit www.Heatilator.com. About Majestic For more than 50 years, Majestic has stood for outstanding durability, stunning looks, and long-lasting performance in wood and gas fireplaces. With a wide range of beautiful styles, sizes, and trims, Majestic products are made to blend seamlessly with your decor while making a statement of impeccable taste. Headquartered in Paris, KY, Majestic is a brand of Hearth & Home Technologies. For more information, please visit www.MajesticProducts.com. SOURCE Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. Related Links http://www.hearthnhome.com CORAL GABLES, Fla., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 700 people are expected to gather at the University of Miami on March 3, 2017 for a daylong conference on the impact of the November 2016 presidential and congressional elections on the business and policy of health care. The conference, The Business of Health Care Post Election, is the sixth in an annual series of premier health care impact conferences hosted by the Center for Health Sector Management and Policy at the university's School of Business Administration. It will explore the anticipated health care policy changes under the Trump administration, the impact of these changes on the health care sector nationally and in South Florida, and the impact on global health care issues. It will also include a discussion with at least two former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretaries. Speakers include: Kathleen Sebelius , Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services , Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services James L. Madara , MD, Executive Vice President and CEO, American Medical Association , MD, Executive Vice President and CEO, American Medical Association Richard Pollack , President and CEO, American Hospital Association , President and CEO, American Hospital Association Marilyn Tavenner , President and CEO, America's Health Insurance Plans , President and CEO, America's Health Insurance Plans Joseph Fifer , President and CEO, Healthcare Financial Management Association , President and CEO, Healthcare Financial Management Association Halee Fischer-Wright , MD, President and CEO, Medical Group Management Association , MD, President and CEO, Medical Group Management Association Julio Frenk , MD, President, University of Miami , MD, President, Donna E. Shalala , Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and Former President, University of Miami "Just as the Trump administration takes shape in Washington, this conference will bring together the top leaders of virtually every major health care industry association, as well as policy and business leaders to discuss the future of health care policy and its impact on business," said Steven Ullmann, chairman of the department and director of the Center for Health Sector Management and Policy at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. "This will be a great opportunity to learn about what we can expect the U.S. health care system to look like moving forward and what it means for business." The conference, presented by Florida Blue, draws professionals from across business and government. Attendees include those working within the industries of health care, health care delivery and health care policy and administration, as well as business leaders and other professionals in the finance, technology, legal, marketing, government and public policy, and academic sectors. The conference will be held at the Watsco Center on the University of Miami campus. More information and registration can be found at http://bus.miami.edu/healthcare2017. About the University of Miami School of Business Administration The University of Miami School of Business is a leader in preparing individuals and organizations to excel in the complex, dynamic, and interconnected world of global business. One of 12 schools and colleges at the University of Miami, the School offers undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and executive education programs. With its location in a major center for international business, the School is acclaimed for its global perspective, student and faculty diversity, and engagement with the business community. More information about the University of Miami School of Business can be found at www.bus.miami.edu SOURCE University of Miami School of Business Administration Related Links http://www.bus.miami.edu CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Insureon, the nation's leading online provider of small business insurance, today announced the winners of its Winter 2016 Small Business, Big Impact scholarship competition: Lindsay Diamond of Midlothian, Virginia, and Derrick White of Lithia Springs, Georgia. Their essays were chosen from more than 700 submitted. Each will receive $2,500 toward educational expenses. In her essay, Lindsay tells the story of Diamond Motors, Inc., a used car dealership and auto repair shop her parents started after medical troubles forced them to sell the family car to make ends meet. She highlights her parents' hard work, ingenuity, and commitment to excellent customer service as reasons why the company has thrived. A nursing student at James Madison University, Lindsay hopes to work in pediatrics after graduation. Derrick White's essay recounts the ups and downs of his mother's business, Needles and Ink Screen Printing. His writing shows a nuanced understanding about both the successes and failures that make up the reality of small business ownership. A digital marketing and entrepreneurship major at the University of Georgia, Derrick plans to earn a Master's degree before launching a business of his own. "The stories these students tell are emblematic of small-business owners across America," said Ted Devine, Insureon's CEO. "The story of American business ownership is one of solving problems, supporting families and finding innovative ways to improve life for the next generation. Lindsay and Derrick and their families are part of a long tradition of innovation in this country, and I couldn't be happier that we're helping support their education." To read the winning essays, visit the Small Business, Big Impact scholarship winners page. Insureon's Small Business, Big Impact scholarship runs three times per year. For details about entering the current competition, which closes March 31, visit http://www.insureon.com/insureonu/small-business-scholarship/. About Insureon Insureon, the nation's leading online provider of insurance for small businesses, offers six scholarships per year through InsureonU. It also serves as a resource hub for entrepreneurs, with tools, reports, and expert advice geared at the country's smallest businesses. Contact: Sammi Berrafato 1-847-830-5588 [email protected] SOURCE Insureon Related Links http://www.insureon.com LANCASTER, Ohio, Jan. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EveryWare Global, one of the worlds leading marketers of dining and food preparation products, announced a key initiative to support the companys transformation, growth and cultural development strategies. The company changed its corporate name to The Oneida Group, leveraging the iconic dining brand and reflecting the companys commitment to driving innovation in the dining experience. Anchor Hocking, a subsidiary of The Oneida Group, will continue to produce and market glassware to the consumer and specialty markets. Rebranding our company as The Oneida Group allows us to emphasize our long-standing leadership in dining and food preparation, said Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, Chief Executive Officer. We are building on our heritage and committed to delivering innovative additions to our portfolio of products. The Oneida Group is focused on creating value by designing, marketing and manufacturing the best dining and food preparation products in the world, providing the best service to our customers and growing our company efficiently and sustainably. This alignment of our brands is the next step in our growth strategy. The companys principal brands have more than a century of customer trust and loyalty. Oneida, founded in 1848, has been a staple in homes, fine dining establishments, family restaurants and hotels for decades. The Oneida portfolio spans a broad range of products including the finest quality flatware, porcelain dinnerware, stainless steel and silverplate serving dishes and tableware. Anchor Hocking, by its predecessor company, began producing glassware in 1873 and today is a leading designer, marketer and manufacturer of quality consumer products that it sells to retail and specialty markets, hospitality channels, and original equipment manufacturers. Anchor Hocking manufactures nearly all of its products at the companys facilities in the United States and markets its products internationally. About The Oneida Group Driven by devotion to design, The Oneida Group (formerly EveryWare Global) is recognized for providing quality tabletop and kitchen solutions through its consumer, foodservice, and specialty channels. The companys global platform allows it to market and distribute internationally its total portfolio of products including bakeware, beverageware, serveware, storageware, flatware, dinnerware, crystal, buffetware and hollowware; premium spirit bottles; cookware; gadgets; candle and floral glass containers; and other kitchen products, all under a broad collection of widely-recognized brands, including Oneida, Anchor Hocking, Sant Andrea, Buffalo, Delco, Fire-King, Stolzle, and Durobor. Anchor Hocking, LLC and Oneida Ltd. are subsidiaries of The Oneida Group. Additional information can be found at www.theoneidagroup.com, www.anchorhocking.com, www.anchorhockingbottles.com, www.oneida.com, and www.foodservice.oneida.com. BROOKLYN, N.Y., Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Every day millions of people mulling their retirement plan saving choices go online to study the offerings at retirement fund websites. Research shows, however, that they often choose high fee options, underinvest or don't invest at all because they don't understand the performance estimates, risks, recommendations, fee structures, and other disclosures that funds provide. To address this issue, Junius Gunaratne, a doctoral student, and Oded Nov, an associate professor in the Department of Technology Management and Innovation at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, created the first online, interactive "nutrition label" for financial products that, like the ubiquitous information nutrition panels on food and packaged goods, is simple, easy to read and uncluttered. What's more, the financial label is interactive, allowing people to easily get a sense of the long-term implications of choices they make today. Their first tests revealed that non-expert investors significantly improved their ability to reach simulated retirement savings goals. The study also revealed that novices who invested using the interactive labels were far more likely to invest in low-fee funds a strategy that is widely advised because of the potentially large positive effects of compound interest. Nov and Gunaratne tested variants of their interactive financial labels with 450 test subjects in a retirement simulation experiment, in which the subjects were given $10,000 per simulation year and asked to save $1.5 million over 35 years, distributed among 10 stock, bond, and cash funds. The participant pool was divided into four groups: those who received "nutrition label" fund information pages requiring interactivity; those who received the same information in static form; those who received pages in which interactivity was optional; and a control group who received financial information in a format currently used by leading investment firms. "The impetus for taking the nutrition label approach is the need to help people make sense quickly and effortlessly, taking into account future implications of possible actions they make now," said Gunaratne. "Unlike food labeling, however, we added the ability to check out different choices and their impacts. Interactivity enabled users to learn about the attributes of funds much like repeated decision-making over time helps people better understand risk and reward," said Nov. The information label borrows layout, print size, organization, justification, typography, information design and line spacing from nutritional labels. Gunaratne and Nov found that interactivity increased understanding and improved decision-making. Those who used the interactive version of the financial nutrition labels (whether by choice or because of the researchers' requirement) were 54% more likely to reach their goal than those in the control group. "Our motivation is really to build something that is easy for people to understand that they can engage with and make personal so they can achieve long-term benefits," said Nov. "This is critical because research has shown that consumers don't save in effective ways, and leave a lot of money on the table." Gunaratne added that individual investors are paying too much and getting too little, "Which is why the U.S. has a serious problem of underfunded retirement accounts most Americans will take serious financial hits and see reduced standards of living when retiring because they don't save effectively, due to uninformed decisions." The findings hold policy implications: "As demonstrated in our research, interactive financial product information labels can help consumers make better and more informed decisions," the authors wrote. "Regulators should therefore consider mandating the use of interactive information labels for financial products, just as simpler labels are used in other contexts such as food and other consumer products." "Using Interactive "Nutrition Labels" for Financial Products to Assist Decision Making Under Uncertainty," was recently accepted for publication in the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology. A draft version is available at http://faculty.poly.edu/~onov/Gunaratne_Nov_JASIST_final.pdf. About the NYU Tandon School of Engineering The NYU Tandon School of Engineering dates to 1854, when the New York University School of Civil Engineering and Architecture as well as the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute (widely known as Brooklyn Poly) were founded. Their successor institutions merged in January 2014 to create a comprehensive school of education and research in engineering and applied sciences, rooted in a tradition of invention, and entrepreneurship and dedicated to furthering technology in service to society. In addition to its main location in Brooklyn, NYU Tandon collaborates with other schools within the country's largest private research university and is closely connected to engineering programs in NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai. It operates business incubators in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn and an award-winning online graduate program. For more information, visit http://engineering.nyu.edu. www.facebook.com/nyutandon @nyutandontweets SOURCE NYU Tandon School of Engineering Related Links http://www.poly.edu LONDON, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Major oilfield expansion projects in Iraq will be an important source of low-cost oil production to meet future demand and growth will continue in 2017. Natural gas imports from Iran starting in 2016 will play a significant role in meeting demand from the power sector, while exports are set from the KRG to Turkey in 2019. Latest Updates And Key Forecasts - Over 9M16 oil production in Iraq has averaged 4.323mn b/d, with 3.245mn b/d exported from Basra and 0.469mn b/d from the KRG. - In November 2016, Iraq released production figures for its major oil fields in the South: - 1. Rumaila - 1.4mn b/d 2. West Qurna 1 & 2 - 870,000b/d 3. Zubair - 390,000b/d 4. Majnoon - 214,000b/d 5. Halfaya - 2040,00b/d - DNO is expected to add further wells at the Tawke field, increasing production from 109,000b/d in Q316 to 135,000b/d in 2017. - The Ministry of Oil is due to offer up 12 small and medium sized fields in central and southern Iraq to international investors. - Genel is expecting approval of the field development plan for the Miran/Bina Bawi fields, and the prefront end engineering for the midstream facilities to be completed by end 2016. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/172321/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com BOSTON, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Investments today announced the start of a national TV advertising campaign designed to communicate the benefits of the firm's unique multimanager approach to investing. The ads highlight the investing power in John Hancock's far-reaching network of specialized asset managers, the rigor of the firm's manager selection and oversight processes, and the strength of its strategic beta ETFs. The campaign will also appear online, in social media, and in select publications. "We're excited about this campaign," said Andrew G. Arnott, President and CEO of John Hancock Investments. "We believe our multimanager approach is simply a better way to address investor needs. That's why we've spent the past three decades building an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the toughest investment oversight in the industry." The firm's more than 175 professionals dedicated to manager research and oversight vet more than 300 investment strategies in a given year. Today, the company's asset management network includes 74 proven portfolio teams at 28 elite firms worldwide, managing a range of active and passive portfolios. "It's a theme we hear often from financial advisors," said Mr. Arnott. "It matters to them and to investors that we are looking for the best of the best when it comes to asset management." The television ads will run on Bloomberg TV's and Closing Bell, MSNBC's Morning Joe, CNBC's Squawk Box and Worldwide Exchange, and CNN's New Day and CNN Newsroom. Print and digital ads will be featured in a variety of industry publications, including InvestmentNews, Financial Planning, Institutional Investor, PLANSPONSOR, Financial Advisor, ETF Report, Barron's, Pensions & Investments, Wealth Management, and Investment Advisor, and will be supplemented by ads on the Captivate Network, targeting advisors nationally on elevator and lobby screens in select buildings. The firm has also developed a related microsite at ourdifferentapproach.com, dedicated to educating investors and advisors about the strength of its unique approach. About John Hancock Investments John Hancock has helped individuals and institutions build and protect wealth since 1862. Today, we are one of the strongest and most-recognized financial brands. We serve investors globally through a unique multimanager approach: We search the world to find proven portfolio teams with specialized expertise for every strategy we offer, then we apply robust investment oversight to ensure they continue to meet our uncompromising standards and serve the best interests of our shareholders. Our approach to asset management has led to a diverse set of investments deeply rooted in investor needs, along with strong risk-adjusted returns across asset classes. About John Hancock Financial and Manulife John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada, and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, our group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents, and distribution partners. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were CAD$966 billion (US$862 billion) as of September 30, 2016. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com. The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com. A fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the fund. To obtain a prospectus, contact your financial professional, call John Hancock Investments at 800-225-5291, or visit our website at jhinvestments.com/etf. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. MF339346 AD2017REL 1/17 SOURCE John Hancock Investments Related Links http://www.johnhancock.com "The Rainin Foundation understands that our support plays a critical role in advancing the early stages of scientific research. We welcome projects from researchers outside of the traditional IBD circles. Our funding comes when researchers need it mostwhen they have an idea or a question and they need a partner to begin working toward a solution," said Dr. Jennifer Rainin, CEO of the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. The Innovator Awards program awards $100,000 grants for one-year proof of concept research projects that could potentially lead to transformative discoveries about IBD. The Foundation's criteria for funding include innovation, scientific merit, collaboration, and capability to execute the project. The program is open to researchers, in any scientific discipline, and from any nonprofit research institution worldwide. "We believe that providing early support to innovative researchers with potentially transformative projects can lead to improvements in predicting, preventing, and curing IBD," said Dr. Averil Ma, chair of the Rainin Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board. Letters of Inquiry are accepted through the Foundation's online application system. The submission should describe the basic idea and central experiment. Applicants selected by the Foundation's panel of scientific advisors will be invited to submit a full proposal by May 15, 2017. For complete program information, eligibility requirements and application guidelines, visit krfoundation.org/health. Complementing its funding of scientific research, the Foundation will host its sixth annual Innovations Symposium on July 2425, 2017, in San Francisco. This event brings together scientific leaders, trainees, researchers and clinicians from around the world to encourage dialogue and advance the understanding of IBD. "We are committed to funding promising research and creating opportunities for early-career and seasoned investigators to build bridges and brainstorm together," stated Dr. Jennifer Rainin, CEO of the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. "Our annual Innovations Symposium facilitates discussion and collaboration among innovative researchers and clinicians to enhance discoveries. This year's event will broadly focus on early onset IBD and will feature international speakers and Rainin Foundation grantees who will present their work. The deadline for Travel Awards and the Call for Abstracts is March 31, 2017. An early bird registration rate of $125 is available until May 1, 2017. For more information and to register, visit krfoundation.org/symposium. About the Kenneth Rainin Foundation Kenneth Rainin Foundation is a family foundation that collaborates with creative thinkers in the Arts, Education and Health. At the Rainin Foundation, we believe in taking smart risks to achieve breakthroughs. We support visionary artists in the Bay Area, create opportunities for Oakland's youngest learners, and fund researchers on the forefront of scientific discoveries. Since 2010, the Foundation has awarded over $11 million in funding for promising scientific research projects with the potential to cure Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of leading scientists throughout the U.S. and abroad, guides the Foundation's Health grants program. More at krfoundation.org. SOURCE The Kenneth Rainin Foundation Related Links http://www.krfoundation.org CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Label Insight -- the leading provider of data solutions that powers transparency between CPG brands, retailers and consumers -- is bolstering its executive team, responding to robust industry growth. "There is an undeniable demand for Label Insight's solutions that help brands and retailers provide the product transparency that consumers seek. The result is rapid company growth," said Paul Schaut, CEO. "This additional experienced talent provides us with the necessary support to maintain excellent standards as we scale to fulfill customer demands. We will continue to break new ground in the product transparency movement." Increasing the amount of highly-detailed product data available to consumers, and enabling easy access to that data, is becoming even more critical to food, pet and personal care product makers. In this new era of authenticity, brands and retailers are giving consumers more reasons to trust their brands and products by putting Label Insight's unique product data solutions at the center of this transparency movement. Label Insight's team -- based in Chicago and St. Louis -- doubled in 2016. The company expects to continue this rapid pace of expansion throughout 2017. (The company currently looks to fill over 20 positions). Dave Aniol, Label Insight's new CFO, brings 25+ years of financial and operational experience. He will assist Label Insight scale for continued growth. Aniol successfully supported expansions, raised venture capital funds, and managed key operational functions for several firms, including INXPO, Sparkplug Communications, and Rubicon Technology. Angie Kimes, the new SVP of Sales, is a 21-year veteran of Catalina Marketing with 30 years experience in retail and CPG customer development. Kimes brings deep experience working with data-driven technology solutions. She is known for her long standing relationships with retailers, CPG brand customers, and industry organizations like FMI and the GMA. Josh Goldman, SVP of Business Development, led Nielsen's U.S. Digital Retail practice as global Digital Shopping product strategist. He brings 20+ years experience spanning consumer marketing insights and business intelligence to this role. He will focus on cultivating partnerships with consumer engagement technology providers to leverage Label Insight's data. Rich Coleman, VP of Retail Sales, spent 17 years at Catalina Marketing. Coleman is an experienced business development manager; an expert in client relations, negotiations, loyalty marketing, and strategic planning, particularly in retail grocery and CPG. He will focus on expanding the company's growing presence in the grocery and big box retail sector. The consumer mandate for better information about the products they buy and use continues to cause massive disruption for the CPG and retail industries. With these key hires, Label Insight remains poised for another year of explosive growth. Label Insight continues to play a pivotal role in the way the industry responds to consumers demands in this multi-billion dollar industry. About Label Insight: Label Insight is a cloud-based data refinery for product data that powers transparency between CPG brands, retailers and consumers. The company works to capture, analyze and enrich data contained on the packaging and labeling of food, pet, and personal care products. Label Insight's platform enables transparent, open access to accurate product information. Label Insight's platform contains more than 350,000 products, representing 80% of the top purchased CPG products in the USA today. Label Insight customers use this data to provide greater transparency to consumers; easily participate in industry and government initiatives, such as SmartLabel; create more connected omni-channel experiences; and maximize category growth potential. To learn more about Label Insight, visit www.labelinsight.com. All Media Requests: Orly Telisman [email protected] 312-375-1230 SOURCE Label Insight Related Links http://www.labelinsight.com CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force's next Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite, built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), was encapsulated on Jan. 7 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, where it will launch on Jan. 19 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Encapsulation refers to the sealing of the satellite in a protective launch vehicle fairingone of the last steps a satellite must undergo before launch. The SBIRS GEO Flight 3 satellite is the latest to join an orbiting network of satellites equipped with powerful scanning and staring sensors that collect and transmit infrared surveillance information to relay ground stations. This information is used by the U.S. military to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defense, expand technical intelligence gathering and bolster situational awareness on the battlefield. While SBIRS' primary mission is strategic missile warning, infrared data will also be made available for new qualified military and civilian uses at the Air Force's recently opened Tools, Applications and Processing Lab in Boulder, Colorado. "The satellite's successful delivery and encapsulation closes out a manufacturing process that Lockheed Martin has continued to streamline with each build, driving significant schedule and cost reductions into the SBIRS program," said David Sheridan, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Overhead Persistent Infrared systems mission area. "With its launch, the addition of GEO Flight 3 into the constellation will greatly enhance SBIRS' ability to provide resilient, space-based infrared surveillance capabilities for decades to come." The satellite's journey to launch began at Lockheed Martin's Sunnyvale, California, facility, where it was built, integrated and thoroughly tested. For its trip to Florida, the satellite was loaded aboard a C-5 Galaxy aircraft at nearby Moffett Federal Air Field. The next SBIRS satellite, GEO Flight 4, is in storage and will undergo final assembly, integration and test prior to its planned 2017 launch. SBIRS GEO-5 and GEO-6, which are currently in production, incorporate Lockheed Martin's new modernized A2100 spacecraft to dramatically reduce costs and cycle times while increasing the potential to incorporate future advanced sensor suites. The SBIRS development team is led by the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, California, is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Azusa, California, as the payload integrator. The 460th Space Wing, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, operates the SBIRS system. For additional SBIRS information, photos and video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. SOURCE Lockheed Martin Related Links http://www.lockheedmartin.com MIAMI, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- World Media & Technology Corp. ("Wor(l)d") ( www.worldmediatech.com ) (OTC PINK: WRMT), today announced that its research activity generating non-invasive, continuous blood glucose estimates has been found to be sufficiently accurate to allow WRMT to proceed to full integration of the algorithm in the Helo platform so WRMT can offer blood glucose estimation as a service in Q4'17 to Helo wearers who choose to pay an initial set-up fee and an ongoing monthly charge. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 415 million people worldwide (1 in 11 people) have diabetes consuming 12% of global health expenditure ($673B) in 2015. The American Diabetes Association advises that in the US, nearly 30 million (1 in 8) people have diabetes and $1 in $5 health care dollars is spent caring for people with diabetes. Americans with diagnosed diabetes incur average medical expenditures of about $13,700 per year, of which about $7,900 is attributed to diabetes. The importance of blood glucose (blood sugar) monitoring is the main tool used to check diabetes control. The current mainstream blood glucose measurement process is to use a lancing device on the side of the fingertip to get a drop of blood, touch the test strip to the drop of blood, and wait for the result. Apart from being painful for the diabetic, there are health risks due to the invasive nature of the process as well as measurement compliance and recording issues. Helo's features today include measurement of Blood Pressure, ECG, Heart Rate, Respiration Rate, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis for mood and energy levels along with measuring steps, distance and calorie burn. However, this is the first time anyone has used a photoplethysmograph (PPG) to estimate blood glucose levels and incorporate the technology into a wearable device to provide convenient, non-invasive blood glucose estimation and logging on a continuous basis. Helo is not a medical device, but continuous measurement of blood glucose estimates are expected to be helpful in understanding blood glucose changes over time, aid compliance and support a pre-diabetic seeking to change their lifestyle to avoid diabetes. WRMT's blood glucose estimation service is non-invasive, and can be scheduled to record blood glucose estimates routinely with readings stored in Helo's LifeLog for easy presentation to the diabetic's health care provider. In the event that Helo detects a blood glucose problem, Helo's Guardian service will automatically alert the wearer and their care giver. It is expected that this service will initially be available in Q4'17, to all Helo wearers who opt-in for the service and who pay the initial fee to cover registration and to start blood glucose monitoring. Fabio Galdi, CEO, World Media & Technology Corp., said, "I am personally excited by this development. It is the first time that I am aware that PPG technology has been used to estimate blood glucose in a wearable device designed for the consumer wellness market. It will address a very real, painful and expensive need. Our test results have proven consistent with traditional blood glucose measurements so we have decided to start integration to provide this as a full Helo service later this year." He continued, "By the time that we launch, we will have enough Helo wearers all over the world to generate a very valuable blood glucose data base. Our plan is to share this data via our Big Data Portal with appropriate research partners. We are sure that together we can gain valuable insights and who knows, maybe somewhere, buried below all that data our research partners may find the cure for diabetes!" About Wor(l)d World Media & Technology Corp. designs, manufactures and sells connected, next-generation, innovative wearable devices which use its proprietary Life Sensing Technology. It has end-users in over 80 countries which it supports through its exclusive distribution partnership with Wor(l)d Global Network (www.worldgn.com). For further information, see www.worldmediatech.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "intends," "believes," and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce operating expenses, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the OTC Markets Group and with the SEC. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release. SOURCE World Media & Technology Corp. Related Links http://www.worldmediatech.com Well on its way to being an officially recognized sector of the national economy (GDP) with the recent passage of the REC Act , outdoor recreation accounts for $646 billion in consumer spending, 6.1 million American jobs, $80 billion in federal state and local revenue and other significant economic activity across the country. Designed to showcase the collaboration and teamwork currently taking place throughout the outdoor industry, the Together We Are a Force campaign illustrates the strength in numbers the outdoor industry possesses when it comes to tackling important issues such as climate change, trade policy and the health and wellness benefits of getting kids outside. "We know that there are numerous issues that are too important, too significant to be shouldered by the individual they need to be addressed by the entire industry. On issues like the environment and sustainability, by working together and uniting our voices, we can achieve great success," states OIA Executive Director Amy Roberts. Coming to life through a series of print ads, videos and content that profile influential industry pairings that exemplify the campaign theme "Together We Are a Force," OIA's website (https://outdoorindustry.org/together-we-are-a-force/) will provide expanded interviews plus audio and video about the individuals and companies featured in the campaign. People like Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Colorado Springs specialty retailer David Leinweber, who owns Angler's Covey, work together on policies that favor small business and the state's rich outdoor recreation infrastructure. Portland State University's Jennifer Nolfi and Yeti Coolers' Alex Baires are recruiting more diverse college students into industry career tracks and leadership roles. Peter Haney of Columbia Sportswear and Daniel Uretsky of ALLIED Feather & Down are leading the industry in materials traceability and transparency, not only through their business relationship but through their work on the OIA Sustainability Working Group (SWG). Perhaps one of the industry's greatest collaborative efforts is the Sustainability Working Group (SWG), celebrating its 10th anniversary. With over 300 brands, retailers, suppliers and other stakeholder organizations working to identify and implement better business practices throughout their supply chains, it isn't uncommon to see competitors working side by side. These business leaders and others are featured in the campaign, to which more partnerships and stories will be added throughout the year. As the organization responsible for connecting brands, retailers and other interested parties in the outdoor space, OIA has outlined its three areas of focus public policy, outdoor participation and sustainable business innovation and believes that bringing together the individual stakeholders can help effect more substantial progress toward common initiatives. This includes, at times, competitors who face the same obstacle; working together they can often find a solution for which independently they may not have the resources. It's important for the longevity of our brands, but also for the longevity of the world we live in," says Smartwool's Jennifer McLaren of her company's involvement with the SWG and its commitment to sustainability. In OIA's Together We Are a Force campaign, McLaren is paired with Dave Petri of Farm to Feet which competes with Smartwool in the sock category but collaborates with through the SWG. In a video on outdoorindustry.org, Petri explains: "What you guys (Smartwool) do to improve your supply chain ultimately helps improve the supply chain for others and vice versa." Outdoor Industry Association's programming at the Winter Market Outdoor Retailer trade show will revolve around the Together We Are a Force messaging, and Roberts hopes attendees will carry the message with them into the future by collaborating on advocacy work, sustainability initiatives and participation efforts. To learn more about opportunities to get involved, visit outdoorindustry.org. Outdoor Industry Association Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves over 1300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353. SOURCE Outdoor Industry Association Related Links http://www.outdoorindustry.org "This magnificent model, originally sculpted from beeswax, returned to Milan where Leonardo created it in 1508," stated Rod Maly, co-owner of the art. "It was exciting to publicly display the art for only the third time since its unveiling in 2012. Milan is the city that Leonardo called home and the reception, from the people who know Leonardo best, was amazing," Maly added. "For this artistic achievement to be preserved for centuries is remarkable," added Jim Petty, partner and co-owner with Maly. "To think, a work like this could have easily disappeared from existence." The history of the artwork is fascinating, complete with mystery, twists, and turns that saw it pass from several prestigious European collections to its being saved from Nazi looting during World War II. A five minute film documents the history of the masterpiece from its creation in 1508 to the present day. VIEW FILM NOW: www.DaVinciHorseandRider.com Future plans to publicly display the work have not been disclosed at this time. "The sculpture has been placed in a bank vault for safe keeping until we can determine how best to share 'Horse and Rider' with the world," Petty said. "For now we are content knowing that this masterwork is back in Las Vegas and that we have completed another step in telling its incredible story to the world." About 'Horse and Rider' An early maquette for an unfinished monument, 'Horse and Rider' features a rider in full military regalia on horseback. Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519 before he could complete the larger project, leaving 'Horse and Rider' to his star pupil, Francesco Melzi. The work remained with the Melzi family in Italy. It was later removed to Switzerland for safekeeping before the onset of WWII. In 1985, world renowned Leonardo expert, Dr.Carlo Pedretti was called on to verify its authenticity. After his in-depth analysis, Pedretti declared in writing, "In my opinion, this wax model is by Leonardo himself." Photos of the model appear in the Catalogue Raisonne of Leonardo's drawings known as the "Queen's Collection at Windsor Castle, Horses and Other Animals". The beeswax model is also well documented in the scholarly work "Leonardo da Vinci; Scientist, Inventor, Artist" by Otto Letze and Thomas Buchsteiner. For more information contact: Scott Ferguson [email protected] 702-227-0220 www.DaVinciHorseandRider.com SOURCE Da Vinci Horse and Rider Related Links http://www.DaVinciHorseandRider.com RENO, Nevada, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan Gold Corporation (OTCQB: MAGE) ("Magellan" or "the Company") today announced that its Peruvian Ninobamba exploration venture with Rio Silver Inc. (TSX.V: RYO) ("Rio Silver") has applied for a new 553-hectare concession, bringing its consolidated land package to 36.53 square kilometers (9,027 acres). The new concession was the subject of an exploration program by Newmont Mining Corporation in 2009-2010, which yielded encouraging geochemical and geophysical anomalies and included an initial drilling program. One hole intersected 72 meters averaging 1.19 grams per tonne gold. Ninobamba is located in south-central Peru near infrastructure and with excellent access. Title to the new concession is expected to be granted by the Peruvian Ministry in the first half of 2017. "This additional concession expands the extent of known silver-gold mineralization under our control to over six kilometers in an east-west direction", said Dr. Pierce Carson, CEO. "This extensively altered and mineralized trend contains a number of largely untested and open-ended silver and gold anomalies, several of which appear to represent excellent bulk mineable open pit targets. The newly acquired concession lies on the western portion of the trend. The main Ninobamba concession is located at the eastern end of the trend. We are particularly encouraged by results of historical drilling and surface trenching, which returned potential ore grade mineralization over substantial widths. "Currently we are compiling the extensive technical database, and are prioritizing targets for an aggressive exploration program planned for 2017." In 2009-2010, Newmont Mining Corporation completed significant exploration within the area of the new concession and identified four prospective targets of which the Jorimina zone returned particularly encouraging results. Surface geochemical sampling identified a gold anomalous area of at least 700 meters by 1000 meters. Highlights of surface sampling include results from rock channel samples that returned 17.4 meters of 3.06 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au and 200 meters of 0.26 g/t Au. Geophysical induced polarization surveys showed four strong chargeability anomalies coinciding with gold-silver anomalies. Two of the four chargeability anomalies were defined as 680 meters by 150 meters and 700 meters by 200 meters. Thirteen holes totaling 4,377 meters were drilled at Jorimina. Six of these holes drilled in the Jorimina Central area encountered significant Au-Ag-Zn-Pb mineralization in an area 700 meters by 300 meters. Drill hole JOR-001 returned 72.3 meters averaging 1.19 g/t Au starting at a depth of 53 meters. The Jorimina prospects exhibit promising potential for a significant discovery and additional exploration appears to be warranted. On October 25, 2016, the Company announced it had concluded a Definitive Agreement with Rio Silver pursuant to which Magellan has the right to earn an undivided 50% interest in the Ninobamba Silver/Gold Project. To earn its 50% interest, Magellan must spend $2.0 million in exploration over three years. In connection with the Rio Silver transaction, Magellan is required to complete two private placement unit financings in Rio Silver, each for aggregate proceeds of Cdn$75,000. The Company has completed the first unit private placement financing and expects to complete the second in January 2017. About Magellan Gold Corporation Magellan Gold Corporation (OTCQB: MAGE) is a US public enterprise focused on the exploration and development of precious metals. The Company's two mineral properties are located in Arizona and in Peru. The 100% owned Silver District Property in southwest Arizona comprises over 2,000 acres covering the heart of the historic Silver District. The property contains a near-surface historical drilled resource of 16 million ounces of silver and exhibits exploration promise for significant expansion. The Ninobamba Silver-Gold Property in southern Peru, on which the Company has the right to earn a 50% interest, covers 9,027 acres and demonstrates potential for one or more large, bulk tonnage, silver-gold deposits. To learn more about Magellan Gold Corporation, visit http://www.magellangoldcorp.com. Cautionary Statement The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can legally extract or produce. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves. Currently we have not delineated "reserves" on any of our properties. We cannot be certain that any deposits at our properties will ever be confirmed or converted into SEC Industry Guide 7 compliant "reserves." Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of any "resource" estimates will ever be confirmed or converted into reserves or that they can be economically or legally extracted. Forward Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements are based on good faith assumptions that Magellan Gold Corporation believes are reasonable but which are subject to a wide range of uncertainties and business risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated are discussed in Magellan Gold Corporation's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contacts: Magellan Gold Corporation Pierce Carson +1-(505) 463-9223 John Power +1-(707) 884-3766 SOURCE Magellan Gold Corporation SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sera Prognostics, Inc., a womans healthcare company, announced today that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) (NYSE:LH), a world leading life sciences company, to be the exclusive U.S. distributor of Seras PreTRM test. PreTRM is the first and only clinically-validated blood test that provides an early and individualized prediction of preterm birth risk. In addition, LabCorp will lead Seras $40 million Series C financing. Proceeds from the Series C financing, which includes existing investors, enable Sera to continue building clinical evidence to support reimbursement and insurance coverage decisions, as well as expand commercialization nationwide for the PreTRM test. Sera plans to leverage LabCorps market leading position in NIPT, womens healthcare and reproductive genetics and its nationwide network of 1,750 patient service centers to make PreTRM broadly accessible to physicians and patients concerned about preterm birth risk. We are very excited to enter into this collaboration with LabCorp to expand our reach in the maternal fetal medicine community, enabling us to further educate both physicians and patients on the value of knowing the risk, early in pregnancy, of premature birth, said Gregory C. Critchfield, M.D., M.S., chairman and chief executive officer of Sera Prognostics. As highlighted by two recent publications, experts state that use of biomarker testing is a dominant strategy for addressing the negative impact of prematurity. We are confident that with this financing and collaboration, Sera can realize its vision of improving neonatal health and associated economics in the U.S. and worldwide. Sera initiated a targeted launch of PreTRM with limited commercial access in select geographies in 2016 and will expand the tests availability nationwide in 2017 in partnership with LabCorp. Seras PreTRM test is a unique offering and one that has the potential to change the way prematurity is identified and treated today, said David P. King, chairman and chief executive officer of LabCorp. The collaboration with Sera expands our ability to provide patients and physicians with one source for the most complete range of testing options in womens health, in support of our mission to improve health and improve lives. As a market leader in NIPT, womens health and reproductive genetics, LabCorp brings a significant depth of experience that will help expand the commercialization of PreTRM. Together, we are working toward reducing the social and economic burden of prematurity by more accurately predicting preterm birth risk and providing both physicians and patients the opportunity to intervene earlier to address prematurity risk, with the goal of improving the lives of women and their babies, said Dr. Critchfield. About Preterm Birth According to the March of Dimes, globally preterm birth affects 15 million infants each year, with 1 million deaths occurring from prematurity. Of nearly 4 million babies born annually in the U.S., approximately one in ten is born prematurely. Preterm birth is defined as any birth before 37 weeks gestation, and is the leading cause of illness and death in newborns. Prematurity is associated with a significantly increased risk of major long-term medical complications, including learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, chronic respiratory illness, intellectual disability, seizures, and vision and hearing loss, and can generate significant costs throughout the lives of affected children. About the PreTRM Test The PreTRM test is the first and only clinically validated blood test that provides an early and individual risk prediction for spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic, singleton pregnancies. The PreTRM test measures and analyzes proteins in the blood that are highly predictive of preterm birth. The PreTRM test can help physicians identify early in the pregnancy (as early as 19 weeks of gestation) which women are at increased risk for premature delivery, enabling more informed clinical decisions based on each womans individual risk. The PreTRM test enables researchers to better understand the causes of preterm birth and to develop new therapies to improve newborn health. The PreTRM test is ordered by a medical professional. For more information about the PreTRM test, please visit www.PreTRM.com and the PreTRM test YouTube Channel. You can also join the conversation on Facebook and @PreTRM. About Sera Prognostics, Inc. Sera Prognostics, a womens health company, develops innovative diagnostic tests focused on the early prediction of preterm birth (PTB) risk and other complications of pregnancy. Sera has launched its PreTRM test, the first and only clinically validated blood test to accurately predict early in pregnancy the risk of premature birth. The test objectively reports to the physician the risk of premature delivery, enabling earlier proactive interventions designed to prolong gestation and improve neonatal health outcomes. Seras technology addresses both the health and economic challenges of PTB. The Companys strong management team has significant clinical development and women's healthcare diagnostic experience. Sera is backed by highly respected healthcare investors, including Domain Associates, InterWest Partners, Catalyst Health Ventures, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Currently, Sera is working with the Gates Foundation to translate the Companys discoveries into technologies well suited for low-income countries in its journey to improve maternal and infant health globally. Sera Prognostics is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.seraprognostics.com. Martin's will have fresh distribution of potato rolls and bread in Publix stores within the Nashville area starting the week of January 16th and anticipates several other stores and food service venues will be quickly following. Martin's fresh distribution markets stretch across twenty states on the East Coast. Food service distribution includes an additional ten states and sixteen countries. Not only is Martin's introducing delicious rolls and bread to this area but the company has also created new employment opportunities. "We have decided to open this region with company-owned routes and our own route sales employees who are hired from the local region," says Scott Heintzelman, vice president of finance and administration. "Martin's sets a high priority on providing the best customer service, and having employees from this area will emphasize our willingness to serve our customers." To ensure that customers are buying fresh product, Martin's only allows fresh-baked products to be on store shelves an average of 3-4 days. The Nashville distribution expansion comes right on the heels of the introduction of Martin's Old-Fashioned Real Butter Bread, which was released to the full distribution area on January 2, 2017. The new Butter Bread has a unique taste that is sweet and buttery. As with Martin's other products, this product has no artificial colors or sweeteners, uses unbleached wheat flour, and is made from non-GMO ingredients. The high quality ingredients, unique taste, thick-cut slice, and soft texture elevates this item to the level of a "premium bread product," while remaining competitively priced and still affordable for the average family's purchase. Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc., is an all-American family owned and operated company headquartered in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. From 1955, when Lloyd and Lois Martin converted their garage into a small bakery, the Martin's family has focused on baking great-tasting products using high-quality ingredients. Their dedication to excellence, quality, service, and family values is what truly sets them apart from their competitors. Located in central Pennsylvania, Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread has been known for its "Famous Dutch Taste." No longer just a "Pennsylvania novelty," Martin's Potato Rolls are the "#1 Branded Hamburger Bun in America." In addition to their famous burger (Sandwich) and hot dog (Long) potato rolls, Martin's also makes sesame-seeded Big Marty's Rolls, Hoagie Rolls, 100% Whole Wheat Potato Bread, and Cinnamon-Raisin Swirl Potato Bread. These and other Martin's products, such as the new Old-Fashioned Real Butter Bread, are delivered fresh to Eastern and Mid-West stores daily and are exported internationally to a growing number of countries. To learn more about Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread, visit their website at: www.potatorolls.com. SOURCE Martins Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc. Related Links http://www.potatorolls.com HANOVER, Md., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Maryland's largest private hospitalist group, Physicians Inpatient Care Specialists (MDICS), celebrates its 10-year anniversary with the unveiling of a new brand identityAdfinitas Health. Founded by two hospitalist physicians in 2007, Doug Mitchell MD, MBA, and Hung Davis MD, CMD, the company recognized early on the opportunity for physician assistants and nurse practitioners to support doctors in delivering high-quality care. The renaming marks 10 years of growth for the company and a continued commitment to optimizing value for its patients and clients. Adfinitas Health, through multiple subsidiaries, currently serves over 50 healthcare systems, hospitals, and post-acute care centers, with approximately 400 employees. The company operates across the Mid-Atlantic region, delivering high-quality, cost-effective integrated medical services. The recent release of a newly published study coincides with the firm's anniversary. Co-authored by Timothy Capstack, MD, one of the company's partners, the study confirms the benefits of Adfinitas Health's model, which expands the use of advanced practice providers as compared to more traditional hospital staffing models. "Ten years ago, we built this company on our belief that talented, properly trained physician assistants and nurse practitioners should operate at the top of their licensing to deliver quality care," said Dr. Mitchell. "We developed a detailed, structured training program, including lectures, tests, and on-site training and evaluations, to equip these practitioners to be highly functioning hospitalists working in concert with doctors. Quality with cost reduction is our biggest differentiatorwe do it better than anyone else, and it has allowed us to grow organically very quickly over the past 10 years. In looking to the future, we wanted to map a deliberate growth plan, and that was the catalyst for the new identityto strengthen and to better communicate who we are to our staff, and to the market." "We understood that in order to meet our ambitious growth goals, we needed an identity that could grow with us," said Dr. Davis. "But it's more than a name change. Adfinitas means relationship. It honors everything we have built over the past decadeour partnership with clients and commitment to the patients we serveand creates a foundation for our firm's next steps. Adfinitas Health maintains the vision and core values upon which our firm was established, while providing a more distinct identity that is scalable, enduring, and enhances our company's values." More than 200 voices and points of reference were part of the re-naming process, including clients, business partners, and employees. Those thoughts, perceptions, and insights created a rich data pool that informed the thinking and development behind the brand identity. "As we close out our tenth year, we are excited to move forward as Adfinitas Health," said Eric Nass, the company's President. "We are poised for further growth and will continue our commitment to deliver quality service to every client and every patient as we scale the business. Adfinitas Health is committed to providing the very best care alongside our partners." About Adfinitas Health Adfinitas Health (formerly MDICS) is the trusted partner of more than 50 healthcare systems, hospitals, and post-acute care centers in the Mid-Atlantic region. Founded in 2007, Adfinitas Health is a physician-owned and managed company that provides high-quality, cost-effective integrated medical services across the full continuum of care in hospitals and post-acute facilities. Our unique integrated staffing model, unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, and focus on improving patient outcomes, makes possible real opportunities to transform care and drive value for our clients. For more information, please visit AdfinitasHealth.com. SOURCE Adfinitas Health LAHAINA, Hawaii, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, Maui Jim was selected as the Best Sunglass Company in Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine's Eighth Annual EyeVote Readers' Choice Awards. Maui Jim also was named Favorite Sport Brand for Women for the second year in a row. Each year, Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine, both Jobson Medical Information publications, collect votes from optical retailers and eye care professionals identifying favorite products and companies in the following categories: optical frames, spectacle lenses, sunglasses, contact lenses, optical equipment and supplies, diagnostic equipment, practice management software, Electronic Health Records (EHR) software, online ordering website, best optical app patient engagement systems and dispensing/measuring fitting systems. "We are excited to once again be recognized in the EyeVote Readers' Choice Awards," said Jay Black, Vice President, Global Marketing. "Our partners in the eye care industry have been instrumental in making the Maui Jim brand what it is today, so to be acknowledged by our peers in this manner is always an honor." This is the company's 13th overall EyeVote Readers' Choice Award and the sixth year in a row winning Favorite Sunglass Company. For more information about the EyeVote Readers' Choice Awards, visit visionmonday.com or 2020mag.com. For more information about Maui Jim, visit mauijim.com. About Maui Jim Maui Jim sunglasses were born on the beaches of Maui and designed to protect eyes from the harsh rays of the island sun. Today, Maui Jim is recognized for unparalleled "Aloha Spirit" and customer service as well as their patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology, which blocks 100% of UV rays and eliminates glare while enhancing color, definition and depth perception. Maui Jim sunglasses have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin. For more information, visit mauijim.com, follow us on Facebook, or on Twitter and Instagram at @OfficialMauiJim. SOURCE Maui Jim, Inc. Related Links http://www.mauijim.com These days, properly identifying business associates can mean the difference between a company complying with federal regulations or being in the middle of a multi-million dollar settlement. To complicate matters further, HIPAA rules have changed and the definition of a business associate has expanded. "We're seeing businesses and healthcare organizations forced into expensive settlements because they didn't realize they needed a business associate agreement in place," says Rick Hindmand, a healthcare attorney at McDonald Hopkins in Chicago and the author of this new white paper. "Some businesses and subcontractors like IT or cloud service providers might not even know they are handling healthcare information, and therefore subject to HIPAA rules. We prepared this white paper because we want our clients and others to have guidance on how to keep their organizations in compliance with ever-changing privacy and security standards." The white paper, available at mcdonaldhopkins.com/hipaa-business-associate, also gives history on how the definition of a HIPAA business associate has evolved and explains when a business associate agreement is needed. The white paper contains updated information from a widely popular McDonald Hopkins alert published in 2013 on the same topic. McDonald Hopkins regularly publishes blogs and alerts on business and legal topics affecting the healthcare industry. The firm's national Healthcare Practice has over 50 years of experience serving a broad range of individuals and entities in the healthcare industry. About McDonald Hopkins Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, we have the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com. CONTACT: Deborah W. Kelm McDonald Hopkins LLC 600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100 Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Phone: 216.348.5733 Email: [email protected] SOURCE McDonald Hopkins Related Links http://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com Formica Writable Surfaces feature six colors and designs, each providing the chance to write a personal creative expression directly on it, and to simply wipe it away when finished. As practical as they are inspirational, the surfaces provide a new platform for homeowners to stay connected, manage schedules, play a game or just create. Like all Formica Brand products, they are also budget friendly and durable. "Imagine a wall or door in your home where you can finally say, 'it's OK to draw on.' Imagine jotting a good-luck message on your counter for your loved one on the day of a big meeting, making sure they start their day right. These are just some of the endless options for expression with Formica Writable Surfaces," said Gerri Chmiel, residential design lead, Formica Corporation. Formica Writable Surfaces give homeowners the ability to create expressions of love, life, friendship and personality literally on surfaces that make up their homes. The collection is offered in a variety of fresh designs suitable for horizontal or vertical surfaces in any room, from bedroom and kitchen walls, to tabletops, desktops, cabinet fronts and more. Formica Writable Surfaces: Modern Canvases to Unlock Creativity Throughout the Home Three markerboard Formica Writable Surfaces include patterns LoveWords, ColorBook and ImagiGrid plus Classic White, bringing even more options for personal expression within the home. LoveWords features heartwarming light-gray words such as "family" and "cozy," providing an understated way to make a statement, while delivering on the practical need to add reminders of what's coming up. ColorBook, a life-sized coloring book pattern in light gray, allows both kids and adults to fill in the lines, wipe clean and then start over again with new colors, or add their own doodles. ImagiGrid offers a 1-inch grid pattern that helps anyone get organized within the home, providing an ideal way to make lists, plan a workout or map out a plan, anywhere from home gyms to playrooms to the end cap of a pantry cabinet. White provides a clean palette for any type of creation, from original artwork to a simple reminder written on a sleek white countertop. Two chalkboard Formica Writable Surfaces, Black ChalkAble and Gray ChalkAble, provide a dark matte finish, perfect for anything from writing schedule reminders on a mudroom wall, to balancing a checkbook on a home office desk, to helping a child learn to write the alphabet, directly on the closet doors. "Homeowners today want to express their individuality and what better way to do that than with a blank canvas for just about anywhere you can think to use one? At Formica Corporation, we know homeowners are seeking quality surfaces that deliver on all areas that are important to them. They want surfaces to be beautiful, purposeful, durable, easy to maintain and smartly priced. Formica Writable Surfaces have all these attributes and more," Chmiel, added. In addition to the new colors and patterns, Formica Corporation will showcase two ready-made products made with Formica Writable Surfaces at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. The first includes SketchTable in a coffee table size perfect for game nights, homework or entertaining, and a taller size for a front entryway, child's table or end table. The second includes CreateSlate featuring a cream-colored frame with Black ChalkAble inside, and a gray frame with LoveWords inside. Both products will be available for sale to the public in spring 2017. Also new from the 2017 Formica Residential Collection In addition to Formica Writable Surfaces, Formica Corporation is also introducing four exuberant 180fx large-scale laminate stone designs in 2017, including: Fantasy Marble , inspired by Fantasy Brown marble imported from India , a flowing stream of pewter, sand and earth tones. , inspired by Fantasy Brown marble imported from , a flowing stream of pewter, sand and earth tones. Azul Aran , a complex stone with variations of blue-gray veins and deposits on white bedrock, giving an appearance of movement. , a complex stone with variations of blue-gray veins and deposits on white bedrock, giving an appearance of movement. Blue Flower Granite and Silver Flower Granite, a swirling pattern of quartz crystals with earth-toned lines for clarity and depth. Rounding out the 2017 Formica Residential Collection are seven trend-forward Formica Laminate designs inspired by blending popular neutral tones, patterned stones and natural vs. man-made materials, including: White Bardiglio, a timeless, Italian-inspired neutral gray stone with white highlights for dimension. a timeless, Italian-inspired neutral gray stone with white highlights for dimension. Silver Shalestone , a blended breccia style design fusing a cool and warm gray monochromatic palette. , a blended breccia style design fusing a cool and warm gray monochromatic palette. Geriba Gray , a dark charcoal breaks through this mid-tone gray crystalline granite design. , a dark charcoal breaks through this mid-tone gray crystalline granite design. Star Dune , a galaxy of frothy latte tones brought together by tiny particles of complex browns and grays. , a galaxy of frothy latte tones brought together by tiny particles of complex browns and grays. White Marble Herringbone , a world-loved Carrara marble meets a classic pattern for an elegant aesthetic. , a world-loved Carrara marble meets a classic pattern for an elegant aesthetic. Silver Oak Herringbone , a popular gray paired with a natural oak wood creates an innovative pattern with endless possibilities. , a popular gray paired with a natural oak wood creates an innovative pattern with endless possibilities. Lastly, Planked Urban Oak , a woodsy weathered design for contemporary warmth in interiors. About Formica Corporation Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation, part of the Formica Group of companies, is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. For more information about Formica Corporation, its products, special programs and promotions, visit www.formica.com or call 1-800-FORMICA. About Formica Group Formica Group is a global group of companies consisting of Formica Canada Inc., Formica Corporation, Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Formica IKI Oy, Formica Skandinavien AB, Formica Limited, Formica S.A., Formica S.A.S., Formica Taiwan Corporation, Formica (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Formica (Asia) Ltd., Formica Decorative Materials (China) Co., Ltd. and Homapal GmbH, among others. The Formica Group of companies is part of the Laminates & Panels division of Fletcher Building. Please Note: Formica, 180fx and the Formica Anvil Logo are registered trademarks of The Diller Corporation. 1-800-FORMICA, ChalkAble, SketchTable and CreateSlate are trademarks of The Diller Corporation. All rights reserved. 2016 The Diller Corporation. A member of the Fletcher Building Group. SOURCE Formica Corporation Related Links http://formica.com DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ordering a pizza, booking a ride, finding local activities, and reserving a table at a top restaurant are now all possible in just the touch of a button through the new Hotels.com Concierge, powered by the Button Marketplace. Launching today, the Hotels.com Concierge is available through the award-winning Hotels.com smartphone app, giving travelers a one-stop-shop for all their local travel needs. Available on iOS, Hotels.com Concierge is like having a local expert in the palm of your hand, offering fast access to services such as transportation through Uber; on-demand food delivery through delivery.com; restaurant reservations through OpenTable; and activities through Groupon. With ticketing also coming soon. The concierge is powered by Button, a contextual commerce platform that connects consumers to the products or services they need at the touch of a button, leveraging the extensive range of partners in the Button Marketplace. Button's technology makes it possible for users to seamlessly request and receive their favorite products and services on mobile through the Hotels.com Concierge. For Hotels.com customers, all available local services will appear in the app on the day their hotel stay begins, leveraging key location data, such as the customer's hotel address, to make the process of enhancing their stay with complementary services seamless and intuitive. Everything you need for the perfect trip is right there all in one place. Travelers love the idea of having a mobile concierge that can tend to their every need. New global research by Hotels.com* revealed that almost half (46%) of travelers would happily use a mobile concierge service, with requests such as restaurant reservations (62%), directions (51%) and tickets to tourist attractions (48%) topping the list of what they'd ask for. The survey also revealed some more fun and unusual requests travelers would like to make from a mobile butler type service. A quarter (25%) wished for a barista to make their morning coffee, almost one in five (17%) wanted someone to come and do their ironing and more than one in ten (12%) wanted a person to come and read them a bedtime story! "When travelling I'd love a service where I can make a request from my mobile for someone to come and iron my shirts! While our app isn't quite at that stage yet, we are amongst the first to develop a full concierge service that's a one-stop-shop for travelers' local needs," said Daniel Craig, Senior Director of Mobile at Hotels.com brand. "Mobile is changing the way people travel, and at the forefront of that we're constantly innovating and investing in mobile, to offer more than just hotel bookings. We want to make our customers lives easier before, during and after their trip." Michael Jaconi, CEO and Founder at Button, explained: "The travel industry has always been powered by links whether that is meta search linking to carriers or hotels or linking consumers to complementary experiences around their travel plans. Today, Button is thrilled to launch the first mobile linking solution for the travel industry in partnership with Hotels.com, and now with Button, those same opportunities can be pursued in mobile. The innovators at Hotels.com have shown how Button's technology can be used to enhance people's travel and we're thrilled to be playing such an integral part in their fastest growing booking channel." The Hotels.com app is available to download on iOS, Android and Amazon Kindle devices. Customers will also have access to special Secret Prices** to help them save even more on their next stay away. Editor's notes The constantly expanding partner list and localities available with Hotels.com Concierge currently includes: Travel Uber: Available globally Reservations OpenTable: Available in more than 20 countries, including Australia , Canada , Germany , Ireland , Japan , Mexico , United Kingdom and the United States Delivery hungryhouse: Available in the United Kingdom delivery.com: Available in the United States Activities Groupon: Available in the United States and United Kingdom *OnePoll survey commissioned by Hotels.com, conducted in October and November 2016, 8,377 respondents from 28 countries. ** Secret Prices are available to Hotels.com app users, Hotels.com Rewards members and individuals who unlock Secret Prices on the website by subscribing to Hotels.com by email. Secret Prices will be shown where the "Your Secret Price" banner is displayed on your search results. Available on selected hotels and selected dates only. Subject to full terms and conditions. About Hotels.com Hotels.com L.P. operates Hotels.com, a leading online accommodation booking website with properties ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. 2017 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST #2083949-50 About Button Button connects consumers to what they want when they want it with the touch of a Button. Focused on better connecting the mobile economy, Button provides the easiest way for mobile brands to partner with one another, facilitating discovery and transaction among consumers with a contextually-relevant experience. Current partners of the Button Marketplace include industry leaders such as Uber, Conde Nast, Refinery29, OpenTable, Hotels.com, Foursquare, and more. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in New York City. Button has raised more than $14 million in seed and Series A funding from Redpoint Ventures, Greycroft Partners, DCM Ventures, Atlas Ventures, VaynerRSE and others. Media Contacts: For Hotels.com: North America Taylor L. Cole, APR at [email protected] EMEA Simon Matthews at [email protected] For Button: Natalie Gerke Head of Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE Hotels.com Related Links http://www.hotels.com BOSTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Carucci, Executive Vice President of Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, announces today the sale of 346 Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts for $13.1 million. Located on one of the finest blocks in Boston's prestigious Back Bay neighborhood, 346 Newbury Street is home to renowned clothing and apparel retailer Patagonia. Carucci represented the seller, Studio Realty Trust, and identified the buyer, UMNV 346 Newbury LLC, a joint venture between UrbanMeritage and Novaya Real Estate Ventures, in the transaction. "Michael has brought us many opportunities on Newbury Street over the years. We are excited to add this great asset to our expanding Newbury Street portfolio," commented Vin Norton, Principal of UrbanMeritage. "346 Newbury is a blue chip asset an ideal portfolio hold. It was a pleasure working with both the buyer and seller on this transaction," commented Michael Carucci, Executive Vice President Gibson Sotheby's International Realty. In addition to the transaction of 346 Newbury Street, Carucci, who is regularly tapped for large-scale commercial acquisitions in Boston, has brokered the sale of neighboring properties, including 240A Newbury Street, which served as home to one of the city's most renowned bars Daisy Buchanan's, for $15 million and others. 346 Newbury Street encompasses nearly 7,000 square feet of prime commercial space across two floors. About Michael Carucci: Michael Carucci is the Executive Vice President of Gibson Sotheby's International Realty and a leading luxury residential and commercial real estate expert in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2016, Carucci transacted over $183 million in real estate sales. He is regularly quoted in The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal, Banker and Tradesman, WBZ and NECN. Carucci has been selling luxury residential and bespoke commercial real estate in Boston for more than 25 years. CONTACT: Michelle Atkins, [email protected], 1-857-3621896 SOURCE Gibson Sotheby's International Realty Related Links http://www.gibsonsothebysrealty.com NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tarter Krinsky & Drogin announced that Michael Z. Brownstein has joined the firm as a counsel in the Bankruptcy practice. Mr. Brownstein counsels clients in all facets of Chapter 11 cases, insolvency, workouts, bankruptcy and reorganization work. He has been involved in a wide range of bankruptcy litigation and handles high-profile representations as either debtor's counsel, committee counsel, committee chairperson or member, lender/lessor counsel, equity committee and shareholder counsel. "Michael is an accomplished bankruptcy lawyer, and we are pleased to welcome him to the firm," said Alan M. Tarter, Managing Partner. "Michael's depth and breadth of experience, technical sophistication, deal sensibility and focus on client service will be tremendous assets to our bankruptcy and restructuring clients." "Tarter Krinsky & Drogin is one of the leading firms representing middle-market companies in bankruptcy matters," said Mr. Brownstein. "Having worked with or across the table from many of the lawyers in the group during my career, I am excited to partner with its terrific team to continue to grow the bankruptcy practice." Mr. Brownstein has been named a top lawyer in bankruptcy and restructuring by Chambers USA, Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell. He is a frequent lecturer and author on bankruptcy law topics. Mr. Brownstein received his J.D. from New York University School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from the City College of New York. Prior to joining Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, Mr. Brownstein was a partner at Blank Rome in New York. Tarter Krinsky & Drogin's Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring Practice Group is thoroughly experienced in representing debtors and debtors-in-possession, asset purchasers, creditors' committees and secured and unsecured creditors. Clients include a wide range of public and private middle-market companies. In addition, the firm represents many real estate owners in connection with loan restructuring, and counsel individual clients on complex individual debt restructuring. About Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP Tarter Krinsky & Drogin is a total legal solution for middle-market businesses. Since our founding in 2001, the firm has grown into a dynamic collection of lawyers from a broad swath of New York law firms who chose to join our common goal of more effectively and efficiently serving middle-market businesses. Purposefully designed to be an integral part of any client's business team, we are a vibrant, full-service law firm dedicated to smart thinking and strong client relationships. Learn more at http://www.tarterkrinsky.com/. SOURCE Tarter Krinsky & Drogin Related Links http://www.tarterkrinsky.com WOW! began working with the city of Livonia in 2015 to install fiber with 100Mbps of dedicated Internet access (DIA) to Livonia's City Hall Complex, doubling the city's overall bandwidth from 100Mbps to 200Mbps. The move to WOW! is also allowing the city to lower operating costs, increase efficiency and lower the amount of resources previously required to manage the information services the city provides residents of Livonia. "WOW!'s fiber-based Internet service is exactly what the city of Livonia needs to complete the reliability requirements of our expanding cloud-based service delivery strategy," said Dan Putman, Information Systems Director for Livonia. "Our citizens and city staff require immediate access to information and services via the web and WOW! Business is helping us achieve this as part of our diverse infrastructure." Having high-quality and dependable broadband and communications service provider partners is critically important to any municipality. City IT and network infrastructures have to be highly reliable and capable of scaling in a cost-effective manner as their needs evolve and grow. "Communities like Livonia rely heavily on public, educational and government access channels as a central means to keep citizens well informed," said Mike Lewis, WOW! Business Strategic Account Executive. "With WOW!'s faster, more reliable Internet service, the city is able to enhance access to information, workforce efficiency and overall quality of life for those depending on the city's network and information services." Livonia is a key expansion area for WOW! as the company edges out its local hybrid fiber coax (HFC) broadband network to support the city itself, and more residents and businesses in the future. WOW! currently offers most residents in the Livonia region high-speed Internet, Ultra video, and voice services with plans to expand services to reach all residents in the area. "Giving Livonia residents more choice when it comes to their cable and Internet provider is a top priority for us at WOW!," said Robert DiNardo,VP & General Manager at WOW!. "Our WOW! residential packages offer residents faster internet speeds and superior service that they can't get anywhere else." To get information on WOW! business and residential offerings in Livonia, please visit wowway.com. About WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone WOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with a service area that passes over three million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides service in 20 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services, the company is dedicated to provide outstanding customer service at affordable prices. Visit wowway.com or wowforbusiness.com for more information. SOURCE WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone Related Links http://www.wowway.com Cologix Provides Premium Connectivity for Companies Looking to Leverage Montreal's Growing Cloud Marketplace MONTREAL, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cologix, one of Canada's largest network neutral interconnection and data centre providers, announced today that Cologix Customers now have access to Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute in all seven of Cologix's data centres across Montreal. This ExpressRoute onramp represents the first deployment in Montreal for Microsoft. As an ExpressRoute partner, Cologix offers customers the ability to connect to ExpressRoute from Cologix's seven data centres throughout Montreal, supporting private connections to Azure, Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Dynamics 365. ExpressRoute provides key benefits to enterprises looking to build hybrid cloud environments, including: Private connections that bypass the public Internet. Lower latency by traversing the shortest path to the Microsoft Cloud. Predictability and optimized speed when leveraging ExpressRoute. Scalable, densely connected and customizable colocation opportunities. "Montreal has quickly gained notoriety for having one of the most robust cloud ecosystems in North America, in part driven by high connectivity and low utility rates," explains Cologix chief operating officer Graham Williams. "Microsoft's Azure cloud platform is a key element of that fabric and the launch of their ExpressRoute in Montreal provides valuable new options for businesses in Eastern Canada to future-proof their IT strategies with hybrid deployments. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Microsoft to facilitate private, high performance connections to the Microsoft Cloud." Enabling access to ExpressRoute brings valuable depth to the Cologix Cloud Connect ecosystem, which provides end users with tools to optimize and future-proof their IT strategies through access to more private onramps to public clouds, more certified network partners to reach public clouds and more cloud service providers than competitors across Canada. Customers interested in accessing ExpressRoute services in Montreal or Toronto can contact [email protected] for more details. About Cologix, Inc. Cologix provides reliable, secure, scalable data centre and interconnection solutions from 24 prime interconnection locations across 9 strategic North American edge markets. Over 1,600 leading network, managed services, cloud, media, content, financial services and enterprise customers trust Cologix to support their business critical infrastructure and connect them to customers, vendors and partners. Our dedicated, experienced local teams and scalable solutions enable us to provide industry-leading customer service and the ability to successfully support customers at the Internet's new edge. For a tour of one of our data centres in Columbus, Dallas, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Minneapolis, Montreal, New Jersey, Toronto or Vancouver visit www.cologix.com or email [email protected]. Follow Cologix on LinkedIn and Twitter. SOURCE Cologix, Inc. Related Links http://www.cologix.com NORCROSS, Ga., Jan. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WestRock Company (NYSE:WRK) today announced that it will host a conference call to discuss first quarter fiscal 2017 results and other topics on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 8:30 am EST. WestRock will release its first quarter fiscal 2017 results prior to market open on Thursday, Jan. 26. The webcast of the call, along with the presentation, press release and other relevant financial and statistical information, will be accessible on the Investors section of WestRock's website at westrock.com. The webcast and presentation will also be archived on westrock.com. Investors who wish to participate in the webcast via teleconference should dial 877-201-0168 (inside the U.S.) or 647-788-4901 (outside the U.S.) at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call and enter the passcode 49934363. About WestRock WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRocks 39,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 250 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at www.westrock.com. WestRock Investors: Matt Tractenberg, 470-328-6327 Vice President - Head of Investor Relations matt.tractenberg@westrock.com Media: Chris Augustine, 470-328-6305 Director, Corporate Communications mediainquiries@westrock.com The expansion, which includes the opening of two new process development centers in the U.S. and China, follows the commercial success of MilliporeSigma's biodevelopment center in Martillac, France. The two new units will be located in close proximity to customers in the Shanghai and Boston metropolitan areas. Each will provide a full range of process development capabilities and services. This includes cell line development services, both upstream and downstream process development, as well as non-GMP clinical production. "We are seeing an increasing global demand for end-to-end process development solutions and MilliporeSigma offers a one-stop shop for biopharma customers," said Udit Batra, Member of the Executive Board, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and CEO, MilliporeSigma. "This expansion reinforces our position as the premier supplier of all process development and clinical stage manufacturing solutions, materials and services needed for the production of biologics. This is a strategic, high-potential investment for MilliporeSigma specifically designed to meet customer needs on three continents." MilliporeSigma's biodevelopment center in Martillac, France, is a fully operational single-use, GMP facility for manufacturing clinical stage batches. Equipped with a full suite of MilliporeSigma technologies, including the 2000 liter single-use Mobius bioreactor, Martillac offers biopharma companies a complete solution to support their clinical development programs. MilliporeSigma's end-to-end offering delivers important benefits and addresses key challenges for biopharmaceutical companies at all stages of molecule development and commercialization in any geography. In addition to the Mobius bioreactor, the end-to-end portfolio includes solutions such as Lynx CDR, Viresolve Process Area Modules, Pellicon and Centinel Intelligence Virus Defense. Early-stage companies with limited resources and infrastructure benefit from a partner with strong expertise and experience developing processes and GMP clinical manufacturing to help accelerate early clinical development programs. Companies in more advanced stages need to overcome the challenges of moving from late phase clinical development into commercial manufacturing, accelerating availability of affordable life-enhancing drugs. With an end-to-end approach, MilliporeSigma can facilitate and accelerate scaling and technical transfer of an entire process to a new location. All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service. About the Life Science Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has 19,000 employees and 65 manufacturing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products enabling scientific discovery. Udit Batra is the global chief executive officer of MilliporeSigma. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany completed its $17 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich in November 2015, creating a leader in the $125 billion global life science industry. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in healthcare, life science and performance materials. The company has six businesses Biopharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Allergopharma, Biosimilars, Life Science and Performance Materials and generated sales of 12.85 billion in 2015. Around 50,000 employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to foster the success of customers and to help meet global challenges. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company since 1668, the company has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70 percent interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day. The company holds the global rights to the name and the trademark "Merck" internationally except for the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials. SOURCE MilliporeSigma Related Links http://www.emdmillipore.com MELBOURNE, Fla., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Monroe Aerospace, a division of Monroe Engineering LLC, is pleased to announce an addition to their senior executive team with the appointment of John T. Ratcliffe as General Manager- Monroe Aerospace. Mr. Ratcliffe will be responsible for all aerospace sales and manage the day to day operations of Monroe's Melbourne, FL and Las Vegas, NV locations. "John brings our management team deep industry, product, and application knowledge gained over the last 34 years serving the Aerospace Industry. We look forward to supporting John with whatever resources he needs to make Monroe Aerospace a great partner to do business with," says Dave Scharrer, President of Monroe ([email protected]). "I am impressed with the foundation in place to grow with our customers. We are AS9100C certified and have great product lines in Melbourne, FL and Las Vegas, NV and access to AS9100C certified resources in Michigan. Our people care about their customers and believe in our future. Our goal is to build on this foundation to make our partners proud and our customers happy," commented John Ratcliffe ([email protected]). About John Ratcliffe: Mr. Ratcliffe started his career with Rexnord/Fairchild Specialty Fasteners Div., in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ as a Field Sales Engineer servicing the NE United States and Canadian territory. After more than 12 years working directly with Aerospace component manufacturers, Mr. Ratcliffe then moved into Aerospace Distribution. He has spent most his distribution career in Sales Management with Wesco Aircraft and KLX Aerospace Solutions, assisting various North American sales offices, while most recently living in Atlanta managing strategic accounts in the South and Midwest regions. Mr. Ratcliffe's career focus has included promoting products and services for general aviation and military/defense aerospace applications to MRO, OEM, and large Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers across various systems including: System Electronics, Engine & Flight Control applications, Radar and target acquisition programs, Weapons, Structures, and Avionics systems. His expertise includes cost savings and cost avoidance programs, long term contract agreements, application sales, supply chain sourcing of specialty fasteners and other commodity's, installation tooling, electro-mechanical components, machine parts, Aerospace bearings, kitting, and customer specific inventory management solutions. About Monroe Aerospace: Monroe Aerospace is an AS9100C certified small business specializing in Aerospace Hardware and Airframe Components for fixed wing and rotary aircraft. The business ships from two fully stocked warehouses in Melbourne, FL and Las Vegas, NV. www.monroeaerospace.com. Media Contact: Rob Egerton Phone: 1-877-740-1077 Email: [email protected] Related Files Monroe Aerospace Announces New General Manager - John Ratcliffe.pdf Related Images image1.png image2.png Related Links Monroe Monroe Aerospace This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com/. SOURCE Monroe Aerospace Related Links http://monroeaerospace.com WOODLAND PARK, N.J., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On a cool January 5, 2017 morning, following a months' long search, members of the Winloot.com Prize Department were finally able to personally hand a check for $100,000.00 to Mr. Patrick Acker of Woodland Park, NJ. Mr. Acker originally matched all 6 winning numbers in the Winloot $100,000 online sweepstakes game on August 31, 2016 but far reaching efforts to contact him proved elusive. Patrick Acker and his girlfriend showing off the Big Check before heading to the bank to cash the real thing for $100,000 Said Matt Gately, CMO of Winloot.com, "after several attempts at contacting Mr. Acker through email failed, we tried everything we could think of including reaching out to local media. Even other Winloot users offered their assistance in helping connect Mr. Acker with his newfound riches after we posted on our site and Facebook page that we were looking for a Patrick A. from New Jersey to award him $100,000." So how did Winloot finally reach Mr. Acker? It turns out that Patrick is not the only Acker who plays Winloot.com. His daughter, who happens to live in Florida, also plays and had even won a $10 prize in one of the Winloot Instant Win Bonus games just a few weeks earlier. She saw the post on the site and immediately called her dad to say, "hey Dad, I saw your name on Winloot and I think you won more than me." Upon hearing the news Mr. Acker said, "I still didn't believe it was real but I figured maybe I'll call just to see." That turned out to be a pretty valuable phone call. As Patrick recounted the story about what his daughter had said, Mr. Gately replied "I'll say, $100,000 is quite a bit more." While Winloot normally mails the checks to its winners, over 18,000 and counting as of this writing, given the story of how long it took to find him and the relative proximity of Mr. Acker's home in Woodland Park, NJ to their office in Long Island, NY, the Winloot team decided to deliver the check personally. When they arrived, Mr. Acker and his girlfriend were already at the door to greet them. Mr. Gately handed Patrick an envelope and inside was a check for $100,000. Mr. Acker peeked inside the envelope and exclaimed, "I sure believe it now." When asked if he had any immediate plans for the money, Patrick and his girlfriend noted that they put a $100 down payment on a cruise to the Bahamas. They now plan to invite a couple with whom they are friends to go along that plan to renew their wedding vows. That is an incredibly nice gesture on their part. With the rest, Patrick said he already had an appointment to speak with someone about putting some away for his retirement. Then again, as he said to Mr. Gately when he was leaving, "I'll see you soon when you come back with the $1,000,000." Fair enough Patrick. There's a new drawing every day at winloot.com and as you know better than anyone, you can't win if you don't play. About Winloot.com Long Island, NY based Winloot.com is a 100% free online sweepstakes which provides players thirty chances to win a variety of different prizes including a $25,000, $50,000, $100,000 and a $1,000,000 jackpot every day. In addition, users can also play up to 65 Bonus games in which people can find out instantly if they win cash prizes up to $5,000. And if that's not all, Winloot.com also guarantees a daily cash prize of $250 to $1,000. For more information, visit www.Winloot.com. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com/. SOURCE Winloot.com Related Links http://www.winloot.com MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Addepar, the operating system for our financial world, today announced a partnership with Morgan Stanley to deliver its industry-leading investment management platform to their top Private Wealth Management teams, marking the company's largest partnership with a wirehouse to date. "We look forward to working with Addepar," said Chris Randazzo, Chief Information Officer, Wealth Management, at Morgan Stanley. "They have an innovative platform that our private wealth advisors will look to leverage to deliver a differentiated service to high net worth clients." Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management teams will use Addepar's data aggregation, performance reporting and client portal to do sophisticated analysis and fulfill end-clients' needs for tailored communications. Armed with the top technology and key data insights, advisors can spend more time on what matters most: working directly with clients and building deeper relationships. "Morgan Stanley has a strong track record of using technology to achieve industry-leading client service. Our platform enhances their ability to serve the reporting needs of their most complex end clients," said Eric Poirier, Addepar CEO. "A partnership of this caliber moves the goalposts for what advisors and their end clients can expect. It is a big step for Addepar and our ambitious vision to power global finance with a unified data model and open platform, empowering anyone to make truly data-driven investment decisions." In 2016, Addepar reached the milestone of more than $500 billion in assets on its platform, and added more than 85 new clients and partners to its roster of 200+ wealth managers, family offices and large banks. Existing clients and partners include Crescent Grove Advisors, Crow Holdings Capital, Dynasty Financial Partners, Jefferies and Tiedemann Wealth Management. In the past year Addepar also released the Addepar Open API, used by leading clients and integration partners including Salesforce Wave for Financial Services Cloud. About Addepar Addepar is the financial operating system designed to bring common sense and ethical, data-driven investing to our financial world. Addepar handles all types of assets denominated in any currency, giving advisors and their clients a clearer financial picture at every level, all in one place. With customizable reporting, financial advisors can visualize and communicate relevant information to anyone who needs it. Secure, scalable, and fast, Addepar is purpose-built to power the global financial system. More than 200 single and multi-family offices, wealth advisors, large financial institutions, endowments, and foundations track over $560 billion in assets on Addepar's platform. Addepar has offices in Silicon Valley, New York, Chicago, and Salt Lake City. Learn more at www.addepar.com SOURCE Addepar Related Links http://www.addepar.com RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MundoVino, a member of The Winebow Group, and a leading importer of wines from Argentina, Chile, Spain and Portugal, is pleased to announce its partnership with Vina Tarapaca to be the exclusive U.S. importer of its Gran Reserva wines from the historic Rosario Estate situated in the Maipo Valley. "MundoVino's Chilean portfolio's guiding principle is to champion expressive wines that represent the strong sense of place of Chile's diverse regions and sub-regions. Vina Tarapaca joins our Chilean partners Vina Leyda, TerraNoble, and historic Cousino-Macul, to strengthen MundoVino's outstanding Chilean offerings," said Diego Lo Prete, Senior Vice President and General Manager, MundoVino. "We are excited to present Vina Tarapaca's dynamic Rosario Estate reds that consistently display the special characteristics of the Isla de Maipo to American fine wine drinkers." "MundoVino is naturally the best partner for our Gran Reserva Tarapaca range in the U.S. market," said Pedro Herane, CEO of VSPT Wine Group, which owns Vina Tarapaca. "We know each other very well as they are our partners for Vina Leyda in the U.S., one of our most acclaimed wineries. They place great emphasis on education, customer service, plus a sensible brand management, and a dedicated sales and marketing team which is key to reach our goals for the Gran Reserva Tarapaca range." Founded in 1874, Tarapaca's Rosario Estate is bordered by the Maipo River and surrounded by sections of the Andes Mountain range. This natural "clos," which lies upon mineral-rich, mostly stony volcanic soils, is a sweet spot for highly-structured red wines. Unique wind patterns provide a cooling effect within the "clos" after passing over the glacial runoff of the Maipo River which contours the vineyard's north side. Chief winemaker Sebastian Ruiz, who joined the winery in 2014, said, "Tarapaca is recognized and valued for its oenological excellence, and my goal is to be known in the U.S. as the leading producer of Gran Reserva wines from Chile." In addition to his work in Chile, Ruiz previously worked in Mendoza, Napa Valley, and Bordeaux. MundoVino will import five wines from Vina Tarapaca: Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Gran Reserva Organic Red Blend 2013, Gran Reserva Carmenere 2014, Gran Reserva Etiqueta Azul 2013, and Gran Reserva Etiqueta Negra 2014. For more information about MundoVino and its portfolio, please visit www.mundovinoimports.com. About MundoVino MundoVino, a member of The Winebow Group, is a voyage of authentic taste and exceptional discovery that redefines the Old and New Worlds. With a portfolio that comprises a comprehensive collection of wineries reflecting the very best of Argentina, Chile, Spain, Portugal, and beyond, MundoVino represents some of the most iconic, family-owned properties in these areas, as well as a new generation of winemakers dedicated to innovation and quality. These producers craft vintages of true character that capture the unique essence of their terroirs, regions, and histories. SOURCE MundoVino Related Links http://www.mundovinoimports.com WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In written testimony to the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, Esther D. Brimmer, executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators expressed the organization's strong opposition to the appointment of Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions to attorney general. NAFSA stands with 144 civil and human rights organizations against Sessions' appointment. Opposing any presidential cabinet nominee is an extremely rare move for NAFSA. As Brimmer noted in her statement to the Judiciary committee, "NAFSA does not take this step lightly. As a matter of practice, NAFSA believes it is preferable to reserve judgment on cabinet level nominees until after they have had a chance to testify in the confirmation hearing process. However, in the case of Senator Sessions, his long track record provides sufficient evidence for us to determine he is not qualified to enforce laws pertaining to immigration and civil rights that are vital to NAFSA's mission." NAFSA, the world's largest professional association dedicated to the promotion and advancement of international education and exchange, specified objections to Sen. Sessions' appointment on the basis of three components: Senator Sessions' anti-immigrant stance, alarming record on voting rights and fight to continue the unconstitutional ruling in Alabama for separate and unequal education for minority students. Brimmer's statement explained that NAFSA's commitment to fostering peace and security through international education relies upon leadership that embraces openness, equality and justice. The statement also noted that NAFSA believes that Senator Sessions' hostile positions on immigration, voting rights and education disqualify him from leading the United States Department of Justice, and his record on these issues indicates that if confirmed, he will champion policies that are neither just nor inclusive. Read Brimmer's complete Congressional testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sample Tweet: In a rare decision, @NAFSA opposes Jeff Sessions for Attorney General. #intled @senjudiciary http://bit.ly/2i9fC6t About NAFSA: With more than 10,000 members, NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education. Visit us at www.nafsa.org/policy. To learn more about our advocacy efforts on behalf of international education, visit www.ConnectingOurWorld.org and @ConnectOurWorld on Twitter. SOURCE NAFSA: Association of International Educators Related Links http://www.nafsa.org ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A US$300 million solar project managed by Natcore Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; OTCQB: NTCXF) has been included in the list of selected projects for the development of solar energy in Vietnam's Binh Thuan Province of Vietnam, and has been approved by the Province People's Committee. Next up: confirmation by VietNam Electricity (EVN) and by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). Only projects listed and approved in this manner can be developed in Binh Thuan Province. EVN is the largest power company in Vietnam, with an installed electricity generation capacity of 23,579 MW and a transmission network of 13,597 miles (as of 2015). MOIT is the Vietnamese government ministry responsible for the advancement, promotion, governance, regulation, management and growth of industry and trade. The 200MW project will be completed in several phases. By developing the project in tranches, Natcore and its partners will be able to generate revenue before the entire project is completed. The first site would occupy 95 hectares (235 acres). At the request of financial institutions, including banks and investment funds, Natcore has completed these documents for submission: Feasibility Study for a Preliminary Project of 56.18 MW; Business Plan; A partial Information Memorandum. Land Use Agreement; Natcore is working on the project with a European developer of international renewable energy projects and a Vietnamese consortium. A holding company will be formed to develop the project. This project is an outgrowth of Natcore's "Best of Breed" program, under which the company functions as a consultant on the design and construction of solar cell/solar panel fabrication facilities and solar power farms. As part of this service, Natcore recommends a selection of manufacturing equipment to its clients. For the Vietnam project, Natcore has already received offer from suppliers of these components and services: Modules Inverters Design, engineering and supervision Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Electrical Substation Natcore first announced the project on 8/16/16, when the company and its partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Natcore will be compensated on a "cost-plus" basis and with licensing fees for its technology as it is provided. "We're extremely excited about the rapid advancement of this project and our achievement of these key benchmarks," says Natcore President and CEO Chuck Provini. "We expect to travel to Vietnam in the near future to finalize the next steps with our local partners." About Natcore Technology Natcore Technology is focused on using its proprietary nanotechnology discoveries to enable a variety of compelling applications in the solar industry. Specifically, the company is advancing applications in laser processing, black silicon and quantum-dot solar cells to significantly lower the costs and improve the power output of solar cells. With 65 patents (31 granted and 34 pending), Natcore is on the leading edge of solar research. www.NatcoreSolar.com Statements herein other than purely historical factual information, including statements relating to revenues or profits, or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected sales, cash flows, and capital expenditures constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in Natcore's business, including risks inherent in the technology history. There can be no assurance that such 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 such statements. Except in accordance with applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein. 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. Contact: Chuck Provini 585-286-9180 [email protected] SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc. ATLANTA, Jan 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MedPRO 360, a new healthcare business management program, will debut in Atlanta on March 1, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center. MedPRO 360, an all-day event hosted by SECO International, is designed for healthcare practitioners who provide first-rate patient care, but may need help with running their practice at the same level of excellence. The program will focus on how practitioners and staff can boost overall profitability with proven strategies in marketing, management, analytics, human resources and more. "Operating a small business requires a completely different skillset than most private healthcare practice owners possess. We felt it was important to build a program that would help practitioners run their business at the same level of excellence that they deliver care to their patients," said Dr. Ted McElroy, president of SECO International. "MedPRO 360 will feature several top-notch business experts who will provide valuable business management information designed to propel our practices forward successfully." Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., MedPRO 360 will bring together healthcare professionals from all healthcare specialties and areas of practice. The speakers and courses include: "The Future of Health & Medicine: Where Can Technology Take Us?" Dr. Daniel Kraft Dr. Kraft is a Stanford and Harvard -trained physician, scientist, inventor and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research and healthcare innovation. His presentation examines rapidly emerging, game changing and convergent technology trends and how they are and will be leveraged to change the face of healthcare and the practice of medicine in the next decade. Dr. Kraft is a and -trained physician, scientist, inventor and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research and healthcare innovation. His presentation examines rapidly emerging, game changing and convergent technology trends and how they are and will be leveraged to change the face of healthcare and the practice of medicine in the next decade. "Performance Excellence The Employee Factor" Dennis Snow Mr. Snow's customer service abilities were honed over 20 years with the Walt Disney World Company, where he developed his passion for service excellence. His program drives home the idea that to motivate excellence, practices must "engage the heart" of employees and when this happens, customers can see it, hear it and feel it in every interaction with a practice. Mr. Snow's customer service abilities were honed over 20 years with the Walt Disney World Company, where he developed his passion for service excellence. His program drives home the idea that to motivate excellence, practices must "engage the heart" of employees and when this happens, customers can see it, hear it and feel it in every interaction with a practice. "Assessing Your Practice's Financial Health" Owen Dahl For more than 40 years, Mr. Dahl has been active in healthcare management and has become a noted educator, speaker and entrepreneur. He will share benchmarking and analytics that can show you new ways to improve profitability, discover areas of concern, and create a clear path for the future. For more than 40 years, Mr. Dahl has been active in healthcare management and has become a noted educator, speaker and entrepreneur. He will share benchmarking and analytics that can show you new ways to improve profitability, discover areas of concern, and create a clear path for the future. "10 Steps to Avoid Costly HR Errors & Legal Issues" John Slavich With more than 20 years of progressive HR experience, Mr. Slavich is the Director of Human Resources for Landrum Human Resources in Columbia, South Carolina . He will share 10 steps to take to protect yourself from common errors in interpreting human resources rules and regulations and the legal issues that can arise. The registration fee for MedPRO 360 is $129, if you register by February 15. If you register three or more people from your practice, the individual fee is $99. To register, visit www.medpro360.com. THE SECO TRADITION SECO International, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a not-for-profit association founded in 1923 boasting an approximate membership globally of 25,000. The annual SECO Congress regularly attracts more than 7,000 national and international eye care professionals. SECO International is widely acknowledged as the largest optometric educational meeting in the world. For more information on SECO International, LLC, please contact Elizabeth Taylor DeMayo, Executive Director, at SECO International, LLC, 4661 N. Shallowford Road, Atlanta, GA 30338, or by phone: (770) 451-8206, fax: (770) 451-3156, or e-mail: [email protected]. Media Contact: Kim Ryan SECO International, LLC (404) 822-7087 [email protected] SOURCE MedPRO 360 Related Links http://www.medpro360.com LONDON, January 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jean-Francois Korobelnik, Sebastian M Waldstein, Faruque Ghanchi, Sascha Fauser European Ophthalmic Review , 2016;10(Suppl 1):3-10 (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276718LOGO ) Published recently in a supplement to European Ophthalmic Review, the peer-reviewed journal from touchOPHTHALMOLOGY, Jean-Francois Korobelnik et al discusses the use of aflibercept an effective means of preventing progression in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) which is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. This indication is supported by extensive data from studies such as VIEW 1 and 2 (n=2,457) in which aflibercept showed efficacy across a broad nAMD patient population. These studies have increased knowledge of retinal biomarkers, increased understanding of nAMD and the findings could help inform treatment decisions. Aflibercept, like ranibizumab, requires regular intraocular injections that can negatively impact quality of life. Findings from studies using treat-and-extend regimens indicate that after one years' treatment, patients can be moved to aflibercept dosing intervals of greater than 8 weeks whilst maintaining efficacy. Emerging real-world data indicate that aflibercept can be given bimonthly (after three initial monthly doses). Recent findings suggest that when VEGF suppression therapy is stopped, clinical activity in nAMD resumes sooner than was previously thought. VEGF levels in the retina consequently increase whilst circulating levels may be undetectable. This indicates that more sensitive methods are needed to detect pathologically important levels of VEGF in circulation. Aflibercept is suited to proactive treatment regimens and has a sustained mechanism of action (VEGF suppression time in the aqueous humour of 71 days versus 38 days for ranibizumab) which suggests that the dosing intervals may be further extended after one year. Data from the ongoing ATLAS study show that in treatment-naive patients, following 1 year of aflibercept, dosing intervals may be extended by 2-week intervals to a maximum 16 weeks. Such reductions in dose frequency have the potential to both reduce the pressure on clinics and improve quality of life for patients with nAMD. The full peer-reviewed, open-access article is available here: http://www.touchophthalmology.com/articles/taking-clear-view-efficacy-and-durability-aflibercept-neovascular-age-related-macular Disclosure: Sebastian M Waldstein has served as a consultant to Bayer and Novartis Pharma AG. Sascha Fauser has served as a consultant to Bayer, Novartis, Roche and Quantel. Jean-Francois Korobelnik and Faruque Ghanchi have nothing to disclose in relation to this article. This article has been produced on behalf of Bayer Healthcare and reports on a Bayer funded and organised symposium. This article reports the proceedings of a sponsored satellite symposium held at the EURETINA Congress 2015 and, as such, has not been subject to this journal's usual peer review process. The report was reviewed for scientific accuracy by the symposium speakers before publication Note to the Editor touchOPHTHALMOLOGY (a division of Touch Medical Media) publishes the European Ophthalmic Review, a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specialising in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of ophthalmology. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting. Practice guidelines, symposium write-ups, case reports, and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals. http://www.touchOPHTHALMOLOGY.com For inquires please contact: Nicola Cartridge - Managing Editor T: +44 (0)207 193 3186 [email protected] Providing practical opinion to support best practice for busy healthcare professionals SOURCE touchOPHTHALMOLOGY WALLDORF, Germany, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced that The Rockport Group, a global premier comfort shoe brand, has gone live with the SAP Fashion Management application to unify wholesale, retail and business-to-business channels and to address the changing needs of the market. The Rockport Group turned to SAP to reach a broader global audience and support its entrance into new markets, such as China, and to strengthen its presence in existing markets such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, Portugal and Spain. Rockport has three brands Rockport, Aravon and Dunham and more than 300 locations in over 60 countries. The company has also gone live with the SAP Customer Activity Repository application and SAP Hybris solutions to provide a 360-degree view of customers globally. SAP Fashion Management, launched in January 2014, is a multichannel, vertically integrated fashion application that harmonizes wholesale, retail and manufacturing processes within one back-end software system. Built in collaboration with four customers, including adidas Group, SAP Fashion Management currently supports over 70 customers worldwide including Benetton, Brooks Brothers and more. SAP Fashion Management, combined with SAP Customer Activity Repository and SAP Hybris solutions, enables Rockport to orchestrate responses to customer activity and order fulfillment in an increasingly complex omnichannel retail environment. Specifically, the solutions enable vertically integrated retail brands to: Base their plans and forecasts on real-time customer insights Break down data silos and enable real-time data access, visibility and analytics with software and technology from SAP Anticipate each customer's needs; develop promotions, assortments and programs that boost market share; and optimize customer experience across channels. Blend digital and physical channels to give customers one personalized view of the brand "With SAP solutions, we have significantly more visibility into our inventory and financials, enabling us to better serve our customers and deliver a modern experience," said Ram Reddy, CIO, The Rockport Group. "We look forward to continuing this relationship with SAP as we transform to meet the demands of today's shopper." SAP announced last year that Benetton, a leader in the fashion industry with more than 5,000 retailers and 10,000 employees around the globe, selected SAP Fashion Management, SAP S/4HANA and the SAP HANA platform to simplify its retail and franchise operations in one integrated system. Benetton's Massimo Amadio, group chief information officer, said: "With SAP innovations, Benetton expects to increase its speed and flexibility in supporting distribution and sales processes in order to deliver superior value to its customers in this digital era. Once fully deployed, SAP Fashion Management will be the backbone for the entire commercial network worldwide." SAP Fashion Management, SAP Customer Activity Repository and SAP Hybris solutions will be featured January 1517, 2017, at the NRF Annual Convention and EXPO in New York. Join the conversation by following SAP on Twitter at @SAP_Retail, visit sap.com/nrf and watch live presentations in SAP's booth #1921. For more information, visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews. Media Contact: Stacy Ries, +1 (484) 619-0411, [email protected], ET Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. SOURCE SAP SE Related Links http://www.sap.com Congratulations on 2 scholarships and 2 admits. Fantastic Job at 25!I rushed to the thread thinking it was easy pickings of Haas full ride vs. Columbia. Of course it is not, and nothing looks as good as we think it does at first. I think the biggest question is now vs. next year. Frankly, getting a top 10 MBA for free is probably as it gets since you can't get Stanford or HBS for free. There have just been 2 somewhat similar discussions by younger applicants in a similar boat: Ross vs. Reapply and Fuqua vs. Reapply. The Ross applicant picked reapply and the Fuqua applicant picked Fuqua this year. The two applicants mostly based their situation and perspectives. Interesting enough, they were both also in a weaker positions (those were the only schools that have accepted them) and how much you think an upside you will get waiting a year, having to go through the process, and deal with your current job.I was in a similar situation and I chose to go to a lower-ranked school with a full scholarship rather than trying my luck the year after. I was just as young - 2.5 years after graduating from undergrad. Here is what I considered as my pros and cons:1. I had to get out of my job - I was sick of it (pretty strong reason to enroll). If i did not enroll, i would likely quit and find a new job; not a great strategy for reapplying. My job was shot - i burned myself out of it.2. I was 24 or 25, so waiting a year seemed like eternity. I did not have much upside in staying.3. MBA + full scholarship has exceeded my expectations (seems you may be in the same boat since you did not apply to higher ranked schools). There was still risk I would not get a scholarship/admit the year after, though it was minor.At the end, i picked to go and not wait. I was impatient and immature and waiting a year would have probably done good to get me a bit more mature so I could get out more from my BSchool experience. However, it did not matter at the end. I would probably still do it the way i did it - i am perfectly happy with how my life and path turned out. I feel it was the right move for me. I think there is a good chance you will get admitted to H/S without a scholarship of course, so is that brand name worth the wait and a $100K? Depends on how much of a brand junkie you are (sounds like you are not, how much money you can afford to spend, and how much potential you have in your job) - that's 3 things to figure out.As to Columbia vs. Haas - it is a big change NYC vs. Berkeley esp for someone from West Coast. If you are planning to stick around CA after graduation, then go to Haas. If you are thinking mid-west or East Coast, then you must go to a school in that region. Haas (for a number of reasons) has very low placement numbers in East Coast and Midwest (in part because nobody wants to freeze their tail in Chicago winds if they don't have to).Congrats! Fantastic Job!P.S. I modified your poll to reflect the third choice._________________ (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140402/679073 ) In addition, Sanonda's Board of Directors approved the transaction report for the company's combination with Adama, with no material changes to the draft released in September 2016. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of this year, and is subject to regulatory approvals. About the Transaction: Adama's combination with Sanonda is expected to create, in one coordinated step, the only integrated Global-China crop protection company, which at its outset will be the largest crop protection company in China, as well as the first global one to be publicly traded on the Chinese stock market. The transaction will be accomplished through the issuance by Sanonda of new shares to Adama's shareholder CNAC, in exchange for all the shares in Adama. The combined company's shares will be listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, providing access to RMB- and Hong Kong Dollar-denominated capital. Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company will be owned approximately 75% by CNAC, with the remaining 25% owned by institutional and retail investors. About Adama: ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd. is one of the world's leading crop protection companies, with sales in the twelve months ending September 30, 2016 of $3.1 billion. We strive to Create Simplicity in Agriculture - offering farmers effective products and services that simplify their lives and help them grow. With one of the most comprehensive and diversified portfolios of differentiated, quality products, Adama's 4,900 people reach farmers in over 100 countries across the globe, providing them with solutions to control weeds, insects and disease, and improve their yields. For more information, visit us at http://www.adama.com and follow us on Twitter at @AdamaAgri. Contact: Nina Zoukelman Corporate PR Manager E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Adama Agricultural Solutions HOUSTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning (One Hour), Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (Benjamin Franklin) and Mister Sparky electric, part of the Direct Energy family of brands with independently owned and operated locations throughout North America, have earned their highest rankings to date in Entrepreneur Magazine's 38th Annual "Franchise 500" list released on Jan. 10. One Hour and Mister Sparky rank as No.1 (since 2013 and 2014) in their respective services categories. Benjamin Franklin secures the No. 2 spot for the third consecutive year. All three brands climbed more than or close to 100 spots from last year's rankings, with One Hour top-ranked at number 30 on the list of 500 franchises. "The proven business-building systems and processes of our home services brands enable franchisees to dramatically increase their profits and expand their business," said Mark Baker, president of franchise, Direct Energy. "Continuing to solidify our spot in Entrepreneur's rankings is a testament to the hard-work and dedication of our franchise owners to deliver exceptional customer service." The Direct Energy family of brands prides itself on its commitment to customer service with repair services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Along with one of the best on-time guarantees in the country, all services are backed by highly skilled professionals trained and experienced to exceed customer expectations and needs. All technicians go through a drug screening and background check to ensure customers receive quality service from a professional they can trust. Entrepreneur Magazine compiles its list based on companies' financial strength and stability, and growth rate and size of the franchise system. Other considerations include the number of years in business and length of time franchising, startup costs, percentage of terminations and whether the company provided financing. This data is reviewed by an independent auditor for evaluation, ensuring no franchisor has the ability to gain an unfair advantage. About Direct Energy: Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with nearly five million residential and commercial customers. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. 2016 Clockwork IP, LLC. SOURCE Direct Energy Over the past six years, OppenheimerFunds employees have supported local philanthropic groups in cities across the United States during the symposium, a semi-annual conference for more than 250 members of the firm's Distribution team. "We strive to make a difference in the communities where our advisors and investors live and work by collaborating with local philanthropic groups as part of our Distribution Symposium," said John McDonough, Head of Distribution and Marketing at OppenheimerFunds. "We are excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta to further strengthen our team while building a meaningful connection with the local community, through tomorrow's leaders." College Bound is an educational leadership program designed to support high school members through the college preparation and application process. Each participant is assigned a Boys & Girls Club staff member who serves as their personal case manager throughout their college years. Staff helps teens meet the requirements for college admissions, prepare for SAT and ACT tests, prepare for the transition from high school to college, and access scholarships and funding. "Many of the youth we serve face barriers when it comes to academic achievement. They don't have access to the resources and relationships they need to excel," said Missy Dugan, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. "We are so grateful to partners like OppenheimerFunds who believe in our kids and invest in their future potential. We know with the right resources and support, these kids and teens will become the next leaders in our community." OppenheimerFunds' broader philanthropic initiatives include its 10,000 Kids by 2020 program, which aims to engage 10,000 students in math literacy programs over the next several years through non-profit partnerships and active employee volunteerism. In coordination with the National Museum of Math, the firm sponsors classes from Title I schools to experience MoMath's hands-on activities, and employees volunteer as guides. The firm also works with the Boys & Girls Club in a variety of ways, including to provide engaging math experiences for students. Employees volunteer abroad as well through the firm's partnership with Cross-Cultural Solutions, which provides impactful and sustainable service opportunities and skills based volunteer programs in locations around the world. OppenheimerFunds employees also make a difference through the Volunteer Time-Off Program, through which they spend one workday per year volunteering with a philanthropic organization of their choice, and the Matching Gifts Program, which doubles the impact of any donation an employee makes to a qualified organization, up to $5,000. To learn more, visit the firm's Philanthropy & Community page here. OppenheimerFunds Distribution Symposium Volunteer Highlights Date Location Organization Activity Amount Donated January 2011 Dallas, TX Dallas Children's Hospital Created murals for hospital walls $10,000 August 2011 Chicago, IL Chicago Cares to benefit Woodson South Elementary School Refurbished local school facilities $10,000 January 2012 Fort Worth, TX USO Dallas Assembled and donated backpacks for troops $10,000 August 2012 Salt Lake City, UT Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake Built and donated bicycles $10,000 January 2013 New York, NY Breezy Point Relief Fund Assembled and donated care packages $10,000 August 2013 Laguna Nigel, CA Las Palmas Elementary School Refurbished local school facilities $10,000 January 2014 Dallas, TX Flood victims Provided various types of assistance $10,000 August 2014 Washington, DC Boys Town Made campus improvements, organized donated items, created backpacks, repaired kitchen facilities $10,000 January 2015 Atlanta, GA USO Council of Georgia Gathered and donated care packages for troops $10,000 August 2015 San Diego, CA Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) Built 75 wheelchairs for donation $10,000 August 2015 San Diego, CA Ronald McDonald House Stuffed ~100 teddy bears for children $10,000 January 2016 Atlanta, GA Hands On Atlanta Assembled 600 snack packs and hygiene essential kits $10,000 July 2016 Boston, MA Boston Cares Constructed 30 toddler beds and packed 100 blankets and 100 superhero capes $10,000 January 2017 Atlanta, GA Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Assembled and donated 300 College Bound Care packages $10,000 About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta's mission is to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive, and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 25 Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve more than 3,300 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While the cost to effectively serve those who need us most is more than $5,700 per member, BGCMA asks families to pay only a $50 annual membership fee and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org. OppenheimerFunds, Inc., a leader in global asset management, is dedicated to providing solutions for its partners and end investors. OppenheimerFunds, including its subsidiaries, manages more than $217 billion in assets for over 13 million shareholder accounts, including sub-accounts, as of December 31, 2016. Founded in 1959, OppenheimerFunds is an asset manager with a history of providing innovative strategies to its investors. The firm's 15 investment management teams specialize in equity, fixed income, alternative, multi-asset, and revenue-weighted-ETF strategies, including ESG. OppenheimerFunds and its subsidiaries offer a broad array of products and services to clients, who range from endowments and sovereigns to financial advisors and individual investors. OppenheimerFunds and certain of its subsidiaries provide advisory services to the Oppenheimer family of funds, and OFI Global Asset Management offers solutions to institutions. For more information, visit oppenheimerfunds.com. Shares of Oppenheimer funds are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency, and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. Before investing in any of the Oppenheimer funds, investors should carefully consider a fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses contain this and other information about the funds, and may be obtained by asking your financial advisor, visiting oppenheimerfunds.com, or calling 1.800.CALL OPP (225.5677). Read prospectuses and summary prospectuses carefully before investing. Oppenheimer funds are distributed by OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc., 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY, 10281 2016 OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. All rights reserved. SOURCE OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Related Links http://www.oppenheimerfunds.com Packers fans are invited to enter Associated Bank's Keys to Lambeau Sweepstakes online at AssociatedBank.com/PackersFan through February 5. Ten lucky winners and a guest will receive an exclusive, behind-the-scenes, VIP tour of Lambeau Field, a photograph at the press conference podium, Packers Hall of Fame passes, dinner at 1919 Kitchen and Tap, a signed Packers mini helmet and much more. New to this year's tour will be an alumni Packers player joining the winners to provide commentary and share stories throughout the tour. "The Packers are having a great season and we want to continue the celebration by offering fans the opportunity to see Lambeau Field from a different view point," said Christopher Piotrowski, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Associated Bank. "As the bank of the Packers since 1919, Associated Bank is proud to celebrate the success of the Packers organization and its fans." Fans can show their Packers pride with Packers checks and a one-of-a-kind debit Mastercard. Packers Checking customers can also take advantage of a 10 percent discount on purchases made at the Packers Pro Shop (in-store or online). Visit AssociatedBank.com/PackersFan for official rules and to enter through February 5, 2017. ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $29 billion and is one of the top 50 publicly traded U.S. bank holding companies. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from over 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com. Contact: Jennifer Kaminski Vice President | Public Relations Manager 920-491-7576 [email protected] SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp Related Links http://www.associatedbank.com "Peirce and Harcum both have a rich history of fulfilling the needs of a diverse group of students with a wide range of goals," said Peirce College President & CEO James J. Mergiotti. "With this partnership, we have found a way to unify our missions to help more students continue their education, and gain the skills and credentials that will impact the economy of the region." Those who enroll will be Peirce students and will receive a degree from Peirce upon the completion of the program, but enrollees may elect to become resident students in one of Harcum's two residence halls. They will also have the unprecedented benefit of access to student services and amenities from both institutions, including Peirce's program specific academic advisors and extensive career development services, as well as Harcum's library and full complement of student services. "This is a value-add opportunity for Harcum graduates," said Jon Jay DeTemple, president of Harcum College. "Now our alumni can complete a bachelor's degree here, at the campus they know and among the friends and faculty they value." Approximately 32 percent of Harcum students typically continue on for their bachelor's degree after graduating with their associate degree. The Peirce/Harcum partnership offers a seamless path for new Harcum graduates and a comfortable return to campus for less recent Harcum alumni. Students will be able to transfer up to 90 previously earned credits and receive up to $3,000 in scholarships. In recent months, Peirce has devoted significant resources to expand its mission of providing adult learners with convenient and affordable access to career-focused degrees. Peirce has introduced Peirce Fit across its entire curriculum, allowing students to choose from week-to-week whether to attend class in-person or online. It also launched the only competency-based Information Technology program in Philadelphia, which awards college credit based on a student's ability to prove mastery of skills, not for hours spent in a classroom. Peirce recently introduced additional resources to strengthen its relationships with local employers, providing customized training resources, tuition discount programs and other innovative solutions to improve the skills of the region's workforce. Applications for the first cohort of Peirce College at Harcum are still being accepted. About Peirce College Founded in 1865, Peirce College has been providing working adults with affordable education, flexible classes, and personalized support for more than 150 years. Peirce offers bachelor and associate degree programs in the areas of Business, Healthcare, Information Technology, and Legal Studies, and Master of Science degrees in Healthcare Administration and Organizational Leadership & Management. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Peirce is a non-profit institution that specializes in serving the unique needs of working adults through both online and on campus education. In 2015, Peirce took life-friendly learning and degree attainment to the next level with the creation of Peirce Fit, a revolutionary learning format that allows students to choose each week whether to attend class in person or online. Through competency based education in Peirce's IT program, students may also choose a faster, more affordable path to a degree. Peirce College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). Additionally, select programs are accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the American Bar Association and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. For more information about Peirce College, call 888.467.3472, or visit www.Peirce.edu. Visit Peirce's blog, Peirce Connections, at http://blog.Peirce.edu. Become a fan of Peirce College on Facebook. Follow @PeirceCollege on Twitter. View the Peirce College YouTube Channel. About Harcum College Harcum College, one of Pennsylvania's first independent, associates-degree granting colleges, was founded in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1915, and was the first college in Pennsylvania chartered by the state to grant associate degrees. Harcum offers fully accredited, career-ready majors in nursing, the allied health professions, business, and social sciences on campus and regionally, as well as lifelong learning programs and certificate programs. SOURCE Peirce College Related Links http://www.peirce.edu HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller is urging federal regulators to amend their proposed regulations governing federally-backed loans for homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) to direct mortgage lenders to also accept residential flood policies written by what are called surplus lines insurers. This would help homeowners have more options and potentially reap substantial savings, while protecting their homes. Commissioner Miller sent a letter to federal financial regulators who have proposed regulations governing which private market flood insurance policies lenders making federally-backed mortgage loans must accept. Homes in SFHAs with federally backed mortgages are required to have flood coverage, which is not included in standard homeowners' insurance policies. "I have been working for a year to make private residential flood insurance more available to Pennsylvania homeowners, as I have found in many cases this coverage is comparable to that of the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but available at substantial savings to homeowners," Commissioner Miller said. "One of the roadblocks to making these savings available to more Pennsylvanians is that because private flood insurance is a relatively new product, some lenders are reluctant to accept it, and thus are forcing homeowners to get NFIP policies, and potentially pay much more for coverage than needed." Commissioner Miller said in her letter to federal financial regulators the main problem with the proposed regulations is they do not specifically say that personal lines residential flood policies offered by surplus lines insurers can be accepted by lenders for purposes of satisfying the mandatory purchase requirement for homes in SFHAs. She notes this could seriously harm consumers' opportunities to get flood insurance at the best prices, as nearly all residential flood policies sold by the private market in Pennsylvania now are through surplus lines carriers. Surplus lines insurance companies are licensed outside of Pennsylvania, in other states or countries, and typically provide types of insurance that licensed companies have found too risky or too new to offer. Surplus lines coverage is sold by producers who must be licensed in Pennsylvania and adhere to Pennsylvania laws. Commissioner Miller also noted the Insurance Department's Consumer Services Bureau has no consumer complaints regarding surplus lines insurers. "In Pennsylvania, a number of communities have been re-mapped in the SFHAs by the Federal Emergency Management Agency over the past several years, resulting in many homeowners receiving letters from their mortgage lenders stating they now must have flood insurance," Commissioner Miller said. "Adding to the surprise of getting this notice comes the sticker shock homeowners have experienced in some areas when looking at NFIP policies." Commissioner Miller cited one case where a homeowner would have had to pay $2,700 a year for an NFIP policy, but was able to get private coverage for $718, and another instance where NFIP coverage would have cost $2,000 annually, but the homeowner found private coverage for just $400 every two years. Commissioner Miller also specifically asks federal regulators to amend their proposed regulations to require private flood coverage only be as broad as an NFIP policy for the specific property securing the loan. This is important to allow private insurers to tailor coverage to a homeowner's specific needs, and provide more options at better prices. For example, the NFIP provides coverage for certain property, such as a furnace or water heater, in a basement, but if a home does not have a basement, private flood coverage should be able to reflect this, and potentially offer the policy at a lower price. "Many homeowners re-mapped into SFHAs have rarely or never experienced flooding, but are now required to have flood insurance. I want these consumers to have the opportunity to consider private market plans, offered through both Pennsylvania licensed and surplus lines insurers, and possibly reap significant savings," Commissioner Miller said. She also noted Pennsylvania is seeing more homes outside of SFHAs hit with damaging flooding. Homeowners outside of SFHAs may want to consider purchasing flood coverage, and may be able to find coverage in the private market. The Insurance Department has a one-stop shop with information on flood insurance available at www.insurance.pa.gov, by clicking on the "Flood" under Insurance Coverage Resources. MEDIA CONTACT: Ron Ruman- 717-787-3289 SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance Related Links http://www.state.pa.us NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pernod Ricard USA proudly announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. The company joins the ranks of 517 major U.S. businesses which also earned perfect marks this year. "We are honored to have achieved this top ranking," said Paul Duffy, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA. "As a company, it is very important for us to foster a convivial and inclusive environment where we can celebrate our differences each and every work day. We believe that by creating a more open workplace, it allows us to work together to achieve great success." The 2017 CEI rated 1,043 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community. Pernod Ricard's efforts to meet all of the CEI's criteria resulted in the 100 percent ranking and a designation as a "Best Place to Work" for LGBT Equality. Daniel Clarke, Brand Director and Leader of the Pernod Ricard USA LGBT Employee Resource Group, said the company is "thrilled by the HRC recognition. He added, "This achievement is representative of a cross-functional effort to ensure our policies fully advocate for our LGBT employees current and future as well as the LGBT community in general." For more information on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei. About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community. About Pernod Ricard USA Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu, Kahlua Liqueur, Beefeater Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Martell Cognac, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Pernod, Ricard and Avion Tequila; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards and Brancott Estate; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouet Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne and Mumm Napa sparkling wines. Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.responsibility.org. SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pine Brook, a New York-based investment firm focused on building businesses in the financial services and energy sectors, today announced the promotions of Jason Berg to principal on the energy team, Ethan Wang to principal on the financial services team, and Stephen Boscola to controller on the finance team. "Jason, Ethan and Steve have been valuable additions to Pine Brook's investment team and I am pleased to recognize their contributions with these promotions," said Howard Newman, Pine Brook's chairman and CEO. Berg joined Pine Brook in August 2013 as a member of the energy investment team. He currently represents Pine Brook as a director of Pursuit Oil & Gas, LLC and Wagon Wheel Exploration, LLC. Prior to joining Pine Brook, Berg worked as an investment professional at Trident Capital and as vice president of corporate development for a Trident portfolio company that provided geoscience consulting services. Berg served six years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Science (with distinction) from the United States Naval Academy, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics (Marshall Scholar) and a Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School. Wang joined Pine Brook in July 2014 and is a member of the financial services investment team. He represents Pine Brook as a director of Belmont Green Limited, Better Mortgage and Fair Square Financial Holdings LLC. Before joining Pine Brook, Wang was with JLL Partners, where he spent two years focusing on specialty finance, healthcare and business services opportunities. Wang holds a B.S. in business administration and chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an M.B.A. from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago (with high honors). Boscola, who joined Pine Brook in July 2015, has nearly ten years of financial and private equity investment management experience. Prior to joining Pine Brook, he spent three years as a private equity senior accountant with Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, where he was responsible for operations and reporting for several private equity funds and portfolio companies in the energy, real estate and financial services sectors. Boscola began his career at KPMG, LLP, where he was a senior associate in their Financial Services Real Estate Group. Boscola holds a B.S. in Accounting (with honors) from Fordham University's College of Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant. About Pine Brook Pine Brook is an investment firm that manages more than $6.0 billion of limited partner commitments that makes "business building" and other equity investments, primarily in energy and financial services businesses. Pine Brook's team of investment professionals collectively has over 300 years of experience financing the growth of businesses with equity, working alongside talented entrepreneurs and experienced management teams to build businesses of scale without relying on acquisition leverage. For more information about Pine Brook, please visit the company's web site at www.pinebrookpartners.com. SOURCE Pine Brook Related Links http://www.pinebrookpartners.com NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The report analyzes and forecasts the piperonyl butoxide market on the regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with forecast from 2016to 2024 based on volume (tons) and revenue (US$ thousand). The study provides a decisive view of the piperonyl butoxide market by dividing it into application and regional segment. Application segments have been analyzed based on current trends and future potential. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for piperonyl butoxide in Asia Pacific. The region has been further sub-segmented into countries and sub-regions with relevance to the market. Segmentation also includes demand for individual application type in the region. The study covers drivers and restraints governing the dynamics of the market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. Additionally, the report comprises opportunities for the piperonyl butoxide market on regional level. The report includes detailed value chain analysis to provide a comprehensive view of the piperonyl butoxide market. Analysis of Porter's Five Forces model has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein applications have been benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness for future growth. The market has been forecast based on constant currency rates. Prices of piperonyl butoxide vary in each country and depend on the demand-supply scenario. Hence, a similar volume-to-revenue ratio does not follow for each individual country. Individual pricing of piperonyl butoxide for each application has been taken into account while estimating and forecasting market revenue on the regional level. Regional average price has been considered while breaking down the market into application segments in each country. The report provides the size of the piperonyl butoxide market in 2015 and the forecast for the next eight years. Numbers provided in the report are derived based on demand generated from different applications. Market estimates for this study have been based on volume, with revenue being derived through regional pricing trends. Prices of commonly utilized grades of piperonyl butoxide in each application have been considered, and customized application pricing has not been included. Demand for piperonyl butoxide has been derived by analyzing the regional demand for piperonyl butoxide in each application. The piperonyl butoxide market in Asia Pacific has been analyzed based on expected demand. Market data for each segment is based on volume and corresponding revenue. Prices considered for calculation of revenue are average regional prices obtained through primary quotes from numerous regional suppliers, distributors, and direct selling regional producers based on manufacturers' feedback and application requirements. Forecasts have been based on the estimated demand for piperonyl butoxide in different applications. The regional application segment split of the market has been derived using the bottom-up approach, which is cumulative of each country's demand. Regional demand is the summation of sub-regions and countries in the region. Companies were considered for market share analysis based on their end-user portfolio, revenue, and manufacturing capacity. In the absence of specific data related to sales of piperonyl butoxide by several privately held companies, calculated assumptions have been made in view of companies' application portfolio and regional presence along with demand for piperonyl butoxide in different applications in their portfolio. The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the Asia Pacific market. Key players include ENDURA P.IVA, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Wujiang Shuguang Chemical Co., Ltd., Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Alfa Aesar, Capot Chemical Co., Ltd., Hem Corporation, Shanghai Skyblue Chemical Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Rayfull Chemicals Co., Ltd. Company profiles comprise attributes such as company overview, brand overview, financial overview (in terms of financial year), business strategies, and recent/key developments. Piperonyl Butoxide Market: Application Analysis Pyrethrin Pyrethroid Carbamate Rotenone Others (Including bioallethrin, permethrin, bioresmethrin, and deltamethrin) The report provides cross-sectional analysis of application segments mentioned above with respect to the following region and countries and sub-regions: Asia Pacific China Japan India ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04239921-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com Five of the existing 30g bar flavors have been refreshed - Chocolate Peanut Butter, Yogurt Peanut Crunch, Peanut Butter Crunch, Dark Chocolate Mint and Double Chocolate Crunch. Plus, two brand new flavors have joined the lineup Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate Almond. Premier Protein's new 30g bars can help those looking to stay active with the help of great tasting protein, something that's on everyone's mind as they try and stick to their New Year's resolutions. Each gluten free bar contains 30g of protein, 3g fiber, and 10% daily value calcium.* "Whether you're grabbing breakfast on-the-go or in need of an afternoon snack, Premier Protein's new and improved 30g bars give you sustained energy when you need it most," said Jennifer McKnight, Director of Marketing, Premier Nutrition. "Packed with the same great taste and protein our customers have come to love, but with no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors, we're excited about this new line and are committed to continuing to innovate to bring delicious and nutritious products to our fans." Premier Protein's new 30g bars are now available for sale at select grocery and club stores nationwide and will be available on Premier Protein's website this month. For more information on Premier Protein, please visit http://www.premierprotein.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/PremierProtein. * See nutrition information for fat and saturated fat content. About Premier Nutrition Corp. Premier Nutrition Corporation (PNC), a subsidiary of Post Holdings, Inc., manufactures and distributes nutritional food and beverage products under the brand names of Joint Juice and Premier Protein. Our products have compelling, functional benefits and appeal to a broad range of people pursuing healthy lifestyles. SOURCE Premier Nutrition Corp. Related Links http://www.premierprotein.com/ Re: Intar, the oldest Hispanic theater company in New York, has moved away [ #permalink 1 Kudos Increased operational range and throughput in urban and subterranean environments Multiple Real-time HD video feeds to the operator from all robots within the MANET The ability for a tactical team wearing MPU5 radio systems to receive video and sensor data from the UGV in real time, increasing situational awareness and operational effectiveness. "QinetiQ North America has a long history of delivering the most cutting edge systems, sensors, and capabilities on our family of ground robots. Persistent's MANET relay radio products can significantly increase the communication range enabling the robot operator to perform dangerous missions at much greater distances. At the end of the day, everything we do is about keeping our soldiers safe," said Jeff Yorsz, President of QinetiQ North America. Dr. Herbert Rubens, CEO of Persistent Systems, offered a similar perspective. "Our agreement with QinetiQ North America brings us closer to achieving our vision of a fully networked battlefield. The Wave Relay MANET also lays the groundwork for autonomous and collaborative behaviors that will dominate the battlefield of the future. We are excited to work with QNA to deliver the most cutting edge technology to the warfighter." QNA has begun accepting orders for MPU5-equipped Talon V systems. About QinetiQ North America QinetiQ North America (QNA) is a subsidiary of QinetiQ Group plc, the FTSE250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:QQ.L). QNA delivers world-class technology and revolutionary products to defense, security and commercial markets worldwide. The Company's product offerings include survivability, unmanned systems, power sensors, control systems and transportation solutions. Customers rely on our products to increase readiness, improve mission effectiveness, streamline operations, increase situational awareness and enhance security. QNA is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information visit www.qinetiq-na.com. About QinetiQ Listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: QQ.L), QinetiQ is a leading science and engineering company operating primarily in the defence, security and aerospace markets. Its customers are predominantly government organisations including defence departments, as well as international customers in other targeted sectors. About Persistent Systems, LLC Headquartered in New York City since 2007, Persistent Systems, LLC is a global communications technology company which develops, manufactures, and integrates a patented and secure Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) system: Wave Relay. The company's industry leading R&D team has designed wireless networking protocols to support their cutting edge Wave Relay system and technology. Wave Relay is capable of running data, video, voice and other applications under the most difficult and unpredictable conditions. Their suite of products is field proven and utilized in Commercial, Military, Government, Industrial, Agriculture, Robotics, and Unmanned System markets. For more information visit http://www.persistentsystems.com . Follow Persistent Systems on Twitter to get updates on the latest developments @pswaverelay. SOURCE QinetiQ North America Related Links http://www.qinetiq-na.com NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Focusing on the pool of skilled workers who have been seeking employment for longer than six months, corporations representing diverse industries today joined together and launched the Ready To Work Business Collaborative (RTWBC), a non-partisan initiative to help employers achieve their goals by hiring highly capable candidates who may have been inadvertently overlooked in traditional recruitment. Ready to work candidates are the long-term unemployed, under-employed, veterans and individuals with disabilities, as well as opportunity youth, ages 16 to 24 years. The program responds to a White House call to action in which 350 employers signed on to address the issue of long-term unemployment. These corporations and employers are prepared to improve their recruiting processes to identify and hire pre-evaluated, ready to work talent; deepen their connections with the local community; lower recruitment costs; and achieve corporate social responsibility goals. "The Ready To Work Business Collaborative helps businesses by connecting them with the government agencies and workforce intermediaries that bring qualified and pre-screened talent and employers together," said Beverly M. Riddick, Executive Director. "The Ready To Work Business Collaborative is leading the way for employers to partner with public and nonprofit workforce intermediaries, as well as colleges and universities, by creating best practices for hiring, and also advocating for policies that benefit the long-term-unemployed." The RTWBC will serve as a convener of best practices, benchmark data and industry insights regarding public/private partnerships, with the goal of increasing the employment of ready to work talent. The first of these quarterly events for employers will be held on March 15, 2017 in New York City. According to Riddick, research conducted by Deloitte shows that employee groups, such as the long-term unemployed and veterans, have an above-average retention rate compared to other employees in the same industry. Notably, many companies are unaware that aspects of their hiring practices may present unintended barriers for the long-term unemployed. For example, simple adjustments to advertisements for open positions, such as referring to significant experience with a specific skill, rather than current experience, will expand the candidate pool to include qualified jobseekers who apply for such roles and are not presently employed. Employers perceive multiple benefits from implementing this skills-based hiring practice: 50-70% reduction in time to hire 70% reduction in cost to hire 50% reduction in time to train 22-75% reduction in turnover according to research conducted by Deloitte. To help increase opportunities for ready to work candidates and institute best practices in hiring this talent, representatives from a diverse group of corporations and organizations have contributed financial and knowledge resources and are actively promoting access to these candidates among their industry peers and other companies, including: Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Francisco, CA PeopleScout, Chicago, IL Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA Prudential Financial, Newark, NJ Robert Half , Menlo Park, CA The Rockefeller Foundation, New York, NY U.S. Bancorp, Minneapolis, MN Wells Fargo & Company, San Francisco, CA RTWBC Advisory Board companies and their representatives are noted below. Other companies are expected to join the RTWBC in the coming months. For more information, please visit www.RTWBC.org or contact Beverly Riddick at [email protected] or 917-519-2642. About the Ready to Work Business Collaborative The Ready To Work Business Collaborative is a non-partisan business-led organization that brings together employers who are interested in successfully hiring and retaining ready to work talent consisting of the long term unemployed, the under-employed, veterans, people with disabilities and opportunity youth. For more information, please visit www.rtwbc.org or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Members of the RTWBC Advisory Board: Company Contact City Pacific Gas & Electric Company Ananda Baron San Francisco, CA Principal Financial Group Kerry Gumm Des Moines, IA Prudential Financial Marietta Cozzi Newark, NJ U.S. Bancorp Christopher Hill Minneapolis, MN Wells Fargo & Company Lance LaVergne New York, NY Contact: Janet Falk 347-256-9141, [email protected] SOURCE Ready To Work Business Collaborative Related Links http://www.rtwbc.org YORK, Pa., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Lion Controls, the global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking, today announced that it has enhanced its rugged Graphite platform communication capabilities with the addition of DNP3 network support. Working with Graphite Human Machine Interface (HMI) operator panels and Core Controllers, this communication protocol enables powerful monitoring and control to process automation equipment that requires DNP3 support. Native support for the DNP3 network protocol on the Graphite platform creates a powerful solution that enables seamless communication between DNP3 devices and other equipment without the need for third-party protocol converters. The DNP3-enabled Graphite platform provides remote access, data logging and alarming with the added capability to display data in indoor or outdoor applications. This makes the solution ideal for industries such as power and utility, oil and gas, and water/wastewater that network outdoor equipment. "DNP3 is a key communication protocol to add to Red Lion's rugged Graphite platform," said Jeff Thornton, product manager at Red Lion Controls. "With the potential to serve as a lynch pin between indoor and outdoor equipment, DNP3 functionality enables integration into existing DNP3 networks while also providing the ability to add equipment that is not on the DNP3 protocol." Red Lion's Graphite HMIs and controllers include powerful Crimson software for easy drag-and-drop configuration as well as offering a built-in web server that enables users to monitor and control applications via PCs, tablets or smartphones. SMS text messages and email alerts provide early warning of process issues, which helps avoid costly downtime. In addition, protocol conversion lets customers select from more than 300 industrial protocols to seamlessly integrate disparate devices such as PLCs, drives, cameras, barcode readers and panel meters. With rugged aluminum construction, a wide operating temperature range and flexible plug-in modules, the Graphite platform enables customers to connect, monitor and control processes to meet varying industrial automation requirements in both factory and extreme locations. Graphite HMIs are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class I, Division 2 listed for hazardous locations, and ABS, ATEX and IECEx approved. For more information on Red Lion's Graphite platform, visit www.redlion.net/Graphite. About Red Lion Controls As the global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking, Red Lion has been delivering innovative solutions for over 40 years. Our automation, Ethernet and cellular M2M technology enables companies worldwide to gain real-time data visibility that drives productivity. Product brands include Red Lion, N-Tron and Sixnet. With headquarters in York, Pennsylvania, the company has offices across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Red Lion is part of Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company. For more information, please visit www.redlion.net. 2017 Red Lion Controls, Inc. All rights reserved. Red Lion, the Red Lion logo, Crimson and Graphite are registered trademarks of Red Lion Controls, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Red Lion Controls Related Links http://www.redlion.net TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RightSure Insurance Group announced the acquisition of American Cornerstone effective November 17, 2016. The purchase of American Cornerstone represents RightSure's tenth book of business acquisition. Based in Arizona, RightSure is licensed to sell personal, commercial and life insurance products in 42 states. The growing insurance agency uses modern technology and a customer-focused model to provide clients with the best insurance options available. With this acquisition, customers will enjoy convenient access to RightSure's call center and its licensed and highly-experienced team for a concierge-level service insurance experience. "This acquisition means that we can provide superior customer service and more insurance options to a greater number of customers," says President, R. Jeffrey Arnold. "For most people, the world of insurance is complex and often confusing. Our policyholders receive guidance from highly trained agents to help them navigate the process, so they can find the best policy match possible." RightSure insurance agents represent a wide range of insurance companies. This allows them to provide clients with the best coverage at the best price. By providing clients with multiple quotes from top insurance carriers, RightSure streamlines the insurance-buying process for its clients, who can avoid the hassles normally associated with comparison shopping. The new ownership has been well-received by American Cornerstone clients, who welcome access to RightSure's highly trained staff, advanced technology and customer-focused system. About RightSure Insurance Group Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, RightSure Insurance Group is a full-service independent insurance agency providing insurance products to families and businesses in 42 states. By using a unique, client-centered approach combined with superior technology, RightSure presents clients with a wide range of insurance options and a seamless purchasing process. To learn more, visit https://www.rightsure.com or call 520-917-5295. Media Contact: Evie Quintana, 520-777-1125 [email protected] SOURCE RightSure Insurance Group Related Links https://www.rightsure.com DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryan, a leading global tax services firm with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America, today announced that it has acquired the key assets of Nickel & Company, a full-service real estate and personal property tax firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The acquisition strengthens the market leadership position of Ryan's Commercial Property Tax practice in Oklahoma and adds a team of seasoned property tax professionals to the largest property tax group in North America. The acquisition also adds a number of Fortune 1000 clients to Ryan's premier client portfolio. Dennis Nickel, owner of Nickel & Company, will work with Ryan to seamlessly transition the Firm's national clients. "We are excited to grow our network of property tax experts in Oklahoma through the acquisition of Nickel & Company and its specialty landlord billing work, which will play an important role in our ability to offer a more comprehensive suite of value-added services to our property tax clients," said Shane Moncrief, Ryan Principal and Commercial Property Tax Practice Leader. "Nickel & Company clients will benefit from Ryan's robust national footprint and property tax expertise across North America." "My associates and I are excited to be joining forces with Ryan to provide world-class property tax services to our long-standing clients," said Dennis Nickel, owner of Nickel & Company. "Ryan is the industry leader in client service, and our clients will see tremendous benefits from their expansive geographic presence backed by their unwavering commitment to client service excellence." "This acquisition supports our strategic growth plan to maintain and build on our market leadership position as the largest firm in the world focused solely on corporate tax services," said G. Brint Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Ryan. "We are pleased to add the skilled professionals of Nickel & Company to the Ryan team and are dedicated to providing our new clients superior value and results." About Ryan Ryan is an award-winning global tax services firm, with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America and the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, tax compliance, and strategic planning. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,100 professionals and associates serves over 12,000 clients in more than 40 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com. PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Vieira Senior Manager, Public Relations and Communications Ryan 401.871.7676 [email protected] SOURCE Ryan Related Links http://www.ryan.com OTTAWA, Ontario, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SavvyDox, a Cloud-based SaaS solution that simplifies Mobile Document Distribution and Collaboration/Review beyond anything available today, has recently been identified by Insights Success Magazine as a disruptive technology with the potential for significant market impact. As a result, the publication has recognized SavvyDox as one of the 30 Most Valuable Tech Titans (Page 70) including a company overview. Under the heading "Disruption is the New Business Norm", the editor of Insights Success notes: The unremitting march of new disruptive technologies is unfolding on many fronts. A disruptive technology is a new emerging technology that unexpectedly displaces an established one. Not every emerging technology will change the industry landscape but few have that potential to disrupt the status quo, transform the way people live and work. The importance and usefulness of the industries, has made us shortlist "The 30 Most Valuable Tech Titans". SavvyDox disrupts the world of document distribution and collaboration, especially Enterprise Content Management (ECM) Systems and Enterprise File Sync and Share (EFSS) Systems by expanding collaboration well beyond simple sharing of files. SavvyDox controls and manages the modification of the content of files providing measurable productivity improvements by eliminating version control problems, eradicating complex User Interfaces, eliminating leaks of sensitive documents, and providing the first viable alternative to Word Track Changes. SavvyDox provides a complementary front end to both ECM and EFSS solutions expanding their benefits substantially. Building on success in the Government of Canada, SavvyDox will be expanding into the US Federal Government with the addition of capabilities supporting Two Factor Authentication solutions. Typical Government use cases include Policy Document Creation, Contract Reviews, Development of External Executive Communication, and RFP creation and review. One Government of Canada employee recently noted that "EVERYONE at the working level recognizes that version control is the biggest problem that they face every day." Provista, a US SavvyDox reseller based on the West Coast, has recently added SavvyDox to their GSA schedule. Provista is a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Information Technology Consulting Company that supports many of technologies included on the Federal Schedule 70. www.provista.com Cygnacom, a US SavvyDox reseller based on the East Coast, built and operates the first datacenter for the Entrust Managed Service, providing certified PIV cards for the US Access Program, as well as cloud-based PKI, card-issuance and authentication services. www.cygnacom.com Complementing the Government success, SavvyDox is now expanding into the legal vertical with a regional Systems Integrator in Canada. In addition, two prominent legal solution providers are exploring the integration of SavvyDox with their solutions in 2017. The award from Insights Success Magazine complements the recent recognition of SavvyDox as One of the Twenty Most Promising Document Management Solution Providers of 2016 by CIO Review Magazine. About SavvyDox Founded in 2011, SavvyDox is a privately held company headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. SavvyDox solves document collaboration issues for enterprises, government and publishers, all within an enterprise grade, private or public cloud based secure infrastructure. For more info, visit: http://www.savvydox.com/ About Insights Success Insights Success is the Best Business Magazine in the world for enterprises, focusing distinctively on emerging as well as the leading fastest growing companies, their confrontational style of doing business and their way of delivering effective and collaborative solutions to strengthen market share. http://www.insightssuccess.com/ Contact: Hans Downer 613-799-3440 [email protected] SOURCE SavvyDox Related Links http://www.savvydox.com DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As an innovation leader offering a wealth of technologies that make vehicles more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and safer, Schaeffler has committed to a holistic "Mobility for Tomorrow" concept geared to finding sustainable solutions for the world of tomorrow. Schaeffler is demonstrating its eMobility capabilities at its 2017 North American International Auto Show AutoMobili-D exhibit and panel participation. On Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m., Schaeffler Chief Technology Officer for the Americas Jeff Hemphill will participate in an eMobility panel moderated by Car & Driver's Bengt Halvorson. Hemphill will provide Schaeffler's insight on the future of eMobility based on the company's experience in several relevant areas, including eBikes, in-wheel motors, micro-mobiles and the digitalization of transport. During his panel discussion, Hemphill will discuss three key eMobility trends: electrification will continue gaining momentum; autonomy will further drive electrification; and new demands in charging and comfort will appear due to this combination. "To address these key eMobility trends, Schaeffler leverages the cross-functional expertise of our engineers in the fields of engine, transmission, chassis/suspension and electric mobility to develop solutions that drive the future of mobility," said Hemphill. "A great example of how Schaeffler's collaborative success can shift the paradigm to create innovative eMobility solutions is our BioHybrid concept that we're showcasing at our AutoMobili-D exhibit." The BioHybrid, Schaeffler's design and development concept for the future of urban mobility, addresses the clear trend toward new, compact mobility solutions for urban environments around the world. The concept is positioned very close to a bicycle, but includes fundamental advantages: higher traffic safety; no driver's license/registration required; easy charging (230 volt socket); comfortable riding conditions; and a fit for existing urban infrastructures. AutoMobili-D is the new mobility exhibition planned for the 2017 NAIAS. Located in the Cobo Center Atrium and adjoining hall, AutoMobili-D will feature 120,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space and two presentation stages. The main stage will feature panel discussions and symposiums about mobility while the Big M Presentation Theater will offer informal presentations in a more intimate setting. NAIAS one of the world's premier automotive exhibitions opened to the media and industry officials on Monday, Jan. 9. It will open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 14 through Sunday, Jan. 22. For more information, please visit: www.naias.com. About Schaeffler The Schaeffler Group is one of the world's leading integrated automotive and industrial suppliers. The company stands for the highest quality, outstanding technology, and strong innovative ability. The Schaeffler Group makes a decisive contribution to "Mobility for tomorrow" with high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications. The technology company generated sales of approximately 13.2 billion euros in 2015. With around 85,000 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world's largest companies in family ownership. It has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies at approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries. Schaeffler is a recognized development partner for global automakers and suppliers. To serve the North American automotive market, Schaeffler operates development centers in: Troy, Mich.; Fort Mill, S.C.; Wooster, Ohio; and Puebla, Mexico. The company's 600 North American engineers and technicians, who are supported by a team of more than 6,700 global R&D engineers, drive development in the region by utilizing state-of-the-art test and measurement equipment, computational tools and CAD systems. Schaeffler Automotive has headquarters in Fort Mill and manufacturing facilities in: South Carolina; Missouri; Ohio; Ontario, Canada; Puebla and Irapuato, Mexico. For more information, please visit www.schaeffler.us. Follow us on Twitter @schaefflergroup to get all of our latest press releases and news. SOURCE Schaeffler Related Links http://www.schaeffler.us ANDOVER, Mass., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, today announced a partnership with Arcadia Power, a nationwide energy-as-a-service company, to enable U.S. customers to outfit their homes with Schneider Electric's Wiser Air WiFi Smart Thermostat with no upfront cost. An industry-first for smart thermostats, the program enables customers nationwide to connect their local utility to Arcadia Power's sophisticated utility billing platform. Through the partnership, after customers sign-up with Arcadia Power, Schneider Electric will send Wiser Air Smart Thermostats directly to customers' homes anywhere in the U.S. for $0-upfront. Arcadia Power will then manage the customer's monthly power bill, and its save-as-you-use program enables customers to pay for the thermostat with energy savings gained over time using the energy-efficient Wiser Air thermostat. Wiser Air couples Schneider Electric's leading energy management expertise with intelligent design and state-of-the-art technology to provide consumers with a tool that effortlessly delivers energy efficient comfort. Its Eco IQ self-learning feature frees users from constantly having to enter desired temperature set points or create a schedule - a common requirement of most smart thermostats available online today - and only requires them to provide feedback when they're uncomfortable. Wiser Air has been shown to reduce energy costs by as much as 30 percent for users with its efficient, self-learning technology. "Wiser Air is a leader in the home energy market for smart, easy-to-use solutions that help homeowners simplify energy efficiency," said Yann Kulp, Vice President of Residential Energy Solutions, Schneider Electric. "Through our program with Arcadia Power, we are able to make these smart thermostats available to customers in a cost-effective manner, and build on our commitment to delivering innovation at every level." Arcadia Power partners with leading conservation groups like the Sierra Club to promote clean energy and energy efficiency for residential customers. Its utility billing platform provides customers across all 50 states with an easy way to manage utility bills and access wind energy, energy efficiency, and community solar programs. "Thermostats are the energy 'brain' of the home, and with Wiser Air we can upgrade all customers at no cost to them," said Kiran Bhatraju, Founder and CEO of Arcadia Power. "Not only will customers have more control with the smart thermostat, but they'll save money over time. It takes just three minutes to make their home smart and efficient." Schneider Electric and Arcadia Power are both working to incorporate bill-saving demand response and time-of-use programs into the $0 down thermostat offer. Through this partnership, the two companies continue to demonstrate their commitment to making environmentally friendly energy choices available to everyone. For more information, please visit www.wiserair.com or http://learn.arcadiapower.com/wiserair/ About Schneider Electric Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of ~$30 billion in FY2015, our 160,000+ employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On. www.schneider-electric.com Follow us on*: https://twitter.com/SchneiderSftwre https://www.facebook.com/schneiderelectricindustrialsoftware/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/invensysoperationsmanagement https://plus.google.com/+schneiderelectric/posts https://www.youtube.com/user/invensysVideos http://tv.schneider-electric.com/site/schneidertv/index.cfm http://blog.schneider-electric.com/ Hashtags: #LifeIsOn, #InnovationAtEveryLevel #WiserAir, #Wiser Air, #EnergyEfficiency, #SmartThermostats SOURCE Schneider Electric Related Links http://www.schneider-electric.com HONOLULU, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Science of Identity Foundation, a not for profit organisation that focuses on tools and learning for mental, physical and spiritual well-being, today announced its latest project: http://wisdom.yoga Science of Identity Foundation Yoga Wisdom Site Yoga Wisdom Site Yoga has never been more popular with more than 36 million Americans now practicing this ancient modality and another 80 million Americans who are ready to give it a go. The United Nations has recognised the impact yoga has had on the world's health and wellbeing with an annual International Day of Yoga celebration while UNESCO recently placed yoga on its prestigious intangible world heritage list in recognition of the influence it has had on the culture of India and its spread around the world. Yet in spite of yoga's vast popularity, most American practitioners are unaware of much beyond yoga's asanas (exercises) and pranayama (breathing). In effect, they are experiencing the tip of the yoga iceberg. Beyond that "tip" lies a vast treasure of spiritual wisdom and practices dating back at least 5000 years with a multitude of benefits including self realization, harmonious relationships and inner peace. The wisdom of yoga can be described as a virtual roadmap for the spiritual voyager. And in our troubled world, there has never been a greater need for the peace and harmony that yoga offers. Seeing the gap in the market, the Science of Identity Foundation decided to launch this new yoga wisdom website to present tools, resources and inspiration to enable people to access the wisdom of yoga for their personal, spiritual journey. Visitors to the new website can browse free meditation classes, yoga wisdom talks, webinar series and Bhagavad Gita audio books plus a kirtan music video library, audio downloads and articles, all with real, practical application in modern life. Beautifully designed and easy to navigate, the new yoga wisdom website has a responsive structure allowing you to interact with it seamlessly across devices and platforms. About the New Site http://wisdom.yoga provides tools, resources and inspiration for your personal spiritual journey inspired from the teachings of Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda and the Gaudiya Vaishnava yoga lineage. About the Science of Identity Foundation Founded in 1977, the Science of Identity Foundation teaches the practice of meditation and kirtanalong with timeless yoga wisdomto help individuals achieve greater spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing. Passed down for centuries through an unbroken line of self-realized teachers, this ancient and authentic process of self-discovery can be practiced by anyone. More Information can be found at http://www.scienceofidentityfoundation.org http://www.scienceofidentityfoundation.com https://sif.yoga Connect with Science of Identity Foundation https://www.facebook.com/thescienceofidentityfoundation https://twitter.com/sif_yoga https://www.instagram.com/scienceofidentity/ https://www.youtube.com/user/thescienceofidentity/ https://vimeo.com/scienceofidentity http://www.dailymotion.com/ScienceofIdentity Media Contact: Jeannie Bishop [email protected] 808-555-0173 SOURCE Science of Identity Foundation Vantage Point MBA Admissions Consulting https://vantagepointmba.com/ Your Personal MBA Application Experts Contact us for a Free Consultation! Your Personal MBA Application ExpertsContact us for a Free Consultation! Signature Read More Hi there,Thanks for reaching out! It looks like youre targeting executive MBA programs with the exception of IMD (which skews a bit older for its traditional MBA program so that could be a good option for you) which makes a lot of sense given where you are in your career. Your GMAT is fantastic (although high GMAT scores are more common in your demographic) but what will be MUCH more important in your applications to these programs is your work experience: quality of your impact and performance, leadership experience, instances where youve pushed the boundaries / questioned the status quo / taken risks, focus on innovation, etc. Those are the things youll want to emphasize in your applications to the top programs. Absent much more detail on the above, its not possible (or helpful for you!) to truly quantify your chances of becoming a Sloan Fellow.You also dont mention any extra-curricular activities but those could be another way to demonstrate leadership experience if youd been heavily involved in a charitable or other organization outside of work. If thats the case for you, I definitely recommend emphasizing that in your applications as well.Back to school selection, IMD is likely the safest school on your list although if your goal is to work in the US after graduation, that may prove more challenging to build a network from a distance. IE Business Schools EMBA program (15 months) could also be an interesting option for you in Europe. Otherwise, most other EMBA programs in the US are part-time and would require you to remain employed for the duration, which it doesnt sound like youre interested in doing.I hope this was helpful! If youd like to chat further about your specific situation, feel free to take advantage of our free 30-minute consultation.Best,Melody_________________ This new integration will allow trading desks and media buyers who use Adelphic's DSP to access massive audiences with in-feed display and video placements across mobile sites and apps on the Sharethrough Exchange, through Adelphic's recently-launched self-serve native workflow. This move combines Adelphic's deep vertical expertise of mobile advertising with Sharethrough's network of premium publishers. The integrations will run off the IAB's OpenRTB 2.3 spec that standardized the component parts for the real time trading of native ads. Adelphic, founded in 2011, has been a major innovator in shaping the mobile and cross channel advertising spaces, developing patented technology to overcome the limitations of user identification in mobile and across channels, breaking down billions of data points every day to help brands better understand who they're talking to on mobile. Adelphic is the first DSP to allow third-party buyers to purchase native video placements on the Sharethrough Exchange programmatically. Native video spend on mobile is expected to be a massive driver of growth in native advertising which in itself is expected to cross $20 billion in spend in 2017, according to Business Insider Intelligence. "At Sharethrough, we believe that native ads are the only format that makes sense on mobile and that mobile is the future of the Internet, which makes integrations like these essential to drive our business forward," said Alex White, VP, Product Marketing at Sharethrough. "Adelphic excels at what they do and should provide us with instant adoption from the demand that exists in their platform, allowing us to scale marketplace liquidity for our publisher network even further." "Native advertising will drive increased spend to programmatic channels as advertisers continue to see high engagement with their audiences and demand the scale and efficiency of RTB buying," said Gina Kim, VP, Business Development at Adelphic. "We're excited to partner with Sharethrough to deliver advertisers high quality and innovative native advertising formats." Sharethrough reported $140 million in native ad spend through its platform in 2016. More than three-quarters of the impressions served through the Sharethrough Exchange in Q3 2016 were on mobile devices, with 77 percent of that inventory from the mobile web. Mobile native ads present unique dimensions that need to be optimized for: with click through rates as much as three times higher than desktop ads, but lower viewability rates than desktop equivalents (24 percent viewability on mobile, against 38 percent on desktop). About Sharethrough Founded in 2008, Sharethrough is the leading global native advertising platform, helping publishers maximize revenue and brands earn meaningful attention by powering ads that fit into - rather than interrupt - the audience experience. Sharethrough's flagship product, Sharethrough for Publishers (SFP), is a Supply Side Platform that powers over three billion monthly ad impressions for the world's leading publishers, including CNN International, Time Inc., Scripps Networks Interactive, Wenner Media, USA Today Sports, and Forbes. Sharethrough is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, Detroit, London, Tokyo and Toronto. About Adelphic Adelphic is the leading mobile and cross-channel demand side platform. Adelphic provides an enterprise-ready software solution for agencies, brands and other large media buyers to make meaningful engagements with consumers on the move. The company's platform is fully RTB-enabled and delivers global scale through access to all leading inventory providers. Adelphic's patented technology overcomes the limitations of user identification in mobile and across networked devices, yielding rich, nuanced portraits of real consumers. Founded in 2011, Adelphic is funded by Matrix Partners, Blue Chip Venture Company and Google Ventures. For more information, visit adelphic.com. Media Contact: James Robinson, (530) 913-0844, [email protected] SOURCE Sharethrough Related Links http://www.sharethrough.com HASTINGS, Minn., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from Smead Manufacturing Company, a global leader in organizing solutions, announced the achievement of several accomplishments in 2016, including the celebration of its 110th year of business. Major initiatives in 2016 have included a stronger focus on e-commerce, the expansion of distribution channels for existing product lines and a renewed focus on reinforcing the Smead brand to increase mindshare among partners and consumers. In addition, the organization strengthened its executive leadership team by naming Casey Avent as President, representing the fourth generation to lead Smead, a family-owned business since its inception in 1906 and a woman-owned business since 1955. Sharon Avent continues in her role as Chief Executive Officer. "2016 marked our 110th anniversary and it's been a hallmark year for many reasons beyond our celebration of longevity," said Casey Avent, President of Smead Manufacturing Company. "We're investing in strengthening our e-commerce position across all channels and pursuing expansion through a search for strategic acquisitions or joint ventures. It's an exciting time for Smead as we leverage the power of our historic business brand while building a new future based on product diversification." Avent added that Smead's goals reflect strengthening the brand, a focus on e-commerce and diversifying channels of distribution. In 2016, Smead launched a joint venture initiative with Justick, a unique adhesion whiteboard solution, to broaden its product and customer base. The company has also introduced many of its existing products to retailers and wholesalers, as well as through its e-commerce partners. For the past several months the company has been involved in an active search for acquisition targets that represent complementary business opportunities. This activity is part of Smead's overall strategy to continue to expand its brand reach and broaden revenue streams. "We're looking forward to the next chapter at Smead, one that allows us to evolve along with our industry while leveraging the history of our brand," said Sharon Avent, CEO of Smead. "While we will continue to focus on our dedicated customers and employee base, two of the critical success factors of our business, we plan to expand in the coming years to find new opportunities that complement our existing business. We're confident this approach will ensure growth over the next 100 years as well." About Smead: Smead Manufacturing Company, a global leader in office management systems, was established in 1906 in Hastings, Minnesota. Smead is a privately held, certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) offering thousands of organizational products for use in the home or office. For more information on Smead's high-quality organizational products, including hundreds of products made in the USA, visit Smead.com. SOURCE Smead Manufacturing Company Related Links http://www.smead.com GAITHERSBURG, Md., Jan. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Center for Work, Health and Wellbeing at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health announce a new four-year grant aimed at finding new approaches to address the many ways that the workplace can affect health and safety of front-line employees. The more than $2.7 million grant ,funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as part of the Total Worker Health (TWH) initiative. The Center has an international purview as well in Brazil and Chile by providing technical assistance to build organizational capacity for designing, implementing, and evaluating Total Worker Health approaches. The research will examine Sodexo's front-line service workers across the Boston area. This work is based on a growing body of evidence linking the work environment with health outcomes. For example, stressful conditions at work such as long hours and little supervisor support have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and depression, and shift work with increased risk of sleep disorders, obesity, and injury. These factors in turn contribute to increased absences and turnoverand increased costs for employers. "Of our 450,000 employees worldwide, 315,000 are employed in the food service sector. Sodexo wants to better understand the health and environmental challenges that those employees face on a day-to-day basis," said Dr. Rachel Permuth, Ph.D., global vice president of research, Sodexo. "We hope to use the findings from this research to make industry recommendations and changes that will improve not only our employees' quality of life, but that of a broad spectrum of employees throughout the industry." The Center for Work, Health and Wellbeing aims to protect and promote the safety, health, and well-being of workers through integrated worksite policies, programs, and practices that foster a safe and healthy work organization and environment and promote safe and healthy behaviors. The Center will work with Sodexo to expand the evidence on worker well-being and share industry recommendations. "The collaboration with Sodexo provides an excellent opportunity to explore and understand the ways in which improvements in organizational policies and practices can benefit workers' safety and health," says Glorian Sorensen, Ph.D., director, Harvard T.H. Chan Center for Work, Health and Wellbeing at Harvard Chan School of Public Health. The first year of the grant will focus on identifying factors in the work organization that can be feasibly modified through changes in management and organizational practices. The subsequent years will be the implementation and evaluation of practices to improve worker quality of life based on employee feedback, Sodexo policy, and the known evidence-based for improving health in this population. Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations. Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights. SOURCE Sodexo Related Links http://www.sodexoUSA.com GAITHERSBURG, Md., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, today announced its recognition among winners of Canada's 2017 Top Employers for Young People competition. Now in its 15th consecutive year, the competition recognizes employers that offer the nation's best workplaces and programs for young people at the beginning of their careers. The full list of winners were announced this morning in a special magazine published nationally in The Globe and Mail. Winners of the competition are chosen by the editorial team at the Canada's Top 100 Employers project on the basis of the programs and initiatives they have to attract and retain younger workers. These include benefits such as tuition assistance and the availability of co-op or work-study programs. The editors also examine each employer's mentorship and training programs, including benefits such as bonuses paid when employees complete certain courses or professional designations. They review each employer's career management programs, looking for initiatives that can assist younger workers advance faster in the organization. Lastly, the editors consider the average age of employees at each employer to assess the composition and profile of their workforce. "Making your organization a good place for young people to start their careers is about more than simply appearing trendy or hip," says Kristina Leung, senior editor of the Canada's Top 100 Employers project at Mediacorp Canada Inc., which publishes the competition. "It shows all your employees and customers that you are open to change. Employers that understand their youngest workers have the most success in adapting their business models to respond to changing technologies and consumer preferences." Chief among the reasons for achieving this distinction: Sodexo Canada manages the Sharing Across Generation networking group, which organizes activities designed to help multiple generations in the workplace forge connections and also offers training on topics such as multigenerational management and engagement Sodexo Canada's "Rising Stars" program, offers paid internships and co-op placements, and hires promising participants into full-time entry-level management positions young hires are paired with a "hosting manager" who will prepare them for their new roles and help them understand the company's mission and values Sodexo Canada established the "IMPACT" mentoring program, a 12-month initiative to help develop high-potential employees who have a minimum of 12-months of service Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations. Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights. SOURCE Sodexo Related Links http://www.sodexoUSA.com SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovereign Health, a leading national provider of behavioral health treatment services, has launched a new three-part series, "Uncovering U-4." Also known as U-47700 or Pink, U-4 is an opioid analgesic drug, and experts warn the public not to be fooled by its easy accessibility. As a legal mail-order drug described as being more potent than morphine, it has been connected to dozens of deaths throughout the country. The first article, "Uncovering U-4: O.C. local succumbs to opioid substance that's skimming through legal loopholes," focuses on the death of a young girl, Southern California resident Natasha Heim, who died from U-4. Although the patented compound U-4 is now on the Drug Enforcement Administration's radar as illegal for manufacturing and purchasing, slight variances of the substance are continuously surfacing and thus slipping through both international import cracks as well as medical toxicology screens making drug enforcement, overdose fatalities and street purchases nearly impossible to trace. U-4 is in the same family as fentanyl, but can easily and legally be bought online and shipped to a person's home. As a result, the drug is suspected of being connected to 80 deaths in the past nine months alone, and law enforcement officers worry that if more awareness is not raised about U-4's danger, this number will rise. Sovereign Health cares about the issues and concerns of local residents about what goes on in their communities. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube, and track the discussion by searching for hashtags #StopU4 and #SovTalk. About the Authors Dana Connolly, Ph.D., is a senior staff writer for Sovereign Health, where she translates current research into practical information. Kristin Currin-Sheehan is a Sovereign Health staff writer, and her intriguing storytelling has been featured with Sovereign Health, KPBS TV/FM, FOX5 News in San Diego and NPR. Wade Sands is the content manager for Sovereign Health. Throughout his career, he's held court on a wide range of topics, from video games and real estate to addiction and behavioral health treatment. About Sovereign Health Sovereign Health's mission is to provide a broad spectrum of high-quality behavioral health treatment services for adults and adolescents, including support services for family members. One factor that differentiates Sovereign from other treatment providers has been the company's ability to offer separate mental health and addiction or dual diagnosis treatment programs at its facilities. For more information, visit www.SovHealth.com. SOURCE Sovereign Health Related Links http://www.SovHealth.com CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SPINS, the only source for consumer insights; digital applications for brands, consumers, and retailers; cross-channel retail analytics; health & wellness expertise; and industry-leading consulting services, announces the addition of Anissa Buckley to its growing Product Library team to accelerate cutting-edge products and services for North American brands and retailers. Buckley brings a long and proven history of sales, marketing, and database innovation to help CPG brands and retailers succeed in store and online. She has 25 years' industry experience, including with Procter & Gamble, Reebok, Sprint, and Birds Eye Foods. At No Excuse Nutrition and Vestcom, Buckley developed healthyAisles, a retail industry-leading shelf-edge nutrition database and attribute program delivering point-of-sale signage for consumers on wellness. Her programs were implemented at Ahold, Bi Lo, Giant Eagle, HEB, Safeway, Supervalu, and other leading retailers. Buckley joins SPINS' VP of Content Services Judy Seybold, with whom she previously helped tens of thousands of stores across the country understand health & wellness through programs that positively influence their customer experience. The reunion of Buckley and Seybold solidifies SPINS' acceleration of state-of-the-art solutions leveraging SPINS' comprehensive Product Library to create new advantages for SPINS partners across the supply chain, especially at retail. "The SPINS Product Library is the standard for health & wellness product information, providing a common language for all North American retail and consumer-facing platforms," said SPINS CEO, Tony Olson. "Anissa's hire is a continued investment in this superior resource and industry-leading team. As a team, Buckley and Seybold will deliver groundbreaking, content-rich applications, changing the way brands, retailers, and consumers access and act on Business Intelligence insights." About SPINS SPINS is a passionate advocate of brands and retailers that promote healthy living. As the leading provider of retail consumer insights, analytics reporting, and consulting services for the Natural, Organic, and Specialty Products Industry, its business offerings are helping retailers in this high growth area to connect people with the brands that they need and love. Learn more at www.spins.com. SOURCE SPINS Related Links http://www.spins.com URBANDALE, Iowa, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Spotlight Innovation Inc. (OTCQB: STLT), a pharmaceutical company advancing technologies designed to address rare, emerging and neglected diseases, today announced the appointment of Company director John Krohn as President and Chief Operating Officer. "I am honored and excited to assume these additional leadership roles during this crucial period of the Company's growth," said Mr. Krohn. "We are committed to advancing our product development programs, identifying additional opportunities, and creating meaningful value for shareholders." Mr. Krohn joined Spotlight Innovation's Board of Directors in February of 2016. He brings to the Company over three decades of operating and leadership experience across diverse industry sectors. His expertise includes corporate financial management, strategic financial advisory, private and public equity and debt financing, and M&A strategy and execution. In connection with Mr. Krohn's appointment, Cristopher Grunewald has stepped down as President and as a director of the Company. Mr. Grunewald will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer. "My passion is working with our scientific team to address important unmet medical needs, and this will be the focus of my efforts," said Mr. Grunewald. "I believe the Company is best served by turning administrative and operational functions over to Mr. Krohn, a consummate professional who is not only qualified to take us to the next level, but who is also a founding and significant equity shareholder." About Spotlight Innovation Inc. Spotlight Innovation Inc. (OTCQB: STLT) identifies and acquires rights to innovative, proprietary technologies designed to address unmet medical needs, with an emphasis on rare, emerging and neglected diseases. To find and evaluate unique opportunities, we leverage our extensive relationships with leading scientists, academic institutions and other sources. We provide value-added development capability to accelerate development progress. When scientifically significant benchmarks have been achieved, we will endeavor to partner with proven market leaders via sale, out-license or strategic alliance. For more information, visit www.spotlightinnovation.com or follow us on www.twitter.com/spotlightinno. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements herein include statements regarding Spotlight Innovation's efforts to develop and commercialize its various technologies, and to achieve its stated benchmarks. Actual outcomes and actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: risks and uncertainties, such as the inability to finance the planned development of the technologies; the inability to hire appropriate staff to develop the technologies; unforeseen technical difficulties in developing the technologies; the inability to obtain regulatory approval for human use; competitors' therapies proving to be more effective, cheaper or otherwise more preferable; or, the inability to market a product. All of which could, among other things, delay or prevent product release, as well as other factors expressed from time to time in Spotlight Innovation's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). As a result, this press release should be read in conjunction with Spotlight Innovation's periodic filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this press release and Spotlight Innovation undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. SOURCE Spotlight Innovation Inc. Related Links http://spotlightinnovation.com FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Brilliant, an award-winning search, staffing and management resources firm specializing in accounting, finance and information technology, was named one of the 2017 Best Places to Work South Florida in the category of small company by the Business Journal. This marks the first recognition awarded solely to Brilliant's Fort Lauderdale office since the firm's inception. "We are very proud of our Fort Lauderdale team members and their hard work to fulfill our mission of making people's lives better each day. To learn that they feel appreciated and engaged by our firm only reinforces the good work we are all doing," says Jim Wong, CPA (Inactive). Practice Director, Kevin Hull, agrees, "Our team is constantly creating a fun, fast-paced and spirited culture which makes us that much more relatable to our candidates and clients." He continues, "Being named alongside these other top companies in the Best Places to Work arena makes us feel like we're doing something right down here." Every year, the Business Journal asks employees across South Florida why their companies should be named among the Best Places to Work. Employees fill out confidential online surveys, rating their employers in a program developed by Quantum Workplace. Quantum then analyzes the data to determine the Top 15 companies in three categoriessmall, medium and large companiesbased on company size and employee feedback. Brilliant was named one of the 2017 Best Places to Work South Florida in the small company category out of hundreds of nominees. To learn more about Brilliant, and this recent recognition, visit the Brilliant website or call 954.380.8720. About Brilliant Connecting People and Opportunities Founded in 2009, Brilliant is an award-winning search, staffing and management resources firm specializing in accounting, finance and information technology. Brilliant's team of business development and recruiting experts include former Big 4 CPAs, hiring managers and leading industry professionals in the greater Chicago and south Florida markets. Brilliant's mission is to make people's lives better and that includes its clients, candidates, colleagues and its communities. Since its inception, Brilliant has made impressive strides emerging as a leader within their space by achieving the following recognitions: Crain's Chicago Business Fast 50, Staffing Industry Analysts Fastest-Growing Staffing Firms, Chicago's and Nation's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, Inc. 5000, Staffing 100 List for North America, Inavero's Best of Staffing Talent Satisfaction, Best Places to Work and more. To learn more about Brilliant, visit www.brilliantfs.com. Media Contact: Laurie Canning, CSMP, Marketing Director, Brilliant, [email protected] or 312.582.1812 SOURCE Brilliant Related Links http://www.brilliantfs.com EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainable Innovations (SI) is teaming with the University of Connecticut Center for Clean Energy Engineering (UConn C2E2) to meet a critical need in the rollout of hydrogen vehicles. They have teamed up to develop a breakthrough hydrogen fuel quality sensor that will rapidly assess whether a fuel supply stream is meeting a vehicle's needs for high performance, reliable operation. After careful study by an international group of experts, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and others have established hydrogen fuel purity standards that prescribe extremely low levels of several impurities in vehicular fuels that have been linked to performance problems in fuel cell engines. Today, vehicles are at potential risk of damage as the industry develops affordable, commercially available in-line sensing devices to verify that hydrogen-fueling streams meet the standards. Says Dr. Trent Molter, President and CEO of Sustainable Innovations, "Our sensor provides the linkage and important validation for hydrogen suppliers, vehicle manufacturers and consumers in an electric vehicle industry that is poised to grow to hundreds of billions of dollars or greater given the global demand for clean transportation to meet climate goals. We have already shown in laboratory testing that our innovative electrochemical method is capable of accurate, simultaneous detection of the critical contaminants in a hydrogen supply stream. And our analyses show that the device can be deployed with little cost and very little maintenance." The sensor that Sustainable Innovations and UConn are developing is innovative in that it is based on electrochemical principals, and can detect multiple impurities at extremely low levels in hydrogen. Within seconds, it sends a signal to shut off the dispenser if a damaging contaminant is detected. Sustainable Innovations, Inc. has received a contract award from the United States Department of Energy (US DOE) to commercially develop a low-cost sensor that can detect these impurities at the low levels identified in SAE and international standards. This contract comes on the heels of a prior development effort wherein the sensor technology was demonstrated by the team in proof-of-concept form. These sensors are to be placed at each fueling station to provide a go or no-go signal based on the presence of these impurities. The novel sensor being developed by Sustainable Innovations and UConn meets a critical need in the deployment of hydrogen fueling stations by lending confidence to both the quality of the fuel supply and fuel cell reliability. About Sustainable Innovations: Sustainable Innovations is fueled by a vision to create a paradigm shift in the way the world uses energy. Led by its founder, Dr. Trent Molter, SI represents over three decades of innovation in the waste and energy industry. From hydrogen renewal systems to long term energy storage products, SI develops and manufactures innovative clean energy products that deliver breakthrough efficiency and are socially responsible, to the economic benefit of companies and the ongoing sustainability of the world. PRLog ID: www.prlog.org/12612335 SOURCE Sustainable Innovations Related Links http://www.sustainableinnov.com DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sutherland Furniture, a leader in the international design industry and the preeminent provider of luxury furniture for modern lifestyles, today announced a new collection series in partnership with Borek, a Dutch outdoor furniture brand. The series, named Sutherland: The Borek Collection, is comprised of a curated assortment from Borek designed to complement and enhance Sutherland's offerings. The Borek Collection is being introduced with hospitality and commercial design projects in mind. In keeping with Sutherland's history of partnering with leading designers, the collaboration with Borek arose to bring to the market a high-end offering that measures up to Sutherland's design and durability threshold, but at a value suitable for larger installations. The pieces in the series were designed by highly acclaimed European designers Marcel Wolterinck, Eric Kuster and Frans van Rens. Crafted primarily in lightweight aluminum and designed with luxurious, comfortable proportions, the collection makes an elegant outdoor statement. The Portofino sofas and Lincoln chair feature a sophisticated steel-gray woven outdoor rope construction. All other pieces are available in Sutherland's 20 standard powder coat colors. With so many color options and the ability to choose any fabric (COM), The Borek Collection offers endless creativity and flexibility to project designers. "The Borek designs are very compatible with our perspective about outdoor furniture," says David Sutherland, CEO of Perennials and Sutherland, LLC. "The Borek Collection offers the Sutherland client a product of truly exceptional quality for their project we believe that there is no commercial collection more beautiful, luxurious or enduring. The opportunity to incorporate this series into Sutherland at a very attractive price level is something we not only appreciate, but look forward to offering our contract clientele." Enhancing the value and appeal of The Borek Collection are Sutherland's superior quality outdoor cushions, which are included in the price of all lounge seating. Standard net pricing is available for residential projects, but discounts are available for larger projects based on volume. For more information, contact your Sutherland Showroom. Borek is represented exclusively by Sutherland in the United States. The Borek Collection is available to interior designers and architects through fine showrooms throughout the country. To view the full collection, visit www.sutherlandfurniture.com. High-res images are available upon request. About Borek Borek is a furniture brand located in the Netherlands since 1977, with a wholesale and retail business focused primarily on high quality outdoor furniture and umbrellas designed by noteworthy Dutch designers. Stylish and timeless products create the ultimate connection between eye-catching, long lasting outdoor furniture and the joys of outdoor living. At Borek, ultimate user comfort and convenience are prioritized, with a special focus on design and durability. Borek is distributed in Europe and the UK. For more information, visit www.borek.eu/en/. About Perennials and Sutherland, LLC The Perennials and Sutherland, LLC companies are icons and acknowledged leaders in the international design industry. CEO David Sutherland and President Ann Sutherland share an ingenious talent for curating the finest interior and exterior collections of luxury furniture, fabrics, rugs and accessories. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company is comprised of Sutherland Furniture, Perennials Luxury Performance Fabrics and David Sutherland Showrooms. Perennials Fabrics is recognized by interior designers and high-end retail customers as the leader in luxury performance fabrics. Perennials Fabrics and Perennials Luxury Performance Rugs combine the look and feel of high-quality, natural materials with the superior performance properties of their genuine 100% solution-dyed acrylic fiber technology. View the full collections at perennialsfabrics.com. Sutherland Furniture is a world leader in luxury outdoor furniture for modern lifestyles. The company has created the preeminent furniture brand through partnerships with the world's leading designers, along with utilizing the highest quality materials. View the full collections at sutherlandfurniture.com. David Sutherland Showrooms are full-service, multi-line showrooms which serve the professional design market in showrooms and studios across the United States. For more information and locations, visit davidsutherlandshowroom.com. SOURCE Sutherland Furniture Related Links http://www.sutherlandfurniture.com COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SYSPRO, a global provider of industry-built ERP software, has been ranked in the 2017 Top 10 ERP Systems Ranking Report from Panorama Consulting Solutions. The report identifies the top ERP systems based on market share, benefits realized, software functionality, and implementation cost and duration. Panorama attributes the accuracy of the list based on data gathered from Panorama's annual benchmark surveys between 2012 and February, 2016. A total of 1,660 respondents completed surveys on which the final rankings were based and functionality data was gathered from vendor demo scores from Panorama clients. Panorama lists one of SYSPRO's strengths as the largest, independent supplier of ERP business software solutions with 35 years of experience. As the market continues to evolve and consolidation of ERP vendors is a frequent occurrence, SYSPRO has remained independent and focuses on a close-net relationship with customers. "SYSPRO is honored to be included in the Panorama Report as it is proof that our customer focus, technology innovation and functionality is really making a difference in our customers' businesses. SYSPRO's advancements in the areas of mobile, artificial intelligence, and IoT put our customers at the forefront of their own respective industries." says Brian Stein, CEO, SYSPRO USA. About Panorama Consulting Solutions Panorama Consulting Solutions specializes in the enterprise consulting, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and IT market for mid- to large-sized private and public sector organizations across the globe. One hundred percent independent of affiliation, Panorama helps firms evaluate and select ERP software, manages the implementation of the software and facilitates all related organizational changes to ensure that each of its clients realize the full benefits of their ERP implementation. The firm also offers clients IT strategy, business process re-engineering, ERP staffing, sales assessments, energy fueling assessments, emergency fund management, independent verification and validation, project management oversight and expert witness testimony. Panorama offices are located in Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, Lima, Dubai, Houston and New York. For more information, go to Panorama-Consulting.com and Twitter.com/PanoramaERP . About SYSPRO SYSPRO is a global, independent provider of industry-built ERP software designed to simplify business complexity for manufacturers and distributors. Focused on delivering optimized performance and complete business visibility, the SYSPRO solution is highly scalable, and can be deployed on-premise, in the cloud, or accessed via a mobile device. SYSPRO's strengths lie in a simplified approach to technology, expertise in a range of industries, and a commitment to future-proofing customer and partner success. SYSPRO has more than 15,000 licensed companies in over 60 countries across six continents. For more information, visit www.syspro.com. Press Contacts: Stanley Goodrich Erin Schlee Public Relations Manager Marketing Communications Manager SYSPRO United States SYSPRO United States +1(714) 437-1000 +1(714) 437-1000 [email protected] [email protected] All company names and products mentioned in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. SOURCE SYSPRO Related Links https://www.syspro.com WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Teamsters Union fully supports the Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act as an important step toward ensuring corporations pay their fair share in taxes and curbing the trend of excessive executive pay. Introduced today by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), the Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act closes a loophole in the tax law that allows corporations to claim commission and performance-based executive compensation as a deduction. The current tax law restricts publicly traded corporations from deducting any employee's base compensation over $1 million. However, the restriction does not include executive compensation received as a bonus. "This loophole gives corporations incentive to give top executives massive bonuses that they can then turn around and deduct from their corporate revenue for tax purposes," said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall. "This loophole has played a large part in the current trend of ever-increasing excessive executive bonuses." For example, under current tax law, XPO Logistics' [NYSE: XPO] recently adopted incentive compensation plan which allows for a potential payout to CEO Bradley Jacobs of up to 2.5 million shares of company stock valued at more than $100 million at today's prices would be fully deductible from the corporate revenue. And while the corporation saves money, the burden of the lost tax revenue is passed on to U.S. taxpayers. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that this loophole in current tax law has cost taxpayers more than $50 billion over a ten-year period as corporations claim compensation packages like Jacob's as deductions. "The Teamsters Union thanks Sen. Reed and Rep. Doggett for taking a stand against this practice," Hall said. "All corporations should pay their fair share in taxes." Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Galen Munroe, (202) 624-6911 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters Related Links http://www.teamster.org DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Impact Network, the only African American owned and operated Christian television network which is available in over 75 Million cable and satellite homes, in the United States, has teamed up with Dr. Juanita Bynum. Look to see Dr. Juanita Bynum as she teaches the principles of empowerment living as it effects the life of women worldwide with her multicultural reach. Bishop Jackson says, "I look forward to working and praying with Dr. Juanita Bynum, she is a true prayer warrior, and millions of people will be truly blessed by her presence on The Impact Network." About Dr. Juanita Bynum: As an Empowerment Lecturer, Platinum Recording Artist, New York Times Best Selling Author, International Conference Host and Entrepreneur, Dr. Juanita Bynum sits as President of Juanita Bynum Ministries and CEO of Juanita Bynum Enterprises. Over the last two decades, Dr. Bynum has become a fixture of inspiration and prayer. Unashamed to use her life as teaching mechanism, Dr. Bynum's 'in your face' messages have drawn thousands of men and women to her conferences and events over the last decade, often addressing crowds of 50,000-70,000 people as the keynote speaker. As one of the most notable conference hosts in America, Dr. Bynum made history as over 68,000 registrants convened on the Georgia Dome in 2006 for her first Threshing Floor Conference to experience this movement. For more info www.juanitabynum.com About The Impact Network: The Impact Network was founded in 2010 by Bishop Wayne T. Jackson and Dr. Beverly Jackson in Detroit, Michigan and is the fastest growing African-American one hundred percent (100%) independently owned Christian network in the United States with diverse family oriented programming. Available on Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner, Bright House, DirecTV and Dish Network, The Impact Network is available in over 75 million cable and satellite households in the United States, with additional international carriage in Africa, and the Bahamas on Cable Bahamas. More information is available at www.watchimpact.com Contact: Terry Arnold, Sr. Vice President: 313-243-1600 Lewis Gibbs, Vice President: 313-243-1600 SOURCE The Impact Network Related Links http://www.watchimpact.com SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miller Law Firm has recovered $2,330,000 for a Hayes Valley Homeowners Association for construction defects, a record recovery of nearly $73,000 per-unit reached in just 14 months from filing the complaint in San Francisco Superior Court. In the last 5 years alone, numerous San Francisco Condo Associations represented by The Miller Law Firm have recovered nearly $45 million for shoddy construction and severe building performance violations. The developer and 5 subcontractors will pay $2.33 million through their insurance policies to this 33-unit mixed-use condominium project under a settlement agreement with confidentiality requirements. This luxury mid-rise building in the popular Hayes Valley neighborhood is just one of many constructed in the area in the last decade. Hayes Valley saw a spike in new home condominium construction after the destruction of the Central Freeway, which revitalized the neighborhood making way for mixed-use buildings and enticing owners to this performing-arts district. The luxury project was only 5 years old when they filed a complaint for building deficiencies that included improper installation of podium deck waterproofing resulting in water intrusion in the garage, improperly sloped driveways, active water leaks in several locations, improperly sealed stone veneer, heavily stained and cracked stucco finish, improper drainage at the roofs, improper lobby ventilation, and improper installation of the firestopping. According to Thomas E. Miller, CEO of The Miller Law Firm, "When insurance companies pay-out millions of dollars for construction defect claims, they require a full and complete release for all current and future claims as well as strict confidentiality. This secrecy becomes the norm and it prevents consumers from knowing which Builders have a pattern of shoddy workmanship, which results in unsuspecting and often disappointed buyers. In the end, Homeowners Associations are willing to accept these terms in order to provide the large recoveries needed to rebuild their communities." According to Rachel Miller, Senior Partner of The Miller Law Firm, "Having delivered $45 million to San Francisco Condo Associations for sub-standard construction highlights that builders and their insurance carriers can and should be held to the fire, and Associations and their owners will receive the funds they need to rebuild their community and their lives." Thomas E. Miller, Rachel M. Miller and Matthew T. Miller of The Miller Law Firm (www.ConstructionDefects.com) are the co-authors of, "Home and Condo Defects: A Consumer Guide to Faulty Construction," (Seven Locks Press, 2012), available online at www.amazon.com. Celebrating 40 years, The Miller Law Firm was awarded the National Litigator Award by the Trial Lawyers Board of Regents for the second consecutive year. This award honors only the top 1% of attorneys in the nation and based strictly on tangible verdict & settlement dollar achievement. Media Contact: Rachel Miller (415) 437-1800 [email protected] SOURCE The Miller Law Firm Related Links http://www.constructiondefects.com QUINCY, Ill., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Titan International, Inc. (NYSE: TWI) had the final injury hearing before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on Wednesday, January 4th and will be filing a post hearing brief on January 11th. Titan remains optimistic that the ITC will issue a final affirmative determination in these cases. If the ITC makes an affirmative determination, then countervailing duty orders will be issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and importers going forward will have to post cash deposits equal to the countervailing duty margins found or listed in the DOC final determinations. Neutralizing unfair trade practices that harm domestic industry is what the U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty laws are about. Also, on January 4, 2017, the DOC made a final affirmative determination in both the Indian and Sri Lankan countervailing duty cases. "We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Commerce made a final affirmative determination in both the Indian and Sri Lankan countervailing duty cases. Titan and the United Steelworkers Union petitioned the ITC in January 2016 for relief from unfair trade practices. The rates are in the 5% range for Indian imported tires and 2.2% for Sri Lankan imports. Titan will review options once the final ITC outcome is known, which includes a chance to comment on any perceived errors, if identified, in the materials as released by the DOC," stated Paul Reitz, Titan President and CEO. "President Elect Trump has made it clear that we need to protect U.S. companies from the damage caused by imported products priced at uncompetitive levels and bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Leo Gerard, President USW International, when interviewed recently on Fox News, said it well when he stated President Elect Trump ran on the USW agenda. If President Elect Trump wants to add duties on imported goods, the USW will support and work with the incoming President. We are in agreement with his position on that and look forward to competing on a level playing field," stated Maurice Taylor, Titan Chairman. Company description: Titan International, Inc. (NYSE: TWI), a holding company, owns subsidiaries that supply wheels, tires, assemblies and undercarriage products for off-highway equipment used in agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer applications. For more information, visit www.titan-intl.com. SOURCE Titan International, Inc. Related Links http://www.titan-intl.com SYOSSET, N.Y., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Toro Real Estate Partners is excited to announce its first acquisition in 2017. Toro recently acquired 160 units in North Charleston, SC with its purchase of Hampton Oaks (soon to be Bradley Square). With this addition of the 160 units, Toro has acquired 3 properties for a total of 600 units in South Carolina, all within the past 8 months. Toro Real Estate partners closed on a 12-year Fannie Mae Loan, arranged through Ryan Duff at Arbor Commercial. They used a 1031 and private capital for the equity side of the transaction. This property represents its 9th apartment purchase for Toro in the last two years and brings their portfolio to over 1,300 units. Toro Real Estate Partners is a private real estate investment firm focused on buying apartment communities throughout the Southeast and Midwest. "We're extremely excited to land another property in the Charleston market," said John Cohen, co-founder of Toro Real Estate Partners. "The location of this property in North Charleston is excellent and we feel that this sub-market is experiencing amazing growth that we can take advantage of over the next 10 years. Charleston has some very exciting things occurring and we feel still has plenty of growth left." "We are looking to capitalize on interior upgrades, light exterior and amenity upgrades and improve operations at the property. We have a proven track record in these areas and it's what our investors like to see," Cohen supplied. "We are constantly looking for ways to capitalize on a property and this one checked all the boxes for us." Toro REP acquired the property on January 6th. Toro is committed to providing above market returns for its investors while also creating modern living facilities for working families. Toro specializes in finding value-add properties in emerging markets, with strong economic indicators and mitigated risk. Toro REP currently owns over 1,300 units across the Southeast and Midwest with over $85 million in managed assets. Toro REP is targeting an additional $100 million in acquisitions in the following 12-18 months. For more information, visit www.tororep.com, or contact John Cohen at 516-268-3500. SOURCE Toro Real Estate Partners Related Links http://www.tororep.com SAN DIEGO, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Trackforce, a leader in physical security software and technology solutions, announced today the closing of a $7.4 million strategic growth investment from Five Elms Capital. The investment will allow Trackforce to further enhance its product offering, accelerate global expansion, and expedite new feature development, according to Trackforce CEO, Guirchaume Abitbol. Trackforce is the leading SaaS provider of operations management tools for security guards, integrating mobile security guard management, incident reporting, workforce optimization, and field reporting. The company's GuardTek platform includes a combination of web-based and mobile applications to connect mobile guards, stationary guards, and security managers, improving visibility into overall security operations. The GuardTek software suite is currently used by more than 80,000 users at over 8,000 sites in 28 countries. As the market leader in Europe, Trackforce has been adopted by a number of highly sensitive sites and high profile clients (Brink's, Bayer, Chanel, Indigo, G4S, and Fnac among others). The company has since expanded into North America and is trusted by large customers including Whelan Security, McGill University, and SecurAmerica. "Trackforce has changed how physical security services are managed, providing transparency into operations, and allowing for dramatically faster response times to incidents," Abitbol added. "With global threats on the rise, the security market is at a key inflection point where best-in-class technology will ensure the highest level of quality, service, and protection." "Trackforce has built a best-in-class platform that changes the way security professionals manage their operations," said Joe Onofrio, Managing Director at Five Elms Capital. "The team's innovative technology, industry knowledge, and best-in-class customer service have driven strong growth over the last 10 years; we look forward to working with the team to expand on the success achieved to date." About Trackforce Trackforce is a leader in physical security software and technology solutions. For over 15 years, Trackforce has provided fully integrated security solutions to its partners and customers. Trackforce is dedicated to the development of cloud and mobile-based security management software systems. Thanks to its security expertise and the use of state-of-the-art information systems technology, Trackforce proudly offers the most effective solutions available on the market. The company has over 1,000 customers including the world's leading security guard service providers, major airports, universities, and corporations across the globe. Additional information is available at www.trackforce.com. About Five Elms Capital Five Elms Capital is a leading growth equity firm that invests in fast-growing companies outside of Silicon Valley. Five Elms partners with growing, founder-owned software and services businesses, providing capital and resources to help companies accelerate growth and further cement their role as industry leaders. For more information, visit www.fiveelms.com. Contact: Dara Feldman Marketing Director Trackforce [email protected] This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com/. SOURCE Trackforce Related Links http://www.trackforce.com WHIPPANY, N.J. and PITTSBURGH, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Bayer have established a master collaboration agreement to advance research for heart, lung and blood disease indications. This broad collaboration spans from early research studies, to drug development and big data analysis including real-world evidence studies. In addition to the research partnership, Bayer will be supporting an independent investigator-initiated clinical trial in sickle cell disease. "The alliance builds upon a productive history of research collaboration between the scientists at Pitt and Bayer. Working with Bayer under this master agreement will allow us to further explore drug discovery research to better understand and meet patient needs," said Mark Gladwin, MD, the Dr. Jack D. Myers Professor of Internal Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine in the School of Medicine at Pitt, and director of the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute. A joint steering committee composed of leaders from both Bayer and Pitt will manage the collaboration and make ongoing decisions to govern the joint research activities. "Bayer is proud to partner with the University of Pittsburgh, bringing together their renowned scientists in partnership with Bayer's clinical disease experts and in-depth expertise in delivering new therapies to patients," said Dario Mirski, senior vice president and head of Medical Affairs for the Americas at Bayer. "This partnership reflects continued investment in Bayer's U.S. drug discovery and development portfolio. Our goal is to advance meaningful research around pathophysiology and discovery, working closely with Pitt to evaluate new therapeutic principles for heart, lung and blood diseases." About the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine As one of the nation's leading academic centers for biomedical research, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine integrates advanced technology with basic science across a broad range of disciplines in a continuous quest to harness the power of new knowledge and improve the human condition. Driven mainly by the School of Medicine and its affiliates, Pitt has ranked among the top 10 recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1998. In rankings recently released by the National Science Foundation, Pitt ranked fifth among all American universities in total federal science and engineering research and development support. Likewise, the School of Medicine is equally committed to advancing the quality and strength of its medical and graduate education programs, for which it is recognized as an innovative leader, and to training highly skilled, compassionate clinicians and creative scientists well-equipped to engage in world-class research. The School of Medicine is the academic partner of UPMC, which has collaborated with the University to raise the standard of medical excellence in Pittsburgh and to position health care as a driving force behind the region's economy. For more information about the School of Medicine, see www.medschool.pitt.edu. Bayer: Science For A Better Life Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their lives. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2015, the Group employed around 117,000 people and had sales of EUR 46.3 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.3 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.us. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. SOURCE Bayer Related Links http://www.bayerus.com WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded to a month. Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African-American History Month. This graphic looks at the steady rise of educational attainment of the black population since 1964 in commemoration of National African-American History Month. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey shows the black population ages 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher in 2015 was 22.5 percent, with females at 24.0 percent and males at 20.6 percent. Note: The reference to the black population in this publication is to single-race black people ("black alone") except in the first section on "Population." In that section, the reference is to black alone or in combination with other races, a reference to respondents who said they were one race (black) or more than one race (black plus other races). Population 46.3 million The black population, either alone or in combination with one or more other races, on July 1, 2015, up about 1.3 percent from July 1, 2014. Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates, Table PEPALL5N http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2015/PEPALL5N?slice=year~est72015 74.5 million The projected black population, either alone or in combination, of the United States (including those of more than one race) on July 1, 2060. On that date, according to the projection, the black population would constitute 17.9 percent of the nation's total population. Source: 2014 National Population Projections, Table 10 www.census.gov/population/projections/data/national/2014/summarytables.html 3.8 million The black population in New York on July 1, 2015; the largest of any state or equivalent. Texas had the largest numeric increase since July 1, 2014 (94,000). The District of Columbia had the highest percentage (50.0 percent), followed by Mississippi (38.3 percent). Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2016/cb16-107.html 1.3 million The black population in Cook County, Ill. (Chicago), in 2015; the largest of any county. Harris County, Texas, had the largest numeric increase since 2014 (22,200) and Claiborne County, Miss., was the county with the highest percentage in the nation (85.1 percent). Source: Vintage 2015 Population Estimates www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2016/cb16-107.html Businesses 108,473 The estimated number of black-owned employer firms in 2014. Source: 2014 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs, Table SE1400CSA01 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ASE/2014/00CSA01 31,216 The estimated number of black-owned health care and social assistance firms, the largest sector of black-owned businesses. The health care and social assistance sector is followed by professional, scientific and technical support (15,078) and administrative, support, waste management and remediation services (9,644). Source: 2014 Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs, Table SE1400CSA01 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ASE/2014/00CSA01 Serving Our Nation 2.2 million The number of black military veterans in the United States in 2015. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table C21001B http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/C21001B Education 84.7% The percentage of the black population age 25 and over with a high school diploma or higher in 2015. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table S0201 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/S0201//popgroup~004 20.2% The percentage of the black population age 25 and over with a bachelor's degree or higher in 2015. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table S0201 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/S0201//popgroup~004 1.9 million The number of black people age 25 and over that attained an advanced degree in 2015. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table B15002B http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/B15002B 2.8 million The number of black people enrolled in undergraduate college in 2015. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table B14007B http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/B14007B Voting 11.1 million The number of black people who voted in the 2014 congressional election. Source: 2014 Current Population Survey, Table 2 www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/voting-and-registration/p20-577.html 17.8 million The number of black people who voted in the 2012 presidential election. In comparison to the 2008 election, about 1.7 million additional black voters reported going to the polls in 2012. Source: The Diversifying Electorate Voting Rates by Race and Hispanic Origin 2012 www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2013/demo/p20-568.pdf 66.2% The percentage of the black population who voted in the 2012 presidential election, higher than the 64.1 percent of the non-Hispanic white population who did so. This marks the first time that the black population voted at a higher rate than the white population since the Census Bureau started publishing statistics on voting by the eligible citizen population in 1996. Source: The Diversifying Electorate Voting Rates by Race and Hispanic Origin 2012 www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2013/demo/p20-568.pdf Income, Poverty and Health Insurance $36,544 The annual median income of black households in 2015, compared with the nation at $55,775. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table S1903 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/S1903 25.4% The percentage of the black population below the poverty level in 2015, while nationally it was 14.7 percent. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table S1701 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/S1701 88.9% The percentage of the black population with health insurance for all or part of 2015. Nationally, the percentage of people with health insurance was 90.9 in 2015. Source: Current Population Survey, 2016 Annual Social and Economic Supplement, Table HI-01 http://census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/cps-hi/hi-01.html Families and Children 59.5% The percentage of households with a black householder who had at least one relative present in 2016. There were 9.8 million black family households. Source: 2016 Current Population Survey, Families and Living Arrangements, Table H1 www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2016H.html 45.1% The percentage of families with black householders that were married couples in 2016. Source: 2016 Current Population Survey, Families and Living Arrangements, Table H1 www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2016H.html 1.3 million The number of black grandparents who lived with their own grandchildren younger than age 18 in 2015. Of this number, 42.4 percent were also responsible for their care. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table B10051B http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/B10051B Jobs 28.7% The percentage of the civilian employed black population age 16 and over who worked in management, business, science and arts occupations, while 37.1 percent of the total civilian employed population worked in these occupations. Source: 2015 American Community Survey, Table S0201 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/S0201/popgroup~004 http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_1YR/S0201 Following is a list of observances typically covered by the Census Bureau's Facts for Features series: African-American History Month (February) Labor Day (1st Monday in September) Super Bowl (first Sunday in February) Grandparents Day (1st Sunday after Labor Day) Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) Women's History Month (March) Unmarried and Single Americans Week (3rd week of September) Irish-American Heritage Month (March)/ Halloween (Oct. 31) St. Patrick's Day (March 17) American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month Earth Day (April 22) (November) Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (May) Veterans Day (Nov. 11) Older Americans Month (May) Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November) Mother's Day (2nd Sunday in May) The Holiday Season (December) Hurricane Season Begins (June 1) Father's Day (third Sunday in June) The Fourth of July (July 4) Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26) Back to School (August) Editor's note: The preceding data were collected from a variety of sources and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error. Facts for Features are customarily released about two months before an observance in order to accommodate magazine production timelines. census.gov Connect with us on Social media Jenny Porter Public Information Office 301-763-3030 / [email protected] SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau Related Links http://www.census.gov LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tangible Investments Inc., a rare, precious coin, art and fine jewelry investment group announced a 2017 launch of a reseller and affiliate sales and marketing initiative for the jewelry industry. The program is entitled, "Go for the Gold." Customized for North American fine jewelry retailers, the program offers the opportunity to buy and sell gold bullion, rare gold and silver coins from an accredited, long-standing specialist firm. Attractive, wholesale priced assortments cater to local markets. Training, appraisals, display and marketing tools adjoin reseller an/or affiliate packages. Some may question a 2017 retail program launch after significant jewelry stores closed in 2015. Yet, through diligent research, it's clear thousands of jewelry retailers are not only surviving, many are thriving. In March, Polygon's Retail Jewelry Industry in the U.S. 2016 reported 1,082 U.S. jewelry businesses declared bankruptcy, ceased operations, merged or were acquired. Many incorrectly concluded that number reflected independent jewelers exclusively. Yet 1,082 closures included wholesalers, manufacturers, public companies and national jewelry chains not independents alone. In 2014, a massive U.S. jewelry retail acquisition occurred. As with any retail M&A transaction, a P&L location assessment was performed permanently phasing out numerous non-independent stores. Tangible Investments turned to the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) the only organization dedicated to credit reporting, collections and advanced marketing services to the jewelry industry to gauge the sector's health overall. "In our 2016 third quarter North American jewelry statistics, the total of retail jewelry businesses was 21,292, including 878 in Canada," stated Anthony Capuano, President of the JBT. "Good news is sometimes hidden by harsh headlines. Today that good news is gold," noted Silvano DiGenova, President of Tangible Investments, Inc., one of the nation's most respected numismatic firms with decades of expertise and the highest-ranking industry affiliations including the PNG."We value retailers desiring newfound male traffic and we see that opportunity created by gold coins," added DiGenova. Unlike jewelry, coins aren't reliant on fashion or seasonal styles. Coins don't require a large display or vault space and carry immediate financial advantages. Tangible Investments, a thirty-year old asset group has processed billions of dollars in transactions. It views "Go for the Gold" a great fit for an industry that buys and sells gold from an emotional and wearable investment perspective. As of 2015, this $30.53 billion dollar industry is the jewelry trade. "The world's strongest numismatic organizations are behind us, which means they're behind you. We follow the precious metal, art and collectors market daily. We'll guide you to a stronger, faster and more attentive means to capture today's consumer through gold coins," DiGenova concluded. For more information: www.luxelicensing.com/gold ABOUT TANGIBLE INVESTMENTS, INC. Tangible Investments, Inc. was created by one of Forbes Magazine's "People to Watch," Silvano DiGenova. He is co-purchaser/minority copartner of the Trompeter Proof Gold Collection, a $15 million transaction the Guinness Book of World Records noted as the largest rare coin private treaty at that time. Mr. DiGenova is credited as the founder of the defacto grading service, PCGS, the global coin & precious metal equivalent of the GIA. Mr. DiGenova co-founded the first electronic trading network for precious metals & created the coin-grading standard active today. www.GoCoins.com This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com/. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Tangible Investments, Inc. LAVAL, Quebec, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: VRX) ("Valeant" or the "Company") today announced that its affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement to sell all of the outstanding equity interests in Dendreon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Dendreon") to the Sanpower Group Co., Ltd., one of the largest privately owned conglomerates in China. Under the terms of the transaction, Valeant will receive cash consideration of $819.9 million at completion. Dendreon's first and only commercialized product is Provenge, an autologous cellular immunotherapy (vaccine) for prostate cancer treatment approved by the FDA in April 2010. "With this sale, we are better aligning our product portfolio with Valeant's new operating strategy by exiting the urological oncology business, which is one of our non-core assets," said Valeant CEO Joseph C. Papa. "We are pleased to take this step forward in our divestiture program and are continuing to evaluate transactions to simplify our business and strengthen our balance sheet." Valeant will use proceeds from the sale of Dendreon to permanently repay term loan debt under its Senior Secured Credit Facility. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. Centerview Partners served as financial advisor to Valeant and Hogan Lovells US LLP represented Valeant in connection with this transaction. DLA Piper LLP (US) and DLA Piper UK LLP acted as legal advisor to the Sanpower Group. About Valeant Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: VRX) is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of dermatology, gastrointestinal disorders, eye health, neurology and branded generics. More information about Valeant can be found at www.valeant.com. About Sanpower Established in 1993, Sanpower Group has become one of the largest, privately-owned conglomerates in China. Headquartered in Nanjing, it offers a global platform for its five primary sector groups: Health & Wellness, Information Services, Consumer & Retail, Financial Services, and Real Estate. Sanpower Group has controlling stakes in more than 100 subsidiaries and has a 90,000-strong global workforce, including 30,000 based internationally. Sanpower Group currently generates over RMB 100 billion in revenue. Forward-looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the expected timing of the closing of the transaction. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company's most recent annual or quarterly report and detailed from time to time in Valeant's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Valeant undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law. Contact Information: Elif McDonald 514-856-3855 877-281-6642 (toll free) [email protected] Media: Renee Soto or Chris Kittredge/Jared Levy Sard Verbinnen & Co. 212-687-8080 SOURCE Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. Related Links http://www.valeant.com BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Viamericas Corporation, an international licensed remittance company, was once again awarded first place on the Inter-American Dialogue's Remittances Transfers Scorecard. Viamericas was ranked number one in 2012 as well, the last time the report was published. The report presents a scorecard for 30 remittance service providers working in 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries. It analyzes data collected on a wide range of indicators, including geographical coverage, product offerings, payment networks and transfer costs. Viamericas was recognized for its low transaction fees, extensive distribution of payout locations and excellent customer support. Remittances to Latin America and the Caribbean exceeded US$70 billion dollars in 2015 according to the report, and are playing a key role in the region's economic development. The marketplace for money transfers has contributed to that impact by increasingly offering low transaction costs, a wide range of financial products, and opportunities for financial inclusion. "We are extremely proud to be recognized once again by Inter-American Dialogue's Scorecard," said Joe Argilagos, executive chairman of Viamericas. "Not only did we keep our first place ranking, we even improved our score over 2012. We have invested heavily in customer service, our digital channels and our agent/payer network to ensure our customers have the absolute best service in the industry. Being ranked number one means we are doing all the right things to make money transfer easier and more affordable for the people we serve." Together the 11 countries analyzed for the report represent more than 85% of the US-Latin America and Caribbean marketplace for money transfers (and 65% of all transactions to Latin America and the Caribbean). The countries studied represent more than 14 million transactions a month sent by the migrant community living in the United States. About Viamericas Viamericas provides mobile and in-person financial services, including money transfer, bill payment, mobile phone top-up services and B2B check processing. Together with its digital brand Vianex, Viamericas makes it easier than ever for customers to move their money. For more information, visit govianex.com. For more information, please contact: Viamericas Kim Dossett [email protected] 323-547-8653 SOURCE Viamericas Related Links http://www.govianex.com During that time, Rebecca married an infantry Marine, and they soon added three children to their family. The responsibilities weighing on dual-service couples can be intimidating. The two began shuffling field duty schedules and deployments and missing birthdays, anniversaries, and other family celebrations. "When 9/11 came, they wanted to send both of us overseas," Rebecca explained. "Trying to explain to your 5-year-old child why dad was gone for so long, whether or not he was coming home, and then to top that off explaining why you were leaving them too that was tough." It was a difficult time, but not as challenging as what was to come when they hung up their boots and transitioned into the civilian world together. "Trying to work on my anxieties, deal with my husband's post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and manage my family can become overwhelming at times," Rebecca said. "Depression set in, and I began to question my purpose in life, my role as a wife and mother, and began to lose my sense of identity." Rebecca also came face-to-face with a very real issue veterans encounter when separating from the military. No longer an active-duty FMF corpsman, Rebecca was stuck with limited resources in a desolate part of Oklahoma that is a two-hour drive from the nearest Veterans Administration hospital. And even with a master's degree, Rebecca struggled to find adequate employment in the civilian world. In June 2015, Rebecca and her family moved from Oklahoma to Orlando, Florida. The family was determined to take control of the recovery process and transition to a new normal in the civilian world. "Nine years after my military service, I turned to Wounded Warrior Project for help finding employment through the Warriors to Work program. They helped me rebuild my resume, and in two months, I landed an amazing job. I immediately applied for my first family activity with the organization." Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) family- and warrior-focused events like the one Rebecca and her family participated in are part of connection opportunities, which create support through shared experiences and build camaraderie by connecting injured veterans to one another and warrior families. Many wounded service members face similar challenges adjusting to their injuries and civilian life. By bonding through WWP gatherings, veterans learn they are not alone and have the chance to grow closer to those around them. These opportunities also provide warriors a chance to learn about other free, life-saving programs and services that aid in the recovery process. Rebecca's and her husband's momentum with WWP continued to grow. The couple found out about WWP's multi-day mental health workshops for individual warriors and couples and knew they wanted to get involved. These gatherings provide safe, private environments for warriors to express themselves and share their combat experiences with laughter and tears. At the end of the rehabilitative workshops, warriors share lessons learned from the activities that impacted their personal struggles most and set achievable goals for their recoveries. "The mental health workshop for couples gave us an opportunity to build our support network with other couples that have experienced the same things my husband and I had been through. Little did we know, it would be life-changing. As dual-service warriors, it has been especially difficult in many ways to build bonds at home with each other and continue to acclimate to civilian ways of life." The workshop incorporates the WWP Peer Support program. Warrior-to-warrior support plays an important role in the recovery process for veterans dealing with the invisible wounds of war as they rely upon one another's learned experiences when managing day-to-day challenges. This special type of therapy reintroduces injured warriors to the unique bonds experienced during military service. Rarely duplicated in the civilian world, these relationships act as a secure bedrock that paves the road to recovery. "WWP has provided me the opportunity to learn to be one with myself and my surroundings to learn to be more in tune with my body's needs by re-energizing and reinvigorating my spirit through adventures and challenges, all with the help and support of other warriors like me and my husband," Rebecca said. "By decreasing outside noise, clutter, and distraction, I have been able to truly identify what my internal needs are to better myself so that I can help others. I am learning to surrender to the idea that I am not alone and others can help me. I have learned to be more flexible in everyday life. I accept those forces that are out of my control and add anxiety and stress two key components that set my mind, body, and soul off balance." With the help of WWP, Rebecca has been able to reduce her feelings of fear and isolation while building trust in others and her natural environment, which she calls the civilian world. "By learning other ways to control my mind, I am able to change my negative feelings into more positive ones without the aid of pills and medication." At the end of the day, wounded warriors want to figure out how to be in control of their own recoveries. And when they do, they want to be ready to turn to the warrior behind them to help them, thus embodying the WWP logo of one warrior carrying another warrior off the battlefield. "My hope is that through WWP I can pass my experience on to other veterans as a way to bond with comrades outside of the typical military structure and build a positive support network with others who have the same interests. WWP has been a way to convert our tradition of having a battle buddy in combat to one in everyday life, empowering us to continue with the sense of camaraderie and trust." About Wounded Warrior Project We Connect, Serve, and Empower The mission of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP connects wounded warriors and their families to valuable resources and one another, serves them through a variety of free programs and services, and empowers them to live life on their own terms. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org. SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project Related Links http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org CHICAGO, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Love is in the air, literally, for couples in Chicago. Today, Willis Tower, the iconic Chicago skyscraper, announced the return of its annual social media contest giving couples the opportunity to win a romantic Valentine's Day wedding ceremony atop the highest observation deck in America -- Skydeck Chicago's 103rd floor, 1,353 feet in the sky. Beginning Monday, January 9th, couples can submit video entries for a chance to win the ultimate wedding ceremony above the majestic Chicago skyline. The contest will run until Thursday, February 2, 2017. Adventurous couples looking for a unique way to tie the knot or renew their vows can enter the Skydeck Chicago Wedding Contest by submitting a video entry at the Skydeck Facebook page. In two minutes or less, contestants should explain why they should win the wedding ceremony of a lifetime atop Chicago's most iconic landmark. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, couples are encouraged to share their most romantic stories; how they met; why they want to spend their lives together, or how their love has stood the test of time. Submissions can be uploaded Monday, January 9, 2017 through Tuesday, January 31st. Four couples will be selected and notified on Thursday, February 2, 2017. (One entry per couple, maximum two minutes in length.) Winning couples will exchange vows from The Ledge's glass floor balconies that extend 4.3 feet from the skyscraper's famed 103rd floor. Accompanied by up to eight guests, each couple will enjoy a private 15-minute ceremony with the Chicago skyline as the backdrop. Each picture-perfect couple will receive a complimentary photo on The Ledge taken by Willis Tower's in-house photographer. At the ceremony's conclusion, the newlyweds and their guests will celebrate with a champagne toast and receive wedding gifts from Chicagoland-based lifestyle brand, Crate and Barrel. Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago are no strangers to Love on The Ledge. Last year, couples submitted videos for their chance to win a wedding ceremony at the Skydeck. Five couples were selected for four weddings and one vow renewal. Five couples were selected for four weddings and one vow renewal. In addition to winning this unique wedding ceremony, couples also received a fantastic prize package that included a romantic two-night weekend stay in a suite at the Hyatt Centric the Loop Chicago. To date, there have been 867 marriage proposals, 89 weddings, 15 vow renewals and hundreds of private "Pie in the Sky" dates on The Ledge. Contest Details WHAT : Couples to submit a video illustrating why they should be selected for a Skydeck Chicago wedding ceremony. Videos should not exceed two minutes. One entry per couple. : Couples to submit a video illustrating why they should be selected for a Skydeck Chicago wedding ceremony. Videos should not exceed two minutes. One entry per couple. WHERE: Submit videos to Skydeck's Facebook page Submit videos to Skydeck's Facebook page WHO: Couples looking to proclaim or renew marriage vows Couples looking to proclaim or renew marriage vows WHEN: Video submissions begin Monday, January 9th and end Tuesday, January 31 st . Winners will be selected and notified on Thursday, February 2 nd . Wedding ceremony/vow renewals take place on Sunday, February 12 th . Video submissions begin and end . Winners will be selected and notified on . Wedding ceremony/vow renewals take place on . LOCATION: Skydeck Chicago, 103rd Floor, Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL About Willis Tower As the second tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth tallest in the world, Willis Tower offers more than 4.5 million square feet of premier office and retail space. Located at 233 S. Wacker Drive, the skyscraper is centrally situated between Chicago's financial and cultural hub of the Loop and the dynamic West Loop, home to top restaurants and shops. Standing 1,450 feet and 110 stories tall, Willis Tower has remained a fixture of the city's skyline and part of the fabric of Chicago's culture for decades. Originally opened in September 1973 as the Sears Tower, it is home to more than 100 different businesses including prominent financial services, law and insurance firms. Its infrastructure system includes enormous telecommunications and electrical capacity with unsurpassed reliability. Willis Tower boasts spectacular vistas of Chicago and Lake Michigan with views reaching nearly 50 miles on a clear day. Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor is the highest observation deck in America and attracts more than 1.7 million visitors per year. Since opening The Ledge in 2009, millions of visitors have experienced this first-of-its-kind attraction. The Ledge's four glass boxes extend 4.3 feet outside the Tower, 1,353 feet above Wacker Drive, with glass on the ceiling, floor and sides to create a truly an unforgettable experience. willistower.com / theskydeck.com SOURCE Willis Tower Global SuperTanker's B747-400, the Spirit of John Muir , incorporates a patented system capable of delivering single or multiple drops aggregating nearly 20,000 gallons of water, fire retardant, or suppressant. These fluids can be released at variable rates from the plane's pressurized tanks, producing a tailored response to the firefighting need. The Spirit of John Muir is the world's youngest, most modern, and fastest Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT). It has almost twice the capacity of the next largest aerial tanker. "IAB approval is an essential requirement in airtanker contracts for some wildfire agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)," said Jim Wheeler, President and CEO of Global SuperTanker. "With this approval, we look forward to bidding on - and winning - upcoming domestic and international contracts. We are grateful and excited to join the team of airtankers currently serving a critical mission for the United States and globally, and look forward to continuing to work with the USFS, CAL FIRE, and the IAB during the final approval process." Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, said, "Colorado is the perfect place to headquarter the SuperTanker. I am encouraged that the IAB has granted interim approval with the hope that the firefighting capability the tanker provides will be available during the 2017 firefighting season." Wheeler added, "We appreciate the strong support that Congressman Doug Lamborn has shown throughout this process." The Spirit of John Muir received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval in September 2016. It set off on its first mission in November 2016, when a series of massive blazes in Israel prompted thousands of evacuations and destroyed hundreds of homes. Global SuperTanker responded immediately to an urgent call for help, flying nonstop on short notice from its home base in Colorado Springs, CO to Tel Aviv, providing crucial firefighting support. "We were honored to assist the people of Israel during an extremely challenging time," said Harry Toll, Managing Partner of Alterna Capital Partners LLC, whose portfolio company, Cyterna Air, LLC, owns Global SuperTanker. "We are enormously proud of the Global SuperTanker team and its supporters, and we look forward to helping many more people in the U.S. and abroad in the years to come." IAB approval is necessary to win all federal firefighting contracts, as well as most state and some international contracts. Interim approval will allow Global SuperTanker to apply for these contracts some of which are opening for bid within days while the IAB considers final certification. The Spirit of John Muir flies at nearly 600 miles per hour, enabling the converted B747-400 to reach any mission in the western U.S. in fewer than three hours, and any mission in the world in fewer than 20 hours. Follow Global SuperTanker on Facebook and Twitter. For further information, please contact Moira Whalen at [email protected]. SOURCE Global SuperTanker Services, LLC LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today WOW air, Iceland's ultra-low cost transatlantic airline, announced its lowest airline prices yet for customers traveling daily from the West Coast to Europe. For a limited time, $69.99 tickets will be available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Stockholm (ARN), Copenhagen (CPH), Bristol (BRS) and Edinburgh (EDI). Fares go on sale today and will be offered for flights between January 15, 2017 and April 5, 2017. "WOW air's goal is to enable everybody to fly by offering the lowest fares on the market," said Skuli Mogensen, founder and CEO of WOW air. "It's exciting to be driving change in the industry and to stimulate the market by offering these super low fares across the Atlantic. I am very proud that by offering $69.99 USD fares we are enabling thousands of people to travel that otherwise could not afford it." WOW air's California routes are serviced by three new Airbus A330 aircrafts, the first wide-body jets in the WOW air fleet. The airline operates the youngest fleet in Iceland with the lowest emission. Also available for purchase starting today are $99 tickets from Miami (MIA) and Boston (BOS) to Iceland and also to Paris, London (LGW), Amsterdam (AMS), Berlin (SXF), and Frankfurt (FRA) for $149 and $129 respectively. Launched in November 2011, WOW air now connects 31 destinations across the U.S. and Europe with the Icelandic capital. In 2016 WOW air flew with 1,668,773 passengers in total, which is an increase of 130% from 2015. About WOW air The airline services 31 destinations across Europe and North America including Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen. Established in November 2011 by Icelandic entrepreneur Skuli Mogensen, the purple airline currently operates six Airbus A321 aircraft and recently purchased four. WOW airs fleet also consists of three Airbus A330-300 planes and two A 320-200 planes. By the end of 2017 the fleet will consist of 17 aircraft with the average age of the whole fleet only 2.5 years. For additional information and bookings please visit www.wowair.com. Contact: Anna Romano [email protected] 310 854 8296 WOW air corporate Svana Fridriksdottir VP Communications [email protected] 354 695 9359 Prices from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Bristol and Edinburgh are now available for as low as $69.99* one way including taxes. Bookings can be made at wowair.com. Prices from Miami and Boston to Iceland are now available for as low as $99* one way including taxes. Bookings can be made at wowair.com. Prices from Boston to Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin are now available for as low as $129* one way including taxes. Bookings can be made at wowair.com. Prices from Miami to Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin are now available for as low as $149* one way including taxes. Bookings can be made at wowair.com. *Based on lowest one-way fare from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Stockholm and Edinburgh including taxes and charges, booked on wowair.com. Available for travel from LAX and SFO on Tuesdays from January 17 through March 21, 2017. Restrictions and baggage fees may apply. *Based on lowest one-way fare from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Copenhagen including taxes and charges, booked on wowair.com. Available for travel from LAX and SFO on Tuesdays from January 17 through April 4, 2017. Restrictions and baggage fees may apply. *Based on lowest one-way fare from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Bristol including taxes and charges, booked on wowair.com. Available for travel from LAX and SFO on Thursdays from January 19 through March 23, 2017. Restrictions and baggage fees may apply. *Based on lowest one-way fare from Miami to Iceland including taxes and charges, booked on wowair.com. Available for travel from MIA on Tuesdays from April 25 through May 30 and on Thursdays from August 31 through October 26, 2017. Restrictions and baggage fees may apply. *Based on lowest one-way fare from Boston to Iceland and Berlin including taxes and charges, booked on wowair.com. Available for travel from BOS on Mondays from January 16 through April 3, 2017. Restrictions and baggage fees may apply. *Based on lowest one-way fare from Boston to London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Stockholm including taxes and charges, booked on wowair.com. Available for travel from BOS on Tuesdays from January 17 through April 4, 2017. Restrictions and baggage fees may apply. *Based on lowest one-way fare from Miami to Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris including taxes and charges, booked on wowair.com. Available for travel from MIA on Tuesdays from April 25 through May 30 and from August 29 through October 24, 2017. Restrictions and baggage fees may apply. *Based on lowest one-way fare from Miami to Berlin including taxes and charges, booked on wowair.com. Available for travel from MIA on Saturdays from April 22 through May 20 and from September 2 through October 21, 2017. Restrictions and baggage fees may apply. SOURCE WOW air Related Links http://www.wowair.com NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ABO Capital announced today that its CEO Zandre Campos was featured in the Huffington Post discussing the importance of the African corporate sector. The article entitled "Why the Corporate Sector is Critical to Africa" was originally published on Huffington Post on January 5, 2017. Africa's corporate sector is thriving but in order for it to continue progressing, large companies need to expand and small companies need to grow. Currently, Africa's large companies are more profitable and are growing faster than their global peers. There are several ways the corporate sector can continue to develop, including leveraging innovation and training upcoming talent. "As an investor in African companies, I can say that it is necessary to have a long view." said Mr. Campos. "But the picture is bright for Africa's corporate sector. Africa's large companies have real potential for growth as we progress in the 21st century." Zandre Campos is chairman and CEO of ABO Capital, an international investment firm that invests in companies in the healthcare, energy, transportation, hospitality, technology and real estate sectors throughout Africa. ABO's mission is to create global value for developing countries in Africa, while contributing to their economic development. Read the full Huffington Post article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zandre-campos/why-the-corporate-sector-_b_13974238.html About ABO Capital ABO Capital, formerly Angola Capital Investments, is an international investment firm that invests in companies in the healthcare, technology, energy, transportation, hospitality and real estate sectors throughout Africa. The mission of ABO Capital is to create global value for developing countries in Africa, while contributing to their economic development. About Zandre Campos Zandre Campos is one of the great, innovative business leaders and global entrepreneurs emerging out of Africa. Currently, he is chairman and CEO of ABO Capital, an international investment firm headquartered in Angola with holdings throughout the Globe. Mr. Campos was named one of the Top 25 African business influencers and was a recipient of the Distinguished Business Excellence Award by African Leadership Magazine. He is frequently quoted as an expert on Africa in the media and is a recurring contributor for The Huffington Post and US News & World Report. He recently addressed both students and professors at the NYU Africa House on the opportunities in Africa. SOURCE ABO Capital Related Links http://www.abocapital.net ARLINGTON, Mass., Jan.10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ZipWall, maker of the ZipWall Dust Barrier System, is demonstrating the new ZipWall Magnetic Dust Barrier Door at the World of Concrete Jan. 17- 20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The World of Concrete is the only annual international tradeshow for the concrete/construction and masonry professional. ZipWall will be at Booth C6703 near the entrance of the main exhibit floor [map it]. ZipWall Founder and President Jeff Whittemore will be holding meetings on January 17th throughout the day. Follow ZipWall on Twitter for updates from the floor at twitter.com/zipwall. The ZipWall Magnetic Dust Barrier Door provides hands-free entry into the job site while keeping dust contained. Powerful magnetic self-closing action maintains a tight seal. The door is reusable, durable, and easily handles high traffic. Jeff will demonstrate the ZipWall Magnetic Door and discuss the ZipWall Dust Barrier System, the only comprehensive dust barrier solution. "Dust containment is an important consideration on a concrete-related job site," says Jeff. "The ZipWall Dust Barrier System is ideal for concrete cutting, sanding, grinding, milling, coring, shotcrete work, restoration, demolition, and more." The ZipWall Dust Barrier System can be set up in just a few minutes without ladders, tape or damage. Using spring-loaded, twist-locking poles, it is easy to build dust barriers up to 20 feet high and as wide as needed. The complete system includes accessories to create entryways in the barrier, form tight seals at the ceiling, floor, and walls, and to quickly seal off doorways. SOURCE ZipWall If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Beijing, Jan 5 : India has broken "UN limits" on development of nuclear weapons, a leading Chinese daily said, and demanded that Pakistan should get the same nuclear privileges. The Global Times also warned that China will not stick "rigidly to nuclear rules" if Western countries accept India as a nuclear country "and are indifferent to the nuclear race between India and Pakistan". The editorial in the English-language daily, which is known to reflect the thinking of the Chinese Communist leadership, came days after India tested its long-range ballistic missile, Agni-IV. Agni-IV can travel 4,000 km and carry a nuclear warhead. It followed an earlier successful test firing of Agni-V, which has a range of more than 5,000 km. "India has broken the UN's limits on its development of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missile," the Times said. "The US and some Western countries have also bent the rules on its nuclear plans. "New Delhi is no longer satisfied with its nuclear capability and is seeking intercontinental ballistic missiles that can target anywhere in the world and then it can land on an equal footing with the UN Security Council's five permanent members." The daily said Beijing wouldn't hold back India's development of long-range ballistic missiles. "However, Chinese don't feel India's development has posed any big threat to it. And India wouldn't be considered as China's main rival in the long run," it said. "The best choice for Beijing and New Delhi is to build rapport." The daily added: "If the Western countries accept India as a nuclear country and are indifferent to the nuclear race between India and Pakistan, China will not stand out and stick rigidly to those nuclear rules as necessary. "At this time, Pakistan should have those privileges in nuclear development that India has." The Times also said that while China "is sincere in developing friendly ties with India ... it will not sit still if India goes too far. "It is not difficult for India to produce intercontinental ballistic missiles which can cover the whole world. If the UN Security Council has no objection over this, let it be. The range of Pakistan's nuclear missiles will also see an increase. If the world can adapt to these, China should too." The daily pointed out that India's GDP accounted for about 20 percent of China's. It said China's strategic nuclear missiles had long ago realized global coverage and China's overall military industrial capacity was much better than India's. "However, India should realize that owning several missiles does not mean it is a nuclear power. Even though India does become a nuclear power, it will be a long time before it can show off its strength to the world." New Delhi, Jan 5 : The Centre is using the CBI to "implicate" Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a false case to arrest him, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Thursday. Sisodia also said that there was a growing feeling that after raiding Kejriwal's office in December 2015 and Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain's office last month, the CBI was preparing to raid his (Sisodia) office as well. "The CBI has registered nine cases against the AAP government. There are attempts being made to arrest Satyendar Jain and me as well," Sisodia told the media. He pointed in this connection to Kejriwal's former Principal Secretary Rajendar Kumar's statement that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had put pressure on him to implicate the AAP leader. "The CBI was putting pressure on Kumar during interrogation, repeatedly telling him to implicate Kejriwal and that he (Kumar) will be exonerated. "The intention of the CBI was to pressurise Kumar to name Kejriwal as they were planning to raid the Chief Minister's Office and arrest him (Kejriwal). "It was the same set of people who forced bureaucrat B.K. Bansal and his family to commit suicide," Sisodia said. He said the CBI was not focused on taking action against the corrupt and terror outfits but was concentrating all its energy in implicating Kejriwal in a false case. Sisodia said the Aam Aadmi Party was unfazed and would not bow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Modiji, do whatever you want. Use CBI to arrest our officers, MLAs, ministers and even me and Kejriwal. Your countdown has started. The people of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and other states will teach you a lesson." Sisodia also accused BJP President Amit Shah and the Prime Minister's Office of colluding with a senior journalist to spy on the AAP government in Delhi. He was referring to a story published in Frontline magazine according to which the PMO took "an extraordinary interest in matters linked to the administration of Delhi since the AAP came to power" in February 2015. Urging Modi not to resort to such tactics, Sisodia challenged him to take on the AAP politically. "You are a democratically elected Prime Minister... If you want to fight us, fight us us on policies, not (resort to) conspiracies," Sisodia said. New Delhi, Jan 5 : Full service passenger carrier Vistara on Thursday said it will commence direct flights to Amritsar and Leh, starting March 1 and March 25 respectively, as part of expanding its network. According to the airline, it will fly direct flights from Delhi to Amritsar from March 1, and from Mumbai from March 8. In addition, it will operate direct flights between Delhi and Leh on weekends from March 25 and thereafter, increase the frequency to daily flights starting May 10. The airline however said it will suspend its daily service between Delhi and Varanasi with effect from March 1. "As part of continual network optimisation and due to the planned runway maintenance of the Varanasi Airport in the summer which impacts the times at which Vistara operates, the airline will suspend its daily service between Delhi and Varanasi effective March 1, 2017," the airline said in a statement. "Flights to Amritsar will initially operate 6 days a week from both Delhi and Mumbai (daily except Mondays), and will increase to daily flights in the summer. Leh flights will also increase from weekends only to daily flights in the summer," the statement added. With the addition of Amritsar and Leh and suspension of Varanasi, the airline will serve 19 destinations across the country, further connecting with multiple international destinations via its growing number of interline partners. New Delhi, Jan 7 : A court here on Saturday issued a fresh open-ended Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against British national Christian Michel James and issued summons against a company and two other accused in the Rs 3,600 crore ($528 million)AgustaWestland helicopter deal. Special Judge Arvind Kumar issued the fresh warrant against James and fresh summonses against Delhi-based Media Exim Pvt. Ltd. and its Directors R.K. Nanda and former Director J.B. Subramaniyam under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after they did not appear in court. The court asked them to appear on February 22, the next date of hearing. The company will be represented by an authorised representative. After considering a supplementary charge sheet in the case, the court issued summons against the company and two individuals on December 1. The court said there is prima facie sufficient evidence against the accused. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June filed a fresh charge sheet against James and three others, including the company, in its ongoing money laundering probe in the helicopter deal. Baghdad, Jan 7 : Iraqi police on Saturday discovered prisons once used by the Islamic State (IS) terror group in Mosul. Federal police commander told Efe news that General Raed Shaker Jawdat discovered several prison systems and a small medical clinic that was used by the IS in the eastern Al-Wadha district. Security personnel were clearing the neighbourhood after fully recapturing the zone from the IS on Thursday. The prison systems contained solitary confinement cells and torture rooms. The small medical clinic was stocked with surgical provisions to treat fighters injured in the violent battle for the Iraqi city that was being waged between the terror group and the advancing central Iraqi army and their allies. Security forces were engaged in continued clashes in the northern limits of the neighbourhood but were now less than one kilometre from the Tigris river that runs through the heart of the city, Jawdat said. Iraqi forces, alongside their Kurdish Peshmerga allies and several Shia para militaries, launched the second phase of their offensive to recapture Mosul last week. The city, which fell to the jihadis in 2014, is the last IS bastion in Iraq. Shimla, Jan 8 : Traffic to popular tourist destinations Shimla, Manali, Chamba and Dalhousie that were cut off from the rest of Himachal Pradesh after snowfall were restored on Sunday after two days, officials said. The supply of essential commodities and transportation of struck tourists has started normalising. Even the electricity and water supply to Shimla and Manali has been restored partially. Major roads including the Shimla-Manali and Shimla-Chandigarh national highways have been opened for vehicular traffic, said an official statement quoting Public Works Engineer-in-Chief A.K. Kohli. Apart from this, popular tourist places of Kufri and Dalhousie have also been restored to traffic. More than 70 major roads have been opened by the department, he said. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has directed the authorities to restore traffic on major roads on priority and link roads at the earliest. Shimla, which experienced 53 cm of snowfall, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature was 6.9 degrees. Kalpa in Kinnaur district saw a low of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, while it was 6.8 degrees in Dharamsala. However, Kinnaur district and towns in Shimla district like Narkanda, Jubbal, Kotkhai, Kumarsain, Kharapathar, Rohru and Chopal are still cut off due to heavy snow, an official said. A government spokesperson told IANS that no state-run bus has been plying in upper Shimla since Saturday morning as a large number of vehicles were stuck between Kufri and Narkanda. According to him, work is on to clear snow and the traffic is likely to be restored by Monday evening. Other hill stations such as Chail, Kasauli and McLeodganj also experienced snowfall. Rain lashed lower areas of the state in the past 24 hours such as Dharamsala, Palampur, Solan, Nahan, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi, pulling down temperatures. "The entire belt in Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Shimla, Kullu and Chamba district witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall during the past 24 hours," a weatherman said. The government has warned tourists not to venture into the high hills as chances of road cave-ins and landslides are high. The Met department forecast that western disturbances -- storm systems originating from the Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region -- would start withdrawing on Monday. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 9 : IAS officials in Kerala called off a planned protest mass leave on Monday after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warned them not to cross a line. The officers wanted to proceed on leave to protest against what they said was Vigilance chief Jacob Thomas's "vindictive attitude". After meeting a delegation of eight top IAS officials on Monday, Vijayan told the media that the government had taken a serious view of the protest. "Such a thing is happening for the first time in Kerala and the way they went about taking leave can be termed a 'strike'. We view this very seriously," the Chief Minister said. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officers Association took the leave decision on Saturday after Thomas, who holds the rank of Director General of Police, indicted senior IAS officials in vigilance cases. The latest to come under the scanner was Additional Chief Secretary Paul Antony, who has been named the third accused in the appointment of a nephew of then Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan to a government job. An outrage sparked by the appointment led to the minister's resignation. Vijayan said the immediate action which prompted the IAS officers to go on "strike" was the ongoing probe against some officials. "This is a probe against some IAS officials. It has happened earlier where in certain cases officials have been suspended. "I have made it very clear to them that their justification for the 'leave' is not legitimate," added Vijayan. "The people who are supposed to run the government but resorting to this sort of action is not good. The officials said they have nothing against the state government," Vijayan said. Asked if the IAS officials had submitted a complaint against Thomas, Vijayan said no complaint had been received. "There were some cases against Thomas, of which some were cleared by the state government and some by the courts. Right now, there is only one case that is going on," he said. Chennai, Jan 9 : Composer G.V. Prakash Kumar's new Tamil single "Kombu Vacha Singamda" has been dedicated to "Jallikattu", the popular and ancient bull-taming sport which was banned by Supreme Court last year. With Pongal just around the corner, Prakash says the proceeds earned through the song will be used for struggling farmers' families. "It's a motivational song which will encourage everybody to support Jallikattu. The revenue we earn through downloads of this song will be given to the struggling families of farmers. The song will be released on Pongal day," Prakash told IANS. Based on the reception to the song, a call will be taken whether to shoot a video or not. The single has lyrics by Arunraja Kamaraj, who has also crooned some portion of the song. In Jallikattu, a bull vaulter is expected to hang on to the bull's hump for a stipulated distance or hold on to the hump for a minimum of three jumps made by the bull. Many young men die or get wounded in the process. Berlin, Jan 9 : German luxury vehicle manufacturer BMW has said that it was "absolutely" committed to a new plant in Mexico despite US President-elect Donald Trump's hostility to imported cars, a media report said on Monday. BMW Sales and Marketing Director Ian Robertson told the BBC that the firm was "absolutely" committed its new plant in San Luis Potosi, which will make its 3 Series cars for sale across North America. He added that the company was investing $1 billion in its plant in South Carolina and pointed out that BMW was the biggest exporter of cars, in terms of value, from the US. "I don't think there's any discussion that BMW is not at home in the US. Yes we are building a plant in Mexico. Yes we built a plant in Brazil last year. Yes we are building plants in other parts of the world as our capacity increases. But that's part of a normal strategic manufacturing direction," Robertson said. Trump has threatened to impose a "border" tax on firms that make cars in Mexico for the US market. Last week, Trump criticised General Motors for building cars in Mexico for the US market. "General Motors is sending Mexican-made model of Chevy Cruze to US car dealers tax-free across border. Make in USA or pay big border tax!" he tweeted. He also threatened Toyota with a border tax if it went a head with a plant in Mexico. On Sunday Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced a $1 billion plan to produce three Jeep models in the US, the BBC said. FCA will also move the production of a Ram pickup truck from Mexico to the US. New Delhi, Jan 9 : India has sought Japan's expertise in providing stable and adequate power across the country, as well as for developing battery-powered cars as part of an ambitious sales target of 6-7 million units, officials said on Monday. "Grid integration, stability and electrical mobility are major priorities for the government," Power Minister Piyush Goyal said here inaugurating the 7th India-Japan Energy Forum jointly with Japanese Economy and Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko. "We see 2030 as an important year when we aim that every new car manufactured in India will be an electric vehicle," he told the day-long forum co-hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) of Japan. The Indian government launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 in 2013, which aims to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country. The target was to achieve sale of six-to-seven million units of hybrid and electric vehicles year-on-year from 2020 onwards. "We have to ensure that grid stability is maintained as more and more renewable energy, which is intermittent by nature, comes into the grid," Goyal said. India has set an ambitious renewal energy generation target of 175 gigawatt (GW) by 2022. "A sustainable partnership with Japan is valuable for both sides ... for India to learn from Japan's expertise in this area and for Japan to bring down the cost of technologies," he said. Goyal also pointed to the history of technical cooperation between the two nations from the Maruti Suzuki automobiles to the Shinkasen bullet train, the formal agreement for which was signed in November 2016. In his address, Minister Seko said the combination of Japanese technology and India's skilled workforce would be a "win-win" situation for both countries. "Japan is helping implement smart grid technologies in India, which is helping to achieve stability in the system," Seko said. Chennai, Jan 9 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Monday urged the central government to promulgate an ordinance enabling the conduct of Jallikattu or bull taming sport during the ensuing Pongal festival. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, text of which was released to the media here, Panneerselvam said Jallikattu is an integral part of Pongal festivities and the festival holds great importance for the people of Tamil Nadu. "Considering the urgency, the Government of India should consider promulgating an Ordinance removing the legal impediments enabling the conduct of Jallikattu during Pongal, 2017," he wrote to the Prime Minister. In Jallikattu, a bull vaulter is expected to hang on to the bull's hump for a stipulated distance or for a minimum of three jumps made by the bull. The Supreme Court in May 2014 banned the conduct of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu. The court also held that bulls cannot be used as performing animals either for Jallikattu events or for bullock cart races in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country. "Considering the groundswell of sentiment and support for the conduct of Jallikattu all over Tamil Nadu, this is an issue on which the Government of India must act with maximum despatch," Panneerselvam's letter read. The festival of Pongal is celebrated to thank the Sun, rain and farm animals. It would be celebrated on January 14. Shimla, Jan 9 : Most of the roads in the interiors of Himachal Pradesh remained closed to traffic for the third consecutive day on Monday after heavy snowfall. However, the Chandigarh-Manali and Chandigarh-Shimla national highways were reopened for traffic. Officials said roads in the higher reaches of Kinnaur, Shimla, Chamba, Kullu and Sirmaur districts were severely hit by heavy snowfall and work was on to reopen these. Additional Chief Secretary Tarun Shridhar told reporters in Shimla that 208 of the 562 major and minor roads in the state have been reopened, while efforts were on to restore electricity supply, especially in Shimla and its surrounding areas that was hit badly owing to uprooting of trees. "Almost 70 per cent of the electricity was restored in Shimla," he added. Taking stock of the situation arising due to the recent heavy snowfall, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh released Rs 25 crore for restoration of roads, electricity and water in the snow-affected areas. He directed the electricity department to ensure supply of electricity in Shimla by Tuesday evening and at the earliest in other parts of the state. Officials said vehicular traffic on the Shimla-Theog-Rohru road via Kharapathar remained shut for the third day as a thick layer of snow covered the road. Buses from Shimla town to Rampur and Kinnaur district were restored via Mashobra. The internal roads in the tourist resorts of Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie were too slippery for traffic after the snowfall. Although the Shimla Municipal Corporation has cleared snow on Cart Road and some VIP roads, most of the other roads have not been cleared yet. Due to slippery condition of roads and pathways in Shimla, over 20 people, most of them tourists, were injured, police said. Keylong, district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti, was the coldest town in the state with a low of minus 12 degrees Celsius. The night temperature in the state capital was minus 0.8 degree Celsius, while popular tourist resort Manali saw a low of 6.2 degrees below freezing point. Kalpa in Kinnaur district was minus 7.6 degrees. The minimum temperature at Dharamsala was 7.2 degrees Celsius. The government has warned tourists not to venture into the high hills as chances of road cave-ins and landslides are high. The Met department here said the weather would largely remain dry in the state in the next three-four days. However, local thundershowers could occur due to availability of abundant moisture owing to recent wet spell. Chandigarh, Jan 9 : If it is voted to power, the AAP said on Monday it will order a probe into all the assets raised by the families of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal during the 10-year rule of Punjab. AAP leader Raghav Chaddha told the media here that an AAP "government would probe all the assets raised by the Badal family during their 10-year rule and make them face the law". Chaddha and other Aam Aadmi Party leaders and volunteers on Monday staged a protest near 'Sukhvilas', a luxury resort set up by the Badal family and managed by the Oberoi Group. They demanded a probe into the sources of money spent on constructing the hi-end resort, located in Palanpur village in Punjab, 12 km from here. Aam Aadmi Party dialogue committee chairman Kanwar Sandhu termed the luxury resort as a 'loot mehal', alleging that it was constructed "with the money looted from the people of Punjab". While the state had been facing economic crunch due to financial mismanagement, the Badal family had multiplied their wealth and left the poor people in the lurch, Sandhu said. "The AAP government will confiscate the 'Lutt Vilas' resort." He alleged that people, especially farmers, living in villages near the resort "were forced to sell their land by the revenue authorities working under political influence". "Rs 29 crore from public exchequer was misused to construct a road that leads to resort. Sukhbir Badal had also made the layout of roads in Mohali to give direct access from Mohali airport to his resort," Sandhu said. Sandhu said Sukhbir Badal managed to involve the Oberoi Group to own the resort in which he (Sukhbir) and his wife and union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal have majority stakes. "The one night fare of a villa in Sukhbir's resort is Rs 5 lakh and a room is available for Rs 35,000 per night. Such a luxury was not meant for the people of Punjab," he pointed out. AAP leader Jassi Jasraj said: "While farmers all over Punjab were committing suicide, unemployed educated youth is climbing on water tanks for jobs and forced to commit self-immolation, teachers are hounded by police, Sukhbir Badal was busy building his luxury resort. "Sukhbir had promised the moon to the people of Punjab and completely ruined their future with drugs. The Badal family and Bikram Majithia have promoted and shielded drug and mining mafia in the state." Lawyer and AAP leader Dinesh Chaddha said the resort was set up in the Siswan forest range in violation of environment and forest rules. He said the National Green Tribunal had already issued notice to the Punjab government to explain about the permissions granted for setting up the resort in the forest area. "The AAP government will not allow the resort to function as it is a threat to environment and forestry," he said. The AAP leaders also said that the Badal family had usurped the state's transport business and their fleet was thriving at the cost of the state public transport. New Delhi, Jan 9 : The Delhi High Court on Monday posted for January 10 a plea seeking direction to the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) employees to end their strike over non-payment of their salaries. A division bench of Justices B.D. Ahmed and Justice Ashutosh Kumar posted for Tuesday the plea which said the Delhi government and the civic body should immediately be directed to release salaries to sanitation workers who went on strike from January 5, as piles of muck taken out of drains and garbage was dumped on city roads. Advocate Sugriva Dubey, appearing for petitioner Salek Chand Jain, said salaries and other benefits be ordered to be given by the authorities to the workers as the workers have not been paid their salaries for last two months. Authorities concerned be asked to impose Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against nearly 25,000 municipal employees of the EDMC, who went on a strike, he said. The Delhi High Court had earlier directed civic bodies to pay regular salaries to all employees, including sanitation workers on or before 7th of every month for smooth functioning of the corporations. Kigali, Jan 10 : The body of Rwanda's last monarch King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa arrived in Rwanda on Monday, ahead of the burial yet to be communicated, following the ruling of US court that the King would be buried in his motherland. A court in US state of Virginia on Friday brought to an end to prolonged disagreements between close relations of the king that ensued after the death of the 80-year-old ruler on October 16, 2016 in Virginia, Xinhua reported. One faction wanted the king buried in the United States while others preferred Rwanda. Various meetings took place in Rwanda and the US to try to find common ground, but neither side wanted to compromise. They decided to seek court intervention. Boniface Benzinge, a former aide and confidante of the king, led the group opposing the repatriation saying the King had wished not to be buried in Rwanda. However, in court, the group failed to provide any documents upholding their position. Nevertheless, King Kigeli's only surviving sibling, his half sister Speciosa Mukabayojo led the faction that supported the repatriation of the remains of the last monarchy to Rwanda for burial. After four days of court deliberations, the group led by Mukabayojo won the case arguing that the King had not obtained citizenship of any other country since he fled into exile in 1961, an indication that he still loved his country of birth and hoped to return some day. "Now, given that the Virginia Court has just ruled in favour of the body of the King being turned over to the half-sister, who is supported by the Rwandan government, to be buried in Rwanda, the Royal Council informs that in protest against this decision," a statement by the King's estate was quoted as saying. Washington, Jan 10 : The US Department of Defence has announced that the stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) in the Iraqi city of Mosul is weakening, a media report said on Tuesday. The Pentagon announcement came hours after the Iraqi special forces advanced and reached the Tigris River bank in the southeastern part of the city, opposite the airport, Efe news reported on Tuesday. "IS fighters are surrounded on all sides by a superior force," said Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis, who explained that the IS group "has no ability to reinforce or resupply". "We do believe their days there, (particularly) in eastern Mosul, are numbered and they are beginning to realise it," added Davis. The west of the city, where the airport was located, was still completely controlled by the militants, but the five bridges connecting two sides of the city were half-destroyed by allied bombings, so the fighters in the east were partially isolated. Davis explained that some of them attempted to "cross the river on foot using planks" and tried to move vehicles across the river, one by one, using a crane. These advances came after the start of the new phase of the offensive against the IS following the October 2016, launch of a major campaign to retake the last militant stronghold in Iraq. Troops have managed to seize more than 60 per cent of the eastern side of Mosul and large areas around the city, under IS control since 2014, the report added. Beijing, Jan 10 : Chinese economy is estimated to have grown about 6.7 per cent in 2016, a top economic planner said on Tuesday. The world's second largest economy registered the same growth rate in the first, second and third quarter in 2016, Xinhua news agency quoted Xu Shaoshi, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, as saying. New Delhi, Jan 10 : While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is still reconciling the quantum of demonetised currency that has been returned to banks by the December 30, 2016 deadline, NITI Aayog Member Bibek Debroy feels about 10 per cent of such notes won't return to the system. "Even now, Rs 1.6 lakh crore is what will be missing at the end of it all. Those are the figures. If I take a base of roughly rounding off demonetised currency around Rs 16 lakh crore, 10 per cent of it is about Rs 1.6 lakh crore," Debroy told IANS in an interview. "Figures say that still Rs 1.5 lakh crore that has not come back. There is still a gap. People have made estimates that may be 10 per cent will not come back," he added. Some reports have said about 97 per cent of the demonetised currency notes worth Rs 14.97 lakh crore have been deposited back as on December 30. The government had earlier estimated that about Rs 15.4 lakh crore of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes -- or 86 per cent of cash in circulation -- will be taken out of the system. Meanwhile, the central bank has cast doubts on its own estimates. "The periodical SBN (specified bank notes) figures released by us were based on aggregation of accounting entries done at the large number of currency chests all over the country," it said. The last figure released by the RBI was that deposits of Rs 12.44 lakh crore have been received till December 10, 2016. "Now that the scheme has come to an end these figures would need to be reconciled with physical cash balances to eliminate accounting errors/possible double counts. Till this is completed, any estimate may not indicate the actual numbers of the SBNs that have been returned," RBI had said. Debroy said the bulk of the old currency coming in is a positive indication. "I can look at it as a positive thing. If it doesn't come back, then that currency is destroyed. It reduces RBI's liability to that extent. For the amount that comes into the system, people will have to pay taxes, penalties, that is the money that actually comes to the government," he said. The scrutiny of the money deposited in banks, however will take time, he added. Debroy also said demonetisation has checked the disproportionate cash in the Indian society, and that the cash-GDP ratio in India is way higher than its other Asian counterparts. "Around 2000, the cash-GDP ratio in India used to be around 9 per cent while today it has gone up to 13 per cent. Obviously the use of cash is disproportionately high to what is required for transaction purposes," he said. As per official data, Sri Lanka, for example, has cash-GDP ratio of just 3.5 per cent, Bangladesh has 5 per cent, while Pakistan has 9 per cent. Quite clearly, there is excess cash in India that needs to be reduced, Debroy said. He said about 97 per cent of households in India have bank accounts, though it is a separate matter that for various reasons they have not been encouraged. (Meghna Mittal can be reached at meghna.m@ians.in) Tokyo, Jan 10 : Japanese vehicle manufacturer Toyota Motor will invest at least $10 billion in the US over the next five years, a company spokesperson said on Tuesday. The plan comes just days after US President-elect Donald Trump threatened Toyota with high taxes if it was to produce in Mexico and export to the US, Efe news reported. The company's spokesperson said that the investment would focus on introducing its new global architecture - Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) - into American plants, in the construction of its new headquarters in Plano, Texas, or in the development of autopilot vehicles in the US. While talking about the investment plan at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday, the president of the company, Akio Toyoda, said that the Japanese manufacturer has invested $22 trillion in the last 60 years in the US, where it currently has 136,000 workers. The Toyota vice president for automotive operations in the US, Robert Carter, stressed at the show that the project was in line with the company's future plans to manufacture the Corolla in Guanajuato, Mexico, and this is not an action to please Trump. On Thursday, Trump threatened on Twitter to impose heavy tariffs on Toyota if it continued with its plan to launch a plant in Mexico to produce the Toyota Corolla and export it to the US. Starting from 2019, the new Toyota plant in Guanajuato is expected to produce up to 200,000 units per year of the Corolla model, the second largest sold unit in the US in the compact sedans segment currently manufactured in Cambridge, Canada, and Mississippi, US. The Japanese company has explained that the opening of this plant would not affect its operations in the US, since the factory in Guanajuato would substitute the production of the Corolla in Canada, which would move to produce high-end vehicles. Trump, who will take office as the US President on January 20, and has promised to implement protectionist policies, has taken to social media to threaten several car manufacturers with heavy customs taxes for exporting vehicles manufactured in Mexico or Canada to the US. Agartala/Shillong, Jan 10 : The northeastern region, with its huge energy potential -- 50,000 MW, by some estimates -- could soon become the "power house of India". And taking a small first step in this direction, it is expected to feed the rest of the country up to 1,100 MW by the end of this year, energy experts say. Seven northeastern states, excluding Sikkim, currently have an installed capacity of 2,690 MW, but as some of the plants are very old, the output is some 100 MW short of the peak-hour demand of 2,200-2,300 MW. However, there is a surplus of 300 MW during off-peak hours, while another 767 MW of capacity will be added by year-end. Sikkim is self-sufficient at 95.70 MW. State-run North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), a mini-ratna company under the Union Ministry of Power, alone generates 1,290 MW from its seven power plants -- a mix of hydro-electric, gas- and solar-based units. "NEEPCO's generation capacity would rise to 2,060 MW by this end-2017 as commissioning of three more power projects would be completed much before the end of this year," NEEPCO Chairman and Managing Director A.G. West Kharkongor told IANS. "The company is now commissioning three power projects -- 600 MW and 110 MW capacity plants in Arunachal Pradesh and another of 60 MW capacity in Mizoram," he added. "If the government allows NEEPCO, it would supply surplus power to other states of the country," Kharkongor said. And, to feed the surplus power from the northeast to other parts of India, the state-run Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has erected 800-kv capacity and 1,728-km-long High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line from Biswanath Chariyalli in Guwahati to Agra in Uttar Pradesh at an investment of Rs 12,000 crore ($1.8 billion). The power ministry has estimated the hydro-power potential of the northeastern region at 58,971 MW, almost 40 percent of the country's total potential, but only less than two per cent (1,200 MW) has been exploited till last year. Energy expert Sudhindra Kumar Dube said that the power generation potential of the northeastern region must be utilised with proper planning. "The region has not only potential to generate a huge amount of hydro-power but also has scope to set up more gas- and coal-based plants in the region," Dube told IANS. NEEPCO also plans to generate at least 1,500 MW from non-conventional sources of energy such as solar and wind power in the next five years. With a population of 45.58 million in the northeastern region, the eight states including Sikkim, have a per capita electricity consumption of 257.98 kilowatt hour (kWh) against the national average of 778.71 kWh. State Power and Transport Minister Manik Dey said that Tripura has agreed to supply an additional 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh over and above the 100 MW being supplied since March 23, 2016. "The Bangladesh government has sought more electricity from India to tackle its power crisis in the eastern part of the country. India's power ministry recently wanted to know whether the Tripura government is ready to provide additional 100 MW of power to Bangladesh. We have accordingly agreed," Dey told IANS. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in) Vijayawada, Jan 10 : The development of Andhra Pradesh's new capital Amaravati on the banks of the Krishna river near here has entered the execution phase -- with the focus now shifting to creating critical infrastructure. The state administration moving here from Hyderabad recently provided the impetus for the development of Amaravati, which promises to be a "world-class blue-green city". After preparing the Master Plan with the help of Singapore in the first year and successfully ensuring land pooling in the second, the project for developing the 217 sq km greenfield city has entered a key phase with the launch of road-laying works. The area is abuzz with activity as men and machinery lay the Seed Access Road connecting Vijayawada to the heart of Amaravati. Some other key roads under Phase 1 have also been tendered out by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA). With $2.2 billion funding tied up from the World Bank and HUDCO, APCRDA is creating infrastructure and taking up some key economic projects under Phase 1, scheduled to be completed by the end of next year. Geographically located at the centre of the new state -- with abundant water resources and close to major economic hubs -- Amaravati is being designed to house a 35-million population and is projected to provide 3.31 million jobs by 2035. While an estimated Rs 58,000 crore capex is required for developing Amaravati in 20 years, about 50 percent of this will be spent in the next three years. The road connectivity now being laid will open up the city, benefiting the farmers who came forward to give 33,000 acres of land under a unique Land Pooling System (LPS), the largest exercise of this kind in the country. The process of handing over developed residential and commercial plots to farmers has almost been completed, and the government will be investing over Rs 7,000 crore to provide infrastructure for the 17,000 acres handed back. As 95 per cent of residential land and 50 per cent commercial land is with farmers, construction activity is expected to begin soon with developers joining hands with farmers. The government set the ball rolling in terms of kicking off economic activity with the setting up of the Interim Government Complex (IGC) in October last year. About 6,000 employees started functioning from the IGC, comprising six blocks of 600,000 sq ft, and completed in a record eight months -- an astonishing feat. APCRDA officials expect fast-paced development over the next two years with the creation of infrastructure and some major economic projects under Phase 1. One of the key projects is the main government complex, which will come up on 1,400 acres and comprise the Raj Bhavan, the High Court, the legislature, the secretariat, the Chief Minister's bungalow, houses of ministers and other officials. Two iconic structures will form the nucleus of the government complex to create value and attract people to the city. Norman Foster + Partners of Britain will be the master architect who will give the conceptual plan and architecture design for the entire complex. APCRDA has also identified 6.8 sq km of area as the prime economic hub, which will be developed through the Swiss Challenge mode. After selecting the master developer, the government will form a joint venture, which will invite global giants to set up their operations and allot them land through auctions. "Constructing a capital city with few buildings, infrastructure and connectivity is an easy proposition but kick starting a capital city and its economy in itself is a huge challenge," V. Rama Manohara Rao, Additional Commissioner, APCRDA, told IANS. The economy will be driven by nine thematic cities -- justice, sports, knowledge, electronics, media, tourism, education, government and finance. APCRDA is identifying an anchor for each city to kick start the activity. Officials say while it may take 30 to 40 years for this mega city to reach its full potential, the first step has to be in the right direction. "With the physical master plan ready in record time, the next step is to get people inside. As a first step to kick start the economic activity in the private sector, the government allotted major chunks of land to universities," said Y. Nagireddy, APCRDA's Director of Economic Development. VIT University has already launched work on its campus and plans to commence sessions from this year. SRVM University too plans to launch classes during the current year. The government also allotted land to Amrita University, which plans to commence classes in 2018. Dubai-based B.R. Shetty Group will invest Rs 1,000 crore for its Medi City project, which will include a stem cell unit, a super speciality hospital and a star hotel. The Indo-UK Institute of Health has been allotted 150 acres of land to set up a super speciality hospital and a medical college. APCRDA also handed over land to the Central Institute of Tool Design and National Institute of Design while discussions with National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) are in advanced stages. (Mohammed Shafeeq can be contacted at m.shafeeq@ians.in) Tehran, Jan 10 : Hundreds of thousands of Iranians turned out in the capital Tehran as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led mass prayers at the funeral of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Tuesday, IRNA news agency reported. The funeral procession started at 10 a.m. (local time) at Tehran University on Tuesday. According to an official, the former President will be buried next to late Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini. Heads of the three branches of the government, senior Iranian military commanders and and a huge number of Iranians from all walks of life attended the ceremony. Rafsanjani, President from 1989 to 1997, died of a heart attack on Sunday at the age of 82. He was a close ally of the Father of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khomeini and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Rafsanjani was a veteran cleric, a pillar of the Islamic Revolution and an influential politician, who served in different positions in the post-1979 Islamic Revolution era. Rafsanjani was a key supporter of President Hassan Rouhani and had backed Iran's landmark deal with world powers over its nuclear programme. President Rouhani was reportedly at Rafsanjani's hospital bedside in Tehran on Sunday where doctors had fought to save him. "Islam lost a valuable treasure, Iran an outstanding general, the Islamic revolution a courageous flag-bearer and the Islamic system a rare sage," Rouhani said. Tributes and condolences came from around the world. The US State Department described Rafsanjani as a "prominent figure" in Iranian history. Rafsanjani's youngest son Yaser, 46, thanked those mourning his father for their "loyalty and kindness". "I see scenes of affection that I cannot believe. People's prayers for our father console our hearts," he said. Cuban President RaAl Castro in a message said, "During his political career, Ayatollah Rafsanjani contributed to establishing friendly and closer ties between Iran and Cuba and during his presidency, bilateral cooperation in scientific and trade fields started." Meanwhile, Iran's embassy in Vietnam had opened a memorial book for Rafsanjani to be signed by Vietnamese figures and resident diplomats. Head of the Unicef office in Hanoi, the Algerian ambassador and Indonesian diplomats were among those who signed the book first. Vietnam's former President Truong Tan Sang said that Vietnamese people think of Rafsanjani as the architect of ties between the two countries. New Delhi : Reading and some math skills of Madhya Pradesh students are among India's lowest, the transition rate to higher classes is lower than the national average, a majority of classrooms are shared by students of different grades, and government elementary schools are 17.6 per cent short of school teachers, according an analysis of various government data. Literacy rates and learning outcomes are among the lowest in the BIMARU (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) states. By 2020, India will have the world's largest working-age population -- 869 million -- but an analysis of these four states -- with 43.6 per cent of the country's school-age population (5-14) -- revealed that India is unprepared to educate and train its young population. The literacy rate in Madhya Pradesh -- at 72.6 million, the fifth-largest state by population -- was ninth lowest, at 70.6 per cent, in 2011. This was an increase of 6.86 percentage points from 2001 --the second-lowest increase among BIMARU states. Learning levels in rural Madhya Pradesh are among India's worst. Only 34 per cent of all children surveyed in Grade 5 in rural areas could read a Grade 2 level text, the second-lowest across all states -- behind only Assam -- according to the 2014 Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), and the proportion of Grade 5 children who could at least subtract was 31 per cent, the lowest in India. The proportion of children in Grade 3 who could read at least words declined from 80 per cent in 2010 to 32 per cent in 2014 in government schools; the corresponding decline in private schools was from 88 per cent in 2010 to 74 per cent in 2014. The transition rate from primary (Grade 5) to upper primary (Grade 6) in Madhya Pradesh was 88.67 per cent in 2014-15, according to the Unified District Information System (U-DISE) Flash Statistics 2015-16 -- below the all-India average of 90 per cent. At the upper primary level, learning levels are worse. Only 18 per cent of Grade 7 students could read English sentences -- the lowest in the country. Of those who could read, only 43 per cent could tell the meaning of the sentence -- again the lowest, indicating that even students who transition to upper primary perform poorly in comparison with students in other states. Of six million teaching positions in government schools nationwide, about 900,000 elementary school teaching positions and 100,000 in secondary school -- put together, a million -- are vacant, according to an answer given in the Lok Sabha. About 17.6 per cent of all elementary teaching positions -- nearly 64,000 -- in government schools in Madhya Pradesh are vacant. As many as 78 per cent schools surveyed had children from Grade 2 sharing a classroom with other grades, an increase from 67 per cent in 2010, according to the ASER 2014 report. Similarly, the proportion of schools where Grade 4 children shared a classroom with other grades increased from 57 per cent in 2010 to 69 per cent in 2014. As several grades study in one classroom with the same teacher or teachers, more training, and different kinds of pedagogy, would have to be used to reach every child, according to an ASER 2011 report. The Right to Education (RTE) Act does not specify any regulations for multi-grade classrooms, and it is possible that schools provide few teachers with special training to equip them to teach in multi-grade classrooms. Overall, few teachers receive in-service training. No more than 7.13 per cent of the state's teachers (including contractual teachers) got in-service training in 2013-14; the Indian average was 18.34 per cent, according to U-DISE data. Public expenditure on elementary education (Grade 1 to Grade 8) per student increased by 50 per cent between 2011-12 and 2014-15, but this increase was mainly due to the decline in enrolment than any increase in real expenditure, the Economic and Political Weekly reported in September 2016. The enrolment at primary level (Grade 1 to 5) declined from 10.7 million in 2010-11 to 8.67 million in 2014-15, a decline of 18.97 per cent, according to U-DISE data, mostly because fewer children enrol in primary school at the wrong age -- raising the per student spending in the state. The primary school Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) -- which is the proportion of students enrolled to the proportion of primary-school age children -- was 136.7 in 2010-11, which fell to 101.11 at primary level in 2014-15, according to U-DISE data. The GER can be greater than 100 if children not of primary-school age enrol in primary school. For upper primary school, gross enrolment has fallen below 100 per cent; that is, not all students of upper-primary school-age enrol in school. The gross upper primary school enrolment dropped from 102.1 in 2010-11 to 96.6 in 2014-2015, according to U-DISE data. As many as 70 per cent of RTE quota seats were not filled in Madhya Pradesh. The RTE Act (2009) requires that one quarter of all seats be reserved for free schooling to the poorest students in all private, unaided primary schools. Only 170,000 students were admitted on the RTE quota in 2016, although more than 420,000 seats were reserved. The shortfall is attributed, in part, to an online lottery system that parents found hard to use. Delhi and Maharashtra also adopted a similar centralised online allotment of seats in private schools, according to one report. The report states that "although going online with the admission process appears to be a good move to improve transparency and efficiency... not all parents would be able to apply online for admissions, especially the ones coming from the lower strata of the society". Madhya Pradesh also revoked the "no-detention policy" in October 2016, allowing all government and private schools to hold back students in the same grade after Grade 5, due to the state's declining quality of education, according to Deepak Joshi, Minister of State for School Education. Earlier, students would not repeat grades until Grade 8, except in schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education. (In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform. Khushboo Balani is a freelance writer with an interest in development issues. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. Feedback at respond@indiaspend.org) Patna, Jan 10 : BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday prayed at the Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, the birthplace of the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh. "Amit Shah has bowed his head and offered prayers at the Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib," a district police official said. Amit Shah, who arrived here on a day long visit to attend a function to release a book on Deen Dayal Upadhyay, was warmly welcomed by hundreds of party leaders and workers. However, over 100 BJP supporters on motorcycles, who were part of the party brigade to escort Amit Shah from the Patna airport, violated traffic rules as they didn't wear helmets. "Most of the slogan shouting BJP workers with flags and head bands violated traffic rules by not wearing helmets," police said. Last week Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the main function of Parkash Utsav to mark the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh here. Guru Gobind Singh was born on December 22, 1666. He was anointed the supreme leader of the Sikhs at the age of nine, becoming the last of the living Sikh gurus. Imphal, Jan 10 : In a major breakthrough, Manipur Police have identified the militant group that had been threatening local editors. On December 26, a hand grenade was left in the office of the Pandam News evening daily with a note saying that it was a "new year gift to the editors". This triggered a 24-hour cease-work strike by the local scribes on December 27. Police late on Monday arrested Mohen Kangabam, 63, an active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Lamyanba Khuman), a proscribed militant outfit, and recovered some extortion letters and incriminating items from his house. The threats were carried out by Corcom, an apex body of six outfits, a spokesperson for the para-military Assam Rifles here said. "Mohen has confessed to his crime. He disclosed that he planted the hand grenade under the orders of L. Mangoljao aka Lamyanba Khuman, the commander-in-chief of the outfit, believed to be hiding now in Nepal," police said. The special search operation was conducted under the supervision of S. Ibomcha, Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations), Imphal West. P. Labango Mangang, Editor of Kangla Pao evening newspaper, told IANS on Tuesday that the Editors' Guild Manipur is yet to get an official statement from the police. "Our appeal is that armed persons and others should not harass the scribes who are working amid constraints in this insurgency-affected state. We should be allowed to discharge our duty freely," he added. Security was tightened in the district following reports that extortion threats may be made to the candidates in the coming elections, police said. Beijing, Jan 10 : India is fooling itself if it thinks its economy will bloom by siding with the US, an influential Chinese newspaper said on Tuesday. The state-run Global Times warned in an editorial that "overestimating US-India economic ties may mislead India and send it down the wrong path for economic development". It told New Delhi to work with a "manufacturing powerhouse" like China. The editorial came after Assocham said India was likely to be harmed by the trade war between the US and China. It said India's service exports to Americans firms would be hit if it did not side with the US. "It would be naive for India to assume that its economy will boom if it draws closer to the upcoming Trump administration amid a pending trade war between Beijing and Washington," said the daily. US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened China with high taxes on Chinese goods and accused it of devaluing Chinese currency. Assocham's advise to India to "lean toward Washington" to avoid being implicated and be ready to reap economic gains appears pragmatic but could prove short-sighted, said the daily, which is known to reflect the thinking in the Chinese Communist leadership. "New Delhi needs to be realistic in terms of growth. "Instead of tilting toward the US, it should focus on developing its manufacturing industry and integrating itself into the global supply chain... "To achieve that, the best way is to work with a manufacturing powerhouse like China and develop its manufacturing capacity to become an integral part of the Asian supply chain." The paper said India was mistaken if it thought the US needed India more than it needs China. "The weight of economic ties between China and the US is heavier than those between India and the US. "Bilateral trade between China and the US reached $558 billion in 2015 while trade between India and US was about $109 billion. "It would be self-deceptive to believe that the US needs India more than it does China." China is the top trade partner of the US and over 120 countries. "India needs to realize that there is no shortcut when it comes to economic development. Failing to realize this, India risks setting its economy on a dead-end route," the editorial said. New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday said there was no evidence to allege that poor quality food was being served to its troopers on the border. Inspector General D.K. Upadhyaya said an enquiry by a DIG could not find anything to back the allegation made by a trooper on a video that has gone viral from the Jammu and Kashmir border. "The DIG-level officer went there and inquired about the food quality served to the BSF troops. Prime facie, there was no complaint by other soldiers," Upadhyaya said. The statement came a day after a video uploaded by BSF trooper Tej Bhahadur Yadav went viral, prompting the BSF to initiate an investigation. In the video, Yadav sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention, saying the plight of troopers posted along the cold, hilly border was pathetic. Speaking in Hindi, Yadav alleged that troopers were served bad quality food and at times were forced to go hungry. Claiming to be from the 29th battalion of BSF, he accused unnamed officers of illegally selling off the food supplies meant for the troopers. He also posted other videos showing a poorly baked 'chapati' and dal which he said had "nothing except salt and turmeric". Refuting the allegations as baseless, Upadhyaya said officers and soldiers of the BSF were served similar quality of food. He said others, including the cook, would be questioned. The officer said Yadav had in the past been accused of insubordination and faced court martial in 2010 on charges of pointing a gun to an officer. "Considering the situation of his family and children, the force took a lenient view in Yadav's case. Despite dismissing him, Yadav's service was continued only after giving him 89 days RI (rigorous imprisonment). "Since then he was kept in the headquarters so that he can work under supervision and could not repeat such an act again. "As he submitted a letter for voluntary retirement from January 31 and it has been accepted, he was sent to the post on December 28. He was sent there 15 days ago as some soldiers were on leave." Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday ordered the Home Secretary to seek a report from the BSF over the video. Canberra, Jan 10 : The Australian government on Tuesday said it was considering a proposal under which murderers and other criminals would be compelled to give their superannuation pension to the families of the victims. Superannuation in Australia is money earned during a person's working life that can only be accessed in retirement, the BBC reported. The move would give victims more rights in the justice system, said Victoria state's opposition leader Matthew Guy. Guy said he would take the policy to the state's next election in November 2018. If legislated, it would be an Australian first. "When someone commits a murder, particularly in horrendous circumstances -- takes the life of another individual -- they forfeit their right to be treated like the rest of us," he said. The announcement comes after the Victorian Law Reform Commission, a government-funded advisory body, tabled a report in November on 'The Role of Victims of Crime in the Criminal Trial Process'. The report made 51 recommendations, which did not include handing criminals' superannuation to the families of victims. Victoria's Labour government, led by Premier Daniel Andrews, is still considering its response to the report, but Guy said his party supported most of the recommendations. Mumbai, Jan 10 : Karaan Guliani, who has directed popular actress-producer Priyanka Chopras forthcoming production venture "Sarvann", says he next wishes to direct the "Quantico" star in a project. "I was trying to make a Hindi film so I went to Priyanka Chopra's office with a Hindi film's script which I wanted to make with her. Although her team loved the script, she was not available as she was busy shooting for 'Quantico' at that time. And she couldn't get back for another year and a half because of her busy schedule," Guliani said in a statement. "So her team asked me if I can wait but I wasn't sure what I would do for another year and a half. That is when they asked me what else I was doing. During our discussion the topic of this Punjabi movie came up. "The team immediately called up Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra. When I told her about the concept of the film, she instantly said that we are doing this film. After this, when Priyanka flew down to India, she heard the script and loved it. She was involved in the entire process of the film," Guliani added. Guliani said that now he wishes to "direct Priyanka in a film". "Priyanka has not just given me freedom to paint my canvas but given me exposure on every medium. I have worked for her production house, now my another wish is to direct Priyanka in a film," Guliani said. With "Sarvann", Madhu has also stepped into film production with their home banner Purple Pebble Pictures. The Punjabi film starring Amrinder Gill, Simi Chahal, Ranjit Bawa, Sardar Sohi and Binnu Dhillon, is slated to release on Friday. Beijing, Jan 10 : A Chinese citizen was detained for downloading and storing two videos of prisoners being decapitated by the Islamic State (IS) terror group, authorities said on Tuesday. The man, surnamed Kang, was arrested by the Public Security Bureau of Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, following an administrative detention procedure that does not require any trial, Efe news reported. Kang admitted his mistake, saying he downloaded the videos only out of curiosity and insisted he had not shared them with anyone else, the magazine reported citing police sources. China's First Anti Terrorism Law, in force since January 1, provides for administrative detention of between 10 and 15 days for people who produce, disseminate, or illegally possess material that advocates terrorism or extremism. Kang's is the first such detention for downloading videos with sensitive content, though another man was held for 15 days in the same city of Shijiazhuang in July 2016 for storing six videos containing terrorism-related material in his computer. Human rights groups and the US government expressed their concern over this law fearing it might strengthen censorship and suppression in the communist regime. Beijing has defended the law on the grounds that it is similar to those in other countries hit by terrorism, and stressed its aim was to reduce propaganda by violent groups in China after more than 100 of its citizens joined the ranks of Islamic State in recent years. Mumbai, Jan 10 : A minor fire was reported in the Indian Navy's missile boat INS Pralay at the Naval Dockyard here. The fire was controlled and no one was injured. Navy spokesperson Captain D.K. Sharma said the fire broke out in the gyro compartment of the ship. "The fire was controlled and extinguished by the ship's staff and Dockyard fire station," he said. The fire is suspected to have occurred during welding work. Dhaka, Jan 10 : Bangladeshi firms have expressed deep concern over India's recent imposition of anti-dumping duty on jute and other goods exported by them. Jute industry insiders urged India to withdraw the anti-dumping duty on jute items which hitherto enjoyed duty-free access to India under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement. They further urged the Bangladesh government to discuss the matter with the relevant Indian ministry in the greater interest of bilateral trade. India on January 5 imposed anti-dumping cess ranging from $6.30 to $351.72 per tonne on imports of jute and jute products from Bangladesh and Nepal to protect domestic industry. An official in Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce told Xinhua on Tuesday that imposition of anti-dumping duty on jute exports to India was "unexpected and unfortunate". The decision irked not merely businesses but also officials as it would affect the local jute industry severely, said the official requesting anonymity. Sector insiders said many jute spinning mills will suffer a big blow due to the high duty and will ultimately be closed, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers with an uncertain future. They stressed the need for lobbying with the Indian government to withdraw the decision. Gandhi Nagar, Jan 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Swedish Education Minister Anna Ekstrom and pitched India's potential for investment in green technology and flagship ventures like the 'Smart Cities' project and 'Skill India'. In the meeting on the sidelines of Vibrant Gujarat Summit going on here, Modi recalled Swedish Prime Minister Stefan lofven's visit to India last year for the "Make in India" event and said India was thankful for the Scandinavian country's support. "India offered considerable potential for Swedish investment in green technologies, smart cities, skill India and Digital India. "Our trade and investment relations were strong with current trade of $2 billion which both sides had agreed to increase to $5 billion over the next three years. Two way investment was also robust with Swedish companies having invested $1.2 billion in India and Indian companies $700 million in Sweden," Modi was quoted as saying in an official statement. Welcoming Ekstrom, Modi also expressed happiness at India being chosen as the focus country at the Stockholm Cultural Festival in August 2017. He expressed gratitude for Sweden's support for India's membership of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Nuclear Supplies Group (NSG) as also for India's permanent membership of a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The Swedish Minister also said that her country was committed to the efficient implementation of the Joint Statement signed during Lofven's visit to India. "Sweden remains committed to partnering India in various sectors." "The India-Sweden Business Leaders' Round Table was also very active and showed the great potential in pursuing profitable partnerships with India," she said. She also reiterated the invitation from Prime Minister Lofven for Modi to visit Sweden. The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being be held here January 10-13 with the central focus of "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". New Delhi, Jan 10 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday sought to know from the Delhi government, Union Urban Development Ministry, the East DMC and striking sanitation workers' associations what steps are being taken to solve the problem. The tribunal in its notice also asked these authorities about the steps taken to remove garbage from the streets in east Delhi. Advocate Balendu Shekhar, who appeared for the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), told IANS that a bench headed by NGT Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notice. "In the notice, the NGT Chairman asked what steps all the authorities took to control the situation and remove garbage from the streets in various parts of east Delhi," Shekhar told IANS. Shekhar on behalf of the East DMC requested the tribunal to intervene and permanently settle the issue of workers' salaries and dues. According to East DMC officials, the huge difference between the civic body's expenditure and earning is main reason behind the problem, as the annual salaries and pensions total around Rs 1,600 crore while it generates revenue of only Rs 608 crore per annum. The strike of sanitation workers who are protesting non-payment of their salaries for the past three months continued for the fifth day on Tuesday. A section of North DMC employees also went on strike over non-payment of salaries on Tuesday. The Delhi government on Monday released Rs 119 crore to the East DMC but the agitating employees said they would call off the strike only after their salaries were credited into their bank accounts. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which rules all the three municipal corporations of Delhi, was doing politics over garbage in the city at the cost of health and lives of Delhi people. Ankara, Jan 10 : The Turkish parliament on Tuesday approved a constitutional reform process to implement a presidential system. A total of 338 deputies, eight more than the required number, supported the reform, Efe news reported. The proposal is defended by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), founded and run by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), as the two parties together have 355 members in the 550-seat parliament. A total of 480 deputies took part in the vote, with 134 voting against the reform, while there were two abstentions and five blank voting papers, which were considered as one invalid vote. The deputies of the leftist and pro-Kurds Peoples' Democratic Party, which has 11 of its deputies imprisoned, boycotted the session. The reform is also opposed by the People's Republican Party, the main opposition party in Turkey. After the formal approval to start the debate, the 18 articles of the reform will be voted one by one before the full draft is put to the vote. Once voted by the legislature, the reform will have to be submitted to a popular referendum if the proposal was not supported by two-thirds of the parliament, which means the support of 367 members. Gandhinagar, Jan 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his happiness at the significant progress in partnership with Israel in the agriculture sector, an official said. "Indian farmers had successfully adapted to the knowledge and expertise imparted by the Israeli Centres of Excellence. The new agriculture work plan would also promote cooperation in the areas of water and dairy," he told visiting Israeli Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel in a meeting on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, said a Ministry of External Affairs statement. Modi called for an extended cooperation in new areas such as education, science, technology, research and innovation, while also emphasising on the facilititation in institutional linkages between Indian and Israeli universities. Citing the 'i-Create' model in Gujarat, he conveyed to the minister that India was keen to learn from the start-up eco system of Israel and its incubation centres. Ariel conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu and said that as two ancient civilizations and young nations, India and Israel could do great things together. He said that Israel was very proud to partner with India in agriculture and bring prosperity to Indian farmers. He also briefed on his recent visit to Maharashtra where he had met NABARD and expressed the hope of working with India in the dairy sector. Referring to 2017 as a milestone year, marking 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel, the minister extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to make an early visit to Israel. Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is taking place January 10-13, with this year's theme being "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". Patna, Jan 10 : The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) a major constituent of Bihar's ruling Grand Alliance, on Tuesday decided to support and join Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's proposed human chain to raise awareness about the liquor prohibition issue in the state. "All RJD leaders and workers have been asked to join human chain to ensure its success," RJD Chief Lalu Prasad told media here. The BJP also decided to join the human chain after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Nitish Kumar for his policy of imposing liquor prohibition in Bihar. "The BJP will take part in human chain in support of prohibition but a formal decision will be taken by January 12," the BJP's state unit President Nityanand Rai said. Rai was supported by senior party leader and Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh, who said that the BJP always supported Nitish Kumar's total prohibition. Till last week most of the senior BJP leaders in Bihar, including Union Ministers, were questioning the liquor ban and publicly termed it as a black law. "Prohibition is a good step. Any step for social change is very difficult but Nitish Kumar has initiated it by enforcing prohibition. All people, including political parties, should back him," Modi said during a Prakash Utsav function, commemorating 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, here in Gandhi Maidan on Thursday. Nitish Kumar had also supported the surgical strike by the Indian Army last year across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Nitish Kumar had planned a 5,000-km-long human chain on January 21 to bolster support among common people on the prohibition. However, on Saturday, he decided to double up the length of the proposed 11,000-km long human chain after receiving praise from the Prime Minister. The human chain is likely to be 11,292 km long covering almost the entire state. According to state government officials, nearly two crore people will join the human chain. After liquor prohibition was enforced in Bihar on April 2016, more than 16,000 people have been arrested on charges of either consuming or transporting liquor in the state. New Delhi, Jan 10 : A court here on Tuesday allowed plea of a suspended senior civil judge accused of corruption, seeking to defreeze her short term deposits (STD) account. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal directed to defreeze the STDs generated from the salary account of suspended senior civil judge at Tis Hazari Court, Rachna Tiwari Lakhanpal and and ordered release of all the funds generated from it. Lakhanpal, Aher lawyer husband Alok Lakhanpal and lawyer Vishal Mehan were arrested by the CBI on September 28 and later released on bail. As per the CBI, a complaint was received on September 27 that the judge had appointed Mehan as a Local Commissioner in a civil case she was adjudicating and had allegedly demanded a bribe. A CBI team first arrested Mehan while he was allegedly accepting the money from the complainant on behalf of Rachna Lakhanpal on the pretext of getting the court decision in his favour in the disputed property case. During his questioning, Mehan allegedly said the money was meant to be handed over to her. Subsequently, Mehan handed over the bribe money to the judge at her residence. She kept Rs 4 lakh and gave back Rs 1 lakh to him just before a CBI team arrested her, CBI said. The agency said a raid was conducted at her Gulabi Bagh residence on the night of September 28 and Rs 94 lakh was seized. Her husband was arrested on charge of playing a crucial role in the bribery case. New Delhi, Jan 10 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is the party's face in Punjab and this doesn't mean he will be its Chief Minister if the AAP wins, the party said on Tuesday. Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi Marlena told CNN that Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's remarks on Kejriwal being the CM face in Punjab were twisted out of context. "He (Sisodia) said vote as if Kejriwal is going to be the CM. He did not say Kejriwal will be the Chief Minister. He is the face of AAP and that is the face the people of Punjab are looking at," Marlena said. "Kejriwal represents AAP. He represents credibility because he fulfilled several promises in Delhi. He is bringing that credibility to Punjab saying all promises made to the people of Punjab will be fulfilled," she said. "This is not same as saying that he will be the CM there." She added that Kejriwal was the Chief Minister of Delhi and was committed to the people of the national capital. The AAP statement came after Sisodia, while talking to reporters in Mohali in Punjab, made an appeal to voters "to cast their votes as if to make Kejriwal the Chief Minister of Punjab". Sisodia said Kejriwal would be responsible for fulfilling all the promises the AAP makes to the people of Punjab, where the party is contesting assembly elections besides Goa. Sisodia's remarks were pounced upon by the Congress and the Akali Dal to say that Kejriwal was planning to desert Delhi and become the Punjab Chief Minister. The AAP has announced all 117 candidates in Punjab. New Delhi, Jan 10 : Taking a cue from increasing number of cases of man-animal conflict including dogs as well as cruelty against canines, the Union Environment Ministry on Tuesday released a draft notification for prevention of cruelty to animals, with respect to dog breeding and marketing. Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, addressing a press conference here, said that the population overshoot of anyone, either human beings or animals, would create problems. "A lot of cases of man-animal conflict are being reported. We know violance is not a solution so we are not going to kill the dogs but we will fix the responsibility of the breeders and marketers of dogs," he added. Dave said that under the new rules, accountability in breeding and marketing of dogs will be fixed for the first time. The ministry will place the draft rules in public domain for 60 days for suggestions from people. Noting that there is no exact data on number of dogs, either strays or pets, in India, he however said that it is a huge market that needs regulation. He added that under the new rules, every pet shop owner or the dog breeder will have to register themselves with the state animal welfare board. "An inspector authorised by the state animal welfare board will check the establishment (shop) and every dog breeder will be required to submit an annual report to the state board regarding animals sold, traded, given away or exhibited during previous year," he said. Ranchi, Jan 10 : Armed men on Tuesday looted Rs 5 lakh from a cooperative bank in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, police said. The criminals, with their faces covered, entered the bank at Chatra Mode, about 110 km from here, held its manager at gun point and took away the money from the locker. The criminals locked the customers in the bank in a room before fleeing. According to police, the loot included Rs 60,000 in old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday decided to hear a PIL by an NGO seeking CBI/SIT probe into the alleged wrongdoings in the purchase of AgustaWestland helicopter by five states, together with the hearing on plea for probe into the overseas accounts of Indian nationals named in Panama Papers. The bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice R. Banumathi decided to hear the two matters together after senior counsel Sanjay Hegde told the court that the trail of the alleged tainted money in the purchase of AgustaWestland helicopters by a certain state government could be traced to Panama Papers. The purchase of 12 VVIP AgustaWestland helicopters by the central government was followed up by five state governments -- Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan -- and they also purchased helicopters from the same company for their requirements. Trying to impress upon the court to hear the two petitions together, the senior counsel said: "If I buy a car through a middleman instead of buying directly from the manufacturer and a part of middleman's commission goes to the account of my son, then it is a matter of concern and cannot not be brushed aside as something inconsequential." Directing for the hearing of plea by NGO Swaraj Abhiyan to be done along with the PIL by Advocate M.L. Sharma seeking probe into the Panama Paper leak, the bench delinked the hearing of a plea seeking probe into the allegation that chopper company had spent six million euros for "managing" the media in a VIP helicopter deal that ran into rough weather following allegations of payoffs. The copy of the petition on alleged media management by AugustaWestland by veteran journalist Hari Jaisinh was given to Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. The court directed for its hearing after six weeks. In the last hearing of the plea by Jaisinh, the court had asked him to give a copy of the same to the CBI and the Directorate of Enforcement. Even as Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi reiterated his earlier contention that the petition by Swaraj Abhiyan was not maintainable, as some of the people associated with it are floating a political outfit by the name of 'Swaraj India', the court said that PIL should be genuine and sanguine. While the Attorney General referred to an earlier judgment of the top court to buttress his argument that in the case of report by the CAG or the PAC, the court has no jurisdiction, as both are accountable and answerable to Parliament, senior counsel Shanti Bhushan said that both in 2G and coal scams, cases were based on the CAG report. New Delhi, Jan 10 : Delhi BJP leader Manoj Tiwari on Tuesday attacked the Delhi government over the water crisis in the slums of the city and said it has failed to fulfil its poll promise. "Like at Inderpuri and Nangloi slum clusters, in Sanjay Camp too the borewell installed for supplying water was not working," the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Delhi unit Chief Tiwari said after spending a night in the slums of Sanjay Basti in Chanakyapuri area on Monday. "I was shocked to see that due to water shortage women and children have to risk their lives by going across the railway lines towards Moti Bagh to get drinking water," he said explaining their hardships. Tiwari, after taking over as the BJP's Delhi unit Chief, has thrice spent the night in slums of the city to do a reality check on the works of the Delhi government. "Women here too complained of water shortage, lack of toilets and bathrooms," the BJP MP from northeast Delhi said. Explaining the condition of the mobile toilets in the area, Tiwari said: "The mobile toilets stationed around the camp were too dirty for human use, thus forcing the residents to urinate or defecate in open around under-construction Danish embassy." "The existence of such pathetic conditions at Sanjay slum camp located in between the diplomatic avenue speaks volumes on incompetence of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board of the city government," Tiwari alleged. Attacking the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led city government and the Congress which ruled Delhi earlier, Tiwari said, "It is sad that both the Congress and the AAP have treated jhuggi dwellers as vote bank but not made any effort to bring some relief to their lives." Tiwari also alleged that the elderly citizens of the area complained that there was total lack of health services in the vicinity. "Mobile dispensaries visit them hardly twice a month and Mohalla Clinics continue to be a distant dream forcing them to rush to Safdarjung Hospital even for minor sickness," he added. He also said that he has no magic wand to change things overnight but is visiting Jhuggi clusters across Delhi to highlight their problems and force Arvind Kejriwal government to find speedy solutions. Bhubaneswar, Jan 10 : The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday staged a demonstration here to protest against the arrest of their party MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Tapas Pal in connection with the Rose Valley chit fund scam. The party workers staged a demonstration followed by a protest meeting at Lower PMG here. They accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for resorting to political vendetta against the TMC, which is opposing the demonetisation move. TMC MP Subrata Bakshi said that since their party led by Mamata Banerjee is opposing the demonetisation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), being managed by the Centre, has arrested their leaders to finish the party. He said their Chief Minister is with the people and the opposition to the demonetisation will continue. TMC MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Tapas Pal have been arrested by the CBI in connection with the Rose Valley chit fund scam. The CBI is investigating the unregulated financial investment schemes that were run by Rose Valley. Mumbai, Jan 10 : Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray on Tuesday indicated that he is "open" to offers of political alliance for the forthcoming civic elections in the state. Speaking informally with media persons here, Raj, 49, said he would consider any such proposals 'positively' -- reiterating his stand of last July, which was spurned by cousin Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. "If there is any proposal, I shall consider it positively," Raj said with a broad grin. When asked to react, Uddhav Thackeray merely smiled, folded his hands and muttered 'Jai Maharashtra', interpreted as a polite rejection of Raj's overtures. However, the MNS chief's shift in stance after waging a lone battle as the fifth political force in the state for over a decade, set political circles aflutter, with the civic election schedules due to be announced anytime now. Besides, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena -- the ally at the Centre and in the state -- are yet to formalise their alliance for the upcoming civic elections to around 10 major municipal bodies, including Mumbai, next month. Uddhav Thackeray virtually served an ultimatum to the BJP to come forth with an alliance proposal, "or the elections would be over". Responding to this, BJP state president Raosaheb Danve said that all alliances would be the prerogative of the local party units. Incidentally, Raj Thackeray has had at least two meetings with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the recent months, which unnerved BJP ally Shiv Sena, which has been sharply critical of its partner for the past two years. Raj Thackeray's attitudinal shift has set off alarm bells ringing even among other major political parties, particularly the opposition Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which are yet to finalise their alliance. Without alliances, the BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP would have to contend with MNS eating into their votes/seats in many civic bodies. Since its founding, the MNS' potential as a 'spoiler' has been a bitter experience for all the major political forces in all the state elections and similar prospects are not ruled out. In the 2012 civic elections in Mumbai, the MNS bagged 27 seats, eating into the vote-shares of both the ruling Shiv Sena and the BJP, besides other parties. After a bitter feud with cousin Uddhav, Raj had quit the Shiv Sena in December 2005 and launched the MNS in March 2006, with the motto of working for the locals and 'sons of the soil' -- a pet theme of his uncle, the late Sena supremo Bal Thackeray. But in the past couple of years, Raj has struggled to keep his flock together with many deserting the MNS for greener pastures in other parties. Under such a scenario, an alliance with any major political group could serve as an elixir, more for the MNS than the alliance partner. Islamabad, Jan 10 : Pakistans top military leadership on Tuesday lauded the key role of military courts in the reduction of militancy and terrorism across the country. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), top military commanders at a meeting observed that the military courts performed well during the prescribed duration, which resulted in reduction of terrorism. The sentiments were expressed at a Corps Commanders' conference at the GHQ in Rawalpindi. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired the meeting. The military courts were established in the aftermath of the Tehreek-e-Taliban attack in December 2014 on Peshawar's Army Public School, in which 153 -- nearly all of them children, mostly of the armed forces officers -- were killed. "The forum took comprehensive review of security environment and operational preparedness of the Army," the ISPR said in a statement. The commanders expressed satisfaction on progress of the continuing military offensive against militants, Operation Zarb-e-Azb, and its "positive effects on internal security". General Bajwa directed the military authorities to continue the counter-terror operations and bring stability into the already cleared areas. "He also directed to intensify efforts for return of temporarily displaced persons." The commanders also congratulated the army's strategic organisations on successful testing of Pakistan's first nuclear-capable submarine-launched missile Babur-III besides reiterating the resolve to "be prepared to respond to all types of threats" to the country's security. "Army will continue to render full support to all state institutions working for national security," Gen. Bajwa was quoted as saying. New Delhi/Kolkata, Jan 10 : The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, which has been agitating seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday held him responsible for over 120 deaths due to the note ban. The party said it will approach President Pranab Mukherjee to seekhis intervention. At the conclusion of Trinamool's three day nationwide stir against demonetisation and political vendetta by the Modi government, party MPs will meet Mukherjee on Wednesday where they are expected to raise both the issues. "We are meeting the President on Wednesday afternoon," said party MP Sultan Ahmed. According to sources, besides demonetisation they will also be raising the issue of a "national government" replacing Modi as the Prime Minister. Trinamool supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has mooted a National Government headed by BJP veteran L.K. Advani or Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley or Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Earlier in the day, Banerjee tweeted details of 122 people who, she claimed, had died due to the cash crunch following the November 8 demonetisation. "Modi, you are arrogant. You are responsible for 120+ (122) deaths," she said posting statewise details of the "victims" including the reason for their deaths. As per the list, Uttar Pradesh, at 32, has the highest number of deaths followed by Bengal with 13 and Maharashtra with 11. Banerjee claimed that in Modi's home state Gujarat, five people have died due to demonetisation. While three of them died in bank queues, a woman committed suicide after failing to buy food for her family and a bank cashier ended his life owing to stress. Later addressing an event in Bengal's Burdwan district, she said the "Tughlaqi" decision (demonetisation) has crippled the economy and demanded Modi to own up the responsibility of the "demonetisation deaths". "Anyone who speaks out against the Centre is branded corrupt and agencies are sent after them," said Banerjee who has been accusing Modi of vendetta politics following the CBI arresting two of her MPs - Tapas Paul and Sudip Bandyopadhyay - in a chit fund scam. Ridiculing Modi's plan of a cashless Indian economy, she accused the Prime Minister of being a "salesman of plastic currency". On the second day of the anti-Modi stir, Trinamool MPs in the national capital, blamed Modi for destroying the economy and asserted that their fight will continue until he is removed from office. "The government's premise of demonetisation is totally wrong. With this one decision, Modi has destroyed the entire economy," said Trinamool MP Saugata Roy. "Agriculture has suffered massively and the country is heading towards a situation where there will be an acute food shortage. "People across the sectors have suffered except for the big corporate houses," he added. Holding placards that read "Honourable President Please Intervene" and "Only National Government Can Save India", some 35 Trinamool MPs staged day long dharna at Delhi's South Avenue. Protesting the arrests of its MPs in the Rose Valley chit fund scam, the Trinamool questioned why some of the BJP members with "links with the company" have not been arrested. "During demonetisation protests in Parliament, Modi reached out to Sudip Da (Bandyopadhyay), but he refused to meet him, hence, this political vendetta. "Modi has lowered the status and dignity of the Prime Minister's office. Our fight will continue until Modi is removed from office," said Party MP Kalyan Banerjee Protesting in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, Trinamool General Secretary Subrata Bakshi said the party will intensify its agitation against Modi. "Our current campaign is spread to eight-nine states, but we will take our agitation to all the 29 states of the country in the next few months. Our agitation will not stop until Modi's ouster," he said. The Trinamool on Monday launched its three-day "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao" (remove Modi, save the country) campaign holding demonstrations across Odisha, Punjab, Bihar, Manipur, Tripura, Assam and Jharkhand, besides West Bengal and the national capital. Vatican City, Jan 10 : Pope Francis will on Saturday receive Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Vatican Radio reported. The meeting comes after Francis on Monday called for peace talks on a permanent two-state solution to resume between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. "Israelis and Palestinians urgently need peace. The whole Middle East urgently needs peace," Francis told ambassadors at the Vatican. He urged "an enduring solution that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of two states within internationally recognised borders." The upcoming meeting between Francis and Abbas follows the entry into force of a landmark accord between the Vatican and the Palestinian Authority at the end of December. Israel attacked the agreement, signed in June 2015, as premature and counter-productive to the Middle East peace process. The Vatican hailed the accord, which includes provisions to protect the rights of Christians, calling it model for other Arab and Muslim states in their relations with Christian minorities in the Middle East. The previous month, Francis met Abbas at the Vatican on May 16, 2015 and presented him with a medallion, calling him "an angel of peace". The Vatican recognised the Palestinian territories as a sovereign state in February 2013 after a November 2012 vote by the United Nations General Assembly in favour of recognition. Israel and the Vatican have had diplomatic relations since 1993. New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested three sharpshooters of a gang which was involved in a murder of a shopkeeper and his friend here, an officer said. According to the police, the accused sharpshooters identified as Shiv Kumar, 24, a resident of Tigri, Prakash, 22, and their associate, Arun, 22, resident of Sangam Vihar in south Delhi, worked for the Deepak Pandit gang. They were arrested on Monday night from their hideout at old Viraat Cinema in Dakshinpuri during a police raid after they came to meet one another, the police officer said. He said on Saturday the gang members fired eight rounds at shopkeeper Nahim Malik and his friend Jitender at his shop in Dakshinpuri. After firing, the attackers escaped. Jitender and Nahim were rushed to Batra Hospital, but Jitender died on the way, a senior police officer said. "While investigating the case, the police identified the accused sharpshooters after examining the CCTV footage of nearby shops. On a tip-off by local sources, police reached the conclusion that the incident had links with the ongoing rivalry between the two gangs of Deepak Pandit and Ravi Gangwal, who are presently lodged in Tihar Jail," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Romil Banniya said. "During interrogation, the accused persons told police that they attacked Nahim Malik in connection with a quarrel, in which their associate Shahil Gupta, who is facing trial from jail in an attempt to murder case, was attacked by Nahim Malik's brother Sharukh, a gang member of Gangwal, in Tihar Jail," Banniya added. The attck on Nahim was an act of revenge, the police officer said. Bhubaneswar, Jan 10 : International cargo handling operations will begin from the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) from January 27, said an official on Tuesday. Customs Commissioner Deepak Arora said the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has already given all clearances and they will start international air cargo from the city airport. The AAI has already earmarked a hall adjacent to the domestic air cargo terminal for the international air cargo terminal, said Arora. A meeting in this regard was held under the chairmanship of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Secretary L.N. Gupta at the airport here on Tuesday. It was attended by officials of the airport authority. This will fulfil the long-standing demand of the exporters to have hassle-free exports of their goods to the foreign countries and boost export from the state, said Gupta. Representatives of various export associations like seafood, agro food processing industries, handloom and handicrafts exporters and spice exporters indicated that it will be highly beneficial for the industry and trade to get the export facility at the airport rather than to send it by road to Hyderabad or Kolkata airports. Representatives of different airlines like Indigo, Vistara, and Air India have been asked to publish a schedule for dispatching cargo to various international destinations in Middle East, far-east and European countries within seven days both for the perishable and non-perishable items, said a release. Kabul, Jan 10 : At least nine people were killed and 16 wounded in an explosion at a provincial government guest house in Kandahar city of Afghanistan on Tuesday, officials said. The UAE ambassador, another envoy and Kandahar Governor Hamayun Azizi were among those injured in the explosion, provincial spokesperson Samim Khpolwak, who is himself injured, told TOLOnews. He said at least four Arabs, who were bodyguards, were among those killed. A source told TOLOnews the governor was in a serious condition. The explosion took place during a high-level meeting at the guest house. Earlier on Tuesday, twin explosions rocked the Kabul city and left at least 25 killed. Islamabad, Jan 10 : A transgender person named Aqeel Ahmad was allegedly set ablaze in Islamabad for refusing to pay his extortionist, media reported. In a letter to the Rawalpindi City police office, Aqeel's brother Khalil Ahmad said the accused, Faisal, doused his brother with alcohol and set him on fire for not paying the extortion money on time, Dawn News reported. Admitted at the Holy Family Hospital, Aqeel told Khalil that the accused works as an extortionist and allegedly has the protection of the area police. Aqeel also said that Faisal rushed him to the hospital to cover up his involvement in the incident. Khalil in his letter said that the area police earlier refused to register Aqeel's case. "Instead, they forced my brother to sign and give his thumb impressions on a statement that says he caught fire when the stove in his kitchen burst," Khalil said. United Nations, Jan 10 : Peacekeeping personnel sent to Haiti without cholera vaccinations because of a serious lapse by India are getting inoculated there and New Delhi will have to bear the costs. Vaccinations will be administered to peacekeeping personnel who had not received them before they were deployed and the costs of inoculating them in the field will be deducted from the reimbursements to the countries sending them, Stephane Dujrraic, the spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Tuesday. Dujarric was responding to reports that an Indian contingent sent to to work as police in peacekeeping operations in Haiti had not been vaccinated against cholera, which had killed 10,000 Haitians in an epidemic that began in 2010. "Cholera vaccination is mandatory for all peacekeepers deployed in peacekeeping operations," he said. "It is the responsibility for member states to ensure that their personnel receive all mandatory vaccination prior to deployment." According to the UN there were 440 Indians serving as police in its Haiti peacekeeping operations as of August. Sending police or troops without cholera to Haiti is a serious matter because of the magnitude of the toll from the epidemic that was linked to peacekeepers from Nepal and blamed on improper disposal of waste that contaminated local water supplies. The UN's public image was hurt by it and it is still reeling from its consequences. In December, the UN finally accepted blame and then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon publicly apologised for the organisation's response to the tragedy. "We simply did not do enough with regard to the cholera outbreak and its spread in Haiti. We are profoundly sorry about our role," he said. In October the UN announced it would provide $200 million in assistance to the victims through donations it hoped to raise. Dujarric said on Monday that so far only between $1.5 million to $1.8 million had come in, of which $1 million was from South Korea and the rest from France. "We, obviously, very much hope the money will be coming in," he added. A case demanding compensation was filed on behalf of the victims in a New York federal, but the judges dismissed it because the UN has diplomatic immunity. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in) New Delhi, Jan 10 : An on-duty constable of Delhi Police was thrashed by two unidentified men after he asked them to drive their car carefully, police said on Tuesday. Police said the incident took place on Monday night at Vasant Kunj area in south Delhi, when the men, who were in an overspeeding car hit a police barricade. "When constable Mohammad Alam, who was on duty there, told them to drive carefully, they came out from their car and started misbehaving with him," said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chinmoy Biswal. The miscreants than thrashed Alam before fleeing from the spot, he said. Alam received injuries at his knee. A case was registered against the two men and police are examining the CCTV footage to identify them, the officer said. Paris, Jan 11 : The Islamic State jihadist group could see military defeat his year, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Tuesday. "The year 2017 could be the one in which Daesh gets defeated," Gentiloni said, using the Arabic acronym for IS, after a meeting here with French President Francois Hollande. "But we are all aware that military victory will not be enough unless it is accompanied by victory on a cultural and social level and the recognition of our values and way of life." Italy and France belong to a 68-member military coalition against IS which has significantly degraded IS's capabilities since its launch by US President Barack Obama in September 2014. With coalition support, local ground forces, with have now retaken 56 percent of the populated territory IS once held in Iraq and 27 percent in Syria, Obama's special envoy to the coalition, Brett McGurk, told its plenary meeting in Washington DC on 28 November. IS foreign fighters in Iraq and Syria are at their lowest levels in two and a half years and "negligible" numbers are entering the countries, while the group's revenue sources have seen a "dramatic" decrease, McGurk said. Almost all of IS leader Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi's deputies have been killed and precision airstrikes are also targeting IS's external plotters, military commanders, administrators, recruiters, communicators, and battlefield fighters, he stated. Kabul, Jan 11 : At least 11 people were killed in an explosion at a provincial government guest house in Kandahar city of Afghanistan on Tuesday, officials said. The UAE ambassador, another envoy and Kandahar Governor Hamayun Azizi were among those injured in the explosion, provincial spokesperson Samim Khpolwak, who is himself injured, told TOLOnews. He said at least four Arabs, who were bodyguards, were among those killed. A source told TOLOnews the governor was in a serious condition. Also, the Kandahar police chief, General Abdul Raziq, who was also at the guesthouse at the time of the explosion, was unharmed. The explosion took place during a high-level meeting at the guest house. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack. Meanwhile, the toll from two suicide blasts in the Kabul city earlier on Tuesday rose to 28, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday night, adding among the killed were four police officers and four women. It said about 64 people were injured by the bombings. The Taliban militant group has claimed responsibility for Kabul attack. Thinking About the Arabs in History By Jacob L. Shapiro Editor's Note: As another year begins with yet another cease-fire in Syria, the disintegration of Middle Eastern states is evident. Therefore, we are republishing this article from Dec. 9, 2015 in which we explain why it may not be possible to talk about the Arab world as a whole anymore. Turkey and Iraq are engaged in a diplomatic spat. The dispute is over Turkey placing troops and armor inside of Iraqs borders ostensibly to train Kurdish peshmerga fighters, as well as Arab Sunnis and Turkmen, to fight Islamic State without Iraqs permission. The number of troops at this point Reuters reported it to be about a battalion, so between 400 and 1,000 troops is not enough to change realities on the ground by itself. It may be that Turkey is in the very initial stages of either participating in or helping to plan an offensive on the Islamic State-held city of Mosul. Even if it is, such a development is a long way off. The deeper issue is that Turkey, a non-Arab country, felt it could station troops in an Arab country without having to be concerned with that countrys reaction in this case, Iraq. We speak often of Turkeys strengths and advantages compared to other would-be regional powers: it has a strong military, a strong economy, it controls some of the most strategic real estate in the world as the gatekeeper to the Bosporus. The flip side of this is the weakness of the regions Arab states. Indeed, it may not be possible to think of the Arab world as a whole anymore. Like the terms Syria and Iraq, the term Arab world has become a hollow phrase. Since the peoples of the Middle East encountered Western imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the word Arab has referred to the notion that the Arabic-speaking people of the region constitute a nation to themselves. The various borders drawn by Great Britain and France were for imperial purposes; the states that began to emerge were all part of the Arab nation. The word Arab however has meant many things over the course of history. As Bernard Lewis notes in The Arabs in History, its first meaning was to describe the nomadic Bedouin tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. After Mohammeds conquest and the birth of the caliphate in the 8th century, the term was used often to distinguish between the Arabian conquerors and the masses of the conquered. Over time the term lost its explicitly ethnic content, becoming a social term which described a class of people who tried to preserve the old nomadic ways, though the importance of Arabic language remained constant. It gradually became imbued with its now-familiar nationalist ideas towards the end of the 19th century. At Geopolitical Futures, one of the core principles that informs our work is the importance of the love of ones own. The international system is based on the existence of nation-states, and the foundation of the nation-state is the natural love of what one considers to be ones own people. Nationalism uses the love of ones own as the bedrock out of which to establish the nation-state which is precisely what Arab nationalism tried to do in the second half of the 20th century after casting off the imperial yoke. There is a rough equivalent to the love of ones own in Arabic thought, a concept used prominently by the famous historian Ibn Khaldun, who wrote and lived in North Africa in the 14th century. Ibn Khaldun wrote of a concept called asabiyya, which roughly translates to social solidarity. Ibn Khaldun thought that the nomadic Bedouin the original Arab destroyed civilization but founded states. This was because the Bedouin had a natural asabiyya, one that Albert Hourani described as a mutual affection and willingness to fight and die for each other. With asabiyya came the strength and courage to defeat civilizations, and which allowed for the formation of states after conquest. Once the state was established, a new asabiyya had to develop, one that put the state before all else. But Ibn Khaldun recognized that in this region, the relationship of soldiers and citizens to a state could never be as strong as the primal asabiyya that exists between those related by blood and not by political convention. With the exception of Saudi Arabia and a few other monarchies, like Jordan and Morocco, the political structure of the Arab-national world came to be dominated by two main ideologies imported from Europe: socialism and nationalism. From Algeria to Iraq, socialism and Arab nationalism were the asabiyya that held these brand-new states together. These ideologies, however, have failed to fulfill their promises. Socialism did not bring prosperity to the masses. The existence of independent nation-states did not usher in an age of freedom in fact, it propped up authoritarian dictators. IS is one response to the failure of these ideologies. IS lives in the world of the failure of socialism and Arab nationalism, and all of its targets in the Middle East Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Tunisia, Lebanon are states to varying degrees where the cohesion of the state has broken down as a result. It is easy to dismiss IS as a bunch of violent radicals, but the fact of the matter is IS ideology appeals to Arabic-speaking Muslims in the Middle East as well as many non-Arab Muslims around the world. Islam is the only thing that has ever succeeded at uniting the various tribes and clans and ethnic groups scattered across the region into a whole. In a similar way to the European fascists, who used nationalism to establish legitimacy and communal bonds, IS harkens back to an imagined golden age where the only thing that was important was whether one was a true believer or not. But another manifestation of the breakdown of Arab political power is in the fact that on Dec. 4, Turkey reportedly deployed 220 Turkish troops backed by approximately 8 tanks and other support elements to the towns of Zlekah and Bashink outside the IS-held city of Mosul. Also, on the same day, the Turkish military released details of a training program for Kurdish peshmerga fighters that it has been engaged in for over two and a half years. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi characterized the news as a violation of Iraqi national sovereignty, and he wasnt wrong. And yet all the broken state of Iraq can do is to threaten to take it up with the UN Security Council, or to make calls to NATO officials and Kurdish political leaders, as Abadi has done in response. Abadi does not have the national strength necessary to do anything besides take offense. Turkey can bomb northern Iraq to hit PKK positions when it likes, and it can station troops outside Mosul if it chooses. Whether Ankaras motives are to train the peshmerga against IS, to send a signal to the Russians, to halt the successes of the Syrian Kurds matters little. Turkey, if it wishes, can do as it pleases in Iraq right now. This is not just an Iraqi issue. Or a Syrian issue. The most capable Arab state left is Saudi Arabia and the Saudis do not speak to any broad coalition of people within the region itself. The influence they have is a result of money and previous American support. Egypt has its own economic and security issues; the beating heart of pan-Arabism flat-lined decades ago and nothing has arisen in its place. Libya no longer exists. Yemen is a permanent war zone. There is no Arab unity. There is tribalism and factionalism and sectarianism. There is primal asabiyya small groups battling to survive for the sake of surviving and protecting their own. The age of the Arab caliphates ended when the Mongols besieged a Baghdad already weakened by centuries of Turkic and Persian attacks in the 13th century from that point on, until after World War I, the Arabic-speaking peoples of the Middle East were ruled by foreign powers, and for the bulk of that time by the Turkic Ottoman Empire. The period from roughly 1918 to 2011 was a rare moment in history where Arab states controlled their own destinies far more than they had in previous centuries. That time, however, has come to an end. The Arab world in so far as it exists is completely fractured, so much so that the very notion of speaking about the Arab world in a way that transcends clan, tribe, or sect is quickly losing any real meaning. And this is the usual state of affairs in this part of the world. The region has always been a magnet for competition between great powers the Ottomans and the Safavids, the Americans and the Soviets. Today, military elements of the U.S., Russia, France, and the UK are all active in the region. Persian Shiite Iran wields a tremendous amount of influence in Baghdad via the Shiite militias it funds, and throughout the region with its various proxies. Turkey is being drawn into the vortex that Islamic State has created within the old Syria and Iraq borders. The Kurds are caught between it all, with the Turks using some clans and tribes for their own purposes, and fighting others as necessary. People look at the Middle East as if it is in chaos but really the region is reverting to a familiar state of affairs. The exception has been the last 100 years or so. The present is familiar to the student of history. The Turks have little interest in making whats left of Iraq angry. Ankara will do what it can to assuage Abadis hurt feelings. Even so, there is something remarkable happening here to take note of. It has become increasingly hard to speak of the Arab world as anything beyond a vague description of the Arabic-speaking people of the Middle East. There is the Islamic State and there is narrow asabiyya. For the time being, the regions fate rests ultimately in the inevitable clash between the former and foreign powers. In light of SBP certifications, oversupply and bearish pricing trends in Europes biomass market, a Global Biomass Producer Panel sets out to assess if producers can continue to operate at current price levels. Representatives from Enviva, Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Wood Pellet Services aim to address SBP and its challenges, spot market vs. long term contracting, as well as concerns of small producers. Also under the spotlight at the summit is the Role of Russia in the European Industrial & Heating Markets by CM Biomass Partners. With Scandinavia being the brightest spot in Europes biomass market, among key presentations is a paper on Insights on Fortums Stockholm Facility the worlds largest wood chip consuming plant. Fortums biomass consumption, types of feedtsocks used as well as the reasons why Fortum decided to consume wood chips over wood pellets are some of the highlights of the session. More on the Scandinavian market will be examined in a session on Scandinavian District Heating Demand by Ekman & Co. Plus, a panel discussion on Sustainability Issues and Challenges in the Dutch Biomass Market led by Uniper, Engie, RWE and Vattenfall. A Site Visit to Hofors Amagervrket Power Plant on 13 February completes the focus on the Scandinavian market. Organized by Centre for Management Technology (CMT), the summit's other vital sessions are: Overview of the European Wood Pellet Market Brexit and biomass market demand-supply forecast for 2017 - Hawkins Wright Utility and Trader Panel: Demand Projections, policy developments in Europe, opportunities to supply biomass to new markets, SBP RWE Supply & Trading, Engie, Dong Energy, CM Biomass Vattenfall Energy Overview of the International Wood Chip Market - Argus Media Panel Discussion: Rise in European Wood Chip Demand focus on Scandinavian wood chip consumption, logistical challenges, sustainability & specification issues of wood chips Dong Energy, Fortum, Generandi, Enviro 3-way Debate: Future of Biomass Discussion between Key Buyer, Seller & Trader addressing what is the future of biomass industry? learning for the industry and scope for improvements with panelists from Engie, RWE and Enviva For more information and detailed agenda, log on to 2nd Biomass Trade & Power Europe website. Alternatively, contact Ms. Hafizah Adam at +65 6346 9218. Ivy Dorado, Manolo Valdes, Opera Gallery Palm Beach's Premier Contemporary Art fair celebrates its 20th Anniversary ArtPalmBeach, the internationally renowned premiere mid-winter contemporary art fair on Floridas Gold Coast takes place January 18-22, 2017, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Celebrating its 20th year, ArtPalmBeach is Palm Beach Countys longest running fair dedicated to contemporary, emerging, and modern master works of art of the 20th and 21st centuries. In celebration of the fairs 20th anniversary the fair has commissioned a special curated exhibition, paintings, sculpture, photography, video, new technologies, performance art, and art installations offering collectors exposure to todays emerging art trends, says Lee Ann Lester, founder/organizer, Art Palm Beach. ArtPalmBeach kicks off the annual county wide Palm Beach Week Jan. 17-24 events including art walks, performances, an art fundraising gala, open studios, demonstrations, museum exhibitions, and a new local initiated art fair Unleashed in the WPB Warehouse District at Elizabeth Station benefiting ArtSyngery new non profit arts organization., Highlights: Honorary Designer Chairperson Campion Platt one of AD's top 100 American designers has been named the head of the Art Palm Beach Designer Committee. Campion leads panel discussion on "Art Completes the Design" with Jane Hart, collector curator and art historian. 100+ Degrees in the Shade Curated by Jane Hart, chronicling 30 years of contemporary art in S. Florida. This 2015 exhibition received rave reviews from NY Times, Artforum, El Nuevo Herald Manolo Valdes Celebrating its 20th Anniversary edition of the fair will pay tribute to and will have a special exhibition works by Spanish artist and sculptor Manolo Valdes, exhibited by the Opera Gallery. One of the most widely exhibited living artists, Valdes has been exhibited in over eighty-five and collected in forty major museums. Dialogues the four-day Collector lecture and panel discussions is the most extensive offering in the fairs history. Twelve events are being offered during the fair with leading experts, artists, book signings and film previews. leading art experts including Perez Art Museum Miami PAMM's own Rene Morales, Chief Curator. Art After Dark Community Appreciation Friday 7-9 PM, ArtPalmBeach invites the community to celebrate its 20th Anniversary. Music, art performances + complementary admission ArtSynergy In partnership with the fair, ArtSynergy a local art initiative representing the nine county-wide Art Districts, galleries, local arts & cultural institutions will offer over 35 exhibitions & evening events in nine county wide arts districts including the 3rd Annual Palm Beach Art Exhibition at Art Palm Beach featuring 23 artists, curated by Rolando Chang Barrero and Jane Hart was the Juror. The Other Dimension; Acclaimed exhibition by Antuan Rodriquez currently on view at MOCA. Antuan stirs up a new experiential installation for art fair attendees timed for the Presidential Inauguration weekend "When Modern was Contemporary" Celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Duchamp's Urinal Marcel Duchamp in America: From the 1913 Armory Show to the Fontaine/Urinal: Art Historian Laurette McCarthy will present a lecture on Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), widely considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of his most famous/infamous work Fontaine, this lecture will give an overview of Duchamps artistic life in France before 1913 and his participation in the Armory show that year, providing a historical context to contemporary art and the significance of Duchamps heritage within it. Community Brunch Sunday, January 22, 2017 10:00 a.m. until Noon free and open to the public at WhiteSpace The Mordes Collection. West Palm Beach Art & Entertainment District presents CONTINUUM WPB Arts, a pop-up gallery and performance space in partnership with Art Palm Beach and Art Synergy, The Bold Beauty Project an innovative visual arts project showcasing women with disabilities. Through the photographers creative lens, the audience glimpses the beauty, strength and sensuality of these women. A lecture featuring Robert Zuckerman (photographer), Shelly Baer, Bold Beauty Project Director will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21st. Fast Facts: 70- 75 exhibitors Ticket prices - $15 in advance, $20 at the door for one-day passes. Students $8 in advance, and $12 at the door. Multi-day passes $20/$25 and $10/$15 for students. First View/Collectors Invitational by invitation only January 18, 2017, 6-10 pm Additional parking the Hibiscus Garage and Macys parking lots at City. Limited parking available at the PB Convention Center due to new parking lot construction. Fair Hours: Thursday. January 19nd, 11 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., January 20nd, Friday 11 a.m to 9 p.m., January 21st, Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, January 22, from 11 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Event Sponsor: ArtBCO.com, ArtNet.com, ArtPrice.com Media Partners: Art Hive Magazine, Boca Magazine, Arte Al Dia, Sculpture, American Art Collector, Craft Arts International, Artpulse, Irreversible, ArtDistrict, and Art Paris International Art Fair Cultural Partners: Armory Art Center, Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass, ArtSynergy Palm Beach County, Benzaiten Center, Boca Raton Museum of Art, Downtown Development Authority of West Palm Beach, Lighthouse Center for the Arts, Palm Beach Photographic Center, among others. For full schedule, additional information, and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.nextlevelfairs.com/artpalmbeach Next Level Fairs is the parent company for ArtPalmBeach, Art Boca Raton fair March 15-19, 2017 in the Research Park on the campus of Florida Atlantic University and Art Concept Miami, December 5-9,2017. Next Level Fairs curates sophisticated, event driven fairs attracting global attendance, supported by an international marketing and branding strategy in coordination with local museums, collectors and galleries. Image link to press images: https://nextlevelfairs.sharefile.com/d-s0f5ff05499f4b719 Editors Note: Hi-res images available upon request. *Palm Beach County Art Districts: Antique Row, Artists Alley, Boynton Beach Art District, Lake Park and North Palm Beach Art District, Lake Worth Arts, Northwood Village, West Palm Beach and Worth Avenue. Great talent and great tactics make a great company. We will continue to aggressively recruit top talent from across the IT and government services fields. Under the direction of CEO Robert Baum, TechFlow has completed a strategic transition to a 100% employee-owned company. This was a lever we could use to turn up the heat as a company, Baum said. We wanted people to feel personally investedtied to our success, our customers, and our solutions. TechFlow has deep expertise in agile processes, allowing it to quickly and effectively create powerful solutions for clients large and small. The company has established itself as a trusted government contractor. And under Baums leadership, TechFlow has expanded its presence to the commercial space. Weve refined our corporate strategy and focus on being increasingly agile and innovative, Baum said. Weve also added several incredibly talented people to drive the company forwardon our board, on our executive team, and in several key staff positions. Baum founded TechFlow in 1995 and led the company for a decade. He recently returned to lead TechFlow again as its President and CEO. When the opportunity came to return as CEO, I jumped at the chance, Baum said. My experiences outside of TechFlow brought an excitement to create a unique and special companyone that will bring electrifying change. Leading the transition to employee-owned has been one of Baums biggest initiatives since his return. Being employee-owned creates passion, caring, and a drive to make the company exceptional, Baum added. Its still early, but I know our employees feel differently about TechFlow since the transition. Its their company now, and we are all vested in making a difference. About TechFlow TechFlow helps government and commercial organizations capitalize on enterprise technology investments by creating innovative, open and agile solutions that drive positive outcomes and forge process efficiencies. TechFlow brings unique business acumen, mature best practices, proven program management, agile methodology, critical innovative thinking, and key personnel together to drive the execution of a clients vision and strategy. TechFlow and its employee owners work relentlessly to ensure the projects and improvements they recommend have a material and valuable business impact for the clients they serve. iGotcha Media, developers of high impact digital signage solutions and content, today announced a new client Nissan Canada Inc. iGotcha Media is providing a turnkey digital signage network comprising iGotcha Signage content management software (CMS), hardware and tailor-made content, including promotional segments, customizable segments and dealer-specific feeds. Examples of content include: sales promotions, service offerings, advertising, store hours, weather forecasts and news feeds. At present, it has been installed at 96 Nissan dealerships across the country. Large (43-, 49- or 55-inch) video monitors, with built-in media players, display a networked loop of high definition dynamic content that informs and entertains clients. Monitors may be located at the service counter, in the lounge in the showroom. A single monitor may stand-alone or several monitors may be clustered together to create impressive video walls such as, three 55-inch monitors acting as a huge seamless screen. iGotcha Medias digital signage solutions are a benefit to Nissan Canada dealers. These applications create new sales opportunities through the promotion of services, increase customer loyalty with targeted promotions, and inform and entertain clients as they shop for a new vehicle or enjoy the dealer lounge as vehicle services are completed. Our turnkey solutions include iGotcha Signage CMS, hardware, content, training and support, says Greg Adelstein, President, iGotcha Media. One of the core benefits of our Nissan Canada network is that it blends standardized content from head office with the flexibility of dealer-specific content. The total package is dynamic, comprehensive and rich something for everyone. We are currently installed in about 50% of all Nissan Canada dealers and we expect that number to rise. We are delighted to announce our new client Nissan Canada Inc. and look forward to our shared success. About iGotcha Media iGotcha Media specializes in delivering turn-key digital signage solutions, including: hardware, software, installation, content development and network management. We help businesses achieve their digital signage needs, generate new streams of revenue, reduce costs and gather data. iGotcha Medias clients include: Browns Shoes, Cambridge Group of Clubs, Cirque du Soleil, National Bank of Canada, Reebok, Rockport, Rona, Toronto Congress Centre and Via Rail Canada. For more information, please visit http://www.igotchamedia.com, or call (416) 479-4155 (Toronto office) or (514) 448-4016 (Montreal headquarters). Media contact: Mark Lowe PRagmatic Communications, for iGotcha Media E-Mail: mark(dot)lowe(at)pragcom(dot)com Office: (514) 499-9632 Mobile: (514) 576-2519 About Nissan Canada Inc. Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. NCI directly employs 306 full-time staff across offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC). There are 194 independent Nissan dealerships, 41 Infiniti retailers and 45 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers across Canada. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year awards. More information about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissan.ca and http://www.infiniti.ca. Media contacts: Didier Marsaud Director, Corporate Communications Nissan Canada Tel: 905-629-6400 Email: didier(dot)marsaud(at)nissancanada(dot)com Jenn McCarthy Cohn & Wolfe Tel: 647-259-3305 Email: jennifer(dot)mccarthy(at)cohnwolfe(dot)ca Canara Insight+ for Batteries takes the mystery out of our critical power infrastructures status by providing visibility into current performance, allowing us to extend battery life and take action before issues occur. Canara, the trusted leader in critical power analytics and facility management services, today announced DataChambers, the Southeast's premier IT solutions company, has selected Canara Insight+ for Batteries as its battery management solution. Canaras newest solution is the first-ever, all-inclusive predictive monitoring service for mission critical facilities and will protect all four of DataChambers data centers. As a provider of cloud, data center colocation and enterprise management solutions, it is vital that DataChambers take a proactive approach to battery asset management, said Rich Crim, facilities manager. Canara Insight+ for Batteries takes the mystery out of our critical power infrastructures status by providing visibility into current performance, allowing us to extend battery life and take action before issues occur. Prior to Canaras subscription-based solution, DataChambers had to estimate the appropriate time to replace its batteries by looking at disparate numbers from manufacturers, industry experts and vendors. Unfortunately, all three sets of data would advise different times for replacement leaving DataChambers unclear about its assets actual lifecycle. Unlike the traditional approach to battery asset management, with Insight+ for Batteries, DataChambers will be able to reference 4x daily performance metrics and receive regular reports and input from a dedicated critical power analyst. In addition, the predictive monitoring service will leverage Canaras 20 years of critical power expertise, as well as the largest historical database of predictive analytics, to prevent thermal runaway and analyze how its uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries and backup power systems are performing each day. Our customer win with DataChambers further demonstrates the value of an as-a-service model for turning data into actionable insights, said Tom Mertz, CEO of Canara. Insight+ for Batteries will provide more accurate, preventative actions to increase reliability and maximize asset productivity while allowing its facility managers to focus on strategic business initiatives. In addition to providing better analytics to make informed decisions, Insight+ for Batteries will also give DataChambers a competitive edge. We can tell our potential clients that our power systems are monitored daily, said Crim. It could certainly be a determining factor that sets us apart from our competition. For more information on Canara Insight+ for Batteries, click here. About DataChambers DataChambers is a trusted North Carolina-based technology company that provides IT strategy, managed services and data center solutions to help businesses excel today and plan for tomorrow. DataChambers is SSAE16 Audited and PCI certified compliant. DataChambers engineers redundancy and security into each one of their facilities to help maximize productivity and ensure the integrity of their customers data. The company has facilities in Winston-Salem, Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. About Canara With over 20 years of experience in the data center industry, Canara is a leading provider of predictive analytics and critical facility services. Canaras newest offering, Canara Insight+, is an innovative and all-inclusive predictive monitoring service that eliminates the need to purchase equipment. Canara Critical Power Analytics helps data centers across the globe maximize uptime and ensure efficient asset management of critical backup power systems. Canara Critical Facilities Services provides consulting and programs for critical facilities. Together, Canara's seasoned team of critical power analysts and facility operators provide unmatched visibility and intelligence into essential operations in order to detect potential threats, prevent problems and protect assets. Headquartered in Atlanta and with a West Coast hub in San Rafael, California, Canaras customers include leading global companies such as CenturyLink, Cologix, Digital Realty Trust, Equinix, PG&E, and Fidelity Investments. For more information, please visit http://www.canara.com and follow @Canara on Twitter. Back Pain Centers of America We look forward to meeting attendees of the conference and discovering more about attendees who wish to explore the latest techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery January 10, 2017 Back Pain Centers of America (BPC), which connects people searching for solutions to their neck and back pain with a reputable physician in their area, announces an exhibitor presence at the 35th annual meeting of the International Society for Minimal Intervention in Spinal Surgery conference. This is the first year the conference will be held in the United States. The meeting will be held on January 18-20th at the Swissotel in Chicago, IL. The annual meeting features didactic sessions focusing on the advancing field of MIS surgery, point/counterpoint debates, peer-reviewed submitted abstracts, and case-based presentations and discussions. For thirty-three years, the meeting was held in Zurich, Switzerland. In 2016, it moved to China, and now in 2017, it will be held in Chicago. We are excited to have our first exhibit presence at ISMISS, said Brent Wheeler, President of Back Pain Centers of America. We look forward to meeting attendees of the conference and discovering more about attendees who wish to explore the latest techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery. The conference is still open for registration at https://www.spine.org/ismiss. About Back Pain Centers of America: Back Pain Centers of America (BPC) has helped people find safe, reliable relief for chronic pain since 2009. The call centers match patients searching for relief for neck and back pain to reputable, board-certified healthcare practices in their geographic area. BPC has the largest network of minimally-invasive spine centers in America. This service is free to patients. For more information for patients, please visit http://www.backpaincenters.com. For spine practices interested in joining the network, please visit BackPainCentersofAmerica.com. Also follow BPC on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. In just seven years, Trees That Feed Foundation (TTFF) has distributed 100,000 food-bearing trees to increase food independence and reduce hunger throughout Caribbean nations. TTFF works to develop sustainable food sources, with a primary focus on breadfruit trees in Haiti and Jamaica. The organization has reached ten countries across the globe with a variety of food-bearing trees, including ackee, mango, avocado, lychee and pomegranate. Pierre-Moise Louis, a Haitian agronomist, planted the 100,000th tree in Jeremie, Haiti. Hurricane Matthew has destroyed many, many trees in our area, said Pierre-Moise. We in Jeremie are very grateful to Mary McLaughlin from Trees That Feed Foundation for helping to rebuild our agroforests. In addition to breadfruit trees, TTFF has also provided peas and other vegetable seeds, along with water purification tablets and filters, to help Haiti recover from the hurricanes devastation. Pierre-Moise Louis will also be rebuilding his factory to produce breadfruit flour once again. Breadfruit trees provide extraordinary health benefits for minimal cost. Breadfruit is loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals. A typical breadfruit weighs about four pounds, said Mary McLaughlin, Founder, Trees That Feed Foundation, and can supply the entire carbohydrate portion of a meal for a family of five. A single mature tree produces over 200 fruit per year. With this quantity, you can see the potential impact breadfruit can bear on global nutrition. About 80 percent of the worlds hungry reside in the tropics, and government officials in the Caribbean are realizing breadfruits potential to feed their populations. It is an ideal food source for limited-resource nations. Jamaican Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen acknowledged TTFFs efforts and remarked that Jamaica truly appreciates the Foundations help to ensure the countrys food security. It is important that we are able to feed our nation, especially with foods that have a high nutritional value. A healthy nation is a happy nation, he stated. When dried and ground, breadfruit produces a flour that has a shelf-life of years. TTFF has worked with Northwestern University engineering students to develop harvesting equipment that is accessible for farmers to use for fruit flour production. Current equipment includes peeler, shredder, dryer and grinder prototypes, which together constitute a "Factory in a Box" that TTFF distributes to farmers, schools and communities. Each Factory in a Box kit has the capacity to produce 120 pounds of flour per week if manually powered and 1,200 pounds per week if electrically powered. Breadfruit flour is rapidly gaining acceptance among schools, orphanages and hospitals. When asked if her patients tolerate porridge made from locally sourced breadfruit flour, Dr. Megan Coffee, infectious disease doctor currently working in Haiti, remarked, Yes. Definitely. They do very much like it and it helps a lot. Breadfruit is one of the worlds highest yielding food plants, noted Timote Georges, Executive Director of the Smallholder Farmers Alliance in Haiti, and we want to support its expansion among Haitis farm community. In addition to supplying local markets, we hope one day to begin exporting breadfruit. This milestone is also a testament to TTFFs ability to bring people together to make a difference. Over the past seven years, TTFF has engaged thousands of people to reduce hunger, create jobs and improve the environment. The organization works with a diverse set of partners from basic schools to businesses to implement a sustainable solution to hunger and food dependence. About TTFF Based in Northfield, Il, Trees That Feed Foundation is a not-for-profit organization devoted to alleviating hunger in tropical countries. TTFF aims to see communities in these areas with a sustainable food supply, marketplace for food products, increased job opportunity and an improved, reforested environment. TTFF works across the Caribbean, Central America and Africa to distribute food-bearing trees to local farmers and communities, provide training for tree care, and guide the development of avenues through which farmers can process fruit into flour and products for sale. A $15 dollar tree can feed a family for a lifetime. Visit http://www.TreesThatFeed.org and http://www.Facebook.com/TreesThatFeed to learn more. Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that John P. Carlin, recently the top national security attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), has joined the firm to chair its global risk and crisis management practice. Mr. Carlin has served as a top-level official in both Republican and Democratic administrations, most recently as the assistant attorney general for the DOJs National Security Division (NSD), having been appointed by the President and overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate on a bipartisan basis. Previously, he served as chief of staff and senior counsel to Robert S. Mueller, III, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As a partner at Morrison & Foerster, Mr. Carlin will drive a cross-disciplinary risk and crisis management practice and will also expand the firms already market-leading practices in cybersecurity and data privacy, national security, government enforcement, and white-collar defense. John led a nationwide outreach campaign focused on raising c-suite awareness of cutting-edge cyber and economic espionage threats during his tenure as a senior administration official. His exceptional blend of experience positions him to lead a strong risk and crisis management practice focused on advising companies responding to global and national security threats, Larren Nashelsky, chair of Morrison & Foerster, said. John is the latest key addition to our elite group of litigators with high-level government experience who are meeting the increasingly complex regulatory needs of our clients. We have welcomed to the firm numerous Washington, D.C.-based partners such as Katie Thomson who recently joined us after serving as general counsel of the Department of Transportation and chief counsel of the Federal Aviation Administration; Chuck Duross and James Koukios who also joined us from DOJ; and Jessie Liu who was an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and deputy chief of staff in DOJs NSD. David McDowell, co-chair of Morrison & Foersters Litigation Department, added: John will provide significant value to our clients by enhancing multiple practice areas at Morrison & Foerster that already have outstanding reputations. He will grow our market-leading technology platform advising clients concerned about increased risks from new technologies as the Internet of Things accelerates. Following Katie Thomson joining us several months ago, Johns arrival will also make us a one-stop shop for companies seeking legal counsel on the potentially catastrophic risks faced by companies cutting across all industry sectors, including technology and transportation. As assistant attorney general for DOJs NSD for three years, Mr. Carlin regularly briefed high-ranking government officials, including the President. He oversaw nearly 400 employees responsible for protecting the United States against international and domestic terrorism, espionage, cyber, and other national security threats. Key milestones and accomplishments during Mr. Carlins tenure at DOJ included: Creating a threat team to study potential national security challenges posed by the Internet of Things; Overseeing DOJs Counter-intelligence and Export Control Section, which is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases involving espionage, the illegal export of military and strategic commodities, insider threats, and national security cyber threats; Leading investigations into breaches of public and private sector e-mail systems and protocol; Investigating the attack on Sony Entertainments computer systems; Pressing charges, in conjunction with the FBI, against seven Iranians working for Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps affiliated entities for conducting coordinated campaign of cyberattacks against the U.S. financial sector; Overseeing the National Security Cyber Specialist Network and the National Security/Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council program; Overseeing all matters and litigation in front of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court; Securing the first federal jury conviction on charges brought under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996; Leading DOJs participation on the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States; and Disrupting multiple terrorist plots and national security threats and bringing those involved to justice. Mr. Carlin joined the NSD after helping lead the FBIs evolution to meet growing and changing national security threats, including cyber threats. A career federal prosecutor, Mr. Carlin also held positions as National Coordinator of DOJs Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Program, and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia in which he prosecuted cases ranging from homicide and sexual offenses to cyber, fraud, and public corruption matters. As a trial lawyer, he has tried 40 cases to verdict. Mr. Carlin, who joined DOJ through the Attorney Generals Honors Program, earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his B.A. from Williams College. I chose MoFo in part to join the worlds best privacy and data security practice and also for the firms global platform and longstanding expertise in technology including the Internet of Things and autonomous vehicles, Mr. Carlin said. I look forward to building on the existing expertise across multiple practices to deliver what clients want: strategies to manage and mitigate risk before a crisis occurs and the experience to navigate complex matters throughout a business when the worst happens and the company is on the line. ABOUT MOFO We are Morrison & Foerster a global firm of exceptional credentials. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, investment banks, Fortune 100, and technology and life sciences companies. The Financial Times has named the firm to its lists of most innovative law firms in North America and Asia every year that it has published its Innovative Lawyers Reports in those regions. In the past few years, Chambers USA has honored MoFos Bankruptcy and IP teams with Firm of the Year awards, the Corporate/M&A team with a client service award, and the firm as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. Our lawyers are committed to achieving innovative and business-minded results for our clients, while preserving the differences that make us stronger. We are excited to sponsor a veteran who is looking for a way to convert his passion for craft beer into a civilian career, says Mike Harting CEO of 3 Daughters Brewing. 3 Daughters Brewing announced the first recipient of financial assistance for USFSPs Brewing Arts Program will go to a military veteran. Raymond Molinary, who served 16 years as a Flight Engineer in the US Navy, will have the opportunity to learn the industry through a comprehensive local Brewing Arts Program. 3 Daughters Brewing will pay the $5,000 tuition for him to complete the coursework starting in January of 2017. Launched in October 2015, the program was founded by The University of South Florida St Petersburg (USFSP) in cooperation with 3 Daughters Brewing and Great Bay Distributors in an effort to provide students with in-depth education to the rapidly growing craft beer industry. The curriculum was the first of its kind in the Southeast, offering 10 online modules from USFSP, a tour through Great Bay Distributors massive distribution operation and hands on lab and brew experience at 3 Daughters Brewing and other local breweries. To date, the program has graduated 3 classes for a total of 43 students, many having landed positions in the industry and others who used the experience to launch their own craft brewery. We are excited to sponsor a veteran who is looking for a way to convert his passion for craft beer into a civilian career, says Mike Harting CEO of 3 Daughters Brewing. We are thrilled to be able to support veterans and help them move into this growing industry. The program is rapidly expanding and getting attention nationwide in the applicants being attracted and the students that are graduating. About 20% of students so far have applied from outside Florida, with students graduating from New Jersey, Texas, Ohio, Missouri and Iowa. There will be another $5,000 award sponsored by Great Bay Distributors later this year. To partner with the program or sponsor financial awards for veterans, contact USFSP Brewing Arts Program Director Jennifer Sedillo at jsedillo(at)mail(dot)usf(dot)edu. For more information about the program or to submit an application, visit the Brewing Arts program website at http://www.usfsp.edu/brewingarts. About 3 Daughters Brewing 3 Daughters is a family-owned and operated brewery that makes superb handcrafted beer. Armed with experience, energy and enthusiasm, we believe in the importance of innovation, listening to our customers and supporting our community. We love what we do and hope you do too. For more details, go to: http://www.3dbrewing.com 3 Daughters Brewing is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ We want to ensure DUNA-USA's long-term viability to the North American market, from both a production and internal operations standpoint. DUNA-USA has started a multi-million dollar expansion of its Baytown, TX plant to meet increased production demands for the insulation, aerospace, sign and tooling industries. The expansion is expected to be completed in late 2017 and will help increase productivity and reduce lead time for shipments throughout the United States and Canada. A state-of-the-art automated fabrication facility, new foaming line, and third manufacturing building will be phased in during spring 2017 and will contribute to increased product quality and general usable space. The overall expansion will exponentially increase production capabilities of DUNA-USAs Baytown, TX facility. The new automated fabrication facility and 5-axis CNC machining system will ensure that our customers tolerance requirements are maintained to the highest degree of accuracy, explains Tom Lueder, Plant Manager of DUNA-USA. This investment in top of the line equipment and technology also reflects our commitment to innovation and cost-savings for our customers. In addition to expanding fabrication and production capabilities, DUNA-USA is also adding a new office building to facilitate current as well as future growth within the company. We want to ensure DUNA-USAs long-term viability to the North American market, from both a production and internal operations standpoint, states Andrea Benedetti, CEO of DUNA-USA. The overall expansion will allow us to respond quicker to fluctuations in market demand, and at the same time improve productivity, safety, and product quality. DUNA-USA manufactures rigid CORAFOAM polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams, as well as custom-formulated pourable systems for a variety of applications including pipe supports, core materials, and theme/scenic applications. Common applications for the rigid foams include LNG insulation, foam pipe insulation, composite layup tooling, pattern making, thermoforming and prototyping. The DUNA Group, comprised of DUNA-USA, DUNA-CORRADINI, and DUNA-EMIRATES, has been manufacturing foams, chemicals, and adhesives since 1957, and specialize in the research and development of highly custom, high quality polyurethane and epoxy systems. They have locations in the USA, Italy and United Arab Emirates. Please visit http://www.dunagroup.com/usa for additional information. Bravo, the network that has a seemingly endless supply of Real Housewives liquored up and ready to complain about interior decorating at the drop of a hat, is premiering its latest reality series next Monday: Summer House, otherwise known as Montauk's answer to Jersey Shore. Local residents, as you can probably imagine, are not looking forward to it. According to Bravo, Summer House follows the adventures of "a group of beautiful and successful New Yorkers [who] leave the comforts of the Big Apple behind to party the summer away in their home away from home"and "nothing is off limits." Montauk residents have spent years trying to fight off the fornicating yupster bros who have invaded their paradise in the pursuit of nakedly cavorting outside every sleepy tackle shop in sight. But their efforts to ward off these interlopers will likely be undermined by this series. "Everyone's heard of the Hamptons. That's like, your mom's friend who wears pearls," cast member Kyle Cooke says in the trailer. "My group of friends, we go to Montauk. Montauk is like, your mom's friend's daughter who's a little promiscuousand by a little, I mean a lot." "It's not very popular in this town," reiki practitioner and Montauk resident Linda Knips told the Times. "This has become a town associated with coming to party. The show amplifies that. That's not the real town." Summer House follows nine friends as they, in Bravo's words "maneuver love and life, as well as a good time in between all the drama in their summer share." Among the drama: someone put bananas in the fridge and like, who does that? The Wirkus sisters need to get eight hours of sleep or else. Also, people get drunk and hook up a lot. Judging on the trailer alone, Summer House is a reality show about the least interesting people in the world. And on top of all that, it isn't even set in Montauk, according to some locals. According to the Times, the house is "at the far edge of a 1,755-acre state park," and the only way to get there involves crossing the Long Island Railroad tracks north of Montauk Highwaythe Times also notes that the most expensive houses in the Hamptons are south of the highway. Technically, the house is in East Hampton, but "it is far from what most Hamptonites think of as East Hampton." "The town of East Hampton prohibited them from doing any filming on public property, and then they approached many businesses and were rejected by many of them," Laurie Creegan, executive director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, told Newsday. And since the show wasn't set in Montauk, locals want Bravo to drop all references to the town in their promotional materials. "We don't need that kind of publicity. We're trying to bring families to Montauk," Creegan said. But if for some reason you want to drop upwards of 40 grand to live like the bros and brolettes of Summer House the actual Summer House is available for rent starting in June. King & Spalding Selects NetDocuments The NetDocuments platform addresses the challenges of global data security, sovereignty, and encryption key management, all coupled with the usability, collaboration and productivity tools our legal professionals and clients demand today. NetDocuments, the leading cloud-based document and email management (DMS) provider for law firms and corporate legal departments, announced today that King & Spalding will replace its on-premises DMS with NetDocuments for improved global accessibility, mobility, and intelligent geo-aware document storage, all of which further strengthen the firms commitment to a cloud-first technology strategy for improved usability and client service. King & Spalding joins the hundreds of law firms and corporate legal departments who became part of the global NetDocuments customer community in 2016, marking another record year of growth as the legal industry adopts NetDocuments native cloud DMS platform. King & Spalding is committed to empowering our people with technology that will not only protect firm and client data, but will also elevate productivity and efficiency to better serve and collaborate with our clients, stated Gene Viscelli, Chief Information Officer of King & Spalding. The NetDocuments platform addresses the challenges of global data security, sovereignty, and encryption key management, all coupled with the usability, collaboration and productivity tools our legal professionals and clients demand today. Founded in Atlanta, GA in the 1800s, today King & Spalding has an international presence with 10 of the 19 offices located outside of the United States. The firm is currently ranked 27th among the AmLaw 100 and 35 among the AmLaw Global 100. Our extensive global footprint required us to find a DMS platform like NetDocuments that would support a single global application while maintaining data sovereignty rights and regulation through flexible storage options, concluded Viscelli. We are proud to be able to leverage our 15+ years of experience building and maintaining a single native cloud platform in order to support global firms like King & Spalding, noted Matt Duncan, CEO of NetDocuments. As supported by internal sales metrics as well as results cited in the 2016 ILTA Technology Survey, the legal market continues to adopt the NetDocuments platform at an accelerating pace. This growth helps NetDocuments further its vision of delivering the most secure, usable, and modern DMS platform available on the market today. With their ongoing analysis, guidance and testing, cleverbridge has become an essential part of our team and strategy as we continue to grow and serve our customers. ~ Kevin St. Angel, Director, Ecommerce at Sony Creative Software Inc. cleverbridge, a provider of global subscription billing solutions, announces Sony Creative Software has selected cleverbridges ecommerce and subscription billing solutions to drive global recurring revenue for its professional media production applications product line. Sony Creative Software was faced with a build versus buy/outsource decision as it looked to improve the customer experience (both domestic and international), increase customer lifetime value, and eventually transition to a subscription business model. After factoring in all of the (significant) costs involved with internally developing a solution, Sony Creative Software sought an ecommerce and subscription billing partner that not only met its requirements and acted as its merchant of record processing payments, managing global taxation, maintaining PCI compliance, etc. but one that delivered ongoing consultation and success management to drive real sales results. After extensive evaluation, Sony Creative Software selected cleverbridge due to the organizations market performance and leadership, global presence and solution, proven subscription capabilities and expertise, and high security standards. At Sony Creative Software, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding value and service to our customers. As we scaled globally, we realized it made sense to outsource our commerce and subscription needs so we could focus on continuing to deliver superior products, but we were also apprehensive as to whether a solution provider could deliver that same high level experience our customers expect, said Kevin St. Angel, Director, Ecommerce at Sony Creative Software Inc. cleverbridge not only gave us a complete global solution right out of the box with a simple integration rapidly accelerating our time-to-market but delivered the best possible online customer experience to build long-term customer relationships and grow recurring revenue. With their ongoing analysis, guidance and testing, cleverbridge has become an essential part of our team and strategy as we continue to grow and serve our customers. We are excited to work with Sony Creative Software to help them take their online customer experience to the next level and maximize their recurring revenue, said Christian Blume, CEO, cleverbridge. As more software companies switch to new billing models, continually nurturing customer relationships throughout the various touchpoints in the product life cycle becomes increasingly important. Sony Creative Softwares selection of our ecommerce and subscription billing solutions validates this point and underlines their commitment to delivering valuable experiences to its customers. To learn more about cleverbridge, please contact inquiry(at)cleverbridge(dot)com or visit http://www.cleverbridge.com. About Sony Creative Software Sony Creative Software is a leading provider of innovative professional solutions that inspire creativity, discovery, and productivity. We encourage artistic expression with our line of video production applications. Our customer base is extensive and includes film, television, and recording professionals as well as students, educators, and independent artists worldwide. For more information about products from Sony Creative Software, please visit http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com. About cleverbridge cleverbridge provides global subscription billing solutions that help companies build long-term customer relationships and grow recurring revenue streams. With its flexible, cloud-based billing and monetization platform, cleverbridge integrates seamlessly with client systems, simplifies subscription business models and delivers an optimized online customer experience. Leveraging cleverbridge expertise, technology and services, clients monetize products and services more effectively, rapidly expand their global subscriber base and maximize customer lifetime value. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, cleverbridge has offices in Chicago, San Francisco and Tokyo. For more information, visit http://www.cleverbridge.com. The upgrades and helpful tools weve added are designed to improve the browsing experience of our international clients, many of whom are based in Asia. The real estate website 8Libre.com has been launched with upgrades designed to make browsing easier and more appealing to international investors, site owner Nick Perrotta announced. It features listings of condominium units, single-family homes, multi-unit residences, rentals, commercial properties, and lots and land in some of Bostons highly prized and culturally diverse neighborhoods. 8Libre.com also has a facility allowing users to quickly translate the English-language site into Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Russian, Tamil, Thai, and Vietnamese. The Focus on Foreign Investors We're very excited to launch our new website," said Perrotta, who is also president and CEO of Luxury International Boston Real Estate (LIBRE). "The upgrades and helpful tools weve added are designed to improve the browsing experience of our international clients, many of whom are based in Asia. Perrotta said the website addresses the specific reasons foreign buyers invest in US real estate. We want to show potential buyers the real estate advantage unique to Boston, whether its access to elite education or investment opportunities in, say, biotechnology, he said. Compelling Data Foreigners make up 29% of the 250,000 students enrolled in elite schools like MIT, Harvard, and 60 other colleges and universities in and around Boston, Perrotta explained. When it comes to biotech companies, there are 50 in the city alone and more than 700 in Greater Boston. Perrotta, whose company is affiliated with True North Realty, has a crack team of experts with over 20 years of experience in Boston and its surrounding towns. We know our business and we want our foreign clients to bank on our local expertise. Easier Search 8Libre.coms one-stop shop experience for overseas investors begins with its new streamlined look, making it easier to scroll through key features on the site, including up-to-date listings. Theres an in-depth look at key properties available in each of the eight neighborhoods the realty company represents. Also featured are maps, as well as filters for refining searches by price, number of beds, baths, and so forth. 8Libre.com also indicates open houses in the area from North End to South Boston. Richer Content Blog posts from the team can range from relocation guides and local insights to market updates and current events all of which give a sense of what living is like in Boston. Local real estate market reports are also available for each neighborhood. To make sure all inquiries are entertained, 8Libre.com provides general contact details as well as international phone numbers for residents in China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Japan, Singapore, India, Australia, and Russia. Mobile Ready As important, 8Libre.com has been optimized for mobile phones and devices to make browsing a breeze. We know that 90 percent of buyers and sellers go online on a regular basis to search for properties and real estate agents, Perrotta said, and around 52 percent use their smartphones to do so. The full experience is captured on 8Libre.com. Direct inquiries can be made through Nick Perrottas mobile number (781) 718-4919 or by sending an email to nick(at)8libre.com. The iHealth Group is a company focused on the health informatics industry. Formed by a team with expert knowledge of the Brazilian health system, the company delivers products that contribute to the evolution of e-health in Brazil. In this respect, iHealth has worked on products such as Electronic Patient Records, Interoperability with Government Systems, Online Results Delivery, Strategic Management, Analytical and Operational, and Clinical Decision Support Systems, among others. With iHealth joining PRS, pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations sponsoring clinical trials will gain real-time, EHR-based insight on the Brazilian patient population. Sponsors using PRS will be able to evaluate the distribution of eligible patients at iHealths sites during the development of a trial protocol and site selection for their clinical trials. These candidates can then be identified and recruited by the sites, themselves. Access to patient data in real-time enables more effective and efficient recruitment, especially for time-dependent criteria. Patient data also becomes available for matching patients with medications for rare and orphan diseases and the generation of data for real-world evidence. Joining the Patient Recruitment System (PRS) platform, iHealths patients will have higher opportunities to gain earlier access to next generation medication via clinical trials and market access activities. iHealth sites will become more visible to the sponsors when making decisions about siting of clinical trials, potentially bringing more international clinical research to Brazil. Patients with rare diseases will benefit from being matched with the latest medications coming onto the market. iHealth itself will gain significant time savings from efficiency improvements during the patient recruitment phase of clinical trials. We are very happy to have an opportunity to open Brazil up for wider participation in international clinical trials. We know that Brazil has great potential for growth in the industry. It is extremely gratifying to have, iHealth and Clinerion working together to contribute to the increase of clinical research in Brazil, as well as the increase in the chances of finding new medicines to cure diseases, says Bruno Souza de Oliveira, Founder and CEO of the iHealth Group. The addition of iHealth Group to the PRS platform is a very important milestone in Clinerions expansion into new geographic areas across the world. This marks our entry into South America and we are thrilled to welcome the iHealth Group, says Ulf Claesson, CEO of Clinerion. This will allow Clinerion and iHealth to offer clinical trial sponsors Brazilian clinical expertise and facilities of the highest quality and professionalism, alongside a vast, new patient population. Clinerions hospital coverage currently comprises hospital clusters with a catchment area of more than 30 M people represented by around 400 M case files. Clinerion is continuing to pursue expansion of its hospital network across all continents. About iHealth Group The iHealth Group has a multidisciplinary team focused on serving the health informatics industry. Our team has extensive experience in this topic, leading the process of computerization of more than 30 Brazilian hospitals. Digital health transformation will enable us to improve communication with our patients, optimize our queues, improve the safety of our processes, expand our planning capacity, reduce costs, eliminate waste and, especially, do evidence-based management. However, we must understand that it is not the technology, but strategic management that will guide us correctly to the computerization of our health processes. IT cannot be a strategic goal, but an instrument to achieve a goal. iHealth Group website: http://www.ihealthgroup.com.br About Clinerion Clinerion enables early patient access to innovative treatments through solutions for clinical trial patient recruitment, real-world evidence, and market access. Clinerion's Patient Recruitment System accelerates clinical research by radically improving the efficiency and effectiveness of trial recruitment. Key tools for Clinerions patient data services include data-assisted protocol optimization, site feasibility evaluation and patient identification. Clinerions solutions allow member hospitals to participate in leading-edge, industry-sponsored trials and save time in patient recruitment. They enable pharmaceutical companies to gain time and cost savings by streamlining operations and gaining strategic intelligence. Clinerions proprietary Big Data analytics technologies leverage real-time data from electronic health records which remain under the full control of participating hospitals. Clinerion is a global data technology company headquartered in Switzerland. Clinerion's solutions follow international patient privacy and data security standards. Clinerion website: http://www.clinerion.com Clinerions Patient Recruitment System: http://www.clinerion.com/index/OverviewOurSolutions/PatientRecruitmentSystem For more information, please contact: Le Vin Chin Head of Marketing and Communications Clinerion Ltd Margarethenstrasse 47, CH-4053 Basel, Switzerland Tel.: +41 61 865 60 54 media(at)clinerion.com Today, Treasure Data, the leading cloud platform to make all data connected, current, and easily accessible, together with Chartio, a cloud-based data exploration solution, announced its partnership to bring customers a new Live Business Intelligence Integration. By leveraging Treasure Data and Chartios new integration, organizations can quickly have a full stack, modern, enterprise analytics solution. Treasure Data and Chartios Live Business Intelligence Integration is clearly focused on empowering business analysts, and allows organizations to rapidly collect and unify data from numerous sources at scale to inform business decision and drive success. For Marketing, Operations, and Product teams alike, it is critical to make data-driven decisions at the speed of business. By adding Chartio capabilities to Treasure Datas existing solution, business users are able to explore their data without requiring any engineering support through an intuitive drag and drop interface, while power users can analyze their raw data directly via SQL, all in real time. In todays competitive market, it is critical that companies make informed decisions, leveraging all the information at their disposal, said Stephen Lee, Vice President of Business Development at Treasure Data. Through our Live Data Management platform, companies are able to focus on generating business insights without the hassle of long development cycles and outdated data. Chartio is extremely excited to be partnering with Treasure Data to launch the Live Data Platform. This partnership will ensure that our mutual customers will have an end-to-end solution, from data warehousing to data exploration, said Dave Fowler, Founder and CEO of Chartio. Chartio, much like Treasure Data, is committed to ensuring that everyone within an organization has ready and full access to all their data. This is a big step towards achieving that mission. Treasure Data and Chartio will be hosting a joint webinar showing Live Data in action on January 24, 2017. To learn more about what Live Business Intelligence can do for your company, please register for the webinar by clicking here. About Treasure Data Treasure Data is a pioneer of Live Data Management - making all your organization's data connected, current, and easily accessible to the people and algorithms that drive your business success. With a global customer base including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Pioneer, Subaru, Wish, and Pebble, Treasure Data's clients generate more than two million events every second and make nearly seven million data queries monthly, resulting in more predictable and profitable business results. Founded in 2011 in Mountain View, California, with offices in Japan and Korea, Treasure Data is backed by Sierra Ventures, Scale Venture Partners, IT Farm, SBI, INCJ, Bill Tai, and Jerry Yang's AME Cloud Ventures, among others. For more information, visit http://www.treasuredata.com. About Chartio Chartio is on a mission to democratize data across organizations so that everyone can be become a Data Hero. To that end, Chartio has built a cloud-based data exploration tool that is simple enough for everyone to use yet powerful enough for the data team. Chartio enables our customers to explore, transform and visualize their data in real time. Chartio has been named a High Performer BI tool by G2Crowd in 2016. We were founded in 2010 in San Francisco. To learn more, visit Chartio.com or follow us on our blog, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Lotus Innovations The timing of the investment is perfect, and Lotus is the ideal partner for Commerx to help the continued growth and expansion in existing and new markets Lotus Innovations Fund, an Irvine, California-based private equity investment fund today announced the acquisition of Commerx Corporation, a leading global provider of digital and telecommunications services. This deal marks the second transaction within thirty days for the fund, following the acquisition of Edge Technologies last month. Commerx partners with clients to bridge the gap between the realities and needs of their everyday business and the exciting opportunities technology offers. Primary areas of focus are Network Transformation, Telecom Fulfillment Services, I.T. Managed Services, Web and Internet Solutions and Digital Strategy. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, Commerx Corporation has a recognized global footprint with customers in more than 85 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, UK, India and Asia. The experienced leadership team at Commerx Corporation will continue to be led by President & Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kulhawy. Helping carriers transform their networks into the digital age is critical to supporting the explosion of content were seeing said Philip Jones, Managing Director at Lotus Innovations. Commerx has built very strong relationships with telecom carriers around the world, as well as strategic relationships partnering with technology providers focused on network transformation. Our extensive history in this market and the Lotus Innovations shared services model, combined with the experienced management team, drive our optimism for developing the business in the years ahead. I am excited that Commerx is now a Lotus Innovations portfolio company. This partnership will provide us with the resources needed to accelerate our growth, adds Kulhawy. The timing of the investment is perfect given our aggressive plans for 2017, and Lotus is the ideal partner for Commerx to support our continued growth and expansion in existing and new markets. About The Lotus Innovations Fund Recently named the third largest venture capital firm in Orange County by the Orange County Business Journal, Lotus Innovations is a private equity fund that builds wealth for its investors by acquiring, transforming, and exiting high-potential, small to mid-size technology companies in enterprise IT and telecom. The Lotus Methodology takes a growing business from distracted to dynamic by providing shared services support including finance, HR, IT, legal and marketing. The Funds founders, board of directors, and strategic advisors bring over six decades of experience in high-tech, finance, sales, and operations to help grow Portfolio Companies and build wealth for investors. More information can be found at lotus-innovations.com. About Commerx Corporation Commerx is a global provider of Telecom and Internet services and solutions with deployed resources in over 85 countries including USA, Canada, Mexico, UK, India, Russia, and Taiwan. From web and custom application development to intranet systems, e-commerce, web interactive design and complete I.T. solutions, our Digital Strategy strives to provide our clients with the most suitable and effective solutions to increase leads, revenue, and measure and control their I.T., marketing, design and digital costs. More information can be found at http://www.commerx.com/. In fact, just a couple of years ago here in Indiana, a local business owner incurred well over $300,000 in costs and penalties because he didnt properly protect his clients electronic data. PROSHRED Indianapolis has released its business recommendations regarding information security for 2017. As concerns surrounding cyber theft and document security grow, the shredding provider encourages companies both large and small to stay on top of compliance regulations. Many business owners simply dont realize how big an issue information security really is, explains Ken Carite, owner of PROSHRED Indianapolis. Weve seen companies face some real legal ramifications when confidential information falls into the wrong hands, and it can be an expensive, time-consuming situation to rectify, explains Carite. In fact, just a couple of years ago here in Indiana, a local business owner incurred well over $300,000 in costs and penalties because he didnt properly protect his clients electronic data. Particularly for highly-regulated industries such as medicine, law, and finance, securing information against theft and/or misuse is critical. PROSHRED Indianapolis list of InfoSec recommendations for 2017 include professional shredding of certain documents over seven years old. These include deposit slips, invoices, 1099s, tax returns, and vendor contracts, all of which may contain sensitive client information. Says Carite, Once the time limit on these documents expires, the information contained in these documents is still confidential but the business is no longer required to keep them. Why keep something that has no benefit to the business but exposes the business to increased risk? Other recommendations for 2017 include scheduling regular document shred purges throughout the year, performing a security audit on the business and staff with access to sensitive information, and shredding old, unused hard drives and other electronic data. What very few realize is that simply deleting your old data off of a hard drive isnt enough to keep hackers out, adds Carite. PROSHRED INDIANAPOLIS is a locally owned and operated branch of PROSHRED, one of the largest document destruction providers in the country. Offering fast-turnaround and competitive pricing, PROSHRED Indianapolis provides one-time shredding, drop-off shredding, and scheduled shredding services. For more information on PROSHRED Indianapolis, visit their website at http://www.PROSHRED.com/Indianapolis or contact 317.578.3650. Submitted by ClickReady Marketing of Atlanta. VertexOne Logo With Vertex, were not just making our customers happier today; we have an agile platform to meet our future needs. The cloud model works great for us. Vertex manages the technology, and we get to focus on our core priority: serving our customers. Vertex, a leader in utility customer experience solutions, today announced that Lee County Utilities, a division of the Department of Public Utilities in Lee County in Southwest Florida, has completed implementation of a new cloud CIS and customer web and mobile self-service solution. The major upgrade, implemented in just nine months, provides Lee County with the immediate ability to improve customer experience while streamlining operations and supporting its long-term goals. With Vertex, were not just making our customers happier today; we have an agile platform to meet our future needs, said Peter J. Cloutier, business operations manager in the Lee County Department of Public Utilities. The cloud model works great for us. Vertex manages the technology, and we get to focus on our core priority: serving our customers. Cloud is changing the way utilities do business, and were thrilled to see Lee County elevate its customer service with an eye toward the future, said Andrew Jornod, chief executive officer of Vertex. Lee County is at the forefront of utilities moving to the cloud, and will see the benefits of the clouds agility, guaranteed service levels and a predictable cost of ownership for many years to come. A Cloud CIS Platform for Customer Happiness Lee County approached Vertex when its ageing CIS a 16-year-old platform that had never been upgraded prevented it from providing a modern experience for its customers. Changes and updates were costly with little return on investment, and any upgrade would require significant new hardware. During an evaluation, Lee County decided it no longer wanted to worry about IT infrastructure management and chose to look for a partner to carry this burden. In September 2016, Lee County upgraded to a new CIS platform fully hosted and managed by Vertex a major expansion of the two companies existing partnership. The platform went live within just nine months of the kick-off meeting with the Vertex team. Lee Countys new cloud CIS allows it to better focus on both happier customers and its own operations. Vertex hosts and manages the solution, while also keeping the technology up to date. Customer service agents now have access to more information than ever through an intuitive user interface, allowing them to better serve customers. The benefits extend to back-office staff. With access to comprehensive exception handling and workflow management capabilities, it is easier for them to ensure customers receive accurate bills in a timely fashion. Providing Choices to Customers with Self-Service Features Lee County was also eager to provide customers easy-to-use self-service features. It was drawn to the VertexOne Web & Mobile Self-Service for Utilities solution because of its deep integration with its new CIS. With this solution, customers can access up to 25 months of consumption and billing history something they never had before. This has reduced support calls and freed up time for service agents to deal with more complex inquiries. Within the first month, Lee Countys customers completed more than 300,000 transactions using the new solution, including account updates, payments, account status and billing inquiries and service requests. Customer response has been fantastic, said Cloutier. With VertexOne, we can provide the options our customers need, with self-service features available 24/7 from whatever device they prefer. About Vertex Dedicated solely to the utilities industry, Vertex Business Services is a recognized leader in customer experience solutions. Vertex serves millions of customers for over 50 electric, gas and water clients across North America. Through a wide range of innovative services and solutionsfrom the VertexOne Software as a Service platform, to consulting and analytics, to BPO and customer experience outsourcingVertex helps utilities more efficiently deliver a compelling customer experience. For more information, visit http://www.vertexone.net. Harold Clarke, president of Luxury Big Island by Harold Clarke, was named one of the top five realtors in Hawaii, as seen in Hawaii Business 2016 Black Book. Harold Clarke, Hawaiis foremost expert on luxury property and president of top real estate brokerage Luxury Big Island, has been included in Hawaii Business Magazines 20th Annual Black Book, a valuable resource for local businesses. Earlier in the year, Harold was recognized as being one of the top five realtors in Hawaii, which is the eighth time that he has appeared on the Top 100 Realtors list. Harold eclipsed $83 million in total sales over 24 transactions of premium homes in Hawaii in 2015, the time period examined for the 2016 list. Harold saw continued success throughout the calendar year, closing $25.7 million in the last two months of 2016 alone. Key recent transactions include the highest non-oceanfront sale at the Mauna Kea Resort this year ($5.650 million) and the $9.750 million sale of a home at the luxury Four Seasons Hualalai Resort. I am truly honored to receive this recognition once again, and to be featured in Hawaii Magazines Black Book. I feel it is a testament to the power of hard work and the importance of client satisfaction, says Harold. At Luxury Big Island, we take great pride in putting clients first and foremost, helping them buy and sell in the Hawaiian premium homes market. Our brokerage saw great success last year, and I look forward to carrying over that success into 2017. Every January, Honolulu-based accounting firm Spire Hawaii LLP compiles the Top 100 Realtors list based on Hawaii real estate transactions from throughout the year. Realtors are ranked by total sales, using data from the Honolulu Board of Realtors, the Realtors Association of Maui and Hawaii Information Service, which collects the numbers for real estate boards on Hawaii Island and Kauai. Recognized as one of the premier Hawaii real estate brokers, Harold has also been featured in Hawaii Business Magazines Whos Who in Hawaii Real Estate every year since 2010. About Luxury Big Island Luxury Big Island by Harold Clarke is the premier real estate brokerage on the Big Island. Harold Clarke and his team of dedicated real estate professionals offer clients access to the most exclusive listings on the Big Island. Their hands-on approach and closely working team ensures a tailored experience characterized by responsiveness throughout the entire buying and selling process. For more information, visit http://www.luxurybigisland.com. Everyone Ive worked with at DTT really cares about our brand and is extremely motivated to develop tools best suited for our enterprise. Los Angeles, CA | DTT announces today an exciting partnership development with Sarku Japan, one of the largest Japanese QSR operators in the United States. At the close of 2016, the brand signed a 5-year renewal agreement with DTT, confirming an extension of the relationship until 2022 and giving Sarku Decade Partner status. The relationship between the two companies initially began in 2012, when Sarku Japan selected DTT as their preferred video surveillance and loss prevention vendor for all corporate and franchised stores after a two-location pilot. DTT has included additional loss prevention service capabilities with this contract renewal. In an effort to mitigate labor fraud, DTT technology experts are able to archive time clock video to the Companys off-site storage service (OSS). OSS is designed to capture and archive video for up to 90 days in case of a stolen or damaged DVR, ensuring operators can retain a backup copy of footage. With Sarkus customized solution, OSS will allow stores to archive time clock video for a period of five years, enabling long-term tracking of any possible issues like ghosting and buddy punching. We really value DTT as a partner, especially because of their sophisticated technology and unparalleled customer service, says Robert Coon, Director of Risk Management for Sarku Japan. Everyone Ive worked with at DTT really cares about our brand and is extremely motivated to develop tools best suited for our enterprise as well as the restaurant industry as a whole. I think weve also benefitted from my position on DTTs Steering Committee, where Im able to discuss my favorite features, best practices, and suggested system enhancements with DTT executives as well as other DTT restaurant and retail customers. Were thrilled to have such a longstanding relationship with Sarku and are excited about these added improvements to the brands experience with DTT, adds Kim Helms, DTT Vice President of National Accounts. The renewal agreement really speaks volumes about who we are as a company as well as Sarku Japans commitment to our products and services. I have truly enjoyed working with Robert and the entire Sarku team thus far, and hope to continue reinforcing their extremely positive perception of DTT over the next several years. About DTT Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, DTT provides digital video surveillance solutions to the hospitality and specialty retail industries. DTT was founded in 1999 by Sam Naficy, leveraging the power of emerging digital technology to support the needs of a broad base of clientele. Since first launched, DTT has equipped, serviced and supported more than 35,000 clients. Every day, software provided by DTT protects trillions of dollars in assets and oversees nearly 2 million employees. Some of the worlds most popular and respected restaurant brands use DTT including McDonalds, SUBWAY, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Dunkin Brands, Taco Bell, KFC, Auntie Annes, and Potbelly Sandwich Works, to name a few. Please visit http://www.dttusa.com for more information. About Sarku Japan Established in 1987, Sarku Japan can be found in over 200 food courts in high-profile malls nationwide, as well as international markets such as South America. Since 2008, Sarku Japan has introduced free-standing restaurants in major metro markets such as New York City, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. For more information on Sarku Japan, please visit http://www.sarkujapan.com. Tijuana EDCs incoming and outgoing CEOs, David Mayagoita and Cristina Hermosillo. In December, Tijuana EDC members have appointed David Mayagoitia as new President of the Board effective January 2017 to December 2018. The Tijuana EDC is a non profit corporation, that for over 26 years has facilitated the landing of over 200 manufacturing companies in Tijuana, Mexico by providing a portfolio of free-of-charge services such as: site selection, contract manufacturing listings, costs analysis and government liaison. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Mayagoitia highlighted some of the EDCs former CEOs accomplishments: "We thank Cristina Hermosillo for going the extra mile leading this organization through the last three years. During this time she achieved the landing of 21 manufacturing companies, including the binational iconic project of Thermo Fisher Scientific. Her successful job has supported the creation of over 5,796 jobs for the city of Tijuana". Mr. Mayagoitia recently served as VP of innovation during the organizations last board of directors. One of the milestones during his leadership is the promotion of a prototyping center and fostering industrial innovation through a series of forums in collaboration with the National Export Manufacturing Association (Tijuana chapter) and the Mexican Chamber of Electronics, Telecommunications and IT. During his extensive career of over 30 years in Real Estate, David Mayagoitia has focused on foreign manufacturing investment in Mexico, he is a founding member and CEO of Mexico's Industrial Park Association (AMPIP) and Tijuanas Economic Development Corporation (Tijuana EDC). He has also held positions in the Board of the SDREDC, the Advisory Board of the San Diego Tijuana ULI, and named Chairman of the CALIBAJA Mega-region for 2013. Nowadays he owns the renowned construction firm IN3 which has designed and engineered over 11 million sq. ft. of industrial space and managed the construction of over 7.5 million sq.ft. of space since 1999. In addition to Mr. Mayagoitia appointment, the Tijuana EDC has welcomed Adriana Eguia as new Executive Director. She will give continuity to the organizations guidance and to the projects accomplished by Rigel Navarro until December 2016. Adriana is the former CEO of CaliBaja Binational Mega Region initiative. She has been involved in innovation and business acceleration since 2007 as Regional Director for Endeavor, a business accelerator with presence in developing countries. She also directed the Economic Development Institute within CETYS University, and she's partner of a consulting firm for family based companies. She has been an academic for business programs such as International business, Business Strategy, Business Plan development and Advanced English. New members on the Tijuana EDC board are: David Mayagoitia, President of the Board. IN3 Group. Manuel Pasero, VP of the Board. Pasero Abogados. Fernando Cervantes, Secretary / Leader of the Professional Services committee. Cervantes-Quijano Lawyers. Fidel Gutierrez, Treasurer / Leader of the Finance committee. G-Global, customs and logistics broker. Christian Tagliapietra, VP of Innovation. Ivemsa, shelter services. Javier Zapata, Board Member. Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton Lawyers. Jorge Godinez, Board Member. Dart Container. Daniel Caballero, Board Member. MPA Group, Industrial real estate. Kurt Honold, Board Member. Tomas Alva Edison Industrial Park. Fernando Ortiz, Board Member. Barbachano International, Human Capital solutions. Luis Hernandez, Board Member. Brady Mexico. Dolores Melo, Board Member. Dynamic Communications. Jorge Diaz, Board Member. JD Group, customs broker. Elias Laniado, Board Member. Vesta Baja California, Industrial real estate. Carlos Larios, substitute Board Member. Baker & McKenzie. Jose Guillermo Hernandez, Board Member / Leader of Construction Firms committee. Seica International Group, construction services. Carlos Uribe, Board Member / Leader of Industrial Developers committee. Iamsa Development Group. Gonzalo Gomez, Controller. Deloitte. Cristina Hermosillo / VP of Binational Affairs Ray Varela, Advisory Board Member. Carrier Johnson. Francisco Sanchez, Advisory Board Member. Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP. Qualfon Fort Collins, Colorado This is a casual work environment and a casual job fair event to help you get to know Qualfon. Qualfon, a mission-driven business process outsourcing (BPO) company and global provider of contact center services, has 150 employment opportunities in Fort Collins, Colorado that it aims to fill very quickly. The contact center job opportunities include customer service and inbound sales positions serving some of the largest consumer brands across multiple industries. On-the-spot interviews will be held on Tuesday, January 17th, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cambria Hotel & Suites located at 2921 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, CO 80528. Walk-in applications are welcomed and will be interviewed on a first come, first served basis. Scheduled interview appointments are also available after applying online. Premium appointments with scheduled interview times will be provided to those who apply online in advance at http://www.QualfonJobs.com. Qualfon will contact applicants to schedule an appointment and will review their applications before the interview. Recommended: Please bring to the job fair two forms of identification and a resume (paper or electronic). Fun and casual work environment Inbound calls onlyQualfon employees dont call customers, customers call Qualfon employees! Great pay, incentives, and benefits Work with some of the largest consumer brands in telecommunications, online retail, identity theft protection, and entertainment Join Qualfons fun clubs, volunteer opportunities and more Qualfons mission is: Be the best BPO. Make peoples lives Better. This is a casual work environment and a casual job fair event to help people in the community get to know Qualfon. So, we encourage anyone who thinks they might be interested in working here to come in, complete an application and speak to our hiring team to see if Qualfon is the right fit, said Janet Dickinson, Talent Acquisition Manager, Qualfon Fort Collins. Qualfon Cares. Thats it. Qualfon is entering its next phase of growth and seeking people who are interested in joining a company that cares. Qualfons mission to be the best BPO and make peoples lives better means it invests in every employee, family, and community. Qualfon cares for its employees who take care of clients and their customers. Come join the Qualfon family. Qualfon cares for our employees who care for clients. Have fun with new friends and teammates Join a family in an enthusiastic work environment Enjoy personal growth Discover a whole new world of opportunity Qualfon has a world of opportunity with locations in the USA, Mexico, Guyana, and the Philippines. Learn More on Facebook. See whats happening at Qualfon Fort Collins on our Facebook Page About Qualfon Qualfon is a mission-driven BPO company and a global provider of contact center services and back-office processing. With experienced BPO leadership and a strong track record of business growth dating back to our founding in 1995, Qualfon helps companies reduce costs and deliver superior customer experiences. Today, we have approximately 12,000 employees serving international brands across many industries, and our intelligent outsourcing locations span the United States, the Philippines, Guyana S.A., and Mexico. Qualfons mission to Be the Best BPO, Make Peoples Lives Better means we invest in our people and, in return, they take better care of you and your customers. Qualfons employee retention regularly exceeds the industry average, which creates a people-driven value chain: Our employees stay longer, providing you a higher quality service at a lower price. http://www.Qualfon.com Atomico is the perfect partner for us. They share our belief that the right product, backed by a team of innovative, dedicated people can change an entire industry. - Samuel Mueller, Scandit CEO and co-founder Scandit, the internationally acclaimed enterprise mobility and data capture innovator, has closed a $7.5m Series A funding round with Atomico, the leading global venture capital firm based in London. The investment enables Scandit to further develop its software-based, hardware agnostic data capture platform and cloud services. The company also plans to expand its international footprint with new sales offices across the US and Europe. Welcoming the investment, Scandit CEO and co-founder Samuel Mueller said: Atomico is the perfect partner for us. They share our belief that the right product, backed by a team of innovative, dedicated people can change an entire industry. That includes an industry where a handful of incumbents hold three-quarters of the market share. Scandit offers power and flexibility that the existing players, despite their high price tags, simply cannot match. Thats due, in part, to our ecosystem of software and cloud services - including the Scandit Flow platform. Its versatility, combined with the efficiencies and cost savings associated with Scandits data capture solutions, is what our customers love and what enables them to fundamentally transform their businesses through the use of smart mobile solutions. Teddie Wardi, Partner at Atomico, said: What Samuel and his team have achieved is testament to a winning combination of an exceptional product and team. They are exactly the kind of founders we look for, who have built a company that, through disruptive technology, is ready to expand and become a global category leader. Were excited to partner with Samuel and the team as they develop their stronghold. There is a wave of founders and engineers in Europe using deep technology to unlock huge value in traditional sectors. Scandit is bringing that vision to life and we cant wait to see whats next. Scandit was founded in 2009, by a group of PhD graduates and former researchers from ETH Zurich, MIT and IBM Research. They realized that modern off-the-shelf smart devices, running sophisticated software algorithms, could replicate, and even exceed, the capabilities of dedicated data capture systems at a fraction of the cost. The founders saw that their innovative approach to data capture was capable of serving enterprise, employee and consumer applications. Research carried out by Scandit, based on publicly available pricing data, found that legacy scanners offered by industry incumbents have a total cost of ownership (TCO) up to 5x higher than a Scandit-based system. Today, Scandit is transforming the business operations of multinational companies, lowering TCO and establishing real-time operational visibility across healthcare, retail, logistics, manufacturing and government. Key clients include Coop group, GE Healthcare, Home Depot, Macys, Shell, PostNL and Verizon. Scandits product portfolio has expanded beyond its successful Scandit Barcode Scanner software development kit (SDK), which allows companies to add scanning functionality to their own apps. Enterprise customers can now select from a variety of workflow-based data capture solutions that best suit their business, such as proof of delivery, inventory management and order entry - all built on Scandits Flow platform, an array of powerful, customizable mobile development tools and cloud services, which facilitate large-scale mobile data capture on smart devices and deliver real-time operational visibility into enterprise business processes. ENDS Video Watch the scanning power of Scandit About Scandit Scandit is the leading enterprise mobility and data capture company, specializing in barcode scanning solutions that transform business processes across industries including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and retail. Through its software technologies and cloud services, Scandit empowers organizations to rapidly build, deploy and manage mobile apps for smartphones, tablets and wearable devices. The resulting solutions offer a lower total cost of ownership than traditional, dedicated devices. Scandits solutions portfolio includes patented, software-based optical data capture technology, an innovative iPhone Case and rapidly deployable enterprise mobile apps. Built on its Flow Mobile Application Development Platform (MADP) for Data Capture, the companys cloud-based mobility solutions are enabling business transformation for thousands of businesses worldwide, including top brands Cardinal Health, Coop, The Home Depot, NASA and Verizon Wireless. About Atomico Atomico is an international investment firm, focused on helping the worlds most disruptive technology companies scale and become global leaders, at any stage from Series A. Founded in 2006, Atomico has made over 75 investments with a particular focus on Europe - including Supercell, Klarna, and The Climate Corporation. Atomico's team of investors and advisors includes founders of six billion dollar companies, and operational leaders who were responsible for global expansion, hiring, user growth and marketing at companies from Skype and Google to Uber, Facebook and Spotify. Franchises Now Available! Kwench Juice Cafe is proud to announce today that they are currently offering franchises to qualified candidates. Chosen applicants will get the opportunity to run a franchise with an exceptional business model, extensive training, and consistent ongoing support. Kwench Juice Cafe prides itself on making healthy concoctions that taste great, and also making drinks that make you feel refreshingly healthy. While using the freshest natural ingredients, Kwench Juice Cafes priority is keeping your health in mind to ensure that each drink gives your body the boost it needs. What sets Kwench Juice Cafe apart is that we shop locally for fresh and organic ingredients to ensure you wont find a fresher juice or smoothie, says CEO Chris Gregoris. Our main responsibility is providing top quality fresh products and excellent customer service. The menu at Kwench Juice Cafe includes: fresh juices, juice cleansing, fresh fruit smoothies, acai bowls and juice shots. Currently, Kwench Juice Cafe has opened locations in Boston, MA & Providence, RI with many more locations being considered: Tampa, Florida; Naples, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Raleigh, North Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kwench Juice Cafe is currently looking to immediately expand its concept throughout North America. The opportunity is ideal for someone who is looking for the chance to become a business owner in the exploding Fresh Juice & Smoothie industry. The Kwench Juice Cafe franchise costs $14,500, with the total investment being approximately $48,000 to $98,000 (when you factor in building improvements, lease deposits, equipment, square footage and more). Franchisees are required to have a net worth of $100,000 and liquidity of $40,000. Franchisees receive full site selection assistance, lease negotiations, layout & design of their Kwench Juice Cafe, on-site training, ongoing Support and marketing assistance. If you interested in learning more about becoming a franchisee contact Chris Gregoris, CEO of Kwench Juice Cafe at chris(at)kwenchjuicecafe.com. Disclaimer: This information is not intended as an offer to sell a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. Currently, Kwench Juice Franchising, Inc. is not registered to sell franchises in the following states: CA, HI, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. Prosperity is more than just money in peoples pocketsits safety, security, civil rights, and so much more. The Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation announced today the launch of a new research division focused on global prosperity. Using the principles of disruptive innovation, researchers hope to provide a unique perspective that will better position policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors to break down the barriers that prevent people from lifting themselves out of poverty, thus paving the way to a more equitable world. The Institute was created to research ways in which the core characteristics of disruptive innovationnamely, affordability and accessibilitycould be applied outside of the traditional business sector to areas like education and healthcare, said Clayton Christensen, professor at Harvard Business School and architect of disruptive innovation theory. Less developed nations around the world are ripe for sustainable, indigenous disruption. The new research emphasis marks an exciting expansion in the Institutes portfolio, which for the last nine years has focused primarily on disruptive innovation in the United States, specifically in K12 education, higher education, and healthcare. Institute Research Fellow Efosa Ojomo will lead the global prosperity research effort. Ojomo, a native Nigerian, is former president and co-founder of Poverty Stops Here, an international nonprofit dedicated to worldwide poverty reform. Inspired by a young Ethiopian girls story of debilitating poverty, Ojomo has devoted his life to furthering economic growth and opportunity in less developed nations. Prosperity is more than just money in peoples pocketsits safety, security, civil rights, and so much more, says Ojomo. Our theories suggest that the best way to generate this prosperity is through thoughtful enterprise rooted in the principles of disruptive innovation. Ojomo and his team will specifically examine how emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and Asia can create prosperity by focusing on innovations that build new markets and spur long-term economic growth and employment. Read Ojomos latest Harvard Business Review article for a detailed look at his expertise. The Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation (http://www.christenseninstitute.org) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to improving the world through disruptive innovation. Founded on the theories of Harvard professor Clayton M. Christensen, the Institute offers a unique framework for understanding many of societys most pressing problems. Cardplatforms We value our longstanding partnership with Cardplatforms and are pleased to continue providing our clients with a superior payroll card program. Cardplatforms, a rapidly growing provider of payroll and corporate prepaid card solutions, announced that it has extended its relationship with Netchex, an industry-leading HR, Payroll and Benefits solution. This multiyear contract renewal reaffirms Cardplatforms as the exclusive program manager of the Netchex-branded payroll card program. The Netchex Paycard is a reloadable payroll card solution designed to the specific needs of Netchexs clients. The solution streamlines the payroll process for employers and is a safer and more convenient way for employees to receive their wages. Cardplatforms leverages its proprietary Blu Box technology platform to power the Netchex payroll card program. Blu Box enables Netchex to provide their clients with a broad suite of tools to easily manage their programs. This flexibility makes the Netchex payroll card program a perfect fit for companies of any size. We are proud of our collaboration with Netchex and look forward to building on the success we have achieved, said Jeff Foster, CEO, Cardplatforms. We will continue to add new features and benefits to the Netchex Paycard as well as launch additional products to Netchexs clients such as corporate expense and incentive cards. Will Boudreaux, Netchex CEO, commented, We value our longstanding partnership with Cardplatforms and are pleased to continue providing our clients with a superior payroll card program. Netchex has a history of providing our clients with innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of their businesses. This is one more example of that commitment to our clients. About Netchex Founded in 2003, Netchex has become one of the industrys fastest growing HR services and payroll providers, serving clients in all 50 states. Netchexs single-source solution is a cloud- based, end-to-end platform for managing the employee life-cycle from hire to retire. Netchex currently services over 3,000 clients and is headquartered in Mandeville, La with offices in over 10 states. Visit http://www.netchexonline.com for more information. About Cardplatforms Cardplatforms is a South Florida-based company, founded in 2010 by payment technology, marketing, and banking executives. Cardplatforms issues Mastercard and Visa prepaid cards in the US, primarily for payroll, corporate expenditures and incentives. The company provides virtual banking to all of its cardholders, vertically integrated support solutions, employer and corporate portals and comprehensive reporting and reconciliation tools to its customers. The company maintains offices in Boca Raton, FL and Salt Lake City, UT. Learn more at cardplatforms.com. Corn crops engineered with genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) express specific proteins called Cry proteins, which have been a major combatant against damage from agricultural insect pests. In 2015, 81% of all corn planted was genetically engineered with Bt. Recently however, certain states have experienced increased ear damage, most notably North Carolina and Georgia, setting the stage for risk of damage to corn production across a large portion of the country. Two decades of field experiments by University of Maryland researchers have concluded that corn earworm populations are increasingly damaging to corn crops, confirming that previously effective Cry proteins expressed by genetically engineered corn are a weakened management tool. Dr. Galen Dively, Professor Emeritus in UMDs College of Agriculture and Natural Resources predicts that corn earworm resistance to Cry proteins is likely to increase, and spread. His teams results have broad implications for profitable corn production, biotechnology regulatory policies and sustainability of the Bt biotechnology. Prior resistance development to Bt crops has been reported in five insect species, but all have been in response to single Cry protein expressing crops. Divelys paper is the first report of corn earworm resistance to multiple, or pyramided Cry proteins expressed by genetically modified corn. Furthermore, this report illuminates a need for more widespread resistance monitoring for all registered Cry proteins, including the midwestern corn belt. Previously, resistance testing on corn earworm and other caterpillars has only taken place in southern production regions where Bt corn and cotton are prevalent. My team is pleased to bring this information to the forefront of the farming and biotechnology industries, but recognize there is still much work to do in understanding the evolution of how corn earworm developed resistance to Cry proteins, says Dively. Unfortunately, with the realization of this resistance, many sweet corn farmers in Maryland have stopped growing Bt corn and by extension are applying more insecticide to combat pest infestation. Increased insecticide use is a time-consuming and hazardous long term approach which provide strong motivation to find a comparable solution to Bt biotechnology. Divelys report, Field-evolved Resistance in Corn Earworm to Cry Proteins Expressed by Transgenic Sweet Corn, was recently accepted and published by PLOS ONE, a comprehensive academic journal featuring reports of original research from all scientific disciplines. It can be accessed here. Hyperwallet, a top global payout provider to the new economy, revealed today that it has opened an office in London, the next step in the companys plans to accelerate global expansion and capitalize on growth of the gig economy abroad. Aran Brown, a payments industry veteran with more than a decade of experience in strategic business development, is spearheading the initiative as Hyperwallets Managing Director in Europe. Hyperwallets recent successes demonstrate that our platform offering is resonating both with independent earners and the many companies that rely on them, Brown said. The gig economy is growing fast, and all indicators suggest that it will constitute a significant portion of the global economy within the next decade. Drivers, taskers, developersbusinesses need a fast, flexible, and reliable way to pay these large communities of workers, and were confident that the Hyperwallet platform is best-equipped to fill that role. Prior to joining Hyperwallet, Brown served as Chief Commercial Officer for FC Exchange, an international money transfer firm based in London. Brown has also held prominent roles with Western Union Business Solutions, Skrill, and Travelex, among others. Reporting directly to Hyperwallets CEO Brent Warrington, Brown is coordinating the rapid hiring of Hyperwallets London-based payments team and will lead the companys sales efforts in the United Kingdom and Europe. Our company grew considerably in 2016, explained Warrington. Weve added a number of major clients, registered millions of new payees, and have nearly doubled our total number of staff during the last 12 months alone. To facilitate that growth and position ourselves for future success, Hyperwallet will continue to build its global footprint in the coming year. Warrington on Hyperwallets overseas expansion plans: Our push into the United Kingdom is only the beginning. Well be opening a series of overseas locations to support our existing payout operations and recent client signings, but also to better connect with the prominent gig economy companies that are cropping up all around the world. London is first, and Sydney is coming soon. After that, you can expect to see Hyperwallet offices in Asia later in 2017. For more information, please contact press@hyperwallet.com. About Hyperwallet Hyperwallets payout platform provides growing organizations with a frictionless, transparent, and reliable way to manage payments and enhance the payees experience anywhere in the world. Trusted by enterprise, ecommerce, and on-demand platforms, Hyperwallet makes it easy to pay up to 7 billion people in a singular payment environment. Put your payees in control with enhanced financial management tools, integrated payment tracking technology, and user-friendly compliance and identity verification. Hyperwallet has offices in San Francisco, Austin, London, and Vancouver. You can learn more at http://hyperwallet.com. NanaWall ClimaCLEAR is the only frameless all glass individual panel sliding system specifically engineered for transparent weather protection. Being in Orlando, discussing weather resistance and extreme weather is all too relevant, so were eager to debut our newest weather resistant products in the Southeast. - NanaWall Systems CEO Ebrahim Nana NanaWall Systems, the pioneer of opening glass wall systems, will be showcasing two new weather resistant product lines at the International Builders Show (IBS) in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 10-12 in booth #W3990. The company will debut the NanaWall ClimaCLEARthe industrys only frameless all-glass individual panel sliding system specifically engineered for transparent weather protection. Also on display will be the NanaWall SL73an aluminum-framed folding glass wall system specifically designed and engineered to perform in hurricane climates. NanaWall Systems is constantly redefining the industry of opening glass wall systems to provide builders with innovative solutions for their clients, stated NanaWall Systems CEO Ebrahim Nana. Being in Orlando, discussing weather resistance and extreme weather is all too relevant, so were eager to debut our newest weather resistant products in the Southeast. TWEET THIS: At #IBS2017 booth W3990, @nanawall debuts industrys first frameless all-glass panels for transparent #weather protection #ClimaClear. http://bit.ly/2iuDxdl See below for additional information on products in the booth: NanaWall ClimaCLEAR - ClimaCLEAR is the only frameless all-glass individual panel sliding system specifically engineered for transparent weather protection while providing maximum views and unobstructed sightlines. The weather resistance of the panels comes from a combination of several technical attributes such as the patent-pending Panel Interlocks and the transparent weather seals between the panels that seal the wall against wind-driven rain and reduce air infiltration. NanaWall SL73 - The NanaWall SL73 features reinforced structural posts and impact rated laminated glass provide unparalleled strength, while the Secure Locking System and specialized seals and panel design provide superior wind and rain resistance. One of the industrys toughest folding systems, the SL73 has passed the most rigorous testing designed for windows and doors to be used in hurricane zones, becoming Miami-Dade AAMA hurricane approved. NanaWall Shades - Also on display at IBS will be the new and proprietary NanaWall Shades. NanaWall Systems is the first and only company in the industry to offer an integrated shade solution for opening glass wall systems. Designed specifically for NanaWall, the NanaWall Shades are custom fitted to each panel and provide ultimate control of sun exposure and homeowner privacy, without losing the aesthetic of the NanaWall. For more information about NanaWall Systems and its products, please visit nanawall.com. Something called a "unicorn latte" being served at a cafe in Williamsburg that's named after Montauk is almost too-good-to-be-Portlandia. Recently the NY Times piled on these already parodical facts with a wonderful headline declaring it to be healing. "A Healing Unicorn Latte," they promised. The Unicorn Lattecalled that, we were told, because "the drink is meant for you to fly high and tap into your inner mystical, powerful self"will cost you $9 per 12 oz, and contains "E3 Live, a blue green algae" which gives it its color. It also features Wild Child cold press lemon juice, water, honey, cayenne, steamed coconut milk, and Maqui berry, which is found on evergreen trees in Chile and Argentina. The E3 is said to have energy-boosting qualities, so that's the "espresso" function of the latte. As for the healing, it's meant to give your intestinal bacteria "a good push." A rep for the cafe explained further, noting that the E3 Live is "a potent blue green algae which decalcifies the pineal gland. Decalcifying the gland can lead to extreme mental clarity, and helps one restore health and vibrancy to the physical body." (Update: Some say heat "destroys the natural enzymes of E3 Live.") "It's been selling like crazy, everybody comes in here asking for it. It's our top seller," barista Brandi Spiller told us on Monday. "We sold about 20 yesterday." For summer, they plan to have Iced Unicorn Lattes, though they've already served a few of them this winter upon customer request. When asked for his tasting notes, photographer Scott Heins sent this dispatch from the cafe: "Disappointing taste and texture, sadly. It's just warm... juice? With crunchy sprinkles on top." When the Times photographed the latte, it had flowers instead; we were told toppings may vary. "We make the unicorn latte two ways at the moment, with vegan sprinkles and edible flowers. The sprinkles are 100% vegan and are naturally dyed using plant based powders, such as turmeric and beet. We have other garnishes and presentations for all of our lattes, so expect more magical things to come. We like to keep things whimsical and fun." Other drinks being offered include the Magic Mushroom Latte, the Anxiety-Busting Hot Cocoa Latte, the Radiance Beauty Latte, Stardust Latte, Rose Petal Latte, The White Wolf Latte, Charm Water (which you have to add your own water to), and the Dopeness Latte. Did you guess which of those we made up? Trick question, they're all very real :( Wait, there's more. The store features a jug of "Radiance Water" for customers, which is made with the company's "Glow Dust"a mixture of tumeric, ginger, sea buckthorn and chamomile that you can also buy in dry powder form and use as a face mask. And on the shelves, you'll find items like a $110 shark tooth necklace. (Scott Heins/Gothamist) (Scott Heins/Gothamist) The End also sells other items, unfortunately, and yes, they are just as absurd. They've somehow managed to fold L.A.'s Moon Juice into Williamsburg's new era of insanely overpriced boutiques, and even dragged Montauk into this mess. The End is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week, 522 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg. Additional reporting from Scott Heins Gables Residential, a leader in the development and management of multifamily apartment communities, welcomes John Akin as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Gables Residential. John most recently served as the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer at the Flournoy Companies. While at Flournoy, John led the corporate strategy and capital markets execution across all disciplines while also driving the development and disposition initiatives company-wide. Prior to Flournoy, John was the Senior Vice President at Carter where he was responsible for the multi-family investment and development efforts on behalf of the Carter Funds. In addition, he was Senior Vice President of Development and Investments for the Novare Group. Throughout his real estate career, John has led the financing, development and acquisition of nearly $2 billion worth of multi-family and mixed-use projects totaling more than 7,000 apartment homes. Sue Ansel, Chief Executive Officer for Gables Residential commented, We are proud to have John join our seasoned team of executives. His leadership style, qualifications and aptitudes will certainly be a tremendous asset to our organization. He has proven to be a strong leader during his successful career, and we certainly look forward to his contributions company-wide. John is active with the National Multi Housing Council and serves on the board of the Fort McPherson Redevelopment Authority. John received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Duke University. He is an Atlanta native and enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three adult children. # # # About Gables Residential Gables Residential is an award-winning, vertically integrated, real estate company and privately held REIT specializing in the development, construction, ownership, acquisition, financing and management of multifamily and mixed-use communities. Gables Residential owns, develops and manages communities in high-growth U.S. markets such as Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Houston, South Florida, Southern California and metropolitan Washington, D.C. Gables also provides third party management services in the New York, Baltimore, Frederick, Tampa, Phoenix, Seattle, Charlotte, Central and North Florida markets. Gables manages over 31,000 apartment homes and approximately 550,000 square feet of retail space and has received national recognition for excellence in development, construction, management, sales, marketing, learning and development, benefits and corporate accommodations. These achievements reflect the impact of our experienced and dedicated team members, our superior knowledge of the markets served, and our expertise in development and management. Mike Hendricks, Office Managing Partner Tampa Mikes strong leadership skills and tax expertise will make him an asset to our team, our clients and the business community in this new role Frazier & Deeter CPA today announced that Tax Partner Mike Hendricks has been named the new Managing Partner for the Tampa office of the firm. Hendricks joined the Tampa office in 2014 while also serving as the Co-Chair of Frazier & Deeters National Tax Practice. We are delighted to have Mike lead the Tampa team into its next stage of growth as our business across Florida expands, said Seth McDaniel, Managing Partner of Frazier & Deeter. Mikes strong leadership skills and tax expertise will make him an asset to our team, our clients and the business community in this new role. I am excited to be leading Frazier & Deeters excellent team in Florida, said Hendricks. The Tampa St. Petersburg region has a vibrant business community and our firm plans to be an activite contributor. Frazier & Deeter is well positioned to become one of the top CPA firms in Tampa, noted Frank X. Dalton, Partner of Fulcrum Equity Partners, and a long time Frazier & Deeter client. Their dedication to client service and their entrepreneurial spirit really sets them apart. Hendricks noted, Our recent move to downtown Tampa will help the Frazier & Deeter team be highly engaged in the growth of the city. As a Partner in the Frazier & Deeter Tax practice, Hendricks responsibilities include providing comprehensive tax advisory services, as well as federal, state and local tax compliance services to individual and business clients. His industry expertise is concentrated in the areas of manufacturing, retail, distribution, construction and technology. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, Hendricks earned his Master of Taxation from Georgia State University and Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia Southern University. Frazier & Deeter is among the top 25 largest CPA firms in Tampa, according to the annual listing published by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. In addition to tax services, the firms Tampa professionals provide public and private company audit services, employee benefit plan audit services and other accounting and advisory services. About Frazier & Deeter Frazier & Deeter is a nationally recognized CPA and advisory firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in Tampa, North Georgia and Nashville. The firm provides tailored services across a wide range of tax, audit, accounting and advisory needs to achieve each client's unique financial goals. Frazier & Deeter has been named one of the 2016 top Accounting Firms to Work For, the 56th largest CPA firm, and one of the Fastest Growing CPA firms among the top 100 firms in the U.S. by Accounting Today magazine. Frazier & Deeter has also been named a Best of the Best CPA firm by INSIDE Public Accounting ten times and a Top 10 Firm for Women by Project MOVE. Musgo Gasoline Michigan's Mile Maker Porcelain Sign, Estimated at $100,000-150,000 I am particularly intrigued with the Musgo Gasoline Michigan's Mile Maker double sided porcelain sign and its amazing history. Given its backstory, it truly is found buried treasure! - Dan Morphy, President, Morphy Auctions Morphy Auctions, the finest auction destination for fresh to the market collections, is geared up to announce this 550+ lot sale to be held on February 12, 2017. Morphys is recognized for its leadership in automobilia and petroliana and holds several world records within these important categories. All lots from this February event are on display in Morphy's Denver auction gallery and are available for preview now. Collectors may need a roadmap to navigate this sales extensive selection of breathtaking and highly desirable antique signs. Several special single sided porcelain examples merit a double-take. Lot #311, a red, white, and blue Wyeth sign featuring a boy sitting in a pile of tires is estimated at $15,000-30,000. This rarity, with great wheel-appeal, has excellent color and gloss and is marked Burdick. Lot #84, a diecut Good Luck Service sign with a horseshoe logo gets the green light for its $5,000-7,500 estimate. This auspicious example is marked Texlite Dallas and has an excellent overall presentation. Another strong representative in this group is lot #65, a Havoline "Drain and Refill with the Power Oil" sign, estimated at $2,000-4,000. It is marked Property of Indian Refining Company, #4-1-2F and has excellent gloss and color. And two examples from Mobile should get collectors engines revving. The first, lot #53, is a 1961 right facing Pegasus cookie cutter sign which takes flight at $4,000-7,000. The second, lot #58, is a Mobiloil sign featuring the companys early 20th century gargoyle logo. This mythical masterpiece is marked G.C. Advert St. Louis and is estimated at $4,000-6,000. Things are twice as nice with this auctions array of double sided porcelain signs. Two selections featuring American Indian themes are headliners. Lot #51, a Musgo Gasoline Michigan's Mile Maker sign illustrated with the companys Chief logo, is estimated at $100,000-150,000. It has a fascinating backstory. According to Dan Matthews, Morphys expert and author of The Fine Art of Collecting and Displaying Petroliana, when Musgo went out of business, a plumber purchased the warehouse and used most of the Musgo signs for septic tank lids. Septic tank fumes are one of few things that eat porcelain off metal. As such, Musgo signs in excellent condition are extremely rare; the side facing the tank usually has the enamel completely worn off and the other side is usually between a 6 to 8 in condition. Around 1980, collectors started to research the location where the plumber had put in septic tanks and dug up several of the signs. This is one of those signs; we know of five to seven good Musgo signs and about the same number of dug up ones. This sign has one of the best sides of any of those that we have seen. And its a profile in courage with lot #1, a rare Idaho Chief Gasoline sign featuring a red, blue, white, and white Indian in full headdress. This handsome example, with six bullet hits, has excellent gloss and color and is estimated at $10,000-20,000. Other double sided porcelain sign highlights include a spectrum of themes and imagery. Two bold navy and white examples might be first place contenders in this outstanding grouping. These blue-ribbon selections include lot #71, a Hudson Essex "Super Six" sign, estimated at $2,000-4,000, and lot #81, a Packard Service radiator shaped sign, estimated at $6,000-9,000. Both have excellent gloss and color. This sale offers a nod to the Quaker State with lot #201, a fantastic and early orange, black, and white Penn Drake Motor Oil curb sign, estimated at $8,000-12,000, and lot #321, a marked green, black, and white Pennsylvania Vacuum Cup "6000 Mile Tires" sign, which hits the road at $3,000-5,000. Lot #312, a stunning diecut Greyhound Pacific Lines Depot sign featuring a sleek racing dog and an old fashioned looking bus, is estimated at $15,000-25,000. And it is nothing but smooth sailing with lot #345, a red, green, and black Texaco Marine Motor oil sign decorated with sailing vessels and seagulls. This highlight, estimated at $10,000-20,000, is ink stamped 1953 at the center of the left-hand edge, and is, according to our expert catalogers, one of the best examples that we have sold. Now lets focus on this auctions remarkable selections of museum quality globes and lenses. Lot #52, a hand-painted Musgo OPB milk glass globe decorated with the companys American Indian profile logo, is a real head turner. It is in excellent condition - with fantastic coloring and an amazing presentation - and is estimated at $15,000-30,000. Lot #124, a Mobiloil Gargoyle OPC oil cabinet globe, has a great weathered look to it and features a copper collar. It is estimated at $2,500-3,500. Lot #193, an unusual and eye-catching Texaco logo stained glass globe is another star in this category and is estimated at $4,000-6,000. Enthusiasts are certain to go wild over lot #27, an extremely rare green and red Buffalo Gasoline single globe lens, estimated at $2,000-4,000. And its all hands on deck with lot #37, a Tiwoser High Test Gasoline single globe lens decorated with an impressive schooner ship at sunset. This beautiful and hard to find globe lens is in excellent condition and comes in a new HP metal globe body. This sale crosses the finish line with full throttle selections of other transportation related collectibles, including posters and prints, calendars, thermometers, oil cans, clocks, displays, and other rare signage - including lot #85, a late 1920s Francisco Auto Heater tin sign. This attractive piece, promising Summer Here all the Year, features a cut-away view of a period car and its passengers in the snow. It will certainly be warmly received with its $1,500-3,000 estimate. According to Dan Morphy, President of Morphy Auctions, We are delighted to again offer our worldwide base of collectors a most impressive selection of rare and highly desirable signs, globes, and other transportation related collectibles. This one-day sale offers something for everyone at a full spectrum of price points. I am particularly intrigued with the Musgo Gasoline Michigan's Mile Maker double sided porcelain sign and its amazing history. Given its backstory, it truly is found buried treasure! We welcome you to visit our gallery in Denver, PA to view these outstanding items firsthand, or of course check them out online anytime at http://www.morphyauctions.com. Jeanne Allen, the founder and CEO of The Center for Education Reform, today released the following statement in response to American Federation of Teacher's President Randi Weingarten's remarks at the National Press Club this morning criticizing Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos: "Today's attack on Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos by the president of the American Federation of Teachers was a partisan rant by the leader of the first national union to endorse the Democratic nominee in the last election, and they lost." AFT President Randi Weingarten accused DeVos, who has played a major role in the expansion of charter schools in her home state of Michigan and in dozens of other states, of being "anti-public-education." "But charter schools are public schools, they're just not the kinds of public schools that the AFT likes. For the head of an organization that purports to represent teachers by attempting to create fear among them is outrageous and contradictory. She claims that an agenda that promotes school options is anti-public education. The only thing anti-public education is those who oppose educating the public in any way that best suits the needs of its students. Thats what the teachers unions have become a proverbial straw man against anything except the status quo. Their language and rhetoric should be rebuffed by every American teacher who cares about their classroom and their kids." About the Center for Education Reform Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans particularly our youth ensuring that the conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education. HSMAI is proud to honor Melanie and Randy for their impressive careers marked by innovative contributions to the global hospitality industry. The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMAI) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards. Randy Smith, Chairman & Co-Founder, STR, will be honored with the 2016 Albert E. Koehl Award. Melanie Brandman, Founder & CEO, The Brandman Agency, has been selected as the recipient of the 2016 Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations. HSMAI will recognize Brandman and Smith at the Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala on February 21, 2017, at the New York Marriott Marquis. The HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have spent a major portion of their careers in the hospitality and travel profession and have contributed to the betterment of the industry in a significant and lasting way, over an extended period of time. HSMAI is proud to honor Melanie and Randy for their impressive careers marked by innovative contributions to the global hospitality industry, said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. We look forward to presenting Melanie with the Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations and Randy with the Albert E. Koehl Award for Advertising at this years Adrian Awards. Randy Smith, Chairman & Co-Founder of STR, will receive the Albert E. Koehl Award. With over twenty-five years of experience in lodging industry research, Smith is highly regarded for his industry contributions and is a regular keynote speaker at the major industry conferences. Co-founded by Smith in 1985, STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. STR maintains a presence in ten countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. Prior to starting STR, Smith was Director of Research for Laventhol & Horwath. He has been recognized by Business Travel News, Lodging Hospitality magazine, ALIS, Industry Real Estate Financing Advisory Council, Florida State University College, and the International Society of Hospitality Consultants. Melanie Brandman, Founder & CEO of The Brandman Agency, will be honored with the Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, London and Sydney, Brandman is recognized as one of the most credible travel and communications experts in the business. She has ensured that The Brandman Agency has remained at the forefront of the industry by being an early adopter in the ever-evolving digital and influencer space. Prior to establishing The Brandman Agency, she served as Vice President, Corporate Affairs for InterContinental Hotels Group based in London. Brandman's other successful ventures include Travel Curator, an online travel website, content development, and distribution platform targeted to an affluent, forward-thinking audience of global travelers. The site was voted one of the 10 Best Luxury Travel Blogs by readers of USA TODAY and 10Best. This past year, Brandman was named Most Compelling Woman in Travel by Premier Traveler magazine. Tables and tickets for the HSMAI Adrian Awards Dinner Reception and Gala are still available for purchase. For additional information on the HSMAI Adrian Awards, the Albert E. Koehl Award for Advertising and the Winthrop W. Grice Award for Public Relations, visit http://www.adrianawards.com. About HSMAI The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and is the industrys leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals & their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI ROCET, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising more than 7,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at http://www.hsmai.org, http://www.facebook.com/hsmai, http://www.twitter.com/hsmai and http://www.youtube.com/hsmai1. BRP recognizes that coordinated, omni-channel experiences are a consumer expectation... QuickPivot, the SaaS cross-channel marketing platform enabling B2C companies to market at customer speed, today announced an alliance with Boston Retail Partners (BRP), the market-leading consultancy helping retailers optimize their business and technology processes to deliver seamless customer experiences before, during and after purchase. This alliance combines QuickPivots Cross-channel, Campaign Management (CCCM) platform, which enables marketers to deliver coordinated customer experiences across all channels, with BRP strategy, integration and implementation services to help retailers quickly realize the benefits from faster, smarter marketing decisions. As many as 70% of smart-phone users research products while in the store (GoogleThink), and consumers who purchase through multiple channels tally 30% higher lifetime value than those who do not (IDC). These are just two statistics in a sea of evidence that point to the value of omni-channel customer experiences, and why building a world-class marketing architecture is a priority for so many retail CMOs and CIOs. BRP recognizes that coordinated, omni-channel experiences are a consumer expectation, said Walter Deacon, Principal and Founder at BRP. Retail marketers are smart and creative, but their hands are often tied by legacy marketing suites or emerging point solutions that miss the mark. QuickPivots marketing suite aligns well with BRPs vision for a complete, contemporary marketing hub designed for omni-channel retailers. This alliance will offer retailers a one-stop-shop solution to plan, execute and measure omni-channel marketing programs all from one platform. Ken Marshall, CEO of QuickPivot added, Weve been working hard to create powerful and intuitive software for retailers with big ideas but the need to be nimble. We couldnt be happier to have BRP as a partner. BRP brings an impeccable track-record of delivering client value, and has worked with hundreds of retail brands across the country. We look forward to providing the capabilities that align with BRPs vision, and to drawing on their vast retail experience to make our platform even better. About BRP BRP is an innovative and independent retail management consulting firm dedicated to providing superior service and enduring value to its clients. BRP combines its consultants' deep retail business knowledge and cross-functional capabilities to deliver superior design and implementation of strategy, technology and process solutions. The company focuses exclusively on the retail industry and consults in three key areas: IT strategy, vendor selection and project implementation. BRP's consulting services include: Strategy | Business Intelligence | Business Process Optimization | Point of Sale (POS) Mobile POS | Payment Security | E-Commerce | Store Systems and Operations | CRM Unified Commerce | Customer Experience & Engagement | Order Management Merchandise Management | Supply Chain | Information Technology The company is a recognized thought leader in the retail sector and continually takes the pulse of the industry through benchmark surveys including the industry-leading annual POS/Customer Engagement Survey they have published for 17 years. In addition, the company publishes benchmark surveys on Customer Experience/Unified Commerce, E-Commerce and Merchandise Planning. For more information, visit http://www.bostonretailpartners.com. About QuickPivot QuickPivot delivers fast, powerful, easy-to-use software for smart and nimble marketers with big ideas. The QuickPivot Cross-channel, Campaign Management (CCCM) platform combines big data analytics, discrete customer journey insights, visual and intuitive segmentation, and simplified customer journey mapping in one unified SaaS offering. Winner of several industry innovation awards, the QuickPivot platform enables marketers to deliver coordinated customer experiences across all channels, measure results in real-time, and refine marketing programs to improve performance. As brands look for cost-effective ways to drive rapid campaign creation and execution, QuickPivot is emerging as the vendor of choice. Thats why clients like Shutterfly, HP, Allen Edmonds, the NHL, and over 20 channel partners are turning to QuickPivot as their contemporary marketing hub. For more information, visit http://www.quickpivot.com Hyperwallet, a top global payout provider to the new economy, revealed today that it has opened an office in London, the next step in the companys plans to accelerate global expansion and capitalize on growth of the gig economy abroad. Aran Brown, a payments industry veteran with more than a decade of experience in strategic business development, is spearheading the initiative as Hyperwallets Managing Director in Europe. Hyperwallets recent successes demonstrate that our platform offering is resonating both with independent earners and the many companies that rely on them, Brown said. The gig economy is growing fast, and all indicators suggest that it will constitute a significant portion of the global economy within the next decade. Drivers, taskers, developersbusinesses need a fast, flexible, and reliable way to pay these large communities of workers, and were confident that the Hyperwallet platform is best-equipped to fill that role. Prior to joining Hyperwallet, Brown served as Chief Commercial Officer for FC Exchange, an international money transfer firm based in London. Brown has also held prominent roles with Western Union Business Solutions, Skrill, and Travelex, among others. Reporting directly to Hyperwallets CEO Brent Warrington, Brown is coordinating the rapid hiring of Hyperwallets London-based payments team and will lead the companys sales efforts in the United Kingdom and Europe. Our company grew considerably in 2016, explained Warrington. Weve added a number of major clients, registered millions of new payees, and have nearly doubled our total number of staff during the last 12 months alone. To facilitate that growth and position ourselves for future success, Hyperwallet will continue to build its global footprint in the coming year. Warrington on Hyperwallets overseas expansion plans: Our push into the United Kingdom is only the beginning. Well be opening a series of overseas locations to support our existing payout operations and recent client signings, but also to better connect with the prominent gig economy companies that are cropping up all around the world. London is first, and Sydney is coming soon. After that, you can expect to see Hyperwallet offices in Asia later in 2017. For more information, please contact press(at)hyperwallet(dot)com. About Hyperwallet Hyperwallets payout platform provides growing organizations with a frictionless, transparent, and reliable way to manage payments and enhance the payees experience anywhere in the world. Trusted by enterprise, ecommerce, and on-demand platforms, Hyperwallet makes it easy to pay up to 7 billion people in a singular payment environment. Put your payees in control with enhanced financial management tools, integrated payment tracking technology, and user-friendly compliance and identity verification. Hyperwallet has offices in San Francisco, Austin, London, and Vancouver. You can learn more at http://hyperwallet.com. Even though more than 90 percent of all cyberattacks begin with phishing or spear-phishing, it is all but impossible and even unfair to hold employees accountable for recognizing every email with malicious intent. IRONSCALES, the first and only automated email phishing response solution to combine human intelligence with machine learning, today announced a new server-side remediation feature to its patent-pending, automatic email phishing remediation product, IronTraps. The new feature, available both on premise and for cloud-based email apps, will enable automatic remediation of ransomware, spear-phishing, whaling and other social engineering attacks before a malicious email can be engaged by unaware employees. With no plugin to install, IronTraps can now proactively remediate inboxes in real-time and on any endpoint, even when a user is not logged in or online. This functionality promotes unprecedented phishing prevention that does not rely on reactive employee or SOC team responses post email incident. Even though more than 90 percent of all cyberattacks begin with phishing or spear-phishing, it is all but impossible and even unfair to hold employees accountable for recognizing every email with malicious intent, said Eyal Benishti, founder and CEO of IRONSCALES. IronTraps provides a second-level of email security for vigilant employees, using machine learning to automatically detect and remediate suspicious emails within minutes. Our new server side remediation feature further reduces risk by making sure dangerous emails are intercepted and removed before ever hitting the endpoint. IronTraps Automatic Phishing Remediation IronTraps empowers employees to report suspicious emails with one-click on their toolbar in both Outlook and Gmail clients, subsequently triggering a real-time automated forensic review without requiring active SOC team participation. Within minutes, forensics is completed, and an intrusion signature is sent directly to both endpoints, email servers and the SIEM, which then triggers an immediate enterprise-wide automatic mitigation response, such as quarantines, disabling of links and attachments, and even permanent removal of email, reducing risk by protecting entire organizations from attack. The automated phishing response technology is also intelligent enough to analyze the maliciousness of a threat and remove it from all employee inboxes to prevent it from spreading all of which alleviates the burden on the SOC team. Finally, with IronTraps, each time a malicious phishing or spear-phishing event is detected, the machine remembers it, preventing the same type of scam from ever successfully infiltrating another computer within the same network ever again. Complementing IronTraps is Federation, a tool that automatically and anonymously shares phishing attack intelligence with enterprises and organizations worldwide. For more information on IRONSCALES, visit our website at http://www.ironscales.com and follow us @ironscales on Twitter. ### About IRONSCALES IRONSCALES is the first and only automated email phishing response solution to combine human intelligence with machine learning. Its employee-based intrusion prevention system is the first phishing solution with an automatic one-click response, which expedites the time from phishing attack to remediation from weeks to seconds, without ever needing the SOC team's involvement. Headquartered in Raanana, Israel, IRONSCALES was founded by a team of security researchers, IT and penetration testing experts, as well as specialists in the field of effective interactive training, in response to the increasing phishing epidemic that today costs companies millions of dollars annually. It was incubated in the 8200 EISP, the top program for cyber security ventures, founded by alumni of the Israel Defense Forces elite Intelligence Technology unit Improved performance with PENETRON ADMIX: The new concrete headworks is a key structure for treating incoming storm water. The structure had to be constantly dewatered or diverted during construction. Improving concrete performance, by reducing permeability and increasing the lifespan of these structures, is a result of the increased durability made possible by crystalline technology. To ensure durable and impermeable concrete structures, PENETRON crystalline technology was specified for a comprehensive upgrade of the almost 100-year-old Martinsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant in West Virginia. Martinsburg is the latest of numerous PENETRON wastewater treatment plant projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Concrete structures that house and facilitate the wastewater treatment process are often exposed to aggressive environments. Concrete used in the headworks, grit collection, tertiary treatment, and digestion and disinfection tanks is exposed to chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, disinfectants and other aggressive compounds originating from the adjacent soils, incoming wastewater or process chemical additions. Crystalline waterproofing admixtures reduce concrete permeability, increase chemical resistance and enable self-sealing of new cracks, enhancing the structural durability of these key infrastructure components in aggressive environments. This is why PENETRON ADMIX, a permeability-reducing admixture for hydrostatic conditions (PRAH), has been used successfully in numerous wastewater treatment plants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including the Marlay-Taylor (MD), Annapolis (MD), Williamsport (PA), Thurmont (MD), Snow Hill (MD), Orange (VA) and Wilderness (VA) treatment plants, noted Christopher Chen, Director of The PENETRON Group. Because of the increasingly strict standards for treated wastewater released into the Chesapeake Bay watershed, utility operators have continued to upgrade their plants. The Martinsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant, originally built in 1917 and located on the Tuscarora and Opequon creeks in West Virginia, recently underwent a comprehensive overhaul and upgrade. Martinsburg initiated the upgrade to help their facility comply with the latest EPA wastewater discharge regulations, specifically for phosphorous and nitrogen nutrients. The $53 million project included the integration of a new Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system, which is central to the overall process upgrade, and numerous other process improvements, such as the new headworks facility, the primary and secondary clarifiers, effluent polishing system, solids dewatering facility, chemical feed systems, structural demolition and extensive site work. The Utilities Division of HRI, of State College, PA, carried out the plant upgrade as the projects general contractor and was immediately faced with a demanding project timeline, a tight construction site footprint, and the coordination of all the contractors. As I saw during my frequent visits to the job site, the real challenge in Martinsburg was the timeframe, replacing half of the plant while still keeping wastewater moving through the process and keeping it in compliance, as well as dealing with flooding that occurred several times during the initial stages of the project, Jeremy Swartzfager, PENETRON Project Manager, said of the phased construction, demolition and renovation work. PENETRON ADMIX was specified and added to the concrete mix by Thomas Bennett & Hunter during the batching phase. Approximately 7,700 cubic yards (5,900 m3) of concrete were treated with the crystalline admixture and used for the new headworks facility, the MBBR system and the solids dewatering tanks. The upgrades resulted in substantial drops in the nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the plants effluent, benefitting the Tuscarora and Opequon creeks, as well as the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. For example, nitrogen levels fell more than 80% from an average of 12,078 pounds per month early last year to 2,206 after the plant went online in November of 2016. Phosphorus dropped from an average 1,043 pounds to 290 in the same timeframe. EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin added, The major pollution reductions resulting from this new plant will have a significant impact on local waters and the Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Chen concluded, The PENETRON System has become an invaluable tool for the design engineer; improving concrete performance, by reducing permeability and increasing the lifespan of these structures, is a result of the increased durability made possible by crystalline technology. The PENETRON Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels. For more information on PENETRON waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700. As a pioneer in world policy and education, Admiral Stavridis will help us develop new solutions to bridge the disparity between talented students and educational opportunities around the world. WorldQuant University, a not-for-profit advancing global education, today appointed U.S. Navy Admiral James George Stavridis as chairman of its advisory board. This announcement closely follows the University's Commitment to Action made at 2016 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting in New York City. Admiral Stavridis currently serves as the 12th dean of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. A graduate of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, he spent over 30 years in the Navy, rising to the rank of four-star Admiral. Among his many commands were the 16th supreme allied commander at NATO, where he oversaw operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, the Balkans, and piracy off the coast of Africa, and command of US Southern Command in Miami, where he was charged with military operations through Latin America. He was the longest serving combatant commander in recent US history. As a pioneer in world policy and education, Admiral Stavridis will help us develop new solutions to bridge the disparity between talented students and educational opportunities around the world, said Daphne Kis, chief executive officer, WorldQuant University. His prior experience and his robust network spanning public and private sectors are unparalleled; we are fortunate to have him chair our advisory board. WorldQuant University is the brainchild of philanthropist, Igor Tulchinksy, founder and chief executive officer of WorldQuant, LLC. It provides access to advanced education to talented individuals from all cultural and economic backgrounds in order to help them reach their potential, regardless of geolocation. A quality education should be free and accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live in the world, said Igor Tulchinksy, founder and chief executive officer of WorldQuant, LLC. Admiral Stavridis is the best person to help us pursue our vision with urgency, and to build a platform that gives students access to a financial engineering education that is without exception one of the best. Through WorldQuant University, students have access to a premium masters degree program in financial engineering without the burden of tuition costs, radically reducing the barrier to higher education opportunities. All courses are taught by industry leaders in financial engineering, technology and education who offer vast real-world experience. WorldQuant University has developed one of the most competitive masters programs in financial engineering. They have committed their time and resources to democratizing education around the world, helping students advance themselves through a better education. I am honored to join the program as Chairman, said Admiral Stavridis, chairman of the advisory board, WorldQuant University. It is my hope that in the year ahead we can aggressively expand the Universitys reach, creating a world-wide population of learners committed to bettering themselves, the industry, and their communities. About WorldQuant Universitys Advisory Board: The WorldQuant University Advisory Board is made up of financial engineering faculty members, industry executives, and educational technology innovators. Chairman Stavridis joins: Linda Ban, global c-suite study director, IBM Institute for Business Value; Lenore Blum, distinguished career professor, Carnegie Mellon University; Marc Carletti, Executive vice-president, global banking and financial markets, BT Global Services, Peter Carr, chair, Finance and Risk Engineering Department, NYU Tandon School of Engineering; Bart Chilton, senior policy advisor, DLA Piper; Esther Dyson, chairman, EDventure Holdings; Bruno Dupire, head of quantitative research, Bloomberg L.P.; Alex Lipton, connection science fellow, MIT Media Lab; Ann Kirschner, special advisor to the chancellor, The City University of New York (CUNY); Daphne Kis, chief executive officer, WorldQuant University; Francisco Marmolejo, lead tertiary education specialist, World Bank; Christopher Mason, associate professor, Weill Cornell Medical College; Chris Meyer, chief operating officer, Nerve, LLC; Mel Ochoa, chief operating officer, Landmark Ventures; Todd Rose, director, Mind, Brain, and Education Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education; David Shrier, managing director, Connection Science & Engineering, MIT; Geoffrey West, distinguished professor, Santa Fe Institute; Susan Wolford, managing director & head of business services, BMO Capital Markets. Currently, WorldQuant University has enrolled more than 200 students from more than 35 countries, including China, Hungary, the United States, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia, and Vietnam. To learn more about WorldQuant Universitys tuition-free Masters degree program, please visit https://wqu.org/. About WorldQuant University WorldQuant University advances global education through an instructor-led, tuition-free masters degree program in Financial Engineering. We prepare promising students for distinguished careers in research, strategy, trading, and technology in both emerging and established markets. WQU is founded on the belief that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. With enrollment in more than 35 countries, our programs bring world-class education to students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. WorldQuant University was established as a not-for-profit in 2015 by Igor Tulchinsky and is funded by the WorldQuant Foundation, whose primary mission is to make high-quality education more accessible worldwide. For more information, visit https://wqu.org/. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Steve Schneider, Midwest region vice president for the American Insurance Association (AIA), issued the following statement after testifying today before the Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee on House Amendment 4 to SB 2901. Mr. Schneider represented an industry group that included: AIA, the Illinois Insurance Association (IIA), the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) and the Property and Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). If enacted, SB 2901 and Amendment 4 would throw out 35 years of successful workers compensation insurance regulation and impose government price controls on workers compensation insurers. It would require insurers to submit rates to the Department of Insurance, and then wait up to thirty days before using them. This removes considerable flexibility for both insurers and their customers, Illinois businesses. Mr. Schneiders statement follows: "Illinois is the single most competitive market for workers compensation insurance in the United States. This intense level of competition stems from the states current open competitive rating law that has been in effect for 35 years and which would be thrown out by Amendment 4 to SB 2901. "In addition to establishing price controls and throwing out more than three decades of successful workers compensation insurance regulation, SB 2901 contains provisions which essentially hide or cover-up an employers experience modification rating for repetitive or cumulative trauma claims filed by workers during their first 90 days of employment. This bill represents the wrong approach to workers compensation reform in Illinois. "There is meaningful workers compensation reform that can be achieved. I urge the legislature to look at subjects such as the costs of the dispensation of prescription drugs in non-pharmacy settings. Several years ago the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission adopted a regulation to address the costs of so-called repackaged pharmaceuticals dispensed by physicians, not in pharmacy settings, directly to injured workers at considerable price markups. Insurers stand ready to work with policymakers and regulators on improving the state workers compensation system to ensure that injured workers receive the proper care. SB 2901 is the antithesis to that approach." Settlers Life Insurance Company While 2015 and 2016 were great years, 2017 is the year we become America's Final Expense Company." Sales were up 34% in 2015 and over 21% in 2016, explained Steve Bontell, Chief Marketing Officer, Both years we set new monthly and annual sales records, and we grew as a company and as a team. While 2015 and 2016 were great years, 2017 is the year we become America's Final Expense CompanySM. We have many things to look forward to, including the launch of our new ExpressApp sales tool, several technical upgrades, and a nationwide roadshow, and of course we expect to achieve yet another set of sales records. At Settlers Life we talk a lot about partnership with our agents, working towards a common goal, helping the other partner succeed, and achieving common goals, Michael Lowe, President of Settlers Life stated. What we accomplished in 2016 should be a source of pride and a validation that our vision of partnership is the correct path and the right strategy for success in the final expense marketplace. This milestone for Settlers Life included growth and promotions for key employees at the administrative office. Its agent force also grew in 2016, increasing to more than 6,500 independent agents appointed in forty-two (42) states. This achievement should be encouraging for Settlers Life agent partners and policyholders, as well as potential consumers. Our continued growth is a testament to the work we do each day in our effort to become the best final expense company in the country, Bontell noted, We want our agent partners and policyholders alike to know that Settlers Life continues to be a company they can trust for their final expense needs. Settlers Life Insurance Company specializes in simplified issue, final expense, whole life insurance coverage for insureds aged fifteen-days to eighty-five years. A member of the NGL Insurance Group since 1999, Settlers Lifes primary administrative office is located in Bristol, Virginia. Since 2007, Settlers Life has maintained an A. M. Best financial strength rating of "A minus" (Excellent), the fourth highest of 16 such ratings. A.M. Best states that an "A minus" rating "is assigned to companies which have, in our opinion, an excellent ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations." A.M. Best is the oldest and most widely recognized rating agency dedicated to the insurance industry. PKF OConnor Davies, LLP, the nations 26th largest accounting and advisory firm, announced today the opening of a new, upgraded office location in Woodcliff Lake, N.J., bringing together teams from three offices in close proximity: Paramus and Ridgewood, N.J., and Suffern, N.Y. Clients served by these separate offices will now benefit from a more robust and collaborative network of experts centrally located for convenience. "In an industry where client needs constantly evolve and require expertise across specialties, we're committed to building a firm that is as open and connected as possible," said Managing Partner Kevin J. Keane. "This new office not only enhances collaboration amongst our team but allows us to keep clients a step ahead of changing dynamics. The new location, on the site of the old Tice Farm off of Chestnut Ridge Road in Woodcliff Lake, N.J., features cutting-edge tools for collaboration and partnership as well as a contemporary cafe-style lunch area. Our clients are the top priority in everything we do as a firm, said Brian Flynn, Managing Partner for the New Jersey market. As we move to the new site, clients in the Woodcliff Lake region can expect a seamless transition and access to a broader team with deep expertise to deliver even greater value." About PKF OConnor Davies, LLP PKF OConnor Davies, LLP is a full service Certified Public Accounting and advisory firm with a long history of serving clients both domestically and internationally. With roots tracing to 1891, nine offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland, and more than 600 professionals, led by over 100 partners, the Firm provides a complete range of accounting, auditing, tax and management advisory services. PKF OConnor Davies is ranked number 26 in Accounting Todays 2016 Top 100 Firms list and the Firm is also recognized as a Leader in Audit and Accounting, a Pacesetter in Growth and one of the Top Firms in the Mid-Atlantic. PKF OConnor Davies is ranked number 29 in INSIDE Public Accountings 2015 Top 100 Firms list and recognized as one of the Top Ten Fastest-Growing Firms." In 2016, PKF O'Connor Davies was named one of Vault's Accounting 50, a ranking of the 50 best accounting employers to work for in North America, and ranked among the top 50 most prestigious accounting firms in America in a complementary Vault survey. The Firm is the 11th largest accounting firm in the New York Metropolitan area, according to Crains New York Business, and was named the 10th top accounting firm in New Jersey according to NJBizs 2016 rankings. By consistently delivering proactive, thorough and efficient service, PKF O'Connor Davies has built long-lasting, valuable relationships with its clients. Partners are intimately involved in the day-to-day management of engagements, ensuring a high degree of client service and cost effectiveness. The Firms seasoned professional staff members employ a team approach to all engagements to provide clients with the utmost quality and timely services aimed at helping them succeed. Continuity of staffing and attention to detail in all client engagements make the Firm stand out among its competitors. PKF OConnor Davies is the lead North American representative of the international association of PKF member firms. PKF International is a network of legally independent member firms providing accounting and business advisory services in 440 locations in 150 countries around the world. With its tradition, experience and focus on the future, PKF OConnor Davies is ready to help clients meet todays ever-changing economic conditions and manage the growing complexities of the regulatory environment. For more information, visit http://www.PKFOD.com. New items are beginning to roll out on the EZmod site from vendors like Fine Mod Imports. [Our] customers will be noticing more items being featured on all EZmod social media platforms. Customers will be seeing a lot more items being featured by other vendors such as beds, TV consoles, dressers and desks. Customers can expect back to back shipments arriving to the main EZmod Furniture warehouse in California. Plus, as EZmod rolls out hundreds of brand new items from various vendors like Wholesale Interiors and Fine Mod Imports, the first batch will be going live in the coming weeks. And with the old comes the new. The relaunch of a brand new EZmod website has the marketing team creating brand new email newsletter formats. With company growth comes change for the good in all aspects of EZmod. This includes container shipments of some of the most popular items such as the Tulip Tables, both in marble and fiberglass and the magazine rack coffee table. The first shipment recently arrived last Thursday, filled with many tables. The next container shipment is expected to arrive this coming week. Customers can expect many popular chairs to be back in stock this coming week including Bertoia Style chair, counter stool and bar stool. The EZmod Furniture buyer team has been very busy searching for even more items customers have been asking for. Our customers will be noticing more items being featured on all EZmod social media platforms, explained Angelique Valdez, Marketing Specialist for the brand. Customers will be seeing a lot more items being featured by other vendors such as beds, TV consoles, dressers and desks, she explained. EZmod has rolled out hundreds of new items from vendors like Wholesale Interiors, Fine Mod Imports, Zuo Mod and Lumisource Furniture. Many new categories have been integrated into the EZmod website where customers can check out all new items. And with a new site comes new email newsletter formats. EZmod has faithfully sent out newsletters each month to inform customers and interior designers alike of new items, deals, latest container arrivals and news. These emails will now be updated with new styles, fonts and photos for customers to enjoy. Also this year, the EZmod marketing team will go a unique route where each month, customers can expect different types of advertisement from the modern ecommerce company. Details are in the works of this monthly advertisement. Most information can be found on social media sites. Create, discover and make the perfect living space with EZmod Furniture. EZmod Furniture is an ecommerce modern furniture retailer located in Baldwin Park, California. Angelique Valdez, Sales & Marketing Specialist is happy to assist. Please contact at 866-630-6161 ext. 113 or email at sales(at)ezmodfurniture(dot)com. HealthSherpa.com Enrolls 750,000 People Enrolling 750,000 people is a major milestone for us, and speaks to the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of the consumer advocate and product teams, said George Kalogeropoulos, cofounder and CEO of HealthSherpa. HealthSherpa, the premier health insurance enrollment company, today announced more than 750,000 people have used its service to enroll in coverage. Enrolling 750,000 people is a major milestone for us, and speaks to the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of the consumer advocate and product teams, said George Kalogeropoulos, cofounder and CEO of HealthSherpa. Our sole focus is on helping folks find, sign up for, and use high quality health coverage. We never upsell, and always try to help people find the coverage that best matches their priorities and needs. We really want to go beyond the transaction and support people year-round both from a human and product perspective. HealthSherpas consumer advocates work hard to demystify health insurance and most have experience in nonprofit and/or social work. They do not receive sales commissions and are incentivized solely to help consumers find the right coverage. HealthSherpas consumer advocate team reflects the diversity of the people who come to HealthSherpa for guidance. A HealthSherpa consumer advocate, Erica, assisted me with 2017 enrollment in healthcare coverage. She demonstrated outstanding professionalism, thorough knowledge of the complex details of ACA and thoroughness in executing the detailed process, said Jane D., Tampa, Fla. The consumer advocates specialize in assisting people who do not receive health insurance from their employers. This can include part-time or seasonal employees, independent contractors who file 1099 forms, those in career transition who qualify for COBRA, early retirees under 65 years old or those eligible for retirement. Available seven days a week, HealthSherpas consumer advocates can connect them to individual health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP (Childrens Medicaid). Leading brands are partnering with HealthSherpa to offer cost-effective healthcare benefits to part-time, seasonal and temporary employees. In collaboration with HealthSherpa, partner companies are able to offer high quality, comprehensive health coverage to non-benefits eligible employees at no cost and save money as eligible employees enroll in individual coverage instead of company programs like COBRA. About Healthsherpa HealthSherpa is the best way to get health coverage. Launched in 2013, HealthSherpa has enrolled more than 750,000 people in coverage from more than 200 insurance companies. HealthSherpa partners with large employers, nonprofits and more than 17,000 insurance agents/brokers to support consumer enrollment. Backed by leading investors including Mitch Kapor (founder and CEO of Lotus, Kapor Center for Social Impact), HealthSherpa's mission is to help every American feel the comfort and security of having health coverage. The company delivers innovation, technology, and customer service by real people to make coverage easier to understand, faster to sign up for, and simpler to use. Learn more at http://www.HealthSherpa.com. Celebrating 10 Years on Online Learning For over 55 years the Allen School of Health Sciences has been an educational staple for the New York area providing quality training for Medical Assistants and Nursing Assistants alike. Through three generations of operation, we have had the pleasure of watching thousands of students walk through our doors and begin their careers in the medical industry. In 2007 we realized that there was great opportunity beyond our New York campuses and launched our very first online program for Medical Insurance Billing and Coding. The motto of the Allen School has always been Where Education Comes to Life and we wanted to make that motto a reality even in an online learning experience. We offer our online students the same classroom experience as our campus students through live interactive classrooms, group break-out sessions, and even the opportunity for our online students to step up to the virtual blackboard and demonstrate their skills to the entire class. Questions are answered by our instructors in real time, just as if a student had raised his or her hand in a classroom. In the 10 years since we first launched our online Medical Insurance Billing and Coding Program we feel that we have developed one of the most comprehensive and interactive virtual programs available. Our instructors and support staff work daily to improve this program and offer our students every possible chance for success. We constantly look at the industry and technology available to make this program even more successful in the future. If you are looking for an online program with a storied past and a bright future look no further. The Allen School of Health Sciences is the place for you. Call us today and learn how we can make your 2017 the year you invest in yourself and help to bring YOUR education to life. Please call us at 800-620-6745 or visit our website at http://www.allenschool.edu to learn more. www.NterOne.com We are one of only a handful of companies today that offer both onsite and remote lab access, said Brandon Yohn, President/COO of NterOne NterOne Corporation announced today it has achieved Ciscos Learning Partner Collaboration Specialization. We have been working hard as a company to move more aggressively within the different architectures our customers and partners demand, said Anthony Hamilton, CEO of NterOne. With this coveted specialization now in place, we can continue to execute our business plan by expanding further into specific markets geared towards Cisco Collaboration solutions. NterOne owns and operates a Data Center in North Carolina, which showcases real-world Cisco Collaboration labs designed to support not only the entire portfolio of CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE level certification blueprints, but also virtually any real-word customer collaboration use case. The custom NterOne Collaboration labs feature the latest voice and video products and enable students to get hands-on experience with cutting edge Cisco solutions. NterOne has a live SIP trunk in its voice labs that allows students to configure their equipment, and then pick up any phone and dial a US number to test the configuration. The number rings their Cisco softphone in their pod - demonstrating actual enterprise level configuration. NterOne has been operating Cisco Collaboration labs for over 5 years, and recently expanded by adding support for video products. We are one of only a handful of companies today that offer both onsite and remote lab access, said Brandon Yohn, President/COO of NterOne. Students can easily remotely access their pod and configure Cisco video endpoints, along with backend systems, and see live video feeds of our data center. NterOne will continue to expand its specializations in 2017 by investing in both lab equipment and personnel that are geared toward supporting partners and customers in the digital transformation. The company has plans to launch new and exciting learning solutions that will continue to innovate a new way forward in IT training. About NterOne: NterOne is a global training and consulting company focusing on live online training, self-paced e-learning, and private onsite training. The company is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with sales offices in Latin America and cloud offices globally. NterOne is an Authorized and Specialized Cisco Learning and Business Partner, VMware Authorized Training Center, ITIL Training Provider, and Microsoft Learning Partner. NterOne owns and operates a Data Center in North Carolina with key technology focus areas that span Virtualization, Data Center, IoT, Cloud, Analytics, Enterprise Networking, Collaboration, Service Provider, Optical, Wireless, and Security. For more information, please visit the corporate web site at http://www.NterOne.com. NterOne is a registered trademark of NterOne Corporation in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. Hyatt Corporation, a leading global hospitality service provider, deployed the ProjectZ Sleep Health Program to assist its employees with sleep health issues. Employees enthusiastically participated in ProjectZ at three times the industry average for wellness programs, leading to quantifiable increases in productivity and sleep health. Based on productivity gains measured using the clinically validated Work Limitations Questionnaire, Hyatt Corporation realized an 8X return on investment for the ProjectZ program. Denise Pullen, Assistant Director of Operations Design and Learning Communications at Hyatt Corporation states, At Hyatt, being your best is about being your authentic self in each moment - engaged, fulfilled, and ready to take on the world. To help our colleagues be their best we will continue to look at their wellness and ways we can help them accomplish their purpose. Sleep continues to be an important element to wellness success. ProjectZ has helped us educate and encourage healthy sleep amongst our colleagues and their significant others. Hyatt employees benefited from dramatic decreases in insomnia symptoms, with 90% of sufferers reporting little to no symptoms after participating in the ProjectZ program. Through personalized education and the creation of healthy sleep habits, ProjectZ also reduced cases of ongoing, self-induced sleep deprivation by 67%. A vast majority of ProjectZ participants, 82%, said that the program not only improved their sleep health, but their overall health. Hyatt Corporation employees improved their health by taking ProjectZs five minute, self-paced, online assessment and completing activities outlined in a personalized, clinically proven intervention plan. Specific, achievable tasks provide a sense of accomplishment while improving sleep; thereby creating a positive feedback loop to drive on-going participation and sleep health improvement. Employers who deploy the ProjectZ program reap the benefits of a happier, healthier, more engaged workforce. For more details, access the Hyatt Corporation case study at http://optisom.com/hyatt-case-study. For more information about ProjectZ, visit http://www.optisom.com/projectz About Optisom: Optisom is a leading provider of sleep health solutions, led by experienced medical professionals and technology entrepreneurs who represent the beneficial intersection of medicine and technology. Optisoms ProjectZ program integrates digital technology with proven clinical techniques to deliver practical, accessible solutions for the corporate wellness market. This engaging, user-friendly solution helps people help themselves for lasting change and better health. InDemand serves over 800 healthcare organizations nationwide and has assisted in over two million healthcare encounters via VRI to date. InDemand Interpreting Inc, a technology-enabled language services performance improvement company and a leading video remote interpreting (VRI) provider within Healthcare, celebrates its tenth anniversary. The Company takes immense pride playing an important role in enhancing communications between healthcare providers and their limited English proficient (LEP) and Deaf patients. InDemand remains committed to the vision that every patient in any medical setting receive the highest quality healthcare, regardless of language, cultural background or disability. This commitment has taken InDemand from a start-up in Wenatchee, Washington in 2007, to one of the leading VRI organizations in the country. InDemand serves over 800 healthcare organizations nationwide and has assisted in over two million healthcare encounters via VRI to date. I have seen InDemand grow from just two employees to hundreds, and I continue to believe our success is a direct result of our commitment to our healthcare clients and our dedication to improving the patient experience, said Andrew Drake, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer. Countless individuals have contributed to the success of InDemand. It all started with Daniel Pirestani, a Seattle-area technologist, and his wife Elena Pirestani, a medically trained Spanish interpreter. Together they envisioned a way to leverage technology to meet the increasing need for medically trained interpreters in healthcare. With Elenas experience and Daniels technical savvy, their vision 10 years ago became a reality. InDemand provides clinicians and patients with immediate access to medical interpreters 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 200 spoken languages in addition to American Sign Language (ASL) through a live, high definition web-based video conference. It is an honor to lead InDemand in bringing positive change to an industry, and improve access to and delivery of language services in a transformational way, said Cecil Kost, InDemand Chairman and CEO. I am inspired by how technology, combined with human interaction, can improve the care of the LEP and Deaf community through medically-focused and culturally sensitive video communications. About InDemand Interpreting InDemand Interpreting was founded in 2007 with the vision to ensure every patient receive the highest quality healthcare, regardless of language, cultural background or disability. By delivering the most experienced medical interpreters and highest quality video technology InDemand Interpreting provides doctors, nurses and clinicians the language access they need to provide the best possible care. Visit InDemand at http://www.indemandinterpreting.com Cruise Planners Wins Entrepreneur's Top Travel Franchise - 14 Years in a Row This year our key focus has been on maximizing and building more innovative technology and marketing tools for the franchise owners and they love it," said Michelle Fee, CEO of Cruise Planners. Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, the nations largest home-based travel agency franchise network in the industry, continues to have a strong hold on best travel franchises to own. This is the fourteenth consecutive year that Cruise Planners has earned the spot on Entrepreneurs Annual Franchise 500 List, making it one of the best franchises to own. We are always thinking up creative ideas for innovating and enhancing our marketing and technology since we know we have to constantly be on our A-game to maintain this position, said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative. This year our key focus has been on maximizing and building more innovative technology and marketing tools for the franchise owners and they love it. Cruise Planners is a franchise that offers financial strength and stability, has a great reputation in the travel industry and years of proven experience that make it a successful franchise. Since Cruise Planners main goal is to ensure its agents are the most successful travel agents in the industry, the company is constantly developing new tools designed for the agents to run their business seamlessly. Below are some of the new technology programs rolled out for franchise success, which helped secure the No. 1 ranking: CP Insights: Cruise Planners believes in and has invested in solutions that incorporate economic, demographic and behavioral segments in data mining to target the right client at the right time with relevant promotions, sales and marketing pieces. CP View: Another new tool helps agents match sailings and itineraries with special audiences based on customer data, sales trends and consumer behavior. The goal is to serve up clients that would be ideal targets with a few clicks in the Cruise Planners system; a marketing communication is created to generate new business. Automated Email Confirmations: Cruise Planners agents can simply email any reservation from hundreds of vendors and have the fields instantly input into the back-end business management system to help Cruise Planners travel agents get paid faster and with less manual entry. Cruise Planners will continually develop new tools, which allow our agents to stay ahead of the competition, so they can compete with the best of the best with confidence, Fee said. Our focus is to help our agents communicate with their customers with amazing turn-key marketing combined with world-class technology allowing them to compete with the big online agencies. Cruise Planners agents are high tech, yet high touch through our proprietary tools. About Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, is the nations largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the travel industry. Cruise Planners operates a network of more than 1,800 franchise owners who independently book amazing vacation and travel experiences for their clients. The Florida-based Home Office Team positions a nation-wide network of franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing, booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industrys top executives. The company continues to be lauded and has been named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 14 consecutive years. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, has been ranked as the #1 travel franchise by Franchise Business Review for 6 years in a row, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel since it started ranking companies. Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla. with more than 22 years of experience, Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include numerous Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly, American Express Travel Representative Excellence Award for 13 consecutive years (2004-2016), American Express Agency of the Year (2010), Royal Caribbean International Chairmans Award (2015), Royal Caribbean International Presidents Award for Overall Achievement (2012 and 2014), Royal Caribbean International Home-Based Partner of the Year (2007-2013), Norwegian Cruise Line Elite Agency of the Year (2016), Norwegian Cruise Line Franchise Agency of the Year (2011-2015), Celebrity Cruises Home-Based Partner of the Year (2016), Celebrity Cruises Field Sales Account of the Year (2015), Celebrity Cruises Home-Based Account of the Year (2013-2014) and Celebrity Cruises Southeast Region Travel Agent Partner of the Year (2010), Travel Impressions Best of the Best Globe Award (2008-2016), Sandals Top Host Worldwide, Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2009-2016), Platinum Circle Member with Viking River Cruises (2009-2015), Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Top Producer (2008-2014) and Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer. Cruise Planners is one of the Top 50 franchises for Veterans according to GI magazine, the Top Franchise Brand for Veterans according to Franchise Business Review, has been named one of the Top 25 franchises for African-Americans by Black Enterprise magazine and is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. For more information, visit http://www.cruiseplanners.com. Stay in Touch: Media can stay up-to-date with Cruise Planners by visiting our media room, following us on Twitter @Cruisitude or on Facebook. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should locate a travel advisor near them. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit the Cruise Planners franchise website. QA Graphics, a leader in the building automation system (BAS) graphic outsourcing industry, will be returning to exhibit at the AHR Expo to share their creative design capabilities with over 60,000 HVACR professionals. The AHR Expo will take place January 30th through February 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Attendees are invited to visit QA Graphics booth, #C1489 to learn more about the company and their comprehensive design services. Along with their other products, two categories that QA Graphics will be showcasing at the 2017 AHR Expo are: Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard QA Graphics will be demonstrating their HTML Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard, an interactive dashboard platform that allows for building owners to engage the public, helping them to become educated and more aware of everyday green practices, creating a sustainable building for years to come. QA Graphics is proud to have an innovative product that not only helps fulfil the needs of the customer, but has a positive impact on the future of sustainable and green building awareness. BAS Symbol Library v5 The release of QA Graphics new BAS Symbol Library v5 will also be present at the Expo for visitors to view and learn. Giving users access to high-end graphics and animations that more realistically represent the mechanical systems in place. This library offers a competitive advantage in the BAS industry, delivering more appealing and realistic graphics than typically provided with BAS software. The Symbol Library v5 is powerful and includes over 450 total graphic files available, more detailed graphics, and higher resolution images. To learn more about the AHR Expo or QA Graphics creative design capabilities visit http://www.qagraphics.com or http://bit.ly/mapmyshowAHR17. About AHR Expo - As the largest and most comprehensive HVACR exposition in the world, the AHR Expo attracts tens of thousands of attendees from all facets of the industry. Since 1930, the AHR Expo has been the HVACR professionals best resource for new products, new ideas and new services. This unique industry forum creates a dynamic marketing environment unequaled in size and scope by any other industry event. To learn more visit: http://ahrexpo.com/. About QA Graphics - QA Graphics is a leader in the building automation and green building industries. The company specializes in HVAC graphic development services, system graphics, floor plan graphics, and Energy Efficiency Education Dashboards (EEEDs). These dashboards help organizations teach occupants about building performance and sustainability. The company also provides marketing solutions such as interactive applications, 3D design and animation, UX design, videos, and more. Visit http://www.qagraphics.com to learn more. From right to left: former U.S. Representative Henry Waxman and former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn. These veteran legislators served during the terms of several presidents and their administrations, and experienced many transitions of power in the U.S. Congress. Former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and former U.S. Representative Henry Waxman will discuss the impact of the 2016 election on healthcare, labor, and workers compensation at the Workers Compensation Research Institutes (WCRI) 33rd Annual Issues & Research Conference, March 2-3, 2017, at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in Boston, MA. The two former federal lawmakers will kick off the conference on Thursday, March 2, at 9 AM. "These veteran legislators served during the terms of several presidents and their administrations, and experienced many transitions of power in the U.S. Congress, said Dr. John Ruser, WCRIs CEO and president. In short, they have seen it all and have a deep understanding of the powers that the president, Congress and state legislators have over the many issues important to our audience. This will be a timely discussion. The 2016 election resulted in large gains for the Republican Party. Apart from winning the presidency and retaining control of both houses of the U.S. Congress, the Republican Party is now in control of a record 68 of the 99 partisan state legislative chambers in the nation and has the highest number of governorships since 1922. A host of major changes to existing laws and regulations are expected at the federal and state level. In this candid discussion, Waxman and Coburn will share their thoughts on the political shift and the impact it will have on healthcare, labor, and workers compensation in the years to come. Both Coburn and Waxman bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of the federal government to WCRIs conference. Former U.S. Senator Coburn is a medical doctor who represented the state of Oklahoma as a Republican in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Described by newspapers as a budget hawk, he established himself as "a statesman willing to reach across the aisle to find solutions to the nation's budget woes" and as a man who is "thoughtful and willing to seek solutions to big problems. Former U.S. Representative Waxman represented the state of California as a Democrat and was dubbed a "legislative maestro" by Politico for his distinguished work in Congress, having played a leading role in the enactment of major health, consumer protection, environmental, telecommunications, and "good government" laws. The theme of this years conference is Persistent Challenges and New Opportunities: Using Research to Accelerate the Dialogue." The two-day program highlights WCRIs latest research findings while drawing upon the diverse perspectives of highly respected workers compensation experts and policymakers from across the country. The following are among some of the other topics on this years conference agenda: Appraising The "Grand Bargain" In 2017 How States Are Combating The Opioid Epidemic Marijuana As An Alternative To Opioids In Treating Pain Worker Outcomes And Return To Work Applying Value-Based Health Care To Workers Compensation The WCRI conference is a leading workers' compensation forum for policymakers, employers, labor advocates, insurance executives, health care organizations, claims managers, researchers, and others. Conference participants will leave with new insights, valuable networking contacts, and a better understanding of key issues in today's competitive environment. Those who register by Wednesday, February 1, 2017, can take advantage of the early bird special and save between $50 and $100. For more information about the program, or to register, click on the following link: http://www.wcrinet.org/conference.html. ABOUT WCRI: The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Cambridge, MA. WCRI was founded in 1983 and is recognized as a leader in providing high-quality, objective information about public policy issues involving workers' compensation systems. WCRI's members include employers; insurers; governmental entities; managed care companies; health care providers; insurance regulators; state labor organizations; and state administrative agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Conwed launches new 2017 IDEA Book Conwed, the leading plastic netting manufacturer in the world, launched its new 2017 IDEA Book, a digital step-by-step guide that outlines the companys manufacturing capabilities, core products and technologies. This new version includes a comprehensive description of how netting is manufactured, an introduction to the companys netting lingo and the netting characteristics that impact performance in the final product or application. Conwed manufactures extruded, oriented, knitted and multilayer netting for diverse industries. From automotive, filtration, medical, hygiene and disposable products to agriculture, apparel, packaging, and building and construction applications, plastic netting helps improve product performance and functionality. Conwed netting is an extremely versatile material. Our customers usually play in different and very dissimilar industries, so we pride ourselves on collaborating and customizing each netting design to meet their desired performance targets, said Ivan Soltero, senior strategic marketing manager at Conwed. The IDEA Book is an ideal medium to showcase and share what we do and how it can impact our customers products. The 2017 IDEA Book includes the first public manual that explains how plastic netting is made, how it can be customized and how it can be incorporated with other substrates through diverse lamination and bonding processes to create superior composites. What started as a manual of plastic netting effort for internal training a few years ago, became the go-to source for learning the foundations of plastic netting. A key factor to our product development success when collaborating with prospects and customers is that we are not shy to share our netting lingo. We dont assume our audience knows it all about our netting capabilities, said Soltero. Manufacturers, OEMs and converters can create netting composites through extrusion coating, extrusion lamination, thermal lamination, ultrasonic welding, wet and dry adhesive lamination and diverse nonwoven processes. In many cases, incorporating netting helps reduce cost, weight, height, thickness and overall size of products and save energy, material, and production process time. We consider ourselves a solutions-focused team. Customers bring a product development challenge and we do not rest until we find a netting configuration that can help solve it. So, before you assume it cant be done, challenge us, said Soltero. To know more about Conwed and its new 2017 IDEA Book, visit http://www.conwedplasticsideabook.com About CONWED Conwed is the leading plastic netting manufacturer in the world. Conwed manufactures extruded, oriented, knitted and multilayer netting with unique customization capabilities. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Conwed has five manufacturing locations on two continents and a global distribution network. V. Elaine Gross, ERASE Racism President, will deliver an address entitled Race Trekking 2017 Not a Walk in the Park during Reconstructionist Synagogue of North Shores Shabbat evening service on January 13, 2017. Ms. Gross will reflect on fighting structural racism on Long Island in 2017. When asked about the topic of her address, Ms. Gross explained, The journey of understanding race in America and addressing racial inequalities is arduous. Racism is persistent, adding Only we, the people, can ensure that it does not prevail. This talk will focus on what we can all do to overcome racism. Event Details Date: Friday, January 13, 2017 Time: During 8:00 p.m. Shabbat evening service. Location: 1001 Plandome Road, Manhasset 11030 Cost: The event is open to the public at no cost. RSVP: Please confirm your participation by calling Sherley Cherenfant at ERASE Racism's office (516-921-4863). About ERASE Racism: ERASE Racism is a regional, nonprofit civil rights organization, founded in 2001 and based on Long Island, New York. It leads public policy advocacy campaigns and related initiatives to promote racial equity in areas, such as public school education, housing, and community development. It engages in a variety of research, education and consulting activities to address institutional and structural racism. ERASE Racism achieves its objectives through utilizing research; educating the public; policy advocacy; legal actions; and civic engagement of Long Island leaders, community organizations, and community residents of various ages and backgrounds. It also forms partnerships with other Long Island, regional and national institutions and coalitions to help make the goal of racial equity a priority throughout the country. BizStanding.com At BizStanding, consumers and social activists can find detailed business background information including; financial records, credit risk scores, former employee names, trade and collection history, liens and judgments. As demands for greater corporate transparency have been growing each year, so has the need for a single resource with comprehensive business records. BizStanding, the complete US business directory, is designed to give the public access to company histories and financial background information. It includes corporate records for nearly every small and large business in the country. The BizStanding directory contains many millions of active and historical business listings. The new company history research tools available on BizStanding.com meet the needs of individual people as both socially aware decision-makers and cautious consumers active in new online sharing economies. The past year saw many calls for increased political and social activism concerning corporate behavior. Major corporate scandals that were uncovered during the past year include; the Wells Fargo creation of millions of fake bank accounts, Mylan Pharmaceutical's Epipen price gouging and the release of dozens of high-profile business professional and politicians names in the Panama Papers from the law firm Mossack Fonseca by still-anonymous hackers. Throughout the year, there were also many calls for boycotts that ranged from the Oscars to Donald Trumps business affiliations. Additionally, individual consumers face a growing number of challenges when interacting with the expanding group of new online businesses. These can include the many peer vacation rental sites similar to AirBnB and more established ecommerce companies like Craigslist, Etsy and Amazon. In these business models customers increasingly interact with very small businesses or directly with their owners. Research on these small business can be a difficult process because private businesses are not required to file financial records publicly and, historically, the information available was both limited and biased. At BizStanding, consumers and social activists can find detailed business background information including; financial records, credit risk scores, former employee names, trade and collection history, uniform commercial code (UCC) filings, liens, judgments and bankruptcies when available. For more information or to begin a search for historical records on any private or public company, visit BizStanding.com. About BizStanding BizStanding (https://bizstanding.com/) is a complete business directory that includes nearly every large and small business in the country. It is the largest free business listing in the world. This directory gives detailed contact information for all the businesses near you or across the country. It can even help you find company information you didn't know existed - like local home contractors without retail storefronts, growing regional companies without big advertising budgets, and contact information for large corporations that may hide their corporate details. For Media Relations: BizStanding America, Inc. customer-service(at)bizstanding.com 2017 BizStanding America, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Carolina Restoration Services is the largest family-owned and operated full-service disaster restoration firm in NC. Winning this award means that our employees feel respected, valued and appreciated, which has always been essential to us. Carolina Restoration Services, which since 1997 has successfully assisted tens of thousands of residential and commercial clients throughout Central North Carolina with comprehensive, certified and start-to-finish insurance reconstruction solutions, proudly announced today that it has been named among the Best Places to Work in 2016 by the Triangle Business Journal. Like other recipients of the peer-nominated award, Carolina Restoration Services was selected for the distinction based on the results of an independent employee survey conducted by Quantum Research. In addition, to remain eligible for the honor the company had to meet a minimal threshold of employee participation throughout the evaluation process. Employees are the lifeblood of any company, stated Triangle Business Journals Publisher Jason Christie in a news release. [Award-winners] have demonstrated the belief that happy employees produce successful and thriving businesses." Its an honor to be recognized by the Triangle Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in the Triangle, commented Carolina Restoration Services Vice President Travis Bailey. We feel that the success of any company is directly related to the quality of its people. Winning this award means that our employees feel respected, valued and appreciated, which has always been essential to us. Its an inspiring achievement to know that our employees take pride in all that we accomplish together as a team. They are our most important and valuable asset, and a key reason why were celebrating our 20th anniversary this year. This is not the first time that Carolina Restoration Services has been called to the winners circle. The company has been named to the Triangles 50 Fastest-Growing Companies list three times, and has also won the Family Business award from the Triangle Business Journal, and Employer of the Year by the Town of Cary Chamber of Commerce. About Carolina Restoration Services Based in Morrisville, NC, Carolina Restoration Services is the largest family-owned and operated full-service disaster restoration firm in North Carolina. The company assists residential and commercial property owners experiencing damage from fire, smoke, water or storm-related events through a full range of solutions, including 24-hour emergency response. Learn more at http://www.carolinarestorationservices.com. Our new brand speaks to the quality, innovation and leadership of our team, and the role were taking in the evolution of the home building industry, with smart, flexible products that make every part of the building process easier and more efficient. Its a new year and a fresh new brand for Constellation HomeBuilder Systems at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida. The company, a leader in providing software solutions for home builders and developers, has just launched their new logo, new tagline, and new website that truly illustrate their commitment to quality and innovation. Constellation HomeBuilder Systems gives builders the tools to succeed, and their new tagline says it all: The power to build smarter. We empower builders with information to drive business objectives, and to simplify the process of building homes and condos, says Chris Graham, Vice President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems. Constellations integrated and standalone software systems scale to the needs of builders and developers of all sizes. The company is constantly enhancing their products based on the feedback of their customers North Americas best and brightest home builders. The company recently expanded their services offering by adding the consulting team of Woodland, OBrien & Scott. Specialized homeowner surveys allow builders to analyze the data that really drives customer satisfaction, and use that data to turn customers into lifetime champions. The new brand reflects where were headed as a company, says Graham. It speaks to the quality, innovation and leadership of our team, and the role were taking in the evolution of the home building industry, with smart, flexible products that make every part of the building process easier and more efficient. To see the companys exciting new brand, visit http://www.constellationhb.com. Or, visit Constellation in Booth #W5661 at the 2017 International Builders Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida now through January 12th. To make an appointment, please contact sales(at)constellationhb(dot)com. About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is the largest provider of software and services in the home building industry. The company builds software products for private and public production home builders, and efficient custom builders. Their innovative solutions include accounting & business intelligence, scheduling, estimating and purchasing, land development, sales management and CRM, warranty and customer service, and digital marketing. Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is the home building software division of Constellation Software Inc., an international provider of market-leading software and services for specialized industries, traded publicly on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, please contact: Elmira Abushayeva Director of Marketing, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems 888-723-2222 eabushayeva(at)constellationhb(dot)com Traffic-light system for developability assessment based on individually reported quantitative and qualitative results Genedata Biologics is a key component of our growth plans in the immuno-oncology and next-generation ADC space Genedata, a leading provider of advanced software solutions for drug discovery and life science research, today announces that Crescendo Biologics will use Genedata Biologics as its workflow platform. The platform will be used for both Crescendos internal and its partnered Humabody-based therapeutics programs, with the aim of increasing throughput and efficiency in discovery and development. The Genedata Biologics software will streamline and accelerate Crescendos R&D programs, which are based on a novel class of small, robust protein therapeutics comprising fully human single VH domain building blocks (Humabody VH). The Humabody building blocks can be readily configured into an almost limitless number of multi-functional constructs which optimally engage therapeutically valuable targets. Genedata Biologics enables a high throughput, systematic approach to the identification of novel therapeutic candidates, allowing for simultaneous optimization of both bioactivity and biophysical parameters. Crescendo will use the software to facilitate swift identification and tracking of potential drug candidates with superior potency and developability. Due to the complexity and scale of our product design activities and the vast amounts of data generated during candidate testing, we needed to implement a scalable system to work as a backbone for all our R&D activities, said Dr. Thomas Sandal, VP R&D at Crescendo Biologics. Thanks to its flexible architecture, Genedata Biologics can truly support our entire discovery process right through from the immunization of transgenic mice, to lead selection, molecular modification and final candidate assessments. Genedata Biologics is a key component of our growth plans in the immuno-oncology and next-generation ADC space. We are very pleased that Genedata Biologics is quickly being adopted by innovation-drivers in the immuno-oncology field such as Crescendo Biologics. Our footprint across the global biopharma R&D community is growing, as is the breadth of the application fields addressed by our platform, said Dr. Othmar Pfannes, CEO of Genedata. Companies with cutting-edge R&D technologies like Crescendo Biologics are important partners as we continue to develop and expand Genedata Biologics to keep pace with the latest scientific advances. In the five short years since its first release in 2011, Genedata Biologics has been rapidly adopted by more than half of the worlds leading biopharmaceutical companies. Genedatas collaborations range from single group installations to large, global, multi-site partnerships and include technology transfer, customizations, project management, training, and roll out and deployment support. About Genedata Genedata transforms life science data into intelligence with a portfolio of advanced software solutions and scientific consulting. With award-winning platforms, combined with deep domain expertise, Genedata enables dramatic increases in productivity and quality of research, development, and production. Founded in 1997, Genedata is headquartered in Switzerland and has offices in Germany, Japan, and the US. http://www.genedata.com About Crescendo Biologics Ltd Crescendo Biologics is a biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing potent, highly differentiated mono- and multi-specific Humabody therapeutics in oncology. The Companys Humabody therapeutics are based on its unique, patent protected, transgenic mouse platform generating 100% human VH domain building blocks (Humabody VH) with superior biophysical properties. Crescendo is pursuing novel Humabody-based product opportunities, through in-house development and strategic partnerships in both multi-specific immuno-oncology modulators and HDCs (Humabody Drug Conjugates), the next generation of ADCs. Crescendo is located in Cambridge, UK, and is backed by blue-chip investors including Sofinnova Partners, Touchstone Innovations (formerly known as Imperial Innovations) and Takeda. http://www.crescendobiologics.com Disclaimer The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with uncertainties related to contract cancellations, developing risks, competitive factors, uncertainties pertaining to customer orders, demand for products and services, development of markets for the Company's products and services. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. All product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Barbara Breitsameter's "Send in the Clowns" When I saw the image I knew immediately I would enter it into competition Professional Photographers of America (PPA) presented the Grand Imaging Award this week at Imaging USA 2017, the largest annual conference and trade show for pro photographers by pro photographers. The award went to Barbara Breitsameter M.Photog.Cr., CPP, for her image Send in the Clowns in the portrait category. "I never would have anticipated or dreamed of this said Breitsameter. "This image is more of me than anything Ive ever created. It placed me in a whole new direction with my work. Breitsameter, for whom photography is like breathing, was selected as the overall Grand Imaging Award winner out of a pool of six category winners. The other winners were Jerry Ghionis M.Photog.Cr. (originally from Australia via California) in the non-event album category, Ted Linczak M.Photog.Cr. in the event album category, Dan McClanahan M.Photog. in the artist category, Ben Shirk M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr. in the illustrative category and In Sung Hang M.Photog. in the wedding category. Each category winner received a crystal award and a $500 cash prize. Breitsameter received a second trophy and an additional $500 prize. The Grand Imaging Award winners have been judged to be the very best of the 2016 PPA International Photographic Competition (IPC). The Grand Imaging Awards encourage photographers to up their creativity by pushing themselves through competition with each other, their peers. The Grand Imaging Award winner was selected from 5,700 entries. Breitsameter's image was judged by a panel of over 40 jurors to be the very best of the 1007 images in this years loan collection. She was also chosen to represent the United States as part of Team USA in the World Photographic Cup, the olympics of photography, wherein 27 countries compete via images this February in Yokohama, Japan. This image came from a dark place of personal struggle, says Breitsameter, who is living with Parkinsons. My dogs were acting silly and I realized they were my clowns. When I saw the image I knew immediately I would enter it into PPAs International Photographic Competition. Breitsameter feels the image represents how much humor has helped her fight and survive. I love what I do. I have the best job in the world...I get to work with dogs. In addition to the Grand Imaging Award, PPA awarded medalists from the IPC. Bronze medalists had all four of their submitted images earn merits. Silver medalists had one of their images entered into the Loan collection and on up to a four-for-four, perfect case for Diamond medalists. At this year's ceremony, PPA awarded 97 bronze, 139 silver, 102 gold, 60 platinum and 29 diamond medalists. The International Photographic Competition is held each August. District competitions are run January through April. All PPA photographic competitions are open to the public. For more information, visit PPA.com/Competitions. About PPA: Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA's roots date back to 1869. It assists nearly 30,000 photographers through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at PPA.com. Paster Training, Inc. 15 Year Anniversary We are thrilled to be celebrating fifteen years as one of the top food and alcohol training companies.We believe pairing our training with the Prometric exam is another way to provide the best experience to our students Paster Training, Inc. has been one of the leading food and alcohol safety training companies for fifteen years. With more certified students than any other private training entity, Paster Training has been dedicated to making the hospitality industry more efficient, effective, and safe. Now Paster Training is excited to announce that they have partnered with Prometric to combine their food safety training and testing materials. The Prometric exam is one of four ANSI-accredited Food Protection Manager Exams. The Prometric testing materials allow students to take the test in three formats: pencil and paper in front of a proctor, on a computer in front of a proctor, or on a computer at a Prometric testing center. Paster Training is excited about the benefits that Prometric can offer. The pencil and paper test is available in five languages including English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. President Tara Paster notes, We are thrilled to be celebrating fifteen years as one of the top food and alcohol training companies. I love what we do and we are dedicated to protecting the global food supply. Our vision is to reach and educate food and alcohol industry members and we will not stop until every team member has the education they need. We believe pairing our food safety training with the Prometric exam is another way to provide the best experience to our students. Paster Training offers training, consulting, and products for all levels of the operation including employees, managers, and trainers. The consulting division, PTI Consulting Group, was established in 2014 to focus on the consulting services that Paster Training can offer the industry. To learn more about Paster Training, Inc. and our training, consulting, and product offerings, visit http://www.PasterTraining.com. Our public class schedule for food safety, HACCP, and alcohol safety classes is also available on our website. About Prometric Prometric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETS, is a trusted and market-leading provider of technology-enabled testing and assessment. Committed to a set of values that get the right test to the right location at the right time and to the right test taker, Prometric supports candidates worldwide who take more than 9 million tests each year. Through innovation, workflow automation and standardization, Prometric advances test development and delivery solutions that are better, faster and at less expense for its clients. Prometric delivers tests flexibly via the Web or by utilizing a robust network of more than 8,000 test centers in more than 160 countries and on behalf of more than 350 clients in the academic, financial, government, healthcare, professional, corporate and information technology markets. For more information, please visit http://www.prometric.com. About Paster Training, Inc. Paster Training, Inc., the food and beverage industrys leading training organization, has more certified students than any other private training entity. Since 2002, Paster Training, Inc., under the leadership of President Tara Paster, has been dedicated to making the hospitality industry more efficient, effective and safe. They inspire employees at all levels within each organization to internalize best practices through education from farm to fork and from grain to glass. Follow Paster Training, Inc. on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/PasterTraining) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/PasterTraining) for up-to-date information on special deals and services. For more information contact Ivana Guadalupe at 866.394.1776 or info(at)pastertraining.com. It appears Fox News had a banner year for sexual harassment allegations in 2016in addition to a very high-profile sexual harassment scandal involving former chairman Roger Ailes, the network reportedly paid a female employee hush money somewhere in "the high six figures" after she accused Bill O'Reilly of repeatedly sexually harassing her. Bless you, LawNewz.com. Bless you. As first reported yesterday by the aforementioned LawNewz.com and reblogged today by the NY Times, documents show that the on-air personality Juliet Huddy accused O'Reilly of, among other things, calling her house repeatedly while sometimes sounding like he was masturbating; inviting her to his house and trying to kiss her; and luring her to his hotel room where he appeared at the door in boxers. Huddy detailed the alleged incidents, which she says began occurring in 2011, in a letter she sent to Fox News executives in August of last year. A sampling from the Times: During the Broadway show, according to the letter, Mr. OReilly moved close to Ms. Huddy in a way that made her feel uncomfortable. He tried to hold her hand but she pulled it away. Then he dropped a key to the room at a Midtown Manhattan hotel he was staying at into her lap, and told her to meet him there after the show. He stood up and left, the letter said Ms. Huddy went to the hotel to return Mr. OReillys key, according to the letter.She asked him to meet her in the lobby, but he refused and asked her to join him in his room. Ms. Huddy declined and explained that she was not interested in Mr. OReilly on a personal or sexual level, the letter said. Mr. OReilly persisted and again asked that Ms. Huddy come up to his room, and she ultimately went up give him the key, according to the letter. It is not clear why she did not leave it at the front desk or simply leave. When Mr. OReilly opened the door to his room, he was wearing nothing but boxer shorts, according to the letter. Ms. Huddy was very embarrassed, handed Mr. OReilly his key and quickly left, the letter said. In the months after Mr. OReilly and Ms. Huddy went to the show in Manhattan, his obsession with her only escalated, the letter said. Mr. OReilly started calling Ms. Huddy at all hours, even while he was on vacation. At times, the calls were about work, but they were sometimes highly inappropriate and sexual, the letter said. On some occasions, it sounded like Mr. OReilly was masturbating, the letter said. Disgusted, Ms. Huddy came up with an excuse and hung up the phone, the letter said. Huddy alleged that when she refused O'Reilly's advances, he "began to retaliate against her both on and off air," criticizing her work and axing a segment she had on his show. Huddy left Fox on September 7th, two days after the network reportedly reached a multimillion dollar settlement with her. Ailes was forced out of Fox Newsto the tune of $60 millionless than two months prior. O'Reilly, whose program The O'Reilly Factor is still on Fox News nightly, is no stranger to sexual harassment accusationsindeed, stories about him calling women while apparently masturbating seem to be commonplace. In 2004, ex-producer Andrea Mackris sued O'Reilly for repeatedly sexually harassing her, which included allegedly calling her when it sounded like he was masturbating and allegedly describing sexual fantasies to her. That suit, which O'Reilly called a "brutal ordeal," was settled the same year (O'Reilly did not apologize to Mackris). And former Fox News host Andrea Tantaros sued the network in August, alleging she was sexually harassed by a slew of people connected to Fox News including Ailes and O'Reilly: [C]ommencing in February 2016, Bill OReilly (OReilly), whom Tantaros had considered to be a good friend and a person from whom she sought career guidance, started sexually harassing her by, inter alia, (a) asking her to come to stay with him on Long Island where it would be very private, and (b) telling her on more than one occasion that he could see [her] as a wild girl, and that he believed that she had a wild side. Fox News did take one action: plainly because of OReillys rumored prior sexual harassment issues and in recognition of Tantaross complaints, [Fox News in-house lawyer Diane] Brandi informed [Tantaro's lawyer] that Tantaros would no longer be appearing on OReillys Fox News show. O'Reilly's attorney, Fredric S. Newman, told the Times, "There is absolutely no basis for any claim of sexual harassment against Bill OReilly by Juliet Huddy." A spokeswoman for Fox News told the paper that Huddy's letter detailing O'Reilly's alleged offenses, as well as accusations of sexual harassment made by Fox executive Jack Abernethy, "contains substantial falsehoods, which both men have vehemently denied." Update 8:35 p.m. A Fox News spokesperson provided us with the following statement: Juliet Huddys letter of intent to sue contained substantial falsehoods which both men vehemently denied." Its 8:30 on a Tuesday night and youre kicking back with some ice cream and TV after a tense day at work. You look at your phone and notice your boss has sent you a dozen emails in the last hour. Now, instead of having quality time with your family, youre tensely planning what youre going to say at that meeting on Thursday. So much for a quiet, relaxing night at home At the beginning of this year, a new law went into effect in France granting employees an extended right to disconnect from work. The law impels organizations to set guidelines that allow staff to unplug from expectations to check to email. Supporters of the new law have pointed to research linking email overload to insomnia, relationship stress, and burnout. Employees physically leave the office, but they do not leave their work, French MP Benoit Hamon told the BBC. They remain attached by a kind of electronic leash like a dog. The texts, the messages, the emails they colonize the life of the individual to the point where he or she eventually breaks down. The increasing use of technology has allowed many workers to enjoy greater flexibility with where and when they work, but it also means that the boundaries between work and leisure can become blurred. Research is increasingly showing that when work intrudes into peoples downtime, it not only causes stress but can also impact physical health. Psychological scientists Anna Arlinghaus and Friedhelm Nachreiner (Society for Labour, Industrial and Organizational Psychological Research in Oldenburg, Germany) analyzed a massive dataset collected from nearly 24,000 employed workers in 31 European countries. Being contacted for work-related matters outside of regular/normal working hours may interrupt and reduce time for recovery from work-related strain and could potentially interfere with biological and social rhythms needed for recovery, sleep, and social participation, depending on the time the contact occurs, Arlinghaus and Nachreiner write in the journal Chronobiology International. Previous research has shown troubling links between overwork and serious sometimes even fatal health conditions, ranging from trouble sleeping to increased risk of heart attacks. Collected as part of the 4th European Survey on Working Conditions, the survey comprised self-report questions on work schedule, workload, and how frequently people were contacted by work via emails or phone calls outside of their normal working hours. Health impairments were measured with the question Does your work affect your health, or not? If participants answered yes, they could select specific ailments from a list of 16 options (e.g., musculoskeletal, psychological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular complaints). Participants were also asked about how many days they had taken off from work due to health problems over the past year. The results revealed that people who reported more afterhours contact from work also reported higher rates of health issues, such as musculoskeletal pain and cardiovascular conditions. The findings of the present study indicate that employer-determined contact outside the normal/regular working time is associated with increased risk of health impairments and sickness absence, the researchers conclude. In another recent study, University of British Columbia psychological scientists Kostadin Kushlev and Elizabeth Dunn examined the relationship between checking email and stress. Their conclusion when participants reported feeling far less stress when their access to email was limited. During one week, 124 adults were randomly assigned to limit checking their email to three times a day; during the other week, participants could check their email an unlimited number of times per day, Kushlev and Dunn write. We found that during the limited email use week, participants experienced significantly lower daily stress than during the unlimited email use week. References Arlinghaus, A., & Nachreiner, F. (2013). When work callsAssociations between being contacted outside of regular working hours for work-related matters and health. Chronobiology international, 30(9), 1197-1202. doi: 10.3109/07420528.2013.800089 Kushlev, K., & Dunn, E. W. (2015). Checking email less frequently reduces stress. Computers in Human Behavior, 43, 220-228. doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2014.11.005 Jared Kushner, the Donald Trump, Jr. our Future Mr. President wishes he had, has officially been named as a senior White House advisor, once Trump ascends the Gilded Throne next week. Next. Fucking. Week. Though there's been some concern about Kushner's business-related conflicts of interest (as is the case with so much of Team Trump) Kushner plans to sell his assets to his brother, Karlie Kloss BF Joshua Kushner, and to a trust his mother will oversee, according to the Times. He'll no longer have stakes in the Observer, his brother's law firm, or his family's real estate firm flagship property, and he will have to recuse himself from anything having to do with wife Ivanka Trump's business. In exchange, Kushner will join Reince Preibus, Kellyanne Conway, and Steve "Prince of Darkness" Bannon in gaining full access to The Room Where It Happens"It" referring to no-holds-barred tweeting, of course, along with some wall-building, immigrant-deporting and alleged dealmaking. This makes perfect sense, of course. By all accounts, real estate scion Kushner is Trump, but he has better hair and gets to sleep with Ivanka. NY Mag ran a long profile on Kushner outlining his similarities to his father-in-law and, more importantly, his deep commitment to Trump's fiery right-wing, nationalist agenda, which is surprising considering Kushner's a lifelong Democrat. But apparently, his views began to shift on the campaign trail. NY Mag recounted one private meeting Kushner had with the Partnership for New York City after the election, in which he described his Trumpaissance: He told the audience about his own process of figuring out Trumps appeal, saying that he had once lived in a bubble on the Upper East Side. He thought about immigration in terms of Silicon Valleys needs, about education the way Robin Hood Foundation philanthropists did, about climate change in terms of carbon emissions, not mining jobs. Then, about a year ago, Kushner said, he had started traveling the country with Trump, going to rallies where thousands of ordinary Americans shouted in fury about government regulations and the Common Core curriculum. (And torturing terrorists and locking up his opponent, though Kushner didnt mention those lines.) The gilded scales fell from his eyes. In Kushner's defense, he *appears* to have done what a lot of Democrats failed to dohe talked to the voters who complained they were being ignored, and tried to see the world through their eyes instead of his. But he also helped run a campaign fueled by bigotry and divisiveness, he's a big fan of former Breitbart co-founder Bannon; and he suggested David Friedman, a pro-settlement right-winger who has likened liberal Jews to "kapos" who aided Nazis in concentration camps, for his new role as ambassador to Israel. Mayor de Blasio might think Kushner is a "very reasonable person", as he told reporters yesterday, but, as with Ivanka, don't you dare take your eyes off him for a second. There's a snake in our midst. Then, of course, there's the pesky little matter of nepotism. When John F. Kennedy let his little brother Bobby be attorney general in 1960, Lyndon Johnson got pretty mad, and in 1967 he signed into law a nepotism statute that would prevent public officials from appointing a "relative" "to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control." Technically this prevents presidents from appointing family members to their Cabinets and not to White House advisor gigs, so Kushner, who won't be accepting a salary, might be able to duck under the curtain here, though there's some speculation about that. Still, more likely than not, we can all look forward to four-to eight seasons of Keeping Up With The Kushner-Trumps on Trump TV once regular cable's wiped out in the future. Seth Meyers returned from winter break last night and dived right back into Donald Trump's morass. And so far in the new year, Trump has pretty much stayed the course in regards to his predilection for tweeting about inane things: "Trump has continued his habit of tweeting obsessively about some of the least important things you could possibly imagine, like the ratings for the all-new Celebrity Apprentice," Meyers said. Meyers talks about how Trump's focus on being "the Ernest Hemingway of Twitter" (Note: "if Ernest Hemingway heard you say that, he would kill himself again") has pushed important topics like Russian interference in the election and the lack of vetting his cabinet picks into the background. But like a monkey at the state fair, he is VERY good at typing! Meyers also had Van Jones on to discuss former Obama voters he encountered who had turned to Trump during this election. Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? How to control cookies? Managing cookies in your browser see what cookies you have got and delete them on an individual basis block third party cookies block cookies from particular sites block all cookies from being set delete all cookies when you close your browser X A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit the site. Cookies are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.Website use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. ("Google") to help analyse the use of this website. 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You can delete all cookies that are already on your computer and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed.Most browsers allow you to:If you chose to delete cookies, you should be aware that any preferences will be lost. Also, if you block cookies completely many websites (including ours) will not work properly and webcasts will not work at all. For these reasons, we do not recommend turning cookies off when using our webcasting services. After only two years of publishing, Utahs Future House Publishing has seen a fair amount of success. Its book Marrow by Preston Norton not only hit the #1 bestseller spot on Amazon in the Teen and Young Adult Superhero Fiction category, but also won this years Utah Book Award in the YA category. Two additional Future House titles Storms and Caretaker were finalists in the same category. Future House was founded by Adam Sidwell after his book Evertaster was shopped around with no success. Sidwell had worked as an animator on Hollywood films for over a decade but decided to return to his love of writing. Evertaster, a middle-grade novel about a boy in search of the most delicious thing in the world (Indiana Jones meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) was shopped around by his agent, Alyssa Henkin at Trident Media Group. Despite interest from several publishers, nothing came together. So Henkin recommended he self-publish. Sidwell took the leap, saying, After years of working on it you just want to see your work out there. Evertaster, the first in the Evertaster series, debuted on Amazon as #1 bestseller in Childrens Mystery, Detective, & Spy on its first day of release and #51 overall in print, giving it a top 100 bestseller status on the site. The series has sold nearly 40,000 print copies, is in its fourth printing, and Orson Scott Card, author of Enders Game, has purchased the movie rights. Sidwell attributes the unusual right-out-of-the-gate success to two factors: he launched an ambitious social media campaign before every other self-published author was doing it, and he had an attention-grabbing cover by Goro Fujita, a well-known artist from the film world. Sidwell continued publishing his own books and touring, where he encountered other aspiring authors looking to get published. They asked him so many questions that he saw an opportunity to become a publisher, because his own experience in self-publishing had exposed him to the ins and outs of the process. In 2014, he formally organized Future House Publishing and opened the doors to new authors. That year the press published a picture book called Floater by father and son team Rick and Ryan Goldsberry. Then came middle-grade title Sherlock Academy and teen novel Marrow. For the first six months, Sidwell said it was difficult to find new authors, but as soon as Future House titles began having success, thats when it got easier. Its been phenomenal for us because now weve had thousands of submissions and we actually just had to shut down our submissions line because we are overwhelmed and need to catch up with what we have. The press generally tests titles with print-on-demand and ebooks before deciding on a print run. Sidwell used the same process for Evertaster, which began as a POD product. We definitely embrace that process for the titles that we have now, he said. It makes it easier to test the waters. He adds that theres another benefit: Its a quicker turnaround and helps our cash flow as were creating more books. Future House focuses on middle-grade, YA, and adult titles that have a sci-fi or fantasy feel. Those are the things I really love and everyone at the company is passionate about. I think a lot of it comes from my background making films. Sidwell said while the press dabbled in titles closer to romance, it quickly discovered that it wasnt our voice and returned sci-fi and fantasy. While the presss first book was a picture book, Sidwell discovered that picture books are difficult to get sellthrough for, and are so expensive that it didnt make sense for the new company. I love picture books and I would love to be able to see us go back to them eventually, he said, but right now the audience for some of our YA and middle grade is just so much wider than picture books that weve found much greater success in that area. In two years the company has published nearly 40 titles and is distributed by Independent Publishers Group; most of those titles have come out in 2016. While Sidwell is keen to scale the operation he wants to balance the cash flow wisely, and so the plan for 2017 is to slow down a bit. Weve got six to eight titles planned for 2017 and we want to find a balance where we can be producing the right amount of books for what our team can handle. Sidwell attributes the young presss success to finding new ways to sell books outside of and in addition to normal channels. One of those ways is sending authors to schools where they sell directly, and another is via Kickstarter. We have built an audience there, and are excited to build more of an audience there, he said. He added that the company is on the lookout for titles that tie in with other media such as film and television, because those properties have a built-in audience that will throw their support and dollars behind book spinoffs. Using Kickstarter also allows the press to vet titles before publishing them. If we cant get enough of an audience to support the project, said Sidwell, we probably shouldnt publish it. So far the five projects Future House has launched on Kickstarter have all met their funding goals. The press is also focusing on gaining traction in ebooks and having its authors tour extensively to schools, which allow for direct sales and quick revenue. As Ive heard many publishers say, its a game of managing your cash flow, Sidwell said. We eagerly hunt out that cash flow so we can find ways to keep ourselves fed and growing. As Sidwell sees it, the key to success for Future House is not trying to duplicate the big houses, because if we try to do that, thats a recipe for failure. Instead they are trying to find niches where the large publishers may not go. When news broke last week that owner Neil Van Uum was going to close Memphiss venerable independent bookstore Booksellers at Laurelwood, Emmett Miscall was shaken. A senior at nearby White Station High School, Miscall said hed been shopping at that store since he was a four-year-old. It was a real third place for me, he told PW. I probably spend two or three days a week there, and finding out that it was going to close hit me pretty hard. In response, Miscall launched a Change.org petition as a rallying cry to keep the store open; as of Tuesday morning, it had garnered 2,175 signatures. The petition is to be delivered to Van Uum, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, as well as those responsible for the stores lease. Miscall also launched a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to raise $50,000, but was asked to suspend the campaign by Booksellers, as it is unclear what the store would do with any money raised should it still have to close. This is all fine and well, Van Uum told PW, but the fact of the matter is that we looked at this situation for the last two years and the business reality is that we are losing sales steadily and the rent is too high. The landlords are unwilling to work with me to find a solution and there are obviously business realities. At approximately 20,000 sq.-ft., the storewhich was originally part of the David-Kidd chain and later a Joseph Beth outletgenerates some $5 million in sales annually, but it has been losing money at a rate of $50,000 a year. "With all the other ways to get books, sales were slowing," said Van Uum, who has been a bookseller for more than 30 years, and also runs Booksellers stores in Cincinnati and Dayton. "We expanded heavily into all kinds of sidelines, particularly in children's education, but a sideline sale can't replace a book sale in terms of velocity or relevance." Ultimately, it all comes down to metrics, said Van Uum. Since we dont set our prices and with margins the way they are, you have to set your rent at 8% of incomeideallyand 10% at most. Our Memphis rent has crept up to 12%. Now, if could have raised my book prices 4%something I know the customers wouldnt have complained aboutwe could have stayed open. But the metrics are the metrics. Van Uum noted that his Cincinnati store, which is 9,500 sq.-ft., is growing year-on-year. I think with all the pressures we face, the age of the big independent bookstore is over. With a smaller store, you reduced the risk of shopliftingwhich was a big challenge for us in Memphisyou reduce the need for staff, as well as the risk of filling up the store with non-book items. You can keep it as a proper bookstore. While Van Uum says that something might happen to keep the store open, hes not banking on it. When the news hit and was on the front page of the newspaper here two days in a row, I ended up meeting with two groups of potential investors. I showed them the numbers and told them I have $940,000 in inventorythen I asked them if they had a million dollars to put into the store. They all replied, Oh, I didnt think it would take that kind of money. At present, Van Uum has no timetable when the store will be closed. The closing of the store will be lamented not only by local book buyers, but by many of the booksellers who have committed decades to working in the store. The stores general manager, Eddie Burton, told PW last Thursday: "It has been an emotional [time]. We are a strong presence here in this town and community, I have been here for 32 years myself and we have catered to three generations of Memphis book buyers. Many booksellers have had long careers heremost have an average tenure of ten years at the store. Its a real community feel here, and the customers and the booksellers get to know each other really well. People are expressing a lot of goodwill and sympathy and hoping and praying that we can reincarnate. INDIANAPOLIS and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund officials announced Tuesday (Jan. 10) that two Purdue-affiliated startups have attained Second-Tier Gold Award status and will each receive $80,000 in funding to advance their startups. Adranos Energetics LLC, a rocket fuel startup, and GeniPhys LLC, a life sciences company, are the recipients of the funding, which is administered as convertible debt or equity investment. Both companies previously received $20,000 each through the Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund as part of the First-Tier Black Awards, making them eligible for the next tier of funding once certain startup milestones were met. Adranos and GeniPhys both have made great progress during the critical early years of their company development, said Chris LaMothe, Elevate Ventures CEO. We look forward to continuing engagement with promising companies like them at the Purdue Foundry through advisory and investment consideration by our other investment funds to support their growth. Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund provides funding for Purdue-affiliated startups with pre-seed, seed and early-stage investment and co-investment programs. Diligence reviews for the startups are conducted under the oversight of Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund Investment Committee by teams composed of competitively selected graduate students and seniors mainly from the Krannert School of Management in collaboration with Purdue Research Foundation professionals. "The Student Managed Venture Fund is an experiential learning course that enables students to conduct business research on real-world startups," said Richard Cosier, the Leeds Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Krannert School of Management, who teaches the course. "Students work with Purdue innovators and entrepreneurs who have submitted a proposal for second-tier funding and make investment recommendations to the Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund Committee." The course is offered through a collaboration among the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, Krannert School of Management and the Purdue Research Foundation. With the additional funding announced Tuesday, Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund has now awarded $1.22 million to 44 Purdue-affiliated startups since the program's creation in 2014. The momentum continues to build for entrepreneurial enterprises coming out of Purdue University innovations, said John Hanak, Purdue Ventures managing director. We are pleased with the ongoing success of all the startups that have received support through the Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund and the strong promise of future success in the companies have demonstrated in their respective fields. Adranos co-founders Chris Stoker, an Indiana University alumnus, and Brandon Terry, a Purdue postdoctoral research associate on rocket fuel innovation, serve the aviation and aerospace industries through the development of an innovative solid rocket fuel that could minimize HCI aerosol formation and increase total propulsion helping make rockets used in military and space applications travel farther, carry greater payloads and be environmentally friendly. A video of the company can be viewed here. GeniPhys founder Sherry Harbin, professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering, is developing self-assembling, bioinstructive collagen materials for research and medical applications and is already selling products for research and medical applications. A video about GeniPhys is available here. The funding is used by entrepreneurs to advance their startups and innovations through various commercialization activities including market research, product development and prototype creation. The companies receiving funds are part are part of about 200 Indiana-based companies financially supported through Elevate Ventures since 2010, which together have also attracted nearly $300 million in capital from other sources. The Elevate Purdue Foundry Fund is operated jointly by officials from the Purdue Foundry and Elevate Ventures. Criteria to receive funding include being a Purdue Foundry client; being owned by Purdue students, faculty or staff; and/or being based on intellectual property patented through the Purdue Research Foundation. Companies also are evaluated for the strength of market potential, operational viability and their leadership team. In the last three years Purdue startups have raised more than $96 million in venture funding and created nearly 160 positions. Purdue also has had record-breaking entrepreneurial activities in the same time period, including the creation of 76 startups originating from Purdue-patented intellectual property and another 49 startups based on Purdue "know-how." As part of the collaboration, Elevate Ventures provides support for four entrepreneurial advisers to work in the Purdue Foundry at the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship in Purdue University's Discovery Park. The funding is part of a three-year, $2 million targeted investment program through collaboration among the Purdue Foundry, Elevate Ventures and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The next round of black award submissions will be accepted early this year. For more information, entrepreneurs can contact an entrepreneur-in-residence at the Purdue Foundry or John Hanak, Purdue Ventures managing director, at jmhanak@prf.org. About the Purdue Foundry The Purdue Foundry is an entrepreneurship and commercialization accelerator in Discovery Park's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship where professionals help Purdue innovators create startups. The Purdue Foundry is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Innovation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. About Elevate Ventures Elevate Ventures is a private venture development organization that nurtures and develops emerging and existing high-potential businesses into high-performing, Indiana-based companies. Elevate Ventures accomplishes this by providing access to capital, rigorous business analysis and robust advisory services that connect companies with the right mix of resources businesses need to succeed long term. To learn more about Elevate Ventures, its team and its funds under management, visit www.elevateventures.com. Media Contacts: Cynthia Sequin, 765-588-3340, casequin@prf.org Alex Bowers, 317-252-0258, abowers@elevateventures.com Police say a Davenport man was killed during a home invasion on Friday in Sumner, Iowa. A Bremer County Sheriff's Office news release stated that, at 10:55 p.m. Friday, deputies received a report of a gunshot victim in the 1300 block of Whitetail Avenue in Sumner. They arrived to discover one dead and one injured, the release stated. The deceased was identified as Steven Anthony, 46, of Davenport, according to the release. Preliminary investigation suggests Mr. Anthony was the intruder in a home invasion, the sheriff's department said. The name of the other injured individual was not being released as of Monday afternoon. Assisting law enforcement agencies included Iowa Department of Public Safety and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The Bremer County Sheriff's Office has asked anyone with information on the incident to contact them at 319-352-5400, option 3. Transit police arrested a Sudanese diplomat on Monday afternoon after observing him rub his crotch against a woman on the 4 train near Grand Central, according to the NYPD. Initial charges of sexual assault and forceable touching were dropped, however, when police confirmed 49-year-old Mohammad Abdalla Ali's diplomat status. Ali, a finance attache for the Sudanese Mission to the United Nations, benefited from diplomatic immunitya policy that has protected diplomats from fines as innocuous as parking tickets and charges serious as rape in their host countries. According to the NYPD, officers saw Ali "acting in a suspicious manner" behind a 38-year-old woman on a northbound 4 train, shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Monday. The train had just pulled out of Grand Central Terminal. Following Ali's arrest, charges of forceable touching and sexual assault were voided. The case was referred to the State Department. "We are aware of allegations of a criminal act by a Sudanese diplomat that led to the involvement of the NYPD," said State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner in a statement. "We are in touch with the NYPD and the Mayor's office so that we are able to take appropriate steps, as needed, to address this matter." The Mayor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment; the Sudanese Mission also did not immediately comment. Since 1978, diplomats have been legally immune from both criminal prosecution and lawsuits pertaining to their activities both on and off the job, according to the Diplomatic Relations Act. Al Jazeera reported on the policy in 2015, which is intended to protect diplomats from unfair trial in hostile countries. It came under fire that fall, when Majed Hassan Ashoor, first secretary at Delhi's Saudi Embassy, invoked the privilege after allegedly beating and raping two Nepali women who worked for him. "The provisions are plainly antiquated and not fit for purpose in a modern era," Schona Jolly, an international human rights lawyer, told the outlet at the time. Last fall in New York City, a German UN attache reportedly invoked immunity after allegedly punching his wife in the face. City Councilmember Rory Lancman introduced legislation in 2014, known as the Diplomatic Immunity Notification Act, that would require the NYPD to notify the City Council and Mayor's office of any incident in which a diplomat benefits from immunity. The council has yet to hold a hearing on the bill. CHICAGO (AP) A case scheduled to go before the Illinois Supreme Court this week is challenging the law that allows the state's not-for-profit hospitals to skip paying property taxes. Applications for hospital property tax exemptions have been in limbo for about a year while the courts consider the issue, the Chicago Tribune reported. The Supreme Court will hear the case Thursday. Those challenging the law have said many not-for-profit hospitals enjoy hefty profits and should have to contribute to their communities like other businesses. Those opposed also said Illinois Constitution allows exemptions only for property used exclusively for charitable purposes. Hospitals argued that they provide valuable charitable care and use the exemptions to fulfill their communities' health care needs. "If the law is struck down, then it's going to be a big issue for not-for-profit hospitals across the state," said John Colombo, a tax law professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Nearly 160 of Illinois' over 200 hospitals are not-for-profit. According to an Illinois Health and Hospital Association list, not-for-profits in the Quad-Cities area include: -- UnityPoint Health-Trinity Rock Island. -- Genesis Medical Center-Aledo. -- Genesis Medical Center-Silvis. -- OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee. It is not immediately clear how much the hospitals would have to pay in property taxes if the law is ruled unconstitutional. An Illinois not-for-profit hospital can currently be considered tax-exempt if the value of its charitable services is equal to or greater than its estimated tax liability. DEKALB, Ill. (AP) Five-year-old Brayden Jenkins realized that homeless people need help staying warm during the winter, so he started a coat drive at Roc's Barber Shop in DeKalb. "I don't want them to get sick when they get cold," Brayden said. Kendra Jenkins, Brayden's mother, said her son came up with the idea of giving coats to people who don't have them while they were sitting in the car on a cold day. "When we go to the city, he sees homeless people on the sides of the roads, and he always wants to bring money from his piggy bank to give them," she said. "He thinks about if they're cold or sick and what they need." Jenkins told her son that people can start coat drives to collect coats for people in need, and Brayden said that was what he wanted to do. Brayden's family lives in Marengo but frequents Roc's Barber Shop in DeKalb. Jenkins suggested starting the coat drive there, so Brayden asked shop owner Jonathan Thompson while getting his hair cut. Thompson said Brayden has been coming into his shop for the past two years, and he was happy to team up when he heard the idea. Thompson said the shop will be collecting coats throughout the winter, and he intends to bring them to Hope Haven of DeKalb County. The two collection boxes Brayden's family brought in already are filled with coats after about a month of hosting the drive. Brayden also left a picture of himself with a typed letter explaining why donating coats is important to let customers know about the drive. Brayden said that for fun, he likes to play with his dog, Bear, that he got for Christmas, and he wants to become a veterinarian when he grows up. "I love helping animals out," he said. Jenkins said Brayden's family members and teachers have contributed to the coat drive as well, and they weren't surprised that he came up with the idea because "he always wants to help everyone." "His teachers have always said he's the one in the class helping the kids, and trying to help kids put on their coats and zip them up in the winter," she said. ROCK ISLAND -- Mayor Dennis Pauley, in what likely was his final state of the city address, said Monday that Rock Island is positioned for very strong growth in the future In a speech hosted by the Rock Island Kiwanis and Rotary clubs at the Quad City Botanical Center, the mayor touched on items from city staff, budgets, along with economic development he said the city has had in recent years. Mayor Pauley announced in November he was not seeking re-election for a third term in April. The mayor told the audience the failed quest to bring a 189,000-square-foot Super Wal-Mart to Watch Tower Plaza after Wal-mart pulled, "out at the last minute was definitely a shock to all of us." "Up until then, we were told everything was positive and moving forward toward closing (the deal). The positive side, though, is that Wal-Mart put a lot of money into testing the property's environmentals (roughly $600,000). "We now have a shovel-ready site, and our staff is working hard to bring new development to that area." The mayor said citizen comments have been "strongly" in favor of a grocery store as an anchor surrounded by other retail stores, "and that is something we are definitely pursuing." Mayor Pauley said after the new city council is seated in May, it will conduct a nationwide search to select a permanent city manager. City manager Thomas Thomas resigned last fall shortly after the Wal-Mart deal fell through. Public works director Randy Tweet was appointed to serve as interim city manager. Mayor Pauley said Mr. Tweet has done a good job, and he recommended him for the permanent position. "As a personal aside, I really don't think they need to go any further than Rock Island to find the right person," the mayor said. "Randy's been doing an outstanding job, and I'm sure he will continue to do an outstanding job." He said the city enters 2017 with a balanced budget. "We will again fully fund our pension obligations, maintain substantial financial reserves and, as we have in the past, we will continue to evaluate all open positions to continue reducing expenses," he said. "Even though the county tax levy continues to fluctuate, I am proud to report that 2017 will be the sixth year in a row where the city of Rock Island has not increased the property tax rate. "It continues to be below the 2012 rate." Mayor Pauley said the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center's executive director, Jerry Jones, has expanded partnerships and programming. "The Two Rivers YMCA and Arrowhead Family and Youth Services signed lease agreements to occupy space within the facility," the mayor said. The MLK Center also has contracted with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to provide a family advocacy center this year. MLK staff will assist families at risk for separation due to issues of safety. The MLK Center remains vital to the community, the mayor said, providing services to more than 2,000 youths with after-school programs, summer camp and prevention services while an additional 18,000 people were served through special events, clubs and other programs. The mayor mentioned economic development projects, saying he was honored to have worked with city council and staff during the past eight years and been a part of projects such as: - UnityPoint Health Trinity made a commitment to the city with a $63 million expansion. The mayor said at one point, UnityPoint officials were looking at moving those expansions to Moline. - Green Thumb Industries built its marijuana growing facility in the southwest area shortly after medical marijuana was legalized by the state. - A new $22 million police department headquarters was completed. - Bridges Catering bought the Stern Center and brought its corporate facilities to Rock Island, along with 120 jobs. - Eight new homes were constructed in Rock Island in 2016. - Johannes Bus Service relocated to an expanded property in the Southwest Business Park. - UnityPoint Health-Trinity has three remodel and repurposing projects in progress with many more to come. - 2016 saw the creation of an Environmental Protection Agency revolving fund. The first project was assistance for the development of Star Block. - There were 35 demolitions of residential and commercial properties in 2016. Mayor Pauley said the city's parks and recreation department has been working with the group Friends of Douglas Park to upgrade irrigation to the ball fields, electrical work on the scoreboard and buildings, turf reconditioning and general cleanup. "These partnerships have been very beneficial and will continue to develop as time goes on," the mayor said. ROCK ISLAND -- The Rock Island city council on Monday approved a 2.25 percent general wage increase for the city's non-union employees. John Thorson, city human resources director, said the increase covers about 70 city employees. Those employees work in general administration, human resources, information technology, finance, community and economic development, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and police, fire, public works and parks departments. Mr. Thorson said it also covers some of the library management and city clerk. The increase is effective Jan. 2, 2017. The increase compares with a 2 percent increase in 2016, a 2.5 percent increase in 2015, and a 3 percent increase in 2014. According to the city, non-affiliated employees have received a 2.64 percent average general wage increase annually since 2006. Other city employee average annual general wage increases since 2006 include: -- Rock Island Command Officers Association (COE) -- police sergeants and lieutenants -- 3.37 percent. -- International Association of Firefighters -- 3.25 percent. -- Fraternal Order of Police -- 3.14 percent. -- Parks employees -- 2.56 percent. -- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees -- B -- clerical and managerial positions -- 2.72 percent. -- AFSCME-B -- maintenance and craft workers -- 2.82 percent. -- United Auto Workers (library employees) -- 2.72 percent. -- Overall annual average general wage increases since 2006 for all city employees is 2.9 percent. In other business, the council approved a $120,190 payment to Langman Construction Inc., Rock Island, for an emergency storm sewer repair at 3301 31st Ave. The council also approved the purchase of a 2017 John Deere Compact excavator from Martin Tri-State Equipment Co., Rock Island, for $85,000. Jerry Jones, executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, said the public is invited to the 34th annual memorial service honoring the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The service is from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Jan. 16, at 630 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. WASHINGTON Rex Tillerson helped seal multibillion-dollar deals from Venezuela to Russia as Exxon Mobil Corp.s CEO. Now senators weighing his nomination for secretary of state will want to know if he can be as effective working for the U.S. even when it conflicts with the interests of Big Oil. Tillersons business background, and lack of experience in government, is unprecedented for someone in line to become Americas top diplomat. Heading into his confirmation hearing Wednesday, he faces questions about his business links to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and will be pressed to answer for or disavow President-elect Donald Trumps own call for warmer relations with the Russian leader. My No. 1 question to him was about how he intends to make that transition, how clearly he sees the difference, Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, told reporters last week of the shift Tillerson would need to make after 41 years at Exxon, the worlds largest energy company by market value. I am as concerned, if not more concerned, about what the president-elects views are going to be the centrality of NATO to our security, the importance of pushing back on Putin and Russia, he said after meeting with Tillerson. Tillerson, 64, embodies Trumps argument that what government needs is an eye for cutting deals or shredding them even if that means overturning decades of conventional wisdom in foreign policy. In 2007, the Exxon chairman and chief executive officer halted new investment in Venezuela after then-President Hugo Chavez announced plans to nationalize an oil field. And in 2011, he signed an exploration contract with leaders of Iraqs Kurdistan region, riling the central government in Baghdad and the State Department hed now lead. While Tillerson comes from outside the foreign policy establishment, he has the backing of some big names, including former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who suggested his name to Trump in November, and Stephen Hadley, who was President George W. Bushs national security adviser. Both are partners in a consulting firm that has worked for Exxon. He has a wealth of experience all over the world that will be very useful to the president-elect, and he has contacts and relationships all over the world that he will be able to use on behalf of the new administration, Hadley said in an interview. Hes also got experience managing a large, far-flung organization, and that of course is what the State Department and foreign service are. While Democrats alone dont have the numbers to block Tillersons nomination, Trump is counting on support from people like Hadley to help his choice clear some of the thornier questions during the hearings before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee starting with the Russia connection. Tillerson was awarded Russias Order of Friendship in 2013, after helping establish Exxons presence in Russia in the 1990s. In 2011, Putin personally presided over the signing of a deal between Exxon and state-owned oil giant Rosneft that gave the U.S. company access to potentially tens of billions of barrels of oil in Arctic deposits. That work was frozen by U.S.-ordered sanctions in 2014 to punish Russia for its annexation of Ukraines Crimea region. In 2016, Exxon provided input to congressional aides requesting details and answering questions on legislation that would have made it harder for the next president to lift the sanctions against Russia that halted Exxons Arctic drilling, company spokesman Alan Jeffers said. While Exxon never took a position for or against the bill, according to Jeffers, involvement in that proposal could raise new questions about the companys relationship with Russia and whether Tillerson can be truly independent as he helps oversee the sanctions that remain in place against Russia. Several senators, including some who serve on the Foreign Relations panel such as Republican Marco Rubio of Florida, want to impose new sanctions against Putin. In advance of the confirmation hearing, the left-leaning Center for American Progress released a report saying Exxon could gain up to $1 trillion in benefits from Trumps administration in the coming years. Its hard to think of any other Cabinet nominee in recent history thats had the level of financial conflict going into that position, said Matt Lee-Ashley, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and one of the authors of the report. He is just intrinsically conflicted by virtue of his background. During the first nine months of last year, the energy giant spent more than $32,000 a day, on average, to weigh in on dozens of bills before Congress and represent its interests before federal agencies, an analysis of disclosure filings organized by Bloomberg Government shows. A related concern is any conflict of interest posed by Tillersons departure from Exxon. He would, if confirmed, sell about $55 million of Exxon shares he owns. The company would also pay about $180 million in lieu of more than 2 million restricted stock awards that havent vested yet. That cash would be paid into an independently operated trust. Tillerson also agreed not to participate in any decisions involving Exxon for a year. Another issue is his view on climate change. Tillerson has spoken publicly in favor of the Paris climate agreement to limit carbon emissions, and acknowledged in 2012 that increasing carbon emissions will have a warming impact. At the same time, he said he believes the consequences are manageable. Tillersons backers describe him as a man without any hidden agendas, whos keen to delegate rather than amass power. During his 11 years as Exxons CEO, Tillerson entrusted key business lines such as crude exploration, refining and chemicals to a handful of lieutenants who were responsible for overseeing those operations. Tillerson, who joined Exxon in 1975 straight out of college and was elevated to chairman and CEO in 2006, represented a sea change from his predecessor, the brusque, imperious Lee Raymond. Faced with harsh criticism from activist investors over climate change at the companys shareholders meetings every May in Dallas, Tillerson typically heard them out, thanked them for making the trip, and then patiently explained Exxons stance in his booming baritone with its Texas drawl. In 2013, he quietly used his influence as a past president of the Boy Scouts of America to help end the groups long-standing ban on gay scouts. An Eagle Scout himself, Tillerson has repeatedly told audiences that church and the Boy Scouts were among his greatest influences as a child. Tillerson really is what he seems a Boy Scout who until his recent retirement ran an oil company, in the view of people who worked closely with him at Exxon. A big question for Tillerson, and the senators vetting him, will be how hed manage his new boss Trump and how much influence hed have over the foreign policy vision of a president who has said hell produce a tougher nuclear deal with Iran, that he might send his son-in-law to help negotiate a Middle East peace and has questioned the U.S.s responsibility to defend other members of NATO if they fail to spend more on defense. Tillerson also would have to compete for Trumps ear with retired generals Michael Flynn, the national security adviser, and James Mattis, the nominee for defense secretary. Trump was obviously impressed by him, Christopher Hill, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said in an interview. But I think a successful secretary of state has to have a close relationship with the president, and that hasnt yet been demonstrated. 2017 Bloomberg News Visit Bloomberg News at www.bloomberg.com KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Two large bombs one triggered by a suicide attacker exploded near government offices Tuesday, killing at least 38 people and wounding dozens of others in the deadliest Taliban violence in Kabul in months. In southern Afghanistan, another attack at a guesthouse belonging to the governor of Kandahar province killed five people and wounded 12. An ambassador from the United Arab Emirates and other UAE diplomats were among the wounded, authorities said. The Kabul suicide bomber struck about 4 p.m. as workers were leaving a compound of government and legislative offices, said Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. The second bomb, which was planted in a car, exploded minutes later after security forces had rushed in to help the victims, he said. The Taliban, who have been waging a 15-year war against the U.S.-backed government, claimed the attack in the capital. The 38 dead included civilians and military personnel, and another 72 people were wounded, said Public Health Ministry official Mohibullah Zeer. Among the wounded was Rahima Jami, a member of parliament from Herat province in western Afghanistan, said another lawmaker from the province, Ghulam Faroq Naziri. It appeared to be the deadliest attack in Kabul since July, when two suicide bombers struck during a demonstration held by Hazaras, a Shiite Muslim ethnic group, killing 80 people. That attack was claimed by a local affiliate of the Islamic State group. Fighting in Afghanistan tends to taper off during the winter, when mountain supply routes used by the insurgents are impassable. President Asharf Ghani strongly condemned the Kabul bombings in a statement from the presidential palace. Amnesty International said the bombings indicate that "the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives." "Targeting first responders in a car bomb that killed many people that were on the street shows a chilling contempt for human life," said Champa Patel, Amnesty International's South Asia director. The White House also condemned the attacks, saying of the bombings in the capital: "An attack on Parliamentary buildings and lawmakers is clearly an assault on Afghanistan's efforts to build democratic institutions." In the Kandahar attack, two explosions inside the governor's compound killed five people and wounded 12, including several officials and the United Arab Emirates diplomats, authorities said. Among the wounded was Gov. Homayun Azizi, his spokesman said. The spokesman, Samim Khpolwak, who also was slightly wounded, said it was not yet clear what caused the blasts. Also hurt was UAE Ambassador Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi and "a number of Emirati diplomats," the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It had no other details on how many UAE envoys were wounded in what it called a "heinous" attack. An attack inside the heavily guarded compound would represent a major breach of security. Al-Kaabi presented his credentials to Afghan authorities in June. The statement said the diplomats were in Helmand as part of a humanitarian mission. Emirati combat troops had been sent to Afghanistan after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban. The UAE had troops for years as part of the NATO-led mission, and the Gulf federation also trained members of the Afghan armed forces. Multiple daily commercial flights link the countries, with Dubai serving as an important commercial hub for Afghan businessmen. The Taliban also claimed a suicide bombing earlier in the day that killed seven people in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, said Gen. Agha Noor Kemtoz, the provincial police chief. The bomber, who was on foot, attacked a guesthouse used by provincial intelligence officials, he said. Civilians and military personnel were among the dead, and six others were wounded, Kemtoz added. A car full of explosives was found nearby. Ambush-style slayings in Dallas, Baton Rouge, La., and Canonsburg, Pa., were responsible for a significant and unsettling increase in the number of law-enforcement officers who died in the line of duty last year. Through Dec. 28, the number of fallen totaled 135, up 10 percent from 2015. The statistics are a sobering reminder of the need this new year to work on police-community relations so that the streets are safer for everyone. The names of those lost, along with a summary of their deaths and tributes from friends and family, are available at nleomf.org, the website of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The list includes deaths from various causes, including traffic accidents or heart attacks while on duty, but especially striking is the increase in the number of officers shot to death on the job. That number -- 64 -- marked a 56 percent increase over 2015. The number of those killed in ambush-style attacks -- 21 -- was the highest in more than 20 years and the incidents in which multiple officers were killed -- eight claiming 20 lives -- represented one of the worst streaks since 1932. The first fatally shot last year was Officer Douglas Scott Barney of the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, Utah, who was killed Jan. 17 in a shootout while responding to a vehicle crash. The most recenoccurred Dec. 8, when Public Safety Officer Jody Smith of Georgia Southwestern State University succumbed to injuries he sustained while responding to a domestic disturbance the day before. Receiving the most attention were the summer ambushes that claimed five officers in Dallas and three in Baton Rouge and underscored the police-community divide in some communities. The Dallas shooting followed a rally against recent police-involved shootings; the Baton Rouge incident followed the fatal shooting of a black man, Alton Sterling, by white police. The shooting of Sterling, who was pinned to the ground at the time by police, has triggered a federal investigation. Canonsburg police Officer Scott Bashioum, 52, was ambushed early Nov. 10 as he and a colleague responded to a domestic disturbance. The gunman, Michael Cwiklinski, fired from an upper-story window, striking the officer after he got out of his car. Cwiklinski also killed his pregnant wife, Dalia Sabae, and wounded Officer James Saieva. The families of the fallen officers begin the new year with loss still weighing heavily on their hearts. It is a pain no one should have to bear, and their grief is a reason to work harder for peace in 2017. President Barack Obama has embarked on his final campaign aimed at making sure we miss him once hes gone. I couldnt be prouder of the work that weve done, he said in a recent preview. I can say without equivocation that the country is a lot better off: the economy is stronger, the federal government works better, and our standing in the world is higher. Its not unusual for presidents to give a farewell address like the one Obama is to deliver in Chicago today; the practice began with George Washington. Obama has a more practical reason: Hes handing the keys to a successor and a party that have promised to dismantle everything hes done. Donald Trumps Republicans have vowed to repeal Obamas health care law, abolish his financial reform law, and undo his executive orders on immigration and clean energy. As Edward Luce of the Financial Times wrote: It will be as if Mr. Obama was never here. But their No. 1 target, Obamacare, may be safer than it seems. The reason is simple but underappreciated: Because of Obamacare, Republicans have inherited an obligation to ensure access to affordable health insurance for every American -- a duty the federal government didnt have before. They could disavow the burden -- but they havent. Indeed, Trump has embraced it. During his campaign, the president-elect promised to enact a beautiful new plan (for) much better health care at a much lower cost. After the election, he repeated the pledge, saying: Everybodys got to be covered. In the short run, that means Obamacare has to continue operating until a new plan is ready. Indeed, Democrats have already been taunting Republicans with what some call the Pottery Barn rule: You break it, you own it. Were talking about a three-year transition, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said. People are being understandably cautious to make sure nobodys dropped through the cracks. This week, the Senate is expected to vote on the Obamacare repeal resolution, but it wont repeal the law; it will be a promise to repeal it later. After that, Republicans in the Senate and House will get to work on a new plan, drawing on conservative proposals drafted well before the election. The irony is that the drafts most likely to succeed share some basic features with Obamacare. They agree on the basic goal of universal coverage -- or, at least, universal access to affordable insurance. They agree on subsidies to make it possible for low- and middle-income families to afford insurance -- in most cases, in the form of tax credits (refundable credits, so they would go even to people who dont pay taxes). Some Republican plans would even keep the state insurance exchanges that Obamacare set up -- and in at least one case, the federal healthcare.gov exchange as well. Naturally, there are big differences too, all of which make the GOP proposals less generous and less universal in coverage than Obamacare. Most of the Republican alternatives would push many people into bare-bones catastrophic insurance policies, with less coverage than Obamacare offers. (They would pay less, but get less.) They would cover fewer people too -- at least 4 million fewer, according to one forecast. And theres a controversial divergence on guaranteed coverage for people with preexisting conditions: The GOP plans provide it only for users who have maintained continuous coverage for some period of time. James Capretta, a conservative health policy expert at the American Enterprise Institute, believes the political imperative will be for the GOP to deliver something credible on its promises. Theyre halfway to where they need to go, he told me. They need to make sure everybody in the country can get health insurance if they want it. And that the prices are right -- that this looks to most Americans like a reasonable way to get health insurance. Voters and history will judge them to have failed if the end result is millions of people becoming uninsured again, he said. If Republicans cant do it on their own, they might even have to try an unusual Plan B: bipartisan compromise. Either way, the basic premise that the federal government has an obligation to make affordable, comprehensive health insurance available to everyone, with near-universal coverage, appears as if its going to stick. The result wont be the plan Obama wanted -- but in the long run, hell still deserve credit from history. Go To The Polls And Pull The Lever We hope everyone turns out to pull the lever next Tuesday (Nov. 8). Actually, new voters wont know what we are talking about, as the... Letters To The Editor Street Closure Dangers Neighbors, Friends, Citizens of NYC/QUEENS: Many may not know that NYC has decided to close off miles of streets to cars in... G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now! It was a cracking first shift from triple js new breakfast lineup of Ben and Liam, with journo Brooke Boney and regular friends Dylan Alcott and Gen Fricker. In week one of the new show, Ben and Liam will be giving away insanely good Laneway Festival experiences in Life In The Fast Laneway, and hanging out with Alison Wonderland, London Grammar and Jamie T. The popular Like a Version will also make a return this week with New York-based Phantogram. Listen to the best bits of their first show here on their new daily podcast. The first episode is aptly titled Anything crossed with a poodle is popular courtesy of their first ever caller. Talking to Radio Today after their first day on air, triple js content director Ollie Wards told RT that Ben and Liam have got off to a cracking start on triple j. In just their first couple of days, theyve been reverse interviewed by Alison Wonderland, got music news from London Grammar, given away Laneway Festival VIP tickets and fielded several TOOL requests on the notorious triple j textline. The new team are all having heaps of fun; listeners seem to be getting into it, and weve got loads of great stuff still to come, he said. Before joining Australias national youth broadcaster, Ben and Liam were hosting breakfast on community radio station 92.7 Fresh FM in Adelaide. Join the conversation! Share your opinion in the comments section below. Like RT on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, and join the newsletter for breaking news alerts, new job listings and exclusive subscriber-first articles in 2017. Got a news story or tip-off for us, drop us a line: [email protected]. Wednesday on Double J, they mark the one-year anniversary since the death of David Bowie. Across the day they will pay tribute with Bowies music and archival interviews, as well as look at a local perspective on the impact of his time here. 3pm: Double Js Myf Warhurst will pay tribute to the star man with a Bowie special on Double J, which will also be simulcast on Summer, Myfs ABC Radio show. 4pm: Bowie live in concert. Recorded by the BBC, youll hear Bowie perform massive songs like All the Young Dudes and Heroes live on stage at the Phoenix Festival in 1996. 8pm: Melbournes Hamer Hall for the 2016 tribute concert, David Bowie: Nothing Has Changed, where some of Australias best performers, including Deborah Conway, Tim Rogers, Adalita, iOTA and Ashley Naylor reinterpret Bowies biggest songs, backed by a band and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Celebrate a legend on Double J via mobile, digital radio, on Channel 200 on your digital TV and online at doublej.net.au The locomotives will be maintained at Ferromex depots located in Torreon, Chihuahua and Guadalajara, and the project is expected to generate 150 direct jobs. Alstom will apply CBM technologies as well as oil and vibration analysis. Remote monitoring, asset support and predictive analytics solutions will aim to facilitate maintenance while reducing operational costs. A feasibility study will be conducted for the joint development and eventual purchase of 100 new 800kW four-axle hybrid locomotives. DB Cargo says the first test locomotives are expected to be ready by the end of 2019. The hybrid vehicles will be used as short-range locomotives and, in addition to significantly lower diesel consumption and lower maintenance costs, will enable a higher average fleet availability, DB Cargo says. DB Cargos shunting locomotive fleet has an average age of 40 years and is at the end of its useful life. The objective is to promote the development of the supplier market for freight locomotives and components in cooperation with Toshiba, says Mr Jurgen Wilder, chairman of the management board of DB Cargo. This will provide DB Cargo with access to sunrise technologies that are not currently available in this form in our home market. In return, we - as the largest rail freight operator in Europe - can pave the way for Toshiba to enter the European market. In other words, this is a classic win-win situation. DB Cargo has also agreed the sale of 200 older six-axle 15kV ac class 151 and 155 electric locomotives to a consortium led by leasing firm Railpool with Toshiba. The locomotives will then be leased to both DB Cargo and other rail freight operators. The class 151 locomotives were built for the former German Federal Railway between 1972 and 1978 while the class 155 units were built in East Germany for German State Railway (DR) by LEW at Hennigsdorf between 1977 and 1984. The value of the transaction has not been disclosed although press reports suggest it is around 70m. DB Cargo says that creating this privately-owned pool of its older locomotives will give it the chance to lease locomotives efficiently in line with changing demand. DB will remain responsible for maintenance. DB Cargo is also understood to be evaluating the sale and lease back of its fleet of over 70,000 freight wagons as part of the process of improving profitability. The pace of innovations in the rail freight business is slowing down and competition is low as many European manufacturers have discontinued their activities in this sector, DB Cargo says. Nevertheless, the leading Asian technological players have still not succeeded in gaining a hold on the European market. This is attributable primarily to their insufficient experience of European rail operations, the complicated approval procedures, and the lack of suitable partners. DB Cargo seeks to overcome these obstacles in a collaboration with Toshiba to make the European market for rail vehicle technology a more attractive proposition for the future. For more information on the global locomotive fleet market, subscribe to IRJ Pro. The funding is an addition to the existing 10m budget for the work and follows two serious derailments at level crossings after trains collided with road vehicles on level crossings in 2016, with one train driver killed. There are around 100 unsecured level crossings on the Dutch rail network managed by Prorail and it is hoped that the extra funds will speed up their removal. The secretary of state expects local or regional governments to contribute financially to the project. Alstom has been awarded a contract by Ferromex to provide maintenance for 219 freight locomotives for a five year period. Alstom said on Jan. 9 that the locomotives will be maintained at Ferromex depots located in Torreon, Chihuahua and Guadalajara. Mexico and the project is expected to generate 150 direct jobs. The services include the application of CBM3 technologies, oil and vibration analyses. Alstom expects the implementation of remote monitoring, asset support and predictive analytics solutions to reduce operational costs. We are honored that Ferromex, for whom we are maintaining more than half of its locomotives, is renewing its trust in Alstoms services. This award also illustrates Alstoms commitment to support Mexicos mobility projects for more efficient, more reliable, more sustainable transport networkdeclared Rodelmar Ocampo, Managing Director of Alstom Mexico. Babu Veeregowda, P.E., P.T.O.E., A.V.S., has joined HNTB Corp.s Northeast Division as chief transportation/traffic engineer and vice president. He is based in the firms New York City office. With more than 28 years of experience, Veeregowda has significant expertise providing traffic engineering and analysis for site development and transportation improvement programs, HNTB said. A noted expert on New York City infrastructure issues, he is a frequent speaker and presenter on contemporary traffic engineering issues. At HNTB, Veeregowda works with current and new clients to identify and solve significant operational issues specific to design-build projects, including contracting and negotiation throughout the Northeast region. Prior to HNTB, Veeregowda served as a principal and chief traffic engineer with VHB. His experience includes Veeregowdas experience has included managing and completing several major EISs and complex transportation and engineering analyses and design for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Expansion Project from Floral Park and Hicksville; Willets Point/Citi Field, Kosciuszko Bridge (design/build); Yankee Stadium; World Trade Center; Hunters Point South; LIRR East Side Access; JFK AirTrain, NJ Transit Hudson-Bergen Light Rail; New York City Transit Second Avenue Subway and Select Bus Service, among many others. A P.E. (Professional Engineer) in New York and New Jersey, Veeregowda is also a P.T.O.E. (Professional Traffic Operations Engineer) and A.V.S. (Associate Value Specialist). He holds a Master of Science in Transportation Engineering from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Bangalore University. Veeregowda has authored multiple publications and presentations for the Institute of Traffic Engineers and the Transportation Research Board, among others. Babu brings an extensive background and comprehensive understanding of the many critical issues impacting this regions transportation infrastructure network, said Mike Sweeney, P.E., HNTB Northeast Division President. His respected expertise, insight and practical knowledge will serve as a vital resource as HNTB works with transportation agencies to solve mobility challenges. The Pardee RAND Graduate School (PardeeRAND.edu) is home to the only Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs offered at an independent public policy research organizationthe RAND Corporation. Dozens of women participated in a rally in front of the 94th Precinct in Greenpoint Tuesday to denounce a precinct captain's comments that seemed to trivialize acquaintance rape, as well as what they see as the NYPD's general attitude toward sexual assault. NYPD Captain Peter Rose made the comments at a Community Council meeting last Friday in response to the reported 62 percent jump in sex attacks in his precinct. Ten of the 13 cases did not result in arrests; Rose seemed to imply that because all of these cases were alleged acquaintance rapes, there was little reason for concern. "I'm outraged. I have two young daughters. We live here," said Resham Mantri, 39, a resident of Greenpoint who attended the rally. "Our police should understand issues like sexual violence," she added. Rose seemed to downplay the severity of acquaintance rape in comparison to stranger rape, telling DNAInfo that "some of them were Tinder, some of them were hookup sites, some of theme were actually coworkers. It's not a trend that we're too worried about because out of 13 sex attacks, only two were true stranger rapes." He continued, "They're not total-abomination rapes where strangers are being dragged off the streets." Greenpoint has been a hotspot of assaults this past year. Women from the neighborhood have been critical of the 94th precinct, claiming that there has been a lax police response to the increase of reported rapes and that women who bring assault charges are not treated empathetically. "One case should not take precedence over another. All survivors should be treated with the same respect and all survivors should be believed" said Natalie, 19, a student from New Jersey who came out to the protest. According to statistics gathered by the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, also known as RAINN, 7 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone the victim knows. (Joshel Melgarejo/Gothamist) Rose publicly apologized via Twitter on Monday, saying that his comments mischaracterized NYPD procedure. His apology was followed by an op-ed from Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill that appeared in the Daily News Monday night. O'Neill said the NYPD takes rapes and sexual assaults seriously and that every report is investigated thoroughly. O'Neill detailed the steps the NYPD has taken to encourage victims to come forward in his statementsuch as collaborating with Sexual Assault Task Forces to create and widely distribute a pamphlet that explains what sexual assault is, how to report it, and where to get assistance. He also pointed to the departments creation of the Crime Victim Program, which would place two trained victim advocates in every precinct and Housing Bureau police service area to assist victims of crime. The NOW-NYC, the women's rights advocacy group that organized the rally, issued a list of demands to the NYPD, including having all 10 of the 94th precinct's "unsolved" rape cases re-opened and developing a department-wide plan that imposes oversight and accountability to ensure that acquaintance rapes are taken seriously. "Captain Rose's comments are offensive and outrageous, but they are symptoms of a larger systemic problem within the criminal justice system," NOW New York President Sonia Ossorio stated in a press release. "To suggest that any rape 'is less serious' re-victimizes survivors of rape, creates a climate where women are more reluctant to report rape, and stands between countless sexual assault victims and justice." Diane Vargas, 41, another Greenpoint resident, called Rose's comments "horrifying to hear." She continued, "I have a daughter, I'm raising her in this neighborhood and I am really worried that we don't have the protection that we need." Criminal case of Far Eastern Guerilla gang returned for retrial MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) A criminal case of Far Eastern Guerillas, which returned to public attention after the Supreme Court overruled acquittal for five men who were previously found innocent of several murders and robbery, was sent back to the Primosrky Krai court, RIA Novosti reported on Tuesday. Proceedings related to the case are underway and the hearing date will be scheduled later. This July, after a retrial, a jury found evidence presented by prosecution not convincing and acquitted the defendants. The retrial was conducted with regard to the murder of four people, who were also robbed of valuables and drugs they had on them, in the Primorsky Krai. On July 28, defendants Alexey Nikitin and Vadim Kovtun were released in the courtroom while Alexander Kovtun, Vladimir Ilyutikov and Maksim Kirillov were kept in detention as they were to serve their time in relation to two other criminal cases. On December 26, Russias Supreme Court overruled the acquittal. The Supreme Courts board of judges for criminal cases repealed the Primorsky Krai Courts ruling after reviewing appeals filed by prosecutors and relatives of victims in this case. Several violations of litigation process were found: part of the jury did not disclose relevant information about themselves, while the lower court inappropriately dismissed some relevant evidence. Evidence included admittance of guilt by defendants made during interrogation conducted with violations. The group gained notoriety after a series of assaults on civilians and law enforcement officers in 2010 left six dead. The Far Eastern Guerilla gang was tracked down in a flat in the city of Ussuriysk in June 2011, and surrounded by law enforcement officials. Two policemen were injured in a shootout with the gang members, two of whom committed suicide, according to the forensic medical examination. On February 4, 2014, five of the defendants were found guilty by the jury of having participated in a criminal gang, while one was acquitted. Four gang members were convicted of killing police officers, and five were convicted of the murder of civilians. Shooting spree victims ask Russian Supreme Court to review ruling on compensations MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) - Victims of a 2009 shooting spree in a Moscow shopping center caused by police major Denis Yevsyukov have filed an application with the Russian Supreme Court seeking to review denial of compensations to them taking into account ECHRs ruling, Trunov, Aivar and Partners, the firm representing the victims, informed on its website on Tuesday. Earlier, a Moscow court dismissed claims for compensations filed by Yevsyukovs victims against the Department of Finance in Moscow, Federal Treasury and Finance Ministry, according to lawyer Igor Trunov. In December 2016, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) unanimously found violation of Yevsyukov victims right to life (Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights) and ordered Russia to pay them 36,000 in damages. Moreover, ECHR ruled that Russian authorities must pay court costs amounted to 2,000 to one of the victims. In 2009, Yevsyukov, at that time the chief of the police department of Tsaritsyno district, wearing his police uniform and armed with a handgun went on a rampage killing two individuals and wounding seven others. Altogether, more than 20 people were recognized as victims of the shooting spree. The crime sparked public outcry and resulted in dismissal of several top police officials in Moscow. In 2011, a broad reform centered around a police law was conducted. In 2010, Yevsyukov was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. ECHR orders Russia to pay 15,000 for unlawful prosecution MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) The European Court of Human Rights has ordered Russia to pay 15,000 euros in damages to three Russian nationals who complained of unlawful prosecution, the courts ruling reads. Ivan Trufanov, Georgy Sedov and Sergey Posokhov filed an application with the ECHR in April 2004 alleging that their claims for compensation were dismissed by Russian courts. In July 2001, a court in the Rostov Region ruled that the applicants were guilty of various offences but declared that they need not serve their sentences because the case was time-barred. The Rostov Regional Court in October upheld the ruling. In January 2002, the Presidium of the Rostov Regional Court quashed the decisions of the courts and discontinued criminal proceedings against the applicants. It found that the courts had not been in a position to decide on the applicants guilt because the whole case had been time-barred. Trufanov, Sedov and Posokhov sued Russian Ministry of Finance for compensation in connection with their prosecution. In March 2005, the Taganrog City Court dismissed the lawsuits. Later the Rostov Regional Court upheld the ruling. The ECHR ruled that Russian courts violated right of applicants to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights. Detention of social network group admin charged with pushing teens to suicide extended MOSCOW, January 10 (RAPSI) The Oktyabrsky District Court in St. Petersburg has extended until May 15 the detention of Philipp Budeykin, aka Philipp Fox, an administrator of a closed group on social network Vkontakte who stands charged with inciting teenagers to commit suicide, the courts press service reported on Tuesday. The hearing was held behind closed doors because case papers submitted by investigation contained information about minor children, the statement reads. Budeykin was absent from court as he is currently undergoing sanity examination. A criminal case was opened in May after several Russian media outlets reported about so-called Groups of Death, numerous groups where young people were encouraged to kill themselves. Investigators claim that from December 2013 to May 2016 eight Groups of Death were registered on Vkontakte network. Fifteen teenagers from various regions of Russia were members of these groups and committed suicide. Searches were conducted in ten regions of Russia. About ten people testified in the case against Budeykin who was arrested on November 15. He remains in detention since his arrest. Antiwar.com, January 9, 2017 By Jason Ditz While a lot of the focus of Americas endless parade of air wars centers on Iraq and Syria, the 15+ year long war in Afghanistan is continuing apace, with the latest Centcom data showing US airstrikes in the country up 40% over the previous year. Thats 1,337 weapons dropped by US forces in Afghanistan in 2016, with no sign the escalation is slowing down. Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland confirmed Sunday that the US intends to contiinue with Aggressive use of airstrikes to achieve strategic effects. This revelation adds to the signs of just how badly the Afghan war went in 2016, a fact which has led NATO to announce multiple deployments of ground forces in recent days, deployments which come years after ground combat operations were supposed to be finished. Throughout that period, Afghan forces continued to lose territory at an alarming pace, despite a massive increase in US airstrikes, with figures showing the Taliban controls more territory now than at any time since the 2001 US invasion that began the occupation. Pulse.ng, January 10, 2017 By Dimeji Akinloye Internally displaced woman in her temporary shelter in an informal settlement on the outskirts of Herat city, Afghanistan. (Photo: Kennet Havgaard/NRC) Internally displaced woman in her temporary shelter in an informal settlement on the outskirts of Herat city, Afghanistan. (Photo: Kennet Havgaard/NRC) Ongoing conflict across different parts of Afghanistan forced over 623,000 people to leave their homes in 2016, according to a UN report published on Tuesday, January 10. At the beginning of 2016, the UN had only expected 250,000 people to be internally displaced in the war-torn country. However, the number rose dramatically as intense fighting in several parts of Afghanistan continued throughout the year. Over 40,000 people were newly registered as displaced in the three weeks since the UN reported that there were 580,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) on Dec. 18. The report said the number of those displaced by conflict were the highest number recorded. It added that the total number of displaced people in 2016 will continue to rise over the next few weeks as assessments of existing IDPs caseloads are carried out throughout the country. Adding to the chaos, about one million registered refugees and undocumented Afghans were forced to return from Iran and Pakistan in 2016. Meanwhile, this has posed a challenge for the Afghan government and aid agencies alike to assist all those displaced and returned. According to the recently published UN Humanitarian Needs Overview, over 9 million people are in need of assistance an increase of 13 per cent over 2015. Humanitarian helpers warned of deadly consequences for hundreds of thousands of people who have no shelter and little food during the winter. Writing about anything and everything When Caesar crossed the Rubicon the Senate finally realized that they had made a terrible mistake. The mistake wasn't in letting the situation get that far, but in that they believed the Roman and Italian people would rally to defend the Republican system. What they failed to understand was that the people had little trust in the Senate and that Caesar had won them over through his popular agenda while in political office. Caesar's great propaganda campaign, his books "Bellum Gallicum (the Gallic Wars)" endeared the people even more to their almost mythical hero, and the Senate's cause in Italy was lost. Unable to levy armies, or develop a meaningful resistance, the Senate, and Pompey had little choice but to take their business out of Rome and into Greece. It was here, and further east, where Pompey held considerable sway, where the Senate hoped to raise armies and defeat Caesar. This too, however, worked in Caesar's favor. Without the fear of bloodshed and damage to their homes in Italy, the people had little reason to support the Senate. Caesar marched throughout northern Italy accepting the capitulation of cities and garnering support with little difficulty. Pompey and the Republicans, meanwhile fled to Brundisium in the heel of Italy, where they hoped to secure the bulk of the transport vessels available in the region. The bulk of Pompey's forces were removed across the Adriatic to Dyrrhachium, along with the bulk of the Senate, but by early March of 49 BC, he still had nearly 2 full legions with him in Brundisium. Caesar approached quickly with 6 legions in an attempt to put an end to the resistance then and there. Attempting to box Pompey in, Caesar tried to negotiate peace, but Pompey delayed just long enough to make good his escape. Despite Caesar's attempts to block the harbor, the Republicans controlled the navy and Pompey escaped with his forces intact. University of Hawaii medical students plan public protest on January 9 for #ProtectOurPatients News Release from John A. Burns School of Medicine, January 8th, 2017 Motorists and pedestrians near Ala Moana Boulevard are likely to see something out of the ordinary on Monday, January 9, 2015 at around 12:30 p.m. University of Hawaii medical students, clad in their white medical lab coats, plan to hold an organized protest demonstration in support of #ProtectOurPatients. #ProtectOurPatients is a nation-wide, grassroots movement organized by medical students to raise awareness about the potential repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), frequently referred to as Obamacare. On January 9th, a large group of health professions students from across the country will unite under the banner of #ProtectOurPatients in Washington, D.C. to deliver a petition asking Congress to prevent millions of Americans from losing health insurance. The Hawaii medical student demonstration is being led by a student interest group at the UH medical school, the Partnership for Social Justice (PSJ). President-elect Donald Trump and Republican majorities in Congress are threatening to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and defund Planned Parenthood, said Arcelita Imasa, a third-year student at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and a spokesperson for the PSJ student group. With healthcare for some 30 million Americans in jeopardy and the threat that 400,000 more women will lose access to desired reproductive care, we medical students cannot be silent, said Imasa. The MD student protest is entirely organized by the student interest group, and doesnt necessarily reflect an official position by the medical school or University. However, Jerris Hedges, MD, JABSOM Dean said, JABSOM is proud that our students hold such strong community values and will speak up for those patients who may not have a voice in the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. About the John A. Burns School of Medicine The John A. Burns School of Medicine honors its unique research environment to excel in science-based efforts to eliminate diseases that disproportionately affect people in Hawaii and the Pacific region. Annually at JABSOM, more than 500 future physicians are learning medicine, JABSOM researchers secure $52 million in grants, and overall economic stimulus to Hawaii from the school tops $456 million. JABSOM also confers degrees in Clinical Translational Research, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Tropical Medicine, Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Technology and Developmental and Reproductive Biology. http://jabsom.hawaii.edu. ---30--- Related: SA: Pair of rallies protests Trumps policies University of Hawaii: Report Trump Voters to Campus Police UH Promises to Protect Illegals from Trump Summary Former Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who ruled from 1989 to 1997, passed away on Jan. 8 at the age of 82. For the past four decades, Rafsanjani has been one of the most powerful figures in Iranian politics, surpassed only by Iran's first leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His passing comes at a critical time in Iranian politics as the country prepares for an important presidential election in May. With former reformist President Mohammed Khatami under a media ban and other notable reformist leaders such as Mehdi Karroubi under house arrest, Rafsanjani emerged in recent years as the ideological leader of the country's more moderate camp. Moreover, he was able to challenge the Iranian political establishment's views in ways no one else could, in part because he helped to create it as one of the Islamic Republic's founding fathers. Iran's moderate leaders will no doubt struggle to fill the hole he leaves behind. Analysis During his long career, Rafsanjani espoused balance, both among the country's political factions and between Iran and its foreign adversaries, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council and the West. In fact, it was Rafsanjani who first sought to improve Tehran's relationship with the United States in the late 1980s. Because of his history interacting with and speaking for Iranian factions across the political spectrum, Rafsanjani held a unique position in which he was able to speak his mind without facing serious repercussions. In the 1980s, Rafsanjani served alongside Khamenei as a key conservative politician who filled a variety of prominent roles. When Khomeini died in 1989, Rafsanjani argued that Khamenei was undeniably the best candidate to take his place. Yet despite this close alliance, Khamenei and Rafsanjanis views began to diverge considerably in the 1990s and 2000s, though the disagreements remained rooted in a history of coordination and mutual respect. Regardless of his popularity among Iran's reformists, Rafsanjani's tenure was not without controversy. During his presidency he pushed for Iran's reintegration with the global system, much like President Hassan Rouhani is today. In introducing several economic reforms in the 1990s, including the partial privatization of state-owned entities and the introduction of foreign investment and companies into Iran's energy sector, he alienated many Iranians especially when those plans ultimately failed. Amid the Gulf War, which recast the United States as an enemy, and a sluggish Iranian economy, Rafsanjani failed to realize the hopes that he had envisioned in his reforms. When he tried to run for the presidency again in 2005, he was soundly defeated by populist rival Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The latter ran on a platform that criticized Rafsanjani's role in Iran's economic liberalization, noting that several lucrative deals went to members of Rafsanjani's inner circle and family. Ahmadinejad also blasted the formation of what he called the "Oil Mafia." Since then Rafsanjani has rebuilt his image, thanks in large part to the fact that the 2009 Green Revolution rekindled more moderate and reformist sentiments during Ahmadinejad's terms. In the February 2016 Assembly of Experts elections, Rafsanjani won 2.3 million votes, proof of his renewed popularity across the country's political factions. The Assembly of Experts, tasked with selecting the next supreme leader, had heard and considered Rafsanjani's unique suggestions regarding the position before, including ruling the country through a council instead of a single figure. That Rafsanjani was able to propose such changes without triggering much backlash is indicative of his power and relative insulation in Iranian politics. null Khomenei once said, "The Revolution is alive as long as Rafsanjani is alive." While there are still many important players in Iranian politics who can evoke Khomenei's revolutionary views, Rafsanjani's death certainly shows that a changing of the guard is inevitable. In the four decades since the Iranian Revolution, many of the figures at the head of the Islamic Republic have survived to guide it. But Khamenei is now 77 and is reportedly suffering from prostate cancer. In the coming decade, the next generation of political leaders in Iran including Rouhani, parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, judiciary head Sadeq Larijani, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari and others will likely have to steer Iran's political path without revolutionary bona fides such as Rafsanjani and Khamenei. Moreover, because Khamenei has outlived Rafsanjani, the Assembly of Experts will lose a powerful voice that could have helped nudge the selection of the next supreme leader in a more moderate direction. Though Rouhani has accrued his own support and respect through decades of experience as a moderate politician, it will be difficult for him to fill Rafsanjani's shoes. As Rouhani prepares to run in the next presidential election, he will need to demonstrate that he can handle a period of uncertainty in U.S.-Iranian relations, manage a recovering Iranian economy, and maintain the revolutionary ideals that the country's leaders are charged with protecting. And now that Rafsanjani is gone, leaving Iran's moderate and reformist camp with no obvious replacement, Rouhani will become that figure by default. The CIAs report on the Russian attempt to influence the American presidential election has been issued. The report asserts that the Russians stole emails belonging to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and John Podesta to embarrass Hillary Clinton and cause her defeat. In addition, it says that the Russians engaged in propaganda and disinformation and had access to several state and local electoral boards, but did not tamper with the votes. Also according to the report, the Russians favored Donald Trump for president. The report may or may not create a controversy, but if it does, it has the potential to cause significant turbulence in the American system. It is useful to look at it from that perspective, as it reveals some of the deeper vulnerabilities of the American political system at this moment. The report is potentially politically explosive in a number of ways. First, implicit in the CIA assertions is the idea that, except for Russian involvement, Trump would not be president. The CIA carefully avoids making this conclusion, but those who regard Trump as an inappropriate president will likely use this to further delegitimize him. His opponents already see him as illegitimate partly because he lost the popular vote and won the Electoral College only by narrow margins in the Rust Belt. The report could create a constitutional crisis. There is no constitutional provision for overriding a presidential election. The president can be impeached, but nothing in the CIA report implies that Trump was guilty of any high crime or misdemeanor necessary for impeachment. The fact that Trump had kind words for Russian President Vladimir Putin and wanted better relations with Russia indicates nothing. President Barack Obama wanted better relations in the Islamic world and sometimes spoke of adversaries in ways others disapproved of. However, the president not only has the right but the duty to frame his policies as he thinks best. Nevertheless, Trumps opponents will likely use the report to attempt to delegitimize the election and seek to block Trumps foreign policy, particularly on Russia. It was undoubtedly for this reason that Trump did not want the report made public. It might weaken his presidency and even create a movement to use this as the basis for impeachment, regardless of whether there is any evidence of wrongdoing on his part. That is a far reach, but not absurd. As this develops, another force might arise. Some will raise the question of why this report was released with such urgency. Some will answer this question by saying that the report was too important to be kept from the public. But Trumps supporters may claim that the release was politically motivated. Trumps National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has long distrusted the CIAs performance from his days in Afghanistan, and the Trump transition team has openly discussed restructuring and downsizing the CIA . The charge will be made that the CIA released the report to cripple Trump, and make it impossible for him to reform the agency because it will appear like revenge. The more extreme charge will be that Obama ordered the CIA to release this report to weaken Trump politically. Obama wanted to control the content of the report and the timing of the its release, so that it would be made public while he is still in office. Obama is concerned with preserving his legacy, particularly with regards to health care, and he wants to weaken Trumps authority. The counter to both those arguments is that a foreign and adversarial power intruded into an American election. It was on the whole a clumsy intervention. The revelations from the emails were shocking mostly to those who wanted to be shocked, and for all the panic over fake news, it is nothing new. All countries use propaganda to shape public opinion in adversarial countries. The report had to be released quickly to let the Russians know we were aware of their activities, and perhaps to inoculate Americans from further attempts. In the end, Trumps enemies will charge him with being an illegitimate president, and in extremis, will say that he had made some sort of deal with the Russians before the election. The CIA and Obama will be accused of trying to cripple Trumps presidency and undermine a legitimate election. Regardless of the CIAs intent, the report could destabilize the United States, which is what Russia wanted in the first place. The Russians may have wanted Trump to win the election, but it is extremely unlikely that they had a significant effect or that they expected to succeed. The revelations in the emails were either trivial or already well known. They revealed that DNC head Debbie Wasserman Schultz wanted to block Bernie Sanders from winning the Democratic nomination. That was neither a surprise nor did he fail to get the nomination because of her. He failed to get the nomination because he got fewer votes than Clinton. It also was revealed that donors to the Clinton Foundation could get meetings with the secretary of state. But were that the greatest corruption in Washington, it would be a very honest city. The important revelations were already known, and those that were unknown were unimportant. The people who were impressed by these leaks for the most part opposed Clinton anyway. I dont think that the Russians expected to get Trump elected. They wanted to intrude on the election and make sure the public knew they intruded. The Russian goal was to generate uncertainty about the election and, if possible, destabilize the U.S. as a result. The Russians issues with the U.S. predated the election campaign. The Russians have long charged that the U.S. tries to influence elections in former Soviet Union states. The U.S. means for doing this is to underwrite political groups, frequently acting as neutral human rights advocates. These groups help organize opposition to these countries governments, and in Ukraine, helped bring down the legitimately elected government. The Russians also charge that the U.S. government, through various agencies, openly and covertly encourage unrest in Russia. If the Russians did the things the CIA claims, getting even for what the Russians see as American attempts to influence politics and increase instability in former Soviet Union states was their primary purpose. The Russians are moving deeper into economic and social problems and as such will become increasingly vulnerable. By demonstrating very publicly that they could return the favor, they signaled the U.S. to back off. In this sense, the CIA report was precisely what the Russians were hoping for. They wanted their attempt to be detected, and they wanted to be seen interfering with the election, but their intent was not to help any candidate get elected. It was an added bonus to get rid of Clinton, whom they loathed, and to see Trump, who seemed more flexible, win the election. The CIA has now completed what the Russians started. They set the stage for a particularly vicious and long-term confrontation between factions. The problem with the CIA report is that it is only assertions. Unfortunately, the CIAs record is not sterling. It was wrong about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. It failed to forecast the Sunni rising in Iraq or the Islamic States assault on Mosul. It failed to uncover the plans for 9/11 or to predict Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait. It also failed to forecast the Korean War and lots of things in between. The CIA simply doesnt have the credibility to assert something this critical. Senators and congressmen who have been briefed on this all came away saying they were convinced about the CIAs conclusions. If so, they were provided information that was not made public. I understand the CIAs unwillingness to compromise sources and methods, but at times it has used this as a way to cover shoddy intelligence. The intended audience in this issue is not the president or secretary of defense. It is the American public. The American public, Trump supporters included, must be persuaded that the CIA report is neither political nor shoddy. The information it has shown to Congress in addition to the report that was declassified last week was provided knowing it will likely leak, so it is no longer assumed to be classified. The concerns that flow from the report are legitimate. Were Trump and the Russians working together? Was this report an attempt by Obama and the CIA to cripple Trump? The CIA cannot simply issue assertions. It must provide evidence. If it doesnt, then it is completing Putins work for him by turning a fairly clumsy and very public demonstration of what it feels like to have foreigners intervene in your politics into a significant destabilization of the American political system. In a country racked with distrust of institutions, issuing this report without some proof that the report is true, both in what it says and what it doesnt say, is problematic. What it doesnt say was that Trump was involved, or that Obama ordered the CIA investigation for political reasons. Getting these issues clear is as important as finding out how the hacks happened. Property details: Please be aware that the Buy It Now value is the down payment only. This is an owner-financed land sale, 0% interest, up to 4 year term. Total sale price is $2299. Down payment is $299. You will have $2000 remaining on the land contract after the down payment. Seller will pay recording fees and will deliver the property free of any liens. 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Donald Trumps replacement on The New Celebrity Apprentice is rehashing an old catchphrase in the boardroom, but nobody wants to listen to the former governor of California say Youre terminated week after week. Theres only one Arnold Schwarzenegger quote we want to hear, and only one person who could make everything all better with just three little syllables. I look forward to immediately breaking ground on The Obama Presidential Library, including the Joe Biden Meme Wing. Obama: Were giving you a wing, Joe Biden: I can fly. Obama: Its not that kind of wing. Biden: Whoosh. Make sure you check out my new YouTube channel. OK, so theres been a lot of fuss about how inappropriate it is for a president to communicate with the country via social media. But come on. Videos of Barrys smooth pipes crooning everything from Al Green to slow-jamming the news made our day, and were ready to subscribe. Please join me on my new moon colony, Michelleville. 300 million one-way tickets, please. President Barack Obama gives his farewell address at McCormick Place tomorrow at 8 p.m. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune) This weekend's frigid temperatures didn't stop thousands of Chicagoans from standing outside of McCormick Place in hopes of scoring a free ticket to President Barack Obama's farewell address tomorrow night at 8 p.m. If you didn't snag a ticket or would rather watch with a beer in hand, we rounded up seven spots around town that will be airing the speech tomorrow night. And if all else fails, stream it at home at whitehouse.gov/farewell. Advertisement Bernie's Lunch & Supper (660 N. Orleans St. 312-624-9892): Watch the speech in the River North restaurant's bar area with an extended happy hour from 49 p.m., including $5 bites, sangria, craft beer, Moscow mules and wine and $3 draft beers, Hamm's and Miller High Life. Beverage director Brian Johnston also serves up the Yes, We Can cocktail, featuring rum, raspberry shrub and lime ($8). Tavern on Little Fort (4128 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-360-1869): Sip $5 tallboys or for another $5, add a burgerpart brisket, part bacon patty topped with house sauce, bread and butter pickles and a fried egg on a brioche bun. Advertisement The Boundary Tavern & Grille (1932 W. Division St. 773-278-1919): No specials. Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Old Town Pour House (1419 N. Wells St. 312-477-2800): No specials. G&O (459 N. Ogden Ave. 312-888-3367): Enjoy $6 burgers and $5 batched cocktails and Wyoming Whiskey old fashioneds. Sidetrack (3349 N. Halsted St. 773-477-9189): No specials. Volumes Bookcafe (1474 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-697-8066): Watch on the Wicker Park bookstore's large projector screen and drink discounted wine, beer and boozy coffee. R Public House (1508 W. Jarvis Ave. 872-208-7916): Get $2 off most pints. @OhItsHeather & @redeyeeatdrink on Twitter | Instagram For more Eat & Drink news, click here. A cardiologist at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena has filed a lawsuit claiming the organization enticed patients to request sanctions against him and make false, derogatory statements about him. The case is slated for a jury trial in January 2018. In the suit, Dr. Kris Godlewski says he has lost $600,000 in wages over the last three years because of the hospital's poor record-keeping. He claims the hospital has under-reported aspects of his work by 50 percent. When he pointed out the discrepancies, the backlash from hospital officials began, according to the complaint. Godlewski is asking for lost wages and other damages as a result of what he believes is retaliation and defamation. In documents filed in Helena district court, he says the hospital is guilty of violating state law, breach of contract and infliction of emotional distress. The hospital has denied all of Godlewski's claims. Godlewski has worked at the hospital for seven years and in that time has been the only cardiologist who reads nuclear studies in Helena, the suit states. The doctor said he reported being busy, but the hospital administration repeatedly complained about his production being low. The suit says he performs about 60 readings of diagnostic testings per year that he does not get credit for, resulting in the withholding of earned payments. When he expressed concern, Godlewski was allegedly told hospital personnel was not willing to correct previous billings. He was told his department was to blame for the mismanagement of charges regarding nuclear cardiology tests, the suit claims. In June 2016, he met with officials, including Fred Olson, the acting CEO of the hospital, to discuss the discrepancies. Olson gave Godlewski "no indication of what he thought on the matter" and had no follow-up after the meeting, the suit says. "He made several additional attempts to discuss the matter further, but was ignored," the complaint states. That is when the retaliation began, according to the suit. Godlewski says he was harassed through peer reviews, when he was told he is "burned out" and "everyone complains about you," court document allege. After the peer reviews, there was discussion of emergency suspension and extensive review of his cases. St. Peter's lawyers state complaints of retaliation should be brought before the Montana Human Rights Bureau, which has not been done in this case, and not the court. Attorneys for the hospital asked the suit to be dismissed or taken to trial. Theres a famous inspirational quote about saying goodbye: Dont cry because its over, smile because it happened. Thats nice, but here at RedEye, we prefer to eat our feelings rather than smile through them. To honor President Obamas final days in the White House, we took a look back at a few of his favorite Chicago restaurants. From steak and eggs to decadent Italian fare, heres how to eat around town the Obama way. Swift & Sons (1000 W. Fulton Market 312-733-9420): While Obama was in town in October to cast an early ballot in the presidential election, he stopped by the West Loop steakhouse for a private event. As evidence, a group of 10 staffers snapped a pic with a smiley prez and posted it to Facebook with the caption Best. Friday. Ever. Thank you, Mr. President Barack Obama for dining with us! Facebook post or it didnt happen, right? Valois Restaurant (1518 E. 53rd St. 773-667-0647): When you start looking into the Obamas favorite Chicago haunts, this cash-only spot in Hyde Park is one of the restaurants that appears over and over again. And for good reason. Way back when, before he was president, Obama used the restaurants dining room to host community meetings. It's a frequent stop when he's visiting these days, too. The steak and eggs is reportedly his go-to breakfast of choice. Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan Ave. 312-280-2750): The Gold Coast Italian restaurant is a notable special occasion dining destination for the Obamas. In 2008, the year Obama was first elected president, the Chicago Tribune reported that the couple celebrated three very important moments at the restaurant: Michelle Obamas birthday, their anniversary on Oct. 3 and their first dinner out together after the election victory. MacArthurs Restaurant (5412 W. Madison St. 773-261-2316): The famed soul food spot in Austin considers Obama a very loyal customer. Topolobampo (445 N. Clark St. 312-661-1434): Like us, the president is powerless to Rick Bayless charm. Back in 2010, he reportedly made a reservation under an alias at the Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant. According to grubstreet.com, Bayless said Obama noshed on a scallop and lobster dish with tomatillo-corn sauce and sweet corn tamales. Sepia (123 N. Jefferson St. 312-441-1920): The West Loop new American restaurant is widely rumored to be one of Michelle Obamas favorites for lunch. A pro tip for all my deal seekers out there: Sepia is participating in Chicago Restaurant Week later this month with a lunch ($22) and dinner menu ($33-$44) to help you channel your inner First Lady. RPM Steak (Jeff Marini) RPM Steak (66 W. Kinzie St. 312-284-4990): Back in 2014, when Barack Obama was campaigning for then-Gov. Pat Quinn in Chicago, he made a pit stop at the River North steakhouse for a bite to eat with Marty Nesbitt, chair of the Obama Foundation, and White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett. @morgancolsen | mcolsen@redeyechicago.com A cocktail tasting in the West Loop, an art exhibit inspired by messages of love and more things to do in Chicago on Wednesday, Jan. 11. EAT National Soup Month Advertisement Chez Moi 2100 N. Halsted St. 773-871-2100 Advertisement The Lincoln Park restaurant celebrates throughout January by serving a flight of soups featuring cauliflower cream with cumin, lobster bisque, mushroom soup and French onion soup. 5-10 p.m. $9.95. DRINK West Loop Winter Cocktail Tasting WestEnd 1326 W. Madison St. 312-981-7100 Warm up by visiting four stations serving Irish coffee, hot toddies, spiked hot chocolate and boozy hot cider. Passed appetizers are included. 7-9 p.m. $15. Tickets: nightout.com DO 'Impact Statement' Public House Theatre 3914 N. Clark St. 800-650-6449 Survivors of sexual assault share their stories at this benefit for Planned Parenthood, which includes a raffle, cash bar and appetizers. $10 or pay what you can at the door. 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: thepubtheatre.com Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > 'Psychonaut Librarians' The Den Theatre Advertisement 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-697-3830 The New Colony presents Sean Kelly's fantasy adventure about librarians working after hours to break down the barriers of reality. 7:30 p.m. $15. Tickets: thenewcolony.org Art Trumps Hate R Public House 1508 W. Jarvis Ave. 872-208-7916 Catch the opening of an exhibition of art inspired by messages of love, unity, diversity and combating hate. The entry fee benefits Planned Parenthood. 7 p.m. $5. HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAY G&O (459 N. Ogden Ave. 312-888-3367) offers $6 burgers and $3 Tito's and house gin from 4-6 p.m. The firm expects its recent equity infusion, debt refinancing and the compensatory rate to lead to a turnaround in its financial position. For the past year, Adani Power has been undergoing an overhaul for its debt, including measures such as equity infusion and refinancing. These have helped the company survive the rough times since proceeds from the compensatory rates are yet to come by. The firm expects its recent equity infusion, debt refinancing and the compensatory rate to lead to a turnaround in its financial position. Adani Power is on a path to regain strong financial position, said a spokesperson in response to a query on the companys debt position and servicing capabilities. So far in the current financial year, promoters of the company have infused around Rs 1,700 crore equity, added the spokesperson. In the past financial year, promoter equity infusion was Rs 1,100 crore. There has been traction on the debt side as well. Finance costs for the September quarter was substantially lower at Rs 1,434 crore, compared to Rs 1,650 crore in the September 2015 quarter. This reduction is in interest cost that has been achieved through continuous refinancing efforts including the completion of 5/25 scheme for Adani Power and all its subsidiaries, Adani Power said in an analyst call for its September quarter results. On its debt payments, the company spokesperson added, The company is current in its debt service obligations and expects to meet with its ongoing commitment in a timely manner. We have almost concluded our refinancing programmes. We are working very closely with banks to complete appraisal and avail additional working capital facilities, pending for some time. A large part of this exercise for APL and its subsidiaries is over. The balance is expected to be completed during the quarter ending March. The spokesperson did not share further details on the planned refinancing. The steps to refinance debt have also met with some pain points. The delay in refinancing some of its outstanding external commercial borrowings is a concern raised in some of CARE Ratings reports on Adani Power. The envisaged refinancing has been inordinately prolonged resulting in tightening of its liquidity, which also led to delay in repayment of a part of its ECBs as reported by APLs statutory auditor in their audit report for FY16. However, APL had approached its ECB lenders before the due date with a request for deferment of upcoming instalment payment; and the same was considered by the lenders, along with recovery of additional charges, said an August 2016 CARE report. A person close to the company, who did not wish to be identified, said the company would continue to refinance some of its other ECBs. Most power analysts believe these measures over the past year have helped the company meet its debt obligations, but not much would have changed in terms of debt quality. As of March, the company had total debt of Rs 53,052 crore, which fell marginally to Rs 49,548 crore. They have been infusing equity and refinancing debt; this has helped them stay afloat. I do not think they have seen any significant change due to it if one looks at the profit and loss statement, said a power analyst, who did not wish to be identified. According to the company, its debt position has improved with further promoter equity infusion. With total equity infusion of Rs 2,800 crore from the promoters, APLs net worth position has strengthened and has also addressed leverage issue, said the spokesperson. What remains key to Adani Powers overall financial improvement is the compensatory rate. The impact of the pending compensatory rate in terms of retrospective payable will be large and help retire some of its debt but there needs to be a final order and second how many instalments will it be paid in, said the analyst quoted earlier. On December 6, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission granted a compensatory rate for Adani Powers Mundra unit on the grounds of changes in Indonesian coal policy and shortage of domestic coal. In the address to analysts, after the September quarter results, the management said: Once we have clarity in the form of CERC orders, we would obviously have the reason to work with the rating agencies and then we will make our plans. The CERC order, however, has not led to any change of credit ratings so far for the company as its implementation hinges on the required Supreme Court approval for the same. For 2015-16, the company recognised compensatory tariff income of Rs 919 crore at the standalone level and Rs 401 crore for the first half of the current financial year. The formula suggested in the CERC order may not very high, but should help the company cover up the debt costs involved for Mundra operations, noted a power consultant who did not wish to be identified. Image: Engineers inspect electric transmission lines at the Adani Power Company thermal power plant at Mundra in Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters. Three key babus will make room for a new set of officers to carry the baton of Budget programmes. Subhomoy Bhattacharjee reports. Three key members of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's team will step down this year, to make room for a new set of officers to carry the baton of the Budget programmes. But for the first time in several years at other key ministries, especially the social sector ministries with a large purse to spend this year and next, there will be no change at the top, for more than a year. The continuity is significant. It is a key development since the upcoming general Budget is expected to make large allocations for expenditure in sectors like health, education and sanitation, compared with previous years and the attention of the analysts and of citizens will be riveted on the outcome generated by the spending. It will be a year of major changes for the finance ministry, where the secretaries for economic affairs, for the department of financial services and for expenditure will retire in that order. However, this is not unusual and has happened before, on more than one occasion. Unless he gets an extension, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das will retire at the end of February. Department of Financial Affairs Secretary Anjuly Chib Duggal will move out in August, and Finance and Expenditure Secretary Ashok Lavasa in October. The finance minister will have to draw up a new team with him to write the Budget for 2018-19. But including these three officers, none of the 14 changes at the corner room in different ministries includes any department where the government expects some major action in building social infrastructure, in financial year 2017-2018. The only exceptions are in two departments. Higher Education Secretary Vinay Sheel Oberoi in the ministry of human resource development will retire after February and Skill Development Secretary Rohit Nandan at the end of this month. These changes come before the new financial year begins and for both these departments, the department of personnel and training has already appointed the next incumbents to take over. The continuity will somewhat assuage a common criticism directed against the performance of the government at the ground level. While the policies set by the government are decided upon by the ministers, and now more often by the Prime Minister's Office, it is the implementation of these policies, which turn out to be tricky. Year after year, audit reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General have shown huge amounts of money meant for investment surrendered unused by the ministries, which are supposed to spend them instead. For instance, the ministry of health has consistently sent back 20 per cent of its budget at the end of each year. The progress reports for the other ministries are equally dismal. Member of the Seventh Pay Commission Vivek Rae said the longer term will add value to the performance by the secretaries at the government. "I would go further and say instead of the principle of seniority, the emphasis should be on offering a fixed tenure at the helm. It will lead to faster empanelment of officers early in their career and create a positive ripple effect on the administration," said Rae. One of the major reasons identified by the secretaries in their presentation to the prime minister in January last year was this aspect of continuity. It came up more than once among the eight presentations made by them to Narendra Modi. The government has, in the past, toyed with the idea of offering a two-year term to secretaries of key departments, but except for the Cabinet secretary, home affairs and defence, it has not gone through. Ajay Dua, former secretary, department of industrial policy, said the pattern of appointments in the current round does show a trend of offering longer terms at the helm. "It helps to give longevity to policies," he said. He, however, added that with the action in most social sectors happening at the state levels, the central government ministries now play more of a role of a facilitator instead of controlling the purse strings. If the government is careful, Rae also said, then despite the age differences among the officers who join the services, the pattern could be persisted with. IMAGE: Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, left, with Reserve Bank of India Governor Dr Urjit Patel. Das is expected to retire in February and has been mentioned as a likely SEBI chairman. Photograph: PTI Photo 'For the RBI, for a central bank, reputational risk is the worst risk.' 'Credibility is the worst risk,' says former RBI governor. Anup Roy reports. Former Reserve Bank of India governor Y V Reddy criticised the state of affairs at the central bank, stating that the institutional identity of the hallowed organisation has been damaged. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Reddy, who served as RBI governor between September 2003 and 2008, said the impression was the central bank was now only responsible for monetary policy. Earlier, the impression was the RBI governor was as powerful as a minister. 'Now, there is a committee where the Cabinet secretary is the chair and the governor is a member,' he said. The government in May 2016 formed a search-cum-selection panel headed by Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha to select the RBI's deputy governors. This was seen as a significant infringement on the autonomy of the central bank; earlier, the RBI governor used to head the panel for selection of his deputies. 'To be very frank, my own suspicion is that the institutional identity of the RBI has been damaged. Earlier, the RBI was the monetary authority. But it was a full-service central bank. The recent emphasis is that monetary policy is the main function,' Reddy said. 'Then is he (the RBI governor) not accountable to regulation? Is he not accountable to currency coins? There is confusion about relative importance. That relative importance is being decided more outside than within.' 'The procedure applicable for a regulator has to be different from the procedure applicable to the monetary authority,' he added. 'In a central bank, regulation is one function. There is some lack of clarity.' However, this devaluation in the status of the RBI is not a recent event, and 'cuts across political affiliations,' Reddy said. Comments from economists and rating agencies about the RBI were 'disturbing'. 'For the RBI, for a central bank, reputational risk is the worst risk. Credibility is the worst risk. And if this is happening in the international opinion, I would say that it is a national problem now and it is not just a political issue.' 'I think it is time, it is like army which is the security of the country, the financial and monetary security of the country. So, there should be a debate at this juncture given the type of comments internationally cutting across political parties that what should be the nature of central bank and what it should be and how it should be run.' However, he did not blame any individual. 'The limited point is, the role of central bank in our economy is under threat and it is a national problem, which has to be addressed as a national problem.' IMAGE: RBI Governor Dr Urjit Patel, right, with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Photograph: PTI Photo The idea is to create a start-up-like activity with a small business unit. Tata Steel is inculcating the spirit of start-up with project Innovent, a programme aimed at developing business concepts that can be taken up for scale-up. The idea is to create a start-up-like activity with a small business unit. The funding is in tens of crores in the initial period but would blossom into a bigger business, Tata Steels vice-president (sales & marketing) Peeyush Gupta explained. In a large company, a project team works on improvement of a business process, which is what we used to do typically, or find cost improvement programmes. These will be revenue-increase programmes by getting into services and solutions. Currently, six or seven ideas are being worked on and each of these would be revenue streams in itself, he said. The way it works is, multiple project teams are created. The closest equivalent, Gupta explains, is the Shark Tank Contest, where participants pitch ideas before venture capital firms. Except here, the teams present ideas before the Tata Steel management. Some are working with external parts of the house, some are working with large customers and some with individual house builders. The idea is to understand the requirements of customers and find solutions and services, Gupta said. The first commercial success was Pravesh, wood finished steel doors. Tata Steel makes only one of the items that goes into wood finished steel doors and after that, we contracted it to another company to make wood finished steel doors. So, its a completely new product. Once the proof of the concept is established, it goes back to Tata Steel's sales and marketing department. Some members, who led the pilot, are now implementing it as part of the sales and marketing department. So, it gives the security of a large organisation without its trappings. "Suppose the idea doesn't work, nothing adverse happens to the person's career; there is no risk. The initiative could be a career-changing opportunity, but if it doesn't work, the person can just do something else. Some in the Pravesh team have gone on to work with the sales and marketing department to implement the idea. With start-ups, it's a huge issue because so many have failed. Only a few have made a name, not money," Gupta noted. The teams are working on business-to-business and rural space, and on enhancing steel usage in the country. The funding is generally on an annual or quarterly basis. "Thirty of Tata Steel's managers had come to our premises (in Bengaluru) to see what start-ups exist for digital challenges. The best implementation of digitisation will happen in manufacturing rather than anywhere else," said K S Viswanathan, vice-president (industry initiatives) at Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies). Digitisation is an area Tata Steel has been working on anyway. For instance, to facilitate digital payments at dealers' end and promotion of various modes of cashless transactions among consumers and channels, in the wake of demonetisation, Tata Steel has launched a digital initiative called PayFe. As part of this initiative, Tata Steel is targeting to educate the entire channel on digital payments and cover around 10,000 dealers under point-of-sale installations. Image: A file photograph of Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Group, at the 100th annual general meeting of group subsidiary Tata Steel in Mumbai. Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images. ISRO launched 12 Indian, 22 foreign satellites and successfully flight tested India's first winged-body aerospace vehicle, reports T E Narasimhan. The past year has been a highly successful and an eventful one for the Indian Space Research Organisation, which achieved significant milestones in the domains of launch vehicle, satellite, applications and space exploration. ISRO launched seven vehicle missions in 2016. All were successful. Eight ISRO satellites, four student satellites and 22 foreign satellites were launched by these missions. Year 2016 also saw two successful advanced launch vehicle technology initiatives by ISRO -- the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator and Scramjet technology demonstrator -- having their maiden test flights. Additionally, India's Mars Orbiter Spacecraft completed two years in its orbit around Mars and India's ASTROSAT multi-wavelength observatory successfully completed one year in orbit. The year started off with the PSLV-C31 carrying IRNSS-1E, the fifth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System constellation, on January 20. It was followed by PSLV-C32/IRNSS-1F Mission. In this flight, which was its 34th, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle launched IRNSS-1F, the sixth satellite of the IRNSS constellation, on March 10. The PSLV launched the seventh and the last satellite IRNSS-1G of IRNSS constellation on April 28. With this, the space segment of the IRNSS is fully deployed. The IRNSS signals are now available and trials with the receiver system are in progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated IRNSS to the nation as 'NavIC' (Navigation Indian Constellation). This is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1,500 km around the Indian mainland. IRNSS provides two types of services, namely, standard positioning services (provided to all users) and restricted services (provided to only authorised users). India's first winged-body aerospace vehicle, RLV-TD, was successfully flight tested on May 23. In this flight, critical technologies such as autonomous navigation, guidance and control, reusable thermal protection system, and re-entry mission management were successfully validated. On June 22, PSLV-C34 successfully launched 20 satellites in a single mission. It included India's CARTOSAT-2 series of satellite (weighing 727 kg) as primary payload and two academic institutes' satellites, namely, SWAYAM and SATHYABAMASAT and 17 satellites (total weighing 555 kg) of foreign customers from Canada, Germany, Indonesia and the US as co-passengers. On September 8, GSLV-F05, India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, equipped with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage, successfully launched the country's weather satellite INSAT-3DR. INSAT-3DR is a follow-on meteorological satellite to INSAT-3D. This launch is significant, considering the fact that this is the third consecutive success of the indigenous CUS, which signified the country's successful assimilation of the complex cryogenic rocket propulsion. ISRO also successfully flight-tested its Scramjet engine technology demonstrator in August. India is the fourth country to demonstrate the flight testing of a Scramjet engine. This was followed by SCATSAT-1, Resourcesat-2A, GSAT-18 launches. In multiple terror attacks on Tuesday in the Afghan cities of Kabul and Kandahar, at least 32 people were killed and scores were injured, including the governor of Kandahar and envoy of United Arab Emirates. Kabul was rocked by twin blasts near the Afghan Parliament in which at least 21 people are killed and 45 wounded. Taliban insurgents immediately claimed responsibility for the bombings, which struck as employees were exiting the parliament complex. In another attack in Kandahar late in the evening, 11 people, including four Arabs, were killed, Afghan media reported on Tuesday. The UAE foreign ministry said envoy Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi and other UAE diplomats were wounded in the terrorist attack. Governor of Kandahar province was also injured in the attack, whose is said to be in a critical condition, the Afghan media reported. No group claimed the responsibility of the attack till reports last came. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terror attacks and said India stands with Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism. Strongly condemn the terror attack in Kabul & condole loss of innocent lives. India stands with Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism, he tweeted. IMAGE: Afghan firefighters and municipal workers try to clean debris from the site of suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday. Photograph: Omar Sobhani/ Reuters The U-turn comes after Modi praised Nitish Kumar for his prohibition drive in Bihar. M I Khan reports from Patna. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at Guru Gobind Singh's 350th birth anniversary celebrations at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, January 5. Photograph: PTI Photo Friends turn foe, opposition turns into support; all this is possible in politics. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's proposed formation of the world's longest human chain on January 21 in support of prohibition in the state has received support from an unexpected quarter -- the Bharatiya Janata Party. The development comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised prohibition in the state. Bihar BJP President Nityanand Rai announced January 10 that his party will participate in the January 21 event, but added a final decision will be taken on January 12. According to senior BJP leaders, party President Amit Shah, who arrives in Patna on Tuesday, may announce the party's participation in the human chain. Interestingly, most senior BJP leaders from Bihar, including Union ministers, had criticised Nitish Kumar over his decision to impose prohibition in the state and termed it a black law. Nitish Kumar on Monday urged all political parties to join the human chain in support of prohibition in Bihar. The human chain is likely to be 11,292 kilometres long and spread over all panchayats, blocks and districts. According to state government officials, nearly 2,000 people will hold each other's hands in a radius of a kilometre and in all nearly 20 million people will join in. The sudden bonhomie between the BJP and the Janata Dal-United came after Modi supported Nitish Kumar's decision to impose prohibition during the Prakash Utsav. Many speculate the praise was to thank Nitish Kumar for his support of demonetisation at a time when Opposition leaders had slammed the Centre over the policy. Constable Tej Bahadur Yadav has now been shifted from the Line of Control to a nearby battalion in Poonch. The Union home ministry has asked the Border Security Force to submit a fact report by Wednesday in the case involving a jawan, who claimed poor quality food was being served to soldiers on the Line of Control, whose social media video posts have prompted authorities to initiate action into the allegations. Officials said the BSF headquarters here has already submitted a preliminary report in the case to the home ministry today and a full report is being prepared by a deputy-inspector-general-rank officer who is based in Jammu and Kashmir. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had also taken note of the video on Monday and ordered an appropriate action into the incident. I have seen a video regarding a BSF jawan's plight. I have asked the HS (home secretary) to immediately seek a report from the BSF & take appropriate action, Singh had tweeted. Earlier in the day, BSF said the constable, Tej Bahadur Yadav of the 29th battalion, who posted these videos was court-martialed in 2010 for indiscipline and aiming a gun at a senior officer even as it assured of a thorough probe into his allegations. The border guarding force, in a statement issued on Monday, had called Yadav a bad hat and habitual offender. Asserting that the complainant was a regular offender and has not been promoted even once in his 20 years of service, DIG M D S Mann said that poor career growth could be a reason behind his act. Mann said that a probe has been initiated. He is a bad hat. In his service of twenty years, he has four bad entries, which includes intoxication, AWL, fighting with seniors, offending their orders. And, because of all these flaws, he has not been promoted even once, and this might be the cause of his frustration, said Mann. "We have initiated an inquiry in the matter and in the span of four to five days, the standard of food, quality and quantity of all the posts, will be checked. A report will be formed after a detailed inspection which will be forwarded. If any of his allegations are found true we will certainly initiate action against the defaulters," he added. BSF Inspector General in Jammu D K Upadhyaya said that prima facie it was found that no other jawan deployed at the same place had any problem with the quality of food being served to them. In videos uploaded on social media platforms, the jawan, wearing camouflage uniform and carrying a rifle, claimed that while government procures essentials for them, the higher-ups and officers sell it off in an illegal manner in the market and they have to suffer. He had also alleged that troops are facing cruelty as they are served bad quality food and even have to go empty stomach at times. The jawan hails from Mahendragarh district of Haryana and had joined the force in 1996. Yadav was currently deployed along the Line of Control in the Rajouri sector of J and K and has now been shifted to a nearby battalion pending the Court of Inquiry. Central Schools history and a potential plan for its future were the focus of a pair of presentations Monday by the Montana Preservation Alliance at the Montana Historical Society. It was a standing-room-only crowd of more than 70 people at noon, when Montana Historical Society historian Ellen Baumler gave a historic overview of Central School. The Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees plans to vote on the fate of the school in a meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ray Bjork Learning Center. Board members expect to vote on whether to renovate the historic school, or proceed with seeking a demolition permit and building a new one. An advocate for renovating Central School whose mission is to save and protect historic places, MPA called for the presentations after officials with the school district and city of Helena began discussions about the possible demolition of the building. The school district's Interim Superintendent Jack Copps and school board chair Aidan Myhre have both spoken in favor of seeking permission to dismantle the building and build a new one with a similar historic look, according to a December Independent Record article. Copps noted at the time that there is no assurance that Central would withstand a significant earthquake after a retrofit, and he questioned whether a renovated Central could meet standards for modern classroom sizes of 1,000 square feet. He also raised questions about unforeseen problems the district could run into during renovation and potentially higher maintenance costs with a historic building. First graded school in territory Central Schools prominent location above downtown Helena was carefully chosen by the citys fathers, said Baumler. The location of the school was so important that community leaders relocated the city cemetery that had been on the spot and moved the bodies to the Benton Avenue Cemetery. Constructed in 1875 at the current location, Central School was the first graded school in Montana Territory when it opened on Jan. 4, 1876, said Baumler. It included grades from kindergarten through high school. Other Montana schools of the time had one room and only went through eighth grade. Among Central Schools students over the years who went on to become famous were Hollywood stars Myrna Loy and Gary Cooper, and the founder of Scientology, Ron L. Hubbard. The current Central building was built in 1914 and 1921, and the original building was torn down. The 1921 front portion of the building was designed by prominent Montana architect George Carsley. In 1890 a high school was built to the east side of Central. It was vacated in 1935, and the students were moved to a new high school, which is now Helena Middle School. The 1935 earthquake heavily damaged the high school. It also destroyed Bryant School and damaged Central, Broadwater, Emerson and Jefferson schools, which were all repaired. The building suffered some indignities when repairs were made, Baumler said, including lowering the ceilings, shortening the windows and losing some of the decorative architectural elements. Baumler closed her comments by stating that 235 historic buildings in Helena were lost during Urban Renewal. Whatever happens on this historic ridgetop, carefully consider the historic legacy, she said. Baumler opposes the idea of building a new Central School on the corner of Lawrence and Warren, pointing out that it would destroy the viewshed, particularly the view of St. Helena Cathedral. Case studies of renovated schools Preservation architect Lesley Gilmore with CTA Group presented case studies and images of historically renovated schools, including two historic Billings ones that she worked on, Broadwater and McKinley. They meet 21st Century Learning criteria, she said, such as utilizing more natural light, offering a variety of spaces to support different learning, allowing for movable furniture, providing social interaction spaces, as well as upgrading for new technology. The costs she presented for Broadwater, which was 56,301 square feet, was $14 million to replace and $12.3 million to renovate. McKinley, which was 54,391 square feet, had a replacement cost of $14.4 million and a renovation price of $12.9 million. The goal was to cap enrollment at 400, she said, which was the size the district thought best for its educational goals. While the Billings schools had seismic upgrades, these would likely be more stringent for Helena schools, she said. Both Billings schools are over 100 years old. The construction was completed in 1 years, she said. Renovations and building an addition can sometimes be done in phases allowing students to be returned to the building before the total project is completed, she added. She also showed examples of the renovated Albright Visitor Center in seismically active Yellowstone National Park, as well as images of historic schools renovated in seismic zones in the West, such as Boise High School and Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. Three renovation options Wrapping up the hour was MPA architect Dustin Kalanick, who presented three renovation concepts for Central School. The $8 million cost of renovating Central School that was proposed in the 2015 bond was only 12 percent of the total $70 million bond, he said. The structural work on Central, estimated at $1.4 million, would have actually been about 2 percent of that bond. Whether the school board decides to renovate or build a new Central School, it will by law need to meet the same International Building Code safety requirements, he said. According to figures from earlier Helena school district reports, renovating Central should cost 37 percent less per square foot than building a new school on the same site, Kalanick said. He presented three different scenarios: Option A: going with the existing shell, but increasing some classrooms to 1,000 square feet; Option B: adding a 6,600 square foot addition, including a new elevator; and Option C: a full renovation with an 11,000 square foot addition. Previous reports estimated a full renovation of Central, or Option A at $8 million. Option B, which included the 6,600 square foot addition, has a probable cost of $9.9 million. The full renovation and 11,000 square foot addition included with Option C would be about $11.3 million, but with the addition of a 5,000-square-foot gym the estimated total is $12.8 million. Cost figures used in estimates were $300 per square foot for new construction and $190 per square foot for renovation, based on estimates from the 2015 bond proposal. Some benefits of renovation, Kalanick said, include: using viable building stock, it saves an architecturally significant building, its environmentally sustainable, it contributes to the historical character of the neighborhood and community, it can achieve 21st Century learning goals and it can provide the fastest path for getting students back into Central. Citizen Dan Sullivan questioned whether renovation would actually be cheaper than building a new school. He quoted an article in the Billings Gazette, where the bond project supervisor Lew Anderson said the cost of the Billings renovations cost 3 to 5 percent more than construction of a completely new building. The trend in recent bidding is at least one-third less for renovating than building new, Kalanick replied. Gilmore concurred and said she would have to check with Anderson for more information. They suggested that the district may have added some voluntary options raising the cost or perhaps hadnt factored in demolition and site preparation when comparing renovation to new construction. In general, there are major cost advantages from renovation, Kalanick said. Current cost estimates are expected to be presented at Tuesday nights school board meeting. A renovated Central would be of equal quality and safety and have the same lifetime as a new building, Kalanick said. One advantage of a renovation, he said, is that work can begin almost immediately once a bond is passed. Watch for a video of the meeting on MHS youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MtHistoricalSociety The hotline established in 2015 between United States Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to exist after the outgoing US President hands over the baton to his successor Donald Trump on January 20, a presidential aide has suggested. It is the only new hotline that was established during the eight years of Obama administration, reflecting on deepening of India-US ties. Id be surprised if that was something that was discontinued, said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. Typically, those kinds of arrangements are intended to persist beyond just one presidential term, he said in response to a question. The decision to establish the hotline was finalised during Obamas historic visit to India in 2015 to attend the annual Republic Day parade on January 26 as its chief guest. Modi had then said the effort was part of their exercise to give the critical partnership between two countries a new thrust and sustained attention. After it was established later that year, the two leaders have frequently interacted over the hotline even though only a few of those conversations have appeared in public domain. At least one of those conversations lasted for more than an hour, according to the US ambassador to India. India is only the fourth country after Russia, Britain and China with which the US has a hotline. For India, this is the first hotline at the level of the head of state. In 2004, India and Pakistan agreed to establish hotlines at the level of foreign secretaries, and in 2010 New Delhi and Beijing announced to establish a hotline at the foreign ministry level. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday strongly batted for complete emotional and psychological integration of the state with rest of the country, asserting that Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is not a hurdle but a bridge in this direction. When the people of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) talk of Article 370, they talk of technical integration. We have to make them understand that we also want that Jammu and Kashmir should fully integrate with India emotionally, technically. We are already a part of this country. Who can deny that, she said while replying to a debate in the legislative assembly on motion of thanks to the governors address. But have we emotionally joined that integration completely which we should have done emotionally and psychologically? No. But that is what is needed, in which (Article) 370 is not an impediment but 370 is a bridge which connects us, said Mehbooba, who heads the Peoples Democratic Party. Hailing the Indian democracy, she said her late father Mufti Mohamed Sayeed had always believed in it and that was the reason that he had held the flag of mainstream political party (Congress) at an early age long back in 1960s. Today we have an opportunity to think about where to move ahead. I am hopeful, as we all say one thing that an issue, a pain is there, a difficulty is there, solution to which has to be found, for which dialogue should be held. But before we speak about dialogue outside, we should ourselves disperse the fear we have. They (the BJP) have fear of self-rule and autonomy and we have fear that they (the BJP) might abrogate Article 370 (which grants special status to the state), said Mehbooba, who heads a coalition government of the PDP and BJP. She said both the parties were fearful of each other but the aim was the same, to see Jammu and Kashmir united, to see it prosper. We have faith in democracy of this country. We take oath of the Constitution of India and our own Constitution (of J&K), still there are so many doubts as they (BJP) feel that ... J&K might slip out of their hands, she said. The Constitution of India and the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir have the capacity to accommodate the desires and wishes of the people on both sides of the divided Kashmir, she said, adding, We can fulfill their (Centres) aspirations as well, we can fulfill their dreams, but we have to first take out this fear from our hearts. Referring to the trouble witnessed in the valley over the last 5-6 months, she said there was a need for introspection. We all need to look within and see what we can do so that such a situation does not emerge in future, what role we can play to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, as (her father) Mufti Sahib had said that if somebody has a major role to play in resolving the issue, it is this Assembly, she said. Mehbooba said when her father, who held the flag of mainstream politics, spoke about self-rule, he was labeled as anti-national. Commenting on the nature of the debate that took place on the Motion, the chief minister said she was happy to see that everybody talked about the Agenda of Alliance between the PDP and the BJP. There are good things in Agenda of Alliance, so people discuss about it. We didnt bring those things from heaven. These are from the Working Groups (set up by the former central government) on which we all had reached a consensus and some of the things which PDP believes in, which we call self-rule including opening of roads. Everybody agreed those working groups, she said. Turning to the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, she said the Working Group said that as the situation improves, decision should be taken on it. Whenever situation improves, we have to make a start from somewhere, she said. The Rangarajan Committee, she said, had recommended transfer of power projects to the state to make it financially viable. We also said in self-rule and everybody wants that too, she said. Mehbooba admitted that during the last assembly elections, she had spoken about keeping the saffron party away, fearing that Article 370 was in danger. I accept that I said so because, as I said, we all had apprehensions against each other and rightly or wrongly, the BJP feels that abrogation of (Article) 370 can solve Kashmir issue. We have a different stand on this and when the mandate here was like the BJP got majority in Jammu and we in Kashmir, to respect that mandate we had to take a decision (of alliance), she said. She said her father wanted to respect the mandate and keep the state united which was his conviction to bring Jammu and Kashmir out of this mess. We waited for 10 years during the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government as (then prime minister) Manmohan Singh wanted to visit his ancestral house in Pakistan as he was born there and wanted to see his house but because of certain compulsions he could not go, she said. After 2014 Parliamentary elections, a big leader (came with a major mandate, we cannot close our eye, Mehbooba said, in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had a vision that if we want to bring Jammu and Kashmir out of the mess, we need to shake hands with the leader who is in majority in Jammu and who can take a bold decision for which the alliance was forged, she said. She went on to add, We should not forget that it was Narendra Modi who, in the month of December (2015) went to Lahore like somebody goes from one house to another and attended the wedding of the grand daughter of Pakistani Prime Minister (Nawaz Sharif). We also feel that we are connected with history and geography and neither one can be changed. Howsoever we fight, at the end we have to learn to live with each other. It is up to us whether we should kill each other or live at peace, she said. Mehbooba said that ever since PDP was formed, its aim was to make Jammu and Kashmir a bridge of friendship and peace between India and Pakistan but it has become a battleground. Peace is possible only when the relations of both the countries are good, the chief minister added. She said that despite several provocations, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had gone ahead with his peace initiatives. She was apparently referring to Kargil aggression by Pakistan and attack on Parliament by Pakistan-based terror groups. Modi ji told me that he wishes his Pakistani counterpart on his birthday and even wished him speedy recovery during his surgery, but it was followed by Pathankot and Uri (terror attacks), she said. She said in a democracy, political parties question how these attacks happen but I feel that the situation could not remain the same and slowly the situation would become normal. Both the countries have no other option but to hold dialogue, Mehbooba underscored and added that solution to all the problems is there in the Agenda of Alliance. She complimented BJP ministers for thwarting the designs of those elements who wanted to spoil the atmosphere in Jammu region. The BJP and the PDP have different ideologies but in Agenda of Alliance, both have agreed to maintain status quo on the issue of Article 370, Mehbooba said. The Sagir Committee and the working groups have also said that unless the people of Jammu and Kashmir dont want, there should be status quo on Article 370, she said. Agenda of Alliance would facilitate dialogue, transfer of power projects, and revocation of AFSPA at some point in time, she said. Whatever you call it, holy or unholy alliance, but this alliance has a holy document which is Agenda of Alliance. It is a golden opportunity for all the political parties to help us implement this Agenda of Alliance, she said. She said she hopes to take Kashmir out of the mess. She also said that some people say that since the alliance was formed, people in Jammu feel insecure. But I am proud that people of Jammu as when the schools in Kashmir were closed, thousands of students from Kashmir came to Jammu and took admission here. They feel more secure here as compared to the unrest in Kashmir, she said. The chief minister also questioned why the issues related to rehabilitation of Pakistan Refugees or Kashmiri Pandits were being raked up. She said the government of India was serious in providing livelihood to the West Pakistan refugees by absorbing them in central forces. Mumbai-born Ashley Tellis, a former White House official and renowned India expert, could be appointed the next United States ambassador to New Delhi by president-elect Donald Trump who is preparing his own pivot to Asia policy, a media report said. According to Washington Post, Trumps Asia appointments are outpacing those for other regions and include top Asia hands. Transition sources said Trump is close to selecting 55-year-old Tellis to be the next US envoy to India to replace Richard Verma who was appointed US Ambassador to India by outgoing President Barack Obama in 2015. Verma will depart as US Ambassador to India on January 20. Tonight I told @SrBachchan I will depart as US Ambassador to India on January 20; it has been a great honour to serve in #IncredibleIndia, Verma tweeted after a meeting with superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday. -- It is refreshing to deal with Modi: When Ashley Tellis spoke to Rediff.com Tellis is at present a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think-tank. While on assignment to the US Department of State as senior adviser to the under secretary of state for political affairs, he was intimately involved in negotiating the historic civil nuclear deal with India. Previously, he was commissioned into the Foreign Service and served as senior adviser to the ambassador at the US embassy in New Delhi. He also served on the National Security Council staff as special assistant to the president and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia. Prior to his government service, Tellis was senior policy analyst at the RAND Corporation and professor of policy analysis at the RAND Graduate School. He is the author of Indias Emerging Nuclear Posture (RAND, 2001) and co-author of Interpreting Chinas Grand Strategy: Past, Present, and Future (RAND, 2000). The paper said public discussion of Trumps foreign policy has focused on the fight against terrorism and the US relationship with Russia, and since the election the president-elect has nominated no one with Asia expertise to a senior position in his administration. Thats fuelled concern among US Pacific allies about where the region will stand among White House priorities during the next four years, it said. Behind the scenes, however, the Trump transition is preparing its own pivot to Asia. As the team that will implement that policy takes shape, whats emerging is an approach that harkens back to past Republican administrations -- but also seeks to actualise the Obama administrations ambition of enhancing the US presence in the region, it said. Racism once again reared its ugly head when Central Industrial Security Force personnel stopped a group of Manipuri students at the Taj Mahal on the account of them looking non-Indian. According to a report in the Indian Express, the students -- who were from the Central Agricultural University in Imphal -- had gone to visit the monument as part of an all-India educational tour. However, they were allegedly stopped by the CISF personnel and asked to produce proof of their nationality on Sunday. Like most other sites, at the Taj Mahal, tickets for foreigners cost Rs 1,000 each. For Indians, its Rs 40. So, when these Manipur students wanted to enter, the guards allegedly thought that were trying to pass off as Indians so that they could enter with cheaper tickets. If that wasnt embarrassing enough, even after they showed their ID cards and a letter that stated that they were on a national tour, the CISF personnel did not relent. He asked for their Aadhaar cards. It was only after the tourism police intervened that the group of students were allowed to enter. The Archaeological Survey of India has now ordered an inquiry. The security staff has been asked to provide CCTV footage of the main gates of the Taj to verify the allegations. Earlier, a Manipuri woman alleged that she was subjected to racial harassment at the international airport in New Delhi where an official asked her to prove her Indian-ness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked Denmark to extend full support in the extradition of Purulia arms drop case accused Kim Davy, taking into account Indias sensitivities. The matter was raised by Modi during a call on by Danish Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate Change Lars Christian Lilleholt, who is here to attend the Vibrant Gujarat summit. The prime minister raised the issue of Kim Davys extradition and hoped that Denmark would take into account Indias sensitivities and extend full cooperation. The Danish minister assured that Denmark was seized of the matter, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. Last month, India had made a fresh request to Denmark seeking extradition of Niels Holck aka Kim Davy, an accused in the 21-year-old Purulia arms drop case. The fresh Indian plea was made after previous attempts to bring him to India for facing prosecution failed as the courts in Denmark rejected the extradition request. During the meeting, Modi also expressed his gratitude for Denmarks support to Indias membership of Missile Technology Control Regime and Nuclear Suppliers Group. The two also discussed bilateral trade cooperation with the prime minister asserting that India-Denmark trade of $2.8 billion (Rs 19,100 crore) and Danish investment of $6 billion (Rs 38,200 crore) in India showed the strength of trade and investment ties between the two countries. The prime minister sought Danish participation in the areas of ports and shipping, waste water management and energy efficiency, in all of which Denmark has considerable expertise, Swarup said. On his part, the Danish minister conveyed greetings of the Danish prime minister and said that Denmark greatly appreciated Modis vision for modernising India. Denmark was keen to participate in Indias smart city project and was awaiting an early visit by Union Minister of Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu, the visiting minister conveyed and added that Denmark was also keen to cooperate in the area of green energy particularly wind and solar. Observing that India has set ambitious targets for combating climate change in COP21 with plans to install 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, Modi said Denmark could be a valuable partner in the area. Emphasising that new innovation was needed in the wind energy sector, the prime minister advocated a hybrid model where benefit could be driven from both solar and wind energy through an integrated system. Modi also sought Denmarks participation in the international Solar Alliance which would promote innovation, research, affordable and sustainable technology, especially for smaller countries, Swarup said, adding that Denmark and India had both prioritized Mission Innovation. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Danish Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate Change Lars Christian Lilleholt in Gandhinagar on Tuesday. Photograph: @larsclilleholt/Twitter 'Modi is likely to make more announcements to win or retain popularity, and put himself at the centre of things even more than now,' says T N Ninan. Illustrations: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com Exactly mid-way through his five-year term, Narendra Modi has changed gears, and possibly direction. Till November, his was an administration seemingly determined to follow a path of sustained incrementalism -- a steady flow of small steps whose cumulative impact would be transformative. Or so it was hoped. Then, with virtually no advance warning, Modi launched a 'big bang' initiative, bearing the stamp of bold radicalism that many observers had expected of him from the beginning of his administration. Undeterred by widespread criticism of the poorly executed, disruptive step, Modi has made typically exaggerated claims and also promised a follow-through attack on benami property. This too could be potentially disruptive in a country with poor land records and plenty of property transfers done through power-of-attorney arrangements. But India's strongest prime minister since Indira Gandhi is intent on his anti-corruption crusade. Demonetisation was a surprise, but Modi during his election campaign had promised to root out corruption. There were two earlier attempts at unearthing illegal cash -- one directed outside India and the other within the country. Neither yielded great results, and Opposition spokesmen took to reminding Modi of his campaign promise to distribute unearthed cash among millions of ordinary Indians. Demonetisation is his over-the-top response; the official expectation was that unreturned currency would yield the government a bonanza. That did not materialise, but a pay-off may yet come in the form of tax on money that has surfaced in bank accounts. That's the simple reading of events. There could also be a more complicated story unfolding. Modi came to office on the back of the promise of 'good days' and transformative change. He has certainly applied himself to the task with laser like focus. Month after month, he has announced one new project or programme after the other: Make in India, the Jan Dhan banking initiative, a bullet train and several semi-high-speed trains, Swachh Bharat, an investment revival in highways, a new crop insurance programme with large government subsidies (Fasal Bima Yojana), an urban 'rejuvenation and transformation' mission (Amrut), a massive upscaling of the programmes for solar and wind energy, a revamped skill development initiative (Kaushal Vikas Yojana), expanded re-finance for the small and micro sector (Mudra), a programme for salvaging debt-ridden state electricity boards (Uday), a programme for creating world-class private and public universities for research and teaching, Digital India for connectivity down to the panchayat level, Start-up India for new entrepreneurs, Stand-up India to provide bank finance for enterprises started by Dalits, tribals or women, soil cards for farmers, a seven-point package for public sector banks (Indradhanush), reducing the import component in defence from 60% of the total bill to 30%, improving dramatically India's position in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking, creating 100 Smart Cities, Cleaning the Ganga, repealing outdated laws, introducing the Goods and Services Tax, passing a new bankruptcy law, revamping monetary policy, re-writing leaky tax treaties with Mauritius and Cyprus, working out a package for the textiles-garments sector, creating thousands of ports as part of an inland waterways transport system, and much more. Simply reading the list is exhausting. There is almost no month that has gone by without a fresh announcement, often with typical fanfare at public meetings. Admittedly, many of the initiatives (like Make in India) are a re-packaging or expansion of existing programmes, but it is doubtful whether any government has been quite so beaver-like, as ambitious in scaling up targets, or worked harder at improving execution, though with an attendant degree of centralisation in government functioning that cannot be a positive development. Still, no prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru has used public platforms to continuously sell the logic and the benefits to flow from the work of the government more resolutely than Modi. Not for him the reticence of P V Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. And yet, halfway through the life of this relentless government, almost none of it has made much of a difference that one can see and feel. Indeed, many of the initiatives have run into sand -- like the Indradhanush package for government banks. There has been little movement on the Ease of Doing Business ranking, the 130th position is still a far cry from the target of 50. The Jan Dhan bank accounts were mostly inoperative till the demonetisation. Digital India has made patchy progress, and the reality of the highway construction programme is way short of ministerial bombast. Most Swachh Bharat toilets are reported to be not in use. And Make in India can't be making much progress if industrial investment has shown no uptick. While there are two years to go before the fever of the next election catches, the outlook on delivery matching promise is less than promising. In terms of the overall economic picture, investment in fixed capital has continued to decline in relation to GDP, dropping to levels last seen over a decade ago. Total exports (crucially, non-oil exports, too) will be lower this year than in 2013-2014. The rate of economic growth has been creditable, especially in the context of two drought years, but there is nothing on the horizon to herald the double-digit growth rate that was promised in the initial burst of optimism. Credit growth has declined steadily, the corporate debt overhang has not got better, and the banks need more capital than had been estimated. The stock market reflects the drift, with the leading stock indices lower at the end of 2016 than two years earlier. The worrying fallout of the tepid economic performance has been the jobs agitation by important caste groups in different states. Modi is the most astute and able politician of his generation. As he has reviewed project after project in his monthly video conferences (dubbed Pragati) with department heads across the government, he cannot have failed to see that the import component in defence equipment is not about to be halved, Smart Cities have not turned out to be the transformative story he might have hoped for, and GST has been stymied. In general, the story of a steep jump in economic performance, which Modi might have planned to sell to voters in 2019, was looking like a narrative that would not hold. As the Chinese would say it, this has been so far a case of loud thunder, little rain. Against this frustrating backdrop, it might have become obvious to Modi that the time for incrementalism was over. The political narrative had to be redefined and reclaimed. He could have chosen to go down the communal route to political mobilisation. Instead, he has taken a surer path, tried and tested before by Indira Gandhi: Populism. His vehicle of the moment, demonetisation, was always an option at the back of Modi's mind, planted there by the head of the Pune-based Arthkranti Pratishthan back in 2013 and something that Modi subsequently discussed with more than one interlocutor. As a tool for entrenching Modi's positioning as a campaigner against corruption -- an issue on which the Congress and many regional parties would be on the backfoot -- it had a unique appeal, especially if one considered a Robin-Hood-style plan to take from the rich and give to the poor. It would pit the common man against the 'corrupt elite', the Opposition and critics could be de-legitimised as defenders of the corrupt, or simply anti-national -- and would be vulnerable to tax raids, as already seen. Most important, it would set Modi on a course that is a surer bet than trying to sell a second time the same narrative of hope and change, amid non-existent jobs. A surer bet because a populist's appeal is based as much on emotive perception as on reason: Indira Gandhi did little to improve the life of the poor, but she is remembered as their champion. It does not matter that demonetisation is neither the least-costly nor the most effective way to tackle black money; nor does it matter that pushing digital payment systems can be independent of demonetisation. It is also of no consequence that no economy in the world is free of a black component, and that the majority of transactions in most economies are in cash. Simply attacking the longstanding problem of illegitimate wealth earns credit points. Can anyone be opposed to tackling corruption, any more than a US voter can oppose 'making America great again'? The bonus is that the drama of tax raids provides good theatre -- as V P Singh realised 30 years ago. Modi has prepared the ground for his plunge into populism by using the last 31 months to forge a strongman system of government, radically different from what had gone before: Democratic for sure, but very prime minister-centric, operating through hand-picked officials in key slots. Typical of the way such systems evolve, many critics have muted their voices or switched allegiance. Now Modi is slipping into the mould of a classic populist, joining the company of Donald Trump, Turkey's Recep Erdogan, Russia's Vladimir Putin, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, and Hungary's third-term prime minister, Viktor Orban, who says that he wants to abandon liberal democracy in favour of an 'illiberal State' because a liberal system cannot be competitive. Populists tend to follow a standard playbook. A populist positions himself as the political outsider, railing against the elite even as he expresses the frustrations and resentments of the common man. He seeks a direct leader-follower relationship, bypassing or over-riding the established intermediaries of party and institutional structures. Usually a charismatic demagogue, he attacks unworthy outsiders who are often minorities (immigrants for Trump). Contesting viewpoints are non-legitimate, and therefore the opposition is seen not as an essential part of democracy but as people who should not be criticising the government, and may be anti-national. A populist usually operates an effective propaganda machine, puts pressure on civil society and seeks to control the media, centralises power, and tends to be authoritarian. If required, he will weaken the institutions of State or re-write the Constitution, and is not above organised violence. Many of India's chief ministers have followed much of this playbook within their limited spheres, so India already has a minor tradition of autocratic rule. When it comes to policy, the core populist positions can be left or right, or a combination of the two; the differentiators have to do with nationalism, centralisation and being 'strong.' The default political tool is clientelism, a patronage system in which political support is sought in exchange for material benefits. It could take the form of a subsidy or cash benefits, jobs for the boys, more money for supportive states, tax and other benefits for the businesses of favoured friends, expropriation for others. All of these have a familiar history in India from Indira Gandhi's days. But clientelism is also associated with corruption. One example is the Vyapam scandal in Madhya Pradesh, though the more common practice is siphoning off government handouts. As should be clear, Indira Gandhi was India's original populist. Most of the above also describes the careers of Orban, Putin and the others. What Modi's career so far has an uncanny resemblance to is Erdogan's. Modi sold tea at a railway station, Erdogan sold lemonade and sesame buns. Modi's real schooling was in the RSS, while Erdogan studied for some years in a religious vocational school. Modi spent time doing backroom organisational work; Erdogan spent his apprenticeship years in the Islamist Welfare Party that was subsequently banned for violating the separation of church and state mandated by Turkey's constitution. Modi made his reputation as chief minister of Gujarat, Erdogan as mayor of Istanbul. Modi faced ostracism for a while on account of the post-Godhra riots; Erdogan was jailed and banned from holding political office for some years. Modi has crystallised the aspirations of a nativist elite that is displacing a more Westernised set of Nehruvian inheritors; Erdogan has done the same by creating political space for a rising, Islamist Anatolian identity (the Asian part of Turkey) quite different from Ataturk's inheritors, a secular elite. Modi runs an opaque, centralised system, while Erdogan after starting out as a widely appreciated reformer has become steadily more autocratic. Both enjoy widespread political support. Erdogan said once, 'We are the people, who are you?' At some of his public rallies, Modi has come close to saying something similar. But even populists like Putin usually remain democrats, for they like an expanded diplomatic footprint abroad on the strength of electoral endorsement at home, even as they crack down on opponents. If Modi is indeed set on a populist course, he is quite likely to plunge deeper into his self-styled battle against corruption, make more clientelist announcements to win or retain popularity, and put himself at the centre of things even more than now. Populists do face setbacks and taste defeat (like Orban), but they make comebacks and usually enjoy a long-ish ride -- Chavez ruled for 13 years, Putin has been at the helm for even longer, while Erdogan and Orban have done multiple terms in office. Modi could do the same. In the new age of populism, India's man-of-the-moment is in sync with the multi-country revolt against a liberal order and neo-liberal economics. Beware; the embodiment of doublespeak has arrived in Helena. Elsie Arntsen hadnt even moved into the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction before launching her first doublespeak missile. She was elected to lead the most bipartisan of Montanas agencies, dedicated to public education for all Montanas students. But her first act was to bring a pack of Republican operatives into her executive management with the misleading declaration that she would depoliticize the office. The statement, which I fear we will hear again and again, is deliberately designed to hide the truth that she intends to inject partisan politics into education debates. Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. HAMILTON Sen. Pat Connell, R-Hamilton, took notice during the last legislative session when a slew of bills focused on net metering worked their way through the process. As a ham radio operator of 56 years, with a formal education and longtime interest in electronics, Connell worried that many of those bills were missing an important point. I thought there was a lack of consideration for stability and security of the electric grid, Connell said. Without getting into the weeds of the issue, I can say that we dont have very stabilized voltage and frequency of alternating current, it can do incredibly ugly things to electronically run equipment. Net metering focuses on providing a means for people who own small renewable energy systems like a rooftop array of solar panels to put any power they cant use back onto the electric grid. Utility companies are required to buy that power. In most cases, the surplus power generated by solar panels or wind turbines turn the home or business owners electric meter backwards to create a credit. This session, Connell is proposing legislation that focuses on protecting people on both sides of the electric grid, including the men and women who work to keep it operating correctly. I welcome dispersed energy if done right, Connell said. I consider it a benefit to national security. While I can see real attributes to solar and wind generation, we need to ensure there isnt a cost shift to those consumers who cant afford solar panels. Connells Senate Bill 1 clarifies that utilities must accept energy generated by the small operations, but there must also be a means for two-way communications that could be used to control grid voltage, promote power line stability and ensure safety for utility workers. Senate Bill 7 focuses on protecting utility customers against a shift in costs created by people with renewable energy systems. Everyone who net meters are still connected to the grid, he said. They utilize the electric grid as a battery backup for when they dont have sun. They need to pay their fair share of the costs to maintain that infrastructure. Jim Maunder of Ravalli Electric Co-op said there are some challenges to managing diverse power generating operations for utility companies. In the Bitterroot Valley, most of the power generated through solar happens in the summer months when demand is low. Maunder said the credits they receive are based on the retail rates charged customers. The cooperative, of course, purchases the power it supplies to its members at a lower cost. What that means is the cooperative is required to purchase power at a higher cost during a time when it doesnt need additional power. That adds additional cost that has to paid by someone. Were crediting them at a retail rate to help them pay their system off, Maunder said. We see the value in it but if they put an additional load onto the system in the winter, we should be able to bill them for that. The cooperative already receives 96 percent of its power from renewable resources, so members seeking a carbon offset dont realize much through the purchase of their own renewable power generating operation. We really try to promote energy efficiency, Maunder said. Energy efficiency benefits our members and it benefits us. *** Andrew Valainis, executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association, said renewable energy has seen incredible growth in some areas of the country due to the declining cost of solar panels and improvements in technology. Montana is lagging behind in that growth due to a number of barriers, including a 50-kilowatt cap on the size of net metered systems. If that cap is lifted, Valainis said small businesses in state could look at larger projects that would employee additional workers. Currently, there are 92 full-time and 71 part-time renewable energy businesses in the state that employee hundreds of contractors, he said. We have an industry here, he said. Any legislation that makes it more challenging or more difficult will inhibit the growth in that industry while making it harder for Montanans to choose where they get their energy. Connell believes that people on both sides of the issue need to have a good understanding of whats possible and expected. Several other states that have led the way in diverse solar have had problems with grid stability, Connell said. We dont have that problem yet. Lets put this in place so utilities and the general public can have a real clear understanding of what opportunities and social expectations are. Haiti: UN-supported supply system provides clean water to remote community Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 January 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Haiti: UN-supported supply system provides clean water to remote community, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f01340c.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 9 January 2017 - A new drinking water distribution system, partly funded by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), is now providing safe water for the people of Los Palis - a community in the district of Hinche, located in the centre of the island nation. A remote area mainly consisting of dry mountains, Los Palis is located 15 minutes away from the city centre of Hinche. Life for the inhabitants of this isolated community - divided into several areas, including Los Palmas, Jacob and Guebo - has never been easy. Residents lack some basic necessities and struggle with a lack of access to electricity, health services, roads and especially drinking water. People from Los Palis, particularly women and children, walk miles to bring home drinking water to prevent their relatives from being exposed to poor quality water and water-related diseases. In the rainy season, the village draws water from sources such as ponds formed by overflowing nearby rivers. Unsafe water often results in frequent cases of diseases such as typhoid, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, or vaginal and other water-related infections. To end the suffering of the residents of Los Palis, MINUSTAH financed the third phase of a water supply project aiming at serving more than 18,000 people, more than 53 per cent of whom are women. Inaugurated last Thursday, the supply system received $95,671 through a quick-impact projects programme enabling MINUSTAH to support Haitian authorities in improving public infrastructure and living conditions. About 18,000 people are now able to collect clean water in the remote neighbourhood of Los Palis, commune of Hinche, Haiti, from a water supply system funded by MINUSTAH. Photo: UN/MINUSTAH "In 2014, the Secretary-General of the United Nations came to Los Palmas. He saw the situation in relation to water, cholera and other diseases, and he announced a programme, the third phase of which we are inaugurating now," said the Mission's deputy chief, Mourad Wahba, who is also the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, at the project's inauguration. Mr. Wahba underlined that the project benefited from MINUSTAH's contribution but also from the Secretary-General's new approach to eliminate cholera and all water-borne diseases in Haiti. "The best way to do this is through drinking water, sanitation and vaccination projects," he added. The new approach to tackling the disease will centre on two different elements, known as 'Track One' and 'Track Two.' 'Track One' consists of a greatly intensified and better-resourced effort to respond to and reduce the incidence of cholera, through addressing Haiti's short- and longer-term issues of water, sanitation and health systems and improved access to care and treatment. 'Track Two' of the approach is the development of a package of material assistance and support to those Haitians most directly affected by cholera, centred on the victims and their families and communities. It is expected that it will also involve affected individuals and communities in the development of the package. Haiti has been dealing with a cholera outbreak since October 2010, some nine months after it suffered a devastating earthquake. The outbreak has affected an estimated 788,000 people and claimed the lives of more than 9,000. Concerted national and international efforts, backed by the United Nations, have resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in the number of suspected cases. UN agency seeks $813 million to support Palestine refugees fleeing Syria and those in occupied territory Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 January 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN agency seeks $813 million to support Palestine refugees fleeing Syria and those in occupied territory, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f06e1ce.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 9 January 2017 - With Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory - including East Jerusalem - and those who have fled the conflict in Syria, facing humanitarian crises, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) today launched an $813 million emergency aid appeal. Speaking to UN News, Pierre Krahenbuhl, the Commissioner General for UNRWA said: "Palestine refugees are among the worst affected by the conflict. Over 95 per cent of those who have remained in Syria - 430,000 - are in critical need of sustained humanitarian assistance." Mr. Krahenbuhl said that the fact that 917,000 people are now in need of food assistance, a tenfold increase since 2000, is a "scandal." Of the requested $813 million, $402 is targeted for Palestine refugees in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This would allow nearly one million refugees in Gaza to receive food aid and provide rental assistance to 6,500 families who lost their homes during the 2014 hostilities as well as repairs for more than 50,00 families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. It would also cover food insecure refugees in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Among refugees in occupied Palestinian territory, the rate of unemployment is 43.2 per cent in Gaza and 19.5 per cent in the West Bank. Hundreds of thousands are food insecure and children, especially those in Gaza, require psychosocial support due to trauma. Pierre Krahenbuhl, UNRWA Commissioner-General, launches the 2017 UNRWA emergency response to the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Syria crises, Palais des Nations. 9 January 2017. UN Photo/Violaine Martin The remaining $411 million in the request is intended to provide humanitarian assistance, protection, and basic services to 430,000 Palestine refugees inside Syria, 30,000 who have fled to Lebanon, and almost 17,000 who are now in Jordan due to the ongoing conflict. Some 95 per cent of Palestine refugees from Syria are in dire need of sustained humanitarian assistance. In Lebanon, 50 per cent live in camps and 85 per cent living in Jordan are categorized as vulnerable or extremely vulnerable. At a news conference in Geneva where the appeal was launched earlier today, Mr. Krahenbuhl said: "1.6 million Palestine refugees, who are more insecure than ever and whose needs are growing, require our resolute action. I call for urgent and generous support from the international community." UNRWA is the largest direct provider of assistance to Palestine refugees who have suffered as a result of the Syrian conflict, providing cash assistance, water and sanitation, food and essential non-food items, shelter, health, education, livelihoods, microfinance, and protection. Yemen: EU-UN partnership to target 'alarming' food insecurity Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 January 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Yemen: EU-UN partnership to target 'alarming' food insecurity, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f0a640e.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 9 January 2017 - With 14 million people in Yemen lacking reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food, the European Union (EU) has committed 12 million euros to assist the efforts of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to tackle rising hunger in the strife-torn Gulf of Aden country. "This is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. People's access to food is rapidly worsening and urgent action is needed," said Salah Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Yemen, in a news release. "The EU's contribution will greatly strengthen our ability to collect critical data on food security so that swift action can be taken to avert a further deterioration in the situation. It will also boost efforts to build the resilience of farmers and herders, especially women, by helping them to increase the value of their agricultural production," he added. According to the news release, agriculture plays a critical role in food security in Yemen, especially for those living in rural areas of the country, where insecurity and isolation mean food and other forms of humanitarian assistance are intermittent. Agricultural assistance can provide critical relief and is crucial for tackling the disturbingly high levels of malnutrition. EU funds will provide immediate agricultural support to more than 150,000 people to help them rapidly improve food production and nutrition. The project will support income-generating activities, such as backyard poultry rearing, dairy production, and beekeeping. Beneficiaries will also have opportunities to boost their incomes by learning how to improve their farming techniques, and about food processing, packaging and marketing. Iran: UN rights expert warns prisoners of conscience at risk of death after prolonged hunger strike Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 January 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Iran: UN rights expert warns prisoners of conscience at risk of death after prolonged hunger strike, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f0d540c.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 9 January 2017 - Raising alarm over the health of several prisoners of conscience in Iran, who have been on a prolonged hunger strike contesting the legality of their detention, the United Nations expert on the human rights situation there urged the authorities to "immediately and unconditionally" release all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, detained and prosecuted for exercising their rights. According to the UN human rights office, two of at least eight protesting prisoners of conscience have been on hunger strike since October last year. One of the two ended his strike last week after his wife (Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee, a human rights defender) was granted bail. Another protester - Mohammed Ali Taheri - started his strike on 28 September. However, his whereabouts have been unknown since his reported transfer to Baghiatollah Military Hospital in October. Furthermore, at least one of the protesters - Arash Sadeghi, another human rights defender - is being denied transfer to specialized medical facilities despite his critical health condition and is reportedly kept in his cell. They are left with no other option but to put their life at risk to contest the legality of their detention UN rights expert Asma Jahangir "I call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that Mr. Sadeghi has access, as a matter of utmost priority, to specialized health care in a hospital outside prison, in compliance with international human rights standards and medical ethics in particular the principles of informed consent," stressed Asma Jahangir, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran. She also expressed deep concerns over the continuous detention of human rights defenders in the country, who, she said "have been tried on the basis of vaguely defined offences and heavily sentenced following trials marred with due process violations." "They are left with no other option but to put their life at risk to contest the legality of their detention," Ms. Jahangir added. She further pointed out that such a situation persists just a few days after Iran's President, Hassan Rouhani, signed the Citizen Rights Charter, which enshrines the rights to life, to freedom of opinion, expression and assembly in the country. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst, and the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Roland Adjovi, have endorsed Ms. Jahangir's call. Independent experts and Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva based UN Human Rights Council - an inter-governmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world - to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work. This is the 'moment of truth' says UN envoy ahead of international conference on Cyprus Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 January 2017 Cite as UN News Service, This is the 'moment of truth' says UN envoy ahead of international conference on Cyprus, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f11e40d.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 9 January 2017 - Speaking ahead of an international conference on Cyprus, the United Nations Special Adviser on the country stressed that the coming days would be crucial for the resolution of the remaining matters, and said that while the path ahead is "going to be difficult," a solution is possible. "It's going to be difficult because obviously, even if the majority of issues have been solved in all chapters, it is not the easiest questions that we have left until the end," Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide told the media in Geneva, where talks, prior to the conference, are ongoing between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot delegations. "But it's also possible because I don't know any issue in these negotiations that really cannot be solved, if sufficient will is available," he added. The international conference will start on 12 January at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. It is being held under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, who will open and chair the event, and will also see the participation of the guarantor powers - Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom - as well as the European Union (EU) in a special observer role, together with the delegation from Cyprus. Together, the participants will try to solve issues pertaining to the security and guarantees chapter. We are now in the final moment. We are really at the moment of truth. This is where we actually will find out if this can be solved. Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide "All these parties are necessary because we are discussing a security arrangement around the embryonic federal solution in Cyprus, which has to involve both the guarantor powers because of the existence of three treaties, which are still valid, and of course also the EU in the sense that this united country if it ever becomes a reality will be a full member of the EU, so this is the reason for this particular setup," he added. The Special Adviser further noted that while the UN is facilitating the conference, the talks are fully led and owned by the Cypriots. "The two leaders are the ones who are responsible now, but at the end of the day, through referenda, in the two communities in Cyprus, it will be all Cypriots who make up their mind about this," he explained. Thousands of Afghan children dying of hunger amid 'unprecedented' displacement UN Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 January 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Thousands of Afghan children dying of hunger amid 'unprecedented' displacement UN, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f15640e.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 9 January 2017 - Despite attempts to increase food aid in Afghanistan, children bear the brunt of the country's nutritional crisis, the United Nations humanitarian arm today reported, warning that the ongoing fighting has also led to record number of children at risk of abuse and exploitation. According to the recently-issued Humanitarian Needs Overview, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) found that 9.3 million people are in need of aid. The UN noted that the number is an increase of 13 per cent over the past year, fuelled largely by a continued deepening and geographic spread of the conflict. "Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous, and most violent, crisis ridden countries in the world," the report stated. The fighting killed a record 8,397 civilians in the first nine months of 2016, and displaced half a million by November. More than half of those displaced were children, who, in addition to malnutrition, face abuse and exploitation, including through forced marriage, sexual abuse and harmful child labour. One of the greatest dangers is hunger. More than a quarter of all Afghanistan's provinces have acute malnutrition rates above 15 per cent, classifying them above emergency thresholds. Out of the total of 1.8 million people requiring assistance for malnutrition, at least 1.3 million are children under the age of five. As of September 2016, only a quarter-million children had been admitted for treatment, a fraction of those estimated to be in need, according to the report findings. The food situation in the country overall is dire, with crops last year producing less than in 2015, leaving a gap of 1.2 million metric tons. The report noted that while fighting, a sudden increase in returnees from Pakistan and an economic slowdown affected the country, the food gap is also the result of localized floods and dry spells, a locust infestation and wheat rust. UN condemns terrorist attack in Jerusalem by a Palestinian Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 January 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN condemns terrorist attack in Jerusalem by a Palestinian, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f18240e.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 9 January 2017 - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council have denounced the terrorist attack by a Palestinian who reportedly rammed a truck into a group of Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem yesterday. The Secretary-General condemns the terrorist attack by a Palestinian assailant and conveys his condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a swift recovery to those who were injured, said Mr. Guterres' spokesman in a statement issued today. According to preliminary media reports, the attack killed four and injured 15. Violence and terror will not bring a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- quite the opposite, the spokesman said in the statement. All those responsible for such acts must be brought to justice, condemned and disavowed. Their acts should not be allowed to deter from the need for a renewed commitment to dialogue, he added. In a press statement issued overnight, the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack and reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, the 15-member body reiterated in the statement, underlining the need for those responsible for this reprehensible act of terrorism to be held accountable. The Council also reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. The Council expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Israel and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. Security Council strongly condemns terrorist attack in Egypt that kills 9 policemen Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 January 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Security Council strongly condemns terrorist attack in Egypt that kills 9 policemen, 10 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f19f40c.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 10 January 2017 - The Security Council has denounced the terrorist attack in Egypt yesterday that reportedly killed nine policemen and injured more than 13 people. In a press statement issued overnight, the 15-member body condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack that took place in the northern Sinai city of Al-Arish, and reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States to cooperate actively with the Government of Egypt and all other relevant authorities in this regard. Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, the Council reiterated, reaffirming the need for all States to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. The Council expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Egypt and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. Displaced Mosul family denounce torture Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Author Catherine Robinson Publication Date 10 January 2017 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Displaced Mosul family denounce torture, 10 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f1f14.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Every time Haidar* sees a black car bumping through the camp for displaced Iraqis, the 20-year-old is afraid that it is someone looking to kidnap him. Five months earlier, Haidar was snatched off the streets of his hometown of Mosul by extremists and dragged before a court. "My eyes were blindfolded and a judge accused me of posting inflammatory poems on the internet," he recalls. "I denied the charges and knew they had only taken me because my father worked for the Iraqi forces. I didn't realize they had also taken my sister, Zaineb, until I heard her in another room begging them to release us." More than 100,000 residents of Mosul and its surrounding have fled since government forces launched an offensive on October 17 to retake Iraq's second city. Some, like Haidar and Zaineb, who are now safe in the care of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, recount the harrowing ordeals that they suffered under extremist rule. Taken from the court in Mosul to a prison by their captors, Haidar becomes agitated as he relates how the siblings were separated. Then the torture began. "Over a period of 18 days, they put electrical wires on my tongue and shocked me, saying it was because I spoke out against them. They would hang me upside down and hit me on the face, back and legs with hoses. It was so painful I asked them to kill me with a bullet. They told me they would not give me this gift, but said that one day I would be executed." In another part of the prison, Zaineb, who was accused of being a witch, was forced to watch fellow female inmates being executed. The dark-haired 23-year old speaks softly and sadly. "They beheaded two women in front of me. One of them [was] a female police officer." "As for me, I was shocked with electrical wires on my head, nose and on my legs, many times. The pain was unbearable. At night I would go to sleep and I knew I would wake up the next day and be tortured again," says Zaineb. "Every day, I was sure I would die." While they were detained, their 50-year old mother, Rima, spent every day at the extremist-run courthouse, pleading for her children's freedom. On their 20th day of captivity, Haidar and Zianeb were finally released, without explanation. Rima had to pay US$1,000 for their release. The siblings are now with 16 other family members at a camp run by UNHCR. But they continue to struggle with the memories of torture and the violence that they witnessed. "I feel like this is not the end, and they will come back for me again," Zaineb says. "And I need a doctor. I have pain in different parts of my body because of the electric shocks. I don't feel mentally well, I need someone to sit and talk to." Her brother agrees. "I want to see a doctor too, because I have trouble speaking after the shocks I got on my tongue." With the scale of displacement from Mosul increasing, UNHCR is committed to strengthening psychosocial support and counselling services in half a dozen of the camps that it has opened since the liberation of the city began more than two months ago. Many of those who fled Mosul witnessed the deaths of relatives, friends and neighbours and struggle with the memories In camps that have recently opened, UNHCR and its partners are providing psychological first aid, which includes specialized counselling known as "reflective listening," as well as needs assessment and appropriate help. UNHCR protection officers pay regular visits to Haidar, Zaineb and their family and are arranging medical care and psychological support through a local NGO. After such a harrowing experience, they can at last look to the future. "We are so happy to be in the camp," Haidar says. "It is the best moment we have had in two years. We were living in death and hell. Now we feel re-born." *All names have been changed for protection reasons. Pakistan: Bloggers Feared Abducted Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 10 January 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Pakistan: Bloggers Feared Abducted, 10 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f51c4.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The Pakistani government should urgently investigate the apparent abductions of four activists who campaign for human rights and religious freedom, Human Rights Watch said today. The four men, Salman Haider, a well-known poet and academic, and bloggers Waqas Goraya, Aasim Saeed, and Ahmad Raza Naseer, went missing or were taken away from different cities between January 4 and January 7, 2017. All four men were vocal critics of militant religious groups and Pakistan's military establishment, and used the internet to disseminate their views. Their near simultaneous disappearance and the government's shutting down of their websites and blogs raises grave concerns of government involvement. While the Pakistani interior minister, Nisar Ali Khan, directed the police on January 7 to speed up efforts to locate Haider, whom the government says it is not holding, a broader effort is needed to uncover the whereabouts and well-being of all four men. "The Pakistani government has an immediate obligation to locate the four missing human rights activists and act to ensure their safety," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "The nature of these apparent abductions puts the Nawaz Sharif government on notice that it can either be part of the solution or it will be held responsible for its role in the problem." Goraya, an anthropologist who blogged on issues of religious freedom, and Saeed, a blogger and an administrator of a Facebook page hosting progressive views critical of religious extremists and Pakistan's security policies, were reported missing from Wapda Town, Lahore, on January 4. Haider, a poet and professor at Fatima Jinnah Women University, went missing on the evening of January 6. His wife received a text message telling her to pick Salman's car from Koral Chowk, Islamabad. The family has not heard from Salman or the abductors since. On January 7, unidentified men took away Naseer, a blogger running a Facebook page broadcasting secular, progressive views, from his family's shop in Sheikhupura, Punjab. The government's failure to provide information on the fate or whereabouts of a person taken into custody amounts to an enforced disappearance, which is a serious violation of international human rights law. "Disappearances" place individuals outside the protection of the law and make them more vulnerable to torture and other abuses. After the four activists went missing, messages on social media have accused them of blasphemy and other crimes, heightening concerns for their safety. Pakistani journalists and activists face an increasingly hostile climate due to harassment, threats, and violence from both state security forces and militant groups. In August 2016, the Pakistani government enacted a vague and overbroad cybercrimes law that threatens rights of privacy and freedom of expression. The law includes provisions that allow the government to censor online content, criminalize internet user activity, and access internet users' data without judicial review. Pakistan's security establishment has a long history of intimidating critics. Pakistani and international human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have extensively documented the intimidation, torture, enforced disappearances, and killings of activists and journalists. The Taliban and other armed groups have also threatened media outlets and targeted journalists and activists for their work. In April 2015, prominent rights activist Sabeen Mahmud was killed by militants. The principal planner of her assassination later said that he killed her because, "she was generally promoting liberal, secular values." In May 2014, Rashid Rehman, a human rights activist and lawyer, was assassinated by militants in an apparent reprisal for his willingness to represent people charged under Pakistan's blasphemy law. In April 2014, unidentified gunmen attacked Hamid Mir, one of Pakistan's most prominent television anchors in Karachi. Mir survived the attack, and Jang/Geo his employer and the country's largest media conglomerate accused the director general of the government's powerful Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) agency of involvement in the incident. Saleem Shahzad, a reporter for the Hong Kong-based Asia Times Online and for Adnkronos International, the Italian news agency, disappeared from central Islamabad on the evening of May 29, 2011. Shahzad's body, bearing visible signs of torture, was discovered two days later near Mandi Bahauddin, 80 miles southeast of the capital. "The government needs to reduce the insecurity faced by journalists and activists, which has a severe chilling effect on their work," Adams said. "This requires the government holding responsible the militants and its own security agencies that threaten and attack them." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch MISSOULA A Missoula man is in jail on a $50,000 bail after police said he repeatedly kicked a police dog in the face following a car chase through the Rattlesnake neighborhood early Sunday morning. Around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Missoula police officer Tim Harrington, who was patrolling Greenough Drive, saw a Jeep Cherokee driven by David William Wozniak speeding down the street. Wozniak lost control while turning onto North 2nd Street, nearly hitting four pedestrians, according to a court affidavit. Wozniak, 32, didnt stop when Harrington attempted to pull him over, instead starting a chase through the Rattlesnake neighborhood that reached speeds of 60 miles per hour before the car drove off the road and into the backyard of a house on Rattlesnake Drive. The affidavit said Wozniak allegedly put his hand to his head in the shape of a gun and threatened to kill himself. After repeated requests for him to show both his hands and surrender, Harrington released his K-9 dog, Sunka, which jumped through Wozniaks open window. In Missoula County Justice Court on Monday, deputy county attorney Amber Henning said Wozniak kicked Sunka repeatedly in the face, causing the animal to bleed. After additional officers arrived, Wozniak was taken out of the vehicle, and attempted to bite an officer before being put in restraints. Police allegedly found a hypodermic needle inside Wozniaks Jeep. Wozniak is charged with felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanors for driving under the influence of drugs, fleeing police, resisting arrest, harming a police dog and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faces misdemeanors for driving with a suspended license, failure to carry proof of insurance and driving with fictitious license plates. During his initial appearance in court Monday, Wozniak denied being a drug user, and said both of his hands were up when Harrington released Sunka, saying he kicked the dog in self defense. Theres no track marks on me, I didnt have a loaded syringe, he said. His probation officer, who was in court, said he was a methamphetamine user and had repeatedly ignored supervision requirements. Justice of the Peace Marie Andersen set his bail at $50,000 and said if released, he will be subject to drug monitoring. Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2017 Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 10 January 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2017, 10 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f6264.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 10.01.2017 - Website reporter flogged for getting facts wrong Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled to learn that Hossien Movahedi, a local news website reporter, was flogged last week in Najafabad, a city 450 km south of Tehran, for getting one of his facts wrong in a story about the confiscation of mopeds from female students at a technological secondary school in the city. Movahedi reported on the Najafabad News website on 14 June 2016 that the police seized 35 mopeds when, according to the police, it was only eight. Although he apologized for his mistake and although the police were allowed to publish their version on the website, the police pressed charges against him and a Najafabad court sentenced him to 40 lashes for "publishing false information." This inhuman and medieval sentence was carried out on 4 January. Iran has yet to ratify the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. ---------- 06.01.2016 - Woman journalist freed on completing one-year jail term Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Rihaneh Tabatabai, a journalist who has worked for several reformist newspapers, was released yesterday on completing a one-year jail term on charges of endangering national security and anti-government publicity. She was arrested on 12 January 2016 to begin serving the sentence, which was originally imposed in November 2014 and was confirmed by a Tehran appeal court a year later. The sentence also includes two-year ban on political and journalistic activity in the media and online following her release. In all, Tabatabai has been jailed four times since 2010 in connection with her journalistic activities. ---------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January -December 2016) -------------------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January -December 2015) ------------------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time ( January-December 2014) ---------------------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time ( January-December 2013) ---------------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-December 2012) ---------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-December 2011) ----- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (July-December 2010) -------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-July 2010) --------- Press freedom violations recounted in real time (June-December 2009) Turkey: RSF delegation to attend rep's trial, support detained journalists Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 10 January 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Turkey: RSF delegation to attend rep's trial, support detained journalists, 10 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f6694.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. A Reporters Without Borders (RSF) delegation flew today to Istanbul to attend the trial of its Turkey representative, Erol Onderoglu, which resumes tomorrow, and to show support for Turkey's journalists, the targets of an unprecedented crackdown. The RSF delegation consists of secretary-general Christophe Deloire, president Eric Chol, board members Jean-Marie Boissier, Jean-Pierre Getti, Paul-Stephane Manier and Alain Mingam, Austrian section president Rubina Mohring, Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk officer Johann Bihr, and German section representative Jens Uwe-Thomas. They plan to attend the next hearing, scheduled for tomorrow, in the trial of Onderoglu and his fellow defendants, writer Ahmet Nesin and human rights defender Sebnem Korur Fincanc, who are all facing possible jail terms on "terrorist propaganda" charges for taking part in a campaign of solidarity with the Kurdish newspaper Ozgur Gundem. The newspaper's editor, Inan Kzlkaya, who has been held since 16 August, is being tried with them. The delegation will also observe the trial of former Cumhuriyet editor Can Dundar and his Ankara bureau chief, Erdem Gul, which is also due to resume tomorrow. Dundar and Gul are accused of "assisting a terrorist organization" for revealing details of Turkey's arms deliveries to Islamist groups in Syria. During their two-day visit, RSF's representatives also plan to visit the headquarters of Cumhuriyet, of which 11 employees have been detained since the start of November, and to meet with the families of imprisoned journalists. "We again call on the authorities to drop the absurd charges against these journalists, whose only crime was to defend media pluralism and do their duty to report the news," Deloire said. "Media freedom is in danger of dying in Turkey and the world cannot remain silent! We demand the restoration of pluralism and the release of all journalists who are being held in connection with their work." In the campaign of solidarity with Ozgur Gundem from May to August, dozens of well-known figures took turns in symbolically acting as the editor of this newspaper, which has been persecuted by the judicial authorities. Onderoglu, Nesin and Fincanc, who heads the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TIHV), were jailed on 20 June and were freed provisionally ten days later after a major international campaign for their release. Their trial began on 8 November. Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. The already disturbing media situation in Turkey has become critical under the state of emergency declared in the wake of last July's failed coup. Ozgur Gundem's offices were placed under seal in August and it was dissolved by decree on 29 October. A total of 176 other media outlets have been shut down in the same way and more than 100 journalists are currently detained. Russian editor threatened by government official in Instagram post Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 9 January 2017 Cite as Article 19, Russian editor threatened by government official in Instagram post, 9 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5874f86c4.html [accessed 4 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. ARTICLE 19 submitted this alert to the Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists: On 4 January the Speaker of the Parliament of Chechnya, Magomed Daudov, published a post on Instagram calling for violence against "Shved", a clear reference to Grigory Shvedov, Editor-in-Chief of Caucasian Knot, an independent Russian news site that focuses on human rights violations and abuses of the rule of law across the Caucasus and Southern Russia. The post, titled "How to untie the Caucasian Knot", is accompanied by a picture of a drooling dog, and calls "for a vet to pull out [Shved's] wisdom teeth and cut his tongue to size". Shvedov is called cowardly and repeatedly compared to a dog. In an interview with Russian daily newspaper, Kommersant, Shvedov stated that he considered the threat to be "a reaction to our work in general", rather than in response to any specific article or investigation. Caucasian Knot's lawyers now plan to submit an official complaint to the Investigative Committee on charges of obstructing journalism (Article 144 of the Criminal Code). Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/10/2017 --Dubai Capital Management (DCM), a reputable and professional investment management company, understands clients' concerns regarding working with a firm that is trustworthy, that provides quality investment advice, and that abides by ethical investment management strategies. The need to work with a firm that provides proper and effective investment and portfolio management advice is a top priority for clients. DCM has not only become a successful firm based on this mission, but also because of their commitment to provide clients with a low-cost investment strategy that doesn't involve charging commissions, transaction or trade fees or any administrative or management fees. 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As a result, by partnering with DCM, clients not only gain a peace of mind knowing they have a team on their side that is truly interested in making a difference in their investments, but that also provides ongoing 24/7 service and support, and at affordable, honest rates. Contact: To learn more about DCM's account management services or to schedule a quick, 15-minute initial investment consultation, call or email the team today. DCM also provides complimentary 24/7 investment management advice and support. Email queries are responded to within 24 hours. Murrels Inlet, SC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/10/2017 --Dr. John Miller and Dr. Chris Cerasaro of The Smile Center in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina are helping local patients who have experienced tooth loss once again have functionality and confidence with their smiles using permanent dental implants. This technology is some of the latest offered in the dental industry and is proven to be the most effective, lasting method for restoring lost permanent teeth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, approximately 178 million adults in the U.S. are missing at least one permanent tooth. While many view missing permanent teeth as only a cosmetic issue, the complications can be much further reaching. The loss of one permanent tooth can lead to the resorption of the jawbone and gum tissue in that area, which can lead to the loss of surrounding permanent teeth as well. Dental implants are the best way to restore the aesthetics of the missing tooth, and likewise, retain the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissues. Permanent dental implants are small metal screws that act as anchors for artificial porcelain crowns. The dental implants are inserted in the jawbone in the void of the missing tooth and essentially replace the function of the tooth root that once took its place. Dental implants are installed during a surgical procedure and are given several weeks to heal and naturally fuse with the bone so they are as strong as natural tooth roots. Once the healing process has completed, an artificial crown is then attached to the implant, restoring full aesthetics of the tooth and giving the patient full functionality of the tooth once again. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or a series of missing teeth. For patients who currently rely on dentures, dental implants can be an effective solution for permanently restoring their smile. Once the installation is completed, dental implants are just as strong as natural teeth. Patients are free to eat whatever foods they choose with dental implants, unlike with other prosthetics like dentures or bridges. Dental implants can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth as well. Patients of The Smile Center who are interested in dental implants can schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller or Dr. Cerasaro to discuss their concerns with their current smile and the goal and vision they have for a restored smile. Dental implants are custom designed for each patient to be the size, shape, and shade that the patient prefers for their ideal smile. About The Smile Center Dr. John A. Miller has several decades of experience as a dental professional and is one of the most well known in the greater Myrtle Beach community. Along with Cr. Chris Cerasaro, he offers a full range of dental services at his two offices in Murrells Inlet and Georgetown, SC. Dr. Miller is a member of the ADA, South Carolina State Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Miller is known as one of the most experienced dentists in the greater Myrtle Beach community. He is proud to offer some of the most advanced and state-of-the-art treatments and technology at his offices in Murrells Inlet and Georgetown. Dr. Miller is a member of the ADA, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and several other professional organizations. For more information about the permanent dental implants Dr. Miller and Dr. Cerasaro offer for Myrtle Beach patients at their two offices in Murrells Inlet and Georgetown, SC please visit TheSmile.center. Innsbruck, Austria is already on my list to go back to this year. The capital of Tyrol is situated in the alps and can only be described as picturesque. If you are looking to get in some winter sports, see the lovely pastel colored architecture, or visit the Imperial Palace- you need to make a trip. We only spent a day and a half in Innsbruck but because of it's small size, it was easy to get around and see the city. Here's a quick travel guide to Innsbruck, Austria. Below you can find a map of all the places discussed in this post: [powr-map id=cd019283_1510920449] It's truly like stepping right in to a postcard. Rolling snow capped mountains flanked by exquisite buildings, cut by a river. I think I had my mouth open the entire time. It's super easy to get around, see the city, and enjoy what Innsbruck has to offer. Fair warning, this post is super picture heavy because it was just so lovely! Where to stay: We stayed in a very inexpensive but lovely little guesthouse called Pension Stoi where we were able to walk to almost everything we wanted to see in the city. We also used Trip Advisor to find this last minute deal. It's a small city, but I recommend staying as close as possible to the Old Town so you are close to nearby restaurants and things to do. I didn't really realize that Innsbruck would this be this stunning, but it was easy enough to spend our short time there. Luckily, Christmas decorations were still up and were lit up in the early evening to late night. What to bring: If you are going during the winter months dress warm. Like really warm. You're going to be up in the mountains and it's FREEZING. Thank goodness I packed accordingly. We had to buy my mom a coat on the way, it was just too cold! I highly recommend this coat (similar) and these boots. And some warm gloves. Day One: Upon arrival, we dumped our stuff and dogs (yes, it's also a dog friendly hotel!) and headed out to get something to eat. We walked around and marveled at the beautiful Renaissance and baroque style buildings all situated right next to each other. Since we live in Germany, we didn't go towards some of their more German cuisine (Austrians speak German). But, we were very hungry and wanting a nice hot meal as the snow fell outside. We landed on a lovely Greek restaurant that I'd highly recommend (get the baked goat cheese with peppers and onions as an appetizer mouth watering) called Akropolis. Prices are great you'll find that at most restaurants, and service was fast. Since we got in late, we spent the rest of the evening walking around the Old Town and looking at the beautiful buildings. A few places to see are the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) which is one of the city's most famous symbols. Built in 1500 by Emperor Maximilian to honor his marriage to Bianca Sforza, it's decorated with 2,738 fire-gilded copper tiles! Some other sites are: Inn Bridge, Jesuit Church, and City Tower. Don't forget to walk Maria Theresien Strasse to shop, see the lovely buildings and the mountains behind. I kept stopping and taking pictures of the incredible architecture. It was just so stunning! We also stopped at the Trimphal Arch that's a lovely monument welcoming you to Innsbruck. Day two: We got up early to tackle the day straight away. First things first, we headed to the tourist office in Old Town (the city center) and bought an Innsbruck Card. This is 40 Euro and gives you access to a round trip lifts and cable car ride up to the top of the mountain, the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, public transportation, museums, attractions, and more. So yes, it's worth it! The day started out cloudy and we were worried our views from the mountain would be hard to see. Luckily it cleared right up! After we had our card, we headed to breakfast. It was a very very sweet breakfast as we had traditional apple strudel. Strudelcafe Kroell is right in the city center and a short walk from the tourist office. We walked off breakfast in a nearby snow covered park. Then we went to the Imperial Palace or Hofburg. I HIGHLY recommend going here. It's free entry with your Innsbruck card and comes with an audio tour. I learned quickly that I have a lot of studying up to do for my European history. The museum focuses on how it changed since it was built in 1460. It shows how Emperor Maximillian I expanded it. But Maria Theresia really made lasting changes. I had no idea that she is the mother of Marie Antoinette and birthed 13 children with her husband Francis I who died in the palace. It also focuses on Empress Elisabeth's Apartment from the 19th century. I loved the beautiful pink room. It was said she spent 3 hours getting her hair done every day. AND had multiple wardrobe changes. After touring the palace, it was time for some mountain views. We headed over to the lift that stops 3 times. Each time the view is more and more epic as you climb up to the top of the mountain. Stop 1: Truly a winter wonderland. Adorable shops, restaurants, and inns that you can grab a warm drink from. Stop 2 views: This is where we really started seeing some skiers and snowboarders. When we first got here it was all white and we could hardly see! It cleared up a bit on the way down. Stop 3 views: This was the TOP of the mountain and it was epic. Seriously, it took my breath away and will be a memory I'll always cherish. It is VERY cold, but so worth it for the views. At the top there is a small building pictured above where they serve warm dumpling soup for only a few Euro! Totally delicious and will warm you up from the inside, out. After the mountains, I grabbed some shots of the beautiful brightly colored houses on the river with a backdrop of the mountains. I could not get over the color of this water! It's a soft green-blue and looks unreal next to the mountains and buildings. We also made our way to Hofkitrche (kirche is German for Church it's also known as Court Church of Innsbruck) where the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I is inside. It's surrounded by larger than life size statues of warriors, a beautiful alter, and intricate ceiling. Maximilian was very influential and helped establish Innsbruck and make it the lovely city it is today. Michael and I took a hike in Hungerburg since there was ample parking and easy to get to trail. We brought both the dogs and unfortunately we went after sunset and I have no pictures since it was just too dark. Our hike was lit only by the moon which was so beautiful and the dogs loved it. All in all it was a fabulous trip and I can't wait to go back. I absolutely loved Innsbruck and I think everyone could add it to their list since there's so much to do for a variety of travelers. Have you been to Innsbruck- what are your recs? Mooresville making progress on EPA grant application The Mooresville Redevelopment Commission shared an update concerning a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant the town is in the process of applying for. CHICAGO (AP) A judge has ruled that Craig Breedlove can move forward with his legal claim that Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry damaged the jet car he used to set a land-speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in 1964. The 79-year-old Breedlove says the museum caused more than $395,000 in damage to his Spirit of America car. It was displayed at the museum for 50 years and returned to Breedlove in October 2015. Breedlove, of Rio Vista, Calif., filed an amended complaint in October, including supporting documents on the American Association of Museums' standards and best practices. The judge ruled last week that he can sue. Museum spokeswoman Renee Mailhiot said in an email Monday that the institution takes its responsibility to care for its collection seriously. Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (L) and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (R) at the opening of a new international check point between the two countries, Jan. 10, 2017 Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen praised Laos for selling cheap power to his country on Tuesday, even though residents of Cambodias Stung Treng province pay double what their neighbors across the border pay for electricity. I want to extend my thanks to the Laotian government for selling electricity at a cheap price to Cambodia, mostly for consumption in Stung Treng and Preah Vihear provinces, Hun Sen said in speech marking the opening of a new Cambodia-Lao international border checkpoint. While Hun Sen failed to detail the amount and cost of the Lao-produced electricity, or whether Cambodia will continue to buy electricity once the Lower Sesan 2 dam located in Stung Treng province is completed, residents complained that the cost of power is still too high. Stung Treng residents pay about 950 riels (U.S. $0.24) per kilowatt-hour, which is about twice the cost of electricity across the border in Laos. I want the price of electricity to come down because now the price is 950 riels, Tem Sreymom, a resident in the town of Stung Treng, told RFAs Khmer Service. I want the cost to be as cheap as it is in Laos, she said. For my house, I spent around 70,000 to 80,000 riels-a-month (U.S. $ 17.43 to U.S. $19.77). Since 2009, the Cambodian government has purchased five to seven megawatts of electricity annually from Laos for consumption in Stung Treng province. The electricity is generated from the Houay Ho dam in the Sekong River basin in Laos, where the government plans to make the country the battery for Southeast Asia. Laos and many other Asian countries are on a dam-building spree as they try to harness the power of the Mekong and other rivers. While the Lao government sees power generation as a way to bootstrap the countrys economy, the projects are still controversial for their environmental impact and their financial arrangements. According to International Rivers, an environmental advocacy group, the current Lao hydropower development plan includes 72 new large dams, 12 of which are under construction and nearly 25 in advanced planning stages. The Lower Sesan 2 dam is expected to begin generating electricity in 2017. It is seen as a critical piece of Cambodias national power grid, and has been touted as a way to reduce the cost of electricity. The dam, located in Stung Treng provinces Sesan district, is expected to generate up to 400 megawatts of electricity and is the biggest hydropower plant in Cambodia. Cambodian authorities have promised that electricity prices will drop dramatically once the dam comes on line. Reported by Chanthy Men for RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. Chinese rights activists on Tuesday launched a new group that will collect data on officials who violate human rights, under a recently expanded law targeting corruption and human rights abuse globally. The China Human Rights Accountability Center will collect data on human rights violators and corrupt officials, putting pressure on the incoming administration of Donald Trump to bring the Magnitsky Act to bear on Beijing, its founders told RFA. "China is a violator of human rights, so you can't expect it to take positive steps of its own accord," U.S.-based Chinese dissident and legal scholar Chen Guangcheng told RFA. "As people who have been on the receiving end of human rights violations in China, we believe that we should join hands to ensure that this law is able to have the maximum impact," said Chen, who was jailed and held alongside his family under house arrest for 19 months before making a daring escape in spite of his blindness to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing in 2012. "That's why we have set up this organization." According to Chen, the group's most important task will be gathering usable evidence to bring to bear in charging Chinese officials under the law. Fellow U.S.-based legal scholar Teng Biao said the Magnitsky legislation, which originally targeted the Russian officials responsible for the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in a Moscow prison in 2009, was the best chance activists have of actually holding human rights abusers to account. "It is the most likely method to yield visible results," Teng said. "This law is unlike other laws in that there is no government agency or officials responsible for implementing it." "It is directly implemented by the U.S. president, but of course he can't keep track of human rights violations around the world," Teng said. "There is a need for nongovernment groups to supply that information ... We want to help the U.S. government use this law to help the victims of human rights violations in China," he said. A double game Beijing-based rights activist Hu Jia, the only founding member who still lives in mainland China, said that while Beijing has frequently hit out at "foreign forces" interfering in its internal affairs on human rights issues, its own officials are playing a double game. "On the one hand, Chinese official always reject the United States' interference in the internal affairs of other countries, saying that there are also many institutional flaws in the United States," Hu said. "But it's also their first choice of destination, especially among 'naked' officials who send their families overseas," he said. He said the Magnitsky Act was "second to none" as a tool to hold foreign officials to account. But Hu said his involvement with the group could bring him further political trouble from the ruling Chinese Communist Party. "But what's the use of worrying?" Hu said. "Why bind my own hands?" He said he was optimistic about the new group. "From a broader perspective, this may be a relatively small step, but realistically speaking, in 2017, this is ground-breaking and important work," Hu said. Visas banned, assets blocked The Magnitsky Act was passed by Congress last month as part of an annual defense-authorization bill. Named for Sergei Magnitsky, a tax lawyer for Hermitage Capital Management who died in custody at the hands of Russian authorities after exposing a tax refund fraud scheme, the latest law is an expanded version of the original act. The new version authorizes visa bans and a block on the U.S. assets of government officials anywhere in the world found violating human rights or of engaging in corruption. Senators Ben Cardin and John McCain, who championed the act, hailed its passage as "a watershed moment" in human rights and anti-corruption work. Reported by Ding Wenqi for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Ng Yik-tung and Sing Man for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Myanmar authorities on Tuesday prohibited the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights to the country from visiting the towns of Laiza and Hpakant in violence-rocked Kachin state because of security concerns, a state government official said. Instead, Yanghee Lee, who is visiting Myanmar to look at the human rights situation in volatile areas of the country, stopped at internally displaced persons camps run by the Kachin Baptist Convention near the towns of Myitkyina and Waingmaw, said Kachin state attorney general D. Sinran. Lee met members of the Kachin state government members on Monday and discussed womens rights and people who have been internally displaced by fighting between Myanmar soldiers and ethnic armed groups in the mountainous state on Myanmars border with China. When asked by RFAs Myanmar Service about authorities refusal to grant her permission to visit the two areas and any conclusions she had drawn from where she did go, Lee said: Im disappointed. Im not sure yet. I have to look around more. On Wednesday, Lee will visit Rakhine state to probe reports of atrocities against Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar security forces amid a crackdown in the northern part of the state following deadly attacks on border guard posts last October. Nearly 90 people have been killed in the violence, which has forced tens of thousands of Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladeshabout 65,000 according to the U.N.s estimate. Lee began her 12-day visit at the invitation of the government on Monday to visit northern Myanmars Kachin state, where thousands of people have been displaced by renewed fighting in a long conflict between government soldiers and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and to look into the situation in northern Rakhine. U.N officials, including Lee, have been critical of the governments handling of the Rakhine crisis, specifically the denial of access by independent media and international humanitarian groups to areas affected by the violence. We dont want to hear the word war Bran Aung, a refugee camp leader in Winemaw, a township in Myitkyina district, said Lee asked about the camps situation and how long the female residents have lived there. I told her that the refugees are in more danger than we were before because we have less support and not enough school buildings for refugee students, he said. The most important thing for us is to return home. If we do, we can work on our land for survival. We dont know how much authorities can do for us. Bran Aung said that only talks and compromise can bring peace to the region. We dont want to hear the word war anymore, he said. We want to ask both sides, the government army and the KIA, to please stop fighting. Fighting in Shan state Lee will also look into how intensifying skirmishes between government soldiers and ethnic militias have affected citizens in the volatile northern part of Shan state, directly south of Kachin. Government troops are preparing to fight Taang National Liberation Army rebels in hostilities near the town of Namhsan, said Tun Wa, a Namhsan resident and member of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party. The TNLA has occupied the west side of the town, while Myanmar army troop have held the east side, he said. They are not fighting yet, he said. Some local residents are leaving their homes, and some are hiding inside their homes because they see both sides have deployed their troops. All shops are closed. Later reports said that the situation in Namhsan has become stable after TNLA troops started leaving the area. The TNLA is part of the Northern Alliance of four ethnic militias that launched coordinated attacks on Nov. 20 on 10 government and military targets in war-torn northern Shan state. The other members of the alliance are the KIA, Arakan Army (AA), and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The TNLA has also been fighting another ethnic armed groupthe Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA)in the region since late November 2015, about six weeks after the signing of a nationwide cease-fire agreement (NCA) between the government and eight of the countrys more than 20 ethnic armed groups. The clashes have resulted in an increase in the number of internal refugees and civilian deaths and have stymied the efforts of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to bring warring ethnic militias to the negotiating table. The United Nations estimates that more than 100,000 people have been displaced by fighting between government soldiers and ethnic armed groups in Kachin and the northern part of neighboring Shan state. Reported by Kyaw Myo Min and Waiyan Moe Myint for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. A file photo of a poster in a street in Ho Chi Minh City appealing to people to be vigilant against human trafficking. Taiwan authorities arrested 46 people last week when the coast guard sized a fishing boat off the countrys coast in what the coast guard said is its largest single bust of Vietnamese 'boat people' attempting to reach the island. A Vietnamese woman working in Taiwan told RFAs Vietnamese Service that she recognized her sister in videos of the arrest of the 40 Vietnamese passengers and six crew members. I watched the video and recognized my sister and her boyfriend, said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity. I dont know what to do. Im scared. I dont know where my sister is. According to the woman and Taiwan authorities, the Vietnamese were charged a total of $6,000 to make the trip. A friend of my sister told me that each person paid U.S. $1,500 to go from Vietnam to China, and then they paid another U.S. $4,500 to get to Taiwan, she said. I told my sister not to go because I was worried that this was a scam, but she told me a lot of her friends at home have gone to Taiwan. Taiwan Coast Guard Administration officials told local media that 25 Vietnamese men and 15 Vietnamese women were packed into a space in the fishing boat that was only 1.2 meters high, according to a Focus Taiwan report. The captain and the five-person crew of the Wun Shun Man No. 66, a fishing vessel registered in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, were also arrested during the Jan. 7 operation, according to the news outlet. Human trafficking jumps The arrest comes as the Vietnamese government reported a nearly 13 percent increase in the number of human trafficking victims in 2016. While the Ministry of Public Security told state media that cases of human trafficking in 2016 decreased 6 percent from the previous year, it said the number of victims jumped 12.8 percent to 1,128. Most of the victims were uneducated women and children from poor areas, and many come from ethnic minority groups in Vietnams northern highlands, according to a report in VNExpress. The trafficking victims were sold to men seeking wives in China, Malaysia and South Korea, or were put to work as prostitutes in these countries. Human trafficking is viewed as a modern-day form of slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. The Vietnamese picked up off Taiwan last week appear to have voluntarily left the country, but their decision to flee Vietnam and place themselves in a vulnerable situation is a graphic example of the desperate economic straights that undergird both human smuggling and human trafficking. It is difficult to make a living at home as toiling in the fields does not yield much money, said the woman whose sister was detained. We could not make enough for food. Life here is not easy There are around 164,000 Vietnamese working under official contracts in Taiwan, nearly 30 percent of the countrys overseas workforce, VNExpress reported. The men work in construction and we females help around the construction sites, the woman told RFA. Each month they pay about U.S. $1,000. If everything goes smoothly, we can send some money home. But, she cautioned, not everything goes smoothly. Actually life here is not easy either. We have to work hard, she said. Living here illegally, if you are sick you cant seek health services. Many people have died here. It is scary. Catholic priest Nguyen Van Hung, director of the Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Brides Office in Taiwan, expressed surprise at the large number of people on the boat. This is a continuation of what has been going on in smuggling Vietnamese people into Taiwan by boat, he said. It happens sometimes, but never before have 40 people been arrested at once like this. Usually Vietnamese boat people buy a vessel in China, then sail it across the narrow Taiwan Strait to Taiwans coastal waters, where they abandon it and swim ashore. No choice Nguyen told RFA that life wont get any easier for the 40 Vietnamese as they were headed for prison instead of the farms in the mountainous areas where they were likely headed. During the investigation, nobody is allowed to meet them except lawyers, he explained. After the trial, they will be transferred to prisons for illegal immigrants. They will have to buy their own airfare to go home. Vietnamese Catholic priest Nguyen Ba Thong, who has helped some victims who were trafficked to other countries, told RFA that human trafficking comes in three versions: labor slaves, sex slaves and organ harvesting. They have no choice and are forced to do this to make money to pay for their debts, he said. For organs, we have heard of them for quite some time. It mostly happens in the north, on the border between Vietnam and China, in the province of Lao Cai. Reported by Thanh Truc and Lan Huong for RFA's Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. MIAMI The Obama administration has said that trade with Cuba could reach up to $6 billion under its new policies, but U.S. companies in fact exported barely $380 million worth of goods to the island since the beginning of the thaw in bilateral relations two years ago. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said early last year that her department had issued 490 licenses to companies trying to do business with Cuba valued at $4.3 billion. More recently, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that since late 2014 more than $6 billion in trade has been initiated between Cuba and the United States since then, which obviously has an important economic benefit here in the United States. Experts said the administration is exaggerating, and that those numbers must be put in better context. While there may be licenses which total that value in no way do the value of those licenses equate to actual economic activity with Cuba, said John Kavulich, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, which has monitored bilateral trade since its founding in 1994. Kavulich said the George W. Bush administration, trying to ease the bureaucracy, allowed companies to seek licenses for commerce with Cuba with declared amounts that are aspirational rather than real. A U.S. company wanting to export goods to Cuba can then base its license application on its negotiations with the Cuban government, rather than the real value of a purchase. The new procedure voided the need to seek a new license if the final amount of the deal changed, Kavulich added. Kavulich, who keeps detailed tallies of U.S. exports to Cuba, estimated that from December of 2014 to October of 2016 the total of U.S. agricultural and medical exports to the island barely reached $370.6 million. In fact, he added, all U.S. exports to Cuba since 2001 do not reach the $6 billion figure used by Earnest. U.S. Census data showed the exports to Cuba over the past two full years totaled $380 million. One Commerce Department official confirmed that the numbers used by Pritzker and Earnest reflect the paper value of the licenses issued and other operations allowed under the new Obama policies, and do not necessarily reflect real exports. Sometimes the companies obtain the licenses when they are still working on the details. The final agreement may be for a different amount, or the deal can die along the way, the official added. Cuba, whose economy grew by a meager 0.9 percent in all of 2016 and actually shrank during the last part of the year going into recession for the first time since 1993 also simply does not have the money to pay for the level of imports claimed by the Obama administration. U.S. exports to Cuba principally food items such as chicken, soya and corn indeed fell since Obama began easing sanctions on Cuba. When the Obama Administration pulls out these numbers without explaining the background, the perception is A, that there is a huge amount of activity between the U.S. and Cuba; B, that Cuba is spending of all this money with U.S. companies and C When the numbers do not equate with reality, the perception is that Cuba has refused to engage and it puts them in the position of they saying no to all this stuff, when they are not, said Kavulich. They are doing it because they want to exaggerate and demonstrate how much progress and success there is, he added. But lying to make a marketing point is not a good strategy, especially for a government. Two explosions in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, killed at least 30 people and wounded dozens more. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals after the bombings on January 10, which took place near parliamentary offices in the center of the city. (RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan) Afghan officials say twin bombings near parliament in Kabul killed at least 38 people on January 10, while a powerful blast at a government guesthouse in southern Kandahar left at least seven dead, including five diplomats from the United Arab Emirates. The initial blast in Kabul struck about 4 p.m. as employees were leaving a compound of government and legislative offices, Interior Ministry spokesman Sadiq Sadiqi said. Sadiqi told RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan that a suicide bomber blew himself up, followed by a car bomb in the same area in "what appears to have been a coordinated attack." The second explosion occurred after security forces had arrived at the scene. According to some reports, another vehicle with explosives was stopped by security forces near the area. Health officials say more than 70 people were wounded in the bombings, which were claimed by the Taliban. Health Ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh warned that the death toll was expected to rise as many of the wounded were in critical condition. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the Taliban for the "barbaric attack" on civilians. A Taliban spokesman said the attack targeted a minibus purportedly carrying Afghan intelligence agency staff, but that claim could not be confirmed. Media reports say most of the victims were civilians, including parliament staff. A female lawmaker from western Herat Province, Rahima Jami, was among the wounded, Tolo news agency reported. The Interior Ministry said at least four police officers were killed in the attack. Afghan media reported that a district head of the National Directorate of Security, Afghanistans main intelligence agency, was among those killed. Amnesty International condemned the attack, saying it "indicates that the Taliban are pressing ahead with a gruesome campaign of violence that makes no effort to spare civilian lives." The rights watchdog called for an independent investigation to "secure justice for the victims and their families." Meanwhile, there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Kandahar guesthouse attack. Local government spokesman Samim Khpalwak said the blast hit the heavily guarded compound in the provincial capital, Kandahar, where Governor Hamayoon Azizi was hosting a dinner attended by the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Kabul and several Afghan officials and Emirati diplomats. The U.A.E. said on January 11 that five of its diplomats were killed in the bombing. It said the five were carrying out humanitarian, educational, and development work in Afghanistan. The U.A.E.'s ambassador to Afghanistan and Kandahar Governor Hamayoon Azizi were injured in the explosion. Afghan officials say at least seven people were killed in the blast and 18 were injured. U.A.E. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayyan ordered flags flown at half-staff and three days of official mourning. No one has claimed responsibility for the Kandahar bombing. The Taliban have denied involvement. Authorities believe it may have been a result of local rivalries. U.A.E. combat troops had been deployed to Afghanistan -- as part of the NATO-led mission -- after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban. Also on January 10, at least seven people were killed and six injured by a suicide-bomb attack in volatile Helmand Province in the south of the country, the provincial chief of police said. The attack reportedly occurred in the house of a local tribal elder in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assault. Last week, Afghan officials welcomed the Pentagons decision to send 300 Marines to Helmand to help train and advise local security forces. Brigadier General Roger Turner told journalists on January 8 that it will be the first Marine deployment to Helmand since 2014 when the United States announced the end of its combat role in Afghanistan. Turner said Washington views the Helmand deployment as "a high-risk mission." U.S. and NATO forces formally ended their combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014, but thousands of troops remain in the country, where they train and assist Afghan forces and carry out counterterrorism operations against groups like Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. With reporting by AP, dpa, AFP, Reuters, and BBC Afghan officials say at least five people were killed and nine others, including the provincial governor and the Emirati ambassador, were injured in a blast at a government guesthouse in the southern province of Kandahar late on January 10. Local government spokesman Samim Khpalwak said the blast hit the compound in the provincial capital, Kandahar, where Governor Hamayoon Azizi was hosting a dinner attended by the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Kabul, several Afghan officials, and Emirati diplomats. The spokesman said the governor and the ambassador were injured in the blast. He said the attack occurred at 7 p.m. local time. Khpalwak, who was also present at the gathering, told RFE/RL that explosive devices were apparently hidden in sofas. The U.A.E. Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident, saying in a statement that the Emirati ambassador and several other diplomats were wounded in "the heinous terrorist attack on the guesthouse." The ministry identified the wounded ambassador as Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi. It didn't say how many U.A.E. diplomats were wounded. Earlier in the day, the U.A.E. embassy in Kabul tweeted photos of the ambassador holding a meeting with Afghan officials and attending a ceremony to lay the foundation of an orphanage in Kandahar. U.A.E. combat troops were deployed to Afghanistan after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban administration. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which came just hours after deadly twin blasts near the parliament headquarters in the capital, Kabul. Dozens were killed and wounded in that attack, which was claimed by the Taliban. With reporting by tolonews.com and AP BAKU -- A prominent Azerbaijani blogger who crusades against corruption says he was beaten by police after being forcibly detained on a central Baku street on January 9. Hours after friends said that Mehman Huseynov had been grabbed by men in civilian clothes and shoved into a vehicle, he was brought to a Baku court that ruled that he had disobeyed police and fined 200 manats ($113). Leaving the courtroom, Huseynov said that he had been detained after an unemployed man complained that he had hit him with his shoulder. Huseynov, who was held incommunicado until the hearing, said the officers who detained him had put a sack over his head, verbally abused him, and beat him. His nose was bloodied. "I am not broken," Huseynov said, adding that he does not plan to pay the fine. Huseynov's efforts to expose high-level corruption have irked President Ilham Aliyev's government. In recent weeks, Huseynov had posted photographs of villas he alleged belonged to government officials and lawmakers and interviewed workers who built the homes. Rights groups and government critics say Aliyev, who succeeded his father in 2003, has used politically motivated arrests and other methods to stifle dissent in the oil-rich former Soviet republic in the South Caucasus. Rebecca Vincent, the U.K. bureau director for Reporters Without Borders, said on Twitter that Huseynov is under a travel ban and "remains at serious risk," despite his release. She added: "Others aren't so lucky in #Azerbaijan. More than 100 political prisoners remain unjustly jailed for disagreeing w/corrupt Aliyev regime." With reporting by minval.az and 1news.az The commander of Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Hossein Salami, warned protesters that October 29 would be their last day of taking to the streets. "Do not come to the streets! Today is the last day of the riots," Salami was quoted as saying by state media. Iran has been gripped by protests triggered by the death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, in the custody of Tehrans morality police. Since Aminis death on September 16, thousands have been demonstrating across the country against the clerical establishment. Protests were reported on October 29 at several universities across the country where students chanted, Death to the dictator, and, Woman, life, freedom. Iran has blamed its foreign enemies and their agents for the unrest. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) posted videos on Twitter showing protests at several universities. One of the protests showed people holding hands in a large circle and chanting: "If we don't unite, we will be killed one by one." HRANA said 272 protesters had been killed in the unrest as of October 28, including 39 minors. Some 34 members of the security force have also been killed and nearly 14,000 people have been arrested, it said. The Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights also posted a video of a protest at a university campus and said that in the city of Arak state security forces fired tear gas as mourners gathered for the funeral of Mehrshad Shahidinejad, a young aspiring chef who reportedly was killed after being arrested during a protest. The IRGC warning on October 29 came as the United Nations expressed "increasing concern" about reports of deaths in the antiestablishment protests in Iran. "We condemn all incidents that have resulted in death or serious injury to protesters and reiterate that security forces must avoid all unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York on October 28. Those responsible must be held to account, he said, adding that the UN was urging Tehran to address the legitimate grievances of the population, including with respect to womens rights. The United Nations urged the Iranian government in Tehran to respect human rights, noting that the crisis can and should be brought under control through dialogue. In a separate statement, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also expressed concern about "rising fatalities and injuries" to protesters in Iran. "Its essential that unfettered access to health care is provided to those in need, [including] the appropriate use of medical vehicles, facilities & the ability of health workers to help patients," WHO chief Tedros said on Twitter on October 28. Protesters clashed again with security forces on October 28 in Zahedan, a city in southeastern Iran were dozens of people were killed in clashes four weeks ago during anti-government protests. Activists posted videos on social media showing protesters in the city calling for the death of "dictator" Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and against the Basij militia, which has played a major role in a crackdown on the demonstrations. The United States and Albania will hold an informal UN Security Council gathering on November 3 that will focus on the protests in Iran, according to a note outlining the event seen by Reuters. Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and Iranian-born actress and activist Nazanin Boniadi are set to address the gathering. "The meeting will highlight the ongoing repression of women and girls and members of religious and ethnic minority groups in Iran," the note said. "It will identify opportunities to promote credible, independent investigations into the Iranian government's human rights violations and abuses." Javaid Rehman, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, is also due to address the meeting, which can be attended by other UN member states and rights groups. "The meeting will underscore ongoing unlawful use of force against protesters and the Iranian regime's pursuit of human rights defenders and dissidents abroad to abduct or assassinate them in contravention of international law," read the note about the planned meeting. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who died of heart failure on January 8 at the age of 82, was an architect of the Islamic establishment in Iran whose image transformed from shark to voice of reason. Rafsanjani, who served as president from 1989 to 1997, may have taken the answers to some of the Islamic republic's biggest mysteries to his grave. Killings Of Dissidents Outside ... In 1992, three Iranian Kurdish leaders and one of their supporters were assassinated in a restaurant in Berlin. A German court eventually implicated the Iranian political establishment in the killings, including then-President Rafsanjani and his intelligence minister, Ali Fallahian, for whom an international arrest warrant was issued. The killings are widely seen as part of a spate of slayings of Iranian intellectuals and dissidents inside and outside the country. According to the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, since 1979 the Iranian leadership has been linked to at least 162 killings of opponents in 19 countries. The center has named Rafsanjani as among the Iranian leaders who played "a central role in ordering and facilitating political assassinations." Unnamed Western officials told Time magazine in 2001 that decisions about the assassinations were made by the Supreme National Security Council, which was then chaired by Rafsanjani. ... And Intellectuals Inside The Country There have long been suspicions that Iran's leadership ordered the assassinations of dissidents inside the country as well. Tehran blamed "rogue" Intelligence Ministry agents for the killings of four dissidents inside the country in 1998 and 1999, shortly after Rafsanjani's presidency ended. Activists and human rights groups have suggested that up to 80 writers and dissidents were killed from 1988 to 1998, a period during which Rafsanjani was president for all but two years. Iranian investigative journalist Akbar Ganji has suggested that Rafsanjani, who was a key figure within the establishment before and after his presidency, at the least turned a blind eye to such actions. Iran's lone Nobel laureate, Peace Prize winner and rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi, has gone further, saying she believes the assassinations were conducted with Rafsanjani's "knowledge." She noted that a deputy intelligence minister eventually charged in the four dissidents' killings, Saeed Emami, "mysteriously died in prison to cut any connection with the top." Fallahani, she says, told the authorities that if he were to appear in court, his "boss" should also come -- an apparent reference to Rafsanjani. They are charges that Rafsanjani never publicly addressed and, perhaps understandably, didn't include in his memoirs. Writer Faraj Sarkohi, who was arrested and tortured during Rafsanjani's presidency, is also convinced that Rafsanjani was fully aware of the Intelligence Ministry's actions. He thinks the decisions were made at the top and that the ministry had free rein to eliminate those considered a threat to the Islamic establishment that came to power following the 1979 revolution. Rafsanjani was president in 1996 when Sarkohi and 20 of his colleagues had a brush with death that they and others have blamed on the Intelligence Ministry. The bus carrying them to a literary event in nearby Armenia was traveling through a mountainous region when the driver appeared to try to steer it over a cliff, turning the wheel and jumping out of the moving vehicle. One of the passengers managed to take control of the bus and prevent a tragedy. Sarkohi, who went into exile in 1997 after his imprisonment stemming from his criticism of censorship, says that under Rafsanjani the Intelligence Ministry had an "open hand more than ever to conduct a campaign of terror." "How is it possible for the Intelligence Ministry to be able to murder dozens of [dissidents], persecute and torture them without the knowledge of the president who supported the intelligence minister?" Sarkohi told RFE/RL. "That's now how things are run in the country." AMIA Bombing Rafsanjani was president during the 1994 bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires that left 85 dead and more than 300 wounded. Argentina accused Hizbullah of carrying out the attack on orders from the Islamic republic, and prosecutors called for the arrest of Rafsanjani and seven others. Iran has denied any role in the bombing. Payam Akhavan, an associate law professor at McGill University and the founder of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, tells RFE/RL that Rafsanjani's role in many of the Islamic republic's human rights abuses cannot be forgotten. "Rafsanjani was one of the most influential figures in the first years of the Islamic Revolution, during which tens of thousands were executed in Iran and many [were] assassinated abroad," Akhavan said. "The question of legal and moral responsibility for such crimes against humanity cannot be swept under the carpet in the name of reform and progress," he added. "To the contrary, there can be no better future if we whitewash the past. Imposing historical amnesia is not the solution for a better Iran." From 'Shark' To 'Voice of Reason' In the course of Rafsanjani's political tenure, thousands of Iranians were executed and many were jailed and persecuted. He was unpopular among many Iranians, who nicknamed Rafsanjani "The Shark" and "Akbar Shah" (King Akbar) due to reports of his wealth, charges of corruption, his alleged role in the state campaign against dissidents, and perceived political shrewdness. The disputed 2009 reelection of Mahmud Ahmadinejad as president and the mass protests that followed marked a turning point for Rafsanjani. By expressing support for the opposition Green Movement behind the protests, and criticizing the authorities' brutal suppression of the protests, Rafsanjani was rehabilitated in the eyes of many. He gained a reputation as a supporter of reform and a voice of reason. In a statement e-mailed to RFE/RL, the Middle East director of Human Rights Watch, Sarah Leah Whitson, said that while Rafsanjani never cleared his name of association with human rights abuses, "he died with more respect than he had at the height of his political power." His January 10 funeral in Tehran was attended by hundreds of thousands of Iranians, including many pro-reform citizens who used the opportunity to call for the release of Mir Hossein Musavi, a leader of the Green Movement who has been under house arrest since 2011. Passing The Torch Rafsanjani leaves an unclear future for his wife, Effat Marashi, and five children -- two daughters and three sons. His family has in the past come under pressure by hard-liners who opposed Rafsanjani and took actions to hurt him and diminish his influence. One son, Mehdi Hashemi, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for financial crimes, was granted prison leave to attend his father's funeral. Daughter Faezeh Rafsanjani, who was jailed in 2012 for "antistate propaganda," was seen at his funeral flashing the V sign. Faezeh Hashemi is a former lawmaker who became the target of hard-line criticism last year after reuniting with a former cellmate, a Baha'i community leader who was temporarily released on jail. The Baha'i faith is not recognized in Iran and its followers there are often subject to persecution. Rafsanjani failed to publicly side with his daughter. He described the Baha'i faith as a "deviant sect" and said that Faezeh had made a "mistake" and that she must "redeem" herself. Kazakhstan's former Economy Minister Quandyq Bishimbaev has been detained in an alleged bribery case, officials said. The Central Asian country's Anticorruption Service said on January 10 that Bishimbaev is suspected of accepting bribes. Bishimbaev was dismissed as economy minister on December 28 by President Nursultan Nazarbaev, who said at the time that a criminal investigation had been launched into Bishimbaev's activities, but didn't give further details. Bishimbaev's detention was announced a day after a court in Almaty, said the head of Kazakhstan's Unified Pension Fund Ruslan Erdenaev -- and the director of the fund's financial department, Musa Bakhtov, were arrested on embezzlement charges. The Unified Pension Fund is Kazakhstan's main state-run pension fund for workers in both the state and private sectors. Based on reporting by KazTAG and Kazinform Opposition lawmakers in Pakistan have called for an investigation into the disappearance last week of four activists, including a prominent university professor who has been critical of the Taliban and of the government's efforts against militants. Five Pakistan People's Party (PPP) lawmakers raised concerns in parliament on January 9 over the disappearance of poet and rights activist Salman Haider and three others. "The pattern of these disappearances suggests that it is a planned and coordinated action undertaken to silence voices which are critical of prevalent sociopolitical issues in Pakistan," the lawmakers of the left-leaning PPP said without specifically implicating anyone. Haider disappeared on January 6 in Islamabad, his brother said. Last year, Haider wrote a poem about human rights abuses in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province and questioned whether he might become a victim himself. He had also participated in protests against disappearances of nationalists and separatists from Balochistan. The fate of many of these people remains unknown. An Interior Ministry spokesman said that "everything is being done to recover Salman." He did not respond to requests for comment about the other activists, Reuters reported. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP The Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) says that the number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan last year declined by 28 percent to 441, and it gave much of the credit to the countrys security forces. But while there were fewer attacks, the number of people killed did not decline as much because the attacks last year were generally larger and deadlier. PIPS said attacks by militants, nationalists, insurgents, and sectarian groups claimed 908 lives in 2016, down 12 percent from 2015. "Whatever Pakistan has accomplished in its war against terrorism is largely due to extensive operations launched against militants by security and law enforcement agencies across the country," the group said in its Pakistan Security Report. The PIPS said the "major actors of instability" are still active in the country and that their support bases remain strong. "The presence of supporters and affiliates of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in parts of the country is still a big challenge," it said. It said that the instability in neighboring Afghanistan gave ISIS the opportunity to extend its reach out to new recruits. It added that weak coordination between Pakistan and Afghanistan on border issues and counterterrorism is hindering operations. It urged both countries to "evolve certain joint counterterrorism mechanism to address the common challenges." About 48 percent, or 211, of the total reported terrorist attacks in 2016 were directed toward the security forces and law enforcement agencies. The reported added that 206 police officers were killed in attacks. Civilians were the apparent targets of 89 attacks, the study said. About 27 attacks hit tribal elders and volunteers of antimilitant peace committees, mainly in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The report pointed out that in the province of Balochistan, changing dynamics now mean that regions security forces face a much larger threat from various Islamic militants than from Baluchi nationalist insurgents. The nationalists have continued low-intensity attacks but, the report said, groups such as Lashkar-e Jhangvi (LeJ) and the Pakistani Taliban have been carrying out major attacks. A separate report last week by the Pakistani Center for Research and Security Studies said there was a 45 percent drop in violence-related deaths in 2016 in the country from the previous year. It also credited the work of the countrys security forces for the decline. An alleged militant suspected of involvement in the murder of an investigator in Russia's Daghestan region has been extradited from the Czech Republic to Russia. The Russian Interior Ministry said on January 10 that Tagir Israpilov, 35, was escorted by Interpol agents and Russian Interior Ministry officials while being extradited. Russian investigators claim that Israpilov and other alleged militants killed a local investigator in Daghestan and robbed his apartment in 2010. Russian officials issued an international arrest warrant for Israpilov in October 2011. Israpilov lived in Germany for a time under an assumed name. In 2011, German authorities extradited him to the Czech Republic, where he was arrested on document-forgery charges. Daghestan, a mostly Muslim region in the North Caucasus, is plagued by violence related to organized crime, political turf wars, and an Islamist insurgency stemming from two post-Soviet separatist wars in neighboring Chechnya. DECATUR Even with his racing days long gone, Andy the greyhound loves to stretch his legs. Paul Butler of Macon finds his 6-year-old rescue dog to be an excellent running partner around his home. But all that time outdoors also means it's extra important that Andy take a heartworm preventive, which he received from Northgate Pet Clinic for free during a clinical trial of a new medication. Butler and his wife Julia are among hundreds of pet owners whose animals have undergone clinical trials at the pet hospital, which is now expanding its space to accommodate more studies. We kind of like it because we get cheaper medicine and extra appointments, Butler said, adding that he never questioned whether his dog was in danger. Id never do anything to hurt old Andy. The studies are typically commissioned by pharmaceutical companies, but can also be sponsored by pet food companies or animal foundations, said Elaine Cripe, Northgates study coordinator. The focus of the drug trials varies widely. Current studies include animals with the following conditions: heartworm prevention, dog arthritis, dental post-operative pain, roundworms, atopic dermatitis and dogs with certain kinds of bladder stones. Associate veterinarian Teresa Schecker said none of the more than 1,000 animals involved in Northgates studies has died. But she stresses that, despite close monitoring and precautions, death, kidney and liver problems remain a possible worst-case scenario. Every drug has a risk, Schecker said. We mitigate the risks as best we can, and we try to inform the owners as best we can. Pet owners can remove their animals from the trials for any reason, she said. Animals that display signs of distress can be rescued from the trial and treated. Northgate began participating in clinical trials in 2010, said owner Larry Baker. But offers began pouring in after 2011, when Baker was one of four veterinarians nationwide involved in the successful trial of a drug called Deramaxx. Baker is now renovating the space behind Northgate, formerly occupied by the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County, to serve as a home for future studies. The building provides a room for animals that have to be monitored overnight; an area to enter their data simultaneously into a computer during exams; and a spot for the study monitors who fly in from all over the country to train the staff for each study and ensure it is conducted correctly. These are almost all studies that have already been done in the lab, Baker said, or previously tested elsewhere. Like this heartworm study were on right now; theres already been 3 million dogs that have had the drug in other countries. The longest study conducted at Northgate ran for 605 days; the shortest for two weeks, Cripe said. And there are some offers the clinic has turned down. We want to avoid any studies which would compromise a patients health. I think weve done that well, Baker said. In fact, anymore I doubt if there are any studies that really compromise a patients health. In some smaller studies, every pet receives the drug being tested. In others, some dogs get the drug and others get a placebo; even the veterinarians dont find out which. When its important that an animal receive treatment such as with heartworm prevention then some dogs get the drug being tested, and others get a different approved drug. So why participate in these trials? For one, theres a cost benefit: Free medicine, free visits and sometimes compensation for the owners, depending on the study. The clinic is also compensated for its time and staff. In some cases, the drug being tested turns out to be very effective. Deramaxx, which the clinic received so much recognition for testing, is now widely prescribed for arthritis, Baker said. But Schecker, who placed several of her own animals in clinical trials before she began working at Northgate in June, readily admits that not every trial appears to yield results. And there have been occasional bad reactions, usually lethargy or vomiting. Cripe said pet owners can also feel some moral gains. You still get the satisfaction of knowing that youre helping advance science and potentially helping future pets. Northgate is positioned well to conduct clinical trials because of its large staff seven veterinarians and diverse client base of 6,000 animals. Staff can approach the owners of pets who might qualify; they also sometimes send out emails seeking participants. Chris and Dave Werry had no issues enrolling their English bulldog, Ozzie, in a study for arthritis. They know Schecker through her volunteer work with the Decatur-based Illinois English Bulldog Rescue. I knew (Ozzie) had some arthritis issues so I just talked to her if they had any studies, we were willing to take part in those studies, Werry said. I trusted her judgment. Ozzie didnt experience any adverse effects from the trial drug, she said. At the end of the study, he began taken a different medication: Deramaxx. MOSCOW -- Since 2013, Russia has banned smoking in restaurants and taken serious measures to reduce its huge number of smokers. Now, drastic proposals aired this week could put Russia on course to try and eradicate the habit altogether. The Russian Health Ministry on January 9 proposed a blanket ban on the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2014 -- even when they reach the current legal smoking age of 18. The ban would thus take effect in distant 2033, when President Vladimir Putin, at the age of 81, could hypothetically be serving a fifth term in the Kremlin. The revolutionary proposal was contained in the draft Antitobacco Concept signed by Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova and leaked to the pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia on January 9. The document. which outlines government efforts to curb smoking from 2017 to 2022, still requires the approval of the government and has been circulated to 18 other government agencies for review. Other proposals in the document include: banning smoking in cars in the presence of children; allowing employers to make employees work additional time to make up for cigarette breaks; and placing health warnings on individual cigarettes. By 2033, the ban on the sale of tobacco products to people born after 2014 will not seem an extreme measure but an entirely logical development of events. The proposal of a blanket ban for future generations prompted a flood of commentary, although presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS that the Kremlin has not yet taken a position on the Health Ministry's proposal. Various experts warn the ban could create a thriving black market for unlicensed cigarettes. Olga Beklemishcheva, an activist for smoker's rights, said cigarettes would be bought in the same way that recreational drugs like the synthetic drug known as "spice" are in Russia today. "There will be a black market," she told Life.ru. "There exists a ban on drugs, spice. Nevertheless, there are a bunch of sites selling this muck." The proposal has raised eyebrows in the State Duma where Dmitry Morozov, head of the parliamentary health-care committee, said it was "in need of discussion." In comments to the RBK news agency, Morozov said that "in principle, it would be best to steer people away from bad habits" instead of imposing a ban. Marina Gambaryan, an expert at the Health Ministry, told TASS that "by 2033, the ban on the sale of tobacco products to people born after 2014 will not seem an extreme measure but an entirely logical development of events." Every year, according to the Health Ministry, 300,000 to 400,000 Russian citizens die from smoking-related illnesses. TASS cited the Health Ministry as saying that smoking among youth aged 13 to 15 fell from 25.4 percent in 2004 to 9.3 percent in 2015. The street in Ankara where the Russian Embassy to Turkey is located has been renamed in honor of Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador who was assassinated in December. Authorities in the Turkish capital said on January 9 that the decision to rename Karyagdi Street after Karlov was made unanimously by city officials. Karlov was shot dead on December 19 at a photo exhibition in Ankara by Mevlut Altintas, an off-duty policeman who shouted "Don't forget Aleppo" and other words that seemed to refer to Russia's involvement in the Syrian civil war. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had announced plans to rename the street on December 20. Media reports in Turkey on January 10 said that the Center for Modern Arts, where the shooting occurred, had also been named after Karlov. Russia and Turkey have supported opposing sides in the Syrian civil war, but their ties have improved substantially after being badly strained when Turkish jets shot down a Russian warplane along the Turkey-Syria border in November 2015. They are now jointly supporting a proposal for peace talks. Based on reporting by Haberturk, Anadolu, and Yeni Safak A Kremlin spokesman says a recent U.S. decision to impose personal sanctions on three Russians and a U.S. Senate proposal to expand sanctions against Russia are "further steps in the artificially created degradation of our relations." Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told journalists in Moscow on January 10 that there was an "unprecedented degradation" of U.S.-Russia ties during U.S. President Barack Obama's second term. He said the deterioration was not in the interests of either country. The U.S. Treasury on January 9 added top Russian law enforcement official Aleksandr Bastrykin and the two suspects in the 2006 radiation poisoning death in Britain of Putin critic Aleksandr Litvinenko to the so-called Magnitsky list of officials under U.S. travel bans and asset freezes for alleged involvement in human rights abuses. The same day, U.S. Senators John McCain and Ben Cardin announced that they planned to introduce legislation to impose "comprehensive" sanctions on Russia because of Moscow's alleged interference in the U.S. presidential election in November. Peskov said he could not say whether there would be a Russian response to the expansion of the Magnitsky list, which now comprises 44 names. Based on reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and TASS VIDEO REPORTS The director of Russias National Energy Security Fund expresses his view, as the U.S. Senate begins confirmation hearings on January 11 for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of former ExxonMobil chief Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. About 1,500 migrants are braving freezing weather in Belgrade, as they continue to wait for permission to travel. Kazakh oil company workers extended their hunger strike into a fifth day, as they seek to overturn a court decision to close their union. A Tajik retiree used her funeral savings to repair neighborhood roads instead. She said "a good deed" pays better dividends. Peace campaigners marching from Berlin to Aleppo arrived in the Czech Republic on the 15th day of their journey to demand an end to war in Syria. OTHER NEWS A Kremlin spokesman says a U.S. decision to impose personal sanctions on three Russians and a U.S. Senate proposal to expand sanctions against Russia are "further steps in the artificially created degradation of our relations." The United States has slapped sanctions on five additional Russians for alleged human rights violations, including powerful senior law-enforcement official Aleksandr Bastrykin and lawmaker Andrei Lugovoi. Ukrainian lawmaker and former political prisoner Nadia Savchenko published a list of persons imprisoned in the separatist-controlled territories of eastern Ukraine and in Russia, and prisoners whose release has been requested by the territories leadership. (in Russian, Current Time TV) An alleged militant suspected of involvement in the murder of an investigator in Russia's Daghestan region has been extradited from the Czech Republic to Russia. A top Russian diplomat who was found dead in his apartment in Athens died of natural causes, Russian and Greek officials say. The street in Ankara where the Russian Embassy to Turkey is located has been renamed in honor of Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador who was assassinated in December. Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has signed a decree allowing citizens of 80 countries to stay in the country for up to five days without a visa. Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov has asked the country's conservative leader Nikola Gruevski to form a new government based on the results of elections held in December. Mehman Huseynov, whose efforts to expose high-level corruption have irked members of President Ilham Aliyev's government, has been detained and charged with disobeying the police. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyaev has harshly criticized the country's prosecutors, calling on them to treat ordinary citizens and entrepreneurs properly. Effective January 1, women in the western city of Turkmenbashi must produce a medical document certifying their dependence on tobacco in order to purchase cigarettes. The new order produced a queue of approximately 300-350 women at a local drug dispensary. (Turkmen Service) During a roundtable discussion with RFE/RL, journalist Mikhail Taratuta said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is hoping for renewed membership in the G-7 under a Trump presidency, but questioned what Russia has to offer the U.S. Political analyst Andrey Piontkovsky said that Trump believes that Putin is needed in the fight with ISIS, and also as a counterweight to China. (Russian Service) Commenting on the resurgent popularity of Russias most notorious leaders, prominent writer Olga Sedakova told RFE/RL that its rooted in a Russian mindset that dismisses the good as powerless: If God wants to do something, it wont succeed without the help of evil. Thats why we see new monuments to Stalin, Ivan the Terrible and others. (over 35k views on Russian Service website) KYIV -- Ukrainian lawmaker Nadia Savchenko has published the names of hundreds of people who have been taken captive or gone missing during the nearly three-year-old war in eastern Ukraine, ignoring appeals by authorities to keep the information secret. In a Facebook post on January 10, Savchenko, a former military navigator who was jailed in Russia in 2014 and became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russian aggression before her release in May, said she hoped that by publicizing the lists Ukrainian authorities would work faster to facilitate their release. "Why publish the lists of prisoners and missing people?" she wrote. "So that it would be possible to find them!" Savchenko laid out a three-step plan to exchange captives, find those believed to be held in secret jails, and locate and identify the remains of those missing who are found dead. A senior official at the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity so that he could speak freely that his office was "not supportive" of Savchenko's decision to publish the lists. Doing so, he said, makes relatives of those people listed "more vulnerable to scammers and people who want to abuse that information," adding that it was the family's right to decide whether they wanted the names of their loved ones to be disclosed. "We cooperated with [Savchenko] because after her release she wanted to help [with prisoner exchanges]," the SBU official said. "We shared information with her in confidence on the condition that she would not make that info public." Releasing the information, he added, "damages the credibility of the Ukrainian side." Secret Meeting Savchenko outraged Ukrainian authorities last month after meeting in secret on a trip to Minsk with separatist leaders for consultations on prisoner swaps. Criticized by her own political party for the move, she quit and launched her own political movement. More than 9,750 people have been killed since the conflict between Kyiv's forces and Russia-backed separatists erupted in eastern Ukraine in April 2014, after Russia seized control of the Crimea Peninsula. Savchenko says she was abducted by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in June 2014 and taken illegally into Russia, where she was jailed and tried on charges of involvement in what Moscow called the killing of two Russian journalists who died in the conflict Savchenko was convicted earlier this year and sentenced to 22 years in prison, but was pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in May and released in a swap for two Russians held by Kyiv. She was widely hailed as a hero upon her return to Ukraine, but has faced criticism from nationalists since then. WASHINGTON -- A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is pushing new legislation that would cement into U.S. law the sanctions imposed on Russia for its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. The legislation, introduced January 10, could make it harder for the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump to lift the sanctions imposed by President Barack Obama following the 2014 annexation. The sponsors of the measure include 10 Republican and Democratic senators, which gives it more of a chance of passing the Republican-controlled Senate. A similar measure is being drafted in the House of Representatives. The bill would also fortify the sanctions Obama announced last month against Russian government officials and entities accused of carrying out a hacking campaign to influence the U.S. presidential election. "We should all be alarmed by Russian attacks on our nation," said Senator John McCain (Republican-Arizona), one of the leading critics of Russia in Congress and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Many Republican lawmakers have been critical of the Obama administration for not doing more sooner to respond to Russian hacking. McCain asserted that Obama's actions had emboldened Moscow over the years. "This appearance of weakness has been provocative to our adversaries," McCain said. Other items in the bill call for setting up a unit within the Treasury Department's financial crimes offices to target illicit money trails linked to Russia. The legislation also mandates sanctions in Russia's energy sector and on investments in the development of civil nuclear projects. The legislation comes one day before Trump's nominee for secretary of state is set to face his first Senate confirmation hearing. Rex Tillerson has voiced a more conciliatory approach to Russia and expressed doubts about the Ukraine-related sanctions. The punitive measures hurt ExxonMobil, the global oil giant where Tillerson previously served as CEO. "I think you're going to find that there's going to be a great deal of interest as to whether Mr. Tillerson understands that he is no longer going to be CEO of ExxonMobil but that he's going to be secretary of state, the nation's top diplomat," Senator Ben Cardin (Democrat-Maryland) told reporters. Obama used executive orders to target Russia with several waves of Ukraine-related sanctions that Trump could undo immediately upon becoming president on January 20. The text of the legislation was not immediately available. But Cardin was quoted by Politico as saying that the bill could include a national security waiver commonly included in sanctions legislation. That would allow the president to waive sanctions if doing so is deemed to be in the U.S. national interest. With reporting with AP and Politico A top U.S. Senate Republican says he will join with Democrats in pushing for "comprehensive" sanctions on Russia because of its alleged attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election. John McCain, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on January 9 that he would join Democratic Senators Ben Cardin and Robert Menendez in introducing the legislation. The senators did not say what "comprehensive" means, but they said the legislation would go beyond the sanctions on Russian diplomats and intelligence agencies announced last week by the White House. McCain, who has called Russia's alleged hacking of the election "an unprecedented attack on our democracy, last month visited Estonia, Georgia, and Ukraine with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar. They vowed to uphold and strengthen the sanctions on Russia. Graham said afterward that he and McCain would "introduce sanctions that...will hit them in the financial sector and the energy sector, where they're the weakest." Cardin, the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and other Democrats in Congress are also pushing for creation of an independent commission to investigate what U.S. intelligence agencies say was Russia's hacking of Democratic institutions and leaders during the presidential contest between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump. However, no Republicans have endorsed that proposal. Republicans currently control both houses of Congress. Based on reporting by Reuters, Teletrader.com, and Sputnik News DECATUR -- The Affordable Care Act has forced the previously uninsured to find coverage, but in order to use the Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov, there are two languages users need to speak. "Internet and insurance-ese," said Kim Luz, HSHS Central Illinois divisional director of community outreach. For those who struggle with either of those languages, HSHS is offering help with signup. "For those people, this is a lifeline," Luz said. "Signing up for insurance isn't easy, and not everyone is internet-savvy. There are people signing up who have never had insurance. Even for people who have had insurance their whole life, it can be like a foreign language." Open enrollment for Affordable Care is between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31. There were sign-up days at St. Mary's Hospital in November and December, and another on Monday. There will be two more opportunities -- Jan. 28 and 29 -- though anyone needing help can call Meagan Novak, St. Mary's patient advocate, at (217) 464-2187 to set up an appointment. "We have certified application counselors through Cardon Outreach who can assist someone one-on-one with enrolling through the exchange," Luz said. "And we have financial counselors through Cardon Outreach on site full time." On Monday, people trickled in during the nine hours the counselors were available. Luz said the number of attendees has gradually increased since the first event in 2015. Luz said anyone who comes in won't be rushed out. "We have people who will sit with you for 30 minutes, 90 minutes ... I think our longest has been three hours," Luz said. "They're going to answer all your questions and get you all the information you need. They can't offer guidance on which plan to choose, but they go through each one of the plans and tell you what your coverage will entail." One woman who showed up to enroll and chose not to talk to a reporter, found out she was already covered by Medicaid. Luz said it's common at the sign-up events for people to come in and not realize they're under Medicaid. "But just figuring out what you're eligible for is a good first step," he said. "They don't have a deadline and have to enroll with a completely different process." Luz said people also come in who are stunned by the price rises this year. "We've seen an increase in premiums this year -- some up to 42 percent," Luz said. "It's making a lot of people sit up, take notice and wonder if they can afford it. But the counselors we have will work with you to see if you qualify for any of the assistance available to help with the monthly premiums." Dear Dr. Roach: My 81-year-old father takes 100 mcg of Synthroid. Due to the high cost of insurance, and the need to change his Medicare policy, we are trying to lower his prescription costs. One way is to get the generic. His doctor told us today that the Food and Drug Administration allows a 40 percent variability in the generic, so he must stick with the same manufacturer. We are hesitant to switch, based on many of the reviews I have read about people not having the same results with the generic. What are your thoughts on this? -- K.H. A: Of the many questions I get on generic versus brand-name drugs, it's Synthroid that generates the most concern. I often hear concerns that the FDA allows a high variation, but in fact, until 2007, the variation allowed was plus or minus 10 percent. This means that the pill must contain between 90 and 110 percent of the amount stated for the active ingredient. This standard is the same whether the drug is brand name or generic. However, because thyroid hormone levels need to be more precisely regulated than other drugs (too much or too little, and the person can have symptoms), in 2007 the FDA changed the regulation for thyroid preparations in particular to between 95 and 105 percent of stated potency throughout a product's shelf life. Because of this, a generic prescription is a reasonable option, in my opinion. For people who want to be extra careful after changing to a generic, the level should be checked several times frequently following the switch, and I recommend working with your pharmacist to make sure you get the same generic manufacturer with each prescription. Most pharmacists are willing to do this. Some people insist that only the brand name makes them feel right. I am never sure whether this is due to a difference in the amount of hormone, its ability to be absorbed or by the expectation that a generic is not going to be as good. Most physicians, including myself, choose generics for themselves and their families. Urethra stent Dear Dr. Roach: Could a version of the kind of stent used to hold open coronary arteries be used to hold open urethras in men with prostate problems? -- F.M. A: The theory is certainly sound. In men with enlarged prostates, the urethra (the tube through which urine flows from the bladder) is compressed as it goes right through the center of the prostate. A stent, which could hold the urethra open, would allow better flow of urine, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Several such stents are already commercially available and are used in certain circumstances, mostly in people who don't do well with medication and who are at too high a risk for surgery. The reason you haven't heard much about these stents is their complication rate. It's high: About one man in six who gets one needs to have it removed. The main reason for this is that the stent moves from where it is needed to where it isn't. I hope (and suspect) that these problems can be minimized. Additional ways of dealing with this common condition, which causes not only annoyance but medical complications (especially infection, but occasionally kidney damage), would be welcome. The booklet on the prostate gland discusses enlargement and cancer. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach, Book No. 1001, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. This past week, Delegate Bob Marshall proposed a bathroom bill for Virginia, something he says is needed because our current law put[s] women in harms way. Bathroom bills, which are popping up in more and more statehouses these days, require persons in government buildings to use the bathroom consistent with the sex they were assigned at birth. Few women, of course, have been complaining about guys in wigs and dresses sneaking into their bathrooms. But even if they were, it turns out that Marshalls bill creates more problems than it solves. The first problem with the bill is that, in attempting to keep those sneaky men out of the womens room, it also it keeps little boys from accompanying their mothers into the restroom. So if mom needs to change juniors diaper, she cant do it in the womens room. And if mom needs to use the facilities herself, she has to leave her male infant or toddler out in the hall. This cant be, you say. There must be an exception. There is, but the exception is where things get even stranger. Marshalls bill allows people to enter a bathroom designated for the opposite sex to provide assistance to a minor. What this means is that a 9-month-old is allowed into the womens room, but only if he - not the mom - is there to provide assistance to a minor. But this makes no sense; the boy is the minor who needs assistance. What the exception does, therefore, is allow women to assist their boys, but only if they do in the mens room. And heres the kicker: Because women are allowed to enter the mens room to provide assistance to a minor, that means us guys are allowed to enter the womens room to do the same thing. And we dont even have to dress up like Klinger from M*A*S*H. All we have to do is try to help a minor who is in there. Admittedly, there is a bit of ambiguity in his bill on this point (according to the bill, my assistance must be in accordance with a policy adopted by the government entity in charge of the bathroom), but its at least clear that Marshall would allow local governments to adopt policies that let me into the womens room. One is tempted to poke fun at Marshall for drafting such a poor bill, but the bigger story here is how hard bathroom bills are to draft in the first place. These bills attempt to regulate behavior that has long been handled by social norms. When you try to inject law into a place where social norms have long prevailed (and worked well) weird things happen - things like women leaving their toddlers alone in the hallway while they go to the bathroom. Not all bathroom bills are as poorly written as Marshalls, but all of them struggle to protect women without creating some new risk. Take Texas proposed bathroom bill. Texas bill allows people to enter an opposite sex bathroom to receive assistance, which solves the diaper-changing problem in Marshalls bill. But Texas also allows persons to enter an opposite-sex bathroom to accompany a person needing assistance. On one hand, this is a sensible exception; it allows a female caregiver to accompany an elderly man into the mens room to help him. On the other hand, the exception gives rise to the same problem in Marshalls bill - it allows men to go into the womens room to assist their daughters. Indeed, the Texas bill leads to an even crazier result. Under it, my son and I could both go into the womens room: he could be there because he would receive assistance from me and I could be there because I would be accompany[ing] a person needing assistance. Does this protect women? The best response to this parade of horribles is Oh come on! What guy is really going to use his daughter as an excuse to sneak into the womens room? I completely agree. But if we agree on this point, shouldnt we also agree that its just as unlikely that men will don wigs and dresses to do the same thing? Lets face it, bathroom bills are a legal folly. They inject law into a sphere where courtesy and common sense have worked perfectly well. Not only will these laws upset settled norms; they will upset kids with dirty diapers as well. Of all Barack Obamas costumes, the most ill-fitting is that of the hawk. The guise doesnt work for all sorts of ideological and historical reasons. Plus theres the fact that hes rushing to put on the outfit as hes heading out the door. The new sanctions against Russia are fine with me on the merits, even if they are remarkably tardy and being sold in no small part for domestic, political reasons. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been undermining American interests for a long time now. From the annexation of Crimea and a shadow war in Ukraine to his unabashed support for the butcher Bashar Assad in Syria, Putin has given the Obama administration every excuse to punch back. But until last week, Obamas response had been to offer various and sundry diplomatic off-ramps and a little bit of tongue-lashing. General dovishness combined with the single-minded pursuit of a deal with Iran led Obama to insist that we should avoid provoking Russia. The satirist who goes by the moniker Iowahawk cut to the chase on Twitter: Russia invades Crimea: oh well Russia shoots down airliner: mistakes happen John Podesta falls for phishing scam: RESTART THE COLD WAR Obamas volte-face should be seen in the larger context of his last-minute legacy-padding and his widely alleged desire to box in his successor. The president is preparing to spend the next few decades as a celebrity in liberal circles. Creating national monuments in Utah and Nevada, banning offshore oil drilling in the Arctic and the Northeast, deleting the database of Muslim men at the Department of Homeland Security: All of these things will earn him toasts at all the right parties. Despite a remarkable lack of evidence that the Russians hacked the election (as opposed to their more obvious complicity in the WikiLeaks shenanigans), the conviction that Hillary Clinton lost because of Putins skulduggery is rapidly gelling into liberal conventional wisdom. These sanctions give Obama yet another useful talking point in retirement. Theyre also having the desired effect on the Trump team, which for obvious reasons hates any suggestion that the Donalds election was less than legitimate. But will they actually box in a President Trump? It seems unlikely. Putin is cleverly not taking the bait, preferring to run out the clock on the Obama presidency. When Trump is sworn in three weeks from now, he will have more leverage over Putin thanks to Obamas bad-cop act. While it would be politically tricky to lift the sanctions immediately upon taking office, Trump has long vowed to improve relations with Russia. Having more bargaining chips for some grand deal whatever that might look like only improves his position. (Why he is so enamored with a U.S.-Russian romance is a deeper mystery to me.) A similar dynamic is at play with Obamas execrable maneuver at the U.N. Security Council. The decision to clear the path for a resolution holding that the Western Wall is actually a Palestinian possession is a serious blow to our ally (and our honor) and proof that Obamas rhetorical support of Israel was always more about political necessity than personal conviction. Even as the move will please some though by no means all leftists on the party circuit, it is nevertheless a political gift to the two politicians Obama (probably) detests most: Bibi Netanyahu and Donald Trump. For almost eight years, Netanyahu has argued domestically that Israels deteriorating relationship with the United States isnt his fault, but Obamas. The president just settled that argument for him. Meanwhile, the resolution helps Trump enormously. Simply by taking office while holding what once were conventionally pro-Israel positions, Trump can play the role of Israels defender, both domestically and abroad. It is lamentable that support for Israel is now a partisan issue in America, but Obama ceded the winning side of the question to his Republican successor. Much has been written about how Obama has left the Democratic Party and ideological allies in shambles by putting his perceived interests and ego ahead of everything else. As he leaves office, he has turned that domestic story into an international one too. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. A state lawmaker has recommended a study to weigh the viability of putting an intermodal freight terminal tied to the Port of Virginia in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region, a 10-year-old idea that has generated conflict, litigation and expense and could be difficult to revive. Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, is the latest intermodal center champion to try to lure one of the large industrial facilities to the Roanoke region. He said he found the idea for the proposed study on Roanokes legislative wish list for 2017 and sent it to the General Assembly for funding Dec. 29. He didnt know how much the study would cost. The General Assemblys 2017 session starts Wednesday. If funded, Edwards study would be the second in two years on how to revive or build upon the first intermodal park initiative slated near Elliston, which died after 2011. Port officials have said they dont currently need another inland shipping center. Notwithstanding that position, the town of Hurt, in Pittsylvania County, is also advancing a vision to establish a shipping center at a former textile mill property in the town. Pittsylvania County government and business leaders already convinced the state tobacco commission to pay for their facility study, according to a five-party resolution signed Jan. 4. The tobacco commission is scheduled to hear a progress report on the Hurt initiative at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Richmond. A consultant will be chosen by the middle of next month, a timeline says. Shipping experts have predicted more freight passing through the widened Panama Canal and other industry trends would justify new handling facilities in the eastern United States, though the industry struggled in 2016 and may continue to given president-elect Donald Trumps pledge to revise trade deals. New inland ports are still planned in North Carolina and South Carolina, and West Virginia opened a freight center that it may designate an inland port. An intermodal freight center is an interchange for containers of goods in transit, served by trains that run to and from a port and trucks with the ability to move within a state or between states. When authorities extend customs regulations for coastal ports to inland freight centers giving rise to the term inland ports it creates a lure that attracts manufacturers. Virginia port officials said they are working to expand and improve facilities on water. The port authority, which has operated a busy inland port for 27 years near Front Royal, isnt committed to any new inland ports. Both the Roanoke and New River valleys and Hurt have set their sights on getting a new inland port, however, were port authority leadership to change its mind. Lets stick it in and see what happens, Edwards said as he described his mindset when he filed the study measure. The Roanoke and New River valleys are ideally located at the intersection of Interstates 81 and 77, Route 460, and the Heartland and Crescent corridors operated by Norfolk Southern, [and] are experiencing economic expansion from companies with international reach and demand. While Edwards named no specific site, the Hurt plan is anchored by a specific 50-acre parcel with utilities surrounded by several hundred acres available for industrial development. It is served by Norfolk Southern rail lines and is close to U.S. 29. We believe our site is suited to this use, said Matthew Rowe, Pittsylvania Countys economic development director. Joe Harris, a port spokesman, said port officials briefly discussed the general idea of establishing a second inland port in 2016 when Danville officials expressed hope that one might be put in that area. It was determined that the demand simply wasnt there, Harris said. He added that port officials have leeway to pivot to a capital project outside their plan. If the demand arises and we need to begin thinking about a second inland facility, we have the ability to do so, he said. Government and business leaders announced plans for a freight center in Elliston in 2006. Norfolk Southern and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation were going to share costs. The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors sued to block it in 2008. Although the Virginia Supreme Court rejected the countys challenge in 2011, the railroad never moved forward even though it had bought land and state funding was still available. The railroad said there wasnt enough market demand to build the facility. The site is still vacant farmland. In 2014, the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission released a report that said the Elliston project still could make economic sense, though the estimated cost had doubled to $70 million. The commission said the report cost about $200,000. It could be late this year before anything concrete emerges from either of the proposed new studies. State lawmakers could strip regulations that protect hospitals from competition just when the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association is asking for a time out in Richmond. With Congress set to repeal the Affordable Care Act, hospital executives want to see what will come out of Washington to replace it before having to deal with other reforms that could affect hospitals solvency. With a new president and Congress vowing major health care policy overhaul, there is even greater uncertainty and potential volatility for our health care delivery system, said spokesman Julian Walker. Because so much is unknown, several legislative leaders in the Virginia General Assembly have signaled a desire to wait and see what Washington does before pursuing significant state health care policy changes. That is a prudent, sensible approach given the present uncertainty and the potential financial impacts of decisions made in Washington. Walker was responding to comments by Del. John OBannon, R-Henrico, on Tuesday that he plans to push for major reforms to Virginias regulatory process, called the Certificate of Public Need, during the General Assembly session that begins Wednesday. Under Virginias COPN process, health care providers are required to demonstrate a public need when they want to add new facilities and equipment, such as CT scanning, stand-alone surgery centers or more beds. The state then requires providers to offer specified amounts of charitable care for patients who cant afford the services. During a conference call hosted by the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy to discuss hospital profitability, OBannon said he hoped people would read the details of his bill before panning it with talking points. The bill has yet to be filed; he said he is waiting until after a Friday meeting with the committee of lawmakers considering reforms. He said the institutes report, Virginia Hospitals: Doing Well in a Sluggish Economy, would be helpful to legislators and policymakers as we continue to reform COPN in Virginia. The reports author, Michael Thompson, said that although hospitals year-over-year profits were flat, the net worth of Virginias hospitals increased by $1.1 billion during fiscal year 2015, and the number of hospitals operating at a deficit decreased. The hospital association said Thompsons annual report is misleading as it includes physician-owned practices that are not hospitals and touts totals of all hospitals rather than looking at the solvency of each hospital. Thompson also has written reports on the Certificate of Public Need. Proponents of reforming the system say that if hospital protections were removed, competitors could offer more services while holding down prices. Hospitals counter that the protection is in exchange for government mandates that require them to provide charitable care, to accept Medicare and Medicaid patients when reimbursements are lower than the cost of providing care, and to offer services, such as psychiatric units, that are not profitable. Lawmakers have considered reforms for several years and created a bipartisan work group in 2015 to review the law with an eye toward reform. The hospital association participated in that work group, which represented a wide range of interests. The group issued a 93-page report that recommended streamlining the process and adding more transparency. While legislation embodying those recommendations was overlooked during the 2016 General Assembly session, Virginias hospitals remain ready to work with all parties to find common sense health care policy enhancements that benefit patients, Walker said. OBannon, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee and is vice chairman of the Health, Wealth and Institutions Committee, sought deeper reforms that could eventually eliminate regulations. A committee of lawmakers from the House and Senate has met twice in recent months. OBannon said competition should be encouraged in urban and suburban areas that could support more options, and that would lead to lower prices. He said sparsely populated areas might be served better with continued protections. Virginia has carved out a separate process in far southwest that could allow competing health systems, Mountain State and Wellmont, to merge and could bar future competitors. SPRINGFIELD The Illinois Senate wont vote on a proposed bipartisan compromise to end the states 18-month budget standoff until after the new General Assembly takes office Wednesday. Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, agreed to delay a vote due to concerns among Republicans about voting on a major package of legislation that included tax increases during the waning days of the current legislature. We in the Senate recognize the problems (facing the state), and we are potentially close to an agreement on how to solve them, but were not quite there, Cullerton said Monday during a news conference with Radogno. He said the plan is to refile legislation that was filed Monday and to move it as quickly as possible to the Senate floor for approval. A comprehensive budget resolution can't come too soon for Central Illinois officials. The House, meanwhile, passed another temporary plan Monday that would provide funding for social service and higher education through June, when the states fiscal year ends. The package that was introduced Monday in the Senate would increase the states personal income tax rate from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent and the corporate rate from 5.25 percent to 7 percent. Another component would provide an additional $740 million in funding for social service and $1.1 billion for higher education for the remainder of the states current fiscal year. The Senate is also considering legislation that would authorize borrowing $7 billion to help pay down the states backlog of unpaid bills, which stands at $11 billion. Also included are pension reforms that Cullerton has advocated, an increase in the states minimum wage from $8.25 an hour to $11 an hour by 2021, and changes that would make it easier to consolidate units of local government. A gambling expansion measure would create licenses for six new casinos, including one for the proposed Walkers Bluff resort and casino in Southern Illinois Williamson County and another for the south suburbs of Chicago. The final package also could include changes to the states workers compensation laws, a referendum on amending the Illinois Constitution to limit lawmakers to 10 years in top legislative leadership positions, and an overhaul of the way the state funds public schools. Cullerton said the package is designed so that it only goes into effect if all the pieces are approved. Radogno said these discussions represent progress amid the ongoing impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled Legislature. One of the big takeaways from this is for the first time were acknowledging that we really do need to link the reforms, the revenue and the budget all together, she said. Starting with that premise, weve made tremendous progress on areas of agreement. Radogno said she believes there will be Republican votes on all the pieces of the final package, but members were concerned about voting on it quickly during the lame-duck session. Because of the timing, there was almost no chance of the package being taken up in the House before the current General Assemblys term ends. But passing it would have sent a message that senators on both sides of the aisle were willing to compromise to end the standoff. The crux of the impasse has been Rauners insistence that portions of his pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda be included in budget negotiations and Democrats' opposition to linking the two. The governor and his main political nemesis, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, were notably absent from discussions about the Senates plan. At an unrelated appearance in Springfield on Monday morning, Rauner declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal. Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, who is retiring at the end of the current term and wont be able to vote on the plan, said it represents the type of steps that are needed to put the state on firmer financial footing. Its too late to use tax increases or spending cuts alone to fix the states problems, he said. If there is a final solution, it will have to look a lot like what you have now, Luechtefeld said. Meanwhile, the House voted 63-49 to approve a stopgap spending bill that would provide an additional $400 million for higher education and $258 million for social services for the current year. The previous temporary budget for those programs and most other state operations expired Dec. 31. The measure, sponsored by state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, would be paid for with special state funds dedicated to social services and education. Its prospects in the Senate today are uncertain. The House also voted 65-45 to approve changes to the states workers comp system. That measures future in the Senate is also unclear. Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, the measures sponsor, said the changes are an effort to prevent excessive rates for workers comp insurance. Democrats say insurance companies havent passed on to their customers savings from previous reforms. But Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, who is part of a group of rank-and-file lawmakers thats been negotiating on the issue, said he and other Republican members of the working group werent given any notice that the bill was going to be filed. Brady said he believes it was done as a reaction to the efforts taking place in the Senate. Local school district and other service providers in Central Illinois continue to feel the pinch from the state funding uncertainty. Here is a summary of their concerns: Education Macon County schools are affected, mostly in transportation and special-education reimbursements. Since the state approved the school budget in June 2016 for the entire school year, we have received the General State Aid payments through Dec. 20, said DeAnn Heck, Central A&M superintendent. However, we have not received any special-education, transportation or several other mandated program payments for the 2016-17 school year. These payments have been approved for payment by (the Illinois State Board of Education), but not paid by the state comptroller, totaling $704,429, about 10% of our budget. For several years, Heck said, general state aid and the other assistance types were funded at a prorated amount rather than fully paid. This year, the state is paying 100 percent of general state aid, but because the other funds are not being paid at all, the total amount of state money coming to districts is the same, and districts have to find ways to fund mandated programs without that state money. Another worry, Heck said, is that high school seniors don't know if they can count on state-funded scholarships and grants. It is important for the district to have adequate cash flow to ensure that our obligations are paid timely, said Todd Covault, chief operational officer for Decatur schools. This includes not only payments to vendors but also the ability to pay employee salaries and benefits. "The State Board of Education has committed the state of Illinois to pay on state-funded education grants. Paying in advance and not knowing when the state will reimburse causes a hardship on the district. The district is spending cash reserves in order to allow Decatur residents and students the opportunity to benefit from state-funded education grants. These grants include preschool, student transportation, bilingual education, special-education and truancy programs. Social services Cathy Byers, executive director of Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center, said a budget deal could allow her to restore operating funding for items such as for office supplies and building maintenance. She's already been able to restore three positions -- two prevention educators and a counselor -- that went dark for seven months in 2016 until she could reallocate federal dollars in the new budget year. She adding that Growing Strong also was able to add two more counselors in November thanks, in part, to help from the DeWitt County Mental Health Board. We don't want to rely on state funding to pay salaries, Byers said. That's what got us into a place where we had to lay off some amazing employees. I'm just glad we were able to get them back. For other Decatur agencies, damage from the impasse has already been done. Candace Clevenger, president and CEO of Heritage Behavioral Health Center, said a year-old transitional living center to help keep patients from going to nursing homes for mental disorders closed in October and won't be coming back. The state has taken it off the table, she said. Psychiatric services also had to be transferred to Crossing Healthcare last spring, she said. Christine Gregory, executive director of Dove Inc., said the agency has received notice of a funding award to restore a youth services program that assisted Decatur's neighborhood organizations until it was shuttered in August, but no appropriation has been forthcoming. Dianna Heyer, administrator of the Macon County Health Department, said family case management had to be reduced by 500 cases, and she does not know when or if any of that might be restored. In August, the health department also ended its Get Covered Illinois Program, which helped people register for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Macon County Officials will be keeping an eye at the statehouse, as they are owed thousands of dollars in areas ranging from the health department to the state's attorney and the coroner's offices. County board Chairman Jay Dunn could not estimate the amount owed by the state, but said that it could provide needed relief to help pay salaries and keep grants that help fund various programs. City of Decatur The biggest problem with the state's lack of budget hasn't been a financial one, Assistant City Manager Billy Tyus said. Delayed payments have only occurred in relation to transit services. Most significant, he said, is the state's environment of uncertainty and the challenge that creates when recruiting companies to come to Decatur or expand there. In addition to selling your community, which we love to do and gladly do and we think we have a great community to sell, it's an item you have to prepare to answer that is out of your control, Tyus said. The city receives frequent updates on statehouse action from its lobbyist, Curry & Associates, and from the Illinois Municipal League. We think cities across the state are hopeful that some level of agreement can be reached, Tyus said. I think that's good for all parties involved, but we also understand that it has to be the right agreement. LYNCHBURG Lynchburg voters looking to cast their ballots in the special election for the 22nd Senate District on Tuesday encountered an unusual snag in the democratic process voting precincts out of ballots. According to Lynchburg Registrar Karen Patterson, the registrar and electoral board ordered 1,350 ballots for the special election, enough for 5 percent of the citys registered voters. Patterson said historical election data was used to determine the number of ballots to print. Pat Bower, chair of the Lynchburg Electoral Board, described the lack of available ballots as a miscalculation by both the board and the registrar and said they take responsibility for the issue. I do really apologize for that and the inconvenience that many voters had, Bower said. She added the turnout was grossly underestimated. For voter Leighton Dodd, who said he planned to vote for Democrat Ryant Washington, he told The News & Advance that he tried to vote at 11:30 a.m. at Bedford Hills School precinct, but there were no ballots. When he came back after lunch, around 1 p.m. the precinct had run out again. To not have enough ballots is ridiculous, Dodd said as he sat in a line of 30 voters who were waiting for more ballots to be delivered so that they could cast their votes in the special election. Thats quite absurd, reacted voter Bruce Blankinship when he heard the Bedford Hills precinct was out of ballots, as he headed out on his lunch break to vote for Republican Mark Peake. For precincts that ran out of ballots, voters either used electronic voting machines designated and typically used as handicap accessible or photocopied ballots were delivered for voters to fill out. Because vote-counting machines use a specific type of paper, photocopied ballots were hand-counted. At nearly 2 p.m. more than 400 voters had been through the Bedford Hills precinct, according to election official Mariana Boska. The precinct had at least three rounds of ballots delivered. However, Aaron Evans, who was standing outside Bedford Hills to promote the Republican ballot, said that around 50 people had left without voting since the precinct did not have ballots available. A similar issue was observed Tuesday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church polling site where ballots ran out. Candidate Mark Peake said he was both frustrated and disappointed with the ballot blunder. WARM SPRINGS A legal effort to remove three Bath County supervisors from office is a politically motivated move by a small band of critics, a lawyer for the three elected officials argued Tuesday. What this case is really about is the efforts of a few to run Bath County, said Jim Cornwell, referring to petitions filed in November that ask a judge to kick Claire Collins, Richard Byrd and Stuart Hall off the board of supervisors for alleged misuse of office. After hearing arguments, Circuit Judge John Wetsel said he will rule within seven days on Cornwells motion to dismiss the case. In a controversy that has roiled this rural county, the board voted 4-1 in September to eliminate the countys director of tourism position, a decision that critics say was motivated by personal grudges against the woman who held the position, Maggie Anderson, and her husband, Wayne, who worked with her on an economic development project. The petitions allege the board cast its surprise vote after discussing the matter in a closed session, a violation of the states open meetings law. They did it behind closed doors, in secret, and in clear violation of the Freedom of Information Act, said Alleghany County Commonwealths Attorney Ed Stein, who was appointed to represent the citizens seeking the supervisors removal. For whatever reason, they did not want their actions judged in the light of day. Under Virginia law, a judge can be asked to consider removing an elected official after a petition is submitted bearing signatures from registered voters that total at least 10 percent of the number who cast votes in the last election for the official. But thats a relatively small number in a county of just 4,400. After the hearing, board Chairwoman Collins said the petitions were the work of a few disgruntled former supervisors and their followers, who became a disruptive presence at board meetings. This has been going on for a long period of time, she said. With the board being obstructed at every turn, she said, its meetings have become more like a village style meeting in the days of New England. Although rarely used, state law allows a judge to remove an elected official for neglect, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties that has a material adverse effect upon the conduct of the office. Stein said the law was crafted to be used by laymen seeking recourse in their communities. It goes right to the heart of democracy and the right of the people to petition, he said. Organizers of the removal efforts have said they believe the votes by Collins, Byrd and Hall were motivated by anger at the Andersons for withholding from the board the name of a company that was considering locating in Bath County. At the time, Maggie Anderson was also the countys director of economic development, and Wayne Anderson served as chairman of the Economic Development Authority. The Andersons say they were bound by a confidentiality agreement with Speyside Bourborn Cooperage, which ultimately decided to build a mill to make staves for whiskey barrels in the countys industrial park. Collins said Tuesday that the matter was not a factor into the boards vote. A fourth supervisor also voted to eliminate Maggie Andersons position, but was not included in the removal effort after he resigned in the midst of community outrage over the issue. In asking that the case be dismissed, Cornwell said the boards vote did not violate FOIA because it was a personnel matter that falls under one of the laws exemptions for what must be discussed or acted on in open session. And even if FOIA was not properly followed, he said, that alone cannot be grounds for removing the supervisors because the open meetings law already carries a potential penalty a fine that could be imposed as part of a civil proceeding. But an illegal closed session is not the only argument that the petitioners are making in support of having the three supervisors removed. According to the petitions, the boards unpopular vote, and the defensive stand it took against questions from citizens, amounted to a way of governing Bath County chaotically, unpredictably, secretly and wastefully. If the supervisors are unsuccessful in their efforts to have the case thrown out, additional proceedings would be held to delve deeper into their actions. MOSCOW/ PARIS/ WASHINGTON, 9 January, 2017 - The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States), released the following statement today: Baku and Yerevan continue to accuse each other of a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting in casualties. Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijan serviceman killed in the fighting. Violations of the ceasefire are unacceptable and are contrary to the acknowledged commitments of the Parties, who bear full responsibility, not to use force. The Co-Chairs urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to strictly observe the agreements reached during summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg in 2016, including obligations to finalize in the shortest possible time an OSCE investigative mechanism. The Co-Chairs also urge the return, without delay, of human remains, in accord with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010, bearing in mind the exclusively humanitarian nature of this issue. We call upon the Parties to cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. The Co-Chairs extend their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and to all Armenians and Azerbaijanis for whom hopes for the New Year have been darkened with the grief of senseless loss. THREE men charged with a total of 15 offences of indecent assault against a child in Rotherham as part of an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) have appeared before magistrates. Riaz Makhmood (38), Sajid Ali (37) and Zaheer Iqbal (39), all from Masbrough are accused of assaulting a girl aged under 14 between June 1994 and June 1995. Makhmood faces three charges of indecent assault, while Ali and Iqbal face seven and five charges respectively of the same offence. Last month, they became the first people to be charged with offences by Operation Stovewood, the independent NCA investigation into non-familial child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. They appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Monday and were bailed to appear before Sheffield Crown Court on February 6. So far a total of 15 men have now been arrested, interviewed and bailed pending further enquiries as part of the operation, which has identified more than 40 suspects and begun the process of engaging with 157 victims and survivors. AngloGold Ashanti mulls 30% reduction of carbon emissions by 2030 AngloGold Ashanti has come up with a new carbon emissions reduction target which seeks to achieve a 30% absolute reduction in its Scope 1 and Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2030, as compared to 2021. This will be achieved through a combination... Lucara Q3 revenue, output drop Lucara Diamond, which wholly owns the Karowe mine in Botswana, realised $49.9 million in revenues in the third quarter of 2022 compared to $72.7 million in the comparative quarter. The revenue includes $46.5 million from the sale of 99,301 carats and... Gemfields to auction 187,775-carat cluster of emeralds Gemfields is set to auction a 187,775-carat cluster of emeralds discovered at its 75%-owned Kagem mine in Zambia in March 2020. Viewing of the Kafubu Cluster commenced on 31 October and bidding will close on 17 November. Tiffany jewellery pieces to highlight Jewels & Jadeite auction in Hong Kong Jewellery pieces by Tiffany & Co, including those by renowned designer Jean Schlumberger, are among the highlights of Bonhams Jewels and Jadeite auction in Hong Kong on November 26, 2022. Angolas diamond exports dropped 8.45 percent last year to $1.082 million compared with $1.182 million realised, a year earlier. Diamond World News Service reports that the average price per carat also dropped from $145 in October to $116.9 in November. It also quoted the countrys minister of geology and mining Francisco Queiros as saying that Angolas rough diamond production dropped to 7.2 million carats in 2016 from 8.394 million carats in 2015. Catoca Mining Society, remained the biggest rough diamond producer in the country, contributing 75 percent of the total output, while artisinal production dipped 60 percent drop, according to Diamond World News Service. Meanwhile, Queiros, according to the report, also said that there was a strong sustainable performance in the diamond sub-sector and presents a positive outlook for sustainable recovery ahead. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Lucapa Diamond has completed a preliminary exploration programme at its Orapa Area F project in Botswana, which included ground magnetic, EM and gravity surveys, along with EM soundings and MMI soil geochemical analysis. The programme was said to have been successful in defining a doubled-lobed coincident gravity/magnetic feature at AN01, which would be the priority focus of the next drilling stage. This well-defined magnetic anomaly measures approximately 350 metres x 150 metres and represents a priority drilling target within the prolific Orapa diamond field, it said in a statement Monday. While validating the techniques used to define AN01, modeling of the work undertaken at the two known kimberlites at Orapa Area F suggests BK14 is a conventional pipe with no previously-unexplored kimberlite offshoots and that BK38 is a likely narrow dyke. Meanwhile, Lucapa said drilling programmes would commence this year in Orapa Area F targets as kimberlite drilling was also stepped up at the flagship Lulo diamond project in Angola. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Camping Quelle region privilegier pour des campings calmes ? Combien coute en moyenne une location de mobil home pour une semaine dans le Sud ? Quel camping conseillez-vous a Argeles ? Quels pays sont les mieux equipes en campings ? Connaissez-vous des campings avec plage privee ? Dans quelles zones le camping sauvage est il autorise ? La communaute repond a vos questions. 381 Camping-car Comment laver au mieux son camping-car? Quel camping-car pour voyager a deux ? Quelle assurance pour voyager a letranger avec un camping-car ? Quels accessoires sont indispensables pour voyager en camping-car ? Est-il possible de trouver des bouteilles gaz dans toute lEurope ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 5870 Croisieres 1389 Expatriation Envie de partir Est-il facile de sinstaller au Portugal ? Quel pays anglophone choisir pour apprendre langlais ? Quel pays pour un travail de fille au pair ? La communaute repond a vos questions !Envie de partir vivre a letranger , en expatriation, en Erasmus, au pair ou en volontariat international ? La redaction vous donne toutes les formules et astuces de financement. 676 Le Guide du Routard Est-il possible davoir des reductions grace au guide du routard ? Est-il necessaire davoir le guide de lannee en cours ? Comment trouver les derniers guides ? Existe-t-il une version en ligne des guides ? Quelles sont les prochaines destinations choisies par le guide du Routard ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 425 Moto Quels documents sont necessaires pour louer un scooter ou une moto en Thailande ? Quelle agence choisir pour faire un road trip en moto aux Etats Unis ? Est-il facile dacheter une moto en Australie ? Connaissez-vous un bon garage au Vietnam ? Quel permis est necessaire pour louer une moto en Espagne ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 240 Routard.com Comment supprimer mes messages ? Comment creer un carnet de voyage sur le site ? Comment participer aux differents concours ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 52 Ou et quand partir ? Ou partir en ete a moindre cout ? Ou faire un road trip ou un citytrip ? Quelles sont les destinations les plus festives ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! Ou et quand partir en vacances pour trouver du soleil ? La redaction de routard.com vous indique les meilleures destinations pour chaque mois. 1258 Photo Quels sont les meilleurs blogs de voyage ? Routard.com a-t-il un concours photo ? Quel appareil photo conseillez-vous pour un safari ? Quelle camera choisir pour immortaliser une plongee ? Quels sont les plus beaux comptes Instagram de voyage ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 190 Plongee Tous les conseils pratiques de la redaction pour la Quels sont les plus beaux spots de plongee au monde ? Quelles palmes utiliser pour une plongee dans les Caraibes ? Ou faire un bapteme de plongee ?Tous les conseils pratiques de la redaction pour la plongee sous -marine , et notre selection des plus beaux spots de plongee et de surf dans le monde. 146 Reveillons , pour Noel et/ou pour le Nouvel An ? Lumiere sur les plus beaux marches de Noel en France et en Europe, et cap sur les reveillons les plus fous de la planete. Ou faire le reveillon a letranger a moindre cout ? Quel restaurant choisir a Barcelone ? Quelle est lambiance a Budapest pour le reveillon ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! Ou partir en decembre , pour Noel et/ou pour le Nouvel An ? Lumiere sur les plus beaux marches de Noel en France et en Europe, et cap sur les reveillons les plus fous de la planete. 220 Ski et aux sports dhiver ? On vous donne nos idees de destinations sports dhiver, et nos conseils pratiques pour les amateurs de glisse. Tout schuss ! Quelles sont les stations les plus enneigees ? Ou faire du ski a moindre cout ? Quelle station de ski familiale dans les Alpes ? Ou faire du ski de fond ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! Ou partir au ski et aux sports dhiver ? On vous donne nos idees de destinations sports dhiver, et nos conseils pratiques pour les amateurs de glisse. Tout schuss ! 266 Tour du monde Retrouvez aussi les Existe-t-il un circuit a privilegier pour un tour du monde ? Existe-t-il un visa multi-destinations ? Conseillez-vous un tour du monde en camping car ? La communaute repond a vos questions !Retrouvez aussi les conseils et infos pratiques de la redaction : bons plans billets tour du monde, et idees de voyages inoubliables. 892 Trek Tout savoir sur la Quels sont les meilleurs spots de treks du monde ? Quelles agences specialisees pour faire des treks a letranger ? La communaute repond a vos questions !Tout savoir sur la randonnee en France et les plus beaux treks du monde : conseils pratiques, materiel et accessoires, et idees de circuits. En route ! 571 Velo La redaction a teste pour vous Quel equipement choisir pour son velo ? Comment transporter son velo par avion ? La communaute repond a vos questions !La redaction a teste pour vous les plus belles pistes cyclables, veloroutes, randos a velo et itineraires cyclotouristiques en France et en Europe. Tous en selle ! 450 Voile Comment sorganiser pour faire un tour du monde en voilier ? Y a-t-il un club de voile a La Reunion ? Ou louer un catamaran en Grece ? Quels sont vos conseils pour acheter un voilier ? Est-il possible de faire une excursion en voilier en Polynesie ? Quels sont les meilleurs spots de voile en Amerique du Sud ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 112 Voyager avec son animal Comment voyager en avion avec son animal de compagnie ? Faut-il payer un supplement lorsquon voyage en avion avec son chien ? Est-ce prudent de voyager avec son animal a letranger ? Quels sont les hotels autorisant les animaux ? Comment faire du backpacking avec son chat ? Est-il possible demmener son chien en Thailande ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 109 Voyage de noces Faites le plein d Quelle destination choisir pour un voyage de noces ? Y a-t-il des agences de voyage specialisees ? Quels sont les plus beaux hotels du monde ? La communaute repond a vos questions !Faites le plein d idees de destinations romantiques ou roucouler a deux, en lune de miel ou en week-end en amoureux. 109 Voyage en famille Vous partez en Quelles compagnies aeriennes ont les tarifs les plus avantageux pour les enfants ? Voyager en Asie avec des enfants en bas age ? La communaute repond a vos questions !Vous partez en vacances en famille ? La redaction vous donne des idees de voyages en famille, et des conseils pratiques pour voyager avec les enfants. 882 Voyage en solo Comment trouver des compagnons de voyage ? Quelle assurance de voyage conseillez-vous pour voyager seul ? Est-il prudent de faire un road trip seul en Amerique du Sud ? Avez-vous des astuces pour un voyage en total itinerance ? Quel itineraire conseillez-vous pour un voyage seul en Europe ? Est-il prudent quune femme voyage seule en Asie du Sud-Est ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 623 France Vous preparez un voyage en France ? La communaute Routard repond a vos questions. 15 Albanie Un road-trip en Albanie ? Navette centre-ville - aeroport de Tirana ? Circuler en bus ou voiture ? Les plus belles plages de la rivieira albanaise ? Rejoindre la Grece depuis lAlbanie ? Changer euros contre leks ? Comment visiter le Teth ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 488 Allemagne Quel est le plus beau marche de Noel ? Que faire a Munich et Francfort en un week-end ? Visite des chateaux de Baviere : ou loger ? Ou trouver un logement pratique et pas cher pour Oktoberfest ? LAllemagne a velo, ou et comment ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 657 Andorre 87 Angleterre 866 Armenie Ou faire de la randonnee en Armenie ? Location de voiture ? Hebergement ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 234 Autriche Quelle station de ski dans le Tyrol ? Quel itineraire choisir pour du camping-car ? Quels conseils pour de la randonnee en Autriche ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 442 Belgique Combien coute le parking de laeroport de Charleroi ? Quels sont les meilleurs restaurants et bars de Belgique ? Que visiter a Bruges ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 702 Bielorussie Comment se loger en Bielorussie ? Quel itineraire emprunter de Vilnius a Minsk ? Ou obtenir des renseignements sur le visa ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 71 Bulgarie Que visiter a Sofia ? Comment aller aux Sept lacs du Rila ? Ou trouver des aires de camping-car en Bulgarie ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 435 Chypre Quel est le meilleur itineraire pour voyager du Nord au Sud de Chypre ? Quelles sont les plus belles plages de Chypre ? Les lieux incontournables a visiter ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 311 Croatie Visiter lile de Brac ou lile de Korcula ? Quelle agence de location de voiture choisir ? Ou loger dans Dubrovnik ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2777 Danemark Le meilleur circuit dans Copenhague ? Quel budget pour un road trip au Danemark ? Quel ferry pour aller aux iles Feroe ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 281 Ecosse Est-il possible de faire du bivouac sur lile de Skye ? Que visiter a Edimbourg ? Faut-il partir avec un passeport en Ecosse ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2311 Espagne Quelle destination choisir en Espagne ? Les bonnes adresses de Barcelone ? Les plus beaux parcs de Madrid ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 1814 Estonie Quelle est la meilleure periode pour aller en Estonie ? Comment aller dHelsinki a Tallinn ? Les meilleures compagnies pour une croisiere ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 68 Finlande Trouver une bonne station de ski ? Le meilleur spot pour voir les aurores boreales ? Quels vetements porter en Finlande ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 568 Georgie Quelles activites faire a Tbilisi ? Le meilleur passage frontiere Russie-Georgie ? Ou se loger en Georgie ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 252 Grece Quel ferry prendre pour aller sur lile de Santorin ? Quelles iles des Cyclades choisir ? Ou se baigner a Athenes ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 9580 Hongrie Quel est le cout de la vie a Budapest ? Ou obtenir des billets pour un tour du lac Balaton en train ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 157 Irlande Quelle agence de voiture choisir ? Faut-il un visa pour entrer en Irlande ? Que voir a Dublin en une journee ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2559 Islande Quand partir en Islande ? Ou voir des baleines ? Se baigner au Blue Lagoon ? Dans quel sens faire le tour de lile ? Quand voir des aurores boreales ? Quelle voiture louer ? 2896 Italie Quelle agence choisir pour visiter Milan ? Quel itineraire dans la region des Pouilles ? Ou loger dans les Cinque Terre ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 4153 Lettonie Que voir a Riga ? Les meilleures plages de la Baltique ? Un road trip a travers la Lettonie ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 111 Lituanie Quels sont les specialites de Lituanie ? Trajet Klaipedia - Vilnius en bus ? Quel itineraire dans les pays baltes ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 100 Luxembourg Travailler au Luxembourg ? Les meilleures adresses de restos et dhebergements ? Un weekend a Luxembourg-Ville ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 68 Macedoine Comment organiser un voyage en Macedoine ? Quel avion prendre ? Que faire a Skopje ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 41 Malte Ou loger a Gozo ? Est-ce interessant de faire un sejour linguistique a Malte ? Ou se procurer un plan de transports ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 727 Montenegro 377 Norvege Quelle periode pour voir des aurores boreales ? Changer ses euros en couronnes norvegiennes avant de partir ? Que voir a Bergen ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2345 Pays-Bas Comment aller aux Pays-Bas ? Faire une randonnee a velo en Hollande? Visiter Amsterdam ou Rotterdam ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 311 Pays de Galles Transport pour Cardiff ? Quelques jours dans le Sud du Pays de Galles ? Randonnee dans Snowdonia et Pembrokeshire ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 58 Pologne Comment aller en Pologne ? Quelles activites a Varsovie ? Quel transport de Cracovie a Auschwitz ? Visiter les mines de sel ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 852 Portugal Visiter le Douro ou lAlgarve ? Trouver une location ou un camping au Portugal ? Ou faire du canyoning, du surf ? Les peages electroniques ? Quoi voir a Porto ? Quelle location de voiture ? 2425 Republique tcheque Que faire en Republique tcheque ? Trouver un logement a Prague ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 144 Roumanie Louer une voiture en Roumanie ? Quels sites pour un logement sur Bucarest ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 667 Russie Itineraire pour aller a Saint-Petersbourg ? Billet de train pour Moscou ? Vetements dhiver en Russie ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 1305 Serbie 109 Slovaquie Les incontournables de Bratislava ? Trajet France-Slovaquie ? Quelles activites faire ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 89 Slovenie Ou observer les ours en Slovenie ? Comment acceder au parc national du Triglav ? Randonnee ou road trip? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 326 Suede Est-il possible de faire du camping sauvage en Suede ? Faut-il changer ses euros en France ou sur place ? Que voir a Goteborg ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 398 Suisse Vivre en Suisse ? Quels cantons choisir ? Trouver un logement et sinstaller ? Que faire au Lac Leman ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 730 Turquie Quel visa pour la Turquie ? Visiter la Cappadoce ? Quel circuit suivre ? Quelle est la monnaie utilisee ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 1676 Ukraine Visiter Kiev ou Odessa ? Visa pour voyager en Ukraine ? Quel itineraire en Ukraine ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 500 Afghanistan 11 Azerbaidjan 24 Bangladesh Est-il possible de voyager au Bangladesh avec des enfants ? Existe-t-il un train de nuit pour faire Katmandu-Dhaka ? Fau-il un guide pour visiter le pays ? La Communaute repond a vos questions 37 Bhoutan Comment organiser son voyage au Bhoutan, quelle compagnie aerienne pour y aller, quelle est la meilleure periode pour visiter le Bhoutan, pour quel budget ? 35 Birmanie Faire son e-visa pour la Birmanie, choisir son agence de voyage, organiser ses activites sur le lac Inle, a Bagan, au Rocher dOr, changer sa monnaie 2667 Brunei Organiser son sejour au Brunei, combien de temps y rester, comment sy rendre par voie terrestre 13 Cambodge Une, deux ou trois semaines au Cambodge ? Posez vos questions sur votre itineraire et vos trajets au Cambodge, les meilleurs periodes pour visiter Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, les temples dAngkor, les plages de sable blanc ou encore les iles ! 3172 Chine Acheter ses billets de train en Chine, aller a la Grande Muraille, quel itineraire au Yunnan, visiter Xian, trouver un bon restaurant a Pekin 2300 Coree du Sud Comment sexpatrier en Coree du Sud ? Quel budget prevoir pour un voyage de 1 mois ? Faut-il louer une voiture pour visiter lile de Jeju ? La Communaute repond a vos questions 891 Inde Quelle agence choisir pour visiter le Rajasthan ? La foire de Pushkar est-elle interessante ? Quel climat au mois daout ? Quelles sont les etapes necessaires pour obtenir un visa en Inde ? La Communaute repond a vos questions. 6490 Indonesie Ou loger a Gili Air ? Que faire a Flores ? Est-il possible de visiter 3 iles en 15 jours en Indonesie ? La Communaute repond a vos questions. 2917 Japon Est-il interessant dacheter le JR Pass pour se deplacer dans le pays ? Quel itineraire pour 15 jours au Japon ? Que visiter a Osaka ? Existe-t-il un un moyen de voyager en shinkansen pour faire Tokyo, Kyoto et Mont Fuji ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 4509 Kazakhstan 44 Kirghizistan 152 Laos Quel climat au Laos ? Faut-il payer en Bath ou US dollars ? Combien coute le visa on arrival ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 1575 Malaisie Ou aller pour un premier voyage en Malaisie ? Les iles Perhentian valent-elles le detour ? Que faire a Kuala Lumpur ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2303 Maldives Ou sejourner aux Maldives ? Quel spot choisir pour faire du snorkelling ? Que faire a Male ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 1273 Mongolie Ou acheter un velo en Mongolie ? Faut-il un visa pour voyager en Mongolie ? Quelle agence de voyage choisir ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 470 Nepal Quel equipement prendre pour faire le tour de lAnnapurna ? Quelle agence de trek choisir ? Que visiter a Katmandou ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 1697 Ouzbekistan Obtenir soin visa pour lOuzbekistan, faire la Route de la Soie, choisir une agence locale pour voyager en Ouzbekistan, visiter Samarcande, Boukhara et Khiva 449 Pakistan 31 Philippines Quel transport privilegier entre Manille et Palawan ? Que faire a Cebu Island ? Quel itineraire choisir pour 15 jours de voyage aux Philippines ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2048 Singapour Quand visiter lUniversal Studio Singapore ? Ou trouver un logement pas cher dans la ville ? Prix du transfert entre laeroport de Singapour-Changi et le centre-ville ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 353 Sri Lanka Obtenir lETA pour le Sri Lanka ? Comment trouver un chauffeur-guide ? Quel itineraire ? Ou voir des elephants ? Quelles sont les plus belles plages ? Voyager en famille au Sri Lanka ? 4588 Tadjikistan 36 Taiwan Comment assister au festival des lumieres a Taipei ? Quelle plage privilegier a Taiwan ? Quelle agence de location de voiture choisir ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 191 Thailande Quelles sont les plus belles plages de Thailande ? Ou trouver un hotel les pieds dans leau ? Un visa est-il necessaire ? Quel trek a Chiang Mai ? Quel budget ? 14817 Tibet Quel budget prevoir pour un voyage au Tibet ? Est-il obligatoire de voyager avec un guide ou une agence ? Quelles sont les formalites pour rentrer au Tibet ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 114 Turkmenistan 10 Vietnam Vietnam nord ou sud ? Quand visiter la Baie dAlong ? Louer une moto ? Quel trek a Sapa ? Partir seule au Vietnam ? Quoi visiter a Hanoi ? 6928 Antigua-et-Barbuda Quelles formalites pour visiter Antigua ? Quelles activites et excursions sont recommandees ? Presence dalgues sargasses ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 4 Argentine Quel budget prevoir pour 1 mois en Argentine ? Faut-il privilegier les voyages en bus ou en avion ? Est-il possible de reserver a lavance un hotel a Salta ? Comment sorganiser pour sexpatrier en Argentine ? Quelle agence pour visiter la Patagonie ? La Communaute repond a vos questions. 2109 Bahamas Comment se deplacer entre les iles ? Comment rejoindre Miami depuis les Bahamas ? Voyage de noces : ou sejourner ? Les plus belles plages des Bahamas ? Ou se loger a Nassau ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 156 Barbade Comment circuler a la Barbade ? Quel budget prevoir ? Comment rejoindre les Antilles depuis la Barbade ? Ou faire de lapnee ? Ou se loger ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 22 Belize Combien de temps rester au Belize ? Autotour ou chauffeur-guide ? Les meilleurs spots pour faire du surf, de la plongee ou du snorkeling ? Quel itineraire et excursions prevoir ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 200 Bolivie Quel itineraire pour 1 mois en Bolivie ? Existe-t-il un bus direct pour faire Uyuni-Copacabana ? Quelle agence choisir pour louer un 4x4 ? Quelles iles du Lac Titicaca privilegier ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 980 Bresil Comment se rendre a Ilha Grande depuis Rio de Janeiro ? Quel guide pour faire un trek a Lencois Maranhenses ? Est-il possible de voyager seul(e) ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 3026 Canada Quelles sont les formalites pour entrer sur le territoire canadien ? Comment organiser la visite des chutes Victoria ? Que voir a Vancouver ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2774 Chili Quelle agence pour visiter le Chili ? Quel transport pour aller de laeroport de Santiago a Valparaiso ? Quels sont les prix pour les campings a Pan de Azucar ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 1366 Colombie Des infos sur le carnaval de Baranquilla ? Preparer un trek en Amazonie ? Se deplacer entre Cartagena, Cali, Medellin et Bogota ? Bus ou taxi en Colombie ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 1747 Costa Rica La cote caraibe ou la cote pacifique au Costa Rica ? Faut-il louer un 4x4 ? Comment visiter le Costa Rica hors des sentiers battus ? Ou voir des aras et des tortues ? Quel budget ? 2099 Cuba Reserver une casa particular a La Havane ? Rapporter des cigares de Cuba ? Faut-il prendre un guide ? Comment obtenir la carte touristique ? Quel cayo visiter ? 6045 Dominique Ou faire de la randonnee, trek et plongee en Dominique ? Se deplacer sans voiture de location ? Ou est la plus belle plage de lile ? Quelle formalite pour entrer ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 113 Equateur Faut-il prendre de la malarone pour visiter lAmazonie ? Quelle est la meilleure periode pour visiter lEquateur ? Quand voir les baleines a Puerto Lopez ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 845 Etats-Unis Quelles formalites pour entrer sur le territoire des Etats-Unis ? Ou aller pour feter Thanksgiving ? Quelle voiture louer pour faire un road trip ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 5410 Grenade Visiter les Grenadines ? Quelle croisiere choisir ? Algues sargasses a Grenade ? Activites faire en famille ? Le meilleur spot de plongee ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 19 Guadeloupe Aller sur les iles des Saintes ou sur lile de Marie-Galante ? Ou loger pour visiter la Guadeloupe ? Y a-t-il des sargasses en Guadeloupe ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 3991 Guatemala Des questions securite au Guatemala ? Shuttle aeroport et bus : ou et comment reserver ? Ou retirer de largent ? Organiser un trek dans la jungle ? Besoin dun guide pour lac Atitlan, volcan San Pedro et de Fuego ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 595 Guyana Quel visa pour Guyana ? Quels sont les risques niveau securite ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2 Guyane 407 Haiti Quelle agence locale choisir a Haiti ? Bus ou voiture de location ? Faire sa demande de visa ? Loger a Port-au-Prince ? Expatriation : que prevoir ? Des questions securite ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 74 Honduras Loger a Roatan et Utila ? Quoi visiter a Tegucigalpa ? Combien de temps pour visiter le Honduras ? Ou faire de la plongee ou du surf ? Quel transport pour traverser le pays ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 49 Iles Vierges Quelle croisiere choisir pour les Iles Vierges ? Ou louer un catamaran? Quelles sont les liaisons avec Saint Barth ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 6 Jamaique Trouver un guide local francophone en Jamaique ? Navette aeroport vers les grandes villes ? Combien de jours pour visiter Ocho Rios, Kingston et Montego Bay ? Monnaie locale ou dollars ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 245 Martinique Quelle agence choisir pour louer une voiture en Martinique ? Quel temps fait-il en septembre ? Ou loger a Sainte-Luce ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2559 Mexique Quel itineraire dans le Yucatan ? Louer une voiture ou prendre les transports en commun pour visiter le Mexique ? Quen est-il de la securite au Mexique ? Ou loger a Cancun ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 4101 Nicaragua Des questions securite ? Ou voir des tortues ? Liaisons Nicaragua Costa Rica ? Masaya ou Granada ? Corn Islands : passage oblige ? San Juan del Sura ou Leon ? Ou surfer ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 370 Panama Que voir sur les iles San Blas ? Possibilite de sexpatrier au Panama ? Que visiter dans la province de Bocas del Toro ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 477 Paraguay Combien de temps pour tout visiter au Paraguay ? Que voir et ou sortir a Asuncion ? Expatriation : comment sorganiser ? Comment se rendre a Iguazu ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 47 Perou Que visiter a Arequipa ? Comment sorganiser pour visiter le Machu Picchu ? Ou loger a Lima ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 3416 Porto Rico Ou sortir et prendre des cours de salsa a Porto Rico ? Quelles sont les activites a faire a San Juan ? Foret tropicale : El Yunque ou Toro Negro ? Ou faire son shopping ? Ou se loger pas cher ? Sy installer ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 51 Republique Dominicaine Quelles sont les plus belles plages a Punta Cana ? Quel budget prevoir pour 1 semaine a Bayahibe ? Quel tarif pour un voyage entre laeroport Santo Domingo et Puerto Plata ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 2386 Saint-Barthelemy Comment sexpatrier a Saint-Barthelemy ? Possibilite de partir avec un bebe ? Quelles formalites pour aller a Saint-Barthelemy ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 54 Sainte-Lucie Ou loger a Sainte-Lucie ? Faire une randonnee avec un guide francophone ? Changer ses euros en dollars sur place ou en France ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 70 Saint-Martin Ou faire de la plongee a Saint-Martin ? Quelle agence choisir pour louer une voiture ? Excursion sur lile de Saba ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 175 Saint-Vincent-et-les-Grenadines Quelle agence choisir pour faire une croisiere en catamaran dans les iles Grenadines ? Quel budget pour 2 semaines ? Ou manger a Kingston ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 98 Salvador Taxe de sortie a laeroport de Salvador ? Ou se loger pas cher ? Ou changer ses euros ? Itineraire pour un road trip ? Se deplacer en bus ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 12 Surinam Ou et quand faire sa demande de visa ? Que faire et voir a Paramaribo ? Faire un raid en kayak ? Rejoindre Guyana, Cuaracao ou le Mexique depuis le Surinam ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 9 Trinite-et-Tobago Des conseils pour preparer le carnaval ? Trouver un logement pas cher a Trinite-et-Tobago ? Location de voiture ou scooter ? Rejoindre le Venezuela depuis Port of Spain ? Des questions securite ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 27 Uruguay Sexpatrier et travailler en Uruguay ? Ou changer et retirer de largent ? Combien de temps rester a Montevideo ? Organiser un road trip en bus ? Quelles sont les villes incontournables ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 72 Venezuela Taux de change officiel ou officieux ? Quelle est la situation actuelle du Venezuela niveau securite ? Que voir a Merida ou Margarita ? Avec quelle agence partir ? La Communaute repond a vos questions ! 224 Afrique du Sud Est-il possible de conduire avec un permis international en Afrique du Sud ? Quel est le prix du billet dentree au Parc Kruger ? Est il possible de faire un safari self drive ? Quels sont les incontournables a Johannesburg ou au Cap ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 5306 Algerie Quel est le niveau de securite a Djanet et Sahara ? Que voir a Tlemcen et a Alger ? Ou changer des euros ? Quelle agence pour visite du desert algerien ? 699 Benin 341 Botswana Quel itineraire privilegier ? Ou et quand reserver un safari pour le Botswana ? Auto tour ou guide ? Ou dormir dans le parc Moremi ? A quelle periode partir ? Quels vaccins prevoir ? 263 Burkina Faso Quel est le niveau de securite au Burkina Faso? Faire du tourisme humanitaire ? A la recherche dun chauffeur-guide ? Quel vaccin et visa prevoir ? Quelle compagnie aerienne choisir ? Ou se loger ? 276 Cameroun 284 Cap-Vert Quelles iles visiter au Cap-Vert ? Ou trouver un bon guide ? Quelle est la meilleure saison ? Les meilleures randonnees de Santo Antao ? Quels spots de plongee ? 1344 Congo 70 Djibouti 40 Ethiopie Comment trouver une bonne agence locale en Ethiopie ? Comment trouver un guide pour un trek dans les montagnes de Lalibela ? Quelles visites interessantes a Addis Abeba ? Quel logement choisir a Bahar Dar ? Comment voir les hyenes dHarar ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 463 Gabon Quel visa pour le Gabon ? Ou et comment obtenir le e-visa touristique ? Vivre et travailler a Libreville ? Comment se rendre au Parc National de Loango ? Quels sont les incontournables et quelle ville choisir ? 117 Gambie Le visa est-il gratuit pour les courts sejours ? Quel guide choisir pour la Gambie ? Peut-on voyager en toute securite en Gambie ? Acheter une voiture en Gambie ? Dans quelles villes sejourner ? 32 Ghana Quel visa et quel vaccin pour le Ghana ? Quel est le cout de la vie ? Ou loger a Accra ? Quels sont les bons plans a voir et a faire ? Ou retirer et changer de largent ? Des idees de circuits ? 60 Guinee Quel est le cout de la vie a Conakry ? Ou changer de largent ? Quel est le niveau de securite ? A la recherche dun guide ? 121 Ile Maurice, Rodrigues Quelle est la plus belle plage pour faire du snorkeling ? Quelles sont les excursions a faire ? Comment trouver un taxi a lile Maurice ? Quelle est la randonnee incontournable ? Le meilleur logement est il les maisons dhotes a Rodrigues ? Quelle cote choisir ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 2725 Kenya Quelle agence choisir pour un safari au Kenya ? Ou peut-on observer des lycaons ? Comment trouver un super guide ? A-t-on besoin dun visa ? Que visiter a Nairobi ou Mombasa ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 990 Lesotho Quel itineraire choisir ? Ou faire du trek et de la randonnee ? Quel guide choisir pour le Lesotho ? Quel est letat des routes ? Quel climat prevoir ? 39 Liberia 7 Libye 8 Madagascar Est-il dangereux daller a Madagascar actuellement ? Quel moyen de transport utiliser ? Comment trouver un bon chauffeur guide a Antananarivo ? Ou faire une mission humanitaire ? Quel itineraire est conseille ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 2670 Mali Quel est le niveau de securite ? Quel visa et quelles formalites pour aller au Mali ? Ou se loger a Bamako ? Sinstaller au Mali ? Traverser le pays en voiture ? Comment voyager en securite ? 130 Maroc Comment trouver un guide pour faire un trek dans lAtlas ? Quel itineraire est conseille pour visiter les villes imperiales du Maroc ? Comment visiter Fes ? A quel climat sattendre a Agadir en hiver ? Est-il possible de louer un 4X4 pour aller dans le desert ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 4951 Mauritanie Quel visa pour la Mauritanie et quel prix ? Quel est le niveau de securite ? Quel itineraire pour traverser le pays depuis le Maroc ou le Senegal ? 228 Mayotte Est-il facile de sexpatrier a Mayotte ? Comment trouver un bon guide de randonnee ? Quel est le cout de la vie a Mayotte ? Est-il necessaire de faire un traitement antipaludeen ? Quelles sont les plus belles plages ? Ou se loger, gites ou maison dhote ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 237 Mozambique Quel est le meilleur spot pour faire du surf a Maputo ? Est-il possible de rejoindre le parc Kruger en voiture ? Ou plonger au Mozambique pour voir des requins ? Bilene - Inhambane ou Vilanculo ? Quel est le cout du visa ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 132 Namibie Est-il necessaire de passer par une agence pour un voyage en Namibie ? Comment acceder aux Victoria Falls ? Quels sont les temps de trajet ? Est-il preferable de louer une voiture ? Quelles sont les taxes dentree dans le Parc Etosha ? Quel itineraire pour acceder au desert du Namib ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 3669 Niger Quel est le niveau de securite ? Quel visa pour le Niger ? Quel budget prevoir pour un voyage au Niger ? Ou se loger a Niamey ? Quelle compagnie aerienne choisir ? 16 Nigeria 14 Ouganda A la recherche dun guide en Ouganda ? Quel tour operateur pour faire un trek safari ? Ou louer un 4x4 ? Ou observer des gorilles ? Quels vaccins sont recommandes ? 126 Reunion Quelles sont les randonnees incontournables a La Reunion ? Quel est le bon plan pour louer une voiture ? Quel gite choisir ? Lascension du Piton de la Fournaise est-elle exigeante ? Quels spots pour la plongee ? Ou faire du canyoning ? Comment trouver un bon guide pour aller au Piton des neiges ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 2494 Rwanda Des idees ditineraires ? Ou observer les gorilles ? Ou faire sa demande de visa ? Besoin dinfos pratiques pour votre voyage au Rwanda ? Comment se rendre au parc des volcans ? Conseils pour visiter le Nyungwe ? 96 Sao Tome et Principe Quelles sont les excursions a faire a Sao Tome et Principe ? Quelles sont les plus belles plages ? Est-il possible de louer une voiture sur les iles ? Est-il preferable dopter pour un chauffeur ou un guide ? Y a-t-il des vaccins obligatoires ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 129 Senegal Quel est le meilleur moyen de se rendre en Casamance ? Quel transport utiliser depuis laeroport de Dakar ? Trouver un bon guide ? Comment trouver un logement pas cher au Senegal ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 2091 Seychelles Est-il possible de trouver un hebergement chez lhabitant aux Seychelles ? Quelle est la meilleure periode pour partir ? Quel hotel choisir pour un voyage de noces ? Quelle croisiere choisir ? Quel est le meilleur club de plongee ? Quelles sont les plus belles plages ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 1327 Swaziland Ou dormir dans la reserve du Hlane ? Quelles sont les visites incontournables ? Quels parcs visiter ? Peut-on traverser le Swaziland sur une journee ? Quel est letat des routes ? Par quels postes frontieres passer ? 68 Tanzanie Comment trouver un bon chauffeur guide en Tanzanie ? Quelles sont les agences conseillees pour un safari ? Est-il possible de faire un safari en bivouac ? Quel itineraire est conseille pour acceder au Kilimandjaro ? Comment aller a Zanzibar depuis la Tanzanie ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 1524 Tchad Quel est le niveau de securite au Tchad ? Circuit et trek en toute securite ? Quel visa pour le Tchad ? Que faire et ou se loger a Ndjamena ? Comment rejoindre le Soudan depuis le Tchad ? 14 Togo Ou obtenir un visa pour le Togo ? Que faire a Lome ? Comment se deplacer au Togo ? Ou se loger ? Quelle association pour faire du tourisme humanitaire / solidaire ? Location de voiture ou chauffeur-guide ? 294 Tunisie Quel est le meilleur moyen de transport pour un transfert de laeroport de Tunis a Hammamet ? Comment trouver un guide a Djerba ? Quelle temperature fait-il en Tunisie en hiver ? La carte didentite est elle suffisante pour aller en Tunisie ? Que visiter a Monastir ou a Sousse ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 1812 Zambie Quels parcs visiter en Zambie ? Voir les chutes Victoria cote Zambie ? Quelles formalites pour passage frontiere Zambie Zimbabwe ? Ou changer des devises ? 47 Zimbabwe Est-il possible de visiter le parc Hwange en louant une voiture ? Quel moyen de transport utiliser entre lAfrique du Sud et le Zimbabwe ? Quelle est la meilleure periode pour visiter les Victoria Falls ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 83 Egypte Quelle agence propose une excursion Hurghada - Louxor ? Comment trouver un guide pour une visite du Caire ? Est-il possible de reserver une croisiere sur le Nil a la derniere minute ? Combien coute une excursion pour les pyramides depuis Le Caire ? Quel horaire est le plus propice pour visiter les temples dAbu Simbel ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 2799 Emirats arabes unis Est-il aise de sexpatrier a Dubai ? Le Dubai city pass est-il rentable ? Dans quel quartier loger ? Quelle monnaie est acceptee ? Est-il necessaire de reserver ses billets pour le Louvre Abu Dhabi ? Ou louer une voiture ? Quels sont les horaires pour visiter la tour Burj Khalifa ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 252 Iran Quels sont les delais pour obtenir un visa touristique pour lIran ? Quelles tenues sont appropriees pour des touristes en Iran ? Quels sont les bons plans hebergements pour Shiraz ? Quelles sont les possibilites de transferts a laeroport de Teheran ? Quel est le meilleur quartier pour lachat de turquoise a Kashan ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 1110 Israel, Palestine Comment circuler dans Jerusalem ? Ou loger a Tel Aviv ? Y a-t-il des bus entre Nazareth et Jenine ? Y a-t-il des transports en commun efficaces en Israel ? Quelles sont les difficultes pour aller en Palestine ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 925 Jordanie Quel chauffeur choisir en Jordanie ? Quel itineraire est optimal pour une semaine en Jordanie ? Est-il necessaire de prendre un guide pour visiter Petra ? Quelle agence choisir pour une excursion a Wadi Rum ? Quels sont les incontournables a Amman ? Y a-t-il des problemes de securite en Jordanie ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 1129 Liban Le visa pour le Liban est-il gratuit ? Combien de jours sont necessaires pour visiter Beyrouth ? Quelles langues sont parlees au Liban ? Ou loger a Tripoli ? Est-il facile de sexpatrier au Liban ? Quelles sont les plus belles randonnees ? Quel est le climat en Hiver ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! La communaute repond a vos questions ! 174 Oman Quel visa est necessaire pour aller au sultanat dOman ? Est-il facile de louer un 4x4 a Oman ? Ou faire de la plongee ? Quel moyen de transport utiliser pour un transfert depuis laeroport de Mascate ? Comment trouver un guide francophone ? Quelle agence choisir pour une excursion dans le desert de Wahiba ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 681 Qatar Quel transfert choisir depuis laeroport de Doha ? Est-il facile de sexpatrier au Qatar administrativement ? Laeroport de Doha est-il agreable pour une longue escale ? Quel est le souk le plus traditionnel du Qatar ? Etes-vous satisfait de la compagnie Qatar Airways ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 101 Syrie 22 Yemen 19 Australie Quel est le meilleur moyen de transport pour faire un roadtrip en Australie ? Comment optimiser mon itineraire sur la cote ouest ? Quel hebergement a Sydney ? Est-il facile dacheter une voiture en Australie ? Le visa est-il payant ? Combien de jours pour visiter Melbourne ? Comment aller en Tasmanie ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 2066 Iles Fidji Quel est le meilleur spot de plongee aux Fidji ? Quel sont les transports pour aller aux Fidji depuis la Nouvelle-Caledonie ? Quel vol choisir pour aller aux Fidji ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 29 Nouvelle-Caledonie Est-il facile de sexpatrier en Nouvelle-Caledonie ? Quelle compagnie aerienne choisir ? Quel transfert a laeroport de Tontouta ? Quel budget prevoir pour un sejour de 3 semaines ? Suffit-il dune journee pour visiter lile des Pins en bateau ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! La communaute repond a vos questions ! 475 Nouvelle-Zelande Quelles sont les plus belles randonnees en Nouvelle-Zelande ? Le permis international est-il indispensable ? Quelle agence locale utiliser ? Quand reserver ses billets pour voir un match des All Blacks ? Quels sont les incontournables a Christchurch et Auckland ? La communaute repond a vos questions ! 1080 Following the notable pullback seen last Friday, treasuries moved back to the upside during trading on Monday. Bond prices moved higher in early trading and remained positive throughout the session. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, fell by 4.2 basis points to 2.376 percent. The rebound by treasuries came amid a sharp drop by the price of crude oil, which led some traders to move their money into bonds. Crude for February delivery plunged $2.12 to $51.87 a barrel amid concerns increased U.S. production will offset an OPEC output reduction. Trading activity on the day was somewhat subdued, however, with a lack of major U.S. economic data keeping some traders on the sidelines. On Tuesday, trading may be impacted by reaction to the results of the Treasury Department's auction of $24 billion worth of three-year notes. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (VRX, VRX.TO) announced late Monday that its affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Dendreon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to the Sanpower Group Co., Ltd., a privately owned conglomerate in China. Under the terms of the transaction, Valeant will receive cash consideration of $819.9 million at completion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2017, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. Dendreon's first and only commercialized product is Provenge, an autologous cellular immunotherapy (vaccine) for prostate cancer treatment approved by the FDA in April 2010. Valeant said it will use proceeds from the sale of Dendreon to permanently repay term loan debt under its Senior Secured Credit Facility. Centerview Partners served as financial advisor to Valeant. Valeant CEO Joseph Papa said, "With this sale, we are better aligning our product portfolio with Valeant's new operating strategy by exiting the urological oncology , which is one of our non-core assets. We are pleased to take this step forward in our divestiture program and are continuing to evaluate transactions to simplify our business and strengthen our balance sheet." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The New Zealand dollar weakened against most major currencies in the Asian session on Tuesday. The NZ dollar fell to a 4-day low of 81.14 against the yen, from yesterday's closing value of 81.38. Against the euro, the kiwi dropped to 1.5107 from yesterday's closing value of 1.5068. The kiwi edged down to 1.0491 against the Australian dollar, from an early 4-day high of 1.0464. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 78.00 against the yen, 1.53 against the euro and 1.06 against the aussie. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Forex News Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs is scheduled to release its unemployment data for December in the pre-European session on Tuesday at 1:45 am ET. The unemployment rate is expected to remain stable at 3.3 percent in December. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the Swiss franc rose against the U.S. dollar and the pound, it fell against the euro. Against the yen, the Swiss franc held steady. As of 1:40 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.0744 against the euro, 1.2300 against the pound, 1.0129 against the U.S. dollar and 114.12 against the yen. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Forex News Phoenix Group Holdings (PHNX.L) reported it has generated 486 million pounds of cash from the Group's operating companies in 2016. Of this, 117 million pounds has been generated from the integration of the AXA Businesses, acquired on 1 November 2016. The Group has therefore achieved its 2016 target for cash generation of between 350 million to 450 million pounds. Phoenix reiterated its expectation that it will generate a total of at least 250 million pounds of cash from the integration of the AXA Businesses within 6 months of completion of the acquisition. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News French shares gave up early gains on Tuesday as banks retreated, offsetting gains among automakers such as Renault and Peugeot. The benchmark CAC 40 was down 16 points or 0.33 percent at 4,871 in opening deals after declining half a percent the previous day. Financials traded mostly lower, with Credit Agricole, BNP Paribas and Societe Generale Group losing between half a percent and 0.8 percent. Among the prominent gainers, Renault and Accor rose over 1 percent. L'Oreal edged down marginally as the cosmetics group announced a definitive agreement with Valeant to acquire the skincare brands CeraVe, AcneFree and Ambi for a cash purchase price of $1.3 billion. Total SA was trading on a flat note after it agreed to buy a stake in a project in Uganda from Tullow Oil. In economic releases, French industrial production recovered at a faster than expected pace in November on higher petroleum and transport equipment output, figures from the statistical office Insee showed. Industrial production logged a monthly expansion of 2.2 percent in contrast to October's 0.1 percent fall. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com The United States and Cuba have signed a bilateral agreement to prepare for and respond to oil spills and hazardous substance pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. Under this agreement, the United States and Cuba will cooperate and coordinate in an effort to prevent, contain, and clean up marine oil and other hazardous pollution in order to minimize adverse effects to public and safety and the environment, the US State Department said. Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Havana Jeffrey DeLaurentis signed the agreement on behalf of the United States. While Vice Minister Eduardo Rodriguez Davila of the Ministry of Transportation signed for the Republic of Cuba. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Demand for guns have fallen drastically since the election of Donald Trump as the US President, because buyers are now in no hurry to stock up guns with no plausible threat to the Second Amendment from the new President elect. Analysts currently see a clear connection between the reversal in buying habits of gun enthusiasts after Trump was elected as they now feel no threat to the Second Amendment under Trump. However, if Hillary Clinton would have been elected things might be far different. Shares of Smith & Wesson parent American Outdoor Brands have fallen 26 percent since Election Day, while Sturm, Ruger and Co. are down by 16 percent, according to a New York Post report. Gun background checks performed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations were also down in the month of December. However, 2016 marked a record year for the background checks with 27.5 million conducted. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Crude oil futures were lower Tuesday, extending losses from the previous session after the Energy Information Administration said it expects U.S. crude oil production in 2018 to rise by 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) year-on-year. In its monthly energy outlook report, the EIA says oil prices will average $52.50 a barrel for this year, up from $50.66 in the December forecast. For 2018, it forecast $55.18. WTI light sweet crude oil settled at $50.82/bbl, down $1.14, or 2.2%, the lowest closing mark in more than a month. Industry group the American Petroleum Institute will release its weekly inventories data this afternoon. The Energy Information Administration follows with its numbers tomorrow. Elsewhere, Russia and Kazakhstan said they've met or exceeded their initial goals for cutting production. However, Libya's crude-oil production has more than tripled in the past six months, the Wall Street Journal reports. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Editors Pick Duke Energy Corp. reported on Friday that profit for the third quarter edged up from last year, driven by strong volumes in Electric Utilities and Infrastructure. Adjusted earnings per share missed analysts' expectations, while quarterly revenues topped it. The company also slashed it adjusted earnings outlook for the full-year 2022. French Financial services major Societe Generale reported Friday weak profit in its third quarter, despite higher revenues amid increasingly complex geopolitical and economic environment. In Paris, the shares were gaining around 5 percent. Frederic Oudea, the Chief Executive Officer, said, "The third quarter is marked by increasing revenues, continued control of operating expenses..." Health and hygiene products maker Reckitt is recalling its certain AirWick Fresh New Day aerosol air fresheners due to injury and laceration risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The recall involves about 67,000 units of aerosol air fresheners in Fresh Linen and Fresh Water scents. The centuries-old concept of a guaranteed unconditional regular payment, or universal basic income, has returned to the attention of the world at the start of 2017 with Finland launching a two-year long experiment among 2,000 unemployed. CLICK HERE for a primer on Universal Basic Income The Belgium-based Basic Income Earth Network, an international network that serves as a link between individuals and groups committed to or interested in basic income, defines basic income as "a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means test or work requirement." A darling for the Left to reduce poverty and inequality, the concept of a universal basic income traces its origin to Thomas More's 1516 essay Utopia. In recent years, the idea is being embraced by libertarians and some conservatives as they worry over rising unemployment in the era of robotic automation. The main criticism leveled against the universal basic income is that it could discourage people from seeking work and make them lazy. Less work translates to less productivity in the and less revenue for the government, all of which could make the basic income an expensive social welfare measure. Economists also point out that basic income payments are mostly marginal and hence, would matter only to the most poor and only if it is in addition to other welfare benefits such as medicare. All experiments on basic income are trying to disprove the notion that a basic income could create a disincentive to work. Instead, it could support the unemployed people's efforts to find a job such as gaining skill training. In the Finnish experiment, 2,000 persons aged between 25 and 58 were selected from a random sample of existing jobless benefit recipients. They are set to receive a monthly income of EUR 560 for two years, in addition to existing welfare benefits. The first payment will be made on January 9. In Switzerland, a proposal for a basic monthly income for every resident was rejected overwhelmingly in a referendum held in June 2015. The rejection does not seem to have deterred the world from trying out the revolutionary welfare scheme. Along with Finland, Scotland is also set to trial universal basic income schemes in Fife and Glasgow later this year. The Netherlands also will carry out a two-year basic income scheme experiment in Utrecht and surrounding cities this year. The Italian coastal city of Livorno launched a scheme to provide a guaranteed basic income to the city's 100 poorest families in June last year. In Canada, Ontario's provincial government also announced plans to run a basic income pilot scheme. Localized schemes have been trialed in Brazil by NGO's, while charities are planning to run pilot schemes in Kenya and Uganda this year. Media reports citing BIEN's co-founder Guy Standing suggested that the Indian government is set to outline a basic income scheme for all its citizens as early as in January. BIEN's Standing is also set to make a presentation at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, which will be held from January 17 to 20. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. By SA Commercial Prop News - I-Net Bridge Koos Bekker, CEO of Naspers. The Public Protector is to investigate the R106 million deal signed between the City of Cape Town and publishing group Naspers for a parking lot that could be worth less than half the amount. On Wednesday the African National Congress' (ANC) chief whip Mathole Motshekga said that Public Protector Thuli Madonsela had heeded his party's call for the investigation that was made earlier this week. The site located on the foreshore would be needed to allow for the expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Center in which the City of Cape Town has a 51% stake. Cape Town deputy mayor Ian Nielsen, who was not available for comment on Wednesday, has defended the transaction saying that it was done at "fair market value". In his letter to the Public Protector, Motshekga said according to independent property experts quoted in the media, the property in question was valued at no more than R50 million. "In terms of the estimations by property analysts, the R3,000 per bulk square meter is way above what an average vacant piece of land would fetch in the City of Cape Town. The deal amount even surprised Mr Mansoor Mahommed, former City of Cape Town executive director who now works at a property development company, who regarded it as a 'high' price," the letter stated. Motshekga said that should the deal be allowed to proceed, taxpayers would have to pay over R50 million more than the estimated value of the property. He said this transaction, dubbed "an extremely sweet deal for Naspers" due to the extraordinarily and unjustifiably high price involved, raises serious questions regarding the nature of the relationship between the DA and Naspers. "We are concerned that a company that, through its media publications prides itself on being the public watchdog and acting in the interest of the public, is expecting the public to fork out R56 million more on a piece of parking space," Motshekga said. - Businesslive By SA Commercial Prop News - BuaNews Premier Noxolo Kiviet: Eastern Cape Pretoria - The Eastern Cape hopes to create 116 958 jobs in the coming financial year, Premier Noxolo Kiviet said on Friday. Delivering the State of the Province Address, the premier said although the country's unemployment rate had decreased, the provincial unemployment rate of 27.1% was still high. "However, we are pleased to report that out of a target of 94 504 job opportunities announced for Phase 2 of the Expanded Public Works Programme, a total of 110 472 work opportunities have to date been created in the province... In the coming financial year, our target is to create 116 958 work opportunities," she explained. Despite the uncertainty in the global economy, the province's two Industrial Development Zones (IDZs) were delivering much needed investment, with the East London IDZ securing private investors to the tune of R4.063 billion in the automotive, aquaculture, agro-processing, renewable energy and business process outsourcing sectors. Of the R4.063 billion, R3.3 billion is for two renewable energy projects - the Langa Renewable Energy Project in Berlin, and the Ikhwezi Photovoltaic Project. "It is clear that our focus on the green economy is starting to pay dividends," said Kiviet. The other zone, the Coega IDZ, now has 21 operating investors, which represents R1.24 billion in private sector investments. To date, this has created 3 645 construction jobs, and 2 985 direct jobs. Additionally, the Coega IDZ has a R7.6 billion pipeline of projects being implemented. In the State of the Nation Address earlier this month, President Jacob Zuma announced that a dam was to be built in the former Transkei part of the province -- using the Umzimvubu River as the source -- in order to expand agricultural production. The province had already conducted feasibility studies. "Other water infrastructure development projects include seawater desalination in Port Elizabeth and Port Alfred, which is at feasibility stage," she explained. The province has concluded talks with power parastatal Eskom to invest over R10 billion in energy infrastructure over the next six years, including the increasing transfer of power to the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipalities. It will also strengthen the integration of the KwaZulu-Natal - East London line, which will also improve energy supply to Mthatha and the rest of the province. "We are pleased to announce that the Alfred Nzo region will be serviced by Eskom in the Eastern Cape, and no longer KZN as it has been the case," said Kiviet. With respect to road infrastructure, construction on the N2 Wild Coast, which will cost approximately R9 billion, will commence as soon as all preparatory processes have been finalised. "It is estimated that this project will create well in excess of 6 800 direct jobs and open up the Wild Coast and key towns such as Port St. Johns for investment and economic development." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday discussed bilateral issues, especially the strategic partnership nwith Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dimitry Rogozin, said informed sources. Modi met Rogozin, who is leading a strong Russian contingent to 'Vibrant Gujarat' on the eve of the summit's start. "Both leaders discussed various areas of the India-Russia strategic partnership including Rosneft's investment in the Vadinar refinery, cooperation in the automobile sector, discussions on cooperation between Astrakhan region and its sister State of Gujarat, and the proposed visit of the Russian Industry Minister to Delhi in March," said a source. The two sides also discussed continuing progress in the civil nuclear energy sector. Modi offered condolences on the dastardly killing of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey and loss of lives in the recent air crash of a Russian plane. Rogozin reiterated President Valdimir Putin's invitation for Modi to visit Russia in 2017, which Modi accepted with pleasure, the source added. He observed that the bilateral India-Russia Summit and the BRICS meeting in Goa were very successful and the Russian leadership was fully committed to further strengthening the strategic partnership with India. According to the source, Modi observed that the 70-year-old bilateral relationship was on an upward trajectory, aided by his frequent meetings with President Putin. He welcomed increasing Russian investment in various states of India. "Specifically in the context of Gujarat, Prime Minister said that India and Russia should strengthen cooperation in the areas of diamond cutting and polishing, dairy production, and the automobile sector," he added. The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will be held here January 10-13 with the central focus of "Sustainable Economic and Social Development". Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is the party's face in Punjab and this doesn't mean he will be its Chief Minister if the AAP wins, the party said on Tuesday. Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi Marlena told media that Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's remarks on Kejriwal being the CM face in Punjab were twisted out of context. "He (Sisodia) said vote as if Kejriwal is going to be the CM. He did not say Kejriwal will be the Chief Minister. He is the face of AAP and that is the face the people of Punjab are looking at," Marlena said. "Kejriwal represents AAP. He represents credibility because he fulfilled several promises in Delhi. He is bringing that credibility to Punjab saying all promises made to the people of Punjab will be fulfilled," she said. "This is not same as saying that he will be the CM there." She added that Kejriwal was the Chief Minister of Delhi and was committed to the people of the national capital. The AAP statement came after Sisodia, while talking to reporters in Mohali in Punjab, made an appeal to voters "to cast their votes as if to make Kejriwal the Chief Minister of Punjab". Sisodia said Kejriwal would be responsible for fulfilling all the promises the AAP makes to the people of Punjab, where the party is contesting assembly elections besides Goa. Sisodia's remarks were pounced upon by the Congress and the Akali Dal to say that Kejriwal was planning to desert Delhi and become the Punjab Chief Minister. The AAP has announced all 117 candidates in Punjab. Antonio Costa ' title='Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa '>Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa landed in Goa, late on Tuesday, on a three-day official visit to the coastal state. Costa, who is of Goan origin, was received at the INS Hansa base by Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza and Portuguese Consul General Rui Baceira. Costa, who had arrived in India on January 7, has already signed various pacts dealing with defence, security, I-T, renewable energy sectors and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before visiting Bengaluru and Gujarat. In Goa, Costa has a packed agenda which includes meeting top officials and attending several social and cultural events. He will receive a civic reception in the state capital in presence of prominent citizens of the state on Wednesday. Costa, whose family hailed from Margao town in South Goa, will also release the English translation of his father Orlando Costa's book "Sem Caras Nem Coroas" on Wednesday. He will also undertake two walking tours in the state capital's heritage areas, before visiting his ancestral home for a meal with close friends and family. Costa will leave for Portugal via Mumbai early on Friday morning. The Prime Minister's visit to Goa has already attracted controversy here, with regional political parties demanding an apology from Costa, for the atrocities committed by colonial Portuguese rulers in Goa, which was ruled by them for 451 years. The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday sought to know from the Delhi government, Union Urban Development Ministry, the East DMC and striking sanitation workers' associations what steps are being taken to solve the problem. The tribunal in its notice also asked these authorities about the steps taken to remove garbage from the streets in east Delhi. Advocate Balendu Shekhar, who appeared for the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), told media that a bench headed by NGT Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notice. "In the notice, the NGT Chairman asked what steps all the authorities took to control the situation and remove garbage from the streets in various parts of east Delhi," Shekhar said. Shekhar on behalf of the East DMC requested the tribunal to intervene and permanently settle the issue of workers' salaries and dues. According to East DMC officials, the huge difference between the civic body's expenditure and earning is main reason behind the problem, as the annual salaries and pensions total around Rs 1,600 crore while it generates revenue of only Rs 608 crore per annum. The strike of sanitation workers who are protesting non-payment of their salaries for the past three months continued for the fifth day on Tuesday. A section of North DMC employees also went on strike over non-payment of salaries on Tuesday. The Delhi government on Monday released Rs 119 crore to the East DMC but the agitating employees said they would call off the strike only after their salaries were credited into their bank accounts. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which rules all the three municipal corporations of Delhi, was doing politics over garbage in the city at the cost of health and lives of Delhi people. An on-duty constable of Delhi Police was thrashed by two unidentified men after he asked them to drive their car carefully, police said on Tuesday. Police said the incident took place on Monday night at Vasant Kunj area in south Delhi, when the men, who were in an overspeeding car hit a police barricade. "When constable Mohammad Alam, who was on duty there, told them to drive carefully, they came out from their car and started misbehaving with him," said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chinmoy Biswal. The miscreants than thrashed Alam before fleeing from the spot, he said. Alam received injuries at his knee. A case was registered against the two men and police are examining the CCTV footage to identify them, the officer said. A man who may be of Indian origin has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a US consular official in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, according to reports in local media there. Zafar Zia, the alleged assailant, was described in Mexican media as a 31-year-old American citizen of "Indian" or "Hindu" origin. Impacto el Diario newspaper's web site said that the Jalisco state prosecutor's confirmed his arrested on Sunday on its Twitter account. The shooting on Friday was not terrorism-related but was motivated by a visa issue, as per the victim's statement to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), reported Cronica.com. Mexican media also reported that the Foreign Ministry said that Zia "will be expelled and repatriated to the United States of America where his legal status will be determined." US authorities have not as of Monday morning local time confirmed the arrested man's identity or that of the diplomat who was shot. Mexican media identified the victim as Deputy Consul Christopher Ashcraft. Impacto el Diario and El Mudo described Zia as being of "Hindu" origin, while the Cronica.com said he was "Indian." In Mexico sometimes "Hindu" and "Indian" used interchangeably as national identification, rather than religious. Cronica said that "according to unofficial information" from Mexican federal authorities, a .38 caliber pistol, a California-registered 2000 Honda Accord vehicle, and 16 packages with 336 grammes of marijuana were seized when Zia was arrested from the Guadalajara's Providencia neighborhood. He was also carrying a wig he wore when he carried out the attack, Cronica added. Mexican media said that the he was arrested after police received a tip about where he was. The US government had offered a $20,000 reward for his arrest. Police said that Zia had arrived in Guadalajara from Phoenix in the US's Arizona state in November, according to Cronica. Zia allegedly shot the diplomat while he was driving out of a parking garage on his way to gym, according to media reports. US President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed that he will add his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to his White House team as senior advisor to the president. Kushner would be an "invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda," said the President-elect in a statement acknowledging the appointment, Efe news reported on Tuesday. According to the statement released on Monday, Kushner would work closely with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon, forming a trio. Trump said that this trio would be an effective leadership team. The communique also emphasised the role that Kushner had in the election campaign that culminated in Trump's November 8 win, saying that his participation was "instrumental" in formulating and executing the winning campaign strategy. Kushner, an Orthodox Jewish real estate businessman, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the mogul's older daughter, would forego his salary as presidential advisor, the communique added. The possibility that Trump's son-in-law would join his team was discussed for several weeks, although that would appear to pose personal challenges for Kushner because he would have to divest himself from his business activities to take on a government post. Kushner, who would turn 36 on Tuesday, is the CEO of a company focusing on New York and New Jersey real estate investments and since 2007 he has closed deals worth some $13 billion, according to data from the firm. When Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa arrives in the land of his origin on Tuesday night, a stroll on Goa's popular beaches certainly does not appear to be at the top of his agenda. Costa or "Babush", as he is known by his family in Konkani, during his two-day visit to Goa, a former Portuguese colony whose shores his poet as well as writer father Orlando quit decades back, has a packed schedule in the coastal state. Costa will host official banquets, Bollywood producers, visit temples, churches, stroll down the popular Latin Quarter in Fontainhas in Panaji and take some time off to visit his ancestral home in Margao town, about 35 km from here. Sources at the Portuguese consulate here and the state protocol department, which have been tasked with facilitating Costa's visit, said the Goa-end of the Prime Minister's itinerary during his seven-day visit to India was being worked out and fine-tuned for over three months. "Costa's visit is chock-a-block with engagements. He is coming back home, we have spared no efforts to make his visit a success," sources in the state government, which is engaged in arranging the logistics for the visit, told IANS on Monday. Costa's high-level delegation team has already worked out various pacts dealing with defence, security, IT, renewable energy sectors with the central government, and the Prime Minister himself has gifted a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. After a night's interlude following his arrival in Goa, Costa will on Wednesday first meet Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Governor Mridula Sinha, before attending a lunch hosted by the state government. The Portuguese Prime Minister will also visit the Old Goa Church complex, a Unesco-endorsed world heritage site built during the colonial era, and the Mangueshi temple. He will also meet top officials of the National Institute of Oceanography near here, and then attend a civic reception in his honour. Costa is also scheduled to address the audience and attend a presentation of the English translation of his father's book 'Sem Flores Nem Coares'. Poet Orlando was born in the Portuguese colony of Mozambique in 1929, but his family migrated to Goa, whose tropical shores he later left at the age of 18 for Lisbon. Goa was ruled by Portugal for 451 years before she was liberated by the Indian Army in 1961. Costa will on Thursday visit the Birla Optical Fibre factory in Verna in South Goa, before undertaking a walking visit to the Latin quarter in Fontainhas. There he will visit the Portuguese cultural organisation Fundacao Oriente and inaugurate Centro de Lingua Portuguesa. On the same afternoon, Costa will also conduct another walking tour through the city, and then visit a local college of law. Costa on Thursday night will host Bollywood producers at a five-star resort, where he is expected to make a pitch for Portugal as a film-shooting destination, as well as host a reception for Portuguese, Indo-Portuguese communities and local authorities. He is also expected to visit his ancestral home in Margao and share a meal with close relatives and friends, his first cousin Anna Kaarina Jussilainen told IANS. "It's going to be a simple meal, he would like to share with friends and family," she said. Costa's arrival has already stirred political interest in the poll-bound Goa with regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the Goa Suraksha Manch demanding an apology for atrocities committed by Portuguese colonists. The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party have however unequivocally welcomed Costa, saying an apology from friendly countries was out of question. Hours after US President-elect Donald Trump confirmed that he will appoint his son-in-law Jared Kushner as senior advisor to the president, the Democrats on Tuesday expressed their concern over the incoming White House appointment. Leaders on the House Judiciary Committee wrote a letter calling on the Department of Justice and Office of Government Ethics to look into anti-nepotism laws that might limit what Kushner can and cannot do. Kushner is married to Trump's older daughter Ivanka Trump and was expected not to take a salary for the post (as communicated by Trump in an official statement), New York Times reported. The Democrats also asked for a further review of Kushner's potential financial conflicts of interest. In the letter addressed to the outgoing US Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, they also asserted that having information, knowledge or influence over the White House's policies might benefit his business holdings . "For example, it has been reported that he will meet with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan this (Tuesday) evening to discuss tax policy," the letter read. The Democrats said that this "raises the appearance that he may be using his public office for private gain - namely adopting tax changes which will benefit Kushner and his family". Earlier Efe news reported that Trump released a statement on Monday that said Kushner would be an "invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda". According to his statement, Kushner would work closely with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon, forming a trio. Trump also said that this trio would be an effective leadership team. It also emphasised the role Kushner had played in the election campaign that culminated in Trump's November 8 win. Kushner, an Orthodox Jewish real estate businessman, would have to divest himself from his business activities to take on the government post. Kushner, who would turn 36 on Tuesday, is the CEO of a company focusing on New York and New Jersey real estate investments and since 2007 he has closed deals worth some $13 billion, according to data from the firm. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Bill Self, Kurtis Townsend won't be on sidelines for KU's first four games Re: Seeking solutions to child vendors Looking at the problem of street vendors, the cause is poverty. If the government introduced a payment scheme of some sort to accommodate these families, using taxpayers money, the problem might not be there. Samoa gets more than enough aid from different countries. Why not help the people of Samoa get educated or trained for a job and pay x amount of dollars for their attendance? Surely that would remove child vendors. Possibly make school fees abolished so every child has the same chance to go to school. We need to pray God has a plan. S.S. A 23-year-old father of Tanugamanono and Saleimoa was found dead on Monday morning. Police Spokesperson Sua Muliaga Tiumalu the young man went fishing with other men of the village when tragedy struck. Only five men returned but the deceased never return. There were six of them who went fishing on Friday night and after that only five of the fishermen came back, he said. They couldnt find him so they came home however, on Monday they found his body on the other side of the village floating around he was already dead. A village member who wishes to stay anonymous told the Samoa Observer the deceased goes by the name Sefo. He is a father of two, said the village member. They went fishing on Monday with five other men of the village." What I know is that Sefo went too deep to the ocean when it was high tide. It was too late for him to get back and the current was so strong that it took him further." The others were looking for him the whole day yesterday but never found him however, it was just this morning that some members of the villages found his body not far from where his home is." His body was floating on the sea. The village member describes Sefo as a humble person. He is a loving person, he said. Hes from Tanugamanono but hes married to a girl from here but he loves his family very much especially his children." He will be sorely missed because of his unforgettable attitude towards his kids." I guess this is one of those incidents that just happens and we just expect the unexpected. A Cabinet appointed Tribunal to investigate the suspended Director of the National Prosecution Office, Mauga Precious Chang, and her associate, Muriel Lui, has yet to start. It means two of the governments top lawyers remain suspended receiving full benefits until the Tribunal begins. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo, told the Samoa Observer the relevant preparations are underway. Apropos the commencement date for C.O.I into Precious Changs suspension, the date is not yet confirmed but relevant preparations have started, Agafili said. These include the composition, venue and other logistical arrangements. Another email to Agafili asking to elaborate was not responded to at press time. He also did not respond to questions about when a separate Inquiry into the suspended Assistant Commissioner of Police, Samoa Mulinuu Samoa, would begin. Mauga was suspended by Cabinet last August following a Police investigation and review by an independent prosecutor of charges filed against her. Her suspension was for an initial period of three months while her case underwent standard judicial process. The charges against her have since been dismissed. But the decision is being appealed. In her absence, Acting Director, Muriel Lui assumed the responsibilities and duties of the Director of the National Prosecution Office. However, in October last year, Ms. Lui was suspended by Cabinet. The suspension of the Acting Director was in pursuant to sections 11(4), 11 (7) and 11(8) of the NPO Act 2015. At the time, the N.P.O was brought back under the Attorney General, Lemalu Herman Retzlaff. At the time, Cabinet had also resolved to appoint a Tribunal to evaluate the performance of Ms. Lui and the suspended Director of N.P.O, Mauga Precious Chang. According to the statement, Cabinet has noted the continued refusal of the suspended Acting Director of N.P.O and suspended Director of N.P.O to properly perform powers and duties to uphold the rule of law and objectivity of the criminal justice system." Cabinet acknowledges that the actions of Ms. Lui and Ms. Chang have created unnecessary conflicts between government departments while diminishing public confidence in law enforcement processes and the justice system in Samoa. Furthermore, the validity of the establishment of the National Prosecution Office will also be reviewed to ensure the Statutory responsibilities and powers are treated with greater transparency, accountability and respect. The statement continues: The Tribunal will be appointed on the grounds that Ms. Chang and Ms. Lui have not used the Statutory powers given to them in an appropriate manner and they have breached Civil Service Values and Code of Conduct under the Public Service Act 2004, as applied to them under section 15 of the NPO Act 2015." Members of the Tribunal will include Justice Grant Hammond, former Justice of the High Court of Samoa; Tuiloma Neroni Slade, former Attorney General of Samoa; and the President of the Samoa Law Society or an appointed representative of the society. Their report will be provided to the Minister responsible for the N.P.O, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. A city on top of a hill cannot be hidden. Or in this case a massive two story building that can be spotted from as far as the Beach Road seawall at night. With the opening of the new Frankies Hyper-Supermarket and more businesses and buildings going up, there is a lot of commotion happening in the Industrial heel at Vaitele. Still, theres a building that sits just a top the hill of Vatiele that is drawing attention and many are keen to find out what it is. The building belongs to Fangs Enterprises Ltd. It is a multi million-tala structure owned by Wilson Fang. Mr. Fang is of Chinese heritage, whos family investment have made it possible to fund the building. Before venturing to Samoa, Fang had a business in Tonga which he owned and operated for 10 years. He made the trek to Samoa once and was hooked to stay. Six years later, Mr. Fang is a proud Samoan citizen and married to a local Samoan woman who has ties in Vaitele. Mr. Fang purchased the land a top the hill with a dream and vision to build a home for his family and start a business. He shared with the Samoa Observer what the massive building will become. In three months time, he is looking to open a Supermarket called Best Value. He is looking to expand his business and branch out westward of the island. But this is not all. Mr. Fangs vision for the building is to house a plethora of companies and businesses in the massive space. What makes Mr. Fangs venture special is his drive to invest back into the local economy. Now that he is a citizen, Mr. Fang is looking to give back by hiring locals and spending profit in Samoa. He is not looking to compete with other businesses in the area. He is adamant that he just wanted to work hard to bring something special to Samoa. The official structure will be completed soon before Best Value is opened. A 31-year-old man from the villages of Sogi and Saoluafata died on Sunday as a result of a dispute between him and another man. The accused is a 27-year-old from the villages of Sogi, Lalovi and Letui Savai'i. Police Spokesperson Sua Muliaga Tiumalu told the Samoa Observer yesterday the two were drinking at Sogi last weekend. The accused and the deceased were drinking at Sogi on the weekend and they mustve gotten into an argument, he said. It ended up badly and the deceased was taken to the hospital due to some injuries. He passed away on Sunday. The accused is still in custody waiting for his court appearance on the 30th of January. The family of the deceased man at Vaimoso-uta declined to comment. But a neighbour said the deceased works at Petroleum Products Supplies Limited (P.P.S.). They were having drinks at their other house at the back on Friday night, said the source. Apparently the accused got angry at the deceased for not sharing his bottle of vodka and he (accused) waited for the deceased to go home." The deceased was walking to the front to where his house is and thats when the accused struck him with a metal. According to the source one of the village boys randomly went through the deceased house at the back and found the deceased lying in the mud. When one of the guys from here found him he was still breathing and his family rushed him to the hospital but I guess his injuries were too severe. I heard that he passed away yesterday. The neighbour said the deceased was a very good man. He is very loyal to his wife and her family and he is not a trouble maker. He works hard to look after his family and its sad to see him gone over such a minor issue." He will be sorely missed around here. SAN FRANCISCO DNA sequencing giant Illumina on Monday introduced a powerful new line of its instruments, bringing down the average time of sequencing a human genome to one hour from more than one day just a couple of years ago. The San Diego companys announcement is the latest step toward the dream of making genomic analysis a near-universal part of medicine, enabling easier and less costly detection of rare diseases and the ability to link genetic variations with health and illness. As sequencing prices fall and capacity rises, uses of the technology that were once impractical become feasible. And one day, Illumina chief executive Francis DeSouza said, the companys NovaSeq line is expected to reduce the cost of sequencing to $100 per human genome. That would be one-tenth the figure that Illumina announced in 2014, when it achieved the milestone of $1,000 per genome. A decade ago, the expense was about $10 million. Advertisement The $100 mark could be reached a few years from now, DeSouza implied in his talk at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. That was the same conference Illumina used to introduce its $1,000-busting version of its HiSeq line. The NovaSeq line needs to be optimized, just as with the HiSeq one, he said. Illumina said shipping of the NovaSeq 6000 is scheduled to start in March and that NovaSeq 5000 will begin shipping midyear. The NovaSeq 5000 and 6000 systems are priced at $850,000 and $985,000, respectively. These machines can also be purchased individually, unlike the HiSeq line, and that could expand the number of medical and research institutions that could afford them. The lowest price for HiSeq Illuminas former top-end system is a base $6 million for a set of five machines. Originally, the system sold in sets of 10 for $10 million a system. Biotech researchers regard Illumina as the dominant maker of DNA sequencers. With a market value of more than $20 billion, Illumina is also the biggest publicly traded biotech company in San Diego County. Its value is based on both its continued technological progress and the demand for these advancements in the biotech sector. Investors appeared to like the announcement, which was made after the close of regular trading Monday. Illuminas shares rose in after-hours trading to $165.01 each, up $23.47 or 16.6 percent. More uses The greatly increased sequencing speed will enable more applications and a larger scale for genomic sequencing for medicine, said genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter, whose Human Longevity company in La Jolla has already ordered the new system. Venter, who helped lead sequencing of the first human genome, has been an Illumina customer for years. Faster, inexpensive and innovative sequencing technology is a key component driving breakthroughs in precision medicine, said Venter, referring to the growing push by scientific, medical and government leaders to customize medical care for each person. This technology is also enabling (Human Longevity) to expand (its) database, the worlds most comprehensive database of genomic, phenotypic and clinical data. RELATED STORY: Illumina diving into chip-based sequencing RELATED STORY: Obama unveils precision medicine plan More precise and thorough DNA sequencing is a major part of the precision-medicine field, with the goal of taking every medically significant fact learned about a patient and using that knowledge to select the best treatment for him or her and to develop new treatments based on the resulting knowledge. Two years ago, President Barack Obama introduced the federal Precision Medicine Initiative to lead and coordinate efforts in the government and private sector. In addition, Illuminas high-volume, industrial-capacity sequencing machines are key to ever-growing research efforts to look for genetic patterns and variants among millions of people that could unlock mysteries about the causes of various diseases. In San Diego, a $207 million effort to deeply explore the health of 1 million patients is being led by Dr. Eric Topol, a Scripps Health cardiologist and geneticist. The grant from the National Institutes of Health is part of the federal initiative that Obama rolled out. Studies like this one reflect the other side of DNA sequencing making sense of what all the huge amounts of generated data actually mean. Such analysis imposes its own costs, which arent included in the raw price tag of a sequenced genome. Topol said the reduction in cost will allow many more labs and companies to enter the high-level DNA sequencing market, although he believed the expense is still high. The $100 genome that the Illumina CEO projected is speculation, Topol said. Someday well get there, for sure. But when, and with which platform, remains to be seen. Entire genome A human genome contains about 3 billion letters of the genetic alphabet the string of A, C, G, and T that represent genes and other elements of DNA. Processing this information takes immense computing power. And because actual genes represent only a small percentage of the DNA in a genome, many diagnostic tests keep costs down by focusing only on that part, which is called the exome. However, scientists have discovered medical significance in numerous stretches of DNA outside of genes. These important areas are missed in exome sequencing. DeSouza said the increased capacity brought about by NovaSeq should help make full-genome sequencing more affordable and thus more routine. One use of this increased capacity is to conduct repeated genomic sequencing of cancer patients, whose tumors frequently mutate. Being able to keep up with the mutations will allow doctors to better guide therapy, such as by discovering when cancer cells have become resistant to certain drugs. Science Playlist On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1020 San Diego Gas & Electric wants to increase rates by $379 million to recover the remainder of costs the utility racked up from a series of deadly wildfires that scorched San Diego County in 2007. But the proposal received emotional opposition Monday in Escondido. This is a picture of our house burning, said Joann Kling, her voice breaking. SDG&E has to pay, not the ratepayers who were victimized. Advertisement Kling was one of dozens of speakers addressing representatives of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which hosted a jam-packed hearing at the California Center for the Arts Conference Center. The Witch, Rice and Guejito fires in October 2007 killed two and destroyed more than 1,300 buildings. The CPUC hearing, which started at 2 p.m. and included an evening session, was designed to allow two administrative law judges get input for a recommendation they will give to the commission at large. The CPUCs five commissioners will eventually make a ruling whether SDG&Es operations leading up to the devastating fires were reasonable. One commissioner, Liane Randolph, attended Mondays hearing. Im here to listen, Randolph told the Union-Tribune during a break in the often angry testimony. They want to spit in our face, said Janice Shaffer, whose home above Lake Hodges was destroyed. SDG&E has estimated the average ratepayer would pay $1.67 more per month if costs are spread out over a six-year period. SDGE&E vice president of electric transmission and system engineering Dave Geier said the evacuation efforts that rescued homeowners included SDG&E employees. The wildfires were fueled by dry conditions and Santa Ana winds that reached hurricane-force of more than 90 mph that stymied firefighting efforts. The damage of those fires was outside of our control, Geier said. We had no reason to know that those fires would occur on that day in those potential locations and those circumstances. Trust me, if we did we would have done everything possible to make sure those fires didnt happen. SDG&E officials say their company followed industry standards and point out that California courts have ruled utilities can spread their costs of damages. I believe were going to put testimony in place showing we operate our systems safely, we designed and engineered it safely and we maintained it and inspected it, Geier said. In the wake of the fires, SDG&E has expanded its weather sensor network to 144 weather stations throughout its service area and made investments in firefighting ranging from heli-tankers that can carry 2,650 gallons of water or fire suppressants to replacing 2,100 existing wood poles with steel poles. The company has not admitted negligence related to the wildfires but Geier said, We do understand the impact on lives in this fire and we are truly sorry. The Office of Ratepayers Advocates (ORA), the independent consumer advocate arm of the CPUC has come out against the SDG&E application. SDG&E failed to manage their facility reasonably, said Nils Stannick, utilities engineer at ORA. The utility had $1.1 billion of liability insurance in place in 2007, which SDG&E officials say was the maximum amount they could obtain. That didnt persuade most in the audience. Fires are nothing new, said Tina Iki of Escondido, who was a friend of the two people who died in the 2007 blaze. We are paying SDG&E to make sure we are prepared to prevent this. Prior CPUC decisions indicate that a reasonableness standard should be enforced in determining whether a utility is entitled to cost recovery. Factors for the commission to consider is competent management, best practices and employees performing their jobs properly. SDG&E should not be compensated on the backs of ratepayers for its poor behavior leading up to and after the 2007 fires, said Diane Conklin, spokesperson for the Mussey Grade Road Alliance. Geier said safety has been and always will be the top priority at SDG&E. A 2008 investigation by the CPUC determined the Witch and Rice Canyon fires were caused by sparks from downed wires and the Guejito fire was caused when a lashing wire owned by Cox Communications hit an SDG&E power line. The CPUC blamed poor maintenance for the sparking of all three fires. Mondays hearing comes in advance of an evidentiary hearing scheduled for later this month in San Francisco, where the CPUC is based. The two administrative law judges will eventually make a recommendation to the CPUCs five commissioners who are free to decide whether to accept, reject or alter any recommendation. rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski Camp Pendleton marks its 75th anniversary this year, which will be highlighted at the annual Awards Dinner put on by the Camp Pendleton Historical Society to kick off the bases yearlong celebration. The nonprofit group works with the base to preserve its history, including a number of landmark buildings, some of which go back nearly two centuries. The guest speaker at the Feb. 11 event is retired Marine Col. Rocky Chavez, Assemblyman representing the 76th District. Among the dignitaries on the invitation list is the bases commanding general, Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea. The base was established in 1942 to train U.S. Marines for combat in World War II. When expansion of U.S. armed forces was authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelts proclamation of an unlimited national emergency in May 1941, additional facilities were needed to train amphibious forces, which led to the construction of Camp Pendleton. The federal government paid roughly $4.2 million for 125,000 acres of land in northern San Diego, known as Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores. The land had been used as a cattle ranch going back to the early 1800s and the cattle brand later became the bases logo. Some of the early buildings are national landmarks. The first troops to occupy the new base were the 9th Marine Regiment with the 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, who marched from Camp Elliott in San Diego to Camp Pendleton. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the base on Sept. 25, 1942, in honor of World War I Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton who had long supported establishing a West Coast training base. The new base was one of several Marine training facilities across the country, including at Quantico in Virginia, Camp Lejeune in South Carolina and Parris Island in South Carolina. By October 1944, Camp Pendleton was named a permanent installation and later became the home of the 1st Marine Division. In 1950, the 5th Marine Regiment trained at Camp Pendleton before going to combat at the Pusan Perimeter in Korea. The regiment was followed by the remainder of the 1st Marine Division, which made the strategic landing at Inchon that changed the course of the war. Subsequently, Marines and sailors who have been trained at Camp Pendleton have fought in Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. After the Vietnam War in the mid-1970s, Camp Pendleton also served as the port of entry for thousands of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees. The annual event includes a reception at 6 p.m., awards ceremony at 7 p.m.and dinner at 7:30 p.m. along with a live auction at Pacific Views Event Center, Bldg. 202850, Camp Pendleton. Reservations are being taken for the event. For more information, call (760) 583-5304 or (760) 505-3865, or email cphs.events@gmail.com. Visit camppendletonhistoricalsociety.org President Obama reprised his message of hope and change Tuesday as an antidote to an unstable world, delivering a farewell address in which he exhorted allies to keep the faith as President-elect Donald Trump assumes power but also painted a realists portrait of the threats to democracy. From his adopted hometown of Chicago, Obama spoke frankly about the dangers posed by economic inequality, divisiveness and a lack of a common baseline of facts in public discourse. He returned again and again to the importance of preserving and upholding democracy. But in refashioning his winning 2008 campaign message for 2017, he asked the crowd of friends and supporters to hold fast to their optimism and to look within for leadership. Advertisement I am asking you to believe not in my ability to bring about change, but in yours, Obama said. I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents: ... Yes, we can, he said, voicing the familiar cadence from his first election. Yes, we did. Yes, we can. The address was the latest entry in an occasional tradition of outgoing commanders in chief that has produced some of the most memorable speeches in presidential history, including George Washingtons farewell and Dwight D. Eisenhowers warning about the rise of the military-industrial complex. Obama was mindful of the apprehension his followers are feeling ahead of the inauguration of Trump, elected on promises to crack down on immigration, scrutinize Muslims in the U.S. and challenge what he derided as political correctness. The president tried to soothe their concerns by noting that a transfer of power is a hallmark of an advanced society. I committed to President-Elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me, he said. Because its up to all of us to make sure our government can help us meet the many challenges we still face. He acknowledged the moment without dwelling on Trump. Instead, Obama framed such 21st century challenges as growing inequality, terrorism and interconnectivity as part of a profound shift in the global order. These forces havent just tested our security and prosperity, but our democracy as well, he said. And how we meet these challenges ... will determine our future. He demanded modern solutions, calling for a new social compact that guaranteed education for children, access to unions for workers and a wide safety net. If we dont create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come, he said. Finally, Obama called for areentry into civic engagement and decried the tendency of Americans to retreat into our own bubbles. We have to try harder; to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do; that they value hard work and family like we do; that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own. And he warned of democracys fragility but underscored the unique role of the U.S. as a beacon of freedom. Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world unless we give up what we stand for and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors. Obamas final big event was staged as more of a rally than a speech, with Obama striding onto stage to the strains of his campaign anthem, City of Blinding Lights, and departing with his family to the frenzied applause of 18,000 in attendance. After he leaves office, Obama plans to take time to quiet himself, said Valerie Jarrett, the presidents longtime advisor and family friend. He wants Trump to have space to operate and wont comment on relatively small developments, friends say. He wants to give Trump room to do his homework, Jarrett said. Yet Obama also wants to keep an open line of communication with Trump, who aides think may want to consult with him as the last person to do the job. Since Trump was elected, Obama has abandoned his campaign season criticism of Trump and focused publicly on the importance of a smooth transition. Still, if something troubles him, he has told friends, he may speak out. On Tuesday night, he demonstrated for the world and, perhaps for Trump that he can still command the attention of the American public. He is leaving office with high favorable ratings and, perhaps just as important, has honed his ability to connect with the voters of the Obama coalition. Obama called on white Americans to remember that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didnt suddenly vanish with the social advancements of the 1960s, that when minority groups voice discontent, theyre not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. Conversely, he said, blacks and other minorities must think about the middle-aged white man whose world has been upended by economic, cultural and technological change. If every economic issue is framed as a struggle between a hardworking white middle class and undeserving minorities, then workers of all shades will be left fighting for scraps while the wealthy withdraw further into their private enclaves, he warned. Throughout his presidency, Obama has used his bully pulpit to inspire, condemn and cajole. He was always heavily involved in writing his biggest speeches, and his team of young speechwriters spent as much time with him as did more senior staff. Chicago writers have always been at the heart of his craft. His earliest message guru was Chicago political mastermind David Axelrod, who helped him come up with the yes, we can concept that propelled him into office. In his second term, his head speechwriter has been Chicago native Cody Keenan, who worked with Obama on the farewell address throughout the holidays. This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged, and come together to demand it, Obama said of his hometown. After eight years as your president, I still believe that. Each time Obama mentioned his departure from the White House, the crowd voiced its objection, especially as he began to signal the end of his speech. At the end, he singled out his wife, Michelle, for being his best friend and role model. She was dry-eyed, but daughter Malia teared up during the tribute. The loudest cheers were for Vice President Joe Biden, who was in the front row with his wife, Jill. Many Democrats now look to Biden, who has long championed the working class, for wisdom on how to connect with the disaffected white male voters who helped deliver the White House for Trump. Biden has offered advice, but both he and Obama in recent days have been trying to turn the focus to a new generation of leadership. Some parts of the Obama coalition were not yet ready to follow that lead. When a protester began to shout during Obamas speech, the crowd rose up to drown her out, in what may have been the loudest chants of the night. Four more years! they shouted. Four more years! Watch the full speech below: Parsons reported from Chicago and Memoli from Washington. Christi.Parsons@latimes.com @cparsons ALSO: The tweet speaks for itself could become a Trump administration motto U.S. intelligence report doesnt say whether Russian hacking helped elect Donald Trump 7 things you need to know about the future of Obamacare UPDATES: 8:35 p.m.: This story was updated with more of Obamas remarks. 6:35 p.m.: This story was updated with Obamas remarks. 4:05 p.m.: This story was updated with excerpts from Obamas prepared remarks. This story was originally published at 3 a.m. First came the AIDS crisis. Then the Dont Ask Dont Tell controversy. Then the marriage-equality struggle. By the time Bill Kelly took up the advocacy banner on behalf of LGBT seniors, the gay community was battle weary and their war chests were getting low. But Kelly was just getting started. There was so much going on that was soaking up a lot of attention and a lot of money, but I thought, There will always be something that will put seniors last, and Im not letting this go, the 69-year-old Kelly said during an interview in the Hillcrest home he shares with husband Bob Taylor and their dog, Jack. I was a thorn in everybodys side because I wouldnt let it go. Advertisement It took more than a decade of fighting for attention and funding, but Kellys thorny agitating has blossomed into something good. The long fight to develop senior housing for aging members of the LGBT community had a big win last July, when ground was broken on the North Park Senior Apartments, a four-story complex that will have rent-controlled units for qualified people 55 and older. Anyone who meets the age and income requirements may apply, but the apartments will be staffed and operated to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It is being billed as an LGBT-affirming senior community, and it will be one of just a handful in the entire country. At this point in my life, I thought I would be laying back and enjoying my retirement, but this has really made me feel like I have accomplished something, Kelly said. When gay people go into senior housing, sometimes they go back in the closet. They dont put pictures out, they dont have friends over, he said. When everyone in the facility is talking about their children or their spouses, what do you talk about? If you dont fit into that routine, where do you go? I just felt like this had to happen, and the more I got into it, the more it grabbed on to me. Born and raised in Morris, Ill., Kelly joined the Air Force in 1970. He spent five stateside years as an operating room technician before embarking on a life that would be full of exploration, change and compromise. He got a masters degree in community leadership and education and worked in a paper mill. Like many gay men of that era, he got married to a woman and prepared for a life in the closet. The marriage didnt last, and in 1978 Kelly moved to Chicago, where he met Taylor on a blind date. The two men did not hit it off, but when they met again the following year something clicked. They have been together ever since. They went into banking together, and after the corporate closet became too confining, they ditched the corporate life together. Kelly tried the antiques business, and Taylor went into travel. And when Taylor decided to move from Wisconsin to Southern California to be closer to his family, Kelly moved with him. Kelly had already spent many challenging years caring for his aging parents. His father died in 1980 after a long struggle with colon cancer, and his mother died in 2000 from a heart condition. Kellys blue-collar parents did not have the resources that Taylors family has, but as he watched his partner work to give his father (who died two years ago) and mother (who is still living and independent) the care and support they needed as they got older, Kelly got worried. And then he got fired up. The fact that you had two sets of parents with different backgrounds, but their children were dealing with the same issues, that made me wonder, What about gay people? Kelly said. At that time, not many gay people had children, and it seemed really odd to me that when we got old, there would be no place to go and no one to take care of us. When Kelly turned 60, he asked his birthday party guests to donate to what would become the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation Kelly Taylor Senior Assistance Fund. Then Kelly began working with the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center to get the LGBT senior-housing ball rolling. The Ad Hoc Working Group on Housing for LGBT Seniors was formed. There were reports and many meetings. Then the group began working with Community HousingWorks, a nonprofit organization that builds and owns affordable apartments. And as the LGBT senior housing dream became a reality, Kelly was there, pushing, organizing, advocating and hoping. Also sweating. There was a lot of sweating. There is a great need for affordable senior housing, and Bill had been absolutely dedicated in his efforts to bring attention to that need, said Amber Cyphers Stephens, chief communications officer for the LGBT Center, which will provide support services for the North Park Senior Apartments when they open. His work on behalf of LGBT seniors has been especially important because they are a particularly vulnerable community, she said. Historically, few senior housing developments have been welcoming to LGBT seniors, leaving them with very limited housing options. Bill is doing his part to change that. In addition to his work on the housing issue, Kelly has become a go-to source for information, conversation and support for LGBT seniors and the people who care about them. He writes regularly about the topic for RAGE Monthly magazine, he is an administrator for the Caring for Our LGBT Seniors in San Diego Facebook group and he is a member of the San Diego Foundations Convening: Age Friendly Communities group. Kelly is an honorary board member of the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, and during the groups annual Aston Brooks Awards Gala in April, Kelly will receive the foundations Richard Geyser Community Leadership Award. He is also being featured in Reflect, a documentary series about aging successfully that begins this month on KPBS-TV. The North Park Senior Apartments are set to open later this year, and when that milestone moment happens, Kelly will be there. But as he contemplates the passion-project that has also resulted in the kind of personal recognition he was not expecting to get at this stage in his life, Kelly is still focused on how the story will play out for everyone else. Im going to feel great when those apartments open, but Ill feel better when I see how the whole thing is run and when other people see it can be done, Kelly said. If you dont have a safe roof over your head, you cant deal with anything else in your life. So for the people who need it, this really needs to work. Twitter: @karla_peterson karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that they will retry former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca following a recent mistrial in which a jury nearly cleared him of obstructing an FBI investigation into the countys jails. The judge in the case also granted a request by the U.S. attorneys office to allow prosecutors to include the charge of making false statements to federal authorities in the retrial. U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson previously split that charge from the obstruction and conspiracy charges Baca faced at trial last month. During the two-week trial, prosecutors from the U.S. attorneys office tried to convince jurors that Baca had played a central role in a scheme carried out by a group of subordinates to thwart an FBI investigation into abuses and corruption by sheriffs deputies working as jailers. Bacas lawyers countered he had been unaware of the ploy unfolding beneath him. Advertisement The panel deliberated for days, with all but one of the 12 jurors ultimately voting to acquit Baca. After the panel announced it was deadlocked, Anderson declared the mistrial. A spokesman for the U.S. attorney declined to comment on the decision to press ahead with another trial after the near acquittal. Bacas attorney, Nathan Hochman, said, The government will make its decisions based on whatever calculations it wants to make. Traditionally, many 11-to-1 cases havent been retried. The retrial is scheduled to begin Feb. 21. Although it offered only a momentary reprieve for Baca, the verdict dealt a setback for U.S. Atty. Eileen M. Decker and the prosecutors from her offices Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section that pursued the 74-year-old former sheriff. Before leveling charges against Baca, Assistant U.S. Atty. Brandon Fox, who heads the anti-corruption unit, had methodically worked his way through the group of rank-and-file deputies and supervisors who were accused of having roles in the obstruction effort. In all, nine people have been convicted or pleaded guilty, including former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, who ran much of the sprawling agencys day-to-day operations and was accused of spearheading the campaign to derail the FBI jail investigation. At last months trial, Fox attempted to show that Baca was the heartbeat of the obstruction operation and had kept abreast of the effort as it unfolded over six weeks in 2011. The prosecutor argued that deputies carried out orders to conceal from agents the whereabouts of an inmate who was working as an informant, pressured other deputies not to cooperate with the inquiry and tried to intimidate the lead FBI agent by threatening her with arrest. Few of the governments witnesses, however, testified to direct interactions with Baca during the time of the alleged obstruction, and there was less hard evidence that implicated the former sheriff than his underlings. Jurors, except for the lone holdout, believed the case was weak and circumstantial. Fox and Decker had tried to avoid taking Baca to trial, opting instead to strike a plea deal with him early last year that called for Baca to admit to a less serious charge of making false statements to federal investigators during an interview. In exchange, Baca would serve no more than six months in prison. Anderson, who had handed down stiff sentences in the previous trials, rejected the deal as too lenient and made clear he intended to sentence Baca to significantly more time behind bars. Baca chose to withdraw his guilty plea and take his chances at a trial. In trying to convince Anderson that the deal was appropriate, Fox acknowledged in court papers that the governments case against Baca was weaker than the one against Tanaka and more circumstantial. Despite that assessment and the lopsided jury in the first trial, it was not surprising the government opted to press ahead with a retrial, legal experts said. Miriam Krinsky, a former federal prosecutor who led a commission on violence in the county jails and who has closely followed the trial, said the U.S. attorneys aggressive prosecutions of the lower level sheriffs officials meant there was little choice but to keep the pressure on Baca. Fairness and equity demanded them to give it another go, she said. And attorney Ken Julian, another former assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted former Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona on corruption charges, said it would have been unusual if Decker had backed off. The U.S. attorneys approach to the high-level public officials has always been to go after them hard, Julian said. So on that level, it is not a surprise they are taking another shot at him. Heading in to the first trial, Baca, who is in the early stages of Alzheimers disease, faced a charge of making false statements to investigators the charge to which he had pleaded guilty as well as the conspiracy and obstruction charges. Bacas attorney, Nathan Hochman, announced that he planned to use Bacas deteriorating mind as a defense against the lying charge. That led the judge to raise concerns that jurors view of Baca would be unduly tainted by testimony about the disease. At the judges urging, prosecutors moved to divide the case and have a separate jury decide later on the false statements charge. Although the decision kept any mention of Bacas illness out of the trial, it also prevented prosecutors from making the case to jurors that Baca lied to investigators to cover up obstruction efforts. Those restrictions had hamstrung the governments case, Fox said Tuesday as he asked Anderson to include the false statement charge in the retrial. The judge readily granted the request. Although he had initially been opposed to the idea of severing the lying charge, Hochman on Tuesday tried to persuade Anderson not to rejoin the charges in a single trial. He told the judge the government was making the move purely for strategic reasons and was acting in bad faith. Anderson cut the attorney off, saying, The matter is closed. Hochmans objections were strategic as well. During the first trial, he successfully hammered on the idea that Baca was a transparent leader as sheriff with nothing to hide from federal investigators. That argument will be more difficult to make in the face of the lying charge. joel.rubin@latimes.com For more news on federal courts in Southern California, follow me on Twitter: @joelrubin ALSO The Baca mistrial explained: What you need to know about the former sheriffs case From celebrated lawman to disgraced defendant: Lee Baca faces jury in L.A. corruption trial Editorial: Lee Bacas trials arent over yet UPDATES: 6 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about Tuesdays court hearing and background about the case. 12:40 p.m.: This article was updated with the court announcement that federal prosecutors plan to retry Baca. This article was originally published at 6:40 a.m. A Pomona artist was arrested Monday on suspicion of trespassing in connection with altering the Hollywood sign to read HOLLYWeeD on New Years Day, police said. Accompanied by an attorney, Zachary Cole Fernandez, 30, surrendered at 12:10 p.m. to Los Angeles Police Department detectives in Hollywood, according to Capt. Cory Palka. He was booked on the misdemeanor offense and released on a $1,000 bond two hours later. Fernandez is scheduled to appear on Feb. 15 in Los Angeles Superior Court in downtown L.A., according to the Hollywood Division captain. Advertisement I never expected it to get as big as it did, Fernandez told The Times. The Hollywood sign was not damaged in Fernandezs prank, but the letters were briefly changed, police said. Police said surveillance footage showed a man dressed in black, tactical-style gear scaling the signs ladders and hanging tarps over the Os to change them to Es at 3 a.m. Jan. 1. One of the tarps was decorated with a peace sign and another with a heart. The Hollywood Sign has seen many alteration attempts over the years for people seeking notoriety or commercial gain, Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu said in a statement. Pranks of this nature deplete the resources of our valuable public safety personnel, in both responding to the prank and in responding to the increased crowds and copycat attempts that these incidents generate. Last week, an LAPD spokeswoman had said investigators were talking to a person in connection with New Years Day prank. Officer Liliana Preciado said detectives would not arrest the prankster on suspicion of trespassing, but instead would present their findings to prosecutors. Days after the sign alteration, Fernandez, who calls himself Jesus Hands, told Vice that he and his creative partner/former wife, Sarah Fern, were responsible for the prank. Fern and Fernandez said they were aware they could face consequences for revealing their identities. But Fern told Vice, Were OK with that. Fern told Vice that she and Fernandez mapped it out together and double-checked measurements and everything. Fernandez told the online magazine he used a rope to swing around the letters and used clamps to clip sheets of fabric and photographs to them. The entire act took about two hours, he told the magazine. The prank, they said, was an homage to Daniel Finegood, a Cal State Northridge student who pulled off the same act on New Years Day in 1976. Finegood scaled Mt. Lee with $50 worth of curtains and changed the sign to coincide with the first day that California classified possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana as a misdemeanor, rather than a felony. He first conceptualized the prank in October, and asked his friends on Facebook whether anyone was interested in participating. At the time, he didnt know about Finegoods prank. The couple said they also drew inspiration from the divisive election, saying they hoped the piece brought conversation and positivity. After altering the sign, Fernandez told The Times that he went home and fell asleep. Fern woke him up later that morning and told him that the prank had gone viral. In my opinion, it brought joy and happiness, Fernandez said. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO L.A. needs to borrow millions to cover legal payouts, city report says Wife of a U.S. marshal accused of framing his ex-girlfriend in Craigslist rape fantasy plot Storm brings widespread flooding across Northern California; more rain on the way UPDATES: 9:20 a.m. Jan. 10: This article was updated with comments from Fernandez. 3:30 p.m. Jan. 9: This article was updated with details about Fernandez being released from custody two hours later. This article was originally published at 3:15 p.m. Jan. 9. A proposal that would give civilians a greater role in the discipline of Los Angeles police officers accused of serious misconduct could also lead to more leniency for officers facing termination or lengthy suspensions. A new analysis prepared for the City Council showed that civilian members of the boards that weigh major LAPD discipline cases are consistently more lenient than their sworn counterparts, frequently voting to acquit officers or dole out lesser punishments. The findings come as Mayor Eric Garcetti and key council members are pushing a ballot measure that, if approved by voters in May, would allow an LAPD officer facing discipline to have the case heard by an all-civilian panel. Under the current system, the boards are made up of two high-ranking officers and only one civilian. Advertisement The move would mark perhaps the most significant change to the LAPDs often-criticized disciplinary system in decades one that has long been sought by the union representing rank-and-file officers. Some community activists said the reports findings raise questions about whether allowing more civilians to hear LAPD disciplinary cases would improve accountability. Karren Lane, vice president of policy for the South L.A.-based Community Coalition, said Garcetti and the council need to ask harder questions about the proposed ballot measure. Although Lane agrees that the LAPDs disciplinary system needs reform, she said the focus should be on greater transparency so that the public knows how disciplinary decisions are made. Under state law, police discipline matters including the LAPDs board of rights hearings are secret. We just highly question whether this is the unions attempt to take power away from Chief Beck and not so much about reforming the disciplinary process in a way thats more fair and transparent, Lane said. A representative of Councilman Herb Wesson, who unveiled plans for the ballot measure in November, said Monday that the analysis hadnt changed his mind. Garcetti said he also remains a supporter of the proposal, noting that the LAPD is already overseen by the Police Commission, a five-person panel made up exclusively of civilians. I trust juries. I trust everyday Angelenos and Americans to make big decisions. Theyre the cornerstone of our democracy, Garcetti said. So I think that [the measure] is a smart way to move forward. The proposal comes as Garcetti is seeking reelection to his second and final term. The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that has been pushing for the ballot measure, is a major player in municipal elections and spent more than $1.5 million to support Garcettis opponent in 2013. The City Council is expected to vote Wednesday on whether to draft the measure, which would change the composition of the disciplinary panels, known formally as boards of rights. Under the current system, Beck must send any officer he wants to fire to a board of rights hearing. If the panel determines the officer is guilty of the accusations, it then recommends whether to fire the officer or assign a lesser penalty, such as a suspension. The chief can either accept or reduce that punishment, but not increase its severity. The report released by the city last week showed that the board of rights panels rejected Becks requests to fire officers in the majority of 229 termination cases heard since 2011. A separate analysis from the LAPD showed that in 51% of cases, the panels either voted to acquit officers or handed down penalties less serious than termination, allowing the officers to keep their jobs. From 2011 through November 2016, in cases where the officers were found not guilty of misconduct, the civilian member always voted to acquit the officer, city analysts said. The LAPDs disciplinary system has generated complaints both inside and outside the department. The league, which represents about 9,800 LAPD officers, has taken particular aim at the board of rights panels, accusing the chief of having a corrupting influence on the boards in a lawsuit filed last year. Union officials contend that the existing disciplinary boards can be unfairly swayed by favoritism within the LAPD or by the chiefs influence over the two officers who sit on each panel. Craig Lally, the leagues president, said Monday that he believes civilian members have often voted in favor of officers because civilians look at the cases more objectively, without pressure from the police chief. Its about fairness, said Lally, a 35-year veteran of the LAPD. It doesnt matter who the chief is. This system has been broken since Ive been on the job. Beck has publicly questioned the unions motives. In a statement issued Monday, an LAPD spokesman said the report identifies several important concerns regarding the proposed change. Holding officers accountable for serious misconduct is essential to maintaining the publics trust and any changes to the system that may limit the chief and the citys ability to terminate a police officer who has violated the law or committed serious misconduct should be examined very closely, Josh Rubenstein said. Rob Saltzman, a former police commissioner who frequently raised concerns over officer discipline, said the leniency shown by civilians during the board of rights hearings has led him to conclude that the ballot measure is not a good way to go. It would make more sense, he said, to give the chief greater authority over discipline and have him held accountable for his decisions. Pete White, executive director of the Los Angeles Community Action Network, a group that has been calling for greater accountability in LAPD use-of-force cases, said he believes the ballot proposal is aimed squarely at Beck and would diminish his authority over disciplinary matters. White, whose group opposes the plan, said city leaders should pursue other changes to the LAPD disciplinary system, such as requiring greater transparency on how cases are decided. If this is about Chief Beck and this is about his leadership they should not cook up ballot measure schemes to reduce his power, he added. Instead, just get rid of him. kate.mather@latimes.com david.zahniser@latimes.com Follow us on Twitter: @katemather and @DavidZahniser ALSO Wife of a U.S. marshal accused of framing his ex-girlfriend in Craigslist rape fantasy plot L.A. needs to borrow millions to cover legal payouts, city report says Backpage shuts down adult section, citing government pressure and unlawful censorship campaign A man and woman were arrested Saturday after they triggered an 11-hour closure of Interstate 15 north of Baker by shooting at police officers, authorities said. Sean Winter, 34, of Nevada, and Samantha Ross-Blume, 22, of Minnesota, were taken into custody a day after they evaded capture Friday during a standoff with the California Highway Patrol on the freeway. The couple, along with a cache of six firearms, were found in an abandoned car on a ranch on Cima Road, near I-15, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Authorities said a caller had notified them that Winter and Ross-Blume had been seen trespassing on the property. Advertisement Officers from the California Highway Patrol and members of the Sheriffs Departments SWAT team surrounded the ranch and began searching the property. As deputies in the armored rescue vehicle approached what appeared to be an unoccupied vehicle, two subjects were observed sleeping in the vehicle, the Sheriffs Department said in a statement. Deputies made announcement over a loud speaker and woke up the pair. Deputies noticed Winter reaching for an object inside the vehicle, but dropped it when he saw the armored vehicle, authorities said. Winter and Ross-Blume surrendered and were turned over to the CHP. Police found six firearms in the vehicle, the Sheriffs Department said. Winter and Blume were suspected of leading CHP officers on a pursuit early Friday. The pursuit began at 2:18 a.m. when a CHP officer tried to stop a motorist driving at excessive speeds north of Baker, said Officer Adam Carmichall, CHP spokesman in Barstow. At least one shot, possibly from an AK-47, was fired at two CHP officers during the pursuit, authorities said. Shortly after the chase began, the drivers vehicle became disabled in the center divider of the highway near Halloran Summit Road, just south of Primm, Nev., he said. When the driver did not respond to officers commands, authorities closed the north and southbound lanes of the freeway. After a seven-hour standoff, officers finally approached the vehicle and discovered it was empty. The freeway remained closed for nearly four more hours as authorities searched the surrounding area for the suspects. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO L.A. needs to borrow millions to cover legal payouts, city report says Wife of a U.S. marshal accused of framing his ex-girlfriend in Craigslist rape fantasy plot Storm brings widespread flooding across Northern California; more rain on the way A former top prosecutor in the San Diego City Attorneys Office under Jan Goldsmith says her firing in late 2015 for mishandling scores of domestic violence cases was actually retaliation because she resisted Goldsmiths unethical practices. Marlea DellAnno filed a wrongful termination suit last week against the city and Goldsmith, who left office in December at the end of his second four-year term. In the complaint, she said Goldsmiths main focus was promoting his personal, political advancement, and that she lost her job because she would not compromise her integrity or ethics. In an interview Friday, Goldsmith stood behind terminating DellAnno, saying it was because of the bungled cases. Advertisement DellAnno was fired following an internal investigation into 98 criminal cases, most of them involving domestic violence, that had not been properly processed. The legal deadline to file charges had lapsed in 81 of those cases. Goldsmith later said charges would not have been filed in 62 of those cases, but 19 could have been prosecuted and charges should have been filed except the deadline had passed. A final group of 17 cases were still eligible for prosecution, and charges were filed in four cases. DellAnno and another deputy, Miriam Milstein, left the office in the wake of the investigation. Milstein was hired by the District Attorneys Office as a prosecutor in early 2016. The mishandled cases were not publicly known about until The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on them in April. In her lawsuit, DellAnno said the mishandled cases were a pretext used by Goldsmith to get rid of her. She contends she was pressured to remove negative evaluations of two lawyers in the office and refused to do so in October 2015. A few weeks later, the lawsuit said, she was removed as the assistant city attorney in charge of the criminal division and put in a new position overseeing homeless issues. The lawsuit said she was given an office with a Do Not Enter sign on the door. She also said she got on Goldsmiths bad side because she would not file charges against a mentally ill man who had spit on a police officer. She believed the case had no merit but said Goldsmith insisted charges be filed and said he would personally prosecute the case. Ultimately, no case was filed. DellAnno was an experienced and accomplished attorney who had received excellent performance evaluations after coming to work for the city in 2009. In an interview Monday, she said she wanted to clear her name after the reports of the mishandled cases. The most important thing is for me to get my reputation back, she said. She also said Goldsmiths version of events as told to the Union-Tribune were not true, but the story has prevented her from finding work. Goldsmith said last week that the investigation his office conducted concluded that DellAnno was told in February 2015 that cases had been mishandled, but she did not directly tell him about it. DellAnno says she told the offices human resources manager who she said regularly spoke with Goldsmith. Instead, he said, she took files home for five months. To me, that was unacceptable practice of law, Goldsmith said. He said there also was a split in the office among lawyers who supported DellAnno and others who did not. He said when the conflict could not be resolved, he decided to transfer her to a new position that would lead efforts to establish a community court in San Diego not overseeing homeless issues, as she described. She reacted negatively to that, Goldsmith said. That program allows some low-level defendants to have their cases dismissed after pleading guilty if they complete community service. Goldsmith, a Republican, called the accusation he was nurturing his political career nonsense, and that he had turned down a suggestion he run for Congress against Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego. DellAnnos lawyer, Dan Gilleon, said he is confident he will be able to show that the bungled cases cited by Goldsmith were not mishandled by DellAnno. Twitter: @gregmoran greg.moran@sduniontribune.com The El Cajon police officer who last year fatally shot Alfred Olango, an unarmed black man, was justified and will not face criminal charges, the District Attorneys Office announced Tuesday. The law recognizes police officers are often forced to make split-second decisions in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving, Dumanis said during a news conference at the downtown Hall of Justice. As prosecutors we have an ethical duty to follow the law and only charge individuals when we have proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The only reasonable conclusion was the officers actions were justified. The announcement by Dumanis elicited a swift condemnation from Olangos family, friends and supporters, who promised to continue to fight for justice and have the officers deadly use of force independently investigated. Advertisement War has been declared on humanity and the battle line has been drawn, Olangos father, Richard Olango Abuka, told reporters at a news conference at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Shelltown. The father, who immigrated to the U.S. from Uganda, said he was shocked that a police officer in America can kill a human being without being arrested. This is the time to talk for Alfred. This is the time to defend Alfred ... and even to cry for Alfred, Olango Abuka said. The Rev. Shane Harris, president of the San Diego branch of the National Action Network, a civil-rights group, said he will ask Gov. Jerry Brown to appoint a special prosecutor to the case. Dumanis announcement that the shooting was justified comes more than three months after Olango was shot during an altercation in the parking lot behind a taco shop in a strip mall, which thrust San Diego County into an ongoing national conversation about the relationship between police agencies and communities of color. Immediately after the shooting, protesters marched for days in the streets and near Broadway and Mollison Avenue where the shooting occurred. Most of the protests were peaceful, but authorities said there were incidents of violence breaking car windows and throwing rocks and bottles at police and sheriffs deputies and there were arrests. The District Attorneys Office on Tuesday also discussed at the news conference the fatal officer-involved shootings of four other men in San Diego County: David Moya, Sergio Weick, Juan Carlos Fernandez and Trenton Lohman. Those shootings were also ruled to be justified. Database: Fatal officer-involved shootings in San Diego County, 1980-2017 Police said the officers who confronted Olango at 2:10 p.m. on Sept. 27 believed he was armed with a weapon, which was later revealed to be an e-cigarette device. In her letter to El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis that discusses the findings, the district attorney said tests showed Olango, a 38-year-old Ugandan refugee, had cocaine and alcohol in his system at the time of his death. Olangos family has said publicly the married father of two had been struggling with the death of a close friend. Dumanis letter describes in detail what investigators and witnesses say happened the day of the shooting. Early in the morning, Olangos sister, Lucy, said Olango showed up at her apartment, appearing scared and confused, pacing and sweating. He told her to close the blinds to block out bright light, that people were after him and he was scared to go outside, she later told investigators. He said he hadnt slept in two days. Concerned, she finally called 911 at 12:57 p.m., saying her brother wasnt acting like himself and asked for help taking him to a mental facility. She told the dispatcher he didnt have any weapons. Officers did not immediately respond due to other serious incidents going on in the city, including a person possibly carrying a rifle, a man cutting bushes with a knife up and down a city street, and a fight at a school involving 20 students. District attorneys letter in Alfred Olango fatal shooting Olangos sister said he had left her apartment by then and, as she drove off for work, she noticed him walking in and out of traffic, nearly being struck by cars. She called 911 again at 1:44 p.m., then called a third time 17 minutes after that. Olangos erratic movements had prompted others in the area to call 911, as well. Officers Richard Gonsalves and Josh McDaniel were sent to the call at 2:03 p.m., with the dispatcher asking them to check the area of Broadway and Mollison for a person with a mental disorder. The dispatcher did not relay this sisters comment that Olango did not have a weapon. Gonsalves found Olango in the Los Panchos taco shop parking lot and noticed a bulge in his right pocket that looked like he had something else in there besides his hand, the officer told investigators. Gonsalves said he unsnapped his holster, kept his hand on his pistol and asked Olango to remove his hand from his pocket. Olango kept moving around the parking lot, to the left and right, and backed up against a white pickup. He responded, No, no, no, to the officers many commands. At one point, Gonsalves said he decided to unholster his weapon but held it low to his side. Meanwhile, Olangos sister was behind Gonsalves, yelling at her brother to remove his hand. She also told Gonsalves at the scene that her brother didnt have any weapons, according to one witness. McDaniel pulled up in his own patrol car to Olangos left and, seeing his partner already had a gun drawn, decided to pull out his Taser as an alternate use of force. Cellphone and security camera video released by authorities showed Olango suddenly pull a shiny object from his front pants pocket and aim it at Gonsalves in a two-handed shooting stance. Dumanis said the video showed Olango made a motion appearing to fire a gun, which included making a fake recoil action. She said the officer responded with a ducking motion to protect himself. Gonsalves fired his gun four times, fatally wounding Olango, while McDaniel shot the Taser. Dumanis said six witnesses to the shooting were interviewed, including a retired law enforcement officer who happened to be driving by. One witness told investigators she thought the object was a gun based on Olangos motions, adding she thought the shooting was valid: The cop had every right shoot or be killed. The District Attorneys Office investigated the incident, as it does all officer-involved shootings in the county. The office is tasked with determining whether the officer should be held criminally liable for his actions, and the review does not consider issues regarding department policies, training, tactics, discipline, less-lethal force options or whether there is a civil liability, Dumanis said. She said the manner in which Olango abruptly pulled out the object from his pocket rather than slowly complying with the officers demands was critical in determining whether the officers fear of being shot was reasonable under the circumstances. It appears Olangos actions in bringing up his hands in this manner, with the vaping device, was a purposeful, intentional act by Olango to place Gonsalves in fear that he was about to be shot, Dumanis concluded in her letter to the police chief. The Rev. Al Sharpton of the National Action Network, and others have called on the Justice Department to investigate the shooting. Olangos relatives have also filed wrongful-death claims with the city, which are precursors to lawsuits. Los Angeles attorney Brian Dunn, who represents Olangos wife and daughters, said they are disappointed in the district attorneys ruling. This is not in any way going to diminish our resolve to seek justice for the family through the civil justice system and the reforms that will work to ensure that this type of homicide does not occur in the future, Dunn said in an interview. He said the filing of a federal civil-rights lawsuit is imminent. San Diego attorney Dan Gilleon, who is representing an El Cajon officer in a sexual harassment lawsuit against Gonsalves, said Gonsalves escalated a situation that should have been de-escalated. Gilleon also represents Olangos sister. He provoked and terrified a man he knew was having a mental breakdown, Gilleon said. One police practices expert agreed with Dumanis conclusion in the Olango shooting. He noted Olangos failure to obey orders and that other witnesses said Gonsalves tried to calm Olango down at first. This was about as justified a shooting as there could be, said Ed Obayashi, a Plumas County sheriffs deputy and lawyer who serves as a legal adviser to several law enforcement agencies in the state and is recognized as a use-of-force expert by the federal government. Any other officer in the same position would have done the same thing. He said a troubled Olango may have wanted a suicide by cop. I think whatever demons were in him, he just wanted to end it, he said. Four law officer shootings around San Diego County justified Olango had encounters with law enforcement years before the fatal shooting. Because of drug and firearm convictions, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had twice tried to deport him. El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said Tuesday that while he hadnt yet read the report, he was briefed on it. My first reaction is (the report) was clear and it stands on its own, he said. Police Chief Davis said at a City Council meeting Tuesday that he could not comment on Dumanis findings or Gonsalves employment status because of pending litigation. The officer has been on paid administrative leave. The local National Action Network chapter plans to lead a march in downtown San Diego on Monday, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, to commemorate the civil-rights leader and speak out on community issues, including police reform. The march will start at 2 p.m. at Park Boulevard and B Street and end at City Hall. Staff writers Greg Moran and Karen Pearlman contributed to this report. Previously: Man shot, killed by El Cajon police officer Protesters take over El Cajon streets, gather at site of fatal police shooting Emotional crowd says Olango killed for being black, mentally ill Family demands release of Olango shooting video El Cajon protests continue after release of police shooting video Olango family files new claim in police shooting Olangos father calls for DOJ probe of police shooting Alfred Olango: A difficult lifes tragic end in El Cajon El Cajon Shooting On Now Dumanis rules El Cajon police shooting of Alfred Olango justified 2:09 On Now Justice for Alfred Olango 1:33 On Now Video: Protests in the weeks following Olango shooting 1:43 On Now El Cajon City Council Meeting 10.11.2016 1:49 On Now Protest still present after El Cajon Shooting 2:49 On Now Video: Faith leaders, demonstrators rally in El Cajon 3:32 On Now Video: Rally after El Cajon shooting 1:45 On Now Video: Prayer vigil draws crowd in El Cajon 1:12 On Now RAW: Full video of Alfred Olango officer involved shooting 1:46 On Now Angry crowd grows after man is shot by police in El Cajon 1:15 dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @danalittlefield UPDATES: 8:25 p.m.: This article was updated with reaction from Alfred Olangos father and others. 2:44 p.m.: This article was updated with the district attorneys findings. This article was originally published at 12:35 p.m. A woman who had her hair cut last year at a North Park barbershop then pulled a gun on the barber was sentenced Monday to nine years in prison. Adrian Blanche Swain, 30, pleaded guilty to assault with a firearm and a gun-use allegation in the Feb. 10 incident. She had faced an attempted murder charge. Taking into account the defendants history of mental illness and lack of a criminal record, San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Groch sentenced Swain to the nine-year prison term. Advertisement The prosecutor had asked for a 13-year sentence, the maximum allowed under the plea agreement. The defense argued for a three- or six-year prison term. According to testimony at a preliminary hearing last year, Swain walked into the 619 Barber Shop on 30th Street near University and asked for a cut, saying she wanted it short because it had been damaged. The barber, Lennin Luna Lopez, testified he tried to make small talk while he cut the womans hair. He said she didnt talk much but responded to some of his questions. At times she mumbled under her breath, seemingly talking to herself. When the job was finished, Swain paid the barber and left the shop. Later that day, she returned and pulled a gun from her purse, pointed it at the barber and said, Look what you did to me. She pulled the trigger three times but nothing happened. The .22-caliber semiautomatic handgun was loaded, but there was no round in the chamber so it was not ready to fire, Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey said. Swains lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Lindsey McGregor, said Monday that the defendant had a long history of mental illness and neglect. The attorney noted that Swain had been born addicted to crack cocaine, had been in and out of foster care and had run away from caretakers since she was 5. McGregor said her client did not have consistent help for her mental issues throughout much of her life. However, the attorney said, Swain can do really well when she is properly medicated and can hold down a job. She was acting on delusion that day, McGregor said. dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @danalittlefield One San Diego firefighter was paid $210,500 in overtime alone in 2014, according to newly released figures about local government payrolls. Thats more than the annual salary of the FBI director, at $178,700, and the U.S. Attorney General, at $199,000. Kyle Kutzke, 34, whos listed as a firefighter 2 for San Diego, was paid that amount on top of $26,700 in base pay, according to data the city comptroller submitted to the open government group Transparent California and the State Controllers Office. Fire officials now say Kutzkes pay was slightly different $176,000 in overtime on top of $63,600 in base pay. Either way, the big numbers point up a phenomenon that has been a city management issue and part of the culture for firefighters for decades. "It's a little extra bonus for the guys," a retired firefighter told the Los Angeles Times in 1996, when $100,000 in overtime in a year was considered a lot. "It gets them a new boat on the river and a new truck every year." The expense has typically been justified by budget managers who say its cheaper than hiring more firefighters. But San Diegos city auditor, Eduardo Luna, calculated in 2014 that its no longer less expensive to pay overtime, because of certain benefit reductions for firefighters. With dangers like weary firefighters, he argued, balance needs to come to overtime shifts. City officials promised to implement three of his recommendations by March 2015, and not one has happened. There has been some resistance. As someone whos ridden on a fire engine here in the city of San Diego for nearly 28 years, it often concerns me when I have city auditors dictating how we should be fighting fires and saving lives, said Alan Arrollado, president of San Diego Fire Fighters Local 145. Kutzke did not respond to repeated calls, emails and fire station visits from U-T Watchdog. Arrollado said that Kutzke is a hardworking employee who brings valuable skills to the department. Hes bilingual, has received multiple degrees with high honors, including a master's in business administration, and is trained as a technical rescue expert and hazardous materials incident responder. The Watchdog reviewed local government compensation data for 2014 for all kinds of employees, and firefighters stood out when it came to overtime, locally and statewide. In San Diego County, the top 22 overtime recipients were all San Diego city firefighters. Twenty-one of them made more than six figures for the extra work. No. 23 was Brendan Barahura, a fire captain in Chula Vista, with $97,400 in overtime. Statewide, firefighters also dominated the top overtime rankings, with several of them making more than Kutzke. Los Angeles firefighter III Donn Thompson received the most overtime, $286,500 in 2014. Thompson has been a longtime worker of extra hours, featured in that Los Angeles Times story in 1996 and a Los Angeles Daily News story in 2009 about firefighter OT. The first thing [people] think of is firefighters sitting around at the station, but theyre not just handing out free money over here, Thompson said. Im working hard. Thompson, who has been a firefighter for about 34 years, said working the extra hours consumes the majority of his spare time. Ive never spent that much time at home, he said. I basically lived at the fire station. In the 2014 overtime data, Thompson is followed by Corona fire captain Roger Williams with $232,900 and L.A. Fire Captain I Charles Ferrari with nearly $230,000. Kutzke ranks seventh on the states overtime list and is the only San Diego employee at the top until Edward Cormode, a firefighter III at No. 36, who made $163,400 on top of his base salary. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Lee Swanson said firefighters are typically scheduled to work 2,900 hours each year, or about 121, 24-hour shifts. With a department-wide need for overtime because of staffing issues, they averaged some 3,200 hours in 2014 with overtime. The most recent union contract says employees who volunteer for overtime are paid at a normal rate unless theyve worked more than 212 hours in a 28-day period. After reaching this limit, they receive overtime at 1.5 times their base pay. If there are no volunteers, a shift becomes mandatory and firefighters are paid overtime regardless of hours worked. Kyle Kutzke Peggy Peattie (Peggy Peattie) Swanson said Kutzkes pay covered more than 3,870 overtime hours, equivalent to about 161 extra shifts, on top of his normal schedule in 2014. About 98 percent of the work was voluntary. That equates to a work year of 282 days and nights of work (firefighters sleep at the fire station when on duty) and 83 days off. A white-collar worker with two weeks vacation typically puts in 250 8-hour work days, with 115 days off. According to Swanson, theres no limit to how much overtime San Diego firefighters can accrue. While [Kutzkes overtime] was an extraordinary amount of hours worked, it is every supervisors responsibility to assess their employees fitness for duty throughout the shift, Swanson said. A previous policy, eliminated in July 2008, limited firefighters to working 96 consecutive hours and provided for a 24-hour period of rest before an employee could work again. Swanson said Fire-Rescue management hopes to reinstate the rule during contract negotiations with Local 145. Because were so shorthanded right now, and have been since the recession, effectively everybody is being paid time and a half for their shifts, said Arrollado, from the union. There are about 800 uniformed firefighters on staff in San Diego, covering 47 stations, according to the departments website. Arrollado said in 2014, Local 145 was down about 100 bodies at one point. A 2014 staffing analysis found that in 2013 approximately 80 full-time positions were vacant throughout the year. The primary factor driving firefighter overtime is "constant staffing," a contract provision that requires fire stations to be staffed around the clock for fires, medical calls or other emergencies. This means firefighters must work overtime to fill vacant positions or when co-workers are sick, injured and on vacation. In 2014, overtime costs for San Diegos fire department reached $34.9 million, which comes to about $4,000 every hour of every day, according to state controller data. Over the past three years, overtime has accounted for between 25 and 31 percent of the departments budget. Arrollado said he understands how overtime reports are a source of frustration, but its hard for the public to grasp how different a firefighters workday is compared to a normal 9-to-5 job. A firefighters workday is three times as long as a normal persons workday, he said. When we start throwing out numbers about the volume of hours that somebody works, we start equating those to other jobs, and you cant draw that equivalency. A May 2008 independent budget analysis in San Diego found that heavy reliance on overtime was saving the city millions of dollars. In 2013, District 7 City Councilman Scott Sherman requested an audit of the department, saying it had regularly gone over its substantial annual overtime budget. The use of such a large amount of overtime raises concerns about fatigue, morale and other issues, Sherman said in his official request to City Auditor Eduardo Luna. In addition, there has been abuse of overtime, vacation hours, and sick leave at other agencies throughout the country. Lunas August 2014 report found that its no longer cheaper for the department to pay overtime instead of hiring new employees because of pension cutbacks approved by voters in 2012. Other than costs for training during an employees first year, the report said, the two approaches are now about the same price. The report also found that 41 percent of San Diego fire employees had accrued more leave time than the limit outlined in labor agreements. Luna recommended that San Diego cap the annual leave, integrate a more reliable timekeeping system and analyze the impact of pension changes to determine how many new employees the department can hire while still being cost-efficient. Fire-Rescue officials agreed to adopt all of the recommendations by no later than March 2015, but a follow-up report this past June found that none of the recommendations had been implemented. Former Fire Chief Javier Mainar told City Council members in September 2014 that many of the recommendations were redundant or unrealistic. For example, Mainar said the department already reviews its staff and conducts an analysis of efficiency each month. The department is working to train and hire more staff but progress is slow, Arrollado said. It takes about two years for firefighters to successfully complete the necessary training and the city is losing many of its top graduates to surrounding cities that offer more competitive salaries and benefits. Were all competing for the same firefighters, Arrollado said. If youre a highly qualified and well skilled candidate, you can basically pick which fire department you want to work for and, unfortunately, many of them are not picking the San Diego Fire Department. North Park civic leaders are knocking on doors of commercial property owners to promote a local tax increase to pay for stepped up maintenance in the community known for all things indie and ironic. If approved, the North Park Property and Business Improvement District would generate $314,537 annually for five years with taxes from 493 parcels. Advertisement The new property taxes generated would pay for maintenance that goes above and beyond over what the city already provides including additional garbage pick-up for public trash bins, sidewalk cleaning and debris removal in alleys and gutters. The tax would also pay for some homeless outreach efforts, said Angela Landsberg, executive director of the nonprofit North Park Main Street organization. Similar taxes have stirred controversy. Critics have argued that taxpayers are being forced to pick up the citys slack. Commercial property owners in La Jolla recently filed a lawsuit against the city over a taxing authority designed to spruce up streets and sidewalks in the coastal community. The San Diego school board will vote on Tuesday jan10 whether or not to sign a petition supporting the measure. The board adopted a resolution to support the assessment in concept about three years ago, pending further study. The San Diego Unified School Districts Jefferson Elementary School is located in North Park. Principal Francisco Morga cq has urged the board to support the tax to help make the neighborhood safer and cleaner for students and families. Starting next year 2018, San Diego Unified would be on the hook for about $7,860 annually (or nearly $40,000 over five years) under the new assessment if it is approved. If property owners who will pay more than 50 percent of the taxes sign the petition, the City Council would decide whether to allow a formal ballot for North Park commercial property owners. Landsberg hopes to have the petitions to the city this month jan. Five years ago, Forbes named North Park one of Americas Hippest Hipster Neighborhoods. maureen.magee@sduniontribune.com Twitter:@MaureenMagee Southwestern College is being sued by a former administrator who alleges she was forced her out of her job amid a controversy over race that spread across the campus two years ago. According to a lawsuit filed in December in San Diego Superior Court, Donna Arnold-Dudley was placed on an indefinite, non-disciplinary leave of absence on April 23, 2015, allegedly after a suspicion arose that she was behind a threatening letter sent anonymously to the president of Southwesterns classified employees union. Arnold-Dudley had served as dean of the School of Arts and Communications for more than 30 years when she was placed on leave. Advertisement Court documents allege trouble started in late 2014 when Arnold-Dudley testified in support of a black employee who was suing the college for racial discrimination, gender discrimination and retaliation. The college settled the case in April 2015. Several months earlier, Assemblywoman Shirley Weber called on college officials to investigate complaints of unfair and discriminatory employment practices made to her by a group of black and Latino custodians and a black computer systems technician who were represented by the classified employees union. Andre Harris, the union president, received the mailed threat at his home after the colleges student newspaper published a letter he wrote expressing his belief that there was no racial discrimination at Southwestern. The lawsuit alleges Arnold-Dudley was removed from her position after Sylvia Lugo, the unions vice president and an employee supervised by Arnold-Dudley, overheard the former dean and another African-American instructor discussing Harriss letter to the editor. Lugo made a complaint to the human resources department on April 20, 2015. Arnold-Dudley was sent to the human resources director the next day and was told Lugo would no longer report to her. That night, she discovered that she had been locked out of her office email account and her work computer had been confiscated. She was placed on leave two days later after being told several employees complained about her and the college was investigating. The lawsuit alleges Lugo misconstrued what was said and told Harris about the conversation, which led to Arnold-Dudley being falsely accused of writing the threatening letter. Arnold-Dudley denied that claim. She stepped down June 30, 2015, without learning about the nature of the complaints against her or the outcome of the colleges investigation, according to the lawsuit. Arnold-Dudley contends she was discriminated against based on her race. Her suit claims Southwesterns similarly situated non-African-American deans and directors have also had employee complaints made against them, but none were ever placed on an involuntary leave of absence over the allegations, barred from email or had their office computer seized. At the time, according to the lawsuit, she was the only African-American dean employed by the college. She is also accusing the college of retaliating against her for the testimony she gave in support of the settled lawsuit, and that the alleged mistreatment forced her to quit the job she held for three decades. The complaint asks for damages that include lost wages and back pay, mental and emotional distress, attorneys fees and any other relief the court deems proper. District spokeswoman Lillian Leopold said Southwestern had not officially been served the lawsuit and could not comment on potential litigation. Follow me @HuardSDUT Environmental groups have launched protests in San Diego and around the country this week to call on U.S. senators to reject President-elect Donald Trumps nominees for several Cabinet positions. From New York to San Francisco, organizers with the climate change advocacy group 350.org timed the rallies with the start of Senate confirmation hearings. The organization and its allied green groups oppose the nominations of former ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of state, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for head of the Environmental Protection Agency, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry for energy secretary and Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Republican from Montana, for interior secretary. Advertisement These nominees have championed the fossil-fuel industry, cast doubt on scientists predictions of severe harm from extreme weather and criticized President Barack Obama and others for what they describe as overzealous climate regulation that hurts businesses. With a rush of new volunteers since Trumps election in November, the San Diego chapter of 350.org was able to rally about 200 people outside the downtown office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Monday night. Members of Greenpeace, the Sierra Club and the locally based Environmental Health Coalition also attended the event, which was dubbed #dayofdenial on social media. I think people are feeling like not only do we not have a lot of time [to deal with climate changes effects], but now we have somebody whos trying to push us backward, said Masada Disenhouse, co-founder of the local chapter of 350.org and the national groups North America organizing coordinator. She was referring to Trump, who has said global warming is a hoax and whose EPA nominee has led legal challenges to the Obama administrations programs aimed at reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. A lot more people are feeling like its their responsibility to take action, Disenhouse added. Ive been hearing that, not just from brand new people who have been coming in, but people who have been our [membership] list for a long time. SanDiego350.org has pledged to ramp up its public-awareness efforts this year with more protests and community outreach. Its next effort will be to join a womens rights march in downtown San Diego thats scheduled for Jan. 21, part of a coordinated day of similar rallies linked to a march in Washington, D.C., thats expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people. The Monday night event in downtown San Diego drew participants across the age spectrum a contrast with past rallies hosted by SanDiego350.org, which have featured mostly middle-age residents and retirees. During the past month, the group has seen its planning meetings swell with dozens of new and younger volunteers, Disenhouse said. Katherine Owen, 20, who attended with her mother, said the event was her first protest. Im very worried about what Trump is doing and the people hes putting in his administration. I feel personally that its my future thats going to be impacted. Its time to take a stand, she said. The rally also received support from recently elected San Diego Councilwoman Georgette Gomez, a former community organizer with the Environmental Health Coalition. We need to ensure that our representatives at the federal level hear us that we say no to these appointments, Gomez told the crowd at the rally. I know were doing it locally, and I know that were doing it at the state level, but weve got to take it beyond. And we will only be able to do that if we start organizing. Twitter: @jemersmith Phone: (619) 293-2234 Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com Esteban Santiago, handcuffed, shackled and wearing a red, maximum-security jumpsuit, spoke in a monotone Monday as he answered questions from a judge during a court hearing that lasted about 30 minutes. Santiago, 26, is accused of killing five people and wounding six others at Fort Lauderdales airport. He was flanked by eight to nine deputy U.S. marshals as he answered questions from U.S. Magistrate Alicia Valle. The maximum penalty, if you were to be convicted, is death it is a capital offense, Valle told him. Advertisement Santiago, who stared down at the defense table for much of the hearing, said he understood the seriousness of the charges he is facing. In court, Santiago did not say anything about his alleged motive or why he came to South Florida. He also said nothing, in court, about his mental health or psychiatric diagnosis. But Santiago told authorities, after his arrest, that doctors told him he may have schizophrenia, sources told the Sun Sentinel. He said he was told that in November during a mental health evalution he underwent after he sought help from the FBI office in Anchorage, Alaska, the sources said. People with schizophrenia may lose touch with some aspects of reality, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Other possible symptoms include hallucinations, delusions and unusual or dysfunctional ways of thinking. Agents said he reported that he was having terroristic thoughts, believed the government was controlling his mind and pushing him to watch Islamic State group propaganda videos. In answering a series of questions from the judge in court, Santiago, with visible tattoos on both arms and wearing flip-flops with no socks, said he has no assets and only about five or 10 dollars in his bank account. Santiago told the judge that he has not worked since November when he left his job as a security guard in Anchorage, Alaska, a position that earned him about $2,100 dollars monthly during the last three years. Prior to that, Santiago said he was in the Army um, around 10 years, earning about $15,000 per year by the end of his stint. During the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ricardo Del Toro said prosecutors wanted Santiago detained without bond while the case is pending. A bond hearing was scheduled for Jan. 17 and an arraignment, during which Santiago will formally plead to the charges against him, is set for Jan. 23. Assistant Federal Public Defender Robert Berube was appointed to represent Santiago. The two spoke briefly during the hearing, whispering as they huddled next to each other. Berube said he had just met his client in court for the first time. There is a time and place to make a comment, this is not it, he told the Sun Sentinel. Enhanced security was apparent at the courthouse as Santiago was brought there Monday morning from Browards main jail: There were metal barricades at the entrances, armed federal agents and explosives-detecting dogs. Santiago, 26, is facing federal charges involving murder, firearms and airport violence. Formal charges have not yet been filed against Santiago. Airport security video shows Santiago pulling a semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and shooting at people in the baggage carousel area in Terminal 2. Santiago confessed shortly after the Friday afternoon shooting, according to the FBI and Broward Sheriffs Office. He told investigators that he planned the attack and bought a one-way ticket to Fort Lauderdale to carry it out, according to court records. His motive and reason for traveling 5,000 miles from Anchorage, Alaska, to Fort Lauderdale before opening fire remain unclear, said George Piro, the agent in charge of the FBI in South Florida. After the hearing, Santiago was quickly returned to the Broward Main Jail, where he is beind held on federal allegations he fatally shot people, as well as firearm and airport violence charges. The charges represent the gravity of the situation and reflect the commitment of federal, state and local law enforcement personnel to continually protect the community and prosecute those who target our residents and visitors, U.S Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said. Santiago, a former National Guard soldier who was born in New Jersey, grew up in Puerto Rico and most recently lived in Anchorage, has a history of mental health problems since he returned from serving in Iraq, his family and federal officials said. Agents said he legally checked a 9mm Walther semi-automatic and two magazines of ammunition in his baggage on a Delta Airlines flight from Alaska via Minnesota. After picking up his bag from the baggage carousel, he told investigators he unpacked the gun, loaded it inside a stall in the mens restroom, and shot the first people he saw after he walked out of the restroom. Santiago was briefly hospitalized in November after he walked into the FBI office in Anchorage and asked for help, authorities said. He told agents the U.S. government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch Islamic State propaganda videos, investigators said. Authorities initially said he had left his 2-month-old baby son and a gun in his vehicle outside the office and brought in a magazine that contained ammunition. They later clarified that the infant was safely in the care of the FBI. The infants mother was called to take custody of the baby and local police seized his gun and took him to a local psychiatric hospital for treatment, they said. Santiagos gun was returned to him on Dec. 8, less than one month before the bloodshed in Fort Lauderdale, investigators said. Santiago was discharged from the National Guard last year after being demoted for unsatisfactory performance. Family members said he was hearing voices and was severely affected by seeing a bomb explode near two of his friends when he served in Iraq. pmcmahon@sunsentinel.com, 954-356-4533 or Twitter @SentinelPaula San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer will give his annual State of the City address at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. The speech is being streamed live on CityTV and the citys website, sandiego.gov. It will be the third State of the City speech for Faulconer, who was elected mayor in March 2014 and re-elected last June. Advertisement Mayor Kevin Faulconer talks about the Chargers in his State of the City address. Last year, Faulconers speech focused on expanding and upgrading San Diegos parks system, getting homeless veterans off the streets and rebuilding the citys middle class. Faulconers staff said the mayor plans this year to discuss housing affordability and homelessness, among other things. A reception at the U.S. Grant Hotel will immediately follow the speech, which is expected to last about one hour. The Balboa Theatre is at 868 Fourth Avenue off Horton Plaza Park. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick A man and a woman were seriously hurt after being struck by a car near Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley Monday, police said The driver had just pulled out of a driveway and was headed north on Rancho Mission Road about 5:20 p.m. when the Nissan Maxima hit the pedestrians. The two were crossing mid-block just south of San Diego Mission Road, police said. Advertisement The 56-year-old woman suffered a 7-inch cut to her scalp, a dislocated collarbone and fractures to her ribs, police said. The 63-year-old man suffered a fractured and dislocated left shoulder, and cuts to his elbow, stomach and feet. The driver, a 31-year-old man, was not hurt. Rancho Mission Road was shut down while police investigated the collision. Breaking News Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez Dont be surprised if you open your front door and find a dollhouse on the stoop. A San Diego TV station that was trying to tell viewers how to avoid such surprises did the opposite last week while reporting on Amazon Echo, the popular voice-activated, Internet-connected digital assistant. A 6-year-old girl in Dallas recently told Echos Alexa operating system that she wanted a dollhouse and cookies. Both were delivered to her door, and $160 was charged to her familys Amazon Prime account. Advertisement The story went viral and caught the attention of people like Jim Patton, an anchor at CW6 in San Diego. During a segment Friday, he said on the air: I love this little girl saying, Alexa ordered me a dollhouse. His remarks were broadcast into peoples homes, causing Amazon Echoes across San Diego County to activate. We had people call the (news) desk, reach out through our website and Facebook page, said Jon Brady, news director at CW6. As far as I know, no one actually had anything delivered. The two incidents highlight the unexpected consequences of a powerful new technology thats still evolving. Ordering a dollhouse may be the least of our worries, said Stephen Cobb, a senior researcher in the San Diego office of the security company ESET. People need to know that when they bring this technology into their home, theyre getting something that listens. What does it listen for? And where does it send what it hears? People need to ask themselves that. Cobb learned just how sensitive the system is when he bought an Amazon Echo for his home over the weekend. My wife said, I dont want that in the living room, so I put it in the back bedroom, Cobb said. Later, we were sitting in the living room and it heard us talking. Its got a very sensitive microphone, and its capacity to interpret what you say is very impressive. Amazon introduced Echo in June 2015 as a way to quickly and conveniently cater to the needs of its customers, especially in their homes. The voice-controlled device can do everything from give people weather and traffic updates to play music, stream podcasts, answer questions and interact with other devices. Consumers also can use the Echos Alexa operating system to order products from Amazon, a service that helped make the device among the companys best-selling devices last year. Google jumped into the market in November, introducing a similar digital assistant known as Home. The Echo does have various security features. Whether Amazon is doing enough to proactively educate customers about those privacy and anti-hacking settings remains to be seen. On Monday, it responded to news media questions about the unintended-purchases issue by emphasizing that Echo users need to verify a pending purchase by giving the Alexa system a yes response. If consumers want to cancel a mistaken order, they would say no. People also can turn off the feature that allows voice-activated purchases through Alexa or choose a setting that requires a code on top of a general verbal command before Alexa initiates an order. The weakness is that Alexa cant distinguish who is talking whether its an adult or a youngster, for example. So the system had no idea it was communicating with a child when the girl in Dallas ordered the dollhouse and cookies. Alexa also finds it hard to distinguish between a direct command and the sort of remark made by Patton at CW6. I dont think that Amazon really thought through what would happen if people reported something like that on television, Cobb said. Software engineers are expected to eliminate such flaws. There will likely be new developments to support voice authentication, by voice print or some type of voice password, said Chris Simpson, director of National Universitys Center for Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. For example, a voice registration system may be implemented into these devices, similar to what banks use for clients to initiate large money transfers, he added. Gary Davis is optimistic about whats likely to happen next. Im a huge advocate for leveraging technologies to deliver levels of automation and convenience that we only dreamed about 10 years ago, said Davis, chief consumer security evangelist at the Palo Alto-based Intel Security. My wish for these companies is that they contemplate how to deliver those capabilities as securely as possible. For example, putting controls in place such as using a voice recognition biometric or another form of strong authentication to validate a purchase would make a lot of sense. I understand that this may take away from the ultimate convenience, but it would go a long way toward giving consumers a better sense of control. Cybersecurity Playlist On Now Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) slams Equifax On Now LA 90: Yahoo data breach worse than originally reported On Now Lifelock offers to protect you from the Equifax breach by selling you services provided by Equifax 1:02 On Now California beer maker thrives in Germany On Now Cyberattacks on Hollywood On Now Hackers gain access to OneLogin On Now What is WannaCry? On Now Senate overturns privacy rules for Internet providers On Now Online pirates claim to hold Disney's latest 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie hostage, demand ransom On Now Yahoo warns users of malicious activity gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com A community college in the San Fernando Valley has become one of the latest institutions to pay ransom to hackers who took control of its computer system. Los Angeles Valley College in Valley Glen said it paid $28,000 in bitcoins to the hackers, who had used malicious software to commandeer a variety of systems, including key computers and emails. It was the assessment of our outside cybersecurity experts that making a payment would offer an extremely high probability of restoring access to the affected systems, while failure to pay would virtually guarantee that data would be lost, the college said in a statement last week. Advertisement The college was hit by so-called ransomware, which encrypts computer files. The hackers then send the victims a message offering to undo the damage if a ransom is paid. The FBI estimates that victims worldwide paid $1 billion in ransom during 2016, and that the figure could double for this year Victims range from individual consumers to school districts to businesses such as the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, which paid a $17,000 ransom last year. The key phrase in the L.A. Valley ransomware story is that they had no other choice but to pay since they lacked a back-up (system). Ransomware is not an act of God, said Jonathan Sander, vice president at the Los Angeles-based company Lieberman Software. In most cases, it can be prevented by being careful with email and phishing attacks or remediated by having good back-ups. You have to pay ransomware attackers when you have no way to get back the data they lock up, he added. Of course, to maintain good back-ups, an organization needs good I.T. staff and equipment. Neither is free. Schools, especially big-city schools, dont tend to have the money for that. And when they get stuck with big ransomware payouts, then they have even less money for their mission. The Big Picture: Soaring number of computers being hijacked for ransom Tips on fending off ransomware attacks Stop, Amazon! I dont really want to buy that pricey dollphouse Cybersecurity Playlist On Now Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) slams Equifax On Now LA 90: Yahoo data breach worse than originally reported On Now Lifelock offers to protect you from the Equifax breach by selling you services provided by Equifax 1:02 On Now California beer maker thrives in Germany On Now Cyberattacks on Hollywood On Now Hackers gain access to OneLogin On Now What is WannaCry? On Now Senate overturns privacy rules for Internet providers On Now Online pirates claim to hold Disney's latest 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie hostage, demand ransom On Now Yahoo warns users of malicious activity gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com No state has more productive farms than California, but only twice since the secretary of agriculture position was established in 1889 has a state resident held the job. The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board hopes former state lawmaker and ex-Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado joins this select club. Maldonado, who met with President-elect Donald Trump two weeks ago, owns Runway Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley and is the child and grandchild of farmers. Last week, he was endorsed for the job by eight California farm trade groups who think he can limit the labor problems they could face if Trump cracks down on immigration. Maldonados political career has gone nowhere since his brief stint as lieutenant governor in the final year of the Schwarzenegger administration. But he will long be remembered for his decision as a Republican state senator in 2009 to trade his vote to enact the state budget in return for the Democratic-controlled Legislatures agreement to put a 2010 ballot measure before voters that would allow the top two candidates in the primary to advance to the general election in local and state elections. Voters approval of Proposition 14 limited the old dynamic of general elections pitting arch-conservative Republicans against arch-liberal Democrats. The measure has brought a new generation of moderate Democrats to the Assembly and Senate, changing California politics for the better. Advertisement Whether Maldonado would bring that visionary approach to the Department of Agriculture is unclear, but at the least he would understand Californias needs better than the Midwesterners who have often served as secretary of agriculture. This is particularly important if Trump follows through on the promise he made in Fresno last May: If I win, believe me, were going to start opening up the water so that you can have your farmers survive, so that your job market will get better. This could mean profound changes in how the water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is apportioned between farmers and environmental uses. A Californian should be at the table when such an important decision is made. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: UTOpinion Jeff Sessions is Donald Trumps pick for U.S. Attorney General and while the name may not be an entirely familiar one to everyone, its one youll be hearing a lot more in the near future. Here are five things to know about the Alabama senator. 1. Becoming the next U.S. Attorney General Sen. Sessions (R-Alabama) was one of three people announced Friday for top positions in Trumps upcoming administration. If confirmed by a simple majority of the U.S. Senate, Sessions will be the first Republican to hold office since Michael Mukasey, who served in that capacity in the George W. H. Bush administrations final years. The Attorney General is considered the countrys top prosecutor handling high-level cases like terrorism, civil rights and environmental laws. Advertisement 2. Political career Sessions became a senator representing the state of Alabama in 1996 when he defeated his Democratic opponent Roger Bedford. As senator, according to CQ Roll Call, Sessions has had a 100 percent rating from the American Conservative Union and has previously spoken against programs he deems liberal-leaning, such as the Endangered Species Act and the National Endowment for the Arts. Sessions has taken a critical view of immigration reform, saying it will benefit everyone but actual American citizens, as reported by Vice. 3. Sessions years as U.S. attorney and Attorney General in Alabama Sessions began climbing the ranks as Alabamas top prosecutor in the 1970s when he served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. Years later in 1981, President Ronald Reagan chose Sessions to be the U.S. attorney for the states Southern District. Sessions held that post for 12 years until he became Attorney General for the state in 1994. 4. Blocked from becoming a federal judge in 1986 In 1986, President Reagan nominated Sessions for a U.S. District Court judge position in Alabama, but the U.S. Senate ultimately blocked his nomination. In Sessions testimony hearings, a black assistant U.S. attorney reportedly told senators that he was called a boy on several occasions by the nominee. Sessions rebuked the claims and told the Senate Judiciary Committee at the time: I am not a racist, I am not insensitive to blacks. I have supported civil rights activity in my state. I have done my job with integrity, equality, and fairness for all. 5. Sessions controversial remarks During his nomination testimony in 1986, Sessions accused civil rights groups such as the N.A.A.C.P. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as un-American and Communist-inspired, according to the Los Angeles Times. Sessions also reportedly said that the Ku Klux Klan was fine but jokingly dismissed them after finding out that they smoke marijuana. Sessions nomination on Friday came with strong remarks from supporters and critics. Sessions served as a close adviser during Trumps presidential campaign and on Twitter David Axelrod blasted the nomination as one that will send chills to advocates of civil and immigrant rights. Radio talk show host and Trump supporter Bill Mitchell had a different reaction to the news, writing, AWESOME IF TRUE! What do you think of Sessions as the next Attorney General? Share your thoughts. Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @RunGomez Union leaders speak Jan. 7 as protesters fill the Kentucky Capitol rotunda in protest of House Bill 1 in Frankfort, Ky. After taking over both houses of the Kentucky legislature as well as the governorship, Republicans rushed to pass the anti-union bill, making it illegal for workers to have to join a labor union or pay dues to keep a job. Many people fear there will be an assault on worker rights at the national level after Donald Trump is sworn in as president. PHOTO BY TIMOTHY D. EASLEY/ASSOCIATED PRESS New York City, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2017 -- The increase in data volume, need of storage, backup, archive and also the requirement data management create complexity in datacentres. These complexities are resolved through appropriate network architecture across the datacentres. The datacentre network architecture minimize the impact of disaster scenarios and it also provides tools for data recovery. Most of the enterprises consider the datacentre network architecture is an important element of organization strategy for regulatory compliance and protection and management of company and customer data. A sample of this report is available upon request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/12490 Emergence of software defined networking (SDN), network overlay technologies, network virtualization (NV), and efficient systems have been forcing many companies to move towards next generation datacentre networks. These emerging technologies will support software-defined data centre (SDDC) and also help to virtualize the network across all the datacentre It has been observed that most of the VMware customers are moving towards network virtualization to transform their datacentre from the client/server era to the mobile/cloud era. Adoption of new innovations like cloud computing technologies and virtualization makes the existing datacentres to upgrade and modernize which is a major driver for the datacentre network architecture. Also the increase in volume of data and server to server traffic there is a need for datacentre network architecture upgrade which fuels datacentre network architecture market growth. Enterprises whose primary challenge is to handle large complex data are moving towards automation and also to ensure better data security and visibility, they are more inclined towards advanced datacentre networking equipment for their new datacentre architecture which is a driver for the datacentre network architecture market. Datacentre network architecture market: Segmentation Datacentre network architecture market is segmented on the basis of components, vertical and regions. On the basis of components of datacentre network architecture the market is segmented into Switches, Routers, Storage Area Network, Security Equipment, WAN Optimization Elements and others On the basis of the vertical, the datacentre network architecture market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, Life sciences, automobile, IT & Telecom sector, public sector, BFSI and others. On basis of region Datacentre network architecture market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and The Middle East and Africa (MEA). Request to view Table of Content @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/12490 Presently North America dominates the datacentre network architecture market as large number of major big corporate headquarter in North America. However, as Asia-Pacific region is expected to be witness highest growth rate as many corporates are establishing large datacentres in china, Taiwan, India, Singapore. About Persistence Market Research Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge. Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement. Seattle, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2017 -- The report "Diagnostic Catheter Market by Type (Angiography, OCT, Ultrasound, Electrophysiology, Pressure and Hemodynamic Monitoring), Application Area (Cardiology, Urology, Neurology, Gastroenterology), End User (Hospitals, Imaging Centers) - Global Forecast to 2021", The global diagnostic catheters market is projected to reach USD 4.30 Billion by 2021 from USD 3.02 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of around 7.3% from 2016 to 2021. Browse 135 market data tables and 38 figures spread through 192 pages and in-depth TOC on "Diagnostic Catheter Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/diagnostic-catheter-market-114053400.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. The growth in this market can be mainly attributed to the increasing number of minimally invasive surgeries, rising geriatric population and increasing prevalence of chronic disorders like cardiovascular and kidney disorders, technological advancements in imaging catheters, and increasing number of imaging and diagnostic centers. In this report, the global diagnostic catheters market is segmented on the basis of type, application areas, and end user. On the basis of type, the market is segmented into imaging catheters and non-imaging catheters. The imaging catheters are further segmented into angiography catheters, ultrasound catheters, OCT imaging catheters, electrophysiology catheters, and other imaging catheters. Talk To Our Research Experts@ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=114053400 The non-imaging catheters are segmented into pressure & hemodynamic monitoring catheters, temperature monitoring catheters, and other non-imaging catheters. On the basis of application area, the diagnostic catheters market is segmented into five segments, namely, cardiology, gastroenterology, urology, neurology, and others. The diagnostic catheters market by end user is segmented into hospital and imaging & diagnostic centers. In 2015, the imaging catheters product segment accounted for the largest share of the diagnostic catheters market. This is primarily attributed to the increasing incidence and high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases across the globe due to growth in the aging population and adoption of sedentary lifestyles. Moreover, the development of advanced catheters and increasing regulatory approvals for these catheters is expected to fuel market growth during the forecast period. Inquire More About This Report@ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=114053400 In 2015, North America represented the largest regional market, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the RoW. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing market for diagnostic catheters, primarily due to the presence of a large patient population, increased patient awareness for minimally invasive surgeries, rapid rise in the prevalence of cardiovascular and kidney disorders, growth in per capita income, increasing investments in the healthcare industry by key market players, and the rising demand for technologically advanced imaging systems. Various government initiatives towards building better healthcare infrastructure in this region are also fostering the growth of the diagnostic imaging catheters market in the region. 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 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. Subscribe Reports from Healthcare Domain @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets 701 Pike Street Suite 2175, Seattle, WA 98101, United States Telephone No: 1-888-600-6441 Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/09/2017 -- The report titled Global Coffee Market: Trends & Opportunities (2016-2020) provides an in-depth analysis of the global coffee market with detailed analysis of market sizing and growth, market share and economic impact of the industry. The report also provides the production and consumption analysis of the market. The report provides detailed market analysis of the global retail coffee market by value and volume along with the segments of the market. The report provides detailed regional analysis of Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America Middle East & Africa and Australasia for the coffee market. Regional analysis includes market sizing by value along with the production and consumption analysis. It also provides the retail sales value of each region. The report also includes the country analysis of Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ethiopia and India. It provides the production and consumption analysis along with the export-import trends in each of the above mentioned countries. Get Sample Copy Of This Report: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/703135 Furthermore, the report assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the global retail coffee market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends. The competition in global coffee market is stiff and dominated by the big players like Nestle. Further, key players of the coffee market The J.M. Smucker Company, Mondelez International Inc. and Strauss Group Ltd. are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies. Regional Coverage Western Europe Eastern Europe North America Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Australasia Country Coverage Click Here To Purchase this Report: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis-details/global-coffee-market-trends-and-opportunities-2016-2020 Brazil Vietnam Indonesia Ethiopia India Company Coverage The J.M. Smucker Company Mondelez International Inc. Strauss Group Ltd. Executive Summary Global coffee market increased at a significant CAGR during the span of 5 years i.e. 2011-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 tremendously. The market can be segmented on the basis of end-users as retail coffee market and food services market, of which global retail coffee market displayed an increase, driving the global coffee market. The increasing consumption of coffee led by the westernization trend in India, China and Latin America drive the market in the positive direction. The growth drivers for the global coffee market are: rise in disposable income, rapid urbanization and increase in the population along with the emergence of caf culture and new consumer base. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as: aging of coffee trees, lack of government support, negative impact of climate change, price volatility and increase in production cost. About MarketResearchReports.biz MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries. To View The Latest Industry Press Releases: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/pressreleases Contact Tel: +1-518-621-2074 E-Mail: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Website: http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ Auckland, New Zealand -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2017 -- Boat owners in Auckland are jumping for joy thanks to the launch of a new dry stack storage facility. Enthusiasts can benefit from hassle-free boating at Mount Wellington Marine. All clients experience unlimited launches and retrievals of their boat seven days a week. That's a vast improvement on most other companies that have tight restrictions when it comes to removing the boats from storage. Best of all? The team works hard to keep prices as low as possible, so they remain competitive. When it comes to finding a suitable location to store, the people of Auckland have never had it better. Safety is often a top concern for owners when selecting the best facility to store their boats. The people behind Mount Wellington Marine understand those concerns. They put processes in place to ensure all property is kept secure. The ships are held in a monitored site and are lifted down from the racks by a specialist marine forklift driver. That means the likelihood of damage is almost non-existent. However, the company has full insurance cover for any mishaps that might take place. The length of contracts is also an issue for some boating enthusiasts when storing their vehicles. Again, Mount Wellington offer either six or twelve-month packages to their clients. So, nobody will have to make alternative arrangements without a considerable notice period. Also, the location benefits from a five-metre depth at low tide. So, there are no restrictions relating to when someone can launch their boat. One of the biggest advantages to using Mount Wellington is that clients can charge their batteries on site. That helps to save both time and effort, and it's convenient too. Owners can charge their batteries while the boat is on a work cradle. However, due to safety reasons, the company is unable to allow customers to charge their batteries in the racking system. Anyone who needs to perform maintenance work on their boat can do so without removing it from the storage yard. All minor works are permitted, and owners just need to follow the same procedure as they would when launching their boat. The only restrictions in place relate to painting, grinding or noxious works. People who would like to learn more about Mount Wellington Marine should visit their website or get in touch with the team today. The contact detailed required are listed at the bottom of this page. There is always someone on hand to answer questions and offer advice, so don't hesitate. Contact: Dan Udy Mount Wellington Marine Address: 5 Paisley Place, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand Phone: 64 09 534 834 Email: info@mwm.co.nz Website: http://www.mwm.co.nz/ Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2017 -- Lime is produced from limestone and is mainly used as a chemical additive. Lime comprises various compounds of calcium and is primarily alkaline in nature. Production of lime involves several processes such as crushing, pulverizing, heating, and hydrating. The process differs according to the desired product and application. The processing of raw limestone to form lime is called lime cycle. The production of lime in Australia was estimated to be 1,500 Kilo Tons in 2015, whereas the consumption was estimated to be 96% of the total production. The Australia lime market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 1.7% in terms of value over the forecast period (20162024). Request a Sample Copy of the Report @ http://www.mrrse.com/sample/2314 The demand from construction sector owing to rapid urbanization rate and investments in infrastructure developments undertaken in Australian east coast regions is expected to be a growth driver of Australia lime market. The growth of mining sector is also expected to increase the consumption rate of lime products for refining purposes. According to Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the year-on-year percentage change with respect to coal and iron ore production have been 5% and 17% respectively in the calendar year 2014-15. However, the low demand from end-use markets, due to Australia's economic slowdown is expected to hamper the growth of lime to a certain extent over the forecast period. Trends in the Australia lime market include cost-saving techniques employed by manufacturers to achieve improved operational efficiency and savings of high costs incurred in the production of lime. Vertical Integration has also been practised by the leading manufacturing for having value accretive assets. Inquiry on this report @ http://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/2314 On the basis of product type, the Australia lime market can be segmented into quicklime and slaked/hydrated lime. The slaked hydrated lime has a higher consumption share around 70% in the Australia lime market in 2015 and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. On the other hand, quicklime is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period, exhibiting a value CAGR of 2.0% over the same period. On the basis of application, the Australia lime market is segmented into mining and metallurgy, building materials, agriculture, water treatment and others. Mining and Metallurgy segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR over the forecast period, followed by agriculture and water treatment segments. Mining and Metallurgy segment is anticipated to account for a major market share in terms of value and retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to increasing adoption of lime in the refining of mineral ores of coal, ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as Iron, Gold, Aluminum and extraction in its pure form. On the basis of key regions, the Australia lime market has been segmented into New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Rest of Australia. New South Wales dominated the market with over 31.1% of the overall Australia lime market volume share in 2015. The market in Victoria accounted Read Complete Report with TOC @ http://www.mrrse.com/australia-lime-market Some of the key players identified in the Australia lime market are Adelaide Brighton Ltd., Boral Limited, Sibelco Australia, Omya Australia Pty. Ltd, Wagners and Lime Group Australia Key players in the Australia lime market are focusing on enhancing their product portfolio other than basic lime products. They are also importing quicklime from ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, China and other southeast nations. Manufacturers are focusing on capitalizing on economies of scale in these regions to increase production, profitability, and offer cost-effective products in order to target the cost-sensitive populace in the region. [BOGOTA] The Zika epidemic that spread throughout the American continent last year was accompanied by another outbreak, one of rumours and false news about the disease. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin and Tulane University in the United States analysed 200 posts (in English) on Facebook. They found that rumours and conspiracy theories were more popular than trustworthy information. Using the keywords Zika and virus, the scientists searched for videos and other relevant material published over the course of a month. Two independent doctors then selected the 200 most shared posts, and determined that 12 per cent of them were misinforming the public about the virus. The interesting thing about this work is that doctors are studying communication phenomena; this is a good symptom. Dominique Brossard, University of Wisconsin-Madison In an article published in the American Journal of Infection Control, the authors reported that while posts published by institutions such as the World Health Organization reached 43,000 page views, misleading pages that described Zika as a medical ploy or a hoax received 530,000. This kind of misinformation can be harmful because it strengthens existing narratives, obstructing efforts to stop the outbreak, concluded the research group. The interesting thing about this work is that doctors are studying communication phenomena; this is a good symptom, commented Dominique Brossard, professor of the Science Communication Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in an interview with SciDev.Net. However, Brossard sees a limitation. She believes that focusing in Facebooks public posts excludes the most important feature of the platform: the information that circulates privately between groups of friends. This could alter the results of the study, she added. Carlos Daguer, adviser in communication strategies for the Minister of Health of Colombia, believes this is unfair competition. Daguer designed the countrys plan to face misinformation around the Zika epidemic and false rumours about the vaccination against the human papillomavirus. He says that those in charge of communication in health institutions generally feel at a disadvantage because they need to be mindful of institutional reputation when designing messages for the public, while those who spread messages without scientific rigour use rhetoric without limitations. For him, the information released by institutions, which is technical and well designed, usually ends up being converted into a predictable narrative prone to being missunderstood. The authors of the paper have highlighted the value of platforms such as Facebook for disseminating information during public health crises. Today, around 64 per cent of adults in North America get informed through the social media site. This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Latin America and Caribbean desk NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is creating a road map for the two Voyager spacecrafts, Voyager 1 and 2, that will travel through unexplored territories and interstellar space beyond the solar system. Hubble will help create the interstellar map by measuring the material along the two spacecraft's future trajectories. "This is a great opportunity to compare data from in situ measurements of the space environment by the Voyager spacecraft and telescopic measurements by Hubble," said Seth Redfield, from Wesleyan University in the U.S. "The Voyagers are sampling tiny regions as they plow through space at roughly 38,000 miles per hour. But we have no idea if these small areas are rare or typical. The Hubble observations give us a broader view because the telescope is looking along a wider and longer path. So Hubble gives context to what each Voyager is passing through." According to a report by IndianExpress, astronomers can use the observations made by Hubble to characterize the environment through which the Voyager spacecraft will travel even after they run out of electrical power and are not able to send back new data, something that could happen in the next 10 years. A preliminary analysis of Hubble's observations shows a complex, rich interstellar ecology that contains numerous clouds of hydrogen along with other elements. Astronomers also hope that the observations made by Hubble will help in characterizing the physical properties of the local interstellar medium. Additionally, the data of Hubble and the two Voyagers combined have also provided new insights into how the Sun travels through interstellar space. Incidentally, the twin Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft were launched by NASA in 1977, and both have explored Jupiter and Saturn. Voyager 2 also explored Uranus and Neptune. Currently, Voyager 1 is traveling through interstellar space 13 billion miles away from Earth and Voyager 2 is 10.5 billion miles away from the planet. For the next decade, the Voyagers will be taking measurements of cosmic rays, magnetic fields and interstellar material along their path. NASA's Deep Space Network of telecommunications links enable the spacecraft to remain in contact with Earth. A spherical cloud spotted hovering over a Japanese city of Fujisawa last week has sparked conspiracy theories regarding a "Death Star" UFO observing human life, the puff acting as a shield from people's view. Experts were quick to respond to the claims. They noted that the sighting may just have been a portion of a larger cloud that got separated due to strong winds. Still, images snapped of the strange cloud already caused a frenzy online, as many had been curious of the floating puffball in the sky. UFO Sightings Daily creator Scott C. Waring described the cloud in his blog, writing that, "This sphere cloud was seen over Japan last week and it's holding together especially well." He noted that similar clouds are often made by "UFOs that want to hide" but come close to Earth so that they can scan and observe humans. He also explained that since the cloud was formed by a UFO, it can stay together for hours, which goes against the nature of natural clouds that change shape "second by second." Todd Lane, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Melbourne, begged to differ. He told Science Alert that the bizarre shaped cloud is likely to be some form of a cumulus fractus -- small, ragged cloud fragments that are found under ambient cloud bases. These things form or break off from a larger cloud and are formed by strong winds. The statement from Lane could also be backed by a photographer who was able to capture the puff in the sky. The photographer shared that the cloud actually started to lose its shape while he was taking pictures, and it faded as if it never even existed to begin with. Taking into account Scott Waring's statement regarding the cloud's longevity in the sky to hide UFOs, it would not have existed long enough for aliens to scan and observe human life on the ground. The Lucy asteroid mission to study the group of Trojan asteroids orbiting around planet Jupiter was sanctioned under NASA's Discovery Program earlier this month. The mission involves sending space probes to study the six asteroids belonging to the Trojan asteroids group to gather more information about the formation of Jupiter and the solar system. NASA selected professor Dan Britt from the University of Central Florida to lead the team, which is to explore all the oldest asteroids of the solar system. Professor Britt has made remarkable contributions in two previous NASA science missions, Orlando Sentinel reported. "It should be a lot of fun," Britt said. "This mission has six flybys of the asteroids because of its trajectory and it has relatively low risks. Given the information we will be able to collect, it is quite an attractive mission," he added. Lucy and Psyche were selected under NASA's Discovery Program to study asteroids and the formation of planets. Lucy is expected to be launched ahead of Psyche, and it seems the team responsible for it is already on the job. SpaceFlight Insider reported, Harold Levison, planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, will be the principal investigator of the mission. "This is a unique opportunity," Levison said. "Because the Trojans are remnants of the primordial material that formed the outer planets, they hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system. Lucy, like the human fossil for which it is named, will revolutionize the understanding of our origins," he further said. The Lucy asteroid mission has a total budget estimate of around $450 million, and the spacecraft to be employed in the mission will be built by Lockheed Martin. Guy Beutelschies, Director of Interplanetary Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, said that, "This is a thrilling mission as the Jupiter Trojan asteroids have never been studied up close." He further added, "The design of the spacecraft draws from the flight-proven OSIRIS-REx spacecraft currently on its way to a near-Earth asteroid. This heritage of spacecraft and mission operations brings known performance, reliability and cost to the mission." The mission will be launched under the aegis of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The initiative taken by the organization in rescaling the previously achieved success in NASA's Discovery Program is a welcome initiative, experts say. A recent report shows that the son of the President-elect Donald Trump, Eric Trump, helped raise around $16.3 million over the last decade for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This happens when the family will stop associating with a number of ventures to avoid the conflict of interest. New York Times reported that the president of the hospital's fundraising organization, Richard C. Shadyac Jr., said that "I am amazed by the many ways that you have personally embraced our cause for our children and families." Thus, Shadyac wrote that, "As you are aware, we are expanding our lifesaving work and are working to push cure rates even higher in this country and around the world, while improving the lives of survivors by developing and advancing treatments that reduce side effects. We are only able to do this because of the support provided by donors and supporters like you." He was referring to the work of St. Jude against pediatric cancer. Eric Trump,33, told the reporters earlier that his organization raised more than $15 million for the hospital. But tax records show that the Eric Trump Foundation raised less than half of the said amount. Later on, the letter from the hospital confirms Trump's account. However, the foundation might end there. The third child of the President-elect said last month that he will remove his name from the organization as part of the family's effort in addressing the potential conflicts before his dad's inauguration. Meanwhile, after Eric Trump said that he will stop raising funds to protect his name and his foundation, this week he told the Times through e-mail that he would "continue to be a vocal advocate for pediatric cancer and St. Jude's mission." In addition, The Hill reported that President-elect Donald Trump tweeted that, "My wonderful son, Eric, will no longer be allowed to raise money for children with cancer because of a possible conflict of interest with... my presidency. Isn't this a ridiculous shame? He loves these kids, has raised millions of dollars for them, and now must stop. Wrong answer!" Just in time for the release of the movie Hidden Figures, NASA announced its first African-American woman to board the International Space Station (ISS). Huffington Post reported that Astronaut Jeanette Epps will be the first female black American to join the ISS crew. This makes the 46-year-old aerospace engineer, who hails from Syracuse, New York, the 13th woman to board the space station. With a PhD in aerospace engineering, Jeanette Epps has served as a NASA astronaut since 2009 and was a former fellow of NASA Graduate Student Researchers Project. Also included in her extensive resume is a seven-year experience as a technical intelligence officer at the Central Intelligence Agency. Jeanette Epps will be joining astronaut Andrew Feustel as a flight engineer on Expedition 56 in May 2018. She will remain on board for Expedition 57 as well. "Each space station crew brings something different to the table, and Drew and Jeanette both have a lot to offer," said NASA's chief of the Astronaut Office Chris Cassidy from the Johnson Space Center in Houston in a press release. "The space station will benefit from having them on board." Just last month, Jeanette Epps has completed her training for the Soyuz spacecraft mission at the Star City in Moscow, Russia. She tweeted photos during the training including a snap of her communication trainers. Among her previous training include intensive instruction in International Space Station systems, spacewalk training, scientific and technical briefings, robotics, T-38 flight training and wilderness survival training. Jeanette Epps was also among the honored figures that motivated the attendees during last month's Grace Hopper Celebration -- a conference of women in technology. "In order to succeed you have to do well and perform well. Don't do less and accept less. Put in the time and complete the task," she said. "You want to be a contributing member to every group that you are a part of." JUNEAU A 20-year-old Juneau man was sentenced to one year and nine months in jail after he was found guilty of attempting to stab his brother and a dog. Arlington Badder entered a no contest plea to one count of negligent handling of a weapon as a domestic crime and one count of felony bail jumping on Monday. He was originally charged with attempted aggravated battery. Additional charges of bail jumping and resisting or obstructing an officer were dismissed but were read into the court record. Judge Brian Pfitzinger accepted Badders plea and found him guilty of the counts. Badder will be required to attend treatment while in jail and will not be allowed to own any firearms. Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Oak Street in Juneau April 9 for a report of a family disturbance. Dispatch advised that Badder was being combative and had attempted to stab the family dog as well as his brother. Officers made contact with the brother who had wrestled Badder to the ground and was asking for help. Badder was taken into custody and was removed from the residence to discuss the incident. The brother told officers that he arrived home around 4:45 p.m. and found Badder blacked out drunk and making suicidal comments. The brother said Badder had cut his left arm. The brother said he attempted to reason with Badder, but that Badder grabbed the family dog and attempted to stab the animal with a knife. According to the criminal complaint, the brother told officers that Badder had been living with him since his release from Winnebago Mental Health facility March 1. According to the brother, Badder had been making suicidal and homicidal comments every day and needed mental help. RACINE A neighbor of Michael Hardy, who was found shot dead in his Indiana Street apartment last January, has been charged in connection to Hardys homicide. Joseph D. Jackson, 27, was charged on Monday with first-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime, as well as armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon. Jackson has been in custody since Feb. 19, jail records show, but according to the criminal complaint, he lived in the same building, 3207 Indiana St., as Hardy at the time of Hardys death. Jackson made his initial appearance in court Monday, according to court records. Court Commissioner Robert Goepel set Jacksons bond at $100,000 cash. Jail records show that even if he met that bond, Jackson could not be released since hes under a probationary hold. According to the criminal complaint, Hardys death allegedly occurred during an armed robbery in his apartment involving Jackson. Jackson allegedly told someone that he and an associate robbed Hardy, but things did not go as planned and Homey got him gone, which the person took to mean that Hardy was killed, police said. Officers used information from friends and from Facebook to determine that Jackson owned a small handgun, according to the complaint. Police said that Jackson was also allegedly helping Hardy set up a fake bank account with the money he allegedly robbed him of. All three charges against Jackson are felonies, with the homicide charge carrying a possible life sentence. Jackson is behind bars because of fraud charges filed in February and April. Jackson has multiple felony convictions in Cook County, Ill., according to the complaint. The complaint also states that Jackson was previously incarcerated for two years, from January 2013 to January 2015. Hardy served as the treasurer of the Harvest Outreach Food Pantry, 2000 DeKoven Ave., for at least four years, according to the Pantry President Wally Herman. Hardy volunteered there every day, Herman said. The Badger Bowl at 506 E. Badger Road will be torn down this spring and replaced by a $6.5 million facility for Fields Jaguar Land Rover Volvo of Madison. Project documents filed with city of Madison indicate the popular bowling alley and music venue, which operated for 39 years, closed in late October. A sign posted on a door of the building facing East Badger Road said the business no longer would be open as of Oct. 29. A conditional use application and demolition permit for the project will go before the Madison Plan Commission on Jan. 23. Ald. Sheri Carter, whose District 14 includes the area, said she was saddened by the closure of Badger Bowl but is optimistic the Fields project will be good for the surrounding Moorland-Rimrock and Indian Springs neighborhoods. There is something to say that (Fields) feels connected to Madison and wants to remain part of the community, Carter said. It is my desire that the new larger location will bring additional employment to the area. In a letter of intent submitted along with other project documents, developer Jerry Mortier with the Redmond Co. of Waukesha wrote, Fields is being required by the manufacturers to either update or construct a new facility that meets specific guidelines. The manufacturer is the driving force behind building aesthetics, interior and exterior and overall size of the building needed. Fields Jaguar Land Rover Volvo of Madison has operated at 6624 Seybold Road since 2006. Carter said the company plans to sell that building. The new home for Fields places it in close proximity to other high-end vehicle brands operated by Zimbrick Automotive Group of Madison, which sells Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi and BMW. The timeline for the Fields project shows demolition starting in April with construction to begin once the site is cleared. The new building is projected to be ready for occupancy by February 2018. The project will include a 33,000-square-foot showroom and enough space to display 184 vehicles on the lot along with 32 customer parking stalls and additional space for vehicles that are being serviced. The buildings exterior will feature Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover logos. The building also will have separate showroom space for the respective brands, a central reception area, service department and car wash. Kevin Carey, who along with his wife, Lynn, and business partner Laurie Slinde operated Badger Bowl, also operate Village Lanes, 208 Owen Road in Monona. This deployment was anticipated. 'As the Caribbean is our most sought-after winter destination, there was no question that Norwegian Bliss would sail from Miami,' said Andy Stuart, president and ceo, Norwegian Cruise Line. The Caribbean itinerary includes St. Thomas, Tortola and Nassau. During a ceremony to announce the deployment at the companys corporate offices in Miami, Stuart was joined by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. president and ceo Frank Del Rio and Miami-Dade County officials. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez welcomed the company's continued commitment, adding that cruise lines and their passengers are vital to the continual economic growth and development of the tourism industry. En route to Miami following the completion of its Alaska season, Norwegian Bliss will sail one five-day Pacific coastal cruise from Vancouver, BC, to Los Angeles on Sept. 30, with an overnight stay at Vancouver and calls at Victoria, BC, and San Francisco. After that seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises visit Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, adding Ensenada on an eight-day itinerary. Norwegian Bliss will depart Los Angeles Nov. 3 for a 14-day journey to Miami through the new locks of the expanded Panama Canal, with calls at Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Puerto Caldera for Puntarenas (Costa Rica) and Cartagena (Colombia). Norwegian Bliss features include a 180-degree Observation Lounge located forward on Deck 15. Spanning 20,000 square feet, the lounge will offer floor-to-ceiling windows for vistas of Alaska and the Caribbean. Accommodations include staterooms for solo travelers, family-friendly connecting rooms and 80 suites in The Haven by Norwegian, a three-deck enclave with keycard access. The Haven also offers its own observation lounge. New connecting stateroom options across categories are designed for large groups and families. The ship also offers 308 mini-suites, 1,088 balcony staterooms and 111 accommodations with large picture windows. Studio staterooms for solo travelers have virtual ocean views. The 82 studios are located near a dedicated lounge with keycard-entry. Select studios connect, to serve single friends traveling together. Plus, there are 374 inside staterooms with two lower beds that convert to a queen, and some inside rooms have up to two additional Pullman beds. The 167,800gt Norwegian Bliss is under construction at Meyer Werft. It's the third Breakaway-Plus vessel, and follows China-dedicated ship Norwegian Joy in 2017 and 2015's Norwegian Escape. The newbuilding under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has a five-year fixed time charter attached, with options for up to another three years, and is due for delivery in June 2017. The five-year charter is worth $54m, and increases to $92.7 with all the options attached. It is the first of four options to buy VLGC newbuilds from companies owned by Economou that Dryships announced last week. We are very pleased to have declared our first option to purchase a high specification VLGC with long term employment to an oil major at above market rates, commented Economou in his role as Dryships chairman and ceo. This acquisition allows us to deploy the companys available liquidity immediately and will be highly accretive to earnings and cash flow. With an experimental 90-day discount period ending 3 September, the SCA has renewed the offer till December 31 in line with the authoritys flexible pricing policy and considering the dialogue with the shipping lines. The announcement comes as low bunker prices and to a lesser extent increased competition from the expanded Panama Canal continues to impact on the SCAs revenues, particularly from lines deciding to sail the additional 2,000 plus nm via the Cape of Good Hope on the backhaul to Asia. In a bid to recapture traffic, the amendment of SCA circular 2-2016 confirms all containerships coming from ports north of the Port of Norfolk (Virginia) on the US East Coast and heading to Malaysias Port Klang and ports eastwards are eligible for a 45% rebate on canal tolls up to December 31, 2016. Related content Suez Canal revenue up 4% despite slowing trade Suez Canal offers second toll sweetener to VLCC operators Maersk to introduce round-the-world service via expanded Panama Canal For vessels departing from ports south of Norfolk and calling at Port Klang and eastwards can claim a 65% discount, while those calling Colombo and eastwards are entitled to a 55% rebate. The SCA originally offered a 30% rebate for containerships headed from New York southwards, transiting the canal with their first call in Asia being at Port Klang or eastwards, in early March. But its hand was forced when there were no takers after six weeks, according to analysts Alphaliner. Container lines have opted to sail via the Cape of Good Hope, even though the distance is 12,412 nm from New York, compared to 10,117 nm via the Suez Canal, due to lower operating costs as a result of low bunker prices. A settlement has apparently been reached in one of three pending lawsuits against Epic Systems concerning worker overtime pay, but a federal judge overseeing the case said he wants more information from the plaintiffs and from Epic before formally closing the case. A stipulation filed jointly on Monday by lawyers for a group of former Epic technical writers and for lawyers for Epic sought dismissal of the lawsuit. But on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge William Conley, noting that the case is certified as a class action, asked for more information about any settlement that was reached in the case. The parties one-page stipulation of dismissal provides no basis for assessing the fairness of the settlement, Conley wrote. He gave both sides until Jan. 24 to submit documents telling him the nature of the dispute and how it was settled, the method used to calculate the settlement amount proposed for each person who opted into the class, and what if any agreement there is concerning attorney fees. Conley wrote that in a court filing in September involving a separate but related case, it was noted that the two sides in this lawsuit had reached a settlement in principle. William Parsons, a lawyer for Hawks Quindel, one of the firms representing technical writers, said Monday that he could not comment on the matter. Epic spokesman Eric Helsher also had no immediate comment. Epic Systems, which employs about 9,500 people and is headquartered on a large campus in Verona, is one of the nations largest electronic health records systems companies. The lawsuit was one of two filed in February 2015 that argued that Epics technical writers are entitled to overtime pay under state and federal law. The lawsuit that has apparently settled was filed on behalf of technical writers no longer at Epic as of April 2014. A separate lawsuit was filed on behalf of technical writers who were still at Epic as of then, and were made to sign an agreement under which they agreed to arbitrate wage disputes individually and not as a collective. In May, a federal appeals court found that Epics wage arbitration rule violated federal law. Epic has appealed that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The technical writers lawsuits were filed after a $5.4 million settlement was reached in a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of current and former quality assurance workers at Epic who were not paid overtime wages. Last month, another class- action lawsuit was filed against Epic on behalf of another group of quality assurance workers who say they were misclassified by Epic as exempt from overtime rules. Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Urban affairs, investigations, consumer help ("SOS") Follow Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Dane County Board members are poised to pass a resolution in support and inclusion of all in the Dane County community that, among other things, declares the county a safe space welcoming to the refugee, the outcast, the stranger among us. Its the municipal government equivalent of a group hug, and I guess in a county dominated by self-consciously sensitive Madison, it only figures that local elected officials would play therapists to the masses. Resolution co-sponsor Sup. Robin Schmidt said, I dont initiate a lot of these types of resolutions but was responding to constituents disturbed by the tone of the national election and other divisiveness in public life. As examples, she pointed to President-elect Donald Trumps campaign and a Republican bill at the state level that would prohibit transgender people from using the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Dane County and Madison have a history of passing resolutions that take left-leaning stances on any number of state, national and international issues, even if they have little practical effect locally. But Schmidt said her resolution isnt like one that, say, urges the United States to pull out of Iraq. Instead, it celebrates diversity, including ideological diversity, and is a fundamental statement of how we address local issues such as homelessness and creating a better jail system. The resolution is all of 166 words, doesnt spend any money, doesnt require county staff to do anything in particular and, on a board as overwhelmingly liberal as Dane Countys, should pass easily with little debate. Its not like it will take away from much of the boards actual, you know, work. Still, We are elected to govern, not to waste our time on what I would call a feel-good resolution, said Sup. Dennis OLoughlin, who considers himself a moderate on the 37-member board. Conservative Sup. Mike Willett ticked off a range of issues the board could better spend its time on, such as homelessness, the countys debt load, the jail and overtime for 911 dispatchers. Local conservative blogger David Blaska said the resolution wasnt inclusive enough and hed add, among others, the quinoa-chomping back-to-the-lander ... the knuckle-dragging Trump voter, the Chicago gangbanger on the lam and the timid tourist from Neosho ... and your huddled masses yearning for free stuff, public markets and Comedy Central nightly at council chambers. I assume he was being cheeky, but he does raise an interesting question. Locally despised Gov. Scott Walker lives in Dane County, as do more than 71,000 Trump voters. There are also plenty of criminals and other unpleasant people. Does the average county resident want to shower all of them with inclusiveness? Is there anything wrong with waiting to see if they change? In addition to the inclusion resolution, the countys Executive Committee is taking up two that express opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline, 600 miles away in North Dakota. The resolutions make up three of the five items on the agenda requiring committee action. Thats a lot of liberal politics and group therapy for the taxpayer dollar. As Beijing continues to face an air pollution crisis, China has announced it will launch an environmental police force to help combat the combat the problem. Beijing's mayor, Cai Qi, who is also deputy chief of China's ruling party, said he will begin to impose tougher restrictions to reduce the country's longstanding toxic smog problem, reported Al Jazeera. "Like many of us, I am used to checking the weather and the air quality index of Beijing first thing in the morning," Cai said during a press conference. "I totally understand the public's concerns and complaints over air pollution." The mayor told the press that the police force would enforce regulations on outdoor barbecues, garbage incineration and the burning of biomass for fuel use. He said that he's confident increasing supervision to enforce these regulations will help reduce the country's pollution. "[China] is one of the most highly populated countries in the world, they therefore have the potential for producing large quantities of materials that could be released into the air," Michael McCawley, a professor of occupational and environmental health sciences at West Virginia University, told Seeker. RELATED: Air Pollution in Africa Is More Deadly Than Malnutrition "The emissions could specifically come from manufacturing but they also could come from ancillary sources such as power production, transportation and domestic heating and cooking," he said. "What makes them actual sources [of pollution] is the efficiency of controls on the release of the contaminants. Lower efficiency of control of the sources means higher concentrations being released." The World Health Organization released a report in September 2016 revealing that 92 percent of the world breathes polluted air. Breathing air that exceeds toxicity limits recommended by WHO can lead to serious health risks like stroke, heart disease and lung cancer. China ranked sixth on the list for number of deaths linked to air pollution each year. Warm temperatures and humidity can trap pollutants and put people at greater risk for disease. "These higher concentrations of air pollutants - especially the particulate - most notably result in an increase in cardiovascular disease, lung disease and cancer," McCawley said. "The overall result is a shortened life expectancy usually expressed by epidemiologists in terms of potential years of life lost, weighing the effect of mortality at an earlier age more heavily." In early December, Beijing and parts of northern China issued an orange alert for air pollution as high temperatures and humidity blanketed the area in a thick, heavy smog. Many outdoor activities were prohibited, large vehicles were not allowed on roads and the Hebei province completely closed some sections of highway. As the world's leading greenhouse gas emitter, China has been prompted to take action in recent years. Several coal-fired power plants and other factories with high emissions have been closed, and vehicle restrictions have been imposed in multiple cities. RELATED: Air Scrubbing Tower Fights City Pollution China's current premier, Li Keqiang, pledged in March 2016 that China would have air quality deemed "good" for 80 percent of the year. However, evaluations by the Chinese Academy of Engineering in July reported that at least seven provinces not only failed to meet this goal, but saw air pollution increases. Beijing is planning to take further action for cleaner air in 2017. In addition to the environmental police force, the city's last coal-powered plant will be officially shut down, and coal consumption is expected to be cut by 30 percent. There are also plans for 2,560 factories to be renovated in order to meet current environmental standards. According to McCawley, China's best hope for improving their air quality is to learn from how Western countries have dealt with the same problem. "The West has learned that morbidity and mortality have economic and social consequences that may be difficult to calculate but are certain," he said. "The hope is that the developing countries can find ways to use that to lessen the impact of rapid development on their populations and maintain economic stability." WATCH: What Are the World's Most Polluted Cities? Over the past decade, at least 260 exotic pets have escaped from homes in Florida alone. Around 20 of those pets have been Burmese pythons. One 11-foot python in 2009 managed to slither out of its home and into an apartment complex in Orlando. Yet another got out of a cage on Summerland Key in 2007, winding up at a nearby bank parking lot. Meanwhile, in the Burmese python's native range in Southeast Asia, the reptiles are struggling. There, its populations are in steep decline due to habitat loss and people capturing the snakes for skin, supposed medicinal compounds and for the exotic pet trade. As a realtor might say, the problem is partly one of "location, location, location." A new paper published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment proposed removing the exotic pets from their non-native ranges and using them to boost species numbers in the places where they traditionally exist in the wild. The same tactic could apply to any animal population that has recently become established beyond its native habitat. RELATED: 10-Foot Python on Loose Has Maine Town Buzzing "In general, species which establish populations outside their native ranges (called 'introduced populations') are considered to be a problem," lead author Luke Gibson explained to Seeker. "In their new territories, they could present threats to native species in the form of predation, competition for food or nesting sites, or the exposure of new diseases and/or genes never before seen in that new territory." In addition to Burmese pythons, other escaped exotic pets that have established ranges outside of their native territories include the Javan myna, yellow-crested cockatoo and certain species of Amazon parrots, which are now present in feral populations in California. Examples of other introduced populations not necessarily consisting of former pets include the Southern bell frog, Cuban iguana, Weka (bird), Barbary sheep, Shark Bay mouse and numerous other animals. Plants can fall into this category too, such as the purple pitcher plant, Pico de Paloma, ginkgo, Monterey pine and dawn redwood. Gibson of the University of Hong Kong and co-author Ding Li Yong of the Australian National University in Canberra say that saving endangered species isn't always as simple as transporting individuals from introduced populations back to their native ranges. Reintroduction is just one of four basic possible solutions. RELATED: Quaker Parrots Invade Madrid One is to stock captive breeding facilities with the escaped exotic pets or other species. Another is to use the animals as research surrogates, helping to guide conservation efforts. Yet another option proposed by Gibson and Yong is to "harvest" the introduced populations, which in some cases could mean that captured animals could "offer an alternative supply for the pet trade, thereby moderating hunting pressures faced by their imperiled wild counterparts," the authors wrote. "We don't favor any particular solution," Gibson said, "because it really depends on the context." He and Yong's ideas aren't so far-fetched, as introduced populations of the Arabian oryx and Pere David's deer have already been successfully used to boost native populations of these animals. The solution seems to hold promise, so long as the original problems affecting the native habitats are also addressed, be they habitat loss, hunting by humans and/or other threats. Gibson says that "as species continue to be moved around the world due to the trade of wildlife ... we need to think carefully about what to do with these introduced populations and not squander this unique opportunity." WATCH: 7 Pets You Should Never Release to the Wild If you want to promote tourism in your country, it never hurts to have native animals as cute as wombats and kangaroos in your promotional corner. Those animals, along with a photobombing butterfly, were judged the most successful boosters of Australia, in the recent "G'Day USA" contest run by Tourism Australia and Qantas. The competition sought the best pictures and videos used by members of the country's tourism industry to depict Australia as a superior holiday destination. The animals even beat out film actor Chris Hemsworth and a famous war memorial, as news.com.au notes. Symbio Wildlife Park took best overall winner of the contest for this video of a photo shoot for a koala that quickly became a photo shoot for an attention-hungry butterfly. The butterfly perched on the koala's nose, the latter becoming increasingly puzzled by the experience. The footage garnered 38 million combined views on Symbio and UNILAD's social media channels and an equally boisterous reaction on Tourism Australia's Facebook page: When most people imagine chariot racing in ancient Rome, they likely picture the thrilling race portrayed in the epic blockbuster "Ben-Hur." Yet it's unlikely the heavy chariot driven by Charlton Heston would ever win a real race. That chariot wasn't just hopelessly huge and heavy - it did not have proper tires. A study of a 2,000-year-old toy chariot found in the Tiber River in the early 1890's and now on display at the British Museum, has revealed a secret trick. To increase the winning chances in the Formula One of the ancient Romans, an iron rim was mounted on the right wheel only of the two-wheeled chariot. "The basic wheels were always of wood, animal hide glue, and rawhide strips (at critical joints) that tighten upon drying, like clamps," explained author Bela Sandor, professor emeritus of engineering physics at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. "Any iron tire for racing would be a very thin strip of iron on the outside of the wooden rim, best when heat-shrunk on the wood, to consolidate the whole wheel. Adding the strip of iron to the right wheel improved a charioteer's chances of winning a race to roughly 80 percent, according to a study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Roman Archaeology. "The solution makes full sense in engineering thinking, ancient or modern," Sandor told Seeker. Unfortunately no actual Roman racing chariots have survived. The archaeological evidence for the single-tire configuration only comes from the small toy model now on display at the British Museum. RELATED: King Tut's Chariots: Ferraris of Ancient Egypt Representing a biga, a two-wheeled racing chariot driven by two horses, the hand-sized bronze model is lacking one of the two galloping horses as well as the charioteer. The bronze chariot was probably a toy for a rich individual, perhaps even Emperor Nero, who, according to 1st-century historian Suetonius, used to play with toy chariots. "The wheels originally rotated freely on the axle. It was made by someone who knew a lot about racing chariots," Sandor said. Using the toy model and independent estimations as a guide, Sandor was able to establish the major dimensions of Roman racing chariots. He concluded that a typical Roman vehicle weighed about 25-30 kg (55-66 pounds) had a track width of about 155 cm (5 feet), a wheel diameter of about 65 cm (2.1 feet) and a pole of about 230 cm (7.5 feet). Among the details of the Tiber model, the British Museum's Judith Swaddling and Sandor noted a slightly raised rim only on the right wheel, indicating a thin iron tire reinforced the wheel. "Two identical wheels would have been easier to produce for toys and real chariots alike. But a high-ranking customer would probably demand for his sophisticated toy an authentic representation of reality, if indeed that was one tire only," Sandor said. Press Release January 9, 2017 Legarda Welcomes 70 Years of PHL-France Relations Senator Loren Legarda today said she looks forward to further deepening the ties between the Philippines and France as the two nations commemorate this year the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-France diplomatic relations. Legarda made the statement during the meeting of Philippine Senators with visiting French senators of the France-Southeast Asia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. "The Philippine Senate recognizes the importance of our country's partnership with France which has substantially complemented our nation's efforts in addressing current global challenges," said Legarda, a founding member of the Philippines-France Parliamentary Friendship Association. The Senator, who chairs the Senate Committees on Climate Change and Finance and a Global Champion for Resilience of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), thanked the French Government for rallying nations to craft and support the Paris Agreement on Climate Change during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. She said that the Philippines is working on its ratification of the Paris Agreement following the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte that he will honor the Agreement after discussions with his Cabinet. "The President is for climate justice, he expects a fair and equitable implementation of the Agreement. Since the Philippines is a minor emitter of greenhouse gases but among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, it must be given technical and financial assistance to cope with the risks. The President has declared his support for the Agreement and his economic team supports it as well," Legarda said. "We hope that with the leadership of Senate President Koko Pimentel, we can concur in the ratification of the climate agreement this year once the Office of the President transmits it to the Senate. We also hope that France will continue its role of championing climate action and helping ensure that commitments are carried out, especially by the developed nations to the developing climate-vulnerable countries," she added. Legarda also explained that the Philippines is undertaking climate mitigation measures, particularly through the implementation of the Renewable Energy (RE) Law, and said that the country would welcome RE models and other best practices from France. The Senator thanked the French Government for its various programs with the Philippine Government, including the Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System - Phase 2 (PHILO Project), currently being reviewed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The project aims to improve the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' (BFAR) existing integrated marine environment monitoring system by ensuring that the country's various conservation laws, guidelines, rules and regulations are complied with and implemented in Philippine waters including its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coastal areas via the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Centers. The French delegation was headed by the Honorable Senator, Gerard Miquel, and was joined by Senators Bernard Saugey, Jean-Claude Lenoir, Simon Sutour and the secretary of their delegation, Madam Anne-Laure Saint-Dizier. Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III led the Philippine Senate delegation and was joined by Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon, and Senators Legarda, Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. French Ambassador to the Philippines, Thierry Mathou, Philippine Ambassador to France, Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of European Affairs head, Cleofe Natividad were also present at the meeting. On January 25, 2017, the French Embassy in Manila will launch the "PhilFrance: Feel French", a year-long campaign to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the Philippines and France. Senator Legarda has been working well with the French Government through the French Embassy in the Philippines and has been bestowed the title of Chevalier (Knight) in the Ordre national de la legion d'Honneur (National Order of the French Legion of Honor) by the government of France. She sponsored the Senate's concurrence in the ratification of the "Protocol Amending the Agreement between the Philippine Government and the French Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income." It broadens the scope of information that may be exchanged relating to tax administration, including bank information. Legarda also supported the showcase of ancient Filipino artifacts during the Philippines: Archipelago of Exchanges exhibit at the Musee de Quai Branly in Paris in 2013. She likewise helped in crafting the 2015 Manila Call to Action for Climate Change, which was signed by President Francois Hollande and Former President Benigno Aquino III, which Legarda read side by side with French actress Marion Cotillard in Malacanang. Koko: Pulse Asia survey shows you can't bring a good man down Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Monday released a statement celebrating the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey, which showed President Rodrigo Duterte enjoying an 83% trust and approval rating. Pimentel, the main ally of the President in the Senate, said that Duterte's continued high ratings showed the support of Filipinos for Change. "The [Pulse Asia] survey shows that if you are sincere in helping the people, the people will never leave you, no matter what is said about you." President Duterte has been repeatedly criticized in the media, both foreign and local, for his frank speaking style, his alleged lack of action on extrajudicial killings, and foreign policy initiatives, among others. Pimentel pointed out that the National Capital Region, which is generally hostile to incumbent administrations, continues to support the President. Pulse Asia released the results of its survey Monday, which showed 83% of Filipinos approved of President Duterte, with 13% undecided and 5% disapproving. 83% of respondents have "big trust" in President Duterte, with 13% undecided, and 4% have "small" or "no trust" in him. The survey was conducted from December 6 to 11, based on face to face interviews with 1,200 respondents across the country, with a margin of error of 3%. Mindanao was expectedly the biggest base of support for President Duterte, where he logged a 91% approval and 92% trust rating. NCR also supported the President, with a 79% trust and approval rating from the respondents in the area. Press Release January 10, 2017 Legarda: 2017 Budget Funds Centenarian Law, Rice Allowance for 4Ps Senator Loren Legarda today said that the 2017 national budget includes funding, for the first time, for the Centenarian Law and rice allowance for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Funding for the two programs, as well as other programs for indigent Filipinos, especially senior citizens and children, is part of the 2017 budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) worth P128 billion. "For the first time, we have provided funds for the implementation of the Centenarian Law, which was enacted last year. 4Ps beneficiaries will start receiving monthly rice allowance in the form of cash grants," said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. "Other programs that target the most vulnerable sectors of society--children, senior citizens, indigenous peoples (IPs), and citizens in conflict-affected areas--are prioritized in the DSWD budget," she added. The DSWD budget for the implementation of Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarian Law is P100 million. Under the law, Filipino citizens here and abroad who are 100 years old and above will receive P100,000 centenarian gift from the government. Meanwhile, all 4.4 million beneficiaries of the 4Ps will now be entitled to monthly rice allowance in the form of cash grants. This is incorporated in the budget for 4Ps worth P78 billion. The DSWD will also conduct family development sessions for 4Ps beneficiaries. These sessions will include information on access to livelihood and scholarship programs and topics on the protection of the environment, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation, including the preservation of the indigenous culture in their locality. It will also conduct capacity building programs to prepare its beneficiaries for the onset of natural hazards. Indigent senior citizens will also continue to receive P500 monthly stipend under the DSWD's Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens; while undernourished children are the target beneficiaries of the Department's Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) for 2-4 year old children in supervised neighborhood play and in Day Care Centers. The 2017 budget also funds the Comprehensive Project for Street Children, Street Families and IPs, as well as the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program for conflict-affected areas. "We have provided funds for these programs of the DSWD to ensure that we address the needs and concerns of our citizens who are most in need. We want to uplift the lives of our people and empower them to be part of nation-building," Legarda concluded. A man apparently wearing a brown, curly wig robbed a West Side bank Tuesday afternoon, the Madison Police Department said. Shortly before 2:55 p.m., police responded to Bank Mutual, 5521 Odana Road, after a man claiming to have a gun robbed the bank of cash, although, no weapon was seen, police said. The man, who stuttered during the entirety of the robbery, fled the area, according to police. He is described as a 5-foot-4 white male between 20 years old and 30 years old. He has lots of acne, stutters and wore a black hoodie and what appeared to be a brown, curly wig. Anyone with information is asked to call the Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014. Courtesy Pier 70 Partners Fog Design + Art, opening Thursday, Jan. 12, has developed something approaching cult status as the art fair for people who hate art fairs. It attracts top galleries and a growing international clientele, but it remains a comfortable size. And proceeds benefit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. That leaves a void for others to fill. On Friday, Jan. 13, the popular Miami fair Untitled, Art will debut a San Francisco edition at Pier 70. With galleries from across the U.S. and an active program of events, it promises to be a worthy supplement to Fog. Josh Edelson/Special to The Chronicle As some Bay Area residents sought coverage at the Oakland Museum of California from a storm that slammed the region Sunday, they were stunned when a chunk of the ceiling came raining down inside one of the exhibit halls. The chunk of ceiling fell in the All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50 exhibit due to water damage, said Lindsay Wright, a spokeswoman for the Oakland Museum of California. Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County closed Tuesday due to another storm pummeling the Bay Area with heavy rain and gusts of over 65 mph. The park shut down for the second time since Sunday after a survey of the morning debris throughout the woods and weather advisories were issued for Marin County, park officials said. On soggy, windy Sunday, I witnessed American democracy in its raw and primal form in action at a San Francisco labor hall. It was beautiful, and it was ugly. The occasion was the Assembly District 17 delegates election, a generally obscure exercise in democracy that took place throughout the state this weekend. The 14 delegates selected at the District 17 level, which covers the eastern half of San Francisco, get to attend the California Democratic Party convention in May, where they will swill beverages and rub elbows with minor and major political personalities, as well as vote on resolutions that might or might not influence policy. Normally, these district elections excite interest among only party hacks and political wonks. But in case you hadnt noticed, things are anything but normal these days. On Sunday morning, while the rest of the city was still enjoying its coffee, a shockingly long line of San Francisco Democrats braved the rain and wind to cast their votes in the District 17 delegate race at the Laborers International Union hall in the Mission. The line snaked out of the building on 18th Street, rounded the corner on Shotwell, and turned right on 19th, where it finally ended in the wet and gloomy distance. Many people waited for as long as two hours under the leaky skies to vote. The Trump effect has clearly hit San Francisco. No fewer than 1,500 Democrats turned out for this vote, according to artist Debra Walker, convener for the District 17 election far more than for the last election, in 2015, when about 900 showed up, she said. So thats the good news for all those still in shock after November. The message today is that were alive and well, and were fighting back, said Brian Salkin, one of the dozens of San Franciscans who threw his hat into the delegates race. But any hope that the Democratic Party in San Francisco would blissfully unite against Trump was dashed by bitter divisions on full display Sunday morning. The friction that tore apart the national party during the primary season, and has pitted local progressives against centrists, grew red hot as the Democrats warring factions converged on the labor building. This is Bernie versus Hillary all over again, said one young voter standing in line, who preferred not to give his name. He supported the so-called Rebuild slate, whose campaign was spearheaded by Assemblyman David Chiu, a pillar of the centrist coalition. The opposing Reform slate included a progressive chorus line of Sanders supporters, tenant organizers, LGBTQ activists and police-reform advocates. As I entered the building, Reform slate members were fuming about what they alleged was election-rigging by their centrist opponents. A line of Bauer rental buses parked in front observers counted at least five vehicles was disgorging a steady stream of Chinese-speaking men and women. No one stopped them as they went directly inside the building, cutting in front of the long line of people who were patiently standing in the rain. I spotted one middle-aged Chinese American woman, who declined to give her name, filling out multiple ballots. When challenged by an independent election observer, she became upset and said she was voting on behalf of relatives who could not read English. Meanwhile, at the table where the woman was filling out ballots, Rebuild slate organizers handed out doughnuts, tangerines, granola bars and bottled beverages to those who had just performed their civic duty. This is just more of the same corrupt stuff we saw in the Democratic primaries, said Reform candidate Ben Becker, as he tried to physically block people from crashing the voter line. The young, ponytailed Becker and his wife, Claire Lau, had co-founded San Francisco Berniecrats, an organization that grew out of the Sanders campaign and became the main engine behind the Reform slate. Hundreds of people are being bused in from Chinatown today they dont know who theyre voting for, said Becker. Theyre just being told how to vote by David Chiu and his people. Were obviously not anti-immigrant or anti-Chinese, said former Supervisor David Campos, a Reform slate organizer. But this is one of the worst displays of manipulating the process Ive seen in years. I found Chiu in front of the building, directing people as they exited the rental buses. He agreed the delegate election was a chaotic process, but he strongly denied that his centrist faction was stacking the vote, as Campos charged. There are multiple slates, and everyone is asking people to vote for their candidates, Chiu said. I see this as a positive thing our entire city and state is engaged in the process. We paid for bus rental costs out of my campaign account, Chiu acknowledged, adding that these expenditures will be reflected in his treasurer's next report. As for some Chinese-only speakers having their ballots filled out by others, he said: There were no bilingual ballots, so people needed help. But Walker, the election convener, disputed this. Theres no language problem with the voting, she said. The ballot is just a list of names. And if they cant read the names in English, there are Chinese-language translations. Like Chiu, newly elected state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, who also backed the Rebuild slate, put the best possible spin on the tension-filled morning. This is the ultimate expression of democracy, whatever side youre on. At the end of the day, were all on the same side. Were all going to unite against the existential threat to our democracy. But that unity seemed a distant mirage as I left the building, where I bumped into Kimberly Alvarenga, who lost a hard-fought battle for District 11 supervisor in November by only a few hundred votes. A soaked Alvarenga had been working the line outside the building for three hours on behalf of the Reform slate. There were elders, differently abled people, mothers with young kids, all standing in the rain, waiting their turn to vote, she said. And then all those people came pouring off the buses and cut in front of them, so they had to wait longer. Thats disingenuous; thats disrespectful. Democracy needs to be a fair process. In the end, the progressive slate prevailed, by a slight margin, taking eight of the 14 seats. Becker was among the winning candidates. Despite winning a majority, progressives were still fuming. If not for the questionable tactics by the other side, it would have been a progressive sweep, said Campos. Its sad and embarrassing that there was such a horrible process. Sundays top vote-generator was a member of the centrist slate, Theo Ellington, a 27-year-old public affairs executive for the Warriors. In the midst of Sundays mad political circus, the politically ambitious Ellington, whom my family has called Mr. Mayor ever since he went to high school with my son, told me, My job is to bring people together. He will have his hands full. San Francisco Chronicle columnist David Talbot appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email: dtalbot@sfchronicle.com Oh, I love this place, sighs a little girl as her parents try to lead her out of Kollar Chocolates in Yountville. Colorful chocolate owls stare back at her from their perches on the wall. Nearby, rows of jewel-like truffles beckon in a glass case. When this chocolate store opened in 2011, it attracted tourists en route to the towns famous restaurants the French Laundry, Bistro Jeanty, Redd and Ad Hoc all reside within walking distance. Very quickly, though, Kollar has become a culinary destination in its own right. Tucked inside the V Marketplace, which houses several other high-end shops, Kollar Chocolates first entices visitors with the scent of melting chocolate wafting from a glass-enclosed display kitchen. According to owner and chief chocolatier Chris Kollar, he wanted to make it an open kitchen like youd see in a restaurant. That way, visitors can interact with the chocolatiers and ask them questions. Its fitting that a black-and-white portrait of Willy Wonka hangs on the wall. From this small kitchen emerge not only Kollars famous truffles but all the decorations that adorn his shop. Yet this is Napa County, not Wonkas factory world, so the whimsy often skews upscale. For instance, trays of chocolate sushi cradle blood orange pate de fruit and cubes of 72 percent dark chocolate wrapped in crispy rice ($29). Kollar calls them California Kollar Chocolate Rolls. I dont want to do something old fashioned thats been done, Kollar says. I want to do whats present and moving forward into the future. An anti-dental kit ($20) includes a dark chocolate toothbrush and tube of toothpaste that squeezes out chocolate ganache. Glittery lipsticks ($5 apiece) next to the register are an effective impulse buy Venezuelan dark chocolate brushed in colored cocoa butter in a lipstick tube. Its meant to be eaten, but you can also first rub it across your kisser for a faint shimmer. Employees offer free samples in the store, such as pieces of chocolate truffles infused with Espelette chile that gently burns long after youve swallowed. Kollar uses a cold infusion process to produce these intense flavors. For example, to make his Earl Grey tea truffle, hell steep tea into cold cream for as long as three days. Much of Kollars inspiration comes from bike rides around the area. The overgrowth of fennel pollen bordering the highway inspired a fennel pollen truffle, one of his signature creations. Its glistening gold-green exterior mimics the color of the pollen itself. Were not just splattering on colors and calling it a day, Kollar says. His color library encompasses hundreds of colors, including his own blends. A luminous yellow orange shell frames an orange Grand Marnier truffle, while an armor of deep garnet conceals another infused with Zinfandel. Ive been told Im an artist, he says. So I own it now. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle As such, hes created some spectacular edible artwork. When Jean-Charles Boisset, owner of Raymond Vineyards, needed dessert for a lavish party, he called on Kollar with a peculiar request: two women to be brushed in chocolate so that guests could lick it off of them. Kollars response: I think were going to have problems with that. Were in Napa Valley. Were not in Amsterdam. (In the end, chocolate-rubbed women posed next to each other with chocolates around them for guests to take. The following year, Kollar complied with Boissets request to create a chocolate bath tub. A model reclined inside.) Even though Kollar reluctantly accepts the title of artist, he remains a chef and chocolate-maker. Largely self-taught and formerly a savory restaurant cook, he spent weekends learning to make chocolate under veteran pastry chefs like Kriss Harvey of the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. He taught me how to airbrush, says Kollar, who relies on a compressor filled with colored cocoa butter, similar to what a tattoo artist would use. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle He also gives a lot of credit to his Yountville address (Its a food mecca) and his employees, former and current culinary students whom he personally trained in chocolate. Working with chocolate affected Kollars personal life, too. I wasnt a very patient person, he says. As a cook, he was used to churning out dishes as quickly as possible. With chocolate you have to have an extreme amount of patience, explains Kollar. It helped me slow down. As the shop enters its sixth year of business, Kollar is humbled by his success. On paper, this company shouldve failed, he says. Im 100 percent owner-operator. Im not run by any investors. Alissa Merksamer is a freelance writer. Email food@sfchronicle.com Kollar Chocolates Kollar Chocolates, V Marketplace, 6525 Washington St., Yountville. (707) 738-6750 or www.kollarchocolates.com. Also sold at Bay Area events and at San Francisco International Airport at Terminal 2 and, at the end of the month, at Terminal 4. With less than two weeks left in office, Vice President Joe Biden told health care leaders in San Francisco on Monday that he has genuine reason for open optimism about the state of cancer research a special cause to him since his sons death in 2015. Biden has led the Cancer Moonshot Initiative since it was announced by President Obama last January in his final State of the Union address. Over the past year, Biden worked to secure a $6.3 billion funding bill for cancer and other health research that was approved by an overwhelming majority in the Senate last month. That bill will help guarantee that the work he started continues long after hes left office and a new administration has taken over the White House, Biden said Monday at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, speaking before hundreds of health care providers and investors at the Westin St. Francis hotel at Union Square. Biden made few remarks about the incoming administration, and none on President-elect Donald Trump specifically. He said he hoped his successors wouldnt gut the Affordable Care Act which is already under threat of demolition by the new Congress to the detriment of the health of patients who depend on it. Hes also counting on the new administration, and especially Vice President-elect Mike Pence, to continue Bidens own work on cancer focus and funding. I stand ready to help any way I can, Biden said, before adding lightly that he hadnt yet heard from Pences team. Hes had his hands full putting together a government. Earlier Monday at an event hosted by StartUp Health, a tech accelerator that is exploring similar moonshot initiatives in other health areas, Biden told a standing-room crowd that he was excited to see so many young scientists and entrepreneurs showing an interest in cancer research. He hoped his aggressive plans would appeal to a new generation. Peering out over the audience, he noted, approvingly, that there were only a few old men in the room. Then he encouraged the young people there to challenge the dated system of funding and research. The current system rewards seniority and pedigree over innovation, Biden said. You all have an overwhelming skepticism for orthodoxy. You know in order to make new things, you must break the old things. The work youre doing gives me a lot of hope, he added. Dont let the old system hinder the intellectual capacity, the dreams, the hopes you all possess. Biden is fond of saying, as he did at both events Monday, that his one regret about choosing not to run for president a decision he made not long after his son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer at age 46 is that he wont be the president who presides over the demise of cancer. Biden already has announced that after leaving the White House he will, among other things, create a nonprofit agency to continue his work in cancer. But in addition to just looking at research, he wants to tackle thorny issues like access to care, drug pricing and health disparities. Hed also like to encourage sharing among researchers and push for better use of electronic records and big-data analysis. Im going to spend the rest of my life doing this, he said. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com A Sauk County man was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison after pleading guilty to his ninth drunken driving offense. Clarence F. Gage, 73, of North Freedom, told Dane County Circuit Judge Ellen Berz that what he did was wrong and put others in jeopardy when he drove drunk on Aug. 9 on Highway 113 in the town of Vienna. Gage spent two years in prison after his eighth drunken driving offense in 2004, according to court records. He received four years in prison for his seventh-offense conviction in 1999. Three years, the minimum amount of incarceration required by state law for the offense, was jointly recommended by Assistant District Attorney Tim Helmberger and state Assistant Public Defender David Klauser. Berz told Gage that it wasnt his character at issue, but rather the seriousness of a ninth drunken driving conviction, and the need to protect the public. Gage will spend four years on extended supervision after his release. Berz said he is eligible for the substance abuse program while in prison, which if completed could allow him to be released early. Two Bay Area organizations, Bloom and Peacock Rebellion, held a legal clinic last month for transgender people. For eight hours, in a small space off 23rd Avenue in Oakland, walk-ins could meet with volunteer lawyers to sort through the ins and outs of getting their name changed and gender corrected on government documents. By the time the clinic had ended, the volunteers had helped nearly 75 people with their paperwork. Some of them had also received financial assistance. I think a lot of people take the documentation for granted if theyre not trans, said Lexi Adsit, a trans woman who works with both of the organizations. Theres a number of instances where your identification can come into play. When youre at the DMV, when youre pulled over by the police, when youre applying for a job ... the list is endless. Adsit had only recently applied for her own name and gender changes. Like many trans people, she began to feel a certain anxiety after Donald Trump became president-elect. It started to feel urgent, she said. I have a court date in February. Securing government IDs with accurate information has always been a difficult task for trans people. The process can be expensive (the initial court order, in California, costs more than $400) and time-consuming for those who dont know how to navigate the many bureaucratic steps involved, which vary by state and form of ID. A Trump presidency, advocates worry, threatens to make the process even harder. In the weeks since election day, transgender advocates say they have seen a dramatic increase in the number of individuals looking for help changing their name and gender markers on official documentation. Clinics, like the one in Oakland, have been held in response all along the West Coast in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, Seattle and Portland and as far away as Atlanta and New York. Trump ran on such a clear platform of intolerance, said Kris Hayashi, the executive director of the Transgender Law Center in Oakland. There are real concerns and fears about what that will mean for a wide range of targeted communities. Though transgender issues rarely came up during the 2016 campaign and Trump, as with many areas, rarely offered a coherent stance on trans policy issues, including the North Carolina bathroom bill Hayashi and others point to various signs that some of the progress the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has seen over the past eight years could be rolled back. Vice President-elect Mike Pence has taken a number of anti-LGBT stances. As the Supreme Court readies itself to take up the bathroom issue, Trump has pledged to nominate a conservative jurist as soon as he takes office. And, if the Republican Congress succeeds in dismantling the Affordable Care Act, many trans people could be left without access to much-needed health care. Almost immediately after the media called the election on Nov. 8, trans organizations and advocates began to rally. Facebook posts popped up asking people to start stockpiling hormones should access to health care and providers be cut off. The hashtag #TransLawHelp gained traction on Twitter as people sought to offer legal help for those looking to change their names and gender markers on official documents. Web-based spreadsheets were passed around where trans people could list their financial, legal and medical needs and donors could indicate what they were able to provide. The Trans Assistance Project sprang up out of one of those spreadsheets after it became clear that the need for financial assistance with IDs and health care was larger than expected. The group is now a nonprofit, run out of Portland, Ore., and Oakland, but offering support nationwide. Already, organizers say, theyve given $8,000 to trans people who needed financial help procuring their documentation. (They also raised money for the three trans women killed in the Oakland Ghost Ship fire.) Its been really hard for our community, said Phos Ivestei, the organizing director for the Trans Assistance Project. This has been a big punch. And its on everybodys mind. Given that many transgender individuals live on the margins, financial support can be invaluable, especially as court, state Department and Department of Motor Vehicles fees begin to stack up. Those fees are sometimes waivable, but that can delay it, Ivestei said. Who has that kind of time? Thomas Patterson/Special to the Chronicle Ava Summers was one of the recipients of the Trans Assistance Project funds. She said shed been meaning to update her documentation for a while, but finding the time and cash was difficult. I dont really have disposable income at all. But Trumps election motivated her. Especially for me and the people around me, Mike Pence in particular ... its really scary. Summers, who lives in Portland, said shes on track to get her Oregon drivers license as well as an expedited passport, all of which will ultimately cost hundreds of dollars. The process wont be quick she has a messy bureaucracy to move through. Securing a court date, the first step, takes at least 14 days. Still, the prospect of getting identification with her name and gender on it, is comforting. Constantly seeing a name you no longer use on your ID feels really uncomfortable, she said. You are something else and not having your documents say that can be really, really hard. Hayashi, the director of the Transgender Law Center, said these efforts are heartening. Theres been this real upswell in people who see the need, understand it and are wanting to help. But, he cautions, the need is very vast and theres definitely much more that needs to be done. Ryan Kost is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rkost@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @RyanKost Changing name, gender marker: whats involved The process for changing a name and gender marker on government identification involves many steps and can often be expensive. The first is obtaining a Decree Changing Name and Gender from a court. In California, this process would include: Filling out four court forms for a petition of name and gender change. Having a physician fill out an affidavit affirming you have undergone clinically appropriate treatment for change of gender. Filing these forms and paying a $435 fee. Attending a court hearing and providing an additional form at that time. Receiving the Decree Changing Name and Gender. The court decree may be required to make changes on subsequent documents, including birth certificates, Social Security cards and passports. Detailed information about the processes for changing those documents, and other resources, can be found on the website of the Transgender Law Center: www.transgenderlawcenter.org/resources/id. Source: California Courts (www.courts.ca.gov/genderchange.htm) NEW YORK Facing a week of high-profile tests for his administration-in-waiting, President-elect Donald Trump predicted Monday that all of his Cabinet picks would win Senate confirmation even as Democrats charged that Trumps team was ignoring standard vetting protocol. I think theyll all pass, Trump said of his would-be Cabinet, describing them as all at the highest level. Trumps confidence comes as lawmakers in both parties eagerly await the submission of background material from Cabinet picks, including billionaires whose extensive personal financial dealings have never faced public scrutiny. Senate Democrats urged GOP leaders to slow their aggressive hearing schedule, which this week includes Trumps picks for the nations top diplomat, lead law enforcement officer and head of homeland security, among others. Bear in mind President-elect Trumps nominees pose particularly difficult ethics and conflict-of-interest challenges, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. They come from enormous wealth, many have vast holdings and stocks, and very few have experience in government. One wealthy Trump pick who wont require Senate confirmation: son-in-law Jared Kushner, who transition officials confirmed Monday would serve as a senior adviser in the new administration. Kushner, a New York real estate executive, is expected to exert broad sway over both domestic and foreign policy, particularly Middle East issues and trade negotiations. While not subject to Senate approval, White House staff must publicly disclose personal financial information. Addressing the Cabinet selections, Trumps incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer, insisted Monday, Everyone who has a hearing this week has their paperwork in. Its unclear, however, whether each had submitted the extensive list of requirements that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell requested of President Obamas nominees eight years ago. Those include an FBI background check, detailed questionnaires and financial disclosure statements that include tax returns, according to a 2009 letter from McConnell that Schumer read Monday on the Senate floor. Everybodyll be properly vetted as they have been in the past, McConnell told reporters Monday after meeting privately with the president-elect in Trump Tower in Manhattan. On Friday, however, Office of Government Ethics Director Walter Shaub said in a letter to congressional leaders that his office has not received even initial draft financial disclosure reports for some of the nominees scheduled for hearings. Among the committees that havent yet received the forms was the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which has scheduled a hearing this week for Betsy DeVos, Trumps pick to lead the Education Department. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee said it had also not received the forms for Trumps pick for commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, though a spokeswoman said theyre expected soon. Committee aides said they had received ethics forms for Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trumps pick for attorney general; Rex Tillerson, Trumps choice for secretary of state; James Mattis, his pick for defense secretary; Rep. Mike Pompeo, his choice for director of the Central Intelligence Agency; and Elaine Chao, his pick for transportation secretary. Other confirmation hearings this week include retired Marine Gen. John Kelly for homeland security secretary and Ben Carson for housing secretary. McConnell said hes hopeful that up to six or seven of Trumps picks, particularly the national security team, will be in place on Day One. On Wednesday, Trump is to hold his first formal news conference in nearly six months. Sen. Jeff Sessions confirmation hearings for U.S. attorney general start Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which Sessions once chaired. The same committee that denied him a federal judicial appointment in 1986 denied Reagan appointee Robert Bork a Supreme Court seat the next year. Already the attempted Borking of Sen. Sessions, R-Ala., is fully in motion. The themes are familiar. We can almost hear the menacing chords and refrains of Neil Youngs Southern Man playing in the background as liberal activists trot out a defamatory portrait of a lifelong public servant and decent man who happens to hail from the Deep South, a land that many Californians view with a mixture of fear and condescension. Through this lens, every Southern white Republican man is a suspected racist until proven otherwise itself a bigoted, outmoded and unfortunate bias on the part of self-proclaimed progressives who do not see the irony. Sessions was denied the judgeship more than 30 years ago on the basis of flimsy, biased and manifestly unfair accusations, many of which were later recanted or found to be false. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., is pushing to delay the hearings, saying the Senate needs more time to evaluate the colleague she has served with in the Senate for 20 years. She says Sessions has produced too much information to the committee more than 150,000 pages of disclosures more than 100 times as many pages as produced by Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Some of us are old enough to remember that Eric Holder (who described Sessions as a great U.S. attorney in 2009 hearings) was overwhelmingly confirmed by a bipartisan Senate vote a mere eight days after President Obama was sworn in. Sessions is known by his colleagues as a man of integrity who takes the rule of law as, well the law, for which he may not substitute his own judgment. It is not the place of the attorney general to make laws, but rather to enforce them as Sessions did as Alabama attorney general when he prosecuted members of the Ku Klux Klan. And as he did in Perry County, Ala., where, acting on the complaints of black voters and public officials, he investigated and unsuccessfully prosecuted other black voters for allegedly changing absentee ballots. The son of one of those prosecuted, Albert Turner Jr., rejects the smear of Sessions as a bigot: He is not a racist. ... He was a prosecutor at the federal level with a job to do. He was presented with evidence by a local district attorney that he relied on, and his office presented the case. Thats what a prosecutor does. ... I believe that he is someone with whom I, and others in the civil rights community, can work if given the opportunity. Sessions has sponsored important civil rights legislation protecting vulnerable Americans with some of his most liberal peers, including the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., and Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The laws include the Prison Rape Elimination Act (2003), the crack cocaine Fair Sentencing Act (2010) and the Finding Fugitive Sex Offenders Act (2011). Sessions voted to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act, an inconvenient fact for his maligners. Black Democrats from Alabama have been coming forward to publicly support Sessions on his civil rights record since he was first named by President-elect Donald Trump. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Republicans have the votes to confirm Sessions, and will do so with the help of three Democrats who have already announced their support. The only question is whether or not he will be subjected to despicable drive-by character assassination on his way to confirmation. Despite all the predictable theater surrounding this nomination, Democrats should do the right thing and swiftly vote to confirm Jeff Sessions as U.S. attorney general. Harmeet K. Dhillon is a trial lawyer in San Francisco, and the Republican National Committeewoman from California. Twitter: @pnjaban This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate This will be a busy week in Washington, as the Senate conducts a rapid-fire confirmation hearing process of President-elect Donald Trumps choices for top Cabinet posts. At least nine Trump nominees will sit before Senate panels in the coming days, starting Tuesday morning with Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions, who is up for attorney general. In a normal presidential transition, the Senate would hold confirmation hearings on many of a president-elects Cabinet appointees before he takes office, to minimize the time agencies are leaderless at the start of a new administration. But keeping with this tradition has depended on these nominees to provide background information (most of which is not required by law) and submit to an ethics review (which is required, thanks to the post-Watergate Ethics in Government Act). The ethics agreements are especially important because they commit nominees to conducting the necessary divestitures, recusals and other forms of financial severance that are necessary for conducting public policy at the highest levels of government. Several of Trumps Cabinet appointees are billionaires with wide-ranging investments and international relationships. But this has not been a normal transition. So far, only a fraction of Trumps designees have submitted a complete prehearing package. In emails uncovered by NBC, Walter Shaub, director of the Office of Government Ethics, complained about a lack of cooperation from Trumps transition team. The White House staff runs the risk of having inadvertently violated the criminal conflicts of interest restriction, Shaub wrote. If we dont get involved early to prevent problems, we wont be able to help them after the fact. Now these nominees must navigate the U.S. Senate. The Republicans hold a slim majority there, but not every Republican senator is eager to rush through hearings on Trumps most alarming choices, like Sessions and Rex Tillerson, the former Exxon Mobil chief executive officer whom Trump has tapped for secretary of state. Their resistance to any insufficiently vetted nominee must go further. This is not about partisan politics its about obeying the law and serving the public. No senators of either party should confirm any Cabinet nominee who hasnt completed an ethics review. No vetting, no vote. Ayodele Nzinga is the kind of person who, if you send her a lengthy text saying youre running a couple of minutes late to an interview, might reply with just one word. Relax. For the 65-year-old founder and executive producing director of Oaklands Lower Bottom Playaz, the imperative to relax turns out to be emblematic of a far-reaching philosophy. Mama at Twilight: Death by Love, which she wrote and directs, and which begins performances this week at the Flight Deck in Oakland, is on the surface about huge systemic issues: HIV/AIDS, disparities in health care access, homophobia, gender norms, mass incarceration and its effects on families and communities as well as prisoners all as they relate to blackness. Yet Mama at Twilight is also human in scale. It chronicles Mama (Cat Brooks), her mysterious illness and the way it affects her complicated, artistic family members: Kristopher (Julian Green), Pappi (Pierre Scott), Sun (Stanley Hunt) and Tonya (Venus Morris). The play emphasizes the way, in the face of insidious forces that grant and take life as a matter of caprice, people should live out loud, be more forgiving and not sweat little s so much, as Nzinga says before a recent rehearsal. She should know. In mid-December, Nzingas 24-year-old niece, Shaffiyah Roberts, who lived in Sacramento, was killed; as of this writing, no arrest has been made. Ive got a whole houseful of people that are upset right now because the last time they talked to my niece shes got a cousin, and the last thing that transpired between them was an argument. The kids in this play remind me of my kids when they were young, says Nzinga, the mother of seven. Theres this constant sniping battlefield Shut up! No, you shut up! and thats love talk. The thought that you could be involved in this loving sniping at one another, and then someone could walk out the door and never come back, is hard for us to wrap our heads around. Nzinga remarks wryly that art and life have a way of intersecting when it comes to Lower Bottom Playaz shows, which focus on urban black life. She founded the company in 1999 because I was an actress and there werent enough parts, she says. There wasnt enough black work being done. After running a gypsy troupe, Nzinga struck a deal with the Prescott-Joseph Center, a community organization in Oaklands Lower Bottoms neighborhood. In exchange for teaching Shakespeare to the youth in that black neighborhood, the organization would fund one production per year of a classic black play. Both were performed in the Sister Thea Bowman Memorial Theater, in the centers huge backyard. Nzinga initially wasnt ecstatic about the Shakespeare part of the deal, but over time, the Bard bit me in the butt and I fell in love, she says. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Nzinga adapted Shakespeares text to speak more directly to the concerns of her neighborhood, producing a gentrification-themed Romeo and Juliet as well as a version of Macbeth called Mac (A Gangsters Tale). She even adapted her productions of black classics. A Raisin in the Sun is a good story, she says, but its hard for people perhaps to see the relevance of it to todays moment if you dont bring it on their street or next door to them. (Her version, Rasin, brought gentrification into the story.) Then, she and her company discovered August Wilson. The language was there for us before we discovered Wilson; Wilson gave us shape and form in a lot of ways. The Lower Bottom Playaz is the only theater company to have fully staged all 10 plays of Wilsons century cycle in the order in which theyre set; he wrote one play for each decade from the 1900s through the 1990s, most of them set in Pittsburghs Hill District. (Christopher Rawson, a board member at the August Wilson House in Pittsburgh, says he knows of 11 other companies that have done all 10 plays, but no others that have done them in decade order.) Embarking on that mammoth project, from 2010 to 2016, sort of put us on a path, Nzinga says. The places where it was very difficult to stay together as a troupe, all that was held together by Wilson. One of those difficult places was when the company lost the use of the Prescott-Joseph Centers backyard, after its advocate left the centers board. It eventually found a home at the Flight Deck, the downtown Oakland venue that opened in 2014. I love a theater with a roof, Nzinga says, but its expensive. Even if her troupe doesnt perform anymore in the Lower Bottoms neighborhood, Nzinga says her focus is the same, just matured as a result of the immersion in Wilson. I have a really black lens, but I tell people thats OK, because Im actually doing everyone a service, because black people are the canary in the coal mine. If it can happen here, if it does happen here, then chances are that it can happen to you as well. If that sounds like a lot of verbal gymnastics to have to go through to make black theater appeal to a broader audience, Nzinga acknowledges that it does require modulation. When you tell people you have a very black lens, some would think that would limit you then, because then maybe youre interested in a very narrow sphere of things that arent interesting to the greater public. But what you cant modulate is, were all human. We all love people. Were all concerned about honor, with being seen and feeling worth in the world. Theres something in everybody that wants to go forward, that wants more than what it has, that wants to see its children have more than what it has. And at the same time: Nobody can see how precious is what they have right in front of them. Lily Janiak is The San Francisco Chronicles theater critic. Email: ljaniak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LilyJaniak Mama at Twilight: Death by Love: Written and directed by Ayodele Nzinga. Thursday, Jan. 12-Jan. 29. $25-$65. The Flight Deck, 1540 Broadway, Oakland. (510) 332-1319. www.lowerbottomplayaz.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The citys efforts to protect the Missions historic Latino business district from displacement and gentrification would be strengthened under legislation to be introduced Tuesday by San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and new Supervisor Hillary Ronen. The legislation Ronens first bill after taking her place on the board would impose zoning regulations on new businesses looking to open within the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, which is bordered by Mission and Potrero streets to the west and east, and 22nd and Cesar Chavez streets to the north and south. Businesses would be required to obtain a conditional-use authorization an extra layer of scrutiny that can take six to nine months in two situations: When seeking to merge two or more separate storefronts that, when combined, total more than 799 square feet. When replacing a space previously occupied by a city-designated legacy business one that has been in operation for at least 30 years and has made significant contributions to the neighborhood. The legislation would also ban new eating and drinking establishments if theyre in a 300-foot diameter in which restaurants and bars make up more than 35 percent of the retail businesses. While most of the focus in the Mission has been on the rising cost of housing, Ronen said business displacement has also torn at the neighborhood fabric. The Mission is the heart of San Franciscos Latino community, and Calle 24 Cultural District is the center of that heart, Ronen said. We wanted to create a tool that will help stabilize existing businesses and create a framework for bringing in new businesses that will enhance the cultural district. Commercial establishments wanting to move into the district will have their work cut out for them. To be granted conditional-use authorization, the new establishments would have to demonstrate their contribution to the Latino cultural district by meeting four of six guidelines. The guidelines include preserving neighborhood character, supporting Latino or local arts and crafts, preserving legacy businesses, offering goods and services accessible to diverse households, partnering with local vendors, and addressing local workforce needs. We are trying to articulate what type of businesses will help enhance and strengthen the cultural district, as opposed to disrupting the neighborhood and creating further displacement, Ronen said. The Calle 24 Latino Cultural District was established in 2014 as longtime Latino businesses were being squeezed out to make room for high-end restaurants and cafes. Lees Office of Economic and Workforce Development worked with Ronens predecessor, Supervisor David Campos, to bolster the district through special zoning. Before being elected, Ronen was an aide to Campos. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Joaquin Torres, a deputy director at the Mayors Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said the proposed zoning changes are the result of two years of discussions with residents and business owners. We have been focused on nuanced and specific ways of supporting outcomes we wanted to see, both tangible and intangible, Torres said. Strengthening the cultural district will create an anchor that will benefit new and old residents alike. A Changing Mission For many years, the Mission has been the battleground for protests over evictions, tech shuttles, gentrification and the soaring cost of living. The Chronicle spent eight months in the heart of the Mission - 24th Street at Shotwell and Folsom - documenting the changes faced by those who call this neighborhood home. See More Collapse Erick Arguello, Calle 24 Latino Cultural District Council president, said he wished the legislation had been introduced a few years ago. We have been working on this for a few years, but its been slow going, said Arguello. It would have made a difference. It would have helped us with some businesses that we lost. Arguello said the neighborhood fought several attempts to combine small storefronts to create enough space for high-end restaurants, some successfully and others unsuccessfully. In early 2015, Sous Beurre Kitchen, a French restaurant with an $85-per-person tasting menu, moved into 2704 24th St., replacing two small businesses, a grocer and a space that had been a pet store and bakery. Less than a year later, the restaurant closed. There were several places where Realtors and investors attempted to merge small storefronts for high-end restaurants, Arguello said. Torres said the intent of the guidelines is not to punish businesses that want to move into the district, but provoke reflection on a variety of things that we want them to consider before moving into a historic commercial district. They represent a united vision of what is important to the district, he said. If your project is going to trigger a (conditional-use authorization), there are certain things we want you to consider. Diana Ponce De Leon, project manager at the mayors workforce office, stressed that the agency is committed to helping businesses thrive in the district, whether new or old. The agency recently worked with the owner of Ls Caffe, which was facing tough lease negotiations. The city provided technical advice needed for the 40-year-old cafe to secure a long-term lease at an affordable rent. The legislation will help other businesses like Ls, owner Gabby Lozano said. These regulations will mean protections for small mom-and-pop businesses and the preservation of the Latino culture, including its food and products, Lozano said. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen Freshly-fallen snow was good for police and bad for three teen boys accused of trying to break into parked cars on Madison's North Side Monday night. The boys ran when police spotted them, but with help from police dog Frees, the suspects were arrested on Hanover Street, Madison police said. The incident started at about 11:55 p.m. Monday when a Mandrake Road resident called 911 after his car alarm went off. "Three separate sets of footprints were seen leading away from the car, and officers began following the footprints," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. "As they did, they noticed the footprints went up to almost every car parked in the area." The teens, ages 15, 15 and 16 and all from Madison, were spotted by police in the 1500 block of Mayfield Lane. "They took off running when police ordered them to stop," DeSpain said. "They went through backyards and over fences, with one teen dropping his cellphone trying to avoid apprehension. "Frees found the cellphone and the suspects ultimately gave up as police closed in on Hanover Street." One of the teens had a checkbook and other items in his possession, items taken from a 26-year-old Madison woman who had her car stolen with the purse inside, on Monday afternoon. "The teen had other items possibly connected to other thefts, and he also had several counterfeit $100 bills," DeSpain said. The teen with the items, one of the 15-year-old boys, was tentatively charged with receiving stolen property, while the other two were cited and released. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has four new supervisors, but one thing hasnt changed: London Breed will be its president. Breed was unanimously re-elected Monday as six new and returning supervisors were sworn in for four-year terms. The new supervisors are Sandra Lee Fewer in District One, Jeff Sheehy in District Eight, Hillary Ronen in District Nine and Ahsha Safai in District 11. Returning for new terms are Aaron Peskin in District Three, Breed in District Five and Norman Yee in District Seven. The supervisors were technically sworn in on Sunday during individual ceremonies the City Charter says the supervisors must be sworn in on Jan. 8 and Mondays event at City Hall amounted to a ceremonial crowning. The audience that packed the board chambers was mostly family and friends, but included outgoing supervisors, former state Sen. Mark Leno and former Mayor Willie Brown. Many of the supervisors talked about their commitment to standing by San Franciscos liberal values during the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, including protecting the immigrant community. Not only in this moment in history can we maintain the status quo, we can advance the cause of our people, Ronen said. Breed was widely expected to be re-elected board president, and Mondays vote was without drama. Supervisor Malia Cohen described Breed as hardworking, committed, smart and sassy. Peskin said Breed was someone who could bridge the ideological divisions among the supervisors. Breeds most moving remarks often come when she talks about her childhood and what it means to have succeeded, and that was the case again on Monday. I am not supposed to be here. This isnt how my story was supposed to turn out. Not for the girl born into public housing with a grandmother raising three kids on $900 a month, she said. The world destined me for drugs or teenage motherhood or jail, but San Francisco had other plans. Emily Green is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emilytgreen This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Enlightened nature lovers, who know better these days than to wish for walking paths through holes in giant trees, will not be walking through the Pioneer Cabin Tree in Calaveras County anymore. Thats because it did this weekend what, in 2,000 years, it never did before. It fell down. The giant sequoia, 32 feet in diameter, was a highlight of Calaveras Big Trees State Park in the Sierra. For years, motorists drove through an arch carved out of its trunk, and in more recent and solicitous times, people walked through it. But Sunday, rain and soggy ground accomplished what no logger ever could. Jim Allday, a volunteer from the nearby town of Arnold who was working in the park, said the tree in the 6,500-acre preserves North Grove went down about 2 p.m. and shattered on impact. The area was off-limits to visitors at the time because of the storm, so it was not known if the giant tree made any noise when it fell. In social media tributes, fans of the tree mourned its fall from grace with such eulogies as, Too bad it fell down what an awesome tree, and amazing tree and very sad. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images It has been a rough half century for walk-through and drive-through trees, which were popular in the early days of national and state parks when publicizing the size of the trees to a disbelieving public was considered part of the parks mission. Now we believe its more important to preserve and protect them than to carve drive-through holes in them, said state parks spokeswoman Gloria Sandoval. The Pioneer Cabin Tree, partially hollowed out by fire, first allowed visitors on horseback to pass through in the 1860s, Sandoval said. The hole was broadened with saws in 1881 and, in 1920, the first cars were allowed to drive through. That practice continued after the area became a state park in 1931, but some years ago cars were banned and only foot traffic through the tree was permitted. With no more trees being hollowed out, the ranks of such tourist attractions are thinning. The fabled Wawona Tree in Yosemite National Park, a 234-foot-high sequoia that was 26 feet in diameter and an estimated 2,100 years old, suffered a similar fate to the Pioneer Cabin Tree in 1969 when it toppled in heavy snow. Motorists had been allowed to drive through that tree, and tens of thousands did. Several privately owned giant drive-through trees remain standing on the Northern California coast. One of the best known is the Shrine Tree, a 21-foot-diameter coast redwood in Myers Flat (Humboldt County). Its owner, Jim Allmon, said its always hard to lose a giant tree but acknowledged that the toppling of the Pioneer Cabin Tree might just be good for the proprietors of the remaining drive-through trees, it being a supply-and-demand kind of thing. We feel terrible about what happened to the Pioneer Cabin Tree, Allmon said, before hastily adding that his tree is in good shape and not due to fall over for a few centuries, give or take. Allmon charges $6 to drive through the Shrine Tree, but included in that price is the right to drive onto a nearby fallen tree trunk, to walk through a giant stump and to inspect two cozy tree houses fashioned from hollowed-out trees. We dont try to rip people off, Allmon said. The trouble with the drive-through tree business model is that there is not a lot of repeat business. Once you have driven through a tree, Allmon said, you have done it. Its something so crazy, everybody has to do it once, Allmon said. People love to say they drove through a tree. Allmon says the hole in his tree was created naturally, by a fire hundreds of years ago, and never artificially enlarged. The burn hole, in fact, may have saved the Shrine Tree from loggers who bypassed it in favor of other trees without holes in them. As for other privately operated drive-through trees, there is the 21-foot-diameter Chandelier Tree near Leggett (Mendocino County), whose owners charge $5 to drive through the tree but only $3 to bicycle through it. The Tour Thru Tree near Klamath (Del Norte County) costs $5 to drive through for cars with up to three occupants. Additional passengers in the same car cost $1 extra per person, for some reason. In Sequoia National Park, visitors may drive through Tunnel Log, which is a hole cut into a 275-foot sequoia that fell across a park road in 1937. Admission to the park, which includes the right to drive through the tree, is $30. But the National Park Service is also obliged to advise visitors that the day of drive-through trees standing or fallen may be past. Times change, said the park service in a statement about Tunnel Log. Actions proper for one generation may not fit the needs and goals of a succeeding generation. When our national parks were young, cutting tunnels through sequoia trees was a way to popularize the parks. Today, our goal in the parks is to allow nature to run its course. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF This article originally appeared on Hoodline. Joe Biden has only 11 days left as U.S. Vice Presidentwhich is just enough time for a final grilled cheese run. To the non-delight of San Francisco's rush-hour drivers, the Veep's Secret Service motorcade has brought traffic to a standstill on Howard Street between 1st and 2nd streets, so he can make a stop at The Melt for a grilled cheese. (Given the weather, it's understandable that he might want some comfort food.) This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Simon Waddington/Twitter Show More Show Less 2 of 3 The Melt Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The trip to the Melt was actually Biden's second: last April, he visited the Embarcadero Center location, where he enjoyed a classic grilled cheese with tomato, a tomato basil soup and a chocolate shake, which the chain then dubbed the "Vice Presidential Special." It's not clear what he ate this time. The meal may have been the result of a lunch plan cancellation: Biden was originally scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the JP Morgan Health Care Conference at Union Square's Westin St. Francis hotel at noon, after which he and his staff presumably would have been fed and watered. But Biden's plans were delayed, and it appears he decided to grab a snack on the go before speaking at the conference at the rescheduled time of 5pm. Joe Biden sighting! Update: The Melt confirmed that Biden dropped by the Howard Street location around 3:30pm, and ordered the same thing as last timea grilled cheese with tomato and a chocolate shake. (He skipped the soup this time, though.) This article originally appeared on Hoodline. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Despite strong lobbying by San Francisco, billionaire filmmaker George Lucas has decided to build a museum to house his huge art collection in Los Angeles. The board of directors of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Tuesday afternoon announced it chose a site in Los Angeles Exposition Park, where it is to join several other cultural facilities and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The San Francisco proposal was for a site on Treasure Island facing the citys waterfront. The museum is conceived as a celebration of storytelling, with examples ranging from vintage works by Norman Rockwell to film props and sketches from such movies as Raiders of the Lost Ark. Museum officials estimate the price tag at $1.1 billion, including a $400 million endowment all of which would be paid by Lucas. I am disappointed, of course, but must respect the decision by Lucas and his museums board of directors, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. I am pleased that the museum will be built in California for our states residents to some day enjoy. Lucas first sought to build his personal museum at Crissy Field, but was rebuffed by the Presidio Trust in 2014. He then was courted by Chicago, but abandoned that quest in June 2016 because of legal challenges. Since then, Lee and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti have cultivated Lucas at meetings and via the press each saying his city was the ideal spot for a museum that could start construction quickly and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. Choosing Los Angles over San Francisco was an extremely difficult decision precisely because of the desirability of both sites and cities, the museum board of directors said in its statement. But putting down roots in South Los Angeles near the University of Southern California, it said, best positions the museum to have the greatest impact on the broader community. Garcetti responded to the news with a jubilant tweet: Welcome to LA, @lucasmuseum! Were thrilled to have this amazing museum The board also praised Mayor Ed Lee and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for their tremendous efforts and engagement, saying, We have been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive support we received from both San Francisco and Los Angeles during our selection process. Indeed, there was no sign of opposition to the idea that Lucas might build a futuristic metal structure near the entrance to Treasure Island across from the Ferry Building. Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Jane Kim, often foes of Lee, were high-profile supporters. The islands developers, who hope to begin construction next year on what eventually could total 8,000 housing units, tweaked their plans to make room for the museum alongside a waterfront park. Lee alluded to the unified effort in his statement, emphasizing, I am proud that our city came together like never before to deliver a bold vision and thoroughly viable plan for the museum. San Franciscos courtship of Lucas included a 30-page brochure delivered last month to each member of the museum board. The city played the local card, telling Lucas, It all started here and it is only fitting that this is where your legacy lives on. A letter signed by six Bay Area mayors stressed the audience would extend beyond tourists and Star Wars geeks. The Museum will be particularly transformative for our young people, especially those who have never experienced or had access to a museum but would be drawn by the collection and its connection to their lives, it stated. Instead, Lucas selected the location in Southern California a region where he went to college at USC but pointedly chose not to pursue his filmmaking career. In its statement, the museum board emphasized the positive. The Exposition Park location best positions the museum to have the greatest impact on the broader community, fulfilling our goal of inspiring, engaging and educating a broad and diverse visitorship, the statement said. We look forward to becoming part of a dynamic museum community, surrounded by more than 100 elementary and high schools ... A similar tone was struck by Don Bacigalupi, the museums president. Over the past several months, Ive enjoyed so many lively and collegial conversations with cultural leaders in each city, Bacigalupi told The Chronicle. This bodes well for the opportunities we will have as a new museum to collaborate and partner with institutions throughout the state and beyond. One ripple effect of the Lucas boards decision: Direct ferry service to Treasure Island from the Ferry Building might begin later than hoped. The idea was to build a terminal in tandem with the museum. Now, though water transportation remains integral to Treasure Islands future, the ferry can only come at a point in time where it makes economic sense, said Kofi Bonner, the Northern California president for FivePoint, part of a development team that includes Lennar, Stockbridge and Wilson Meany. Still, Bonner said the competition had been a plus. Weve gone from having a good working relationship with the city to having an excellent one, Bonner said. This allowed us to take another look at the plan and think through some infrastructure issues to make the redeveloped areas of the island as enticing as possible when construction begins. The goal of Lucas and his board is to open the museum by 2021. Chronicle Art Critic Charles Desmarais contributed to this report. John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Francisco Police Commission President Suzy Loftus resigned Tuesday, leaving the oversight board without a powerful voice amid a sustained push for reforms in the police force. Loftus is joining the San Francisco Sheriffs Department as assistant chief legal counsel for the law and policy team, and Sheriff Vicki Hennessy determined the role could create conflicts of interest with the duties of a police commissioner. Wednesday will be Loftus final meeting after almost five years on the seven-member commission, which sets police policy and oversees the discipline of officers. The mayor nominates four members and the Board of Supervisors Rules Committee nominates three, with all of the picks subject to board confirmation. Loftus leaves as the Police Department is under pressure to enact a slate of changes recommended by the U.S. Department of Justice, and shortly before former Los Angeles Deputy Police Chief William Scott takes over as San Francisco chief. In the past year, the commission helped lead the charge for reform, reopening the departments use-of-force policy following the December 2015 shooting of Mario Woods, rolling out body cameras to officers, and helping to select Scott after the May 19 shooting of an unarmed black woman prompted the resignation of Greg Suhr. I think through the last two years of an incredibly divisive national conversation, we in San Francisco have leaned into the difficult conversations and made decisions to bring us closer together, Loftus said. I feel like Im leaving the commission in a great position to continue the progress we made. Appointed by Mayor Ed Lee in 2012, Loftus was formerly a city prosecutor who went on to work for Sen. Kamala Harris in the state attorney generals office. As president of the commission since 2014, she earned a reputation for hard work and a belief in collaboration. In drafting policies for the body cameras and the department general order on use of force, she formed task forces of stakeholders that included the police union, officer interest groups, the public defenders office, the American Civil Liberties Union and community advocates. Its to her credit, to her leadership, that she has been able to corral all of these diverse voices, said Julie Traun, an attorney with the San Francisco Bar Association who helped develop the use-of-force policy. She has an ability to read people and see where everyone is coming from. She knows the path the city needs to be on, and we really got a better policy as a result of sitting at the table. Lee released a statement thanking Loftus for her dedication and leadership. Loftus frequently took heat from all sides, with law enforcement watchdogs criticizing her ties to the establishment and officers seeing her push for reform as an attack on their safety. An activist speaking during public comment once told her he wanted to burn off her eyebrows, while the police union singled her out over her stance on the use-of-force policy. The policy passed in June with the union objecting to two points, a section prohibiting officers from firing at moving vehicles and another prohibiting the carotid restraint neck hold. After reaching an impasse in negotiations with the union, the commission unanimously passed a version of the policy in December that allowed for officer discretion in extraordinary circumstances. Before the vote, the union plastered a photo of Loftus face at the end of a video ad telling the public to call her about allowing officers to shoot at moving vehicles. After a city officer shot and wounded a man in the Ocean View neighborhood last week, the union said in a news release that Loftus must share responsibility for the shooting because police have been denied Taser stun guns. Loftus responded with a version of a quote from first lady Michelle Obama: When they go low, I go high. Union officials did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment. Contrary to what people may say or believe, she was not on any one side, said Sheryl Davis, executive director of the citys Human Rights Commission. A lot of people do a lot of talking, but she actually did the work. She was fair, and she was truly dedicated to doing what she felt was best and right for the community, and not just for a few. Loftus was skilled at building relationships, including with rank-and-file officers, said Tenderloin Station Capt. Teresa Ewins. I really appreciate anyone who comes to the stations and speak to the cops, Ewins said. They work really, really hard, and the fact that they can ask questions of someone on the commission was really big. Despite a landmark year of policy changes, Loftus said her proudest moment on the commission was when it passed a department general order in 2014 that sought to minimize the trauma inflicted on children whose parents are arrested. I remember looking over at Chief Suhr after it was done, she said. Afterwards, he said, This is why were here. Were using our time to make things better. She said San Francisco has an opportunity to really invest in the idea that this is about long-term relationships of trust between police and the community. I think San Francisco and the San Francisco Police Department is really poised to be the example across the country in investing in this approach in the long term, she said, so we can change the way this story goes. Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo The attorney for an Orange County physician says that a Best Buy "Geek Squad" worker's search of his client's computer which yielded one photo of child pornography was illegal. James Riddet, the lawyer for gynecological oncologist Dr. Mark Rettenmaier, also alleges that at least three Geek Squad workers involved in the case were FBI informants who stood to be paid $500 each by the agency for locating incriminating files. The case has major legal and privacy implications, because if the technicians did act as undercover agents for the FBI, any evidence they discovered might violate Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless government searches. In addition, rewarding the technicians for tips about child porn could incentivize them to search computers rather than just repair them. In late December, a federal judge backed the doctor in a procedural ruling, and ordered the FBI to supply more evidence to the defense. According to court records cited by Orange County Weekly, one of the three Geek Squad technicians, John "Trey" Westphal, reported that while he was repairing Rettenmaier's computer in November 2011, he accidentally located a "Jenny shot" "a fully nude, white prepubescent female on her hands and knees on a bed, with a brown choker-type collar around her neck." Westphal told his boss, also an informant, who alerted the FBI. Riddet says agents conducted two additional searches of the computer without obtaining necessary warrants, lied to trick a federal magistrate judge into authorizing a search warrant, then tried to cover up their misdeeds by initially hiding records. Westphal found the "Jenny" photo in unallocated "trash" space; it could only be retrieved by "carving" with sophisticated forensics tools. A previous court decision ruled that images discovered in unallocated space did not constitute knowing possession, because it's not possible to determine who downloaded them. Also, malware has been known to plant photos in unallocated space without the computer user being aware of it. Riddet argued in a brief last month that a warrant issued for the search of Rettenmaier's Laguna Niguel home was unlawful because the FBI failed to tell the judge that the image was exhumed from unallocated space and therefore authorization to search the doctor's residence was gained by deceitful means. It was during that search that authorities said they discovered several hard drives, an iPhone and a laptop with child pornography on them. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Anthony Brown, dismisses the "unallocated space" omission as legally insignificant. He maintains the "Jenny" image shouldn't be suppressed because it's only "wild speculation" that the Geek Squad performed searches at FBI instigation, according to the Orange County Weekly. Jeff Haydock, a Best Buy vice president for communications, gave the following statement to the Weekly last Wednesday: "Best Buy is required by law to report the discovery of certain illegal material to law enforcement, but being paid by authorities to do so would violate company policy," Haydock said. "If these reports are true, it is purely poor individual judgement. If we discover child pornography in the normal course of servicing a computer, phone or tablet, we have an obligation to contact law enforcement. We believe this is the right thing to do, and we inform our customers before beginning any work that this is our policy." Civil rights advocates are calling for tighter oversight of the San Francisco Police Departments collaboration with FBI counterterrorism agents under President-elect Donald Trumps administration. Statements by Trump, including his call for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S., have underscored the importance of local authorities following city and state rules when partnering with the federal government, said Brittney Rezaei, an attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR. Under the new administration, there are a lot of unknowns and in particular, a lot of threats toward communities that have historically been surveilled by organizations like the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force, Rezaei said. Its important now that we make sure that any local resources such as those within the San Francisco Police Department are complying with local laws. CAIR, along with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus, sent the city Police Commission a letter last week asking for the departments commitment to following local laws when working with the task force. Local laws include a department general order requiring written authorization from a supervisor for any investigation involving activities that may be protected by the First Amendment, and San Franciscos Sanctuary City ordinance, which limits city employees cooperation with federal immigration agents. Sgt. Michael Andraychak, a police spokesman, said Monday that a binding order issued in 2011 requires that city officers comply with department policies at all times, including the general order regarding First Amendment activities. Officers assigned to any federal task force must, first and foremost, comply with department policies and procedures, Andraychak said. He said that in areas where state law is more restrictive than federal law, officers working on the terrorism task force shall conform to the requirements of such California statutes. The Joint Terrorism Task Force, which has two full-time city officers assigned to it, was established in 2007, when the police force entered into an agreement with the FBI that authorized intelligence-gathering by San Francisco officers of people engaged in First Amendment activities such as religious services, protests and political assemblies. City officers may only surveil people if there is a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. In August, the citys civilian Office of Citizen Complaints ruled that a training failure had occurred when an officer with the task force showed up unannounced at the workplace of a person he wanted to interview. Civil rights advocates long-standing concern about potential abuses of the partnership has intensified since Trumps election. In their letter, advocates called for better training, an audit by the Office of Citizen Complaints, and an established protocol for handling any alleged violations of policy. Under the Sanctuary City ordinance, officers should be immediately instructed to not participate in U.S. person status checks for citizenship or residency status, the letter stated. Andraychak said, The SFPD is also committed to the principles of and complies with the citys Sanctuary City ordinance. Christina Sinha, an attorney in the Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus national security and civil rights program, said police need to offer clearer assurances. We need specifics, she said. Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate If you've watched HGTV lately, you're probably already acquainted with the so-called "tiny homes movement." It's certainly an appealing concept. At a time when American homes easily average over 2,000 square feet, most tiny homes clock in at less than 300. It's a way for retirees, millennials loaded down with student debt and people just looking to downsize to live more simply and cheaply. In the Bay Area, where an average "fixer-upper" in San Francisco will set you back nearly $1 million, you can buy a tiny home for $50,000. In some ways, the Bay Area is already the modern tiny home pioneer. After the 1906 earthquake and fire, the city of San Francisco built small "earthquake shacks" for displaced victims. You can still see a few of them in the city today and they occasionally go on the market. Modern Bay Area tiny home enthusiasts may be interested to hear about a tiny home manufacturer in their own backyard (figuratively). Tiny Mountain Houses, located in Sacramento, is one of the region's most popular tiny home manufacturers (they've been featured on HGTV). They offer over a dozen different models. "The country has become fascinated with smaller living and although not everyone wants to live in a tiny house on wheels, most people know what they are," Tiny Mountain Houses national marketing and sales director Nick Pereyra says. Pereyra says the company finds that tiny homes are especially popular in high-rent locations like the Bay Area. But a modern tiny home is not always an easy thing to realize. Especially in the Bay Area, it's tough to find a spot to park your small abode, as the land has to be zoned for residences. "Not all areas are allowing tiny houses on wheels to be lived in full time, which is a shame because they can present a huge solution for a lot of cities," Pereyra says. "I would say when people buy our homes they generally already have a place to park it." Curious if you could downsize your life enough to fit it all in a tiny home? Check out a few different models of tiny homes in the gallery above. Crews were working Tuesday to clear an avalanche that hit a few houses in the area of Alpine Meadows, according to the California Highway Patrol. CHP says nobody was injured, but resident Siig Steven's Facebook posts above suggest some serious challenges for people in the area. Gov. Scott Walker's administration, continuing a high-level shakeup of the state Department of Transportation, has named a former lobbyist for a high-profile mining company to the department's number-two position. Shortly before Walker delivered Tuesday's State of the State Address, the DOT issued a news release announcing Bob Seitz will be its deputy secretary. He was tapped by Dave Ross, who succeeded Mark Gottlieb as the department's secretary this week. Seitz is a former lobbyist and spokesman for Gogebic Mining, which proposed -- but withdrew -- a massive iron mine in northern Wisconsin. Most recently, Seitz was executive assistant at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, as well as the commission's chief operating officer and advisor to its chairwoman. The DOT shakeup follows the departure of Gottlieb, a former Republican state lawmaker and engineer who appeared, at times, to be at odds with Walker on transportation funding. The issue also is dividing statehouse Republicans heading into the 2017-2018 legislative session, when it's expected to be among the most contentious and high-profile issues in the crafting of the state's next budget. Gottlieb had pushed for an infusion of funding for the state's transportation network, while Walker is vowing to hold the line on taxes and fees that likely would supply those funds. Weeks before announcing his resignation, Gottlieb told Assembly lawmakers that a transportation-funding blueprint such as the one Walker says he will propose for the next two years puts Wisconsin's roads and bridge on course to deteriorate badly during the next decade. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is stepping up its efforts to bring F-35 fighter jets to Truax Field by introducing a new initiative called Together Truax. The chamber, a strong advocate of Truax being a home for 18 F-35s, on Monday announced the initiative including a website, togethertruax.com, as well as Facebook and Twitter connections to offer news and opportunities to sign up for updates and contact elected officials. Truax, on the North Side, is home to the Air National Guards 115th Fighter Wing and a group of F-16 jets thats among the oldest in operation. In December, the U.S. Air Force said Truax was one of five Air National Guard finalists to base the growing fleet of F-35s. The chamber has already contracted with advisers in Washington, D.C., and raised $100,000 for its efforts in conjunction with the Badger Air Community Council, a support group for the base. This community supports the men and women of the 115th Fighter Wing, and this initiative is just one more way to demonstrate that as federal officials review the finalist sites, chamber President Zach Brandon said in a statement Monday. The bases $100 million in annual economic impact, the emergency response services it provides for Dane County Regional Airport and the tuition assistance paid to our colleges and universities for area students who serve in the Guard mean that having the F-35 at Truax is more than a national defense asset, it is an economic opportunity, Brandon said. The announcement includes statements of support from Mayor Paul Soglin, state Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, and Rep. Melissa Sargent, D-Madison, and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison. Republican Gov. Scott Walker also supports locating the F-35 at Truax. But some residents near the airfield have raised concerns, especially about noise. The website and social media pages will help share information and offer a place for people to offer feedback and let officials know what they think, chamber communications manager Erik Greenfield said. Wisconsin is competing against Dannelly Field, Montgomery, Alabama; Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho; Jacksonville Air National Guard Base in Florida; and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Detroit. A number of the Sacramento River weir gates were opened Monday morning, releasing a wall of water downstream and flooding the Yolo Bypass. This is the first time the gates have been opened in a decade. When you drive Interstate-80 over the Yolo Causeway, you feel like you're passing over a massive lake and the water stretches as far as the eye can see in some places. It looks like you could put an ocean freighter in the middle of it. And consider this: The Yolo Causeway stretches across the width of the bypass and it's 16,538 feet long. In comparison, the Mississippi River is roughly 7,600 feet wide at its widest, in New Orleans. In years of heavy precipitation, the Yolo Bypass serves as a water storage area for the Sacramento Valley. Its 2,000-foot-long weir with 48 gates prevents water from flooding populated areas and diverts it into the massive floodplain of farmland, duck hunting clubs and protected wildlife habitat. The Department of Water Resources said Tuesday that the agency would be opening 6 additional gates on the Sacramento Weir, flooding the area with even more water. The bypass can absorb water at a rate of a half-million cubic feet per second, four times the capacity of the main stem of the river. "It's meant to move water through the Sacramento Valley and away from the metropolitan area," explained Jay Lund, a University of California at Davis professor in civil and environmental engineering. "It's not really a lake. It's a moving lake. It's a flood bypass, and in some ways it replicates the natural function of the flood plain." The Sacramento Weir was constructed 100 years ago, and across most of its history, its gates have been opened and the bypass flooded on an average of six years out of every 10, according to The New York Times, but with the drought, the gates haven't been opened in a decade. If you want the surreal experience of driving across the Yolo Bypass, you better get to Sacramento soon. Lund anticipates that much of the water will disappear within a week. A semitrailer rollover caused no injuries but closed lanes on Stoughton Road near Highway 30 Monday evening, Madison Police said. The semitrailer was traveling westbound on Highway 30 when it took an exit ramp to northbound Stoughton Road when it rolled over, police Sgt. Mike Alvarez said. The rollover appeared to be weather related, Alvarez said. The driver was okay, but the rollover forced the closure of both northbound lanes on Stoughton Road from roughly 8:15 p.m. until around 9 p.m., Alvarez said. A single lane was reopened around 9 p.m., but the vehicle had to be unloaded before being tipping back upright, which was expected to take about six hours, he said. Lucky enough to be a cat owner? Then you probably have rescued a kitten or two from the oddest places in your home. On the last week of 2016, a Louisiana cat by the name of Bella became a internet sensation after getting stuck between a garage door and a residence wall. Neighbors and contract workers tried their best to free the feline from the garage door but were unsuccessful and knew it was time to call the sheriff's department for help.